THE EAST COAST INDY WRESTLING UPDATE #10, by John (Friday, October 3, 2003)

Table of Contents:

- SOURCES
- EAST COAST INDY WRESTLERS IN INTERNATIIONAL INDIES NEWS
- EAST COAST INDY WRESTLING TIDBITS
- UPCOMING EAST COAST INDY WRESTLING EVEENT SHILLS
- COMBAT ZONE WRESTLING (CZW) NEWS
- IWA MID-SOUTH HARDCORE WRESTLING (IWA--MS) NEWS
- MAJOR LEAGUE WRESTLING (MLW) NEWS
- NWA - TOTAL NONSTOP ACTION (NWA-TNA) NNEWS
- RING OF HONOR (ROH) NEWS
- XTREME PRO WRESTLING (XPW) NEWS
- MULTIMEDIA OF THE WEEK
- SHILLS OF THE WEEK

SOURCES

1Wrestling.com, Bob Barnett, CZWWrestling.com, DVDR, Gerweck.net, IWAMidSouthWrestling.com, JAPW.net, Jeremy Borash, Masanori Horie, The Masked Avenger of TheSmartMarks.com Forums, MLW.com, NWATNA.com, NWA-Wildside.com, PuroresuFan.com, PWBTS.com, PWTorch, ROHWrestling.com, Wade Keller, Wrestling Observer, XPWTV.com

EAST COAST INDY WRESTLERS IN INTERNATIONAL INDY INDIES NEWS

- On Monday, 10/13, "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan will make his highly anticipated, first in-ring appearance in Japan (outside of WWF/E) in over a decade when he wrestles Masahiro Chono on the New Japan Ultimate Crush 2003 show. For info regarding Hogan's recent negotiations with NWA-TNA, please scroll down to the NATIONAL WRESTLING ALLIANCE - TOTAL NONSTOP ACTION (NWA-TNA) NEWS section.
- Sonny Siaki & Elix Skipper wrestleed Mike Sanders & Alan Funk in the first match on the Saturday, 9/27 Valhalla Pro Wrestling show in Helsinki, Finland. During that match, Siaki botched a splitlegged moonsault attempt by landing wrong on Funk's face and fractured several of his bones, including his orbital bone, cheek, jaw, eardrum, nose, and eye socket. He also may have a neck injury. Funk had vision in only one of his eyes well into the night of Saturday and is currently hospitalized in Helsinki. He won't be able to fly back to the U.S. for awhile until his face heals. Also on the card, A.J. Styles d. Jonny Storm, Steve Corino d. Shane Douglas, and Kid Kash d. Shark Boy.
- Sabu will be working in the upcoming MMichinoku Pro Tag League from tomorrow (10/4) until 10/19. He'll team with MIKAMI.
- IWA-MS' Mad Man Pondo and 2 Tuff Tony are currently touring with Big Japan.
- The 10/10 - 10/18 ZERO-ONE tour will ffeature Low Ki, Steve Corino, and UPW's "Outlaw" Mike Knox, Tom Howard, "Hardcore Kidd" Aaron Aguilera, and The Predator (Sylvester Terkay).
- D'Lo Brown, Mike "The Gladiator&qquot; Awesome, Jeremy Lopez, Malice (a.k.a. Gigantes), Bull Buchanan, and international stars Dr. Wagner Jr. and Silver King will be working on an All Japan tour in October. Jimmy Yang was scheduled to work on the tour, but his appearances will probably be cancelled due to his recent signing of a WWE developmental deal. For more info on that WWE acquisition, scroll down to the MAJOR LEAGUE WRESTLING (MLW) NEWS section.
- IWA-MS' Ace Steel will debut in Pro Wrrestling NOAH later this year, while Chris Hero will return to Europe this month (October) to compete on a tour in Germany.

EAST COAST INDY WRESTLING TIDBITS:

- Ron Niemi's St. Petersburg, FL-based IPW Hardcore Wrestling and its affiliated wrestling training school, the Florida WrestlePlex, officially folded on Sunday, 9/28. Niemi said he was closing because, between the TV, the house shows, and running the wrestling school every weeknight, "physically, mentally, and financially, it was simply too much." Niemi issued the following official statement yesterday (10/2): "Tampa, Florida -- October 2nd, 2003 -- “I would like to thank the fans and workers of IPW for 5 of the best years of my life but even more so my wife for tolerating more nonsense than any person should have to put up with during that time.

"I love wrestling and my heart will always be in the business but for I had to walk away from IPW and focus on myself and my family for the first time in a long time. It is great to know that my good friend Joe Price from NWA Florida is taking the torch and is going to run with it and he has the total support of myself and some of the best talent on the indie scene today. I will miss everybody so much that words really can't do it justice so once again all I can say is. Thank you for the memories and for allowing me to live out my dream! ”
- This week, The Providence Journal postted a followup article (it originally posted an obituary) regarding the recent death of Anthony "Pitbull #2" Durante (of ECW, XPW, and 3PW fame) and of his wife:

"2 children found with dead parents now living with their grandparents

01:00 AM EDT on Friday, October 3, 2003

BY MEGAN MATTEUCCI
Journal Staff Writer


WESTERLY -- The two children found in a Misquamicut house with their dead parents are now living with their grandparents, state officials reported yesterday.

A 21-month-old boy crawled around the bodies and scrounged for food, while his 8-month-old sister lay in a crib for at least 24 hours. The children's parents, former pro wrestler Anthony Durante and Dianna C. Hulsey, probably died of drug overdose, Police Chief Stephen N. Baker said.

Durante and Hulsey were found dead Sept. 25 in their rented home at 3 Linwood Ave. in Misquamicut, the police said.

Their bodies, which had several needle marks, were found lying face-up next to each other and beside several prescription drug bottles, including the pain-killer Oxycontin, Baker said.

The couple had been dead for at least 24 hours.

The children were taken into custody by the state Department of Children, Youth and Families and sent to Westerly Hospital for evaluation, said Vincent McAteer, DCYF chief of child protective services.

The children were dehydrated and had several minor injuries, according to the police.

