Monday, October 15, 2012
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Friday, August 31, 2012
Monday, August 27, 2012
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Monday, August 13, 2012
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Friday, August 10, 2012
What Makes a Great Worker?
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
The Raw Review 8/6/2012
WWE Monday Night RAW 8/6/2012
The AT&T Center San Antonio, Texas
The CM Punk / AJ Lee summit
Punk's slow build into a heel continued to take shape here, and it was fantastic. Like any great villain, Punk felt his actions the last two weeks were justified.
Punk tries to get the Triple Threat Match at Summerslam called off, but AJ has none of it.
I like that the Punk/AJ dynamic has flipped in the last month. I was dreading the mere thought of Punk and AJ becoming an on screen couple, so this was good stuff if you ask me.
Out comes Cena to throw stones at Punk's "new attitude".
What pissed me off about this was Cena even suggesting that Punk has earned respect over the last 261 days of his WWE Titles reign. If I'm not mistaken, Punk has done nothing but earn everything he's gotten since Survivor Series. Sure, I might sound like a Mark by saying that, but Punk has brought prestige back to the belt, that was diminished while it was held by guys like John Cena over the last 8 years.
AJ then sticks Punk into a 'Raw Active' Match. The fans on twitter have Kane, The Miz, and Rey Mysterio to choose from. There is no way that it wont be Rey.
SURVEY SAYS....
Non-Title: CM Punk vs Rey Mysterio
These two have had better matches, but this was a great TV bout. I would've liked more time, but they made the most of what they were given, and that's all I can ask.
Finish: Rey came off the top attempting a big splash, but Punk managed to get his knees up just in time. Punk then finished off Rey with a GTS to pick up the win.
Winner: CM Punk
Wade Barrett return vignette
This was AWESOME!! I've missed Wade. He was finally getting a chance to showcase what makes him so great before he went down with an elbow injury. WWE has been pushing younger stars up the card, so having him back on the roster is a huge win.
Christian vs Alberto Del Rio
This one was OK, but the finish was too close to the previous match if you ask me.
Finish: Christian goes up top, but Ricardo distracts him which allows Alberto to nail Captain Charisma with a boot to knock him onto the mat. He then slaps on the Cross Armbreaker to make Christian tap out.
Winner: Alberto Del Rio
Post Match: Sheamus steals Alberto's car, and I could care less.
Randy Orton vs The Big Show
This one was better than I anticipated. It was far from being the snore-fest that I thought it would be going in. They both were on their game, and put on a pretty good match. The only thing I had a problem with was the ending.
Finish: Both men brawl to the outside and get counted out.
Winner: Double Count out.
Post Match: Big Show tosses Orton back into the ring and goes for the WMD, but it's countered with an RKO out of nowhere.
Ryback vs Curt Hawkins & Tyler Reks
Ryback got fed, thats all I have to say about this one.
Finish: Ryback hits the Marching Fishermens Buster on Reks to get the pin.
Winner: Ryback
The Primetime Players vs Epico & Primo
I spent more time listening to AW to try and pick on up any new rape jokes, then I did paying attention to the match. And you could tell that he's been neutered because of his Kobe Bryant comment from last week, which is a shame. It was the first entertaining thing to come out of his mouth.
Finish: The Primetime Players try to bail on the match, but Kofi and Truth cut them off at the ramp. They toss the heels back in, and Young gets hit with the backstabber to eat a loss for his team.
Winners: Epico & Primo
Damien Sandow vs Brodus Clay
Sandow attacks Clay on the stage before the match can even get started.
I love the intensity that Damien Sandow has been showing lately, And I'm actually becoming a fan of his. This is just another case of WWE doing a great job creating new stars, which has needed to happen for some time.
Winner: No Contest.
Kelly Kelly vs Eve
I guess going 3 hours means that even the Diva's are getting more time. Getting three minutes is almost like an Iron-Diva match when compared to what they're used to.
Finish: Hurricanrana by Kelly Kelly into the roll-up for the win.
Winner: Kelly Kelly
Shawn Michaels chimes in on Lesnar/Triple H
Another missed opportunity to build heat by having Lesnar take out Michaels, and I was pissed when Hunter came down to protect him. I do like that Shawn will be in Hunter's corner at Summerslam though, so that's something. But mark my words, Lesnar will get his hands on HBK before the Pay Per View.
Dolph Ziggler vs Alex Riley
Jericho joins us for commentary which was great. I cannot wait for his match with Ziggler at Summerslam, they will steal the show for sure in two weeks.
Finish: Jericho stands on the Commentary table to record a Tout of Ziggler standing in the ring badmouthing Y2J. While distracted Riley rolls up Dolph and gets a big upset on Raw, and I think his first victory on the brand in over a year.
