Raw rating

The 12/30 edition of Raw did a 3.6 rating, bouncing back nicely from last week's disappointing number. The show did hours of 3.49 and 3.73.

E' morto "Dr.Death" Steve Williams

Steve Williams, 49, è morto dopo una lunga battaglia contro il cancro.

TNA Before the Bell info + nuovo logo TNA!

Cliccare sull'immagine per vederla interamente!



Il programma che andrà in onda su Directv nel canale 101 sarà un preshow ppv in stile "Before the Glory" di Ottobre, in cui verranno raccontate varie sfaccettature dei wrestlers.

Come si può notare, il logo TNA ha subito un restyling.

NJPW, 12/5/09 video links!

NJPW, 12/5/09
Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium
8,500 Fans - No Vacancy

1. Jado & Tomohiro Ishii Vs. Kazuchika Okada & Nobuo Yoshihashi
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=1ATCZ347

2. Jushin Thunder Liger, Koji Kanemoto & AKIRA Vs. Tiger Mask, Ryusuke Taguchi & Prince Devitt
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=TAY4VBN7

3. Super Strong Machine & Mitsuhide Hirasawa Vs. Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=K2T9XES0

4. Masahiro Chono & Tomoaki Honma Vs. Manabu Nakanishi & Takao Omori
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=IRNRY67I

5. Special Singles Match: Wataru Inoue Vs. Toru Yano
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=CKAJQN7W

6. Chain Death Match: Togi Makabe Vs. Takashi Iizuka
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=20VLI58K

7. Special Singles Match: Masato Tanaka Vs. Hirooki Goto
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=8W86R42M

8. Special Singles Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi Vs. TAJIRI
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=7WOER9O7

9. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Shinsuke Nakamura © Vs. Yuji Nagata
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=4C9EE13C

DG Infinity 155/156 video links!!

DG Infinity 155

Dragon Gate "THE GATE OF GENERATION", 03.12.2009
Tokyo Korakuen Hall
2,350 Fans - Super No Vacancy Full House

1. 1 vs. 2 - Handicap Match:
KAGETORA vs. Genki Horiguchi & Ryo Saito

2. New Generation Army vs. Veteran Army 6 vs. 6
Naniwa Style Elimination Match:
CIMA, Gamma, Masaaki Mochizuki, Don Fujii, Magnitude Kishiwada & Takuya Sugawara
vs.
Naruki Doi, Masato Yoshino, BxB Hulk, Shingo Takagi,YAMATO & Akira Tozawa

Download Link - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=LNUA4VO9


DG Infinity 156

Dragon Gate "THE GATE OF GENERATION", 06.12.2009
Sapporo Teisen Hall
1,250 Fans - Super No Vacancy Full House

1. FIP World Heavyweight Title:
Davey Richards (c) vs. Masaaki Mochizuki

2. Open the Freedom Gate Title:
BxB Hulk (c) vs. Susumu Yokosuka

Download Link - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=78YUC28N
_________________

Melina infortunata+immagini!

Cliccate sull'immagine per vederla per intero!




Durante il corso dell'ultimo house show del brand di Raw, nello svolgimento del six-Diva Santa’s Little Helper match, la campionessa femminile Melina si è infortunata alla gamba destra. In attesa di test approfonditi, il timore è che si possa trattare di una lesione ai legamenti crociati anteriori della gamba destra.

WWE Superstars rating

0.7 per l'edizione della vigilia di Natale.

ECW rating

1.0.

Tag Team messo sotto contratto dalla TNA~!!

Dalla pagina twitter di Dixie Carter:

"Proud to report TNA has signed the Young Bucks. Thanks to all of you for the input on them. They show great potential."

Agli ultimi tapings, gli Young Bucks hanno disputato un tryout match contro i MCMG, lasciando un'ottima impressione.

TNA-Ric Flair Update

Ad oggi Ric Flair non ha firmato con la TNA. Lo scorso weekend Flair era in vacanza fuori dagli USA, ma adesso la TNA sta pressando per ottenere la firma entro la fatidica data del 4 Gennaio, per farlo apparire allo show, facendo inoltre intuire che se la firma non dovesse arrivare per quella data e lui non apparisse allo show, l'offerta verrebbe ritirata.

Come si sa, Flair è stato per molto tempo restio nel passare alla "competizione", ma allo stesso tempo l'ultima offerta ricevuta dalla WWE era pari a 250.000$ all'anno, ben lontano dall'offerta della TNA.

Un punto cruciale rimane la volontà di Flair di avere un contratto firmato non con la TNA ma con la Panda Energy. Poichè Hogan ha firmato con la Panda Energy a garantire i soldi (con l'idea che se la TNA dovesse fallire i soldi arriverebbero dalla Panda Energy) e non con la TNA, Flair vorrebbe lo stesso trattamento.

TNA-AAA News

Terry Taylor ha contattato il managment AAA. La TNA voleva mandare Hernandez in AAA per poter avere dei filmati di lui percorrendo le strade in Mexico e combattendo difronte a tanti fans per esaltare la sua importanza in terra Latina.
E' molto strano che la TNA abbia contattato la AAA, sia per il suo rapporto collaborativo con la CMLL, sia per i ben noti problemi occorsi fra la TNA e Konnan.

Jim Ross ha firmato un nuovo contratto con la WWE

Jim Ross e la WWE hanno raggiunto un accordo per prolungare la permanenza del commentatore sino a Marzo. Date le condizioni di salute di Ross, è stato deciso di prolungare il contratto sino a quella data, per poi prendere una decisione finale. La WWE ha scelto qusta strada per evitare anche un possibile passaggio di Jim Ross in TNA.

La TNA avrebbe un ruolo per Dreamer

Nel backstage WWE è dato per certo il passaggio di Dreamer in TNA. Secondo alcune fonti, il wrestler ha asserito di avere un posto sicuro in TNA, nella mansione di agent.

Prima di un suo eventuale passaggio in TNA dovranno passare i canonici 90 giorni.

TNA Knockout infortunata!

Ai tapings di ieri, Roxxi ha subito una frattura in due punti della caviglia. Lo ha reso noto Dixie Carter dalla sua pagina Twitter.

Dixie Carter chiede un parere sugli Young Bucks

Dalla pagina twitter di Dixie Carter:

Young Bucks had a dark match with us today. Should TNA sign them?

Gli Young Bucks hanno tenuto un dark match ai taping di ieri contro i MCMG. Il managment è rimasto molto colpito dal duo ed è altamente probabile che arrivi a breve un contratto per ingaggiarli.

TNA Impact spoilers from Orlando

This is for the New Year's Eve show, a one-night tournament for a shot at Tara's Knockouts title

Hamada b Madison Rayne with the Michinoku Driver

ODB b Traci Brooks with the TKO

Roxxi b Velvet Sky with the Voodoo drop

Awesome Kong b Daffney with the implant buster

Sarita & Taylor Wilde b Lorelai Lee & April Hunter

Hamada b Roxxi (Roxxi was attacked after her win over Velvet by Lacey Von Erich and selling it)

ODB b Kong by hitting her with a bottle

Sabin & Shelley b Young Bucks. Crowd was chanting "Sign the Bucks" when it was over. They are almost assuredly being signed, given that Dixie Carter on Twitter asked people if she should sign them

Lizzy Valentine b Amber O'Neal in another tryout match

ODB b Hamada

They announced Tara vs. ODB for 1/4

Also scheduled for 1/4 is Scott Hall

Tommy Dreamer ha un piede fuori dalla WWE

Secondo numerose fonti WWE, Tommy Dreamer ha chiuso il suo rapporto lavorativo con la compagnia. La voce di un suo addio ha cominciato a circolare fra i wrestlers agli ultimi tapings di ECW/Smackdown. Secondo questi, Tommy Dreamer, che aveva firmato un nuovo accordo la scorsa estate, avrebbe richiesto il rilascio.

TNA Final Resolution live PPV coverage from Orlando

Welcome to our live coverage of tonight's TNA Final Resolution PPV. We're looking for your thoughts on this show, as well as last night's WEC, Strikeforce and ROH major shows, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match on each individual show to dave@wrestlingobserver.com
We're opening with the British Invasion vs. Motor City Machine Guns for the TNA tag team titles
Very good opener. Story was the Machine Guns got near fall after near fall using cool moves. The finish saw ref Slick Johnson with Shelley, allowing a Doomsday device type of move, where Sabin was on Doug Magnus' shoulders and Williams came off the top with a European style forearm instead of the clothesline, and then Magnus pinned Sabin with a folding press. Crowd was really into the near falls. Fast pace really good match.
ODB vs. Tara for the Knockouts title is next
Tara won the championship. The finishing sequence was an attempt for the Widow's peak, reversed into an attempt at the TKO, but Tara rolled off her shoulder into a Toyota roll for the pin. More physical than a WWE women's match but short match that wasn't all that good.
Feast or Fired Battle Royal is up now. Participants are Jay Lethal, Consequences Creed, Cody Deaner, Robert Roode, James Storm, Sheik Abdul Bashir, Kiyoshi, Rob Terry, Kevin Nash (with the winner of the long forgotten valet for a night contest), Homicide, Eric Young and Samoa Joe
Not much of a Battle Royal, the four people who pulled briefcases down from different ring posts were Sheik Abdul Bashir, Kevin Nash, Rob Terry and Samoa Joe, so what we do know is Beer Money isn't getting a tag title shot out of this and the guy fired isn't Deaner.
It went down like this:
Kevin Nash got a tag title shot. He had a blond stripper looking valet from the valet for a night contest that pretty much everyone forgot about.
Samoa Joe got a world title shot
Rob Terry got an X title shot
Bashir was fired. Bashir & Terry opened up the briefcases together with the idea that everyone would think Bashir was getting the X shot and Terry was getting fired.
Team 3-D & Rhino & Jesse Neal vs. The Pope & Suicide & Matt Morgan & Hernandez in an elimination match. Hernandez has to start and go five minutes and if he doesn't survive, the heels win the match.
Crowd was flat for the match. It also felt disorganized as twice it didn't appear if the announcers even knew there was an elimination. Hernandez survived the 5:00, and sidestepped a gore and pinned Rhino with a schoolboy first. Neal was DQ'd for a chair shot on Suicide. It was a safe weak chair shot to the head. Hernandez then clobbered Neal with a chair shot to the head. Even with what people know, this was probably the biggest pop so far this show for the chair shot. Hernandez was DQ'd. Team 3-D did a 3-D on Suicide, so came down to 3-D vs. Pope & Morgan. They used a 3-D on Pope and Devon pinned him. Morgan then pinned Devon with a carbon footprint. Bubba went for a chair shot on Morgan, but he used the carbon footprint on the chair into Bubba's face and pinned him to take the match. Disappointing overall.
They previewed the Abyss & Foley vs. Raven & Dr. Stevie match, but clearly they are disorganized because they came back from the preview and said that was coming up later and then previewed Bobby Lashley vs. Scott Steiner which is next
Lashley vs. Steiner in last man standing
Lashley won via ten count. Steiner was about to hit Lashley with the pipe, but Kristal ran out and took the pipe away from Scott and threw it into the ring. Bobby didn't catch it, but did spear Steiner and then Bobby took the pipe and hit Steiner with it for the ten count. Match was a series of power moves and ten counts. Mike Tenay and Taz said Lashley and Steiner finished their issues with this match Match was okay, biggest pop was Scott doing a Frankensteiner off the top rope. Steiner probably injured his left knee since he was limping most of the way, but looked like he did most or all of the planned spots. Finish was good.
Raven & Dr. Stevie vs. Abyss & Mick Foley
Foley announced it was a Foley's House of Fun match which meant no DQ and weapons were legal. It was what you'd expect. Had the second most heat of anything on the show so far, trailing only the opener. At one point Raven "injured" Foley and they did a 2-on-1 on Abyss. As they were about to finish Abyss, Foley came back with a shopping cart filled with weapons. Foley used hard broiler pan shots on both. They also used hard kendo stick shots and Foley wrapped Stevie up in barbed wire and put him on a table near the entrance ramp. Foley came off the ramp with an elbow drop to take out Stevie and himself. Finish saw Daffney run in, and Raven tried to DDT Abyss, but Abyss escaped and used a black hole slam on Raven for the pin. Good for the style.
Kurt Angle vs. Desmond Wolfe in a three fall match in a cage, first fall pins, second falls submissions, third escape the cage.
Long match. Not as heated or as good as their first match, but better from a psychology standpoint. First fall saw Wolfe get the pin first when Angle missed a moonsault and Wolfe used a lariat and Tower of London for the pin. Second fall was an exchange of submissions. This was good, not anywhere close to 90s Volk Han but they used all kinds of submissions with Angle finally winning with a heel hook. Wolfe worked on Angle's shoulder for much of the second fall with overhand wristlocks and uma platas. Third fall saw both men bleeding. Angle's was hardway. Wolfe bled like crazy, apparently trying to emulate Steve Austin in WrestleMania 13. The finish saw Angle use the heel hook and Wolfe tapped like crazy and finally passed out from the pain. Angle went to climb over the top but Wolfe tried to crawl through the door but Angle dropped first to win. They pushed the idea that Angle should get a title shot for winning this match. Very good match but the crowd seemed tired even though they appreciated the match.
Mick Foley cut an old school promo about Hulk Hogan coming on January 4th.
A.J. Styles vs. Daniels for the TNA title is the main event
Crowd was tired but the work was pretty much exceptional here. Some tremendous stuff here. Among the big spots were Daniels setting Styles up for a backward superplex, but instead dropped him on the turnbuckles. Another spot was Daniels doing the plancha into a huracanrana on the floor, but Styles dropped Daniels on his head on the floor. Daniels had nasty swelling over the right eye like you'd see in a real fight and it may have been from that spot. Early in the match Daniels gave Styles a uranage on a chair on the floor behind the refs back. Styles kicked out of the best moonsault ever and Daniels kicked out of the Styles clash. The finish was Daniels going for a Frankensteiner off the top rope, but Styles blocking it and using a Styles clash off the middle rope from that position for the pin.
Even though the crowd wasn't as hot consistently a the main events on last month's show, they pretty much exploded for the finish. I really thought the layout for this match was tremendous the way it all built and made sense at the end, not to mention the expected strong execution.

