Hawk 34

Texas and UNC follow Indiana's lead and lose as well.

Richards is already booked against Joe on 2/17, most likely Joe will put him over that night. Unless they decide to use 2/17 to build for a rematch on 3/4 which could work. Joe has an interesting set up for the Festival Tour 2/16-Morishima 2/17-Richards 2/23-Jimmy Rave 2/24-W/Homicide Vs Nigel and Morishima 3/3-Nigel 3/4-? I think when it comes down, it'll likely be Roderick Strong getting the final match since it's only him, Homicide, The Briscoes, Richards and the Dragon Gate guys that are unbooked right now. Don't discount the possibility of Joe teaming with Homicide to challenge the Briscoes for the titles giving Joe the chance to leave as a triple crown champion which plays along the theme of past ROH legends leaving the company on a title shot (London and of course, Punk which turned out to be a work).

The general consensus seems to be Austin Aries, Christopher Daniels and Homicide given their histories together (Since he's already likey to put over Richards, Nigel and Rave on the way out) but there's alot of hope for Gabe sucking his pride in and bringing Low Ki in for a one night shot but that appears more unlikely then Punk coming in for another draw.

What's with the sudden shift? Look around and you'll notice alot of people are tearing Manning right now going back to the "He's a choker" defense or that his stats mean nothing. 2 weeks ago, the media was jumping up and down for Peyton like high school cheerleaders and now they are back to burying him. Is it a preemptive measure in case he does collapse under the pressure in order to say "we told ya so!" or setting up the media created "He defined the odds" type aftermath? The good news is that the idiots seem to have reduced the "Grossman is the worst!" chat into a mere backstory. Amazingly enough, more people seem to be talking about the "exploitation" of those American Idol rejects from Jimmy Kimmel. Why does Kimmel always manage to piss people off during the Super Bowl? Who is even paying attention to what that imbecile does anymore?

You're better off just buying from a restorer. I brought a little 2000 Saturn off a restorer for my girlfriend since I was tired of repairing her old car and it was getting more costly anyways to fix it then it was worth. It's about the same price as you'll find at a dealership or any of these Car Max type places. Not only is the price usually fair, you can actually trust them more so then you could with a dealership whom usually take anything they can get or someone just selling it in his drive way. You can buy a total junk car and get it restored for about the same price as buying a used car and hoping you didn't get fucked.

In hindsight, that would have been a disaster if 'Taker gave Angle that rub. Angle isn't the only guy to get a classic out of 'Taker. Benoit, Cena (who is great at overbooked brawls), Edge and Michaels are very capable of it.

Am I the only one still watching this show? Tonight was alright although I did notice my attention waned a couple times. I'm not liking Saracen becoming the prototypical QB although it was spelled out weeks ago. Still great quality all around although it felt stronger earlier this season.

That brings Bronson Arroyo's home run total to zero for 2007.

They have said they would start doing that but I'm sure if that has already gone into the routine.

After finally seeing a full episode, I'd have to say that while it was very backyardish, it was still quite a show. It didn't take itself seriously and that's crucial given the explosions and high risk stunts. Hopefully it makes a little dent in the ratings to give WWE some motivation although I doubt it even pops 0.5.

'Taker's playing mind games with all the champions right now, even The European Champion, Lashley.

Looks like Sabu went to the wrong turnbuckle setting up the awkward landing. Interesting segment but I can't like where it's heading.

If they aren't careful, Brooke Adams will steal the stage. Good thing Kelly has the bubbly personality to cover her shitty dancing.

Finlay and Anderson are the big supporters and biggest anti-Punk guys. Just wait for when Holly becomes the road agent along with them. I said this a week ago but if Anderson and Finlay were in WWF in 1996, they would have told Vince "No, sir. Austin isn't the right move. It's time to give Henry Godwin a main event push".

Well, Vince is sure to bury Sandman and Dreamer before they get cut. Watch out, SABU!

