Asheville's own Edge will soon receive the Lou Thesz World Heavyweight Championship award. 16-time World Champ, you say? Interesting. Yeah, some people don't do the whole "research" thing.
John Cena met with an 8-year-old fan with a serious heart problem. All them feels. That's the coolest thing.
C.M. Punk is not advertised for anything through Summerslam. There's no timetable for his return. In addition to his injuries, he's citing burnout and issues with WWE Management. I think he's really earned some time off. I hope that when he comes back, he's good to go for a good time to come. Very talented guy and they're going to be hurting without him. I hope some people step up big in his absence.
"Superstar" Billy Graham has been released from the hospital, though he is soon scheduled to go the Mayo Clinic. I wish him the best.
Ox Baker was hospitalized for fluid on the lungs, not a heart attack as initially reported. I wish him the best as well.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
Query on WWE vs. TNA, Cena injured, and Questions on Cena beating Ryback, Barbed Wire City, and JTG
First up, a query:
1. There are no plans for any kind of interaction between WWE and TNA (Impact Wrestling) any time soon. Or any time at all for that matter. The two sides are completely separate entities and seem to be content to remain that way for the foreseeable future. I'd be very surprised if they had anything else to do with each other unless they ended up on the same network or one side bought the other or something like that. I suppose it's possible that they'd want to induct Sting or Hogan (the latter as part of the nWo) into the Hall of Fame in the future and work out some kind of deal to do that, but other than that, don't count on there being any kind of interplay.
John Cena has suffered some kind of injury to his Achilles' tendon, but says that he'll make Raw. Maybe he IS a cyborg.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
1. There are no plans for any kind of interaction between WWE and TNA (Impact Wrestling) any time soon. Or any time at all for that matter. The two sides are completely separate entities and seem to be content to remain that way for the foreseeable future. I'd be very surprised if they had anything else to do with each other unless they ended up on the same network or one side bought the other or something like that. I suppose it's possible that they'd want to induct Sting or Hogan (the latter as part of the nWo) into the Hall of Fame in the future and work out some kind of deal to do that, but other than that, don't count on there being any kind of interplay.
John Cena has suffered some kind of injury to his Achilles' tendon, but says that he'll make Raw. Maybe he IS a cyborg.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
SMS Reax - 4/27/13, Credible returning, Lawler appearance, and Questions on WWE being PG (again), Vince running WWE, the state of the wrestling business, and The Rock
Saturday Morning Slam:
Ehh. The opening match was just there to please the little Jimmys. Not much to say. I'd like to see what Primo and Epico could do if the company got behind them, but I don't see that happening any time soon.
Not a bad segment to set up that tag match. I like that the matches aren't just "there" - they have a story behind them.
I would love to Damien Sandow as a professor. On another note, I wonder how I would look if I grew my beard out like his.
Good little tag match. I think I might get some complaints about the faces winning (especially since it's The Usos), but overall that was good.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Ehh. The opening match was just there to please the little Jimmys. Not much to say. I'd like to see what Primo and Epico could do if the company got behind them, but I don't see that happening any time soon.
Not a bad segment to set up that tag match. I like that the matches aren't just "there" - they have a story behind them.
I would love to Damien Sandow as a professor. On another note, I wonder how I would look if I grew my beard out like his.
Good little tag match. I think I might get some complaints about the faces winning (especially since it's The Usos), but overall that was good.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Interview with Goldust, Impact audience, Rock Talk, and Questions on WWE Live, a Knockouts show, WWE buying the NWA, Mickie turning heel, and the Pontiac Dome
Here's a two-part interview with Goldust. Yeah, kids! Listen to your elders! I definitely think he put his all into that character. I agree that more people doing that would be nice. As for his statement about Vince not bringing people up until they're ready, explain Bo Dallas. And there's no way they should bring up GTV - a lot of the audience would have no idea what that was. I'm glad he's sober now. I think the bloom's off the rose for Goldust vs. Cody, personally. That said, the Backlot Brawl idea's not bad at all from a story standpoint.
The Impact audience last week was 1.23 million, which the IWC marks will jump all over. They're good at the kneejerk reactions. "It's Sting and Hogan's fault! Bring back Alex Shelley and Petey Williams and you'll have the whole country watching." lolIWC.
The Rock had a solid Q&A on Twitter. Smart guy.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
The Impact audience last week was 1.23 million, which the IWC marks will jump all over. They're good at the kneejerk reactions. "It's Sting and Hogan's fault! Bring back Alex Shelley and Petey Williams and you'll have the whole country watching." lolIWC.
The Rock had a solid Q&A on Twitter. Smart guy.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Superstars and Smackdown Reax - 4/26/13
Read on for my thoughts on yesterday's Superstars and Smackdown.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Interviews with Angle/Foley/Roberts, more Mania money news, where's Punk?, and Questions on Cornette, Divas, and hazing
Kurt Angle talked about creative differences with TNA and more. I'm glad someone else is upset that Hogan's a focal point. But, to be fair, he's not sucking as much from the angle as he generally does.
WrestleMania 29 was the highest-grossing WrestleMania ever. Remember that there was a price increase. It's funny how so many people were dogging the show and it comes out that it did so well. All the more reason to question the "smart" marks.
C.M. Punk has been at a number of MLB games and the premiere of Iron Man 3 alongside Lita, since he's off from the European tour due to his injury. Glad he's enjoying his time off.
Mick Foley talked a bit about WWE in a piece about his stand-up act. I honestly don't know what the best use of him in 2013 (and beyond) is.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
WrestleMania 29 was the highest-grossing WrestleMania ever. Remember that there was a price increase. It's funny how so many people were dogging the show and it comes out that it did so well. All the more reason to question the "smart" marks.
