By Dave Meltzer
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        Showtime has another Ronda Rousey special tonight at 9:30 p.m. Eastern time.

 

        Nuvo TV, which is on a number of major cable systems including Comcast, debuts Fight Factory, a reality show about the personalities in the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, which debuts with two one-hour episodes at 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. tonight.  Nuvo is on a staggered feed so it's 10 p.m. on the West Coast as well.

 

        Fuel tonight has UFC 92 at 8 p.m. and Best of Pride at 11 p.m.

 

        We've got a new double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that will be up today on the web site.  The issue looks back at the out of the ring life of Red Bastien, one of pro wrestling's greatest characters and workers of the 60s and 70s, has a full recap of UFC 150 including the Benson Henderson vs. Frankie Edgar decision, the business of the show, a look at the two big December UFC shows that have been announced and the heavyweight title picture, a huge story on this year's G-1 Climax tournament, TNA Hardcore Justice and a breakdown of a ton of recent WWE signings and backgrounds of the guys.

 

        Our lead story on Bastien talks about his in-ring trademarks, his training of Sting and Ultimate Warrior, how he had a hand in the start of Roddy Piper's career, his thoughts on Ray Stevens, story telling, Bryan Danielson, how he started his career, the car crash and more.

 

        We also look at the judging of Benson Henderson vs. Frankie Edgar round-by-round, a look at what UFC should do with the top lightweight contenders and where Edgar should fit in, the business of the show, why people did and didn't order the show as well as match-by-match coverage.

 

        We also look at UFC's big December plans with a FOX special and the year-end PPV.  We also look at the Alistair Overeem situation, why Cain Velasquez is getting the next title shot and Overeem's television explanation of his issues.

 

        We look at Kazuchika Okada's win of the G-1 Climax tournament, Karl Anderson going to the finals, the booking of the tournament, New Japan vs. WWE in Sumo Hall this past week, how Hiroshi Tanahashi is viewed in Japan, a look at the signings of Katsuyori Shibata and Kazushi Sakuraba, how Sakuraba became such a big star in Japan and how he fell from the top, the Royce Gracie vs. Sakuraba background, as well as full coverage of Sunday's Sumo Hall G-1 finals and a history of the New Japan annual heavyweight tournament dating back to Antonio Inoki in 1974.  We also have coverage of every G-1 match of the final week of the tour.

 

        We also look at TNA's Hardcore Justice, the build to Bound for Glory, the Bound for Glory series update as well as match-by-match coverage with star ratings.

 

        We also look at ROH's Boiling Point iPPV show as well as the attempts to rebuild the iPPV business after the three disasters in a row.

 

        We also have a look at the many new signings by WWE from recent tryout camps, a look at who the people are, their backgrounds, why the company is so hot on going after former college football players and more.

 

        We also look at Linda McMahon's senate race, what the current polls say after her primary win, what the other candidates say, her new strategy and how it involves wrestling, as well as notes from the McMahon family 2011 tax returns, how much the family made last year and how much tax they paid as well as charitable contributions.  We also look at the new WWE television shows, plans for hyping next year's WrestleMania, thoughts on televised Countdown shows, new major WWE executive hires, firing of Brian Jossie, What wrestler was scared to death of media last week, cutting of Sofia Cortez, C.M. Punk DVD ones, 2013 Half of Fame, and what was the third most profitable WWE movie release of the past decade and the answer will fool most.

 

        We also have notes on the meeting before Raw SummerSlam thoughts, will Shawn Michaels wrestle again, Who HHH is high on, WWE celebrity notes, more on Kharma firing, WWE/NBC contract, changes in developmental and the latest developmental tapings, DVD viewership of Raw 1,000, Ziggler talks SummerSlam and a look at the WWE's latest overseas tour with all the business numbers. 

 

        We also have Olympic games coverage of U.S. wrestling, Kyoko Hamaguchi's last stand, Kayla Harrison and more.

 

        We also have a feature on several other former Olympic athletes who went into pro wrestling over the years.

 

        The issue is up on the site today if you are a web site member.  We also have a new back issue on the site from 1995 just put up talking about the announcement that WCW would go head-to-head with WWF on Monday night's and the beginning of the Monday Night Wars.

 

        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
 
        You can also order by paypal by sending to www.paypal.com and directing the funds to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
        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 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 look at what segments gained and lost viewers
 
        We also have results from all the major league arena events over the past week as well as a look at all the major television shows.

