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TUES UPDATE: Classics on Demand death update, tons more from Raw, what JR was supposed to say, Cena update for TLC, UFC ratings, former TUF star on the run from law, breaking down a broken arm, tons more



By Bryan Alvarez

Bryan Alvarez: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

We're looking for your thoughts on Saturday night's UFC 140 as well as Sunday night's TNA Final Resolution PPV shows, 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

We're looking for reports on tonight's Smackdown tapings in Raleigh and Impact tapings in Orlando.

We're also looking for reports from Saturday night's WWE Raw house show in North Charleston, SC.

TNA will be taping Impact also Wednesday this week.

WWE Tribute to the Troops airs from 9-11 p.m. tonight on the USA Network.

        We have a number of holiday specials this weekend that will continue until Christmas for those of you looking at a wrestling present for family or friends, or even enemies if you wish.

 
        For the web site, if you order a four month gift subscription for someone who has not been a previous subscriber, you get one month free.  If you order a one year gift subscription, you get two months free.  There is no limit to the number of gift subscriptions you can order.  If you are a subscriber with an automatically renewing membership, you can order a four month gift subscription and the person you are ordering it for will get an extra month free.  For more info when you make your order or need to make your order you can contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
        For the print Observer, if you order a 16 issue subscription for someone who is not a current subscriber, you get four issues free for each 16 you order and there is no limit to that offer.  These are good until Christmas.
 
        Another major update on the WWE Network, notes about Dana White's gamble on Fox, how UFC and WWE's business models right now differ as far as profits go, are among the features in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that is on the site today.  We also have a complete breakdown of WWE's individual revenue streams and profit, as opposed to overall revenue, each division brings in.  We also have a chart with the financial breakdowns of every WWE movie project.
 
        Besides the new issue of the Observer, and the new issue of Figure Four, there is also a back issue from 1994 as part of ten issues of the Observer and Figure Four available to web site subscribers each month.  We also have the Observer as a print newsletter available with details below.       
 
        In our piece on the WWE Network, we look at how the network affects PPV business, notes on the launch of the network and issues with it internally, notes on who is in charge right now, and politically more important, who isn't in charge as it denotes a changing of the guard when it comes to WWE power.
 
        We look at WWE's expectations for clearances, lots of notes why this is the best time in history to get a job with WWE if you are in your 20s and have graduated college with a TV degree, how the network affects Raw and negotiations for Raw, as well as looking at a number of programs both talked about and not talked about earmarked for the network.  We also look at plans for a PPV show that was an annual flop that is being talked about being brought back on the new network.
 
        We look at the mentality behind the Legends House reality show and how that will affect who is picked for the show.  We look at the wrestling content available, the updated talk show plans and who would host, the network's catch phrase and calling card they are trying to build.  We also look at advertising on the network, marketing plans, and how much profit they are risking with changes talked about when it comes to PPV.
 
              The Wrestling Observer ranges from 25,000 to 40,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA all over the world.
 
         Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sites and has
the most complete look at the business as a whole anywhere.  The Observer is now in its 29th year of being the leading insider pro wrestling
publication in the world. The biggest and most influential names in the pro wrestling industry as well as the MMA industry, from bookers, to
promoters to Hall of Fame wrestlers and fighters to the biggest current names, both on camera, and behind the scenes, along with thousands of
readers in all 50 states and 30 countries subscribe.  Many have subscribed as long as 20 years or more straight. They get the most
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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
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        We also look at UFC's second FOX special, with the card, what is wrong with the show, risks involved financially and more.
 
        We've also got a complete rundown of the Ultimate Fighter final show from Las Vegas, including a look at the John Dodson vs. T.J. Dillashaw stoppage, the Tony Ferguson vs. Yves Edwards decision, business notes on the show, including just how successful the Mayhem Miller vs. Michael Bisping fight was when it came to television.
 
        We've also got match-by-match coverage, poll results and how much everyone on the show earned.
 
        We also look at how the booking has failed the TLC PPV, more on Chris Jericho, Royal Rumble update, who did Vince McMahon say the company has dropped the ball on as far as talent, update on people dropping cable and satellite, jokes being made about who HHH has hired, former WWF star gives a totally delusionary interview plus notes on the returns to WWE of a number of wrestlers.
 
        We also have a funny Brodus Clay story, a look at WWE's worldwide popularity and where it has increased and where it has decreased over the past year, how often people go to WWE's web site and what percentage of viewers, and what country have ratings continued to fall in.
 
