2008 WWE King of the Ring
William Regal - a big push followed by a 60 day suspension.
5/20/08
William Regal and the General Update - 5/20/2008
I'm happy to see that Vince McMahon is keeping a tough policy as far as drug and alcohol abuse is concerned. I'm very disappointed in William Regal. Of all the years I've been watching him work, I've never been as interested in him as I have been since he won the King of the Ring. This seemed as though it would be the push of his career. And he blew it. It will be interesting to see how he is brought back from his suspension just as it is interesting to see how Jeff Hardy is being utilized.
Speaking of Jeff Hardy and Umaga... they work great together. I'm sure their One Night Stand match will steal the show. I'm not watching the show though. It will be the first PPV in over a year that I'm skipping. It's a 'B' PPV and I've seen each match that has been booked so far more than 5 times. Nothing is going to happen at this PPV. I'll read the results.
The WWE goes into a lull after Wrestlemania. I think they could use some gimmick Pay Per Views after Backlash. Maybe King of the Ring should have been a PPV... and instead of 8 wrestlers - with 3 being jokes - there should have been 16 wrestlers and the entire tournament should have taken place during the PPV. If that was the case, the King of the Ring would truly have been a King of the Ring.
Honestly, how many times do I have to watch Triple H v. Randy Orton and Undertaker v. Edge and John Cena v. JBL and Jeff Hardy v. Umaga? How many times do I have to watch Santino Marella poke fun at an ex-superstar and have his ass handed to him? It's funny. I'm not saying it's unfunny. I'd just like to see Santino get a belt and work with some current wrestlers. Please, give him and Carlito the tag titles. They'd be as successful as the New Age Outlaws and funnier.
I have no control over any of this though. I'm not going to get worked up at how bland the WWE is right now. Like I said, they have a Wrestlemania Hangover right now. They have it each year. Things will pick up around Summerslam.
One last note, why did CM Punk win the Money in the Bank? He keeps losing cleanly to guys like John Morrison and The Miz. I don't understand. How am I supposed to believe that Punk can win a World title if he jobs to Johnny Nitro? Or am I supposed to believe that he covets the ECW Championship enough to use his Money in the Bank for that belt? Yeah... sorry, I don't believe that at all. CM Punk should be booked to win some matches and should be drafted to a better brand. But again... who am I? I'm not a booker, I'm just a looker.
Peace out...
Seannie Wan
2/9/08
'Wildcat' Chris Harris
Kaz is getting burried in a program with Dustin Rhodes. I'm sure he's not too happy going from one of the best matches of the year - the ladder match with Christian Cage - to nearly beating Kurt Angle for the TNA World Championship to wrestling Dustin Rhodes for a white rat. Maybe Kaz should give Vince McMahon or J.R. a call.
Kevin Nash gave an interview recently with somebody that isn't important and said that he really like the long-term plans that TNA has for Samoa Joe. That's good because Samoa Joe may be the best pro-wrestler not only in that company, but possibly in any North American company (WWE). However, I'd give a pinky to see Samoa Joe jump ship to the WWE. I'm sure he'd get burried on SmackDown, but he might not... Seeing how the crowd reacted to him on his first appearance would be the most interesting thing.
There is plenty of underused talent in TNA and I'm sure they are looking at Chris Harris' new WWE deal and saying to themselves -- 'Hey, I wonder what would happen if I gave the WWE a call. I know what happens if I stay here. I'll watch Kurt Angle cut promos for half an entire show and then I'll have a five minute squash match every other week and take a risky bump. Granted, if I get an opportunity in the WWE, I have to watch John Cena arm wrestle people as the main event, but there are two other brands in that company in which I can flourish. I would also make allot more money with the WWE. Hmmm....' -- at least that is what I would be saying to myself.
2/8/08
Lots n' Lots
-Maria, Maria, Maria!! Looks like March 7th is the day fellow druelers!There's so much i could say so let's just leave it at that.
-The reason for triple H's raw absence Monday was a sudCden death in the family. Unfortunately, his brother in-law Gordon, husband of hhh's real life sister Lynn passed away unexpectedly earlier on Monday. Best wishes to everyone affected by this tradgedy.
-Al Snow was officially released this past week due to the end of WWe's relationship with Ohio Valley Wrestling. There is simply no remaining need for a trainer any where within WWe or Florida Championship Wrestling.
-Omish Roadkill was released from his developmental deal.
-Smackdown! will be leaving the CW network shortly. It is yet to be determined where it will end up.
-"Wildcat" Chris Harris signed with WWe on January 29th. No word yet on when exactly those of you who don't know how god awful he is will find out. Tay Stuned.
