Wrestling Magazine Thread

Mr.Saturn · 14-07-2014 7:11pm

It's a bit strange, Martin went on record not too long ago stating that Powerslam was a decently profitable venture in response to Dixie Carter saying the magazine trade wasn't viable. It's got decent distribution as well, from arsehole of Kerry to the backstreets of Lund, so this seems out of the blue.

I've tuned out of it the last few years, for what it's worth. It was a one-stop, on-the-pulse purchase at one stage, but post-ECW, and as the 00s dragged on, the editorial quality, especially as it pertained to Cena, veered into Youtube comment section territory....well, spellcheck being the only difference.

dano2014 · 14-07-2014 9:37pm

Bad news about power slam, I'd still have bought it a.good bit myself too. I'd still get that buzz from buying it as a kid for a second. but as ye were saying it lost alot of clout with the emergence of online access to the inside info and the wholescale cena bashing which really took away from good ppv articles etc.

jesusjones · 14-07-2014 9:41pm

Gutted about Power Slam always there was something worthwhile in it. Gonna miss it 237 issues is a decent innings though!RIP Power Slam

Machismo Fan · 14-07-2014 9:42pm

Read Powerslam for years up until the last few years where I'd only pick up a couple of issues a year. Sad to see it go.

rovert · 14-07-2014 11:42pm

Greg Lambert put up the cover of the first magazine:

jaykhunter · 14-07-2014 11:58pm

Bought it for years circa 2003 but fell out with it due to the smarky-yet-ignorant editorials that plagued it. That horrendous Chris Jericho burial article was the breaking point for me. It's a big shame but I'm happy Fin Martin had an amazing run of over 20 years in the wrestling magazine industry. In it's heyday it was a fantastic insightful, informative magazine. Best of luck to everyone in that publication.

thebostoncrab · 15-07-2014 8:54am

Such a shame. Like many I have very fond memories of reading it in the 90s, it was essential! Before 2006 it was the best wrestling publication out there...then Fin seemed to become very disillusioned with the WWE and would take any opportunity he had to take shots at them, some justified, others completely outlandish and biased. It's what stopped me from buying it as I felt the magazine became unbalanced and not telling it as it is.

Best memory was a personal one though. I got to interview Fin for two college projects I did, one on steroid abuse in pro wrestling and the second on how the mainstream media covers pro wrestling and examining how balanced reports are. He was a gold mine for information and was more than up for helping out in any way shape or form.

Chip Whitley · 15-07-2014 12:36pm

Power Slam was my source of wrestling news during the early to mid noughties. One of my favourite things to do to mark the weekend when I was in college was get a 20 box of B&H, the newest Power Slam and a beer or two and sit down on a Friday night and read through. It opened my eyes to promotions outside WWE. Stopped watching wrestling after I left college in 2006 and stopped being a reader.

Even though I started watching wrestling again about a year ago I never went back to the magazine. I'd see it in shops but never picked up a copy, I've kept up to date with wrestling news through this forum. Also, speaking as a graphic designer, the design of the magazine was horrendous, enough to put me off if I'm being honest.

Nonetheless, sad to hear it's gone.

Diabhal Beag · 15-07-2014 2:45pm

I'll always have a fondness for PS as it got me into the backstage world of graps in 2006ish. I was kinda on board with the Cena stuff for a while but eventually it got to the point where it put me off the magazine. I tried FS around the same time but the MMA stuff was wasn't for me and I haven't really had a need to buy mags since, well, the internet and all.

But for now we must ponder: who will buy old ECW DVD's off sabucool3@hotmail.com?

Jamie OD · 16-07-2014 10:09am

For the last couple of years barely an issue went by without them criticising either John Cena for his bad offence, Mick Foley for being a cheapskate or Chris Jericho for simply existing. Still, I liked getting the new issue and spending my lunchtime reading through it even if it was just out of habit. Disappointing to see it go away.

rovert · 16-07-2014 10:41am

Statement from Fin Martin via: http://www.psmag.co.uk/updates/37/Power-Slam-closes.htm

Power Slam closes

AS MOST OF YOU already know, Issue 237 will be the last installment of Power Slam.

I have included some of the details as to why I closed the magazine in Issue 237.

