HGC Radio 44: Round Up The Usual Suspects

It's another fun day with the "usual suspects" as ANTHONY KINGDOM JAMES welcomes NOAH PANICO and PHIL STAMPER to today's episode of THE HANDSOME GENIUS CLUB RADIO SHOW. Noah was in St. Louis for the Major League Baseball All-Star Game and he's got plenty of stories about torrential rainfall, how close he got to The President, how he screwed with the Secret Service and advice for how to sneak into any concert or sporting event you want.

Then, Phil returns to the show during the "Nerd News" to discuss the Doctor Who/Torchwood franchise. Plus, Kingdom names "The Stupidest Bastard of the Week", talks about UFC 100 and how smart Brock Lesnar is and gives you some "Things To Do".

Go to HandsomeGeniusClub.com to check out the show!


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Enough Is Enough - It's Time For A Change!

On Episode 125 of Tha O Show, I spoke about my frustration with the general apathy people have towards the state of indy wrestling - particularly in my home territory, Ontario.

I feel that with a proper business plan and acumen, this is a problem that can be fixed. I am in the process of writing a full business proposal to the prime stakeholders (promoters of top companies in the province).

I'm calling it, the Ontario Wrestling Council for the purposes of this outline only. The brand can be changed at any time.

Outline

I am proposing the formation of a “board of directors” to act as a governing body over pro wrestling in Ontario.

Set-up

The board would be comprised of representatives from each of the top independent federations in the province.

A few of the longer running, more successful companies would be granted automatic entry to this board. The criteria for defining the top promotions can be established later. Number of shows per year, profit margins, talent used could all be on the list of criteria.

That board will then reach out to other federations and individual promoters to join the committee.

Function

The board has an appointed treasurer and co-signer responsible for one central bank account. The bank account has full transparency and any member of the board is authorized to know what is in the account and / or to request transaction statements.

The board will form a parent brand. As mentioned earlier, for the purpose of this proposal we will title it the OWC (Ontario Wrestling Council).

Any companies affiliated with the OWC will have a logo on their posters / tickets etc stating that the event is endorsed and licensed by the OWC.

All wrestlers who compete for an OWC sponsored company MUST pay a mandatory licensing fee. For the purpose of this proposal, we will set the amount at $100.00 annually.

Licenses are issued following the receipt of an application from the talent, and approval from the board to license said talent. This may be the responsibility of 1 or 2 people on the board – with the appointment changing annually or bi-annually.

The founding promotions will be handed X amount of complimentary licenses to hand to their core regulars. The comp licenses will have to be renewed in the standard process the next fiscal year.

Money received from license dues is immediately deposited into the OWC bank account.

Any wrestler without a license MAY NOT compete for any organization under the OWC banner.

Exceptions

Workers coming into Ontario from outside areas to work are still required to be approved by the OWC before being advertised or added to a card. Short term (single day / weekend) licenses can be obtained at a lesser rate. The fee will be waived with respect to talent currently or previously under contract to a national promotion. Developmental contracts do not apply.

Promotions & Schools

Any promotion not under the banner of the board, must APPLY for a promoting license. For the purpose of this proposal, we will set the promotion license at $500. The OWC has the right to refuse a permit to a federation should they feel that it is going to adversely affect one of the existing partners (i.e. proximity). A licensed worker is NOT permitted to work an unlicensed show. Discovery of such would result in penalties, fines or suspension of license. A sliding scale of penalties can be established at a later time.

This same process can be applied to wrestling schools.

Benefits to OWC

- There would be a checklist of items all promoters should adhere to. This allows for peer support and ensures we are setting our partner companies up for success.

- Fly by night promotions will be strongly discouraged / prevented from using legitimate talent, and popping up in the neighborhood of an existing partner company.

- A central calendar would be maintained to avoid / show overlap. Semi regular (monthly or quarterly) conference calls would be used to announce upcoming dates and have the person on the OWC responsible for scheduling to input changes.

- The central bank account… Money accumulated would go towards payment / subsidizing of insurance for all companies under the OWC banner. Additional petty cash can be made available on a request basis for marketing materials, or other pre show costs.

- Build fan loyalty through memberships that allow them discounts on OWC ticket prices, merch etc. Memberships can be set at any price. For the purpose of this proposal set the amount at $50 per member annually.

- These are just a few of the very high level benefits ... dozens more would become evident upon drilling deeper.

Non Compliance

Failure to remain in good standing with the board results in a review meeting where promoter could be subject to fines or removal from board. A list of issues that would warrant a review can be created at a later date i.e. bait & switch, running show without insurance, last minute cancellation without notice to patrons / talent – etc.

---

That's the concept in a nutshell everyone!

To support this concept, or contribute to it, email supportOWC@thaoshow.com
Thank you for your time.

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Tha O Show Radio Program - Episode 125

[DOWNLOAD MP3]

Tha O Show is back as your bros Dan-e-o and Big Daddy Donnie hit you with Episode 125! Today's a big one with all of your favourite segments. Coming off a killer pay-per-view weekend with a spectacular UFC 100 show and coming up on a (not so killer) pay-per-view weekend with a (likely to be less than spectacular) TNA Victory Road event, there's a lot to talk about! So press play and prepare to O once again! On today's show... "Tha Os And NOs". "Tha Pit Stop" with The Notorious T.I.D. who recaps UFC 100. "Tha News". "O-sters With Somethin' To Say". A preview of this coming Sunday's TNA Victory Road PPV. A special edition of "Big Daddy Donnie Has Road Rage". AND "The Round Table" with special guest, former TNA star and Ontario Indy Wrestling favourite, Johnny Devine! Be sure to stay tuned until the end of the show for a special O-chestra edition of Kofi Kingston's entrance theme inspired by Donnie's road rage-alaz! CLICK THESE LINKS AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT: O-SOME SPONSORS: evo T-Shirt Hell Legacy Belts O-RIFFIC MERCH: OBLIVION! Tha Indy Wrestling Album Tha O Show T-Shirts Tha O Show MP3s Dan-e-o CDs Dan-e-o DVDs Dan-e-o MP3s Monolith CDs Hammerlock Video DVDs O-MAZING MUSIC: Dan-e-o's Official Website Secret Suburbia's Official Website O-SPACE PAGES: Tha O Show Dan-e-o Secret Suburbia Monolith The Notorious T.I.D. Johnny Devine O-FFILIATE WEBSITES: The Handsome Genius Club Ontario Indy Wrestling Angry Marks Showdown Network Audio Wrestling Action Radio Online World Of Wrestling Ontario Wrestling's Indy Elite O-TUBE VIDEOS: Johnny Devine - "Falling Apart" Johnny Devine - "Word Up" To download the mp3 of this show: Right Click On This Link then Choose "Save Target As" in Internet Explorer or "Save Link As" in Mozilla FireFox. If you have problems with this, please e-mail us at help@thaoshow.com

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Today On Tha O Show...

Episode 125 is soon upon us O-sters! And your boys Big Daddy Donnie and Dan-e-o are back with another great show.

Today's show features "Tha Os And NOs", "Tha Pit Stop" with The Notorious T.I.D., "Tha News", "O-sters With Somethin' To Say", a preview of TNA's upcoming pay-per-view, Victory Road AND the return of "Big Daddy Donnie Has Road Rage"!

As well, former TNA star and Ontario Indy Wrestling favourite, Johnny Devine joins Don and Dan for "Tha Round Table"! All that and more on today's show. Check back soon to check it out!

SUPPORT THA O SHOW! BUY ONE OR MORE OF OUR HOTTEST ITEMS!:

CDS:
1) OBLIVION! Tha Indy Wrestling Album
2) See No Evil, Hear No Evil
3) The Art of Lyricism: Dan-e-o's Finest
4) The Book of Daniel
5) Dear Hip Hop

MP3S:
1) Tha O Show Theme 2009
2) Dear Hip Hop 2007
3) We'll Probably Kill You!
4) Secta De Uno
5) Buss Juice

DVDS:
1) A Shoot Interview With New Jack
2) A Shoot Interview With Kamala The Ugandan Giant
3) Dan-e-o - 10: The Music Videos

T-SHIRTS:
1) Tha O Show Black
2) Tha O Show White
3) T-Shirt Hell
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ECW On SyFy Recap

"Yes sir we promised you a great match." ECW is on the air! The show opens with highlights of the #1 contender's match that aired on ECW last Thursday, which Christian eventually won over the Moscow Mauler. "DON'T QUESTION A HEART PREPARED TO FIIIIGHT!" Josh Mathews promises us that tonight in Florida, South Beach will be taken... TO THE EXTREME.