"The injuries were the results of them being alone," McAteer said. "But they are healing."

The DCYF placed a 72-hour hold on the children before any relatives could assume custody, McAteer said. McAteer said he was unsure whether the children will stay with the grandparents, since several other relatives expressed interest in caring for them.

He declined to say where the children are living but said they are in Rhode Island. The DCYF will no longer be involved with the children, because they have been placed with relatives.

The family seemed to keep to themselves. Neighbors said they were not friendly with Durante or Hulsey, and the children were never seen playing in the yard.

The police said they had had no contact with the family, but Durante had been convicted of drug charges in Pennsylvania.

Durante lived in Philadelphia and traveled the country as a member of the "Pitbull" wrestling tag team in the Extreme Championship Wrestling league. The Philadelphia-based league went bankrupt in 2001, according to the Wrestling Information Archive. Durante also wrestled in the Pro-Pain Wrestling league in New Jersey and later practiced martialarts.

In November, Durante, 36, and Hulsey, 29, moved in with a relative in Westerly. Durante took a job at Foxwoods Resort and Casino as a money counter; Hulsey was working as a cashier at Wal-Mart.

Three weeks after moving into the Linwood Avenue home, they were found dead.

"There was evidence of recent drug use," Baker said. "A number of prescription drugs were seized by the medical examiner. There was a needle by the body and we found other needles in the house."

There was no sign of trauma to either victim and no sign a third party was involved, according to Baker. The police said no criminal charges will be filed.

Capt. Edward Mello said the medical examiner's toxicology report will probably not be available for several months."

- For more info on MLW's Jimmy Yang signing a WWE developmental deal, scroll down to the MLW (MAJOR LEAGUE WRESTLING) NEWS section.
- Altar Boy Luke sprained his ankle and tore ligaments in it during his match vs. Justice Pain on the last Saturday's Lucha Xtreme Wrestling debut show in Jamaica, Queens, NY. The injury occurred when he attempted a moonsault out to ringside and his ankle gave way. Luke, however, is expected to work through the pain, as he is scheduled to appear on tomorrow's NWA Wildside show. For more info on LXW, please visit LuchaXtremeWrestling.com.
- Raven's new official web site has beenn launched and can be viewed at TheRavenEffect.com.
- Former-XPW stars and current Lucha Xtrreme Wrestling and So-Cal standouts Supreme and "The Hardcore Homo" Angel served as guests on the Wednesday, 9/24 (the show didn't end until early Thurday morning the next day) edition of the "Wrestling Wednesdays" radio show on station 90.3 WHPC in New York from 11:00 pm - 1:00 am EST.
- NWA Wildside's Caprice Coleman will woork on a match before the WWE RAW show in Fayetteville, NC on Monday, 10/27. Oynx, meanwhile, will work a match the very next night before the SmackDown! taping in Georgia.
- According to Gerweck.net, Abdullah thee Butcher is appearingin the rap music video of the Atlanta local group, The Youngbloodz. Part of the video was filmed in Abby's restaurant and shows him cooking there.
- The Daily Southtown newspaper of Illinois has published an article at http://www.dailysouthtown.com/southtown/yrtwn/swest/296swyt2.htm that announces the intention of Illinois to pass new pro wrestling-related safety legislation.
- Dover, DE - home of CZW's Racks & Billiards event venue - has enacted legislation that has banned CZW from running there again in the future.
- The Cincinatti, OH-based Heartland Wreestling Association is currently seeking unpaid interns for the fall, spring, and summer semesters/quarters. For more info, check out HWAOnline.com.
- The Daily Nonpariel has published an oobituary for former-East Coast indy wrestler Paul "Chip Douglas" Mason at http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=10194767&BRD=2554&PAG=461&dept_id=507134&rfi=6 .
- Although this isn't directly East Coasst-related, I must let it be known - UK sensation and former-FWA, CZW, PWF, and ROH performer JODY FLEISCH has announced his retirement from pro wrestling. Fleisch - along with The Amazing Red - was hailed by many as the next Rey Mysterio Jr. and has had classic matches with Doug Williams, Low Ki, Christopher Daniels, Trent Acid, and especially his ultimate rival, Jonny Storm. No reason for his retirement is known yet, but I will release more info on this news in the future.

UPCOMING EAST COAST INDY WRESTLING EVENT SHILLS

- The two-night NWA Virginia (NWAVirginia.com) King of Virginia Tournament - which was postponed due to Hurricane Isabel - has been rescheduled for tonight (part 1) and tomorrow (part 2), both shows of which will be held at the Bellemeade Community Center. Also, NWA Virginia will hold its Rural Rumble show at Prince George County High School.
- The 3PW (3PWrestling.com) show that waas scheduled for tonight in Cherry Hill, NJ has been cancelled. 3PW issued the following press release:

"Tonight's show has been cancelled by the Cherry Hill City Council.

When they arrived at the building today, a rep from city council was there claiming that someone had called their office and told them a show was taking place tonight in Cherry Hill, and in Cherry Hill ...city council needs to vote on every sporting or entertainment event.

They do not meet again until October 14th, and they will not let the show take place. All tickets will be honored November 22nd at the ECW Arena show or a refund at point of purchase is also available."