Winner: Alex Reily
Non-Title: Kane vs The Miz
Why was it necessary to have the Intercontinental Champion job to Kane? They've been pushing The Miz since his return too which makes this more puzzling for me. Couldn't they find anyone else to get beaten by Kane? WWE Y U BOOK SO FUNNY?!!
Finish: Chokeslam by Kane finishes off The Miz
Winner: Kane
Sheamus returns with Del Rio's car in shambles
This was corny as my shit after a Southern BBQ. I tuned out all of the Tout's from Sheamus throughout the night, because I have no fucks to give. I'm sure they will have a pretty good match at Summerslam, but this is not the kind of thing that gets me into a wrestling feud.
John Cena vs Daniel Bryan
Flashback Match: John Cena vs Daniel Bryan from 2003
This was far from being like the match they had on Velocity in 2003. Both men have grown into themselves as performers. While obviously Bryan is by far the better wrestler of the two, they showed great chemistry in this match. I wouldn't mind seeing a program between these guys. I'm sure that D-Bry could pull some awesome matches out of Cena, much like Punk did last year at Money in the Bank.
Finish: Cena breaks out of The No Lock, then muscles Bryan off of the mat and onto his shoulders to deliver the Attitude Adjustment for the win.
Winner: John Cena
Post Match: As Cena celebrates out comes CM Punk. They stare each other down, then Big Show waddles down to the ring. Cena shoves Punk to the canvas and starts throwing punches at Show, before setting up for the AA. Punk then nails both men to put them down.
Punk leaves the ring and grabs a headset from the announce booth. He says that maybe it's his fault that it is a triple threat at Summerslam. Maybe he has let people disrespect him. He kissed babies, shook hands and kissed ass, but look now, he does what he does best. Raw ends with CM Punk, standing tall with the WWE Champion. Because he is the best in the world, and if anyone stands in his way, he will leave them laying on the mat like Cena and Show.
He gets back in the ring and goes to kick The Big Show, but it gets blocked and Punk gets knocked out by a WMD. Show then gives Cena a little of the same, before standing tall in the ring with the WWE Title on his shoulder to end the night.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Friday, August 3, 2012
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
How Not To Ever Make It In Wrestling
Last weekend Davey Richards, Kyle O'Reilly, Tony Kozina, and another member of Richards' training team got into dispute with a promoter over pay. At the end of the dispute Richards and his team ran out with their advanced pay and did not perform with the exception of Kozina, who "wrestled" a 16 year old kid by the name of Ryan Kidd. As the story goes, Kidd cut some promos on Kozina that Kozina found to be disrespectful so Kozina decided to choke Kidd out in the middle of the ring. Now, I am not in the business of wrestling, I am merely a fan and have been for the better part of 25 years. However, there are some things that I know about wrestling and how new guys, who are deemed to be disrespectful to veterans are "taught lessons" about respect, of the sport and the people who have been in the sport before them. What happened here wasn't teaching a lesson, but rather Kozina taking advantage of someone just because he could.
SuperFan Q&A: Josh Edwards
Each month I will be conducting a Q&A with a different Super-fan. It's kind of cool to hear from our fellow Wrestling enthusiasts. We all have stories about how wrestling came into our lives, and this way we get to share those memories, and our outlooks on the business we love.First out of the gate is Josh Edwards. Josh is a 24 year old fan from Lafayette, Indiana. He also runshttp://wweppvpicker.weebly.com/. On his site you can do predictions of upcoming Pay-Per-View events, and much more. So be sure to check that out, it's fun and it's free, You can't really beat that, now can you?
When did you become a fan?
I have been a fan of wrestling pretty much since I can remember. There were short times when I stopped watching, but I have been watching non stop since 2001.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
The Raw Review 7/30/2012
WWE Monday Night RAW 7/30/2012
The U.S. Bank Arena Cincinnati, OH
The roof is on fire.
Tonight's Raw was in question due to a fire on the Raw set. Thankfully, they were able to get it under control in time to get the fans back into the arena before the show started. I am under the assumption that Vince McMahon paid high dollar to the Fire Marshall to OK the show to go on. And to that I say, THANK YOU VINCE'S WALLET!!!!
Sunday, July 29, 2012
These Guys are Funny: Magic Hugs
I know this is not wrestling related, but this is my blog about stuff I like, and I like Magic Hugs. They're funny. Fronted by Scott Blair, they have mad quite a few videos that make laugh every time I watch them. They even attempted to bring "Suck it" back before being all nostalgic about DX was cool. I hope you find them as funny as I do.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Dolph Ziggler Upset with Sin Cara After MITB
Popping The Crowd's resident cover boy, Dolph Ziggler, has a bone to pick with 'botch specialist' Sin Cara. During their Money In The Bank match during the pay-per-view that shares its name, Sin Cara and Ziggler had a high-risk spot that didn't turn out as planned.
