GEORGIA WRESTLING NEWS, NOTES, AND NOSTALGIA: 03/31/2008

Courtesy of GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com:

NEWS

On April 5 at 11:00 AM ET, Peach State Pandemonium will air a special two-hour episode in honor of Gary Hart. Michael Hayes and Kevin Sullivan are scheduled to appear. In conjunction with K&S Wrestlefest, there will be a DVD giveaway of a Q&A featuring Hart, Irwin, and Akbar, done on March 15, one day before Gary’s passing. More details will be released throughout the week. (Rich Tate)

World Wrestling Entertainment’s WrestleMania XXIV results from the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando tonight: Kane won a twenty-four man battle royal for a shot at the ECW Heavyweight Title later on the card; JBL over Finlay in the Belfast brawl; CM Punk won the money-in-the-bank ladder match over Mr. Kennedy, Shelton Benjamin, Chris Jericho, Carlito, MVP, and John Morrison; Batista over Umaga; Kane over Chavo Guerrero to win the ECW Heavyweight Title; Shawn Michaels retired Ric Flair; in the “Playboy Bunnymania” lumberjack match, Beth Phoenix & Melina over Ashley & Maria; Randy Orton over John Cena and Triple H in a three-way to retain the WWE Heavyweight Title; Floyd Mayweather over the Big Show via brass knuckles; and the Undertaker over Edge to win the WWE World Heavyweight Title. WWE will be back in Orlando, FL, tonight for the live RAW broadcast at the Amway Arena with action starting at 8:00 PM. (Rich Tate)

DISCLAIMER: GWH is not liable for any card changes, cancellations, etc. We can only report what is reported to us. As always, we suggest you check with the promotion within 24 hours to verify information posted here.

NOTES

Jerkin' the Curtain, hosted by Trent Van Drisse, will feature a roundtable to discuss WrestleMania XXIV on its show tonight at 11:00 PM ET. (Rich Tate)

Today in Memoriam: Maseo Koma (36, 1975)

NOSTALGIA

MARCH 31, 1927 (THURSDAY) (John Contos – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) / Notes: It is reported that a card scheduled in Atlanta for this date was cancelled when Joe Stecher pulled out upon learning his opponent would be Jim Londos. However, the two men ultimately met on April 7, 1927.

MARCH 31, 1931 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Henry Weber – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Amateur Match: Young Rupley defeated Bill Collins at 11:00 > John Paxos defeated Bill Middlekauff at 30:19 > Tiny Roebuck defeated Paul Harper / Notes: Bill Collins would eventually turn professional, and also went on to promote cards of his own in Atlanta in opposition to Georgia Championship Wrestling.

MARCH 31, 1933 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – GEORGIA POWER ATHLETIC AND SOCIAL CLUB (F.P. McGee – Promoter) > Bill Crussell versus Paul Burns > Ted Radcliffe versus Oscar Williamson / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. There were also two boxing matches, but no details were provided following the card.

MARCH 31, 1933 (FRIDAY) – AVONDALE, GA – AVONDALE ARENA (Wesley Brownlee – Promoter) > Dave Terrell versus Red Dugan > Smitty Anderson versus the Armless Wonder of the World > Wrestler versus Boxer Match: Jack Britt versus Whitey Patterson > Jack McAdams versus Chief Lakeside / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. There was also a boxing match, but no details were provided following the card.

MARCH 31, 1936 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – LOEW’S GRAND THEATRE (Henry Weber – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Count Zarnoff defeated Jimmy Morris > Orville Brown and Dorv Roche wrestled to a draw > Pete Sauer defeated Pat O’Shocker

MARCH 31, 1939 (FRIDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – RICHMOND POST ARENA (Dobie Osborne – Promoter) > Women’s Match: Billie Burke versus Betty Lee > George Brown versus the Red Shadow > Bill Collins versus Young Londos / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MARCH 31, 1944 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Don Lee & the Red Devil defeated Al Massey & Laverne Baxter > Joe Marsh defeated Joe Estes > Hugh Winn defeated Roy Mitchell

MARCH 31, 1950 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jack LaRue versus Buddy Knox > Women’s Match: Elvira Snodgrass versus Ann Laverne > Don McIntyre versus Tom Mahoney > Red McIntyre versus the Red Terror > Southern Heavyweight Title Match: Nick Carter defeated Rebel Russell* to win title / Notes: Aside from the match between Nick Carter and Rebel Russell, no documented results for the remaining matches on this card have been found. It is unclear as to how Rebel Russell came to be recognized as Southern Heavyweight Champion. The last reference we have shows Ray Villmer winning the title from George Flynn on December 23, 1949, in Atlanta. Elmer Snodgrass managed Elvira Snodgrass.

MARCH 31, 1950 (FRIDAY) – PALMETTO, GA (Fred Ward – Promoter / Fred Ward Promotions) > Tommy Ward defeated Honey Boy Hannigan > The Menace and the Green Hornet wrestled to a draw / Notes: It is unclear as to what venue was the site of this card.

MARCH 31, 1958 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Robert McCoy – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Rocky Columbo and the Mighty Yankee wrestled to a draw > Ronnie Etchison and Don Lee wrestled to a draw > Ray Gunkel & Billy Red Lyons defeated Karl Heinkler & Kurt Von Brawner (2-1)

MARCH 31, 1961 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Guy Mitchell & Chief Little Eagle defeated Jim Burke & Killer Campbell > Skull Murphy defeated Bill Dromo > Special Challenge Match: Ray Gunkel defeated Gypsy Joe by disqualification

MARCH 31, 1962 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Frank Hickey versus Charley Laye > Andre Drapp versus Evon Marion > Tojo Yamamoto & Taro Myaki defeated Ray Villmer & Haystacks Calhoun > US Tag Team Title Match (No TL / No DQ): the Assassins* defeated Eddie Graham & Dick Steinborn / Notes: Frank Hickey and Charley Laye were scheduled to wrestle each other, as were Andre Drapp and Evon Marion, but no results were reported after the card. For the match between the Assassins and Eddie Graham & Dick Steinborn, the Assassins had vowed to unmask if they lost. The Assassins had been the reigning US Tag Team Champions since they defeated Graham & Steinborn on January 26, 1962, in Atlanta. It was announced that Don Curtis and Freddie Blassie would be wrestling in Atlanta soon. Haystacks Calhoun participated in an autograph session for fans.

MARCH 31, 1964 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Joe Scarpa defeated Red Steiner > Women’s Match: Rita Cortez defeated Ida Mae Martinez > Joe McCarthy & Chief Big Heart defeated Chuck Campbell & Juan Sebastian

MARCH 31, 1965 (WEDNESDAY) – JEKYLL ISLAND, GA (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Tom Bradley versus Red Roberts > Choo-Choo Lynn versus Pancho Villa > Randy Roper versus Bob Dalton / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. It is unclear as to what venue was the site of this card.

MARCH 31, 1967 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – PAUL JONES SPORTS ARENA [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Ike Eakins defeated Gorilla Marconi > Lorenzo Parente defeated Oki Shikina > Bobby Graham & El Mongol defeated Bobby Hart & Corsica Jean > Georgia Heavyweight Title Match: Nick Kozak* defeated Louie Tillet > Southern Tag Team Title Match: Enrique & Ramon Torres defeated Lars & Gene Anderson* by disqualification / Notes: Jack Crawford managed El Mongol. Nick Kozak had been the reigning Georgia Heavyweight Champion since he defeated El Mongol on March 18, 1967, in Atlanta. Lars & Gene Anderson had been billed as Southern Tag Team Champions since February 17, 1967. It was announced that Mr. Wrestling would be wrestling on the card on April 7, 1967.

MARCH 31, 1970 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bill Dromo and Karl Von Stroheim wrestled to a draw > Chati Yokuchi & Fuji defeated Ron & Robert Fuller > Macon Tag Team Title Match: Joe Scarpa & El Mongol* defeated Homer O’Dell & Buddy Colt / Notes: Joe Scarpa & El Mongol had been the reigning Macon Tag Team Champions since they defeated Homer O’Dell & Buddy Colt on March 17, 1970, in Macon. Homer O’Dell managed Buddy Colt.

MARCH 31, 1972 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Karl Von Stroheim and Koa Tiki wrestled to a draw > John Sullivan & Roberto Soto defeated Rocket & Flash Monroe > Dick Steinborn defeated Ox Baker by disqualification > El Mongol defeated Billy Spears > Bepo Mongol defeated Klondike Bill > Georgia Tag Team Title Match: the Assassins* defeated Bobo Brazil & Bearcat Brown / Notes: Assassin #1 managed Karl Von Stroheim and Bepo Mongol. The Assassins had been billed as Georgia Tag Team Champions since March 18, 1972, after Paul Jones announced they should have been declared the winners in their match against then champions Ray Gunkel & Buddy Fuller on March 10, 1972. Eddie Smith was credited as being a referee for this card. Bobo Brazil participated in an autograph session for fans.

MARCH 31, 1973 (SATURDAY) – “ALL-SOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING” (Ann Gunkel – Promoter / All-South Wrestling Alliance) > Georgia Heavyweight Title Match: Ray Candy* defeated Assassin #2 by disqualification > Argentina Apollo defeated Rock Hunter / Notes: Rock Hunter managed Assassin #2.

MARCH 31, 1973 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WTCG STUDIOS (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > The Super Infernos defeated Bobby Cash & Sweet Daddy Siki > Bob Orton, Jr., defeated the Demon > Bill Watts defeated Butcher Brannigan > Mr. Wrestling #2 and Pantera Negra wrestled to a draw / Notes: This was taped for the “Georgia Championship Wrestling” television program hosted by Gordon Solie. J.C. Dykes managed the Super Infernos.

MARCH 31, 1975 (MONDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Joe Tomayo defeated Larry Zbyszko at 10:00 > Dudley Clements defeated Danny Little Bear > Bill Dromo and Lorenzo Parente wrestled to a draw > Don Muraco defeated Ron Wright > Jerry Brisco & Rocky Johnson defeated the Masked Patriots > Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated Assassin #2 at 1:30 > Toru Tanaka & Abdullah the Butcher defeated Dusty Rhodes & Mr. Wrestling #1 / Notes: Lorenzo Parente substituted for Billy Spears in the match with Bill Dromo, and Ron Wright substituted for Tony Peters in the match with Don Muraco. Rock Hunter managed Assassin #2, Toru Tanaka, and Abdullah the Butcher. Ron West and Doug Smith were credited as being referees for this card.

MARCH 31, 1975 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Charlie Harben – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Don Greene versus Ricky Gibson > Roberto Soto versus Man Mountain Blackwell > Women’s Tag Team Match: Toni Rose, Paula Kaye & the Fabulous Moolah versus Sheila Shepard, Daisy Mae & Susan Green > Barbed Wire Fence Match: Jerry Lawler versus Ray Candy > Texas Death Match: Don Kent versus Tommy Gilbert / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MARCH 31, 1978 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Pez Whatley defeated Frankie Lane > Paul Ellering and Jacques Goulet wrestled to a draw > Adrian Adonis defeated John Studd by disqualification > Georgia Tag Team Title Match: Tommy Rich & Thunderbolt Patterson defeated Ole & Lars Anderson* to win title > AWA Heavyweight Title Match: Dusty Rhodes defeated Nick Bockwinkel* by disqualification > Tony Atlas defeated Billy Graham by countout / Notes: Bobby Heenan managed Nick Bockwinkel.

MARCH 31, 1979 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WTCG STUDIOS (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Tape: Dusty Rhodes versus a “Mystery Man” > Ron Bass defeated Ron Moates > Mike Stallings defeated Frank Dusek > Blackjack Lanza defeated Bob Owen > Bob Armstrong & Tommy Rich defeated Larry Latham & Rocket Monroe / Notes: This was taped for the “Georgia Championship Wrestling” television program hosted by Gordon Solie. A tape from the “Macon Championship Wrestling” program was shown on this episode, featuring Mr. Wrestling #1 giving a wrestling clinic. Bobby Heenan managed Ron Bass and Blackjack Lanza.

MARCH 31, 1979 (SATURDAY) – CALHOUN, GA (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) Notes: A card was scheduled, but no details have been found. Wahoo McDaniel and a battle royal were advertised.

MARCH 31, 1980 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – RICHMOND COUNTY CIVIC CENTER (Charlie Harben – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bill Dromo and Genichiro Tenryu wrestled to a draw > Lars Anderson defeated Charlie Fulton > Kevin Sullivan defeated Dutch Mantell > Jay Strongbow versus Ernie Ladd ended in a double disqualification > Baron Von Raschke, Ivan Koloff & Alexis Smirnoff defeated Tony Atlas, Wahoo McDaniel & Mr. Wrestling #2 > Tommy Rich defeated Austin Idol / Notes: Rock Hunter managed Ivan Koloff and Alexis Smirnoff.

Funking Conservatory Press Release - Dory Funk Jr.'s Final Wrestling Match In Japan Now On !BANG! TV

Courtesy of Dory Funk Jr.:

March 3rd, 2008 in Tokyo's Sumo Hall marked the final wrestling match in Japan of Dory Funk Jr., This is not the end of a wrestling career, but a new beginning as Dory Funk Jr. will now devote full time to the Funking Conservatory Wrestling School and marketing company, training and marketing athletes desiring to become professional wrestlers.

Dory's final match and celebration can be seen at http://www.dory-funk.com.

For training information, tryouts and schedules at the Funking Conservatory, call 352-895-4658 or visit our website at the above url.

Bodog Fight Opens 'Vault' To Showcase Middleweight Tournament

Courtesy of Bodog TV Press:

For Immediate Release
March 31, 2008

Although the sport of mixed martial arts has been steadily growing in popularity over the past few years, tournaments in which fighters are required to fight more than once on the same card have largely been restricted to underground spectacles or amateur events.

However, with athletic commissions starting to demonstrate a willingness to sanction them, MMA tournaments are beginning to appear at mainstream events.

One such tournament took place as part of a recent Bodog-sponsored Strikeforce event in San Jose, Calif., where a full house packed the HP Pavilion to witness what was, in fact, the first-ever sanctioned MMA tournament in the Golden State.

Scheduled to fight were Jorge Santiago (14-7), Yuki Sasaki (21-13-1), Falaniko "Niko" Vitale (24-7) and Bodog Fight middleweight champion Trevor Prangley (16-4). Due to a failed medical, however, Sasaki was replaced with UFC veteran Sean Salmon (14-4).

Scheduled to take place over the course of a 10-bout fight card, each tournament bout was scheduled for two five-minute rounds, with a draw forcing an overtime round to determine a victor.

Prangley, whose fifth straight victory was a second-round stoppage of Japan's Yuki Kondo at Bodog Fight: New Jersey on July 14, said before the event that stamina would play a factor in the tournament, with the winners of the first bouts having to fight two times during the evening.

"I've fought twice in one night before," said Prangley, referring to Oct. 26, 2002, when he beat Brett Shafer and Manny Valera on the same night in Mexico.

"I won't lie; it isn't easy, especially if you take a couple of kicks to the legs or shots during the first fight. Your body can stiffen up going into the next fight. As tough as it is physically, I think the real test is mental. Physically most fighters can do it, but not everyone has the mental toughness to do it. I like to test myself. That's why I fight, to see just how far I can push myself."

Prangley faces Vitale in the tournament's opening round. Can the Bodog Fight champ win and advance to the finals?

Tune into Bodog Fight's groundbreaking online mixed martial arts series The Vault at fight.bodoglife.net/thevault this Saturday, April 5 to find out.

To see Salmon and Santiago do battle in the other tournament bracket, tune in Tuesday, April 1.

Bodog Fight: The Vault offers streaming video of all-new, never-before-seen fights each Tuesday and Saturday, commercial free. Each webisode is fully downloadable and iPod-ready, featuring a previously unaired bout from the Bodog Fight archives.

This exclusive Bodog TV footage is only available online at bodoglife.net/fight, twice honored at the 2007 Digital Marketing Awards.

Can‘t get enough hard-hitting MMA action?

Visit our Bodog e-Store and pick up a copy of Bodog Fight: St. Petersburg, The Complete Second Series.

The four-disc set includes the show’s thrilling second season, filmed on location in Russia, plus the historic pay-per-view event Bodog Fight: Clash of the Nations featuring undisputed heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko and U.S. Olympic wrestling champion Matt “The Law” Lindland.

For a limited time, purchase Bodog Fight: St. Petersburg, The Complete Second Series at bodoglife.net/store and get 25% off Bodog Fight: The Complete First Series, which features big brawls and small bikinis from sunny Costa Rica, plus a bonus limited edition CD featuring tracks from Bodog Music artists.

Available now at better retailers everywhere and online at bodoglife.net/store

About Bodog Fight

Since its inception in 2006, Bodog Fight has become one of the heavy-hitters in the world of mixed martial arts. Created by billionaire entertainment mogul and longtime MMA enthusiast Calvin Ayre, Bodog Television's Bodog Fight series offers viewers a unique combination of action and allure from exotic locations throughout the world. Bodog Fight can be viewed online at bodoglife.net, along with other Bodog Television programs including: a poker lifestyle and reality show, Calvin Ayre Wild Card Poker, and an international million-dollar band search competition, Bodog Battle. For more information, contact Media Relations at 1-866-892-3371, or fightpr@bodoglife.net. BODOG is a registered trademark.

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late! ...

Courtesy of ... well, let's just say, if we were in the same high school, he'd have been my prom date, Mark DANGER!:

Tickets for this Friday's event @ The Purks Building in Cedartown, Ga. are going FAST !!!!! You can get them now @ The Purks Building, their phone # is 770-748-9276.....

You'll see.....
THE LEGENDS BATTLE.....
Ricky Morton vs. Beautiful Bobby Eaton

LADIES WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP....
Bambi vs. Peggy Lee Leather

plus....The New Tag Team that EVERYONE'S talking about - The Exotic Ones, Kyle Matthews, Murder-One, Amien Rios, The Problem Solver Michael Cross, Tyler Smith, The Workin' Man Lamar Phillips, & many others....

BELL TIME 7:30 pm

For More Information call 706-314-9802....

NAWA RINGCHAMPIONS....Tomorrow's Traditions; Today!!!!

NAWA RINGCHAMPIONS...THE BEST DAMN WRESTLING IN GEORGIA!!!!

UWF Auction To Manage Wrestling Superstars Kicks Off Tomorrow At 10 a.m. At www.uwfusa.com!

For Immediate Release
March 31, 2008

Courtesy of the United Wrestling Federation:

The United Wrestling Federation will again provide fans with a once in a lifetime opportunity, as fans can bid to manage some of the biggest names in wrestling for charity for its May 1 event in Richmond, VA and May 2 event in Harrisonburg, VA. The auction will take place at www.sadlerfoundation.org beginning at 10 a.m. on April 1, and the proceeds will benefit the Hermie and Elliott Sadler Foundation. Wrestlers available to bid on include Jerry "The King" Lawler, Terri Runnels, Scotty 2 Hotty, Samoa Joe, and many more. Fans can also bid to guest ring announce for the main event both nights. For more information, visit www.uwfusa.com

NELSON, McGIVERN, SCHULTZ TO DEFEND TITLES AS INTERNATIONAL FIGHT LEAGUE RETURNS TO CONNECTICUT ON MAY 16

Courtesy of the International Fight League:

Two New Camps Join Team Quest, World Class Fight Center In Bouts at Mohegan Sun Arena

NEW YORK, March 31, 2008 – Two IFL stars, Roy Nelson (Las Vegas) and Ryan Schultz (North Platte, Neb.) will make their second respective title defenses and another, Ryan McGivern (Bettendorf, Iowa) will make his first when the International Fight League (OTC.BB: IFLI) returns to the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., with a minimum of nine bouts scheduled for Friday, May 16. HDNet will have live television coverage of the event.

Tickets are on sale beginning today via www.ticketmaster.com, the Mohegan Sun Arena Box Office, and by telephone at 860-886-0070.

The night will also mark the IFL debuts for the Bomb Squad, a Northeast-based camp which will take on Mario Sperry’s World Class Fight Center from Las Vegas, and for Team Prodigy, an Ohio-based camp which will battle Matt Lindland’s Team Quest of Portland, Ore.

In the title bouts, Nelson will defend his heavyweight belt against UFC veteran Branden Lee Hinkle (Weirton, W. Va.). Nelson won the title in December at Mohegan Sun with a knockout of Antoine Jaoude, then defended with a decisive first-round TKO over Fabiano Scherner in Las Vegas in February. Schultz will battle Deividas Taurosevicius (Lithuania) for the lightweight crown. Schultz also won his title in his last visit to Mohegan Sun in December, bouncing Chris Horodecki from the ranks of the unbeaten, then earned a decision win over John Gunderson in Las Vegas in February to defend. McGivern, one of the most improved fighters in the IFL, took the middleweight belt from Matt Horwich in February and has won three of his past four bouts.

Other bouts of note include the Bomb Squad’s John Howard (Boston) against WCFC’s Marcello Salazar (Brazil) and Danillo Villefort vs. Mike Massenzio (Paterson, N.J.).

Team Quest’s three competitors, who will take on three fighters from Team Prodigy to be announced, are all IFL veterans: Zac George (Norman, Okla.), Matt Horwich (Portland, Ore.) and Aaron Stark (Portland, Ore.).

IFL Mohegan Sun
Friday, May 16, 2008 (order TBD)

World Class Fight Center vs. Bomb Squad
170 lbs.: Marcello Salazar (Brazil) (1-0 IFL, 7-1-2 MMA overall) vs. John Howard (Boston) (0-0, 8-3)
185 lbs.: Danillo Villefort (0-0, 6-2) vs. Mike Massenzio (Paterson, N.J.) (0-0, 10-1)
155 lbs.: TBD

Team Prodigy vs. Team Quest
155 lbs.: TBD vs. Zac George (Norman, Okla.) (1-1, 12-2)
185 lbs.: TBD vs. Matt Horwich (Portland, Ore.) (6-4, 21-10-1)
205 lbs.: TBD vs. Aaron Stark (Portland, Ore.) (2-2, 5-4)

Championship Bouts
265 lbs.: *Roy Nelson (Las Vegas) (5-1, 12-2) vs. Branden Lee Hinkle (Weirton, W. Va.) (0-0, 13-9)
185 lbs.: *Ryan McGivern (Bettendorf, Iowa) (6-4, 12-5) vs. Dan Miller (Sparta, N.J.) (1-0, 7-1)
155 lbs.: *Ryan Schultz (North Platte, Neb. (6-2, 19-9-1) vs. Deividas Taurosevicius (Lithuania) (3-0, 9-2)

*Current Titleholder

About the IFL

International Fight League™ (IFL) has its headquarters in New York and offices in Las Vegas. For more information about IFL, please see: www.ifl.tv.

WrestleMania® XXIV Crushes Records, Careers

Courtesy of World Wrestling Entertainment Inc.:

ORLANDO, Fla.--(March 30, 2008)--Champions were crowned, the legendary Ric Flair was forced to retire, boxer Floyd Mayweather prevailed, and Undertaker extended his undefeated streak as World Wrestling Entertainment® set both attendance and ticket sale records at WrestleMania XXIV tonight at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando.

WWE® grossed more than $5.85 million in ticket sales, making it the highest grossing live event in WWE history and in the history of the Citrus Bowl. WWE set an attendance record for the Citrus Bowl with 74,635 fans from all 50 states, five Canadian provinces and 21 countries invading Orlando, pumping up to $30 million into the local economy. The WWE’s annual pay-per-view, pop culture extravaganza is televised to more than 100 countries.

In the match billed as a showdown between the greatest fighter in the world and one of the largest athletes on Earth, undefeated WBC Welterweight Champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather barely survived against 7-foot, 441-lb. Big Show, eventually knocking him out with brass knuckles. Flair, a 16-time World Champion and 2008 WWE Hall of Fame Inductee, lost to another legendary star, Shawn Michaels, in an emotion-filled match, forcing him into retirement as one of the greatest pro wrestling stars of all-time. Undertaker defeated Edge® to become the new World Heavyweight Champion, extending his undefeated streak at WrestleMania to 16-0. Randy Orton® retained the WWE Championship in a Triple Threat match against Triple H® and John Cena®. Kane became the new ECW Champion, crushing Chavo Guerrero.

Always a star-studded event, WrestleMania XXIV featured several celebrity participants in addition to Mayweather. John Legend performed “America The Beautiful” to open the event, Snoop Dogg served as Master of Ceremonies for the BunnyMania Lumberjack Match, Kim Kardashian was a special guest hostess, and Raven-Symoné played host to 50 Make-A-Wish kids being honored by WWE in its largest wish granting event ever.

Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/

Images from WrestleMania XXIV are available on FTP:

From Windows using Internet Explorer 7:
ftp://ftp001.wwecorp.com/WM24_Press/
Enter wm24press in the username field and wm24pres$ in the password field of the ensuing dialog box.

From Windows using Internet Explorer 6:
ftp://wm24press@ftp001.wwecorp.com/WM24_Press/
Enter wm24pres$ in the password field of the ensuing dialog box.

From a Mac using an FTP client: (such as Fetch or Transmit)
Server name: ftp001.wwecorp.com
User name: wm24press
Password: wm24pres$
Directory: WM24_Press

Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, and logos are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. ECW is a trademark of WWE Libraries, Inc. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include the conditions of the markets for live events, broadcast television, cable television, pay-per-view, Internet, entertainment, professional sports, and licensed merchandise; acceptance of the Company's brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to litigation; risks associated with producing live events both domestically and internationally; uncertainties associated with international markets; risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television distribution agreements; and other risks and factors set forth from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. In addition to these risks and uncertainties, our dividend is based on a number of factors, including our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan, our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends and such other factors as our board of directors may consider relevant.

Contacts
World Wrestling Entertainment
Media:
Gary Davis, 203-353-5066
or
Investors:
Michael Weitz, 203-352-8642

WrestleMania® XXIV Smashes Sales, Attendance Records

Courtesy of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.:

ORLANDO, Fla.--(March 30, 2008)--World Wrestling Entertainment® set both attendance and ticket sale records at WrestleMania XXIV tonight at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando. WWE grossed more than $5.85 million in ticket sales, making it the highest grossing live event in WWE history and in the history of the Citrus Bowl. WWE set an attendance record for the Citrus Bowl with 74,635 fans from all 50 states, five Canadian provinces and 21 countries attending WWE’s annual pop culture spectacular.

“We would like to thank WWE Fans from around the globe for making this year’s WrestleMania one for the record books,” said Geof Rochester, Executive Vice President, Marketing. “We would also like to thank Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and John Saboor, President of the Central Florida Sports Commission, for all of their hospitality during WrestleMania week. It was a tremendous experience.”

“This has been an incredible week here in Central Florida,” said John Saboor, President of the Central Florida Sports Commission. “It was an honor to welcome the WWE and its fans from around the world. We can’t wait to ask the McMahon family to come back for another WrestleMania.”

Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/

Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, and logos are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. ECW is a trademark of WWE Libraries, Inc. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include the conditions of the markets for live events, broadcast television, cable television, pay-per-view, Internet, entertainment, professional sports, and licensed merchandise; acceptance of the Company's brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to litigation; risks associated with producing live events both domestically and internationally; uncertainties associated with international markets; risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television distribution agreements; and other risks and factors set forth from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. In addition to these risks and uncertainties, our dividend is based on a number of factors, including our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan, our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends and such other factors as our board of directors may consider relevant.

Contacts
World Wrestling Entertainment
Media:
Gary Davis, 203-353-5066
or
Investors:
Michael Weitz, 203-352-8642

College MMA Challenge & Live The Legend MMA 103 Congratulates Winners Dan Mifflin (Yale) And Josh Hesser (Open Division)

Courtesy of College MMA Challenge:

College & Live the Legend MMA 103: Grappling Event a huge success. A beautiful March day brings some of New England’s strongest MMA grappling talent to the beach to see who is the best College Competitor and Open Division Fighter.

West Hartford, CT, March 30, 2008 -- The world famous Paddy’s Beach, Rhode Island. From the beginning of Saturday’s College & Live the Legend MMA 103 events, you could tell something special was under way. The air was rich with the excitement of friendly competition and a true sense of community being built, as competitors came together, representing Colleges and Universities all over the Northeast to have some fun and put it all on the line.

Building on the momentum of the two previous events sponsored by Geezeo, Fed Ex Kinkos, Whitford Securities, Greenleaf BioFuels, Ramen Noodles, and Paddy’s Beach—Jim Hughes and Royce Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu of Connecticut and New England organized yet another excellent event featuring two action packed divisions of MMA grappling action. The 103 event showcased both College MMA and Live the Legend MMA challenges to accommodate all competitors. “Today’s events were a great way to get some valuable competition experience and really feel like part of something great” concluded Greg DiCrosta, a Live the Legend MMA Challenge competitor fighting out of New haven Connecticut. “Who knew competing in an event like this could be so much fun?”

No stalling, just go for it!

Featuring rules that encourage competitors to go for submissions—the essence of Jim Hughes and Royce Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu—the event featured dozens of submission victories including a beautiful 35 second armlock applied by first place Live the Legend MMA finisher, Josh Hesser from Norwich CT. “The rules really make you go for it,” stated Hesser. “Because there is no tournament mentality to win on points, stall and waste time, all my matches today were full of action.”

“We designed this unique event and its rules to help prepare fighters from all over for our upcoming MMA shows” said Jim Hughes the events founder and promoter. Once May rolls around, all matches will be held in regulation rings right on the beach. Another facet that makes the event unique is that all competitors wear regulation gloves during their matches. “The idea is to help competitors get used to working techniques and submissions as if they were in a MMA match,” explained Hughes.

“The College MMA Challenge has been great for me. I’m preparing to step into the ring very soon and these matches are the best way to gain valuable experience while getting to represent my school,” explained Josh Randorf today’s College MMA Challenge second place finisher and a Central Connecticut State University student. “I feel a real connection to all these guys—we’re all working toward a common goal of being the best fighters we can be.”

Giving fighters experience in a safe and friendly beachfront venue is only the beginning.

Congratulations to the follow finalists:

College MMA 103 Challenge Results
1st Place Dan Mifflin- Yale University
2nd Place Josh Randorf- Central Connecticut State University
3rd Place Nate Kenyon- University of New Haven

Live the Legend MMA 103 Open Results
1st Place Josh Hesser
2nd Place John Gagnon
3rd Place Eric Conley

“As the weather heats up, so will our shows” proclaimed Hughes. “The response to these unique events has been incredible and I want to invite all competitors to visit collegeMMAchallenge dot com, LiveTheLegendMMA dot com, and gracie-jiu-jitsu dot com for all the latest information on all our upcoming College MMA and Live the Legend MMA events. It promises to be a great summer at the beach,” Hughes continued. “In concert with our great competitors and generous sponsors, I personally can’t wait for the next one!”

Contact Information
College MMA Challenge
Jim Hughes
8602333000
jim@collegeMMAchallenge.com
www.collegeMMAchallenge.com

Ric Flair, Others Inducted Into WWE(R) Hall Of Fame

Courtesy of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.:

STAMFORD, Conn., March 30 -- Ric Flair was among the seven wrestling legends honored at the 2008 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony held at the Amway Arena in Orlando, Fla.

A capacity crowd of more than 7,000 WWE fans and current WWE performers witnessed WWE Superstar Triple H(R) induct Ric Flair and Dwayne Johnson induct his father Rocky Johnson and his grandfather, "High Chief" Peter Maivia into the WWE Hall of Fame. Also enshrined were Eddie Graham, Mae Young, Gordon Solie and Jack and Gerald Brisco. Highlights of the event were broadcast on USA Network.

Previous inductees include Hulk Hogan, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, Andre The Giant, Junkyard Dog, Vincent K. McMahon, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan and Bret "Hitman" Hart, among others. More information on the WWE Hall of Fame can be found at http://www.wwe.com/superstars/halloffame/.

Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.

Images from the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony are available on FTP:

From Windows using Internet Explorer 7:
ftp://ftp001.wwecorp.com/WM24_Press/
Enter wm24press in the username field and wm24pres$ in the password field of the ensuing dialog box.

From Windows using Internet Explorer 6:
ftp://wm24press@ftp001.wwecorp.com/WM24_Press/
Enter wm24pres$ in the password field of the ensuing dialog box.

From a Mac using an FTP client: (such as Fetch or Transmit)
Server name: ftp001.wwecorp.com
User name: wm24press
Password: wm24pres$
Directory: WM24_Press

Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, and logos are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. ECW is a trademark of WWE Libraries, Inc. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include the conditions of the markets for live events, broadcast television, cable television, pay-per-view, Internet, entertainment, professional sports, and licensed merchandise; acceptance of the Company's brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to litigation; risks associated with producing live events both domestically and internationally; uncertainties associated with international markets; risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television distribution agreements; and other risks and factors set forth from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. In addition to these risks and uncertainties, our dividend is based on a number of factors, including our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan, our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends and such other factors as our board of directors may consider relevant.

Big Vito Wins UXW’s United States Championship Using His Skull Von Krush Persona

Courtesy of K Glubis:

For Immediate Release:
March 29, 2008

Not to be missed in Orlando this year during WrestleMania, Big Vito aka Skull Von Krush appeared at UXW’s Hardcore Hell taking away the tile of United States Champion. He defeated Vordell Walker from Savannah, GA in the title match in 13 minutes.

The match started with Walker and two of his cronies degrading Vito’s use of the dress and his wrestling career. People screamed for him to appear after Jake The Snake Roberts came out in Vito’s defense and said a few choice words about having someone teach them a lesson. As a surprise to the crowd, the ring music was not Vito’s recognized YMCA theme song but an introduction to his appearance in his MMA, street fight gimmick, reminiscent of his ECW days – Skull Von Krush.

Using great wrestling skills in the ring gained from his years of experience, Vito demonstrated his ability to fight in any style, at anytime, anywhere, which continues to make him a success. He once again showed that he is the man to beat in front of Japanese press and other photographers. Abdullah the Butcher and Jake The Snake, two of Vito’s mentors, looked on as he appealed to the crowd.

At the end of the match, Walker was given a vote of confidence by Vito who extended him a hand. Vito said “He put up a tough fight but with a little more experience, he will one day become a great champion.”

It was a tremendous success with his fans that enjoyed some great no-nonsense wrestling.

Vito’s schedule for April includes:

April 5, 2008
DTW
Philadelphia, PA

April 10 – 15, 2008
NWE
Spain

To book Vito, please contact bigv@vitolograsso.com.

Connecticut's Jim Hughes Promoted To Black Belt By Royce Gracie In Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Courtesy of Jim Hughes & Royce Gracie Brazilian Jiu-jitsu:

Legendary fighter and teacher, Royce Gracie, promotes long time student Jim Hughes to Black Belt in his family martial art, Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jiu Jitsu. Jim Hughes heads Gracie Jiu Jitsu Self Defense & MMA training locations in Hartford CT, Glastonbury CT, Southington CT, Danbury CT, New Haven CT, Stratford CT, Norwich CT, UCONN/STORRS CT, Westerly RI at Paddy's Beach, Agawam MA, Boston MA, Newton MA, Wellesley MA, and Puerto Rico assisted by his top students and training partners.

West Hartford, CT, March 29, 2008 -- Jim Hughes offers the following statement to his students and friends regarding his promotion:

"Yep, it’s true. Some of you were there to see it. Royce promoted me to black belt. I really feel this is an acknowledgment of our collective work together as Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu coaches and students. When Royce promoted me he said “its been a long road Jim.” It really has.

Obviously, no one achieves any type of meaningful success without very good people around them. So, thank you each of you for being part of the making of this promotion. I appreciate your help and support along the way very much. There is a little bit of this black belt in you and you in it.

The weekend was very trying for everyone involved. Coaches came from all over the world to train at Jeremy’s new school near DC. Things were especially tuff for my family at home. Judy and the girls were all sick while I was gone. I was sick also during the training. I basically forced myself through it. But, it seems that there was, and is, more at work here than one’s individual will power alone.

Our families and friends put up with a lot because of our way of life. So thank you to each of your family members and friends for enduring the ride on the “Gracie Train.” It is that sea of support for which I am most grateful. With that in mind, it is important for me to acknowledge my Athletic Trainer, Perry Siegel, who I sometimes like to call “The Human MRI Machine.” Perry is guiding me through a serious injury and has helped me to avoid surgery. He has helped me keep going when there were many good reasons to quit. I can carry my children, teach, and train because of Perry’s care and investment in me (and in our network of schools and people throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, New England and beyond).

Obviously, I am deeply appreciative of Royce Gracie and his father, Grandmaster Helio Gracie; Rolker Gracie; Royler Gracie; and Rodrigo Gracie. Also, to Rolls Gracie, who I have only met once in a dream, and who I experience as having a substantial guiding hand in what is happening with those of us connected with Royce and with the Gracie Family at large.

The Gracie Family took me under their wing way back and stuck with me through thick and thin. They have always treated me like part of the family. Their history is much like my own family where my grandfather and father inspired us to never quit and to always work towards developing our resources and being creative in solving life’s problems, and my mom’s examples where she always demonstrated open hearted compassion (many of my wayward friends could sit at our table and live at our house as long as they followed the rules). And thanks to my grandfather’s third grade teacher who had the whole class dig a hole in the hillside next to the school house in Sweetwater Illinois. She told them to bury the words “I can’t” thus forever removing it from my family’s vocabulary. My grandparents and parents got me ready for this when I was really just a baby.

Gracie Jiu Jitsu is not a practice where you always win. It is a way of life and attitude where you learn to endure and solve problems creatively no matter the situation or obstacle.

I keep getting the question: “So, what does it feel like to be a Black Belt?” All I can say is that I feel surprised and elated but mostly, I feel a sense of very deep personal responsibility to the Gracie Family, especially to Royce and Helio, and to my coaching staff at all our locations and to our current and future students. I feel a real sense of urgency to come back to the basics and to continue learning and growing and sharing what I know in a way that accurately preserves and fosters Gracie Jiu Jitsu and the Gracie Family tradition.

Thank you again. My deepest appreciate and blessing to each of you reading this message and to each of you following the Gracie Way."

Readers can find Jim at www.gracie-jiu-jitsu.com www.RoyceGracieJiuJitsu.com or www.collegeMMAchallenge.com

Contact Information
Oasis
Judy Mulkern
860-233-3000
info@gracie-jiu-jitsu.com
http://www.gracie-jiu-jitsu.com

Tickets Now Available On Ticket Master And Wantickets For The MMA Red Carpet Super Event April 19th At The Shrine In Los Angeles

Courtesy of NAMMAE Press:

03/29/2008 - Tickets are officially on sale for the MMA Red Carpet Super Event at the Shrine Auditorium and Exposition Hall April 19th, 2008. King Of The Cage Presents Fight Night At The Shrine and will feature the return of the legendary Gary “Big Daddy” Goodridge. There will be 16 MMA competitions including a women’s MMA match. Doors to the Auditorium open at 6pm and fights start at 7pm. Tickets are now available on www.ticketmaster.com.

When the fight is over the Exposition Hall will host “After The Fight”, an MMA After Party. Tickets for the after party are available on www.wantickets.com. The party starts at 9pm and will run till 2am.

The NAMMAE Spring Retail Show and Exposition will begin at 11am and tickets will be available at the Shrine Box Office on show day. 40 – 60 of the top MMA brands are expected including Punishment Athletics. MMA fans can shop at discounted prices for top MMA clothing, gear, and accessories.

Any person who holds a ticket to the fight or a ticket to the after party can attend the NAMMAE Spring Retail Show for free. Police officers of the Southern California Sheriffs and Police Departments may gain entrance into the NAMMAE Spring Retail Show and Exposition at no charge with valid identification.

There will be a law enforcement focused seminar for police and security personnel at 2pm performed by the Orange County chapter of the famed Miletich Camp. Finally, there will be a female self defense course and other Jiu-Jitsu demonstrations performed by Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu.