        We also have note on a record set by a recent episode of Raw, lots of business notes from the weekend and coverage of all the shows of the past week including the Japan tour.
 
        We've also got more on the situation involving Abdullah the Butcher and Devon Nicholson and claims of Abdullah having Hepatitis C as claimed by Nicholson.
 
        We also have a look at New Japan's final PPV show of 2011, talk of a potential match of the year, as well as early notes regarding the 2012 Tokyo dome show.
 
        We've got a full breakdown of Bellator's moving to Friday nights, the competition it will face, and why the decision was made.
 
        We also have a look at All Japan's Real World Tag League tournament of 2011 and who it established as on of the top young stars in Japan.
 
        We also look at Cena vs. Punk and who their appeal is most toward, and some of the ratings numbers will both surprise people but also enlighten people regarding who people really want to see.  We also look at who has become consistently TNA's biggest ratings draw and how it's someone they don't even consider a top tier performer.
 
        We also have ratings for all the national shows for the past week, including the most details on Raw over the past two weeks, with segment-by-segment breakdowns with a lot of notes regarding what wrestlers are drawing ratings and what wrestlers are making people change the channel.  We also have the same for Impact and Ultimate Fighter finals. 

        We also have our regular weekly features with results of all the major arena events around the world, as well as all the major TV show
reviews.   
 
         Also in this week's issue:
 
--The turmoil at Arena Mexico
 
--What happened at the meeting of wrestlers this past week and why morale has gotten bad
 
--Legends show at anniversary
 
--Lineup for AAA's Guerra de Titanes, its last big show of the year
 
--What TNA wrestlers are involved
 
--Why Jeff Jarrett isn't defending his title on the show
 
--Mexico ratings
 
--World champions team up next week
 
--Kojima anniversary show with interpromotional matches
 
--A show where fans voted on the lineup
 
--A look at two different movies coming based on the lives of pro wrestlers, including one that just started shooting
 
--Zuffa heavyweight star gets nose broken doing pro wrestling
 
--What has happened to Vladimir Kozlov and Bob Sapp
 
--Two MMA stars debut as pro wrestlers this past week
 
--Notes on Masahiro Chono promoting a show with several promotions
 
--Lots more on the Angelo Mosca/Joe Kapp situation
 
--A look at CHIKARA's Joshimania shows
 
--More on Bison Smith
 
--Updates on several 80s WWF stars
 
--Matt Hardy update
 
--Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame inductions
 
--Updates on ROH in new television markets
 
--Notes on Final Battle
 
--More on the 80 minute match and it being on television
 
--Complete notes on Final Resolution card
 
--Business of Bound for Glory and Turning Point
 
--Spike president talks TNA and MMA crossover promotion plan
 
--More on TNA TV tapings and India project
 
--Reaction to Hogan on twitter
 
--Independent wrestlers get TNA tryout
 
--Notes on UFC countdown shows
 
--Notes on Faber and Cruz and plans for the next season of Ultimate Fighter
 
--Thoughts going into UFC PPV
 
--What lessons UFC 140 will tell regarding PPV
 
--News on Alistair Overeem
 
--Plans for UFC 4th and 5th PPV shows of next year
 
--Why Keith Jardine wound up with a title match
 
--Update on Strikeforce/Showtime relationship
 
--How the women's division shakes out
 
--Next Strikeforce show
 
--UFC Facebook and twitter stats
 
--Lots of UFC cuts as well as lots of new fights
 
--UFC star and WWE star in competition for the same unique award having nothing to do with fighting or wrestling
 
--More on the New Year's Eve show in Japan
 
--Former CBS headliner sentenced to jail
 
--Boxing champion says going to do an MMA fight next year
  
 
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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,
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-- Regarding the death of WWE Classics on Demand to make way for the upcoming WWE Network, although subscribers to the service are getting postcards saying that the service will be discontinued on January 1st, at least some cable operators are telling people who call that the service will not be discontinued until March 31st, 2012, the day before Mania. Thanks to Rob.

