Pro Wrestling is FAKE!?!

[kittensXLI]

If Smackdown was on Tuesday or Wednesday, I'd probably watch every week. They just pump out matches all night. I enjoy seeing all these guys on the roster getting in-ring time.

Undertaker beat CM Punk cleanly
Nexus beat Big Slow cleanly
Natalya beat Maryse cleanly
Randy Orton beat Cody Rhodes cleanly
Swagger/Edge segment
Del Rio/Mysterio segment

Not bad.

[GrooGrux420]

Kane vs. Cena w/ Nexus lumberjacks.

This match will probably suck, but at least its something we haven't seen 100x before.

[kittensXLI]

?8888888888
PPV two weeks after the previous PPV is retarded. Eliminating the brand split, even just for tonight, has proven successful in my eyes for building stories. There's no reason to see the same worker more than once or twice a show. So many more people contracted get television time too. The matches on the HIAC card would be better with more build, and if they all weren't HIAC matches.

[kittensXLI]

Mark Madden article from a little over a month ago :

ANOTHER NEGATIVE TNA COLUMN

For a woman who loves to throw around words like “family” and “loyalty,” Dixie Carter has created low morale and plenty of dysfunction at TNA via the continuing push of EV2.

Dixie’s “family” is upset by lack of “loyalty” to them when it comes to handing TNA over to has-beens who can’t draw.

Among the complaints:

*Tommy Dreamer having major creative input. “Dreamer’s walking around backstage proposing ideas: ‘Hey, would you do this? Would you be interested in doing that?’ He’s not Paul Heyman, but Dixie seems to think he is,” said one TNA employee.

*Ex-world champ RVD being just another “extreme” guy (and him being stupid enough to somehow think that’s good). “Van Dam’s conceit is unreal,” said one TNA employee. “He’s a mid-card guy.”

*Mick Foley switching bandwagons yet again.

*EV2’s “look” (or lack thereof). When Flair cut his promo on EV2, said one TNA employee, “He killed ‘em, but he didn’t need to. Those guys just look ridiculous, especially standing in a group. They’re not stars, never were stars, and don’t look like stars. When those guys are all in the same camera shot, it looks like cable access wrestling.”

*The EV2 angle being prolonged. “It was supposed to be a night of nostalgia. Now it’s our main program,” said one TNA employee. A rumored War Games match between EV2 and Fortune draws particular derision: “Wait until the guys who don’t look like wrestlers beat the guys who do.”

*Dixie’s attitude that the EV2 guys have paid their dues. “They didn’t pay ‘em here,” said one TNA employee. “They paid ‘em at a company that went bankrupt."

*EV2’s revival of the “extreme” style is unpopular. “Turn on ESPN, all you see is doctors talking about the danger of concussions,” said one TNA employee. “Those idiots are doing unprotected chairshots, which means we’re all expected to.” Said another TNA employee, “Their style made wrestling more dangerous for all of us.”

Hostility toward EV2 is said to be promotion-wide. Morale at TNA is said to be near an all-time low.

Maybe Team 3-D can let some sunshine in…by leaving.

Few wrestlers are as universally reviled as Brother Ray and Brother D-von. Arrogant far beyond their abilities and accomplishments, dangerous to work with, clumsy, bad look, convoluted moves – no one in TNA would miss Team 3-D. WWE doesn’t want them back.

As one of wrestling’s major players told me a few years ago, “They think they’re one of the best tag teams in wrestling history. But they’re an awful lot closer to being the worst. When the fat black guy crabs (strikes a bodybuilding pose), I don’t know whether to laugh or vomit.”

In a recent blog, Mick Foley heavily criticized Wrestling Observer Newsletter editor Dave Meltzer for unduly knocking Foley’s promos. That’s typical Mick: When Meltzer thinks Foley's good, he’s right. When Meltzer doesn’t, he’s wrong. If you like Mick, Mick likes you.

One thing’s certain: Foley’s not as good at his job as Meltzer is at his.

Credit where it’s due: Mick did a lot with a little. Made good money. But talk about a guy who made the business more dangerous.

And geez, Foley’s anti-Meltzer rant went on FOREVER. Methinks thou dost protest too much.

[kittensXLI]

More Mark :

Rob Van Dam’s self-aggrandizing blog (see robvandam.com) was one of THE most absurd things I’ve read in ages.

Van Dam pats himself, EV2 and Jeff Hardy on the back while BURYING the rest of TNA. He brags about “new all-time records for ratings,” refers to himself and Hardy as “two rock stars” and says “very few wrestlers stick out in people’s minds that way that Jeff and I do.” He says “hiring Jeff Hardy and RVD started a whole new era.”

Van Dam characterizes the rest of TNA as “too young, too green, too selfish to have the correct perspective.” He talks about exposure helping the “other” TNA wrestlers…”as long as they’re good enough to hang around with the rising standards.”

“We’re into making money,” Van Dam concludes. Boy, are YOU in the wrong place.

You’ve got to read it. The excerpts printed here DON’T COME CLOSE to capturing the arrogance and conceit of the blog as a whole.

Who died and made RVD Stone Cold Steve Austin?

Van Dam fairly TAUNTING pre-RVD TNA workers is akin to Tarvaris Jackson busting Sage Rosenfels’ chops because he’s ahead of him on Minnesota’s depth chart. Nobody in TNA is Brett Favre. Nobody in that promotion should display such braggadocio. One ratings spike is nothing to beat your chest about. Nor is flying high – but not that high – on nostalgic wings.

RVD isn’t a top guy. Having a belt, especially the TNA belt, doesn’t make you a top guy. RVD was a top guy in ECW. Big deal. So was Sandman. RVD was a mid-carder in WWE. Perhaps, on a good day, he was an upper-level mid-carder.

Decent worker. Soft look. Stoner interviews. The thumbs thing is catchy. That’s it. Average.

For Van Dam to brandish the hubris and chutzpah shown on his blog is mind-boggling, especially in a company containing a few guys that earned their stripes on bigger stages, and in a company where a lot of guys could kick his ass.

And that’s what somebody should do. I hate violence. But if my involvement in TNA pre-dated Van Dam’s and I felt I’d done my best on the company’s behalf, or if I felt I’d proven myself as a star or a draw elsewhere, I’d bust RVD right in the mouth. Such shocking ego and pomposity deserves nothing but. Besides, he’s hardcore, right?

I hate to drag Hardy into this. But, since RVD has decided to make Hardy his superstar sidekick, I feel compelled to point out that Hardy is a bloated, addled caricature of his former self, and has proven nothing in TNA except that he needs the WWE machine to be a star.

Did I miss something? Has RVD’s arrival in TNA made that much of a positive difference? Haven’t the ratings for Impact ACTUALLY BEEN DROPPING?

Somebody do me a favor: Print out RVD’s blog. Put a copy in Kurt Angle’s hands.

I’ve received a few e-mails requesting old WCW stories, so here are a few that go hand-in-hand:

*When MIA (Misfits in Action) was put together, Vince Russo assigned those involved military rank: General Rection, Lt. Loco, Corporal Cajun, etc. When the former Van Hammer was named Private Stash, he complained, feeling he deserved higher rank because of his talent and tenure in the business. I’m not making that up. So Private Stash became Major Stash, diminishing the joke but who cares? The whole thing sucked anyway. Tylene Buck was supposed to be Torpedo Girl, after the KISS song, but was instead christened Major Gunns.

*Van Hammer was the subject of a long-running backstage joke during my WCW days. DDMe was a big proponent of Van Hammer when both arrived in WCW in the early ‘90s. It was easy to spot RIGHT AWAY that Van Hammer was REAL BAD, but DDMe still put him over. Once, in a crowded car, DDMe said, “Boys, there’s a new man in town. He’s got the look, the size, the rap…I smell money! VAN HAMMER!” Dead silence in the car until Brian Pillman spits out (in that low, glass-gargling voice) “JESUS CHRIST!” and starts cackling, evoking laughter that becomes contagious until the entire vehicle is consumed by it.

Kevin Nash (Vinnie Vegas then) was in that car, and when he returned to WCW to found the nWo in 1996, he beat that phrase TO DEATH. No matter the situation, Nash always found a way to conclude, “He’s got the look, the size, the rap…I smell money!” Then Scott Hall started saying it. Then I started saying it. Then, on WCW LIVE, the company’s Internet real audio program, EVERYBODY started saying it, sometimes in unison.