It was a difficult decision to make, of course. Having written most of PS -- and done the typesetting/design, photo selection and other pre-repro work -- for 237 issues, and on 30 issues of Superstars Of Wrestling prior to that, it was inconceivable at times that I would ever do anything else. I was 22 when Issue 1 of SOW went on sale. I'm now 44.

But whether we like it or not -- and self-employed people often like it the least -- we all have to move with the times. And it was time to let go of Power Slam.

I would like to thank all readers for their messages of support which have landed in the PS mailbox (powerslam@globalnet.co.uk) and on Twitter. They are all greatly appreciated. I will be posting a selection of these on psmag.co.uk tomorrow (a day later than advertised, I know).

I would like to stress to all PS readers that the magazine did not go out of business. I made a conscious decision to close Power Slam before anything financially catastrophic could occur.

Consequently, the printers, repro house and bar code production company will be paid in full for services rendered on Power Slam 237, as will all the photographers and writers. What's more, over the next week I will be contacting all subscribers who purchased subscriptions through psmag.co.uk, and have outstanding issues on their subs, to arrange refunds. Though we stopped offering subscriptions in the first week of February, in anticipation of the closure of the magazine, there are still hundreds of refunds to issue. I will be personally contacting all the people to whom we owe money.

(Incidentally, if you have purchased a subscription to PS through another company or online subscription provider, you will need to contact them directly. We ceased and desisted from taking money for subs on February 4, 2014.)

Wrapping up all Power Slam-related business is the priority. I estimate this will take two weeks. By the end of the month, I will be producing regular content on psmag.co.uk, and be working on my first eBook -- Pro Wrestling Through The Power Slam Years: 1994-2014.

As sad as the closure of PS is, I'm looking to the future with optimism. I cannot wait to get stuck into this eBook.

Findlay Martin

Raven Runner · 22-07-2014 2:44pm

Was one of the first wrestling magazines I bought and have being getting it religiously since my teenage years. End of an era. My gran was a big fan too

rovert · 31-07-2014 8:47pm

On the heels of Powerslam:

WWE will be dropping the magazine division. If a magazine distribution company wants to take over the WWE Magazine then WWE will look at that option but as of now the magazine department is no more.

WWE lay off the entire staff supposedly it had been turning over a minor profit for ages with religious cost cutting.

Ape Lincoln · 31-07-2014 9:45pm

Is the Tag Rope magazine worth a look?

Reebrock · 01-08-2014 2:56pm

So gutted about no more Power Slam. It really is a gut kick as I've bought it and looked forward to it since 1999.

Brian Elliott · 01-08-2014 11:09pm

Fighting Spirit Magazine is delighted to offer a FREE digital exclusive issue to all wrestling fans! To read on PC/Mac, iPhone/iPad, Android and/or Kindle Fire, simply visit www.tinyurl.com/PocketFSM , hit Buy Now on the FREE sample issue marked as costing £0, and go to the checkout.

In this special offering, FSM delves into its archive for pieces on:
- Daniel Bryan, as FSM assesses how his role evolved in the eyes of WWE and its fans in the lead-up to WrestleMania
- CM Punk, as FSM investigates his early career to show why his retirement isn’t the surprise that some consider it to be
- The Ultimate Warrior, who comes clean about his life in wrestling, in what is the most in-depth print interview of his storied career
- Paul Heyman, as the agent extraordinaire sits down with FSM to discuss his on-screen clients, and his own varied career
- SummerSlam '98, as FSM ponders how the event would in hindsight prove to be integral to the entire Attitude Era
- The Dynamite Kid, whose ex-wife opens up on their relationship, and the two sides of the man himself
- Jushin “Thunder” Liger, who has done more for the sport than any junior-heavyweight in history
- Mick McManus, as FSM profiles the self-styled “man they love to hate”.

As well as these features, this FREE edition includes news, PPV and TV reports from the FSM archive, as well as DVD and book reviews. This issue also includes ”Stone Cold” Steve Austin's exclusive recollection of the night that he won the WWF title from Shawn Michaels; Kurt Angle's confession about his depression and substance abuse; Nick “Magnus” Aldis' thoughts on Angle, as he compares him to World Of Sport legend Jim Breaks; while Jim Cornette reflects on the late, great Jackie Fargo.

