Lately, I’ve been watching:
The 16-man elimination match and the mask vs. mask main event from the CMLL PPV from March of 2000. The elimination match is good, and there are some typically goofy Lucha holds in there, but it could have been better with about five minutes cut off. The mask vs. mask match still holds up, and is great stuff with one of the most emotional reactions you’ll ever see. When Villano III loses and is being interviewed in the ring prior to taking his mask off, you see shot after shot of various women in the crowd crying at the emotion of Villano losing his mask.
The Ted DiBiase shoot. I’m half way through it, and it’s been really interesting stuff. Ted talks about growing up being a ‘wrestling brat’, liking it to being an army brat where he moved constantly. He talks about breaking into the business, working in Japan, and jokingly bemoans about being in line to be UWF, NWA and WWF World champions and then losing out at the last minute every time. He talks about The Ultimate Warrior, and says he told Vince it was a mistake putting the belt on Warrior and that he said to Vince that he thought he was creating a monster, with Vince saying that “he’ll be my monster”, and that he could control him. DiBiase says that when Warrior tried to demand more money at Summerslam in 1991 he could have walked up to Vince and said “I told you”.
The Super Junior Cup 2nd Stage which was held in WAR. I’ve watched the first four matches so far, and they’ve been ok. The best on has been Ultimo Dragon versus Shoichi Funaki (yes, that Funaki). The opener was a comedy match between Damian and Gran Naniwa, with Damien being is usually funny self by calling out spots from people like Choshu, Muta, Tenryu and Kudo.
I forgot I had this thing.
I went to Colorado again, this time I went to see Kari's brother who recently moved to Silverthorne after to we went to Estes and he realized how much he loved the mountains. He got a job as a mechanic at a chevy dealership, the same job he had before, but this time for like double the pay. He lives in a nice apartment above a mexican grocery store, which I think is a front, cuz there were mexicans in and out of that thing non-stop! I think they are selling a little more than tortillas.
So Friday night we went to Breckinridge and got drunk, it was pretty fun. My favorite part of the night was a rap show we went to for like 5 bucks. They were local rappers from I'm assuming Denver and they sucked, but it was still cool.
That area of the mountains has a free bus system that runs at night, so you can get as drunk as you want and just take the bus home. Pretty good idea.
Saturday I watched Nebraska get killed then we went to Vail which was ok, not much to see really. Saturday night we went out to Frisco on the bus, but it didn't have to nightlife that Breckinridge did, so we went home.
Drove forever back to Nebraska, and I'm stuck at work again, I have to work 9 straight days thanks to another schedule swap. So this week and next week are gonna suck.
Things calm down for RAW
Results from RAW:
Big Show Vs Edge
Shawn Michaels vs Carlito
Victoria, Torrie and Candice Vs Mickie, Ashley and Trish
Kane, Carlito, Gene Snitsky, Edge, Trevor Murdoch, Viscera, Val
Venis, Rob Conway, Chavo Guerrero, Chris Masters, Rosey, Tyson Tomko,
Tajiri, Shelton Benjamin, Eugene, Lance Cade and the Heart Throbs...
Now to Puro News:
It seems Brock Lesnar has a huge Target on his back....
From Strong Style Spirit...
More news and detals later...
*There's a thread about this in the TNA Fourm but I felt my blog had been to inactive*
This sunday night TNA will offer it's biggest show in it's history with a PACKED card.
The Card
Diamonds in the Rough Vs Apollo, Siaki and Shark Boy
-In what is essentially time filler that will be used to put over Diamonds as a heel force, it won’t be horrible but won’t be special. Some think it’ll be used in the “free” section of the show, but I don’t. I expect it to occur during the later part of the show to separate a couple of the hot matches apart. I wouldn’t expect this to go any longer then it needs to (5-8 minutes), there are too many big matches that need time and this match doesn’t need to eat time up because it has 2 purposes, to put over Diamonds and offer a cooling down match.
Who should go over: Diamonds
Who will go over: Diamonds
Lance Hoyt Vs “Alpha Male” Monty Brown
-Originally this was Raven/Brown and originally I was interested in that showdown but instead they threw in Hoyt, whom is over as a big face with the Orlando crowd against Brown. I’m confused because I assumed they would build Brown as a face but it doesn’t appear to be the case, or maybe this is just a issue of TNA had no one else to throw at Brown that the crowd cared about. Going over Hoyt is better then going over another lesser known and less over name. Another squash doesn’t do Brown much good. This will easily go down as a quasi-squash.
Who should go over: Brown
Who will go over: Brown
X Division 4 Way
Sonjay Dutt Vs Roderick Strong Vs Alex Shelley Vs Austin Aries
-Generation Next sans Jack Evans vs. Dutt makes for a happy fan here. Quite frankly, I would love to see Gen Next form as a unit in TNA but it already has a few heel groups already. It’s essentially a toss-up to determine who goes over between Shelley and Aries. Shelley is the de-facto heel here, while Aries whom is already getting very over with the crowd is the “biggest” face. Strong is one of the fastest growing commodities in wrestling today, whose having a killer year (see his work with Gibson, Punk and Joe) and Dutt can carry his own weight. This will be a fun match, there’s no question about that.
Who should go over: Austin Aries
Who will go over: Alex Shelley
Monster’s Ball 2
Abyss Vs Jeff Hardy Vs Sabu Vs Rhino
-With a show heavy on X style exhibitionism, TNA offers a match for the fans with a violence fetish. These 4 men are very affluent in this environment. Abyss always seems to bring it in this situation and the other 3 men are more then capable of bringing the violent quotient to the equation. Quite frankly, Abyss is the biggest asset for the company involved in this match. Jeff Hardy might be the biggest “name”, and Sabu might have the most historic following but Abyss is someone who could very easily shine for the company down the road as it continues to grow. Some might argue that Abyss doesn’t need a win here, while Rhino does. I definitely see that sentiment. Jeff Hardy and Sabu will certainly go to extreme lengths to put on a show here and watching these two engage in a “top this” spot-fest could be among the highlights of this action packed show. Mark my words, @ some point during this match, someone and something outrageous will occur that we will see for months to come.
Who should go over: Abyss
Who will go over: Rhino
Ultimate X
Matt Bentley Vs Chris Sabin Vs Petey Williams
-It’s odd to think that an Ultimate X match could get lost in the shuffle but it did thanks to the strong card surrounding it. This will be the very definition of an unapologetic spot-fest and that’s what they are intending to do. “The others” call the promotion a “high-wire act” and this is the definition of that, almost literally. Ultimate X is to TNA, what LADDER match is for WWE. The previous Ultimate X matches really raised the bar and it’s going to be a challenge for these three men to conquer it. Matt Bentley is really over as a face here but I suspect that its Traci’s doing. Williams is a good heel while Sabin, at least for me is neutral. That leads me to believe Sabin goes over, while Williams/Bentley continue their deal else-where.
Who should go over: Sabin
Who will go over: Sabin
Predicted time and rating: 15:00
Jushin “Thunder” Liger Vs Samoa Joe
-The reason I am buying this show. Essentially there is no “story” for this match except this…These two are incredible athletes meeting for the first time. One is a legend in this business and the other is the BEST wrestler in North America today. After 12-15 minutes in the ring, these two men will have told a better story than any of the convoluted situations WWE has cooked up in the last few years. I’m not saying this will be ***** because it won’t be. The last ***** match on American soil, did include Samoa Joe and Liger has his share of legendary matches as well, so these two aren’t strangers to putting on classics. What is strongly appealing about this match is the complete difference of styles. Joe with strong style and Liger with the junior style. Joe can work with anyone and I don’t know much about Liger’s history but I’m guessing he’s game for Joe as well. There’s no question that Joe MUST go over. Samoa Joe is the guy who will lead TNA to the next level. Samoa Joe is what Taz was meant to be. It seems strange to fly in a legend like Liger just to job him out but it’s not like TNA would the first promotion to do so and Liger will hopefully get a win @ the primetime special.