Arn Anderson and Fit Finlay probaby think Striker is better than Punk too.... This match was interesting as each men aren't well liked by the back right now. Note to all new talents 1. Don't make jokes because insecure Benoit might hear it 2. Don't make out with beautiful girlfriend on overseas trip 3. Don't you dare get a bigger pop then DX on PPV.

1) How long will it take Billy Joel to Sing the National Anthem? (Clock starts with first note sung) Over 1m44s Under 1m44s 2) What will Prince's first song of the Halftime show be? (Odds in parenthesis) Let's Go Crazy (1/3) Song of the Heart (3/1) Purple Rain (4/1) When Doves Cry (6/1) 1999 (5/1) Little Red Corvette (4/1) Kiss (6/1) Other (7/2) 3) Team to score first in the game Colts or Bears 4) Team to score last in the game Colts or Bears 5a) Team to use their Coaches Challenge first in the game Colts or Bears 5b) Result of that challenge Play overturned Play stands 6)Team to commit the Most Turnovers in the game Colts or Bears 7) In which half will there be more points scored? 1st Half 2nd Half + OT 8) Will there be a lead change in the Second Half? Yes No 9a)Total Number of Indianapolis Players to catch a pass in the game (EXCLUDES defensive players who catch INTs) Over 7 (Harrison, Clark, Wayne, Moorehead, Prohel, Addai, Utecht AND Saturday) Under 7 9b) Total Number of Chicago Players to catch a pass in the game (EXCLUDES defensive players who catch INTs) Over 6 1/2 Under 6 1/2 (Berrian, Clark, Muhammad, McKie, Benson) 10a) Total number of Indianapolis defensive players to Intercept a pass Over 2 1/2 Under 2 1/2 1-Sanders 10b) Total number of Chicago defensive players to Intercept a pass Over 2 1 by Manning and 1 by Briggs Under 2 11) Total points scored by both teams 0-7 8-14 15-21 22-28 29-35 36-42 43-49 50-56 57-63 64-70 71-77 78 or more

I like these episodes that aren't built around some unsolvable medical mystery but rather showing House in a different environment and being a human being instead.

