DreamTheaterForums.org Dream Theater Fan Site
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Destiny Of Chaos on February 28, 2014, 03:45:23 PM
-
With the Sith's permission.... our road to Wrestlemania 29 has finally ended! It can be re-lived here: https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=20211.0
So new Pro Wrestling Fed.... how about some generic Q&As?
1. When did you first get into wrestling?
2. Favorite promotions?
3. Favorite wrestlers?
4. Favorite shows?
5. Favorite matches?
As we all know, We're on the Road to Wrestlemania XXX. How do you feel about what WWE has done thus far in regards to shaping the card? Are you pumped for Orton Vs. Bootista? Do you cringe at the idea of Trips getting Daniel Bryan? How do you feel about Brock and Taker? Cena and Wyatt? Etc?
-
1. When did you first get into wrestling? The first show that I watched was Wrestlemania VI. Got to see The Ultimate Challenge. Good time to get on board.
2. Favorite promotions? I'll always love the WWE, but I also enjoy TNA and ROH... I haven't gotten into PWG or any of the Japanese promotions, which is a shame.
3. Favorite wrestlers? All Time: Edge, Chris Jericho, Kane, CM Punk, Chris Benoit.
Current: Cesaro, Daniel Bryan, Damien Sandow, Bray Wyatt, Dean Ambrose.
4. Favorite shows? I was fortunate enough to attend Wrestlemania 21, so that was a surreal experience. I also loved the 2001 Royal Rumble, Survivor Series '98, and WM19, 20 & 24.
5. Favorite matches? I'll have to think long and hard on this one... but for now, let's go with Chris Jericho vs. Chris Benoit in a Ladder Match for the I.C. Title at the 2001 Royal Rumble.
-
I have not watched Wrestling regularly since Vince Mcmahons limo blew up, But I see WWE has watered itself down further to a TVPG rating, and TNA is still a whole lot of wasted potential (great wrestlers, Awful Writing)
-
1. When did you first get into wrestling? 2000, left about 2005, got back in 2011.
2. Favorite promotions? WWE, ICW and PWG.
3. Favorite wrestlers? Sami Zayn (El Generico), Daniel Bryan, CM Punk, Antonio Cesaro, Seth Rollins, Kevin Steen, Naito and Bray Wyatt.
4. Favorite shows? MITB 2011, Wrestlemania 17, PWG All Star Weekend X & NJPW The New Begininning Night 2.
5. Favorite matches? CM Punk vs John Cena, Stone Cold vs Rock (WM17), Daniel Bryan vs Bray Wyatt, Cesaro vs Zayn
My opinion of Bootista vs Orton can be summed as this: Nobody who debuted after 2003 but The Miz has headlined Wrestlemania. Think about that.
-
So new Pro Wrestling Fed.... how about some generic Q&As?
1. When did you first get into wrestling?
1992. I was 5 years old and My mom's boyfriend was huge into it and got me into it. My earliest memory of wrestling was seeing the undertaking in the deadman gimmick. Absolutely incredible and I was hooked.
2. Favorite promotions?
WCW and WWF
3. Favorite wrestlers?
Top shelf: Undertaker, Sting, Macho, Flair, Shawn Michaels, Bret. Jake the snake, Austin
Also really like: Rick the model Martel, Rick Rude, Scott hall, Nash, Old Kane
Contemporary: Shield, D Bry, Punk, Santino.
4. Favorite shows?
Too many to name
5. Favorite matches?
Brett vs. SM Iron man match
Ric flair Iron man winning the 92 rumble
-
I'd also like to add the the WWE Network is awesome. Their archive of past PPVs is amazing.
-
I'll answer some of the questions later, but for now, I'm just posting to subscribe to the new thread. :tup
-
Crowd giving Batista the business to kick off Smackdown.
Okay... he's officially heel...... so do they turn Orton face, add someone into the match, change the match.... or leave it as is...
(https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/t1/1654064_628394360563011_532319458_n.jpg)
-
Batista: Hated so much NXT crowds hate him.
-
He was booed out of the building when he left. Why would they think the WWE Universe would welcome him back?
-
He was booed out of the building when he left. Why would they think the WWE Universe would welcome him back?
They would have welcomed him back under different circumstances. If he came in and got tangled in a feud with a mid or top heel, they'd be all for it. But to come back and win the Rumble on the first night back when WWE had better choices is what has garnered the Universe's ire.
-
I've decided I'm not going to answer those questions after all. I started making a list of my favorite wrestlers, and by the time I stopped to check how many I had, I was at almost 30. :lol Same thing happened when I started trying to pick favorite matches. A couple sprang to mind immediately, and then I kept thinking of more and more I needed to mention.