* Christian Cage v. Shelton Benjamin

Matt Striker and Josh Mathews argue about whether or not Christian's victory was legal given that Kozlov's head hit an exposed turnbuckle. I guess Benjamin's feud with Yoshi Tatsu is already over.

That's a shame, I thought that program had legs. The ref calls for the bell and Benjamin glares at his opponent, while Christian sucks up the crowd pop. Collar and elbow tie-up which both men refuse to break when they get to the corner until the ref gets between them. Standing switch and Benjamin slams Christian to the ground before going North-South. Christian stands up, shoots him off the ropes, leapfrogs, misses a clothesline but connects with a spinning wheel kick for a near fall. Benjamin responds by throwing Christian high in the air and letting him pancake the canvas. Christian knocks Benjamin down and hits the top rope.

Vladimir Kozlov's music plays and he turns to look at him, and Shelton Benjamin responds by kicking Christian off the ropes. Captain Charisma goes splat on the pretty black mats while an unsympathetic Kozlov walks right by his corpse. We go to commercial.

Incidentally I HATE the name SyFy.

Kozlov is now at the commentary position. He raises his fist in the air as Mathews acknowledges him and gets a chorus of boos from the crowd. We get a replay of Benjamin taking advantage of his arrival, and indeed Benjamin is in control in the ring. Christian runs right into a hard knee to the gut for a near fall. Benjamin snaps Christian's left arm off the rope and focuses all of his attacks on it in the ring. Every time someone at the announce table asks a question, Kozlov says "OF COURSE" and spouts off a phrase in Russian. Christian finally manages to shove Benjamin away long enough to come off the top rope with a missile dropkick.

Christian covers Benjamin for two then starts peppering Benjamin with punches with his good arm. He trips Benjamin into the ropes and some of the children in the crowd IMMEDIATELY start yelling SIX-ONE-NINE. Well, you can hardly blame them! He jumps on his back and pulls on the ropes for a choke instead. We get into a war of counters on the ground before Christian wins and goes top rope, but Benjamin recovers and takes him off for a flying facebuster that has Christian wringing his arm. Christian tries to go for the Unprettier but can't turn it around because of his arm, and Benjamin fires him off into the steel turnbuckle to hurt the arm even more, then hits PAYDIRT for three. WINNER: SHELTON BENJAMIN. Kozlov has a smug smirk on his face.

Ezekiel Jackson is backstage with Hurricane. "I was very happy to be drafted to ECW. You only get one chance to make a good impression, and by taking time off..." and he flexes a bicept "... I got into the best shape of my life. The Brian Kendrick hired Ezekiel because he needed ME. Now on ECW is my chance to go to the top, and the only person I care about is ME, Ezekiel Jackson." Commercial break with a promo for Night of Champions on PPV.

Incidentally Ezekiel Jackson is more charismatic when he stands there and does nothing. Letting him cut a promo is a bonafide channel changer.

* Paul Birchill (w/ Katie Lea) v. Yoshi Tatsu

Birchill is already in the ring when we come back from break, and Yoshi Tatsu makes his entrance. The Rippa is firmly in control at the start, although the young fans in attendance are more than happy to chant YO-SHI, YO-SHI. On the plus side it's a very Japanese name for Naofumi Yamamoto to have and one that's easy for the crowd to say. On the minus side I keep thinking he's going to suck up his opponent with his tongue and lay an egg any minute. Birchill is playing the heel to perfection here, acting like the big bully, yelling at Tatsu any time he tries to make a comeback, choking him out with an arm around his neck.

Tatsu finally gets out with an armdrag and starts firing off a series of kicks. Birchill is whipped to the corner, Tatsu gets floated over the ropes, he tries get in for a springboard off the ropes and SLIPS which Birchill immediately takes advantage of with a DDT. He argues with the ref he's got the cover, even though Tatsu's foot is under the ropes, and when he turns around Tatsu is already back up to hit a YAKUZA KICK for three. WINNER: YOSHI TATSU. Tommy Dreamer v. Vladimir Kozlov is coming up in the main event, but first these commercial messages for 12 Rounds (Rated + Unrated).

We come back from break with a promo for ZZ Top being the guests hosting Raw next Monday. We go to Tiffany's office for a Tyler Reks promo, and he says he's really STOKED to make a debut on ECW. She says that could be arranged next week. They make eyes at each other and we go back to the ring.

* Goldust v. Zach Ryder

And this should be one of the more interesting matches of the evening. I think this might even be good - I think the elder of Dusty's boys can pull a good match out of him. A brief RYDER SUCKS chant breaks out. Ryder gets upset at Goldie early and screams "ARE YOU SERIOUS" and Goldie shows him how serious by powering him down to the ground and taking an arm. Goldie hits him with a butt bump when he gets up and gives him a clothesline over the ropes out to the floor. Ryder catches him in the forehead with an elbow as he's climbing back in. They fight on the top rope for a second until Ryder pulls him down to smack his head off the top turnbuckle. Another louder RYDER SUCKS chant breaks out. Facewash by Ryder in the corner, then he hooks the leg and covers for two.

Ryder ground Goldie in a facelock, and the crowd cheers him back to his feet. Ryder whips him into the corner but Goldie counters with a drag and then rolls away in pain. Both men are down as the ref counts to 5, but Ryder gets up first. It doesn't help him much as he eats punches, including a baseball slide jawjack. Atomic drop, short arm to the throat, to the top rope for applause and then the BIONIC ELBOW for 2.5. Zach blocks the Curtain Call then hits the ZACH ATTACK for 3. WINNER: ZACH RYDER.

My hat's off to both men. This is the kind of match ECW needs each week. Up next is a Raw Rebound focused on Seth Green. I'll say this much - he played the GM role better than I expected and his involvement in the main event was less annoying than I thought it would be.

We come back from break with a replay of The Hurricane saving a young woman's life on ECW last week.

* Sheamus the Celtic Warrior v. Roman Cornell

"How are ya fella? I'm Sheamus. I know ye saw me first steps in claimin' ECW as me own. My path is that of a Celtic warrior. I'm come to fly me flag of great Irish tradition and I'm soon to be the most dominant star in E, See, Dubya!" Where's Finlay to smack the taste out of his mouth? Now for those of you who can't see this live there's a very interesting disparity in the ring.

Sizewise, Sheamus is everything you'd want - he's tall, athletic, muscular, but he's so pale that even Hellboy Hansen has a tan by comparison. His opponent Roman Cornell may be the smaller man, but he's very fit and has a nice rich brown tan - looking like the perfect pro wrestler. The object lesson? Size beats looks in WWE. A boot to the face and a urinage into a back breaker get the three. WINNER: SHEAMUS THE CELTIC WARRIOR. Dreamer v. Kozlov next after this commercial break.

* Tommy Dreamer v. Vladimir Kozlov (Non-Title Match)

You know what I like about ECW this week, aside from Yoshi Tatsu getting a win and a fun match between Goldust and Zach Ryder? No Abraham Washington Show! Sadly Matt Striker promotes the return of AWS next week before the poor man's Fedor himself Vladimir Kozlov comes down to the ring. Dreamer heads down to the ring with the ten pounds of tinfoil around his waist. Striker puts over the fact he actually wears it as opposed to carrying it over his shoulder. I don't know why but that makes me think of Big Daddy V - I always wondered how the hell he'd ever get a belt around his waist if he became champion on the show.

Dreamer is in control early and gets a backslide for two as we pass the 11 o'clock EST mark, which means that Ring the Bell is on the air right now. Kozlov takes control back with headbutts and a belly to belly slam as a weak U-S-A chant breaks out. I know they're not supposed to name the refs on commentary any more, but it's hard to miss the platinum blonde hair color of Lil' Naitch Charles Robinson in the ring with them. Kozlov and Dreamer wind up on the ropes, Dreamer shoves him off and hits a boot to the face, but then Kozlov gives him a doublehanded shove to the chest when he jumps off. That's followed up by the IRON CURTAIN for three. That's it? Really? WINNER: VLADIMIR KOZLOV.

Kozlov starts to beat up Dreamer after the match, Christian runs down to make the save, Kozlov beats him down too and leaves to his music with a big smile on his face as both the champion and #1 contender are left prone in the ring. Replay shows the shove and the Iron Curtain again, and that Christian accidentally ran into Dreamer before he got the doublehanded shove of doom too. That's it for ECW tonight!
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Tha Raw Report: Electric Poultry

Seth Green was the guest host of "Raw" and more than that he put himself in a match, but guess what, that isn't what I'm going to talk about for the most part tonight. I have three things in particular from this week's edition of "Raw" that just blow my mind. I don't mean usual mindless drivel, I mean complete and total, what and why the hell material.

