-Hiroshi Tanahashi will officially make his V1 defense of the IWGP Heavyweight Title on 11/11 at Sumo Hall against the stunning comeback kid, Hirooki Goto. This was announced last night also, Goto being given a chance so many wait years for because of the remarkable progress he has shown. Tanahashi held a press conference to discuss his title win, among other things. He won the G1 Climax, then won the IWGP belt, and couldn't feel any better. Even the pain in his body after the half hour war with Nagata is what he calls a "comfortable pain", and he now feels he has proven himself to be the strongest. Tanahashi spoke of Goto, who decorates the 11/11 poster, saying his heart is strong and he has shown the ability to change the atmosphere in any building. Tanahashi explained his black shorts yesterday were his "Strong Style gear", and may wear them more from now on. When asked about the New Japan vs. TNA theme on 1/4, Tanahashi called TNA - where he gained some experience a couple of years ago - a "strong-minded organization" that is close to a Japanese style, with good big names and good young names. He called it a truly professional group.

-Tanahashi chose today to reveal what many have known for a long time, but what has been kept under lock and key. He announced that he is a married man, and has been in fact since 2003. A long time to hold this secret, but he most likely feels his popularity is becoming more established now, and he doesn't risk losing as many fans over it. Not only is Tanahashi married, but he also has a young son and daughter. He apologized for not telling fans until now, but it is a secret no longer.

-Koji Kanemoto will not be challenging Ryusuke Taguchi for the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title at Sumo Hall. No, he gets that honour in his beloved home city of Kobe, when New Japan returns to Kobe World Hall on 10/28. Taguchi has been super-impressive of late by beating big veteran names, but "Aniki" in his home area may prove too much.



-This week's edition of Raw did a 2.8 cable rating.

There could be an error here but I have not heard anything about it and am led to believe this is the final rating. This is downright scary for WWE.

The show did hours of 2.8 and 2.8, and this was on the day after a PPV where a new WWE Champion was crowned.

ESPN did a 10 cable rating for the Dallas vs. Buffalo game, which was up from the 9.0 that last week's game did.

The Indians-Yankees game hurt WWE as well as they did a 7.0 for the deciding game of the series.

-It's already been a very busy month for wrestling news and there's no question that Chris Jericho's possible return to WWE is one of the top stories right now. London's Daily Star newspaper interviewed the former WWE superstar and asked him to address those rumors.

Here's what Chris Jericho said about returning to WWE:

You never know. I did it before and I can do it again. I've been gone for two years and that's a lifetime in wrestling. I seem to be caught in a controversial buzz at the moment. I'm a little confused as there's a lot of speculation but as always in these situations I'm the last to know.

These stories seem to swim around every three to four months since I left WWE. It's good to know fans are bringing my name up - there's nothing wrong with people talking about Chris Jericho. I always said if I were to go back I would only go if I could make a difference and be better than ever.

I don't have to come back at all, certainly not financially. I want to have some fun, be different and be better. I walked away on my own terms, so it's good to see I still have as much leeway two years later.


-WWE is currently gearing up to promote the 15th anniversary of Monday Night RAW that is coming up this January. A special DVD set will be released to commemorate the milestone.

-The final RAW taping of the year will be held on Saturday, December 29th in Greensboro, North Carolina with an airdate of December 31st. The final SmackDown/ECW show will be taped on December 30th in Richmond, Virginia.

-Mick Foley will be making a special appearance at Spookyworld in Boston, MA next Saturday, October 29th. Depending on how the voting goes, we could see Foley as a guest referee at Cyber Sunday.

-WWE RAW announcer Lilian Garcia will be performing live this Thursday at the Knitting Factory in New York City to promote her new CD. She will also be holding autograph signings in The Bronx, NY and Los Angeles..

-As an update on Ric Flair’s status with World Wrestling Entertainment, his scheduled promotional appearance on October 19th in Orlando, Florida has been pulled. The appearance was booked through WWE.

