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Sunday, March 31, 2013

SMS Reax - 3/30/13, Flair update, Interviews with Masters/Kane/Richards, Hogan puts over TNA Creative, and taking Twitter seriously

Saturday Morning Slam:
Very silly opening match. Sometimes this show has good wrestling and sometimes it's pure comedy for the kiddies. I don't see how they can build a solid product on comedy when the whole point of wrestling is people trying to defeat each other.

It made sense for Foley to do a rematch. I hope having him around helps ratings and viewer interest.

Not a terrible match, but not something I want to see but so often. It looks like Tons of Funk are moving up the tag team ranks (for now). If it's any consolation, SMS is pretty much the "keep the little Jimmies happy" show, so babyfaces almost always prevail. I wouldn't read too much into it (yet).

There was a time where Antonio Cesaro could put up a fight against Sheamus, Orton, and Ryback. Now he's jobbing to people he's beaten clean in the past and yodeling. Great job, WWE.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Variety profiles Mania, Interviews with Sandow/Rock/Hall/Trish/Heyman/Duggan, Injured star returns, Flair's son passes, Waltman update, new WWE exec, Impact viewership, and Questions on Aces and Eights, Kaitlyn vs. AJ, Orton as a worker, Fandango opponents, and Knockouts

Variety profiled WWE's celebrity presence for WrestleMania. Always good that WWE gets mainstream press in a positive way.

Damien Sandow was interviewed ahead of Mania. He put over the product pretty well. Great character.

Evan Bourne returned to the ring at a recent NXT show, facing the former El Generico. I bet that was a good match.

The Rock talked wrestling on Jimmy Kimmel Live. I'm glad.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Superstars and Smackdown Reax - 3/29/13

Read on for my thoughts on yesterday's Superstars and Smackdown.

Friday, March 29, 2013

Interviews with Masters/Kofi/Waltman/Bryan Clark/Nash/ex-WWE writer/Rock, part-timers scheduled for England, Mexican legends at Mania?, musician at Mania, more WWE charity, another TNA star on WWE.com, HoF inductor confirmed, a TNA sellout, and Questions on saving WCW, Vince's ADD, Murphy, Sammartino, and Molly Holly

Chris Masters was interviewed. I'd like to see him in either WWE or TNA, but those two Wellness strikes really work against him. It's a damn shame. He's 30 and should have a long career ahead of him, but WWE can't take that chance.

Kofi Kingston also talked. I can't think of any time where I've heard that he was supposed to be a heel. I've always wondered what S.O.S. stood for. And the Jamaican gimmick was crazy.

Sean Waltman talked about his recent injury, which sounds like an angle Vince McMahon would come up with. There's still time to "rip it off".

The Undertaker is advertised for the 4/23 Smackdown taping in London. Chris Jericho is advertised for the 4/22 Raw in the same town. It will be interesting to see how they're used. Jericho has a tour with Fozzy in Europe at that time, so his WWE future's kind of up in the air. These could be non-televised appearances, which would be a bit disappointing.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Impact Wrestling Reax - 3/28/13

Read on for my thoughts on last night's Impact Wrestling.

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Main Event Reax - 3/27/13, Flair press release, appear on Raw, WWE seeking new writer, another WWE sellout, Interviews with Show/Ryback/Rock/Punk/Heyman, new Mania match, former X-Division Champion signs new deal, more WWE charity, Generico update, and Questions on TNA PPVs, TNA guys leaving for WWE, and HHH vs. Brock

Main Event:
Pretty weird stuff from Cesaro. Did he piss someone off? He could easily have attacked Hershey's chocolate for obesity.

Cesaro had a pretty good showing against Kane, all things considered. Normally I think I might have had Cesaro get the upset BUT since he's not on the Mania card and Kane is, I see why they did what they did.

Not a bad Sheamus promo, given some of his other work.

I still feel bad for Tensai for being stuck in this gimmick. Sheesh.

Not a bad Divas' match. I think Kaitlyn, Natalya, Tamina, Layla, or AJ could have done better, but that was fine for what it was.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Flair update, Waltman update, Cena gets press, Orton wants to be heel?, Interviews with Dixie/Rock, Foley's inductor, Former ECW Champion back in TNA?, new Mania title match, Raw audience, and Questions on Cesaro, Hogan at the top, Punk vs. Taker, and questioners

Ric Flair has returned home and is expected to follow up with a doctor following his blood clot scare. I continue to hope for the best for the legend.