 

Also in this week's issue:
 
--New Japan stars heading to Mexico

 

--Update on the new Mistico

 

--CMLL's tournament of champions over the next few weeks

 

--More on TripleMania and who the fans reacted to the biggest

 

--First TV after TripleMania and where the angles are going

 

--All Japan jr. title change and where it's going

 

--Pro Wrestling NOAH jr. tag title tournament, who was to win, what changed it and who is in each block

 

--Major pro wrestling wedding in Japan

 

--New Japan's next PPV show

 

--More on New Japan doing iPPV shows

 

--More on Alex Shelley's return to New Japan

 

--New Japan starts talks with an Olympic gold medalist

 

--Upcoming New Japan big matches

 

--Lots more on next year's WrestleMania week

 

--Gathering of the Juggalos report

 

--ICP threatens to sue the FBI and why

 

--More on Kamala, Wrestlers Rescue and background

 

--ROH may be facing some TV issues

 

--Davey Richards issues an apology

 

--Something to look out for in TNA

 

--C.M. Punk says something that gets under Kurt Angle's skin

 

--Who is Claire Lynch, background

 

--Brooke Hogan

 

--Eric Bischoff's new TV project

 

--Jon Jones Nike deal

 

--Catching up on a lot of UFC business

 

--More on the arrest of Mayhem Miller

 

--Cris Cyborg talks Ronda Rousey

 

--Viability of that match taking place

 

--Dana White talks middleweight division

 

--Hector Lombard explains his poor performance

 

--Anderson Silva making 174 or so

 

--Thoughts on a 115 pound weight class

 

--Josh Koscheck's problems with Javier Mendez chronicled on TV show

 

--Roy Nelson getting in Dana White's hair

 

--Update on Diego Sanchez

 

--Injury postpones Bellator featherweight title fight one more time

 

--Major Bellator signing

 

--Notes on MMA death

 

--Tim Sylvia vs. Andrei Arlovski

 

--Arrest of Frank Trigg

 
        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

 

--Bryan and I will be back later today with Wrestling Observer radio, covering SummerSlam, Rousey vs. Kaufman, WWE signings, ratings, UFC weekend business and more from this week's Observer Newsletter.  You can also send in questions for tonight's show to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

 

--The New York Times feature on Linda McMahon winning the Connecticut Republican primary in the race for senate is at http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/15/nyregion/linda-e-mcmahon-wins-connecticut-senate-primary.html

 

--The New York Times also had a story and lists Chris Murphy beating McMahon in the general election as a 90% probability.

 

--Warner Brothers and WWE are co-producing a cartoon version of Scooby Doo with a WWE tie-in.  The story is Scooby Doo and his gang solve a mystery of a crime that takes place around WrestleMania.  Characters who will do voice overs and play themselves in the movie are Vince McMahon, HHH, John Cena, Kane, Miz, Brodus Clay, Santino Marella Sin Cara and A.J.  The story is that  Shaggy and Scooby win tickets to WrestleMania and they travel to attend the show, but a ghostly bear shows up with intentions on ruining the show. 

 

--A previous wrestling Scooby Doo connection at http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player-embedded&v=hH2ElbppB7cg 

 

--Jon Jones and Chael Sonnen are already doing a twitter war to build up a match that may never happen, and if it does, is a long ways away.

 

--Kevin Rudolf, who signs "Don't Give Up," the theme song for SummerSlam, will be performing the song live on Sunday.

--C.M. Punk is one of the headliners at the Wizard World Comic Con in Austin, TX 10/26 to 10/28.  

 

--John Cena vs. Big Show is the advertised dark match for the 10/15 Raw taping in Nashville.

 

--Today is the three year anniversary of the Gina Carano vs. Cris Cyborg match in San Jose, which is still the second highest rated MMA match ever on Showtime and the largest crowd for an MMA show in San Jose that wasn't headlined by Frank Shamrock.  There is a story on that anniversary at http://ihatejjr.com/content/gina-carano-vs-cris-cyborg-day-mma-history

 

--I should note that last week in watching the Ronda Rousey special on Showtime, when they had the clips of Carano, it was clear in a millisecond that Carano exuded so much more star power than Rousey it wasn't funny.  Not saying  Rousey wouldn't beat her in an MMA fight, because she almost surely would.    

 

--Cris Cyborg did an interview with Tracy Lee where she challenged Ronda Rousey to fight her in the parking lot after the show tomorrow night.  Cyborg lives in San Diego, where the Rousey vs. Kaufman fight takes place. Cyborg is suspended until 12/17 due to her steroid test failure. 

