First, someone wants to know if JBL's coming back to WWE this year. I wouldn't bet on it, outside of a special appearance like he had before WrestleMania. If he wanted to return to WWE for something, they'd almost certainly allow him to.
As for PWInsider.com's questions of the day:
1. Punk's under contract again now, but the details aren't really known beyond that. You're not the only one wondering what's going on in the situation.
2. I like the new look in its own weird way and she stands out with it, so I wouldn't mind if she kept it for a while. Not that I don't want her to stay hurt or anything, though! Mexican America should cut a promo about how savage Tara and Tessmacher were, winning the titles that way, etc.. They could even blame America's health care system for her needing to pay for the mask or something.
After the break, I go into the rest of the day's news and questions, starting with why Sabu isn't in WWE or TNA.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
RVD interview, Questions on Bryan at Wrestlemania, TNA DVDs, and screaming things during matches, Abdullah sued for $6.5 Mil, Cena title reign milestones, next FCW guest host, TNA to air C.M. Punk matches, former Nexus member has heat with Cena, charges dropped on Shad Gaspard, release date for next WWE film, Tara in her undies for unique charity event, recap of TNA event at Comic-Con, Shelly Martinez pitches TNA return, Impact Wrestling rating, and WWE's stock dividend
RVD was interviewed at Comic-Con.
PWInsider.com has new questions up today. Here's my take on them:
#1 I've already answered so I'm skipping it. For #2, this is assuming that Bryan doesn't lose the briefcase before Mania, which I wouldn't be surprised with. Of the options, I'd want Rock/Cena to not be for the title. I'd be pretty surprised if they put someone else in with those two, so if it's for the title, it seems like the Rumble winner would go for the World Title.
3. It depends on who/what you want to see more of. The company's gone through a number of different distinct periods over the years. Sorry that that's not much help. Kurt Angle, Christian (Cage), Jeff Jarrett and Samoa Joe had some of my favorite TNA matches against each other, so that's who I'd check out.
4. Maybe her character loves being a Diva? I can't really think of anything other than that. People just yell sometimes to add to their characters/matches.
They've done #5 recently as well, though I really like their answer.
After the break, I go into the rest of the day's news, starting with a big lawsuit related to the Hepatitis C allegations against Abdullah The Butcher.
PWInsider.com has new questions up today. Here's my take on them:
#1 I've already answered so I'm skipping it. For #2, this is assuming that Bryan doesn't lose the briefcase before Mania, which I wouldn't be surprised with. Of the options, I'd want Rock/Cena to not be for the title. I'd be pretty surprised if they put someone else in with those two, so if it's for the title, it seems like the Rumble winner would go for the World Title.
3. It depends on who/what you want to see more of. The company's gone through a number of different distinct periods over the years. Sorry that that's not much help. Kurt Angle, Christian (Cage), Jeff Jarrett and Samoa Joe had some of my favorite TNA matches against each other, so that's who I'd check out.
4. Maybe her character loves being a Diva? I can't really think of anything other than that. People just yell sometimes to add to their characters/matches.
They've done #5 recently as well, though I really like their answer.
After the break, I go into the rest of the day's news, starting with a big lawsuit related to the Hepatitis C allegations against Abdullah The Butcher.
Smackdown thoughts- 7/29/11
It's a new era for WWE with Triple H at the helm. Tonight, he makes his first appearance on Smackdown as COO. What changes are in store for Friday nights? Read on for my thoughts on the show as it happens.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Goldust update, TNA signs Big Brother star to developmental deal, WWE '12 pre-order bonus, Questions on "gimmicked" weapons, another Punk appearance, Vince/HHH, and Lita, Miz on Lopez, Morrison/Melina interview, WWE seeks interns, Eve Q&A, Cabana and Sheamus interviews, Punk to speak on Raw, Miz/Maryse on SI.com, and new Hardcore Justice matches
Goldust noted on his Twitter a few days back that he's "taking a break" as far as being an active competitor goes. He's currently being used as an agent/producer, assisting in the development of the Divas. Good to see veterans passing on their knowledge to help the newer generation improve.
TNA has signed "Mr. Pec-tacular" of Big Brother fame to a developmental deal, and hope to have him on TV by the end of the year. He's been training at the Team 3D Academy for a while and has had at least one dark match for TNA, so this isn't a spur-of-the-moment publicity stunt. I get the sneaking suspicion that we'll see him compete "before he's ready" due to the TV background, but they could surprise me.
Those who pre-order WWE '12 will be able to download The Rock to the game. Pretty cool. The game comes out around the same time as Survivor Series, so there's a nice little tie-in there. WWE's pretty good at tying merchandise and the like into the show.
After the break, I go into PWInsider.com's questions. There's nothing to add to #1, so I'll start with a look at WWE gimmicking ladders for MITB.
TNA has signed "Mr. Pec-tacular" of Big Brother fame to a developmental deal, and hope to have him on TV by the end of the year. He's been training at the Team 3D Academy for a while and has had at least one dark match for TNA, so this isn't a spur-of-the-moment publicity stunt. I get the sneaking suspicion that we'll see him compete "before he's ready" due to the TV background, but they could surprise me.
Those who pre-order WWE '12 will be able to download The Rock to the game. Pretty cool. The game comes out around the same time as Survivor Series, so there's a nice little tie-in there. WWE's pretty good at tying merchandise and the like into the show.
After the break, I go into PWInsider.com's questions. There's nothing to add to #1, so I'll start with a look at WWE gimmicking ladders for MITB.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Superstars and Impact Wrestling thoughts- 7/28/11
Today, on WWE Superstars, Alex Riley faces off with Jack Swagger in a battle of former FCW Champions. Then, on Impact Wrestling, it's old school vs. new school as RVD faces Gunner and Bully Ray faces Crimson in Bound For Glory Series matches. And in the main event, Kurt Angle takes on Mr. Anderson inside of a steel cage! Read on for my thoughts on the shows as they happen.
Miz interview, Maryse seeks restraining order, more WWE stars in FCW, Questions on Punk-Joey Styles, Steiner, Rodriguez-Del Rio, Bryan not cashing in, and putting someone through an announce table, Miz to guest star on Psych, big Punk interview, more on TNA/Direct and TNA/Tristar, Foley considering return to WWE
The Miz was interviewed at the Cleveland Indians game, where he threw out the first pitch.
This is one of the creepiest wrestling news items I've ever read: Maryse has filed a request for a permanent restraining order against a man who's said to have sent her a number of disturbing voicemails and letters. I hope that situation gets worked out. That's a pretty scary story.
The FCW house show for 7/27 saw appearances by Kelly Kelly, Justin Gabriel, Alex Riley, Bill DeMott, Mason Ryan, and Jinder Mahal.
Next up, a look at PWInsider.com's questions:
1. I don't see Joey Styles returning to commentary, but I would have said the same thing about JR and he just came back to Raw! Even when taking that into consideration, I don't think we'll see him that scenario going down. You never know, though, given some of the curveballs we've been thrown lately.
2. That was all news to me, outside of why he doesn't do the Frankensteiner. I've seen him pull it out from time to time, but presumably all those years of bumps catching up to him are what prevents him from doing more things like that more often. He'll be 49 on Friday, and his first match was in 1986!
After the break, I go into the rest of the day's news and questions, starting with why Ricardo Rodriguez is still with Alberto Del RRRRRRRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIOOOOOOOO.
This is one of the creepiest wrestling news items I've ever read: Maryse has filed a request for a permanent restraining order against a man who's said to have sent her a number of disturbing voicemails and letters. I hope that situation gets worked out. That's a pretty scary story.
The FCW house show for 7/27 saw appearances by Kelly Kelly, Justin Gabriel, Alex Riley, Bill DeMott, Mason Ryan, and Jinder Mahal.
Next up, a look at PWInsider.com's questions:
1. I don't see Joey Styles returning to commentary, but I would have said the same thing about JR and he just came back to Raw! Even when taking that into consideration, I don't think we'll see him that scenario going down. You never know, though, given some of the curveballs we've been thrown lately.
2. That was all news to me, outside of why he doesn't do the Frankensteiner. I've seen him pull it out from time to time, but presumably all those years of bumps catching up to him are what prevents him from doing more things like that more often. He'll be 49 on Friday, and his first match was in 1986!
After the break, I go into the rest of the day's news and questions, starting with why Ricardo Rodriguez is still with Alberto Del RRRRRRRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIOOOOOOOO.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Query on Gallows-WWE, Morgan injured, what happened after Raw, Questions on Mr. Anderson, wrestlers keeping their gimmick names, and Punk vs. Del Rio, Santino injured, update on JR. WWE-Final Destination tie-in, Punk on Kimmel, plenty of Miz this week, Smackdown rating, "Death Clutch" review, new Punk t-shirt available, WWE Title interviews with Slaughter and Stone Cold, a look at Punk's difficult time on the ECW brand, TNA signs another X-Division participant, Sin Cara update, Raw rating, Smackdown dark match, Punk back on the road for WWE, and house show guest host changes
Query of the day:
1. I haven't seen anything about Luke Gallows returning to WWE, or Colt Cabana/Scotty Goldman for that matter. It would make sense as part of Punk's current storyline, but as far as I know nothing's in the works in either of those cases.
Matt Morgan has a torn pectoral muscle which is expected to keep him out of action for at least six weeks. I see Morgan as someone pretty close to main event status, so hopefully when he comes back we can see him get a bigger push. If he had better mic skills or a manager, I think he could be a pretty big deal in TNA.
After Raw went off the air, C.M. Punk told the crowd in Virginia that he was back, in a similar way to the Poltergeist line.
As for PWInsider.com's questions, I don't have anything to add to #1, so after the break I'll move on to why WWE hasn't gone after Mr. Anderson for using a similar gimmick to his WWE persona.
1. I haven't seen anything about Luke Gallows returning to WWE, or Colt Cabana/Scotty Goldman for that matter. It would make sense as part of Punk's current storyline, but as far as I know nothing's in the works in either of those cases.
