Wrestling Today Newletter

[MadMatt]

Note: This is me running only the United States in my personalized TEW 2007 data(and starting in 2009, on TEW 2008), to see what would happen in the world of wrestling if TEW 2007/2008 was left to sim the game world on its own device. Plus, I thought I'd be a nice exercise to attempt to explain the sometimes wacky AI booking



Wrestling Today Issue One-For Week One May 2008

WWE

The Television:

WWE Raw for Week One May 2008

The Good:

Triple H against John Bradshaw Layfield: The new WWE Champion and JBL have a pretty damn good brawl for the main event. Surprised they don't save this for Judgment Day, but who I am to judge, as it was a perfectly acceptable main event.

DH Smith and Lance Cade was a fairly decent battle, with DH Smith scoring the pin.

Jillian against Victoria was also a perfectly acceptable woman's match, with Jillian winning.

The Bad:

Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly against Santino and Carlito. This match was okay, but the fact Rhodes and Holly have been involved in another non title match brings it down slightly. They win over Santino and Carlito, but the would be challengers beat them after the match. This feud must continue. Yay!

Ladies and Gentlemen, Domino is on Raw and he wrestles Val Venis! The WWE breaks up no less than six teams in a wacky brand swapping event(more on that later). Still, I bet Val is pleased to get some face time on Raw. If you can't guess who won, you should just give up watching wrestling.

The Ugly
Snitsky and JTG. Why? Snitsky wins for the three of you that care.

Also the lack of star power on Raw.

The Just Plain Pointless
Super Crazy and Charlie Haas was a choice encounter for Raw. Not a bad match, but just I wonder why this match happened when Michaels, Orton, Kennedy, Cena, Umaga, and many others could have wrestled some matches.

ECW on Sci Fi

The Good

Matt Hardy against Batista was a great main event. Hardy got in some offense and it was good, but the Batista Bomb beat Hardy.

Shelton Benjamin also looked good against the Undertaker. Perhaps putting up a fight against the World Heavyweight Champion will finally get Shelton back to he was three years ago. Gogoplata taps Shelton.

The Bad
ECW on Sci Fi looks to be ending at the end of the month. Now considering it looks to becoming the third hour of Smackdown, it's for the best, as there was only two ECW wrestlers(Dreamer and Shelton) on the show.

Vladimir Koslov and Mark Henry have a match. Mark Henry wins, to put him over as a monster but also kill the Russian out the gate.

The Ugly
Nothing really.

The Pointless
Chuck Palumbo against Tommy Dreamer. Palumbo wins over the only ECW original left on the roster, but this match served little purpose.

WWE Smackdown

The Good

Edge against Kane, for what it's worth, was a great match. Kane's ECW Title wasn't on the line, because Edge is a bit above that title. Chavo interferes and hits Kane with a foreign object, no doubt setting up Chavo's last chance(for now) for the title on the third to last episode of ECW. We might as well rename the ECW Title the Western States Heritage Title, because that's how much it's worth.

The Bad
MVP and Khali against the Undertaker and The Big Show. Three men in this match were good, one was acceptable all things considered, but something caused this match not to click. Khali claws the Undertaker to make him pass out and it's Khali against the Undertaker at Judgement Day for the World Heavyweight Title.

The Ugly

Mike Knox against Vladimir Koslov. Koslov wins against Knox, like that matters.

Also the Miz and Elijah Burke. Both are fine workers(Burke shows a lot of potential and Miz has improved over the past year), but these two should never have a match ever again. The Miz wins after John Morrison interferes, to remind us that they are the WWE Tag Team Champions.

The Pointless
Nunzio and Dreamer and Shannon Moore against Rory the Highlander. Dreamer and Moore win respectively, as many long time fans no doubt flash back to the heyday of Wrestling Challenge.

That Damn Draft:
Okay, all the women got moved over to Raw, which makes sense considering that's where the WWE Women's Title is. Here's the list of all the male competiors who have moved over.

To Raw:
Curt Hawkins
Domino
Jesse
Kenny Dykstra
Kofi Kingston
Stevie Richards

To Smackdown(and ECW perhaps but let's face it, there may not be an ECW for much longer):
Paul London
Rory the Highlander
Trevor Murdoch.

Alone with no less than six teams broken up. The Highlanders, the Rednecks, the other Rednecks, London and Kendrick, The Edgeheads, and the Greasers. I suspect Dykstra, Murdoch, and maybe London to get pushes, the rest will be useless.

TNA:

TNA Impact

The Good:
This show had a match that was greater than anything on Raw, ECW, or Smackdown and that was Abyss against Kurt Angle. A great match that ends with Angle tapping Abyss clean to the Ankle Lock. More on that later.

Kaz and Eric Young against Christian and Rhino was a...unique tag team match. Christian and Rhino seem to be heeling it up a little bit but Eric Young goes to the back and Super Eric returns, allowing Kaz and Eric to get the win in this tag team match.

Awesome Kong and Gail Kim have a great match for the Knockout's Title, as they've been known to do in the past. Kim uses her speed and nearly punks Kong to win the title. Awesome Bomb scores the pin for Awesome Kong.

X-Division wackiness. Petey Williams retained his title in a fatal four way match, against Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, and Jimmy Rave. The Motor City Machine Guns worked together a little bit but Petey managed to connect with the Canadian Destroyer on Rave, when the two Machine Guns were knocked out on a miscommunication spot.

Samoa Joe defending the title against Booker T at Sacrifice. If they're serious about establishing Joe as a champion, this is the way to do it.

The Bad:
Rellik is Killer Spelled Backwards against Brother Devon. Why? The Dudleys are fighting, by the way, and it looks like Devon is going to be cast as the babyface in this situation.

Black Reign against Matt Morgan. Morgan jobs when Tomko interferes. One of the match at the next Pay Per View is going to be Tomko against Matt Morgan.

The Ugly
Nothing really glaring.

The Pointless

Once again, nothing, this was a pretty fluid show wrestling rise and all of the matches had a purpose, even if it was in a Vince Russo twisted distortion of reality kind of way.

The Russo:

Abyss returning out of the blue has to cover it, most likely to swerve people. The only thing Russo has been ever to correctly do, is to swerve WCW right into the grave.

That randomized six man tag lottery match at the Pay Per View. The winner of the fall gets a title shot, but given TNA's track record with contendership matches, having about a million of them, but only delivering on a few. Hell, I think Shannon Moore's still owed a shot at the X-Division Title from his brief stint in the company.

Misc Stuff in the World of Wrestling

Vito Thomaselli won the CZW Best of the Best Tournament, over the Necro Butcher in the finals. The entire tournament was said to be a pretty good independent wrestling show.

PWG had a show as well, with Bryan Danielson capturing the PWG Title from the Human Tornado. Also, Roderick Strong and Low Ki teamed up to win the PWG Tag Team Titles against Kevin Steen and El Generico.

In the WWE's developmental league, Florida Championship Wrestling, Matt Sydal captured the FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship over Jack Hager. Also former ECW competitor Kevin Thorn and Colt Cabana was said to have a pretty fun match on the same card.

[MadMatt]

Here's the latest newsletter.



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue Two-For Week Two May 2008:

WWE

WWE Raw Report

The Good

Randy Orton and John Cena was your main event. It was a good match, not the best match of the week, but pretty damn good. Both men trade finishers, lots of false finishes, but Orton low blows Cena and hits the RKO for the pin. Orton wants the title back.

Kenny Dykstra makes his return to Raw and loses to Shawn Michaels cleaning to the Superkick. More on the booking later, but I'll concede to the fact that it was a pretty fun eight minute match, with Kenny getting a bit of offense before going down to the end.

Your King against Val Venis! Venis is on two weeks in a row and loses to William Regal, with the Regal Stretch. Could Val Venis be getting a push or at least constant airtime after years marooned on Heat? Well, a great match, between two highly underpushed workers.

Bad:

Carlito/Santino against Rhodes/Holly part 1421. DQ finish this time in favor of the champions, same old ****, title match at Judgement Day, film at eleven.

Hey Koji Kingston welcome to Raw, now lose to Lance Cade. I believe this is Kingston's first defeat but Cade has a vicious lariat. He'll be pushed because he has the look. To a lesser extent, Dykstra shouldn't have jobbed to Michaels cleanly on his first match.

Domino and Curt Hawkins form a tag team of two guys who were moved to Raw, breaking up established tag teams. They wrestle Cryme Tyme. Umaga enters the ring and murders all four men. Umaga nearly propelled this to the good column but this tag team match was bad.

The Ugly
Layla against Beth Phoenix. Yes, this match happened. And the diva beats the wrestler. Layla/Mickie for the title? Hopefully not but who knows with this company as of late.

Triple H not being on Raw. He's the god damn WWE Champion people.

The Pointless
None

The Third Hour of Smackdown on Sci Fi

Three more shows, for this show and than it goes off the air. How did this week's show do? Pretty good actually, let's break it down.

The Good
The Big Show against Edge was the best match of the week. A great match, which is a bit of surprise. Show is put over as a bit of a killer and I wonder if he's going to have a program over the summer for the title. Choke Slam pins Edge cleanly.

ECW Title match got a fair bit of time, a good match. Kane retained, like that was a shock and Chavo has no more title shots, at least for now.

Trevor Murdoch and Paul London both make their debuts on SmackdownECW against each other. Murdoch wins with that Code Red move and looks to be a solid mid level star. Maybe Cade and Murdoch breaking up was the best thing for them, as they look to be getting slight mid level singles partners, as opposed to being a low level team.

The Bad:
Mark Henry over Tommy Dreamer. What, was Colin Delaney busy? Dreamer continues to get pooped on as Mark Henry's megapush continues.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Edge/The Big Show part two. This time, Edge wins, low blowing Show with a chair and Spearing him for the pin. Tiebreaker seems likely down the road, at Judgement Day perhaps.

The Miz and John Morrison defend the WWE Tag Team Titles against Chavo Guerrero and Matt Hardy. An odd pairing on the challenger side, but Chavo seems so desperate to win some gold that he'll team up with Matt Hardy. Fifteen minute title match that really ruled but Morrison pins Chavo to retain the titles after his corkscrew neckbreaker.

Trevor Murdoch and Finlay beat the ever living hell out of each other for our amusement. Hornswoggle interfered and Murdoch lariated him to death, but Finlay whacked him with the Shillagh to score the pin. Murdoch bled from the nose after this match. Hell, have this match on every week for the next year and I won't complain.

The storyline of Khali coming out and killing midcarders to send a message to the Undertaker. Shannon Moore took a really vicious Tree Slam. Taker/Khali at Judgement Day folks.

Shannon Moore/Tommy Dreamer seemed pointless to start, but it was a fun match and Dreamer actually scored a win. Maybe Dreamer just isn't allowed to win on ECW, as he's won on Smackdown two weeks in a row.

The Bad

Zach Ryder over Jamie Noble. Enough said. Khali smacked them down

The Ugly

Nothing glaring.

The Pointless
Deuce/Nunzio. I'm sure Deuce won, and Khali attacked them both, but I was getting a drink during this match.

TNA:

TNA Impact

The Good

The second six man tag team match in the main event had some great wrestler. Christian, Sting, and Samoa Joe won over Kurt Angle, Rhino, and Booker T and if you're confused about the pairings of that match, then join the club. Joe chokes Rhino for the win. Afterwards, Booker attacks Joe and lays him out with the Axe Kick.

Kaz and AJ Styles, a great match and Styles wins with the Styles Clash, after a series of Guerrero/Malenko style pinfall reversals.

The Bad
Black Reign beat Eric Young. The only redeemable part of this match was Christian and Rhino attacking Young after the match, to set up the Christian/Rhino against Eric Young/Kaz match at the Pay Per View. Otherwise, Black Reign showed that he's really deteroriated since the days of Dustin Rhodes.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Shark Boy and Jimmy Rave had a couple of moments, it's a shame that it didn't matter. Rave scored the win.

The Russo
The god damn six man tag team matches, with the random pairings, to set up the main event for the Pay Per View. The main event was a good match, but the six man tag match, involving Scott Steiner, Brother Devon, and Abyss against Petey Williams, Robert Roode, and Tomko left me with the impression that this may have been random. Petey Williams loses to the Black Hole Slam. Yes, that's your X-Division Champion.

We have new tag team champions. Jay Lethal and Alex Shelley beat LAX for the vacant titles. Why couldn't have been the Motor City Machine Guns against LAX? Because Russo wanted to be cute, that's why. Scott Steiner and Petey Williams attack the new champions, to set up a match at Sacrifice.

And speaking of the devil..

TNA Sacrifice

The Good

Booker T and Samoa Joe was a good match, only brought down slightly by the finish, as Sharmell waffles Joe with a chair for the disqualification, setting up a return match at the next Pay Per View. Joe shakes off the attack but Booker steals the belt.

The random lottery six man was fairly good, all things considered. It was Sting, Abyss, and Brother Devon against Kurt Angle, AJ Styles, and Brother Ray, so an excuse to get Team 3D on opposite teams. A bunch of high impact moves, with Styles stealing Angle's pin on Sting with off of an Angle Slam. So Styles/Angle will happen soon, maybe on TV this week for free.

Another great tag team match between Kaz and Young against Christian and Rhino. Kaz pins Christian, as Young held off Rhino on the outside.

The Bad

Reign and Rellik beat LAX. Remember when LAX was one of the hottest acts in the company? Well, they jobbed once again, with Rellik scoring the pin over Homicide.

Days after winning the titles after teaming up for the first time, Jay Lethal and Alex Shelley drop the belts to Scott Steiner and Petey Williams, when Petey connects with the Canadian Destroyer on Lethal for the pin! So new tag team champions, again, the belts went for Tomko/Styles to Young/Kaz to stripped to Lethal/Shelley to Steiner/Petey all in the last month.

Robert Roode and Chris Sabin should have been a good match but it was way too short to mean anything. Roode wins with a fisherman suplex, cleanly against Sabin in under five minutes.

James Storm against BG James, I'll say that Storm winning was a good thing, but this match dragged on and these two men didn't mess at all.

Awesome Kong against Roxxy Laveux was a below average outing for the knockout's division, mostly because no one really bought that Roxxy could beat Kong.

The Ugly
Good gravy, that Tomko/Matt Morgan match was bad. Tomko wins with a kick of doom.

The Pointless:
I'd love to know why Jimmy Rave/Sonjay Dutt and Jacqueline Moore/Gail Kim got airtime with no build, that could have been given to the Sabin/Roode match. Rave continues his push and Jacqueline beats Gail Kim, which is bizzaro world booking, considering how Gail was giving Awesome Kong a tough time a long time ago.

The Russo
Curry Man against Kip James. The fact that this match was made in the first place was perplexing, but the fact that it had a no contest finish was even more baffling.

So, it wasn't a bad show, but given the talent TNA has, they could put on some better shows.

ROH

Ring of Honor had a show last week, headlined by a four corners survival match between defending champion Nigel McGuinness, retaining his belt over Austin Aries, Erick Stevens, and Joey Matthews, when Nigel forces Stevens to tap. Also, Bryan Danielson and Takeshi Morshima revisted their feud, with Danielson managing to pin the big man with a small package. Other marquee matches featured Chris Hero over Claudio Castganoli with the Hero's Welcome, Ruckus beating Necro Butcher, Jimmy Jacobs over Delirious, and Brent Albright and Adam Pearce over Kevin Steen and El Generico. Also, in what was a battle for the ages, Shane Hagadorn defeated Tank Toland.

Indies:

OVW had Nick Dinsmore retaining his OVW Heavyweight Title against Rob Conway at the weakly show last week.

JAPW had their monthly show last Tuesday, with TNA wrestler Frankie "Kaz" Kazarian defeating Kenny Omega to capture the JAPW World Heavyweight Title. Other marquee matches featured Samoa Joe defeating AJ Styles in a match that was as great as you'd expect, Rhino pinning Jay Lethal, LAX over Chris Hero and B-Boy to retain the JAPW Tag Team Title, and Teddy Hart beating Archadia to capture the JAPW New Jershy State Title.

[tizzyt]

likin it... I'll be reading

[chopps4312]

It'll be nice to see Val get a title shot of any kind. I enjoy those who put their careers into one company. Especially those who have stuck out the bad along with the good. His gimmick was great for the attitude era but he isn't just a gimmick, he's a good wrestler. Let's hope he gets a push like Holly has.

The 6 tag teams being broken up i think will be a big mistake. Didn't this happen in the first ever draft with The Hardys and Dudley's? Even in TNA it hasn't worked in the past. AMW, and Triple X. The exception of Daniels before they ran out of storylines for him. It's a great idea if your willing to give both men a push, or gonna get rid of one man. But to break up 6 tag teams? Clearly someone has dropped the ball in the WWE on this one.

Does anyone know how to book the X division in TNA? Or any light weight wrestling for that fact? I think TNA and WWE should to Mexico or Japan for someone with experience in lucha libra wrestling.

Nigel McGuinness has been great in ROH. It's a shame TNA dropped the ball with him as well. Yet for all they do wrong we the fans continue to tune in. For one they offer an alternative to the WWE and two, they do do many right things. WWE made mistakes, WCW made mistakes, ECW made mistakes. It takes a strong company to fix the wrong both on the screen and behind the scenes. I do believe they can survive at least for the time being. Samoa Joe is still the best damn prospect WWE passed up on. Knowing them, he'd be teamed with the likes of Umaga and washed up in the under card for years just so the competition wouldn't get him.

Good job bud, keep it up


Go B's in 08-09

[MadMatt]

Thanks to everyone who has read or feedbacked so far. Now, on with the latest newsletter.




Wrestling Today Newsletter Number Three for Week Three May 2008

WWE

WWE Raw

The Good

Mr. Kennedy and William Regal had a fun match. A really fun brawl that lead to a no-contest after both of the men beat the ever living snot out of each other.

Hey, Umaga taps out clean to John Cena with the STFU. Result was a bit sketchy, but Cena's going to fight Triple H at Summerslam(at least that's the rumor right now, but who knows these days). Meanwhile, Umaga has thrown out an open challenge to anyone in the entire world for Judgement Day.

Chris Jericho beats Kenny Dykstra in a non-title match with the Code Breaker. Fine midcard match on Raw, although Dykstra's losing streak continues.

Santino and Carlito do not wrestle Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly!

The fact that Layla did not win the Women's Title. Phew.

Jeff Hardy makes his return this Sunday against Randy Orton. Good match, Hardy should be entertaining as usual, until he screws up again.

The Bad:

Ron Killings makes his Raw debut and loses cleanly in a tag team match to Santino and Carlito. For the record, his partner was Stevie Richards but it's still better than teaming with Pacman Jones.

The actual Layla/Mickie James Women's Title Match was absolutely abyssmal. Maria against Beth Phoenix wasn't much better. At least both of the women's matches at Sacrifice were better.

The Ugly

Triple H is not on Raw again and won't be on Judgement Day this Sunday. He's the champion, damnit!

Lance Cade getting a shot at the WWE Intercontinental Title at Judgement Day against Chris Jericho. Cade beats Jericho after his match with Kenny. Unless, Vince has lost his mind(again), Jericho's retaining.

The Pointless
Hardcore Holly against Charlie Haas. The World Tag Team Champion went over naturally, but Haas's time in the WWE might not be long.

ECW on Sci Fi

The Good
Dreamer wins, Dreamer wins, Dreamer wins! Well it was against Nunzio, but still...

The Miz and John Morrison had another great tag team match with Shannon Moore and Jimmy Wang Yang. I know how much that shocks you but it was a fine match. Non-Title with Miz and Morrison picking up the victory.

The Bad

The WWE continues to drop the ball on CM Punk. He teams with the ECW Champion Kane against Gregory Helms and Chavo Guerrero. I don't think one mention was made of Helms making his return from a neck injury. Chavo pins CM Punk. Yes, Chavo, Kane's personal bitch, the man who lost in the quickest match in Wrestlemania history, pinned the Money in the Bank winner, cleanly I might add.

Batista and Mark Henry. Batista really got exposed in this match. Two spinebusters win the match for Batista.

The Ugly
Where in the hell is Colin Delaney?

The Pointless
Nothing.

WWE Smackdown

The Good

Absolutely nothing, the most worthless two hours of my life. At least Nitro during Russo's reign and TNA on most weeks offered some amusement at some of the more idiotic booking. This show was just might have been a test pattern for two hours.

The Bad

What in the hell did Jimmy Wang Yang deserve to earn a shot at the United States Title? He's been in a tag team for the past six months. Matt Hardy cleanly wins with the Twist of Fate in three minutes.

Batista/Khali may have been worse than Henry/Batista on ECW. Khali claws Big Dave into submission. Hoo-rah! Taker comes out. Yay! Khali's not getting the title.

MVP and the Big Show had a match, mostly with MVP pulling the chicken**** heel act. Edge interferes and chairs Big Show, causing MVP to score the pin. This might have been in the good column, had it set up an Edge/Big Show match for Judgement Day, but that match isn't happening.

Shelton Benjamin and Vladimir Koslov. This match happened. Shelton won by disqualification after the Russian mauled him. No one moves up the card. Yay, Smackdown!

The Ugly
Festus beating Trevor Murdoch. We need Paul Heyman back to book this show, stat with epic matches like this as the alternative. ECW got cancelled first, how much you want to bet Smackdown's next?

The Pointless
A random Triple Threat Match between John Morrison, Elijah Burke, and Chuck Palumbo. Morrison wins. Maybe to set up a future challenger for Kane, but who knows.

Oh and by the way, CM Punk and Kane against John Morrison and Miz for the WWE Tag Team Titles at Judgement Day.

Judgement Day:

The Good

Hey the Undertaker and Great Khali was a perfectly acceptable World Heavyweight Championship Match. Khali taps to the Gogoplata. I've noticed that Khali's best matches tend to be against the Undertaker.

Jeff Hardy and Randy Orton was another great match, although I question the wisdom of putting Jeff Hardy over cleanly over the former WWE Champion. RKO is blocked, low blow, Twist of Fate, Swanton Bomb.

Chavo dies for his art against Umaga, taking a vicious Samoan Spike. He may be turning face.

Other than killing the brand extension, Shelton Benjamin and Mr. Kennedy was great as well. Kennedy wanted to test himself against the greatest athletes the world has to offer, so Shelton stepped up to the plate and ate the Mic Chick for the pin.

The Miz and John Morrison retained their WWE Tag Team Titles against Kane and CM Punk in another great tag team match, when Punk accidentally hits Kane with the Money in the Bank Briefcase and Morrison pins Kane. After the match, they teast Punk cashing up but Miz and Morrision beat up Punk and steal his briefcase.

The other World Tag Team Title Match was fine. Holly pinned Santino with the Alabama Slam, so hopefully this feud is finally over but damned if I know who the hell Rhodes and Holly would move onto.

The Bad

Mark Henry and Big Show lumbered through ten minutes of non-action before Show managed to Choke Slam Henry for the pin. This really should have been Edge and The Big Show.

Nunzio beats Trevor Murdoch? Say what? This would have been under the pointless column had it not been for that baffling booking. I could have sworn that Murdoch would be getting a push of some sorts. They as well have not broken up Cade and Murdoch.

Chris Jericho pins Lance Cade with the Code Breaker. No one cared about Cade.

The Ugly
Mickie James and Katie Lea Burchill wrestle for the Women's Title. This was actually not a bad match, but this was Katie's first match and the fans did not buy her at all against the champion. If Vince Russo was booking, they would have done something cute like Katie winning the title, but Mickie retains the title, proving that McMahon hasn't lost all of his marbles yet.

The Pointless
Shad and Charlie Haas wrestle against each other. Also Brian Kendrick against Jesse. That's what happens when you break up all your tag teams, you get heatless singles matches. Shad and Jesse win these matches by the way.

TNA

TNA Impact

YAY, My favorite program of the week! Let's break it down.

The Good:
Sting and AJ Styles will wrestle each other at Slammivesary! I'm surprised that it wasn't Angle and Styles, but hell, Styles pinned Sting in the six man, so that match makes sense and will be a good match.

Booker T and Christian Cage have a great match, with Booker winning since he's facing Joe. No King of the Mountain this year, but Joe/Booker after their match at Sacrifice should be a great main event. Of course, it will be even better if it had a finish.

Jay Lethal and Chris Sabin wrestled. A great match, with to top of the line X-Division wrestlers, Lethal wins with a cradle, as he might be looking to get that X-Division Title Match.

Awesome Kong and Gail Kim had their usual fun Women's Match, which was better than either of the women's matches on Raw this week but this match is dangerously close to being overexposed. Kong wins with the Awesome Bomb.

The Bad

Brother Devon in the singles main event of this show. Yes, you read that right. True, he had a match against AJ Styles, but I just can't get over the fact that Devon is wrestling in a singles match main event. And hey, they're breaking up Team 3D, because we know how well that worked in WWE.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Alex Shelley against Lance Hoyt, although it could have been shifted one section up or down if Hoyt had won. Thankfully, Shelley scored the win.

The Russo

TNA Tag Team Champions Petey Williams and Scott Steiner against Homicide and Eric Young. Yes, not against LAX or Young and Kaz, Homicide and Eric Young. A bunch of tag teams run out, including the regular partners of the challengers, leading to a brawl.

ROH

We understand that Nigel McGuinness will put his ROH World Title on the line against Bryan Danielson at the Death Before Dishonor show in June. More on this show in the coming weeks.

Indies

The Kings of Wrestling won the CHIKARA Tag Team Titles against Icoherance. In other big matches on the show, Chuck Taylor defeated Mike Quakenbush, Sabin and Eddie Kingston defeated F.I.S.T(Icarus and Gran Akuma), and El Pantera defeated Larry Sweeney.

FIP had a show the same night at Judgement Day. Roderick Strong defeated Erick Stevens in the main event to retain the FIP Title, Nigel McGuinness defeated Bryan Danielson, Brent Albright over Jack Evans, and Jay Briscoe defeated Salvatore Rinauro to capture the Florida State Heritage Title in the top matches of the evening.

[MadMatt]

The final newsletter for the month of May.



Wrestling Today Newsletter Number Four for Week Four, May 2008

WWE

WWE Raw

It may have been one of the best televised shows on some time.

The Good

Triple H appears on Raw in a non title match against Umaga. For you people who don't like Triple H, I bet you'll be happy to know that he loses. Sure, JBL interefered, but the Samoan Spike put the Game down for three. JBL beats Triple H to a bloody pulp with a series of chairshots, to set up Hunter's title feud.

Shawn Michaels and Randy Orton, these are great men. Michaels connects with the Superkick to score the pin, but these two got a lengthy match for Raw, with a lot of nearfalls.

Mr. Kennedy and Kenny Dykstra have another good match, with Kennedy wins. Dykstra jobs again, but at least he's losing to top level Raw competitors and not, Chuck Palumbo like he was on Smackdown.

William Regal and DH Smith had a fun, British Style Match. I know this is getting to be old hat, but this was another great match. Regal Stretch submits Smith.

Kendrick and Carlito was also fun and Kendrick wins over Carlito.

The Bad

With every good show, a litte rain must pour and that Ashley/Maria match was the thunder cloud in tonight's solid addition of Raw.

The Ugly

Nothing.

The Pointless

Robbie the Highlander against Super Crazy.

The last ECW on Sci Fi

The Good

Edge and the Big Show should have happened last Sunday damn it. They had a great match here, with Show Choke Slamming Edge to score the pin. If I didn't know any better, they were slowly building Show up for a feud with the Undertaker over the belt through the summer.

The Miz and John Morrison against Shannon Moore and Jimmy Wang Yang had another great match between the only two established teams on Smackdown.

Tommy Dreamer against Bam Neely only makes this column because Dreamer wins, at least the ECW original is thrown a bone on the final show.

The Bad

MVP and The Great Khali against the Undertaker and Batista was the final match in the history of Sci Fi. And it ended in a no contest. Undertaker beats everyone and stands tall, the last man we see as the show fades to black.

The Ugly

None

The Pointless

None.

WWE Smackdown

The Good:

COLIN DELANEY SIGHTING! He loses to Chavo but still looks fine as Chavo takes his frustrations out on him for getting beaten up by Kane and Umaga in recent weeks, and wins with a top-rope DDT with Colin getting spiked on his head, the best moment of the show.

Finlay's squash of Zach Ryder squeezed into this column, because of Finlay forced this kid to pay his dues by beating the ever living **** out of him. Hornswoggle hits the Tadpole Splash on Ryder after the match. Man, breaking up all those tag teams sure did good.

The Bad

The WWE Tag Team Champions getting buried against the makeshift team of The Big Show and Batista. Match was fine, but Miz and Morrison were outmatched, with Show planting Miz with the Choke Slam for the pin.

Chuck Palumbo and Festus wrestled each other but at least it was short as the Great Khali comes out and assaults everyone, taking his frustrations out on losing the World Heavyweight Title. This leads to one of the most wretched matches in Smackdown history for later tonight.

The Ugly

Kane and the Great Khali. Khali destroys Kane with the Tree Slam, beating the ECW Champion in under five minutes. Non title thankfully, as Khali as ECW Champion may be more wrong than Vince McMahon as ECW Champion.

The Pointless
Deuce against Gregory Helms was your "WTF" match of the night, however, Helms did win.

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good:
When the show ended.

The Bad
That this show had two hours of airtime.

The Ugly

The amount drugs that Vince Russo was on when he wrote this show.

The Russo

Oh boy, here we go. Chris Sabin and Petey Williams have a match with the X-Division Title. A good match in theory, but the fact Sabin lost last week to Lethal and getting a title shot boggles the find. Scott Steiner attacks Sabin before the match and throws him in, allowing Petey to hit an easy Canadian Destroyer for the pin in ten seconds, thus depriving us of a good match. Alex Shelley tries to make the save, but Steiner beats him up down, to further bury the Motor City Machine Guns deep under ground.

ODB and Gail Kim against Velvet Sky and Angelina Love. This was just plain sad. Three minutes of my life that I'll never get back, some bad selling by the heels. At least Kim and ODB won.

Awesome Kong against Tracy Brooks and Roxxy. Kong beats up the two women, good. Tracy gets some offense on Kong, with Kong murdering her equals bad. This match went too long, but Kong managed to hit the Awesome Bomb on Roxxy to score the pin. Tracy Brooks attempted to get some of Kong but she gets destroyed as well, which will somehow lead to a Knockout's Title Match at Slammiversary between Tracy Brooks and Awesome Kong. Yes, I know.

Brother Devon, Kip James, BG James, and Robert Roode have a four way match. My theory is that Russo just threw a bunch of the names into a tumbler for the show this week and drew out these four. Devon pins Roode with a reverse DDT. Yes, cleanly, as the James Gang brawl to the back.

James Storm and Samoa Joe had a non title match. Granted was a fine match but the booking was baffling. Booker T distracted Joe and Storm hit him with an obviously beer bottle to score the pin. Yes, over the TNA World Champion. The same guy who was feuding with Eric Young over a fake drinking title months ago pinned the unstoppable TNA World Champion by hitting him with a fake glass bottle.

Black Reign and Brother Ray against Rhino and Christian Cage was a baffling piece of booking. Black Reign pins Christian cleanly. Once again, Russo had to be on some wacky drugs to come up with this booking.

The Indies

Dusty Rhodes...Ric Flair...Harley Race...Jack Brisco....Dory Funk Jr....Lou Thesz....Rob Conway? This past Monday, Rob Conway beat Adam Pearce to capture the NWA World Championship. Also Nick Dinsmore defeated Homicide in the semi-main in what was said to be a great match.

[MadMatt]

The first newsletter for the month of June.



Wrestling Today Newsletter #5

WWE

The Good

Randy Orton and John Cena have another great match, a hot main event with several nearfalls. Cena taps Orton with the STFU after avoiding the concussion kick.

VAL VENIS WINS A MATCH! He beat Kenny Dykstra, who is the resident jobber on Raw. Venis reverses a small package to score the pin.

Chris Jericho and William Regal battle for the WWE Intercontinental Title, another rocking match in a set of them on Raw recently. Prolonged Regal Stretch but Jericho fights out. Walls of Jericho blocked. Butterfly Power Bomb avoided, and Code Breaker scores the pin as Jericho retains the title.

Melina and Beth Phoenix against Kelly Kelly and Natalya was an odd match, but it worked, mostly because Kelly Kelly was kept out of the ring for ninety five percent of the match, until she was tagged in, to eat the pin from the fisherwoman buster on Beth


The Bad

Mr. Kennedy against Jesse. Who thought of this match? Seriously, breaking up all of those tag teams were the worst thing that the WWE did. Kennedy wins with the Mic Check in an anticlimatic match.
.
The Ugly
Once again, Katie Lea Burchill and Mickie James had a Women's Title Match. Once again, it was heatless, with Mickie winning the belt with her DDT in a by the numbers encounter.

The Pointless
Robbie the Highlander and Cody Rhodes wrestled, with no point.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
The Big Show and Edge do battle once more but it's their usual good match, so I'll cut them some slack for the repetitive nature of this match. Edge cheats like mad, throwing everything in the book at the Big Show, but Show comes back, choke slams Edge and the continued push of the Big Show as a monster continues.

ECW might not be on, but Kane is still the champion, and still defending his title, against Matt Hardy, who just happens to be the WWE United States Champion. You might as well unify these two titles, since there's not an ECW, but who knows what's going on with Vince McMahon. With that in mind, it was a great match. Twist of Fate and Legdrop of fthe top rope, but Kane sits up, kills Hardy, making him bump like a pinball and ends with a hellacious Choke Slam.

Chavo Guerrero/Tommy Dreamer have a perfectly acceptable midcard match. Dreamer gets a couple of nearfalls but Chavo connects with a brain buster and Frog Splash, scoring the pin on Dreamer.

Nunzio beats Trevor Murdoch again, but now that it looks like they are making a bit of a storyline out of this, so I'll let it slide this time.

The Bad
Zach Ryder over Jimmy Wang Yang. Yang had a great match but no one cares about Ryder ever since they broke up him and Hawkins. Another tag team that would have been better off remaining together.

The Ugly
None

The Pointless
Deuce and Shannon Moore wrestled for ten minutes. Of all the names on the unified Smackdown and ECW roster, they put these two out there.

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good
Samoa Joe and AJ Styles+Twenty Minutes=Greatness. Nice to see someone distracted Russo long enough to have this encounter on Impact. Non-Title, and a clean finish with Joe choking Styles out. They save the run in for after the match, as Booker T attacks Joe, helping Styles beat him down, with Sting making the save, setting up the top main matches for Slammiversary.

Kurt Angle had a good match and it was against Brother Devon. The Battle of Team 3D continues, with Brother Ray coming up to talk trash to Devon and Angle catches Devon in the Ankle Lock, tapping him out.

Christian and Rhino lose to Petey Williams and Scott Steiner, when Steiner pins Christian with a belly to belly suplex off the ropes, solid booking to put the tag team champions over.

The Bad
Awesome Kong and Roxxy's match for the Knockout's Title was just not as good the last encounter, because the crowd didn't buy Roxxy in winning, a couple of nearfalls, but Kong pretty much mauled her. Kong connects with the Awesome Bomb on Roxxy. After the match, Tracy Brooks makes the save, well in theory, as Kong beats her up, with a back fist. So these two will be fighting for the Knockout's Title on Sunday, but the title's not going off Kong.

The Ugly
Notta

The Pointless

The Russo
Christy Hemme beat Jacqueline Moore after James Storm accidentally hit Jackie with the beer bottle. So one week after beating Joe, James Storm is involved in a pointless women's match. This is TNA!

Another random team up, with Jay Lethal and Tomko. And they fight! Wooo! Kaz pins Lethal.

TNA Slammiversary

The Good

Samoa Joe and Booker T battle for the TNA Championship in another great match, as Joe scores with the Muscle Buster after surviving three Axe Kicks. Joe celebrates with the title as we close the show.

Sting might have beat AJ Styles but damn if Styles did not get put over in defeat. He avoided the Stinger Splash, Scorpion Deathlock is held up for over a minute before Styles grabs the ropes, and Scorpion Death Drop is kicked out of at two and a half. Styles goes for a Stinger Splash of his own but Sting avoids and rolls him up for the pin.

Alex Shelley and Kurt Angle have a match, with Angle throwing out an open challenge to anyone in the company for being left off the show. Shelley gets a lot of offense against Angle, much like Kaz and Jay Lethal did, but in the end, Angle catches a springboard dropkick and locks the Ankle Lock for the submission. Shelley looked like a star but what they do with him afterwards will see how effective this match will be.

Christian and Rhino against Kaz and Eric Young. Another fantastic tag team match, the end with Rhino hitting the Gore to Kaz and Christian pinning him. If they keep booing the TNA tag division like this, they might actually do something with the titles.

Awesome Kong beats Tracy Brooks in thirty seconds, once again putting over Kong as a monster and a destroyer. No problems with this.

Chris Sabin and Jimmy Rave, as pointless as it might seem, had a perfectly acceptable opener. Rave might be something soon in the X-Division, but right now, Sabin, the multi time former X-Division Champion, Cradle Shocked Rave for the duke. A hot opener.

Curry Man wins! Woo, and he pins Robert Roode in a fatal four way match also involving Matt Morgan and Homicide. You know, a Curry Man/Robert Roode feud might not be the worst thing in TNA.

The Bad

After that wretched tag team match a couple of weeks ago on Impact, the fact they did ODB and Gail Kim against Velvet-Sky Entertainment once more is rather appaling. ODB scores the pin, as the announcers talk about how she wants another title shot against Awesome Kong.

Brother Ray against BG James was a rather odd match, considering these two men are feuding with their former tag team partners. Kip James costs BG James the victory. Maybe BG/Devon vs. Ray/Kip at Victory Road. Yes, I'm sure that match will be thrilling. Book it Vinny Ru!

The Ugly

Nothing.

The Pointless
Notta.

The Russo
Shark Boy/Jay Lethal. Hey, a match between Stone Cold Steve Austin(circa 1998) versus Randy Savage(circa 1988), might have been pretty damn good. These two imitations doing a storyline match, that killed what could have been a potentially fun X-Division match, nearly ruined this entire Pay Per View.

Hey, let's give Sonjay Dutt the X-Division Title Shot against Petey Williams when he hasn't been on television for the last month and in fact, lost at the last Pay Per View. Let's have him beat down Petey for most of the match, until Scott Steiner makes the save and allows a Canadian Destroyer for the pin. Petey Williams is still X-Division Champion but as poorly as he's being booked, you might as well call up Ed Ferrara and Madusa while you'll at it Russo. Hell, even bring in Prince Iaukea, he's not doing much these days.

Black Reign wins a match against Brother Devon, Tomko, and Hernandez. Once again, Russo's has to draw these matches out of a hat. Has Dustin Rhodes done anything good since his entertaining tag team with Booker T? He pins Tomko, who was on the rise a few months ago.

The Indies

Low-Ki is the new IWA: MS Heavyweight Champion, beating Roderick Strong in a match for the vacated title. Also, the Iron Saints captured the IWS: MS Tag Team Championships as well.

PWG had a show this past week, with the main event featuring Bryan Danielson successfully defending his PWG Championship against Super Dragon in the main event. Also, in the semi-main event, Austin Aries pinned Rocky Romero.

Sadly, it appears that Matt Sydal's reign as FCW Heavyweight Champion will be a short one, as Drew McIntyre pinned him to capture the championship on the monthly FCW show. Also, Johnny Jeter and Kevin Thorn defeated Mighty Mikey and Nick Nemeth, Brad Bradley beat Mike Kruel, and the Puerto Rican Nightmares retained the FCW Tag Team Titles against the team of Colt Cabana and TJ Wilson.

OVW also had a monthly show, as Nick Dinsmore retained his OVW Heavyweight Title over Joey Matthews in the main event. Also, new OVW Tag Team Champions as Jacob Duncan and Tommy McNaler defeated the OVW Tag Team Champions Los Locos to capture thte titles. McNaler and Duncan will now be known as "Collateral Damage"

TNA's Sonjay Dutt won the CZW World Heavyweight Title, defeating Nick Gage for the title. Also Toby Klein and Ricky Reyes captured the CZW World Tag Team Titles. On this card, the CZW Light Heavyweight Title was discontinued and it is announced that a new championship belt will come up in the upcoming weeks.

An odd main event on a wrestling card held in the tri-state area featured Raven and Sylvan Grenier defeat Juventud Guerrera and Rosey. Also in other key matches, Brother Runt defeated Ricky Banderas, Monty Brown defeated Orlando Jordan, Justin Credible defeated Matt Bentley, and Rodney Mack defeated Joey Abs.

[chopps4312]

Nice to see Vince considering the Val push. In my dynasty i got him to come to TNA where after 7 months of a solid push he just defeated Cage for the title. hopefully he'll get the equal chance here. TNA could be much much worse. I am sad with the current X division road Russo has taken. Booker T/Samoa Joe seemed like a good bout. Always a toss up. Keep up the good work man.

[MadMatt]

Another newsletter!



Wrestling Today Newsletter #6 For Week Two, June 2008

WWE

WWE Raw

The Good:

William Regal and Shawn Michaels, was a really great match. Both of these men can have a good match with a mop(or maybe Snitsky). Superkick puts down Regal, as Shawn Michaels continues his winning streak, maybe back to the WWE Championship.

Okay, despite the reptitive nature of the World Tag Team Title Match, it was fine. Rhodes and Holly retained the World Tag Team Titles against Carlito and Santino to the shock of no one when Holly pins Santino with the Alabama Slam. Now can we please get a new tag team match.

Mickie James and Beth Phoenix was an awesome little women's match, with the champion winning, despite it being a non-title match. Jillian enters the ring and attacks Mickie, laying her out, setting up the Women's Title Match for Vengeance.

The Bad
Snitksy and Jeff Hardy wrestle. This was not the Jeff Hardy of Judgement Day and Snitsky was his usual sucktacular self(bring back the beard, damn it). Roll up scores the win after Snitsky beats down Hardy for most of the match.

Curt Hawkins/Mr. Kennedy. This match happened last week, and it happened this week. A wretched match, Kennedy wins. Hoo-ray.

Chris Jericho against Domino. Another squash with an obvious result. Code Breaker pins Domino in five minutes

The Ugly

Nothing glaring.

The Pointless
Kofi Kingston and Stevie Richards against Robbie the Highlander and Paul Burchill. Kofi pins Burchill. Yay!

WWE Smackdown

The Good

MVP and CM Punk's match in the main event was good, although CM Punk lost again, with a running kick to the corner after the Miz and John Morrison distracted Punk with the briefcase that they stole at Judgement Day.

The Bad

Hey, Jesse, welcome back to Smackdown! What was the point of you going over to Raw anyway? The Daltons against The Miz and John Morrison was too short, with the Miz winning with the Reality Check on Jesse.

Jimmy Wang Yang and Matt Hardy have another battle for the United States Title and too short to mean anything. Twist of Fate with Yang on the second rope, which was kind of cool. Afterwards, Hardy challenges Kane for the belt for a brand that no longer exists at Vengeance.

The Ugly
Batista and the Great Khali had their usual match. Clawhold makes Batista pass out. I wonder if Batista pissed off someone lately, as he's been Khali's bitch lately.

The Pointless
Deuce/Chavo Guerrero and Zach Ryder/Nunzio both match matches. Chavo beats Deuce and Ryder pins Nunzio.

TNA Impact

The Good
Samoa Joe and AJ Styles have the second great match for the second week on a row. Joe chokes Styles for the victory but Kurt Angle runs out and attacks Joe, bloodying him with the title belt. Angle wants his return match at Victory Road! Good match, but this had better be the last Joe/Angle match for at least a year, as this match is getting dangerously close to being overplayed.

Homicide and Rellik was an interesting match because Rellik is Killer spelled backwards and he wrestled a guy named Homicide. That was great and they had a great match, with Homicide wins with a lariat.

Christian and Rhino against the Rock N Rave Infection served its purpose as a squash to get Rhino and Christian over as a dominant set of challengers. Rhino gores Lance Hoyt for the pin!

The Bad

Sting and Black Reign might have had a good match, had this been WCW in like 1993 or 1994. Tonight, it was bad, ten minutes of slow brawling. Vertical Suplex is countered into a Scorpion Death Drop for the pin. Afterwards, Booker T attacks Sting. Why? I don't know, but Sting has been laid out with the Axe Kick.

The Ugly
The fact that Awesome Kong and Salinas match lasted five minutes. That was about four minutes and thirty seconds longer. Kong did win, but she got too much offense.

The Russo
Kaz and Eric Young get a TNA World Tag Team Title Shot against Petey Williams and Scott Steiner. A good idea in theory, but the problem is that they lost at the Pay Per View. Steiner and Petey retain the titles, they beat the losers, wow, that TNA Tag Team Title reign is really paying off for Big Poppa Pump and Little Petey Pump.

Television Ratings and Pay Per View Buyrates

Raw for this week received a 3.3 rating(3722400 views), Smackdown received a 1.5 rating(23144350 viewers), and TNA Impact received a 0.9 rating(1015200).

TNA Slammiversary's buyrate was 0.73 or 292000 buys. It was up from the Sacrifice Buyrate of 0.68 or 272000 buys. Of course, both TNA shows got spanked by Judgement Day, with it's 1.3 buyrate or 520000 buys.

[MadMatt]

Took me a couple of days to get around to writing it, but here's Week Seven of the Wrestling Today Newsletter.



Wrestling Today Newsletter for Week Three June 2008

WWE

WWE Raw

The Good

Triple H and John Bradshaw Layfield had a debate. This is about as amusing as it sounds. They'll fight for the WWE Championship at Vengeance but Hunter used his sledgehammer to chase Layfield off because he's Hunter.

Mr. Kennedy and Randy Orton's match was better than expected. Both men are heels, but Kennedy played the defacto face, which is find as Orton is a great heel. RKO puts Kennedy down.

Val Venis wins another match. The win streak is at 2-0! This week's victim was Burchill.

Brian Kendrick pins Snitsky. Sure it was a fluke pin and Snitsky beat Kendrick up after the match, but still, a win over Snitsky is great as he's useless. He's Kane minus all the ability.

Kenny Dykstra and Charlie Haas also had a fun match, although I question this match being on Raw. And hey, Kenny finally wins, his first victory since moving over on Raw.

The Bad

Domino and Chris Jericho had another sucktacular match. Jericho's being wasted as WWE Intercontinental Champion, but he would be better served defending against guys like Kennedy, Dykstra, and Venis for example. This is a no contest, leading a title match at Vengeance. I swear I'm not making this match.

The wrestling main event was Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly against Santino and Carlito. Yes, this God forsanken match again. Cody pins Santino to win the match. If these two teams wrestle one more time I'm shooting my tv.

The Ugly
Layla beats Mickie James in a non title match. I don't care if Jillian intereed, this was still bad booking.

The Pointless
None

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Shelton Benjamin and Tommy Dreamer were the only eight minutes of good wrestling on this show. Dreamer gets more offense than usual, but Shelton rolls up Dreamer for the pin.

Also, MVP hints that he's going after the World Heavyweight Title, giving the Undertaker a fresh program.

The Bad
The Miz pins Finlay. Yes, you read that right, in a tag team match with Mark Henry teaming with Finlay and John Morrison teaming with The Miz. Mark Henry beats the Miz, setting up what I'm sure is going to be an epic feud between these two men.

Chuck Palumbo faces Kane for the ECW Title and Matt Hardy defends the WWE United States Title against Festus. Unless the writers have totally lost their minds, they weren't dropping the titles. Indeed Kane chokeslams his way to victory, while Hardy hits the Twist of Fate on Festus for the pin.

Khali and Big Show only gets off the "ugly" side of the coin, with Show bodyslamming Khali. Khali still wins with the clawhold of doom but seeing the ring shake was a cool visual.

The Ugly
Deuce and Rory sucked and blowed at the same time. Deuce wins, with a running kick to the face that was the only move that looked like it had any contact. Knowing WWE, Deuce will be feuding with the Undertaker over the title by Summerslam.

No Edge. That's always sad.

The Pointless

Nothing.

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good
Kaz and Eric Young against Christian Cage and Rhino for the number one contendership for the TNA Tag Team Titles opened up the program with a bang. Kaz pins Christian with a double missile dropkick.

Brother Devon's singles run continues, but he has a fairly acceptable match with AJ Styles. Styles rolls up Devon out of the corner for the pin.

Great hype for Angle and Joe Part VI, even though neither man were in the light. Same goes for Booker and Sting

The Bad
Awesome Kong retained her TNA Knockout's Title against Salinas and Gail Kim. Kim and Kong have had some great matches, but the chemistry was knocked off when Salinas was inserted in there.

The Ugly
A few of the spots in the six woman tag. In fact, that lands the entire match on here. It was Velvet Skye, Raisha Saed, and Jacqueline Moore against ODB, Tracy Brooks, and Christy Hemme. Actually, I think an ODB/Saeed or even ODB/Jackie match would be pretty decent. This match was not and it showed. Saeed pinned ODB.

The Pointless

Sonjay Dutt and Petey Williams continue their heatless feud over the X-Division Championship. Petey retains, a couple of nice moments, film at eleven.

The Russo

LAX against Rellik and Reign in the main event. The main event! The main event! LAX wins, but with all the wrestlers who didn't close out the show, having this of all things end it was foolish.

No Alex Shelley for the second week in a row after his great match against Kurt Angle.

ROH

Ring of Honor Death Before Dishonor Results
Pre-Show Matches:
-Shane Hagadorn defeated Jason Blade
-Allison Danger defeated Daizee Haze

The show itself:
-Tyler Black scored a victory in an acceptable opener against Delirious, with help from his fellow Age of the Fall Teammates
-Rocky Romero over El Generico with a Tiger Suplex
-Jay Briscoe and Austin Aries retained the ROH Tag Team Titles over Jack Evans and Jigsaw of the Vulture Squad when Aries made Jack tap to the Horn of Aries
-Kevin Steen pinned Davey Richards with the Package Piledriver. Looks to be a feud between Steen/Generico against Romero/Richards brewing as a result of tonight.
-Adam Pearce pinned Claudio Castagnoli with a piledriver
-Chris Hero over Matt Cross with the Hero's Welcome
-Ruckus defeated Brent Albright by disqualification when Albright refused to release an armbar.
-Takeshi Morishima defeated Erick Stevens with the Backdrop. Stevens showed promise, taking the big man off of his feet, but he has a bit to go before he can defeat the former ROH champion.
-Roderick Strong pinned Joey Matthews with the Gibson Driver
-Nigel McGuinness retained the ROH World Championship against Bryan Danielson with a small package.

Overall a pretty great night of wrestling action. Get the DVD when it comes out.

The Indies:
JAPW had a show on Thursday Night. Frankie Kazarian's reign as JAPW World Heavyweight Champion was short lived when Samoa Joe ended it with the Muscle Buster. Other top matches featured AJ Styles and Rhino defeating Jack Evans and B-Boy when Rhino pinned Evans, with Evans taking a sick bump off of the Gore, LAX retaining the JAPW World Tag Team Titles against Jay Lethal and Low Ki, and Teddy Hart retaining his JAPW New Jershey State Title over Chuck Taylor.

FIP had an average show, main evented by Brent Albright and Bryan Danielson defeating Nigel McGuinness and Tyler Black. Also Roderick Strong retained his FIP Championship against Erick Stevens, Jay Briscoe defeating Jack Evans to retain the Florida Heritage Championship, and Gran Akuma and Jerelle Clark capturing the FIP Tag Team Titles over Kenny King and Jason Blade.

The SHIMMER show featured Sara Del Ray defeating Cheerleader Melissa to retain her SHIMMER Championship in the main event.

Television Ratings

Raw was down from last week, getting a 3.2 rating(3609600 viewers). Smackdown was unchanged, with a 1.5 rating(2314350 viewers), and Impact also fell a bit this week, with a 0.8 rating(9024000 viewers)

[chopps4312]

VAL VENIS! He deserves the WWE Title! 2-0! 2-0! 2-0! Goldberg who? Val's streak is 10 times more impressive.

[MadMatt]

Last issue for June!



Wrestling Today Newsletter #8 for Week Four, June 2008

WWE

WWE Raw for Week Four June 2008

The Good

William Regal and Chris Jericho have another great match for the WWE Intercontinental Title. This should have been the match Jericho had on Sunday and not against Domino. Jericho connects with the Code Breaker for the pin and Domino attacks him to set up the WWE Intercontinental Title Match that no one wants to see for Sunday.

Randy Orton ends Val Venis's two match winning streak, but Venis put in a solid performance against the former WWE Champion. Orton connects with the RKO for the pin.

Hardcore Holly and Kenny Dykstra have a perfectly acceptable mid card match.

Oh and Edge and John Cena in a Raw vs. Smackdown match. The brand extension is already a joke, but we might as well get some good matches.

The Bad

Snitsky and John Cena got twelve minutes, about nine of them with a Snitsky beatdown. Cena puts on the STFU for the submission and Edge spears Cena to set up the Raw vs. Smackdown match at Vengeance.

Domino's singles push continues, over Mr. Kennedy. Why is Domino being pushed? I don't know, but he challenges for the WWE Intercontinental Title at Vengeance.

The Ugly
Layla and Michelle McCool defeated Melina and Beth. Words fail me on how wrong this booking was.

The Pointless
A three way between Shad, Curt Hawkins, and Brian Kendrick. Kendrick scores the win but this match was just there.

WWE Smackdown

The Good

Edge and the Undertaker's main event for the World Heavyweight Championship was a good title defense. It looks like they're only going to have one World title match per Pay Per View(ECW Championship doesn't count), but this was fine. Taker wins with the Tombstone to retain the title in a twenty minute classic match.

The Miz and John Morrison retaining their tag team titles against Shannon Moore and Jimmy Wang Yang in another classic tag team match.

The Bad

Show/Khali was another sucktacular effort. Show wins with a missile dropkick, when the Choke Slam failed. Okay, that was impressive but a five minute Khali bearhug was grating.

Zach Ryder getting a shot at the ECW Championship. I know the championship has fallen but still, Zach Ryder? Kane wins with the Choke Slam, as Matt Hardy watches from the back.

Jesse defeated Paul London. What the hell? London continues to be buried deep into the ground.

The Ugly

Nothing grating.

The Pointless

Tommy Dreamer/Nunzio/Deuce against Elljah Burke/Chuck Palumbo/Gregory Helms. Yes this match happened, on Smackdown! Four minutes with six men just thrown out there to fill up time and Deuce pins Burke with a badly done Superfly Splash. Burke and Paul London need to form a support group of talented athletes who are being buried.

WWE Vengeance

I'll admit, I wasn't too thrilled with this Pay Per View going in, but it delivered with some great wrestling on the top half of the card.

The Good

John Bradshaw Layfield and Triple H had a fun brawl for the WWE Championship. It was a No Holds Barred Match, which is a bit better than a normal match. Triple H kicked out from the Clothesline From Hell with a steel chair before using the sledgehammer and connecting with the Pedigree for the pin. Hunter celebrates with the title as we get out.

Edge and John Cena was a great match, as usual. And Edge wins, beating Cena after sliding down on the F-U. Cena turns around and boom, Spear pins Cena.

Kane and Matt Hardy for the ECW Championship was...surprise, a great match. Hardy threw everything he could at Kane, including a Twist of Fate with Kane on the top rope that scored a very close nearfall but in the end, Kane caught Matt Hardy as he came off the top rope. Choke Slam from Hell scores the pin and Kane retains the title.

Jeff Hardy and Shelton Benjamin was an insane match. Shelton nearly dies by missing a somersault plancha to the floor, landing on his head. Hardy rolls Shelton into the ring, and connects with the Swanton Bomb for the pin.

Jillian and Mickie James for the WWE Women's Title was a perfectly acceptable Women's match. Nice bit of psychology with Mickie working over the throat but Jillian came back and used the ropes to score the pin to retain the title. Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a new WWE Women's Champion. Jillian runs off like a thief in the night with the belt.

And the other women's match between Beth Phoenix and Melina was good as well, with Melina scoring the pin with a small package. They packed a lot in five minutes.

CM Punk and William Regal had an impressively stiff match, a return battle from the finals of the KOTR tournament this year. Regal has the GTS well scouted and manages to deliver a bridge pin on Punk for the victory! Punk loses again, for all of you keeping track.

The Bad
Snitsky and Hardcore Holly was wretched. I mean really bad. Holly won by disqualification when Snitsky beat the ever living **** out of him. Cody Rhodes comes out and Snitsky destroys him as well. Well, there's your World Tag Team Champions.

The Ugly
The Miz and Mark Henry...horrid. Miz should be banned from wrestling singles matches ever again with this effort. Henry beats him up and wins with a powerslam. Morrison comes out and he gets beat up. Yes, both sets of tag team champions in one night.

The Pointless
Robbie the Highlander vs. Super Crazy and Zach Ryder vs. Jimmy Wang Yang. Crazy and Ryder won these time wasting matches.

TNA

TNA Impact for Week Four June 2008

The Good

The women's stuff was booked well this week. Kong beat Gail Kim and ODB beat Raisha Saed. Next week ODB/Kong for the title.

Angle/Joe had some good hype but neither man appeared on the show.

Also Chris Sabin and Jay Lethal had a match, that was a good X-Division match, with lots of counters. Sabin wins with the Cradle Shock.

The Bad
Nothing really glaring.

The Ugly
Oh there was some ugly stuff but the booking threw it right into the "Russo" category.

The Pointless
Nothing.

The Russo
Rellik and Reign main event another show. Yes, this is the second week in a row! At least Kaz and Eric Young won, and why not, they're challenging for the TNA Tag Team Titles at Victory Road, but Rellik and Reign are the most overpushed wrestlers in TNA today.

Christian and Rhino, the team that lost the number one contenders match last week, beat the tag team champions in a non-title match. Petey Williams eats the Gore for the pin. The booking of the TNA Tag Team Tag Division is baffling as of late.

What was the point of putting James Storm over the TNA World Champion? This week, he jobs to Abyss, cleanly with the Black Hole Slam.

No Alex Shelley for the third week in a row.

NWA

Well, I ordered the NWA Pay Per View last Tuesday and I want my 14.95 back. Let's run down(and that term has never been more approiate) the booking for this show, called Up in Flames.

-Marty Jannetty defeated Bull Buchanan. I swear to the good lord above this match happened, in 2008. Marty wins with the Rocker Dropper.
-Scorpio Sky defeated Hook Bomberry in a indie-tastic match that was a fairly fun spot fest, too bad the crowd was dead.
-Alex Shelley(maybe this is why he's been taken off TV, signing a deal with NWA and all) and Brent Albright became the NWA World Tag Team Champions against Los Luchas(Phoenix and Zokre) when Albright made one of the champions submit to the Crowbar.
-Dan Maff defeated Mike DiBiase. DiBiase shows some potential, but this match was bad.
-Chris Kanyon defeated Joey Ryan in the best match of the night. Kanyon looks to be ready to utilize the NWA as a vehicle to relauch his career. More power to him as he looked great. Flatliner pins Ryan.
-Mike Quakenbush and Matt Cross went to a ten minute draw in another indy match but it had some entertaining moments.
-Homicide pinned Karl Anderson with a lariat in a fairly decent brawl.
-OVW Champion Nick Dinsmore pinned Sonny Siaki. I guess since OVW's developmental deal may be done, they're going to join the NWA. Dinsmore won with a chickenwing suplex into a bridge a great technical match.
-Chris Mortetzky(the former Chris Masters) made Chris Hamrick submit to the Masterlock(not called as such by the announcers for copyright reasons). Basic match and the fans recognized the former Masterpiece and offered a fair amount of boos.
-Rob Conway pinned Adam Pearce with the Ego Trip to retain the NWA Championship. This a return match from when Conway won the title. Conway cut a promo, saying that he'll be better than Lou Thesz, Jack Brisco, Ric Flair, Harley Race, and Dory Funk Jr combined. We'll see.
-Johnny Swinger and Bryan Danielson defeated Seth Delay and David Young. David Young main events a Pay Per View, well isn't that something? This is just a vehicle to showcase Danielson, a bland, uneventful match. Danielson submits Delay with the Cattle Mutillation.

The next show will feature the NWA World Title Match between Chris Mortetzky and Rob Conway in a battle that I'm sure could be the main event of any edition of Heat in the world.

Ratings

The buyrates for Vengeance and the NWA Pay Per View should be in by next week.

Raw's ratings remained the same at 3.2(about 3609600 viewers), as did Smackdown at 1.5(around 2314350 viewers) and Impact also stayed the same with a 0.8 rating(about 9024000 viewers)

[chopps4312]

I still smell great things for Val. I'm not jumping off the band wagon. Val spells ratings in my book! good Work so far. Enjoy the diary. Any chance you could tell me what Scott Hall is up to if anything?

[MadMatt]

Chopps: Hall is unemployed right now, so he isn't doing much of anything.

And now, the first edition of newsletter for July, with the first death of the game :(



Wrestling Today Newsletter #9 For Week One July 2008

Another Death Rocks the Wrestling World

Sadly, we regret to report that ROH/CZW main stay Necro Butcher(real name, Dylan Summers), has passed away over last weekend, a little after the last issue went to press, at the age of 33. This talented brawler tore up the independent scene for many years, in ROH, CZW, IWA: MS, and many other promotions. His last bout was a wild double disqualification with Davey Richards at the Ring of Honor, Death Before Dishonor Show. While the actual cause of death is unknown, it's unfortunately been brought up that this could be attributed to pain pills, which is sadly easier to believe then disbelieve in the world of wrestling. Whatever the reason it may be, it's a sad day for the world of wrestling and we, at Wrestling Today Newsletter, extend our sympathies to the family and friends of Necro Butcher.

WWE

WWE Raw

Raw was a bad show, coming off the tails of a really good Vengeance. Let's count the ways shall we.

The Good

Jeff Hardy and William Regal had a good match, with Hardy triumphing over the Swanton Bomb, but Randy Orton punks out Jeff Hardy. A rubber match at The Great American Bash, which is logical considering how Orton won one(at Royal Rumble) and how Hardy won one(at Judgment Day).

Carlito and DH Smith was a perfectly acceptable little television match. Smith got some nice offense and looked like he might be an Intercontinental Champion in a year or two down the line, but Carlito wins with the Backstabber.

The Bad
Cody Rhodes and Kenny Dykstra was an OVW match on Raw. Rhodes wins. Remember when Kenny Dykstra pinned Ric Flair like about five weeks or so in a row? Well, that's in the past as young Mr. Rhodes wins with a DDT! At least he's better than his brother, over on TNA(and not pushed down our throats either).

Chris Jericho's streak of ****ty singles matches that are not his fault continues, as he wrestles Curt Hawkins. Maybe the WWE bookers got confused and thought Curt Hennig had magically come back from the dead, but it was generic OVW template number three in there against Jericho. What, did Val Venis have a manicure appointment to keep tonight? Jericho/Venis would have been a better match, and hey, Val is a former WWE Intercontinental Champion. What's worse is Jericho only wins by disqualification, as Hawkins uses a low blow, so this feud must continue.

Jillian and Natalya was fine, but the crowd was really dead for this heel versus heel battle for the Women's Title. Jillian retains with a Full Nelson Faceplant.

The Ugly
Hardcore Holly and Snitsky was worse than last night. On most nights, Holly's a perfectly acceptable midcard wrestler but Snitsky's just so bad lately. Snitsky squashes Holly pinning him with a kick to the face. He's no Barbarian I'll tell you that much.

Michelle McCool and Ashley. Since hardly anyone watched Nitro during that area, there was a promo where Kevin Nash brought out a cardboard cutout of Scott Hall. The cardboard cutout got a bigger reaction than anything else on that show. Well, two Scott Hall cardboard cutouts would have showed more charisma then these two and would have had a better match. Michelle wins, after Ashley nearly landed on her head in a cringe worthy moment.

The Pointless

Nothing.

WWE Smackdown

The Good

MVP and the Undertaker had a great match that sadly wasn't the main event. MVP matches the Undertaker but Taker comes back, battering MVP backwards, so MVP rolls to the outside and grabs the championship belt, before he waffles Taker with it for the disqualification. MVP knocks out the Undertaker with the kick in the corner, putting over that move as a dangerous move! Now that was some smart booking, when's the last time you've seen someone knock the Undertaker unconcious? MVP/Taker is your next World Heavyweight Title feud and I have no problem with this.

The Bad
Deuce and Matt Hardy. This match might have been fine, but Deuce blew a couple of spots. Hardy nailed the Twist of Fate out of nowhere for the pin after being dominated the entire match. The singles pushes of both Deuce and Domino on seperate shows is surreal to say the least.

Trevor Murdoch and Kane for the ECW Championship. I suppose if Murdoch had not lost to Nunzio all those times, I might have bought him a little more, but he was just a pudgy punching back for Kane, who keeps rolling over the competition with the Choke Slam.

Hey Lance Cade welcome to Smackdown. No buildup, just Lance Cade shows up and beats Tommy Dreamer.

The Ugly

I've sworn I've seen this match on every Smackdown for the last three months, but Batista and Khali was their usual horrid encounter. Khali wins with his clawhold of doom.

The Pointless
Bam Neely/Nunzio. Enough said.

TNA

TNA Impact

This may have been(no joke) the best Television show of the week. MVP/Undertaker was better than anything on this show, but overall, this was a good show.

The Good
Scott Steiner cashes in on his Feast or Fired Briefcase in a losing effort to the TNA Champion Samoa Joe. Vicious brawl, with both men suffering busted noses during the course of the match. Joe wins by choking out Scott Steiner, as he goes to Victory Road for his match this week.

Kurt Angle and Abyss was another great match, but with a bit of a downer finisher. Angle won with the Ankle Lock but he refuses to release after the bell so the referee reverses the decision. I'll let this slide, because it put over Angle as a killer before his match with Joe.

ODB is your new TNA Knockout's Champion and she won the belt in a believable manner against Awesome Kong. Kong battered ODB but she kept fighting, never stopped, and eventually she blew the bigger Awesome Kong up, allowing for a springboard Thesz Press off the top rope, followed by a jack-knife cradle for the pin. Raisha Saied berates Kong after the match for her "failure". The only thing is this match really should have gotten a bit more time and been held off until Victory Road.

Young and Kaz against Rhino and Christian happened again, but it was a great tag team match once again, although putting Rhino and Christian over the number one contenders for the tag team titles does show little foresight, unless of course Young and Kaz win the belts at Victory Road.

Petey Williams and Sonjay Dutt continued their feud over the X-Division Title, but this match was better, mostly because Petey was allowed to wrestle, without taking a beating and Scott Steiner(who was focusing on his TNA Title Match) not a factor. Sonjay takes a sick bump off the Canadian Destroyer and this is enough for the pin.

No Reign! No Rellik!

The Bad

Nothing.

The Ugly

Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing.

The Russo
Payton Banks and Tracy Brooks team up. Weren't these two women feuding not that all long ago and they fight Velvet-Sky Entertainment. I'll say this, this was better then Michelle/Ashley, but that's like saying a root canal is better than a gunshot to the testicles. Tracy wins by pinning Angelina Love. This match got five minutes that should have went to the other women's match.

ROH

This past Thursday, ROH had "The Necro Butcher Memorial Show". Here's the quick rundown of the matches.

-Jason Blade pinned Bobby Dempsey in the pre-show
-Ten bell salute at the beginning of the show.
-Jay Briscoe and Austin Aries defeated Jack Evans and Jigsaw in a hot opener to retain the ROH Tag Team Titles when Briscoe pins Jigsaw with the Jay Driller
-Tank Toland defeated Michael Elgin and Shane Hagadorn in a public workout match
-Larry Sweeney defeated El Generico when Generico was attacked on the floor by Tank Toland and Bobby Dempsey, before rolled back where Sweeney scored the easy victory
-Rocky Romero pinned Delirious with the Tiger Suplex
-Tyler Black pinned Ruckus with a Phoenix Splash in a great high flying battle
-Claudio Castagnoli defeated Jimmy Jacobs via disqualification when Jacobs mutillated him with a spike.
-Nigel McGuinness defeated Kevin Steen with the Jawbreaker Lariat. The ROH Championship was not on the line.
-Bryan Danielson, Matt Cross, and Erick Stevens defeated Takeshi Morishima, Chris Hero, and Joey Matthews when Stevens pins Matthews.
-Brent Albright and Adam Pearce defeated Roderick Strong and Davey Richards in a Streetfight. This match went all over the building, with all four wrestlers bleeding, with a variety of weapons. Pearce pinned Richards after a Brent Albright half nelson suplex through a table. A great brawl to close out this show.

Indies
Terry Funk has announced he's retiring from wrestling. We'll see how long this one sticks.

Florida Championship Wrestling featured Drew McIntyre retaining his Florida Heavyweight Championship over Johnny Jeter in the main event of their monthly show. Also, Mighty Mikey and Nick Nemeth(Spirit Squad reunion~!) defeated Kevin Thorn and Mike Kruel, The Puerto Rican Nightmares(Eric Perez and Eddie Colon) retained their Tag Team Titles against Brad Bradley and Brad Allen, and Colt Cabana defeated Matt Sydal.

FIP had a show on Friday Night as well. Brent Albright and Erick Stevens defeated Nigel McGuinness and Tyler Black in the main event when Stevens pinned McGuinness(yes, you read that right). Also, Roderick Strong defeated Bryan Danielson in great match to retain the FIP Championship, Jay Briscoe retained the Florida Heritage Championship over Davey Richards, The Powers That Be(Jerelle Clark and Gran Akuma) retained their FIP Tag Team Titles against Shane Hagadorn and Jason Blade, and Delirious defeated Larry Sweeney in what was said to be a fun little comedy match. Also, ten bell salute for Necro Butcher.

Busy weekend for the indies, as PWG had a show. Bryan Danielson defeated Chris Hero to retain the PWG Championship, Austin Aries defeated Claudio Castanoli, Tyler Black, and Rocky Romero in a four way dance, when Aries pinned Claudio with the Horn of Aries and Kevin Steen defeated El Generico by cheating, as these two are feuding in PWG now.

Buyrates and Television Ratings

The NWA Pay Per View last week netted 84000 buys, which would translate into a 0.21 buyrate. Needless to say, Vengeance was much better with 532000 buys, which translates into a 1.33 buyrate. Slightly up from Judgement Day last month.

Raw was up from last week with a 3.3 rating(approximately 3722400 viewers), Smackdown was up with a 1.7 rating(approximately 1542900 viewers), and Impact was up with a 0.9 rating (approximately 10152000 viewers)

[chopps4312]

I do believe the Hall cut outs would have added much to the show. And you just wait, the Big Valbolski train is leaving the station soon. Championships galore for him. Good read as always. Keep up the good work

[MadMatt]

The latest newsletter.



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue Ten for Week Two July 2008

WWE

Monday Night Raw

The Good
Mr. Kennedy and Randy Orton competed in the main event, but it worked. Orton reverses a fireman's carry by Kennedy into the RKO for the win. After the match, Jeff Hardy runs down but Orton punts him in the head, setting up their match at the Great American Bash.

JBL and John Cena brawled for ten minutes of exciting WWE action. And JBL scores the victory, after connecting with the Clothesline from Hell out of the corner. It appears that JBL still has his sights set on the WWE Championship held by Triple H and Cena's momentum appears to be a bit stunted as of late.

Val Venis scores a victory over Burchill in a fun midcard match, as Val's career renaissance continues.

Chris Jericho and Carlito for the WWE Intercontinental Title was fine enough, as Carlito was better than some of the stiffs that have fought Jericho recently(coughs*Domino). Santino accidentally hits Carlito and Jericho connects with the Code Breaker. Afterwards, Santino and Carlito have words, beginning the slow break up of their team in what I'm sure will be a riveting little feud.

The Bad

Curt Hawkins over Super Crazy for the number one contendership for the WWE Intercontinental Title. Hawkins/Jericho at the Great American Bash, sweet mercy shoot me.

Kenny Dykstra and Kofi Kingston was your "FCW on Raw" match of the week. Dykstra wins with the Springboard Legdrop.

The Ugly
Hey, it's Chris Harris, the worse half of AMW! His debut was about as successful as Ron Killings was(wait, you don't remember that). Cody Rhodes beats him with a DDT. You know, just a year ago, Harris was feuding with Cody's brother in TNA, I'll let you judge whether this was a step up or step down.

The Pointless
Notta.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
The Undertaker and MVP had a good match, second from the top once again. This time, MVP wins by disqualification when the Undertaker whacks him with the chair that MVP brought in the ring. As a result of prematch stipulation, MVP will face the Undertaker for the World Heavyweight Championship at the Great American Bash.

The Bad
Khali and Batista...again...I swear this match has happened every week since I started this newsletter or it seemed like it. They battle to a double disqualification when the match was thrown out because of being crap or excessive brutality.

Hey he's The Boogeyman and he jobs cleanly to Chavo Guerrero. You know, it would be best for Boogeyman to just beat up geeks and cover them in worms, not put him as an actual wrestler. Chavo wins with the Frog Splash.

Deuce defeated Gregory Helms. You know, Helms would be a good challenger at the United States Title level if pushed right, but he's being buried deep under the earth once again.

Koslov and Tommy Dreamer team up to face the Miz and John Morrison. Miz pins Dreamer with the Reality Check, after Koslov abandons the match. Koslov's really floundered on Smackdown, but hey, he loves Double Double E.

The Ugly
Nothing.

The Pointless
Chuck Palumbo beating Nunzio in an extended squash. No Punk. No Hardy. No Big Show. No Kane No Edge. Yet, these two men could have a match.

TNA Impact

The Good
Samoa Joe and Booker T have another great match. Joe wins with the Kokina Clutch and Kurt Angle comes out, to staredown Joe. Once again, these two men have another great match.

AJ Styles and Abyss have their usual great match as well. The fact Styles is not on the Pay Per View is an offense. Styles pins Abyss with a super sunset flip power bomb into a backward bridge.

The Bad
Kaz and Eric Young against the Rock and Rave Infection really should have been good, but it was dampered by a bit too much Lance Hoyt. Rave gets pinned by Eric Young.

The Ugly
Six Woman's Tag was the worst TNA knockout's match ever. It was Velvet Skye, Gail Kim, and Jacqueline Moore against Tracy, Roxxy, and Christy. Gail Kim won with a missile dropkick on Christy. The fact that they could have took out Velvet Skye and Christy, in favor of ODB and Raisha Saed(who are competing for the Knockout's Title at Victory Road), would have made this match useful.

The Pointless
Elix Skipper and Hernandez. Skipper's been missing for quite some time and they dig him out to job to Hernadez.

The Russo
The booking of the tag team champions. Once again Petey Williams and Scott Steiner lose a non-title match to Christian and Rhino. Rhino pins Petey with the Gore. Again.

TNA Victory Road

The Good
Booker T and Sting had a great battle, that was an old school match, with no Russo inspiired booking. The Axe Kick spelled the doom for Sting after he missed the Stinger Splash.

The TNA Tag Team Title Match was good, and Scott Steiner and Petey Williams keep their titles against Kaz and Eric Young. Petey Williams hits his Canadian Destroyer on former Team Canada Stable Mate Eric Young for the pin.

Abyss and Alex Shelley(making his return) was a last minute edition to the card that really worked all things considered. They borrowed a bit from the Styles/Abyss classics and it worked. Abyss plucked Shelley out of mid air on a springboard and connected with the Black Hole Slam for the pin.

Knockout's Title Match was good. ODB retains, pinning Raisha Saeed. After the match, Kong ran out, but ODB wisely ran off with the belt.

Robert Roode and Tomko was better than I expected. Roode uses the ropes for leverage and Tomko attacks him. I thought a Curry Man/Roode feud was really going to happen, but Roode/Tomko might not be all that bad after this Pay Per view.

The Bad
Nothing

The Ugly
That Salinas/Angelina Love match may have been a bit worse than the six woman match on Impact. Salinas won after Homicide and Hernandez interfered on her behalf.

The Pointless
Elix Skipper and BG James. James wins with the Pumphandle Slam. No one cares.

The Russo
Kurt Angle/Samoa Joe, they had a great mat wrestling match up until the finish. Angle locks Joe in the heel hook, with Joe bleeding and he fought for several minutes, before he passed out. Angle wins the title, right? Wrong, as he refuses to break the hold after the bell so the referee counts to five and reverses the decision. Yes, in 2008, they drag out this finish. Angle snaps and attacks a bunch of officials which I'm sure will set up another Angle/Joe match.

And with that in mind, that wasn't even the main event. Rellik and Black Reign against Christian and Rhino was. Yes, Johnny the Bull headlines a Pay Per View. Unprettier pins Rellik after Reign eats the Gore, but if they wanted to be cute and have a match to end the card, Booker/Sting was right there.

The random lottery six mans. Stop it, just stop it, Russo. Brother Devon, Jimmy Rave, and Sonjay Dutt defeated Curry Man, Kip James, and Lance Hoyt when Devon pins Curry Man with an elevated brain buster DDT. In the other stupid match, James Storm, Brother Ray, and Jay Lethal defeated LAX and Chris Sabin when Storm pinned Sabin with the Superkick. You know, Brother Ray/Brother Devon was being built up, so why not have that match? LAX against the Rock and Rave Infection perhaps? James Storm against Curry Man? Kip James against a firing squad? No, these matches had to happen.

NWA

NWA Day of the Underdog Results
The NWA had their second Pay Per View offering, airing on Tuesday Night. Let's have the results speak for themselves.
-Marty Jannetty pinned Phoenix Star
-Hook Bombery over Bull Buchanan
-Mike DiBiase defeated Zokre
-Scorpio Sky pinned Dan Maf.
-Sonny Siaki over Joey Ryan
-Matt Cross battled Mike Quakenbush to a double countout
-Brent Albright and Alex Shelley over Adam Pearce and Bryan Danielson to retain the NWA World Tag Team Titles in the match of the night
-Seth Delay pinned David Young
-Chris Hamrick over Karl Anderson
-Rob Conway and Chris Mordetsky battled to a double countout, Conway retains the Heat er NWA Championship.
-Chris Kanyon and Homicide defeated Nick Dinsmore and Johnny Swinger when Kanyon pinned Dinsmore with the Flatliner. The winner of the fall was to get an NWA Championship Match at the August Pay Per View.

So yeah, independent wrestling on Pay Per View.

Indies
IWA-MS had their latest show on Friday Night, headlined by Low-Ki retaining the IWA-MS Championship over Roderick Strong. Also in other marquee matches, Chris Hero defeated Vito Thomaselli, Jason Hades retained the IWA: MS Lightheavyweight Title over Nate Webb, and Brandon Thomaselli defeated Claudio Castagnoli.

Television Ratings:

Raw was back down to a 3.2 rating last week(about 3609600 viewers), Smackdown received a 1.7 again(1542900 viewers), and Impact remained at a 0.9(approximately 10152000 viewers)

[chopps4312]

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The Big Valbowlski is 3-1. Jump on the band wagon people. He will main event in the WWE.

Great work with the diary as always. Such a nice touch compared to the other ones on here.

Russo=crap i agree. But we all tune in still to see what happens. And look at the bright side. This is rock bottom for them, sooner or later they'll be a better booker than Russo.

Indies on PPV? I personally thing that's great. I love wrestling of all kinds, almost as much as the Boston Bruins. Though you gotta think, TNA and WWE monthly, ROH and now Indy promotions? Yeah, it's a lot. But worth it in my eyes.

[MadMatt]

It's another new newsletter!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Number Eleven for Week Three July 2008

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
Umaga/Hardcore Holly was an odd match to put in the main event, but it being a Hardcore Match worked, as these two men beat the ever living **** out of each other. Holly beat down Umaga with a variety of weapons but Umaga murders him by throwing him through a table in the corner before hitting a Samoan Spike. Cody Rhodes comes out and also gets Spiked, as Umaga stands tall.

Brian Kendrick/Paul Burchill worked well. Kendrick wins, as his mini-push continues, with the Sliced Brea #2.

The Bad
The midcard push of Curt Hawkins continues, as he beats another talented, but underpushed wrestler, in DH Smith. This Sunday, Chris Jericho and Curt Hawkins square off for the WWE Intercontinental Championship.

Ashley/Mickie James, because Ashley dumps poor Mickie on her head a couple of times. Thankfully, Mickie won with a Mick Kick.

JBL vs. Snitsky vs. Mr. Kennedy vs. Cody Rhodes. Okay, whatever. This was a bad match, especially when Snitsky was in the ring, which was ninety percent of the match. Rhodes was pinned by JBL, dying for the first time tonight, but of course, he would also be brutalized by Umaga later tonight.

The Ugly
Michelle McCool and Jillian for the Women's Title. Jillian sings. They have a horrid match. Jillian cheats to win. Not one spot was hit. Four Way this Sunday for the Women's Title.

The Pointless
JTG and Charlie Haas. You know, Cryme Tyme should really be teaming up, instead of wrestling in singles matches, because we need another tag team besides Santino and Carlito or Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly(speaking of which, this Sunday, for the World Tag Team Titles, for the five millionth time)

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Khali and the Undertaker was a fun brawl, because the Undertaker is a seriously underrated big man. MVP comes out to taunt the Undertaker and Khali attacks him, before locking on the clawhold. Taker fights out but MVP hits Taker with brass knuckles from behind, which sets up a big kick to the face, allowing Khali for the pin. Afterwards, MVP levels Taker with the kick and poses for the World Heavyweight Title, as Smackdown goes off the air.

John Morrison and the Big Show was a fun match, as Show plays the powerful giant and Morrison plays the cowardly heel to a tee, working over Show's legs but as Morrison leaps off the top rope, into Big Show's grip. Choke Slam scores the pin. Miz runs out. Choke Slam. Mike Knox runs out. Choke Slam. Elijah Burke runs out. Choke Slam. Shelton Benjamin runs out and hits an inverted bulldog off the top rope, taking Show out! It's announced Shelton/Show will take place at the Great American Bash.

The Bad
Chavo/Boogeyman happened again. Once again, it was bad as Chavo wins after an Oklahoma Side Roll. Boogey brings out the worms and Chavo bails.

Vladimir Koslov and Chuck Palumbo. Koslov jobs again when Palumbo rolls him up. The guy who loves Double Double E is just a big jobber now.

The Ugly
Nothing.

The Pointless
Deuce defeats Rory the Highlander and Lance Cade over Shannon Moore. These matches were just filling up time, time that could have been better served to get other wrestlers on the show.

WWE Great American Bash 2008

The Good
The Undertaker and MVP was a great main event. MVP really showed that he has a future and should be World Champion in another year or two. This match ended with the Undertaker using the Gogoplata, for the tap out.

Jeff Hardy and Randy Orton's Best Two Out of Three Falls was a great match. Orton wins with the RKO for the first fall, Hardy crucifixes Orton for the second fall, and Swanton Bomb for the pin wins Hardy the match. Hardy now looks to have his sights set on the WWE Championship held by Triple H with this victory. That may very well be your Wrestlemania main event for all we know.

Matt Hardy defeated Kane, this time with the United States Title on the line. Big night for the Hardy Boyz. Kane beat down Hardy, but Hardy crotched Kane on the top rope, before Hardy brought him down with the Twist of Fate for two. Second Twist of Fate scored the pin and Hardy has beaten Kane.

Big Show and Shelton Benjamin. Shelton's ping pong ball offense had some great movements and Show caught Shelton off the springboard, into the Choke Slam. Not as good as the infamous superkick spot, but still fine.

Gregory Helms and Chavo Guerrero against Jimmy Wang Yang and Shannon Moore was a fairly fun cruiserweight tag match, if a bit too short. Helms pins Moore with the Shining Wizard.

The Bad
Chris Jericho and Curt Hawkins for the WWE Intercontinental Title. Hawkins brought the match down and Jericho tried, I'll give him that. Code Breaker scores the pin as Jericho retains the title once again.

Both tag team title matches were short and not that all eventful. The Miz and John Morrison defeated Jesse and Festus to retain the WWE Tag Team Championship when Morrison pins Jesse and the World Tag Team Titles Then, Rhodes and Holly retained the World Tag Team Titles when Rhodes pins Carlito with a roll up after Santino accidentally hits his partner.

The Ugly
Mark Henry and Snitsky was so horrid it defined belief and I believe this match violated the brand extension. Henry pins Snitsky with the World's Strongest Slam in five minutes that made me long for Vince Russo's very worse. Okay, let's not get carried away.

Three minute, Women's Title Match, also Candice's big return. Jillian retained the title against Natalya, Victoria, and Candice, when she pinned Victoria. This match did nothing for anyone.

The Pointless
Mickie James over Katie Lea Burchill and Super Crazy over a Highlander. Woo-hoo!

Impact

TNA Impact

The Good
Six man main event rocked the show. It was AJ Styles, Kurt Angle, and Booker T squaring off against Homicide, Samoa Joe, and Sting, so it made some sense given recent storylines. Sting made Styles tap to the Scorpion Deathlock for the victory, in eighteen minutes of high impact, total non stop action(pardon the puns).

The Bad
ODB and Payton Banks for the TNA Knockout's Title showed potential, but was short. ODB retained the title.

Black Reign and Brother Devon, Black Reign scores the win after some interference from Rellik. This match was the usual Reign effort in TNA, not that good.

The Ugly
Nothing.

The Pointless
Nothing.

The Russo
LANCE HOYT CHALLENGES FOR THE X-DIVISION TITLE! I swear, Petey Williams gets beat down for most of the match, until Scott Steiner makes the save once again, allowing Petey to score the pin with a roll up and the ropes. Jimmy Rave makes the save, which may or may not lead to a Rock N Rave Infection/Petey Williams and Scott Steiner Tag Team Title feud. I'd rather see Petey/Rave for the X-Division Title, personally.

Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal might as well have been the Mulkey Brothers, because they lost in three minutes to Christian and Rhino, mustering no offense. Sonjay took a helluva bump off the Gore. X-Division guys+Gore=good bumps, but the booking was rather irritating.

Brother Ray and Tomko defeating Eric Young and Kaz. Yes, the former number one contenders to the tag team titles are now the job boys to two men who have never teamed up before. The Tag Team Divisions and the X-Divisions in TNA used to be booked well, but now they are wretched.

Indies
Sara Del Ray and Cheerleader Melissa had another great match for the SHIMMER Championship, with Del Ray winning.

OVW had their monthly show, headlined by Nick Dinsmore defending his OVW Championship over Joey Matthews. Also, Rob Conway defeated Jamin Olivencia and Collateral Damage(Tommy McNaler and Jacob Duncan) retained the OVW Tag Team Titles over the Mobile Homers(Ted "The Trailer" McNaler and Nine-Fingers Dewey).

JAPW also had a monthly show, headlined by Jay Lethal and Jack Evans defeating Low Ki and Chris Hero when Low Ki pins Chris Hero with the Ki Krusher. Also, Samoa Joe retained the JAPW World Championship against AJ Styles with the Muscle Buster and LAX retained their JAPW Tag Team Championships against Rhino and Frankie Kazarian.

CHIKARA's monthly show as headlined by Ricochet defeating Jigsaw. Also El Pantera and Mike Quackenbush defeated Larry Sweeney and Claudio Castagnoli and Incoherence(Delirious and Hallowick) defeated F.I.S.T(Icarus and Gran Akuma)

Pay Per View Buyrates and Television Ratings

TNA Victory Road's buyrate was down from last month as about 272000 purchased the show. The NWA's buyrate saw a slighty spike this month, as 920000 bought the show, with a 0.23 buyrate.

Raw was up from last week with a 3.3 rating(3722400 viewers), Smackdown was down with a 1.5 rating(approximately 2314350 viewers), and TNA received a 0.9 rating(approximately 10152000 viewers), the same as last week

[MadMatt]

For the Record, the TNA Impact show detailed in the newsletter received a "D+" in the game.



Wrestling Today Newsletter Number Twelve for Week Four July 2007

WWE

WWE Raw

The Good

Domino, Snitsky, and William Regal against D-Generation X and John Cena. Yes, this may be the only time that Snitsky is in this column or Domino for that matter. The three babyfaces(Michaels, Cena, and Triple H), got under Regal's skin, so he got some goons for this six man tag team match and this was the result. Snitsky pinned Cena with a kick to the head to end a fun brawl, mostly due to Shawn Michaels making everyone look like a star with his bumping. Also, Orton attacks Triple H, as Orton wants the WWE Championship back. Next week, those two men will compete for the title, which is strange, considering Orton lost last night.

Hardcore Holly and Kenny Dykstra was a interesting little match, with Holly winning with the Alabama Slam. No problems with this match.

Santino and Carlito against Cody Rhodes and Val Venis. JR and the King put Venis over as being on a roll. Venis came out as the mystery partner of Cody Rhodes, as Hardcore Holly was already booked tonight and Santino and Carlito wanted another crack at the World Tag Team Champions. It ends badly when Venis connects with a Fisherman Suplex on Santino for the pin when Carlito accidentally trips him. More friction between Santino and Carlito. Venis's push continues.

The Bad
JBL and Mr. Kennedy was off tonight and should not have been the main event. Clothesline from Hell pins Kennedy, in a match that alternated between rest holds and pedestrian brawling, with a couple of high impact moves, but not much.

Shad and Curt Hawkins. It only avoided dropping down one column, because the Curt Hawkins push seems to be deflated as Shad wins with a reverse DDT.

The Ugly
Ashley over Beth Phoenix. I fear there's a good chance this may lead to an Ashley Women's Title reign. Excuse me while I shudder.

The Pointless
Kofi Kingston and Stevie Richards had a match. Kofi won. Time was filled.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Edge and the Undertaker had their latest battle and it set up one last Edge push to regain the title from the Undertaker, when Edge pinned the Undertaker with the Spear to win this non title match. Edge/Taker will headline Summerslam, yes the World Heavyweight Title gets another Pay Per View.

MVP is kept hot after his title match on Sunday, by beating Batista in another pretty damn good match. Batista hurt his arm and MVP took advantage of the situation, working over Batista. This prevents Batista from hitting the Batista Bomb and MVP throws Batista shoulder first into the post, before hitting the Running Yakuza Kick for the pin.

The Miz and John Morrison against Jimmy Wang Yang and Shannon Moore was their usual great tag team match. Yang was shoved off the top rope by Morrison, allowing Miz to score the pin. No mention of Miz and Morrison's storyline by stealing the briefcase of CM Punk, hell CM Punk hasn't been seen since Vengeance. Word is that he's in the dog house because of some politically influenced issue.

[I]The Bad[/U]
Mark Henry defeated Lance Cade with the World's Strongest Slam. Usual Henry fare but much better than the Snitsky match(of course, that's not saying much) I suspect Henry may be the next World Heavyweight Championship.

Vladmir Koslov beats Zach Ryder. These two men really shouldn't be wrestling on network television, especially against each other.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Festus defeated Rory the Highlander.

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good
Nothing. This was the worst episdode of Impact in the entire history of TNA and that's saying a lot.

The Bad
Vince Russo isn't underneath an overpass somewhere.

The Ugly
Lance Hoyt and Scott Steiner trying to chain wrestle in the main event. That deserves a special mention of its own.

The Pointless
Everything on the show.

The Russo

The Entire Show, but let's decide to recap what happened.

Robert Roode defeats Jay Lethal. Roode dominated Lethal. Lethal got in a brief flurry of offense. Roode pins him cleanly. Lethal's gone from the top star of the X-Division to Funaki in just a couple of months.

Salinas pins Roxxy when LAX interfere again. Keep in mind, LAX are supposed to be the babyfaces, yet they cheat to win. The Motor City Machine Guns run out to make the save, fighting off LAX, setting up what I'm sure will be a fine tag team match and I'm pretty sure LAX may have turned heel here, but who knows with the acid that Russo's dripping.

ODB, Gail Kim, Raisha Saeed, and Awesome Kong gets three and a half minutes. A fatal four way for the Knockout's Title, which is supposed to set up another Fatal Four Way at whatever the August Pay Per View's called. For it's first six months, the Knockout's Division rocked, but now it's getting worse and worse. And these are four ladies who could have a pretty good four way, if given eight or nine minutes at least. Instead it got three in a half. ODB pins Saeed after Kong accidentally strikes her.

The long awaited battle between Team 3D was thrown out on television and it was a no-contest. Yes, both these men brawled and the match just ended after two minutes. The entire lockerroom comes out, brawls.

Christian and Rhino defeated Kaz and Eric Young when Rhino pins Eric Young with the Gore in four minutes. Rhino and Christian are turning heel, I think but then Rellik and Reign run out, and attack them. You know, WCW Thunder at the end was better than this particular Impact. In fact, Heroes of Wrestling might have been better than this Impact.

Rock N Rave Infection challenge for the TNA Tag Team Titles against Scott Steiner and Petey Williams. This match gets fifteen minutes and it had the horrid chain wrestling, plus more. Scott Steiner pins Rave after Petey hits him with the X-Division Title Belt. Both teams are heels, I think, and Petey was beaten down, playing the babyface roll, yet they used the belt for the pin. The more I watch TNA, the less I understand.

And there were skits, involving Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe. Lockdown was great, but this regressed backwards so much. with the wretched nature of some of these skits.

You know, most of the TNA roster I enjoy, but with this booking, no one comes across good. Everytime they take one step forward, they take at least five steps back.

Indies
CZW had their monthly show. Main event featured Sonjay Dutt defeating Toby Klein to retain the CZW Championship. Also, Ruckus defeated DJ Hyde, The Iron Saints defeated The Messiah and Chuck Taylor, Sabian defeated Nate Hatred to capture the newly created CZW Arena Championship, and Brain Damage defeated Ricky Reyes to retain the CZW Iron Man Title.

Television Ratings and Buyrates

WWE's Great American Bash dipped below Vengeance with a 1.29 buyrate, with 516000 people buying the show.

Raw was bumped up last week with a 3.5 rating(3948000 viewers), Smackdown was up with a 1.6 rating(2428640 viewers). TNA Impact was down with a 0.8 rating(902400 viewers)

[chopps4312]

Val being kept off for one week scared me. However even the King and JR realize the awesome push of Val. Two more great additions MadMatt. Keep up the good work. Isn't Val grand?!

[MadMatt]

The first newsletter of August.



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue 13 for Week One August 2008

WWE

WWE Raw

The Good

Randy Orton and Triple H for the WWE Championship was a damn good match. Orton scores a series of nearfalls but Triple H connected with the Pedigree to retain the championship. It is announced that Triple H will be a part of Summerslam but will not be required to defend the title. An announcement of who his opponents were in the coming week.

William Regal and Shawn Michaels have another great match. Both these men work out to entertain the fans, with Michaels ends the match with the Sweet Chin Music, putting Regal down for the victory.

Carlito and Santino against Charlie Haas and Kofi Kingston served its purpose, that is to give Carlito and Santino a victory when Carlito hit the Back Stabber on Haas. Next week is Carlito and Santino vs Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly Part 3421 or so.

Maria and Mickie was a perfectly acceptable woman's match, ending in a no-contest when Beth Phoenix beats them both. She wants her belt back and petitions to get the Women's Title Match at Summerslam.

The Bad

Putting Domino over Super Crazy. No, just no, Domino still gets pushed down our throats.

The Ugly
Nothing.

The Pointless
Shad and Kenny Dyskstra had a two minute match until Snitsky runs out and beats down both me. He wants a title shot. Jericho runs out and brawls with Snitsky, who wipes out Jericho. The WWE Intercontinental Champion gets punked by Snitsky.

And Stevie Richards and Paul Burchill had some moments, all three of them. It just seemed to be filling time.

WWE Smackdown

This was perhaps one of the most nothing happening shows. At least TNA is so bad it was memorable again this week.

The Good
The Big Show beats John Morrison, this match was as good as their one from a couple of weeks ago and the best match of the night.

Chavo/Nunzio was a perfectly acceptable Cruiserweight Match. Frog Splash ends this match.

The Bad
Kane defends the ECW Championship against the Miz. The Miz? Kane connects with the Choke slam to the Miz for the pin in four minutes, in an obvious victory.

Mark Henry defeating Elijah Burke. Henry's push continues and Burke's burial also continues.

Zach Ryder got way too much offense against Finlay. Finlay whips after Hornswoggle bites Ryder's ankle, allowing Finlay to smack Ryder with the Shillagh. so Finlay needs both the midget and a weapon to defeat Zach Ryder?

The Ugly
Nothing.

The Pointless
Festus beating Trevor Murdoch.

TNA

TNA Impact

Another wretched show, as the worst run of shows in TNA history continues/

The Good

Er, uh.

The Bad
The fact that Vince Russo is not under an overpass somewhere

The Ugly
The fact that TNA has a television deal after the last couple of the weeks.

The Pointless
Any effort made for anyone to stand out on this piece of **** show.

The Russo
Eric Young and Kaz get another shot at the TNA Tag Team Titles? After losing every match for the last month(their last victory was on the Impact before Victory Road against the Rock N Rave Infection for those keeping track). Scott Steiner pins Eric Young to retain the belts.

Gail Kim defeating Velvet Skye by disqualification after Angelina Love interfered. So they can't put Gail Kim over cleanly? Kim fights them off, as we fade to a commercial.

ODB over Raisha Saeed for the Knockout's Title was the slightly better women's match but too short. ODB retains the belt once again, scoring the pin just as the match got going.

Brother Ray and BG James wrestle each other. This might have been a fine match...in 2000. This is 2008 and these two are still wrestling in a high profile match on the card. Ray wins after he uses a low blow and a roll up to pin BG James. Brother Devon comes out and gets in his former partner's face, so this feud continues.

Christian and Rhino defeat Rellik and Black Reign via disqualification. Rellik and Reign batter both Christian and Rhino, laying them out. Setting up yet another match between these two teams at Hard Justice.

AJ Styles and Tomko against the Rock N Rave Infection. Not exactly a bad match, but makes the list because Lance Hoyt gets another main event slow. Some fun moments between Styles and Rave, but when Hoyt gets in the ring, the entire quality drops. Tomko pins Rave with a Torture Rack into a neckbreaker as Styles leaps onto Hoyt. After the match, Robert Roode attacks Tomko and Abyss gets into it with AJ Styles.

And the usual amount of ****ty skits. Yay TNA!

NWA

On Thursday, NWA had No Remorse(not to be confused with the TNA Pay Per View in September, No Surrender). Let's look at the results of this show:
-Hook Bombery defeated Bull Buchanan
-Scorpio Sky and Mike DiBiase over Seth Delay and Dan Maff when DiBiase pinned Delay
-NWA World Tag Team Champions Brent Albright and Alex Shelley over Johnny Swinger and Bryan Danielson when Albright makes Swinger submit to an armbar
-Marty Jannetty pinned Zokre with the Rocker Dropper
-Matt Cross over Mike Quackenbush with a 450 Splash
-David Young pinned Chris Hamrick
-Karl Anderson defeated Phoenix Star
-Adam Pearce defeated Sonny Siaki with the Jumping Piledriver
-Homicide pinned Juventud Guerrera with the Gringo Killa in the match of the evening
-Chris Morteskzy pinned Nick Dinsmore with a full nelson slam
-Chris Kanyon pinned Rob Conway with win the NWA World Championship with the Flatliner

Yes, Kanyon is the NWA World Champion! Move over Thesz, Flair, Race, Brisco, Funk...who betta than Kanyon.

Indies

Jershey All Pro Wrestling will receive a television show on Tuesday Nights in the Fall Season that will air on the MSG Network.

Speaking of JAPW, they had their monthly show on Tuesday Night, headlined by Samoa Joe retaining the JAPW Championship over Homicide with the Muscle Buster. Also, AJ Styles defeated Frankie Kazarian, Jay Lethal defeated Low Ki, Rhino over Eddie Kingston, and Chuck Taylor over Teddy Hart for the JAPW Jershey State title.

CHIKARA was headlined by El Pantera over Mike Quackenbush. Also, the Kings of Wrestling defeated F.I.S.T, Chuck Taylor defeated Jigsaw, and Larry Sweeney defeated Ultra Mantis Black.

PWG also had a show on Wednesday night, with Bryan Danielson retaining his PWG Championship over Roderick Strong in the main event. Also, Low Ki defeated PAC, Austin Aries defeated Rocky Romero, and Super Dragon and Tyler Black defeated El Generico and Kevin Steen.

IWA-MS had an event on Saturday Night, featuring Low-Ki defeating Ruckus to retain the IWA: MS Heavyweight Championship, Roderick Strong over Chris Hero, the Iron Saints over Tyler Black and Tracy Smothers to retain the IWA: MS Tag Team Titles, Jason Hades over Nate Webb to retain the IWA: MS Cruiserweight Title, and Davey Richards over Kevin Steen.

On the OVW weekly television, Rob Conway captured the OVW Championship for the fifth time, defeating Nick Dinsmore.

Finally, FIP had a show this weekend on Sunday night, headlined by Roderick Strong defeating Tyler Black to retain the FIP Championship. In other big matches, Brent Albright defeated Jack Evans, The Powers That Be defeated Jay Briscoe and Nigel McGuinness to retain the FIP Tag Team Titles, and Bryan Danielson defeated Delirious.

Television Ratings

The Raw Rating continues to raise with a 3.6 rating(4060800 viewers). Smackdown remained the same with a 1.6 rating(2428640 viewers). TNA Impact also kept up, with a 0.8 rating(902400 viewers)

[chopps4312]

I kinda feel left out when Raw decided not to showcase Val in some way. Here i am with my Val action figures, my signed 8x10 of him, My Val towel, my Val t-shirt, my Val life size standee. Geese Vince, Jealous of the man's ability at his age? :o/

Good write up again, keep it up

[MadMatt]

Another Newsletter!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #14 For Week Two August 2008

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
Umaga and Shawn Michaels was a great brawl. Michaels has pulled some pretty great matches against some pretty below average big man and Umaga is above average. Umaga batters Michaels for most of the match, but Michaels pulls off a comeback, ending with the Sweet Chin Music, putting Umaga down for the count.

William Regal and John Cena was another great match. Ever since the KOTR victory this year, Regal's been on fire and Cena met him every step of the way. F-U scores the pin but Cena took his share of knocks on the way down.

Santino and Carlito against Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly was a fairly decent tag team match, even if it has happened every single week it seems like. Rhodes pins Santino and afterwards, Santino and Carlito get into it, demanding respect from the other. This leads to a match next week.

Kenny Dyskstra and Super Crazy put their working shoes on tonight for a fun mid card encounter. Dykstra scores the win after a backslide.

The Bad
Curt Hawkins and Chris Jericho for the WWE Intercontinental Champion. Not only does this match get about seven minutes, six of which being Hawkins on offense, but Snitsky runs out to destroy Jericho. Snitsky and Jericho for the WWE Intercontinental Championship at Summerslam.

Victoria and Melina had a nice start but was too short and had a screw job finish, a double countout.

Speaking of women, Jillian retained her women's title against Natalya in a rather short encounter.

The Ugly
Nohting.

The Pointless
A rather fluid show leading into Summerslam all things considered.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
MVP and the Undertaker had a good match up until the finish, which saw Edge run out, causing a no contest. Edge Spears both men and poses with the championship belt. Edge wants his title back and at Summerslam he has a chance against the Undertaker.

You can take his face off the milk carton, because CM Punk is back, teaming up with Finlay and Mark Henry in a victory in a six man tag team match against Lance Cade, Chuck Palumbo, and Elijah Burke. This was a fun six man tag team match, given some underutilized talent time to shine. Punk pins Cade with the GTS and it is announced that Punk and Finlay will face the Miz and John Morrison for the WWE Tag Team Champions at Summerslam.

The Bad
The Big Show and Batista over the Miz and John Morrison in a non title match. Now granted, Miz and Morrison should not have won, but to make the champions look like total jobbers before a title defense at Summerslam really is questionable booking, especially against a team that has never teamed up before. Batista pins the Miz with the Batista Bomb as Morrision is Choke Slammed.

Deuce loses a bid to become WWE United States Champion against Matt Hardy. I'm sure a blind person whose been living in a cave might have been surprised at this booking.

Vladmir Koslov over Trevor Murdoch. At this point, Koslov is just another big man in the vein of Snitsky, nothing special, just a guy who will beat jobbers and get jobbed to the bigger name stars. Next.

The Ugly
Nothing.

The Pointless
I question pointing either of the former Major Brothers on television at this point, as Zach Ryder pins Tommy Dreamer. The sound you heard were millions of people around the world getting up and taking a bathroom break.

TNA

TNA Impact

After the last two weeks, TNA returns with a couple of good matches, but still the problems that plague TNA every week continue.

The Good
Sting and Samoa Joe defeating Christian and Rhino was a fantastic, star studded tag team main event. Joe looked like a star and considering he's the champion, that would be the best booking. Joe pins Rhino with the Muscle Buster.

BG James, Curry Man, and James Storm. I feared this was the return of Vince Russo's random match generator and I was prepared to go off on a rant, but this match was actually pretty good, in an odd way. Storm pins BG James with the Superkick, but there was some wacky comedy stuff between Curry and the Cowboy. That might not be a bad feud, but who knows what's going to be set up in TNA.

The Bad
Nothing.

The Ugly
Boy, Velvet Skye and Christy Hemme, that match was a five star classic, of course there is a negative sign in front of those stars. Velvet pins Christy.

The Pointless
Nothing.

The Russo
Eric Young and Kaz against Scott Steiner and Petey Williams for the TNA Tag Team Titles. Once again, Young and Kaz are having a running contest with Santino and Carlito for most failed bids to become tag team champions. This a memo to TNA and to WWE, to get a new tag team title feud. The same story is with Petey Williams pinning Kaz with the Canadian Destroyer.

Abyss and Tomko was mostly due to the fact that this Robert Roode and Tomko feud has got me scratching my head who the babyface was. Tomko(a heel) is fighting a face in Abyss, but he gets cost a match by another heel(Robert Roode). Those two men will have a match at Hard Justice. I'm sure it'd be a fun brawl, but it just doesn't seem like it's going anywhere, just being put on a treadmill

Jay Lethal and Brother Ray against the Rock N Rave Infection. I could have sworn that Ray was the heel in this battle of Team 3D feud, but then again, who knows. Lethal pins Hoyt to win the match.

TNA Hard Justice

The Good
Sure it wasn't the main event, but Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe had a great match for the TNA Championship. Now, these two men should never get in the ring again for at least a year. Joe pins Angle with the Muscle Buster to retain the title, after seventeen minutes of great mat wrestling. The Lockdown match was the best one between the two, but this was a close second.

AJ Styles and Abyss had their usual fun speed against power battle. Styles won after the Styles Clash off the second rope. Abyss just seems to exist in TNA these days.

X-Division Title Match involving Petey Williams, Sonjay Dutt, and Chris Sabin. Sabin inserted into this match spiced up the Dutt/Williams dynamic, giving it a good match. And Petey wins with the Canadian Destroyer to retain the championship, over Sabin.

Alex Shelley defeated Hernandez. Yes, you read that right, Shelley scored a victory on TNA Pay Per View. Homicide ran out and attacked Shelley, but Sabin made the save. The Motor City Machine Guns and LAX should have a good feud.

Eric Young defeating Kip James, mostly because Kip James lost.

The Bad
Scott Steiner making Kaz his personal bitch in a four minute squash. This would have went in the Russo column, but the finish was clean, but damn Kaz didn't get any offense. Steiner's after the TNA Championship again.

The Ugly
Robert Roode and Tomko should have had a fun match, but it was chalked full of restholds and bad brawling. Roode wins with the Pay Off. Tomko jobs. Next

The Pointless
Gail Kim against Ms. Payton Banks. Kim wins, just to fill time. Also, Curry Man against Consequences Creed. Creed hasn't been seen in quite some time and he just gets dragged out to job to the Spice Rack. Curry's good, but hell, have him defeat someone who matters a bit more.

The Russo
Rellik and Reign against Christian Cage and Rhino headlines the second Pay Per View in a row. This like the time where Goldberg fought Kronik in the main event of a WCW Pay Per View, with Rellik and Reign playing the roll of Kronik. Still, WCW didn't do it twice in a row. Rhino pins Rellik with the Gore.

The Knockout's Division, the mighty have in fact fallen. ODB retains the title against some women in a heatless match. It's Raisha Saaed, Angelina Love, and Salinas, with Love getting pinned. This got five minutes. Should have swapped Gail Kim in there and eliminated the other Knockout's Match, to give this more time and a better match.

The Indies
SHIMMER featured Sara Del Ray defeating Daizee Haze to retain the SHIMMER Championship.

Television Ratings and Pay Per View Buyrates

The NWA Pay Per View was bought by about 100000 people, which translates into a 0.25 buyrate.

Raw remained the same this week with a 3.6 rating((4060800 viewers). Smackdown remained the same with a 1.6 rating(2428640 viewers). Impact rose with a 0.9 rating(1015200 viewers)

[MadMatt]

Another Newsletter. Wooo!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #15 For Week Three August 2008

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

As a go home show for Summerslam, this was rather poor, with one good match, one okay one, and a bunch of ****.

The Good

Umaga and Jeff Hardy had their usual great match, with Umaga bulldozing Hardy for the victory, despite Hardy's best efforts. Vicious Samoan Spike kills Jeff Hardy dead for the pin.

Melina and Beth Phoenix was acceptable enough. Melina wins, but neither of these women will be receiving a women's title shot.

The Bad

Snitsky and John Cena. Cena's had some great matches, especially brawls, but Snitsky wasn't one of them. Snitsky beat down down Cena for most of the match, Cena made a comeback, so Snitsky attacked the referee for the disqualification and then beat Cena with a chair. Yes, Snitsky is protected against John Cena. Snitsky/Jericho for the WWE Intercontinental Championship on Sunday, we'll see if Jericho can work a miracle.

Curt Hawkins and Chris Jericho was the usual match, with Hawkins getting in way too much offense and Jericho lucking his way into a victory with the Code Breaker.

Paul Burchill and Brian Kendrick just didn't click. Kendrick won, as Burchill continues to shift downward on the card.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Natalya and Jillian for the Women's Title showed potential, but lacked heat, with Jillian retaining the title. That leads to Jillian and Kelly Kelly, which I'm sure will be one of the worst Women's Title Matches in WWE history since the heyday of Harvey Whippleman.

Also, Carlito beats Santino, both men patch things up and will go after the World Tag Team Titles. Yes, this feud, which has been going on for about six years for the World Tag Team Titles, MUST CONTINUE!

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Batista and Edge had a great match and Batista wins after the lights flicker, teasing the Undertaker. Spinebuster pins Edge but Edge attacks Batista after the bell, until the lights go out and the Undertaker comes out for real. The World Heavyweight Title on the line this Sunday at Summerslam, betwee the Undertaker and Edge.

Kane and Shelton Benjamin for the ECW Championship should have happened at Summerslam, but instead Kane has to defend the title against Lance Cade. Benjamin gets a fair bit of offense but Kane powerslams him, clothesline, and Choke Slam. Cade attacks Kane afterwards.

John Morrison and Nunzio had a five minute match that was productive. Miz and Morrison face off against Finlay and CM Punk on Sunday for the World Tag Team Titles, but Morrison wis tonight with the neckbreaker.

The Bad
Vladmir Koslov and Matt Hardy. Matt Hardy wins with the Twist of Fate and has to put his title on the line against the Boogeyman on Sunday. Yes, the Boogeyman, which begs the question, who is getting worse challengers for their singles title reign, Jericho or Hardy? This Sunday may shed some light on that issue.

Chuck Palumbo pinning Jimmy Wang Yang in a squash. Yang got no offense, literally none at all.

The Ugly
None.

The Pointless
Zach Ryder over Colin Delaney. I find it fasnicating that all these great wrestlers are on the roster and yet Zach Ryder gets a match every single week.

WWE Summerslam 2008 Report

A damn fine night of wrestling action.

The Good
The Undertaker and Edge for the World Heavyweight Championship had their great match. Edge threw everything at the Undertaker but Undertaker fought back, ending things with the Tombstone. Perhaps now this feud is finally over and the Undertaker can move onto a new challenger.

Jeff Hardy defeating William Regal, JBL, and Triple H in a fatal four way non title match when Hardy pins JBL with the Swanton Bomb. the push of Hardy continues, hopefully he doesn't mess things up. Seriously, this was a fun match and Triple H had JBL down with the Pedigree, but Regal took him out, both men brawled to the floor and Hardy snuck in for the win.

The Miz and John Morrison defeated Finlay and CM Punk to retain the WWE Tag Team Titles. Punk is pinned by Morrison, but all four men(yes, even the Miz) busted their asses for a tag team match befitting of a Summerslam.

Shoot me but Kane and Lance Cade for the ECW Championship was a fun brawl. Cade could have won, but obviously he didn't and Kane Choke Slammed him for the victory.

Hardcore Holly and Shelton Benjamin, another unexpectadely good match. Shelton wins with a springboard inverted bulldog over one half of the World Tag Team Champions.

Trevor Murdoch and Jimmy Wang Yang was a fun opening match as well to kick things off. Murdoch wins with the Code Red.