That’s when we weren’t watching Jeremy Borash’s “gag reflex” videos, that is.

Then Konnan said, “Let me speak on this.” Brave new world.

[Doors Allan Coe]

just so all you bitches know I just got back from partying with micki james, carlito, and George the animal steele.

[hbktonyb]

Was Carlito eating an apple and did George have a turnbuckle?

[Doors Allan Coe]

Was Carlito eating an apple and did George have a turnbuckle?

no carlito drank screwdrivers and George Steele got floored by a moonsault doing the show...

[K3nTaKa0s]

WWE Hell in a Cell Pick Em:



WWE Hell in a Cell
-Sunday, Oct 3, 2010
-American Airlines Arena, Dallas, TX
-Bell Time: 8:00 PM

WWE Title: Hell in a Cell
Randy Orton (c) vs. Sheamus

World Heavyweight Title: Hell in a Cell
Kane (c) vs. The Undertaker

Diva's Title
Michelle McCool (c) vs. Natalya

United States Title: Submissions Count anywhere
Daniel Bryan (c) vs. The Miz vs. John Morrison

John Cena vs. Wade Barrett

-If Cena wins: Nexus is gone
-If Barrett wins: Cena joins Nexus

[Speilmen230]

My Pick-Em

WWE Hell in a Cell
-Sunday, Oct 3, 2010
-American Airlines Arena, Dallas, TX
-Bell Time: 8:00 PM

WWE Title: Hell in a Cell
Randy Orton (c) vs. Sheamus

World Heavyweight Title: Hell in a Cell
Kane (c) vs. The Undertaker

Diva's Title
Michelle McCool (c) vs. Natalya

United States Title: Submissions Count anywhere
Daniel Bryan (c) vs. The Miz vs. John Morrison

John Cena vs. Wade Barrett

-If Cena wins: Nexus is gone
-If Barrett wins: Cena joins Nexus

[K3nTaKa0s]

They're probably going to add a couple matches on the spot.

[BotheDMBFan]

My Pick-Em

WWE Hell in a Cell
-Sunday, Oct 3, 2010
-American Airlines Arena, Dallas, TX
-Bell Time: 8:00 PM

WWE Title: Hell in a Cell
Randy Orton (c)

World Heavyweight Title: Hell in a Cell
Kane (c)

Diva's Title
Michelle McCool (c)

United States Title: Submissions Count anywhere
The Miz

Wade Barrett

[kittensXLI]

Orton
Kane
Natalya
Danielson
Cena

[K3nTaKa0s]

Wow.. I didn't watch Smackdown, but reading all of the sites that usually just torch TNA.. they are calling last night's Smackdown one of the worst shows of the year. lolololol.

[K3nTaKa0s]

Wasn't Mark Madden FIRED from WCW? Who was at WCW at that time?

[K3nTaKa0s]

The first thing Madden makes reference to in that column is Dreamer having too much impact with creative. Bischoff has said publically that Dreamer has no involvement in creative.

I think Madden got played on a lot of his "inside information."

[kittensXLI]

Do you honestly believe Dreamer has zero involvement in creative? Do you honestly believe everything Bischoff says, especially publicly?

[kittensXLI]

Mark article :



THE LAST REAL PROFESSIONAL

In my daily guise as highly-paid sports-talk radio “Super Genius,” I hate sports halls of fame. HATE ‘EM. Halls of fame are a subjective way of reclassifying what happened objectively. Numbers speak for themselves. Voters are human, and thus indulge agendas.

Pro wrestling halls of fame are no less silly. It’s a phony sport. What do you recognize, who won the most fake matches?

If pro wrestling has one hall of fame hovering close to legit, however, it’s the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame. Dave Meltzer has been wrestling’s journalist of record for 30 years. He’s human, but serves less agendas than most.

The WWE Hall of Fame? Don’t make me laugh. Bruno Sammartino should be in, whether he wants to or not. Meanwhile, Johnny Rodz is in. It’s a joke.

I vote for Meltzer’s Hall of Fame. I try to not serve agendas. For example, I voted for the Midnight Express last year (they got in). I would rather have a banana shoved up my rectum than further honor Jim Cornette, but right is right. Besides, I like Bobby.

This year, I’m voting for three guys I voted for last year: Chris Jericho, Ivan Koloff and Rey Mysterio. Swayed by a recent Bruce Mitchell screed in Pro Wrestling Torch, I’m also voting for The Assassins. Great promos, legitimate long-term main-event tag team, made lesser foes and, most intriguingly, did it all while wearing masks, no small feat in United States wrestling.

Mysterio’s qualifications are obvious, especially given his salad days in Mexico. Koloff was the best Russian ever. As bent as the Soviet sickle, as hard as the hammer that crossed it. The fact that Vince McMahon Sr. picked Koloff to beat Sammartino for the WWWF title in 1971 shows how much respect Koloff had in his prime. As Nikita Koloff’s uncle, he made the largely useless Nikita seem much better than he was, although Ivan’s rep may have suffered because he did mucho jobs on behalf of Nikita.

As for Jericho, he has spent a decent portion of his career being the best performer in the world’s biggest company. He got off steroids and remained a star. Could Cena? Could Hunter?

But rather than list all of Jericho’s qualifications, then pontificate thereof, I’d rather point out his historical significance: Jericho is the last of the true professional wrestlers. The last guy who truly learned the craft properly, expanded upon his repertoire by working in a host of promotions and genres, then used what he had learned to develop (and protect) his character and drawing power once he finally hit the big time for an extended stay.

These days a WWE or TNA wrestler is considered to have a long resume if he worked in WCW, ECW or Smoky Mountain. Jericho worked in all three, starred in all three, and worked in Calgary, Germany, Japan and Mexico besides. Jericho WATCHED. He LISTENED. He LEARNED. He incorporates nuances from everywhere he’s worked into his current style. When Jericho is a heel, he’s a REAL HEEL. No cool catchphrases. No trying to divide the crowd.

Jericho understands, respects and executes the business on a consistent basis better than anyone in wrestling today.

Jericho is not only worthy of THIS honor – when his career ends, there’s every chance he’ll be remembered among the very best.

Of course, credit for a lot of that goes to Ralphus.

DIXIE, MEET DUSTY

Ric Flair’s promos regarding EV2 are not only excellent, they’re venomous well beyond Flair’s usual norm. Flair has ZERO respect for these losers, and he makes that very easy to figure.

And why should Flair respect EV2? They look like rejects from a carnival midway. Never drew a dime. Their claim to fame is a bingo hall. All they ever were, Paul Heyman made them, and he’s not around right now. Tommy Dreamer, a threat to ANYTHING having to do with Ric Flair? It’s silly. Flair knows it. He radiates it.

Throughout history, Flair always built up opponents. That way, when he beat them, he was beating somebody. Flair even did it with foes that were beneath him. I remember him making Jimmy Valiant sound like a million bucks. Rufus R. Jones, too.

Flair won’t do that for EV2. That reveals a lot.

Since I’m drawing parallels with the past, how about when Flair called Dixie Carter “drop-dead gorgeous”? It reminded me of when Flair used to put over Dusty Rhodes’ athleticism. EV2 sucks. But Dixie’s the boss. You go along to get along.

Wade Keller of Pro Wrestling Torch recently wrote that Impact is becoming the Dixie Carter Show, noting that she even has her own entrance music. Dixie isn’t demanding that. The writers are scripting that. It’s called “massaging the money mark.” Keep those paychecks coming!

[kittensXLI]

Mark being Mark :

RVD = CAREER PISSANT. NASH = nWo.

Kevin Nash didn’t just speak for himself.

Nash spoke for the TNA locker room.

Nash didn’t work a shoot at Jason Hervey’s request. That story “leaked” in a vain attempt to minimize locker-room heat. The sun hasn’t come up on a day when Nash takes anything Hervey says seriously.

Nash got it right.

Was Rob Van Dam EVER involved a big-money program? Not even close. Nash was involved in a program that drew big money and revolutionized the business. Helped book it, too. For RVD to refer to himself as a “rock star” while belittling the older, “jealous” wrestlers in TNA was a gratuitous insult, and gratuitously delusional.

Nash, jealous of RVD? HA! RVD, recognized while walking through Disneyland? I’d have to see it to believe it.