According to SuperLuchas.net, a source within WWE says Ziggler was vocal about Sin Cara working 'stiff' and failed to protect him during a 'The Spanish Fly' maneuver. 'The Showoff' is rumored to be filing an official complaint that will be reviewed by WWE officers.
After watching a video of their spot, it is hard to place all the blame on Cara. Ziggler seems to slip on the turnbuckle after Sin Cara had already committed to the move.
Who do you think botched the maneuver? The video is posted after the jump.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
The Raw Review 7/16/2012
WWE Monday Night RAW 7/16/2012
The Mandalay Bay Events Center Las Vegas, NV
CM Punk opens the show after retaining the Title last night, and Big Show crashes his moment.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Disenchanted: The highs and lows of being a wrestling fan.
Sorry about the lack of a review last week. I was so irritated with the show that I just didn't think it was worth wasting my time to write. There is no way to sugar coat it, that show was an ABORTION. And as a wrestling fan, I feel insulted by what was presented to us. I will get to more into that later.
I became a wrestling fan on April 5th, 1992 when a friend had me over to watch Wrestlemania 8 at his Dad's house. I fell in love with the athleticism and over the top showmanship of it all. It just connected with me right away. And on that day I also became a die-hard Bret Hart fan during his blood filled match with Roddy Piper. Some kids had Michael Jordan as their childhood hero, I had "The Hitman".
Dolph Ziggler Being Dolph Ziggler
Because CoveritLive are a bunch of assholes and won't allow me to have Livechat follow me on Twitter and I'll livetweet Raw and lose followers who hate pro-wrestling. Oh well.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Interview: Ian Bear of Alpha Sigma Sigma
From the time I was about seven, sitting in my Aunt's house with my cousin Lance and watching wrestling tapes. Hogan, Slaughter, Hennig...loved it all. Something about the larger than life personas attracted me to it, and I was a massive fan. When I was, let's see...fourteen or fifteen, I had a cable box in my room that could get the pay per view channels in with scrambled pictures. I would sit there and listen to matches based only on the commentary, unable to see the match, and I'd sit there for three straight hours and just listen to what they did. It was during that that I realized I wanted to be a storyteller and get to do some of the same things.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Monday, July 9, 2012
Friday, July 6, 2012
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Interview: Stevie Jonak
When did you decide you wanted to get involved in wrestling?
I started watching wrestling at 10 years old and when I was 14 my cousin gave me the idea to become a manager, and I realized that that sounded like something I could not only do but something I could give my life to. I fell in love with that idea after that and it became the only thing I wanted to do.
Who were your favorites growing up? Favorite Manager?
My favorite are Ric Flair, the Four Horsemen, and the Hart family. My favorite manager is Jimmy Hart.
Since starting I have met and work Kevin Sullivan on a regular basis and he is a very sweet and intelligent man who I have a ton of respect for. I have also met Gangrel once and he was very sweet and great to talk to.
Managers are making a comeback of sorts in WWE, do you see them becoming as prominent as they were in the 80's & 90's?
I'm not sure they will be as big as they used to be but its good to see them making a come back.
Who are you currently managing?
I am currently managing Homeland Security which consists of Triple D and the Native Assassin. They are the AIWF NW tag team champions.
The fans seem to enjoy seeing me and have been very supportive so far in my career.
I spend a lot of time at home on my computer and watching TV I also work shows every weekend and spend time with friends and family. My biggest issues seem to be transportation because I do not drive right now so I take the bus a lot so getting around is hard. My other big issue is public facilities being wheelchair friendly. Able bodied people think the ADA solved all our problems but that's just not the case sometimes.
Do you ever get physically involved at ringside?
I have just now started to get physically involved and I love doing it. I feel like I'm officially a member of the roster.
I was given Frank Krewda's contact information by a co-worker and I emailed him giving him my story.
Any funny/strange stories from your time in the business?
Well last weekend was the second time that I've taken a bump while in the business. My youngest sister said seeing me get beat up would be funny and I had my Dad and step mom in town so I decided to give my sister her wish and let her see me get beat up. So one of the guys that my team was going against decided to throw me out of the chair in front of my family. Well my other sister Dani was not in on the act and when I flew out of the chair it freaked her out and she almost threatened to beat someone up. That was pretty funny.
Wrestling as a whole is down right now. What do you think needs to change to help it grow to where it was in the late 90's?
Good question well back in the 90's in was very unpredictable and there were no rules maybe (even though I like that they are safer now a days) it needs to stop being so predictable and safe. think outside the box just as they did in the 90's.
