dave@wrestlingobserver.com
We're looking for reports from Raw tonight in Hartford with dark matches and Superstars matches, attendance and anything else not notable from watching the live event at dave@wrestlingobserver.com Main event is Sheamus vs. John Cena for the WWE title with Timbaland as guest host. The most important aspect of the show will be how well they build up the head-to-head show a week from tonight with Bret Hart a guest host.
We're looking for reports on today's WWE Raw show in Buffalo and Smackdown show in Raleigh at dave@wrestlingobserver.com
Smackdown and ECW are taped on Tuesday in East Rutherford, NJ at the Izod Center. Raw will run in Manchester, NH.
Wednesday night is a tri-branded show in Syracuse at the Carrier Dome.
The first Japanese New Year's Eve show that will air live to the U.S. is on Wednesday night/Thursday morning at 3 a.m. Eastern (midnight Pacific) from the Saitama Super Arena.
With detailed looks at UFC, TNA and Strikeforce going forward, we've got two issues of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter out this week.
We've got updates on who has signed with TNA and what is holding up other signings. We look at the plans for the next several months in both UFC and Strikeforce, including the main matches planned, as well as exclusive info on a number of UFC live events including major market debuts and the beginning of different TV deals.
We look at the big shows from recent weeks and business, including UFC 107, WWE Tribute to the Troops, WEC and Strikeforce's most recent shows, as well as show reviews and poll results.
The first issue of next week is available now to premium subscribers on the web site. The second will be available tomorrow. You can also get the Observer mailed to your home with details below.
We look at the lessons UFC 107 seems to have taught, where the show did well, and updates on Brock Lesnar.
We rundown Strikeforce Evolution and why it was one of the best shows of the year, looking at the Cung Le vs. Scott Smith and Gilbert Melendez vs. Josh Thomson matches as well as how Strikeforce has changed and how the crowds have changed, and why San Jose will likely never draw what it has done in the past.
We look at the booking of future Strikeforce events, the appealing to the hardcores and masses to extremes, along with lots of matchmaking ideas. We look at how every match on the show drew ratings wise and how much the fighters earned on the show.
We look at the final pro wrestling PPV event of 2009, TNA's Final Resolution, looking at the key stories, match-by-match coverage and star ratings.
We also have full coverage of the 2009 Super J Cup.
We've got a feature on Tommy Dreamer's career with his leaving WWE, including his glory days and role in the original ECW as well as his WWE tenure.
We've got more on WWE signing its new video game deal and how the 2010 game is doing, more on Mike Tyson in WWE and the 1/11 head-to-head showdown with UFC, an update on Jim Ross' contract situation and his decision making process, an update on Shane McMahon and why there was controversy about Barack Obama appearing on Tribute to the Troops.
Linda McMahon also talks her family's bankruptcy in the 70s, more on her background, a look back at the original WWE booking meeting plans when it came to trying to get Bret Hart to wrestle in the 2006 WrestleMania, as well as a dream match for that show, and a nightmare match, that never happened.
We also look at a new name surfacing for the 2009 WWE Hall of Fame.
We also look at the controversial issue of people streaming PPV shows on the Internet, including Lorenzo Fertitta's testifying before Congress on the subject. We look at the hearing and the various facts of the subject, including if it is costing producers money, long-term effects, is the psychology of those defending streaming valid in the business world. We look at the viewing habits of PPV events, what percentage of UFC revenue comes from PPV, Lorenzo Fertitta's estimates of the number of people who streamed the show illegally, Justin.tv's role in all this and Fertitta's response.
We also have our updated WWE and TNA business charts, looking at live attendance, live gates, sellouts, television ratings and PPV numbers so you can see if the companies are going up, down or staying even.
We also have a look at the ratings for all the major pro
wrestling and MMA shows on television over the past week.
We also have our usual weekly features such as the results of the
biggest matches of the week and rundown of the major television shows.
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 27th 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
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. 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 send your Visa or Master Card order with your name, address,
phone number, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to
dave@wrestlingobserver.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 dave@wrestlingobserver.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.