TMZ.com has posted video of Sean Waltman's accident from the weekend. OUCH.

The CBS affiliate in Philadelphia covered John Cena's "Donovan McNabb" comments. That was a pretty good promo from him.

Randy Orton fueled speculation that he wants to be a heel on Twitter. It seemed like we were in for Sheamus vs. Orton at one point. I think I'd keep him a face for now. There needs to be a good story and plan in place for a character to change alignment.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Interview with Graham, Waltman hurt, big WWE charity, Lynn update, scrapped Divas match for Mania, likely HoF inductors, WWE doing well, Batista back with WWE (briefly), future NXT guests, another Lesnar PPV, Heyman update, Eve makes special appearance, WWE returning to Mexico, WWE injury updates, Flair pulled from Raw, Miz at KCA, Hardy engaged, Raw visitors, and Questions on Mania, Shelton Benjamin, WWE bashing itself, and Kofi

Billy Graham had a rather lengthy interview. He's never one to shy away on his opinions. I'm curious about the reality of the Sammartino story.

Sean Waltman tore some muscles in his rear end when doing a Bronco Buster at the Jerry Lynn retirement show.

That hurts just to think about.

WWE is working with a number of celebrities to raise money for Hurricane Sandy relief. Thumbs up for them doing so.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Raw Reax - 3/25/13

Read on for my thoughts on last night's Raw.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Rock gets award, new WWE personnel, WWE's SVP of Talent Relations profiled, Henry hurt?, Dallas update, Interview with Hogan, Foley profiled, Bryan goes international, another ECW Original retiring, and Questions on worst Manias ever, Taker vs. Brock, Taker retiring, and Once In A Lifetime

The Rock won "Best Male Buttkicker" at the Kids' Choice Awards due to his role in "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island".

WWE has hired a new strength and conditioning coach for NXT. Good to know.

WWE Senior VP of Talent Relations Jane Geddes (who works under Triple H) was profiled. WWE is only mentioned briefly. I hope she's doing a good job for them, because it kind of seems like an odd transition from golf to WWE.

There's speculation that Mark Henry is injured following a recent live event match. The referee threw up the "X" and Henry limped to the back. That's concerning. I hope he's good to go by Mania and I bet WWE hopes so, too.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Saturday Morning Slam Reax - 3/23/13, Bearer cause of death revealed, WWE release, Interviews with Rock/DiBiase Sr., new WWE trademarks, and Questions on Jim Mitchell, Punk vs. Taker, and expanding coverage

Saturday Morning Slam:
 >booking Khali vs. Primo and Epico.
Gee, that was a barn-burner. I hope Khali fans are happy that he got a win. I'm starting to feel bad for Primo and Epico. I've never really seen them as a top tag team, but they're really getting the shaft lately.

I guess that was ok with Miz and Sandow backstage. It did set up the match.

Still loving Sandow's promos.

Not a bad match at all between Miz and Sandow. I'm not crazy about Sandow tapping, but he got in a good amount of offense beforehand.

It was completely silly, but I'm glad that the backstage segment set up a match for next week. More shows should set things up for the next week before signing off.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Rock note, top guys getting time off, top TNA star hurt, possible reason why Bully apologized again, Interviews with Velvet/Kaitlyn/Kofi/Masters, Mysterio update, Mania price increase, Impact viewership, and Questions on awesome TV matches, Kaufman, missing matches, and Billy Kidman

Good news: The Rock was on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Bad news: there was absolutely zero indication that he's at WrestleMania, much less the reigning WWE Champion who's headlining the show. John Cena should jump all over that.

C.M. Punk is not advertised for either the Extreme Rules PPV or any live events in May. He's definitely earned a break, but WWE doesn't really have a lot of "over" talent to spare. There's also a weekend in May (24-26) where Cena and Orton are off. Again, they deserve time off but that really hurts WWE's drawing power. You think Rock, HHH, Lesnar, or Taker will fill in?


Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Smackdown Reax - 3/22/13

Read on for my thoughts on last night's Smackdown.

