Partial source: PWInsider.com

- Steve Austin’s “The Condemned� has now brought in $7,1093,581 in the past 18 days.

- Sabu was originally scheduled to lose to Kevin Thorn last night on ECW. His release from the company lead to ECW on Sci-Fi being rewritten. Nunzio ended up putting Thorn over instead.

- The reason the Snitsky promos have been airing on RAW is Snitsky may be heading over to the RAW brand to challenge John Cena for the WWE Title.

Today is the final day for our polls on both UFC 63 PPV, and TNA No Surrender PPV, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to dave@wrestlingobserver.com.

We’re looking for reports on tonight’s WWE Smackdown/ECW tapings from Tulsa. More than usual is being pushed, including John Cena & Batista & Bobby Lashley vs. King Booker & William Regal & Fit Finlay as the Smackdown main event. ECW is back live with Big Show vs. Sandman and RVD vs. Bob Holly in an extreme rules match.

We’re also looking for reports on last night’s ECW show in Fort Smith, AR.

We’re also looking for any reports on tonight’s Bodog show on The Men’s Outdoor and Recreation channel featuring a match with “Bronx role model” Karearm Ellington vs. “MBA intellectual” Mike Patt.

We’ve got one of the larger issues of the Wrestling Observer this week, bigger than our usual jumbo-sized issues, with the most detailed update on Kurt Angle including offers, exact plans a few promotions have for him (obviously not including the TNA news), who he may be very close to signing with and the specific match being worked on finalizing, as well as other companies on the trail. We’ve got specific offers, booking plans, matches that are most likely, matches proposed for him that won’t happen and why, and where things stand in both MMA and pro wrestling right now. This story is far more detailed than the other stories out there which are a week or two behind on the latest happenings in this. We also have WWE reaction, the economics and his real chances in MMA. We also look at the first time Angle agreed to do an MMA match, which was several years ago, what major name it was with, and why it ended up not happening.

This week’s issue is about 40,000 words of text, so almost the size of a usual double issue, but at single issue prices. It’s the stories everyone will be talking about next week, but you can get them ahead of the rest of the internet.

We also have details on what happened to Greg Gagne in WWE, as well as the plans for Marty Jannetty, Rodney Mack, Brad Armstrong and Henry Godwinn.

We also have more on Trish Stratus and her retirement, full coverage of Unforgiven, as well as the new members this year of our annual MMA Hall of Fame balloting. We also have complete details of the AAA vs. TNA show and the future of the two companies working together, as well as detailed covering of what is probably the biggest ROH show in history.

We’ve got a bio on Ricky Gibson, including lots of notes on his career, the memorable line Jimmy Hart did on a promo about him in Memphis, and why his career never reached the levels expected. We also look at the angle that originally made him in his first big territory, which many of you will find eerily familiar, and why he didn’t get a push in the major promotions.

We’ve got a look at the business of SummerSlam, with PPV both foreign and domestic, how much money this looks to be, as well as a look at how every show has done since the glory period, what show holds the record and where this year’s show should finish.

We also have a major look at TV ratings because we do, in fact, have a pattern. We look at what appears to be happening, why one show won’t be hurt as bad if this is the case, place a look at every segment on every major show of the past week, as well as Canadian ratings of WWE shows and more behind the Smackdown record lows.

We also have a lot more on the economics of the wrestling business. We have what WWE has recently paid to acquire new tape libraries, the real costs for “See No Evil” and “The Marine,” (different from what has been reported elsewhere), what “The Marine” needs to do in business, what is WWE’s current break-even on house shows and what the numbers are, as well as break-even on merchandise and PPV. We look at the economics of the new ECW division as well as business notes from Madison Square Garden’s return.

We also have results from all the major league house shows over the past week as well as details on the major TV shows.

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 24th 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 the Jim Ross Report, an injury and replacement in a role that nobody has noticed, Brooke Hogan’s record business update, who in developmental is getting high marks for charisma, as well as tons of updates on WWE developmental, looking at the talent there and how it is progressing. We’ve got all the WWE business notes from the past two weeks as well as house show highlights. We’ve got notes on a minor wrestler under contract leaving and why, as well as WWE going for record business this week in Mexico, and a new part of the world hot for WWE.

We’ve also got a look at the show that is expected to do CMLL’s biggest business in the history of the world’s oldest wrestling promotion and the headline match. We’ve got complete line-up for the show, a new honor bestowed upon Santo as well as a middleweight title change. We’ve also got AAA looking for one of the biggest stars of the past 25 years and where it stands, as well as an update on Vampiro’s promotion.

We also have an interesting freak show match in Japan with a former WWE pro wrestler who now is pushed in TNA facing a nationally ranked women’s amateur wrestler.

We also have notes on a fairly well known wrestler sentenced to six months in jail and the story behind it, and how this will affect his career.

We’ve got notes on the Hiroshi Hase retirement show as well as the Akiyama-Marufuji GHC title change.