What’s going on right now in TNA makes the end of WCW look like a Swiss watch. RVD = career pissant. Kevin Nash = nWo.

I’m of the impression Nash would be welcome for one more run in WWE. Nash should do it. If nobodies like RVD can dump on him with no accountability from TNA management, TNA isn’t worth it. Not even when Nash makes more than RVD. He does, you know. JACKPOT!

You almost feel sorry RVD involved Jeff Hardy in his on-line tirade. Hardy didn’t invite retaliatory invective like RVD did, but here goes: Besides awaiting trial, Hardy is a bloated, grotesque self-parody who has proven nothing in TNA except that he needs WWE’s machine to get over. At one point recently, it appeared his brother Matt had swallowed him.

I used to really like the Hardys. But time seems ready to reveal them as a couple overrated BS artists who buy their own Internet hype.

ISN’T JIMMY VALIANT AVAILABLE?

Ric Flair vs. Mick Foley? It says a lot about Flair’s peerless mic skills that he’s getting so much promo time in TNA. It says a lot about TNA’s clueless booking that Flair, at 61, is being asked to carry a match against a crippled, overweight stuntman. I bet Flair can do it. But why should he?

You know when bookers play off real-life heat? When they’re too lazy and/or not creative enough to book storyline heat.

LET SNOOKI BOOK!

Several years ago at a Pittsburgh indie, I saw a teenage kid from New Jersey work. Good physique, solid work, definite prospect. Rob Eckos.

TNA has signed Eckos and is casting him and a valet in a “Jersey Shore” gimmick. Wait a minute – a gimmick that actually references something CURRENT? How will TNA juxtapose that to EV2? The nWo? The Four Horsemen? Hulk Hogan?

Point is, Eckos is good. He deserves this shot. But it reminds me of when WCW debuted Three Count in the middle of the boy band craze. *N Sync and the Backstreet Boys were HUGE. But WCW half-assed Three Count, so Three Count failed. Jersey Shore is HUGE. TNA can’t half-ass Eckos.

But TNA will. This gimmick deserves a big push. It won’t get it.

Shame, too. TNA should phase out all but a few big-money contracts – Kurt Angle is ALWAYS worth keeping – and go with a smaller, low-budget, relatively anonymous crew. Develop stars, don’t recycle them.

TNA could produce exactly the same TV rating with that kind of roster. Same meager PPV buyrates, too. Costs would diminish. So would losses. TNA might get some mileage out of being the little engine that could. You can’t be the little engine that could when you’ve got Hogan limping to the ring. You’re the little engine that used to.

Only one thing could make the TNA picture complete: DDMe!

Is there any doubt that Dixie Carter is the dumbest promoter in pro wrestling history? She makes Paul Alperstein look like Sam Muchnick.

[K3nTaKa0s]

Do you honestly believe Dreamer has zero involvement in creative? Do you honestly believe everything Bischoff says, especially publicly?

In this case, yes. I don't think Dreamer is involved in creative.

[Speilmen230]

TNA seems like it is in a really sad state of affairs in the locker room/backstage. Dixie really needs to hire someone to look over things for her. She has no clue how to run a Wrestling Ship.

[K3nTaKa0s]

TNA seems like it is in a really sad state of affairs in the locker room/backstage. Dixie really needs to hire someone to look over things for her. She has no clue how to run a Wrestling Ship.

lol. You honestly believe all of that?

[BotheDMBFan]

Yeah, I don't trust that guy further than I can throw him. "Wrestling Hall's of Fame are a joke...except for the one I vote for..."

[Speilmen230]

lol. You honestly believe all of that?

This sort of news is coming out of everywhere. I really do think that they have a rough backstage. There are waay too many different personalities in the backstage that can't be meshing well.

[BotheDMBFan]

How much input does Bisch have?

[Speilmen230]

How much input does Bisch have?

dunno. i have to imagine he has about as much imput as Hogan. They both were brought in to make the company competitive and i have yet to see that happen.

[kittensXLI]

Yeah, I don't trust that guy further than I can throw him. "Wrestling Hall's of Fame are a joke...including the one I vote for..."
Fixed your post.

Mark on TNA :
MY GRIPE WITH TNA

People ask why I hate TNA. I don’t. TNA just sucks. People ask why I write about TNA so much if I think it sucks. Good question.

I am NOT a WWE fan. Grew up in the promotion’s original territory, but never liked it. Formulaic and repetitive, then as now. Hated the Hulkamania era. I’ll never forgive WWE for trying to minimize Ric Flair during his initial run. I’ve respected many WWE performers, but since WCW folded, WWE isn’t giving the people what they want. The people are getting what the McMahon family LIKES. To varying degrees, WWE is a vanity promotion. Lack of competition has made the rot set in.

At its best, WWE is OK. Sports entertainment, my ass. It’s f***ing WRESTLING.

I may have been the bullpen catcher in WCW, but I was on the team. We kicked WWE’s ass. Didn’t last forever, but it happened. Can’t be taken away. WCW’s defeat of WWE caused WWE to dig deep. WWE came up big.

No need for WWE to come up big now. They don’t, and they won’t.

If you want the pro wrestling scene in America to be as good as it can, to be interesting and creative, you must certainly recognize that there needs to be a viable No. 2 promotion pressuring WWE. An alternative.

TNA is not it. The people who run TNA are not capable. The wrestlers who perform in TNA are, by and large, not capable.

Not only does TNA suck, TNA makes wrestling in general suck.

I thought wrestling’s most recent peak came in the mid-‘90s. WWE and WCW battling and counterpunching, ECW nipping at both their heels creatively.

Compare then to now. You can’t. But nobody’s embarrassed. Nobody shows any sign of being challenged. Everybody wants to keep their job. Very few are interested in DOING their job.

That’s why I constantly bury the mangled carcass that is Total Non-Stop Action wrestling. If enough people joined me, maybe somebody would get a fire lit under their dead ass and things might get intriguing again.

I also bury TNA because I like always being right. WHAMMY!

Don’t forget, this isn’t art. At best, wrestling is theatre’s lowest form. It’s to be judged by one thing and one thing only: DRAWING MONEY. Everything should be designed to lead to one thing and one thing only: DRAWING MONEY. Anybody working in wrestling who disagrees is a fool. Anybody watching wrestling who disagrees is a mark. Debate workrate all you want. Define your personal preferences. Keep all your five-star matches. I’d rather have a crap match that DRAWS MONEY. (You can have both.)

DRAWING MONEY = fan approval. DRAWING MONEY = being over.

If you could pick any wrestler from throughout history to start a promotion, you’d have to pick Wrestlemania III-era Hulk Hogan. I HATED Wrestlemania III-era Hulk Hogan. But he drew more money than anybody, ever.

BY THE WAY…

WWE sucks, too. Just not as bad. WWE has more compelling characters. Even TNA couldn’t ruin Jericho and Cena. Uh, probably not.

Like TNA, WWE has gratuitous gaps in logic. Consider Jericho’s handicap match with The Hart Dynasty on Raw. (“JUST READ THE E-MAIL, IDIOT!” Priceless!) Why would The Hart Dynasty sacrifice its 2-on-1 edge by having one member voluntarily leave the cage? Logic dictates that both members would stay in the cage to deliver a prolonged 2-on-1 beating, thus maximizing the chance of victory. When David Hart Smith left the cage, the announcers should have pointed out that he made a mistake.

Instead, Jericho won, beating Tyson Kidd 1-on-1 – as reputation dictates he should – while Smith stood outside, stupid and helpless. DUMB.

I’D LIKE TO SEE…

pro wrestling recycle old ideas, such as the mask concept. Not the mask as it serves Rey Mysterio, combining with his Mighty Mouse physique to make him a kiddie superhero. I’m talking Masked Superstar. I’m talking Mr. Wrestling II. I’m talking the Assassins.

Trying to unmask those guys was a big deal. A masked heel would taunt babyfaces: “You’ll never reveal who I am!” A masked babyface would make it a point of honor: “This mask is sacred to me!” Even if you were fairly certain who was under the mask, you didn’t know for sure until the moment of truth. Everybody knew Masked Superstar II was Big John Studd. But when he was unmasked in 1980, you still heard the marks gasp.

The idea of wrestling is to create points of conflict that draw money by way of sparking fan interest. A mask does that. It was a built-in point of conflict for those mentioned. Masked Superstar, Mr. Wrestling II and the Assassins were big stars. They drew money. As opposed to everybody in TNA.