Friday, March 22, 2013

Uso correction, Interviews with Roxxi/Kane/Aries/Mickie/Dynamite Kid, Hall of Fame update, WWE acknowledges another TNA star, Stone Cold update, changes in WWE Creative, official Facebook for ECW star, new X-Division rules, and Questions on Orton, buying WCW, WWE's naming, Bash at the Beach, and the IOC

Jimmy Uso's lawyer is seeking to correct reports of a second DUI arrest, sending out this statement. I know it says "OVW TV taping live report", but it's the lawyer's statement. I'm glad to hear that it wasn't a second arrest and apologize for the mistake.

The former Roxxi Laveaux spoke about TNA and more. Sounds rough to work there (unless of course you have some name value under your belt, in which case you'll be treated like royalty). Taylor Wilde worked at Sunglass Hut while she was Knockouts Champion. She quit once she was recognized at her day job. I hope things are better for some of the people there currently.

There may or may not be (an)other name(s) put in the WWE Hall of Fame this year. As previously discussed, Ivan Koloff and Kamala are possibilities. The company is holding out on inducting DX as a unit as initially planned because they already have headliners in Foley and Sammartino.

Kurt Angle has been added to the WWE.com alumni section. You can't talk about WWE alumni without talking about him, even if he does work for TNA now.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Superstars and Impact Wrestling Reax - 3/21/13

Read on for my thoughts on yesterday's Superstars and Impact Wrestling.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Main Event Reax - 3/20/13, WWE CFO makes interesting remarks, heads up to Impact viewers who use DISH, Masters a hero, Interview with Demoliton, and Questions on a new Abyss, WWE's priorities, Divas, Cena vs. Rock, and Taker in the Hall

Main Event:
Nice match between Barrett and Truth. Truth's experience is invaluable.

Nice post-match promo/confrontation. I'm sure this will be ignored by the people who say that the secondary titles "don't mean anything".

Sheamus' promo was pretty good until the "sheep out of my arse" line. Sheamus is starting to make me think of Shane McMahon saying The Rock was anally fixated. It just seems inconsistent with the rest of the promo and the angle that The Shield are a serious threat.

Certainly not an amazing promo by Alicia but at least a Diva got mic time and they set up a match instead of just throwing it out there.

Nice little Divas' match, though if we're headed towards Kaitlyn vs. Layla it might have made more sense to have Layla get the deciding fall.

This is the 14th time that The Usos and PTP have fought on TV (including NXT and Superstars). That's not even including singles matches or multiple-man matches including more than those two teams (6-man tag, battle royal, etc.). Yes, they can put on a good match, but I think it's really time to give the feud a break. Anyway, everyone looked good here (as they generally do). Titus didn't look limited or out of place at all. This felt like they were just looking for a match to fill time, because I doubt either team's doing anything storyline wise until after Mania (if then).

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Footage of new WWE signee, what happened after Raw, fallout from Bully Ray's slurs, Interviews with Angle/Sheamus+Ryback, Punk update, X-Pac opening dojo, big stars at NXT, Raw audience, and Questions on Vince vs. Dana White, restructuring WWE, joke questions, and TNA's angles

Here's footage of new WWE signee Matt Silva setting up his final appearance at MCW. Thanks to @JasonCMarone for passing that on.

After Raw, John Cena, Sheamus, and Ryback defeated The Shield via DQ when a steel chair was used. That's one of the few times where I've read anything other than "the faces won (or hit their finishers) to send the fans home happy". It's nice that they're protecting the heels for once.

Booker T. recently stated that he doesn't consider himself retired. I wouldn't be shocked to see him back in the ring before it's all said and done. WWE has a thing for using older stars for pops.

Dixie Carter and Bully Ray made good of their promises to apologize on Twitter. I don't know if the world could handle ECW or the Attitude Era in 2013. Too many people would get their jimmies rustled and complain.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Punk update, WWE sells out, Interviews with Lynn/DDP/Miz/Otunga, Francine rumorbuster, injured WWE star returning, Bully Ray gets serious heat for anti-gay slurs, and Questions on Scott Hall, TNA on the road, Henry, WWE cutting PPVs, and heels

C.M. Punk was not at this past weekend's live events. Now is the time for WWE to panic. Of the 6 top acts at Mania, 4 are part-timers and 1 could be hurt. You don't need to be a Scott Steiner-level genius at math to know that that's a problem.