FSM is very grateful for you feedback, and is eager to print the articles that you would like to read. To make a suggestion, please tweet editor Brian Elliott at @FSM_Editor or visit our Facebook discussion forum at www.tinyurl.com/JoinFSM.

Ape Lincoln · 02-08-2014 12:18am

Reebrock wrote: »

So gutted about no more Power Slam. It really is a gut kick as I've bought it and looked forward to it since 1999.

'tis a shame alright. I have bought it on and off since about 1996 - In Your House 10 Mind Games was the WWF review of my first iirc. Their photos were taken from the crowd and in this issue they had a feature on "wrestling's craziest workers" or something similar.

I recall seeing a picture of Axl vs. Ian Rotten, possibly the Tapei Death Match - I thought they had bored a hole in each other's skull and literally fisted it.... ( I was about 12yrs of age....)

Brian Elliott · 06-08-2014 11:58pm

Issue 109 of Fighting Spirit Magazine is now available!

In this month's edition, FSM has feature-length articles on:
- Brock Lesnar, as FSM argues the time is right for him to take the WWE World heavyweight title
- WWE's heel crisis, and why some rulebreakers have adopted babyface characteristics
- WWF photographer Tom Buchanan, who opens up about his unique experience with his peculiar brotherhood
- Ricochet, as FSM looks back on the career of the man who arguably should be starring in WWE already
- WrestleTalk TV , as Alex Shane explains his vision for the Challenge TV show
- Veteran promoter Brian Dixon, who describes how breaking in to pro wrestling at 16 was just the start of a unique career path

All of this, plus our usual news, PPV and TV reports, and DVD and book reviews. This month's issue also includes John Lister's column on the closure of Power Slam magazine; Will Cooling's assessment of Chael Sonnen's second drugs test failure; Rob Naylor on his favourite pro wrestler of all-time, Manny Fernandez; Jim Cornette's sadness at the loss of the Independence Day pro wrestling tradition; and Nick “Magnus” Aldis posts his thoughts on a number of different subjects, including whom he thinks should be involved in the new series of British Bootcamp.

FSM is also available on PC/Mac, iPhone/iPad, Android and Kindle Fire. A free sample issue is available at www.tinyurl.com/PocketFSM, although you can also download the issue via the Fighting Spirit Magazine app in the iTunes, Google Play, or Amazon app store. Another advantage of the app is that it links to many hours of relevant matches, promos, and shoot interviews that you do not get with the print edition.

FSM is grateful for your continued support, and is eager to print the articles that you would like to read. To make a suggestion, please tweet editor Brian Elliott at @FSM_Editor or visit our Facebook discussion forum at www.tinyurl.com/JoinFSM

Reebrock · 08-08-2014 7:31am

Raven Runner wrote: »

Was one of the first wrestling magazines I bought and have being getting it religiously since my teenage years. End of an era. My gran was a big fan too

That's fantastic!

rovert · 24-08-2014 1:04pm

The final WWE magazine:

cena · 24-08-2014 1:57pm

I wonder well many buy it with it been the last copy ever

Ape Lincoln · 24-08-2014 9:09pm

cena wrote: »

I wonder well many buy it with it been the last copy ever

I won't be. I bought the issue with the Main Event DVD a while back and found the magazine to be be just awful. I used to buy it regularly during the boom period and while it was kayfabe it was at least readable. Now it's mostly made up of crappy features like "hey, look at Roman Reigns' head on Sheamus' body" and what have you.

Brian Elliott · 04-09-2014 12:34am

Issue 110 of Fighting Spirit Magazine is now available!

In this month's edition, FSM has feature-length articles on:
- Dean Ambrose, and whether he will be allowed to out-shine Roman Reigns on WWE TV
- Prince Devitt, as FSM explains why he has the aptitude to become a jewel in the WWE crown
- Vince Russo, as FSM considers why the former WWF, WCW and TNA head writer has garnered such a reputation
- Michael Elgin, who has finally reached the summit of Ring of Honor after years of dedication, dating back to his childhood
- PROGRESS Wrestling, as FSM reviews the group's history to discover what makes it one of the world's best indies
- ”Tiny” Tom Thumb, who had a 15-year career before main-eventing World of Sport tapings as the tag partner of Big Daddy
- Art Davie, who explains his vision for the UFC, and how he brought the first such show to fruition

All of this, plus our usual news, PPV and TV reports, and DVD and book reviews. This month's issue also includes Jim Cornette's reflections on two friends: Ray “Big Boss Man” Traylor and SMW referee Mark Curtis; Rob Naylor on the plight of Seth Rollins in WWE developmental, as he struggled to make the main roster; and Nick “Magnus” Aldis, who offers his thoughts on the recent high-profile court case involving Jesse Ventura.

