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Thank You, Axl Rotten (And R.I.P.)

Saturday, March 21, 2009

DEBRA HAS OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE

-- Marvin Ward

Fans, former WWE Diva and Women's Champion DEBRA now has an Official Facebook Page. Please check out all the news updates and keep up to date on all of Debra's news and current events. The link is below! Debra welcomes all the fans to sign up.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1515288078&ref=profile#/profile.php?id=1515288078&ref=name

Also, just a reminder, Debra also has an Official Myspace Page

www.myspace.com/officialdebra

We invite all the fans to sign up and join Debra in her offical TNA fan movement to reunite Debra with Jeff Jarrett

ROY JONES JR. RETURNS TO FIGHT IN PENSACOLA AGAINST OMAR SHEIKA ON SATURDAY, MARCH 21 LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW

-- Bob Trieger

Square Ring Promotions Has Technological Web in Place To Stop Internet Piracy for Tonight’s event

Pensacola, FL (March 21, 2009) – Roy Jones Jr., Eight-Time World Champion, returns to Pensacola to fight for the first time since January 1999 when he battles Omar Sheika at the Pensacola Civic Center tonight (Saturday, March 21, 2009). The fight card, which includes a bevy of Mixed Martial Arts stars headlined by Roy “Big Country” Nelson against Jeff “Snowman” Monson, will also feature a cruiserweight match-up between undefeated B.J. Flores against Jose Luis Herrera. This hybrid event is promoted by Square Ring Promotions in association with Hirsch Borao Boxing and the Pensacola Civic Center and will be broadcast live on pay-per-view.

Square Ring Promotions intends to prosecute to the fullest extent of our legal rights Internet piracy and have engaged a firm in the United Kingdom that has the technology to track server and P2P pirates. This technology also permits Square Ring Promotions to identify individual ISP addresses of persons who have illegally pirated the event right into their own homes. We have also engaged a firm of specialist piracy attorneys who intend to pursue our legal remedies, at law and in equity, against these pirates.

With a retail price of $29.95 in the US and Canada and $9.95 in other countries on Maxboxing.com and Secondsout.com, it will now simply not be worth the risk of pirating this Event on the Internet. We fully intend to go after the companies that aid and abet this type of piracy.

Full Court Press
978.664.4482
978.590.0470 (cell)
bobtfcp@hotmail.com
www.FullCourtPress.sports.officelive.com

Friday, March 20, 2009

Weights From Pensacola

-- Bob Trieger

BOXING

12 Rounds – NABO Light Heavyweight Championship (PPV)
Roy Jones Jr., (52-5, 38 KOs), Pensacola, Florida - 173 ¼ lbs.
vs.
Omar Sheika (27-8, 18 KOs), Paterson, NJ - 175 lbs.

12 Rounds – NABO Cruiserweight Championship (PPV)
B.J. Flores (22-0, 14 KOs), Las Vegas, NV - 199 ¼ lbs.
vs.
Jose Luis Herrera (16-5, 16 KOs), Miami, FL - 199 ¼ lbs.

6 Rounds – Bantamweights
Kieyon Bussey (6-0, 4 KOs), Pensacola, FL - 122 ¼ lbs.
vs.
Robert DaLuz (11-16, 9 KOs), Jacksonville, FL - 123 ½ lbs.

4 Rounds – Super Middleweights
Richmond Dalphone (1-5, 1 KO), Pensacola, FL - 173 ¾ lbs.
vs.
Eric Clinton (0-5-1), Tallahassee, FL - 173 ¾ lbs.

4 Rounds – Heavyweights
Kelvin Price (4-0, 4 KOs), Pensacola, FL - 233 ¾ lbs.
vs.
Kevin Howard (1-1-1, 0 KOs), Montgomery, AL - 280 lbs.

MMA

3 X 5 – Heavyweights (PPV)
Roy Nelson (13-3), Las Vegas, NV - 262 lbs.
vs.
Jeff Monson (24-6), Olympia, WA - 245 ¾ lbs.

3 X 5 – Heavyweights (PPV)
Bobby Lashley (1-0), Parker, CO - 251 ½ lbs.
vs.
Jason Guida (17-19), Chicago, IL - 232 lbs.

3 X 5 – Featherweights (PPV)
Din Thomas (22-8), Port St. Lucie, FL - 144 ¾ lbs.
vs.
Gabe Lemley (13-8), New London, IA - 144 ¾ lbs.

3 X 5 – Welterweights (PPV)
Dennis Hallman (48-12-2), Yelm, WA - 169 lbs.
vs.
Danny Ruiz (8-3), Ft. Walton Beach, FL - 170 lbs.

3 X 5 – Welterweights
James Freeman (Pro Debut), Pensacola, FL - 171 ¼ lbs.
vs.
John Mowry (Pro Debut), Pensacola, FL - 176 ¾ lbs.

FACT SHEET

WHAT: Roy Jones, Jr. & MMA - Hybrid Pro Boxing/MMA Show

WHEN: Live on PPV: Saturday, March 21, 2009 – 9 PM/ET 6 PM/PT

WHERE: Pensacola Civic Center, Pensacola, Florida

PROMOTER: Square Ring Promotions

PAY-PER-VIEW INFORMATION: Distributed by Square Ring Promotions, Inc. at 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT in North America on cable and satellite via iNDemand, TVN, DirecTV and Dish Network in the United States, as well as Viewer's Choice, Shaw Cable, Star Choice and Bell TV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95

TICKETS: $128.00, $103.00, $78.00, $53.00 & $28.00 and on sale and available at all Ticketmaster locations, the Pensacola Civic Center Box Office and ticketmaster.com.

CONTACTS:

Bob Trieger, Full Court Press, (978) 664-4482, bobtfcp@hotmail.com

Ed Keenan, EMC (609) 399-1330, keenan@emcevents.com

Summer Jimmerson, Pensacola Civic Center: (850) 432-0800 x231, sjimmerson@pensacolaciviccenter.com

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Guida Talks More About Lashley

-- Bob Trieger

Jason Guida punishes the heavy bag then talks MORE about Bobby Lashley and Saturday’s fight.

The viewable and downloadable video is at this link…

http://www.emcevents.com/031909GuidaInterview.html

* * *

Eight-time world boxing champion Roy Jones, Jr. (52-5, 38 KOs) faces 4-time world title challenger Omar Sheika (27-8, 18 KOs) in the main event on the hybrid pro boxing/mixed-martial arts card, presented by Square Ring Promotions, in association with Hirsch Borao Boxing and the Pensacola Civic Center.

The unparalleled pro boxing/MMA show is being distributed by Square Ring Promotions, Inc. at 9:00PM ET/6:00PM PT in North America on cable and satellite via iNDemand, TVN, DirecTV and Dish Network in the United States, as well as Viewer's Choice, Shaw Cable, Star Choice and Bell TV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

Tickets, priced at $128.00, $103.00, $78.00, $53.00 & $28.00 are on sale and available at all Ticketmaster locations, the Pensacola Civic Center Box Office and ticketmaster.com.

CONTACTS:

Bob Trieger, Full Court Press, (978) 664-4482, bobtfcp@hotmail.com

Ed Keenan, EMC (609) 399-1330, keenan@emcevents.com

Summer Jimmerson, Pensacola Civic Center: (850) 432-0800 x231, sjimmerson@pensacolaciviccenter.com

ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP® CONFIRMS REMAINING BOUTS FOR UFC® FIGHT NIGHT™ IN NASHVILLE

-- Ultimate Fighting Championship

For Immediate Release:
March 19, 2009

RYAN BADER vs. CARMELO MARRERO
TYSON GRIFFIN vs. RAFAEL DOS ANJOS
COLE MILLER vs. JUNIE BROWNING
GLEISON TIBAU vs. JEREMY STEPHENS
RICARDO ALMEIDA vs. MATT HORWICH
BROCK LARSON vs. JESSE SANDERS
TIM CREDEUR vs. NICK CATONE
JORGE RIVERA vs. NISSEN OSTERNECK
ROB KIMMONS vs. JOE VEDEPO
TIM McKENZIE vs. AARON SIMPSON
RYAN JENSEN vs. STEVE STEINBEISS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2009

LIVE FROM SOMMET CENTER IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

Las Vegas, NV (USA) – The Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®) is proud to confirm the remaining bouts for its first-ever event in Nashville, Tennessee. Ryan Bader, Carmelo Marrero, Tyson Griffin, Rafael dos Anjos, Cole Miller, Junie Browning, Gleison Tibau, Jeremy Stephens, Ricardo Almeida, Matt Horwich, Brock Larson, Jesse Sanders, Tim Credeur, Nick Catone, Jorge Rivera, Nissen Osterneck, Rob Kimmons, Joe Vedepo, Tim McKenzie, Aaron Simpson, Ryan Jensen and Steve Steinbeiss complement a stellar main event between former WEC® welterweight champion Carlos Condit and Martin Kampmann at UFC Fight Night™ Live on Spike TV Wednesday, April 1 at 9:00p.m. ET/PT from the Sommet Center.

Tickets are still available at the Sommet Center box office, all Ticketmaster locations, and by telephone at 615-770-2040. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at UFC.com, sommetcenter.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

After winning Season 8 of The Ultimate Fighter®, Ryan Bader will make his true UFC debut. The 25-year-old Bader (fighting out of Tempe, Ariz.) attended Arizona State University where he was a two-time All-American and three-time All-Pac-10 wrestler. He is coming off an impressive first-round TKO over Vinny Magalhaes in December 2008 to be crowned The Ultimate Fighter in the light heavyweight division. However, his next big test in the Octagon™ comes against Carmelo Marrero (fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.), who made a big splash in his Octagon debut in October 2006 at UFC 64 by winning a split decision over the dangerous Cheick Kongo. Following a drop to light heavyweight, he won his last fight against Steve Steinbeiss in a WEC matchup last November, and looks to continue his winning ways against Bader.

The last time Tyson Griffin (fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) stepped into the Octagon, it was a three-round epic with Sean Sherk that earned fight of the night honors at UFC 90. But now the 24-year-old lightweight fighter who already has five UFC wins in his career will take on the slick Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist Rafael Dos Anjos (fighting out of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil), who carries an 11-3 career mark into the Octagon.

When thinking about submission victories over high-level grapplers, Cole Miller (fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) should come to mind. The Augusta, Georgia native’s triangle win over Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Jorge Gurgel in his last fight is indicative of how the 24-year-old is becoming a force in the lightweight division. Another 155-pound fighter making a name for himself in the division is Ultimate Fighter Season 8 alumnus Junie Browning (fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.). The Lexington, Kentucky native already has an impressive arm bar victory against Dave Kaplan in his UFC debut on his professional resume.