We’ve got notes on a well known wrestler appearing in a movie with George Clooney and Brad Pitt, as well as a well known Japanese pro wrestler who is now serving in the national government and how this happened, as well as the 68-year-old Hall of Famer who sold out Osaka this past week.

We’ve got notes on how Gridiron Gang fared in its opening weekend, a look at the reviews and thoughts on them. We have more on New Jack at the Pro Wrestling Xplosion debut show, more on the early days of pro wrestling in Madison Square Garden, Joanie Laurer on early deaths of pro wrestlers, a funny story that only Hulk Hogan could have told, a wrestler now on pit crew for one of the best known drivers in the world, more on the Nick Hogan fire, as well as the son of a famous pro wrestler now making his name as a boxer. We also have notes on Angelo Dundee talking about Ali-Inoki and a strange incident at a TV taping over the weekend.

We also have notes regarding an ROH star leaving and what happened to cause the problems at the East Windsor show, as well as reports onthe matches.

We also have notes on a TNA angle shot in Mexico, TV after Bound for Glory, and lots more specials on Spike for UFC in upcoming weeks, including one patterned after WWE.

We also look at how this next WWE vs. UFC head-to-head cable battle is completely different form the first one.

We’ve got a funny media story regarding UFC history, as well as thoughts on the new matches on Pride’s first Las Vegas show, and how this show will be different than all but one or two MMA shows to date. We also look at Pride employing pro wrestling marketing tactics for the U.S. war, and a look at how mainstream Mirko Cro Cop has become in his home country.

We also look at the jump of a celebrity who actually drew the biggest rating of anyone on New Year’s Eve.

We’ve got more on Malice in the Palace, the supposed worked fight, as well as the TV announcer coming out of a short-lived retirement to main event on a show in just a few months. We have more on the return of Frank Shamrock, who it will be with, and names being looked at, as well as the MMA debut of the son of one of Japan’s all-time most famous pro wrestlers, that took place over the weekend.

If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can also get a free classic issue of the Observer sent to you today. With a 40 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 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 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) and 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). You can also order any of these issues on their own for $4 in North America or $5 overseas.

Rates for the Observer, are, in the United States, $11 for 4 weekly issues, $28 for 12, $54 for 24 and $90 for 40. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $12 for 4, $30 for 12, $57 for 24 and $95 for 40. 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 $14 for 4, $37 for 12, $72 for 24 and $120 for 40 issues. There is a $1 processing fee for all non-check or cash orders.

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.

–The 11/16 TNA debut in the 9 p.m. time slot on Spike will be a two-hour special.

–As things are now planned, ECW and UFC are not going head-to-head on 10/10. UFC is now scheduling its live special from Hollywood, FL with Tito Ortiz vs. Ken Shamrock from 8-10 p.m. Most UFC two hour specials seem to end up a few minutes long so there may be five minutes or so head-to-head.

–Smackdown did a 2.4 rating as the final number for the Friday night CW debut.

–They had advertised something big in the first ten minutes of Raw. Having seen Raw, I have no clue what that was supposed to have been.

–As noted yesterday, the Eric Bischoff appearance was scheduled as a one-time thing. That could always change.

–It is official that Friday night’s Arena Mexico anniversary show, which will be the biggest gate in the history of CMLL, headlined by Mistico vs. Black Warrior in a mask vs. mask match (even though everyone knows who is winning, which is Mistico), will be on PPV throughout Mexico. The show will also be closed circuited for those who can’t get into Arena Mexico in Arena Puebla for very cheap prices ($6.33 down to $2.72)

–Larry Zbyszko is doing an autobiography called “The Adventures of Larryland,” and is trying to sell rights for a film version of his life story. Good luck with that. (thanks to Jeff Sheridan)

–Poll on TNA signing Kurt Angle
Great move for the company 38.6%
Good for business but I wouldn’t have signed him due to the risk 31.5%
Won’t make a big difference in business but you have to try 14.7%
Won’t make a big difference in business and I wouldn’t have signed him 15.1%

–Kevin Nash and Billy Kidman were backstage at the TNA tapings last night.

–Pride will be releasing a Pride “On Demand” service on its U.S. web site similar to what UFC already does, where you can get many of Pride’s most historic fights for internet streaming for $1.99. This goes into effect on 10/15 on Pridefc.com. After that point, Pride will also stream its shows live on an internet PPV basis through its site.

–The show in the U.K. that Razor Ramon HG is on is Jonathan Ross’ Japanorama, not Panorama (which is a different show also on BBC). (thanks to Dean Ayass)

–This is something weird noted by Stephen Gray. On WWE 24/7 when showing the 1992 Halloween Havoc show, whenever a piece of old music needs to be replaced, the audio of Gary Cappetta doing the ring announcing is lost. They have someone who tries to sound like him, although fails, but does speak in Cappetta’s very familiar phonetic style, dubbed over to make the announcement as much like Cappetta originally did.