WWE's weekend live events sold out, which hasn't happened in years. That's something of a pleasant surprise. Hopefully those people were ok with no Brock, HHH, Taker, or Rock. For the record, I'm not bashing any of those guys for working part-time schedules. I'm sure more would take their schedule if they could get away with it. HHH has important off-screen duties. Taker's banged up. Rock does movies. Brock should probably be saved and used as a big deal sporadically at any rate.

Jerry Lynn discussed his upcoming retirement. He also talked alongside some opponents he had recently. He has wrestled for 24 years. A lot of current fans weren't even alive when he had his first match (myself included)! I hope some of today's stars have the kind of career he's had. I cracked up about the Ruby Tuesday rib.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Raw Reax - 3/18/13

Read on for my thoughts on last night's Raw.

Monday, March 18, 2013

New WWE signing, special guests work TNA, Knockout pregnant, and Questions on ratings, catchphrases, Hogan vs. Bully Ray, WWE's secondary shows, and Mania

WWE has signed Australia's Matt Silva to an NXT deal. Haitch's reach is worldwide, apparently. I can't find much info on him, though his home promotion of MCW has some info and pictures. As always, I hope he makes the company a lot of money.

Jillian Hall, Jackie Moore (Jacqueline), and Alissa Flash (Cheerleader Melissa/Raisha Saeed) all worked TNA's Knockouts PPV. I'd like to see Alissa full-time in either major promotion. She clearly has the veteran instincts needed to be a force in either division.

Madison Rayne is pregnant, so don't expect her in the ring anytime soon. Not that they were using her all that much anyway. For some reason some fans are really high on her work.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Sunday, March 17, 2013

SMS Reax - 3/16/13, Dana White vs. Vince?, developmental prospects working live events, Interview with Atlas, and Questions on Ivelisse, Sting vs. Taker, sweetening, and Mr. T in the Hall

Saturday Morning Slam:
WWE going back to the well once more with Foley in an authority figure role. I dug that 13 years ago, but it's seriously time for something new. 1999 didn't work by copying things from 1986. It focused on the current stars and fresh angles. This is like "Friday the 13th". We've had "The Final Chapter" and "The Final Friday" but movies keep coming out. How many times are they going to milk this tired cow? I like that it set up Bryan vs. Ziggler, which is how a retired guy who can't get back in the ring should be used, but how many times has Foley "come back" since his 2000 retirement (including TNA)?

Bryan vs. Ziggler was a solid match, but of course it didn't do anything for Ziggler's momentum. Do they want to headline PPVs with this guy as World Champion or not?

I think WWE's trying to kill me with the comedy segments and focus on older stars. If I wanted wrestling comedy, I'd watch CHIKARA.

SQUASH. Basically a filler match. That accomplished nothing. I guess at least they got TV time. Primo and Epico haven't won a main roster match (outside of Puerto Rico) since August. They might as well team with JTG and Otunga as the new J.O.B. Squad.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Saturday, March 16, 2013

A critical look at WWE's positioning, TNA attendance notes, favorite Mania moments, WWE charity, Interviews with Sting/Hall/DiBiase, Sr., the "rules" of wrestling, Lesnar gets mainstream press, why Bully Ray is an effective heel, Updates on Mania's top stars and Jesse Sorensen, and Questions on WWE's inability to push new stars, Abyss, Kaitlyn vs. AJ, and Molly Holly

PWInsider.com has a very good critical look at WWE's reliance on part-time stars. It took years for them to get themselves into this mess, and I think it's going to take a pretty good time for them to get out of it. How are they going to build the next Undertaker, Rock, Lesnar, HHH, etc. if they keep focusing on the stars of yesteryear?

TNA was said to be very happy with their Chicago Impact taping. Ticket sales for upcoming tapings have been good so far, which is something of a (pleasant) surprise.

There's talk of holding Bound For Glory in Chicago. Wherever will get them the best gate, etc. is where they should go.

The Baltimore Sun's Arda Ocal interviewed a number of WWE personalities about WrestleMania moments. Good read and good memories. I cracked up at Grisham's answer. As for Shawn Michaels putting over Kurt Angle, how refreshing is it that the already-established guy put over the up-and-comer? That's not as common in 2013. The Iron Sheik was as colorful as always.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Superstars and Smackdown Reax - 3/15/13

Read on for my thoughts on yesterday's Superstars and Smackdown.

