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

 

        We're looking for your thoughts on tonight's Money in the Bank show and last night's Strikeforce show on Showtime at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

        We're also looking for reports on these shows from last night:

        1) WWE joint branded show in Tucson

        2) TNA runs at AutoZone Park in Memphis


        Today's WWE Money in the Bank PPV from Phoenix:
*C.M. Punk vs. Daniel Bryan for WWE title with A.J. as referee - This on paper looks to be a ****+ match as these two always deliver when matched with each other.  It would appear that the storyline revolves around what A.D. will do regarding who she picks to be champion.  They could have her choose one or the other, or do something where the Money in the Bank winner comes out and cashes in tonight after winning earlier in the show.

*John Cena vs. Big Show vs. Chris Jericho vs. Kane in the Raw Money in the Bank match - For what it's worth, if they are going to add people who are "former WWE champions" which is the qualification, those allowed in would be Rey Mysterio, The Miz and Mick Foley.  Mysterio is returning this week as he's advertised on Tuesday's show.  Miz is expected back soon. Foley is a super long shot and really the last thing I'd want to see is him involved in a match like this/  
*Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio for the world title - They'll probably have a good match.   Phoenix is a heavy Hispanic market so Del Rio can get his heat by insulting Mexicans.   
*Cody Rhodes vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Santino Marella vs. Sin Cara vs. Damien Sandow, Tensai vs. Christian vs Tyson Kidd in the Smackdown Money in the Bank match - Ziggler and Rhodes appear to be the favorites.  Sandow would be the dark horse if they want to jump-start him.  You could say the same for Tensai, but I just don't see him in a top position until he connects better even with the investment in him.

*Kofi Kingston & R-Truth vs. Hunico & Camacho (on You Tube at 7:30 p.m. Eastern)
        With only four matches announced for the PPV and virtually every main line star already there, we'll probably get the Ryback squash, maybe the Brodus Clay squash, perhaps something with Jack Swagger or Heath Slater, and the obligatory Divas match.  I really can't imagine this not being a good show because of the big four matches, most likely three, if not all four, are going to deliver.  I don't think there's ever been a bad Money in the Bank match.  The Raw and Smackdown ones look to be different with all the high risk stuff likely on Smackdown and probably more of a four-way with judicious usage of the ladder as a weapon more than climbing and crazy bumps in the Raw match.

        On Fuel tonight, they've got a replay of last week's episode of TUF Brazil at 9 p.m., the new episode at 10 p.m. and the Munoz vs. Weidman show from Wednesday night replayed at 11 p.m.

 

        The 999th episode of Raw will be on Monday night in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.
 

        Smackdown will be on Tuesday night in San Diego at the Valley View Casino Arena.  Rey Mysterio is advertised on the show        We're looking for your thoughts on last night's UFC on Fuel, 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 spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

        A look at the future for Chael Sonnen and Anderson Silva, as well as full coverage of UFC 148, all the business notes, ratings, PPV numbers, Brazil numbers, records set, other records not set is one of our lead stories in this week's issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

 

        We also have a look at the Austin Aries TNA title win, the story behind it, why it's significant, and full coverage of Destination X and TNA's title picture future. 

 

        We also have more on the DirecTV-Viacom issues, Impact becoming a three-hour block, the controversial Kenny King to TNA issue and notes on the 2012 G-1 Climax tournament.

 

        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 biggest wrestling crowds in history with coverage of the original World Wrestling Peace Festival put on by New Japan with help from WCW, the debut of someone who went on to be one of the biggest drawing cards of the last decade, and all the news from WCW, ECW and WWF from that time period.

 

        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. 

 

        Our lead story looks at UFC 148 as far as worldwide interest and coverage goes, as well as thoughts on the performance of both men, why this fight was different than the first fight between the two, looking at the variables, the knee, the talks of protesting, the reality of a rematch, why Anderson Silva was in such hot water with the Nevada commission, why other fighters were calling him a cheater and more.

 

        We also have early thoughts on the PPV number, where it stands, the key media coverage, the reason why the number wasn't as high as its potential, live show business notes, records set, Silva's new records, Silva's future, Sonnen's future, the retirement of Tito Ortiz, the Ortiz vs. Griffin feud as well as match-by-match coverage as well as how much the fighters got paid for their matches.

 

        We look at how the DirecTV/Viacom issue affects TNA as long as it lasts.

 

        We also have an update on the 1,000th episode of Raw, including lots of names confirmed, others rumored and who should be on the show. 