The Bad
Mark Henry over Carlito. This was a putrid match, seven minutes, four of which is a Mark Henry bearhug. World's Strongest Slam, Carlito jobs, Henry gets another win.

Snitsky and Chris Jericho for the WWE Intercontintental Title, oh boy, Snitsky's bad but if this was 1986, he'd be wrestling Hogan for the title on a Saturday Night's Main Event. Jericho pinballs for Snitsky, but Snitsky misses a corner charge and Jericho rolls him up for the pin. I think that might have been Jericho's only move. Thankfully, Jericho dodges Snitsky before he beats him down.

Boogeyman and Matt Hardy wasn't much better, but Hardy got in a few more moves than Jericho and won with the Twist of Fate to retain the WWE United States Title.

The Ugly
Both women's matches. Jillian pins Kelly Kelly, with a backslide that was botched to retain the title. Beth Phoenix and Ashley ended in a no contest in three minutes, all of which were bad.

The Pointless
Domino over Curt Hawkins. Whatever.

More Roster Swaps
In a trade, Smackdown got Kofi Kingston and Curt Hawkins for Chavo Guerrero and Tommy Dreamer this week. Verdict: Smackdown got screwed.

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good
Homicide defeating Black Reign cleanly. That pleased me to no end, and really put over LAX as a bit of a threat.

Christian and Rhino over the Rock N Rave Infection, served its purpose really, as getting Christian and Rhino over. Plus, Rhino pins Rave with the Gore, nearly breaking him in half in the process.

Awesome Kong and Raisha Saeed over Tracy Brooks and Salinas in a squash match. This got over the heels as real monsters for the Knockout's division, so perhaps Russo's learning, as Tracy was put down by the Awesome Bomb.

The Bad
ODB over Jacqueline Moore and Angelina Love for the TNA Knockout's Title. Yep. Jacqueline and ODB get into a scuffle after the match, which I suppose will lead to a fairly decent singles match, but stuffing Angelina Love into this match just reeked over getting more faces on television.

The Ugly
Nothing.

The Pointless
Nothing.

The Russo

[Insert Rant about Kaz and Eric Young receiving yet another TNA Tag Team Title Shot and once again losing against Petey Williams and Scott Steiner here]

Booker T and Samoa Joe started off good, until the Russorific Run ins. Joe attacks Petey Williams, Scott Steiner hits Joe with the pipe and Booker barely manages to pin Joe after that. Steiner wants the title, I want Russo to get fired, it's all good. Steiner/Joe for the TNA Title at No Surrender, at least it's a new challenger.

The Indies
OVW had their monthly show, with Rob Conway retaining the OVW Championship over Nick Dinsmore in the main event. In other matches, Tommy McNaler defeated Anthony Bravado, Jacob Duncan beat Dewey, Jamin Olivenca defeated Omar Akbar, and Ted "The Trailer" McNailer battled Ali Akbar to a no contest

Florida Championship Wrestling had their monthly show last Friday, with Drew McIntyre retaining the FCW Heavyweight Championship over Colt Cabana. Also, Johnny Jeter defeated Mighty Mikey, Nick Nemeth defeated Matt Sydal, Kevin Thorn defeated TJ Wilson, and the Puerto Rican Nightmares defeated Shawn Spears and Jake Hager to retain the Florida Tag Team Titles.

CZW had a show on Saturday Night, with Sonjay Dutt defeating Toby Klein to retain the CZW Heavyweight Title in the main event. Also, in other top matches, Salvatore Thomaselli over Ruckus, Vito Thomaselli over Chuck Taylor, Sabian over Danny DeManto to retain the CZW Arena Championship, and the Messiah over Ricochet.

Pay Per View Buyrates and Television Ratings:
TNA Hard Justices got a 0.46 buyrate or 1840000 buys.

Raw dipped slighty with a 3.5 rating(3948000 viewers), Smackdown remained the same with a 1.6 rating(2428640 viewers). Impact remained the same with a 0.9 rating(1015200 viewers)

[chopps4312]

Thanks for the updates. Good as always, however i need my Val fix! I waited all week only to find out Vince has decided to keep him off the show two weeks in a row?!

[MadMatt]

Another Newsletter, woo!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #16 For Week Four, August 2008

WWE

WWE Raw:

The Good

Triple H and John Bradshaw Layfield for the WWE Championship in a grudge match, as JBL is sore from the Pedigree last night and wants the belt. I'm sure you're shocked but Triple H retained the title again, but once again another brawl, thanks mostly to the blade job JBL did off of a shot into the post. That was about as blood as you could get for television.

John Cena and Hardcore Holly, another great brawl. Holly beats the snot out of Cena, Cena beats Holly, vicious forearms, punches. Alabama Slam gets a nearfall. Holly goes for a clothesline but Cena ducks. Dropkick for two. F-U is blocked, but STFU is not and Holly taps out. Holly's been on lately in singles, with his brawls against the likes of Umaga and now Cena. Mr. Kennedy gets into it with Cena afterwards, setting up Unforgiven.

Val Venis returns and loses to Carlito thanks to the Back Stabber. This wasn't a squash, as Venis got in a few moves, before going down.

Shawn Michaels and Randy Orton in a number one contenders match at Unforgiven, which is two weeks away. Still, to set up this feud, WWE did good.

The Bad
Domino gets another shot at the WWE Intercontinental Title and Chris Jericho gets another stinker of a title defense, against Domino, with the Code Breaker. Charlie Haas is watching from the ramp. Is it possible that we could get a good title defense for Jericho next? Gasp.

The Women's Matches were the usual horrid stuff. Maria defeated Natalya and Jillian defeated Michelle McCool to retain the WWE Women's Title.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Paul Burchill and Stevie Richards ends in a no contest when JBL beats them both up. They could have done a promo that would have worked just as well.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Batista against MVP was a great match, if MVP losing clean was a bit questionable. Two spinebusters and the Batista Bomb leads to the victory.

Finlay beats Elijah Burke to become the number one contender for the United States Title, which is awesome, because it's going to be Finlay against Matt Hardy, which should be awesome.

The Bad
The Great Khali and the Undertaker for the World Heavyweight Title. It ends with Khali mauling Taker with the steps by disqualification, bloodying him. Khali claws the Undertaker and leaves him laying, to set up a World Heavyweight Title Match at Unforgiven. Yes, again, between Khali and the Undertaker.

The Ugly
Festus defeating Vladmir Koslov and the Boogeyman defeated Zach Ryder, in matches that made me long for Snitsky. Seriously, these guys get on, but no Edge, no Shelton, no Kane, no Big Show, no CM Punk, no Miz and Morrison.

The Pointless
Jesse defeating Lance Cade.

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good

Sting defeating AJ Styles in a great match with the Scorpion Deathlock. If this is Sting's final year as a wrestler, he's going to go out with a bang with matches like this. Styles also looked impressive, proving that a wrestler doesn't absolutely need to win, to be put over.

Kaz and Eric Young defeating Christian Cage and Rhino when Kaz pinned Christian in a fine tag team match. This match worked because it was good and it wasn't Kaz and Eric Young against Scott Steiner and Petey Williams.

Awesome Kong and Raisha Saeed over ODB and Gail Kim when Kong pins ODB with a spinning back fist. Jacqueline watched the match, but it looks like Kong wants her championship back and is on the right track with this victory over the Knockout's Champion.

The Bad
Tomko defeating Jimmy Rave and Lance Hoyt. This was a putrid match and I believe technically a Triple Threat Match, althrough it was the Rock N Rave Infection beating Tomko down but Tomko pins Rave after a miscommunication. So yes, one man can beat one tag team, but since it's Lance Hoyt who is one of the victims, this gets shunted into the bad column.

The Ugly
Black Reign squashes Hernandez, It least it was short and mostly not offensive, plus LAX beat down Rellik and Reign after the match, but the Motor City Machine Guns come out, to get into it with LAX, to continue that feud.

The Pointless
Nothing.

The Russo
Scott Steiner and Petey Williams defeating The Motor City Machine Guns in a non title match. You'd think this would be a chance to build up new challengers for the tag team champions, but this match failed on that level. First, the Motor City Machine Guns won, with Petey Williams pinning Chris Sabin with the Canadian Destroyer, despite Samoa Joe attacking Scott Steiner on the floor. So the Motor City Machine Guns can't even win with help from the TNA Champion! Vince Russo, he's a genius, isn't he?

TNA Loses All North American Pay Per View Deals

Just as the title says, TNA fans in North America will not be able to see TNA Pay Per Views, at least not on Pay Per View, for the foreseeable future. Details are sketchy at the moment, but it appears TNA's contracts with their North American Pay Per View distributors have been terminated effectively the end of August. So, Hard Justice was the last TNA Pay Per View to be aired in North America for the time being. Could this be the beginning of the end of TNA? Only time will tell. Those TNA fans in the UK should rejoice, as they can watch TNA Pay Per Views, the only country that can at this point.

TNA No Surrender is during the second week of September.

ROH

ROH had their monthly show titled "Sweet Pain". The results are as follows

-Jigsaw and Jack Evans defeated the Age of the Fall when Jack Evans pins Tyler Black.
-Allison Danger pinned Lacey with a small package
-Larry Sweeney defeated Michael Eigan after Tank Toland and Bobby Dempsey interfered
-Adam Pearce pinned Erick Stevens after a Piledriver.
-Ruckus scores an upset victory over Roderick Strong. After the match, Strong beats Ruckus, laying him out with the Gibson Driver.
-Matt Cross pinned Chris Hero in the second upset victory of the night with a sunset flip.
-Davey Richards and Rocky Romero defeated Kevin Steen and El Generico when Richards makes Generico tap out to the Kimura.
-Jay Briscoe and Austin Aries defeated Claudio Castagnoli and Delirious to retain the ROH Tag Team Titles in an odd match, when Aries pins Delirious with the 450 Splash
-Bryan Danielson k'oed Brent Albright after the elbowsmashes
-Nigel McGuinness retained the ROH World Heavyweight Title against Takeshi Morishima with three jawbreaker lariats. This was Morishima's first title shot since he lost the belt to Nigel last year.

Pay Per View Buyrates and Television Ratings

WWE Summerslam was bought by about 608000 people which roughly translates of a 1.52 buyrate.

Raw remained the same with a 3.5 Rating(3948000 viewers), Smackdown remained the same with a 1.6 Rating(2428640 viewers), and Impact remained the same with a 0.9 rating(1015200 viewers)

[RKO_HBK]

Just wanna see, been reading this since the beginning and it's really great. It's easy to follow, but with an original style. Keep up the good work mate.

[chopps4312]

Another awesome update and even though he loss. Val is back baby! WOOHOO!

Keep up the awesome work!

[MadMatt]

First Newsletter for September!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #17 For Week One, September 2008

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
Jeff Hardy and Randy Orton had another impressive battle, with Hardy winning by disqualification after Orton blasted him with the chair. Orton sets up Hardy for the kick of the doom but Michaels rushes to the ring and blasts Orton with the Superkick, laying him out before this Sunday.

John Cena and Shawn Michaels had another great match, with Cena tapping out Michaels to the STFU. This match needed about ten or fifteen more minutes, but it was a great battle never the less.

Maria and Candice beating Beth Phoenix and Melina was okay, with Candice pinning Melina with a crucifix. Candice is being built back up as a potential challenger for Jillian.

The Bad
Shad defeating Charlie Haas after a roll up when Jericho distracted Haas. Haas should not be losing before receiving an Intercontinental Title Match.

Santino and Carlito lost to Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly again. Yes, again! This match for the fourteenth millioth time.

The Ugly
Jillian and Ashley for the Women's Title, battling to a no-contest, allowing Jillian to retain.

The Pointless
Domino over Super Crazy.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Batista over Edge in their usual good match. Edge attempted the Spear but Batista avoided it before he hit a spear of his own. Pair of spinebusters and Batista Bomb score the pin.

Kane and Matt Hardy for the ECW Championship was the usual pretty damn fine match as well, with Kane winning with a super Choke Slam. Shelton Benjamin will face Kane for the ECW Championship on Sunday at Unforgiven.

The Miz defeating Paul London was a perfectly acceptable midcard match.

Finlay squashed Festus, and this Sunday, he will face off against Matt Hardy for the United States Championship.
'
The Bad
Nothing.

The Ugly
Nothing.

The Pointless
Nunzio over Trevor Murdoch and Jesse over Bam Neely. These matches happened!

WWE Unforgiven

The Good
Randy Orton and Shawn Michaels fought for the number one contendership for the WWE Championship, with Orton putting down Michaels with the RKO for the pin. Good match, but you'd expect nothing less between these two men.

John Cena and Mr. Kennedy, another great match. Most of these matches were thrown together because of their being two weeks in between Pay Per Views and Cena pins Kennedy with the F-U after blocking the Mic Check.

Jeff Hardy defeating William Regal with the Swanton Bomb. Another good match, especially when Regal stiffed and stretched Hardy, but Hardy fought back for the victory.

Matt Hardy retained his United States Championship Title against Finlay, after connecting with a backslide. Just like his brother, Matt took a beating before the end.

Chris Jericho retains the WWE Intercontinental Title against Charlie Haas with the Code Breaker. Once again, another great match, this Pay Per View was full of them.

Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a new ECW Champion. That's right, Shelton Benjamin pins Kane to capture the ECW Championship after the Gold Rush. This is the first time Shelton's won the ECW Championship.

Jillian defeated Beth Phoenix to retain the WWE Women's Title, Perfectly acceptable women's match.

Trevor Murdoch defeated Jimmy Wang Yang, much like Summerslam, a great opener.

The Bad
The Undertaker and The Great Khali for the World Heavyweight Title in a No Holds Barred Match. Undertaker won with a Choke Slam on a steel chair, in a mostly bad match.

Tag team title matches were too short to be anything. Miz and Morrison defeated the Daltons and Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly beat Cryme Tyme. At least it wasn't Santino and Carlito getting the title matches.

The Ugly
Nothing.

The Pointless
John Bradshaw Layfield defeating Brian Kendrick.

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good
AJ Styles and Tomko against the Motor City Machine Guns in the main event. A damn fine match, but Styles pins Sabin with the Styles Clash. LAX attacks the Motor City Machine Guns as they'll be fighting at No Surrender, which sadly most of the world will be unable to see.

Eric Young and Kaz over Christian and Rhino was an action packed tag team match, with Kaz pinning Christian.

The Bad
Petey Williams and Scott Steiner over the Rock N Rave Infection was bad, but at least it wasn't the main event. Steiner pins Rave to score the pin.

The Ugly
Nothing.

The Russo
Sting and Homicide against Rellik and Black Reign! This match made no sense, as Sting is a babyface and Homicide is a heel with Hernandez as LAX, but now he's a babyface when teaming with Sting. Sting puts Rellik in the Scorpion Deathlock for the win, as Reign and Rellik got way too much offense.

Brother Devon over Sonjay Dutt, Jay Lethal, and James Storm. More booking that made no sense. Devon pins James Storm for the victory.

Robert Roode, Hernandez, and Curry Man over Elix Skipper, Kip James, and Consequences Creed. Yes, the random six man tags returns. Roode pins Elix Skipper with the Pay Off. Yay!

NWA

The NWA had their latest Pay Per View. Quick results are as follows
-Zokre and Hook Bomberry over Joey Ryan and Phoenix
-Seth Delay over Bull Buchanan
-Mike Quackenbush over Dan Maff
-Homicide pins Matt Cross
-Adam Pearce defeated Sonny Siaki
-David Young defeated Karl Anderson
-Chris Mordetsky over Chris Hamrick
-Alex Shelley and Brent Albright retained the NWA Tag Team Titles over the Backroom Boyz(Mike DiBiase and Scorpio Sky)
-Chris Kanyon retained the NWA World Championship over Nick Dinsmore
-Rob Conway and Bryan Danielson over Juventud Guerrera and Johnny Swinger.

The Indies

JAPW had their first television show. I don't get it in my area and ratings are not available but the results are as follows
-Alexa Thatcher over Daizee Haze
-Eddie Kingston over Chuck Taylor
-LAX over Jay Lethal and Rhino to retain the JAPW Tag Team Titles
-Samoa Joe over Frankie Kazarian.

CZW had their monthly show, headlined by Sonjay Dutt over Salvatore Thomaselli to retain the CZW Heavyweight Championship. Other marquee matches included Ruckus over Toby Klein, Brain Damage over Ricky Reyes to retain the CZW Iron Man Title, and Sabian over Grim Reefer to retain the CZW Arena Championship.

PWG had their yearly Battle of Los Angeles Tournament. The results are as follows
-Super Dragon over Excalbur in the first round
-Bryan Danielson over PAC in the first round
-Roderick Strong over Claudio Castagnoli in the first round
-Chris Hero over Rocky Romero in the first round
-Super Dragon over Bryan Danielson in the semifinals
-Roderick Strong over Chris Hero in the semifinals
-Super Dragon over Roderick Strong to win the Battle of Los Angeles.

In SHIMMER, Sara Del Ray defeated Cheerleader Melissa to retain the SHIMMER Title. In other matches, MsChif defeated Mercedes Martinez, Daizee Haze defeated Serena Deeb, and Rain defeated Alexa Thatcher.

FCW had their monthly show, headlined by Drew McIntyre retaining the Florida Heavyweight Championship over Kevin Thorn. Also, Mighty Mikey and Nick Nemeth defeated Johnny Jeter and Matt Sydal, TJ Wilson defeated Colt Cabana, and the Puerto Rican Nightmares retained the FCW Tag Team Titles over Heath Miller and Mack Johnson.

Television Ratings
The Raw Rating dipped to a 3.2 rating(3609600 viewers), Smackdown really shot up with a 2.1 rating(3240090 viewers), and TNA Impact dipped with a 0.8 rating(902400 viewers)

[Rherbom]

Great Diary! Very original, keep it up.

[chopps4312]

Good job again. Kinda sad i'm the only one on the Val band wagon and appearantly it has stopped lol. Good job for Shelton. Much deserved.

[MadMatt]

Another Newsletter!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #18 For Week Two, September 2008

WWE

WWE Raw

The Good:
Randy Orton and Shawn Michaels had another great match, building off of last night. Sure it was a inconclusive no-contest finish. After the bell Orton beats down Michaels until Triple H makes the save, setting up No Mercy.

Triple H and Jeff Hardy defeated John Cena and Umaga when Triple H pins Umaga. This was an odd tag team matches, with three babyfaces and one heel, but that did not take away from it. Cena and Umaga got into a miscommunication, which lead to the finish.

Welcome to Raw, Chavo, have a victory over DH Smith with the Frog Splash. Perfectly acceptable match to introduce Chavo to Raw.

The Bad

Chris Jericho over Cody Rhodes was not as bad as it was bland. It just seems like a vanilla, by the numbers match, that ends with Jericho winning with the Code Breaker. It dragged a little bit too much.

The Ugly
Layla pinning Melina. This booking was wrong on so many levels.

Val Venis and Charlie Haas had a nice little opening match, which was cut short by the rampaging beast known as Snitsky, who beats up both men. Tommy Dreamer(welcome to Raw) comes out and gets beat down by Snitsky. Three people get buried to get Snitsky over as a monster.

The Pointless
Hardcore Holly over Paul Burchill. This match was just there.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Hey everyone's, Rey Mysterio's back! He wrestles the Great Khali in a mismatch of epic proportions, but this worked as it was the plucky underdog in Rey throwing everything he could at Khali, until Khali basically had to beat him, until he rendered Rey unconcious. Seriously, Rey fought out of a couple of pinfalls before Khali just pummeled Rey and them smothered him with the clawhold. Batista makes the save, because the world's waiting for yet another Batista/Khali encounter.

Shelton Benjamin defended his ECW Championship against Deuce but hell, this gets a pass, because it was a fun little mid-card match and ended with Shelton outwrestling the brawler Deuce to retain the title.

Elijah Burke against Nunzio. Burke wins but once again a fun midcard match.

The Bad
The Big Show and the Undertaker absolutely destroying the WWE Tag Team Champions. There are a number of other wrestlers who could be sacrificed, but the Miz and John Morrison are the one's who get beaten, with stereo choke slams, after zero offense.

CM Punk beats Festus, after Festus beats him up for most of the match, and Punk cradles him for the pin. Say what? Okay, who did Punk piss off?

The Ugly
Jamie Noble returns to Smackdown and loses to ten seconds against the Boogey Man. Yes, I swear, Boogey Man played the Bill Goldberg to Jamie Noble's Jerry Flynn tonight, it was that short. Poor Noble, he should go back to ROH when his contract's up.

The Pointless
Nothing

TNA Impact

The Good
The main event, featuring Samoa Joe over Kurt Angle, Booker T, and Christian Cage, with Joe retaining the TNA World Title pinning Christian with the Muscle Buster. You know, this got twenty minutes and might have been a better match than the title match on the Pay Per View that I won't get to see because it only airs in the UK. So, go for it.

Also Angle/Sting this Sunday, because neither of these men have anything better to do.

Sting pins Rhino in another great match. Damn, might as well beef up the television, since that's your only vehicle and it might get the television viewers on the Pay Per View companies to put TNA back on Pay Per View in the United States.

Robert Roode over BG James, James Storm, and Elix Skipper. The inclusion of Elix Skipper is baffling, until Roode pins him, so it makes all that much more sense.

The Bad
Rellik and Reign against the Rock N Rave Infection were the things that nightmares are made of. Reign pins Jimmy Rave.

The Ugly
The fact that No Surrender does seem like a halfway decent PPV and yet it's not being shown in North America thanks to TNA not being able to properly renew their Pay Per View contracts.

Also, for UK fans if they hate TNA, the fact that they do get to see No Surrender.

The Pointless
Nothing

The Russo
Insert the rant about yet another Scott Steiner and Petey Williams against Kaz and Eric Young match, with Steiner pinning Kaz here! This better be leading to somewhere, but knowing Russo, I doubt it.

Brother Devon, Abyss, and Curry Man defeated Kip James, Jay Lethal, and Tomko when Abyss pins Lethal. Words fail me on how random this match is.

TNA No Surrender Results

Okay, I couldn't see the Pay Per View but I think it will be worth getting the DVD, based on reports for a couple matches. Nevertheless, here's the rundown, make your own conclusions.

-Jay Lethal defeated Matt Morgan and Kip James when Lethal pinned James with the Lethal Combination
-BG James squashed Elix Skipper. Based on reports, Skipper may have just barely lasted longer than Jamie Noble on Smackdown.
-Christian and Rhino defeated Kaz and Eric Young when Rhino pins Young with the Gore
-Petey Williams retained the TNA X-Division Title over Sonjay Dutt with the Canadian Destroyer
-Rellik and Black Reign over the Rock N Rave Infection when Reign pins Rave. No, this wasn't a replay of Impact
-AJ Styles and Tomko defeated Brother Devon and Robert Roode when Styles rolls up Roode for the pin
-ODB retained the TNA Knockout's Title over Jacqueline Moore
-Curry Man scores an upset victory over Brother Ray
-LAX defeated the Motor City Machine Guns when Homicide pins Sabin with the Gringo Killer.
-Booker T pinned Abyss for the number one contendership for the TNA World Title with the Book End
-Kurt Angle made Sting submit to the heel hook version of the Ankle Lock
-Samoa Joe retained the TNA World Title over Scott Steiner with the Muscle Buster

So Booker T and Samoa Joe at Bound for Glory for the TNA World Title, by the looks of this card.

Indies

JAPW's weekly television show had
-Alicia and Sara Del Ray over Alexa Thatcher and Daizee Haze
-Frankie Kazarian pinned Hernandez
-Homicide pinned Jay Lethal
-AJ Styles pinned Samoa Joe.

Brad Bradley and Brad Allen won the FCW World Tag Team Titles over the Puerto Rican Nightmares. This was the first time they held those belts.

Pay Per View Buyrates and Television Ratings

WWE Unforgiven received a 1.34 buyrate, which totals at about 536000 people buying the show. NWA Breaks Like the Wind received a 0.30 buyrate, about 120000 viewers.

Raw was up to a 3.3 rating(3722400 viewers), Smackdown received a 2.1 rating(3240090 viewers), and TNA Impact received a 0.9 rating(1015200 viewers)

[MadMatt]

Oh my, it's another newsletter.



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #19

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good

John Cena and Shawn Michaels, yet again have a great match. The best matche of the evening once again involves Shawn Michaels to the shock of absolutely no one. Cena once again wins with the STFU and it lookes that they are building a storyline around the fact that Michaels is obsessed with beating Cena, getting closer every match.

William Regal and Val Venis give seven minutes and just have a great match, showcasing two undertilized Raw talents. Regal wins with a double underhook power bomb.

Hardcore Holly over Kenny Dykstra was a fine match as well.

The Bad
Chris Jericho defeated Carlito via disqualification when Gene Snitsky interferes. I'm so sick of Snitsky, send him to Florida or OVW or off a cliff or somewhere for goodness sakes! Snitsky beats down Jericho, as Carlito runs. Tommy Dreamer runs out and gets creamed by Snitsky, so these two men are feuding. Yes, Tommy Dreamer and Gene Snitsky. A main event of any edition of Heat to be sure.

Jillian beats Natalya in one minute to retain the Women's Title. This gets a big FU to WWE, for derailing a women's match with potential. I wonder if Vince Russo switched booking companies and no one told us.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Katie Lea Burchill defeating Maria.

And making a special guest appearence for Raw this week, The Russo!

Triple H and Randy Orton have a main event. Your options are as follows
A)Since this is a non title match, have Randy Orton win to put heat on his WWE Championship Challenge for No Mercy
B)Have a no-contest, where Orton lays out Triple H afterwards, putting heat on his WWE Championship challenge for no Mercy
C)Triple H pins Randy Orton cleanly, giving us no reason to want to see the main event.

If you guessed C), then you win absolutely nothing! Triple H takes all of Orton's offense, comes back and connects with the Pedigree. Then to make matters worse, after the match, Triple H fights off an attempted post match attack and sends Orton packing, so Hunter can stand like a hero at the end of Raw. Yes, somehow this is supposed to compell us to buy the Pay Per View. It's been a while since Triple H has pulled a power play, but it never fails to just kill someone dead in their tracks.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
MVP and the Big Show. Especially if this leads somewhere, it will be good as MVP uses the exposed buckle to knock out the Big Show to score the pin. MVP is after the World Heavyweight Title again.

Rey Mysterio and the Undertaker against the Miz and John Morrison worked better than last week, due to the fact the WWE Tag Team Champions got offense. Sure it was Rey, but he made them look like gods, pinballing for their offense. Rey is falling apart by the week due to injuries, yet he's better than ninety percent of the Smackdown roster at making people look good. Taker tags in, cleans house and Tombstones The Miz for the pin. Taker and Rey work rather well as a tag team.

The Bad
Shelton Benjamin and Vladmir Koslov. Shelton's good performances against Kane and Deuce were both erased when the man with the oddest push in Smackdown history stumbled through another match. This week, Koslov was the monster, beating down Shelton until Shelton delivered an inside cradle.

The Daltons defeated the reunited Edgeheads. This was first day of training school bad, with Festus pinning one of the Edge Guys, but at least that means no more stupid Curt Hawkins/Chris Jericho singles matches with him on Smackdown.

The Ugly
Elijah Burke lasts about thirty seconds but still gets squashed by Boogeyberg.

The Pointless
Deuce over Chuck Palumbo.

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good
Samoa Joe pinning AJ Styles in the main event with the Muscle Buster. You get fifteen minutes, minus commercials between two great athletes. TNA can give us matches like this everyweek but give us stuff like Sting against Black Reign(more on that gem of a match later).

Abyss defeating James Storm. Storm's victory against Samoa Joe all those months ago sure went places. Still, a great brawl, ending with Abyss hitting the Black Hole Slam. After the match, Black Reign and Rellik attack Abyss. Why? It's TNA! Still, it didn't take away from the match.

Scott Steiner and Petey Williams defending the TNA Tag Team Titles against Sonjay Dutt and BG James worked, when it really shouldn't of, mostly because BG James was kept out of the ring for most of the match. He entered the ring towards the end, working the crowd, gets some quick stuff and then connects with a belly to belly suplex.

Kaz and Eric Young defeating Christian and Rhino to become the number one contenders for the TNA World Tag Team Titles was a good match, but Kaz and Eric Young better win the TNA World Tag Team Titles next time or never get a title shot again because that match has been played.

The Bad
I could have sworn I've seen this match before and said the same exact thing, but Sting against Black Reign would have been good if this was WCW in about 1993. Now, it stunk. Sting wins with a roll up after Rellik and Black Reign accidentally collide. Yes, Sting needed circumstances to help beat Rellik and Black Reign. Abyss makes the save, so it's going to be Sting and Abyss against Rellik and Black Reign at Bound for Glory by the looks of things. I bet Sting's wishing he was back on that boat with Cheetum the Evil One Eyed Midget Right Now.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Raisha Saaed and Awesome Kong against Christy Hemme and Gail Kim. Why Kim and Hemme teamed up, search me. This match ended in a no contest when the rest of the Knockouts came out to brawl. Thiis served no purpose other than to remind us that the Knockout's exist.

The Russo
Booker T, the number one contender for the TNA at the biggest Pay Per View of the year, wasn't on the show. That's actually about the only thing I can find. Reign/Sting was bad, but it wasn't Russo bad, if you know what I mean.

The Indies
JAPW Television Show quick results are as follows
-Daizee Haze defeated Sara Del Ray
-Eddie Kingston over Jack Evans
-LAX over Frankie Kazarian and Rhino
-Samoa Joe over Jay Lethal.

FIP had there monthly show. Roderick Strong retained his FIP Heavyweight Title over Jay Briscoe in the main event. Also, Brent Albright over Erick Stevens, Bryan Danielson over Tyler Black, Eddie Kingston over Delirious and Nigel McGuinness and Jack Evans captured the FIP Tag Team Titles over the Powers That Be(Gran Akuma and Jerelle Clark) when Nigel pinned Clark with the lariat.

OVW had their monthly big show, headlined by Rob Conway retaining the OVW Heavyweight Title over Nick Dinsmore. Also, Tommy McNaler retained the OVW TV Title over Jamin Olivenca and the Insurgency(Ali and Omar Akbar) defeated the Mobile Homers(Ted "The Trailer" McNaler and Nine-Fingers Dewey).

CHIKARA was headlined by Chris Hero defeating El Pantera. Also, Eddie Kingston defeated Chuck Taylor, Mike Quackenbush defeated Jigsaw, and Claudio Castagnoli over Larry Sweeney.

Johnny Jeter captured the FCW Heavyweight Title on their weekly show, defeating Drew McIntyre.

Television Ratings and Pay Per View Buyrates

TNA No Surrender received a 0.01 buyrate which equals about 4000 buyers.

Raw dropped back down with a 3.2 rating(3609600 viewers), Smackdown received a 2.0 rating(3085800 viewers), and TNA Impact received a 0.9 rating(1015200 viewers)

[MadMatt]

The final newsletter of the month of September!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #20 For Week Four, September 2008

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
Randy Orton beats Jeff Hardy in the main event. Orton gets put over slightly, after the burial that Triple H gave him last week and a nice RKO with Hardy standing on the top rope.

The John Cena/Shawn Michaels feud continues, with Michaels getting more and more frustrated with his inability to put down Cena. This week, Cena caught the Superkick and put down Michaels in the STFU for the tap out.

Kenny Dykstra beats Chris Jericho in a non title match. Sure it was tainted, thanks to Snitsky sticking his nose in where it didn't belong once again, but up until the screw job, Kenny and Jericho had a great battle.

The Bad
Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly beat Carlito and Santino again. Yes again.

Also JBL and Shad just didn't work. JBL's weird push continues, as he never wrestles anyone of value and pins Shad in a predictable outcome.

The Ugly
Ashley against Michelle McCool, with Ashley winning. Bad match. Really bad match.

The Pointless
Domino over JTG. This match happened, yet a bunch of more talented wrestlers get left off the show.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
I plead the fifth on that one. This was the worst Smackdown in quite some time.

The Bad
MVP against Kane. Kane beats down MVP, MVP cheats, Kane comes back, MVP cheats some more to win. Seriously, this match was that bland. Kane should just retire, unless he's against someone like Shelton Benjamin or Matt Hardy, his wrestling is down the toilet.

Batista and The Big Show against Edge and the Great Khali. Khali and Batista were in the ring way too much. Khali pins Batista after Edge spears him. There was a bearhug that lasted five minutes. The Big Show did throw Edge into Khali at one point which was the highlight of the match.

The Miz and John Morrison over the Daltons. Same match that these two teams have had roughly five thousand times.

The Ugly
Boogeyman squashes two talented wrestlers in back to back weeks to lose to Chuck Palumbo. The hell!

Vladmir Koslov squashes Jamie Noble who gets zero offense. Poor Jamie.

The Pointless

Nunzio over Lance Cade. It shaped up to be a good match but was just way too short to mean anything.

Misc News
Ron "The Truth" Killings has been wished the best in his future endeavors over the last week. He wrestled a grand total of one match in his WWE return on Raw back in May.

TNA Impact

The Good
Booker T's main event with Homicide was a fantastic little match. I think LAX is breaking up and this was the beginning of a Homicide singles push. He got some good offense in on the number one contender, but Booker finished Homicide off with the Axe Kick for the pin.

Other than the lame double countout finish, Samoa Joe and AJ Styles had their usual good match. It was so good that it cancelled out the ****ty Russo booking.

Kaz and Eric Young defeated Christian and Rhino again when Kaz pins Christian. They're trying to build Kaz and Young back up as credible challenges after all the failed title bids.

The Bad
Roxxy and ODB just didn't work for some reason. Jacqueline costs ODB the match, leading to the Knockout's Title Match at Bound for Glory.

The Ugly
Nothing.

The Pointless
Notta

The Russo
Petey Williams and Scott Steiner squashing the Motor City Machine Guns in under four minutes. Petey didn't tag in once, but Steiner threw around both Sabin and Shelley, before he finished off Sabin with the Steiner Recliner. Once again, Sabin and Shelley get buried alive.

Brother Ray beating Sonjay Dutt in under thirty seconds. The booking of the X-Division talent in the two matches in this column is really getting on my nerves. Russo should be fired...out of a cannon.

ROH

ROH had their Survival of the Fittest Tournament. It was changed to a single elimination, eight man tournament. Here's the results
-ROH World Champion Nigel McGuinness pinned Jimmy Jacobs in the first round
-Rocky Romero pinned El Generico in the first round
-Erick Stevens pinned Kevin Steen in the first round
-Chris Hero over Davey Richards in the first round
-Nigel McGuiness pinned Rocky Romero in the semifinals
-Erick Stevens pinned Chris Hero
-Erick Stevens defeated Nigel McGuiness to become the 2008 Survival of the Fittest Champion.

So, Stevens gets a push, beating the 2007 winner in the semifinals and the ROH Champion in the finals. I suspect that he may be the next challenger for Nigel.

Indies
JAPW had their television show. Quick results are
-Daizee Haze over Sara Del Ray
-Chuck Taylor over B-Boy to retain the New Jershey State Title
-Samoa Joe over Frankie Kazarian
-Homicide and AJ Styles battled to a no contest

JAPW also had their monthly event this week. Samoa Joe retained the JAPW Heavyweight Title over Rhino in the main event. Other marquee matches featured, AJ Styles over Eddie Kingston, Low Ki over Chris Hero, Chuck Taylor retaining the New Jershey State Title over B-Boy, and LAX beating Frankie Kazarian and Jay Lethal to retain the JAPW Tag Team Titles.

It was quite the month for tournaments, as the Ted Petty Invitational Tournament was held in IWA: MS. Quick results are
-Tracy Smothers over Roderick Strong in the Quarterfinals
-Vito Thomaselli over Tyler Black in the Quarterfinals
-Ruckus over Salvatore Thomaselli in the Quarterfinals
-Low Ki over Kevin Steen in the Quarterfinals
-Tracy Smothers over Vito Thomaselli in the Semifinals
-Low Ki over Ruckus in the Semifinals
-Low Ki over Tracy Smothers in the finals to win the TPI.

Television Ratings:
Raw received a 3.2 rating(3609600 viewers), Smackdown received a 2.0 rating(3085800 viewers), and TNA Impact received a 0.9 rating(1015200 viewers)

[MadMatt]

Another Newsletter!



Wrestling Today Newsletter #21 for Week One, October 2008

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good

Shawn Michaels and Randy Orton had a good return match from their Unforgive Match, with both men brawling with each other for the no contest. Afterwards, Triple H comes out and attacks Orton, brawling with him, to set up the main event at WWE No Mercy.

John Cena defeated Chris Jericho with the STFU in a non-title match. Another great match, as Cena's really been cooking as of late. Jericho is going to defend his WWE Intercontinental Championship against Tommy Dreamer, Snitsky, and Kenny Dykstra.

Cody Rhodes and Val Venis was a perfectly acceptable midcard match. Val Venis may be the most undertilized wrestler in the world, this side of the Motor City Machine Guns. Rhodes pins Venis with the DDT after Venis scored a couple of close nearfalls.

Beth Phoenix and Victoria had a great women's match. Phoenix wins but Victoria shows why she's one of the top women's wrestlers in the entire world.

The Bad
Mr. Kennedy defeating Domino. These two men didn't click all that well. Kennedy wins with the Mic Check.

The Ugly
Snitsky squashes DH Smith. Yes, Snitsky continues to get shoved down our throats.

The Pointless
Santino and Carlito over Chris Harris and Robbie The Highlander. This was just a squash with Carlito, with Carlito pinning Robbie with the Back Stabber.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
The Big Show and Edge had their usual good match. The fact that this match won't happen at No Mercy, instead of Khali/Batista is very depressing. Show pins Edge with the Choke Slam.

Batista and Rey Mysterio over the Miz and John Morrison. Yes the WWE Tag Team Champions drop another non-title match, but once again, Rey makes the tag team champions look awesome. Rey's broken down, but damned if he still isn't good. Batista tags in and beats up the champions, before pinning Miz. This formula has worked well twice. Khali comes out afterwards and beats Rey, until Batista makes the save, brawling with Khali in the aisle.

Shelton Benjamin retaining the ECW Championship against Deuce. Just like their match a couple of weeks ago, this worked well.

The Bad
Finlay battling Festus to a no contest. Finlay should have destroyed him with a clean pin.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Chuck Palumbo over Nunzio and Curt Hawkins over Rory the Highlander. Both of the Highlanders get television time this week, while CM Punk is off the show yet again.

WWE No Mercy

The Good
Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a new WWE Champion in Randy Orton. Yes, Orton pinned Triple H with the RKO! I wonder why the belt was put back on Orton, unless this an attempt to inflate Triple H's title reign numbers by another one by a quick reign. This is the third time Orton has become the WWE Champion.

The World's Greatest Tag Team reunite. As do Deuce and Domino, to a lesser extent. The WGTT score the victory, when Shelton pins Domino! Perfectly acceptable tag team match.

CM Punk over Elijah Burke with the GTS! Two undertilized wrestlers get a chance to shine on Pay Per View.

Matt Hardy over Paul London to retain the WWE United States Championship. Another match that was just a fun little encounter. London looked strong until the Twist of Fate scored the pin.

Kenny Dykstra become the brand new WWE Intercontinental Champion, in a fatal four way match over Tommy Dreamer, Snitsky, and Chris Jericho. Despite Dreamer being broken down and Snitsky being Snitsky, this match worked. The finish ended with Snitsky laying out Dreamer, Jericho bringing Snitsky to the floor, brawling with him, allowing a forgotten Kenny to steal the pin and capture the title.

Chavo Guerrero and Gregory Helms defeated Carlito and Santino when Chavo pins Santino with the Frog Splash. This match got the crowd going for the show, a hot opener.

The Bad
Khali and Batista was the usual meh encounter. Batista pins Khali with two spinebusters.

The same tag team title defenses that happened at Unforgiven that were just there. Rhodes and Holly beat Cryme Tyme and The Miz and John Morrison defeated The Daltons.

Melina and Beth Phoenix over Candice and Maria was too short of a match to really mean anything.

The Ugly
Jillian over Michelle McCool to retain the WWE Women's Title

The Pointless
Kane and Mr. Kennedy over the Edgeheads. What was this match? Kane pins Ryder. They should have had Michaels/Cena instead of this match.

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good

AJ Styles and Samoa Joe had a good match for the third week in a row. Styles actually scored the win in this non title match, pinning Joe with a backslide after Booker T interfered. Styles looks all ****y with the victory.

Sting against Alex Shelley. Now, Shelley did not get buried, rather Sting gave Shelley quite a bit, but the Scorpion Deathlock lead to the clean tap out. Fine match, as Kurt Angle gets into it with Sting after the match, as it's obvious that they are taking Sting out of the planned Abyss match with against Black Reign and Rellik, which is fine.

Rhino pins Chris Sabin with the Gore. This was another match where one of the Machine Guns got quite a bit before jobbing. These two matches did more for the Machine Guns this week then that squash last week did.

ODB and Gail Kim defeating Raisha Saeed and Awesome Kong was a fine match. ODB pins Saeed to win, as she will put the Knockout's Title on the line against Jacqueline Moore at Bound for Glory.

The Bad
The Rock N Rave Infection beating Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal. Dutt and Lethal got some offense in but something about this match just didn't click.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing.

The Russo
Petey Williams and Scott Steiner beating Eric Young and Kaz to retain the TNA Tag Team Titles. What's worse as this match will happen once again at Bound for Glory, so WHAT'S THE POINT IN HAVING IT TONIGHT! Also, if Kaz and Young fail to win the belts, they have to split up.

The Indies
JAPW's television show featured
-Chuck Taylor defeated B-Boy to retain the New Jersey State Title
-Frankie Kazarian over Hernandez
-Homicide over Jay Lethal
-Samoa Joe over AJ Styles

OVW's monthly show featured Rob Conway retaining the OVW Heavyweight Title over Nick Dinsmore. Other marquee matches featured Jamin Olivencia over Anthony Bravado, Tommy McNaler over Dre Blitz to retain the OVW TV Title, and Jacob Duncan over Nine Fingers Dewey.

Television Ratings:
Raw received a 3.2 rating(3609600 viewers), Smackdown rose up with a 2.1 rating(3240090 viewers), and Impact received a 0.9 rating(1015200 viewers)

[chopps4312]

Good work as always. I really love reading this and your insight is fun and quite enjoyable. All we need now is a special addition each week set around Val Venis lol.

[MadMatt]

Here's Issue #22!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #22 For Week Two October 2008

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good

Seven weeks until Survivor Series means plenty of time to build up the Pay Per View.

Jeff Hardy defeated Umaga in the main event. These two men have had many great battles in the past and this was no exception.

Chris Jericho defeating Chavo Guerrero with the Code Breaker. Damn, these two men brought it tonight on Raw. Jericho looks like he's moving to the next level after dropping the WWE Intercontinental Title match.

Brian Kendrick over Charlie Haas, perfectly acceptable little match. Kendrick may be getting a push, a minor one, but a push nevertheless.

Katie Lea Burchill over Mickie James, when Jillian interfered. Good women's match as it sets up Jillian/Mickie for the future.

The Bad

The answer of who can compete in a bad match with Shawn Michaels has been found. Your winner...Snitsky! Yes, Michaels did everything with Snitsky that he could, but Snitsky didn't have a good match with Michaels. Inside Cradle puts down Snitsky for the pin as Michaels didn't look too pleased about having this match.

Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly beat Santino and Carlito once again, film at eleven.

The Ugly
Nothing.

The Pointless
Shad over Domino. Two wrestlers who are on the road to nowhere.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Shelton Benjamin and Finlay had a pretty damn fine battle for the ECW Championship. Shelton retains the title after a back and forth encounter. If they had this match at the Pay Per View and gave it more time, I wouldn't complain.

Chuck Palumbo, Elijah Burke, and Lance Cade over Kofi Kingston, Paul London, and Colin Delaney in a nice little six man tag team match. I was ready to give this match a pass, but all six men busted their asses to get an impressive match. Palumbo pins Colin to get the victory for his team.

The Miz and John Morrison defeated Jimmy Wang Yang and Shannon Moore when Morrison pinned Yang. A fine little tag battle.

The Bad
Mark Henry and Edge. Edge tried, damn he did try, but he was stuck with quite the lump in Mark Henry. Spear wins. This was not one of Edge's better nights.

The Daltons defeated the Edgeheads, just a cookie cutter, OVW style brawl.

The Ugly
Vladimir Koslov against Rory the Highlander. Koslov squashes Rory. This was bad.

The Pointless
Nothing

Misc
Val Venis and Bam Neely have both signed contract extensions for WWE.

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good
Booker T defeated Samoa Joe in a non-title main event with the Axe Kick, setting up Booker's title conquest at Bound for Glory. I would normally chastize TNA for giving away their main event on Free Television, but considering the fact that barely anyone can see the Pay Per View, I'll let this one slide.

Awesome Kong and Raisha Saeed over ODB and Gail Kim in a great tag team match, Kong pins ODB with the Awesome Bomb. She wants the Knockout's Championship back.

Alex Shelley defeating BG James. Always nice to see the Motor City Machine Guns win a match and this was the best match that Alex Shelley had in quite some time.

The Bad
Rellik defeated Matt Morgan in a wretched little match. Morgan has potential and Rellik...well he hasn't really lit the world on fire. At Bound for Glory, Curry Man and Abyss against Black Reign and Rellik, which should be interesting, only for Curry Man.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing

The Russo
Steiner and Petey over Young and Kaz for the TNA Tag Team Titles again. I give up.

Chris Sabin, Sonjay Dutt, and Hernandez over Brother Ray, Jay Lethal, and Black Reign was an exercise in frustration, as it was hard to figure out who the faces and heels were. Hernandez pinned Lethal with the Border Toss. Yes, the most talented man on the losing team gets jobbed.

TNA Bound For Glory Results

Once again, I didn't see the show, but quick results
-BG James pinned Johnny Devine with the Pumphandle Slam
-Tracy Brooks over Gail Kim
-Christian and Rhino over the Rock N Rave Infection when Rhino pins Jimmy Rave with the Gore
-Brother Devon pinned Primetime Elix Skipper with a reverse DDT
-Kurt Angle, Jay Lethal, and Kip James over Sting, Homicide, and James Storm in a wildcard tag team match when Angle makes Homicide tap to the Ankle Lock
-Curry Man and Abyss defeated Rellik and Black Reign when Abyss pinned Rellik with the Black Hole Slam
-Robert Roode pinned Brother Ray with the Pay-Off
-Kaz and Eric Young captured the TNA Tag Team Titles over Scott Steiner and Petey Williams when Kaz pinned Petey
-ODB retained the TNA Knockout's Title over Jacqueline Moore
-AJ Styles and Tomko defeated the Motor City Machine Guns when Styles pinned Sabin with the Styles Clash
-Samoa Joe pinned Booker T with the Muscle Buster to retain the TNA World Title.

Misc
James Storm and Abyss have both signed contract extensions with TNA

NWA

NWA's latest Pay Per View offering featured the following
-Phoenix Star defeating Bull Buchanan
-Zokre over Joey Ryan
-Dan Maff over Seth Delay
-Karl Anderson defeating Hook Bomberry
-David Young pinned Sonny Siaki
-Chris Hamrick battling Adam Pearce to a double countout
-Brent Albright and Alex Shelley retaining the NWA World Tag Team Titles over the Backroom Boyz(Scorpio Sky and Mike DiBiase)
-Mike Quackenbush over Matt Cross
-Juventud Guerrera over Rob Conway
-Chris Kanyon retaining the NWA World Heavyweight Title over Nick Dinsmore
-Chris Mortdetsky and Homicide defeating Johnny Swinger and Bryan Danielson

Indies
JAPW's Weekly Television Show Featured the Following
-Alicia over Daizee Haze
-B-Boy and Homicide over Team Dynasty(Chris Hero and Jack Evans)
-Homicide over Frankie Kazarian
-AJ Styles over Samoa Joe

Also, JAPW had their monthly show, featuring Samoa Joe retaining the JAPW Heavyweight Title over AJ Styles, Jay Lethal defeating Archadia, LAX retaining the JAPW Tag Team Titles over the Lone Gunmen(B-Boy and Low Ki), and Frankie Kazarian and Rhino over Team Dynasty.

IWA-MS had their monthly show, featuring Low-Ki retaining the IWA-MS Heavyweight Title over Roderick Strong in the main event. Also, Chris Hero defeated Tyler Black, Jason Hades retained the IWA-MS Light Heavyweight Title against Nate Webb, Ruckus over Davey Richards, and the Iron Saints over Kevin Steen and Ricky Reyes to retain the IWA: MS Tag Team Titles.

CHIKARA had their monthly show, featuring El Pantera over Mike Quackenbush in the main event. Also Chuck Taylor over Jigsaw, Ultra Mantis Black over Riochet and Sabian over Gran Akuma.

CZW featured Sonjay Dutt retaining the CZW World Heavyweight Title over Vito Thomaselli. Also, the Messiah and Chuck Taylor over Sexxxy Eddy and Salvatore Thomaselli, The Nightmares(Toby Klein and Ricky Reyes) over the Dogs of War(Nick Gage and Joker) to retain the CZW Tag Team Titles, and Sabian over Danny DeManto to retain the CZW Arena Championship.

Pay Per View Buyrates and Television Ratings
WWE No Mercy got a 1.48 buyrate or 592000 people bought the show, up from last month.

Raw received a 3.2 rating(3609600 viewers), Smackdown received a 2.0 rating(3085800 viewers), and TNA Impact received a 0.9 rating(1015200 viewers)

[MadMatt]

Another newsletter:



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #23 for Week Three October 2008

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
Yet another great Umaga/Jeff Hardy battle headlines an action packed addition of Raw. This time, Umaga scores the pin after connecting with the Samoan Spike.

John Cena and Triple H had a great match, with Randy Orton interfering for a no contest. Shawn Michaels runs out and joins a brawl, which looks like we may be seeing a fatal four way match involving these four men for the title.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Mickie James captured the WWE Women's Title for the fifth time, defeating Jillian. She is one title reign away from tying the record set by Trish Stratus.

Katie Lea Burchill defeated Melina in another good match. These two matches illustrate exactly how good that the women's division can be.

The Bad
Cody Rhodes over Santino was just another version of the same bout.

The Ugly
You would think Chavo Guerrero and Brian Kendrick would be a good match and it was shaping up to be that way, but Snitsky interferes, beating both men down for the no-contest.

The Pointless
Shad over Domino. Again, this match served no purpose.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Edge had a much better match than last week, over Batista. Batista connected with the Batista Bomb for the pin after avoiding the Spear. These two men always have a good match and this was another one in the series.

MVP against Finlay was a stiff little brawl. MVP scores the pin with a running kick in the corner. It looks like MVP is getting a slight push up the card again.

Nunzio defeated Lance Cade, perfectly acceptable match.

The Bad
The Miz and John Morrison over the Daltons when The Miz pins Jesse. This tag team match is getting old and just pedestrian. It just seems like we're going through the motions.

The Ugly
Vladmir Koslov squashes Elijah Burke. Another talented athlete gets sacrificed to the man who loves Double Double E

The Pointless
Deuce over Zach Ryder.

Misc
Chavo Guerrero signed a contract extension with WWE

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good
Kurt Angle defeated Sting in the main event, in another good match between these two wrestlers. Angle countered the Scorpion Deathlock into the Ankle Lock for the submission.

AJ Styles defeating Homicide in a great match. Homicide is getting pushed up the card more and this was another match that proved that a wrestler doesn't need to win to be put over. Styles rolls up Homicide for the pin.

Tomko and Robert Roode have a brawl. These two men battered each other for several minutes, until Tomko connects with a torture rack drop to score the pin. Tomko's looking to rise up the rankings, perhaps as a future contender for Joe?

Jimmy Rave and Petey Williams was a fine match. Rave pins Petey, maybe setting up a future contender for the X-Division Title.

The Bad
No Samoa Joe. No Motor City Machine Guns.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing

The Russo
Team 3D reunite with no build, in order to get a TNA World Tag Team Title Shot against Eric Young and Kaz. Kaz pins Devon to retain the titles. Still, this Team 3D breakup went on for months and then they just randomly team up, to get a tag team title shot!

Roxxy, Peyton Banks, and ODB over Salinas, Velvet Skye, and Raisha Saeed when ODB pins Skye. This was all too random and pointless.

The Misc
Awesome Kong signed a contract extension for TNA

ROH
ROH had Glory by Honor VII this weekend. The results are
-Roderick Strong and Davey Richards defeating El Generico and Kevin Steen
-Lacey defeated Mercedes Martinez
-Jimmy Jacobs makes Jason Blade submit in a short squash
-Larry Sweeney pins Jigsaw after a cheap finish
-Brent Albright and Adam Pearce over Claudio Castagnoli and Delirious when Pearce pinned Delirious
-Tyler Black squashed Shane Hagadorn
-Jay Brisco and Austin Aries retained the ROH Tag Team Titles over Jack Evans and Ruckus when Brisco pinned Ruckus with the Jay Driller
-Takeshi Morishima pinned Rocky Romero
-Matt Cross defeated Chris Hero
-Joey Matthews pinned Erick Stevens
-ROH World Heavyweight Champion Nigel McGuinness pinned Bryan Danielson with the Jawbreaker Lariat.

The Indies
JAPW Television Show Results
-Chuck Taylor defeated Eddie Kingston to retain the New Jersey State Title
-Jay Lethal defeated Low Ki
-AJ Styles pinned Rhino
-Samoa Joe retained the JAPW World Heavyweight Title over Homicide

FIP had their monthly show, featuring Tyler Black and Larry Sweeney defeating Mad Man Pondo and Davey Richards in the main event. Also, in the undercard, Roderick Strong and Brent Albright battled Bryan Danielson and Erick Stevens to a 30 minute time limit draw, Delirious defeated Jason Blade, Jay Briscoe defeated Salvatore Rinauro to retain the Florida Heritage Title, and Subbacultcha(Jack Evans and Nigel McGuiness) retaining the FIP Tag Team Championship against the Powers That Be(Gran Akuma and Jerelle Clark)

PWG was headlined by Bryan Danielson retaining the PWG Championship over Roderick Strong. Also, Austin Aries over Low Ki, Super Dragon over Tyler Black, and Chris Hero over Rocky Romero.

Johnny Jeter's first Florida Heavyweight Title Reign was short lived, as Mighty Mikey captured the belt from him.

Pay Per View Buyrates
TNA Bound By Glory received a 0.02 buyrate or 8000 buyers. The NWA Pay Per View received a 0.31 rating or 1240000 buyers.

Raw received a 3.2 rating(3609600 viewers), Smackdown rose up with a 2.1 rating(3240090 viewers), and Impact received a 0.9 rating(1015200 viewers)

[chopps4312]

Great write ups. I was celebrating Memorial Day weekend so i was unable to ready yesterday. Woot Woot!

[MadMatt]

Final newsletter of October, also this newsletter culminates six months of the newsletter.



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #24 For Week Four, October 2008

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
Shawn Michaels and Umaga had a wild brawl in the main event of Raw. It seems like the older Shawn Michaels gets, the better he gets and Umaga was more than up to the task to hang with the Heartbreak Kid. Superkick scores the pin after Umaga misses the running ass move in the corner.

Jeff Hardy and John Cena had styles clash written all over it, but damn if it didn't work itself out well. Whisper in the Wind connects for a nearfall. F-U countered into a sunset flip. STFU reached the ropes. Swanton Misses and Cena hits the F-U this time to score the pin, with Hardy taking a crazy bump, making the F-U look like a killer heda drop.

The Bad
They dug up Jim Duggan, to team with Super Crazy to face off against Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly in a non title match. Now, I was a fan of Hacksaw from back in the day, but the guy's so old that he can barely move and he does have one kidney. Thankfully, the match is short, as Crazy is pinned with the Alabama Slam.

Santino and Carlito defeated Charlie Haas and Paul Burchill when Carlito pinned Haas with the Back Stabber. Two talented underrated workers being reduced to job fodder.

The Ugly
Snitsky and Tommy Dreamer. Snitsky seems to worsen by the week. Dreamer tried, but the guy's got a multitude of injuries. Snitsky wins, don't give a damn how.

Speaking of horrid wrestlers, Ashley ruins the first title defense of Mickie James. Mickie wins with a sunset flip, because doing something a bit more complex is a disaster waiting to happen.

The Pointless
JBL pins Stevie Richards in ten seconds. This just seemed to be there but Stevie gets a paycheck tonight at least.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
MVP and Rey Mysterio was a good match. MVP wins with the Playmaker after the only good fifteen minutes of good wrestling on Smackdown.

The Bad
The Great Khali and the Big Show have a lumbering brawl with Show winning by disqualification when Khali refuses to break a choke. Khali shakes the ring with a Tree Slam but the Undertaker comes out and brawls with Khali. Yes, this World Heavyweight Title Match again. Can't we get a new challenger that's not named Edge or the Great Khali?

The Ugly
Mike Knox is still employed. That was shocking. He loses to Deuce. The match was ****ty.

The Pointless
JTG(welcome to Smackdown) over Zach Ryder, Festus over Curt Hawkins, and Chuck Palumbo over Jesse. I think Smackdown turned into WCW Thunder when we weren't looking.

Misc
JTG is to Smackdown and Chavo is back to Smackdown, not even a month after being traded to Raw.

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good
Christian Cage defeated AJ Styles in a great main event. Christian wins with the Unprettier.

Alex Shelley pins Robert Roode in another fine midcard match, after a sunset flip. Roode throws a fit after the match, as the Motor City Machine Guns might be getting back on track in TNA.

Eric Young and Kaz over Petey Williams and Scott Steiner for the TNA Tag Team Titles was fine, the return match from Bound For Glory, but we don't need this match ever again, with Kaz pinning Petey.

Awesome Kong recaptures the TNA Knockout's Title over ODB with the Awesome Bomb.

The Bad
Velvet Skye and Angelina Love defeated Gail Kim and Christy Hemme in a match that was bad for three reasons that were not named Gail Kim. The only thing that saved this match from being shunted down to Russo, is that Christy ate the pin.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing

The Russo
The TNA World Champion Samoa Joe was absent. He's defending the belt against Scott Steiner at Genesis but TNA better get a new Pay Per View deal in North America soon, because these nothing happening Pay Per Views and matches aren't doing anyone any favors.

James Storm defeated BG James and Rellik in a four minute triple threat match that happened for no reason. Storm pinned James with the Superkick, after Rellik was hit with the beer bottle. This was vintage Vince Russo.

Misc
Matt Morgan resigned his contract with TNA

The Indies
JAPW television is
-Daizee Haze defeated Cheerleader Melissa
-Chris Hero defeated Jack Evans
-AJ Styles and Jay Lethal defeated Frankie Kazarian and Rhino
-Samoa Joe defeated Homicide to retain the JAPW Heavyweight Title

SHIMMER was headlined by MsChif and Rebecca Knox over Serena Deeb and Mercedes Martinez and Sara Del Ray retained the SHIMMER Championship over Rain in the double main event.

FCW had their monthly big show, headlined by Mighty Mikey retaining his FCW Florida Heavyweight Title over Drew McIntyre. Also, Kevin Thorn over Eddie Colon, Nick Nemeth over Matt Sydal, Eric Perez over Johnny Jeter, TJ Wilson over Mike Kruel, Colt Cabana defeated Shawn Spears, and Brad Bradley and Brad Allen retained the FCW Tag Team Titles over Heath Miller and Mack Johnson.

The Television Ratings

Raw received a 3.3 rating(3722400 viewers), Smackdown received a 2.1 rating(3240090 viewers), and Impact received a 0.9 rating(1015200 viewers)

[MadMatt]

First Newsletter of November!



Wrestling Today Newsletter #25 For Week One, November 2008

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
Epic non-title main event between Shawn Michaels and Randy Orton. Naturally, Shawn Michaels scores with the Sweet Chin Music after avoiding the Concussion Kick to the head.

John Cena and Umaga defeated Triple H and Jeff Hardy in a pretty damn good tag team match. All four men looked good and Cena pins Jeff Hardy with the F-U.

Mickie James retained the WWE Women's Title over Jillian in a fine little match. No complaints here.

The Bad
Chris Jericho defeated Domino in a match that suffered, mostly thanks to Domino. Jericho wins with the Code Breaker. This match was a bit too long.

The Ugly
Hey Val Venis, thanks for coming into work tonight. Job to Snitsky in thirty seconds! Snitsky squashes Val Venis. So much for his push.

Maria defeated Layla in a horrid little women's match.

The Pointless
Brian Kendrick over whatever Highlander is on Raw. Now this is the epitome of a time filler.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Finlay defeated ECW Champion Shelton Benjamin in a non title match after Hornswoggle interfered, allowing Finlay to use the shillelagh. Except for the finish, this is a fine little match, with Shelton and Finlay trading high impact moves.

Trevor Murdoch defeated Jimmy Wang Yang. Another great match.

The Bad
The Undertaker defeated the Great Khali via disqualification. Why is this feud still going on? Why? This was on their better matches, but Khail laying out the Undertaker after the match was unforgivable.

Kane defeated Festus. Just a generic little match. A few nice power moves, but it was just a bit plodding.

The Ugly
JTG and Nunzio battle to a no contest when Khali murders them both.

The Pointless
Elijah Burke over Zach Ryder. Burke has been buried so deep into the ground recently that anything he's in right now doesn't really matter.

The Misc
WWE has a new show Thursday Nights(or Friday Mornings) on ABC, at midnight eastern time. That's an odd time for a show, but any exposure on one of the big four networks is something that the WWE would jump up. It looks to be a mixture of both Raw and Smackdown stars, with some younger stars getting a bit more exposure. It will be called Progression.

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good
Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe may be overexposed, but it's a good match between two great athletes. They battle to a no contest as Scott Steiner attacks Samoa Joe. Steiner and Joe this Sunday at Genesis for you fans in the UK that can see TNA Pay Per Views.

AJ Styles and Homicide, another great match, with the Styles Clash in pretty good match. LAX looks to be done, but Homicide's making the most of his single's push with another great little match.

Christian and Rhino defeated The Rock N Rave Infection in a nice little match with the Gore on Rave. Served its purpose.

The Bad
ODB defeated Payton Banks. Two above average women's workers, but they didn't click.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing.

The Russo
The same TNA Tag Team Title Match again! Young and Kaz beat Petey Williams and Scott Steiner. Rellik and Reign attack the champions after the match, setting up the tag team title match for Genesis.

Brother Devon and Tomko battled to a sports entertainment finish when a bunch of wrestlers interefered. This was chaos. This was pointless, This was vintage Russo bull****!

TNA Genesis Results

Thanks to the TNA Website for these results
-Matt Morgan pinned Johnny Devine with a Choke Slam
-Awesome Kong beat Tracy Brooks with the Awesome Bomb in a non title match.
-BG James squashed Primetime Elix Skipper with the Pumphandle Slam
-Kip James and Tomko defeated the Rock N Rave Infection when Tomko pins Rave
-Christian and Rhino defeated Hernandez and Brother Devon when Rhino gores Hernandez for the pin
-Robert Roode and James Storm defeated Brother Ray and Jay Lethal when Roode pins Lethal with the Pay Off
-Chris Sabin won the X-Division Title for the fifth time in a three way match against Sonjay Dutt and Petey Williams when Sabin pins Dutt with the Cradle Shock
-Kaz and Young defeated Rellik and Reign to retain the TNA Tag Team Titles when Kaz pins Rellik
-Kurt Angle, AJ Styles, and Alex Shelley defeated Curry Man, Homicide, and Abyss when Angle makes Curry Man tap to the Ankle Lock
-Booker T battled Sting to a double disqualification
-Samoa Joe pinned Scott Steiner to retain the TNA World Title with the Muscle Buster.

The Indies
JAPW's Weekly Television Show
-Heavy Duty(Alicia and Sara Del Ray) defeated Alexa Thatcher and Daizee Haze
-Rhino pinned Chris Hero with the Gore
-AJ Styles defeated Samoa Joe with the Spiral Tap
-Homicide pinned Frankie Kazarian with the Cop Killa.

OVW had their monthly show. In the main event, the Mobile Homers defeated Jamin Olivencia and Jacob Duncan. Rob Conway retained the OVW Heavyweight Title against Tommy McNaler, Anthony Bravado defeated Omar Akbar, and Ali Akbar defeated Raul Loco.

FIP had their monthly show, with Roderick Strong defeating Bryan Danielson to retain the FIP Championship. Also, in other matches, Eddie Kingston and Davey Richards defeated Tyler Black and Jack Evans, Jay Briscoe defeated Nigel McGuinness to retain the Florida Heritage Title, Erick Stevens defeated Larry Sweeney, and Delirious defeated Mark Briscoe(his first match back from injury)

SHIMMER's monthly show featured, Lexie Fyfe and Ms Chif defeated Daizee Haze and Mercedes Martinez in the main event. Also, Sara Del Ray defeated Cheerleader Melissa to retain the SHIMMER Championship.

IWA-MS had their monthly show, featuring Tyler Black and Eddie Kingston defeating Claudio Castagnoli and Davey Richards. Also, Roderick Strong and Chris Hero defeated Low Ki and Ruckus, The Iron Saints defeated Ricky Reyes and Tracy Smothers to retain the IWA: MS Tag Team Titles, Kevin Steen defeated Brandon Thomaselli, and Jason Hades retained the IWA: MS Light Heavyweight Title against Nate Webb.

FCW had their monthly show, featuring Might Mikey retaining the FCW Championship over Drew McIntyre. Also, the Puerto Rican Nightmares defeated Nick Nemeth and Kevin Thorn, Johnny Jeter over Matt Sydal, TJ Wilson defeated Colt Cabana, and Brad Bradley and Brad Allen defeated Heath Miller and Mack Johnson to retain the FCW World Tag Team Titles.

Retirements
Scott Hall, Don Harris, Ron Harris, The Tonga Kid, and Malia Hosaka all retired.

Television Ratings
Raw received a 3.2 rating(3609600 viewers), Smackdown received a 2.1 rating(3240090 viewers), and Impact received a 0.9 rating(1015200 viewers)

[chopps4312]

Val Venis gets squashed? Scott Hall retires? This is a sad day for Chopps and perhaps time to retire from the Val bandwagon.

On the bright side, another great couple of write ups.

[MadMatt]

For anyone's whose curious, I have taken my data and did some tweaks to it based on what's happened in the game so far, updating the rosters, champions, and such, to have a converted game universe ready for TEW08. After this newsletter, I have seven more issues for 2008(six regular issues and one year in review issue), with 2008 already simmed in TEW07. When the full game comes out for TEW08, the data is ready to go to start simming for the year 2009 and beyond.

And now, your feature presentation.



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #26 For Week Two November 2008

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
The main event featuring John Cena and Triple H was a great battle, with Cena makes Hunter tap out to the STFU in a great main event match. Cena's slowly turning heel before our very eyes and it's rather interesting to see this. Afterwards, Cena connects with the F-U, further laying out Triple H.

Randy Orton defeating Shawn Michaels in a non title match with the RKO. These two men can't have a bad match, at least I've come to that conclusion. This time, Shawn Michaels nearly gets the Sweet Chin Music but Orton has that well scouted and RKO gets the pin.

Brian Kendrick pins William Regal in an upset with the Sliced Bread #2. Kendrick appears to getting a slight push now, with a win over the 2008 King of the Ring winner.

Chris Jericho and Super Crazy had a crazy little battle, with some lucha mixed in. Crazy attempts to give it is all, but in the end, Jericho connects with the Code Breaker to score the pin. This looked to be a token squash for Jericho, but both men gave time to build, so kudos.

The Bad
Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly defeat Santino and Carlito once again, when Cody Rhodes pins Carlito. This feud just keeps going, and going and going.

The Ugly
Layla defeating Michelle McCool was two women blowing spots. Both women are competent when in there with a decent worker. Against each other, this match failed.

The Pointless
Domino over Stevie Richards.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
This was a really bad addition of Smackdown, so nothing. There was a string of really bad Impacts over the summer, but this Smackdown may have been a contender for worst television show of the year.

The Bad
The Great Khali defeating Batista in a number one contenders match with the clawhold of doom. This match again, both men had an uninspired brawl, with the only halfway decent spot being a spinebuster by Batista. Khali/Undertaker Part Five Million at Survivor Series, perhaps they're finally do the Punjabi Prison Match that we got screwed out of at the Great American Bash 06.

MVP defeated Mark Henry after slamming him into the buckles. Henry hits the buckles headfirst which scores the pin. Obviously, Mark Henry turned face when we weren't looking. Just think, some time ago, MVP was contending for the World Heavyweight Title.

Hey, The Miz and John Morrision have held the WWE Tag Team Titles for a year. They defend the belts against the mish-mash team of Jesse and Deuce. Miz pins Jesse. This match was bad, but at least it was short.

The Ugly
The Boogeyman and Gregory Helms. Helms attacks before the bell, Boogeyman no sells everything, beats down Helms, lays him out, dumps the worms on him. Boogeyman dances, he's going to face Matt Hardy for the WWE United States Title at Survivor Series.

The Pointless
Lance Cade defeated Curt Hawkins and Nunzio defeated Trevor Murdoch. All the wrestlers on this show, yet these guys are on.

Misc:
Shad signs a contract extension for WWE.

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good
The only good match of the evening was the main event, with Christian and Rhino over AJ Styles and Tomko with Rhino pinning Tomko with the Gore. Both teams got a fair bit of time to show their stuff.

The Bad
Payton Banks over Velvet Skye just seemed like a rather uninspired little bout and some blown spots. What's worse, it gone longer than the actual knockouts title match, but more on that below.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Brother Ray defeated Hernandez in a match was neither offensive nor important, so it goes here.

The Russo
No Samoa Joe! The TNA World Champion is absent once again. I think he's defending against Booker T again at Turning Point. Booker T and Scott Steiner getting big level Pay Per View title shots, sounds like another company towards in the end. I wonder if Buff Bagwell's on the speed dial.

That TNA Tag Team Title match happened again. Kaz pinned Petey to win.

Awesome Kong retaining her TNA Knockout's Title over Roxxy Laveux. I thought it was shaping up to be a nice little women's match, until it ended in two minutes, where the other women's match got four and a half, almost five minutes.

Robert Roode squashes Jay Lethal. Roode's good, but this constant burial of the X-Division is really getting bad. Remember when Lethal beat Kurt Angle? Now, he's the Stevie Richards of Impact.

NWA

The NWA had their monthly Pay Per View event. Quick results are
-Phoenix Starr over Bull Buchanan
-Hook Bomberry over Dan Maff
-Mike DiBiase over David Young
-Adam Pearce over Seth Delay
-Mike Quackenbush over Matt Cross
-Bryan Danielson pinned Chris Hamrick
-Karl Anderson over Scorpio Sky
-Johnny Swinger defeated Juventud Guerrera
-Rob Conway defeated Brent Albright
-Alex Shelley over Sonny Siaki
-Nick Dinsmore made Homicide submit in the match of the evening
-NWA Champion Chris Kanyon over Chris Mordestsky with the Flatliner.

The Indies
JAPW had their weekly television show. The results are as follows
-Chuck Taylor defeated B-Boy to retained the JAPW New Jersey State Title
-Chris Hero over Hernandez
-Jay Lethal over Frankie Kazarian
-Samoa Joe pinned Rhino with the Muscle Buster to retain the JAPW World Heavyweight Title.

JAPW also had their monthly show this past Thursday Night, featuring Samoa Joe retaining the JAPW World Heavyweight Title over Homicide. Also, AJ Styles over Frankie Kazarian, Chuck Taylor retained the New Jersey State Title over Eddie Kingston, and Rhino and Jay Lethal over the Lone Gunmen

CHIKARA this week was headlined by Mike Quackenbush and El Pantera against Sabain and Eddie Kingston. Also, Larry Sweeney defeated Claudio Castanagnoli, Gran Akuma over Ricochet, and Jigsaw over Ultra Mantis Black.

Ali Akbar won the OVW Television Championship on their weekly show this week.

CZW had their monthly show Sunday evening, headlined by Sonjay Dutt over Ruckus for the CZW Championship. In other matches, Salvatore Thomaselli over Sexxy Eddy, Sabian retained the CZW Arena Championship over Nate Hatred, Vito Thomaselli over Nick Gage, and Brain Damage retained the CZW Iron Man Title over Joker.

Also, in a shocking bit over news, long running SHIMMER Champion Sara Del Ray has left the company. Reasons of this departure is unknown to Wrestling Today Newsletter, but needless to say, a new champion will likely be crowned at the December Event.

Television Ratings
TNA Genesis remains steady with a 0.02 buyrate or 8000 buyers. Rumor has it that due to the lack of North American Pay Per View coverage(as in none at all), TNA's going to ramped up their DVD sales.

Raw received a 3.3 rating(3722400 viewers), Smackdown received a 2.0 rating(3085800 viewers), and Impact received a 0.9 rating(1015200 viewers)

[chopps4312]

good show and what ever you need to do to make this stay alive, do please. I have been a fan since day one and will continue to be.

[Maximilian_WWW]

I'm enjoying this a lot. Kudos to you for updating your stuff for the new game. It will be interesting to see what changes the TEW08-AI will make. Keep it up.

[MadMatt]

I hope to have this game go to at least a year or two after Vince McMahon dies(or the WWE goes out of business), because I think after those points, it would be very interesting to see what the wrestling world looks like.

Also, I'm taking steps to get Japan and Mexico up to date, so they can be included in the world when when I start on TEW08. I'll include any important title changes in the Annual when it's posted and then a new section "International" will be added to the newsletter beginning next year.

Oh by the way, the database runs fabolously for the new game. If anything, it's more realistic than TEW07. Not quite fine tuned yet, but by the time I start, it will be.

And now the latest newsletter.


Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #27 For Week Three November 2008

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
Great Triple Threat Main Event for the WWE Championship. Your competitors are Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and defending champion Randy Orton. I was suprised, I thought Hunter was going to regain the championship tonight, but rather Shawn superkicked Triple H, Orton took him out with the RKO out of nowhere for the pin.

Val Venis and Charlie Haas got a decent amount of time. And The Big Valboski is back on track, scoring a win over Haas with the Money Shot.

Maria and Candice over Beth Phoenix and Melina worked well enough. Candice pins Melina. Not too offensive, so thumbs up segment.

Kenny Dykstra comes out to defend his WWE Intercontinental Championship against any competitor in the back. Stevie Richards of all people show up. Dykstra laughs it off but Stevie gives him a nice fight, ending with Dykstra scoring the pin with a small package. So based on this, Stevie is higher than Jay Lethal on the wrestling world totem pole.

The Bad
Carlito and Hardcore Holly had a singles match to continue that never ending tag team title feud. Hardcore Holly wins with the Alabama Slam.

Domino drags Chris Jericho down again. At least this was shorter than another match than I'm about to talk about. Code Breaker connects to score the pin on Domino.

The Ugly
Snitsky and Jeff Hardy. Hardy's entertaining but he's not going to carry Snitsky. Hell, Shawn Michaels wasn't able to do so. Hardy wins with the Whisper in the Wind after twelve minutes of Snitsky. This was wrong on so many levels, but at least the Triple Threat Match came after this one.

The Pointless
Nothing, everything on this Raw served a purpose, rather good or bad.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Smackdown was a really putrid show for the second week in a row! Two hours of ****!

The Bad
Shelton Benjamin and Kane for the ECW Championship started out promising, but fell off a cliff when Carlito(screw the brand extension) came out, to beat on Kane, causing a countout in three minutes. Shelton retains the title, but serves as a back drop to a ****ty interpromotional match.

Matt Hardy over Curt Hawkins to retain the WWE United States Title. Hardy wins with the Twist of Fate in a short match.

The Ugly
The Big Show and Batista destroying the WWE Tag Team Champions in four minutes in the main event. Miz gets Choke Slammed, Morrison gets Batista Bombed. Well, boys, considering yourselves the Honky Tonk Man of the WWE Tag Team Titles.

Mark Henry and Festus happened and it was really bad. Henry wins with the World's Strongest Slam after a plodding brawl that makes me long for Impact when Russo's at his worst. Yes, it was that bad.

Boogeyman comes out. Chuck Palumbo attacks him. Boogeyman no sells everything. Beats down Palumbo, Pumphandle Slam, worm bath. Boogeyman dances. If this segment sounds like Helms/Boogeyman from last week, that's because it was.

No Rey. No CM Punk. No Edge. No Undertaker. No Finlay. No MVP.

The Pointless
Lance Cade over Kofi Kingston happened yet the six names I mentioned above weren't on this show.

Misc
CM Punk extends his WWE contract, althrough who knows why. Also, William Regal and Domino sign contract extensions.

TNA

TNA Impact

A better show than Smackdown because of two great matches and a rather interesting storyline, providing that Russo's ADD booking doesn't screw it up.

The Good

AJ Styles and Tomko defeated the Motor City Machine Guns in the best fifteen minutes of tag team wrestling outside of ROH in a while. I've made a decision, Russo should have these two teams feuding over the TNA Tag Team Title, but instead we get the same TNA Tag Team Title match for the five millionth or so week in a row. Tomko's perhaps the most improved wrestler of 2008 and he pins Chris Sabin with a torture rack neckbreaker.

The X-Division gets time this week, with Jay Lethal against Sonjay Dutt. Okay, I'm speculating that Russo's on vacation this week, because that's the only reason I can think of for this good wrestling and length matches this week. Twelve minutes these two men got and Lethal pins Dutt after a series of reversals. Now what him lose to Rellik next week or something like that.

Roxxy Laveux lasted a bit longer against Awesome Kong this week for the TNA Knockout's Title, so I believe they may be building a storyline of Roxxy lasting longer and longer each time, until she topples Kong for the Knockout's Title. At least that would make sense.

The Bad
Christian and Rhino against the Rock N Rave Infection suffered from a bit too much Lance Hoyt. Rhino pins Rave with the Gore. I feel like I've seen this match before with the same finish but better.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Tracy Brooks and Christy Hemme did their best, but the women's match they had was underwhelming and pointless/

The Russo
WHERE IS THE TNA WORLD CHAMPION?

Also, Kaz and Eric Young over Scott Steiner and Petey Williams when Young pins Petey with a cradle.

Misc
Curry Man extends his contract with TNA.

The Indies
JAPW Television Results
-Alicia over Sara Del Ray
-Rhino defeated B-Boy
-Samoa Joe defeated AJ Styles
-Homicide over Frankie Kazarian.

In OVW, Jamin Olivencia defeated Rob Conway to win his first OVW Championship.

PWG had their montly event Sunday Night, featuring Chris Hero and Austin Aries winning the PWG Tag Team Titles over Sick and Twisted(Roderick Strong and Low Ki). Also, Bryan Danielson defeated Super Dragon, Eddie Kingston, and Tyler Black to retain the PWG Championship in a four way dance, El Generico battled Rocky Romero to a no contest, and Kevin Steen over PAC.

Pay Per View Buyrates and Television Ratings

About 128000 people purchased the NWA Pay Per View or about 128000 buys.

Raw received a 3.3 rating(3722400 viewers), Smackdown received a 2.0 rating(3085800 viewers), and Impact took a dip with a 0.8 rating(902400 viewers)

[MadMatt]

Final Newsletter of November 2008!


Wrestling Excellence Newsletter Issue #28 For Week Four, November 2008

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
Umaga and Jeff Hardy, another great match between two great wrestlers. Hardy manages to score with a sunset flip for the pin, putting Umaga down. If Hardy keeps his nose clean, he could be challenging for the WWE Championship at a future Pay Per View.

Speaking of champions, WWE Champion Randy Orton defeated Triple H in a non title match by disqualification when Hunter introduced Orton to the sledgehammer. Afterwards, Shawn Michaels and John Cena ran out, leading to a four way brawl. Sadly, this would be a great four way for Survivor Series, but we get Khali/Undertaker for the World Heavyweight Title instead.

Brian Kendrick and Charlie Haas went out there and had a nice high impact battle. Kendrick scores a pin over Haas with the Sliced Bread #2 as his mini push continues.

Ken Kennedy/Paul Burchill, an odd little match, that worked in the end. A bit on the short side, but they packed a lot into the time they had, with Kennedy finishing off Burchill with the Mic Check.

Beth Phoenix defeated Melina, again a great women's match, this Raw was one of the better shows in memory come to think of it.

The Bad
Hardcore Holly defeated Cody Rhodes. I could have swore these two men were tag team champions but they fight on Raw. Val Venis is watching on the ramp and he throws out a challenge for the World Tag Team Titles for Survivor Series. Rhodes and Holly accept so it will be Val and a partner against them for the World Tag Team Titles at Survivor Series. I'm sure it will be a perfectly fine match but the way they set it was rather odd and out of nowhere.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Super Crazy over Stevie Richards with the Moonsault.

WWE Smackdown

Smackdown was a bit better than the last couple of weeks, but still rather underwhelming considering the talent at their disposal

The Good
The Big Show and Edge had their usual great encounter, there's been several of them in recent months. This time, Show grabbed Edge by the throat as he ran with the Spear and Choke Slam scores the pin.

The Daltons defeated the Miz and Morrison in a non title match, which the match was nothing to right home about, but the booking set up another chance for the Daltons for the WWE Tag Team Titles at the Survivor Series.

The Bad
Khali and the Undertaker, two days before their World Heavyweight Title Match. The Undertaker wins by disqualification after Khali has to resort to using the stairs to put the Deadman down. The Undertaker sits up, as Khali thunders off. Yeah, the main event at Survivor Series, the anniversary of the Undertaker's debut in the WWE eighteen years ago.

The Ugly
Trevor Murdoch attacks Boogeyman before the bell. Beats him for a couple of minutes. Boogeyman no sells everything, beats down Murdoch with putrid brawling, connects with a pumphandle slam, scores the pin, dumps worms on Murdoch. WWE United States Champion Matt Hardy is at ringside, looking scared of the Boogeyman. I shudder to think what would happen if we ever had a Boogeyman/Snitsky match.

The Pointless
JTG over Kofi Kingston and Lance Cade over Nunzio. Yay Smackdown!

WWE Survivor Series

This was a really bad Pay Per View, with a grand total of two good matches, one okay one, a bunch of horrid matches, and very little of way of star power.

The Good
MVP and Batista was a last minute addition, in a number one contenders match for the World Heavyweight Title and saved the show from descending into WCW 2000 levels. The storyline of this match was MVP using every trick in the book to beat Batista and Batista getting madder and madder. Spinebuster and Batista Bomb is set up, but MVP hits him with a foreign object, before he falls on top to score the pin. So MVP is the next challenger for the World Heavyweight Title.

Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly retained their World Tag Team Titles over Val Venis and his mystery partner Brian Kendrick in a solid little tag team match. Rhodes pins Kendrick to score the pin after a DDT. Point of note: Rhodes is heeling it up, so expect Holly and Rhodes to split up properly soon.

Mickie James defending the WWE Women's Title against Jillian was fine. Token solid women's match, with Mickie winning with the Swinging DDT of death after Jillian missed a 450 Splash.

The Bad
Tonight was not one of the Undertaker's better nights, as Khali lumbered his way through the match, ruining another main event. Choke Slam ends, with Khali barely getting a half of a inch off the mat. The only thing that saves this match from turning ugly is Taker's dive over the top rope onto Khali. Taker tried. Really, he did. MVP/Taker whenever will be better, considering their great match at the Great American Bash.

The Miz and John Morrison defeated the Daltons to retain the WWE Tag Team Titles when Miz pinned Festus with the Reality Check. New challengers, please, for all three major tag team title feuds in both WWE and TNA.

Kane against Carlito. Carlito spits apple, Kane clotheslines him. Choke Slam for the pin. Santino gets Choke Slammed. Yee-Haw. Fifteen seconds. Betwee this match, the Ashley match, The Snitsky match, and perhaps another bad match I'm blocking from my mind, they coud have stuck something like, Jeff Hardy against Umaga or Edge against the Big Show on here, but no.

The Ugly
Shelton Benjamin and Mark Henry for the ECW Title. You know, between this match and the United States Title match, the stiffs are being pushed as the good guys and the athletes are being pushed as bad guys, who are scummy and overwhelmed. Welcome to a peak inside the mind of Vincent Kennedy McMahon. Henry beats on Shelton, Shelton cheats, Henry beats him on some more, Shelton uses the ropes for the pin, Henry lays him out afterwards with the slam and the crowd goes mild.

Boogeyman and Matt Hardy. At least Boogey's over. Matt Hardy must have pissed someone off again backstage, to get ten minutes with the Boogeyman on Pay Per View and win with the Twist of Fate, after a low blow. Boogeyman gets up, no selling that and beating on Hardy, before dumping worms on him. Ladies and Gentleman, that's your United States Champion.

Snitksy destroys Finlay in four minutes. Raw vs. Smackdown, Snitsky wins, he must have photos on Vince. I suspect we're going to see a Snitsky title reign of some sort in 2009 and that scares me. Really it does.

[I]The Really Ugly(new column reserved for Ashley and her tendency to blow more spots than Jeff Hardy at his highest drug usage)[I]
Katie Lea Burchill lands on her head twice at the hands of Ashley. She did the same suplex twice, after blowing the spot. If Katie doesn't have a concussion, I'll be shocked. Ashley's selling when Katie was on offense for all of ninety seconds was rather abyssmal. Ends with Ashley hitting a Frankensteiner off the second rope where I feared for her opponent's life. Fortunately, no tragedy tonight.

The Pointless
DH Smith over Zach Ryder and Kenny Dykstra retains his WWE Intercontinental Title against Shad. SHAD! On Pay Per View.

So, while this was not the worst Pay Per View ever, this was really bad. Really bad.

TNA
TNA Impact

The Good
The return of Samoa Joe and he made up for lost time, in a great match against Alex Shelley in the main event. Someone must have knocked Russo out and stuffed him in a closet, between this match and the semi-main event. Joe wins with the Muscle Buster. Booker T comes out to remind us that these two have a match at TNA Turning Point and everything worked rather well.

Kurt Angle defeated Homicide in the semi main event. Another great effort by two great athletes. Angle wins with the Ankle Lock, making Homicide tap out, after a series of reversals and nearfalls.

Rhino and Christian over Jimmy Rave and Hernandez was a short match, to establish Christian and Rhino as tag threat, so it worked on that foot. Rhino gores Hernandez for the pin, because after LAX broke up, he looks to be on the road to nowhere. Rave looks to be marooned as Lance Hoyt is on his way out the door soon because of budget cuts.

The Bad
Roxxy defeated Velvet Skye in a short squash that never really got off the ground and what happend was rather underwhelming.

The Ugly
Nothing.

The Pointless
Nothing

The Russo
Awesome Kong defeated ODB for the TNA Women's Title in a match that should have gotten more than four minutes to really build. Kong wins with the Awesome Bomb after Saaed hits ODB with the belt. Too short match. Check. Cheap finish even through it's a monster wrestling. Check. Russo. Check.

Chris Sabin's first defense against the TNA X-Division Title is against Elix Skipper. Yes, Elix Skipper, who hasn't done anything worthwhile since Triple X broke up last year. The match suffered from a lack of heat and should have been a wash for Sabin, but Elix score a couple of nearfalls, before Sabin connected with the Cradle Shock. Jay Lethal, Sonjay Dutt, Petey Williams, Curry Man, and many others could have been a better title defense for Sabin.

Misc
Black Reign extends his contract.

ROH
ROH had their monthly show, titled "No More Mr. Nice Guy". No Alice Cooper was not in attendence, but it was a packed show. Quick results
-Tank Toland squashed Jason Blade in the pre-show
-Mercedes Martinez defeated Sara Del Ray in the pre-show
-The show opening, started with Bryan Danielson defeating Brent Albright in a stiff match with strikes and suplexes. Albright tried to beat Danielson at his own game by elbowing his head in but Danielson cradles him for the pin. Great match to kick off the proper show.
-Roderick Strong and Davey Richards defeated Jack Evans and Jigsaw when Strong pins Jigsaw with the Gibson Drive.
-Mark Briscoe returned from injury to defeat the man who put him out in the first place, Jimmy Jacbos, with the Cutthroat Suplex. Big pop for Briscoe.
-Kevin Steen pinned Chris Hero with the Package Piledriver
-Jay Briscoe and Austin Aries defeated the ROH Tag Team Titles over the 2008 Survival of the Fittest Winner Erick Stevens and the 2006 Survival of the Fittest Winner Delirious when Aries pinned Delirious with the 450 Splash. Afterwards, Mark Briscoe came out, to glare at Aries, but when his brother turned around, he congratulated them, as the trio celebrated with the ROH Tag Team Titles.
-Takeshi Morishima pinned Rocky Romero with the Backdrop in a strong style battle.
-Matt Cross pinned Tyler Black with a rolling cradle. Jimmy Jacobs offered Cross a spot in the Age of the Fall, but Cross turned them down, leading to Joey Matthews coming out to join his Age of the Fall Teammates in beating down Cross, before lyching him on the top rope. Cross and Erick Stevens(former teammates oddly enough) may be the future of ROH.
-Adam Pearce pinned Claudio Castagnoli with the Jumping Piledriver after Claudio fought off Shane Hagadorn. As a result of this victory, Adam Pearce will challenge for the ROH Championship at the Final Battle.
-Nigel McGuinness came out to defend his ROH Championship against "a randomly drawn opponent". I was hoping for it to be Bobby Dempsey, but Ruckus will do. Ruckus attempted to make a name for himself at the expense of Nigel, taking the champion off guard, but Nigel connects with a spinning jawbreaker lariat, putting Ruckus down for the pin after about fourteen minutes and extends Nigel's ROH Title reign by one more show. Next month, Nigel/Pearce, which should be another successful title defense for Mr. McGuinness.

Television Ratings
Raw received a 3.3 rating(3722400 viewers), Smackdown gets a 2.0 Rating(3085800 viewers), and TNA Impact received a 0.9 rating(10151200 viewers).

[MadMatt]

Japan and Mexico are now updated and in the database for TEW08, so I'm ready to rock and roll come Sunday.

And the next newsletter, first one for December.



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #29 Week One, December 2008

WWE

So after a wretched Survivor Series, we get a good Raw, the debut of the new WWE Progression show on ABC, and Smackdown, which was the usual pile of utter randomness. Let's start with the main show.

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
The best feud as of late would have to be Shawn Michaels against Randy Orton for the WWE Championship. These two men should have competed at Survivor Series instead of the utter and complete tripe we had. Orton retains the belt to the shock of no one with the RKO and it is announced that on Thursday night, a special champion versus champion match will take place between the Undertaker and Randy Orton, World Heavyweight Champion versus WWE Champion. No belts on the line, but they're looking to get this Progression Show off the ground before it becomes a second Smackdown show(because quite frankly with all the guys on that roster, they need another two hours)

Umaga and Jeff Hardy, these two men cannot have a bad match. Tonight, Umaga was the victory, planting Jeff Hardy with the Samoan Spike.

Hardcore Holly pinned WWE Intercontinental Champion Kenny Dykstra in a non title match. Yes, doesn't seem like much, but the slow burn of the Rhodes/Holly break up storyline continues.

Speaking of which, Cody Rhodes over DH Smith was a perfect little match between two budding stars. Maybe in ten to fifteen years, these two men will be among the headliners.

Also, Carlito beat Brian Kendrick with the Back Stabber in a fine little back and forth match, which I suspect would be to rehab Carlito from that fifteen second loss to Kane at Survivor Series.

The Bad
Shad, Val Venis, Tommy Dreamer, and Paul Burchill. Two of these men are great, one of them's broken down in Dreamer, and the other's Shad. Of all the new talent they can push, they choose this guy. They broke up Cryme Tyme and now Shad's getting a push, pinning Burchill. At least he's better than Snitsky or Ashley.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Ashley
Ashley nearly killed Melina with a botched spot and pinned her as the Ashley push of doom continues. I have this deep rooted fear that Ashley will be the WWE Women's Champion by the end of the 2009. Of course, it may be better if she's shown the door.

The Pointless
Nothing pretty solid show.

WWE Progression

This show airs Thursday Night(or Friday Morning depending on how you look at it) on ABC of all places. Let's see how the first broadcast of what will be a second two hours of Smackdown come 2009 is like.

The Good
First of all, video packages introducing all the stars to new viewers. Someone might be getting off of second shift and tuning in for the first time.

WWE Champion Randy Orton defeated World Heavyweight Champion the Undertaker in a champion versus champion non title encounter. Rematch from Wrestlemania 21 as well and the fans were really hot for this one. Orton won the match by countout after he whipped Undertaker into the steps. Good match, bit of a weak finish, but the crowd really went wild when Undertaker attacked Orton after the bell, laying him out with the Tombstone.

The ECW Championship was on the line, as Shelton Benjamin defeated Kane cleanly in a rematch from the bout where Shelton captured the title, with a Dragon Whip Kick and the Gold Rush. This really rehabbed Shelton from that match with Mark Henry on Sunday and I hope his reign as ECW Championship continues.

Chuck Palumbo defeated Super Crazy in a tight little opener match. Palumbo wins, because he's the Smackdown guy and this will be a Smackdown show come January.

The Bad
The ABC Network was so not ready for Snitsky as he fought Rey Mysterio in your token big man/little man match. I was hoping for a rehash of the old Spike Dudley/(insert giant flavor of the month) matches from the original ECW with Rey beating Snitsky in less than ten seconds. Sadly, Snitsky beat on Rey for nine minutes, with Rey winning with a sunset flip at the end. I won't shunt this match into the Worse column, considering a couple of great bumps Rey took.

Matt Hardy defeated Vladimir Koslov. Twist of Fate scores the pin. Better than the Boogey/Hardy title match at Survivor Series.

Miz and John Morrison against Santino and Carlito was just an odd match, with two heel teams. Santino was pinned by Morrison, the WWE Tag Team Champions picking up the win in this heatless, basic, not all that good, interpromotional title match.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing.

WWE Smackdown
Welcome to the ****test show on Earth, Smackdown.

The Good
Edge and the Big Show, had a good match. In other news, rain is wet and politicians lie. Chairshot behind the back of the referee drops the tree for a nearfall and Edge hits the Spear to score the pin.

The Bad
Three times in the past week and Khali and Undertaker had another bad match. This time it was a steel cage match for the World Heavyweight Title. MVP did commentary, which saved this match from going into the Ugly column. Taker wins after slamming Khali into the cage twice and locking on the Gogoplata. Khali taps out and MVP teases get into the cage, but stops. Taker/MVP at Armageddon.

CM Punk is back but he faces JTG. Punk still has Money in the Bank, I think, but no mention was made of it. GTS scores the pin on JTG in four minutes.

The Miz and Morrison defeated Shannon Moore and Jimmy Wang Yang in two minutes, when Miz pins Yang. Afterwards, the WWE Tag Team Champions knock Moore to the floor and beat up Yang some more, because his contract expired and he's not renewing it. Bye Bye, Jimmy, good luck in ROH or Japan or somewhere where you might get a halfway decent push.

The Ugly
Jesse squashes Jamie Noble. Poor Noble, I don't think he's won a match since the feud with Chuck Palumbo earlier in the year.

The Pointless
Deuce defeated Trevor Murdoch.

Misc
Chavo Guerrero moved back to Raw(yes again) and Nunzio moved also, for reasons that baffle me. Also Hardcore Holly and DH Smith signed contract extensions.

TNA

So TNA has another Pay Per View that hardly anyone can see. Impact, on the other had, may be better than Smackdown. Let's go shall we.

TNA Impact

The Good
Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe had another good match for the TNA Championship. On Sunday, Kurt Angle has an open contract to face anyone on the roster, should exciting. Both men get quite a lot of time, before Joe wins with the Muscle Buster. Booker T comes out and attacks Joe, before posing with the TNA Championship. Booker wants the belt, he's going to lose another title shot to Joe, and the combination of Booker/Angle/Steiner will challenge Joe for the title all through 2009. Unless of course something changes.

Alex Shelley defeats James Storm and Abyss when Shelley pins Storm after Reign and Rellik interfere, attacking Abyss after he delivers the Black Hole Slam. I'm going let that slide as it was a good three way, up until the finish. Storm is not happy and he attacks Reign and Rellik, helping Abyss fight them off. At Turning Point, Abyss against Rellik and James Storm against Black Reign.

Awesome Kong defeated Tracy Brooks in less than a minute to retain the Knockout's Title. Kong is getting the monster push again so I can't fault TNA for this. Kong will defend her title against some women at Turning Point.

The Bad
Angelina Love and Velvet Skye defeated ODB and Gail Kim when Love pinned Kim after a miscommunciation. Christy came out during this match on commentary and got into it with Love and Skye. Bad acting all around, which really detracted for a match that had potential. Christy's going to feud with the Beautiful People in a match that I'm sure is going to bring five star classics.

The Ugly
Nothing.

The Pointless
Nothing

The Russo
Robert Roode and Brother Devon team up against Christian Cage and Rhino. Here's what I figure, Roode is a heel, Devon is a face, and Christian and Rhino may be either for all we know. Rhino pins Roode with the Gore after Devon, the face, walked out on his partner Roode, who is the heel. If you have a headache now, then join the club.

Eric Young and Kaz beat Scott Steiner and Petey Williams to retain the TNA Tag Team Titles and continue the feud that never dies.

TNA Turning Point
Once again, thanks to the TNA website for the results. Draw your own conclusions to some of the more interesting pieces of booking
-Christian and Rhino defeated BG James and Sonjay Dutt when Rhino pins Dutt with the Gore
-Payton Banks and Roxxy defeated Tracy Brooks and Velvet Skye when Roxxy pins Skye with a modified suplex
-Kaz and Eric Young retained the TNA Tag Team Titles over Scott Steiner and Petey Williams when Kaz pinned Petey
-Black Reign pinned James Storm with a Hangman's Noose Neckbreaker
-Curry Man pinned Brother Ray with a backspring into a cross body block
-Abyss pinned Rellik with the Black Hole Slam
-Alex Shelley delivered a backslide to pin Brother Devon
-Awesome Kong retained her TNA Knockout's Title over Gail Kim, Christy Hemme, and Angelina Love when Love and Kim brawled, allowing Kong to beat Christy with a Spinning Back Fist.
-Hernandez pinned Kurt Angle with the Border Toss in the Kurt Angle open challenge. Angle freaks out afterwards
-Chris Sabin retains the TNA X-Division Title over Elix Skipper with the Cradle Shock
-Homicide and Sting defeated AJ Styles and Tomko when Homicide pinned Styles with the Gringo Killa
-Samoa Joe pinned Booker T to retain the TNA Championship with the Muscle Buster.

NWA
NWA had their latest Pay Per View on Wednesday Night. Results are as follows
-Bull Buchanan pinned Joey Ryan with a springboard clothesline
-Dan Maff pinned Phoenix Starr
-The Hands of Death defeated the Backroom Boyz
-David Young pinned Seth Delay with the Spinebuster
-Matt Cross pinned Chris Hamrick with a moonsault into a twisting legdrop.
-Karl Anderson pinned Sonny Siaki
-Johnny Swinger defeated Mike Quackenbush with a reverse swinging neckbreaker
-Bryan Danielson made Juventud Guerrera tap out to the Cattle Mutillation
-Rob Conway pinned Adam Pearce with the Ego Trip
-Homicide pinned Brent Albright with the Gringo Killer
-Chris Mordestsky defeated Nick Dinsmore with a full nelson slam
-Chris Kanyon pinned Alex Shelley to retain the NWA Championship with the Flatliner.

The Indies

JAPW's weekly tv show this week featured
-Cheerleader Melissa and Alexa Thatcher over Heavy Duty
-Hernandez over Eddie Kingston
-Samoa Joe over Frankie Kazarian
-AJ Styles defeated Homicide.

CZW had their monthly show, headlined by Sonjay Dutt over Salvatore Thomaselli to retain the CZW Championship. Also, Ruckus over Eddie Kingston, Sabian retained the CZW Arena Championship over Grim Reefer, Brain Damage retained the CZW Iron Man Title over Joker and The Nightmares(Toby Klein and Ricky Reyes) retained the CZW Tag Team Title over Sexxy Eddy and the Messiah.

PWG was headlined by Tough Love defeating Sick and Twisted a return match from the PWG Tag Team Title change last month, retaining the titles. Bryan Danielson retained the PWG Championship over Kevin Steen, Excalibur defeated Super Dragon, and El Generico defeated Rocky Romero.

Buyrates and Television Ratings

628000 people paid money to watch Survivor Series. This just proves once and for all that Vince McMahon can put a test pattern on the air and still make money. 1.57 buyrate.

Raw got a 3.6 rating(4060800 viewers), Progression got a 1.2 rating(1851480 viewers), Smackdown got a 1.6 rating(2468640 viewers), and TNA Impact received a 1.0(1,128,000 viewers).

[MadMatt]

Next Newsletter:



Wrestling Today Newsletter #30 For Week Two, December 2008

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

Big surprise, Raw rocked once again this week.

The Good
Jeff Hardy and Umaga continue their feud in the main event. This time, Jeff Hardy manages to outbrawl Umaga, connecting with the Whisper in the Wind, before climbing up with the Swanton Bomb for the win. The announcers speculate 2009 might be the year of Jeff Hardy.

John Cena fought Chris Jericho in another great match. Cena's a full blown heel now and he's actually been revived to an extent. Code Breaker is blocked and Cena applies the STFU. Jericho taps out and Cena pulls Jericho to his feet driving him down with the F-U after the match to heel heat.

Paul Burchill defeated DH Smith in the usual, perfectly fun match on the middle of the card. Burchill, Smith, Dykstra, Cody Rhodes, ten to fifteen years, these two men could be the names. I mean, fifteen years ago, could you see Hunter Hearst Helmsley and Justin Hawk Bradshaw among the top stars of Raw. No, didn't think so. In fact, fifteen years ago, Hardy was a jobber and look at him now.

Kenny Dykstra won a non title match against Val Venis. The renaissance of Val Venis's career continues, as he may have been thrown into a program with the WWE Intercontinental Champion. We'll see how it developes.

Kennedy and Orton have a fun little confrontation, non title match at Armageddon.

The Bad
Maria pinned Beth Phoenix cleanly. Maria's improved, but Beth should really be getting a push, considering the fact that Mickie James is the champion, they need challengers.

Hardcore Holly and Cody Rhodes over Santino and Carlito when Rhodes pinned Santino. It would be something different if it was like Umaga and Jeff Hardy where the matches keep getting better, but these teams just keep getting thrown out.

The Ugly
Charlie Haas and Super Crazy against Tommy Dreamer and Stevie Richards shaped up to be a fun match, but Snitsky ran out and murdered everyone. Who should make the save but Triple H! Triple H and Snitsky next week on Raw apperantly.

WWE Progression
After the show last week, this program fell off a cliff. One good match, a bunch of horrible and/or pointless matches.

The Good
John Cena defeated Jeff Hardy in a great battle. I would not be surprised to see this match as a championship feud on Pay Per View next year. Hardy missed the Swanton and Cena locks on the STFU, forcing Hardy to tap out.]

The Bad
Umaga and the Big Show are the two best big men in wrestling today. Today, they did not click. Umaga wins with three Samoan Spikes dropping Show.

Shad defeating Carlito and Deuce over Kenny Dykstra. These two pieces of booking were rather baffling. The WWE Intercontinental Champion Honky Tonk Kenny suffers another non title loss.

JBL pinning Brian Kendrick. Given the fact that Kendrick was getting a push and how fast JBL beat him, this did not work. Granted, JBL should have won but not this quickly.

The Ugly
Kelly Kelly pins Beth Phoenix cleanly. Okay, who did Beth piss off?

The Pointless
None

WWE Smackdown

The Good
The mandatory one good match of the show had a 20+ minute World Heavyweight Title Match involving Edge and the Undertaker. Granted, we've seen that before, hey, it was good once again. Taker wins with the Tombstone, crossing the arms across the chest. MVP watches from the ramp, scouting the Undertaker for Judgement Day.

The Bad
The Great Khali defeated the Big Show. Show's a good worker, but Khali just seens to getting worse by the week. Headbutt battle, clawhold versus chokehold, clawhold wins, Show passes out, Khali wins.

Festus defeated Chuck Palumbo. Speaking of individuals who had their pushes cut off at the knees, Chuck Palumbo ladies and gentlemen. Festus wins with a version of the Baldo Bomb out of the corner.

The Miz and John Morrison win a non title match over Deuce and Jesse when Miz pinned Jesse. Morrison is great, Miz is acceptable. Interesting that the two men are second generation wrestlers(Deuce being Jimmy Snuka's son and Jesse being Terry Gordy's son).

The Ugly
The Boogeyman squashing Trevor Murdoch in twenty seconds. Murdoch continues to slide down the roster further.

The Pointless
I'm all for an Elijah Burke victory but beating Vladmir Koslov did nothing for me. At least have Burke beat Noble, hell, he's used to it by now.

The Misc:
Jeff Hardy resigned with the WWE.

TNA

TNA Impact was weird, or normal, if you're Vince Russo.

TNA Impact

The Good
Booker T defeated Sting with the Book End in a solid main event. The good news is that you can throw these men in a match, give it ten minutes, and it will do fine. Booker's still has his sights set up the TNA World Title. Yes, Joe/Booker may happen for the fifth time in a year, but we'll see.

AJ Styles and Abyss are like the Jeff Hardy and Umaga of TNA, a little man/big man match that will have good matches. Abyss goes for a power bomb, Styles counters with a Frankensteiner. Spiral Tap connects for the pin. Styles also has his sites set on the title.

Kaz and Eric Young retained the TNA Tag Team Titles over Jay Lethal and Sonjay Dutt when Young pinned Dutt. Great x-division action and fresh challengers, at least for this week, so thumbs up.

The Bad
Nothing

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
None

The Russo
Petey Williams against Robert Roode. Roode pins Petey Williams with the Pay Off after five minutes. Afterwards, Roode beats Petey excessively, for a post match disqualification. Scott Steiner comes out and gets into it with Robert Roode. A feud may or may not be set up, but we quickly go to a commercial before anything can happen.

The women's booking tonight. The Beautiful People defeated ODB and Gail Kim for the second week in a row, when Angelina Love pinned Gail Kim after a flying knee to the back of the head, reversing the pin. Love and Skye are improving, but ODB and Kim should have blitzed them in this match. Also, Christy Hemme lasting three minutes against Kong, before Kong pins her. This should have been about three seconds.

Indies
JAPW's Weekly Television Show had
-LAX retaining the JAPW Tag Team Titles against the Lone Gunmen
-Chuck Taylor retained the New Jersey State Title over Eddie Kingston
-Samoa Joe pinned Frankie Kazarian
-AJ Styles pinned Jay Lethal

FCW was headlined by Colt Cabana and Johnny Jeter defeating the Puerto Rican Nightmares. Also, Mighty Might retaining the Florida Heavyweight Title over Matt Sydal, Brad Bradley and Brad Allen over Jake Hager and Shawn Spears to retain the FCW Tag Team Titles, Nick Nemeth defeated Ted DiBiase Jr, and TJ Wilson defeated K.C. James.

Daizee Haze won the vacant SHIMMER Championship over Cheerleader Melissa.

JAPW had their monthly show, headlined by Rhino and Jay Lethal over Team Dynasty(Chris Hero and Jack Evans) when Rhino pins Evans with the Gore. Also Samoa Joe retained the JAPW Championship over Homicide, AJ Styles over Frankie Kazarian, Eddie Kingston over Hernandez, Low Ki over Teddy Hart, and Chuck Taylor retained the New Jersey State Title over B-Boy.

Jacob Duncan captured the OVW Television Title over Ali Akbar.

Pay Per View Buyrates and Television Ratings

8000 people or 0.02 buyrate happened for TNA Turning Point.
Raw got a 3.6 rating(4060800 viewers), Progression got a 1.2 rating(1851480 viewers), Smackdown got a 1.6 rating(2468640 viewers), and TNA Impact received a 1.0(1,128,000 viewers).

[MadMatt]

Two more days until the full release of TEW08. Two more days until Wrestling Today Annual 2008! But right now, Issue #31, with #32 coming tommorow!



Wrestling Today Newsletter #31 Week Three, December 2008

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
The entire show. Seriously this was one of the more fluid additions of Raw in a long time. Let's break down everything shall we.

Non-Title main event featuring Randy Orton against Jeff Hardy. Hardy's really rocking and rolling as of late, but hell, so is Orton, as the WWE Champion scores another victory, pinning Jeff Hardy after he crashes and burns on the Swanton Bomb. RKO after the bell just because Orton's a dick. Kennedy stares down Orton on the ramp, because they have a non title match

Snitsky against Triple H. This match was a stiff brawl, as this may be the best match in Snitsky's career. For all the hate Triple H gets, he does show that he is a damn good wrestler and does something that not even Shawn Michaels could do, that was get a good match out of Snitsky. Triple H ends Snitsky's night with the Pedigree and Hunter puts down his intentions to win the WWE Championship.

Kenny Dykstra pins Tommy Dreamer in a non title match. 2009 may be the year of Kenny Dykstra, but hell he's young, he still has plenty of time. Dreamer is just good for putting younger wrestlers over right now.

Mr. Kennedy goes into his match with Randy Orton on Sunday on a roll when he pins Charlie Haas with the Mic Check. Haas was cannon fodder for the Kennedy revolution.

Mickie James retained the WWE Women's Championship over Victoria with the DDT. Seriously, the fact that they can give us these two women in a match, but they put Ashley out there on a constant basis is a crime.

Katie Lea Burchill against Beth Phoenix was a perfectly acceptable match, with Katie winning. Beth might have heat with certain people backstage, as she's been on a losing streak as of late.

DH Smith pins Paul Burchill in the opener with the Running Powerslam, setting the stage for the great night of wrestling with this nice little opener between two budding stars.

The Bad
Nothing

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing.

WWE Progression

Okay, this show is having some big matches in it's third way because it's on ABC, but it may have squandered a future Wrestlemania main event with one of the battles(althrough it's good).

The Good
Batista and John Cena competed in the main event. You know, this match has been batted around in some circles as a future Wrestlemania main event. The first meeting ever is thrown on Progression, in a match that hardly anyone's going to see. Ends in a disqualification when Batista uses the chair that Cena brought into the ring on Cena. So, it wasn't a complete botch, as there wasn't a clean finish and was in fact a great little brawl while it lasted.

WWE Champion Randy Orton against World Heavyweight Champion The Undertaker in a champion versus champion non title match. Yes, we did see this match two weeks ago and the Undertaker loses by countout again when MVP attacks him on the floor. MVP and Orton beat down Taker until Mr. Kennedy runs out to make the save. I suspect we may be seeing some sort of tag team match next week, but WWE just seems to be on auto-pilot until 2009, with the exception of Armageddon.

CM Punk pins William Regal. Yes, Punk wins, in a return match from the 2008 KOTR and also Vengeance 2008. This time Punk proves to be the better man, with the GTS.

Brian Kendrick defeated Charlie Haas. Kendrick continues his sort of push, winning with the Sliced Bread #2

The Bad
Layla over Candice Michelle. Now granted, neither woman is as bad as Ashley, and in fact Candice is okay when she's in there against a Mickie James or a Beth Phoenix or a Melina or a Victoria. However, these two women had four minutes with Layla winning.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Zach Ryder over Stevie Richards. What was this match doing on the ABC Network?

WWE Smackdown

Smackdown was better this week, but still rather underwhelming.

The Good
MVP beating the Big Show in the main event. This was perfect booking, because MVP's title shot is this Sunday against the Undertaker. MVP beat the Big Show with three running boots in the corner. The lights got out, but the show also goes off the air.

Finlay defeated Shelton Benjamin in a non title match with the Celtic Cross. This sets up Finlay and Shelton for the ECW Championship at Armageddon.

Lance Cade and Paul London was okay, I suppose. Cade wins with a tilt a whirl into a faceplant. I believe the Kwee Wee used to do that in WCW.

The Bad
Boogeyman formula over Gregory Helms. Hardy/Boogey for the United States Title at Armageddon.

The Miz and John Morrison won a non title match over the Daltons, which set up the Daltons receiving a WWE Tag Team Title match this Sunday at Armageddon. Words fail me.

Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Vladimir Koslov blitzed Rory the Headliner in about a minute. Not long enough to offensive, but still pointless.

WWE Armageddon

After Survivor Series, this show really ruled it, with a couple of notable exceptions.

The Good
The Undertaker retained the World Heavyweight Title against MVP. Damn, these two men brought it tonight, especially MVP, who seems to be improving more and more as he gets in the ring. World Heavyweight Champion in 2009? Perhaps, but not tonight, as the Undertaker wins with the Tombstone.

John Bradshaw Layfield and the Big Show had a fine brawl. The Comeback of the Year for 2008 would have to go to the Big Show, winning with the Choke Slam, which blocked the Clothesline From Hell.

Randy Orton and Mr. Kennedy had a non title match. Now, Kennedy did not win, but he was made to look like a threat. Orton wins with the RKO out of an attempted Mic Check.