The AIWF Northwest is putting together their first Internet Pay Per View, getting together with EQ Pro Wrestling, SCW, and BCW from Portland Oregon and putting on a show at the B & I in Tacoma Washington. 5 dollars to watch the show online if you can not make the show and all the money goes to charity. EQPW also does three shows a month at the B & I Saturday's at 2 pm.
The Raw Review 7/2/2012
WWE Monday Night RAW 7/2/2012
The Laredo Energy Arena Laredo, TX
This review is once again brought to you by Vodka, helping me forget shitty wrestling shows since I was a teenager.
All the Raw Main Eventers verbally spar to open the show
If they want to begin Raw with a bunch of talking, this is how you do it. We had Punk, Cena, Bryan, Jericho, and Kane all trading insults. Usually we only get two guys in the ring talking back and forth, by adding more personalities to the mix it was far more entertaining than the days of Cena and Orton boring the crowd in the first 10 minutes of the show. I refer to those days as the "Dark Ages". Big Show then comes out and we have a brawl on our hands. Big Show ends up standing tall like a good heel should.
Am I the only one who already knows that Cena is going to win MITB and cash it in for a match with Punk at Summerslam? Not only would it be face vs face, but it would be a rematch of last years SS main event. And could this possibly be where Cena finally turns heel? Just think about it, Cena becomes the first man to not successfully cash in the breifcase and snaps on Punk.
I doubt they will do this, but how awesome would it be? Cena is beyond stale and the hardcore audience has been begging for him to 'Go to the Darkside' for years. Time to pull the trigger in my book.
I enjoyed the shit out of this segment. Just a really good way to open the show.
Eight Man Tag: Christian, Santino, Kofi Kingston, and R-Truth vs The Primetime Players, Cody Rhodes, and David Otunga
It's good to see R-Truth back from his injury. I was starting to think they were just going to go back to ignoring the Tag Division. Glad that's not the case, but I still see "Trouble in Little Jimmy's Paradise" dropping the belts to The Primetime Players, probably at the Pay Per View in an unadvertised match. Dark Ages indeed...
Finish: The Primetime Players and Rhodes both leave Otunga during the match (Can you blame them?). Then out comes Brodus Clay to make sure Otunga doesn't take off too. Otunga then suffers the Cobra to end it.
Winners: Christian, Santino, Kofi, and Truth
Post Match: Christian hits Otunga with the Killswitch, followed by a Big Splash from Clay. They then dance with a bunch of kids '95 Shawn Michales style. I hate children.
Alberto Del Rio vs Sin Cara
Del Rio destoyed Sin Cara before the match could begin. Can you say burial?
Winner: No Contest
Paul Heyman responds to Triple H's challenge
So Brock will be at the 1000th Raw (AKA 999th episode in reality) to give Triple H his answer.
This is pretty much non-news. I figured that is when Lesnar would make his return. But in order to get some heat back on this feud they need to have Lesnar make it personal. And I think the perfect way to do this is to have Brock destroy Shawn Michaels. And if not HBK, then another one of Hunter's Klique buddies.
The issue between these two has been deflating ever since Brock broke Triple H's arm. They need to go big, and go big soon. And if they are holding off until July 23rd to have Lesnar back on TV, there won't be much time to get it done. And just imagine the sympathy that a guy like Michales could invoke by being taken out by Lesnar. Or even Sean Waltman for that matter. We will just have to wait and see.
Dolph Ziggler & Vickie Guererro vs Sheamus & AJ
AJ is looking good tonight, or is it just that she looks good in comparison to Vickie? I know that Guererro gives my buddy Chris Berg huge boners, but he's gay so what does he know? #Burn
As for the match, it was just a collection of Ziggler selling dirt to the homeless. What's new?
Finish: Ziggler takes a Brogue Kick to the outside, and AJ hits Vickie with a Shining Wizard to get the win.
Winners: Sheamus & AJ
Heath Slater vs Doink The Clown
I don't remember Doink ever wrestling in Walmart sneakers. I guess you learn something new everyday.
Finish: Slater with a Neckbreaker gets the duke.
Winner: Heath Slater
Post Match: Out comes Diamond Dallas Page!! He throws up the Diamond sign with Slater before hitting him with the Diamond Cutter.
Page still looks great considering he was already in his fourties when he was on top in WCW. I wouldn't mind seeing him have one more run, unless he plans on putting over David Arquette again. In that case he can die in a fire. #FuckYouBealer
No Disqualifacations: The Big Show vs Kane
Where have I seen this before? Oh yeah, at least three times a year since 1998. Silly me.
Finish: Show Chokeslams Kane onto a chair to get the win.
Winner: The Big Show
Remember when Kane returned as a monster heel and was terrorizing everyone in sight? Yeah, I don't either.
Tyson Kidd vs Tensai
Finish: Tyson Kidd with the quick roll up.