Bashir fuori dalla TNA

L’angle di ieri sera, riguardante Bashir, è effettivamente la realtà dei fatti, giacchè Bashir è ufficialmente fuori dalla TNA. Un wrestler ha asserito che Bashir ha chiesto il rilascio, mentre fonti TNA dichiarano che sia stata una decisione presa dalla compagnia.

Il contratto di Bashir era stato rinnovato qualche mese fa.

ROH Final Battle report

By Patric Laprade

They announced that due to snow storm on the east side, The Necro Butcher wasn't able to be here. They also announced that Teddy Hart and Jack Evans weren't in the building yet because of their flight being canceled but ROH was trying to do anything possible to make sure they would be here tonight.

The place looks full but still, there must be more tickets sold than people in because of the storm.

They then announced the broadcast team and after they made their way to the ring, Larry Sweeney's music played and he was greeted by a huge "welcome back" chant. He didn't talk to the live crowd but joined the brodcast team.

Eddie Kingston b Chris Hero in a wild brawl that saw Hero dropped Kingston on his head on one of the big metal ROH sign they put on the guardrails. Move looked sick.

Very good show so far.

Claudio Castagnoli b Colt Cabana, Rhett Titus & Kenny Omega in a very good fast pace opener.

Bison Smith & Erick Stevens b Delirious & Pelle Primeau & Bobby Dempsey. Necro was supposed to be Delirious partner. Delirious came to the ring alone and started the match. Primeau then came as his partner and after being destroyed, Dempsey came and was actually the most over guy in the match.

The Young Bucks b Kevin Steen & El Generico in an amazing match. "This is awesome" chants and a lot of "Mr. Wrestling" too.

After the match, Steen, who got pinned, thanked about everyone, from his haters to his friends, including The Briscoes, Nigel McGuinness and his wife.

Then he fell into tears in the arms of his best friend El Generico. As he was about to thank him, he said: " I just hate you're fucking guts!" and kicked him in the nuts. He then went for a chair and hit Generico right on top of his head.

Colt Cabana came to help Generico and Steen basically kissed him on the mouth! He then left, leaving the crowd mad and moreover, shocked!

Kenny King b Roderick Strong

Rocky Romero b Alex Koslov. Due to the weather, Teddy Hart and Jack Evans were not able to make it I guess.

The Briscoes b The American Wolves to become the new ROH World tag team champions. After the match, as The Briscoes were celebrating, Claudio Castagnoli came to the ring while Chris Hero attacked the newly crowned champions from behind.

Claudio and Hero shook hands with fans chanting a huge "Kings of Wrestling".

Finally Evans and Hart were able to make it as we saw them arrived during the previous match.

They did an impromtu match with Julius Smokes as referee. 10 minutes long but really good match with all of the moves you think both of them would do.

Evans beat Hart with a 630. They both praised the fan and the promotion before and after their match. They said they'd be back in 2010.

Tyler Black and Austin Aries went to a 60-minute draw. While they were still fighting and after all 3 referees got thrown out the ring, the Briscoes and King of Wrestling came to the ring from the crowd fighting each others and the show ended with Black and The Briscoes thanking the fans.

Steen & Generico vs Young Bucks was match of the night with a very good mention to Hart vs Evans and also the opener.

Strikeforce live coverage from San Jose

Strikeforce live coverage from San Jose

Dave@wrestlingobserver.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Welcome to our live coverage of tonight's Strikeforce show at the HP Pavilion in San Jose. We're looking for your thoughts on tonight's Strikeforce show as well as tonight's WEC show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to dave@wrestlingobserver.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Only three prelim fights tonight. The David Tarzan Douglas vs. Bobby Stack fight is off. Douglas came in a few pounds overweight, managed to to make weight early last evening, but then when rehydrating, his system went into shock and he was hospitalized.

Because of it being only a seven match show, we're starting late.

A.J. Fonseca vs. Alex Crispin

Crispin is the crowd favorite. Pretty good crowd in here already. Crispin on top on the ground holding a front headlock. He’s throw a few punches but nothing of note. Crispin with punches and elbows to the back. More punches to the side of the head. More punches and elbows to the back by Crispin. More punches by Crispin. Fonseca back up. Crispin with a single leg but Fonseca up and throwing knees. Fonseca with punches. Crispin is tired. He’s backing off at the end but Fonseca couldn’t get anything of note in. Crispin 10-9

Fonseca came in but Crispin backed himinto the cage. Fonseca turned him around. Fonseca with a punch off the break. Crispin snuck in an elbow and Fonseca with short punches from the clinch. Fonseca tried a takedown, and got caught in a guillotine. He used it to get top position but let go of the hold. He’s throwing punches from the top. Fonseca tried to get up but Crispin spun and got his back. He’s working for a choke. Fonseca up. Crispin got a coupe of decent jabs in. Now a low kick. Crispin in and out and landing but nothing powerful. Clearly Crispin’s round 20-18.

Crispin connectedwith a punch and lifted up his hands and dared Fonseca to punch. Fonseca going for a takedown and getting nowhere. Crispin punching the body while blocking the takedown. Now punching the side of the head while blocking the takedown. Crispin throwing knees from the clinch. Now Crispin trying for a takedown. Two hard knees to the face. Fonseca went down and Crispin threw another knee, which was illegal with Fonseca down. Fonseca was staggering around. He could have pulled out a DQ or no contest over it, but he’s coming back and fighting. Crispin using his reach to land shots and stay out of trouble. Fonseca shot and got a takedown finally Crispin tried a shoulderlock and finally got it. He was working on a heel hook as time ran out. 30-27 Crispin.

Final scores were 30-27 across the board for Crispin

Justin Wilcox vs. Daisuke Nakamura

Nakamura wearing his pro wrestling tights. Nakamura is a protege of Kiyoshi Tamura. Wilcox connected with a right straight which was the best punch so far. Wilcox missed a high kick. Wilcos caught a few good punches. Nakamura with a punch and knee. Wilcox back with a punch. Wilcox connected with more punches. Good overhand right by Wilcox. Wilcox with a knee. Nakamura landed a jab but now Wilcox back. Nakamura tried a flying armbar but Wilcox just stepped aside and let him fall. Good right by Wilcox. 10-9 Wilcox

Nakamura in with a knee. Nakamura moving better this round. Not much happening this round. No telling blows this round but Wilcox is throwing more. Nakamura with low kicks. Wilcox got a takedown late and that may win the round for him. Nakamura tried a Kimura but Wilcox out of trouble with no problems at the bell. Wilcox 20-18.

Nakamura missed a rolling kick. As he got up Wilcox cracked him with a good punch. Wilcox with a few more good punches. Knee by Wilcox ‘Both guys tiring now. Nakamura starting to land a lot of jabs but Wilcos took him down. Nakamura going for an amrbar. Wilcox ‘s eyes both swelling bad. Knee up the middle by Wilcox. Nakamura connected with several punches. Wilcox back and Nakamura back. Trading but nobody landed a good one. Wilcox missing punches as Nakamura continually dodged him. Wilcox landed a good punch. Wilcox landing some punches. Wilcox bleeding a lot from the left eye. Wilcox with another flurry. Wilcox and Nakamura trading at the end. Third round was close but I’ve got 30-27 for Wilcox.

30-27, 29-28 and 30-27 for Wilcox. Right decision, I’d consider this an upset.

Scott Lighty vs. Antwain Britt

Britt came out fast. He’s got Lighty bulled into the fence. Britt threw a knee to the groin and it was briefly stopped. High kick by Lighty. Britt in with punches. He knocked Lighty down and he’s throwing a ton of punches at the side of the head. Britt has side control. He’s now back throwing hard punches but Lighty back up. Lighty back to his feet. Britt dropped him again with a punch. Lighty back up with a kick. Hard throwing and Britt dropped him a third time. Lighty back up. Britt throwing big punches. Looks like Britt is getting tired now. Lighty is cut at the hairline. Another knockdown by Britt but he’s just holding Lighty down at the end of the round. 10-8 for Britt.

The doctor ordered the stoppage of this round between rounds so Britt wins via TKO at 5:00 of round one.

King Mo vs. Mike Whitehead

When you do a King Mo ring entrance you’d better win the match. Mo’s ring entrance wasn’t on television. Well, I guess if you don’t want to make stars....Mo is a 5-1 favorite but he’s giving up a ton of weight here. It’s really a heavyweight against a middleweight, which is Mo’s best weight class. And a more experienced heavyweight although the middleweight is by far the better athlete. Mo got a few punches in. Whitehead threw a knee. Whitehead threw a knee as Mo tried to duck to shoot. Fans are booing the lack of action. Mo threw a left and Whitehead back with a low kick. Another low kick by Whitehead. Another low kick by Whitehead. Mo decked him with a right and now pounding him on the ground. The third shot on the ground made Whitehead go limp abnd it was stopped. That was a big test for Mo because beating Whitehead shows you’re a real deal.

Mo said when asked what weight class he’s going to fight at, he said he’s a moneyweight.

They are doing a poll asking fans what rematch they most want to see among Fedor vs. Brett Rogers, Gina Carano vs. Cris Cyborg, Robbie Lawler vs. Jake Shields, Scott Smith vs. Benji Radach or K.J. Noons vs. Nick Diaz

Matt Lindland vs. Ronaldo Jacare Souza

John McCarthy got the best pop of the three. Souza missed a high kick. Lindland tried for a takedown and didn’t get it. Lindland got the takedown. Souza moving for an armbar and used it to reverse and get top position. Now he’s pounding Lindland. Lindland with a shoulderlock. Now Souza on top. Fans loved the ground work. Lindland throwing more from the bottom. Souza with a fist drop almost like an Abdullah elbow drop with the fist. Souza going for an arm triangle and Lindland tapped.

Fun match Souza made himself in the U.S. with that win.

Josh Thomson vs. Gilbert Melendez to unify the lightweight title

Thomson got much larger reaction but a ton of boos and he’s the San Jose guy. Thomson both more cheers and boos. Melendez in with a low kick. High kick and punches by Thomson. Thomson seemed to gain confidence from that exchange. Melendez failed a takedown. Low kick, Thomson caught the leg and got a takedown. He’s holding a front headlock and threw a knee. Trading punches . Great exchange. Now in a clinch. Thomson with a low kick and good punch. Melendez shot in for a single leg but couldn’t get it, but naile Thomson with a punch. Good low kick Thomson. Melendez with a nice flurry. Thomson with low kicks. Thomson with some nice punches. Thomson 10-9

Melendez decked Thomson with a right. Thomson slipped backing up. Trading punches and Thomson got nailed with a low blow. Melendez got a warning. It was a knee right in the center. Another wild exchange. A lot better fight than the first one. Melendez looks to have the conditioning edge this time and he didn’t have it last time. Body kick by Thomson. Another big exchange. Nobody getting the better of these wild swinging flurries. Melendez in with a hard knee as he grabbed Thomson’s leg from a kick. Thomson going for a takedown but didn’t get it and Melendez with a knee and elbow. Good low kick by Melendez. Thomson got better of an exchange. Wild swinging. Incredible exchange. Melendez decked him hard and working for a finish on the ground. Melendez with the ground and pound. 10-8 Melendez round so 19-18 for Melendez. Fantastic round.

Thomson needs this round but Melendez in with a low kick. Melendez with a punch and lwo kick. Slower round but it would almost have to be. Low kicks by Melendez. Both trading again. Knee by Melendez. Another good low kick by Melendez. Nice trip by Melendez but Thomson back up. Thomson with a few punches. Now a low kick by Thomson. Push kick by Thomson. Thomson shot in for a takedown. Didn’t get it. Close round but I’d say Melendez. 29-27.

Thonmson out using kicks and now got a doule leg takedown. He threw a knee. Melendez back up. Another big exchange. Thomson chant. Melendez with punches. Hard knee by Melendez. Punch and low kick combination by Melendez. More punches by Melendez. Low kick by Thomson but Melendez back with punches. Big trade of punches, Melendez got more in. Body kick, Melendez swept the leg and took Thomson down. Thomson right back up. Push kick by Thomson. Big exchange. Trading punches but Melendez getting the better punches in. Good knee by Melendez. Body kick by Thomson. Thomson got a thumb in the eye. Thomson trying to get time to recover. That was thumb right in the eye. Melendez’s round 39-36.

Final round opened with a knee by Thomson. Fantastic exchange. Thomson got the better of it and Melendez cut in the left eye. Another big exchange. This is a fight of the year candidate. Thomson dying at this point, exhausted. Melendez decked him to end the exchange. Now on top. Thomson up with 2:00 left. Just standing and trading. Gilbert chant. Thomson with two nice punches. Thomson with a takedown with 1:00 left and got his back. Melendez back up with :54 left. Thomson got some good punches in. Another big exchange. Fight of the year. Better than Henderson-Cerrone or Couture-Nogueira and right with Sanchez-Guida. Very close last round. Melendez gets it due to the knockdown. 49-45

Both hugged when it was over. Unanimous decision Cecil 49-47, 49-46, 49-46 all for Melendez.