Matt Morgan has a torn pectoral muscle which is expected to keep him out of action for at least six weeks. I see Morgan as someone pretty close to main event status, so hopefully when he comes back we can see him get a bigger push. If he had better mic skills or a manager, I think he could be a pretty big deal in TNA.
After Raw went off the air, C.M. Punk told the crowd in Virginia that he was back, in a similar way to the Poltergeist line.
As for PWInsider.com's questions, I don't have anything to add to #1, so after the break I'll move on to why WWE hasn't gone after Mr. Anderson for using a similar gimmick to his WWE persona.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
NXT thoughts- 7/26/11
Tonight we continue the longest running weekly episodic season in NXT history. Allegedly Season 6 is coming, but before it happens we have to get through this. Derrick Bateman, Titus O'Neil, and Darren Young are all competing for redemption tonight. Read on for my thoughts on the show as it happens.
Queries on dark matches, Rosita, and the Hardys in talks with WWE, NXT alumna works Raw house show, Averno update, Questions on John Laurinaitis, last week's WWE title tournament, Cena going after Rock, and Joe's losing streak, Punk advertised for 7/25 Raw, Aussie ratings, Chavo Classic interview, Rock to appear at upcoming PPV, survey on new WWE.com features, Cee Lo Green at Summerslam, Raw dark match, WWE media appearances, Generation Me responds to RVD, and more Comic-Con interviews
Some more queries sent to the blog today:
1. I haven't seen anything about David Hart Smith working dark matches lately. It's possible that he is and it just hasn't been reported anywhere I've seen.
2. This is the second time that this has come up, but no, TNA's Rosita isn't in WWE. I think maybe some people have her confused with AJ Lee? I can kind of see it. If that isn't where the confusion comes from, I also haven't seen anything about her going to WWE.
3. And on that note, I haven't seen anything about the Hardy Boys being in talks with WWE either, which is another rumor apparently making the rounds. They're both still under contract to TNA. If there's any news on a comeback for either or both, or them leaving the company, I'll be sure to report it.
On to more verifiable news: NXT Season 3 alumna Naomi worked Sunday's Raw house show as the special guest host. It's unknown what this means for her potential future on the main roster. I'd certainly like to see her get a chance there.
For those wondering about recent WWE signee Averno, he's still working in Mexico as the NWA Historic Middleweight Champion. It's unknown what WWE's plans for him are.
After the break, I jump into PWInsider.com's questions, starting with the possibility of John Laurinaitis as an on-screen character.
1. I haven't seen anything about David Hart Smith working dark matches lately. It's possible that he is and it just hasn't been reported anywhere I've seen.
2. This is the second time that this has come up, but no, TNA's Rosita isn't in WWE. I think maybe some people have her confused with AJ Lee? I can kind of see it. If that isn't where the confusion comes from, I also haven't seen anything about her going to WWE.
3. And on that note, I haven't seen anything about the Hardy Boys being in talks with WWE either, which is another rumor apparently making the rounds. They're both still under contract to TNA. If there's any news on a comeback for either or both, or them leaving the company, I'll be sure to report it.
On to more verifiable news: NXT Season 3 alumna Naomi worked Sunday's Raw house show as the special guest host. It's unknown what this means for her potential future on the main roster. I'd certainly like to see her get a chance there.
For those wondering about recent WWE signee Averno, he's still working in Mexico as the NWA Historic Middleweight Champion. It's unknown what WWE's plans for him are.
After the break, I jump into PWInsider.com's questions, starting with the possibility of John Laurinaitis as an on-screen character.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Raw thoughts- 7/25/11
Meet the new boss... son-in-law to the old boss. Triple H is now in charge of WWE, and his word is law. How will things change for the company in the post-McMahon era? Also tonight, we crown a new WWE Champion as Rey Mysterio faces The Miz. Plus, Zack Ryder's new T-shirt's on sale! Read on for my thoughts on the show as it happens.
Correction to Smackdown house show stories, Queries on Trish Stratus and ECW returning, Kaitlyn talks dieting on the road, Photos and video of C.M. Punk's indy show appearance, Questions on Joey Styles' announcing return, Flair's legacy, Punk vs. Taker, handling finances, and the Punk angle (again), more Hogan from Comic-Con, and a Rikishi interview
First off, I have a correction to make to a story I posted last night. Melina was NOT at Smackdown's house show. It was Rosa Mendes who was involved in the Divas angle and match. Apparently the person/people who sent in the house show reports had the two of them confused. I don't believe the announcers mentioned who she was, since she interrupted a fan dance competition which led to an "impromptu" match.
On to some queries sent in to the blog recently:
1. I haven't seen anything about Trish Stratus returning to the ring any time soon, even as a one-off return. I would be HUGELY surprised if she made a full-time comeback. A relatively brief angle that doesn't require house show appearances might happen (like what led to this year's WrestleMania), but there hasn't been any word about that being in the works (which doesn't mean that it isn't; it just means I haven't seen anything on it).
2. I also haven't seen anything about WWE bringing back the ECW brand, as much as part of me would like them to. They probably don't care enough to change NXT or Superstars at the moment (since neither air in the U.S.; they only changed ECW to NXT because of pressure from SyFy), and I don't see why they'd want to add it to their taping schedule with no one to air it, so it'll likely remain on mothballs.
After the break, I'll go into all of the day's news and PWInsider.com questions.
On to some queries sent in to the blog recently:
1. I haven't seen anything about Trish Stratus returning to the ring any time soon, even as a one-off return. I would be HUGELY surprised if she made a full-time comeback. A relatively brief angle that doesn't require house show appearances might happen (like what led to this year's WrestleMania), but there hasn't been any word about that being in the works (which doesn't mean that it isn't; it just means I haven't seen anything on it).
2. I also haven't seen anything about WWE bringing back the ECW brand, as much as part of me would like them to. They probably don't care enough to change NXT or Superstars at the moment (since neither air in the U.S.; they only changed ECW to NXT because of pressure from SyFy), and I don't see why they'd want to add it to their taping schedule with no one to air it, so it'll likely remain on mothballs.
After the break, I'll go into all of the day's news and PWInsider.com questions.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
More on Punk at Comic-Con, Questions on a future Punk angle, Bryan attacking Cole, Taker at WM27, the World Title, and ending Taker's streak, Hogan interviews, more Punk news including an appearance at an indy event in Chicago, injured wrestler promoted for return, Orton update, Riley interview, Impact Wrestling taping update, interviews with RVD, Bret Hart, and Rey Mysterio, Kane "injured" by Mark Henry, WWE going after world record, and Melina works Smackdown house show
WWE now has an article (including video) of C.M. Punk crashing Comic-Con.
On to Sunday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I definitely can see the "Punk coming back to challenge the champion" part. Triple H being in someone's corner instead of in the match would be surprising, though, I think. He could very well overshadow the participants.
2. If you meant Smackdown, I don't really see a reason for his character to at the moment. He's trying to prove how good he is moreso than get past Cole. Now, if Cole were to cost him his briefcase or something, another attack could very well be coming his way. Not that that's the direction I want that angle to go!
3. The idea was that the match took so much out of him that he couldn't leave on his own power. He's still "alive" (or as alive as the character can be I guess), because Triple H challenged him to a rematch soon thereafter on Raw.
After the break, I look at where the World Title stands in credibility right now, and all of the rest of the day's questions and news.
On to Sunday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I definitely can see the "Punk coming back to challenge the champion" part. Triple H being in someone's corner instead of in the match would be surprising, though, I think. He could very well overshadow the participants.
2. If you meant Smackdown, I don't really see a reason for his character to at the moment. He's trying to prove how good he is moreso than get past Cole. Now, if Cole were to cost him his briefcase or something, another attack could very well be coming his way. Not that that's the direction I want that angle to go!
3. The idea was that the match took so much out of him that he couldn't leave on his own power. He's still "alive" (or as alive as the character can be I guess), because Triple H challenged him to a rematch soon thereafter on Raw.
After the break, I look at where the World Title stands in credibility right now, and all of the rest of the day's questions and news.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Queries on Jeff Hardy, Goldust, and Teddy Hart, Flair to return to the ring in September?, interesting note on Samoa Joe's contract status, WWE/Mattel at Comic-Con recap, Dana White-WWE meeting update, Questions on ROH going mainstream, pushing Punk on his way out, Punk's future and why MITB was set up the way it was, ESPN looks at top entrance music in wrestling, new WWE action figures from Comic-Con, new sponsorship deal for TNA, transcript of recent Sin Cara interview, WWE stars to compete on FCW show, Finlay interview, the main event for next week's Impact Wrestling and Impact Wrestling's rating
To answer a couple of queries sent to the blog recently:
1. No, Jeff Hardy won't be appearing at Summerslam. He's still under contract to TNA. Even if he were to leave, he's still involved in a pretty hairly legal situation that I don't think WWE would want to be associated with. Not to mention that I'm fairly certain that he'd be one failed Wellness test away from being fired if he returned.
2. I haven't seen anything about Goldust returning to the ring soon. The last I read was that he's been an agent lately.
Update: He told a fan on Twitter recently that he's not ready to return to the ring yet, so there's your answer.
3. And as for why Teddy Hart's not in WWE, it's almost certainly related to his history of attitude problems.
Ric Flair said recently that he'll be returning to the ring in September to face the winner of Sting/Angle at Hardcore Justice. He's had solid matches with both in the past, but I'd be surprised if they can pull it off in 2011. There are a number of errors in the article as well: He's never been World Champion in TNA or PWI (whatever that is), Mick Foley's no longer in TNA, and the show's called Impact Wrestling now.
Update: In other Flair news, his lawyer claimed that he's only been kept off of Impact Wrestling because of his shoulder-cuff injury. I know he's made at least one appearance since then, in an angle with Bobby Roode and Immortal, so there seems to be a conflict of information here.