Coming off a submission victory against Rich Clementi, Gleison Tibau (fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) realizes the UFC lightweight division is incredibly stacked with top-tier fighters. That’s what makes the Brazilian’s match with Jeremy Stephens (fighting out of Des Moines, Iowa) so crucial. The 22-year-old Stephens has already compiled a 16-4 professional mixed martial arts record with three UFC wins.

It will be interesting to see what happens if the fight between middleweights Ricardo Almeida (fighting out of Hamilton, N.J.) and Matt Horwich (fighting out of Gresham, Ore.) hits the ground. Almeida, a four-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu national champion in Brazil, has two submission victories in the UFC but will have his hands full if he gets into Horwich’s slick rubber guard. A veteran of 35 professional MMA fights, the 30-year-old Horwich will look to get win No. 25 against Almeida.

A veteran of the UFC and the WEC, 31-year-old welterweight Brock Larson (fighting out of Brainerd, Minn.) has faced some big names in the sport of MMA. With a 25-2 record and coming off two straight WEC wins, Larson makes the jump back to the UFC and takes on Jesse Sanders (fighting out of Oskaloosa, Iowa). The 28-year-old former professional boxer and Golden Gloves champion will make his UFC debut against the seasoned Larson.

Coming off two straight TKO victories in the UFC, Lafayette, Louisiana native Tim Credeur (fighting out of Breaux Bridge, La.) is starting to turn heads in the middleweight division. Credeur will need to bring it again when he faces undefeated Englewood, N.J. born fighter Nick Catone (fighting out of Brick, N.J.). The former Rider University wrestler submitted Derek Downey in his UFC debut in February and now will have another big test when he touches gloves with Credeur.

It’s always an exciting matchup when UFC veteran Jorge Rivera (fighting out of Milford, Mass.) steps into the Octagon. The 37-year-old has earned UFC wins over Kendall Grove, David Loiseau, Edwin Dewees and Dennis Hallman, but he will have to be prepared to take on UFC middleweight newcomer Nissen Osterneck (fighting out of Maui, Hawaii). The 28-year-old Myrtle Beach, South Carolina native will make his UFC debut against the MMA veteran.

A third degree black belt in American jiu-jitsu, Kansas City, Kansas born fighter Rob Kimmons (fighting out of Liberty, Mo.) already has three UFC bouts on his resume and will look to get his 22nd professional win when he faces 26-year-old Joe Vedepo (fighting out of Iowa City, Iowa). It will be a matchup between two well-rounded middleweights looking to ascend up the division.

A veteran of the WEC, Santa Clara, California born fighter Tim McKenzie (fighting out of Stockton, Calif.) is looking to ride the wave from his last WEC match, which ended in a submission victory. The 26-year-old with the 12-5 mark will now face his former training partner Aaron Simpson (fighting out of Phoenix, Ariz.). It was and impressive WEC debut for Simpson, who earned an 18-second knock out against David Avellan last November. Now the two-time NCAA All-American wrestler from Arizona State University will make his UFC debut against the tough middleweight.

A veteran of three UFC fights, 31-year-old Ryan Jensen (fighting out of Omaha, Neb.) will look for his first UFC victory when he faces middleweight Steve Steinbeiss (fighting out of Phoenix, Ariz.). The 27-year-old kickboxing specialist will look for his first UFC win when he squares off with Jensen.

About The Ultimate Fighting Championship

The Ultimate Fighting Championship is the world’s leading professional mixed martial arts organization and offers the premier series of MMA sports events. Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, and headquartered in Las Vegas, Nev., UFC produces over twelve live pay-per-view events annually that are distributed residentially through North American cable and satellite providers including iNDEMAND Networks, DIRECTV, DISH Network, TVN Entertainment, Shaw Pay-Per-View, Bell ExpressVU, Viewers Choice, SaskTel Max™ and via the Internet worldwide on Yahoo! Sports, and commercially through Joe Hand Promotions in the U.S. and Canadastar in Canada. In addition to its North American distribution, UFC programming is distributed in over 100 countries and territories throughout the world. For more information, or current UFC fight news, visit ufc.com or uk.ufc.com or ufcespanol.com.

Ultimate Fighting Championship, Ultimate Fighting, UFC, The Ultimate Fighter®, Submission®, As Real As It Gets®, Zuffa™, The Octagon™ and the eight-sided competition mat and cage design are registered trademarks, trademarks, trade dress or service marks owned exclusively by Zuffa, LLC in the United States and other jurisdictions. All other marks referenced herein may be the property of Zuffa, LLC or other respective owners.

About Spike TV

Spike TV is available in 97.7 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. A unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), MTV Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV's Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV's press site at http://www.spike.com/press.

Roy Jones, Jr. Breaks Up Lashley-Guida

-- Bob Trieger

Skirmish at Press Conference

At the final press conference in Pensacola yesterday, Bobby Lashley read some excerpts at the podium of what Jason Guida had been saying in the press. At that time, Guida shot back with, "This is a real fight. Not what you have been used to. This is not fake - these are real punches."

When it was time to do the "face-off" photo, the matter escalated to the point where Guida grabbed Lashley by the throat. "Promoter" Roy Jones, Jr. had to get between them to break it up.

The video is posted on you-tube.

Catch it here...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jl5FbH43EU

* * *

Eight-time world boxing champion “Superman” Roy Jones, Jr. (52-5, 38 KOs) faces 4-time world title challenger Omar Sheika (27-8, 18 KOs) in the main event on the hybrid pro boxing/mixed-martial arts card, presented by Square Ring Promotions, in association with Hirsch Borao Boxing and the Pensacola Civic Center.

The unparalleled pro boxing/MMA show is being distributed by Square Ring Promotions, Inc. at 9:00PM ET/6:00PM PT in North America on cable and satellite via iNDemand, TVN, DirecTV and Dish Network in the United States, as well as Viewer's Choice, Shaw Cable, Star Choice and Bell TV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

Tickets, priced at $128.00, $103.00, $78.00, $53.00 & $28.00 are on sale and available at all Ticketmaster locations, the Pensacola Civic Center Box Office and ticketmaster.com.

CONTACTS:

Bob Trieger, Full Court Press, (978) 664-4482, bobtfcp@hotmail.com

Ed Keenan, EMC (609) 399-1330, keenan@emcevents.com

Summer Jimmerson, Pensacola Civic Center: (850) 432-0800 x231, sjimmerson@pensacolaciviccenter.com

Final Press Conference Quotes From Pensacola

-- Bob Trieger

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

MMA

Gabe Lemley: MMA and boxing, the best of the worlds. This is Don’s first fight at 145 (pounds). I’m excited because I’ve been fighting at 155. We’re meeting where I’m comfortable. We’re going to put on a good show.”

Dennis Hallman: I’m happy to be fighting again – 16-month layoff. I would have liked to have met my opponent (Pensacola’s Danny Ruiz) today, but I guess he couldn’t get here. We’re going to put on a good show.”

Jason Guida: I’m really pumped for it. I want to thank Bobby (Lashley) for taking the fight. I’m going to do it. Everyone’s going to see a good show. We’re going to do something March 21st”

Bobby Lashley: I’m kind of shocked. Jason Guida’s been talking a lot. (Lashley read the following Guida quotes from a previous press release):

MMA is new to Bobby. I don’t have anything against him. Someday he could be good for MMA. I welcome him, after I beat him, to work at our club (Hellhouse) to learn how to fight. Lashley’s going to find out that this is MMA not WWE. He’s in for a rude awakening, which probably will be a good thing -- he’ll be fighting a real MMA guy.

This fight will be a good. I hope he can back-up what he said. I have a reason to fight now.

Roy Nelson: I’m hoping we’ll see Jeff Monson (reportedly in minor car accident this morning and unable to attend the press conference). This is my second time here (Monson wasn’t in Pensacola for either press conference) and maybe the third time will be the charm (Saturday). You’re going to see fireworks. We’re both great grapplers. Jeff brings it; he’s a good competitor and I’m a good competitor. Come Saturday only on is leaving the ring a winner and that’s going to be me.

(Lashley and Guida started exchanging words across the dais)

Guida: I didn’t say half but meant all of it (quotes in the release that Lashley previously read).

Lashley: I’m going to put him to sleep.

Guida: I’ve never seen you put anybody to sleep.

Lashley: He can keep dreaming.

(During the face-down Guida kept talking and moving closer to Lashley)

Guida: This is for real. How long have you been faking? How long in the WWE?

Lashley: I’m done talking.

Guida: How long has it been since somebody hit you on the chin for real?

(Guida got in the face of Lashley, who finally pushed Guida back, and Roy Jones, Jr. stepped between the two)

BOXING

Roy Jones Jr.: To have people come out and support me like this is a great feeling. And all this trash talking that is going on it what it’s all about.

People are wondering why I have picked a big puncher like Omar Sheika to bring to my hometown. You know I don’t do anything easy. All these people are paying good money to come see the fights and we have to put on a good show. They don’t want to see easy fights. He’s 32 and this is an opportunity of a lifetime for him. I owe my fans a tough fight, that’s why I brought in a guy like this. You know he is going to be hungry.

I am 40-years now and I feel like I can go to 45. I do it because I love what I do.

This is the kind of an event that the MMA fights go quick and the boxing fights last a while. It is good for everybody. I hope it goes well. It is still two guys fighting in a ring. Man-to-man is what it is supposed to be and that’s why fighting is great.

I wouldn’t put a fight like this together if I didn’t think it was the wave of the future.

I used to get nervous fighting in my hometown. But I prepared for this fight the best I could. By having my dad in camp, I got my skills tuned up again.

Jones’ trainer Alton Merkerson: It’s been a long time since Roy has fought in Pensacola and he has always promised to me that he would fight here again. This is the first event of its kind and I am glad to be a part of it. These are two veterans and both are warriors. Both have worked very hard and prepared to their best for this competition on the 21st.

Omar Sheika: I’m in the best shape and this is the hardest I have trained in my whole life. They got me in the best shape to be prepared for the best Roy Jones. This is an opportunity of a lifetime. This will begin the second chapter of my boxing career. What he has accomplished, being an eight-time world champion, and I am here trying to get my first world title.

Maybe picking me wasn’t the smartest thing to do. I am very excited about this fight. On the 21st, there will be fireworks flying.

B.J. Flores: I am full of gratitude with this opportunity to fight on the same card with a legend like Roy Jones. When I was a kid, I would run home after school to watch tapes of Roy Jones fighting against James Toney. Now I am fighting on the same card as him.

I want to show the people what I am about. Look at my face – this is a face of a World Champion. This fight will take me to greater things and that will fulfill all of my dreams.

I’m not here for fun and games and to joke around. This is my life and I take it very seriously.

* * *

Eight-time world boxing champion Roy Jones, Jr. (52-5, 38 KOs) faces 4-time world title challenger Omar Sheika (27-8, 18 KOs) in the main event on the hybrid pro boxing/mixed-martial arts card, presented by Square Ring Promotions, in association with Hirsch Borao Boxing and the Pensacola Civic Center.