Melendez said Josh is the toughest man he’s ever had, toughest match he’s ever had and toughest match he’ll ever had.

Thomson said Gilbert won because he was the better man. I want to make that clear so people don’t make bigger excuses.

Lashley interview and plugged TNA. Henderson interviewed. People reacted to Henderson like he’s a big star. Henderson kind of blew off when they asked about Fedor saying there are a lot of fights before he gets there.

Cung Le vs. Scott Smith headlines the show

No way they can follow the previous match. Le still got the biggest pop of the show. Cung Le chant. Smith out fast. Side kick by Le. Body kick by Le. Head kick missed by Le. Side kick by Le. Cung looks older and slower to me but great spin kick by Le. Smith is the perfect opponent for him to have a great fight. Le put him down with a spin kick. Le throwing punches on the ground. Le working to finish. Le on top. Le throwing hard punches on the ground. Smith is in a lot of trouble. Hammer punches by Le. McCarthy let it go longer than most would have. But Smith survived and got to his feet. Smith very lucky John let it go. Smith rushing in. Another spin kick put Smith down. Smith back up. Cung is tired. Another high kick by Le. Another spin kick by Le. Smith connected with a punch. Another spin kick to the body hurt Smith and sent him reeling backwards. Le with a left and a kick. Low kick by Le. Smith coming back. 10-8 Le.

Side kick by le. Le dancing away. Le went for a takedown so you know he’s tired. Body kick and head kick by Le but mouth wide open. Another low kick by Le. High kick blocked. Good left by Le. Spin kick tothe body put Smith down. Le not throwing on the ground. McCarthy ordered a standup. Smith in few wild punches. Le back with punches. Le with body kick. Le tried a hip toss. Smith blocked it. In a clinch. Le stomping on the toes. Le with a hip toss but Smith back up and hit a good punch in transition. Le seems to me to be stalling in a clinch with the round ending. Smith throwing big but not hitting. Still Le’s round with the knockdown 20-17.

Le staggered him with a head kick and staggered him again with a body kick. Side kick by Le. Another side kick by Le. Body kick by Le, but he’s tiring. Le with punches, spinning back fist. Le with a high slam. Smith back with a punch. Smith tried a guillotine. Smith back head hunting. Le kicking to the body. Good left by Le. Smith throwing big punches but not really landing. Smith decked Le with a left and now has him in trouble. Left cross and a hard right. Afew punches on the ground and it’s over. Unbelievable fight.

He caught me with a punch, I did my best I fought my hert out, he fought his heart out. I just got caught with a punch. You win some you lose some. I did my best.hard

WEC 45 Live Play by Play

WEC Live Play by Play
Welcome to our live coverage of WEC 45 Cerrone vs Ratcliff at the Palms in Las Vegas. By Mike Sawyer



Jameel Massouh vs Erik Koch



Round 1

Erik has him clinched along the cage. They are fighting for position. Koch slips throwing a kick and now Jameel is on top. Quickly back up. More fighting for position and Koch gets the takedown. Not much going on. Round ends. 10-10



Round 2



This one starts as the previous with a long clinch. Koch throws a kick and they clinch again. Wow. Do something, even if its wrong. Jameel is trying for the takedown. Doesn't get it. Koch with a nice slam and is in side control dropping elbows. Round ends. 10-9 Koch.



Round 3



They better turn it up. Jameel pulls guard. Koch firing punches. Back up. Koch dropping short elbows and works back to side control. Now he has his back and is working for a rear naked choke. Jameel defending well. Fight ends. 10-9 Koch



I have it for Koch. Lets see how the judges score it. Koch 30-27 on all three score cards.



Brad Pickett vs Kyle Dietz

Kyle just misses a high kick. Brad now on top. A few body shots, but Kyle is throwing some nice elbows from the bottom. Brad standing over him catches an up kick to the teeth. Back in his guard. Both are working at a faster pace. They stay on the ground the rest of the round, but both working hard. Round ends



Round 2



Nice hard body shot by Brad connects and they exchange. Brad gets takedown and is working the body and dropping the short elbows. Nice scramble. Brad back on top dropping body shots. They scramble again only this time Brad traps him in the good old peruvian necktie! Kyle tapped out. WINNER: Brad Pickett





Courtney Buck vs Brandon Visher



Tremendous action to start things off. Both trading and landing at will. Brandon gets the takedown after a huge slam. Gets side control. Back up and boy are these guys firing shots. Brandon lands a hard right and follows with a knee. Buck now lands a shot as they hit the ground with Visher on top and now in full mount. Buck scrambles and now Visher has his back and is pounding away. Its over. Crowd on its feet. What a great round. WINNER: Brandon Visher by KO at 4:45 of the first...



Chad George vs John Hosman



George with the early takedown. Postures up and slams him back down. Landing some nice shots to Hosman's grill. Dean stands them up. Back down with Chad on top. Another standup by Herb. Back down with George on top and the round ends. 10-9 George



Round 2

Hosman lands a body kick, but George back on top. Hosman attempts sweep, but can't pull it off. Herb stands them up as Clay Guida is yelling at Hosman (Clay in his corner). Another takedown by George. Back up. Back down. George on top. Clay very animated in the corner. This is Chad's round. 10-9 George



Round 3



Well, here we go again as Chad with another takedown. Guida wants Hosman to do a lot of things. John is not listening. Don't know how he can't hear him. Dean stands them up. Both pawing at each other. George lands a left. Hosman better go for broke. He doesn't and loses that round too and the fight. I have it 30-27 for George. The Judges have it the same. WINNER: Chad George



Muhsin Corbbrey vs Zack Micklewright



Kim Winslow is the ref. Clinch, knees and some dirty boxing to get things started. Zack gets the takedown. Armbar attempt by Muhsin. Doesn't get it and is now getting hit, but gets top position. Back up and both landing. Round ends. 10-9 Zack



Round 2

Zack attempts a jumping nothing and gets it. Clinch. Zack lands a few shots. Muhsin smiling at him. Zack slips and Muhsin ends up on top. Now side control. We have a "new ref" scream from the front row that gets a laugh. Kim stands them up. Smart. Round ends. 10-9 Zack



Round 3



Zack with a nice combo. Clinch. Nice knee to the body and follows it up with 5-6 punches to the face. Zack in control and getting the better of it. Good knees to the body. Good exchange. 10-9 Zack. Judges have it 30-27 for the WINNER: Zack Micklewright



Bart Palaszewski vs Anthony Pettis



Anthony showing no respect as his hands are down by his knees. They clinch. Bart looking for takedown, Anthony looking a kimora. Scramble. Bart lands a kick that appears to start at Anthony's ass and comes out his mouth. Wow. Bart pressing the action and now he holds his hands low and talks shit. Round ends. 10-9 Bart.



Round 2



Anthony lands hard leg kick. Bart shoots in and takes him down. Corner yelling for short elbows. Back up. They clinch. Nice combo by Anthony. Bart goes for takedown, but Anthony rolls for a heelhook. Round ends.



Round 3



Bart drops him with a shot and is now on top. They are back up. They trade. Bart stalking and gets caught and dropped. They clinch. Anthony throws a roundhouse kick that misses by a mile. Fight is over. This is gonna be close and could go either way. 29-28 for either guy would satisfy me. Judges have it 30-27 for Pettis, 30-27 for Bart (What?) and 29-28 for your winner Bart Palaszewski



Takeya Mizugaki vs Scott Jorgensen



Takeya is dropped with the first punch and goes down, but gets back up and they clinch. Both landing knees and looking for a legtrip. Scott gets a brief takedown. Back up. Scott flores him again and follows him down. Takeya is surviving and showing heart. They clinch. Round ends. Good round. You could score it 10-8, but i will go 10-9 Jorgensen.



Round 2



Takedown by Jorgensen. Scramble and back up. Clinch and some dirty boxing by both guys. Takeya finding his range, but is taken down again. Back up. They clinch and break off swinging. Scott with another takedown. Round ends. 10-9 Jorgensen



Round 3



They exchange and then clinch. They break away. Both swinging. Both guys with a ton of heart. Just when you think Takeya finds his range he gets taken down. Back up and now Takeya on top. He is a warrior. Side control. Round ends. 10-9 Takeya. Fun fight. I've got Scott winning 29-28 and wouldn't be surprised if it ended 29-27. Judges have it 29-28 for Scott Jorgensen



Joe Benavidez vs Rani Yahya



Wild exchange. Feeling each other out. Huge shot by Joe puts Rani down and out. Fight is over and the crowd is hot at ref Kim Winslow and not in a good way. WINNER: Joe Benavidez by TKO. Some guy from the balcony just screamed "cook me some breakfast bitch" and even the camera guy turned around to look at him. We have a new hated female in Las Vegas named Kim.



Anthony Njokuani vs Chris Horodecki



Anthony has the reach on him and is much longer. Chris going for a takedown. Doesn't get it. Anthony punts his head off with an incredible kick. Crowd popped like Hogan just arrived. Drops down and finishes him off. Wow. VERY impressive performance by Anthony, who trains at One Kick's Gym here in Vegas..



Donald Cerrone vs Ed Ratcliff



Crowd is ready for this one. Cerrone charges across the ring and grapple along the fence. Ratcliff with a stiff shot that lands. Goes to the body. Ratcliff looks sharp thus far. Cerrone coming back. He is walking in with his head straight up though. Low blow by Cerrone. Ed has brought his family to the show as the first two rows are going wild. Cerrone now yelling at them after he landed a low blow. Herb takes point away. Cerrone gets the takedown. Round over. This crowd is going crazy.



Round 2



Sweet leg kick dropped Cerrone briefly. Cerrone goes high with a kick. Nice body shot by Cerrone. Cerrone stalking. Oh dear God he got him in the balls again. Cerrone yelling back at ringside again. I can feel the love. Ed is hurting. ANOTHER point taken away from Cerrone. This is a wild round. SAVED BY THE BELL! Crowd is going nuts (pardon the pun)



Round 3



All sorts of action. Cerrone got mount, but grabbed the cage and Herb stands them up. Back down and has hhis back. Back up after wild scramble. Cerrone has his back. REAR NAKED CHOKE. Ed Tapped out. Crowd is loving this. Good fight!



Ed showed a ton of heart. Very good show....

TNA Update

Nelle scorse settimane ci sono stati molti meetings fra Dixie Carter ed Eric Bischoff negli headquarters in Nashville, riguardanti i piani futuri per la TNA.

In uno dei questi meeting si è discusso dell'abbandono del six sided ring, per tornare al tradizinale ring a quattro lati. Sia Bischoff che Hogan sono fortemente propensi per il ritorno al four sided ring.

Per lo show del 4 Gennaio sono previsti dei cambiamenti alla produzione dell'Impact Zone: luci, pyro eccettera.

Sean Waltman sta riferendo a varie persone in AAA che sta per tornare in TNA con Scott Hall.

Certa la data per il ritorno di Bret "The Hitman" Hart

Bret "The Hitman" Hart farà il suo ritorno il 4 Gennaio a Monday Night Raw. Sarà coinvolto in una storyline con Vince McMahon che culminerà a Wrestlemania.

Il presidente Spike TV parla di un possibile passaggio al Lunedì sera.

Multichannel News featured an article on the 1/4/10 showdown between WWE Monday Night Raw and TNA Impact, including comments from SpikeTV President Kevin Kay.

Kay, who declined to predict a rating for the three hour Impact special, he commented, "“I think it will be huge — Hulk Hogan is the most iconic wrestling superstar in the world,” Kay said. “Going head to head with the WWE is a great way to start off the year.”

Kay also noted that a Monday night move was not out of the question and that the 1/4 special would be the first in a number of quarterly TNA shows on Monday.

"If it's successful, I'm not opposed to moving it to Monday nights." This is the time for this … TNA has a lot of momentum with Hulk Hogan and we have the ability to market and promote it.”

The article did not offer quotes from WWE or the USA Network.

Top indipendent tag team in tryout con la TNA

Nick e Matt Jackson, The Young Bucks, tag team ben noto in Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, ROH e Dragon Gate USA, ha ottenuto la possibilità di effettuare un tryout con la TNA ai tapings di Lunedì.

Mesi fa, gli Young Bucks dichiararono in un'intervista che il loro obiettivo era di lottare in TNA.

TNA Impact rating

1.0.

WWE Superstars rating

0.9.

Nuovo show televisivo per la TNA

Il nuovo programma della TNA debutterà sul gestore della tv via cavo DirecTV, canale 101, l'11 Gennaio 4 PM Eastern. Il titolo sarà "Before the Bell" e dovrebbe approfondire i profili dei wrestlers.

WWE- Briscoes Update

Gli ROH tag team champions, Mark e Jay Briscoe, sono tornati dal tryout durato una settimana in FCW. Sono stati invitati dopo aver ben impressionato il managment WWE nel tryout tenuto tempo fa prima di Smackdown.

Breaking Update: WWE-Bret Hart!!

Nonstante ciò non sia dovuto al possibile ritorno della Monday Night War, è altamente possibile ceh Bret "The Hitman" Hart possa essere presente a Raw il 4 Gennaio.

Secondo una fonte WWE, Bret Hart, 52, ha firmato un contratto a breve termine la scorsa settimana, coprendo il periodo fra 1/1 e 4/10 o due settimane dopo Wrestlemania. Hart allo show WOR ha risposto alla domanda riguardante i recenti rumors, con "non vi voglio mentire, quindi non commento.".

La trattativa risale allo scorso Summerslam.

Non è confermato che hart si ail guest host dello show del 4 Gennaio; al momemento non è prevista una sua apparizione prima di quella data. L'angle partirebbe con Bret nel ruolo di guest host one night only.

