Resin
02-08-2007, 09:00 PM
There aren't going to be a lot of TV nights left with no wrestling or MMA programming. And this isn't one of them either. A replay of UFC Fight Night with Rashad Evans vs. Sean Salmon airs on Spike tonight at 9 p.m. Plus, Showtime has the Shamrock-Gracie special once again tonight and MTV at 6:30 p.m. has a replay of this week's Wrestling Society X show.
The Road to Wrestlemania is our lead story in this week's jumbo-sized issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. We also have special rates for new subscribers only, for the next week. These rates would start with Monday's issue. The 2007 Hall of Fame issue is now completely sold out, which means we have to print extras and it can only be ordered as a back issue. If you do get a long subscription, you can get that issue as one of your free issues.
Our story has an update on Wrestlemania plans, as well as the state of WWE leading into Wrestlemania. We look at the matches changed, the updated Donald Trump plans, when the Shawn Michaels plans changed, as well as a complete rundown of the Royal Rumble and the major stories coming out of the match. We've got poll results, match-by-match coverage with star ratings, all the complete eliminations and trivia.
We also have a history piece on Royal Rumble, including the myth perpetuated about when the idea of the Royal Rumble was born, the first Royal Rumble that nobody talks about, winners and who they eliminated for all 20 previous Royal Rumble shows (yes, there were 20, not 19), as well as why the Rumble as a major January event was truly born, and where the concept actually came from. We also look at the unique stories regarding several Royal Rumble finishes that didn't go exactly as first planned.
We have a complete look at the real reasons why the biggest star in the history of the promotion, Samoa Joe won't be appearing as a regular for ROH after 3/4.
We also have a feature on Doug Gentry, who was one of the real founders of the ROH promotion, who passed away this past week. We have a look at how he got into wrestling and his life within wrestling.
We also have full coverage of Ultimate Fight Night from Florida, including the Sean Salmon knockout, ratings match-by-match and why the rating ended up being what it was. We also look at how Pro's vs. Joe's that followed did. We also look at how the show did for Spike as compared to everything else on television. We've also got match coverage and how much everyone earned for the fights, including bonuses.
We also have an update on what seems to have been the greatest thing to ever happen to WWE, another one of WWE's stars looks to be leaving, and a lot more WWE reactions and lack thereof to both WSX and the success of UFC.
We've got a feature on Kid Yamamoto's comeback to wrestling, his injury, and how much media coverage it got, including television ratings for what is likely to be the single most watched wrestling match in Japan in 2007, and likely beating out any U.S. match as well. We also look at other pro wrestling tie-ins at the Japanese amateur championships.
We also have a feature on the debut of Wrestling Society X, including a look at storylines, production, ratings, top stars and what kind of potential the product looks to have.
We also have our usual look at the ratings, results from the major league arena shows over the past week, as well as major TV show coverage.
Each usual weekly issue of the Observer ranges from 25,000 to 35,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA all over the world. Every weekly 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 25th year of being the leading insider pro wrestling publication in the world. The biggest and most influential names in the industry, both from bookers, to promoters to Hall of Fame wrestlers and fighters to the biggest current names, both on camera, and behind the scenes, along with thousands of readers in all 50 states and 30 countries subscribe. Many have subscribed as long as 20 years or more straight. They get the most detailed and inside coverage of what is going on all over the world and an accuracy from having the most inside sources that can't be found on the web. Everyone from Wall Street to the major offices to the TV networks in U.S. and Japan turn to the Observer for what is going on in the business.
We've got notes on a fired WWE performer accusing another performer of getting her fired with a crazy rambling, an update on WWE movies, a night of major competition for ECW, Best selling DVDs, Lots of new developmental stuff, as well as a major interview with a recently fired WWE star, Psicosis, talking about his firing and his future including TNA and the Mexican promotions. We look at a wrestler switching brands, another whose push has been slowed, a very nice gesture by Vince McMahon, and two different wrestlers from other promotions practically slap their promotion in the face by saying they would rather be working for Vince McMahon.
We've also got updates from Arena Mexico, the build for a gigantic show in Mexico featuring many huge returns, a wreslting promoter given a major honor, and notes about how popular pro wrestling is in Mexico.
We've got an update on the next major all Japan show, featuring a former major WWF star debuting and bringing back of the tag team titles. We also look at an ROH star who debuts in a title match for NOAH in a few weeks. We've got more on Kurt Angle's New Japan debut, as well as notes on New Japan's business and more on the Tokyo Dome show.