C.M. Punk has been at a number of MLB games and the premiere of Iron Man 3 alongside Lita, since he's off from the European tour due to his injury. Glad he's enjoying his time off.
Mick Foley talked a bit about WWE in a piece about his stand-up act. I honestly don't know what the best use of him in 2013 (and beyond) is.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Main Event Reax - 4/24/13, Updates on Baker/Superstar, Cena's birthday celebration, more on Rock, TNA promotion, new TNA office hire, Interview with McGuinness (Wolfe), and Questions on a new Dangerous Alliance, AJ Sting, WWE Creative, Punk bailing on WWE, and WWE logic
Main Event:
JBL gets on my nerves, which I guess is his goal as a heel. It just feels weird to me for him to be getting heat and attention on himself instead of the wrestlers. It was also odd to have the heel announcer play off the heel wrestler here.
That was interesting... I liked Henry dominating The Usos and Santino. I guess it's ok that he left against Khali since it was his 4th match of the night. As long as he crushes Khali in the future, I think things will be ok.
The post-match was fine to please the little Jimmies.
I liked the Colter/Swagger segment, especially the Paine quip.
Taker vs. Ambrose could be really big for Ambrose, even in a loss.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
JBL gets on my nerves, which I guess is his goal as a heel. It just feels weird to me for him to be getting heat and attention on himself instead of the wrestlers. It was also odd to have the heel announcer play off the heel wrestler here.
That was interesting... I liked Henry dominating The Usos and Santino. I guess it's ok that he left against Khali since it was his 4th match of the night. As long as he crushes Khali in the future, I think things will be ok.
The post-match was fine to please the little Jimmies.
I liked the Colter/Swagger segment, especially the Paine quip.
Taker vs. Ambrose could be really big for Ambrose, even in a loss.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Interviews with HHH/Roode, comments on TNA's TV status, Gut Check, why Bellas missed WWE tour, Rock update, Raw audience, live event notes, and Questions on Easy E
Triple H was interviewed on a number of topics, including a physical WWE Hall of Fame. He came across really well as a businessman. Orlando is indeed a good place for things like WrestleMania. I'm a little surprised that he's ok with his in-ring career winding down and working for the future given his reputation as a selfish egomaniac.
TNA stars commented on the Spike TV-Rogers Cable predicament. Bad luck wrestling promotion: The show's actually good, but it's now harder to watch legally.
Bobby Roode talked about a number of subjects. I'm glad he's still with TNA and agree that it's good that they're going on the road more.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
TNA stars commented on the Spike TV-Rogers Cable predicament. Bad luck wrestling promotion: The show's actually good, but it's now harder to watch legally.
Bobby Roode talked about a number of subjects. I'm glad he's still with TNA and agree that it's good that they're going on the road more.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Interview with Rock, new WWE reality show, Updates on Graham/Hall, WWE's 2014 PPV schedule, Diva sent home, Smackdown audience, and Questions on journalists, the territories, site focus, Magnum TA, and Divas vs. Knockouts
The Rock was interviewed about his wrestling status. I'd be down with Rock vs. Brock. As for the scrambling, maybe only some writers and wrestlers knew what was going on?
WWE is making a reality show about a number of Divas called "Total Divas", which will air on the E! Network. Interesting that they're not thinking of saving that idea for their own network. Maybe they're not so sure about its status. Here's the press release. Could be pretty interesting, especially with the often-forgotten Natalya. As for the new faces, Eva Marie is Natalia Eva Marie, who was a 2012 Powertec fashion model. Jo-Jo Offerman is Joseann Alexie Offerman, who has a singing and dancing background. I hope both become successful in WWE and deliver quality entertainment.
Here's an update on "Superstar" Billy Graham. Things aren't good.
There will be no PPV for WWE in March 2014 as they go from Elimination Chamber to WM30. No shock there. I think that's one thing that helps Mania be so successful.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
WWE is making a reality show about a number of Divas called "Total Divas", which will air on the E! Network. Interesting that they're not thinking of saving that idea for their own network. Maybe they're not so sure about its status. Here's the press release. Could be pretty interesting, especially with the often-forgotten Natalya. As for the new faces, Eva Marie is Natalia Eva Marie, who was a 2012 Powertec fashion model. Jo-Jo Offerman is Joseann Alexie Offerman, who has a singing and dancing background. I hope both become successful in WWE and deliver quality entertainment.
Here's an update on "Superstar" Billy Graham. Things aren't good.
There will be no PPV for WWE in March 2014 as they go from Elimination Chamber to WM30. No shock there. I think that's one thing that helps Mania be so successful.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Monday, April 22, 2013
The return of Z! TLIS?, Rock update, and wrestling journalists feud
Zack Ryder posted this. Slow news day! It will be interesting to see where his career goes from here (if anywhere). It's definitely time for his character to change or evolve in some way as he's really not doing anything.
The Rock will undergo surgery after all. I don't think we'll be seeing him involved in wrestling for a good while.
PWInsider.com's questions were very different yesterday, as they took the time to address a controversy involving another journalist. I'm more likely to believe Scherer than Keller based on their histories, but it's not an issue I know a lot about.
More wrestling tomorrow and a Blue Echo podcast coming up.
The Rock will undergo surgery after all. I don't think we'll be seeing him involved in wrestling for a good while.
PWInsider.com's questions were very different yesterday, as they took the time to address a controversy involving another journalist. I'm more likely to believe Scherer than Keller based on their histories, but it's not an issue I know a lot about.