Cosa ha detto RVD a Between the Ropes

RVD è stato ospite dell'ultimo show su betweentheropes.com presentato da Brian Fritz e D'Lo Brown.
RVD ha dichiarato che è da parecchio tempo che non parla con Hogan ma che recentemente ha parlato sia con Bischoff che con Dixie Carter. Ha detto che per invogliarlo a tornare sul ring sarà necessaria una proposta interessante dal punto di vista creativo.
Pensa che potrebbe scaturire qualcosa di interessante nel confronto di Gennaio fra la WWE e la TNA, ma quest'ultima in quel giorno dovrà proporre il top per non rimanere schiaccita.

Raw rating

The 12/14 edition of Raw did a 3.3 rating. During it's usual 9 to overrun time period, it did a 3.5. Monday Night Football did a good, but not great, 9.6 rating.

The show did hours of 2.95, 3.48 and 3.44, so once again the 10 o'clock hour saw the audience drop, albeit slightly. Usually with the extra hour leading in to the show, WWE averages over a 4 in the 9 p.m. to overrun timeslot. Last night, they did a 3.46. When you add in that it was the first show after a PPV, that isn't a good thing. I think that the quality of the broadcast was represented in the rating.

Kevin Nash news

Kevin Nash si è sottoposto ad una risonanza magnetica al collo e sta aspettando i risultati.

Kurt Angle-Jeff Jarrett Update!

Jeff Jarrett era ai tapings la scorsa settimana ed ha avuto un meeting con Kurt Angle. Non si sa di cosa esattamente abbiano parlato, ma tenendo conto della direzione in cui stanno andanto con la storyline, probabilmente hanno cercato di trovare un accordo e capire se davvero dovessero procedere con la storyline che vedrebbe Karen Angle lasciare Kurt per spostarsi con Jarrett, cosa accaduta nella vita reale.

WWE Update

WWE Update

La wellness policy ha subito qualche modifica. Se un wreztler dovesse lasciare la compagnia con alle spalle due test falliti al suo eventuale ritorno i suddetti rimarranno validi; perciò al primo test fallito nel nuovo run il wrestler sarebbe licenziato dalla compagnia. Chiunque fallisca tre test probabilmente non verrà ripreso fino al passare di un anno, a meno che non vadano in riabilitazione.

Matt Borne, the Original Doink, è andato in riabilitazione usufruendo dell'iniziativa WWE ed è in discussione con la compagnia per un possibile ruolo di agent.

Jamie Noble sta lavorando con i ragazzi in developmental deal nella FCW. Anche Edge si è recato in FCW recentemente per parlare con i wrestlers, ed il suo infortunio pare stia guarendo bene, facendo crescere le possiblità per una sua partecipazione a Wrestlemania.

Rhett Titus della ROH era agli FCW tryouts.

Alicia Fox è fuori azione per un infortunio alla spalla.

Mickie James era fra i wrestlers dispiaciuti di non essere stati bookati per il Tribute to the Troops show.

CMLL Sin Salida recap/notes

Full results of the CMLL Sin Salida year-end show, which we talked briefly about last week. This was their final big show of the year and drew approximately 9,000 fans, partly because there was a giant demonstration in Mexico City by the former employees of a utility giant that laid off 45,000 people in a single day (and you think things are bad around here) and traffic was horrendous. There was a belief, which I guess we'll never know the truth of, that had they not had the demonstration the show would have only drawn maybe another 1,000 people, which still would have been just over half-full. In other words, CMLL's woes continue.

1. Rouge & Pegasso Extrema & Rey Cometa beat Loco Max & Escandalo & Hooligan in 9:41. Rouge is said to be horrible, and this was said to be the best match you could possibly have with him involved. One reporter called this the best match on the show, but he was the only one.

2. Mascarita Dorado beat Mini Damian 333 (still the best name ever), in a minis match. They did every highspot under the sun and it was said to be a solid match. Dorado made Damian submit to the "whirling grapevine," which I need to use in my next match. Fans threw coins at the ring afterwards, which is a sign that they loved the match.

3. La Mascara & Maximo & Brazo de Plata (Super Porky) beat Misterioso Jr. & El Felino & Negro Casas when Porky pinned Casas with a butt drop. Wow, from the main event of the anniversary show to being pinned by Super Porky's enormous ass. All comedy and it didn't get good reviews.

4. Mistico & Hector Garza & Strong Man beat Mr. Niebla & Atlantis & Ultimo Guerrero in 13:56. Mistico made Guerrero submit for the finish. Everyone worked hard, no comedy, and a good match. Strong Man actually did a big splash off the top rope at one point. That's more than Ultimate Warrior ever did. This match ended prior to 9:30 p.m., and keep in mind they started at 8:30 p.m., so those are some quick in-and-out matches.

5. Volador Jr. & Sombra beat Mephisto & Ephesto to retain the CMLL World Tag Titles in a match that the fans loved so much that they threw now only coins but also paper money into the ring for afterwards. Mephisto pinned Volador with the devil's wings and Ephesto pinned Sombra with the powerbomb to take the first fall. Volador pinned Mephisto with a huracanrana and Sombra pinned Ephesto with the dragonrana to take the second fall. Third saw team captain Volador pinned team captain Mephisto with a frankensteiner off the top as Mephisto was trying a super devil's wings. Volador pulled out all the stops as well in this match. Referee Rafa el Maya was out of position for the finish and may have screwed some stuff up earlier in the evening also. Well, thank goodness Ultimo Guerrero is opening up that school for referees. Said to not be match of the year, but worth watching nonetheless.

6. In the main event Terrible & Texano Jr. beat Yujiro & Naito in a double hair vs. double hair match in 21:52. Even though this match went on fairly late, they didn't cut it short and the fans didn't end up getting out of the building under almost 11:30, which is late, particularly for people who had to catch the subway. Yujiro pinned Texano with the face blower and Naito pinned Terrible with the powerbomb for fall one. Terrible pinned both guys with a powerbomb in fall two, and then in fall three, after Texano was eliminated, he snuck in behind the ref's back and fouled Yurjio leading to the finish. Texano is technically a rudo but this was Mexico vs. Japan so they were cheered. Match was said to be above average but nowhere near the best match on the show. The Japanese worked hard and stiff and Terrible looked really good by the finish.

AAA TripleMania recap/notes

TripleMania ran their third biggest show of the year, Guerra de Titanes, the year-ender, on December 11th in Cuidad Madero before 10,346. It wasn't a sellout and there were lots of empty seats in the upper deck.

1. Lumino & Impulso beat El Disturbio Ledesma & The Black Master in a battle of the locals.

2. Mini Abismo Negro won an elimination match to determine new World Minis Champion. Order of elimination was Mascarita Divina, Mini Chessman, Mini Charly Manson (champ going in) Mini Psicosis, Mini Histeria and Octagoncito.

3. Joe Lider & Nicho el Millonario beat Jack Evans & Marco Corleone to retain the AAA World Tag Titles. Marco hurt his leg before the match apparently and pretty much dragged his foot to the ring. Lider pinned Evans in the third with a blind foul.

4. Pimpinela Escarlata & El Elegido & Extreme Tiger beat Silver King & Electro Shock & Ultimo Gladiador in 14:56. Pimpi pinned King with a small package to get the win in what was actually a big upset.

5. In another elimination match, this time to determine who gets a AAA World Super Mega Heavyweight Title match at Rey de Reyes on March 14th in Monterrey, Latin Lover & La Parka & Octagon & Rocky Romero beat Chessman & Teddy Hart & Alex Koslov & Zorro in 18:08. Order of elimination was Romero, Koslov, Octagon, Hart and Parka, then Lover pinned Zorro to win the match and get the title shot.

6. In a mask vs. hair match, Sexy Star with Billy Boy beat Faby Apache with Aero Star. Hijo del Tirantes came out to ref but the people made such a racket that El Internacional Piero came down to replace him. But once he got there, Jennifer Blake and Rain ran down and beat him up, so Tirantes ended up reffing after all. Rain and Blake were also the distraction that led to the finish. It went 15:19, then Gran Apache 1 came out to clean house. He ended up cutting off his daughter's hair afterwards in a sad scene.

7. In a streetfight, Konnan beat Cibernetico. Konnan is coming off surgery to have a stent placed in his heart, so obviously there were a million run-ins here. He came out with Teddy Hart and was wearing one of his old masks. Konnan, Chessman, Zorro, Koslov and Hart all ganged up on Cibernetico. They had a fan, presumably a plant, hit the ring to try to save Cibernetico, but Konnan destroyed him. Konnan has been doing MMA and jiu jitsu training in Southern California for a while now and he's a big guy, so stent or no stent, if this was a real fan that was a stupid move. Lider and Nicho came out to try to even the odds, but they were still uneven. After a massive beating, Konnan put his foot on Cibernetico's chest and got the pin. Cibernetico was stretchered out afterwards. This was the first "match" between the two and it put heavy heat on the feud.

8. In the main event, Mesias, in his fourth straight shot at the title, finally beat Dr. Wagner Jr. to win the AAA World Super Mega Heavyweight Wrestling Championship, which is a title so long it should require two belts. The match went 48:43, one of the longest matches in Mexico in a long, long time, and the finish saw Mesias hit him with a version of the martinete for the pin. The martinete, which is basically a piledriver that guys sell like death, is illegal, but Wagner had requested a no-rules match and so he paid the price for it in the end. They wrestled a clean, technical, world title-style match almost throughout. Wagnermania came out but Doc told them to go to the back because he wanted to handle this by himself. Finish apparently sets up Mesias, now a three-time champ, defending against Latin Lover in March. Finish was interesting in that Mesias is now heading to Puerto Rico for a tour, so they put the belt on a guy who is temporarily leaving the territory.

UFC vs. WWE!

Oltre alla speciale puntata di UFC Fight Night che andrà in onda Lunedì 11 Gennaio, dopo lo special TNA di 3 ore, la UFC ha spostato il ppv del 13 Marzo in Newark, NJ a Sabato 26, il giorno prima di Wrestlemania 26.

La WWE mette sotto contratto wrestler di seconda generazione

La World Wrestling Entertainment ha messo sotto contratto Richie Steamboat, figlio di Ricky Steamboat; inizierà il suo developmental run alla FCW. Negli ultimi 2 anni il padre lo ha fatto lottare in varie aree, per la NOAH in Giappone, per la WWC in Puerto Rico e alla scuola di Harley Race in Missouri.

CZW Cage of Death report 12-12 Philadelphia

Last night Combat Zone Wrestling held their eleventh Cage of Death event. CZW’s original owner, John Zandig, sold the company to wrestler DJ Hyde several months back. Since then the company’s shows have been much better organized. The company is gaining momentum, thanks in part to a B-Boy / Drake Younger match from a couple months back that got a lot of internet hype.

Pre-show / Hybrident.tv taping:

1) Ryan Slater (the former EMO) defeated Joe Gacy, Alex Colon, LJ Cruz, Drew Gulak, and Rich Swann in a six-way match between those previously eliminated from the CZW Wired Television Title tournament.

2) Jon Dahmer beat Ryan McBride.

3) Tyler Veritas made Adam Cole tap to win the CZW Wired Television Championship. I saw these guys work what was probably their first matches in the backyard of a strip club a little over a year ago. Since then they’ve been booked on ROH pre-shows and have grown a lot as wrestlers. Solid match.

DJ Hyde introduced four U.S. Marines, who received loud applause from the crowd. The Marines were there to collect toys for a Toys For Tots program. Bob Magee of PWBTS.net noted that a couple weeks prior Dragongate fans had donated next to no toys while at the same time making fun of CZW and its wrestlers. CZW fans, for all their drunkenness, drug use, disinterest in wrestling holds and constant swearing, donated two giant boxes worth of toys by intermission time.

Within 20 minutes they had taken off all the ring ropes and replaced them with barbed wire.

CAGE OF DEATH BEGINS

1) Thumbtack Jack defeated Nick Gage in a No-Rope Barbed Wire Match. Just absolutely ridiculous. Jack bled first, and soon after took a string of barb wire and starting grating Nick Gage’s head with it. Nick’s head immediately began spurting blood. I don’t know if Nick is just an awesome seller, but I bought his wooziness at a few different points. I thought he may just collapse, or that the finish would involve him collapsing. They did a bunch of scary spots on cinderblocks. After the match Gage was attacked by the returning JC Bailey, likely fresh out of the prison, who got a monster pop.

2) DJ Hyde beat Nick Hatred. In a brilliant move, only a few minutes after the Barb Wire match and the ring crew had begun to put the ropes back up, DJ Hyde and Nate Hatred began brawling through the crowd to start their match. They eventually made it into the ring, where Hyde won with a Lariat. At one point they brawled up to the balcony, but thankfully no one was stupid enough to go off it.

3) Ruckus and Sabian beat xOMGx and Scotty Vortekz, Azrieal and Bandido Jr., and Team Macktion to become the new number one contenders to the CZW World Tag Team Titles. The middle rope fell off halfway through the match. Sabian and Ruckus did a great job holding the match together. Zandig ran down to the ring to fix the ring during the match and the crowd didn’t even notice.

4) Greg Excellent beat Drew Blood to win the CZW Junior Heavyweight Title after giving him a Tiger Driver onto a CAKE. Anything involving a cake is good.

5) Jon Moxley beat B-Boy, Egoistico Fantastico and Eddie Kingston to become #1 contender for the CZW Heavyweight Title. Moxley, who has awesome heel facials and selling, probably should have gotten the World Title shot tonight. Not a great match, with Egoistico in particular just not hitting his spots hard enough to the crowd’s liking. Lots of “Oooooh [fans realize the move didn’t connect] Booooooo” throughout the match.