-Ron the Truth Killings has signed with WWe as well. I'd probably put Ron Killings on Smackdown! and Chris Harris in a casket.
-This is just a rumor. Shaq, mania. You'll see like i will.
-In a recent interview Jeff Hardy said his body is very beat up and soar from, get this, motocross. Talk about from left field. What else does this guy do for fun, bullride?Play in traffic? Jeff said his ankles are weak. Said he has a bone chip in one of his kneecaps, chronic pain in both elbows, and two herniated discs, one each in his neck and lower back.
That being said, it is pressing to note that when OIW 'endorses' a hopeful champion, or, well let's just say anything at all, this is really just Sean's word for what Sean wants to happen. In an effort to clear things up, I am proud to unveil, starting now, my word for getting behind a certain superstar for such a push, in context:
-OIW nominates Y2J Chris Jericho for the WWe title. His unmatched talent in every variable that constitutes a wrestling product make him the stand out choice of the RAW brand, in the traditional definition of a World Champion, that is. Good Luck Chris.
(NOte: In this case the word is used perhaps too literally as a Y2J title reign probably won't happen till at least November,08, or January, 09)
2/4/08
The Race for the Championship '08
With absolutely nothing happening in the world of pro-wrestling over the weekend... save ShellyMartinez - ECW's Ariel, OIW's good friend Kevin Thorn(e?)'s former valet - appearing in a porn video... OIW has decided to announce it's endorsements for the major championships much like major news publications and politicians are announcing their endorsements for President of the United States. When I say OIW, I really mean just me... Seannie Wan. I'm sure that The Kidd will have different and somewhat abstract endorsements for the major titles and I'm sure Chris Jericho will be involved in one of the MAJOR major titles.
OIW officially endorse Jeff Hardy as the next WWE Champion. He still gets the biggest pops when his music hits. He has put on the most exciting matches in 2007 and thus far in 2008. He is, in my very knowledgeable and wise opinion, the hardest worker in the WWE.
OIW officially endorses The Undertaker as the next World Heavyweight Champion. His title reign ended early due to injury last year. Yes, that is no reason to give him the title back, but he owns Wrestlemania and on the Smackdown roster, he is most deserving of the title. Also, I feel his title reign would have been one of the more interesting storylines and could have quite possibly culminated with him losing said title at Wrestlemania 24. So, let's see him lose at Wrestlemania 25 instead.
OIW officially endorses Samoa Joe as the next TNA World Champion. Joe IS Total NonStop Action Wrestling. He - or possibly AJ Styles - is the most talented wrestler and easily the most popular wrestler in TNA. He is long overdue for a ride at the top of the promotion. As much as I'd like to see him in the WWE, he deserves the top honors in TNA.
OIW officially endorses CM Punk as the next Intercontinental Champion. CM Punk needs to get out of ECW. He can't possibly carry that pile of smelly garbola. He should be on RAW. He should have a major title. He would bring prestige to the Intercontinental title... not that Jeff Hardy doesn't, but Jeff Hardy should be moving on to bigger and better things. CM Punk is the future of this business.
OIW officially endorses Matt Hardy as the next United States Champion. He got hurt and that killed his momentum. However, if he can get back to action even three weeks before Wrestlemania, a showdown with MVP in Orlando is a guarantee. Matt has been working hard in the WWE - even harder than Jeff - for years now and deserves a title. I want some Mattitude at Wrestlemania.
OIW officially endorses 'Black Machismo' Jay Lethal as the next X Division Champion. He is endorsed by default because there is nobody else in the X Division that deserves a title. In all honesty, OIW endorses the end of the X Division and the creation of a new mid-card title that talent such as AJ Styles and Tomko can carry while Kurt Angle is in the midst of his never-ending world title reign.
OIW officially endorses Santino Marella and Carlito as the next World Tag Team Champions. They are funny together and they are funny apart. Neither will ever be successful as a singles wrestler, but together they can reach Edge and Christian-like popularity. With a hot momma Playbody centerfold valet at their side, they are the perfect tag team for 2008.
OIW officially endorses Team 3D as the next TNA Tag Team Champions. I am sold that Buh Buh Ray and Devon are the greatest Tag Team that I've ever seen... if not of all time. They will bring validity to the TNA Tag Team ranks. Admit it, AJ and Tomko have the titles because they can't get a singles title because of Kurt Angle.
OIW does not recognize the other titles - such as the WWE Tag Team Championship and the ECW Championship - because they're lame.