After the break, I look at Samoa Joe's recent status in the wrestling world, and all of the rest of the day's news and questions.
1. No, Jeff Hardy won't be appearing at Summerslam. He's still under contract to TNA. Even if he were to leave, he's still involved in a pretty hairly legal situation that I don't think WWE would want to be associated with. Not to mention that I'm fairly certain that he'd be one failed Wellness test away from being fired if he returned.
2. I haven't seen anything about Goldust returning to the ring soon. The last I read was that he's been an agent lately.
Update: He told a fan on Twitter recently that he's not ready to return to the ring yet, so there's your answer.
3. And as for why Teddy Hart's not in WWE, it's almost certainly related to his history of attitude problems.
Ric Flair said recently that he'll be returning to the ring in September to face the winner of Sting/Angle at Hardcore Justice. He's had solid matches with both in the past, but I'd be surprised if they can pull it off in 2011. There are a number of errors in the article as well: He's never been World Champion in TNA or PWI (whatever that is), Mick Foley's no longer in TNA, and the show's called Impact Wrestling now.
Update: In other Flair news, his lawyer claimed that he's only been kept off of Impact Wrestling because of his shoulder-cuff injury. I know he's made at least one appearance since then, in an angle with Bobby Roode and Immortal, so there seems to be a conflict of information here.
After the break, I look at Samoa Joe's recent status in the wrestling world, and all of the rest of the day's news and questions.
Smackdown thoughts- 7/22/11
Five nights ago, Christian won the World Heavyweight Championship when Randy Orton was disqualified. But Orton can't let that distract him too much, because tonight he's in a street fight with the Big Red Machine Kane! Also on Sunday, Daniel Bryan got a somewhat surprising win in Money In The Bank to earn a guaranteed shot at the gold. How will the landscape change tonight on Smackdown? Read on for my thoughts on the show as it happens.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Query on Low Ki, Flair opens online store, Riley interview, WWE re-schedules house show, UK ratings, Questions on Daniel Bryan cashing in, the Beautiful People, a Knockouts BFG series, and TNA reaching out to C.M. Punk, more heat on Sin Cara, Joey Styles announcing update, more on Matt Morgan's appearance on "Made", Turning Point location, Bischoff talks X-Division, another wrestler confirmed for Comic-Con, C.M. Punk confronts Triple H, special Kurt Angle figure for charity, and a Samoa Joe interview
Someone asked the blog if Low Ki is or will be involved with TNA's All Wheels Wrestling project. Not that I'm aware of, but the promotion's still in its early stages.
Ric Flair is selling a number of autographed items in his new online store, including photos, T-shirts, lottery tickets, and little limousines. He's also selling a version of the Big Gold Belt and personalized phone calls/video messages. The man needs money. It wouldn't surprise me if he's wrestling at indy shows years from now. The former many-time World Champion who's headlined countless PPVs should have been set for life a LONG time ago, but he hasn't managed his money from his career well.
Alex Riley was interviewed to promote an upcoming Raw house show. I like that the fans get to choose the match type. One thing wrestling can do that most art forms can't is instantly judge crowd reactions and play off of them (as opposed to movies and TV shows being taped a long time in advance before they air).
WWE has moved a house show in NM from 9/25 to 9/23.
This post has some recent ratings for WWE and TNA in the UK. Keep in mind that TNA in a lot more homes.
After the break, I go into PWInsider.com's questions of the day, starting with whether Daniel Bryan should have cashed in his MITB briefcase the night of the PPV.
Ric Flair is selling a number of autographed items in his new online store, including photos, T-shirts, lottery tickets, and little limousines. He's also selling a version of the Big Gold Belt and personalized phone calls/video messages. The man needs money. It wouldn't surprise me if he's wrestling at indy shows years from now. The former many-time World Champion who's headlined countless PPVs should have been set for life a LONG time ago, but he hasn't managed his money from his career well.
Alex Riley was interviewed to promote an upcoming Raw house show. I like that the fans get to choose the match type. One thing wrestling can do that most art forms can't is instantly judge crowd reactions and play off of them (as opposed to movies and TV shows being taped a long time in advance before they air).
WWE has moved a house show in NM from 9/25 to 9/23.
This post has some recent ratings for WWE and TNA in the UK. Keep in mind that TNA in a lot more homes.
After the break, I go into PWInsider.com's questions of the day, starting with whether Daniel Bryan should have cashed in his MITB briefcase the night of the PPV.
Superstars and Impact Wrestling thoughts- 7/21/11
Today, whenever WWE gets around to uploading WWE Superstars, we see the continuance of a Raw angle when Zack Ryder faces off with the WWE Tag Team Champions. His partner will be Santino Marella. Then, on Impact Wrestling, Sting continues his quest to take out Immortal. Also, the Bound For Glory Series rolls on as Rob Van Dam takes on Scott Steiner and Matt Morgan, Gunner, AJ Styles, and Samoa Joe face off in a ladder match. All this and plenty more to come. Read on for my thoughts on the shows as they happen.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Punk updates, Jarrett Q&A, Questions on TNA being TV-MA, WWE using WCW footage, and Rhodes vs. DiBiase, JBL talks Russo, more wrestling at Comic-Con, Rock working on second book, WWE cancels house show, Raw stars added to Smackdown show, Sarita back in action, Swagger and Zach Gowen interviews, UFC boss at WWE HQ, and Sin Cara discusses his suspension
C.M. Punk has been removed from the WWE roster page as part of his ongoing angle.
Jeff Jarrett talked a good deal about his career in a Q&A in Delaware. I agree that his series with Kurt Angle has been some of, if not his downright best, work of his career. He's right on about negative reactions.
PWInsider.com has new questions up. I don't have anything to add to 1, so I'll go to 2 first:
2. I think they'd lose a number of sponsors by going TV-MA, and there'd be a good chunk of the potential audience who wouldn't be able to see the show because of technology that blocks that rating. I don't know if Spike would be ok with that or not. I know Spike won't let them show man-on-woman violence. I really don't see much of a benefit for them going much higher than TV-14. I don't think they should be as "PG" as WWE, but the main issue is whether the content is good (and can draw money) moreso than how adult it is I think. Cursing and blood don't necessarily make something better or worse in my book.
Nothing to add to 3, but for 4, it seems like they generally do more DVDs on names who've done more in WWE anyway. They do use footage from other companies when they think the DVD would be benefited by it. Rey Mysterio's new DVD has footage from both WCW and ECW.
After the break, I compare Cody Rhodes to Ted DiBiase and look at the rest of the day's news.
Jeff Jarrett talked a good deal about his career in a Q&A in Delaware. I agree that his series with Kurt Angle has been some of, if not his downright best, work of his career. He's right on about negative reactions.
PWInsider.com has new questions up. I don't have anything to add to 1, so I'll go to 2 first:
2. I think they'd lose a number of sponsors by going TV-MA, and there'd be a good chunk of the potential audience who wouldn't be able to see the show because of technology that blocks that rating. I don't know if Spike would be ok with that or not. I know Spike won't let them show man-on-woman violence. I really don't see much of a benefit for them going much higher than TV-14. I don't think they should be as "PG" as WWE, but the main issue is whether the content is good (and can draw money) moreso than how adult it is I think. Cursing and blood don't necessarily make something better or worse in my book.
Nothing to add to 3, but for 4, it seems like they generally do more DVDs on names who've done more in WWE anyway. They do use footage from other companies when they think the DVD would be benefited by it. Rey Mysterio's new DVD has footage from both WCW and ECW.
After the break, I compare Cody Rhodes to Ted DiBiase and look at the rest of the day's news.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Query on Melina going to TNA, latest from Rock to Cena, what happened after Raw, more TNA stars at Comic-Con, Heyman's book pushed back, Questions on Petey Williams, Snitsky, Rock vs. Cena online, all-time worst PPVs, and Cena's accents, Raw dark match. update on Matt Morgan, contract updates on a number of ROH names, Morrison return update, another Hardy court date, Chavo speaks, Orton gives shoutout to THQ, clarification on Vince McMahon's status, more WWE stars appearing at FCW, Punk continues his title tour, Anderson Q&A and Raw's rating
Someone asked a question about Melina going to TNA. I haven't seen anything to suggest that she's thinking of leaving WWE, much less go there. So, I'm not sure where that rumor came from.
The Rock had more comments to John Cena as relates to their angle in regards to Cena's potential "firing" earlier in the week.
After Raw went off the air, Vince McMahon got into an altercation with John Cena, which eventually spread to involve a number of other wrestlers. Zack Ryder was on the babyface side of the angle once more.
RVD, Christopher Daniels, Eric Young, and Kazarian will all appear at Comic-Con.
Paul Heyman's book has been pushed back to an 11/22 release date.
PWInsider.com has some new questions up, which I'll get into after the break. First up, why hasn't TNA signed Petey Williams back?
The Rock had more comments to John Cena as relates to their angle in regards to Cena's potential "firing" earlier in the week.
After Raw went off the air, Vince McMahon got into an altercation with John Cena, which eventually spread to involve a number of other wrestlers. Zack Ryder was on the babyface side of the angle once more.
RVD, Christopher Daniels, Eric Young, and Kazarian will all appear at Comic-Con.
Paul Heyman's book has been pushed back to an 11/22 release date.
PWInsider.com has some new questions up, which I'll get into after the break. First up, why hasn't TNA signed Petey Williams back?
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
NXT thoughts- 7/19/11
Season 5 continues its run as the longest season in NXT history tonight as Derrick Bateman, Darren Young, and Titus O'Neil all compete to get a shot on the next season. Who will leave the best impression on the WWE Universe and the Pros?