For a direct link to purchase fight tickets visit:
http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0900406DB3FE901A?artistid=842260&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=830

For a direct link to purchase after party tickets visit:
http://www.wantickets.com?e_id=39460

Press Department
NAMMAE, LLC
350 Clinton Street, Unit B
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(877) 962-6623
info@nammae.com

GEORGIA WRESTLING NEWS, NOTES, AND NOSTALGIA: 03/29/2008

Courtesy of GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com:

NEWS

Buff Bagwell joined the GWH crew on Peach State Pandemonium this morning. He discussed his early days with the North Georgia Wrestling Alliance, his upcoming book and fitness center, and more. He also stressed his desire to work again on television, going so far as to say he would work for free for four Mondays if they would give him the opportunity to show he can still work. Click here for the archive. Next week, PSP will air a special two-hour episode in honor of Gary Hart. Details will be released throughout the week. (Rich Tate)

The 2008 class of the World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame will be inducted tonight at the Amway Arena in Orlando, FL, beginning at 7:00 PM. The event will be broadcast on a delay beginning at 11:00 PM ET on the USA Network. Gordon Solie will also be inducted, and accepting on his behalf will be Atlanta area residents Robert and Pamela Allyn, Solie’s daughter and son-in-law. Ric Flair, Peter Maivia, Rocky Johnson, Eddie Graham, Mae Young, and Jack and Jerry Brisco are also being honored. (Rich Tate)

The Future Wrestling Federation is in Monroe, GA, at Monroe Pinball Works, located at 320 South Madison Avenue, tonight. Tickets are $10. Advertised: FWF Heavyweight Champion Leatherface; Brian Titus, Flatline, the American Nightmare, Jamie Dean, Psychoman, Crash Hollywood, Chris Cage, and the Force Foundation. (Rich Tate)

The All-Star Wrestling Network presents their monthly Outsiders show tonight at the Wrestleplex in Fort Valley, GA. This show is for talent new to AWN for a shot at impressing AWN officials. Bell time is 7:30pm and tickets are $5 for all seats. The advertised main event will be "Mean" Mike Stratus taking on The Super Skull. In tag team action, Bad Reputation w/Killer Keith Steinborn versus The New Age Freebirds. "Hell's Henchman" Loco Motive versus "The Prodigal Son" Bobby Joiner. "The Rock N Roll Rebel" versus "The Bulldog". And "The Real Superstar" Derrick Andrew Reynolds versus Scotty Carmichael. (Brian Slack)

Ring of Honor will be in Orlando, FL, tonight. The events will be held at the Orlando Downtown Recreation Complex. Call (215) 781-2500 for more info. Advertised: Nigel McGuinness defends the ROH World Heavyweight Title versus Austin Aries; Ryo Saito, CIMA & Dragon Kid versus Naruki Doi, Masato Yoshino & Genki Horiguchi; Davey Richards & Rocky Romero defend the ROH World Tag Team Title versus Ruckus & Jigsaw; Roderick Strong versus Erick Stevens; Mark & Jay Briscoe versus Jimmy Jacobs & Tyler Black; Kevin Steen & El Generico versus BxB Hulk & Shingo; and Delirious versus Go Shiozaki. Matches will start at 7:30 PM. Also advertised are appearances by Tammy Sytch and Luke Williams, as well as Larry Sweeney, Sal Rinauro, Kenny King, and Chasyn Rance. (Rich Tate)

United States Wrestling Organization results from Nashville at the Stadium Inn for March 28 courtesy of Jimmie Daniels, ace reporter and music maestro, are as follows: White Tiger & Steven Green b Shane Smalls & Lee Cross (w/Lisa Fayzon) when Green pinned Smalls. Damien Payne (w/Fetish) b Petey Wright; this was a #1 contenders match for the USWO Jr. Championship held by LT Falk. Anthony Cervantes b LT Falk; This was a non-title match as LT had offered AC this match last week. AC is legit leaving town and AM Vision is out in street clothes filming this. Michael Jablonski b Tim Renesto-DQ after Renesto shoved ref Mark Owen. Quinton Quarisma & Jay Phoenix b Steve O when Phoenix pinned Steve O, who decided to go it alone after scheduled partner Jamie Dundee was absent. Later, Slade ran out and offered a tag but later turned on Steve O. Chris Michaels b Mitch Ryder-DQ; finish here was Michaels ducking Ryder's lariat and ref Owen getting hit. Michaels superkicked Ryder for a long cover that saw ref Nick White run out and count the three. Owen awakens to reverse NW's decision and DQ Ryder. Attendance was reported as 86. "The Ace" Nick/Dick White and Mark Owen were the officials. (Larry Goodman)

American Pro Wrestling results from a fan appreciation show on March 28 in Spartanburg, SC: K9 over Twinkletoes to retain the cruiserweight title; Dookie & Boomer Payne over Mike Madden & Eric Anton; Bobby Diamond & Squeakes the Clown over Heath Havoc & A.J. Frost to retain the tag team title; Vinnie Valentine over Adan Jaxon by disqualification; Randy Wayne & Ken Magnum versus Shane Steele & Chief Jay Eagle ended in a double disqualification; Ike Stevens & Taylor St. Cloud over Krypton & Jake Jeckel; and the Jones Boys & K9 versus Elite, Jason Storm & Jesse Blood ended in a no contest. (Rich Tate, courtesy of Gene Restaino)

I received the following phone message from A.J. Steele, presumably regarding his booking with the Independent Wrestling Network for their debut show in Columbus, GA, on April 4: "No show, baby. Not gonna happen." When contacted for comment, IWN owner Dwayne Bell said his card stands as advertised with Jason Cross versus A.J. Steele. IWN hasn't exactly had a stellar record of credibility of late. The first Internet card posted for their show in Fort Valley, GA, erroneously listed Booker T. Then, there was premature announcement and subsequent cancellation of a show in Phenix City, AL. Great Championship Wrestling is clearly not going to allow their talent to work for IWN, so somebody is being worked, the question is who? (Larry Goodman)

The advertised 6-man match for the United Wrestling League’s April 4 event in Cleveland, TN, featuring Damon Taz, Don & Bull Buchanan versus Jack Lord & his new Lord of the Rings has been changed to a standard tag match with Don Buchanan & Taz versus Lords of the Ring with Lord at ringside. The change was necessitated by Bull Buchanan's tour of Japan. Buchanan left yesterday and will be in Japan for three to four weeks. The odd thing is that the start date for Bull's tour was public knowledge when the original card was released. Other advertised matches include Davey Rich versus Derrick King, Kevin White versus Bill Dundee, and the debut of Casey Kage. Ole Anderson is slated to join the broadcast team. (Larry Goodman)

DISCLAIMER: GWH is not liable for any card changes, cancellations, etc. We can only report what is reported to us. As always, we suggest you check with the promotion within 24 hours to verify information posted here.

NOTES

Trash Talking Radio, hosted by Mike Trash, will feature Ole Anderson, Ricky O, and Van Hughes on its show on April 1 at 7:00 PM ET. (Rich Tate)

GWH wishes a happy birthday to Michael Hayes, who turns 49 today.

Today in Memoriam: Joe Stecher (80, 1974) and Herb Welch (91, 1999)

NOSTALGIA

MARCH 29, 1928 (THURSDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (John Contos – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jim Londos and Wladek Zbyszko wrestled to a draw at 120:00 > Pete Sauer defeated the Mysterious Conductor / Notes: The Mysterious Conductor substituted for Jack Evans in the match with Pete Sauer.

MARCH 29, 1932 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (L.C. Warren and Eddie Hanlon – Promoters) > Len Macaluso defeated Eddie Elzea > Jack Sherry defeated John Grandovich / Notes: The attendance for this card is unknown, but it was reported that the gross receipts totaled $340.25. This appears to have been the first true wrestling war between promoters in Georgia, as L.C. Warren and Eddie Hanlon managed to secure an agreement to use the venue where Henry Weber had been promoting since November 1929. However, it wouldn’t last long, and Weber was back promoting in this venue again on April 19, 1932, with both promotions running alternate weeks until Warren bowed out in July 1932.

MARCH 29, 1934 (THURSDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – LAKEWOOD HEIGHTS ARENA (Frank Bettis – Promoter) > Wesley Brownlee versus Gorilla Tucker > Chief Lakeside versus Pancho Villa > Georgia Light Heavyweight Title Match (No TL): Bill Crussell* versus John Mauldin / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Bill Crussell disputed the decision of February 26, 1934, which had him forfeiting his Georgia Light Heavyweight Title to Fred Lassiter due to an injury, which prevented him from continuing in the match. Crussell defended the title for some promotions while Hugh Winn, who subsequently defeated Lassiter on March 5, 1934, also claimed to be the titleholder. Jay Jarvis was credited as being a referee for this card.

MARCH 29, 1935 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – RIVERSIDE ARENA (Frank Bettis and Cleve Roby – Promoters) > John Dameron versus Whitey Patterson > Ted Michaels versus Sammy Miller > No TL Match: John Mauldin versus Totem Pole Anderson / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MARCH 29, 1937 (MONDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – SPRING STREET ARENA (Frank Bettis and Cleve Roby – Promoters) > Tony Papalino versus Red Smith > Young Londos defeated Paddy Nolan > Tarzan Jordan versus Mike Cassidy / Notes: Aside from the match between Young Londos and Paddy Nolan, no documented results for the remaining matches on this card have been found.

MARCH 29, 1946 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jack Kelly defeated Mike Kilonis > Charlie Harben and Abe Zvonkin wrestled to a draw > Nick Carter defeated Vic Emanuel by disqualification > Ralph Garibaldi & Laverne Baxter defeated Dick Lever & Bill Collins > Al Massey defeated Ben Morgan

MARCH 29, 1951 (THURSDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Benny Becker defeated Honey Boy Hannigan > Jack Curtis defeated Rube Wright > The Golden Terror defeated Bobby Lane by disqualification

MARCH 29, 1954 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Tom Mahoney – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Clyde Steeves versus Gorgeous Gilpin > Lee Grable versus the Swedish Angel > Red McIntyre versus Dick Big Kettle > Southern Heavyweight Title Match: Freddie Blassie* versus Don Big Kettle / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Freddie Blassie had been billed as Southern Heavyweight Champion since he allegedly defeated Mr. Moto on February 8, 1954, in Birmingham, AL.

MARCH 29, 1957 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Red McIntyre defeated Tokyo Joe by disqualification > Mark Lewin versus Kurt Von Brawner > Guy LaRose versus the Great Mitsu > Argentina Rocca defeated Donn Lewin / Notes: Mark Lewin and Kurt Von Brawner were scheduled to wrestle each other, as were Guy LaRose and the Great Mitsu, but no results were reported after the card. Although not mentioned, Kola Kwariani was likely in attendance, as he was charged with traveling with Argentina Rocca as a troubleshooter for him.

MARCH 29, 1960 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bill Dromo defeated Bill Alexander > Vince Bryant defeated Jack Terry > Bill Dromo & Haystacks Calhoun defeated Freddie Blassie & Jack Terry

MARCH 29, 1961 (WEDNESDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS SPORTS ARENA (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Tiny Evans defeated Killer Campbell > Bill Dromo & Chief Little Eagle defeated Jim Burke & Gypsy Joe > Southern Heavyweight Title Match: Guy Mitchell defeated Skull Murphy* to win title / Notes: Skull Murphy had been billed as the Southern Heavyweight Champion since March 10, 1961, but only in Columbus since March 15, 1961. It is believed Guy Mitchell’s claim after defeating Skull Murphy on this date was only recognized in Columbus.

MARCH 29, 1963 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Don McIntyre – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jack Armstrong defeated George Bell > Derrell Cochran defeated Buck Jones > Chief Little Eagle defeated the Bat > Lenny Montana defeated Ted Evans > NWA World Heavyweight Title Match: Lou Thesz* and Tarzan Tyler wrestled to a draw / Notes: Lou Thesz had been the reigning NWA World Heavyweight Champion since he defeated Buddy Rogers on January 24, 1963, in Toronto, ON.

MARCH 29, 1965 (MONDAY) – ALBANY, GA (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jerry Miller versus Red Roberts > George Harris versus Choo-Choo Lynn > Jesse James versus Crybaby Harris / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. It is unclear as to what venue was the site of this card.

MARCH 29, 1966 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jack Armstrong defeated Pancho Villa > Billy & Bad Boy Hines defeated the Infernos > Texas Death Match: Mario Galento defeated Chin Lee / Notes: J.C. Dykes managed the Infernos.

MARCH 29, 1967 (WEDNESDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Corsica Jean defeated Gorilla Marconi > Bad Boy Hines defeated Lorenzo Parente > Enrique Torres defeated El Mongol > Billy Hines & Ike Eakins defeated Lars & Gene Anderson by disqualification / Notes: Jack Crawford managed El Mongol.

MARCH 29, 1968 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bobby Hart defeated Greg Peterson > The Rising Suns defeated Johnny Walker & Jim Wilson > Bob Armstrong and Duke Keomuka wrestled to a draw > Ray Gunkel & Buddy Fuller defeated the Gauchos > Mario Galento versus Butcher Vachon ruled a no contest > Lou Thesz, Enrique & Alberto Torres defeated Jack Crawford, Hans Schmidt & El Mongol / Notes: Gentleman X (1) managed El Mongol.

MARCH 29, 1969 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WQXI STUDIOS (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > El Mongol & the Professional and the Assassins wrestled to a draw > The Spoiler defeated Silento Rodriguez > Buddy Fuller defeated Paul DeMarco / Notes: This was taped for the “Atlanta TV Wrestling” television program hosted by Ed Capral. The Professional joined Ed Capral to announce that he was no longer associated with the Assassins, as he felt he was being used to carry the load, and had become increasingly concerned about his status with the team since they treated Jack Crawford they way they did.

MARCH 29, 1969 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bob Anderson versus Silento Rodriguez > Tim Geohagen defeated Joe Turco > Little John and the Spoiler wrestled to a draw > Bill Dromo defeated Skandor Akbar > El Mongol defeated Paul DeMarco > World Tag Team Title Match: Ray Gunkel & Buddy Fuller defeated the Assassins* to win title / Notes: Bob Anderson and Silento Rodriguez were scheduled to wrestle each other, but no results were reported after the card. The Assassins had been the reigning World Tag Team Champions since they defeated Ray Gunkel & Buddy Fuller on December 20, 1968, in Atlanta. It was announced that there would be a one-night tournament for the Georgia Tag Team Title on the card on April 4, 1969, and that Little John would be bringing in a mystery party for the event. The title had been held up after the NWA reportedly reviewed the match where Assassin #2 & the Professional defeated Ray Gunkel & Buddy Fuller by countout on March 21, 1969, despite the countout rule being waived for the match. The NWA said not only did the referee ignore the waived rule, but the match should have stopped completely when anyone other than the legal men entered the ring.

MARCH 29, 1972 (WEDNESDAY) – CARTERSVILLE, GA (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Tim Geohagen versus Karl Von Stroheim > Koa Tiki versus Mr. X > John Sullivan versus Ox Baker > Billy Spears versus Jerry Oates > Roberto Soto versus Oki Shikina / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Assassin #1 managed Karl Von Stroheim, Bepo Mongol, and Mr. X. It is unclear as to what venue was the site of this card.

MARCH 29, 1974 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Earl Maynard defeated the Mighty Yankee > Jerry Brisco defeated Ricky Gibson > Bob Armstrong & Robert Fuller defeated Art Nelson & Jerry Lawler by disqualification > Bobby Duncum versus Jumbo Tsuruta wrestled to a draw > Georgia Tag Team Title Losers Leave Match: Ron & Terry Garvin* defeated Rufus R. Jones & Mr. Wrestling #1 > Georgia Heavyweight Title Match: Dory Funk, Jr., defeated Mr. Wrestling #2* by disqualification / Notes: Jimmy Garvin managed Ron & Terry Garvin.

MARCH 29, 1975 (SATURDAY) – GRIFFIN, GA – GRIFFIN-BARNESVILLE SPORTS PALACE (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Larry Zbyszko defeated Dudley Clements > Ricky Gibson defeated Dudley Clements at 10:00 > Robert Fuller defeated Jerry Lawler / Notes: Bobby Simmons was credited as being a referee for this card.

MARCH 29, 1976 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Charlie Harben – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bob Backlund versus Karl Von Steiger > Ted & Jerry Oates versus the Red Devils > Moondog Mayne versus Thunderbolt Patterson > Mark Lewin versus the Spoiler > Stan Stasiak versus Dick Slater / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Gary Hart, manager of the Spoiler, was barred from ringside during the match between Mark Lewin and the Spoiler.

MARCH 29, 1977 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON COLISEUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Don Kernodle and Bill Howard wrestled to a draw at 15:00 > Randy Savage defeated Raymond Rougeau at 12:00 > Paul Jones defeated the French Angel at 14:00 > Lars & Gene Anderson defeated Black Atlas & Mr. Wrestling #1 at 12:00 > Macon Heavyweight Title Match (No DQ / No TL): Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated J.J. Dillon* to win title / Notes: J.J. Dillon managed the French Angel.

MARCH 29, 1978 (WEDNESDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Raymond Rougeau versus John Ruggers > Jacques Goulet versus Pez Whatley > Tommy Rich & Adrian Adonis versus Lars Anderson & Rock Hunter > Lumberjack Match: Stan Hansen versus Tony Atlas > Coal Miner’s Glove Match: Ole Anderson versus Mr. Wrestling #2 / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MARCH 29, 1979 (THURSDAY) – ROME, GA – ROME MEMORIAL GYMNASIUM (Charlie Harben – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Ron Bass versus Raymond Rougeau > Tommy Rich versus Kurt Von Hess > Stan Hansen & Bob Armstrong versus Ole Anderson & the Masked Superstar / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Bobby Heenan managed Kurt Von Hess and Ron Bass.

MARCH 29, 1980 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WTBS STUDIOS (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Georgia Heavyweight Title Match: Austin Idol defeated Mr. Wrestling #2* to win title / Notes: This was taped for the “Georgia Championship Wrestling” television program hosted by Gordon Solie. Outside interference from Harley Race and Baron Von Raschke during the match between Austin Idol and Mr. Wrestling #2 helped Idol get the win.

MARCH 29, 1981 (SUNDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – OMNI COLISEUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Kevin Sullivan defeated Mike Davis > Bobby Eaton defeated Roberto Soto > Steve Keirn & Steve O versus Ole & Gene Anderson ended in a double disqualification > Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated Jim Duggan > Tommy Rich & the Junkyard Dog defeated Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts > National Heavyweight Title Match: Steve O defeated the Mongolian Stomper* to win title > WWF Heavyweight Title Match: Bob Backlund* defeated Ivan Koloff / Notes: Tommy Rich substituted for Ted DiBiase to team with the Junkyard Dog in the match with Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts, and Steve O substituted for Dusty Rhodes in the match with the Mongolian Stomper, when Rhodes was injured during an altercation with Don Carson, who managed the Stomper. Michael Hayes joined Gordy and Roberts at the ring during their match.

MARCH 29, 1982 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Charlie Harben – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Ricky Harris versus Jerry Oates > Kevin Sullivan versus Ted Oates > Ron Bass versus Mr. Wrestling #2 / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MARCH 29, 1983 (TUESDAY) – AKRON, OH (Les Thatcher – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bob Roop defeated Joe Lightfoot > Killer Brooks defeated Johnny Rich > Larry Zbyszko defeated Brian Blair > The Iron Sheik defeated Dick Murdoch > Tommy Rich, Tony Atlas & the Masked Superstar defeated Ole Anderson, Buzz Sawyer & Killer Brooks

PEACH STATE PANDEMONIUM: 03/29/2008

Courtesy of GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com:

Buff Bagwell joined the GWH crew on Peach State Pandemonium this morning. He discussed his early days with the North Georgia Wrestling Alliance, his upcoming book and fitness center, and more. He also stressed his desire to work again on television, going so far as to say he would work for free for four Mondays if they would give him the opportunity to show he can still work. Click here for the archive.

Next week, PSP will air a special two-hour episode in honor of Gary Hart. Details will be released throughout the week.

Funk's Corner - Congressman Cliff Stearns Returns To The Funking Conservatory

Courtesy of Dory Funk Jr.:

Congressman Cliff Stearns returned to the Funking Conservatory yesterday to observe tryouts for All Japan Pro Wrestling.

Congressman Stearns also spoke with All Japan Pro Wrestling's Talent Scout, Osamu Nishimura about professional wrestling in Japan.

Tryouts for All Japan Pro Wrestling will continue today with Osamu Nishimura working in the ring with Funking Conservatory Students Blain Rage, Johnny Magnum, Flyin' Ryan "Air" Mitchell, Shane Chung and Elvis Sharp.

Photo of Congressman Stearns with the above mentioned wrestlers is on www.dory-funk.com.

For training schedules, tryout information and !BANG! TV ticket information, Call 352-895-4658.

GEORGIA WRESTLING NEWS, NOTES, AND NOSTALGIA: 03/28/2008

Courtesy of GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com:

NEWS

Georgia Wrestling Promotions returns from hiatus tonight at the Cherokee Parks and Recreation Authority in Woodstock, GA with Tommy Rich versus a mystery opponent, Hot Like Lava (Cru Jones & Shaun Banks) versus Sonny Siaki & Jamar Acid, Notorious D.O.G. versus Jess Wade, Amien Rios versus J-Rod versus Jon Davis, Andrew Pendleton III (with Lexi Pillman) versus Jason Valentine, and David Raines (with Matthews St. Clair) versus Flatline (with Ace Heffner). For further info call 770-296-5290 or 770-479-7598. (Larry Goodman)

Total Nonstop Action will be taping for iMPACT! at Universal Studios in Orlando, FL, tonight at 7:00 PM and tomorrow at 3:00 PM. Admission for tapings is free. Call (407) 224-6000 for more info. (Rich Tate)

Ring of Honor will be in Orlando, FL, tonight and on March 29. The events will be held at the Orlando Downtown Recreation Complex. Call (215) 781-2500 for more info. Advertised for tonight: Mark & Jay Briscoe versus Ryo Saito & Dragon Kid; Kevin Steen & El Generico versus Naruki Doi & Masato Yoshino; Austin Aries versus Genki Horiguchi; Jimmy Jacobs & Tyler Black versus BxB Hulk & Shingo; and Nigel McGuinness versus Delirious. Matches will start at 8:00 PM. Also advertised are appearances by Tammy Sytch and Luke Williams, as well as Larry Sweeney, Sal Rinauro, Kenny King, and Chasyn Rance. Advertised for March 29: Nigel McGuinness defends the ROH World Heavyweight Title versus Austin Aries; Ryo Saito, CIMA & Dragon Kid versus Naruki Doi, Masato Yoshino & Genki Horiguchi; Davey Richards & Rocky Romero defend the ROH World Tag Team Title versus Ruckus & Jigsaw; Roderick Strong versus Erick Stevens; Mark & Jay Briscoe versus Jimmy Jacobs & Tyler Black; Kevin Steen & El Generico versus BxB Hulk & Shingo; and Delirious versus Go Shiozaki. Matches will start at 7:30 PM. Also advertised are appearances by Tammy Sytch and Luke Williams, as well as Larry Sweeney, Sal Rinauro, Kenny King, and Chasyn Rance. (Rich Tate)

Great Championship Wrestling, results from Phenix City, AL, on March 27: Scotty Beach defeated Slaughter w/Wicked Nemesis. Shaun Banks w/Quentin Michaels, Zero Tolerance, and Cru Jones defeated John Bogie. Orion Bishop w/Wicked Nemesis defeated AJ Steele w/The Intern. J-Rod and Tex Monroe retained the GCW tag team titles against Randall Johnson and Michael Cook. Johnny Swinger and Shaun Banks w/Quentin Michaels, Zero Tolerance, and Cru Jones versus David Young and Sonny Siaki w/Diane Hewes, J-Rod and Tex Monroe was declared a double DQ when all 8 war games members got involved. Around 300 were in attendance. Jeff McGowan and Randy Ray were the referees for the night. (Brian Slack)

NAWA Ring Champions results from the National Guard Armory in Rome, GA, on March 27: in what was to be the semi-final round of a tag team title tournament, the Exotic Ones (Rick Michaels & Simon Sermon) won the title by defeating Kyle Matthews & Kid Ego after the other semi-final featuring Tyler Smith & Murder One versus HCP ended in a double disqualification, eliminating both teams; Lamar Phillips over Jay Clinton; Chris Ganz and Jason Valentine wrestled to a draw; Michael Cross over bruiser Mitchell, and then Cross went to a no contest with the American Patriot. The advertised card changed quite a bit due to injuries and scheduling conflicts, according to promoter Phil Heffner. The attendance was reported as 135, and included Charlie Smith, Ted Allen, Juanita Timbs, Gene Luvell, and Southern Extreme Championship Wrestling promoter Scott East. (Rich Tate)

Southern Extreme Championship Wrestling runs in Carrollton, GA, on April 3 at the VFW Fairgrounds, beginning at 7:30 PM. Doors open at 6:30. Ringside tickets are $10, while general admission is $8. Call (770) 355-5742 for more info. Advertised: a falls-count-anywhere match featuring Tommy Rich versus Abdullah the Butcher; Bobby Eaton versus Ricky Morton; Bulldog Raines versus the Super Destroyer; Iceberg versus two opponents in a handicap match; Adrian Hawkins versus Frankie Valentine; and the Exotic Ones (Rick Michaels & Simons Sermon) versus Chris Ganz & Kid Ego. (Rich Tate)

World Wrestling Entertainment has announced events to take place in Pensacola, FL, and Raleigh, NC, on July 6 and July 14, respectively. Tickets for Pensacola go on sale on May 31 at 10:00 AM, and are available at the Pensacola Civic Center and through Ticketmaster. Call (850) 434-7444 for more info. Tickets for Raleigh, to be broadcast live for RAW, go on sale on April 5 at 10:00 AM, and are available at the RBC Center and through Ticketmaster. Call (919) 834-4000 for more info. (Rich Tate)

DISCLAIMER: GWH is not liable for any card changes, cancellations, etc. We can only report what is reported to us. As always, we suggest you check with the promotion within 24 hours to verify information posted here.

NOTES

Peach State Pandemonium will feature Buff Bagwell on March 29 at 11:00 AM ET. Feel free to call in at (347) 324-5735. (Rich Tate)

Irvin Muchnick distributed an interesting article today regarding the timeline given by World Wrestling Entertainment of messages left by Chris Benoit on the weekend he committed suicide after killing his wife and son last June. He also has made audio available of a 911 call he believes supports his theory that Benoit’s final communication to WWE took place on Monday morning rather than Sunday, as previously reported. Click here for the article. (Rich Tate)

Click here for Richard Berger’s updated Perspectives on Wrestling. (Rich Tate)

GWH wishes a happy birthday to Umaga, who turns 35 today.

Abe Coleman died one year ago today. At 101, he was believed to be the oldest wrestler alive at the time.

NOSTALGIA

MARCH 28, 1933 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Henry Weber – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Milo Steinborn defeated Richard Dick (2-0) > Joe Savoldi defeated Jack Zarnas by disqualification (2-0)

MARCH 28, 1939 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WARREN ARENA (Frank Bettis and Cleve Roby – Promoters) > Joe Levine versus Sammy Miller > George Romanoff versus Mike Cassidy > Southern Light Heavyweight Title Match: Jack McAdams* versus Bob Anderson / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Jack McAdams had been the reigning Southern Light Heavyweight Champion since he defeated Eddie Williams on November 14, 1938, in Atlanta, GA.

MARCH 28, 1947 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Flash Clifford defeated Carlos Rodriguez > Dick Lever defeated Wally Dusek by disqualification > Vic Holbrook defeated Rudy Strongberg > Johnny Long defeated the Shadow by disqualification > Don McIntyre & Nick Carter defeated Herb Freeman & Tom Mahoney

MARCH 28, 1952 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jack Dillon and Sonny Kurgis wrestled to a draw > Jack McDonald defeated Mike Paidousis > Southern Heavyweight Title Match: Lou Newman defeated Don McIntyre* to win title / Notes: Don McIntyre had been the reigning Southern Heavyweight Champion since he defeated Art Nelson on September 10, 1951, in Augusta.

MARCH 28, 1955 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Tom Mahoney – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Andre Drapp defeated Jerry Graham by countout > Dizzy Davis defeated Steve Novak by countout > Wild Red Berry defeated Gorgeous George (2-1) / Notes: Gorgeous George was escorted to the ring by his valet Jeffries.

MARCH 28, 1955 (MONDAY) – VALDOSTA, GA – VALDOSTA LIVESTOCK ARENA (Gordon Walker – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Chris Averoff versus Aldo Bogni > Chicken Wire Cage Match: Carlos Rodriguez versus Red McIntyre ruled a no contest / Notes: Chris Averoff and Aldo Bogni were scheduled to wrestle each other, but no results were reported after the card.

MARCH 28, 1956 (WEDNESDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Tom Mahoney – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Billy Blassie versus Rocky Columbo > Midget Match: Fuzzy Cupid versus Cowboy Bradley > Jerry Graham versus Chief Big Heart / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MARCH 28, 1958 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Karl Heinkler and Billy Red Lyons wrestled to a draw > Rocky Columbo defeated Kurt Von Brawner by disqualification > Ray Gunkel defeated Jack Dillon > Southern Heavyweight Title Match: the Mighty Yankee* defeated Jerry Graham / Notes: The Mighty Yankee had been the reigning Southern Heavyweight Champion since he defeated Ray Gunkel on January 10, 1958, in Atlanta.

MARCH 28, 1960 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Robert McCoy – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bill Dromo versus Serge Malkoff > Handicap Match: Big Humphrey versus Jack Terry & Bad Boy Hines > Barbed Wire Fence Match: Freddie Blassie versus Haystacks Calhoun / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MARCH 28, 1961 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Ken Fryer and Buddy Barkley wrestled to a draw > Tiny Evans defeated Killer Campbell > Bill Dromo & Guy Mitchell defeated Jim Burke & Gypsy Joe > Southern Heavyweight Title Match: Chief Little Eagle defeated Skull Murphy* by disqualification / Notes: Skull Murphy had been billed as the Southern Heavyweight Champion since March 10, 1961.

MARCH 28, 1962 (WEDNESDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Charlie Harben defeated Frank Hickey > Evon Marion defeated Charley Laye > Dick Steinborn & Ray Villmer defeated Tojo Yamamoto & Taro Myaki by disqualification > US Tag Team Title Match: the Assassins* defeated Eddie Graham & Haystacks Calhoun / Notes: The Assassins had been the reigning US Tag Team Champions since they defeated Eddie Graham & Dick Steinborn on January 26, 1962, in Atlanta.

MARCH 28, 1964 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WAII STUDIOS (Don McIntyre – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Southern Television Title Match: Sputnik Monroe defeated Chief Little Eagle to win title / Notes: This was for the “Live Atlanta Wrestling” television program hosted by Ed Capral. The match between Sputnik Monroe and Chief Little Eagle was the final match of an ongoing tournament to determine the inaugural Southern Television Champion.

MARCH 28, 1967 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Corsica Jean defeated Pancho Rosario > Ike Eakins defeated Gorilla Marconi > Billy & Bad Boy Hines versus El Mongol & Oki Shikina ruled a no contest / Notes: Jack Crawford managed El Mongol.

MARCH 28, 1970 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WQXI STUDIOS (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Doug Gilbert & El Mongol defeated Chati Yokuchi & Fuji > Les Wolff and Buddy Colt wrestled to a draw > Alberto Torres defeated Assassin #2 by disqualification / Notes: This was taped for the “Atlanta TV Wrestling” television program hosted by Ed Capral. Homer O’Dell managed Buddy Colt.

MARCH 28, 1972 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Billy Spears & Mr. X defeated Pat & Mike Kelly > Koa Tiki defeated Oki Shikina > Women’s Match: Toni Rose versus Vicky Williams > Buddy Colt defeated Klondike Bill > Roberto Soto and Assassin #2 wrestled to a draw > Bill Dromo defeated Flash Monroe / Notes: Toni Rose and Vicky Williams were scheduled to wrestle each other, but no results were reported after the card. Assassin #1 managed Mr. X.

MARCH 28, 1975 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Don Kent and Ricky Gibson wrestled to a draw > Don Muraco defeated Dudley Clements > Jerry Lawler & Don Greene and Jerry Brisco & Rocky Johnson wrestled to a draw > Assassin #2 defeated Tony Parisi > Toru Tanaka defeated Bobo Brazil > Dusty Rhodes versus Abdullah the Butcher / Notes: Dusty Rhodes and Abdullah the Butcher were scheduled to wrestle each other, but no results were reported after the card. Rock Hunter managed Assassin #2, Toru Tanaka, and Abdullah the Butcher.

MARCH 28, 1978 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON COLISEUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Ken Dillinger defeated Bill Irwin at 13:00 > Steve Regal & the Magnificent Zulu defeated John Ruggers & Jacques Goulet at 18:00 > Boxing Match: Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated Rock Hunter by knockout in fourth round > Georgia Television Title Match: Tony Atlas defeated Ole Anderson* by disqualification > Texas Death Match: Tommy Rich defeated Stan Hansen

MARCH 28, 1979 (WEDNESDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Raymond Rougeau versus Rick Oliver > Tommy Rich & Thunderbolt Patterson versus Luke Graham & Kurt Von Hess > Bob Armstrong versus Blackjack Lanza > Mr. Wrestling #1 versus the Masked Superstar > Stan Hansen & Wahoo McDaniel versus Ric Flair & Ole Anderson / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Bobby Heenan managed Blackjack Lanza, Luke Graham and Kurt Von Hess.

MARCH 28, 1980 (FRIDAY) – DALTON, GA – FORT HILL SCHOOL GYMNASIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jack Poure versus Bill Dromo > Jay Strongbow versus Charlie Fulton > Joe Powell versus Genichiro Tenryu > Tommy Rich & Kevin Sullivan versus Austin Idol & Baron Von Raschke / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MARCH 28, 1981 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – “GEORGIA CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING” (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > National Tag Team Title Match: Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts* defeated Ted DiBiase & the Junkyard Dog / Notes: This was taped for the “Georgia Championship Wrestling” television program hosted by Gordon Solie. Following the match between Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts, who were joined at the ring by Michael Hayes, and Ted DiBiase & the Junkyard Dog, Gordy piledrived DiBiase in the ring and onto the concrete floor at ringside several times before he was chased away. DiBiase was taken to the hospital after the incident.

MARCH 28, 1981 (SATURDAY) – CHATTANOOGA, TN – CHATTANOOGA MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > The Mighty Yankee defeated Mike Davis > Charlie Cook defeated Bobby Garrett > Roberto Soto defeated Les Thornton > National Heavyweight Title Match: Steve O defeated the Mongolian Stomper* by disqualification > National Tag Team Title Match: Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts* versus Roberto Soto & Mr. Wrestling #2 ruled a no contest / Notes: Roberto Soto substituted for Ted DiBiase to team with Mr. Wrestling #2 in the match with Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts, who were joined at the ring by Michael Hayes. Don Carson managed the Mongolian Stomper.

MARCH 28, 1983 (MONDAY) – DAYTON, OH – HARA ARENA (Les Thatcher – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > The Iron Sheik defeated Joe Lightfoot > Killer Brooks defeated Brian Blair > Bob Roop defeated Johnny Rich > Tony Atlas defeated Larry Zbyszko by disqualification > Ole Anderson & Buzz Sawyer defeated Tommy Rich & the Masked Superstar > Dick Murdoch defeated Ivan Koloff

Alan Wojcik Reviews My Side Of The Story: Tito/Greg

Courtesy of Alan J. Wojcik:

Ever wonder the backstory to your favorite pro wrestling feud? Well the guys over at www.KayfabeCommentaries.com are giving fans the chance to find out. They have created a series of DVD's entitled MY SIDE OF THE STORY. This review covers the 1984-85 feud between former WWF Intercontinental champions Tito Santana and Greg "the Hammer" Valentine. Unlike other shoot DVD's where the subject is a singles or tag team who is quizzed about their career, this DVD sits the two men down and asks them the same questions in separate interviews and editing them in sequence. After the interviews are over, Santana and Valentine were brought together for more questions.

The interview begins with how the two men first met when they worked for the old Charlotte/NWA territory in 1979 and it follows them to the WWF of the early 1980's when Vince McMahon was beginning to expand his promotion across America. Both men praise booker George Scott in creating the feud by using Santana legit knee injury as the catalyst to get all the heat and the IC title on Valentine. They walk the viewer through the feud from Santana's return a month later in MSG and the style of work they used in the ring which according to Valentine was stiff but snug. Both men are sincere when they heap the praise on each other for their work rate and their desire to keep the feud going, even wanting to sell out events that WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan wasn't booked on. The famed cage match in Baltimore where Santana won the championship back is covered in detail event to the ending where Santana slammed the cage door on Valentine's head. Their promo styles are also shown off and the best question I felt was did they think the feud would work in the eyes of the fans if Valentine was the babyface and Santana was the heel.

The DVD is a must have for all wrestling fans and it includes a sixteen page booklet with information on the matches talked about on the DVD. Remember to log onto www.KayfabeCommentaries.com where the order price is $20.00. You can also check out other releases with Kevin Sullivan, Missy Hyatt, Honky Tonk Man, Gabe Sapolsky and JJ Dillon.

Mayweather Vs. Big Show - "There Is Going To Be A Winner"

Courtesy of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.:

ORLANDO, Fla, March 28, 2008 – The official rules for the Floyd Mayweather vs. Big Show match at WrestleMania® XXIV have just been announced: There MUST be a winner and anything goes. The match can be won by pinfall, submission, or knockout.

“This guy made the mistake of entering my world in the first place. Now that I have agreed to these wide open rules, I may just break his back. This is my world, not his,” comments WWE® Superstar Big Show.

“Hey what I do for a living is take risks. This is my idea that anything goes. He can’t beat me at my game, but I can beat him at his,” adds Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather.

In a David vs. Goliath match, the world’s greatest fighter Floyd Mayweather will risk it all when he goes up against 7 foot 441 lb Big Show at WrestleMania XXIV live on pay-per-view this Sunday at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla.

Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/

CONTACT:
Jennifer McIntosh (WWE)
203-536-0040 / Jennifer.McIntosh@wwecorp.com
Kevin Hennessy (WWE)
203-517-6621 / kevin.hennessy@wwecorp.com

Trademarks: All World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, and logos are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. ECW is a trademark owned by WWE Libraries, Inc. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.

Floyd Mayweather No-Shows Appearance On TSN Off The Record

Courtesy of Adam Lebow:

TSN OTR has posted today's edition of the show on their website and when you click on the link to see the second segment (skipping ahead of Rob Ray doing the Up Front segment), you will see footage off the top of Floyd Mayweather refusing to do the interview with Michael Landsberg. Pretty funny to see Mayweather blow off the interview.

WWE Canada and TSN have had a very good relationship, even with Raw going to The Score a few years back, I wonder if this will hurt it in anyways?

Scott James, Chavo Guerrero – Keys To Unlocking WWE’s Implausible Benoit Timeline

Courtesy of Irvin Muchnick:

On Thursday night this blog reported that the chief of security for World Wrestling Entertainment erroneously told Fayette County 911 that Chris Benoit had left a mysterious message for a fellow wrestler “this morning” – Monday, June 25, 2007 (http://muchnick.net/babylon/2008/03/28/benoit-911-call-wwe-security-chief-gave-wrong-day-of-wrestlers-last-message).

On Friday I left voicemail messages on what I believe to be the cell phone numbers for WWE’s Scott James and Chavo Guerrero. James and Guerrero were colleagues and friends of Benoit’s, and had the last known contacts with him. The authorities have determined that these contacts came after Benoit murdered his wife and their son.

Those two gentlemen are thus uniquely positioned to answer the question, “What did Vince McMahon know and when did he know it?” Of course, the question does not bear on the theory of the double homicide/suicide itself; the crime is open-and-shut. However, it does bear on the explanation of how the Benoit family tragedy came to be exploited for yet another high-rated dead-wrestler-tribute edition of Monday Night Raw, which began more than five hours after the long-decomposing bodies of Chris, Nancy, and Daniel were found in their home outside Atlanta. That exploitation, in turn, would become the first chapter in what McMahon surely anticipated as an epic struggle to spin the sports entertainment industry’s role in the early drug-related deaths of so many of its performers.

FULL TEXT AT

http://muchnick.net/babylon/2008/03/29/scott-james-chavo-guerrero-%e2%80%93-keys-to-unlocking-wwe%e2%80%99s-implausible-benoit-timeline/

The Number One Fighting Videogame Franchise Returns To The Virtual Ring With WWE(R) SmackDown(R) Vs. Raw(R) 2009

Courtesy of THQ Inc.:

Leading Videogame Brand Set to Deliver the Definitive Sports Entertainment Experience With Added Depth, Explosive New Features and the Debut of Downloadable Content

AGOURA HILLS, Calif., Mar 28, 2008 -- THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI) and JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ:JAKK) today announced that WWE(R) SmackDown(R) vs. Raw(R) 2009 is in development for the Xbox 360(R) videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system, Wii(TM) videogame console, Nintendo DS(TM) and mobile devices. Joining the immensely successful World Wrestling Entertainment(R) roster of WWE SmackDown/SmackDown vs. Raw licensed videogames, which have shipped more than 37 million units worldwide since 1999, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 is expected to begin shipping to retail outlets worldwide this fall.

"The ambitious cross-platform launch of WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 last year yielded tremendous growth for the franchise, as we delivered multiple gameplay experiences across seven platforms and greatly expanded our audience of WWE videogame fans," said Bob Aniello, senior vice president, worldwide marketing, THQ. "With dynamic new features and the extension of our gameplay experience through downloadable content, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 will bring more console, handheld and wireless gamers together to enjoy the virtual world of WWE."

"We are tremendously excited about the next groundbreaking release in the billion dollar WWE SmackDown vs. Raw videogame franchise," said Nelo Lucich, vice president of interactive, JAKKS Pacific. "Downloadable content, innovative experiences with tag teams and a new Create-A-Finisher feature, along with significant annual improvements across all platforms, combine to bring the sports entertainment experience to new heights and gratify our long-time fans, casual gamers and franchise newcomers alike."

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 upholds the franchise's commitment to delivering the definitive videogame simulation of live WWE programming. The Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system, PlayStation 2 system and PSP system versions of the game will unleash a brand new tag team experience, allowing players to build momentum and attributes, eliminate opponents with high impact double teams and finishers, as well as get the "hot tag" for the win. The franchise's renowned creation system offers a brand new Create-A-Finisher option, while a new Road to WrestleMania(R) Mode paves the way to WWE's biggest event of the year and lets players experience co-op storylines for the first time. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 also extends the virtual WWE gameplay experience with robust online capabilities, including the highly anticipated debut of downloadable content.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 for Wii builds upon its inaugural offering by significantly expanding its match type options, giving players more ways to enjoy the platform's unique pick-up-and-play experience. The game also takes full combat sports entertainment to the next level by giving players more Superstar control with interactive entrances and victory scenes. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 for Wii will also include a wide variety of new weapons, the debut of online gameplay and much more.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 for Nintendo DS returns with new gameplay controls that utilize the stylus and D-pad to deliver a compelling handheld fighting game experience. The redesigned Season Mode takes a role-playing approach, allowing players to interact with Superstars, upgrade their abilities and complete missions on a quest toward legendary goals. In addition, a larger Superstar roster, new match types and the inclusion of Create-A-Superstar will provide players with a variety of intriguing options to enhance gameplay.

More information about WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 can be found at www.smackdownvsraw.com and www.thq.com.

About World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.

Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. (NYSE:WWE), can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.

About THQ Inc.

THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com and www.thqwireless.com. THQ, THQ Wireless and their respective logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

About JAKKS Pacific, Inc.

JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK) is a multi-brand company that designs and markets a broad range of toys and consumer products. The product categories include: Action Figures, Art Activity Kits, Stationery, Writing Instruments, Performance Kites, Water Toys, Sports Activity Toys, Vehicles, Infant/Pre-School, Plush, Construction Toys, Electronics, Dolls, Dress-Up, Role Play, and Pet Toys and Accessories. The products are sold under various brand names including JAKKS Pacific(R), Play Along(R), Flying Colors(R), Creative Designs International(TM), Road Champs(R), Child Guidance(R), Pentech(R), Trendmasters(R), Toymax(R), Funnoodle(R), Go Fly a Kite(R), Color Workshop(R), JAKKS Pets(TM) and Plug It In & Play TV Games(TM). JAKKS and THQ Inc. participate in a joint venture that has worldwide rights to publish and market World Wrestling Entertainment video games. For further information, visit www.jakks.com.