Friday, March 15, 2013

Interviews with Otunga/Clay/Hogan/Miz/Dixie/Angle, Knockouts who won't return to TNA, story on OVW, former TNA Champion gone from company?, Goldust/WWE update, part-time star at NXT, change in X-Division, TNA helping out new promotion, speculation of returning Diva, Impact attendance estimate, and Questions on the Invasion, Ivelisse, Michael Cole, and TNA in NYC

David Otunga talked about his film role. I've seen his name so many times at this point that I'm starting to get "X-Pac heat" towards him. There are so many more interesting people in the wrestling world.

Brodus Clay was interviewed ahead of a live event. I liked his statements about reading and staying in school.

Hulk Hogan gave an interview. Is anyone shocked that he wants another title match? As for Vince being a lot older than him, there's only about 8 years age difference between them. And I definitely don't think it's just him who gets criticized for having family members on TV who probably wouldn't be on TV without their last name. There's a long history of wrestlers/performers who have been criticized for being on TV because they had family members in high-standing (David Flair, Garett Bischoff, Deuce, Manu, Shawn Stasiak, Erik Watts, etc.).

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Impact Wrestling thoughts - 3/14/13

Read on for my thoughts on last night's Impact Wrestling.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Special Query: WWE vs. TNA

@evanjpitt on Twitter asked what I would do if I was doing a WWE vs. TNA card. I'll do two versions: what I think would draw the best and what I would want to see as a fan.

Main Event Reax - 3/13/13, Smackdown dark match, TNA execs gone, Goldberg rumorkiller, Interviews with JB/Park/Tara/Daniels/Dinero/Ryder, Lethal seminar, Backlund at WWE HQ, and Questions on Punk vs. Taker, legends, Bearer, and epic matches

Main Event:
WWE continues the silliness with their faces. Again, what if Batman no-sold Bane or The Joker instead of getting serious about beating them? Swagger has put together some serious momentum, making people tap out. Del Rio should be taking him seriously. Not to mention Big Show.

A little surprised to see Big Show get the win. I do like that they continued Del Rio vs. Swagger, though.

Not a bad tag match, but I don't see either team gaining much traction any time soon. Everyone in the match is talented, but not enough to warrant a big push.

They're crazy for putting Henry vs. Ryback on Smackdown unless it leads to something bigger at Mania.

Barrett vs. Gabriel was pretty nice. They work together well. I think they could have a nice little feud if Gabriel was given the chance to grow as a performer. Gabriel's mic skills could be an issue, though.

I liked the post-match.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

New Mania match official, Raw notes, NYT covers Bearer, Interviews with Kofi/Otunga/DDP/Barrett, Raw audience, HHH on next Raw, WWE Payback logo, and Questions on beards, WWE booking, using Bearer's death, and calling it in the ring

The Shield vs. Randy Orton, Sheamus, and Big Show has been made official for WrestleMania. I'm very curious to see how they book that one. They could either really build The Shield as serious threats or turn them into fodder for three already-established main eventers.

After Raw, The Undertaker and Kane paid tribute to Paul Bearer. The dark match for the show saw John Cena and Ryback defeat The Shield via DQ due to interference. Cena and Ryback hit big moves on the heels to send the crowd home happy, because heaven forbid the heels ever stand tall. WWE has a real problem with its heels looking credible (outside of a select few, like Brock Lesnar or Mark Henry). It's very curious that they didn't have Cena on TV since he's headlining Mania in a few weeks.

There's speculation that C.M. Punk was working Raw hurt. WWE needs him strong facing Taker. They're shooting themselves in the foot with their booking of so many talents that it could be disastrous if he's out for an extended period of time. Out of the 6 top names working Mania, he and Cena are the only full-timers.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Long-time rivals together, Hardy rumorkiller, Interviews with Jericho/Dutt/Miz, Rock update, TNA cancels live event, special guests at Raw, a Hogan does something stupid, an editorial on chants, Smackdown audience, Slammiversary location, why Rock wasn't at Raw, Bellas back, and Questions on Lesnar, Ivelisse, One Night Only, running an indie show, and Ryback

Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels will be holding a joint Q&A session over WrestleMania weekend. Details here. More from the "hell freezing over" news pile. If you would have told that to someone in '97, you would have been laughed out of the building.