Who should go over: Samoa Joe
Who will go over: Samoa Joe
NWA-TNA World Title
Special Referee: Tito Ortiz
Kevin Nash Vs Jeff Jarrett
-Allegedly this is the main event for this show. We have already spoken our piece about the travesty that is Kevin Nash getting this spot over Raven. I understand (really) where Dixie and Jarrett were coming from when they alleged that Kevin Nash had the mainstream face value appeal that this show needed (although, I argue that Jeff Hardy has just about equal value as Nash does). The issue here is, this is the WRESTLEMANIA of TNA and the “main event/title match” is a heatless and story free showdown between two of wrestling’s lowest draws. This already happened a few months ago where by a miracle and 200 layers of camouflage, it was moderately acceptable. On a show that carries the potential of 4 ****+ matches, this is a horrible match to display as your main event/world title match (in fact, I believe TNA is smart enough to know that this can’t be the legit main event). There’s no doubt Jeff Jarrett’s keeping the title. I never thought I’d say these words, but I HOPE Jeff Jarrett’s reign continues tonight. I’d love to see Raven show up here and win the title in a impromptu match but it’s not going to happen because that’s fantasy booking and not good business. Raven/Jarrett III is the money match for right now and they have to at least build to it in some manner Sunday night.
Who should go over: Jeff Jarrett
Who will go over: Jeff Jarrett
TNA X Title
30 Minute Iron Man
“The Fallen Angel” Christopher Daniels Vs AJ Styles
-Shawn Michaels, Kurt Angle. Take note. These two men will execute a proper 30 minute iron-man match that will tell a story and make the work fit it, instead of your masturbatory style. The first installment of the Iron-Man series between the two was nothing short of great but it’s my belief that these two, whom have met over 100 times in the last three years will bring something new to the table. I don’t know if this will be the MATCH OF THE NIGHT (which it’s facing stiff competition for those honors), but it’s the most important match because in the eyes of most fans; THIS IS THE MAIN EVENT. It’s possible it will even conclude the night as well, as it should for a variety of reasons. Who goes over? Does it matter? Yes. Merely giving a great match isn’t going to cut it now. They aren’t playing to a niche market anymore. AJ Styles will be the face of the promotion, TNA’s own version of Hulk Hogan but on a completely different level. AJ Styles has to win this match on TNA’s biggest night. If this WRESTLEMANIA for TNA, the biggest face needs to go over. Christopher Daniels is a great heel and he doesn’t require the title to remain such. He’ll look strong in this match anyways.
Who should go over: AJ Styles
Who will go over: AJ Styles
Overall
This is one extremely sacked card, with 4 matches potentially capable of hitting **** (Styles/Angel, Ball, X 4way and Joe/Liger). When is the last time WWE offered that? WMX7?.
There is no question that Sunday night is a monumental night for TNA and with the track record of producing top-notch quality PPV’S in addition to the added importance of the show, there’s no reason not to believe that BFG could easily blow it’s own expectations out of the water. It does include a shaky and suspect excuse of a “main event” that shouldn’t keep fans away from the show because the rest of the card is going to BRING IT.
If you are still on the fence about sunday night, you shouldn’t be. Because if you don’t find Sunday night’s show to be enjoyable, then you will not find a better alternative on a mainstream level. TNA has it’s flaws but that it hasn’t limited the efforts of the workers and the quality they offer.
This was part of the NWA Tag Title tournament that WCW held in 1992. Originally, only the first round matches were to be shown on this broadcast I believe, but they did an angle were Steve Williams and Terry Gordy (who were slated to face the winner) took out the Steiners' first round opponents. The reason being that Doc and Gordy wanted to get at the Steiners as soon as possible. So Bill Watts ended up announcing that the match that all the fans wanted to see, would take place tonight.
The early portions of the match were probably my favourite. Doc and Rick started out, and they really did a good job of getting over that it was a feeling out process, as it was a catious affair with neither man gaining any position. This continued with some great amateur style mat work from Doc and Scott this time. They really made the matwork seem realistic and natural, as opposed to the fake and contrived looking matwork of certain wrestlers today. All that came out of this opening segment was a standoff, which went to show how competitive and even this matchup was.
Things finally heated up once Doc gave Rick a hard slap on the break. Rick angrily tackled Doc and started pounding on him, and that broke the match out of the amateur matwork/feeling out process and into more of a typical prowrestling match. This sequence ended with Doc hitting an enormous clothesline on Rick, who took a nasty head bump off of it. One team was finally in firm command of the match.
A nice transition would follow, when Gordy attemped to use Rick's own belly to belly suplex, but Rick would have none of that. He was able to counter it with a belly to belly of his own and make the tag to Scott. Any advantage the Steiners had didn't last long though, as Doc and Gordy started going to work on Scott, including a light knee attack. I say light, because they didn't really go after it 100%, which is important because the knee came into play later on. This was one of the big problems with the match, as the early knee work on Scott really wasn't good enough to make the later parts of the story logical. Other than that, the heat segment on Scott was really well done, as Doc and Gordy were using crisp, believable and varied offense.
After a couple good teases, Scott eventually ended up getting the hot tag to Rick. The match fell apart at this point due to some poor reffing. Initially, the tag to Rick was fine, as Rick came in to clean house, while Scott got dumped to the outside by Doc. Later on, the ref claimed that he didn't see the tag, so Scott was the legal man. This lead to some very uncomfortable and awkward moments, as Gordy and Rick didn't seem to know what to do, while Scott, the legal guy, was on the floor. As this was going on, Doc hit a vicious shoulderblock to Scott's knee, to further the idea that Scott's knee was in terrible shape.
Eventually, Scott gets back in the ring, and tries to fight his way back. Scott eventually gets Doc setup for a belly to belly, but Gordy comes in and hits a nasty chopblock on Scott's bad knee, then moves on to tie up Rick while Doc gets the pin on Scott.
I really liked the early portions of the match, as the amateur matwork was done very well. There were a few nice transitions and the story of the match was solid, even if the build wasn't done too well in certain parts. The finish was a good idea, but as I mentioned before, early in the match Doc and Gordy really didn't focus on the knee as much as they needed in order for the finish to seem plausible. Plus, the fact that the match was only 15 minutes put a limit on how good it could really be. Although these teams had better, this was still a good match, and was certainly acceptable given the time restraints. ***1/4
I just saw this match, and since I don't have it on DVD or tape, decided to review it on my first watching so I'd have something to go back to if it ever came up in discussion. I haven't seen a whole lot about this match, other than Meltzer giving it ****3/4, so I don't really know how this match is regarded by the populace. I basically went in with a clean slate.
The match starts very sloppily. A Thesz press counter is almost completely botched, and Austin's offense just looks horrible. This was a theme throughout the first 2 falls, as Austin's punches and stomps looked like they wouldn't crack an egg. And unfortunately, punches and stomps are 90% of Austin's offense. Luckily, the sloppy botched moves were confined to the early stages of the match, and Austin's offense even starts to look better as the match progress (explain the logic of that one).