The show was originally scheduled to feature: 3PW Heavyweight Title - Newly crowned champion Justin Credible makes his first title defense vs. Raven; Joey Matthews vs. Christian York; "Hotstuff" Striker vs. Roadkill; Rob Eckos vs. Blue Meanie; Homicidevs. Xavier; Bra & Panties Match - George Frankenstein (formerly Gorgeous George) vs. Jasmin St. Claire (special guest referee: Tod Gordon); and appearances by Josh Daniels, Damian Adams, "Pitbull" Gary Wolf, Nick Berk, CJ O'Doyle, Monsta Mack, Ricky Vega, Mike Kruel, and others.
- NWA Wildside (TONIGHT; NWA Arena in Coornelia, GA): The main event will be Rick Michaels/Bill Behrens vs. Todd Sexton/Salvatore Rinauro (If Michaels & Behrens lose, Sexton and Rinauro run Wildside, if Sexton and Rinauro lose, they become building janitors). Then, tomorrow, Wildside will hold a big TV taping (also at the NWA Arena) that will feature: Matt Sydal/Seth Delay (w/ Daisy Haze) vs. Salvatore Rinuaro/Ray Gordy; Jeff G. Bailey has arranged a match between Azrael and Caprice Coleman; Wildside Tag Team Titles - Bulldog Raines/Tank (c) (w/ Al Getz) vs. Brandon P/Jeremy V; Jay Fury/Nick Halen vs. Todd Sexton/Masada; Onyx/Slim J vs. Murder One/Mikal Adryan; the return of Delirious; fans will learn whether or not Altar Boy Luke will be able to wrestle after recently being brutally assaulted by the NWA Elite; more info will be revealed about the opponent of NWA World Heavyweight Champion AJ Styles on the 10/25 Wildside Fright Night 2003 supercard.
- International Wrestling Cartel Fundraiiser Show for the West Homestead Fire Department #1 (TOMORROW; Munhall, PA): an appearance by none other than "The Franchise" Shane Douglas(!); Jimmy Vega$/Bubba the Bulldog vs. Eric Angle/Dustin Ardine; Baseball Bat Match - Eric Xtasy vs. J.T. Rodgers; Heavyweight Title - Dennis Gregory vs. T. Rantula; Super Indy Title - Colt Cabana (c) vs. Dean Radford; No DQ Tag Team Titles - Devil's Advocates (c) vs. Ring Crew Express (Kevin Dunn/Marcos); Super Hentai vs. Matt Stryker; "Sterling" James Kennan vs. B.J. Whitmer; Carlton Kaz/Supreme Lee Great vs. Josh Prohibition/M-Dogg 20; Alex Shelley vs. Jimmy Jacobs; Al B. Damm vs. "Balls Hot" Troy Lords.
- Tomorrow, a new indy promotion called the Urban Empire Wrestling Legacy (UrbanEmpireWrestling.com) will hold its debut show (entitled, "The Legacy Begins") at the legendary Blue Horizon in South Philly, PA. Included will be an eight-man, single-elimination, one-night tournament to crown the inaugural Urban Empire Champion. The following are the first round matches: Qenaan Creed vs. 2-Dope" Harris, Tom Carter (a.k.a. Reckless Youth) vs. Julio Dinero, Sonny Siaki vs. Jorge Estrada, a CZW grudge match between Ruckus and Sonjay Dutt. Also, the event will include a pre-show produced by Chikara Pro Wrestling.
- Premiere Wrestling Federation (PWF) - Northeast "Fall Out" (TOMORROW; Worchester, MA): PWF Northeast Title - Kid Krazy (c) vs. "Good Times&quoot; Vince Vicallo; PWF Junior Heavyweight Title - "Hott Stuff" Paul Hudson vs. Irwin Quincy; PWF Tag Team Titles - Thrillogy (Chris Camaro/Kid Mikaze) (c) vs. The Score (SAT/MCAS); Ebony Blade vs. "Bad Boy" Billy Black; TJ Richter vs. El Diablo; Fuzion vs. Ruy-Nation.
- East Coast Wrestling Association (TOMOORROW; Wilmington, DE): an appearance by Simon Diamond; Prince Nana's "Royal Decision" faction vs. Cheetah's 1614 Group; Special Attraction Match - Striker vs. John Walters; 6-Man Tag Team Attraction Match - Mr. Ooh La La/French Connection vs. Japanese Pool Boy/Shaolin Wrecking Crew; Inferno/Ruffhouse Rivera vs. Valedictorians; Johnny Maxx seeks revenge vs. The Deranged CYCO; Mozart Fontaine vs. J-Busta.
- Mid-American Wrestling (TOMORROW; Milwwaukee, WI): action featuring Ken Anderson, Dysfunction, Adrian Serrano, Brad Bradley, Necro Butcher, Corporal Robinson, Austin Aries, and more.
- Hoosier Pro Wrestling (TOMORROWW; Columbus, IN): Ladder Match w/ the Lightweight Title hanging from the ceiling - Tiny Tim vs. Brian Beech; Heavyweight Title - Louie Lovins (w/ Brother Cornette Rogers) vs. Austin James (Rogers will be handcuffed to Michael Myers [?]); Ladies Tournament Match - Cameron Star vs. Sin-Dee; Billy Maverick, Average White Guy, Badstreet Express, Vile, Chris Tindell, and more will appear.
- Classic Championship Wrestling (TOMORRROW; Quarryville, PA) Tables, Ladders, & Chairs Match - Fabulous Bodies (Noxious/Destruction) vs. Rebel Army (Rockin' Rebel/Greg Matthews).
- Chaotic Wrestling (TOMORROW; Methuen, MA): featuring a four-way warfare match, a statement by John Walters regarding his future in the promotion, and more.
- Unique Championship Wrestling (TOMORROOW; Rockwood, TN): Heavyweight Title - Matt "Knuckles" Talent vs. Bobby Blassie; Tag Team Titles - Equalizer/Chic White vs. Scott Bishop/Screaming Eagle; Cross Eyed Freak vs. Jamie North Star; Unknown Soldier vs. Juggalo Jack (Barred from Ringside - Matt Talent); Shawn Shultz vs. J T Freeze.
- Tomorrow, Intense Pro Wrestling, Inc. will run in Cincinatti, OH. New Jack will compete on the 10/18 IWI show.
- Tomorrow, the United Wrestling Associaation will run a show at Indian Cave in Blaine, TN. The gates will open at 6:30 pm with a bell time of 7:30 pm. Ticket prices: adults - $6; children (6-12) - $3; Children 5 & under - admitted FREE! The show will feature the Thunder Valley Express (Jason Thunder/Chris Gorgeous), The Pack (Mike Ogle/Charles Long), Buckwyld, Nelsonizer, Jimmy Landell, Overkill, Mental Madness, Morgue, and more. Come out to see a great family show. Directions from Rutledge Pk. exit off I-40: Take Rutledge Pk. East, go about 12-13 miles until you come to an IGA Market, just past the IGA you will see the Post Office, take a right and follow signs for about 8-10 miles.
- Mid Eastern Wrestling Federation (MEWFF.com) (SUNDAY; Dundalk, MD): featuring Tom Carter a.k.a. Reckless Youth's MEWF debut. Also, the MEWF is currently offering pro wrestling training at its facilities at a price much lower than what it usually charges.
- The Briscoe Brothers (Jay Briscoe/Mark Briscoe) of ROH will wrestle a dream match vs. B-Boy/Super Dragon tomorrow on the PWG "Are You Adequately Prepared To Rock?" show in LA, CA. For more info, check out ProWrestlingGuerrilla.com.
- For the full card to the upcoming CZW cards, please scroll down a few lines to the COMBAT ZONE WRESTLING (CZW) NEWS section.
- For the full cards to upcoming MLW shoows, please scroll down to the MAJOR LEAGUE WRESTLING (MLW) HARDCORE WRESTLING NEWS section.
- The IWA promotion of Puerto Rico began running live shows in Florida this month (October). The shows fetured Apollo, Rey Gonzalez, Vampiro, Dutch Mantell, and others.