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"PlayStation," "PLAYSTATION," "PS" Family logo and "PSP" are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

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Sid Conference Call Now Audio Available For Download

Courtesy of Steve Rockamaniac:

For those interested in hearing the Sid Vicious Conference Call for yourself, its now available for download via http://www.sendspace.com/file/bv04d9 - Courtesy of MainEventRadio.com

For those who didnt get the Written Recap it is below...

http://www.canvaschronicle.com/2008/03/sid-vicious-conference-call-recap-march.html

Benoit 911 Call: WWE Security Chief Gave Wrong Day Of Wrestler’s Last Message

Courtesy of Irvin Muchnick:

MARCH 28, 2008 – In the call to 911 just before the corpses of Chris Benoit and his wife and son were discovered last year, World Wrestling Entertainment’s chief of security twice stated the wrong day for the wrestler’s final cryptic text messages, an investigation by author Irvin Muchnick has revealed.

This finding raises new questions about the circumstances surrounding WWE’s Benoit tribute show, which aired on the USA cable network on Monday night, June 25, 2007. The company has defended the show by maintaining that it did not yet know that Chris Benoit had strangled his wife Nancy with a cord, snapped 7-year-old Daniel’s neck with a variation of his “Crippler Crossface” wrestling hold, and suspended himself by the throat from a basement gym weight-machine pulley.

FULL TEXT AT

http://muchnick.net/babylon/2008/03/28/benoit-911-call-wwe-security-chief-gave-wrong-day-of-wrestlers-last-message/

Abdullah And Jake "The Snake" Roberts Return To Florida Tomorrow

Courtesy of Shannon Rose:

MARCH 29TH 2PM, 2008
UXW PRESENTS PRO WRESTLING
Doors Open at 1pm
Bell Time is 2pm
The Central Florida Fairgrounds Pavilion
4603 W. Colonial Dr
Orlando, FL

We now have a NEW paypal address for ALL UXW ticket orders, just go to www.paypal.com. and make your payment out to WILLYDILLYMANIAC@AOL.COM.

JAKE THE SNAKE ROBERTS RETURNS TO UXW!

Throughout his career he was known for his promos and his dark charisma, his extensive use of psychology in his matches, and has been credited for inventing the DDT, though that has been challenged. He is also credited with training the wrestlers Diamond Dallas Page and Raven, as well as teaching much about wrestling psychology to his on-screen enemies, Steve Austin and the Undertaker.

Jake Roberts has feuded with some of the biggest names in the history of this sport like Andre The Giant, The Macho Man Randy Savage, Ricky The Dragon Steamboat and so many more and now the Snake returns to UXW where he has defeated King Kong Bundy and a bloody beating in his last UXW appearance.

ABDULLAH THE BUTCHER vs. STEVE CORINO In an ANYTHING GOES NO DQ........NO RULES MATCH!

Returning to UXW after 2 years will be the Legendary Madman From The Sudan...the greatest hardcore wrestler of all time ABDULLAH THE BUTCHER..............Abdullah’s reputation as the most sadistic and bloodthirsty hardcore wrestler in history has established a legacy far greater than any single championship ever could. In addition, his dietary habits have also become the stuff of legend, as he has been known to eat announcers’ ties, whole raw fish, and he once even bit the head off a live chicken before a traumatized crowd. Moreover, his unpredictable, ultra-violent style is largely responsible for inspiring a future generation of wrestling madmen, including “Maniac” Mark Lewin, Kevin Sullivan, Cactus Jack, Kamala, and Sabu.........................Abdullah will face for the UXW World Title the new 2X UXW World Champion MR WRESTLING STEVE CORINO...........Corino is a former ECW World Champion as well as one of the biggest stars in JAPAN history and Corino promises that he will not be alone.....This match will have NO RULES........There will be NO DQ’s..............ANYTHING GOES!!

UXW Tag Title Match: Best 2 of 3 Falls..........THE HEARTBREAK EXPRESS W/ AMY VITALE vs. BRUCE SANTEE & JON DAVIS....

FALL 1: DOUBLE DOG COLLAR CHAIN MATCH
Each wrestler will be connected by the neck to a member of the opposite team by a 15 FOOT STEEL CHAIN

FALL 2: DOUBLE BARBED WIRE BAT MATCH
There will be two Louisville Sluggers completely wrapped in BARBED WIRE and they will each be hung from a 12 foot pole. First wrestlers to get them can use them any way they want.

FALL 3: ANYTHING GOES LAST MAN STANDING MATCH
Basically an old fashioned Death Match..no DQ’s, No Countouts, Fight can go ANYWHERE in the Fairgrounds, ALL WEAPONS LEGAL, match will continue until each member of one team can not meet the ten count.

DISCO INFERNO vs. THE SNOWMAN RAYMOND SNOW....

RAY BEEZ vs. SIDESHOW vs. AARON EPIC.....IN A 3 WAY LADDER MATCH!

BUY TICKETS THROUGH PAYPAL AND GET A FREE DVD!
The fans have been demanding it again so we’ve brought this deal back. Purchase your tickets through paypal and get a free UXW DVD. Go to www.paypal.com. and make your payment to our NEW paypal address which is WILLYDILLYMANIAC@AOL.COM.

. General Admission tickets are $20 and front row is $30.

Already Signed...

- JAKE THE SNAKE ROBERTS
- ABDULLAH THE BUTCHER W/ THE AYATOLLAH NIEMI
- UXW WORLD CHAMPION STEVE CORINO
- 3X WWF TAG-TEAM CHAMPIONS DEMOLITION AX & SMASH
- DISCO INFERNO
- BIG VITO
- THE SNOWMAN RAYMOND SNOW.
- THE HEARTBREAK EXPRESS W/AMY VITALE
- KRAZY K KIRBY MACK
- TJ MACK
- VORDELL WALKER
- BRUCE SANTEE & JON DAVIS
- THE MASKED MANIAC
- RAY BEEZ
- SHANNON ROSE
- KENNY KENDRICK
- FRANCISCO CIATSO

REMEMBER THIS IS AN AFTERNOON EVENT!
Doors open at 1pm
Bell time is 2pm

Show location:
The Central Florida Fairgrounds Pavilion
4603 W. Colonial Dr
Orlando, FL

Front Row Tickets $30
All Other Seats $20
To Order Tickets go to www.paypal.com and make payments out to WILLYDILLYMANIAC@AOL.COM.

Contact info and other ticket centers:
For Show Information Call 407-947-2729 or The Central Florida Fairgrounds at 407-295-3247.

Sci-Fi City
6006 E Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL 32807
407-282-2292
www.sci-fi-city.com

Wildside
6203-C2 West Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL
407-355-3150

Incredible Ink Tattoo & Piercing
1 South Orange Ave
407-843-3666

Incredible Ink Tattoo & Piercing
7215 International Dr
407-370-3101

www.uxwwrestling.net.

CARD SUBJECT TO CHANGE

WWE, Comcast And Charter Announce Winners Of WWE Community Champions Contest

Courtesy of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.:

STAMFORD, Conn., March 27, 2008—World Wrestling Entertainment® (WWE) today announced the winners of the “WWE Community Champion” competition held as part of a pilot program with Comcast and Charter to recognize young people for making positive contributions to their community.

WWE worked with Comcast, Bay Area Region, Comcast, Central California Region, and Charter St. Louis, Mo., on the program. The “WWE Community Champion” contest accepted nominations for individuals between the ages of 10 to 17 who have made a considerable difference in their community or have overcome significant personal adversity.

Winners from Comcast were Ruben Duarte of E.V. Cain Middle School in Auburn, Calif., and D’Antay Freeman of John Muir Middle School in San Leandro, Calif. The winner from Charter was Kaitlyn Ehrhard of House Springs, Mo.

Each winner and a parent or legal guardian will be flown to Orlando, Fla., attend WrestleMania® XXIV on March 30, and be honored at WWE’s annual “Bacon, Bagels and Biceps Breakfast.”

Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/

Media Contact: Gary Davis, 203-353-5066
Investor Contact: Michael Weitz, 203-352-8642

Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, and logos are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. ECW is a trademark of WWE Libraries, Inc. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.

What They Did To Win

Ruben Duarte is a sixth grader who lives in Auburn, Calif. Praised by his teachers as an example to his peers, Ruben has overcome great diversity at home after losing a parent. Never one to give up, Ruben recently placed first in his school’s food drive competition, and was an obvious choice for Community Champion after being nominated by his teachers, neighbors and grandmother.

D’Antay Freedman is a sixth grader who lives in Oakland, Calif. He is a member of the Oakland Boys and Girls Club, where he’s known for his positive, can-do attitude, as well as his ability to settle disputes between his peers. D’Antay is a huge WWE fan, and says he uses WWE programming as an example of how to persevere in tough situations.

Kaitlyn Ehrhard lives in House Springs, Mo. She does yard work for her neighbors, takes in stray animals and is eco-conscious by riding her bike and walking whenever possible. She was nominated by her older sister

Light-Heavyweight Bout To Headline Next 'ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series'

For April 5 (at Friant, California's Table Mountain Casino), EliteXC and Showtime have signed a main event of Jared Hamman versus Poai Suganuma.

The show begins airing at 11:30 PM ET.

If you're expecting, you know, insight, or an updated Events Calendar, I defer you to Casey.

SHO.com EXCLUSIVE: SHOWTIME WEBSITE TO TAKE VIEWERS INSIDE THE CAGE FOR FRANK SHAMROCK vs. CUNG LE

Courtesy of Showtime Networks Inc.:

SHOWTIME Sports Note

SHOWTIME Cage Cam To Air Simultaneously With SHOWTIME Telecast of Shamrock - Le Championship Match; Saturday, March 29, 2008

During this Saturday’s EliteXC telecast on SHOWTIME (live at 9 p.m. ET/PT), the premium network’s website, SHO.com, will give fight fans the unique opportunity to view the main event match LIVE from INSIDE THE CAGE.

The Showtime Cage Cam will stream the main event match live (simultaneously with the telecast) from inside the cage when Shamrock and Le square off in what is expected to be an explosive championship fight. Visit http://www.SHO.com at the start of the main event (approximately 10:15 p.m. ET) to get up close and personal with two of the best fighters on the planet.

Following the event, video from the Showtime Cage Cam will be available on demand for fans visiting SHO.com.

For more exclusive video including Goldberg Toe-To-Toe with Shamrock and Le as well as SHOWTIME Shorts on EliteXC fighters, go to http://www.SHO.com/sports.

SID VICIOUS CONFERENCE CALL RECAP – MARCH 27TH 2008 – SID ANNOUNCES HE IS RETURNING TO WRESTLING WORLD WITH THE NWA, AND SETS HIS SIGHTS ON COMEBACK T

SID VICIOUS CONFERENCE CALL RECAP – MARCH 27TH 2008 – SID ANNOUNCES HE IS RETURNING TO WRESTLING WORLD WITH THE NWA, AND SETS HIS SIGHTS ON COMEBACK TO WWE, DISSES TNA

Courtesy of Steve Rockamaniac:

Thomas Colfax, Sid Vicious’s representative, welcomes the media to the conference call, and tells us that Sid has a announcement regarding his future in the wrestling business and that he would like Sid to make the announcement after which a Q + A session would follow.

Sid comes on the line and announces that the NWA board of directors recently contacted him and following some negotiations, He has agreed to sign on with the company, and his first date will be April 18th in Rhode Island, and then April 19th in New Jersey.

Thomas Colfax then introduces a NWA Board of Directors member (Ed Truman?), who makes a statement about Sid’s deal with the NWA: “The NWA is proud to be able to give a platform like this to a major personality like Sid, the relationship between us is for multi dates, and again that relationship starts at the NWA showcase tapings as Sid said April 18th in Rhode Island and April 19th in Wildwood New Jersey..More dates will follow and we will now take your questions.

Thomas Colfax asks for questions to be on topic with the announcement, and turns it over to the press…

Q: In a interview that you did recently you were talking about making a comeback and one of the questions was would you come back to either TNA or WWE, and one of the things you said at that time was that you wouldn’t want to go to TNA because it wouldn’t give you the showcase, it wouldn’t be the type of the arena you wanted to work in, you wanted to work in front of a very large audience of fans such as a Wrestlemania, so with that said, why would go back to this route of doing the smaller arena’s?

A: Well there is one good reason for that, the NWA is not just located down in Florida, its located in Peurto Rico, Mexico, Australia, Japan, Europe and also the United States and also it gives me the bigger format or bigger podium to promote myself, me and some of the guys at the NWA, we got that understanding that if I get the chance to go back with Vince then we’ll work out a deal and I’ll move on, but the NWA right now gives me the best chance to further my future.

Q: So your ultimate goal is then to get back to Vince McMahon and the WWE or go into TNA?

A: Well that both, and also we talked to some guys at the NWA, im never gonna say never, this thing can really take off, and if it does, it could make me happy enough to stay here, but my ultimate goal is to make it back to WWE.

Q: How are you doing physically, how’s the ankle, and I know you had a few matches back in Canada and stuff like that, but what should people expect to see when they see Sid Vicious in the year 2008 while working for the National Wrestling Alliance.

A: …Well working at a recent show in Ottawa…There was a bunch of guys from TNA, I wont go through all their names, but they said that my match was the best match of the night, My condition is the better than it’s ever been, My leg is 100%, I run bleachers every day, Im ready to go.

Q: What would it mean to you to hold the NWA world title after having held the WWE and WCW world titles?

A: Well to me when I think of wrestling, I think of Harley Race and I think of the NWA, cause this guy went around and he is probably my favorite wrestler of all time, I look forward going to different towns, different parts of the country, different countries, and representing the NWA, and maybe being the champ.

Q: What is workout regiment like right now coming off of that horrible leg injury years back, and what made you decide to come back to wrestling?

A: Well first of all that’s not the way I see myself going out, I fought my ass off for over 3 and half, almost 4 years, to get to where I could walk and run properly again, My regiment is pretty easy, I get up at 4am, I have my first breakfast, I have a second breakfast, I go to the gym, I work out, after that, weather permitting, I go straight to the track and do my bleachers, I come home, I eat, I take a nap, I get back up, I go to the gym a second time, then I hit what I call all the small things, like ill just hit a small muscle group, I do agility drills, then go home, eat supper and go to bed, so its like 6 or 7 hours a day of training.

Q: Good to hear that you’ll be making a full time return to the world of pro wrestling, First these return rumours came up last year and obviously now they are no longer rumours, and in relation to your injury, obviously your feeling a hell of a lot better now and as you’ve explained your training a lot more, and in relation to that the rumours last year stated you were still having to use painkillers…

A: That’s not true, I haven’t used a painkiller in over 4 years, and that just not true.

Q: Ok so last year you absolutely no contact with the WWE either?

A: Last year Johnny Ace came to one of my shows in Connecticut, purposely just to watch me, he told me after the match that all we need to do at that point is have a physical, but then the very next week was when they had all those problems with the (steroid) commissions up in jersey or wherever that was.

Questions wrap up at that point and some more comments are made in closing…

NWA Board Member: For all of you wrestling fans out there, you’ve been waiting for a man like Sid Vicious to come back to the sport for a long time, I have been waiting for a man like Sid Vicious to come back, Sid is a former NWA world tag team champion right Sid?

Sid: Yes, And you know what you guys, we can hit on this right here, this will be, in all of sports history, the biggest comeback of all time, no one has come back from something like this, and im not only coming back, but im coming back in better shape, bigger stronger faster, and with a dirtier attitude.

NWA Board Member: You know, the wrestlers in the NWA need to look at this as a platform to up their game, Sid Vicious is one of the toughest, meanest, strongest and biggest wrestlers of all time, he has a platform that is not only national and international television, he has the ability to go to New Japan, and meet some of their biggest champion such as Nakamura, he could go to Mexico and meet some of their biggest stars such as Blue Demon, and of course once he is comfortable, im sure he is gonna set his sights on the NWA world title that’s currently held by Adam Piece, and one never knows, Sid could be the man that wears the belt next, and then he would of accomplished pretty much everything there is to do in this game as far as gaining world titles, and as he said at that point, set his sights for higher things,

Sid: And that’s true

NWA board member: And were glad to have you here

Sid: Well im glad to be with you guys, ive had interest in TNA before but ive told them I wasn’t interested in their small format, I believe the NWA has a bigger format, when it comes to world, and the name itself means more than whatever they can make TNA say, this deal is a blessing, im so happy to be a part of the NWA, im so happy to maybe mentioned one day with people and names like Harley Race, and I will go for that title and if I do, I hope to be able to defend like Harley for all those years and bring the NWA to every town in the US and all over the world.

NWA board member: And we look forward to that also.

Conference Call Wraps Up.

NBC TO PREMIERE NEW ADRENALINE-FILLED MIXED MARTIAL ARTS CAGE FIGHT SERIES 'STRIKEFORCE ON NBC' APRIL 12

Courtesy of NBC Entertainment:

BURBANK, Calif. - March 27, 2008 - In a major step for the fastest-growing sport around the globe, NBC has partnered with world championship promotion company Strikeforce to be the first to premiere a weekly mixed martial arts cage fight series on broadcast television. "Strikeforce on NBC" will premiere the night of April 12 from 2-2:30 a.m. ET on NBC.

The announcement was made by Jerry Petry, Executive Vice President, NBC Universal Television.

"Mixed martial arts has exploded onto the sports scene. Its athletes are tremendous competitors and the sport is one of the fastest growing in the world," said Petry. "As a leader in this arena, Strikeforce will be able to deliver some of the finest and most intense action ever seen on broadcast TV."

"It's truly an honor to have the opportunity to bring the Strikeforce mixed martial arts product to one of the longest-standing and most well-respected national television platforms," said Strikeforce Chief Executive Officer Scott Coker. "NBC has a history of popular late Saturday TV and in the 80's NBC's 'Saturday Night's Main Event' show helped catapult the popularity of professional wrestling. Strikeforce is looking to follow in suit and establish a legacy of its own on the network."

"Strikeforce on NBC" will air immediately following NBC's hit poker tournament series, "Poker After Dark" (1-2 a.m. ET/check local listings), the core audience of which -- 18-34 year old males -- matches that of mixed martial arts.

Each episode of the hard-hitting series will feature Strikeforce mixed martial arts fights and highlights as well as fighter profiles. Mixed martial arts pits fighters skilled in a wide array of combat disciplines against each other inside a caged-in ring. Popular disciplines include boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and judo, among others. The premiere Strikeforce episode will feature superstar Cung Le vs. Brian Warren, Duane "Bang" Ludwig vs. Tony "The Freak" as well as a profile on Le, recognized as one of the most dynamic competitors in the sport.

Strikeforce launched its mixed martial arts fight series on March 10, 2006 with "Shamrock vs. Gracie," the first sanctioned mixed martial arts event in California state history. The fight card attracted a sellout crowd of 18,265 to San Jose's HP Pavilion and broke the all-time record for attendance at a mixed martial arts event in North America.

The series is being produced by Kevin Cusick of KC Productions in conjunction with Carr-Hughes Productions.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Wendy Luckenbill, NBC Entertainment Publicity, 818/840-2543
Mike Afromowitz, Strikeforce, 917/566-8754

GEORGIA WRESTLING NEWS, NOTES, AND NOSTALGIA: 03/27/2008

Courtesy of GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com:

NEWS

Cru Jones is back at home resting after surgery to remove his gall bladder. Jones was made aware that he had "silent gall stones" at his last physical, so when the pain started, he had a good idea what it was and went to the emergency room. The stones were blocking his bile duct. Fortunately, the gall bladder was surgically removed before it ruptured. Jones said he's feeling fine and has a follow up visit with the surgeon tomorrow to determine when he can return to action. Jones sent his thanks to everyone that has contacted him for their support. (Larry Goodman)

Southern Extreme Championship Wrestling is going try running on Thursday night instead of Sunday. Their next show will be April 3 in Carrollton at the VVFW Fairgrounds with a 7:30 bell time. More details soon. (Larry Goodman)

Great Championship Wrestling will be at the Great Skate Plex in Phenix City, AL, tonight. Bell time is 7:30 pm. Tickets are $15 ringside and $12 general. (Brian Slack)

NAWA Ring Champions returns to Rome, GA, tonight at the National Guard Armory. Bell time is 7:30. Advertised: in the semi-finals for the tag team title, Rick Michaels & Simon Sermon versus Kyle Matthews & a mystery partner, and Chris Lightning & Kid Ego versus Tyler Smith & Murder One; Michael Cross versus Big Wood; and Jason Valentine versus Chris Ganz; plus two more matches. (Rich Tate)

Total Nonstop Action will be broadcasting iMPACT! Live from Universal Studios in Orlando, FL, on March 7, from 9-11:00 PM. They will also be taping from the same location on March 28-29. Admission for these shows is free. Call (407) 224-6000 for more info. (Rich Tate)

According to Independent Wrestling Network owner Dwayne Bell, “Monday, we received word from Great Championship Wrestling that A.J. Steele had turned down the booking for his advertised [IWN] match against Jason Cross.” At this point, made no changes to the card for their April 4 debut in Columbus, GA. (Larry Goodman)

Southern States Championship Wrestling will be kicking off their "Crazy from the Heat" Countdown on April 5 at 7:30 pm with advertised special guest, the Nightmare. All seats are $2 and the event will be held at the Enigma Gym in Enigma, GA. Advertised: Brooks Rogers w/Will Rogers versus Tommy Flight. SSCW Southern Heritage Championship, "Rock n Roll" Chris Turner defends the title against Cowboy Mark Bass. In a mixed singles match, The Soviet faces SSCW Ladies champion Jelena. If Soviet wins, Samantha Steel become the Ladies Champion. JT Taylor versus John "The Truth" Johnson. Also advertised are "The Modern Day Enforcer" Scotty Biggs, Mad Dog Miller, SSCW Heavyweight champion Jarrod Michaels, and Samantha Steel. (Brian Slack)

Power Pro Wrestling will be at the Temple Gym in Temple, GA, on April 5. Doors open at 6:30 PM and matches start at 7:30. Ringside tickets are $10, with general admission seating priced at $8. Advance tickets can be purchased at Nickell Rental in Temple by calling (770) 562-1222. Advertised: J-Rod, Frankie Valentine, Cru Jones (pending medical release) Shaun Banks, the Russian Kodiak, A.J. Steele, K.I. Elite, Chris Lightning, Chris Ganz, Josh Stone, Josh Storm, Randall Johnson, and Michael Cook. (Rich Tate)

World Wrestling Entertainment will be in Albany, GA, on July 5 at the Albany Civic Center with action starting at 7:30 PM. Tickets go on sale on May 31 at 10:00 AM at the box office, and through Ticketmaster. Call (229) 435-6655 for more info. (Rich Tate)

DISCLAIMER: GWH is not liable for any card changes, cancellations, etc. We can only report what is reported to us. As always, we suggest you check with the promotion within 24 hours to verify information posted here.

NOTES

Jerkin' the Curtain, hosted by Trent Van Drisse, will feature Scott Barry on its show tonight at 11:00 PM ET. (Rich Tate)

GWH wishes a happy birthday to Charlie Haas, who turns 36 today.

Today is the twentieth anniversary of the passing of Roy McClarity. He was 79.

NOSTALGIA

MARCH 27, 1933 (MONDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – HOWELL MILL ARENA (F.P. Owens – Promoter) > Pete Rogers versus Young Gotch > Dave Terrell versus Pat Austin > Bob Anderson versus Gene Fox / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. There was also an amateur wrestling match, but no details were provided following the card.

MARCH 27, 1934 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Henry Weber – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Dorv Roche defeated Milo Steinborn > Pete Sauer defeated Matros Kirilenko

MARCH 27, 1936 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – PIEDMONT-ELLIS ARENA (Frank Bettis – Promoter) > Bob Anderson versus Whitey Patterson > Frank Remille versus Ray Nichols > Paul Burns versus Bill Collins / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MARCH 27, 1945 (MONDAY) – SAVANNAH, GA – SAVANNAH MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Lou Masters, Dick Leonard, and Buster White – Promoters) > The Black Monster defeated Tommy O’Toole > Roland Kirchmeyer defeated Jack Dillon > Abe Ginsberg defeated Stanley Wyckoff

MARCH 27, 1951 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – SPORTS ARENA (Jack Troy – Promoter) > Women’s Match: Conchita Pons defeated Margie McDonald at 11:00 > Butcher Boy Martin defeated Sam Roberts at 19:00

MARCH 27, 1953 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Henry Harrell defeated Tex Riley > Mike Paidousis defeated Jack Carter > George & Bobby Becker defeated Jack Steele & the Jungle Boy > Southern Heavyweight Title Match: Don McIntyre* defeated Mayes McLain / Notes: Don McIntyre had been billed as Southern Heavyweight Champion since March 16, 1953.

MARCH 27, 1959 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Albert Mills & Bob Shipp defeated Doug & Johnny Gilbert > Don McClarty defeated Jack O’Brien > International Tag Team Title Match: Ray Gunkel & Don McIntyre* defeated Freddie Blassie & Skull Murphy / Notes: There were five referees for the match between Ray Gunkel & Don McIntyre and Freddie Blassie & Skull Murphy. Gunkel & McIntyre had been billed as International Tag Team Champions since January 9, 1959.

MARCH 27, 1961 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Robert McCoy – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jim Burke versus Tiny Evans > Boxing Match: Bill Dromo versus Killer Campbell > Guy Mitchell & Chief Little Eagle versus Gypsy Joe & Skull Murphy / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MARCH 27, 1962 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Dick Steinborn and Evon Marion wrestled to a draw > Dick Steinborn & Ray Villmer defeated Charley Laye & Evon Marion > Eddie Graham & Haystacks Calhoun defeated Tojo Yamamoto & Taro Myaki by disqualification

MARCH 27, 1963 (WEDNESDAY) – COLUMBUS, GA – COLUMBUS SPORTS ARENA (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jack Armstrong defeated Bulldog Lawley at 12:00 > Chief Little Eagle defeated George Bell > Tarzan Tyler defeated Buck Jones > The Bat defeated Ted Evans

MARCH 27, 1964 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Don McIntyre – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bill Dromo defeated George Harris > Red Roberts & Red Steiner defeated Tim Geohagen & Tex Riley > Chief Little Eagle defeated Billy Hines > Joe Scarpa defeated Don Carson > Ray Gunkel defeated Stan Stasiak > Argentina Rocca defeated Sputnik Monroe / Notes: Although not mentioned, Kola Kwariani was likely in attendance, as he was charged with traveling with Argentina Rocca as a troubleshooter for him. It was announced that Bob Ellis, Fritz Von Erich, and Dick the Bruiser would be wrestling in Atlanta soon.

MARCH 27, 1964 (FRIDAY) – JEKYLL ISLAND, GA (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Juan Sebastian & Crusher Verdu versus Joe McCarthy & Chief Big Heart > Jack Vansky versus George Wolfe / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. It is unclear as to what venue was the site of this card.

MARCH 27, 1970 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jim Wilson defeated Pancho Rosario > Les Wolff defeated Pedro Valdez > Homer O’Dell & Buddy Colt defeated Greg Peterson & Tim Geohagen > Fuji versus El Mongol > Joe Scarpa defeated Paul DeMarco > Georgia Tag Team Title Match: Ray Gunkel & Buddy Fuller* defeated the Assassins / Notes: Fuji and El Mongol were scheduled to wrestle each other, but no results were reported after the card. Homer O’Dell, who managed Buddy Colt, was supposed to unveil a mystery partner for the match with Greg Peterson & Tim Geohagen, but O’Dell wrestled instead. Doug Gilbert was the special referee for the match between Ray Gunkel & Buddy Fuller and the Assassins. Gunkel & Fuller had been the reigning Georgia Tag Team Champions since they defeated the Assassins on March 20, 1970, in Atlanta. Charlie Harben was credited as being a referee for this card. The program we have for this card makes a reference that Paul Jones was the presiding Vice President of the NWA at the time. It was announced that Dory Funk, Jr., would be wrestling in Atlanta soon.

MARCH 27, 1971 (SATURDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – WQXI STUDIOS (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Handicap Match: Klondike Bill defeated Billy Spears & Nikita Mulkovitch > Sabu Singh & the Scorpion defeated the Assassins by disqualification > Bill Dromo and Krusher Karlson wrestled to a draw / Notes: This was taped for the “Atlanta TV Wrestling” television program hosted by Ed Capral. This episode aired from 11:00 PM to Midnight, and seems to become the new time slot.

MARCH 27, 1973 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM [P] (Ann Gunkel – Promoter / All-South Wrestling Alliance) > Ted Oates and Wayne Cowan wrestled to a draw > Tommy Seigler defeated Guillotine Gordon > Argentina Apollo defeated Jack Armstrong > Georgia Tag Team Title Match: Ray Candy & El Mongol defeated Rock Hunter & Assassin #2* by disqualification > Texas Strap Match (No DQ / No TL): Ernie Ladd defeated Ox Baker / Notes: Rock Hunter managed Assassin #2.

MARCH 27, 1973 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON COLISEUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Sweet Daddy Siki defeated Butcher Brannigan > Bobby Cash & Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated Chati Yokuchi & Fuji > Jerry Oates & Bill Watts defeated Sputnik & Rocket Monroe > Bill Dromo & Bob Armstrong versus the Super Infernos ruled a no contest > Norvel Austin & Leon Ogle defeated Jack Crawford & Tarzan Tyler by disqualification / Notes: Jack Crawford managed Tarzan Tyler. J.C. Dykes managed the Super Infernos.

MARCH 27, 1978 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Charlie Harben – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Pez Whatley defeated John Ruggers > Steve Regal defeated the Invader > Jacques Goulet defeated Raymond Rougeau > Tommy Rich defeated Ox Baker by disqualification > Tony Atlas & Thunderbolt Patterson defeated Ole Anderson & Stan Hansen

MARCH 27, 1979 (TUESDAY) – MILLEDGEVILLE, GA – MILLEDGEVILLE COMMUNITY CIVIC CENTER (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Stan Hansen & Wahoo McDaniel versus Ole Anderson & Mr. X / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MARCH 27, 1980 (THURSDAY) – ROME, GA – ROME MEMORIAL GYMNASIUM (Charlie Harben – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jack Poure versus Chick Donovan > Joe Powell versus Marvin Turner > Tony Atlas versus Baron Von Raschke > Kevin Sullivan versus Genichiro Tenryu > Tommy Rich versus Austin Idol / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MARCH 27, 1982 (SATURDAY) – CHATTANOOGA, TN – CHATTANOOGA MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Ted Oates defeated Ricky Harris > Tom Prichard defeated Chick Donovan > Kevin Sullivan defeated Jerry Oates > Brad Armstrong versus Buzz Sawyer ruled a no contest > National Heavyweight Title Match: Ron Bass* defeated Leroy Brown > Dragon-Shi Match: the Great Kabuki defeated Bob Armstrong / Notes: Gary Hart managed the Great Kabuki.

MARCH 27, 1983 (SUNDAY) – COLUMBUS, OH – OHIO CENTER (Les Thatcher – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Larry Zbyszko defeated Johnny Rich > Bob Roop defeated Brian Blair > Killer Brooks defeated Joe Lightfoot > The Iron Sheik defeated the Masked Superstar > Tommy Rich & Tony Atlas defeated Ole Anderson & Buzz Sawyer > Dick Murdoch defeated Ivan Koloff

ELITEXC'S FIGHTING LEGEND FRANK SHAMROCK TO APPEAR FRIDAY ON ‘JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE!’

Courtesy of ProElite, Inc.:

Shamrock To Teach Kimmel’s Security Guard How to Fight

LOS ANGELES (March 27, 2008) -- Legendary mixed martial arts fighter and one of the true ambassadors of the sport, EliteXC's Frank Shamrock, will appear on popular late-night talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” this Friday, March 28, as a prelude to the eagerly anticipated EliteXC-Strikeforce co-promoted MMA extravaganza one night later at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.

“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” airs at 12:05 a.m. ET/PT and 11:05 p.m. CT on ABC.

The personable, always-entertaining Shamrock’s appearance on Kimmel will sizzle as the MMA icon will provide some hands-on MMA instruction to Kimmel cast member, Guillermo The Parking Lot Security Guard.

This Saturday, Shamrock will defend his Strikeforce middleweight title against Bay Area arch-rival and undefeated kickboxing champion-turned-MMA superstar, Cung Le. The eagerly awaited match will be the main event of a five-fight telecast on SHOWTIME that begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast). Doors open at 4:30 p.m. PT. First live fight is at 5.

I've Recently Been In My Own World (Yes, Even More Than Usual) ...

So, don't ask me what this is about (I'd guess, if pressed, self-defense classes), but according to CNN, here's a portion of what's going to be featured on tonight's edition of 'Prime News' (whatever the hell that is):

"The sport commonly known as Ultimate Fighting… for kids as young as 6. That's not a typo. Six years old. Some critics of mixed martial arts have described it as 'human cockfighting.' And parents in Missouri are actually letting their kids learn this kill-or-be-killed mentality."

The two-hour broadcast airs from 5-7 PM ET, and since I'll be off killing-or-being-killed, I won't see it. If you, however, decide suicide or murder aren't your bag, feel free to check out this mess and, should you choose, share your thoughts or even provide us with a recap.

Owned Entertainment Announces Reality Show Auditions At Cung Le’s Gym In Northern California And Shrine Auditorium In Los Angeles

Courtesy of Owned Entertainment, Inc.:

AUSTIN, Texas, 03/27/2008 -- Owned Entertainment, Inc. announced today that in addition to “Owned” movie auditions, auditions for a new untitled MMA reality show will also be held. Auditions will be held April 5th and 6th at Cung Le’s new gym, Universal Strength Headquarters, in the San Jose area. Those with fighting and/or acting experience in the Northern California Area are invited to attend between 1:00PM and 7:00PM. Cung Le’s Gym is located at 720 Montague Expressway Milpitas, CA 95035. Southern California auditions will be held April 19th at the Shrine Auditorium and Exposition Hall in Los Angeles, California during the NAMMAE Spring Retail Show in partnership with King Of The Cage. The auditions will be held at the Shrine between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM.

FOR THE MOVIE

A breakdown of characters and scenes are available under ‘Owned’ Movie at ownedentertainment.com. Those interested in finding out more about auditions should contact Jenna at Jenna@ownedentertainment.com and not the locations directly.

FOR THE REALITY SHOW

Detailed information cannot be released at this time. However, the following will be needed at auditions:

MMA Fighters
MMA Business Professionals
Men and women with outgoing personalities and attractive qualities

Those auditioning for the reality show will fill out an information form, do an interview, and perform a demonstration if they have specific skills. Please also bring a headshot or picture(s).

About Cung Le

Cung Le (www.cungle.com) is an undefeated MMA fighter and San Shou World Kickboxing Champion. He is facing UFC legend Frank Shamrock this weekend, March 29th, for the Strike Force Middleweight Championship belt at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, CA.

About NAMMAE

The NAMMAE (http://nammae.com/) Trade Show and Convention is the largest and most powerful convergence of MMA brands, leagues, athletes, equipment, training, apparel, media, and publications under one roof in the United States, if not the world. It is the epicenter for MMA apparel, equipment and general merchandise buying and selling. NAMMAE represents more than 95 percent of the industry, annually bringing together more than 400 MMA companies from all over the world. NAMMAE recently announced Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz as it’s official representatives.

About ‘Own3D’

‘Own3D' (the movie) is an exciting action thriller set in the world of MMA that will be theatrically released in both 2D and 3D. Owned Entertainment, Inc. is looking to combine talented actors with MMA fighters for the project. Recently announced fighters for the movie include Dean Lister, Jason Mayhem Miller, Cung Le, Shonie Carter, Din Thomas, and Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua and Murilo ‘Ninja’ Rua. For more information on ‘Own3D’ the movie, visit www.mmamovie.com, www.ownedentertainment.com and the official ‘Own3D’ myspace at http://www.myspace.com/ownedentertainmentinc. ‘Own3D’ was recently announced as the official movie of NAMMAE, the largest MMA trade show in North America.

About Owned Entertainment

Owned Entertainment, Inc. has emerged as a player in the area of independent film production and distribution, once monopolized by the major film studios. The company engages in investing, producing, and distributing full-length feature films as well as TV projects, video games, and other entertainment entities. Along with its controlling equity interest in 'All That I Need,' released in theatres December 2005, there are several other projects in the making, including: 'The Other Side' and 'Descendant,' written by Damir Catic and Eric Alfio, the MMA movie 'Own3D' by James Hergott, 'Brothers' by Tarquin Gotch (whose credits include 'Home Alone,' 'Curly Sue,' 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off'), and the Reno 911-type comedic take of the popular 'The Ultimate Fighter' TV show entitled 'Fight House.' Owned Entertainment, Inc.’s mission is to produce high quality and highly enjoyable feature films that will be widely distributed in the mainstream media markets. The corporate offices for Owned Entertainment, Inc. reside in Austin, Texas and Southern California. Owned Entertainment, Inc. has recently announced it will be adding an Interactive Entertainment division to focus on video game development.

CONTACT:
Owned Entertainment, Inc.
James Hergott, President
512-284-7888
james@ownedentertainment.com
info@ownedentertainment.com
www.ownedentertainment.com

Winners Of NBC's "The Biggest Loser," Jim And Bill Germanakos, To Host IFL Weigh-In At La Boxing In Secaucus, N.J., On Thursday, April 3

Courtesy of the International Fight League:

Weight loss and fitness experts to assist IFL athletes in making weight for April 4 show at Izod Center

NEW YORK, March 27, 2008 – The International Fight League (OTC.BB: IFLI) today announced that twins Jim and Bill Germanakos, the most recent winners of NBC’s hit show “The Biggest Loser,” will host the IFL weigh-in next Thursday, April 3, at 3 p.m. at L.A. Boxing in Secaucus, N.J., and give tips to the athletes trying to make weight for the IFL “New Blood, New Battles” show at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, N.J. The fights will take place on Friday, April 4, at 7:30 p.m.

“These athletes are in unbelievable shape, but if there are any quick tips that we can help them with to shed a few ounces as they hit their desired weight, it will be our pleasure,” Bill Germanakos said. “The sport of Mixed Martial Arts is a great base for training and weight loss since it involves so many aspects of conditioning, including strength and flexibility and self discipline, so this will be fun for us as we continue to spread our message of healthy lifestyle to a larger audience.” All information for Jim and Bill can be found at WeightLossTwins.com.

Among the rising Mixed Martial Arts stars scheduled to compete on the 10-bout April 4 card are:

20 year old lightweight phenom Chris “The Polish Hammer” Horodecki against newcomer Nate Lamotte

IFL middleweight champ and Long Island native Jay “The Thorobred” Hieron against once beaten “Military” Mark Miller

Undefeated IFL featherweight champion Waggney Fabiano against NYU All-America wrestler and once beaten Shad Lierley

IFL light heavyweight champion and Belarussian Olympian Vladimir “The Janitor”
Matyushenko against Jersey City’s (Gracie Jiu Jitsu and Gleason’s Gym boxing trained) Jamal “The Suit” Patterson

About the IFL

International Fight League™ (IFL) has its headquarters in New York and offices in Las Vegas. For more information about IFL, please see: www.ifl.tv.

Chris Jericho Between The Ropes Interview

Courtesy of Adam Samons:

Between The Ropes
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
ESPN Florida AM 1080 and AM 1060
Simulcast online at BetweenTheRopes.com

On Tuesday night, March 25, WWE Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho joined hosts Brian Fritz, Dickerman, and Vito DeNucci live on Between The Ropes on ESPN Florida AM 1080 and AM 1060 to discuss getting punched in the face by Big Show, his match at WrestleMania, his upcoming second book, and much more.

The interview started off with Chris being asked about how his face felt after taking a stiff right hand from the Big Show on Raw. Chris said that "it looked a lot worse than it really was, but it sure felt like getting hit by a ten ton hammer…It was one of those things where, when you watch it back, you're glad it looked as good as it did."

Chris also offered up his thoughts on the Big Show v. Mayweather match at WrestleMania saying that it's a "freak show. The size differential is just so ridiculous. I'm not expecting it to be a five star classic match, although it could be. I do expect it to be a total spectacle, which fits in with the whole WrestleMania vibe…It could be a huge train wreck or it could be awesome, but I know it's going to be interesting."

When asked if working as a wrestler feels any different since coming back from his hiatus Chris said that he was enjoying it more. He explained that ideas have seemed to come to him easier lately and that the company also seems to see him differently now that he is one of the more experienced workers on the roster. Chris also touched on balancing his busy life and said that now he's "focused a little bit more on the WWE. Another thing that's cool too is that when I leave the arena I can leave the work at the arena rather than carrying it around with me and thinking about things that I have no control over or aren't worth stressing over."

Next Chris touched on his match at WrestleMania, the Money in the Bank Ladder Match. "I came up with the idea for the Money in the Bank match back in 2005 for the L.A WrestleMania and it worked out so well that it's become an annual tradition and a big part of the show. Usually the stories going into it aren't as strong as those for some of the other matches, but it's still become a highlight of the show. It's a stunt show, but it's also thrilling and exciting and there's something big at stake so people bought into that…I'd rather be in this match than another match just to be on the card since this one is a potential show stealer."

Jericho's work as an author was then brought up and he was asked what his upcoming second book might cover. Chris replied that he would treat it like A Lion's Tale, gearing it towards a non-wrestling fan reader since wrestling fans would like it anyway. He also said he would be writing about the Chris Benoit situation in the book and that he hopes he'll be able to gain some closure by doing so.

The interview finished up with some talk about how Chris didn't really burry too many people in A Lion's Tale. Chris said "there really wasn't a lot of burying because what do I have to burry and who do I have to complain about? My goal when I first started out was to make it to the WWE. And then at the end of A Lion's Tale I made it, so I win. Then when I got to WWE my goal was to be a champion and make my mark on the company and I did that as well. I guess you could do a burial maybe if I was run out of the business, blackballed, and buried myself, but that was never really the case. So why would I burry somebody when, in the end, I win?