Today’s bookers would be better off going back to the basics instead of trying to be Martin Scorsese, something they clearly aren’t qualified to be. Masks; tag teams as a focal point; legit emphasis on titles; personal issues funneled through athletic competition, not vice-versa. What’s being done isn’t working, especially in TNA. Why not try this?

There’s a clip on YouTube of Ric Flair taking exception to Tommy Rich doing color on his match during an episode of Georgia Championship Wrestling. It spills into the ring. Other wrestlers join in, including Masked Superstar. Rich goes for Superstar’s mask. The crowd pops. ‘Nuff said.

FUN AT WORK!

Hey, which Hardy is going to die first? Who wants to start an office pool?

[kittensXLI]

Mark on RVD :
THERE’S NO MONEY IN A LAZY STONER

Abyss nearly beat RVD to death with “Janice,” a board spiked with nails. RVD was soaked in gore, hospitalized and stripped of the world title by TNA because he couldn’t defend it. (That way, RVD also didn’t have to LOSE it, but that column’s already been written, just about Shawn Michaels.)

When RVD returned to Impact, he should have been spewing fire and brimstone. He should have vowed bloody revenge while pointing at his scars. He should have been hysterical about losing the most coveted prize in sports and sworn that he would retrieve it sooner, not later.

That’s the way you do things in wrestling. No debate. That’s just how it’s done.

When RVD returned, he did so BY PHONE. Couldn’t even be bothered to make it to the Impact Zone, or someplace that provided a satellite hookup. He wasn’t spewing, or swearing, or hysterical. In fact, RVD didn’t even seem to be annoyed. He just mumbled sports clichés. While he didn’t want to be stripped of the title, he understood why TNA did it.

Jesus. Where’s the money in that? If RVD doesn’t care about what Abyss did to him, why should I?

I’m sure RVD thinks he’s just being true to his lazy stoner character. Yo, Spicoli…there’s NO MONEY in a lazy stoner. Raven did the disenfranchised, neurotic Kurt Cobain gimmick, but when the bell rang, Raven fought as if he didn’t care whether he lived or died. RVD just dreams about another bong hit. Wrestling is adrenaline, not THC.

My main problem isn’t with RVD, though.

My main problem is with TNA for allowing it to happen. How does something like that get on the air? How does Vince Russo, or Eric Bischoff, or Terry Taylor, or Mike Tenay not say, “Hey, wait a minute. That isn’t right. Do it right.”

Does a pissant like RVD really have creative control? That’s like giving a dung pile creative control. “Hey, like it or not, I’m gonna sit here and stink. Live with it.”

Here’s a more likely scenario: Somebody “in charge” tried to tell RVD what to do, and he went to Dixie Carter and got his way, because Dixie always gives the talent their way.

I don’t know that this happened. I do know it’s happened before. Those “in charge” constantly berated Samoa Joe for dressing sloppy. For looking sloppy. For being sloppy. “Dress like a professional athlete,” they told Joe. “Tone up. You don’t need to be a bodybuilder. You do need credibility.”

Those “in charge” knew what they were talking about. Problem was, Joe’s a lazy pig who overrates himself. Joe balked. When those “in charge” persisted, Joe went to Dixie. Dixie backed Joe. “Just let Joe be himself,” Dixie said.

Boy, talk about your worst-case scenario. Look at Joe now. He’s a bum. Nobody cares about him. The “real” aura is gone. It’s been replaced by, “Geez, he’s real fat.”

Those “in charge” knew better. Those “in charge” are supposed to know better. That’s why they’re “in charge.” But Dixie wants everyone to be happy. Think Joe’s happy now? Joe’s the poster boy for wasted opportunity.

RVD’s the poster boy for wasted. WHAMMY!

Dixie Carter is the worst promoter in pro wrestling history. She makes Herb Abrams look like Paul Boesch.

THE GREAT DEPRESSION, WRESTLING-STYLE

I’ll expand upon this at a later date, but here’s a scary fact: The wrestling biz is so shrunken and so strapped for cash that Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas, two quality performers, can’t find regular work anywhere. Not even in Japan, where guys like that used to get RICH.

Why won’t TNA lop off some of the deadwood that’s smothering their company and hire these two? There’s backstory: Both were Kurt Angle protégés. They could have killer matches with Angle. Haas, in fact, wrestles in very similar style. Present Haas as the younger Angle, this year’s model (even though Angle is just three years older) and have Haas counter everything Angle does. Angle, looking into a mirror, is forced to “find a way.”

That’s a better booking idea than TNA has had in years. They wouldn’t like it. Too basic, makes sense.

I don’t feel sorry for Benjamin and Haas, though. They could always quit wrestling and get real jobs. The world needs ditch-diggers, too.

But who would help TNA more: Benjamin and Haas, or Jesse Neal and Eric Young? Or Orlando Jordan and Amazing Red? Or Kazarian and Rob Terry? Or…

[Speilmen230]

Although completely biased, Mark does make a ton of good points about TNA.

[kittensXLI]

I'm running out of Mark articles :
MICKIE JAMES: TELL ME THE VALUE

Mickie James has reportedly signed with TNA.

Tell me the value.

TNA should cut payroll, not add.

James is a solid female worker. Never drew a dime, but no woman has, not since Mildred Burke. Love Mickie’s look. Love her bubble ass. She’s Teagan Presley in tights. I’ve liked Mickie since she was Alexis Laree on the indie circuit.

But she won’t help TNA.

Unless…

This is a long shot, but no longer than RVD at the top of the card: Position the Knockouts as equal to the men. Emphasize the Knockouts title. Lure divas from WWE. You can’t be the top men’s promotion. Be the top women’s promotion. Be supersexy. Go places PG-rated WWE won’t.

Topless PPVs? Sure, why not?

Like I said, a long shot. This may be THE DUMBEST THING I’ve written on Wrestlezone.com. But it’s no dumber than almost everything currently airing on TNA. TNA already has a decent women’s crew. Build on that.

Just bring back Awesome Kong. Men’s pro wrestling can’t create a monster heel, not anymore. Not enough size disparity. But Kong is a monster at the women’s level.

Don’t ignore the point about TNA’s payroll, by the way. How can TNA justify a huge roster given THOSE television ratings, THOSE pay-per-view buyrates and the MINIMAL revenues that accompany everything?

I’d love to be at a TNA production meeting. I bet it’s just like WCW was. The more the ratings said WCW sucked, the more determined Vince Russo was to prove the ratings wrong.

But the ratings are never wrong.

FORCE OF HABIT: A FAN’S GUIDE TO WASTING MONEY

I hate gimmick matches. Used to love ‘em. I remember the ROAR that would shake Pittsburgh’s Civic Arena when a Bruno Sammartino feud was heated enough (and booked well enough) to take the second rematch INSIDE A 10-FOOT-HIGH STEEL CAGE! (Or was it 15?) It was a rarity.

Nowadays, gimmick matches OVERRUN wrestling. Dot just about every card. Illogically so, too.

Cage matches, for example, used to be mandated when the heel too often ran away, or too often benefited from outside assistance. Now, it’s random. Wrestler A vs. Wrestler B INSIDE A 15-FOOT-HIGH STEEL CAGE! (Or is it 20?) No prescient reason applies but the marks roar anyway, because they’re supposed to.

Do you have any idea how much cash WWE rakes in because fans do things BY ROTE? Most WWE PPV customers don’t purchase because they’re legitimately interested in what a particular show has to offer. They buy because IT’S WHAT THEY DO, force of habit, a monthly social event.

Good thing, too. No one could produce 12 big cards per year worth watching. The ideal formula was quarterly. Gave storylines time to develop. But WWE learned to train fans like seals.

I laugh when message-board posters and their ilk say the business is about something besides money. There used to be an unspoken aesthetic, a legitimate desire to make the product good, if only because that was how to cash in. Now quick matters infinitely more than good.

BURN, BABY, BURN

I love slow-burn angles. They’re rare now, but WWE has a great one going with the unknown RAW GM.

I suspect it’s inadvertent. I don’t believe WWE meant for it to go on so long. But if, when the GM’s identity is revealed, it’s the RIGHT GUY, the roof will blow off. If the guy can have a match, it could be money.

