Dave Meltzer

Dave Meltzer is an American journalist and author renowned for his coverage of professional wrestling and mixed martial arts since the 1970s. As the founder, publisher, and editor of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (WON) since 1983, he has established himself as one of the most influential voices in combat sports journalism. Meltzer's work extends beyond wrestling coverage to major mainstream publications, including the Los Angeles Times, Yahoo! Sports, and Sports Illustrated. His analytical approach to wrestling journalism revolutionized the field, introducing detailed match ratings and behind-the-scenes reporting that became industry standards. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter's influence on professional wrestling culture is significant, with Meltzer's match rating system becoming a widely recognized benchmark for match quality throughout the industry. His reporting style combines detailed analysis of business metrics, live event reviews, and insider news coverage. Meltzer has also been a prominent voice in MMA journalism since the sport's early days, covering UFC events since their inception in 1993. His work has earned recognition from peers in sports journalism, including praise from Sports Illustrated's Frank Deford, who called him "the most accomplished reporter in sports journalism."

Readers value Meltzer's deep insider knowledge and detailed reporting style, as seen in reviews of his Wrestling Observer Newsletter and online content. His precise match ratings and business analysis receive praise from subscribers who cite his thorough research and historical documentation of wrestling/MMA. Liked: - Comprehensive coverage of both wrestling and MMA industries - In-depth statistical analysis and historical records - Consistent weekly reporting since 1983 - Breaking news accuracy Disliked: - Dense writing style that can be hard to follow - High subscription cost ($12.99/month for digital access) - Perceived bias toward certain wrestling styles/promotions - Writing sometimes needs editing for clarity The Wrestling Observer Newsletter maintains a 4.2/5 rating on various review aggregators. Subscribers specifically praise the detailed event coverage and backstage news, while critics point to verbose writing and occasional factual errors in historical pieces. Amazon reviews for his few published books average 3.8/5, with readers noting strong research but dry delivery. One frequent subscriber comment: "Nobody knows more about wrestling, but reading Dave is like drinking from a firehose."

Tributes: Remembering Some of the World's Greatest Wrestlers (2001) A collection of obituaries and career retrospectives originally published in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, chronicling the lives and careers of notable professional wrestlers who passed away between 1997-2000.

Tributes II: Remembering More of the World's Greatest Wrestlers (2004) The second volume of collected wrestling obituaries and memorials from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, covering deaths in professional wrestling from 2000-2004.

Wade Keller Founded the Pro Wrestling Torch Newsletter in 1987 and developed a similar analytical approach to wrestling journalism. His writing focuses on detailed business analysis and behind-the-scenes coverage of the wrestling industry.

Bill Apter Served as editor of wrestling magazines like Pro Wrestling Illustrated and Inside Wrestling from the 1970s-1990s. His photography and reporting documented wrestling's territorial era through its national expansion.

Josh Gross Established himself as a pioneering MMA journalist through his work with Sherdog and ESPN. His coverage spans the evolution of mixed martial arts from underground phenomenon to mainstream sport.

Guy Evans Wrote NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW, featuring extensive research and interviews. His work examines wrestling history through a business and media industry lens.

Larry Matysik Worked as a wrestling promoter and announcer before writing books on the St. Louis wrestling territory. His historical accounts combine first-hand experience with analysis of wrestling's regional business model.