–Pure Wrestling Association in Brantford, ONT from Sunday: Jay Fenix b Prodigy, Asylum b T.J. Harley, Matt Burns b Hornet, Sean Ball b Hayden Avery, Scott Chase b Dave Titan, Misty Haven b Portia Perez, Misty Haven b Aurora, Michael Von Payton b Jeff Black (thanks to Devin Cutting)

–Greg Valentine headlines 9/30 for Southern Pro Wrestling at the old Houston Farm Center in Dothan, AL. That is the site of the very first Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant match. If you bring a nonperishable food item, you get $2 off on your ticket.

–Tonight’s stuff from Mexico is Arena Coliseo with Blue Panther & Negro Casas & Volador Jr. vs. Olimpico & Tarzan Boy & Ultimo Guerrero. Guadalajara has La Mascara & Rey Bucanero & El Satanico vs. Angel Blanco Jr. & Black Warrior & Mascara Ano 2000. Pachuca has Dr. Wagner Jr. & Shocker vs. Averno & Mephisto

–Hulk Hogan and Danny Bonaduce are pairing up in VH-1 commercials for their respective reality shows. The commercials show the two running around with the theme of the old “Odd Couple” TV show playing in the background. (thanks to Michael King)

–IPW UK Caged Warfare on 10/7 featuring a loser leaves town cage match with Ashe vs. Kris Linnell

–There is a show on 9/30 in Southern Pines, NC at Pinecrest High School with Ivan Koloff, Rick Steiner and Stro

–NWA Wisconsin from Friday night in Del Perre, WI: Silas Young b Jimmy Jacobs, Nick Colluci & Ruff Ryder & J Cash b Don Gotti & Jerry Styles & Matt Byron, Zach Gowen b Peter B Beautiful, Sam Hayne & Steve Stone b Esteban Molina & Ricky Thomas-COR, Petey Williams b Dysfunction, Dysfunction won gauntlet match

–MSPW from Saturday night in Coal City, IL: Hardcore Craig b Phil Atlas, Gutter b Jamie Coxx, ADD b Steve Jordan, Jason Hades & Steve Stone b Alex Shelley & Mike Horning, Katie Syren b Mia Martinez, Mike Flannery b Derek St. Holmes, Tony Rican b DDS

–New England Championship Wrestling on Friday night in Berlin, CT at the Fair with Evan Siks defending his Triple Crown against D.C. Dillinger

–On last night’s G4 “Attack of the Show,” they are doing a week’s worth of shows form Japan. They did a segment on people in Japan watching TV shows through their cell phones and the show a guy was watching was hosted by Akira Hokuto, the woman wrestling superstar who is the wife of Kensuke Sasaki. They also did a segment on outrageous Japanese TV shows and aired Razor Ramon HG sitting in a doctor’s office with his legs spread wide open or making it look like he’s having sex with another guy but really not. HG was called “the most popular performer in all of Japan” on the show (thanks to Jonathan D’Antoni)

–AWA Pinnacle from Saturday in Auburn, WA before 170 fans: Amazing Halo b Laramie Lexow, Seth Knight & Nelson Creed b Caden Matthews & Bolo, Memphis Raines b Twist, Davey Richards b Phantasmo, T.J. Wilson b Juggernaut, Hot & Bothered b Rollin 2 Deep, Richards & Matthews & Bolo & Twist b Knight & Creed & Raines & Halo

–AWA Pinnacle from Sunday in Auburn, WA before 115 fans: Azul Angel & Breakneck b Larkin O’Shea & Nolen Phillips, Moondogs b Rollin 2 Deep-DQ, Seth Knight b J.D. Mason, Xploders b Ryseck & Dash Venture, Nelson Creed b Kidd America, Caden Matthews b Skag Rollins, Davey Richards & Aaron Bolo b T.J. Wilson & Laramie Lexow

–South Central Wrestling Association on Sunday in Bowling Green, KY at The Hands Club

–Queen of Chaos 2 on 11/12 in Paris, France at Studio Jenny is running women’s shows at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. featuring Sweet Saraya, April Hunter, Portia Perez, Sumie Sakai, Christy Hemme and Lufisto

–CBS Sportsline has an article on Coastal Championship Wrestling at www.sportsline.com/spin/story/9686740

–Keith Walker of Pro Wrestling NOAH headlines for Mid American Wrestling on 10/13 at the Sports Connection in Milwaukee against Skullcrusher

Kurt Angle speaks!

TNA just sent out the following press release.

Spike TV is available in 90 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc.

TNA releases their final line-up for the Capital Punishment house show…

September 25, 2006: FINAL CARD FOR TNA WRESTLING “CAPITAL PUNISHMENT” THIS FRIDAY NIGHT IN RICHMOND

Dont miss TNA ” Capital Punishment” this Friday night in Richmond, Virginia. Doors Open at 5:30 for Ultimate Experience Guests, 6:30 for General Public, and Belltime is 7:30 pm.