-
1. When did you first get into wrestling? - When I was a young boy, with Mid-Atlantic Wrestling/Crockett Promotions/NWA
2. Favorite promotions? - see above
3. Favorite wrestlers? - Ric Flair is the greatest of all time. I have others that I like, but none compare to Flair. Hulk Hogan is the antichrist.
4. Favorite shows? - Again showing my age, but some of the old Starrcades and Great American Bashes from the 80s and early 90s.
5. Favorite matches? - Flair vs. Steamboat (any). Also, one of my favorite matches remains the Austin/Hart match when Austin passed out at the end. There is also a special place in my heart for the Mankind/Undertaker Hell in a Cell match. And believe it or not, my first "holy shit" wrestling moment was in July 1985. The regular weekly Mid-Atlantic Wrestling show featured a match between the reigning tag champs Ivan Koloff and Krusher Kruschev against brand-new-to-the-territory team the Rock N Roll Express. It was a fantastic match, and pretty much took the whole hour of the show, and the Express won, their first NWA tag title. Unbelievable.
-
1. When did you first get into wrestling?
Early 80s, when my dad, my brothers and I would watch Wrestling at the Chase every Sunday morning after church.
2. Favorite promotions?
WWF from the mid 80s to early 90s.
WCW from the mid 90s to late 90s.
Currently, WWE, but mainly because there is no other good alternative.
So new Pro Wrestling Fed.... how about some generic Q&As?
3. Favorite wrestlers?
From the past: Hulk Hogan, Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig, Jake the Snake Roberts, Macho Man Randy Savage, and Bret Hart.
Currently: Daniel Bryan and CM Punk.
4. Favorite shows?
Saturday Night's Main Event was awesome back in the 80s/early 90s. Royal Rumble has always been the best PPV. The NWA's War Games concept back in the day was killer.
5. Favorite matches?
Flair/Steamboat at Chi-Town Rumble in '89
Savage/Steamboat at WM3
Bret/Hennig at SummerSlam '91
Flair/Funk at Great American Bash '89
Hogan/Andre at WM3
Undertaker/Michaels at WM25
CM Punk/Cena at Money in the Bank '11
As we all know, We're on the Road to Wrestlemania XXX. How do you feel about what WWE has done thus far in regards to shaping the card?
Awful job.
Are you pumped for Orton Vs. Bootista?
No.
Do you cringe at the idea of Trips getting Daniel Bryan?
No, it's the other way around: I cringe at the idea of Bryan getting stuck in a match with HHH.
How do you feel about Brock and Taker?
Not interested. Undertaker it too old and beaten up to make this match as physical as it should be, and Lesnar will likely have to tone down his style a bit.
Cena and Wyatt?
Cena is boring at this point, and while Wyatt's gimmick is okay, him getting Cena already at a Wrestlemania seems premature.
Etc?
Their burying of Dolph Ziggler since last spring is a damn shame.
-
And believe it or not, my first "holy shit" wrestling moment was in July 1985. The regular weekly Mid-Atlantic Wrestling show featured a match between the reigning tag champs Ivan Koloff and Krusher Kruschev against brand-new-to-the-territory team the Rock N Roll Express. It was a fantastic match, and pretty much took the whole hour of the show, and the Express won, their first NWA tag title. Unbelievable.
I found that match on youtube recently. Didn't watch the whole thing, but reminded me the Rock n Roll Express were my favorites, they might still be #1 if I had to think all-time.
I also loved Ric Flair, the Four Horsemen, Dusty Rhodes, and the old NWA. I loved the Road Warriors too, though hated how most of their matches never lasted more than 60 seconds.
Also, Bobby Heenan. Nothing to say, because he probably said it all already.
-
1. When did you first get into wrestling?
Had to be mid to late 1990's with PR's World Wrestling Council.
2. Favorite promotions?
WWF/E & WCW
3. Favorite wrestlers?
Stone Cold Steve Austin, CM Punk, The Rock, Daniel Bryan, Sting, Seth Rollins, Eddie Guerrero, Glamour Boy Shane, Pre-WWE Rey Mysterio, Ultimo Dragon
4. Favorite shows?
Not sure I have an all-time favorite show, but Money in the Bank 2011 came to mind when I read this.
5. Favorite matches?
Any of the Austin/Rock matches on WM, Punk/Cena MitB '11, the first Taker/HBK, the "ladder war" match between El Generico/Kevin Stein and a bunch of others I won't name because the list would be too long.