The best choice would be Stone Cold Steve Austin. But he won't wrestle. The worst would be a safety valve like Vince. Triple H offers possibilities. If only Shawn Michaels would work again.

I don’t know where this goes. I bet WWE doesn’t, either.

The sound effect, the lights flickering, the podium, Michael Cole’s deadpan heel work…it’s one of the best things on RAW, and in wrestling.

[davidhamrick10]

WWE Hell in a Cell
-Sunday, Oct 3, 2010
-American Airlines Arena, Dallas, TX
-Bell Time: 8:00 PM

WWE Title: Hell in a Cell
Randy Orton (c) vs. Sheamus

World Heavyweight Title: Hell in a Cell
Kane (c) vs. The Undertaker

Diva's Title
Michelle McCool (c) vs. Natalya

United States Title: Submissions Count anywhere
Daniel Bryan (c) vs. The Miz vs. John Morrison

John Cena vs. Wade Barrett

-If Cena wins: Nexus is gone
-If Barrett wins: Cena joins Nexus

[SqueeBaBooSquee]

Pro Wrestling is FAKE!?!

[K3nTaKa0s]

Randy Orton
The Undertaker
Michelle McCool
Daniel Bryan
Wade Barrett

[K3nTaKa0s]

If there's all of this crap going on backstage, why are a lot of wrestlers signing new contracts (Angle, Anderson)?

Merchandise sales and house show attendance are up, yet because Impact isn't doing a 2.0 every week, the new accusitions they've made have done nothing for the company.

[Speilmen230]

If there's all of this crap going on backstage, why are a lot of wrestlers signing new contracts (Angle, Anderson)?

In all honesty, the money is probably too good to pass up and TNA's travel schedule is 1/64 of WWE. Which is a big reason why Kurt went to TNA.

[AndySlash]

Randy Orton (c) vs. Sheamus

Kane (c) vs. The Undertaker

Michelle McCool (c) vs. Natalya

Daniel Bryan (c) vs. The Miz vs. John Morrison

John Cena vs. Wade Barrett

[kittensXLI]

If there's all of this crap going on backstage, why are a lot of wrestlers signing new contracts (Angle, Anderson)?

Merchandise sales and house show attendance are up, yet because Impact isn't doing a 2.0 every week, the new accusitions they've made have done nothing for the company.
Because Kurt gets big $$$ on top of a cakewalk schedule, and the 'E doesn't want Anderson, who also can get a pretty penny from TNA regardless.

The "new acquisitions" being? ECW guys? Or Hardy and RVD? Or Hogan and Bischoff? Or Mickie James?

-------

The most recent Mark article, yesterday :
R.I.P. (1990-2011)

I’ve been told Paul Bearer’s return to WWE is the start of Undertaker’s retirement angle. WWE doesn’t have the angle mapped out, nor is a date set for conclusion. WrestleMania seems logical. ‘Mania could also be a stepping stone to SummerSlam. But this IS the beginning of the end.

Let’s get THIS out of the way: Undertaker will NOT be losing his last match by way of anointing the "next big star.” Not quite how it’s done anymore. NOBODY wants to see ‘Taker lose his last match. Then again, nobody wanted to see Ric Flair lose his last match. Difference is, ‘Taker has stroke. ‘Taker is also a WWE creation. Flair wasn’t.

Undertaker wins his last match, period.

Undertaker really is a phenom. The name fits. The longest-running successful gimmick performer in history, few have more respect in the ring, in the dressing room, or among the marks. Class act, too. Rarely a bad word said about him.

His act has had a few hiccups, like when he indulged his biker fantasy. LAME. But when he does his gimmick straight old-school, it’s SCARY. Porn star Jenna Jameson is a big wrestling fan, obviously knowing it’s a work. But she thought Undertaker was REAL. Assumed he lived his character 24/7. It’s not like fooling Barbara Walters, but how often does ANYBODY suspend disbelief these days?

I have no idea what ‘Taker’s final angle will be, or how it plays out. But ‘Taker won’t settle for second-best.

I’m glad Paul Bearer’s back. He’s such an integral part of the Undertaker character. I’m glad ‘Taker and Kane are currently entangled. The chemistry between them is among the best opponents have ever had. It’s difficult to belief that Kane won’t be involved in a big way when Undertaker’s final run hits the homestretch. That’s how it should be.

Mark Calaway is worthy of any and all praise. The gimmick, on paper, is cheesy. A ghostly gravedigger. A pale, wailing, cartoonish manager. A long-lost brother. But the execution, for two decades, has been flawless. So good, you ignore the silly stuff. Great worker for a big man. Impeccable timing.

Taker has absorbed so many injuries over the years, I thought (and wrote) he would embarrass himself as his body broke down. But he didn’t. He seems a bit gimpy on occasion, but the aging Undertaker has somehow taken on nobility never bestowed on somebody like Hulk Hogan.

Maybe it’s because ‘Taker never cheated anybody.

I’m looking forward to his last run. Turn me on, dead man.

CENA, A HEEL?

Who will sell the T-shirts?

Used to be, wrestling promotions didn’t merchandise heels. If a heel’s popular enough to move T-shirts, isn’t he really a babyface? If the crowd is full of people wearing the heel’s T-shirt, doesn’t the babyface look bad? That sort of logic has been swept aside by the notion that someone will actually pay $19.95 for a Miz T-shirt and no, I can’t believe it, either. Heels have T-shirts. Sell, sell, sell. Not hatin’. That’s reality.

But if a John Cena heel turn is, indeed, being mooted, that’s not just business. That’s BIG BUSINESS.

Cena moves merch like few before him. While a heel turn wouldn’t totally stem the flow of T-shirt dollars, you'd think the “Never Give Up” and “Hustle, Loyalty, Respect” gear might start to pile up at the warehouse.

By the way, does anybody own the official U CAN’T C ME pendant, let alone actually wear it? I can’t imagine…

Do Cena’s incredibly high merchandise sales make WWE hesitate before turning Cena? Yes, and they should. Doesn’t mean you don’t turn him. It does mean that you’d better be sure it will work, thus increasing overall revenues, before you throw back a sizeable percentage of Cena’s merch loot. It’s good business. Common sense.

Cena is a better babyface than a heel, and I’ve always respected him for staying the course character-wise when his ‘face persona gets booed. He could be a good heel now, but aligning him with Nexus would be ill-advised. Joining a group he’s feuded with by way of fulfilling a stipulation sounds intriguing, but it would turn out clumsy. There would be too many gaps in logic and anyway, Nexus has been diminished. Brought back to the pack. Why would Cena follow Wade Barrett? But if Cena leads Nexus, it would be like Steve Austin leading the Alliance. See? It’s all clumsy.

WWE should leave Cena ‘face for now. Sell those T-shirts.

[ant_marching41]

Randy Orton (c) vs. Sheamus

Kane (c) vs. The Undertaker

Michelle McCool (c) vs. Natalya

Daniel Bryan (c) vs. The Miz vs. John Morrison

John Cena vs. Wade Barrett

[hbktonyb]

Cena, Miz, McCool, Orton, Taker.

Another stellar lineup by the wwe...

[Servo]

WWE Hell in a Cell
-Sunday, Oct 3, 2010
-American Airlines Arena, Dallas, TX
-Bell Time: 8:00 PM

WWE Title: Hell in a Cell
Randy Orton vs. Sheamus

World Heavyweight Title: Hell in a Cell
Kane vs. The Undertaker

Diva's Title
Michelle McCool vs. Natalya

United States Title: Submissions Count anywhere
Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz vs. John Morrison

John Cena vs. Wade Barrett

-If Cena wins: Nexus is gone
-If Barrett wins: Cena joins Nexus

I am thinking Cena might be turning heel -- and that could be a good thing for WWE.

I am also wondering when we are going to learn who the RAW GM is? Seeing Edge talk to a Speak N Spell (actually the voice reminded me of GLADOS in Portal) was ridiculous

[Speilmen230]

do i go out to bdubs for tonights PPV or do i stay in and watch on the questionable streams?

