Brian Elliott

Issue 87 of Fighting Spirit Magazine is now available!

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

- WWF vs. WWE, and how some of pro wrestling's current performers match up statistically to their predecessors

- Why Vince McMahon always relies primarily on himself when WWE's chips are down

- After some odd behaviour from babyfaces and heels on recent shows, FSM looks at the role of the tweener

- FSM looks back on the remarkable period that spawned the marvellous “Smackdown Six”

- FSM talks to “Cowboy” James Storm about his role in TNA, and his hopes for the future

- Following his brilliant performances at PWG's Battle of Los Angeles and at FightClub:PRO, FSM shines a much-deserved spotlight on Adam Cole

- Up alongside Big Daddy and Mick McManus, Giant Haystacks was one of British wrestling's household names. FSM delves into the career of the biggest man in World of Sport history

All of this, plus our usual news, PPV and TV reports, and reviews. In this month's columns, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin offers up his personal recollections of working with, and under, Vince McMahon. Jim Cornette recalls the occasions, as both a manager and promoter, that he found himself involved in confrontations with over-excited fans. Also, TNA's Nick “Magnus” Aldis discusses shares some of the things that inspire him to make the most of a career that surely has its best moments yet to come.

The cheapest and easiest way to subscribe to FSM is via our website, here: http://www.FightingSpiritMagazine.co.uk. UK subscribers will receive their copy of FSM early (subject to a reliable postal service; this month's issue arrived with subscribers four days before the on-sale date), will receive their choice of one of three WWE DVDs, and save on the cover price. 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. It's a great time to be a pro wrestling fan, so enjoy the sport you love with us!

Issue 86 of Fighting Spirit Magazine is now available!

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

- Randy Orton's recent WWE lull, and how now is the time to inject some life back into his character

- How Paul Heyman became renowned as one of pro wrestling's great minds

- Booker T talks to FSM about turning his life around after prison, working for WCW and WWE, and his infamous brawl with Batista

- How Jeff Hardy has found another chance as the World champion and figurehead of TNA Wrestling

- FSM looks back at Bill Watts' run as the head of WCW, and explains why time has been kind to what was a poor period for business

- How The Fabulous Moolah's strength of character made her the undisputed queen of women's pro wrestling

- As Ricky Hatton gets set to make a comeback to boxing, FSM speaks to him, Frank Shamrock, and Terry Funk about their returns to the ring

- In the latest in our series on the stars of classic British Wrestling, FSM looks at the colourful life of Tony

Has anyone subscribed from the new http://www.FightingSpiritMagazine.co.uk website yet? I just want to make sure that the process is as easy as I presumed it to be. It's also never been easier to buy back issues through the site.

 

Yes, I have. Only issue was that nowhere on the site did it mention the free dvd. I emailed customer services, who were very helpful. Took out a years subs (my first since 2007) and looking forward to both the mag and not needing to go to Smith's in Bury ever again

Free dvd?

Thanks sava! I'll look into the missing note.

Evolution4Life, assuming you're a UK reader, if you email customerservice(at)uncookedmedia(dot)com they'll give you a choice of a free DVD with your 12-month subscription.

Has anyone subscribed from the new http://www.FightingSpiritMagazine.co.uk website yet? I just want to make sure that the process is as easy as I presumed it to be. It's also never been easier to buy back issues through the site.

It's tough to find the balance to keep everyone happy. Frankly, I get more e-mails telling me to cull the British coverage than I do suggesting an increase in it!

 

I absolutely LOVE the old World of Sports articles at the back of the mag. They are my favorite part of the mag; this months on Kung Fu was especially great. Current British stuff? The only stuff I skip.

 

One question Brian - why do you and your writers insist on peppering every article with references to 'Our Subject,' or 'Our Author'? It makes me cringe every time I read it - it's so amateur.

I'm really glad you enjoy the World of Sport articles - those are a pet project of mine (and, I'm sure, John Lister too).

As for the occasional "our subject" et cetera, it's just a way of not repeating the guy's name constantly. It's a pretty standard newspaper thing.

Just to re-iterate what other forum members have said already in this thread - I would consider buying FSM if it had more coverage of the british wrestling scene which I consider to be getting stronger and healthier all the time. I do appreciate that you have to get the balance right - in other words, the content has to reflect what the majority of wrestling fans want to read about (i.e. the US scene) in order for you to sell more copies, but thought I'd give you my personal opinion.

