Ray's UK Rating's Report: Week Ending August 21st 2011

Courtesy of the Broadcaster's Audience Research Board (BARB) here are the UK TV ratings for wrestling programming that ranked in the top 10's for their respective channels on the week ending August 21st 2011:

1	TNA PRESENTS IMPACT WRESTLING (Tue, Challenge , 2201)	218,000
2	WWE LATE NIGHT RAW – LIVE (Mon, Sky Sport 3, 2600)	136,000
3	WWE LATE NIGHT SMACKDOWN (Fri, Sky Sports 2, 2200)	120,000
4	TNA XPLOSION (Wed, Challenge, 2200)	Under 136,000
5	WWE AFTERBURN (Sun, Sky Sport 3, 1900)	54,000
6	WWE VINTAGE COLLECTION (Sun, Sky Sport 3, 1800)	31,000

Despite a drop from last week, it's another impressive showing from IMPACT Wrestling on Challenge as it remains the most watched wrestling show in the UK and Ireland, a position it has held now for 20 consecutive weeks. The show garnered 218,000 viewers (down 23,000 viewers [9.5%] from last week) for the Tuesday August 16th episode (Originally aired Aug 11th on Spike in the USA) headlined by a four way bout pitting Crimson against Scott Steiner, Gunner and Bully Ray of Immortal and the subsequent post-match attack on Crimson from Kurt Angle.

WWE RAW drew 136,000 viewers (up 7,000 viewers [5.4%] from last week) for it's Monday August 15th episode which featured an Alberto Del Rio vs. Rey Mysterio main event.

WWE's other flagship show, Smackdown, garnered 120,000 viewers (up 19,000 viewers [18.8%] from last week, ending a two week ratings slide.) for the Friday August 12th edition which saw Mark Henry win a 20-Man Battle Royal to become Number 1 contender to the World Title.

Here's how the total's look for the year to date since IMPACT's return to UK Television on Challenge:

Weekly Ratings Wins so far (2011)*:
IMPACT Wrestling – 24
WWE RAW – 2
WWE Smackdown – 2

*Based on first showing viewing figures, not inclusive of +1 or replay figures.

WWE & TNA News: Original Sin Cara fired?, Foley-WWE, Chavo-TNA, Mysterio Injury Update and More

Photo Courtesy WWE.com

– Mistico (the original Sin Cara) has not been released by WWE. While WWE Developmental Talent Hunicio worked under the hood for TV this week, Mistico worked the gimmick at the house shows. Word is that creative is in a state of confusion, but as of right now, Hunico is Sin Cara going forward.

Ray's 'Rasslin' Rankings: As of August 9th 2011

This article was originally published at 1Wrestling.com, you can view the original piece by clicking here.

Each week 1Wrestling.com’s resident rankings expert, Ray Mullan, will be scouting the major North American wrestling promotions in order to bring you an in-depth rankings report for the top championships in Pro Wrestling. After a thrilling conclusion to TNA Hardcore Justice and as we approach WWE Summerslam this Sunday, find out where your favourite wrestlers have ranked this week…

WWE News: Goldberg returning?, Edge reveals when he would have retired and more

- Bill Goldberg, who has not wrestled since 2004, stated during a recent autograph signing appearance that he will “probably” return to the ring before the end of 2011. The former World Heavyweight Champion said that if he returns to the squared circle, his ideal opponent would be Steve Austin.

WWE News: Two Superstars injured, Major Internal Changes and More.

Photo Courtesy WWE.com

- Dolph Ziggler suffered a abdominal muscle at Friday’s RAW House Show in Salt Lake City, Utah. On the same night, Rey Mysterio suffered a knee injury, leading to the early stoppage of a bout with Alberto Del Rio. He limped to the back afterward.

Mysterio participated in an injury angle at last night’s RAW live event in Fresno, California as he was attacked by Alberto Del Rio and R-Truth prior to his match with the second generation Mexican wrestler. Del Rio put the cross arm-breaker on Mysterio, and was subsequently assisted to the back by personnel.

Thoughts on WWE RAW: July 25th 2011

Photo Courtesy The Bleacher Report

THIS WEEK ON WWE RAW:

• Rey Mysterio d. The Miz in the title tournament final to become WWE Champion
• Alberto Del Rio tried to attack Mysterio post match and cash in his MITB briefcase. Mysterio fought of Del Rio who then decided against cashing in his shot.
• Dolph Ziggler d. Evan Bourne via submission
• Eve Torres & Kelly Kelly d. Melina & Maryse
• Triple H made his first address as COO. Announced the return of Jim Ross and booked Mysterio vs. Cena for the title in the Main Event.
• Triple H was interrupted by R-Truth, who was subsequently taken out by a returning John Morrison.
• Zach Ryder d. Michael Cole via Rough Ryder
• Alberto Del Rio d. Kofi Kingston via Cross Arm Breaker
• John Cena d. Rey Mysterio via Attitude Adjustment to win the WWE Title
• CM Punk made his return as he and Cena held their titles aloft as the show closed.

July 9th 2000, the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida. Jeff Jarrett, WCW World Champion at the time, marched to the ring before promptly laying down allowing his opponent, Hulk Hogan to score the pinfall victory by placing his foot upon the chest of Double J. Hogan promptly left the arena, and WCW, with the title. Of course we all know what followed in what became known as the "Bash at the Beach" incident. However there's a reason I bring this situation up.