The unparalleled pro boxing/MMA show is being distributed by Square Ring Promotions, Inc. at 9:00PM ET/6:00PM PT in North America on cable and satellite via iNDemand, TVN, DirecTV and Dish Network in the United States, as well as Viewer's Choice, Shaw Cable, Star Choice and Bell TV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

Tickets, priced at $128.00, $103.00, $78.00, $53.00 & $28.00 are on sale and available at all Ticketmaster locations, the Pensacola Civic Center Box Office and ticketmaster.com.

CONTACTS:

Bob Trieger, Full Court Press, (978) 664-4482, bobtfcp@hotmail.com

Ed Keenan, EMC (609) 399-1330, keenan@emcevents.com

Summer Jimmerson, Pensacola Civic Center: (850) 432-0800 x231, sjimmerson@pensacolaciviccenter.com

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Final Ratings Information For Last Week's Edition Of 'WWE Friday Night SmackDown'

-- Ric Gillespie

According to Nielsen Media Research's data, the program drew a 1.9/3, and roughly three-point-two-million viewers, continuing its downward trend.

Book Review: WWE Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide To World Wrestling Entertainment

-- Steven Wilson, of MainEventRadio.com

The title of the book is a claim that is sure to leave many skeptical. In order to be the definitive guide to a company with 45+ years of history you need to work endlessly to make sure you don’t leave anything out. Vince McMahon’s forward to the book proclaims it to be the “first ever official documented history of the WWE”, Throughout the years we’ve all heard about superstars and events going down in the history books and now we have an officially recognized WWE history book, and quite frankly it’s an extremely impressive one.

Authored by former WWE employees Brian Sheilds and Kevin Sullivan (no not the taskmaster) and coming in at over 350 full colored pages, profiling nearly a 1000 superstars and utilizing over 1500 images from the WWE and PWI archives, the WWE encyclopedia is packed with more than enough information for you to become an expert on the who’s who and the what’s what of the WWE.

As with any encyclopedia, the book runs from A to Z. The majority of entries are the profiles of the superstars of the WWE.. This includes the obvious big names such as Stone Cold, John Cena, Taker and Michaels, but also includes the names you possibly never heard of or tried to forget such as the Battle Kat, Mystery Man and Friar Furgeson, It even includes those you probably didn’t even expect to be in the book. I speak of course of the names WWE chooses to forget sometimes, the most obvious being Chris Benoit who is recognized with a half page bio with no mention of the 2007 tragedy. Those who have crossed Vince McMahon, those who have sued him and those that are currently working against him in TNA are all recognized as well, which to me was a sign that for once the WWE was not going to censor a product because of a grudge they have with someone, which scores it bonus points in heading towards the goal of being the definitive guide.

A title history for every single WWE title is featured in the book. From little known titles such as the Woman’s Tag Team Championship or the World Martial Arts Heavyweight Championship to the most obvious WWE Championship, every single champion is recognized. The one odd thing is that the WWE officially recognized the entire US title history while in WCW but did not recognize the World Heavyweight championships history prior to their adopting of it in 2002

Pay Per Views and Television is also recognized. A complete history of Wrestlemania caps off the book, while other PPV’s include a recap of the main events of said shows. 30 years of WWE television is also documented with a short explanation of each show. Spotlghts on WWE merchandise, Video Games, Fan signs and superstars in themovies are also included.

The book has a suggested retail price of 45$ American but is available via Amazon for 30$, The book is hardcovered and sports large 12 by 9 pages. I was legitimately impressed with the presentation of the book and its wealth of information, For those wondering for the most part the book is kayfabed. No real names, identities of masked superstars or post WWE career information is included, but nonetheless this book is a must for any true WWE fan and can be a reference tool for those who write or speak about the company as you can certainly learn a lot about the company’s history. Is it the definitive guide to the history of the WWE? It’s pretty darn close, I would definitely consider this the definitive guide to the kayfabe side of the WWE, while the definitive guide to the business side of the company and how it evolved through the years could easily fill another book, and or has been covered in an array of other books over the years.

The WWE Encyclopedia is available now, You can order it via amazon via http://www.amazon.com/WWE-Encyclopedia-DK-Publishing/dp/075664190X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1237312553&sr=8-1 or check out the publishers official website via http://us.dk.com/. To read my previous book and dvd reviews head on over to wrestlingdvdreviews.vze.com or add the myspace via myspace.com/wrestlingdvdreviews

Monday, March 16, 2009

More Details On Andrew Martin's Death, As Investigation Continues

-- Ric Gillespie

Andrew "Test" Martin's cause of death is still pending, and, on what would've been his thirty-fourth birthday, while it's not known how long we'll have to wait for results of an autopsy, light has been shed on what police presently know.

According to authorities, prescription drugs, mostly painkillers and steroids, were found in Martin's apartment, and, whatever the reason, he appeared to pass away while in the middle of a meal, as partially consumed pizza and soda were near the body.

More to come, I'm certain.

Congratulations, Tito Ortiz & Jenna Jameson ...

-- Ric Gillespie

On today's birth of your boys. Jenna and the twins, by the way, are said to be doing well.

Guida Plans To Nail Lashley

-- Bob Trieger

Jones-Sheika headlines boxing/MMA PPV show March 21 in Pensacola

PENSACOLA, Fla. (March 16, 2009) – Thirty-eight fight veteran Jason Guida, replacing Ken Shamrock, plans to nail former WWE star Bobby Lashley on the March 21st pro boxing/MMA pay-per-view event at the Pensacola Civic Center.

Eight-time world boxing champion Roy Jones, Jr. (52-5, 38 KOs) faces 4-time world title challenger Omar Sheika (27-8, 18 KOs) in the main event on the hybrid pro boxing/mixed-martial arts card, presented by Square Ring Promotions, in association with Hirsch Borao Boxing and the Pensacola Civic Center.

The unparalleled pro boxing/MMA show is being distributed by Square Ring Promotions, Inc. at 9:00PM ET/6:00PM PT in North America on cable and satellite via iNDemand, TVN, DirecTV and Dish Network in the United States, as well as Viewer's Choice, Shaw Cable, Star Choice and Bell TV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

Guida (17-19-0, 2 NC, 4 KOs, 10 submissions), fighting out of the South Side of Chicago, is a union carpenter who has fought at anywhere between 185 and 235 pounds during his 5-½ year career. He accepted the fight on a little more than one week’s notice to fight Lashley (1-0, 1 KO), 3-time NCAA champion (1996-98) and 4-time All-America wrestler at Missouri Valley College.

“I’m always training and this has become my MO,” he explained. “I do a lot of short notice fights, where I’ve been most successful, and this fight fell into my lap. I’ve always made the best of it and I plan on doing the same Saturday night in Pensacola. I want to fight the top guys; Lashley may not be a top guy but he’s a top name, and beating him will put me on the map again.”

Guida may be giving away 5-inches and around 30 pounds to the Adonis-like built Lashley, but Jason has a significant advantage in MMA fighting experience, 39 pro fights and 78 rounds to Bobby’s single, one-round fight. In fact there’s a more than a slight similarity between Guida and another late replacement for Shamrock, Seth Petruzelli, who upset Internet sensation Kimbo Slice last October. “I definitely see my experience being a huge factor,” Guida remarked. “But Lashley has less experience than Kimbo and I have more than Seth had. I don’t know if Seth (he stopped Kimbo in the opening round) was set to go three rounds, but I’m ready to finish Lashley or outpoint him. I was training for a fight that fell-out in February and I just kept training.

“Size doesn’t matter. I’ve had my best fights against big guys and put my hands on guys bigger than Bobby. I wrestled (UFC heavyweight champion) Brock Lesnar in junior college. I don’t think Lashley has the background or knows how to put his body into MMA as well as Lesnar. MMA is new to Bobby. I don’t have anything against him. Someday he could be good for MMA. I welcome him, after I beat him, to work at our club (Hellhouse) to learn how to fight. Lashley’s going to find out that this is MMA not WWE. He’s in for a rude awakening, which probably will be a good thing -- he’ll be fighting a real MMA guy. I don’t wish him any ill harm, in fact, I wish him the best because beating him will look even better if he goes on to succeed in MMA.”

After graduating from Missouri Valley College, Lashley joined the U.S. Army and was a 2-time Armed Forces Champion and 2002 Military Games Championship silver medalist. Two years ago, Lashley became a WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) superstar, joining Donald Trump at Wrestlemania 23 in a bet against WWE president Vince McMahon. Lashley won the match and helped Trump shave McMahon’s head in the ring. Bobby made his MMA debut last December 13, stopping Joshua Franklin only 0.41 into the opening round.

Guida, who will become a father for the first time in July, has dedicated his March 21 fight in memory of Ryan Burke, a 15-year-old wrestler who also trained at Hellhouse and died last month in an accident.

The MMA portion of the hybrid card features a match-up between world-class grapplers Roy “Big Country” Nelson (13-6, 6 KOs, 4 Submissions), ex-IFL heavyweight champion, and former UFC title challenger Jeff “Snowman” Monson (27-8, 2 KOs, 15 Submissions).

Tickets, priced at $128.00, $103.00, $78.00, $53.00 & $28.00 are on sale and available at all Ticketmaster locations, the Pensacola Civic Center Box Office and ticketmaster.com.

CONTACTS:

Bob Trieger, Full Court Press, (978) 664-4482, bobtfcp@hotmail.com

Ed Keenan, EMC (609) 399-1330, keenan@emcevents.com

Summer Jimmerson, Pensacola Civic Center: (850) 432-0800 x231, sjimmerson@pensacolaciviccenter.com

Note from Ric: If you're into boxing, you might be interested in the following Jones-Sheika preview - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfZ361wLElc,

Tuchscherer Following Lesnar’s Path To MMA Glory

-- Bob Trieger

Headlines vs. Hinkle in “Beatdown 4” Saturday night for 1st SNMMA title at 4 Bears Casino in N. Dakota

NEW TOWN, North Dakota (March 16, 2009) – MMA heavyweight prospect Chris Tuchscherer plans to parlay his experience working with UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar into capturing the first Sovereign Nations Mixed Martial Arts (SNMMA) title Saturday night (March 21) headlining “Beatdown 4” against Brandon “The Iron Lion” Lee Hinkle at 4 Bears Casino in New Town, North Dakota. Lesnar will be a special guest at “Beatdown 4.”

SNMMA links federally recognized tribes throughout the United States and Canada. SNMMA’s mission is to develop, promote and help regulate mixed-martial-arts in a fair and professional manner by federally recognized tribes that are sovereign nations.