Another thing that caught my attention was Austin's arm work on Triple H. I had a chuckle, because I remember how a certain group of people on another wrestling site, which includes the word smark, like to bash indy wrestlers for "simulating" a wrestling match and doing body work for no particular reason. Well, their hero Austin did the exact same thing here, as there was really no logical reason that he work the arm. Luckily he didn't work it for long, and it was completely forgotten about the rest of the match.
Triple H eventually saves the first fall when he starts a focused attack on Austin's knee. This makes sense considering Austin has a history of bad knees, evident by him wearing braces on both. Triple H makes it evident that he's attacking the knee, so there's no doubt here. Unlike some matches where a guy does one move to a body part and people try and make it seem like the guy is "going after" that body part. Unfortunately, Austin stops selling the knee as soon as Triple H stops his attack, when enough damage was done to warrant at least some mid-term selling.
The ending comes when Triple H jumps off the 2nd rope for no particular reason, lands on his feet, then meets Austin who hits him with a stunner. This wasn't quite as contrived and utterly ridiculous as the finish of Angle vs. HBK II, but it was still pretty bad. This first fall was just kind of average. It was good when Triple H was in control, horrid when Austin was in control. Austin's poor offense and lack of selling, along with the ridiculous finish really hurt this.
The second fall was a "street fight" and it was a typical WWE-style garbage brawl. The use of the barbed wire 2x4 was terrible. That may have been the weakest 2x4 shot I've ever seen. Later, Triple H finds the sledgehammer under the announce table, and JR and Lawler have to sell it like they had no idea it was there. This was like WCW in its dying days stupid. End comes after a Triple H sledgehammer shot and pedigree on Austin. Overall, this fall didn't have a whole lot of negatives, but it didn't have many positive either.
The third fall was as well done as one could have expected. Both guys were selling the previous damage and "wear and tear" very well. Sluggish and dazed movement and execution. I don't mind Austin kicking out of the pedigree, as nothing preceded it, whereas when it got the win in the second fall, it was preceded by a sledgehammer shot. Triple H kicking out of the stunner was to be expected, and it was logical because Austin was delayed in covering him. The delay itself didn't make sense however, as Austin had no reason to be selling like he was. If he had slowly moved to the cover it would have worked, but instead, he just laid on the mat for a few seconds before he moved for the cover. Ending came after Triple H hit Austin with the sledge, and Austin hit Triple H with the 2x4 (which was actually a decent shot this time). Both guys collapsed, but Triple H landed on Austin, and got the pin. Typical overbooked WWE ending, but it worked as far as keeping both guys strong.
Other than the first fall, there wasn't a whole lot of terrible stuff happening, but there also wasn't a whole lot of good happening either. As in typical Austin-style main event, the match structure was ok, and the selling was good, but the work itself was really sub-par and it was fairly overbooked. There's only so far a match like that can go, but even so, this match wasn't really close to that limit. ***
Back In Black
You go away for a week or so, and things really did get worse. I didn’t think it was possible, but TSM actually got worse while I was gone. This place was only drenched in idiocy before, but now it’s a full out flood, and the women and children are manning the lifeboats. If anyone has any real gems to point out that should get posted in my blog PM me a link or something, because just a cursory glance over the past week or so of TSM postings has made me reach for the sick bag and I’m not trawling through that crap anymore.
Calmness?
Results from Smackdown:
Chris Benoit vs. Orlando Jordan
** stars. Nothing speical...
Regal, Burchill, & MNM vs. Animal, Heidenreich, Psicosis & Super Crazy
*** These are rare matches. It was a good ending...only thing that hurt the match? Mexicools are Heels and placed in the face side...
Christian vs. JBL vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Booker T w/Sharmell
** 3/4 stars. Nothing too specal. I hope for a good match for the title...
Nunzio w/Vito vs. Bobby Lashley
WWE's Beta Male wins in the SQUASH.
Randy Orton w/Cowboy Bob Orton vs. Eddie Guerrero
No Match. It started out well, but the interverance...
Now TNA Impact:
Monty Brown vs. Mikey Batts & Jerrelle Clark
(it seems by the next PPV Brown gets the strap)
Matt Bently w/ Traci vs. David Young w/ Simon Diamond
Rhino vs. Sabu
Christopher Daniels vs. Shark Boy
Christopher Daniels vs. Sonjay Dutt
Christopher Daniels vs. AJ Styles (No Contest)
The WWE Catfight continues:
This is nuts.
Lets move to the other intersting WWE news: A MIDGET DIVISION!
UGH...
TNA news:
UGH why start a war where there not even that big yet?
Better news tho:
More like condemation.
Ok, I am not going to state matches here. There is really no reason to. All it has been that Smackdown, even though its the B (read Bush-Leauge) show- doesnt have the owners of the company basicly rampaging all over the Program. At least there are a few workers there, that might start to become stars. It makes no sense when McMahan is trying to get Lucha stars for the RAW based program...
Or maybe it does? Because it seems to me its indictive of the demographic changes that are happening all over the United States(part of it is based on Illegal Immagration, but then again- I am not in the buisness of talking Political issues.)
WWE has there PPV's numbers recounted, and a 4th Quarter Dividened. So now they make two BONEHEADED moves. The first was to take Jim Ross off of RAW. The second was to humilate him on live TV.
I dont even want to talk about the writing on the show. Other than Alexis Larree (who in her OVW days looked like Magumi Toyota, only 15 years younger- and back in 1989-1990 Toyota had appered in anime and her own MANGA) getting the X-Men Ladies look (if you ever read the comics you would understand what I am talking about), John Cena for all of his problems, is writing his own stuff again, and HHH keeping his rants to 10 mins, the rest of the show was off and got off kilter.
Now "The Power Is Back" it seems (wait- doesnt a Power Company own that now?) and they are going to find somebody Younger to replace Jim Ross. That seems intresting (didnt many in the boards wanted JR to go because he was a shell of his former self?) However, many on the IWC- want JR to stay. He might be the best since Solie (and after JR is Styles)- but is it time for new blood? Or Training at least to find new blood?
They had the perfect time to do so back in late 2000, they had time do it in when Chris Benoit won the title (which should have ended the 'tude Era in WWE- but now its nearly 2 years late) So why the delay?
Is it because the WWE screwed the pooch when they realized that Coachman and Cole was lambased by the fans (which the company also fired...how Ironic)
Then came the major changes to the WWE site (started way back with the ECW One Night Stand)
Then the WWE tried to get Mike Goldberg from the UFC- because Goldberg is not stupid, he stayed with UFC (remember- When Jim Ross was taken from the Crocket Era NWA-WCW, he was put in as a color man first and Vince was the Play By Play man)
Now Coachman- (who is not - a pretty man- by any strech, according to my "GF") is saying the IWC has no balls.
Now people are wondering (via this half shoot/half worked storyline) what is going on?
Its simple. The writing is trying to recapure the 'tude era of 1996-200(and when will it end?) and Failing majorly.
Its getting bad when catfights get started over copying of charators.
Its getting bad when the bush league show gets even more bush league (The sandman anyone?)
Its getting worse when midgets get to use illegal moves- and make the show even more bush league.
The intresting thing is about this week, it tells everything we need to hear about RAW, Smackdown and WWE- hell the whole pro game as well.