Query on a Trish Stratus return, wrestlers react to Money In The Bank, Questions on blading, Chris Benoit in WWE media, TNA's ratings in the UK, having one World Title in America, and the Raw GM, Impact Wrestling rating, C.M. Punk tours with the WWE Title, Sin Cara suspended for Wellness violation, Australian Raw rating, Matt Morgan undergoes MRIs, real and fictional MITB injuries, title match announced for Smackdown, WWE writer "apologizes" to John Laurinaitis, Santino and Kozlov on a roller coaster, Cena comments on potential "firing", Punk to talk again, Smackdown rating, Perry Saturn YouShoot released, Joey Styles to return to announcing, and more house shows in Mexico
Someone asked the blog about a rumored return match for Trish Stratus against Kelly Kelly at Summerslam. I haven't heard anything to suggest that that's going down or is even being talked about. If I see anything about it, I'll be sure to report it.
A number of wrestlers sounded off about Punk vs. Cena and MITB in general:
This link has responses from Kevin Nash, Mick Foley, The Rock, Stone Cold, Trish Stratus (who won the Women's Championship in her final match at the time a number of years back), Sean Waltman, Seth Rollins, Joey Styles, and Chavo Guerrero (who previously criticized Cena's ring ability).
Paul Heyman also commented. Punk has "it", that's for sure.
Chris Jericho, Matt Hardy, Bret Hart, and JR spoke about it, too.
PWInsider.com has some new questions up to examine:
1. That's the first I've heard of that one. I've heard of people keeping condoms or balloons full of blood in their mouths, though, to bite when they need to be "bleeding from the mouth". Keeping a blade there sounds like a good way to be seriously hurt.
2. I think he was in the WWE Encyclopedia as well. It's mainly a case of them not advertising him, I think. If they feel that something he's in is historically significant enough, sometimes he'll be in. Just don't expect a best of Benoit DVD or anything of the sort from them.
After the break, I look at why TNA beats WWE in the ratings in the UK, and everything else that's newsworthy from the day.
A number of wrestlers sounded off about Punk vs. Cena and MITB in general:
This link has responses from Kevin Nash, Mick Foley, The Rock, Stone Cold, Trish Stratus (who won the Women's Championship in her final match at the time a number of years back), Sean Waltman, Seth Rollins, Joey Styles, and Chavo Guerrero (who previously criticized Cena's ring ability).
Paul Heyman also commented. Punk has "it", that's for sure.
Chris Jericho, Matt Hardy, Bret Hart, and JR spoke about it, too.
PWInsider.com has some new questions up to examine:
1. That's the first I've heard of that one. I've heard of people keeping condoms or balloons full of blood in their mouths, though, to bite when they need to be "bleeding from the mouth". Keeping a blade there sounds like a good way to be seriously hurt.
2. I think he was in the WWE Encyclopedia as well. It's mainly a case of them not advertising him, I think. If they feel that something he's in is historically significant enough, sometimes he'll be in. Just don't expect a best of Benoit DVD or anything of the sort from them.
After the break, I look at why TNA beats WWE in the ratings in the UK, and everything else that's newsworthy from the day.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Raw thoughts- 7/18/11
We've got a new WWE Champion, and for the first time in the company's history, he's not an employee of the company! C.M. Punk is gone and John Cena could be next if Vince McMahon has his way. All the fallout to the explosive Money In The Bank PPV is tonight on Raw. Read on for my thoughts on the show as it happens.
Query on Orton retiring, Questions on veterans disliking the Punk angle, new babyfaces, a new TNA rumor, and WWE's lowest point during the Monday Night Wars, RVD interview, HBK talks about new show, more legends for WWE house shows, Miz interview, more from Punk, WWE sightings in Chicago, Santino and Kozlov to ride famed roller coaster, and a number of notes from MITB including what happened after the show
Someone sent in a question regarding a possible retirement by Randy Orton. He's only 31 and there has been absolutely nothing I've ever seen to suggest that he's considering retiring. I think we'll be seeing him for quite a while to come barring a major injury.
PWInsider.com had some new questions Sunday:
1. I think you need to stop going to that website. I kind of doubt that they interviewed every veteran in the business for the piece. There are plenty of sensationalist sites out there that will either spin something to make it sound completely different than it was intended, stretch the truth, and/or just flat out make things up to drive traffic to them. And people keep falling for it and going back to those sites.
2. Only so many people can be on top it once. Raw in particular feels heel-heavy right now because of Cena's title reign. Anyway, it wouldn't surprise me for them to continue to use Mysterio, Big Show, and Kane as occasional main eventers in the upcoming year. As for newer faces, there'll be surprises as always (like R-Truth's main event heel turn), but here are some educated guesses as possibilities: Alex Riley, Ezekiel Jackson, John Morrison, Kofi Kingston, Mason Ryan (that one's a bit of a stretch, but I wouldn't rule it out), Sheamus, and maybe Sin Cara. Things are pretty unpredictable in wrestling, but I'd like to think that at least some of those will pan out.
After the break, I look at the rest of Sunday's questions and news.
PWInsider.com had some new questions Sunday:
1. I think you need to stop going to that website. I kind of doubt that they interviewed every veteran in the business for the piece. There are plenty of sensationalist sites out there that will either spin something to make it sound completely different than it was intended, stretch the truth, and/or just flat out make things up to drive traffic to them. And people keep falling for it and going back to those sites.
2. Only so many people can be on top it once. Raw in particular feels heel-heavy right now because of Cena's title reign. Anyway, it wouldn't surprise me for them to continue to use Mysterio, Big Show, and Kane as occasional main eventers in the upcoming year. As for newer faces, there'll be surprises as always (like R-Truth's main event heel turn), but here are some educated guesses as possibilities: Alex Riley, Ezekiel Jackson, John Morrison, Kofi Kingston, Mason Ryan (that one's a bit of a stretch, but I wouldn't rule it out), Sheamus, and maybe Sin Cara. Things are pretty unpredictable in wrestling, but I'd like to think that at least some of those will pan out.
After the break, I look at the rest of Sunday's questions and news.
WWE Money In The Bank thoughts
Tonight, WWE's got both World Titles on the line, 2 #1 Contendership ladder matches, and a big grudge match. Not too shabby. Read on for my thoughts on the show as it happens.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
WWE Money In The Bank preview
WWE has 3 title matches and 2 multi-man ladder matches on the card tonight, plus a big grudge match between two of the largest superstars on the planet. Read on for how I'd book the show.
Scott Steiner to AAA, Sin Cara trademark update, Questions on talents WWE dropped the ball on, unscripted promos, Sin Cara va. Rey, the MITB winner not cashing in, and a Raw guest host who couldn't be there, former TNA wrestler speaks, Cena speaks up for Ryder, Riley interview, and Matt Hardy recovers
Scott Steiner will be the next TNA superstar to appear in AAA.
WWE's having issues trademarking Sin Cara, needing written consent from him to do so.
PWInsider.com had some new questions Saturday. Here's my look at them:
1. I don't know which were related to creative not having anything for them, but Kevin Thorn, Elijah Burke, Shelton Benjamin, Kenny Dysktra, and Luke Gallows come to mind. I'm sure there are more, but those are 5 that I thought could have done more if given the chance.
2. If they do, it will probably only be for top guys. You really have to impress them without a script for them to give you leeway. It's tough to say who would be good without a script, because we rarely see them go that route.
3. It seems to be a matter of when instead of if.
After the break, I go into the rest of the day's questions and news, starting with a MITB winner not cashing in.
WWE's having issues trademarking Sin Cara, needing written consent from him to do so.
PWInsider.com had some new questions Saturday. Here's my look at them:
1. I don't know which were related to creative not having anything for them, but Kevin Thorn, Elijah Burke, Shelton Benjamin, Kenny Dysktra, and Luke Gallows come to mind. I'm sure there are more, but those are 5 that I thought could have done more if given the chance.
2. If they do, it will probably only be for top guys. You really have to impress them without a script for them to give you leeway. It's tough to say who would be good without a script, because we rarely see them go that route.
3. It seems to be a matter of when instead of if.
After the break, I go into the rest of the day's questions and news, starting with a MITB winner not cashing in.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
WWE sets date to announce Q2 earnings, Mickie James has a concert, Questions on C.M. Punk, C.M. Punk, and... C.M. Punk, more on Wrestling Revolution, more on Austin DVD, Marvel talks comics with Zack Ryder, WWE Network seeking new hiree, trailers for Immortal DVD, Punk talks life after WWE, his frustrations with the company and plenty more, new JR blog, and Rikishi discusses his sons (The Usos) in WWE
WWE has announced the date upon which it will report on its earnings from the second quarter of the year: 8/4/11.
Mickie James performed a concert in Louisville, KY today.
PWInsider.com has some new questions. Here's my take on them:
1. He's given a number of different answers over the years, including Cookie Monster. There've been a number of theories, from Clean Made, to Chicago Made, to their answer of Chick Magnet, and probably others I'm forgetting. So, it's not exactly clear.
2. Being the top heel on Raw and getting big segments in the past month leading to a main event WWE Title match in his hometown would be a pretty strange way to bury someone. Especially if said someone had a chance of appearing for another nationally televised wrestling promotion. In other words, no. And he's almost certainly not going to TNA.
After the break, I look at all the frenzy over WWE's ice cream bars and the rest of the day's news.
Mickie James performed a concert in Louisville, KY today.
PWInsider.com has some new questions. Here's my take on them:
1. He's given a number of different answers over the years, including Cookie Monster. There've been a number of theories, from Clean Made, to Chicago Made, to their answer of Chick Magnet, and probably others I'm forgetting. So, it's not exactly clear.
2. Being the top heel on Raw and getting big segments in the past month leading to a main event WWE Title match in his hometown would be a pretty strange way to bury someone. Especially if said someone had a chance of appearing for another nationally televised wrestling promotion. In other words, no. And he's almost certainly not going to TNA.
After the break, I look at all the frenzy over WWE's ice cream bars and the rest of the day's news.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Smackdown thoughts- 7/15/11
Tonight's the final Smackdown before Money In The Bank, and the World Heavyweight Champion has his work cut out for him. Randy Orton takes on Kane in tonight's main event. There's plenty more going down tonight as well. Read on for my thoughts on the show as it happens!