Chavo Guerrero/Umaga might not have been Umaga/Jeff Hardy, but it was fairly good. Umaga's another one who's really stepped up this year. Samoan Spike scores the pin and Umaga has his sights set on the gold.

Edge pinned Kane with the Spear in surprise, another great match. Kane's slowing down, but Edge is may be one of the biggest breakout stars of the post Austin/Rock era.

Kenny Dysktra retained the WWE Intercontinental Title over Nunzio. I was about ready to write this one off, but much to my surprise, Nunzio looked like a credible threat and Dykstra looked like a credible champion in the eight minutes that they got to told their story. Dysktra wins with an inverted facelock into a swinging neckbreaker.

Shelton Benjamin retained the ECW Championship against Finlay. Sweet goodness this was great. Finlay would be tailor made for the original ECW, I would think, and Shelton's proving to be a perfectly good ECW Champion, if we forget the infamous Mark Henry match. Gold Rush scores the pin, as maybe 2009 will be Shelton's time.

Paul Burchill over Curt Hawkins and Hardcore Holly over Carlito both served their purposes so thumbs up for those bouts.

The Bad
Snitsky's back in business, as he drags Rey Mysterio down into the gutter with him. I think being in the ring with the boss's son in law may have inspired Snitsky to bust his ass on Monday. Now, it's just another match and Rey wins with a crucifix. Snitsky beats Rey after the bell.

The Miz and John Morrison defeated The Daltons to retain the WWE Tag Team Championship. I never want to see this match again for the rest of my life, but we'll most likely see it about nine hundred more times in 2009.

The Ugly
Boogeyman and Matt Hardy for the United States Title. Hardy scores a lucky pin, after Boogey beats him for most of the match. Hardy escapes the worm bath afterwards. Can we get a decent challenger for Matt Hardy? Punk's not doing anything, he's never doing anything.

The Pointless
Nothing

Misc
As reported recently, Jimmy Yang Wang has been left the WWE. A message was posted on the website Monday, wishing him the best in his future endeavors. Also, Steve Austin signs a contract extension to WWE, as does Road Agent and legendary wrestler, Ricky Steamboat.

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good
Abyss defeated Booker T in the main event. This was to determine a top contender for the TNA Championship. It's not specified when the title match is going to take place, TNA isn't even trying anymore with the lack of the North American Pay Per View coverage. Black Hole Slam wins, as it will be Abyss/Joe at some unspecified point in the future, perhaps at Final Resolution, perhaps not.

Rhino and Christian over AJ Styles and Tomko was a great little tag team match, when Rhino pins Tomko with the Gore. Once again, Tomko's showing improvement with every match.

Raisha Saeed pinned Christy Hemme after Awesome Kong brutalized Christy before the match on Saeed's orders. If Russo's booking was logical, Kong/Saeed would be the logical program for 2009, as it's obviously that Saeed is using Kong as a tool for her domination.

Also James Storm pinned Elix Skipper in a fine match, with Elix getting enough offence to make him not look like a complete goof but also not getting too much, as James Storm is a future main event star.

The Bad
Okay, Petey Williams and Scott Steiner recaptured the TNA World Tag Team Titles over Eric Young and Kaz when Steiner pins Eric Young. Fine match, but I'm really sick of seeing this. However, it's being upgraded from Russo to merely bad for the time being.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing

The Russo
The continued burial of Jay Lethal. Robert Roode makes Lethal his personal bitch again in three minutes with Lethal getting absolutely nothing.
Not one thing.

Misc
Lance Hoyt's TNA contract expired last week and TNA chose not to renew it. Expect Jimmy Rave to be just put in the X-Division.

ROH
Roderick Strong chose not to resign his ROH contract. No reason why, he just decided not to resign. Strong was a mainstay in ROH ever since 2004, where he formed Generation Next with Austin Aries, Jack Evans, and Alex Shelley. Strong is still under contract for ROH's sister promotion in Florida, FIP. No word on where this leaves Strong's former No Remorse Corps teammates, Davey Richards and Rocky Romero.

Indies
JAPW Television Results
-Alicia over Alexa Thatcher
-Chris Hero over B-Boy
-Homicide over Rhino
-AJ Styles defeated Samoa Joe.

IWA-MS had their monthly show. Low-Ki retained the IWA-MS Heavyweight Title over Jason Hades in the main event. In other top matches, Chris Hero and Roderick Strong defeated Ruckus and Ricky Reyes when Strong makes Ruckus submit to the Strong Hold, The Iron Saints retained the IWA: MS Tag Team Titles over Tyler Black and Eddie Kingston, and Davey Richards and Claudio Castagnoli defeated Tracy Smothers and Kevin Steen.

OVW had their monthly show. Main event, featured Ali Akbar and Raul Loco over Chris Cage and Dre Blitz. Also Jamin Olivencia and Rob Conway over Anthony Bravado and Omar Akbar, Sweet Stevie defeated Seth Skyfire, and Collateral Damage(Tommy McNaler and Jacob Duncan) retained the OVW Tag Team Titles over the Mobile Homers(Ted "The Trailer McNaler and Nine-Fingers Dewey).

CHIKARA featured Sabian defeating Shane Storm in the main event. Also El Pantera and Chuck Taylor over Mike Quackenbush and Ricochet and Incoherence over F.I.S.T.

Television Ratings
Raw got a 3.6 rating(4060800 viewers), Progression got a 1.2 rating(1851480 viewers), Smackdown got a 1.6 rating(2468640 viewers), and TNA Impact received a 1.0(1,128,000 viewers).

[MadMatt]

**Dances happily for obvious reasons**

For those of you who are curious, I consolidated all of the WWE matches where the babyfaces went over into the Tribute of the Troops Show.

The Annual is coming up soon and then I'll be able to start simming on TEW08
.



Wrestling Today Newsletter #32

WWE

Tribute To the Troops 2008

Okay, it's a show for the troops overseas, so I don't feel right giving the usual good/bad/ugly. So we'll do the quick results for this show. Smackdown and Progression were clip shows this week, highlighting the best of 2008.

-Mr. Kennedy, Hardcore Holly, and Chavo Guerrero defeated Charlie Haas, William Regal, and Cody Rhodes when Kennedy pinned Rhodes with the Mic Check.
-The Boogeyman squashed Zach Ryder and dumped worms on him afterwards.
-Jillian and Candice defeated Melina and Beth Phoenix in a "Santa's Little Helper" tag match
-Kane pinned MVP with the Choke Slam.
-CM Punk and Mark Henry defeated Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch when Punk pinned Murdoch with the Go To Sleep
-Chris Jericho pinned John Bradshaw Layfield with the Code Breaker in the main event.

TNA

TNA Impact

So TNA during the Holiday week put on a show with two great matches in the main event and not much else.

The Good
I know I've said this many times but Samoa Joe against AJ Styles is always a great match. This time Joe won with the Muscle Buster after Styles crashed and burned in the center of the ring.

Abyss defeated Kurt Angle with the Black Hole Slam. Angle's been losing a lot lately, I wonder if his contract's coming up and he hasn't chosen to renew it. Still, Abyss is the number one contender for the TNA Champion, so perhaps Russo's doing the logical thing by giving Abyss a strong push.

Awesome Kong crushes both Christy Hemme and Salinas in a three way match to retain the Knockout's Title. This match worked.

The Bad
Christian and Rhino defeated Rellik and Black Reign. Remember when the brain trust at TNA decided to have this match main event two Pay Per Views in a row? Yeah, I know, you've blocked it out of your mind. Rhino pins Reign with the Gore.

That TNA Tag Team Title Match happened again this week. Petey Williams and Scott Steiner retained. Few people care.

ODB and Gail against the Beautiful People, this time with ODB and Gail winning when Gail pins Angelina Love. These tag team matches have not been the worst women's wrestling, but still, other than their great heel act, the Beautiful People don't do much in the ring.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing

The Russo
Russo didn't want me to string him from one of those poles that he's so fond of at any time during this show, so Impact worked.

ROH

ROH had their big show of the year, the Final Battle 08, including a rather shocking upset. We'll see exactly how this will shape ROH for the months and years to come.

-El Generico pinned Michael Eigan in the pre show
-Mercedes Martinez over Allison Danger in the pre show
-Jay Briscoe and Austin Aries retained the ROH Tag Team Titles over the odd duo of Larry Sweeny and Jimmy Jacobs when Jay Briscoe pins Jimmy Jacobs with the Jay Driller.
-Jack Evans squashed Bobby Dempsey with the 630 Splash
-Claudio Castagnoli pinned Delirious with the Ricola Bomb
-Erick Stevens defeated Davey Richards, Rocky Romero, and Tank Toland when Stevens pinned Toland with the Doctor Bomb.
-Chris Hero pinned Kevin Steen with the Hero's Welcome
-Matt Cross scored another upset victory over Tyler Black with a 450 Splash. Afterwards, the Age of the Fall beat down Matt Cross until the Vulture Squad made the save
-Bryan Danielson knocked out Mark Briscoe with the elbows of doom. Briscoe seems to be playing a heel as of late.
-Adam Pearce captured the ROH Championship over Nigel McGuiness after the Jumping Piledriver.
-Brent Albright and Joey Matthews defeated Jigsaw and Ruckus of the Vulture Squad in an impromptu tag main event when Albright pinned Ruckus with a half nelson suplex.

Pearce winning the ROH Championship was odd, but we'll see where Gabe goes with this one.

Indies
JAPW's television show featured
-Alexa Thatcher over Daizee Haze
-Hernandez defeated Low Ki
-Frankie Kazarian over Rhino
-AJ Styles and Homicide over Samoa Joe and Jay Lethal

FIP had their monthly show featuring Roderick Strong retaining the FIP Championship over Brent Albright. In other matches, Erick Stevens over Bryan Danielson, Jack Evans defeated Nigel McGuinness, Eddie Kingston over Delirious, Tyler Black pinned Davey Richards, and Jay Briscoe retained the Florida State Heritage Title over Mark Briscoe.

Matt Sydal and Eddie Colon captured the FCW Tag Team Titles over Bradley and Allen on the last weekly FCW show.

Other Industry News
Fuerza Guerrera and Ultimo Dragon have retired from professional wrestling.

Also, fresh out of jail, Nick Hogan has announced that he's going to follow in his father's footsteps and try his hand in the wrestling business. We'll see about that, but if he has any intention to follow through, Nasty Nick has some big shoes to fill, brotha.

Television Ratings News and Pay Per View Buyrates
WWE Armageddon received a 1.58 buyrate or about 632000 buyers.

TNA Impact received a 1.1 television rating(1240800 viewers). The WWE ratings for this week have not been released.

[MadMatt]

The Annual for 2008. For those looking to get into this dynasty, I highly reccomend you read this, as it recaps everything you need to know going into 2009



Wrestling Today Annual 2008

Promotions Around the World

The wrestling world is a very diverse place. Let's face it, from all the way from the lowiliest independent promotion all the way to the Global empire that is WWE, there is something for everyone. Let us go through from the top.

1. World Wrestling Entertainment(WWE)
Owner: Vince McMahon
Head Booker: Stephanie McMahon

Raw Brand Title Histories for 2008

WWE Championship
-Randy Orton began the year as champion
-Triple H beat Randy Orton for the championship, Wk 4, April 2008 at Backlash
-Randy Orton regained the title from Triple H, Wk 1 October 2008 at No Mercy

WWE Intercontinental Title
-Jeff Hardy began the year as champion
-Chris Jericho beat Jeff Hardy to capture the title, Wk 2 March 2008 on Raw
-Kenny Dykstra captured the title from Chris Jericho Wk 1 October 2008 at No Mercy

World Tag Team Titles
Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly won the World Tag Team Titles in 2007 and held the belts throughout the entire year.

WWE Women's Title
-Beth Phoenix started out the year as champion
-Mickie James beat Beth Phoenix Wk 3 April 2008 on Raw
-Jillian beat Mickie James Wk 4 June 2008 at Vengeance
-Mickie James beat Beth Phoenix Wk 3 October 2008 on Raw.

Smackdown Brand Championships

World Heavyweight Title
-Edge started the year as champion
-The Undertaker beat Edge to capture the title Wk 4 March 2008 at Wrestlemania 24

WWE United States Title
-MVP began the year as champion
-Matt Hardy beat MVP for the title Wk 4 April 2008 at Backlash

ECW Championship
-CM Punk started the year as champion
-Chavo Guerrero beat CM Punk Wk 4 January 2008 during ECW On Sci Fi
-Kane beat Chavo Guerrero Wk 4 March 2008 at Wrestlemania 24
-Shelton Benjamin defeated Kane Wk 1 September 2008 at Unforgiven

WWE Tag Team Titles
-The Miz and John Morrison won the belts in 2007 and held the belts all year.

Top Stars(Upper Midcarders and Main Eventers)
-Batista(Smackdown)
-Big Daddy V(Smackdown)
-Chavo Guerrero(Raw)
-Chris Jericho(Raw)
-CM Punk(Smackdown)
-Edge(Smackdown)
-Finlay(Smackdown)
-Jeff Hardy(Raw)
-John Bradshaw Layfield(Raw)
-John Cena(Raw)
-Kane(Raw)
-Ken Kennedy(Raw)
-Mark Henry(Smackdown)
-Matt Hardy(Smackdown)
-MVP(Smackdown)
-Randy Orton(Raw)
-Rey Mysterio(Smackdown)
-Shawn Michaels(Raw)
-Shelton Benjamin(Smackdown)
-Snitsky(Raw)
-The Big Show(Smackdown)
-The Great Khali(Smackdown)
-The Undertaker(Smackdown)
-Triple H(Raw)
-Umaga(Raw)
-William Regal(Raw)

#2-New Japan Pro Wrestling(NJPW)
Owner: Simon Inoki
Head Booker: Masahiro Chono

IWGP Championship
-Hiroshi Tanahashi began the year as the champion
-Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Tanahashi Wk 1 January 2008
-Keiji Mutoh defeated Shinsuke Nakamura Wk 4 April 2008
-Manabu Nakanishi defeated Keiji Mutoh Wk 1 November 2008
-Yuji Nagata defeated Manubu Nakanishi Wk 3 November 2008.

IWGP Tag Team Championship
Giant Bernard and Travis Tomko began the year with the titles
-Koji Kanemoto and Wataru Inoue defeated Bernard and Tomko Wk 2 June 2008

IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title
-Wataru Inoue began the year as champion
-Minoru Tanaka defeated Wataru Inoue Wk 1 June 2008
-Koji Kanemoto defeated Minoru Tanaka Wk 3 July 2008
-Jado defeated Koji Kanemoto Wk 3 November 2008

IWGP Jr. Tag Team Titles
-Dick Togo and TAKA Michinoku began the year as champions
-Minoru Tanaka and Prince Devitt defeated Michinoku and Togo Wk 4 January 2008
-AKIRA and Jushin Thunder Liger defeated Minoru Tanaka and Prince Devitt Wk 3 February 2008
-Naofumi Yamamoto and Taro Yano defeated Liger and AKIRA Wk 1 June 2008
-Hiroshi Tanahashi and Takashi Iizuka defeated Yano and Yamamoto Wk 3 July 2008

GI Climax 2008 Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura
GI Clmax Tag Winners: Takao Omori and Manabu Nakanishi
Best of the Super Juniors Winner: Tiger Mask IV

NJPW Top Stars
-Akebono
-Giant Bernard
-Hiroshi Tanahashi
-Hiroyoshi Tenzan
-Jushin Thunder Liger
-Keiji Mutoh
-Koji Kanemoto
-Manabu Nakanishi
-Masahiro Chono
-Minoru Tanaka
-Shinsuke Nakamura
-Takao Omori
-Tiger Mask IV
-Yuji Nagata

#3: CMLL
Owner: Francisco Alonso Lutteroth
Head Booker: Negro Casas

CMLL Titles

CMLL World Heavyweight
Dos Caras Jr has been the champion ever since 2007

UWA World Heavyweight
Dr. Wagner Jr has been the champion ever since 2004

NWA World Light Heavyweight
Atlantis has been the champion ever since 2005

CMLL World Light Heavyweight
Rey Buchanaro as been champion ever since 2006

CMLL World Middleweight
-Averno has been champion ever since 2006

CMLL Trios
Hector Garza, Mr Aguila, and El Hijo Del Perro Aguayo have held the titles ever since 2007

NWA World Middleweight
Averno has held the title ever since 2007

CMLL Tag Team Titles
-Ultimo Guerrero and Atlantis started the year as the champions
-Memphisto and Averno won the titles wk 1 February 2008
-Hector Garza and Mistico defeated Hector Garza and Averno Wk 2 March 2008

CMLL World Welterweight
-Mistico's held that title since 2007.

CMLL Top Stars
-Atlantis
-Blue Demon Jr
-Blue Panther
-Canek
-Cien Caras
-Dr. Wagner Jr
-El Hijo Del Perro Aguayo
-El Hijo Del Santo
-Heavy Metal
-L.A. Park
-Mascara Sagrada
-Mistico
-Mr. Aguilia
-Silver King
-Ultimo Guerrero

# 4. AAA
Owner: Octagon
Head Booker: Konnan

AAA Titles

Mexican National Championship
El Methias began the year as champion
-Cibernetico over El Methias Wk 3 March 2008

Mexican National Atomicos
-Ozz, Escorio, and Cuervo have been champions since 2007

AAA Tag Team Titles
Have been vacant ever since 2007

Mexican National Middleweight
Octagon has been the champion ever since 2006

Mexican National Tag Team
Octagon and La Parka Jr. have been the Team Champions ever since 2003.

AAA Top Stars
-Abismo Negro
-Charly Manson
-Chessman
-Cibernetico
-El Brazo
-El Zorro
-Electro Shock
-Gran Apache
-Halloween
-Juventud Guerrera
-Latin Lover
-Nicho El Millinairo
-Octagon
-Ozz
-Pirata Morgan
-Shocker

#5: The National Wrestling Alliance(NWA)
Owner: Robert Torbich
Head Booker: Steve Blackman

NWA Titles:

NWA Championship
Adam Pearce starts off the year with the championship
-Rob Conway over Adam Pearce Wk 4 May 2008
-Chris Kanyon over Rob Conway Wk 1 August 2008

NWA Tag Team Titles
-Joey Ryan and Karl Anderson start the year with the titles
-Los Luchas(Phoenix Starr and Zokre) defeat Ryan and Anderson Wk 1 February 2008
-Brent Albright and Alex Shelley defeated Los Luchas Wk 1 June 2008.

NWA Top Stars
Alex Shelley
Brent Albright
Bryan Danielson
Chris Kanyon
Chris Mortetzky
-Homicide
-Johnny Swinger
-Juventud Guerrera
-Nick Dinsmore
-Rob Conway

#6 All Japan Pro Wrestling
Owner: Keiji Mutoh
Head Booker: Hiroshi Hase

AJPW Titles

Triple Crown Championship
-Kensuke Sasaki started the year as champion
-Kohei Suwama over Kensuke Sasaki Wk 4 April 2008
-Toshiaki Kawada defeated Kohei Suwama Wk 1 June 2008
-Keiji Mutoh defeated Toshiaki Kawada Wk 3 September 2008

AJPW Tag Team Titles
Satoshi Kojima and TARU began the year as champions
Keiji Mutoh and Joe Doering over Kojima and TARU Wk 1 January 2008

All Asia Tag Team Titles
Belts started the year vacated
-NOSAWA and El Samurai captured the vacant titles Wk 1 June 2008
-Joe Doering and Kikutaro defeated NOSAWA and El Samurai Wk 3 September 2008.

AJPW Jr. Championship
Katsuhiko Nakajima started the year as champion
-Silver King defeated Nakajima Wk 2 March 2008
-Ryuji Hijikata defeated Silver King Wk 4 April 2008
-El Samurai defeated Hijikata Wk 3 June 2008
-Kikutaro defeated El Samurai Wk 1 October 2008

Champion's Carnival 2008 Winner: Kohei Suwawa
AJPW Junior League: Tiger Mask IV
AJPW World's Strongest Tag League: No-Tournament This Year

AJPW Top Stars
Bob Sapp
El Samurai
Joe Doering
Keiji Mutoh
Milano Collection AT
Minoru Suzuki
NOSAWA
Satoshi Kojima
Taiyo Kea
TAKA Michinoku
Takashi Morishima
Toshiaki Kawada.

#7 Total Non Stop Action Wrestling(TNA)
Owner: Dixie Carter
Head Booker: Vince Russo

TNA Titles

TNA Championship
Kurt Angle started the year as champion
Samoa Joe defeated Kurt Angle Wk 3 April 2008

TNA Knockout's Title
Gail Kim started the year as champion
Awesome Kong defeated Gail Kim Wk 2 January 2008
-ODB defeated Awesome Kong Wk 1 July 2008
-Awesome Kong defeated ODB Wk 4 October 2008

TNA Tag Team Titles
-AJ Styles and Tomko started the year as champions
-Eric Young and Kazarian defeated Styles and Tomko Wk 3 April 2008
**Titles Stripped When Super Eric refused to unmask**
-Jay Lethal and Alex Shelley won the vacant titles, Wk 2 May 2008
-Scott Steiner and Petey Williams defeated Jay Lethal and Alex Shelley Wk 2 May 2008
-Kaz and Eric Young defeated Scott Steiner and Petey Williams Wk 2 October 2008
-Scott Steiner and Petey Williams defeated Kaz and Eric Young Wk 3 December 2008.

TNA X-Division Title
Jay Lethal started the year as champion
Johnny Devine defeated Jay Lethal Wk 3 January 2008
Jay Lethal defeated Johnny Devine Wk 2 February 2008
Petey Williams defeated Jay Lethal Wk 3 April 2008
Chris Sabin over Petey Williams Wk 1 November 2008

TNA Top Stars
Abyss
AJ Styles
Black Reign
Booker T
Brother Ray
Brother Devon
Christian Cage
James Storm
Kaz
Kurt Angle
Rhino
Samoa Joe
Scott Steiner
Sting
Tomko

#8 Dragon Gate Pro Wrestling(DGPW)
Owner: Takashi Okamura
Head Booker: CIMA

DGPW Titles

Open the Dream Gate Title
CIMA started 2007 as champion
Masaaki Mochizuki defeated CIMA Wk 2 August 2008

Open the Twin Gate Titles
Naruki Doi and Masato Yoshino started 2007 as champions
Keni'chiro Arai and Taku Iwasa defeated Naruki Do and Masato Yoshi Wk 1 February 2008
Ryo Saito and Susumi Mochizuki defeated Arai and Iwasa Wk 1 May 2008
Raima Mishima and BXB Hulk defeated Saito and Mochizuki and Saito Wk 1 November 2008

Open the Brave Gate Title
Masato Yoshino began the year as champion
Anthony W. Mori defeated Yoshino Wk 2 April 2008
Vacated Wk 2 April 2008
Gamma won the vacant title Wk 4 April 2008
-Naruki Doi defeated Gamma Wk 2 June 2008
-Kikutaro defeated Naruki Doi Wk 4 July 2008
-Naruki Doi defeated Kikutaro Wk 4 October 2008

Open the Triangle Gate Titles
Don Fuji, K-Ness, and Masaaki Mochizuki started the year as champions
Cyber Kong, BXB Hulk, and SHINGO won the belts Wk 4 February 2008
Titles vacated Wk 2 May 2008.

Top Stars
Anthony W. Mori
CIMA
Katushiko Nakajima
Kintaro Kanemura
Magnitude Kishiwada
Masaaki Mochizuki
Masato Yoshino
Naruki Doi
Ryo Saito
Susumu Mochizuki

#9 Pro Wrestling NOAH(NOAH)
Owner: Mitsuhara Misawa
Head Booker: Jun Akiyama

NOAH Titles

GHC Heavyweight Championship
Mitsuhara Misawa began the year as champion
Takeshi Morishima defeated Mitsuhara Misawa Wk 1 March 2008
Takeshi Rikio defeated Takeshi Morishma Wk 1 June 2008
Mitsuhara Misawa defeated Takeshi Rikio Wk 3 September 2008
Akitoshi Saito defeated Mitsuhara Misawa Wk 3 November 2008

GHC Tag Team Titles
Naomichi Marufuji and Takashi Sugiru started the year as champions
Kentaro Shinja and Kenta defeated Marufuji and Sigiru Wk 3 May 2008.

GHC Jr. Heavyweight Title
Mohommed Yone held the title since 2007

GHC Jr. Tag Team Titles
Naruki Doi and Masato Yoshino started the year as champions.
BXB Hulk and SHINGO defeated Naruki Doi and Masato Yoshino Wk 3 January 2008
Taiji Ishimori and KENTA defeated BXB Hulk and SHINGO Wk 3 March 2008
Takuma Sano and Kentaro Shingo defeated Ishimori and KENTA Wk 1 August 2008

NOAH Wrestling Spirit
Ricky Marvin won the newly established title Wk 1 July 2008
SHINGO defeated Ricky Marvin Wk 3 August 2008
Shuhei Taniguchi defeated SHINGO Wk 4 August 2008
Jun Izumida defeated Shuhei Taniguchi Wk 2 October 2008
Shuhei Taniguchi defeated Jun Izumida Wk 4 November 2008.

Top Stars
Akira Taue
Akitoshi Saito
Bison Smith
Jun Akiyama
KENTA
Kentaro Shiga
Mitsuhara Misawa
Mohammed Yone
Naomichi Marufuji
Rob Van Dam
Takashi Sigiura
Takeshi Rikio
Takuma Sano
Tamon Honda

#10 Big Japan Pro Wrestling(BJPW)
Owner: Daikokubu Benkei
Head Booker: Ryuji Yamakawa

BJPW Titles

BJW Deathmatch Heavyweight Title
Ryo Ito started the year as champion
Shadow WX defeated Ryo Ito Wk 1 May 2008
Kintaro Kanemura defeated Shadow WX Wk 2 June 2008
BADBOY Hido defeated Kintaro Kanemura Wk 3 November 2008

BJW Tag Team Titles
Mammoth Sasaki and Shadow WX have held the titles since 2006.

Top Stars
Abdullah Kobayashi
BADBOY Hideo
GENTARO
Hi69
Jun Kasai
Kintaro Kanemura
Mammoth Sasaki
MEN's Teioh

#11 Ring of Honor(ROH]
Owner: Cary Silkin
Head Booker: Gabe Saposky

ROH Titles

ROH Championship
Nigel McGuiness began the year as champion
Adam Pearce defeated Nigel McGuiness Wk 4 December 2008

ROH Tag Team Titles
Jimmy Jacobs and Tyler Black began the year as champions
Rocky Romero and Davey Richards defeated Jimmy Jacobs and Tyler Black Wk 4 January 2008
The Briscoe Brothers defeated Davey Richards and Rocky Romero Wk 2 April 2008
Austin Aries replaced the injured Mark Briscoe Wk 4 April 2008

ROH Survival of the Fittest Champion 2008: Erick Stevens

ROH Top Stars
Adam Pearce
Austin Aries
Brent Albright
Bryan Danielson
Chris Hero
Erick Stevens
Joey Matthews
Nigel McGuiness
Ruckus
Takeshi Morishima

#12 Combat Zone Wrestling(CZW)
Owner: John Zandig
Head Booker: Gabe Ramirez

CZW Titles

CZW Title
Nick Gage started the year as champion
Sonjay Dutt defeated Nick Gage Wk 1 June 2008

CZW Tag Team Titles
Jon Dahmer and Danny DeManto started the year as champions
Ricky Reyes and Toby Klein defeated Dahmer and DeManto Wk 1 June 2008

CZW Iron Man
Joker started the year as champion
Brain Damage defeated Joker Wk 1 January 2008

CZW Arena Championship
Sabian won the newly established title Wk 4 July 2008

CZW Best of the Best 2008 Champion: The Messiah

Top Stars
Ricky Reyes
Ruckus
Salvatore Thomaselli
Sexxy Eddy
Sonjay Dutt
The Messiah
Toby Klein
Vito Thomaselli.

#13 Jersey All Pro Wrestling(JAPW)
Owner: Fat Frank Iadevaia
Head Booker: Ray Sager

JAPW Titles

JAPW Championship
Low Ki started the year as champion
Kenny Omega defeated Low Ki Wk 1 January 2008
Frankie Kazarian defeated Kenny Omega Wk 2 May 2008
Samoa Joe defeated Frankie Kazarian Wk 3 June 2008

JAPW Tag Team Titles
LAX started the year as champions and held them throughout 2008

New Jersey State Title
Archadia started the year as champion
Teddy Hart defeated Archadia Wk 3 April 2008
Chuck Taylor over Teddy Hart Wk 1 August 2008

Top Stars:
AJ Styles
Frankie Kazarian
Hernandez
Homicide
Jay Lethal
Low Ki
Rhino
Samoa Joe

#14: Interational Wrestling Alliance Mid-South(IWA: MS)
Owner: Ian Rotten
Head Booker: Jim Fannin

Championships

IWA: MS Championship
Eddie Kingston started the year as champion
Title vacated Wk 2 April 2008
Low Ki won the vacant title Wk 4 May 2008

IWA: MS Tag Team Titles
The Iron Saints started the year as champions
Joker and Ricky Reyes defeated The Iron Saints Wk 1 March 2008
Devon Moore and Josh Abercrombie defeated Joker and Ricky Reyes Wk 3 April 2008
The Iron Saints defeated Moore and Abercrombie Wk 1 June 2008

IWA: MS Lightheavyweight Title
Chuck Taylor started the year as champion
Jason Hades defeated Chuck Taylor Wk 2 April 2008

TPI Invitational 2008 Champion: Low Ki

Top Stars
Chris Hero
Jason Hades
Low Ki
Roderick Strong
Ruckus
Salvatore Thomaselli
Tracy Smothers
Vito Thomaselli

#15 CHIKARA
Owner: Leonardo F. Chikarason
Head Booker: Mike Quackenbush

CHIKARA Titles

CHIKARA Tag Team Titles
Incoherence started 2008 as the champions
The Kings of Wrestling defeated Inchorence Wk 3 May 2008

CHIKARA King of Trios 2008: El Pantera, Lince Dirando, and Icognito
Young Lions Cup 2008: Larry Sweeney

Top Stars
Chris Hero
Chuck Taylor
Claudio Castagnoli
Delirious
Eddie Kingston
El Pantera
Larry Sweeney
Mike Quackenbush

#16 Ohio Valley Wrestling(OVW)
Owner: Danny Davis
Head Booker: Terry Taylor

OVW Titles

OVW Championship
Matt Sydal started the year as champion
Jay Bradley defeated Matt Sydal Wk 2 February 2008
Nick Dinsmore defeated Jay Bradley Wk 3 February 2008
Rob Conway defeated Nick Dinsmore Wk 1 August 2008
Jamin Olivencia over Rob Conway Wk 1 November 2008

OVW TV Title
James Curtis started the year as champion
Jamin Olivencia defeated James Curtis Wk 3 February 2008
Joey Matthews defeated Jamin Olivencia Wk 2 March 2008
Tommy McNaler defeated Joey Matthews Wk 3 April 2008
Ali Akbar defeated Tommy McNaler Wk 1 November 2008
Jacob Duncan defeated Ali Akbar Wk 2 December 2008

OVW Southern Tag Team Titles
Colt Cabana and Shawn Spears started the year as OVW Tag Team Champions
Paul Burchill and Stu Sanders over Colt Cabana and Shawn Spears Wk 1 January 2008
Raul Loco and Rudy Switchblade defeated Paul Burchill and Stu Sanders Wk 4 February 2008
Tommy McNaler and Jacob Duncan defeated Loco and Switchblade Wk 1 June 2008

OVW Women's Title
Rouka began the year as champion
Katie Lea defeated Rouka Wk 3 February 2008
Josie defeated Katie Lea Wk 4 February 2008
Reggie defeated Josie Wk 4 July 2008
Serene Deeb defeated Reggie Wk 2 December 2008

Top Stars
Anthony Bravado
Jacob Duncan
Jamin Olivencia
Nine Fingers Dewey
Rob Conway
Tommy McNaler

#17 Pro Wrestling Guerrilla(PWG)
Owner: Top Gun Talwar
Head Booker: Excalibur

PWG Championships

PWG Title
Low Ki began the year as champion
Vacated Wk 4 February 2008
Human Tornado won the vacant Title Wk 4 February 2008
Bryan Danielson defeated Human Tornado Wk 1 May 2008

PWG Tag Team Titles
Super Dragon and Davey Richards started the year as champions
Scott Lost and Joey Ryan defeated Davey Richards and Super Dragon Wk 4 January 2008
El Generico and Kevin Steen defeated Scott Lost and Joey Ryan Wk 3 March 2008
Roderick Strong and Low Ki defeated El Generico and Kevin Steen Wk 1 May 2008
Chris Hero and Austin Aries defeated Roderick Strong and Low Ki Wk 3 November 2008

Battle of Los Angeles 2008 Champion: Super Dragon

Top Stars
Austin Aries
Bryan Danielson
Chris Hero
Jack Evans
Low Ki
Roderick Strong
Super Dragon
Tyler Black

#18 Florida Impact Pro(FIP)
Owner: Sal Hamaoui
Head Booker: Mister Saint Laurent

FIP Titles

FIP Heavyweight Title
Erick Stevens started the year as champion
Roderick Strong defeated Erick Stevens Wk 3 February 2008

FIP Tag Team Titles
Jason Blade and Kenny King started the year as champions
Gran Akuma and Jerelle Clark defeated Jason Blade and Kenny King Wk 3 June 2008
Jack Evans and Nigel McGuiness defeated Gran Akuma and Jerelle Clark Wk 3 September 2008

Florida State Heritage Title
Salvatore Rinauro started the year as champion
Jay Briscoe defeated Salvatore Rinauro Wk 3 May 2008

Top Stars
Brent Albright
Bryan Danielson
Erick Stevens
Jack Evans
Jay Briscoe
Mark Briscoe
Nigel McGuiness
Roderick Strong

[B]#19 Florida Championship Wrestling(FCW)
Owner: Steve Keirn
Head Booker: Dusty Rhodes/B]

FCW Title
Jake Hager was the first champion
Matt Sydal defeated Jake Hager Wk 1 May 2008
Drew McIntyre defeated Matt Sydal Wk 1 June 2008
Johnny Jeter defeated Drew McIntyre Wk 3 September 2008
Mighty Mikey defeated Johnny Jeter Wk 3 October 2008

FCW Tag Team Champions
The Puerto Rican Nightmares started the year as champions
Nick Nemeth and Brad Allen defeated the Puerto Rican Nightmares Wk 4 March 2008
The Puerto Rican Nightmares defeated Nick Nemeth and Brad Allen Wk 3 April 2008
Jay Bradley and Brad Allen defeated the Puerto Rican Nightmares Wk 2 September 2008
Matt Sydal and Eddie Colon defeated Jay Bradley and Brad Allen Wk 4 December 2008

Top Stars
Colt Cabana
Drew McIntyre
Eddie Colon
Eric Perez
Johnny Jeter
Kevin Thorn
Matt Sydal
Mighty Mikey
Nick Nemeth
TJ Wilson

#20 SHIMMER
Owner: Dave Prezak
Head Booker Allison Danger

Titles

SHIMMER Championship
Sara Del Ray started 2008 as champion
Belt vacated when Del Ray left the promotion
Daizee Haze won the vacant title Wk 2 December 2008

Top Stars
Ariel
Cheerleader Melissa
Daizee Haze
Lacey
Lexie Fyfe
Malia Hosaka
Mercedes Martinez
Ms. Chif

Wrestling Today Top 100

The following is a list of the top one hundred wrestlers of the year as voted by wrestling fans from around the world and combined by the Wrestling Today Newsletter

1) Shawn Michaels
2) Rey Mysterio
3) Jushin Thunder Liger
4) Chris Jericho
5) Kenta Kobashi
6) Kurt Angle
7) Edge
8) Rob Van Dam
9) The Undertaker
10) Mistico
11) John Cena
12) Triple H
13) CM Punk
14) Naomichi Marufuji
15) Toshiaki Kawada
16) Atlantis
17) El Hijo Del Santo
18) Sting
19) Masahiro Chono
20) Christian Cage
21) Booker T
22) Chavo Guerrero
23) Yuji Nagata
24) Koji Kanemoto
25) Christopher Daniels
26) Matt Hardy
27) Samoa Joe
28) Vampiro
29) AJ Styles
30) Kensuke Sasaki
31) Mitsuharu Misawa
32) William Regal
33) Gregory Helms
34) Juventud Guerrera
35) Randy Orton
36) Jun Akiyama
37) Super Crazy
38) Jeff Hardy
39) Brian Kendrick
40) Tiger Mask IV
41) Finlay
42) Shinjiro Otani
43) Paul London
44) Shelton Benjamin
45) TAKA Michinoku
46) KENTA
47) Latin Lover
48) John Morrison
49) Sabu
50) Joey Matthews
51) Low Ki
52) Keiji Mutoh
53) CIMA
54) Mr. Aguila
55) Mickie James
56) Nova
57) Jamie Noble
58) El Hijo Del Santo
59) AKIRA
60) Mr. Kennedy
61) Dr. Wagner Jr.
62) Minoru Tanaka
63) Funaki
64) Negro Casas
65) Manami Toyota
66) Canek
67) Satoshi Kojima
68) Kenny Dykstra
69) Osamu Nishimura
70) Chessman
71) Mick Foley
72) Mileno Collection AT
73) Kintaro Kanemura
74) Umaga
75) The Big Show
76) Octagon
77) Carlito
78) Sean Waltman
79) Abismo Negro
80) Shannon Moore
81) Susumu Mochizuki
82) Bryan Danielson
83) Nunzio
84) Ultimo Guerrero
85) Naoki Sano
86) Nicho El Millionaire
87) John Bradshaw Layfield
88) Manabu Nakanishi
89) Nick Dinsmore
90) Scott Taylor
91) L.A. Park
92) Jay Lethal
93) El Zorro
94) Hector Garza
95) Lance Storm
96) Mayumi Ozaki
97) Diamond Dallas Page
98) Shinsuke Nakamuru
99) Ayako Hamada
100) Homicide.

Wrestling Today Awards

Year End Rewards As Voted By the Staff of Wrestling Today Newsletter

Wrestler of the Year: Edge
Young Wrestler of the Year: Kenny Dykstra
Veteran Wrestler of the Year: The Undertaker
Female Wrestler of the Year: Mickie James
Promotion of the Year: N/A
Most Improved Promotion of the Year: N/A
Match of the Year: Edge over John Cena at WWE Vengeance
Card of the Year: Summerslam 2008

[MadMatt]

New Year. New Game. Same Writer.


Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #33 for Week One January 2009

WWE

WWE Raw

The Good
Holy holiness, that Shawn Michaels and William Regal match ruled. These are two men who are not getting any younger, but they showed these young whipper snappers how to get it done. Michaels connects with the Sweet Chin Music after a series of reversals. Great match and Michaels proved that he was willing to take it, as Regal stretched him on a couple of submission holds.

Umaga and Jeff Hardy continue their feud, this is like the Sting/Vader feud of the new age. This week, Umaga pinned Hardy after Hardy crashed into the barricade and Umaga connects with the Samoan Spike. Umaga's has his sights set on the Royal Rumble but there's one man who may be wanting.

Vince McMahon comes out, and Triple H demands a WWE Championship Match against Randy Orton at the Royal Rumble. After some back and forth, Vince makes it official, which brings Orton out to protest. Orton says he's killed many legends in the past and if Vince doesn't watch it, Orton might take him out. Vince yells at Orton and Triple H sends the champion packing.

Mr. Kennedy pinned Charlie Haas with the Mic Check. Another good match between these two, Haas may be the most undertilized wrestler in the WWE today. Kennedy also reminds us that he wants the WWE Championship.

Val Venis pinned DH Smith with the Money Shot in a great mid card match. Damn, Raw's really been rocking lately and this was just another reason why.

Katie Lea Burchill pinned Maria. Damn, I wasn't expecting too much out of this match, but they clicked, so thumbs up.

The Bad
Welcome to Raw, Gregory Helms, the Boogeyman, and Festus. They get thrown into a tag team match with another Raw edition, Chavo, as Chavo and Helms square off against Boogey and Festus. Festus gets pinned by Chavo with the Frog Splash. Boogeyman gives the heels a worm bath. This was the first match of 2009 and rather sour first expression, but thank Shawn Michaels there was some great wrestling still go tocme.

Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly defeated Santino and Carlito when Holly pins Santino. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing

WWE Progression

The Good
MVP defeated Finlay in the main event. MVP still has his sights set on the WWE Championship and vows to win the Royal Rumble, connecting with the Yakuza. After the match, MVP beats on the midget after the match.

The Big Show pinned the Undertaker in a non title match with the Choke Slam. Great battle between two of the best big men in wrestling and Show/Undertaker is something that hasn't been done in a while, so this should be a nice championship feud.

Shelton Benjamin defeated Chuck Palumbo to capture the ECW Championship in another fun little mid card match with the Exploder Suplex.

Also, Elijah Burke pinned Shannon Moore, this match was more than fine, with Burke winning with the Elijah Experience.

The Bad
Nothing

The Ugly
Vladmir Koslov squashes Jamie Noble. Poor Noble.

The Pointless
Jesse pinned Paul London. Some good moments, but Moore/Burke was better and longer.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
MVP pinned Batista in the main event with the Yakuza Kick to the head. The push straight to the top for MVP continues, I predit he's going to have a WWE Championship or World Heavyweight Championship around his waist.

Shelton Benjamin defeated Vladimir Koslov. Fun little match, as Shelton really got to bust out his amateur stuff, before he connects with the Gold Rush after kicking out of a torture rack drop.

Kane squashed Zach Ryder in thirty seconds. Not offensive and it put Kane over as an offense.

The Bad
Good God, the bitch is back. Stephanie McMahon returns to Smackdown and is the new General Manager. Yes, it's 2002. The Undertaker comes out and the Big Show attacks the Undertaker. Apparently, Stephanie's the evil GM and Show's her corporate enforcer. I take that back, it's 1999.

Mark Henry and the Great Khali get into a brawl for no good reason. Now, if Khali would have grabbed a twinkie that Henry wanted, there would be a good reason for this brawl.

The Ugly
Mark Henry and Big Daddy V squashed the Miz and John Morrison to win the WWE Tag Team Titles in two minutes when Big Daddy V dropped an elbow on the Miz. Big Daddy V is back from fan camp but seems as rotund as ever. So the 14 month tag team title reign of the Miz and Morrison ends in a two minute squash. The World's Fattest Tag Team(my name, not WWE's) is the new WWE Tag team Champions.

The Pointless
This week's, why bother matches are Elijah Burke over Colin Delaney, Lance Cade over Kofi Kingston, and Curt Hawkins over Jesse.

TNA

TNA returned to Pay Per View in North America for Final Resolution. At the eleventh hour, TNA inked a deal with INHD2.

TNA Impact

The Good
Booker T defeated Abyss to win Abyss's number one contendership status in a great brawl. So Booker/Joe Round One Million at Against All Odds in February(why not Final Resolution, well read on!)

Christian pinned Rhino with the Unprettier in a great match. Rhino and Christian have broken up to go into the singles division and after the match AJ Styles and Tomko run out to beat down Christian! The announcers talk about how Styles and Tomko want to eliminate Christian, because of how he held their career down! Samoa Joe of all people make the save, so it's going to be Christian Cage and Samoa Joe against AJ Styles and Tomko at Final Resolution.

James Storm pinning Tomko was another great brawl with the Superkick. Storm has his sights set on the TNA Championship, which works because that's where all wrestlers should strive to.

Hernandez/Kurt Angle in a return match at Sunday, which makes sense because Hernandez beat Angle at Turning Point.

The Bad
Kaz and Eric Young regain the TNA Tag Team Titles against Scott Steiner and Petey Williams, when Kaz pinned Petey. Some things never change.

Brother Devon defeated Rellik with an inverted DDT. Meh match.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing.

The Russo
Wacky Russo Six Man Tag between Matt Morgan, Robert Roode, and Hernandez over Johnny Devine, Elix Skipper, and Consequences Creed when Morgan pins Creed. At least have Hernandez go over, because he has a big match against Angle on Sunday.

TNA Final Resolution

The Good
The tag team main event ruled with Samoa Joe and Christian Cage over AJ Styles and Tomko when Joe pins Tomko with the Muscle Buster. Booker T comes out and helps the heels lay a beating on Joe and Christian, until Abyss runs out to make the save. Wild brawl to end the Pay Per View to shape the TNA main event scene for months to come.

Awesome Kong crushing Salinas to retain the TNA Knockout's Title. Once again, anything that puts over Kong as a monster is good.

Kurt Angle defeated Hernandez, this match once again made a star out of Hernandez when Angle tapped out Hernandez with the Ankle Lock. Looks like Angle resigned his contract, otherwise he would have lost this match.

Chris Sabin retained the TNA X-Division Title in a three way over Johnny Devine and Elix Skipper when Sabin pins Devine with the Cradle Shock.

The Bad
That TNA Tag Team Title Match. Kaz and Young retain. Yay!

Team 3D reunite again and fought Rellik and Reign. 3D wins for 3D. The world was not waiting for this tag team showdown.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing

The Russo
Sting against Kip James. This was a criminal waste of Sting, who might not have that much time left. I mean, when you list all the dream matches, is Sting against Billy Gunn among one of them? The fact that is isn't a three second squash for Sting is a crime, as this match gets eight minutes, which is about seven minutes and fifty seven seconds more than I can stand for Kip James. Scorpion Deathlock makes James tap out.

Random six man tag for no reason, with Curry Man, Alex Shelley, and Rhino defeating Matt Morgan, Robert Roode, and BG James. Rhino pins Roode with the Gore. Had it's moments, but the lack of story killed it for me.

Gail Kim pinned Raisha Saeed in two minutes when Kong accidentally whacks Saeed. Two of the greatest wrestlers in TNA and they only get two minutes. This was an Epic Fail.

International
CMLL had their monthly show, headlined by Canek, Dr. Wagner Jr. and Silver King defeated Heavy Metal, L.A. Park, and Blue Demon Jr. Also other marquee matches featured, Atlantis retained the NWA World Lightheavyweight Title over Blue Panther, Mr. Aguila, Hector Garza, and El Hijo Del Perro defeated Olympic, Tarza Boy, and Ray Bucanero to retain the CMLL World Trios Titles, Mistico and El Hijo Del Santo defeated Dos Caras Jr and Bestia Salvaje, Negro Casas and Mascrita Sagrada defeated Ultimo Guerrero and Cien Caras, and Pierroth Jr. defeated Santanico.

NJPW had their big yearly show at the Tokyo Dome. This is their version of Wrestlemania. Here's the results
-Hirooki Goto defeated Black Tiger
-Low Ki defeated Tetsuya Naito
-Masahiro Chono and Scott Norton defeated Gedo and Yamamoto
-Minoru Tanaka defeated Mitsuhide Hirasawa
-Giant Bernard over Steve Corino
-Kinaro Kanemura defeated Toru Yano
-Tiger Mask IV defeated Travis Tomko
-Omori & Nakanishi defeated Samurai and Taguchi
-Tanahasi and Iizuka defeated Koji Kanemoto and Wataru Inoue to retain the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Titles
-Hiroyoshi Tenzan defeated Jado to capture the IWGP Jr. Title
-Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Jushin Thunder Liger
-Yuji Nagata defeated Keiji Mutoh to retain the IWGP Championship.

AAA had their monthly show, with Nicho El Millionairo capturing the Mexican National Title over Cibernetico. In other top matches, Juventud Guerrera, Zorro, and Electro Shock defeated Negro Casas, Ozz, and Halloween, Chessman, Shocker, and Latin Lover defeated Pirata Morgan, Scorpio Jr. and Charly Manson, and Octagon and La Parka Jr. defeated Los Barrio Boys III(Decniss and Billy Boy) to retain the Mexican National Tag Team Titles.

SHINGO and Genki Horiguchi captured the Open the Twin Gate Tag Team Titles and Magnitude Kishiwada captured the Open the Brave Gate Title in Dragon Gate this week.

NOAH had their monthly show, featuring Akitoshi Saito over Kentaro Shiga to retain the GHC Championship. Also in other top matches, Takeshi Rikio defeated Takashi Suguira, Akiyama and Misawa defeated Shiosaki and Marvin, Akira Taue defeated Bison Smith, Rob Van Dam defeated Tamon Honda, Naomichi Marufuji defeated KENTA, Shuhei Taniguchi defeated Buchanan to retain the NOAH Wrestling Spirit Title, and Mohammed Yone retained the GHC Jr. Title against Takuma Sano.

Jay Lethal will go on tour with Big Japan starting next month

The Indies
JAPW Television for this week
-Heavy Duty defeated Daizee Haze and Alicia
-Chuck Taylor retained Teddy Hart to retain the New Jersey State Title
-Low Ki pinned Jay Lethal
-Frankie Kazarian and AJ Styles defeated Samoa Joe and Rhino.

Salvatore and Vito Thomaselli defeated Messiah and Ricohet in the main event of the CZW Monthly Show. Sonjay Dutt pinned Ruckus to retain the CZW Championship, The Nightmares defeated the Dogs of War to retain the CZW Tag Team Titles, and Sexxy Eddy defeated Danny DeManto.

On the last CZW show, Ruckus ruptured his spleen in his match with Sonjay Dutt. He will be forced to be out of the ring for two and a half months.

OVW had their monthly show featuring Jamin Olivencia over Tommy McNaler to capture the OVW Championship. Also, Rob Conway defeated Anthony Bravado, Nine Fingers Dewey defeated Ted "The Trailer" McNaler, Ali Akbar defeated Omar Akbar, and Jacob Duncan retained the OVW TV Title over Dre Blitz.

IWA: MS had their monthly event featuring Low Ki retaining the IWA: MS Title over Jason Hades. Also, Roderick Strong defeated Tracy Smothers, Salvatore Thomaselli defeated Brandon Thomaselli, Chris Hero over Vito Thomaselli, Tyler Black defeated Claudio Castagnoli, Kevin Steen defeated Toby Klein, and Eddie Kingston defeated Ricky Reyes.

Television Ratings
Raw received a 4.58 rating(5166240 viewers), Progression received a 3.31 rating(5106999 viewers), Smackdown receiveda 3.38 rating(5215002 viewers), and TNA Impact received a 0.98 rating(1105440 viewers).

[MadMatt]

Next Newsletter!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #34 Week Two January 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
William Regal and Chavo Guerrero had a good match until Snitsky ruined it by running out and beating up both men. Snitsky beats down both of these men, until Shawn Michaels made the save, which lead to...

Shawn Michaels managing to pull off a miracle against Snitsky. Second time was the charm for HBK, as he carried Snitsky to an acceptable match. Superkick pins Snitsky.

Also Chris Jericho defeated DH Smith in a match where DH Smith got a fair bit of time and offense against Jericho before the Code Breaker scored the pin.

Continued build for Orton/Hunter at the Royal Rumble and the Rumble itself all worked.

The Bad
Domino, Boogeyman, and Gregory Helms in a triple threat match.Talk about the epitome of pointless matches, with Domino pinning Helms. Bad wrestling from Domino and Boogeyman, even the greatness of Helms could not bring this match up.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Ashley
Ashley returned this week, to drag down Victoria to a horrid match. Widow's Peak scores the pin, so thankfully at least the right woman won.

Also afterwards, Layla and Ashley got into a horrid brawl in catering. Those should be some bad matches.

The Pointless
Tommy Dreamer pins Robbie the Highlander. No one cared.

WWE Progression

The Good
Shelton Benjamin/Rey Mysterio had a spectacular match to close out the night. The ECW Championship was not on the line, but hell, put these two in the ring at the Rumble for the title and it's an automatic thumbs up in my book. Rey wins with the West Coast Pop.

Matt Hardy defeated Kane to retain the WWE United States Title in another great match. Hardy crotched Kane off top and hit a Twist of Fate off the top rope. Kane's insane for taking this bump at his size and age. Still, Hardy looks smug and says he beat Kane, he's coming after the Undertaker and the World Heavyweight Title next. We'll see about that, althrough it will be a fresh challenger and down that Hardy's spared of the Boogeyman since he's been moved over to Raw, he'll have some time to grow.

CM Punk defeated Trevor Murdoch with the Go to Sleep. Could Punk finally be out of the doghouse in 2009? Will he ever cash in on the Money in the Bank? Stay tuned.

The Bad
Zach Ryder pinning Shannon Moore. Moore had a great year with Jimmy Wang Yang in 2008 against the Miz and Morrison, but now he's going to the resident whipping jobber to everyone. In other words, the new Funaki.

The Ugly
Big Daddy V and Mark Henry squashing Jamie Noble and Rory The Highlander. Big Daddy V pins Noble, in case you couldn't have guess by now.

The Pointless
Curt Hawkins over Lance Cade.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Batista defeated Edge in the main event. Good stuff as awesomes, especially involving the 2008 wrestler of the year Edge. Spear is avoided, Batista hits the spear of his own, spinebuster, and Batista Bomb scores the pin. Batista wants the World Heavyweight Title back.

CM Punk wins another match. Holy crap, Go To Sleep pins Elijah Burke, who is having a running contest with Jamie Noble to see who can do more jobs.

Paul London pins Jamie Noble. Two cruiserweights get a match and a bit of time to show their stuff. Pinch me, I'm dreaming! London pins Noble with the London Calling, so for those keeping track, Noble can't even beat people in his own weight class.

The Bad
The Great Khali and Kane. The crowd was hot, so that makes it Bad, as opposed to ugly. Kane and Khali hit each other for five minutes, Kane goes for a slam, Khali blocks that, slams Kane, boot to the chest, clawhold puts Kane down.

The Edgeheads over Cade and Murdoch. The wrong team won in this match, when Cade is rolled up for the pin.

The Ugly
Another squash by the large WWE Tag Team Champions, over the former champions the Miz and John Morrison with Mark Henry pinning Morrison with the slam.

The Pointless
Deuce pinned Rory.

Misc
Matt Capotelli and Kevin Thorn were called up from FCW and will be joining the main roster sometime this week.

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good
Christian Cage and Kurt Angle had a twenty plus main event on Impact. It was only a shade below match of the year quality, something small was missing. Angle goes for the Ankle Lock but Christian kicks him into the buckles, kneelift rocks Angle, double underhook, Unprettier countered into an Angle Slam attempt, but Christian drops down, hooks the arms, and connects with the Unprettier to score the pin! Afterwards, AJ Styles runs out and attacks Christian, beating down Christian in the ring! Thats when we go off the air.

Curry Man and Jimmy Rave had a great little opener match. Spice Rack scores the win and Curry Man celebrates in the crowd.

Awesome Kong dominates three women in a fatal four way match, over ODB, Velvet Skye, and Christy Hemme, when Kong pins Skye with a brutal back handed strike.

The Bad
That tag team match happened again this week. Kaz and Young win, non title, please get a new feud.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing

The Russo
Christian Cage and Booker T had a brawl on Impact, for what reason? Booker's facing Joe at the next Pay Per View and (I assume), Christian's facing AJ Styles. This wasted time and besides, given how often they feuded in WWE, Christian/Booker doesn't exactly excite me.

Brother Ray pinned Robert Roode who continues to slide down the card. Roode and James Storm are the two main chances for TNA to create a home grown star, but they are content to push WWE rejects(with the exception of Samoa Joe).

Tracy Brooks pinned Raisha Saeed cleanly. At least have Kong accidentally hit her again. Tracy's a fairly acceptable worker, but she should be cannon fodder for the Knockouts.

Lucha Results
AAA television had the following results
-La Parka Jr, Alan Stone, and Cuervo defeated Pimpenela Escarlata, May Flowers, and Hijo Del Anibal
-Los Barrio Boys III retained the AAA Tag Team Titles over Joe Lider and Tinneblas Jr.
-Mr Niebla over El Methias
-Charly Manson, Cibernetico, and Ozz defeated Anifraz Del Norte, Super Porky, and Fuerza Guerrera
-Shocker pinned Halloween
-Gran Apache defeated Electro Shock.

CMLL Tiro Abajo saw:
-Purity of Purpose(Pierroth Jr. and Olympico) defeated Rayo de Jalisco and Sangre Azteca
-Averno, Mascrada Sagrada, and Damian 666 defeated Belstia Salvage, Santanico, and Dos Caras Jr.
-Ray Bucerno over El Terrible
-Aguila, Hector Garza, and El Hijo Del Perro retained the CMLL Trios Title over Tarzan Boy, Universo 2000, and Black Warrior
-Dr. Wagner Jr, Canek, and Blue Panther, over El Hijo Del Santo, Atlantis, and Negro Casas
-Mistico pinned Silver King.

Puro
TAKA Michinoku signed with Dragon Gate.

The Indies
JAPW Full Force Saw
-Daizee Haze over Alexa Thatcher
-LAX retained the JAPW Tag Team Titles over the Lone Gunmen
-Rhino and Samoa Joe over AJ Styles and Frankie Kazarian
-Jay Lethal pinned Eddie Kingston.

CHIKARA had their monthly show, featuring Claudio Castagnoli over Eddie Kingston in the main event. In other big matches, Chris Hero over El Pantera, Delirious over Ultra Mantis Black, Mike Quackenbush over Sabian, and Chuck Taylor over Hallowicked.

FCW had their monthly show, headlined by Mighty Mikey retaining the FCW Championship over Nick Nemeth. Also Kevin Thorn pinned Drew McIntyre, Colt Cabana over Mike Kruel, TJ Wilson defeated the return of Matt Capotelli, Eddie Colon and Matt Sydal over Jake Hager and Shawn Spears to retain the FCW Tag Team Titles, and Ted DiBiase Jr. over Andrew Vain.

SHIMMER featured Daizee Haze retaining the SHIMMER Championship over Ms. Chif. Also Cheerleader Melissa defeated Cindy Rogers, Alexa Thatcher over Serene Deeb, and Christie Ricci over Sarah Stock.

Pay Per View Buyrates and Television Ratings
TNA Final Resolution had 68000 buys or a 0.17 buyrate.

Raw got a 4.40 rating(4963200 viewers), WWE Progression received a 3.29 rating(5076141 viewers), Smackdown got a 3.43 rating(5292174 viewers), and TNA Impact received a 0.99 rating(1116720 viewers)

[MadMatt]

Another newsletter!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #35 For Week Three, January 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
John Cena was in the main event, his opponent...Val Venis. Val Venis headlines Raw and Cena looked rather amused that Venis was his opponent. Venis turned that amusement around when he beat Cena for several minutes, Cena fought back, being caught off guard by Val Venis who wanted to make an impact(the theme of this show, as set down by Vince McMahon earlier in the program). Money Shot nearly pins Cena, but Cena's in the ropes. Venis beats on Cena some more but low blow and F-U puts down Venis. Afterwards, Shawn Michaels runs out and lays out Cena with the Sweet Chin Music to cheers.

Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly put their World Tag Team Titles on the line against Mr. Kennedy and Chris Jericho. Many suspected title change, but Holly and Rhodes refused to go down, they refused to cave in to the expections. In fact, Cody Rhodes scored the biggest victory in his career, pinning Chris Jericho with a vicious DDT. A star might have been born tonight in Cody Rhodes, we'll see if the WWE can captialize on this victory.

Kenny Dykstra, the WWE Intercontinental Champion, makes his way out, challenging any wrestler in the world. Who should come out, fresh off being called up just earlier in the afternoon but Matt Sydal. Yes, former ROH mainstay Matt Sydal and they had a match, with Dykstra having to cheat to beat the upstart, who wanted to make an impact at the expense of the WWE Intercontinental Champion.

Stevie Richards and Gregory Helms had a good match. Stevie showed some fire, he wants to make an impact! Helms puts him down with the Shining Wizard.

Umaga attacks Triple H, after Randy Orton goaded the Samoan Savage. Umaga and Hunter have a brawl around the ringside area.

The Bad
Layla not only failed to make an impact by winning the WWE Women's Title against Mickie James, but also failed to have that great of a match. Mickie wins with the DDT, another successful win.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Jillian pinned Natalya with a cross body press in about two minutes. Could have built into something but they were a bit rushed.

WWE Progression

The Good
Edge and the Big Show against Rey Mysterio and the Great Khali. An odd tag team match, considering how Edge and Show spent most of 2008 feuding. This worked mostly because Khali was kept out of the ring and Rey did what he did best, pinballing for the other two men. Khali tagged in, ran wild but Show caught Khali, putting him down with the Choke Slam for the pin. Afterwards, Show promises to win the championship against the Undertaker next week on Progression.

John Morrison pinning Curt Hawkins with the Moonlight Drive was a better match than expected, due to the awesomeness that is John Morrison. Unfortunately Miz and Morrison against the World's Fattest Tag Team at the Royal Rumble for the WWE Tag Team Championships, another squash in other words.

The Bad
Mark Henry squares off against MVP. MVP was just feuding for the main championship. Tonight, Mark Henry beats down MVP, MVP gets very little offense and Henry connects with the World's Strongest Slam for the pin.

The Ugly
Kevin Thorn returns and faces the debut of Matt Capotelli. These two wrestlers could have brought flame throwers into the ring and still wouldn't have drawn heat. Thorn wins with the Original Sin or whatever his crappy Tower of London style move is called.

Deuce and Mike Knox had a match. Was the world really clamoring for the return of Mike Knox? Deuce won with a cross body press.

The Pointless
I get on Russo for having these random six man tag team matches, so I'm going to do so here when WWE has them in the interest of fairness. Jesse, Zach Ryder, and Lance Cade defeated Chuck Palumbo, Kane, and Vladimir Koslov. I'm not going even to begin to try to make sense of this match and Cade pins Palumbo to win the match for all of you that care.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
The Great Khali and Edge against the Big Show and the Undertaker. I think WWE brought back the Lethal Lottery and didn't tell anyone with this main event and the main event on Progression. Show and Undertaker of course are going to have a match on Progression next week. The ending came when, shock of shocks, Show turned on Undertaker, connecting with the Choke Slam and Edge scores the pin. Well, it was a good match up until the predictable finish.

CM Punk and Elijah Burke have another decent match and Punk wins with the Go To Sleep, after Burke attempts a crucifix. I really hope that Punk beats someone higher up on the card than Burke or Murdoch.

John Morrison defeated Kofi Kingston and Colin Delaney in a Triple Threat Match. Colin gets beat on by both men the entire match, pinballing back and forth, until Morrison dumps him to the floor and does battle with Kofi with a series of moves, ending with the Moonlight Drive for the pin. Oh, and John Morrison earns an ECW Title Match next week as a result of this victory, so Shelton against Morrison should rule.

Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch squared off against Paul London and Shannon Moore. This harkened by back those great Cade and Murdoch against the Hardy Boyz matches of 2007. Hell, might as well team up London and Moore, it's not like they have anything better to do. Cade triumpths over Moore with the High Low.

The Bad
Big Daddy V fought Deuce in a nightmare inducing little battle. Deuce and Big Daddy V traded horrid punches, until Big Daddy V connected with a Samoan Drop and an elbowdrop. During this match, the ratings dropped.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Jesse pinned Matt Capotelli. Wow, Matt, you're callup is really taking you places, 0-2.

Call-Ups
Matt Sydal, Ted DiBiase Jr., TJ Wilson, Sheamus O' Shaunessy, and Drew McIntyre have been all called up from Florida Championship Wrestling to the main WWE Roster.

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good
Christian Cage and Kurt Angle for the second week in a row and this match was, if possible a little bit better than the last encounter. Great wrestling from top top bottom. Same finishing sequence as last time, except Angle counters the second Unprettier attempt with a low blow and slaps on the Ankle Lock for the tap out. Good stuff all around. At the Pay Per View it's AJ Styles against Christian Cage in a dream partner tag team match, where they will pick a partner to face each other.

Given away a big match before it's going to happen on Pay Per View is always rather sketchy, but Booker T and Samoa Joe had a great brawl. Booker pounds Joe, Joe pounds Booker, both men fight, reversals, and Booker pins the champion, gaining some much needed momentum for Against All Odds.

ODB and Gail Kim defeated Raisha Saaed and Payton Banks. Saeed seemed insulted that she had been teamed with Banks, so she stayed on the apron, allowing Gail and ODB to work over Banks, before ODB scored the pin. ODB wants the Knockout's Championship back but to do so, she has a mountain to climb in Kong.

Kong showed no mercy in brutalizing Christy Hemme in thirty seconds to retain the Knockout's Title.

The Bad
Kip James was on my television but at least Kaz fought someone other than Scott Steiner and Petey Williams. And Kip James made one half of the TNA Tag Team Champions look like a chump, before Kaz rolled him up for the pin. This was bad, but not Russo bad.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing

The Russo
Tomko, Curry Man, and Alex Shelley defeated Robert Roode, Eric Young, and Chris Sabin when Tomko pins Sabin. Usual random Russo six man tag. The fact that Roode and Young are on the same team really stuck out like a swore thumb.

NWA

NWA had their latest Pay Per View offering. The results are as follows
-Hook Bomberry over Bull Buchanan
-Joey Ryan over Zokre
-Adam Pearce pinned Dan Maff
-Mike DiBiase over Scorpio Sky
-Mike Quackenbush and Seth Delay over Matt Cross and Sonny Siaki
-Brent Albright and Alex Shelley retained the NWA Tag Team Titles over Bryan Danielson and Homicide in a great match when Albright pins Homicide with a half nelson suplex
-David Young pinned Phoenix Starr
-Chris Hamrick pinned Karl Anderson
-Chris Mordetzky and Rob Conway over Nick Dinsmore and Johnny Swinger when Conway pinned Swinger with the Ego Trip
-Chris Kanyon retained the NWA Championship over Juventud Guerrera in a great match, match of the night. Juvi was trying to impress someone, but in the end, Kanyon won with the Flatiner to keep his title.

Lucha

AAA featured
-Los Barrio Boys III over Lider and Zumbido
-Halloween over Mr. Niebla
-Negro Casas, Pirata Morgan, and El Brazo over Escoria, La Parka Jr., and Cuervo
-Ozz and Cibernetico over Los Exociticos(May Flowers and Cassandro)
-Octagon defeated Carly Manson to retain the Mexican National Middleweight Title
-Latin Lover defeated Chessman

CMLL featured
-Bestia Salvaje over Emilio Charles Jr.
-El Terrible over Mascara Ano 2000
-Los Guerreros del Infernos(Ultimo Guerrero and Rey Bucanero) defeated Purity of Purpose
-Negro Casas, Silver King, and Mascara Sagrada defeated Universo 2000, Black Warrior, and Dos Caras Jr.
-Mistico pinned Dr. Wagner Jr
-Mr. Aguila over El Hijo Del Santo

Puro
Taiyo Kea defeated Kikutaro to capture the AJPW Jr. Heavyweight Title on their tour.

Dragon Gate had a big show this week. Results featured Masaaki Mochizuki retaining the Open the Dream Gate against TAKA Michinoku. Also Kintaro Kanemura over CIMA, Magnitude Kishiwada retained the Open the Brave Gate Title over K-Ness, and SHINGO and Genki Horiguchi retained the Open the Twin Gate Titles over Fuji and Kikutaro.

AJPW had a big monthly show featuring Keiji Mutoh retaining the Triple Crown Championship in the main event against Toshiaki Kawada. Also, Bob Sapp defeated Satoshi Kojima, Taiyo Kea retained the AJPW Jr. Heavyweight Title over El Samurai, Minoru Suzuki defeated NOSAWA, and, Joe Doering and Kikutaro retained the All Asian Tag Team Titles over Takeshi Morishima and Milano Collection AT. It was said that this show was so good that AJPW will be joining NJPW over in the orient as a national level promotion!

Indies
JAPW had their monthly show, featuring Rhino over AJ Styles in the main event. Also, Jay Lethal defeated Low Ki, Chuck Taylor retained the New Jersey State Title over El Generico, Hernandez over B-Boy, and Chris Hero over Eddie Kingston.

JAPW TV this week featured
-B-Boy defeating Jack Evans
-Chuck Taylor retaining the New Jersey State Title over Daizee Haze
-Frankie Kazarian defeated Samoa Joe
-Rhino defeating AJ Styles.

FIP had their monthly show, featuring Roderick Strong retaining his FIP Championship over Nigel McGuiness. Also, Erick Stevens beat Delirious, Jay Briscoe retained the Florida Heritage Title over Mark Briscoe, and Madman Pondo beat Davey Richards.

Television Ratings

Raw received a 4.54 rating(5121120 viewers), Progression received a 3.48 rating(5369292 viewers), Smackdown received a 3.59 rating(5539011 viewers), and TNA Impact received a 1.01 rating(1139280)

[chopps4312]

Sorry, my house went on the market yesterday and had a lot to finish before hand so no chance to reply. Awesome job as always. And Val Venis main eventing, clear brilliance on that one Vince.

Keep up the great work bro

[MadMatt]

Another Newsletter. By the way, I did the Royal Rumble by simming to Wrestlemania and then naming the person who challenged for the championship as the winner.



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #36 Week Four, January 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
Two great tag team matches tonight on Raw. Umaga and Randy Orton squared off against Jeff Hardy and Shawn Michaels in the first match. Great tag team action tonight between these four men. Orton wins with the RKO on Jeff Hardy that was set up by the Samoan Spike by Umaga.

John Bradshaw Layfield and Triple H squared off against Chris Jericho and Mr. Kennedy was a weird match at first but another great round of tag team wrestling. Triple H pinned Chris Jericho with the Pedigree to end things.

Chavo Guerrero and Paul Burchill was a great little battle. Burchill beats on Chavo for the match, with several suplexes taking Chavo out but Chavo forearms Burchill and connects with the Tornado DDT before connecting with the Frog Splash for the pin.

Val Venis defeated Santino Marella in a perfectly acceptable match. Of course they weren't jobbing Val here, as he took John Cena to the limit in the main event this week and Money Shot scores the pin.

The Bad
Snitsky and Brian Kendrick have a match. Well in theory. Snitsky beats up Kendrick for several minutes and throws him over the top rope into the barricade. Kendrick crashes and Snitsky just leaves.

The Ugly
Katie Lea Burchill and Candice Michelle did not click at all. Candice wins with a bulldog that looked uglier than Snitsky.

The Pointless
Tommy Dreamer pins Robbie in a total Heat match.

WWE Progression

The Good
The Undertaker puts his World Heavyweight Title on the line against the Big Show and damn this was a vicious little brawl. Show beats the Undertaker in the ring and connects with the Choke Slam for a nearfall. Another Choke Slam is blocked with a Taker choke and Taker beats down Show. Gogoplata is attempted but Show fights this hold. Another Choke Slam, Taker blocks that and clotheslines Show, but Show comes back with a headutt. Show climbs to the second rope, choking Undertaker but Undertaker connects with the Last Ride out of the corner to score the pin to retain the World Heavyweight Title.

Trevor Murdoch and Jamie Noble was a good match and Noble loses by the Gourdbuster after a series of reversals. So the losing streak of Noble continues.

The Bad
Shelton Benjamin defends the ECW Championship against Big Daddy V. Shelton gets beaten down by Big Daddy V for most of the match until Shelton gets lucky, pinning Big Daddy V with a roll up after he misses an avalanche.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
A lot on this show. Zach Ryder over Matt Capotelli, Deuce defeated Kofi Kingston, and Lance Cade defeated Curt Hawkins.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
MVP against Batista just gets better and once again, MVP beats Batista. I'm telling you, if MVP isn't the champion before the end of the year, it will be a crime, as he is one of the top heels on Smackdown right now.

Shelton Benjamin retained the ECW Championship against John Morrison, another great bout, erased the taste of the Big Daddy V match on Progression. Moonlight Drive is blocked, Gold Rush scores the pin, with Shelton retaining the ECW Championship.

Elijah Burke wins a match! He's now a step above Jamie Noble on the roster. He beats Deuce with the Elijah Experience.

The Bad
JTG of all people draws the next number in the "job Jamie Noble into oblivion" tour, pinning Noble with a spinebuster slam. Noble's really in the doghouse.

The Ugly
Big Daddy V and Mark Henry against the Edgeheads. Words fail me on how bad this match was. Big Daddy V wins with the elbowdrop on Curt Hawkins.

The Pointless
Nothing.

The Royal Rumble

The Good
The Royal Rumble Match was a great one this year. The final two were Shawn Michaels and Edge, the winner going on to challenge for his brand's championship at Wrestlemania. Michaels puts Edge over the top rope and to the floor with the Superkick after avoiding the Spear. So it will be Shawn Michaels challenging for the WWE Championship at Wrestlemania....

Which looks to be Randy Orton, as he beat Triple H in another great match. I thought for sure that Trips was winning this one, but Orton reverses the Pedigree into a catapult into the corner and connects the RKO for the three.

Women's Championship match between Melina and Mickie James was good, between two of the best women on the roster. Mickie connects with the Mick Kick to score the win to retain the title.

Matt Hardy had a handpicked challenger for the WWE United States Title tonight that turned out to be Shannon Moore. Moore was a great plucky underdog and actually managed to shock Hardy for a couple of nearfalls, but Matt connects with the Twist of Fate. Hardy says he's after the World Heavyweight Title.

Also Kenny Dykstra retaining the WWE Intercontinental Title against one half of the World Tag Team Champions Hardcore Holly, in a fun little mid card match.

The Bad
Big Daddy V and Mark Henry retaining the WWE Tag Team Titles The Miz and John Morrison was the usual pile that you see from the tag team champions, with Big Daddy V pinned the Miz with an elbowdrop.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing

Call-Ups
Steve Lewington was recalled.

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good
Christian Cage and AJ Styles squared off one on one on the main event. Yes, on free television, brilliant booking Russo. Still, a great damn match between these two men, Styles wins with the Styles Clash after a series of reversals that lead to the finish.

Kurt Angle and James Storm had a match, which also ruled. Storm tried to make a name for himself at the expense of Kurt Angle, but Angle was not having any of that, slapping on the Ankle Lock for the tap out!

Jay Lethal and Jimmy Rave was a great little X-Division match. Rave is really showing some fire since Lance Hoyt was let go but Lethal hooked both legs on a sunset flip to score the pin.

Awesome Kong blitzes Ms. Brooks to score the pin and retain the Knockout's Title which she'll defend against ODB at Against All Odds.

The Bad
Kaz and Eric Young retain the TNA Tag Team Titles. You know that match.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing

The Russo
Neither the TNA Champion nor the number one contender were not seen on the show. Way to hype up that TNA Title match guys.

Also Brother Ray and Black Reign beat Hernandez and Matt Morgan when Reign pinned Hernandez. The pairings were weird, the booking made no sense, thank you Russo, good night.

ROH

ROH had their latest show, It All Begins this past Saturday. Let's see what happened.
-Rocky Romero and Davey Richards over El Generico and Jason Blade when Richards pins Blade with the D.R. Driver
-Daizee Haze, Bobby Dempsey, and Shane Hagadorn defeated Mercedes Martinez, Sara Del Ray, and Lacey when Haze pinned Lacey. Moving swiftly along
-Jay Briscoe squashed Tank Toland in thirty seconds with the Jay Driller
-Erick Stevens pins Jimmy Jacobs with the Doctor Bomb, the push of Stevens up the card continues.
-Nigel McGuinness defeated Tyler Black, Chris Hero, and Claudio Castagnoli in a four corner survival matches when Nigel pinned Black with the Jawbreaker Lariat
-Joey Matthews and Takeshi Morishima defeated Jigsaw and Jack Evans when Morishima pins Evans with the Backdrop.
-Bryan Danielson knocks out Matt Cross with the elbowsmashes in a great battle, perhaps the best in Cross's career. Danielson challenges the winner of the main event for the Anniversary Show to put the ROH Title
-Adam Pearce retained the ROH Championship over Austin Aries with the Jumping Piledriver. Pearce gets on the microphone, bragging that he beat Nigel and Aries, and now Danielson is the next to fall to Adam Pearce.

Lucha
AAA Television featured
-Cassandro, Gran Apache, and Electro Shock defeated Angel Mortal, Zumbido, and Pirata Morgan
-Mr. Niebla, La Parka Jr, and Fuerza Guerrera defeated May Flowers, Hijo De Anibel, and Pimpinela
-Super Porky, Alan Stone, and Decniss defeated Tinieables Jr, Joe Lider, and Psicosis II
-Halloween, Cibernetico, and Charly Manson over Scorpio Jr, Billy Boy, and Anifraz Del Norte
-Nicho El Millionairo over El Zorro
-Ozz, Escorio, and Cuervo defeated Octagon, Negro Casas, and El Brazo to retain the Mexico National Atomicos Titles.

CMLL featured
-Los Guerreros del Infernos defeated Heavy Metal and Satanico
-Mr Aguila, Hector Garza, and El Hijo Del Perro Aguayo defeated Lizmark Jr, Felino, and Olimipico retain the CMLL Trios Titles
-Silver King defeated Universo 2000
-L.A. Park defeated Blue Demon Jr
-Blue Panther defeated Negro Casas
-Dr. Wagner Jr. defeated Atlantis to retain the UWA World Heavyweight Title.

Puro
Anthony W. Mori defeated Magnitude Kishiwada to capture the Open the Brave Gate Title in Dragon Gate.

Indies
PWG featured Bryan Danielson retaining the PWG Championship over Tyler Black. Also Roderick Strong over Low Ki, Super Dragon defeated Jack Evans, Davey Richards over El Generico, Rocky Romero defeated Kevin Steen, and Chris Hero and Austin Aries retained the PWG Tag Team titles over Human Tornado and Top Gun Talwar

Pay Per View Buyrates and Television Ratings
About 112000 people purchased the last NWA Pay Per View, which translates into roughly 112000 buyers.

Raw received a 4.88 rating(5504640 viewers), Progression received a 3.42 rating(5276718), Smackdown received a 3.55 rating(5477295 viewers), and Impact received a 1.04 rating(1173120 viewers)

[W3LSHY]

Thought I'd leave feedback on this, since not many people have recently, and I don't think I ever have to be honest. But i really like your witty writing, it makes for a good read. Congradulations, it's one of those diaries i can't wait to read the next insallment of :).

[chopps4312]

You see MVP becoming champ, and Jeff Hardy possibly. Kenny and Rhodes rising. But all i see is the Val train getting speed again and boy, he's going to have gold one last time before he's done. WOOT WOOT!

Good job as always bro!

[MadMatt]

Let's jump right into February, shall we!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #37 Week One February 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
Randy Orton and Triple H team up in the main event to take on JBL and John Cena. A perfectly fine tag team main event, even through Orton and Triple H were forced to work together after beating the hell each other at the Royal Rumble. Orton pins JBL after Triple H connects the Pedigree.

WWE Intercontinental Champion Kenny Dykstra faces off against Jeff Hardy in a non title match. Dykstra showed some great offense against Hardy, but Hardy connects with the Whisper In the Wind. Hardy has his sights set on the WWE Championship and this victory over the Intercontinental Champion really put him up the ranks.

The Bad
Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly defeated Santino and Carlito. This feud is still going on, for all the matches they've had and this time, Rhodes pins Carlito with the DDT. Titles weren't on the line in this match.

Domino squashes Brian Kendrick, who was getting a fairly decent push not long ago, but he can't have that. Domino finishes off with the Razor's Edge, badly I might add.

The Ugly
Jim Duggan and Super Crazy defeated Drew McIntyre and Chris Harris when Duggan pins Harris with the Three Point Stance. Jim Duggan is still wrestling in 2009 and still winning. Ho, tough guy!

The Ashley
Melina tried to carry Ashley to something vaguely resembling wrestling. Unfortunately, Ashley botched a couple of spots and pinned Melina with a cross body off the top rope that she nearly tripped. The Ashley push from hell continues.

The Pointless
Paul Burchill wins a match against Robbie the Highlander.

WWE Progression

The Good
MVP and Batista have another great match, with MVP coming out on top. Sadly this was not the main event, more on that match later, but MVP counters the Batista Bomb with brass knuckles to come out on top and score the pin.

Trevor Murdoch and Jamie Noble had a good match, but Noble lost once again, thanks to the Gourdbuster from Murdoch. Will Jamie Noble ever win another match? Stay tuned.

The Bad
The Miz and John Morrison continued to get crapped on, as they lose to the makeshift team of Chuck Palumbo and Curt Hawkins when Hawkins pinned Morrison.

Your main event is the Great Khali squaring off against Mark Henry. I swear, I'm not making this battle up. Both men hit each other, Henry manages to slam Khali for a two count. Khali comes up, beats up Henry badly, clawhold with Henry selling badly for the knockout

The Ugly
Jesse versus Vladimir Koslov was even worse, if you can believe that. Jesse rolls up Koslov for the pin after a three minute bad match. Ick

The Pointless
JTG over Shannon Moore.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
MVP and The Great Khali square off against CM Punk and Edge in the main event. This was another one of those odd, zany, tag team matches, but wisely, Khali was kept on the ring apron for most of the match. MVP pinned CM Punk with the Yakuza Kick after a chop from behind from Khali. Punk gets on the microphone, freaking out, before he challenges the Undertaker to a match at Progression. Nothing said about whether the title will be on the line or not, with Punk cashing in on the Money in the Bank Title Shot.

Matt Hardy defeated Paul London in a great match. Hardy got on the microphone declaring his intentions to win the World Heavyweight Title soon, to add to his United States Title and after his performance, beating London handily with the Twist of Fate, the announcers wondered if Hardy could be the one to knock the Undertaker off of his perch.

Shelton Benjamin successfully defended the ECW Championship against Kofi Kingston, usual good title defense with Shelton, with Kofi nearly winning on a couple of occassions but Shelton was too crafy, putting him away with the Gold Rush.

Mike Knox and Kane was okay. Kane rolled over Knox in little time with the Choke Slam and to the casual eye, Kane easily manhandling a bigger man like Knox may be more impressive than Jamie Noble.

The Bad
JTG pins Jamie Noble, as the Noble losing streak continues. Splitting up Cryme Tyme may have been a mistake, as JTG cannot stand on his own.

Mark Henry flattens Elijah Burke. Burke did not even get any offense, so this failed on that level.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Colin Delaney over Bam Neeley.

Misc
Colt Cabana, Kafu, and Eddie Colon have been recalled from FCW.

Also, WWE has signed a deal with Nippon TV to air WWE Progression in Japan starting in March.

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good
Six Man Tag Team Match for once made perfect sense. It was Booker T, Rhino, and Kurt Angle defeating Christian Cage, Sting, and the TNA World Champion Samoa Joe in the second match from the top of the card. Booker T pins Joe with the Axe Kick to give himself a victory over the TNA World Champion going into their title bout at Against All Odds.

The Motor City Machine Gunns reunite and square off against the duo of Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal in a great tag team match. Sabin pins Lethal with the Cradle Shock.

Gail Kim and Tracy Brooks competed in a fine match. Kim pins Brooks to win and establish herself a a top name in the Women's Division

The Bad
That TNA Tag Team Title Match happened again. Kaz and Young won.

Also Rellik and Black Reign squashed Shark Boy and Consequences Creed when Rellik pins Shark Boy. This beatdown went a bit too long for these two men.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing

The Russo
The main event, with AJ Styles and Tomko taking on Abyss and Brother Devon. This just seemed to be random, they should have really put the six man last and Styles pins Abyss with a spiral tap, after Devon and Abyss had poor chemistry. Some moments, but not a good main event.

TNA Against All Odds

The Good
AJ Styles's partner for the dream partner tag team match was Tomko as suspected and Christian's partner was the man known as Sting! Big pop for Sting and a great tag team main event, with Styles scoring the biggest victory of his TNA career by pinning Sting with the Styles Clash! The announcers wonder if Sting has lost his edge.

Booker T squared off against Samoa Joe for the TNA World Title. Joe once again retains the title over Booker T, ending his night with the Muscle Buster, but who should come out but Rellik and Black Reign! I kid you not, Rellik and Black Reign enter the ring and beat down the TNA Champion. Still, good match, but the fact that Joe's next TNA Title feud is against Black Reign is appalling.

Awesome Kong retained the TNA Knockout's Title against ODB with the Awesome Bomb. Once again, Kong shows her dominance, but ODB fought her hardest to put down Kong.

Kaz and Eric Young retain their TNA Tag Team Titles against the duo of Curry Man and Jay Lethal. New challengers, even through its an odd tag team, but still new challengers.

James Storm squared off against Alex Shelley in a match that rocked the house, with Storm scoring the win over Shelley with the Superkick. The ascent up the top continues for James Storm.

Rhino pins BG James with the Gore in a short squash to really hammer home the point that Rhino is a beast. So this worked.

The Bad
Raisha Saeed and Payton Banks defeated Velvet Skye and Salinas in a short match that really served no purpose and a spot or two were blown. Saaed and Banks win obviously, so Russo's not completely insane.

The Ugly
That Kip James/Jimmy Rave match set new standards for putrid. James won with the Fame-Asser to cap off seven painful minutes.

The Pointless
Robert Roode and Johnny Devine, this just was a quick squash for Roode that could have been stuck in Impact.

The Russo
Petey Williams and Chris Sabin for the X-Division title got less than four minutes. As a result, Sabin pinned Petey with the Cradle Shock just as things really got going. A couple of spots, but the fact that the X-Division got shoved under the rug once again tonight is depressing.

As much as it depresses me that Black Reign is getting a TNA Title shot soon, at least don't have him get pinned by Abyss a month before doing so cleanly.

Also, LAX is reunited. Good for the tag team division, but they lose to the makeshift team of Scott Steiner and Brother Ray, when Steiner pins Homicide. Yep Vince Russo, booking genius!

NWA
It is understood that starting in March, NWA will tape shows and put the matches up on YouTube.com.

Lucha

AAA Television featured
-Anifraz Del Norte defeating Mr. Niebla
-Tiniebles Jr, Zumbido, and Cassandro battling Joe Lider, Psicosis II, and Angel Mortal to a no contest
-Fuerza Guerrera defeating Scorpio Jr
-Billy Boy, Alan Stone, and La Parka Jr. over Escoria, Cuervo, and Decniss
-Shocker, Zorro, and Gran Apache defeated Juventud Guerrera, Ozz, and Octagon
-Nicho El Millinairo and Latin Lover over Electro Shock and Chessman

CMLL featured
-Hector Garza, Sananico, and Ray Bucanero over Emilio Charles Jr, Apolo Dantes, and Terrible
-Tarzan Boy, Blue Demon Jr, and Universo 2000 over Arkangel, Rayo de Jalisco, and Azteca
-Averno over Olimpico
-Ultimo Guerrero, Mascara Sagrada, and Negro Casas defeated Felino, Bestia Salvaje, and Lizmark Jr
-Mr. Aguila over Dr. Wagner Jr.
-Mistico, Atlantis, and El Hijo Del Santo over Cien Caras, L.A. Park and Silver King.

This show will be the last match for Emilio Charles Jr, as he has retired from wrestling.

Puro
KENTA seperated his shoulder in a match with Akira Taue this week in the NOAH promotion. He will be out for twelve months to deal with this injury.

Also, former IWGP Champion Tadao Yasuda has been sent to jail for the next year. Yasuda was convicted this past week of breaking and entering.

Indies
JAPW Television Results
-Sara Del Ray over Alicia
-Homicide over Jack Evans
-Samoa Joe over Jay Lethal
-Frankie Kazarian battled Rhino to a no contest.

OVW had their monthly show on Thursday with Jamin Olivencia defeating Rob Conway to retain the OVW Championship. Also Tommy McNaler defeated Anthony Bravado, Nine Fingers Dewey over Ali Akbar, Ted "The Trailer" McNaler over Rudy Switchblade, and Jacob Duncan retained the OVW Television Title over Raul Loco.

CHIKARA had their annual King of Trios Tournament this past week with Claudio Castagnoli, Chris Hero, and El Pantera winning the tournament over Shane Storm, Gran Akuma, and Ricochet in the finals.

On FCW on Saturday Night, Mighty Mikey retained the FCW Championship over Nick Nemeth. Also Johnny Jeter defeated Eric Perez, Mike Kruel over Mack Johnson, Jay Bradley over Brad Allen, Anthony Bravado over Afa Jr. and Reid Flair made his in ring debut to in a loss to Heath Miller.

Pay Per View Buyrates and Television Ratings
The Royal Rumble got a 1.61 buyrate which translates into 644000 people buying the show.

Raw received a 4.93 rating, Progression got a 3.30 rating, Smackdown got a 3.57 rating, and TNA Impact received a 0.98 rating

[MadMatt]

Time for another newsletter!



Wrestling Today Newsletter #38 Week Two February 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
They gave away the Wrestlemania Main Event on free television. Non title match between Shawn Michaels and Randy Orton. Now a good match, don't get me wrong, but still, you think of all the great Wrestlemania main events and what would happen if they were given away on free television. Orton goes for the kick to the head, but Shawn avoids it. Superkick is avoided. RKO scores the pin and Orton scores the pin. Afterwards, Orton celebrates but Shawn gets up and Superkicks Orton to a loud pop as the show goes off the air. The announcers remark that if Shawn hits the Superkick at Wrestlemania, he will be the new WWE Champion.

The latest round of Umaga and Jeff Hardy took center stage on Raw, with Jeff Hardy coming closer in beating Umaga this time with a couple of nearfalls and avoiding two Samoan Spikes before the third puts them down.

WWE Intercontinental Champion Kenny Dykstra and Val Venis had a good battle. Non title once again, and Dykstra works over the knee of Val throughout most of the match. Venis makes a comeback, goes up top for the Money Shot, which misses. Dykstra connects with the Hangman's Neckbreaker for the three.

Charlie Haas and Brian Kendrick had a great little mid card match, as they have many times in the past. Kendrick wins with the Sliced Bread #2 after landing on his feet in an attempted German Suplex.

DH Smith and Cody Rhodes teamed up, I guess Hardcore Holly was unavailable, against Santino and Carlito. Fine tag team match, with Smith pinned Santino with the Running Powerslam.

The Bad
Domino and Mr. Kennedy just didn't work. Deuce and Domino should have never split up, as they aren't good as singles wrestlers. Kennedy wins with the Mic Check in a ho-hum match.

The Ugly
Kelly Kelly and Maria had a horrid little battle, of all the women, this may have been one of the worst combinations that did not involve Ahsley. Kelly Kelly rolls up Maria for the pin.

The Pointless
Nothing

WWE Progression

The Good
CM Punk and the Undertaker competed in a non title match. A great battle, as Punk got a fair bit of offense on the Undertaker, but could not get the Go to Sleep on the Undertaker. Choke Slam and Tombstone connects for the pin. Afterwards, Matt Hardy rushed out and laid out the Undertaker with a chairshot and the Twist of Fate. Hardy holds up the World Heavyweight Title, as he will square off against the Undertaker at No Way Out.

Batista and MVP had another match, this was billed as the revenge of Batista! And boy, Batista got his revenge, beating down MVP in a great battle, MVP comes back with some high impact offense, but Batista would not be denied, connecting with the spinebuster and the Batista Bomb. Afterwards, it's announced that Batista will square off against Matt Hardy on Smackdown.

Finlay square off against Jesse in the best match in Jesse's career, that ended with Finlay connecting with the Celtic Cross for the pin.

Lance Cade defeated Shannon Moore in a fine little match. Moore gets pinned with the Flying Elbowdrop after missing a corkscrew dive.

The Bad
The World's Fattest Tag Team defeated the Edgeheads when Big Daddy V pinned Curt Hawkins with the elbowdrop.

The Ugly
Vladmir Koslov pinned Rory the Highlander, with Koslov pinning Rory after some ugly, developmental level wresstling. Reverse DDT scores the pin.

The Pointless
Nothing.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Matt Hardy and Batista was a good main event and Matt Hardy scores another clean victory over a top level Smackdown superstar, pinning Batista with the Twist of Fate after countering an attempted Batista Bomb with a low blow. The lights flicker, as the Undertaker is teased coming out.

CM Punk and Shelton Benjamin squared off, Shelton's ECW Championship was not on the line, but this was an official double turn between Shelton and Punk. Some good wrestling and Punk kept covering Shelton, with Shelton kicking out. Eventually, Punk lays out the referee with the GTS and attempts to beat Shelton with a chair, but Shelton dropkicks the chair into Punk's face, causing Punk to go to the floor, as Shelton celebrates in the ring.

Kane defeated Jesse and Trevor Murdoch in an odd little triple threat, but it really got Kane over as a monster, with Kane pinning Murdoch with the Choke Slam.

The Jamie Noble jobbing tour continues as he loses to Lance Cade with a Fyling Elbowdrop. Noble has not won a match in a year and that's a crime.

Also, Matt Capotelli and John Morrison squared off. For those of you paying along at home, these two men won the third Tough Enough together. This time, Morrison beat Capotelli with the Moonlight Drive.

The Bad
Deuce and Kevin Thorn battled, with Deuce winning with a cross body off the top rope. These two men did nothing for me and the match got little heat.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Curt Hawkins over Mike Knox.

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good
LAX squared off against the Motor City Machine in a number one contenders match for the TNA Tag Team Titles. Alright, that means we're going to see another team but Scott Steiner and Petey Williams get the title shot at Destination X. LAX won with the Border Toss.

The Bad
That match happened again tonight. Kaz and Young won. Yeah.

Also Rellik and Reign had their usual performance, not good. Dustin Rhodes is only good as Goldust. He pins Jay Lethal in the match invovling Rellik and Reign against Dutt and Lethal. To think Joe and Reign is going to be the main event for the TNA World Title at Destination X. The only way it could be worse if Kip James would have been pushed up the rankings.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing

The Russo
Sting and Christian Cage beat AJ Styles and Tomko when Sting makes AJ Styles tap to the Scorpion Deathlock. Russo just took that big win of AJ Styles and wiped it completely clean with a clean submission loss. This was bull****.

Tracy Brooks pinned ODB! Say what? ODB has been pushed as a woman who could hang with Awesome Kong and now Tracy, who has been crushed several times by the Knockout's champion in thirty seconds, beats her.

Team 3D defeated Consequences Creed and Matt Morgan when Ray pinned Morgan after the 3D. Matt Morgan's the only seven foot plus jobber in the world of wrestling.

Lucha
AAA Television Results
-Scorpio Jr, Fuerza Guerrera, and La Parka Jr. defeated Super Porky, Alan Stone, and Mr. Niebla
-Anifraz Del Norte defeated Psicosis II
-Los Barrio Boys III over Los Exioticos
-Halloween, Cibernetico, and Charly Manson over Tineblas Jr, Zumbido, and Angel Mortal
-El Zorro defeated El Brazo
-Electro Shock, Gran Apache, and Shocker captured the Mexico National Atomicos Title over Ozz, Escorio, and Cuervo.

CMLL had their big monthly show, headlined by Atlantis, El Hijo Del Santo, and Mr. Aguila over Canek, El Hijo Del Perro, and Dr. Wagner Jr. In other big matches, Silver King captured the CMLL World Heavyweight Title over Dos Caras Jr. Hector Garza and Mistico retained the CMLL Tag Team Titles over Olimpico and Felino, El Terrible captured the newly established CMLL National Title over Bestia Salvaje, Cien Caras defeated Pierroth Jr, and Negro Casas, Ultimo Guerrero, and Blue Panther defeated Blue Demon Jr, Tarzan Boy, and Ray Bucanero.

CMLL television had
-Negro Casas over Apolo Dantes
-Blue Demon Jr, Black Warrior, and Mascara Sagrada defeated Tarzan Boy, Ray Bucerno, and Universo 2000
-Mr. Aguila, Hector Garza, and El Hijo Del Perro retained the CMLL World Trios Titles over Dos Caras Jr, Averno, and Heavy Metal
-Pierroth Jr over Satanico
-Blue Panther over Cien Caras
-Mistico, Atlantis, and L.A. Park defeated El Hijo Del Santo, Canek, and Dr. Wagner Jr when Mistico pinned Canek. This was Canek's retirement match and was said to be a match of the year candidate. Well, when you go out, go out in style.

Puro
AJPW had their big monthly show, headlined by Keiji Mutoh and Joe Doering succesfully retaining the AJPW World Tag Team Titles over Minoru Suzuki and TAKA Michinoku. Also Bob Sapp and Toshiaki Kawada defeated Satoshi Kojima and Kaz Hayashi, Taiyo Kea retained the AJPW Jr. Heavyweight Title over Katushiko Nakajima, and NOSAWA defeated Takeshi Morishima.

Dragon Gate had their big show for the month, headlined by Masaaki Mochizuki retaining the Open the Dream Gate Title over Kintaro Kanemura in the main event. Also, Masato Yoshino defeated CIMA, Susumu Mochizuki defeated Dragon Kid, Ryo Saito defeated Anthony W. Mori to capture the Open the Brave Gate Title, Super Shiisi defeated Ken'Chiro Arai, and Naruki Doi defeated BxB Hulk.

BXB Hulk and Jun Iizuka won the GHC Tag Team Titles in NOAH over Kentaro Shiga and KENTA before dropping them later in the week to Mohammed Yone and Takuma Sano. Also, Taiji Ishimori won the NOAH Wrestling Spirit Title.

Indies
PWG had a show on Monday night, headlined by Bryan Danielson retaining the PWG Championship over Roderick Strong. Also Jack Evans defeated Low Ki, Tyler Black battled Eddie Kingston to a no contest, Davey Richards defeated Excalibur, Claudio Castagnoli defeated El Generico, and Chris Hero and Austin Aries retained the PWG Tag Team Titles over Human Tornado and Top Gun Talwar.

CZW had a main event, featuring Salvatore Thomaselli and Chuck Taylor defeating the Nightmares. In other matches, Sonjay Dutt defeated Vito Thomaselli to retain the CZW Championship, The Messiah battled Sexxy Eddy to a no contest, Ricochet defeated DJ Hyde, Sabian retained the CZW Area Title over Grim Reefer, and Brain Damage defeated Danny Demanto to retain the CZW Iron Man Title.

Pay Per View Buyrates and Television Ratings

Against All Odds was bought by 72000 people which translates into a 0.18 buyrate.

WWE Raw got a 4.86 rating, Progression got a 3.55 rating, Smackdown got a 3.55 rating, and TNA Impact received a 1.00 rating

[MadMatt]

Newsletter time!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #39 Week Three, February 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good

The main event featured JBL and Shawn Michaels with Randy Orton on commentary. Orton and HBK at Wrestlemania, and Orton's challenged anyone to a match for No Way Out that also holds a championship belt. JBL beats down Michaels, Michaels sells good, comeback, forearm, elbowdrop, Sweet Chin Music ducked. Clothesline from Hell ducked and Sweet Chin Music scores the pin. Afterwards, Orton rushes into the ring and attempts to take out Michaels with the Concussion Special, but Michaels avoids it and Superkick, with Orton ending Raw flat on his back for the second week in a Row.

Umaga and Triple H, damn this was a great brawl. Both men just beat each other, with Umaga gaining the advantage for a short time, pummeling Triple H for ten minutes. Triple H comes back with the usual offense, Pedigree but Umaga just powers out and connects with the Samoan Drop. Samoan Spike puts down Triple H for the clean pin! Holy ****, Triple H has been beaten clean, that was unexpected! I wonder if he's also sleeping on the couch this week.

Mickie James and Jillian had a great little battle for the Women's Championship. Mickie wins with the Swinging DDT after Jillian missed a 450 Splash. Some good shots from these ladies, so kudos.

Kennedy and Charlie Haas worked well together as usual. Northern Lights Suplex gets a two on Kennedy, but Kennedy counters a second one with a DDT, Mic Check for the pin.

Finally, the highlight of Raw, the debut of COLT CABANA~! He fought DH Smith in the opener of Raw and lost to a Running Powerslam, but the crowd was behind him all the way. Out of the latest batch of call ups, Cabana I think shows the most potential.

The Bad
Festus and Domino had a bad match, that ended when Snitsky ran out and beat down both men, badly.

The Ugly
Kelly Kelly and Candice Michelle had a match, with Candice winning. Kelly Kelly is only the second worst women's wrestler on the roster, so I prey they never have a match with her and Ashley, because this will be Warrior/Hogan II levels of horribleness.

The Pointless
Nothing

WWE Progression

The Good
Elijah Burke and the Undertaker squared off in the main event. Odd little match, but the story of this show as Undertaker wanted to face a technical wrestler like Matt Hardy and Hardy wanted to face a big man like the Big Show. Burke made the most of this match, but the Undertaker connects with a choke slam to score the pin after nine minutes of great wrestling. The Undertaker gave Burke quite a bit, before putting him down.

Matt Hardy and the Big Show. The end came down to Show going for the Choke Slam, but Hardy clinging onto the ropes for dear life. The buckle is exposed, Show gets rammed into it and Hardy connects with the Twist of Fate to score the pin over the Big Show. Hardy says he's beaten Batista, Kane, and now the Big Show, but he's going to face off against the Undertaker and win the World Heavyweight Title at Vengeance.

Paul London, Trevor Murdoch, Deuce, and Jamie Noble in a four way match. Good work from everyone, yes even Deuce. London pins Noble with a 450 Splash to score the pin after Deuce and Murdoch brawled on the floor.

The Bad
Mark Henry and Big Daddy V have a squash against TJ Wilson and Matt Capotelli when Henry pins Wilson with the World's Strongest Slam. Way to put over new talent, WWE.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Vladmir Koslov over Bam Neely and JTG defeated Curt Hawkins.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Matt Hardy challenges anyone to a match and who should come out but one half of the World Tag Team Champions Hardcore Holly. Holly has signed with Smackdown, but will remain on Raw as long as he is the champion. Main event that was fine as Matt Hardy's been on fire lately, connecting with the Twist of Fate to score the pin.

Shelton Benjamin and Lance Cade was a fine non title match. Cade missed a Flying Elbowdrop and Shelton connected with the Gold Rush to score the pin.

Paul London and John Morrison had a great match! Damn fine little battle with lots of nearfalls packed into a eight minute match. And London scores the pin with the 450 Splash, after blocking the Moonlight Drive and hitting a vicious dropsault.

The Bad
JTG defeats Kane? Baffling booking as Kane's been dominating lately and JTG just beats him out of the blue!

The WWE Tag Team Title Match was Big Daddy V and Mark Henry retaining against the Edgeheads, when Big Daddy V pins Zach Ryder with an elbowdrop. Big Daddy V just seems to be getting fatter every week.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Jesse over TJ Wilson and Rory the Highlander defeated Matt Capotelli.

WWE No Way Out

The Good
The Main Event for the World Heavyweight Title was the second best match on the Show. Undertaker's title reign continues when he pins Hardy with the Tombstone after surviving the Twist of Fate. Taker's going on a year as the champion and he celebrates at the end of the show.

Jeff Hardy and CM Punk was the match of the night! Two great competitors really went all out for the fans. Raw vs. Smackdown, but it's not like the Brand Extension matters that much. Punk tries the Go to Sleep, Hardy counters that with a crucifix roll up for a nearfall. Whisper in the Wind, Swanton Bomb, pin! Good show.

Randy Orton and Hardcore Holly had a match that served as a backdrop to an angle. In an interesting trivia note, Holly was first opponent for Orton in 2002 and Holly's the same place he's been, with little change. Orton's really shot up the card and RKO scores the pin on Holly. Afterwards, Shawn Michaels rushed out and attacked Orton, laying him out with the Superkick to set up the main event for Wrestlemania even more.

Chris Jericho and Chavo Guerrero wrestled for ten minutes and some good stuff, but Triple H came out, angry about his loss to Umaga. Triple H attacked both Chavo and Jericho, laying him out with the Pedigrees. Hunter demands Umaga but he doesn't get him, at least not tonight.

Kenny Dykstra defends his WWE Intercontinental Title against Gregory Helms. Short, but sweet, couple of close calls on Dykstra, before he pins Helms with the Hangman's Neckbreaker.

Mickie James and Melina for the WWE Women's Title, good match as usual. Melina got ****y when Mickie landed on her head but it was a swerve as Mickie countered a power bomb into a sunset flip for the pin.

Eddie Colon(younger brother of Carlito) made his debut against Brian Kendrick. Kendrick wins over course, connecting with Sliced Bread #2, but Colon was given some time on Pay Per View and he ran with the ball.

The Bad
Boogeyman destroys Elijah Burke in a squash. Way to put a star over guys. The rumor is Boogeyman's retiring soon, so what was the point of this.

ECW Championship Match involving Shelton Benjamin and Mark Henry. We saw this at Survivor Series. Shelton wins with a sunset flip after Henry dominates the entire match.

The Ugly
Mike Knox beat Paul Burchill! Damn, Mike Knox should not win under any circumstances.

The Ashley
Six diva tag team match involving Ashley, Katie, and Candice against Layla, Natalya, and Kelly Kelly. When Natalya and Katie were in the ring, it was good, when Ashley was in the ring, it was God awful. The other three were middling. Unfortunately Ashley brought down everything and the latest diva to nearly die was Natalya as Ashley botched a tornado DDT!

Misc
Jay Bradley has been recalled from WWE.

Kenny Dykstra and Hardcore Holly have been moved over to the Smackdown roster, despite being champions on Raw! Both men will be allowed to remain on Raw until they lose the titles.

Finally, it appears that Finlay has decided to call it a day, as the legendary tough man from brawler has announced his retirement from wrestling.

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good
Christian Cage and Sting against AJ Styles and Tomko for the third show in a row. It was a good match and really corrected from the botched booking last week, with Christian beating Tomko this time with the Unprettier.

Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe competed on free tv. I'm done yelling at Russo for this, he can put these good matches on TV, after all, the money's not coming out of my pocket. Plus the fact that these two have fought on several Pay Per Views all ready kind of deadens the blow. Good match, until Black Reign rushes out and rams Joe arm first into the post. This allows Angle to work over the arm, ending with a cross armbreaker. Joe attempts to fight out but Angle cranks on the arm, until Joe blacks out for the knockout.

Abyss and Rellik had a short, unoffensive match, with Abyss squashes Rellik.

Chris Sabin defeated Elix Skipper in a fine X-Division Match. Cradle Shock pins Elix after a couple of nearfalls.

The Bad
Kaz and Eric Young retained the TNA Tag Team Titles in that tag team match, that happened again.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Ms. Payton Banks and Jacqueline had a match. It went a few minutes, Payton wins. Fine, but not important or offensive.

The Russo
Russo actually booked a pretty solid show tonight, all things considered.

ROH

This week was the seventh anniversary of ROH. Let's see how the show went down
-Matt Cross pinned Jason Blade with a Corkscrew Splash
-Sara Del Ray beat Mercedes Martinez after the Royal Butterfly
-Chris Hero pinned Mark Briscoe with the Hero's Welcome.
-The Age of the Fall defeated El Generico and Kevin Steen to become the number one contenders for the ROH Tag Team Titles
-Erick Stevens pinned Claudio Castagnoli with the Doctor Bomb.
-Austin Aries and Jay Briscoe retained the ROH Tag Team Titles against Jigsaw and Jack Evans when Briscoe pins Evans with the Jay Driller
-Davey Richards comes out, saying that Rocky Romero has left ROH leaving him the last member of the No Remorse Corps. His first bout after the No Remorse Corps ends in a loss, via Nigel's Jawbreaker Lariat.
-Joey Matthews pinned Brent Albright with an inside cradle, using the ropes for leverage
-Bryan Danielson made history, becoming the first ever two time ROH Champion, beating Adam Pearce to become the ROH Champion with a guillotine choke and several elbows driven to the back of the head. Loud pop as Danielson has beaten Pearce and he celebrates as the show goes off the air.

Lucha
AAA television featured
-Alan Stone, Anifraz Del Norte and Mr. Niebla over Joe Lider, Angel Mortal, and El Hijo Del Annibal
-Cuervo defeated El Brazo
-Abismo Negro over Psicosis II
-Tinnieblas Jr and Zumbido over Los Exotioticos
-Octagon defeated Scorpio Jr to retain the Mexican National Middleweight Title
-Electro Shock, Gran Apache, and Shocker defeated Zorro, Latin Lover, and El Nicho Millinairo to retain the Mexico National Atomicos Title.

CMLL
-Ray Bucerno defeated Damian 666 to retain the CMLL World Light Heavyweight Title
-Universo 2000, Pierroth Jr, and L.A. Park over Mascara Ano, Apolo Dantes, and Rayo de Jalisco
-Averno defeated Lizmark Jr to retain the CMLL World Middlewieght Title
-Dos Caras Jr, Black Warrior, and Blue Demon Jr defeated Satanico, Tarzan Boy, and Hector Garza
-El Hijo Del Perro Aguayo defeated Ultimo Guerrero
-Mistico, Atlantis, and Mr. Aguila defeated Blue Panther, El Hijo Del Santo, and Dr. Wagner Jr.

Puro
NOAH had their monthly show, featuring Akiotoshi Saito defeating Rob Van Dam to retain the GHC Championship. Also, Takashi Siguru battled to a double countout with Naomichi Marufuji, Taiji Isimori defeated Jun Iizmida to retain the NOAH Wrestling Spirit Title, Mohammed Yone defeated BXB Hulk to retain the GHC Jr. Heavyweight Title, Akira Taue defeated Kintaro Shiga, and Mitsuhara Misawa and Akira Taue defeated Masato Yoshino and Naruku Doi.

NJPW had their monthly show, featuring two Match of the Year Canidates in the double main event, Yuji Nagata retaining the IWGP Championship over Jushin Thunder Liger and Keiji Mutoh defeating Masahiro Chono. Also in other top matches, Hiroyoshi Tenzan defeated Koji Kanemoto, Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Akebono, Tanahashi and Iizuki defeated Tanaka and Gedo to retain the IWGP Jr. Tag Team titles, and El Samurai defeated Low Ki.

NJPW signed Rocky Romero(aka Black Tiger) to an exclusive contract, forcing him to leave both ROH and PWG this past week.

The Indies
JAPW Television featured
-B-Boy over Jack Evans
-Chuck Taylor defeating Teddy HArt
-Frankie Kazarian over Hernandez
-Rhino battling Samoa Joe to a no contest

IWA-MS had their monthly show on Monday Night, feauring Roderick Strong pinning Chris Hero in the main event. In other top matches, Tyler Black defeated Vito Thomaselli, Jason Hades defeated Nate Webb to retain the IWA: MS Lightheavyweight Title, Tracy Smothers defeating Claudio Castagnoli, Salvatore Thomaselli over Eddie Kingston, Brandon Thomaselli over Toby Klein and Davey Richards defeating Kevin Steen.

JAPW had their monthly show, featuring Samoa Joe retaining the JAPW Championship over Jay Lethal in the main event. Also, Rhino and Frankie Kazarian defeated Eddie Kingston and Jack Evans, Chuck Taylor defeated El Generico to retain the JAPW New Jersey State Title, Teddy Hart defeated Grim Reefer, and LAX retained the JAPW TAg Team Titles over Chris Hero and B-Boy.

FIP featured Roderick Strong retaining the FIP Championship over Brent Albright. In other top matches, Bryan Danielson defeated Erick Stevens, Larry Sweeney defeated Eddie Kingston, Jack Evans and Nigel McGuiness retained the FIP Tag Team Titles over Mark Briscoe and Tyler Black, Davey Richards defeated Gran Akuma, and Jay Briscoe retained the Florida Heritage Title over Salvatore Rinauro.

SHIMMER featured Daizee Haze retaining the SHIMMER Championship over Malia Hosaka. Also Cheerleader Melissa defeated Mercedes Martinez and Ms. Chif defeated Lexie Fyfe.

Television Ratings
Raw got a 5.29 Rating, Progression got a 3.63 rating, Smackdown got a 3.76 rating, and TNA Impact received a 0.99 rating

[MadMatt]

The latest newsletter, the last one for February!



Wrestling Today Issue #40, Week Four, February 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Raw

Coming off of No Way Out and leading into Wrestlemana 25, this was a rather unremarkable show.

The Good
Jeff Hardy and Umaga had a great match, as usual. Once again, Hardy keeps getting closer to beating Umaga, but once again, Umaga pinned Jeff Hardy connecting with the Samoan Spike, putting Hardy down for the pin.

Victoria and Melina squared off in a good little women's match, with Victoria scoring the victory over Melina with the Widow's Peak.

Also, Gregory Helms and Paul Burchill was a good match, involving two men who were coming off of losses at No Way Out, attempting to get back on the winning track. Helms pins Burchill with the Shining Wizard putting him down for the pin.

Also Nunzio and Val Venis had a good little opener, with Val Venis winning over Nunzio with the Money Shot for the three after a series of reversals.

The Bad
The main event featured JBL and Kenny Dykstra in a battle that did not click at all. A strong misfire from WWE tonight, as JBL and Dykstra had an awkward little bout, before Dykstra was pinned with the Clothesline From Hell.

Snitsky destroys Brian Kendrick in a few minutes. The monster push of Snitsky continues, as you can almost here the fans changing the channel.

