HTQ on Day Three of the Fantasy G1 Climax Tournament
Osaka hosted its second consecutive card of action in the G1 Climax Tournament, as Day Three saw a great main event, and some very heated undercard matches.
1. G1 Climax - Block B: Tatsutoshi Goto [2] beat Togi Makabe [0] in (10:11) after a backdrop hold
The veteran Goto gained his first points of the tournament, with a victory over Makabe, who has yet to gain any points.
2. G1 Climax - Block B: Manabu Nakanishi [4] beat Yutaka Yoshie [4] in (13:55) after a Hercules Cutter
Nakanishi handed Yoshie his first loss of the G1 with a Hercules Cutter, and both men now have four points each.
3. G1 Climax - Block A: Toshiaki Kawada [6] beat Kendo Kashin [0] in (12:50) after a high kick
The self styled shooter putting forth another strong effort, but Kashin came up short again, as Dangerous K powered out of a cross armbreaker, and struck Kashin hard in the back of the head with a high kick to gain the pinfall victory.
4. G1 Climax - Block B: Kazuyuki Fujita [6] beat Toru Yano [0] in (2:11) after a knee strike
Fujita wasted no time in disposing of young Toru Yano, destroying him with heavy strikes and knees before nailing him sqaure in the jaw with a big knee strike, which knocked Yano out, and getting the win. Yano, like others before him who have faced Fujita in the G1, needed help leaving the ring.
5. G1 Climax - Block A: Hiroyoshi Tenzan [4] beat Osamu Nishimura [2] in (18:35) after a TTD
Tenzan again in a rematch from the 2003 G1, as he and Osamu Nishimura battled each other in a keenly fought contest. Mr MUGA~ gave Tenzan a hard match, but Tenzan came out on top, using his TTD to put Nishimura down.
6. G1 Climax - Block A: Masahiro Chono [3] beat Minoru Suzuki [2] in (14:56) after a shining Yakuza kick
The match I'm most looking forward to seeing just for the atmosphere, as two of the best heels in wrestling went at it in this one. Heel tactics were in full effect here, with both men giving the referee cause to warn them repeatedly during the match. In the end Chono picked up the win, after a back heel kick to the groin left Suzuki vulnerable to the shining Yakuza kick.
7. G1 Climax - Block A: Yuji Nagata [5] beat Tatsumi Fujinami [2] in (12:44) after a spinning heel kick
The legend Fujinami gave another great performance here, showing that he could still match skills with the younger talent, but Nagata was still too strong for Fujinami, and a stiff looking spinning heel kick levelled Fujinami and was enough to get the win for Nagata.
8. G1 Climax - Block B: Shinsuke Nakamura [5] v Hiroshi Tanahashi [3] went to a draw (30:00) when the time limit expired
The big main event was a rematch from January's big Dome event, as Shinsuke Nakamura took on tag team championship partner Hiroshi Tanahashi. The Osaka crowd started quietly for this one, but they soon got into it as Nakamura and Tanahashi pulled out all the stops, and wrestled a match that some were saying exceeded their match in January. The match was very even, as Nakamura and Tanahashi proved to be equal to the challenge of the other and neither man could seem to gain any real advantage. Nakamura and Tanahashi were fighting over a superplex, and when the bell rang to signify the time limit expiring, they finally fell succumbed to exhaustion, and fell to the mat, showing how hard they had fought. The Osaka crowd gave them a standing ovation, and the tag team champions shook hands after the match, and left the ring together.
After three days of action, the Blocks in the G1 Climax Tournament look like this:
Block A:
1. Toshiaki Kawada [6]
2. Yuji Nagata [5]
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan [4]
4. Masahiro Chono [3]
5. Osamu Nishimura [2]
6. Minoru Suzuki [2]
7. Tatsumi Fujinami [2]
8. Kendo Kashin [0]
Block B:
1. Kazuyuki Fujita [6]
2. Shinsuke Nakamura [5]
3. Manabu Nakanishi [4]
4. Yutaka Yoshie [4]
5. Hiroshi Tanahashi [3]
6. Tatsutoshi Goto [2]
7. Togi Makabe [0]
8. Toru Yano [0]
Toshiaki Kawada has the lead in Block A, but Yuji Nagata and Hiroyoshi Tenzan are both close behind him, and Masahiro Chono could still be a potential contender as well. Over in Block B, Kazuyuki Fujita is on top, with Shinsuke Nakamura and Manabu Nakanishi and Yutaka Yoshie all within striking distance of the top spot. After Day Four, things may become a lot clearer.
NJPW, 8/8/05 (SXW)
Yokohama Bunka Gymnasium
1. G1 Climax - Block B: Manabu Nakanishi vs. Toru Yano
2. G1 Climax - Block B: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Tatsutoshi Goto
3. G1 Climax - Block A: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Kendo Kashin
4. G1 Climax - Block B: Togi Makabe vs. Kazuyuki Fujita
5. G1 Climax - Block B: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Yutaka Yoshie
6. G1 Climax - Block A: Tatsumi Fujinami vs. Minoru Suzuki
7. G1 Climax - Block A: Osamu Nishimura vs. Masahiro Chono
8. G1 Climax - Block A: Yuji Nagata vs. Toshiaki Kawada
Day Four is headlined by a dream match, as Yuji Nagata faces Toshiaki Kawada for the very first time. A win by Nagata would put him atop Block A, but a win by Kawada would firmly place him as Block A leader. Osamu Nishimura takes on Masahiro Chono, with a win by Nishimura almost essential to keep his G1 hopes alive, while a win for Chono would keep him very much in the hunt. Tatsumi Fujinami battles Minoru Suzuki, in what could prove to be the most interesting match of the night. In Block B, Kazuyuki Fujita would seem to have an easy match against Togi Makabe, but this is the G1, and never count anything out. Shinsuke Nakamura takes on Tatsutoshi Goto, and if Goto pulls off one of the upsets he is infamous for, then Nakamura could see his G1 quest hit a big hurdle. Manabu Nakanishi takes on Toru Yano and Yutaka Yoshie takes on Hiroshi Tanahashi, and wins by either man would keep their G1 hopes alive, though a win by Tanahashi would give his G1 the boost it really needs to get going. Elsewhere, Hiroyoshi Tenzan takes on Kendo Kashin, which should be very heated, given that Kashin left New Japan three years ago with Tenzan's best known tag team partner, Satoshi Kojima, and Tenzan isn't one to forget something like that.
The Big Talker 1210 (Philly Talk Radio Station owned by CBS Infinity) has Bruno Samartino speaking with Morining host Micheal Smerconish. He was on the air for a small while, but I will try and find out what he says about the busness today-
(8:24)- The website for Bruno Samartino, BrunoBrunoBruno.com (did not know that...) Talked about Wrestle Reunion 2 (Its like ECW ONS for the older set)- the Main Event, DDP Vs Larry Zybisko- if Larry won, Bruno will have a small match with him... Bruno is taking calls from older fans about the old NWA Capital days/WWWF early days. Didnt talk about the Buiness today, but it was a promotion for the Vally Forge show. Hes turning 70 years old in a few days.
Most of the lines, were JAMMED durning his interview. If anybody else knows about the rest of the interview, make a comment about it ASAP.
HTQ on Day Two of the Fantasy G1 Climax Tournament
Osaka was the venue of Day Two of the G1 Climax Tournament as the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium played host to the first card of back-to-back events at the facility. There were no upsets today, but we got a really heated main event.
1. G1 Climax - Block B: Yutaka Yoshie [4] beat Toru Yano [0] in (7:14) after a diving bodypress
Yutaka once again relies on his girth, and it scored him a win against Yano, who at least tried hard.
2. G1 Climax - Block B: Manabu Nakanishi [2] beat Tatsutoshi Goto [0] in (10:31) after a Hercules Cutter
Goto lasting longer than you might think, but Nakanishi was too strong and determined, and he ended the match just past the ten minute mark with a Hercules Cutter,
3. G1 Climax - Block A: Osamu Nishimura [2] beat Kendo Kashin [0] in (14:46) with a ground cobra twist
MUGA~ won out in this match, as Nishimura reversed an attempted guillotine choke, and scored the pin with his patented ground cobra twist.
4. G1 Climax - Block A: Toshiaki Kawada [4] beat Tatsumi Fujinami [2] in (12:17) after a shotgun lariat
The most intriguing match of the night saw the legendary Fujinami able to hold his own against Dangerous K, but Toshiaki Kawada turned things up after the ten minute mark, and levelled Fujinami with a hard shotgun lariat to get the victory.
5. G1 Climax - Block A: Yuji Nagata [3] beat Minoru Suzuki [2] in (18:40) after a wrist clutch exploder suplex
This was the best wrestling match of the night, as Nagata and Suzuki battled back and forth on the mat, with both men apprently looking to get a submission win. Nagata changed strategy though, and it got him his first win of the G1, as a wrist clutch exploder put Suzuki down for the three count.
6. G1 Climax - Block B: Shinsuke Nakamura [4] beat Togi Makabe [0] in (8:56) with a cross armbreaker
Makabe putting up a fight against Nakamura, but the former IWGP Champion was too much for him, and Nakamura took Makabe down into a cross armbreak to get the submission win.
7. G1 Climax - Block A: Hiroyoshi Tenzan [2] beat Masahiro Chono [1] in (19:03) with the Anaconda Vice
Former tag team partners went at it in this match, as Tenzan and Chono battled it out in a fiercely competitive match. They met in the 2003 G1, and Tenzan won the match there, and Tenzan was victorious here as well, being able to put Chono down with his Anaconda Vice.
8. G1 Climax - Block B: Kazuyuki Fujita [4] beat Hiroshi Tanahashi [2] in (12:12) after a knee strike
The most heated match of the night, with Tanahashi putting up the fight of his life against the man who beat him for the vacant IWGP title last year. The crowd really got behind Tanahashi, but the might of Fujita was too much for Tanahashi today, and Fujita knocked Tanahashi silly with a brutal knee to the jaw to get the win. After the match Tanahashi needed to be helped to the back, as the knee appeared to have knocked him for a loop.