The first thing was the Miz. The E has done so well building this character and allowing him to be a douche to the level he needs to be to get over. So yes, I've gone from the biggest Miz hater anywhere to someone who wouldn't mind being on the bandwagon. Then there was Jack Thwagger beating, yes beating MVP, and last but not least we now have Mark Henry...as a face. Huh? What?

I'll go in reverse order. How the hell do you turn Mark Henry into a face? Why the hell do you turn Mark Henry into a face? Is there not a young up and coming face that you can build up and have them beat Mark Henry in typical WWE "oh my God I can't believe he overcame those odds," fashion.

The idea of he and Jericho as a tag team, and as tag team champions almost instantly appealed. It could so many ways, and hell let Henry go face that way. Have Jericho call himself the brains and Henry the muscle and insult Henry's intelligence until Henry got fed up. Or just have Jericho continue to be a great heel, and he and Henry just dominate other teams both heel and face, well the other two teams.

Mark Henry as a face horrifies me. The possibilities are endless and not all of them are nice to think about. Tell me I'm not the only one who could imagine the E putting tag team gold on Mark Henry and Hornswaggle. Speaking of Hornswaggle why is
he beating Chavo twice? This angers me. Hopefully Chavo doesn't get too depressed.

Jack Thwagger beat MVP. That's dumb. Argue how bright of a future Jack Thwagger has all you want, the two biggest things he has going for him are the fact that he went to OU, and that he sounds like a roided up Dusty. There is absolutely no reason that a viable worker like MVP is getting passed over for the sake of building Thwagger.

Ok now it's time for me eat crow and bitch at the same time. I really detested everything about the Miz. In all fairness I still do, but it works for him and he's over. Because hell froze over tonight when the Miz did his thing and the crowd chanted along that, "I am the Miz and I'm awesome." I couldn't really believe it. But that is the true story of when the crowd chanted along with the Miz.

In all seriousness he went from "main eventing" a PPV with John Cena to mid-card filler with Primo? He didn't even win clean, that's my biggest problem. If you're building a heel, dammit build them. Don't throw shit at the wall and see what sticks.

The backstage segment featuring one Santino Marella, as well as himself, Sheiky, and Trish Stratus in action figure form, Seth Green, John Cena and Treepil Hachay was great. If the E doesn't want Santino to be a full-time in-ring competitor why not have him be a commentator or give him an interview segment on "Raw." He's too good not be used more.

Instead of taking this time to either bitch about or praise the main event, I'll skip it and personally O for the fact that Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill will be the guest hosts of "Raw" next week. If you didn't see "Raw" and/or you don't know who that incredible tag team is, they're ZZ f'n Top. Mark out moment. While on mark out moments I'm going to insert into the end of this article that the swimsuit summer extravaganza or whatever was spectacular. Sub Beth Phoenix for Rosa and it would have been perfect. Alicia Fox is indeed a fox.

Until next time folks...
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Too Much Of The Same

People often complain about TNA wrestling saying that they have turned into a poor man’s version of WWE or worse yet, WCW. Recycling older stars and going with shock-tv and over the top stories more often than going with what put them on the map – awesome workrate.

This brings me to the current state of Indy Wrestling. For the purposes of this article, I’ll focus on my home territory, Ontario, because it is the one I am the most familiar with – but according to friends in other parts of North America this is not an isolated issue.

So far in Ontario, almost 40 different promotions have run shows in 2009. 40! I remember back in the late 90s – we had Scott D’Amore’s Border City Wrestling, Ike Shaw / Waldo Von Erich’s ICW, Ron Hutchinson’s AWF, Ricky Johnson’s CWA, Mark Anderson’s HWF, and the Ring N’ Ears shows - that’s about it. A few years later Neo Spirit popped up, but for this examination I’ll stick with the time period before their arrival.

There were other upstarts here and there – guys like Kevin Oakley or the twins would run a show once in a while… or Bob Woods might do something with his EWF – (and RWA certainly played a HUGE role in the development of many of today’s best) but for the most part, Ontario Wrestling revolved around those core promotions.

BCW was based in Windsor. A couple hours east was the HWF in London, and then the Cambridge based ICW. AWF was based out of East Scarborough. CWA mainly ran in the downtown Toronto core, as did Ring N’ Ears.

Not only were all of these companies significantly spread out, they all did something DIFFERENT.

BCW, was a mix of name workers and some of the best young talent. AWF ran small bar shows with heavily gimmicked characters, making a very family-friendly product. HWF was well respected for their “hardcore” style. Ring N’ Ears combined live heavy metal bands with smash mouth wrestling. ICW was built on legends from the 70s and 80s ( Greg Valentine, Tito Santana, Typhoon, King Kong Bundy etc).

On top of that, most of these companies had VERY LITTLE overlap in terms of the talent they used.

Names like The Codfather, Squeegee Kid, The All Knighters, and Gail Kim and Traci Brooks would only be found at AWF.

If you wanted to see Tyson Dux, Eric Young, Carlos Ortega, Billy Boogie and a whole host of legends you were going to be headed to an ICW show.

I think you get my point.

Today there are so many different promotions doing the exact same thing – many of which even share the same venue and talent!

BCW continues to do their thing – based out of Windsor and focusing on students / grads of Can / Am and other well respected indy stars (Cody Deaner / Jake O’Reilly, etc).

BSE Pro, which was sort of an evolution from the original AWF and initially from Ring N Ears (when BSE stood for Blood Sweat N Ears) runs a high quality product with plenty of production values. They build around talent from their school (Sqaured Circle) and fill in with talent from TNA, and other respected indy workers (El Tornado, Franky The Mobster etc).

And then you have options like GCW who run a very family focused show and Stranglehold who make the old HWF look like Sesame Street. Add to the mix companies like PWA and PWX (who definitely have their roster of regulars who you don’t find elsewhere) and to some extent PWA and that’s pretty much all you need.

More and more companies keep popping up for different reasons. They want to do a fund raiser. The promoter is a worker who feels he’s not being used properly elsewhere. The promoter is a fan who has money to burn. The promoter feels he is smarter than everyone else and can show the whole world how it should be done.

The truth is, there is just too much of the same on the indy scene. I know a lot of the boys will got hot at this because they feel like if feds start drying up, so will their bookings … but I see it the opposite way.

Less shitty feds doing bad versions of decent ones, means fewer fans going to shitty shows and getting turned off. Theoretically, it means more fans attending good shows. Increased houses, means workers can demand a bigger pay off.

My biggest frustration is when a booker or promoter builds a show that looks very similar to a competitor and says "Well, I don't know what they hell they're doing. I don't pay attention to them". Why? Are you such a big shot that you don't need to worry about anyone else? Coke knows what Pepsi is up to. AmEx follows the promotions being run by Visa and MasterCard. Vince watches TNA. It is your JOB as a business owner and promoter of a wrestling company to know what the market has already been exposed to and what your competition is doing.

Here is my plea to all of the would-be promoters and arm-chair bookers: if you want to get into the business, try contacting one of the existing feds that have already been established and see if they need some help. Maybe you’ll get to learn the business before actually throwing away thousands of your own dollars on a failed event.

This is a concept that many MMA companies are struggling with right now. For some, it is enough to simply be a grass roots version of the UFC (because UFC is so hot) ... but for others, they have to try to tweak and be a little different. Fight in a ring not a cage like Pride, use a team format like the IFL - whatever.

Back to wrestling, the effort is even greater, because unlike in the late 90s, the business is NOT hot. We are in a valley, with a peak on the horizon. Wrestling will survive this period, but indy wrestling is suffering greatly.

Put your ego aside and learn how a show is run, from initial concept to tearing down the ring after the main event.

Then, if you go through that process, and you still have the burning desire to run your own show, make sure it’s because you are offering something different. Not just the same guys in a match with a new stip, but something that YOU yourself would pay money to go see.

Whenever I booked shows I tried to stick to a few simple concepts:

• Book people you trust to execute your plan,
  
• Give the customer as much entertainment value for their dollar as possible
  
• Don’t allow the show to become a spotfest
  
• Tell a story: not just within the match but the entire sequence of the show

That’s my personal philosophy. I formed it after years of being a fan, and learning from guys that I respected the hell out of and worked with for years.

Create your niche – but if your niche is already being done in a similar fashion by someone else … you have a few options

• Tweak your idea
  
• Move to a new area far enough away from the similarly minded product
  
• Don’t do it.

Nobody wants too much of the same. Click Here to Read More..