Santino and Shad. Words fail me about what the point was of this match, before Shad connected with the spinebuster slam for the pin on Santino to score the pin.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing

WWE Progression

The Good
The Big Show and Matt Hardy had another good match, Show, the large, bad ass giant, against Matt Hardy, the ****y little heel. The end came when Hardy nailed Show with the bell on the floor and rolled him into the ring, connecting with the top rope legedrop to score the pin. Hardy still wants the championship.

Kofi Kingston and TJ Wilson was a perfectly acceptable little midcard match, given two young talents a chance to get over on the roster, with Kingston pinning Wilson with the Jamacian Buzzsaw.

The Bad
Batista and the Great Khali had another match. First time in a couple of months, but it was as bad as you remember. And Khali beats Batista with the clawhold, putting him down to the canvas. Khali wants the title, as I scream at the television. I don't need to see the Undertaker and Khali again!

Mark Henry and Chuck Palumbo had couple of fine moments, but one half of the WWE Tag Team Champions beats Palumbo with the World's Strongest Slam, after no selling several punches and a springboard shoulderblock. Way to look Palumbo look like a jobber guys.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Jesse defeated Colin Delaney and Rory the Highlander beat Shannon Moore.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Matt Hardy defeated Kane to retain the WWE United States Title in a good match. These two have had a bunch of good matches over the past several months and this one was no exception. Hardy wins with the Twist of Fate on Kane, getting that move over as a giant killer.

Shelton Benjamin retained the ECW Championship over Trevor Murdoch with CM Punk on commentary. Murdoch has a nice rough and tumble style that really clicked well with Shelton's high risk, technical offense. Gold Rush scores the pin and Punk gets on the microphone, saying that Shelton's holding onto his title and at Wrestlemania, Punk will cash in on Money in the Bank, when he faces Shelton Benjamin for the ECW Championship! So, Punk holds onto the briefcase for a year and then wastes it for an ECW Championship Match at Wrestlemania. Excuse me while I laugh at CM Punk.

Elijah Burke pinned Jamie Noble with the Elijah Experience in a fine midcard match. So, for those keeping track of the WWE pecking order, Burke is above Noble.

The Bad
Zach Ryder and Curt Hawkins have a match. Was the world really looking better on who was the better of Edgeheads? Hawkins pinned Ryder to win.

Also, Mark Henry and Big Daddy V squared off against Hardcore Holly and Kenny Dykstra in the main event. Yes, the main event, of Smackdown. Dykstra gets squashed by Big Daddy V and his elbowdrop of doom after eight minutes.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Kevin Thorn squased Shannon Moore with the Original Sin and Chuck Palumbo pinned Mike Knox with the Full Throttle.

Misc
Mike Kruel has been recalled from FCW and Cody Rhodes extended his contract.

TNA

TNA Impact

Impact was great last week and now might be even better this week. Let's see what happened.

The Good
Samoa Joe and Rhino competed in a non title match in the main event. Good match and Booker T comes out, as it was announced that he will be included in the TNA Title Match at Destination X, making it a three way dance. Gore is blocked with a kick to the face that stunned Rhino, leading to the Muscle Buster for the pin. Afterwards Rellik and Reign came out, Joe fought them off, Booker T came in and knocked out Joe with the Harlem Side Kick, before posing with the belt.

Christian Cage and AJ Styles battled, which was a backdrop that will set up a really great match for Destination X. Kurt Angle came down, to cheer Styles on but accidentally tripped Styles, allowing Christian to roll up Styles for the pin. Afterwards, Styles yelled at Angle, and out comes Tomko, before Styles and Tomko attacked Kurt Angle, laying him out in the center of the ring with a vicious beatdown. So, Styles and Angle at Destination X? Looks that way.

Awesome Kong and Gail Kim had their usual great match for the Knockout's Title. Gail very nearly beat Kong but the spinning back fist set up the Awesome Bomb for the pin.

Kaz and Eric Young squared off against Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal in a great little tag team match, involving four top X-Division superstars, ending with Kaz pinning Lethal. LAX runs out, attacking Kaz and Young, setting up their TNA Tag Team Title Match at Destination X.

Chris Sabin retained the X-Division Title in a three way over Johnny Devine and Petey Williams, when Sabin pins Devine with the Cradle Shock.

The Bad
Rellik squashes Consequences Creed in a match that was just bad. Afterwards, Black Reign beat down Creed, before promising to win the TNA Championship. That gave me shivers.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing

The Russo
Nothing.

Misc
Jimmy Rave extended his contract.

NWA

NWA had their latest Pay Per View, officially announcing the YouTube.Com show. Results were
-Marty Jannetty pinned Phoenix Starr with the Rocker Dropper
-Scorpio Sky defeated Bull Buchanan
-Dan Maff defeated Zokre
-Hook Bombery defeated Mike DiBiase
-Matt Cross over Joey Ryan
-Sonny Siaki battled Adam Pearce to a double countout
-Karl Anderson defeated Chris Hamrick
-Brent Albright pinned David Young
-Bryan Danielson and Johnny Swinger defeated the Macho Men(Mike Quackenbush and Seth Delay)
-Rob Conway and Chris Mordetzky defeated Nick Dinsmore and Juventud Guerrera
-Chris Kanyon retained the NWA Championship over Alex Shelley with the Flatliner.

Lucha
AAA Television
-Cuervo, Billy Boy, and Alan Stone defeated Psicosis II, Joe Lider, and Tinieblas Jr.
-La Parka Jr, Decniss, and Super Porky defeated Fuerza Guerrera, Anifaz Del Norte, and Escoria
-Cassandro defeated Zumbido
-Octagon retained the Mexican National Middleweight Title over El Brazo
-Gran Apache, Nicho El Millionairo, and Juventud Guerrera defeated Zorro, Pirata Morgan, and Halloween
-Latin Lover and Electro Shock defeated Shocker and Chessman.

AAA had their big monthly show, featuring Nicho El Milliairo retaining the Mexican National Title over Gran Apache in the main event. In other top matches, Latin Lover and Zorro defeated Los Barrio Boys III, Negro Casas, Halloween, and Cibernetico defeated Ozz, Charly Manson, and La Parka Jr, Octagon defeated Pimpenla Escarlata to retain the Mexican National Middleweight Title, and Fuerza Guerrera, Shocker, and Chessman defeated Juventud Guerrera, Electro Shock, and El Mathias.

CMLL
-Los Guerreros del Infernos defeated Universo 2000 and Dos Caras Jr
-Averno defeated Pierroth Jr to retain the NWA World Middleweight Title
-Silver King, Negro Casas, and Cien Caras defeated Blue Demon Jr, Black Warrior, and Satanico
-Hector Garza defeated Tarzan Boy
-Mr. Aguila defeated L.A. Park
-Atlantis, El Hijo Del Perro, and Dr. Wagner Jr. defeated El Hijo Del Santo, Blue Panther and Mistico.

Puro
NOAH's latest tour has been so successful that they can now be considered a National Level promotion

Indies

Final Week of JAPW Results are
-B-Boy defeated Teddy Hart
-Chuck Taylor defeated El Generico to retain the New Jersey State Title
-Rhino pinned Homicide
-Samoa Joe retained the JAPW Championship over Frankie Kazarian

Pay Per View Buyrates and Television Ratings
No Way Out Received a 1.60 buyrate or 640000 people bought the show.

Raw received a 5.03 rating, Progression received a 3.67 rating, Smackdown received a 4.25 rating, and TNA Impact received a 1.23 rating

[MadMatt]

Let's march straight forward into March.



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #41 Week 1 March 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
So WWE gives away the Wrestlemania Main Event again on free television, with Shawn Michaels and Randy Orton, but once again, both men have a good match. RKO blocked, Superkick avoided. RKO avoided again, low blow and small package scores the pin. Afterwards, Shawn Michaels connects with the Superkick on Randy Orton once again!

Kenny Dykstra retained his WWE Intercontinental Title against the man he won it from, Chris Jericho in a spectacular title defense. Jericho really busted his ass to make Kenny look like a star without making it look forced. The end came when Jericho missed the Lionsault after Kenny suckered him in by playing possion. Hangman's Neckbreaker and Kenny has retained the WWE Intercontinental Title against the man who has held more of those belts against anyone.

Stevie Richards and Tommy Dreamer had a perfectly acceptable middle of the card on Raw Match and let's mark it down that Stevie Richards pinned Tommy Dreamer with the Stevie Kick in this battle of former ECW originals.

Brian Kendrick and Charlie Haas was another good match, with Kendrick beating Haas with the Sliced Bread #2

The Bad
Michelle McCool beating Katie Lea Burchill. Nothing to see the actual women's wrestler losing to the diva.

Also, Carlito and Domino wasn't anything to write home about, Carlito wins with the Back Stabber.

The Ugly
Festus destroys Val Venis in two minutes, pinning him with a full nelson slam. So, Festus is the latest, former tag team wrestler we're going to shove down your throats for a few weeks, before they're forgetting about and Val was the poor unfortunate soul that got destroyed to put Festus over.

The Pointless
Nothing

WWE Progression

The Good
Matt Hardy and the Undertaker had a return match from No Way Out and once again, both men delivered. Sadly, Hardy did not walk out of the show as the World Heavyweight Champion, as the Tombstone put the end to his championship hopes.

MVP and the Big Show another great match, with Show throwing MVP around, MVP coming back, Show coming back, beating down MVP, MVP deviously removing the turnbuckle pad, before connecting with a drop toe hold sending Show into the buckles. Yakuza Kick scores the pin.

Hardcore Holly beating the ever little crap out of the Miz, due to the crowd heat for this. No one in this crowd liked the Miz tonight, so Holly's beating was well received, ending with an Alabama Slam.

The Bad
Nothing

The Ugly
Kafu and Deuce. Kafu, was called up from FCW, and I think he needs to be sent back down for about fifty years after this performance. He made Deuce look like a good wrestler by the shear number of spots blown. Deuce puts us out of our misery with a Superfly Splash. Wretched, I never want to see another Kafu match as long as I live, in fact, I might have found someone who's worse than Ashley.

The Pointless
Jesse over Shannon Moore and Rory over Curt Hawkins.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Show and MVP take two, when MVP attempted to loosen the turnbuckle this time, Show murdered him with a headbutt. Choke Slam rocks MVP with the Choke Slam to score the pin in a great match.

Rey Mysterio and Edge had a great match. I know, that's not a shock to anyone with perfectly working eyes but still, good job to both of them. Several nearfalls from both men, before Edge countered the West Coast Pop into the Spear to pin Rey! Thumbs way up!

Shelton Benjamin retained the ECW Championship against Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch in an odd little Triple Threat Match. The former Rednecks took their turns beating on Shelton, but when it came time for the end, both men punched each other out, which allowed Shelton to sneak in the back door with the Gold Rush for the pin.

Paul London and Kevin Thorn had a pretty fun match. Thorn tries a power bomb, but London lands on his feet, Dropsault and Standing Shooting Star press scores the pin.

Miz and John Morrison beating Deuce and Chuck Palumbo when Miz pinned Deuce with the Reality Check in a fine match, although Palumbo and Deuce were an odd pairng.

The Bad
Mark Henry and Big Daddy V ran over the Edgeheads again in another bad match.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Vladimir Koslov defeated Jesse in just a meh match.

Misc
Mack Johnson has been called up, Curt Hawkins has resigned his WWE contract.

TNA

The Good
Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe team up in the main event against AJ Styles and Booker T. Some heat between Angle and Joe, so obviously the past has not been forgot, which is good. The end comes when Joe pins Booker T with the Muscle Buster when Angle fights off AJ on the floor. The rumor is that Booker T and TNA are having disputes over money, so Booker might be on his way out, so he lost to Samoa Joe once again tonight.

Abyss defeated Tomko in a fun little brawl. Tomko has improved one hundred and ten percent since coming to TNA and Abyss was more than game for anything, in a brawl that ended with the Black Hole Slam.

Chris Sabin pins Johnny Devine in a non title opener, with the Cradle Shock, to get the X-Division Champion over.

The Bad
Rellik squashes Sonjay Dutt in a couple of minutes.

The Ugly
Noithing

The Pointless
Nothing

The Russo
Black Reign and Jay Lethal team up to square off against Petey Williams and Scott Steiner. Lethal and Reign don't make any sense as a tag team and tonight, Reign pins Petey Williams in no time with a clothesline.

Also, Payton Banks pinned ODB. Once again, ODB seems to be sliding down the card, at one time, she was supposed to be on par with Kong and now she loses too much and too easily.

NWA

NWA had their first YouTube Show. Let's take a look at what happened

NWA Live Action on YouTube

The Good
The NWA Champion Chris Kanyon and Nick Dinsmore squared off against Rob Conway and Alex Shelley in a great tag team match. The announcers remind us that Kanyon's been the NWA Champion since August, having beaten Conway and on Pay Per View this weekend, Conway has a chance to recapture the title. Dinsmore pins Shelley with the German Suplex, as the challenger and champion brawl off into the sunset.

Also the Macho Men(oooh yeah!) defeating David Young and Sonny Siaki was a fine opener match. The Macho Men are Seth Delay and Mike Quackenbush and Quackenbush pins Young to win

The Bad
Hey, Chris Mortdetzky against Brent Albright. The former Chris Masters is about how I remembered him and that is not that good. Albright is one half of the NWA Tag Team Champions and he jobs to a wheelbarrow suplex move.

Adam Pearce and Bull Buchanan. This was a bad indy match. Pearce is decent on the mic and can be good in the ring against the right opponent, but Buchanan is not the right opponent. Pearce wins with the Jumping Piledriver.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing.

NWA Last Grasp

The Good
Chris Kanyon and Rob Conway headlined in a fun little old school, Memphis style match for the NWA World Champion. Kanyon announces himself as the first ever openly gay NWA World Champion. Charming, I know. Both men have a great match and Conway nearly recaptures the title, but Kanyon comes from behind and wins with the Flatliner.

Juventud Guerrera and Homicide was a fantastic bout. Juvi's really a great wrestler, when he's in his right mind and tonight, he was in his right mind. A tope spot through two sets of ring ropes and Homicide is in, but 450 Splash misses. Lariat plasters Juvi and Gringo Killa pins Juvi for the win.

Bryan Danielson and Johnny Swinger for the number one contendership for the NWA Championship, the winner gets a title shot at the April Pay Per View. Pleased to say that Danielson pins Swinger after elbowing his head in. So Danielson and Kanyon next month for the NWA Championship, which should be a great little match.

Matt Cross and Joey Ryan was a fun match as well, with Cross winning with a corkscrew splash.

Brent Albright and Alex Shelley retained the NWA World Tag Team Titles over Hook Bomberry and Dan Maff. Shelley and Albright gell well as a tag team, but this almost reeked of a "let's get the champions on the show", with Albright pinned Bomberry with the half nelson suplex.

The Bad
The Former Chris Masters pinned the Former Eugene in a match that I sworn I'd seen on Heat before, with the wheelbarrow suplex.

Adam Pearce defeated Seth Delay with the Jumping Piledriver. Something didn't click between these two men. In fact, add Chris Hamrick beating Mike DiBiase and Sonny Siaki over Mike Quackenbush in matches that looked fine on paper, but not in execution.

The Ugly
The amount of drugs that Marty Jannetty was in in that match with David Young, that ended shortly with the Rocker Dropper.

The Pointless
Phoenix Star over Scorpio Sky and Karl Anderson against Zorke only got about five or six minutes combined...so we'll shunt this over there.

Lucha
AAA has two Lucha shows now, with the return of Lucha Madness.

On AAA Television
-Angel Mortal, Psicosis II, and Pirata Morgan defeated El Mathias, Silver Cat, and May Flowers
-Charly Manson, Cassandro and Scorpio Jr defeated Pimpinela, Negro Casas, and Halloween
-Alan Stone, La Parka Jr, and Escoria defeated Anifaz Del Norte, Decniss, and Joe Lider
-Cuervo, Fuerza Guerrera, and Mr. Niebla defeated Billy Boy, El Brazo, and Super Porky.
-Octagon defeated Cibernetico to retain the Mexican National Middleweight Title
-Zorro and Latin Lover defeated Gran Apache and Juventud Guerrera.

On Lucha Madness
-Mr Niebla, Fuerza Guerrera, and Cuervo defeated Silver Cat, Pimpinela, and El Mathias
-El Brazo, La Parka Jr, and Super Porky defeated Angel Mortal, Anifaz and El Hijo Del Anibal
-Joe Lider and Psicosis II defeated Los Exoiticos
-Los Barrio Boys II defeated Unlimited Violence(Tienblas Jr. and Zumbindo)
-El Zorro defeated Juventud Guerrera
-Electro Shock, Gran Apache, and Shocker defeated Chessman, Nicho El Millionairo, and Latin Lover to retain the Mexican National Atomicos Titles.

CMLL
-Pierroth Jr, Hector Garza, and Lizmark Jr defeated Damian, Bestia Salvaje, and Tarzan Boy
-Averno retained the the NWA World Middleweight Title over Olimpio
-Los Guerreros del Infernos defeated Blue Demon Jr and Black Warrior
-El Terrible retained the CMLL National Title over Felino
-Mistico, El Hijo Del Santo, and El Hijo Del Perro defeated Silver King, Cien Caras, and Blue Panther
-Atlantis battled Negro Casas to a double countout.

Puro
In Big Japan on Tour Jun Kansai defeated Badboy Hido to capture the BJW Deathmatch Championship.

We understand Bobby Lashley has signed with AJPW, to wrestle for them for the next tour. Also, Egypitian Amateur Wrestler, Karam Ibrahim Gaber will be touring with the company. Also Steve Corino will tour with Dragon Gate

Indies
PWG had their monthly show, featuring Bryan Danielson retaining the PWG Championship over Tyler Black. Also, Roderick Strong, Low Ki, and Davey Richards defeated Claudio Castagnoli, Kevin Steen, and Jack Evans when Richards pins Evans with the DR Driver, Excalibur defeated Eddie Kingston, El Generico defeated Super Dragon, and Chris Hero and Austin Aries retained the PWG Tag Team Titles over Human Tornado and Top Gun Talwar.

CHIKARA had their monthly show, headlined by El Pantera over Claudio Castagnoli. Also, Chris Hero beat Larry Sweeney, Incoherence defeated Sabian and Eddie Kingston, Chuck Taylor defeated Ultra Mantis Black, and Gran Akuma defeated Shane Storm.

SHIMMER was healined by Daizee Haze beating Rain to retain the SHIMMER Championship. Also, Cheerleader Melissa defeated Ms Chif, Mercedes Martinez defeated Serena Deeb, and Lacey defeated Eden Black.

FIP featured FIP Champion Roderick Strong defeating Bryan Danielson to retain the championship. Also, Brent Albright pinned Erick Stevens, Jay Briscoe retained the Florida State Heritage Title over Jack Evans, Davey Richards pinned Larry Sweeney, Mark Briscoe and Nigel McGuinness defeated the Powers That Be, and Delirious beat Jason Blade.

Pay Per View Buyrates and Television Ratings
The February NWA Pay Per View was bought by 144000 people, which translates into a 0.36 buyrate.

Raw received a 4.71, Progression got a 3.57 on ABC and a 0.05 in Japan, Smackdown got a 4.37 Rating, and TNA Impact received a 1.21 rating

[MadMatt]

Here's the second week of March!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #42 Week Two March 2008

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good

JBL and Jeff Hardy have a good match in the main event, with Layfield winning against Hardy with the Clothesline From Hell, but Hardy got a couple of close nearfalls and came close. It seems like they want to push Jeff Hardy because he's popular but don't want to push him all that much because of wellness failures. Still, by the end of the year, we could be saying WWE Champion Jeff Hardy, providing he doesn't self destruct.

The main event of Wrestlemania is given away for the third time, but I see where they are going, with Orton beating Michaels after beating the count on the countout. Superkick after the bell knocks Orton cold and Michaels says he will beat Orton next week when they compete in another non title match or Michaels will forfeit his WWE Championship match at Wrestlemania.

Chavo Guerrero and Gregory Helms defeated Carlito and Santino in a perfectly acceptable tag match. Helms and Chavo should go for the World Tag Team Titles, the feud would be fresh, with Chavo pinning Santino with the Frog Splash, after Helms knocked out Carlito with the Shining Wizarding.

Brian Kendrick defeated Sheamus O'Shaunessy in a fine match. SOS looks to really want to make the most of his development call up so he did a few crisp moves and plays his part well as a jobber to Brian Kendrick, selling well to make Kendrick look like a threat until the next time Snitsky beats him

The Bad
Speaking of Snitsky, he beats Tommy Dreamer in little time with a power bomb type hold. Snitsky's push of doom continues.

Also, Domino pins Super Crazy in a Razor's Edge in another nothing match where the ECW alumni played a job boy.

The Ugly
Victoria tried but she could not carry Michelle McCool tonight. Four minutes, before Victoria put us out of our misery with the Widow's Peak.

The Pointless
Nothing.

WWE Progression

The Good
CM Punk and Batista was a good main event. Punk's challenging for the ECW Championship and Batista's in the World Heavyweight Title division, so Batista of course wins with the Batista Bomb, but Punk scored a couple of nearfalls.

Edge and the Undertaker fought their usual good match. Non title this time and Edge picks up the victory with the Spear. Sadly, no Undertaker match at Wrestlemania yet, which is a crime against humanity.

JAMIE NOBLE WINS A MATCH! Yes, you read that right, Jamie Noble finally picks up a win over Bam Neely, winning with the Gibson Driver. So, Bam Neely, you are on the bottom of the roster, Steve Lombardi 2009.

The Bad
Henry and Big Daddy V defeated the Edgeheads. The world really needed to see this match again. Henry pinned Hawkins with the World's Strongest Slam

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Rory over Matt Capotelli and Mike Knox defeated Colin Delaney. Move right along, nothing to see here.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
MATT HARDY AND REY MYSTERIO RULED! Seriously, great match, saved the show and all that. Put this on Wrestlemania, for the United States Title. Rey wins this non title match with the West Coast Pop.

Also, Trevor Murdoch beating Jamie Noble(son, you've got your one win, back to jobbing for the rest of the year) and The Miz and John Morrison beating TJ Wilson and Matt Capotelli worked well. Short matches, had their moments, took it home.

The Bad
Mark Henry and Batista. Words fail me. Not Batista's best night tonight. Henry has a bearhug on about seven minutes of this eleven minute main event. Batista fights out, lariat and pair of spinebusters put down Henry for the win. Afterwards, Big Daddy V comes out and Batista hits the Spinebuster to him.

The Ugly
Curt Hawkins and Kofi Kingston. These two gentlemen had no chemistry whatsoever. Kofi wins with the Jamacian Buzzsaw after four and a half minutes of bad wrestling

The Pointless
Zach Ryder defeated Deuce and JTG defeated Chuck Palumbo. Same old stuff, just filling up tonight.

Misc
The Undertaker extended his contract while Heath Miller got called up from FCW.

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good
AJ Styles and Samoa Joe and Sting and Rhino were good matches up to the finishes, but I'll get that rant out of the way once I get to the Russo section.

Awesome Kong crushing Salinas in ten seconds to retain the Knockout's Title was also logical.

Matt Morgan defeated Johnny Devine didn't offend me either, so it won for not failing.

The Bad
The last few good shows just spiralled of the cliff.

The Ugly
The fact that this did nothing to get my excited about the Pay Per View this Sunday

The Pointless
The amount of money that's being paid to Vince Russo for shows like this.

The Russo
Not one, but two no-contest finishes, where the entire lockeroom empties and everyone runs in. Seriously, put Sting over Rhino(or vice versa for that matter) or Samoa Joe over AJ Styles(or the otherway). Just have someone.

AJ Styles/Christian/Angle had a segment that made me wonder if I had fell into a time warp and landed in 2000 WCW. The break up of the Angle Alliance was a SWERVE~! and Christian gets left laying. I swear, Spike TV should just cancel this show and put ROH on television or something. Also, Christian/Angle again at Destination X. It will be a good match but Styles and Angle was new and fresh. The past two weeks gets voided by one version of vintage Vince Russo.

Kip James and the TNA X-Division Champion Chris Sabin. Yes, Kip James dominated the X-Division Champion, until Sabin got lucky and rolled him up for the pin. Kip James should be pushed...off a cliff. Afterwards, Petey Williams attacks Sabin and lays him out with the Canadian Destroyer.

Christy Hemme wins a Knockout's Title Show. Yes, the same woman who got flattened by Kong about four or five times now. Boy, Christy Hemme is a threat to the monster, that would be just like having Colin Delaney feud with Umaga or something like that.

TNA Destination X

The Good
Samoa Joe/Booker T/Black Reign for the TNA World Championship. The segments involvine Booker and Joe=great, Reign and Joe=good, and Reign and Booker=good enough. Seriously, all three men brought their a-game tonight and Reign might have turned his entire career around. Muscle Buster pins Booker T. See you Booker T, it's been a nice career, if Vince doesn't rehire him, I suspect Booker's retiring.

Despite the dumb**** booking that set it up, Christian Cage and Kurt Angle was the usual great match. Christian pins Kurt Angle with the Unprettier. It appears that Panda's closing the purse strings and some of the high profile workers, high paying workers are not having their contracts renewed. Booker was the first, Angle might be next, let me suggest firing Kip James.

Kong crushes Christy again, so at least Russo's not going completely insane.

Tomko pinned Brother Ray with the Torture Rack drop in a good brawl. Also, Abyss and Rellik had a match, where Abyss just blitzed Rellik, connecting with the Black Hole Slam. The less I have to watch Rellik, the better, so thumbs up for this.

Lax and Eric Young and Kaz for the TNA Tag Team Titles. Damn find battle, LAX did not capture the titles tonight, but I expect them to do so soon. Tonight Kaz puts away Homicide with the Flux Compacitor. Thumbs way up for this match.

Robert Roode and Matt Morgan had an opener and Morgan wins with the F-5. It was a brawl that got the crowd hot for the rest of the night, thumbs up.

The Bad
Sonjay Dutt and Johnny Devine had a sloppy match. Dutt wins with the Hindu Press.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
James Storm defeated Elix Skipper in a match that seemed tacked on.

The Russo
Roxxy Laveux and Gail Kim got seventy nine seconds! Two great women's wrestlers, to determine a number one contender for Awesome Kong, got shafted. God forbid we don't axe that Storm/Elix match or Devine/Dutt to give these women a bit more time. Roxxy pinned Gail Kim with a faceplant. So Roxxy's the next one to try for Kong.

The X-Division gets buried. Sabin and Petey got two minutes, which was more than Roxxy/Gail, but still not enough time. Sunset Flip scores the pin on Petey. Then, Scott Steiner squashes Jay Lethal in about three and a half minutes. I guess Russo was on vacation the last few minutes.

Misc
James Storm signs a contract extension for TNA.

NWA

NWA Live Action on YouTube

The Good
Alex Shelley defeated Chris Mordetzky in a fun little match. This was the best match of the career of the Masterpiece and Shelley wins with a sunset flip.

The Bad
Rob Conway and Nick Dinsmore had a match, it was fine, but the crowd was dead, nothing that these two could do could get the crowd into the match. The former NWA World Champion wins with the Ego Trip after nine minutes of dead air.

The Ugly
David Young defeated Bull Buchanan and Matt Cross over Mike DiBiase. There's good indy wrestling and there's bad indy wrestling, this fell into the bad indy wrestling category.

Also, no Bryan Danielson. Boo-urns to that.

The Pointless
Nothing.

Lucha
AAA Television Featured
-The Wizards(Joe Lider and Psicosis II) battling Unlimited Violence to a double countout
-Cuervo, Decniss, and Fuerza Guerrera defeating May Flowers, El Hijo Del Annibal, and Pimipnela
-Billy Boy defeated Mr. Niebla
-El Brazo, Super Porky, and Alan Stone over Angel Mortal, Cassandro, and Silver Cat
-Juventud Guerrera pinned Scorpio Jr
-Electro Shock, Gran Apache, and Shocker retained the Mexico National Atomicos Titles over Latin Lover, Zorro, and Chessman.

Lucha Madness
-Octagon defeated Mr. Niebla to retain the Mexico National Middleweight Title
-Anifax Del Norte, Fuerza Guerrera, and Cibernetico defeated Silver Cat, May Flowers, and Pimpinela
-Cuervo, Alan Stone, and La Parka Jr defeated El Brazo, Escoria, and Super Porky
-Los Barrio Boys III over the Wizards
-Nicho El Millinairo defeated Chessman
-Electro Shock, Gran Apache, and Shocker retained the Mexican National Atomicos Titles over Charly Manson, Halloween, and Pirata Morgan.

CMLL
-Lizmark Jr, El Terrible, and Damian 666 over Rayo De Jalisco, Felino, and Archangel
-Tarzan Boy, Satanico, and Hector Garza over Blue Demon Jr., Olimpico, and Bestia Salvaje
-Silver King, Cien Caras, and L.A. Park defeated Anverno, Pierroth Jr, and Universo 2000
-Heavy Metal, Blue Panther, and Ultimo Guerrero defeated Dos Caras Jr, Black Warrior, and Rey Bucerno
-Dr. Wagner Jr over Mascara Sagrada
-Atlantis, Aguila, and Negro Casas defeated El Hijo Del Perro, Mistico, and El Hijo Del Santo.

CMLL had their big monthly show with Atlantis retaining the NWA World Light Heavyweight Title in the main event over El Hijo Del Perro. Also, Negro Casas, Dr. Wagner Jr, and Blue Panther defeated Mistico, El Hijo Del Santo, and Mr. Aguila, L.A. Park, Ultimo Guerrero, and Silver King defeated Heavy Metal, Mascara Sagrada, and Cien Caras, Tarzan Boy, Pierroth Jr, and Blue Demon Jr defeated Black Warrior, Dos Caras Jr, and Hector Garza, and Averno defeated Olimpio to retain the CMLL World Middleweight Title.

Puro
Two Title changes on the NOAH tour this week, with Shuhei Taniguchi defeating Taiji Isimori to capture the NOAH Wrestling Spirit Title and Takeshi Sigura defeated Akitoshi Saito to capture the GHC Championship.

NOAH also had their big monthly show, featuring Mitsuhara Misawa and Akitoshi Saito defeating Jun Akiyama and Kintaro Kanemura, Takeshi Sigura defeating Rob Van Dam to retain the GHC Championship, The Phenominals(Mohammed Yone and Takuma Sano) defeated Counterpunch(BXB Hulk and Jun Iizuma) to retain the GHC Tag Team Titles, Naomichi Marufuji battled to a double countout with Takeshi Rikio, Shuhei Taniguchi battling Astushi Aoki to a double countout, and Akira Taue pinning SHINGO.

Indies
FCW featured Mighty Mikey retaining the FCW Championship over Eric Perez. Also, Nick Nemeth and Johnny Jeter defeated Shawn Spears and Jake Hager, Brad Allen defeated K.C. James, and Lupe Viscera defeated Heath Miller

Pay Per View Buyrates and Television Ratings
The NWA Pay Per View received a 0.36 buyrate, which translates into 144000 individuals purchasing the show.

Raw received a 4.96 rating, WWE Progression received a 3.17 rating on ABC, with a 0.05 rating on Nippon TV, Smackdown received a 3.72, and TNA Impact received a 1.21 rating

[MadMatt]

Latest Newsletter!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #43 Week Three March 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
Shawn Michaels and Randy Orton had another good match, leading up to the main event at Wrestlemania. The stipulation was if Shawn failed to beat Orton this week in a non title match, he would have to forfeit his Wrestlemania title shot. Sure enough, Michaels beat Orton this week with the Sweet Chin Music.

Umaga and Triple H beat each other up for ten minutes, brawling around the ring, beating each other up. Several referees go flying and Umaga goes for the Spike but Triple H blocks that and grabs the sledgehammer. Umaga grabs a chair, and both men are at a stalemate, leading to this no contest finish, with the crowd cheering wildly.

Mickie James pinned Katie Lea Burchill to retain the Women's Championship in a fine match. Katie came close to winning a couple of times, but Mickie wins with the Swinging DDT. After the match, Jillian attacks Mickie and beats her down, setting up the women's title match.

Carlito and Santino defeated DH Smith and Val Venis in a fun little tag team match. Santino pins DH Smith. Smith and Venis are a good little tag team, I would highly suggest keeping them together to breath some light to a stale tag team division

The Bad
Snitsky obliterates Super Crazy with the Pumphandle Slam. The Snitsky push continues. I have this deep rooted fear that this joker's going to get gold by the end of the year and if I was Kenny, I'd be really afraid for my title reign right now.

Stevie Richards pinned Festus in three minutes with a Stevie Kick. Good to see Stevie score the win, but was the point of Festus beating Val last week.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Ashley
Poor Victoria is the victim this week of Ashley. Victoria finishes her off with the Widow's Peak, but not before landing on her head a couple of times.

WWE Progression

The Good
The Undertaker and Matt Hardy had another good match, pretty much the same as usual, legdrop off the top rope nearly beats Undertaker. Twist of Fate is blocked, Choke Slam, Tombstone pin. Best match of this show.

The Bad
Big Daddy V and Mark Henry squaring off against Batista and the Big Show. Show was the best worker in this match, with Batista second, Mark Henry a distant third, and Big Daddy V just slightly above Mack Johnson(more on that later). Batista wins with the spinebuster on Big Daddy V when Show fights off Henry. This was your main event and the WWE Tag Team Champions get beaten down, but I don't care.

Rory the Highlander pinning Jamie Noble. This result made me cry, and actually Rory's been winning quite a few matches lately.

The Ugly
Mack Johnson may be worse than Kafu(see my report two newsletters ago about that ****ty match). He fought Zach Ryder, who is not the best man to fight a green guy. This was two green guys getting exposed and Zach Ryder pins Johnson with a double knee to the chest.

Also Colin Delaney and Eddie Colon, both these men show flashes of brillance, but without a veteran to guide them, they are lost. Colon won with a Flatliner, the standard standby move of a wrestler is going nowhere in the WWE.

The Pointless
JTG pins Curt Hawkins, continuing the JTG push that I don't care about and in fact, I bet not too many people do either.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
MVP and Rey Mysterio have a damn fine match, second week in a row that Rey has had the match of the evening. West Coast Pop is countered into a power bomb, running Yakuza Kick scores the pin, another big win for MVP.

Kane and the Great Khali had a match that was not horrid. Actually, both men had a short match, that had Kane taking a sick bump into the barricade, Khali beats down Kane, and connects with the Tree Slam for the pin. Also, Kane hit a dive to the floor early in the match.

COLIN DELANEY PINS LANCE CADE! That shocked me, poor Cade, he lost to a guy who lost to Mike Knox several times.

Also, the Miz and John Morrison had a match with the Edgeheads that was about ten times better than any match they had against Big Daddy V and Mark Henry. That should tell you something about how awesome Morrison is(and to a certain extent, Miz has improved). Reality Check pins Curt Hawkins.

The Bad
Big Daddy V and Mark Henry have a rousing game of squash the cruiserweights, tonight being Shannon Moore and Jamie Noble. Big Daddy V pins Noble with the elbowdrop as Mark Henry slammed Moore to the floor.

The Ugly
Kevin Thorn pinned Mack Johnson with the Original Sin. This match was bad. Johnson does not only need to be sent down to FCW, he needs to be sent down to the Lighttube Backyard Wrestling League, where he can learn something.

The Pointless
Jesse and Vladimir Koslov battled to a no contest when The Great Khali rampaged, which set up the match with Kane later tonight. Still they could have just announced the match.

Misc
The Boogeyman has retired from wrestling.

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good
First of all, let me say that from top to bottom this might have been the best show of Impact in the entire five year history of the show. Let's take a look at what happened from the opening match to the main event on this awesome show.

Petey Williams and Scott Steiner defeated Jay Lethal and Sonjay Dutt in a fun little opener. Steiner stayed on the ring apron for seven minutes of this eight minute match, allowing the X-Division guys to do their things. Afterwards, Steiner hits Dutt from behind and Petey Williams connects with the Canadian Destroyer for thep in.

James Storm and Tomko, damn fine match as well. Tomko is looking to make an impact on Impact at the expense of James Storm. The Superkick pins Tomko after Tomko hits the corner. Storm is looking towards the TNA Championship but the announcers say that the entire roster is looking for it as well. Which actually gets over the TNA Championship as a great title.

Chris Sabin successfully retained the TNA X-Division Title against Jimmy Rave. This match brought us back to why the X-Division rose in the first place, with the Cradle Shock from Sabin after he countered a double underhook into a catapault. Lots of nearfalls and false finishes.

Roxxy is your new TNA Knockout's Title holder, winning a three way dance against Awesome Kong and Christy Hemme. Christy's roll was to get beaten up and taken out early by Kong with the Awesome Bomb. Roxxy spent the next three minutes attempting to put Kong down but when nothing worked, she just tied up Kong in the ropes and then quickly picks up Christy before Kong can free herself. This worked well, as Kong was too big of a monster to topple, so Roxxy had to seek an alternate method to win.

The TNA Champion Samoa Joe battled Rhino in...surprise, surprise, another good match. Non Title and Rhino attacks Joe, beating him down, going for the Gore, but Joe avoided it. Punches and kicks, but Rhino connects with the spinebuster and a pump splash. Second Gore is avoided and Rhino hits the buckles, before Joe connects with the Muscle Buster for the pin.

Kurt Angle comes out for the main event, promising that he will win the TNA Championship. His opponent is Kaz and this was wrestling 101 on how to shoot someone straight to the moon. Angle's on his way out, so time to make some names. Lots of nearfalls, with Angle getting more and more frustrated everytime that he could not put Kaz away. Super Angle Slam set up but Kaz pounded away on Angle, before he connects with the Flux Compacitor for the pin! Kaz has pinned Kurt Angle. The entire face lockerrom empties to celebrate with Kaz, as Tomko and Styles give Kaz the evil eye in the aisle, no doubt setting up a TNA Tag Team Title match with Kaz and Eric against Styles and Tomko at Lockdown.

The Bad
Nothing

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing

The Russo[I]
A perfect show, thumbs up.

NWA

[I]NWA Live Action

The Good
Nick Dinsmore and Rob Conway square off in a match that was better than last week, due to the crowd not sitting with their thumbs up their asses for most of the match. Dinsmore pinned Conway with a German Suplex.

Chris Mordetzky and Alex Shelley squared off against the Macho Men in a short but effective match, with Shelley pinning Quackenbush with the Shell Shock.

Also, Juventud Guerrera and Sonny Siaki was a fine match all things considered. Siakiapolis Now is avoided and Juvi Driver scores the pin.

The Bad
Johnny Swinger defeated Zokre in a heatless match.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing.

Lucha

AAA Television
-Pirata Morgan, Octagon, and Cassandro defeated Psicosis II, Angel Mortal, and Tinieblas Jr
-Escoria, Scorpio Jr, and Zumbido defeated Mr. Niebla, Billy Boy, and Halloween
-Joe Lider defeated Cuervo
-Super Porky, Anifraz Del Norte, and Fuerza Guerrera battled Alan Stone, El Brazo and Decniss to the no contest
-Chessman, Gran Apache, and Nicho El Millinairo defeated Latin Lover, Juventud Guerrera, and Zorro
-Electro Shock defeated Charly Manson

Lucha Madness
-Anifraz Del Norte, Super Porky, and Octagon defeated Angel Mortal, Cassandro, and Ozz
-The Wizards defeated El Mathias and El De De Anibal
-Pirata Morgan, Cibernetico, and Negro Casas defeated El Brazo, Cuervo, and Billy Boy
-Zorro, Gran Apache, and Latin Lover defeated Electro Shock, Chessman, and Shocker
-Nicho El Millionairo defeated Juventud Guerrera to retain the Mexican National Heavyweighht Title.

CMLL
-Averno defeated Felino
-Rey Bucerno defeated Blue Demon Jr
-Heavy Metal, Cien Caras, and L.A. Park defeated Terrible, Olimpico, and Bestia Savaje
-Hector Garza and Mistico retained the CMLL Tag Team Titles over Damian and Lizmark Jr
-El Hijo Del Santo, Aguila, and Atlantis defeated Mascara Sagrada, Silver King, and Blue Panther
-Dr. Wagner Jr defeated Negro Casas to retain the UWA World Heavyweight Title.

AAA had their Rey de Reyes show, featuring a main event of Electro Shock and Nicho El Millinairo defeating Juventud Guerrera and Shocker. In other top matches, Gran Apache and Latin Lover defeated Chessman and Zorro, Charly Manson, Cibernetico, and Negro Casas defeated Ozz, Pirata Morgan, and Scorpio Jr, Fuerza Guerrera defeated Angel Mortal, Anifaz Del Norte defeated Fuerza Guerrera, Los Barrio Boys III retained the AAA World Tag Team Titles over the Wizards, and Octagon and La Parka Jr retained the Mexican National Tag Team Titles over Unlimited Violence.

Puro
BJW had their monthly show, featuring Men's Teioh and HIDO defeating Shinjiro Otani and Kikutaro in the main event. Also in other marquee matches, Jun Kasai defeated Kintaru Kanemura to capture the BJW Deathmatch Title, Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated GENTARO, Mammoth Sasaki and Shadow WX retained the BJW Tag Team Titles against Seikimoto and Madman Pondo, and Jay Lethal defeated Jaki Numazawa.

Indies
OVW was headlined by Jamin Olivencia defeated Tommy McNaler to retain the OVW Championship. Also, Rob Conway defeated Anthony Bravado, Nine Fingers Dewey defeated Rudy Switchblade, and Jacob Duncan retained the OVW TV Title over Dre Blitz.

CZW featured the main event of Sonjay Dutt retaining the CZW Championship over Toby Klein. Also, Vito Thomaselli defeated Sal Thomaselli, Ruckus pinned Chuck Taylor, Sexxy Eddy defeated Ricochet, Sabian defeated Grim Reefer to retain the CZW Arena Title, and Brain Damage retained the CZW Iron Man Title over Danny DeManto.

Pay Per View Buyrates and Television Ratings
TNA Destination X was bought by 88000 people, which translates into a 0.22 buyrate.

Raw received a 5.06 rating, WWE Progression received a 3.51 rating on ABC, while getting a 0.05 rating on Nippon TV, Smackdown received a 4.21 rating, and TNA Impact got a 1.23 rating.

[MadMatt]

Final Newsletter of March 2009:



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #44

Another Death
We here at Wrestling Today Newsletter are sad to report that TNA wrestler Brian "B.G" James has passed away on Sunday just before press time at the age of 36. James was one of the key players in the boom period of the WWE in the late 1990s, as part of the New Age Outlaws team with Billy Gunn(now Kip James in TNA) and also recently competed with TNA. He was found on his bedroom floor this afternoon and all attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. Wrestling Today Newsletter would like to send his condolences to the family and friends of B.G. James.

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
Wrestlemania rewind match between John Cena and Shawn Michaels was a spectacular main event. Cena makes Michaels tap out to the STFU for the submission win after blocking the Superkick.

Triple H and Randy Orton in a non title match rocked as well. Orton goes for the RKO, but Triple H connects with a spinebuster before connecting with the Pedigree, after a fifteen minute match that went back and forth. Very interesting that both of the competitors in Wrestlemania main event jobbed.

Hardcore Holly and DH Smith had a fun match, with Holly winning with the Alabama Slam. After the match, Drew McIntyre and Johnny Jeter come out and attacks Hardcore Holly, both men wanting to make an impact, before Cody Rhodes makes the save. So that's a World Tag Team Title match at Wrestlemania. Yep!

Melina and Beth Phoenix fought to a no contest in a fun little women's match, but Jillian ran out and attacked both women, before declaring she's the top diva on Raw.

And for what it's worth, Carlito and Santino defeating Super Crazy and Tommy Dreamer with Carlito pinning Dreamer with the Back Stabber worked setting up the interpromotional match involving Santino and Carlito against the World's Fattest Tag Team at Wrestlemania.

The Bad
Nothing

The Ugly
Colt Cabana and Chris Harris fought for two minutes, until Snitsky runs out and beats them both up, thus depriving us of a potentially good match.

The Pointless
Nunzio over Mike Kruel had me scratching my head.

WWE Progression

The Good
Mark Henry and Rey Mysterio was good, thanks to the ability of Rey to make anyone look good. World's Strongest Slam wins after Henry catches a cross body. Rey took some good bumps, making Henry look like the scariest man alive.

Edge faced ECW Champion Shelton Benjamin in a non title match. This match also ruled. Spear pins Shelton after Edge blocked the Gold Rush.

Matt Hardy successfully defended his WWE United States Title against Deuce. Hardy made Deuce look like a perfectly acceptable wrestler for one night, before connecting with the Twist of Fate. Afterwards, Hardy announces a lottery for his title defense at Wrestlemania.

Lance Cade pinned Jamie Noble. Noble continues to job, with Cade pinning Noble with the Flying Elbowdrop after Noble nearly pulled off the upside with a small package.

The Bad
Colin Delaney pinned Jay Bradley in a total developmental match with a sunset flip. Next.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Chuck Palumbo, Vladimir Koslov, and Curt Hawkins defeated Rory, The Miz, and Zach Ryder. Next!

WWE Smackdown

The Good
The Undertaker faced off against John Morrison in the main event. The fact that the Undertaker does not have a match at Wrestlemania really eats me alive. Taker wins with the Tombstone for the pin, crossing the arms across the chest for the pin, but Morrison scored a bunch of nearfalls. Morrison will face Kane at Wrestlemana 25.

Matt Hardy and Hardcore Holly in a non title match. Holly tried to make an impact, as the random drawing for the United States Title is hyped up from Wrestlemania. The Hardcore One tried the Alabama Slam but Hardy punches away, before connecting with the Twist of Fate for the pin.

WWE Intercontinental Champion Kenny Dykstra pinned Trevor Murdoch in a non title match. Dykstra(and Holly and Rhodes), really need to lose the titles, because them being on both shows is killing the brand extension even more. Murdoch beats down Dykstra but Dykstra wins with the Hangman's Neckbreaker.

Zach Ryder had the best match in his career against Shelton Benjamin. Shelton shows his awesomness, by carrying this basic, OVW template to a good match. Punk watches from the ramp, as he faces Benjamin for the ECW Championship at Wrestlemania. Shelton pins Zach Ryder with the Gold Rush.

The Bad
Nothing

The Ugly
The Miz and Lance Cade defeated Kofi Kingston and Mike Knox when the Miz pins Kofi. What was this match?

The Pointless
Jesse pinned Matt Cappotelli.

WWE Wrestlemania 25

It's the silver anniversary of Wrestlemania and it was a good show, even through a few of the matches scarely belonged at on the biggest wrestling show of the year.

The Good
Randy Orton retained the WWE Championship for the second year in a row at Wrestlemania, pinning Shawn Michaels. The crowd is really into Shawn Michaels and with each nearfall, more and more fans cheered, until Orton let the life out of the crowd, kicking Shawn Michaels in the groin, stopping the Superkick and RKO scores the pin. Orton raises his hand, as the crowd boos, nuclear heel heat.

Jeff Hardy had a short, but sweet match with Elijah Burke. Six minutes, but both men got in a lot of offense. Elijah Experience is avoided, Twist of Fate, and Swanton Bomb scores the pin.

ECW Championship match was the second best match on the night, other than the main event. And Shelton Benjamin keeps the championship, pinning Punk with the Gold Rush. Punk is the first person to cash in on the Money in the Bank title shot and lose, so sucks to be him, especially since he wasted it on the ECW Championship.

Ken Kennedy and William Regal beat the ever living crap out of each other! This match ruled, especially Regal stretching Kennedy for most of the match. Kennedy fights back, Regal knees Kennedy in the face and pins him with the Union Jack Neckbreaker!

John Morrison and Kane had another good match. Morrison worked over the knee of Kane for most of the match, with several nearfalls but Kane connects with the Choke Slam. The knee is injured but Kane manages to cover for a two and a half. Second Choke Slam scores the pin, with a thunderous pop with the impact of the match.

Mickie James and Jillian squared off for the WWE Women's Title. This may have been the best Women's match at Wrestlemania since Mickie James and Trish Stratus three years again. Mickie succesfully retained the title with the DDT, when Jillian hit the knees on an attempted 450 splash.

Jamie Noble was the randomly drawn talent but he made the most of his Wrestlemania match against Matt Hardy, actually managing to surprise Hardy for a few nearfalls, including the Gibson Driver. Trailer Hitch has Hardy in the ropes, but Hardy strips the turnbuckle and rams him into the exposed buckles, connecting with the Twist of Fate for the pin.

The Bad
Big Daddy V and Mark Henry took on Santino and Carlito was just meh. When Carlito's the best worker in the match, there's problems. Big Daddy V squashes Santino with the elbowdrop for the pin.

Robbie the Highlander gets a title shot at Wrestlemania! WWE Intercontinental Title on the line with Dykstra against Robbie. Kenny wins in ninety seconds with the Hangman's Neckbreaker.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly defeated Drew McIntyre and Johnny Jeter when Rhodes pinned Jeter with the DDT, Victoria pinned Katie Lea Burchill with the Widow's Peak, and Super Crazy pins Chris Harris. These matches did not offend me, but they don't belong on Wrestlemania.

TNA

TNA Impact

Impact was not as good this week, but not as offensive as some of those wretched shows in July and August of last year.

The Good
Rhino and Christian Cage in the main event, with former partners squaring off. Christian is the one who is pinned with the Gore by Rhino. After losing to Joe, a fire has been lit under Rhino, we'll see where this goes, if anywhere.

Samoa Joe and AJ Styles is always a good match and these two men did not disappoint. Styles got a bit arrogant and Spiral Tap misses. This leads to the Muscle Buster for the pin. Next Week, Samoa Joe puts the TNA Championship on the line against the man known as Sting, which should be a super match!

Okay, it's been a while since we've seen this match, and it was good, so it's going in this column, providing we don't see it again for at least another month, with Eric Young and Kaz successfully defending the TNA Tag Team Titles over Scott Steiner and Petey Williams. Kaz pins Petey. Afterwards, AJ Styles and Tomko beat down the champions, as they will be competing for the titles at Lockdown.

Robert Roode pinned Hernandez in a fun little match with the Pay Off. Roode's getting back on track after a shaky couple of months recently.

The Bad
Nothing

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing

The Russo
The X-Division burying returns this week, with my favorite team(not) of Rellik and Black Reign beating Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal in five minutes when Rellik pins Dutt after Reign drops him on his head off the second rope with an inverted DDT. Reign and Rellik also want the TNA Tag Team Titles.

Beating the new Knockout's Champion cleanly just one week after she won the title. Jacqueline pinned Roxxy with a springboard legdrop. No dubious Kong interference.

NWA

Back to just results for this promotion, as it's just tedious to watch and comment, even through Danielson/Conway was good
-Brent Albright and Alex Shelley defeated Karl Anderson and Dan Maff to retain the NWA Tag Team Titles
-Mike DiBiase pinned Joey Ryan
-Bryan Danielson made Rob Conway submit to the Cattle Mutillation
-Chris Kanyon retained the NWA Championship over Johnny Swinger.

ROH
ROH had their yearly show on Wrestlemania Weekend. Results are
-Ruckus pinned Tank Toland
-Daizee Haze pinned Lacey
-Steen and Generico defeated Jack Evans and Jigsaw when Steen pins Evans with the Package Piledriver
-Erick Stevens pins Claudio Castagnoli with the Doctor Bomb
-Chris Hero pins Mark Briscoe with the Hero's Welcom
-Austin Aries and Jay Briscoe retained the ROH Tag Team Titles over the Age of the Fall when Aries pinned Jacobs with the 450 Splash
-Davey Richards made Nigel McGuinness tap out to the Kimura
-Takeshi Morishima and Joey Matthews defeated Matt Cross and Brent Albright when Morishima pins Cross with the Back Drop
-Bryan Danielson retained the ROH Champions against Adam Pearce, after a series of elbows to the head, into the Cattle Mutillation.

Lucha

AAA Television
-Angel Mortal defeated Pimpinela
-Psicosis II defeated El Mathias
-El Brazo, Mr. Niebla, and Billy Boy defeated Anifaz Del Norte, Decniss, and Alan Stone
-Cibernetico, Negro Casas, and Pirata Morgan defeated Halloween, Super Porky, and Cuervo
-Juventud Guerrera pinned Scorpio Jr
-Electro Shock, Gran Apache, and El Zorro retained the Mexican National Atomicos Titles over Zorro, Nicho, and Chessman.

Lucha Madness
-Super Porky, Billy Boy, and El Brazo over Fuerza Guerrera, Decniss, and Anifaz Del Norte
-Mr. Niebla and Cuervo defeated Unlimited Violence
-Octagon retained the Mexican National Middleweight Title over Joe Lider
-Zorro, Ozz, and Charly Manson defeated Psicosis II, Angel Mortal, and Cassandro
-Electro Shock, Negro Casas, and Chessman defeated Scorpio Jr, Cibernetico, and Pierroth Jr
-Latin Lover pinned Pirata Morgan.

CMLL
-Blue Demon Jr, Dos Caras Jr, and Tarzan Boy battled Bestia Savaje, El Terrible, and Damian to a no contest
-The Purity of Purpose defeated Masaro Ano and Apolo Dantes
-Heavy Metal defeated Santanico
-Rey Bucerno retained the CMLL World Light Heavyweight Title over Averno
-Aguila, Hector Garza, and El Hijo Del Perro retained the CMLL World Trios Titles over Mascara Sagrada, Blue Panther, and L.A. Park
-Dr. Wagner Jr defeated El Hijo Del Santo.

Puro
Mohammed Yone suffered a horrific injury during the NOAH tour, a semi-severed spinal column during a match with Atshushi Aoki, suffering a bad bump. He finished the bout, to retain the GHC Jr. Championship, but will be out for over a year with this injury, if he returns at all. He also held the GHC Tag Team titles and were stripped of the titles. Naruki Doi and Masato Yoshino captured the vacant GHC Tag Team titles over BXB Hulk and Jun Izumida earlier in the week, while Takuma Sano defeated SHINGO to capture the GHC Jr. Heavyweight Title.

Indies
JAPW had their monthly show on Tuesday, with Samoa Joe retaining the JAPW Championship over Homicide in the main event with the Muscle Buster. Also, Frankie Kazarian pinned Rhino, Low Ki pinned Jay Lethal, Chuck Taylor retained the New Jersey State Title over El Generico, Eddie Kingston pinned Jack Evans, and B-Boy beat Teddy Hart.

IWA: MS had their big show, which featured a scary incident in the main event, featuring Low Ki retaining the IWA: MS Championship against Tracy Smothers. Low Ki legit had knocked Smothers unconcious and it took a couple of minutes to revive him. We understand that the veteran suffered a severe concussion and may never wrestle again. In other matches, Roderick Strong pins Chris Hero with the Gibson Driver, Tyler Black pinned Ruckus, Kevin Steen pinned Davey Richards, Jason Hades retained the IWA: MS Lightheavyweight Title over Nate Webb, Brandon Thomaselli defeated Josh Ambercombie, and Ricky Reyes defeated Claudio Castagnoli.

Television Ratings
Raw received a 5.06 rating, Progression got a 3.66 on ABC, while a 0.05 rating on Nippon TV, Smackdown received a 4.50 rating, and TNA Impact received a 1.23 rating.

[MadMatt]

First Newsletter of April.



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #45 Week One April 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good

The road to Wrestlemania 26 kicks off with a great start for Raw, including the feature bout between the WWE Intercontinental Champion Kenny Dykstra and John Cena in a non title match. Cena was not too happy about being left off the Wrestlemania Card and he beats down Kenny. Kenny fights back, the crowd getting behind Kenny, but Cena connects with the F-U for the pin.

Also Shawn Michaels and John Bradshaw Layfield squared off in a nice little brawl. JBL outbrawled Michaels early in the match, putting him down in the center of the ring. The second attempt allowed Michaels to outbrawl JBL and Randy Orton(and his new bodyguard Vladimir Koslov) enter the ring to attack both men, leaving them laying for the no contest. Koslov going for jobber to bodyguard for the WWE Champion is something we're just going to have to weight a see how it goes out.

Stevie Richards wins once again, pinning Super Crazy with the Stevie Kick after Crazy missed a standing moonsault.

Two great women's match, with Mickie James pinning Beth Phoenix in a Wrestlemania return match with the Swinging DDT and Beth Phoenix pinning Melina with the Fisherwoman's Suplex.

Also, DH Smith pinned Nunzio in a hot opener match, both men looked good tonight, with Smith winning with the Running Powerslam.

The Bad
Santino and Carlito defeated Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly in a non title match when Carlito pins Cody with the Back Stabber. I swear we've been seeing this match for an entire year, over and over again.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing.

WWE Progression

The Good
MVP and Shelton Benjamin(the ECW Champion) had a killer match for the main event. Once again, MVP shows why he may be World Heavyweight Champion, as he pins Shelton in this non title match, putting him away with the Running Yazuka Kick to the face.

Rey Mysterio bounced away, making the Great Khali look like a dangerous man. A comeback by Rey contains a missile dropkick, but Rey goes for a cross body but Khali catches him and slams him down. Tree Slam holds Rey up into the air before standing him down.

Kenny Dykstra and Elijah Burke was a good match. The WWE Intercontinental Champion rebounds from his loss with John Cena, with a decisive victory in this seven minute match, with the Hangman's Neckbreaker.

CM Punk defeats Chuck Palumbo with the GTS. Both men showed some fire in this match, with Palumbo scoring several nearfalls. Punk was the better man tonight.

Zach Ryder may have had his greatest match ever against Jamie Noble. Sadly, Noble jobs once again, with a power bomb set up, and a facefirst drop on Noble for the pin. Still, Noble made Ryder look good.

The Bad
Nothing

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Jesse pinned Colin Delaney.

WWE Smackdown

The Good

Worst two hours of Smackdown since the last time I called Smackdown the worst two hours ever.

The Bad
Mark Henry blew up in three minutes with his main event match with Rey. Unfortunately, it got almost fifteen minutes. The WWE Tag Team Champions bring most things down. Rey tries a few things, but Henry was not game, so Henry pins Rey with the World's Strongest Slam.

Also Shelton Benjamin retained the ECW Championship over Big Daddy V. This was just as bad as the last time they fought, with Big Daddy V pounding Shelton in the corner for most of the match, but Big Daddy misses an avalanche, allowing Shelton to score a lucky roll up for the pin.

The Miz and Deuce, I did not need to see this match. Deuce is an acceptable tag wrestler, Miz is good to great, depending on the opponents, In a singles match, it was no good at all, with Miz pinning Deuce with the Reality Check.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Elijah Burke pinned Colin Delaney with the Elijah Experience, Curt Hawkins over Trevor Murdoch, and Paul London pinned Rory. Three matches, short, given all the men on this roster, there could have been some better combinations.

Misc
Mike Knox and Jamie Noble were resigned.

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good
Samoa Joe and Sting for the TNA Championship was an awesome main event. Sting tried to outfox Joe, even nearly putting him down with the Scorpion Deathlock, but Joe reached the ropes. Second Scorpion is powered out of but Sting beats on Joe and goes for the Stinger Splash, but Joe moved. Joe lifts up Sting and Muscle Buster is countered into the Scorpion Deathdrop. A half of second away from winning the title. Sting climbs to the top rope but Joe connects with a kick to the face as Sting comes down, but Joe hoists him up for the Muscle Buster for the pin. Afterwards, Scott Steiner runs out and attacks Joe, to have that match again at Lockdown. Sting showed some fire, this coudl be the last great match in the career of Sting and he made the most of it.

AJ Styles and Tomko against Rellik and Black Reign was a great match, best that Rellik and Reign have had. Styles pinned Rellik with the Styles Clash to cement their status as the number one contenders for the TNA Tag TEam Titles.

The Motor City Machine Guns against Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal in X-Division Tag Team Action. Lots of nearfalls and highspots, with Sabin pinning Lethal with the Cradle Shock. Awesome, awesome match.

Robert Roode and James Storm was a nice southern style bout, with Roode pinning Storm with the Pay Off.

The Bad

That TNA Tag Team Title match burned up my one week of goodwill. Young and Kaz retain the titles.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing

The Russo
Raisha Saeed defeated ODB in a minute match. They could have done more if they would have had time.

NWA
NWA Pay Per View results
-Backroom Boyz defeated Hook Bombery and Phoenix Starr
-Joey Ryan and Zokre defeated the Macho Men
-Adam Pearce pinned Johnny Swinger
-Karl Anderson pinned Chris Hamrick
-Homicide pinned Sonny Siaki
-David Young defeated Dan Maff
-Matt Cross pinned Juventud Guerrera
-Rob Conway pinned Brent Albright
-Nick Dinsmore pinned Chris Mordetzky
-Chris Kanyon retained the NWA World Championship against Bryan Danielson.

Live Action featured
-Mike DiBiase defeated Bull Buchanan
-Matt Cross defeated Phoenix Starr
-Chris Mordetzky defeated Adam Pearce
-Alex Shelley defeated Rob Conway.

ROH

ROH had a show called Pride Before A Fall of Friday. Results are
-Kevin Steen pinned Jason Blade with the Package Piledriver
-Mercedes Martinez defeated Sara Del Ray
-Mark Briscoe pinned Delirious with the Cutthroat Driver
-Claudio Castagnoli defeated El Generico with the Ricola Bomb
-Austin Aries and Jay Briscoe retained the ROH Tag Team Titles against the Age of the Falle when Aries pinned Jacobs
-Davey Richards pinned Jack Evans with the DR Driver
-Matt Cross pinned Ruckus
-Takeshi Morishima and Joey Matthews defeated Chris Hero and Erick Stevens
-Brent Albright and Adam Pearce defeated Bryan Danielson and Nigel McGuinness.

Lucha

AAA Television Featured
-The Wizards defeating Unlimited Violence
-El Brazo, Alan Stone, and Cibernetico defeated Silver Cat, El Hijo Del Anibal, and Pimpinela
-Anifaz Del Norte, Cuervo, and Mr. Niebla defeated Fuerza Guerrera, Halloween, and Super Porky
-Scorpio Jr defeated Escoria
-La Parka Jr and Ozz defeated Los Barrio Boys III to capture the AAA Tag Team Titles
-Gran Apache defeated El Nicho Millinairo.

AAA had their big show, featuring El Nicho Millionairo retaining the Mexican National Title over Abismo Negro. Shocker, Chessman, and Ozz defeated Latin Lover, Electro Shock, and Gran Apache, Cibernetico defeated Alan Stone, Octagon and La Parka Jr retaining the AAA Tag Team Titles over Charly Manson and Zorro, and Mr. Niebla defeated Cuervo.

Lucha Madness
-Super Porky, Cuervo, and Fuerza Guerrera defeated Billy Boy, El Brazo, and Escoria
-Shining Force(La Parka Jr and Ozz) defeated Los Barrio Boys II(Alan Stone and Decniss)
-Angei Mortal, Joe Lider, and May Flowers defeated Tinieblas Jr, Zumbido, and Cassandro
-Octagon defeated Psicosis II tor retain the Mexican National Middlweight Title
-Shocker pinned Chessman
-Latin Lover pinned Electro Shock.

CMLL
-Lizmark Jr defeated Rayo de Jalisco
-Universo 2000 defated Sagre Azteca
-The Purity of Purpose defeated Arkangel and Felino
-L.A. Park defeated El Terrible
-Negro Casas defeated Blue Panther
-Mistico, El Hijo Del Perro, and Atlantis defeated Dr. Wagner Jr, Mr. Aguila, and El Hijo Del Santo

Puro
Bob Sapp won the 2009 Champion's Carnival Tournament, beating Satoshi Kojima in the finals. Kojima suffered a broken neck in this match and will be out for the next fourteen months. There's been a lot of injuries over in Japan this year between KENTA, Mohammed Yone, and now Kojima.

TAKA Michinoku and Toshiaki Kawada won the AJPW Tag Team Titles over Keiji Mutoh and Joe Doering.

Also Jun Akiyama won the GHC Championship over Takashi Suguira.

Dragon Gate had their big monthly show, featuring Fujita and Genki Horiguchi defeating Kintaro Kanemura and Masato Yoshino in the main event. In other matches, CIMA retained the Open the Dream Gate Title over Ryo Saito, Masaaki Mochizuki defeated Susumu Mochizuki, Dragon Kid defeated Super Shiisa, Steve Corino and K-Ness defeated Mori and N. Tanisaki, and Magnitude Kishiwada defeated Ken'chiro Arai.

Eddie Edwards and Alex Shelley will tour with NJPW.

Indies
PWG featured their big show, featuring Low Ki pinning Jack Evans in the main event. Also Davey Richards pinned Tyler Black, Chris Hero and Austin Aries retained the PWG Tag Team Titles over Kevin Steen and El Generico, Roderick Strong pinned Eddie Kingston, and Claudio Castagnoli pinned Excalibur.

JAPW featured Samoa Joe retaining the JAPW Championship over Frankie Kazarian in the main event. Also, Jay Lethal and Rhino defeated Chris Hero and Jack Evans, Eddie Kingston defeated Teddy Hart, Chuck Taylor defeated El Generico to retain the JAPW New Jersey Championship, and LAX defeated the Lone Gunmen to retain the JAPW Tag Team Titles.

SHIMMER featured Daizee Haze defeating Malia Hosaka to retain the SHIMMER Championshp and Cheerleader Melissa defeated Ms. Chif.

FIP featured the main event of Roderick Strong defeated Brent Albright to retain the FIP Championship. Also Bryan Danielson defeated Tyler Black, Jay Briscoe retained the Florida Stage Heritage Title over Larry Sweeney, Nigel McGuinness and Jack Evans retained the FIP Tag Team Titles over Erick Stevens and Mark Briscoe, and Delirious beat Kenny King.

FCW featured Mighty Mikey pinning Nick Nemeth to retain the FCW Championship. Also Eric Perez defeated K.C James, Jake Hager battled Brad Allen to a time limit draw, and Shawn Spears over Andrew Vain.

Pay Per View Buyrates and Television Ratings

Wrestlemania 25 received a 2.12 buyrate or 848000 people buying the show.

Raw received a 5.61 rating, WWE Progression on ABC received a 3.75 rating, Nippon TV got a 0.09 rating, Smackdown received a 4.24 rating, and TNA Impact received a 1.27 rating.

[MadMatt]

Next Newletter!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #46 Week Two April 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
The main event featuring Umaga squaring off against Shawn Michaels was the usual great match involving Shawn Michaels. Michaels goes for the Sweet Chin Music, but Randy Orton is at ringside, grabbing the foot of Michaels. HBK fights off Orton, and turns around right into a thunderous Samoan Drop for a nearfall. The Samoan Spike puts down Michaels for the three! Orton taunts Michaels after the match, as they are fighting again for the championship at Backlash.

Jeff Hardy pinned John Cena in the center of the ring to continue his rise up the roster. Tonight might be the night for Jeff Hardy to rise up and shoot past the glass ceiling, but we'll see how this turns out. F-U is countered into a swinging DDT before Hardy climbs up. Swanton Bomb scores the pin and Hardy celebrates with the fans.

Mr. Kennedy defeated Vladimir Koslov, the new bodyguard of Randy Orton, with the Mic Check. This was Koslov's best match, but I don't think he can take many losses before he looses his effectiveness as a bodyguard.

Kenny Dykstra kept his WWE Intercontinental Title over Chris Harris in a good match. The fans got behind Harris, but the WWE midcarder beat the former TNA upper midcarder to retain the championship with the Hangman's Neckbreaker.

Also, Cody Rhodes and Charlie Haas had an acceptable opening match. Rhodes wins, and Santino and Carlito attacked Cody after the match until Hardcore Holly made the save.

The Bad
Nothing

The Ugly
Jim Duggan and Super Crazy were in action against....Mickie James and Candice Michelle? I'm really confused with this booking, I'm actually wondering what the hell is going on, whose bright idea was to run this particular tag team match. Crazy pins Mickie with a standing moonsault, in a match that had me scratching my head. Moving swiftly along.

The Pointless
Stevie Richards pinned Nunzio.

WWE Progression

The Good
Kane and Mark Henry was....not that all bad. They kept it short, at about eight minutes and even through Kane lost, it was only because Henry delivered a Gorilla Press and slammed Kane down in a cool visual before splashing him. Henry and Big Daddy V beat down Kane after the match.

Matt Hardy and Batista was the usual good match between the two of these men. This week, Hardy connects with the low blow on Big Dave and hits the Twist of Fate for the pin.

The Bad
Mack Johnson and the Miz was such a putrid pile that it deserves mention. Reality Check wins after five minutes of my life I'll never get back.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Eddie Colon over TJ Wilson, Rory over Deuce, and Curt Hawkins defeated Kofi Kingston. The competitors in these matches could have come out with flame throws and woull not get any heat.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Batista and Khali showed an improvement from what they were capable of in the past. Much like Kane and Khali last week, this match surprised me how good it was. Thunderous Spinebuster puts down Khali for the pin.

JTG and Rey Mysterio competed one on one in a nice little match. The best in JTG's career and Rey gets a clean victory, pinning JTG with the West Coast Pop.

Hardcore Holly and Kevin Thorn was a good little brawl. Thorn had a good match with Paul London since coming back, but this match against Hardcore Holly was good as well. Holly pins Thorn with the Alabama Slam.

Shelton Benjamin pinned Rory. The ECW Champion makes this an entertaining squash in the four minutes giving, ending with the Gold Rush.

Speaking of entertaining squashes, Colin Delaney took a helluva beating, so much I thought Colin was going to pull a Mikey Whipwreck and win the WWE United States Title from Matt Hardy, but Twist of Fate dashes those dreams.

The Bad
Deuce pinned Elijah Burke, yes Burke gets jobbed again.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Shannon Moore pinned Kofi Kingston in a pefectly fine, but unremarkable match.

Misc
For some ungodly reason after his "performance" a few weeks ago, Kafu has been resigned.

Also, Ron "The Truth" Killings has signed a developmental deal, which was strange, because he had one last year and was called up for all of one match on TV. This is his third stint in the company, maybe he's trying to break Marty Jannetty's record for most runs in WWE.

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good
The main event featuring Kurt Angle and Rhino squaring off against the TNA Tag Team Champions Kaz and Eric Young in a non title match, was a good little bout, as Kaz continues to be pushed up the card and Young also got his share off the action. The champions only lost when Styles and Tomko interfered. Kurt's going to leave TNA, maybe trying to return to WWE soon, but who knows if Vince will take him back. Only time will tell.

Samoa Joe and Sting had another good match after the battle last week, in a non title match. Sting showed some more fire, but in the end the Muscle Buster wins after Sting got several nearfalls. Afterwards, Kurt Angle suggested that Sting retire, but this lead to a match at TNA Lockdown. Fine stuff.

Alex Shelley scores a victory in a fatal four way match against James Storm, Brother Devon, and Homicide. Team 3D and LAX will be fighting at Lockdown, so Devon and Homicide brawl to the back. Shelley pins Storm with the Shell Shock and challenges anyone to a match at Lockdown. Christian Cage accepts the challenge. Man that match will rule.

Robert Roode pinned Brother Ray in another good brawl, that was only slightly marred by the interference of LAX, which lead to the Pay Off.

The Bad
Scott Steiner and Petey Williams over Rellik and Black Reign was not all that good. Petey tried, but he is not good enough to carry three wrestlers and Steiner's only good when he's in there with Joe(like at Lockdown). Steiner makes Rellik submit to the Steiner Recliner.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
ODB pinned Salinas in a match that seemed rushed and tacked on. The TNA Knockout's Title will be on the line at Lockdown, but no mention of Roxxy's opponent(or opponents).

The Russo
Soild booked show.

TNA Lockdown

The Good
Samoa Joe and Scott Steiner have their usual good TNA Championship match. For those keeping track, this is the one year anniversary of the title reign of Samoa Joe. Hard to believe this title reign started when Wrestling Today Newsletter didn't even come out. Joe pins Steiner with the Muscle Buster after Steiner hit the cage in a thirteen minute bout. I do hope TNA finds a fresh title match soon.

Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal beat Rellik and Black Reign! I did not expect that, and in fact, the X-Division Guys winning cleanly. Rellik and Reign are passable when against a good team, but when they are bad, they are bad. Rellik is pinned, because he always the job in these matches.

James Storm and Rhino was made at the last minute, but both men had a good match. I do question the booking of having Storm job cleanly to the Gore, but still did not take away from the good brawl this match was.

Kurt Angle and Sting tore the house down. Five stars, match of the year canidate, if this was Kurt's last match, he went out with style. Angle is bleeding in the Scorpion Deathlock, harkening back to the famous Bret Hart/Steve Austin Match at Wrestlemania 13. Angle fights out of the Scorpion and slaps the Ankle Lock. Sting gets to the ropes and slings Kurt into the cage. Attempted Stinger Splash but Angle ducks and Sting hits the cage, which leads to the Angle Slam for a nearfall. Angle proves he's absolutely out of his mind, climbing to the top of the cage with a bad neck and misses a Moonsault .Scorpion Deathdrop, but in the ropes. Another Scorpion Death Drop is countered into the Ankle Lock and Sting has no choice to submit. Angle winning does make sense, given the storyline direction they're going with Sting, but it's a shame that Angle's leaving in two weeks. He did put over Kaz a couple of weeks ago, we'll give him that and I wonder if they'll try to squeeze one more match out of him and Joe on an Impact, but for all intents and purposes, this is Angle's last high profile TNA match.

Christian Cage pinned Alex Shelley in yet another winner. See what TNA can do with their stars if they book everything properly. Shelley loses to the Unprettier. One again, like Storm/Rhino, wrong guy might have went over, but it was still a good match.

New TNA Tag Team Champions as AJ Styles and Tomko recapture the belts they lost a year ago (to Kaz and Eric Young oddly enough), by beating Kaz and Eric Young, when Styles hits the Super Styles Clash off the top of the cage on Kaz, as Tomko beats up Young. Styles and Tomko celebrate with the gold, to boos from the fans.

Curry Man and Jimmy Rave was X-Division goodness, with Curry Man pinning Rave with the Spice Rack

Also, Team 3D defeated LAX, in another counterproductive booking, awesome match, battle when the 3D puts down Homicide.

The Bad
Both the Knockout Matches were among the weakest combinations. Angelina Love pinned ODB, with help from Velvet Sky, while Roxxy retained the Knockout's Title over Sky.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Matt Morgan squashing Consequences Creed seemed rather unneeded.

The Russo
The three minute X-Division Title match between Petey Williams and Chris Sabin. Sabin wins with the Cradle Shock, this about the third Pay Per View these two men have had a match and it keeps getting the shaft.

NWA
Live Action Results
-Karl Anderson pinned Hook Bomberry
-Dan Maff pinned Seth Delay
-Alex Shelley pinned Matt Cross
-Chris Kanyon and Rob Conway defeated Nick Dinsmore and Chris Mordetskzy

Lucha
AAA Televison Results
-Alan Stone, Anifaz Del Norte, and Cuervo defeated El Mathias, May Flowers, and Silver Cat
-Billy Boy pinned Tineiablas Jr
-Decniss, Mr. Niebla, and Halloween defeated Psicosis II, Zumbido, and Angel Mortal
-Octagon defeated El Brazo to retain the Mexican National Middleweight Title
-Gran Apache and Juventud Guerrera defeated Shining Force
-Negro Casas and Scorpio Jr defeated Chessman and Nicho.

Lucha Madness
-Angel Mortal defeated Pimpinela
-Super Porky, Cuervo, and Mr. Niebla defeated May Flowers, Hijo Del Annibal, and Silver Cat
-The Wizards battled Unlimited Violence to a double countout
-Pirata Morgan defeated Fuerza Guerrera
-Shining Force retained the AAA Tag Team Titles over Los Barrio Boys III
-Abismo Negro defeated Shocker.

CMLL had their monthly big show, featuring Silver King defeating Atlantis to retain the CMLL World Heavyweight Title. Also, Blue Panther, El Hijo Del Perro, and Dr. Wagner Jr battled Mr. Aguila, El Hijo Del Santo, and Heavy Metal to a no contest, Hector Garza and Mistico retained the CMLL World Tag Team Titles against Felino and Lizmark Jr, Los Guerreros Del Infernos defeated the Purity of Purpose, Cien Caras, L.A. Park, and Mascara Sagrada defeated Tarzan Boy, Black Warrior, and Satanico, El Terrible defeated Bestia Savaje to retain the CMLL National Title, and Averno defeated Damian 666 to retain the NWA World Middlweight Title.

CMLL featured
-Tarzan Boy, Universo 2000, and Dos Caras Jr defeated Bestia Savaje, Lizmark Jr, and Rayo De Jalisco
-Pierroth Jr pinned Apolo Dantes
-Mr. Aguila, Hector Garza and El Hijo Del Perro defeated Felino, Damian 666 and El Terrible to retain the CMLL Trios Title
-Silver King defeated Olimpico
-Heavy Metal defeated Mascara Sagrada
-El Hijo Del Santo, Atlantis, and Dr. Wagner Jr defeated Blue Panther, Mistico, and Cien Caras

Puro
Kikutaro defeated Taiyo Kea to capture the AJPW Jr. Championship.

BJPW featured Jun Kasai retaining the BJW Death Match Championship over Shinjiro Otani in the main event. Also, Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Kikutaro, Kintaro Kanemura defeated Hi69, BADBOY Hido defeated Ryuji Yamakawa, MEN'S Teioh and GENTARO captured the BJW Tag Team Titles over Mammoth and Shadow WX, and Abdullah Kobayashi defeated Ryuji Ito.

The Indies
Jamin Olivencia defeated Rob Conway to retain the OVW Championship. Also, Tommy McNaler defeated Nine Fingers Dewey, Anthony Bravado defeated Omar Akbar, and Jacob Duncan retained the OVW TV Title over Raul Loco.

The Pay Per View and Television Ratings

The NWA Pay Per View received a 0.36 or 144000 viewers buying the show.

Raw received a 5.47 rating, WWE Progression received a 3.64 rating on ABC, with a 0.09 rating on Nippon TV, Smackdown received a 4.58 rating, and TNA Impact received a 1.27 rating.

[MadMatt]

The latest newsletter!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #47 Week Three April 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw
The Good
As per usual, Shawn Michaels and John Bradshaw Layfield had another great match. Randy Orton cost Michaels the match, leading to the Clotheslne from Hell from Layfield for the pin. This may be Michaels's last chance to become WWE Champion at Backlash.

Also, Chris Jericho went out for his last match on Raw with a bang(moving to Smackdown as seen on Friday), putting over Kenny Dykstra once again with the Hangman's Neckbreaker.

Mickie James pinned Jillian Hall with the DDT to retain the Women's Title. Melina comes out, and gets into it with Mickie, leading to a match at Backlash. No problems.

The Bad
Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly defeated Santino and Carlito to retain the World Tag Team Titles. Santino and Carlito beat them up afterwards, leading to a World Tag Team Title feud at Backlash. Will this feud just die already?

Also, Festus pinned DH Smith and Domino pinned Paul Burchill in two matches that had me scratching my head.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Charlie Haas pinned Nunzio in a match that was shaping up to be good but was way too short to mean much.

WWE Progression

The Good
The Big Show and Batista against Big Daddy V and Mark Henry was better than you expected. Henry was injured during this match, suffering a torn stomach muscle that will put him on the shelf for the next month. Batista connected with the Spinebuster on Big Daddy for the pin.

Shelton Benjamin pinned JTG to retain the ECW Championship after a reverse cradle. Second good match for JTG(after the Rey match).

Also kudos to CM Punk as he made a match with Curt Hawkins work well, ending with the GTS.

Also Paul London and Jay Bradley had a good match. London was game and lead Bradley through a nice match. Standing Shooting Star Press pins Bradley after he misses an elbowdrop off the second rope.

The Bad
Kevin Thorn and Chuck Palumbo just did not click at all. The Original Sin pinned Palumbo.

The Ugly

Nothing

The Pointless
Elijah Burke pinned Matt Capotelli.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
The double main event saved the day. First we had CM Punk challenging the Undertaker for the World Heavyweight Championship. Taker's had his usual good match against a guy smaller than him. Punk actually has Taker up for the GTS, but Taker lands on his feet, scoops up Punk and Tombstones him for the finish.

Also Chris Jericho makes his return to Smackdown, to a losing effort to Batista, but that's fine as Batista needed a win after all the matches that he lost to Matt Hardy. Batista countered Jericho mid Code Breaker with the spinebuster and connected with the Batista Bomb for the pin.

The Bad
Chuck Palumbo and Big Daddy V. Big Daddy V huffed and puffed through this seven minute match, which is why he should have been put in tag team matches. Sadly with Henry out for the next month, this is what we're going to get. Big Daddy elbow for the pin.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
The Edgeheads over Kofi Kingston and Mike Knox, Jesse over Matt Capotelli, and Elijah Burke over Shawn Spears.

Misc
Eric Perez and Reid Flair have been called up for the main roster. Also, TNA competitor Hernandez has signed a developmental deal and will be leaving TNA shortly. Also NWA/ROH mainstay Matt Cross has signed a developemental deal. Theodore Long has inked a contract extension with the company.

TNA

TNA Impact

TNA Impact might be my favorite show of the week now. Hard to believe how much this show's turned around. Let's review.

The Good
Fatal Four Way Match for the TNA Championship ended the show. It was Samoa Joe defending the title against Christian Cage, Sting, and Black Reign. Good showing from all four men, including Reign. Joe's slowly turning into an evil bastard Samoan heel and thought he screws Sting out of the victory by throwing him out of the ring when he had Reign finished off, before connecting with the Muscle Buster. After the match, Sting and Joe brawl, so there's your Sacrifice Main Event folks.

Kaz and Rhino had an awesome little singles match. Gore pins Kaz knocking him out, but the announcers give him props for taking Rhino to the limit and this was not a squash, but rather Rhino just scoring with the Gore.

Alex Shelley and Eric Young was a super little match. Shelley continues his winning record, as Chris Sabin comes out to celebrate, with Shelley eying Sabin's X-Division Title. Something may be building here.

Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal square off against Petey Williams and Scott Steiner. Steiner stays on the apron for this bout, letting the X-Division stars do their stuff. Tag in towards the end and the X-Division stars use high flying, high impact offense to keep the bigger Steiner off guard, before Steiner gets lucky, wiping them out with a double clothesline, before putting down Lethal with a belly to belly suplex.

Nice three way bout between Robert Roode, Homicide, and Brother Ray. Ray wins, pinning Roode, after knocking Homicide to the floor.

The Bad
Roxxy retained the TNA Knockout's Title over Jacqueline Moore and Payton Banks. Match did not click as well as it could but Roxxy won pinning Banks.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing

The Russo
I know he's still around, but he did not make his pressence felt

Misc
Hernandez will be leaving TNA for WWE developemental shortly.

NWA
Live Action Results
-Johnny Swinger over Sonny Siaki
-Dan Maff over Hook Bomberry
-Brent Albright and Alex Shelley retained the NWA Tag Team Titles over Matt Cross and Homicide
-Chris Kanyon defeated Rob Conway

Lucha

AAA Television
-Mr. Niebla defeated El Methias
-Super Porky, Alan Stone, and Halloween over Fuerza Guerrera, May Flowers, and Hijo Del Annibal
-Billy Boy, Decniss, and Escoria defeated Pimpinela, Anifaz Del Norte, and El Brazo
-Tinieblas Jr, Psicosis II, and Joe Lider defeated Zumbido, Angel Mortal, and Cassandro
-Octagon, Gran Apache, and Shocker defeated Nicho, Negro Casas, and Latin Lover
-Electro Shock defeated Juventud Guerrera

Lucha Madness
-Anifaz Del Norte, Angel Mortal, and La Parka Jr defeated El Mathias, May Flowers, and El Hijo Annibal
-Brazo De Plata battled Escoria to a double disqualification
-Cuervo defeated Decniss
-Halloween, Mr. Niebla, and El Brazo battled Alan Stone, Fuerza Guerrera, and Billy Boy to a double disqualification
-Octagon defeated Electro Shock
-Latin Lover and Juventud Guerrera defeated Zorro and Cibernetico.

CMLL
-Bestia Savaje and El Terrible defeated Rayo De Jaliscio and Azteca
-Dos Caras Jr, Tarzan Boy, and Satanico defeated Apolo Dantes, Mascara Ano, and Lizmark Jr
-Rey Bucanero defeated Arkangel
-The Purity of Purpose defeated Felino and Damian 666
-Mr. Aguila, Hector Garza, and El Hijo Del Perro defeated Mascara Sagrada, Silver King, and Cien Caras to retain the CMLL Tag Team Titles
-Atlantis defeated Mistico.

Puro
NOAH had its monthly show, featuring Jun Akiyama defeating Akitoshi Saito to retain the GHC Championship. Also, Kentaro Shiga defeated Rob Van Dam, Shuhei Taniguchi to retain the NOAH Wrestling Spirit Title, Takauma Sano defeated Takashi Sugiuru to retain the GHC Jr. Heavyweight Title, Mitsuhara Misawa and Naomichi Marufuji defeated Bison Smith and Ricky Marvin, and Akira Taue defeated Takeshi Rikio.

Indies
CZW had their monthly show, featuring the main event of the Iron Saints defeating Chuck Taylor and the Messiah. Also, Sonjay Dutt retained the CZW Championship against Ruckus, DJ Hyde defeated Brain Damage, Ricochet defeated Sexxy Eddy, Sabian defeated Jon Dahmer, and the Nightmares retained the CZW Tag Team Titles over the Dogs of War.

Pay Per View and Television Ratings
TNA Lockdown received a 0.20 rating, which translated into roughly 80000 people buying.

Raw received a 5.56 rating, WWE Progression on ABC received a 3.67 while a 0.08 on Nippon TV, WWE Smackdown received a 4.66 rating, and TNA Impact received a 1.28 rating.

[chopps4312]

Hey hey, just wanted to say keep em coming. Love this thread bud

[MadMatt]

And after a break, due to finals, we're back with Issue #48.



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #48 For A Week Four April 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
Umaga/Jeff Hardy...happens many times, still good everytime it does. This time, Jeff Hardy manages to crack the code of the Samoan Bulldozer after several times failing through this latest stage of the feud, scoring the pin with the Swanton Bomb.

John Cena and Gregory Helms was another great match. Helms has had some really good matches as of late and this is no exception. Cena wins with the STFU after a fine battle.

Cody Rhodes and Stevie Richards worked good enough. Rhodes wins with a DDT, looks like Stevie is back to being an enhancement talent.

Also, Vladimir Koslov and Val Venis had a match match, the best match in Koslov's career. Val busted his ass in this match, but in the end, Randy Orton ran out(Koslov's his bodyguard,remember) and hit Val with a soccer kick to the head, allowing Koslov to connect with the Torture Rack drop. Afterwards, Shawn Michaels makes the save, as Orton and Koslov attempt to put a beatdown on Venis, as Michaels is challenging for the WWE Championship at Backlash.

The Bad
Santino and Carlito defeated Nick Nemeth and Chris Harris. Harris was the best worker in this match but he's still the weaker half of AMW. Carlito wins with the Back Stabber, because they're challenging for the World Tag Team Titles again this Sunday. Vince McMahon could give away a million dollars and I still wouldn't be excited to see Rhodes and Holly against Santino and Carlito. And the fact that Rhodes and Holly are coming really close or have broken Demolition's record is an insult to tag team wrestling.

The Ugly
Maria and Candice had a pointless no contest until Melina ran out, beating both women up, until Mickie had the save, to set up another match between Mickie and Melina.

Also, Reid Flair made his debut teaming with Ted DiBiase Jr against Super Crazy and Hacksaw Jim Duggan. I'm not making this match up. The son of the greatest wrestler of all time jobs to the old and out of shape Hacksaw's three point stance clothesline in a three minute Raw match in his first time out. Even Vince Russo, at his very worst, could have not booked a worst outcome.

The Pointless
Nothing

WWE Progression

The Good
The Undertaker and JTG was a suprising little match, as it was good. Taker wins with the Tombstone because he's the champion but he's marooned without a program right now.

The Great Khali and CM Punk defeated Matt Hardy and the Big Show. Another great, ten minute tag team match, Khali was kept on the ring apron for most of the match, tagging in only towards the end to look big and nasty and pin Hardy with the Tree Slam.

Paul London and the Miz was a fine match, the Miz's best match not involving him teaming with John Morrison. Frankensteiner off the top rope, standing moonsault, London gets the pin, awesome stuff.

The Bad
Curt Hawkins and Kevin Thorn was just sad. Thorn's fine when he's in their with the right opponents, but Hawkins was not the right opponent. No contest when the the Great Khali comes out, because why the hell not.

Also Jesse pinning Jamie Noble, thank you, good night everyone.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Shannon Moore and Chuck Palumbo over Matt Capotelli and Shawn Spears when Moore pins Spears.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Rey Mysterio and the Great Khali had a great match. The story of this match was Khali pounds on Rey, but every so often, Rey takes Khali off balance with a quick move. Highlight of the match was Khali countering a bulldog with a sidewalk slam, watching Rey bounce was a tree. Eventually, Khali chops the referee, but Rey brings the chair into the ring. Nice flying chairshot wipes Khali out, causing him to lie onto the bottom rope, before Rey connects with the 6-1-9. Dropping the Dime and Rey counts his own pin, to a big pop. The official result was a no contest, but the idea was that Khali's going to be pissed when he's wakes and realizes that little Rey got the better of him.

Ken Kennedy....Kennedy returns to Smackdown and has a great match with the World Heavyweight Champion the Undertaker. Non title, but Kennedy pins the Undertaker cleanly in the middle of the ring with the Mic Check. I suspect this was setting up a future challenger and after the match, the Undertaker sat up, looking a bit shocked, showing emotion as Kennedy celebrated.

The Miz defeated Shannon Moore with the Reality Check in a good match.

Also, the Edgeheads had a pretty fun tag team match against Cade and Murdoch, with Ryder jobbing to the High Low.

The Bad
That ****head Kafu is back. Chuck Palumbo is a better woker than Deuce, but only slightly. Palumbo pins Kafu with the Jungle Kick after three and a half painful minutes.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Jesse over Matt Capotelli and Deuce over Jay Bradley.

WWE Backlash

The Good
Awesome Fatal Four Way Main Event, involving Batista, the Big Show, Mr. Kennedy and JBL. This was a replacement for Money in the Bank of sorts and ended with Show pinning JBL with the Choke Slam. Mr. Kennedy had Batista down with the Mic Check, but Show's pin happened a split second before Kennedy's. So Show gets a championship title match down the road.

Randy Orton and Shawn Michaels had another WWE Championship Match. In other news, rain is wet, ice is cold, and politicians lie. Michaels tuned up the band and went for the SCM, but Orton caught him with the RKO to score the pin. Orton celebrates with the belt, having gotten past another Pay Per View with the gold.

Lance Cade and Shelton Benjamin had a match for the ECW Championship that was fine. Shelton scores the pin with a roll up after Cade misses a lariat in a back and forth match with a lot of nearfalls.

Melina and Mickie James have their usual good match for the Women's Title. Mickie pins Melina once again with the Swinging DDT after Melina missed a running knee in the corner.

Also, kudos to Paul Burchill and Drew McIntyre. It looked to be a pointless, faceless match between two curtain jerkers, but both men pounded each other, before Burchille curb stomped the hell out of McIntyre for the pin.

The Bad
Giving random men secondary title shots has got to stop. Kenny Dykstra beat Eric Perez to retain the WWE Intercontinental Title and Matt Hardy pinned Eddie Colon with the Twist of Fate to retain the United States Title. Acceptable matches, but just so far, these two men have done nothing to distiguish themselves from the dozen or so other call ups in 2009.

Also Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly beat Santino and Carlito to retain the World Tag Team Titles. Yay!

Random six man tag match, it was CM Punk, MVP, and the Great Khali against Kane, Shad, and William Regal. MVP pins Shad with the boot in the corner, but once it, it just seemed like they threw a bunch of wrestlers into a hat and this is the match they got.

Also, the Miz and John Morrison against Super Crazy and Jim Duggan was meh, mostly because Duggan played face in peril and didn't sell much. Morrison pins Crazy with the Moonlight Drive.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Ted DiBiase Jr over Shawn Spears.

Misc
Domino and Kane have signed contract extensions. K.C. James and Mighty Mighty have been recalled. Just what we need, another couple of faces on the roster.

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good
Jay Lethal, Sting, and Christian Cage defeated Samoa Joe, Rhino, and Kurt Angle in the main event. This was Angle's last match in TNA, as he's not resigning with them and it was a great match to go out on. Sting traps Angle in the Scorpion Deathlock, forcing the tap out. Afterwards, Joe attacks Sting, laying him out with the Muscle Buster. He also attacks Angle, hitting him with three Muscle Busters, which will serve as writing Angle out of TNA.

AJ Styles and Tomko against the Motor City Machines rocked the house. Great defense of the TNA World Tag Team Titles, with Styles pinning Sabin with the Styles Clash after Tomko held off Shelley. Still, the Machine Guns kept up with the tag team champions.

Roxxy pinned Awesome Kong to retain the Knockout's Title after a sunset flip. This was all about the heart and determination of Roxxy, vowing to put down the monster that was Kong and Kong really made her earn this victtory.

Homicide and James Storm have a match because their former partners are now in WWE or something. A good match, back and forth action, ending with Homicide pinning Storm with the Gringo Killer.

Robert Roode defeated Kip James, Curry Man, and Eric Young in a fatal four way match when Roode pinned Kip with the Pay Off. Hey, any match where Billy Gunn does the job is a winner in my book.

The Bad
Scott Steiner and Black Reign had about the level of match you expected. Steiner wins with the Steiner Recliner.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing

The Russo
Once again, nothing offensive.

NWA

NWA Live Action Results
-Brent Albright and Alex Shelley retained the NWA Tag Team Titles against the Macho Men
-Johnny Swinger battled Mike DiBiase to a no contest
-NWA Champion Chris Kanyon pinned Matt Cross in a non title match in Cross's last match before heading to WWE developmental
-Rob Conway pinned Chris Mordetzky.

Lucha
AAA Television
-La Parka Jr, Zorro, and Cassandro defeated El Hijo Annibal, Pimpinela, and Silver Cat
-Anifaz Del Norte, Alan Stone, and Fuerza Guerrera defeated Mr. Niebla, Halloween, and El Brazo
-Brazo Del Plata defeated Decniss
-Ozz, Scorpio Jr, and Cibernetico defeated Cuervo, Escoria, and Billy Boy
-Electro Shock, Octagon, and Latin Lover defeated Gran Apache, Shocker, and Negro Casas
-Nicho El Millionairo defeated Juventud Guerrera.

Lucha Madness
-Billy Boy, El Brazo, and Fuerza Guerrera battled Super Porky, Anifraz, and Decniss to a no contest
-Unlimited Violence defeated the Wizards
-Halloween, Alan Stone, and Mr. Niebla defeated El Mathias, May Flowers, and Silver Cat
-Cuervo defeated Escoria
-Ocagon retained the Mexican National Middleweight Title over Chessman
-Electro Shock, Gran Apache, and Shocker defeated Nicho, Juventud Guerrera, and Negro Casas to retain the Mexican National Atomicos Titles.

CMLL
-Olimpico, Tarzan Boy, and Silver King defeated Felino, Bestia Savaje, and Azteca
-Pierroth Jr, Dos Caras Jr, and Universo 2000 defeated Blue Demon Jr, Black Warrior, and Satanico
-Rey Bucerno defeated El Terrible to retain the CMLL World Lightheavyweight Title
-Hector Garza and Mistico retained the CMLL Tag Team Titles over Damian and Lizmark Jr
-Averno retained the CMLL World Middleweight Title over Heavy Metal
-Mr. Aguila defeated Dr. Wagner Jr.

Puro
We have a new Triple Crown Champion in AJPW, where Bob Sapp won the belt over Keiji Mutoh.

Also in NOAH, BXB Hulk defeated Shuhei Taniguchi to capture the NOAH Wrestling Spirit Title.

Indies
CHIKARA featured the main event of Chris Hero defeating El Pantera. Also, Mike Quackenbush defeated Larry Sweeney, Claudio Castagnoli defeated Chuck Taylor, and Eddie Kingston defeated Sabian.

IWA: MS had their monthly show, featuring Low-Ki retaining the IWA: MS Championship against Jason Hades. Also, Chris Hero over Roderick Strong, Ruckus over Nate Webb, Tyler Black over Brandon Thomaselli and the Iron Saints retaining the IWA: MS Tag Team Titles over Team Force(Davey Richards and Claudio Castagnoli)

[U]Television Ratings[/I]
Raw received a 5.45 rating, WWE Progression got 3.78 rating on ABC, while a 0.09 rating on Nippon TV, Smackdown got a 4.53 rating, and TNA Impact received a 1.27 rating

[MadMatt]

The one year anniversary issue!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #49 Week One May 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
Snitsky had a great match. When you consider that it was against Shawn Michaels, it's a bit less of a surprise. Michaels pins Snitsky with the Sweet Chin Music, after a back and forth match.

Jeff Hardy and Randy Orton had a non title match, with Hardy pinning Orton with the Swanton Bomb. We're setting up a future Hardy title challenge for down the road. Orton was arrogant, after a pair of victories over Shawn Michaels on back to back Pay Per Views and as a result, Hardy snuck in with the victory.

Also, Mickie James and Beth Phoenix had a great little match for the WWE Women's Title, the second great match in two nights for the title. Mickie wins with a backslide after Beth hits the corner hard.

Colt Cabana and Val Venis was a really fun battle between two really underutilized workers. Val Venis won with the Money Shot in the end.

Also, Tommy Dreamer and Santino Marellla was about ten times better than you'd expect. Dreamer pins Santino with the Dreamer DDT.

The Bad
Nothing

The Ugly
Super Crazy and Jim Duggan defeated Jillian and Natalya. The less said about this match, the better. Super Crazy wins with a moonsault.

The Pointless
Stevie Richards over Festus was just there.

WWE Progression

The Good
Elijah Burke and Kenny Dykstra squared off against the Undertaker and Matt Hardy in the main event. An odd, but perfectly accceptable tag team match. Dykstra and Burke got lots of offense over the established stars but the end saw the Undertaker pin Dykstra with the Tombstone, as the announcers hype up his World Heavyweight Title match against MVP on Smackdown.

Also, Mighty Mikey debuts. He's formally Mike Mondo or Mikey of the spirit squad. He's a goof that thinks he's a super hero. Somewhere, Gregory Helms consults his attorneys. Kane comes out and beats up Mikey, who takes a helluva a beating before Kane pins him with the Choke Slam after three minutes.

The Bad
The Great Khali and Batista have the usual level of battle. Five minutes of ****ty brawling leads to a no contest. Security pours from the back. Batista spears Khali. Khali doesn't sell. Batista is lead off.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Zach Ryder over Matt Capotelli, Mike Knox, Lance Cade, and Kevin Thorn over TJ Wilson, Jamie Noble, and Shannon Moore when Knox pinned Noble, and Colin Delaney pinning Eddie Colon.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Another fantastic round between MVP and the Undertaker, MVP does seem like he's getting better and closer to winning the title. Several nearfalls before the Undertaker pulls out the Tombstone for the pin.

Chris Jericho and Shelton Benjamin was an epic encounter. Seriously, this ECW Championship match had both men throw everything they had at each other for twelve minutes. Jericho scores with the Code Breaker to score the pin and capture the ECW Championship, which is the perfect title for Jericho, considering he's way above the Intercontinental or United States Title, but political forces won't allow him to go after the WWE or World Titles.

Matt Hardy and Kofi Kingston had a great little bout for the WWE United States Title. Hardy handily avoids a cross body, causing Kofi to plant himself on the canvas. Twist of Fate scores the pin!

Elijah Burke and TJ Wilson had a great match, with Burke scoring a rare victory with the Elijah Experience.

Trevor Murdoch and Paul London was a hot opening match. Both men tour down the house with a high number of nearfalls. London misses a 450 splash and Murdoch with the pin.

The Bad
Jamie Noble loses once again, this time to Highlander Rory. Seriously, if Noble was any lower, he'd be fighting guys who were coming up from developmental.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing

Misc
Lupe Viscara and Jake Hager have been called up, we'll really sweeping the bottom of the developmental bin. Also, Heath Miller signed a contract extension and Dan Maff and Justin Credible have been signed to a developmental deals. Smackdown will be shown on ESPN International starting in June.

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good
Jay Lethal pinned Rhino in the main event. Damn, TNA's really serious about this actually succeeding after seven years thing, aren't they? Lethal is one of those who has showed promise through thick and thin through TNA.

Kaz and Samoa Joe have another great match. The announcers talk about how Sting has taken Kaz under his wing as of late, which gives this a built in storyline for the match, as Joe's feuding with Sting. Joe beats down Kaz for most of the match, Kaz gets a comeback, hitting Joe with a series of high impact moves, but Joe connects with the Muscle Buster, before pulling up Kaz at two. Joe slaps on a scorpion deathlock and Kaz submits. Joe says he doesn't need Sting to take him under his wing, but rather at Sacrifice, he's going to take Sting down and end the legend's career. This is a great feud.

Homicide pins James Storm with the Gringo Killa in another great match. Much like last week, this rocked.

Also, Scott Steiner and Petey Williams defeated Curry Man and Robert Roode in an impressive tag team match. Petey pins Curry with the Canadian Destroyer, which is sad but it was still a good match. The X-Division guys got some nice high flying stuff, the brawlers brawled.

The Bad
Roxxy pinning Salinas to retain the Knockout's Title was a rare recent misfire for the Knockout's division

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing

The Russo
Greenlighting that Matt Morgan/Kip James match was a blemish on this show. Morgan's a decent big man, but Kip James sucks. And he wins with the Fame-Asser.

NWA

Live Action had
-Chris Hamrick and Dan Maff defeating Los Luchas
-The Macho Men defeating the Backroom Boyz
-Rob Conway defeating Chris Mordetzky
-Chris Kanyon retaining the NWA Championship against Alex Shelley.

NWA Final Crisis Pay Per View Results
-Marty Jannetty pinned Phoenix Starr with the Rocker Dropper
-Seth Delay defeated Scorpio Sky
-Zokre defeated Hook Bomberry
-David Young defeated Joey Ryan
-Homicide pinned Mike Quackenbush
-Mike DiBiase and Brent Albright defeated Team RIOT(Chris Hamrick and Dan Maff)
-Adam Pearce pinned Johnny Swinger
-Bryan Danielson defeated Karl Anderson
-Nick Dinsmore pinned Sonny Siaki
-Chris Mordetzky defeated Rob Conway
-Chris Kanyon retained the NWA World Championshp over Alex Shelley.

Lucha
AAA Television
-Alan Stone over Halloween
-Escoria over El Methias
-Super Porky and Fuerza Guerrera over the Wizards
-Scorpio Jr and Cibernetico over Shining Force
-Juventud Guerrera defeated Shocker
-Gran Apache defeated Nicho El Millionairo

Lucha Madness
-Angel Mortal, Zumbido, and Psicosis II defeated Silver Cat, Pimpinela, and May Flowers
-Fuerza Guerrera defeated El Hijo Del Annibal
-Billy Boy, Mr. Niebla, and Halloween defeated Alan Stone, Escoria, and El Brazo
-Cuervo defeated Cassandro
-Shocker and Negro Casas defeated Shining Force
-Nicho El Millionairo defeated Electro Shock to retain the Mexican National Heavyweight Title.

CMLL
-Pierroth Jr, Black Warrior, and Averno defeated El Terrible, Bestia Savaje, and Olimpio
-Universo 2000 defeated Rayo de Jalisco
-Hector Garza, Blue Demon Jr, and Rey Bucanero defeated Mascara Ano, Dos Caras Jr, and Satanico
-Dr Wagner Jr, El Hijo Del Santo, and El Hijo Del Perro defeated Cien Caras, Silver King, and Mascara Sagrada
-Mr. Aguila defeated Blue Panther.

Hector Garza suffered a spinal disalignment during this show, forcing himself and Mistico to be stripped of the CMLL Tag Team Titles, because Garza will miss two months.

AAA had their monthly show, featuring a main event of Electro Shock, Gran Apache, and Shocker retaining the Mexico National Atomicos Titles over Octagon, Nicho, and Latin Lover. Also, Juventud Guerrera defeated El Zorro, Shining Force defeated Pirata Morgan and Chessman to retain the AAA Tag Team Titles, Scorpio Jr, Cibernetico, and Negro Casas defeated Alan Stone, Fuerza Guerrera, and Billy Boy, and Escoria, Cuervo, and Mr. Niebla defeated Hijo Del Annibal, Silver Cat, and Pimpinela.

Puro
Dragon Gate had their monthly show, featuring CIMA retaining the Open the Dream Gate Title over Steve Corino. Also, Kintaro Kanemura defeated K-Ness, Masato Yoshino defeated Masaaki Mochizuki, Genki Horiguchi defeated Ryo Saito to capture the Open the Brave Gate Title, and Super Shiisa went to a time limit draw with Anthony W. Mori.

NOAH had their monthly show, featuring Jun Akiyama defeating Kentaro Shinga. Also Rob Van Dam scored a big win over Mitsuhara Misawa, Takuma Sano retained the GHC Jr. Heavyweight Championship over Kazuyuki Fujita, Naomichi Marufuji defeated Masao Inoue, Takashi Sugiura and Tamon Honda defeated Naruki Doi and Masato Yoshino to capture the GHC Tag Team Championships, and Akitoshi Saito defeated Yoshinobu Kanemura.

BJW's monthly show featured, Jun Kasai retaining the Death Match Championship over Jay Lethal. Also Kintaro Kanemura defeated Shinjiro Otani, Kikutaro defeated BADBOY Hido, Hi69 defeated Shadow WX, Ryuji Ito defeated Mammoth Sasaki, and MEN'S Teioh and GENTARO defeated Madman Pondo and Jaki Numakaza to retain the BJW Tag Team Titles.

Indies
OVW's monthly show featured. Jamin Olivencia defeating Anthony Bravado to retain the OVW Championship. Rob Conway defeated Tommy McNaler, Nine Fingers Dewey defeated Rudy Switchblade, and Jacob Duncan defeated Raul Loco to retain the OVW TV Title.

CHIKARA featured the main event of Claudio Castagnoli defeating Larry Sweeney. El Pantera defeated Chuck Taylor, Chris Hero defeated Gran Akuma, Sabian and Eddie Kingston defeated Incoherence, and Mike Quackenbush defeated Shane Storm.

SHIMMER featured Daizee Haze defeating Rain to retain the SHIMMER Championship. Also Cheerleader Melissa defeated Mercedes Martinez and Ms. Chif defeated Serena Deeb in other big matches.

FIP featured Roderick Strong retaining the FIP Championship over Bryan Danielson in the main event. Also, Jack Evans and Nigel McGuiness defeated Brent Albright and Mark Briscoe, Erick Stevens defeated Larry Sweeney, Jay Briscoe defeated Eddie Kingston to retain the Florida State Heritage Title, and Davey Richards defeated Salvatore Rinauro.

Vito Thomaselli won the 2009 CZW Best of the Best Tournament, defeating regular partner Salvatore Thomaselli in the finals.

Television Ratings and Pay Per View Buyrates
A 1.89 buyrate for Backlash, which translates into 756000 people purchasing the show.

Raw received a 5.18 rating, WWE Progression got a 3.74 rating on ABC, while getting a 0.08 rating on Nippon TV, WWE Smackdown received a 4.56 rating, and TNA Impact received a 1.56 rating

[MadMatt]

Another newsletter



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #50 For Week Two May 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
The Big Show and Jeff Hardy team up to square off against Randy Orton and Triple H. Yes, Show is on Raw and was part of this hot tag team main event. Triple H pins Jeff Hardy with the Pedigree. Afterwards, Show laid out both Triple H and Randy Orton with Choke Slams, as it is announced that he will face off against Randy Orton for the WWE Championship at Judgment Day.

Shawn Michaels and Edge(welcome back to Raw), had a great match as well. Almost two years ago, Edge had his last match(until tonight) as a regular Raw wrestler, against Shawn Michaels. Tonight, Michaels welcomes Edge back to Raw with the Superkick.

Hardcore Holly and Val Venis had a great match, between two long term veterans. One half of the World Tag Team Champions puts down Val Venis with the Alabama Slam to score the victory.

Also, Johnny Jeter and Tommy Dreamer was an okay match. Jeter just seems to be an enhancement talent right now as Dreamer pins Jeter with the Dreamer DDT. Dreamer could be getting a push.

The Bad
Snitsky destroys Nunzio in short order. Another talented lower card wrestler getting destroyed.

The Ugly
Festus and Charlie Haas was a wretched little bout, before he pins Haas with a sitdown splash.

Also, Jim Duggan and Super Crazy defeated Beth Phoenix and Layla when Crazy pins Beth with the Moonsault. What's with Duggan and Crazy fighting women?

The Pointless
Nothing

WWE Progression

The Good
Matt Hardy and Elijah Burke had a great match. Non Title Match, but they got some time, with Hardy connecting with the Twist of Fate in the end.

Also, Chris Jericho made his first successful title defense against Paul London. London got several nearfalls against Jericho, but a dive to the floor misses. Jericho rolls London in and connects with the Code Breaker to score the pin. It will be Jericho and Kane for the ECW Championship at Judgment Day.

Trevor Murdoch pinned TJ Wilson with the gourdbuster in a fun little bout.

The Bad
Big Daddy V pinned Batista! Did Batista piss someone off? Batista is pinned after he misses a corner charge and connects with a Samoan Drop, before he drops an elbow to score the pin. Please tell me Big Daddy V isn't the next challenger for the Undertaker. I never thought I'd say this but get well soon Mark Henry.

Also Highlander Rory pinned Jamie Noble for the second time.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Eric Perez pinning Eddie Colon.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Rey Mysterio and Matt Hardy defeated Trevor Murdoch and Lance Cade in a good match with Rey pinning Cade after he drops the dime.

Also Paul London and Eric Perez was a fine match, with London taking out Perez with a dropsault.

The Bad
Big Daddy V pins Batista once again, after he connects with a Samoan Drop, before he drops an elbow.

Also, Mike Knox pins Jamie Noble. Noble's jobbed a lot, but still Mike Knox!

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Deuce defeated Mighty Mikey, Jesse defeated Jake Hager, and Colin Delaney defeated Ted DiBiase Jr.

Misc
The Big Show, Edge, Bam Neely, Mack Johnson, and Jay Bradley were moved to Raw. Eric Perez was moved to Smackdown. Also Matt Cross was recalled and Monty Brown was resigned to the WWE, under a developmental contract.

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good
Rhino and Alex Shelley defeated Jay Lethal and Sonjay Dutt in a great tag team main event when Rhino pins Dutt with the Gore. Dutt folds up like an accordian as the pin was made.

AJ Styles and Tomko retaining the TNA World Tag Team Titles in a great match against Petey Williams and Scott Steiner. Once again, this latest Tag Team Title reign with Tomko and Styles is ruling, this was another good match, with Styles pinning Petey Williams with the Styles Clash.

Abyss and Homicide was a nice tag team, and fought Team 3D. Brother Ray was pinned with the Black Hole Slam, while Homicide leaps over the top rope.

ODB and Gail Kim in another tag team match, defeating Awesome Kong and Raisha Saeed when Gail Kim connects with a Frankensteiner on Saeed, as ODB hits a splash off the top rope for the pin, as Gail fought off Awesome Kong.

Chris Sabin and Jimmy Rave defeated Robert Roode and Matt Morgan in another tag team match, before with Sabin pinning Roode with the Cradle Shock. Odd how there were a bunch of tag team matches tonight.

The Bad
Kaz and Eric Young defeated Rellik and Black Reign in a meh match. Kaz pins Rellik.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing

The Russo
Sting and Samoa Joe weren't on the show before their TNA Championship match at Sacrifice.

TNA Sacrifice

The Good
Samoa Joe and Sting squared off for the TNA Championship in the main event. Sting showed a lot of fire, delivering two Stinger Splashes and having Joe in the Scorpion for over a minute. Joe fought towards the ropes and beats down Sting. Muscle Buster connects for a two count. Joe locks on a Kokina Clutch. Sting passes out, giving Joe the win. Afterwards, Joe stands over Sting, holding the championship over his head.

Christian Cage and Scott Steiner had a great match. Steiner pulls out the Top Rope Frankensteiner for a nearfall. Christian low blows Steiner and connects with the Unprettier for the pin!

TNA Tag Team Title Match between AJ Styles and Tomko against Eric Young and Kaz. Great return match from when Styles and Tomko won the belts. Styles pins Eric Young with the Styles Clash to retain the title after eleven great minutes of tag team action.

Rhino pins Kip James with the Gore in two minutes. This is the best use of James.

Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal defeated Rellik and Reign in a great battle. Much like Lockdown, these two teams had a solid match with Dutt pinning Rellik with the Hindu Press.

Robert Roode and Jimmy Rave was a nice little match. Rave misses a moonsault, allowing Roode to connect with the Pay Off for the pin.