Opening Match 25 Man Battle Royal ECW: Sandman, Dreamer, Sabu, Striker, Burke, Thorn, Test and Punk (or Corvon) Smackdown: Kane, MVP, Vito, Regal, Taylor, Helms, Chavo Guerrero, Miz Raw: Umaga, Chris Masters, Carlito, Kenny, Cade, Murdoch, Crazy and Viscera *Surprise return of Mysterio* -The idea here is fairly obvious. Royale's have a history with Mania and given the large surplus of talent that won't find a spot on the show, this gives a good chance to give them a spot. Mysterio was set to return around this time and a surprise unannounced return here ala LOD at WM14 is a guaranteed huge pop and it'd start with Chavo caught in surprise and hurling himself out before Rey gets to him. Most likely to be Sabu and Sandman's farewell appearence. Kane's supposed to be leaving soon although that plan might have changed, so as a thank you, they could give Kane a win at Mania on his way out or give Mysterio a big push on his return or even put over a new talent like Punk or MVP. United States Title Chris Benoit Vs Finlay -It doesn't take much to push this match. These two have had great matches in the past and they are about the same level right now. The match could go either way but a title reign for Finlay would be deserving. Woman's Title Melina Vs Mickie James -Ideally, Melina doesn't exactly measure as my favorite choice for the WM program especially given how Candice and Victoria are better workers. The Victoria angle was pretty enjoyable and I wish it wasn't short lived in favor for Melina since she's the bigger heel character. Unlike last year, wouldn't expect the woman's match to be a talked about match but Mickie seems to work well in big moments, so maybe she can get something out of Melina. TLC 4 Way Hardys Vs MnM Vs London and Kendrick Vs W.G.T.T -The big spotfest ladder match has become a staple for WM and in the years past it has been used to set up a #1 contender for a world title. That prospect doesn't have much ground anymore, so might as well return to the tag team TLC format that made these matches so popular and in doing so, you'd have to include the top high flying tag trams in the promotion. I'd actually have each championship represented by London and Kendrick with WGTT being the World Tag Champs (after taking it from Cena/Shawn). Cryme Tyme and WGTT do have a issue but I wouldn't put them in the match but instead give them a cameo during the match to utlilize their comedy as well as build up their program which would extend beyond WM. This wouldn't be a unification match because I think that it's not time for that. Heels typically win these matches aside from a couple exceptions but the winner here doesn't really matter as no title changes and it's really about the stuntfest. *Diva Showcase* -It's an annual tradition to involve the Diva's in some non-match (so to speak), so might as well take it here since it gives the crowd a chance to settle down after the previous match Hulk Hogan w/Donald Trump Vs King Booker W/ Vince and Khali -While I don't endorse using Hogan in any capacity beyond an appearence, he's getting a match. Might as well give that spot to someone who deserves it over a freak of nature or the boss's son. Booker and Vince make for a good pairing along with throwing Khali as Vince's bodyguard allows the comedy writers something to work with between the potential interplay with Khali and Booker. Hogan is always seen as the fan favorite and given Trump's big emphasis on "what the fans want" along with Hogan's standing, he is the right fit for Trump. The plan seems to be seperating these matches while this would merge them together and limit the suck. ECW Championship Extreme Rules Fatal Four Way Lashley Vs Rob Van Dam Vs Hardcore Holly Vs CM Punk -Lashley is horrible and should be protected by being in a multi-man match. The big support that Holly is getting boggles the mind but they do want to keep RVD in place and giving him the title match in Detroit would go a long way. The biggest question mark is the placement of the 4th man. It should be CM Punk but there's a strong chance it isn't going to be. Corvon is a Detroit native, which means they could play up the hometown factor but RVD is a Michigan born player as well. I'll keep Punk slotted in here since someone will need to carry the promos and he's the best option. Punk could be heading for a heel turn and this can be a good start for it. Expect this to be Holly's final match as well. Street Fight Rated RKO Vs Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels -This might not be a popular idea with the big support for Shawn getting a title match but they really wouldn't have anything to do with R-RKO except for a heel vs heel match and that can't work. Shawn Vs Cena is a program that could have alot of legs after Mania. Save it. This would be the typical bloody street fight but it should be hot and quality as well. RRKO shouldn't split so soon as well. World Championship Batista Vs Ken Kennedy -This is also a big stretch but I think it needs to be done especially with how much potential Kennedy has. Batista doesn't deserve the 'Taker match nor the streak breaking status. He wouldn't make anything out of it. Kennedy and Batista are good together and there's very few people who can make Batista look good in the ring. My idea would be that Kennedy gets closer and closer to pulling the win out with Batista getting more and more paranoid and reaching anything to keep the title. He's good with that type of attitude. Kennedy has shown signs of getting over with the crowd and it's very possible they could build this as a double turn within the match. Does that mean Kennedy wins the title here? Probably not but Batista is a stronger heel because without a major heel such as HHH, he's horrible as a face. Yes, Batista and Undertaker has already gotten slow burn build but it's not major enough to force them into the match. In fact, NWO is wide open for it. WWE Title John Cena Vs Undertaker -This is the money match. Simple as that. The emphasis that Vince has on recreating that Andre/Hogan moment exists only in this match-up. Cena doesn't need the rub but he can benefit from it far greater then Batista ever would. Not only does it work for a big match level but it'd be a very good match. They worked well together but that was over 3 years ago and Cena's improved as well as Taker's history of busting ass at Mania.

Looks like they are finally shifting over to showing the good people instead of just the mean stuff. Granted, they still ripped a couple but are starting to tell the stories especially one blonde with the daddy who shot himself. They showed some good looking people that made it but didn't show performing which annoys me when they spend time on junk like bid bird lady.