Killa Kev's UFC 100 Recap

Before the show gets started, here's the results from the preliminary bouts:

Shannon Gugerty d. Matt Grice at 2:36 of Round 1 by Submission (Guillotine Choke);

Tom Lawlor d. C.B. Dollaway at 0:55 of Round 1 by Submission (Guillotine Choke);

Dong Hyun Kim d. T.J. Grant by Unanimous Decision;

Jon Jones d. Jake O'Brien at 2:43 of Round 2 by Submission (Guillotine Choke);

Jim Miller d. Mac Danzig by Unanimous Decision;

Mark Coleman d. Stephen Bonnar by Unanimous Decision.

We're welcomed to the Mandalay Bay Event Center in Las Vegas, Nevada by our hosts Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan. Playmate Holly Madison is also at ringside this evening serving as guest ring girl.

Middleweight Bout:
Yoshihiro Akiyama (185 lbs, 12-1-2) vs. Alan Belcher (186 lbs, 13-4-0)

Holly madison struts her stuff around the ring as "the Voice of the Octagon" Bruce Buffer introduces the competitos and our referee, Steve Mazzagati.

Round One starts with Belcher going for the kicks immediately, Akiyama isn't intimidated yet, and snaps off a high kick to the head. Belcher throws another body kick and starts backing Akiyama up to the fences. Akiyama thros a few more kicks, but then Belcher goes for an inside leg kick crotches Akiyama, who crawls over to the fences... he's gonna need a few minutes to recover. mazzagati tells him to relax and take his time. 3:40 left in the round as we get back to the action, Belcher with uppercuts, Akiyama deflects them and fires back with his own rights, staying in the pocket. Both men trading lower leg kicks, 2:45 left in the round.

Belcher with a head kick, then a lower leg kick, Akiyama catches it, Belcher is able to pull out. Akiyama connects with a left jab but Belcher catches him with a right that puts him on his feet, Akiyama is back up immediately and gets driven into the fence, Belcher backs off, not wanting to get into a clench game this early. 1:45 left in Round One, fans starting a "U-S-A! U-S-A!" chant, but it looks like Japan is getting the advantage as Akiyama lands a head kick and punch combo. belcher responds with a leg kick, Akiyama with a Superman Punchh and an uppercut, Belcher fires right back with his own rights, and they clench in the corner.

Akiyama tries to close it up, but Belcher with a forearm, tries to take Akiyama down, but he stays up. Belcher throws a right leg kick, Akiyama catches it and throws him to the ground with 30 seconds in the round, Akiyama wants some ground 'n pound but Belcher tries for the ulmaplata, can't really connect as the horn sounds to end Round One. During the break Belcher's corner tells him that he's winning the striking game, but don't linger in the pocket.

Round Two - Both men trade kicks, Akiyama catches Belcher's leg and throws him to the ground again, has side control and throws elbows, Belcher looking for a sweep and is able to turn Akiyama over, but Akiyama gets to his feet and slips right out, goes back into side control, gringing his forearm into Belcher's nose when he's not throwing punches. Belcher rolls to his side, Akiyama fights him, Belcher is able to move into full guard.

Akiyama throws a bomb straight between Belcher's eyes, 3:20 left in Round Two. Belcher is pushing his hips p to try to block, Akiyama is able to get around it to throw some looping punches and hammer fists. Akiyama looks content to stay right there on the mat, moves into side control, Belcher looking for the sweep again, Akiyama fights it off for awhile, both men get to their feet, however. 2:00 left in Round Two, Akiyama throws a straight right, and an uppercut, Belcher answers with a leg kick that connects and a roundhouse that misses.

Akiyama misses a pair of kicks of his own but connects with a jab, 1:00 left in Round Two. Belcher tries for a Superman Punch, Akiyama with left jabs, Belcher with a pair of lefts of his own. Both men with their hands down for some reason, looks like they're sucking some wind. Belcher's corner telling him to advance on Akiyama. Belcher with a right hand that Akiyama doesn't sell at all, 10 seconds left, Belcher with the right leg kick, Akiyama actually buckles a little but responds with a right hands that connects right at the end of the round.

Round Three - Belcher with the kicks again, Akiyama with the punches, Rogan is saying Akiyama's lead left leg is hurt, and maybe his left eye as well, it's swelling. Belcher's corner tells him to not step back. Akiyama throwing punches to the face, Belcoher pushing forward with punches and kicks, Akiyama catches a leg, Belcher pulls it back. 3:45 left in this fight, Belcher taking his time picking the kicks and punches he's throwing, Akiyama trying to throw more punches to connect, his left eye is closing up on him.

Belcher with a left jab, then some rights trying to focus on the eye. 3:00 left, another kick to Akiyama's left leg, now he's noticibly limping. Akiyama tries for a spinning back kick to Belcher's midsection. Belcher hits the outside of the left leg with a kick, then an inside one, tries for the high roundhouse kick that Akiyama ducks, Akiyama counters with some rights that just barely miss. Belche throws a big right, Akiyama bobs it and connects with a pair of rights of his own, connects with a few more, then a left jab. Belcher is looking for a right elbow, but keeps gettingblocked, Akiyama is connecting mor epunches now, JAB TO THE CHIN that puts Belcher on his back, Belcher flips over on his back and pops back up on his feet. 1:10 left in the fight, Goldberg things Belcher has this fight won if Akiyama doesn't do more... PRONOUNCED SUPERMAN PUNCH from Belcher!

That was telegraphed from a mile away and connected! Belcher with several left jabs to the face that connects, thows some more inside leg kicks. Belcher goes for a spinning back fist, Akiyama grabs the arm and takes Belcher down, but Belcher escapes, 20 seconds left in the round, they trade punches, Belcher with more leg kicks and we get a horn, this match is over!

We run the replays we see the Superman Punch, Belcher actually uses the side of the cage to launch himself! Wow, beautiful. OOH SHIT! Akiyama's left eye is completely swollen... Burns scores 30-27 Akiyama... Crosby 29-28 Belcher... Morshiata scores it 29-28 for your winner by split decision... YOSHIHIRO AKIYOMA! Belcher is clearly ticked here, Joe Rogan thinks Belcher got robbed.

Middleweight Bout - Ultimate Fighter: US vs. UK Coaches Battle:
Team USA's Dan Henderson (25-4-0, 185 lbs) vs. Team UK's Michael Bisping (18-1-0, 186lbs)

Mario Yamasaki is our referee as we start Round One. Bisping circles around the outside trying to find some punches, Henderson hunts him down, throws some kicks as we move back to the middle of the ring. Bisping is trying to throw punches and move out of Henderson's reach as quick as possible.

Henderson isn't afraid to move in, throws some big punches at rock Bisping, Bisping fights back with some kicks to back him off, 3:30 left in Round One. Henderson throws some more body punches Bisping with a left elbow to back him off, fans with another "U-S-A! U-S-A!" chant. We move back to the center of the ring with 3:00 left in Round One, each man throwing select punches. henderson fakes with a kick, Bispoing throws a real kick to the head that Henderson blocks, followed by a straight right and a left jab. Henderson goes back to chasing Bisping around the ring, throws a left jab that has Henderson staggering backwards to avoid it. Bisping is throwing more punches now, 2:00 left in Round One.

Henderson taking his time with choice lefts and rights, Bisping misses with an uppercut. Bisping with a good body kick and a punch, Henderson moves in to try to throw a punch. Bisping keeping his guard up and thorwing punches, Henderson throws him into the cage with 1:00 left in the round, they clinch up, Henderson trying to throw some knees to the body, Bisping tries to throw a few back, but it's all knees from Henderson 30 seconds left. They break and move back to the middle, shoots for a single leg takedown that Henderson easily avoids, draws some boos from the fans. 10 seconds left they throw bombs at each other, Henderson connects with a BIG right hand right as the horn sounds!

Round Two starts with Bisping throwing more jabs and an inside leg kick, Henderson presses back towards the cage, Bisping defending well. Henderson with a big right that Bisping just narrowly avoids, Henderson coming back with punches, Bisping blocks with a knee, 4:00 left in the round.

Henderson with a big right hand and a left hook, 3:40 in Round Two, Henderson with another uppercut, tries for a left jab, inside leg kick, left jab combo. 3:00 left, Bisping with a jab misses with a roundhouse punch. Henderson misses a big right, Bisping does the same, both men looked off-balance. Henderson keeps showing signs he wants to unload, Bisping prepares accordingly. Henderson tries for a slugfest to the cage, Bisping again puts a knee up to back him off. 2:00 left in Round Two.

DAN HENDERSON HAULS OFF AND KNOCKS OUT BISPING WITH A RIGHT PUNCH! Bisping is OUT before he hits the mat! That punch came out of nowhere! The winner at 3:20 of Round Two by Knockout, Dan "Hendo" Henderson! Rogan is in the ring for the interview, "I don't know if I'll ever shut his mouth completely" says Henderson. Asked about Bisping circling around the ring, Henderson says that he knew he'd do that and would eventually catch him. On the replay we again see Bisping circling to his left, and literally walked right into Henderson's punch. About a possibility of facing Anderson Silva again for a Middleweight title fight, Henderson says he's open to whatever UFC says.