Check back for my Raw review and feel free to comment on our endorsements.
Also, check back for The Kidd's official ripping of my endorsements.
Peace out...
Seannie Wan
1/31/08
Boycott the Main Event?
If I were booked in a match and I wasn't announced the winner after the closing bell, I would call myself a 'non-loser.' ('Non-loser' is trademarked as of now and I own the trademark and if anyone uses the term 'non-loser,' thou shalt pay me a hefty sum.)
As far as Wrestlemania 24...
MAIN EVENT FOR THE WWE CHAMPIONSHIP (and the match with the opening bell representing not only the beginning of this match, but the point at which I head to the parking lot.)
John Cena (c) v. Triple H v. Randy Orton
WINNER: Do I really need to tell you...
WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Edge (c) v. The Undertaker
WINNER: The Undertaker, take 2...
UNITED STATES HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
M.V.P. (c) v. Matt Hardy
WINNER: Matt Hardy... Matt Hardy will finally get a big win. What? The U.S. title isn't a big win? Chris Benoit held this title... Ric Flair held this title... Arn Anderson... Steve Austin... John Cena... ugh. I hate Cena.
RIC FLAIR'S FINAL MATCH
Ric Flair v. Shawn Michaels
WINNER: Ric Flair... JK! LOL! Although I do think Flair should be ending Michael's career. It would have been daring and interesting and compelling to book Mr. Kennedy in Michael's place. However, Cena has returned and it's back to formula!!!!
MONEY IN THE BANK
Jeff Hardy (in possibly his final match due to death during this match) v. Mr. Kennedy v. Umaga v. Kane v. Rey Mysterio v. C.M. Punk
WINNER: Jeff Hardy - to make up for dropping him down the ladder he's worked his ass off to climb at the first sign of Cena... or Mr. Kennedy - to make up for dropping him down the heel ladder he's worked his ass off to climb at the first sign of Triple H turning heel because Cena is back... or C.M. Punk - to make up for the lack of building any superstar up, besides Jeff Hardy who for some reason is still relegated to Ladder Matches... I'm going with Jeff Hardy because he deserves it the most.
SOME SORT OF GIMMICK MATCH
Chris Jericho v. J.B.L.
WINNER: Chris Jericho... This feud is good for everybody except the wrestling fan. Having worked a combined 4 matches over the last 2 years, they're both ironing out kinks. And who better to work with for either wrestler? Y2J gets to work out kinks with a slow super-heel and J.B.L. gets to work on his speed with a fast super-face. Their popularity will outshine their shit matches. However, by Wrestlemania, I believe these two professionals will be firing on all cylinders and put on the best match of the night.
WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly (c) v. Santino Marella and Carlito
WINNER: Santino Marella and Carlito... these guys are the most entertaining part of Raw more often than not and they deserve more television time. Also, the tag titles should be put on an interesting team.
WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP
Beth Phoenix (c) v. Ashley (if Vince still thinks people care about her)... or Maria (if the focus is to sell her Playboy issue)... or Mickie James (if the focus of this match is wrestling)
WINNER: People that have already used the bathroom because the bathroom is going to be packed out during this match.
BATISTA MATCH
Batista v. The Big Show
WINNER: Batis...duh...
VINCE MCMAHON MATCH
Vince McMahon and Shane McMahon and The Great Khali v. Hornswoggle and Finlay and Mick Foley
WINNER: Vince McMahon for 24 years of Wrestlemanias!
So there you have it OIW Nation. That's my Wrestlemania. It's not what I expected ten days ago, but it could have been worse... there could be no Jericho and no JBL. What can I do? Vince is all about the kiddies and the kiddies are all about John Cena just like I was all about Hulk Hogan when I was a little boy.
However! Here is my 'Wrestlemania Challenge' to the Kidd... nay, not only the Kidd but every 'real' wrestling fan attending Wrestlemania that was excited for Wrestlemania up until John Cena entered the Royal Rumble...BOYCOTT THE MAIN EVENT!!! I want Cena to make Triple H tap out... again... in front of an empty stadium... or a half-full - yes, I'm an optimist - stadium.
BOYCOTT THE MAIN EVENT. MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD. TELL VINCE THAT HE IS KIND OF AN IDIOT WHEN IT COMES TO TALENT. TELL TRIPLE H THAT THIS SHIT WILL NOT FLY WHEN VINCE IS GONE. TELL JOHN CENA THAT THE WORLD IS NOT HIS OYSTER. STAND UP FOR JEFF HARDY AND MR. KENNEDY AND ALL THE TALENT THAT MADE RAW INTERESTING WHILE CENA WAS GONE.