Team 3D against Curry Man and James Storm. Storm and Curry was an entertaining tag team, bet they never team up again, but still it was a good match. 3D pins Curry Man after James Storm accidentally hits him with the Superkick.

The Bad
Roxxy and Jacqueline Moore for the Knockout's Title did not work, with Roxxy retaining the championship.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Homicide pinning Shark Boy with the Gringo Killa, Matt Morgan pinning Consequences Creed, and Raisha Saeed defeated Angelina Love.

The Russo
X-Division Title Match got short changed. Chris Sabin pins Jimmy Rave with the Cradle Shock. Yay!

NWA

Live Action Results
-Mike DiBiase defeated Seth Delay
-Sonny Siaki defeated Mike Quackenbush
-Homicide defeated Brent Albright
-Alex Shelley and Chris Kanyon defeated Nick Dinsmore and Chris Mordetzky.

Lucha

AAA Television
-Billy Boy, Alan Stone, and Fuerza Guerrera defeated Super Porky, Anifaz Del Norte, and Cuervo
-Angel Mortal, Joe Lider, and Charly Manson defeated Silver Cat, Zumbido, and Pimpinela
-Halloween, Mr. Niebla, and Escoria defeated Cassandro, Tinieblas Jr, and Psicosis II
-La Parka Jr defeated Decniss
-Shocker defeated Electro Shock
-Octagon and Juventud Guerrera defeated Ozz and Cibernetico.

Lucha Madness
-Billy Boy defeated Tinieblas Jr
-Charly Manson defeated Halloween
-Shining Force defeated the Wizards
-Anifaz Del Norte, Super Porky, and Cuervo defeated Escoria, Mr. Niebla, and Alan Stone
-Shocker, Octagon, and Juventud Guerrera defeated Pirata Morgan, Cibernetico, and Scorpio Jr.
-Electro Shock and Nicho battled Gran Apache and Latin Lover to a time limit draw.

CMLL had their monthly big show. Dr. Wagner Jr, El HIjo Del Santo, and Mistico defeated Mr. Aguila, El Hijo Del Perro, and Ultimo Guerrero in the main event. In other top matches, Atlantis retained the NWA World Lightheayweight Title against Atlantis, Heavy Metal defeated Blue Demon Jr, El Terrible defeated Felino to retain the CMLL National Title, Cien Caras captured the NWA World Middleweight Title over Averno, Blue Panther defeated Pierroth Jr, L.A. Park, Silver King, and Mascara Sagrada defeated Olimpico, Black Warrior, and Dr. Wagner Jr, Rey Bucerno defeated Tarzan Boy to retain the CMLL World Lightweight Title, and Lizmark Jr and Rayo de Jalisco captured the vacant CMLL Tag Team Titles over Bestia Savaje and Damian 666.

CMLL
-Lizmark Jr and Rayo de Jalisco defeated Bestia Savaje and El Terrible to retain the CMLL Tag Team Titles.
-Tarzan Boy, Dos Caras Jr, and Silver King defeated Olimpico, Universo 2000, and Rey Bucerno
-Satanico, Blue Demon Jr, and Pierroth Jr defeated Felino, Arkangel and Black Warrior
-Averno retained the CMLL World Middleweight Title over Damian 666
-Mistico defeated Heavy Metal
-El Hijo Del Santo, El Hijo Del Perro, and Mr. Aguila defeated Atlantis, Negro Casas, and Dr. Wagner Jr.

Puro
AJPW had their monthly show, featuring Bob Sapp defeating Keiji Mutoh to retain the Triple Crown Title. Bobby Lashley battled Minoru Suzuki to a no contest, Joe Doering defeated Milano Collection AT, Nobutaka Araya defeated Kohei Suwawa, Kikutaro defeated Taiyo Kea retaining the AJPW World Jr Championship, and Takeshi Morishima and El Samurai defeated NOSAWA and Kondo.

Indies
PWG had their monthly show, with the main event of Bryan Danielson retaining the Austin Aries to retain the PWG Championship. Roderick Strong and Low Ki defeated Jack Evans and Chris Hero, Davey Richards and Tyler Black defeated Kevin Steen and El Generico, and PAC defeated Human Tornado.

Pay Per View and Television Ratings
0.35 Buyrate or 140000 people for the NWA Pay Per View.

Raw received a 5.56, WWE Progression received a 3.54 on ABC, 0.18 on Nippon TV, WWE Smackdown on 4.31, and TNA Impact received a 1.52 rating

[MadMatt]

Here's another newsletter!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #51 Week Three May 2009

WWE Raw

The Good
Triple H and John Cena had a great match! Thumbs way up, seriously, good job guys. Hunter wins with the Pedigree. I know, shocking.

Jeff Hardy, by sheer force of will, got a good match against Snitsky, by pinballing for all of his 1980's, Hogan challenger of the month on Saturday Night's Main Event heel offense. Swanton Bomb gets the win. Put the belt on Jeff Hardy, hell put all of the belts on Jeff Hardy after that performance.

DH Smith and Brian Kendrick was a fun match as well. Got some time to develop and Smith won with the Running Powerslam after blocking Sliced Bread #2.

Matt Cross makes his WWE debut and actually has a fun match with Kenny Dysktra. Not sure how I feel about these developmental guys getting this title shots straight out of the gate, but Cross pulled out a couple of WWE approved flips, before Dykstra won with the Hangman's Neckbreaker.

The Bad
Shad pinning Val Venis. Seriously, what? At least it wasn't a squash.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Ashley
She returns, teaming up with Candice and Natalya against Melina, Jillian, and Layla. Ashley pins Melina after a suplex which nearly dropped Melina on her head.

The Pointless
Nunzio over Highlander Robbie.

WWE Progression

The Good
MVP and Rey tore the house down in that match. These two men should be wrestling each every week for the World Heavyweight Title with matches like this. MVP wins with the Playmaker.

Cade and Murdoch had a fun late 1980s Superstars of Wrestling squash against TJ Wilson and Eddie Colon, pinning Colon with the High Low.

JAMIE NOBLE WINS~! He pins Ted DiBiase Jr with the Gibson Driver.

The Bad
Mark Henry returns. I know that last week, in a moment of temporary insanity inspired by seeing two Big Daddy V/Batista matches on back to back shows. This week, he drags down Matt Hardy to his levels. Thankfully, Matt Hardy wins with a roll up, after looking like the reincarnation of Steve Lombardi the entire match.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Kevin Thorn and Jesse defeating Kofi Kingston and Paul London and The Miz and JTG defeating the Edgeheads. Holy random tag team matches, Batman!

WWE Smackdown

The Good
After Batista/Big Daddy V last week, JTG/Batista seemed like Flair/Steamboat. No seriously, this was a good match, as Batista plays off the pissed of super destroyer face, pinning JTG in six minutes with the spinebuster and Batista Bomb.

Also The Undertaker and Matt Hardy against Big Daddy V and Mark Henry was not a bad match at all. Although, the fact they hinted a Big Daddy V/Undertaker World Heavyweight Title program makes me long for Khali/Taker. Taker pins Henry with the Choke Slam after Hardy manages to fight off Big Daddy V. Maybe by distracting him with a Twinkie, I wasn't really paying any attention.

Mike Knox has the best match in his life, against Kenny Dykstra, with Dykstra winning with the Hangman's Neckbreaker.

Trevor Murdoch and TJ Wilson had a nice little match, a continuation to the tag bout on Progression. Murdoch wins with the gourdbuster.

The Bad
The Great Khali ruining a perfectly acceptable tag team match with the Edgeheads against Colin Delaney and Shannon Moore. Moore and Delaney should team up, their a nice little underdog team. Khali leaves them all later.

Deuce and Ted DiBiase Jr had a match. Their fathers had a match almost twenty years ago. That match was better. This sucked. Deuce wins.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Kevin Thorn defeats Matt Capotelli. I struggle to care.

WWE Judgment Day

I could pull a better show out of my....a-hem, here's the show review.

The Good
The Big Show and Randy Orton was good, not the best Orton title match, but given how the past challengers have been Shawn Michaels and Triple H, that's understandable. Koslov interferes and gets Choke Slammed, which allows Orton to connect with a belt shot and a tornado RKO out of the corner for the pin. Orton played scared and Show played a dominant monster hellbent on becoming champion again.

Chris Jericho and Kane was also good, the best match of the evening. The ECW Championship was on the line and both men pulled out the stops, making the championship seem like it means something, at least for the ten minutes they got. Choke Slam is countered in mid move with the Code Breaker and this awesome counter scores the pin.

The Bad
Big Daddy V and Mark Henry retain the WWE Tag Team Champions over Kenny Dykstra and Hardcore Holly. You know, the two wrestlers who hold gold on Raw, but wrestle on Smackdown. Big Daddy V pins Kenny Dykstra with a Samoan Drop and an elbowdrop. Yep, way to push future talent Vince.

Michelle McCool pinning Jillian Hall cleanly. Not anything against either woman, but their timing was all over the place.

Nick Nemeth had a shot at the WWE United States Title. Matt Hardy won. The crowd was dead. This practice of giving geeks title shots has to stop.

Also Mickie James and Layla for the WWE Women's Title. Mickie retains. The only good thing I can say as at least it wasn't Ashley challenging.

The Ugly
DH Smith and KC James had a bad match. WHY WAS THIS ON THE GOD DAMN PAY PER VIEW? Smith wins.

Also the Daltons against Super Crazy and Jim Duggan. God bless Super Crazy, but he can't work miracles and was pinned by Festus. Hey Duggan, retire.

Mike Knox pinned Brian Kendrick in a three minute squash. I bang my head against the coffee table. It's amazing that TNA and WWE have switched places recently in quality.

The Pointless
JTG and Shad have a match. Yes, the former Cryme Tyme members. JTG wins. Who could give a damn about Cryme Tyme wrestling each other, in a random match?

The Misc
Ron Killings was recalled. Orlando Jordan and Karl Anderson were given development contracts. Yes, Orlando Jordan. Also Jesse signed a deal with the WWE.

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good
First of all, TNA rules. I don't know whether or not Russo got a brain transplant recently, but the shows have made sense and have constantly been good as of late.

AJ Styles and Tomko against Christian Cage and Rhino in a great tag team main event match. I'm callling it now, Tomko, TNA Champion in 2010. What, he can't be any worse than David Arquette? Christian pins AJ Styles to win the match with the Unprettier after Rhino gores Tomko. Non title loss for the champions, but against two former champions.

Sting comes out, without facepaint but with a bat. He demands a match with Samoa Joe. Joe comes out and gets into it with Sting, which leads to an impromptu fight. Sting and Joe punch and kick each other for several minutes. For a fifty year old man, Sting can sure dish it out. The match ends by disqualification, when Sting beats Joe to a bloody pulp with a baseball bat. Sting's snapped! This was awesome. Sting holds up the TNA Championship Belt before he places it on the face of Joe. This didn't do anything to hurt Joe, because Sting needed a bat to beat him up and this should lead to another great round in the future.

Alex Shelley and Sonjay Dutt have a fun match. Dutt loses to the Shell Shock, but both men put on a clinic of high impact action.

James Storm continues his rise up the ranks, pinning Brother Devon with the Superkick.

Also, Jacqueline Moore and Gail Kim were an odd little pair, but they teamed up well against Awesome Kong and Raisha Saeed. Kong pins Jacqueline after waisting her with the back fist and the Awesome Bomb. Saeed gets on the microphone, saying that she has her sights on the Knockout's Title, which displeases Kong. Maybe this time they'll pull the trigger on the breakup.

The Bad
Nothing

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing

The Russo
Well, they all can't be perfect. Rellik and Black Reign wrestle for no good reason. After seven minutes of my life that I'll never get back, Reign pins Rellik with the Powerslam.

NWA

Live Action featured
-Dan Maff defeating Hook Bomberry
-Karl Anderson defeating Phoenix Star
-Chris Mordetzky over Rob Conway
-Alex Shelley defeating Homicide.

ROH

ROH had Written in Blood. The results were as follows
-Daizee Haze over Lacey
-Brent Albright and Adam Pearce over the Age of the Fall when Pearce pinned Jacobs with the Jumping Piledriver
-Mark Briscoe pinned Jason Blade with the Cutthroat Suplex.
-Austin Aries and Jay Briscoe retained the ROH Tag Team Titles over Jigsaw and Jack Evans when Aries pinned Evans with the 450 Splash
-Kevin Steen pinned Delirious with the Package Piledrver
-Bryan Danielson won a Streetfight against Takeshi Morishima to retain the ROH Title after thirty elbowsmashes to the head knocked out Morishima.
-Chris Hero, Nigel McGuinness, and Erick Stevens defeated Ruckus, El Generico, and Claudio Castagnoli when Nigel pinned Generico with the Jawbreaker Lariat.

Lucha
AAA Television
-Super Porky, Fuerza Guerrera, and Charly Manson defeated Anifaz Del Norte, Silver Cat, and May Flowers
-Mr. Niebla, Cuervo, and Billy Boy defeated Tinieblas Jr, Hijo De Annibal, and Alan Stone
-The Wizards defeated Pimpinela and Zumbido
-Pirata Morgan, Halloween, and Escoria defeated Cassandro, Decniss, and Angel Mortal
-El Zorro, Negro Casas, and Chessman battled Ozz, Scorpio Jr, and La Parka Jr to a no contest
-Latin Lover defeated Octagon.

Lucha Madness featured
-Pirata Morgan and Anifaz Del Norte over Los Barrio Boys III
-The Wizards defeated Unlimited Violence
-Halloween defeated Cassandro
-Ozz defeated Escoria
-Octagon and La Parka Jr defeated Scorpio Jr and Chessman to retain the Mexican National Tag Team Titles
-Nicho El Millinairo defeated Cibernetico to retain the Mexican National Heavyweight Title.

Based on these past two shows, AAA has achieved "International" status.

CMLL featured
-Black Warrior, Blue Panther, and Silver King battling Cien Caras, Mascara Sagrada, and Heavy Metal to a double countout
-Averno, Satanico, and Blue Demon Jr defeated Universo 2000, Pierroth Jr, and Tarzan Boy
-Olimpico, Dos Caras Jr, and Ray De Jalisco defeated Arkangel, Apolo Dantes, and Mascara Ano
-Bestia Savaje, Felino, and Azteca defeated Damian 666, El Terrible, and Lizmark Jr
-El Hijo Del Perro and El Hijo Del Santo defeated Los Guerreros del Infernos
-Mr. Aguila defeated L.A. Park

Puro
Manabu Nakanishi defeated Yuji Nagata to capture the IWGP Championship on tour.

NJPW had their monthly show, featuring Manabu Nakanishi defeating Shinsuke Nakamura to retain the IWGP Championship. In other marquee bouts, Yuji Nagata and Hiroshi Tanahashi battled Masahiro Chono and Scott Norton to a double countout, Koji Kanemoto and Masao Inoue retained the IWGP Tag Team Championship over El Samurai and Taguchi, Jushin Thunder Liger over Tiger Mask IV, and Taru Yano captured the IWGP Jr Championship over Hiroyoshi Tenzan.

Indies
JAPW had their monthly show, featuring Frankie Kazarian and Jack Evans defeating Jay Lethal and Homicide in the main event. Also, Chris Hero and Eddie Kingston defeated Grim Reefer and Teddy Hart and the Lone Gunmen(Low Ki and B-Boy) captured the vacant JAPW Tag Team Titles over El Generico and Chuck Taylor. Lack of big name stars on the show, thanks to the TNA taping happening on the same night.

Pay Per View Buyrates and Television Ratings
TNA Sacrifice was bought by 96000 people which translates into a 0.24 buyrate.

Raw received a 5.49 rating, WWE Progression received a 3.67 on ABC while receiving a 0.18 rating on Nippon TV, Smackdown received a 4.49 rating, and Impact received a 1.59 rating

[MadMatt]

I've been lazy. Here's the latest newsletter:



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #52 Week Four May 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
Shawn Michaels and Randy Orton had another great match. The title was not on the line, but Michaels, being the competitor he is, busted his ass like it was. Michaels connects with the Superkick to score the pin.

John Cena and Triple H had another great match. This week, Cena countered the Pedigree with with a fireman's carry into the F-U to score the pin, cleanly, on Triple H! Cena has his sights set on the championship, but so do many others.

For the first time in five years, Victoria is the WWE Women's Champion. Victoria has been lying low recently, so this victory came out of nowhere, as she pinned Mickie James with the Widows Peak to capture the championship, after Mickie hit the corner hard.

Also, Gregory Helms and Charlie Haas was a great match. Helms wins with the Shining Wizard, but Haas showed some great technical wrestling moves. It's a shame that he lacks charisma.

The Bad
Carlito and Santino over Mack Johnson and KC James. Icky little tag team match, with Carlito pinning Johnson with the Back Stabber.

Also Colt Cabana and Drew McIntyre was disappointing. Cabana wins with an Inverted Boston Crab.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing.

WWE Progression

The Good
Batista and CM Punk is in the main event. This was a great match, really isn't all that much more to say about that. Batista Bomb pins Punk for the pin, as Batista's re-push continues.

Also, Kane and Lance Cade was good. Cade delivers a lariat for a nearfall. Second lariat is caught into a Choke Slam for the pin.

The Bad
Big Daddy V squashed Hardcore Holly with an elbowdrop. Poor guy, didn't he suffer enough with Sparky Plug?

Curt Hawkins and Zach Ryder wrestled each other? Thankfully, Khali beats both men before this match can go too far.

The Ugly
Deuce squashes Elijah Burke. The less I say about this booking, the better.

The Pointless
Nick Nemeth over TJ Wilson.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Rey Mysterio and Jesse had a good match. It's official, Rey may be the best worker in the world, having a great match with JTG and now with Jesse, making them look like stars. Rey wins with the West Coast Pop after eight minutes.

Also, Kane winning a match over Kevin Thorn was a great match, ending with the Choke Slam.

The Bad
Big Daddy V and Mark Henry defeat two great wrestlers in Batista and Matt Hardy. Matt Hardy gets squashed by the elbowdrop of doom, as Mark Henry holds off Batista on the floor.

Also, Hardcore Holly and Mike Knox was a choice match. A choice match to take a bathroom break that is. Holly wins.

The Ugly
Kafu and Andrew Vain against the Edgeheads. Curt Hawkins pins Kafu. Kafu still sucks. Vain isn't much better. The Edgeheads are only barely acceptable. Where was Khali?

The Pointless
Mighty Mikey over Beef Wellington and Highlander Rory over Shawn Spears.

The Misc
Beef Wellington and Hernandez have been called up. Candice Michelle and Steve Lewington have been resigned.

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good
This show still is ruling lately. The main event was Sting and Samoa Joe once again for the TNA Championship. Once again, Sting showed a fire, attacking Joe on the ramp. Joe returns fire, throwing Sting into the ring steps, rolling him into the ring. The bell rings and they have the usual great match. This time, Sting uses the belt, blasting Samoa Joe with it, before he puts the Scorpion Deathlock on. Disqualification loss once again. It's announced that Sting and Samoa Joe in an I-Quit Match will take place at Slammiversary. I endorse this match.

Jay Lethal and Alex Shelley squared off. Nice little match once again between two X-Division wrestlers. Lethal pins Shelley. Lots of nearfalls. Great match. The X-Division(the reason I got interested in TNA) is being booked well for once. Thumbs way up.

Homicide, Abyss, and Rhino defeating Jimmy Rave, Chris Sabin, and Sonjay Dutt was a great six man tag team match. The X-Division guys used teamwork to keep the other team off balance, so this worked. Nice psychology, with when Rave was alone, Rhino gored him for the pin. The X-Division superstars held their own against the bigger name stars but in the end, they fell.

Kaz and Eric Young against Rellik and Black Reign was acceptable because it was short. I've noticed that Rellik gets pinned in all of these tag team matches and Kaz pins him with the Flux Compacitor tonight.

ODB and Gail Kim defeating Awesome Kong and Raisha Saeed in a fun little tag team match. Saeed was more interested in her upcoming Knockout's Title Show, so she left Kong out to dry. The babyface women double teamed her, allowing Gail Kim to pin Kong after a double missile dropkick.

TNA Tag Team Title Match was fine. AJ Styles and Tomko defeating Scott Steiner and Petey Williams when Styles pinned Petey Williams with the Styles Clash.

The Bad
Nothing

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing

The Russo
Once again, nothing stupid, but I'll give it a few more months of good television and Pay Per Views until I retire this column.

NWA

Live Action Results
-Dan Maff pinned Karl Anderson
-Chris Hamrick defeated Mike Quackenbush
-Homicide pinned Nick Dinsmore
-Chris Kanyon defeated Bryan Danielson and Brent Albright.

Lucha
I guess the big story this week would be AAA signing Mistico right out from under CMLL. I guess this would be like if WCW signed Stone Cold Steve Austin from the WWF in 1998(or WWF signed Goldberg). No one expected it to happen. We'll see how Mistico does in the AAA, who has been considered an International Promotion recently and may be going Global if they make a few key moves. Also, they signed El Hijo Del Santo.

Also, the lucha reports have been streamlined this week, to save on my sanity.

AAA Television had a great little main event between Nicho and Shocker defeating Gran Apache and Latin Lover. Also, Shining Force beat Los Barrio Boys III in another fun little bout of lucha wackiness. And the rest of the show as just a bunch of random luchadores thrown into trios matches for no rhyme or reason. Nothing bad, but nothing worth noting either.

Lucha Madness featured the main event of the trio of Electro Shock, Gran Apache, and Shocker defeating Juventud Guerrera, Nicho, and Latin Lover to retain the Mexico National Atomic Titles. This match ruled. Shocker pins Juventud to win the final fall of this match. Still, given the rest of the card, hopefully Mistico will breath in some life, as well your semi main event is Abismo Negro defeating Chessman, you know something's wrong. More random six mans. Pimpinela has the best name in wrestling. That is all.

CMLL television, main event of Dr. Wagner Jr defeating Negro Casas to retain the UWA World Heavyweight Title was fine. Mr. Aguila and Mistico in Mistico's last CMLL match(most likely), was awesome however. Aguila wins of course, as Mistico does the right thing on his way out. Also, L.A. Park wrestled, which is always worth noting, as he teamed with El Terrible and Heavy Metal defeat Rey Bucerno, Cien Caras(aka, holy **** this guy is still wrestling) and Bestia Savaje.

Puro
AJPW might be pushing Bobby Lashley has a top foreigner, by giving him a clean win over Toshiaki Kawada. Sapp/Lashley? That should be....interesting.

Indies
IWA: MS featured Low Ki pinning Jason Hades to retain the IWA-MS Championship. Also, Roderick Strong battled Chris Hero to a no-contest, The Iron Saints retained the IWA: MS Tag Team Titles against the Death Squad, and Ricky Reyes defeated Brandon Thomaselli.

Pay Per View Buyrates and Television Rating
WWE Judgment Day featured a 1.86 buyrate which translates into roughly 744000 buys. Higher than Royal Rumble and No Way Out. Lower than Wrestlemania(duh) and Backlash.

Raw received a 5.56 rating, WWE Progression received a 3.66 rating on ABC, a 0.18 rating on Nippon TV, WWE Smackdown received a 4.59 rating, and TNA Impact received a 1.52 rating

[MadMatt]

Another Newsletter, the first one of June.



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #53 Week One June 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
John Cena and Shawn Michaels had their usual awesome match, with the WWE Champion Randy Orton on commentary. This match had lots of nearfalls. STFU in the ropes. F-U reversed into a sunset flip. Belly to back suplex and fyling elbowdrop. Michaels loads up for the Sweet Chin Music but the leg is caught into the STFU. Michaels struggles but has to tap, giving Cena the victory.

Edge got a good match out of Shad of all people. Put all the titles on this man now. Edge sold Shad's offense like it was death before hitting a Spear out of the corner for the pin.

DH Smith and Ron Killings rocked my world as well. Both men used the five minutes well, with Smith pinning Killings with the Running Powerslam.

The Bad
Carlito and Santino defeating Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly in a non title match. I never want to see this blasted match again, ever in my life! Santino pins Rhodes. I want to shoot my television.

Gregory Helms and Chavo Guerrero defeated Jim Duggan and Super Crazy, suffered from a bit too much Duggan. Chavo pins Crazy with the Frog Splash to score the pin.

The Ugly
Katie Lea Burchill and Michelle McCool battled the WWE Women's Champion Victoria and Melina to a no contest, after Snitsky terrorized the women. This was bad.

The Pointless
Nunzio defeated Reid Flair. Whatever.

WWE Progression

The Good
Er, pass.

The Bad
WWE Tag Team Champions Big Daddy V and Mark Henry defeated the WWE United States Champion Matt Hardy and the World Heavyweight Champion the Undertaker in a tag team match. Big Daddy V pins the Undertaker with an elbowdrop! Great, I hate this company. This sets up Big Daddy V and the Undertaker in a non title mattch for Smackdown.

Batista and The Great Khali had their usual cruddy brawl that ended in a no contest. I really hate this show. Batista laid out Khali with a pair of spinebusters and used a chair. I never want to see this match again.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Lance Cade over Eddie Colon, Mighty Mikey over Beef Wellington, Kevin Thorn over TJ Wilson, and JTG defeated Shannon Moore. WWE right now(with the exception of certain parts of Raw), is inducing Post-Invasion, Pre-Smackdown Six, levels of apathy for WWE.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Big Daddy V and the Undertaker was fine, because the Undertaker won with the choke slam, after sitting up from three elbow drops.

CM Punk and Kenny Dykstra had a great match with lots of nearfalls and the like. Dykstra goes for the Hangman's Neckbreaker but Punk twisted into the GTS and scores the pin. Punk wants the World Heavyweight Title. Don't we all.

Trevor Murdoch had a perfectly acceptable match with Deuce, pinning him with the gourdbuster.

The Bad
Chuck Palumbo squashes Elijah Burke with the Full Throttle. This company gives me a headache.

The Ugly
Nothing.

The Pointless
The Edgeheads over Mighty Mikey and Ted DiBiase Jr, Lance Cade over Beef Wellington, and Nick Nemeth defeating TJ Wilson.

Misc
Devon Storm and Mark Copani(the former Muhammed Hassan) have been signed to developmental deals by WWE. Also, Justin Credible has been called up but sadly, will not be reviving the Aldo Montoya gimmick. Also, Ashley's contract with WWE has been extended.

TNA
For the first time in several weeks, this show fell off a cliff.

The Good
Sting and Abyss had a good match, with Sting getting a tune up for his I-Quit Match with Joe at Slammiversary on Sunday. Stinger Splash in the corner misses. Black Hole Slam scores a nearfall. Attempted Vader Bomb misses and Sting locks on the Scorpion, which forces Abyss to submit.

Curry Man defeated Rellik in an okay match.

The Bad
Eric Young and Kaz defeated Scott Steiner and Petey Williams. Like I needed to see this match ever again.

The Ugly
Ms. Payton Banks defeated Salinas in a bad match.

The Pointless
Nothing

The Russo
Raisha Saeed is the new Knockout's Champion, pinning Roxxy. On free television. I could have sworn this match was going to happen at Slammiversary. And this was four minutes, not that good, Russo, you're back, unfortunately.

Homicide, Samoa Joe, and Rhino defeated Jay Lethal, AJ Styles, and Brother Ray in a six man tag team match that made no sense. Joe pins Lethal with the Muscle Buster. Yes, the champion is in a random match, just days before his big title defense against the legendary Sting, in an I-Quit match, on the seventh anniversary of TNA.

TNA Slammiversary

This show as both the best and worst of TNA, an equal mix of good and bad. Let's see what happened.

The Good
Sting and Samoa Joe had a bloody brawl, even if it was second from the top(more on that stupid booking later). I-Quit Match, with a baseball bat, a chair, and the ring steps coming into play. Muscle Buster on the steps. Sting is insane for taking that bump. Kokina Clutch and Sting is dripping blood, but Joe refuses to let up. Sting gives in, saving his career and maybe his life. Afterwards, Joe delivers another Muscle Buster, before he drapes the belt, covered in Sting's blood, over his shoulder.

Brother Ray and Scott Steiner were a random team, but damn if they didn't click well, leading to a great tag team match against AJ Styles and Tomko, allowing them to retain the tag team titles. Tomko superplexes Ray, leading to a springboard elbowdrop by Styles for the pin.

Kaz and Eric Young defeated Rellik and Black Reign. Once again, perfectly fine match, before Kaz pinned Rellik.

Awesome Kong and Gail Kim battled to a no contest in a great match. This was a fun little brawl, ten times better than anything the WWE has ever done with the women since Mickie James and Trish Stratus. Kong goes for the Awesome Bomb on the ramp but Gail Kim counters with a rana, sending Kong crashing through tables below. Fun, fun.

Great X-Division Tag Team Action, involving Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal defeating Elix Skipper and Johnny Devine when Dutt pins Elix with the Hindu Splash. Also, Curry Man pinned Consequences Creed in a fun little bout.

The Bad
Raisha Saeed defeated Salinas to retain the TNA Knockout's Title. Something about this match didn't click.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Matt Morgan pinned Shark Boy. Whatever.

The Russo
The main event featured Christian Cage, Rhino, and Homicide defeating Kip James, Brother Devon, and Jimmy Rave. Yes, over Sting and Samoa Joe. Rhino pins Jimmy Rave to score the pin with the Gore. I could care less.

Also, Petey Williams and Chris Sabin had another all too short X-Division Title Match, with Sabin pinning Petey with the Cradle Shock to retain the title.

Misc
Tomko, Black Reign, Alex Shelley, Chris Sabin Awesome Kong, and Abyss all signed TNA contracts extensions.

NWA
Live Action results
-Mike DiBiase defeated Adam Pearce
-Bryan Danielson defeated David Young
-Homicide defeated Rob Conway
-Chris Kanyon defeated Brent Albright.

Lucha
AAA Television featured Juventud Guerrera defeating Gran Apache in the main event. In the semi main, Shocker, Latin Lover, and Nicho defeated Gran Apache, Chessman, and Octagon.

Lucha Madness featured Electro Shock, Gran Apache, and Shocker defeated El Hijo Del Santo, Latin Lover, and Mistico to retain the Mexican National Tag Team Titles. Mistico was said to be the star of this match. Nicho El Millinairo defeated Juventud Guerrera in a match that was about as good as you would expect in the semi main event.

CMLL had a good main event with Silver King battling Mr. Aguila to a time limit draw. The semi main event featured Blue Demon Jr and El Hijo Del Perro defeated Los Guerreros del Infernos. Also, El Terrible retained the CMLL National Title over Lizmark Jr.

Puro
BJW had their monthly show, featuring Jun Kasai defeating GENTARO to retain the BJW Death Match Championship. MEN's Teioh defeated Hi69, Shinjiro Otani and Bad Boy Hido defeated the Rulers(Mad Man Pondo and Jaki Numazawa), and Mammoth Sasaki defeated Shadow WX.

Shinjiro Otani and Hiroshi Tenzan defeated Inoue and Koji Kanemoto to capture the IWGP Tag Team Titles.

Kurt Angle will be going on the next NOAH tour. Also, Sean O'Haire and Kevin Steen will be going on tour.

Indies
JAPW featured Samoa Joe retaining the JAPW Championship against Homicide. Also, in other big matches, Rhino pinned Low Ki, Chuck Taylor retained the JAPW New Jersey Title against El Generico, Frankie Kazarian defeated Jack Evans, Cheerleader Melissa defeated Ariel, and Eddie Kingston defeated B-Boy.

CHIKARA featured Larry Sweeney defeated Icarus in the finals of the CHIKARA Young Lions Cup.

PWG featured Bryan Danielson defeated Tyler Black to retain the PWG Championship. Low Ki defeated Eddie Kingston, Roderick Strong defeated Jack Evans, and Chris Hero and Austin Aries retained the PWG Tag Team Titles against El Generico and Kevin Steen.

Television Ratings
Raw received a 5.61 rating, WWE Progression received a 4.60 rating on ABC, with a 0.16 rating on Nippon TV, Smackdown received a 5.21 rating on the CW, with a 0.10 rating on its debut on ESPN International, and TNA Impact received a 2.02 rating.

[MadMatt]

Another newsletter!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #54 Week Two June 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
The main events of this show always deliver the goods. The Big Show and John Cena have a match. It rocks, fun match, the Big Show uses his sheer strength and size to flatten Cena. Cena cheats to come back, Show wins with the Choke Slam. All is right in the world.

Triple H and Edge was a great match. Edge got a lot of nearfalls, but of course, you know the rhyme by now, Hunter kicks out of the finisher(this case a huge Spear), fights back, Pedigree, pin. It's hard to believe that Triple H has been in the main event scene for only ten years. It feels like a lot more for some reason.

The Bad
I saw Carlito and Santino defeat Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly on my television once again. Carlito pins Rhodes with the Back Stabber. Buzz Sawyer/Tommy Rich this feud is not.

The Ugly
Wretched little match between Victoria and Michelle McCool for the Women's Title. Not one of Victoria's better matches. Michelle's capable of a bit better. Widow's Peak retains the title. Victoria and Maria get into it, so there's your title match for Vengeance.

Also, Kelly Kelly pins Natalya. **** this company.

Matt Sydal and Chris Harris only get forty five seconds. Sydal wins. Snitsky comes out and murders them both .**** this company, the sequel.

The Pointless
Drew McIntyre and Ron Killings was fine, but it just bored me to tears. McIntyre wins, because why the hell not.

WWE Progression

The Good
Ken Kennedy and CM Punk squared off against Matt Hardy and Rey Mysterio in the best WWE match of the week. Seriously, all four men brought it tonight, with Kennedy pinning Hardy after the Mic Check.

Jamie Noble and Chris Jericho for the ECW Championship was a textbook lesson in making someone forget that the challenger was a jobber and making him look a threat, while making it believable. Put all the belts on Jericho now. Gibson Driver nearly wins. Jericho fights out of a second one and lands on his feet before hitting the Code Breaker for the pin.

The Bad
Batista and the Great Khali have had another match that I could not give a damn about. This week, Khali wins after a chop to the head and a Tree Slam, after eight minutes of bad brawling.

Also Deuce and Palumbo against the Edgeheads ended in a no contest when Khali came out and cleaned house, until Batista made the save, so it's an accessory to the crime.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
The Miz pinned TJ Wilson and Eddie Colon over Kofi Kingston. The only thing these matches were good for because they allowed me to take trips to the fridge and the restroom respectively.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Rey Mysterio and Jesse had an above average match. The only eight minutes out of a good show, with Rey winning with the West Coast Pop. Even that, it's a stretch, only because I mark for Rey so much.

The Bad
Mark Henry pins Batista cleanly in the main event. Batista is the highest pushed jobber in WWE history. It's official, I'm saying it. Naive me for thinking he was getting repushed. Henry wins with the World's ****tiest er Strongest Slam.

Also, Cade and Murdoch defeated the Edgeheads. The only thing that's keeping this match being shunted down one column is that the right team one. Murdoch pinned Curt Hawkins.

The Ugly
Beef Wellington and Hernandez. This match was legalized torture. Hernandez, after being sent down for deprogramming er development, sucks a lot. I guess without the X-Division guys to throw around and a WWEized moveset, he doesn't have much, other than a hosstacular look. And Beef Wellington, what in the **** is a Beef Wellington? Hernandez won with a sidewalk slam. I expect him to tread water. The only recent callups that I really expect to be anything is Cabana, Harris, Killings, and maybe Sydal.

The Pointless
The Miz squashed Shannon Moore, Eddie Colon beat Lupe Viscera, and Rory pinned Jake Hager.

Misc
Monty Brown, Orlando Jordan, and Afa Jr were all recalled. Seriously, Orlando Jordan got resigned, where's Sylvain Grenier, he's missing out on all that easy money. I expect to be writing the WWE's obit by the end of 2010 if they have many more shows like Smackdown.

TNA

TNA Impact

Trying to figure out this company sometime's is a splitting headache. For many weeks it's good, but for every step forward, it's about three steps backward. At least the quality of wrestling is better than Smackdown.

The Good
AJ Styles and Christian Cage had a rocking main event that ended in a no contest when both men brawled with each other, taking out several referees. Afterwards, Christian Cage hits the Unprettier on Styles and stands tall in the Impact Zone.

Alex Shelley defeating Brother Devon in another good match. Shelley is really getting a mild push, not too fast, I expect him to get the X-Division Title before long.

Also Raisha Saeed defeating Christy Hemme and Salinas to retain the TNA Knockout's Title was fine booking, due to the fact that they really put over Saeed as a great champion by rolling over two challenges, even if they are jobbers.

The Bad
Kaz and Eric Young beat Scott Steiner and Petey Williams. I never needed to see this match again. Young pinned Petey Williams to win.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing

The Russo
Giving away Samoa Joe and Sting for free several days after their I-Quit Match at Slammiversary. Dumb, dumb, dumb, stupid, yet vintage Russo, eying that high rating last week more than the buyrate. These two men shouldn't even be wrestling. Good match though and Joe pinned Sting again with the Muscle Buster. Hopefully Joe's onto other things, but putting these two on television, against each other no less, really dimishes what they did at Slammiversary.

Kip James pinned Robert Roode cleanly in four minutes. THE HELL? If it hadn't been for that utterrly wretched Smackdown, this would have triggered a stronger reaction. Kip James was part of a hot stable ten years ago. I get it. The problem is, he was the fifth least important and most over member of the stable. Even Chyna was more relevant than him. Think about that one for a minute. And by the way Russo, you might want to switch your calender because 1999 ended ten years ago!

NWA

Live Action featured
-Team RIOT defeating the Macho Men
-David Young pinned Joey Ryan with the Spinebuster
-Chris Mortdetzky defeated Homicide with a wheelbarrow suplex
-Chris Kanyon retained his NWA Championship against the debuting Rhino with the Flatliner. This was a result of a challenge that Kanyon put out against any former NWA Champion.

Also NWA had their Deuces are Wild Pay Per View
-Marty Jannetty pinned Hook Bomberry with the Rocker Dropper
-Seth Delay pinned Scorpio Sky
-David Young pinned Chris Hamrick
-Dan Maff pinned Johnny Swinger
-Brent Albright and Alex Shelley retained the NWA World Tag Team Titles over Los Luchas
-Sonny Siaki pinned Joey Ryan
-Mike Quakenbush pinned Mike DiBiase
-Bryan Danielson made Rob Conway submit to the Cattle Mutillation
-Nick Dinsmore and Rhino defeated Homicide and Adam Pearce when Dinsmore pinned Pearce with a German Suplex
-Chris Kanyon retained the NWA Championship over Chris Mordetzky with the Flatiner.

Lucha
AAA Television featured Shocker and El Hijo Del Santo defeating Gran Apache and Juventud Guerrera in the main event. Also, Electro Shock defeated Latin Lover in the semi main event.

Lucha Madness featured El Hijo Del Santo defeating Shocker in the main event and Latin Lover and Juventud Guerrera defeating Shining Force in the semi main event.

CMLL was headlined by Blue Panther, El Hijo Del Perro, and Atlantis defeating Mr. Aguila, Dr. Wagner Jr, and Negro Casas in the main event, with the semi main event underneath featuring Cien Caras defeating Silver King to retain the UWA Championship.

Puro

AJPW's big monthly show featured Bob Sapp defeating Toshiaki Kawada to retain the Triple Crown Championship. In other marquee matches, Keiji Mutoh defeated TAKA Michinoku, Kikutaro defeated Taiyo Kea to retain the AJPW Jr Championship, and Minoru Suzuki and Bobby Lashley defeated Nakajima and Kensuke Sasaki.

Indies
OVW's big monthly show was headlined by Jamin Olivencia retaining the OVW Championship over Tommy McNaler. Also, The Mobile Homers defeated Los Locos, Anthony Bravado defeated Omar Akbar, and Jacob Duncan retained the OVW TV Championship over Ali Akbar.

SHIMMER's monthly show featured Daizee Haze defeating Mercedes Martinez in the main event to retain the SHIMMER Championship.

CZW was headlined by Ruckus and Vito Thomaselli defeating Chuck Taylor and The Messiah. Also, Sonjay Dutt retained the CZW Championship over Salvatore Thomaselli, Sabian retained the CZW Arena Title over Nate Hatred, Brain Damage defeated Joker to retain the CZW Iron Man Title, and the Nightmares retained the CZW Tag Team Titles over Danny Demanto and Sexxy Eddy.

Pay Per View Buyrates and Television Ratings

TNA Slammiversary got a 0.26 buyrate or 104000 people buying the show. This highest buyrate of the year for TNA is most likely due to the strong build for the Samoa Joe/Sting I-Quit Match.

Raw got a 5.35 rating, WWE Progression received a 4.66 rating on ABC, while a 0.14 rating on Nippon TV, WWE Smackdown received a 5.21 rating on the CW, with a 0.09 rating on ESPN International, and TNA Impact received a 2.10 rating.

[MadMatt]

Newsletter!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #55 Week Three June 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
The Big Show and John Bradshaw Layfield had an awesome brawl in the main event. Seriously, this match was better than you would expect and JBL dropped the Big Show with three Clotheslines from Hell after hitting a low blow after the choke slam. Bradshaw wants the title. We'll see.

John Morrison is on Raw, which means the awesome Miz and Morrison team has been split up. That made me sad. This match with Gregory Helms was a good first match for Morrison's return to Raw, when Helms pins him with the Shining Wizard, after avoiding the Moonlight Drive. Wow, slight upset.

DH Smith and Tommy Dreamer was not the worst match on Raw. In fact, it was a perfectly acceptable midcard match, with Smith pinning Dreamer with the Running Powerslam. The fact that Dreamer's still going after being banged up in ECW is both admirable and scary.

William Regal stretched the ever living hell out of Festus, beating him in a great match. Okay, this was the best match in the career of Festus, good for Regal, who wins with the Regal Stretch.

Also, Kenny Dykstra retained the WWE Intercontinental Title against Charlie Haas in a fun match.

The Bad
Nothing

The Ugly
Orlando Jordan pinned Colt Cabana in Jordan's return to Raw. I really hate this company sometimes.

The Pointless
Natalya beating Layla just happened.

WWE Progression

The Good
The Undertaker and Mr. Kennedy had an awesome main event match. Kennedy's really been on fire lately and this was the latest of many great matches. Taker wins with the Tombstone after surviving the Mic Check.

Matt Hardy and MVP ruled as usual. Both men got a series of nearfalls, before Hardy connecting with the Twist of Fate for the pin.

Also, Monty Brown returned(as Monty Brown and not Marcus Cor Von). He fought Colin Delaney. This was the perfect opponent for the Alpha Male, as he pinned him with the Pounce and oh boy was it the Pounce. Delaney might be dead(or at least having severe internal injuries) after this match.

The Bad
Mike Knox squashed Shannon Moore with the Knox Out. Yep.

The Ugly
I like Kofi Kingston, but his match with Curt Hawkins was painful. Not as bad as some of the match we've seen over the past few weeks, but still painful. Kingston wins with the Jamacian Buzzsaw.

The Pointless
Highlander Rory pinned Afa Jr. Just another face in the crowd.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Mr. Kennedy, the Great Khali, and MVP defeated Batista, Shelton Benjamin, and Matt Hardy in a spectacular six man tag team match. Five great wrestlers and Khali had a great match. Khali pins Matt Hardy with the Tree Slam to score the pin.

CM Punk and Rey Mysterio rocked the house. I mean seriously, the fact they could have this match every way and don't is a crime. Number one contenders match by the way, so Punk pins Rey with the GTS and will face the Undertaker at Vengeance.

Trevor Murdoch squashed Colin Delaney with the Gourdbuster. Once again, a fun match, due to Delaney getting murdered.

The Bad
Big Daddy V and Mark Henry defeated the Edgeheads in the usual match, with Henry pinning Zach Ryder with the slam.

The Ugly
Hernandez and TJ Wilson. Another ugly little match from the WWE-ized former member of LAX. Hernandez won with a helicopter slam pinning Wilson, who had zero offense in that three minute match.

The Pointless
Chuck Palumbo over Lupe Viscara and Eddie Colon defeated Ted DiBiase Jr.

Misc
Mack Johnson and Layla were resigned. Also Mark Copani and Devon Storm were called up.

And Nigel McGuinness, former ROH Champion, has signed a developmental deal with World Wrestling Entertainment and will be reporting to Florida.

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good
Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal defeated Kaz and Alex Shelley in the main event. Yes, this was the main event, as four great X-Division stars got over fifteen minutes to show their stuff. Dutt pins Kaz to score the pin. Afterwards, Samoa Joe storms out, looking rather pissed that he got shut out of the main event and attacked Dutt and Lethal. So it's going to be Joe versus the X-Division, which should be another awesome Joe feud.

Also, AJ Styles and Tomko got a pretty damn good match out of Rellik and Black Reign, that lead to Styles pinning Rellik with the Styles Clash to retain their TNA Tag Team Titles.

The Bad
Nothing

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing

The Russo
Samoa Joe, Homicide, and Christian Cage over Brother Ray, Scott Steiner, and Sting. Random six man tag and plus, Sting and Joe are in the ring in some form once again. Joe pins Ray with the Muscle Buster for the pin. Good match, bad booking, very illogical, so it goes here.

Petey Williams is your new X-Division Champion. He pins Chris Sabin in three minutes.

Also, Raisha Saeed defeating two former Knockout Champions in Roxxy and ODB only lastest slightly longer.

The logic of having a match involving Awesome Kong and Christy Hemme against the Beautiful People. Kong pins Angelina Love with the Awesome Bomb, but still...

NWA
The National Wrestling Alliance is now considered a Global Promotion. Yes seriously, from the ashes rises the NWA and they are going to take one more chance, perhaps one last chance, of bringing down the evil empire of McMahon. No doubt more wrestlers will be signed, so expect some fresh faces or perhaps third string WWE rejects that are on the unemployment line that have not been signed to developmental deals recently.

Live Action, the show that lead up to the big rise to the top for the NWA, featured a really awesome card.
-Adam Pearce pinned Hook Bomberry with the Jumping Piledriver.
-Alex Shelley and Joey Ryan had a fun little X-Division style match, that ended with Shelley winning with the Shell Shock
-NWA World Champion Chris Kanyon pinned Rhino with the Flatiner. Yes, Kanyon is the champion of the second largest promotion in the world.
-Homicide pinned Bryan Danielson in an awesome main event with the Gringo Killa.

So that's the NWA. TNA gets left in the dust, a bit over two years after they seperated from the National Wrestling Alliance.

ROH

The final card for Nigel McGuiness, the Death Before Dishonor show. Let's recap shall we
-Lacey pinned Sara Del Ray
-The Age of the Fall defeated Kevin Steen and El Generico when Jimmy Jacobs pinned Steen.
-Mark Briscoe squashed Jason Blade with the Cuttthroat Driver
-Austin Aries and Jay Briscoe retained the ROH Tag Team Titles over Jigsaw and Jack Evans when Aries pinned Jigsaw with the 450 Splash
-Chris Hero defeated Claudio Castagnoli, Davey Richards, and Delirious when he pinned Delirious
-Bryan Danielson retained the ROH Championship over Adam Pearce
-Ruckus and Brent Albright defeated Nigel McGuiness and Erick Stevens in the final ROH match for Nigel McGuiness when Ruckus pinned Nigel.

Lucha

On AAA Television, Electro Shock, Gran Apache, and Shocker defeated Latin Lover, El Hijo Del Santo, and Nicho to retain the Mexican National Atomicos Titles. Also, Juventud Guerrera pinned Mistico with the 450 Splash in a match that was about as good as you would expect.

CMLL's big monthly show featued Negro Casas, Blue Panther, and El Hijo Del Perro defeating Dr Wagner Jr, Mascara Sagrada, and Ultimo Guerrero in the main event. In other marquee matches, Atlantis retained the NWA Lightheavyweight Title over Mr. Aguila, Cien Caras, Heavy Metal, and L.A. Park defeated Silver King, Rey Bucanero, and Black Warrior and The Chaos Connection(Lizmark Jr and Rayo De Jalisco) retained the CMLL Tag Team Titles over the Army of Hardcore(Bestia Savaje and El Terrible)

Lucha Madness featured a duel main event of Gran Apache defeating Juventud Guerrera and Shocker defeating El Hijo Del Santo.

CMLL television featured Dr. Wagner Jr over Mascara Sagrada in the main event. Also, Blue Panther, Atlantis, and Mr. Aguilia defeated Cien Caras, Silver King, and L.A. Park and Averno retained the CMLL Lightheavyweight Title over Lizmark Jr.

AAA had their Triplemania show, which featured Electro Shock, Gran Apache, and Shocker retaining the Mexico National Atomicos titles in the main event over Nicho, Latin Lover, and Juventud Guerrera. Also, El Hijo Del Santo defeated Cibernetico in the other half of the double main event.

May Flowers has announced his retirement from wrestling.

Puro
Kintaro Kanemura captured the IWGP Jr. Championship over Toru Yano.

Taiyo Kea won the AJPW Jr. Championship over Kikutaro.

Shinjiro Otani won the BJW Championship over Jun Kasai.

Koji Kanemoto and Wataru Inoue captured the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Titles over Hiroshi Tanahashi and Takashi Iizuka.

Indies[/I]
IWA: MS featured Low Ki retain the IWA: MS Championship over Roderick Strong in the main event. In other marquee matches, Chris Hero defeated Tyler Black, The Iron Saints retained the IWA: MS Tag Team Titles over the Death Squad(Kevin Steen and Eddie Kingston), Ruckus defeated Claudio Castagnoli, and Jason Hades retained the IWA: MS Lightheavyweight Title over Nate Webb.

FIP was headlined by Roderick Strong retaining his FIP Championship over Brent Albright. Also, Bryan Danielson defeated Davey Richards, Jay Briscoe retained the Florida State Heritage Title over Tyler Black, and Jack Evans and Nigel McGuiness retained the FIP Tag Team Titles over Jerelle Clark and Gran Akuma. This was one day before Nigel signed the developmental deal for WWE.

[U]Pay Per View Buyrates and Television Ratings

0.35 buyrate for NWA Deuces Are Wild or 140000 buys.

Raw received a 5.33 rating, WWE Progression received a 4.27 on ABC, a 0.29 rating on Nippon TV, WWE Smackdown received a 4.64 rating on the CW, a 0.18 rating on ESPN International, and TNA Impact received a 2.01 rating.

[mikeyg32118]

I'm a huge TNA fan, but the booking in that game is about as far from LOGICAL as it comes. Then again, it is Russo you are talking about again.

Keep up the good work.

[MadMatt]

Let's wrap up June 2009, culminating the halfway mark for the year.



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #56 For Week Four June 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
Randy Orton defeated Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and Snitsky in a good fatal four way match for the WWE Championship, even though the mere fact that Snitsky was even challenging for the WWE Championship horrified me. Orton pinned Shawn Michaels again with the RKO, after Triple H and Snitsky wiped each other out. Good enough match.

Cody Rhodes and John Morrison had a pretty good television match as well. Morrison lost to a DDT, but he got in quite a bit of offense. Rhodes is a star in the making, now if we can only get those World Tag Team Titles off of him.

Katie Lea Burchill defeated Mickie James in a fun little match. This was one of the better women's matches that the WWE can have.

Paul Burchill squashed Highlander Robbie. It was fun while it latest, not as good as the Colin Delaney squashes have been as of late, but not as bad as certain other squashes, especially on this card.

The Bad
Santino and Carlito defeated Matt Cross and Johnny Jeter when Santino pinned Jeter. Squash and not a very entertaining one either.

The Ugly
Jim Duggan and Super Crazy defeated SOS and Mike Kruel when Duggan pinned SOS. Why is Duggan wrestling...in 2009?

The Pointless
Charlie Haas pinned Steve Lewington. The more entertaining battle was me struggling to care.

WWE Progression

The Good
Rey Mysterio and CM Punk did not have as good of a match as they did last round, but it was still pretty good. Rey wins with the West Coast Pop after countering the GTS, which is odd, considering Punk's facing the Undertaker on Sunday.

Matt Hardy retained his WWE United States Title against Lance Cade. Cade's just improving more and more everytime out there and since Hardy's not bad himself, these two had some entertaining exchanges. Hardy wins with the Twist of Fate.

Devon Storm made his WWE debut against Paul London. Haven't seen much of Storm since he was Crowbar in WCW, but he and London had an entertaining match. Storm was caught up top and slammed off, before London hit a dropsault and standing shooting star press.

And Trevor Murdoch and Chuck Palumbo worked too. Murdoch continues his push, which would turn out much more successful than usual, by the end of the week. More on that later, as a tight little brawl ends with Murdoch hitting the Gourdbuster.

The Bad
Nothing

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Eddie Colon pinned Highlander Rory and Curt Hawkins pinned Nick Nemeth. I wished I cared.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Hernandez and Paul London had a great match. Both men are graduates of the Shawn Michaels Wrestling Academy and they showed they could work a good match. London wins with the standing shooting star press.

Also, while it was not a good match, Jamie Noble won over Andrew Vain! Noble's actually winning some matches recently. Okay, maybe a couple but still...

Chuck Palumbo and Elijah Burke was a fine match. Palumbo pins Burke with the Full Throttle. I've given up on Burke ever getting a push.

The Bad
The Great Khali and Batista part two thousand and sixty four or so. Once again, it's the usual match. Batista and Khali brawl, Khali beats down Batista, resthold, Batista comes back. Two spinebusters pin Khali.

The Ugly
Mark Henry and Matt Hardy. Not bad, but the fact is that Matt Hardy was injured by Mark Henry. Ruptured his spleen, will be out for three months, stripped of the United States Title. Oh yeah, Henry wins with the World's Strongest Slam. Hardy's a pro for taking the finish, but I really hate Mark Henry right now.

The Pointless
Hardcore Holly defeated Nick Nemeth and Curt Hawkins beating Mighty Mike in a pair of yawners.

WWE Vengeance
The Good
The Undertaker retained the World Heavyweight Title against CM Punk in a great main event match. For a second, I thought Punk was going to win but only for a second. Tombstone pins Punk to end fifteen minutes of great action.

Chris Jericho and Kenny Dykstra for the ECW Championship. Another good match. Jericho's run as ECW Champion so far has been good, great, really awesome in fact. Dykstra comes close to adding the ECW Championship to his resume but the Code Breaker extends Jericho's title reign further.

Trevor Murdoch and Jamie Noble had a match for the vacated WWE United States Title(**** you, Henry). Noble did not win the third highest ranked title on Smackdown. Murdoch wins with a vicious Gourdbuster and the reign of Trevor Murdoch begins. Actually, as impressive as Murdoch's been lately, this title reign really isn't the worst idea.

Shelton Benjamin and Drew McIntyre had an impromptu match. It was a great match, with Shelton winning. This made McIntyre out to be a superstar.

The Bad
Mark Henry and Big Daddy V retain the WWE Tag Team Titles over Shannon Moore and Paul London. Thankfully, Henry doesn't injure anyone tonight. Elbowdrop by Big Daddy V retains the titles.

Maria and Victoria for the WWE Women's title. Victoria was game, Maria tried, but nothing clicked as well as they had hoped. After four minutes, Victoria wrapped it up with the Widow's Peak.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
I'd really love someone to explain how Highlander Robbie and Charlie Haas earned a World Tag Team Title. They jobbed to Holly and Rhodes in no time flat, with Holly pinning Haas with the Alabama Slam.

Misc
Matt Capotelli and CM Punk have extended contracts. Tom Howard is in for a developmental deal.

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good
Jay Lethal pinned Abyss in the main event after Abyss turned his attention to Sting who was at ringside and Lethal pinned Abyss. Abyss loses his mind and attacks Sting afterwards, who is mentoring Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal, before their match with Samoa Joe and a partner at Victory Road. Guess Sting and Joe quite ain't as over as I would have thought. Damn it, Russo, the I-Quit match was a perfect note to end the feud with. On the bright side, Abyss and Sting should be good, providing Abyss's mom isn't brought into the equation this time.

Kaz and Eric Young defeated Rellik and Black Reign when Kaz pinned Rellik who might be renamed Rebboj, because he always gets pinned in these tag team matchs. Reign and Rellik get into it afterwards, because that's a feud that's going to bring TNA to the top and put Vince out of business. Yes, I liked this match, but unless Dustin Rhodes is Goldust, I find myself hardpressed to care about him.

AJ Styles and Tomko against the Motor City Machine Guns in a non title match was a good match. I know your shocked but seriously, Styles pinned Sabin with the superplex/flying elbowdrop combination move. So that's their finisher.

Petey Williams retained the TNA X-Division Title Match against Jimmy Rave in a match that got a bit of time and Petey wins with the Canadian Destroyer.

The Bad
The Beautiful People blew more spots in one match than Kevin Nash has done in his entire career. Gail Kim pins Velvet Sky with a wacky helicopter slam move.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing

The Russo
The fact that we're going to have Sting and Samoa Joe for the TNA Championship for free next week really irritated me for some reason. Perhaps the fact that the I-Quit Match was the perfect blow off match.

Also, Raisha Saeed needing Kong's help to pin Christy Hemme. YES, CHRISTY HEMME! It would be just like Triple H needing help to beat Robbie. Dumb, dumb, dumb.

NWA

First of all, Booker T signed a contract with NWA. That should be a good move for them, as they expand globally. Also, Dusty Rhodes is signed with the company, despite being the head booker in Florida Championship Wrestling(the WWE Developmental territory). Not that I'd accuse a find upstanding citizen like Vince McMahon of sabotage, but still, it makes you wonder.

David Young defeated Seth Delay. Bleh
-Brent Albright pinned Adam Pearce in an okay match with the half nelson suplex
-Team RIOT defeated the Backroom Boyz. Typical spotrific indy match
-Chris Kanyon and Bryan Danielson rocked and was about half of the show(twenty two minutes). Kanyon retained the NWA Championship with the Flatiner. This is the type of match that NWA needs to have to establish themselves differently from WWE.

Lucha
AAA Television was rather bland, having a double main event of Juventud Guerrera defeating Gran Apache and Shocker defeating Charly Manson.

Lucha Madness had Shocker defeated Nicho El Millinairo in a non title match and Latin Lover and Electro Shock defeating Shining Force.

CMLL had Blue Panther defeating Dr. Wagner Jr in the main event. The semi-main event featured Atlantis battling Dr. Wagner Jr to a double countout. Also, The Chaos Connection retained the CMLL Tag Team Titles over the Hardcore Army.

Puro
DGPW featured TAKA Michinoku pinning CIMA to capture the Open the Dream Gate Title.

DGPW also had their big monthing show, featuring TAKA Michinoku retaining the Open the Dream Gate Title over K-Ness. Also, CIMA and Fujita defeated Mag & Shiisa, Kintaro Kanemura defeated Masaaki Mochizuki, and Genki Horiguchi defeated Kikutaro to retain the Open the Brave Gate Title.

Minoru Tanaka beat Tiger Mask IV in the finals of the 2009 Best of the Super Juniors Tournament, in a match that was said to be a five star classic.

Television Ratings
Raw received a 5.34 rating, WWE Progression on ABC received a 4.24 rating, while receiving a 0.28 rating, WWE Smackdown on the CW received a 4.43 rating, while getting a 0.18 rating on ESPN International, and TNA Impact received a 1.99 rating.

[MadMatt]

First Newsletter for July 2009!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #57 For Week One July 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
The tag team main event was a good match. It was Umaga and Randy Orton against Jeff Hardy and the Big Show. Lots of high impact, back and forth tag team action, with Hardy winning with the Swanton Bomb on Orton. So he pins the champion yet again, maybe this time he'll get a title match.

Tommy Dreamer pinned Johnny Jeter and Ron Killings pinned Matt Cross in a pair of perfectly acceptable little Raw matches.

The Bad
Cody Rhodes and Domino was a choice little OVW match. Rhodes wins with the DDT, so thankfully the WWE still has their head screwed on right.

The Ugly
That Jay Bradley/Justin Credible match sucked so bad and hard. Credible wins. It's 2009.

Also, Melina pinned Jillian in one minute. This was Vince Russo bad.

Also Santino and Paul Burchill were shaping up to have a pretty decent opener, until Snitsky ran out for his usual ruin the match fun, beating them both up.

The Pointless
Nothing.

WWE Progression

The Good
CM Punk and Kane was a fun little main event match. Seriously great stuff between these two men, Kane going for the Choke Slam but Punk blocks it and manages to hit Kane with the GTS for the pin. They should have been doing this stuff when Punk had the Money in the Bank contract, now they're just treading water.

MVP and Rey Mysterio had their usual great match, with a weak finish, a double countout. MVP rams Mysterio into the steps and kicks him in the head, before saying that he's coming for the Undertaker. Yes, again. If MVP fails this time, he may be Lex Luger 2009, by the fact he's choked at the big one so many times.

Curt Hawkins and Chris Jericho for the ECW Championship. Better than their usual match, with Jericho pinning Hawkins with the Code Breaker. Best match of the career of Hawkins.

The Bad
Nothing

The Ugly
Two wretched matches. First Mark Copani returned and fought TJ Wilson in a squash match. Copani doesn't have a character so no one cares and he wins with the Flatliner. Also, Kevin Thorn pinned Afa Jr in a match that set the business back fifteen years, connecting with the Original Sin for the pin.

The Pointless
Highlander Rory pinned Eddie Colon. Why is Rory getting a single's push? Other then he was the Highlander that didn't go to the Impact taping in 2008, I can't think of anything.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Rey Mysterio is a miracle worker, as he got a good match out of Big Daddy V. I'll let that sink in for a couple of minutes, as Big Daddy V beats down Rey, but Rey comes back, connects with a springboard dropkick, putting Big Daddy V on the ropes. Two 6-1-9s and Rey delivers a springboard splash which just barely holds down Big Daddy V for the pin! Good main event!

Mr. Kennedy and Batista also had a pretty intense match. Batista pins Kennedy with the Batista Bomb after eight or nine minutes of great action.

Lance Cade and Jamie Noble was a fun little back and forth match. Noble jobs once again, eating the Lariat for the pin.

Kenny Dykstra and Kevin Thorn was a perfectly good match as well. Thorn did not embarass himself and Dykstra is a rising talent, winning with the Hangman's Neckbreaker.

Paul London is a miracle worker as well, as he got a good match out of Kafu. Seriously, London really busted his ass, and got to win the match with the dropsault and the standing shooting star press.

The Bad
Mike Knox squashed Shannon Moore with the Knox Out. Yep, Knox is still employed.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing.

Misc
Elijah Burke and Reid Flair have signed extended deals with WWE. Also, Franky the Mobster, Spike Dudley and Mark Briscoe have signed developmental deals with WWE.

TNA

TNA Impact

The Good
While I question putting it on television, Samoa Joe and Sting for the TNA Championship was their usual good match. Joe pins Sting with the Muscle Buster after fifteen minutes. Afterwards, Abyss beats down Sting, to remind us they have a match at Victory Road.

Brother Ray defeated Christian Cage and Alex Shelley in a triple threat match. A good match, even if the booking is a bit perplexing. Some nice sequences with Shelley and Cage. Ray pins Shelley with the Full Nelson Atomic Drop.

Kaz and Eric Young defeated Rellik and Black Reign. Perfectly acceptable tag team action on Impact. Kaz pinned Rellik, because Rellik always jobs in these tag team matches.

Gail Kim and ODB squared off against Raisha Saeed and Awesome Kong. This is the best tag team match that TNA can do, as Saeed is the Knockout's Champion, so she's snubbing Kong. Still, Kong proved to be too much for both of the other women. Kong pinned Gail Kim with the Awesome Bomb. Afterwards, ODB gets beat up as well.

Fun fatal four way match involving Robert Roode defeating Chris Sabin, James Storm, and Brother Devon. Lots of spots and great action, Roode pins Storm with the Pay Off.

This match is getting dangerously close to being overdone, with AJ Styles and Tomko squaring off against TNA X-Division Champion Petey Williams and Scott Steiner. Once again, more great tag team action for these four men, with Styles pinning Petey Williams with a frog splash after a superplex from Tomko.

The Bad
Nothing

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing

The Russo
Other than the stupidity with Sting and Joe happening again after the big I-Quit match, nothing offensive.

Misc
Christian Cage will be leaving TNA shortly to sign with the National Wrestling Alliance.

NWA

Let's see how the first show that the NWA has had a global show went.

NWA Live Action Results
-Mike DiBiase pinned Zokre was typical indy stuff
-Brent Albright squashed Hook Bombery with the half nelson suplex. Perfectly acceptable squash.
-Nick Dinsmore and Booker T defeated Rene Dupree and Rob Conway in a great little tag team match, when Booker pins Conway with the Axe Kick
-Rhino pinned NWA Champion Chris Kanyon in a non title match with the Gore. Great main event.

NWA Urban Decay Pay Per View Results
-Marty Jannetty pinned Zokre
-Hook Bomberry pinned Seth Delay
-Phoenix Starr defeated Scorpio Sky
-Bryan Danielson defeated Mike Quackenbush
-David Young defeated Chris Hamrick
-Dan Maff pinned Quinton Jackson
-Johnny Swinger pinned Joey Ryan
-Homicide pinned Sonny Siaki
-Rhino pinned Mike DiBiase
-Brent Albright and Alex Shelley retained the NWA World Tag Team Titles against Rob Conway and Rene Dupree
-Nick Dinsmore pinned Chris Mordetszky
-Chris Kanyon retained the NWA Championship over Booker T with the Flatiner in a great match.

Christian Cage, Rene Dupree, and Quinton Jackson have signed contracts with the National Wrestling Alliance.

Lucha
AAA Television featured The Main Event of Mistico pinning Latin Lover. Also Gran Apache, Electro Shock, and El Hijo Del Santo defeated Shocker, Juventud Guerrera, and Negro Casas in the six man tag team main event.

Lucha Madness had the main event of Electro Shock and Mistico defeating Shocker and Gran Apache. Also, in the semi main event, El Hijo Del Santo and Latin Lover defeated Shining Force.

CMLL Tiro Abajo featured the main event of Negro Casas defeating Dr. Wagner Jr. Also, Los Guerreros Del Inferno defeated the Purity of Purpose in the main event.

Also, CMLL featured a trios match involving Blue Demon Jr, Ultimo Guerrero, and Cien Caras defeating Blue Panther, L.A. Park, and Negro Casas. In title matches, Dr. Wagner Jr defeated Atlantis to retain the UWA Championship, Mr. Aguila, Hector Garza, and El Hijo Del Perro retained the CMLL Trios Title over Silver King, Mascara Sagrada, and Heavy Metal, The Chaos Connection defeated El Terrible and Arkangel to retain the CMLL World Tag Team Titles, and Rey Bucanero retained the CMLL Lightheavyweight Title over Damian 666.

Puro
NJPW had their big monthly show, featuring Manabu Nakanishi retaining the IWGP Championship over Masahiro Chono. Also Takao Omori, Minoru Tanaka defeated Shinsuke Nakamura, Kintaro Kanemura defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi to retain the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title, Yuji Nagata defeated Akebono, Hiroyoshi Tenzan battled Low Ki to a double countout, Jushin Thunder Liger pinned Black Tiger(Rocky Romero), and Koji Kanemoto and Wataru Inoue retained the IWGP Jr Tag Team Titles over El Samurai and Taguchi.

Indies
FIP featured the main event of Roderick Strong retaining the FIP Championship over Bryan Danielson. Also, Jack Evans defeated Brent Albright, Erick Stevens defeated Mark Briscoe, Jay Briscoe retained the Florida State Heritage Title over Delirious, and Davey Richards pinned Tyler Black.

JAPW had their monthly show featuring Samoa Joe retaining the JAPW Championship over Homicide. Also, Rhino pinned Jay Lethal with the Gore, Frankie Kazarian defeated B-Boy, Jack Evans defeated Eddie Kingston, and Chuck Taylor retained the New Jersey State Title over El Generico.

Pay Per View Buyrates and Television Ratings
WWE Vengeance received a 1.89 buyrate or 756000 people buying it.

Raw received a 5.47 rating, WWE Progression received a 4.80 rating on ABC, with a 0.28 rating on Nippon TV, WWE Smackdown received a 5.26 rating on CW, with a ESPN International receiving 0.19 rating, and TNA Impact 2.15 rating

[dtrot021]

Christian Cage, Rene Dupree, and Quinton Jackson have signed contracts with the National Wrestling Alliance.

RAMPAGE?!

Also, I wonder if the NWA will take over the top spot in the world....will they sign Angle too?

[chopps4312]

Good to see this back, was getting worried. NWA will conquer all when Venis signs with them lol.

[MadMatt]

Christian Cage, Rene Dupree, and Quinton Jackson have signed contracts with the National Wrestling Alliance.

RAMPAGE?!

Also, I wonder if the NWA will take over the top spot in the world....will they sign Angle too?

Rampage was a bit of a shock, but the NWA in the game looks to be really serious about signing the biggest names they can get their claws into, both inside and outside of wrestling. As for Angle, he's currently touring NOAH, and so far the NWA hasn't made a play for him, yet.

And Chopps, Val Venis is still under contract with WWE. He's not injured or anything, it's just Vince isn't using him, given the eight hundred or so callups McMahon has made recently.

And now, on with the show.



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #58 Week Two July 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

Raw wasn't a bad show by any means, just very strange, with some of the matches. Let's take a look, shall we.

The Good
The main event featured Hardcore Holly against WWE Champion Randy Orton in a non title match. Yes, on Raw. Hardcore Holly got quite a bit of offense actually, but Orton wins with the RKO.

Triple Threat Match involving Orlando Jordan, Paul Burchill, and Jeff Hardy. This was weird. It's almost like when WCW used to put random stuff on Saturday Night like Lizmark Jr versus Mike Enos or something of the sort. Good, but rather odd. Jeff Hardy pins Jordan with the Swanton Bomb. Welcome back to WWE, Orlando.

John Morrison and Tommy Dreamer was a total Heat match, but in a good way. Dreamer actually got some close nearfalls, but Morrison won with the Moonlight Drive.

Chavo Guerrero and Gregory Helms defeated Santino and Carlito in a fabolous little tag team match. Seriously, Helms and Guerrero should be the World Tag Team Champions right now. Helms pins Carlito to score the pin after the Shining Wizard Knee.

Super Crazy and Chris Harris, once again perfectly fine. Crazy scores the pin with the Moonsault.

Mickie James and Natalya against the WWE Women's Champion Victoria and Layla. The best match in Layla's career, as she was put in this match to do the job, which she did with honors after getting hit in the face with the Mick Kick. Still, she played her role good.

Stevie Richards and Colt Cabana opened up with a fun comedy match. Stevie scores a rare victory with the Stevie Kick.

The Bad
The only thing I have to complain about is the lack of really big names. Other than Randy Orton and Jeff Hardy, there weren't that many top line main event names. Edge, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, the Big Show, and John Cena were all absent tonight.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing.

WWE Progression

The Good
Tag team main event with Shelton Benjamin and Rey Mysterio against MVP and Mr. Kennedy. Any combination of these four men will equal a great match. Rey pins Kennedy after he drops the Dime.

Devon Storm was a punching bag against Kane, but damn if he didn't play that role well. Kane trashed him with the Choke Slam, before pinning Storm.

The Bad
Khali and Batista was the usual pile. Khali seems to be getting worse and Batista isn't inspired in these matches. For those curious, Batista scored the pin with a spear.

Also, Mark Henry and Big Daddy V squash Colin Delaney and Paul London to retain the WWE Tag Team Titles when Henry pins London with the World's Strongest Slam. Considering that Colin was right there to do the job, this was insulting.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Shannon Moore defeated Zach Ryder and Jamie Noble defeated Eddie Colon. Existed to fill up time.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Big Daddy V and Rey Mysterio had another good match. I'm sensing a trend here. Rey blowing up Big Daddy V is a thing of beauty everytime I see it. This time, Rey wins with the 6-1-9 and a springboard legdrop.

MVP and the Undertaker in a non title match. The Undertaker jobs cleanly, leading MVP's chance at the title at the Great American Bash. We'll see if MVP can walk out with the World Hevyweight Championship this time or he might be considered a choker by the casual fans.

Lance Cade wallops Shannon Moore in a fun little squash. Lariat by Cade pins Moore.

The Pounce that Monty Brown gave Eddie Colon was a thing of beauty. The rest of the match wasn't much to write home about it, but still the Alpha Male scores a victory.

Also, the Edgeheads defeating Jamie Noble and Chuck Palumbo was a great match. Noble and Palumbo meshed well tonight, former rivals turned partners. Also, Paul London pinned Ted DiBiase Jr with the standing shooting star press in the opener.

The Bad
Nothing

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Kevin Thorn pinned Shawn Spears in a match that would fall under this category.

Misc
Tom Howard, Nigel McGuiness, and Mark Briscoe have been recalled from FCW. The Messiah has signed a contract. Kofi Kingston extended his contract.

TNA

Since TNA is only a Cult fed, and the NWA is a Global fed, the good/bad/ugly/pointless recap format will be reverted to the NWA for the time being. Considering the rate that NWA is raping TNA of all their talent(more on that later), TNA is going to have a trying few months. Unfortunately, Vince Russo has not been stolen yet.

TNA Impact
-Black Reign squashed Sonjay Dutt, three days before Dutt's big Pay Per View main event. Yes, welcome to TNA
-Kip James, Chris Sabin, and Brother Devon defeated Johnny Devine, Elix Skipper, and Matt Morgan in a pointless six man tag team match when James pinned Devine. I shoot my television.
-Jacqueline Moore defeated Salinas with a power bomb in a squash
-Kaz and Eric Young beat Scott Steiner and Petey Williams for the one millionth time, when Young pins Petey with the Showstopper
-Sting pinned Rhino with the Scorpion Deathdrop in a great match, after Rhino missed the Gore in the corner
-Jay Lethal pinned Homicide in the main event with the Flying Elbowdrop avoid countering the Gringo Killer.

TNA Victory Road 2009
-Brother Ray defeated Johnny Devine, Shark Boy, and Black Reign when Ray pinned Shark Boy
-Kip James squashed James Storm in a short match. Hey, Storm, thanks for the years of service, go get ****ed for signing a Global fed to actually make some money.
-Chris Sabin pinned Matt Morgan with a sunset flip. Usual big man/little man match.
-Alex Shelley, Robert Roode, and Curry Man defeated Jimmy Rave, Rellik, and Black Reign when Roode pinned Rave with the Pay Off.
-Raisha Saeed pinned Salinas to retain the Knockout's Title
-AJ Styles and Tomko defeated Petey Wiliams and Scott Steiner to retain the TNA Tag Team Titles when Styles pinned Petey Williams with the Styles Clash
-Sting pinned Abyss with the Scorpion Deathdrop in a great brawl
-Christian Cage and Homicide defeated Kaz and Eric Young when Homicide pinned Kaz with the Gringo Killa.
-Samoa Joe and Rhino defeated Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal in the main event when Joe pinned Dutt with the Muscle Buster.

Misc
Jimmy Rave, Frankie Kazarian, and James Storm signed contracts with NWA and will be leaving TNA. Storm has been there since day one, which leaves AJ Styles as the only TNA original left on the roster. Christian Cage is also leaving. Plus, with Rhino, Homicide, and Alex Shelley in both companies, you've got to wonder how long it's going to take before NWA has them sign exclusive contracts.

On the bright side, Matt Morgan signed a contract extension.

NWA

NWA Live Action Results

The Good
Booker T and Rhino rocked my world. Great match, as the NWA is determined to big number one. Scissors Kick by Booker T scores the pin after Rhino misses the Gore.

Nick Dinsmore pinned NWA Champion Chris Kanyon in a non title match with the German Suplex. If they're going to set up Dinsmore for a future title challenge, this is the way to do so.

Sean Waltman and Bryan Danielson had a great match, even though Waltman beating Danielson is a little cringe worthy. X-Factor pins Danielson after fifteen minutes of back and forth action.

The Bad
Nothing

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Dan Maff defeated Sonny Siaki in an indy match rellic if there ever was one.

New Signings
As they expand globally, here's a list of people that the National Wrestling Alliance has signed over the past week
-Jimmy Rave
-Joey Matthews
-Sean Waltman
-Frankie Kazarian
-Rob Van Dam
-James Storm
-Jon Heidenreich
-Mike Bucci
-Sharmell
-Sgt. Slaughter(as a road agent, after leaving the WWE in 2008)

Lucha
AAA Television featured the main event of Electro Shock, Gran Apache, and Shocker defeating Juventud Guerrera, Nicho, and Octagon to retain the Mexico National Atomico Titles. Also, Mistico beat Latin Lover.

Lucha Madness featured Electro Shock, Gran Apache, and Shocker retaining the Mexico National Atomicos Titles over El Hijo Del Santo, Juventud Guerrera, and Mistico. In the semi-main event, Abismo Negro defeated Latin Lover.

Dr Wagner Jr, Negro Casas, and Blue Panther defeated Atlantis, L.A. Park, and Ultimo Guerrero in the main event of CMLL. Also, Silver King defeated Mascara Sagrada in the semi-main event.

Puro
Takayuki Mori suffered a major concussion that will put him out for over a year on the latest Dragon Gate show.

NOAH had their big monthly show, headlined by Mitsuhara Misawa capturing the GHC Championship from Jun Akiyama. Also, Kurt Angle and Naomichi Marafuji defeated Saito and Rikio, Takashi Suguiru and Tamon Honda defeated BXB Hulk and Jun Izumida to retain the GHC Tag Team Titles, Akira Taue defeated Bison Smith and, Sano and Shiga defeated Fujita and Low Ki to retain the GHC Jr. Tag Team Titles.

DGPW had their big monthly show, headlined by TAKA Michinoku retaining the Open the Dream Gate Title over CIMA. Also, K-Ness defeated Kintaro Kanemura, Genki Horiguchi defeated Kamikaze to retain the Open the Brave Gate Title, and Naoki Tanisaki defeated SHINGO.

Indies
CHIKARA had their monthly show, headlined by El Pantera over Claudio Castagnoli. Also, Mike Quackenbush defeated Larry Sweeney, Chris Hero defeated Sabian, and Chuck Taylor defeated Retail Dragon.

FCW had their first show in a long time, with Dan Maff pinning Spike Dudley to capture the FCW International Title. Also, Franky the Mobster defeated Devon Moore, Mike DiBiase and Johnny Swinger captured the FCW Tag Team Titles over Retail Dragon and Mark Briscoe, and Brad Allen defeated Alex Wright.

Pay Per View Buyrates and Television Ratings

NWA Urban Decay received a 0.49 buyrate or 196000 people bought the show.

Raw received a 4.82 rating, WWE Progression on ABC received a 4.36 rating, while a 0.30 rating on Nippon TV, WWE Smackdown received a 4.77 rating on the CW, while receiving a 0.19 rating on ESPN International, and TNA Impact received a 2.08 rating

[chopps4312]

Hey thanks for the comment. Glad to see your back with updates. Love this one. It's so different.

[MadMatt]

Next Newsletter!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #59 Week Three July 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
The stars came out tonight as Umaga and Shawn Michaels had about as good of a main event as you would expect. Umaga beat Michaels, gaining a series of nearfalls but he missed a running attack in the corner. Superkick pins Umaga.

Triple H and John Cena squared off in the semi-main event which was another good match. Both men traded finishing moves, scoring nearfalls. The Pedigree is countered into the F-U in one shift motion for the pin. Yes, Cena pins Triple H, in the center of the ring, live on Raw.

William Regal and Chris Harris had a nice little match, with Regal stretching the hell out of Harris, leading to the Regal Stretch for the submission.

Kenny Dykstra had a successful title defense of his WWE Intercontinental Title against Nunzio. Dykstra wins with the Hangman's Neckbreaker.

Val Venis and Colt Cabana have a fun little match, with Venis pinning Cabana with the Money Shot. Cabana put up a good show as well.

The Bad
Victoria's defense against Natalya for the WWE Women's Title showed potential, but was way too short.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Mark Briscoe and Matt Sydal. Would be a good match in Ring of Honor. This is not Ring of Honor and I have a feeling Briscoe will not get too far, after having to man down and learn the WWE style.Then again, I'm sure the fat contract that he's receiving will help him go to sleep at night. Plus, there's not like there's a cruiserweight Title these two men can go after. Sydal wins with a springboard dropkick, the only halfway exciting move in this match. Snitsky comes out and attacks both men, causing ROH fans to no doubt flood the Internet with angry rantings.

WWE Progression

The Good
Big Daddy V, the Great Khali, and Mr. Kennedy defeated Rey Mysterio, Batista, and Shelton Benjamin in a six man tag team match that masked the limitations of certain competitors well. Kennedy pins Benjamin with the Mic Check, which was actually the best result if that team had to win.

ECW Champion Chris Jericho and World Heavyweight Champion the Undertaker rocked. Neither title was on the line, but Taker counters a forward roll into a swinging choke slam, before he Tombstones Jericho for the pin. This should be our Summerslam main event, but you know it won't be.

The Bad
Deuce squashes Hernandez. Not a bad match, but man Hernandez made a bad career move. He's now just another wrestler. Then again, I'm sure he can sleep at night with that paycheck. Deuce wins with a kick to the face. TNA should feud Homicide and Joe, just to really stick to Hernandez and we know they can have a good match as well.

Hardcore Holly and Mighty Mikey did not click. Holly beats the **** out of the jobber and wins in two minutes with the Alabama Slam.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Katie Lea Burchill over Kelly Kelly and the Edgeheads beating Shawn Spears and Beef Wellington.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Chris Jericho and Kane in the main event was good. Hardcore Holly watched at ringside, since he will be facing Jericho for the ECW Championship at the Great American Bash. Jericho beats the man he won the title with the Code Breaker.

CM Punk and Batista was a good match. It seems like the only men Batista can beat these days are Punk or Khali. Punk jobs to the Batista Bomb, but gets a lot of offense, which rallies the crowd behind Batista for the comeback.

Trevor Murdoch's reign as United States Champion has been all sorts of pointless fun. Tonight, he beats TJ Wilson like a dog and hits him with the Gourdbuster for the pin. Murdoch for World Heavyweight Champion in 2010. Yes I said it.

Shannon Moore and Jamie Noble defeated the Edgeheads. Great tag team match and Noble pins Ryder with the Gibson Driver.

The Bad
Nothing

The Ugly
Nothing

The Ashley
Yes, she's back, with a utterly putrid match against Layla. Four minutes that lead to a no-contest.

The Pointless
Eric Perez defeated Jake Hager.

WWE Great American Bash

The Good
The Undertaker and MVP had another great match for the World Heavyweight Title. MVP did not win the title, the choker. But he came close, closer than he ever has, before the Undertaker pins MVP with the Tombstone for the pin.

Triple H and Justin Credible was an odd match, but perhaps the best match in Credible's career. Credible nearly pins Triple H with a DDT, but Triple H reverses a backdrop into the Pedigree to score the pin.

Chris Jericho and Hardcore Holly for the ECW Championship. Alabama Slam was countered into a sunset flip, into the Walls of Jericho for the submission win in a back and forth match.

Paul London and Monty Brown was a good match. More than the usual squash that Monty is involved in, with London keeping Monty off balance for a good portion of the match. Monty catches him in a cross body block, throws him across the ring and Pounces him for the pin...period.

The Bad
The Great Khali squashing Jeff Hardy in an interpromotional match. Hardy gets over, a threat to Hunter's spot, and gets squashed. While Justin Credible, who is not over but a friend of the Kliq, gets a competitive match with Triple H. God bless politics. Hardy gets thrown into the barricade after the match, before Khali walks off.

The Ugly
Michelle McCool and Victoria for the WWE Women's Championship. Didn't click, with Victoria pinning Michael McCool in five minutes, with the Widow's Peak.

The Pointless
Zach Ryder beat Chuck Palumbo in a bland match.

Misc
Over the last week, Orlando Jordan, Justin Credible, Paul Burchill, Katie Lea Burchill, Jillian Hall, Kelly Kelly, Ashley, and Layla were all moved over to Smackdown.

Franky the Mobster has been recalled. William Regal has signed a contract extension.

NWA

NWA Live Action

The Good
Homicide and Booker T in the main event. Good stuff, really fun match, with Homicide pinning Booker T, after Booker missed an Axe Kick, before Homicide rolled him up for the pin.

Christian Cage and Rhino was good, but short, with Christian pinning Rhino with the Unprettier.

A video package saying that Shaquile O' Neil(yes, that Shaquile O' Neil), will be making his wrestling debut next week in the National Wrestling Alliance. Shaq's been training with Hulk Hogan for quite some time now appearently and the NWA jumped on him, offering a big contract.

Brent Albright and Alex Shelley defeated Joey Ryan and David Young to retain the NWA Tag Team Titles in a short, but good match, with Shelley pinning Young. Squash, but a success defense for the champions.

The Bad
Ro-z and Sylvain Grenier have a match. It ends in a no contest when Rhino attacks both men with Gores, which lead into the match with Christian. This match was bad. All three members of La Resistance are in TNA now.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing.

Misc
More big signings this week, with Nicho El Millinairo, Shaquile O'Neil(yes, that Shaquile O'Neil), Sylvain Grenier, Ro-Z, and Scott Taylor have signed contracts. Well, not big, but names people might know.

TNA

TNA Impact
-Kip James squashed Elix Skipper with the Rocker Dropper
-Christy Hemme had a match match againsts Velvet Skye where Christy won
-Sonjay Dutt squashed James Storm in two minutes with the Hindu Press. This is Storm's last match with TNA. He got buried.
-AJ Styles and Tomko retained the TNA Tag Team Titles in another match against Petey Williams and Scott Steiner when Styles pinned Petey Williams with a springboard splash, with Tomko connecting with a power bomb
-Sting defeated Abyss, in a Pay Per View rematch on free television. This was for the number one contenders for the TNA Title, where the winner will face Joe. Scorpion Deathdrop pinned Abyss. So Joe/Sting again.
-Jay Lethal pinned Rhino after avoiding the Gore and hitting a sunset flip out of the corner. Pretty good main event.

At least no one got stole this week.

Lucha

AAA Television was headlined by Electro Shock and El Hijo Del Santo defeating Juventud Guerrera and Latin Lover. Also, Mistico, Shocker, and Gran Apache defeated Negro Casas, Nicho, and Chessman, and Shining Force defeated Scorpio Jr and Pirata Morgan to retain the AAA Tag Team Titles.

AAA had their big monthly show, with a double main event of Electro Shock, Gran Apache, and Shocker defeating El Hijo Del Santo, Mistico, and Octagon to retain the Mexico National Atomics Titles. Juventud Guerrera captured the Mexican National Heavyweight Title over Nicho El Millionairo.

Vampiro has signed a contract with AAA.

Also, Electro Shock, Gran Apache, and Shocker defeated Vampiro, Mistico, and Octagon to retain the Mexico National Atomicos Title. Also, Latin Lover defeated Nicho El Millinairo in the semi main event.

CMLL featured Atlantis, L.A. Park, and Blue Panther defeated Negro Casas, Mr. Aguila, and El Hijo Del Perro. Also Cien Caras defeated Heavy Metal to retain the NWA World Middleweight Title, El Terrible defeated Arkangel to retain the CMLL National Title, and Averno defeated Pierroth Jr to retain the CMLL World Middleweight Title.

Maximo and Ultimo Guerrero signed with AAA.

Puro

IWGP Champion Manabu Nakanishi broke is ankle to be out the next three months.

BJPW had their big show with Shinjiro Otani defeating GENTARO to retain the BJW Deathmatch Title. Also, Jun Kasai defeated Kikutaro, Men's Teioh, Badboy Hido defeating Jay Lethal, and Madman Pondo defeating Ryuji Yamakawa.

Bobby Lashley and Taiyo Kea captured the All Asia Tag Team Titles over Joe Doering and Kikutaro.

Atsushi Aoki defeated BxB Hulk to capture the NOAH Wrestling Spirt Title.

Indies
IWA-MS had a show with Chris Hero capturing the IWA-MS Championship that was vacated when Low-Ki left the company, over Ruckus. Also, the Death Squad(Eddie Kingston and Kevin Steen) defeated Roderick Strong and Tyler Black, Jason Hades retained the IWA: MS Light Heavyweight Title, and Davey Richards defeated Claudio Castagnoli.

SHIMMER was headlined by Daizee Haze retaining the SHIMMER Championship against Rain. Also, Mercedes Martinez defeated Cheerleader Melissa.

Pay Per View Buyrate and Television Ratings

TNA Victory Road received a 0.24 buyrate or 96000 purchasing the show.

Raw received a 5.57 rating, WWE Progression on ABC received a 4.84 rating, a 0.56 rating on Nippon TV, WWE Smackdown received a 5.33 rating on The CW, with a 0.37 rating on ESPN International, and TNA Impact on 2.09.

[chopps4312]

Hey, Val returns and gets a win. That's always a plus in my book. TNA kind of got what they had coming, screwing NWA over. Now the NWA is rolling and TNA is crawling.

[dtrot021]

You might as well put TNA in the indies haha.

SHAQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ! Ah, he musta retired. haha.

Shaquille O'Neil vs. Rampage Jackson is a money match!

[MadMatt]

The final newsletter of July!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #60 Week Four July 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
Umaga and Shawn Michaels was another good match between these two men. Michaels cued the band but Umaga blocked it, before he connected with a Samoan Drop. Samoan Spike and Shawn Michaels is put down for the pin.

Edge and The Big Show defeated Santino and Carlito, the winner of the fall receiving a WWE Championship Match against Randy Orton at Summerslam. Odd little match, but Show pinned Santino with the Choke Slam. Show wants the belt but Orton doesn't seem to sweat it too much.

The Bad
Domino squashes Ron Killings. Yep, this was a wonderful bit of booking WWE.

The Ugly
Snitsky interrupting two matches to come in and make his pressence know. Sid 2009 ruins a good women's match with Victoria and Beth Phoenix. Also, Jay Bradley and Drew McIntyre were beaten down, in less important news. Snitsky wants the title. I shudder in absolute terror.

The Pointless
KC James defeated Mike Kruel and Tommy Dreamer defeated Reid Flair.

WWE Progression

The Good
Batista gets a win over someone not named CM Punk or the Great Khali. I nearly fainted. The ECW Champion Chris Jericho was the victim for Batista tonight. The belt was not on the line and Jericho goes for the Code Breaker but Batista counters with the spinebuster before he connects with the Batista Bomb for the pin.

CM Punk and Hardcore Holly was a good match. Punk won with the GTS. Punk's just on the treadmill, but on the treadmill with good matches.

Ted DiBiase Jr and Paul Burchill had their moments. Burchill curb stombed DiBiase for the pin.

Hernandez and Paul London had a great match. Until the finish, of the Great Khali running out and beating up both men. Still, we got eight minutes.

The Bad
Orlando Jordan defeated Curt Hawkins. Jordan wasn't good in 2006 when he left and hasn't improved since then.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Ashley
Ashley had a match with Maria. Poor, Maria, I feared for her life when Ashley thought it would be a good idea to do a sunset flip power bomb off the second rope. Maria won with a roll up, the only move in the match that Ashley didn't botch.

The Pointless
Nothing.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Shelton Benjamin and MVP in the main event. Both future superstars. MVP seems to be slipping back down the card, with Shelton pinning him with the Exploder Suplex after a great smackdown main event.

The Brothers of Destruction reunite against Big Daddy V and Mark Henry. I cringed when I saw this match, but it was a good match, actually. Kane was pinned with the World's Strongest Slam from Henry and the elbowdrop from Big Daddy V. At least the champion didn't job.

Chris Jericho and TJ Wilson was a nice little match for the ECW Championship. Short, but Wilson got in a couple of nearfalls, before Jericho retained the titles with the Walls of Jericho.

Katie Lea Burchill defeated Jillian in a good match, ending the match with a fireman's carry, dropped into a backbreaker. Nasty little finisher.

Kofi Kingston and Jamie Noble had a match. Jamie Noble scored the pin with the Gibson Driver. Noble is on a roll.

The Bad
Nigel McGuinness, welcome to Smackdown. Ninety second job against Curt Hawkins, who wins with a modified hammerlock DDT.

The Ugly
Kevin Thorn pinned Chuck Palumbo in an awful match. Both men can be passable against the right opponent, but sadly, this match didn't click. Palumbo goes up top, crotched, Original Sin, pin.

The Pointless
Nothing.

Misc
The Big Show, Jillian Hall, Michael Cole, Shawn Michaels, Lance Cade, and Chris Harris have signed contract extensions. Spike Dudley has been called up.

NWA

NWA Live Action

The Good
Nick Dinsmore and Shaquile O' Neal(yes, that Shaquile O' Neil), was your main event. Shaq was perfectly acceptable in the ring and with the right opponents, he should do fine. Dinsmore was the right opponent, playing a real dick heel, trying to take out the outsider. Shaq came back with some basic offense, which Dinsmore bumped off of. Shaq connected with a huge bodyslam before he leaped high into the air and came down across the chest of Nick Dinsmore fist first, with "The Shaq Attack". Afterwards, Christian Cage comes out and bitches about Shaq getting a main event, saying he can beat Shaq at anything. Shaq invites Christian into the ring, but Christian turns and runs, so there's his first feud.

Christian Cage and Rhino had another good match this week. Rhino went for the Gore but Christian ducked it and hit the corner. Unprettier pins Rhino.

Great video package on Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, who will be wrestling at the next NWA Pay Per View against "anyone in the National Wrestling Alliance".

James Storm had a quick match against David Young with the Superkick. Storm was put over as a former multi-time NWA Tag Team Champion and looking to strike it

The Bad
Nothing

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Mike DiBiase pinned Dan Maff in a pointless match.

TNA

TNA Impact
-Raisha Saeed retained the TNA Knockout's Title against Gail Kim after Awesome Kong interfered, beating down Kim on the floor, for the countout. Good match up until the finish
-Jacqueline Moore pinned Ms. Brooks with a power bomb.
-Petey Williams pinned Sonjay Dutt in less than a minute to retain the TNA X-Division Title with the Canadian Destroyer
-AJ Styles and Tomko defeated Black Reign and Rellik in a fairly passable non title match when Styles pinned Rellik with the Spiral Tap
-Sting won a three way dance against Scott Steiner and Abyss. Abyss laid out Steiner with the Black Hole Slam and Sting pinned Abyss with a crossbody off the top. Afterwards, Samoa Joe beat up Sting.
-Homicide pinned Jay Lethal in a spectacular main event match, with the Gringo Killa.

Also TNA actually signed people to contracts, instead of losing them. In signings that I'm sure will rock the entire world of wrestling, Dan Maff and Jimmy Shalwin will be joining the TNA Roster.

ROH

ROH had their Night of Combat Show. Quick results are as follows
-Sara Del Ray and Lacey defeated Mercedes Martinez and Daizee Haze when Lacey pinned Daizee
-Austin Aries and Jay Briscoe retained the ROH Tag Team Titles over the Age of the Fall when Briscoe pinned Black with the Jay Driller.
-Davey Richards, Kevin Steen, and Erick Stevens defeated Claudio Castagnoli, Ruckus, and El Generico in a wild card match when Sevens pinned Claudio with the Doctor Bomb
-Brent Albright and Adam Pearce defeated Jigsaw and Jack Evans when Pearce pinned Jigsaw with the Jumping Piledriver
-ROH Champion Bryan Danielson retained the Title against Chris Hero, after knocking him out with a series of elbowsmashes to the head. Danielson worked a very MMA-centric style for this match.

Lucha
AAA Television featured Electro Shock, Gran Apache, and Shocker defeating Mistico, El Hijo Del Santo, and Vampiro to retain the Mexico National Atomicos Titles. Negro Casas defeating Latin Lover. Also, Octagon and La Parka Jr defeating Cibernetico and Zorro to retain the Mexican National Tag Team Titles.

Lucha Madness featured Electro Shock and Vampiro defeated Shocker and El Hijo Del Santo. Also, in the semi-main event, Gran Apache and Mistico defeated Negro Casas and Cibernetico.

Mr. Aguila, Atlantis, and Heavy Metal defeated Dr. Wagner Jr, Blue Panther, and El Hijo Del Perro. Cien Caras defeated Silver King to retain the NWA Middleweight Title and El Terrible defeated Lizmark Jr to retain CMLL National Title.

Puro
Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Minoru Tanaka for the vacated IWGP Championship.

AJPW had the finals of their Junior League tournament with Shuji Kondo defeating Great Sasuke to capture that honor.

Indies
PWG featured Bryan Danielson retaining his PWG Championship over Austin Aries in the main event. Also, Chris Hero defeated Tyler Black, Super Dragon defeated Davey Richards, and Roderick Strong defeated Eddie Kingston.

CZW featured Sonjay Dutt retaining the CZW Championship over Vito Thomaselli. Salvatore Thomaselli defeated Chuck Taylor, Sabian defeated Danny DeManto to the CZW Arena Championship, Ruckus defeated Sexxy Eddy, The Nightmares retained the CZW Tag Team Titles over the Dogs of War, and Brain Damage retained the CZW Iron Man Title over Ricochet.

OVW featured Jamin Olivencia beating Jacob Duncan to retain the OVW Championship. Also, Tommy McNaler defeated Nine Fingers Dewey and Anthony Bravado defeated Omar Akbar.

Television Ratings and Pay Per View Buyrates
WWE Great American Bash received a 2.01 buyrate or 804000 people bought the show.

WWE Raw received a 5.80 rating, WWE Progression on ABC received a 4.73 rating, while it got a 0.57 rating on Nippon TV, WWE Smackdown received a 4.96 rating on the CW, a 0.35 rating on ESPN International, and TNA Impact received a 2.07 rating

[MadMatt]

Let's kick off August.



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #61 Week One August 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
Carlito and Jeff Hardy fought in the main event. Odd match, with a good one, with Hardy winning with the Swanton Bomb, but Carlito was motivated in this match.

For the third week in a row, Umaga and Shawn Michaels had the match of the evening. Sunset flip after Umaga ducks the head, pins him.

Super Crazy and Matt Cross was the guilty pleasure spot fest you would think it would be. Cross missed a corkscrew moonsault, before Crazy hit a standing version of the move for the pin.

Gregory Helms squashed Robbie with the Shining Wizard. Helms got some high impact moves before finishing the jobber off.

Mickie James and Beth Phoenix was a great women's match. Phoenix lifted up Mickie at the end, but she reversed with the Tornado DDT for the pin.

The Bad
Colt Cabana and Chris Harris had a short match that was interrupted by Sid 2009, who beats up both men. Yes, Snitsky's still being shoved down our throats.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Drew McIntyre made Mack Johnson submit to a leg submission.

WWE Progression

The Good
The Undertaker and Batista against Big Daddy V and Mark Henry. Batista spent both most of the match being beat up, but he clotheslines both men. Tag to Undertaker, who unloads on both men, before he pins Henry with the choke slam.

Mr. Kennedy and Rey Mysterio lit up the ring tonight. Rey goes for the West Coast Pop but Kennedy counters by hanging Rey up onto the ropes, before hitting the Mic Check for the pin.

Paul London and Ted DiBiase Jr squared off in the usual middle of a card match to keep the crowd hot. DiBiase was pinned with a springboard cross body block, after he was shoved off the top rope.

Cade and Murdoch beat the Edgeheads with the High Low in a perfectly acceptable tag team match.

The Bad
Nothing

The Ugly
Nothing

The Ashley
Ashley and Maria defeated Katie Lea Burchill and Jillian Hall, with Ashley winning with a Frankensteiner that nearly dumped Jillian right on her head.

The Pointless
Justin Credible, Kofi Kingston, and Highlander Rory defeated Afa Jr, Jake Hager, and Shawn Spears when Credible pinned Afa.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
CM Punk and Shelton Benjamin in a battle before two former ECW Champions in the main event. Reversing roll ups sequence, before CM Punk pulls out of the GTS to end a great match.

Tonight, Lance Cade was the sacrificial lamb for Batista, but the beating was entertainng. Batista is getting built back up after being made Big Daddy V's personal jobber on several occassions. Batista Bomb scores the pin.

Also, Eddie Colon and Hernandez, a good match. Hernandez wins with the sidewalk slam, but Colon bumped around nice and was a good little sympathetic babyface.

The Bad
Mark Henry and Big Daddy V squashed the Edgeheads once again. They have one tag team match on TNA, Raw, and Smackdown, with the tag team champions, and they beat it into the ground. Henry pinned Curt Hawkins with the World's Strongest Slam.

The Ugly
Hardcore Holly and Orlando Jordan sucked something fierce. Holly pinned Jordan with the Alabama Slam. Is it just me or has Jordan gotten worse?

The Ashley
Ashley pins Katie Lea Burchill with a backslide, after several blown spots.

The Pointless
Highlander Rory squashed Matt Capotelli.

Misc
JTG, Mark Henry, and Randy Orton have all signed contract extensions. Also, Raw will be also airing on ABC Asia Pacific in September. Kid Kash has signed a developmental deal, because why not bring back everyone.

NWA

NWA Live Action

The Good
Damn, Kanyon and Homicide for the NWA Championship rocked. You know, Homicide is actually in a better off position than Hernandez now that I think of it, as NWA is the number two company in the world, behind WWE. Kanyon pins Homicide with the Flatliner. Afterwards, Booker T and Kanyon get into it, as the August Pay Per View, Broken Resolutions his hyped.

Brent Albright and Alex Shelley retain the NWA Tag Team Titles over Nick Dinsmore and Chris Mordetzky when Albright suplexed Dinsmore. Fun tag tea match, but NWA really needs to establish a solid tag team division, with regular teams. That could put them above WWE.

Kazarian pinned Rene Dupree with the Wave of the Future. Good match.

Also Rob Van Dam will be making his NWA debut next week.

The Bad
Nothing

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Jimmy Rave squashed Hook Bomberry with the heel hook. I struggled to care.

Misc
To make room in the budget for all of the high priced talent they've signed recently, the following have been given das boot by the National Wrestling Alliance
-Scorpio Sky
-Mike Quackenbush
-Zokre
-Seth Delay
-Joey Ryan
-Sonny Siaki
-Chris Hamrick.

TNA
TNA Impact Results
-Chris Sabin pinned Elix Skipper with the Cradle Shock.
-Raisha Saeed and Gail Kim defeated Payton Banks and Tracy Brooks when Kim pinned Brooks. Afterwards, Saeed and Kong attacked the other three women. This had Vince Russo written all over it.
-Curry Man pinned Dan Maff with the Spice Rack in a pretty damn good match
-AJ Styles and Tomko retained the TNA Tag Team Titles over Petey Williams and Scott Steiner again Styles pinned Petey Williams with the Styles Clash.
-Sting squashed Alex Shelley with the Scorpion Deathdrop. Afterwards, Joe came out and beat up Sting, who fought back with the baseball bat. I would have cared two months ago.
-Homicide pinned Jay Lethal with the Gringo Killa. Good main event once again.

Also, Rhino resigned his pay-per-appearence contract, but no doubt if the NWA wants him, Rhino will be saying farewell.

Lucha
First a bunch of people get released from AAA, no doubt to cut some costs. Chris Stone, Maximo, Crazy Boy, Nygma, Mascara Sagrada Jr, Mr. Niebla, Fuerza Guerrera, Brazo Del Plato, Escoria, Alan Stone, and Anifaz Del Norte have been released with Tarzan Boy and Universo 2000 signing.

Also in CMLL, Atlantis replaced Negro Casas as head booker.

AAA television was headlined by Gran Apache beating Vampiro. Also, Shocker, Electro Shock, and Mistico defeated El Hijo Del Santo, Juventud Guerrera, and Latin Lover and Octagon defeated Ozz to retain the Mexican National Middleweight Title.

Lucha Madnes featured a feature bout of Electro Shock over Vampiro and Octagon retaining the Mexican National Middleweight Title over El Hijo Del Santo.

CMLL had El Hijo Del Perro, Mr. Aguila, and L.A. Park defeated Dr. Wager Jr, Atlantis and Blue Panther. Cien Caras defeated Heavy Metal and the Chaos Connection retained the CMLL World Tag Team Titles over Army of Hardcore.

Puro
Mag and Shiisa defeated SHINGO and Genki Horiguchi to capture the Open the Twin Gate Titles.

NOAH had their monthly show featuring Mitsuhara Misawa retaining the GHC Heavyweight Championship over Takashi Sigiura, Naomichi Marufuji defeated Kurt Angle, Atsushi Aoki defeating Yoshinori Ota to retain the NOAH Wrestling Spirit Title, Yoshinobu Kanemura defeating Takuma Sano for the GHC Jr. Heavyweight Title, and Jun Akiyama over Akira Taue.

Keiji Mutoh won the 2009 GI Climax Tournament beating Shinsuke Nakamura in the final match.

Indies
Financial woes are befalling the IWA-MS promotion. They may only have a few months to pull everything together.

SHIMMER featured the main event of Daizee Haze over Rain to retain the SHIMMER Championship. Also Mercedes Martinez defeated Ariel and Ms. Chif defeated Lacey.

PWG was headlined by Bryan Danielson retaining the PWG Championship over Chris Hero. In other matches, Austin Aries defeated Davey Richards, Claudio Castagnoli defeated Super Dragon, El Generico defeated PAC, and Roderick Strong and Eddie Kingston defeated Jack Evans and Tyler Black.

Television Ratings
Raw received a 5.65 rating, WWE Progression received a 4.57 rating on ABC and a 0.58 rating on Nippon TV, Smackdown received a 5.04 rating on the CW, with a 0.36 rating on ESPN International, and TNA Impact received a 2.08 rating on Spike TV

[MadMatt]

The latest newsletter



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #62 For Week Two August 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
Ron Killings and Val Venis had the only good match of the evening. Killings won with an axe kick to the head.

The Bad
The entire Snitsky angle from start to finish. First, he interrupts two matches at the start of the show. DH Smith and Tommy Dreamer and Karl Anderson and Brian Kendrick have all four men get beaten up by Snitsky. Then he beats up the WWE Intercontinental Champion Kenny Dykstra. Then he squashes Edge in the main event, until Edge gets lucky with a roll up. WHO THE HELL BOOKS THIS CRAP! I fear the words WWE Champion Snitsky might be hapening all too soon. Also Dykstra/Snitsky for the WWE Intercontinental Title at Summerslam, which is one step closer to that nightmare.

While, I'm ranting about things that piss me off, Santino and Carlito vs. Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly. Again, this match, this stupid match, that's been happening on almost every Raw for the past two years! Santino, bless him, he's entertaining, but he should not be pinning Cody Rhodes, the only one of the four who might be a future superstar, cleanly in the center of the ring.

Michelle McCool pinned Mickie James cleanly. Yes, Mickie James, perhaps one of the greatest wrestlers in North America, getting pinned cleanly. Also, the fact that Ashley's getting a Women's Title Shot at Summerslam against Victoria also struck me with terror.

The Ugly
Duggan and Super Crazy against Bam Neely and SOS. Duggan pins Bam Neely. I'd rather watch TNA at it's most Russorific than this match.

The Pointless
Snitsky's paycheck.

WWE Progression

The Good
Nigel McGuiness and Paul London had a good match. Nigel worked a bit of a different style than the usual drones, so deprogamming er developmental didn't seem to work as well as intended. London wins with a dropsault and standing moonsault, after avoiding the jawbreaker lariat.

Also, The Edgeheads defeating Paul Burchill and Shannon Moore was a perfectly acceptable midcard match. Hawkins pinned Moore.

Colin Delaney gets murdered with the Pounce. In fact, the entire six man with Monty Brown, Kofi Kingston, and Highlander Rory defeating Colin Delaney, Jamie Noble, and Chuck Palumbo was entertaining, harmless fun.

The Bad
Big Daddy V and Mark Henry squashed CM Punk and Shelton Benjamin in a tag team match. Punk was pinned with the elbowdrop. Okay, who the hell does Punk have heat with this week.

Also Hardcore Holly and the Great Khali was a good idea in theory, but not a good idea in execution. Khali won with the clawhold after five minutes which was about three and a half too long for what they wanted to accomplish.

The Ugly
Candice Michelle and Jillian Hall was a bad little women's match(although not worse than the abomination we had on Smackdown). Since coming back from her collerbone injury last year, Candice has really slid in improvement. She wins with a DDT in this match.

The Pointless
Nothing.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Shelton Benjamin and Chris Jericho in a non title match was all sorts of greatness. Shelton pins Jericho cleanly in the center of the ring.

Paul London got a passable match out of Kafu. Dropsault and standing shooting star press.

Ted DiBiase Jr and Kane was a fun little match. DiBiase attacks Kane, but Kane comes back. So, he tries to pay Kane off with his father's money but eats the Choke Slam for the pin. Good stuff.

The Bad
Mr. Kennedy and Batista just wasn't on tonight for some reason. They've had some good matches in the past but tonight's effort was flat and uninspiring. Batista wins with the Batista Bomb after eight minutes of cookie cutter action.

Mark Copani pins Deuce in a match that was a perfect chance for fans around the country to drop a deuce.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Ashley
Maria risks life and limb in a match with Ashley, who pins her with a reverse double underhook faceplant that nearly drives Maria right on the top of her head. Victoria and Ashley at Summerslam, boy that's going to be fun for the entire family and no doubt issue #63 will be an entertaining read if Ashley comes out with the title.

The Pointless
Matt Capotelli defeated Nick Nemeth.

Misc
Funaki, Zach Ryder, and Chris Jericho have signed contract extensions.

NWA

NWA Live Action Results

The Good
Shaquile O' Neal and Christian Cage in the main event. I'm surprised they didn't save this for Pay Per View, but it was a good match. Shaq in the ring is still a novelty but he's being put in there with the right opponents. He pins Christian with the Shaq Attack and Joey Matthews and Homicide attack him after the match, until Christian Cage chases them off. So tag team match at the Pay Per View, I guess, as Christian now respects Shaq. Of course, this could be a ploy on Christian's part. Only time will tell.

Booker T and Rob Van Dam tore down the house. Now that he has been removed by the WWE imposed shackles, Van Dam really sores and his recent work in Japan has rounded his style nicely as well. Five Star Frog Splash pins Booker. And Chris Kanyon watches this match. Van Dam as NWA World Champion should really push the NWA further up the ladder, as he is a name that has a lot of fans.

Bryan Danielson and Brent Albright had a match, where Danielson knocked out Albright. After the match, Rampage and Danielson get into a scuffle, and there's your Pay Per View match.

Sean Waltman and Jimmy Rave was not a half bad opener. Waltman wins with the X-Factor.

The Bad
Nothing

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing.

TNA

TNA Impact
-Team 3D defeated Matt Morgan and Abyss when Ray pinned Abyss after the 3D.
-The Motor City Machines defeated Dan Maff and Robert Roode when Sabin pins Maff with a running dropkick/crossbody combination move.
-Kong and Saeed defeated ODB and Gail Kim when Kong pinned ODB with the Awesome Bomb
-AJ Styles and Tomko retained the TNA Tag Team Titles against Scott Steiner and Petey Williams again when Styles pinned Petey with the Styles Clash
-Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal defeated Rellik and Black Reign when Dutt pinned Rellik with the Hindu Press
-Sting defeated Rhino with the Scorpion Deathlock after Sting kicked Rhino in the face with the Gore. Afterwards, Joe attacked Sting but Sting fought him back. Hoo-ray.

TNA Hard Justice
-Dan Maff pinned Matt Morgan with a lariat. Morgan remains the world's only seven foot jobber
-Angelina Love pinned Tracy Brooks in a match so bad that it has to be seen to believed.
-Robert Roode squashed Shark Boy with the Pay Off
-Homicide pinned Consequences Creed with the Gringo Killa. Homicide challenged the winner of the TNA Championship match for the title down the road afterwards.
-Eric Young and Chris Sabin defeated Kip James and Curry Man when Young pinned Curry Man.
-Team 3D defeated Abyss and Alex Shelley when Brother Ray pinned Shelley with the 3D
-AJ Styles and Tomko retained the TNA Tag Team Titles over Scott Steiner and Petey Williams when Styles pinned Steiner with a cross body off of Tomko's shoulders
-Raisha Saeed pinned Christy Hemme with a DDT after Kong interfered to retain the TNA Knockout's Title. Yes Saeed needed help to beat Christy Hemme
-Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal defeated Rellik and Black Reign when Dutt pinned Rellik
-TNA Champion Samoa Joe retained the title over Sting with the Muscle Buster.

Lucha
AAA Television was headlined by Electro Shock, Gran Apache, and Shocker retaining the Mexico National Atomicos Titles over Mistico, Vampire, and Negro Casas. Also, Latin Lover defeated Juventud Guerrera in the semi-main event.

L.A. Park has announced his retirement from wrestling.

Lucha Madness featured Electro Shock, Gran Apache, and Shocker retaining the Mexico National Atomico Titles over Vampiro, Mistico, and Octagon. Also, Negro Casas defeated Juventud Guerrera in the semi-main event.

CMLL was headlined by Dr. Wagner Jr, Blue Panther, and Atlantis defeating Mascara Sagrada, Heavy Metal, and Silver King. The semi-main event featured Cien Caras defeating Felino.