FSM is grateful for your continued support, and is eager to print the articles that you would like to read. To make a suggestion, please tweet editor Brian Elliott at @FSM_Editor or visit our Facebook discussion forum at www.tinyurl.com/JoinFSM

Brian Elliott · 01-10-2014 11:47pm

Issue 111 of Fighting Spirit Magazine is now available!

In this month's edition, FSM has feature-length articles on:
- The WWE Network, as FSM helps UK viewers find the best shows to watch from the impressive archives
- Drew Galloway, as the Scottish grappler talks about his experiences in the U.S, and how they continue to drive him to be the best
- The Great Muta, as TNA collaborates with his Wrestle-1 promotion at Bound For Glory
- Pete Roberts, who remains one of the most respected wrestlers of the World Of Sport era
- Pro wrestling in the movies, as FSM ponders why the silver screen has not always cast a positive light on pro wrestling
- WWE 2K15, as FSM discovers that 2K Sports is putting the sport back into sports entertainment

All of this, plus our usual news, PPV and TV reports, and DVD and book reviews. This month's issue also includes Jim Cornette's memories of how pro wrestling television was made in the days before scripts; Rob Naylor offers first-hand experience on the old FCW developmental system; and with Bound For Glory on the horizon, Nick “Magnus” Aldis considers the Japanese grapplers that he enjoys watching to this day.

FSM is grateful for your continued support, and is eager to print the articles that you would like to read. To make a suggestion, please tweet editor Brian Elliott at @FSM_Editor or visit our Facebook discussion forum at www.tinyurl.com/JoinFSM

Loughc · 02-10-2014 6:58am

They might need to rethink the network article! It sky gets its hands on the network the vod will be very limited!

Brian Elliott · 02-10-2014 11:58am

We do mention the possibility of a Canada-esque service in the article. I also checked with Sky before we went to press, and they confirmed that no WWE channel was being added to their schedule.

In any case, it's still simple to watch WWE Network in Ireland and elsewhere - in fact, we told people how to do it in Issue 103!

rovert · 02-10-2014 12:33pm

Brian Elliott wrote: »

We do mention the possibility of a Canada-esque service in the article. I also checked with Sky before we went to press, and they confirmed that no WWE channel was being added to their schedule.

In any case, it's still simple to watch WWE Network in Ireland and elsewhere - in fact, we told people how to do it in Issue 103!

WWE's social media was pushing Oct 1st Monday afternoon. The only red flag was Mike Johnson asked WWE for comment on the rumour it was delayed late last week and they never got back to him.

jaykhunter · 03-10-2014 10:58am

Anyone heard of/read Total Wrestling Magazine? Any good?

Brian Elliott · 30-10-2014 12:30am

Issue 112 of Fighting Spirit Magazine is now available!

In this month's edition, FSM has feature-length articles on:
- ”Stone Cold” Steve Austin, as FSM ponders what a return to the ring would mean for both “The Rattlesnake” and WWE
- Alberto Del Rio, whose explosive interview delves into topics such as racism in WWE, the dwindling pay-offs, and how he feels he's better off working for AAA
- Natalya, as FSM explores how WWE has missed out on this generation’s finest female all-rounder
- The history of WWE in the UK, as FSM recalls some of the most memorable – and infamous – moments from the group's transatlantic trips
- Preston City Wrestling, as FSM discovers the philosophy behind the uber-popular promotion
- Gary Steele, as FSM documents the incredible moment that the British star became NWA World heavyweight champion

All of this, plus our usual news, PPV and TV reports, and DVD and book reviews. This month's issue also includes Nick “Magnus” Aldis' column on the three clichés that independent promoters must be sure to avoid, while Jim Cornette takes us on a trip across the USA, on what was a busy month for “The Louisville Lip”. Former NXT Creative Assistant Rob Naylor also completes his two-part article on the changes that saw devleopmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling become NXT, under the watchful eye of Paul “Triple-H” Levesque.