-- Line-up for TLC this weekend after last night:
Punk vs. Alberto Del Rio vs. Miz for the WWE Title
Mark Henry vs. Big Show for the World Title
Dolph Ziggler vs. Zack Ryder for the US Title
Cody Rhodes vs. Booker T for the IC Title
Kevin Nash vs. HHH in a ladder match with a sledgehammer at stake
Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett in a tables match

As for Cena, well, we'll see what happens. Very unusual for him not to be on the show. Over the weekend there was an idea to make him a special referee for the Ziggler vs. Ryder match, where if "the right guy won" (Ziggler) he'd be added to the main event. They could still do that stip at the Smackdown tapings or even on the PPV. He'll be at the show in one form or another, even if it's just to cut a promo on Kane. Last night's Raw was re-written throughout the day, and at one point Hunter wasn't even scheduled to make an appearance, if you can believe that.

-- As it regards the Jim Ross rap, as noted, there wasn't supposed to be the background music, and as soon as they played it he was thrown off and forgot his lines. Ross wrote: I apologize 4 the worst segment of tv I've ever killed. Had a rap thought, lost it. Won a Slammy!:) He also provided the rap he had planned to do. Michael Cole ur damn fool. King beat u like Gov Mule. I should call Raw ur not in my class. U kissed kings feet now u can kiss my ass! Whew.As noted last night, as bad as that segment was, I think the Tony Atlas segment was even worse.

-- Bonus Slammy awards from WWE.com are up here.

-- Punk beat Miz and Alberto Del Rio in the dark match last night after hitting the GTS on Miz.

-- Tribute to the Troops airs tonight on the USA Network at 9/8c with Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett, Zack Ryder vs. Jack Swagger, Daniel Bryan vs. Cody Rhodes, Kelly & Alicia Fox & Eve & Maria Menounos vs. Bellas & Natalya & Beth, Air Boom vs. Hunico & Epico, and Punk & Big Show & Cena vs. Mark Henry & Miz & Alberto Del Rio.

-- If you didn't see the return of the masked Kane, the video is up here.

-- UFC Prelims on Ion did 808,000 viewers, about the usual for Ion.

-- Tickets for UFC 143: Diaz vs. Condit go on sale this week.

-- Mario Yamasaki will be the referee for the Brock Lesnar vs. Alistair Overeem match.

-- Ryron and Rener Gracie breaking down the breaking down of Antonio Nogueira's arm from Saturday night up here.

-- Hopefully Vince McMahon is able to control his bladder when he sees this chart.

-- And if he sees this, we'll have one on Raw next week.

-- Eric Bischoff's wife talks her book, Common Sense Happiness, here. At least someone in the family has common sense.

-- Jeff writes: I’m surprised no one sent in a review of last night’s “Why Am I Still Single?” show that featured indie wrestler Ahtu. He showed real charisma, but in a very likeable way. He has an incredible physique and a great look. Picture Houston Alexander with Road Warrior Hawk’s haircut. He’s clearly a Hawk fan, as he not only copied his hairstyle, but also threw in his catchphrase during his date (“I snack on danger and dine on death”). Not sure if he can work or not, but his size and look are right up WWE’s alley. Only negative is he’s 36. But he was instantly likeable and made a big impression on everyone. The matchmaker put a cap on his head (to cover up the double Mohawk) and told him he could get any girl he wanted with his looks. His problem with women is that he’s such a nice guy, so he gets shy and nervous. It’s worth catching the replay.

-- CTV Ottawa is airing a extended piece on Devon Nicholson competing in this week's Canadian Olympic Wrestling trials in Winnipeg tonight as part of their 6 pm newscast. After being out of the sport for over 10 years he won silver at the Western Open and silver at the Greater Toronto Open this year.

-- Scott writes: Hey guys, just thought you might like to know that a friend who lives in Japan actually managed to order one of the infamous Sin Cara t-shirts from the Japanese Shopzone website before they pulled it there too, and he sent me one. Sadly, it doesn't look much like a phallic symbol when you actually see the shirt in real life, so I think it might have been a case of the photo on the website misrepresenting the shirt a bit. I was kind of disappointed, actually.

-- With ROH Final Battle coming up next weekend, we should have a series of guests from the company on the radio show next week. If you have particular requests, email them to me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and I'll see what I can set up.

-- WWE heads to Abu Dhabi February 9th through 11th 2012.

-- Whitney has a new blog up about her fitness and nutrition journey with Team Viggity, including new pics, up at itapboys.com. You can also follow the site on Facebook at facebook.com/itapboys. New specials on merch up most weeks.

-- Great story hereon the son of Fit Finlay, Dave Finlay III, and his amateur wrestling career. Both his father and mother are working as lay coaches for the team. Good read.