Puro
DGPW had their monthly show, headlined by TAKA Michinoku retaining the Open the Dream Gate Title over Kintaro Kanemura. In other important matches, Naoki Tanahishi retained the Open the Brave Gate Title over Masaaki Mochizuki, Ryo Saito and Steve Corino won the Open the Twin Gate Titles over Mag and Shiisa, and CIMA defeated Cyber Kong.

Indies
JAPW was headlined by Samoa Joe beating Homicide to retain the JAPW Championship. Also Jack Evans defeated Chris Hero, El Generico defeated B-Boy, and Chuck Taylor retained the New Jersey State Title over Teddy Hart.

OVW's monthly show was headlined by Jamin Olivencia retaining the OVW Championship over Jacob Duncan. Also, Tommy McNaler and Anthony Bravado defeated the Mobile Homers, Rudy Switchblade defeated Chris Cage, and Raul Loco defeated Omar Akbar.

Despite recent finiancial woes, IWA-MS held their monthly show, headlined by Chris Hero retaining the IWA: MS Championship over Ruckus. Also, Davey Richards defeated Roderick Strong, Jason Hades defeated B-Boy, The Iron Saints retained the IWA: MS Tag Team Titles over Tyler Black and Claudio Castagoli, and Eddie Kingston defeated Josh Ambercrombie.

Television Ratings
Raw received a 5.57 rating, WWE Progression received a 4.57 on ABC, while getting a 0.58 rating on Nippon TV, Smackdown received a 5.07 rating on the CW, a 0.36 rating on ESPN International, and TNA Impact received a 2.08 rating.

[MadMatt]

Next Newsletter!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #63 Week Three, August 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
Gregory Helms and Randy Orton in the main event. Fun stuff, the championship was not on the line, but Orton really gave Helms a lot and made him look like a star. In fact, Shining Wizard nearly gets the pin. Second one is blocked, and Orton hits the RKO for the pin. Afterwards, Big Show lumbers out and lays out both men with the Choke Slam.

JBL and Triple H stiffed each other with punches and kicks for ten minutes for my amusement. Thrown out due to too much violence and Triple H has the sledgehammer and JBL has a chair. Both men stare each other down, before they turn and walk off.

Super Crazy pinned DH Smith in a fun little opener with the Moonsault.

The Bad
Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly had another tag team match, defeating Santino and Carlito when Holly pinned Santino with the Alabama Slam. Yawn

The Ugly
Michelle McCool pinned Beth Phoenix cleanly. Say what?

The Pointless
Drew McIntyre defeated Matt Sydal and Matt Cross defeated Mack Johnson. Wrestlers that will get pushed up the card anytime soon=zero.

WWE Progression

The Good
World Heavyweight Champion the Undertaker pinned WWE United States Champion Trevor Murdoch to retain the title. This was a good match, Murdoch's really been stepping up his game as of late and he was game for this match with the Undertaker. Taker pins Murdoch with the Tombstone and crosses the arms across the chest.

Chris Jericho and Curt Hawkins for the ECW Championship. Jericho is always entertaining and he made Hawkins look fine. Code Breaker pins Hawkins as Jericho gets another successful title defense and he will face the Undertaker in a champion versus champion match on Smackdown.

The Bad
Mark Henry and Big Daddy V squashing Paul London and Shannon Moore. Henry pins Moore with the World's Strongest Slam.

The Miz and Deuce just didn't work. Miz wins with the Reality Check, but he's really sunk with Morrison on Raw now.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Ashley
Ashley fought Kelly Kelly. Kelly Kelly was a better worker. That was scary. Kelly wins with a cross body off the second rope. The only move that looked like it hit.

The Pointless
Kofi Kingston squashed TJ Wilson with the Trouble in Paradise. The fans sat on their hands during this match.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
This was one of the better editions of Smackdown in recent memory. Chris Jericho and the Undertaker for the World Heavyweight Title in the main event. Nice back and forth battle with several nearfalls. Jericho connects with the Codebreaker for a nearfall. Taker plucks him out of the air on a second one and choke slams him. Taker Tombstones Jericho for the pin. Two successful title defenses in two shows by the Dead Man.

Mr. Kennedy and CM Punk was good. Both men are getting close to that top level but not quite. Mic Check pins Punk after some great back and forth techincal wrestling exchanges.

Paul Burchill and Kevin Thorn was not a bad match at all. Burchill jobs to the Original Sin .

Speaking of not bad, Shannon Moore and Mike Knox of all people had a match. Moore played the plucky babyface to Knox's monster heel and Knox was pinned with a sunset flip.

The Miz and Paul London. London has been having a good run of midcard matches on Smackdown against lesser talented opponents and the Miz was the latest one. Standing Shooting Star Press off the ring apron misses. London smacks the floor and Miz rolls him into the ring, before hitting the Reality Check for the pin.

Also, Trevor Murdoch beat the crap out of Eddie Colon to retain the WWE United States Title. Murdoch squash matches are always fun, with Murdoch hitting the Gourdbuster for the pin.

The Bad
Jillian and Maria over Kelly Kelly and Layla. Good try but not good in theroy, with Maria pinning Layla.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing.

WWE Summerslam 2009

The Good
The Big Show and Randy Orton for the WWE Championship was the good main event you thought it would be. Orton just barely hangs onto the title, using the belt for the finish. Orton celebrates with the title after the match.

Chris Jericho did a nice little carry job, against Deuce for the ECW Championship. Deuce did not win. I know, that's shocking, isn't it? Jericho pins Deuce with the Code Breaker for the pin and celebrates with the title after the match.

Trevor Murdoch and Hardcore Holly for the United States Title. Fun stuff. Both men beat each other a while. Murdoch gave as good as Holly did and won with the Gourdbuster.

Big Daddy V and Mark Henry fought the World's Greatest Tag Team(reunited for one night). Some great double team moves, as Shelton and Haas really took the big men off balance. Shelton was caught with the World's Strongest Slam for the pin. Still a good match.

The Bad
Snitsky and Kenny Dystkra for the WWE Intercontinental Title. Dykstra was beaten down for most of the match. He kept beating Dykstra for about ten minutes, until Dykstra lucks out and scores the fluke pin. This buried Dykstra and the championship.

Jesse and JBL in a short match, with JBL squashing Jesse with the Clothesline From Hell. This was a backdrop for Triple H running out and brawling with JBL. This was the match they should have had at the Pay Per View.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Ashley
Victoria tried, but Ashley dragged her down to that level. To the absolute depths, with Victoria pinning Ashley with the Widow's Peak to retain the WWE Women's Championship.

The Pointless
Nothing.

Misc
Val Venis extends his contract and the Messiah was called up.

NWA

NWA Live Action

The Good
Joey Matthews and Christian against Homicide and Rob Van Dam was a good little tag team match, if a bit odd. Christian pins Homicide with the Unprettier to score the pin. Afterwards, Matthews and Homicide team up to beat down Christian after the match.

Shaquile O' Neal and Booker T. They better be careful, because a few more of these matches and Shaq's going to be another wrestler. Kanyon is outside the ring, scouting Booker T, with the NWA Championship. Shaq wins by countout after Booker T brawls with Kanyon. Nice brawl to the back, as Booker T and Kanyon set up their match at the Broken Resolutions Pay Per View.

Ro-Z and Mike DiBiase was a suprisingly fun match. Ro-Z pins DiBiase with a Samoan Drop after a great little exchange.

Alex Shelley and Brent Albright retained the NWA Tag Team Titles over Rene Dupree and Sean Waltman in a fine tag team match when Albright pinned Dupree with a half nelson suplex.

The Bad
Nothing

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing.

TNA

TNA Impact
-Team 3D battled Abyss and Dan Maff to a no-contest in a wild brawl
-The Motor City Machine Guns defeated Robert Roode and Matt Morgan when Sabin pins Roode with a springboard dropkick.
-Raisha Saeed retained the TNA Women's Title over Roxxy when Kong interfered
-Petey Williams pinned Sonjay Dutt to retain the TNA X-Division Title in less than a minute after Scott Steiner interfered
-TNA Tag Team Champions AJ Styles and Tomko defeated Rellik and Black Reign when Tomko pins Rellik with a power bomb out of the corner, as Styles dives on Reign on the floor
-Sting and Jay Lethal defeated Homicide and Rhino when Sting made Rhino submit to the Scorpion Deathlock.

Just another TNA show.

ROH

ROH had their monthly show titled Masterclass. Here's what happened
-Daizee Haze pinned Sara Del Ray with the Mind Trip
-Austin Aries and Jay Briscoe retained the ROH Tag Team Titles over Erick Stevens and Kevin Steen when Aries pinned Steen with the 450 Splash
-El Generico squashed Tank Toland with the Brainbustah
-Shane Hagadorn defeated Delirious
-Tyler Black pinned Jimmy Jacobs after Jacobs laid down for Black.
-Chris Hero and Ruckus defeated ROH Champion Bryan Danielson and Jack Evans when Hero pinned Evans with the Hero's Welcome in a dream partner tag team match
-Takeshi Morishima and Adam Pearce defeated Claudio Castagnoli and Davey Richards when Morishima pinned Richards with the Backdrop.

Lucha
AAA Television featured the main event of Vampiro and Mistico battling Electro Shock and Shocker to a time limit draw. Also, Latin Lover, Octagon, and Juventud Guerrera defeated Gran Apache, El Hijo Del Santo, and Negro Casas in the semi-main event.

CMLL had their monthly show, featuring the main event of Atlantis defeating Blue Panther to retain the NWA World Light Heavyweight Title. Dr. Wagner Jr defeated Silver King, Mr. Aguila, Hector Garza, and El Hijo Del Perro retaining the CMLL World Trios Title over Cuervo, Rey Bucerno, and Olimpico, El Terrible defeated Joe Lider to retain the CMLL National Title, and Cien Caras defeated Bestia Savaje to retain the NWA Middleweight Title.

Lucha Madness was headlined by Electro Shocker defeating Gran Apache. In the semi-main event, Vampiro defeated Mistico.

CMLL featured Dr. Wagner Jr and Atlantis defeated Blue Panther and Cien Caras. Silver King, Heavy Metal, and Mascara Sagrada defeated Felino, Lizmark Jr, and Blue Demon Jr, Mr. Aguila, Hector Garza, and El Hijo Del Perro retained the CMLL Trios Title Olimpico, Black Warrior, and Rey Bucerno, and Cuervo retained the CMLL World Middleweight Title.

Puro
NJPW had Koji Kanemoto and Waturu Inoue captured the IWGP Tag Team Titles against Tiger Mask IV and Hiroyoshi Tenzan.

[I]The Indies[/U]
CZW featured the main event against Ruckus defeating Salvatore Thomaselli. Also, Vito Thomaselli defeated Chuck Taylor, Sabian defeated Danny DeManto to retain the CMLL Iron Man Title, and the Nightmares retained the CZW Tag Team Titles over the Dogs of War.

CHIKARA was headlined by Chris Hero battling Mike Quackenbush to a no-contest. Also, Claudio Castagnoli defeated El Pantera, Gran Akuma defeated Sabian, and Incoherence defeated Solider Ant and Fire Ant.

FCW featured Dan Maff retaining the FCW Championship over Mike DiBiase. Also, Kid Kash defeated the Messiah, Johnny Swinger and Glenn Gilberti defeated Jay Briscoe and Flash Flanagan, and Brad Allen defeated Alex Wright.

Pay Per View Buyrates and Television Ratings

TNA Hard Justice got a 0.25 buyrate or 100000 buys.

Raw received a 5.57 rating, WWE Progression on ABC received a 4.66 rating, with getting a 0.82 rating, Smackdown received a 5.20 rating on the CW, with a 0.54 rating on ESPN International, and TNA Impact received a 2.60 rating

[chopps4312]

Good stuff. My b-day was yesterday so i have been busy. Good to see several shows up to read though.

Val resigned. Hope there was a clause for a big push in that contract lol.

[TravisL]

Here's what should happen to those creepy little bottom feeders:

Deuce: Should be released asap, or reform Deuce and Domino, then fire Deuce, gimmick change Domino, have him job to Kofi, fire Domino. But since that wont happen, well...

Kenny: Should be cut loose with or without the title. Any title's prestige goes up if it's vacated when held by Kenny Dykstra...or Jamie Noble it seems.

Val Venis: Should replace Kenny in a short run with the Intercontinental title before being sent to developmental to train these horrible devies.

Jesse: Release or re-team with Festus.

Festus: See Jesse.

Thats it for me for this moment.

[MadMatt]

The final newsletter of August!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #64 Week Four August 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
Shawn Michaels had a good match with JBL. Michaels just gets better as he ages. This match was booked around the limitations of JBL, as Michaels was beaten down for most of the match, but Michaels fought back. Slam, elbow off the top rope. Sweet Chin Music is ducked. Clothesline from Hell is ducked. Superkick scores the pin.

Cody Rhodes has the greatest match in his career against John Cena. Cena played the heel well, against Cody, bullying the young man and not taking him seriously. Cody came back, connecting with a DDT for a close nearfall. Cena fights back with a low blow and the F-U for the pin. Cena hits another F-U after the match, until Hardcore Holly makes the save and gets punked by Cena. I would say something about making your World Tag Team Champions look like geeks, but the fact is no one cares about those belts stopped me.

Beth Phoenix pinned Victoria in a non title match with the fisherwoman buster. The Glamazon looks to have her sights on the title. I approve of this booking.

Stevie Richards and Colt Cabana was a fun little comedy match that really got the crowd into it. I was almost looking for Snitsky to come out but Stevie connects with the Stevie Kick for the pin.

The Bad
Of all the people to bring back, Spike Dudley. Mark Briscoe was beaten by Spike in a quick match. Yep, Briscoe's really moved up on the world.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Super Crazy pinned Karl Anderson and Shad pinned Robbie. Two matches that had that bored the crowd.

WWE Progression

The Good
ECW Champion Chris Jericho and Shelton Benjamin in a non title main event match. Both men show why they are among the top wrestlers in the world, having a great fifteen minute main event. Shelton is pinned with the Code Breaker. Jericho holds up the ECW Championship.

Trevor Murdoch and Lance Cade defeated Eddie Colon and TJ Wilson in a fun little tag team match. Nice southern style beating by Cade and Murdoch, ending with the High Low on Wilson.

The Bad
Big Daddy V and Mark Henry squashed the Edgeheads. Yeah, like we haven't seen this match about nine million times. Henry pins Curt Hawkins.

I saw Justin Credible and Beef Wellington on my television. I saw Justin Credible win in the year 2009 with a superkick.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Ashley
Ashley and Layla was about what you would expect. Ashley wins with an ugly tornado DDT out of the corner

The Pointless
Kofi Kingston squashed Shawn Spears in thirty seconds. This just happened.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Big Daddy V, Chris Jericho, and Mr. Kennedy defeated Deuce, Kenny Dykstra, and Jesse. Despite the oddness of the match and the inadquecies of certain workers, this wasn't a bad match. Deuce was pinned by Jericho with the Code Breaker after the match.

Hardcore Holly pinned Kofi Kingston. Kingston got a good amount of offense over one half of the World Tag Team Champions, but Holly punches Kofi right in the face and connects with the Alabama Slam for the pin.

The Bad
Few matches are like Mark Henry and Batista. Two men brawled. Batista shows why he is the most average worker in the world. When he has a good opponent, he has awesome matches. When he has a bad opponent, it sucks. Both men brawled to the back, after ten minutes that seemed like about ten hours. Double countout, which means this feud must continue!

Also, speaking of matches that I never want to see ever again, the Great Khali will face the Undertaker for the World Heavyweight Title at Unforgiven. Yes again! It's been almost a year, but still...THEY DID THIS MATCH ABOUT NINE MILLION TIMES IN 2008!

The Ugly
Layla and Jillian had an ugly little diva's match. Jillian pinned Layla with a full nelson faceslam.

The Pointless
TJ Wilson defeated Nigel McGuiness, Highlander Rory pinned Shawn Spears, and Elijah Burke. You couldn't even light a match with the combined heat of these matches.

Misc
Kid Kash has been recealled.

NWA

NWA Live Action

The Good
Shaq and Christian in the main event. Two days before they team up before the Pay Per View, but they get into it with Shaq tossing Christian around. Homicide and Joey Matthews run out and Shaq attacks them, but Christian rolls him up for the pin. The only good match of the evening.

The Bad
Mike DiBiase pinned one half of the NWA Tag Team Champions in Brent Albright cleanly with a cobra clutch suplex.

Also, Joey Matthews and Nick Dinsmore was too short for it to mean anything, with Matthews pinning Dinsmore with help from Homicide.

The Ugly
Sylvain Grenier pinned Johnny Swinger with the Fashion Statement. Grenier has gotten worse since his WWE days, if that's all that possible.

The Pointless
Nothing

NWA Broken Resolutions Results

The Good
Booker T is the new NWA World Championship pinning Chris Kanyon. Kanyon's good and all but I think Booker is the bigger main stream name, so this was the right move for the NWA for the time being. Booker blocks the Flatliner and connects with the Book End for the pin to capture his seventh World Championship.

Joey Matthews and Homicide lost to Shaquile O' Neal and Christian Cage. Fun tag team match. Christian played face in peril, until he tags in Shaq, who unloads on both men, before he throws Matthews halfway across the ring. Christian cuts off Homicide, allowing Shaq to score the pin with the Shaq Attack.

The ECW Rob Van Dam is back! Fifteen minute match against Kazarian, where RVD was his usual ****y self, slapping Kazarian and posing while standing on when he was down. Van Dam pins Kazarian with the Five Star Frog Splash and poses some more after the match. R-V-D. Kazarian also got a couple of nearfalls, but this harkened back to the todays where Rob Van Dam wrestled the likes of Kid Kash and Balls Mahoney for twenty minutes on ECW on TNN.

Mike DiBiase and Rhino squared off. Most of this match was DiBiase evading Rhino, which lead to one spot. DiBiase getting ran over by the Gore for the pin.

Scott Taylor and Alex Shelley was a fun match. Shelley makes Taylor submit to the Border City Stretch. Fun match for Taylor, maybe his best match since his series with Dean Malenko in 2000.

Bryan Danielson and Quinton Jackson. Worked MMA style match, with both men attempting to get position. Eventually, Danielson kicks Rampage in the face, before he elbows Jackson until he bleeds and elbows him some more until he's knocked out. Rampage suffered about thirty elbows to the head, before Danielson put him out. Fun brutality.

Rene Dupree pinned Phoenix Starr in a fun squash to open things up.

The Bad
Brent Albright and Chris Mordetzky in a match that didn't click. The former Masterpiece pins Albright with a wheelbarrow suplex.

Also, Heidenreich and Rob Conway. This was a Heat match from about 2005. Conway pins Heidenreich with the Ego Trip.

The Ugly
Jimmy Rave defeats Nicho El Millinairo in thirty seconds with a heel hook. Way too short and rather TNA in their booking.

The Pointless
Dan Maff pinned David Young in a short match with a lariat. Just to fill up a couple of minutes, that might have better served to go to Nicho/Rave.

TNA

TNA Impact
-Curry Man pinned Johnny Devine with the Spice Rack
-Brother Devon pinned Matt Morgan after ramming him into an exposed turnbuckle.
-Angelina Love pinned Jacqueline Moore after interference from Velvet Skye.
-Gail Kim won the TNA Knockout's Title over Raisha Saeed with a sunset flip. Kong was banned from ringside for this match.
-Rhino and Jay Lethal battled to a no contest after two referees were knocked out. Afterwards, Rhino gored Jay Lethal through the table, breaking his ribs
-Sting captured the TNA Championship in a triple threat match over Samoa Joe and Homicide when Sting makes Joe submit to the Scorpion Deathlock to end the sixteen month TNA Title reign of Samoa Joe. Why they didn't wait until two weeks to do this at a Pay Per View is a mystery. Afterwards, Tomko comes out and attacks Sting, laying out the brand new TNA Champion not even two minutes after he won the title.

Lucha
AAA Television featured Electro Shock, Gran Apache, and Shocker defeating Vampiro, Mistico, and Juventud Guerrera to retain the Mexico Atomicos National Titles. Latin Lover defeated El Hijo Del Santo.

Electro Shock, Gran Apache, and Shocker retained the Mexico Atomicos National Titles defeated Negro Casas, Latin Lover, and El Hijo Del Santo. Also, Mistico pinned Vampiro in the semi-main event on Lucha Madness.

Both AAA Television and Lucha Madness have been cancelled, due to AAA not being able to come to terms for a new deal.

CMLL featured Silver King defeating Mr. Aguila to retain the CMLL World Heavyweight Title. Also, Rey Bucerno defeated Black Warrior.

AAA had their monthly show, featuring Electro Shock, Gran Apache, and Shocker defeating Mistico, Vampiro, and Juventud Guerrera to retain the Mexico Atomicos National Tag Team Titles. In other marquee matches, El Hijo Del Santo defeated Latin Lover, Negro Casas defeated Halloween, Negro Casas, Cibernetico, and La Parka Jr defeated Chessman, Ultimo Guerrero, and Zorro, and Octagon retained the CMLL Middleweight Title against Averno.

Puro
Big Japan had their monthly show, featuring Shinjiro Otani defeating Kikutaro to retain the BJW Deathmatch Title. Also, Jun Kasai defeated Takeshi Morishima, Taiyo Kea defeated Hi69, MEN's Teioh defeated Abdullah Kobayashi, GENTARO defeated Madman Pondo, and Badboy Hido defeated Ryuji Nakawawa

Indies
FIP was headlined by Roderick Strong retaining the FIP Championship against Bryan Danielson. Erick Stevens defeated Jack Evans, Davey Richards defeated Madman Pondo, and Jay Briscoe retained the Florida State Heritage Title against Salvatore Rinauro.

Misc
WWE Summerslam was purchased by 872000 people, which received a 2.18 buyrate.

Raw received a 5.91 rating, WWE Progression on ABC received a 4.71 rating, with a 0.83 rating on Nippon TV, Smackdown received a 5.03 rating on the CW, with a 0.77 rating on ESPN International, and TNA Impact received a 2.53 rating.

[MadMatt]

First Newsletter of September 2009!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #65 Week One September 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
The Big Show and WWE Champion Randy Orton in a non title main event. May have been just as good, if not better than their main event at Summerslam. This time, Show won with the Choke Slam, so they might be setting up Show for a title run down the road, but who knows with this company.

Umaga and Jeff Hardy was the usual good match. Jeff Hardy has a match with Festus this Sunday. Yes, I know, Festus and Jeff Hardy, on Pay Per View. Umaga bulldozes Jeff Hardy, Hardy comes back, but Umaga avoids the Whisper in the Wind and Samoan Spike drops Jeff Hardy.

Mickie James pinned WWE Women's Champion Victoria in a non title match. Victoria's going to face Ashley again for the Women's Title at Unforgiven. Yes, just when you thought that feud was over. The match between Mickie and Victoria was what should have been on the Pay Per View.

The Messiah made his WWE debut. Chavo Guerrero was his opponent. This match was a great eight minute ride. Chavo wins with the Frog Splash after the Messiah misses a flip off the second rope.

The Bad
Hardcore Holly and Cody Rhodes defeated Santino and Carlito for the World Tag Team Titles when Cody pins Santino with the DDT. Yes, the feud continues. I'll be glad when Holly and Rhodes drop the belts. This was the first title defense since June, so I guess WWE just remembered they had World Tag Team Titles on Raw.

The Ugly[/I
Festus squashed Jay Bradley with a flapjack. Festus and Jeff Hardy this Sunday.

[I]The Pointless
Johnny Jeter pinned Heath Miller. Jeter challenged Kenny Dykstra for a WWE Intercontinental Title match at Unforgiven. Johnny makes the claim that he carried the Spirit Squad. I could care less about this title match. I mean, who could care about two members of the Spirit Squad feuding, even if it's for a week.

WWE Progression

The Good
The Undertaker and Chris Jericho in a champion versus champion match was the match of the year candidate. Jericho has really stepped it up in 2009, as his run as ECW Champion has been great stuff all around. Undertaker is also good. Tombstone wins. Afterwards, Khali comes out and attacks the Undertaker, to remind us of that World Heavyweight Title match on Sunday night.

Big Daddy V and Rey Mysterio. Mysterio blew up Big Daddy V, knocking off guard and Big Daddy V hit three moves, all of them death to Rey. Sidewalk slam, Samoan Drop, and elbowdrop! Big Daddy V scores the pin as Rey is crushed. Given that this was a fine match, I won't complain too much about Rey jobbing to that blasted elbowdrop, but don't ever do it again.

Jamie Noble and Hernandez was another match that just existed to be entertaining. Noble wins with a guillotine choke. And as I predicted, that Hernandez pushed only lasted a few weeks.

The Bad
Candice Michelle pinned Layla with the Candy Wrapper. Not as abyssmal as many women's match have been but still not good at all.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Mark Copani defeated Matt Capotelli and Colin Delaney pinned Ted DiBiase Jr.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Headlining with MVP against Hardcore Holly was rather peculiar. That's not to take away that it was a good match. Holly actually isn't a bad worker as some people think. It's just that the fact he can be a real prick backstage and to younger talent, can sometimes take away from this. MVP pinned Holly with the Yakuza Kick in the corner.

The Undertaker and CM Punk defeated WWE Tag Team Champions Big Daddy V and Mark Henry in a non title match. Undertaker pinned Mark Henry with a choke slam, after Punk played babyface in peril for most of the match, until the World Heavyweight Champion made the hot tag. He cleaned house, choke slam to V, choke slam to Henry, pin. Khali attacks Taker again afterwards, laying him out again to try and make us care.

Devon Storm has really shined in his few matches since coming to WWE. Tonight, he faces Burchill. He jobs to the Curb Stomp but pulls out a nice inverted ddt and slingshot legdrop, before Burchill scores the pin.

Paul London and Nigel McGuinness fought in a good match, with London pinning Nigel with a dropsault and standing shooting star press.

Colin Delaney and Mighty Mikey was surpising in how good it was. And Colin Delaney won a match with a roll up! Man, Mikey, you're lower than Colin Delaney.

The Bad
Mike Knox squashed TJ Wilson winning with the Knox Out. Always a displeasure to see Mike Knox squashing a young talen.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Ashley
Ashley and Katie Lea Burchill defeated Jillian and Kelly Kelly when Ashley pinned Jillian with a Frankensteiner off the second rope, since she's getting a title shot at Unforgiven.

WWE Unforgiven

The Good
Grudgingly, Khali and the Undertaker wasn't all that bad. Taker retained the World Heavyweight Title, pulling out the Gogoplata, making Khali his bitch and causing the tap out.

Paul London challenged Chris Jericho for the ECW Championship. London's got a few victories recently, and Jericho schooled London in this match. London came back, for a few nearfalls but Frankensteiner countered into a power bomb, into the Walls of Jericho. Jericho leans back and scores the tap out.

I'll give the devil his due. Jeff Hardy and Festus had a good match, mostly due to Hardy bumping around for Festus's offense. All of it, including some rather weak forearms that could not have broken the leg. Hardy hit a Twist of Fate and Swanton Bomb for the pin.

Trevor Murdoch beating Eddie Colon like a government mule was perversely entertaining like all Murdoch matches. WWE United States Title on the line and Murdoch won with the Gourdbuster.

The Bad
Big Daddy V and Mark Henry beat the Edgeheads to retain the WWE Tag Team Titles and Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly defeated Santino and Carlito to retain the World Tag Team Titles. Wow deja vu here.

The Ugly
Kenny Dykstra pinned Johnny Jeter to win the WWE Intercontinental Title with the Hangman's Neckbreaker. You could hear the crickets chirping in the background. Kenny might have been killed dead by that match with Snitsky at Summerslam.

The Ashley
Ashley once again drags Victoria back to her level. Victoria retaining the Women's Title is the logical and quite frankly sane booking decision.

The Pointless
Nothing.

Misc
Jim Duggan, Tommy Dreamer, Batista, and Bam Neely have signed contract extensions. Also, Brad Allen has been called up from developmental.

NWA

NWA Live Action

The Good
Christian Cage and Rhino in a number one contendership for the NWA Championship was the match of the show and about what you expected. Christian pins Rhino with the Unprettier after Rhino hits the corner. So Christian/Booker at Death Beckons for the NWA Championshp.

The Bad
Well it's happened, Shaq's just another wrestler. Shaquile O' Neal lost to Homicide, cleanly with three lariats. At least he's willing to pay his dues, but damn, they should have had Shaq remain undefeated for months and dropped his first match on Pay Per View. Then this happened. It's almost like TNA.

Also, Sylvan and Danny Maff. Sylvan won with a Fashion Statement. Most wrestlers get better. Sylvan gets worse.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Sean Waltman pinned Johnny Swinger in a yawn inducing match.

Misc
NWA has pillaged TNA once again. Say good bye to Abyss, Dustin "Black Reign" Rhodes, and Chris Sabin. Also, Tomko has signed, but has a pay per appearence contract thanks to his Japane committments. Also Raven, Sabu, Jimmy Yang, and Big Vito sign with the National Wrestling Alliance.

The following names have been released: Phoenix Starr, Hook Bomberry, Johnny Swinger, David Young, Mike DiBiase, Dan Maff, and Jimmy Rave. I bet Rave's regretting leaving TNA high and dry right about now.

TNA

TNA Impact
-ODB and Gail Kim defeated Raisha Saeed and Awesome Kong when Kim pinned Saeed. Saeed and Kim for the Knockout's Title at No Surrender
-Eric Young defeated Sonjay Dutt, Robert Roode, and Dan Maff when Young pinned Dutt
-Matt Morgan and Chris Sabin battled to a no contest when Samoa Joe went on a rampage
-Petey Williams and Scott Steiner defeated Rellik and Black Reign when Petey Williams pinned Reign with a sunset flip/Steinerline combination.
-Rhino pinned Jay Lethal with the Rhino Driver. Afterwards, Rhino challenged Joe to a match at No Surrender. Joe accepts and brawls with Rhino.
-Homicide pinned TNA Champion Sting in a non title match with a lariat after Sting missed the Steiner Splash. Afterwards, Tomko came out and beat up both men, because Vince Russo is slowly losing his mind.

Shark Boy extended his contract. TNA's troubles are over!

Lucha

No AAA television for the future. CMLL was headlined by a ho-hum Mr. Aguila defeating Hector Garza main event match. Also Atlantis and Dr. Wagner Jr defeated El Hijo Del Perro and Blue Panther and Rey Bucerno retained the CMLL World Light Heavyweight Title over Anifaz Del Norte.

Puro
Toshiaki Kawada won the AJPW Triple Crown Title over Bob Sapp on tour.

BJPW was headlined by MEN's Teioh retaining the BJW Deathmatch Title over Takeshi Morishima. Also, Taiyo Kea defeated GENTARO, Jun Kasai defeated Hi69, and BADBOY Hido defeated Abdullah Kobayashi.

Indies
CZW was headlined by Sonjay Dutt retaining the CZW Championship over Ruckus. Also Vito Thomaselli defeated Salvatore Thomaselli, Brain Damage defeated Joker to retain the CZW Iron Man Title, Sabian defeated Danny DeManto, and The Nightmares(Toby Klein and Ricky Reyes) retained the CZW Tag Team Titles over the Maniacs(Grim Reefer and Nate Hatred).

JAPW was headlined by Samoa Joe retaining the JAPW Championship over Jay Lethal. Chris Hero defeated Rhino, Jack Evans defeated Eddie Kingston, Chuck Taylor retained the New Jersey State Title over Teddy Hart, and Daizee Haze battled Cheerleader Melissa to a no contest.

CHIKARA was headlined by Claudio Castagnoli defeating El Pantera. In other top matches, Chris Hero defeated Mike Quackenbush, Chuck Taylor defeated Icarus, and Gran Akuma and Ricochet defeated Incoherence.

FIP was featured by Roderick Strong retaining the FIP Championship over Erick Stevens. In other matches, Bryan Danielson defeated DAvey Richards, Jack Evans defeated Tyler Black, and Jay Briscoe retained the Florida State Heritage Title over Salvatore Rinauro.

Television Ratings and Pay Per View Buyrates
196000 people bought NWA Broken Resolutions which translates into roughly a 0.49 buyrate.

Raw on USA received a 6.25 rating, while getting a 0.68 on ABC Asia Pacific, WWE Progression received a 5.12 rating on ABC, while getting a 0.89 rating on Nippon TV, Smackdown received a 4.04 rating on the CW, and a 0.75 rating on ESPN International, and TNA Impact received a 2.88 rating

[MadMatt]

After a couple of days, issue 66 has hit production!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #66 Week Two September 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
Main event between Shawn Michaels and John Cena was your usual great match. Michaels goes for the Superkick. Cena ducks that. F-U attempted. Michaels counters with a sunset flip, which counters into a leg hook, which Cena reverses into the STFU. Cena applies the hold and forces a tap out.

WWE Champion Randy Orton and Edge had a great non title match. The former members of Rated RKO got fifteen minutes to tear the house down and Orton countered the Spear, grabbing Edge's head in mid move and twisting into the RKO for the pin.

DH Smith defeated Spike Dudley and Tommy Dreamer defeated Mark Briscoe. Fun matches, with Smith pinned Dudley with the Running Powerslam and Dreamer pinned Briscoe with the Dreamer DDT.

The Bad
Natalya and Michelle McCool defeated Melina and Victoria. Match was too short, with Michelle pinning Victoria with a sunset flip.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Karl Anderson squashed Mack Johnson and Chris Harris beat the Messiah in a pair of heatless matches.

WWE Progression

The Good

The main event between Mr. Kennedy and CM Punk saved the show. It wasn't a blow away match, but it was good enough to be passable. Kennedy pins Punk with the Mic Check.

The Bad
Big Daddy V squashes Kenny Dykstra with the elbowdrop. Yep, that's your WWE Intercontinental Champion

The Ugly
Nothing

The Ashley
Ashley and Layla had a match. It really sucked. Both women landed on the floor and were counted out. Five minutes, which was about five minutes too long.

The Pointless
Mike Knox pinned TJ Wilson, Hernandez over Matt Capotelli, and Highlander Rory pinned Shannon Moore.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Big Daddy V and the Undertaker fought for the World Heavyweight Championship in the main event. Taker really hid V's limitations and there were many. Three splashes but the Undertaker sits up and comes back, hitting a leaping DDT and locks on the gogoplata, for Big Daddy V to tap out.

Trevor Murdoch brutalized TJ Wilson. This was as fun as you expected, with Murdoch pinning Wilson with the Gourdbuster.

Jamie Noble and Chuck Palumbo was an odd pairing, but they worked well against the Edgeheads. Palumbo pinned Curt Hawkins with the Full Throttle.

Burchill and Justin Credible was surprising. Curb Stomp pinned Credible after seven minutes.

The Bad
We have a new ECW Champion. Jesse. Yes, Jesse. Jesse pinned Chris Jericho to win the ECW Championship with a flying clothesline after Jericho missed the lionsault. Yes, of all the wrestlers on the roster, they put the ECW Championship on Jesse. Yes, Jesse!

The Ugly
Nothing

The Ashley
See the Ashley/Layla review from Progression. It was the same match, the exact same match.

The Pointless
Mark Copani pinned Deuce with the FInishing Touch.

Misc
Mike Kruel extended his contract with WWE

NWA

NWA Live Action

The Good
Sabu and Homicide was a fine main event. A bit below Homicide's standards, but Sabu's not exactly in the prime of his career. Sabu missed a moonsault to the floor and Homicide rolls him into the ring, before putting him out with the Gringo Killa.

Joey Matthews and Rob Van Dam rocked the house down. Van Dam being the ****y heel is great and hell, Matthews/Homicide against Rob Van Dam and Sabu would be a good tag team match after tonight's events. Nice dive over the top rope, over the guardrail, onto Matthews. Van Dam connects with the Five Star on Matthews for the pin. Afterwards, Van Dam poses over the body of Matthews just to be a prick.

Abyss and Rob Conway was good. A battle between two former NWA Champions. Abyss won with the Black Hole Slam and is ready to make an impact.

The Bad
Scott Taylor and Raven fell flat. Taylor won with a cradle.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing

TNA

TNA Impact
-Petey Williams pinned Shark Boy with the Canadian Destroyer to retain the TNA X-Division Title
-Raisha Saeed and Awesome Kong battled Jacqueline Moore and ODB to a no contest, after the rest of the women's division interfered which lead to...
-Gail Kim retained the TNA Knockout's Title over Angelina Love
-Scott Steiner and Robert Roode defeated Rellik and Black Reign when Steiner made Reign submit to the Steiner Recliner
-Samoa Joe pinned TNA Champion Sting with the Muscle Buster in a non title match. Yep, on free television
-Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal defeated Alex Shelley and Tomko when Lethal pinned Tomko, the man who will be challenging for the TNA Championship, with a small package. Afterwards, Sting brawls with Tomko, but Tomko lays Sting out with his own baseball bat.

TNA No Surrender
-Johnny Devine pinned Consequences Creed with the Divine Intervention
-Tracy Brooks and ODB defeated the Beautiful People when ODB pinned Velvet Sky with a springboard splash
-Brother Devon and Curry Man defeated Rellik and Matt Morgan when Curry Man pinned Rellik with the Spice Rack
-Kip James and Eric Young defeated Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal when Kip James pinned Jay Lethal(who pinned the number one contender for the TNA Championship on Impact), with a cobra clutch slam
-Brother Ray and AJ Styles defeated Petey Williams and Scott Steiner when Styles pinned Petey Williams with the Styles Clash
-Rhino pinned Samoa Joe with the Gore, cleanly.
-TNA Champion Sting made Tomko submit to the Scorpion Deathlock. Homicide attacked Sting and whipped him with a belt, before busting him open a chairshot. Sting/Homicide at Bound for Glory, apparently.

Misc
Chuck Taylor has signed a deal with TNA

CMLL
CMLL was headlined by a double countout trios match involving El Hijo Del Perro, Mr. Aguila, and Dr. Wagner Jr against Atlantis, Blue Panther, and Mascara Sagrada. Also Cien Caras defeated Silver King and El Terrible defeated Escoria to retain the CMLL National Title.

Puro
NOAH's tour featured Tsuyoshi Kikuchi and Ricky Marvin winning the GHC Tag Team Titles over BXB Hulk and Jun Izumida and Shuhei Taniguchi defeated Atsushi Aoki to win the NOAH wrestling spirit Title.

AJPW's monthly show was headlined by Milano Collection AT and Masato Yoshino defeating Bob Sapp and Bobby Lashley to capture the vacated AJPW Tag Team Titles. Toshiaki Kawada and Minoru Tanaka defeated Yujiro and Shuji Kondo, Taiji Ishimori defeated Judo Suwa, Keiji Mutoh and Takeshi Morishima defeated Minoru Tanaka and Ikeda, SUWA and Suwama defeated Joe Doering and Great Sasuke, and Taiyo Kea defeated Kikutaro to retain the AJPW Jr. Championship.

Indies
Austin Aries won the 2009 Battle of Los Angeles Tournament, beating Roderick Strong in the finals in PWG.

FCW's monthly show as headlined by Dan Maff defeating Sonjay Dutt to retain the FCW Championship. Also, Adam Pearce and Glenn Gilberti defeated Flash Flanagan and Jay Briscoe, Mike DiBiase and Johnny Swinger retained the FCW Tag Team Titles over Devon Moore and Retail Dragon, and Alex Wright defeated John Walters.

Pay Per View Buyrates and Television Ratings
WWE Unforgiven received a 1.99 buyrate which translates into 796000 buys.

Raw received a 6.84 rating on the USA Network, with a 0.72 rating on ABC South Pacific, WWE Progression received a 4.82 rating on ABC, with a 0.84 on Nippon TV, Smackdown received a 4.02 rating on CW, with a 0.73 rating on ESPN International, and TNA Impact received a 2.86 rating

[MadMatt]

Another Newsletter!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #67 Week Three September 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good

The Big Show and John Cena with in the main event. Another victory by Cena in the main event, after an impressive match, with Cena delivering a low blow before he hoists the Big Show up and hits the F-U for the pin. Cena wants the championship.

Jeff Hardy fought WWE Champion Randy Orton in a non title match. Hardy pinned Orton with the Swanton Bomb after blocking the RKO and hitting a twisting DDT, before he climbs to the top rope and hits the Swanton. The announcers talk about how lots of wrestlers are after Orton and he's starting to crack from the pressure on the one year anniversary as champion.

Cody Rhodes pinned Drew McIntyre with a DDT in a fine match.

Gregory Helms and Matt Cross battled in a fun little back and forth match. Cross missed a moonsault and Helms pinned Cross with the Shining Wizard.

Also, Ron Killings pinned DH Smith with the ax kick. Solid little midcard match.

The Bad
Michelle McCool and Natalya had a non match when Snitsky ran out and bullied both women.

The Ugly

Nothing

The Pointless
Nunzio pinned Reid Flair.

WWE Progression

The Good
Lance Cade fought the Undertaker for the World Heavyweight Title in the main event. Cade did not win the championship, I know, shocking, before the Undertaker won with the Tombstone Piledriver.

Shelton Benjamin and Mr. Kennedy was fifteen minutes of wrestling good wrestling. Mic Check blocked. T-Bone blocked, Kennedy goes for a sunset flip, but Shelton hooked both legs for the pin.

The Miz and Jamie Noble was good enough to work as well. Noble works over the Miz, Miz comes back and pins Noble with the Reality Check. The Miz should be restricted to having matches with only Paul London and Jamie Noble, as those are the only wrestlers he's had good match since breaking up with Morrison.

The Bad
Jesse basically squashing Elijah Burke to retain the ECW Championship, after putting Burke out with the Asiatic Spike. Burke's really a jobber these days.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Hardcore Holly, Kenny Dykstra, and Shannon Moore defeated Kofi Kingston, Mike Knox, and Zach Ryder in a match that was dull as dishwater, when Dykstra pinned Knox with the Hangman's Neckbreaker.

Also, Colin Delaney pinned Devon Storm in one minute. The world was really waiting for a Delaney squash match.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Chris Jericho is your new World Heavyweight Champion, a week after losing the ECW Championship. The Undertaker's title reign that began at Wrestlemania 24 crashed to a screeching halt. It ended when Taker attempted the rope walk late in the match, with Jericho countering with the Code Breaker as Undertaker leapt off. A second Code Breaker was hit for good measure, as Jericho scores the pin to win the World Heavyweight Championship!

Kevin Thorn and Paul London was good, London is perhaps the most underused talent in WWE. He goes up to, but gets crotched and Original Sin scores the pin.

The Edgeheads defeated Colin Delaney and Paul Burchill in a surprisingly good tag team match when Ryder pinned Delaney with a DDT off the shoulders of Hawkins with Ryder on the top rope.

The Pounce! Shawn Spears was tonight's victim.

The Bad
Jesse squashed Elijah Burke to retain the ECW Championship with the Asiatic Spike. No, this wasn't a replay of Progression.

Also, Candice Michelle pinned Maria with a Tomikaze in a short, but not that great match.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Mark Copani pinned Eddie Colon with the Finishing Touch.

The Misc
Highlander Rory, Super Crazy, and Mr. Kennedy signed contract extensions.

NWA

NWA Live Action

The Good
Rob Van Dam and NWA Champion Booker T in a non title match. Van Dam pinned Booker T in a usual great match with the Frog Splash.

Chris Kanyon and Sabu are the new NWA Tag Team Champions defeating Alex Shelley and Brent Albright when Kanyon pinned Albright with the Flatliner, as Sabu put Shelley through a table on the floor.

Rhino defeated Jimmy Yang with the Gore! Good match before that, as the usual Rhino/cruiserweight match, where the cruiserweight dies a painful death due to the Gore.

The Bad
Rampage Jackson and Raven was not that good. Rampage attacks Raven at the bell and beats him up for three minutes, until he's disqualified.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing

TNA

TNA Impact
-Scott Steiner defeated Sonjay Dutt, Rellik, and Matt Morgan when Steiner makes Morgan submit to the Steiner Recliner.
-Robert Roode pinned Shark Boy with the Pay Off
-Curry Man pinned Johnny Devine with the Spice Rack in a high impact, high octane X-Division Match.
-AJ Styles and Tomko retained the TNA Tag Team Titles over Team 3D when Tomko pins Devon. Afterwards, Team 3D puts Styles through a table.
-Jay Lethal pinned Samoa Joe with a roll up Afterwards, Joe beats down Lethal, laying him out with the Muscle Buster
-Homicide pinned Eric Young with the Gringo Killa. Afterwards, Homicide beats Young with the strap and calls out Sting, who doesn't show.

Sexxy Eddy has signed with TNA.

Lucha
The monthly AAA show featured Vampiro, Mistico, and Latin Lover capturing the Mexico National Atomics Titles Also in other big matches, Juvnetud Guerrera defeated El Hijo Del Santo and Shining Force defeated Averno and Alan Stone to retain the AAA Tag Team Titles.

CMLL was featured Dr. Wagner Jr defeated Blue Panther to retain the UWA World Heavyweight Title. Also, El Hijo Del Perro and Mr. Aguila defeated Atlantis and Hector Garza and Cien Caras defeated Lizmark Jr to retain the NWA National Middleweight Title.

Puro

NOAH had their monthly tour, featuring Kurt Angle defeating Mitsuhara Misawa to capture the GHC Championship. Also, Tamon Honda defeated Takeshi Rikio, Akitoshi Saito defeated Akira Taue, Jun Akiyama defeated Takashi Siguiru,Tsuyoshi Kikuchi and Ricky Marvin defeated BXB Hulk and Jun Izumida to retain the GHC Tag Team Titles, and Shuhei Tachiguchi retained the NOAH Wrestling Spirit Title over Buchanan.

Indies
In OVW, Jamin Olivencia defeated Rudy Switchblade to retain the OVW Heavyweight Championship. Also, Tommy McNaler defeated Anthony Bravado, Jacob Duncan retained the OVW TV Championship over Sweet Stevie, and Nine Fingers Dewey defeated Ali Akbar.

SHIMMER featured Daizee Haze retaining the SHIMMER Championship over Cheerleader Melissa. Also, Mercedes Martinez and Rain defeated Portia Perez and Ariel and Ms. Chif defeated Lacey.

Television Ratings and Pay Per View Buyrate

TNA No Surrender featured a 0.27 buyrate which translated by a 108000 viewers

Raw received a 6.80 rating on the USA Network, a 0.92 rating on ABC South Pacific, WWE Progression received a 4.92 rating on ABC, a 1.12 rating on Nippon TV, Smackdown received a 4.19 rating on the CW, with a 1.03 rating on ESPN International, and TNA Impact received a 2.76 rating

[MadMatt]

Final Newsletter of September 2009!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #68 Week Four September 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
Another great match between Randy Orton and Edge. This week, Edge gets the win with the spear on Orton after twenty minutes. The champion drops a non title match. Oh and Triple H gets a title shot at No Mercy because he's Triple H.

Umaga and William Regal beat the **** out of each other. This was a stiff brawl, with Regal beating Umaga in the corner, Umaga beating Regal, Regal takes down Umaga with the Union Jack for a nearfall. Knees to the head and Regal Stretch applied to Umaga, with Umaga submitting.
'
Kenny Dykstra continues his push as WWE Intercontinental Champion, scoring a decisive win over Robbie the Highlander and Johnny Jeter when Dykstra pinned Robbie with the Hangman's Neckbreaker.

Beth Phoenix and Mickie James...two of the best women competitors in WWE. Beth won with the Fishermanwoman suplex, after Mickie crashed and burned.

The Bad
Domino squashes Super Crazy with the crucifix power bomb into a neckbreaker.

Santino and Carlito lost to Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly. Yes, this match again. Rhodes pinned Carlito with a DDT.

Victoria had a ninety second women's title defense in a four way against Natalya, Michelle McCool, and Melina when Victoria pinned Michelle with the Widow's Peak.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing

WWE Progression

The Good
MVP and Kane had a good match in the main event. Kane blocked the kick in the corner, clotheslined MVP. Choke Slam is countered into a DDT for a nearfall. MVP leapt off the top rope into a choke, choke slam, pinned.

Trevor Murdoch brutalized Eddie Colon in another fun Murdoch squash to retain the United States Title.

The Bad
Week two of the ECW Championship reign of Jesse. He squashes JTG, winning with the Asiatic Spike.

Orlando Jordan and Kenny Dykstra competed in a short match, that ended with Monty Brown beating up both men, laying them out with Pounces.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Ashley
Jillian pinned Ashley. The usual performance of Ashley, who managed to botch every move she tried in a three minute match. Jillian pinned Ashley after using the ropes.

The Pointless
Mark Copani squashed Beef Wellington.

WWE Smackdown

The Good
Chris Jericho and Matt Hardy for the World Heavyweight Title. Now this is a great title match! Hardy and Jericho traded back and forth, with Hardy going for a sunset flip but Jericho rolls through into the Walls of Jericho. Hardy gets into the ropes, punches out and hits the Twist of Fate for a nearfall. Hardy leaps off the top rope, but Jericho leaps up and hits him with the Code Breaker on the way down for the pin.

The Undertaker was in a foul mood after losing the championship and took it out on the Miz. The Miz was beaten for five minutes. Taker whipped him like a government mule(tm Jim Ross, all rights reserved). Choke Slam, Last Ride, Tombstone. Arms across the chest. Pin. Miz gets thrown to the floor.

Paul Burchill lasted a bit longer than Monty Brown than most did, but he still ate the Pounce. The Alpha Male's second run in WWE is much better than his first one and he's been on a roll.

Chuck Palumbo and Kofi Kingston in another fun match. Kofi gets some offense, but Palumbo ducks the Jamacian Buzzsaw and pins Kofi with the Full Throttle.

The Bad
Candice Michelle pinned Katie Lea Burchill with a backslide. Candice has really gone down hill since returning from her busted coller bone.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Colin Delaney defeated Mike Knox and the Edgeheads defeated Nigel McGuiness and Ted DiBiase Jr.

Misc
K.C. James and Mike Chioda have signed extensions. Also, Mr. Kennedy and Rey Mysterio have been moved from Smackdown to Raw.

NWA

NWA Live Action

The Good
Rob Van Dam and Homicide had a good match event. Van Dam pinned Homicide with the Five Star Splash. Afterwards, Rhino entered the ring and attacked Van Dam, until Shaquile O' Neal made the save, leading up to the title match at the Pay Per View.

Rhino and Christian Cage defeated NWA Tag Team Champions Sabu and Chris Kanyon in a non title match when Rhino pins Kanyon with the Gore. Kanyon and Sabu are dubbed Death from Above.

Big Vito pinned Rob Conway with the Implant DDT in a perfectly acceptable opener.

The Bad
Heidenreich and Sylvain Grenier. A choice little match, with Grenier and Heidenreich brawling badly, for nine minutes. Heidenreich pinned Grenier with a spinning boss man slam.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nothing.

NWA Death Beckons

The Good
Booker T and Christian Cage for the NWA Championship. Christian tried to regain the championship, winning it for third time, before Booker T pinned Christian with the Axe Kick, after Christian missed an elbow off the ropes.

Rob Van Dam and Shaq defeated Rhino and Homicide in a great tag team match. Van Dam spent most of the match getting beat down, Shaq makes the tag, cleaning house. Huge slam rocks Homicide and Van Dam tags back in, hitting the Five Star on Homicide as Shaq brawls with Rhino on the floor.

Alex Shelley pinned Frankie Kazarian with the Shell Shock in a good x-division style match.

Sean Waltman and Scott Taylor had a good match as well. Taylor misses a running knee in the corner and Waltman connects with the X-Factor drilling Taylor facefirst into the canvas.

Bryan Danielson and Rene Dupree. Good match, the best in Dupree's career and Danielson showed why he was the greatest wrestler in the world, winning with the Cattle Mutilation after elbows to the head.

Jimmy Yang and Brent Albright, short, but solid. Albright beats on Yang, but Yang counters with a cradle pin out of nowhere.

Death From Above against Rob Conway and Sylvain Grenier for the NWA Tag Team Titles. Grenier is a pretty big anchor, but they kept him out of the ring for most of the match. Conway was pinned by Kanyon with the Flatiner after Sabu hit a moonsault to Grenier.

Big Vito and Abyss defeated Raven and James Storm. Great hardcore brawl, with Abyss pinning Storm with the Black Hole Slam.

The Bad
Heidenreich and Chris Mordetzky. This was the match that absolutely no one was waiting for. A lame brawl, leading to an equally lame double countout.

The Ugly
Marty Jannetty pinned Rampage Jackson with the Rocker Dropper. Yes, Marty Jannetty in 2009 pinned Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. Marty ****ing Jannety.

The Pointless
Nick Dinsmore and Joey Matthews in a quick match. Dinsmore pinned Matthews in two minutes. Not really worthy of Pay Per View.

TNA

TNA Impact
-Eric Young pinned Robert Roode with a small package
-Payton Banks, Raisha Saeed, and Jacqueline Moore defeated Salinas, Roxxy, and Christy Hemme when Moore pinned Salinas with a flying legdrop
-Brother Ray defeated Rellik, Dan Maff, and Scott Steiner when Ray pinned Rellik with a Bubba Cutter
-Curry Man, Brother Devon, and Kip James defeated Matt Morgan, Johnny Devine, and Elix Skipper when Kip James pinned Matt Morgan with the Fame-Asser
-Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal defeated TNA Tag Team Champions AJ Styles and Tomko in a non title match when Lethal pinned Styles with a flying elbowdrop after Team 3D interfered.
-Homicide pinned TNA Champion Sting in a non title match after hitting Sting with his own baseball bat.

Payton Banks and Tracy Brooks have signed contract extensions for TNA.

ROH

ROH had their yearly Survival of the Fittest Tournament
-Erick Stevens pinned Ruckus with the Doctor Bomb in the First Round
-Davey Richards pinned Tyler Black with the DR Driver in the First Round
-Kevin Steen pinned El Generico with the Steen Driver in the First Round
-Chris Hero pinned Jimmy Jacobs with the Hero's Welcome in the First Round
-Davey Richards pinned Erick Stevens with the DR Driver in the Semifinals
-Chris Hero defeated Kevin Steen with Hero's Welcome in the Semifinals
-Davey Richards pinned Chris Hero with the DR Driver to win the 2009 Survival of the Fittest Tournament.

Lucha
CMLL had their monthy show featuring Atlantis retaining the NWA World Light Heavyweight Title against Mr. Aguila in the main event. Also, El Hijo Del Perro and Dr. Wagner Jr defeated Nicho El Millinairo and Blue Panther, Cien Caras defeated Olimpico, and the Chaos Connection retained the CMLL Tag Team Titles against Silent Rage.

CMLL television featured the main event with Dr. Wagner Jr and El Hijo del Perro defeated Mr. Aguila and Blue Panther. The semi main event, Nicho, Atlantis, and Silver King defeated Hector Garza, Heavy Metal, and Cien Caras.

Indies
IWA-MS featured Chris Hero defeating Davey Richards to retain the IWA: MS Championship. Also Roderick Strong defeated Vito Thomaselli, Tyler Black defeated Ruckus, and Jason Hades defeated Nate Webb to retain the IWA: MS Lightheavyweight Title.

Television Ratings
Raw received a 6.85 rating on the USA Network, with a 0.93 rating on the ABC Asia Pacific, WWE Progression received a 4.80 rating on ABC, a 1.08 rating on Nippon TV, WWE Smackdown on the CW received a 4.15 rating, with a 0.99 rating on ESPN International, and TNA Impact received a 2.96 rating

[MadMatt]

First Newsletter of October!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #69 Week One October 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Good
Rey Mysterio makes his Raw debut, teaming up with Jeff Hardy against Triple H and Shawn Michaels. And Rey pins Triple H with the West Coast Pop after Randy Orton interfered! Way to kick off your Raw career Rey!

Edge/Mr. Kennedy has been set up for No Mercy. That should be an awesome match.

William Regal and Charlie Haas had a technical battle, with Regal putting on the Regal Stretch for the submission.

Kenny Dykstra had another fun WWE Intercontinental Title defense against Matt Cross, pinning him after he misses a moonsault to the floor. The Hangman's Neckbreaker was hit in the ring.

The Bad
Both women's matches tonight fell flat. Victoria retained the Women's Title against Michelle McCool with the Widow's Peak and Natalya pinned Beth Phoenix with a roll up.

Also, Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly beat Santino and Carlito again, with Rhodes pinning Santino with the DDT.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Brian Kendrick pinned Brad Allen in a match that was just there.

WWE Progression

The Good
Shelton Benjamin and the Great Khali had a match. Shelton is the perfect opponent for Khali, as he can be ping ponged around the ring with the greatest of ease. Shelton got a fair bit of offense, keeping Khali off of balance.This match ended with a no contest after the referee got bumped and Khali attacked Shelton with the Tree Slam laying him out. Shelton struggled to his feet.

Elijah Burke pinned Jamie Noble with the Elijah Experience in a battle between two talented unpushed wrestlers.

The Edgeheads defeated Paul London and Chuck Palumbo in an odd, but great tag team match, with Ryder pinning London with a power bomb/flying clothesline combination move.

The Bad
The ECW Champion Jesse squashed Nick Nemeth with the Asiatic Spike. Another bad match.

The main event with Hardcore Holly and Mark Henry was bland. Henry pinned Holly with the World's Strongest Slam.

The Ugly
Maria and Kelly Kelly in this week's bad women's match. Bulldog by Maria pins Kelly.

The Pointless
Nothing

WWE Smackdown

The Good
The Undertaker squashed JTG. This was some fun stuff, with Undertaker beating the hell out of JTG. All he needs to do is bring back the stuffing the opponent in the bodybag after the match gimmick and we'll be all set. JTG was bumped around, until the Tombstone won. Taker wants the belt back.

Speaking of fun squash matches, Shannon Moore was pummeled by Trevor Murdoch, which lead to Murdoch retaining his WWE United States Title.

Paul London and Tom Howard, London got a decent match out of Howard, with a frankensteiner with both men on the top rope and standing shooting star press.

The Bad
Big Daddy V and Batista had an ugly match. Running splash in the corner is avoided and Batista hit two spinebusters for the pin.

Jesse and Mark Copani was the most boring match. The ECW Championship was not on the line. Not a complete squash and ten minutes. Yes, ten minutes. Jesse won with the Asiatic Spike.

The Ugly
Layla pinned Jillian with a DDT. Not Ashley levels, but still pretty bad. The Smackdown women's division bites, with the exception of Katie Lea Burchill and even she isn't good enough to carry some of these people.

The Pointless
Mighty Mikey defeated Shawn Spears.

WWE No Mercy

The Good
Randy Orton and Triple H in the main event for the WWE Championship. This may be the best match in Randy Orton's career and among the top five in Triple H's. Match of the year candidate, with Orton pulling every cheap heel trick in the book and avoided the Pedigree. Orton works over the leg. Attempted Pedigree at the end but Triple H collapses as he connects. Standing nine count before Triple H rolls on top for a two and a half count. Triple H limps up and holds Orton, but a low blow and RKO pins Triple H for the pin. Orton beats Triple H again, for the third year in a row, No Mercy ends with Orton beating Triple H and the one year anniversary of Orton's third WWE Title reign.

Kennedy and Edge was almost as good as that match. And Kennedy wins, so he may be the next challenger for the championship, pinning Edge with the Mic Check.

Justin Credible is tonight's victim against the Undertaker. Taker beats up Credible, Credible gets more offense than Miz and JTG put together, but the Undertaker pinned Credible with the Tombstone Piledriver.

Jamie Noble and Trevor Murdoch have a competitive match for the WWE United States Title. Murdoch pins Noble with the Gourdbuster after fighting out of the Gibson Driver.

The Bad
Big Daddy V and Mark Henry squashed Biff Wellington and Eddie Colon when Big Daddy V pinned Colon with an elbowdrop. Meh.

Jesse squashed TJ Wilson to retain the ECW Championship, with the Asiatic Spike. This was bad as well.

The Ugly
Victoria retained the WWE Women's Title against Kelly Kelly with the Widow's Peak.

The Pointless
Nothing.

Misc
Nicole Bella has been recalled. John Cena and Festus signed contract extensions as well.

NWA

NWA Live Action

The Good
Christian and Rhino defeated Shaq and Homicide in a perfectly fine tag team match. Shaq spent most of the match on the ring apron until he is tagged in, running wild. Rhino catches Shaq with the Gore which looked bad and pinned him out of nowhere. Other than the finish, this was a good match.

NWA Champion Booker T pinned Sabu in a non title match. Sabu is held together by duct tape, super glue, and chewing gum, but Booker had a good match with him. Sabu missed a high risk move and Booker T won with the Axe Kick.

The Bad
Chris Mordetzky and Heidenreich had a bad brawl that ended in a lame double countout.

The Ugly
Nothing

The Pointless
Nova pinned Tomko with a sunset flip in a match that was just there.

Misc
Alex Shelley has left NWA. Matt Morgan and Ricky Banderas have signed contracts and then released later in the week. Rick Steiner, Rico, Joey Abs, and Andrew Test Martin have signed contracts. Talk about scraping the bottom of the barrel. Also, Quinton Jackson was wished well in his future endeavors due to a dispute with National Wrestling Alliance management.

TNA

TNA Impact
-Curry Man pinned Robert Roode with a small package
-Petey Williams and Scott Steiner defeated Shark Boy and Consequences Creed when Petey Williams pinned Creed with the Canadian Destroyer
-Christy Hemme pinned Roxxy with a roll up using the ropes for leverage
-Gail Kim pinned Awesome Kong to retain the TNA Knockout's Title after a Swinging DDT.
-AJ Styles and Tomko retained the TNA Tag Team Titles against Eric Young and Brother Ray when Styles pinned Young. Afterwards, Brother Devon came out and helped Ray beat down Styles, Tomko, and Eric Young
-Homicide and Samoa Joe defeated Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal when Joe pinned Lethal with the Muscle Buster.

Lucha
AAA had their monthly show, with Vampiro and Gran Apache beating Electro Shock and Shocker. Also, Mistico, Latin Lover, and El Hijo Del Santo defeated Juventud Guerrera, El Zorro, and Cibernetico, Abismo Negro, Ultimo Guerrero, and Charly Manson defeated La Parka Jr, Chessman, and Halloween, and Octagon defeated Negro Casas to retain the Mexico National Middleweight Title.

CMLL featured Dr. Wagner Jr beating Atlantis. In the semi main event, Heavy Metal, Blue Panther, and Silver King defeated Mr. Aguila, Hector Garza, and El Hijo Del Perro to capture the CMLL World Trios Title.

CMLL had their monthly show, headlined by Aguila, Nicho, and Atlantis defeated Dr. Wagner Jr, El Hijo Del Perro, and Sagrada. Also, Silver King defeated Heavy Metal to retain the CMLL World Heavyweight Title and the Chaos Connection retained the CMLL Tag Team Titles over Anifraz Del Norte and Escoria.

Puro
Kintaro Kanemura won the Open the Dream Gate Title against TAKA Michinoku on the Dragon Gate Tour.

Kikutaro captured the AJPW Jr. Heavyweight Title against Taiyo Kea.

Dragon Gate had their monthly show, featuring Kintaro Kanemura retaining the Open the Dream Gate Title over Genki Horiguchi. Also, K-Ness defeated CIMA, Naoki Tanisaki defeated Masaaki Mochizuki to retain the Open the Brave Gate Title, and Ryo Saito and Steve Corino defeated Mag and Shiisa to retain the Open the Twin Gate Titles.

Indies
CZW had their monthly show, featuring Ruckus defeating Salvatore Thomaselli. Also, Vito Thomaselli defeated Sexxy Eddy, Chuck Taylor defeated Ricochet, Sabian defeated Nate Hatred to retain the CZW Arena Title, and the Nightmares defeated the Dogs of War to retain the CZW Tag Team Titles.

JAPW had their monthly show, headlined by Samoa Joe defeating Chris Hero to retain the JAPW Championship. Also, Jay Lethal defeated Grim Reefer, Chuck Taylor defeated Teddy Hart to retain the New Jersey State Title, and Eddie Kingston and B-Boy defeated El Generico and Jack Evans to win the vacant JAPW Tag Team Titles.

IWA:MS featured Davey Richards defeating Roderick Strong in the main event. Also, Tyler Black defeated Ruckus, Jason Hades defeating Ricochet to retain the IWA: MS Title, and Vito Thomaselli defeating Ricky Reyes.

OVW had their monthly show, headlined by Jamin Olivencia defeating Rudy Switchblade to retain the OVW Championship. Also, Jacob Duncan defeated Tommy McNaler, Anthony Bravado defeated Nine Fingers Dewey, and Ali Akbar defeated Sweet Stevie.

FCW had their monthly show, headlined by Dan Maff defeating Johnny Swinger to retain the FCW Championship. Also, Sonjay Dutt defeated Mike DiBiase, Adam Pearce defeated Alex Wright, and Glenn Gilberti battled Flash Flanagan to a double countout.

Television Ratings and Pay Per View Buyrates
The NWA Pay Per View received a 0.51 buyrate, with 204000 buys.

Raw received a 6.79 rating on the USA network, with a 0.91 rating on ABC South Pacific, WWE Progression received a 4.49 rating on ABC, a 1.04 rating on Nippon TV, Smackdown received a 3.93 rating on the CW, with a 0.98 rating on ESPN International, and TNA Impact received a 2.90 rating.

[MadMatt]

Second Newsletter of October, with a new format on TV reports:



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #70 Week Two, October 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw Report

Victoria defeated Nicole Bella to retain the WWE Women's Title. Bella is green. Victoria tried. This match was short and unoffensive, with Victoria winning with the Widow's Peak DUD.

Drew McIntyre squashed Matt Sydal making him submit to the STF. The crowd was really dead during this match. DUD.

Melina and Natalya battled to a no contest after Snitsky ran out to bully the women. The third DUD match of the evening.

The Big Show and Edge had a good segment, with Edge suggesting they both work together against Randy Orton in tonight's Triple Threat Main Event match for the WWE Championship.

Gregory Helms pinned DH Smith. Now things are picking up. Smith and Helms had a good match, two future stars In fact *** match with Helms dropping Smith with the Shining Wizard.

Stevie Richards pinned Johnny Jeter with the Stevie Kick. The epitome of a match that just existed to fill up time. Not bad * match.

Carltio and Kenny Dykstra for the WWE Intercontinental Title. I thought tonight was the night for Dykstra to lose the belt, but he surprised me, pinning Carlito with the Hangman's Neckbreaker. Carlito was going through the motions tonight and Kenny is not the person to carry him. * 1/2. Afterwards, Kenny brags that the WWE Intercontinental Title is better than the WWE United States Title, which will lead to something involving Kenny against Trevor Murdoch at Survivor Series.

Randy Orton retained the WWE Championship in the main event against the Big Show and Edge in a *** 1/2 battle. Show and Edge turned on each other, with Show hitting the Choke Slam. Orton punts Show in the head and pins Edge. Afterwards, Triple H comes out and Pedigrees Orton, leading to another match between these two men at Survivor Series.


wWE Progression

Paul London pinned Mighty Mikey in a spotty opening match. * 1/2 match with London pinning Mikey with a standing shooting star press.

Jesse retained the ECW Championship against Lance Cade, continuing his ho hum title reign with a DDT and Asiatic Spike. * star match.

Big Daddy V and Mark Henry squashed Eddie Colon and TJ Wilson when Henry pinned Colon with the World's Strongest Slam. Usual efforts fromt he WWE Tag Team Champions. *

Kenny Dykstra pinned Hernandez. Business picked up in this match, as Hernandez showed his power by tossing around Dykstra like a ragdoll. Kenny pins Hernandez with a Hangman's Neckbreaker and talks slander about the United States Title after this *** match.

Matt Hardy pinned MVP in their usual good match. MVP has really slid down the card slightly but he puts up a good fight. Kick in the corner is avoided, Hardy hits the Twist of Fate for the pin in a *** 1/2 match.

Chris Jericho and Shelton Benjamin. Hot damn, these two always have a good match. Jericho's World Heavyweight Title was not on the line and a good thing to, as Shelton pins Jericho with a huge Exploder Suplex off the top rope. Nearly perfect, but not quite, **** 1/2 match.

WWE Smackdown

Progression was a good show, this wasn't.

Curt Hawkins pinned Mark Copani with a roll up. Who gives a damn? *

Nigel McGuiness pinned Shawn Spears with a spinebuster into a jack-knife cradle. Yes, Nigel's been WWE-ized finally. DUD in every sense of the world.

Katie Lea Burchill pinned Kelly Kelly with a spinning backbreaker. When Kelly Kelly has a better match than Nigel McGuiness you know something's screwed up. 1/2*

Paul London pinned Nick Nemeth with a standing shooting star press in a * match. Spotfest.

Highlander Rory pinned Paul Burchill with a neckbreaker. Now they're just insulting my intelligence. * 1/2

Jesse pinned Lance Cade to retain the ECW Champion in the return match that no one wanted to see with the Asiatic Spike. A bit better than Progression, like it matters at this level. * 1/2

Shelton Benjamin and Big Daddy V had a match. Big Daddy V is the black hole of suck. Shelton worked hard, but this was not his night. He wins with a roll up after Big Daddy V misses a charge into the corner. * 1/2 and that was all Shelton.

Misc
Santino Marella and Johnny Jeter have signed contract extensions.

NWA

NWA Live Action Report

Scott Taylor pinned Jimmy Yang with a DDT off the second rope. I seem to remember seeing this match on Velocity. Not bad, merely a match * 1/2.

Bryan Danielson defeated Brent Albright, making him submit to the Cattle Mutilation, after elbowing Albright in the head. Danielson cannot have a bad match against anyone. *** match, good for the time it was given.

Shaquile O' Neal defeated Sabu. This match was perhaps a nightmare waiting to happen. Sabu is too broken down to have a good match without gimmicks and Shaq...well he's passable, but not someone who should be wrestling Sabu. This is for an NWA World Title Shot and Shaq wins by power bombing Sabu out of the corner. * match for effort.

Rob Van Dam and Christian Cage defeated Homicide and Booker T in a great tag team match. Van Dam pins the NWA Champion with the Five Star Frog Splash. *** 1/2 and a good way to close out an above average show.

TNA

After Bound for Glory, this company is joining WWE and NWA on the Global scene. This is so disturbing, on so many levels.

TNA Impact
Alex Shelley pinned Curry Man with the Shell Shock. This match got three minutes. Hmmm, I wonder who could be responsible for this match being being short changed. Let's just call him Vince R, no wait that's too obvious, V. Russo. * 1/2 for what they did

Dan Maff and Matt Morgan defeated Shark Boy and Consequences Creed when Morgan pins shark Boy. Morgan wins, his last match before leaving the company. Welcome to TNA. *

Christy Hemme pinned TNA Knockout's Champion Gail Kim in a non title match. Yep. This company is Global. It just proves something about the wrestling fans around the world. * 1/2 because Gail was really busting her ass to make Christy look competent.

Kip James and Scott Steiner defeated Robert Roode and Petey Williams when Kip James pinned Petey Williams with the Fame-Asser. WHY THE HELL IS KIP JAMES SITLL BEING PUSHED IN 2009? The pairings baffled me. ***** on the Russo scale, but only ** for some effort from the other three competitors not named Kip James.

Team 3D won the TNA Tag Team Titles against AJ Styles and Tomko, three days before the biggest Pay Per View of the year, with the 3D on Styles. ** 1/2 I suppose for the match. God forbid they hold this match off three more days.

Homicide and Samoa Joe defeated Jay Lethal and Sonjay Dutt when Homicide pinned Dutt with the Cop Killa. Good tag team match, with Dutt and Lethal getting a fair bit of offense. Homicide pinned Dutt with the Cop Killa, because he's challenging for the title. *** match and Sting comes out, to brawl with Homicide, leading to Bound for Glory.

TNA Bound For Glory

This was the card to propelled TNA to the next level, as baffling as it sounds.

Consequences Creed pinned Sexxy Eddy. You could have heard crickets chirping. DUD

Gail Kim retained the TNA Knockout's Title against Jacqueline Moore. DUD

Raisha Saeed and Velvet Sky battled Payton Banks and Roxxy to a no contest when Awesome Kong murders everyone but Saeed. Bad match, no finish, -* and that's being generous.

Eric Young and AJ Styles defeated Kip James and Curry Man in this week's, try and figure out why this match is happening, battle. Styles pinned Kip James with a roll up, so anything that causes Kip James to be pinned can't be all bad. **

Robert Roode pinned Shark Boy with the Pay Off. * 1/2

Samoa Joe defeated Tomko and Rellik in a Monster's Ball Math to declare the number one contender to the TNA Championship. So in theory, Rellik, could have been facing the champion. Think about that one before going to sleep at night. Joe wins with the Muscle Buster on Rellik. ** 1/2

Team 3D defeated Scott Steiner and Petey Williams to retain the TNA Tag Team Titles with the 3D. Cookie cutter tag team match. **

Sting defeated Homicide to retain the TNA Championship. This match may have been among one of the best things that TNA has done in sometime. Homicide looked like a star and came close to beating Sting, fighting the Scorpion Deathlock before passing out. **** 1/2 match and it would have been a great way to close the show, but being TNA, nothing could be that.

Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal defeated Dan Maff and Alex Shelley in the main event when Lethal pinned Shelley. I will say this, TNA should be pushing new talent, but the fact remains that this was not the time to do it. Sting and Homicide blew this match out of the water, not that this was not a good match. *** 1/2.

So TNA, NWA, WWE. The monopoly is over. Is Vince ready for another war? Only time will tell.

Misc
Alex Wright has signed with TNA.

Lucha
CMLL this week featured El Hijo Del Perro defeating Mr. Aguila and Atlantis defeating Nicho El Millinairo.

Puro
AJPW had their monthly show, headlined by Toshiaki Kawada defeating Keiji Mutoh to retain the Triple Crown Title. In other marquee matches, Takeshi Morshima defeated Mr. Gannosuke, Kikutaro defeated SUWA to retain the AJPW Jr. Heavyweight Title, Milano Collection AT defeated Kohei Suwama, and Bobby Lashley and Taiyo Kea retained the AJPW All Asia Tag Team Titles over Issei Suguri and Karem Ibrahim Gabar.

NJPW had their monthly show featuring Shinsuke Nakamura retaining the IWGP Championship over Masahiro Chono. Takao Omori defeated Black Tiger, Jushin Thunder Liger defeated Tomoaki Honda, Koji Kanemoto and Wataro Inoue retained the IWGP Tag Team Titles against Gaint Bernard and Minoru Tanaka, Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Hirooki Goto, Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Yuji Nagata defeated Gedo and Jado, Akebono and Low Ki defeated Eddie Edwards and Iizuka, and Tiger Mask IV defeated Alex Shelley.

Indies
PWG had their monthly show, headlined by Chris Hero winning the vacant PWG Championship over Austin Aries. Also, Jack Evans defeated Davey Richards, Tyler Black defeated Eddie Kingston, and Roderick Strong defeated Excalibur.

Pay Per View Buyrates and Television Ratings
WWE No Mercy received the highest buyrate of the year so far, a 2.41 buyrate or 964000 buys.

WWE Raw on the USA Network received a 6.99 rating, while getting a 0.94 rating on ABC South Pacific, WWE Progression on ABC received a 5.07 rating, with a 1.14 rating on Nippon TV, WWE Smackdown received a 3.95 rating on the CW, a 0.95 rating on ESPN International, and TNA Impact received a 3.02 rating.

[MadMatt]

It's time for the next issue!




Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #71 Week Three October 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

DH Smith pinned Mack Johnson in a quick squash match that only had one or two spots that were worth anything. 1/2 * for the Running Powerslam.

Matt Sydal and Karl Anderson had a bad match that had timing all over the place, no crowd heat, several botched spots. -** match for this wretched little encounter.

Melina and Mickie James had a good women's match for the time given. Melina won with a vicious reverse DDT after avoiding a Swinging DDT. Some great exchanges between these two women and it just showed what the women's division can be. ** 1/2

Santino and Carlito defeated World Tag Team Champions Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly in a non title match, when Carlito pinned Cody Rhodes with the Back Stabber. Yep, this match again. Not bad, not good, just there. **

Tommy Dreamer and Charlie Haas had a fun encounter. Dreamer is still having passable matches through sheer force of will. He wins with the Dreamer DDT after blocking a Northern Lights Suplex. ** 1/2

Chavo Guerrero and Kenny Dykstra are both attacked by Snitsky after wrestling a few minutes. Afterwards, Trevor Murdoch comes out and attacks Dykstra. * 1/2 for the wrestling before the finish.

Edge and Randy Orton in a non title match was your match of the week. Triple H scouted Orton for their match at Survivor Series. Orton worked over Edge with some high impact offense, Edge came back rattling the champion, Orton exposed the buckles, but Triple H gets in his face, allowing Edge to ram into the the buckles and hit the Spear for the pin. **** 1/2 and I think Edge should be the one to detrone Orton after this promotion.

WWE Progression
Colin Delaney pinned Andrew Vain in a yawn inducing DUD match.

Kelly Kelly and Maria were the wrong two women to put out for a match. It sucked on so many levels. Kelly wins with a bad cartwheel into an even worse splash. -*** stars for this horrid encounter, it offended me.

Monty Brown pounced TJ Wilson to hell. 1/2* for the Pounce.

Orlando Jordan squashed Jamie Noble with the Black Ice. DUD and Noble was just cannon fodder this week for Jordan, who has done nothing of value since returning to WWE.

MVP and CM Punk had the usual good MVP match. GTS is blocked and MVP drives Punk into the corner, before he knocks him out with the Running Yakuza Kick. *** 1/2

Shelton Benjamin beat the Great Khali with three spin kicks, one from the top rope. Khali beat Shelton, pinballing him, but Shelton managed to fight back, rocking Khali with his impact offense. Spin kick off the top drops Khali and Shelton just barely gets the pin. ** 1/2.

WWE Smackdown

Paul Burchill pinned Devon Storm with the Curb Stomp in a short, pointless encounter. 1/2* for some decent offense from Burchill.

Paul London pinned Kafu. London has been going through the motions for quite some time, dropsault and standing shooting star press pins. He might be the wrestler who wins the most but gets pushed the least, that Paul London.

Cade and Murdoch defeated the Edgeheads in a ** encounter when Hawkins was blitzed with the High Low. Seeing the Edgheads getting squashed always amuses me.

Jillian Hall pinned Kelly Kelly, in a match that was just there, not like the trainwreck value of the Kelly Kelly/Maria match on Progression. DUD

Jamie Noble defeated Nigel McGuiness with the Gibson Driver. If this happened in Ring of Honor, this would get twenty minutes and rule. On Smackdown, it gets three and a half minutes and was merely *.

CM Punk defeated Highlander Rory with the GTS. This match's positioning on the card was interesting. ** 1/2, as Punk drug a halfway interesting match out of the Highlander.

JTG and Batista in the main event. I think it is safe to say that JTG is the good half of Cryme Tyme, as he's had some good matches on Smackdown and Shad's faded into the night on Raw. Huge lariat, huge spear, big spinebuster, and Batista Bomb ends the match for Batista, the best in JTG's career. *** 1/2 and that's no joke.

NWA

NWA Live Action

The opening match had Rob Conway and Joey Abs. Yes, that Joey Abs, formally of the Mean Street Posse. Heat match in every sense of the term. * match as well.

Chris Kanyon pinned Heidenreich with the Flatiner. Heindereich dragged Kanyon straight down to his dismal level. He might be the worst wrestler in the big three today. * match and Kanyon really fought Heidenreich all the way.

Homicide pinned Nick Dinsmore, now this was a good battle, no question about it. Gringo Killa ends the night for Dinsmore. ***. The big rising star for 2009 would have to be Homicide, no question about it. Hernandez is now another face in the crowd in WWE, and Homicide is a star in two promotions(for now at least).

Rob Van Dam and Booker T defeated Rhino and Christian Cage in a great **** 1/2 tag team match. Watch this match right now. Good stuff, with Van Dam pinning Christian Cage with the Five Star Frog Splash after Rhino mistimed the Gore. Shaq stood on the ramp, eying Booker T's title.

NWA Final Altercations Show

Sylvain Grenier defeated Ro-Z and Rob Conway defeated Brent Albright in dark matches.

Sean Waltman pinned Raven with the X-Factor in the opening of the Pay Per View. Raven looks like he's aged badly. Waltman looks about the same as he always has. ** match.

Frankie Kazarian pinned Bryan Danielson with the Flux Compacitor in an upset win. The ROH Champion has been pinned by Kazarian, no doubt a hefty blow to his eager. ** 1/2, Kazarian can be very spotty at times.

Rene Dupree pinned Scott Taylor with the Bastille Driver. * 1/2 and this had about as much business being on Pay Per View as Shark Boy/Rober Roode did at Bound for Glory.

Chris Mordetszky defeated Heidenreich with a wheelbarrow suplex. Not the bad match that I feared, with the former Masterpiece winning. ** for some surprisingly stiff brawling.

Andrew Test Martin pinned Jimmy Yang. The booking of nearly caused me to put my foot right through my television set, much like Test put his boot into Yang's face for the pin. Test had a moment of popularity ten years ago and people think he has potential. Yang bumped his ass off, dragging Test kicking and screaming to **.

Rhino and Christian Cage defeated the Machines who are Nova and Tomko. Some great power stuff between Rhino and Tomko. Some fun offense from Christian and Nova takes a mean Gore. ***

Death from Above retain the NWA Tag Team Titles against the Urban Gladiators. Big Vito and Abyss are the Urban Gladiators, a name that is rather baffling. Sabu pinned Vito to retain the titles with the Arabian Facebuster. **

Nick Dinsmore pinned Joey Matthews with the German Suplex. *, these two have had a bland match.

Homicide and Rob Van Dam, now here is a match. Shaq and Booker T for the NWA Championship might have drawn the buyrate but these two stole the show. **** 1/2, continuing the string of epic Homicide matches on Pay Per View. Homicide wins with the Gringo Killa after Van Dam plasters himself on the floor.

Booker T retained the NWA Championship over Shaquile O' Neal. The heat was off the charts, the work was about ** 1/2. Booker gets a roll up out of the corner, as Shaq makes a rookie mistake. Both men circle each other, before it is hinted that they are going to fight for the title again in the future. If they must.

TNA

TNA Impact
Robert Roode pinned Rellik, who is treading water, with the Pay Off. ** 1/2

AJ Styles and Tomko defeated Brother Devon and Curry Man(subbing for Brother Ray, who just refused to wrestle), when Styles pinned Curry Man with the Styles Clash. *** encounter, the addition of Curry Man was a good one to this match.

Christy Hemme defeated Roxxy in a -** match, with a faceplant. Still better than Kelly Kelly/Maria on Progression.

Petey Williams pinned Shark Boy with the Canadian Destroyer in seconds to retain the TNA X-Division Title. The X-Division continues to get buried. DUD

Sting and Samoa Joe, the main event for the next Pay Per View, that's happening again, have a match free on television just three weeks before Geneis. I could not make this **** up if I tried. Sign for a future TNA taping: "Russo Fears Money". Still, as long as the matches are good, there is only so much you can complain. Sting pins Joe with a roll up after the corner after twenty minutes. Great stuff, as usual. Sting having **** 1/2 matches at this point of his career is just insane. Must be the holy water.

Rhino and Homicide defeated Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal in a main event that was a little underwhelming with Homicide pinning Dutt with the Gringo Killa. *** match.

Misc
Rampage Jackson bounces back from getting released from NWA, to sign with TNA. Johnny Swinger, another recent NWA cast off, also signs with TNA.

ROH
ROH had their Glory By Honor VIII show. The Results were
-Mercedes Martinez defeating Daizee Haze
-Ruckus defeating Tank Toland
-Claudio Castagnoli defeated Shane Hagadorn with the Ricoli Bomb
-Austin Aries and Jay Briscoe retained the ROH Tag Team Titles over the Age of the Fall.
-Kevin Steen and Erick Stevens defeated Jack Evans and Jigsaw when Steen pinned Evans with the Package Piledriver
-Brent Albright and Adam Pearce defeated Davey Richards and Chris Hero when Albright pinned Hero with the half nelson suplex.

Lucha
CMLL featured Atlantis defeating Heavy Metal to retain the NWA World Light Heavyweight Title. Cuervo defeated Mascara Sagrada in the semi main event to retain the CMLL World Middleweight Title.

Puro
Susumu Mochizuki defeated Naoki Tanisaki to win the Open the Brave Gate Title.

Pay Per View Buyrates and Television Ratings
TNA Bound For Glory received a 0.30 buyrate, which translates into 120000 buys.

Raw on the USA Network received a 6.92 rating, with a 0.92 rating on ABC Asia Pacific, WWE Progression received a 4.84 rating on ABC, with a 1.07 rating on Nippon TV, Smackdown received a 4.25 on the CW, with a 1.02 rating on ESPN International, and TNA Impact received a 3.06 rating

[MadMatt]

The Final Newsletter of October!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #72 Week Four October 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

The Messiah pinned Drew McIntyre with the Godsmack in a 1/2*.

Melina pinned Beth Phoenix with a running somersault neckbreaker in a mildly entertaining women's match. * 1/2

Charlie Haas defeated Jay Bradley and Mack Johnson in a boring, dull, DUD match with Haas pinning Johnson with the German Suplex.

Brian Kendrick pinned Johnny Jeter with the Sliced Bread #2. This match was also heatless. 1/2*

Victoria retained the WWE Women's Title against Nicole Bella in a bland match in a 1/2* match.

And then things really heated up for the last two matches of the show, the last forty five minutes or so. Mr. Kennedy and Edge had a great match, back and forth action, lots of nearfalls, all the making of a good match. Both men got into this match was intense, with several referees being knocked out, until a no contest was called. **** match and it would have been more had it had a clean finish.

Umaga pinned Triple H in the main event with interference from Randy Orton. Yes Orton/Triple H gets hyped up more and both Umaga and Triple H beat each other. Samoan Spike is ducked, Pedigree is countered with a Samoan Drop. Umaga climbs up and misses a splash, before Triple H goes for the Pedigree but Orton(who was doing commentary), before Triple H goes after Orton. Triple H turns around and Umaga nails Triple H with the Samoan Spike for the pin. **** for this brawl.

wWE Progression

Shannon Moore pinned Kafu with the Mooregasm in a 1/2* match, only getting that because of Moore's effort.

Paul London pinned Nigel McGuiness in three minutes, with the standing shooting star press. Both men had in a great effort, with Nigel using his neutered WWE offense to its best effort, before London scores the pin. * 1/2

Jillian pinned Maria with a full nelson legsweep. DUD

Colin Delanye upset Zach Ryder with a rolling cradle. Once again. another bland match. * 1/2

World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho and WWE Intercontinental Champion Kenny Dykstra in a great match. This was the best match of the show, with both men trading offense back and forth. Dykstra climbs to the top rope and dives off, but Jericho catches him on the Code Breaker for the pin. **** for this match.

Khali and Batista had another match. Not bad as some of their encounters. Long story short, Batista wins with a spear off the top rope, which looked kind of cool. ** 1/2

WWE Smackdown

Paul London pinned Justin Credible. A little more time than normal London matches as of late, but London was still going through the motions, delivering a Frankensteiner off the top rope for the pin. **

Paul Burchill pinned Mark Copani with the Curb Stomp. Ho hum. * 1/2

Jillian pinned Candice Michelle with the Full Nelson Faceslam in a * match. Once again, another match where hardly anyone could care.

Shannon Moore and Hernandez defeated Eric Perez and Nigel McGuienss when Hernandez pinned Nigel with a sidewalk slam in a ho hum WWE tag team match. DUD

Jamie Noble pinned Devon Storm in seconds with a roll up. DUD.

Shelton Benjamin and Matt Hardy is a great team, they should team up more often, as they got a *** match out of the Edgeheads, with Hardy pinning Zach Ryder with the Twist of Fate.

Big Daddy V and Mark Henry defeated Hardcore Holly and Kenny Dykstra when Murdoch distracted Dykstra. Interesting tag team match event and not a squash that made the opponents of V and Henry look weak like matches. World's Strongest Slam and elbowdrop combination, pinned Dykstra. *** rating.

Misc

Vladimir Koslov and Chuck Palumbo have been resigned.

NWA

NWA Live Action

Heidenreich pinned Sylvan with a uppercut punch to the kidneys. * match for keeping it rather short.

Bryan Danielson defeated Nova with a Cattle Mutilation hold, after elbowing him in the end. Always fun to see Danielson stiff the hell out of someone. *** match.

Shaquile O' Neal pinned Homicide with the Shaq Attack. Homicide rules. He made the mainstream star look like a competent wrestler. The Pay Per View is next Monday with Shaq/Booker III. *** match.

Booker T retained the NWA Championship against Christian Cage after Christian missed a corner charge and Booker T pinned Christian with the Axe Kick. *** match.

TNA

TNA Impact

Sonjay Dutt and Trent Acid defeated Chuck Taylor and Sexxy Eddy in a minute when Dutt pinned Eddy. The X-Division, folks. DUD.

Petey Williams retained the TNA X-Division Title in a four way match against Elix Skipper, Consequences Creed, and Shark Boy when Petey Williams pinned Creed with the Canadian Destroyer in a few minutes. * match.

Christy Hemme pinned Angelina Love in a bad match. Really bad match. -*** match.

TNA Knockout's Champion Gail Kim pinned Velvet Sky with a spinning fireman's carry into a faceplant. Gail did some good work. Kong comes out and blitzes both women. * match.

Samoa Joe defeated Rellik and Eric Young in an impressive triple threat match. Joe pinned Young with the Muscle Buster. He wants the belt match. Fun match, with Joe beating both men down. *** match.

Great main event with Jay Lethal and Rhino. Lethal's push seems to be dying down, as the Gore pins Lethal after fifteen minutes. *** match.

Misc
Curry Man resigned with TNA. Mike DiBiase, Lance Hoyt, Sandman, and Balls Mahoney have signed contracts with TNA.

Lucha
Dr. Wagner Jr and Mr. Aguila defeated Mascara Sagrada and Silver King. Also in the semi main event, Atlantis, Nicho, and El Hijo Del Perro defeated Cien Caras, Blue Panther, and Heavy Metal.

Puro
Minoru Tanaka won the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title against Hiroshi Tanihashi.

NOAH's monthly show was headlined by Kurt Angle retaining the GHC Championship over Akitoshi Saito. Jun Akiyama defeated Naomichi Marufuji, Shuhei Taniguchi retained the NOAH Wrestling Spirit Title over Jun Izumida, Yoshinobu Kanemura defeated Shingo Takagi to retain the GHC Jr. Heavyweight Title, and Akira Taue defeated Go Shiosaki.

Indies
FIP was headlined by Roderick Strong retaining the FIP Championship over Brent Albright. Also, Bryan Danielson defeated Davey Richards, Jay Briscoe retained the Florida State Heritage Title over Madman Pondo, Larry Sweeney defeated Delirious, and Tyler Black defeated Gran Akuma.

SHIMMER featured Daizee Haze retaining the SHIMMER Championship over Malia Hosaka. Also in the semi main event, Cheerleader Melissa defeated Mercedes Martinez.

Pay Per View Buyrates and Television Ratings
NWA Final Altercation received a 0.52 buyrate, which translates into 502000 viewers.

Raw received a 7.18 rating on the USA Network, with a 1.19 rating on ABC South Pacific, WWE Progression received a 4.49 rating on ABC, a 1.37 rating on Nippon TV, Smackdown received a 4.09 rating on the CW, a 1.21 rating on ESPN International, and TNA Impact received a 3.01 rating on Spike TV.

[chopps4312]

Actually those signings TNA did could end up being good. At least the last two. Sandman and Mahoney could bring in some new fans to TNA. As long as Russo doesn't use them as Vince did in WWE. I remember Sandman in TNA before.

[MadMatt]

First Newsletter in November



Wrestling Today Issue #73 Week One November 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

Nice little opening match with Colt Cabana pinned Brian Kendrick with a backslide. * 1/2

Nunzio pinned Mark Briscoe with a Kiss of Death in a bland match. 1/2*

The next match featured a good women's match, involving Beth Phoenix defeating Mickie James with a rotating power bomb, while using the ropes for leverage. ** 1/2

Gregory Helms and Charlie Haas had a nice back and forth match. Helms landed on his feet, delivering a dropkick to the back of the leg and Shining Wizard cracked Haas in the back of the head for the pin. ***.

William Regal stretched Highlander Robbie. This was fun, Regal Stretch ends a ** 1/2 match.

The Big Show bulldozes Domino. This was also a fun squash. Domino got zero offense and Show looked like a monster. ** 1/2 match.

The main event featured Val Venis and John Cena. Yes, for the second time in a year, Val Venis main events Raw, against John Cena. This match got twenty minutes and Val Venis got a great deal of offense. Cena did win in the end, delivering the F-U, after Venis had blocked two earlier in the match. **** battle. Cena wants the belt back.

WWE Progression

Monty Brown pounced Eddie Colon. 1/2* match.

Jillian pinned Candice. This match was just there, nothing good or bad, when Jillian pinned Candice with a Full Nelson Faceplant. *

Jamie Noble pinned Eric Perez with the Gibson Driver. Meh, 1/2*

Mark Henry and Big Daddy V bulldozed The Edgeheads in a ho hum match, when Henry pinned Curt Hawkins with the World's Strongest Slam. ** match.

The Great Khali and Kane had a short, but eventful brawl. Kane dove to the floor in the highlight for the match and he took a header into the steps. Khali hit Kane with a power bomb out of the corner and locked on the clawhold for the submission. ***

World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho and Matt Hardy battled in a super main event. Non title match and Matt Hardy should be getting a title shot on Pay Per View. Twist of Fate nearly wins. Walls of Jericho countered into a roll up. Super Legdrop misses. Codebreaker blocked and Side Effect connected. Hardy leaps off, right into the Code Breaker for the pin. **** 1/2 main event.

WWE Smackdown

Nigel McGuiness wrapped off Beef Wellington with the arm submission. At least they're giving him a usable move. * 1/2

Justin Credible pinned Jake Hager in a minute in a DUD battle.

Layla, Candice Michelle, and Jillian defeated Katie Lea Burchill, Ashley, and Maria when Candice pinned Katie with a backslide. Short match and Ashley was kept out of it, so we'll go 1/2* match.

Shannon Moore pinned Devon Storm with the Mooregasm. Just there. 1/2*

Hardcore Holly pinned Mark Copani with the Alabama Slam. Holly threw Copani around and he took a beating, so we'll go * 1/2.

Shelton Benjamin pinned MVP in a back and forth match, reversing a power bomb into a sunset flip. I think we can say that MVP's push might be done. *** 1/2.

Batista and the Great Khali had their usual match. If you looked up "treading water", you would see a picture of Batista. Batista hit a spear out of the corner to score the pin. ** 1/2.

NWA

NWA Back By Demand

Jimmy Yang pinned Chris Sabin in a fun little opener match, with a corkscrew moonsault. ** 1/2

Raven and James Storm battled Rob Conway and Sylvain Grenier to a no contest double countout. **

Bryan Danielson pinned Frankie Kazarian in a short, but good match, after rolling up Kazarian in a small package. ** 1/2

The oddball team of Joey Matthews and Heidenreich defeated Nova and Tomko when Matthews pinned Nova with the Future Shock. * 1/2

Sabu and Chris Kanyon defeated Andrew Test Martin and Nick Dinsmore in a styles clash to retain the NWA Tag Team Titles. Dinsmore was pinned by Sabu with a moonsault. **.

Homicide and Rene Dupree was the greatest match in the career of Dupree. Once again, Homicide may have risen faster than any star in 2009 and this was another match. Back and forth match, lots of nearfalls, Dupree looked like a star and was pinned with the Gringo Killa. **** 1/2 and that's no lie.

Christian Cage and Rob Van Dam defeated the Urban Gladiators in a back and forth match, with Van Dam pinning Vito with the Five Star Frog Splash. *** 1/2

The main event featured Booker T retaining the NWA Championship against Shaq after ramming him into the exposed buckle and connecting with the Axe Kick for the pin. ** 1/2

NWA Live Action

Tomko squashed Chris Sabin with a Yakuza Kick. * match.

Scott Taylor pinned Rob Conway with a DDT off the second rope. Bland middle of the card match. * 1/2 match.

Christian Cage and Booker T had a great, non title match. Shaq came out and distracted Booker T in the aisle, before Christian delivered a low blow, and hit the Unprettier for the pin. **** 1/2.

Shaq defeated Sabu in the main event after throwing Sabu off the top rope through the table for a countout. * match. Afterwards, Booker rushes out and plasters Shaq with the belt, to continue this feud.

TNA

TNA Impact

Petey Williams retained the TNA X-Division Title over Shark Boy in seconds with the Canadian Destroyer. 1/2*

The Beautiful People defeated Christy Hemme and Salinas when Angelina Love pinned Christy Hemme. The four worst women in TNA, an ugly match. -*** match.

Gail Kim pinned Awesome Kong with a moonsault after Kong missed a corner charge. This match was Awesome. *** 1/2.

Team 3D defeated Johnny Devine and Dan Maff when Devon pinned Devine with the 3D. Afterwards, the Sandman appeared in the Impact Zone, attacking Team 3D with the singapore cane to a huge pop! * 1/2 for the match, ***** for the caning. Go Sandman.

Samoa Joe knocked Eric Young out with the Kokina Clutch. Young fought, so Joe beat him down. *** 1/2. Afterwards, Joe beat down Young again, until Sting made the save.

AJ Styles and Sting defeated Jay Lethal and Sonjay Dutt in a fantastic tag team match event with Styles pinning Dutt with the Spiral Tap in a **** battle. Afterwards, Joe destroys Sting, setting up their match at Genesis.

TNA Genesis 2009

Alex Shelley and Chuck Taylor had an X-Division opening match. Shelley pinned Taylor with the Shell Shock in a ** 1/2 opener to get the show off the right track.

Petey Williams pinned Shark Boy when Scott Steiner attacks him before the bell. DUD. Petey retains the X-Division Title.

Robert Roode and Scott Steiner defeated Rampage Jackson and Mike DiBiase when Roode pinned Rampage with the Pay Off. This is Rampage's TNA debut and he gets pinned. God bless Vince Russo. * match.

Homicide pinned DeMeco Ryans in his TNA debut, with Homicide pinning Ryans with the Gringo Killa. Usual performance from Homicide. *** match.

Team 3D defeated the Sandman and Eric Young to retain the TNA Tag Team Championship belts when Devon pinned Eric Young with the 3D. Afterwards, Sandman canes them again to cheers. * 1/2.

Rhino pinned the returning Lance Hoyt with the Gore. * for the Gore.

Gail Kim retained the TNA Knockout's Title against Awesome Kong with a Victory Roll out of the corner. Not as good as the Impact match. ** 1/2 match.

Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal scored a big victory over the former two time TNA Tag Team Champions, AJ Styles and Tomko when Lethal pinned AJ Styles with a missile dropkick into a rolling cradle. *** 1/2 match.

Sting retained the TNA Championship against Samoa Joe in the usual awesome match, with reversing the Muscle Buster into the Scorpion Deathdrop for the pin. **** 1/2 match, same old same old. Rhino runs out and murders Sting with the Gore to set up Sting's next challenger.

Misc
Adam Pearce and DeMaco Ryans have signed contracts.

Also, TNA will be having another two hour television show on Sunday nights, called TNA Dominance. It will air on the ABC network, which is interesting considering that WWE Progression also airs on that network.

Lucha
Dr. Wagner Jr defeated Atlantis to retain the UWA World Heavyweight Title. Also in the semi main event, Cien Caras retained the NWA World Middleweight Title against Blue Panther.

CMLL had their monthly show, featuring Nicho and Dr. Wagner Jr defeating El Hijo Del Perro and Atlantis. Also, Mascara Sagrada and Blue Demon Jr defeated Mr. Aguila and Cien Caras, Rey Bucerno defeated Anifaz Del Norte to retain the CMLL World Middleweight Title, and Heavy Metal, Blue Panther, and Silver King defeated Cuervo, Hector Garza, and Black Warrior to retain the CMLL Trios Title.

Lucha Madness will be returning next month.

Indies
CHIKARA featured El Pantera defeating Mike Quackenbush in the main event. In other marquee matches, Chris Hero defeated Claudio Castagnoli and Ricochet defeated Delirious.

FIP featured Roderick Strong retaining the FIP Championship against Brent Albright. Also, Erick Stevens defeated Jack Evans, Davey Richards captured the Florida State Heritage Title over Jay Briscoe, and Eddie Kingston defeated Salvatore Rinauro.

JAPW was headlined by Samoa Joe defeating Rhino to retain the JAPW Championship. Also, Jay Lethal defeated Chris Hero, El Generico captured the New Jersey Title defeated Chuck Taylor, and Eddie Kingston defeated B-Boy.

CZW's monthly show was headlined by Sonjay Dutt defeated Toby Klein to retain the CZW Championship. Also, Sexxy Eddy defeated Vito Thomaselli, Brain Damage defeated Joker to retain the CZW Iron Man Title, and Ruckus defeated Sabian.

FCW had their monthly show, featuring Dan Maff defeating Sonjay Dutt to retain the FCW Championship. Also, Jay Briscoe defeated Glenn Gilberti, B-Boy and Retail Dragon won the FCW Tag Team Titles over Adam Pearce and Flash Flanagan, and Alex Wright defeated John Walters.

Pay Per View Buyrates and Television Ratings

NWA Final Altercations receiving a 0.52 rating, with 208000 people buying it.

Raw received a 7.20 rating on the USA Network, a 1.24 rating on ABC South Pacific, WWE Progression received a 4.92 rating on ABC, with a 1.47 rating on Nippon TV, WWE Smackdown received a 4.23 rating on the CW, with a 1.28 rating on ESPN International, and TNA Impact received a 3.12 rating

[MadMatt]

Next Newsletter!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #74 Week Two November 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

We open up with Michelle McCool pinning Victoria with a backslide to capture the WWE Women's Title. Yep, that division is dead. 1/2*

Kid Kash pinned K.C. James with a brain buster. This was a sloppy match. -*

Portia Perez made her WWE debut, pinning Beth Phoenix with a roll up. 1/2*

John Morrison defeated Nunzio with the Moonlight Drive. Morrison shows his greatness, but he should really be facing better opponents than this. * match for a couple of spots, way too short to mean anything else.

Hardcore Holly beat up Colt Cabana. Cabana was fun, Holly was brutal * 1/2 match.

Umaga and the Big Show, holy damn, this was a great big man match. Samoan Spike is wound up but Show catches the hand. Choke Slam rattles Umaga for the pin. ***

JBL and Edge had the main event. Usual awesome performance from Edge, he should really be the one to detrone Orton after perfomances like this. Clothesline from Hell is ducked. Edge hits the Spear off the ropes for the pin. **** match.

WWE Progression

Man, that Matt Capotelli and Mighty Mikey match was ten minutes of blown spots. These two men may have had the worst male match in WWE of the year. -*** match, with Mikey pinning Capotelli with a kneedrop off the top rope that barely hit.

Paul London pinned Kafu with a standing shooting star press. This went too long and Kafu got way too much offense. DUD.

Kelly Kelly pinned Maria with a small package in another bad match. -***

Curt Hawkins pinned Justin Credible with a rollover. * 1/2 for a few nice spots.

Batista pinned Mark Henry with the spinebuster in their usual match. * 1/2

The Great Khali and CM Punk had a match. Punk busted his ass to get this *** match out of Khali and it took everything he had. Punk connects with a missile dropkick that knocks Khali to the floor. Khali is down long enough for the ten count, with Punk winning by countout.

WWE Smackdown

Deuce pinned Kafu with a kick to the face. This was wretched. -*

Ashley pinned Jillian with a Frankensteiner that nearly dumped Jillian on her head. Scary as this was, this was better than Kafu/Deuce. No stars is better than negative stars after all. DUD.

The Edgeheads defeated Colin Delaney and Chuck Palumbo when Hawkins pinned Delaney with an inverted power bomb/DDT combination move. That match was there. * 1/2

The Miz pinned Paul Burchill with the Reality Check. Average WWE style match. * 1/2

Big Daddy V and Mark Henry retained the WWE Tag Team Titles against Shannon Moore and Paul London when Big Daddy V squashed Moore with an elbowdrop. Some great double teams from Moore and London bump the match up to ** 1/2

Batista and MVP had a match. Wasn't really on the level of their past matches. These days, Batista just goes through the motions. Batista Bomb scores the pin. Yep, MVP's push is dead. ** 1/2

Elijah Burke and the Undertaker squared off in the main event. The Undertaker pounded Burke for most of this match. Burke came back. The Undertaker no sold, Tombstone. pin. Middle of the round battle. ** 1/2

Misc
Despite that bad match, Mighty Mikey has extended his contract.

NWA

NWA Live Action

The Urban Gladiators won a match against Joey Abs and Chris Sabin when Abyss pinned Abs with the Black Hole Slam as Vito fought off Sabin. ** match.

Shaq/Booker III is signed for NWA Change the World in December.

Joey Matthews pinned Nova with the Future Shock. ** match

Christian Cage pinned Chris Kanyon in an awesome match. Back and forth action, with Christian pinning Kanyon with the Unprettier after blocking the Flatliner. ****.

Shaq and Rob Van Dam battled Rhino and Homicide to a thirty minute time limit draw. Wisely, Shaq was kept on the ring apron for most of the match, only coming in for brief offense. Van Dam had Homicide pinned, but the time ran out. *** 1/2, because Homicide ruled as usual.

TNA

TNA Impact
Dan Maff defeated Johnny Devine, Lance Hoyt, and DeMaco Ryans in a fatal four way match, when Maff pinned Devine with a lariat. * rating.

Elix SKipper pinned Shark Boy with sloppy Play of the Day -*, this was a bad X-Division match.

Mike DiBiase pinned Consequences Creed with a cobra clutch legsweep. DUD

Bobby Lashley has arrived in TNA, getting in the face of the TNA Champion Sting, who has come out for an interview. After a bit of back and forth, Lashley is put in a number one contenders match, where the winner faces Sting next week, on free television for the title.

Scott Steiner pinned Rellik with a belly to belly suplex. -* match, Rellik is even more useless without Black Reign, if that's even possible.

Bobby Lashley defeated the Sandman and AJ Styles to earn a TNA Championship Match when Lashley pinned AJ Styles with the Running Powerslam. Sandman was taken out on the floor by Team 3D until Curry Man and Eric Young make the save. *** 1/2, Lashley/Sting next week for the TNA Championship.

Alex Shelley pinned TNA Champion Sting in a non title match with a rollling cradle after Sting missed the Stinger Splash. Lashley attacked Sting before the bell. Rhino also Gored Sting during the match when the referee was down but this only earned a two count. Sting came back but was too winded, with Shelley scoring the pin. *** 1/2 match, would have been more perhaps had it not been for the Russorific booking.

Misc
As seen on Impact, Bobby Lashley is in TNA. Also, Nick Hogan has signed for TNA. Karam Ibrarim Gaber(the second gold medalist in wrestling history) has also signed, along with lucha star, Dr. Wagner Jr. Also, Vince Russo has signed a contract extension for reasons that baffle this reporter.

ROH

ROH had its November Show. It was rather unremarkable all things considered
-Lacey and Mercedez Martinez defeated Daizee Haze and Sara Del Ray
-Austin Aries and Jay Briscoe retained the ROH Tag Team Titles over the Age of the Fall for the five millionth time, when Briscoe pins Jacobs with the Jay Driller. Now, ROH has joined the WWE/TNA club of, we've seen this tag team match one time too many.
-Erick Stevens pinned El Generico with a Gutwrench Power Bomb
-Takeshi Morishima and ROH Champion Bryan Danielson defeated Jigsaw and Jack Evans when Danielson pinned Jack Evans with the elbows to the head
-Chris Hero and Davey Richards defeated Brent Albright and Claudio Castagnoli when Richards pinned Claudio with the DR Driver.

The ROH Title has not been defended since July, for all of you keeping score.

Lucha
Mr. Aguilia, Dr. Wagner Jr(in his last CMLL match perhaps), and Nicho defeated Atlantis , El Hijo Del Perro, and Mascara Sagrada in the main event of this week's CMLL television. Also Cien Caras defeated Blue Demon Jr and Silver King, Blue Panther, and Heavy Metal retained the CMLL Trios Title over Antifaz Del Norte, Billy Boy, and Lizmark Jr.

Puro
Manabu Nakanishi regained the IWGP Championship, defeating Shinsuke Nakamura.

Dragon Gate had their monthly show headlined by TAKA Michinoku and Fujita defeated K-Ness and Nakajima. Also, Kintaro Kanemura defeated Susumu Mochizuki to retain the Open the Dream Gate Title, Shinjiro Otani defeated Minoru Fujita, CIMA defeated Dragon Kid, and Mag and Shiisa defeated Ryo Saito and Steve Corino to capture the Open the Twin Gate Titles.

Later that week on tour, Kamikaze and Naruki Do defeated Mag and Shiisa to capture the Open the Twin Gate Titles.

Indies[/I]
SHIMMER featured Daizee Haze retaining the SHIMMER Championship over Ms. Chif. Also, Rain defeated Cheerleader Melissa.

PWG was headlined by Jimmy Rave and Phoenix Starr defeating Roderick Strong and Davey Richards. In other bouts, Chris Hero defeated Austin Aries to retain the PWG Championship, Jack Evans and Tyler Black defeated the Bruisers(PAC and Exalibur), and Super Dragon defeated El Generico

[U]Pay Per View Buyrates and Television Ratings
NWA Back By Demand received a 0.57 buyrate or 228000 buys. TNA Genesis received a 0.37 buyrate or 148000 buys

Raw received a 7.14 rating on the USA Network, with a 1.24 rating on ABC South Pacific, WWE Progression received a 4.75 rating on ABC, with a 1.40 rating on Nippon TV, Smackdown received a 4.12 rating on the CW, with a 1.25 rating on ESPN International, and TNA Impact received a 3.13 rating.

[MadMatt]

It's an update!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Week Three November 2009 Issue #75

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

Santino Marella pinned Spike Dudley with a DDT. Hey, Santino wins with a singles match. * 1/2 match.

Gregory Helms pinned Kid Kash with the Shining Wizard. Perfectly fine match, but two minutes and way too short. * for a few nice spots.

Domino, Festus, and John Morrison defeated Ron Killings, Stevie Richards, and Nunzio when Festus pinned Nunzio with a flapjack. This was random but passable. ** rating.

Kenny Dykstra retained the WWE Intercontinental Title against DH Smith with a Hangman's Neckbreaker. Good title defense. Afterwards, Trevor Murdoch attacks Dykstra, laying him out. *** for the match.

The Big Show pinned Snitsky with the Choke Slam. Snitsky's push appears to be over, at least this week. ** rating for a decent brawl.

Shawn Michaels and Umaga had about as good as a match as you would expect. Back and forth nearfalls. Shawn drops an elbow, goes for the Sweet Chin Music, but Umaga catches the foot and pulls Michaels into a Samoan Drop. Up and Samoan Spike scores the pin. **** battle. Umaga has an open contract for Survivor Series.

Randy Orton and Triple H have a confrontation. Triple H lays out the champion with the Pedigree. I hope he doesn't get the title, but it's looking that way.

WWE Progression

Curt Hawkins pinned Hernandez in a fine opener with a roll up after Curt Hawkins snapped the neck of Hernandez across the top rope. ** 1/2 rating.

Zach Ryder pinned Eddie Colon after Hawkins shoved Colon off the top rope. This was not good however. DUD.

Layla and Jillian defeated Kelly Kelly and Maria when Jillian pinned Maria with a Full Nelson Faceslam. DUD match.

Trevor Murdoch destroyed Colin Delaney in the usual fun squash. Gourdbuster pins Delaney. Dykstra runs out and brawls with Murdoch, for their champion versus champion match at Survivor Series. ** 1/2

Mark Henry pinned CM Punk with the World's Strongest Slam. This was not a complete squash, thankfully, in fact it was pretty damn entertaining. Henry had to destroy Punk to score the pin, after nearly getting pinned several times. ****

The Great Khali and Kane defeated MVP and Chris Jericho. This was an odd main event. Kane pinned MVP with the Choke Slam, cleanly. *** match. MVP's obviously pissed someone off.

WWE Smackdown

Chuck Palumbo pinned Mark Copani in a quick squash with the Full Throttle. * match.

Cade and Murdoch defeated the Edgeheads when Ryder was pinned with the High Low. * 1/2 match.

Shannon Moore pinned Devon Storm in seconds with a cross body. Yep. DUD.

Jillian and Maria defeated Ashley and Katie Lea Burchill when Jillian pinned Ashley with the Full Nelson Faceslam. YES! The women sucked as usual. DUD.

Paul London pinned Orlando Jordan with a cradle, after Jordan drags London down to his level. DUD.