Thanks for your thoughts. As it stands we cover the UK scene in our news, in the One To Watch, and in our Video Vault. The Training Ground section is often specifically geared to UK up-and-comers. We try to include UK feature articles as and when they're appropriate, like the one on Zack Sabre Jr's tours for Pro Wrestling NOAH, and we'll certainly be doing something on the TNA British Bootcamp show.

It's tough to find the balance to keep everyone happy. Frankly, I get more e-mails telling me to cull the British coverage than I do suggesting an increase in it!

If you'd like to read Jim Cornette's latest Fighting Spirit Magazine column, in which he gives a stern defence of Ring of Honor, it's now up on the re-vamped FightingSpiritMagazine.co.uk. Direct link: http://www.fightingspiritmagazine.co.uk/ar...lusion-issue-85

Thanks. I'll talk to that branch.

I really want to buy this but for the 4th month in a row my local WH Smith's (Bury) has not had it in. When I have asked at the counter I was told a variety of answers, from 'There is no such magazine,' to, 'Never heard of it,' to 'We don't sell rubbish like that.'

 

When I have tweeted Brian, he has told me that one months supply was water damaged, but they have not had an issue since, so they must be dropping each months issues directly in the bath.

 

I don't want to subscribe, but would be buying it regularly, but am not willing to travel into Manchester or Bolton just to buy it.

I remember the one issue (batch) that was sent back because of water damage. Please remind me which branch this was, and they will be dealt with on Monday morning.

She agreed to be a part of our Siren Search. So we get Holly in hi-res.

Has the Beautifal People interview been dropped?

I'm afraid so. All I can say is that if we had printed it, you would've been much more disappointed.

Issue 85 of Fighting Spirit Magazine is now available!

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

- Daniel Bryan's crazy 2012, that has offered him a surprising chance to shine

- How Kane's 2012 has mirrored his entire 15-year WWE run

- In part two of our in-depth interview with Roddy Piper, the former Intercontinental champion talks working for the WWF, WCW, and the many outside projects he's been a part of

- On the anniversary of his death, FSM explores the remarkable life of Brian Pillman

- How TNA's Bound For Glory Series proves there is life left in the tournament format

- Why Ken Anderson needs a new lease of life to fulfil his potential in TNA

- In the latest in our series on the stars of classic British Wrestling, FSM looks at one of the most underrated talents in the sport,

Thanks for all the kind words. Finding the right balance of everyone's preferred topics isn't always easy! But we do like to think that we provide interesting articles for fans who want to learn more about pro wrestling, while keeping everyone up to date, too.

Issue 84 of Fighting Spirit Magazine is now available!

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

- The WWE title scene, and how it's already shaping up for WrestleMania XXIX

- FSM talks to Austin Aries about his fantastic 2012, and how he was finally pushed to prominence

- In the first of a two-part interview,

Is this the one with the picture of Bret Hart being inducted into the 'British Hall of Fame'? If so, what newsagents are likely to do it? Would love to have a copy of that.

Yes, there's an image in this month's issue of the Bret receiving the award for the induction of the Hart vs. Smith match.

You can find FSM in WHSmiths or Easons in the UK and Ireland.

Issue 83 of Fighting Spirit Magazine is now available!

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

- The trend of change in WWE and TNA, and how it can make for a positive future

- The history of the WWE World heavyweight title, and what it means in today's pro wrestling climate

- FSM looks back on SummerSlam 1992, and the peak of the first WWF boom-period in the UK

- How the world's most popular sport plays on the same emotions as pro wrestling

- FSM examines the life and times of former WWWF champion Bruno Sammartino

- Why the 1985-1986 period in Memphis Wrestling is one of the finest in the sport's TV history

- FSM goes in-depth to introduce one of the UK's stand-out performers, Zack Sabre Jr, to a worldwide audience

- How Big Daddy the biggest star in the history of British pro wrestling

All of this, plus our usual news, PPV and TV reports, and reviews.

Hang on am i reading this all correctly? Stone Cold writes a colum for FSM?

Yes, he writes an exclusive column every other month.

A Pat Roach article may be the thing that persuades me to part with my cash this month. Loved what I saw of his WOS days when it was on TWC.

John Lister did an excellent job with this one, as you'd expect. He spoke at length with one of Roach's best friends, Harrison Ford's stunt-double, Vic Armstrong.

I'd love to your thoughts on the magazine since I dare say a lot has changed since you last picked up a copy. Thanks!

Issue 82 of Fighting Spirit Magazine is now available!