UFC Welterweight Championship:
champion Georges "Rush" St. Pierre ( 19-2-0, 190 lbs.) vs. Thiago "the Pit Bull" Alves ( 22-4-0, 190 lbs.)

This fight may be even bigger than the heavyweight fight as the main event, and is advertised as the co-main event of the evening. Steve Mazzagatti is our referee as the crowd chants "G-S-P! G-S-P!" We start round one, Alves takes the center of the ring, GSP isn't intimidated and feels free to throw some strikes early and goes for a single-leg takedown, picks up Alvez and throws him down again! Alvez in full guard, St. Spierre is throwing punches to the head.

Alvez tries to get up, GSP moves into side control. Alvez escapes but GSP has him wrapped up on the cage, throws him down again, takes the back, goes for the Guillotine Choke, 3:10 left in Round One. Alevez fighting it off, is able to roll over and escape, puts a knee between them to keep some space and we're back up and fighting. 2:40 left in Round One, GSP throws a few strikes, uppercuts, jabs... Alvez throws a few back, St. Pierre with an inside leg kick to the left leg of Alvez. GSP fakes the Superman Punch and connects with an inside leg kick, goes for an outside leg kick to the left leg. GSP with a jab to the face, extends the punch, steps back out. Alvez with an inside leg kick, misses the follow-up jab.

Alvez with another inside leg kick, tries for a shoot, GSP blocks him with a clinch, inside leg kick, spinning back kick combo, Superman Punch that misses. 1:00 left in Round One and GSP is looking good. Alves tries to throw a combo, GSP sidesteps it. 40seconds, Alvez preses forwards with punches, GSP ducks it and does another takedown, Alvez in full guard, but Alvez is cut above his eye now. 15 seconds left, Alvez gets back to his feet, St. Pierre puts him on the cage, underhooks the arms and keeps Alvez there until the horn.

Round Two starts with another kick/Superman/kick combo from St. Pierre, none of it connects though. Alvez throwing a few strike attempts of his own as the fans start up another chant for St. Pierre. Both men trade some inside leg kick attempts, nothing connects. GSP connects on a kick, another takedown on Alvez with 4:00 left in Round Two, GSP on top, Alvez in the half guard, tries to get up, GSP keeps him right o the ground. GSp moves into side control, gets top mount, Alvez fights it off and gets back into full guard. Alvez trying hammer fists from the bottom, St. Pierre is throwing elbows and bloodies Alvez's nose, 2:30 left in Round Two.

Alvez still trying with those hammer fists, GSP doesn't appear to be hurt by them, keeps trying for side control. Alvez tries to get a foot between them and kick them out, St. Pierre is going NOWHERE, 2:00 left in the round. GSP fights for side control, Alvez maintains half guard, rolls for an escape but GSP right there on top of him. St. Pierre throwing shots whenever he wants. 1:00 left in this round, it's all St. Pierre on the mat, Alvez just cannot slip away or throw up much of any offense. Alez slips out, gets to his feet, GSP puts him rihg ton the fence, 35 seconds in Round Two.

St. Pierre underhooks the arms again, throws some knees, 20 seconds left... Alvez looks worn out, tries to separate, throws a few knees and an elbow St. Pierre finally breaks with just a few seconds left. This round definitely went to the champion. In the break, St. Pierre's corner tells him that Alvez is going to be desperate, so keep his arms up, but otherwise GSP is doing great, keep taking him down.

Round Three, Alvez controls the center of the ring, Alvez throws some kicks, GSP responds with jabs, stick-and-moe tactics. Big body kick from St. Pierre, shoots Alvez into the cage but Alvez stuffs it, we move back to the middle of the ring. Alvez misses with the Superman Punch, GSp responds with an inside leg kick to the left leg. Alvez tries for a leg sweep, GSp avoids it, jabs back. 4:00 left in the round, Alvez tries for an uppercut, St. Pierre avoids it.

Alvez with an inside leg kick head kick combo, nothing. Pierre shoots and takes Alvez down at 3:20. Alvez tries to throw an elbow from the bottomand protect the half guard. Georges is happy to throw punches in Alvez's face all night, but Alvez is staing cool. Alvez tries for an escape outside of 2:00 and gets it, we're back to stand-up fighting. GSP with an inside leg kick to the left leg on Alvez, Alvez responds with an outside leg kick, GSP with inside leg kick in response, and they bump gloves out of respect. They both move in and slug it out at 1:15 left in Round Three, then break it off.

Alvez with a outside leg kick, St. Pierre responds with a right hand, body kick to the ribs, a jab that sends Alvez to the mat, 35 seconds remains in Round Three, goes into full guard, St. Pierre pours on the punches, Alvez looking for an escape, 15 seconds, Alvez has full guard now and is throwing elbows to the head. St. Pierre looks up to check the time, and chills out until the horn.

Round Four sees Alvez defending the middle, GSP with an inside leg kick and backs right off, Alvez advances with a few punches, GSP avoids them. GSP wit ha big single-leg takedown at 4:25 after a few fake jabs, Alvez again in half guard. GSP passes it and gains the mount. GSP looks for an arm triangle, 3:35 left in Round Four. Alvez is able to move into half guard, GSP just throws elbows into his feet.

Alvez srambles but gives up his back, St. Pierre on top, Alves slips out and for the first time is on top, GSP in full guard. Alvez tries for side control, St. Pierre blocks it. Alvez tries for some punches that connect, some hammerfists connect, 2:25 of Round Four. Alvez with big swings, working from inside the guard, St. Pierre is doing well to block and defend, constantly turning and moving to keep Alvez working.

St. Pierre finds an escape at 1:45, back to his feet and we're back into the stand-up. GSP throws a small inside leg kick, Alvez starts to hunt him down, GSP with a clinch, Alvez throws a knee to the body, misses with a big uppercut. GSP sticks Alvez in the face and follows up with a single-leg takedown right in the middle of the mat. 45 seconds left in Round Four, GSP gets side control, Alvez rolls to his knees, St. Pierre gains his back, pulls Alvez backwards, tries for a choke, gets an arm around the neck. Alvez is pulling away to try to break it... he's successful. Alvez is laying on top of St. Pierre, rolls over and the horn sounds. During the break St. Pierre says he pulled his groin, his corner tells him tough it, work through it, this is his round to win, and quit taking Alvez's back, it's not an advantage.

Round Five starts with Alvez controlling the middle of the ring, but fans chanting loudly for GSP. St. Pierre goes for a superman Punch, Alvez blocks it, throws a kick in response. St. Pierre goes for the double-leg takedown and nails it at 3:55 left in the match, Alvez gets half-guard, tries to escape. St. Pierre puts him back down on the mat. Alvez rolling to his side, gets to his knees, St. Pierre tries to take the back but moves around and underhooks both arms on the fence. Alvez is able to shove off and get some distance, back to the center of the ring. Alvez throws punches and misses a roundhouse kick. 3:00 left in the fight as we continue to throw punches in the pocket, nothing connecting.

Alvez goes for a legkick, St. Pierre responds with another take down, 2:30 left in the match. Alvez with full guard, is busted open over his eye. Goldberg comments that St. Pierre has taken down Alves successfully 8 out of 9 tries. Alvez escapes 1:48 left in the match, back to stand-up and Alvez trying to unt down St. Pierre again, and GSP ducks a punch and lands yet another takedown. 1:00 left, GSP controlling the ground game, throwing punches casually, Alvez strugglign to find an escape. 40 seconds left... 30 seconds left... 20 seconds left... GSP keeps throwing punches, Alvez keeps looking for an escape and finding nothing. 10 seconds left, the fans are cheering, GSP finds the back, Alvez gets to his feet, drags St. Pierre along and there is the horn!

Mike Goldberg predicts that St. Pierre retains, I concur, GSP had control every round for all but a few minutes. Your winner by Unanimous Decision 50-45, 50-44, 50-45, Georges St. Pierre! St. Pierre is asked when he injured his groin, GSP says early in the third round when he was taken down. Joe Rogan asks St. Pierre about his future in the division, GSP Alvez is his toughest opponent sofar and he will come back again, but he says the division is "pretty stacked". Rogan asks him if he'll consider moving up in weight and taking on Anderson Silva, GSP says that he doesn't fight for a championship anymore, he fights for challenges, and he'll consider his future challenges.