With all the money they have- and all dividends they will make and can make- there in crisis. TNA (where as Batista is doing the circa 2002 NJPW style half shoot/half work while talking about how AJ Styles sucks in the ring? I love ya Batista- your honest- but PLEASE. AJ has been in a few more **** star programs than you have yet. Your best chance AT one is the IWPG Heavywight Champ. He could have another **** match in Bound By Glory...) despite all there issues, is NOTHING compared to what happend with the WWE, and all the DRAMA, which need more in the ring and compent writers to tell that story- but we have nither. I am not a huge fan of TNA- but if Jarret was a smart man, he needs to remember the Jim Crockett days of NWA-WCW, where Corrnette based his bread and butter on when he was in OVW- and produce that type of product and make it fresh and exiting. If it worked with flair and steamboat- it can work for the Heavy division for TNA- where as the X division needs the NJPW/CMLL/AAA/ROH influance more. I see aspets of that in NOAH's Heavywaight matches. They need to create a system that ROH uses for Title Matches for ALL of there belts (it works somewhat in UFC-but they need to use this more often) Then the writing needs to be competant. Thats all. I can live with ** 1/2 matches once every four matches (which they can do- they have the talent to do so to do ***'s and up)
In a way, This week has been an clearing of the air of things I have kept to myself about The Brand for a while. They have been exposed badly, and if anybody was smart in this business, they will know what NOT to do by learning what the WWE has done this week.
Lets look at what the WWE did this week before, during and after Raw:
More later...
The power is back. Never seen that before. Since I don't plan for this to be regular, you're not getting any match timings or whatever. Enjoy.
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No Mercy recap - since I didn't see this, all I can is that I like it when Mysterio wears black. Also, they didn't need to OMG the Undertaker thing and give Eddie/Batista about five seconds of clip. That's just askin' for abuse.
------
Randy Orton's wearing his new t-shirt. It may be an nWo rip-off, but it still looks cool. Good to see he's bulked up. The crowd seems dead. 'Disgusted', according to Cole and Tazz. Whatever you want.
Orton and Sr. hug in the centre of the ring, and HE'S GOT THE MIC. Tries to pop a People's Eyebrow, but fails. Orton marks out for himself! The crowd doesn't like it. (Cowboy Bob's wearing his cowboy hat. Nice hat, too.) He bags the crowd for coming to see Taker - I know at least one person who's pissed because he paid for that. He wants the title, but Eddie's calling and he walks out to the ring in a Battle of Merchandising. Orton asks Eddie for advice on how to Batista - 'I'll do the opposite'. Eddie's doing the oldschool chilling on the turnbuckle pose, which gives me a No Mercy nostalgia trip. Orton's pissed and threatens an rKo on Eddie, and Eddie's pissed and asks for more -- Jesus Christ, Orton has about a head up on Eddie. He blows Eddie off, says he's going back to demand a title shot from Long and that brings out Batista, who's looking sharp in a suit.
Batista asks for a mic from Eddie - 'look who we have here, my old friend Randy Orton and my new amigo Eddie Guerrero'. He has an idea - Randy/Eddie for the #1 spot. Crowd likes it, Dave's happy, and Tazz points out that Long still has to make the match.
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Thankfully, Teddy works fast and the match is made.
Out comes Benny, and he's looking happy tonight. That title does good things to his mood, but I thought it was always that the champion comes out second? Either way, Jordan comes out (why does his video STILL say Chief of Staff), and we learn that Jordan's going to quit if he taps to the Crossface. Even if you haven't read the spoilers, you know what's coming.
The crowd with the 'you tapped out' chant to start the match, Jordan hides in the ropes before coming back in and Benoit gets the best of him. Jordan goes downstairs, scoop slam on Benoit. Runs back, shoulderblock, Benoit's down. Benoit on the ropes, OJ goes for the hiptoss, gets caught by Benny who goes for the Crippler. They roll around for a bit until Benoit gets in the armbar, OJ under the ropes, Benoit holds on and comes out with him, OJ pushes Benoit into the steps. Benoit back into the ring, followed by OJ who gets a 2-count. OJ goes for a whip, Benoit holds on to the ropes, OJ beats down. Benoit goes to the ropes, OJ with the knee to the stomach for a 2-count. Benoit to the corner, swaps chops for punches with OJ, battles out and chops until OJ locks in the abdominal stretch. Crowd loves Benoit, he reaches the ropes, OJ holds on for 3. Benoit in the corner, OJ hits the turnbuckle clothesline, a shoulder to the midsection, whips Benny to the other corner - goes for a clothesline, Benoit ducks and hits two german suplexes then goes for the Crippler. OJ gets out with a handstand, Benoit still has a lock on the arm, throws him to the mat and locks in the Sharpshooter.
OJ holds on for marginally longer than he does with the Crippler, but taps to the SHARPSHOOTER for the cop-out ending. Benoit taunts OJ because he still has the title and OJ has to keep going.
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Teddy and Palmer are in the back, and Sharmell comes in and she is pissed that OJ got the match and not Benoit. Benny screwed Booker! Teddy: "Why are you so angry?" Sharmell says something about a five time loser and a five time winner, so Long decides to meet her halfway - Booker T vs Christian vs Mysterio vs JBL for the #1 Contender to the US Title. Sharmell isn't happy.
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LOD 2K5 are walking, and Christy's grinning as half the backstage crew checks her out.
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We're back, and Regal and Burchill don't even get a ring entrance. MNM come out, and they're feeling happy while they pimp their new shirts, which are in the place of their tag belts. 'It's okay to stare', and Tazz points out that he's staring for the entire time the camera's on Melina. Cole reminds us that Christy hit the Doomsday device on Melina, but they don't want to give us the money shot, so they frame by frame it. And out come LOD 2K5, and I still think Heidenreich's facepaint looks like one of my CAWs on SvR. Nice pyro, too.
And out come the Mexicools. It occurs to me that I should've checked what type of match this was as a brawl starts in the ring before the Cools even get in, and here it goes. More brawling, Tazz helps me out by saying what type of match this is, and the Cools and LOD are suddenly cool - they are faces. Since when?
Whatever, it's Psicosis and Mercury in the ring together. Psicosis in the corner being beat by Mercury, whipped to the other side, Mercury goes for the clothesline but eats boot, Psicosis hits a wheel kick of the top rope for a 2-count. Mercury to the ropes, holds on. Melina distracts Psicosis with her ass, so Christy distracts Mercury with her body in general. Eventually they realise a match is on, Cosis reverses the backdrop, ducks a clothesline, gets a kneww to the back from Nitro and is pushed into the corner where Regal is tagged in. Punches and knees on Psicosis, Nitro's in and gets a punch to the face on Cosis. European uppercut. Nitro beats on Cosis in the corner, then distracts the ref so Cosis eats interference from other three heels. Burchill in the ring, hits a big clothesline for 2. Cosis fight back, (Burchill was a former teacher, says Cole), Burchill picks Cosis up and rams him into the corner. Locks in the front facelock, Cosis fights for a tag, gets rammed back into the corner and in comes Mercury. He goes for the second-rope front elbow but Cosis rolls out of the way. Cosis goes for a kick but Mercury catches the leg and slaps him, so Cosis hits the enziquiri and tags in Animal. Animal is kicking ass with a back body drop on Nitro and a powerslam on Mercury, Heidenreich comes in to help out, and everybody's asking for the Doomsday Device, including Juventud and Christy on the apron. Burchill takes out Heidenreich when he's on the rop, but Animal hits the back suplex on Mercury, and Super Crazy gets in his ONE PIECE OF OFFENSE - that double-springboard moonsault. Mexicools celebrate before getting beat down by a new team.
Juve eats a double Samoan Drop (man on either side, in the middle), and Cosis eats a leg drop from one by being held by the other. (Tazz says it's an old move used by the Midnight Express, help me out?)