Peace out...
P.S.
TNA was kind of lame. Actually, it was decent, but anytime I see Billy Gunn I just think of wrestling as lame.
Seannie-Wan
1/27/08
Royal Rumble...?
'What the fuck just happened?'
- John Kanteen moments after the Royal Rumble went off the air.
On behalf of the entire staff here at 'Outside Interference Wrestling,' and as head-editor/writer/idea man/athlete/babyface, I must apologize to the OIW Nation for the lack of posts and videos and pictures and polls and what has come to be known in some social circles as '...the most pro-wrestling fun on the Internet.'
I offer no excuses and I expect no sympathy as head-editor/writer/idea man/athlete/babyface of OIW. However, my colleague, and assistant to the head-editor/writer/idea man/athlete/babyface, The Kidd will be appearing at the Broadway Mall and trying to come up with legitimate reasons for our absence in your lives and assuming that you'll understand why we hadn't found seven (7) minutes over the last month and a half to type out the results of a Friday Night Smackdown.
The important thing is that during our hiatus, I've realized that I hate John Cena. I don't mean that I hate John Cena, the human being; I mean I hate John Cena, the WWE product. I don't hate the product of John Cena because he can't wrestle as well as half the talent in the WWE locker room. I don't hate the product of John Cena because is the ONLY attempt at a major story-line on the Raw brand. I don't hate the product of John Cena because he is a poor man's The Rock. I hate John Cena because he is crammed down my throat and I don't have the ability to refuse.
I am a wrestling fan and no matter how bad the WWE may get, I'm watching their show every Monday night. I get the same feeling of excitement and rush of adrenaline on the Sunday of a Pay-Per-View as I got when I was a 12 years old. I think that a well-constructed wrestling match, like Chris Benoit v. JBL at Wrestlemania 22, is art. I appreciate the amount of work needed to put a wrestling match together by both the performers and the announcers. I think a well-written storyline can be more compelling that many Hollywood films.
After last night's Rumble, I find myself questioning whether something I truly enjoyed my entire life is something I can enjoy anymore. But, I will keep watching.
I heard John Cena's music hit as the 30th entry into the Royal Rumble match and I knew that the show was over. Four enjoyable months of Monday Night Raw were flushed down the toilet. Great. My subordinates and I here at OIW have our Wrestlemania 24 tickets but we no longer have our Wrestlemania 24 smiles. That mother-fucker's music hit and I knew as soon as I saw him take off his 'Hustle Loyalty Respect' t-shirt that not only was he about to clear out the ring of 8 to 10 wrestlers that are more technically sound than he, but he would wind up winning the match... and not only would he win the match but he would be in the Main Event at Wrestlemania 24... and not only would he be in the Main Event at Wrestlemania 24, but he would win the WWE Championship... and not only would he win the WWE Championship, but he would be taking it back from Randy Orton... and not only would the Main Event of Wrestlemania 24 most likely be a Randy Orton - John Cena rematch, but the backup plan would probably be a Triple H - John Cena rematch.
It suddenly made sense why after 4 months of a strong push - and to be honest, probably the best push I've seen the WWE give someone is a few years - Jeff Hardy lost clean to the top-heel/doofus man-child WWE Champion Randy Orton. He lost clean because he's going to be headed back to mid-card status faster than you can put your stupid hand in front of your stupid face and wave it and say 'You can't see me.' That's it for Jeff Hardy, folks. Oh... and Mr. Kennedy... yeah, that's it for him too. Why? Well, duh... Triple H has to turn heel again so that John Cena can feud with him so that Vince McMahon will love Triple H even more because he puts over the top guy and does the right thing for the company and Triple H can further slip his poisonous talons into the business that I used to love so much so that when Vince McMahon finally dies, Triple H will be in complete control of the Sports Entertainment World. Yes sir, the Connecticut Blue Blood will be the Connecticut Dictator. I call it the 'McMahon-Helmsley Conspiracy.' Obviously, there is no longer room for Mr. Kennedy at the top of the heel food-chain. I guess he and Jeff Hardy are planning out their 'Money In The Bank' high-spots right now... as John Cena goes to shoot 'The Marine 2.'