COMBAT ZONE WRESTLING (CZW) NEWS

- CZW will run a free show tomorrow at Performance Dodge, Inc. in Woodbury, NJ. The show will a main event of Trent Acid defending his CZW Ironman Title vs. Nick Gage and also included will be an appearance by Homicide. For more info, check out CZWWrestling.com.
- CZW Uprising will occur on Saturday, 110/11 at Viking Hall in South Philadelphia, PA with the following card: Dog Collar Match - Nick Gage vs. Nate Hatred; Junior Heavvyweight Title - Ruckus (c) vs. Derek Frazier; Jimmy Rave vs. Tony Mamaluke; Deranged vs. ROH's Angel Dust a.k.a. Azriel; Sonjay Dutt vs. Truth Martini (making his CZW debut); B-Boy vs. Homicide; Women's Match - Mercedes Martinez vs. Brazilian wrestler Bianca; the CZW debuts of IWA-MS' Jimmy Jacobs and Alex Shelley; appearances by John Zandig, World Heavyweight Champion The Messiah, and more! For more info, check out CZWWrestling.com.
- CZW Shockwave will mark CZW's debut shhow outside of the U.S. It will be held on 10/25 at the Palasport Arena in Pistoia, Italy and will feature: World Heavyweight Title - The Messiah (c) vs. John Zandig; Tables Match - Nate Hatred vs. Nick Gage; Ironman Title - Trent Acid (c) vs. Ruckus; Ladder Match - B-Boy vs. Sonjay Dutt. For more info, check out CZWWrestling.it or NUWrestling.com.
- Ruckus and Sonjay Dutt will wrestle eaach other tomorrow on the Urban Empire Wrestling Legacy debut show tomorrow in South Philly. For more info, scroll up slightly to the Upcoming Event Shills section or visit UrbanEmpireWrestling.com.
- Tickets for CZW Cage of Death V (schedduled for Saturday, 12/13/03 at Viking Hall) can be reserved by going to http://www.czwwrestling.com/Tickets/cod5.html .
- You can download a trailer of the upcooming "Unscarred" documentary about Nick Mondo on NickMondo.com.
- Dover, DE - home of CZW's Racks & Billiards event venue - has enacted legislation that has banned CZW from running there anymore.

IWA MID-SOUTH HARDCORE WRESTLING (IWA-MS) NEWS

- IWA-MS will return to the Oolitic Gym in Oolitic, IN for the first time since 1999 on Saturday, 10/11. Further details will be made available soon.
- IWA-MS' show on Thursday, 10/23 in Sallem, IN will feature: Lumberjack Match - Ian Rotten vs. Cash Flo; Women's Match - Mickie Knuckles vs. Daizee Haze; and more.

Then, the next night, IWA-MS will make its debut at the Lincoln Center in Highland, IN (just outside of Chicago) on Friday 10/24 with the following card: None other than SABU makes a very rare appearance in Indiana, as he wrestles breakout star JC Bailey(!); Colt Cabana vs. Jimmy Jacobs; Chris Hamrick makes a rare IWA-MS appearance by wrestling Alex Shelley; Tracy Smothers, Corporal Robinson, Ryan Boz, Brad Bradley, Dysfunction, Chuckie Smooth, Necro Butcher, Nate Webb, BJ Whitmer, Matt Stryker, Chris Sabin, Truth Martini, Steve Stone, Hy-Zaya, IWA-MS Heavyweight Champion Danny Daniels, and more will also appear.

Then IWA will return to the National Guard Armory in Tell City, IN for the first time in awhile on Saturday, 11/1.

Tonight, though, IWA-MS will run a show in Scottsburg, IN at the National Guard Armory with the following card: Heavyweight Champion Danny Daniels/BJ Whitmer (w/ Jim Fannin) vs. Jimmy Jacobs/Alex Shelley (w/ Becky Bayless); Light Heavyweight Title - Sonjay Dutt (c) vs. Nate Webb; Rematch from the 2003 KOTDM Tourney - Ian Rotten vs. JC Bailey; Tracy Smothers vs. Brad Bradley; Corporal Robinson vs. Jaimy Coxxx; Steve Stone vs. Necro Butcher; Hy-Zaya vs. Chuckie Smooth; plus, a rare IWA-MS Battle Royal!

For info on all of IWA-MS' upcoming shows, head over to IWAMidSouthWrestling.com.

