Brian Elliott

Issue 94 of Fighting Spirit Magazine is now available!

In this month's edition, FSM has feature-length articles on:

- Former WWE champion Sheamus, and how his career has stalled during his recent babyface run.

- FSM speaks in-depth with WWE talent scout Gerald Brisco about the new Performance Centre, and what it means for the future of the company.

- In 1993, the WWF began an inter-promotional feud with the USWA. FSM recalls how the period influenced The Attitude Era.

- FSM sits down with Cody Rhodes to discuss his famous wrestling family, working under Triple-H, and his hopes for the future.

- FSM catches up with the folks at Ohio Valley Wrestling, and gets to grips with life as a student of the grappling game.

- In the latest in our Greetings, Grapple Fans series, FSM quizzes the peers of technical great, Mike Marino to bring you the story of his career

All of this, plus our usual news, PPV and TV reports, and DVD and book reviews. Also, in this month's columns, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin writes about his transition from wrestling to acting, and how the development of his wrestling character allowed him to do that. Bret “The Hitman” Hart recalls that it's been 20 years since he won the King of the Ring tournament in 1993, taking us back to that wonderful night in Dayton, Ohio. Nick “Magnus” Aldis has stern words for those who have criticised TNA in the aftermath of Zema Ion's illness. Following the FSM interview with Cody Rhodes elsewhere in the issue, Jim Cornette takes the opportunity to write about Cody's father, the incomparable “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes. And finally, British wrestling legend Johnny Saint puts pen to paper on his memories of his late colleague, Mick McManus.

The cheapest and easiest way to subscribe to FSM is via our website, here: http://www.fightingspiritmagazine.co.uk/magazine/subscribe UK subscribers will receive their copy of FSM early (subject to a reliable postal service), and upon subscribing for 12 issues, will be sent Hardcore Holly's excellent new book, The Hardcore Truth, absolutely free. 12-month subscriptions cost

Issue 93 of Fighting Spirit Magazine is now available!

In this month's edition, FSM has feature-length articles on:

- Brock Lesnar, and whether WWE can keep his momentum going, so that he might headline WrestleMania 30

- In conversation with FSM, William Regal talks about his character, working behind the scenes with Triple-H, and what WWE is currently trying to achieve

- After years of playing WWE at its own game, FSM examines how TNA has taken a step back to move forward

- Dixie Carter sits down with FSM for a full and frank interview about the company's past, present, and future.

- FSM ponders what made Bill Goldberg one of the hottest wrestling stars of the Monday Night Wars

- As Jushin Liger prepares to return to the UK, FSM charts his career as arguably the finest junior-heavyweight of all-time

- With pro wrestling have long separated from its sporting roots, FSM wonders whether it should capitalise on its links to geek culture

- Debuting in 1977, Klondyke Kate quickly became famous for her in-ring fury. FSM recalls the career of one of the UK's best female grapplers.

All of this, plus our usual news, PPV and TV reports, and reviews. Also, in this month's columns, as The Steiner Brothers prepare to come to the UK at the end of May, Nick

Hope everyone liked the issue - I think we had some interesting stuff, including speaking to Curt Hennig's widow about him. If you haven't picked up the magazine yet, you can do so at WHSmiths, or subscribe at a much cheaper rate here: http://www.fightingspiritmagazine.co.uk/magazine/subscribe We also have an iPhone / iPad / Android app (which entitles you to a free issue) that we're really working hard on, including adding tons of links to matches and promos that you may not have seen. Likewise, feedback on the digital version would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

And the issue is indeed there this morning. Thanks!

Looks likes good issue. Will download it on the IPad when it is available. Why does isn't it available to download for the first few days after release anyway?

It's usually 24 hours, but you'll have to blame Apple on that one!

Picked this up this morning, look forward to getting stuck into it as I broke my streak by not getting the last issue which was the first I've missed since the magazine's launch

Glad you picked up the new issue. Thanks!

Issue 92 of Fighting Spirit Magazine is now available!

In this month's edition, FSM has feature-length articles on:

- The Shield, and how their push to the top has opened up many possibilities for 2013

- With WWE's Divas division on the back-burner recently, FSM suggests that the UK's Paige could inject life into the roster

- FSM talks to the family of

Brian (or anybody actually), who are the chicks with Dave Rayne in the one to watch feature?

 

Both hot as curry.

I'm afraid I don't know! Hit @daverayne up on Twitter.