6) The Best Around defeated Ruckus and Sabian to keep the Tag Titles. When it was a basic tag team match it was pretty boring. Since this is CZW, a ladder soon became involved. Finishing spot was nuts, with one of TBA laying a ladder on Ruckus and landing a shooting star foot stomp on him.

7) Drake Younger defeated Devon Moore to retain the CZW World Heavyweight Title. Referee Brett Lauderdale took an unprotected chairshot during the match. Match was fine. They busted out some complicated table and chair spots and they all pretty much went of without a hitch.

Announcement time with DJ Hyde
January show is on the 30th
CZW will run a doubleheader for their February anniversary. The afternoon show will be free.
CZW will run another doubleheader in March, but with Germany’s WXW doing the day show. Drake Younger will battle Thumbtack Jack on that show.
On March 27 CZW will run a show in Indianapolis, IN.

Amazingly the cage was setup in less than 35 minutes. Last year and previous years took an hour to two hours.

8) CAGE OF DEATH: Sami Callihan defeated Danny Havoc in an absolutely insane and stupefying match. A picture of the cage setup can be seen at http://i50.tinypic.com/2ponkhz.jpg. There was one moment during the match where I legitimately thought that I would look up to find Callihan or Havoc decapitated. The match ended with Callihan using a knife on Havoc and then delivering some move through the glass scaffolding.

Post-match, NECRO BUTCHER came down to save Danny Havoc and then have a beer with him.

WWE Tables, Ladders and Chairs PPV live coverag

By Dave Meltzer

Welcome to our live coverage of the WWE TLC PPV from San Antonio's AT&T Center. We're looking for your thoughts on both this show and last night's UFC 107 show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match for each show at dave@wrestlingobserver.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

R-Truth pinned C.M. Punk in the dark match.

Christian vs. Shelton Benjamin for the ECW in a ladder match opens the show in the first of six title matches on the seven match show.

Christian won after delivering a plancha off the top rope outside the ring onto Benjamin who was on a ladder bridged from the announce table to the apron. The ladder broke in two. This was an excellent match. Early on Christian was busted up under the right eye when the ladder caught him and they stopped the match and tried to get rid of the blood. Matt Striker thought on his feet and blamed it on the Texas State Athletic Commission (which doesn't exist) but the fans were really mad and chanted "We Want Blood." Christian still had obvious swelling the rest of the match. The two did a match where they did counters off usual ladder match spots. They did a lot of dangerous spots, all of which hit perfectly. Benjamin's biggest spot was doing a flip dive off the top rung of the ladder onto Christian, on the floor. The match didn't have super heat, but the crowd reacted to all the daredevil spots.

John Morrison vs. Drew McIntyre for the IC title

McIntyre won the title. Something went wrong on purpose with Morrison's belt that he wears on his pants so Morrison took the belt off and threw it down. The ref tried to get it out of the ring and with his back turned, McIntyre thumbed Morrison in the eye and pinned him after a Scot drop, the double-arm DDT. Morrison has cooled off and McIntyre still isn't seen as a star. Crowd just saw it as another match. Better than avearge match.

Vince congratulated McIntyre after the match. Sheamus came out to congratulate him. Sheamus said he was also leaving with gold tonight.

Michelle McCool vs. Mickie James for the women's title

McCool retained the title with a kick to the head. Layla El was at ringside with a "Piggie James" T-shirt on. McCool went to kick James, who moved, and kicked Layla off the apron. James got a near fall with a schoolgirl but then got kicked in the head for the pin. Better than most women's PPV matches.

John Cena vs. Sheamus for WWE title

Sheamus won the title in a good match. Cena was standing on the top rope ready to superplex Sheamus through a table, but Sheamus shoved him off the rope and Cena went through the table. Sheamus did a real good job here. He performed like a solid poised heel, aggressive and everything he did was crisp. Sheamus stood over Cena like he was the real winner as Cena was selling the table bump so it didn't come across like a fluke.

Undertaker vs. Batista for the World title

Match was flat to the crowd coming after the title change until the end. They didn't overdo the chair shots, and none of the chair shots were brutal like they would have been a year ago with the same type of match, which is good. Batista used a low blow and chair shot and got the pin. Teddy Long came out and said the chair shot was legal, but the low blow wasn't and ordered the match to start again. Batista picked up the chair but Undertaker kicked the chair into him and used a tombstone piledriver to retain the title.

Randy Orton vs. Kofi Kingston

Kofi Kingston was confronted by Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase (suited up for a run-in). He called them carrier pigeons and flunkies and then he went into Orton's dressing room and told Orton he thought he was a coward who never deserves another title match.

Orton used the punt to the left arm, the Divorce Court on the arm, ducked the Trouble in Paradise and won clean with the RKO. They pushed it that Orton now deserves to get a shot at the title. If you watched Raw a month ago, you'd be amazed at how little heat this match had.

Batista threatened Teddy Long that he better make things right. Long acted scared to death. I guess that means a title match on Tuesday, or they'll announce a match for the Rumble on Tuesday.

Chris Jericho & Big Show vs. DX in a TLC match for the tag team titles

DX won the titles. Long match, maybe too long because the crowd got flat near the end. Pretty clever finish. Show destroyed a couple of ladders for some reason. Jericho was on Show's shoulder trying to get the belts but DX recovered. Michaels superkicked Show and Jericho flew over the top and was supposed to go over and through a table but landed short and his knees landed on the ground and his face landed on the table that didn't break. HHH then held up half the ladder as the base and Michaels climbed up to take down the belts. Crowd popped big for Michaels winning in San Antonio but match didn't have the start-to-finish heat you'd think.

Inifnity 154 video link!

WORLD-1 "THE WORLD IS ONE", 10/13/09
Shin-Kiba 1st RING
450 Fans - Super No Vacancy Full House

1. 3 Way Match: YOSSINO vs. Syachihoko Machine vs. Johnson Florida
2. PAC & Kotoka Shiiba vs. Naoki Tanizaki & Bear Fukuda
3. Super Shenlong II 50 Match Trial Series 19th: Super Shenlong II vs. Kazuchika Okada
4. Shinobu & Madoka vs. Masato Yoshino & BxB Hulk
5. YAMATO & Akira Tozawa vs. Koji Kanemoto & Naruki Doi

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=QBO4JPBC

BJW "YOKOHAMA BUNKA TAIIKUKAN TAIKAI", 04.12.2009 video links!

BJW "YOKOHAMA BUNKA TAIIKUKAN TAIKAI", 04.12.2009
Yokohama Cultural Gymnasium
2,100 Fans

MEN's Teioh, Atsushi Ohashi & Daisuke Masaoka vs. Onryo, Makoto Oishi & Mototsugu Shimizu - December 4th, 2009
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=23A3D1JM

5. 3 Way Dangerous Weapons Death Match:
Ryuji Ito & MASADA vs. Masashi Takeda & Kankuro Hoshino vs.
Jun Kasai & "Black Angel" Jaki Numazawa
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=VE21NGNH

6. BJW Tag Team Title:
Daisuke Sekimoto & Yuji Okabayashi © vs.
Shadow WX & Abdullah Kobayashi
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=41DVDEV5

7. BJW Death Match Heavyweight Title, Fluorescent Lighttubes &
Scaffold Death Match:
Yuko Miyamoto © vs. Takashi Sasaki
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=6F6XTCX0

Lucha Report

Credit to AAA, Box y Lucha, Cesar, DJ Spectro, EMLL, IWRG, Kapo86, RFC

RESULTS

AAA 12/11 – Centro de Convenciones de Ciudad Madero drawing 10,345 fans (Guerra de Titanes)
1. Impulso & Lumino beat Black Master & Disturbo Ledesma
2. Scramble Match por la AAA Minis Title Mini Abismo Negro eliminated Octagoncito to win the title. Other participants: Mini Charly Manson (who lost his title here)/Mascarita DivinaMascarita Sagrada/La Parkita/Mini Chessman/Mini Histeria/Mini Psicosis
3. AAA Tag Titles: Joe Lider & Nicho el Millionario defeated Jack Evans & Marco Corleone with help from Hijo del Tirantes to retain their titles. Corleone reaggrevated a leg injury here.
4. Elegido/Extreme Tiger/Pimpinela Escarlata beat Wagnermania (Electroshock/Silver King/Ultimo Gladiador) with Pimpi going over SK to win.
5. Elimination Match where the last man standing becomes the #1 contender for the Rey de Reyes: Latin Lover/Octagon/La Parka Jr./Rocky Romero defeated Chessman/Teddy Hart/Alex Koslov/Zorro – Order of Elimination: Rocky Romero/Alex Koslov/Octagon/Teddy Hart/Chessman/La Parka Jr./Zorro
6. Caballera contra Mascara: Sexy Star beat Fabi Apache with help from Jennifer Blake, Rain, & Hijo del Tirantes who was the original referee but was replaced by Piero after Fabi refused to wrestle. Piero got bumped and Hijo del Tirantes replaced him and let the other women help Sexy Star.
7. Street Fight: Konnan defeated Cibernetico with help from Teddy Hart, Alex Koslov, Joe Lider, Nicho, Jennifer Blake, & Rain. La Parka Jr. finally had to come out to save Ciber after the beating was too much. A “fan” also tried to help but got beat up as well and Ciber got stretchered out.
8. No Holds Barred por la AAA Mega Heavyweight Title: El Mesias beat Dr. Wagner Jr. with the Martinete to regain the title after a long brutal match.

EMLL 12/11 – Arena Mexico
1. Bengala & Guerrero Maya Jr. beat Inquisidor & Semental
2. Lightning Match: Diamante defeated Escorpion
3. Amapola/Yesca/Zeuxis beat Estrella Magica/Lluvia/Star Fire
4. Pequeno Black Warrior/Pequeno Damian 666/Pierrothito defeated Bam Bam/Electrico/Mascarita Dorada when Pierrothito ripped off Dorada’s mask and pinned him.
5. La Avalancha Alvarado (Brazo de Plata/La Mascara/Maximo) beat Ray Mendoza Jr./Negro Casas/Shigeo Okumura
6. Hector Garza/”Strongman” Jon Anderson/Volador Jr. defeated La Triada del Terror (Averno/Ephesto/Mephisto) by DQ when Mephisto ripped off Volador’s mask.

IWRG 12/10 – Arena Naucalpan
1. Dinamita Kid beat Keshin Black
2. Avisman & Gringo Loco defeated Los Gemelos Fantasticos I y II
3. Los Cerebros Terribles (Black Terry/Cerebro Negro/Dr. Cerebro) beat Freelance/Ultraman Jr./Zatura
4. Negro Navarro/Las Traumas I y II defeated Barba Roja/Hijo de l Pirata Morgan/Pirata Morgan Jr.
5. Angelico/Pantera/Tetsuya Bushi beat Los Oficiales (AK-47/Fierro/911)

Lucha Libre Festival 12/11 – Plaza Liberacion de Guadalajara
1. Angel de Oro & Angel de Plata beat Hooligan & Loco Max
2. Dark Angel/Lady Apache/Marcela defeated La Magnifica/La Nazi/Princesa Blanca
3. Mascara Dorada/Stuka Jr./Valiente beat Dr. X/Nosferatu/Sangre Azteca
4. Atlantis/Satanico/Shocker defeated Dragon Rojo/Misterioso II/Ultimo Guerrero by DQ when UG fouled Shocker.
5. Steel Cage Match for the vacant FMLL Title: Mistico eliminated Felino to win the title. Order of Elimination: Tetsuya Naito/Sagrado/Hijo del Texano/Hijo del Fantasma/Damian el Terrible/Blue Panther/Felino
– Participants: Blue Panther/Hijo del Fantasma/Mistico/Sagrado/Damian el Terrible/Felino/Hijo del Texano/Tetsuya Naito

UPCOMING SHOWS

EMPRESA MEXICANA DE LUCHA LIBRE

12/13 – Arena Coliseo de Guadalajara
1. Delta & Sensei vs. Caligula & Messala
2. Dark Angel/Estrella Magica/Lady Apache vs. La Nazi/Princesa Sugei/Raven Hiroka
3. Mascarita Dorada/Mini Fantasy/Saturno vs. Pequeno Damian 666/Pequeno Violencia/Pierrothito
4. Mascara Dorada/Sagrado/Valiente vs. El Poder Mexica (Dragon Rojo/Misterioso II/Sangre Azteca)
5. Relevos Increibles: Blue Panther/Toscano/Ray Mendoza Jr. vs. Hector Garza/Atlantis/Averno

12/13 – Arena Mexico
1. Los Angeles Celestiales (Angel Azteca Jr./Angel de Oro/Angel de Plata) vs. El Bronco/Hooligan/Nitro
2. Fabian el Gitano/Metro/Rush vs. Escandalo/Euforia/Nosferatu
3. Arena Coliseo Tag Titles: Fuego & Stuka Jr. (c) vs. Polvora & Virus
4. Shocker/La Sombra/”Strongman” Jon Anderson vs. Damian el Terrible/Hijo del Texano/Vangelis
5. Mexican National Lt. Heavyweight Title: Mistico (c) vs. Mephisto

INDEPENDENT

12/13 – Arena Coliseo de Coacalco
1. Black Soul & Ztitzan vs. Fiebre & Net Warrior
2. Black Wings & Constantine vs. Benny Black & Betos Boy
3. Angel de la Noche & Iron Love vs. Epidemia & Mimo Dark
4. Black Jaguar & Jeque vs. Cerebro Negro & Dr. Cerebro
5. Angelico/Judas el Traidor/Magnifico vs. Arkangel de la Muerte/Kid Tiger/Puma King

12/13 – Estadio Benito Juarez de Oaxaca
1. Mascarita Sagrada & La Parkita vs. Bracito de Plata & Piratita Morgan
2. Los Silver Cats I y II vs. La Pareja Toxica (Epidemia & Heavy Boy)
3. VIP Mixed Tag Titles: Oriental & Rossy Moreno © vs. Olimpico & Flor Metalica
4. Dos Caras & Hijo del Anibal vs. Hijo del Cien Caras & Mascara Ano Dos Mil Jr.
5. Hijo del Santo vs. Blue Demon Jr.