After two days, the standings in the G1 Climax Tournament look like this:
Block A:
1. Toshiaki Kawada [4]
2. Yuji Nagata [3]
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan [2]
4. Osamu Nishimura [2]
5. Minoru Suzuki [2]
6. Tatsumi Fujinami [2]
7. Masahiro Chono [1]
8. Kendo Kashin [0]
Block B:
1. Kazuyuki Fujita [4]
2. Shinsuke Nakamura [4]
3. Yutaka Yoshie [4]
4. Hiroshi Tanahashi [2]
5. Manabu Nakanishi [2]
6. Togi Makabe [0]
7. Tatsutoshi Goto [0]
8. Toru Yano [0]
Toshiaki Kawada leads Block A with two wins, while Yuji Nagata is in second place with one draw and one win. Tenzan, Nishimura, Suzuki and Fujinami are all tied behind them on two points, with Chono in seventh place with one point, and Kendo Kashin in last place. In Block B, there is a three-way tie for first place, with Kazuyuki Fujita, Shinsuke Nakamura and Yutak Yoshie all with four points. Hiroshi Tanahashi and Manabu Nakanishi are behind them with two points each, and Togi Makabe, Tatsutoshi Goto and Toru Yano anchoring the table with all three yet to score.
Tomorrow sees Day Three action, and it once again takes place in Osaka:
NJPW, 8/7/05 (WPW/NJ+IWTV Internet)
Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium
1. G1 Climax - Block B: Tatsutoshi Goto vs. Togi Makabe
2. G1 Climax - Block B: Yutaka Yoshie vs. Manabu Nakanishi
3. G1 Climax - Block A: Toshiaki Kawada vs. Kendo Kashin
4. G1 Climax - Block B: Toru Yano vs. Kazuyuki Fujita
5. G1 Climax - Block A: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Osamu Nishimura
6. G1 Climax - Block A: Masahiro Chono vs. Minoru Suzuki
7. G1 Climax - Block A: Tatsumi Fujinami vs. Yuji Nagata
8. G1 Climax - Block B: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi
Day Three is headlined with a rematch from January's big Dome event, as the IWGP tag team champions face off with Shinsuke Nakamura taking on Hiroshi Tanahashi. A win for Nakamura would cement his status as contender to win the Block, while a win for Tanahashi would put him in contention at last. The biggest match in Block A as far as standings go is Hiroyoshi Tenzan v Osamu Nishimura, with a win for either man placing them right near the top of the table. Tatsumi Fujinami takes on Yuji Nagata, and a win for Nagata will see him in at least second place, and if Toshiaki Kawada falls to Kendo Kashin, Nagata would top Block B. The most interesting match from an atmosphere and personality standpoint will be Masahiro Chono v Minoru Suzuki, as both men are great heels, and this one could split the crowd.
Shawn Cuts promo of his carrer, however continues using the same old eight year grudge...
The Heart Throbs vs. Big Show (Handicap Match)
* star...
John Cena vs. Carlito and Chris Jericho (w/Eric Bischoff)
* star...something smells of HHH booking.
Edge (w/Lita) vs. Val Venis
* star... I love Montral. Even they dont like Lita's...well I dont know how to say **** in french.
Rob Conway vs. The Hurricane (w/Stacy Kiebler)
* star...
SummerSlam Rundown - RAW Only:
WWE Title: John Cena vs. Chris Jericho
Edge vs. Matt Hardy
Eugene vs. Kurt Angle
Hulk Hogan vs. Shawn Michaels
Main Event:
Hulk Hogan vs. Kurt Angle
** stars. There match a few years ago was way better.
First time ever, lets do TNA Sacrfice as we countdown to Oct 1 and the all new Impact on Spike TV.
PWInsider.com provided the results:
Sonny Siaki & Apollo vs. Mikey Batts & Jerrelle Clark. Batts was tossed around at the start, and given a double flapjack. Clark tagged in and didn't fare much better, with Siaki giving him a dropkick and a neckbreaker. Batts hit Siaki from the apron, and Clark hit a pair of ranas on Siaki. Batts tagged back in, and managed to turn a Siaki leapfrog attempt into a spinebuster. Siaki and Apollo quickly took back over, squashing Batts and Clark with powermoves, and Siaki got the pin on Batts.
** stars here. Ok work.
Simon Diamond, David Young & Elix Skipper vs. Chris Sabin, Sonjay Dutt & Shark Boy. Simon cut a promo about how Skipper has been "lost" ever since being forced to break up with Christopher Daniels. Simon said that his guidance would bring Skipper back to the top. Shark started out with Young, trading holds and stalemating. They traded slaps, and Shark hit some chops. Shark Boy ran into a Young elbow, but came back with a neckbreaker for two. Young hit a clothesline, while Shark bit Young on the BUTT. Skipper flipped into the ring and clotheslined Shark while the referee wasn't looking. Diamond tagged in and hit the Simon Series on Shark. Skipper and Dutt tagged in, and the pace picked up, with Skipper hitting a backbreaker and a double underhook suplex on Dutt, then followed with a gut wrench suplex and a kick to the back. Sabin got a hot tag and went to work on Diamond, hitting a rana and a springboard dropkick. Dutt gave Young & Skipper a bodypress, but they caught him, so Shark dropkicked him in the back to send the pile down. Skipper hit a sloppy walking the ropes rana on Dutt, and Young gave Dutt a spinebuster for a two count. Shark hiptossed Young to the floor and gave him a pescado. Dutt gave Skipper an enzugiri and tagged Sabin. Sabin and Skipper exchanged pin attempts, with Sabin grabbing a sunset flip after first attempting a backslide to get the pin on Skipper at the eight minute mark.
** 3/4 stars. A bit longer and its an easy three.
Alex Shelley vs. Shocker. Shelley went after the legs of Shocker early, while Shocker responded in kind, going for a single leg crab. Shocker then went after the arm, hitting hiptosses and armdrags, then dropping his knee on the arm, all while retaining a wristlock. Shelley went for a Sharpshooter, but Shocker kicked him away. Shelley ducked a kick and hit an elbow to the back of the leg. Shelley wrapped Shocker's leg around the ropes and kicked it. Shelley missed a charge and fell over the top rope to the floor. Shocker went for a dive, Shelley moved, and Shocker did a handstand on the apron so he would land on his feet. Shelley hit an enzugiri, but Shocker dropped him face first on the apron and then hit a backbreaker on the floor. Shelley yanked Shocker throat first across the top rope, but Shocker kicked out his legs on a charge and sent him to the floor. Shocker hit a top rope bodypress to the floor. They traded chops and punches in the ring, but Shocker hit a bulldog and a boot to the face, then applied a twisting figure four leglock. Shelley made the ropes for a break, and hit a double knee in the corner. Shelley hit a tornado DDT for a two count. Shocker blocked a lariat and applied an abdominal stretch-like maneuver with his legs on the mat. Shelley made the ropes, and Shocker applied a reverse Indian Deathlock, but Shelley made the ropes again. Shocker hit a German suplex, but Shelley grabbed a Dragon Screw legwhip. Shocker turned a Shelley toehold into a small package for a two count. Shocker hit a slingshot elbow for a two count. Shocker went for a sunset flip, but Shelley rolled through and dropkicked Shocker, only for Shocker to roll back from the kick and deliver his own dropkick. Shocker went for La Magistral, but Shelley hooked his legs on the ropes and got Shocker's shoulders down for a three count at the eight minute mark.
** stars. Liked this match. At least there PINNING people.
Lance Hoyt vs. Abyss. Hoyt is dressing like CM Punk now. They started brawling as Hoyt ran into the ring, and Hoyt sent Abyss to the floor and hit a pescado. Hoyt rammed Abyss into the guardrail, but allowed himself to be distracted by Jim Mitchell, and Abyss whipped Hoyt into the rails. Back in the ring, Abyss hit an avalanche, then chopped Hoyt, but Hoyt returned fire. Abyss reversed a whip, but missed a charge and ran shoulder first into the ringpost. Hoyt missed a kick, and Abyss went for a chokeslam, but Hoyt elbowed it away. Abyss hit a lariat and a second rope splash for a two count. Abyss threw Hoyt shoulder first into the ringpost, then did it again in the opposite corner. Hoyt came back with a clothesline off the second rope, then hit a flying shoulderblock. Abyss kicked Hoyt in the gut, then jumped off the second rope, but Hoyt caught him with a chokeslam. Hoyt hit a moonsault for a two count. Hoyt measured Abyss for a superkick, but Abyss caught him with a Black Hole Slam. Hoyt kicked out at two. Abyss went for a chair, and as the referee was trying to take it from him, Hoyt kicked it into Abyss' face for a two count. Abyss went down in a corner, and Hoyt put the chair in front of Abyss' face. Hoyt went to the opposite side of the ring, and hit a springboard dropkick across the ring into the chair, into Abyss' face. Abyss kicked out at two. Hoyt went for a whip, Abyss reversed it, but Hoyt kicked away a backdrop attempt. Hoyt charged, and Abyss grabbed him in another Black Hole Slam to get the pin at the eight minute mark.
*** stars. Hoyt is gettin there. And Abyss is good to stand on his own. Good match.
Ron Killings & Konnan vs. Kip James & Monty Brown, BJ James as special referee. All four men started brawling as soon as Killings and Konnan came out. Kip and Brown took over, with Brown hitting a clothesline on Konnan in the corner. Killings avoided a Kip charge, and 3LK took over, dumping Gunn to the floor, then Killings hitting a sidekick on Brown. Killings then hit a top rope legdrop on Kip as Konnan held his legs apart. They went to the floor and brawled, and then finally settled into a tag team match, with Konnan on the apron, while Kip hit Killings with a backbreaker before going to the apron. In the ring, Brown slammed Killings and worked him over in a corner. Kip tagged in and continued the assault on Killings as they kept Konnan from tagging in. Brown suplexed Killings, and James was slow getting down for the count. Brown hit some crossface shots, then applied a neck vice. Brown hit a knee to James' midsection for a two count, then the two collided in center ring. Konnan got the tag and cleaned house on Kip, hitting a rolling clothesline. Brown came in, and was given a facebuster. Konnan took off his sneaker and threw it at Kip. He then went to throw it at Brown, but James got in the way and took the sneaker to the back. Kip went for a Fameasser on Konnan, but Konnan ducked it and hit a facebuster. Killings and Brown fought to the floor. Konnan went for a chair, but James wouldn't let him use it. Kip hit Konnan, and grabbed the chair. James wouldn't let Kip use the chair either, then started punching Kip. Konnan blasted Kip with the chair, and covered him for the pin, with James making the count at the nine minute mark. 3LK, reunited, then embraced in the center of the ring.