 

        We look at plans for the three hour show, lots of new WWE signings, Injury updates and new main events planned and being advertised.  We've also got notes on the WWE business over the past week and highlights from all the weekend house shows.

 

        We've also got a look at Austin Aries as X champion and the Destination X show, the Bobby Roode vs. James Storm feud, what surprised me about the audience reaction and how it shows TNA did a good job in promoting the match in at least one way, thoughts on TNA's X Division and its newcomers, the A.J. Styles vs Christopher Daniels feud, as well as match-by-match coverage and star ratings.

 

        We also look at the new TNA show, "Rewind," look back at the similar show from 2010, the reason for the show and what kind of numbers it needs to do to be competitive in that slot.

 

        We also look at the 22nd annual G-1 Climax tournament.  We look at the participants, the blocks and the main matches each night, as well as thoughts on who should be the favor ties for what is one of the traditional biggest events of the year in pro wrestling.

 

        We also look at both sides of the Kenny King situation, with the ROH side, the King side, and thoughts on his decision and how he handled his business.  We also look at the ROH tag team title situation.

 

        We look at some ironies in what happened and why TNA likely didn't worry about any decision they made.

 

        We've also got a look at Aniversario, the biggest weekend of the year in Puerto Rico, including the Knockout vs. Divas series with one of TNA's biggest stars facing a longtime WWE regular, as well as the former WWE stars on the show.  We also look back to the glory days of Aniversario and some of the biggest events in the history of the island when wrestling there was at its height.  We look back to the incident Puerto Rico wrestling is most remembered for.  We also have a look at the current stars and the imports.

 

        We also have an update on how many homes all the TV stations that carry wrestling and MMA are available in with people dropping cable and satellite over the past year.

 

         We also have a look at the ratings of all the major shows and complete details on how every segment of Raw and Impact this past week did. 

 

        We also have results from all the major league arena events over the past week as well as previews of all the major television shows.
 
Also in this week's issue:

 

--Update from Mexico

 

--The last tapings that air in Mexico before TripleMania and what TNA stars are being brought in

 

--Sad news about NOAH's big show of the week

 

--New Japan opens its tour and new direction of some programs and new title matches coming over the next few weeks

 

--A strange story regarding the arrest of Nosawa

 

--Shinjiro Otani's 20th anniversary show and the outsiders and interesting matches brought in

 

--The first paid show inside China of this period before WWE and UFC get into the country

 

--Update on Ric Flair

 

--Debut of two new promotions including one by a former WWE star and who he's using

 

--Update on Davey Richards in ROH

 

--Where Kyle O'Reilly fits in

 

--This week's ROH show

 

--A look at angles they considered that fell through

 

--Lots of notes on Bound for Glory this year

 

--Update on the Bound for Glory series

 

--More on the Claire Lynch angle

 

--What new TV show is looking at a key person in TNA to be one of the stars of the show

 

--A family member of one of WWE's top execs is looking at a TNA deal

 

--Ironic notes of what Paul Heyman said to Spike two years ago when they were in talks

 

--Notes on someone who was talked about for a TNA role and how his doing Bound for Glory will be difficult

 

--A new non-wrestling project Kurt Angle is working on

 

--Abyss wrestles in the U.S.

 

--TNA's only house show of the past week

 

--Update on Alistair Overeem and what happened with he and Dana White

 

--Update on Junior Dos Santos vs. Cain Velasquez

 

--Update on UFC on FOX

 

--Dana White talks about why he was mad at the Brazil PPV

 

--Notes on Ronda Rousey's ESPN Magazine cover

 

--New Ronda Rousey TV show details

 

--More on future booking of Rousey

 

--This week's Strikeforce show

 

--UFC Fighter Summit notes

 

--Notes on Fuel TV's UFC plans going forward for the rest of the year and into next year

 

--Notes on U.S. airing of the Australia/U.K. version of Ultimate Fighter

 

--How the Brazil version has been doing on Fuel

 

--Notes on new UFC signings

 

--UFC injury updates

 

--Notes on why a fight where both fighters agreed to extensive drug testing isn't going to have that level of testing

 

--Lots of new UFC fights

 

        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.

 

 

--We'll be back tonight with Wrestling Observer radio covering tonight's Money in the Bank, Smackdown and taking your e-mail questions to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

--A number of different promotions are looking at running over WrestleMania weekend in the New York/New Jersey market.  As noted, ROH already announced a Friday night show for that weekend at the Hammerstein Ballroom.  Dragon Gate USA will announce its shows for that weekend tomorrow.  Evolve, Dragon Gate USA, CZW, CHIKARA and SHIMMER are all working together and there will be doubleheaders and tripleheaders on the Friday and Saturday and all the promotions are looking at peaking at that point to have their biggest events of the year.