We also have a look at a promotion talking about bringing back four of the greatest legends of the past 30 years to Japan for a Legends group. We also have notes on an international star talking about retirement, someone who was talked about from the start of his very short career as being a potential NWA champion, and it's actually a secret they even wrestled professionally, who is being honored by amateur wrestling this year. We also have a feature on the St. Louis pro wrestling Hall of Fame and results of the first year balloting. We've got notes on a major honor bestowed to a member of this web site. We've got more acting updates on Dwayne Johnson. We've got details of a proposed book written by the wives of two Hall of Fame wrestlers.
We also have more on the death of "Armed and Famous," more on the acting career of Stacy Keibler, more on the Samoan wrestling family, WSX, Teddy Hart burning one bridge and about to torch a second, as well as a former WWE star who is part owner of pro sports team.
We've got complete notes on the ROH weekend shows including an interesting angle that people thought was more real than it was.
We've got more details on the TNA two-hour special on 2/12, update on the Against All Odds show, lots more Kurt Angle radio stuff, more on TNA's booking and lots of notes from the last TV taping.
We also have notes on three more drug test failures, and what they were for.
We've got more on where Ortiz-Liddell stands in all-time PPV history, tons of new UFC matches, behind the hype for upcoming shows and more on Versus.
We also have notes on the next states UFC is targeting, its major show plans for 2007, Tito Ortiz talks about the Liddell fight, as well as more on Ortiz's next planned fight. We've got notes on one of UFC's biggest stars signing a lucrative new deal, a commission nixes its rules so UFC will come in, a new UFC TV deal as well as more on media coverage of UFC in 2007 and several new international stars that have been signed.
We've also got more on how UFC DVD's have been doing of late and Randy Couture's business dealings.
We've got more on Pride's gimmick idea for its next PPV and more on Pride's PPV business.
We also have more on K-1 plans for 2007, including a gimmick of trying to sign a former member of the Los Angeles Dodgers as well as a junior high school student.
We've got more on the IFL's new TV deal and when it is slated to air. We've got HBO copying UFC's successful idea to attempt to break all-time buy rate records this year, as well as more no de la Hoya vs. Mayweather live ticket sales.
We've got more on the EXC debut and the Showtime special hyping it, as well as the lawsuit from the main event. We've got more on the crazy IFL stock as well as EXC stock, and more details on EXC's first and second broadcast.
We also have more on tons of ex-UFC stars and even a former WWE wrestler, and two other former pro wrestlers who are on the next Bodog tapings.
If you are a new subscriber ordering 25 or more issues, you can also get a free classic issue of the Observer sent to you today. With a 41 issue order, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. Just send your Visa or Master Card order with your name, address, phone number, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to hsmeltzer@juno.com or you can order by faxing that information to 408-244-3402. You can also subscribe via paypal at www.paypal.com and using the hsmeltzer@juno.com address or subscribe via check, cash or money order, as well as credit card, by mail, by sending to Wrestling Observer Newsletter, P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228.
New subscribers ordering 25 or 41 issues have to let us know what major story (ies) of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we'll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We've got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.
Our most requested issues in our history are November 17, 1997 (full details of everything leading to the most famous wrestling match finish of modern times at the Survivor Series plus a history of in-ring double-crosses), December 21, 1998 (the complete Vince McMahon-Bret Hart conversation right before the Survivor Series match so you'll know exactly what was said--the conversation played in edited form both on the inaugural broadcast of Confidential as well as in Wrestling with Shadows, but everything that was said between the two about the match that was going to take place that same night), August 1, 1994 (the most detailed coverage anywhere of the Vince McMahon steroid trial, an issue praised in numerous newspaper article and Sex, Lies and Headlocks), March 26, 2001 (death of WCW and history of pro wrestling on the Turner networks), October 22, 2001 (why the adult audience has left pro wrestling in such great numbers and what needed to have been done to save them), July 8, 1991 (Ric Flair leaves WCW as world champion/Zahorian steroid trial), February 8, 1993 (the life and times of Andre the Giant), May 13, 2002 (the life story of the most incredible pro wrestling career ever, a look at Lou Thesz, in one of the largest issues of our history), January 27, 2003 (part one of the two-part series covering the career and life of The Sheik), February 3, 2003 (Part two on The Sheik including thoughts from people who worked with him and where he stands historically), March 24, 2003 (history of the WWWF title, inside behind the Sammartino, Backlund and Backlund era), April 21, 2003 (history of WWF continues with the expansion nationally, the death of the regional territories and the rise of Hulk Hogan), May 12, 2003 (The life and death of Elizabeth, and the rise of fall of Lex Luger), June 9, 2003 (Part 1 of history of WWF vs. WCW wars and what many say was the greatest year in U.S. wrestling; plus a look at Fred Blassie), June 16, 2003 (Freddie Blassie through the eyes of his biggest rivals and friends), July 28, 2003 (Part 2 of the history of the WWF vs. WCW war and the plans to
make new superstars in the early 90s, what happened, and the night where the three biggest wrestling companies in the world combined for a joint show and what happened), August 25, 2003 (2003 Hall of Fame issue with huge profiles on the controversial career of Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit as well as historical features on Earl Caddock and Francisco Flores), September 15, 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) and 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 Bower, 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) and January 22, 2007 (2007 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas) .