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

- Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara, and their future as WWE pursues the Mexican market

- The most memorable moments from 1,000 episodes of Monday Night Raw

- How WWE should make more of the legends of the industry

- How Ryback's enhancement matches have enhanced his popularity

- FSM looks back on the career of Christopher Daniels, as he enjoys a fine run in TNA

- FSM speaks to Davey Richards about his career, and about his future away from the ring

- How Pat Roach became one of the most famous and well-respected British wrestlers in history

- FSM sits down with Georges St. Pierre to talk his rehab, and whether he can return in 2012

All of this, plus our usual news, PPV and TV reports, and reviews. Stepping up for this month's Guest Column is former WCW and lucha libre star Konnan, who offers is first-hand experience of Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara to suggest how important they can still be for WWE. Jim Cornette is also on hand to discuss his memories of working on Raw, and TNA's Nick

Issue 81 of Fighting Spirit Magazine is now available!

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

- Chris Jericho, who talks to FSM about his current relationship with pro wrestling

- What history has to tell us about live wrestling TV, and three-hour weekly shows

- Why Triple-H must be self-sacrificing if he is to succeed as Head of Talent Relations

- How Vince McMahon's WWE changed in-ring wrestling, perhaps forever

- AJ Styles talks to FSM about his career, and his upcoming UK appearance

- How Japanese pro wrestling has so often thrived in utilising inter-promotional matches

- Why no other heavyweight can match the performances of Big Japan's Daisuke Sekimoto

- How Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen came to be the biggest grudge match in the history of MMA

All of this, plus our usual news, PPV and TV reports, and reviews. Back in the hotseat this month is “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, as he delivers a fascinating column on promos. from what makes a good promo, to the greatest exponents of the art, his own development in that area, and his advice to young wrestlers. Jim Cornette is also on hand to discuss the evolution of different styles of wrestling, and TNA's Nick “Magnus” Aldis reflects on the group's summer move to live television, and the pros and cons of doing so.

The cheapest and easiest way to subscribe to FSM is via our website, here: http://www.fightingspiritmagazine.co.uk/subscribe.asp . However, if you prefer to pick up FSM at your newsagent, WH Smith and Easons stock FSM in the UK and Ireland. For other outlets, please consider asking them to reserve your copy each month. Not only will a print subscription save you significantly on FSM's cover price, but you'll also receive each issue a day or two early (subject to an efficient postal service), and get our free gift of the three-disc WWE: Hulk Hogan's Unreleased Collector's Series DVD.

We hope you enjoy the content of FSM this month, and will give us some feedback either on Facebook, Twitter, or via contact(at)fightingspiritmagazine(dot)co(dot)uk. With 84 packed pages, FSM is by far the biggest pro wrestling publication on the news-stands, and features the most diverse, informative content, too. If you would like to see a topic discussed in the pages of FSM, please also get in touch.

http://www.fightingspiritmagazine.co.uk/subscribe.asp

PowerSlam is a newsletter with glorified circulation. It baffles me how a magazine with that format can be regarded as a viable seller by Tesco, but FSM isn't.

Simply put, you have to buy space in Tesco stores.

 

So do you not feel your magazine could make a profit next to Power Slam in such an environment?

In side-by-side tests, in terms of content and price-point, I'd confidently put FSM up against any other pro wrestling/MMA publication out there.

But I would say that, wouldn't I?

Thanks everyone for the kind words about the new layout et cetera. I really hope you are also enjoying our mix of immediately-relevant articles with those looking at wrestling history.

I'd be delighted to hear any more constructive feedback, or suggestions at what you'd like to see us cover in the future.

Steve Austin's column is a good idea in theory, but thought he could have done better than talking about Bill Apter - as it came off more like Apter's old columns where he ws going on about meeting various wrestlers, just from someone else's perspective....

Steve's first column was certainly a kind of introductory one. In the upcoming issue (June 14), he gets much more down to business in talking about promos. I hope you'll enjoy it.

PowerSlam is a newsletter with glorified circulation. It baffles me how a magazine with that format can be regarded as a viable seller by Tesco, but FSM isn't.

Simply put, you have to buy space in Tesco stores.

Issue 80 of Fighting Spirit Magazine is now available!

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

- Why wrestling's top heels are so often cheered

- How Brock Lesnar can rebound following his loss at Extreme Rules

- FSM pays tribute to Davey Boy Smith, and talks to his family about the man himself

- How Vince McMahon Sr. paved the way for his son's global success

- FSM looks back on 10 years of TNA Wrestling

- How Jimmy Jacobs became one of pro wrestling's best character actors

- FSM examines the weird and wild world of Vampiro

All of this, plus our usual news, PPV and TV reports, and reviews. Alongside Jim Cornette and Nick