 

--Last night at the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Waterloo, IA, when Kurt Angle wasn't there, they presented his Hall of Fame award to Gerald Brisco.  Brisco then auctioned it off, getting $250 for it.  Angle was furious about it.  Angle wrote:

"Jerry Brisco made a mockery out of me and the Dan Gable Museum Hall of Fame by auctioning off my award. This award is a huge honor.  U Spit on Me.  Due to obligations I had with my wedding, I could not attend HOF.  I even made a ten  minute video proudly accepting the great honor.  I'm disappointed I couldn't go, but devastated Jerry gave away my award.  Very classy Jerry."

 

--I don't know all the circumstances regarding this, but the people involved in the Hall of Fame were very upset about Angle pulling out.  According to local newspaper reports, they claimed Angle wasn't going to be there due to TNA obligations, but it was noted Angle wasn't even booked on last night's TNA house show.  Angle in that tweet claimed it was an obligation having to do with his wedding.

 

--Last night in Memphis, in the Bound for Glory series matches, it was Mr. Anderson over Pope D'Angelo Dinero and James Storm over Magnus, with each winner getting seven points. 

 
--Tammy Sytch is apparently going into rehab tomorrow.  She was in the emergency room Friday night and her boyfriend was insistent on her getting help.  She did an RF Video shoot today where she talked about what has been happening in her life that led to what happened on Friday.

--The Sand Springs Leader in Oklahoma reported that Ryan Collins, a local independent wrestler, has signed a WWE developmental deal.  I'm not familiar with him.  K.C. McKnight, a longtime Carolinas indie wrestler was also signed.  WWE is getting aggressive new in looking for new talent.

 

--John Cena was announced for the Wizard World Chicago Comic con in Chicago on 8/9.  He'll be there from 4-8 p.m. signing autographs on the opening day of the show.

 

--A correction regarding yesterday's item about The Daytime Show and Daffney, Santana Garrett and Christina Von Eerie being on it to promote the debut of the Shine promotion.  While they are in studio tomorrow morning, their segment will air on the Wednesday show.  They are promoting an all-women's promotion on iPPV that debuts 7/20 with a show in Ybor City, FL.  

 

--John Cena won his 100th match of 2012 last night in Tucson.  He'll bad glad to know.  His record so far this year is 100-4-4.  That's because he always wins at the house shows.  So far this year, Daniel Bryan has done the most matches, with 113.  His record is 35-74-4.  Brodus Clay is 78-1 and Ryback is 52-1. (thanks to Stefan Gorges)

 

 

--Also on G-4, Sarah Underwood, one of their hosts, walked around at the Comic Con in a John Cena body suit, similar to a sumo suit.  Randy Couture was there with the other stars of Expendables 2. (thanks to Mike Lano)   

 

--Last night's Showtime card will be replayed on Tuesday night at 11 p.m. on Showtime and also be on Showtime On Demand starting today.

 

--In the only dark match on last night's show, Jason High beat Nate Moore in 26 seconds with a guillotine.

 

Michael Bisping 68.5%

Brian Stann 31.5%

 

Donald Cerrone 85.3%

Melvin Guillard 14.7%

 

Under 65,000 10.5%

66-75,000 5.3%

76-85,000 8.2%

86-95,000 17.0%

96-105,000 22.8%

106-115,000 12.9%

116-125,000 8.2%

126-135,000 4.7%

136-145,000 1.8%

146-155,000 2.3%

156-165,000 1.2%

166,000 or more 5.3%

 

The story of the first fight 30.4%

Chael Sonnen's interviews 28.8%

Two year build 21.2%

UFC hyping it as the biggest rematch of all-time 7.5%

Anderson Silva's interview threatening Chael Sonnen 4.9%

Sonnen's individual drawing power 3.9%

Silva's greatness as a fighter 1.6%

Sonnen's greatness as a fighter 1.0%

Silva's drawing power 0.7%

 

Excellent 14.1%

Good 31.3%

Average 26.3%

Fair 9.1%

Poor 19.2%

        45.3% of those responding didn't see the show.

 

--John Hennigan (John Morrison) faces Sonjay Dutt for the Continental; Wrestling Federation on 8/4 in Orlando at the Downtown Rec Center.  The lineup has Jesse Neal vs. Luke Hawx for the CWF title, Dutt vs. Hennigan for their U.S. title, Jay Lethal vs. Sam Show, plus Wes Brisco, Mike Cruz, Lince Dorado, Chasyn Rance, Tim Zbyszko and Cody Hall appearing.