FSM is very grateful for you feedback, and would like to hear about what you would like to read in a future issue. To make a suggestion, please tweet editor Brian Elliott at @FSM_Editor or visit our Facebook discussion forum at www.tinyurl.com/JoinFSM

Brian Elliott · 12-11-2014 9:37pm

The above was a pretty spectacular issue for FSM, with the Alberto Del Rio interview in particular. I'd love to hear any feedback you have or suggestions for the future.

Thanks!

Ageyev · 12-11-2014 11:45pm

What's the easiest way I can obtain a hardcopy of a back issue Brian? Looking for last month's issue as I didn't get around to picking it up.

Brian Elliott · 12-11-2014 11:52pm

Ageyev wrote: »

What's the easiest way I can obtain a hardcopy of a back issue Brian? Looking for last month's issue as I didn't get around to picking it up.

Here you go. Thanks!
http://www.fightingspiritmagazine.co.uk/magazine/issue/111

Brian Elliott · 27-11-2014 12:26am

Issue 113 of Fighting Spirit Magazine is now available!

In this month's edition, FSM has feature-length articles on:
- Sting, as FSM looks at what the interest in the former WCW World champion tells us about both him and the current state of pro wrestling.
- Chris Jericho, as the Fozzy lead singer and future WWE Hall of Famer explains how pro wrestlers could learn from the great front-men of rock’n’roll.
- Rockstar Spud, who talks to FSM about his early career, his wrestling education in the U.S, and why he loves working for TNA
- Magnus, who, in a period of change for TNA, sits down for a conversation about his past, present and future
- Lucha Underground, as FSM examines AAA’s peak of 20 years ago, and ponders whether its new TV show can put the spotlight back on Mexico
- Brian Maxine, as FSM gets the lowdown on Goldbelt’s life in pro wrestling and entertainment.
- Championship belts, as FSM delves into the history and significance of
the physical belt itself.

All of this, plus our usual news, PPV and TV reports, and DVD and book reviews. This month's issue also includes Rob Naylor's column on one of the greatest pro wrestlers of all-time, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, while Jim Cornette recalls the amazing presence of the late Ox Baker.

We'd love to hear more about what you would like to read in a future issue. To make a suggestion or leave any other feedback, please tweet editor Brian Elliott at @FSM_Editor or visit our Facebook discussion forum at www.tinyurl.com/JoinFSM

Brian Elliott · 25-12-2014 5:30pm

Issue 114 of Fighting Spirit Magazine is now available!

In this month's edition, FSM has feature-length articles on:
- Dolph Ziggler, who after years of stop-start pushes in WWE is now finally in a position to be a star the company can rely on
- The Fighting Spirit 50, as the FSM crew gets together to discuss the top performers of 2014
- Sheamus, who talks to FSM about his current role in WWE, and how he’d like to change it in the coming year
- The Attitude Era, and how the controversy the WWF stirred changed the company, perhaps forever
- Impact Wrestling, and what TNA must do to have the best shot of succeeding on Destination America
- Dixie Carter, who explains to FSM that she still has designs on taking her company to the next level
- Blondie Barratt, who while modest about his achievements, had a fascinating career that continues to this day

All of this, plus our usual news, PPV and TV reports, and DVD and book reviews. This month's issue also includes Rob Naylor's column on New Japan's latest acquisition, Kenny Omega, while Jim Cornette writes about the tragic passing of his friend, Jimmy Del Rey. Furthermore, Nick “Magnus” Aldis has the opportunity to reflect on his 2014, while Nigel McGuinness explains his vision of the future of pro wrestling.

We'd love to hear more about what you would like to read in a future issue. To make a suggestion or leave any other feedback, please tweet editor Brian Elliott at @FSM_Editor or visit our Facebook discussion forum at www.tinyurl.com/JoinFSM

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Brian Elliott · 22-01-2015 4:38pm

Issue 115 of Fighting Spirit Magazine is now available!