In case you were wondering what happened to the Jon Fitch vs. Paulo Thiago fight, it was announced before the show this evening that this fight would happen AFTER the main event to ensure the main event got on the broadcast.

UFC Heavyweight Championship Unification Match:
Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar (3-1-0 , 265 lbs.) vs. Interim Heavyweight Champion Frank Mir (12-3-0, 245 lbs.)

Herb Dean is our referee for this evening's main event, possibly the biggest main event ever for UFC history, at least a watershed one as the the split in the heavyweight division is brought back together. Surprisingly Lesnar is taking the boos in this match-up as Bruce Buffer gives us the introductions. Dean gives his instructions, instructs the men to touch gloves. Mir puts up his goves, and Lesnar turns his back and walks away, no respect!

Round One, Mir takes the center of the ring. Joe Rogan notices that Mir's left leg is heavily taped, wonders if that is an injury or just there for traction. Lesnar throws an inside leg kick to the right leg, follows up with some punches that connect. Lesnar goes for a takedown, Mir goes for half guard. Lesnar puts a hand on Mir's throat and clavicale.

Lesnar isn't looking for an early take-out of Mir here, and Mir isn't panicking. Referee warns Lesnar to start working or get stood up, gets a second warning at 3:20. Mir's got a cut over his eye already from the early strikes. Lesnar starts throwing some heavy punches at 3:00 left in the round. Mir starts protecting his face as Lesnar is able to piston away with right fists, Mir still is not panicking. Herb Dean warns Lesnar for a third time to start working again, 2:15 left in Round One. Lesnar goes back to throwing in the punches, Mir finally starts trying to make moves. Lesnar practically has Mir in a side headlock, pushes Mir's left arm out of the way and throws more punches. Mir giving thumbs up to his corner. Lesnar goes for body shots, then back to the face, 90 seconds left in Round One.

Mir is wiggling around, gets to his side, but it's all Lesnar right now as he alternates between the body and the face. Mir wiggles to his back, gets some room. Lesnar pushes Mir down on his back again, starts throwing hammer fists, 30 seconds left in Round One. Mir tries for an underhook, Lesnar won't let him go anywhere and continues to pound the face as Round One ends, clearly to Lesnar.


Round Two starts as Mir's face is a mess, but he's smiling. Lesnar witha swing and a miss, Mir goes for a kick, Lesnar grabs it, throws him down, and lets him back up. Mir moves in with strikes, backs Lesnar up to the cage, throws a knee, tries for a flying knee, Lesnar ducks it and drives Mir to the ground. 4:00 left in the round, Lesnar takes another warning about action, he backs Mir up to the cage, still on the ground, Mir in half guard.

Lesnar sits up and throws some punches to the face, Mir is bleeding pretty good now. Mir is turning his face into the mat to stop it, 3:15 left in the fight IT IS ALL OVER MIR IS KNOCKED OUT! The fans boo and Lesnar flips them off! Mir gets back to his feet and gets right into Lesnar's face, officials have to step in to separate them.

Your Winner and STILL UFC Heavyweight Champion, at 1:48 of Round Two by Knockout, BROCK LESNAR! The fans rain down boos on Lesnar, he pumps his fists and encourages the fans to boo more, "Keep it up!" he shouts. Joe Rogan asks him about his lack of respect for Mir. Lesnar says, "Frank Mir had a horseshoe up his ass! I told him that a year ago! I pulled that sumbitch out and beat him in the head with it! WHOO!" Rogan tongue-in-cheek says that he realizes Lesnar doesn't like to talk a lot of shit, asks him what his next plans are. Lesnar says, "I'm going to go home tonight, drink a Coors Light, because Bud Light won't pay me nothing... I'm going to go home to my friends and family, and hell I may even get on top of my wife tonight!" Cameras spin around as his wife Rena "Sable" Lesnar is behind him, she blushes and heads out of the cage immediately.

Rogan goes over to interview Mir for his comments. Mir says Lesnar did a good job, neutralized his stand-up, made a dumb mistake by letting Lesnar pin him up against the cage and he has stuff to work on. He says his strategy was to try to not let this get to the ground.

Welterweight Bout:
Jon Fitch (22-3-1, 170 lbs.) vs. Paulo Thiago (11-0-0, 170 lbs.)

Yves Lavigne is your referee in charge for this final match of the evening. Thiago made an impressive debut at UFC 95 with a win over Josh Koscheck. Fitch is on an impressive streak of wins since his loss to Georges St. Pierre last year.

Round One we have Fits coming out with strikes and inside leg kicks, Thiago blocking, Fitch with a takedown at 4:19, but sticks his neck out and Thiago immediately locks in a Guillotine Choke from the Full Guard. Thiago is trying to push to wrap the legs around Fitch's body. 3:35, Fitch gets his arms around Thiago's legs, trying to use his feet to flip out but Thiago is backed up against the cage. Thiago's had this guillotine locked on for a full minute now. Thiago modifies so he has an arm lock as well, Fitch is still fighting to break out of this hold. Thiago is cooly sitting things out on the mat waiting for Fitch to tap or otherwise give up. Fitch still adjusting, this choke has been on for TWO MINUTES now!

Fitch escapes!, patiently escaping. Thiago wraps his arms around Fitch's body, and Fitch is now in full mount! Thiago has his hands clasped behind Fitch, Fitch breaks it, Fitch takes Thiago's back, 1:20 left in this round, Thiago grabs Fitch's right leg to block it, flips Fitch off his back, Fitch pounding Thiago's head 1:00 left in thsi round. We struggle with this cat-and-mouse, Levigne lets them keep this up until the end of the round. Fans boo the action.

Round Two - Fitch with an inside leg kick to start, high kick to the head, jab, Thiago avoids it and Fitch drives Thiago into the cage, 4:35 left in Round One. Fitch throws Thiago to the ground, half guard, Fitch throws punches to the face, Thiago rolls to his side, Fitch pounds on the ribs. Fitch pushes Thiago up against the cage, Thiago sitting on his ass and is able to lock in another Guillotine Choke, just like round one! 3:30 left in Round One, Fitch is again not panicking, throwing punches to the ribs, tries to pick up Thiago, Thiago lets go and underhooks the arms, then tries for an Kimora, but gives up his back and Fits takes his back, slips off.

Thiago may be posturing for a leglock, Fitch moves his feet out of the way and throws knees into the hips. Thiago moves a bit and Fitch claps on with a front face lock, then a body lock. 2:10 left in Round Two, Fitch slams Thiago to the mat, gets the back at 1:50, looks for a rear naked choke, trying to get his legs into position to control the body, Thiago fighting him well. Fitch has both arms hooked and the left leg, Thiago moves to his side, Fitch moves to his back again, looks a little high on Thiago's shoulders but is throwing punches to the face from under the body. 45 seconds left in Round Two, Thiago rolling to his side, Fitch still has the back, moved back down to the hips. Thiago trying to get to his feet, 20 seconds left. Thiago tries to flip Fitch off, Fitch is hanging on, 10 seconds... no change in positions, horn sounds!

Third and Final Round - Fitch starts with some low inside leg kicks, followed by stirkes, then the high kick to the head, more uppercuts, drives Thiago down to the mat again 30 seconds into the round. Thiago trying to shove him off, Fitch gets to his feet and tries for side control, ends up shoving Thiago up against the cage. Fitch is able to move to Thiago's back as Thiago tries for the kimora again, 3:15 left in the fight. Fitch moves back over and gets top mount, maybe looking for a triangle. Thiago rolls over and gives up his bak again, 3:00 left. Thiago gets to his feet, Fitch is on his back, legs crossed, Thiago falls backwards and slams Fitch to the mat, but Fitht holds on , loses his leg position, Thiago is able to roll over and try to control Fitch.

Thiago slips an arm around the head and is looking for another choke, Fitch slips out 2:00 left in the fight. Fitch postures up, Thiago tries for an armbar, can't get it, tries for some upkicks, Fitch just pushes back down on Thiago. Thiago rolls over, tries for a leg, Fitch escapes and gets the back, 90 seconds left. Wash rinse repeat, Fitch stretches out Thiago, wraps the legs around the body, goes for the body triangle. 45 seconds left, Thiago rolls over, Fitch holds on, looks to go for a choke, meanwhile hits cross face punches. 25 seconds left, Thiago trying to free himself, Fitch laying in punches to the head, adjust his choke, lets it go, 15 seconds left, Thiago breaks free, Fitch is still on his back, moves in for a choke one more time, and we're at the end of the fight! Both men shake hands afterwards, Fitch clearly wins this contest.