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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, Andre the Giant, Curt Hennig, Johnny Valentine, Davey Boy Smith, Terry Gordy, Owen Hart, Stu Hart, Gorilla Monsoon, The Sheik and Tim Woods. 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 for shipping costs in the U.S., $8 for shipping costs to Canada and $10 for shipping costs outside North America. You can order the book the same way you order the newsletter.
--Raw will be airing from 2-4 a.m. late Monday night in the U.K., the same time as in Canada (one hour tape delay) for the show that doesn't air until Thursday in the U.S.
--Ratings for cable for last week. USA won again with a 2.1 average rating to TNT's 1.7. MTV was No. 15 at 0.9. Sci-Fi was No. 18 at 0.9. Spike was No. 19 at 0.8. Raw was No. 1 and No. 3 last week with Angels Fall on Lifetime at No. 2. In the demo ratings, Raw was No. 2 and No. 6 in 18-34. Top Chef on Bravo was No. 1. In 18-49, Raw was No. 1 and No. 3, with Top Chef at No. 2. In 25-54, Raw was No. 1 and No. 3 with Top Chef at no. 2
--Updated No Way Out show on 2/18 from Staples Center is Undertaker & Batista vs. John Cena & Shawn Michaels, Paul London & Brian Kendrick vs. MNM vs. Hardys vs. William Regal & David Taylor in a ladder match for the tag titles, Fit Finlay vs. Boogeyman and Kane vs. King Booker. Perhaps Chris Benoit vs. Mr. Kennedy since they are odd men out in the current line-up.
--There will be a Chris Jericho music video airing Monday night at the end of the TNA two hour special
--For the week ending 1/28 in the U.K., Raw on Thursday did 81,000 viewers (down 16%) Friday replay did 47,000 (down 18%). Smackdown on Friday drew 117,000 (up 13%) and the morning replay on Saturday drew 52,000 (down 10%). ECW on Thursday drew 40,00 (up 21%). A WWE special on Roddy Piper drew 42,000 on Sunday leading up to the Royal Rumble. (thanks to Ian Hamilton)
--Northeast Wrestling on 3/10 in Torrington, CT with Jerry Lawler, Jim Neidhart and a Samoa Joe vs. Xavier vs. Jay Lethal three-way. 3/16in Danbury CT, has Lawler vs. Jonathan Coachman, A.J. Styles vs. Samoa Joe and Xavier vs. Jay Lethal in a TLC match.
--Poll on Raw for Monday night
Excellent 40.6%
Good 41.7%
Average 9.8%
Fair 3.4%
Poor 4.5%
20.1% of those responding didn't see the show. I think that's the best marks Raw has ever done in our poll.
--Unpredictable Wrestling on 2/24 at Gleason's Gym in Brooklyn hosted by The Unpredictable Johnny Rodz
--Newsweek has a story on "Armed and Famous," which is a little late, at www.msnbc.com
--The National Post in Canada has a story on Trish Stratus at www.canada.com/nationalpost/ doing a Q&A. Se said Erik Estrada never put the moves on her and talked about her time being an officer in Muncie.
--One of the New York papers had a story on the UFC clearing WWOR in syndication for next season. The story by Don Kaplan noted UFC is illegal to be held in New York because "The UFC allowed, even promoted, all notions of bad sportsmanship: Kicking a man when he's down, hitting him in the groin and choking. But the league was overhauled in 2000 when it was taken over by new owners. Since then, its dangerous free-for-all style has been replaced by though rules that have transformed matches into sanctioned fights."