More on X-Division signees, Questions on Vince-Punk, Jack Evans, and visiting backstage, TNA Bound For Glory location announced, interviews with Sting and Mysterio, WWE looks at ice cream bars, new Stone Cold DVD upcoming, Edge update, Rock on TMZ, birthday present for Joey Styles, Colt Cabana interview, Hogan to speak again, Zack Ryder makes SI's Twitter 100, and charity from the McMahons
TNA issued a press release on the signing of Austin Aries, with promises of future X-Division signees. I'm split on this one. It depends on who they bring in and what they do with them.
PWInsider.com has some new questions to look at:
1. A tough one to call, as I'm drawing a blank right now on some of his older promos, but I'm leaning towards "no". Surely he's talked up someone's abilities before, even if they were facing off with him?
2. I certainly see the Sabu comparisons. That style generally isn't my cup of tea, but I was impressed with what he's able to pull off. I haven't seen enough of him in other areas to judge. I'd be surprised if WWE came calling, but TNA could very well be looking in his direction based on their recent pro-X-Division stance.
Nothing to add to 3, but to add to their answer for 4, I can think of one person who was at least at one time blacklisted. A contestant from one of the early seasons of Tough Enough was kicked off the show after having a psychotic breakdown, and was able to make her way backstage at several WWE events after namedropping some personnel there. Needless to say, when she was found out, they banned her from appearing again and made sure security knew of her.
There isn't much to add to 5 either, so I'll move on to the rest of the day's news after the break, starting with the location of TNA's top PPV of 2011.
PWInsider.com has some new questions to look at:
1. A tough one to call, as I'm drawing a blank right now on some of his older promos, but I'm leaning towards "no". Surely he's talked up someone's abilities before, even if they were facing off with him?
2. I certainly see the Sabu comparisons. That style generally isn't my cup of tea, but I was impressed with what he's able to pull off. I haven't seen enough of him in other areas to judge. I'd be surprised if WWE came calling, but TNA could very well be looking in his direction based on their recent pro-X-Division stance.
Nothing to add to 3, but to add to their answer for 4, I can think of one person who was at least at one time blacklisted. A contestant from one of the early seasons of Tough Enough was kicked off the show after having a psychotic breakdown, and was able to make her way backstage at several WWE events after namedropping some personnel there. Needless to say, when she was found out, they banned her from appearing again and made sure security knew of her.
There isn't much to add to 5 either, so I'll move on to the rest of the day's news after the break, starting with the location of TNA's top PPV of 2011.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Superstars and Impact Wrestling thoughts- 7/14/11
Today on WWE Superstars, the star of Z! True Long Island Story faces off with the Milan Miracle as Zack Ryder takes on Santino Marella. It's a former #1 contender to the WWE Title facing a former Intercontinental Champion! Then, on "A Midsummer's Nightmare" edition of Impact Wrestling, Mr. Anderson defends the TNA World Championship against Sting. Can Sting add another run with the title to his impressive resume, or will the newest member of Immortal retain against the Icon? Read on for my thoughts on the shows as they happen!
TNA Impact Wrestling preview- 7/14/11
Since today's episode of Impact Wrestling is a fairly big deal (pretty close to a PPV without actually being one), I've decided to give it its own "how I'd book it" post. I'm only going to go into the matches and angles that I had heard were going to be on the show in the official preview. Read on for my take on what they "should" do/have done.
Query on Shane McMahon returning to WWE, JBL talks Brawl for All, former developmental wrestler releases book, Matt Hardy health update, next guest on HBK's show, Questions on wrestlers using their real names, saying "Wrestling" in WWE, and Jericho vs. Punk, a new WWE Title, and tights, Savage tribute show goes awry, Rock and Cena trade jabs online, more X-Division stars to come for TNA?, TNA stars at Comic-Con, former WWE stars at Smackdown taping, WWE looking to bring back former fans, another response from Good Humor, a WrestleMania XXVII special confirmed, ratings in the UK, Hogan launches iPhone app, and some new WWE business deals
First up, someone wants to know if Shane McMahon will be returning to WWE at any point this year. That doesn't seem like it's in the cards. He's doing his own thing now.
JBL talked about the old Brawl for All tournament on Facebook. I think there are good reasons they haven't brought that one back. I liked the hardcore division back in the Attitude Era, but I'm not sure it would work today. I can't be the only one who thinks that culture these days has changed enough from the '90s that wrestling promotions shouldn't try to recreate those days.
Former WWE developmental wrestler Ron "H2O" Waterman talked about his faith and autobiography recently.
Matt Hardy detailed on Twitter that his recent illness was a case of food poisoning. He's recovering, but a timetable for his TNA return is currently unknown.
Michael Cole will be on the next episode of Shawn Michaels' hunting show. Oh, how I wish that was in character. "This is riveting television, Shawn. Why can't that NERD Daniel Bryan see that real men eat meat like we do? He doesn't even own a TV!"
After the break, I go into PWInsider.com's questions of the day, starting with whether performers refer to each other by their stage names or real names.
JBL talked about the old Brawl for All tournament on Facebook. I think there are good reasons they haven't brought that one back. I liked the hardcore division back in the Attitude Era, but I'm not sure it would work today. I can't be the only one who thinks that culture these days has changed enough from the '90s that wrestling promotions shouldn't try to recreate those days.
Former WWE developmental wrestler Ron "H2O" Waterman talked about his faith and autobiography recently.
Matt Hardy detailed on Twitter that his recent illness was a case of food poisoning. He's recovering, but a timetable for his TNA return is currently unknown.
Michael Cole will be on the next episode of Shawn Michaels' hunting show. Oh, how I wish that was in character. "This is riveting television, Shawn. Why can't that NERD Daniel Bryan see that real men eat meat like we do? He doesn't even own a TV!"
After the break, I go into PWInsider.com's questions of the day, starting with whether performers refer to each other by their stage names or real names.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Who to contact to request to bring back WWE ice cream bars, new WWE DVD, a look at the history of the MITB match, update on McIntyre, wrestling book news, Questions on Paul Heyman as Raw GM, training for new WWE personnel, keeping kayfabe on WWE.com, a Self-Destruction of Jeff Hardy DVD, and the Mark Henry prank, Foley gives props to Punk, TNA releases Orlando Jordan, Jericho in bus accident, Daniels interview, Cena talks Punk, Rock, Chicago and more, Finlay and Gangrel interviews, even more South African press, Andy Leavine gets more press, FCW profiled, charity for Mason Ryan and JBL, Raw stars talk Australia/New Zealand, Luke Gallows update, ex-WWE Diva writing book, Raw rating, Tough Enough to return?, and another X-Divisioner returning to TNA
The first wrestling story of the day is about... ice cream? Apparently so. Since they were a popular topic online following C.M. Punk's promo on Raw, WWE has directed interested fans to this website to petition to resume creation of them. I actually don't remember them, but they were apparently pretty popular some years back.
Update: Good Humor has given responses to requests for their return. How hilarious would it be if Punk's promo led to that happening?
WWE has released a new Rey Mysterio DVD. Here's a rundown of it.
Here's a WWE video looking at the history of Money In The Bank matches. Something tells me we'll get a DVD of those one day.
Drew McIntyre was thankfully uninjured from his spill off the stage during the Mark Henry/Big Show angle on Raw. He was shaken up, but cleared after an evaluation by WWE trainers and EMTs.
PWInsider.com has plenty of news on the book front, including several new entries.
After the break, I look at their latest questions, starting with the odds of Paul Heyman being the Raw GM.
Update: Good Humor has given responses to requests for their return. How hilarious would it be if Punk's promo led to that happening?
WWE has released a new Rey Mysterio DVD. Here's a rundown of it.
Here's a WWE video looking at the history of Money In The Bank matches. Something tells me we'll get a DVD of those one day.
Drew McIntyre was thankfully uninjured from his spill off the stage during the Mark Henry/Big Show angle on Raw. He was shaken up, but cleared after an evaluation by WWE trainers and EMTs.
PWInsider.com has plenty of news on the book front, including several new entries.
After the break, I look at their latest questions, starting with the odds of Paul Heyman being the Raw GM.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
NXT thoughts- 7/12/11
Things roll on tonight for the NXT Pros and Rookies. Who will move a step closer to Redemption and a spot on the next season of the show? Read on for my thoughts on the show as it happens.
Query on Jackson Andrews in TNA, Questions on "Wrestling Mattering" in TNA, ROH being on national TV, the whereabouts of Brodus Clay, and more on Punk, TNA execs talk up Destination X, Finlay comments on WWE release, TNA stars work AAA, TNA announces 3 Impact Wrestling tapings outside of Orlando, Austin talks about Tyson, TNA releases Gen Me, Smackdown rating, and Raw's dark match
First up, someone wants to know about former WWE/FCW wrestler Jackson Andrews possibly going to TNA. I haven't heard anything to suggest that he will be. In fact, I don't remember seeing anything on him in quite some time. They almost certainly won't bring him in based on name value- he was hardly featured on TV. He didn't even have a match!
Here's my look at PWInsider.com's questions of the day:
1. It certainly seems like there's been at least a partial shift in philosophy towards more in-ring action, and that in-ring action mattering more with the recent focus on the X-Division and the Bound For Glory Series. And they're using new talents recently as well. I don't know what sparked the change in plans, but it's pleasantly surprised a good deal of people.
2. What they said. It takes a good deal of time and money for a company to grow enough to be able to transition to national TV.
3. I believe that he's down in FCW getting more training. I was kind of under the impression that they used his injury in Extreme Rules to write him off for the time being. Actually, after double checking online, maybe he's just out because he's filming a movie? Or maybe it's a combination of the two, where he's filming and then they'll put him back in FCW for a while before bringing him back when it airs/hits shelves/whatever. If he can up his game in the ring, he might have a decent-sized or longer run in WWE.