Hinkle-Tuchscherer, recently named the No. 7 best MMA fight in march by Sherdog, features two former college wrestling standouts -- Tuchscherer (15-1-0, 5 (T)KOs, 6 Submissions), from nearby Fargo (ND), a 2-time NCAA, Div. II All-America wrestler and Hinkle (14-9-1, 8 (T)KO, 4 Submissions), fighting out of Columbus, Ohio, a former NCAA, Division II wrestling champion – battling for the vacant SNMMA heavyweight title is scheduled for five, 5-minute rounds (all other fights on the card have three, 3-minute rounds).

Tuchscherer is a member of the Minnesota Martial Arts Academy, which will be well represented on “Beatdown 4,” as well as where Lesnar trains frequently working out with Chris. “Brock is an amazing athlete who I’ve learned a lot from as a fighter and person,” Tuchscherer said. “I’m not intimidated by him because we’re good friends. Sometimes it’s like two brothers working out and we get after each other pretty good. It does get frustrating at times working with somebody as strong and massive as Brock. Hell, he’s the UFC champion only three fights into his MMA career. He’s a beast. Brock Lesnar is a whole other animal. I’m blessed to work out with the past two years It was an honor to be chosen by him as one of his fulltime workout partners, not just somebody for him to train with. It tells me I’m somebody near the top and one day I hope to be where he is.

“Fighting for the SNMMA title means a lot to me and I’m very glad to be part of it, especially the first one. I’m from North Dakota, too, and it’s great to have this opportunity. I lived in Rugby, which isn’t too far from 4 Bears, so I hope to have some fans there. I moved to Arizona with my mother but later went back to North Dakota and wrestled at Bottineau High. I went on to wrestle in college at North Dakota State and Minnesota.”

Hinkle is a UFC veteran who also is 2-0 as a pro boxer. He has been inactive since July, 2007, but during his career he’s beaten Sean Gannon (who defeated Kimbo Slice) and been in against the likes of Jeff Monson and Jason Lambert.

“Hinkle trains at Hammer House and has a wrestling background like me,” Chris noted. “He was a Division 2 national champion (West Liberty State) and has been around many years. He’s fought some really good guys and done well. Brandon’s been off a while but I’m preparing to fight him at his best. I never take anybody lightly and I’m sure he’s prepared for me. I’ve trained hard to beat him and put on a great show. I want to defeat him, win the first SNMMA title, and go from there.”

Another ex-UFC fighter, Drew Fickett (36-10-0), battles dangerous welterweight Nick “The Carnie” Lentz (14-3-1) in a much-anticipated co-feature. Fighting on the undercard is featherweight Clint Godfrey (7-1-1) vs. Rich Taylor (5-1-0), lightweight Marshall Martin (10-5-0) vs. Dan Casey (12-2-0), featherweight Yaotzin Meza (11-4) vs. Travis Reddinger (10-0), heavyweight Jessie Wallace (3-0-0) vs. Zak Jenson (6-2-0), lightweights Jon Knutson (2-3-0) vs. Pablo Garza (2-0-0), light heavyweight Jim Miltonberger (1-1-0) vs. Bruce Nelson (17-25-1), middleweight Josh Rosaaen (2-3-0) vs. Ryan Braun (2-4-0), heavyweight Seth Harrison (1-1-0) vs. Tyler Bartholemew (0-1-0), light heavyweight Dane Sayers (3-0) vs. Shane Dezee (8-3-0). All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $20.00 (bleachers), $30.00 (floor) and $50.00 (ringside), are available at 4 Bears Casino’s Players Club or by calling 800.294.5454 X4724. Go to www.4bearsfightclub.com or www.snbcmma.com for additional information.

SNMMA

SNMMA is committed to serving the communities and advancing the lives and economic situation off all Native people, as well as all professional MMA fighters, in a positive and professional manner. For more information about Sovereign Nation Mixed Martial Arts call 701.6277539, go online at www.snbcmma.com, or write to SNMMA, P.O. Box 5, Parshall, ND 58770.

CONTACTS:

Bob Trieger, Full Court Press, 978.664.4482, bobtfcp@hotmail.com

Jayme Burkhart, Results Unlimited, 701.837.4949, jcb@results-unlimited.com

Spike TV Seeks To Settle The Age-Old Question - Who Is The Deadliest Warrior?

-- Spike TV

Premiere Episode Features Special Guest, UFC Legend Chuck Liddell

Nine One-Hour Episodes Of New Original Series; Premiere Starting Tuesday, April 7 On Spike TV

Users Can Visit Spike.com To View Full Episodes After They Premiere

NEW YORK, March 16 -- Who would win in a battle to the death -- a Samurai or a Viking? William Wallace or Shaka Zulu? The Japanese Yakuza or the Sicilian Mafia? Spike TV seeks to finally put these age old questions to rest in "Deadliest Warrior," an unprecedented, non-scripted series that pits history's greatest warriors against one another to determine, once and for all, who reigns supreme.

Premiering Tuesday, April 7 (10-11p.m., ET/PT) on Spike TV, the debut episode, "Gladiator vs. Apache," features the crowd-pleasing killer of ancient Rome going up against the fierce, unyielding scalp-picking Native American warrior. Modern day gladiator, UFC fighter Chuck Liddell, makes a special appearance in this episode to test the gladiator's lethal weapons using his legendary striking abilities.

Each week, a new episode will pit two of the most feared warriors civilization has ever known against each other. To collect all significant data on these legends of combat, "Deadliest Warrior" assembled a fight club that consists of three series regulars: Geoff Desmoulin, a biomedical engineer and karate black belt who uses high-tech sensors to collect the data; ER doctor and UFC physician, Dr. Armand Dorian, who analyzes the lethal potential of each attack on the human body; and computer whiz, Max Geiger, who tracks all the test findings to ultimately run in a battle simulation program. Along with the use of 21st century science and the latest in CGI technology, each episode enlists warrior-specific world-class fighters and experts to provide insight into what makes these combatants tick, analyzing every facet of their unique skills of destruction, culminating in a head-to-head final fight between two legends of the battlefield that will produce the deadliest warrior.

Other highly-anticipated showdowns this season include: Pirate vs. Knight, Taliban vs. IRA, Yakuza vs. Mafia, Viking vs. Samurai, Green Beret vs. Spetznaz, Maori vs. Shaolin Monks, William Wallace vs. Shaka Zulu and Ninja vs. Spartan.

"Deadliest Warrior" featured content on Spike.com will consist of preview clips and highlight segments from each episode. Users will also be able to view full episodes of that week's episode online after it has premiered on-air.

"Deadliest Warrior" is produced for Spike TV by Morningstar Entertainment ("Manhunters: Fugitive Task Force"). The series is executive produced by Gary Tarpanian and Paninee Theeranuntawat. Tim Prokop serves as supervising producer and director. Sharon Levy and Tim Duffy are Spike TV's executives in charge of production.

Spike TV is available in 97.7 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. A unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), MTV Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV's Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV's press site at www.spike.com/press.

IWF March 14 Results & March 28-29 Events

-- Independent Wrestling Federation

Website: www.Wrestling IWF.com
MySpace: www.MySpace.com/WrestlingIWF

RESULTS:

IWF Saturday, March 14, 2009 @ West Paterson, NJ (afternoon event)
1. Mad Dawg Jenkins defeated Chachi.
2. IWF American Champion Damian Adams defeated Biggie Biggs to retain the title. 3. Kevin Knight defeated IWF Heavyweight Champion Hi-Definition Chris Steeler in a non-title match.

IWF Saturday, March 14, 2009 @ West Paterson, NJ (evening event)
1. Mad Dawg Jenkins defeated Kareem West.
2. IWF American Champion Damian Adams defeated Biggie Biggs to retain the title. 3. Kevin Knight defeated IWF Heavyweight Champion Hi-Definition Chris Steeler in a non-title match.

=========================================================

IWF Pro Wrestling March Madness Weekend Live Events:
"Ross Rumble" Sat, Mar 28 & Sun, Mar 29 @ West Paterson, NJ

(WEST PATERSON, NJ)- March comes in like a lion and leaves like a tiger as live Independent Wrestling Federation action returns with March Madness Weekend live events Saturday, March 28, 7:30 pm and Sunday, March 29, 4 pm at IWF Centre, 32 Willow Way, West Paterson, NJ. Here is a complete preview of the upcoming cards.

Day one Saturday, March 28th features a Double Main Event. The IWF Heavyweight Title is up for grabs as new champion Hi-Definition Chris Steeler with Commissioner Rich Ross defends against Juicy Justin Corino. Last month at February Fury, Steeler captured the title from Kevin Knight to become the first Grand Slam Winner in IWF History, having held all four championships. Corino, fresh off an impressive win last month in a Street Fight against Ross Family member Franciz, is a former American and Tag Team Champion and looks to add the top crown to his resume.

As seen on Eruption, the Double Main Event is topped off with a 16-Man Over-The-Top-Rope “Ross Rumble” to determine the number one contender for the IWF American Title at April’s Reckless Abandon Anniversary Event. In the contender's Rumble, wrestlers enter every 2-minutes, with over-the-top-rope elimination, and the last man standing wins! Who will outlast the field and challenge for the American Title next month?

In an IWF American Title rematch, challenger Mad Dawg Jenkins of Bigg Nutz looks take a bite out of champion and 2008 Tournament of Champions winner Damian Adams with Commissioner Rich Ross. Can the Mad Dawg fetch the American Title away from the clutches of Adams and Boss Ross?

IWF Tag Team Champions, the 340-pound mastodon Franciz and Dangerous Dan McGuire of The Ross Family, defend against Kevin Knight and Kareem West. Last month while McGuire served as guest referee, he shockingly super-kicked West during his bout against Adams costing him a victory. Now, West has enlisted Knight in his war of revenge against the newest Ross Family member.

Also appearing on the card March 28th are Stellar Travis Blake, Biggie Biggs, German Menace Kraig Stagg, Evan Schwartz, Fady “Arabian Bull” Madani, Chachi, IWF Junior Champion Jennifer, and Jana. Plus much more to be announced. Check back soon for updates.

Day two Sunday, March 29th features a Double Main Event with an IWF Heavyweight Title Match as champion Hi-Definition Chris Steeler takes on challenger Mad Dawg Jenkins. Jenkins may very well enter this contest as the new American Champion, while it remains to be seen if Steeler will still hold Heavyweight gold on this day.

Another 16-Man Over-The-Top-Rope “Ross Rumble” determines the number one contender for the IWF Heavyweight Title at April’s Reckless Abandon Anniversary Event. In the contender's Rumble, wrestlers enter every 2-minutes, with over-the-top-rope elimination, and the last man standing wins! It's friend-against-friend, foe-against-foe survival to see who challenges for the Heavyweight Title next month.

The corrupt commish claims he's not concerned about who the winners of the Rumble's will be, because his Ross Family members plan to enter both competitions to make sure there are no contenders for April and all the gold remains in the group.