--This is regarding DirecTV and WWE 24/7. DirecTV doesn't offer on-demand service to order programming. DirecTV doesn't have anything in place to make 24/7 work. (thanks to Michael Bowes)
--There is a Strike Force minor show on Saturday night in San Jose at the old Civic Auditorium called Young Guns, featuring only people who have had less than five fights.
--Gladiator Challenge on 3/31 at Kezar Pavilion in San Francisco with no big name fighters
--Monday night in Puebla before a sellout 5,500 fans: SWAT & King Jaguar b Murcielago & Ares el Guerrero, Asturiano & Centella de Oro & Tiger b Siki Ozama & Fuerza Chicana & Espiritu Maligno-DQ, Cien Caras Jr. & Valiente & Virus b Shigeo Okumura & Emilio Charles Jr. & Dr. X, Dos Caras Jr. & Negro Casas & Furia Chicana (subbing for Shocker, who no-showed the third week in a row in this city) b Atlantis & Ultimo Guerrero & Alex Koslov, El Texano Jr. b Maniac Cop in a hair vs. hair match, Averno b Volador Jr. to keep the CMLL middleweight title (thanks to Steve "Dr. Lucha" Sims)
--Bill Goldberg's appearance on Law & Order SVU aired last night. He played a guy crazed on PCP. (thanks to Timothy Hervey and others)
--The IFL's 4/13 show at the Mohegan Sun will air that night on a few hour tape delay on FSN. IFL's Friday night FSN series starts on 2/23 for those of you who think there isn't enough MMA on television.
--There will be eight hours of UFC programming airing on Spike this coming Saturday. Imagine that.
--A correction on yesterday's report on Sgt. Slaughter at the Arizona Sundogs game. It was actually the planted fan who took off his T-shirt and had a visiting team shirt on who went heel, leading to Slaughter putting him out with the cobra clutch.
--American Combat Wrestling from last night in New Port Richey, FL: Shan Hall & Twizted Vengeance b Austin Amadeus & Nick Fame, Steve Madison b Ricky Romeo, Nooie Lee NC Jaison Moore, Sedrick Strong & Joshua Masters b Sideshow & Dany Only, Eddie Taurus b Big Daddy Pimp (thanks to Alan Wojcik)
--Sunday results from Tuxtla Gutierrez: Flash & Rey Chameleon b Angel de Oro & Blue Tiger, Charly Galan b La Garra, Los Huracanes Negros I & II b Huracan Ramriez & Huracan Ramirez Jr., Blue Panther & Tarot Magico b Aliado & El Terrible, Perro Aguayo Jr. & Hector Garza b Atlantis & Ultimo Guerrero
--Tonight in Oaxaca has the Super X Monster title with La Parka vs. Cibernetico (thanks to Kris Zellner)
--Jerry Lawler, Brickhouse Brown, Ricky Morton, Bobby Eaton, Don Bass and Ken Wayne headline Saturday night in Savannah, TN at the Fair Grounds Expo Building billed as TV taping.
--Defiant Pro Wrestling has two shows on Saturday at the Portuguese Club in Naugatuck, CT. There will be both a women's show and a men's show.
--Brew City Wrestling on 2/19 in Waukesha, WI at the AMF Lanes and 2/10 in Coal City, IL at the Diamond Banquet Hall. Tracy Brooks appears on 2/16 in Stanford, IL for MSPW. Brooks and Necro Butcher appear for Insane Championship Wreslting at the Sports Connection in Milwaukee on 2/17
--In the CHIKARA trios tournament, the 2/16 show in Hellerton, PA has Icarus & Gran Akuma & Chuck Taylor vs. Patriot & USApe & Jay Jaillet, Los Ice Crams vs Ultramantis Black & Hydra & Crossbones, Miyawaki & Yoshiaki Yago & Kudo vs. Nobutaka Moribe & American Balloon & Danshoku Dino and The Thomasellis vs. Larry Sweeney & Robbie Ellis & Mitch Ryder. The other eight teams have their first matches on 2/17 in Barnesville, PA with the finals at the Alhambra in Philadelphia on 2/18
--Joe Rogan was on the Penn Jillette show on CBS Radio on Monday claiming the moon landing was a hoax. I think JBL may have beaten him when it comes to pop culture knowledge (thanks to Kenny Peskin)
--IWA East Coast tonight in South Charleston, WV at the Community Center with Jerry Lynn vs. Mike Quackenbush, plus Mad Man Pondo in a light tubes match, Chris Hero vs. Kudo and Danshoku Dino from DDT appears
--Eastern Pro Wreslting on 2/24 at the Moosup, CT VFW Hall
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The Road to Wrestlemania is our lead story in this week's jumbo-sized issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. We also have special rates for new subscribers only, for the next week. These rates would start with Monday's issue. The 2007 Hall of Fame issue is now completely sold out, which means we have to print extras and it can only be ordered as a back issue. If you do get a long subscription, you can get that issue as one of your free issues.