12/13 – Plaza Liberacion de Guadalajara
1. Gato Eveready/Laredo Kid/Super Fly vs. The Psycho Circus (Monster Clown/Murder Clown/Zombie Clown)
2. Elegido/Estrellita/Mascarita Sagrada/Pimpinela Escarlata vs. El Brazo/Cinthia Moreno/Mini Abismo Negro/Polvo de Estrellas
3. Alan Stone/Jack Evans/Marco Corleone vs. Chessman/Teddy Hart/Zorro
4. Cuadrangular de la Muerte: Aero Star vs. Billy Boy vs. Fabi Apache vs. Sexy Star
5. Relevos Increibles: Dr. Wagner Jr. & La Parka Jr. vs. El Mesias & Silver King

12/27 – Auditorio Municipal de Tampico
1. ?
2. King Boy & Octagoncito vs. Payasito Diabolico & Piratita Morgan
3. Mercurio & Oro Negro vs. Loco Castillo & Redentor
4. Hijo del Huracan Ramirez & Ultraman Jr. vs. Cien Caras Jr. & Super Parka
5. 3 Way Dance for the NWA World Heavyweight Title: Blue Demon Jr. (c) vs. Hijo del Santo vs. Hijo del Rey Misterio

INTERNACIONAL WRESTLING REVOLUCION GRUPO

12/13 – Arena Naucalpan
1. Cometa de Fuego vs. Dinamita Kid
2. Diva Salvaje & Miss Gaviota vs. Maldito Jr. & Samoth
3. Exodia/Freelance/Zatura vs. Fantasma de la Opera/Las Traumas I y II
4. Pantera/Micke Segura/Tetsuya Bushi vs. Los Oficiales (AK-47/Fierro/911)
5. Relevos Increibles: Hijo del Lizmark/Hijo del Pirata Morgan/Scorpio Jr. vs. Canek/Pirata Morgan/Veneno

MONTERREY

12/13 – Arena Coliseo de Monterrey
1. Angel Dorado Jr./Gato Fantasma/Sky vs. Dralion/Furor/Lover Boy
2. Coliseo Dos Mil/Gato Volador/Hijo del Ninja/Zodiaco vs. Astro Jr./Bengali/Coco Viper/Dark Shadow
3. Black Spirit/Diluvio Negro II/Potro Jr./Tigre Universitario vs. Los Difuntos I y II/Vaquero Romo/X-Fly
4. Hijo del Rey Misterio/Incognito/L.A. Par-K vs. Perro Aguayo Jr./Charly Manson/Damian 666
5. Triangular de la Muerte: Diluvio Negro I vs. Silver Star vs. Pierko el Boriqua

UFC 107 match-by-match coverage live from Memphis - Injury updates, 6 in a few days

UFC 107 match-by-match coverage live from Memphis - Injury updates, 6 in a few days

By Dave Meltzer

dave@wrestlingobserver.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Welcome to our live coverage of UFC 107 from the Fed Ex Forum in Memphis. We’re looking for your thoughts on tonight’s show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to

For those trying to keep track of UFC injuries in the last few days, here is a partial list: Carlos Condit (cut hand from sheet metal slicing it as he was cleaning his garage), Dong Hyun Kim (knee), Tim Credeur (ribs), Rory Markham (torn Achilles tendon), Tyson Griffin and there’s one other semi-major show who is hurt that we haven’t found out yet (there are six in all).

It’s 6:30 p.m. and the place is 90% full. This from a crowd reaction standpoint is going to a hot show, because the people popped big for T.J. Grant and nobody is from Canada waving flags, so they just like the idea of seeing UFC live. From what I’m told, a larger percentage of the crowd here is local than at most UFC shows, which means first-timers.

Before any rumors start, Arianny is on vacation so she will not be on the show tonight.

T.J. Grant vs. Kevin Burns

How crowd. Burns bigger and more aggressive. . Burns knocked Grant down with a punch and is pounding on him. Trading punches now. Grant took Burns down. Grant continues to outwrestle him. But Grant isn’t doing much damage from the top. Burns up. Grant kicked him low almost like he was trying out for Los Perros Del Mal, got booed and though he was apologetic, still got booed over it. Grant with two knees, a knockdown from a punch to the jaw and a few punches on the ground and it was stopped. Burns is not happy with the stoppage, given there were only three seconds left in the round. But it wasn’t a bad stoppage. Good fight.

Edgar Garcia vs. Damarques Johnson

Garcia is from Sonora, Mexico and he’s coming out to some song that I used to hear all the time in the 90s when I’d travel to Mexico for Lucha Libre. It was second match babyface music. Johnson is the guy. Johnson on the other hand with his music sounds like he’s a video game television commercial. Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang,Vamanos, Vamanos. Johnson has totally changed his look. You would not recognize him.

The crowd popped for Herb Dean. Johnson cracked Garcia in the jaw. Garcia back with a hard punch. Low kick by Johnson. Good trade. Garcia went to the body. Garcia’s left eye already swollen. Garcia took him down. Garcia went for a Peruvian necktie that Johnson finally got out of . They are both standing and swinging wildly. Johnson gave him a high-five and did a crab pose. Garcia then knocked him on his ass. What a great moment moment in sports, right up there with Nakamura throwing down the gi against Wanderlei Silva. Garcia hurt him with punches on the ground. Johnson caught Garcia with an up kick and immediately clamped on a triangle for the finish. This was a fantastic short fight. t

Lucio Linhares vs. Rousimar Palhares

Palhares is put together like a tank. Palhares took him right down. Linhares up. Palhares grabbed a front headlock from the bottom and used it to get top position. After Linhares, got up, Palhares with a hard punch, then a takedown and now they are fighting over leglocks. Palhares cranking on the heel hook but Linhares escaped. Crowd gave both a hand for that. Linhares now with a takedown late. First round to Palhares 10-9.



Palhares went in with a weak kick and Linhares used it to get Palhares down. Palhares reversed and Linhares got a shoulderlock. Palhares out of trouble. Linhares getting punches in. Weird finish that nobody saw but Palhares used a heel hook and got the tap. But Palhares was so shaken up he couldn’t get up.

Johny Hendricks vs. Ricardo Funch

People booed Funch. People seemed to know Hendricks, I guess that win over Amir Sadollah did it. Hendricks in fast but Funch stopped his takedown. Funch going for a takedown now. Funch got him down. Another NCAA champ gets taken down. Hendricks back up. Funch throwing knees. Trading knees standing. Hendricks with a few uppercuts and a hard slam. Crowd exploded with the slam. Funch up. Hendricks with a knee. Hendricks unloading with uppercuts and body punches and a hard knee. More punches. Hendricks going for the Peruvian necktie on the ground. Funch out of trouble. Hendricks trying for a guillotine but looks like time will run out and Funch is out anyway. Good round. 10-9 Hendricks.

Hendricks rushed with punches and is going for a takedownNow more punches and knees and a high slam by Hendricks. Crowds explodes for the slams. Hendricks let Funch up. Funch back with punches. Funch decked a punch and went for a takedown, but Hendricks sprawled. Hendricks threw five knees from a clinch. He wanted a high slam but settled for a takedown. He’s letting Funch up again. Body kick by Funch. Funch going for a takedown now. Hendricks throwing punches to the head on the ground while blocking the takedown. Another knee by Hendricks. Single leg by Hendricks. Hendricks has his back and is going for a choke. Hendricks won the round, almost a 10-8 but they won’t give it to him so I’d say score is 20-18 for Hendricks.

Hendricks took him down and punching. Hendricks has his back again. Funch out. Funch with a hard body kick but Hendricks back with a hard punch and took Fnch down again. Hendricks throwing punches. Hendricks had a half nelson, more punches. More punches by Hendricks. Funch up and Hendricks with a few punches. Hendricks very aggressive but doesn’t seem to have the power to finish at this weight. Hendricks took him down and cradled him. Got side control. Crowd is booing Hendricks is trying a top wristlock, but gave it up to throw some punches. A couple of more punches, knees and more punches by Hendricks. Hendricks gave him a back body drop and now has him cradled on the ground and going crazy with punches as time ran out. Crowd popped huge for Hendricks. Should be 10-8 that round as well, but I’m guessing final scores will be 30-27.

Scores 30-27, 30-27 and 30-25 for Hendricks. I would agree with 30-25.

Shane Nelson vs. Matt Wiman

Wiman doesn’t have "Handsome" written on his shorts. Nelson with some punches. Wiman back with hard low kick. Another low kick, Nelson tried a takedown off it. Didn’t get it. Nelson hurt him with a flurry of punches. Nelson’s movement and punching is crisper. Good body shot and knee by Wiman and a flying knee that didn’t really hit. Wiman swinging wildly and missed. Wiman with an elbow against the cage . Wiman hurt him with a right and dropped him with an uppercut and now going to work on the ground. Wiman connecting with elbows. Nelson back up, bleeding pretty badly from one of the elbows. Nelson rocked Wiman with a punch late. Good round. 10-9 Wiman

Body shot by Wiman. Head kick by Wiman. Nelson came right back with a takedown. Wimann in with a knee and punches, now a high kick. Nelson back with punches. Trading knees. Wiman going for a takedown and finally got it. Nelson grabbed a heel hook but Wiman escaped and throwing elbows from the top as the round ended. 20-18 Wiman.

Wiman accidentally kicked Nelson hard low. This was one of the most savage low blows in a while. Nelson is hurting bad. Nelson got in with a punch. Wiman got the takedown. Nelson up. Nelson in with a hard knee. High kick by Nelson. Trading, Nelson got the best punch. Good body punch by Nelson. Wiman threw a knee. Wiman used a front headlock to get it to the ground. Crowd booing and not sure why because they are moving on the ground. Wiman has Nelson’s back with less than a minute left. Wiman used the figure four body scissors to keep back position on Nelson. Wiman threw some punches. Wiman threw a lot of hard punches and continued to do so until the horn sounded. 30-27 Wiman.

All three judges have it 30-27 for Wiman. Pretty obvious scores.

Wilson Gouveia vs. Alan Belcher in the final preliminary fight

Belcher is from Memphis. Gouveia booed. Gouveia was the one whose camp called Belcher’s camp and said he couldn’t make weight so both agreed to stop cutting. Belcher has a Johnny Cash tattoo on his left shoulder. Belcher got a good punch in but Gouveia back with several hard punches. More trading. Great slugfest. Gouveia got more good punches in but Belcher didn’t go down. Gouveia is rocking him but Belcher not going down. Now Belcher back and put Gouveia down with a right uppercut and finished him with punches on the ground. Fun fight. Crowd going nuts.

Lots of good undercard fights, with Garcia-Johnson as the first one that should air,followed by Belcher-Gouveia and Grant-Burns

Did anyone ever think that if this was 20 years ago and UFC could come in and draw a house like this, that Lawler would have been all over Ch. 5 this morning talking about how everyone knows this stuff is really fake.

Paul Buentello vs. Stefan "Young Schilt" Struve

More Mexican music with Buentello singing as he came out. Struve tried to jump and pull guard. Buentello would have none of it. Struve then cracked him in the jaw with an uppercut. Struve has a huge height and reach edge and all he wants to do is get to to the ground. He’s got Buentello’s back and now throwing punches to the side of the head. He’s giving Buentello a beating. People are yelling at Dan Miragliotta not to stop it. Struve has a choke but Buentello is blocking. He’s out . Struve trying a choke again. Buentello out again. He’s trying a third time. Buentello out. Now a fourth try. Buentello out again. Crowd booing this. I have no idea why. They don’t like Sturve for one thing. Now a fifth try for the choke. And Buentello out again and turned so he’s on top. Buentello with a Mongolian chop at the horn. 10-9, probably should be 10-8 honestly.

Buentello decked Struve as he came in for a takedown. Buentello backed off and told him to get up. Struve with a kick to the shoulder. Buentello him backed to the cage and now Struve tried to pull guard and grabbing for an ankle. Buentello out. Buentello tagged him with a punch. Now both back up. Good body shot by Buentello and hard shot to the head. Uppercut by Buentello. Sturve jumped in and Buentello decked him again. Buentello walked away letting Struve up. Now Struve bulled Buentello into the cage. Struve trying to get it to the ground. Trading and Struve clobbered him. Buentello back with a hard shot. Big trade. Knee by Buentello. Struve throwing punches and Buentello back and he rocked Struve. They gave each other high-fives. I guess they didn’t learn from theGarcia-Johnson fight. Now both men are exhausted with 20 seconds left in the round. Buentello’s round. I’ve got 19-18 for Struve but I’d guess judges have it 19-19. Standing ovation, I mean big standing ovation. Liddell at ringside going wild.