Speaking of which, I've heard Greg Batista is in the sequel. He plays John Cena's fellow soldier who John Cena thought for dead when their caravan was attacked by blood-thirsty terrorists during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Turns out he survived but had to have his left leg and right arm replaced with a robot leg and a robot arm... also he was kidnapped and hypnotized into hating America. Long story short, the bad guy whips out a revamped, evil Batista and John Cena's like 'Jesus! Batista I thought you were dead!' John Cena has to fight Batista but doesn't really want to because Batista was his buddy but it's ok because at the end Batista is dehypnotized when he remembers this one time that John Cena risked his own life to save Batista's during the war - which obviously wasn't the time that Batista was thought to be killed - and saves the day by killing the bad guy... and the bad guy is played by Christopher Walken.
OH, the pain! Shane! Where are you?!? I fear that you are the WWE's last hope. Come back to television! Save us!
Or perhaps this is what Chris Jericho is saving us from?
Regardless, John Cena is back and along with him will come shitty wrestling television shows. I hate him.
11/27/07
Vince McMahon Is Sabotaging Himself?
What an awesome broadcast Raw was on 11/26. It had it all-- comedy, well-worked matches, drama, and suspense. Honestly, I haven't seen a Raw as good as that in a few years. I can't even remember the last memorable Raw broadcast. The main reason the broadcast was so good was the return of Ric Flair and the new story line that accompanies him. It is a well-thought out story and - if done right - it may end up being the best story line/angle since The Rock's heel turn at Survivor Series 1998. Every match that Flair works will be a main-event caliber match because every match he works may be his last. Each match will have suspense and each match will build the story line more and more. It's genius.
The other reason that Raw was so good was Chris Jericho. He is already the most entertaining person on the roster. The bit with him and Santino Marella was hilarious. I mean, he has done much more entertaining bits - Jericho, not Santino - but considering the lack of humor and the lack of anything 'fun' on Raw or in the WWE over the last three years, that bit was a masterpiece.
The return of both Jericho and Flair have taken Raw to a level I didn't think would be possible until Vince had been long gone from contributing anything creative to the product. For the first time in a very long time I can say, 'I can't wait for Monday night.'
I don't like Jericho being thrown into the main event though. Yes, he is more talented overall than anyone else on the roster, but it is a slap in the face to the guys who have been working hard all year long to see someone who had quit the business and hadn't worked a match in two years return with a huge push and be thrust into a title match. It's a Hogan move. (By the way, after Raw went off the air, Randy Orton accepted Chris Jericho's challenge thus making the main event of Armageddon Randy Orton v. Chris Jericho for the WWE Championship.)
I'm not going to downplay the importance of Chris Jericho to the WWE right now. He is truly saving the company in my opinion. However, there is no need for him to have a belt to get over with fans. I would be more interested in Ric Flair making a title run and winning the WWE Championship. I explained what I've heard the story is going to be like in my last post and I am a big fan of that coming to fruition.
Back to Vince McMahon; why on Earth would he decide to turn Hornswoggle into a magical leprechaun... at all?!?... let alone on a night when such a fantastic-the-stars-have-aligned-in-perfect-harmony booking was to be broadcast?!? It was awkward to watch at first and then I became so irritated by the stupidity of the concept and the tremendous wast of time that the entire Hornswoggle push has been and apparently will continue to be that I was unable to enjoy the Ric Flair/Randy Orton non-title match as much as I should have. I should have been more excited for the main event. I should have been in joy. I should have been savoring the promise of Raws to come. Instead I was angry and hurt and part of me even wanted to watch the Steelers and the Dolphins play in what may have been the worst Monday Night Football game ever. On top of the sheer ferocity at the idea of Hornswoggle being a magic leprechaun is the horrible direction and production from a television viewpoint. Vince should suspend himself from any ideas for a little while.
He refuses to give up on the 'Hornswoggle is my son' story. There can't be any way that he is getting any positive feedback from anyone about this idea. Where are Shane and Stephanie? They should say, 'hey, Dad, Raw is getting fresh and creative and somewhat innovative right now... maybe we should just forget the Hornswoggle idea...' At this point in time, Vince should be looking for some fresh writers.. ahem, me... to develop some interesting ideas to capitalize on the Ric Flair and Chris Jericho and Jeff Hardy stories. Steve Austin pitched an idea to have Ric Flair win a title, preferably the WWE Championship, and hold on to it until Wrestlemania 24. At this point, Flair would lay down for a deserving wrestler. It would be a passing of the torch. Whether that wrestler be Jericho of Jeff Hardy or Randy Orton or Edge or hell even Kenny Dykstra, the idea is so right and pure that it would be one of the greatest Wrestlemania moments. Maybe Vince should let Austin pitch some more ideas. I'd rather that than having Vince drag him out every three months for a pay-per-view to give some poor schmuck a stunner and drink a beer.