In this month's edition, FSM has feature-length articles on:
- Roman Reigns, as with The Royal Rumble imminent, FSM charts the former Shield star's rise, and analyses the potential pitfalls of being WWE’s number one project
- The Reader Awards 2014, as FSM tabulates your votes on the very best of last year
- CM Punk, as FSM looks at what the history of MMA promotions using non-fighters says about his prospects in the UFC
- The Alternative Review of the Year, as FSM cuts through the craziness to bring you the story of the last 12 months, as you’ve never previously conceived it
- Jeff Jarrett, who talks about bringing New Japan to pay-per-view, and what his vision is for his upstart company, Global Force Wrestling
- Eddie Gilbert, who 20 years after his death remains one of the most enigmatic figure in the pro wrestling business
- Mel Stuart, who had as colourful a career as any of the biggest names of World of Sport wrestling

All of this, plus our usual news, PPV and TV reports, and DVD and book reviews. This month's issue also includes Jim Cornette's memories of the greatest manager in Memphis wrestling history, Jimmy Hart; Rob Naylor on a man he has known for many years, NXT champion Sami Zayn; and Nick “Magnus” Aldis on the legacy of “Professor” Mike Tenay, who is stepping away from the Impact Wrestling commentary table to work on other company projects.

FSM is grateful for your continued support. We'd also like to know what you want to read about, so to make a suggestion, please tweet editor Brian Elliott at @FSM_Editor or visit our Facebook discussion forum at www.tinyurl.com/JoinFSM

Ageyev · 22-01-2015 4:41pm

FSM is coming out quicker than I can read it! I only just bought the Ziggler issue yesterday.

Brian Elliott · 22-01-2015 4:59pm

Ageyev wrote: »

FSM is coming out quicker than I can read it! I only just bought the Ziggler issue yesterday.

Well, we do like to have enough content to have most people reading for the entire month.

Brian Elliott · 19-02-2015 1:30am

Issue 116 of Fighting Spirit Magazine is now available!

In this month's edition, FSM has feature-length articles on:
- Vince McMahon, and how after huge errors of judgement at two Royal Rumbles in succession, WWE would be better off without him at the creative helm.
- Daniel Bryan, who talks to FSM about his long road to recovery after neck surgery, his return to the ring, and his goal for WrestleMania XXXI.
- William Regal, as FSM finds out about the early career of arguably the finest all-rounder Great Britain has ever produced.
- Austin Aries, as FSM chats with “The Greatest Man That Ever Lived” about Destination America, TNA management, and the reputation that has often preceded him.
- Shinsuke Nakamura, as FSM describes how various ups and downs have helped produce the special talent being recognised today.
- Jon Jones, as FSM investigates the lives of superstar sportsmen to suggest that more than sheer arrogance may be behind the behaviour of the disgraced UFC light-heavyweight champion.

All of this, plus our usual news, PPV and TV reports, and DVD and book reviews. This month's issue also includes Jim Cornette's re-booking of the Royal Rumble match and subsequent WrestleMania main event; Rob Naylor on the rise of The Young Bucks; and Nick “Magnus” Aldis on Impact Wrestling's tour of the UK, and how it was a much different experience for him this year.

Thank you for your continued support. We'd very much like to know what you want to read about in future issues, so to make a suggestion, please tweet editor Brian Elliott at @FSM_Editor or visit our Facebook discussion forum at www.tinyurl.com/JoinFSM

Brian Elliott · 19-03-2015 12:16am

Issue 117 of Fighting Spirit Magazine is now available!

In this month's edition, FSM has feature-length articles on:
- WrestleMania XXXI, as FSM works through the possibilities to preview the 30th anniversary show on March 29.
- The 10 Greatest WrestleMania Matches of All-time, as FSM's worldwide contributors argue over the best the show has had to offer.
- Charlotte, as FSM investigates her success and asks whether the time is right for a call-up to the main roster.
- Ray “The Crippler” Stevens, who has been bypassed for this year's WWE Hall Of Fame, but ought to be inducted as one of pro wrestling's all-time greats
- Bobby Lashley, as he tells FSM of his desire to regain the TNA World title and hold Bellator’s MMA heavyweight belt at the same time.
- The Tokyo Dome show of 20 years ago that, with 13 participating promotions, will surely never be equalled.
- Drew McDonald, whose warmth and personality behind the scenes will never be forgotten by his peers.