 

--Among the birthdays today are Mil Mascaras (73), Jesse Ventura (61) and BxB Hulk (32). (thanks to Georgia Wrestling History)

 

--I did a spot today on the Sherdog rewind show with Jack Encarnacao, talking about the UFC business for this year so far, the Fox deal, and where things stand on PPV.  For you older fans, Billy Robinson is a guest on one of their talk shows today as well.

 

--Masada debuts with Dragon Gate USA on the upcoming shows on 7/28 in Detroit and 7/29 in Chicago.  He will be a regular on Dragon Gate USA and Evolve shows going forward.  The Chicago show will be an iPPV show at 8 p.m., so they will be in wrestling's traditional 8 p.m. Sunday slot on a weekend with no other PPVs.

 

--CZW and Evolve will run a doubleheader on 9/8 in Voorhees, NJ.

 

--Dragon Gate USA is looking at returning to the Northeast on the first weekend of November.  The problem has been that three different arenas that they have run are no longer open to them with the old Arena in Philadelphia being renovated, and they can no longer run the Ace Arena in Union City or B.B. Kings in Manhattan.

 

--AR Fox has signed a two year contract extension with Dragon Gate USA.

 

--The AP yesterday ran a story about Ranquillo Nardi, who wrestled during the depression and about how his two sons, now in their 70s and 80s, have kept scarpbooks of old newspaper clippings, magazines and posters that they've kept on him. 

 

--The iOWest Theater in Hollywood, CA at 6366 Hollywood Blvd. has a showing of Money in the Bank tonight.  Tickets are $15 at the door or $10 for students and alumni.

 

--EWF from last night in Converse, IN:  Lamar Johnson won three-way over Pacman Jackson and Frank Stein, Jun Hado b Andy Santos, Camron Starr & Randi West b Hailey Rose & Darlin Niki, Mike King b K.T. Williams, Osyris b Kharn Alexander, Roderick Street b Darrell Jackson, Mark Vandy b Parker James, Hillbilly Jedd b Troy Miller-DQ.  Demolition and Jim Duggan will be appearing on their 9/8 show at the Borderman Gym.

 

--Sid Vicious talks to MSL about his son doing "Big Brother" at http://memphissport.com/2012/07/msl-exclusive-sycho-sid-vicious-talks-about-his-son-being-on-big-brother-14/

 

--Belleview Pro Wrestling from last night featuring the debut of Cody Hall, Scott's son, from Orlando:  Cody Hall b Josh Hess, Chasyn Rance b Jayson Falcone, Santana Garrett b Chrstina Von Eerie, Chico Adams b Mike Reed, Jayson Falcone b Gorilla Hanley, Leon Scott b Luis Ruiz, J.D. Amazing b Tim Zbyszko.  Both Scott Hall and Larry Zbyszko were there to see their sons wrestle.  Next show is 8/25. (thanks to Donald Fredricks)

 

--Cody Hall's debut is up at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v-D4tXb37bxAw

 

--Lucha Xtreme TV from last night in Fresno before 50 fans:  J.R. Kratos b L.J. Summers, Bobby Hart b Primal Warrior, Suburban Commandos NC Los Chupacabras, Manny Fernandez b Mike Rayne-DQ.  Next week has Homicide vs. Brian Cage. (thanks to Jon Southerland)

 

--Mid Missouri Wrestling Alliance from last night in St. Louis:  Dave Vaughn b Jimmy D, Max Archer b Brian James, Dave Osborne b LaMarcus Clinton, Ricky Cruz b Ken Kasa, Dave Vaughn b Max Archer, Ricky Cruz b Dave Osborne, Gary Jackson won three-way over Ricky Cruz and Dave Vaughn (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)  

 

--A Dan Hardy interview on comedian Doug Benson's podcast recorded on Sunday in Las Vegas is at http://dim.libsyn.com/webpage/brian-redban-dan-hardy-and-graham-elwood (thanks to Otis Ball)

 

--GOUGE from last night in Roxboro, NC:  The Taker b ATL, Jaheem the Dream b Robin Golphin, Seymour Snott b Frank Stalletto, Crumb the Bum b Pimp Daddy Cash, Sideshow Phil b Tank Lawson, Lou Marconi b Jimmy Jack Funk Jr. in a Texas bull rope match to win the GOUGE title  

 

--I guess due to trademarks, Dustin Rhodes is on the indies with a Goldust body suit that is more black than gold.