Winner: Tyson Kidd
Post Match: Tensai smacks around his follower.
This wasn't much of a match, but the fact that they're building Tyson Kidd has me thrilled. They guy is a fantastic wrestler who should've been pushed two years ago when they split up The Hart Dynasty. They had a chance to build up both him and DH Smith back then, but ended up releasing Smith and sticking Tyson on Superstars. They had something with both guys, and I don't know WWE has waited this long to capitalize on Kidd.
Back from the break Tensai destroys Kidd in the lockroom
How long has it been since we saw a good old locker room beat down? Too long is the answer. It seemed fresh and I have to say I liked it. It reminded me of back in 1988 when Randy Savage attacked Hulk Hogan in the lead up to wrestlemania 5. We need more segments like this, I am so tired of seeing the grey hallways in the backstage areas.
CM Punk & John Cena vs Chris Jericho & Daniel Bryan
Great match to end Raw, and when is the last time I said that? I mean go figure, you put a great match at the end of Raw and people respond, it's not rocket surgery. I hope with Raw going three hours in two weeks that they will remember this. I am so worried that WWE is going to stuff those shows with so much filler that is will ruin the pacing of the show. Whenever they've done three hour shows in the past they've done just that.
But I can't praise this match enough. It was a far cry from being Cena vs Cole II.
Finish: Cena & Jericho brawl to the back apparently to watch an advance screening of No Hold Barred on Blu Ray. This leaves Punk & Bryan to fight it out in the ring. Before long, out comes AJ who searches out, and sets up a table. She then procedes to threaten to commit tablecide, as she climbs the ropes and stares down at the table below. Daniel Bryan then tries to talk her down, followed by Punk. AJ then plants a wet one on Punk, before pushing him off the apron into Bryan, causing both men to go through the table. AJ looks to be happy with her actions as the show goes off the air.
Winners: No Contest
Final Verdict: This was a pretty damn good episode of Raw. I can't really complain too much about any segment on this show. I was entertained throughout, and that's all we can ask for, right?
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
The Raw Review 6/25/2012
WWE Monday Night RAW 6/25/2012
The Allen County War Memorial Coliseum Fort Wayne, IN.
AJ is one CRAZY BITCH!!
AJ is just really good at playing the insane scorned lover. Every week I wait for the moment when she boils Daniel Bryan's bunny. And since he is a PETA supporter, I'm sure they could work that one in somehow.
Daniel Bryan vs CM Punk vs Kane
We get a Pay Per View rematch right out of the gate tonight. Not that I'm complaining, but shouldn't they have promoted this throughout the night as their Main Event? Or even a week in advance? That's why these fast paced builds towards PPV's suck. I'm sure there are plenty of people who would've anticipated seeing this one, and they could have used it to draw in viewers as the show went on.
This was a pretty good match, and was given a decent amount of TV time. I have nothing bad to say about this, other than it should have been the main event.
Finish: AJ comes out and does her skipping routine. This gives Punk an opportunity to hit Kane with the GTS. Punk goes for the pin, but he is kicked hard in the head by Daniel Bryan leading to the WWE Champion eating a loss to a fellow Vegan.
Update: Later in the show it is announced that a Punk/Bryan WWE Title match will happen at Money in the Bank.
I could not be happier. I had figured that the WWE brass was against having these guys go at it again on a Pay Per View, this is one time that I am glad to be wrong. Now if only they would make it a Submission Match. #BuyRate
Winner: Daniel Bryan
Big Show vs Brodus Clay
Well, WWE sacrificed Clay's win streak to the fucking Big Show. How is this a good thing? Show didn't need to beat him. They could have used Clay's streak to put over an up and coming talent, but instead they wasted it on someone who doesn't need the added exposure. This is just stupid. Guess Ryback is the only guy in WWE allowed to have any kind of streak...Has someone informed The Undertaker of this?
Finish: Clay tries for a Bodyslam but the weight of Show causes his injured knee to buckle. Show falls on top of the Funkasaurus and he scores the pin.
Winner: The Big Show
Post Match: Show hits the WMD on Brodus Clay to further bury him.
I guess Clay can join Tensai in the soon to be unemployed line.
Kane tells AJ that she is too crazy for him...She laughs.
: o
United States Title: Santino© vs Jack Swagger
What a waste of TV time!! I'm no Swagger fan, but having someone other than a comedy character as US Champion would've been great.
Finish: Cobra...Fin.
Winner: Santino©
John Cena's "historical" announcement.
I dug the Star Wars references. That was cool as far this this nerd is concerned, but what happened to the "Historical Announcement" part? Was he going to add himself to MITB? The world may never know because...
BREAK THE WALLS DOWN!!!!!
Jericho returns after a 30 day hiatus for some flag related shenanigans.