- IWA-MS' Ken Anderson, Dysfunction, Adrian Serrano, Brad Bradley, Necro Butcher, Corporal Robinson, and Austin Aries will work on tomorrow's Mid American Wrestling (MidAmericanWrestling.com) show in Milwaukuee, WI.
- Corporal Robinson recently got marriedd to a blone girl, according to IWAMidSouthWrestling.com.
- Repeats of the 22003 IWA-MS King of the Deathmatches Tournament are continuing to air on Samurai! TV in Japan.
- 19 of the 24 participants in the seconnd annual IWA-MS Ted Petty Invitational Tournament (scheduled to occur on 11/8 and 11/9) have been announced as B-Boy, Colt Cabana, Chris Hero, Jimmy Jacobs, Chris Sabin, Jonny Storm, Trent Acid, AJ Styles, Danny Daniels, Sonjay Dutt, Nigel McGuinness, Truth Martini, Matt Stryker, JC Bailey, Alex Shelley, Dino Bambino, BJ Whitmer, Jimmy Rave, and Jerry Lynn. The other 10 will be announced in the coming weeks.
- IWA-MS recently announced that it willl return to Illinois as it makes its debut in the city of Lafatette the National Guard Armory on Saturday, November 22. More information on this show will be announced in the coming weeks.
- IWA-MS' Ace Steel will debut inn Pro Wrestling NOAH later this year, while Chris Hero will return to Europe next month (October) to compete on a tour there.
- Mad Man Pondo and 2 Tuff Tony are currrently touring with Big Japan.

MAJOR LEAGUE WRESTLING (MLW) NEWS

- Jimmy Yang has signed a developmental deal with WWE. He was said to have impressed officials with his match vs. Tommy Dreamer that aired on WWE Sunday Night HeAT a few weeks ago. Due to this recent turn of events, his All Japan tour scheduled for October will probably be cancelled.
- There are some conflicting numbers reggarding the paid attendance for the 9/19 MLW WAR GAMES show. David Meltzer/The Wrestling Observer has reported the number as being 1,074, Jess McGrath of 1Wrestling.com reported the number to be between 700 and 800, and finally the Pro Wrestling Torch reported 1,100 fans paid.
- MLW's next live event, The Hybrid Horrror Show, will be on 10/24 in Jacksonville, FL. It will feature: Homicide will return to MLW and his first target will be Jerry Lynn, who he hopes to gain revenge upon for putting him out of action for the last month or so; the greatly anticipated Sky Combat Open, which will feature Los Maximos & the debuting CMLL World Tag Team Champions Los Guerreros del Infierno (Ultimo Guerrero/Rey Bucanero) vs. the debuting Havana Pitbulls (Rocky Romero/Ricky Reyes/Bobby "Rocko" Quance/Pinoi Boy); CM Punk/Mystery Opponent vs. Nosawa/Vampiro; The legendary Barry Windham makes his MLW in-ring debut vs. a soon-to-be-named opponent(!); No DQ Dog Collar Match for the World Heavyweight Title - Terry Funk (c) vs. Steve Corino. According to MLW.com, the Sky Combat Open will feature "the unique presence of a platform attached to the ring post. MLW juniors will test their ability to defy gravity and risk danger when they take to the air in a new hybrid wrestling challenge. The platform, which will act as launch pads to add a new dimension to the junior heavyweight fighting game giving wrestlers the opportunity to get even more height on various moves and offering the potential for an aerial revolutionary experience." Global Tag Team Crown Champions Simon Diamond/CW Anderson, "Dr. Death" Steve Williams, The Samoan Island Tribe, Chris Daniels, Mikey Whipwreck (w/ The Sinister Minister), Tony Mamaluke, PJ Friedman, MANA, and Rich Criado will also be on the show.
- Former-WWF/E commentator Kevin Kelly wwill be joining MLW as a locker room correspondent on MLW Underground TV. Kelly will apparently debut on 10/24 at the Hyrbid Horror Show.
- MLW has also come to terms with Low Kii, who - according to MLW.com - will debut in the promotion after he completes his current tour with Japan's ZERO-ONE.
- Tickets for the 12/29 MLW WrestleFest 2003 show can be ordered at http://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/886544 .
- After his debut a few weeks ago at WARR GAMES, Nosawa will become a regular in MLW.
- Taiyo Kea is scheduled to return to MLLW in January 2003. That same month, MLW hold its first annual tag team tournament, titled the GTC Carnival. More info regarding that event will be released in the future.
- MLW's Richard Criado and PJ Friedman wwill appear on future WXW shows in Allentown, PA.
- People can sign up to join the MLW Jaccksonville, FL street team by going to http://www.mlw.com/view/v.php?p22 . MLW is also looking for potential webmasters who have a background in PHP scripting. Those interested should e-mail [email protected] .
- MLW is apparently close to obtaining TTV coverage outside of the U.S. More info will be released on this matter soon.
- According to an MLW official, tthe reason that Juventud Guerrera & Super Dragon served as Los Maximos' opponents last weekend at WAR GAMES was because Los Maximos' originally scheduled opponents, Mexico's Most Wanted (Damien 666/Halloween), were stuck in San Diego, CA due to flight problems.
- Matt Rite (a.k.a. Stryker form the Neww York indy circuit) was coughing up blood after his six-man tag team match a few weeks ago at WAR GAMES, but was said to be alright and will apparently become a regular in MLW.
- MLW Underground TV will be debuuting in a new market shortly. It could be yours, so stay tuned!
- In the October 15 Baseball Magazine Sha and October 17 Weekly Gong Magazine, there will be extensive coverage of MLW's September 26 RELOAD event from New York City including 4 color pages in each publication! Also, the Mexican publication Super Luchas recently covered the promotion and so did the highly circulated Japanese magazine Weekly Fights. MLW will also be featured in a soon-to-be-published Japanese book about wrestling.
- MLW hopes to begin running shows outsiide of Florida in November. One of those shows will most likely be in Dallas, TX and for that show, MLW is rumored to be bringing in a six-sided, Toryumon-style ring.
- PJ Friedman will be featured inn the upcoming CKY DVD (?).
- MLW has been unable to book Super Crazzy and Ricky Marvin due to visa problems.
- (courtesy of Wade Keller of the PWTorcch) Sabu was personally responsible for contacting MLW and telling them that he had decided to work for them instead of the other show that he was booked for on 9/19. He took Jerry Lawler's spot in the WAR GAMES match on that show. MLW had contacted Jeff Hardy, Scott Hall, and the Legion of Doom a.k.a. the Road Warriors about appearing in the spot, but couldn't come to terms with any of them.

