Guest creativename Posted April 10, 2003 Report Posted April 10, 2003 Kerelin wasn't undefeated he just hadn't lost for 7 or so years Karelin had never lost an INTERNATIONAL match up to that point -13 years, over 200 matches-, and hadn't been scored against in 10. Yeah, Karelin is considered by most people to be the greatest Greco-Roman wrestler of all time. This man was considered completely invincible. He had won 3 straight gold medals, and it was just a fait accompli that he'd win his 4th and then retire on top. Basically, there was no one in history even considered in his league. That's why Rulon Gardner's victory got so much pub. It was clearly an incredible achievement, a great victory--but it's tough to say that Gardner is actually anywhere near as good as Karelin. That's why I called his victory "flukish". But hey, beating the greatest of all time even in a fluke is something that no one had done in 13 fucking years, so it's impressive. I think Karelin would've actually been the guy that was pushed to the moon if Vince brought him in, say, 5 or 6 years ago (though I doubt Vince has ever even heard of him)--he's 6'4", 295 (well, he's probably gained weight since he retired, though he's likely still in shape) and is said to be ungodly strong. There was no one that could even touch this guy on the mat. The accent would've held him back, but Ludvig Borga was getting pushed to the moon, right? Vince would've had a real hard-on for Karelin, I think. As for Gardner, I think that he actually does have charisma (more than Brock, anyway)--that "big goof" charisma. It'd be touch for people to take him seriously however, even though he'd destroy any of these guys in real life. I could see him being an incredibly over mid-carder at least--not sure about main event though. Like always, it would depend on the booking. His superficial hossivity (since he actually has athleticism and talent) would help him get a good push, so that's a plus for him.
Guest tank_abbott Posted April 11, 2003 Report Posted April 11, 2003 If I remember the SI article correctly, Karelin lost 1-0 to Ruland due to Ruland being granted one point because of Karelin's non argession (Not making a offensive move attempt in a reasonable amount of time)
Guest dpac Posted April 11, 2003 Report Posted April 11, 2003 I saw an interviw with Gardner a few weeks back. I guess after other American athletes won a metal they did a backflip, and he said he could not do a backflip, and that is the reason why he did cartwheels after his vicory.
Guest creativename Posted April 11, 2003 Report Posted April 11, 2003 If I remember the SI article correctly, Karelin lost 1-0 to Ruland due to Ruland being granted one point because of Karelin's non argession (Not making a offensive move attempt in a reasonable amount of time) Never heard of that one. As far as I know, Gardner got the point because Karaelin couldn't keep his hands locked while they were holding each other. Apparently they had to go to replay to see if his fingers had separated, and they had, so Gardner got the point.
Guest Jake the Muss Posted April 11, 2003 Report Posted April 11, 2003 Yeah, I know this probabaly belongs in the MMA folder, but what the hell... KARELIN SLAM 1 KARELIN SLAM 2 Just remember that these men are around 300 lbs. Karelin had a shoot fight with Akira Maeda in RINGS. It ended with Maeda landing on his head after a reverse body lift. If you can find the highlight video, please post the link.
The Dames Posted April 11, 2003 Report Posted April 11, 2003 Ahh...its the "Russian Neck Drop" from the THQ games! Dames
Guest Choken One Posted April 12, 2003 Report Posted April 12, 2003 Huh...I hate when I arrive to a thread to late so I won't say anything for my sake. However, Gardner won't be another Angle, I think we know that but It makes WWE look good if they start building up the Amatur defections and MAYBE someday they could do a Shoot PPV with Angle, Lesnar, Gardner,Haas, Benjamin, and three other guys...like Benoit, Haku (resign him for this) and Maybe Dr. Death or something to add to the Amatur aspect...
Guest TheZsaszHorsemen Posted April 12, 2003 Report Posted April 12, 2003 As far as Gardner's look goes: Step 1: Grow Hair. Step 2: Get the teeth fixed. Step 3: Never have him smile. As far as workrate goes. Have him train in OVW for a year and a half, then assess his performance. I'm damn sure Kurt, Brock, and Shelton would help him out a bit. If he trains like a mofo he could be a real asset. Chris Daniels, American Dragon, and men of their ilk are too small to turn the product around as a whole, but if they were brought in with talented heavyweights, as Gardner could very well become, then they can make an impact.
Guest Ace309 Posted April 12, 2003 Report Posted April 12, 2003 Never heard of that one. As far as I know, Gardner got the point because Karaelin couldn't keep his hands locked while they were holding each other. Apparently they had to go to replay to see if his fingers had separated, and they had, so Gardner got the point. It was a point out of the Greco clinch, which is essentially a way to give a point and break a tie.
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