To listen to the entire Chris Jericho interview, including his thoughts on the main stream media's coverage of WrestleMania, as well as the entire March 25th edition of Between The Ropes in streaming audio, visit the show online at http://www.BetweenTheRopes.com. In addition to listening to this weeks show with Chris Jericho you can become a site member and access hundreds of previous Between The Ropes shows and interviews. Join us for Between The Ropes for two hours every Tuesday night at 6:00pm ET on ESPN Florida AM 1080 and AM 1060 and worldwide on BetweenTheRopes.com.

Wrestlemania Plug On Sportscenter

Courtesy of Adam Lebow:

In promoting the fact that Floyd Mayweather is going to be appearing Thursday on TSN's Off the Record in the 'Up Front' segment, Jay Onright plugged the fact during the final moments of TSN Sportscenter that he will be discussing his forthcoming match on Sunday at Wrestlemania 24.

WrestleMania(R) 24 Weekend Commences Tonight In Orlando With The 6th Annual THQ Superstar Challenge

Courtesy of THQ Inc.:

Pinnacle Event at House of Blues to Feature Videogame Competition With World Wrestling Entertainment(R) Superstars and a Performance by P.O.D.

AGOURA HILLS, Calif., Mar 27, 2008 -- THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI), on behalf of THQ/JAKKS Pacific, LLC, will take over the House of Blues in Orlando this evening for the 6th Annual THQ Superstar Challenge. A total of 16 elite Superstars from World Wrestling Entertainment(R) will compete in a single-elimination videogame tournament featuring the internationally acclaimed WWE(R) SmackDown(R) vs. Raw(R) 2008 videogame for the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

"The 6th Annual THQ Superstar Challenge is our way of thanking WWE and its Superstars for their commitment to delivering the definitive sports entertainment videogame experience," said Bob Aniello, senior vice president, worldwide marketing, THQ. "The WWE Superstars play a large role in the making of the WWE videogames, and with the tremendous success of WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008, our largest cross-platform launch to date with over five million units shipped in our first three months at retail, we are delighted to see everyone come together to enjoy the finished product."

"The 6th Annual THQ Superstar Challenge pushes pre-WrestleMania energy to the next level while celebrating the success of the WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 videogame," said Nelo Lucich, vice president of interactive, JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK). "The Superstars are fierce competitors, and those in attendance can look forward to an exciting tournament leading up to the ceremonial crowning of this year's champion."

In addition to the 6th Annual THQ Superstar Challenge, THQ, on behalf of THQ/JAKKS Pacific, LLC, will host a press conference on Friday, March 28 to announce the next addition to the WWE videogame family.

About the 6th Annual THQ Superstar Challenge

The 6th Annual THQ Superstar Challenge will take place at the House of Blues in Orlando on Thursday, March 27, at 7:30 p.m. A total of 16 Superstars will compete in a single-elimination tournament to decide the new king or queen of WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008. Reigning Challenge champion Elijah Burke(TM) will defend his title, while his fellow Superstars threaten to steal the show and earn the ultimate bragging rights.

Prior to the Challenge, THQ will host the live finals of its WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 international online videogame tournament, presented by GameStop in North America and Continental Europe, as well as HMV in the United Kingdom. After several weeks of competition via the Xbox LIVE(R) online entertainment network, four finalists will compete in a live championship match at the House of Blues. At stake are two floor tickets to WrestleMania 24 and additional prizes.

Following the Challenge, Grammy-nominated and multiplatinum-selling recording artist P.O.D. will rock the House of Blues stage. Hailing from San Diego, P.O.D. will release its latest album, When Angels & Serpents Dance, on April 8. One of the artist's songs, "Booyaka 619," also serves as the official theme music for WWE Superstar and fellow San Diego native Rey Mysterio(R).

The 6th Annual THQ Superstar Challenge is open to the public. Tickets are $15.00 each and are currently on sale via Ticketmaster.

THQ Superstar Challenge Participants(a)

RAW Roster: Randy Orton(R), Carlito(TM), Santino Marella(TM), Cody Rhodes(TM), Beth Phoenix(TM) and Ashley(TM)

SmackDown Roster: Rey Mysterio, Matt Hardy(TM), MVP(TM), Finlay(TM) and Michelle McCool(TM)

ECW Roster: CM Punk(TM), Elijah Burke(TM), Tommy Dreamer(TM), Kofi Kingston(TM) and Layla(TM)

Hosts: Matt Striker(TM) and Todd Grisham(TM)

(a) Participant roster subject to change

About WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 for Xbox 360

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 for Xbox 360 lets players take the fight into their own hands with the debut of eight Superstar Fighting Styles. Each fighting style has its own unique strategy with exclusive moves and abilities. A brand new Struggle Submission System gives players intuitive and natural control over their WWE Superstars using the analog sticks. Realism and strategy are at the forefront, as players can now control the amount of pressure they apply during a match. WWE 24/7 Mode, which combines the popular Season and General Manager modes, embraces the intensity of the Superstar lifestyle. Multiple character development options, stat tracking and career goals guide players toward the ultimate achievement of becoming a WWE Legend. In addition, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 also includes numerous fan-requested updates, including new rosters, more environmental hotspots and improved out-of-ring action and much more.

For more information about WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008, please visit www.smackdownvsraw.com or www.thq.com.

About World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.

Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: WWE), can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.

About THQ Inc.

THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com and www.thqwireless.com. THQ, THQ Wireless and their respective logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

About JAKKS Pacific, Inc.

JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ:JAKK) is a multi-brand company that designs and markets a broad range of toys and consumer products. The product categories include: Action Figures, Art Activity Kits, Stationery, Writing Instruments, Performance Kites, Water Toys, Sports Activity Toys, Vehicles, Infant/Pre-School, Plush, Construction Toys, Electronics, Dolls, Dress-Up, Role Play, and Pet Toys and Accessories. The products are sold under various brand names including JAKKS Pacific(R), Play Along(R), Flying Colors(R), Creative Designs International(TM), Road Champs(R), Child Guidance(R), Pentech(R), Trendmasters(R), Toymax(R), Funnoodle(R), Go Fly a Kite(R), Color Workshop(R), JAKKS Pets(TM) and Plug It In & Play TV Games(TM). JAKKS and THQ Inc. participate in a joint venture that has worldwide rights to publish and market World Wrestling Entertainment video games. For further information, visit www.jakks.com.

Trademarks: All World Wrestling Entertainment programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, and logos are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. ECW is a trademark owned by WWE Libraries, Inc. ECW is a trademark owned by WWE Libraries, Inc. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.

Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox Live, the Xbox logos, and the Xbox Live logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.

The statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts may be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the business of THQ Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as "THQ"), including, but not limited to, expectations and projections related to the 6th Annual THQ Superstar Challenge and the WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 videogame, and are based upon management's current beliefs and certain assumptions made by management. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, business, competitive, economic, legal, political and technological factors affecting our industry, operations, markets, products or pricing. Readers should carefully review the risk factors and the information that could materially affect THQ's financial results, described in other documents that THQ files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2007, and particularly the discussion of risk factors set forth therein. Unless otherwise required by law, THQ disclaims any obligation to update its view on any such risks or uncertainties or to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about JAKKS Pacific's business based partly on assumptions made by its management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such statements due to numerous factors, including, but not limited to, those described above, changes in demand for JAKKS' products, product mix, the timing of customer orders and deliveries, the impact of competitive products and pricing, and difficulties with integrating acquired businesses. The forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date on which they are made, and JAKKS undertakes no obligation to update any of them to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.

THQ
Media Relations:
Jaime Jensen, 818-871-5111
jjensen@thq.com
or
Investor Relations:
Julie MacMedan, 818-871-5125
investor@thq.com
or
JAKKS Pacific
Media Relations:
Genna Rosenberg, 310-455-6235
gennar@jakks.net
or
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Joe Villa, 203-359-5175
joe.villa@wwecorp.com

GEORGIA WRESTLING NEWS, NOTES, AND NOSTALGIA: 03/26/2008

Courtesy of GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com:

NEWS

When World Wrestling Entertainment inducts its 2008 class of Hall of Fame inductees on March 29, two Atlanta area residents will be on hand to accept for a Georgia legend: Gordon Solie. Although he started offering commentary for televised wrestling in Florida, it was the exposure WTBS provided for Georgia Championship Wrestling’s television program that brought Solie into more homes than ever. Pam Allyn, Solie’s daughter, and husband Robert will be present at the Amway Arena in Orlando, FL, on Saturday to accept the posthumous honor. “Pam and I are really excited that the official announcement was made about her dad,” said Robert on Tuesday immediately following the mention on the ECW broadcast. “We are flying to Orlando this week and will be at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony and WrestleMania,” he said, before adding “This is too cool!” A broadcast of the event will be aired on tape delay beginning at 11:00 PM ET on the USA Network. Ric Flair is expected to be the headliner, with the induction to be made by Triple H. Dwayne ‘the Rock’ Johnson will be on hand to induct Peter Maivia, his grandfather, and Rocky Johnson, his father. Dusty Rhodes will induct Eddie Graham. Mae Young is also being honored, as are Jack and Jerry Brisco. (Rich Tate)

A Town Wrestling will be at the Atrium Event Center in Stone Mountain, GA, tonight, with matches starting at 7:30 PM. Call (770) 639-9810 for more info. Advertised: Abdullah the Butcher, Mr. Donnie, the Harley Davidson Boys, the Bounty Hunters, the Gangsta Nation, and the Hot Bodies. (Rich Tate)

AWA World-1 South, in conjunction with the American Wrestling Association and the Georgia Pro Wrestling Association, announced the final card for the AWA Southern Clash, to take place May 3 at the Crisp County Middle School Gymnasium in Cordele, GA, at 7:30 PM. Advertised: AWA World Championship, "The Living Legend" Larry Zbyszko (c) versus "The Trademark Of Excellence" Ricky Landell; AWA World Tag Team Championship, The Heartbreak Express (c) versus Q-Ball & "Loverboy" Dennis Condrey; and AWA Light Heavyweight Championship, Kirby Mack (c) versus Chasyn Rance. In a battle of AWA Legends and Georgia Legends, Jake "The Milkman" Milliman & "The Thumper" Frankie DeFalco versus "Wildfire" Tommy Rich & "The Golden Boy" Chick Donovan. Other advertised matches include: K.I. Elite versus J-Rod & Frankie Valentine, Mike Pain versus The Bug w/Ron Niemi, Mister Saint Laurent versus T.J. Mack, and Vicki Von versus Kim Dakota. Big Bank Barfield is also advertised to be there for a special challenge. Call 866-244-0104 or 229-506-0307 for more ticket information. (Thomas Bugg)

DISCLAIMER: GWH is not liable for any card changes, cancellations, etc. We can only report what is reported to us. As always, we suggest you check with the promotion within 24 hours to verify information posted here.

NOTES

In Your Head will feature David Marquez on its show tonight at 8:00 PM ET. (Rich Tate)

Nick Dinsmore sat in the Wrestling Hotseat this week. (Rich Tate)

GWH wishes a happy birthday to Sylvan Grenier, who turns 31 today.

Benny McGuire suffered a fatal heart attack on this day in 2001. He was 54.

That same day, Johnny ‘Red Shoes’ Dugan passed away at 89.

Axis committed suicide at the age of 22 one year ago today.

NOSTALGIA

MARCH 26, 1933 (SUNDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – NEW COLISEUM (W.K. Carswell – Promoter) > Jim Hesslyn versus Dobie Osborne > Southern Lightweight Title Match: Pat Newman* versus Jack Ross / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. It is unclear as to how Pat Newman came to be recognized as Southern Lightweight Champion. The last reference we have show that Jim Hesslyn defeating Jack Ross to win the title on February 28, 1933, in Augusta.

MARCH 26, 1934 (MONDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – FAIR STREET ARENA (Jason Thompson – Promoter) > John Dameron defeated Chief Lakeside > Fred Lassiter defeated John Mauldin > Georgia Light Heavyweight Title / Southern Light Heavyweight Title Match: Hugh Winn* defeated Chippewa Charlie (2-1) / Notes: Hugh Winn had been the reigning Georgia Light Heavyweight Champion and Southern Light Heavyweight Champion since he defeated Fred Lassiter for both titles on March 5, 1934, in Atlanta, GA.

MARCH 26, 1935 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Henry Weber – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jim Coffield and Tom Marvin wrestled to a draw at 30:00 > Joe Cox defeated Abe Rothberg (2-0) > Karl Davis defeated Chief Chewacki at 24:00 (2-1) / Notes: Abe Rothberg substituted for Pete Schuh in the match with Joe Cox.

MARCH 26, 1935 (TUESDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – NEW COLISEUM (Jack Browning – Promoter) > Jim Hesslyn versus Dobie Osborne > Southern Lightweight Title Match: Pat Newman* versus Jack Ross / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. Pat Newman had been the reigning Southern Lightweight Champion since he defeated Jack Ross on March 11, 1935, in Augusta.

MARCH 26, 1937 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – LOEW’S GRAND THEATRE (Frank Speer – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Tommy O'Toole defeated Roy Graham at 27:00 > Bill Lee defeated Whitey Hewitt (2-1) > Cowboy Luttrall defeated George Hagen (2-1)

MARCH 26, 1937 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – NORTHSIDE ARENA (Frank Bettis and Cleve Roby – Promoters) > Paddy Nolan versus Bull Montana > Sammy Miller versus Chin Lee > Mike Cassidy versus Young Londos / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MARCH 26, 1940 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – LOEW’S GRAND THEATRE (Bill Hartman and Thad Holt – Promoters / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Lou Nyman defeated Sid Marcus > Don McIntyre defeated Juan Humberto > Bill Bartush defeated Marvin Jones

MARCH 26, 1943 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Sammy Friedman – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Roland Kirchmeyer defeated George Pavich > Women’s Match: Elvira Snodgrass defeated Gladys Gillem > The Black Panther defeated Al Massey / Notes: Roland Kirchmeyer was declared the winner of his match when George Pavich was deemed unable to continue. Rudy Strongberg was credited as being a referee on this card. Elmer Snodgrass managed Elvira Snodgrass.

MARCH 26, 1948 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bobby Roberts defeated Natie Brown by disqualification > Don Lee and Al Massey wrestled to a draw > Jack Ross, Jr., & Chief Indio Cherokee defeated Jim Coffield & Tom Mahoney > World Junior Heavyweight Title Match: Herb Welch* defeated Chris Godkiss / Notes: Chris Godkiss substituted for Paul Stanlee in the match with Herb Welch. Welch had been the reigning World Junior Heavyweight Champion as recognized by the Nashville, TN, office since he defeated Tex Riley on July 22, 1947, in Nashville, TN.

MARCH 26, 1954 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Don & Dick Big Kettle defeated Don McIntyre & Gorgeous Gilpin > Lee Grable defeated Omar Khayam > Women’s Match: Mildred Burke defeated Bonnie Watson > Verne Gagne defeated Sky Hi Lee

MARCH 26, 1962 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Steve Manderson – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Tojo Yamamoto & Taro Myaki versus Ray Villmer & Haystacks Calhoun > Frank Hickey & Evon Marion versus Johnny King & Jack Terry / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MARCH 26, 1965 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – PAUL JONES SPORTS ARENA (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Lee Fields versus Tony Marino > Greg Peterson & Billy Hines versus George & Crybaby Harris > Battle of the States – Georgia versus Florida: Buddy Fuller (GA) defeated Sam Steamboat (FL); Eddie Graham (FL) defeated Red Roberts (GA); Dick Steinborn (FL) defeated Lester Welch (GA) > Georgia Heavyweight Title Match: Jesse James defeated Mario Galento* by disqualification / Notes: Greg Peterson & Billy Hines and George & Crybaby Harris were scheduled to wrestle each other, as were Lee Fields and Tony Marino, but no results were reported after the card. Mario Galento had been the reigning Georgia Heavyweight Champion since he defeated Sputnik Monroe on November 13, 1964, in Atlanta. Advance tickets were now being sold at the front of the building at 310 Chester Avenue, relocating from the aforementioned Houston Street address. This venue was still undergoing renovations, and was being used prematurely this night because the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium was unavailable. The cover of the program for this card read, in large bold letters, “Welcome to the Paul Jones Sports Arena”.

MARCH 26, 1968 (TUESDAY) – MACON, GA – MACON CITY AUDITORIUM (Fred Ward – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Matt Jewell defeated Emerson Crozier > Mr. Wrestling (1) defeated Tank Morgan > Wire Fence Match (No DQ): Enrique & Alberto Torres defeated the Gauchos / Notes: It was reported that 2,394 were in attendance for this card.

MARCH 26, 1971 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Jim Wilson and Michel Dubois wrestled to a draw > Sabu Singh defeated Fidel Castillo by disqualification > Krusher Karlson defeated Bob Boyer > Dick Steinborn and Kubla Khan wrestled to a draw > Bill Dromo & Klondike Bill defeated Luke Graham & Buddy Colt > Georgia Tag Team Title Match: Ray Gunkel & El Mongol defeated the Assassins* by disqualification / Notes: The Assassins had been the reigning Georgia Tag Team Champions since they defeated Mr. Ito & the Great Ota in a tournament final on October 16, 1970, in Atlanta. Jack Crawford managed Kubla Khan. Homer O’Dell managed Buddy Colt. Charlie Harben was credited as being a referee for this card. Klondike Bill participated in an autograph session for fans.

MARCH 26, 1974 (TUESDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Ann Gunkel – Promoter / All-South Wrestling Alliance) > Wayne Cowan versus Ted Oates > Jack Armstrong & the Crusader versus the Islanders > Assassin #2 & the Super Gladiator versus the Mongols > Brass Knuckles Match: Ernie Ladd & Ron Pritchard versus Ox Baker & the Missouri Mauler > Thunderbolt Patterson versus the Executioner / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found. The Magnificent Zulu was the special referee for the match between Thunderbolt Patterson and the Executioner. Rock Hunter managed Wayne Cowan, Assassin #2, the Executioner, and the Missouri Mauler. George Cannon managed the Mongols.

MARCH 26, 1976 (FRIDAY) – ATLANTA, GA – ATLANTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Paul Jones – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Ted Oates defeated Ken Mantell > Jerry Oates defeated Skandor Akbar > Rick Martel and Rip Hawk wrestled to a draw > Bob Armstrong & Mark Lewin defeated Les Thornton & Tony Charles > Dick Slater defeated Stan Stasiak > Thunderbolt Patterson versus Moondog Mayne / Notes: Thunderbolt Patterson and Moondog Mayne were scheduled to wrestle each other, but no results were reported after the card.

MARCH 26, 1978 (SUNDAY) – SAVANNAH, GA – SAVANNAH CIVIC CENTER (Aaron Newman – Promoter / Jim Crockett Promotions) > Jimmy Garvin versus Charlie Fulton > Ted Oates & Richard Blood versus Scott Irwin & the Russian Stomper > Ciclon Negro versus Mr. Wrestling #1 > Women’s Match: Vicky Williams versus Pepper LaBianca > US Heavyweight Title Match: Blackjack Mulligan* versus Wahoo McDaniel / Notes: No documented results for this card have been found.

MARCH 26, 1979 (MONDAY) – AUGUSTA, GA – WILLIAM BELL AUDITORIUM (Charlie Harben – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Dennis Hall and John Wolfe wrestled to a draw > Ron Bass defeated Buddy Diamond > Blackjack Lanza defeated Tommy Rich > Wahoo McDaniel defeated the Masked Superstar > Tony Atlas & Stan Hansen versus Ric Flair & Ole Anderson ended in a double disqualification / Notes: Bobby Heenan managed Blackjack Lanza and Ron Bass.

MARCH 26, 1983 – HUNTINGTON, WV – HUNTINGTON MEMORIAL FIELD HOUSE (Les Thatcher – Promoter / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bob Roop defeated Brian Blair > Killer Brooks defeated Joe Lightfoot > Larry Zbyszko defeated Johnny Rich > Dick Murdoch defeated Ivan Koloff > Tony Atlas defeated the Iron Sheik > Tommy Rich & the Masked Superstar defeated Ole Anderson & Buzz Sawyer

WWE Timechange On The Score

Courtesy of Adam Lebow:

Due to Wrestlemania starting at 7pmET, The Score is going to be moving up Sunday's edition of the WWE Experience to 1pmET. The 7pmET edition will still air and will be head-to-head with the first hour of Mania.

New Name Added For UFC 87

His opponent is the infamous TBA, but welterweight Luke Cummo will be fighting on August 9 (at Minneapolis' Target Center).

As usual, I'll probably be leaving the rest to Casey and his magical Events Calendar.

WORLD EXTREME CAGEFIGHTING® ANNOUNCES URIJAH FABER VS. JENS PULVER

Courtesy of World Extreme Cagefighting:

For Immediate Release
March 26, 2008

PLUS, MIGUEL ANGEL TORRES DEFENDS HIS TILE AGAINST MANNY TAPIA

SUNDAY, JUNE 1, 2008
LIVE FROM THE ARCO ARENA IN SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA

Tickets Go on Sale Saturday, March 29 at 10am PT

Las Vegas – One is a legend in the sport of mixed martial arts; the other is an established star on his way to greatness. But when MMA pioneer Jens Pulver challenges WEC Featherweight Champion Urijah Faber on Sunday June 1st at ARCO Arena in Sacramento, California, only one of these 145-pound fighters will emerge with the victory in the most important featherweight bout of all-time.

The World Extreme Cagefighting® (WEC™) organization is pleased to announce WEC: Faber vs. Pulver, a card which not only features the epic clash between the two best featherweights on the planet, Faber and Pulver, but a WEC bantamweight title fight between Mexican warriors Miguel Angel Torres and Manny Tapia, and the highly anticipated debut of Mark “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” Munoz.

Tickets for WEC: Faber vs. Pulver go on sale Saturday, March 29 at 10 a.m. and are priced at $185, $125, $75 and $35 (not including applicable services or taxes). Tickets may be purchased by calling Ticketmaster Charge-By-Phone at 916-649-TIXS, 530-528-TIXS or 209-551-TIXS or by visiting the ARCO Arena Box Office. Tickets also are available online through www.wec.tv or www.ticketmaster.com.

WEC: Faber vs. Pulver will be televised live nationally on VERSUS beginning at 9:00 pm ET/6:00 pm PT. All live WEC events will be presented in Hi-Definition (HD) and SAP where available. For more information and how to find VERSUS in your local viewing area, visit http://www.versus.com/findversus.

In the main event, one of the MMA’s best pound for pound, Urijah Faber, defends his WEC Featherweight title against UFC® and PRIDE® veteran Jens “Lil Evil” Pulver.

With technique, tenacity, and charisma, Sacramento’s own Urijah Faber (20-1), has proven time and time again why he is considered one of the best fighters in MMA today. Faber captured the WEC title in March of 2006 with a decisive second round stoppage of Cole Escovedo. Since then, he has continued to dominate the division, defending his crown with first round wins over Joe Pearson, Dominic Cruz, and Chance Farrar. His most recent victory came against Jeff Curran, where he displayed top notch submissions, choking Curran out in the second round. But on June 1, he will return home to fight for the first time in close to two years when he battles his toughest opponent yet in former UFC Lightweight Champion Jens Pulver.

A true MMA pioneer who put the lighter weight classes on the map, Jens Pulver (22-8-1) has reinvigorated his career with a return to the featherweight division, where he is currently unbeaten in eight fights, including a 35 second submission win over Cub Swanson in his WEC debut last December. Now closing in on Faber and a shot at becoming one of the few fighters in history to win a major title in two different weight classes, Pulver plans on bringing more than a “Lil’ Evil” to the cage with him on June 1st.

WEC Bantamweight Champion Miguel Angel Torres (33-1) captured the attention of the worldwide MMA community when he put on a groundfighting clinic against Chase Beebe, capturing the title with a guillotine choke just 3:59 into the championship bout. After years of fighting, Torres has finally earned his place as one of mixed martial arts’ best, pound for pound, but his reign won’t be complete until he defends his title against Mexico’s Manny Tapia.

Manny Tapia (10-0-1) is a television favorite due to his aggressive style and KO power. He burst onto the WEC scene with an impressive TKO over Brandon Foxworth, and then followed that victory up with a three round war against veteran Antonio Banuelos that he won via a hard-fought decision. Having shown both heart and skill in the cage, now all he needs is a belt around his waist, something he hopes to take from Torres on June 1st.

Also on the card, Vallejo’s Mark “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” Munoz (3-0) will be making his long awaited WEC debut at 185 lbs. Munoz is a former NCAA Division I wrestling champion, and he is considered one of the top wrestlers to ever enter into the sport of MMA. With an unbeaten record thus far, Munoz has transitioned well to the fighting world and he will be looking to continue on his path of excellence when he steps into the world famous WEC cage.

The remaining bouts for WEC: Faber vs. Pulver will be announced in the near future. All bouts subject to change. For more information about WEC: Faber vs. Pulver and current WEC fight news, visit www.wec.tv.

About World Extreme Cagefighting

The WEC brand is recognized as one of the premier mixed martial arts organizations in the United States. Founded in 2001, the WEC features many of the most prominent athletes in the sport of mixed martial arts today. Owned and operated by WEC Holdings LLC., and headquartered in Las Vegas, Nev., the WEC produces live and taped events annually that are distributed through the Versus network. In addition to its U.S. distribution, WEC programming is shown on the TSN network in Canada. For more information and current WEC fight news, visit www.wec.tv.

World Extreme Cagefighting® and WEC™ are registered trademarks, trademarks, trade dress or service marks owned exclusively by WEC Holdings, LLC in the United States and other jurisdictions and are licensed to WEC Productions, LLC.

About VERSUS

VERSUS (VERSUS.com) celebrates real competition in all its forms. Now in more than 72 million homes, the network is the national cable home of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Stanley Cup Playoffs as well as best-in-class events like The Tour de France, the America 's Cup, the Professional Bull Riders (PBR), World Extreme Cagefigthing (WEC), Professional Boxing, the Boston Marathon and Davis Cup. The network also offers collegiate sports from top conferences such as the Pac-10, Big 12 and Mountain West. VERSUS features the best field sports programming on television and is a destination for sports fans, athletes and sportsmen to find exclusive, competitive events that audiences can't find elsewhere. VERSUS, a wholly owned company of Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA, CMCSK), is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.

ABOUT MALOOF SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Maloof Sports & Entertainment includes the Sacramento Kings (NBA), Sacramento Monarchs (WNBA) and ARCO Arena. Led by Joe and Gavin Maloof, and owned by the Maloof family with long-term, local partners, the organization is committed to the community in Sacramento and to making a positive, meaningful difference in the lives of families in need and at risk in the Sacramento region. Maloof Sports & Entertainment has donated more than $13 million to the Sacramento region in nine years of Maloof family ownership. For more information about Maloof Sports & Entertainment, please visit kings.com, sacramentomonarchs.com and arcoarena.com or call 916-928-0000.

BOUT ADDED PLUS TWO REPLACEMENTS ON IFL NEW JERSEY CARD

IFL Veteran Schoenauer Takes On N.J. Native Barrett; UFC Vet Black Replaces Markham for MFS, Miller Steps In For Taurosevicius for Gracie

NEW YORK, March 26, 2008 – Mixed Martial arts veteran Alex Schoenauer (Las Vegas) will take on local standout Brendan Barrett (Tuckerton, N.J.) as the International Fight League (OTC.BB: IFLI) will now hold 10 bouts on its card at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, N.J., on Friday, April 4. In addition, two replacements have been named: Jason Black (Davenport, Iowa), representing Miletich Fighting Systems, and Jim Miller (Sparta, N.J.), fighting for Renzo Gracie Academy.

Schoenauer, who has nine IFL bouts among his 21 career MMA fights, last fought for the IFL title at 205 lbs. in November, losing a decision to Vladimir Matyushenko. Barrett has a 3-2 record, with two of the wins coming by knockout.

Black is 23-4-1 and is highly regarded among MMA fans, gaining additional attention by competing in two UFC bouts last year. He will fight in place of Rory Markham, who is recovering from a respiratory illness, against Emyr Bussade (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) of American Top Team at welterweight. Miller, who owns an impressive 10-1 record, will take on Bart Palaszewski (Wonder Lake, Ill.) of Midwest Combat in a lightweight matchup, in place of Deividas Taurosevicius, who has a hand injury.

As previously announced, IFL titleholders Vladimir “The Janitor” Matyushenko (Belarus), Jay “The Thorobred” Hieron (Freeport, N.Y./Las Vegas) and Wagnney Fabiano (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) will defend their belts on April 4. Matyushenko will battle Jamal Patterson (Jersey City, N.J.) for the light heavyweight crown; Hieron will take on Mark Miller (Chicago) at 170 lbs., and Fabiano will accept the challenge of Shad Lierley (Seattle) at 145 lbs. In a non-title bout, Chris Horodecki (London, Ontario) will oppose Nate Lamotte (New Hampshire) in a matchup of lightweights.

Tickets are available at the IZOD Center Box Office (located at the Meadowlands), www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (201) 507-8900.

IFL East Rutherford, N.J.
Friday, April 4, 2008 (order TBD)

Additional Bouts
155 lbs.: Chris Horodecki (London, Ontario) (7-1 IFL, 11-1 overall MMA) vs. Nate Lamotte (New Hampshire) (0-0, 6-2)
205 lbs.: Alex Schoenauer (Las Vegas) (4-5, 12-9) vs. Brendan Barrett (Tuckerton, N.J.) (0-0, 3-2)

American Top Team vs. Miletich Fighting Systems
145 lbs.: Rafael Dias (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) (1-0, 10-3-1) vs. LC Davis (Kansas City, Mo.) (2-0, 9-1)
170 lbs.: Emyr Bussade (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) (0-0, 10-5) vs. Jason Black (Davenport, Iowa) (0-0, 23-4-1)
205 lbs.: Carmelo Marrero (Douglasville, Pa.) (0-0, 7-2) vs. Mike Ciesnolevicz (Williamstown, Pa.) (5-3, 13-3)

Midwest Combat vs. Renzo Gracie Academy
155 lbs.: Bart Palaszewski (Wonderlake, Ill.) (8-3, 29-10) vs. Jim Miller (Sparta, N.J.) (0-0, 10-1)
170 lbs.: Brad Blackburn (Olympia, Wash.) (3-2, 11-9-1) vs. Delson Heleno (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) (6-3, 13-4)
*205 lbs.: **Vladimir Matyushenko (Belarus) (5-0, 20-3) vs. Jamal Patterson (Jersey City, N.J.) (4-1, 4-1)

Additional Championship Bouts
*170 lbs.: **Jay Hieron (Freeport, N.Y.) (6-2, 14-4) vs. Mark Miller (Chicago) (2-1, 8-2)
*145 lbs.: **Wagnney Fabiano (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) (5-0, 9-1) vs. Shad Lierley (Seattle) (2-1, 2-1)

*Championship Bout
**Current Titleholder

About the IFL

International Fight League™ (IFL) has its headquarters in New York and offices in Las Vegas. For more information about IFL, please see: www.ifl.tv.

Forward-Looking Statements: This release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and IFL’s management's expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future financial condition, and results of operations. There can be no assurance that future developments actually affecting IFL will be those anticipated.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ (favorably or unfavorably) from the expectations stated in this release include the risks and uncertainties such as the conditions of the markets for live events, broadcast television, cable television, pay-per-view, Internet, entertainment, professional sports, and licensed merchandise; acceptance of the Company’s brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to litigation; risks associated with producing live events; uncertainties associated with international markets; risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television distribution agreements; effects of competition, including locations of competitors and operating and market competition. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the Company’s assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements.

IFL undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. This press release may include the opinions of IFL and does not necessarily include the views of any other person or entity.

The names of all International Fight League, Inc. televised and live programming, teams, images, and logos are trademarks, which are the exclusive property of International Fight League, Inc. All other trademarks and tradenames mentioned in this release are the property of their respective owners, and are not affiliated with IFL in any way.

NAMMAE Announces Tito Ortiz Will Join Chuck Liddell As A Headliner For The July Super MMA Tradeshow In Anaheim California

Courtesy of NAMMAE Press:

March 26, 2008 - NAMMAE announced today that Tito Ortiz has signed on along with Chuck Liddell to host the July Mixed Martial Arts Super Tradeshow in Anaheim California. Tito will be co-hosting the event and bringing his world famous clothing label with him, Punishment Athletics. Tito and Punishment Athletics attended NAMMAE’s first show in December of 2007 and became a huge draw for fans and generated massive foot traffic and winding lines. Tito Otriz has ventured further into the mainstream than most other Mixed Martial Artists with his appearance on the popular TV show “The Apprentice”. His popularity in the mainstream markets is gaining daily, as is the popularity of his clothing label Punishment Athletics.

Founder of NAMMAE Brian Paul Jaus comments, “We are ecstatic to have Mr. Ortiz back to NAMMAE for a second year. Mr. Ortiz was one of the largest draws for our December show, and Punishment Athletics’ booth was surrounded by hundreds of fans waiting for his autograph almost all weekend. Mr. Ortiz is not only a tremendous Mixed Martial Arts competitor, but very well spoken and very keen on public relations and interactions. Mr. Ortiz has both fought, and commentated in the Mixed Martial Arts field and now has moved on to more mainstream projects such as “The Apprentice” and his own entertainment endeavors. We could not be more excited about partnering with him for this event, and we already know the fans will be lining up in droves to see him”.

Kristin Ortiz of Punishment Athletics commented, "Being a part of NAMMAE was a huge success for us in 2007. Punishment Athletics® and Tito Ortiz™ are anticipating another overall successful event at NAMMAE 2008. We look forward to another exciting weekend with the never ending crowd of fans and customers."

In late 2007 NAMMAE, the hither-to unknown company run by fighters turned businessmen, pulled off a near coup in the industry by signing Randy Couture and drawing out nearly the entire MMA industry in a weekend super event. Thousands of spectators came out making the first year success of the show legendary in the industry.

NAMMAE is expecting hundreds of top Mixed Martial Arts Apparel and Gear Manufacturers and upwards of 10,000 fans and spectators. They have adopted the catch phrase “Where the industry converges” and have vowed to stop at nothing in their quest to be the premiere tradeshow and exposition source in Mixed Martial Arts.

This announcement will co-inside with the official launch of their marketing campaign in preparation for the July super event. This event will include the tradeshow and exposition as well as a concert and a massive Mixed Martial Arts fight sponsored by a large fight league which will be revealed in the coming weeks.

For more information on Tito Ortiz and Punishment Athletics, please visit http://www.punishmentathletics.com

UXW: FRANCISCO CIATSO Added, Abdullah vs. Corino First Time Ever, Jake The Snake

Courtesy of Shannon Rose:

MARCH 29TH 2PM, 2008
UXW PRESENTS PRO WRESTLING
Doors Open at 1pm
Bell Time is 2pm
The Central Florida Fairgrounds Pavilion
4603 W. Colonial Dr
Orlando, FL

We now have a NEW paypal address for ALL UXW ticket orders, just go to www.paypal.com. and make your payment out to WILLYDILLYMANIAC@AOL.COM.

JAKE THE SNAKE ROBERTS RETURNS TO UXW!

Throughout his career he was known for his promos and his dark charisma, his extensive use of psychology in his matches, and has been credited for inventing the DDT, though that has been challenged. He is also credited with training the wrestlers Diamond Dallas Page and Raven, as well as teaching much about wrestling psychology to his on-screen enemies, Steve Austin and the Undertaker.

Jake Roberts has feuded with some of the biggest names in the history of this sport like Andre The Giant, The Macho Man Randy Savage, Ricky The Dragon Steamboat and so many more and now the Snake returns to UXW where he has defeated King Kong Bundy and a bloody beating in his last UXW appearance.

ABDULLAH THE BUTCHER vs. STEVE CORINO In an ANYTHING GOES NO DQ........NO RULES MATCH!

Returning to UXW after 2 years will be the Legendary Madman From The Sudan...the greatest hardcore wrestler of all time ABDULLAH THE BUTCHER..............Abdullah’s reputation as the most sadistic and bloodthirsty hardcore wrestler in history has established a legacy far greater than any single championship ever could. In addition, his dietary habits have also become the stuff of legend, as he has been known to eat announcers’ ties, whole raw fish, and he once even bit the head off a live chicken before a traumatized crowd. Moreover, his unpredictable, ultra-violent style is largely responsible for inspiring a future generation of wrestling madmen, including “Maniac” Mark Lewin, Kevin Sullivan, Cactus Jack, Kamala, and Sabu.........................Abdullah will face for the UXW World Title the new 2X UXW World Champion MR WRESTLING STEVE CORINO...........Corino is a former ECW World Champion as well as one of the biggest stars in JAPAN history and Corino promises that he will not be alone.....This match will have NO RULES........There will be NO DQ’s..............ANYTHING GOES!!

UXW Tag Title Match: Best 2 of 3 Falls..........THE HEARTBREAK EXPRESS W/ AMY VITALE vs. BRUCE SANTEE & JON DAVIS....

FALL 1: DOUBLE DOG COLLAR CHAIN MATCH
Each wrestler will be connected by the neck to a member of the opposite team by a 15 FOOT STEEL CHAIN

FALL 2: DOUBLE BARBED WIRE BAT MATCH
There will be two Louisville Sluggers completely wrapped in BARBED WIRE and they will each be hung from a 12 foot pole. First wrestlers to get them can use them any way they want.

FALL 3: ANYTHING GOES LAST MAN STANDING MATCH
Basically an old fashioned Death Match..no DQ’s, No Countouts, Fight can go ANYWHERE in the Fairgrounds, ALL WEAPONS LEGAL, match will continue until each member of one team can not meet the ten count.

DISCO INFERNO vs. THE SNOWMAN RAYMOND SNOW....

RAY BEEZ vs. SIDESHOW vs. AARON EPIC.....IN A 3 WAY LADDER MATCH!

BUY TICKETS THROUGH PAYPAL AND GET A FREE DVD!
The fans have been demanding it again so we’ve brought this deal back. Purchase your tickets through paypal and get a free UXW DVD. Go to www.paypal.com. and make your payment to our NEW paypal address which is WILLYDILLYMANIAC@AOL.COM.

. General Admission tickets are $20 and front row is $30.

Already Signed...

- JAKE THE SNAKE ROBERTS
- ABDULLAH THE BUTCHER W/ THE AYATOLLAH NIEMI
- UXW WORLD CHAMPION STEVE CORINO
- 3X WWF TAG-TEAM CHAMPIONS DEMOLITION AX & SMASH
- DISCO INFERNO
- BIG VITO
- THE SNOWMAN RAYMOND SNOW.
- THE HEARTBREAK EXPRESS W/AMY VITALE
- KRAZY K KIRBY MACK
- TJ MACK
- VORDELL WALKER
- BRUCE SANTEE & JON DAVIS
- THE MASKED MANIAC
- RAY BEEZ
- SHANNON ROSE
- KENNY KENDRICK
- FRANCISCO CIATSO

REMEMBER THIS IS AN AFTERNOON EVENT!
Doors open at 1pm
Bell time is 2pm

Show location:
The Central Florida Fairgrounds Pavilion
4603 W. Colonial Dr
Orlando, FL

Front Row Tickets $30
All Other Seats $20
To Order Tickets go to www.paypal.com and make payments out to WILLYDILLYMANIAC@AOL.COM.

Contact info and other ticket centers:
For Show Information Call 407-947-2729 or The Central Florida Fairgrounds at 407-295-3247.

Sci-Fi City
6006 E Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL 32807
407-282-2292
www.sci-fi-city.com

Wildside
6203-C2 West Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL
407-355-3150

Incredible Ink Tattoo & Piercing
1 South Orange Ave
407-843-3666

Incredible Ink Tattoo & Piercing
7215 International Dr
407-370-3101

www.uxwwrestling.net.

CARD SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Funk's Corner - Congressman Cliff Stearns To Attend Funking Conservatory Tryouts For All Japan Pro Wrestling

Courtesy of Dory Funk Jr.:

Congressman Cliff Stearns, Republican Incumbent for the 6th District will be in attendance this Friday March 28th as Funking Conservatory athletes tryout for positions with All Japan Pro Wrestling representative Osamu Nishimura.

Congressman Stearns has expressed interest in speaking with Osamu Nishimura about professional wrestling in Japan.

Nishimura will be attending tryouts this Friday and Saturday and is expected back for the next !BANG! TV Taping, Support the Troops 26, Super Summer Sizzler coming to the Funking Conservatory Sunday May 4th.

Leading candidates for a position with All Japan Pro Wrestling are Flyin' Ryan "Air" Mitchell, (Currently under contract) Johnny Magnum with one trip to Japan under his belt, Shane Chung, Elvis Sharp, Blain Rage and former Funking Conservatory Women's Champion, Claudia Reiff.

Congressman Stearns is a recipient of Funking Conservatory Fighting Heart Award and a pair of wrestling shoes in recognition of his service to his community.

For training information, Tryouts for All Japan Pro Wrestling and scheduling at the Funking Conservatory visit our website at www.dory-funk.com or call 352-895-4658.

Phat Fashions Kids Join Raven-Symoné To Help WWE And The Make-A-Wish Foundation® Make Wishes Come True

Courtesy of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.:

STAMFORD, Conn.--(March 26, 2008)--Phat Fashions Kids will join Raven-Symoné as participants in World Wrestling Entertainment®’s biggest wish-granting event ever at WrestleMania XXIV on March 30 in Orlando, Fla.

As part of the WWE’s expanded partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 50 children with life-threatening medical conditions will have their heartfelt wishes fulfilled at WrestleMania XXIV, making it the WWE’s largest wish-granting event ever.

All of the children and their families will participate in a fun-filled weekend that kicks off with a private meet-and-greet with WWE Superstars hosted by WWE Superstar Rey Mysterio on Friday, March 28. Phat Fashions Kids (Phat Farm Boys/Baby Phat Girlz) will raffle off gift certificates.

On Saturday, March 29, the David Maus Foundation will hold a pizza party at Universal Studios Florida hosted by WWE Superstar John Cena. (The Make-A-Wish Foundation recently honored Cena for granting his 100th wish. To view the news conference announcing this milestone, go to ftp://germftp10:ww3pr1vAt3@webftp.wwe.com and click on the file Make A Wish.) Phat Fashions Kids will provide a gifting table offering apparel and promotional items, photo booths featuring customized photos, and a raffle for a family lifestyle basket to be awarded at the Bacon, Bagels and Biceps brunch on Sunday, March 30. Wish kids and their families will also enjoy complimentary admittance to both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure theme parks courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort.