NATIONAL WRESTLING ALLIANCE - TOTAL NONSTOP ACTION (NWA-TNA) NEWS

- Upcoming pre-TNA PPV dark match dates: Rudy Boy Gonzalez and Masada on 10/15 and Caprice Coleman on 11/12.
- Rick Santel of The Black T-Shirt Squadd separated his shoulder during his match on last week's PPV, so he is expected to be out for awhile.
- Ray Taylor (a.k.a. The Big Boss Man) wwas backstage at Wednesday's PPV. Taylor is said to still be under WWE contract, though, so he was apparently just visiting friends.
- TNA Xplosion will begin airing on the popular DirectTV Sports Package channel in October. Expect news on October 4 about Xplosion airing in New York City and Long Island.
- Chris Daniels' wife gave birth to a daaughter on the morning of Friday, 9/26.
- GAORA (Channel 302 on Satellite SkyPerrfectTV in Japan) - which televises AJPW, Michinoku Pro, Toryumon, K-Dojo, GAEA, and JD Star - is negotiating with NWA-TNA to purchase the rights to air its program in Japan.

The below tidbits are courtesy of the Wrestling Observer:

- "Jeff and Jerry Jarrett met with Hulk Hogan and Jimmy Hart in Tampa on 9/12. The meeting lasted 4 hours. Meltzer says he don't know if it came up, but Hogan would most likely force Russo out. He says one source very close to the negotiations said that Hogan doesn't have to demand anything regarding Russo, because it will end up that way whether he comes in or not." Meanwhile, the Pro Wrestling Torch said the following about the meeting: "The meeting between TNA officials and Hulk Hogan was on September 12 in Tampa, Fla. Hogan, Jimmy Hart, and Jeff and Jerry Jarrett were present. The hope is Hogan would get them a TV deal, which they still believe would be the best move for the long-term solvency of the company. Jerry Jarrett's optimism that wrestling fans and the TV industry were ready for a pay-per-view weekly series has soured, especially because the PPV distributor InDemand has been for the most part so unorganized and unsupportive despite early promises of the opposite."
- With Dutch Mantel becoming a booker foor the promotion, TNA is rumored to featuring the X Division less than before, as Dutch apparently wants to bring in some larger-sized wrestlers. Also, Dutch - who is said to be making twice as much money in TNA as he did in Puerto Rico's IWA promotion - is said to take no crap from those young wrestlers who he deems to have egos. One person close to him says that "He hates young guys who complain and won't be afraid to put them in their place." America's Most Wanted is rumored to be two of those who may be affected by Dutch's attitude, as they are said to have reputations of "boo boo facing." Read the last tidbit in the below section featuring Wrestling Observer's news on TNA for more about that matter.
- "The contract signing situation [[which occurred a few weeks ago] went very well. Almost everyone signed the deal, which gives them to TNA for basically two years (one year, and a second year company option, although wrestlers say there 26 dates is also written in the contract elsewhere). Shane Douglas hasn't signed, but with a few changes the company expects him to immediately. Juventud Guerrera hasn't been offered a contract, but it is expected that he will. Chris Harris, Jerry Lynn, James Storm, and Raven were already under long term agreement, as was Styles and Styles has renewed for another year plus the option. Vampiro hasn't signed, but noone expects him to be around long term. Konnan hasn't signed a new deal, but his old one doesn't run out until February. He has had offers lately from WWE due to Rey Mysterio Jr. Those confirmed having signed are Mike Tenay, B.G. James, Ron Killings, D'lo Brown, Trinity, Erik Watts, Michael Shane, Chris Sabin, Frankie Kazarian, Chris Daniels, Simon Diamond, Johnny Swinger, Jim Mitchell, and Don Callis."
- "Teddy Hart is coming back due too the strong fan reaction. He wasn't brought in for the 9/17 show, because TNA is trying to work out a deal with him where Hart is stationed near Nashville for a few weeks at a time, so they don't have to pay transportation every week, plus they can book him to other promoters to help recoup some of the transfer costs they would have to pay to bring him in those times."
- Nosawa has impressed TNA executives inn his first two PPV matches and it is therefore very likely that he will continue work for TNA when his schedule permits.
- TNA is hopeful to announce a video gamme deal soon. It is rumored to be with EA Sports. A deal for distribution of TNA dolls is also rumored to be in the works.
- The TNA Volume 2 theme song CD is avaiilable for pre-order on NWATNA.com. The track listing for the CD is:

1. My World Remix
2. 3 Live K feat. 3 Live Kru
3. Guilty
4. Down With The Brown
5. I Am Remix
6. KK Rocks
7. Yalla Never Forget feat. Elix
8. Funk With
9. Down In The Catacombs
10. Symphonic Anarchy
11. TNA Theme
12. Scream
13. Deep
14. Snap This
15. XXX Gonna Give It
16. FU System
17. Machine
18. Modern Oz
19. Skinn
20. Dodging Bullets feat. Goldylocks

The below tidbits are courtesy of the Pro Wrestling Torch:

- "WWE showed last minute interest in signing Johnny Swinger, Simon Diamond, and Trinity [recently]. WWE quickly found out that Trinity had signed a TNA contract several months ago, so those discussions broke down quickly. The word in the TNA locker room is that the WWE official who contacted Swinger and Diamond wanted them to put off signing their TNA contracts so that they could negotiate with WWE. Swinger and Diamond told TNA wrestlers that they later received a phone call from a WWE official who informed them that the company would not be making an offer because Vince McMahon doesn't like to negotiate under deadlines."
- "There was a backstage incident bbetween Raven and Jim "Sinister Minister" Mitchell after the Sept. 17 show relating to the rough shave Mitchell gave Raven following the [recent] hair vs. hair main event match. Before the show, Jeff Jarrett gave Raven and Mitchell instructions in front of several wrestlers in the locker room. One wrestler overheard Mitchell ask Jarrett if there was a certain way he should hold the clippers when he cut Raven's hair. Jarrett told him to simply press down until the hair started coming off. However, Mitchell held the clippers the wrong way and left Raven's scalp a bloody mess. When Raven got backstage, Mitchell approached him to apologize. Raven took a swing at Mitchell, although observers say it looked as if Raven thought better of punching Mitchell and actually pulled the punch as he would in an actual match. Raven yelled at Mitchell in front of the other wrestlers and went so far as to say that he doesn't want to work with Mitchell in the future because he makes too many mistakes. Mitchell tried to apologize later in the evening, but Raven wiped some blood from his own head and then pie-faced Mitchell with his bloody hand. Although Raven was very upset the night of the show, the latest word is that he and Mitchell have already made peace and will continue working their program in TNA. The backstage take on the Raven-Mitchell incident has been that while the wrestlers understand Raven was upset about his head being cut, he should not have lashed out at him in front of the rest of the locker room. Raven and Mitchell have been friends for a number of years dating back at least to the time both spent in WCW, so I don't expect much to come of this situation, especially since they've already kissed and made up."