Our story has an update on Wrestlemania plans, as well as the state of WWE leading into Wrestlemania. We look at the matches changed, the updated Donald Trump plans, when the Shawn Michaels plans changed, as well as a complete rundown of the Royal Rumble and the major stories coming out of the match. We've got poll results, match-by-match coverage with star ratings, all the complete eliminations and trivia.
We also have a history piece on Royal Rumble, including the myth perpetuated about when the idea of the Royal Rumble was born, the first Royal Rumble that nobody talks about, winners and who they eliminated for all 20 previous Royal Rumble shows (yes, there were 20, not 19), as well as why the Rumble as a major January event was truly born, and where the concept actually came from. We also look at the unique stories regarding several Royal Rumble finishes that didn't go exactly as first planned.
We have a complete look at the real reasons why the biggest star in the history of the promotion, Samoa Joe won't be appearing as a regular for ROH after 3/4.
We also have a feature on Doug Gentry, who was one of the real founders of the ROH promotion, who passed away this past week. We have a look at how he got into wrestling and his life within wrestling.
We also have full coverage of Ultimate Fight Night from Florida, including the Sean Salmon knockout, ratings match-by-match and why the rating ended up being what it was. We also look at how Pro's vs. Joe's that followed did. We also look at how the show did for Spike as compared to everything else on television. We've also got match coverage and how much everyone earned for the fights, including bonuses.
We also have an update on what seems to have been the greatest thing to ever happen to WWE, another one of WWE's stars looks to be leaving, and a lot more WWE reactions and lack thereof to both WSX and the success of UFC.
We've got a feature on Kid Yamamoto's comeback to wrestling, his injury, and how much media coverage it got, including television ratings for what is likely to be the single most watched wrestling match in Japan in 2007, and likely beating out any U.S. match as well. We also look at other pro wrestling tie-ins at the Japanese amateur championships.
We also have a feature on the debut of Wrestling Society X, including a look at storylines, production, ratings, top stars and what kind of potential the product looks to have.
We also have our usual look at the ratings, results from the major league arena shows over the past week, as well as major TV show coverage.
Each usual weekly issue of the Observer ranges from 25,000 to 35,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA all over the world. Every weekly 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 25th year of being the leading insider pro wrestling publication in the world. The biggest and most influential names in the industry, both from bookers, to promoters to Hall of Fame wrestlers and fighters to the biggest current names, both on camera, and behind the scenes, along with thousands of readers in all 50 states and 30 countries subscribe. Many have subscribed as long as 20 years or more straight. They get the most detailed and inside coverage of what is going on all over the world and an accuracy from having the most inside sources that can't be found on the web. Everyone from Wall Street to the major offices to the TV networks in U.S. and Japan turn to the Observer for what is going on in the business.
We've got notes on a fired WWE performer accusing another performer of getting her fired with a crazy rambling, an update on WWE movies, a night of major competition for ECW, Best selling DVDs, Lots of new developmental stuff, as well as a major interview with a recently fired WWE star, Psicosis, talking about his firing and his future including TNA and the Mexican promotions. We look at a wrestler switching brands, another whose push has been slowed, a very nice gesture by Vince McMahon, and two different wrestlers from other promotions practically slap their promotion in the face by saying they would rather be working for Vince McMahon.
We've also got updates from Arena Mexico, the build for a gigantic show in Mexico featuring many huge returns, a wreslting promoter given a major honor, and notes about how popular pro wrestling is in Mexico.
We've got an update on the next major all Japan show, featuring a former major WWF star debuting and bringing back of the tag team titles. We also look at an ROH star who debuts in a title match for NOAH in a few weeks. We've got more on Kurt Angle's New Japan debut, as well as notes on New Japan's business and more on the Tokyo Dome show.