On Sunday, March 30, popular television, music and movie star Raven-Symoné will join the wish kids and their families at the Bacon, Bagels and Biceps brunch, where they will be formally inducted into the WWE Make-A-Wish Circle of Champions and mingle with some of their favorite WWE Superstars. Raven will also accompany the children to WrestleMania XXIV, where they will be WWE’s special guests of honor.

Phat Fashions was founded in 1992 and is a multi-million dollar business which mixes the urban aesthetics of the streets with the preppy culture of the Ivy League. Phat Fashions delivers a universal message that breaks stereotypes and ethnic boundaries, setting the new standard in sportswear and establishes the company as the complete American lifestyle brand.

Raven-Symoné is well known as the star of That’s So Raven, The Cheetah Girls series and The Cosby Show as well as the Dr. Dolittle film series. She has also released three successful albums as a musician. Raven is starring in and executive producing the upcoming film College Road Trip, which was released on March 7 by Walt Disney Pictures and co-stars Martin Lawrence. Information on College Road Trip is available at http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/collegeroadtrip/. Her fourth album - titled Raven-Symoné - will be released on April 29, 2008. The new single "Double Dutch Bus" is also featured in College Road Trip. Raven recently launched her own website Raven~Symoné Presents (www.ravensymonepresents.com) which is an online destination and digitally syndicated series providing broadband video content containing “how-to” information and entertainment.

WWE has been one of the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s most enthusiastic wish granters for more than 20 years, fulfilling the wishes of hundreds of children with life-threatening medical conditions. WWE and the Make-A-Wish Foundation recently announced a new, expanded multi-year working agreement. The involvement of popular apparel companies like Phat Fashions Kids, entertainment and theme park companies like Universal, and celebrities such as Raven-Symoné add an even bigger and more star-studded atmosphere to WWE and Make-A-Wish® events and ensures that the wish recipients truly have an unforgettable experience.

Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.

Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, and logos are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. ECW is a trademark of WWE Libraries, Inc. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.

Contacts
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Media: Gary Davis, 203-353-5066
or
Investors: Michael Weitz, 203-352-8642

GEORGIA WRESTLING NEWS, NOTES, AND NOSTALGIA: 03/25/2008

Courtesy of GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com:

NEWS

Chase Tatum, a Power Plant trainee who wrestled for a few years with World Championship Wrestling, was found dead at his home in the Buckhead area of Atlanta, GA, on Sunday. He was 34. It has been ruled an apparent accidental overdose of painkillers. Funeral services will be held on March 27 at the Mount Paran Chruch of God in Atlanta. Jody Hamilton, who owned the Power Plant, had this to say of Tatum: “Chase wasn't at The Power Plant long enough to establish much of a personal relationship with me but the time he was there he always seemed to be respectful and listened to everything that was being said and taught. I always thought of him as sort-of-a-loner, he kept to himself, at least at The Power Plant. I thought he was talented, but was taken up too soon and never was allowed to reach his potential by the company. I thought he was a nice guy from what I knew of him.” (Rich Tate)

We received an email from Brandon Roberts, the nephew of Georgia Wrestling Promotions owner Roger Cantrell stating that Cantrell is in the intensive care unit at Piedmont Mountainside Hospital in Jasper, GA. Roberts said the GWP event scheduled for March 29 in Woodstock, GA, will take place with Janice Cantrell and Jimmy Oxendine in charge. (Larry Goodman)

World Wrestling Entertainment will be in Fayetteville, NC, tonight for the live ECW/SmackDown broadcast and tapings at the Crown Coliseum with action starting at 7:30 PM. NWA Anarchy’s Shatter, Mikal Judas, Jeff Lewis, Truitt Fields, and Andrew Pendleton III are expected to appear on the card. (Rich Tate)

A Town Wrestling will be at the Atrium Event Center in Stone Mountain, GA, on March 26, with matches starting at 7:30 PM. Call (770) 639-9810 for more info. Advertised: Abdullah the Butcher, Mr. Donnie, the Harley Davidson Boys, the Bounty Hunters, the Gangsta Nation, and the Hot Bodies. (Rich Tate)

On March 23, !BANG! presented “Support the Troops 25: Showdown” in Ocala, FL. In the US championship match, Johnny Magnum and Shane Chung wrestled to a 20 minute draw. Magnum retained the title. Gail Kim defeated The Claw to become the new Women's champion. Elvis Sharp defeated Blain Rage to become the new Funking Conservatory World Champion. Tom "Bi Polar" Behr defeats Hack Meyers by DQ in a tough man match. In a three man hardcore tournament between Damien, Kid Vegas and Johnny Romano, Damien became the new hardcore champion. In a triple crown championship tournament between the Florida champion Flyin Ryan "Air" Mitchell w/Sandii Skye, European champion Elvis Sharp and International champion, Chris "Animal" James, Flyin' Ryan "Air" Mitchell picked up the victory. The next show for !BANG! will be “Support the Troops 26: Summer Sizzler” in Ocala. Advance tickets are $15 and $20 at the door. (Brian Slack)

Southern Classic Wrestling presented "The Rebirth" on March 22 in Sandersville, GA. The debuting Iron Bear defeated Juan Tequila. Brad North defeated Shimazu the Devil. Matt Mercer defeated Greg Haze. Big Bank Barfield, due to personal circumstance, couldn't make it to face Leatherface for the SCW heavyweight title, so SCW had Flatline face Tommy Lee to decide who faces Leatherface. Flatline defeated Tommy Lee to get into the title match. Javier Santana defeated Mike Margera. Tiny Hughes defeated Loco Motive in a street fight thanks to help from VIP member Tommy Lee. It was revealed after the match that Tommy and Tiny were cousins and Tommy Lee's last name is Hughes. Tiny Hughes, who became the commissioner of SCW thanks to his victory, then fired Loco Motive and Ace Heffner. Cult of Chaos defeated the Stanton Clan when Adam Stanton turned on Eric Stanton. Jamie Holmes defeated Ronnie Rage. In ladies action, Envy defeated Precilla. In the SCW Heavyweight title match, Leatherface defeated Flatline to win the title. (Brian Slack)

On March 22, the Great American Wrestling Federation had a free show at the Auto Zone grand opening in Blountstown, FL. The Confederate Kid defeated Cameron Thomas. Scotty Rayz defeated Pretty Boy Donnie B. Cameron Frost defeated Street Bandit in Frost's debut match. The next GAWF show will be on April 5 at the Hosford, FL, Game Room at 8pm. Advertised to appear are Jamie Hall, Maxwell Chicago, T Bolt, GAWF Heavyweight Champion Steve Goins, GAWF Tag Team Champions The Hott Bodies, and the return of the Tatums, plus Brian Rivers, and Jeff Bowman Jr. Buff Bagwell is advertised for an April 26 show. (Brian Slack)

On March 22, Full Impact Pro presented “Unfinished Business 2008” in Crystal River, FL, and it had two world title matches. For the FIP World championship, Roderick Strong retained after defeating Austin Aries by countout after Nigel McGuinness attacked Aries on the outside. In a ROH world title match, McGuinness retained the title against Larry Sweeney. Before the next match began, Heartbreak Express member Sean Davis announced that since Heartbreak Express can no longer wrestle in FIP, Sean got a managerial license. Also Phil Davis got a bodyguard license and with that they introduced their new group, "Heartbreak Enterprises" with members Damien Wayne and Rex Sterling. Damien Wayne and Rex Sterling w/Sean and Phil Davis defeats Jigsaw and Seth Delay. Delirious and The Briscoe Brothers defeats The YRR, consisting of the FIP Florida champion Saul Rinauro and the FIP tag team champion Kenny King and Chasyn Rance. The Age of the Fall's Tyler Black w/Lacey & Rain defeated YRR member and 1/2 of the tag team champions Jason Blade w/The YRR. Chris Jones defeats Ernie Osiris. After the match, Kory Chavis and Jon Davis, know at the Dark City Fight Club attacked both men. FIP host Jonathan Gold told DCFC that the Black Market, who were the masked men that attacked the Black Market at last month's FIP event, that Black Market asked for and was given a match against them at next FIP event. DCFC then attacked Gold after Gold admitted that he was friends with the Black Market. DCFC defeated Shayne Swift and Myles Long. Erik Stevens defeated Shane Hagadorn. After the match, FIP world champion Roderick Strong laid out Stevens with a belt shot after Stevens said that he would be champion once again. On April 26, FIP presents "Dangerous Intentions 2008." The event takes place at the National Guard Armory in Crystal River, FL. Doors open at 7:30 pm and show starts at 8 pm. Tickets are $20 Ringside, $15 GA & Kids 13 and under $10 GA. Advance tickets - $12 GA & Kids 13 and under $8 GA. To purchase advance tickets call (352) 422-4582. Advertised: The Black Market versus Dark City Fight Club. Also advertised to appear: FIP World Heavyweight Champion Roderick Strong, ROH World Champion Nigel McGuinness, The YRR of Chasyn Rance, FIP Florida Heritage Champion Sal Rinauro & FIP Tag Team Champions Jason Blade & Kenny King, Jay & Mark Briscoe, Erick Stevens, Austin Aries, Delirious, Tyler Black of the Age of the Fall, Seth Delay, and Heartbreak Enterprises. (Brian Slack)

The next Great Championship Wrestling event will be at the Great Skate Plex in Phenix City, AL, on March 27. Bell time is 7:30 pm. Tickets are $15 ringside and $12 general. (Brian Slack)

Southern Championship Wrestling presents "Spring Breakout 08" to take place on April 12 at the Salvation Army Gym in Sanford, FL, at 7:30. The advertised main event is for the SCW tag team championship as Elite Party members Axis and Rod the Bod take on the Asian Superstar Organization, Jason Hexx and Ryze. In a champion versus champion, with both titles on the line, Light Heavyweight champion Nooie Lee takes on Florida champion Aaron Epic. In a blindfold match, the Mighty Ox faces off against Shiek Mohamaad Akbar. Also going to be in action are The Prodigy, Spanish Armada, Neil Faith, The New Orient Express, and former NWA North American champion Tommy Marr. (Brian Slack)

DISCLAIMER: GWH is not liable for any card changes, cancellations, etc. We can only report what is reported to us. As always, we suggest you check with the promotion within 24 hours to verify information posted here.

NOTES

Trash Talking Radio, hosted by Mike Trash, will feature Chio and the Stro on its show tonight at 7:00 PM ET. (Rich Tate)

CM Punk and Layla are scheduled to be available to fans in Orlando, FL, on March 26 between 6-8:00 PM at the Wal-Mart on John Young Parkway. (Rich Tate)

Promoter Wally Karbo suffered a fatal heart attack fifteen years ago today at the age of 77.

NOSTALGIA

1930: Pete Sauer defeated Charley Fox in the main event at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Henry Weber.

1936: Bruce Nolan defeated Jack Ross in the main event at the New Coliseum in Augusta for promoter Bill Metzger.

1946: Joe Bennicasa defeated Sammy Stein in the main event at the Savannah Municipal Auditorium for promoters Lou Masters, Dick Leonard, and Buster White.

1949: The Golden Terror, managed by Earl Wampler, defeated Rebel Russell by disqualification in the main event at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. It was reported that the match was part of an ongoing tournament for the Southern Heavyweight Title. After the match, Russell attacked Wampler and the Terror. Nick Carter & Don McIntyre defeated Chris & Babe Zaharias in the semi-main event. It was reported that Chris & Babe Zaharias lost the tag team championship during their match with Carter & McIntyre, but there is no clear definition of the title. Bill Collins was credited as being a referee on this card.

1955: Don McIntyre defeated Jerry Graham by TKO in the sixth round of a main event boxing match at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Wild Red Berry defeated Red McIntyre in the semi-main event. It was reported that 6,800 were in attendance for this card.

1960: Freddie Blassie defeated Haystacks Calhoun in the main event at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Ray Gunkel, Bill Dromo & Chief Little Eagle defeated Jack Terry, Krusher Larson & Tokyo Joe in the semi-main event.

1964: In Columbus, Fred Ward ran his first card upon resuming the talent exchange agreement that had previously existed with Georgia Championship Wrestling, which he chose to stop participating in during July 1963.

1966: The Mysterious Medics defeated Eric & Karl Von Brauner, managed by Saul Weingeroff, to win the World Tag Team Title at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Klondike Bill and Swede Karlson were the special referees for the match. The Von Brauners took the belts following the match, claiming they were cheated. According to the program for this card, Buddy Fuller was the reigning Southern Heavyweight Champion, and Enrique Torres was being billed as the Pacific Coast Heavyweight Champion.

1969: Bob Armstrong & Bill Dromo defeated the Assassins in the main event at the Macon City Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Fred Ward. Choo-Choo Lynn defeated Joe Turco in the semi-main event.

1975: Rocky Johnson defeated Macon Heavyweight Champion Toru Tanaka, managed by Rock Hunter, by disqualification in a title match at the Macon Coliseum for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Fred Ward. Don Greene & Jerry Lawler and Jerry Brisco & Don Muraco wrestled to a draw to retain the Macon Tag Team Title in the semi-main event.

1977: Mr. Wrestling #2 & Andre the Giant defeated Georgia Tag Team Champions Ole & Gene Anderson by disqualification in a title match at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Thunderbolt Patterson defeated Randy Savage, substituting for Abdullah the Butcher, in the semi-main event.

1979: Bob Armstrong defeated the Masked Superstar by disqualification in the main event at the Macon Coliseum for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Fred Ward. Stan Hansen defeated Ole Anderson in the semi-main event.

1984: Jake Roberts, managed by Paul Ellering, defeated Ron Garvin in a lights out taped fist match at the Cobb County Civic Center in Marietta for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. The Spoiler, also managed by Ellering, defeated Brad Armstrong in the semi-main event.

INTERNATIONAL FIGHT LEAGUE, FOX SPORTS NET TO BEGIN 2008 WEEKLY “FIGHT NIGHT” PROGRAMS ON SATURDAY, APRIL 19 AT MIDNIGHT

Courtesy of the International Fight League:

Solid Viewership Gives IFL Very Desirable, Consistent Programming Time

NEW YORK, March 25, 2008 – The International Fight League (OTC.BB: IFLI) and Fox Sports Net (FSN) announced today that the IFL’s weekly, one-hour “Fight Night” show will begin its 2008 run on Saturday, April 19, at midnight local time. The show, which will begin with the IFL World Grand Prix semifinals, will run in that time slot through mid-July, a slot which will give the IFL limited preemptions on the FSN regional network in a spot that is key for the demo that follows the sport.

“We are very pleased to be able to continue to work so closely with FSN, especially in this very desirable and consistent Saturday night time slot,” said IFL CEO Jay Larkin. “The FSN weekly component is key to our TV strategy, and it has proven to draw an audience everywhere it has been placed. This Saturday midnight spot is a great piece for us to build around and promote towards, since we will rarely be up against other sports programming.”

“The IFL has been a great compliment to FSN programming, and there’s certainly an audience for it. For two seasons it has delivered solid ratings and exciting, quality fights. We expect Season 3 will deliver as well,” said George Greenberg, FSN Executive Vice President of Programming and Production.

In addition to the weekly “IFL Fight Night,” on FSN, the first three IFL events of the year are being shown live on HDNet in the United States and Fox Sports Net Canada, as well as in over 70 other countries and five continents around the world, ranging from HBO Latin America to Star TV in Asia and Middle Eastern Broadcasting and the Armed Forces Network. IFL programming is already among the most viewed MMA programming worldwide, despite being in existence only two years.

About the IFL

International Fight League™ (IFL) has its headquarters in New York and offices in Las Vegas. For more information about IFL, please see: www.ifl.tv.

Forward-Looking Statements: This release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and IFL’s management's expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future financial condition, and results of operations. There can be no assurance that future developments actually affecting IFL will be those anticipated.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ (favorably or unfavorably) from the expectations stated in this release include the risks and uncertainties such as the conditions of the markets for live events, broadcast television, cable television, pay-per-view, Internet, entertainment, professional sports, and licensed merchandise; acceptance of the Company’s brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to litigation; risks associated with producing live events; uncertainties associated with international markets; risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television distribution agreements; effects of competition, including locations of competitors and operating and market competition. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the Company’s assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements.

IFL undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. This press release may include the opinions of IFL and does not necessarily include the views of any other person or entity.

The names of all International Fight League, Inc. televised and live programming, teams, images, and logos are trademarks, which are the exclusive property of International Fight League, Inc. All other trademarks and tradenames mentioned in this release are the property of their respective owners, and are not affiliated with IFL in any way.

WWE® To Launch Cutting Edge ''WWE Kids'' Magazine

Courtesy of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.:

STAMFORD, Conn.--(March 25, 2008)--World Wrestling Entertainment® is debuting “WWE Kids,” an exciting new consumer magazine targeting 6-14 year olds. The bi-monthly title launches April 15, beginning with the much anticipated May/June issue. The launch will be supported with a comprehensive cross-platform blitz, including a 100,000-unit pallet promotion in Wal-Mart stores.

“With content ranging from fitness and nutrition to geography to esteem building, ‘WWE Kids’ will appeal to children, their parents, and their teachers. Young fans will get to know their favorite Superstars through activity-based art projects, fun games, interviews and trivia,” said Tony Romando Vice President, Editorial Director.

Every week, more than 2.6 million young fans, ages 6-14, tune-in to WWE’s top-rated television programs on USA Network, The CW and SCI FI Channel. In the fourth quarter of 2007, WWE reached more kids under age 18 during the average week than the total day average deliveries of Disney Channel, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon combined. “WWE Kids” will tap into these youthful WWE enthusiasts and also encourage their friends to become fans as well. “The WWE brand appeals to millions of fans worldwide. ‘WWE Kids’ Magazine is a logical brand extension that is specifically designed for our younger audience,” stated Bob Lee, Vice President, Publishing Director.

“The WWE youth initiative, which includes the new ‘WWE Kids’ magazine and the WWE website for kids. are all part of WWE’s recommitment to provide its young audience with new, fun, age-appropriate content,” said Shane McMahon, Executive Vice President, Global Media.

Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/

Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, and logos are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. ECW is a trademark of WWE Libraries, Inc. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include the conditions of the markets for live events, broadcast television, cable television, pay-per-view, Internet, feature films, entertainment, professional sports, and licensed merchandise; acceptance of the Company's brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to litigation; risks associated with producing live events both domestically and internationally; uncertainties associated with international markets; risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television distribution agreements; and other risks and factors set forth from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. In addition to these risks and uncertainties, our dividend is based on a number of factors, including our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan, our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends and such other factors as our board of directors may consider relevant.

Contacts
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Consumer Media:
Gary Davis, 203-353-5066
Sal Cataldi, 212-244-9797
or
Investor:
Michael Weitz, 203-352-8642

Floyd Mayweather Conference Call Audio

Courtesy of Steve Rockamaniac:

Floyd "Money" Mayweather joined Ryan Rider of www.MainEventRadio.com as well as three other canadian journalists for a conference call discussing his
upcoming match at Wrestlemania 24 with the Big Show, his supposed 20 million dollar payday, his future in boxing, and whether or not he would do MMA, plus
much more, to download the audio yourself head over to http://www.sendspace.com/file/ueyr8w and head over to www.maineventradio.com for more exclusive audio.

DVD REVIEW: SOUTHLAND TALES Starring The Rock And Sarah Michelle Gellar

Courtesy of Steve Rockamaniac:

Richard Kelly’s Southland Tales starring The Rock and Sarah Michelle Gellar has travelled a rather rough road since it’s debut at the Cannes Film Festival in 2006. As it screened, people walked out of the theater, rounds of boo’s followed and the press tore the movie to shreds. After the Cannes disaster, Kelly worried that the film was dead in the water, and the only way he would ever get it released was if he agreed to basically create a whole new film by cutting it down from a nearly 3 hour presentation to an hour and a half for US audiences. Despite this, Sony Films and two other companies presented Kelly distribution offers for the film. Ultimately Sony picked up the film, and Kelly faced a daunting task of trying to make this film better. Somehow he convinced Sony to sink another million dollars into it to upgrade the special effects, and re-shoot some scenes, but he got away with not cutting out more than about 20 minutes from the film before it was released into theaters late last year. Despite the work done, a lot of negative reviews were sent Southland Tales way. Famed movie reviewer Richard Roeper declared it one of the worst films of 2007, while his partner Roger Ebert said “I recommend that Kelly keep right on cutting until he whittles it down to a ukulele pick.” Meanwhile a few tried to defend the film, but the negative reviews piled up, and for me it got to the point where you hear something is such a piece of crap so many times that you just have to see it for yourself, so with Southland Tales now out on DVD I sat down and found out what all the hoopla was about.

On July 4th 2005, The US is hit by a terrorist attack in the form of a nuclear explosion in the heart of Texas, World War 3 begins, and 3 year’s later (where the film begins), the US is still locked in that battle, they have reinstated the draft and have bombed the hell out of the middle east. The conflict has caused the US’s access to foreign oil to nearly cease, because of this an alternative feul source is desperately being seeked. The country is in shambles. The country thinks its unable to fight a war on terrorism unless they control cyberspace, so a government agency called USI-Dent has been formed under an extended Patriot Act, Travelling between states without a passport is against the law, people are watched 24/7, and as you would expect there is those who want to rebel against it. A new energy source has been created by a renegade scientist, a hydro electric energy field that would run machines by remote and thus not need refueling, its called Fluid Karma.

Looking at the characters, and there is a lot of them, but the main players include the rock playing Boxer Santaros, a man who went missing and was later found with his memory erased in the Arizona desert, he is an actor, who is married to the vice-presidental candidates daughter. Because of his importance, the search for him is a big one. The film begins with Boxer spending some time with “Krysta Now”, a porn star, played by Sarah Michelle Gellar, who is hoping to expand her career as she along with the rock’s character have written a screenplay predicting the end of the world and is trying to sell it. Meanwhile The 2008 presidential election is underway and because of Boxer’s relationship with potential new vice president, a group opposed to USI Dent have set Boxer up to film him in a compromising light in hopes of blackmailing the vice president. Add in Sean William Scott, who is playing two characters, Roland Williams, and Ronald Wiliams, played off as twin brothers, the second is actually a doppelganger, created by a tear in the fourth dimension, which was created by this new perpetual motion energy source mentioned earlier. Starting to sound a bit weird right? Add in a ton of other characters, many played by SNL Alums such as Cheri O’Teri and Jon Lovitz and you’ve got a hard to follow mess.

That’s the problem with Southland Tales, it does have a interesting idea that it explores, that being the possible end of the world due to the US’s addiction to oil which causes World War 3, However at two and a half hours, it’s a very complicated story that quite frankly is nearly impossible to follow, less than an hour in, I felt rather lost so continuing through the last 90 minutes was hard for me to do, in the end it made a little bit more sense than I thought it would, but I was sill scratching my head, the plot lines tie into each other but at the same time don’t at all, The acting is decent, but there is so many characters to deal with that getting familiar with any of them is undoable. I cant recommend a buy on this, perhaps if you are as curious as I was before watching this, then head out and rent a copy and spend a night in the southland and if you can help make more sense of it for me then drop me a line one day.

DVD Extras include, a “about the film” featurette, and a animated short entitled “This is how the world ends”

Southland Tales is now available on DVD from Sony Home Entertainment. You can pick it up at your favorite DVD retailers or online at places such as amazon. To read any of my previous reviews head on over to http://www.maineventradio.com/reviews.htm

!BANG! TV Taping Results - Gail Kim New Funking Conservatory Women's Champion

Courtesy of Dory Funk Jr.:

Gail Kim defeated "The Claw," Claudia Reiff to capture the Funking Conservatory Women's Championship Sunday March 23.

All Japan Pro Wrestling's Osamu Nishimura is coming to the Funking Conservatory to scout wrestling talent this Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning.

The next !BANG! TV Taping is Support the Troops 26, Summer Sizzler coming to the Funking Conservatory Sunday May 4th.

For information on training schedules, Tickets to !BANG! TV and video of all our !BANG! TV Super Stars, visit www.dory-funk.com or call the Funking Conservatory Wrestling School direct at 352-895-4658

!BANG! TV TAPING QUICK RESULTS
Support the Troops 25, "Showdown"
Sunday, March 23rd in Ocala, Florida

U.S.A. Championship Match
Johnny Magnum (Champion) vs Shane Chung
(Twenty Minute Draw - Magnum is still champion)

Women's Championship Match
The Claw (Champion) vs Gail Kim
(Winner - New Women's Champion - Gail Kim)

World Heavyweight Championship Match
Blain Rage (Champion) vs Elvis Sharp
(Winner - New Funking Conservatory World Champion - Elvis Sharp)

Tough Man Match
Tom "Bi Polar" Behr vs Hack Meyers
(Winner Tom Behr by Disqualification)

Three Man Hardcore Tournament
Damien vs Kid Vegas vs Johnny Romano
(Winners, Kid Vegas then Damien - New Hardcore Champion)

Triple Crown Championship Tournament - Florida Title, European Title, International Title
Flyin' Ryan "Air" Mitchell with Sandii Skye vs Elvis Sharp vs Chris "Animal" James
(Winners Chris "Animal" James then Flyin' Ryan "Air" Mitchell)

GEORGIA WRESTLING NEWS, NOTES, AND NOSTALGIA: 03/24/2008

Courtesy of GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com:

NEWS

We have learned that Cru Jones was hospitalized Sunday morning for emergency gall bladder surgery. As soon as we hear more, we will be sure to update his status here. (Rich Tate)

World Wrestling Entertainment will be in Columbia, SC, tonight for the live RAW broadcast at the Colonial Center with action starting at 8:00 PM. NWA Anarchy’s Shatter, Mikal Judas, Jeff Lewis, Truitt Fields, and Andrew Pendleton III are expected to appear on the card. (Rich Tate)

AWN Pro Wrestling Presents "No Unity" on March 26 in Atlanta at the Wild Mustang, hosted by Atlanta's "Maven of Mayhem" Ruby Red. Advertised: "No Unity" Heavyweight Championship Match: Nemesis (c) versus Mark Henry (aka Simon Sermon), Shatter versus Rick Michaels, and Women’s World Champion Bambi answers Nigel Sherrod's $1,000 Challenge. Also advertised: Chris Kanyon, Truitt Fields, Thomas Exodus, Ryan Michaels, and Andrew Pendelton III, as well as the first ever (?) Drag Queen Battle Royal featuring Nicole Paige Brooks, Jazmine, Kyra Mora, Alana Kelli, Alexandria Martin, and Rouge Nation. Doors open at 8pm, and the event starts at 9pm. For more information or to reserve tickets call (404) 915-5603. (Larry Goodman)

Independent Wrestling Network has announced the lineup for their April 4 debut in Columbus, GA, at the Fishcrow Arena, formerly the GCW Arena. The big surprise is Jason Cross versus A.J. Steele being advertised. Cross has been away from wrestling since Dropkick Pro shut down in Macon. Steele has been a regular with Great Championship Wrestling, and was the first and only GCW Interstate Champion until two weeks ago. Steele never agreed to appear on this card, according sources within GCW. Steele told GCW he had been approached by IWN and turned them down flat. Attempts to contact IWN owner Dwayne Bell were unsuccessful. IWN and GCW are not on what you would call friendly terms, so it will be interesting to see how this plays out. Also advertised: Mr. Hughes versus Rob Adonis, the Wrestler versus Scottie Blaze, the Southside Trash versus Frankie Valentine & Adrian Hawkins, and "The Shooter" Vordell Walker versus Austin Creed. (Larry Goodman)

The New Frontier Wrestling Association returns to Franklin, NC, on April 5 to celebrate their second anniversary at the National Guard Armory. Advertised: a four-way match, whereas if a champion in pinned, they lose their title, featuring NFWA Heavyweight Champion Brokishi, NFWA US Heavyweight Champion Dirty, Simon Sermon, and Stoney Hooker; a fan participation strap match featuring Billy Starr versus Carter Maine; the A-Team (Jamar Acid & Dark Angel) defend the NFWA Tag Team Title against the Saturday Night Sensation (Matt Sells & Ryan Michaels); Tommy Too Much versus Cornbread; and a twenty-man rumble featuring NFWA wrestlers from the past, present, and future. (Rich Tate)

Championship Wrestling Overload will be in Tennille, GA, on April 18, at the Barn, located at 5250 Old Savannah Road. Doors will open at 7:30 PM, and matches will start at 8:00. Children 5 and under get in free with a paid adult. Kids 6-12 admitted for $3. All other tickets are $5. No matches have been announced. (Rich Tate)

Southern Extreme Championship Wrestling results from the VFW Fairgrounds in Carrollton, GA, on March 23: In a title versus mask match, Bull Buchanan over the Super Destroyer, revealed to be Rob Adonis, to retain the SECW Heavyweight Title; Austin Creed, Kid Ego, and the Nightmare over Billy Love, Chick Donovan & Sal Rinauro in a two-of-three falls match; Bulldog Raines over Big Wood; Tommy Rich & Chris Lightning over Pretty Boy Floyd & Awesome TC; and Kyle Matthews over Lamar Phillips. It was reported that 150 were in attendance for this card, and that Jeff McGowan was the referee. Raines participated in an autograph session. Click here for a full report from Larry Goodman. The March 30 date has been cancelled, but SECW will return on April 6. More details as the show nears. (Rich Tate)

Georgia Independent Wrestling Alliance results from Milledgeville, GA, on March 22: A.J. Steele & the Kodiak over the Slaughter Pitt; Preston Paradise over Paul Warfield; the Georgia Cowboy over Oko Nono to retain the GIWA Mid-State Heavyweight Title; Velvet Jones & Firewalker over K.I. Elite to win the GIWA Tag Team Title; and Shawn Hunter over J-Rod to retain the GIWA Heavyweight Title. (Rich Tate)

Georgia Pro Wrestling Association results from March 20 at the City Limits in Tifton, GA: "The Real Deal" Jake Slater defeated Blue Thunder, Iron Will and Psych wrestled to a 15 minute draw, The Almighty Brokishi defeated Paul Warfield, GPWA Tag team champs, "The Marvelous Ones" Michael Stevens & Leon McMicheals lost by DQ to the "United Alliance" Johnny Romano & Prince Murphy, "The Golden Boy" Chick Donovan defeated "The Real Deal" Jake Slater, and in the main event, "The Platinum Playboy" Preston Paradise defeated "Insane" Mike Pain for the GPWA Heavyweight title when Brokishi and Mr E.D. Biggs interfered. The GPWA returns to Tifton, GA, at the City Limits on April 3. Matches advertised include: GPWA tag team champs The Marvelous Ones and Iron Will versus Johnny Romano & Prince Murphy (United Alliance) and Psych, GPWA Heavyweight champ Preston Paradise versus Sam Slaughter, and "The Real Deal" Jake Slater versus Ron Stalker. Also advertised: "Insane" Mike Pain, "Big Bank" Barfield, and the Almighty Brokishi. (Thomas Bugg)

DISCLAIMER: GWH is not liable for any card changes, cancellations, etc. We can only report what is reported to us. As always, we suggest you check with the promotion within 24 hours to verify information posted here.

NOTES

Click here for this week’s Bill Behrens’ NWA Notes update. (Rich Tate)

Monday Night Mayhem will feature John Cena, Sr., on its show tonight at 8:00 PM ET. (Rich Tate)

Jerkin' the Curtain, hosted by Trent Van Drisse, will feature Mike Promo on its show tonight at 11:00 PM ET. (Rich Tate)

Amy ‘Lita’ Dumas’ band, the Luchagors, will be playing at the Gallery Billiards Music Venue in Sarasota, FL, tonight. Check your local directories or the band’s site for more info. (Rich Tate)

GWH wishes a happy birthday to Barry Horowitz (48) and the Undertaker (46).

Warren Bockwinkel died on this day in 1986. He was 74.

On this day in 1997, Dr. Bill Miller passed away at the age of 69.

NOSTALGIA

1931: George Zaharias defeated Charley Lehman in the main event at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Henry Weber. Also, Paul Harper and John Paxos wrestled to a draw. It was reported that Atlanta Mayor James Key was in attendance at the card.

1936: Orville Brown defeated Pat O’Shocker by disqualification in the main event at Loew’s Grand Theatre in Atlanta for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Henry Weber. Dorv Roche defeated Eddie Newman in the semi-main event.

1937: Leroy McGuirk defeated Buddy Knox in two straight falls in the main event at the New Coliseum in Augusta for promoter Bill Metzger. Also, Speedy Lawrence defeated Jack Ross.

1944: Hugh Winn defeated Otto Schnabel in the main event at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Joe Marsh and Tom George wrestled to a draw in the semi-main event.

1958: Karl Heinkler & Kurt Von Brawner defeated Jerry Graham & the Mighty Yankee in the main event at the William Bell Auditorium in Augusta for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Robert ‘Bibber’ McCoy. Ray Gunkel and Don Lee wrestled to a draw in the semi-main event.

1964: Choo-Choo Lynn defeated Chuck Campbell to retain the Georgia Heavyweight Title at the Macon City Auditorium for promoter Fred Ward, not affiliated with Georgia Championship Wrestling at the time. Joe McCarthy & Chief Big Heart defeated Johnny Bruce & Crusher Verdu in the semi-main event.

1967: Enrique & Ramon Torres defeated Lars & Gene Anderson in a main event tornado match at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Bobby Graham defeated Mike Paidousis in the semi-main event. Also, Eddie Graham & Nick Kozak defeated El Mongol & Oki Shikina. Jack Crawford managed El Mongol. It was reported in the program for this card that Paul Jones had finally gotten Gene Kiniski to sign a contract to defend the NWA World Heavyweight Title against Lou Thesz, and the bout was scheduled for April 14, 1967. It claimed that the signing took place in Chicago, IL, during a meeting of the NWA Board of Governors, including Sam Muchnick, Jules Strongbow, Frank Tunney, Jim Crockett, Ed McLemore, Gust Karras, Pedro Martinez, and Jim Barnett. Supposedly, Kiniski was reprimanded by the Board as a response to his allegations of collusion between Muchnick and Jones to make the match happen. Kiniski reportedly apologized, but also insisted that an impartial referee from a different promotion be assigned to officiate the bout, and Jones agreed in order to seal the deal. Leo Garibaldi was credited as being a referee on this card. It was announced that Louie Tillet would be wrestling on the card on March 31, 1967, and that Gene Kiniski would be wrestling Lou Thesz on the card on April 14, 1967.

1970: Joe Scarpa & El Mongol defeated the Assassins by disqualification to retain the Macon Tag Team Title at the Macon City Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Fred Ward. Chati Yokuchi & Fuji defeated Greg Peterson & Pedro Valdez in the semi-main event.

1972: Dory Funk, Jr., defeated Bepo Mongol, managed by Assassin #1, by disqualification to retain the NWA World Heavyweight Title at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. The Assassins defeated Dick Steinborn & El Mongol in the semi-main event, and Buddy Colt defeated Bill Dromo. Charlie Smith was credited as being a referee for this card. Funk, Jr., participated in an autograph session for fans.

1975: Jerry Brisco & Rocky Johnson defeated Georgia Tag Team Champions Toru Tanaka & Assassin #2, managed by Rock Hunter, by disqualification in a title match at the William Bell Auditorium in Augusta for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Charlie Harben. Tommy Gilbert defeated Don Kent in a semi-main event boxing match, and Ray Candy defeated Jerry Lawler.

1978: A main event title match featuring Georgia Heavyweight Champion Stan Hansen versus Thunderbolt Patterson was ruled a no contest at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Tony Atlas defeated Billy Graham by countout in the semi-main event, and Dusty Rhodes defeated Terry Funk. Also, Tommy Rich & Adrian Adonis defeated Wolfgang & Helmut Schmidt, managed by Rock Hunter.

1979: Ric Flair & Paul Jones defeated Ricky Steamboat & Dino Bravo in the main event at the Savannah Civic Center for Jim Crockett Promotions promoter Aaron Newman. Pedro Morales defeated Moose Morowski in the semi-main event, and Gene Anderson defeated Nick DeCarlo.

1980: Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated Austin Idol in the main event at the William Bell Auditorium in Augusta for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Charlie Harben. Tommy Rich & Tony Atlas defeated Ivan Koloff & Alexis Smirnoff, managed by Rock Hunter, in the semi-main event. Also, a match featuring Wahoo McDaniel versus Baron Von Raschke ended in a double disqualification.

1982: Ric Flair defeated Tommy Rich to retain the NWA World Heavyweight Title at the Columbus Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Fred Ward. Ron Bass defeated Leroy Brown by disqualification in the semi-main event to retain the National Heavyweight Title. Also, Bob & Brad Armstrong defeated Kevin Sullivan & Buzz Sawyer.

1983: Tommy Rich defeated Buzz Sawyer by disqualification in the main event in Grand Rapids, MI, for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Les Thatcher. Dick Murdoch & the Masked Superstar defeated Ole Anderson & Ivan Koloff in the semi-main event, and Killer Brooks defeated Paul Orndorff. Also, Tony Atlas defeated Bob Roop, and the Iron Sheik defeated Brian Blair. Larry Zbyszko defeated Johnny Rich in the opener.

Due to popular demand, and the fact that time constraints have very much delayed our goal of fully detailing each card and completing a career record for everyone who has been documented as having appeared in Georgia, we are going to go ahead and return the cards and results for the 1970s and 1980s. We had gotten as far as 1972 before it became too much to continue on a desired basis. We had hoped to continue returning this information to the site on a gradual basis as we completed them in a yearly process. However, though we are not satisfied with the completeness of the information, the information that will reappear is as accurate as we have been able to document. As always, GWH’s Cards and Results section is a constant work-in-progress, and we will continue to strive to complete all of this information, as well as the career records as found in our Who’s Who section, as time allows. The only exception to the return of the cards and results will be televised events post-1979, as we are not confident we initially had all of the matches dated correctly when it was originally available on the site. Once we more certain of this portion of the material, we will return it as well. Thanks for your continued support and patience as we attempt to pull all of this material together in the most accurate and complete form possible. (Rich Tate)

'Big O' Tees Off As Bodog Fight Opens 'Vault'

Courtesy of Bodog Fight:

For Immediate Release
March 24, 2008

Like a lot of martial arts fans, 21-year-old Eben "The Big O" Oroz grew up idolizing legendary actor Bruce Lee in movies like Enter The Dragon and Fists of Fury. So much so, he set out to become a professional fighter himself.

"My goal was to try and apply Lee's Jeet Kune Do system to mixed martial arts fighting," says the Floridian featherweight (4-1). "But first, I had to learn Jeet Kune Do," (which translates to "the way of the intercepting fist").

Enter Sifu (instructor) Richie Carrion, founder of JKD-Extreme Martial Arts Academy, in West Palm Beach, Fla.

"He started by teaching me one of Lee's most important combat principles," says Oroz. "Namely, that simple done right has no counter."

However, with no prior martial arts training, Oroz found this difficult to digest at first.

"He kept telling me to have an empty mind, or as Lee once said an 'empty cup.' The thinking is that if your cup of knowledge is empty you can always fill it back up, but if your cup is always full you cannot add to it. So, one should keep his cup or circle empty in order to keep learning."

To remind himself of this philosophy, Oroz took the unusual step of having an enormous circle tattooed on his torso.

"It serves as a reminder to me, plus fans love chanting 'O' whenever I land a punch or kick in the ring," laughs Oroz.

This Tuesday, March 25, log on to bodoglife.net/fight to see Oroz take on fellow Floridian Mike Brown (14-4) on Bodog Fight's ground-breaking online mixed martial arts series The Vault.

Then, Saturday, March 29, don't miss an all-new webisode of The Vault featuring a never-before-seen brawl between undefeated Besiki Gerenava (2-0) and newcomer Ivan Anikanov.

Both Russians were keen to put on a show in front of their comrades at a recent Bodog-sponsored event in Moscow.

Which would prevail? Open The Vault to find out.

Bodog Fight: The Vault offers streaming video of all-new, never-before-seen fights each Tuesday and Saturday, commercial free. Each webisode is fully downloadable and iPod-ready, featuring a previously unaired bout from the Bodog Fight archives.

This exclusive Bodog TV footage is only available online at bodoglife.net/fight, twice honored at the 2007 Digital Marketing Awards.

Can‘t get enough hard-hitting MMA action?

Visit our Bodog e-Store and pick up a copy of Bodog Fight: St. Petersburg, The Complete Second Series.

The four-disc set includes the show’s thrilling second season, filmed on location in Russia, plus the historic pay-per-view event Bodog Fight: Clash of the Nations featuring undisputed heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko and U.S. Olympic wrestling champion Matt “The Law” Lindland.

For a limited time, purchase Bodog Fight: St. Petersburg, The Complete Second Series at bodoglife.net/store and get 25% off Bodog Fight: The Complete First Series, which features big brawls and small bikinis from sunny Costa Rica, plus a bonus limited edition CD featuring tracks from Bodog Music artists.

Available now at better retailers everywhere and online at bodoglife.net/store

About Bodog Fight

Since its inception in 2006, Bodog Fight has become one of the heavy-hitters in the world of mixed martial arts. Created by billionaire entertainment mogul and longtime MMA enthusiast Calvin Ayre, Bodog Television's Bodog Fight series offers viewers a unique combination of action and allure from exotic locations throughout the world. Bodog Fight can be viewed online at bodoglife.net, along with other Bodog Television programs including: a poker lifestyle and reality show, Calvin Ayre Wild Card Poker, and an international million-dollar band search competition, Bodog Battle. For more information, contact Media Relations at 1-866-892-3371, or fightpr@bodoglife.net. BODOG is a registered trademark.

New Wrestling Promotion Institutes Open Talent Draft

Courtesy of WCW Entertainment:

March 23, 2008 -

(NEW YORK) The newly established WCW Entertainment wrestling promotion is proud to announce the implementation of the first open talent draft in professional wrestling history. In the inaugural WCW MegaDraft, a total of 32 Stars will be contracted to the WCW roster for the promotion’s first events later this year.