Also in this week's issues:
–Business in Mexico
–Future of the world's oldest wrestling promotion
–Unique CMLL tournament
–Juventud Guerrera resurfaces
–Mexico ratings
–Final AAA TV tapings of 2009
–More on Guerra de Titanes
–What wrestler refused to adhere to the stipulations of a match
–Return of Booker T and it's not where you'd expect
–All Japan upcoming title matches
–Former WWE star debuting with All Japan
–Notes on NOAH's 2010 tag team tournament
–A huge match with major stips scheduled for October
–More awards for 2009
–Quebec wrestling Hall of Fame
–Famous California wrestling story
–Mainstream acceptance of UFC
–Highest rated non-Japanese MMA match
–Edge talks his future
–What wrestlers appeared the most at the Spectrum
–Former WWE wrestler rips the promotion and how it looks at talent
–MVP talks about his fondness for pot and his trip to Iraq
–Behind the Michael Cole remarks on Jim Ross
–Business notes on all the 2008 PPV events
–WWE developmental news updates
–TNA's promotion of Jan. 4
–Discussion of Scott Hall in TNA
–People coming and going from TNA
–Updates on Bobby Lashley's MMA career and pro wrestling career
–What happened with TNA in Australia
–New TNA television show
–TNA vs. ECW
–Why TNA contacted the AAA office about one of its wrestlers
–Business notes on Ultimate Fighter finals
–Advance business at upcoming major UFC events
–Notes on the UFC's debut on Versus and the first main event
–Sites for a number of upcoming UFC events
–Notes on the next WEC show
–Changes in upcoming UFC lineups
–More on airing prelims on free TV before PPV shows
–B.J. Penn talks his new contract terms
–Pride returns to television
–Penn's trainer accuses GSP of steroids
–Firing of UFC ring card girls
–Date of Vancouver debut
–Former NCAA champion signs with UFC
–Former UFC fighter goes crazy and drives into the front of a casino
–Updated New Year's Eve matches
–Update on Sakuraba
New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 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 18 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
moonsault@mediaplusint.com. 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 also 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.
–Some clarifications on the FOX/Time Warner issue. It is FOX, not Time Warner, which is pulling its content from Time Warner Cable on Friday if a new deal isn't reached where TWC pays FOX $1 per subscriber to keep the Fox Channels (FOX Network, FX, Fox News, Fox Sports Net and several MyNetwork affiliates). There is real pressure in Dallas because Time Warner customers in Dallas won't see the Cowboys game on Sunday unless this dispute is settled. Actually, there will be major pressure in every Time Warner market. In both Los Angeles and New York, Smackdown would not on Time Warner cable this Friday unless the dispute is settled.
–My story on the ten biggest MMA stories of 2009 is at http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=dm-mmatops122809 priv=yahoo type=lg ns
–WWE is advertising Rey Mysterio vs. Batista as the dark match street fight for tomorrow night's Smackdown/ECW tapings at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, NJ. Undertaker's name was pulled from advertising on the show and they are pushing that great seats are still available, which is unusual for what has been the annual Christmas week show in the arena, which has been almost always one of WWE's best drawing events of the year.
–Thoughts on Pacquiao-Mayweather controversy
Pacquiao is afraid of real drug testing 40.7%
The current drug testing is good enough, Mayweather is playing mind games 17.8%
Mayweather is looking for a way out of the fight 14.9%
Both sides are working together to drum up publicity 12.4%
Current drug testing is flawed, we all know that, Mayweather is violating kayfabe by letting it out 11.9%
Pacquiao is looking for a way out of the fight 2.3%
–Best TV show of the past week
Smackdown 47.3%
ROH 18.8%
Inside MMA 10.7%
Raw 9.8%
AAA 7.1%
ECW 5.4%
Superstars 0.9%
–Biggest show this week
K-1/Dream on New Year's Eve 38.7%
New Japan at the Tokyo Dome 31.3%
UFC 108 30.0%
–Who trumped who on Jan. 4
WWE getting Bret Hart 86.9%
TNA getting Hulk Hogan and Scott Hall 13.1%
–Not sure what this is about, but Global TV, which airs ECW on Friday nights in Canada, has two episodes of Entertainment Tonight in the usual ECW time slot. (thanks to Paul Fontaine)
–John Cena is headed to ESPN headquarters to film a bunch of shows tomorrow. He'll appear tomorrow night on College Football Live on ESPN at 4 p.m. Eastern, and will also appear on ESPN First Take on ESPN 2 tomorrow, and ESPN News tomorrow. This is all to promote his being at the Fiesta Bowl on 1/4, which means he will not be at next week's Raw.
–Countdown to UFC 108 airs Tuesday night at 11 p.m. on Spike. It'll repeat Wednesday night at midnight. The rest of the Spike stuff has the Roger Huerta vs. Clay Guida match airing as part of a three-hour show at Noon at 12/31. At 3 p.m. will be the last Ultimate Fighter final headlined by Roy Nelson vs. Brendan Schaub. Interesting that Spike's own press release mentions three fights on the show but not Kimbo vs. Houston Alexander. There will be a Rich Franklin special Unleashed at 6 p.m. on Thursday as the lead-in for Impact. Thiago Silva vs. Keith Jardine headlines Unleashed at 7 p.m. on Saturday. Rashad Evans vs. Chuck Liddell headlines Unleashed at 8 p.m. on Saturday as a lead-in to one hour live from Las Vegas for UFC 108, featuring Dan Lauzon vs. Cole Miller and Jacob Volkmann vs. Martin Kampmann.