The decision: 30-27 29-28 29-28 for your winner by Unanimous Decision, JON FITCH! Rogan with the comments, Fitch says that having his match moved up to the last on the card threw him off a little bit. Fitch says he doesn't come into his fights with a solid strategy, he plays it by ear as the match goes on, just finding his windows when he can. Fitch says that this is his 10th UFC win so he's excited. Congrats to my fellow Hoosier!

Submission of the Night goes to "Filthy" Tom Lawlor choking out C.B. Dollway. Knockout of the Night was Dan Hendrson's straight KO of Michael Bisping.
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HGC Radio: Episode 43 - Dickliness!

Today's HANDSOME GENIUS CLUB RADIO SHOW is sure to be a favorite as ANTHONY KINGDOM JAMES and TJ HABIBI welcome yet another of "The Usual Suspects" into the studio. Live and in person for the very first time, it's "The Most Opinionated Man on the Planet": BIG RON LARMONDIN!

Then, comic book writer and artist TY TEMPLETON joins the show for this week's feature interview to discuss his current and upcoming projects, his comic book creators' boot camp course and why he thinks being a Republican is akin to being a psychiatric patient.

Go to HandsomeGeniusClub.com to check out the show!

Plus, our weekly visit from NOAH PANICO, a surprise wedding for two friends of the show, the "Stupidest Bastard of the Week", "Nerd News" and a visit from "Tha O Show's" BIG DADDY DONNIE during today's "Things To Do".
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All LLW DVDs Are Only 10 Bucks Each! Ten!

Ten! All LLW DVDs are now just 10 bucks!

O-sters, here is your last chance to own a piece of Indy Wrestling history. The last of LLW's DVD collection is on sale in our Official Online Store at a specially reduced clearance price.

Ten bucks will get you a limited edition DVD copy of the event of your choice featuring matches by some of today and tomorrow's biggest superstars. Watch the brilliance of "Textbook" Tyson Dux, Cody Deaner, The Flatliners, Johnny Devine, "Dangerboy" Derek Wylde and SO many more!

Get your copy today. These titles will NOT be reprinted! Titles are already selling out!

Available titles include:

TNA Mayhem
Revelations
Chapter Two: Turn The Page
Steel City Slaughter
Road To Gold
Triple Crown
Lightning Strikes Twice
Genesis
Fallout

As well as Tha O Show's shoot interviews with Kamala and New Jack! Ten bucks each! Get one now!
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Tha O Show Radio Program - Episode 124

[DOWNLOAD MP3]

Tha O Show is back as your bro Dan-e-o joins Big Daddy Donnie for Episode 124! Today's show is a roller coaster of emotions as tha boys battle the news of more deaths while maintaining their O-some craziness. Reflecting on the death of Waldo Von Erich, you'll hear from El Tornado and Rory MacAllister. As well, The Notorious T.I.D. , "Textbook" Tyson Dux and Jonny Fairplay all join the show. Press play for the O's to start! On today's show... "Tha Os And NOs". "Tha Pit Stop" with The Notorious T.I.D. who previews UFC 100. If you're in the Greater Toronto Area, you'll want to watch UFC 100 and party with Tha O Show at Dave & Busters (400 and HWY 7). $10 cover is reduced to $5 if you say "Tha O Show sent me". "O-sters With Somethin' To Say". A tribute to Waldo Von Erich in "Tha Classroom" with "Textbook" Tyson Dux. A performance of Dan-e-o's heartfelt ode to Michael Jackson, "Legacy". And "Tha Round Table" with former, TNA and Survivor star, Jonny Fairplay! CLICK THESE LINKS AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT: O-SOME SPONSORS: evo T-Shirt Hell Legacy Belts O-RIFFIC MERCH: OBLIVION! Tha Indy Wrestling Album Tha O Show T-Shirts Tha O Show MP3s Dan-e-o CDs Dan-e-o DVDs Dan-e-o MP3s Monolith CDs Hammerlock Video DVDs O-MAZING MUSIC: Dan-e-o's Official Website Secret Suburbia's Official Website O-SPACE PAGES: Tha O Show Dan-e-o Secret Suburbia Monolith The Notorious T.I.D. "Textbook" Tyson Dux O-FFILIATE WEBSITES: The Handsome Genius Club Ontario Indy Wrestling Angry Marks Showdown Network Audio Wrestling Action Radio Online World Of Wrestling Ontario Wrestling's Indy Elite O-TUBE VIDEOS: Waldo Von Erich VS. Bruno Sammartino Waldo Von Erich VS. Chief Jay Strongbow Waldo Von Erich VS. Gene Dubois To download the mp3 of this show: Right Click On This Link then Choose "Save Target As" in Internet Explorer or "Save Link As" in Mozilla FireFox. If you have problems with this, please e-mail us at help@thaoshow.com

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Tha 2009 Death Pool

Yes, we're a sick bunch of jerks. On episode 123 of Tha O Show radio program, the idea came forward to start a Death Pool.

Well, here it is. In the next week or so, we will set up our pool so that YOU Tha O Sters can get in on it....

You will be free to draft anyone you want - and as many people as you want. Each person you draft will cost you a couple bucks, payable by PayPal.

Scoring works as follows:

100 - the age at death = score for that death
Wild Card bonuses: (extra points based on type of death)

10 - drug overdose
15 - suicide
25 - murder + suicide (playing either role)
40 - plane crash
50 - murdered by stalker/obsessed fan
60 - unsolved mystery (unsolved by Jan 1 2010)
80 - Have appeared on Tha O Show
95 - wild animal attack
500 - struck by lightening

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Big Daddy Donnie

Mary Kate Olsen
Jake Roberts
Chyna
Michael J. Fox
Warrior

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Dan-e-o

Elizabeth Taylor
Betty White
David Blaine
Boy George
JBL

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Notorious T.I.D.

Patrick Swayze
Andy Dick
Muhammad Ali
O.J. Simpson
Nancy Reagan

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Kingdom James

Kim Jong-il
Teddy Hart
Bob Cole
Artie Lange

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Dante Ross

Aretha Franklin
Tina Yothers
Danny Bonaduce

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Mikey Madrox

Kevin Sullivan
Soulja Boy Tell 'Em
Iron Sheik

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Jonny Fairplay

Jonny Fairplay (** Fairplay is disqualified if his death is ruled a suicide)

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To submit nominees, or to express interest in joining Tha O Death Pool, email odp@thaoshow.com Click Here to Read More..

Today On Tha O Show...

Episode 124 is soon upon us O-sters! And your boys Big Daddy Donnie and Dan-e-o are back with a banger...of course!

Today's show features "Tha Os And NOs", "Tha Pit Stop" with The Notorious T.I.D., "O-sters With Somethin' To Say", "Tha Classroom" with "Textbook" Tyson Dux and "Tha Round Table" with reality TV superstar and friend of Tha O Show, Jonny Fairplay!

All that in addition to an exclusive performance of Dan-e-o's most recently written verse for "Legacy": a track dedicated to the memory of Michael Jackson, off the upcoming 2 in 1 album/mixtape Dilla Pickles. Check back for the show shortly!

SUPPORT THA O SHOW! BUY ONE OR MORE OF OUR HOTTEST ITEMS!:

CDS:
1) OBLIVION! Tha Indy Wrestling Album
2) See No Evil, Hear No Evil
3) The Art of Lyricism: Dan-e-o's Finest
4) The Book of Daniel
5) Dear Hip Hop

MP3S:
1) Tha O Show Theme 2009
2) Dear Hip Hop 2007
3) We'll Probably Kill You!
4) Secta De Uno
5) Buss Juice

DVDS:
1) A Shoot Interview With New Jack
2) A Shoot Interview With Kamala The Ugandan Giant
3) Dan-e-o - 10: The Music Videos

T-SHIRTS:
1) Tha O Show Black
2) Tha O Show White
3) T-Shirt Hell
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Learning How To Leave A Legacy

As the entire world is very well aware, today Michael Jackson's life was celebrated in an incomparable memorial at Staples Center in Los Angeles. Viewed by an audience of millions across the world, "The Greatest Entertainer That Ever Lived" - as Berry Gordy so appropriately put it - was memorialized in a ceremony fit for a king.

I am not embarrassed at all to say that I was finally moved to tears today as I was glued to CNN's coverage of this monumental yet sombre event. I was moved by the words exclaiming Smokey Robinson's awe at witnessing a ten year old who could sing his song "Who's Lovin' You" better than he could.

I was moved by Al Sharpton reminding the world of Michael's unparalleled charity towards those less fortunate than most of us and his ability to unify people from all over the world.

I was moved by Martin Luther King III's acknowledgment of Michael's ability to guide us all to be the best at whatever our callings are.

And I was deeply moved by Marlon Jackson's request of Michael to hug Marlon's twin brother Brandon who died at birth for him.