After the break, I look at more answers and the rest of the day's news, starting with yet another C.M. Punk question.
Here's my look at PWInsider.com's questions of the day:
1. It certainly seems like there's been at least a partial shift in philosophy towards more in-ring action, and that in-ring action mattering more with the recent focus on the X-Division and the Bound For Glory Series. And they're using new talents recently as well. I don't know what sparked the change in plans, but it's pleasantly surprised a good deal of people.
2. What they said. It takes a good deal of time and money for a company to grow enough to be able to transition to national TV.
3. I believe that he's down in FCW getting more training. I was kind of under the impression that they used his injury in Extreme Rules to write him off for the time being. Actually, after double checking online, maybe he's just out because he's filming a movie? Or maybe it's a combination of the two, where he's filming and then they'll put him back in FCW for a while before bringing him back when it airs/hits shelves/whatever. If he can up his game in the ring, he might have a decent-sized or longer run in WWE.
After the break, I look at more answers and the rest of the day's news, starting with yet another C.M. Punk question.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Raw thoughts- 7/11/11
Money In The Bank is six nights away, which means that C.M. Punk has less than a week left in WWE. What will he say and so on what could be his final Raw? Also appearing will be his opponent for Sunday, WWE Champion John Cena. All eight Money In The Bank participants are also in the building- who will get the upper hand going into the career-changing ladder match? All this and more on Raw tonight. Read on for my thoughts on the show as it happens.
Change in Smackdown creative team, Questions on Nash vs. Morton, Punk leaving with the WWE Title, backlash from Punk's shoot, and Creative having nothing for someone, new WWE game trailer, big name not at upcoming Impact Wrestling tapings, and WWE appearances at Connecticut Women's Expo
Michael Hayes has been replaced as the head of Smackdown's creative team by Ed Koskey, who if I remember correctly used to be the head writer for the ECW brand (and possibly NXT for a time). Hayes will take a job in the company's management. This will certainly be an interesting transition to follow.
On to my look at PWInsider.com's questions:
1. The only thing I have to add to/clarify from their answer is that anyone under a WWE Legends contract is free to take independent bookings, as long as it doesn't interfere with their WWE commitments. TNA's off limits as well. I also hadn't heard of them having heat before.
2. If they really wanted to, they could with that angle. I don't see it happening, though. I really wouldn't get my hopes up about Punk walking out of Chicago with the title, as much as some people want that to happen.
After the break, I look at the odds of Punk vs. Rock vs. Cena for the WWE Title at Mania, and the rest of the day's questions and news.
On to my look at PWInsider.com's questions:
1. The only thing I have to add to/clarify from their answer is that anyone under a WWE Legends contract is free to take independent bookings, as long as it doesn't interfere with their WWE commitments. TNA's off limits as well. I also hadn't heard of them having heat before.
2. If they really wanted to, they could with that angle. I don't see it happening, though. I really wouldn't get my hopes up about Punk walking out of Chicago with the title, as much as some people want that to happen.
After the break, I look at the odds of Punk vs. Rock vs. Cena for the WWE Title at Mania, and the rest of the day's questions and news.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
TNA Destination X thoughts- 7/10/11
Tonight, TNA brings focus back to the high-flying X-Division with 8 matches inside the 6-sided ring. Who will walk out tonight with a new TNA contract, and who will be X-Division Champion? Read on for my thoughts on the show as it happens.
TNA Destination X Preview
TNA's in a bit of an odd spot this week, with two hyped events occurring in a time span of 5 days. Seeing as how Midsummer Nightmare is being pushed as a big deal as well, I'll have a separate column on Thursday for how I'd book it. But for now, I'll stick with detailing how I'd book the big X-Division showcase. After the break, I start with a match that hasn't been officially announced yet.
Knockout suffers facial paralysis, WWE-Mattel at Comic-Con, Hogan talks his future in TNA, Questions on "Joker" Sting, revealing the Raw GM, Sin Cara's future, and comebacks for Jericho and Batista, trailer for Orton DVD, Punk makes a pizza in Chi-town, more on Taz missing Destination X, Angle talks Olympics and more, Paul Bearer changes Twitter name, another South African sellout, and a new WWE signing
TNA's Sarita posted on Facebook that she recently suffered facial paralysis and had to pull out of a number of matches. Hopefully she recovers fully.
Mattel and WWE will have a panel at Comic-Con in San Diego on 7/21 from 11:30-12:30, looking at the past, present, and future of the company. Triple H, Rey Mysterio, and WWE's Creative team will all be a part of a Q&A. That should be interesting.
Hulk Hogan hinted at what direction his character will be going in upcoming months in TNA.
PWInsider.com has some new questions to examine:
1. As they said, it's to freshen the character up and go in a new direction with it. It was time, I think.
2. Whenever WWE Creative wants to do something different with the role, which doesn't look to be anytime soon. It's a pretty easy way to move things along without having to think of what whoever it is (say, Stephanie McMahon) would do in that situation. They can do just about whatever they want with it since there's no established character for it to contradict if no one knows who it is!
After the break, I look at the rest of their questions and the rest of Saturday's news. First up, will Sin Cara get a championship?
Mattel and WWE will have a panel at Comic-Con in San Diego on 7/21 from 11:30-12:30, looking at the past, present, and future of the company. Triple H, Rey Mysterio, and WWE's Creative team will all be a part of a Q&A. That should be interesting.
Hulk Hogan hinted at what direction his character will be going in upcoming months in TNA.
PWInsider.com has some new questions to examine:
1. As they said, it's to freshen the character up and go in a new direction with it. It was time, I think.
2. Whenever WWE Creative wants to do something different with the role, which doesn't look to be anytime soon. It's a pretty easy way to move things along without having to think of what whoever it is (say, Stephanie McMahon) would do in that situation. They can do just about whatever they want with it since there's no established character for it to contradict if no one knows who it is!
After the break, I look at the rest of their questions and the rest of Saturday's news. First up, will Sin Cara get a championship?
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Query on Goldust returning, behind the scenes at Smackdown, D'Angelo Dinero looks for more TV time, Jesse Neal update, Daniels Q&A, WWE looking for new VP of Talent Relations, WWE sells out in South Africa, Questions on commentary, limited commercial interruptions, and TNA pushing younger talents, Andy Leavine to debut on FCW house show, Destination X announce team change, matches announced for Midsummer Nightmare, possible FCW releases, TNA Impact Wrestling taping on the road in August, Impact Wrestling rating, Big Show on Burn Notice, and Rey Mysterio in a K-Swiss ad
Someone asked the blog if Goldust will return to the ring this year. I haven't seen anything indicating that he'll be able to come back any time soon. The story's kind of flown under the radar, as there haven't been any updates on it in quite some time. The last I heard was that he does want to return at some point, but this was months ago so things could be different now. I'd be interested to see how much he can still bring to the table and for how long when he is cleared.
I thought this was pretty cool: someone sent PWInsider.com a report of working backstage at the taping of the 7/8 edition of Smackdown. All very interesting. I like how the more experienced guys are helping out the up-and-comers. Good for them. That's how it should be.
D'Angelo Dinero retweeted a lot of messages from fans who want to see him more on Impact Wrestling, and made sure to forward them to Hogan, Bischoff, and Dixie Carter. Sometimes the squeaky wheel gets the grease, so maybe that will lead to good things. I'd definitely like to see him more on the show.
Jesse Neal is continuing to rehab a neck injury, which explains why he hasn't been on TV in a while.
Christopher Daniels had a Q&A to promote Sunday's Destination X.
After the break, I look at all of the rest of the day's news and PWInsider.com's questions.
I thought this was pretty cool: someone sent PWInsider.com a report of working backstage at the taping of the 7/8 edition of Smackdown. All very interesting. I like how the more experienced guys are helping out the up-and-comers. Good for them. That's how it should be.
D'Angelo Dinero retweeted a lot of messages from fans who want to see him more on Impact Wrestling, and made sure to forward them to Hogan, Bischoff, and Dixie Carter. Sometimes the squeaky wheel gets the grease, so maybe that will lead to good things. I'd definitely like to see him more on the show.
Jesse Neal is continuing to rehab a neck injury, which explains why he hasn't been on TV in a while.
Christopher Daniels had a Q&A to promote Sunday's Destination X.
After the break, I look at all of the rest of the day's news and PWInsider.com's questions.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Smackdown thoughts- 7/8/11
Last week's contract signing was thrown into disarray as the pale warrior Sheamus made his mark on both Orton and Christian. As Money In The Bank looms next week, will things be straightened out by Theodore Long? There's plenty more on tap tonight; read on for my thoughts on the show as it happens.
Questions on Punk's recent slur and Angelina Love, Cena takes shots at Rock, Matt Hardy sick, Christopher Daniels interview, Mr. McMahon action figure contest, more South African press, Ziggler interview, NZ press, Jerry Jarrett autobiography released, Seth Rollins/Tyler Black discusses choosing WWE over ROH, Booker T. opens new gym, DeMott interview, more on Raw's rating, Flair at VIP lunch,TNA cancels house show, Kendrick talks X-Division, WWE and more, WWE cancels house show, more on South African robbery, new X-Pac Q&A and a trailer for Perry Saturn's YouShoot
Today's news starts with a look at the questions sent to PWInsider.com. Here's my take:
1. It's a little bit more complicated than that. ECW was nowhere near as mainstream or in the public eye then as WWE is at present. All of that presumably slipped under the radar. Not to mention that there weren't nearly as many fans with video cameras and internet connections able to send something like that to mainstream news sources. Heels can still be heels, and can still insult fans and the like, but there are some words and terms that WWE will understandably get flank for.
2-4 I'm not very familiar with, so I'm moving on.
5. I don't think they were actually supposed to be lovers, but anyway... yes, that part of the story seems to be over. I suppose the drugs have been effective enough, and now Stockholm Syndrome or something keeps them together.
John Cena had some comments for The Rock in Australia. Nice promo.