[GrooGrux420]

WWE Hell in a Cell
-Sunday, Oct 3, 2010
-American Airlines Arena, Dallas, TX
-Bell Time: 8:00 PM

WWE Title: Hell in a Cell
Randy Orton (c) vs. Sheamus

World Heavyweight Title: Hell in a Cell
Kane (c) vs. The Undertaker

Diva's Title
Michelle McCool (c) vs. Natalya

United States Title: Submissions Count anywhere
Daniel Bryan (c) vs. The Miz vs. John Morrison

John Cena vs. Wade Barrett

-If Cena wins: Nexus is gone
-If Barrett wins: Cena joins Nexus

[ant_marching41]

do i go out to bdubs for tonights PPV or do i stay in and watch on the questionable streams?
I think you answered your question right there.

[Speilmen230]

I think you answered your question right there.

the people at my bdubs get upset when you are there to watch and you don't drink beer.

[ant_marching41]

the people at my bdubs get upset when you are there to watch and you don't drink beer.
Seriously? That's pretty shitty. Well I say go anyway and enjoy the big screens. I wish there were bdubs in PA. It was so cool having one in UDel.

[Speilmen230]

Seriously? That's pretty shitty. Well I say go anyway and enjoy the big screens. I wish there were bdubs in PA. It was so cool having one in UDel.

yeah if you go and just order food and coke like i do (i'm only 19), the servers get upset and the managers will encourage you to leave once you are done with your meal.

[ant_marching41]

yeah if you go and just order food and coke like i do (i'm only 19), the servers get upset and the managers will encourage you to leave once you are done with your meal.
That's rediculous. They provide the entertainment, you're a paying customer. What do they expect?

[Speilmen230]

That's rediculous. They provide the entertainment, you're a paying customer. What do they expect?

they want you to be spending money the entire time you are there watching the PPV. They are trying to make as much money as possible. I mean i understand the thinking behind it, but it just sucks that it affects me because i am not 21.

[Speilmen230]

anyone got a link for tonight? i have been searching high and low and i cannot find one.

[Speilmen230]

ATDHE.net

Livevs.com


both have streams up now.

[ant_marching41]

livevs link is good quality.

[Speilmen230]

Miz should get out a chair and beat the hell out of Bryan's arm and make him tap with an Armbar.

[Speilmen230]

livevs link is good quality.

Adobe flash 1 is awesome.

[ant_marching41]

Sure is.

Miz will steal one here.

[ant_marching41]

And I've only seen a few shots of it, but the stage set up is actually kinda cool tonight.

[ant_marching41]

Match is starting to become a hardcore match. Cool.

[Speilmen230]

so far the Submissions count anywhere match is high quality stuff. the corwd is really good tonight.

[Speilmen230]

Chalk one up for me.


Daniel Bryan

[Speilmen230]

wow... Sheamus/Orton is the Second Match of the night.

[ant_marching41]

Chalk one up for me.


Daniel Bryan
Good match. Really good match. It would sure be great to see a high quality of match pop up on Raw once in a while. :rolleyes
wow... Sheamus/Orton is the Second Match of the night.
There's no reason why this match is second.

[kittensXLI]

Orton in the 2nd match?

Is Miz cashing in tonight at the end?

[Speilmen230]

2-0 so far.

Orton Wins.


decent HIAC match for the PG era.

[ant_marching41]

Really better than expected. They were both great tonight.

[Speilmen230]

what is the point of having bragging rights when you have Survivor series?

[ant_marching41]

Cole's got a boner for Alberto.

[Speilmen230]

Cole's got a boner for Alberto.

cole's got a boner for Miz too.

[ant_marching41]

EDGE! Sick.

[Speilmen230]

impromptu match.

Edge Vs Jack Swagger

[ant_marching41]

They just wasted 20 minutes of ppv to get to a one on one match.

[Speilmen230]

They just wasted 20 minutes of ppv to get to a one on one match.

promos at PPVs are kinda silly to me.

[Sandman3479]

link?....

[ant_marching41]

livevs.com

[Speilmen230]

even though edge has lost his touch that was still a really solid match.

[ant_marching41]

Definitely see Edge getting a face turn.

[Speilmen230]

stream 1 going down is absolute shit.

[ant_marching41]

all the streams are going down!

[ant_marching41]

How is this not a cell match?

[Sandman3479]

I can't find any that work.

[Speilmen230]

stream 3

[Speilmen230]

thats brilliant!!!! OMG WIN!!! Awesomeness!!

[DMBfan41]

that really was brilliant...as long as they play this out correctly. Cena must see that the fans have turned on him and that could lead to a great heel role.

[ant_marching41]

Everybodys so sad there. :lol

[K3nTaKa0s]

A lot of huge upsets tonight, I see.

[ant_marching41]

Hahaha somebody on the chat window just posted the funniest thing during the make a wish video.

"Imagine getting Cody Rhodes and not John Cena."

:lol

[Speilmen230]

i am very happy that i am 2-1. i was hoping that Barett would win, but i was trying to be realistic.

[ant_marching41]

I'm 2-1 also. I picked Natalya in this match, but I'm having second thoughts.

[Speilmen230]

hahahahaha matt striker FTW.


She's a real heel.

[ant_marching41]

So I guess I'm 3-1 then.

[K3nTaKa0s]

Ugh. Kane/Undertaker to end the PPV? Yeah, I wonder who's going to win that to close a PPV.

[Speilmen230]

that makes me 3-1 now. :)

[ant_marching41]

Ahhh the streams are all down for me! What bullshit!

[Speilmen230]

4-1

Kane wins.


That was an absolute shit finish. They had the crowd pumped til Bearer got involved. Dumb, dumb, dumb.

[DMBfan41]

indeed, weak finish. I got excited when they started fighting outside the cage at the beginning. These hell in a cell matches are garbage now.

[AndySlash]

that was pretty terrible. and the crowd rightfully booed, not because of the oh so shocking turn of events, but because they didn't want to see that kind of shit. solid but unmemorable show otherwise.

[K3nTaKa0s]

I guess I went 3-2.

[justinandimcool]

Just saw Paul Bearer's back, cool. What happened that made the ending so bad?

Did Cena make a heel turn?

[K3nTaKa0s]

Cena is now a face in a heel faction.

[Speilmen230]

Cena is now a face in a heel faction.

correct. I foresee it being JBL/HBK pt. 2.

[Speilmen230]

the WWE PWB over at Gamefaqs are a mess.

[kittensXLI]

4-1

Didn't think the 'E had the guts to job Cena.

Did Bearer turn on Undertaker? That was my prediction for Kane to win.

[BotheDMBFan]

Final results?

[Crush086]

Awesome that Cena lost. Now I just need him to be a legit heel and not one of those faggy heels that looks sad whenever he does something bad. I want a full blown heel that doesn't care what the crowd thinks.

[Rodey]

Didn't see, but reading through some of this makes me excited for Raw tonight.

[K3nTaKa0s]

The following events are advertised for tonight's WWE Raw television show.

-Johnny Knoxville of "Jackass" fame hosts the show. He will be promoting the movie Jackass 3D.

-The Nexus will present John Cena with his "N" armband on tonight's show.

-The Anonymous General Manager announced via Michael Cole that he is ordering Edge to apologize to him.

[kittensXLI]

Vince was an amazing face :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1p_0q9XDnY

[hbktonyb]

Vince is awesome :lol

[Speilmen230]

Vince was an amazing face :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1p_0q9XDnY

that might have been the best promo ever given by anyone ever. Such emotion and the crowd was going nuts the entire time.

[BotheDMBFan]

Some dumb woman is trying to tell me that the RKO isn't the most awesome finisher in the E right now.

[Speilmen230]

Some dumb woman is trying to tell me that the RKO isn't the most awesome finisher in the E right now.

The RKO is my favorite, but a close second is the Gutwrench Powerbomb that Swagger does.

[BotheDMBFan]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZBvoIeG2E0

One of the most amazing things I have ever seen in my life as a wrestling fan.

[Speilmen230]

so do we have standings from last night for the Pick em?

[BotheDMBFan]

I don't even know who won and lost matches.

[Speilmen230]

Randy Retained
Kane Retained
Bryan Retained
Cena Lost
Natalya won by DQ.

[BotheDMBFan]

3-2, I call herecy.

[Rodey]

Some dumb woman is trying to tell me that the RKO isn't the most awesome finisher in the E right now.

Starship Pain
Zack Attack
Cross Rhodes

Three off the top of my head that are cooler than the RKO in my opinion.

[K3nTaKa0s]

Friday's live edition of WWE Smackdown drew a 1.70 rating. It was the top cable show among males 18-34. The lead-in special replay of NXT with live cut-ins scored only a 0.6 rating in the hour leading up to the live show.