-Several students from Scott D’Amore’s Can-Am Wrestling School worked at last night’s RAW in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Carlito defeated Conrad Carr (a/k/a Conrad Kennedy III) and Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin defeated Nate Madison (a/k/a N8 Matson) & Dave Glenn (a/k/a Gutter).

-To update you on Ric Flair’s status in WWE, he has been pulled from his scheduled promotional appearance in Orlando, Florida on October 19th. The appearance was booked through World Wrestling Entertainment.

-WWE has announced their final television tapings of 2007. RAW will be taped on Saturday, December 29th in Greensboro, North Carolina and will air on Monday, December 31st. SmackDown and ECW will be taped on Sunday, December 30, 2007 in Richmond, Virginia.

-As many know by now Shawn Michaels made his return to WWE last night on RAW. It was a shock to many of us close to the industry, as it was believed he was going to wait a few more months to ensure his knee was fully recovered.

Friends close to Shawn have said that he has enjoyed his time off the road and being at home. Initial plans had suggested that when Michaels returned he would be working a far more limited schedule. With the recent injury to John Cena it is likely Triple H (one of HBK's closest friends) called him up and persuaded him to return early as a main event caliber talent on RAW.

This would explain the change in main event plans for WWE Cyber Sunday.

-One half of The Highlanders, Rory, announced today on his MySpace profile that he and his wife are expecting a child.

-The Grand Rapids Press out of Michigan published an article today talking about last night's edition of RAW. The writer was quick to note that there was only 30 minutes of ring time despite the showing being show hours long.

-Last night on CNBC's Mad Money, Jim Cramer made mention of Jakks Wrestling Figures (the company that produces WWE's action figures). Cramer said that they are the next Mattel and a good stock to buy. He said he likes their aggressive moves in obtaining the licenses for properties like WWE, Hannah Montana, and Rocky he also noted that wrestling figures "never go out of style."

-With former WWE Champion John Cena out of action for 7-12 months following surgery, two other top stars are getting ready for their own returns. Edge and Bobby Lashley both had surgery several months ago we have a big update on when we can expect to see both men back in action.

Former WWE Champion and SmackDown! superstar Edge suffered a very similar injury to Cena's back in July. He too was forced to relinquish his World Heavyweight Championship after surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle.

Edge is featured on the promotional poster for this year's Survivor Series. That event takes place on Sunday November 18th from Orlando, Florida. Edge is expected to make his return to television in the weeks leading up to the PPV. He is expected to return to the World Heavyweight title picture immediately.

Former ECW Champion and RAW superstar Bobby Lashley is currently shooting for a December return to the ring. Lashley originally injured his left shoulder at April's backlash PPV. He worked through the injury for several months but badly aggravated it on the July 30th episode of RAW. He saw Dr. James Andrews and had surgery performed that same week.

Both men had main event spots on their respective brands. Their returns will give a much needed boost to WWE's thin roster.

-ECW Champion CM Punk was spotted early this morning getting out of a limousine in Detroit, Michigan being followed around by CNN television cameras. Apparently they are filming him for their upcoming documentary on deaths in professional wrestling. Tonight's ECW/SmackDown tapings will take place from the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.

Mick Foley and The Rock are featured in Brian Kilmeade's sports book "It's How You Play the Game: The Powerful Sports Moments That Taught Lasting Values to America's Finest". The book features quotes and career highlights from different athletes and examines how to use those experiences as life lessons. The book was released in May and reports suggest that Mick Foley’s quotes came off very well.



-Katsuhiko Nakajima will have to cancel the 5 upcoming shows on the current tour due to a fracture sustained to his right hand's navicular bone. So far, he is still booked for the 10/18 show, and card adjustments will be announced on tomorrow's show in Aomori.

Credits: Wrestling Observer , Pro Wrestling Torch , Steve Gerweck , PW Insider ,  Lords of Pain , PuroresuFan Network , Puroresu Power