We also have a look at a promotion talking about bringing back four of the greatest legends of the past 30 years to Japan for a Legends group. We also have notes on an international star talking about retirement, someone who was talked about from the start of his very short career as being a potential NWA champion, and it's actually a secret they even wrestled professionally, who is being honored by amateur wrestling this year. We also have a feature on the St. Louis pro wrestling Hall of Fame and results of the first year balloting. We've got notes on a major honor bestowed to a member of this web site. We've got more acting updates on Dwayne Johnson. We've got details of a proposed book written by the wives of two Hall of Fame wrestlers.
We also have more on the death of "Armed and Famous," more on the acting career of Stacy Keibler, more on the Samoan wrestling family, WSX, Teddy Hart burning one bridge and about to torch a second, as well as a former WWE star who is part owner of pro sports team.
We've got complete notes on the ROH weekend shows including an interesting angle that people thought was more real than it was.
We've got more details on the TNA two-hour special on 2/12, update on the Against All Odds show, lots more Kurt Angle radio stuff, more on TNA's booking and lots of notes from the last TV taping.
We also have notes on three more drug test failures, and what they were for.
We've got more on where Ortiz-Liddell stands in all-time PPV history, tons of new UFC matches, behind the hype for upcoming shows and more on Versus.
We also have notes on the next states UFC is targeting, its major show plans for 2007, Tito Ortiz talks about the Liddell fight, as well as more on Ortiz's next planned fight. We've got notes on one of UFC's biggest stars signing a lucrative new deal, a commission nixes its rules so UFC will come in, a new UFC TV deal as well as more on media coverage of UFC in 2007 and several new international stars that have been signed.
We've also got more on how UFC DVD's have been doing of late and Randy Couture's business dealings.
We've got more on Pride's gimmick idea for its next PPV and more on Pride's PPV business.
We also have more on K-1 plans for 2007, including a gimmick of trying to sign a former member of the Los Angeles Dodgers as well as a junior high school student.
We've got more on the IFL's new TV deal and when it is slated to air. We've got HBO copying UFC's successful idea to attempt to break all-time buy rate records this year, as well as more no de la Hoya vs. Mayweather live ticket sales.
We've got more on the EXC debut and the Showtime special hyping it, as well as the lawsuit from the main event. We've got more on the crazy IFL stock as well as EXC stock, and more details on EXC's first and second broadcast.
We also have more on tons of ex-UFC stars and even a former WWE wrestler, and two other former pro wrestlers who are on the next Bodog tapings.
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New subscribers ordering 25 or 41 issues have to let us know what major story (ies) of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we'll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We've got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.
Our most requested issues in our history are November 17, 1997 (full details of everything leading to the most famous wrestling match finish of modern times at the Survivor Series plus a history of in-ring double-crosses), December 21, 1998 (the complete Vince McMahon-Bret Hart conversation right before the Survivor Series match so you'll know exactly what was said--the conversation played in edited form both on the inaugural broadcast of Confidential as well as in Wrestling with Shadows, but everything that was said between the two about the match that was going to take place that same night), August 1, 1994 (the most detailed coverage anywhere of the Vince McMahon steroid trial, an issue praised in numerous newspaper article and Sex, Lies and Headlocks), March 26, 2001 (death of WCW and history of pro wrestling on the Turner networks), October 22, 2001 (why the adult audience has left pro wrestling in such great numbers and what needed to have been done to save them), July 8, 1991 (Ric Flair leaves WCW as world champion/Zahorian steroid trial), February 8, 1993 (the life and times of Andre the Giant), May 13, 2002 (the life story of the most incredible pro wrestling career ever, a look at Lou Thesz, in one of the largest issues of our history), January 27, 2003 (part one of the two-part series covering the career and life of The Sheik), February 3, 2003 (Part two on The Sheik including thoughts from people who worked with him and where he stands historically), March 24, 2003 (history of the WWWF title, inside behind the Sammartino, Backlund and Backlund era), April 21, 2003 (history of WWF continues with the expansion nationally, the death of the regional territories and the rise of Hulk Hogan), May 12, 2003 (The life and death of Elizabeth, and the rise of fall of Lex Luger), June 9, 2003 (Part 1 of history of WWF vs. WCW wars and what many say was the greatest year in U.S. wrestling; plus a look at Fred Blassie), June 16, 2003 (Freddie Blassie through the eyes of his biggest rivals and friends), July 28, 2003 (Part 2 of the history of the WWF vs. WCW war and the plans to
make new superstars in the early 90s, what happened, and the night where the three biggest wrestling companies in the world combined for a joint show and what happened), August 25, 2003 (2003 Hall of Fame issue with huge profiles on the controversial career of Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit as well as historical features on Earl Caddock and Francisco Flores), September 15, 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) and 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 Bower, 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) and January 22, 2007 (2007 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas) .