Source: ProWrestling.net

[K3nTaKa0s]

- According to emails sent out to ticketholders, the November 29th Raw in Philadelphia is set to be a three hour broadcast.

Source: PWInsider

[BotheDMBFan]

Starship Pain
Zack Attack
Cross Rhodes

Three off the top of my head that are cooler than the RKO in my opinion.

None of them have the awesome spontaneity and sheer badassedness of the RKO.

[kittensXLI]

The Diamond Cutter went out of style in 2000.

[jackisback24]

I like Air Bourne.

New Japan Pro Wrestling coming stateside soon.

Foley book is pretty good so far----not specatacular but it's good. 30 pages into it.

Patriots on tonight...please keep me posted with Raw.

[Speilmen230]

first raw that i am genuinely excited about.

[kittensXLI]

Apparently they're just giving Cena an armband?

[Speilmen230]

Apparently they're just giving Cena an armband?
What does that even mean??

like they are just giving him the arm band and thats it?

[kittensXLI]

Barrett/Nexus is going to present him with one.

Some stupid internet site said it. Sounds dumb enough to be an 'E idea, but it has to be more than that.

[Speilmen230]

Barrett/Nexus is going to present him with one.

Some stupid internet site said it. Sounds dumb enough to be an 'E idea, but it has to be more than that.

i am willing to bet that Cena take it grudgingly or he is going to take it and embrace it.

[kittensXLI]

Husky Harris? These guys suck.

[kittensXLI]

Well, that's the seed to disband the group. Planted.

[Speilmen230]

this is awesome other than the fact, that everyone but Wade Barett has awful mic skills.

[kittensXLI]

What are we waiting for? Is he supposed to just hug Barrett and prove it as a hoax, or what?

[Speilmen230]

What are we waiting for? Is he supposed to just hug Barrett and prove it as a hoax, or what?

The smarks were all expecting Cena to turn heel on the spot. I had a feeling he would be a reluctant soldier.

[kittensXLI]

It'd be decent if Cena destroyed Nexus from the inside out, leaving it just him and Barrett. Then a complete heel turn.

Everyone in Nexus is trash but Barrett. I'd fire them all.

[Speilmen230]

It'd be decent if Cena destroyed Nexus from the inside out, leaving it just him and Barrett. Then a complete heel turn.

Everyone in Nexus is trash but Barrett. I'd fire them all.

I always thought Gabriel had potential to be an upper midcard guy. He could probably have some solid feuds with the likes of Kofi, Miz, Morrison, Bryan, ect.

[kittensXLI]

Well, I'd also fire Jason Bourne, so...

Jobber for life. Nothing more than a SSP. He sucks.

[Speilmen230]

cena is actually entertaining me for once. I am kinda enjoying him in this manner.

[kittensXLI]

cena is actually entertaining me for once. I am kinda enjoying him in this manner.
Best acting of his life!

[Speilmen230]

hahahahah that is awesome! best thing cena has done in a long long time.

[Speilmen230]

dumb, why say it out loud like that? and where the hell is the rest of Nexus while this is going on?

[kittensXLI]

Um... Where's the other 4 guys?

[K3nTaKa0s]

Omg heel tendencies!#%

[kittensXLI]

A rabble rouser? Really Cole?

[kittensXLI]

omg vince

Just kidding.

[Speilmen230]

wow.... that is actually not bad. Makes things a bit more interesting. Just makes me want to know who the GM is even more. This is where edge should come out and start ranting about how the GM is bullshit and is pushing around even the untouchable John Cena.

[Speilmen230]

what are the fans chanting?

[kittensXLI]

I don't understand the heel turn now. He's going to turn but everyone will love it because they hate him as a face, but he is still a face in reality. Might as well keep him the way he is.

[kittensXLI]

what are the fans chanting?
Never give up.

[Speilmen230]

I don't understand the heel turn now. He's going to turn but everyone will love it because they hate him as a face, but he is still a face in reality. Might as well keep him the way he is.

I think it would be a bigger blow to the marks if he did give up and said there is nothing i can do about it and had a "if you can't beat em, join em" attitude. And then once he started to be heelish he started to enjoy it. Cut a promo about how it feels good and refreshing to be the bad guy.

[kittensXLI]

Pointless match, super squash, but Alicia Fox might be the ugliest human being in the public eye, so I approve.

[Speilmen230]

would have loved to have seen a Natalya/Mickie James/Trish Stratus match.

[kittensXLI]

Mickie James might be the most overrated "diva" in history. Maybe the 'E version of Torrie Wilson too.

[kittensXLI]

omg Rocktober :lol

http://oi53.tinypic.com/2s9rfns.jpg

[Speilmen230]

Rocktober would be great if i actually had WWE Classics

[kittensXLI]

Rocktober would be great if i actually had WWE Classics
Agreed same.

Why would Sheamus face Danielson?

[Speilmen230]

Agreed same.

Why would Sheamus face Danielson?

so danielson can job and have sheamus can look like Mega Heel.

[K3nTaKa0s]

Good way to bury your US Champion.

[kittensXLI]

so danielson can job and have sheamus can look like Mega Heel.

Good way to bury your US Champion.
This is why I'm confused.

[Speilmen230]

Good way to bury your US Champion.

Shoulda been someone like R-Truth.

[kittensXLI]

R-Truth and Alicia Fox, while both are God-awful and should be fired, can't job back to back. That's racist.

[K3nTaKa0s]

Great job by Sheamus, selling his injuries from last night's horrific Hell in a Cell match.

[kittensXLI]

How much weight would Edge lose if he stopped roiding?

[Speilmen230]

edge FTW.

Recording of Jr > Cole

[kittensXLI]

:lol @ Edge

He's clearly using creative control for this new gimmick. Love it.

[kittensXLI]

edge FTW.

Recording of Jr > Cole
+ calling Cole stupid

+ dropping "attitude"

[K3nTaKa0s]

Finally, something good happens. Edge to Smackdown.

[Speilmen230]

cole is such a little bitch. lol

[kittensXLI]

Miz YES!

This is great stuff.

[kittensXLI]

Reeks of Awesomeness reference. Epic.

[Speilmen230]

edge has my favorite character right now. His charisma makes up for his slowed ring speed.

[Speilmen230]

JackASS! hahaha! thats awesome!

[Nick11dx]

that was one of the better segments. Glad to see edge dropping "attitude" and bring up "jr". The Miz and Edge should be doing a lot more promos, could end up being classics

[kittensXLI]

Good Raw tonight. Lots of great storyline development.

[Speilmen230]

that was one of the better segments. Glad to see edge dropping "attitude" and bring up "jr". The Miz and Edge should be doing a lot more promos, could end up being classics

I am actually really upset about Edge leaving for smackdown down. This is the best Edge has been since 2006.

[kittensXLI]

This is as talented as it comes, junior!

[Speilmen230]

Good Raw tonight. Lots of great storyline development.

waaaaay too many commercials in the first hour.

[Speilmen230]

omg this is awful. did that seriously just happen.

[Nick11dx]

this is horrible, take a note from tna and get real talent in the wwe

[Speilmen230]

ted being buried like this is just bad. Ryder i understand, but Dibiase has major potential.

[ant_marching41]

Other than the 2 divas matches and anything Knoxville, this has been a really good Raw.

[Speilmen230]

maryse is so fucking sexy.

[kittensXLI]

Yes!!!!!

[K3nTaKa0s]

I was all about Maryse until I got to see Miss Tessmacher. Weeeeeee.

[kittensXLI]

So it's essentially Sheamus, Cena, and Barrett battling for the #1 Contendership.

I'll take Sheamus.

[Speilmen230]

that 20 man battle royal line-up has literally 4 people who have a shot at winning it.

[ant_marching41]

that 20 man battle royal line-up has literally 4 people who have a shot at winning it.
Then again, so does every battle royal.

[Speilmen230]

Then again, so does every battle royal.

if they would have had it 4 weeks ago it would have included Jericho and Edge instead of Ryder & Regal.

[kittensXLI]

Did Steve Austin get a nose job? Is that why he looks so weird to me now?

It's not an age thing. He looks so different.

[Speilmen230]

Did Steve Austin get a nose job? Is that why he looks so weird to me now?

It's not an age thing. He looks so different.

Picture for reference??