 

--Evolve announced El Generico vs. Samuray del Sol on 9/8 in Voorhees, NJ as well as Sami Callihan vs. Masada.    The show starts at 5 p.m. at Flyers Skate Zone and will be part of an Evolve/CZW doubleheader.

 

--The 10/13 ROH iPPV show from Mississauga, ONT will be headlined by Kevin Steen vs. Michael Elgin for the ROH title.

 

--Tommaso Ciampa said his knee popped out on Saturday night causing a sprain and a slight ACL tear but said he doesn't expect to miss any matches.  He said he got hurt about two minutes into his match with Jay Lethal. 

 

--Shine runs on iPPV on Friday night at 8 p.m. Eastern from Ybor City, FL.  It's an all-women's show headlined by Jazz vs. Mercedes Martinez.

 

--Chris Jericho did an interview in the Austin Chronicle pushing Smackdown last night.  In the interview, he noted that his opponent at SummerSlam has changed three times, from Sheamus to Daniel Bryan and finally to Dolph Ziggler.  He praised Miz, Ziggler and Damien Sandow as guys he thinks can help carry the company going forward, talked about leaving and said he's excited where he's going but a little sad to leave.  Story is at http://www.austinchronicle.com/blogs/music/2012-08-14/chris-jericho-from-y2j-to-sin-and-bones/  

 

--In the cable ratings for last week Disney finished first in prime time with an average of 2.55 million viewers to 2.43 million for USA.  Syfy was No. 10 at 1.19 million.  FX was No. 14 at 1.05 million.  Spike was No. 24 at 0.73 million.  Raw last week was No. 2, No. 4 and No. 10.  the  Closer was first with a NASCAR race on ESPN No. 3.  The final episode of this year's remake of Dallas was No. 6.  In 18-34, Raw's second and third hours were No. 5 and No. 9.  In 18-49, they were No. 4 and No. 7. 

 

Excellent 4.5%

Good 28.8%

Average 32.7%

Fair 11.5%

Poor 22.4%

        17.3% of those responding didn't see the show

 

SummerSlam 51.1%

Rousey vs. Kaufman 41.2%

        20.9% are watching both.  28.7% are watching neither.  

 

Less than 150,000 12.9%

151-175,000 10.4%

176-200,000 21.3%

201-225,000 21.8%

226-250,000 12.6%

251-275,000 8.7%

276-300,000 3.5%

301-325,000 2.5%

326-350,000 1.0%

More than 351,000 5.4%

 

--Hornswoggle will be throwing out the first pitch on 8/22 for the Milwaukee Brewers game in Milwaukee against the Chicago Cubs.

 

--Raw returns to Dallas on 2/25 and tickets are on sale with an Internet presale until Friday at 10 p.m. at Ticketmaster using the code DFWRTV

 

--Invicta Fighting  Championships announced a 10/6 show in Kansas City at Memorial Hall that will be available live on he web for free.

Jessica Penne (9-1) vs. Naho "Sugi Rock" Sugiyama (8-0) for the 105 pound Atom weight championship

Shayna Baszler vs. Sarah D'Alelio

Barb Honchak vs. Aisling Daly

Tara LaRosa vs. Vanessa Porto

Leslie Smith vs. Cat Zingano

Michelle Waterson vs. Lacey Schuckman

Julia Budd vs. Elaina Maxwell

Carla Esparza vs. Lynn Alvarez

Ashey Cummins vs. Joanne Calderwood

Amy Davis vs. Stephanie Frausto

Jessemyn Duke vs. Marcieal Allen

Tecia Torres vs. Kaiyana Rain

Katalina Malungahu vs. Taylor Stratford

 

--There will be a live Ronda Rousey chat at 2 p.m. tomorrow at sports.sho.com/chat 

 

--Friday's weigh-ins for the Rousey vs. Kaufman Strikeforce show will be carried live on Facebook at StrikeforceMixedMartialArts

 

--Pro Wrestling Syndicate on 10/12 has an iPPV from Rahway, NJ with Rikishi vs. Vader with Paul Bearer as the manager of Vader.  Also scheduled for the show include Iron Sheik, Anthony Nese, Jim Duggan, Armando Estrada, AR Fox, Taka Suzuki, Tom Prichard and Necro Butcher.  They also have a 9/14 show headlined by Sami Callihan vs. Kevin Matthews, Matt Hardy vs. Anthony Nese, Warlord & Barbarian vs. Demolition and appearances of Lex Luger, Velvet Sky, Ashley Massaro and Dennis Haskins (Principal Belding from Saved By The Bell). 