-- What do you consider the biggest January show?
Royal Rumble 59.3%
UFC on Fox on 1/28 24.7%
New Japan Tokyo Dome show 10.6%
UFC on 1/14 Aldo vs. Mendes 2.7%
TNA Genesis 1.6%
Strikeforce 1/7 Rockhold vs. Jardine 1.0%
UFC on FX 1/20 Guillard vs. Miller 0.2%

Which of these events are you planning on watching this weekend?
WWE TLC 45.1%
Strikeforce 31.4%
Froch vs. Ward 16.9%
34.4% plan on watching none of the three. The biggest crossover was UFC & Strikeforce. 35% of those watching WWE also plan on watching Strikeforce. 50% of those watching Strikeforce also plan on watching WWE. 16% of those watching WWE also plan on watching Froch vs. Ward. Of those watching Froch vs. Word 56% also plan on watching Strikeforce while 42% plan on watching WWE.

WWE's MVP for this year
C.M. Punk 60.2%
John Cena 14.6%
The Rock 13.5%
Mark Henry 5.5%
Randy Orton 3.0%
Christian 1.2%
Alberto Del Rio 0.7%
The Miz 0.7%
Sheamus 0.6%

Who do you expect to hold the title the longest from now?
Jon Jones 52.6%
Anderson Silva 18.3%
GSP 12.7%
Cris Cyborg 7.4%
Jose Aldo Jr. 2.5%
Junior Dos Santos 1.8%
Dominick Cruz 1.6%
Gilbert Melendez 1.1%
Luke Rockhold 0.9%
Frankie Edgar 0.7%
Miesha Tate 0.2%

-- John Morrison talks his future and whether he's going to TNA here. I actually expected him to show up at Final Resolution after watching this, but he didn't.

-- Former UFC Fighter Junie Browning Subject of City-Wide Manhunt in Thailand. Lovely.

-- Big story on Ohio Valley Wrestling here, including details on how much money Danny Davis has spent to keep it going since WWE pulled the plug on the company as a developmental territory. They're now working with TNA, pretty much effective today, in fact.

-- A sneak preview of the upcoming UWF THUG ASSASSIN PPV is up here. I was told by someone who attended that this set of tapings was approximately 1 billion times better than the set that made up the first several PPVs.

-- Over the Top Radio takling Starrcade up here.

-- Pro Wrestling Guerrilla and WrestleReunion announced that tickets for Kurt RussellReunion III, the PWG show that will close the WrestleReunion event in Los Angeles, are on sale now through HighSpots. 3rd Row and General Admission tickets are $25, 2nd Row is $50, and 1st Row is $75. The show is presently scheduled to take place at around 1pm at the latest on Sunday, January 29, 2012 at the LAX Westin and should end before the Royal Rumble broadcast. Those who purchase tickets in the first two rows will be let in early for the initial meet and greet, receive a free PWG DVD from the limited inventory available, and the event poster. First row ticket holders will have the addition of their posters being signed by everyone on the card. WrestleReunion VIP ticket holders will get option beginning December 21 of where specifically they want to sit.

-- Everything you ever wanted (or didn't want) to know about Tony Atlas and his foot fetish is discussed in the new Tony Atlas Youshoot, available now here.

-- WrestleReunion announced a new match for the Pro Wrestling Superstars show on the second day, January 28, of the WrestleReunion event in Los Angeles. The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott) vs. The New Age Outlaws (Road Dogg and Billy Gunn) with Mick Foley as Special Enforcing Referee. Previously announced for this show were Colt Cabana vs. Fit Finlay in a World of Sports Match and the 20-Man Legends Wrestle Royale featuring Raven, Virgil, and more. Thanks to Daniel.

-- Interview with Krzysztof Soszynski here, who talks about how when he was doing indy pro wrestling in Canada, Bad News Allen introduced him to MMA. Former head of the NETWORK Don Callis helped train KS as well.

-- PWO Live returns on Saturday, December 17 at 6pm at the UAW Hall on 5615 Chevrolet Blvd. in Parma. Tickets are on-sale now ($15 Preferred Ringside; $10 General Admission) at Shop.PWOwrestling.com. We are expecting to match or top our largest crowd in history for a PWO TV Taping, so it's advised you reserve your seats early! If you can't be in Parma, you can see this live event in its entirety LIVE on internet Pay-Per-View at the following link for only $14.99 - http://www.gfl.tv/Events/Fight/Wrestling/PWO_Brawl_in_the_Hall/1261

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