Jeff Hardy was believed to have suffered a concussion at Lockdown, but later it was confirmed that he was fine and should be fine for the upcoming Impact tapings.

Chris Jericho talked about a number of topics. Insightful as always. Any look back at the lunacy of WCW is worth a read.

Unsurprisingly, some members of the WWE roster are grumbling about not having a place on the WrestleMania card in spite of someone like The Rock working a part-time schedule and getting to headline two years in a row. Honestly, some people are just going to be bitter. I hope they're upset with HHH, Taker, and Lesnar too, since they get part-time status as well. As long as these part-time guys continue to be draws, I think WWE's going to keep using them.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Raw Reax - 3/11/13

Read on for my thoughts on last night's Raw.

Monday, March 11, 2013

Dallas update, Punk honored, NXT star works live event, Lockdown breaks record, Roode updates, a look at WWE's Wellness Policy, more from Dixie, and Questions on hating TNA, Gut Check, WWE's booking of heels, a Ryder pipebomb, and booking Ziggler

Bo Dallas worked this weekend's live events, losing against Wade Barrett. I'd be interested to know what Management thinks of Dallas at this point.

C.M. Punk was honored by the New York Daily News for visiting the fan who was shot in the eye.

NXT's Bray Wyatt once more worked live events this weekend, defeating JTG. It'll be interesting to see what they do with him if/when he makes it to the main roster given that he usually works with a pack in NXT. Maybe Primo and Epico become the new Wyatt Family or something.

TNA Lockdown is said to legitimately be the most-attended show that the company has ever done in the US. Impressive!

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

TNA Lockdown Reax

Read on for my thoughts on last night's Lockdown.

Sunday, March 10, 2013

TNA Lockdown preview

Read on for how I'd book tonight's Lockdown event.

Saturday Morning Slam Reax - 3/9/13, Interview with Daniels/Miz, new WWE signings, likely new Mania match, and Questions on not having Divas on Raw, WWE's music packages, and the VP of Aces and Eights

Saturday Morning Slam:
I liked the opening segment to set up AJ vs. Natalya. I wish they had more stuff like that on some of the other shows so it's not just "oh, hey, here's a match." If someone hadn't seen WWE/SMS recently (or ever), they were brought right into the storyline. Smart.

AJ vs. Natalya was rather impressive. Both Divas have "it" inside and outside of the ring. I hope WWE realizes that.

Nice post-match.

I wasn't crazy about them showing the package on previous GMs, since it sets high expectations for who will run the show that they might not be able to deliver on.

I really liked the Bryan/Barrett segment.

Bryan vs. Barrett was pretty good. They match up well.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Rock absent on Road to Mania, Interviews with Flair/Otunga/Dixie/Goldust/Bully Ray/Kazarian/Leavine, new Lockdown matches, Impact audience, what happened after Impact, Hall update, and Questions on PWInsider vs. TNA, Fandango, and One Night Only PPVs

The Rock is not scheduled to be back on Raw until 13 days before WrestleMania. Thankfully, WWE has HHH, Taker, and Lesnar to kind of fill the gap. That said, he's a big piece of the puzzle and it would be great to have him.

Ric Flair talked about his 1995 trip to North Korea, which hopefully dissuades anyone from visiting there.

TNA posted a video thanking their Orlando fans.

David Otunga appeared on the Adam Carolla podcast. That's good. If he wasn't doing things like that, his value with WWE would be even lower.

At Lockdown, Kenny King will defend the X-Division Championship in a Triple Threat against Zema Ion and Christian York. Where the heck is RVD!?

Also at the show, Joseph Park will face Joey Ryan. Another match I don't see changing buyrates or interest by much. I hope they make the most of their PPV opportunity since it's in front of such a big crowd.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Smackdown Reax - 3/8/13

Read on for my thoughts on last night's Smackdown.