** stars. Ok but it was just there.
Christopher Daniels vs. Austin Aries. Daniels' X-Division title was not on the line. Before Aries came out, Daniels cut a promo, referencing Jeff Jarrett's "paranoia" about TNA wrestlers being replaced, and saying he could never be replaced. Daniels said that Aries might be "Mr. Independent" and "Mr. Ring Of Honor", but he was just a "warm up" match for "Mr. TNA". Aries got right in Daniels' face after coming out, and the two went right at it. Aries hit a back elbow off the middle rope at the start, then went to a front facelock. Daniels reversed into a facelock of his own, but Aries pulled out of it and dropkicked Daniels to the floor. Aries hit a low tope, going between the bottom and middle ropes. Aries chopped Daniels on the floor, then rolled him into the ring and hit a slingshot twisting splash for a two count. Aries went for a leapfrog in a corner, but Daniels caught him and hit a shoulderbreaker for two. Daniels slammed Aries three times in a row, then covered him for a two count. Daniels whipped Aries into the corner, then stood on his back and head. Daniels drove a knee into Aries' back, then put him in a chinlock. Aries came back with a sunset flip, but Daniels hit him with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for two, then pounded him with right hands. Daniels slammed Aries and hit an Arabian Press to the back for a two count. Daniels set up for the Angel's Wings, but Aries rolled away from it. Daniels slapped Aries, then went for a suplex, but Aries floated over and hit a slap. Daniels charged, and Aries hit a dorp tow hold. They started trading shots, with Aries getting the better of it and then hitting a clothesline and a pair of back elbows. Aries hit a swinging pendulum elbow for a two count. Daniels backdropped Aries to the apron, but Aries slingshotted right back in and hit a back elbow, then a dropkick. Aries hit a sideslam for a two count. Daniels hit a chinbuster and a faceplant to turn the tide. Daniels went for the Best Moonsault Ever, bur Aries moved out of the way and kicked Daniels in the head. Aries hit a 450 splash, but Daniels reached out and grabbed the bottom rope to stop the count. Daniels hit an STO and used the ropes for leverage for a cover, but the referee saw it. Aries grabbed a backslide for a two count, then went for a neckbreaker, but Daniels reversed it into the Angel's Wings for the pin at the nine minute mark.
*** 1/2 stars. Is it me, or this match could have been 2 min longer and it would have been four stars?
They gave Lynn a big introduction for his return to TNA in-ring action from shoulder surgery, calling him the "pioneer of the X-Division". Lynn offered a handshake at the start, and after exchanging words, Waltman shook it. They locked up, with the two trading waistlocks. Waltman took Lynn to the mat and rode him, but Lynn took his legs out as he got up and did the same, then paintbrushed the back of his head. Lynn grabbed a wristlock, but Waltman rolled out of it and reversed the hold. Lynn rolled out and hit an armdrag. Waltman called for a test of strength, but Lynn gave him a crotch chop before going for the fingerlock. Waltman swept Lynn's legs out, but Lynn got to his feet before Waltman could take advantage. They went for the test of strength again, but Lynn walked the ropes with it and armdragged Waltman, only for Waltman to come back with a spin kick. Lynn leapfrogged Waltman in a corner and used a headscissors to send Waltman to the floor. Lynn went to the top rope and hit a flying bodypress on Waltman on the floor. Lynn chopped Waltman on the floor, but Waltman grabbed Lynn and rammed him shoulder first into the ringpost.
Waltman got back in the ring and gave Lynn a baseball slide dropkick as Lynn tried to get into the ring. Lynn was favoring his left arm as he got in the ring, and Waltman choked him with a boot against the ropes. Waltman hit some chops, and soon the two were trading chops back and forth. Lynn went for a whip, but his arm was hurting, and Waltman grabbed a bodyscissors for a two count. Waltman hit a legdrop for two, as we saw that Shark Boy was watching from the ramp. Waltman put Lynn in a chinlock, then a surfboard. Chris Sabin came out to watch as well. Waltman hit a shoulderbreaker for a two count. Waltman hit a series of kicks, and a spinkick in the corner. Sonjay Dutt was now watching. Waltman missed a Bronco Buster in the corner, and Lynn hit a series of rights. Waltman went for a clothesline, but Lynn ducked and hit a flying headscissors, sending Waltman to the floor. As Waltman got in, Lynn charged, and Waltman side stepped him, so Lynn fell to the floor. Waltman dove from the ring with a somersault senton, connecting with Lynn on the floor.
Waltman went to suplex Lynn back into the ring, but Lynn reversed it, suplexing Waltman from the apron to the floor. Both men crashed hard, but Lynn got up and tossed Waltman back into the ring. Lynn hit a top rope dropkick, was slow to get up, then hit a backdrop and a clothesline. Lynn hit a Thesz Press and a series of rights. Waltman decked Lynn and went for a rana, but Lynn turned it into a powerbomb for a two count. Lynn went for a cradle piledriver, but his arm was hurting, and Waltman reversed into an X-Factor for a two count, as Lynn got his foot on the bottom rope. Waltman went to the top rope for a flying bodypress, but Lynn rolled through it into a cover for two. Lynn hit a swinging DDT for another near fall. Lynn went for a tombstone piledriver, but Waltman reversed into his own tombstone for a two count. Waltman lifted Lynn off the mat, but Lynn rolled him into a victory roll for the pin at the fifteen minute mark.
*** and 3/4 stars. X-Pac? Good Match? NEVER! But it happend. They busted there asses.
Team Canada vs. America's Most Wanted & The Naturals. The two sides started off fast, with lots of tagging and run-ins on each other. James Storm was giving Petey Williams a spinning powerbomb when he had his knee clipped out from behind. Team Canada went to work on Storm's knee, keeping him from making a tag until he got a hot tag to Chris Harris. Harris hit a delayed vertical suplex on Eric Young for a two count. AMW and The Naturals were working well as a unit. Team Canada managed to get Chase Stevens on their side of the ring and work him over for a while, until Stevens hit a springboard enzugiri from the top rope that sent Eric Young from the top rope to the floor. Andy Douglas got the hot tag and cleaned house. The match broke down, with everyone starting to hit their finishers and brawling in and out of the ring. Harris hit a top rope dive on a pile of wrestlers on the floor. In the ring, Bobby Roode went for second rope German suplex attempt on Chase Stevens. Chris Harris went to powerbomb Roode out of the corner, and ended up helping Roode in his suplex of Stevens. The match continued, with Team Canada trying unsuccessfully to use the hockey stick. Roode ended up ramming Stevens into Storm, who was on the apron, and rolled up Stevens for the pin at the ten minute mark.
** stars...well they had to calm down the croud a bit before the next match. Not bad but there teasing a heel turn for AMW...
Samoa Joe vs. AJ Styles, Super X Cup Finals. Christopher Daniels, wearing a suit, joined the announcers for this match. The winner of this match will face Daniels at the September 11th PPV. They traded kicks to the legs at the start, then Styles hit a legsweep and kicked at Joe on the mat. Styles hit some shoulderblocks in the corner and slammed Joe, then hit a kneedrop for a one count. Styles hit a kick to the back, then delivered some forearm, but Joe came back with a big right, and then a running knee that sent Styles though the ropes and to the floor. Joe then hit a powerful tope. They fought on the outside, with Styles jumping off the guardrail into a forearm shot that downed Joe. Styles chopped Joe and tossed him into the ring. Styles went for a suplex, muscling Joe over for a two count. Styles applied a Mutalock, but Joe got out and hit a shoulderblock. Styles dropkicked Joe's legs out from under him. Joe came off the ropes, and Styles teased a dropkick, but Joe put on the breaks, and Styles backflipped to avoid falling to the mat. Styles charged Joe, who caught him with a STO. Joe hit a running knee to the chest in the corner, then hit some boot scrapes to the face in the corner. Joe hit a running kick to the face. Joe swept Styles' leg out for a two count. Joe snapmared Styles, chopped his back, kicked his chest, and dropped a knee for a two count.
Joe applied a chinlock, then hit a shoulderblock as Styles got out. Styles tried the rana from mat, but Joe caught him and powerbombed him, then turned him into a Boston Crab. Styles tried to power out, but Joe dropped down into an STF. AJ made the ropes, and Joe missed a clothesline. Styles hit a dropkick and a moonsault into an inverted DDT for a two count. Styles went to the top rope, but Joe met him there. They traded shots, and Styles slugged Joe to the mat. Styles hit a springboard somersault senton for a two count. Styles hit a Pele kick, then rolled up Joe for a two count. Styles went for the Styles Clash, but Joe kicked him off. Joe hit a sunset flip, then went into a rolling cradle around the ring before stopping for a two count. Styles, disoriented, went for a Pele kick that missed by a mile, and Joe followed with a vicious clothesline for a two count. Joe hit some kicks, and soon they were trading forearms, with Styles getting the better of it. Joe hit a series of open hand shots, and Styles responded with an enzugiri to the face of Joe. Both men were down, and slow to get up. Joe went for a Muscle Buster, but Styles floated over, hit a kick to the head, and then put Joe in a Torture Rack. Styles spun the Torture Rack into a sideslam, but accidentally hit the referee. With the referee down, Christopher Daniels ran in and gave Styles an STO. Daniels then went to hit Joe with the X-Division Title, but Joe turned and Daniels stopped in his tracks. Styles charged Daniels and clotheslined him to the floor. Joe and Styles went back at it, with Joe hitting Styles with shots in a corner. Joe lifted Styles up and hit the Muscle Buster (double leg fisherman's buster), then locked in the rear naked choke with a body scissors. Styles struggled to reach the ropes, but finally couldn't, and tapped out at the fifteen minute mark.
I want to give this a 4 and 1/2 stars, but I am going to dock this and give it *** and 3/4 stars because of the interferance. This was a wonderfull match never the less.