Kane pinned Kevin Thorn with the Choke Slam. Fun brawl, bit on a short side, but not too bad. ** 1/2

With all those matches out of the way, the main event more than made up for it. CM Punk and Chris Jericho for the World Heavyweight Title. Tweny five minutes of great wrestling action. Punk didn't win the title, but he came close. Jericho had to roll up Punk using the ropes for leverage for the pin as the Code Breaker, the Lionsault, and the Walls of Jericho did not work. **** 1/2 match for an epic encounter, find a tape of this match.

Misc
Molly Holly has signed a WWE deal to return to the company, which should hopefully improve the workrate of some of these untalented women. Also, Paul London and Ron Killings signed contract extensions.

NWA

NWA Live Action

Bryan Danielson is the greatest wrestler in the world, as he dragged a **** match out of Ro-Z. This match ruled. Really ruled. Ro-Z looked like a god and Danielson proved his usefulness as a key player in the National Wrestling Alliance. Elbows to the head and small package ends this twelve minute. This was a textbook example of making an average wrestler look great.

The Urban Gladiators defeated the Machines when Abyss pinned Nova with the Black Hole Slam, when Vito held him off. Nice tag team match, the Urban Gladiators are the number one contenders to the NWA Tag Team Titles held by Death From Above.

Homicide pinned Sabu in a fine match. Sabu's really broken down, Homicide wins with the Gringo Killa. ** 1/2.

Rob Van Dam pinned Christian Cage with the Five Star Frog Splash in a great main event. Christian misses a frog splash of his own, before Van Dam climbs to the top rope. *** 1/2 rating.

TNA

TNA Impact

AJ Styles and Tomko defeated Consequences Creed and Lance Hoyt when Styles pinned Creed with the Styles Clash in a * 1/2 rating opening tag team match.

Nick Hogan is coming next week.

Roxxy pinned Salinas in a match that had several blown spots, before she won with a Swinging DDT. -** rating.

Shark Boy pins Petey Williams with a sunset flip in less than a minute to win the TNA X-Division Title. Well, he's been there since almost the beginning. 1/2* rating, just for the pop that Shark Boy got for winning the most worthless title in wrestling.

Gail Kim pinned Jacqueline Moore with a slingshot sunset flip to retain the TNA Knockout's Title. * Rating.

Samoa Joe defeated Alex Shelley in a fun little battle with the Muscle Buster. *** rating.

TNA Champion Sting pinned Bobby Lashley to retain the title after countering a suplex into the Scorpion Deathdrop for the pin. Afterwards, Rhino runs out and Gores Sting, because these two men will be fighting for the title at Turning Point. *** rating.

Misc
Cien Caras and Mascara Sagrada have signed TNA, in their bid to add a lucha libre element to their promotion. Also, Dave Taylor has signed on as a road agent.

Lucha
CMLL was headlined by El Hiro Del Perro, Atlantis, and Blue Panther defeated Mr. Aguila, Nicho, and Dr. Wagner Jr. Also, Cuervo retained the CMLL World Middleweight Title against Mascara Sagrada, Anifaz Del Norte retained the CMLL National TItle over Billy Boy, and Hector Garza defeated Cien Caras to capture the NWA World Middleweight TItle.

AAA had their monthly show, headlined by Juventud Guerrera retaining the Mexico National Heavyweight Title over Gran Apache. Also, Electro Shock defeated Vampiro, El Hijo Del Santo, Latin Lover, and Negro Casas defeated Cibernetico, Alan Stone, and Zorro, and Octagon and La Parka Jr retained the Mexican National Tag Team Titles over Ground and Pound(Ultimo Guerrero and Abismo Negro).

Puro

Big Japan had their monthly show, with MEN's Teioh defeating Taiyo Kea to capture the BJW Deathmatch Title. Also, Takeshi Morishima defeated GENTARO, BADBOY Hido defeated Abdullah Kobayashi, and Super Delfin defeated Ryuji Ito.

NJPW had the finals of the GI Climax Tag League, with Takao Omori and Manabu Nakanishi defeating Koji Kanemoto and Waturu Inoue in the final match.

Television Ratings

WWE Raw on the USA Network received a 7.00 rating, while receiving a 1.16 rating on ABC South Pacific, WWE Progression received a 4.93 rating on ABC, with a 1.42 rating on Nippon TV, Smackdown received a 4.20 rating on The CW, with a 1.28 rating on ESPN International, and TNA Impact received a 3.06 rating on Spike TV

[MadMatt]

Final Newsletter in November 2009.



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #76 Week Four November 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

Colt Cabana pinned Nunzio with the Colt 45 in a fairly decent opener that was a bit too short. * star match.

Drew McIntrye and Brian Kendrick had fairly decent match until Snitsky runs out to ruin the match. * 1/2 rating.

Michelle McCool and Beth Phoenix never got started when Snitsky terrorizes both women and ruins the match. DUD. Jeff Hardy runs out and attacks Snitsky.

Chavo Guerrero pinned Ron Killings with the Frog Splash. ** 1/2 match. Good match, thankfully Snitsky didn't interfere, otherwise I would have had to shoot my television.

Karl Anderson pinned K.C James with a roll up in a bad match. -** and wish Snitsky interfered for this one.

Randy Orton pinned Shad with the RKO ** 1/2. Triple H comes out and attacks Randy Orton. Yes this was an unspectacular show, talking about going through the motions.

Jeff Hardy pins Snitsky with the Swanton Bomb after ducking a kick and hitting a Twist of Fate. Fine battle. ** 1/2 and Sid 2009 jobs to Hardy, which actually makes sense.

WWE Progression

Shannon Moore pinned Tom Howard with a Mooregasm in an average, mid level, 1/2* match.

Maria pinned Molly Holly with a roll up in a 1/2* match. Speaking of going through the motions, the women's division folks.

Zach Ryder pinned Eddie Colon with a rolling cradle. Yawn. DUD.

Lance Cade pinned Paul Burchill with a vicious lariat in a * 1/2 match. Cade's good, Burchill's fine, but against each other, the match fell flat.

Shelton Benjamin rose the tone of the show, bringing a *** match out of Kevin Thorn. Shelton for World Heavyweight Champion! Gold Rush scores the pin.

Big Daddy V and Mark Henry defeated Kane and Matt Hardy in a non title match. A good match, despite the limitations of certain men in this match. Henry pins Kane with a splash, after Big Daddy V dumps Hardy to the floor. ***

WWE Smackdown

Monty Brown Pounces Jamie Noble. This match was slightly better, because Noble got some offense. * 1/2

Mike Knox pinned Eddie Colon with the Knox Out. The fact that Mike Knox has lasted this long was appalling. 1/2* for a couple of impressive moves on Colon.

Mighty Mikey pinned Jake Hager in an appaling bad match. When I die and go to hell, this is the match that I'll see over and over again. These two go twelve minutes. -**** and that might be overrating it. Worst match of 2009.

Jesse made Orlando Jordan submit to the Asiatic Spike. * match. Jesse's ECW Championship reign is about as exciting as watching paint dry.

Matt Hardy pinned Lance Cade with the Twist of Fate. Short, but good match. ** 1/2 rating.

MVP pinned Kenny Dykstra with a Running Yakuza Kick in a ** 1/2 battle, after Trevor Murdoch interfered.

WWE Survivor Series

Michelle McCool made Molly Holly submit to a heel hook to retain the WWE Women's Title. DUD. Michelle's reign as WWE Women's champion is really drawing, isn't it?

Vladimir Koslov pinned DH Smith with a headbutt to the midsection. First time Koslov's been on in a while and it appears his push might be continuing. * 1/2 rating.

WWE United States Champion Trevor Murdoch defeated WWE Intercontinental Champion Kenny Dykstra to retain the WWE United States Title with a Gourdbuster. This totally fell apart, two men that didn't click at all. * rating for the Gourdbuster.

Jesse crushed Lance Cade to retain the ECW Championship with the Asiatic Spike. ** rating for this match.

Umaga pinned Shad with the Samoan Spike. Fun Umaga brawl. ** 1/2 match.

And despite everything else, the main event ruled. Randy Orton is still the WWE Champion and he had a main event against Triple H, winning with the RKO after countering the Pedigree with a low blow. Fifty minutes of great action. ***** rating for a spectacular encounter and I doubt that Randy Orton will have another match like this but we'll see.

NWA

NWA Live Action

Chris Mordetzsky defeated Frankie Kazarian with a wheelbarrow suplex. Some nice stuff by Kazarian. The former Masterpeace continues to be decent but uneventful in NWA. ** 1/2 rating.

Sabu pinned Jimmy Yang with a Triple Jump Moonsault. ** match, for some fun, but sloppy exchanges.

Joey Matthews pinned Andrew Test Martin with a roll up. Test still sucks. * 1/2 rating.

Christian cage and Rob Van Dam had a great main event match. There was a nice dive for Van Dam into the crowd onto Christian. Frog Splash misses. Unprettier connects for the pin. *** 1/2 rating.

TNA

TNA Impact

Nick Hogan pinned Lance Hoyt with the Axe Bomber in his debut. -** match. Lance Hoyt was not the opponent for Mr. Hogan.

Adam Pearce made his TNA debut pinning Shark Boy with the Jumping Piledriver. Shark Boy, who I just remembered was the TNA X-Division champion, that shows how well that title reign is going, is jobber fodder for his first match. * rating. Too many guys debutting without a reason to care.

Tracy Brooks and Angelina Love defeated Awesome Kong and Raisha Saeed when Tracy Brooks pinned Awesome Kong cleanly with a crossbody block off the top rope. Words fail me. * rating.

Dan Maff pinned Kip James with a knee strike to the face. This show is wretched. * rating.

Homicide pinned Bobby Lashley with a roll up after Lashley missed a spear and hit the corner. So Lashley, three weeks after debutting, is another guy. Welcome to TNA. Homicide still rules by the way. *** 1/2 rating.

Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal defeated AJ Styles and Tomko in the main event when Dutt pinned Tomko with a sunset flip off the top rope. Dutt and Lethal are doing good, mostly because they've left the X-Division. Fine tag team main event. *** 1/2 rating.

Lucha
CMLL this week had El Hijo Del Perro, Pierroth Jr, and Rey Bucerno defeated Atlantis, Mr. Aguila, and Dr. Wagner Jr in the main event. Also, Hector Garza defeated Heavy Metal to retain the NWA World Middleweight Title, Nicho, Blue Panther, and Olimpico defeated Black Warrior, Billy Boy, and Cuervo to win the CMLL World Trios Title, and Anifaz Del Norte defeated Escoria retained the CMLL Nationwide Title.

Puro

NOAH had their monthly show, with Kurt Angle retaining the GHC Championship over Mitsuhara Misawa. Also Kentaro Shiga defeated Akira Taue, Tatsuhito Takaiwa defeated Sean O' Haire to retain the NOAH Wrestling Spirit Title, Tsyoshi Kikuchi and Ricky Marvin retained the GHC Tag Team Titles over Yoshiaki Yago and Masao Inoue, and Yoshinori Ota defeated Yoshinobu Kanemura to win the GHC Jr. Heavyweight Title.

In the final match of the NOAH Tour, Kurt Angle lost the GHC World Heavyweight Title to Mitsuhara Misawa. Also Shingo Takagi defeated Yoshinori Ota to capture the GHC Jr. Heavyweight Title.

Indies
IWA-MS had their monthly show, featuring Chris Hero retaining the IWA: MS Championship against Roderick Strong. Also, Davey Richards defeated Claudio Castagnoli, B-Boy and Ricky Reyes battled to a no contest, the Iron Saints retained the IWA: MS Tag Team Titles over the Death Squad, and Jason Hades defeated Josh Ambercrombie to retain the IWA: MS Lightheavyweight Title.

OVW had their monthly show, headlined by Jamin Olivencia retaining the OVW Championship over Rudy Switchblade. Also, Tommy McNaler defeated Nine Fingers Dewey, Anthony Bravado defeated Omar Akbar, and Jacob Duncan retained the OVW TV Title over Ali Akbar.

Television Ratings
Raw received a 6.82 rating on the USA Network, with a 1.14 rating on ABC South Pacific, WWE Progression received a 4.60 rating on ABC, with a 1.54 rating on Nippon TV, Smackdown received a 3.89 rating on the CW, with a 1.27 rating on ESPN International, and TNA Impact received a 3.15 rating.

[MadMatt]

First Newsletter of December 2009!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #77 Week One December 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

Charlie Haas pinned The Messiah with a German Suplex. Middle of the road stuff here, not good but not bad either. * 1/2

Beth Phoenix squashed Nicole Bella with the Fisherman Woman's suplex. 1/2* match for some impressive power stuff from Phoenix.

Tom Howard pinned Matt Sydal with a power bomb. DUD.

Domino pinned Brian Kendrick with the Crucifix Power Bomb. Kendrick tried, Domino sucks, this match was there. ** rating.

Shad pinned Karl Anderson with a spinebuster into a jack-knife cradle. DUD. This was bland.

The Big Show and John Cena had a fun brawl that ended in a no contest when both men brawled to the back. *** 1/2 rating, these two really brought it tonight.

Randy Orton retained the WWE Championship against Triple H again in a return match from last night. A bit shorter due to TV time constraints, but almost as good. RKO pinned Triple H as Orton keeps rolling as champion. **** 1/2 rating.

WWE Progression

Colin Delaney pinned Eddie Colon with a sunset flip. 1/2* rating.

Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch brutalized the Edgeheads when Murdoch pinned Zach Ryder with the High Low. Squashing of the Edgeheads is always done. ** rating.

Maria and Layla defeated Kelly Kelly and Ashley in an utterly wretched women's match. All four women sucked, -***. Layal pinned Kelly. Moving along.

Elijah Burke pinned Jamie Noble with the Elijah Experience. * 1/2. Noble continues to be a jobber, this really got going but was too short.

The Undertaker and Big Daddy V battled to a no contest when Mark Henry ran out. Kane made the save, as the Brothers of Destruction laid out the WWE Tag Team Champions. This was a great match up until the finish, the Undertaker really worked hard. *** 1/2

The main event featured Chris Jericho retaining the World Heavyweight Title against Deuce. Yes, Deuce. What Deuce did to earn a title shot remains a mystery, but Jericho got the win with the Code Breaker. Good match too, with a *** 1/2 rating.

WWE Smackdown

This show was bland.

Kofi Kingston pinned Eddie Colon with the Trouble in Paradise. Something about this match fell rather flat. DUD.

Mark Copani pinned TJ Wilson with the FInishing Touch. Yawn. DUD.

Jillian pinned Kelly Kelly with a Full Nelson Faceslam. The hits just keep coming. DUD.

Monty Brown pinned Beef Wellington with the Pounce. The Pounce fell flat tonight. DUD.

Deuce pinned Devon Storm with the Crack Em in the Mouth. Storm hit a nice dive, which elevates this match to a 1/2* rating.

It's a sad state of affairs when we have to rely on Big Daddy V and Kane to raise the tone of the show. This was fun brawl, with Big Daddy V missing a splash off the top rope. At least they reinforced the ring. Kane hits the Choke Slam to Big Daddy V to score the pin. We'll go *** with a better than expected brawl.

Mark Henry pinned ECW Champion Jesse with the World's Strongest Slam in an odd main event. ** 1/2 match.

Misc
Beef Wellington, Hernandez, Matt Cross, Beth Phoenix, and Jake Hager have all signed contract extensions.

NWA

NWA Live Action

Rob Conway pinned Tomko with a swinging neckbreaker in an opener that was just there. DUD.

Nick Dinsmore pinned Jimmy Yang with a German Suplex. Yang missed a moonsault that set up the finish. ** rating.

Christian Cage and Shaquile O Neal battled to a double countout. ** 1/2 match. Afterwards, Booker T attacked Shaq, laying out the number one contender.

Booker T retained the NWA Championship over Rob Van Dam in a great main event. This might have been among the top matches of the week. Van Dam went for broke and got busted up the Five Star Frog Splash. Axe Kick scored the pin. **** rating.

NWA Change the World
The opening match featured Death from Above retaining the NWA World Tag Team Titles over the Urban Gladiators when Chris Kanyon pinned Vito with the Flatliner when Sabu took out Abyss with a moonsault to the floor. ** rating.

Chris Mordetzky defeated Scott Taylor with a wheelbarrow suplex. ** 1/2 rating.

Frankie Kazarian pinned Heidenreich with a sunset flip. Heidenreich dragged this match down to **, but Kazarian busted his ass.

Bryan Danielson pinned Sean Waltman with a small package. Waltman was lax tonight, Danielson had to work twice as hard to drag a ** 1/2 rating out of him.

Christian Cage pinned Andrew Test Martin with a ** 1/2 rating with a frog splash. Test was his usual lackluster self.

Rob Van Dam pinned Nick Dinsmore with the Five Star Frog Splash. Van Dam ruled. Dinsmore seemed to be off, as with most people tonight. ** 1/2 rating.

Rhino pinned Joey Matthews with the Gore. Match of the evening, Rhino was really pumped up tonight. *** 1/2 rating.

Booker T retained the NWA Championship with the Axe Kick over Shaquile O' Neal. *** rating for a good match, Shaq's involving as a werstler.

TNA
Son of a gun, four hours of TNA a week now(well seven this week, counting the Pay Per View. I need asprin).

TNA Impact

Shark Boy pinned Elix Skipper to retain the TNA X-Division Title. The X-Division is sunk. 1/2* rating.

Tracy Brooks pinned Gail Kim to win the TNA Knockout's Title. Yeah Shark Boy's been here for a long time and so has Tracy, but putting the belts on them might be pushing it too far. I mean, WWE's not going to put the championship on the Brooklyn Brawler. * rating.

The Sandman pinned DeMaco Ryans with a legdrop. Afterwards, Sandman canes Ryans. ***** caning, DUD match. Sandman rules.

Petey Williams and Scott Steiner defeated Dr. Wagner Jr and Lance Hoyt when Petey pins Wagner with the Canadian Destroyer. Welcome to TNA Dr. Wagner Jr. * 1/2 rating.

Team 3D retained the TNA Tag Team Titles over Eric Young and Curry Man with the 3D on Eric Young. Afterwards, Sandman makes the save with the cane. ** rating.

AJ Styles and Tomko defeated Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal in a spectacular main event, when Styles pinned Lethal with the Spiral Tap after Dutt was thrown to the floor. Dutt and Lethal looked good. *** rating.

TNA Dominance

Nick Hogan and Sonjay Dutt defeated Kip James and Johnny Devine when Hogan pinned Devine with the Axe Bomber. * rating. What an unstellar start to the show.

Team 3D defeated Karem Ibaham Gaber and Rampage Jackson when Rampage was hit with the 3D and cleanly pinned. This company astounds me. * 1/2 rating.

Raisha Saeed defeated Awesome Kong with a small package. For months last year, TNA has been building up a break up between Saeed and Kong, but never pulled the trigger and now this week, they are thrown out...on free tv...with no build...against each other. Vince Russo, Ladies and Gentlemen. ** 1/2 rating.

AJ Styles and Tomko defeated Scott Steiner and Petey Williams when Styles pinned Petey Williams with the Styles Clash. Fine match. *** rating.

Eric Young pinned Bobby Lashley cleanly with a small package. I'll let this booking stand on it's own but it was a good match. *** 1/2 rating.

Homicide and Rhino defeated Alex Shelley and Jay Lethal in the main event when Rhino pinned Lethal with the Gore. Sting came out and confronted Rhino, since they're wrestling coming up next at Turning Point. *** rating.

TNA Turning Point
Tracy Brooks retained the TNA Knockout's Title against Ms. Payton Banks with a somersault bodyblock. DUD.

Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal defeated Consequences Creed and Lance Hoyt when Dutt pinned Creed with a Bombay Splash. Middle of the road X-Division(+Hoyt) tag team match. **.

DeMaco Ryans squashed Shark Boy with a power bomb. Yep, there's your X-Division Jobber Champion. 1/2*

Raisha Saeed pinned ODB with a cradle. Put the belt back on Saeed, please. * 1/2 rating.

Bobby Lashley pinned Dr. Wagner Jr in a great match. Wagner is pinned with the spear. *** rating.

Team 3D retained the TNA Tag Team Titles over Curry Man and Sandman when Curry Man was pinned with the 3D. ** match. The real event was Team 3D getting the snot caned out of him by Sandman.

Robert Roode pinned Kip James with the Pay Off. What's the point of this match? Hell, what's the point of Kip James in 2009. * rating.

Alex Shelley pinned Eric Young in a great match with the Shell Shock. *** 1/2 rating.

AJ Styles and Tomko defeated Petey Williams and Scott Steiner when Styles pinned Petey with a splash off the top rope, with Tomko power bombed him out of the corner. *** rating.

Sting retained the TNA Championship over Rhino with the Scorpion Deatdrop after surviving the Gore. Fine main event. *** raitng.

Misc
ODB and Robert Roode have signed contract extensions.

Lucha
Lucha Madness returned this week with Vampiro, Mistico, and Latin Lover retaining the Mexico National Atomicos Titles over Gran Apache, Electro Shock, and Shocker. Also, Negro Casas defeated Octagon to capture the Mexico National Middleweight Title.

CMLL was headlined by Atlantis, Mr. Aguilia, and El Hijo Del Perro defeating Heavy Metal, Blue Demon Jr, and Pierroth Jr. Also, Nicho, Blue Panther, and Olimpico defeated Lizmark Jr, Escoria, and Damian to retain the CMLL Trios Titles.

Indies
CHIKARA was headlined by El Pantera defeating Mike Quackenbush. Also Chris Hero defeating Delirious and Claudio Castagnoli defeated Ultramantis Black.

Dan Maff defeated Sonjay Dutt to retain the FCW International Title. Also, Flash Flanagan defeated Glennn Gilberti, Jay Briscoe defeated Shane Storm, and B-Boy and Retail Dragon defeated Devon Moore and Trent Acid to retain the FCW Tag Team Titles.

Pay Per View Buyrates and Television Ratings
WWE Survivor Series received a 2.65 buyrate, which translates to 1060000 people watching the show.

Raw on the USA Network received a 7.09 rating, with a 1.06 rating on ABC Asia Pacific, with WWE Progression on ABC Network receiving a 4.47 rating, a 1.59 rating on Nippon TV, with WWE Smackdown receiving a 5.96 rating on CW, a 1.25 rating on ESPN International, and TNA Impact received a 2.69 rating.

[MadMatt]

Next Newsletter!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #78 Week Two December 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

Ron Killings pinned Sheamus O' Shaunessy with a vertical facebuster. * match.

Val Venis returns for about sixty seconds and pins Franky the Mobster with the Money Shot. 1/2* match for a couple of impressive moves from Venis.

Mickie James pinned Beth Phoenix with a sunset flip out of the corner in a perfectly acceptable, ** women's match.

Kid Kash squashed Matt Sydal with a brain buster. 1/2* rating.

Colt Cabana pinned Nunzio with the Colt 45 in a short, but fun match. * battle.

Jeff Hardy and John Bradshaw Layfield had a great battle. Both men beat the **** out of each other. Two Clotheslines from Hell but Hardy survives it. Also a nice power bomb but Hardy reverses a second one into a rana. Twist of Fate takes down JBL and Hardy climbs up, connecting with the Swanton Bomb for the pin. **** rating.

Great tag team main event with The Big Show and Shawn Michaels defeating Mr. Kennedy and Umaga. Shawn Michaels takes a great beating, but Show comes out, running over both heels, before pinning Kennedy with the Choke Slam. Another **** rating.

WWE Progression

Paul Burchill pinned Monty Brown with the Curb Stomp. Average match, Monty's push seems to be done. * rating.

Mike Knox and Kofi Kingston defeated Shawn Spears and Sheamus O' Shaunessy whe Knox pinned Spears with the Knox Out. Whatever. DUD.

Molly Holly pinned Kelly Kelly with a DDT. The hits just keep coming, don't they. DUD.

Cade and Murdoch defeated the Edgeheads when Murdoch pinned Ryder with the High Low. Yes, this match again. * 1/2 rating.

Jesse retained the ECW Championship against Highlander Robbie with an Asiatic Spike. * rating.

The Undertaker and Batista battled Big Daddy V and Mark Henry to a no contest. Great brawl. The end came with Batista laying out Big Daddy V with a spinebuster and the Undertaker delivering a choke slam. Batista and Undetaker stand tall. **** rating.

WWE Smackdown

Jamie Noble pinned Mighty Mikey with a Gibson Driver. Restholds and pedestrian brawl up to that. DUD.

Candice and Maria defeated Molly Holly and Layla when Candice pinned Molly with the Candy Wrapper. Yes Molly's comeback is coming along really well. DUD.

Mark Copani pinned TJ Wilson. This match couldn't generate heat if both men had blowtorches. DUD.

Lance Cade pinned Shannon Moore with a lariat. * rating.

The Edgeheads defeated Devon Storm and Ted DiBiase Jr when Curt Hawkins pinned Storm with a running neckbreaker. Another match that didn't really work. DUD.

Chris Jericho pinned CM Punk with the Code Breaker in a non title match. This match saved the show, but only got twenty minutes. At the rate this show was going, it should have went the entire two hours. Still great stuff, **** rating.

WWE Tag Team Champions Big Daddy V and Mark Henry defeating Hardcore Holly and Jesse when Henry pinned Jesse with the World's Strongest Slam. This match was just there. ** 1/2 rating.

Misc
Justin Credible signed a contract extension.

Mick Foley is taking some time off to star in Jesus II: The Wrath of Christ.

NWA

NWA Live Action

Sean Waltman pinned Brent Albright with a spin kick. Typical Waltman match. * rating.

Nova pinned Joey Abs with the Krpytonite Krunch. * 1/2 rating.

Rhino and Chris Kanyon had a great brawl. Sadly, no finish, it ended in a double countout. *** 1/2 rating.

Christian Cage pinned Nick Dinsmore with the Unprettier in another great main event, in a largely uneventful show. *** 1/2 rating.

TNA

TNA Impact

Impact this week opened with an absolutely nightmarish Knockout's Title Match. And it got ten minutes. It was Tracy Brooks pinning Angelina Love. The sad thing is, both women tried. It would have been better if they did it. -**** rating and that might be overrating it.

Kip James defeated Johnny Swinger, Shark Boy, and Rellik when Kip James pinned Shark Boy. You know, the TNA X-Division Champion. DUD rating. Kip James should be pushed...off of a cliff.

Raisha Saeed, Roxxi, and Payton Banks battled Salinas, Gail Kim, and ODB when Kong murdered all six women. Yep, this is TNA. * rating because they all tried.

Eric Young defeated Johnny Devine and Mike DiBiase in a perfectly find match. Young pinned Devine with a Wheelbarrow Neckbreaker. *** rating.

Team 3D defeated Curry Man and AJ Styles to retain the TNA Tag Team Titles when Brother Ray pinned Curry Man after the 3D. The storyline of this match was the first two men in the ring would get a title show. So it was between Curry Man and Sandman and AJ Styles and Tomko. Sandman decides to cane Tomko, which allows both Curry Man and Styles to enter the ring, for this great title match. Afterwards, Sandman canes everyone but Curry Man. *** 1/2 rating for the match.

Sting pinned Robert Roode with a sunset flip in a non title match, in a great match. Afterwards, Rhino comes out and Gores Sting, taking him out. This feud must continue. **** rating.

TNA Dominance

Adam Pearce pinned Kip James with the Jumping Piledriver. * for Kip James jobbing.

Team 3D retained the TNA Tag Team Titles against AJ Styles and Tomko when Brother Ray pinned Tomko with the 3D. Another good tag team title match. *** rating.

Homicide pinned the return of Judas Mesthias with a lariat. Yep, welcome back to TNA, have a job. *** rating.

Robert Roode and Dan Maff defeated Rampage Jobber er Jackson and DeMaco Ryans when Roode pinned Jackson with the Pay Off cleanly. * rating. TNA we are counterproductive. * 1/2 rating.

Petey Williams and Scott Steiner defeated Sandman and Eric Young when Petey Williams pinned Eric Young with the Canadian Destroyer. Sandman canes Steiner and Petey afterwards, which never gets old. * 1/2 rating.

Samoa Joe and Sting, after their violent blood feud that went on for six months team up for no rhyme or reason to beat Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal when Sting pinned Dutt with the Scorpion Deathdrop. Dumb, dumb, dumb, stupid, **** you Vince Russo. **** rating for a good match but a hearty middle finger to Vince Russo for the stupidity of teaming Sting and Joe after their feud.

Misc
As seen on Dominance, Judas Mesthias is back. Also, Kurt Angle, fresh off a NOAH tour, signs, since TNA is no longer above him.

Lucha
AAA had their monthly show, featuring Juventud Guerrera defeating Shocker to retain the Mexico National Heavyweight Title. Also, Gran Apache, Electro Shock, and Vampiro defeating Latin Lover, Octagon, and Zorro, Shining Force defeated Ground and Pound to retain the AAA Tag Team Titles, and Negro Casas defeated El Hijo Del Santo to retain the Mexico National Middleweight Title.

Lucha Madness featured Vampiro and Juventud Guerrera defeating Electro Shock and Gran Apache. Also, Negro Casas defeated Octagon to retain the Mexico National Middleweight Title.

CMLL featured Mr. Aguilia and Atlantis defeating El Hijo Del Santo and Nicho. Also, Hector Garza retained the NWA Middleweight Title over Billy Boy.

Puro
Blue Wolf captured the AJPW Jr. Heavyweight Title over Kikutaro.

Television Ratings and Pay Per View Buyrates
NWA Change the World received a 0.57 buyrate, with 228000 people purchasing the show. TNA Turning Point received a 0.39 buyrate, with 156000 buyrates.

Raw received a 7.08 rating on USA, a 1.08 rating on ABC Asia Pacific, WWE Progression received a 4.48 rating on ABC, with a 1.58 rating on Nippon TV, a 5.97 rating for Smackdown on the CW, with a 1.25 rating on ESPN International, TNA Impact received a 2.92 rating, and TNA Dominance received a 4.27 rating

[MadMatt]

Another newsletter!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #79 Week Three December 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

Tommy Dreamer pinned Kid Kash with the Dreamer DDT. This was a by the numbers match if there ever was one. * 1/2 rating.

Santino and Carlito defeated Jim Duggan and Super Crazy when Carlito pinned Crazy with the Back Stabber. That Raw tag team division is useless. * 1/2 rating.

Beth Phoenix squashed Nicole Bella with a Fisherwoman's Suplex. 1/2* rating.

DH Smith pinned Spike Dudley with the Running Powerslam. Once again, the fans could care less. * 1/2 rating.

Umaga and Vladmir Koslov had a great brawl. Umaga rules, Koslov is improving slightly. Samoan Spike pinned Koslov after eight minutes of great action. We'll go for a ** 1/2 rating.

An epic six man main event with JBL, Randy Orton, and John Cena against Jeff Hardy, Triple H, and Edge ended in a no contest. A really epic encounter, saved the show. Sad it didn't have a finish, so we'll go *** 1/2 for this battle. Triple H laid out Orton with the Pedigree afterwards. Edge spears Cena and Hardy connects with the Swanton Bomb. The babyfaces stand tall.

WWE Progression

Colin Delaney pinned Sheamus O' Shausnessy with a sunset flip 1/2* rating. Bleh.

Chuck Palumbo pinned Andrew Vain with the Full Throttle. Begin the Smackdown brand parade of time wasting matches. DUD.

Maria pinned Molly Holly with a bulldog. DUD.

ECW Chapion Jesse made Hernandez submit to the Asiatic Spike. This match was a bit better than anything else tonight so far but still fell rather flat. * 1/2

Things picked up with a great MVP and CM Punk match. These two men are great. Punk pins MVP with the GTS after fifteen minutes. Once again, this should have gotten more time, scrubbing that epic battle between Andrew Vain and Chuck Palumbo. **** rating.

Big Daddy V and Kane battled to a no contest. Whatever. ** rating. Mark Henry and Big Daddy V beat down Kane, until the Undertaker made the save.

WWE Smackdown

Hernandez squashed TJ Wilson with a sidewalk slam. DUD. I see where Homicide is and how Hernandez has his knees cut off and it's sad and depressing.

Justin Credible pinned K.C. James. I didn't care about Credible in 1999. I sure as well don't care about him in 2009. DUD.

Katie Lea Burchill pinned Maria with a backbreaker. At least it was short. 1/2* rating.

Kevin Thorn pinned Beef Wellington with the Original Sin. * rating.

Big Daddy V and Mark Henry defeated the Edgeheads in a non title match when Henry pinned Zach Ryder with the World's Strongest Slam. And these two teams will face off against each other at Armageddon with the belts on the line for the fifteenth millionth time. ** rating.

Okay, CM Punk and MVP have another great match. MVP power bombed Punk into a corner, before MVP hits a running Yakuza Kick in the corner to score the pin. Sick finishing sequence, I look forward to more encounters between these two men. **** rating.

The Undertaker and Chris Jericho squared off in a non title match. Jericho will defend the belt against Shelton Benjamin on Sunday. And he loses cleanly to the Undertaker with the Tombstone. Okay, this match ruled, so I won't complain too much and it was a **** 1/2 match. See this match if you can.

WWE Armageddon

This was a totally uneventful show.

Michelle McCool retained the WWE Women's Title over Victoria, making her tap out to the heel hook. * rating.

Jesse pinned Devon Storm to retain the ECW Championship with the Asiatic Spike. I swear, WWE tends to book these matches by drawing names out of a hat. * rating.

Big Daddy V and Mark Henry retained the WWE Tag Team Titles against the Edgeheads when Henry pinned Curt Hawkins with the World's Strongest Slam. ** rating.

Festus is your new WWE Intercontinental Champion pinning Kenny Dykstra with a throwing flapjack. So, Dykstra, the second longest reigning Intercontinental Champion next to the Honky Tonk Man, has his title reign ended at the hands of FESTUS! Also, both Festus and Jesse as singles champions is rather mind boggling. **

Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly retained the World Tag Team Titles over Charlie Haas and Santino Marella when Holly pins Santino with the Alabama Slam. They've held the tag titles for two years. Who could care. ** rating.

Trevor Murdoch had the most entertaining squash in WWE history, beating Colin Delaney like a rented mule. Vicious Gourdbuster puts Colin out of his misery. *** rating, with Murdoch retaining the WWE United States Title.

Ken Kennedy pinned Shad with the Mic Check. *** rating, for a good match.

The main event featured Chris Jericho retaining the World Heavyweight Title against Shelton Benjamin. Great battle in the main event. Shelton did not win the title, but he came close. Sunset flip rolled into the Walls of Jericho for the submission win. **** 1/2 match and I hope to see this again.

Misc
Kelly Kelly has been released by WWE. Monty Brown and Melina have signed contract extensions.

NWA

NWA Live Action

Sean Waltman pinned Rene Dupree with the X-Factor. Typical Waltman match. * 1/2 rating.

Chris Mordetsky pinned Tomko with a wheelbarrow suplex. ** rating for a better than expected brawl.

Rob Van Dam bumps like a pinfall for Shaquile O'Neal. This was a fun match. A Last Ride Power Bomb by Shaq set up a leaping fistdrop where Van Dam acts like he's having a seiziure before he scores the pin. *** rating.

Booker T pinned Rhino in a non title match with the Axe Kick after Rhino misses the Gore. **** rating. Great main event, Booker's been on fire lately.

TNA

TNA Impact

Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal come out, being ****y little prick, so they're heels this week. The storyline is that Sting took them under his wing and now they're the ungrateful hooligans. Samoa Joe comes out, standing up for Sting, who beat him up several times with a baseball bat last year. Dutt and Lethal beat down Joe until Kurt Angle, another man who formally hated Joe, runs out and makes the save, making his return to TNA. Angle and Joe shake hands, no swerve, at least not this week. So it's Angle and Joe against Lethal and Dutt tonight.

Brother Devon, Eric Young, and Lance Hoyt defeated Elix Skipper, Johnny Swinger, and Johnny Devine when Young pinned Devine. Yes, these teams make no sense, but the match was acceptable. * 1/2 rating.

Mike DiBiase pinned Consequences Creed with a cobra clutch slam. DUD.

Adam Pearce squashed the TNA X-Division Champion Shark Boy. Yep. DUD.

Petey Williams and Scott Steiner defeated the dynamic duo of Curry Man and Kip James. No Sandman this week, which disappointed me. I was hoping for a brutal and violenting beating on Kip James with the singapore cane. Petey pins Curry Man to get the win. * 1/2 rating.

Homicide pinned Rhino with a lariat, after Sting distracted Rhino, because they're fighting for the title at Final Resolution. *** 1/2 rating for a great match.

Samoa Joe and Kurt Angle defeated Jay Lethal and Sonjay Dutt when Joe pins Dutt with the Muscle Buster as Angle traps Lethal in the Ankle Lock. *** 1/2 for a great tag team match.

TNA Dominance

Mike DiBiase pinned Dr. Wagner Jr with a cobra clutch slam. DUD. Wagner is now a jobber, so there's a good chance he could be X-Division Champion before long.

Awesome Kong and Raisha Saeed defeated Gail Kim and ODB when Kong pinned ODB with the Awesome Bomb. Usual great match between these four ladies. ** 1/2 rating.

Robert Roode pinned Curry Man in a great match. Fifteen minutes, with several nearfalls that ended with the prick heel needing to cheat to win, before Roode pins Curry Man with a fisherman suplex. *** 1/2 rating.

Judas Mesthias pinned Lance Hoyt with Straight to Hell in a squash. * 1/2 rating. Judas beats down Hoyt until Kurt Angle makes the save. Why the hell not, this is TNA. I guess the Sandman was passed out in the back or something.

Team 3D defeated AJ Styles and Tomko when Brother Ray pinned Styles with the 3D to retain the TNA Tag Team Titles, after Tomko was thrown into the steps seconds earlier. *** 1/2.

And then we had the main event of the next Pay Per View for free. It was Rhino and Sting in a non title match. Dutt and Lethal attack Sting, setting him up for the Gore for the pin. *** 1/2 rating. Joe and Angle make the save, which should set up a six man tag, something that will rule despite the idiotic fact that Joe, Sting, and Angle are teaming up after all the history between the three.

Lucha

Lucha Madness featured Juventud Guerrera defeating Latin Lover to retain the Mexico National Heavyweight Title. Also, Octagon and La Parka Jr defeated Ground and Pound to retain the Mexico National Tag Team Titles, and Negro Casas defeated Cibernetico to retain the Mexico National Middleweight Title.

CMLL had their big monthly show, featuring the main event of Mr. Aguilia and Atlantis defeating El Hijo Del Perro and Heavy Metal. Also, Rey Bucerno, Antifaz Del Norte, and Cuervo defeated Hector Garza, Pierroth Jr, and Blue Demon Jr, and Nicho, Blue Panther, and Olimpico defeated Lizmark Jr, Billy Boy, and Black Warrior to retain the CMLL Trios Titles.

CMLL's television show, featured El Hijo Del Perro defeating Atlantis. Also, Nicho, Blue Panther, and Olimpico defeated Rey Bucenaro, Hector Garza, and Heavy Metal to retain the CMLL Trios Titles and Cuervo defeated El Terrible to retain the CMLL World Middleweight Title.

Puro
Naoki Sano defeated Toshiaki Kawada to capture the AJPW Triple Crown Championship.

BJW had their big monthly show featuring MEN'S Teioh retaining the BJW Deathmatch Title over Super Delfin. Also, Abdullah Kobayashi defeated Tomoya Adachi and Madman Pondo defeated GENTARO.

NJPW had their big monthly show, featuring Takao Omori and Manabu Nakanishi defeated Yuji Nagata and Hiroyoshi Tenzan. Also, Masahiro Chono and Scott Norton defeated Shinsuke Nakamura and Tiger Mask IV, Tomoaki Honda defeated Minoru Tanaka to capture the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title, Keiji Mutoh defeated Akebono, Koji Kanemoto and Waturu Inoue defeated Jushin Thunder Liger and El Samurai to retain the IWGP Tag Team Titles, and Bryan Danielson defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi.

Indies
IWA: MS had their monthly show, with Chris Hero retaining the IWA: MS Championship over Jason Hades. Also, Roderick Strong and Davey Richards defeated Ruckus and Claudio Castagnoli, Tyler Black defeated Ricochet, Toby Klein defeated B-Boy, and Iron Saints defeated the Death Squad to retain the IWA: MS Tag Team Titles.

OVW featured Jamin Olivencia defeated Tommy McNaler to retain the OVW Championship. Also, Jacob Duncan battled Nine Fingers Dewey to a no contest, Ted "The Trailer" McNailer defeated Ali Akbar, and Rudy Switchblade battled Anthony Bravado to a no contest.

FIP featured the main event of Roderick Strong retaining the FIP Championship over Davey Richards. Also, Brent Albright defeated Jack Evans, Erick Stevens defeated Larry Sweeney, and Tyler Black and Jay Briscoe captured the FIP Tag Team Titles over Gran Akuma and Delirious.

CZW was headlined by Ruckus and Sexxy Eddy defeating DJ Hyde and Ricochet. Also, Sonjay Dutt defeated Chuck Taylor to retain the CZW Championship, Sabian defeated Nate Hatred to retain the CZW Arena Title, The Nightmares retained the CZW Tag Team Titles against the Iron Saints, and Brain Damage retained the CZW Ironman Title over Joker.

JAPW was headlined by Samoa Joe retaining the JAPW Championship over Jay Lethal. Also, Chris Hero defeated Grim Reefer, Eddie Kingston and B-Boy defeated Jack Evans and Chuck Taylor to retain the JAPW Tag Team Titles, and El Generico defeated Teddy Hart to retain the JAPW New Jersey State Title.

Jimmy Rave battled Austin Aries to a no contest on the latest PWG event. Also, Phoenix Starr defeated Roderick Strong, Tyler Black defeated Claudio Castagnoli, and Excalibur defeated PAC.

Television Ratings
Raw received a 6.98 rating on the USA Network, with a 1.33 rating on ABC South Pacific, WWE Progression received a 4.39 rating on ABC, with a 1.93 rating on Nippon TV, WWE Smackdown received a 6.17 rating on the CW, a 1.57 rating on ESPN International, TNA Impact received a 2.93, and TNA Dominance received a 4.14 rating.

[MadMatt]

The final Newsletter of 2009. The 2009 Annual is coming up soon!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #80 Week Four December 2009

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

What a wretched show. All the big time wrestlers were gone tonight.

Ron Killings pinned Bam Neely with an ax kick. * 1/2 rating for a few impressive moves by Killings.

The Royal Rumble is coming up. Yay!

Matt Cross pinned Bam Neely with a sunset flip. DUD.

Tommy Dreamer pinned Colt Cabana with the Dreamer DDT in the match of the evening. Cabana rules, Dreamer played to his strengths. ** 1/2 rating.

Carlito pinned Nunzio with the Back Stabber. Meh. ** rating.

Festus retained the WWE Intercontinental Title against Vladmir Koslov with a flapjack. That's about what you expected. 1/2* rating.

Mr. Kennedy pinned Hardcore Holly with the Mic Check in a cookie cutter WWE-ized main event. ** rating.

WWE Progression

Jesse retained the ECW Championship over Zach Ryder with an Asiatic Spike. ** rating.

Hernandez pinned Shawn Spears with a Crucifix Power Bomb. DUD.

Jillian and Layla defeated Katie Lea Burchill and Ashley when Jillian pinned Katie with a Full Nelson Faceslam. Typical diva garbage. DUD.

JTG pinned Chuck Palumbo with a splash off the top rope. ** rating.

World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho and Hardcore Holly had a great match. Jericho wins with the Code Breaker after barely escaping several nearfalls. **** rating.

CM Punk pinned Big Daddy V with a roll up. V misses an avalance to set up the cover. Punk busted his ass to get an acceptable match out of V. *** rating.

WWE Smackdown

Beef Wellington pinned Eric Perez with a clothesline. This match sucked, happy holidays. Blown spot after blown spot, crappy brawling, rest holds, ten minutes too long, -*** rating.

Jillian pinned Layla with a Full Nelson Faceslam. DUD.

Jesse pinned Zach Ryder with a thumb to the throat. * 1/2 rating.

Kofi Kingston pinned Nigel McGuiness with with the Trouble in Paradise. Heatless match, both men tried but fell flat. 1/2* rating.

Kenny Dykstra pinned Mighty Mikey with a Springboard Legdrop. The battle of the Spirit Squad that no one was waiting for. 1/2* rating.

The Great Khali squashed Matt Hardy with the clawhold to the head. Hardy busted his ass, maybe literally to get this match out of Khali. ** 1/2 rating.

MVP pinned Kane in a by the numbers main event after kicking Kane in the groin on the Choke Slam, before drilling him with a running kick in the corner. *** rating.

Misc
Kenny Dykstra has signed a contract extension with WWE.

NWA

NWA Live Action

Nova pinned Rene Dupree with a springboard elbowdrop in a middle of the road midcard match. ** rating.

Joey Matthews pinned Frankie Kazarian with the Future Shock. Afterwards, Matthews, talks trash about Booker T. There's your next challenger folks, as odd as it may seem. ** rating.

Rob Van Dam pinned Rhino after he missed the Gore in the corner and Van Dam rolled him up with a sunset flip for the pin. *** rating.

Christian and Shaq defeated Death from Above in a non title match when Shaq pinned Kanyon with the Shaq Attack. ** 1/2 rating.

TNA

TNA Impact

Kip James, Curry Man, and the Sandman defeated Nick Hogan, Judas Mesthias and Sonjay Dutt when Curry Man pinned Dutt with the Spice Rack. A caning on Nick Hogan was teased but sadly not paid off. We'll go ** for this odd six man.

Karam Ibrahim Gaber made Dr. Wagner Jr tap out to a cross knee scissors. * 1/2 rating.

Mike DiBiase pins the TNA X-Division Champion Shark Boy in a non title match with a cobra clutch legsweep. Yep, Shark Boy's title reign is sinking. DUD.

Petey Williams and Scott Steiner defeated AJ Styles and Tomko when Petey Williams pins AJ Styles after Team 3D ran out, attacking Styles and Tomko. ** 1/2 rating for this cookie cutter tag team match.

Sting pinned Alex Shelley with the Scorpion Deathdrop in a great match. Dutt, Lethal, and Rhino beat down Sting after the match until Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe made the save. *** rating.

Bobby Lashley pinned Brother Devon with the spear out of the corner in a great main event match. Team 3D attacked Lashley after the match but Styles and Tomko made the save. *** 1/2 rating.

TNA Dominance

Curry Man defeated Johnny Devine and Johnny Swinger when Curry pinned Devine with the Spice Rack in a perfectly acceptable X-Division three way. ** rating.

Petey Williams and Scott Steiner defeated Lance Hoyt and Dr. Wagner Jr when Steiner pins Wagner with an inverted DDT. * 1/2 rating.

DeMaco Ryans pinned Kip James with a tackle. James was sandbagging his opponent, because he was jobbing. As a result, we get a wretched match. -* rating.

Team 3D defeated AJ Styles and Tomko to retain the TNA Tag Team Titles when Brother Ray pinned Styles with the 3D. Yes, despite losing on Impact, Styles and Tomko receive the title shot. ** 1/2 rating for an underwhelming battle.

Bobby Lashley pinned Homicide with the Spear. The announcers talk about how Lashley is getting going, looks like they might be building an Angle/Lashley match in the future. *** rating.

Sting, Kurt Angle, and Samoa Joe defeated Sonjay Dutt, Jay Lethal, and Rhino in a block buster six man tag team match when Angle makes Dutt tap out to the Ankle Lock. A good match, we'll go **** 1/2 for it.

Misc
Samoa Joe extended his contract. Phoenix Starr signed a TNA Contract.

ROH

Final Battle 2009 results
-Mercedes Martinez defeated Sara Del Ray
-Shane Hagadorn and Tank Toland defeated the Age of the Fall via disqualification when Jacobs busted Hagadorn with a spike.
-Austin Aries and Jay Briscoe retained the ROH Tag Team Titles over Davey Richards and Chris Hero when Briscoe pinned Hero with the Jay Driller
-Erick Stevens and Kevin Steen defeated Jigsaw and Jack Evans when Steen pinned Evans with the Package Piledriver
-Brent Albright and Claudio Castagnoli defeated Bryan Danielson and Dan Maff when Claudio pinned Danielson with the Ricola Bomb.

Lucha
Lucha Madness featured Vampiro, Mistico, and Latin Lover defeating Negro Casas, Electro Shock, and Juventud Guerrera to retain the Mexico National Atomicos Titles. Also, Shocker defeated Gran Apache.

CMLL featured El Hijo Del Perro defeating Atlantis in the main event. Also, the Chaos Connection retained the CMLL Tag Team Titles over Decniss and Damian and Rey Bucerno retained the CMLL World Light Heavyweight Title over Antifaz Del Norte.

Puro
Milano Collection AT and YOSSINO won the World's Strongest Tag League, defeating Great Sasuke and Minoru Tanaka in the finals

Indies
SHIMMER had their monthly show with Daizee Haze retaining the SHIMMER Championship over Rain. Also, Cheerleader Melissa defeated Mercedes Martinez.

Pay Per View Buyrate and Television Ratings
WWE Armageddon received a 2.55 buyrate, with 1020000 people purchasing the show.

Raw received a 6.73 rating on the USA Network, a 1.24 rating on ABC South Pacific, WWE Progression received a 4.39 rating on ABC, with a 1.95 rating on Nippon TV, Smackdown received a 5.98 rating on the CW, with a 1.58 rating on ESPN International, TNA Impact received a 2.97 rating, and TNA Dominance received a 4.26 rating.

[Purple Cowboy]

Hey Matt - I keep meaning to comment here and so here I am! I love you just being the observer and reporting the happenings. It's giving me a nice idea for an effganic diary of the same sort.

KUTGW! :)

[MadMatt]

And now we close the book on 2009 officially with the Wrestling Today 2009 Annual!



Wrestling Today Annual 2009

Promotions Around the World

#1. World Wrestling Entertainment(WWE)
Owner: Vince McMahon
Head Booker: Stephanie McMahon
Last Year's Ranking: #1

Raw Brand Title Histories for 2009

WWE Championship
-Randy Orton has been WWE Champion since 2008

WWE Intercontinental Title
-Kenny Dykstra began the year as champion
-Festus defeated Kenny Dykstra to win the title Week Three December 2009

World Tag Team Titles
-Hardcore Holly and Cody Rhodes have held the World Tag Team Titles since 2007.

WWE Women's Title
-Mickie James started the year as champion
-Victoria defeated Mickie James Wk 4 May 2009
-Michelle McCool defeated Mickie James Wk 2 November 2009

Smackdown Brand Championships

World Heavyweight Title
-The Undertaker started the year as champion
-Chris Jericho defeated the Undertaker Wk 3 September 2009

ECW Championship
-Shelton Benjamin started the year as champion
-Chris Jericho defeated Shelton Benjamin Wk 1 May 2009
-Jesse defeated Chris Jericho Wk 2 September 2009

WWE United States Title
-Matt Hardy started the year as champion
**Matt Hardy suffered an injury**
-Trevor Murdoch defeated Jamie Noble to win the vacant United States Title Wk 4 June 2009

WWE Tag Team Titles
-The Miz and John Morrison started the year as champions
-Mark Henry and Big Daddy V defeated the Miz and John Morrison Wk 1 January 2009

Top Stars:
Batista(Smackdown)
Big Daddy V(Smackdown)
Carlito(Raw)
Chavo Guerrero(Raw)
Chris Jericho(Smackdown)
CM Punk(Smackdown)
Cody Rhodes(Raw)
Domino(Raw)
Edge(Raw)
Elijah Burke(Smackdown)
Festus(Raw)
Gregory Helms(Raw)
Hardcore Holly(Smackdown)
Jeff Hardy(Raw)
Jesse(Smackdown)
John Bradshaw Layfield(Raw)
John Cena(Raw)
John Morrison(Raw)
JTG(Smackdown)
Kane(Smackdown)
Mr. Kennedy(Raw)
Kenny Dykstra(Smackdown)
Kevin Thorn(Smackdown)
Lance Cade(Smackdown)
Mark Henry(Smackdown)
Matt Hardy(Smackdown)
MVP(Smackdown)
Randy Orton(Raw)
Rey Mysterio(Raw)
Highlander Rory(Smackdown)
Shad(Raw)
Shawn Michaels(Raw)
Shelton Benjamin(Smackdown)
Snitsky(Raw)
The Big Show(Raw)
The Great Khali(Smackdown)
The Miz(Smackdown)
The Undertaker(Smackdown)
Trevor Murdoch(Smackdown)
Triple H(Raw)
Umaga(Raw)
Val Venis(Raw)
Vladimir Koslov(Raw)
William Regal(Raw)

#2 All Japan Pro Wrestling(AJPW):
Owner: Keiji Mutoh
Head Booker: Hiroshi Hase
Last Year's Ranking: #6

AJPW Triple Crown Championship
Keiji Mutoh started the year as champion
Bob Sapp defeated Keiji Mutoh Week 4 April 2009
Tosiaki Kawada defeated Bob Sapp Week 1 September 2009
Naoki Sano defeated Toshiaki Kawada Week 3 December 2009

AJPW Tag Team Titles
Joe Doering and Keiji Mutoh started the year as champions
TAKA Michinoku and Toshiaki Kawada won the AJPW Tag Team Titles over Doering and Mutoh Wk 1 April 2009
**Title belts vacated**
Milano Collection AT and YOSSHINO defeated Bob Sapp and Bobby Lashley to win the vacant titles Wk 2 September 2009

All Asia Tag Team Titles
Joe Doering and Kikutaro began the year as champions
Bobby Lashley and Taiyo Kea defeated Joe Doering and Kikutaro to win the All Asia Tag Team Titles Wk 3 July 2009

AJPW Jr. Tag Team Titles
-Kikutaro began the year as champion
-Taiyo Kea defeated Kikutaro Wk 3 January 2009
-Kikutaro defeated Taiyo Kea Wk 2 April 2009
-Taiyo Kea defeated Kikutaro Wk 2 June 2009
-Kikutaro defeated Taiyo Kea Wk 1 October 2009
-Blue Wolf defeated Kikutaro Wk 2 December 2009

Champion's Carnival 2009 Winner: Bob Sapp
Junior League Winner: Shuji Kondo
World's Strongest League Tag Team Winners: Milano Collection AT and Masato Yoshino

Top Stars
Blue Wolf
Bob Sapp
Joe Doering
Katsuyoshi Shibata
Keiji Mutoh
Masato Tanaka
Masato Yoshino
Masayuki Naruse
Milano Collect AT
Minoru Suzuki
Mr. Gannosuke
Naoki Sano
Shinya Makabe
Shuji Kondo
SUWA
Taiyo Kea
Takeshi Morishima
Toshiaki Kawada.


#3. The National Wrestling Alliance(NWA)
Owner: Robert Torbich
Head Booker: Steve Blackman
Last Year's Ranking: #5

NWA Championship
-Chris Kanyon started the year as champion
-Booker T defeated Chris Kanyon Wk 4 August 2009

NWA World Tag Team Titles
Brent Albright and Alex Shelley started the year as champions
Sabu and Chris Kanyon defeated Brent Albright and Alex Shelley Wk 3 September 2009

Top Stars
Andrew Test Martin
Booker T
Bryan Danielson
Chris Kanyon
Chris Mordetzky
Christian Cage
Joey Matthews
Nick Dinsmore
Rhino
Rob Van Dam
Sabu
Shaquile O' Neal


#4: Total Non Stop Action(TNA)
Owner: Dixie Carter
Head Booker: Vince Russo
Ranking Last Year: #7

TNA Title History
Samoa Joe started the year as champion
Sting defeated Homicide and Samoa Joe in a Triple Threat Match Wk 4 August 2009

TNA X Division Champion
Chris Sabin started the year as champion
Petey Williams defeated Chris Sabin Wk 3 June 2009
Shark Boy defeated Petey Williams Wk 3 November 2009

TNA Tag Team Titles
Petey Williams and Scott Steiner started the year as champions
Eric Young and Kazarian defeated Petey Williams and Scott Steiner Wk 1 January 2009
AJ Styles and Tomko defeated Eric Young and Kazarian Wk 2 April 2009
Team 3D defeated AJ Styles and Tomko Wk 2 October 2009

TNA Knockout's Title
Awesome Kong started the year as champion
Roxxy defeated Awesome Kong Wk 3 March 2009
Raisha Saeed defeated Roxxy Wk 1 June 2009
Gail Kim defeated Raisha Saeed Wk 4 August 2009
Tracy Brooks defeated Gail Kim Wk 1 December 2009

Top Stars:
AJ Styles
Alex Shelley
Bobby Lashley
Brother Devon
Brother Ray
Eric Young
Homicide
Jay Lethal
Kurt Angle
Rhino
Robert Roode
Samoa Joe
Sandman
Scott Steiner
Sting
Tomko

#5 AAA
Owner: Octagon
Head Booker: Konnan
Ranking Last Year: #4

Mexican National Heavyweight Title
Nicho El Millinairo began the year as champion
Juventud Guerrera defeated Nicho El Millionairo Wk 3 July 2009

Mexican National Atomicos
Ozz, Cuervo, and Escoria started the year as champions
Gran Apache, Electro Shock, and Shocker defeated Ozz, Cuervo, and Escoria Wk 2 February 2009
Vampiro, Mistico, and Latin Lover defeated Gran Apache, Electro Shock, and Shocker Wk 3 September 2009

AAA Tag Team Titles
Los Barrio Boys III won the vacant titles over Super Porky and Angel Mortal Wk 1 January 2009
La Parka Jr and Ozz defeated Los Barrio Boys III Wk 1 April 2009

Mexican National Middleweight
Octagon began the year as champion
Negro Casas defeated Octagon Wk 1 December 2009

Mexican National Tag Team Titles
Octagon and La Parka Jr have held the titles since 2003

Top Stars
Abismo Negro
Blue Demon Jr
Chessman
El Hijo Del Santo
Electro Shock
Gran Apache
Juventud Guerrera
La Parka Jr.
Latin Lover
Mistico
Negro Casas
Octagon
Ozz
Shocker
Ultimo Guerrero
Vampiro

#6 CMLL
Owner: Franciso Alanso Lutteroth
Head Booker: Atlantis
Ranking Last Year: #3

CMLL World Heavyweight Title
Dos Caras Jr started the year as champion
Silver King defeated Dos Caras Jr Wk 2 February 2009
**Vacated Wk 4 November 2009**

UWA World Heavyweight Title
Dr. Wagner Jr started the year as champion
**Vacated Wk 4 November 2009**

NWA World Light Heavyweight Title
Atlantis has been champion since 2005

CMLL World Light Heavyweight Title
Rey Bucerno has been champion since 2006

CMLL World Middleweight Title
Averno started the year as champion
**Title Vacated Wk 3 July 2009**
Cuervo defeated Bestia Salvaje to win the vacant title Wk 3 August 2009

CMLL World Trios Title
Mr. Aguila, Hector Garza, and El Hijo Del Perro began the year as champions
Heavy Metal, Blue Panther, and Silver King defeated Mr. Aguila, Hector Garza, and El Hijo Del Perro Wk 1 October 2009
**Titles Vacated Wk 4 November 2009**
Nicho, Blue Panther, and Olimpico defeated Black Warrior, Billy Boy, and Cuervo to win the vacant titles Wk 4 November 2009

NWA World Middleweight Title
Averno started the year as champion
Cien Caras defeated Averno Wk 2 May 2009
Hector Garza defeated Cien Caras Wk 3 November 2009

CMLL World Tag Team Titles
Hector Garza and Mistico started the year as champions
The Chaos Connection(Lizmark Jr and Rayo de Jalisco) defeated Hector Garza and Mistico Wk 2 May 2009

CMLL National Title
El Terrible defeated Bestia Salvaje to become the first champion Wk 2 February 2009
Anifraz Del Norte defeated El Terrible Wk 4 October 2009

Top Stars
Atlantis
Blue Panther
El Hijo Del Perro Aguayo
Heavy Metal
Hector Garza
Mr. Aguila
Nicho El Millinairo
Rey Bucerno

#7 Pro Wrestling NOAH
Owner: Mitsuhara Misawa
Head Booker: Jun Akiyama
Last Year's Ranking: #9

GHC Championship
Akitoshi Saito started the year as champion
Takashi Sigiura defeated Akitoshi Saito Wk 2 March 2009
Jun Akiyama defeated Takashi Sigiuru Wk 1 April 2009
Mitsuhara Misawa defeated Jun Akiyama Wk 2 July 2009
Kurt Angle defeated Mitsuhara Misawa Wk 3 September 2009
Mitsuhara Misawa defeated Kurt Angle Wk 4 November 2009

GHC Tag Team Titles
Kentaro Shiga and KENTA began the year as champions
**Vacated**
BXB Hulk and Jun Iizumida defeated Taiji and Shiosaki Wk 2 February 2009
Mohammed Yone and Takuma Sano defeated BXH Hulk and Jun Izumida Wk 2 February 2009
**Vacated**
Masato Yoshino and Naruki Doi defeated BXB Hulk and Jun Iizumida Wk 4 March 2009
Takashi Sigiura and Tamon Honda defeated Masato Yoshino and Naruki Doi Wk 1 May 2009
BXB Hulk and Jun Iizumida defeated Takashi Sigiuru and Tamon Honda Wk 4 August 2009
Tsuyoshi Kikikuchi and Ricky Marvin defeated BXB Hulk and Jun Iizumida Wk 2 September 2009

GHC Jr. Heavyweight Title
Mohammed Yone started the year as champion
**Vacated due to an injury from Yone**
Takuma Sano defeated Shingo Takagi to capture the vacant GHC Jr. Heavyweight Title Wk 4 March 2009
Yoshinobu Kanemura defeated Takuma Sano Wk 1 August 2009
Yoshinori Ota defeated Yoshinobu Kanemura Wk 4 November 2009
Shingo Takagi defeated Yoshinori Ota Wk 4 November 2009

GHC Jr Tag Team Titles
Takuma Sano and Kentaro Shiga started the year as champions
Tsuyoshi Kikikuchi and Ricky Marvin defeated Sano and Shiga to Wk 4 August 2009

NOAH Wrestling Spirit Title
Shuhei Taniguchi started the year as champion
Taiji Ishimori defeated Shuhei Taniguchi Wk 2 February 2009
Shuhei Taniguchi defeated Taiji Ishimori Wk 2 March 2009
BXB Hulk defeated Shuhei Taniguchi Wk 4 April 2009
Atushi Aoki defeated BXB Hulk Wk 3 July 2009
Shuhei Taniguchi defeated Atushi Aoki Wk 2 September 2009
Tatu****o Takaiwa defeated Shuhei Taniguchi Wk 4 October 2009

Top Stars
Akira Taue
Akitoshi Saito
Alexander Otsuka
Bison Smith
Jun Akiyama
Kazuyuki Fujita
Kentaro Shiga
Mitsuhara Misawa
Naomichi Marufuji
Ricky Marvin
Steve Corino
Takashi Sugiura
Takashi Rikio
Tomohiro Ishii
Tsuyoshi Kikuchi
Yoshinobu Kanemura

#8 New Japan Pro Wrestling(NJPW)
Owner: Simon Inoki
Head Booker: Masahiro Chono
Ranking Last Year: #2

IWGP Championship
Yuji Nagata started the year as champion
Manabu Nakanishi defeated Yuji Nagata Wk 3 May 2009
**Title Vacated Due to Injury**
Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Minoru Tanaka Wk 4 July 2009
Manabu Nakanishi defeated Shinsuke Nakamura Wk 2 November 2009

IWGP Tag Team Titles
Koji Kanemoto and Watary Inoue started the year as champions
Tiger Mask IV and Hiroyoshi Tenzan defeated Koji Kanemoto and Wataru Inoue Wk 1 June 2009
Koji Kanemoto and Wataru Inoue defeated Tiger Mask IV and Hiroyoshi Tenzan Wk 3 August 2009

IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title
Jado started the year as champion
Hiroyoshi Tenzan defeated Jado Wk 1 January 2009
Taru Yano defeated Hiroyoshi Tenzan Wk 3 May 2009
Kintaro Kanemura defeated Taru Yano Wk 3 June 2009
Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Kinataro Kanemura Wk 4 July 2009
Minoru Tanaka defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi Wk 4 October 2009
Tomoaki Honda defeated Minoru Tanaka Wk 3 December 2009

IWGP Tag Team Titles
Hiroyoshi Tanahashi and Takashi Iizumida started the year as champions
Koji Kanemoto and Wataro Inoue defeated Hiroyoshi Tanahashi and Takashi Iizumida Wk 3 June 2009

2009 Best of the Super Juniors: Minoru Tanaka
GI Climax: Keiji Mutoh
GI Climax Tag League: Takao Omori and Manabu Nakanishi

Top Stars
Akebono
Bryan Danielson
Hiroshi Tanahashi
Hiroyoshi Tenzan
Jushin Thunder Liger
Keiji Mutoh
Koji Kanemoto
Manabu Nakanishi
Masahiro Chono
Minoru Tanaka
Shinsuke Nakamura
Takao Omori
Tiger Mask IV
Yuji Nagata

#9 Dragon Gate Pro Wrestling(DGPW)
Owner: Takashi Okamura
Head Booker: CIMA
Ranking Last Year: #8

Open the Dream Gate Title
Masaaki Mochizuki started the year as champion
CIMA defeated Masaaki Mochizuki Wk 3 February 2009
TAKA Michinoku defeated CIMA Wk 4 June 2009
Kintaro Kanemuru defeated TAKA Michinoku Wk 1 October 2009

Open the Brave Gate Titles
Naruki Doi started the year as champion
Magnitude Kishiwada defeated Naruki Doi Wk 1 January 2009
Anthony W. Mori defeated Magnitude Kishiwada Wk 4 January 2009
Ryo Saito defeated Anthony W. Mori Wk 2 February 2009
Genki Horiguchi defeated Ryo Saito Wk 1 May 2009
Naoki Tanisaki defeated Genki Noriguchi Wk 3 July 2009
Susumi Mochizuki defeated Naoki Tanisaki Wk 3 October 2009

Open the Twin Gate Titles
Raisu Mishima and BXB Hulk started the year as champions
Shingo Takagi and Genki Horiguchi defeated Raisu Mishima and BXB Hulk Wk 1 January 2009
Magnitude Kishiwada and Super Shiisa defeated Shingo Takagi and Genki Norichi Wk 1 August 2009
Steve Corino and Ryo Saito defeated Magnitude Kishiwada and Super Shiisa Wk 2 August 2009
Magnitude Kishiwada and Super Shiisa defeated Steve Corino and Ryo Saito Wk 2 November 2009
Naruki Doi and Kamikaze defeated Magnitude Kishiwada and Super Shiisa Wk 2 November 2009

Top Stars
CIMA
Genki Horiguchi
Kamikaze
Kazyuki Fujita
Kikutaro
Kintaro Kanemura
K-ness
Masaaki Mochizuki
Naoki Tanisaki
Shinjiro Otani
Susumi Mochizuki
TAKA Michinoku.

#10 Big Japan Pro Wrestling
Owner: Daikokubo Benkei
Head Booker: Ryuji Yamakawa
Ranking Last Year: #10

BJW Death Match Heavyweight Title
BADBOY Hido started the year as champion
Jun Kasai defeated BADBOY Hido Wk 1 March 2009
Shinjiro Otani defeated Jun Kasai Wk 3 June 2009
**Vacated**
Men's Teioh defeated Takashi Morishima Wk 1 September 2009

BJW Tag Team Titles
Mammoth Sasaki and Shadow WX started the year as champions
Men's Teioh and GENTARO defeated Mammoth Sasaki and Shadow WX Wk 2 April 2009

Top Roster
Abdullah Kobayashi
BADBOY Hido
GENTARO
Jun Kasai
Kazunari Manukami
Madman Pondo
Mammoth Sasaki
MEN'S Teioh
Super Delfin
Taiyo Kea

#11 Jersey All Pro Wrestling(JAPW)
Owner: Fat Frank Iadevia
Head Booker: Ray Sager
Ranking Last Year: #13

JAPW Heavyweight Championship
Samoa Joe has been champion since 2008.

JAPW Tag Team Titles
LAX started the year as champions
**Vacated**
B-Boy and Low Ki defeated El Generico and Chuck Taylor Wk 3 May 2009
**Vacated**
Eddie Kingston and B-Boy defeated Chuck Taylor and Jack Evans Wk 1 October 1 2009

New Jersey State Title
Chuck Taylor started the year as champion
El Generico defeated Chuck Taylor Wk 1 November 2009

Top Stars
Chris Hero
Jay Lethal
Rhino
Samoa Joe

#12. Ring of Honor(ROH)
Owner: Cary Silkin
Head Booker: Gabe Sapolsk
Ranking Last Year: #11

ROH Championship
Adam Pearce started the year as champion
Bryan Danielson defeated Adam Pearce Wk 3 February 2009

ROH Tag Team Titles
Austin Aries and Jay Briscoe have been champions since 2008

2009 Survival of the Fittest Champion: Davey Richards

Top Stars
Austin Aries
Brent Albright
Bryan Danielson
Chris Hero
Claudio Castagnoli
Dan Maff
Davey Richards
Jack Evans

#13 Combat Zone Wrestling(CZW)
Owner: Jon Zandig
Head Booker: Gabe Rameriez
Ranking Last Year: #12

CZW World Heavyweight Title
Sonjay Dutt has been the champion ever since 2008

CZW Tag Team Titles
Ricky Reyes and Toby Klein have held the titles ever since 2008

CZW Iron Man Title
Brain Damage has held the title ever since 2008

CZW Nationwide Title
Sabian has held the title ever since 2008

2009 CZW Best of the Best Champion: Vito Thomaselli

Top Stars
Chuck Taylor
Ricky Reyes
Ruckus
Salvatore Thomaselli
Sexxy Eddy
Sonjay Dutt
Toby Klein
Vito Thomaselli

#14 Pro Wrestling Guerrila(PWG)
Owner: Top Gun Talwar
Head Booker: Excalibur
Ranking Last Year: #17

PWG Championship
Bryan Danielson started the year as champion
**Vacated When Danielson leaves PWG**
Chris Hero defeated Austin Aries to win the vacant title Wk 2 October 2009

PWG Tag Team Titles
Austin Aries and Chris Hero have held the titles since 2008

2009 Battle of Los Angeles Champion: Austin Aries

Top Stars
Austin Aries
Chris Hero
Davey Richards
Jack Evans
Jimmy Rave
Phoenix Star
Roderick Strong
Tyler Black

#15 CHIKARA
Owner: Leonardo F Chikarason
Head Booker: Mike Quackenbush
Ranking Last Year: #15

CHIKARA World Tag Team Titles
Claudio Castagnoli and Chris Hero have been champions since 2008

King of Trios 2009 Champions: Claudio Castagnoli, Chris Hero, and El Pantera
Young Lions Cup 2009 Champion: Larry Sweeney

Top Stars
Chris Hero
Claudio Castagnoli
Delirious
El Pantera
Mike Quacenbush
Ricochet

#16 International Wrestling Association: Mid South(IWA-MS)
Owner: Ian Rotten
Head Booker: Jim Fannin
Ranking Last Year: #14

IWA: MS Championship
Low Ki started the year as champion
**Title Vacated**
Chris Hero defeated Ruckus to win the vacant title Wk 3 July 2009

IWA: MS Tag Team Titles
The Iron Saints have been champions since 2008

IWA MS Light Heavyweight Title
Jason Hades has been champion since 2008

Top Stars
Chris Hero
Claudio Castagnoli
Davey Richards
Jason Hades
Roderick Strong
Ruckus
Tyler Black
Vito Thomaselli

#17 Full Impact Pro(FIP)
Owner: Sal Hamouri
Head Booker: Mister Saint Laurent
Ranking Last Year: #18

FIP Championship
Roderick Strong has been champion since 2008

FIP Tag Team Titles
Nigel McGuiness and Jack Evans started the year as champions
**Vacated**
Tyler Black and Jay Briscoe defeated Gran Akuma and Delirious Wk 3 December 2009

Florida State Heritage Title
Jay Briscoe started the year as champion
Davey Richards defeated Jay Briscoe Wk 1 November 2009

Top Stars
Brent Albright
Bryan Danielson
Davey Richards
Erick Stevens
Jack Evans
Roderick Strong

#18 Florida Championship Wrestling(FCW)
Owner: Steve Keirn
Head Booker: Dusty Rhodes
Ranking Last Year: #19

FCW Championship
Mighty Mikey started the year as champion
**Vacated**
Justin Credible defeated Hernandez to win the vacant title Wk 3 May 2009
**Vacated**
Dan Maff defeated Spike Dudley to win the vacant title Wk 2 July 2009

FCW Tag Team Titles
Eddie Colon and Matt Sydal started the year as champions
**Vacated**
Mike DiBiase and Johnny Swinger defeated Mark Briscoe and Retail Dragon Wk 2 July 2009
**Vacated**
B-Boy and Retail Dragon defeated Adam Pearce and Flash Flanagan Wk 1 November 2009

Top Stars
B-Boy
Dan Maff
Flash Flanagan
Jay Briscoe
Sonjay Dutt
Trent Acid

#19 SHIMMER
Owner: Dave Prezak
Head Booker: Allison Danger
Ranking Last Year: #20

SHIMMER Championship
Daizee Haze has been champion since 2008

Top Stars
Ariel
Cheerleader Melissa
Daizee Haze
Malia Hosaka
Mercedes Martinez
Rain

#20 Ohio Valley Championship(OVW)
Owner: Danny Davis
Head Booker: Terry Taylor
Ranking Last Year: #16

OVW Championship
Jamin Olivencia has been champion since 2008

OVW Tag Team Titles
Tommy McNaler and Jacob Duncan have been champions since 2008

OVW TV Title
Jacob Duncan have been champion since 2008

OVW Women's Champion
Serena Deeb has been the champion since 2008

Top Stars
Anthony Bravado
Jacob Duncan
Jamin Olivencia
Nine Fingers Dewey
Rudy Switchblade
Tommy McNaler

Wrestling Today Annual 2009 Top 100
1. Masahiro Chono
2. Keiji Mutoh
3. Toshiaki Kawada
4. Triple H
5. Shinsuke Nakamura
6. Mitsuhara Misawa
7. Randy Orton
8. Kurt Angle
9. Yuji Naga
10. Shawn Michaels
11. Akitoshi Saito
12. Chris Jericho
13. Sting
14. Jushin Thunder Liger
15. Jun Akiyama
16. Samoa Joe
17. Tiger Mask IV
18. Mistico
19. Kentaro Shiga
20. Takao Omori
21. John Bradshaw Layfield
22. Minoru Tanaka
23. Booker T
24. The Undertaker
25. Rob Van Dam
26. Christian Cage
27. Manabu Nakanishi
28. Minoru Suzuki
29. El Hijo Del Santo
30. Umaga
31. Edge
32. Naomichi Marufuji
33. Taka Michinoku
34. Kintaro Kanemura
35. Rhino
36. Takashi Suguiru
37. Scott Norton
38. John Cena
39. Atlantis
40. Tamon Honda
41. Shelton Benjamin
42. The Big Show
43. Hiroyoshi Tenzan
44. CM Punk
45. El Samurai
46. CIMA
47. Rey Mysterio
48. Batista
49. Milano Collection AT
50. Dr. Wagner Jr.
51. Negro Casa
52. Hiroshi Tanahashi
53. Shinjiro Otani
54. Masato Yoshino
55. El Hijo Del Perro Aguayo
56. Akira Taue
57. Jeff Hardy
58. Homicide
59. AJ Styles
60. Koji Kanemoto
61. Latin Lover
62. MVP
63. Kazuyuki Fujita
64. Mr. Aguila
65. K-ness
66. Blue Panther
67. Jay Lethal
68. Naoki Sano
69. Electro Shock
70. Matt Hardy
71. Juventud Guerrera.
72. Takeshi Rikio
73. Bryan Danielson
74. Vampiro
75. The Great Khali
76. Bob Sapp
77. Alex Shelley
78. Gran Apache
79. Tomoaki Honma
80. Shocker
81. Big Daddy V
82. Mr. Kennedy
83. Steve Corino
84. Waturu Inoue
85. Kane
86. Takeshi Morishima
87. Yoshinobu Kanemura
88. Octagon
89. Low Ki
90. Bobby Lashley
91. Susumu Mochizuki
92. Kenny Dykstra
93. Nicho El Millinairo
94. Kikutaro
95. Tomko
96. Shuji Kondo
97. Yujiro
98. Cien Caras
99. Mark Henry
100. Satoshi Kojima

Year End Awards
Wrestler of the Year: Masahiro Chono
Young Wrestler of the Year: Kenny Dykstra
Veteran Wrestler of the Year: Keiji Mutoh
Female Wrestler of the Year: Awesome Kong
Promotion of the Year: WWE
Most Improved Promotion of the Year: AJPW
Match of the Year: Shawn Michaels defeated William Regal on Raw.
Card of the Year: AJPW Lashing Out Tour Show in December

[MadMatt]

And let's kick off 2010!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #81 Week One January 2010

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

Ron Killings pinned Nick Nemeth with an axe kick. Pretty meh squash. 1/2* rating.

Charlie Haas and Brian Kendrick battle to a no contest after the Big Show choke slammed both men. What, was Snitsky on a coffee break? Show wants Orton at the Rumble! Perfectly acceptable match. ** rating.

Super Crazy and Jim Duggan defeated Franky the Mobster and Karl Anderson when Duggan pinned Franky with the Three Point Stance. * match.

Natalya made Mickie James submit to the Sharpshooter. A fine match for the three minutes it got but way too short other than that. * rating.

Michelle McCool made Portia Perez submit to the Brazillian Heel Hook in an absolutely nightmare inducing match to retain the WWE Women's Title. -*** rating.

Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly defeated Carlito and Santino in a non title match for the five millionth time when Rhodes pinned Santino with the DDT. ** rating.

John Bradshaw Layfield and Rey Mysterio had an acceptable, but slightly flat. main event. West Coast Pop is countered with a stiff power bomb for a nearfall before JBL connected with the Clothesline from Hell. ** 1/2 rating.

WWE Progression

Trevor Murdoch retained the WWE United States Title against Paul Burchill. This match was good enough to work. Curb Stomp is avoided and Murdoch pinned Burchill with the Gourdbuster. ** 1/2 rating.

The Edgeheads defeated Jamie Noble and Chuck Palumbo when Ryder pinned Noble with a clothesline. Not bad, * 1/2 rating.

Jesse retained the ECW Championship against Lance Cade in another match that was not all that bad either. * 1/2 rating.

Kenny Dykstra pinned Mike Knox with the Springboard Legdrop. At least Kenny's not completely buried, he won against Knox after all. ** rating.

Chris Jericho and Shelton Benjamin defeated MVP and the Great Khali in a nice tag team encounter. Khali spent most of the match on the apron and Shelton pinned MVP with a spin kick after Jericho missile dropkicked him from behind him. *** 1/2 rating for a good match.

Matt Hardy and CM Punk are an awesome tag team as they got a **** rating over Big Daddy V and Mark Henry. Hardy pinned Big Daddy V with the Twist of Fate to score the pin in a spectacular match.

WWE Smackdown
This was a wretched show with one notable exception.

Deuce pinned Mack Johnson with a kick to the face. DUD.

Candice Michelle pinned Layla. Some of these women's matches have been either short between two women that can have a good match or mind numbingly long between two women who aren't good workers. This was somewhat inbetween, with Candice pinning Layla with the Candy Wrapper in a -** rating match after five minutes.

Highlander Rory pinned Nigel McGuiness with a headbutt to the stomach. Yes, that run is really paying off, isn't it Nigel? * 1/2 rating.

Curt Hawkins pinned Eric Perez with a sitout jawbreaker. DUD.

Chuck Palumbo pinned the Miz with the Full Throttle in a vanilla match. * rating.

Chris Jericho and Kane had a great non title match that was the highlight of the show. Granted, it didn't save the show, but it was a great, great, match. Code Breaker is countered with a choke slam for a nearfall. Tombstone is countered into a spinning headscissors, into a lionsault for a nearfall. Walls of Jericho is blocked. Kane launches Jericho over the ropes but Jericho hangs on. Kick to Kane and Tornado Code Breaker out of the corner for the pin. **** rating, good job for both of you.

And there was that epic main event between Big Daddy V and Hardcore Holly. Samoan Drop, elbowdrop, pin, moving right along. * 1/2 rating.

Misc
Umaga, Karl Anderson, Orlando Jordan, and Devon Storm signed contract extensions. Rouka has been called up.

NWA

NWA Live Action
Heidenreich pinned Brent Albright with an uppercut to the ribs. Albright got a good match out of Heidenreich, at least by Heidenreich standards. ** rating.

Andrew Test Martin pinned Jimmy Yang with the Big Boot. Yang bumped, Martin is immobile. * 1/2 rating.

Death From Above retained the NWA Tag Team Titles over Nick Dinsmore and Bryan Danielson in a final match when Kanyon pinned Dinsmore with the Flatiner. ** 1/2 rating.

And Joey Matthews pinned Chris Mordetzky in the main event to become the number one contender for the NWA Championship and he will face Booker T on the January Pay Per View.** rating.

TNA

TNA Impact
Petey Williams and Scott Steiner defeated Shark Boy and Consequences Creed when Petey pinned Creed with the Canadian Destroyer in a cookie cutter, * 1/2 rating.

Tracy Brooks pinned Roxxi to retain the TNA Knockout's Title with a sunset flip. A couple of big blown spots drop this match to a -* rating.

Rellik pinned Lance Hoyt. Yes, these two men are still employed. DUD.

Quiton Jackson pinned Dr. Wagner Jr in seconds with an elbow strike to the head. The hell? DUD.

AJ Styles and Tomko won the TNA Tag Team Titles against Team 3D when Styles pinned Brother Ray with a frog splash after Tomko hit a superplex. Yes, Russo can't wait three days to hold off onto the title chang between these two teams, he has to do it now. *** match, but damn Russo's an idiot.

Bobby Lashley pinned the Sandman in a fun match with the Spear. Sandman tried to cane Lashley before the spear. *** rating.

TNA Dominance

Man five hours of TNA in one night on Pay Per View weeks. This is testing.

Adam Pearce pinned Phoenix Starr with the Jumping Piledriver. * 1/2 rating.

Awesome Kong and Raisha Saeed battled ODB and Gail Kim to a no contest in a ** 1/2 rating. Good match, until all four women brawled to the back, stopping the match.

Curry Man pinned Petey Williams with the Spice Rack in a great match. If the X-Division had a match like this everytime out, it wouldn't be the joke it is. *** 1/2 rating.

Kip James pinned Judas Mesthias with a roll up after Kurt Angle distracted him. THE HELL? Kip mother ****ing James defeats the monster that's going to face the Olympic Gold Medalist in just two hours with a roll up! -***** rating for this bull****!

Eric Young pinned Tomko with a sunset flip after Tomko ducked the head. This was fine. ** 1/2 rating.

Sting retained the TNA Championship in a four way match against Bobby Lashley, Rhino, and Samoa Joe when Sting pinned Joe with the Scorpion Deathdrop. Yep, Joe jobs cleanly but this actually does make sense considering he's the only one without a match. Rhino Gores Sting afterwards, because they are wrestling on Pay Per View in two and a half hours. *** 1/2 rating for a fun match.

TNA Final Resolution

Pre Show Dark Matches featured the Sandman defeating Trent Acid and Mike DiBiase and Eric Young beating Quinton Jackson via disqualification after Jackson refuses to break a hold in the ropes.

AJ Styles and Tomko retained the TNA Tag Team Titles against Karem Ibrahim Gaber and Rellik when Styles pinned Rellik with the Frog Splash after Tomko superplexed him out of the corner. Tomko and Styles are a fun team. *** rating.

Tracy Brooks retained the TNA Knockout's Title over Payton Banks with a cross body press. DUD.

Johnny Devine captured the TNA X-Division Title over Johnny Swinger and Shark Boy to win the title when Shark Boy was pinned with the Devine Intervention. At this point, the Florida Championship Wrestling title is a better honor that the X-Title. * rating.

Scott Steiner crushed Kip James with the Steiner Recliner. I cackled. * rating.

Kurt Angle made Judas Methias tap out to the Ankle Lock in a great match. Angle really is rocking on his return to TNA and Methias was carryable. *** rating.

Jay Lethal pinned Curry Man with the Flying Elbowdrop in a good but all too short match. ** 1/2 rating.

Homicide pinned Bobby Lashley with a lariat after avoiding the Spear. Both men are future TNA Title holders after this match. *** rating.

Sting retained the TNA Championship over Rhino with the Scorpion Deathlock in a good match and it looks like the feud is blown off, but you never know with TNA. *** rating.

Lucha
Shocker defeated Electro Shock and Negro Casas defeated Octagon to retain the Mexico National Middleweight Title on the Lucha Madness show.

CMLL had their monthly show, featuring the main event of El Hijo Del Perro, Aguila, and Black Panther defeated Olimpico, Silver Cat, and Picudo. Also, Atlantis defeated Nicho to retain the NWA World Light Heavyweight Title, Decniss and Damian captured the CMLL Tag Team Titles over the Chaos Connection, Anifaz Del Norte defeated Mascara Magica to retain the CMLL National Title, Hector Garza defeated Billy Boy to retain the NWA World Middleweight Title, and Cuervo defeated Mr Niebla to retain the CMLL World Middleweight TItle.

AAA had their monthly show featuring Latin Lover and Shocker defeating Juventud Guerrera and Mistico in the main event. Also, Vampiro, Gran Apache, and Negro Casas defeated Abismo Negro, Octagon, and Electro Shock, and Shining Force defeated Sky High to retain the AAA Tag Team Titles.

CMLL featured Atlantis, Agulia, and El Hijo Del Perro battling Heavy Metal, Blue Panther, and Escoria to a double countout. Also, Rey Bucerno retained the CMLL World Middleweight Title over Damian.

Puro
Jushin Thunder Liger and El Samurai captured the IWGP Tag Team Titles over Koji Kanemoto and Wataru Inoue.

NJPW had their yearly January show at the Tokyo Dome with Manabu Nakanishi defeating Yuji Nagata to retain the IWGP Championship in the main event. Also, Keiji Mutoh battled Shinsuke Nakamura to a double countout, Takao Omori defeated Black Tiger, Tomoaki Honda defeating Jushin Thunder Liger to retain the IWGP Jr HEavyweight Title, Koji Kanemoto and Waturu Inoue defeating Bryan Danielson and Yamamoto to retain the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Titles, and Masahiro Chono defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi.

NOAH had their monthly show with Shiga and Marufuji defeating Akiyama and Saito in the main event. Also, Mitsuhara Misawa retained the GHC Title against Akira Taue, Takeshi Rikio defeated Yoshiaki Yago, Tomohiro Ishii defeated Shigo Takagi to capture the GHC Jr. Heavyweight Title, Tatu****o Takaiwa defeated Akihito Ota to retain the NOAH Wrestling Spirit Title, and Ricky Martin and Tsuyoshi Kikuchi retained the GHC Tag Team Titles over Steve Corino and Otsuka.

Indies
CZW was headlined by Sonjay Dutt defeating Toby Klein to retain the CZW Championship. Also, Sexxy Eddy and Ruckus defeated Chuck Taylor and Sal Thomaselli, Ricky Reyes defeated Vito Thomaselli, Sabian retained the CZW Arena Title over Alex Wright, and Brain Damage defeated Icarus to retain the CZW Iron Man Title.

OVW had their monthly show, featuring Jamin Olivencia retaining the OVW Championship over Tommy McNaler. Also, Anthony Bravado defeated Omar Akbar and Jacob Duncan retained the OVW TV Title against Ali Akbar.

IWA: MS had their monthly show with Chris Hero retaining the IWA: MS Championship over Jason Hades. Also, Roderick Strong defeated Davey Richards, Vito Thomaselli defeated Eddie Kingston, Claudio Castagnoli defeated Toby Klein, and Tyler Black defeated B-Boy.

Television Ratings
WWE Raw received a 6.81 rating on the USA Network, with a 1.04 rating on ABC South Pacific, WWE Progression received a 4.42 rating on ABC, with a 1.60 rating on Nippon TV, WWE Smackdown received a 5.78 rating on the CW, with a 1.26 rating on ESPN International, TNA Impact received a 2.80 rating, and TNA Dominance received a 4.21 rating.

[chopps4312]

Awesome start to the new year. Was having trouble waiting lol. Still, Val Venis is getting no air time. Sigh, good write up as always though. Keep it up

[MadMatt]

Another newsletter, hopefully I'll have time to do more updates soon.



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #82 Week Two January 2010

Another Death in the World of Wrestling

We are sad to report that James Fullington, known better to wrestling fans as the Sandman has passed away Friday afternoon at the age of 42. The Sandman was currently in TNA in a storyline where he was aligned with Eric Young and Curry Man against Team 3D The world of wrestling and us here at Wrestling Today Newsletter extend our thoughts and prayers to the family of yet another man who has died before his time.

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

Nick Nemeth and Johnny Jeter defeated Jim Duggan and Super Crazy when Jeter pinned Crazy with a springboard splash. Yes, the Spirit Squad reunites(sort of). I'm sure you're excited. * rating.

Spike Dudley pinned Kid Kash with the Dudley Dog. Both men are just going through the motions to collect a payday. 1/2*

WWE Women's Champion Michelle McCool and Melina battled to a no contest. Michelle was wretched, but let's face it, the only reason she's getting this push is her ability to raise dead men. 1/2* rating, put the belt back on Melina or Mickie or Victoria or anyone please.

Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly defeated Santino and Carlito when Holly pinned Santino with the Alabam Slam. I have nothing to say about this match. * 1/2

Brian Kendrick pinned Franky the Mobster with Sliced Bread #2. I struggled to care. * rating.

Mr. Kennedy and the Big Show had a great match up until the finish. Show is the number one contender for the WWE Championship and is going to the Royal Rumble. **** match, until Orton ran out and hit Show with the belt from behind, allowing a count out. Afterwards, Choke Slams to both men, Big Show is big.

Edge and John Cena. A bit under their better matches but still good. F-U is blocked into an Edge-O-Matic. Edgecution connects for a nearfall. Spear is countered into a drop toe hold into the STFU for the tap out. *** 1/2 rating.

WWE Progression

Trevor Murdoch and Lance Cade defeated KC James and Shawn Spears when Cade pinned Spears with the High/Low. 1/2* rating.

Candice pinned Jillian in a fine women's match with the Candy Wrapper. * rating.

Paul Burchill and Jamie Noble defeated the Edgeheads in an odd, but fun tag team battle. Burchill pinned Zach Ryder with the Curb Stomp. * 1/2 rating.

Kenny Dykstra pinned Hernandez in one of the better performance's of Hernandez in WWE. Kenny wins with an inverted swinging neckbreaker. ** 1/2 rating.

Big Daddy V defeated Kane with a Samoan Drop and an elbowdrop. Kane tried, Big Daddy V was an anchor. Still give it ** 1/2 for some offense from Kane.

Batista pinned Kevin Thorn with a spinebuster and Batista Bomb in a main event. ** 1/2 rating.

WWE Smackdown

Mike Knox pinned KC James with the Knox Out. Bleh match. -* rating.

Chuck Palumbo pinned Mighty Mikey with a Full Throttle in a 1/2* rating.

Molly Holly and Jillian defeated Rouka and Candice when Molly pinned Candice with a DDT. Too short to really mean anything. DUD.

Jesse pinned Mark Copani in a non title match with a shoulderblock off the second rope. Did nothing for me. * 1/2 rating.

MVP and Kane had the usual great match. Kane missed a charge into the corner, kick to the leg, running Yakuza Kick to the head, pin by MVP. *** 1/2 rating.

Batista bulldozed the Miz in the main event. The Miz can take a beating. Batista wins with the Batista Bomb. ** 1/2 rating.

Misc
Mark Copani, Brad Allen, and Kafu signed contract extensions.

NWA

NWA Live Action

This was perhaps one of the most lackluster shows.

Tomko pinned Dustin Rhodes with a TKO. * rating for a couple of stiff moves from Tomko.

Chris Mordetzky pinned Ro-Z with the Full Nelson Slam. * 1/2 rating.

Rhino pinned Shaquile O' Neal with the Gore. The Gore looked bad, but it only really looks good when done on cruiserweights. ** rating.

Rob Van Dam pinned Nick Dinsmore with the Five Star Splash. All over the place with some botched spots but a few nice exchanges that were entertaining so you go with a ** rating.

Misc
Rhino has chosen NWA over TNA signing an exclusive contract with the company.

TNA

TNA Impact

AJ Styles and Tomko defeated Mike DiBiase and Petey Williams to retain the TNA Tag Team Titles when Styles pinned Petey Williams with a frog splash after a superplex from Tomko. ** 1/2 rating.

Tracy Brooks retained the TNA Knockout's Title over Peyton Banks. -** rating, wretched match.

Kip James defeated DeMaco Ryans with a cobra clutch. James slept walked through that match. DUD.

Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal defeated Phoenix Starr and Lance Hoyt when Lethal pinned Starr. ** 1/2 rating. Lethal wants Sting, which should be a new and different feud.

Alex Shelley pinned Samoa Joe with a sunset flip. Joe's really sliding for some reason, I wonder who he's pissed off. This match was just a bit lackluster for these both men. ** 1/2 rating.

Sting retained the TNA World Title over Rhino, Lashley, and Homicide. Some great action. Rhino took out Homicide with the Gore, Lashley took out Rhino with a spear and goes for Sting but Sting hits the Death Drop on Lashley for the pin. This was before they knew Rhino was leaving, otherwise I bet he would have ate the pin although you never know with Vince Russo. **** rating for some total non stop action(heh, heh).

TNA Dominance

Ten bell salute for the Sandman.

Kip James pinned Johnny Devine with the Cobra Clutch Slam. Yep, Kip's squashed the new TNA X-Division Champion who I forgot had won the belt. This is like the WWE Lightheavyweight Title when Gillberg held it, except I think Gillberg got a better push. * rating.

Dan Maff, Mike DiBiase, and Sonjay Dutt defeated Lance Hoyt, Shark Boy, and Consequences Creed when Dutt pinned Creed with the Bombay Splash. * rating. Random six man tag team.

Roxxy defeated Christy Hemme with the Voodoo Drop and TNA Knockout's Champion Tracy Brooks defeated Jacqueline Moore in two -** knockout's matches. Remember when the Knockout's Division was good?

AJ Styles and Tomko defeated Petey Williams and Scott Steiner in a non title match when Tomko connected with a power bomb out of the corner on Petey as Styles leaps onto Steiner. ** 1/2 rating.

And in a trademark TNA move, they give the Sting and Jay Lethal match for free on TV and it's a great match, but non title. Thirty minutes of great wrestling, someone must have distracted Vince Russo. Sting delivered the Scorpion Deathlock for the submission, in a non title match the champion wins. Despite all the booking and this match being given away with three days of build, ***** rating. And now what are we going to do for Against All Odds now that Sting's already beaten Lethal.

Misc
Alex Shelley, Awesome Kong, and Don West have signed contract extensions.

Lucha

Lucha Madness had a main event with Vampiro, Mistico, and Latin Lover defeated Gran Apache, Shocker, and Negro Casas to retain the Mexico National Atomicos Titles. El Hijo Del Santo defeated Octagon.

CMLL featured El Nicho battling Blue Panther to a no contest. Also, Anifaz Del Norte defeated Rayo de Jalisco to retain the CMLL National Title.

Puro
Jun Izumida captured the NOAH Wrestling Spirit over Tasuhito Takaiwa. Ricky Martin and Tsuyoshi Kikuchi captured the GHC Tag Team Titles over Masao Inoue and Yoshiaki Yago.

TAKA Michinoku captured the Open the Dream Gate Title over Kintaro Kanemura.

Indies
On CHIKARA with Mike Quackenbush defeated El Pantera, Chris Hero defeated Ricochet, and Claudio Castagnoli defeated Ultra Mantis Black.

FCW featured Dan Maff defeated Flash Flanagan to retain the FCW International Title. Also, Trent Acid battled Jay Briscoe to a no contest, Glen Gilberti defeated Alex Wright, and B-Boy and Retail Dragon defeated Niles Young and Devon Moore to retain the FCW Tag Team Titles.

SHIMMER was featured with Daizee Haze defeated Ariel to retain the SHIMMER Championship. Also Rain defeated Malia Hosaka and Mercedes Martinez defeated Lacey.

Pay Per View Buyrates and Television Ratings

TNA Final Resolution received a 0.46 buyrate and 164000 buyers.

Raw received a 7.09 rating on USA, with a 1.05 rating on ABC South Pacific, WWE Progression received a 4.42 rating on ABC, with a 1.54 rating on Nippon TV, Smackdown received a 5.67 rating on the CW, with a 1.30 rating on ESPN International, TNA Impact received a 3.08 rating, and TNA Dominace received a 4.67 rating

[MadMatt]

Two Newsletters in one day?



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #83 Week Three January 2010

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw

Drew McIntyre defeated Nunzio with a Half Boston Crab in a 1/2* rating.

Charlie Haas made Mark Briscoe submit to the Haas of Pain. Briscoe seems to be just a vanilla by the numbers wrestler, without the insane spots that the Briscoes have been known to do. Haas just seems to be on a treadmill. * 1/2 rating.

Natayla and Beth Phoenix battled to a no contest when Melina and Victoria ran out. DUD, I wonder what the point was for this match.

In a battle between two former ECW alumni Tommy Dreamer pinned Kid Kash with the Dreamer DDT. * rating.

Gregory Helms pinned Chris Harris in a short match that barely got off the ground. Running Shining Wizard Kick scores the pin. ** rating.

William Regal pinned John Morrison in a good match with a butterfly power bomb. Lots of nearfalls, just shows that either of these two men should be Intercontinental Champion. I mean, they'd be better than Festus. *** 1/2.

An excellent main event between Rey Mysterio and John Cena closed out of the show. Rey's been limited because age and injuries, but he still is a great wrestler. Cena was good tonight as well. F-U off the second rope scores the pin. **** rating for this excellent match.

WWE Progression

Mark Copani made Beef Wellington with a camel clutch. I struggle to find a reason why these men are employed. DUD.

Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch defeated the Edgeheads in a same old, same old tag team match with the High Low. * 1/2 rating.

Ashley pinned Katie Lea Burchill with a backspin DDT. Usual tripe. DUD.

Jesse made Hernandez submit to the Asiatic Spike. Not that it mattered, but the ECW Championship was not on the line. ** 1/2 rating for some good power stuff from Hernandez, but still, I think sooner or later Homicide might be TNA Champion and Hernandez will be a warm body on the Smackdown brand.

Kane pinned Big Daddy V with the Choke Slam. Why yes we've seen this match recently about five hundred times. Kane seems to be determined to bust his ass to pull a good match out of Big Daddy V. ** 1/2 rating, mostly for my amusement if it taking almost a minute for Kane to peel Big Daddy V off the canvas after he missed the Abdullah the Butcher elbowdrop.

The Undertaker pinned Mark Henry with a choke slam. ** rating. Taker just seemed to be collecting a paycheck this evening.

WWE Smackdown

Mark Copani made Shannon Moore submit to the camel clutch after he missed a corkscrew flip. Moore hit some fun high spots. * rating for the battle.

Monty Brown pinned Matt Capotelli with the Pounce. Not even a good Pounce and a DUD match.

Rouka pinned Ashley in a match that made me want to jab my eyeballs out with an Aids infected needle. -** rating and that might be understating the match slightly.

Mike Knox pinned Eddie Colon with the Knox Out. I have a feeling I would have enjoyed this match more had I been knocked out. DUD.

Justin Credible pinned Paul London with a DDT with London perched on the top rope. I have this bad feeling that we're going to be seeing Credible as ECW Champion again before the end of the year. ** rating for London landing on his head.

The Great Khali made Shelton Benjamin pass out for the Vice Grip. This was five minutes of Shelton pinballing for Khali's 1980s giant offense and good clean fun so ** 1/2 rating.

World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho defeated CM Punk and Kane when Jericho pinned Punk with a lionsault that was set up by a Kane Choke Slam and a dropkick that sent Kane to the floor. Great Heel move by Jericho to retain the title and the match was great to, about **** rating.

Misc
Jeff Hardy signed a WWE contract extension.

NWA

NWA Live Action

Rob Conway pinned Frankie Kazarian with the Ego Trip. * rating for a meh opener.

The Urban Gladiators defeated Tomko and Nova when Vito pinned Nova with the DDT as Abyss hit a Black Hole Slam on Tomko. Death from Above(Kanyon and Sabu, the NWA Tag Team Champions) run out and get into a fight with the Urban Gladiators as they are fighting on Pay Per View. ** 1/2 rating.

Chris Mordetzky defeated Andrew Test Martin with a roll up in a match that was not as nightmare inducing as you would think. * 1/2.

Christian Cage pinned Rob Van Dam after Van Dam missed the Five Star Frog Splash. It was not four twenty for RVD like his match with Dinsmore last week. Some great exchanges, twenty five minutes, call it a **** rating for another great main event in wrestling.

NWA Clock Strikes Twelve
Frankie Kazarian scored a victory over Bryan Danielson with the Wave of the Future. You know, Danielson just left ROH recently and thus vacated the title belt to focus on NWA and he loses to Kazarian clean on Pay Per View. Not that I'm against pushing stars, but Danielson seems like a future NWA Champion. ** 1/2 rating.

Death From Above retained the NWA Tag Team Titles over the Urban Gladiators when Sabu pinned Vito with the Triple Jump Moonsault. ** 1/2 rating. This was what it was.

Heidenreich battled Nova to a double countout when Heidenreich was beating Nova on the floor and did not enter the ring. Some rather questionable putting and a ** match.

Shaquile O' Neal pinned Jimmy Yang with a last ride style power bomb that bounces Yang off the mat like a basketball. ** rating.

Rob Van Dam defeated Nick Dinsmore. Either it's 4:20 again or Van Dam and Dinsmore don't click, because they stagger there way through another match. Five Star Frog Splash wins. ** rating.

Rhino absolutely destroyed Chris Mordetzky with the Gore. This was the greatest match in the career of Masters and Rhino seemed on fire, perhaps he wanted to justify his new exclusive bosses. *** 1/2 rating for an absolutely miracle.

Christian Cage defeated Andrew Test Martin with the Unprettier. * rating and we move along swiftly now.

Booker T pinned Joey Matthews with the Book End to retain the NWA Championship. There was nothing wrong with this match but it was missing something. ** 1/2 rating. Rhino Gores Booker after the match to set up your next title program.

TNA

TNA Impact

Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal defeated Shark Boy and Lance Hoyt when Dutt pinned Shark Boy with the Bombay Splash. ** rating. Squash to establish the rising stars.

ODB and Gail Kim defeated Raisha Saeed and Awesome Kong when Kim pinned Saeed with a Frankensteiner as ODB held off Kong. ** as these two teams have had some good matches, but not tonight.

Petey Williams and Scott Steiner defeated AJ Styles and Curry Man when Steiner pinned Curry Man with the Steiner Screwdriver. Tomko was taken out before this match, allowing Styles to bring out Curry Man as his replacement. *** 1/2 rating for a good match.

Nick Hogan, Rampage Jackson, and Dan Maff defeated Kip James, Phoenix Starr, and Dr. Wagner Jr when Nick Hogan pinned Phoenix with the Axe Bomber. You know, Rampage and Kip James would in a MMA match would be awesome. However, based off this match, it looks like we're setting up a Nick Hogan and Kip James feud. Yes, the son of the most famous wrestler in the entire history of this sport is feuding with BILLY GUNN! Not that Nick's good mind you but still, it shows we have another Erik Watts or David Flair right here that's not going to be able to fill his father's shoes. DUD for this match it was bacd.

Samoa Joe pinned Rhino with the Muscle Buster. This was Rhino's last stand folks. **** rating for a good match and a good note for Rhino to end his TNA career. Of course, given recent events, I half expected Joe to lose anywhere.

Bobby Lashley pinned Homicide with the Spear in a good main event after Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal pestered Homicide at ringside. **** rating. After Lashley left, Dutt and Lethal beat down Homicide until Samoa Joe made the save. I believe that sets up your Main Event main event and the TNA Champion Sting is nowhere to be found but he must be going one of those extended vacations that he's fond of.

[/B]TNA Dominance[/B]

Johnny Devine and Karem Ibrahim Gaber defeated Johnny Swinger and Rellik when Devine pinned Rellik with the Devine Intervention. This match was...what it was but the real shock is that the current X-Division Champion actually won a match. * 1/2 rating.

Angelina Love pinned Jacqueline Moore with a sunset flip. -** rating, this was only slightly better than the Rouka/Ashley match on Smackdown.

DeMeco Ryans battled Phoenix Starr to a no contest when Adam Pearce attacked both men. Hey, why not. Pearce wants the TNA Championship and calls out Sting. Vince Russo has lost all sembalance of sanity, there's no two ways around it. DUD for a nothing match.

Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal defeated Team 3D when Dutt pinned Brother Devon with the Bombay Splash with Lethal taking out Devon. Joe/Homicide against Dutt and Lethal are hyped up for Against All Odds. *** rating.

AJ Styles and Tomko retained the TNA Tag Team Titles over Petey Williams and Scott Steiner when Styles pinned Steiner with the Frog Splash. I've seen this match too many times, it's getting to be like Santino and Carlito against Holly and Rhodes. *** rating because it was fine.

Samoa Joe pinned Alex Shelley in three minutes with the Muscle Buster. **** off Russo. ** rating. Dutt and Lethal run in and attack Joe, Homicide makes the save, hooray!

Misc
Brother Ray signed a contract extension with TNA.

Lucha

Lucha Madness featured Vampiro, Mistico, and Latin Lover retaining the Mexico National Atomicos Titles over El Hijo Del Santo, Negro Casas, and La Parka Jr. Also, Negro Casas defeated Octagon.

CMLL featured Nicho and Blue Panther over Atlantis and El Hijo Del Perro in the main event. Also Team Tidal Wave(Cuervo and Hector Garza) defeated Aguilia and Rey Bucerno.

Puro
Dragon Gate had their monthly show headlined by TAKA and CIMA over K-Ness and Nakajima. Also, Masaaki Mochizuki won the Open the Brave Gate Title over Susumi Mochizuki, Kazyuki Fujita battled Shinjiro Otani to a double countout, Kintaro Kanemura defeated Minoru Fujita, and Kamikaze and Doi defeated Mag and Shiisa to retain the Open the Twin Gate Titles.

AJPW had their monthly show headlined by Naoki Sano retaining the AJPW Triple Crown Title over Minoru Suzuki. Also, Keijo Mutoh defeated Bob Sapp, Blue Wolf retained the AJPW Jr. Heavyweight Title over SUWA, Milano Collection AT over Joe Doering, and Masato Tanaka defeated Judo Suwa.

Indies
Chris Hero won the JAPW Championship over Chuck Taylor, that was vacated when Joe left JAPW. Also, Eddie Kingston defeated B-Boy, Daizee Haze defeated Sara Del Ray, and El Generico defeated Grim Reefer to retain the New Jersey State Title.

FIP featured Roderick Strong defeated Erick Stevens to retain the FIP Championship. Also Jack Evans defeated Jason Blade, Tyler Black and Jay Briscoe retained the FIP Tag Team Titles over Madman Pondo and Larry Sweeney, and Davey Richards retained the New Jersey State Title over Sal Rinauro.

Television Ratings
Raw received a 6.99 rating on USA Network, a 1.04 rating on ABC South Pacific, WWE Progression received 4.14 rating on ABC, with a 1.49 rating on Nippon TV, Smackdown received a 5.94 rating on the CW, with a 1.33 rating on ESPN International, TNA Impact got a 3.13 rating, and TNA Dominance got a 4.43 rating.

[MadMatt]

The Last Newsletter of January 2010!



Wrestling Today Issue #84 Week Four January 2010

WWE

Monday Night Raw

Santino and Carlito defeated Mark Briscoe and The Messiah when Carlito pinned Briscoe with the Back Stabber. This match just existed to fill up time. * 1/2 rating.

Ron Killings pinned Colt Cabana with an axe kick to get a spot in the Royal Rumble. Both men were fun, but the match was about ninety seconds. * rating for this battle.

Festus pinned Stevie Richards to retain the WWE Intercontinental Title with a flapjack. It just seems like the Intercontinental Title has plummetted since the days of Jeff Hardy, Umaga, and Chris Jericho. ** rating for Stevie busting his ass to get something out of Festus.

Val Venis pinned Johnny Jeter in thirty seconds with a fisherman suplex to earn a spot in the Royal Rumble. DUD, because these two men can have a good match and it was way too short. Festus/Stevie got about three times as much time as both of the Rumble Qualifiers combined. So Val gets a payday on Pay Per View.

Jeff Hardy pinned Chavo Guerrero with the Swanton Bomb. Fun battle here tonight and they got some time. Both men are in the Royal Rumble for those keeping scoring at home. Frog Splash misses, setting up the Twist of Fate and Swanton Bomb. *** 1/2 rating.

Umaga pinned Shawn Michaels in a fabulous main event with the Samoan Spike. Sweet Chin Music was caught to set up this move. Both men are in the Rumble. **** rating.

Randy Orton comes out, saying that he's the WWE Champion, no one can beat him, Show can't beat him and whomever wins the Rumble sure can't beat him. Show comes out and Choke Slams Randy Orton. Show stands over Orton as Raw goes off the air.

WWE Progression

The Edgeheads defeated Lupe Viscara and Andrew Vain when Ryder pinned Vain with a spear. DUD. This was a geek match if there ever was one.

Jesse pinned Lance Cade to retain the ECW Championship with a slingshot shoulderblock. So, this ECW Championship reign of Jesse, it's really rocking? * 1/2 rating.

JTG pinned Colin Delaney to become the number one contender to the ECW Championship with a slingshot suplex. I swear, JTG and Jesse for the ECW Championship, at the Royal Rumble, that's going to happen. ** rating.

Elijah Burke defeated Beef Wellington and Deuce to get a spot into the Royal Rumble when Burke pinned Wellington with the Elijah Experience. This show is flat. * rating.

Big Daddy V and Mark Henry defeated Matt Hardy and the Undertaker when Mark Henry pinned Matt Hardy with the World's Strongest Slam. By this match, the crowd had been killed dead but damn if Hardy and Taker weren't busting their asses. Henry worked hard and Big Daddy V...well he didn't suck as bad. *** 1/2 rating. Taker is laid out by the World's Fattest Tag Team and I have these very bad visions of Big Daddy V being the one to end the Streak. That would prove once and for all that Vince has lost his mind.

The Great Khali pinned Kenny Dykstra with the Tree Slam. This was a squash. Kenny's been buried so deep under the earth it isn't even funny. ** rating.

WWE Smackdown
Mighty Mikey and Devon Storm defeated the Edgeheads when Mikey pinned Zach Ryder with a backslide. DUD. I'm all for pushing new talent, but beating the Edgeheads doesn't do anyone anything.

Katie Lea Burchill pinned Rouka with a Giant Swing. The hits just keep coming for the Smackdown brand. DUD.

Eddie Colon defeated Paul London and Ted DiBiase Jr when Colon pinned London with a backspin DDT. * rating.

Kenny Dykstra pinned Mike Knox with the Springboad Legdrop to qualify for the Royal Rumble. The second longest reigning Intercontinental Champion(after the Honky Tonk Man) has to qualify against Mike Knox to get a spot in the Rumble? Bull****. * 1/2 rating and Knox continues to baffle me with his continued employement.

Elijah Burke pinned Beef Wellington with the Elijah Experience. * rating. I almost feel asleep during this match.

Kane pins the Miz with the Choke Slam from Hell after destroying him. This was high entertainment. ** 1/2 rating for the utter beating the Miz got.

Big Daddy V and Mark Henry defeated Shelton Benjamin and the Undertaker when Big Daddy V pinned The Undertaker with an elbowdrop. Yes, the Undertaker was pinned with an elbowdrop. Of course, it was set up by a belt shot, but still. Good tag team match, Shelton is really rocking it and Taker seems to be making the best of a bad situation by feuding with these anchors. *** 1/2 rating.

WWE Royal Rumble
Festus retained the WWE Intercontinental Title against Mark Briscoe with a flapjack. Yep, this was a pointless opener. * rating.

Trevor Murdoch retained the WWE United States Title pinning Nigel McGuiness in a ** 1/2 rating with the Gourdbuster. This was a fun match, but this is the second match where a former ROH wrestler got beaten by a secondary champion.

Michelle McCool made Melina submit to the HEEL HOOK OF DOOM~! to retain the WWE Women's Title. DUD.

JTG pinned Jesse to win the ECW Championship with a tornado DDT. I swear this show happened. ** rating.