Friday, March 8, 2013

More Bearer news, Dixie talks Alamodome, Interviews with Velvet/Bagwell/Miz/Daniels/Flair, Waltman under WWE contract, SVP of Creative out, fun with Fandango, Styles update, Otunga gets WWE press, Generico debuts in an NXT ring, and Questions on DDP Yoga, Samoa Joe, and wrestlers writing books

This article has a timeline of Paul Bearer's weekend.

Michael P.S. Hayes talked to WWE.com about his experiences with Bearer. How funny is it that they're showing a video featuring the head of TNA Creative (the former Brother Love)?

Dr. Tom Prichard remembered Bearer. Another tribute that really tugs the heart-strings. Bearer was really loved.

Video has been posted of Bearer's final managerial appearance. I wonder what WWE thinks of them using Undertaker's music.

Dixie Carter talked about the decision to run the Alamodome.  They only have so many options of where to hold the event in San Antonio.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Superstars and Impact Wrestling Reax - 3/7/13

Read on for my thoughts on last night's Superstars and Impact Wrestling.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Main Event Reax - 3/6/13, Bearer news, new developmental facility, Tatsu seeking to improve promos, big attendance at Lockdown?, Interviews with RVD/Bruno+HHH/Roberts, WWE seeks new members of Creative, and Questions on using older stars, DiBiase/PTP, Taker vs. Punk, Bully Ray, and Punk vs. Cena

Main Event:
I'm glad WWE started the show with a graphic dedicated to Bearer. I have the sneaking suspicion that Punk will try to get heat by mentioning his passing, which would get tons of heat from the IWC.

I wasn't crazy about Barrett's promo. It's really weird that this bare-knuckle fighter who knocks people out cares about red carpets and Holywood. I get what they're doing, it just seems kind of inconsistent with his character.

Orton vs. Barrett was pretty good. I would normally complain that the wrestler with 2 Wellness strikes going over the up-and-coming performer who's in a WWE movie, but I can see that they'd want Orton looking strong going into Mania.

I liked Rhodes vs. Ryder. Ryder got some good shots in, but it's good that Rhodes prevailed.

Nice quick match between Sin Cara and Cesaro, which is hopefully a set-up for something larger. If they got enough time, I think they could put on a very memorable match.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

What happened after Raw, Interviews with Miz/Roberts/SoCal Val/Robbie E/Graham, more NAO, A's player loves WWE, Gut Checker profiled, Raw audience, Mysterio update, Paul Bearer passes away, and Questions on grammar, Swagger, Molly Holly, and Joe-WWE

Big Show came to the ring after Raw (once Punk and Taker had left). The Shield attacked him. Then Cena, Sheamus, and Ryback defeated The Shield to send the fans home happy. I'm not crazy about the idea that the faces always stand tall at the end of a taping/live event, etc.. I think the goal should be to get them to tune in in future weeks to see the heels get their comeuppance.

The Miz was interviewed three times to promote "The Marine: Homefront". Interview 1 Interview 2 Interview 3 I think he handled himself pretty well. Hard worker who loves the company.

The New Age Outlaws will return next week on Raw to face Team Rhodes Scholars. Cool. I'm ok with them beating Primo and Epico if it means Rhodes and Sandow get elevated. It would be a shame for them to lose to two nostalgia acts. The NAO are one of my favorite teams of all time, and I enjoy seeing them, but I'd like to see the torch passed.

Oakland Athletics player Josh Reddick talked about wrestling. Very cool that he's into it.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Punk meets shooting victim, Lawler update, Bischoff a good guy (?), Interviews with Hart/Jarrett/Ryder/Ziggler, Sammartino DVD, new WWE PPV, new perk for WWE house shows, Mysterio possibly injured, ex-Knockout to WWE?, Sid in hospital, Leavine update, Smackdown audience, and Questions on Ryder, Ziggler, ring announcers, TNA execs at Mania, and Mania in Canada

C.M. Punk met the man who had been shot when his store was robbed but was more upset with Punk losing to The Rock at the Royal Rumble. Really touching story. Punk's not really known as a nice guy, but things like this really make you think he's got a heart after all.

Jerry Lawler's personal doctor has given him the ok to return to the ring, but WWE has yet to give their blessing. It's really amazing that he's been so nonchalant about his heart attack since we nearly lost him! As for when he gets back in the ring, I can definitely see the demand for it since it would be a pretty good "feel good moment". I think it will happen at some point. I just pray that it goes well!