Raven & Sabu vs. Jeff Jarrett & Rhino. Cassidy Reilly was sitting in the front row, dressed like Raven (as he was during the pre-show). There was an "ECW" chant as the bell rang. Raven and Jarrett went nose-to-nose to start the match, with Jarrett bailing out right away and letting Rhino go at it with Raven. They went right to the floor, with Raven giving Rhino three Russian legsweeps into the guardrail. Sabu tagged in, and traded shots with him. Sabu flipped over a backdrop attempt and dropkicked Rhino's legs out, then hit a legdrop for a two count. Rhino hit a shoulderblock, but Sabu came back with a spinkick and put Rhino in a camel clutch. Jarrett ran in the break it up, and Raven attacked Jarrett, hitting a kick in the corner and taking him to the floor. Raven threw Jarrett over the announcers table. Sabu and Rhino brawled on the other side of the ring, with Sabu suplexing Rhino on the ramp. Raven sliced Jarrett's forehead open with a pizza cutter, then hit him with a trash can. In the ring, Sabu threw a chair at Rhino, then hit a chair launch into a rana. Sabu put Rhino on the top rope, then climbed the ropes and hit a rana for a two count. Sabu went for a Triple Jump Moonsault, but Rhino tripped him into a chair. Jarrett then hit Sabu with a chair from the floor, and rolled up Sabu for a two count. Rhino hit Sabu with a chairshot for another two. A bloody Jarrett tagged in, and gave him a top rope superplex. Rhino tagged back in for a two count.
Rhino headbutted Sabu, then stomped him in the corner. Rhino went for a superplex, but Sabu knocked Rhino off the ropes and hit a somersault senton on a standing Rhino. Sabu hit an enzugiri and tagged Raven. Raven hit a discuss lariat on Rhino, and one on Jarrett. Raven hit Rhino with a lariat, and gave him and Jarrett kneelifts. Raven gave Jarrett a bulldog and clotheslined Rhino at the same time. Raven hit Rhino with a DDT, but Jarrett pulled the referee out of the ring. Sabu attacked Jarrett on the floor, and threw him into the ring. Jarrett hit Raven with a low blow and went for his guitar. Cassidy Reilly ran in and grabbed the guitar from Jarrett, then left with it. Jarrett hit Raven with the Stroke instead, but only got a two count. Rhino tagged in and bit Raven on the head. Raven was busted open, and Rhino punched him to the mat and got a two count. Jarrett tagged in, and went for a figure four leglock. He got it locked in, but Raven managed to turn it over and break out. Jarrett set up a chair in the ring, and went for a drop toe hold into it, but Raven side stepped it, picked up the chair, and threw it at Jarrett. Sabu and Rhino tagged in, with Sabu hitting Jarrett and Rhino with chairshots. Sabu hit Air Sabu on both men, with Jarrett falling to the floor. Sabu hit Rhino with a Triple Jump Legdrop, but Rhino kicked out at two. Rhino rolled to the floor, and Sabu hit him with a springboard bodypress.
In the ring, Jarrett gave Raven a drop toe hold into the chair for a two count. Raven blocked a whip and hit a DDT, but Rhino got in to break up the pin. Rhino gave Raven a Gore, but Sabu broke it up. Sabu whipped Rhino into a corner, but ran into an elbow. Rhino went for the Gore on Sabu, but Sabu ducked and Rhino gored the referee. Sabu hit Rhino with a chair, then gave him an Atomic Arabian Facebuster. Sabu rolled Rhino onto a table at ringside. Abyss came out, grabbed Sabu, and slammed him through the table at ringside (which Rhino had rolled off of). Jeff Hardy, to a big pop, ran out, took out Abyss, then gave Jarrett the Twist Of Fate and a Swanton Bomb. Hardy took off to the back, as Raven covered Jarrett. A new referee came out, but Rhino broke up the cover. Rhino set up a table in the corner. Jarrett went for the Stroke on Raven, but Raven reversed it and set up for a DDT. Rhino charged across the ring and gored Raven through the table. Rhino covered Raven and got the pin at the sixteen minute mark, with Sabu hitting them with a legdrop, but not until after the three count had gone down...
*** stars... It was a better match than it had to be...
TNA has a good Crusier, X Division and Heavy Division...that will only get better.
The only weakness is the Tag Division but that might start to change with the Corino Inventational.
I have nothing but praise for this show. It was WAY better than GAB. Could be better than Summerslam if WWE doesnt play there cards well.
A shout out to the new radio show on The SmarkMarks website, the Danger Zone! Hosted by the only blog the beats me in views... Dangerous A. (Which remids me about my radio show and its premere on ITUNES.)
Now to some TNA news first:
From the DVDRMB:
In Puro News... OMG Guess who one the G1...again!
The Reactions were Fast and Furious:
However...Josh Barnett was the star of G-1...even though he was out...
This is a post from Josh Barnett:
I’m not in the G-1. Again. For the past two years it has been teased and even officially announced but yet again I can only watch. At this point I start to wonder why I should even care about the G-1 or even the IWGP since I probably won’t get another shot at that either. Instead maybe I should focus my energy not on to titles or tournaments but in simply in demolishing the wrestlers themselves.
A statement. A grand statement punctuated with the bodies of the wrestlers who stand in my way. It’s not personal but if New Japan is going to put you over me and keep me down then it’s either you or me. You better believe that it’s always gonna be me.
To anyone in New Japan, if you think you deserve to be in the ring more than I you can always prove it. Anytime anyone in New Japan wishes to make their point they can meet me in the ring or the street and we can settle things. That goes for Kawada too. If he wants to show me how tough he is I would be more than happy to remove the rest of his teeth for him.
I don’t have time to play games and as I fighter I certainly lack anymore patience to sit idly by and watch others take my spot. Its war now and I’m going to do what I have to do to show the world the “true” Josh Barnett. Even if I have to do it covered in the blood of New Japan’s wrestlers.
YIPES... This could be as big as Hardy Vs Edge...
More on Friday/Saturday...
What is up with the amount of people who are convinced that just because HBK and Hogan have used Hart to build heat up in their match, that at Summerslam, Bret is going to show? Hart agreed to do work for the DVD. Not show up and actively participate in storylines. I don't get how it's been reported that Hart has said he doesn't want to participate in storylines or angles, especially if it plays off Montreal. Yet there are some who think just mentioning Bret coinciding with his cooperation in doing the DVD on his career, think WWE is obligated to have Bret appear in some capacity during the Hogan/HBK match.
Here are just a few reasons this isn't going to happen..
1) He is unadvertised. There is only a SD left, and Hogan/HBK is a Raw feud. WWE isn't going to have Bret Hart show up just to pop the crowd and surprise people. That is Russocity at work and some people need to get it out of their system. Business wise, it makes zero sense to do this.
2) Do you really think Hogan AND HBK are going to allow Bret Hart to steal their heat? Me thinks not.
3) He doesn't have to. What does Bret get from going out there for an unnanounced pop? A lot of people have been clamoring for Bret to say goodbye to his fans. Whatever. Why should he do it on WWE's dime? He doesn't owe them shit. They owe him. Do you think he owes you a goodbye? He doesn't owe you shit either. This Oprah Winfrey "I need closure" shit has got to go.
If Bret were to sign off on participating with WWE in whatever form, I'm all for that. At least it's from Bret and I know Bret wouldn't participate unless he felt the situation was on the up and up. But this notion that Bret should do it for whoever has got to go.
I'm a Bret Hart mark. If he goes along with something, then I'm cool with it. What I won't go along with is what WWE and a lot of others "wish" Bret would be cool with.
HTQ on Day One of the Fantasy G1 Climax Tournament
The G1 Climax Tournament opened up in the Fukuoka International Center before a hot crowd, and they saw some hot matches, and the debut in the G1 Climax Tournament of Toshiaki Kawada.
1. G1 Climax - Block B: Yutaka Yoshie [2] beat Togi Makabe [0] in (9:02) with a diving bodypress
Yoshie getting his tournament off to a winning start, putting his girth to good use to put away a spirited Makabe.
2. G1 Climax - Block B: Hiroshi Tanahashi [2] beat Toru Yano [0] in (8:21) with a dragon sleeper
One of the new generation, Tanahashi begins with a strong win, beating the hot prospect Yano with a tight dragon sleeper.
3. G1 Climax - Block A: Minoru Suzuki [2] beat Osamu Nishimura [0] in (16:15) after a Gotch Piledriver
This match was an exhibition of MUGA~, with Suzuki and Nishimura trading holds and counters throughout the match. Suzuki wins after a unique counter to Nishimura's head stand.
4. G1 Climax - Block A: Tatsumi Fujinami [2] beat Kendo Kashin [0] in (10:04) after a cross armbreaker cutback cradle
Kashin was cocky in this one, and the experienced Fujinami made him pay, by countering a cross armbreaker into a modified cradle, and scoring somewhat of an upset win.
5. G1 Climax - Block A: Yuji Nagata [1] v Masahiro Chono [1] went to a draw (30:00) when the time limit expired
Two of the main names in New Japan battled to a time-limit draw, in a match that really had the fans fired up. Nagata had Chono trapped in the Nagata Lock III right at the end of the match, but Chono was able to hold on until the bell, and both men walked away with one point each.
6. G1 Climax - Block B: Kazuyuki Fujita [2] beat Tatsutoshi Goto [0] in (3:16) with a knee strike
This was a short and brutal match, totally controlled by Fujita, who ended it with a hard knee to the chest that left Goto needing help to leave the ring.
7. G1 Climax - Block B: Shinsuke Nakamura [2] beat Manabu Nakanishi [0] in (14:59) with a shining triangle
MMA v Amaresu here, with Nakamura and Nakanishi using contrasting styles in their encounter, and it was Nakamura who won out, hitting a heavy knee on Nakanishi which left him open to the shining triangle.
8. G1 Climax - Block A: Toshiaki Kawada [2] beat Hiroyoshi Tenzan [0] in (24:34) after a high kick
The most heated match of the night saw Dangerous K, Toshiaki Kawada, make his debut in the G1 Climax Tournament, against Hiroyoshi Tenzan, who was looking to win his third G1 in a row. Tenzan fought hard, but his quest for a third G1 win started on a loss, as Kawada stunned Tenzan with a pair of shotgun lariats, before finally ending the match with a high kick to the back of the head. After the match, Tenzan needed help to make it back to his feet, but was still able to shake hands with Kawada.
After Day One, the Block standings look like this:
Block A:
1. Toshiaki Kawada [2]
2. Minoru Suzuki [2]
3. Tatsumi Fujinami [2]
4. Yuji Nagata [1]
5. Masahiro Chono [1]
6. Hiroyoshi Tenzan [0]
7. Osamu Nishimura [0]
8. Kendo Kashin [0]
Block B:
1. Kazuyuki Fujita [2]
2. Shinsuke Nakamura [2]
3. Hiroshi Tanahashi [2]
4. Yutaka Yoshie [2]
5. Manabu Nakanishi [0]
6. Toru Yano [0]
7. Togi Makabe [0]
8. Tatsutoshi Goto [0]
There isn't a great deal to comment on so far with only one day gone, but I guess Kashin losing to Fujinami was a bit of an upset.