Mr Lawrence, I know you were looking forward to the Perfect article this month, but it's had to be bumped to the April 18 issue. I think the quality of the piece is going to justify that decision. I hope you'll pick up this issue in any case. Thanks!

Issue 91 of Fighting Spirit Magazine is now available!

In this month's edition, FSM has feature-length articles on:

- John Cena, and how an 11th reign as WWE champion has promise, if WWE play to his strengths

- FSM looks back on the career of The Undertaker, and suggests the qualities that quickly made him a locker-room leader

- In the second part of the most in-depth interview of Hulk Hogan's career, the former six-time WWE champion tells FSM about matches with The Rock, Bret Hart, and Steve Austin, and reveals his pain at the death of Randy Savage

- In the wake of the Alberto Del Rio vs. Jack Swagger angle, FSM looks back at the history of political angles, and ponders whether they do more harm than good

- As Harley Race gets ready to celebrate his 70th birthday, FSM examines the career of the man known as one of the toughest in the history of pro wrestling

- Many British wrestlers had some boxing training, but none had the skill of Jackie Turpin. FSM charts his switch to showmanship in the latest in our Greetings, Grapple Fans series.

(For a preview of our explosive interview with Hulk Hogan, please visit http://www.fightingspiritmagazine.co.uk/ar...tch-on-the-fly)

All of this, plus our usual news, PPV and TV reports, and reviews. Also, in this month's columns, on the 15th anniversary of his first WWF title win, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin explains how he worked his way to the championship, but couldn't be sure if Shawn Michaels would actually drop it to him at WrestleMania XIV. Nick “Magnus” Aldis talks about a situation he found himself in at a recent TV taping that made him think about his attitude to pro wrestling. Also, Jim Cornette – in a follow-up to the article on Harley Race – recalls the reasons why the one-time “King” of the WWF was so admired.

The cheapest and easiest way to subscribe to FSM is via our website, here: http://www.fightingspiritmagazine.co.uk/magazine/subscribe UK subscribers will receive their copy of FSM early (subject to a reliable postal service; last month's issue arrived with subscribers a full three days before the on-sale date), and will receive an extra two issues absolutely free of charge. This means that with a 12-month subscription, you get 14 issues at a total cost of

Thanks to tony1234 for pointing out the error in the Mark Rocco piece, which was a typo referring to "mid-heavyweight" instead of heavy-middleweight. Hopefully this didn't spoil anyone's enjoyment of the piece.

HarmonicGenerator, I'm sorry that you felt that a couple of the articles were below FSM's high standards this month. The article on comedy and tragedy in pro wrestling characters and storylines was inspired by The Rock's promos, and how over the character of Dr Shelby has been on WWE TV. It was an examination of why such characters do and don't work. The article regarding re-matches at WrestleMania was inspired by accusations of predictability in WWE's booking following The Royal Rumble. Since we had already covered The Rock, John Cena and CM Punk's plight in depth recently, I felt it was an interesting topic to examine.

I'm afraid you'll have to blame me for the "this author" reference now and again. Personally, I find it formal but not pretentious!

Thanks for the feedback, which will be used constructively.

Issue 90 of Fighting Spirit Magazine is now available!

In this month's edition, FSM has feature-length articles on:

- Hulk Hogan, who talks exclusively to FSM and has strong words for Bret Hart and CM Punk, while also detailing the John Cena match that never happened

- After victories by John Cena and The Rock at The Royal Rumble, FSM analyses the resentment shown by some fans to the results, and ponders whether this was justified

- In the wake of popular comedy characters such as Dr. Shelby, FSM shows how a deeper understanding of comedy can help everyone appreciate pro wrestling that little bit more

- Having finished up his independent dates, FSM explains how El Generico came to be one of the best babyfaces in all of wrestling

- FSM goes out on tour with TNA, as the group enjoyed their annual showcase around Great Britain and Ireland

- A universally-respected veteran, FSM chronicles the career of Jerry Lynn, as he counts down to retirement

- A force of nature inside the ring, FSM meets Mark “Rollerball” Rocco, who influenced at least one generation of pro wrestlers worldwide

(For a preview of our explosive interview with Hulk Hogan, please visit http://www.fightingspiritmagazine.co.uk/ar...p-wwf-champion)

All of this, plus our usual news, PPV and TV reports, and reviews. In this month's columns, Nick “Magnus” Aldis writes about how the TNA roster feel about their trips to the UK, and also makes a plea to British fans not to become like their counterparts across the Atlantic. Also, having read last month's article on The Sheik, legendary manager and booker Jim Cornette writes about his own experiences of being in the same building as Ed Farhat, both as a fan, and as a fellow worker.