There will be an IWF American Title Match, as issuing an Open Challenge is champion Damian Adams of The Ross Family. Just who will step up to the plate and look to upend the current kingpin?

IWF Tag Team Champions Franciz and Dangerous Dan McGuire of The Ross Family defend against Juicy Justin Corino and Stellar Travis Blake. Blake looks at this opportunity to get even with his former Ross Family mates, while Franciz is angry after losing to Corino in a Street Fight last month.

Also appearing March 29th are Kevin Knight, Kareem West, Biggie Biggs, German Menace Kraig Stagg, Evan Schwartz, Chachi, and IWF Wrestling School rookies Jarrett Gaeta and Frankie Amantea. This card subject to change based on any title changes the day before. Plus much more to be announced. Check back soon for updates. Advance ticket purchases can be made online at www.WrestlingIWF.com.

THQ Announces UFC(R) 2009 Undisputed Cover Athletes

-- THQ Inc.

Ultimate Fighting Championship(R) Former Light Heavyweight Champion Forrest Griffin and Current Welterweight Champion Georges St-Pierre Tapped as Faces of the Highly Anticipated Videogame

AGOURA HILLS, Calif.-- Mar. 16, 2009 -- THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) and Zuffa, LLC today announced that fan-favorite and former UFC® Light Heavyweight Champion Forrest Griffin will grace the worldwide cover of the upcoming UFC® 2009 Undisputed videogame. Griffin, a prominent fighter with solid striking skills, earned his initial UFC contract in 2005 after winning the first season of Spike TV’s “The Ultimate Fighter®” reality show.

In addition, a special cover of the game will be made available in Canada featuring current UFC® Welterweight Champion Georges St-Pierre. Recognized for his tremendous athleticism and strengths in several mixed martial arts disciplines, St-Pierre is a Quebec native who recently received the prestigious “Canadian Athlete of the Year” award for 2008. UFC 2009 Undisputed is scheduled for release on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, as well as the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, on May 19, 2009.

“We are honored to have Forrest Griffin and Georges St-Pierre as our cover athletes for UFC 2009 Undisputed,” said Scott Guthrie, executive vice president, publishing, THQ. “Both fighters are proven champions and great ambassadors for the sport of mixed martial arts.”

“Forrest Griffin and Georges St-Pierre helped elevate UFC to the place we are today,” said Dana White, president, UFC. “We are confident that these two fighters’ many strengths both inside and outside the Octagon™ will have the same effect on UFC 2009 Undisputed as we prepare for the game’s worldwide launch on May 19.”

About UFC 2009 Undisputed

UFC 2009 Undisputed is an explosive fighting game that will demonstrate the action, intensity and attitude of a UFC live event. Players will explore a deep roster of more than 80 top fighters in UFC competition across all five weight classes. In addition, they will enter the Octagon surrounded by the sport’s renowned announcer, commentators, referees, trainers, Octagon Girls and more. Photorealistic models are at the forefront, as players will view amazing ripple effects across the faces and bodies of their fighters from the impact of devastating punches and kicks.

A brand new fighting game engine designed specifically for next generation systems will deliver innovative, responsive and easy-to-play controls that give unparalleled command of fighters, as players take down opponents with a variety of mixed martial arts disciplines, including Muay Thai, Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In addition, the game’s Create-a-Fighter system will jumpstart the careers of future champions through character customization, while a robust Career Mode will develop a fighter’s attributes and skill sets while fighting to enter the UFC Hall of Fame. Furthermore, players will be able to enhance their UFC 2009 Undisputed gameplay experience through online support, including downloadable content.

More information about UFC 2009 Undisputed can be found at www.ufcundisputed.com and www.thq.com.

About The Ultimate Fighting Championship

The Ultimate Fighting Championship® is the world’s leading professional mixed martial arts organization and offers the premier series of MMA sports events. Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, and headquartered in Las Vegas, Nev., UFC® produces over twelve live pay-per-view events annually that are distributed residentially through North American cable and satellite providers including iNDEMAND Networks, DIRECTV, DISH Network, TVN Entertainment, Shaw Pay-Per-View, Bell ExpressVU, Viewers Choice and via the Internet worldwide on Yahoo! Sports, and commercially through Joe Hand Promotions. In addition to its North American distribution, UFC programming is distributed in over 100 countries and territories throughout the world. For more information, or current UFC fight news, visit www.ufc.com or uk.ufc.com or www.ufcespanol.com.

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. THQ and the THQ logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

Ultimate Fighting Championship®, Ultimate Fighting®, UFC®, The Ultimate Fighter®, Submission®, As Real As It Gets®, Zuffa™, The Octagon™ and the eight-sided competition mat and cage design are registered trademarks, trademarks, trade dress or service marks owned exclusively by Zuffa, LLC in the United States and other jurisdictions. All other marks referenced herein may be the property of Zuffa, LLC or other 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.

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

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 UFC 2009 Undisputed 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, 2008, 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.

ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP® ANNOUNCES FIRST EVER UFC® FAN EXPO™ FOR UFC 100

-- Ultimate Fighting Championship

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 16, 2009

Fans Get Insider Access to UFC® Fighters, Demos, and Exhibitions

Las Vegas, NV - In celebration of UFC 100, the Ultimate Fighting Championship® organization, along with Reed Exhibitions, today announced the launch of UFC® Fan Expo™, a two-day fan exposition of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) activities starting Friday, July 10th and leading right up to the start of the historic fights on Saturday, July 11th. UFC Fan Expo will take place inside the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, and will be the first event of its kind for UFC fans.

Among the UFC Fan Expo two-day roster of activities will be meet and greets with legendary UFC and WEC fighters, MMA demonstrations, fan-inspired special events, training and development sessions, and other exciting opportunities and entertainment. All the UFC Fan Expo activities will be planned in conjunction with UFC 100, including the free-to-the-public weigh-in event on Friday, July 10th.

Expected to attract over 100 companies and brands, UFC Fan Expo will span more than 200,000 gross square feet of space exhibiting apparel, electronic gaming, food & beverages, fight gear and fitness equipment, MMA training and development, nutritional supplements, lifestyle products, and much more.

Currently seen on television in over 120 countries and territories in 17 different languages, UFC is the world’s largest pay-per-view content provider, and is the fastest-growing sports franchise in history. UFC programs are often the highest-rated television sports shows among the coveted male 18-34 and 18-42 demographic. UFC Fan Expo and UFC 100 are expected to attract tens of thousands of sports fans from throughout North America and abroad.

“We are pleased to work with Reed Exhibitions to present UFC Fan Expo in conjunction with UFC 100,” said UFC President Dana White. “The UFC 100 event is a milestone for us, for the sport of mixed martial arts, and for fight fans around the world, this will be an amazing weekend for UFC fans.”

“Reed Exhibitions is the largest global producer of high-profile and highly targeted events,” said Ed Gallo, event director of the UFC Fan Expo. “Drawing on our experience in pop-culture inspired events such as New York Comic Con and New York Anime Festival, the UFC Fan Expo will deliver an unprecedented all-access pass to loyal UFC fans around the world, and new fans discovering their passion for mixed martial arts.”

For more UFC Fan Expo information and to purchase tickets, visit UFCfanexpo.com. For companies interested in reserving space at this premier event, contact Ed Gallo, Event Director at 1-203-840-5546 or email egallo@ufcfanexpo.com.

About The Ultimate Fighting Championship®

The Ultimate Fighting Championship® is the world’s leading professional mixed martial arts organization and offers the premier series of MMA sports events. Owned and operated by Zuffa™, LLC, and headquartered in Las Vegas, Nev., UFC® produces over twelve live pay-per-view events annually that are distributed residentially through North American cable and satellite providers including iNDEMAND Networks, DIRECTV, DISH Network, TVN Entertainment, Bell ExpressVU, SaskTel Max™, Shaw Pay-Per-View, Viewers Choice, and WOWOW in Japan, and Premiere Combate and SporTV in Brazil, and via the Internet worldwide on Yahoo! Sports, and commercially through Joe Hand Promotions in the U.S. and Canadastar in Canada. In addition to its North American distribution, UFC programming is distributed in over 100 countries and territories throughout the world. For more information, or current UFC fight news, visit ufc.com or uk.ufc.com or ufcespanol.com.

Ultimate Fighting Championship®, Ultimate Fighting®, UFC®, The Ultimate Fighter®, Submission®, As Real As It Gets®, Zuffa™, The Octagon™ and the eight-sided competition mat and cage design are registered trademarks, trademarks, trade dress or service marks owned exclusively by Zuffa, LLC in the United States and other jurisdictions. All other marks referenced herein may be the property of Zuffa, LLC or other respective owners.

About Reed Exhibitions

The UFC Fan Expo is operated by Reed Exhibitions, the world’s leading events organizer, with over 470 events in 37 countries. In 2008, Reed brought together over seven million industry professionals from around the world generating billions of dollars in business. Today, Reed events are held throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, and organized by 38 fully staffed offices.

Reed organizes a wide range of events, including exhibitions, conferences, congresses, and meetings. Its portfolio of over 470 events serves 44 industry sectors, including: Aerospace & aviation, automobiles, broadcasting, building & construction, electronics, energy, oil & gas, engineering, manufacturing, environment, food service & hospitality, gifts, healthcare, interior design, IT & telecoms, jewelry, life science & pharmaceuticals, machinery, medical education, printing & graphics, property & real estate, security & safety, sports & recreation, and travel. Working closely with professional bodies, trade associations, and government departments, Reed ensures that each and every event is targeted and relevant to industry needs. As a result, many Reed events are market leaders in their field.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Final Version 3/12 GCW Report

-- Larry Goodman

The craziness in the Columbus area has settled down to a dull roar.

The promotional war is over. The promises of owner Billy Roper to the contrary, Prime Time Pro is showing no signs of life. Great Championship Wrestling is once again, the only game in town.

It’s an entirely different ballgame than it was a year ago ago. The landscape has changed about as rapidly as the US economy. GCW was a something of a haven for high priced talent – Johnny Swinger, Sonny Siaki, Bull Buchanan, and going a little further back, David Young and Chris Stevens. They all ended up in Prime Time before it was over - adding a cost factor that may have contributed to that company’s downfall.

More recently, the Southside Trash left GCW in a huff while still holding the tag team titles. Oh, the irony of it all. SST had jumped to GCW in the midst of the mess with Prime Time and did so via a telephone call to Roper that was taped for the internet and used by GCW.

The end result is a company that is leaner and meaner than ever before. Talent expenses have been slashed, but if last night’s show was any indication, without necessarily diminishing the quality of the shows. The intensity level of the workers has never been better. All in all, a very entertaining evening.

Thursday night’s attendance at the Gr8 Sk8 Plex in Phenix City, Alabama was 140. There’s no getting around the fact that crowds are down from what GCW was reporting a year ago after they first moved to Thursday nights, even with lower prices. The bright side is that the fans they are drawing are pretty hardcore about the product.