Day Two takes place the day after tomorrow, with the first of back-to-back cards in Osaka, and this is what we'll see:
NJPW, 8/6/05 (Samurai! TV)
Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium
1. G1 Climax - Block B: Yutaka Yoshie vs. Toru Yano
2. G1 Climax - Block B: Tatsutoshi Goto vs. Manabu Nakanishi
3. G1 Climax - Block A: Osamu Nishimura vs. Kendo Kashin
4. G1 Climax - Block B: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Togi Makabe
5. G1 Climax - Block A: Tatsumi Fujinami vs. Toshiaki Kawada
6. G1 Climax - Block A: Yuji Nagata vs. Minoru Suzuki
7. G1 Climax - Block A: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Masahiro Chono
8. G1 Climax - Block B: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuyuki Fujita
The main event sees Hiroshi Tanahashi take on Kazuyuki Fujita, which is a rematch from last June when Fujita beat Tanahashi to win the then-vacant IWGP title. Former IWGP tag team champions Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Masahiro Chono collide, and that is a rematch from the group stage of the 2003 G1. Yuji Nagata takes on Minoru Suzuki which is the Day Two match I'm most looking forward to seeing. The most heated match, though, is likely to be Tatsumi Fujinami taking on Toshiaki Kawada, which is also a match I can't wait to see.
Well, I didn't like how the real G1 Climax Tournament was booked this year, so I decided to give it a go myself. Let me preface this by saying that I laid this all out last week, so anything that anybody else has said about what should have happened since then, or even before, had no bearing on how I booked things. What I'll do is list the line-ups and running order of all right days of the G1, and then post the 'results' on a daily basis. Comments, questions or predictions are welcome.
I can't stand the Death Valley Driver Video Review Message Board.
I used to love going there because it had a certain level of intelligence regarding professional wrestling. But ever since the board change, and the subsequent popularity of the Sleazy Stories and the Match board, it has been filled with complete fucking morons. And there are SO MANY OF THEM. This board has plenty of idiots, but the quantity of idiots over there, and the ratio of idiots/reasonable posters is very high. At least 15:1 over there, while over here it's like 10:1.
And they don't even know they're stupid. They present their opinions like they know what they're talking about and they're the type of person who hates the word "smark" and if you ever say they're wrong they'll get upset and pissy and say "you can't tell me I'm wrong". They're like 1000 Downhomes posting about wrestling.
The thread that set me off, was this one:
The love Eddie/Rey gets from this board is insane. It's a horrible feud, and they love it. Fucking retards. Let's ignore the fact that Eddie and Rey have been feuding off and on for a decade and Rey has continuously gotten the better of Eddie and the roles have never been reversed once and only NOW does Eddie bring up their secrets. Let's ignore that huge gap in logic. Let's also ignore the fact that not so long down the road Rey and Eddie will be best friends once again. It doesn't change the fact that the current feud itself is pure shit and is not believable for a second, nor is it entertaining. It doesn't change that their matches are all the fucking same and will never, ever, ever, ever live up to their HH97 match.
And shit like Snitsky and Viscera? They eat it up.
It's a mark board, no different from WrestleZone, No DQ, SuperSexxxyDIVAS.com, 411, InsidePulse, or any fucking place that I've long since decided not to go to because the people there are total fucktards. Places where
. would be welcomed with open arms. And the worst thing is, I can't tell them they're idiots like I can here, because I'd get banned. Critical Thought is DEAD in these boards. And the WWE "isn't so bad" and we "shouldn't be too hard on them". What the FUCK? God, someone tell these fucks that Santa isn't real! This is one of the few places where I can find some rational posters, and even then, it's on the decline here as well.
I love going there for MMA discussion and that's about it. It's probably one of the best MMA boards out there, IMO, because 9/10 guys there know what they're talking about. And DEANs Comixxx and the Workrate reports and the DVDVRs are all great, but there is way too much dumb there for me to handle. It also sucks that so much of the content is shared between this board and theirs. I hate it when a poster will post something here, and then post the exact same thing over there.
HTQ on the G1 Climax Tournament Finals
This years G1 Final was a heated and emotional night, but not necessarily one where sensible booking was prevalent.
Was there a reason Nakamura wasn't allowed to last any longer? It's not like they were short on time with the other G1 matches...
I can see the logic in Fujita going over, but can anyone tell me the logic in beating Kawada in little over six minutes? Was it really necessary to beat Kawada like this? Could they not have gone at least over ten minutes? Beating Kawada like this, especially when you add in the loss to Kashin, just diminishes from the lustre of any future Kawada matches, no matter how the NJPW devotees over at SSS try to spin it.
And this lead to the final of:
Yes, they built up Fujita all tournament only to have him go down to Chono in less than ten minutes I'd like someone to explain the logic in this. I know people are going to bring up the Hashimoto factor, and Chono did reference him in his post-match micwork, and it makes for a great sentimental story, but if the negatives outweigh the positives, as they usually do in this situation, then business has to win out over sentiment. People will also bring up the brutal nature of Fujita's match with Kawada, but like with Kawada in the semi's, couldn't Fujita at least have gone past the ten minute mark?
Overall, this years G1 Tournament has been a mix of hot matches, heated crowds, and some really baffling booking. As you might expect, the NJPW devotees over at SSS are praising the G1 up and down, calling it tremendously booked, and saying it's one of the best of all time; one even tried to justify the booking by saying, and this is a verbatim quote:
He quickly got support from another devotee:
Yes, there are other levels than just good or bad booking, but why should I have to accept booking that is just 'acceptible'? Why shouldn't I expect and demand, from the most prestigious tournament in wrestling, good booking? Why shouldn't I expect or demand booking that makes sense? New Japan is one of biggest promotions in the world, and the G1 Climax Tournament is the most prestigious tournament in wrestling. Anything less than spot-on booking doesn't cut it, and is far from 'acceptible'.
And I'll finish up my G1 entries with this gem from the boys over at SSS:
Yes, poor booking doesn't matter. Bet you didn't know that, did you?
So apparently the NWA title will be defended in my hometown for the first time since the 1960s in one months time. I'm no big Jarrett fann but having him at a BCW show with Raven is pretty exciting, and it sounds like AJ Styles will be at this show too (and he was just awesome at the last one). The whole concept of this show sounds great (Canada vs. USA challenge with PEtey Williams, AJ Styles, AMW, Alex Shelley, and other involved) with Raven vs. JJ for the NWA title.
I already bought my front row ticket and look forward to another packed house (Observer says the last show had 1,900 people there - I thought that figure sounded high for a one floor room but my pal who set up the chairs says it's not totally out of question) and fun show.
HTQ on Day Seven of the G1 Climax Tournament
Day Seven saw hot matches, and some of the usual inane booking that seems to plague the G1 in recent years.
Yano getting some points via forfeit, as Makabe ends with no points due to his injury
Yoshie ending his tournament with a win, and Goto unable to score his traditional upset
And neither man could afford to be beaten because...? This years G1 has featured some really bad booking
Nakanishi ending his tournament with a strong win, and Tanahashi really falling short this year
This was a rematch of their Triple Crown meeting from last year, and a match I am looking forward to seeing
The expected result with Chono winning. Given his other results in this tournament, I'm guessing Chono had a big hand in the booking
This result isn't a surprise given the way Tenzan has been treated lately. New Japan seem to be making Tenzan into someone who they tease a big push with, and then pull back on at the last minute. Keep this up, and he'll forever be unover by the end of the year, if he isn't already
No surprise here, with Fujita both getting the win and doing so in a little over six minutes
The final standings after the group stage are:
Block A:
1. Masahiro Chono [10]
2. Toshiaki Kawada [10]
3. Yuji Nagata [8]
4. Hiroyoshi Tenzan [8]
5. Minoru Suzuki [6]
6. Kendo Kashin [5]
7. Osamu Nishimura [5]
8. Tatsumi Fujinami [4]
Block B:
1. Kazuyuki Fujita [14]
2. Shinsuke Nakamura [11]
3. Manabu Nakanishi [10]
4. Hiroshi Tanahashi [7]
5. Yutaka Yoshie [6]
6. Tatsutoshi Goto [4]
7. Toru Yano [4]
8. Togi Makabe [0]
This gives us semi-finals tomorrow of Shinsuke Nakamura versus Masahiro Chono and Kazuyuki Fujita versus Toshiaki Kawada, with the two winners meeting later on that evening. I'll go with a final of Fujita v Chono, with Fujita getting the win.
For predictions for Day Seven, I was 5-2, which isn't that bad.
Who should Michaels make a star?, Which guy should he put over?
That says it all, doesn't it?
There are a lot of individual posts which make me scratch my head, or smack my head against the desk, or that generally make my head hurt, but rarely is there an entire thread full of dumbassery.
To start, the premise is wonked. Shawn Michaels isn't in the business of putting over anyone but himself - this has been a constant in his career. I can't think of a single person since HBK's return that has benefited from a feud with him other than Hunter - and that was only because it allowed HHH a few months to jerk off on screen. Edge? No. Benoit? No. Orton? No. Jericho? No. Kane? No. Batista? No. Angle? No. And even if it were true that the dude was willing to put guys over, he doesn't have the credibility any more to effectively do so. Michaels has been established as a "legend", which is great for getting cheers, but it also means "old". A big, strong, muscular, young guy against an small, skinny, old guy. It doesn't work. And Shawn has stooged so much in his career, that him getting thrown around like a rag doll doesn't carry much weight. Sadly, this is a concept missed by fellow TSMers.
- Dumbfuck #1. Giving Shawn the title is a step-back.
- Dumbfuck #2 agreeing with Dumbfuck #1. Cena is far-and-away the most over and most marketable guy in the WWE. I don't like his schtick and have only found one of his matches to be worth anything, but I won't ignore his overness.
- Dumbfuck #3. Sheldon has no personality, RVD is a spot monkey... Christian is insanely boring in the ring. Christian vs. HBK? The first one to do a good move wins! Awful.
- Not the dumbest thing that has come from Dumbfuck #4, but the "waste his rub" is so silly. A rub is elevation by association. Cena is the most over guy on the show and is the WWE champ. He is currently in the position to provide the rub, not receive one.
If Shawn should job clean against anyone, it's Cena or (dun dun dun) Chris Masters. Masters already looks credible, and it would be somewhat believable to have Michaels pass out from the Masterlock, at this point anyways.