Listen, I'm sure Vince isn't purposely sabotaging himself... duh. And I'm sure that Hornswoggle is a nice guy. And I know that Finlay is a hard worker and he's been in the business for years and years and he deserves to have some spotlight finally shine on him a little bit. However, there is too much 'good' happening right now that a 'bad' as 'bad' as this angle can make all the 'good' disappear. I don't even want to write about it anymore because it's ruining my mood.
So, in summation, I am very excited about Raw on Monday. I am very excited about Armageddon in 2 weeks. I am so excited that I can't even comment on the mess Smackdown is getting itself into or the positive things that are happening on ECW.
Check back for my Smackdown/ECW post tomorrow and The Kidd's update on the happenings - and there are allot of them - on TNA real soon.
Peace Out
-Seannie Wan
11/19/07
Survivor Series 2007
Well, that's ridiculous, but I'm angry. I keep giving Vince the benefit of the doubt. I'm waiting for the ship to right itself. I'm waiting to be entertained. It's just not happening!!!
Why do I still watch? After watching a pay-per-view like Survivor Series, I can't come up with a reason why I still watch. I can't come up with a good reason why I devote so much time and money and brain matter towards the WWE product. I guess it's because of hope. I guess I hold onto the hope that one day the WWE will again be entertaining. I'm a glutton for punishment.
The highlight of the night was the Triple Threat Match for the ECW Championship. It was the opening match. The Miz is pretty lame, but Cm Punk and John Morrison carried him well. I knew Punk would retain simply because the other two are undeserving of a belt... wait... they just won the Smackdown tag titles... argh.
The Hell in a Cell bout between Taker and Batista for the World Heavyweight Championship was allot worse than I thought it would be. I actually had somewhat high expectation for this match. My bad! I figured that both superstars would put the pedal to the metal and put on the best show possible considering the dire straits that the WWE is in. I was way wrong! The Undertaker looked like he was sleeping through the match. Batista is totally incapable of carrying a big ppv match on his own. Sure, he can work five minutes with Mark Henry on Smackdown... but main event stuff? Nope.
Shawn Michaels and Randy Orton could have been the best finish in the last couple of years but... well, I knew nothing of interest would happen. At least Orton finally got a clean win. I can't remember the last time he got a clean win over a big time guy like Michaels.
Another highlight: Jeff Hardy getting the last pin fall in the traditional elimination match. Hunter letting him steal the spotlight further supports my 'Jeff Hardy wins the Royal Rumble theory.' I guess that's all up to HHH.
The Hornswaggle-Great Khali match was so lame that I can't come up with words to describe it. Vince's expression as he left ringside says it all. Why would he book that match? What did he think would happen? The nearly sold-out crowd was much more interested in Shaquille O'Neal sitting ringside than they were in the match.
I really hate dwelling on the negative, but it's impossible with this one.
On a scale of 1 to 10, did I hate this ppv? Yes.
That didn't make any sense... sort of a microcosm of the WWE.
The superstar I'm most excited to see on a regular basis is Santino Marella.
I really hope that Chris Jericho 'saves_us' tonight.
11/17/07
By The Way....
Maybe there is something to my theory of Shawn Michaels turning heel on Sunday? Mr. McMahon calls for the bell to be rung while Michaels has Randy Orton in a sharpshooter and gives Michaels the title without Orton submitting...
It'd be the most interesting idea the WWE has had in the last five years... me thinks.
Total? Nonstop? Action?
TNA is geared toward the real wrestling fan. I don't like it more than the WWE, as horrible as the WWE shows have been since the Chris Benoit tragedy. I could very easily like it more, but there is something wrong. It's eerie... it's not tangible... it's out there floating around... it's the calm before the storm.
I was reading an article by Kevin Kelly - he was the fat dude who interviewed 'talent' 'backstage' on Raw telecasts during the 'Attitude' era - and he labeled TNA as a safe haven for all the WWE talent who didn't want to comply with the WWE Wellness Policy. I guess there is some truth to that. I personally don't harp on steroid abuse in any sport. If the athlete wants to destroy his or her body and his or her family and his or her life, they should be allowed to. This is America after all. If the athletes become more durable, a little faster, a little stronger, and a little more entertaining because of a drug, than I'm all for it. Don't take this as 'Seannie Wan supports steroid abuse.' It's not that at all. My point is that if somebody wants to do something illegal, they're going to do it and the powers that be may as well let them do it. It's their choice. I'm off track. The point of this post wasn't steroids, it was TNA Wrestling.