More wrestling tomorrow and a Blue Echo podcast coming up.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Query on Raw and Smackdown, SMS Reax - 4/20/13, Conway update, and Questions on Barbed Wire City, things that can easily be Googled, Cesaro, Aces and Eights and WCW continuing
First up, a query:
1. I see Raw and Smackdown continuing to cross over talent for the foreseeable future. The brand split pretty much just exists for live event purposes (and even that area of the company is going towards "WWE" more so than "Raw" and "Smackdown"). What the rebranding of live events means remains to be seen.
Saturday Morning Slam:
That was actually a pretty cool opening segment to put over Kofi and Gabriel. This is how Foley should be used.
NICE. Kofi and Gabriel told a pretty good story. They didn't just go out there and try to go highspot after highspot. X-Division, ROH, etc., take note.
I liked the post-match. It's ok to do face vs. face and heel vs. heel here and there.
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. I'm glad Primo, Epico, Rosa, and Natalya got mic time and added story to a future match, but... seriously... a Great Khali match.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
1. I see Raw and Smackdown continuing to cross over talent for the foreseeable future. The brand split pretty much just exists for live event purposes (and even that area of the company is going towards "WWE" more so than "Raw" and "Smackdown"). What the rebranding of live events means remains to be seen.
Saturday Morning Slam:
That was actually a pretty cool opening segment to put over Kofi and Gabriel. This is how Foley should be used.
NICE. Kofi and Gabriel told a pretty good story. They didn't just go out there and try to go highspot after highspot. X-Division, ROH, etc., take note.
I liked the post-match. It's ok to do face vs. face and heel vs. heel here and there.
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. I'm glad Primo, Epico, Rosa, and Natalya got mic time and added story to a future match, but... seriously... a Great Khali match.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Tara correction, Barbed Wire City news, more on NXT plans, Interview with HHH+Stephanie, Impact audience, and Questions on ROH, the Knockouts Tag Titles, weight loss, and people WWE should push
Tara will be on Impact soon after all. Well, that was resolved quickly.
Lou D'Angeli (Sign Guy Dudley, Lou E. Dangerously) reviewed the new ECW documentary.
It was also covered here and here. I might have to check this out. ECW's pretty fascinating. I also wonder what it would be like today.
Here's a brief story on WWE's new Performance Center.
WWE is planning to continue recruiting non-wrestling athletes to make into WWE superstars. I'll judge that by what the results are.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Lou D'Angeli (Sign Guy Dudley, Lou E. Dangerously) reviewed the new ECW documentary.
It was also covered here and here. I might have to check this out. ECW's pretty fascinating. I also wonder what it would be like today.
Here's a brief story on WWE's new Performance Center.
WWE is planning to continue recruiting non-wrestling athletes to make into WWE superstars. I'll judge that by what the results are.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Superstars and Smackdown Reax - 4/19/13
Read on for my thoughts on yesterday's Superstars and Smackdown.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Details on NXT expansion, Rock update, another TNA exec leaves, King Mo update, Don West mad, no Tara on Impact, Mania $, big names on live events, agent gets a nod, and Questions on Randy Savage, women's wrestling, McMahon's money, credits on WCW PPVs, and Benoit as World Champ
WWE is partnering with Full Sail University for potential hires in the production end of their company. That's a great opportunity for the students there.
The Rock is beginning physical therapy. He'll be filming his next movie in about 5 weeks. I don't think we'lss see him in WWE for a while.
TNA's Director of Touring, Michael Krewson, has given his notice to the company. No word on if he'll job to Bob Ryder on his way out.
King Mo will not be competing in TNA any time soon.
The Rock is beginning physical therapy. He'll be filming his next movie in about 5 weeks. I don't think we'lss see him in WWE for a while.
TNA's Director of Touring, Michael Krewson, has given his notice to the company. No word on if he'll job to Bob Ryder on his way out.
King Mo will not be competing in TNA any time soon.
I wouldn't be shocked if he never wrestles.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Main Event Reax - 4/17/13, Interviews with RVD/Korderas, letting kids wrestle, DVD on managers, NXT expansion, TNA TV change in Canada, part-timer on tour, and Questions on teams vs. individuals, an all-female promotion, Jarrett, Crazy old coot Vince, and Rock for President
Main Event:
I figured more people would be in the battle royal (Slater? Bo Dallas?) I guess that's what I get for figuring.
Not a bad promo from Barrett. Of course, Khali is made to be a threat. That makes sense with his size.
Not a bad battle royal. Glad Khali didn't win, even though a win over Khali would have been impressive for Barett. I like Gabriel, so I'm glad they're throwing him a bone.
Fine promo by Gabriel to set up the title match.
Fine Heyman promo as always.
Nice promo from Barrett to cover up for his recent losses.
Barrett and Gabriel worked together pretty well. Nice match. I hope Gabriel gained some points from Management for his performance there.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
I figured more people would be in the battle royal (Slater? Bo Dallas?) I guess that's what I get for figuring.
Not a bad promo from Barrett. Of course, Khali is made to be a threat. That makes sense with his size.
Not a bad battle royal. Glad Khali didn't win, even though a win over Khali would have been impressive for Barett. I like Gabriel, so I'm glad they're throwing him a bone.
Fine promo by Gabriel to set up the title match.
Fine Heyman promo as always.
Nice promo from Barrett to cover up for his recent losses.