Definetly not Shelton "so much potential" Benjamin with his lack of ability to speak clearly and lack of using his brain in the ring to have a good match instead of just using his athletic ability to do a bunch of good spots. RVD is a lost cause at this point.
- Dumb on a lot of levels by Dumbfuck #5. I can sorta see the Chris Masters thing, as it would get over his size and strength. But then where would it go? Nowhere. Shawn would be ok the next week and the impact of the move would be lost. Shawn is a fitting guy to go down to the masterlock (after big show, hopefully), but he wouldn't "make" Masters with it.
*cabbageboy offers the first intelligent thought*
He should pass the torch too...Jericho or RVD.
- If this didn't come from Dumbfuck #6, I would have thought it to be sarcasm.
Jericho will never hold that torch again, that much is painfully apparent...he SHOULD HAVE passed the torch at WM19...
- Dumbfuck #4, in regards to his dumbfuck peers, is the least worse of the bunch. He still is a bit off. Jericho needed the torch passed years before WM 19 -the match with Michaels simply was his last attempt at being considered anything legitimate in the WWE.
When Conway first debuted, most of us liked his potential and thought he could develop into a great wrestler. He had paid his dues in OVW and apparently put on a good show down there. He instantly made La Resistance a good tag team when he started wrestling as half the team, and they were good with either partner alongside Conway.
We have also heard how he stood toe to toe with Benoit in workouts, so he obviously busts his ass training. He also stated in an interview that he wants to pattern his career after Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels, as they did tag team wrestling, held the secondary titles, then won the world title. He also wants to make a name for himself as a good worker.
So, I was thinking that Conway's look and attire is kind of in the same fashion as HBK's during his IC-level run. If Conway works his way into getting the IC Title in a few months and has a good run with it, he could draw some comparisons to HBK by the announcers. Then after dropping the title, Michaels could solidify him as an upper-midcarder
- I won't lump the author of this in with the dumbfucks, I will however call it "Dumb post by an otherwise rational poster". That La Res was ever a good tag team boggles my mind, let alone his presense there making them good. "Better"? Yes. "Good" no. I don't really care if he has the ability to be a good worker or how much he wants to be a good worker, he simply doesn't show good wrestling in the ring. And even if I were to compromise that by saying what he does is "passable" ("basic"), I don't want passable. I want great. I've seen flashes of brilliance in Orton, Lesnar, and Benjamin long before they were popular in the WWE - I don't see it yet in Conway and until I do I won't consider him worthy of such praise or value.
I agree.
Until they build the show, title, and just everything overall up, it isn't going to matter who he jobs to, or how many people he does so. He could help set things back on track over the next year, and THEN help build up some other guys.
- Dumbfuck #7 agreeing with Dumbfuck #2 in typical Dumbfuck Downhome fashion.
I also agree, a win over Michaels right now would mean nothing compared to what it would mean after a win over Hogan and a few months with the world title. Not the mention, he's the most entertaining guy on Raw and should be at the top again, regardless.
- Dumbfuck #8, continuing the notion that HBK can be given more credibility after a few months of wins, as if HBK isn't old and small and skinny - and has been wrestling for 20 years.
*KR offers some much-needed perspective on the issue*
... The rest of the thread is minor dumb posts, an Uber-Dumbass makes his dumbass opinions known that other dumbasses will no doubt agree with, but I'll leave that one up to you, kind reader, to figure out.
But WCW Smackdown didnt...much
Booker T w/Sharmell vs. Joey Mercury w/Nitro, Melina & Jillian Hall
** It was just there...
Randy Orton vs. Kamala w/Kim Chee
Shoddy Match (half a star)
Super Crazy & Psicosis w/The Juice vs. Scotty 2 Hotty & William Regal
Good Match but only ** stars...
Much better video from Cena...
Chris Benoit vs. Simon Dean
** Ok match.
Christian vs. Batista
No Match... JBL comes in and interferes.
This week...its a toss up again.
But good news for OVW fans!
Other Indy News:
Some more Puro News:
On the day that leaks came about the explosive interview Josh Barnett did in Gong Magazine, New Japan President Simon Inoki claimed that the promotion was in super-secret negotations with a top-class wrestler for their 10/8 Tokyo Dome show. Sports Nippon reveals that it's an ex-WWE wrestler.
- Nikkan Sports says NJ is targeting Brock Lesnar - again-however:
The promotion has announced that they are in super-secret negotations with a top-class wrestler for their 10/8 Tokyo Dome show.
That wrestler is none other than....
Spike Dudley?
Next IWGP Champ?
LOL...
More issues over Josh Barnett...
Guess who got a blog... Yinling...yeah...her....see it here:
http://blog.livedoor.jp/yinlingofjoytoy
However, if that is not of your intrests, and you need some life affriming things: Look no further than Momoe Nakanishi...
http://diary.fc2.com/cgi-sys/ed.cgi/momo-p...Y=2005&M=8&D=10
Time to go to fire pro news!
http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/B...9716497-1808267
This is the preview video for Fire Pro Returns!
You can download the video Here...
Some more info:
1) LAND MINE MATCH!!! Special ring with perhaps no ropes on some sides (as was theorized in the "deathmatch thread" on this board).
2) All wrestlers unlockable from the start!
3) 18 feds including free
4) Chairs hidden under the ring and are THROWABLE!
5) Charisma important for high audence grades! Which i guess means audience ranking!! Sweet
6) IN THE NEXT FIRE PRO (!!), there will be comedic mess-up "botch moves"
7) In matchmake mode, you need a certainm amount of poitns to hire wrestlers from other feds
Matchmake will have up to 7 matches: matches are of your choosing in terms of type...
As for new wrestlers in the game...
Amazing Kong
Billy Ken Kid
Brother Yassini
Danshoku Dino
Florida Bros.
HERO!
K-Ness
Kohei Sato
Kotaro Suzuki
Mango Fukuda
Masato Yoshino
Meiko Satomura
MIKAMI
NOSAWA
Ofune
Pineapple Hanai
Poison Sawada JULIE
Ryuji Ito
Seiji Sakaguchi
Taiji Ishimori
Takashi Sasaki
Takeshi Minaminno
Tomohiko Hashimoto
Tomohiro Ishii
Ryuji Itoh
Sakimoto
Mad Man Pondo
2 Tuff Tony
KUDO
HERO!
Abdullah Kobayashi
There is going to be 327 from the start... we will see if some TNA stars are in as well...
Thats it for this week...
HTQ on Day Six of the G1 Climax Tournament
Day Six saw a collection of hot matches, and an upset match in terms of length, as Masahiro Chono just destroyed Kendo Kashin.
Tanahashi gets a forfeit win due to Makabe's injury, though he wrestled a non-tournament match later in the night, beating El Samurai.
Goto getting the expected win over the young Yano.
Nakamura continues his march to the Block B finals. By not keeping the match short, this means that Nakamura's injury from yesterday was a badly thought out work, or legit, and Nakamura wasn't that injured after all.
One of two matches on Day Six that I can't wait to watch. I was hoping for another time-limit draw between these two, but I'll settle for almost 20 minutes.
I can see them wanting to keep Chono strong, but if Kashin was going to go down in less than two minutes, did he have to beat Kawada? Couldn't Kashin have beaten someone else, allowing Kawada to lose to someone else? I'd rather Kawada only have lost one match, but if the intricate booking required two losses, I wouldn't have had one of those losses be to Kashin if he was going to get squashed like this.
The most interesting match of the night in terms of style and content, this is the second match of Day Six that I cannot wait to see.
No surprises here, with Tenzan keeping his campaign strong and looking set for the finals.
Reportedly a hard fought match in the main event, Fujita gets the win, but Nakanishi not being a pushover.
After Day Six, this is how things look:
Block A:
1. Hiroyoshi Tenzan [8]
2. Masahiro Chono [8]
3. Toshiaki Kawada [8]
4. Yuji Nagata [6]
5. Osamu Nishimura [5]
6. Minoru Suzuki [5]
7. Tatsumi Fujinami [4]
8. Kendo Kashin [4]
Block B:
1. Kazuyuki Fujita [12]
2. Shinsuke Nakamura [11]
3. Manabu Nakanishi [8]
4. Hiroshi Tanahashi [7]
5. Yutaka Yoshie [4]
6. Tatsutoshi Goto [4]
7. Toru Yano [2]
8. Togi Makabe [0]
Block A is a three-way tie between Tenzan, Chono and Kawada, with it being virtually certain that two of the three will be in the finals stage. Nagata has a theoretical chance of making it to the finals, but it would require him to beat Tenzan, Chono to lose to Fujinami, and Kawada to lose to Nishimura on Day Seven. Block B is headed by Fujita and Nakamura, who are both assured of entry into the finals stage, with the only question being which one will finish the group stage on top, and that question will get answered in two days as they face off in the main event of Day Seven.
Day Seven will see Yoshie v Goto (Yoshie to win), Suzuki v Kashin (Kashin to win), Tanahashi v Nakanishi (Nakanishi to win), Nishimura v Kawada (Kawada to win), Fujinami v Chono (Chono to win), Tenzan v Nagata (Tenzan to win), and Fujita v Nakamura (Fujita to win).
For predictions, I was 6-1 on Day Six, which is a return to form after a bad Day Five.
HTQ on Day Five of the G1 Climax Tournament
Day Five didn't see any breakout matches, but it did feature some very questionable booking, and either another unfortunate injury or a badly thought out worked-shoot.
Nakanishi getting the forfeit win over Makabe due to Makabe's injury. Nakanishi did have a non-tournament match, though, with a win over Yujiro
If this isn't a legit injury, then this is a strange and terrible decision. If it is legit, then I guess they didn't want Yano getting the win for some reason, and they weren't able to work a count-out win for Nakamura.
No upset for Goto, and Tanahashi should at least finish in a respectable position.
If Kashin had won, I would have spat nails.
With Yoshie lasting almost 10 minutes, I think it shows that Yoshie is someone they are high on, or at least is someone they don't want to totally squash.
The right finish, showing that the pupil is still better than the teacher.
This was a bit of an upset, but parity booking does that from time to time.
I guess parity booking to make sure no one person looks better than the rest is more important than getting people over so more money can be made.