(1) Frankie Valentine beat Kyle Matthews in 7:13. Technically, this was a killer match, but done in a way that it didn’t upstage the rest of the show. It was ROH like with everything crisp and clean. Valentine got a babyface burst of offense and started working the arm. Matthews pumphandled Valentine’s arm on the ropes, then posted the shoulder to take over. He used a cravate suplex, his signature dropkick and applied a short arm scissors. Sweet choices. This Matthews guy is a student of the game. Valentine started his comeback with an escape. He got a near fall with his signatures the step up elbow drop. Matthews hit a single arm DDT floated into a pinning combination. The finish was a counter move – a southern style version of Doug Williams’ Chaos Theory.

A Hot Like Lava backstage vignette and a Princeton Gainey promo were shown on the big screen. The audio was unintelligible. It came across like amateur hour. Ring announcer Taylor McKnight did a great job BSing his way through an explanation of what they were saying.

(2) Tex Monroe beat Dany Only and Bobby Moore (with Princeton Gainey) in a triple threat match (8:20). It was booked as an opportunity for Monroe to shine, and the kid took full advantage of it. He’s got the desire. It’s palpable when he’s in the ring. Typical story for a three way: The babyface overcomes the odds with superior skill until the numbers game becomes too much. It worked because they did a good job of telling it. On the comeback, Monroe got obliterated by a combo move where it had to suck for him. Monroe caused the heels to collide. He tried to kick off M-1 for the Texas Toast on Only but his hand slipped and they had to redo it. Fans didn’t seem to mind. It’s a cool move, a Sliced Bread without using the ropes.

Merchants of Death came out to confront Only. This was great. Wicked Nemesis said MOD had the patience of a chopping block. They had given Only 7 days to decide if he was with them, and time was up. Only forgot which side of the river he was on, and put MOD over as most dominant tag team in the state of Georgia. MOD waited until Only accepted their offer. Then they kicked his ass all over the ring.

McKnight introduced a hot new redhead named Amy Morgan. The gimmick is she’s French and speaks only broken English. Cru Jones came out. His talking is major league. The Hot Like Lava gimmick is first rate. It’s got the glitz and glamour and it’s all about the hair. McKnight pleaded with Jones to keep it clean because it was a family show. Jones talked about great he looked. “But you don’t have brain,” Morgan said. Jones told her all she had to do was say yes, and forget about all those four letter words like don’t, stop and quit. Morgan blew him off. Jones said, “That’s all right. There’s plenty more tuna in the tank.” To be continued no doubt. This scenario has intriguing possibilities.

After Jones left, Rob Adonis came to the ring with J.P. Money and cut a great babyface promo. Adonis proclaimed himself as the new watchdog of GCW. He said Rob got robbed in his GCW title match against Jones last week. He said it wasn’t about broads from France, it was about Cru’s belt. McKnight promised an answer next week. Former GCW champion J-Rod came out with Valentine. He was tired of hearing Adonis run his mouth, but he totally agreed that Jones was a snake in the grass. J-Rod asked Adonis to be their partner in the annual War Games (on May 7). Adonis accepted.

The next match was advertised as an 8 man tag. The returning Bobby Sanford and JT Flash came out to James Brown. Very entertaining. They couldn’t miss with that choice of intro music. John Bogie was introduced as their partner, looking more cartoonish than ever. The music for the fourth member, Kareem Abdul Jamar hit a couple of times and nothing happened. McKnight said Jamar wasn’t in the building. Gainey came out and said it was going to be a handicap match – with Bogie on the short end. Sanford and Flash attacked Bogie.

(3) John Bogie & Rob Adonis (with JP Money) beat Midnight Studds (Bobby Sanford & JT Flash (with Princeton Gainey III) in 8:43. Studds gave Bogie the beatdown. Sanford was the ring general of the team. They thrashed Bogie for a several minutes before Adonis came out to take the hot tag. Sanford missed with a double jump moonsault and it was on. Adonis T-Boned Sanford and put the claw on Flash. But Sanford blindsided to Adonis to set up a double diving lariat by Studds. Bogie had to interject himself back into the situation. Adonis and Bogie pinned Studds with twin small packages.

The booking of Adonis, I didn’t get. They just finished putting him one of the biggest matches of the year. He’s the monster of the babyface side, and he needs help from the likes of Bogie? The spot was tailor made for Adonis to take the hot tag and single-handedly destroy the opposition. Do one of those stack pin deals. Bogie may be an asset to the company in other ways, but he’s strictly jobber material in the ring.

(4) J-Rod beat Sal Rinauro via DQ in 16:39 in a contender’s match for the GCW Heavyweight Title. I had high hopes for this match based on their feud in Rampage Pro. They did a priceless angle in RPW last fall where Rinauro blinded J-Rod with the Sal Spray, and Dr. Johnny Gayton had to do surgery to save J-Rod’s vision. Rinauro stalled before and after the bell. A good 7 or 8 minutes total. Rinauro then outdid J-Rod on the first few moves. It built to a pretty good pop when J-Rod finally let Rinauro have it. Rinauro turned the tables with pure gutter brawling. He held off on the wrestling moves until he had J-Rod worn down. J-Rod missed a top rope splash and Rinauro worked over his midsection. They worked a very long sleeper spot. Referee Donnie DeMarco got bumped. Decent ref. He just looks like a slob. Quentin Michaels came to ringside to cheer on Rinauro. They did a series of near falls. J-Rod had Rinauro pinned with a backstabber, but Michaels put Rinauro’s foot over the bottom rope. Rinauro got a roll up using the tights, but J-Rod kicked out. Rinauro fouled J-Rod and suddenly it was Arena Mexico, as DeMarco DQed Rinauro on the spot. An OK match. It had good heat because J-Rod is so over, but longer than necessary.

Main event time. This was set up last week when J-Rod & Valentine defeated the tag team champions Hot Like Lava in a non-title match. The stipulation was the winners got to name the #1 contenders. Instead of keeping the spot to themselves, the babyfaces decided to drive a wedge in the “Trinity of Terror” by giving it to Quentin Michael’s associate, Wicked Nemesis and his MOD.

(5) Merchants of Death (Orion Bishop & Murder One with Wicked Nemesis) beat Hot Like Lava (Cru Jones & Shaun Banks with Quentin Michaels) to win the GCW Tag Team Championship in 21:08. Michaels said MOD liked to play dirty just like his guys, but they needed to fight fair and square tonight. After all, they were part of HIS Trinity of Terror. Nemesis said Quentin’s ego was out of control. Nemesis knocked Michaels down. All six started going at it. Gainey ran down and tried to play peacemaker between Michaels and Nemesis. It settled into a regular tag match. Crowd was split close to 50/50. Both teams have a cool heel factor. Lava has more appeal for the women and kids. MOD has the Stone Cold lock. Lava briefly worked on Bishop’s ribs. Bishop hit his signature fallaway slam on Banks, and M-1 followed with a classic Dark City mugging. Bishop used a grounded cobra clutch and a standing double underhook/leg grapevine thing that looked like sheer hell on the neck of Banks. M-1 took the heat for MOD and was being beaten silly. Banks punched M-1 in the groin. DeMarco saw it but of course no DQ this time. Murder used a Morton Roll of sorts to hot tag Bishop. MOD hit a wicked double team on Banks, and Jones blocked DeMarco’s hand from completing the three count. M-1 saved after the Lava Drop on Bishop. Banks leapfrogged Bishop’s spear and the momentum carried him out the ring. It looked like curtains for M-1, but he forced Lava to collide and rolled up Banks. Big pop for the title change.

J-Rod and Valentine came out to confront MOD. J-Rod said they just talked to owner Diane Hewes and they were getting their title shot next week. Lava attacked J-Rod and Valentine. MOD joined in to make it 4 on 2. Adonis and Monroe made the save, and yes, Bogie jumped in there to help.

Andrew "Test" Martin Passes Away

-- Ric Gillespie

Last night, authorities from the Tampa Police Department were asked to issue a welfare check on Andrew Martin, 33, best known for his stint (as Test) in World Wrestling Entertainment, and they found him dead.

Martin's recent personal and health problems, including ring injuries DUI arrests, and a breakup with girlfriend Kelly Kelly (who, according to him, had once saved his life after a drug overdose) had kept his name in the news, since his "retirement" in late 2007.

Cause of death is presently unknown, but foul play is not suspected.

Friday, March 13, 2009

MIZUGAKI COMING TO THE UNITED STATES TO TRADE WITH TORRES

-- World Extreme Cagefighting

For Immediate Release:
March 13, 2009

JAPANESE STAR LOOKING FOR KNOCKOUT OF HOMETOWN HERO

WEC® BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE MATCH
MIGUEL ANGEL TORRES vs. TAKEYA MIZUGAKI

Live From UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Sunday, April 5

Las Vegas, NV (USA) – When Japanese star Takeya Mizugaki (11-2-2) challenges Miguel Angel Torres (35-1) for the WEC® bantamweight title on April 5, he expects to be rudely welcomed to the United States by hordes of the hometown champion’s fans. However, when the 25-year-old steps inside the cage at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois, he plans on silencing the crowd the only way he knows how: by knocking Torres out.

“Fighting in the WEC, fighting in the states, challenging the champion at his hometown, it’s an ultimate ‘away’ fight,” Mizugaki said through manager/translator Shu Hirata. “I am expecting huge booing from the fans, and on top of that, it’s going to be a five-rounder. Everything about this fight is ‘first time’ for me so I am really looking forward to it.

“I am just going to look for a knockout just like I did in all my past fights. I want to strike.”

While some would question Mizugaki’s ability to knockout the champion, the 5’7”, 135-pound challenger boasts an impressive standup game that will certainly test Torres. The Muay Thai specialist went undefeated at 3-0 in 2008 with two wins coming by way of knockout and the other by submission. As fight night gets closer, Mizugaki is confident that he can get the best of the hometown hero when the two trade leather.

“I saw all of his WEC fights and I don't see too many holes in his game,” Mizugaki, who has not lost a fight since February 2007, said. “Maybe I am feeling that way because I have never seen him actually losing in the fight. I have to stick with what I do best which is the striking game.”

In the end, Mizugaki realizes that he’ll be coming into hostile territory to battle a champion who has wreaked havoc on the WEC’s bantamweight division. Although respectful toward Torres’ success and title reign, Mizugaki is planning to make a huge statement on his first stop in the U.S. On April 5 in Chicago, Mizugaki is planning on taking the world title back to Japan.

“Torres just keeps coming at you with almost no expression on his face so he is intimidating,” Mizugaki said. “But I’m not intimidated. He is a great fighter and awesome champion. But regardless of opponent, I’m going to stick with my style and strike. I’m honored and excited for this opportunity.”