The cheapest and easiest way to subscribe to FSM is via our website, here: http://www.fightingspiritmagazine.co.uk/magazine/subscribe UK subscribers will receive their copy of FSM early (subject to a reliable postal service; last month's issue arrived with subscribers a full five days before the on-sale date), and will receive an extra two issues absolutely free of charge. This means that with a 12-month subscription, you get 14 issues at a total cost of

For what it's worth, WWE can still go a number of ways with this. You would think that they'd suspend Swagger for possession of the drugs, or at least test him for pot at the early possible opportunity. However, the angle has got them a lot of press recently, which they've enjoyed, and so they might attempt to push through this until after WrestleMania.

I'd say that's very unlikely, but it depends how strongly Vince feels about the angle. We already know that he feels strongly enough to push some pretty heavy political buttons.

Worth noting Dutch Mantell's daughter was killed a year or so back by a DUI driver, so he probably won't be too impressed.

Sorry to be pedantic, but it was his granddaughter. Poor chap is probably having all of that horror brought back on him again now.

Sava, please check your PMs. Obviously I don't want any of our customers to be dissatisfied. Thanks.

Issue 89 of Fighting Spirit Magazine is now available!

 

 

In this month's edition, FSM has features on:

- The Rock, and the influence he can have on the company beyond the WWE title scene

- Who did you vote as the top stars in wrestling in the FSM Reader Awards?

- How one of the most dedicated wrestlers on the indy scene, Claudio Castagnoli, is getting is just deserts in WWE as Antonio Cesaro

- FSM looks back on Hulk Hogan vs. Andre The Giant, on the 25th anniversary of their famous Main Event network television bout

- How The Sheik became arguably the greatest heel in the history of wrestling

- FSM examines the fascinating career of one of the most travelled British wrestlers of the World of Sport era, Johnny Kincaid

 

All of this, plus our usual news, PPV and TV reports, and reviews. In this month's columns,

Issue 89 of Fighting Spirit Magazine is now available!

In this month's edition, FSM has features on:

- The Rock, and the influence he can have on the company beyond the WWE title scene

- Who did you vote as the top stars in wrestling in the FSM Reader Awards?

- How one of the most dedicated wrestlers on the indy scene, Claudio Castagnoli, is getting is just deserts in WWE as Antonio Cesaro

- FSM looks back on Hulk Hogan vs. Andre The Giant, on the 25th anniversary of their famous Main Event network television bout

- How The Sheik became arguably the greatest heel in the history of wrestling

- FSM examines the fascinating career of one of the most travelled British wrestlers of the World of Sport era, Johnny Kincaid

All of this, plus our usual news, PPV and TV reports, and reviews. In this month's columns, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin writes about how long it took him to learn his craft, and how WWE must foster young talent in a similar way. Both Nick “Magnus” Aldis and Jim Cornette write about the recent BBC wrestling documentary, with Nick scathing in his opinion that American wrestling should not be frowned upon by British veterans, while Jim suggests that there are many similarities between how British and American wrestling grew with the advent of television.

The cheapest and easiest way to subscribe to FSM is via our website, here: http://www.fightingspiritmagazine.co.uk/magazine/subscribe UK subscribers will receive their copy of FSM early (subject to a reliable postal service; last month's issue arrived with subscribers a full five days before the on-sale date), and will receive an extra two issues absolutely free of charge. If you prefer to pick up FSM at your newsagent, WH Smiths and Easons are the main stockists in the UK and Ireland. For other outlets, please consider asking them to reserve your copy each month, at no extra charge.

We hope you enjoy the content of FSM this month, and will give us some feedback either on Facebook, Twitter (@FSM_Editor), or via contact@fightingspiritmagazine.co.uk. We're looking forward to a prosperous 2013, with your continued and much appreciated support. Thank you!

Thanks for the kind words so far. I'd love any further feedback, including to the Dynamite Kid article.

Issue 88 of Fighting Spirit Magazine is now available!

In this month's edition, FSM has features on:

- CM Punk's remarkable year as WWE champion, and how long he can retain the title

- FSM chats to former World heavyweight champion Edge about his career, and the difficulties of retiring young

- Pro wrestling has garnered a reputation for bad taste down the years, but how did that occur, and is it justified?