Barrett and Gabriel worked together pretty well. Nice match. I hope Gabriel gained some points from Management for his performance there.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
TNA executive shake-up, WWE changes live events, Interviews with Rhodes/Jericho/Hart/Ziggler/Kofi/DDP, WWF star retiring, Cena-NXT update, big change for Steamboat, what happened after Raw, why Flair was at Raw, HHH update, Punk appearance, Raw audience, Smackdown dark match, and Questions on being a booker, Ryder, getting killed, WWE's timing, and Cena/Rock II
TNA's Live Events Coordinator, Craig Jenkins, is no longer a part of the company. He joins their PR members Chris Thomas and Jules Wortman in that distinction. No word on the "why" of these departures.
The New Age Outlaws have been added to the Smackdown live events coming up in Europe. Fandango is on the Smackdown tour, and Dolph Ziggler is on the Raw tour. So, Raw gets both the WWE and World Champions. Interesting.
Cody Rhodes was interviewed. Here are some highlights. I look at his remarks about Orton starting out so young and becoming so successful as a rebuttal to the silly arguments that Rhodes "will never be World Champion". It's always possible that he will be as long as he's wrestling. To think that you definitively "know" that someone won't be World Champion before they're even 30 is ludicrous. I like that he and Sandow have such a respect for the business.
Chris Jericho briefly talked about WWE in a piece primarily focused on his robot fighting show. The ending line was funny.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
The New Age Outlaws have been added to the Smackdown live events coming up in Europe. Fandango is on the Smackdown tour, and Dolph Ziggler is on the Raw tour. So, Raw gets both the WWE and World Champions. Interesting.
Cody Rhodes was interviewed. Here are some highlights. I look at his remarks about Orton starting out so young and becoming so successful as a rebuttal to the silly arguments that Rhodes "will never be World Champion". It's always possible that he will be as long as he's wrestling. To think that you definitively "know" that someone won't be World Champion before they're even 30 is ludicrous. I like that he and Sandow have such a respect for the business.
Chris Jericho briefly talked about WWE in a piece primarily focused on his robot fighting show. The ending line was funny.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
More Fandango madness, new WWE Title, Interviews with HBK/ECW superfan/Punk shirt artist/Jim Johnston/Bret Hart/Punk/Bruno, Tough Enough star in Gut Check, New Jack retirement speech, Graham hospitalized, WWE injury updates, big guest at Raw, and Questions on WWE crowds, Fandango, Ryback, and IWC logic
Fandango's theme song was #44 on the UK charts this week, the first WWE theme song to hit the charts since 1994. Pretty impressive. It was also #31 in the Scottish Top 40, #9 on the UK Independent Singles Top 40, and #1 on the UK Independent Singles Breakers Top 20. Thumbs up to Jim Johnston.
An NXT Divas' Championship is upcoming, which makes sense since they had a Divas' crown in FCW.
Shawn Michaels talked wrestling a little bit in a piece mainly focused on NASCAR.
NNNNNNNNNNNAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSCCCCCCCCCCAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRR.
Seriously, I hate NASCAR.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
An NXT Divas' Championship is upcoming, which makes sense since they had a Divas' crown in FCW.
Shawn Michaels talked wrestling a little bit in a piece mainly focused on NASCAR.
NNNNNNNNNNNAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSCCCCCCCCCCAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRR.
Seriously, I hate NASCAR.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Special guest on ECW DVD, HBK appearance, Cena charity, Stone Cold on the Fandango hype train, Interviews with AJ/Foley, and Questions on Fandango, sending a message to Vince, the World Title, and AJ Lee
Tommy Dreamer will be co-hosting WWE's upcoming ECW DVD. I imagine this will lead to more speculation of him returning to the company, since he was also at the Hall of Fame. Time will tell. I think he'd be good for working with some of the less-experienced members of the roster to bring them further along. He gets the whole "giving back to the business" thing and is still over despite losing a lot (because wins and losses aren't the whole story).
Shawn Michaels drove the pacecar at NASCAR's NRA 500 this weekend. NASCAR rustles my jimmies. I had to watch it every week when I was young. My face if I ever have to watch it again:
Seriously, I hate it that much.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Shawn Michaels drove the pacecar at NASCAR's NRA 500 this weekend. NASCAR rustles my jimmies. I had to watch it every week when I was young. My face if I ever have to watch it again:
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
SMS Reax - 4/13/13, World Title situation update, Fandango madness continues, Interviews with Hornswoggle/Heyman, Rock update, Punk at UFC, and Questions on the WM29 cheater, Benoit, WWE's A.D.D., Bill Apter, and Taker
Saturday Morning Slam:
Not really much to sink my teeth into in the opening match. I like everyone in the match, but it didn't click like it could have if they had more time.
Clever post-match. Maybe they're setting up a 6-man?
Not a bad match by Kofi and Slater. I just don't think that it will have much meaning for either man.
Not really crazy about the segment with Henry and Bryan. I think the yes/no/hugging Bryan has about reached its limit as a character. I think of Paul Heyman's promo about Tazz: "Look at Tazz! Look at Tazz! This man was a killer. He was a machine! He was a wrestler. But wrestling is a dirty word to you; isn't it, Vince? Your father built a wrestling company, and you, you had to have sports entertainment."
Remember when Bryan went the distance against Mark Henry in a steel cage? Now he lasts as long as pretty much any other member of the roster. It's a real shame. He could be a big player in WWE if presented right.
Not really much to sink my teeth into in the opening match. I like everyone in the match, but it didn't click like it could have if they had more time.
Clever post-match. Maybe they're setting up a 6-man?
Not a bad match by Kofi and Slater. I just don't think that it will have much meaning for either man.
Not really crazy about the segment with Henry and Bryan. I think the yes/no/hugging Bryan has about reached its limit as a character. I think of Paul Heyman's promo about Tazz: "Look at Tazz! Look at Tazz! This man was a killer. He was a machine! He was a wrestler. But wrestling is a dirty word to you; isn't it, Vince? Your father built a wrestling company, and you, you had to have sports entertainment."