Tickets for World Extreme Cagefighting® are on sale now and available for purchase through the UIC Pavilion, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at 312-559-1212.

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

In the co-main event, Island Lake, Illinois’ Jeff Curran looks to make his case for a shot at the belt when he battles undefeated phenom Joseph Benavidez.

A longtime favorite of the Midwest fight scene, former WEC featherweight contender and title challenger Jeff “Big Frog” Curran (31-10-1) has long had his sights set on Miguel Torres, and he has even dropped down to the bantamweight division to chase his local rival. There is business to take care of for both men first though, and for Curran, that means his clash with Joseph Benavidez on April 5th. So expect the 30-year old Curran to come out with guns blazing in order to move forward in the crowded bantamweight division.

The 24-year old Joseph Benavidez (9-0) came to the WEC last December with a lot of hype due to his raw talent and impressive previous performances, and he lived up to the expectations with a big win over Danny Martinez. Now the stablemate of former WEC featherweight champion Urijah Faber is ready for the next step in his career, and for him, there would be nothing better than to add the name Jeff Curran to his victims list.

For more information about current WEC fight news, visit wec.tv. All bouts live and subject to change.

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 and Cadena Tres in Mexico. For more information and current WEC fight news, visit 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.

VERSUS celebrates real competition across all platforms (VERSUS.com, VERSUS on Demand and VERSUS HD). Now in more than 74 million homes, the network is the national cable home of the National Hockey League (NHL), the Stanley Cup Playoffs and the IndyCar® Series as well as best-in-class events such as The Tour de France, the Professional Bull Riders (PBR), World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) and Professional Boxing. The network also offers collegiate sports featuring nationally-ranked teams from top conferences such as the Pac-10, Big 12, Mountain West and Ivy League. VERSUS features the best field sports programming on television and is a destination for sports fans, athletes and sportsmen to find exclusive, competitive events and original programs, such as Sports Soup and The Contender 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.

FCW WRESTLING PHOTOS 3/12/2009

-- Robert Beukema

http://www.floridawrestlingfans.com/forum/topics/fcw-wrestling-pics-31209

ENJOY!

RB
WWW.ROBERTLBEUKEMA.COM

Showtime All-star Wrestling TV Review - Episode 80

-- Larry Goodman

Showtime All-star Wrestling – Episode 80
Airing on February 21, 2008 in Nashville on Comcast 74
Taped at the SAW Mill in Millersville, Tn


Cold open showing the conclusion of the previous episode – “Boogie Woogie Boy” Gary Valiant strung up in the crucifix pose while Raven and Marc Anthony applied the face paint.

Michael Graham and Reno Riggins did the stand up from the interview area. They used the adjectives humiliating and sickening to describe the actions of Raven and Anthony. Upcoming would be comments from all the principles.

1 – SIGMON vs. CHRISJEN HAYME

Riggins said the business with Rachel Worthington had fed Hayme some humble pie to where he was starting to become a fan favorite. A fine display of chain wrestling inevitably led to Sigmon going to the ropes. The kids were letting him have it with a “Sigmon sucks” chant. The pace quickened with Hayme busting out the lucha style. Sigmon brought a decisive end to a series of back and forth counters with a standing dropkick. Sigmon took control with no-nonsense brawling. Sigmon applied a camel clutch that looked like the real deal. Sigmon pulled at Hayme’s mouth. Reno said fish hooking was illegal. Hayme popped Sigmon with an enzuigiri. Both men down for a six count. Hayme started firing back, but the announce team wouldn’t sell it until he laid in a forearm. Hayme got two with a missile dropkick, then hit a cool shadow dropkick for a long two count, then used a fancy roll up for another near fall. Sigmon leveled Hayme with a great looking clothesline. Referee David Williams got bumped. As Hayme was checking the ref, Sigmon clubbed him from behind and pulled a lighter out of his boot to tease a fireball. Jesse Emerson attacked Sigmon, who sprinted to the back with Emerson in semi-hot pursuit. Williams called for the bell. Graham said Williams had awarded the decision to Sigmon, although I’m not sure why since he didn’t see Emerson in the ring. Emerson was upset about costing Hayme the match.

Winner: Sigmon via DQ at 8:32 due to interference by Emerson. Hell of a good match. The announce team did a great job giving it a true sports feel. It was no exaggeration when they complimented the counter wrestling. It was excellent. The finish was another example of a good concept muddled by SAW’s substandard refereeing.

Following highlights from last week’s main event between Raven and Valiant, they cut to a seated Raven. Anthony crawled out from behind Raven chair on his belly. “As the Prince rode in on his white horse (giggles), holding his head high, thinking this battle was his, the wind blew in another direction! Bombs dropped not in his favor. Things are slowly closing in with a tight grip around Prince Valiant’s throat…” Raven said the war was over and Valiant had lost.

Riggins voiced his outrage at the actions of Raven and Anthony. Reno said the question on everyone’s mind was had Boogie had enough?

They cut to Valiant. This was an exact copy of the early Anthony vignettes – shot in black & white footage with “White Rabbit” as background music and World War II newsreel footage spliced in. “They always say when you go into battle, you must get into the mind of the enemy.” Valiant said Anthony and Raven had proven how low they would go, and while he had always told himself he would never stoop to that level, he’s also never backed down from a battle -- “Now Boogie is going to march into your battle.”

2 – HAMMERJACK (with Paul Adams) vs. DREW HASKINS

Hammerjack started giving Haskins the beatdown. Haskins fired back with a series of not so stellar chops. Graham said Hammerjack may have felt that third one. Haskins did a springboard crossbody out of the corner, and it looked like they had their signals crossed bad. Hammerjack took over with a full nelson bomb and a basement dropkick to the jaw. Hammerjack hit a Michinoku Driver, but pulled Haskins up at two to continue the beating. A spinwheel kick by Haskins was good for a one count only. Haskins tried for a Northern lights suplex. Hammerjack stuffed it and pinned him with a driving elbow drop.

WINNER: Hammerjack in 3:32. An off night for Haskins. His selling is usually good. It was nothing to brag about here and his striking is always suspect.

A-Team was at ringside with Dan Masters. Adams said what happened between Flash Flanagan and Rick Santel last week had given him sleepless nights, not to mention material for his therapy sessions. Santel said Flanagan got a fluke win by cheating.

If you’ve got a hair on that fat rotund bottom of yours, you will give me a rematch.

On the other hand, Adams was overjoyed about Andy Douglas finally getting the monkey off his back. Douglas said he gave Stevens the beating of a lifetime. “Chase, you want to know the reason why? Money, power and more money, thank you, Paul.”

Cut to Commissioner Freddie Morton with a prepared statement from the SAW Board of Directors regarding the A-Team. The letter summarized the A-Team’s heinous crimes. “To put it bluntly, we are just about at wits end as to what we’re to do to create a level playing field for a match between Mr. Andrews and the A-Team.” Morton said the BOD was ordering an Empty Arena Match: Andrews vs. Hammerjack AND the undefeated Paul Adams. Morton vowed to do a full search of the building (this ain’t TNA). Nobody would be allowed inside except the participants, the announcers and the camera people.

Hammerjack said Andrews didn’t stand a chance. “There’s no rules and there’s no regulations, and that’s what I’m all about..."

PREVIOUSLY ON SAW…French Canadian Josianne issues a challenge to PGWA/SAW Champion Tracy Taylor. “I don’t know what the heck you just said, but all I know is you want a shot and baby, you got it.”

3 – PGWA Title Match: TRACY TAYLOR vs. JOSIANNE

Joined in progress with that awful canned crowd noise. Taylor wasn’t playing. She was kicking the stuffing out of the 2008 PGWA Wrestler of the Year and slinging her across the ring by the hair. Taylor tied Josianne up with a leglock and used her back as a surfboard. When Graham brought up the empty arena match, Reno took a shot at NWA Main Event.

I hear there’s a promotion down the street that has empty arena matches every week

Taylor blasted Josianne with forearms and landed a pair of dropkicks for a two count. Josianne fired back with big shots of her own. She took Taylor down with a flying lariat for a near fall. Taylor rocked Josianne with a European uppercut, but ate a boot charging in. Josianne rolled Taylor up, but the ref caught her using the tights. Josianne got on the ref’s case. Taylor spun Josianne around, kicked her in the gut and planted her with a DDT.

Winner: Taylor retains in an edited time of 3:26. Much better than the previous women’s matches on SAW. Taylor newfound streak of viciousness was quite becoming.

4 – ARRICK “The Dragon” ANDREWS vs. V-RAD

V-Rad tried to get the jump on Andrews, who made short work of him using a spinning double underhook face plant for the pin.

WINNER: Andrews in 1:15 with Wham Bam Thank You Ma’am.

Masters interviewed Andrews about the Empty Arena Match. Andrews said he wanted this from day one. “No one can get in. No one can get out. This time, Hammerjack, Paul Adams, they’re gonna get their ass whupped.”

PREVIOUSLY ON SAW…footage of Jon Michael attacking TJ Harley and putting him out action with the Brentwood Breaker (Jackhammer) some seven weeks ago.

Harley did a sitdown interview with Masters. Harley said he suffered a stinger. The doctor told him to take a month off, and while he has often tried to come back from injuries too soon, he felt the need to be at 100% to compete with Jon Michael. Harley said Jon never approved of his relationship with Rachel, and like Rachel, Jon Michael thought he was above other people. Harley claimed the last time he was face-to-face with Jon Michael was at the Brentwood Country Club, where he knocked him on his ass with one punch. Harley said he was looking forward to giving Jon Michael another taste of his fist.

5 -- JON MICHAEL WORTHINGTON vs. TJ HARLEY

Jon Michael got all worked up when Harley put on his leather jacket. Just like at the country club, Harley decked him with one punch. Harley was handing him his ass, so Jon Michael bailed, but Harley pulled him up by the hair and suplexed him back to the inside. Harley went for his finisher, and Jon Michael hooked the ropes to block it. Jon Michael came back with a series of punches to put Harley down. Harley tried to mount some offense, but Jon Michael continued to hammer him, and Harley was looking majorly worse for wear. Jon Michael applied a camel clutch. The announce team pointed out that Jon Michael was stressing that vulnerable neck. Harley powered out, but appeared to have nothing left in the tank. Harley managed to block the Brentwood Breaker. Harley caught Worthington with a swinging neckbreaker to spark his comeback. He mounted the ropes for the 10 punches, but Jon Michael dropped him face first on the turnbuckle. Jon Michael pulled a chain out of his jacket. The ref took it away. Jon Michael pulled out a second, larger chain. Hayme ran down and grabbed it out of Jon Michael’s hand. Harley then pinned a flabbergasted Jon Michael with a rolling prawn.