–The 2009 WEC match of the year special which is a must-see if you haven't seen the fights, airs Wednesday night at 8 p.m. on Versus. There is also a New Year's Eve Marathon of WEC starting at 2 p.m. on Thursday featuring the biggest shows and fights of the year, highlighted by the match of the year special repeating at 9 p.m.
–TNA's four-hour Impact on New Year's Eve will feature the three best PPV matches of 2009 as either chosen by fans or the office, as well as the one-night eight women's tournament for a shot at Tara's championship (title match is on the 1/4 show).
–The NFL Network has scheduled Full Color Football: The History of the AFL documentary (said to be great) for 1/8. It's the same one that originally aired on Showtime and includes clips of Ernie Ladd and Wahoo McDaniel in their football days.
–Global Championship Wrestling from Saturday night in Pell City, AL before 250 fans: Will Owens b Blake Christopher, Mr. Hughes A.R. Fox Super Shinobi b Thunderhouse Nasty Critters, Mike Jackson b Mike Posey (Jackson, who turned 60 on 11/10, is still defending his Alabama jr. title he's held for decades), Su Yung b Veronica Fairchild, Dennis Condrey b Corey Hillis, J.P. Magnum Theodore Twitter b Bob (now 70) Scott Armstrong, Road Dogg Dan Sawyer b Sgt. Hammer Howard Cross in a street fight. Next show is 1/2 in Palmerdale, AL at the Community Center (thanks to Larry Goodman)
–MCPW on 2/6 in Kalkaska, MI at the Civic Center
–The 12th anniversary of NWA Southwest will be 2/26 at the Richard Borchard Regional Fairgrounds in Robstown, TX, headlined by Blue Demon Jr. and Kevin Northcutt.
–An article on reader Richard Handley's latest fund raising effort is at http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/local/nederland_man_to_host_life-c hanging_fundraiser.html He is raising money for a hyperbaric chamber to treat his cerebral palsy, which may give him the ability to walk on his own.
–Pro Wrestling World 1 yesterday afternoon in a tournament for the World-1 tag titles: Ricky Reyes Ryan Sawyer b Sabian Erico, Shane Harris Tommy Thunda b Kid America Kevin Kannon, Alex Anthony Monster C b Steve Colby Corino, Chris Rockwell Roxie Cotton b Beast Chris Xion, Reyes Sawyer b Harris Thunda, Rockwell Cotton b Anthony Monster C, Nick Cutler b Jonathon Link, Reyes Sawyer b Rockwell Cotton to become the World-1 tag team champions
–Pro Wrestling World 1 evening show last night: Shane Harris b Chris Xion, Roxie Cotton b Corey Kastle, Sabian b Havoc, Chris Rockwell Tommy Thunda b Kid America Jonathon Link, Erico b Kevin Kannon, Beast b Nick Cutler, Steve Corino Ryan Sawyer Monster C b Ricky Reyes Alex Anthony Sean Haze
–Florida Championship Wrestling on 1/15 in Fort Myers, FL featuring autograph signings of Eve Torres and Goldust
–NWA Charlotte on 1/23 at the Metroline Expo Center headlined by Shatter vs. Caprice Coleman and Jimmy Rave vs. Sal Rinauro
–NYWC from Saturday night in Deer Park, NY: King Mega b Ryan Rush, Michael Mansfield b Tony Burma, Stockade Azrieal b Francis Stevens Syther, Dickie Rodz b Pat Buck, Papadon vs. Bruno Marciano vs. Quiet Storm was a draw, Naturally Fly Latinos b Dirty Rednex, Maverick b Kieran Mansfiled, Joey Braggiol b Alex Reynolds, Chris Kanyon b Blake Morris-DQ, Dan Eckos b John Silver. Next show is 1/30 in Deer Park, NY
–TWA Jimmy Cicero's show to bodyslam autism on 1/31 in Voorhees, NJ at the Flyers Skate Zone
–Info on Richard Berger's book A Fool for Old School..Wrestling, That is is at http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/a-fool-for-old-school-wrestlin g-that-is/6444598
–Wrestling and Respect on 1/16 in Lima, OH at the UAW Hall
–Firestorm Pro Wrestling on Wednesday night in Lakewood, OH at the Phantasy Theater with Necro Butcher and Colt Cabana as headliners
–The next Taichi Palace Fights are 2/4 in Lemoore, CA at the Taichi Palace Hotel and Casino headlined by Cole Escovedo defending his bantamweight title against Jeff Bedard, and former UFC fighter Hector Ramirez vs. former Strikeforce title contender Anthony Ruiz, plus on the show is Nam Phan (Sengoku), Manny Tapia (a former WEC title contender) and David The King Bollea, who is the nephew of Hulk Hogan.
–Tuff N Uff on 1/8 in Las Vegas at the Riviera Hotel