Throwing Jericho at Cena first thing, only makes Y2J a babyface as far as I'm concerned. ..
Excuse Me!!! Enter tonight's GM Vickie Guerrero. She says only former WWE Champions are eligible to be in Money in the Bank. She announces Kane, Big Show, Cena, and Chris Jericho as participants at the Pay Per View. And tonight we get Jericho vs Cena for the first time in years.
I hate the idea of only former champs being involved. Money in the Bank has always been about getting new stars into the WWE Title/World Title picture, so this is counter productive.
Everyone who has ever won MITB has cashed in the briefcase to win the top prize of their respective show, So what is the point? No matter who wins, we have already seen it. Out of the people announced for the match, Chris Jericho is the only guy I wouldn't mind seeing take the title. But the Punk/Jericho ship has sailed. If they were going to have the title switch, Wrestlemania was the time to do it.
With the news coming out this week that the idea is to have a Cena vs Punk WWE Title Match at Summerslam, I would bet anything that Cena will go over. And are we really surprised? I mean it will most likely be the main event after all. We all know that WWE wouldn't keep their golden boy away from the top of the card.
Sycho Sid vs Heath Slater
Sid returns to a major company for the first time since his accident at WCW's Sin PPV.
It was great seeing Sid after all these years. He didn't waste any time in destroying Slater in this match. And I will say, Slater is a great job guy for these legend returns. And I would hope WWE rewards him with some kind of push. What? He's going to end up in the Clay/Tensai camp during the next roster cuts? Well that sucks.
Finish: Powerbomb from the master and the ruler of the world to end it.
Winner: SID!!!
Contract on a Pole: Dolph Ziggler vs Alberto Del Rio
I'm not huge on Pole Matches, but when is the last time we saw one in the WWE? And at least there isn't a bottle of Viagra at stake. God damn you WCW!!
These Heel vs Heel matches usually mean the crowd doesn't care either way, not in this one for the most part. I would say almost half of the audience was solidly behind Ziggler. And how could they not be?
Finish: After a mad scramble for the fallen contract, Sheamus comes out and calls for a No Contest. Both men will now face The Great White for the Title this week on Smackdown.
Winner: No Contest
Diva's Battle Royal
I threw up in my mouth at seeing Guerrero's attempt at looking HAWT. I mean for fuck sake, that was so gross. If I wanted to make out with an old lady, I would seek out Bret Bealer's Mom. #InsideJoke #BURN!!!!
Finish: AJ tosses out Vickie Guerrero to win, but nobody really cares about Diva Battle Royals.
Winner: AJ
Chris Jericho vs John Cena
This wasn't bad while it lasted. While not given a whole lot of time, They still managed to get some kind of momentum...until The Big Show's music hits and fucks all of that up.
Finish: Jericho has Cena trapped in the Walls of Jericho, Show enters the ring and drops a leg on Cena to cause a DQ.
Winner: John Cena
Post Match: Jericho question's Big Show's involvement, but decides not to press the issue with the incensed big man. Big Show then destroys Cena with a Chokeslam and continues to pummel him to end this episode.
Why do we still need to continue this feud? I mean what did we as wrestling fans do to deserve this? Oh brother, I think we have a long Summer ahead of us.
Final Verdict: Besides the actions of The Big Show, this wasn't that bad of a bad show. First off, I don't like that they served up the first loss of Brodus Clay to the proven veteran known as The Big Show. Why not continue to build up Clay and have him lose to the next big breakout heel? Maybe Dean Ambrose would have filled that role and used it to start a reign of terror. Guess we will never know. And after that Show interrupts what could have been a good closing match. There must be some kind of rule in the WWE that decisive endings to Raw are a no-go in 2012. Wish I would've gotten the memo, I could have been ending my reviews about fifteen minutes early.
I will also put the "only former champs qualify for Money in the Bank" crap into the negative pile this week. That is just a dumb move in my opinion, that does no good. But I'm guessing that WWE is probably going to have that match main event the PPV, so they want it full of top stars.
Sorry Punk, looks like you will be in the middle of the card yet again. And does this rule apply to the World Heavyweight Title Money in the Bank Match? Guess we will have to watch Smackdown to be sure.
Either way, this was a much better offering than previous weeks, and I'm looking forward to the Money in the Bank PPV slightly more than I was earlier today. At least they didn't throw some random drug addict out there in the closing segment. I'm looking at you TNA!!
Monday, June 25, 2012
Interview: "The Powerhouse Princess" Lylah Lodge
When did you decide you wanted to be a Pro Wrestler?
I started training in 2005 when some friends of mine found Playboy Buddy Rose and Colonel DeBeers wrestling school in Portland OR. I just went to check it out and Buddy saw something in me even though I was a bigger girl. If it hadnt been for him I probably never would have had the guts to try.