Yes, the calm before the storm. TNA is geared towards fans like The Kidd and myself. We are fans that want an intriguing story and an interesting match with high points that work well not just because they're high points but because the interest in the match and the result has been built up through good storytelling and athletic ability. That is what Jeff Jarrett is working for. Vince McMahon, on the other hand, is at a place where he is trying to figure out - hopefully - what direction his promotion is going to go in. The WWE seems geared for children right now... and that's fine as long as the pay-per-views don't suffer. As long as I can watch several well-worked matches, I'm OK with the stories being geared towards kids. TNA is geared for an older audience.
TNA's problem is that they're handing out contracts to talent that has run their course with the WWE in a bad way. Booker T... Andrew Martin... Junior Fatu... Scott Hall... More talent will arrive with great buildup and this talent will be pushed front and center. I understand that TNA needs somewhat well-known names now that they have a 2 hour program. However, pushing the talent that has been rejected by World Wrestling Entertainment simply because they're known talent is going to backfire. The young talent that has been with TNA through it all - the guys like AJ Styles and Samoa Joe and Christopher Daniels and James Storm - are being buried in mid-card matches while Kurt Angle and Booker T headline a pay-per-view. TNA believes that their fans want to see Hall and Nash face Angle and a mystery opponent who is making his TNA debut after a long stint with the WWE (this is just an example, there is no former WWE wrestler set to make his debut at the next ppv), when in actuality, their fans want to see Samoa Joe win the world title and AJ Styles work a program with Christian Cage. This way of thinking will shoot Jeff Jarrett in the foot. The real talent that this promotion can be built around will lose their drive - especially working for 250 bucks a show - and think about the greener pastures of Connecticut. And yes! That was also WCW's downfall... i.e. Chris Jericho, Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero, Paul Wight, etc.
I really like TNA. Impact was pretty good on Thursday. I think the Team 3-D/x-Division feud is interesting. I didn't see the Havoc swerve coming... mostly because he is so uninteresting that I would expect something better... but regardless, I think it's a pretty cool feud. I really like the Motor City Machine Guns. I think AJ and Tomko jump from Christian to Angle is a nice story also. Rellik is pretty lame and Dustin Runnells must be very upset with how his career has turned out. Jay Lethal is a great talent, but his 'black Macho Man' gimmick is getting stale. There are ups and downs, but they are all interesting.
Overall, there is reason to get excited about Thursday night, but I just don't feel it yet. I feel very calm about TNA. It's a promotion on the brink of bankruptcy that continues to bring in over-the-hill talent as opposed to building up their own guys. Is there a storm coming? It's not James Storm, that's for sure. Something is going to give at some point.
I'll leave it up to The Kidd to comment further.
Survivor Series tomorrow night....
Peace Out
- Seannie Wan
11/16/07
Random Notes and Opinions 11/16/07
Edge is going to return at Sunday's Survivor Series. I'm a big fan of Edge although I think he tries to hard at being a heel. It's overkill but he's still probably my favorite wrestler. I'm sure he'll bounce right back into the world title picture. I'm thinking that Taker will win the title because of Edge's interference setting up a Batista-Edge feud. I can't see the Undertaker not winning the belt. It was the plan at Wrestlemania 23 for him to have a long title run. Neither The Undertaker or Batista really need the belt to get over.
It was cool to see Scott Hall and Kevin Nash together in the ring beating up Kurt Angle and Tomko and AJ Styles... sort of. I'm a little sketchy about TNA right now. I think they're pushing WWE leftovers where they should be pushing the home grown talent. If WCW had pushed Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit instead of Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage, I think they would still be around today. So if TNA is going to push Hall and Nash instead of AJ Styles and Samoa Joe they're not going to be around in a couple of years.
Speaking of Samoa Joe, he has yet to agree to a new contract with TNA. It's interesting because he and AJ Styles are the only true TNA talent that I think would be successful in the WWE. It'd be cool to see what kind of crowd reaction they would receive if they showed up on Raw. Ah... knowing Vince they'd probably be put on the ECW roster... which is really thin. They don't even have enough guys to fill a one hour show.
I'm a little more excited about Survivor Series now than I was when I posted my preview. I'm most excited about Monday... Y2J... I can't wait for the countdown. You know you can't either.
Peace Out
- Seannie Wan
11/13/07
Couple of Quickies...
This is the actual quote by CM Punk: "I've got a decent spot, I'm at all the pay-per-views defending my title but I do feel that ECW is a little bit of the redheaded stepchild of WWE. But that's not all negative, either. I actually embrace that."
No big deal. He's right too. CM Punk is too smart and too hungry and too respectful to say anything damaging or demeaning about World Wrestling Entertainment. He has such a bright future with the company and he is well aware of it.