Remember when Bryan went the distance against Mark Henry in a steel cage? Now he lasts as long as pretty much any other member of the roster. It's a real shame. He could be a big player in WWE if presented right.
NXT stars get some love, Interview with Hogan, Punk update, Cheaters: WrestleMania Edition, Fandangoing continues, Impact audience, rejected WWE Title designs, Stephanie blows plans, and Questions on Gut Check, TNA acknowledging WWE, Bizarro fans, refs, and Benoit
The NXT talents who worked Axxess were included in the WrestleMania program. Bo Dallas, Xavier Woods, Paige, Emma, Audrey Marie, Kassius Ohno, Jake Carter, Adrian Neville, and Corey Graves all competed that weekend.
Hulk Hogan talked ahead of Impact in Corpus Christi. He's become a cartoon caricature of himself. He's right that he's been around a while. The "exciting young talent" he put over were 35-year-old Jeff Hardy (fine I guess), 41-year-old Bully Ray (umm), 44-year-old Kurt Angle (no), and 54-year-old Sting (I SEE YOU TROLL). I'm guessing he didn't mean to say "young" in that sentence. But what does that say when he puts over four guys probably best known for their work outside of TNA and doesn't mention AJ Styles, James Storm, Austin Aries, Bobby Roode, etc..?
C.M. Punk will apparently not need surgery, but is still said to be pretty hurt. I don't expect him to get back in the ring for a stretch, which is for the best. If anyone's earned time off, it's him. It's a shame that the most important guys in WWE are either part-timers or hurting (if not both).
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Hulk Hogan talked ahead of Impact in Corpus Christi. He's become a cartoon caricature of himself. He's right that he's been around a while. The "exciting young talent" he put over were 35-year-old Jeff Hardy (fine I guess), 41-year-old Bully Ray (umm), 44-year-old Kurt Angle (no), and 54-year-old Sting (I SEE YOU TROLL). I'm guessing he didn't mean to say "young" in that sentence. But what does that say when he puts over four guys probably best known for their work outside of TNA and doesn't mention AJ Styles, James Storm, Austin Aries, Bobby Roode, etc..?
C.M. Punk will apparently not need surgery, but is still said to be pretty hurt. I don't expect him to get back in the ring for a stretch, which is for the best. If anyone's earned time off, it's him. It's a shame that the most important guys in WWE are either part-timers or hurting (if not both).
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Superstars and Smackdown Reax - 4/12/13
Read on for my thoughts on yesterday's Superstars and Smackdown.
Friday, April 12, 2013
New WWE signing, Jericho update, Otunga appearance, Interviews with Clay/Slaughter/Maria, Hall of Fame rating, Hall update, Bret Q&A, Austin talks with HBK, and Questions on Regal, Kane vs. Abyss, Knockouts refs, MITB, and timing Mania
WWE has signed Ireland's Rebecca Knox to a developmental deal.
Matt Silva's signing was picked up by an Australian news outlet.
>They think he's the first Australian to be signed by WWE.
Nathan Jones? Outback Jack?
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Matt Silva's signing was picked up by an Australian news outlet.
>They think he's the first Australian to be signed by WWE.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Main Event Reax - 4/10/13, Impact taping schedule, Rock update, another Hogan Twitter story, Fandango madness continues, Comic Con appearances, more Mania stories, Orton promo botch, Interview with Foley, and Questions on the WWE Title picture, the NJ crowd, and MITB
Main Event:
Pretty good opening tag match. I was expecting a squash or something. Everyone but Clay looked good in the ring. Clay didn't look bad, but everyone else looked better.
Awesome post-match. I'm really enjoying The Shield.
Not a bad Big E promo at all. Keep an eye on him.
Good match to show off what Big E can do. Yes, WWE's pushing another big guy who may or may not be sustainable. It's worth a shot.
Colter and Swagger are just pure mean, despicable heels. Deplorable remarks by Colter, but that's his character.
Nice match to rebuild Swagger after he was booted from the World Title picture. Thankfully they're not giving up on him.
Pretty good opening tag match. I was expecting a squash or something. Everyone but Clay looked good in the ring. Clay didn't look bad, but everyone else looked better.
Awesome post-match. I'm really enjoying The Shield.
Not a bad Big E promo at all. Keep an eye on him.
Good match to show off what Big E can do. Yes, WWE's pushing another big guy who may or may not be sustainable. It's worth a shot.
Colter and Swagger are just pure mean, despicable heels. Deplorable remarks by Colter, but that's his character.
Nice match to rebuild Swagger after he was booted from the World Title picture. Thankfully they're not giving up on him.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Ziggler thanks fans, what happened after and during Raw, injured star returning, Hall update, another crazy Angle story, Rock update, Cena hurt, Interviews with Riley/Show, reaction to Ziggler's win and Raw's crazy crowd, Mania injury updates, ECW name undergoes surgery, and Questions on dealing with vulnerable audiences, Dixie watching WWE, the Hall of Fame, Shane O'Mac, and the USWA
Dolph Ziggler thanked the Raw crowd for their support with his MITB cash-in. I'm glad that they appreciate his work, even if they seemed to go out of their way to try to show their "smarkness". I'm still taking a "wait and see" approach on his title win.
After Raw, John Cena thanked the crowd for "making Dolph Ziggler's night", said that they were great and supported them doing another "we are awesome" chant after Fandango's music was played. The "know it all", trying to be cool/ironic fan might just be the worst kind of wrestling fan because they ruin the suspension of disbelief. Wrestling's going in a crazy direction by trying to appeal to some of these people. I like the support for Ziggler, wanting some new faces in the mix besides Cena, and all that but they're shooting themselves in the foot by purposefully giving the "wrong" reaction. Here's footage of the crowd.