“This open draft format is sure to garner interest from wrestlers across North America, and that's exactly the point,” said WCW Vice President of Operations Chris Orleans. “By opening our doors to wrestlers with all levels of experience and star power, we hope to create new stars and make a positive impact in the sports-entertainment industry.”

The WCW MegaDraft will commence on Sunday, March 30 at 5:00 p.m. (ET) and will be conducted via telecommunications from WCW Entertainment offices in New York. Draft updates will be regularly posted on WCW Entertainment's official Web site, located at www.WCWstars.com.

Any wrestler at any experience level or box office status can be drafted at any point in time based on their ability to come to terms with WCW Entertainment on a deal. Wrestlers who promptly broker their deal to compete in WCW will be privy to perks including (but not limited to): bonuses, higher match status on initial WCW events, and/or main event opportunities. Wrestlers who choose to extend negotiations for a longer period of time will not be offered these same opportunities.

The MegaDraft is an open draft continuing until all 32 WCW roster spots have been filled. If injuries occur, new WCW Stars can be drafted. All drafted Stars are under contract to WCW Entertainment.

All selections are subject to WCW review before they are announced. WCW Entertainment has the sole authority to approve all contracts.

Wrestlers interested in joining WCW Entertainment can e-mail megadraft@wcwstars.com with information about themselves (wrestling experience, promotions worked for, etc.).

WCW Entertainment is a subsidiary of Grand National Enterprises, LLC. WCW Entertainment produces and markets live events and televised programming featuring WCW Stars, including some of the best-known and up-and-coming talents in professional wrestling. For more information, see WCW Entertainment’s website at WCWstars.com.

Disclaimer: WCW Entertainment is in no way affiliated with World Wrestling Entertainment or WWE Libraries. All WCW Entertainment productions are performance art, not athletic competition. Please don’t try this at home.

New Names Added For UFC 86

American Top Team's Gleison Tibau, Cole Miller, and Steve Bruno, are scheduled to join teammate Ben Saunders, in competing on July 5 (at Vegas' Mandalay Bay Events Center).

No word on any of their opponents, but as usual, I defer future updates to Casey.

Welterweight Change In The IFL's Next Show

Not sure what happened, but on April 4 (at East Rutherford, New Jersey's Izod Center), Rory Markham's out and Jason Black's in, as the opponent of Emyr Bussade.

Casey will probably have more details and might even update the events calendar.

PWS Majestic Mayhem Results & Response To Rumors

Courtesy of ProWrestlingSyndicate.com:

Pro Wrestling Syndicate held its fourth live event, Majestic Mayhem on March 22 at The Yonkers PAL Building in Yonkers, NY in front of 448 paying fans.

* PWS originally booked Sabu, but received a call at 9 am saying he was still banged up & had missed his flight. He was still going to appear, but no flights would have brought in Sabu prior to 11:58 pm

* PWS contacted several other talents about appearing at the event, including former ECW Champion Steve Corino who was to be at the event as a surprise but pulled off after his wife fell ill.

* PWS ran a matchup between Sandman and Commissioner Necro Butcher, the first time ever.

The event opened with a Majestic 12 qualifying match between former Deep South standout Tommy Suede and international star Azrieal. Suede won to advance into the tournament.

Adam Flash came to the ring and issued a challenge to any PWS wrestler. A back conveyor door opened and in came a 2008 Yellow Lambourgini driven by Paul E Normus, along with Rocksha! Due to Rocksha's suspension, he was not allowed at ringside. Paul E Normus picked up the win.

Next began the Majestic 12 Tournament. This round consisted of three tag team matches (partners chosen at random) with the winners facing each other in singles action in Round 2.

ROUND ONE:
* Teddy Hart/Jack Evans defeated Trent Acid/Ruckus
* "M Dogg 20" Matt Cross/Devon Moore defeated Danny Demanto/Sonjay Dutt
* Jerry Lynn/Kenny Omega defeated Tommy Suede/Kevin Matthews

* Alexa Thatcher pinned Angelina Love

ROUND TWO:
* Jack Evans defeated Teddy Hart by countout in a 30 minute match up that had fans on their feet throughout and received chants including "this is awesome", "five star match", and "vince screwed up" amongst other things. Following, Hart shook hands with Evans and thanked the fans for their support. Teddy thanked PWS for 'having the balls' to put him and Jack against each other.
* Devon Moore defeated "M-Dogg 20" Matt Cross
* Kenny Omega defeated Jerry Lynn

* Commissioner Necro Butcher came into the ring and issued a challenge to The Sandman. Sandman defeated Necro Butcher.

FINALS:
A Three-Way match between Jack Evans, Devon Moore, and Kenny Omega. A few minutes into it, Omega injured his knee on the leg of a table, but continued on. Omega and Moore teamed up on Evans and locked in a double submission forcing Evans to tap. Commissioner Necro Butcher entered and said Evans was eliminated and restarted the match as a 1-on-1 between Moore and Omega. Due to Moore taking severe punishment earlier and Omega's injured knee, a superplex kept both wrestlers down for the 10 count for a double knock out. Commissioner Necro Butcher came out again, attempting to restart the match. But Moore escaped into the locker room. Omega issued an Iron Man Match challenge to Moore for the PWS Title at the next live event in May.

OTHER NOTES:
* Jim Powers and Romeo Roselli were on hands signing autographs. Ox Baker, being brought in by "M&J Autographs" was unable to attend due to a work conflict.
* Several wrestlers including Nunzio, Fred Sampson, and Grim Reefer attended the event.
* Despite reports, Jac Sabboth was not selling any bootleg merchandise at the event.

PWS's live event schedule for May will be announced this week, which will include MORE THAN ONE EVENT.

FIP Unfinished Business 2008 Results

Courtesy of Full Impact Pro Wrestling:

FIP Unfinished Business 2008
Crystal River, FL
3.22.08

1 - Erick Stevens pinned Shane Hagadorn. After the match Stevens guaranteed that he would regain the FIP World Heavyweight Championship but was laid out with a belt shot by FIP World Heavyweight Champion Roderick Strong

2 - Kory Chavis & Jon Davis destroyed Shane Swift & Miles Long. Chavis & Davis, collectively known as The Dark City Fight Club (DCFC) were revealed as the masked men who took out Black Market.

3 - Chris Jones pinned Ernie Osiris. After the match both men were attacked and laid out by DCFC. FIP Host Jonathan Gold informed DCFC that Black Market had demanded, and were awarded, a match against them on the 4/26 FIP event "Dangerous Intentions." Chavis asked how Gold had gotten this info and Gold informed them that he was friends with Black Market, which resulted in DCFC attacking Gold and laying him out. FIP & ROH commentator Lenny Leonard had to take over Gold's duties for the remainder of the night.

4 – Tyler Black w/ Lacey & Rain of the Age of the Fall pinned FIP Tag Team Champion Jason Blade w/ The YRR

5 – Delirious & the Briscoe Bros. defeated The YRR of FIP Florida Heritage Champion Sal Rinauro, FIP Tag Team Champion Kenny King & Chasyn Rance. The match originally started as a tag team match between the Briscoe Bros. against Rinauro & King, but was stopped due to interference from Rance. The match restarted as a six man tag team match once Delirious came to the Briscoe’s aid.

6 – Heartbreak Enterprises of Damien Wayne & Rex Sterling w/ Sean & Phil Davis defeated Jigsaw & Seth Delay. Sean Davis announced that since they could no longer wrestle in FIP, due to losing their match against Shawn Murphy of Black Market at last month’s “FIP Redefined,” that he acquired a managerial license and Phil had acquired a bodyguard license and that they were starting the new group in FIP “Heartbreak Enterprises.”

7 – ROH World Champion Nigel McGuinness pinned Larry Sweeney to retain the championship.

8 – FIP World Heavyweight Champion Roderick Strong defeated Austin Aries via countout to retail the championship after Nigel McGuinness attacked Aires outside the ring.

FIP Returns To Crystal River, FL - Saturday, April 26th!!!

Courtesy of Full Impact Pro Wrestling:

Full Impact Pro Wrestling presents
"Dangerous Intentions 2008"
Saturday, April 26th, 2008
National Guard Armory
8551 W. Venable St., Crystal River, FL 34429
Doors open at 7:30 pm and show starts at 8 pm
Tickets are $20 Ringside, $15 GA & Kids 13 and under $10 GA
Advance tickets - $12 GA & Kids 13 and under $8 GA
Tickets are available at the door the night of the event
For more info or to purchase advance tickets call (352) 422-4582 or go to www.FullImpactPro.com

Already announced:

Black Market vs. Dark City Fight Club

Already signed:

- FIP World Heavyweight Champion Roderick Strong
- ROH World Champion Nigel McGuinness
- The YRR of Chasyn Rance, FIP Florida Heritage Champion Sal Rinauro & FIP Tag Team Champions Jason Blade & Kenny King
- Jay & Mark Briscoe
- Erick Stevens
- Austin Aries
- Delirious
- Tyler Black of the Age of the Fall
- Seth Delay
- Heartbreak Enterprises
- Plus many more!!!

UWF TO ALLOW FANS TO MANAGE WRESTLING SUPERSTARS AT LIVE! EVENTS IN MAY

Courtesy of the United Wrestling Federation:

For Immediate Release
March 24, 2008

The United Wrestling Federation, owned by NASCAR TV analyst Hermie Sadler, will once again allow fans to bid on the opportunity to manage wrestlers appearing at UWF LIVE! Thursday, May 1 in Colonial Heights (Richmond), Virginia and Friday, May 2 in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Fans can manage stars such as WWE Hall of Famer Jerry "The King" Lawler, Terri Runnels, Scotty 2 Hotty, Samoa Joe, Shark Boy, Matt Hyson, Joey Matthews, and many more. They can also bid to become the guest ring announcer for the main event match both nights.

All of the proceeds will benefit The Hermie and Elliott Sadler Foundation, which supports numerous Autism Awareness projects and Kyle Petty's Victory Junction Gang Camp.

The auction will run from April 1 through April 28. For more information, visit www.uwfusa.com.

Interview Recap: Maria Speaks On Being A Playboy Cover Girl, Her Career Thus Far And Wrestlemania 24

Courtesy of Steve Rockamaniac:

Interview conducted by Ryan Rider and Steve Rockamaniac of www.MainEventRadio.com

Interview Audio can be downloaded at www.maineventradio.com/audio.htm

Q: What’s it like being a playboy cover girl and what made you decide to bare it all?

A: It’s absolutely incredible, It’s glamorous, It’s sexy, It’s Fun, It’s Humbling to be on the cover of Playboy, there is only 12 a year so that’s extremely exciting, The WWE has done so well with the girls in the past who have done Playboy, so to be a part of that is amazing, it really is.

Q: Of course you started with the WWE back in 2004 as part of the diva search contest, but were you a wrestling fan growing up, and what made decide to enter into that competition?

A: Yes I was a wrestling fan growing up, I used to watch it with my father and my brother, we would watch a show, it was something we would do all together, I had gotten out of it in high school, but I got back into it when I was in college, and one week while I was watching Monday Night Raw, they showed a commercial for the Diva Search and I just said hey im gonna enter and see what I can do, I love The Rock, I thought his interviews and the things that he did were just amazing and knew that I wanted to be part of that company, so I entered the diva search and didn’t hear anything, then the next week, I saw my picture on Raw, and I was screaming and hollering it was absolutely amazing.

Q: When you ended up being eliminated from the diva search was it at all discouraging for you to continue persuing a career in pro wrestling or were you determined to make your way to the top?

A: What’s funny about that is, I’ve been told no so many times in life that its one of my favorite words because I like to prove people wrong, Being eliminated was just great motivation for me, I was told No I would never model, no you’ll never do something on TV, no this no that, and when they eliminated me, I called every single week to the WWE and said let me try and do this, and I got a call back from talent relations and they said what do you think about going to Ohio and learning how to wrestle and I responded Ill start driving now! And it’s been an amazing ride.

Q: So what was the actual wrestling training like?

A: The first two weeks that I went down to OVW was in December 2004, I went down there and there was two guys who were training and one was good cop, and one was bad cop, and it was very hard, taking a billion bumps, doing squats, I think the first day we did like 900 squats or something, and it was hard, but im glad it was hard, It takes a long time to learn how to wrestle, some people are quicker at picking it up at others and some people just keep working at it, and the more experience you have and the more your in the ring, the more you learn, and lately ive been feeling more and more confident because ive had that opportunity to get in the ring.

Q: Was there any animosity towards you at the beginning from the other woman wrestlers?

A: You know, we came in from the diva search, me, Christy Hemme, Candice Michelle, Michelle Mc Cool, Joy was there at the time, Amy was there, Carmella, there was a bunch of us, and we hadnt’t don’t the training that the others girls had done, we hadn’t learned that you shake everybody’s hand, so it was a learning process, but im happy for it, and it’s the same thing that the girls get coming in today, so im glad wrestling is the way it is today because it makes you more of a family.

Q: With you getting the chance to be in the ring more often you have been involved with Santino Marella, what has it been like working with him?

A: He is a very funny man, but at the same time, he has been kinda messing things up for me lately, he got involved in one match and ended up tearing up my (playboy) cover and Melina got one over on me, he didn’t like that I was doing Playboy, so he put his face all over my cover and that was supposed to be my night, and he wanted to ruin it, but he didn’t end up ruining it, and now its gonna be Bunnymania at Wrestlemania, and Im wondering what he is gonna try at Wrestlemania.

Q: That’s right, Wrestlemania is now only a week away, so what can we expect from your in ring Wrestlemania debut in the playboy bunny match?

A: Well its gonna be a very interesting night, as of right now, Candice Michelle re-broke her clavicle on Monday, and I don’t whats gonna happen with that, she was my tag team partner, and as of right now she has been saying Im gonna do it, no matter what, im gonna be in the ring, but I don’t know how much she can be, and I don’t know how she is gonna be feeling when she gets out there, so it’s my first time ever wrestling at Wrestlemania, so im gonna put all the stops out, Passion is my motivation, and that night im gonna be extremely passionate, especially if im down one partner.

Q: You must be a little nervous heading into your in ring debut at Wrestlemania

A: I don’t really get nervous, I get excited, I get overwhelmed, but I don’t get nervous, but we’ll see what that night has.

Q: People listening to this interview might not know, but you actually doing a photoshoot at the same time that your doing interviews, it must be second nature for you now to be photographed doing all the WWE photo shoots, as well as your modeling career and of course being in Playboy this month, is it easy for you to handle a schedule when you often have to do 2 things at the same time?

A: We’ll it certainly provides for some fun, we get to kill two birds with one stone while still making my flight out tonight, but the WWE definitely makes you think, and makes you work, I never know, when I go to Monday Night Raw if im gonna be walking out with Santino, or if im gonna be in a match, or if im gonna be cutting a promo, or if im gonna be in pudding or jello or what’s gonna happen that night, so we kinda have to learn how to deal with multiple different things at the same time, but ive been doing photo shoots since I was 14, so that part of it is fun, and its always been entertaining, I love different types of clothes and photoshoots have become second nature for me.

Q: I remember a little over a year ago, on Raw you had a match with Umaga where he obviously got the better of you, what was that one like?

A: Oh my gosh! It was scary and very frightening, that’s a big dude, and when he hit me in the corner, I think every single bone in my body cracked!

Q: What’s it been like working for Vince Mc Mahon?

A: He is the absolute best boss in the world because he will not ask you to do anything he wouldn’t do himself, and that’s very hard to compete with, If he asks you to jump off the top rope, or jump off some scaffold, it’s nothing he wouldn’t do himself and because of that he is a great boss.

Q: With it being that time of the year where we all like to look back at Wrestlemania’s history and our all time favorite moments, I was wondering what would be your favourite Wrestlemania moment of all time?

A: I loved The Rock vs Stone Cold from 1999, I LOVED that match, and it definitely sticks out in my mind, im probably too young to remember the older Wrestlemania’s.

Q: You come off as very intelligent and well spoken here in conversation, so how did the ditzy character come about?

A: Well I think it just plays off the fact that everyone has their ditzy moments, everybody has their moments of innocence or forgetfulness, and that is where the character came from, and that was great for me, especially coming in the way I did, as I didn’t have any experience interviewing people, so if I messed up I had a way out to explain it without it looking bad.

Q: Being the superstar that you are, you must have had some encounters with some crazy male fans, any stories that stick out?

A: There was one guy after the Playboy photo shoot, he followed me through the airport, and im totally cool with signing stuff, Ill sign whatever you want, Im super excited that people want me to sign something, I think that’s the coolest thing in the world, but when a guy is like following me through the entire airport, and it was so creepy and not only that but I was lugging all this luggage, he could of at least came and helped me if he was gonna follow me! Finally I was like dude if you want me to sign something ill sign whatever you want but stop following me its really creepy!

Q: What was your experience like with travelling over to Iraq as part of the tribute to the troops?

A: It was a great experience, going to Iraq, and visting the troops, was probably one of most rewarding things ive ever done. They are so dedicated to what there doing, and not only are American troops over there but there is people from all over the globe and to see all the camaraderie too was very cool, plus they haven’t smelled a girl in a long time, so when they get to stand next to us, there so excited, and it’s great to give back even a little something.

Q: When you in ring career comes to an end, would you like to follow in the footsteps of previous wrestlers who have made the leap to the acting field and possibly be featured in some films or tv shows?

A: Definitely. I take acting classes so I would love to do movies, I love the show LOST, and even if I was some wild animal running through the jungle id do that! Ive been picketing for it, I definitely have…. I was watching Dancing With The Stars the other night and I was like it would be so much fun to do another one with one of the (wrestling) girls, it would be great. I design my own clothes, I definitely want to branch out and create my own label one day, Im also getting involved in a couple of other projects that I want to keep hush hush for right now, but there is definitely a lot of things I want to do outside of the world of pro wrestling.

Q: Getting back to Wrestlemania, What match besides your own are you most looking forward to?

A: Definitely Money Mayweather vs The Big Show

Q: What’s your pick for that one?

A: I have to say Show, he outweighs Mayweather by 400 pounds, and as long as Show can get his hands on him, its gonna be over from there I think.

Q: What is the feeling like in the locker room in the days and weeks leading up to a big show like Wrestlemania? What does it mean to you when you know your about to perform in front of a crowd of 70,000 people in Orlando and millions around the world on PPV, In other words is there a special buzz that takes over when you know that Wrestlemania is right around the corner.

A: Definitely, Everything means more. The stories, The gym, eating right, or the interviews that you do or whatever it is, it all means more, and you know that at Wrestlemania your gonna pull out all the stops, it doesn’t matter how high the jump is, or how hard you get hit, or whatever concerns you have going into it, you throw it all to the wind, Wrestlemania is the biggest event for the WWE, and for the entire world, its absolutely huge, and when you leading up to something like that, your mind does not go very far from it, and that’s all ive thought about, is what I can do at Wrestlemania, to make it really meaning full, and to make it special, and to remember it for the rest of my life, because this one is my first one, and you never forget your first!

THE MAIN EVENT AIRS EVERY SUNDAY MORNING FROM 10:30-NOON on CJLO 1690 in Montreal, and around the world on MainEventRadio.com, Entire show MP3’s are available for download shortly after the live broadcast. Feel free to check out our previous interviews and broadcasts at www.maineventradio.com/audio.htm

GEORGIA WRESTLING NEWS, NOTES, AND NOSTALGIA: 03/22/2008

Courtesy of Rich Tate's GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com:

NEWS

This week’s Peach State Pandemonium featured Phil Shatter and manager Jeff G. Bailey. They discussed Shatter’s rise and success in the business that has taken a relatively short amount of time, as well as his desire to someday reach WWE. NWA Anarchy promoter Jerry Palmer also surprised us with a call during the segment. Southern Extreme Championship Wrestling promoter Scott East also came on to update fans on his health status following a recent emergency, as well as talk a bit about SECW. There was also much discussion on Gary Hart. Click here for the archive. Our guest next week will be Buff Bagwell. As always, the show airs live on Saturdays at 11 AM ET, and you can call in and participate in the show at (347) 324-5735. (Rich Tate)

According to his column on wrestlezone.com, former TNA wrestler Konnan sued Total Nonstop Action. He is citing racism and discrimination in the lawsuit. Jeff Jarrett, Dutch Mantel, Terry Taylor, Vince Russo and others have been named in the lawsuit. (Brian Slack)

The entire card for NWA Anarchy’s Hardcore Hell for tonight: Shatter (c) vs. Iceberg for the NWA Anarchy Heavyweight Title with no DQ, Devil’s Rejects (c) vs. Awesome Attraction for the NWA Anarchy tag titles. If the Attraction loses they must split up, Fields (c) vs. Lewis for the NWA Anarchy TV Title, Palmer vs. Vain in a Bunkhouse Match, Slim J vs. Nemesis grudge match, New Wave vs. Buck & King vs. Hollywood Brunettes vs. Talent & Money in four way ladder match, Chase vs. Matthews with Melissa Coates as the special ref, Tank vs. Judas, and Hawkins & Day & Grissom vs. Sexton & Technicians. (Larry Goodman)

The Georgia Independent Wrestling Alliance returns to Milledgeville, GA, tonight at the Georgia College & State University Centennial Center. This annual event is known as March Madness, and GIWA celebrates its sixth anniversary. Advertised: Shawn Hunter defends the GIWA Heavyweight Title against J-Rod; K.I. Elite (Mike Stratus & Jake Slater) defend the GIWA Tag Team Title against Velvet Jones & Firewalker; Preston Paradise versus Paul Warfield; the Georgia Cowboy defends the GIWA Mid-State Heavyweight Title against Tommy Too Much; a three-way elimination match featuring Ron Stalker, Johnny Camo, and Oko Nono; and Lamar Brown & A.J. Steele versus the Slaughter Pitt. (Rich Tate)

The Independent Wrestling Network will be having a show at the Wrestleplex in Fort Valley, GA, tonight. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for kids, with bell time being 7:30. The main event is going to be Buff Bagwell taking on Vordell Walker. The Southside Trash versus Bronco Bryan, Frankie Valentine and Ron Stalker. Mr Hughes versus Scottie Blaze. The Wrestler versus Prince Rhumma. Jonathan Davis versus Amien Rios. (Brian Slack)

Down South Hardcore Wrestling debuts in Brunswick, GA, at the Howard Coffin Park Gym tonight. Tickets are $8.00. Bell time is 7:15 PM. Scheduled matches include: a title versus title match with Cameron LaRue (DSHW Heavyweight Champion) against Sebastian Troy (DSHW Light Heavyweight Champion); the DSHW Hardcore Championship on the line in a Texas Death Match between champion Teddy Baddstreet and Morbid Angel; DSHW United States Champion Dallas Riley defends the title against Morgan Davis; and Craig Classic (from Big Japan Pro Wrestling) versus Kolby Stern. Also scheduled to appear: Ryan Savage, Night Train, E-Dogg, Ox Madison, K-Oss, and Cyco. Due to the graphic and violent nature of this product, parental discretion is advised. (Thomas Bugg)

Southern Classic Wrestling will be having their rebirth tonight at Big Dogs Billiards in Sandersville, GA. Bell time is 8:00 and adult tickets are $6, and kids under 12 get in for $3. In the main event for the vacant SCW Heavyweight Championship, Big Bank Barfield takes on Leatherface. In a ladies match, Envy takes on Priscilla. "Hotshot" Jamie Holmes takes on his former tag team partner Ronnie Rage. In tag team action, it will be the Cult of Chaos versus the Stanton Clan. Flatline versus Tommy Lee in a Last Man Standing match. Javier Santana makes his SCW debut as he faces a returning Mike Margera. Also debuting is Shimazu the Devil who faces Brad North. Also scheduled is "Marvelous" Matt Mercer to face an unknown opponent. (Brian Slack)

Flatline Championship Wrestling is in Grovetown, GA, at Patriots Park tonight, beginning at 7:00 PM. Admission is $7, but kids five and under get in free. Doors open at 6:30. (Thomas Bugg)

Full Impact Pro returns to the National Guard Armory in Crystal River, FL, tonight, with a bell time of 8:00 PM. Doors open at 7:30. Call (352) 422-4582 for more info. Advertised: Roderick Strong, Nigel McGuinness, Sal Rinauro, Jason Blade, Kenny King, Chasyn Rance, Erick Stevens, Austin Aries, Tyler Black, Lacey, Rain, Delirious, Seth Delay, Trenesha, Rex Sterling, Damien Wayne, and Mark & Jay Briscoe. (Rich Tate)

The New Frontier Wrestling Association returns to the National Guard Armory in Franklin, NC, located at 192 Industrial Park Loop, tonight. Bell time is 8:00 PM. Advertised: an eight-man elimination match featuring Bling Bling, Inc. (NFWA Heavyweight Champion Brokishi, NFWA US Heavyweight Champion Dirty, and NFWA Tag Team Champions Jamar Acid & Dark Angel), versus the Empire (Simon Sermon, Ryan Michaels, Matt Sells & Stoney Hooker, w/ Mr. Tibbs and Sebastian St. Clair); another eight-man elimination match featuring Team Redneck (Billy Starr, Randy Wayne, Sci-Fi & Cornbread) versus the Maine Event (Carter Maine, Talon Williams, Korrupt & the Bounty Hunter); Tommy Too Much versus Chip Hazard; Maximum Exposure (Ace Armstrong & Colin Knox) versus Drowning in Excellence (Dustin Michaels & Vincent Chambers); Danny Diesel versus the Mortician (w/ David Aire); and appearances by NFWA Commissioner Jay Hartigan, Jen Holbrook, and Ronda Lawrence. Referees will be Dee Byers and Michael Gentry. (Rich Tate)

Great Championship Wrestling results from Phenix City, AL, on March 20: Randall Johnson defeated Jonathan Davis; GCW tag team champions J-Rod and Tex Monroe defeated Amien Rios and Michael Cook; AJ Steele w/The Intern defeated Slaughter w/Wicked Nemesis; Orion Bishop defeated Scotty Beach; David Young and Bull Buchanan defeated Hot Like Lava w/Quentin Michaels and Zero Tolerance; and Johnny Swinger w/Quentin Michaels and Zero Tolerance defeated Sonny Siaki w/David Young to retain the GCW Heavyweight title. (Brian Slack)

World Wrestling Entertainment will be in Greensboro, NC, on April 22 for the live ECW/SmackDown broadcast and tapings at the Greensboro Coliseum with action starting at 7:00 PM. Tickets are available at the box office and through Ticketmaster. Call (336) 852-1100 for more info. (Rich Tate)

NOTES

Amy ‘Lita’ Dumas’ band, the Luchagors, will be playing at the Orpheum in Tampa, FL, on March 23. Check your local directories or the band’s site for more info. (Rich Tate)

GWH wishes a happy birthday to Wayne Bloom, who turns 50 today.

NOSTALGIA

1932: Doug Wyckoff defeated Bill Middlekauff in the main event at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Henry Weber.

1933: Milo Steinborn defeated Whitey Hewitt in two straight falls in the main event at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Henry Weber.

1934: Gorilla Tucker defeated Tony Lombardi at the Lakewood Heights Arena in Atlanta for promoter Frank Bettis. Added attractions included a performance by the Miami jazz band and an acrobatic exhibition by Miss Dot Wright. Wesley Brownlee was credited as being a referee for this card.

1937: Red Smith defeated Mike Cassidy two falls to one in the main event at the Spring Street Arena in Atlanta for promoters Frank Bettis and Cleve Roby.

1941: Abe Simon, of Memphis, TN, obtained a promoter’s license, and announced he would begin promoting professional wrestling in Atlanta on April 2, 1941.

1946: Al Massey & Laverne Baxter defeated Ben Morgan & Don Lee in the main event at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Buddy Rogers defeated Dick Lever in the semi-main event.

1954: Don & Dick Big Kettle defeated Don McIntyre & Gorgeous Gilpin in the main event at the William Bell Auditorium in Augusta for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Tom Mahoney. Also, Mildred Burke defeated Bonnie Watson two falls to one to retain the Women’s World Title.

1957: Tokyo Joe & the Great Mitsu defeated Don McIntyre & Kurt Von Brawner at the Larry Bell Auditorium in Marietta for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Elmo Chappell.

1958: The Mighty Yankee defeated Freddie Blassie to retain the Southern Heavyweight Title at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Jerry Graham defeated Chris Averoff in the semi-main event.

1960: Freddie Blassie defeated Haystacks Calhoun by countout in the main event at the Macon City Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Fred Ward. Vince Bryant & Chief Little Eagle defeated Jack Terry & Larry King in the semi-main event.

1961: Guy Mitchell defeated Southern Heavyweight Champion Skull Murphy by disqualification in a title match at the Columbus Sports Arena for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Fred Ward. Bill Dromo, Judy Grable & Chief Little Eagle defeated Gypsy Joe, Rita Cortez & Killer Campbell in a semi-main event mixed match.

1963: Tarzan Tyler defeated Harry Smith in the main event at the Larry Bell Auditorium in Marietta for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Elmo Chappell.

1966: Chin Lee, risking his hair, defeated Mario Galento to win the US Junior Heavyweight Title at the Macon City Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Fred Ward. Choo-Choo Lynn defeated Tony Nero in the semi-main event.

1968: Gene Kiniski defeated Mr. Wrestling to retain the NWA World Heavyweight Title at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Enrique & Alberto Torres defeated Tarzan Tyler & El Mongol, managed by Gentleman X, in the semi-main event. The program for this card mentioned that Paul Jones believed that Gentleman X was Jack Crawford in a mask, although he walked with a limp and seemed to be a bit smaller in stature than Crawford. Jones noted that he had agreed to allow Crawford to appear for a match on March 29, 1968, so that both he and Gentleman X could be seen at the same place at the same time, giving him the opportunity to confirm or deny the allegations. Crawford was quoted in the program that he had only pulled the stunt with El Mongol appearing as Dr. M to avenge the fact that Mr. Wrestling and the Torres brothers had started “all of this mask business” many months prior, once again claiming Mr. Wrestling was Tim Woods in a mask. It was announced that Lou Thesz and the Rising Suns would be wrestling on the card on March 29, 1968.

1974: Robert Fuller & Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated Art Nelson & Jerry Lawler in the main event at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling Paul Jones. Ron & Terry Garvin, managed by Jimmy Garvin, defeated the Black Crusaders to retain the Georgia Tag Team Title in the semi-main event. Also, Jerry Brisco defeated Mr. Wrestling #1.

1976: Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated the Spoiler, managed by Gary Hart, to win the Georgia Heavyweight Title at the William Bell Auditorium in Augusta for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Charlie Harben. Stan Stasiak defeated Dick Slater in the semi-main event, and Ted & Jerry Oates defeated Rip Hawk & Skandor Akbar.

1977: We do not have results, but a main event title match featuring Georgia Tag Team Champions Ole & Gene Anderson versus Mr. Wrestling #2 & Andre the Giant was advertised at the Macon Coliseum for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Fred Ward.

1980: Ivan Koloff & Alexis Smirnoff, managed by Rock Hunter, defeated Lars Anderson & Mr. Wrestling #2 in the main event at the Mid-South Auditorium in Griffin for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Baron Von Raschke defeated Kevin Sullivan in the semi-main event, and Wahoo McDaniel defeated Dory Funk, Jr.

1981: The Freebirds (Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts) defeated Ted DiBiase & Mr. Wrestling #2 to retain the National Tag Team Title at the Chattanooga (TN) Memorial Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Steve Keirn defeated Kevin Sullivan to retain the National Television Title in the semi-main event.

1982: Ric Flair defeated Tommy Rich to retain the NWA World Heavyweight Title in Augusta for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Charlie Harben.

1984: Jack & Jerry Brisco defeated Jay Youngblood & Wahoo McDaniel in the main event in Cleveland, OH, for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Les Thatcher. Jimmy Valiant & King Kong Bundy defeated the Road Warriors, managed by Paul Ellering, in the semi-main event. In addition, Brad Armstrong defeated Larry Zbyszko, and Jake Roberts, also managed by Ellering, defeated Ron Garvin in a taped fist match.

Funk's Corner - !BANG! TV Taping Sunday Features TNA's Gail Kim

Courtesy of Dory Funk Jr.:

U.S.A. Championship Match
Johnny Magnum (Champion) vs Shane Chung

Women's Championship Match
The Claw (Champion) vs Gail Kim

World Heavyweight Championship Match
Blain Rage (Champion) vs Elvis Sharp

Tough Man Match
Tom "Bi Polar" Behr vs Hack Meyers

Three Man Hardcore Tournament
Damien vs Kid Vegas vs Johnny Romano

Triple Crown Championship Tournament - Florida Title, European Title, International Title
Flyin' Ryan "Air" Mitchell with Sandii Skye vs Elvis Sharp vs Chris "Animal" James

8 Wrestling Matches in All

Tickets $15 Purchased in Advance and $20 at the Door

Advance Tickets are Available Saturday at Devon Storage in Ocala, Florida Until 4pm. Tickets can also be purchased online from our website at www.dory-funk.com.

Osamu Nishimura comes to the Funking Conservatory to scout wrestling talent for All Japan Pro Wrestling on March 28th.

Ticket information to our !BANG! TV Taping, Funking Conservatory Training Schedules and more information on Osamu Nishimura at the Funking Conservatory is available at www.dory-funk.com or call 352-895-4658.

PEACH STATE PANDEMONIUM: 03/22/2008

Courtesy of Rich Tate's GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com:

This week’s Peach State Pandemonium featured Phil Shatter and manager Jeff G. Bailey. They discussed Shatter’s rise and success in the business that has taken a relatively short amount of time, as well as his desire to someday reach WWE. NWA Anarchy promoter Jerry Palmer also surprised us with a call during the segment. Southern Extreme Championship Wrestling promoter Scott East also came on to update fans on his health status following a recent emergency, as well as talk a bit about SECW. There was also much discussion on Gary Hart. Click here for the archive.

Our guest next week will be Buff Bagwell. As always, the show airs live on Saturdays at 11 AM ET, and you can call in and participate in the show at (347) 324-5735.

DVD REVIEW: Kayfabe Commentaries "KEVIN SULLIVAN AND THE END OF WCW"

Courtesy of Steve Rockamaniac:

On March 26th 2001, wrestling fans saw hell freeze over when Vince McMahon appeared on WCW Monday Nitro to put what would be the final nail in the coffin of World Championship Wrestling. The Monday night war was over, and in the years that would follow, fans would question what had caused such a successful company to fall so hard on its face. Many fans were quick to jump and make the obvious accusations towards the likes of Eric Bischoff, Vince Russo, and Hulk Hogan. As time went on documentaries, autobiographies, and shoot interviews would begin to shed some light on how the AOL-Time Warner merger caused the downfall of the company. Some have gone in-depth, others have just thrown accusations around, However very few, if any gave you a week by week look at the tumultuous time that was 1999, 2000, and 2001 in WCW history. Enter the latest Kayfabe Commentaries DVD release entitled “Kevin Sullivan and the End of WCW”, As in early 2000, Sullivan was appointed head booker status and hoped to turn things around, while at the same time witnessed the empire crumbling around him. Over a 2 hour period Sullivan paints a picture of what was going on behind the scenes as the WCW when he had the reigns of power in the beginning months of the final year of the company’s existence.

Let me start off by saying that once again Kayfabe Commentaries has taken a topic that has been covered so many times, and somehow found a unique approach to covering it.

For the most part, this DVD takes a look at the first 3 months of the year 2000, But first the feature opens with some background information looking at how the NWA became WCW, and spends some time introducing the “players” such as Brad Siegel, Bill Busch, Vince Russo, Ed Ferrara, and Eric Bischoff. Sullivan and host Sean Oliver look at the decision to send Bischoff home, and the hiring of Bill Busch, who would then hire Russo and Ferrara. Sullivan picks apart Starrcade 99 and the mistakes around that. They enter the year 2000, and Sullivan explains the state of the company at the time, specifically the talent, as the young guys were looking for a push, while the big players such as Hall and Nash were coming to realize that the new world order was on its last legs, the talent wanted a change, and Bill Busch who was in charge at the time makes Sullivan head booker, Russo leaves, and Sullivan is left to embark on what is a ridiculous task of trying to rebuild a product left in shambles. We hear how he was planning to turn the product around, all the while having to deal with talent who wanted out, talent who were being fired because of their off air actions, and a group of higher ups so out of their element it wasn’t funny.

At times you will get some of the stuff you expect from the “End of WCW” story, but what makes this DVD so great is the fact that Sullivan takes you into his world for a day by day and week by week look at the 3 months of his reign as head booker of the company. We’ve all heard the stories of a crazy and unorganized backstage area of WCW, but with this DVD you get a mind boggling explanation of what the head booker had to deal with, as it was almost to the point where, as Sullivan explains and accuses, people were seemingly intentionally trying to have the company fail. So to finalize things this DVD is a very interesting watch, may even be a must watch for those who have always been intrigued with the fall of WCW’s empire.

“Kevin Sullivan and the end of WCW” is now available on DVD from Kayfabe Commentaries. For more information or to order your own copy check out www.kayfabecommentaries.com And you can also check out all of my previous reviews at www.maineventradio.com/reviews.htm

PATRICK SMITH TO REPLACE DON FRYE IN YAMMA PIT FIGHTING PAY-PER-VIEW EVENT

Courtesy of YAMMA Pit Fighting:

Don "The Predator" Frye withdraws Due to Injury; Will Provide Commentary for the Fight

New York, March 21, 2008 – Today YAMMA Pit Fighting (YPF), a new mixed martial arts (MMA) organization created by Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) founder Bob Meyrowitz, announced that "Masters Superfight" participant Don "The Predator" Frye has withdrawn from the organization’s debut due to surgery on his shoulder. Frye injured his shoulder while training for the YAMMA Pit Fighting April 11 pay-per-view event, in which he was scheduled to face MMA legend Oleg "The Russian Bear" Taktarov. Frye will still attend the fight and will provide commentary.

Frye will be replaced by legendary MMA fighter Patrick Smith, an American mixed martial artist and professional kick boxer. Smith gained notoriety in the early days of the UFC with his commanding wins in several memorable fights, including his defeat of Ninjitsu practitioner Scott Morris in UFC 2. The Denver, Colorado native stands 6 ft 2 in tall and weighs 230lbs., and has won five of his last six MMA fights.

Smith had been scheduled to face Taktarov in the UFC 6 tournament, but had to pull out of the match due to injuries suffered in an earlier tournament fight. Taktarov went on to win the tournament and capture the UFC 6 championship. MMA enthusiasts that have wondered what the outcome would have been had Smith not suffered the injury just may get their answer. On April 11th in Atlantic City, Oleg Taktarov and Patrick Smith will finally meet in a fight 10 years in the making.

"We regret to announce that Don Frye has suffered an injury and will be unable to compete," said Bob Meyrowitz, Rope Partners. "However, I am happy to say that Don will be joining us on April 11 and will provide expert commentary for the Masters Superfight between Oleg Taktarov and Patrick Smith. We look forward to Don competing in YAMMA Pit Fighting in the future."

The YAMMA Pit Fighting event, comprised of an eight-man tournament for the title of YAMMA Heavyweight Champion and two ’Masters Superfights,’ will air live from the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City on April 11, 2008. The other ’Masters Superfight’ will feature Eric "Butterbean" Esch versus Gary "Big Daddy" Goodridge. Tickets for the event went on sale March 8 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster or at the Trump Taj Mahal Box Office. The live pay-per-view broadcast is available in the United States and Canada through In Demand Networks, TVN Entertainment, Bell ExpressVu, Viewer’s Choice Canada and Dish Network.

The April 11th event will unveil "The YAMMA," an evolution of the traditional fighting structure that will change how the fight is fought and the strategy the fighters must use to win. This new "ring" has been specifically designed to keep the fighting more explosive and continuous.

For the first time in over a decade, MMA will return to its origins by reviving the hugely popular tournament format, in which fighters will participate in multiple fights on their way to claiming the ultimate victory, the title of YAMMA Heavyweight Champion. The format will test the endurance and skill of each fighter, as victory in each round is rewarded not with extended rest, but with another fight. Tournament fighting has long been a huge draw for dedicated MMA fans due to the non-stop action provided by fight-after-fight formatting.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster’s extensive network of 81 ticket centers throughout the Delaware Valley including Boscov’s, Marshalls and select West Coast Video and Gallery of Sound locations or call Ticketmaster’s convenient Charge-by-Phone service at 1-800-736-1420. For Online Information: www.ticketmaster.com

About Rope Partners

Rope Partners, formed by Bob Meyrowitz and Peter Kauff, have over a 20 year track record of pioneering successful ventures in the music, broadcasting and sports industries. As illustrated by their successes in building the largest independent radio syndication company, DIR Broadcasting, The College Television Network, the largest private television network in the United States, and Semaphore Entertainment Group the originator and founder of the UFC.