Wade Keller of the PWTorch recently said about the matter, "Raven's backstage reaction to James Mitchell [a few weeks ago] didn't endear him to the wrestlers any, as most felt that he crossed the line with what he did. One wrestler said there's no doubt that Mitchell screwed up with the clippers, but there's no excuse for Raven's continued unprofessional behavior. 'He's a condescending asshole who is just bitter about being dropped by WWE. He has a real chance to help the younger guys. He does try to help them, but people don't take his advice to heart because his demeanor is so bad and so negative.' Another wrestler said Raven has 'become our version of DDP or Kevin Nash,' two people Raven has spoken out about."
- "The one-cent PPV is estimated wiithin TNA to have drawn about 100,000 'buys' (if you want to classify $0.01 as a buy), which means the PPV gross revenue was about $1,000. Some cable companies never changed the pricing of the show, so there will be some $10 orders thrown in there. It's been such a short time since the PPV, though, that any estimate is at best a rough estimate from the handful of cable companies they contact themselves each week to get estimated numbers to track buyrates. They were encouraged before the one cent PPV that their in-house tracking indicating buyrates had been increasing for several weeks. There are no strong signs yet whether the last two weeks have indicated the one cent experiment paid off with another jump in buyrates."
- "Representatives from a trading ccard company were backstage taking photos of the wrestlers for a planned TNA series of cards. One of the representatives told the wrestlers the trading cards could be produced in as little as two weeks."
- "The Panda Energy company really sees TNA as a long-term project worth investing in. The Panda reps who work with the Jarretts on a weekly basis have gotten really into the pro wrestling industry. They seem to enjoy learning about the industry and want to make the project work in the long-run. 'They've really become big fans of wrestling,' says one TNA wrestler. The signing of the core group of wrestlers to one-year guaranteed contracts further demonstrates Panda's desire to see this project through at least one more year. Most if not all the contracts have an option for a second year which allows management to either lock in anyone for another year or cut them loose without any obligation after the first year. That basically means if TNA stays in business, they can keep their top stars for two years before WWE will even have a chance at signing any of them, so no need to imagine what WWE might do with A.J. Styles, Raven, Michael Shane, Frankie Kazarian, Chris Sabin, Christopher Daniels, Simon Diamond, James Mitchell, or Chris Harris, among the other TNA regulars."
- Johnny Swinger underwent emergency apppendectomy surgery for a ruptured appendix on the morning of Wednesday, 9/24. Rumors are stating that he will be out of action for about two weeks, but if he has any complications and therefore must receive another type of surgery, he could miss some substantial time.
- Jerry Lynn apparently hangs out with AA.J. Styles most of the time backstage at TNA shows.
- "Although TNA officials haven't bbooked David Young in several weeks, he has been backstage almost every week in hopes of being booked. It paid off this time around, as TNA officials used him as a last minute replacement for [Johnny] Swinger."
- "Because Ted Hart, who was so imppressive on the X Tournament PPV several weeks back, lives in Calgary, there are no definite plans to bring him back. Travel expenses are just too great for TNA's budget relative to what they think Hart would do to boost business. Management likes him and are trying to get him to fly in for three PPV shows at once, where he would stay in the Nashville area for 15 days and work some indy dates between (with the indy promoters sharing in the travel expenses). Jerry Jarrett's savvy thriftiness/efficiency with money is still present. It's not as if he treats Panda's money as 'mark money' like many other promoters have done with financial backers over the years. Jerry wants this business to succeed for a number of reasons, the main one being he'd take pride in helping to set his son Jeff up as one of the major promoters in the country."
- "Terry Funk and C.M. Punk were booth considered as the mystery man who unmasked after the hair match between Raven and Shane Douglas, so Vampiro was not the long-term plan."
- Norman Smiley has left TNA due to his salary being cut in half.
- "America's Most Wanted (Chris Harrris/ames Storm) have the reputation for 'boo boo facing ,.whenever they are scheduled to lose matches. Wrestlers say that was certainly the case on Wednesday night when they found out they would not be winning the three-way number one contender's match. One wrestler said the demeanor of Harris and Storm totally changed once they were told the finish of the match. There have been rumblings in the past that once Harris and Storm find out they are losing, their main interest goes from putting together the best match possible to making sure they get in all of their own spots. All of that said, there were no reports of Harris and Storm having problems when they were asked to put over Johnny Swinger and Simon Diamond for the NWA Tag Titles at the Aug. 27 show."