After the break, I'll look at all the rest of the day's news.
1. It's a little bit more complicated than that. ECW was nowhere near as mainstream or in the public eye then as WWE is at present. All of that presumably slipped under the radar. Not to mention that there weren't nearly as many fans with video cameras and internet connections able to send something like that to mainstream news sources. Heels can still be heels, and can still insult fans and the like, but there are some words and terms that WWE will understandably get flank for.
2-4 I'm not very familiar with, so I'm moving on.
5. I don't think they were actually supposed to be lovers, but anyway... yes, that part of the story seems to be over. I suppose the drugs have been effective enough, and now Stockholm Syndrome or something keeps them together.
John Cena had some comments for The Rock in Australia. Nice promo.
After the break, I'll look at all the rest of the day's news.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Superstars and Impact Wrestling thoughts- 7/7/11
Today on WWE Superstars, Smackdown's Divas face off as Natalya faces Alicia Fox. Then, on Impact Wrestling, Mr. Anderson gets an ultimatum from Immortal. Also, Crimson faces off with Bobby Roode in a Bound For Glory Series match, Velvet Sky goes up against the team of ODB and Jackie, and in a Destination X preview, we get a four-way clash between AJ Styles, Christopher Daniels, Rob Van Dam, and Jerry Lynn. All this and more tonight! Read on for my thoughts on the shows as they happen.
Query on TNA in South Africa, Kaitlyn talks life on the road, Questions on C.M. Punk and Matt Hardy, update on Smackdown stars being robbed, Melina and Morrison at FCW profiled, and Raw's rating
First things first, someone asked why TNA isn't touring South Africa. I'm not 100% sure. It could just be too expensive for them to fly everything and everyone there and back . At present, there are no announced dates for the company in South Africa. BUT if enough fans Tweet @ImpactWrestling or @TNADixie about bringing a show there, and they think it could be a profitable venture for them, they might be able to do it at some point in the future.
Hardbody.com has a blog by WWE's Kaitlyn discussing a recent "day in the life of" a WWE Diva. Why can't we get more stories like this instead of people getting arrested and doing drugs?
PWInsider.com got 4 straight C.M. Punk questions today, so it looks like I'll be going into that some more after the break. The rest of the day's news is also profiled.
Hardbody.com has a blog by WWE's Kaitlyn discussing a recent "day in the life of" a WWE Diva. Why can't we get more stories like this instead of people getting arrested and doing drugs?
PWInsider.com got 4 straight C.M. Punk questions today, so it looks like I'll be going into that some more after the break. The rest of the day's news is also profiled.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Queries on HBK, the Hardys, and WWE buying TNA, new book project, WWE injury updates, Questions about Punk returning to WWE, Morrison cutting promos, depushes after title wins, and WWE going PG against TNA, Impact Wrestling rating, ROH talent talks possible WWE run, Low Ki talks WWE, TNA, and ROH, WWE press in South Africa, Australian ratings, HBK talks Savage, TNA headed to Belgium, plenty of UK ratings, Hall begins jail sentence, Smackdown rating, GLAAD to work with WWE talent following Punk incident, WWE confirms Punk's departure, No Surrender location announced, and a number of WWE talents have luggage stolen
To address a few questions sent in to the blog:
1. I haven't seen anything about Shawn Michaels wrestling since his retirement match or any indication that he will be doing so any time soon.
2. No, the Hardy Boys won't be in WWE 12. They're still under contract to TNA. The game is for active members of the WWE roster only.
3. No, WWE isn't buying TNA, and there are no serious plans for them to do so. As far as I know, TNA isn't even considering putting itself up for sale. Oh, and there isn't going to be a "WWE vs. TNA" game this year either, which is another rumor apparently going around. The two companies don't have any sort of agreement to do anything together.
As for things that are actually happening, there's a new book coming together about stipulation match types that is seeking fan input.
Conor O'Brien, recently eliminated from NXT, is said to be nursing a knee injury. The Great Khali and Kane are also said to be hurting, though the latter doesn't seem to be affected in the ring. That would explain why Khali has been in a background role on Smackdown. I hope all 3 get some time to heal up. O'Brien can take some time off before returning to FCW with a renewed sense of purpose, and they can use Khali and Kane sparingly on TV and give them house shows off if need be (following Kane's announced appearances in South Africa that he's already flown in for). I'm not sure how much of that will actually go down, though. Thankfully Kane doesn't "need" to do much in Money In The Bank as far as take a bunch of bumps or jump off of ladders or anything. It's not really his kind of match.
After the break, I go into PWInsider.com's questions for the day, starting with a pitch for C.M. Punk to return to WWE at January's Royal Rumble.
1. I haven't seen anything about Shawn Michaels wrestling since his retirement match or any indication that he will be doing so any time soon.
2. No, the Hardy Boys won't be in WWE 12. They're still under contract to TNA. The game is for active members of the WWE roster only.
3. No, WWE isn't buying TNA, and there are no serious plans for them to do so. As far as I know, TNA isn't even considering putting itself up for sale. Oh, and there isn't going to be a "WWE vs. TNA" game this year either, which is another rumor apparently going around. The two companies don't have any sort of agreement to do anything together.
As for things that are actually happening, there's a new book coming together about stipulation match types that is seeking fan input.
Conor O'Brien, recently eliminated from NXT, is said to be nursing a knee injury. The Great Khali and Kane are also said to be hurting, though the latter doesn't seem to be affected in the ring. That would explain why Khali has been in a background role on Smackdown. I hope all 3 get some time to heal up. O'Brien can take some time off before returning to FCW with a renewed sense of purpose, and they can use Khali and Kane sparingly on TV and give them house shows off if need be (following Kane's announced appearances in South Africa that he's already flown in for). I'm not sure how much of that will actually go down, though. Thankfully Kane doesn't "need" to do much in Money In The Bank as far as take a bunch of bumps or jump off of ladders or anything. It's not really his kind of match.
After the break, I go into PWInsider.com's questions for the day, starting with a pitch for C.M. Punk to return to WWE at January's Royal Rumble.
NXT thoughts- 7/5/11
And then there were three... again. Derrick Bateman has come back to NXT to compete with Darren Young and Titus O'Neil for a shot at redemption. Will Daniel Bryan be able to coach him onto the next season of the show, or will the more established contestants stay on top of the competition?
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Edge to make appearances for WWE, correction on QWEST Wrestling story, more on Arn in the HoF, Questions on booking heels stronger, wearing title belts around the waist, a new Nation of Domination or Doom, and (of course) Punk's promo, Punk makes controversial remarks to Australian fan, JBL talks winning the WWE Title, his character, and more, and a short Rey interview
Edge will be featured at WWE's Summerslam Axxess signing autographs and the like. I haven't heard much about him lately other than him appearing on some SyFy shows.
In an update to a previous story, QWEST Wrestling is actually NOT backed by Team 3D or their Academy; it's just using talent that graduated from there.
Chris Jericho and William Regal concurred with Randy Orton about Arn Anderson deserving a spot in the Hall of Fame. Pretty sure I've heard Regal use that last line on commentary.
PWInsider.com has new questions up. Nothing to add to #1, so I'm skipping it.
2. I think size does have a good deal to do with it. Here's another way I look at it: John Cena's been a consistent main eventer for years now, with some pretty big clean wins to his name. Miz has just now worked his way up the ranks to main event status. It wouldn't be very believable for someone who had trouble in U.S. Title matches with someone as comparatively low on the totem pole as Daniel Bryan to be able to strongly and consistently beat John Cena. He was "lucky" to cash in MITB when he did. So, while I think he could be booked better, I don't think it'd be believable for him to be pushed as someone as credible as Batista, Taker, or Triple H. At least not yet. It takes time for someone to be bought as at that level.
After the break, I go into the rest of the day's answers and news, starting with why champions don't wear their titles as belts.
In an update to a previous story, QWEST Wrestling is actually NOT backed by Team 3D or their Academy; it's just using talent that graduated from there.
Chris Jericho and William Regal concurred with Randy Orton about Arn Anderson deserving a spot in the Hall of Fame. Pretty sure I've heard Regal use that last line on commentary.
PWInsider.com has new questions up. Nothing to add to #1, so I'm skipping it.
2. I think size does have a good deal to do with it. Here's another way I look at it: John Cena's been a consistent main eventer for years now, with some pretty big clean wins to his name. Miz has just now worked his way up the ranks to main event status. It wouldn't be very believable for someone who had trouble in U.S. Title matches with someone as comparatively low on the totem pole as Daniel Bryan to be able to strongly and consistently beat John Cena. He was "lucky" to cash in MITB when he did. So, while I think he could be booked better, I don't think it'd be believable for him to be pushed as someone as credible as Batista, Taker, or Triple H. At least not yet. It takes time for someone to be bought as at that level.
After the break, I go into the rest of the day's answers and news, starting with why champions don't wear their titles as belts.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Raw thoughts- 7/4/11
Tonight's the 4th of July, and last week's Raw certainly ended with fireworks. After C.M. Punk went off the rails, how will WWE respond? Will Vince McMahon address the situation as has been speculated? One thing's for sure, there will be a new #1 Contender to John Cena's WWE Championship. Alberto Del Rio, Rey Mysterio, and R-Truth will all compete for the right to headline Money In The Bank in Chicago. All that and more tonight. Read on for my thoughts on the show as it happens.
Orton pushing for HoF induction, Questions on Warrior-Hogan, the Hardy stun gun video, Sting the best non-WWE wrestler?, Mark Henry's push, and the Raw GM, WWE trademarks C.M. Punk, Val Venis claims to be blackballed from WWE, Team 3D starts promotion, and Billy Gunn talks WWE
Randy Orton pushed for Arn Anderson to be put in next year's WWE Hall of Fame class on Twitter. Can't argue with that choice.