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/yammapitfighting or www.yammapitfighting.com

GEORGIA WRESTLING NEWS, NOTES, AND NOSTALGIA: 03/21/2008

Courtesy of Rich Tate's GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com:

NEWS

Peach State Pandemonium will feature Phil Shatter and Jeff G. Bailey on March 22 at 11 AM ET. Feel free to call in at (347) 324-5735. (Rich Tate)

Juan Manuel Rodriguez, known as Bestia Salvaje, died today of liver disease. His last match was in January and he had been gravely ill since then. Salvaje debuted in 1983 and was a 2-time CMLL Tag champ, CMLL Trios champ, and Mexican National Tag champ. He also competed in AAA and IWRG. His most recent big push came after 9/11 when he formed Los Talibanes with Scorpio, Jr., and Emilio Charles, Jr. (Rich Tate, courtesy of Juanita Timbs)

The Showtime All-Star Wrestling, formerly known as Southern All-Star Wrestling, card for tonight at the Bakery in Millersville, TN, is as follows: a main event TV Title Match: Damien Adams (c) versus Rick Santel (w/Paul Adams); Gary Valiant & Arrick Andrews versus Tennessee Violence Authority (Matt Dillenger & Hammerjack); Southern Heavyweight Championship Match: J-5 (c) (with Cocky Cody) versus Chris Bomb; Chris Eckos versus "Sharp Dressed Man" Lawrence Lane; and Drew Haskins versus Chris Cane. 8pm bell time. (Larry Goodman)

The Georgia Independent Wrestling Alliance returns to Milledgeville, GA, on March 22 at the Georgia College & State University Centennial Center. This annual event is known as March Madness, and GIWA celebrates its sixth anniversary. Advertised: Shawn Hunter defends the GIWA Heavyweight Title against J-Rod; K.I. Elite (Mike Stratus & Jake Slater) defend the GIWA Tag Team Title against Velvet Jones & Firewalker; Preston Paradise versus Paul Warfield; the Georgia Cowboy defends the GIWA Mid-State Heavyweight Title against Tommy Too Much; a three-way elimination match featuring Ron Stalker, Johnny Camo, and Oko Nono; and Lamar Brown & A.J. Steele versus the Slaughter Pitt. (Rich Tate)

Total Nonstop Action will be broadcasting iMPACT live on March 27, from 9-11:00 PM, from Universal Studios in Orlando, FL. They will be taping for iMPACT from the same location on March 28-29, April 15-16, April 28-29, May 12-13, May 26-27, June 9-10, and June 23-24. Admission for these shows is free. Call (407) 224-6000 for more info. (Rich Tate)

World Wrestling Entertainment will be in Greenville, SC, on April 21 for the live RAW broadcast at the Bi-Lo Center with action starting at 8:00 PM. Tickets go on sale on tomorrow at 10:00 AM at the box office, and through Ticketmaster. Call (336) 852-1100 for more info. (Rich Tate)

World Wrestling Entertainment stars are scheduled to make the following public appearances in our coverage area soon: Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly are scheduled to be available to fans in Columbia, SC, on March 24 between 1-2:00 PM at the Wendy’s on Harbison Boulevard; Matt Hardy is scheduled to be available to fans in Fayetteville, NC, on March 25 between 11:00 am-1:00 PM at the Wal-Mart on Ramsey Street; CM Punk and Layla are scheduled to be available to fans in Orlando, FL, on March 26 between 6-8:00 PM at the Wal-Mart on John Young Parkway; Brian Kendrick and Hardcore Holly are scheduled to be available to fans in Sanford, FL, on March 28 between 4:30-6:30 PM at the Seminole Towne Center Mall; and Torrie Wilson and Mickie James are scheduled to be available to fans in Orlando, FL, on March 28 between 6-8:00 PM at the Best Buy on East Colonial Drive. (Rich Tate)

World Wrestling Entertainment has announced two new events within our coverage area, including one in Savannah, GA, as well as Charlotte, NC. Although WWE came through Georgia since talk of regulation began back in November, the Savannah event is the first to be formally announced since that time. The event in Savannah is set for July 12 at the Savannah Civic Center, with matches starting at 7:30 PM. Tickets will go on sale on June 14 at the box office, as well as through etix.com and savannahcivic.com. The Charlotte Bobcats Arena will host WWE on July 15 at 7:30 PM. Tickets for this show are available beginning June 7 at the box office, and through Ticketmaster. (Rich Tate)

NOTES

Click here for Richard Berger’s updated Perspectives on Wrestling.

Amy ‘Lita’ Dumas’ band, the Luchagors, will be playing at the Backbooth in Orlando, FL, tonight. Check your local directories or the band’s site for more info.

GWH wishes a happy birthday to Buck Zumhofe.

Logger Larson died on this day in 2002. He was 62.

A cerebral hemorrhage claimed Maria Bernardi two years ago today at the age of 80.

NOSTALGIA

1929: Rudy Dusek defeated Paul Harper two falls to one in the main event at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Earl McGrory.

1929: Gus Sonnenberg defeated Don Kolman in two straight falls to retain the World Heavyweight Title at the Griffin High School Gymnasium for promoter Les Moore.

1939: Jack McAdams defeated George Romanoff to retain the Southern Light Heavyweight Title at the Warren Arena in Atlanta for promoters Frank Bettis and Cleve Roby.

1947: Don McIntyre won a battle royal that included Wally Dusek, Dick Lever, Tom Mahoney, and the Blimp, at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones.

1955: Carlos Rodriguez defeated Red McIntyre in the main event at the Valdosta Livestock Arena for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Gordon Walker.

1959: Ray Gunkel & Don McIntyre defeated Freddie Blassie & Skull Murphy to retain the International Tag Team Title at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones.

1961: Chief Little Eagle defeated Skull Murphy in the main event at the Macon City Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Fred Ward.

1962: Dick Steinborn & Ray Villmer defeated the US Tag Team Champion Assassins by disqualification in a title match at the Columbus Sports Arena for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Fred Ward. Haystacks Calhoun defeated Frank Hickey & Evon Marion in a semi-main event handicap match.

1964: Sputnik Monroe defeated Don Carson to advance in the ongoing Southern Television Title tournament at the WAII Studios in Atlanta for the “Live Atlanta Wrestling” television program hosted by Ed Capral.

1967: El Mongol & Oki Shikina, managed by Jack Crawford, defeated Billy & Bad Boy Hines in the main event at the Macon City Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Fred Ward.

1969: Assassin #2 & the Professional defeated Ray Gunkel & Buddy Fuller by countout to retain the Georgia Tag Team Title at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. During the match, Assassin #2 & the Pro squabbled about something in their corner, and Assassin #1 charged the ring, dropkicking Fuller and knocking him from the ring, resulting in referee Leo Garibaldi counting him out, despite the countout rule being waived for the match. The decision was later held up pending a review. According to the program for this card, the results of the NWA investigation into the February 28, 1969, match between the Assassins and Gunkel & Fuller, where Crawford interfered, were announced. It was decided that since the Assassins had fired Crawford, showing they disapproved of his actions on their behalf, they would only be reprimanded and fined. However, the World Tag Team Title held by the Assassins was still held up pending further investigation in the matter. It was reported that Crawford admitted to the actions, but accused the Assassins of giving him specific instructions to interfere if they got into any trouble and the title seemed to be in jeopardy. Still, his admission of guilt resulted in the NWA suspending him from Georgia indefinitely. Assassin #1 defeated El Mongol to win the Georgia Heavyweight Title in the semi-main event.

1970: On the “Atlanta TV Wrestling” television program hosted by Ed Capral, Homer O’Dell, who managed Buddy Colt, told Capral he would have a surprise partner teaming with Colt against Greg Peterson & Tim Geohagen on March 27, 1970.

1972: Macon Tag Team Champions Rocket & Flash Monroe and Bill Dromo & Roberto Soto wrestled to a draw in a main event title match at the Macon Coliseum for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Fred Ward. Klondike Bill defeated Buddy Colt in the semi-main event.

1975: Abdullah the Butcher, managed by Rock Hunter, defeated Rocky Johnson to win the Georgia Heavyweight Title at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Toru Tanaka, also managed by Hunter, defeated Don Muraco in the semi-main event.

1978: Bob Armstrong & Tony Atlas defeated Georgia Tag Team Champions Ole & Lars Anderson by disqualification in a title match at the Macon Coliseum for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Fred Ward. Tommy Rich defeated Georgia Heavyweight Champion Stan Hansen by disqualification in a semi-main event title match.

1983: Ole Anderson & Buzz Sawyer defeated Tommy Rich & the Masked Superstar in the main event at the Canton (OH) Civic Center for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Les Thatcher. Tony Atlas defeated the Iron Sheik in the semi-main event, and Dick Murdoch defeated Ivan Koloff.

1984: Jake Roberts, managed by Paul Ellering, defeated Ron Garvin in a main event taped fist match in Grand Rapids, MI, for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Les Thatcher. Brad Armstrong defeated Larry Zbyszko in the semi-main event, and the Road Warriors, also managed by Ellering, defeated Jay Youngblood & King Kong Bundy.

Two Time World Champion Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero Teams Up With Undefeated UFC Champion Frank Shamrock To Fund Womens Battle With Breast Cancer

Courtesy of Mario Serrano:

For Immediate Release
San Jose CA. March 21, 2008

Among many celebrity fighters joining five-time undefeated UFC Champion Frank Shamrock in raising money for Robin Murray's battle with cancer is two-time world champion Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero and his wife Casey.

Robin Murray is a San Jose woman struggling with breast cancer. For Guerrero, whose wife was diagnosed with Leukemia last year, helping Murray's battle with cancer is just another step in making a difference and finding a cure.

Also joining Frank Shamrock for this event is Shonie "Mr. International" Carter from The Ultimate Fighter season 4 on Spike TV, Mike Cook from Iron Ring on BET, and UFC Heavyweight Champion Maurice Smith, who is in town training Shamrock for his upcoming fight with Cung Le on March 29, 2008 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose.

WHEN:
Saturday, March 22, 2008
7:00 p.m. Doors open

WHERE:
At the new Fuel Restaurant & Lounge
385 South Winchester Blvd,
San Jose, California

WHAT:
A Spectacular Evening Is In Store!
Hosted Premium Cocktails, Cuisine, Entertainment & More
(Hosted cocktails & cuisine will be available for the duration of the evening)
Door Prizes & Raffle Silent Auction

COST:
$200 per person Suggested Contribution To Benefit The Robin Murray Foundation

WHY:
The Hope That Those Lost To Cancer Will Never Be Forgotten.
That Those Who Face Cancer Will Be Supported.
And That One Day Cancer Will Be Eliminated.

HOW:
Make checks payable to: Real Warriors Love - Tax ID #26-1958628 (Checks must be dated March 22, 2008)

Payable upon arrival or by mail to:
Ralph King
5725 Winfield Blvd. Suite 1
San Jose, California 95123

Please confirm your attendance to be added to the Party Guest List:
Mimi Qubain, Event Emissary
mimiq@sbcglobal.net / 408 . 821 . 5569

DRESS:
Cocktail Attire

Ralph King
General Manager
Shamrock Martial Arts Academy

Mario Serrano
Publicist
boxingpublicist@aol.com
408-607-5756

Not Sure How Definite Pat Smith Is For Yamma Pit Fighting's Debut Show

In a weird development, even for pro wrestling/mixed-martial-arts, Pat Smith, signed to replace Don Frye as Oleg Taktarov's opponent on April 11, was arrested in the wee hours of Friday.

Smith faces charges of felony-attempting-to-elude, illegal-possession-of-a-prescription-drug, and reckless driving.

This, after an extremely high-speed chase (lasting less-than-ten-minutes, but, at times, reaching speeds of roughly one-hundred-thirty-miles-per-hour), near Smith's home in Bryan County, Oklahoma.

No word on whether Smith has made bail (it's a holiday weekend, so even if he had wanted to, he might have to wait), or how this directly affects his deal with YPF, but either way, it's looking like he's gonna have some trouble being ready for such a high-profile role.

Floyd "Money" Mayweather And Maria On The Main Event Radio Show This Sunday, March 20th, 2008 To Talk About "Wrestlemania 24"

Courtesy of The Main Event:

Floyd "Money" Mayweather and Maria will be appearing on the Main Event radio show this Sunday. Mayweather will be discussing his supposed 20 million dollar payday, transitioning from boxing to wrestling, and whether he will be continuing with the WWE following Wrestlemania. Maria shall talk about being a playboy cover girl, her time in the WWE, getting beat up by Umaga, her favorite Wrestlemania moment, and more. The Main Event airs every Sunday from 10:30am-12:00pm Eastern time on www.MainEventRadio.com or www.CJLO.com. Shows are archived following showtime and are available for download on the site (Right now most shows since July 2007 are up as well as all the recent interviews). A written recap will be sent immediately following the live interviews.

THE FIRST "CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS" TO BE BROADCAST LIVE ON SATURDAY, MAY 31 ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

Courtesy of ProElite, Inc.:

EliteXC Heavyweight Sensation, Kimbo Slice, Will Headline an Exciting Night of Mixed Martial Arts

Middleweight Champion "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler will Defend His Title Against Scott "Hands of Steel" Smith

LOS ANGELES, March 20 — CBS and ProElite, Inc. today announced that the first live primetime mixed martial arts event will be broadcast Saturday, May 31 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS will be broadcast live from the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

"We're excited to introduce broadcast television viewers to America's fastest growing sport with this prime time event," said Kelly Kahl, Senior Executive Vice President, CBS Primetime. "EliteXC is putting together a lineup card that showcases the unique personalities, world-class athleticism, and raw power and emotion that characterizes mixed martial arts."

Champion "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler will put his title on the line against Scott "Hands of Steel" Smith in a middleweight championship bout. EliteXC heavyweight phenom, Kimbo Slice, will also participate in the May 31 event along with other stars from mixed martial arts. Additional matchups will be announced at a later date.

"I am very happy for the highly trained fighters, who will finally get the kind of exposure they deserve, and, of course, the viewers, who will get the opportunity to learn that MMA is truly a sport that requires an abundance of skills, both mentally and physically," said Gary Shaw, EliteXC Live Events President.

CBS and ProElite, Inc., a Los Angeles-based leading entertainment and media company that produces world class mixed martial arts (MMA) events, announced last month they were teaming up to bring MMA to a major broadcast television network for the first time. CBS will broadcast four MMA events per year, produced by ProElite's EliteXC fight division, as two-hour live primetime specials.

Mixed martial arts is a sport evolved from a number of ancient combat disciplines including judo, jiu-jitsu, karate, wrestling and kickboxing. World-class athletes engage in hand-to-hand combat in a ring — both caged and traditional — and must adapt their fighting style to fit their opponent. The wide variety of styles and techniques make every event an unpredictable spectacle.

CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS will be produced by SHOWTIME Sports. The executive producer is David Dinkins, Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing.

For additional information visit www.proelite.com
Join the "Saturday Night Fights" Group at ProElite.com for Breaking Event Updates

World Wrestling Entertainment Suspends Performer

Courtesy of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.:

STAMFORD, Conn., Mar 20, 2008 -- In accordance with its Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Policy, WWE has suspended Afa Anoai, a developmental talent in the WWE farm system (Florida Championship Wrestling), for 30 days for his first violation of the company's policy.

Media:
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Gary Davis, 203-353-5066

MATCH OF THE YEAR!? POSTED

Courtesy of Oliver Newman:

(at the link below)

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=35737715&blogID=368597200

This is the best version of it as it contains pictures.

I hope you enjoy it and as always feedback is greatly appreciated.

Kurt Angle Interview On Between The Ropes

Courtesy of Adam Wilcox:

Between The Ropes
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
ESPN Florida AM 1080 and AM 1060
Simulcast online at BetweenTheRopes.com

TNA World Champion Kurt Angle joined Brian Fritz and Vito DeNucci on the March 18th edition of Between The Ropes to discuss the inaugural live Impact broadcast next week, an upcoming fight against Randy Couture this year, and much more.

Fritz began the interview by asking Angle about TNA’s first live Impact taping coming up on March 27th. Kurt feels that show is the company’s biggest milestone since the signing of himself and Booker T and spoke about Spike TV’s dedication to the TNA product. “Spike has given us two hours, which is very rare for that program to give anybody two hours … They saw a lot of stars on our program and thought they weren’t getting enough exposure, so Spike said, ‘You know what? We need to go two hours with this show. This show’s starting to build and we’re starting to get really good ratings.’ So now they’re putting all the money and the time into TNA and they’re getting a lot out of it.” Angle says the wrestlers are looking forward to March 27th and pointed out an important difference between a live atmosphere and a taped one. “When you do have a tape, you know that you can flub up a little bit and it can be edited. Raw is War, that’s live, and they go straight-up and the pressure’s on ‘em. Same thing’s going to happen here in TNA, and we’re going to do this once and see how it goes, and I think it’s going to go real well, and we can continue to do it in the future.”

DeNucci mentioned the common complaints among fans, wrestlers, and journalists regarding the all-to-frequent gimmick bouts and constant match interference which seem to dominate TNA PPVs and television shows. Angle agrees that these things must be toned down and insisted the company is addressing those issues. “It’s been talked about. The ref bumps, also unclean finishes, run-ins, that kind of stuff has all been talked about. We’re going to tighten that up, not have so many interruptions, have those clean finishes even if a heel goes over on a babyface. We’re working on all that stuff, that stuff is definitely going to be cleaned up.” Kurt went on to say that TNA is looking to move toward a more serious, MMA-type of atmosphere beginning at Lockdown. “(Samoa Joe) isn’t going to be on TV for the next three weeks because he’s training for our match. We’re going to have an MMA-style match at the Pay-Per-View and this is the beginning of what TNA is going to start doing.” The Olympian noted his “open training camp” which will air on this Thursday’s Impact, stating that he legitimately knocked out one of his training partners during the segment.

Angle referred to the Big Show-Floyd Mayweather WrestleMania showdown as a “clown match” due to the size differential between both men and feels that many TNA supporters will be on hand for WWE’s premier event of the year. “When they have their Pay-Per-View down in Orlando, a lot of fans are going to be chanting, ’TNA!’ That’s our territory.” The gold medalist believes that his Lockdown match with Samoa Joe will outperform the Mayweather-Show clash and said TNA’s goal is to compete with WWE by placing emphasis on in-ring ability.

It’s no secret that Angle has entertained the idea of stepping into a mixed martial arts arena at some point in the near future. Kurt addressed his desire to become involved in the MMA world and said he has spoken with each fighting organization. “I’ve been very adamant and serious about doing it. But when it comes down to it, they will not give me the numbers I want. And I’m not asking for astronomical figures, but I have asked for a seven-figure deal, because if I’m going to do it, I know it’s going to be a big draw.” The TNA Titleholder claimed that he turned down stock offers in some MMA companies, saying that he prefers money to stocks and PPV buy-rate percentages.

Kurt dropped a bombshell by stating that he has signed with an MMA promotion to fight Randy Couture later in the year. “Finally, I find an organization - and I can’t tell you who it is right now - but I signed, we’re both signed on to do it, me and Randy Couture. It’s probably going to happen in late-summer, early-fall. I’m starting my training this week coming up.” Angle assured everyone that he will be ready for the Couture fight when it occurs and said TNA has approved this endeavor.

Angle appeared to strongly indicate the possibility of Bobby Lashley debuting in TNA very soon and spoke highly of the former ECW Champion‘s in-ring skills. “(Laughs) Well, let’s just say … I’m not going to say anything, but be ready for anything - be ready for a big surprise … Let’s just say that I’m real excited about the direction that Bobby Lashley is going … I know Bobby Lashley’s first love is pro wrestling, so there’s a good chance he will come back to wrestling and it will not, will not, will not be with WWE.”

To hear this interview in its entirety - including further discussion with Kurt Angle regarding TNA creative, his thoughts on the current state of WWE, Ric Flair being inducted into the Hall of Fame, and why Kurt turned down a lucrative offer from Dana White to fight in the UFC - visit the show online at http://www.BetweenTheRopes.com, where you can also become a site member and access hundreds of previous BTR broadcasts and interviews. Join Brian Fritz, Vito DeNucci, and Dickerman for Between The Ropes every Tuesday night from 6:00-8:00 PM ET on ESPN Florida AM 1080 and AM 1060 and worldwide on BetweenTheRopes.com.

GEORGIA WRESTLING NEWS, NOTES, AND NOSTALGIA: 03/19/2008

Courtesy of Rich Tate's GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com:

NEWS

The Southern All-Star Wrestling, formerly known as Southern All-Star Wrestling, card for March 21 at the Bakery in Millersville, TN, is as follows: Main Event TV Title Match: Damien Adams (c) versus Rick Santel (w/Paul Adams); Gary Valiant & Arrick Andrews versus Tennessee Violence Authority (Matt Dillenger & Hammerjack); Southern Heavyweight Championship Match: J-5 (c) (with Cocky Cody) versus Chris Bomb; Chris Eckos versus "Sharp Dressed Man" Lawrence Lane; and Drew Haskins versus Chris Cane. 8pm bell time. (Larry Goodman)

Down South Hardcore Wrestling debuts in Brunswick, GA, at the Howard Coffin Park Gym on March 22. Tickets are $8.00. Bell time is 7:15 PM. Scheduled matches include: a title versus title match with Cameron LaRue (DSHW Heavyweight Champion) against Sebastian Troy (DSHW Light Heavyweight Champion); the DSHW Hardcore Championship on the line in a Texas Death Match between champion Teddy Baddstreet and Morbid Angel; DSHW United States Champion Dallas Riley defends the title against Morgan Davis; and Craig Classic (from Big Japan Pro Wrestling) versus Kolby Stern. Also scheduled to appear: Ryan Savage, Night Train, E-Dogg, Ox Madison, K-Oss, and Cyco. Due to the graphic and violent nature of this product, parental discretion is advised. (Thomas Bugg)

Total Championship Wrestling will be in Douglasville, GA, on April 12 at the National Guard Armory, with a starting time of 7:30 PM. Doors open at 6:30. General admission is $8, but kids 6-12 are admitted at $5, while children under 6 get in free. For more info, call (404) 213-4632, (770) 871-0988, or (706) 716-5701. Advertised: A tag team tournament for the TCW Tag Team Title, including Kenny Dees & Murder One, Josh Storm & Frankie Valentine, Jay Clinton & Lamar Phillips, Chip Zoe & Ken Timbs, Jr., Josh Stone & Blazin’ Fury, Damon Taz & Awesome T.C., Brian Alexander & Pretty Boy Floyd, and Bulldog Raines & the Nightmare. (Rich Tate)

K&S Wrestlefest has announced a multi-location event to take place on April 19. Al Snow and Luke Williams will appear at Bud Carson’s Pro Wrestling World in Allentown, PA, from 10-Noon. They will be at George’s Cards & Collectibles between 2-4 PM that afternoon. Call (516) 473-4944 for more info. (Rich Tate)

NOTES

In Your Head will feature Bill DeMott on its show tonight at 8:00 PM ET. (Rich Tate)

Amy ‘Lita’ Dumas’ band, the Luchagors, will be playing at the Masquerade in Atlanta, GA, tonight, and at Fuel in Jacksonville, FL, on March 20. Check your local directories or the band’s site for more info. (Rich Tate)

Hiromichi ‘Kodo’ Fuyuki lost a battle to cancer on this day in 2003 at the age of 42.

NOSTALGIA

1934: Hugh Winn defeated Fred Lassiter to retain both the Georgia and Southern Light Heavyweight Titles at the Fair Street Arena in Atlanta for promoter Jason Thompson. John Mauldin and Tarzan Jordan wrestled to a one-hour draw in the semi-main event.

1937: Orville Brown and Dick Shikat, substituting for Everett Marshall, wrestled to a ninety-minute draw in the main event at Loew’s Grand Theatre in Atlanta for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Frank Speer. Frank Brown defeated Whitey Hewitt by disqualification in the semi-main event.

1943: Rudy Strongberg defeated Dick Lever in the main event when Lever was deemed unable to continue at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Sammy Friedman. Al Massey defeated John Mauldin by disqualification in the semi-main event.

1948: Violet Viann defeated Nell Stewart in the main event at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Al Massey & Jack Ross, Jr., defeated Jim Coffield & Don Lee in the semi-main event.

1963: Choo-Choo Lynn defeated Tarzan Tyler by disqualification in the main event at the Macon City Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Fred Ward. Charlie Keene defeated Prince Omar in the semi-main event, and Lenny Montana defeated Jack Armstrong.

1965: Buddy Fuller & Jesse James defeated the Mysterious Medics to retain the Southern Tag Team Title at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Lester Welch, Jerry Miller, Billy Hines & Red Roberts defeated Mario Galento, Bob Dalton, Tony Nero & Pancho Villa in the semi-main event.

1968: A main event tornado match featuring Enrique & Alberto Torres versus the Gauchos was ruled a no contest at the Macon City Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Fred Ward. Donna Christianello & Barbara Owens defeated Toni Rose & Belle Starr in the semi-main event.

1971: Georgia Heavyweight Champion El Mongol defeated Buddy Colt, managed by Homer O’Dell, by disqualification in a main event title match at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Joe Higuchi was the special referee, and Colt attacked Higuchi following the match. Ray Gunkel, Bill Dromo & Buddy Fuller defeated Krusher Karlson & the Assassins in the semi-main event. Charlie Harben was credited as being a referee for this card. The program for this card reported that Paul Jones would be going to an NWA Board meeting a few days later to oppose the petition submitted by the Assassins regarding their masks and tights. El Mongol participated in an autograph session for fans.

1974: We do not have results, but a main event title match featuring Georgia Heavyweight Champion Thunderbolt Patterson versus Ox Baker, with Ray Candy as a special referee, was advertised at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for All-South Wrestling Alliance promoter Ann Gunkel. Also on the bill was a match featuring Rock Hunter & the Mongols versus Ernie Ladd, El Mongol & the Magnificent Zulu, as well as Ron Pritchard versus the Missouri Mauler.

1974: Mr. Wrestling #1 defeated Georgia Heavyweight Champion Mr. Wrestling #2 by disqualification in a title match at the Macon Coliseum for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Fred Ward. Ron & Terry Garvin, managed by Jimmy Garvin, defeated Jerry Brisco & Ricky Gibson to retain the Georgia Tag Team Title in the semi-main event. Also, Bob Armstrong defeated Bobby Duncum to win the Macon Heavyweight Title.

1976: Uvalde Slim defeated the Georgia Heavyweight Champion Spoiler, managed by Rock Hunter, by disqualification in a main event title match at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Haystacks Calhoun was the special referee for the match. Stan Stasiak defeated Mr. Wrestling #2 by disqualification in the semi-main event. Also, Ted & Jerry Oates defeated Les Thornton & Tony Charles to win the Georgia Tag Team Title.

1983: Ivan Koloff & Buzz Sawyer defeated Tommy Rich & Paul Orndorff in the main event at the Chattanooga (TN) Memorial Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Tony Atlas defeated the Iron Sheik in the semi-main event, and the Masked Superstar defeated Bob Roop.

1984: Jake Roberts, managed by Paul Ellering, defeated Ron Garvin in a main event taped fist match in Canton, OH, for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Les Thatcher. The Road Warriors defeated Jay Youngblood & King Kong Bundy in the semi-main event, and the Spoiler defeated Brad Armstrong. Ellering also managed the Spoiler and the Road Warriors.

WBC CABOFE CHAMPION MANUEL QUEZADA MAKES HIS MMA DEBUT MARCH 20, 2008

Courtesy of Mario Serrano:

For Immediate Release
March 18, 2008

WBC CABOFE boxing champion, Manuel Quezada (25-4, 15 KO's) makes his MMA debut March 20, 2008 at the Tachi Palace and Casino in Lemoore CA on the PFC 7 card. Quezada will slug it out with the massive Charles Hodges who stands 6'6" and weighs 360 pounds.

When asked about fighting in the fenced cage for the first time, Quezada stated, "This will be a whole new experience for me. Hodges is no pushover and I will definitely rely on my boxing skills to keep the fight off the ground. If it happens to go there, I believe I've learned enough ground game to be successful." For ticket information click here..

Mario Serrano
Publicist
mmapublicist@aol.com
408-607-5756

FIP Headlines For 3.19.08!!!

Courtesy of Full Impact Pro:

Strong vs. Aries Signed For This Saturday

"Unfinished Business" is the best way to describe the issue between Roderick Strong and Austin Aries. Now FIP will see the next chapter. FIP World Heavyweight Champion Roderick Strong will put the belt on the line against arch-rival Austin Aries this Saturday when FIP returns to Crystal River, FL. These two have battled in one of ROH's most intense feuds. Aries defeated Davey Richards at the last FIP event to become the #1 contender. Now this epic war is coming to Florida and the FIP World Heavyweight Title is on the line (check www.FullImpactPro.com for building and ticket info).

"It is going to be a great week for me in Florida," Aries said. "First, I win the FIP World Heavyweight Title this Saturday in Crystal River. Then one week later on March 29th I win the ROH World Title in Orlando. Remember something Roderick Strong, I beat you the last two times we met. That belt is mine."

"It will be so sweet when I defeat Austin this Saturday," Strong said. "Last time in Crystal River I proved that this belt means more to be than anything. It means more than the fans applause. It means more than any past history I have with Erick Stevens. There is nothing more important than this and now I will finally get a chance to shut Austin up for good."

Unique ROH World Title Match Signed For Crystal River

ROH World Champion Nigel McGuinness promised he would defend the belt in FIP. He will keep his promise this Saturday in Crystal River, FL. The Ring Of Honor World Title will be on the line and a unique challenger has stepped up.

This challenger has secured an open contract from the FIP office. He boasts an undefeated record in ROH. In fact, he defeated a man that pinned McGuinness last weekend. These credentials plus some negotiating have made Larry Sweeney the man to challenge McGuinness this Saturday.

"(loud laughing) I said I would change the face of ROH," Sweeney said. "Now my hostile takeover will be complete when I, Larry Sweeney, win the ROH World Title in Crystal River. Then I'll take the belt into Orlando and defend it against Austin Aries. You losers of Crystal River are looking at the new ROH World Champion and there ain't no doubt about it."

Tyler Black, Briscoes In Hot Pursuit Of The YRR

Jay & Mark Briscoe will make their return to FIP this Saturday and they want the FIP Tag Team Titles back. Kenny King & Jason Blade won the belts from The Briscoes in controversial fashion last November and The Briscoes have yet to get a rematch. The Briscoes even jumped The YRR in Boston at a ROH event last January. Now The YRR have stated that The Briscoes must earn a title rematch.

This Saturday in Crystal River, FL will see FIP Florida Heritage Champion Sal Rinauro team with one half of the tag champs Kenny King to take on The Briscoes. This will be non-title since the other half of the FIP tag champs Jason Bade isn't in the match. If The Briscoes defeat The YRR this Saturday they will get a shot in the future. If they don't, they will never get a rematch for the FIP Tag Team Titles against The YRR.

The other half of the tag champs Jason Blade has challenged Tyler Black of The Age Of The Fall to a bout. Black was quick to accept. Blade and the rest of The YRR hate Black for luring Lacey & Rain away from The YRR. Black is looking to even score against The YRR for a controversial loss to Rinauro last month. Lacey & Rain will be in Black's corner and it will be interesting to see what role they play. The YRR will be faced with their enemies this Saturday in Crystal River.

Mysterious Masked Men In Action This Saturday

Black Market is still out of action after last month. Two mysterious masked men attacked Joey Machete outside his house putting him in the hospital. They then jumped Shawn Murphy at the show and brutally attacked him. We were sent a message that the mysterious masked men will be back in Crystal River, FL this Saturday. Will they reveal themselves? What will they do next? Can anyone stop them? Be there this Saturday and find out.

The Skinny On This Saturday

Full Impact Pro is ready to return to action this Saturday. Last month saw several new developments. What will happen now when FIP brings in all the best talent from the United States. Here is the skinny on this Saturday:

Saturday, March 22nd, 2008 - Unfinished Business 2008
National Guard Armory
8551 W. Venable St., Crystal River, FL 34429
Doors open at 7:30 pm and show starts at 8 pm
Tickets are $20 Ringside, $15 GA & Kids 13 and under $10 GA
Advance tickets - $12 GA & Kids 13 and under $8 GA
To purchase advance tickets call (352) 422-4582 or go to www.FullImpactPro.com

FIP World Heavyweight Title Match
Roderick Strong defends vs. Austin Aries

ROH World Title Match
Nigel McGuinness vs. Larry Sweeney

Grudge Tag Team Match
Jay & Mark Briscoe vs. Sal Rinauro & Kenny King of The YRR

Grudge Match
Tyler Black with Lacey & Rain vs. Jason Blade of The YRR

Already signed:

- Erick Stevens
- Delirious
- Seth Delay
- Jigsaw
- Trenesha
- Rex Sterling
- Damien Wayne
- Shane Hagadorn
- ROH Top Of The Class Trophy Holder Ernie Osiris
- Plus others including the mysterious masked men who attacked Black Market!!!

WWE® Extends Relationship With Habbo's Virtual World To WrestleMania® XXIV

Courtesy of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.:

STAMFORD, Conn., March 18, 2008 - World Wrestling Entertainment® is going virtual to promote its largest annual event, March 30's WrestleMania XXIV, with an ambitious partnership with Habbo, the virtual community with more than eight million unique users in 31 countries around the world.

The campaign, entitled "The Road to WrestleMania XXIV," will kick-off March 24. It will challenge participants in Habbo to have their personal avatars compete against each other based on the themes of five anticipated WrestleMania matches, including "The World Heavyweight Championship: Edge vs. The Undertaker" and "The Biggest Battles The Best," which pits WWE's seven-foot tall "Big Show" against welterweight boxing legend, Floyd "Money" Mayweather.

"WWE's fanbase is young, tech-savvy and hyper-social – the ideal target for the rich, multilayered campaigns we are executing with Habbo," said Geof Rochester, WWE's Executive Vice President, Marketing. "These promotions are proving to be the perfect conduit for expanding our brand and digital footprint to the virtual world."

The "Road to WrestleMania XXIV" is a complex virtual maze of seven themed rooms, including one for each of the five title matches, a "No Way Out" room and a “WrestleMania XXIV”-themed room in Habbo. Habbos compete to earn points on behalf of their favorite Superstar by completing the daily maze. The campaign will be promoted via a variety of Group Pages created within Habbo featuring alerts about daily race start times and locations, exclusive WWE videos, and free virtual swag, including WWE-branded badges and wallpapers.

WWE has once again engaged Millions of Us LLC, an agency specializing in virtual worlds and large online communities, to help manage this campaign.

"Habbo users are drawn to our online community for engaging activities and to be connected to the biggest names and events in entertainment," said Teemu Huuhtanen, Executive Vice President, Habbo Business and President, North America. "By again partnering with the WWE and Millions of Us, we are bringing our audience to the center of sports entertainment with its premiere annual event."

"Habbo pioneered the booming youth virtual world space and is one of the most internationally successful communities of its kind," said Reuben Steiger, CEO, Millions of Us. “We’re delighted to have helped WWE successfully enter multiple virtual worlds and online communities.”

Additional information on *World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.* (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com . For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/

About Habbo: Habbo is a richly colorful, multi-dimensional online community and virtual world for teens. Users join by creating a fully-customized online character called a Habbo. From there, they can explore many public hang-outs, play a variety of games, connect with friends, decorate their own rooms, and have fun through creativity and self-expression. Currently there are Habbo communities in 32 countries on six continents. To date, over 92 million Habbo characters have been created and 8.6 million unique users worldwide visit Habbo each month (source: Google Analytics). www.habbo.com

About Millions of Us LLC: Millions of Us LLC is an agency specializing in virtual worlds and large online communities. Founded in 2006 and based in San Francisco, the agency's clients include 20th Century Fox, Warner Bros., Toyota, Microsoft, and Intel.

Media Contacts: Sal Cataldi, Cataldi PR 212-244-9797
Gary Davis, WWE, 203-353-5066
Susan Mills, 323-202-1050

Investor Contact: Michael Weitz, WWE, 203-352-8642

Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, and logos are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. ECW is a trademark of WWE Libraries, Inc. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include the conditions of the markets for live events, broadcast television, cable television, pay-per-view, Internet, feature films, entertainment, professional sports, and licensed merchandise; acceptance of the Company's brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to litigation; risks associated with producing live events both domestically and internationally; uncertainties associated with international markets; risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television distribution agreements; and other risks and factors set forth from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. In addition to these risks and uncertainties, our dividend is based on a number of factors, including our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan, our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends and such other factors as our board of directors may consider relevant.

It’s About Time! Vince McMahon Gets His Star On Hollywood Walk Of Fame

Courtesy of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

It’s About Time!
Vince McMahon Gets His Star On Hollywood Walk Of Fame

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., March 18, 2008 -- Under a sun as blazing as the spotlight in center ring, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon joined the pantheon of entertainment greats by receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this past Friday for his achievements in television and pay-per-view. A crowd of nearly 1,000 well wishers and WWE insiders were on hand to witness the occasion. They included Leron Gubler, President and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, who hosted the ceremony; Bob Cook, President of Twentieth Television; and Paul Franklin, Executive Vice President of MyNetwork TV, which recently acquired rights to air the hit WWE series, "WWE SmackDown."

To view clips of the ceremony, click the link: http://www.wwe.com/content/media/video/vms/none/2008/march15-21/6660430

Supported by family members - his wife, Linda, WWE CEO, son Shane, Executive Vice President, Global Media, and son-in-law, WWE Superstar Triple H(r), -- Vince humbly accepted his star on behalf of the WWE Superstars and fans. "Most importantly, I'd like to thank me," McMahon then said, shifting into the Mr. McMahon persona familiar to the public, and drawing cheers. "All those thank you's I said a few minutes ago, I didn't mean a word of it. I'm not really so sure what this award means. It's a star. I already know I'm a star. I'm the biggest star in the whole planet.

"They're going to put this star on the sidewalk where people walk. You realize how many people in this world wanted to walk on me, how many wanted to step on me? Now they're going to step on my star. There are going to be people lined up around the block and take their heels and rub it on my star. And God forbid they're going to be walking a dog at the same time."

"I guess I can sum all this up by stating what a true honor this is for me to have my star placed right next to Kermit the Frog. That says it all!"

Vince McMahon is a third generation entrepreneur who has made WWE into the global phenomenon it is today. As a pioneer in the television syndication and cable business, he is a recognized television personality throughout the world, a visionary promoter and a fearless marketer and a unique leader in the entertainment industry. The event occurs during the buildup to WWE's biggest annual blockbuster,
WrestleMania(r) XXIV, which will take place March 30 at Orlando's Sugar Bowl and on TV screens in more than 130 countries around the globe.

Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/

Media Contact: Gary Davis, 203-353-5066
Jennifer McIntosh, 203-359-5131
Sal Cataldi, 212-244-9797

Trademarks: All World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, and logos are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. ECW is a trademark owned by WWE Libraries, Inc. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.

GEORGIA WRESTLING NEWS, NOTES, AND NOSTALGIA: 03/18/2008

Courtesy of Rich Tate's GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com:

NEWS

Report from the March 14 Alternative Pro Wrestling show in Royston, GA, at the Royston Gym with a reported attendance of 88. The Talent Show opened with Southern States Champion J.T. Talent calling out Bo Newsom. Out came Newsom and just as things were about to get physical, APW owner Jerico Stone ordered them to stop. "Bo Newsom and I did win the tag match last week so he’s got the shot! With the match having no time limit, we just don’t have time to do it tonight." Stone made the match that will be the main event at APW’s next big show, “Spring Break Bash”, on April 18. Bo Newsome vs. J.T. Talent with no time limit for the Southern States Championship. J.T. Talent made quick work of Wes Grissom. The champ was not too happy about the night’s recent developments, and he took it out on Grissom. B.J. Hancock defeated Jamie Cruz. Yoshi Hiroshima & North Georgia Champion Aaron Lee defeated Drowning In Excellence (Vince Chambers & Dustin Michaels). The self proclaimed "King of the Cowboys" Chris Mayne (wearing Billy Buck’s hat), with his manager Kevin Duncan, came to the ring and continued to hurl insults at Billy Buck who was not in Royston due to the illness. The Afro-American wonder demanded a replacement. That lead to … Chris Mayne (with Kevin Duncan) beat Slim J. In the end, Mayne stole another one with help from Duncan. Chris King beat Dustin Powers. Powers snuck back into the ring after the match and nailed King with his trusty cane. As he went to do it a second time, Lee hit the ring and Powers didn’t care to stick around. Azrael & Darkness (with Lloth) defeated Friday Night Franchise (Ryan Michaels & Matt Sells) to become the new APW Tag Team Champions when referee Dee Byers stopped the match due to the amount of punishment Ryan Michaels had endured. Michaels may have suffered a serious injury from the looks of things. I’m sure we’ll know more this Friday. Bo Newsom defeated Don Matthews with a corkscrew moonsault to maintain his number one contender status. Newsom was more impressive than ever scoring the biggest "official" win of his career over former APW Heavyweight Champion Don Matthews. Newsom signs the dotted line for the biggest match of his life next Friday, and he looks to be ready. (Larry Goodman)

The Independent Wrestling Network has canceled their show scheduled for March 21 in Phenix City, AL, at the National Guard Armory. The show was announced before they had the venue nailed down. IWN is still scheduled to debut at the old GCW Arena in Columbus, GA, on April 4. (Larry Goodman)

NOTES

Trash Talking Radio, hosted by Mike Trash, will feature Chance Prophet on its show tonight at 7:00 PM ET. (Rich Tate)

GWH wishes a happy birthday to Rick Martel (52) and Mike Quackenbush (32).

Howard Cantonwine died on this day in 1977. He was 76.

Angel Azteca suffered a fatal heart attack one year ago today at the age of 43.

NOSTALGIA

1926: Stanislaus Zbyszko defeated John Paxos in the main event at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter John Contos, when Paxos was deemed unable to continue. The Masked Marvel (Ray Steele) defeated Boris Demetroff in two straight falls in the semi-main event.

1927: Jim Londos defeated Yusef Hussane in the main event at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter John Contos. Also, Paul Jones defeated Jim Browning.

1931: George Zaharias defeated Ghafoor Khan in the main event at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Henry Weber. Also, Charley Lehman defeated Tom Marvin.

1935: We do not have results for this card, but Pat Newman was scheduled to defend the Southern Lightweight Title against Billy Williams at the New Coliseum in Augusta for promoter Jack Browning.

1936: A main event title match featuring Southern Lightweight Champion Jack Ross versus Honey Boy Hackney was ruled a no contest at the New Coliseum in Augusta for promoter Bill Metzger.

1937: Cyclone Copley defeated Joe Tucker in two straight falls in the main event at the New Coliseum in Augusta for promoter Bill Metzger. Also, Speedy Lawrence defeated Yusef Hussane.

1949: Celia Blevins defeated Mae Weston in the main event at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. The Golden Terror defeated Dick Lever in the semi-main event, and Rebel Russell defeated Nick Carter.

1960: We do not have results, but a main event featuring Ray Gunkel, Bill Dromo & Haystacks Calhoun versus Freddie Blassie, Jack Terry & Tokyo Joe was advertised at the Larry Bell Auditorium in Marietta for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Elmo Chappell.

1966: A main event featuring Eric & Karl Von Brauner, managed by Saul Weingeroff, versus the Mysterious Medics was ruled a no contest at the Paul Jones Sports Arena in Atlanta for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. There were two referees for the match. Klondike Bill, managed by Freddie Blassie, defeated Tony Nero & Pancho Villa in a semi-main event handicap match. It was announced that Swede Karlson would be wrestling on the card on March 25, 1966.