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And we are back with the Peep Show, and Christian's pimping his chances with the Fatal Fourway tonight before introducing Stacy Keibler. Will he ask why Stacy hasn't been fired for how public this is? No.
Christian always thought Stacy was a tramp, but he wants her to tell us what it was like to fool around with Jennifer Aniston's boyfriend. Stacy denies all allegations - Christian decides he's her boyfriend, Stacy says she didn't say that. Christian begs for information because the peeps want to know. Stacy's going to talk, but then out comes Jillian Hall, prompting Tazz to list all her good sides.
Jillian says Stacy's got a golden opportunity to capitalise on the scandal, and she can tell Stacy's upset, but there's no shame in losing her boyfriend to Jennifer Aniston - who is 'sooo hot' and a 'huge star'. Stacy asks Jillian if she wants to be a publicist, capitalise on the issues in her personal life, then make this a huge story, and Jillian says hell yes. Stacy CALLS JILLIAN OUT FOR THE GROWTH! Jillian's not happy and goes for a punch, but Stacy's kung fu skills block it. Your comic relief appears when Stacy goes for a right-hand slap, then realises she'd hit the growth and gets the left-hand slap instead.
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The Fatal Fourway is next, and if you found it hard to read up 'til now, you're in trouble. So am I, because this is my first attempt at recapping and I don't think my technique is quite right.
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Christian's still in the ring for the Fatal Fourway, and JBl's out first/second - and his limo driver's black now. What, is that his OJ replacement? The crowd still ain't loving him, and you have all the usual signs in the crowd. Rey Mysterio's new music hits, and I'm yet to figure out why they changed it as he launches off. (This song reminds me of Gasoline, any takers?) Out comes Booker T, with dreadlocks aflowin' (is he wearing a charity band?), and only one side of his flames are working. What's up with that?
Rey and JBL in one corner, Christian and Booker in another, Rey goes out under the bottom rope thanks to JBL, so it's Booker with two heels. Knocks both of them down, Christian's out over the top rope, JBL hits a kidney shot then goes to the rop and gets hit with a back body drop. In the corner, Booker's chopping then goes for the 10-punch but Christian hits the hotshot. Rey in with the springboard senton on JBL for 2, Christian kicks him as he comes up. Rey to the ropes, dropkick to the knee on Christian, then kick to the shoulderblade. Rey goes for the flippy bulldog on JBL, but gets dropped by him. JBL then centres on Christian. Christian to the ropes, ducks a clothesline but runs into the Fallaway Slam and JBL is out of the ring courtesy of a Booker kick. Christian is hit with a kick to the jaw by Booker for 2. Christian on the ropes, thumb to the eye on Booker and Sharmell isn't happy - Booker's over the ropes and onto JBL courtesy of Christian, and Sharmell still isn't happy.
Christian's beating down on Rey, hits the torture-rack to rib-breaker. Rey to the turnbuckle, he's down and is hurting. Christian with the inverted vertical suplex (I think, or stomachbreaker, or something) for 2. Rey's on Christian's shoulders, JBL comes in and Rey fights JBL off for Christian. JBL comes back in to break up the Christian/Rey pin and we break for ads.
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Anything unexplained is caused by me typing this as I watch the match because I wasn't smart enough to find a clear tape, if you were wondering who was pinning who just then (or why there was no move) or why people seem to be down/out of the ring without a reason.
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JBL goes for the Fallaway Slam on Rey, but it's reversed into a DDT, and all four men are down so I get even more of a rest. Rey pins JBL, Christian breaks it up then goes for the pin, JBL out at two. They're up, Christian to the ropes then gets a shoulderblock from JBL, and continues with a few kicks to anybody close. Vertical suplex on Christian for 2, then a good hard kick to the face. JBL boot over the ropes to stop Booker from getting in yet (hasn't been in since the ad break), JBL with elbow drops on Christian for a 2 count. JBL's calling for the Clothesline from Hell, but as he hits the ropes, Booker gets him with a kick to the back of the head and Rey knocks him out before getting slung over the ropes by Christian - while JBL eats steel steps. Booker in the ring, to the ropes, hits a flying knockdown before being slung into the corner. Christian runs in, Booker with the sunset flip for 2. Christian avoids the axe kick, hits the inverted DDT but Rey hits the Drop of the Dime, pin broken up, JBL hits the Clothesline from Hell to Christian out of the ring, Rey with the rollup on JBL for 2. JBL bashing Rey and Booker in the corner, Rey's whipped to the opposite end, springboards off the second rope and a pursuing JBL eats kick from a recovered Booker.
JBL rolls out, Rey goes for the 619 but is tripped by Sharmell and Booker hits the Scissors Kick for the win. He doesn't know Sharmell helped out, though, so stand by for domestic abuse when he does.
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Sharmell's pimping Booker backstage, and he hasn't found out about the interference yet. Benoit walks by, and he hopes that he doesn't get what Rey did, with a meaningful glance at Sharmell. Booker's oblivious, and he's pimping himself. Benoit says that Booker wouldn't have won if it wasn't for Sharmell. Booker's pissed, and Benoit leaves, but Booker's suspicious. Sharmell distracts him by marking out for him some more, and we get a replay of Sharmell's devious tricks.
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And it's Mr. Kennedy... Kennedy. Chimmell introduces him, and Tazz doesn't get why, because Kennedy doesn't want Chimmell to talk. Tazz pimps Kennedy's ownership of his own microphone, while Kennedy pimps himself on said microphone. Tazz is liking the second Kennedy in the same way that Lawler likes the Masterpiece's entrance. Kennedy was going to introduce his opponent, but wait - he doesn't have one, because everyone else is afraid of him. (Side note: they keep the lights outs for all of the promo.) He's pimping himself some more, and hits the third Kennedy of the night before teasing and hitting the fourth (Tazz suddenly realises Kennedy has an ego. Draw your own conclusions.).
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Cole likes to call Bobby Lashley the 'real deal', apparently. Anyway, it's a singles match between Bobby Lashley (who's taking his sweet time) and Nunzio (who didn't get an entrance and has Vito at ringside, but you know that's not going to help).
Nunzio goes for Lashley, but gets slammed into the corner and Lashley is warning Vito. Nunzio with an attempted kick to the gut, and Lashley hits an overhead belly-to-belly suplex to get me to mark out. Lashley's holding Nunzio over his head, then throws him out onto the outside. (Vito moves out of the way.) Lashley goes to the outside, rolls Nunzio back in then gets a cheap shot from Vito, but Lashley slams him with a clothesline. Nunzio with the dropkick on the entering Lashley, but you know he doesn't care, so Nunzio beats down on him for a bit longer. Nunzio off the second rope, but caught, so Lashley hits a backbreaker then picks up him and throws him into the stomach of Vito (who was trying to enter).
Lashley with the Dominator (does it have a name yet?), and it's OVVVERRR.
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Long and Palmer are backstage, and I've missed some conversation, but here's the Boogeyman. Long thinks it's a Halloween joke and has no idea what's going on.
The Boogeyman would be a lot more scary without that facepaint, and without making crappy rhymes. The crowd is jeering, and he randomly picks up a clock and starts making tick-tock noises while continuing with the rhyming... And HE'S HARDCORE as he bashes himself over the head with the clock and glass shatters. He's the Boogeyman, and he's COMING TO GET YA.
Long is completely blank. "You may have some potential." An evil laugh from the Boogeyman to end the segment, and Cole is in 'What the hell' mode as we find out that even the announcers aren't going to give this character props.