 

--Tank Morgan, who headlined MSG once against Bruno Sammartino, passed away 21 years ago today at the age of 58.  Dr. John Bonica, a pro wrestler who went on to be a very notable doctor, passed away 18 years ago today at 77.  Paul Anderson, once the world's strongest man and an Olympic gold medalist in weightlifting, who was a world champion wrestler in Georgia but never lasted nationally as a top star, passed away 18 years ago today at 61.  Jack Brickhouse, a noted baseball announcer who was also a national pro wrestling announcer both in the 50s, and later in the 90s with WCW, passed away 14 years ago today at the age of 82. (thanks to Georgia Wrestling History)     

 

--Fozzy will be playing at the Soundwave Music Festival on 2/24 in Sydney, Australia as support for Metallica.  The Fozzy "Sin and Bones" album is released in Australia on Friday. (thanks to James Stanios)

 

--Kevin Nash did an interview at www.sportstownchicago.com/kevinnash  claiming he said what he said about Punk and Daniel Bryan because they are on top and if he goes to WWE he wants to work with the people on top.  I hope the guy who wrote the Grantland article hears that one.   

 

--Shinya Aoki vs. Arnaud Lepont of France (10-1) was announced as the main event for a 10/6 show at the Singapore Indoor Sadium for Onc Fighting Championships.

--Millennium Wrestling Federation's 11th anniversary show is 9/22 in Melrose, MA at Memorial Hall.  Among those appearing are Teddy Long, Boogeyman, Big Daddy V, Paul Bearer, Al Snow and Little Guido.

 

--Classic Championship Wrestling on 9/16 at Noon at the Port Hope Fair in Port Hope, ONT.  Shawn Spears and Bushwhacker Luke are on the show.  They also run 9/14 in Delhi, ONT at the Delhi Harvesfest and 9/13 with at 5 pm. show in Kingston, ONT a the Kingston Fair.  Luke, Michael Elgin and Spears are on that show.

 

--Jerry Brisco will make an appearance at Dory Funk's BANG show on 9/15 in Ocala, FL at the BANG Sound Stage.

 

--Platinum Championship Wrestling on Saturday night in Porterdale, GA at 2001 Main Street.

 

--Weigh-ins for Legacy Fighting Championships, which airs Friday night on AXS TV at 10 p.m., will be at the North Texas Yamaha in Lewisville, TX at 2 p.m.   The card, headlined by Jared Rosholt, is at the Dallas Convention Center starting at 7 p.m. with prelims.

 

--Dreamwave Wrestling on Saturday night as "Fighting for Lily" a benefit show and silent auction to benefit a three-year-old battling cancer.  There have been items WWE donated from C.M. Punk, Mick Foley, Roddy Piper and Maria Kanellis up for auction.

 

--EWF on 9/8 at the Borderman Gym in Converse, IN

 

--3XW wrestling on 8/31 in Des Moines at Baratta's Forte Coliseum featuring Perry Saturn. 

 

--Vendetta Pro Wrestling on 9/8 in Atascadero, CA at the Colony Park Community Center features Brian Kendrick, Drake Younger, The Ballard Brothers and more.

 

--559 Fights on 8/18 in Hanford, CA at the Kings County Fairgrounds.  

 

--A story on the Colt Cabana vs. Adam Pearce best of seven series, match five is at http://www.wickedlocal.com/bridgewater/features/x1767879128/Pro-Wrestling-comes-to-Bridgewater#axzz23dp2UUoB  If Pearce loses, Cabana wins the title and Pearce must leave the NWA forever. 

 

--Tommy Dreamer headlines for Chaotic Wrestling with shows on Friday night at 8 p.m. in Lowell, MA, Saturday at 7 p.m. in Littleton, NH and Sunday at 4 p.m. in Hudson, MA.  The Lowell show is at the Polish American Veterans Club.  The Littleton show is at the Littleton Opera House and the Hudson show is at the Hudson Elks Lodge.  The Hudson show has a cookout and meet and greet at 2 p.m.

 

--NAAFS Rock n Rumble on 8/17 at the Jacobs Pavilion in Cleveland for a night of MMA fights. They also run 9/15 in Morgantown, WV at the Event Center. 

 

--XCW Pro Wrestling of Denton, TX will be part of the annual Hot Wet Mss Festival on 9/1 with bands, food, waterslides and wrestling at 1 p.m. at the North Texas Fairgrounds in Denton.