WINNER: Harley in 7:14 after interference by Hayme. Good match. Nice finish. Harley understand the importance of selling, and Jon Michael is looking a lot better all the way around than he did in his first couple of matches in SAW.

Random Thoughts: This was a good show given that a) it lacked a true main event and b) it was pieced together from multiple tapings. There were no key matches involving either of the current major angles. Rather, the main event was manufactured out of what had been to this point a midcard storyline. They were coming off the big angle with Boogie last week and pushing the empty arena match with Andrews and A-Team for next week. Rather, the main event was manufactured out of what had been to this point a midcard storyline. The Harley interview fleshed out the story a bit. The match was better than it figured to be, because the work was good and they had a solid idea for the finish, although Jon Michael was lucky Harley didn’t notice those chains when he tried on the jacket…Sigmon and Hayme had the best match of the hour…The women’s match was the best Taylor has looked in any of her appearances on SAW TV…As for the talking segments - Having Boogie copy Anthony’s vignettes in detail was sheer genius. If only Boogie’s delivery was up the level of the concept…The Anthony/Raven vignette was OK. Raven’s introductory promo for NWA Charlotte was more inspired than anything he’s done in SAW…I always enjoy the A-Team interviews. Th one this week was more short and to the point than some…Somebody needs to help the referees in SAW get a clue. It looks like they’re being left to fend for themselves and not doing a very good job of it…Just to be clear on the timing, and not to suggest that TNA would steal an idea from a lowly indie, SAW announced their empty arena match on January 16. TNA announced and taped the Sting/Angle empty arena match on February 9.

THE ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP® ANNOUNCES UFC 100

-- Ultimate Fighting Championship

For Immediate Release:
March 13, 2009

Live from Mandalay Bay Events Center, Saturday July 11, 2009

Las Vegas, NV (USA) – For over 15 years, the Ultimate Fighting Championship® has been the gold standard for mixed martial arts (MMA), the leader in the world’s premier combat sport. So it is with great pride that the UFC® announces an event that will celebrate the past, the present, and the future of this organization. On Saturday, July 11th, Bud Light® will present UFC 100 live from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, and it will be a night no fight fan will ever forget.

Featuring the premier athletes in the sport of MMA today, the UFC 100 fight card will be stacked with fighters who have carried on the legacy established by the greats of UFC such as Royce Gracie, Dan Severn, and Mark Coleman, while building a foundation for the future warriors of the Octagon™.

And though the past 15 years have seen mixed martial arts evolve from spectacle to sport, one constant remains: UFC is As Real As It Gets®.

On July 11th, UFC 100 kicks off MMA’s next era.

Official bouts, ticket information and more details on UFC 100 will be announced in the near future.

UFC 100 will be available live on pay-per-view on iN DEMAND, DIRECTV, DISH Network, TVN, BellTV, Shaw Communications and Viewer’s Choice Canada for a suggested retail price of $44.95 for standard definition or high-definition broadcasts (where available).

For more information, or current UFC fight news, visit UFC.com; UK.UFC.com; UFCESPANOL.com or GERMANY.UFC.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

About The Ultimate Fighting Championship®

The Ultimate Fighting Championship® is the world’s leading professional mixed martial arts organization and offers the premier series of MMA sports events. Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, and headquartered in Las Vegas, Nev., UFC® produces over twelve live pay-per-view events annually that are distributed residentially through North American cable and satellite providers including iNDEMAND Networks, DIRECTV, DISH Network, TVN Entertainment, BellTV, SaskTel Max™, Shaw Pay-Per-View, Viewers Choice, and WOWOW in Japan, and via the Internet worldwide on Yahoo! Sports, and commercially through Joe Hand Promotions in the U.S. and Canadastar in Canada. In addition to its North American distribution, UFC programming is distributed in over 100 countries and territories throughout the world. For more information, or current UFC fight news, visit ufc.com or uk.ufc.com or ufcespanol.com.

Ultimate Fighting Championship®, Ultimate Fighting®, UFC®, The Ultimate Fighter®, Submission®, As Real As It Gets®, Zuffa™, The Octagon™ and the eight-sided competition mat and cage design are registered trademarks, trademarks, trade dress or service marks owned exclusively by Zuffa, LLC in the United States and other jurisdictions. All other marks referenced herein may be the property of Zuffa, LLC or other respective owners.

Ventura Wanted to Investigate WWE

-- Chris Yandek

Former Governor and professional wrestler Jesse Ventura wanted to investigate the WWE on all the recent deaths besides the business if he would've been elected to the Senate this past election cycle. Ventura tells Chris Yandek of CYInterview.com, "It’s one of the things that if I would run for the senate I was going to do a senatorial investigation on the WWE."

Venture continued, "And you know for concerning what? What’s even a bigger importance is the fact that today they are still called independent contractors by the government which is absurd. They tell you when you wrestle. They tell you who you wrestle. They tell whether you win or lose. They tell you where you’re going to wrestle. They are your boss as much as any job in the universe. Yet McMahon is able to get away with calling all the wrestlers even today when he has them signed to exclusive contracts he still is allowed to call them independent contractors where they have to pay their own social security and he doesn’t have to pay a penny.”

You can read and listen to the interview at http://www.cyinterview.com.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

March 21 Boxing/MMA PPV Update

-- Bob Trieger

PENSACOLA, Fla. (March 12, 2009) – Square Ring Promotions officials announced this morning that, despite the reported CSAC (California State Athletic Commission) suspension of Ken Shamrock, its March 21 pro boxing/MMA pay-per-view event will be held as scheduled at the Pensacola Civic Center.

Eight-time world boxing champion Roy Jones, Jr. (52-5, 38 KOs) takes on 4-time world title challenger Omar Sheika (27-8, 18 KOs) in the main event on the hybrid show, presented by Square Ring Promotions, in association with Hirsch Borao Boxing and the Pensacola Civic Center.

“The show will go on,” Square Ring Promotions CEO John Wirt stated. “Ken said he was taking over-the-counter products and has requested an expedited appeal. We’re working with his group but, just in case, we are also looking for a possible replacement to fight Bobby Lashley. We have indentified some great replacements for Shamrock and have been in contact with them. A press release will be issued very soon as to which direction we will be going.”

The unique pro boxing/MMA show is being distributed by Square Ring Promotions, Inc. at 9:00PM ET/6:00PM PT in North America on cable and satellite via iNDemand, TVN,

DirecTV and Dish Network in the United States, as well as Viewer's Choice, Shaw Cable, Star Choice and Bell TV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

The MMA portion of the card features a match-up between world-class grapplers Roy “Big Country” Nelson (13-6, 6 KOs, 4 Submissions), ex-IFL heavyweight champion, and former UFC title challenger Jeff “Snowman” Monson (27-8, 2 KOs, 15 Submissions).

Tickets, priced at $128.00, $103.00, $78.00, $53.00 & $28.00 are on sale and available at all Ticketmaster locations, the Pensacola Civic Center Box Office and ticketmaster.com.

CONTACTS:

Bob Trieger, Full Court Press, (978) 664-4482, bobtfcp@hotmail.com

Ed Keenan, EMC (609) 399-1330, keenan@emcevents.com

Summer Jimmerson, Pensacola Civic Center: (850) 432-0800 x231, sjimmerson@pensacolaciviccenter.com

CREDENTIALS: www.emcevents.com

HDNET TO AIR "HDNET FIGHTS PRESENTS AFFLICTION: DAY OF RECKONING"

-- HDNet

Catch Fedor vs. Arlovski on HDNet - Friday, March 13, 10:00 p.m. ET

MEDIA ALERT
DALLAS (March 11, 2009)

WHAT: HDNet will present the first airing of "HDNet Fights Presents "Affliction: Day of Reckoning" since the live event on January 24. Originally broadcast on pay-per-view, the event featured the long-awaited match-up between WAMMA Heavyweight Champion Fedor Emelianenko and former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski, which turned into one of the most talked about matches in MMA. Other spectacular bouts included on the card are Josh "Babyface Assassin" Barnett taking on Gilbert "The Hurricane" Yvel and in the light-heavyweight match, Renato "Babalu" Sobral vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou.

WHEN: Friday, March 13 at 10:00 p.m. ET on HDNet.

About HDNet

HDNet (www.hd.net) is a network that is original, thinks independently and delivers
unique content and provocative, authentic programming that appeals to men of all ages, delivered in true high definition.

HDNet is the exclusive, high definition home for popular, original programming, including television's only HD news feature programs "HDNet World Report," and the Emmy Award winning "Dan Rather Reports," featuring legendary journalist Dan Rather. Only HDNet goes beyond the headlines to deliver real news that is redefining the way we look at our world. HDNet News is provocative, sometimes controversial and always relevant - telling the important stories of our time in-depth, with attitude and with independence.

HDNet presents championship sports coverage featuring the best of Mixed Martial Arts through HDNet Fights. HDNet Fights partners with leading MMA promoters including Affliction, DREAM, Sengoku, XFC, M-1, K-1, K-1 Max, MFC, Adrenaline and more. HDNet produces more live mixed martial arts events than any other network and HDNet's "Inside MMA" is the hottest mixed martial arts program on television, giving MMA fans their weekly fix for everything MMA.

HDNet also delivers the world's largest and most diverse concert line-up through the HDNet Concert Series. The HDNet Concert Series features leading artists and bands including Coldplay, Gwen Stefani, John Mayer and more. HDNet also features revealing lifestyle programming featuring "Art Mann Presents," "Vegas Confessions," "Deadline" and "Get Out!" HDNet is also the exclusive high definition home to critically acclaimed and award winning documentaries as part of the InFocus series. "NASA on HDNet" presents all live shuttle launches through 2010.

Only HDNet Movies delivers exclusive Sneak Previews of new movies before they hit theaters. The HDNet Movies Sneak Preview series features top Hollywood stars in critically acclaimed performances including Gwyneth Paltrow, Joaquin Phoenix, Demi Moore, Michael Caine, Tom Hanks, Vera Farmiga, Parker Posey, Brian Cox, Matthew Broderick, Brittany Snow and Eric Bana.

Upcoming Sneak Previews include "The Great Buck Howard," starring Colin Hanks, John Malkovich and Tom Hanks, and "HarlemAria," starring Damon Wayans.

In addition to being the exclusive home of Sneak Previews, HDNet Movies presents viewers with over one hundred films and an average of twenty-five "HD Premieres" each month. HDNet Movies viewers enjoy the best films from the classics of the 1950s-1970s, to favorite films from the 1980s and 1990s, to recently released theatrical films.

HDNet Movies offers subscribers a premium movie viewing experience in true HD, and more original movies shot entirely in HD than any other network.

Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available on AT&T, Bright House Networks, Charter Communications, Comcast, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, Mediacom, Time Warner Cable, Verizon and more than 40 NCTC cable affiliate companies. For more information visit www.hd.net.