Eric Bischoff is willing to subject himself to 20-minute interviews with anyone who raises $25 or more to help a badly injured friend. More details here. Bischoff can be reached on Twitter @EBischoff. Say what you will about his business philosophies; that's really cool of him.

Bret Hart talked about Hogan and Bischoff in TNA. Unlike his Triple H comments, I can see some of his beef here. It's a little too negative to take as a serious critique, but he's on the right track with some of his remarks. I'd be very curious to see how Styles would do in WWE.

Update: Hogan took to Twitter to respond, basically calling Bret old and bitter. I personally find it kind of funny that these two are still trading jabs at their age.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Raw Reax - 3/4/13

Read on for my thoughts on last night's Raw.

Monday, March 4, 2013

More NXT stars on live events, Interview with Ryder, another Legend for Raw, and Questions on "great minds", Lilian Gracia, Angle, appearing on other companies' TV, and the Spanish announce table

Top NXT Diva prospect Paige won against AJ on this weekend's Smackdown live events. I bet those two could put together a pretty good match. Both could be assets to the division as it is now.

Bo Dallas and Big E Langston also competed. Both are officially a part of the main roster now. I hope they're ready to contribute when they become more regular parts of the in-ring action on TV.

Zack Ryder talked, primarily about Saturday Morning Slam. Nothing too monumental. I like that he's motivated to succeed.

The "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase has been confirmed for tonight's Raw. Yes, his son is still employed. Yes, as a wrestler. They just don't use him. Honestly I can't think of a big role for him at any rate. Maybe teaming with another hungry up-and-comer like A-Ry or McGillicutty? Perfectly Priceless would be an interesting duo. Just throwing it out there.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Saturday Morning Slam Reax - 3/2/13, NXT star works live event, Interview with Angle, names confirmed for Old School Raw, and Questions on commentary on DVDs and Low Ki

Saturday Morning Slam:
Good opening promo-off between Sandow and Ryder. I'm a fan of character development in general. That established that both people want to be GM, making that position seem important.

Pretty good opening match. Obviously not very long but it had its good moments. Ryder's protected in the loss, but Sandow gains some momentum. Smart.

I liked the segment where a lot of people wanted to be GM. Again, it makes the spot seem important. I just don't like Daniel Bryan referring to himself as the Dazzler when he could really get places as a serious character. The last thing they should be doing is putting him in some kind of comedy position.

Cesaro vs. Gabriel was really impressive. Even though Gabriel lost, he put in a lot of effort and did some impressive things. That's work ethic. To me, he's showing that he wants a better spot on the show. I can think of a few others on the roster who I'd like to see that level of effort from.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Query on NXT's TV status, British Boot Camp update, WM29 poster, Impact audience, guest NXT trainer, NXT name change, and Questions on the WWE Network, Punk, main events, and Ziggler

First up, a query:
1. There's no official update on NXT making it back onto TV in the U.S., though from what I understand WWE hopes to change that. It could end up that it gets saved for the WWE Network. I hope more people get to see it soon because it's getting some good reviews.

This news kind of slipped under the radar apparently, but the Blossom Twins have been signed to TNA developmental deals. I hope they have bright futures.

Here's the official poster for WrestleMania 29. I can see people complaining that C.M. Punk's not on it, but to me it makes sense to focus on the rematch of one of the top-drawing matches WWE's ever done.

The audience for Impact was 1.49 million. This show featured the return of TNA Champion Jeff Hardy. He's certainly got his loyal audience.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Superstars and Smackdown Reax - 3/1/13

Read on for my thoughts on yesterday's Superstars and Smackdown.

Friday, March 1, 2013

WWE Q4 2012 analysis

Read on for everything from WWE's financial meetings yesterday.

Interviews with Miz/JR/Angle/Morgan/Y2J, Mysterio correction, and Mania back in Orlando?

Note: all of WWE's financial news will be covered in the next post.

The Miz talked to Conan O'Brien. Not much to say here.

Rey Mysterio is actually still being advertised for Raw dates. Someone goofed on that story.

Orlando might hold WrestleMania again in 2015 or 2016. Wherever makes them the most money is fine by me.

 Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Impact Wrestling Reax - 2/28/13

Read on for my thoughts on last night's Impact Wrestling.