Basically, the arguement is who gets to fight Undertaker and get the potential rub? Batista, the modern Warrior with a very short shelf life in the business and one of the worst in-ring performers (although that's generally a prerequisite to get the UT match at Mania) or the young #1 face who has years left in the business but doesn't need the rub but would benefit more in the long run then Batista ever could as well as being a better match quality selection. The decision should be quite obvious. The rest of the card seems sickingly easy to put in place. Cena-'Taker is the closest thing to Hogan-Andre possible and would actually be a good match as a bonus. Batista/HBK just doesn't make any sense though and probably doesn't hold much long term weight. Right now, the booking can easily set up Cena/Shawn and Batista/'Taker but it wouldn't take much at all to change that around. They have alot of good choices surrounding the big 8 (Cena, Batista, Shawn, Taker, RRKO, Booker, Hogan) and should manage to create a good spread of main event matches. I'm really pushing for Hogan Vs Booker with the Trump/McMahon program. You can make Khali the bodyguard figure for Booker which would give the "comedy" guys alot of material to work with as well as gives an actual worker a big spot instead of Shane McMahon. You can easily stretch the Kennedy and Batista program and possibly do a double turn but I doubt WWE has that much confidence in Kennedy right now although it'd be the perfect time to make another star. That'd leave Shawn out in the cold but they could just as well use him with Flair against RRKO in a gimmick match. I'd like to think that was planned before HHH's injury occured and despite the fact Shawn is majorly over, they could keep the "DX" Vs RRKO thing going saving Cena/Shawn for the post-mania main event feud which could have alot of steam for the spring/early summer run. That also prevents a heatless heel vs heel match with the RRKO split. They can do alot but it seems they'll provide just a train wreck and by not setting things in place in advance (meaning the next couple weeks), they'll have a ugly disjointed show.

One good move, three really bad ones. I'm sure at some point they will consider a 6 man elimination match with Batista, Cena, Lashley, Shawn, Taker and Khali with all three titles on the line.

I thought it was just me who thought that. Wait I missed that- what? I missed the Jericho to ECW hint as well. Can anyone fill us in? JR just said "ECW will never...ever be the same again" ala Jericho. JR probably didn't even realize he quoted Jericho.

Try this WWE Title Cena Vs Taker World Title Batista Vs Kennedy ECW Title Fatal Four Way Extreme Rules Lashley Vs RVD Vs Holly Vs Punk (or Corvon) Street Fight R-RKO Vs Flair and Shawn Hulk Hogan w/Trump Vs King Booker W/ Vince and Khali TLC Four Way Tag Team Hardys Vs MnM Vs Kendrick and London Vs WGTT Woman's Title Mickie Vs Melina US Title Benoit Vs Finlay IC Title Kenny Vs Carlito (Jeff can drop the title to Kenny) 25 Man Battle Royal ECW: Sabu, Sandman, Dreamer, Striker, Burke, Test, Corvon (or Punk) and Thorn SD: Kane, Chavo, Regal, Taylor, Helms, Vito, Miz and MVP Raw: Umaga, Viscera, Cade, Murdoch, Cryme Tyme, Crazy and Masters *Mysterio makes surprise return ala LOD @ WMXIV*

Better Cena than Batista.....Cena will still be around in 7 years and is obviously their guy........Batista on the other hand. But Batista is a more believable person to beat Taker..bigger, stronger..all of Cena's overcoming the odds has been ridiculous and so unbelievable...I don't want anyone to end the streak, but for me Cena would be as bad as Batista if not worse. Not even close. In fact, Cena/Taker suits the Andre/Hogan dynamic far greater then any other match possible especially Batista. Cena can carry this company for the next decade as he's currently the #1 face all around and has years left on him. Batista is a modern Warrior in that he got over quick but couldn't sustain it and being as bad he is, he really hurts the product. Instead of being batshit crazy, he just gets hurt every 4 months. Cena is just as much of a "believable" threat espeicially given his size and his history.