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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, Andre the Giant, Curt Hennig, Johnny Valentine, Davey Boy Smith, Terry Gordy, Owen Hart, Stu Hart, Gorilla Monsoon, The Sheik and Tim Woods. 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 for shipping costs in the U.S., $8 for shipping costs to Canada and $10 for shipping costs outside North America. You can order the book the same way you order the newsletter.
--Raw will be airing from 2-4 a.m. late Monday night in the U.K., the same time as in Canada (one hour tape delay) for the show that doesn't air until Thursday in the U.S.
--Ratings for cable for last week. USA won again with a 2.1 average rating to TNT's 1.7. MTV was No. 15 at 0.9. Sci-Fi was No. 18 at 0.9. Spike was No. 19 at 0.8. Raw was No. 1 and No. 3 last week with Angels Fall on Lifetime at No. 2. In the demo ratings, Raw was No. 2 and No. 6 in 18-34. Top Chef on Bravo was No. 1. In 18-49, Raw was No. 1 and No. 3, with Top Chef at No. 2. In 25-54, Raw was No. 1 and No. 3 with Top Chef at no. 2
--Updated No Way Out show on 2/18 from Staples Center is Undertaker & Batista vs. John Cena & Shawn Michaels, Paul London & Brian Kendrick vs. MNM vs. Hardys vs. William Regal & David Taylor in a ladder match for the tag titles, Fit Finlay vs. Boogeyman and Kane vs. King Booker. Perhaps Chris Benoit vs. Mr. Kennedy since they are odd men out in the current line-up.
--There will be a Chris Jericho music video airing Monday night at the end of the TNA two hour special
--For the week ending 1/28 in the U.K., Raw on Thursday did 81,000 viewers (down 16%) Friday replay did 47,000 (down 18%). Smackdown on Friday drew 117,000 (up 13%) and the morning replay on Saturday drew 52,000 (down 10%). ECW on Thursday drew 40,00 (up 21%). A WWE special on Roddy Piper drew 42,000 on Sunday leading up to the Royal Rumble. (thanks to Ian Hamilton)
--Northeast Wrestling on 3/10 in Torrington, CT with Jerry Lawler, Jim Neidhart and a Samoa Joe vs. Xavier vs. Jay Lethal three-way. 3/16in Danbury CT, has Lawler vs. Jonathan Coachman, A.J. Styles vs. Samoa Joe and Xavier vs. Jay Lethal in a TLC match.
--Poll on Raw for Monday night
Excellent 40.6%
Good 41.7%
Average 9.8%
Fair 3.4%
Poor 4.5%
20.1% of those responding didn't see the show. I think that's the best marks Raw has ever done in our poll.
--Unpredictable Wrestling on 2/24 at Gleason's Gym in Brooklyn hosted by The Unpredictable Johnny Rodz
--Newsweek has a story on "Armed and Famous," which is a little late, at www.msnbc.com
--The National Post in Canada has a story on Trish Stratus at www.canada.com/nationalpost/ doing a Q&A. Se said Erik Estrada never put the moves on her and talked about her time being an officer in Muncie.
--One of the New York papers had a story on the UFC clearing WWOR in syndication for next season. The story by Don Kaplan noted UFC is illegal to be held in New York because "The UFC allowed, even promoted, all notions of bad sportsmanship: Kicking a man when he's down, hitting him in the groin and choking. But the league was overhauled in 2000 when it was taken over by new owners. Since then, its dangerous free-for-all style has been replaced by though rules that have transformed matches into sanctioned fights."
--This is regarding DirecTV and WWE 24/7. DirecTV doesn't offer on-demand service to order programming. DirecTV doesn't have anything in place to make 24/7 work. (thanks to Michael Bowes)
--There is a Strike Force minor show on Saturday night in San Jose at the old Civic Auditorium called Young Guns, featuring only people who have had less than five fights.