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Orton's coming to the ring with his Papi, and I suddenly realise that at some point, Eddy needs to hand his t-shirt to Cowboy Bob. Out comes Eddy, and I'm not sure what to call this crowd reaction apart from general noise. I think he's getting face pop because he's facing Orton, but I'm not really sure. It could just be my imagination. Orton and Papi discuss strategy as the camera shows that women watch WWE too. Eddie throws his shirt away. Damnit.
Two men circle for a few seconds before Eddie ducks in and Orton backs into the corner. Eddie's cool with that, and they circle again before locking up. Clean break, but Orton went on his knees more. A bit more circling (this is a good break) and they lock up. Eddie in a side headlock, fights back and Orton to the ropes before eating dropkick for a no-count. Eddie's punching Orton in the corner, whips him to the opposite turnbuckle, and Randy's down and not liking it. He gets up with a thumb to the eye and back suplexes Eddie for 2. Side headlock takedown and Randy holds on, but Eddie hoists Randy up for a two count before Randy kicks out and continues to hold the headlock.
Eddie's fighting back, pushes Orton into the corner and it was almost a clean break before Eddie decided to be a bastard and thumbed Orton in the eyes. Orton into the corner and Eddie is choking him out with the tag rope - and we're being told that Eddie's back in Lie Cheat and Steal mode for this match as he does the boot twist on the face. Picks Orton up for two uppercuts that get a a two-count. Eddie's 'getting into his groove' as he goes for the Three Amigos but it's broken by a distraction from Papi. Eddie fights before Orton can capitalise and whips Orton to the turnbuckle. Orton ducks, Eddie bounces off right into a dropkick, and Eddie rolls out of the ring, right in front of Papi - and we go to adbreak.
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Single matches = easier to call.
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We come back and Eddie's in a headlock again, but he's fighting back before Orton hits his signature backbreaker for two. Orton hits the jumping knee to the chest then locks in the rear naked choke (according to Tazz and I'm not going to argue with him when it comes to head holds, because most of them look the same to me). Eddie's fighting out again, and he's giving Orton some love as we have a hug scene before Eddie gets in a few punches to the ribs and hits a nice backbreaker (set up like a back suplex). They're both up before the 8 count, Eddie runs for Orton and Orton hits the drop-toe-hold for a 619 setup before Eddie bounces off and gives Orton three two-counts.
Orton's pounding on Eddie in the corner before referee Brian Hebner breaks it up. Orton's pissed, but Eddie's fighting back before Orton gets him with a kick to the midsection and an uppercut. Orton throws Eddie to the outside, in front of the tables. Orton picks Eddie up and smacks his face twice on the SAT before Eddie does the foot block and gets Orton with the same move then throws him into the ring post. Goes for a whip (into the ring?) but Orton reverses it and Eddie's into the steel steps. Orton rolls him into the ring for a two-count (Eddie with his foot on the ropes). Eddie to the ropes and Orton locks in the sleeper, and Papi pulls the rope an extra millimetre away from Eddie's grasping hands.
Eddie's fading, but Orton isn't the right man to win with a sleeper. Eddie's arm goes down for two but he's FEELING IT and he's fighting back. He's standing up and hitting elbows to Orton's stomach, then turns around and nails Orton a few times. Orton gets up for the Three Amigos, and he IS getting face pop. Eddie goes for the Froggy, kicks Papi off the apron, but Papi comes back for more and throws Eddie off the rope for the DQ.
Both Ortons lay a beatdown on Eddie, but the crowd's screaming and you know that means Batista's coming, baby. Batista clears the Ortons out, and the crowd seems to be a little surprised that it was that easy as Chimmell announces Eddie's win. Eddie's looking a little blank... And here comes Teddy to make a match - it's Batista and Eddie vs. the Ortons... next week.
Man, I almost thought they were going to show the tag match listed in the spoilers. Damn.
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Results
Chris Benoit beat Orlando Jordan with the Sharpshooter, meaning we get more OJ.
Super Crazy, Psicosis and LOD 2K5 beat Paul Burchill, William Regal and MNM after Super Crazy's only move for the match - his double-springboard moonsault.
Booker T beat JBL, Christian and Rey Mysterio with a pin on Rey Mysterio after the Scissors Kick was set up by cunning interference from Sharmell.
Bobby Lashley beat the shit out of Nunzio in a match that had an overhead belly-to-belly suplex.
Eddie Guerrero beat Randy Orton via DQ after Cowboy Bob pushed Eddie off the top rope but foolishly let the ref see it.
Also, the Boogeyman got laughed at, Kennedy got an ego trip, and we have ourselves a Stacy/Jillian feud.
I finally saw it today. It was fairly entertaining, but a few things really kept it out of MOTYC range.
What wasn't good
The chop sequence wasn't put over very well, and it was way too long. It was a fine idea, it just wasn't executed well.
The no-selling was just terrible. No-selling an exploder is one thing, no-selling a northern lights bomb is something else.
What was good
Kobashi's actual selling is fantastic, and it always has been.
Both guys used great body language and facials to get over the fact that it was a battle of the two strongest wrestlers in the world. Use of a few showdown/macho spots was great.
Unlikes past "spectacle" matches, it was paced well. They didn't start firing off spots immediately, going back to build, firing of spots, etc.
I was disappointed with how it turned out, as the no-selling and chop sequence really took it down a notch. Even without those issues, it probably was only a ****1/4-****1/2 match anyway. As it stands, I'd call it a very good ***3/4.
Match Results for ALL of the Matches, only star rankings for Smackdown however:
Booker T w/Sharmell vs. Orlando Jordan
** stars...and as you would see later, it didnt help Booker T none...
Sylvan vs. Hardcore Holly
Ken Kennedy should be the WWE MVP- I am not too sure of his work rate (hes c-ranked right now and hasnt got a long 10 min match to show where he is, compared to Orton or Cena, but right now he got a strong charator. (if he is Arn Anderson's Son but I am not sure of it, he shouldnt be floping so much...he should be selling well, not over selling)
Animal & Heidenreich w/Road Warrior Christy vs. William Regal & Paul
Burchill
No match... But it looks like Burchill and Regal will get the straps soon.
Randy Orton & Cowboy Bob Orton vs. Rowdy Roddy Piper
Legends Rating: ** stars...
Modern day rating DUD.
Eddy Craven vs. Bobby Lashley
Funny...the Domiator was nice though...
Eddie Guerrero, Christian & JBL vs. Rey Mysterio, Chris Benoit & Batista
*** stars.
Next up, the impact matches:
Team Canada (Eric Young, A-1 Ralphz & Bobby Roode) w/ Scott D'Amore vs. 3 Live Kru (Konnan, BG James & Ron Killings)
Christopher Daniels vs. Matt Bentley w/ Traci vs. Austin Aries
Abyss w/ James Mitchell vs. Sonny Siaki
America's Most Wanted (Chris Harris & James Storm) vs. Team 3D (Brother Ray & Devon)
DQ...
Next, the NJPW Tokyo Dome Matches...
Now the No Mercy results:
LOD/Christy vs MNM
Simon Dean vs Bobby Lashley
Chris Benoit vs. Booker T vs. Christian vs. Orlando Jordan
Hardcore Holly vs. Mr. Kennedy
JBL vs Mysterio
Taker's bitches vs Taker
Batista vs Eddie Guerrero
Now for the Indy News:
Over in the land of OZ (thats Austrlia)
Now to the Puro News and Its all about LESNAR! (even WWE couldnt advoid it)
Some of the most eventfull days in the buisness in a long time...