Who were your favorites growing up?
When I was growing up I watched wrestling but it was my brother who knew who everyone was and really watched it. I never liked fighting or violence so my favorites were always the guys who did mostly comedy matches, but Macho Man Randy Savage reminded me of my dad a bit so he was always my favorite.
Was your family supportive of you becoming a wrestler?
For sure. My brother is a ref and my Dad worries about me getting hurt but he loves watching me wrestle and gets a kick out of watching his little girl become the Powerhouse Princess.
Where did you train and what was it like?
My training started in 2005 at Playboy Buddy Rose wrestling school in Portland OR and from there I trained with all the local guys and I got to train with Buddy Wayne and Davey Richards when he was still around. I have taken seminars from Lance Storm, Christopher Daniels, "Eugene" Nick Dinsmore, The Honky Tonk Man, Kevin Sullivan, Raven and Ive have most recently trained with Rowdy Roddy Piper.
How long have you been competing?
I am in my 5th year wrestling matches on shows.
What is it like being a female in a largely male driven profession?
It is hard but I seem to make it work pretty well. I wrestle guys a lot and I am accepted as one of the boys, so I have it ok now, but it was hard to get to this point and gain respect from the boys.
What was it like being on World of Hurt 2 with Roddy Piper?
It was amazing, I loved doing TV and Roddy was unlike anyone else I have ever met. We didnt get any time with him away from the cameras except when he kicked them out to talk to us alone once so Im not sure how much of that was the real him but he was very intense and can bring things out of you that you never knew you could get out. It was inspiring and emotional. I just wanted to make him proud of me.
I was told that you have had try outs with both WWE and TNA, what was your impression of both companies? And how do they compare?
I have been to three WWE try outs and each one was very different. The first was at OVW and I only got to try out and didnt get to work in front of WWE. The second time I tried out I went to High Velocity Wrestling in North Carolina. I was the only female and I had already been rejected from the camp but John Laurinitis was impressed with me and sent me an acceptance letter to the next camp. When I was at the camp I got hurt and it did not go well. I got nothing but bad remarks about my body in my evaluation so I havent tried back with WWE since. The TNA Gutcheck was fun and professionally run and I felt we got good advise and helpful critisism that we could learn from and grow with but again I am still not in good enough shape for what they are looking for. I just keep trying and hope for the best from either.
What is your favorite match that you have competed in so far, and why?
My favorite match so far is probably the match I did with Sammy Hall at the WOH live show. That match was very important to me because we were working for TV and for Roddy Piper and it went very well.
Who is your dream opponent?
Beth Pheonix
What is the toughest and/or easiest part about being a wrestler?
Toughest is recovery after an injury and the easiest (for me) is the theatrical part of it all.
Any funny/strange stories from your time in the business?
When I went to cut my promo for WWE at the camp, I bent down to get in the ring and Billy Kidman set off a really loud fart noise and everyone busted up laughing at me right before I had to cut my promo and on top of that Beth Pheonix (my hero) was watching me the whole time!
What do you think about the PG direction of the current WWE product?
I think they are getting away from it more now that they are trying to legitimize it more with Brock Lesnar coming back and bringing back blood and all that.
The business as a whole is down right now. What do you think needs to change to help it grow to where it was in the late 90's?
I think that if people saw wrestling as an athletic display or as I call it, theatrical combat, that more people could see if for the entertainment aspect of it rather than seeing it as violent or vulgar the way most people who arent wrestling fans seem to see it. Legitimizing wrestling seems to be what they are going to do but in my eyes that is a step backwards because originally wrestling was legit and people got hurt and couldnt do it anymore so we will see what happens.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
I have thought about that long and hard and I really dont know. It would take an act of god and plastic surgery to get my body to look like what WWE wants and I want to have kids before I get too old so I really cant tell you right now.
Any upcoming shows you would like to plug?
I am just wrestling locally right now so not really. I am looking to set up a trip to California this summer though so look for me in Nor Cal soon :)
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
Interview: Ricky Ruckus
There are more independent wrestlers in this country than we can possibly count. Each of them give of their bodies night in and night out, inside small venues to entertain the fans, and to improve enough to hopefully one day get noticed and take that next step towards fulfilling their dreams.
Today we interview Number one contender for the HPW Heavyweight Title, and all around scary dude, Ricky Ruckus
WWE No Way Out 2012 Review
World Heavyweight Title: Sheamus© vs Dolph Ziggler
I thought this was a pretty good match. Ziggler sold like only he does, and Sheamus kept up with Dolph for the most part. There were a few messed up spots in the middle, and you could tell that it was because Sheamus was getting a little winded. But still, both guys put on a great Pay Per View opening match. I would have had Ziggles win the title, but did anyone really expect him to take home the gold? Sheamus is in for a long run with the belt, but if this match proved one thing it's that these two would have a great feud for the belt.