I have been a Michael Jackson fan practically all my life. Having fallen in love with Thriller at the age of five and NEVER losing that love, I, like so many others, was inspired to become an entertainer as well.

Watching Michael's memorial service today though, I learned more about Michael's impact than ever before. His ability to bring together people of all colours, nationalities and religions through his music is an achievement that will never be matched.

I was so inspired today by the reminders of my idol's actions during his life that I felt compelled to write about it. As a result, I am more confident in myself now than ever before. More inspired to be happy - regardless of critical or financial success - than I could ever imagine.

In a first for me, I wish to share something I've written with my audience before I've even recorded it. I intend to include this piece as part of my next musical project:

"LEGACY"

Yo, just finished watching Michael Jackson's memorial
Unimaginably impactful and historical
Heaven's oracle taught that the world can be horrible
But he implored you to find the devine from the deplorable
How did you make an aberration adorable?
How did you steer off infection when killer bees were swarmin' you?
How do I ensure the impossible is affordable?
How do I make a change 'cause my voice is recordable?
Mike, I thought of you when I was writing this verse
To fight off the curse, the opposite of which you'd find worse
As you ride in that hearse, may I convey with pride I have burst
It finally works! I've realized I shine on this Earth!
While you were a strong stomper, I was just a meek creeper
But MLK said be proud if you a street sweeper
And Al Sharpton ruffled and woke up the deep sleepers
And told your kids it's strange the world fought a peace keeper
You know what I find strange? I find it strange that you're gone
You know what I find wrong? To write your name in this song
In the past tense! It's strange I'm remaining this strong
'Cause since I was born, the top is where your reign has belonged
I cried today, but Michael Jackson I'm alive to say
With platinum and gold you have paved and aligned the way
For me to see my future's filled with many brighter days
And I'm here to leave a legacy behind to stay

-Dan-e-o
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Tha Raw Report

Shouldn't I be excited about the "Raw" brand main event at Night of Champions? Well obviously I'm not. I wasn't even excited about the exact same damn match when it was the main event of a WrestleMania not that long ago. Hopefully though the rest of the card will be appealing.

I mean I seriously, solely based on the "Raw" brand main event will not spend the time and effort of looking up a live stream to watch NoC. John Cena is still promoting 12 Rounds, is this part of the promotion? The movie wasn't bad, but we know what happens when either he or Triple H is champ, and that's pretty bad.

John Cena's promos to me seem better to me than they were a while back, but refering to a match between himself and Triple H as "two of the greats" takes me back. Well actually it takes me to the middle. Not rapper Cena when we all enjoyed it, but a year into his "Raw" run when everyone wanted to puke.

The match itself was much better than I had imagined and I will go ahead and heat seek and say that all Cena's matches aren't horrible. No five stars or anything, but he can be carried to an incredibly solid match, but to me that still isn't the sign of a good worker. I'm a few weeks late on this too, but I'm glad he got a new shirt. The last one was wearing on my nerves.

This thing with Montel Vontavious Porter and Sherri Shepherd-Porter (maybe soon to be)is it shoot or is work? Are they trying to get the View a new audience or branch MVP and WWE out to make people realize that they're still there?

Speaking of everyones favorite Ballin Baller I enjoyed to an extent the VIP Lounge. It was better when he was a heel, but I digress. MVP is the MVP of "Raw" and maybe the entire WWE. I don't mean Most Valuable Player, I mean most viable property. I'm going to put it out there that if the E doesn't have world gold around his waist by next Mania they've dropped the ball.

The seed for Orton/MVP was planted post-draft and then neglected. I would much rather see MVP taking on Orton at NoC than the tired triple threat. MVP can talk, work and do damn near anything else the E asks, so why not take advantage of it and belt him up?

Having MVP in a feud with Jack Thwagger screams "busy work." Thwagger isn't going to get the necesary rub from MVP that he needs, and surely to God a short run with the ECW belt doesn't make the E think Thwagger can give MVP a rub. Move guys up, don't keep them in one spot for too long. MVP's already been in this spot too long.

MVP came to "Raw" a champion, only to lose his belt to Kofi Kingston who hasn't done anything with it. He won a triple threat to retain and a triple threat on Superstars. Then lost a non-title match to Evan Bourne. It's time for guys to start using the loss of a belt as a stepping stone again. MVP could have lost the US title and moved onto something bigger and better.

This regime at the top doesn't look like it's going anywhere anytime soon with the exception of Edge (heal the wheel and hurry back) and that shouldn't be the case. Even Batman finally went away and allowed Dick Grayson to don the cowl and become the Dark Knight. So Trips and his rogues gallery need to step aside.

I read today that the E is thinking about scaling back on the number of PPV's that they've run, along with rebranding a few and also giving an incentive to buy. None of these will help immediately in my opinion but I think that all of these together will do more good than bad in the long run.

Allow me to jump back to Edge for a second. Having Carlito turn on Primo (even though "Raw" was taped last week) really screwed up a few things. Now who is going to stop the bleeding now that one half of the unified tag champs is out for nearly a year? Unless of course the E swerves and have Carlito and Primo reunite to win them and say it was only frustration that caused it. Either way it shouldn't have happened in the first place.
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"Tag Me In!"

In advance I would like to thank fellow writer Christopher Casur for this idea. Tag team wrestling is something that I’ve been a fan of my entire life. I grew up watching teams like The Legion of Doom, Demolition, The Rockers, The Rock & Roll Express, The Fabulous Freebirds, The Hart Foundation, and The Brain Busters. Powerful teams that ran through many a enhancement talent. There were also teams that were good but rarely get talked about. Power & Glory, The Warlord and Barbarian, The Bushwhackers, The Killer Bees, and The Natural Disasters.

Now I’m sure that I have left tons of teams out. I half did this on purpose so you all can fill in any blanks. I don’t want this to be an article about how bad tag team wrestling is in the WWE. That would be like shooting fish in a barrel. I also cant talk about how good the tag teams in TNA are (since I don’t watch it). When I was covering ROH I saw that they had some very strong tag teams (American Wolves, Steen & Generico, King & Titus, The Briscoes) that made me miss tag teams even more. So what the hell happened? When did “tag team” become a dirty word?

Some people*cough HHH cough* once said that if you aren’t wrestling to become the world champion then you shouldn’t be in the business. Crap, I say! What is wrong with having someone that you can run with and win tag team gold? Nothing at all. Unless it’s a team that is slapped together. One of the biggest slapped together teams were the Mega Powers consisting of Macho Man and Hulk Hogan. Another was The Two Man Power Trip with HHH and Austin. Rated RKO with Edge and Randy Orton. These were cool. These were entertaining. And then you got some teams that stunk to high heaven. Cena and HBK. Matt Hardy and MVP. Edge and Jericho. Yeah.

I know that some of you like the team of Edge and Jericho. I don’t. This team is what is wrong with the treatment tag teams get in the WWE. You know what? Fuck it. I am gonna blame WWE for killing tag teams. They are what everyone follows in terms of style and once they started disrespecting the belts everyone followed suit. Edge and Jericho beat two of the only three teams in WWE. Read that again. Two of the three in the entire company! Legacy, The Colons, and Cryme Tyme. The last being a team that has never even won the belts in the years they have been with the company. Other teams that have been disbanded were The Hooligans, Miz & Morrison, and Jesse and Festus.

When these teams are broken up we all go with “The Rocker’s Rule.” Someone will be the HBK. Someone will be the Janetty. This means that someone will succeed and someone will fail. When Edge and Christian split we all assumed that Edge would be the most popular. While true, Christian had his own success as a solo competitor. With The Hardy’s we thought Matt had ‘future endeavour” written all over himself, but he ended up being very entertaining while Jeff floundered before finally hitting his stride. With Miz and Morrison I expected that once the team broke up that Morrison would blow up and Miz would vanish into obscurity. Not only did Miz participate at the last PPV in the semi-main, but Morrison, after beating the heavyweight champion CM Punk, he was left off the card altogether! What the hell is going on?!

Tag team wrestling isn’t dying because there are no more teams. Its dying because we are being trained to not give a damn about team work. Its dying because real teams that make attempts to be a real tag team are getting beating by a team that hadn’t tagged at any point until winning the belts. Damn it, what is going on? I never mentioned The Dudley’s in this entire article. It’s because while they are an okay team, I will never consider them great. They are good for putting younger teams over.

Who do you think is the best tag team in wrestling? Why are they the best? Me. I gotta go with Legion of Doom. In my tryout article I mentioned how they shoot scared me as a child. Plus, their finisher, The Doomsday Device, was deadly. Just ask a Godwinn. Click Here to Read More..