- With the recent debut of British Bootcamp, FSM goes behind the scenes on the participants, as well as what they can offer the competition, and Impact Wrestling

- In one of the most remarkable articles in FSM history, the ex-wife of The Dynamite Kid, Michelle Billington, writes a personal account of their life together, and what the man himself was truly like. This articles features a level of detail you won't find in any other document on The Dynamite Kid – even his own autobiography

- Lauded by famed wrestlers the world over, FSM's monthly foray into the personalities of classic British wrestling this month leads us to Marty Jones

- Georges St. Pierre may soon be set to face Nick Diaz, but a superfight with Anderson Silva may be the most exciting bout on the horizon. FSM examines the history of clashes between weight-classes

All of this, plus our usual news, PPV and TV reports, and reviews. In this month's columns, Dr. Tom Prichard offers a personal appraisal of The Shield, and suggests what Ambrose, Reigns, and Rollins must do to advance in WWE; Nick Aldis (TNA's Magnus) adds to our article on British Bootcamp by offering insight into the personalities on the show; former ROH World champion Davey Richards tell us how he was inspired to become a wrestler by The Dynamite Kid; and Jim Cornette, currently on a sabbatical from Ring of Honor, tells us exactly why he felt he needed to step away from his role as Executive Producer.

The cheapest and easiest way to subscribe to FSM is via our website, here: http://www.fightingspiritmagazine.co.uk/magazine/subscribe. UK subscribers will receive their copy of FSM early (subject to a reliable postal service; this month's issue arrived with subscribers a full five days before the on-sale date), and will receive an extra two issues absolutely free of charge. If you prefer to pick up FSM at your newsagent, WH Smiths and Easons are the main stockists in the UK and Ireland. For other outlets, please consider asking them to reserve your copy each month, at no extra charge.

For international customers, FSM is also available on iPad, iPhone, and Android. You can purchase the iPhone / iPad app here: http://tinyurl.com/FSMiPhoneiPad and the Android app here: http://tinyurl.com/PlayFSM The app costs $2.99, but you are entitled to download a free issue with this purchase. We've had a lot of feedback about how the iPad app in particular is stunning, so please check it out if that's your preferred way of reading.

We hope you enjoy the content of FSM this month, and will give us some feedback either on Facebook, Twitter (@FSM_Editor), or via contact@fightingspiritmagazine.co.uk. We've already heard very positive thoughts on this issue, and hope will you agree. Thank you!

PS is rubbish, can't see why anyone buys it when FSM is available.

 

At least PS wouldn't print the claims of a failed BritWres export that got a whiff of being on WWE TV that he was suppposed to main event Mania against Taker in anything other than a "can you believe this moron?" sense.

Can someone explain this to me? It's an honest question; I don't get the reference.

Reference to the Hade Vansen interview from FSM, I believe. Hade claimed he was set for a big WrestleMania match with Undertaker.

Thanks. I know you've said it's from an interview, but if that was somehow reported as fact, I'd be inclined to agree with air_raid's feelings toward that period in FSM's history (under a different editor, I might add).

I hope everyone can appreciate how different FSM is these days.

PS is rubbish, can't see why anyone buys it when FSM is available.

 

At least PS wouldn't print the claims of a failed BritWres export that got a whiff of being on WWE TV that he was suppposed to main event Mania against Taker in anything other than a "can you believe this moron?" sense.

Can someone explain this to me? It's an honest question; I don't get the reference.

FSM will have UK-specific categories in the 2012 Reader Awards. Voting will begin next week.

I hope you will all have your say!

Sorry Brian, but that WWE vs WWF article is the worst I have read in FSM in many years. It was like comparing apples to oranges and then trying to come to the conclusion that apples are best by using a load of stats.

 

On the bright side, the World of Sport old British wrestler profiles are absolutely phenomenal. Worth the price of the mag on their own.

Thanks for your comments. The WWE vs WWF article acknowledged in its first sentence that it was difficult to compare eras, and was therefore really more based on the fan perception of talents who'd worked for the company for a similar amount of time.

I'm really glad you've been enjoying the World of Sport articles, as they're a personal project that John Lister has done a great job with.

I know buying a wrestling magazine will tend to look a bit gay, but that front cover doesn't help matters.

In that case, I thoroughly recommend a subscription so that no-one will know what you're buying.

WWF v WWE how do they compare? Sounds interesting but could probably answer that in two words!

You would say that, President Tunney!