RING OF HONOR (ROH) NEWS

- Abdullah the Butcher will make his ROH return and his first appearance in the Boston area in several years on the 11/29 ROH show.
- ROH has moved its 12/27 Final Battle 22003 show the Pennsylvania National Guard Armory on 2700 Southampton Road, Philadelphia, PA. The show was originally scheduled to occur at the Murphy Recreation Center in South Philly.
- WWE stars Steven Richards and Zach Gowwen were in attendance at the recent Glory By Honor II show in South Philly, but neither was used, although Richards was spotted with CM Punk before the show. Tommy Dreamer also made an appearance after the Punk/Terry Funk match and put over Funk in a promo.
- From now on, ROH will use Ticketmasterr as another outlet to by tickets to ROH events. Tickets will continue to be sold through RF Video's offices and ROHWrestling.com, also. For a direct link to the ticket info page for upcoming ROH shows on Ticketmaster.com, go to http://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/883536/ .
- ROH will hold a fan convention before its Elizabeth, NJ show on 3/13/04, the day before Wrestlemania. There will be special guests at the convention that won't be on the show. For dealer table info, e-mail [email protected].
- The matches currently scheduled for thhe 10/16 Boston, MD show are: World Heavyweight Title - Samoa Joe (c) vs. Jay Briscoe; Tag Team Titles - The Backseat Boyz (c) vs. Izzy/Dixie of Special K; Four Corner Survival Match - Homicide vs. Mark Briscoe vs. John Walters vs. Xavier; AJ Styles vs. CM Punk; Justin Credible vs. Raven; Field of Honor - BJ Whitmer vs. Colt Cabana, Dan Maff vs. Jimmy Rave, & Matt Stryker vs. Chris Sabin; The S.A.T., HC Loc, Joey Matthews, Danny Doring, and more will also appear. Check out ROHWrestling.com for more info.
- Teddy Hart has been signed for the 10//25 NY and 11/1 NJ shows. The 11/1 show - which will be the only upcoming ROH event with a Showcase card - will feature Special K and others in a Tag Team Scramble Steel Cage Match.
- Tryouts for the the ROH Wrestling Traiining School in Langhorne, PA will begin in the third week of October and will cost $50. Serious 18 or older applicants only.
- ROH is rumored to enter a new market bbeginning this month (October)
- News regarding ROH's return to Ohio wiill be released in a few weeks.
- Bryan "American Dragon" Danielson is rumored to return to ROH this Fall.
- Jim Cornette will return to ROH on 11//1 in NJ and will serve as the manager of ROH World Heavyweight Champion Samoa Joe.

MULTIMEDIA OF THE WEEK

- Be sure to check out the Video Clips section of Assault Championship Wrestling's web site, AssaultWrestling.com. The section, which can be found at http://www.assaultwrestling.com/clips.htm, features a variety of video clips in various formats pertaining to the history of ACW, a promotion that has currently features Justin Credible, Tony DeVito, Slyk Wagner Brown, Abunai, Kappa Tappa Kegga, and others. In the past, ACW has features many big-name wrestlers, including Chris Hamrick, Chris Chetti, Balls Mahoney, Julio Dinero, Steve Corino, and Tommy Dreamer. AssaultWrestling.com also provides fans with the opportunity to view past and present ACW TV episodes. The current episode can be found at http://www.assaultwrestling.com/thisweek.htm, while past episodes are archived at http://www.assaultwrestling.com/tvarchives.htm.
- The Multimedia section of NickMondo.coom - the official web site of CZW star "Sick" Nick Mondo - features various video clips of Mondo in action in CZW and even IWA-MS. Among the clips is a music video of CZW TOD2 and of a Mondo vs. Ric Blade match. NickMondo.com also features a dowloadable trailer for the upcoming "Unscarred" documentary about Mondo's career.

SHILLS OF THE WEEK

- RF Video $12 Shoot Interview Sale Returns!!!

RF Video is once again offering it's most popular $12 tape sale.  You can now purchase over 100 single tape shoot interviews for only $12 each at www.rfvideo.com.

Here's a partial list of shoots that are now on sale for only $12 each:  Sean Waltman (X-Pac), Perry Saturn, Paul Orndorff, Terry Funk (2002), Ring of Honor Shoot Interview Series Vol. 1 & 2, Jerry Lynn, Stan Hansen, American Dragon, Al Perez, Dustin Rhodes, Jimmy Hart, Rob Feinstein, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Bam Bam Bigelow, Gangrel & Luna, Rick Steiner, Bob Orton, The Midnight Express, Road Dogg, The Rock N Roll Express, & more!

Don't forget we have many of our older shoots regularly priced $12 each.  You can order:  Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, Road Warriors, Eddy Guerrero, Bobby Heenan, Kevin Sullivan, Ricky Steamboat, Missy Hyatt/Tammy Sytch, Arm Anderson, Dusty Rhodes, Abdullah the Butcher. Rey Misterio, Jake Roberts, & many more.

Check out the "Shoot Interview" section at www.rfvideo.com for a full list of sale priced videos.  Sale ends Saturday, September 27th at midnight.  Sale prices are only good on orders placed during the sale period at www.rfvideo.com..

Also now in stock is Ring Of Honor's 8/9/03 "Wrath Of The Racket" event. This is a must for any Jim Cornette fan!!! You'll see the following matches: AJ Styles & Homicide vs. Chris Daniels & Dan Maff; Samoa Joe vs. BJ Whitmer; Jimmy Rave vs. Slim J; Matt Stryker vs. Justin Credible; Colt Cabana & Ace Steel vs. Jimmy Jacobs & Alex Shelley; Homicide vs. Chris Sabin plus Four Corner Survival and Tag Team Scramble action!!! Check it out in the New Releases section of RFVideo.com.

- Check out the ONLY IWA Mid-South fansite, IWA Primetime, at http://www.freewebs.com/iwaprimetime/index.htm . It features news, wrestler bios, tape reviews, downloadable theme songs, info, polls, and more.
- The VHS versions of Best of XPW TV Vollume 1, the VHS and DVD versions of Best of XPW Deathmatches Volume 1, and the VHS and DVD versions of XPW New Year's Revolution 2002 are available for pre-order from Best Buy.
- Obsessed With Wrestling - your absolutte number one source for pro wrestler bios and information on the Web - has relaunched with a brand new LAYOUT and a new server. It can now be found at Combat-Honor.com or ObsessedWithWrestling.com. Check it out and enjoy!
- Those looking to show their support foor the assanine allegations against XPW co-owners Lizzy Borden and Rob Black can use any of the following banners in their signatures on message boards or on their web sites:

http://www.houseofxtreme.com/free.gif

http://www.xpwtv.com/support_roblizzy.jpg

http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/67182/2.jpg

http://www.houseofxtreme.com/duh.jpg

You may also leave a phone message that will be played for the couple in the coming days by calling (206)-202-1979.

Feedback, suggestions, etc. about this column may be sent to [email protected].