Also, I have to mention how awesome the crowd was. Dolph Ziggler was over HUGE with the audience. It's always nice when WWE stops in a city full of smart wrestling fans.
Tuxedo Match: Santino vs Ricardo
What can I say? I love me some Ricardo!! The guy is so good at his role, he really is similar to Santino in that fact.
As for the "match"..It was what it was. Santino won and we found out he has a Cobra for a foot, and Ricardo wears Del Rio underwear. So yeah...
Intercontinental Title: Christian© vs Cody Rhodes
Great match from two guys I am more than ready to see moved into the main event. This match had great psychology and they executed on it perfectly. I did have a hard time getting into it at first coming off of the Tuxedo Match, but they quickly got me involved.
Cody Rhodes is going to be a star one day. In the past his size would limit him, but this is 2012. Our WWE Champion is barley over 200 lbs, so I'm sure Cody will be a player one day soon.
Fatal Four Way: #1 contenders for the Tag Team Titles: Epico & Primo vs Justin Gabriel & Tyson Kidd vs The Prime Time Players vs The Usos
What the hell was with The Uso's entrance? It was different...
I'm not a big fan of Four Way Tag matches, and this one was a good example of why I don't. They are always clusterfucks. The last few spots were good, but overall this match lacked direction.
As much as I hate the guy, I liked the AW swerve at the end. I could care less about The Prime Time Players. They suck. But that is why having Abraham Washington as their manager is a good thing. They need all the help they can get. I only question why they didn't hold this over till Smackdown? They don't deserve title shots this early. I was hoping that Kidd & Gabriel were going to win it. Hell, any team other than The Prime Time Players would've been a good choice.
Triple H challenges Brock Lesnar to a fight at Summerslam
As we already knew, these two will headline the Summer Time spectacular. And it's probably a safe bet that Triple H will win it.
I like that they are setting up the match two months in advance. It gives them time to build on the story going in. Just a nice old school touch. Remember when there was only a handful of PPVs a year? They had to take their time building up matches, and they were made to seem more important because of it. Yet another reason to cut the number of Pay Per Views they put on every year. Plus my wallet will thank them.
Diva's Championship: Layla© vs Beth Phoenix
I am now a fan of Layla's. Her little routine after taking Beth's headband at the beginning of the match was hilarious. And she isn't bad in the ring either. I was never a fan of hers back in the LayCool days, but that probably had more to do with all of the focus being put on Michelle McCool. She proved herself to me in this match.
I had predicted that Beth Phoenix would walk away with the title, and I also thought that Kharma would make her return. Neither happened. But what I did get was a damn good match by Diva standards.
Sin Cara vs Hunico
During this entire match I kept thinking to myself, "Why isn't Hunico being pushed yet". He is a damn good wrestler, much better than Sin Cara if you ask me. And the guy wrestles in Converse high tops. So I gotta like him.
Hunico carried the entire match. The best I can say about Sin Cara is that he didn't fuck up this time. But of course that is enough for WWE to continue shoving him down our throats.
WWE Title: CM Punk© vs Daniel Bryan vs Kane
The show isn't over and I already know that this was the match of the night. The addition of Kane both helped and hurt this WWE Title match. It was good in that it gave us something different, and bad because throughout the match I kept wish that I was watching another Punk/Bryan singles classic.
Punk added another great match to the list of ones he has had since winning the title in November. And you can tell that WWE is finally firmly behind Punk as the champion by how many times the announcers put over how great his title reign has been so far.
Great work by all involved. And the AJ story continues for better or worse. But I expect that it will be strictly a Punk/Kane issue going forward. Where that leaves Bryan is anyones guess.
Ryback vs Jobbers 'R Us
Squash. 'Nuff said.
Cage Match: John Cena vs The Big Show
This. Match. Was. BORING!
I understand WWE wanting to keep Cash Cow Cena in their PPV main events, but this match had no business closing this show. A Raw Main Event, sure. But not a show that people paid money to see. It's kind of sad that the opening match of the show out performed the finale in every way. I even enjoyed the Diva's Title match more. Not even joking. You would think that after last months Cena/Laurinaitis debacle they would want to give the fans something more for the biggest match on the card. Guess not.
Who would've guessed that Brodus Clay and his Mid-card mafia coming out to aid Cena would be the highlight of the match? So now Big Johnny is 'fired', but this is the WWE so we all know that we haven't seen the end of "People Power".
Final Verdict: I am going to give this show a B-. All the title matches were good, everything else not so much. That alone wouldn't have been too terrible if the Main Event hadn't sucked so bad and pulled the grade down under the weight of it's own failure. I am happy that I didn't pay to see this one.
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