PWInsider.com has new questions for Sunday to examine:
1. Hogan made comments on Warrior in the interview where discussed Savage, so that might have been what made him decide to get his feelings out there. The bandanna part I think was a shot at Hogan being "in character" most of the time. I mean, wearing a bandanna in court would be pretty unusual for anyone else to do. And he would probably have made it one video if it wasn't for YouTube's time restraints.
2. They apparently thought the whole thing was ok because it was just for fun. Or something. I'm starting to hope their next video is about taking a long break from wrestling and the internet.
After the break, I look at the rest of the day's questions and news, starting with whether Sting is the best wrestler to have never worked in WWE.
PWInsider.com has new questions for Sunday to examine:
1. Hogan made comments on Warrior in the interview where discussed Savage, so that might have been what made him decide to get his feelings out there. The bandanna part I think was a shot at Hogan being "in character" most of the time. I mean, wearing a bandanna in court would be pretty unusual for anyone else to do. And he would probably have made it one video if it wasn't for YouTube's time restraints.
2. They apparently thought the whole thing was ok because it was just for fun. Or something. I'm starting to hope their next video is about taking a long break from wrestling and the internet.
After the break, I look at the rest of the day's questions and news, starting with whether Sting is the best wrestler to have never worked in WWE.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Query on height in WWE, Kaitlyn and Savannah interviews, Questions on Abe Lincoln, Taker at WM28, Sting staying in TNA and Dreamer leaving it, wrestling moves in parking lot brawls, and Eric Young, Traci Brooks interview, more from Mark Henry, Kofi talks bullying, interviews with Miz, Tough Enough's Luke, and ex-referee Jimmy Korderas, and WWE doing big business Down Under
Saturday's news starts with something someone sent into the blog to ask: Can a wrestler who is 5'11" succeed in WWE?
Sure can! Chris Jericho and Kurt Angle were around that height and they did pretty well for themselves. Rey Mysterio's plenty shorter than that and he's a pretty big deal there, too. Getting an extra inch or two from wrestling boots would make this no problem at all. 5'11" with boots might be a bit of a stretch, but if someone that height's good enough (and has what WWE's looking for), I don't see it disqualifying them.
Next is an interview that was actually done late last month, but either didn't get much coverage or I accidentally skipped it. Kaitlyn's official fansite did a Q&A with her. Pretty funny chick.
After the break, I get into the rest of the day's news and PWInsider.com's questions. First up is an interview with Angela "Savannah" Fong, who at one point was one of FCW's top Divas.
Sure can! Chris Jericho and Kurt Angle were around that height and they did pretty well for themselves. Rey Mysterio's plenty shorter than that and he's a pretty big deal there, too. Getting an extra inch or two from wrestling boots would make this no problem at all. 5'11" with boots might be a bit of a stretch, but if someone that height's good enough (and has what WWE's looking for), I don't see it disqualifying them.
Next is an interview that was actually done late last month, but either didn't get much coverage or I accidentally skipped it. Kaitlyn's official fansite did a Q&A with her. Pretty funny chick.
After the break, I get into the rest of the day's news and PWInsider.com's questions. First up is an interview with Angela "Savannah" Fong, who at one point was one of FCW's top Divas.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Former FCW Diva returns, Summerslam poster, Questions on Tessmacher's background, Kelly Kelly as Divas' champion, and Jeff Hardy's future, Celebrity Boxing interrupted by fan referencing Punk promo, Jericho interview, Cena talks Punk, appearances for WWE stars, HHH on HBK's hunting show, X-Pac critiques Punk and Ryder, JR talks Savage, cruiserweights, tag teams and more, WWE evaluating talent, and Flair doesn't appear for the TNA fans in Brooklyn
Christina Crawford, Alicia Fox's sister and contestant on the most recent Tough Enough, has returned to FCW as Caylee Turner. That's got to be weird for the people watching FCW. "Isn't that chick on Tough Enough Caylee Turner? Why does she have a different name now?", then she comes back to FCW under the name she had pre-Tough Enough. They rename characters a good deal, too. To be fair though, they have a pretty small audience and the whole point is to train them for whatever WWE Creative wants of the talent when they get called up, so it's impossible to plan ahead. They had AJ working heel a good deal of time there only for her to portray a completely different character (based on her actual personality) on NXT, for instance. But on the flip side, they gave her experience working as a heel that she wouldn't have gotten otherwise.
WWE has revealed an awesome poster for Summerslam. Obviously they're high on Sin Cara. Hopefully it doesn't get changed like the last two did. We went from Orton pounding the mat and Morrison going for Moonlight Drive off a ladder to caricatures of Obama, Mysterio, and Cena, and Big Show looking for treasure with Hornswoggle. Ugh.
On to PWInsider.com's questions:
1. I don't remember ever seeing three questions on the same wrestler three days in a row. Though this is mostly noticeable because of the wrestler in question. She actually started out on WWE's ECW brand some years ago. She trained in WWE's developmental system for a while (DSW, OVW, AND FCW apparently), but I'm not sure who's teaching her now that she's in TNA. She's definitely improved since I first saw her.
2. It wasn't really a surprise to me. Kelly's pretty popular. She actually has improved over the years, though she obviously isn't Trish Stratus in the ring. Honestly, she'll get a pretty good reaction pretty much no matter how well she wrestles, but I think she'll continue to get better as she has more and more matches.
There's been plenty said here about Punk's promo, and there's nothing to add to #4, so after the break I look at what a sober Jeff Hardy would mean for wrestling.
WWE has revealed an awesome poster for Summerslam. Obviously they're high on Sin Cara. Hopefully it doesn't get changed like the last two did. We went from Orton pounding the mat and Morrison going for Moonlight Drive off a ladder to caricatures of Obama, Mysterio, and Cena, and Big Show looking for treasure with Hornswoggle. Ugh.
On to PWInsider.com's questions:
1. I don't remember ever seeing three questions on the same wrestler three days in a row. Though this is mostly noticeable because of the wrestler in question. She actually started out on WWE's ECW brand some years ago. She trained in WWE's developmental system for a while (DSW, OVW, AND FCW apparently), but I'm not sure who's teaching her now that she's in TNA. She's definitely improved since I first saw her.
2. It wasn't really a surprise to me. Kelly's pretty popular. She actually has improved over the years, though she obviously isn't Trish Stratus in the ring. Honestly, she'll get a pretty good reaction pretty much no matter how well she wrestles, but I think she'll continue to get better as she has more and more matches.
There's been plenty said here about Punk's promo, and there's nothing to add to #4, so after the break I look at what a sober Jeff Hardy would mean for wrestling.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Smackdown thoughts- 7/1/11
We're now halfway through 2011. Tonight's Smackdown if the first episode of the month of July. And it's a big one, as World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton faces off with the World's Strongest Man Mark Henry. Both men have been on a roll as of late; who will come out on top tonight? Plus, find out who's going to compete in the brand's Money In The Bank match as we continue to approach the titular PPV. All this and more on Smackdown tonight. Read on for my thoughts on the show as it happens.
Orton apologizes to Kelly, recap of Bloomberg's look at WWE, Questions on Jim Cornette's book, Sin Cara's lights, Miss Tessmacher, Punk's promo, and new WWE titles/an end to the brand split, Cabana talks Punk, Morgan to be on MTV series, HBK discusses new show, WWE talks to Corporal Kirchner, catching up with Zach Gowen, Christian promo, Savage cause of death revealed, and DLC for WWE All-Stars
Randy Orton took to Twitter to apologize for his comments about Kelly Kelly on a recent radio show, which were recapped yesterday. That whole interview was boneheaded.
A number of WWE executives were interviewed on a recent show on Bloomberg TV. Some thoughts on it: It looks like previous seasons of Tough Enough are being deliberately ignored similar to Undertaker and Triple H's previous WrestleMania match was during the build to this year's event. Using that "Skull King" character outside of the main product would be interesting. It's a pretty cool look. Triple H seems like a pretty smart guy based on his comments there. I was also a bit surprised with some of Vince's comments about being easy to work with and approachable. I'm sure there are plenty of people who would disagree. The TV Network could very well be a gamechanger for them. There's no indication that Vince is retiring any time soon, which shouldn't come as a shock. They were pretty dodgy on the Benoit question, which is unfortunate. I was hoping they'd talk up the Wellness Policy and concussion testing and the like.
Update: Here's video of Triple H and Stephanie McMahon (-Levesque)'s appearance on the show.
On to my take on PWInsider.com's questions:
1. I really hope whoever sent this one has since discovered Google. Seriously, I typed in "Jim Cornette book" and it took me right where I needed to go.
2. It's supposed to add to his mystique I suppose. I agree that they should back off of it at some point. It looks a bit ridiculous.
After the break, I look at criticisms of a certain nickname for Miss Tessmacher, and the rest of the day's questions and news.
A number of WWE executives were interviewed on a recent show on Bloomberg TV. Some thoughts on it: It looks like previous seasons of Tough Enough are being deliberately ignored similar to Undertaker and Triple H's previous WrestleMania match was during the build to this year's event. Using that "Skull King" character outside of the main product would be interesting. It's a pretty cool look. Triple H seems like a pretty smart guy based on his comments there. I was also a bit surprised with some of Vince's comments about being easy to work with and approachable. I'm sure there are plenty of people who would disagree. The TV Network could very well be a gamechanger for them. There's no indication that Vince is retiring any time soon, which shouldn't come as a shock. They were pretty dodgy on the Benoit question, which is unfortunate. I was hoping they'd talk up the Wellness Policy and concussion testing and the like.
Update: Here's video of Triple H and Stephanie McMahon (-Levesque)'s appearance on the show.
On to my take on PWInsider.com's questions:
1. I really hope whoever sent this one has since discovered Google. Seriously, I typed in "Jim Cornette book" and it took me right where I needed to go.
2. It's supposed to add to his mystique I suppose. I agree that they should back off of it at some point. It looks a bit ridiculous.
After the break, I look at criticisms of a certain nickname for Miss Tessmacher, and the rest of the day's questions and news.
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