[kittensXLI]

http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Steve+Austin+Screening+Lionsgate+Films+Expendables +HvSLNKvu40hl.jpg

http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Steve+Austin+Screening+Lionsgate+Last+Exorcism+NfA 2o9qQYv8l.jpg

http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Steve+Austin+Screening+Lionsgate+Last+Exorcism+pX0 uwAZrI6vl.jpg

[Speilmen230]

He is white as hell. In his wrestling days he was pretty tan. Being tan can make you look a lot different.

[K3nTaKa0s]

WWE throws out a random battle royal to take away from TNA's on Thursday?

[Speilmen230]

WWE throws out a random battle royal to take away from TNA's on Thursday?

i highly doubt that. I am willing to bet it comes down to Cena and Barret and barret demands that cena eliminates himself.

[kittensXLI]

It'll probably be Sheamus and Barrett, Cena the third final but gets eliminated. Barrett orders Cena to help him. Barrett goes for an Irish Whip, Sheamus reverses it, and Cena "accidentally" eliminates him by pulling the top rope down.

[Speilmen230]

Cena looks good as a member of Nexus.

[kittensXLI]

:lol @ Jason Bourne being the first eliminated

[kittensXLI]

Are you joking me? You go to a commercial break now?

Kill yourself WWE.

[Speilmen230]

are these commercials really necessary after all the breaks they took during the first hour?

[kittensXLI]

Love that Morrison made it to the final four, though.

[Speilmen230]

agreed.

What did i tell you... Cena/Barett he is going to tell him to eliminate himself.

[kittensXLI]

Well, Cena winning this obviously gives the cliffhanger of being fired until next week.

[Speilmen230]

this is actually much much better than HBK/JBL.


Edit: awesome television, this is the best WWE has been in quite some time.

[kittensXLI]

This is awesome : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Gqszrbu5eY

[Rodey]

ted being buried like this is just bad. Ryder i understand, but Dibiase has major potential.

They're misusing Ted so bad, it really is a shame.

Also a shame that they're using Ryder ass comic relief and not giving him any shots in the ring. He's probably one of the more talented guys on the roster.

[Rodey]

Love that Morrison made it to the final four, though.

He's finally back to performing good after his injury. There was a stretch there like a month ago where he botched every move he tried to hit and it was painful to watch.

[K3nTaKa0s]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wV-i-H-Vbew

[Speilmen230]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wV-i-H-Vbew

oh. my. god.

[kittensXLI]

Kurt Angle interview : http://radio.thescore.com/episodes/kurt-angle-interview-october-4-2010

[K3nTaKa0s]

The following is the schedule for upcoming WWE pay-per-view events.

10/24/10: Bragging Rights - Minneapolis, Minn. at Target Center

11/21/10 Survivor Series - Miami, Fla. at American Airlines Arena

12/19/10 Tables, Ladders & Chairs at Houston, Tex. at Toyota Center

1/30/11 Royal Rumble - Boston, Mass. at TD Garden

2/20/11 Elimination Chamber - Oakland, Calif. at Oracle Arena

4/3/11 WrestleMania XXVII - Atlanta, Ga. at Georgia Dome

5/1/11 Extreme Rules - Orlando, Fla. at Amway Center

5/22/11 Over The Limit - Seattle, Wash. at Key Arena

6/19/11 Fatal 4 Way - Kansas City, Mo. at Sprint Center

[BotheDMBFan]

I might go to Elimination Chamber...but I don't wanna...

[K3nTaKa0s]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YB0lQIkWWII

[BotheDMBFan]

Holy shit, that looks like a match just above the quality of Bret Hart v McMahon.

[BotheDMBFan]

Mick Foley is one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. His ring psychology in his prime was second to none. He was so much more than a glorified stuntman. He isn't any more though.

[kittensXLI]

Even better Kurt Angle interview : http://ia700106.us.archive.org/20/items/Wnl10-4-10KurtAngleInterview/KurtAngleInterviewEditedForWnl.mp3

So awesome.

[BotheDMBFan]

I love Angle's interviews to pieces. Sometimes they're just shitty, but most of the time he knocks them out of the park.

[kittensXLI]

The second one I just posted is super long, but it might actually be his best, ever.

His stints on Stern are great too.

[BotheDMBFan]

These interviewers are dopes.

[kittensXLI]

The one hick is a buzzkill the entire time. During the cowboy hat part I want to kill him.

[BotheDMBFan]

You were the first Euro-Continental Champion, because D-Lo Brown didn't count.

[BotheDMBFan]

This hick guy has to yell out "It's Still Real to Me Damn It!"

[K3nTaKa0s]

Last night's episode of WWE Raw rebounded to a 3.31 rating after the year-low 2.74 rating last week.

Source: PWTorch

[BotheDMBFan]

And it'll probably get even better after being a DAMN solid Raw.

[BotheDMBFan]

That hick is all "They hate TNA because they're stupid and they can't learn."

No, it's because the product is terrible outside of Angle and a couple others.

[kittensXLI]

He gets worse. A LOT worse.

[Rodey]

Woo Woo Woo, You Know It!

[BotheDMBFan]

He gets worse. A LOT worse.

The hick SAYS he knows wrestling is fake, but he talks like it is more real than Ben's adoration for rape.

[kittensXLI]

You will want to kill this hick soon.

[BotheDMBFan]

I gave up eventually. Shit was just too damn long.

Unrelated side-note, I wish the Indian Deathlock was in video games, it was so pimp when HHH used it on Booker T at Wrestlemania.

[kittensXLI]

You're lame. Kurt talks about a ton of stuff. What was the last you heard?

[BotheDMBFan]

They were going on and on and on about AJ Styles. I decided to pop on one of Kurt's finest moments, Angle v HHH v Rock at SummerSlam 2000.

[kittensXLI]

I did too. I seriously recommend listening to the rest eventually though.

[jackisback24]

I'm digging the Foley book, although not a TNA fan. His writing is that you don't have to be a fan of TNA to enjoy it.

Anyone getting the Jericho DVD? Kinda pissed that the good Benoit matches aren't on it, like the tag with HHH and Austin and the ladder match.

[BotheDMBFan]

I noticed two things watching that match...

1. There is not nearly as much Angle in it as I remembered.

2. The Rock is the greatest kick out artist of all time.

[jackisback24]

read in some magazine that Darius Rucker bought a Ric Flair robe, the white one. pretty cool.

[jackisback24]

spoiler

http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/17820/

[K3nTaKa0s]

Is it the who is coming to Raw spoiler? Heh.

[kittensXLI]

No, the online, female NXT nobody with a brain cares about.

[Speilmen230]

what happened to that super tall bitch that was supposed to be on NXT?

[Rodey]

what happened to that super tall bitch that was supposed to be on NXT?

Only thing I could dig up through Google was that she allegedly got fired because of nude pictures. :ugh:freak

[Speilmen230]

Only thing I could dig up through Google was that she allegedly got fired because of nude pictures. :ugh:freak

riiiiight...

[thechad90000]

http://www.hilariousgifs.com/gifs/wr...g-its-fake.gif

[Speilmen230]

http://www.hilariousgifs.com/gifs/wr...g-its-fake.gif

Error 404: Not Found

[thechad90000]

Error 404: Not Found

Fuck.. I don't Know what happened.

[thechad90000]

http://www.hilariousgifs.com/wrestling-imight-be-a-tid-bit-fake/

[BotheDMBFan]

Burnt Sub-Zero (NXT dude with the mask) had the best fucking reaction ever last night when he saw Mark Henry behind him last night.

[Speilmen230]

http://www.hilariousgifs.com/wrestling-imight-be-a-tid-bit-fake/

well scott steiner is all sorts of fail.

[BotheDMBFan]

Scott Steiner is the worst wrestler to ever hold a world title.

[GrooGrux420]

Getting tickets for Smackdown in December. Hopefully I can grab some good seats like I did for Raw.

[K3nTaKa0s]

http://www.prowrestling.net/artman/publish/TNA/article10014461.shtml

[Speilmen230]

http://www.prowrestling.net/artman/publish/TNA/article10014461.shtml

there were points where i didn't know who was being interviewed, Bischoff or Dixie.

[Crush086]

Not sure how well known this is, but CM Punk is the guy traded to Raw after Edge's trade.

[kittensXLI]

Wow. That's huge.

[Speilmen230]

that will definitely freshen things up a bit.