Speaking of the Raw crowd, they booed when it was announced that Rock wouldn't be there. I don't blame them. He was advertised.
Chris Sabin will return to the ring this month. He hasn't been in the ring for almost 10 months. I'm curious to see where he'll fit in when he comes back and what level he can perform at.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
After Raw, John Cena thanked the crowd for "making Dolph Ziggler's night", said that they were great and supported them doing another "we are awesome" chant after Fandango's music was played. The "know it all", trying to be cool/ironic fan might just be the worst kind of wrestling fan because they ruin the suspension of disbelief. Wrestling's going in a crazy direction by trying to appeal to some of these people. I like the support for Ziggler, wanting some new faces in the mix besides Cena, and all that but they're shooting themselves in the foot by purposefully giving the "wrong" reaction. Here's footage of the crowd.
Speaking of the Raw crowd, they booed when it was announced that Rock wouldn't be there. I don't blame them. He was advertised.
Chris Sabin will return to the ring this month. He hasn't been in the ring for almost 10 months. I'm curious to see where he'll fit in when he comes back and what level he can perform at.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Tons of Mania news including a press release, injuries, why things were cut, the roster's reaction and another guest, Interviews with Cena, more on Rock, and why Punk was off Raw
WWE put out a press release on their solid attendance from WrestleMania. Of course, they lag behind the night THE HULKSTER SOLD OUT THE PONTIAC SILVERDOME, BROTHER. I like that they snuck in a plug for WrestleMania 30.
Triple H had some x-rays on his arm, and it seems like he has some muscle bruising. "It ain't ballet", though ballet can also be brutal. Fortunately for him, he's probably not expected to get in the ring any time soon.
C.M. Punk is said to be "badly banged up" following his elbow drop spot at Mania. He was said to be in a lot of pain after his match. I don't think he should wrestle for a while. He's going way too hard.
WWE smartly gave HHH vs. Lesnar, Cena vs. Rock, and Punk vs. Taker as much time as they wanted. That's why they cut the intergender tag match, as well as Lilian Garcia singing "America The Beautiful". Time was also cut from Del Rio vs. Swagger (including a golf cart entrance for Swagger and Colter), but they still told a pretty good story. I imagine we'll see the golf cart in the future.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Triple H had some x-rays on his arm, and it seems like he has some muscle bruising. "It ain't ballet", though ballet can also be brutal. Fortunately for him, he's probably not expected to get in the ring any time soon.
C.M. Punk is said to be "badly banged up" following his elbow drop spot at Mania. He was said to be in a lot of pain after his match. I don't think he should wrestle for a while. He's going way too hard.
WWE smartly gave HHH vs. Lesnar, Cena vs. Rock, and Punk vs. Taker as much time as they wanted. That's why they cut the intergender tag match, as well as Lilian Garcia singing "America The Beautiful". Time was also cut from Del Rio vs. Swagger (including a golf cart entrance for Swagger and Colter), but they still told a pretty good story. I imagine we'll see the golf cart in the future.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Queries on HBK vs. HHH and WWE buying TNA, More on Reid Flair, Interviews with Layla/Shield/Punk/Steamboat/Sting/Heyman, WWE lawyers invade Wrestlecon, Mania picks, Jersey Shore castmember not at Mania, WWE.com issues, Clay comments on match being cut, and Questions on buying Mania, bashing Dixie Carter, and websites that charge for info
Some queries to start us off:
1. I don't think we'll see HBK vs. HHH next year at Mania. HBK seems content to stay out of the ring. I'm sure it'd be great, though.
2. No update on WWE potentially buying TNA. As far as I know, there's no interest from either side to make that transaction.
Here's a story on the last few days of the life of Reid Flair. Of course his father is mentioned. What happened to the crowd who appreciated heels BOOING them instead of cheering them? Something's seriously wrong with that. The story about the Regional was HILARIOUS. He was such a good kid before the drugs and fights. Sad story.
Layla was interviewed ahead of WM29. I'd like for her to get some more character development if she feuds with Kaitlyn. She's very talented in the ring, but I think it would help for us to know more about her motivations, etc..
WWE went to Wrestlecon to confiscate bootlegged material (DVDs, T-Shirts, etc.). Buyers were given court dates where they could argue their case. I can see WWE's point here. These sellers were profiting off of WWE copyrights.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
1. I don't think we'll see HBK vs. HHH next year at Mania. HBK seems content to stay out of the ring. I'm sure it'd be great, though.
2. No update on WWE potentially buying TNA. As far as I know, there's no interest from either side to make that transaction.
Here's a story on the last few days of the life of Reid Flair. Of course his father is mentioned. What happened to the crowd who appreciated heels BOOING them instead of cheering them? Something's seriously wrong with that. The story about the Regional was HILARIOUS. He was such a good kid before the drugs and fights. Sad story.
Layla was interviewed ahead of WM29. I'd like for her to get some more character development if she feuds with Kaitlyn. She's very talented in the ring, but I think it would help for us to know more about her motivations, etc..