Struve with a right. Low kick by Struve. Hard right by Buentello and Struve back with two hard low kicks. High kick by Struve blocked. Another kick to Buentello’s left thigh. And another. And another. Struve rocked him with a punch. Hopefully for Buentello they’ve got a judge who doesn’t believe leg kicks count or he’s losing this round. Butenllo back with punches and Struve with an elbow. Struve threw the kick but Buentello blocked. Struve with another low kick and another, and another. Buentello’s slowing down from the low kicks. Sick low kick by Struve. Another and another by Struve. High kick attempt by Struve blocked. Buentello breathing hard but threw a punch. Sturve went down and invited Buentello down. Struve laying on his back. You shouldn’t do that in the last minute of a close fight. Buentello in with punches. Trading punches. Really Struve should win the round. I’ve got Struve 29-27 but kind of expect 29-28.

Scores are 29-28, 29-28 and 28-28 for Struve. Lots of boos for the decision but it was the right call. God the people are booing Struve so badly.

Kenny Florian vs. Clay Guida next. When the names were put on the screen the crowd popped big.

Guida got a big reaction, superstar level. Guida bouncing up and down and shooting like he’s 1979 Bob Backlund. Florian nowhere near as popular. Florian mostly booed.

Loud Guida chants before it even started. High kick by Florian and Guida took him down. Florian defending well. Florian with a good guard and back to his feet. Florian was cut on the side of his right eye. Guida chant again. Guida swinging wildly and missing. Florian tried a knee. Guida hit a punch on the counter. Guida chasing Florian. Both got good punches in. Florian took Guida down, Guida back up but Florian hit a knee. Guida tried a takedown but didn’t get it. Florian thowing punches. Now Florian on top with 56 seconds left. Guida back up. Guida now bleeding. Hard slam by Florian and punching Guida. Guida up but he’s covered in his own blood. Mario Yamasaki taking Guida to the doctor. The doctor said this match can continue. Crowd went crazy. Close round, maybe Florian 1-9

Guida shot in. Florian defending the shot well. Both up. Florian with jabs and a body shot. Florian with jabs. . Florian starting to connect on the punches. Florian dropped Guida with a right on a counter and hammered him with punches on the ground. Florian has the choke. Guida tapped out.

Florian fought such a good fight that everyone cheered him when it was over.

Florian told the fans they needed to cheer for Guida.

Jon Fitch vs. Mike Pierce

Nobody knows Mike Pierce. Pierce threw a kick and Fitch caught the leg and got behind him. Fitch has his back working for a choke. Fitch in the piggy back position while Pierce is in the don’t get me from behind position. Fitch punching the face. Pierce now on his knee. Fitch continues to hit Pierce in the face. Pierce out of trouble and slammed Fitch down and now on top. Fitch up. Crowd pretty dead for this match. Fitch got several punches in standing. Pierce ot a good punch in but Fitch getting more punches in. Fitch bleeding badly from the left eye. Fitch went for a takedown and Pierce blocked it. Close round, I’d go 10-9 Fitch but that cut could sway it the other way.

Why they put this on after Guida-Florian is beyond me as these two couldn’t follow and that should have been easy to figure on going in. Crowd just wants them done and to see Frank Mir get killed at this point. Fitch got a takedown and is behind Pierce. Pierce back up. Piece got some good punches in. Fitch back with punches. These two are having a solid fight but fans are booing just because they lack so much charisma. Well, Fitch lacks charisma and they have no clue who Pierce is. Fitch got hit with another punch but got a takedown and got Pierce’s back. Short knees by Fitch. Fitch trying to break him down. Good knee by Fitch. Body punch by Fitch . Knee by Pierce and a foot stop. Crowd booing more. Wild exchange and Fitch went for two takedown. Pierce bleeding from the nose. Good round but crowd not into it. 20-18 Fitch.

Two good knees by Fitch. Trading . Pierce tried a takedown but Fitch blocked. Fitch with knees. Pierce connected with several body shots. Head kick by Fitch. Uppercut and takedown by Fitch. Fitch has his back. Hard knee by Fitch. Pierce throwing a lot of punches and started to hurt Fitch late. Good debut by Pierce. Most of the crowd cheered when it was over, some booed. I’d give the round to Pierce so 29-28 for Fitch.

All three judges have it 29-28 for Fitch

Frank Mir vs. Cheick Kongo

People didn’t really care that much about Kongo when he came out. They do care about Mir. People both cheering and booing him. He’s even got the walk to the ring down. Kongo actually booed a lot. More cheers than boos. Mir got a mixed reaction, probably 70% boos. Crowd psyched for this match. Mir knocked Kongo down with a left. He’s got a guillotine on tight. It’s over. Time was 1:12.

He won the crowd over with the win. It’s too bad with this sports stuff because Mir totally leap frogged Carwin and Velasquez as far as a match people want to see.

B.J. Penn vs. Diego Sanchez

More Spanish music. There are two people right behind Dana wearing Rey Mysterio masks. Diego running around like a wildman, nearly knocked the camera man over. Herb Dean is the referee.

Sanchez booed. Penn’s reaction about the same as Guida’s, maybe slightly louder for Guida. Crowd pretty psyched for this one. Sanchez moved in and threw but didn’t connect. BJ chant loud. Sanchez threw again and missed. Penn knocked him down with an uppercut and is killing him with punches on the ground. Sanchez back to his feet but he’s hurt. Wild kick by Sanchez. Sanchez moved in, was hurt by an uppercut and stumbled. Sanchez wants to take it down but isn’t going to be able to most likely. High kick by Sanchez missed. Sanches is the one nervous. Penn walking him down. Sanchez with another takedown attempt but back up. Sanchez swinging wildly and missing. Penn hit with a counter. Another exchange exactly the same. Sanchez in with a knee but Penn countered with a punch. Penn rocked Sanchez again with a hard shot. Sanchez threw a wild kick. Penn’s round easily, I’d go 10-8.

Sanchez in going for a takedown. Problem is, what if he gets it, and he probably won’t and will just waste energy trying. And there’s nothing else he can do. Sanchez threw a good uppercut after giving up the takedown. Penn in with punches, Sanchez tried a takedown but didn’t get it. Sanchez in but Penn countered with punches. Penn blocked a high kick. Penn threw and Sanchez ducked for a takedown but didn’t get it. Sanchez threw more punches that missed and Penn hurt him with a counter punch. Sanchez tried another takedown but couldn’t come close. Sanchez bleeding from the right ear from the first round. Sanchez getting no effective offense in. Penn with a good punch coming in. Sanchez’s ear bleeding more. Sanchez ducked a punch and went for another takedown. He got him down for a split second but Penn back up. Diego still going. Penn’s round, so 20-17 at this point.

Penn with a punch and Sanchez again going for a takedown. Now it’s like the Florian fight. Penn throwing some elbows and punches as he blocks the takedown. One would think even Sanchez will wear himself out with hit strategy, but he doesn’t have much choice because he can’t stand with Penn. Penn with several uppercuts caused Sanchez to back off. Trading and Penn getting the best punch. Good high kick by Sanchez. Sanchez going for another takedown. Penn with some punches while blocking the takedown. Penn with a knee. Hard forearm by Penn. Trading punches and Penn got a few good shots in. Sanchez’s face all marked up. Penn with short uppercuts as Sanchez kept trying for the takedown. Penn connecting with several hard punches. Sanchez’s face is a mess at this point. Penn’s round 30-26.

Penn couldn’t wait to come out for this round. He’s not tired at all. An exchange and Penn connected. Sanchez hit a punch in another exchange. High kick by Sanchez missed. Sanchez tried a takedown and didn’t get it. Good right by Penn but Sanchez still up. Sanchez with a kick but Penn blocked. Sanchez tried a takedown and didn’t get it. Hard elbow by Penn. Sanchez in for another takedown. Of course Penn blocking well. Fans booing. Penn with an elbow and Sanchez gave it up. Sanchez swung wildly and Penn countered and landed. Sanchez went for another takedown and is being booed. Pen with a knee and Sanchez gave up trying. Penn in with a knee. Penn looks like he wats to finish but the round ended. Penn’s round now 40-35.

Both guys can’t wait to come out and crowd is psyched for the final round even though Sanchez needs a miracle and Moses isn’t in the building. Body shot by Penn. High kick by Sanchez largely blocked. Body kick by Sanchez landed. Sanchez went for a takedown and being booed. At this point that’s not going to win him the fight. Sanchez got Penn off his feet but Penn stood right back up. Sanchez got him on the ground but Penn is in the advantage position. Penn let him up. Sanchez missed a kick. High kick by Penn and several uppercuts and now Sanchez has him bulled into the cage. Penn pounding him with punches. Sanchez bleeding like crazy. They are going to check the cut and it’s being waved off. At this point even if the cut wasn’t deep, and it was, it was time to end it. Cut looks six inches long on Sanchez’s forehead. Penn going crazy.

This was one of the best shows in a while.

Welcome to our live coverage of UFC 107 from the Fed Ex Forum in Memphis. We’re looking for your thoughts on tonight’s show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to

For those trying to keep track of UFC injuries in the last few days, here is a partial list: Carlos Condit (cut hand from sheet metal slicing it as he was cleaning his garage), Dong Hyun Kim (knee), Tim Credeur (ribs), Rory Markham (torn Achilles tendon), Tyson Griffin and there’s one other semi-major show who is hurt that we haven’t found out yet (there are six in all).

It’s 6:30 p.m. and the place is 90% full. This from a crowd reaction standpoint is going to a hot show, because the people popped big for T.J. Grant and nobody is from Canada waving flags, so they just like the idea of seeing UFC live. From what I’m told, a larger percentage of the crowd here is local than at most UFC shows, which means first-timers.

Before any rumors start, Arianny is on vacation so she will not be on the show tonight.

T.J. Grant vs. Kevin Burns

How crowd. Burns bigger and more aggressive. . Burns knocked Grant down with a punch and is pounding on him. Trading punches now. Grant took Burns down. Grant continues to outwrestle him. But Grant isn’t doing much damage from the top. Burns up. Grant kicked him low almost like he was trying out for Los Perros Del Mal, got booed and though he was apologetic, still got booed over it. Grant with two knees, a knockdown from a punch to the jaw and a few punches on the ground and it was stopped. Burns is not happy with the stoppage, given there were only three seconds left in the round. But it wasn’t a bad stoppage. Good fight.

Edgar Garcia vs. Damarques Johnson

Garcia is from Sonora, Mexico and he’s coming out to some song that I used to hear all the time in the 90s when I’d travel to Mexico for Lucha Libre. It was second match babyface music. Johnson is the guy. Johnson on the other hand with his music sounds like he’s a video game television commercial. Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang,Vamanos, Vamanos. Johnson has totally changed his look. You would not recognize him.

The crowd popped for Herb Dean. Johnson cracked Garcia in the jaw. Garcia back with a hard punch. Low kick by Johnson. Good trade. Garcia went to the body. Garcia’s left eye already swollen. Garcia took him down. Garcia went for a Peruvian necktie that Johnson finally got out of . They are both standing and swinging wildly. Johnson gave him a high-five and did a crab pose. Garcia then knocked him on his ass. What a great moment moment in sports, right up there with Nakamura throwing down the gi against Wanderlei Silva. Garcia hurt him with punches on the ground. Johnson caught Garcia with an up kick and immediately clamped on a triangle for the finish. This was a fantastic short fight. t

Lucio Linhares vs. Rousimar Palhares

Palhares is put together like a tank. Palhares took him right down. Linhares up. Palhares grabbed a front headlock from the bottom and used it to get top position. After Linhares, got up, Palhares with a hard punch, then a takedown and now they are fighting over leglocks. Palhares cranking on the heel hook but Linhares escaped. Crowd gave both a hand for that. Linhares now with a takedown late. First round to Palhares 10-9.



Palhares went in with a weak kick and Linhares used it to get Palhares down. Palhares reversed and Linhares got a shoulderlock. Palhares out of trouble. Linhares getting punches in. Weird finish that nobody saw but Palhares used a heel hook and got the tap. But Palhares was so shaken up he couldn’t get up.

Johny Hendricks vs. Ricardo Funch

People booed Funch. People seemed to know Hendricks, I guess that win over Amir Sadollah did it. Hendricks in fast but Funch stopped his takedown. Funch going for a takedown now. Funch got him down. Another NCAA champ gets taken down. Hendricks back up. Funch throwing knees. Trading knees standing. Hendricks with a few uppercuts and a hard slam. Crowd exploded with the slam. Funch up. Hendricks with a knee. Hendricks unloading with uppercuts and body punches and a hard knee. More punches. Hendricks going for the Peruvian necktie on the ground. Funch out of trouble. Hendricks trying for a guillotine but looks like time will run out and Funch is out anyway. Good round. 10-9 Hendricks.

Hendricks rushed with punches and is going for a takedownNow more punches and knees and a high slam by Hendricks. Crowds explodes for the slams. Hendricks let Funch up. Funch back with punches. Funch decked a punch and went for a takedown, but Hendricks sprawled. Hendricks threw five knees from a clinch. He wanted a high slam but settled for a takedown. He’s letting Funch up again. Body kick by Funch. Funch going for a takedown now. Hendricks throwing punches to the head on the ground while blocking the takedown. Another knee by Hendricks. Single leg by Hendricks. Hendricks has his back and is going for a choke. Hendricks won the round, almost a 10-8 but they won’t give it to him so I’d say score is 20-18 for Hendricks.

Hendricks took him down and punching. Hendricks has his back again. Funch out. Funch with a hard body kick but Hendricks back with a hard punch and took Fnch down again. Hendricks throwing punches. Hendricks had a half nelson, more punches. More punches by Hendricks. Funch up and Hendricks with a few punches. Hendricks very aggressive but doesn’t seem to have the power to finish at this weight. Hendricks took him down and cradled him. Got side control. Crowd is booing Hendricks is trying a top wristlock, but gave it up to throw some punches. A couple of more punches, knees and more punches by Hendricks. Hendricks gave him a back body drop and now has him cradled on the ground and going crazy with punches as time ran out. Crowd popped huge for Hendricks. Should be 10-8 that round as well, but I’m guessing final scores will be 30-27.