After Day Five, this is how things stand:
Block A:
1. Hiroyoshi Tenzan [6]
2. Masahiro Chono [6]
3. Toshiaki Kawada [6]
4. Osamu Nishimura [5]
5. Minoru Suzuki [5]
6. Yuji Nagata [4]
7. Tatsumi Fujinami [4]
8. Kendo Kashin [4]
Block B:
1. Kazuyuki Fujita [10]
2. Shinsuke Nakamura [9]
3. Manabu Nakanishi [8]
4. Hiroshi Tanahashi [5]
5. Yutaka Yoshie [4]
6. Tatsutoshi Goto [2]
7. Toru Yano [2]
8. Togi Makabe [0]
Thanks to the ultra annoying parity booking, Block A is wide open, with five people in realistic contention for the two slots in the finals. That isn't the way I would have done it, but I guess New Japan wanted one Block to have a parity to it, and with Fujita in Block B, it had to be Block A. Block B sees Fujita on top, to no surprise, with Nakamura and Nakanishi fighting it out for the second spot in the finals. Tanahashi being so far down is a bit of a surprise, but I still put that down to the political fallout from his loss to Rikio at the NOAH Dome Show.
Day Six takes place tomorrow in Nagoya, with Goto v Yano (Goto to win), Nakamura v Yoshie (Nakamura to win), Nishimura v Nagata (draw), Chono v Kashin (Chono to win), Kawada v Suzuki (Kawada to win), Fujinami v Tenzan (Tenzan to win), and Fujita v Nakanishi (Fujita to win, but I suspect a potential surprise here).
If the matches go the way I predict, then Tenzan, Chono and Kawada will head Block A, keeping up the parity that New Japan are so fond of. Fujita, Nakamura and Nakanishi will remain in that order for Block B, which would keep Fujita and Nakamura on course to claim the Block B slots in the finals.
As far as predictions went, I was 3-4 for Day Five, which is my worst record so far.
Oh...its just RAW
Shelton Benjamin vs. Chris Masters
* 1/2 Star...
Rob Conway vs. Viscera
Vis-arga? OMG DUD.
Hurricane, Rosey and Stacy Kiebler vs. The Heart Throbs and Victoria
Another Dud...
Chris Jericho vs. Chad Patton (Eric Bischoff as referee)
DUD...
Matt Hardy vs. Snitsky
No Match...
UGH...
Lets get to some Puro News:
Remember last week? I told you there was a link to a match or at least pictures about the match between Emi Tohjo Vs Drake Morimatsu...
Well, it seems that the Womans Divisions all across Japan...are not going to stand for it.
The battle continued:
Its seems before they go to TNA- they will head to All Japan:
The Josh Barnett Issue is getting very hot and heated:
Woah... what going on here...
So more updates as it comes...
HTQ on Day Four of the G1 Climax Tournament
Day Four saw a slight upset, a pretty surprising upset, and a great main event, that sadly lacked a little when it came to heat.
Another forfeit loss for Makabe, not that he would have won had he been able to wrestle.
It doesn't look like Goto is going to pull off his trademark upset this year, but you never know. Nakamura continuing his apparent march towards the finals.
No upset here, with Yano barely lasting past five minutes.
Tenzan keeping his comeback going, and still a possible finalist.
Not the result I expected, and I picked Chono to win. And I don't care, because it means Nishimura is no longer at the bottom of the rankings in Block A.
The Tanahashi win was mostly expected, but Yoshie still surprising us by being ahead of Tanahashi at this stage, though that will likely change soon.
Another upset, and again it is down to a submission hold getting countered. I still would have liked Suzuki to win, but we'll see how this plays out.
This match was reportedly great, but lacking in crowd heat, which is something that this region is apparently noted for. If Kawada was going to lose a match in the tournament, I would have had it be this one, but I guess they wanted Kashin to get the boost, and it does also leave open a rematch between these two, which should be even hotter, as it would likely take place in front of a better crowd.
After four days of action, this is how the rankings look:
Block A:
1. Toshiaki Kawada [6]
2. Hiroyoshi Tenzan [6]
3. Tatsumi Fujinami [4]
4. Masahiro Chono [4]
5. Kendo Kashin [4]
6. Osamu Nishimura [3]
7. Minoru Suzuki [3]
8. Yuji Nagata [2]
Block B:
1. Shinsuke Nakamura [8]
2. Kazuyuki Fujita [8]
3. Manabu Nakanishi [6]
4. Yutaka Yoshie [4]
5. Hiroshi Tanahashi [3]
6. Tatsutoshi Goto [2]
7. Toru Yano [1]
8. Togi Makabe [0]
Block A is relatively open, with Kawada and Tenzan heavy favorites for the Block's spots in the finals, but Fujinami, Chono and Kashin all in a position to get a look in. Strange and sad to see Nagata at the bottom of the Block. Block B is more decisive, with Nakamura and Fujita all but locked into the finals portion, though Manabu Nakanishi could theoretically pull something off. Makabe will finish last due to his injury, though that was almost certain to happen anyway. Tanahashi being where he is does surprise me a little, but not totally, due to his injury and, for me, the politics concerning his match at the NOAH Dome Show.
They have tomrrow off, and come back Wednesday for Day Five. Tournament matches are Nakamura v Yano (Nakamura winning), Tanahashi v Goto (I expect Tanahashi to win, but I do not rule out a Goto win), Nagata v Kashin (I hope Nagata wins, but I think Kashin will get the win), Yoshie v Fujita (Fujita to win), Fujinami v Nishimura (Nishimura to win), Tenzan v Suzuki (Tenzan to win), and Kawada v Chono (Kawada should win, but I'm picking this one to go the distance).
For Day Four, I was 5-2, which isn't bad.
When the evidence is overwhelming in favor of a popular argument, please for the love of god, DON'T FUCKING DISPUTE IT!!!
I'm looking at you, Rrsh and your HBK-biased ass not believing that HBK didn't want to job to Austin, despite Taker, Meltzer, and even the janitor that was at the arena SAYING SO.
Please resume your daily programming.
The Thundercats...are coming back.
BUT not the way you think its coming back!
NOOOOO!
The Faggots at AOL Time Warner wants to do one...thing.
Restart the series.
YOU heard me.
RESTART THE SERIES
FUCK
THESE
MOTHERFUCKERS!
The same faggots, that love them hot and heavy transsexual action, who created great "classics" as the batman and the upcoming Loonatics!
Will give us some action in the form of what was the best there was, the best there is and the best that ever will be!
But this is not going to become the beautifly animated, multi-consptual, multi-fasisted, multi-leveled story arc series I wanted this show to be.
If this show airs, there will be such a falling out-
This is just on the level with the Loonitics issue.
Its going to lead into the greatest disaster the animation industry will ever see or face.
The animation industry I love and hold dear is about to face changes that will become totally unbearable.
And now I know- its going to be the end pretty damn soon of american domance over the animation industry.
HTQ on Day Three of the G1 Climax Tournament
Day Three of the G1 Climax Tournament saw one of the strangest booking decisions of the tour so far, and probably all year, as well as the usual hot matches you expect from the most prestigious tournament in wrestling.
Goto getting the forfeit win, as Makabe tore his achilles tendon on Day Two.
Yoshie suffers his first loss here, and Nakanishi boosts his chances of finishing high up in the rankings.
Tenzan continues his march to a potential third G1 tournament win, while Nishimura, sadly, continues to stay firmly at the bottom of Block A.
Nagata scores his first win of the tournament in what should be another match with a hot atmosphere, and in what could herald the beginning of a big comeback by Nagata.
Fujita scores his second sub-five minute win of this years tournament, but Yano still reportedly put up a heck of a fight.
This one is mind boggling. If Kawada was to lose in the group stage, I sure would not have had it be to Kashin. Kashin is really popular in Japan, but I still think it would have been better to save the loss for someone else, possibly even Nagata, as they main event Day Four of the tournament.
Not a real surprise, this match was said to be not that hot, but I still want to see it, as the collective charisma should be off-the-charts.
This was a rematch of their main event at the January Dome Show, and again it was Nakamura picking up the win. This match was not as long, due to Tanahashi being injured, but still pretty good from all accounts.
With three days of competition gone so far, this is how the rankings look:
Block A:
1. Hiroyoshi Tenzan [4]
2. Masahiro Chono [4]
3. Toshiaki Kawada [4]
4. Kendo Kashin [4]
5. Minoru Suzuki [3]
6. Yuji Nagata [2]
7. Tatsumi Fujinami [2]
8. Osamu Nishimura [1]
Block B:
1. Shinsuke Nakamura [6]
2. Kazuyuki Fujita [6]
3. Manabu Nakanishi [4]
4. Yutaka Yoshie [4]
5. Tatsutoshi Goto [2]
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi [1]
7. Toru Yano [1]
8. Togi Makabe [0]
A four-way tie at the top of Block A, although it seems unlikely that Kashin will stay in that position for long. Things a little clearer in Block B, with Nakamura and Fujita ahead of the pack, and looking likely to stay there. Makabe will stay at the bottom of Block B and wind up with zero points due to his injury.
Day Four is tomorrow, and sees Fujita getting a forfeit win over Makabe, though he will have a match against a mystery wrestler. Actual tournament matches will see Nakamura v Goto (Nakamura winning), Nakanishi v Yano (Nakanishi winning), Tenzan v Kashin (Tenzan winning), Nishimura v Chono (Chono winning, but I hope Nishimura wins so he isn't bottom of the block), Tanahashi v Yoshie (I expect Tanahashi to win, but I would not count out a Yoshie win), Fujinami v Suzuki (I think either man could win, but I'm going with Suzuki), and Nagata v Kawada (I expect Kawada to win here after his loss to Kashin today)
I was 6-1 for Day Three, with Goto's forfeit win not counting either way.
HTQ on Day Two of the G1 Climax Tournament
Day Two of the G1 Climax Tournament saw a few upsets, and an unfortuante injury that hopefully won't affect the overall tournament too much.
An expected result, if a going a little longer than I thought it would.
Reports are that Makabe tore his left achilles tendon, and it looks certain he will miss the rest of the tournament, which means he forfeits the remainder of his matches.
Another expected result, and if Goto is going to pull off a trademark upset, it looks like it will be a big one, based on who he still has to wrestle.
Not really an upset, though I was hoping Nishimura would win.
This was a bit of an upset, as Suzuki was a favorite of the former New Japan director, so one would expect him not to do so well, but with Suzuki being one half of the GHC tag team champions in NOAH, I presume New Japan are not wanting to upset NOAH a lot by having Suzuki doing too many jobs.
A match anticipated more for the atmosphere than the quality. I still expect this one to be a good match, though, and I can't wait to see it.