Randy Orton pinned the Big Show to retain the WWE Championship. With the show over halfway over, it finally got going. Show Choke Slam is blocked with a kick to the groin. RKO scores the pin. **** rating for this good match.

And then there was the Royal Rumble. For Raw we have: Chavo Guerrero, Rey Mysterio, Ken Kennedy, Umaga, Jeff Hardy, Shawn Michaels, John Cena, Triple H, Edge, Cody Rhodes, Snitsky, Val Venis, Ron Killings, Santino, and Carlito. For Smackdown: The Undertaker, Kane, Mark Henry, Big Daddy V, Matt Hardy, Shelton Benjamin, CM Punk, Kenny Dykstra, the Great Khali, Elijah Burke, Lance Cade, The Miz, Zach Ryder, Curt Hawkins, and Hardcore Holly. And this was a perfectly acceptable Royal Rumble. The final four were The Undertaker, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and John Cena. It should be noted that Triple H put both Big Daddy V and Mark Henry over the top rope at the same time, because he's Triple H. Also, Bushwhacker Luke is laughing somewhere at the Miz, as he was eliminated in seconds by the Undertaker after entering the Rumble. The first person out of the final four was eliminated was John Cena. Now it's DeGeneration X reunion against the Undertaker. The Undertaker fights them off and puts Michaels to the floor. Now it's down to the Undertaker and Triple H. Both men trade moves. Pedigree countered with a catapult, choke slam. Attempted Tombstone, but Triple H delivers a high knee and clotheslines the Undertaker to the floor for the victory. *** 1/2. Triple H is going to Wrestlemania 26 to challenge for the WWE Championship.

Misc
Snitsky, Drew McIntyre, and Rey Mysterio have signed contract extensions.

NWA

NWA Live Action

Bryan Danielson beat Raven after a series of elbowstrikes to the head. Good opening battle, with Raven bringing the psychology as well as Danielson. *** rating.

Nick Dinsmore pinned James Storm with a waistlock roll up. Both men have potential, but two short and what happened didn't click. * 1/2 rating.

Death from Above defeated the Urban Gladiators in a non title match when Kanyon pinned Vito with the Flatiner. Sabu put Abyss through a table. The NWA Tag Team Titles weren't on the line. *** rating for this match.

Booker T pinned Rob Van Dam with the Axe Kick after Van Dam missed the Five Star Frog Splash. Both men had a good match up until the finish. **** rating. Rhino runs out and destroys both men in the Gore.

TNA

TNA Impact

Karam Ibrahim Gaber, DeMeco Ryans, and Nick Hogan defeated Consequences Creed, Shark Boy, and Eric Young in a * rating pointless six man tag team match when Hogan pinned Creed with the Axe Bomber. The burying of the X-Division continues.

Rampage Jackson destroys Lance Hoyt or in theory. Hoyt didn't sell anything and seemed to make Rampage look like a geek. Even though the last couple of those shots looked legit, -* rating for an abyssmal match.

Petey Williams pinned Phoenix Starr with the Canadian Destroyer. * 1/2 rating. This show is not Russo bad, just boring bad. It's almost like we've went from Vince Russo to Kevin Sullivan.

Kip James, Curry Man, and Dr Wagner Jr defeated Chuck Taylor, Judas Mesthias, and Elix Skipper when Kip James pinned Elix Skipper with a cobra clutch slam. Moving right on. * 1/2

Alex Shelley pinned TNA Champion Sting in a non title match when Adam Pearce hit Sting with a baseball bat ruining a good match. *** rating up until the finish. You know, Pearce got shoved down our throats as NWA Champion, as ROH champion, and he might be shoved down our throats as TNA Champion. This guy has to have incriminating photos fo someone.

AJ Styles pinned Bobby Lashley with the Spiral Tap. This was a good match, harkening back to those classic Abyss/Styles matches. *** 1/2 rating for a good match with a clean finish. Who would have thunk it.

TNA Dominance
Karam Ibrahim Gaber squashed Consequences Creed with a belly to belly suplex. * rating.

Raisha Saeed battled Jacqueline Moore to a no contest which might have been a perfectly acceptable woman's match. Instead, Adam Pearce comes out, chasing both women off. Out comes Sting with the baseball bat and once again, WHO COULD CARE ABOUT ADAM PEARCE AND STING!

Lance Hoyt, Dr. Wagner Jr, and Kip James defeated Rampage Jackson, Nick Hogan, and Dan Maff when Kip James pinned Rampage Jackson with a sloppy roll up. I'll let this booking stand on it's own. DUD.

Tracy Brooks retained the TNA Knockout's Title over Roxxi, Payton Banks, and Angelina Love in three minutes of four women tripping over each other with Brooks pinned Love with a cross body. -* rating.

AJ Styles and Tomko retained the TNA Tag Team Titles over Sonjay Dutt and Robert Roode, who have never teamed up prior to tonight by the way, when Tomko pinned Dutt with a TKO. It's so obvious right now that Dutt's just a lackey to Jay Lethal. ***

Bobby Lashley pinned Eric Young with the Spear. ** 1/2. This was like when they would do Goldberg at the height of his popularity against Jerry Flynn. A fine match, but a bit one sided.

Misc

Also for the none of you who care, Kip James has announced he will be retiring, which is baffling consider he's still being pushed.

ROH

It All Begins 2010 report
-It is announced that Bryan Danielson has vacated the ROH Championship due to leaving the company to persue other interests.
-Daizee Haze defeated Mercedes Martinez with the Mind Trip
-Tank Toland pinned Devon Moore
-Jay Briscoe pinned Jason Blade with the J-Driller
-El Generico beat Kevin Steen in a respect match with the Brainbustah.
-The Age of the Fall defeated Jigsaw and Jack Evans when Jimmy Jacobs made Evans submit to the Guillotine Choke
-Dan Maff, Erick Stevens, and Davey Richards defeated Brent Albright, Claudio Castagnoli, and Ruckus when Davey Richards pinned Ruckus with the DR Driver.
-In a battle between the two top contenders for the ROH Championship, Chris Hero pinned Austin Aries with the Hero's Welcome to win the vacant title.

Lucha

On Lucha Madness, Juventud Guerrera retained the Mexico National Heavyweight Title over Ozz and Negro Casas defeated Dos Caras Jr to retain the Mexico National Middleweight Title.

CMLL featured El Nicho defeating Mr. Aguilia and Antifaz Del Norte defeated Decniss to retain the CMLL National Title.

Indies
PWG featured Chris Hero defeating Jimmy Rave to retain the PWG Championship. Also, Austin Aries defeated Jack Evans, Claudio Castagnoli defeated Roderick Strong, Davey Richards defeated Tyler Black, and Excalibur defeated PAC.

Pay Per View Buyrates and Television Ratings
The NWA Pay Per View received a 0.55 buyrate, with 220000 people buying the show.

Raw received a 7.19 rating on the USA Network, with a 1.35 rating on ABC South Pacific, WWE Progression had a 4.28 rating on the ABC, with a 1.95 rating on Nippon TV, WWE Smackdown received a 6.19 rating on the CW, a 1.57 rating on ESPN International, TNA Impact received a 3.07 rating, and TNA Dominance received a 4.40 rating.

[MadMatt]

Slight format change, to hopefully save some time and get out more updates. First Newsletter of February.



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #85 Week One February 2010

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw saw Highlander Robbie defeating Jay Bradley with a Slingshot Suplex, Brian Kendrick defeating Santino Marella with Sliced Bread #2, Mickie James defeated Melina, William Regal defeated Kid Kash with a half nelson suplex, Snitsky defeated Matt Cross with a pumphandle slam, the Big Show pinned Carlito with the Choke Slam, and DeGeneration X made a return to the show defeating Mr. Kennedy and John Cena with the Pedigree to Kennedy and the Superkick to Cena. Afterwards, Randy Orton came out, challenging Shawn Michaels to a match at No Way Out, which Michaels accepts, saying there is going to be alll DX title match at Wrestlemania.

Thoughts On The Show: This was a pretty good addition of Raw with the exception of the opener and the Snitsky match. Melina and Mickie had their usual good match, these two women should be challenging for the title. Regal and Kash with a stiff match. Kendrick may have gotten his biggest win in a while against Santino and Carlito might be back in the doghouse again considering his quickie loss to the Big Show. Also, tag team match was your usual Raw main event, as in good. Really nothing to complain about with this show.

WWE Progression saw Justin Credible pinning Shannon Moore with a superkick, Molly Holly pinned Ashley with a DDT, ECW Champion JTG defeating Chuck Palumbo with a splash off the top rope, Paul Burchill squashed Eric Perez with a Curb Stomp, Elijah Burke pinned Jesse with the Elijah Experience, and Mark Henry beat Kane with the World's Strongest Slam.

Thoughts on the Show: I hate the Smackdown brand lately and when Mark Henry and Kane is the best match on the show, you know it was a bad night. Ashley also dragged Molly Holly down to the negative star region, so good for her...not. Surprised to see Elijah Burke get a win over someone they've been pushing lately, maybe there's hope for him yet.

WWE Smackdown saw Hernandez defeating Deuce with a sidewalk slam, Jamie Noble pinned Devon Storm with the Gibson Driver in less than a minute, Ashley defeated Katie Lea Burchill, The Miz defeated Colin Delaney, Hardcore Holly defeated Monty Brown with the Alabama Slam cleanly, JTG retained the ECW Championship against Jesse with a splash off the top rope, and Chris Jericho retained the World Heavyweight Title in a triple threat match over the Undertaker and CM Punk when Jericho pinned CM Punk with a lionsault after dropkicking the Undertaker to the floor following a choke slam on Punk.

Thoughts on the Show The Main Event rocked the show, the rest was trash. Monty Brown's push is dead. Hernandez pinned Deuce, that might be the highest profile victory he's gotten in WWE, and Ashley had another wretched match. Just a rather uneventful night on the Smackdown brand.

Tom Howard, Heath Miller, and Charlie Haas have signed contract extensions.

Smackdown received a contract to air on Sky One. Their contract on ESPN International will expire at the end of the month.

For television ratings this week, Raw got a 7.11 rating on the USA Network, with a 1.08 rating on ABC South Pacific, WWE Progression received a 4.27 rating on the ABC Network, with a 1.55 rating rating on Nippon TV, WWE Smackdown received a 6.17 rating on the CW, with a 1.29 rating on ESPN International.

The Royal Rumble got a 2.82 buyrate, with 1128000 people buying the show.

TNA

So Brock Lesnar just signed with TNA. In 2002, Brock Lesnar exploded on the scene in WWE, becoming a big thing rather quickly. In his first year, he defeated legendary wrestlers like the Rock, Hulk Hogan, the Undertaker, and Kurt Angle, becoming WWE Champion a number of times. There were few people who had become so big so fast(other than Goldberg, who has been making some rumblings of returning but that's another story for another day). In 2004, Lesnar wanted out of WWE, wanting to make it in the NFL. That didn't work out and after a brief stint in NJPW, Lesnar tried his hand at MMA. Mixed results here, and after a slight injury and a crushing loss in a mid-2009 fight, Lesnar's status in MMA faded after a hot start. Now, he's back to where it all began and he decided that TNA was his best bet. Guess WWE wasn't biting and NWA did not seem high profile enough for Lesnar.

TNA Impact saw Dan Maff defeated Jimmy Shalwin with a lariat, ODB and Gail Kim defeated Awesome Kong and Raisha Saeed when Kim pinned Saeed with a Frankenseiner off of her partner's shoulders, AJ Styles and Tomko defeated Petey Williams and Scott Steiner with a superplex/frog splash combination on Petey, Robert Roode pinned Lance Hoyt with the Payoff, Kurt Angle made Brother Ray tap to the Ankle Lock, and Sonjay Dutt, Jay Lethal, and Bobby Lashley defeated Sting, Samoa Joe, and Homicide when Lashley pinned Sting with a spear after Adam Pearce hit Sting with a baseball bat.

Thoughts on the Show: Awesome six man tag main event, even though they continue that confusing Pearce/Sting feud. Also, Kurt Angle and Brother Ray was a good match, I hope we get some Angle/Lesnar matches soon. Women's tag was good as usual, the rest of the show was the usual TNA stuff.

TNA Dominance: Brock Lesnar made his TNA debut, saying that he's inserting himself into the title match tonight, making it a fatal four way. Johnny Devine retained the TNA X-Division Championship over Lance Hoyt with a roll up, ODB and Gail Kim defeated the Beautiful People when ODB pinned Angelina Love with a Thesz Press, Tracy Brooks retained the TNA Knockout's Title against Raisha Saeed and Peyton Banks with a sunset flip on Banks, Phoenix Starr defeated Dr. Wagner Jr and Rellik when Starr pinned Rellik with a cross body, Alex Shelley pinned Homicide with the Shell Shock after Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal interference, and TNA Champion Sting retained the title over Brock Lesnar, Bobby Lashley, and Samoa Joe when Sting pinned Joe with the Scorpion Death Drop. Lashley and Lesnar team up to brawl with Team 3D to set up a match. Dutt and Lethal attack Joe, Pearce attacks Sting.

Thoughts on the Show: Lesnar makes his TNA debut in a four way match, for the title? Stupid. And the end of the show with twenty million people on screen was usual TNA. Both women's matches were wretched and Lance Hoyt is the last person you would think of when you say the words "X-Division". Also, both Shelley/Homicide and the fatal four way were good matches, but some stupid booking brought it down a couple of notches.

TNA Against All Logic er Odds: Johnny Devine retained the TNA X-Division Title against Shark Boy with the Devine Intervention in a minute, DeMaco Ryans and Kip James defeated Rampage Jackson and Nick Hogan when James pinned Rampage with a cobra clutch slam, Eric Young and Alex Shelley defeated Robert Roode and Dan Maff when Shelley pinned Roode with a waistlock roll up, Karem Ibrahim Gaber pinned Curry Man with a Death Valley Driver, TNA Champion Sting made Adam Pearce submit to the Scorpion Deathlock, Raisha Saeed captured the TNA Knockout's Title over Tracy Brooks in a triple threat match that also included Peyton Banks when Saeed made Brooks submit to an Indian Deathlock, AJ Styles and Tomko retained the TNA Tag Team Titles over Petey Williams and Scott Steiner when Styles pinned Petey with a frog splash, Bobby Lashley and Brock Lesnar defeated Team 3D when Lesnar pinned Brother Devon with the F-5, and Homicide and Samoa Joe defeated Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal when Joe made Dutt tap with a Kokina Clutch.

Thoughts on the Show: The two closing tag team matches were awesome tag team matches. Pearce/Sting was okay as well, at least Pearce didn't win. Kip James still winning baffles me, considering he's a couple weeks away from retiring. Johnny Devine and Shark Boy once again get spit on, with the rest of the X-Division. Raisha Saeed is the TNA Knockout's Champion for a second time. Good Pay Per View in general, but some questionable booking on many accounts.

TNA Impact received a 3.13 rating and TNA Dominance received a 4.61 rating

NWA

NWA Live Action: Scott Taylor defeated James Storm with a DDT out of the corner, the Urban Gladiators defeated Tomko and Nova when Abyss pinned Nova with the Black Hole Slam, Rob Van Dam defeated Chris Mordetzky with the Five Star Frog Splash, and Booker T retained the NWA Championship against Andrew Test Martin with the Axe Kick.

Thoughts on the Show: Thumbs up for Booker T and Rob Van Dam for their miracle performances. The rest of the show was good. NWA has been solid, if a bit by the numbers lately, but that's not a bad thing.

Lucha
Mistico and Shocker defeated Juventud Guerrera and Ultimo Guerrero in the main event of Lucha Madness. Also, Octagon and La Parka Jr defeated Sky High and Negro Casas defeated Chessman to retain the Mexico National Middleweight Title.

CMLL featured Mr. Aguila, El Hijo Del Perro, and Atlantis defeating Rey Bucerno, Heavy Metal, and Escoria and Nicho, Blue Panther, and Omplico defeating the CMLL Trios Title over Sagrado, Decniss, and Silver Cat.

Puro
Shinsuke Nakamura captured the IWGP Heavyweight Title over Manabu Nakanishi.

Big Japan had their monthly show, featuring MEN's Teioh retaining the BJW Deathmatch Title over Super Delfin, Jun Kansai defeated Madman Pondo and, Taiyo Kea defeated Gentaro.

Minoru Suzuki defeated Naoki Sano to capture the AJPW Triple Crown Championship.

Indies
OVW featured Jamin Olvencia defeated Tommy McNaler to retain the OVW Championship in the main event. Also, Anthony Bravado battled Nine Fingers Dewey to a no contest, Jacob Duncan captured the OVW Television Championship over Rudy Switchblade, and Sweet Stevie defeated Chris Cage.

FCW featured Dan Maff defeated Flash Flanagan to retain the FCW Championship. Also, Sonjay Dutt defeated Trent Acid, also Sonjay Dutt defeated Trent Acid, Jay Briscoe defeated Glenn Gilberti, and B-Boy and Retail Dragon retained FCW Tag Team Championship against Niles Young and Shane Storm.

A new women's promotion in Canada, owned by Takao Inoue has been opened. Lufisto, Sara Del Ray, and Jetta have already signed contracts with World Woman's Wrestling(WWW).

[MadMatt]

Another newsletter!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #86 Week Two February 2010

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw saw Ron Killings pinning Karl Anderson with an axe kick, Highlander Robbie pinned the Messiah with a belly to back suplex, Victoria battled Mickie James to a no contest when Melina interfered, leading to a three way brawl, Santino and Carlito defeated Mark Briscoe and Tom Howard when Carlito pinned Mark Briscoe with the Back Stabber, Snitsky squashed Nunzio with a kick to the face, Umaga pinned Vladmir Koslov with the Samoan Spike, and Rey Mysterio and Edge defeated Gregory Helms and Chavo Guerrero when Edge pinned Chavo with the Spear.

Thoughts on the Show: The main event was awesome, Edge is now officially a face it looks like. Remember when Koslov was the bodyguard of Randy Orton? That lasted all of a month and Umaga destroyed Koslov. Victoria and Mickie were having a good match, with Melina breaking it up, which should hopefully lead to a good three way down the road. The rest of the show was just the usual WWE fare, nothing good but nothing too damning.

WWE Progression: Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch defeated Eddie Colon and TJ Wilson when Murdoch pinned Colon with the High/Low, Ashley pinned Katie Lea Burchill with an elbow off the second rope, Big Daddy V and Mark Henry defeated the Edgeheads when Big Daddy V pinned Curt Hawkins with an elbowdrop, Elijah Burke pinned Beef Wellington with an Elijah Experience, The Undertaker pinned MVP with the Tombstone, and Chris Jericho retained the World Heavyweight Title in a fatal four way match against The Great Khali, Batista, and CM Punk when Jericho pinned Punk with the Code Breaker after Batista and Khali took each other out.

Thoughts on the Show: Last two matches rocked. The rest of the show was jsut there. I'm so sick of seeing those Edgeheads/V & Henry matches. Also, Ashley had yet another bad match, but that's to be expected by now.

WWE Smackdown Paul Burchill pinned Hernandez with the Curb Stomp, Orlando Jordan defeated Kafu and Deuce when Jordan pinned Deuce, Ashley pinned Maria with a DDT, Justin Credible pinned TJ Wilson with a superkick, Kofi Kingston squashed Nigel McGuiness with the Jamacian Buzzsaw, Shelton Benjamin pinned Elijah Burke with the Paydirt, and Big Daddy V pinned Batista after Mark Henry tripped up Batista, allowing V to drop all of his weight behind an elbowdrop.

Thoughts on the Show: Batista and Big Daddy V again. Ugh. Burke and Shelton was a good match, I hope the ECW Championship gets put on either of these men soon. Nigel McGuiness continues to get spit on. That Triple Threat Match was a nightmare, it was only slightly better than Ashley and Maria. Justin Credible continues to win, so I bet he may be getting the ECW Championship again soon.

Spike Dudley signed a contract extension with WWE.

Raw received a 7.03 rating on USA Network, with a 1.06 rating on ABC Asia Pacific, WWE Progression received a 4.38 rating on ABC, with a 1.58 rating on Nippon TV, and Smackdown received a 6.01 rating on the CW, with a 1.28 rating on ESPN International.

TNA

Well as I said last week, Goldberg has been making noise about getting back in wrestling and this week, he signs in TNA.

TNA Impact Johnny Devine defeated Shark Boy with the Devine Intervention to retain the TNA X-Division Title, ODB pinned Tracy Brooks with the Thesz Press, Curry Man and Kip James defeated Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal when the match stopped with Dutt landing on his leg wrong on a Kip James press slam(more on this in thoughts), Raisha Saeed pinned Gail Kim with a swinging suplex to retain the TNA Knockout's Title, Sting defeated Alex Shelley, Dr. Wagner Jr, and Dan Maff when Sting pinned Shelley with the Scorpion Death Drop. Afterwards Jay Lethal challenges Sting to a dream partner tag team match for Dominance. Bobby Lashley pinned Brother Devon with a spear.

Thoughts on the Show: Lashley looks like a killer in the main event, so if they are pushing him for a reign as TNA Champion like has been talked about, this is a step in the right direction. Sonjay Dutt, poor Sonjay Dutt. He broke his leg in that tag team match thanks to the sloppiness of Kip James. Dutt shatters his leg. This was about as bad as the Sid injury towards the end of WCW. Sting/Lethal seems to be a nice budding feud, the dream partner tag team match would have gotten a good Pay Per View. The X-Division Title seems to continue to be just thrown out as an afterthought and the Knockout's Title Match was good.

TNA Dominance: Elix Skipper pinned Shark Boy with the Play of the Day, Kip James battled Dan Maff to a no contest when GOLDBERG made his TNA debut, destroying both men with spears, and says he's Sting's partner for tonight. Angelina Love pinned Raisha Saeed in a non title match when Velvet Sky interfered. Petey Williams and Scott Steiner defeated AJ Styles and Curry Man when Petey Williams pinned Curry Man with the Canadian Destroyer. Bobby Lashley pinned Kurt Angle in five minutes with a spear. Also, in a dream partner tag team match,Goldberg and Sting battled Brock Lesnar and Jay Lethal to a no contest when both teams brawled throughout the arena.

Thoughts on the Show: Lashley and Angle was given for the first time for free on television with no build and in five minutes? TNA: We hate Money. Goldberg's debut was explosive and I think we're going to see Goldberg/Lesnar take two. Kip James getting that vicious spear made me cackle. Saeed losing to Angelina Love was baffling, but they are setting up a program between the Beautiful People and Kong and Saeed by the loos of it. Just another TNA show.

TNA Impact received a 2.97 rating and TNA Dominance received a 4.30 rating.

TNA Against All Odds received a 0.50 buyrate, with 200000 people buying the show.

NWA

NWA Live Action: Sylvain Grenier and Rob Conway defeated Nova and Tomko when Grenier pinned Nova with a front suplex, Chris Mordetzky pinned Raven with a wheelbarrow suplex, Death From Above battled the Urban Gladiators to a double countout, and Booker T pinned Joey Matthews with the Book End to retain the NWA Champions. Rhino gored Booker after the match.

THoughts on the Show: Just a meh, show. Rhino/Booker is set up more but other than that, just a pedestrian effort by a company that was so great in the summer and fall.

Lucha
Vampiro, Mistico, and Latin Lover defeated Negro Casas, Shocker, and Gran Apache to retain the Mexico National Atomicos Titles on Lucha Madness. Also, Octagon defeated El Hijo Del Santo.

CMLL had their monthly show, featuring Aguila, El Hijo Del Perro, and Cuervo battled Heavy Metal, Lizmark Jr, and Hector Garza to a double countout. Also, Atlantis defeated Rey Bucanero to win the CMLL Heavyweight Championship, Anifaz Del Norte defeated Silver Cat to retain the CMLL National Title, and Nicho, Blue Panther, and Olimpico defeated Decniss, Rayo de Jalisico, and Sagrado to retain the CMLL Trios Titles.

CMLL featured Blue Panther defeating Atlantis and Decniss and Damian defeated Silver Cat and Rayo De Jalisco to retain the CMLL World Tag Team Titles.

Puro

AJPW featured Minoru Suzuki defeating Keiji Mutoh to retain the Triple Crown Championship. Also, Katsuyori Shibata defeated Takeshi Morshima, Shuji Kondo defeated Blue Wolf to capture the AJPW Jr. Heavyweight Title, Bob Sapp defeated Shinya Makabe, and the Great Sasuke defeated Kenzo Suzuki.

Dragon Gate featured TAKA Michinoku defeating K-ness to retain the Open the Dream Gate Title, CIMA defeated Shinjro Otani, Kamikaze and Doi defeated Mag and Shiisa to retain the Open the Twin Gate Titles, Kintaro Kanemura defeated Dragon Kid, and Masaaki Mochizuki defeated Taku Iwasa to retain the Open the Brave Gate Title.

Indies
PWG featured Austin Aries and Davey Richards defeated Hart Foundation 2k5 when Aries pinned Jack Evans with the 450 Splash. Also, Chris Hero retained the PWG Championship over Jimmy Rave, Tyler Black defeated Claudio Castagnoli, and Eddie Kingston defeated Retail Dragon.

CZW featured Sexxy Eddy and Chuck Taylor defeating the Nightmares in the main event. Also, the vacant CZW Championship was filled when Vito Thomaselli defeated Ruckus, Ricochet defeated Salvatore Thomaselli, Sabain defeated Danny Demanto to retain the CZW Arena Title, and Brain Damage defeated Icarus to retain the CZW Iron Man Title.

[MadMatt]

Another newsletter!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #87 Week Three February 2010

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw saw Carlito and Santino defeating Heath Miller and Steve Lewington when Carlito pinned Miller with the Back Stabber, Kid Kash defeated Franky the Mobster and the Messiah when Kash pinned The Mobster with a Dead Level, Michelle McCool made Mickie James submit to the heel hook submission to retain the WWE Women's Title, Chavo Guerrero pinned Nunzio with the Frog Splash, Vladimir Koslov pinned Chris Harris with a headbutt to the midsection, Hardcore Holly pinned Domino with the Alabama Slam, and Rey Mysterio pinned Snitsky with a springboard splash.

Thoughts on the Show: Main event was good, Rey busted his breaking down ass to get a good match against Snitsky. Kash/Franky/Messiah was just the reason why WWE needed a heat shot. Mickie James also got a good match out of Michelle McCool but sadly she did not win the belt. Nunzio and Chavo was good fun. Domino get stiffed by Holly. Average show, just another week on Raw.

WWE Progression saw, Justin Credible pinning Colin Delaney with a superkick, Katie Lea Burchill battling Candice Michelle to a no contest, Hernandez pinned Curt Hawkins with a sidewalk slam, Orlando Jordan pinned Chuck Palumbo with a Black Ice, Mark Henry pinned Matt Hardy with the World's Strongest Slam, and the Great Khali pinned Hardcore Holly with the Tree Slam.

Thoughts on This Show This was a show that meant absolutely nothing. Hardy just was going through the motions even against Mark Henry and the main event just seemed like an afterthought. The things that WWE will put on ABC to get a good rating.

WWE Smackdown saw Paul London pinning Orlando Jordan with a cradle, Trevor Murdoch destroyed Beef Wellington with the Gourdbuster to retain the United States Title, Katie Lea Burchill pinned Jillian with a backbreaker, Kevin Thorn pinned Nigel McGuiness with the Original Sin, Kenny Dykstra pinned Ted DiBiase Jr with a Springboard Legdrop, Big Daddy V pinned Hardcore Holly with an elbowdrop, and Mark Henry pinned Jesse with the World's Strongest Slam.

Thoughts on the Show: Mark Henry and Jesse, yep that's your main event. Orlando Jordan sandbagging Paul London was sad to watch. Big Daddy V/Hardcore Holly was just the dryest, most bland match in the entire history of WWE(yes all fifty years). Murdoch's squash was fun and Dykstra/Dibiase was okay, but not specatcular. Two more hours of my life wasted.

WWE No Way Out saw Trevor Murdoch retaining the WWE United States Title in a four way match over Nigel McGuiness, Beef Wellington, and Mighty Mikey when Murdoch pinned Nigel with the Gourdbuster, Mark Henry and Big Daddy V retained the WWE Tag Team Titles in an open challenge against TJ Wilson and Eddie Colon when Henry pinned Wilson with the World's Strongest Slam. Undertaker came out and beat up both big men afterwards. Michelle McCool retained the WWE Women's Title over Mickie James with the Heel Hook, Snitsky squashed Gregory Helms with a Pumphandle Slam, JTG pinned Shannon Moore to retain the ECW Championship with a Flying Splash, The Great Khali pinned Hardcore Holly with the Tree Slam, Festus pinned Super Crazy with a flapjack to retain the WWE Intercontinental Title, and Randy Orton retained the WWE Championship over Shawn Michaels with the Pedigree. Triple H came out and hit Orton with the Pedigree, before posing with the belt.

Thoughts on the Show: Good main event, the rest of the show was either uneventful or sucked. Was the world really waiting for another Holly/Khali match. Michelle beat Mickie again, just to raise my blood pressure. Murdoch beating geeks is always fun. That WWE run really paid off for Nigel. The rumor Kane/Taker vs Big Daddy V/Mark Henry match for Wrestlemania, man if the streak ends, that will suck. The title reigns of Festus and JTG continue to be flat.

Raw received a 7.08 rating on USA, with a 1.32 rating on the ABC South Pacific, WWE Progression received a 4.24 rating on Nippon, with a 1.50 rating on Nippon TV, WWE Smackdown received a 5.95 rating on the CW, and a 1.27 rating on ESPN International.

TNA

TNA Impact saw Adam Pearce pinning Lance Hoyt with the Jumping Piledriver, ODB and Gail Kim defeated Awesome Kong and Raisha Saeed when ODB pinned Saeed with a Thesz Press, Dan Maff pinned Curry Man with a lariat, Brother Ray pinned Kip James with a Full Nelson Atomic Drop, AJ Styles and Tomko retained the TNA Tag Team Titles over Petey Williams and Scott Steiner when Styles pinned Petey with a frog splash, and Jay Lethal pinned Kurt Angle with a sunset flip. Afterwards, Homicide attacked Lethal, but Sting made the save, because this is TNA!

Thoughts on the Show: Yep, the injury of Sonjay Dutt has really screwed things up, as Lethal is now face and with Sting. Homicide/Angle vs. Sting/Lethal on Dominance. The women's tag match and the tag team title match were the usual. Kip James was beaten like a dog, which is always good. Still, despite the skeptical booking after the main event, this was some good stuff.

TNA Dominance saw Nick Hogan pinned Shark Boy with the Axe Bomber, Peyton Banks, Tracy Brooks, and Angelina Love defeated Gail Kim, Christy Hemme, and Roxxy when Angelina Love pinned Gail Kim with a sunset flip, Petey Williams and Scott Steiner defeated Dr. Wagner Jr and Curry Man when Petey pinned Curry Man with the Canadian Destroyer, Eric Young pinned Rampage Jackson with a sunset flip, afterwards Rampage went on a rampage and destroyed Young, Bobby Lashley became the number one contender to the TNA Title, beating AJ Styles with the Running Powerslam, and Jay Lethal and Sting defeated Homicide and Kurt Angle when Sting pinned Angle with the Scorpion Deathdrop in a classic main event.

Thoughts on the Show Lashley/Sting at the next Pay Per View for the TNA Championship. Also, the tag team main event was great and Angle was pinned, which was the least damaging result. Rampage Jackson loses to Eric Young. Yes, this is TNA. At least he beats him after the match. Six women's tag team match was mediocre. We finally got Stone Cold and Hogan, unfortunately it's Stone Cold Shark Boy and Nick Hogan.

TNA Impact received a 3.07 rating and TNA Dominace received a 4.68 rating.

NWA

NWA Live Action: Sean Waltman pinned Jimmy Yang with the X-Factor, Rene Dupree pinned Tomko with a reverse DDT, Shaquile O' Neal pinned Andrew Test Martin with a kick to the chest, and Booker T and Christian Cage defeated NWA Tag Team Champions Death From Above in a non title when Booker pinned Kanyon with the Axe Kick.

Thoughts on the Show Tomko/Dupree...man that was a choice battle. Also Shaq/Test, boy these two guys are tall and that's it. At least Shaq's over. Tag team main event was some fun stuff, the tag team champions got a bit of offense, so good for them.

ROH

ROH had their eighth anniversary show this past week. The results are as follows
-Austin Aries and Jay Briscoe retained the ROH Tag Team Titles over the Age of the Fall when Aries pinned Jimmy Jacobs with the 450 Splash
-Shane Hagadorn pinned Ruckus with a cradle using the ropes
-Kevin Steen pinned El Generico with the Package Piledriver
-Erick Stevens pinned Devon Moore with a Doctor Bomb
-Davey Richards pinned Jack Evans with the DR Driver
-Dan Maff pinned Claudio Castagnoli with the Burning Hammer
-Chris Hero retained the ROH Championship over Brent Albright with the Hero's Welcome.

Lucha
Vampiro, Mistico, and Latin Lover retained the Mexico National Atomicos Titles over Shocker, Gran Apache, and Negro Casas on Lucha Madness. Also, Electro Shock defeated Juventud Guerrera.

CMLL featured the main event of Atlantis, El Hijo Del Santo, and Blue Panther defeated Nicho, Aguila, and Heavy Metal. Also, Olimpico defeated Rey Bucanero.

Puro

Super Delfin captured the BJW Deathmatch Title over MEN'S Teioh.

NOAH's monthly show featured Mitsuhara Misawa retaining the GHC Title over Akira Taue, Takeshi Rikio defeated Steve Corino, Jun Izumida defeated Sean O' Haire to retain the NOAH Wrestling Spirit Title, Tomohiro Ishii defeated Alexander Otsuka to retain the GHC Jr. Heavyweight Title, Naomichi Marufuji defeated Takashi Siguiru, and Atushi Aoki defeated Kevin Steen.

NJPW's monthly show featured Shinsuke Nakamura defeating Minoru Tanaka to capture the IWGP Championship, Keiji Mutoh defeating Yuji Nagata, Bryan Danielson retained the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title over Tomaoki Honda, Takao Omori defeated Black Tiger, and Masahiro Chono defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi.

[U]Indies[/I]
IWA-MS featured Chris Hero retaining the IWA: MS Heavyweight Title over Davey Richards, Roderick Strong and Claudio Castagnoli defeated Tyler Black and Ruckus, B-Boy defeated Ricky Reyes, The Iron Saints retained the IWA: MS Tag Team Titles over the Death Squad, and Jason Hades defeated Josh Ambercrombie to retain the IWA: MS Lightheavyweight Title.

JAPW was headlined by Chris Hero retaining the JAPW Heavyweight Title over Jack Evans. Also, Chuck Taylor battled Jay Lethal to a no contest, Eddie Kingston and B-Boy retained the JAPW Tag Team Titles over Trent Acid and El Generico, and Sara Del Ray defeated Ariel.

FIP featured Roderick Strong retaining the FIP Championship over Bryan Danielson. Also, Brent Albright defeated Larry Sweeney, Davey Richards retained the FIP Florida State Heritage Title over Jack Evans, Erick Stevens defeated Eddie Kingston, and Jay Briscoe and Tyler Black retained the FIP Tag Team Titles over Gran Akuma and Delirious.

SHIMMER featured Daizee Haze retaining the championship over Mercedes Martinez. Also, Ms Chif and Ariel defeated Lacey and Rain.

World's Women Wrestling had their first show, with a main event between Jazz and Michiko Omukai battling to a double countout. Also, Jezebel and Takako captured the WWW Tag Team Titles over LuFisto and Shiisa and Jetta defeated Sara Del Ray to capture the WWW Intercontinental Title.

[MadMatt]

Final Newsletter of February 2010!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #88 Week Four February 2010

WWE

WWE Monday Night saw DH Smith pinning Tom Howard with the Running Powerslam, Portia Perez battled Beth Phoenix to a no contest when Beth beat her down and left the ring, Brian Kendrick pinned Kid Kash with Sliced Bread #2, Charlie Haas pinned Stevie Richards with a German Suplex, Gregory Helms and Chavo Guerrero defeated Jim Duggan and Super Crazy when Chavo pinned Duggan with the Five Splash, World Tag Team Champions Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly defeated Santino and Carlito to retain the titles when Cody pinned Carlito with the DDT, and Triple H pinned JBL with the Pedigree. Orton laid him out with the RKO afterwards.

Thoughts on the Show: Awesome brawl for the main event. Also Helms and Chavo facing off against Duggan and Crazy was good, due to Duggan standing on the ring apron for ninety percent of the match. Haas/Stevie and Kash/Kendrick were fine little battles and that World Tag Team Match happened again.

WWE Progression: Monty Brown destroyed Eddie Colon with the Pounce, Chuck Palumbo pinned Ted DiBiase Jr with the Full Throttle, Layla pinned Candice with a backslide, Big Daddy V and Mark Henry defeated the Edgeheads when Mark Henry pinned Zach Ryder with the World's Strongest Slam, Shelton Benjamin pinned World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho in a non title match with the Paydirt, and Kane pinned the Great Khali with a flying clothesline.

Thoughts on the Show: Another Khali/Kane match? Well, it was fine enough. Shelton/Jericho was an awesome match as well and it looks like we are slowly building Shelton for a title run. The other matches were just there, with the except of that Women's Match which was horrible.

WWE Smackdown saw the Edgeheads defeating Andrew Vain and Lupe Viscara with a Stacked Up Superplex, Shannon Moore pinned Hernandez with a backspring crossbody, Ashley pinned Maria with a DDT out of the corner, Highlander Rory pinned Paul London with a slingshot suplex, Mark Henry pinned Hardcore Holly with the World's Strongest Slam, and CM Punk pinned the Great Khali with a knee strike to the face.

Thoughts on the Show: A weird show with some odd booking. Holly/Henry, again. Ashley/Maria again. Punk pins Khali with a knee strike, bumping around like a pinball. Just another night of Smackdown.

Nigel McGuiness has left WWE and Chavo Guerrero has signed a contract extension.

Raw received a 7.13 rating on the USA Network, with a 1.33 rating on ABC South Pacific, WWE Progression received a 4.44 rating on ABC, with a 1.95 rating on Nippon TV, Smackdown received a 6.04 rating on the CW, with a 1.28 rating on ESPN International.

TNA

TNA Impact featured Mike DiBiase pinning Shark Boy with a cobra clutch slam, Peyton Banks pinned Awesome Kong with a crucifix, Alex Shelley pinned Phoenix Starr with the Shell Shock, Raisha Saeed defeated Roxxy to retain the TNA Knockout's Title with a Swinging DDT, AJ Styles and Tomko retained the TNA Tag Team Titles over Petey Williams and Scott Steiner when Tomko pins Petey Williams with a TKO, and Bill Goldberg battled Jay Lethal to a no contest.

Thoughts on the Show Yes, the main event doesn't get a clean finish. It's obviously stupid to have Goldberg to lose this early but Lethal should not be losing with a push, so we get this finish. Kong continues to slide down the roster. Styles/Tomko battled Petey/Steiner again. This match is getting repititive. The rest of the show was just the usual fare for TNA.

TNA Dominance featured Mike DiBiase pinning Curry Man with a cobra clutch slam, Awesome Kong and Raisha Saeed defeated ODB and Gail Kim when Saeed pinned Kim after a Kong Awesome Bomb, Alex Shelley pinned Phoenix Starr with the Shell Shock, AJ Styles and Tomko battled Team 3D to a no contest, Bobby Lashley and Brock Lesnar defeated Petey Williams and Scott Steiner when Lesnar pinned Petey with the F-5, and Samoa Joe made Robert Roode tap out for a Kokina Clutch.

Thoughts on the Show That main event was a good power match. Also, Petey Williams takes the hugest F-5 on route to being pinned. Women's tag team match was the usual good stuff and Tomko/Styles against Team 3D was good until the finish.

Consequences Creed and Sting have signed contract extensions for TNA.

TNA Impact received a 3.06 rating and TNA Dominance received a 4.62 rating.

NWA

NWA Live Action saw Nova pinning Ro-Z with a sunset flip, Andrew Test Martin pinned Jimmy Wang Yang with a big boot, Rob Van Dam battled Chris Kanyon to a thirty minute time limit, and Christian Cage pinned Rhino with the Unprettier.

Thoughts on the Show: Pinning Rhino on the show right before he was supposed to get a title shot baffled me. Van Dam/Kanyon ruled the school.

NWA The Sun Never Sets featured James Storm pinning Brent Albright with a superkick, Rob Conway pinned Dustin Rhodes with the Ego Trip, Sean Waltman pinned Sylvain Grenier with the X-Factor, Death From Above retained the NWA Tag Team Titles over the Urban Gladiators when Sabu pinned Abyss with the Triple Jump Moonsault, Rene Dupree battled Jimmy Wang Yang to a double countout, Andrew Test Martin pinned Scott Taylor with a big boot, Chris Mordetzky pinned Nick Dinsmore with a wheelbarrow suplex, Christian Cage and Shaquile O' Neil defeated Joey Matthews and Rob Van Dam when Shaq pinned Matthews with a power bomb and Booker T retained the NWA Championship over Rhino with the Book End.

Thoughts on the Show: Another solid NWA Championship match closes out the show. Also, Cage/Shaq battled Matthews/RVD in a solid tag team match. Urban Gladiators against Death From Above in another great battle betwee both teams. Albright/Storm was a good opener. The rest of the show, just the usual.

Lucha

Lucha Madness featured Electro Shock defeating Vampiro and Negro Casas defeating Alan to retain the Mexico National Middleweight Title.

AAA's monthly show featured Vampiro, Mistico, and Latin Lover defeated Gran Apache, Electro Shock, and Shocker to retain the Mexico National Atomicos Titles, Juventud Guerrera defeated Octagon to retain the Mexico National Heavyweight title, Abismo Negro defeated La Parka Jr and Negro Casas defeated El Hijo Del Santo to retain the Mexico National Middleweight Title.

CMLL featured Mr. Aguila, Atlantis, and El Hijo Del Perro defeating Rey Bucanero, Heavy Metal, and Hector Garza in the main event. Also, Nicho, Blue Panther, and Olimpico defeated Silver Cat, Damian 666, and Rayo De Jalisco to retain the CMLL World Trios Titles and Cuervo defeated Antifaz Del Norte to retain the CMLL World Middleweight Title.

Puro
Buchanan won the NOAH Wrestling Spirit Title from Jun Izumida.

Ryo Saito and Genki Horiguchi won the Open the Twin Gate Titles from Kamikaze and Doi.

[MadMatt]

First Newsletter of March 2010!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #89 Week One March 2010

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw featured Highlander Robbie, Charlie Haas, and Chris Harris defeating Ron Killings, Nunzio, and Val Venis when Harris pinned Nunzio with a spear, Gregory Helms and Chavo Guerrero defeated Jim Duggan and Super Crazy when Chavo pinned Duggan with the Frog Splash, Drew McIntyre pinned Tommy Dreamer with a German Suplex, WWE Intercontinental Champion Festus pinned Matt Cross with a flapjack in a non title match, Michelle McCool made Beth Phoenix submit to the heel hook of doom to retain the WWE Women's Title, Santino and Carlito defeated World Tag Team Champions Hardcore Holly and Cody Rhodes in a non title match when Carlito pinned Hardcore Holly with the Back Stabber, and WWE Champion Randy Orton pinned Triple H with the RKO in a non title match.

Thoughts on the Show: Yes the Wrestlemania main event on free television, three weeks before the show. The clock ticks down on the Age of Orton. Also, Michelle McCool's reign continues with a clean victory over Beth Phoenix. The opening six man seemed to be just a reminder that these men do exist. A certain tag team match happens once again. Once again Super Crazy, Gregory Helms, and Chavo Guerrero have a great battle, with Jim Duggan playing the crowd from the apron and eating the pin. Also, Drew McIntyre appears that he might get a push. And a Festus squash. What more could you want?

WWE Progression saw Jamie Noble pinning Sheamus O' Shaunessy with the Gibson Driver, Deuce battled Eric Perez to a no contest, Molly Holly pinned Katie Lea Burchill with a Northern Lights Suplex, Shannon Moore pinned Devon Storm with a moonsault, Trevor Murdoch pinned The Undertaker after Big Daddy V splashed Taker on the floor and rolled him back into the ring, and CM Punk pinned MVP with the GTS.

Thoughts on the Show: Once again, only the last two matches matter. Trevor Murdoch getting a victory over the Undertaker, which set up the Big Daddy V and Mark Henry against Brothers of Destruction tag match at Wrestlemania further, which may or may not be for the WWE Tag Team Titles. CM Punk and MVP show why they are the future of this company, having a good match. If WWE wasn't afraid of putting two World Title Matches on Pay Per View anymore, Punk/Jericho would be a logical battle.

WWE Smackdown featured Paul London and Jamie Noble defeating the Edgeheads when London pinned Zach Ryder with a standing shooting star press, Orlando Jordan pinned TJ Wilson with a DDT, Molly Holly battled Rouka to a no contest when Jillian came out and sang, Molly beat her up, Kevin Thorn pinned Beef Wellington with the Original Sin, Monty Brown pinned Deuce with the Pounce, JTG defeated Colin Delaney and Kenny Dysktra to retain the ECW Championship when JTG pinned Delaney with a tornado DDT, and Shelton Benjamin and Batista defeated Big Daddy V and Mark Henry in a non title match when Batista pinned Mark Henry with a spinebuster when the lights flickered.

Thoughts on the Show Opener was a fun little tag team match. The main event was a good battle as well, at least they are doing what works for Mark Henry and Big Daddy V. Pounce drills Deuce. And the ECW Championship match was not bad as well, even though they might as well just put the belt on Dykstra.

Steve Lewington and Colin Delaney signed contract extensions.

WWE No Way Out received a 2.66 buyrate with 1064000 people buying the show.

WWE Raw received a 5.66 rating on the USA Network with a 0.93 rating on ABC South Pacific, WWE Progression received a 3.95 rating on ABC, with a 1.61 rating on Nippon TV, and Smackdown received a 4.10 rating on the CW, with a 0.41 rating on Sky One.

TNA

TNA Impact: Team 3D defeated Trent Acid and Sexxy Eddy when Brother Ray pinned Sexxy Eddy with the 3D, AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels defeated Petey Williams and Scott Steiner when Styles pinnned Petey Williams with the Frog Splash, Roxxy pinned TNA Knockout's Champion Raisha Saeed in a non title match, Alex Shelley defeated Phoenix Starr and DeMaco Ryans when Shelley pinned Starr with the Shell Shock, Brock Lesnar pinned TNA Champion Sting in a non title match on free television with no build after Lashley threw Sting back into the ring, allowing an F-5 to connect, Lashley and Lesnar beat up Sting, until Jay Lethal makes the save, and Bill Goldberg pinned Tomko with the Jackhammer in a main event.

The Thoughts: Goldberg turned the clock back to 1998 with that match against Tomko and in a good way as the crowd was popping. Tomko got a bit more offense than the usual Goldberg victim but once Goldberg hit the spear, it set up the Jackhammer and it was over. Also Sting/Lesnar for the first time ever, they did not build it. Russorific bull**** here. Lashley/Sting for the TNA Championship and the alliance between Lesnar and Lashley continues. Also, they look to be setting something up with Roxxy and Raisha Saeed over the Knockout's Title which should be fine. It should be noted this is the last TNA Impact on Spike, but it will be shown on either the Internet or on International.

TNA Dominance featured DeMaco Ryans pinning Consequences Creed with a tackle, Mike DiBiase pinned Jimmy Schwain with a cobra clutch slam, Awesome Kong pinned Roxxy with the Awesome Bomb, TNA Tag Team Champions AJ Styles and Tomko defeated Petey Williams and Scott Steiner in a non title match when Styles pinned Petey with the Frog Splash, Lashley pinned Brother Devon with the Running Powerslam, and Jay Lethal pinned Homicide after a Scorpion Deathdrop. Lethal was wearing facepaint like 1990s surfer dude Sting.

Thoughts on the Show: So Lethal's went from being Macho Man to being Sting. Why can't he just be Jay Lethal? Homicide loses to the parody guy. Another Tomko and Styles against Petey Williams and Scott Steiner match, because there can only be one tag feud in each promotion. Also, the push of Lashley continues, which should lead to a great title match at Destination X.

TNA Impact received a 3.06 rating and TNA Dominance received a 4.57 rating.

NWA

NWA Live Action featured James Storm pinning Chris Sabin with a superkick, Death From Above retaining the NWA Tag Team Titles over the Urban Gladiators when Sabu pinned Abyss with the Triple Jump Moonsault, Rhino pinned Rob Van Dam with the Gore, and Shaquile O' Neal pinned NWA World Champion Booker T in a non title match with a power bomb.

Thoughts on the Show: There's another Pay Per View this week, with the two men who are going to face for the title(Booker and RVD), losing cleanly. Is Vince Russo getting a second paycheck we're not aware of?

NWA Last Grasp Report: Sean Waltman pinned Frankie Kazarian with an awkward roll up(more on this below), Nova pinned Rene Dupree with a senton bomb, Scott Taylor pinned Jimmy Yang with a DDT out of the corner, Heidenreich pinned Sylvain Grenier with a punch to the rib cage, Chris Mordetzky and Bryan Danielson defeated the Urban Gladiators when Danielson pinned Vito with a small package, Death From Above retained the NWA Tag Team Titles over Andrew Test Martin and Joey Matthews when Sabu pinned Matthews with a Triple Jump Moonsault, Booker T pinned Rob Van Dam with the Axe Kick to retain the NWA Title, and Rhino and Christian defeated Shaquile O' Neal and Nick Dinsmore when Rhino pinned Dinsmore with the Gore.

Thoughts on the Show The World Title Match as good as usual. The tag main event was acceptable. Also, the tag team title match was good. As for Grenier/Heidenreich, whoever book this match should be shot.

Sean Waltman broke his neck and will be out for fourteen months and may have to retire. More on this in the future.

NWA The Sun Never Sets received a 0.52 buyrate or 208000 people buying the show.

Lucha
Lucha Madness featured Latin Lover defeated Electro Shock and Negro Casas defeated Tarzan Boy to retain the Mexico National Middleweight Title.

CMLL featured El Hijo Del Perro, Atlantis, and Aguilia defeated Decniss, Magica, and Takemura and Nicho, Blue Panther, and Olimpico retaining the CMLL Trios Titles over Billy Boy, Mr Niebla, and Lizmark Jr.

Puro
Takeshi Rikio captured the GHC Heavyweight Title over Mitsuhara Misawa.

The Indies
PWG had their monthly showed featured Chris Hero defeated Austin Aries to retain the PWG Championship. Also, Jimmy Rave defeated Jack Evans, Tyler Black, Roderick Strong, and Eddie Kingston defeated PAC, Retail Dragon, and Claudio Castagnoli, Davey Richards defeated Teddy Hart, and El Generico defeated Super Dragon.

CHIKARA had their monthly show featuring Mike Quackenbush defeating Delirious, Claudio Castagnoli defeating Chris Hero, and El Pantera defeating Shane Storm.

SHIMMER had their monthly show featuring Daizee Haze retaining the SHIMMER Championship over MsChif. Also, Mercedes Martinez defeated Rain.

FIP featured Roderick Strong defeated Bryan Danielson to retain the FIP Championship. Also, Jack Evans defeated Brent Albright, Tyler Black defeated Jay Briscoe, and Davey Richards defeated Eddie Kingston to capture the Florida State Heritage Title.

[MadMatt]

Another newsletter!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #90 Week Two March 2010

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw saw Ron Killings pinning Highlander Robbie with an Axe Kick, Charlie Haas pinned Jay Bradley with a German Suplex, Mickie James pinned WWE Women's Champion Michelle McCool with the Mick Kick in a non title match, Chavo Guerrero pinned Tom Howard with the Frog Splash, Carlito and Santino defeated Mark Briscoe and the Messiah with Carlito pinning Mark Briscoe with the Backstabber, Randy Orton pinned Hardcore Holly with the RKO, and Mr. Kennedy pinned Edge.

Thoughts on the Show: As per usual with WWE, the main event was good, the rest of the card was either uneventful or blew enomorous chunks. Seriously, whoever thought that Haas/Bradley match was a good idea should be forced to watch a comp tape of Impact at its most Russorific. Mickie pinned Michelle, non title, which means the Women's Title is still is on Michelle. And Orton beats Hardcore Holly. Triple H comes out and punks Orton. The countdown to lucky title reign thirteen continues for Huntor. Wrestlemania 26, only on Pay Per View. Tune in!

WWE Progression featured Eric Perez pinned Matt Capotelli, TJ Wilson pinned Devon Storm, Candice pinned Jillian with the Candy Wrapper, ECW Champion JTG pinned Paul Burchill in a non title match, Batista pinned Trevor Murdoch with the Batista Bomb, and The Great Khali squashed Matt Hardy with the clawhold.

Thoughts on the Show Murdoch/Batista brawled well, so give them that. Did Hardy piss off someone in management this week? Also TJ Wilson/Devon Storm was the best two minute match with no heat that you'll ever see outside of the X-Division. That Candice/Jillian match was fine for Smackdown women's fare, at least Ashley did not show her face and botch some spots and nearly kill some people.

WWE Smackdown JTG pinned Paul London to retain the ECW Championship, Deuce pinned Hernandez after he cracked him in the mouth, Trevor Murdoch pinned Kane with a huge gourdbuster to retain the WWE United States Title, Orlando Jordan pinned Chuck Palumbo with a DDT, Kofi Kingston pinned Primo Colon with the Jamacian Buzzsaw, MVP pinned the Undertaker with the Drive By Kick after Big Daddy V squashed Taker against the ring apron as Mark Henry distracted the referee with a deep polictical conversation on twinkies or something to that nature, and Mark Henry and Big Daddy V defeated Kenny Dykstra and Hardcore Holly when Mark Henry pinned Dykstra with the World's Strongest Slam.

Thoughts on the Show:: The last two matches should have been flopped. MVP and Taker had their usual good match. Brothers of Destruction against Mark Henry and Big Daddy V at Wrestlemania, why do I keep having this recurring fear that Big Daddy V is going to pin the Undertaker and end the streak? Also, Trevor Murdoch is a boss hoss as of late, as he beats Kane. Murdoch for World Heavyweight Champion, after MVP gets his chance. Seriously, boy's improved a lot recently. Colon/Kingston, I watched paint dry this weekend and it was slightly more ending. JTG/London was fine. Not good, not bad, just fine.

Raw featured a 5.57 rating on the USA Network, with a 0.93 rating on ABC South Pacific, WWE Progression received a 3.87 rating on ABC, with a 1.46 rating on Nippon TV, and WWE Smackdown received a 4.23 rating on the CW and a 0.29 rating on Sky One.

TNA

TNA Impact on the Internet. The website crashed several types, that's typical TNA for you. Mike DiBiase, Dan Maff, and Judas Mesthias defeated Shark Boy, Consequences Creed, and Jimmy Schalwin when Mesthias pinned Shark Boy with straight to hell, DeMaco Ryans pinned Curry Man with an explosive powerslam, Petey Williams and Scott Steiner defeated Elix Skipper and Johnny Swinger when Petey pinned Elix with the Canadian Destroyer, Sting pinned Brock Lesnar in a non title match with the Scorpion Deathdrop, and Bill Goldberg pinned Robert Roode with the Jackhammer.

Thoughts on the Show For the second week in a row, Lesnar/Sting was given away on free tv. Does, Vince Russo have a deadly allegery to money? Goldberg/Roode was a fun brawl. Curry/DeMaco Ryans was a suprisingly good match. Petey/Steiner against Elix and Swinger was good. And yet, despite the ass backward booking, Lesnar/Sting rocked as well.

TNA Dominance featured Karam Ibrahim Gaber pinning Consequences Creed with a 3/4 Nelson Cradle, Adam Peace pinning Jimmy Schalwin with the Jumping Piledriver, Angelina Love pinned ODB after Velvet Sky interfered, Robert Roode pinned Curry Man with the Pay Off, Jay Lethal defeated Eric Young with the Scorpion Deathlock, and Samoa Joe and Bill Goldberg defeated Brock Lesnar and Bobby Lashley when Joe pinned Lesnar with the Muscle Buster cleanly.

Thoughts On the Show You know, if I had the money that TNA wastes, I would have enough to retire after the last couple of weeks. Seriously, that main event, there could be at least six to eight months worth of main events out of those four men. Goldberg/Joe, I expect that match to happen on Impact soon too, just because that would be the ultimate blunder. On the bright side, Lethal/Young and Curry/Roode both ruled. On the not so bright side, Angelina Love and ODB sucked big time. It had me longing for a best of Ashley DVD(well let's not go that far).

TNA Destination X: Johnny Devine pinned that X-Division sensation Lance Hoyt to retain the X-Division Title with a belt shot, Team 3D battled Curry Man and Phoenix Starr to a no contest when Curry was put through a table, AJ Styles and Tomko defeated Nick Hogan and Karem Ibrahim Gaber when Styles pinned Gaber with the Frog Splash to retain the TNA Tag Team Titles, Raisha Saeed pinned Christy Hemme to retain the TNA Knockout's Title, Eric Young pinned Mike DiBiase with a cradle, Alex Shelley, Robert Roode, and Judas Mesthias defeated Bill Goldberg, Kurt Angle, and Samoa Joe when Roode pinned Goldberg with the Pay Off(!), Petey Williams and Scott Steiner battled Brock Lesnar and Jay Lethal to a no contest when Goldberg went on a rampage and killed everyone, and Sting retained the TNA Championship over Bobby Lashley with the Scorpion Deathdrop.

Thoughts on the Show THAT STUPID M'FER RUSSO! He pinned Goldberg cleanly not even a month into his TNA career. Negative buys. Dumb, dumb, someone should string up Russo and beat him like a pinata. Still, it could be worse, he could be wearing Goldust's wig again. On the bright side, Goldberg cutting a path of destruction through the next match really worked. The three non-TNA title matches were baffling. I have a theory that Russo just put random names in a hat and drew them out. Young/Dibiase was good and the main event was great. In other words, another TNA Pay Per View with some good wrestling and rather horrifying booking.

TNA Dominance received a 4.77 rating.

NWA

NWA Live Action featured Frankie Kazarian pinning Big Vito with the Wave of the Future, Joey Matthews pinned Abyss with a roll up, Christian Cage pinned Rhino with the Unprettier, and NWA Champion Booker T pinned Bryan Danielson with the Book End.

Thoughts on the Show That main event was a thing of beauty. I was cheering for Danielson but they should really save the big title win for him for Pay Per View. Also, Christian/Rhino, good stuff from these two men as well. Really, might have been the best show of the week, but considering our competition is uninspired WWE and the bile inducing TNA shows, that isn't a galring endorsement.

NWA Last Grasp was bought by 200000 people or about 0.50 buyrate.

Lucha

Lucha Madness featured the main bouts of Vampiro battling Shocker to a double countout, The Shining Force defeated Sky High to retain the AAA Tag Team Titles, and Negro Casas defeated El Brazo to retain the Mexico National Middleweight Title.

CMLL featured Blue Panther defeating Atlantis to capture the UWA Heavyweight Title and Hector Garza defeating Rey Bucerno.

CMLL had their monthly show featuring Blue Panther, El Hijo Del Perro, and Aguila defeating Olmpico, Heavy Metal, and Hector Garza, Atlantis defeating Nicho to retain the NWA World Middleweight Title, and Rey Bucenro defeating Escoria.

Puro

NOAH had their monthly show featuring Takeshi Rikio defeating Akitoshi Saito to retain the GHC Heavyweight Title. Also Steve Corino defeated Akira Taue, The War Machine(Tsuyoshi Kikuchi and Ricky Marvin) defeated Ueyama and Kanemura to retain the GHC Tag Team Titles, Jun Akiyama and Mitsuhara Misawa defeated Counterpunch(BXB Hulk and Jun Izumida), Buchanan defeated Akihito Ito to retain the NOAH Wrestling Spirit Title, and Alexander Otsuka defeated Tomohiro Ishii to capture the GHC Jr. Heavyewight Title.

Mammoth Sasaki and Daisuke Sekimoto defeated MEN'S Teioh and GENTARO to capture the BJW Championship.

Ueyama and Ishii defeated the War Machines to capture the GHC Tag Team Titles.

Indies

World Women's Wrestling featured Jazz defeating Michikito Omukai to capture the WWW Championship. Also, Mickie Knuckles defeated Chikayo Nagashima and Jezebel and Takano defeated Lufisto and Jetta to retain the WWW tag Team Titles.

FCW featured Trent Acid defeating Flash Flanagan to capture the vacant FCW Championship. Also, Jay Briscoe defeated Alex Wright, Glenn Gilberti defeated Devon Moore, and B-Boy and Retail Dragon defeating Niles Young and Shane Storm retaining the FCW Tag Team Titles.

[MadMatt]

Newsletter Time.



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #91 Week Three March 2010

WWE

Raw featured DH Smith and Chris Harris defeating Jim Duggan and Super Crazy when Harris pinned Crazy with a spear, Nunzio pinned Johnny Jeter, Natalya battled Nicole Bella to a no contest, Drew McIntyre pinned Val Venis with a German Suplex, Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly defeated Santino and Carlito to retain the World Tag Team Titles when Holly pinned Santino with the Alabama Slam to retain the World Tag Team Titles, The Big Show pinned Snitsky with the Choke Slam, and John Bradshaw Layfield pinned Shawn Michaels with the Clothesline From Hell.

Thoughts on the Show: Main event was good. I know shocking. Snitsky/Show entertained me in a perverse way. World Tag Team Title Match happened again. Opener was fun. The rest of the show was hit and miss.

WWE Progression featured the Edgeheads capturing the WWE Tag Team Titles from Big Daddy V and Mark Henry with help from the Undertaker, Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch defeated Jamie Noble and Shannon Moore with the High/Low on Moore, Katie Lea Burchill pinned Ashley with a backbreaker, Mighty Mikey pinned Chuck Palumbo, Matt Hardy defeated the Great Khali via disqualification when Khali choked him out, and Batista pinned MVP with the Batista Bomb.

Thoughts on the Show:[/b] Drab stuff. The Edgeheads win the title. If you cared, good for you. Noble/Moore against Cade/Murdoch good but not enough to save the show. Batista/MVP, they've had better matches. And that Khali/Hardy match had a ****ty finish, with some plodding offense from Khali. And Ashley had a match. Talk about pouring salt in the wound.

WWE Smackdown: saw Colin Delaney pinning Hernandez with a roll up, Orlando Jordan pinning Paul Burchill with a DDT, Maria pinning Molly Holly with a sunset flip, Trevor Murdoch pinning Beef Wellington with a Gourdbuster in a non title match, afterwards Wellington fights back, setting up a title match at Wrestlemania, Mark Copani pinned Curt Hawkins with the Finishing Touch, The Undertaker pinned Chris Jericho in a non title match with the Tombstone, afterwards Big Daddy V and Mark Henry attacked the Undertaker, and the Great Khali put out Shelton Benjamin with a clawhold.

[I]Thoughts On the Show: Jericho/Undertaker was good. The rest of the show, not so good. Look at the baffling booking for the first three matches to see what the problem is. And Beef Wellington/Trevor Murdoch for the United States Title...AT WRESTLEMANIA?

Charles Robinson, Mack Johnson, Matt Sydal, Deuce, Victoria, and Kevin Thorn have all extended their WWE deals.

Raw featured a 5.44 rating on the USA Network, with a 0.90 rating on ABC South Pacific, WWE Progression received a 3.72 rating from ABC with a 1.50 rating from Nippon TV, and WWE Smackdown received a 4.16 rating on the CW, with a 0.29 rating on Sky One.

TNA

TNA Impact featured: Dr. Wagner Jr pinning Chuck Taylor, Raisha Saeed retained the TNA Knockout's Title against Christy Hemme, Roxxy pinning Tracy Brooks to become the number one contender to the TNA Knockout's Title, Brother Devon pinning Johnny Swinger, Samoa Joe pinned Alex Shelley with the Muscle Buster, Jay Lethal and Bobby Lashley defeated AJ Styles and Brother Ray when Lashley pinned Ray with the Spear.

Thoughts on the Show: Not bad, not good, just TNA. I've given up trying to figure out the booking of these people. Lashley will get the title, I think, soon and Shelley/Joe is good.

TNA Dominance: Dan Maff defeated Sexxy Eddy and Johnny Swinger when Maff pinned Swinger with a lariat, Raisha Saeed retained the TNA Knockout's Title over Roxxy, Dr. Wagner Jr defeated Nick Hogan and DeMaco Ryans, Phoenix Starr defeated Adam Pearce, Curry Man, and Karam Ibrahim Gaber when Starr rolled up Curry Man, AJ Styles and Tomko retained the TNA Tag Team Titles against Scott Steiner and Petey Williams when Styles pinned Petey Williams with a frog splash, and Homicide and Sting defeated Jay Lethal and Samoa Joe in an "Unholy Alliances" match when Sting pinned Lethal with a small package after reversing the Scorpion Deathlock. Homicide attacks Sting afterwards, knocking him out with a lariat.

Thoughts on the Show: Homicide/Sting/Lashley and a fourth man in a Fatal Four Way Match at Lockdown has been made official. Most likely Joe or Lesnar or Lethal, that would make sense after all, so giving TNA logic, it will be someone other than those two. Both title matches were good, the rest of the show was complete and utter pap.


TNA Destination X received a 0.49 rating with 196000 people purchasing the show.

TNA Dominance got a 4.86 rating

NWA

NWA Live Action featured Rob Conway pinning Dustin Rhodes with the Ego Trip, Rene Dupree battling Jimmy Yang to a double countout, Christian Cage pinned Rhino with the Unprettier, and Death From Above defeating Nick Dinsmore and Joey Matthews when Sabu pinning Dinsmore with the Triple Jump Moonsault.

Thoughts on the Show:: Christian and Rhino have a great match again. Also, the main event was good. The other two matches were okay, overall a solid show.

Lucha

Lucha Madness featured Shocker and Gran Apache battling Vampiro and Mistico to a double DQ and Octagon and La Parka Jr defeating Sky High to retain the Mexico National Tag Team Titles.

CMLL featured Atlantis and Mr. Aguila battling El Hijo Del Perro and Rey Bucerno to a double countout, Nicho, Blue Panther, and Olimpico defeating Cuervo, Heavy Metal, and Mr. Niebla to retain the CMLL Trios Titles, and Hector Garza defeating Lizmark Jr to retain the NWA Middleweight Title.

AAA had their monthly show featuring Vampiro, Mistico, and Latin Lover defeating Gran Apache, Shocker, and Negro Casas to retain the Mexico National Atomicos Titles. Also Juventud Guerrera defeating Electro Shock to retain the Mexico National Heavyweight Title, Cibernetico, El Hijo Del Santo, and Octagon defeating Ultimo Guerrero, Blue Demon Jr, and Halloween, and Shining Force defeating Shining Force to retain the AAA Tag Team Titles.

Puro

BJW featured Taiyo Kea and Jun Kansai defeating Murder Inc(MEN'S Teioh and Gentaro), Super Delfin defeating Kazunari Murukami to retain the BJW Deathmatch Title, BADBOY Hido defeating Hi69, and Demolition(Mammoth Sasaki and Daisuke Sekemoto) defeating Express Delivery(Naoki Numazawa and MIYAWAKI) to retain the BJW Tag Team Titles.

Indies
OVW had their monthly show with Jamin Olvencia defeating Nine Fingers Dewey to retain the OVW Heavyweight Title, Ali Akbar defeating Omar Akbar, Raul Loco defeating Sweet Stevie, and Collateral Damage retaining the OVW Tag Team Titles over Anthony Bravado and Rudy Switchblade.

CZW was headlined with Vito Thomaselli defeating Sexxy Eddy to retain the CZW Heavyweight Title. Also, Ruckus and Chuck Taylor defeated the Nightmares, Salvatore Thomaselli defeating Ricochet, Sabian defeating Danny DeManto to retain the CZW Arena Title, and Brain Damage defeating Icarus to retain the CZW Iron Man Title.

[MadMatt]

Wrestlemania 26 Newsletter!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #92 Week Four March 2010

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw: The Messiah pinned Johnny Jeter, Karl Anderson pinned Matt Sydal, Natalya defeating Mickie James with the Sharpshooter, Carlito pinned Brian Kendrick with the Back Stabber, John Morrison pinned Matt Cross with the Moonlight Drive, Umaga pinned the Big Show with the Samoan Spike, and Rey Mysterio and Jeff Hardy defeated Shad and Snitsky when Hardy pinned Shad with the Swanton Bomb.

Thoughts on the Show: Umaga/Show was a fun big man match. The main event was odd, but pretty decent. Also Morrison/Cross, Carlito/Kendrick, and Natalya/Mickie had great moments. Overall a pretty good show leading up to Wrestlemania 26.

WWE Progression Kofi Kingston battled Shannon Moore to a no contest when Big Daddy V and Mark Henry interfered, Molly Holly pinned Jillian with a Northern Lights Suplex, JTG pinned Curt Hawkins to retain the ECW Championship, Lance Cade pinned Paul London with a lariat, Big Daddy V pinned Hardcore Holly with an elbowdrop, and Chris Jericho defeated CM Punk and the Undertaker when Jericho pinned Punk quickly with a lionsault.

Thoughts on the Show: Ugly injury with Punk, as his shoulder goes snap. It's hanging limply, it looked disgusting, he will be out for a year, which has to suck. And the rest of the show sucked. London/Cade was fun, but the rest, not good. Main event was awesome up until that freak accident on Punk.

WWE Smackdown:: Paul London pinned Monty Brown with a sunset flip, The Edgeheads defeated Shawn Spears and Afa Jr in a non title match, Ashley pinned Rouka with a sloppy backslide, Eric Perez pinned Beef Wellington, Kane pinned Ted DiBiase Jr with the Choke Slam, after JTG comes out, offering Kane an ECW Title Shot for Wrestlemania. Kane doesn't accept but the Undertaker says that he'll find another partner, Matt Hardy pinned WWE United States Champion Trevor Murdoch with the Twist of Fate, and the Undertaker and Batista defeated Mark Henry and Big Daddy V with a double pin off of a choke slam and spinebuster.

Thoughts on the Show: The man event, Murdoch/Hardy, DiBiase/Kane, and London/Brown were all great matches. Wrestlemania 26 is coming, so we don't really have a blow out show, we can save that to Sunday. Ashley/Rouka made me question life itself. The two worst divas on Smackdown have a match with more blown spots than you could ever imagine. And the Edgeheads match was just pointless. They are the WWE Tag Team Champions folks.

Wrestlemania 26: Beef Wellington pinned Trevor Murdoch to win the WWE United States Title, William Regal pinned Elijah Burke with a half nelson suplex into an inter-brand match, WWE Women's Champion Michelle McCool defeated Jillian, Candice, and Molly Holly when Michelle made Molly tap out to the heel hook, JTG retained the ECW Championship over Kane with a splash off the top rope, Festus retained the WWE Intercontinental Title over Gregory Helms with a flapjack, Edge and the Undertaker defeated Big Daddy V and Mark Henry when The Undertaker pinned Big Daddy V with a choke slam, and Triple H pinned WWE Champion Randy Orton to capture the title with the Pedigree.

Thoughts on the Show: A pretty good Wrestlemania with a couple of minor hiccups. Awesome main event with Triple H winning lucky title number thirteen over Randy Orton. Also, The Undertaker remains undefeated at Wrestlemania. Plus Helms/Festus and Regal/Burke was good. But still, Beef Wellington ends the United States Title reign of Trevor Murdoch. BEEF WELLINGTON? BEEF F'N WELLINGTON. Roddy Piper...Ric Flair...Bret Hart...Beef Wellington? On the bright side, he's got to be better than One Man Gang. and Michelle's still the champion.

CM Punk will be out for the next year with a torn rotator cuff.

Raw featured a 5.45 rating with the USA Network, with a 1.11 rating on ABC South Pacific, WWE Progression received a 3.96 rating on ABC, with a 1.56 rating on Nippon TV, and Smackdown received a 4.30 rating on the CW, with a 0.29 rating on Sky One.

TNA

TNA Impact saw AJ Styles and Tomko defeating Jimmy Schalwin and Lance Hoyt when Tomko pinned Schalwin with the TKO, Awesome Kong and Raisha Saeed defeated Gail Kim and ODB when Kong pinned Gail Kim with the Awesome Bomb, Brother Ray pinned Brother Devon with a roll up, Adam Pearce, Mike DiBiase, and Petey Williams defeated Curry Man, Dr. Wagner Jr, Phoenix Starr when Petey pinned Curry Man with the Canadian Destroyer, Jay Lethal pinned Samoa Joe with a small package, and TNA Champion Sting defeated Brock Lesnar, Bobby Lashley, and Scott Steiner when Sting pinned Steiner with the Scorpion Deathdrop.

Thoughts on This Show: That dart board that Russo used to book this show must be worth every penny. The four way was good, but it will set up another four way at the Pay Per View. Team 3D fight each other for no good reason. Lethal pinned Joe for no reason. Saeed/Kong against Gail Kim/ODB was fine, but it's happened many times before, so nothing special. Just another impact.

TNA Dominance: Team 3D defeated Chuck Taylor and Johnny Devine when Brother Ray pinned Taylor with the 3D, Tracy Brooks pinned Roxxy with a crossbody, Raisha Saeed defeated ODB and Salinas to retain the TNA Knockout's Title when Saeed pinned Salinas with a DDT, AJ Styles and Tomko defeated Petey Williams and Scott Steiner in a non title match when Styles pinned Petey Williams with the Styles Clash, Alex Shelley defeated Robert Roode and Eric Young when Shelley pinned Young with the Shell Shock, and Bill Goldberg battled Bobby Lashley to a no contest after the entire lockerroom(not as much of an exaggeration as you think).

Thoughts on the Show:: Hmm Lashley/Goldberg. Can you here that sound? IT'S THE SOUND OF SEVERAL MILLION DOLLARS BEING FLUSHED DOWN THE TOILET! Five minutes, no finish, no buys. Shelley/Roode/Young was fine. ODB/Saeed/Salinas was passable. Tag match was fine enough I guess. Just another TNA show.

Elix Skipper was released from TNA.

TNA Dominance received a 4.72 rating.

NWA

NWA Live Action: featured Nova and Tomko defeating Sylvain Grenier and Rob Conway when Tomko pinned Conway, Joey Matthews pinned Jimmy Yang with the Future Shock, Death From Above retained the NWA Tag Team Titles over the Urban Gladiators when Sabu pinned Abyss with the Triple Jump Moonsault, and Rob Van Dam pinned Rhino with the Five Star Frog Splash.

Thoughts on the Show: Rhino/RVD was good as usual. The rest of this stuff, was just there.

ROH

Results for the ROH Wrestlemania Weekend Show
-Devon Moore, Jigsaw, and Jason Blade defeated Shane Hagadorn, Tank Toland, and Excess
-Erick Stevens battled Kevin Steen to a no contest
-Vito Thomaselli defeated Ruckus
-Jay Briscoe pinned El Generico with the Jay Driller
-Davey Richards defeated Claudio Castagnoli with the DR Driver
-Austin Aries and Brent Albright defeated the Age of the Fall when Albright pinned Jacobs with the half nelson suplex
-Chris Hero pinned Jack Evans with the Hero's Welcome to retain the ROH Championship.

Lucha

Lucha Madness featured Vampiro, Mistico, and Latin Lover retaining the Mexico National Atomicos Titles over Gran Apache, Shocker, and Negro Casas and Electro Shock defeated Octagon.

CMLL featured Mr. Aguila and El Hijo Del Perro defeating Atlantis and Mr. Niebla. Also, Nicho, Blue Panther, and Olimpico retained the CMLL Trios Titles over Hector Garza, Heavy Metal, and Cuervo and Antifaz Del Norte retained the CMLL National Title over Zumbido.

Puro

Yoshinobu Kanemura defeated Alexander Otusuku to capture the GHC Jr. Heavyweight Title.

Indies
Chris Hero defeated Chuck Taylor to retain the JAPW Heavyweight Title. Also, Jack Evans defeated Jay Lethal, El Generico retaining the New Jersey Title over Teddy Hart, and B-Boy defeating Trent Acid.

IWA: MS featured Chris Hero defeating Jason Hades to retain the IWA: MS Heavyweight Title. Also, Team Force(Davey Richards and Claudio Castagnoli) defeated Tyler Black and Roderick Strong, Ruckus defeated Brandom Thomaselli, Toby Klein defeating B-Boy, and the Iron Saints retained the IWA: MS Tag Team Titles defeating the Death Squad.

[chopps4312]

You should be happy with WM XXVI. I mean Kane challenged for the ECW title and jobbed which A-gives the title some legit back after so many no names and B- it builds the champ as an actual champ defeating Kane. And Undertaker remains undefeated. Though i must say i was hoping he would have lost. But i liked the "Taker and Edge bitter enemies joining forces to defeat the monsters" angle. Sucks for Punk.

As for TNA. Yeah giving away a first time meeting of two big names is stupid but who knows. Russo has made weirder things work.


NO VENIS AT WM?!

Good as always bud. Keep it up.

[MadMatt]

First Newsletter of April!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #93 Week One April 2010

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw featured Super Crazy pinning Brian Kendrick with the Moonsault, DH Smith pinned Jay Bradley with the Running Powerslam, Natalya pinned Portia Perez with a DDT, Gregory Helms pinned Drew McIntyre with the Shining Wizard, Santino and Carlito defeated World Tag Team Champions Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly when Carlito pinned Rhodes with the Back Stabber, WWE Champion Triple H pinned the Big Show with the Pedigree in a non title match, and Randy Orton pinned Edge with the RKO.

Thoughts on the Show: Orton bounces back from dropping the title with an awesome main event victory over Edge. Triple H quickly turns heel, which is fine with me, he's better this way. The only two tag teams on Raw fight again. Also Crazy/Kendrick and Helms/McIntyre were both good matches. Overall a great show, the first step on the road to Wrestlemania 27 and Backlash coming up as well.

WWE Progression:: JTG pinned TJ Wilson to retain the ECW Championship, Layla pinned Jillian with a backward bridge in a battle that would offend Ashley, The Miz pinned Shannon Moore with the Reality Check, The Edgeheads defeated Deuce and Jamie Noble, Mark Henry pinned Hardcore Holly with the World's Strongest Slam, and Big Daddy V pinned Kenny Dykstra with a Samoan Drop.

Thoughts on the Show: Worst show ever. Every match was a DUD or in the infamous negative star range. Moving along to Smackdown.

[B]WWE Smackdown Monty Brown pounced Deuce, Mark Copani pinned Paul London with the Finishing Touch, Chuck Palumbo defeated Ted DiBiase Jr and Primo Colon when Palumbo pinned Colon with the Full Throttle, The Edgeheads battled Cade and Murdoch to a no contest when the Great Khali interfered, destroying all four men, Kevin Thorn defeated Paul Burchill and Mike Knox when Thorn pinned Burchill with the Original Sin, The Great Khali passed out Kane in the head vice, and Big Daddy V and Mark Henry defeated Shelton Benjamin and Matt Hardy when Henry pinned Hardy with the World's Strongest Slam.

Thoughts on the Show: Main event was awesome thanks to the entergentic performances of Hardy and Benjamin. Also, Henry was fine tonight too. Khali/Kane was passable enough to work. Also, Khali killed the tag team division so fast you'd think his name was Triple H. Burchill/Knox/Thorn, did Vince Russo lend his dartboard for this match? Also, Paul London continues to pay for laughing at Vince McMahon's death by explosion all those years ago. Fun show, with some questionable matches.

Wrestlemania 26 received a 2.75 buyrate with 1100000 people watching the show.

Raw received a 5.43 rating on USA, with a 1.08 rating on ABC Asia Pacific, WWE Progression received a 3.30 rating on ABC, with a 1.64 rating on Nippon TV, and Smackdown received a 4.22 rating on the CW, with a 0.29 rating on Sky One.

TNA

TNA Impact saw Petey Williams and Scott Steiner defeating Consequences Creed and Shark Boy when Petey pinned Shark Boy with the Canadian Destroyer, Christy Hemme, ODB, and Peyton Banks defeated Roxxy, Gail Kim, and Angelina Love when ODB pinned Love, AJ Styles defeated Demaco Ryans, Dr. Wagner Jr, and Trent Acid when Styles pinned Acid with the Styles Clash, Raisha Saeed pinned Salinas to retain the TNA Knockout's Title, Bill Goldberg won a gauntlet match, first beating Phoenix Starr, than Curry Man, than Brother Ray with the spear and Jackhammer, and Samoa Joe and Kurt Angle defeated Brock Lesnar and Jay Lethal when Joe pinned Lethal with the Muscle Buster.

Thoughts on the Show: Awesome main event match. Goldberg also turned back the clock to 1998 and destroyed some people. Six women's tag was some odd booking. AJ Styles in a fourway with random guys also baffles me. A mixture of stuff, in other words, typical TNA.

TNA Dominance Judas Mesthias defeated Jimmy Shalwin with Straight to Hell, Christy Hemme pinned Tracy Brooks in a match that made me think I was sent straight to hell, Johnny Devine pinned Sexxy Eddy to retain the TNA X-Division Title with the Devine Intervention, Scott Steiner defeated Rellik and Curry Man when Steiner made Rellik submit to the Steiner Recliner, Bill Goldberg won another gauntlet, defeating Rampage Jackson, Brother Devon, and Brother Ray with the usual, and Homicide and Samoa Joe defeated Kurt Angle and Sting when Homicide pinned Angle with a vicious lariat, folding him up like an accordian.

Thoughts on the Show: The main event was good. I would say something about squandering Rampage Jackson/Bill Goldberg in a gauntlet, because it might draw a few dollars, but hell, I think we've beaten that horse dead and then cremated the remains. I forgot Rellik was employeed. The X-Division Title Match was better than it was in recent time, but still lacking from its peak. Also Christy/Tracy, a bad women's match, both girls tried, but still.

Also, Matt Morgan has signed with TNA for another go. Yeah, I remember exactly how well his first stint went.

TNA Dominace received a 4.68 rating on ABC.

NWA

NWA Delivery: Rob Conway pinned Frankie Kazarian with the Ego Trip, Heidenreich pinned Rene Dupree with the Spinning Side Slam, Andrew Test Martin pinned Scott Taylor with the Pumphandle Slam, Chris Mordetzky pinned Jimmy Yang with a wheelbarrow suplex, Death From Above retained the NWA Tag Team Titles over the Urban Gladiators when Sabu pinned Vito with the Arabian Facebuster, Nick Dinsmore pinned Bryan Danielson with the German Suplex, Shaquile O' Neal and Rob Van Dam defeated Joey Matthews and Rhino when Van Dam pinned Rhino with the Five Star Frog Splash, and Booker T retained the NWA Title over Christian Cage with the Axe Kick.

Thoughts on the Pay Per View: The NWA delivers once again with a great main event. Also, the tag team match was not too bad. NWA World Tag Team Title match was good, although I never need to see it again, ever. Yang/Mordetzky was fun, due to Yang bumping around for the Masterpiece. Danielson/Dinsmore and Kazarian/Conway were great matches as well. Heidenreich/Dupree and Taylor/Test on the other hand, never need to be seen ever again.

NWA Live Action:: Nick Dinsmore pinned Jimmy Yang with a German Suplex, Frankie Kazarian pinned James Storm with the Wave of the Future, Abyss pinned Joey Matthews with the Black Hole Slam, and Rhino pinned Andrew Test Martin with the Gore.

Thoughts on the Show: Not a good show, not a bad show. Since they have seven weeks to build up to the next Pay Per View, they can afford to have a lackluster show coming off of the last good show.

ROH

ROH had Pride Before Fall. Let's see the results
-Sara Del Ray defeated Daizee Haze
-Ruckus battled Vito Thomaselli to a no contest
-Claudio Castagnoli defeated Tyler Black with the Ricola Bomb
-Jay Briscoe pinned El Generico with the Jay Driller.
-Erick Stevens and Jimmy Jacobs defeated Jack Evans and Jigsaw when Jacobs makes Jigsaw submit to the End Game
-Brent Albright pinned Davey Richards with the half nelson suplex
-Chris Hero retained the ROH Championship over Austin Aries.

Lucha

AAA had their monthly big show, featuring Latin Lover and Shocker defeating Vampiro and Electro Shock. Also, Gran Apache, Mistico, and El Hijo Del Santo defeated Octagon, Charly Manson, and Chessman, Shining Force defeated Sky High to retain the AAA Tag Team Titles, and El Zorro retained the Mexican National Middleweight Title over Alan.

Juventud Guerrera battled Mistico to a no contest and El Zorro defeated Electro Shock to retain the Mexico National Middleweight Title on Lucha Madness.

CMLL featured Atlantis and El Hijo Del Perro defeating Nicho and Blue Panther and Cuervo defeating Mr. Niebla to retain the CMLL Middleweight Title.

Also, the big news is that CMLL owner, Francisco Alanso Lutteroth has stepped down from the ownership of CMLL and has retired from the business. Wrestling Today Newsletter will update you on who is taking over CMLL in the coming weeks.

Puro

Minoru Suzuki won the Champion's Carnival, beating Masato Tanaka in the final match.

Dragon Gate had their monthly show featuring TAKA Michinoku defeating Bryan Danielson to retain the Open the Dream Gate Title, Shinjiro Otani defeated Kikutaro, Kintaro Kanemura defeated Susumu Mochizuki, Masaaki Mochizuki defeated Tengu Kaiser to retain the Open the Brave Gate Title, Alex Shelley defeated Naoki Tanisaki, and Saito and Noriguchi retained the Open the Twin Gate Titles over Mag and Shiisa.

Indies:

PWG's monthly show was headlined by Jack Evans, Austin Aries, and Tyler Black defeated Davey Richards, Eddie Kingston, and Roderick Strong. Chris Hero retained the PWG Championship over Jimmy Rave, Retail Dragon defeated Super Dragon, Teddy Hart defeated El Generico, and PAC defeated Claudio Castagnoli.

JAPW had their monthly show, featuring Chris Hero retaining the JAPW Title over Chuck Taylor. Also Trent Acid defeated Jack Evans, El Generico retained the New Jersey State Title over Teddy Hart, and Eddie Kingston defeated B-Boy.

SHIMMER was headlined by Mercedes Martinez defeating Ariel.

FIP featured the main event of Brent Albright and Jack Evans defeating Tyler Black and Eddie Kingston. Also Roderick Strong retained the FIP Championship, defeating Jay Briscoe, Gran Akuma and Delirious defeated YRR, and Davey Richards retained the Florida State Heritage Title over Jerelle Clark.

WWW retained Jazz retaining the WWW Championship over Michiko Omukai. Also, Takoa Inoue defeated Eden Black, Jetta retained the WWW Intercontinental Title over Lufisto.

Florida Championship Wrestling featured Trent Acid retaining the FCW Championship over Flash Flanagan. Also, Jay Briscoe defeated B-Boy with the Jay Driller, Retail Dragon defeated Devon Moore, and Alex Wright defeated Glenn Gilberti.

[MadMatt]

Newsletter Time!



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #94 Week Two April 2010

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw featured: Tommy Dreamer pinning Karl Anderson with the Dreamer DDT, Val Venis defeated Bam Neely with the Money Shot, Michelle McCool and Natalya defeated Victoria and Melina when McCool made Victoria tap out to the heel hook of doom, Tom Howard defeated Nick Nemeth, Santino and Carlito defeated Jim Duggan and Super Crazy when Carlito pinned Duggan with the Back Stabber, Triple H pinned Shawn Michaels with the Pedigree in a non title match, and John Bradshaw Layfield pinned Jeff Hardy with the Clothesline from Hell.

Thoughts on the Show: Awesome last two matches, especially Michaels and Triple H. I don't think they've ever had a bad match with each other. Women's tag was decent, Val Venis and Bam Neely was a fun midcard match, and the rest of the card was acceptable matches.

WWE Progression:: Orlando Jordan and Kafu defeated Lupe Viscara and Jake Hager when Jordan pinned Hager with the Black Ice, Mighty Mikey pinned Matt Capotelli with a slingshot cross body, Maria pinned Rouka with a DDT, Kenny Dykstra pinned Monty Brown with a sunset flip, Shelton Benjamin defeated the Great Khali via disqualification when Khali choked Shelton out, and Batista pinned Mark Henry with a spinebuster.

Thoughts on the Show: You know that Henry/Batista match is getting rather old. Shelton bumped well for Khali and Kenny did so for Monty Brown. The rest of the show was very much miss.

WWE Smackdown: Ted DiBiase Jr and Mighty Mikey defeated Jake Hager and Afa Jr, Hernandez pinned Primo Colon with a sidewalk slam, Maria pinned Candice with a swinging DDT, Justin Credible, Mark Copani, and Mike Knox battled Paul Burchill, Paul London, and Deuce to a no contest when Khali killed everyone, Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch won the WWE Tag Team Titles against the Edgeheads with the High Low, Batista pinned Big Daddy V with a spear, and Matt Hardy pinned the Great Khali with a tornado Twist of Fate.

Thoughts on the Show:: Khali taking that bump at the end of the main event was a thing to behold, but still a great match. Big Daddy V and Batista had a better than average brawl. The epic one month reign of the Edgeheads ends at the hands of Cade and Murdoch, and Trevor Murdoch and Chris Jericho get into it, setting up a World Heavyweight Title Match at Backlash(I kid you not). The rest of the show, usual stuff.

The Miz and Gregory Helms have signed contract extensions.

Raw received a 5.55 rating on the USA Network and a 1.08 rating on ABC South Pacific, WWE Progression received a 3.82 rating on ABC, with a 1.84 rating on Nippon TV, WWE Smackdown received a 4.11 rating on the CW, and a 0.28 rating on Sky One.

TNA

TNA Impact featured Dan Maff pinning Phoenix Starr with a lariat, Mike DiBiase pinned Sexxy Eddy with his feet on the ropes, Gail Kim and Velvet Sky defeated Awesome Kong and Raisha Saeed when Sky pinned Kong with a sunset flip, Adam Pearce pinned Curry Man with a piledriver, Jay Lethal pinned TNA Champion Sting in a non title match with a flying elbowdrop, and Samoa Joe and Homicide defeated Bobby Lashley and Kurt Angle when Homicide pinned Angle with the Gringo Killa.

Thoughts on the Show: Main event is good, but I cringed as Angle took that gringo killa. With his neck, what was he thinking? Jay Lethal and Sting good match, but pinning the champion in a non title match six days before a big Pay Per View, with a guy not even in the four way, I'm not sure about that. Velvet Sky pinning awesome Kong and Adam Pearce beating Curry Man, yep and yep. Also, the first couple of matches were good stuff.

TNA Dominance DeMaco Ryans defeated Dr. Wagner Jr and Lance Hoyt when Ryans pinned Hoyt with a leg lariat, Curry Man pinned Johnny Swinger with the Spice Rack, Nick Hogan pinned Sexxy Eddy with the Axe Bomber, AJ Styles and Tomko defeated Petey Williams and Scott Steiner when Tomko pins Petey with the TKO, Bill Goldberg defeated Robert Roode with the spear and Jackhammer, afterwards Jay Lethal and Goldberg get into it, and Brock Lesnar pinned Brother Devon with the F-5, before Tomko, Sting, and Homicide run out, getting into a four way brawl leading up to the title match.

Thoughts on the Show: A pair of great brawls for the double main events, leading up to matches sat Lockdown. Rest of the show was there and actually not as much as the TNA bull**** that you would normally see.

TNA Lockdown: Johnny Devine retained the TNA X-Division TItle over Sexxy Eddy with the Devine Intervention, Dan Maf and Kurt Angle defeated Phoenix Starr and Dr. Wagner Jr when Angle pinned Wagner with the Angle Slam, Eric Young and Samoa Joe defeated Karam Ibrahim Gaber and Judas Mesthias when Joe pinned Gaber with the Muscle Buster, Alex Shelley and Robert Roode defeated AJ Styles and Curry Man when Roode pinned Curry with the Pay Off, Raisha Saeed retained the TNA Knockout's Title against Gail Kim, Team 3D defeated Scott Steiner and Petey Williams when Brother Ray pinned Petey with the 3D, Jay Lethal pinned Bill Goldberg with five Flying Elbow Smashes, and Homicide captured the TNA World Title by pinning Tomko with a frog splash, in a four way match also involving defending champion Sting and Brock Lesnar.

Thoughts on the Show: Homicide is the new champion! Alright, fresh blood on top. I find it amusing that Tomko's place in this match was to be pinned. Also, Goldberg losing, yes that's really smart. Remember how successful he was when he lost every week on Nitro? Oh, wait a minute. All the random tag team matches made no sense. Saeed/Kim, Eddy/Devine, and 3D/Steiner & Petey were all fun little battles.

Shark Boy's contract was extended.

TNA Dominance received a 4.95 rating.

NWA

NWA Live Action: featured Heidenreich pinning Sylvan with the Sidewalk Slam, Big Vito pinned Rene Dupree with a DDT, Christian Cage pinned Chris Kanyon with the Unprettier, and Rhino pinned Andrew Test Martin with the Gore.

Thoughts on the Show: Kanyon and Christian rocked the house. The rest of the card was ho hum, except for Sylvan/Heidenreich which sucked.

Rene Dupree shattered his elbow when he landed wrong in his match with Big Vito and will be out for the next thirteen months.

NWA Delivery received a 0.52 buyrate or 208000 people buying the show.

Lucha
Lucha Madness featured Mistico and Gran Apache defeating Juventud Guerrera and Latin Lover and El Zorro retaining the Mexicon National Middleweight Title.

CMLL had their monthly show featuring El Hijo Del Perro and Mr. Aguilia defeating Hector Garza and Atlantis in the main event. Also, Cuervo, Mr. Niebla, and Heavy Metal defeating Rey Bucerno, Super Porky, and Antifaz Del Norte and Nicho, Blue Panther, and Olimpico defeating Billy Boy, Decniss, and Lizmark Jr. to retain the CMLL Trios Title.

CMLL featured El Hijo Del Perro and Atlantis defeating Heavy Metal and Lizmark Jr and Nicho, Blue Panther, and Olimpico defeating Cuervo, Hector Garza, Mr. Niebla to retain the CMLL Trios Title.

Puro

Big Japan had their monthly show, featuring Super Delfin defeating Taiyo Kea to retain the BJW Deathmatch Title. Also, Kotaro Suzuki defeating Madman Pondo, BADBOY Hido defeating Hi69 and Abdullah Kobayashi defeated Ryuji Ito.

Indies
OVW featured Tommy McNaler defeating Jamin Olivencia to capture the OVW CHampionship. Also, Nine Fingers Dewey defeated Anthony Bravado, Serena Deeb defeated Reggie to retain the OVW Women's Title, and Jacob Duncan to retain the OVW TV Title.

[chopps4312]

Woo Hoo! It's back. Glad to see your back.

[MadMatt]

Let's keep the comeback rolling:



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #95

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw(5.51 rating on USA, 1.12 rating on ABC South Pacific) featured Michelle McCool retaining the WWE Women's Title over Portia Perez with the Heel Hook, Beth Phoenix retained the WWE Women's Title over Mickie James with the Implant Buster, Hardcore Holly pinned Charlie Haas with the Alabama Slam, Chavo Guerrero pinned Val Venis with the Frog Splash, Highlander Robbie pinned Tommy Dreamer with a double underhook power bomb, Rey Mysterio pinned WWE Heavyweight Champion Triple H with the West Coast Pop in a non title match, and Randy Orton pinned Cody Rhodes with the RKO.

Thoughts on the Show: Damned fine edition of Raw. Triple H and Rey was a partically awesome battle. Also Orton/Rhodes, Chavo/Venis, and Mickie/Beth were standard matches. Overall a solid show, with a couple of minor booking hiccups.

WWE Progression(3.90 rating on ABC, 1.90 on Nippon TV):: Orlando Jordan pinned Paul Burchill with the Black Ice, Cade and Murdoch retained the WWE Tag Team Titles over the Edgeheads when Murdoch pinned Hawkins with the modified Canadian Destroyer, Katie Lea Burchill and Molly Holly defeated Candice and Jillian when Molly pinned Jillian with a Northern Lights Suplex, Jamie Noble, Chuck Palumbo, and Colin Delaney defeated Mike Knox, Mark Copani, and Monty Brown when Noble pinned Knox with a small package, Big Daddy V and Mark Henry defeated Kane and Jesse when Big Daddy V pinned Jesse with an elbowdrop, and Shelton Benjamin pinned MVP with the Paydirt.

Thoughts on the Show: Main event was good. The women's tag and tag team title match were decent wrestling. The rest of the show, hit or miss.

WWE Smackdown(4.29 rating for the CW, 0.32 for Sky One): TJ Wilson defeated Mighty Mikey with a moonsault, Candice pinned Katie Lea Burchill with the Candy Wrapper, Big Daddy V and Mark Henry defeated the Edgeheads with Henry pinned Hawkins with the World's Strongest Slam, Orlando Jordan pinned Chuck Palumbo with the Black Ice, Monty Brown pinned Primo Colon with the Pounce, Chris Jericho pinned Highlander Rory with the Code Breaker, and Trevor Murdoch pinned Matt Hardy to become the number one contender to the World Heavyweight Title with the Gourdbuster.

Thoughts on the Show: Murdoch/Hardy was good. It's hard to believe but in a little over a week, Trevor Murdoch could be the next World Heavyweight Champion. Also Jericho and Rory was the best match in Rory's career. Orlando Jordan has blackmail material on someone, that's the only reason why he continuies to be pushed. And Edgeheads/Henry and V for the five millionth time. Ups and downs, in otherwords, another Smackdown.

TNA

TNA Impact: Eric Young defeated Matt Morgan and Dr. Wagner Jr when Young pinned Wanger with an inside cradle, Phoenix Starr and Curry Man defeated Consequences Creed and Alex Wright when Curry Man pinned Alex Wright with the Spicy Drop, Team 3D defeated Jimmy Shawlin and Sexxy Eddy when Brother Ray pinned Eddy with the 3D, Roxxy pinned Raisha Saeed to win the Knockout's Title with the Voodoo Drop, AJ Styles and Tomko defeated Petey Williams and Scott Steiner when Tomko pinned Petey Williams with the TKO, and Brock Lesnar and Samoa Joe defeated Bill Goldberg and Homicide when Lesnar pinned Homicide with the F-5 after Goldberg spears Homicide by accident, with Joe and Goldberg brawling with each other. Afterwards, Homicide and Goldberg attack each other.

Thoughts on the Show: Hey, it's our new TNA World Champion Jobber, Homicide! Also Goldberg/Homicide, no matter which way they book this, it's going to be stupid, even though the brawl might be pretty entertaing. And Goldberg and Joe get into it briefly, leading to the one on one match that I'm almost certain they are going to blow on free television sooner or later. Also Steiner/Petey against Styles/Tomko again. Petey's leaving soon, because we have to free up space for Atlas DeBone(who just got signed this week) and Daivari's younger brother. Other than that, some stuff happend and Alex Wright wrestled, which almost temps me to give this show a thumbs up but I won't. Also if the Knockout's Title changes and no one gives a damn, does that mean the division's dead?

TNA Dominance(4.88 rating on ABC) AJ Styles and Tomko retained the TNA Tag Team Titles over Chuck Taylor and Matt Morgan when Tomko pinned Morgan with the F-5, Adam Pearce and Karam Ibrahim Gaber defeated Sexxy Eddy and Rellik when Pearce pinned Eddy with the Jumping Piledriver, Angelina Love pinned Tracy Brooks with a DDT, Team 3D defeated Petey Williams and Scott Steiner when Brother Ray pinned Petey Williams with 3D, Jay Lethal defeated Samoa Joe via disqualification after Joe refuses to release the Kokina Clutch, and TNA Champion Homicide defeated Brock Lesnar and Bobby Lashley when Homicide pinned Lashley with a roll up after he took out Lesnar with a spear.

Thoughts on The Show: Hey Homicide lucks his way his way into a title win. I just have a bad feeling that this title reign is going to make the Rey Mysterio run look strong. Also, the stupid disqualification finish in the semi-main event, makes Lethal look weak, makes Joe look like an idiot, two people with one stone. Petey continues to get buried on his way out. The Knockout's Match was Ashley level. Also, Morgan returns to TNA to job. Rellik is still employed, I know shocking. It's TNA, what do you expect.

Atlas DeBone and Arya Daivari have signed contracts. Also Scott Steiner signed a contract extension.

100000 people bought TNA Lockdown, which translates into a 0.25 buyrate.

NWA
NWA Live Action featured Big Vito pinning Brent Albright with a DDT, Nova pinned Jimmy Yang with the Kryptonite Crunch, Rob Van Dam pinned Sabu with the Five Star Frog Splash, and Booker T retained the NWA Championship over Christian Cage.

Thoughts on the Show: Awesome stuff. From top to bottom, this was the most solid hour of wrestling you'll find anywhere this week.

Diamond Dallas Page has signed with NWA to be a color commentator. That's not a bad thing, that's a good thing.

Lucha
Lucha Madness featured Juventud Guerrera retaining the Mexico National Heavyweight Title over Mistico and Gran Apache defeating El Hijo Del Santo.

Alfonso Morales has taken over the ownership for CMLL.

CMLL featured Atlantis and El Hijo Del Perro defeating Mr. Aguilia and Heavy Metal and Nicho, Blue Panther, and Olmpico defeating Cuervo, Mr. Niebla, and Hector Garza to retain the CMLL Trios TItles.

Puro
Kentaro Shiga defeated Yoshinobu Kanemura to capture the GHC Jr. Heavyweight Title.

Mohammed Yone has officially announced his retirement after the injuries his suffered last year.

Ryo Saito captured the Open the Brave Gate Title over Masaaki Mochizuki.

NOAH featured Takeshi Rikio retaining the GHC Heavyweight Title over Jun Akiyama. Also Akira Taue defeated Alexander Otasuke, Death From Above retained the GHC Tag Team Titles over the Highlights, Mitsuhara Misawa defeated Bison Smith, the War Machine defeated Sugiuru and Marafuji to retain the GHC Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Titles, KENTA defeated Shingo, Takeshi Sasaki defeated Buchanan to capture the NOAH Wrestling Spirit Title, and and Kentaro Shiga defeated Kevin Steen to retain the GHC Jr. Heavyweight Title.

Indies:
CZW featured Vito Thomaselli defeating Sexxy Eddy to retain the CZW Heavyweight Title, Chuck Taylor defeating Ricky Reyes, Ruckus defeated Salvatore Thomaselli, and Teddy Hart defeated Nick Gage.

[MadMatt]

Final Newsletter of April. Coming up next issue, we celebrate two years of Wrestling Today Newsletter. But that's next issue, here's this one.



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #96 Week Four April 2010

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw:(5.60 rating on USA, 1.11 rating on ABC South Pacific) featured Robbie pinning Matt Cross with a slingshot suplex, Festus pinned Colt Cabana to retain the WWE Intercontinental Title with a gutwrench power bomb, Gregory Helms pinned Drew McIntrye with the Shining Wizard strike, DH Smith pinned Stevie Richards with the Running Powerslam, John Bradshaw Layfield pinned Shad with the Clothesline from Hell, and Edge pinned John Cena with the Spear.

Thoughts on the Show: Has there ever been a bad, Cena/Edge match? The Raw main event was the latest in a long line of great battles. Shad and JBL was kicker of a brawl. Smith/Stevie and McIntyre/Helms were good battles. On the bad sign, Festus's reign as Intercontinental Champion continues and Robbie is getting a push.

WWE Progression(WWE Progression received a 3.89 rating on ABC, a 1.94 rating on Nippon TV) featured a bunch of bad matches, but to be more specific, Monty Brown pinned Paul Burchill with a powerslam, TJ Wilson pinned Sheamus with a missile dropkick, Candice pinned Maria with the Candy Wrapper, JTG pinned Primo Colon with a neckbreaker in a non title match, Beef Wellington pinned the Miz to retain the WWE United States Title with a jack-knife cradle, and the Undertaker pinned Big Daddy V with the choke slam.

Thoughts on the Show: Hey, it's Undertaker and Big Daddy V, haven't seen that match in a few weeks! It's hard to believe that it's been fifteen years since V, as King Mabel, feuded with the Undertaker over his Urn, which Kama melted down into chains. Don't ask me how I remember that godawful feud. Monty doesn't use the Pounce, because we don't want him to get over. Candice and Maria was sucktastic. JTG and Primo was bland. Miz and Beef Wellington set new standards for awful. This show sucks.

WWE Smackdown:(Smackdown received a 4.14 rating on the CW and a 0.30 rating on Sky One) featured Zach Ryder pinning TJ Wilson with a spear, Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch retained the WWE Tag Team Titles over Kane and Kenny Dykstra when Murdoch pinned Dykstra with the High Low, Chuck Palumbo pinned Orlando Jordan with the Full Throttle, The Miz pinned Shannon Moore with the Reality Check, ECW Champion JTG pinned Jesse in a non title match with a neckbreaker, and The Great Khlai defeated Batista by disqualification when Batista waylaid Khali with the chair.

Thoughts on the Show: Okay, that main event was bad, with a horrid finish. Khali and Batista, I never went to say this match again in my life and I've been saying it for two years. Kane and Kenny was an odd tag team, but they had a perfectly acceptable match against the champions. That Jordan/Palumbo match will be the bonus match on the Best of Ashley comp I'll be watching when I get sent to hell. Also, Miz/Moore and JTG/Jesse weren't half bad, but still had no place.

WWE Backlash: saw Festus pinning Nick Nemeth to retain the WWE Intercontinental Title with a flapjack, Beef Wellington pinned Mighty Mikey with a jack-knife cradle to retain the WWE United States Title, Beth Phoenix defeated Michelle McCool and Portia Perez to win Michelle's WWE Women's Title when Beth pinned Portia with the Implant Buster, Gregory Helms pinned Chavo Guerrero with the Shining Wizard, JTG pinned Kenny Dykstra to retain the ECW Championship with a backslide, MVP pinned Batista with the Yakuza Kick in the corner, and Chris Jericho retained the World Heavyweight Title over Trevor Murdoch with the Code Breaker, but a star was born tonight.

Thoughts on the Show: Awesome main event, Murdoch really stepped up his game several notches tonight. Jericho was game and it all amounted to a classic title match. MVP and Batista was a fun battle as was Helms/Chavo, two great matches. Dykstra, I was certain was going to walk out with the ECW Title but I guess not. Bad night for the former Spirit Squad as they go 0-3 tonight. And Beth's the champion, excellent booking with that one.

TNA

TNA Impact featured Chuck Taylor pinning Trent Acid, Roxxy retaining the TNA Knockout's Title over Angelina Love, Eric Young defeating Nick Hogan, TNA X-Division Champion Johnny Devine, and Mike DiBiase in a non title match when Young pinned DiBiase with a wheelbarrow neckbreaker, Brother Devon defeated Arya Daivari and Sexxy Eddy when Devon pinned Eddy with the a reverse DDT, Bobby Lashley pinned Samoa Joe with the Running Powerslam, and Homicide retained the TNA World Title over Robert Roode with a frog splash. Afterwards, Goldberg ran out to spear and Jackhammer Homicide.

Thoughts on the Show: After that first week of weak booking, Homicide might be on the right track with a clean win over Robert Roode even though Goldberg beats him afterwards. Joe and Lashley was given away on free tv, with Lashley scoring a clean victory. Also, a bland Knockout's Match and a bunch of matches that made little sense. Welcome to TNA.

TNA Dominance(4.86 rating) featured Atlas DeBone pinning TNA X-Division Champion Johnny Devine in a non title match with the Boneyard Boogie, ODB pinned Raisha Saeed with a Running Powerslam, Mike DiBiase pinned Dr. Wagner Jr with a cobra clutch legsweep, Eric Young pinned Chuck Taylor with a wheelbarrow suplex into a neckbreaker, TNA Tag Team Champions AJ Styles and Tomko battled Team 3D to a double disqualification in a non title match, and Kurt Angle and Brock Lesnar defeated Samoa Joe and Sting when Lesnar pinned Joe with the F-5.

Thoughts on the Show: Samoa Jobber loses another match. Yep, he's got to be in the dog house. Also, nice brawl between Team 3D and Styles and Tomko. Plus good little battles between DiBiase/Wanger and Young/Taylor, along with ODB and Saeed being a perfectly acceptable Knockout's Battle. The only thing was DeBone squashing the X-Division Champion in moments, but that's par for the course with TNA.

Petey Williams is gone from TNA. Sexxy Eddy and Trent Acid extended their contracts.

NWA

NWA Live Action featured NWA Tag Team Champions Death From Above defeating the Urban Gladiators when Sabu pinned Vito with the Triple Jump Moonsault, Rob Conway pinned Tomko with a small package, Rob Van Dam pinned Shaquile O' Neal with the Five Star Frog Splash, and NWA World Champion Booker T and Rhino defeated Bryan Danielson and Joey Matthews when Rhino pinned Matthews with the Gore.

Thoughts on the Show: Main event got twenty minutes and it was worth every minute. Four solid athletes give a performance. Tag Team Title match was good, RVD/Shaq was a great match with Van Dam taking some sick bumps off of Shaq's monster office, and Tomko/Conway...well it happened, but it was short and not threatening.

Lucha
Lucha Madness featured Vampiro, Mistico, and Latin Lover retaining the Mexico National Atomics Titles over Octagon, Cibernetico, and Electro Shock.

CMLL featured Nicho, Blue Panther, and El Hijo Del Perro defeating Mr. Neibla, Heavy Metal, and Olimpico, Hector Garza defeated Cuervo to retain the NWA World Middleweight Title, Antifaz Del Norte defeated Zumbido to retain the CMLL National Title, and Rey Bucanero defeated Damian 666 to retain the CMLL World Light Heavyweight Title.

Puro
Bryan Danielson won the the Open the Dream Gate Title over TAKA Michinoku.

Kohei Suwama defeated Shuji Kondo to capture the AJPW World Jr. Heavyweight Title.

Indies
Mike Quackenbush defeated Retail Dragon, Sabian defeated Icarus, Fire Ant defeated Shane Storm, and Incoherence defeated Ultra Mantis Black and Gran Akuma on the monthly CHIKARA Show.

IWA: MS featured Chris Hero defeating Davey Richards to retain the IWA: MS Heavyweight Title. Also, The Death Squad battled Tyler Black and B-Boy, Claudio Castagnoli defeating Toby Klein, the Iron Saints battled Ruckus and Roderick Strong in a non title match, and Jason Hades defeated Ricochet to retain the IWA: MS Light Heavyweight Title.

[MadMatt]

Break out the party hats and the streamers, today Wrestling Today Newsletter celebrates two years in publication.



Wrestling Today Newsletter Issue #97 Week One May 2010

WWE

WWE Monday Night Raw(5.46 rating on USA and 1.14 on ABC South Pacific) featured Santino and Carlito defeated Jim Duggan and Super Crazy when Carlito pinned Crazy with the Back Stabber, Drew McIntyre pinned Jay Bradley with a German Suplex, WWE Women's Champion Beth Phoenix pinned Melina in a non title match with the Implant Buster, John Morrison pinned Tommy Dreamer with the Moonlight Drive, Val Venis pinned Franky the Mobster with the Money Shot, Shawn Michaels pinned WWE Champion Triple H in a non title match wiht the Sweet Chin Music, and Rey Mysterio pinned Umaga with a springboard sunset flip.

Thoughts on the Show: Awesome big man/little man match for the headliner. It harkened back to those Hardy/Umaga matches of the past. Triple H and Shawn Michaels was an awesome battle, and Trips has been doing a lot of non title jobs recently, which is good, to set up future challengers. Also John Morrison puts in a good match and proves why he should become the WWE Intercontinental Champion instead of Festus. Also Beth/Melina and Franky/Venis were two good matches. The other two matches just took up time but nothing offensive. Overall a good show.

WWE Progression:(3.93 rating on ABC and 1.95 rating on Nippon TV) featured Mark Copani pinning Primo Colon with a DDT, Hernandez pinned TJ Wilson with a powerslam, Rouka battled Candice to a no contest when Ashley and Jillian got into it with the other two women, Paul Burchill pinned Orlando Jordan with the Curb Stomp, JTG retained the ECW Championship over Jesse with a somersault neckbreaker, and World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho pinned Elijah Burke with the Code Breaker in a non title match.

Thoughts on the Show: Typical show, with a good main event and a wretched women's match. The rest of the matches were just there but Orlando Jordan losing gets points.

WWE Smackdown:(4.31 rating on the CW and 0.38 rating on Sky One) featured Jamie Noble pinning Kafu with the Gibson Driver, Monty Brown pinned Afa Jr with the fallaway slam, Katie Lea Burchill pinned Layla with a tilt a whirl slam, Zach Ryder pinned Shannon Moore with a neckbreaker, The Miz pinned TJ