A look at how decisions from television executives changed the entire history of pro wrestling over the last 30 years is the lead story in this week's issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, that is on the web site today.
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A look at how decisions from television executives changed the entire history of pro wrestling over the last 30 years is the lead story in this week's issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, that is on the web site today.
The issue goes back to 2001, when wrestling changed with the death of WCW and ECW, and trace the rise and fall of both companies. We look at the planned angle in 2001 that would have ended up with Nitro every week on Monday nights on the USA Network and how it was supposed to open, why the obvious angle didn't happen, and how abruptly everything changed and why.
We also look at all the plans for that year that dropped, the most successful non-WrestleMania PPV that WWE ever did, the death of WCW, the time WCW came close to dying a decade earlier and why it didn't, the history of pro wrestling on TBS, what led to Vince McMahon's association with Ted Turner and why feelings ended up bitter, the decisions that led to the death of Mid South Wrestling, ECW and WCW going down the tubes and more.
We also look at what contract WWF signed that killed their chances to greatly expand their TV network, the real story behind Vince McMahon's backing of ECW, the strange goings on regarding the sale of WCW to Vince McMahon, how much Vince McMahon paid for WCW, what it was a WWE decision that is the reason TNA is still in business and thoughts on what if ECW could have continued.
We also have a look at the life and career of Mick McManus, the all-time greatest villain in British wrestling.
We also have a look at the Extreme Rules PPV, with background notes on the show, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results on the show.
We also look at HHH's angle, WrestleMania the next few years, Dwayne Johnson surgery notes, as well as Gina Carano talking about Rock, another writer gets fired, Lesnar's next program, repackaging of Joe Hennig, WWE donates to Sports Legacy Institute, WWE announcing, why the Colons aren't on TV, Linda McMahon at WWE headquarters, and more.
We also look at Bruno Sammartion Day in Pittsburgh, the brunette dancer with Fandango as well as business notes.
We also look at the situation with Nick Diaz, all the allegations against Bryan Caraway, why Diaz was fined, looking at suspensions of UFC fighters and more.
We also look in depth at the recent WWE hirings and firings. We look at who has signed, their backgrounds, who has been let go, and notes on why certain people were hired and fired.
We also have coverage of the UFC show over the weekend, the Vitor Belfort controversy, the ratings and match-by-match coverage.
We also have coverage of the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.
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