I felt this one could have gone either way, but with Tenzan getting the win, it might mean he is beginning his big comeback. Or it could be just another tease of a Tenzan success.
Another expected result, with Fujita brutalizing Tanahashi, and adding humiliation by refusing to pin him when he easily could have done, and instead taking advantage of Tanahashi's injuries with the use of a single-leg crab to get the tap-out victory.
After two days, this is how things look:
Block A:
1. Toshiaki Kawada [4]
2. Minoru Suzuki [3]
3. Tatsumi Fujinami [2]
4. Hiroyoshi Tenzan [2]
5. Masahiro Chono [2]
6. Kendo Kashin [2]
7. Osamu Nishimura [1]
8. Yuji Nagata [0]
Block B:
1. Yutaka Yoshie [4]
2. Shinsuke Nakamura [4]
3. Kazuyuki Fujita [4]
4. Manabu Nakanishi [2]
5. Hiroshi Tanahashi [1]
6. Toru Yano [1]
7. Tatsutoshi Goto [0]
8. Togi Makabe [0]
Kawada leads Block A, with Suzuki close behind, and four guys all in third, with Nishimura in seventh place, and Nagata surprisingly in last place for the Block. Could he be the one to make the big comeback, and not Tenzan?
Block B sees a tie between Yoshie, Nakamura and Fujita on top. Fujita looks likely to end up winning that one, with either Nakamura or maybe Tanahashi in second place. Makabe is in last place with zero points, and his injury may mean he never leaves that position this year.
Day Three is tomorrow, with Goto v Makabe (a likely forfeit win for Goto), Yoshie v Nakanish (Nakanishi to win), Tenzan v Nishimura (I think Tenzan will win, but I would not be surprised with a Nishimura victory), Fujinama v Nagata (Nagata could win to begin his comeback, but don't rule out a Fujinami victory), Fujita v Yano (Fujita to win), Kawada v Kashin (Kawada to win), Chono v Suzuki (I expect Chono to win, but think we might see a draw as well), and Nakamura v Tanahashi (Nakamura to win).
I was 7-1 for Day Two, with the only result I didn't call being Suzuki's victory over Nagata, so I'm doing well so far.
There needs to be other topics done here as well. So its going to be after summerslam (and I believe it only going to be a month break) away from Wrestling week. But dont worry- Your Fire Pro news (it will be only two weeks away from the release of the game in Japan) will still continue. Besides, you have the new season of animation starting- PLUS the list of Best Females with little or no sluttyness- just beauty, brains, talent. And really, I need to add a video game review section.
I am really, really, REALLY, looking forward to Ultimate Fight Night. There is something about a live UFC show that gets the blood pumping, and for once I don't actually have to PAY to see it. WWE fans don't really understand that, because RAW has been on live since 1993 and shows like Superstars, SNME, Challenge, WCW Saturday Night, etc. have been on even earlier, a show like UFN is to be treasured. I own almost every UFC Event DVD (and with LOTC, we have every one since UFC 43) and I can say with all honesty there isn't a bad one in the bunch. The UFC has been extremely consistent over the past few years, and I hope they continue the string of great shows with Ultimate Fight Night.
For 3 HOURS, a UFC card will be presented on SPIKE TV starting at 9pm EST. Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg - the best announce team going today - will call the action. This team has grown so much in the 3 or 4 years they've been working together. I used to think Goldberg was nothing but a shill - which is still true for the most part - but I've come to appreciate his ability to direct the flow of chatter and weave together match commentary and shilling DVD's, CD's, PPV's. His genuine enthusiasm for the sport and his belief in it is shown in his commentary, plus he has a great voice for it. I've said this about Rogan before, but there are times when I am thinking something, and then right after Rogan brings it up. He knows his stuff, and is basically a smark on commentary - but not the same way ROH commentators are. The two complement each other very well, and you can see they have respect for each other and for what they are doing. They are, essentially, the opposite of JR and King. And it's refreshing.
The main card is a typical UFC PPV style card - 5 fights. However, this time I doubt they will show any extra fights from the undercard due to commercial restraints. Unless Mike Swick manages to stop another fight in under 30 seconds... I imagine there will be lengthy fight previews and fighter interviews, which in my view, is something the UFC does very well. They manage to familiarize someone more with a fighter and a fight in a minute than the WWE can in an entire month leading up to a PPV. I remember Mike Kyle fighting Justin Eilers at UFC 49 - I never heard of either guy and the way they explained it, made me actually want to see the fight. It was amazing.
Main card
Josh Koscheck vs. Pete Spratt
IMO, this is a bad opener. Yes, Koscheck had two good fights against Diego Sanchez and Chris Sanford. But he also had a complete stinker against Chris Leben, where he was content with just laying on the guy for the win. The reason he did that is the same reason he could possibly do that against Spratt - he doesn't want to get knocked out. They should have put this on the undercard and if it were good, choose to show it later on in the show. Spratt has shown weakness against good wrestlers with submission skills (Newton and St Pierre come to mind) as he tapped out in short time to both men. Koscheck, a man with Brock Lesnar-like qualifications in terms of amateur wrestling, can take Spratt down - what he does when he's down there will determine the quality of the fight.
Nate Quarry vs. Pete Sell
How can you not like Nate "Rock" Quarry? His interview with Insidefighting was hilarious ("Nate Quarry does not speak of himself in the third person"), and he effectively destroyed his previous two opponents. The guy is a stud - just look at those arms; they look digitally enhanced. The problem is, he's going up against Pete "Drago" Sell. Drago is an undefeated fighter, which is dangerous because you don't know if he's just that good, or if his opponents were just that bad. His most notable win was over Baroni, and if you look at what Phil has done after that fight (KO wins over Minowa and top ranked MW Ryo Chonan), then it's an impressive win. If you look at what Barnoi did before that (two straight losses against Evan Tanner and Matt Linland, respectively) then Dragos accomplishment lessens.
This fight is a test for both men - can Quarry really shine in the middleweight division, or is Drago the real deal? This makes for an exciting fight. IMO, this fight should have gone on first. Sell trains under Matt Serra, while Quarry trains under Team Quest and has been found in the corners of Randy Couture, Linland and Dan Henderson. Sell showed a willingness to bang with one of the best boxers in MMA in Baroni, a Quarry showed excellent combinations against Lodune Sincaid and Shonie Carter. Grappling-wise and Striking-wise these guys can get it done, so what this fight may come down to are some of the more intricate things in fighting - training, conditioning, controlling the pace, countering, etc. This is where MMA is at right now in some points and where it is certainly going in the future - its more than just style vs. style now. It's about strategy and preparation, like in any sport.
And it's about time. At 33 years of age, the time is now for Nate to start challenging for UFC gold. Fighting is, despite the freakish nature of the Natural, a young mans game. Sell is a young man, Nate is not. Will this be a factor in this fight? It might be. I'm hoping for a Quarry win, but I am not Selling Drago short, he might be the real deal.
Stephan Bonnar vs. Sam Hoger
In his fight against Forrest Griffin, for Stephan Bonnar, it was about business. The winner would get a 6-figure UFC contract, whether or not they liked each other was irrelevant. Through true grit, balls, and determination, both men ended up with the prize. This time, it's personal.
The bible says it bluntly - Thou Shalt Not Steal. So this fight is not just about winning or losing, it's about heaven and hell and gods word. Hoger, from the cold wasteland of Alaska, defied that commandment. With his cocky grin, Sam set the TUF house ablaze with his sticky fingers. Confident in his abilities, some say to a point of near hubris, Sam is a walking, talking, sinner. Bonnar fights to uphold gods will.
... or he just wants his UFC BEANIE.
Chris Leben vs. Patrick Cote
Chris Leben is a slugger. He wants you, his opponent, to come out and throw down with him. He has heavy hands and he's willing to swing em and knock you the fuck out. Problem is, for him -not us, cause this is going to be fun-, Patrick Cote likes to do the exact same thing, and he's probably better at it.
The best part is, both these guys are tough motherfuckers. Cote took some sick elbows from Tito Ortiz in his debut UFC fight and didn't even flinch. Leben will let you punch him in the face if it means he can punch yours at the same time, cause he's confident his punch will knock you out and your punch won't. So here we have two guys who can hit hard and can get hit hard - see why this fight is fun? Plus, they're both fighting to be in the UFC - Cote has two previous losses (his last fight was an exciting one against Joe Doerkson) and Leben has two losses in TUF. A loss for either just about means they're outta here. I imagine the UFC wants Leben around because he's one of the standouts from the Ultimate Fighter show, and set up this match with Cote in hopes that Leben gets to properly show his skills.
The thing is, Cote is a more technical boxer. He's a better boxer. While Leben is throwing huge haymakers, Cote will be on the inside throwing jabs, crosses and hooks. He's a dangerous guy for Leben to be facing, which is why I think Leben will try to take him down and pound away like he did against Jason Thacker. Hopefully we'll get to see fireworks, either way.
Nathan Marquardt vs. Ivan Salaverry.
I always get Nathan Marquardt and Ricardo Almeida confused, and it's not because they faced each other. I guess it's because Ricardo looks more like a "Nathan" than Nathan does (Almeida looks like a guy named Nathan I know). Why do I say this? Because that's about all I know about the 7 time King of Pancrase.
Ivan Salaverry, however, is a fighter I enjoy watch fight. The guy is very well rounded, he has a slick triangle, and his post-match celebration is the goofiest thing I've seen in the octagon. I really, really, really, really, really want to see him fight current MW champ Rich Franklin, because that would be a killer fight. And, apparently, so does Zuffa because if Salaverry wins there would be just cause for putting him into title contention. Marquardt is a high quality fighter, so by no means is this a Ken Shamrock fight (Shamrock having been lead to Rich Franklins slaughter on the last live UFC show on SPIKE).
Overall, the feelings I have right now are excitement mixed in with worry - what if this card sucks? What if it doesn't live up to expectations? What if the ratings are so low that SPIKE gives up on the UFC and all the growth in the past few years are for naught? To be an MMA fan is to be invested in it. As someone who watched for a decade-plus and has seen the evolution and is seeing it now on national television, I can't help but feel joy when something good happens and feel devastated when something bad happens. This sport deserves to be on TV, it deserves to be covered by the sports media, it deserves to be known by a national audience, it deserves mainstream acceptance. But it's not for me to decide, so for now I'll just stay excited and nervous and hope for the best.