All of this, plus our usual news, PPV and TV reports, and DVD and book reviews. This month's issue also includes Rob Naylor's recollection of his time as a fan of New Japan Pro Wrestling; Jim Cornette on how the absence of Ray “The Crippler” Stevens makes even more of a mockery of the WWE Hall of Fame; and Nick “Magnus” Aldis tells a delightful story about one match he had with the late Drew McDonald.

FSM is very grateful for your support, and would like to print the articles that you want to read. To make a suggestion, please tweet editor Brian Elliott at @FSM_Editor or visit our Facebook discussion forum at www.tinyurl.com/JoinFSM

Brian Elliott · 16-04-2015 12:06am

Issue 118 of Fighting Spirit Magazine is now available!

In this month's edition, FSM has feature-length articles on:
- Brock Lesnar, whose signature on a new WWE contract was the spark that WWE needed for WrestleMania and beyond
- The crisis in WWE commentary, as FSM investigates whether this is damaging the relationship between company and customer.
- Ric Flair, who in the 1980s was the kind of wild personality to perfectly represent pro wrestling as its World champion
- Ring of Honor, as its ROH On Sinclair TV show is arguably the best weekly pro wrestling programme on air today
- Dave Taylor, FSM demonstrates why fellow workers hold him in much the same regard as British legends William Regal and Fit Finlay
- Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao as FSM looks down the long and winding road toward making the biggest money fight of all-time.

All of this, plus our usual news, PPV and TV reports, and DVD and book reviews. This month's issue also includes Jim Cornette's opinions on Bill DeMott and his resignation as WWE developmental Head Trainer; Nick “Magnus” Aldis on why the wrestling world should heed the words of Hall of Fame main-eventer Kevin Nash; and Rob Naylor on Sean “123 Kid/X-Pac” Waltman, who still has much to offer the business, in and out of the ring.

Fighting Spirit Magazine is very grateful for your support, and would like to know more about you want to read in FSM. To make a suggestion, please tweet editor Brian Elliott at @FSM_Editor or visit our Facebook discussion forum at www.tinyurl.com/JoinFSM

Brian Elliott · 14-05-2015 12:38am

Issue 119 of Fighting Spirit Magazine is now available!

In this month's edition, we have feature-length articles on:
- Seth Rollins, as FSM charts his journey to the WWE title, and delves into the psyche of “The Architect”.
- CM Punk, as the man himself tells FSM how he's changed since he left pro wrestling, and if it has been difficult to adapt to a new way of life.
- Luke Harper, as FSM talks to those who know him to establish how he has all the tools to make it to the top of WWE.
- Rob Van Dam as FSM readers get first-hand advice about making it in the pro wrestling business
- WWF In Your House, as FSM recalls the ups and downs of the series, and how it latterly helped save the company.
- The mat wrestling trend on the U.S. indies, as FSM wonders if this hints at the future of mainstream wrestling.
- Misawa & Kobashi vs. Kawada & Taue as FSM explains why the 20-year-old bout is one of the greatest matches in pro wrestling history.
- Robby Brookside as finds out the lengths the Liverpudlian had to go to, to be a success in the industry.

All of this, plus our usual news, PPV and TV reports, and DVD and book reviews. This month's issue also includes Jim Cornette's wonderful biography of the late “King of Kingsport”, Ron Wright; Rob Naylor on why Rusev has become such a success on the main WWE roster; and in the midst of working on his fitness book, Nick “Magnus” Aldis takes us behind the curtain on his 2013 return to the UK as TNA World champion.

Fighting Spirit Magazine is very grateful for your support, and would like to know more about you want to read in FSM. To make a suggestion, please tweet editor Brian Elliott at @FSM_Editor or visit our Facebook discussion forum at www.tinyurl.com/JoinFSM

Brian Elliott · 10-06-2015 10:32pm

Thanks to everyone who purchased a print copy of Issue 119, as it's now sold out. I'm very grateful!

Brian Elliott · 10-06-2015 11:12pm

Issue 120 of Fighting Spirit Magazine is now available!