WWE went to Wrestlecon to confiscate bootlegged material (DVDs, T-Shirts, etc.). Buyers were given court dates where they could argue their case. I can see WWE's point here. These sellers were profiting off of WWE copyrights.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Superstars and Saturday Morning Slam Reax - 4/6/13, Interviews with Bryan+Sheamus/AJ Lee/Cena+Rock+Henry+Show/Ziggler/HBK/JBL/RVD, big anti-Cena sign, pitch a storyline to Stephanie, more Mania hype, Cena stats, top execs of WWE and TNA meet, Hall of Fame ceremony, and Questions on Jeff Jarrett, the Divas Title, Y2J, Michael Tarver, and weird places to watch wrestling
Superstars (it's understandable that this was posted late due to all the other content WWE's been putting up):
I don't think anyone was clamoring for Khali vs. JTG. It might be time for JTG to pull a Zack Ryder or C.M. Punk because he is going NOWHERE. He's lost 16 matches in a row, with his last win being a dark match in his hometown. The last time he won on TV (in the States) was in August of 2011 in a 6-man tag. He picked up some wins on NXT Season 5 but that didn't air here. I don't think they're missing the boat on him per se, but the guy rarely gets a break.
Everything else was video packages, so I'll move to:
Saturday Morning Slam:
Pretty good opening match. I'm glad they didn't just feed Sandow to Ryback in 2 minutes. Hopefully both guys do really good things in the future.
I liked the Foley segment, even though having him as GM reeks of 2000.
Kane vs. Rhodes wasn't bad. I was hoping for a Rhodes upset, but Kane should be more important going into Mania.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
I don't think anyone was clamoring for Khali vs. JTG. It might be time for JTG to pull a Zack Ryder or C.M. Punk because he is going NOWHERE. He's lost 16 matches in a row, with his last win being a dark match in his hometown. The last time he won on TV (in the States) was in August of 2011 in a 6-man tag. He picked up some wins on NXT Season 5 but that didn't air here. I don't think they're missing the boat on him per se, but the guy rarely gets a break.
Everything else was video packages, so I'll move to:
Saturday Morning Slam:
Pretty good opening match. I'm glad they didn't just feed Sandow to Ryback in 2 minutes. Hopefully both guys do really good things in the future.
I liked the Foley segment, even though having him as GM reeks of 2000.
Kane vs. Rhodes wasn't bad. I was hoping for a Rhodes upset, but Kane should be more important going into Mania.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Interviews with Jericho/Rock+Cena+Show/Joseph Park/Miz/Brodus/Jimmy Hart/Kaitlyn/AJ Lee/Cody Rhodes/Heyman/Ziggler/Foley/Hornswoggle/Bully Ray/Layla/Ryback/Punk, TNA part-timers at live event, more Mania buzz, Bruno profiled, Knockout hurt?, Fandango's partner, Mania legends, and Questions on TNA, Fandango, the end of WWE, media errors, and Sting in WWE
Chris Jericho was on Jimmy Fallon's show. Not a bad appearance. I hope Fandango at least looks good against him. They've got a chance to really help along a talented, fresh star here.
Sting and Hulk Hogan were at last night's TNA live event in the New York area. They generally don't do house shows. I don't think their involvement is an accident with it being Mania week in the area.
This WrestleMania story has sound bytes from Rock, Cena, and Big Show among others. Following Rock's WWE involvements in the years to come will be interesting.
Joseph Park was interviewed in-character. This is one of my favorite characters in wrestling right now.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Sting and Hulk Hogan were at last night's TNA live event in the New York area. They generally don't do house shows. I don't think their involvement is an accident with it being Mania week in the area.
This WrestleMania story has sound bytes from Rock, Cena, and Big Show among others. Following Rock's WWE involvements in the years to come will be interesting.
Joseph Park was interviewed in-character. This is one of my favorite characters in wrestling right now.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Flair funeral covered, Interviews with Rock+Cena+Booker/Trish+Stephanie/Angle/Punk/AJ Lee/Henry/HBK+Bret, legends hanging out with WWE, big Punk entrance on Sunday, celebs at Mania, Mania pre-show update, more on DDP Yoga, Legend signs new WWE deal, vanished star at Mania weekend, Shane McMahon on Twitter, Generico's NXT name confirmed, and Questions on heel announcers, secondary titles, "moves of doom", Mania moments, and X-Pac
Reid Flair's funeral was covered, with quotes from his father. That's still really sad to read about.
The Rock was focused on in a piece for the Washington Post. I'm sure Cena's coworkers love that he just threw them all under a bus. There's putting someone over and then there's blowing everyone else's candle out. I agree that some guys need to step it up, but there are definitely some motivated individuals on the roster who want to make the most of each second of TV time.
Trish Stratus and Stephanie McMahon talked about the former's induction into the WWE Hall of Fame. Trish's reasoning for choosing her makes sense.
Harley Race, Larry Zbyzkzo, DDP, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Bret Hart, Dominic DeNucci, and Tommy Dreamer are all in town for WrestleMania festivities. Cool. I hope Jake stays out of trouble (if he sticks with DDP, he should be fine).
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
The Rock was focused on in a piece for the Washington Post. I'm sure Cena's coworkers love that he just threw them all under a bus. There's putting someone over and then there's blowing everyone else's candle out. I agree that some guys need to step it up, but there are definitely some motivated individuals on the roster who want to make the most of each second of TV time.
Trish Stratus and Stephanie McMahon talked about the former's induction into the WWE Hall of Fame. Trish's reasoning for choosing her makes sense.
Harley Race, Larry Zbyzkzo, DDP, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Bret Hart, Dominic DeNucci, and Tommy Dreamer are all in town for WrestleMania festivities. Cool. I hope Jake stays out of trouble (if he sticks with DDP, he should be fine).
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Main Event Reax - 4/3/13, Bearer rumorkiller, Interview with Bruno+HHH/Fandango/AJ/Punk/Miz/Kofi/Jim Johnston/Lashley/Cena, Mania promotion, NXT at AXXESS, Flair off of Mania weekend, Taker at AXXESS, and Questions on Andy Kaufman, Fandango, DVRs, and Kane's other rival
Main Event:
Good opening promo by Barrett. I like how this show builds matches and angles.