More as it becomes avilable
It's not the WWE.
It's not All Japan Pro Wrestling.
It has to do with worked fighting.
It's not UWF-i.
It has to do with women.
It's not AJW.
...It's called "The Real Catfight".
For those uninitiated, The Real Catfight/Japanese Catfighting takes two Japanese women, puts them in a ring (or in many cases, a tarped covered mat) and pits them against each other in a battle of wills. The objective is not only to pin or submit your opponent within a 3, 3 minute round system, but if you can rip off their clothes and foldle their boobies, all the better. Gimmick matches involve spaghetti, various sticky substances, and other props all meant to lather your opponent with and maybe stick down their panties. But it's not the overt nudity and playful lipstick lesbianism that really sells this show (why, that would just be porno, and downright perverted), but it's the WRESTLING that makes this promotion the greatest.
I will go ON RECORD, saying that this promotion has better mat wrestling than any other pro wrestling promotion in the world. Armbars, kimuras, leglocks, rear naked chokes. High kicks and german suplexes.
And then there's the "host" who has this really big orange wig on and that says "Are you ready? Are you ready? LEEEEEETSSSUH GETTTIT OOOOONAUYAHAHAOIFHKHGY!" and then jumps up in the air like a mad man. It's so very bizarre.
It's what wrestling is supposed to be.
You see, there are no planned-in-the-back, choreographed moves. These ladies go out there and wrestle on the fly. They trade holds and fight over them. It's like if Karl Gotch were asian, and a woman, and wrestled drunk. There are well-defined characters who fight as their characters would. There's back-and-forth action, and then there's squashes, and there are winners and losers. It's not violent, it's not done with malice. There is a sense of purity that you just don't find in todays manufactured world of professional wrestling. And sure, the actual technique may be lacking in some areas. And sure, they tend to laugh and smile and break character a lot. But part of that sense of purity is the sense of fun, and it's all in good fun. It's been a while since wrestling has been fun, hasn't it? We grew up as children watching wrestling cause it was fun. Well, whats more fun than seeing two hot women, one in a school girls outfit, one dressed as a superhero, slip around on orange tarp, covered in jelly, trying to apply leglocks while at the same time trying to strip the other down?
The Real Catfight airs at 2am on the fight network.
If you consider yourself a true wrestling fan, stay up and check it out.
Why is it, that when people who are exposed to a hyped-up promotion for the first time, expect every single match to be great? I see this all the time with ROH, and I recently saw it with NOAH too. I see people complaining about a card-opening comedy match or a mid-card indy spotfest, and that supposedly means the promotion isn't great. What kind of logic is this, especially considering I don't see anyone claiming that ROH or NOAH produces great matches up and down the card. It's just not possible for any promotion to consistently have cards with mostly great matches, or even mostly very good matches. AJW in the early-mid 90's certainly had cards with multiple MOTYCs, and where the large majority of the matches were at least good, but that's about the only example I can think of, and not every show they produced was up to those standards. Even the promotion that many consider to be the best ever (early 90's AJPW) usually had an unbelievably great main event, and a good-very good undercard match, but the rest mostly forgettable stuff.
So here's a tip for people who are watching these hyped-up promotions for the first time. Compare the number of MOTYCs these promotions produce over the course of a year, compared to say, WWE. Then look at how consistent the shows are in at least having 2 or 3 good-very good matches per card. That's why those promotions are hyped up as being great, not because every match they produce is necessarily great, or even average. Every promotion has their stinkers. Every single one. Just some have more or less than others.
Last night I was bored and thought I'd give ROH a little look. The "Scramble Cage - Melee" match was available for download on a forums I'm on so I thought I'd give it a look. Perhaps it was a bad match to choose, perhaps it's not always this bad, but frankly it was awful.
"8. Jack Evans defeated Trent Acid to win Scramble Cage Melee which included Loc & Devito, Maff & Whitmer, The Outcast Killaz, Fast Eddie, Alter Boy Luke, and Dunn & Marcos"
First off the concept of the match is terrible. Lots of people in a cage. Platforms in each corner. All you have to do to eliminate someone is to jump on them off the platform. So, stuff that in any other match would simply be a big move or high spot, becomes an elimination. Terrible. If you chuck 10 decent workers in a big cage they'll give you high spots, you don't need to make it a crap stipulation of the match. Even when it gets down to the final two, there's no pinfalls, just people having to jump on each other off the top of the cage.
Barely any good wrestling in the match, a few sloppy high spots and really only two good moments I can remember. Trent Acid's yakuza kick and the selling from Evans on it, and a high spot where Fast Eddie took out about half the participants in the match by flipping backwards off the platform while holding either Dunn, or Marcus, I think.
The match was awful, the concept was awful, none of the workers really showcased anything all that special. by the time it got down to Acid and Evans they were so sloppy that everything looked botched. Acid, limping away, actually made Evans look like a chump and supposedly Evans is meant to be really special.
Production, look etc was as always terrible. There was one defining moment in the whole match for me, and that was the entrance of, I think, Fast Eddie.
He has Blind by korn as his entrance music. Now if you've heard the song you'll realise it's the absolute PERFECT entrance music for any wrestler with the way it builds up and then explodes. We're sat there, hearing the little guitar riff, it's building up, it's getting boring, we're expecting something big I guess, and out comes some little idiot as the music explodes with "arrrre youuuuu reeeadddyyyy!" and just sort of trots out, not trying to impress himself on the fans, not really showin anything particularly intense at all. Just some little worker who doens't know, or hasn't learnt how to get himself over. To me, that's ROH all over from what I've seen.
Have I just been watching the wrong things? Is the promotion really as bad and dull as I've seen?
I've watched one of the Joe Vs Punk matches and for the most part enjoyed it, but most other stuff I've seen has bored me, or just made me lose interest in the match really quickly.
What I'd like to see you do is put together a card made up of the best matches that you've ever seen. That means no fantasy booking; just matches that you yourself have seen and think highly of. There are a few rule to follow:
1. The card should have seven to nine matches, depending on their length.
2. No wrestler can wrestle on the card twice UNLESS he is part of a gauntlet match that you really want on there. Round Robin tournaments don't count as a gauntlet match, so you can't put the Christopher Daniels/Low Ki/American Dragon trilogy from the second ROH show on and then bring all three back later for singles matches.
3. There can be only one world title match, one world tag title match, etc. So, if you are defending the Triple Crown, do not have Ric Flair defend the NWA title on the same show. However, if you have a U.S. tag title match, you can still have a world tag title match. Keep in mind that regional titles such as Memphis's Southern title and Mid South's North American title should be considered World Titles since they were the top belt in their respective promotions.
4. Please explain why you picked the matches you did and why you placed them in their position on the card.
5. You can choose from any promotion in the world. If you want a AAA match next to a WWF match next to a New Japan match, so be it.
6. Try and list the date and location of the match. If you just put down Misawa vs. Kawada, they've wrestled each other so many times that we won't know what match you're talking about.
7. Make it good
I shall be posting my dream card later. Credit for the idea goes to goodhelmet.
HTQ Op Ed #1: Some People Are Really Stupid
I know it’s not the most groundbreaking of statements to make, but some people out there are really stupid. What makes some of those people even more stupid is that they should know better. Yet, for some reason, they don’t. Why are these people stupid? Well, these people think it’s a good thing that Vince McMahon, for the Raw ‘Homecoming’ on the USA network is flushing away around $7.5m in potential PPV revenue for a show that, A: Is part of a ratings war that he was going to easily win anyway, and B: No matter how high ratings are, he won’t make any money from them, because USA handle all the ad work, so they keep any and all ad revenue that Raw makes.