In this month's edition, we have feature-length articles on:

- Daniel Bryan, as FSM considers the style that made him arguably the best pro wrestler of his generation, and ponders what effect it may have had on his future well-being.
- Neville, as FSM discovers why he’s destined for success in WWE, and how it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.
- Kurt Angle, as FSM steps off the beaten path to have a conversation with him about everything from learning to lead matches to the pros and cons of TNA's schedule.
- The Briscoes as FSM examines their careers to show why they remain two of the most popular grapplers on the U.S. indy scene.
- Kazuchika Okada, as FSM strains the language barrier to talk to the New Japan superstar at the Ring Of Honor supershows.
- Lucha Underground as FSM talks to the participants to gauge the success of the show, and why it is important in a wrestling world desperate for new ideas.
- Jimmy Havoc as FSM investigates his transformation from lovable brawler to sadistic walking nightmare.
- Mitzi Mueller as FSM finds out about the barriers she had to break down to establish women’s wrestling in the UK.

All of this, plus our usual news, PPV and TV reports, and DVD and book reviews. This month's issue also includes Jim Cornette's thoughts on how to make the business a better place for those who risk life and limb each time they step inside the ring; Rob Naylor on Neville's time in WWE developmental; and Nick “Magnus” Aldis' thoughts on a month of great change in TNA, and arguably for him, too.

Fighting Spirit Magazine is very grateful for your support, and would like to hear more about the topics that interest you. To give feedback or to make a suggestion, please tweet editor Brian Elliott at @FSM_Editor or visit our Facebook discussion forum at www.tinyurl.com/JoinFSM

Stereomaniac · 10-06-2015 11:58pm

Cheers Brian!

Brian Elliott · 08-07-2015 11:49pm

Issue 121 of Fighting Spirit Magazine is now available!

In this month's edition, we have feature-length articles on:
- John Cena, as FSM examines his new veteran role, and how it is bringing out the best in him
- Kevin Owens, as FSM explains why he has been able to make such an impact in WWE in such a short space of time
- William Regal who, in a MUST-READ interview, goes into detail on what WWE looks for in NXT talent.
- Jack Swagger as FSM discovers why Zeb Colter, the “We The People” catchphrase, and being a babyface are so important to him.
- Adam Cole, as FSM talks to “The Panama City Playboy” about his return from injury, his current role in ROH, and future plans.
- Joint Promotions as FSM explores how the group organised the British business and established its power on the UK scene.

All of this, plus our usual news, PPV and TV reports, and DVD and book reviews. This month's issue also includes Nick “Magnus” Aldis' announcement that he is leaving TNA, and the reasons behind that choice; Jim Cornette on the future of TNA and ROH, in the wake of major change on Destination America; and in an extended column, Rob Naylor's tribute to his friend and mentor, the late “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes.

Fighting Spirit Magazine is very grateful for your support, and would like to hear more about the topics that interest you. To give feedback or to make a suggestion, please tweet editor Brian Elliott at @FSM_Editor or visit our Facebook discussion forum at www.tinyurl.com/JoinFSM

Stereomaniac · 09-07-2015 12:00am

John Cena is better than he's ever been in 2015, I think!

Ageyev · 09-07-2015 1:55am

Brian, have ye looked into an interactive digital edition? I got the Empire magazine interactive edition recently and it's a totally different experience on a tablet.

Brian Elliott · 09-07-2015 11:34pm

Ageyev wrote: »

Brian, have ye looked into an interactive digital edition? I got the Empire magazine interactive edition recently and it's a totally different experience on a tablet.

On every other page, the digital edition includes videos or other links appropriate to the topic, all chosen by me. This has thrown up some really cool things in the past, like being able to link to classic promos or matches that many readers won't have been aware of, or didn't know how to find. I'm often really proud of the stuff we're able to put in there.

Ageyev · 10-07-2015 3:10am

Brian Elliott wrote: »

On every other page, the digital edition includes videos or other links appropriate to the topic, all chosen by me. This has thrown up some really cool things in the past, like being able to link to classic promos or matches that many readers won't have been aware of, or didn't know how to find. I'm often really proud of the stuff we're able to put in there.

Linking to videos is a really cool feature. When I was buying the print copy I often forgot to look up the videos so the digital edition wins out there.

The digital edition of Empire is a totally different layout to the print

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yECH1M3HrE#t=1m30s

beakerjoe · 10-07-2015 4:28pm

Mean't to buy this yesterday, will grab it today. Looking forward to the Regal piece in particular. Who interviewed him ?

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