1967: Nick Kozak defeated El Mongol, managed by Jack Crawford, to win the Georgia Heavyweight Title at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Following the match, Crawford attacked referee Leo Garibaldi with his cane. Enrique & Ramon Torres defeated Bobby Graham & Oki Shikina by disqualification in the semi-main event. Lars & Gene Anderson charged the ring during the match, attacking the Torres brothers. The program for this card featured an advertisement from Ramon Torres, who was looking to sell his 1964 Cadillac. It also featured a photo of Lou Thesz with actress Yvonne DeCarlo. Jones reported in the program that NWA President Sam Muchnick had ordered Gene Kiniski to defend the NWA World Heavyweight Title in Atlanta against Thesz, and that Kiniski was trying to dodge the match, claiming Muchnick and Jones were trying desperately to get the title off of him. It was announced that Mr. Wrestling would be wrestling in Atlanta soon.

1969: Bill Dromo defeated Assassin #1 by disqualification in the main event at the Macon City Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Fred Ward. Assassin #2 and Bob Armstrong wrestled to a draw in the semi-main event.

1972: On the “Georgia Championship Wrestling” television program hosted by Ed Capral, it was announced that the Assassins had indeed won the Georgia Tag Team Title from Ray Gunkel & Buddy Fuller on March 10, 1972, following a review of the match.

1975: Toru Tanaka, managed by Rock Hunter, defeated Danny Little Bear to win the Macon Heavyweight Title in the final round of a one-night tournament at the Macon Coliseum for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Fred Ward. Jerry Brisco, Dudley Clements, Derrell Cochran, Tommy Gilbert, Don Greene, Rocky Johnson, Don Kent, Jerry Lawler, Don Muraco, and Bob Orton, Jr., also participated in the tournament. Abdullah the Butcher, also managed by Hunter, defeated Ray Candy.

1977: Paul Jones, Mr. Wrestling #1 & #2 defeated Dick Slater, Ole & Gene Anderson in the main event at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Black Atlas defeated Abdullah the Butcher by disqualification in the semi-main event.

1980: Austin Idol defeated Mr. Wrestling #2 by disqualification in the main event at the Macon Coliseum for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Fred Ward. Ivan Koloff & Alexis Smirnoff, managed by Rock Hunter, defeated Tony Atlas & Lars Anderson in the semi-main event. Also, a match featuring Kevin Sullivan versus Baron Von Raschke ended in a double disqualification.

1984: Jake Roberts, managed by Paul Ellering, defeated Ron Garvin in a main event taped fist match in Cincinnati, OH, for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Les Thatcher. The Road Warriors, also managed by Ellering, defeated Jay Youngblood & King Kong Bundy in the semi-main event.

Spike TV Television Highlights - April 2008

Courtesy of Spike TV:

NEW YORK, March 18 -- * Note: Spike TV HD includes
-- "Star Wars"
-- "CSI: NY"
-- "DEA"
-- "The Ultimate Fighter"
-- "GameTrailers TV with Geoff Keighley"
-- Powerblock Programming
-- Spike TV Original Movies

PREMIERES

-- DEA (HD: TV14-VL)
Series premiere Wednesday, April 2 (11:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT);
Encores Tuesdays (10:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT) & Wednesdays
(11:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT).

"DEA" underscores the danger Special Agents experience on a daily basis in
order to do their jobs. Viewers will witness first-hand what it is like
for Special Agents to go out on undercover missions and pose as drug
dealers. Spike TV is there when the DEA busts down doors as Special
Agents execute drug raids that put their lives directly in the line of
fire. The series also takes a look at the complex relationship that DEA
Special Agents have with informants, revealing the strange kinship they
share with these criminals who see themselves not as arch enemies, but
rather as opponents in "the game" of the illegal drug trade.

-- THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER: TEAM RAMPAGE VS TEAM FORREST (HD: TV14-VL)
Season premiere Wednesday, April 2 (10:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT); Premiere
episodes Wednesdays (10:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT); Encores Thursdays
(11:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT). Pre-empted Thursday, April 10.

"The Ultimate Fighter" features thirty-two men from across the Americas,
who travel to Las Vegas with one dream, one goal -- to become "The
Ultimate Fighter." Coached by Forrest Griffin and Rampage Jackson, only
one fighter from the welterweight class will succeed.

-- UFC FIGHT NIGHT LIVE (NR)
Premieres Wednesday, April 2 (7:00 - 10:00 PM, ET/PT); Encores Wednesday,
April 2 (Midnight - 3:00 AM, ET/PT), Sunday, April 6 (1:30 - 4:30 PM,
ET/PT) & Tuesday, April 8 (7:00 - 10:00 PM, ET/PT).

Spike TV presents "UFC Fight Night Live" from Broomfield, Colorado
featuring such matchups as: Lightweight Bout -- Kenny Florian vs. Joe
Lauzon, Welterweight Bout -- Karo Parisyan vs. Thiago Alves, and Light
heavyweight Bout -- Matt Hamill vs. Tim Boetsch.

-- STAR WARS (HD)
"There is much to be learned" this April on Spike TV as the basic cable
channel becomes the exclusive home of the Star Wars movie franchise,
including the Broadcast Premiere of "Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the
Sith," and the cable premieres of "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom
Menace" and "Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones." Also, Spike TV
will televise never-before-seen on basic cable footage provided by
LucasFilms. Premiere schedule is below.

-- Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999, PG)
Premieres Friday, April 4 (8:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT; Encores Saturday,
April 5 (5:00 - 8:00 PM, ET/PT) & Sunday, April 20 (8:00 - 11:00 PM,
ET/PT & 11:00 PM - 2:00 AM, ET/PT).

Set thirty years before the original Star Wars film, Episode I
introduces young Anakin Skywalker, a boy with special powers, unaware
that the journey he is beginning will transform him into the evil Darth
Vader. Obi-Wan Kenobi, the wise old Jedi from the original series, is a
determined young apprentice and Palpatine, well known as the evil
Emperor, is an ambitious Senator in the Galactic Republic. It is a time
when the Jedi Knights are the guardians of peace in a turbulent galaxy
and a young Queen fights to save her people. In the shadows lurks an
evil force waiting for the right moment to strike. Starring Liam
Neeson, Ewan McGregor and Natalie Portman.

-- Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002, PG)
Premieres Saturday, April 5 (8:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT); Encores Sunday,
April 6 (4:30 - 8:00 PM, ET/PT) & Sunday, April 27 (8:00 - 11:00 PM,
ET/PT & 11:00 PM, ET/PT & 11:00 PM - 2:00 AM, ET/PT).

Ten years after the events chronicled in Star Wars: Episode I The
Phantom Menace, the epic Star Wars saga continues in Episode II.

The galaxy is in turmoil. Thousands of solar systems are threatening to
secede from the Galactic Republic under the leadership of a renegade
Jedi named Count Dooku. Without a standing army of the Republic, the
overwhelmed Jedi Knights struggle to maintain order as the very
foundation of peace and democracy is threatened. Starring Hayden
Christensen, Ewan McGregor and Natalie Portman.

-- Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005, PG-V)
Premieres Sunday, April 6 (8:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT); Encore Monday,
April 7 (4:30 - 8:00 PM, ET/PT).

Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith - In the final installment of
the Star Wars saga, the Clone Wars rage through the galaxy. Asked to
spy for both the Jedi and for traitorous Chancellor Palpatine (Ian
McDiarmid), young Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen)
finds himself caught in the middle of the intrigue. Seduced by the dark
side, he pledges himself to the evil Darth Sidious and becomes Darth
Vader. Together, the Sith Lords set in motion a plot of revenge against
the Jedi, even while Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) tries to save
Anakin. The former allies come face-to-face in a climactic lightsaber
battle that will decide the fate of the galaxy. Starring Hayden
Christensen, Ewan McGregor and Natalie Portman.

-- Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977, PG)
Premieres Friday, April 11 (8:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT); Encore Saturday,
April 12 (5:00 - 8:00 PM, ET/PT).

Set 30 years after Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace, Star Wars: A
New Hope, the fourth episode of the saga, returns to the desert planet
of Tatooine. A young Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) begins to discover
his destiny when, searching for a lost droid, he is saved by a reclusive
Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness). A civil war rages in the galaxy,
and Rebel forces struggle against the evil Galactic Empire, Luke and
Obi-Wan enlist the aid of hotshot pilot, Han Solo (Harrison Ford).
Joined by the quirky droid duo R2-D2 and C-3PO, the unlikely team sets
out to rescue Rebel leader Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and make use of
the stolen plans to destroy the Empire's ultimate weapon. Starring Mark
Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher.

-- Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980, PG)
Premieres Saturday, April 12 (8:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT); Encore Sunday,
April 13 (5:00 - 8:00 PM, ET/PT).

The battle for the galaxy intensifies in this thrilling fifth episode of
the unfolding saga. As Imperial Forces launch an all-out attack on the
Rebel Alliance, Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie
Fisher) flee to Cloud City where they are captured by Darth Vader. Luke
Skywalker (Mark Hamill) journeys to the mysterious, marshy planet of
Dagobah, where the wise Jedi Master Yoda teaches the young hero the ways
of the Force.

Little does Luke know that all his Jedi training will be called upon so
soon. A stunning revelation -- and a seeming life-or-death duel with
Darth Vader -- await. Starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie
Fisher.

-- Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983, PG)
Premieres Sunday, April 13 (8:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT); Encore Monday,
April 14 (5:00 - 8:00 PM, ET/PT).

In the spectacular climactic sixth episode of the Star Wars saga, Darth
Vader readies the second Death Star to unleash the final blow to the
Rebel Alliance. Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) joins his droid allies R2
D2 and C-3PO, along with Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), to free his
comrade Han Solo (Harrison Ford), imprisoned by the vile crime lord,
Jabba the Hutt. Reunited, the Rebels race to the moon of the planet
Endor where they launch a desperate attack upon the entire Imperial
Fleet.

But the ultimate battle is between father and son, as Luke faces Darth
Vader one last time, for the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance.
Starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher.

-- UFC 83 COUNTDOWN: SERRA VS. ST. PIERRE (TV14-VL)
Premieres Tuesday, April 15 (11:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT)

A preview of the upcoming PPV event on April 19, 2008 at the Bell Centre
in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Go behind the scenes as Matt Serra and
Georges St-Pierre prepare for a welterweight championship battle. See how
they train eat and live in there home towns.

-- FINISH LINE (2008, Action/Adventure) - HD Spike Original Movie
Premieres Monday, April 21 (9:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT).

A stock car driver looking to make it to NASCAR gets involved with an
Immigrations and Customs Enforcement investigation into a weapon smuggling
operation. Starring Scott Baio and Taylor Cole.


ORIGINALS

-- TNA: iMPACT! (TV-14LV)
New Episodes Premiere Thursdays (9:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT); Encores
Saturdays (11:00 PM - 1:00 AM, ET/PT). Pre-empted Saturday, April 5
(Midnight - 2:00 AM, ET/PT) & Saturday, April 12 (Midnight - 2:00 AM,
ET/PT).

TNA Wrestling delivers a distinct brand of high-risk, athletic
entertainment. TNA's roster includes the biggest names in wrestling today,
such as Kurt Angle, Booker T, Kevin Nash and Christian Cage, as well as
the hottest new stars in the business: A.J. Styles, Samoa Joe, The Latin
American Xchange and the Motor City Machineguns. TNA features the
innovative six-sided ring and the high flying X-Division, as well as
concept matches such as "Ultimate X," "King of the Mountain," "Six Sides
of Steel," "Lethal Lockdown" and "Elevation X," considered the most
dangerous match in professional wrestling.

-- GAMETRAILERS TV WITH GEOFF KEIGHLEY (HD: TV-14)
New Episodes Premiere Fridays (1:00 - 1:30 AM, ET/PT); Encores Fridays
(1:30 - 2:00 AM, ET/PT) - * Encores not televised in HD.

Designed from the ground up to be the most entertaining and informative
on-air resource for fans of the thriving video game industry,
"GameTrailers TV" is a weekly magazine-style show focusing on the
industry's hottest titles, coolest events and biggest stars. Fast-paced,
energetic and offering the access and insight millions of viewers have
come to expect from the GameTrailers brand, "GameTrailers TV" delivers the
best of the best from the world of video games while highlighting the
cultures of gaming from around the globe.

-- UFC UNLEASHED (TV14-V)
Premiere episodes telecast Wednesday, April 16 & Wednesday, April 23 (9:00
- 10:00 PM, ET/PT).

"UFC Unleashed" is the best of the best from the UFC archives. "UFC
Unleashed" features the semifinals and finals of The Ultimate Fighter,
Best of the PPV fights, quickest Knockouts, legendary fighters and fights,
and much more.

-- Wednesday, April 16
Features:
Jeremy Stephens VS Cole Miller - 2 Rd (UFN 12)
Luke Cummo VS Edilberto Crocata - 1 Rd (UFN 11)
Chuck Liddell VS Wanderlei Silva - 3 Rd (UFC 79)

-- Wednesday, April 23
Features:
Houston Alexander VS Alessio Sakara - 1 Rd (UFC 75)
Rashad Evands VS Michael Bisping - 3 Rd (UFC 75)
Anderson Silva VS Rich Franklin - 2 Rd (UFC 77)

-- MANSWERS (TV-MADLS)
Telecasts Fridays (12:30 - 1:00 AM, ET/PT).

Whether its questions about booze, sex, or violence, "MANswers" is trivia
for men that delivers real answers that guys need to know. In each
episode, "MANswers" races through re-enactments, expert one-on-ones and
man-on-the-street interviews to educate Spike viewers on the taboo topics
in terms only guys can relate to. The truth is never what you would
expect and will inevitably end up being talked about around the water
cooler the next day.

-- MXC (TV-14D)
Telecasts Mondays - Fridays (10:00 - 10:30 AM & 10:30 - 11:00 AM, ET/PT) &
Fridays (Midnight - 12:30 AM).

Spike TV's acclaimed original comedic series, is described as a wacky
combination of "Fear Factor," "Jackass," "Iron Chef," with a touch of
"Mystery Science Theater 3000." Using the actual footage from one of the
most popular primetime Japanese reality game shows, Takeshi's Castle, MXC
is re-written to create an entirely new comedic storyline. The series is
not dubbed and there is not a single trace of literal translation from the
original show.


MOVIE PREMIERES

-- GET SHORTY (HD: 1995, Comedy/Drama)
Premieres Saturday, April 26 (8:00 10:00 PM, ET/PT).

A mobster travels to Hollywood to collect his debt and winds up getting
involved in the movie business. Starring John Travolta, Gene Hackman, Rene
Russo and Danny DeVito.

-- OUT FOR A KILL (HD: 2003, Action/Adventure)
Premieres Monday, April 28 (9:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT).

An unsuspecting university professor is an unwitting accomplice in a
foiled Chinese cocaine deal. Wrongly imprisoned, he escapes to take his
revenge and prove his innocence. Starring Steven Seagal.


ACQUIRED SERIES

-- CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION (TV-14)
Telecasts Mondays - Fridays (6:00 - 9:00 PM, ET/PT).

"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" revolves around a team of forensic Crime
Scene Investigators in the Las Vegas police department's Criminalistics
Bureau. By relentlessly analyzing every detail at the scene of a crime,
no matter how seemingly irrelevant or grotesque in nature, the team has
science and experience on their side to solve the case. The series stars
William Petersen, Marg Helgenberger, Gary Dourdan, George Eads, Jorja Fox
and Paul Guilfoyle.

-- CSI: NY (HD: TV-14)

The third edition of the "CSI" franchise sets up shop in the Big Apple,
where taciturn Detective Mac Taylor (Gary Sinise) and his partner,
Detective Stella Bonasera (Melina Kanakaredes), lead a crime-solving team.
Like his counterparts in Las Vegas and Miami, Taylor knows that people may
lie, but the evidence rarely does. Schedule is as follows:

-- Friday, April 4 (9:00 - 10:00 AM, ET/PT) - Outside Man
-- Sunday, April 13 (1:00 - 2:00 PM, ET/PT) - Rain
-- Monday, April 14 (Midnight - 1:00 AM, ET/PT) - Manhattan Manhunt
-- Monday, April 21 (11:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT) - Three Generations are
Enough
-- Tuesday, April 29 (11:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT). - Officer Blue

-- THE SHIELD (TV-MADLV)
Telecasts Thursdays (3:00 - 4:00 AM, ET/PT).

The story of in inner-city Los Angeles police precinct where some of the
cops aren't above breaking the rules or working against their associates
to both keep the streets safe and their self-interests intact. Starring
Emmy Award(R) winner Michael Chiklis and Catherine Dent.

WEEKEND PROGRAMMING

-- WEEKEND POWERBLOCK
Sexy car enthusiast Courtney Hansen hosts Spike TV's "Power Block" lineup,
a weekend (Saturdays Noon - 2:00 PM, ET/PT and Sundays 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM,
ET/PT) two-hour block of auto related programming. Pre-empted Saturday,
March 29.

Saturdays:

Noon - 12:30 PM, ET/PT
HORSEPOWER TV (HD: TV-G)
Host Joe Elmore and tech expert Mike Galley work out of their to-die-for
performance garage sharing speed secrets on how to transform everyday cars
into road burners and how to get the most out of them on the street and at
the strip. This series captures the performance lifestyle taking viewers
to America's best events, rallies and races.

12:30 - 1:00 PM, ET/PT
MUSCLE CAR (HD: TV-G)
Celebrating America's love affair with these fabled '60's and 70's era
muscle cars, the series focuses on finding, restoring and modifying iconic
Detroit iron like the Pontiac GTO, the Hemi Cuba, the Boss Mustang and the
Chevelle SS.

1:00 - 1:30 PM, ET/PT
TRUCKS! (HD: TV-G)
This how-to/new vehicle series addresses the light truck market with
special emphasis on pickups and sport utility vehicles. From the wildest
jet drag trucks and monster trucks to the world's most radical 4x4 rock
crawlers and customs, each episode takes viewers step-by-step modifying,
customizing, restoring and testing classic and sport trucks, off-roaders
and race trucks.

1:30 - 2:00 PM, ET/PT
XTREME 4X4 (HD: TV-G)
Hosted by Ian Johnson and Jessi Combs, this series features hardcore 4x4
build-ups and off-road truck projects, plus extreme action events -- rock
crawling, desert racing, sand drags, mud racing, and trail riding
adventure.


Sundays:

11:00 - 11:30 AM, ET/PT
HORSEPOWER TV (HD: TV-G)

11:30 AM - Noon, ET/PT
MUSCLE CAR (HD: TV-G)

Noon - 12:30 PM, ET/PT
TRUCKS! (HD: TV-G)

12:30 - 1:00 PM, ET/PT
XTREME 4X4 (HD: TV-G)

CONTACT: Kevin Sornatale of Spike TV, +1-212-767-8621, Kevin.Sornatale@spiketv.com

Alan Wojcik Reviews Legacy Of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin

He's baaaack:

Just when you thought World Wrestling Entertainment and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin had parted ways, they come back with another Austin DVD. This one is called The Legacy of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. If memory and some websites serve me right this is the 6th or 7th Austin video release. You’re probably wondering what’s so different about this one. Well besides being the most recent one, a few things come to mind.

In between the nineteen matches on the three disc set you get some insight from Austin about the match and an overall history lesson from his beginnings with WCCW and USWA to his stint in WCW with Hollywood Blonde partner Brian Pillman to ECW where he vented about being fired from WCW and finally his arrival in WWE where he achieved international superstar status. Like the other releases you get wrestling matches but this one has several matches never released on home video. This is the listing of the matches:

Steelcage match for the WCW World Tag Team championships Hollywood Blondes vs. Dos Hombres, Slamboree 5-23-93
vs. Brian Pillman, Clash of Champions XXV 11-10-93
WCW US Title vs. Ricky Steamboat, Clash of the Champions XXVIII 8-28-94
Triangle Match for ECW Title vs. Sandman vs. Mikey Whipwreck, 12-9-95
Caribbean Strap Match vs. Savio Vega, Beware of Dog 2, 5-26-96
#1 Contender for WWE Title vs. Bret Hart, Survivor Series 11-16-96
WWE Title Match vs. Undertaker, Cold Day in Hell 5-11-97
World Tag Team Titles Match Austin & Shawn Michaels vs. Owen Hart & British Bulldog, RAW 5-26-97
vs. Shawn Michaels, King of the Ring 6-9-97
World Tag Team Titles Austin & Dude Love vs. Owen Hart & British Bulldog, RAW 7-14-97
Intercontinental Title vs. Owen Hart, Summerslam 8-3-97
WWE Title vs. Dude Love, Unforgiven 4-26-98
First Blood Match for WWE Title vs. Kane, King of the Ring 6-28-98
WWE Title vs. Kane Raw is War 6-29-98
No Holds Barred for the WWE Title vs. The Rock, Backlash 4-25-99
Non Title vs. Eddie Guerrero, Smackdown 11-16-00
No DQ Match vs. Triple H, Survivor Series 11-19-00
Three Stages of Hell vs. Triple H, No Way Out, 2-25-01
No DQ for the WWE Title vs. Rock, Wrestlemania X-7 4-1-01

This DVD set is formatted like the Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan releases, meaning it’s not like the recent Shawn Michaels DVD with one disc dedicated to the biography of the superstar. It’s all matches with about five to six minutes worth of Austin talking in between the matches. Unless I am mistaken the set has no Easter eggs included. The bonus features are limited to a Summerslam pre-show match with Yokozuna and some items from Monday Night Raw that are probably on the fifteenth anniversary retrospective already in stores. Also the advertised Redneck Triathlon segment is not here instead we get the Gladiator Wrestlemania commercial and making of segment. My only grip is none of his singles matches as "Stunning" Steve Austin in USWA or WCW are not on the set. A match against "Gentleman" Chris Adams would have been great to see. Bottom line if you are a Steve Austin fan this DVD needs to be in your collection. If you never cared for the "Texas Rattlesnake" and never will care for him avoid this DVD set like the plaque because once you do open it and watch it you will be a fan of his.

The Legacy of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin is available at retailers nationwide or on www.wwe.com in their Shop Zone section.

Alan Wojcik Quick Review Of NWA Fiesta Lucha!

Courtesy of, believe it or not, Alan J. Wojcik:

Early last year the National Wrestling Alliance took its World Heavyweight and World Tag Team championship away from TNA Wrestling ending a five year partnership, which didn’t really see the NWA have a say in who wore its titles. With a national DVD distribution deal with Big Vision Entertainment and a TV show on Dish Network they are reaching a world wide audience. One of their DVD’s has been recently released, entitled Fiesta Lucha! It was filmed February 25, 2007 in Las Vegas in front of a packed house at the Orleans Arena. Like many of the companies recent released the action is called by Kris Kloss and this time he has a new colleague, southern California manager and personality C. Edward Vander Pyle. They are joined by backstage interviewers David Marquez and Mark Thompson.

The following matches are on the DVD:
*25 Man King of the Summit Battle Royal
*El Hijo Del Santo & Billy Kidman vs. Super Parka & Nicho El Millionario
*Flag Match: Real American Heroes (Joey Ryan & Karl "Machine Gun" Anderson) vs. Los Luchas (Phoenix Star & Zokre)
*NWA Heritage champion "Scrap Iron" Adam Pearce vs. "Canadian Bomber" Nelson Creed
*WSX Match: Human Tornado & Matt Classic vs. Los Pochos Guapos (Aaron Aguilera & Kaos)
* "Classic" Colt Cabana & "Sexy" Sonny Sampson vs. Ricky Reyes & Bobby Jo Marshall
*Peter Goodman vs. "the Brazilian Beast" Kafu
*Four Way Mayhem: Midnight Dynamite vs. TJ Perkins & JJ Perez vs. RGO vs. the Young Bucks

Some reviewers would break each match down for the readers. I am not going to bore you with that. Instead I am going to say having attended an NWA taping in Orlando last spring; this DVD captures the atmosphere perfectly. The fans are into the show from the opening match and the event has several wrestling styles on one DVD. From Lucha to strong to straight out grudge matches you will get all of them on this release. Kloss and Vander Pyle have great chemistry and are very entertaining and give you great background on many wrestlers the average fan probably has never seen in person. If you are looking to expand your DVD collection begin the NWA portion with this release. It is available in stores or by going to www.bvdvd.com

I NEVER Saw That Coming!!

Courtesy of Oliver Newman:

AWW REPORT POSTED!

(at the link below)

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=35737715&blogID=367945252

This is the best version of it as it contains pictures.

I hope you enjoy it and as always feedback is greatly appreciated.

TICKETS ON SALE FOR UWF LIVE! EVENTS IN RICHMOND AND HARRISONBURG, VA

Courtesy of the United Wrestling Federation:

For Immediate Release
March 18, 2008

The UWF website now has a video promo online to promote it's LIVE! events Thursday, May 1 in Richmond, VA and Friday, May 2 in Harrisonburg, VA. The official website of the UWF is www.uwfusa.com.

The star studded lineup includes the UWF debut of Jerry "The King" Lawler, Terri Runnels, Scotty 2 Hotty, as well as TNA Stars Samoa Joe, The Motor City Machine Guns, Shark Boy, Joey Matthews, and many more stars.

For event and ticket information, visit www.uwfusa.com.

Funk's Corner - Bruiser Brody

Courtesy of Dory Funk Jr.:

I used to love to make the trip to Puerto Rico. I would work a three day weekend. Marti and I stayed at the Ramada Inn in the center of the Condado. The beach was beautiful. We acquired a taste for Spanish food and regularly ate at the La Tasca Resturant near the Caribe Hilton Hotel.

Working Puerto Rico for Marti and I was an enjoyable experience, we always loved being at the beach any where in the world.

On Friday, February 27, 1988 wrestling in a tournament for the Universal Heavyweight Championship in San Juan Puerto Rico before a sold out house in Hiram Bithorn Stadium I faced the legend, Bruiser Brody.

This match is now on our website at www.dory-funk.com.

Gail Kim comes to our Next !BANG! TV Taping Sunday May 23rd at the Funking Conservatory in Ocala, Florida to face "The Claw" Claudia Reif in a Women's Championship Match. Johnny Magnum faces Shan Chung in a Florida Championship Match. There are 7 matches in all. For ticket information, call 352-895-4658 or go by Devon Self Storage in Ocala, Florida. you can also purchase advance tickets from our website at www.dory-funk.com.

Friday March 28th, Osamu Nishimura is coming to the Funking Conservatory to scout wrestling talent for his company, All Japan Pro Wrestling.

For information on training schedules and tryouts in front of Osamu Nishimura call 352-895-4658.

Dory Funk Jr. - Coach of the Funking Conservatory.

ProElite Signs DVD Distribution Agreement With Mill Creek Entertainment DVD Box Sets Showcase World-Class MMA Talent

Courtesy of ProElite, Inc.:

LOS ANGELES--March 18, 2008--ProElite, Inc. (Pink Sheets:PELE), a sports entertainment and media company dedicated to producing world-class mixed martial arts (MMA) events, today announced it has signed an agreement with Mill Creek Entertainment to distribute DVDs showcasing ProElite's premier global MMA brands: Rumble on the Rock, ICON Sport and Cage Rage.

Under the terms of the agreement, events will be distributed to retailers nationwide in the form of multi-event DVD box sets. The first box set will be the Rumble on the Rock "Superstar Collection" (5-event set) featuring MMA superstars Anderson Silva, BJ Penn, "Tank" Abbott, Takanori Gomi and Jake Shields (street date: March 18, 2008). Future DVD box sets will include such superstars as Matt Hughes, Rich Franklin, Robbie Lawler and Vitor Belfort.

"This is an excellent opportunity to leverage our existing library that features three of our premier MMA brands," said Douglas DeLuca, executive chairman and co-founder of ProElite. "Through the years, the biggest names in the sport have fought in these shows, which, in many cases, will now be available on DVD for the first time."

"Partnering with an industry leader such as Mill Creek ensures that our DVDs will receive optimal distribution to retailers in important markets throughout the country," said Turi Altavilla, vice president of home entertainment at ProElite.

"Audiences are hungry for high-quality MMA content that showcases their favorite stars," said Jeff Hayne, director of content acquisition at Mill Creek Entertainment. "ProElite's MMA library is an ideal entree for DVD box sets featuring top-notch MMA action, as well as providing retailers with a compelling product that we believe will draw customers far and wide."

About ProElite, Inc. (www.proeliteinc.com)

ProElite, Inc. delivers the most exciting entertainment experience in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) with live arena-based entertainment events, cable television programming on Showtime Networks and community-driven interactive broadband entertainment via the Internet. The company recently announced a partnership with CBS that will bring MMA to a major prime time network for the first time. ProElite has established itself as a global leader by acquiring MMA organizations in Asia and Europe, and partnering with broadcasters such as British Sky Broadcasting and CJ Media in Korea. The company has an exclusive distribution agreement for its program library with IMG Media. ProElite embraces MMA with the highest levels of honor, integrity, discipline and self-esteem, all the while remaining inclusive for fighters, fans and schools (elitexc.com). ProElite's live fight division, EliteXC, delivers spectacular live MMA fight events that showcase the world's top fighters. Complementing ProElite's live events division is the company's social media platform, ProElite.com. Since the beginning of 2007, ProElite.com continues to add thousands of subscribers each month due to the large number of live streaming MMA events, social networking tools, and original and partner-driven content. ProElite.com also recently launched the largest online martial arts school locator as a way for martial arts practitioners to find the best locations to train, and for schools and dojos to help market themselves. ProElite.com - Empowering the Fight Community(TM).

About Mill Creek Entertainment

Mill Creek Entertainment is a source of value home video and audio entertainment. Helmed by a management team with over eighty years of experience in the consumer home entertainment marketplace, the company produces entertainment products that typically sell in quantity, at impulse price-points, while adhering to high standards of quality unsurpassed in the industry. The Mill Creek product line encompasses many genres, speaks to broad consumer tastes and has found favor with both North American and emerging Latin markets. The company's DVD product line consists of classic movies, television episodes, historical documentaries and feature films.

Certain statements included in this press release constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These statements, including, but not limited to, distribution of DVDs to retailers nationwide, as well as others discussed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. ProElite, Inc. undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. At the time of their issuance, the shares of common stock and the underlying shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants are restricted securities, within the meaning of federal securities laws, that have not been registered under the Securities Act, or any applicable state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States, absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements.

CONTACT:
PondelWilkinson Inc. for ProElite Inc.
Evan Pondel, 310-279-5980
epondel@pondel.com

GEORGIA WRESTLING NEWS, NOTES, AND NOSTALGIA: 03/17/2008

Courtesy of Rich Tate's GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com:

NEWS

We have sad news to pass along regarding Gary Hart. The legendary manager, who recently appeared on Peach State Pandemonium, passed away at his home Sunday. He was 66. (Rich Tate)

Power Pro Wrestling results from Temple, GA, at the New Temple Gym on March 15: Chris Lightning & Chris Ganz over Randall Johnson & Michael Cook; Stalker over John Storm and Cameron Valentine in a three-way; A.J. Steele over Dark Star; Fantasy over Stephanie Starr and Brandy Scotch Baker in a three-way; the Russian Kodiak over Shaun Baker; and Too Hott (Frankie Valentine & J-Rod) over Hot Like Lava (Shaun Banks & Cru Jones). It was reported that 140 were in attendance for this card, where Jeff McGowan and Ricky Spears were credited as referees. (Rich Tate)

The New Frontier Wrestling Association returns to the National Guard Armory in Franklin, NC, located at 192 Industrial Park Loop, on March 22. Bell time is 8:00 PM. Advertised: an eight-man elimination match featuring Bling Bling, Inc. (NFWA Heavyweight Champion Brokishi, NFWA US Heavyweight Champion Dirty, and NFWA Tag Team Champions Jamar Acid & Dark Angel), versus the Empire (Simon Sermon, Ryan Michaels, Matt Sells & Stoney Hooker, w/ Mr. Tibbs and Sebastian St. Clair); another eight-man elimination match featuring Team Redneck (Billy Starr, Randy Wayne, Sci-Fi & Cornbread) versus the Maine Event (Carter Maine, Talon Williams, Korrupt & the Bounty Hunter); Tommy Too Much versus Chip Hazard; Maximum Exposure (Ace Armstrong & Colin Knox) versus Drowning in Excellence (Dustin Michaels & Vincent Chambers); Danny Diesel versus the Mortician (w/ David Aire); and appearances by NFWA Commissioner Jay Hartigan, Jen Holbrook, and Ronda Lawrence. Referees will be Dee Byers and Michael Gentry. (Rich Tate)

Southern Extreme Championship Wrestling runs in Carrollton, GA, on March 23 at the VFW Fairgrounds, beginning at 6:00 PM. Doors open at 5:00. Ringside seating is $10, while general admission is $8. Call (770) 355-5742 for more info. Advertised: Bull Buchanan is scheduled to defend the SECW Heavyweight Title against the Super Destroyer, who is putting his mask on the line; Billy Love, Chick Donovan & Pretty Boy Floyd versus Tracy Smothers, Austin Creed & the Nightmare; Tommy Rich versus Eric Steele; Bulldog Raines versus Big Wood; and Kyle Matthews & Kid Ego versus Sal Rinauro & Dark Storm. (Rich Tate)

United Wrestling League announced their second internet pay-per-view event will take place on April 4 in Cleveland, Tennessee emanating from the Village Green Playhouse. The PPV will be available at their website starting April 5 starting at 7:30 pm EST. Ole Anderson will join the announce team. Bill Dundee makes his UWL in ring debut. Stan Lee, winner of the Ultimate Wrestlers Challenge at UWL's debut event, takes on Orion Bishop. The new Lords of the Ring (Kevin White & Jack Lord minus Johnny Slaughter) take on Damon Taz & Don Buchanan in a 2 out of 3 falls match. (Larry Goodman)

NOTES

Monday Night Mayhem will pay tribute to Gary Hart on its show on tonight at 8:00 PM ET. Bill Mercer and Brian Harrison will be on, as will regularly scheduled guests Bruno Sammartino and Jimmy Hart. (Rich Tate)

Jerkin' the Curtain, hosted by Trent Van Drisse, will feature Faron Foxx on its show tonight at 11:00 PM ET. (Rich Tate)

Click here for this week’s Bill Behrens’ NWA Notes update. (Rich Tate)

GWH wishes a happy birthday to Andrew ‘Test’ Martin (33) and Samoa Joe (29).

Chief Don Eagle committed suicide on this day in 1966. He was 41.

Six years ago today, Jerry ‘Big Red’ Reese died at the age of 51.

NOSTALGIA

1936: Pat O’Shocker defeated Frank Speer in the main event at Loew’s Grand Theatre in Atlanta for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Henry Weber. Count Zarnoff defeated Marshall Blackstock in the semi-main event.

1944: Tarzan Jordan defeated Otto Schnabel by disqualification in the main event at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Don Lee & Tony Ross and Joe Marsh & Tom George wrestled to a draw in the semi-main event, and the Red Devil defeated Al Massey.

1950: Don & Red McIntyre defeated Jim Coffield & Tom Mahoney by disqualification in the main event at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Rebel Russell defeated Nick Carter in the semi-main event.

1964: Chief Big Heart defeated Gene Murphy in the main event at the Macon City Auditorium for promoter Fred Ward, who was not affiliated with Georgia Championship Wrestling at this time. Rita Cortez defeated Lolita Juarez in the semi-main event, and Joe McCarthy & Greg Peterson defeated Billy Hines & Chuck Campbell.

1970: Joe Scarpa & El Mongol defeated Homer O’Dell & Buddy Colt to win the Macon Tag Team Title at the Macon City Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Fred Ward. Greg Peterson defeated Alex Perez in a semi-main event boxing match.

1972: Bepo Mongol, managed by Assassin #1, defeated Wilbur Snyder to win a one-night tournament at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones to determine the challenger to wrestle the NWA World Heavyweight Champion on March 24, 1972. Assassin #2, Buddy Colt, Ox Baker, El Mongol, Dick Steinborn, and Roberto Soto also participated in the tournament. El Mongol participated in an autograph session for fans.

1975: Toru Tanaka & Assassin #2, managed by Rock Hunter, defeated Jerry Brisco & Rocky Johnson to win the Georgia Tag Team Title at the William Bell Auditorium in Augusta for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Charlie Harben. Haystacks Calhoun defeated Hunter in a main event cage match.

1978: Nick Bockwinkel, managed by Bobby Heenan, defeated Mr. Wrestling #2 to retain the AWA Heavyweight Title at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones. Tony Atlas & Thunderbolt Patterson defeated Ernie Ladd & Stan Hansen in the semi-main event. Also, Ole Anderson defeated Mr. Wrestling #1 to retain the Georgia Television Title.

1980: Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated Austin Idol in the main event at the William Bell Auditorium in Augusta for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Charlie Harben. Ivan Koloff & Alexis Smirnoff, managed by Rock Hunter, defeated Kevin Sullivan & Tony Atlas in the semi-main event. Also, Jay Strongbow defeated Baron Von Raschke by disqualification, and Lars Anderson defeated Killer Khan.

1984: Jay Youngblood & King Kong Bundy defeated the Road Warriors, managed by Paul Ellering, in the main event at the Ohio Center in Columbus for Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Les Thatcher. Ron Garvin defeated Jake Roberts in a semi-main event lumberjack match, and Brad Armstrong defeated the Spoiler by disqualification. Ellering also managed Roberts and the Spoiler.

Superstar George Barrios Leaves NY Times For WWE® Ring

Courtesy of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.:

STAMFORD, Conn.--(March 17, 2008)--World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. announced today that George Barrios has been named its new Chief Financial Officer, effective March 24, 2008.

Barrios joins WWE as the company has been making headlines with record annual revenues and a recently announced 50% boost in dividends paid to public shareholders. “We welcome George Barrios as our new CFO,” said Linda McMahon, CEO. “At a time when we are focused on growth initiatives around the world, we are confident that George’s experience will be a tremendous asset for WWE’s future.”

Barrios was formerly Vice President and Treasurer of The New York Times Company. He replaces Frank Serpe, who is retiring as CFO after 21 years with WWE. “WWE thanks Frank Serpe for his commitment and dedication to the company through the years, and we wish him well,” said Mrs. McMahon.

Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: WWE), can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.

Trademarks: The names of all World Wrestling Entertainment televised and live programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans and wrestling moves and all World Wrestling Entertainment logos are trademarks which are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include the conditions of the markets for live events, broadcast television, cable television, pay-per-view, Internet, entertainment, professional sports, and licensed merchandise; acceptance of the Company's brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to litigation; risks associated with producing live events both domestically and internationally; uncertainties associated with international markets; risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television distribution agreements; and other risks and factors set forth from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. In addition to these risks and uncertainties, our dividend is based on a number of factors, including our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan, our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends and such other factors as our board of directors may consider relevant.

Contacts
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Media:
Gary Davis, 203-353-5066
or
Investors:
Michael Weitz, 203-352-8642

"Global Currents" With Host Kevin Newman Returns With New Episodes Saturday, March 22 - 7pm ET/PT On Global Television

Courtesy of Global Television:

THE AWARD WINNING CANADIAN ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARY SERIES CONTINUES TO SHOWCASE THE COUNTRY'S MOST DYNAMIC, INDEPENDENT FILMMAKERS

TORONTO, March 17 - Global Currents, the Gemini Award-winning program hosted by Global National's Kevin Newman, returns with a new slate of episodes. Beginning on Saturday, March 22 - 7pm ET/PT, Global Television presents the first of seven new 1-hour independently-produced documentaries. Featuring the talents of our country's best documentary filmmakers, Global Currents focuses on character-driven stories about socially relevant issues. The tradition continues with the upcoming episodes specifically selected for their unique content and distinctly Canadian point-of-view.

Global Currents Spring 2008 Season Premieres Schedule: ((*)Broadcast schedules are subject to change, please check local listings.)

Hijacked Future - Premieres March 22 (*)Encore presentation(*): May 3

While our industrial system of agriculture is providing abundance and variety today, this Global Currents documentary warns us that it's an unsustainable system that will not be able to nourish and provide for us and our grandchildren in the future. It's a system that literally runs on oil, from fertilizers and pesticides, to the trucks and planes that transport food. And the source of our food - seeds - is being hijacked by a handful of corporations from the farmers who have for millennia, grown and saved them.

Branded: Saving our Town - Premieres March 29

When the mill closed in Big River, Saskatchewan, most of the town's jobs vanished overnight. Mothers and fathers have had no choice but to find work outside of this small community and sons and daughters are looking to the big cities for their futures. In the middle of the storm, the mayor, Sandra Gilbert decides to take desperate measures. Big River will "brand" itself. This is the story of Big River - a dying entity in Canada, a small town, and a group of people who passionately fight to keep theirs alive.

Debt Trap - Premieres April 5 (*)Encore Presentation(*): May 24

A look beyond blaming individual consumers, to examine the roles of lending institutions, the corporate sector, and governments in understanding the current debt crisis and what we can do to correct it. The film includes analysis from a wide variety of experts including a banking executive, a credit counsellor, an author who has written on the topic, a Canadian think-tank economist, a student federation leader, and a community activist.

The Cure for Love - Premieres April 12

Can gays and lesbians change their orientation? Is it ethical to market change as if this were possible? Who are the people who enter the ex-gay movement and what goes one once they're 'in there'? Does it exist in Canada? The Cure for Love examines the ex-gay movement through the eyes of the people on the inside: a pastor who runs an online youth forum, a robotics engineer who escaped suicide, and Brian and Ana - two people who have successfully reoriented and were married last year. Is anybody happy?

Arctic Hip Hop - Premieres April 19

One hundred Inuit teens, ten hip hop dancers and 5 days in the remote hamlet of Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. Capitalizing on the popularity of Hip Hop, social worker and long-time b-boy Stephen Leafloor has brought positive hip hop workshops to the north. While dancing to the beat, kids are encouraged to blend their rich, ancient culture with a modern one. Between backspins and body-waves, they discuss bullying, body image and suicide. Five days later they emerge not only better dancers, but more confident kids, who have a clearer idea of how to balance their cultural identity with modern times.

Real Fight Club - Premieres May 17

Ultimate fighting. Extreme fighting. Cage fighting. There are many names for the most violent, fastest growing phenomenon in youth culture and world sport today - seen everywhere from shocking backyard brawls posted