Also, Joannie Laurner... or whatever the hell her name is... has officially changed her name to Chyna and upon exiting the court at which her name was legally changed she challenged Vince McMahon to a fight... a REAL fight. I believe after that she went home and smoked crack.
Apparently, TNA tried to create some mysterious messages - much like the 'save_us' videos but more like a puzzle that the internet browser visiting TNAWRESTLING.COM can solve - on their website presenting clues on Sting's mystery partner at 'Genesis.' Lame...
I'm going to purchase Bret Hart's new book... and Chris Jericho's new book... but not Dave Batista's new book... although I may buy Greg Batista's new book... I'm still unsure about that one.
11/12/07
Pre-Raw Notes 11/12/07
The WWE did not release him upon his request but will most likely do so this upcoming week.
So, if Carlito appears on Raw tonight, be sure to soak it in for it may be the last time that you ever see him on a WWE program. Also, his merchandise is on clearance, so if you ever thought to yourself 'man, I really want that Carlito shirt with the apple on it,' now is probably the best time to follow through on your desires.
Speaking of merchandise, I was wondering if it's possible to purchase Wrestlemania 20 with the main event of Benoit v. Michaels v. Helmsley included. I'll check it out and report my research later on tonight.
Lumberjack match tonight!!! Triple H v. Umaga... Neat! Also, Vince McMahon will be in the ring with Shawn Michaels and Randy Orton as a mediator. I'm not sure what they will discuss or even what the point of the meeting will be.
I'm thinking tonight's Raw will be LAME. I don't think anymore heat can be added to the Survivor Series card. There just isn't anything going on. Hopefully it's a calm before the storm... with the storm being a really killer PPV and Chris Jericho's return on Raw next Monday 11/19.
The Kidd really seemed to enjoy the TNA 'Genesis' PPV. I liked it, but not as much as The Kidd. The entire presentation still seems a little amateur to me. I'm not speaking on the talent level - which at times is better than the WWE - but the technical television presentation of the program(s). Super-duper big kudos to Christian Cage and Kaz. That was one helluva match they worked. Kaz is a very talented performer with zero charisma and the worst name in professional wrestling (I won't comment further on Kaz's name and personality as it is not my place, as chief WWE correspondent for Outside Interference Wrestling, to shoot on Total Nonstop Action). Also, the Jay Lethal v. Sonjay Dutt match was way above average... not classic... not amazing... but pretty damn good.
In summation, I'm not excited about Raw... I'm not too excited about Survivor Series, but obviously more excited than I am about Raw... I am excited about the 11/19 Raw presupposing I see the 2nd Coming of Chris Jericho. If I don't see the 2nd Coming of Chris Jericho on Raw next week, the WWE better show me the 2nd Coming of Christ because it'd be the only way to make up the disappointment I would feel. I have faith though.
Check back later for Post-Raw notes and check back manana (tomorrow) for my Survivor Series 2007 preview.
Peace out.
- Seannie Wan
11/10/07
McMahon
First, without Vince McMahon's Mr. McMahon character, Steve Austin would not have been as huge as he was and the WWE would not have experienced the resurgence that it did. The more I think about it, the more sense it makes. Steve Austin is a fantastic performer and his 'attitude' was the basis for the WWE 'Attitude.' But he needed a villain, and he was basically a heel character himself. Without Mr. McMahon as the evil boss, who exactly is Steve Austin feuding with? The Nation of Domination?
Also, there was a chapter concerning the Brand Expansion. Allot of people I talk to hate it. To be honest, I kind of hate it also. But it's not going anywhere ever. I understand that the shows would be better because there would be more than enough talent. Right now with the roster division, the talent is a bit thin. However, the WWE makes more money this way. They can tour two continents at once. Think about it. Would Vince McMahon sacrifice literally cutting his profits in half in order to produce better shows? No. Nobody would.
So, while I may get disappointed every other week, or every two out of three weeks, or maybe 4 out of 12 months, it's not going to change anything. Raw is the Raw brand and will always be touring separately from Smackdown, which is the Smackdown brand. The pay-per-views have been consolidated, which is the best thing possible in today's wrestling world.
I'm looking forward to the 'Genesis' Pay-Per-View. I'm sure The Kidd will give his preview later today... as the PPV is tomorrow and a preview tomorrow would be less of a preview and more of a view... and if his preview takes place Monday, it will be less of a view and more of a synopsis... and any later than that it'd be proof of laziness on our part... even though it's possible we're the only people reading our blog.
It's a confusing world.