Scores 30-27, 30-27 and 30-25 for Hendricks. I would agree with 30-25.

Shane Nelson vs. Matt Wiman

Wiman doesn’t have "Handsome" written on his shorts. Nelson with some punches. Wiman back with hard low kick. Another low kick, Nelson tried a takedown off it. Didn’t get it. Nelson hurt him with a flurry of punches. Nelson’s movement and punching is crisper. Good body shot and knee by Wiman and a flying knee that didn’t really hit. Wiman swinging wildly and missed. Wiman with an elbow against the cage . Wiman hurt him with a right and dropped him with an uppercut and now going to work on the ground. Wiman connecting with elbows. Nelson back up, bleeding pretty badly from one of the elbows. Nelson rocked Wiman with a punch late. Good round. 10-9 Wiman

Body shot by Wiman. Head kick by Wiman. Nelson came right back with a takedown. Wimann in with a knee and punches, now a high kick. Nelson back with punches. Trading knees. Wiman going for a takedown and finally got it. Nelson grabbed a heel hook but Wiman escaped and throwing elbows from the top as the round ended. 20-18 Wiman.

Wiman accidentally kicked Nelson hard low. This was one of the most savage low blows in a while. Nelson is hurting bad. Nelson got in with a punch. Wiman got the takedown. Nelson up. Nelson in with a hard knee. High kick by Nelson. Trading, Nelson got the best punch. Good body punch by Nelson. Wiman threw a knee. Wiman used a front headlock to get it to the ground. Crowd booing and not sure why because they are moving on the ground. Wiman has Nelson’s back with less than a minute left. Wiman used the figure four body scissors to keep back position on Nelson. Wiman threw some punches. Wiman threw a lot of hard punches and continued to do so until the horn sounded. 30-27 Wiman.

All three judges have it 30-27 for Wiman. Pretty obvious scores.

Wilson Gouveia vs. Alan Belcher in the final preliminary fight

Belcher is from Memphis. Gouveia booed. Gouveia was the one whose camp called Belcher’s camp and said he couldn’t make weight so both agreed to stop cutting. Belcher has a Johnny Cash tattoo on his left shoulder. Belcher got a good punch in but Gouveia back with several hard punches. More trading. Great slugfest. Gouveia got more good punches in but Belcher didn’t go down. Gouveia is rocking him but Belcher not going down. Now Belcher back and put Gouveia down with a right uppercut and finished him with punches on the ground. Fun fight. Crowd going nuts.

Lots of good undercard fights, with Garcia-Johnson as the first one that should air,followed by Belcher-Gouveia and Grant-Burns

Did anyone ever think that if this was 20 years ago and UFC could come in and draw a house like this, that Lawler would have been all over Ch. 5 this morning talking about how everyone knows this stuff is really fake.

Paul Buentello vs. Stefan "Young Schilt" Struve

More Mexican music with Buentello singing as he came out. Struve tried to jump and pull guard. Buentello would have none of it. Struve then cracked him in the jaw with an uppercut. Struve has a huge height and reach edge and all he wants to do is get to to the ground. He’s got Buentello’s back and now throwing punches to the side of the head. He’s giving Buentello a beating. People are yelling at Dan Miragliotta not to stop it. Struve has a choke but Buentello is blocking. He’s out . Struve trying a choke again. Buentello out again. He’s trying a third time. Buentello out. Now a fourth try. Buentello out again. Crowd booing this. I have no idea why. They don’t like Sturve for one thing. Now a fifth try for the choke. And Buentello out again and turned so he’s on top. Buentello with a Mongolian chop at the horn. 10-9, probably should be 10-8 honestly.

Buentello decked Struve as he came in for a takedown. Buentello backed off and told him to get up. Struve with a kick to the shoulder. Buentello him backed to the cage and now Struve tried to pull guard and grabbing for an ankle. Buentello out. Buentello tagged him with a punch. Now both back up. Good body shot by Buentello and hard shot to the head. Uppercut by Buentello. Sturve jumped in and Buentello decked him again. Buentello walked away letting Struve up. Now Struve bulled Buentello into the cage. Struve trying to get it to the ground. Trading and Struve clobbered him. Buentello back with a hard shot. Big trade. Knee by Buentello. Struve throwing punches and Buentello back and he rocked Struve. They gave each other high-fives. I guess they didn’t learn from theGarcia-Johnson fight. Now both men are exhausted with 20 seconds left in the round. Buentello’s round. I’ve got 19-18 for Struve but I’d guess judges have it 19-19. Standing ovation, I mean big standing ovation. Liddell at ringside going wild.

Struve with a right. Low kick by Struve. Hard right by Buentello and Struve back with two hard low kicks. High kick by Struve blocked. Another kick to Buentello’s left thigh. And another. And another. Struve rocked him with a punch. Hopefully for Buentello they’ve got a judge who doesn’t believe leg kicks count or he’s losing this round. Butenllo back with punches and Struve with an elbow. Struve threw the kick but Buentello blocked. Struve with another low kick and another, and another. Buentello’s slowing down from the low kicks. Sick low kick by Struve. Another and another by Struve. High kick attempt by Struve blocked. Buentello breathing hard but threw a punch. Sturve went down and invited Buentello down. Struve laying on his back. You shouldn’t do that in the last minute of a close fight. Buentello in with punches. Trading punches. Really Struve should win the round. I’ve got Struve 29-27 but kind of expect 29-28.

Scores are 29-28, 29-28 and 28-28 for Struve. Lots of boos for the decision but it was the right call. God the people are booing Struve so badly.

Kenny Florian vs. Clay Guida next. When the names were put on the screen the crowd popped big.

Guida got a big reaction, superstar level. Guida bouncing up and down and shooting like he’s 1979 Bob Backlund. Florian nowhere near as popular. Florian mostly booed.

Loud Guida chants beofre it even started. High kick by Florian and Guida took him down. Florian defending well. Florian with a good guard and back to his feet. Florian was cut on the side of his right eye. Guida chant again. Guida swinging wildly and missing. Florian tried a knee. Guida hit a punch on the counter. Guida chasing Florian. Both got good punches in. Florian took Guida down, Guida back up but Florian hit a knee. Guida tried a takedown but didn’tget it. Florian thowing punches. Now Florian on top with 56 seconds left. Guida back up. Guida now bleeding. Hard slam by Florian and punching Guida. Guida up but he’s covered in his own blood. Mario Yamasaki taking Guida to the doctor. The doctor said this match can continue. Crowd went crazy. Close round, maybe Florian 1-9

Guida shot in. Florian defending the shot well. Both up. Florian with jabs and a body shot. Florian with jabs. . Florian starting to connect on the punches. Florian dropped Guida with a right on a counter and hammered him with punches on the ground. Florian has the choke. Guida tapped out.

Florian fought such a good fight that everyone cheered him when it was over.

Florian told the fans they needed to cheer for Guida.

Jon Fitch vs. Mike Pierce

Nobody knows Mike Pierce. Pierce threw a kick and Fitch caught the leg and got behind him. Fitch has his back working for a choke. Fitch in the piggy back position while Pierce is in the don’t get me from behind position. Fitch punching the face. Pierce now on his knee. Fitch continues to hit Pierce in the face. Pierce out of trouble and slammed Fitch down and now on top. Fitch up. Crowd pretty dead for this match. Fitch got several punches in standing. Pierce ot a good punch in but Fitch getting more punches in. Fitch bleeding badly from the left eye. Fitch went for a takedown and Pierce blocked it. Close round, I’d go 10-9 Fitch but that cut could sway it the other way.

Why they put this on after Guida-Florian is beyond me as these two couldn’t follow and that should have been easy to figure on going in. Crowd just wants them done and to see Frank Mir get killed at this point. Fitch got a takedown and is behind Pierce. Pierce back up. Piece got some good punches in. Fitch back with punches. These two are having a solid fight but fans are booing just because they lack so much charisma. Well, Fitch lacks charisma and they have no clue who Pierce is. Fitch got hit with another punch but got a takedown and got Pierce’s back. Short knees by Fitch. Fitch trying to break him down. Good knee by Fitch. Body punch by Fitch . Knee by Pierce and a foot stop. Crowd booing more. Wild exchange and Fitch went for two takedown. Pierce bleeding from the nose. Good round but crowd not into it. 20-18 Fitch.

Two good knees by Fitch. Trading . Pierce tried a takedown but Fitch blocked. Fitch with knees. Pierce connected with several body shots. Head kick by Fitch. Uppercut and takedown by Fitch. Fitch has his back. Hard knee by Fitch. Pierce throwing a lot of punches and started to hurt Fitch late. Good debut by Pierce. Most of the crowd cheered when it was over, some booed. I’d give the round to Pierce so 29-28 for Fitch.

All three judges have it 29-28 for Fitch

Frank Mir vs. Cheick Kongo

People didn’t really care that much about Kongo when he came out. They do care about Mir. People both cheering and booing him. He’s even got the walk to the ring down. Kongo actually booed a lot. More cheers than boos. Mir got a mixed reaction, probably 70% boos. Crowd psyched for this match. Mir knocked Kongo down with a left. He’s got a guillotine on tight. It’s over. Time was 1:12.

He won the crowd over with the win. It’s too bad with this sports stuff because Mir totally leap frogged Carwin and Velasquez as far as a match people want to see.

B.J. Penn vs. Diego Sanchez

More Spanish music. There are two people right behind Dana wearing Rey Mysterio masks. Diego running around like a wildman, nearly knocked the camera man over. Herb Dean is the referee.

Sanchez booed. Penn’s reaction about the same as Guida’s, maybe slightly louder for Guida. Crowd pretty psyched for this one. Sanchez moved in and threw but didn’t connect. BJ chant loud. Sanchez threw again and missed. Penn knocked him down with an uppercut and is killing him with punches on the ground. Sanchez back to his feet but he’s hurt. Wild kick by Sanchez. Sanchez moved in, was hurt by an uppercut and stumbled. Sanchez wants to take it down but isn’t going to be able to most likely. High kick by Sanchez missed. Sanches is the one nervous. Penn walking him down. Sanchez with another takedown attempt but back up. Sanchez swinging wildly and missing. Penn hit with a counter. Another exchange exactly the same. Sanchez in with a knee but Penn countered with a punch. Penn rocked Sanchez again with a hard shot. Sanchez threw a wild kick. Penn’s round easily, I’d go 10-8.

Sanchez in going for a takedown. Problem is, what if he gets it, and he probably won’t and will just waste energy trying. And there’s nothing else he can do. Sanchez threw a good uppercut after giving up the takedown. Penn in with punches, Sanchez tried a takedown but didn’t get it. Sanchez in but Penn countered with punches. Penn blocked a high kick. Penn threw and Sanchez ducked for a takedown but didn’t get it. Sanchez threw more punches that missed and Penn hurt him with a counter punch. Sanchez tried another takedown but couldn’t come close. Sanchez bleeding from the right ear from the first round. Sanchez getting no effective offense in. Penn with a good punch coming in. Sanchez’s ear bleeding more. Sanchez ducked a punch and went for another takedown. He got him down for a split second but Penn back up. Diego still going. Penn’s round, so 20-17 at this point.

Penn with a punch and Sanchez again going for a takedown. Now it’s like the Florian fight. Penn throwing some elbows and punches as he blocks the takedown. One would think even Sanchez will wear himself out with hit strategy, but he doesn’t have much choice because he can’t stand with Penn. Penn with several uppercuts caused Sanchez to back off. Trading and Penn getting the best punch. Good high kick by Sanchez. Sanchez going for another takedown. Penn with some punches while blocking the takedown. Penn with a knee. Hard forearm by Penn. Trading punches and Penn got a few good shots in. Sanchez’s face all marked up. Penn with short uppercuts as Sanchez kept trying for the takedown. Penn connecting with several hard punches. Sanchez’s face is a mess at this point. Penn’s round 30-26.

Penn couldn’t wait to come out for this round. He’s not tired at all. An exchange and Penn connected. Sanchez hit a punch in another exchange. High kick by Sanchez missed. Sanchez tried a takedown and didn’t get it. Good right by Penn but Sanchez still up. Sanchez with a kick but Penn blocked. Sanchez tried a takedown and didn’t get it. Hard elbow by Penn. Sanchez in for another takedown. Of course Penn blocking well. Fans booing. Penn with an elbow and Sanchez gave it up. Sanchez swung wildly and Penn countered and landed. Sanchez went for another takedown and is being booed. Pen with a knee and Sanchez gave up trying. Penn in with a knee. Penn looks like he wats to finish but the round ended. Penn’s round now 40-35.

Both guys can’t wait to come out and crowd is psyched for the final round even though Sanchez needs a miracle and Moses isn’t in the building. Body shot by Penn. High kick by Sanchez largely blocked. Body kick by Sanchez landed. Sanchez went for a takedown and being booed. At this point that’s not going to win him the fight. Sanchez got Penn off his feet but Penn stood right back up. Sanchez got him on the ground but Penn is in the advantage position. Penn let him up. Sanchez missed a kick. High kick by Penn and several uppercuts and now Sanchez has him bulled into the cage. Penn pounding him with punches. Sanchez bleeding like crazy. They are going to check the cut and it’s being waved off. At this point even if the cut wasn’t deep, and it was, it was time to end it. Cut looks six inches long on Sanchez’s forehead. Penn going crazy.

This was one of the best shows in a while.

We'll be back tomorrow night with WWE's TLC show.