“Ah, but if he can get lots of people to tune into Raw, then Vince can get them to buy the PPV/PPV’s”
Nice idea in theory, but let’s look at it a little closer.
In one night, Vince is giving away, on free television, the returns of Steve Austin, Hulk Hogan and Mick Foley. Now, each of those people could have had their returns built up for a PPV, the revenue of which Vince would be able to keep, and Vince would be looking at three different sets of bumper PPV buys. Now, he won’t get any of that. Sure, he can bring each of them back for a PPV later on in the year, but the return on bringing them back won’t be anywhere close to what it could have been, because he just gave away their return on free television. It’s like trying to sell a thirsty man a glass of water when you’ve just let him drink his fill for free. He’s had his thirst sated, so why should he want to pay for more water?
Looking at the in-ring action of Raw, it’s just as bad, because they’re giving away a Kurt Angle versus Shawn Michaels Iron Man match, and a Matt Hardy vs. Edge Loser Leaves Raw ladder match, both of which could have drawn some PPV buys, on separate PPV’s or one loaded one, and the company could have made some serious coin off of them. Now, if they bring Kurt vs. Shawn back to PPV at any time before the end of the year, it won’t mean as much because people just got it for free on television.
As for getting the people to pay for the PPV’s, they’re giving away a (over)loaded night of Raw for free, so to get people to shell out $34.95 for a PPV, it would have to be something really special after the Raw, and what are the chances of that happening, especially after giving away for free the kind of stuff that people would have paid for?
HTQ in TNA’s debut on Spike
The opening video package was great, and it really made TNA seem like something special and, more importantly, different to WWE.
The Impact opening is great too. It looks similar to the opening for Smackdown, but it blows that one out of the water.
First up, AJ Styles vs. Roderick Strong, and the crowd treated AJ like a superstar when he came out, and that really came across well on television, which is important. We need more shots of that blonde chick holding the action figures. The match itself was a squash designed to get AJ and his big moves over, and it succeeded in doing that. Christopher Daniels came to ringside to help set up their Iron Man match at Bound For Glory, so TNA are already starting with making the new fans aware of the upcoming major matches.
I liked the Monty Brown video, as short as it was.
Monty Brown’s interview was ok, and I think they need to make something out of the “most territorial, predatorial” line, because it could become a good hook.
The Raven angle backstage was ok, and at least they didn’t just go to it and had Shane Douglas act like he was being told about in his earpiece.
Monty Brown vs. Lex Lovett was a pure squash. The Pounce might not seem like much at first, but neither did the Stone Cold Stunner or the Jackhammer, but those moves got over in the same way The Pounce can; booking it like a death move. Give it a month or so of booking The Pounce like that, and it’ll be over like crazy to the new fans.
I loved the X-Division video. It highlighted all of the big moves from the X-Division, which is exactly what it should be doing.
Petey Williams vs. Alex Shelley vs. Chris Sabin was a very entertaining, high-impact spotfest, and I think it helped establish the X-Division as something a lot different from the WWE’s watered down cruiserweights. The Canadian Destroyer was showcased, which it needed to be. When they went to a commercial during the match, I liked that when they came back the commercial music was still playing. That was a nice touch that I hope they keep doing.
The backstage deal with Douglas, Zbysko and Ortiz was fine, and I got a laugh out of Zbysko mouthing off to Douglas at the end.
I liked the 3 Live Kru video piece.
Rhyno vs. Jeff Hardy was ok, but if they were going to end it in a disqualification, then I would have put another match in the main event slot that they could have ended cleanly. With that said, at least they did a big angle afterwards to try and take attention away from the non-finish. Rhyno and Abyss could make a great monster heel tag team.
I liked that you heard Hardy get booed because TNA could have easily edited it out, but they didn’t, which I think is important when it comes to letting the fans know that if they don’t like a babyface, you’re not going to censor those feelings.
The NWA Title change looked a little low-rent in terms of setting, but at least it shows that title changes can happen at out of the way places.
Jarrett is meant to be a world champion, so why can’t he dress like one? I skipped his promo, so I have no idea what he said, and I really don’t care what he said.
The 3 Live Kru-Jarrett and Lackey’s confrontation was nice, with the Canadian team coming in because of their association with Scott D’Amore, and The Deadly Brothers were very over with the live crowd. Unfortunately, Kevin Nash was presented as the top star, with his coming out last and hitting his big move last, and that’s not what TNA needs. Nash looked like he was having trouble just standing there let alone walking, and I dread to think how bad his match at Bound For Glory match with Jeff Jarrett will be.
Overall There was more good than bad from the debut. TNA looked very different from WWE, which is they absolutely have to do if they are to show any kind of growth and turn into a potential competitor for WWE. It’s by no mean guaranteed that TNA will evolve into a competitor, but the only chance they have is if they are something totally different to WWE, and I think, for the most part, they succeed with their debut on Spike. The negatives are the obvious, with Jarrett and Nash on top. I can understand TNA wanting ‘star power’ on top to try and draw people in, but couldn’t they have come up with a star who doesn’t look like he’s about to break his legs just from standing still? That doesn’t make them look good when one of the guys fighting over their main title looks like he’s about to fall apart at the seams.
I've tried to watch ROH, I really wanted to like it. And yes, there are a few matches from the promotion that I have really, really enjoyed. But for the most part, I can't watch the stuff. There are a combination of reasons why, particularly everything about it, but there is one thing that takes my dislike for ROH and turns it into hate.
The fans.
Yes. I hate ROH fans more than I hate ROH's announcing. More than ROH's attempts at being everything but professional wrestling. I can't stand the fans.
Damn ECW for putting over their fans so much. Damn Pay Heyman for creating this generation of fucktards who feel the need to "get over" with the wrestlers more than the wrestlers feel the need to get over with them.
There are very few ROH reports that I have read that doesn't PRAISE THE FANS. What the fuck?! I read a report of Kobashi/Joe that started off right away, not with talking about the match or the wrestlers, but with talking about the CROWD HEAT. And then talking about the CHANTS. "Arigato"? ROH fans, YOU ARE FUCKING MORONS, so quit patting yourselves on the back for chanting useless shit and shut the fuck up. Dueling chants are great when they are genuine and don't sound contrived, like Couture/Tito at UFC 44 where part of the crowd would chant for Tito to get Tito into it, but as they die down another part of the crowd would chant for Randy cause Randy is kicking Titos ass. But in ROH, it's not there to actually support the wrestlers, it's there cause the crowd thinks its cute. When it comes down to it, there was a word I used above that perfectly describes ROH - their fans, their announcers, their wrestlers - GENUINE. And ROH is not it. At all.
Tonight, my beloved Playstation 2 of almost 5 years finally gave out on me. Can I have a moment of silence, please? I'll get one of the Slim PS2s to replace it, but it just won't be the same.
My PS2
December 25, 2001 - October 1, 2005
RIP
*tear*
TEW Demo
TEW 2005 Update #3
Download and install the demo. Download the update, and use the .exe it gives you to replace the .exe that came with the demo.
The demo version allows you to play for one month of in-game time per save slot.
Has anyone else downloaded this yet? What do you think of it? There will be real life data coming out in a week or so, in time for when you can purchase the game, though you can still use the real life data with the demo version. If you buy the game and are going to use the real life data, what will you be trying to do? Improve WWE? Make TNA a true player?