--Gladiator Challenge on 3/31 at Kezar Pavilion in San Francisco with no big name fighters
--Monday night in Puebla before a sellout 5,500 fans: SWAT & King Jaguar b Murcielago & Ares el Guerrero, Asturiano & Centella de Oro & Tiger b Siki Ozama & Fuerza Chicana & Espiritu Maligno-DQ, Cien Caras Jr. & Valiente & Virus b Shigeo Okumura & Emilio Charles Jr. & Dr. X, Dos Caras Jr. & Negro Casas & Furia Chicana (subbing for Shocker, who no-showed the third week in a row in this city) b Atlantis & Ultimo Guerrero & Alex Koslov, El Texano Jr. b Maniac Cop in a hair vs. hair match, Averno b Volador Jr. to keep the CMLL middleweight title (thanks to Steve "Dr. Lucha" Sims)
--Bill Goldberg's appearance on Law & Order SVU aired last night. He played a guy crazed on PCP. (thanks to Timothy Hervey and others)
--The IFL's 4/13 show at the Mohegan Sun will air that night on a few hour tape delay on FSN. IFL's Friday night FSN series starts on 2/23 for those of you who think there isn't enough MMA on television.
--There will be eight hours of UFC programming airing on Spike this coming Saturday. Imagine that.
--A correction on yesterday's report on Sgt. Slaughter at the Arizona Sundogs game. It was actually the planted fan who took off his T-shirt and had a visiting team shirt on who went heel, leading to Slaughter putting him out with the cobra clutch.
--American Combat Wrestling from last night in New Port Richey, FL: Shan Hall & Twizted Vengeance b Austin Amadeus & Nick Fame, Steve Madison b Ricky Romeo, Nooie Lee NC Jaison Moore, Sedrick Strong & Joshua Masters b Sideshow & Dany Only, Eddie Taurus b Big Daddy Pimp (thanks to Alan Wojcik)
--Sunday results from Tuxtla Gutierrez: Flash & Rey Chameleon b Angel de Oro & Blue Tiger, Charly Galan b La Garra, Los Huracanes Negros I & II b Huracan Ramriez & Huracan Ramirez Jr., Blue Panther & Tarot Magico b Aliado & El Terrible, Perro Aguayo Jr. & Hector Garza b Atlantis & Ultimo Guerrero
--Tonight in Oaxaca has the Super X Monster title with La Parka vs. Cibernetico (thanks to Kris Zellner)
--Jerry Lawler, Brickhouse Brown, Ricky Morton, Bobby Eaton, Don Bass and Ken Wayne headline Saturday night in Savannah, TN at the Fair Grounds Expo Building billed as TV taping.
--Defiant Pro Wrestling has two shows on Saturday at the Portuguese Club in Naugatuck, CT. There will be both a women's show and a men's show.
--Brew City Wrestling on 2/19 in Waukesha, WI at the AMF Lanes and 2/10 in Coal City, IL at the Diamond Banquet Hall. Tracy Brooks appears on 2/16 in Stanford, IL for MSPW. Brooks and Necro Butcher appear for Insane Championship Wreslting at the Sports Connection in Milwaukee on 2/17
--In the CHIKARA trios tournament, the 2/16 show in Hellerton, PA has Icarus & Gran Akuma & Chuck Taylor vs. Patriot & USApe & Jay Jaillet, Los Ice Crams vs Ultramantis Black & Hydra & Crossbones, Miyawaki & Yoshiaki Yago & Kudo vs. Nobutaka Moribe & American Balloon & Danshoku Dino and The Thomasellis vs. Larry Sweeney & Robbie Ellis & Mitch Ryder. The other eight teams have their first matches on 2/17 in Barnesville, PA with the finals at the Alhambra in Philadelphia on 2/18
--Joe Rogan was on the Penn Jillette show on CBS Radio on Monday claiming the moon landing was a hoax. I think JBL may have beaten him when it comes to pop culture knowledge (thanks to Kenny Peskin)
--IWA East Coast tonight in South Charleston, WV at the Community Center with Jerry Lynn vs. Mike Quackenbush, plus Mad Man Pondo in a light tubes match, Chris Hero vs. Kudo and Danshoku Dino from DDT appears
--Eastern Pro Wreslting on 2/24 at the Moosup, CT VFW Hall
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