Pretty good handicap match. I'm not hugely upset that PTP lost since they got in some pretty good offense beforehand. I think tapouts hurt as a general rule and should be relatively but I see why they did what they did. They could have easily had Miz beat both of them in singles matches in quick succession via tapout, but they didn't go that route, so I don't think this is any kind of punishment or "burial" of PTP.
VERY good promo by Show (compared to a lot of other stuff he's done in his career). He's still a long way from being one of my favorites, but they're moving him in the right direction. He's definitely earned the right to be a regular part of the show, but he's better in smallish doses like they're using him now.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Good opening promo by Barrett. I like how this show builds matches and angles.
Pretty good handicap match. I'm not hugely upset that PTP lost since they got in some pretty good offense beforehand. I think tapouts hurt as a general rule and should be relatively but I see why they did what they did. They could have easily had Miz beat both of them in singles matches in quick succession via tapout, but they didn't go that route, so I don't think this is any kind of punishment or "burial" of PTP.
VERY good promo by Show (compared to a lot of other stuff he's done in his career). He's still a long way from being one of my favorites, but they're moving him in the right direction. He's definitely earned the right to be a regular part of the show, but he's better in smallish doses like they're using him now.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Assorted WrestleMania predictions
As per request, here's how I see Mania playing out and its aftermath. These are just educated guesses and nothing ever goes 100% like I expect it to, so don't take this as gospel. In fact, it's entirely possible that I feel completely differently about the card tomorrow!
Mania promotion, Mania post-show, Raw audience, Interviews with Del Rio/Heyman, WWE in DC, Lesnar back on Twitter, Trump's inductor, and Questions on ECW, PPVs in the UK, dissing Cena, Vince, and the UWF
This article details some of the ways that WWE is marketing WrestleMania. They're dedicated. I'll give them that. Great ways to reach their audience.
WWE will have a post-WM29 show, which will be interesting. I kind of like the idea that the last thing we get from WWE is the ending of the PPV. I'll wait to see what they do with it before I judge it too harshly, though.
Raw's audience was 4.31 million this week, down over 300,000 viewers from last week. That's very disappointing going into WrestleMania on Sunday.
Here are more social media initiatives from WWE. They are on the ball with that.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
WWE will have a post-WM29 show, which will be interesting. I kind of like the idea that the last thing we get from WWE is the ending of the PPV. I'll wait to see what they do with it before I judge it too harshly, though.
Raw's audience was 4.31 million this week, down over 300,000 viewers from last week. That's very disappointing going into WrestleMania on Sunday.
Here are more social media initiatives from WWE. They are on the ball with that.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Extreme Rules poster, Interviews with Punk/Show/Ryback/Kofi/Hogan/Homicide, Another Mania celeb?, Mania's impact, WWE's April Fool's joke, Cena does good, Smackdown audience, Raw sellout, extended Mania pre-show, what happened after Raw, and Questions on WWE's counting, rival territories, personality vs. "workrate", the nWo, and Evan Bourne
WWE has released the poster for Extreme Rules. Shockingly, there's no mention of The Rock (who at least at one point was advertised to be a part of the show).
C.M. Punk talked about WrestleMania, The Undertaker, controversial remarks, and more. I'd love to see others take his attitude.
Pee Wee Herman could very well be at WM29. He's reportedly on good terms with WWE and has visited at NXT, so this might happen. I see why WWE wants these kinds of appearances, but I definitely tune in for the wrestlers.
Here's a look at WrestleMania's expected economic impact, which is of course measured in MILLIONS OF DOLLARS. MILLIONS OF DOLLARS. MILLIONS OF DOLLARS. Things look good for WWE for the shortish-term with this much interest in things. I still worry about how things will look with no part-timers in a few months.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
C.M. Punk talked about WrestleMania, The Undertaker, controversial remarks, and more. I'd love to see others take his attitude.
Pee Wee Herman could very well be at WM29. He's reportedly on good terms with WWE and has visited at NXT, so this might happen. I see why WWE wants these kinds of appearances, but I definitely tune in for the wrestlers.
Here's a look at WrestleMania's expected economic impact, which is of course measured in MILLIONS OF DOLLARS. MILLIONS OF DOLLARS. MILLIONS OF DOLLARS. Things look good for WWE for the shortish-term with this much interest in things. I still worry about how things will look with no part-timers in a few months.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Former WWE Tag Champ retires, new Mania celeb, Mania's economic impact, Flair remembered, Interviews with Kane/Foley, and Questions on Raw DVDs, Orton, and Bully Ray
Charlie Haas, best known as past of Team Angle and the World's Greatest Tag Team, has retired at the age of 41 to spend more time with his family. He announced his retirement at an ROH show in Asheville. And I could have been at that show! Grrrr... At any rate, I've always thought he was a great wrestler. There were times when he showed some good personality as well. I hope post-wrestling life treats him well. I wish he would have gotten to be in TNA or WWE again before hanging it up, but I could say that about a lot of guys.
Comedian Gabriel Iglesias will be the "social media ambassador" for WrestleMania. I get why they're getting celebs to do that kind of thing. Hopefully it translates to increased interest in WWE.
Here's a story on the economic impact of WrestleMania 29.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Comedian Gabriel Iglesias will be the "social media ambassador" for WrestleMania. I get why they're getting celebs to do that kind of thing. Hopefully it translates to increased interest in WWE.
Here's a story on the economic impact of WrestleMania 29.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
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