How do you feel about what WWE has done thus far in regards to shaping the card?
Bad
Are you pumped for Orton Vs. Bootista?
Is anybody pumped for this?
Do you cringe at the idea of Trips getting Daniel Bryan?
Yep! Shovel time!
How do you feel about Brock and Taker?
Has potential to be good, Brock since coming back has been selling like there's no tomorrow! :lol
Just look at how he jumped around when Big Show pushed him.
Cena and Wyatt? Etc?
I think this match is in jeopardy with that bum knee Cena got on Raw (EDIT: Hah, Cena wrestled last night, I guess that was a work). Anyway, Wyatt needs to impress me more in the ring. Luke Harper is really good though.
-
https://www.wwe.com/videos/byron-saxton-interviews-dolph-ziggler-wwe-app-exclusive-feb-28-2014-26186141 Thing this is all you need to know about why Ziggler should be main event.
-
What if WWE was behind all the chanting? All those chants meant to talk shit to the WWE were actually started by WWE plants...
-
https://www.wwe.com/videos/byron-saxton-interviews-dolph-ziggler-wwe-app-exclusive-feb-28-2014-26186141 Thing this is all you need to know about why Ziggler should be main event.
That was an incredible promo.
-
Video doesn't load for me. :/
-
There's a lot of speculation about tomorrow night's Raw in Chicago. WWE seems to be pulling out all the stops to have an entertaining show, but regardless of what they do... if Punk isn't there, the crowd is going to let them hear it all night. At this point, who knows for sure if Punk being gone is a work, is legit, or was legit and has since been resolved. Either way, tomorrow night's Raw has the potential to be great.
-
Take with a grain of salt:
"CM Punk is expected to return at tomorrow night's Raw in Chicago, Illinois, according to Dave Meltzer on today's edition of Wrestling Observer Radio.
While Meltzer won’t say he’s 100% sure Punk will be at the show, his source, who he says is "one of the biggest stars in the industry," said that it’s 100% certain.
Punk has been absent from WWE programming since the Raw following the Royal Rumble on Jan. 27."
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1978470-report-cm-punk-to-appear-on-hometown-edition-of-raw
-
I'm up there with Hef on my memories - though he was right in the thick of it for mid-atlantic. I'll get to the questions later, but one of my earliest wrestling memories is Piper cracking Cap'n Lou with that gold record Lauper presented him with at MSG. And thus Wrestlemania was born.
-
Punk will be there tomorrow night? I'll believe when I see it. It it does happen, what will his involvement in Wrestlemania be? When they were starting to go with the Punk/HHH route a few months back, I think they missed the boat by not injecting AJ Lee and Stephanie into it. They could have made AJ being Punk's gf as part of the storyline, and then AJ/Stephanie could have been an entertaining WM matchup.
-
When is the last time Stephanie wrestled anyone?
-
I hope Punk shows up, just for the crowd reaction. The building will explode.
-
I would love to see Punk show up on Raw, but I'm definitely not holding my breath.
-
So new Pro Wrestling Fed.... how about some generic Q&As?
1. When did you first get into wrestling?
2. Favorite promotions?
3. Favorite wrestlers?
4. Favorite shows?
5. Favorite matches?
As we all know, We're on the Road to Wrestlemania XXX. How do you feel about what WWE has done thus far in regards to shaping the card? Are you pumped for Orton Vs. Bootista? Do you cringe at the idea of Trips getting Daniel Bryan? How do you feel about Brock and Taker? Cena and Wyatt? Etc?
1. I remember hearing about the VonErichs growing up, but I really didn't mark out for it until probably about 2007-2008ish.
2. WWE (all I know, really)
3. CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, Edge, Jericho, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Roman Reigns
4. Money in the Bank 2011.
5. Punk/Cena MitB 2011, Undertaker/Kane Inferno Match Unforgiven 1998, Undertaker/Michaels WM25, Savage/Steamboat WM3 (thanks to WWE Network for the older matches we've been watching)
6. I used to like HHH before he became the "corporate sellout". He did a pretty damn good job running RAW the first time around (before Yes Man Johnny Ace replaced him), but now it's just the same old shit.
7. Pfft, please.
8. I cringe more at how Dolph Ziggler (amongst others) was utterly buried.
9. Yawn. I think Punk/Taker or Bryan/Taker would've been much more enjoyable.
10. I like Cena but his schtick has gotten WAY old. I also think Wyatt would have much more potential if he wasn't written as a hillbilly psychopath.
11. Dolph had it right on in the video posted above me - WM 30 is big enough that there should be enough room for everyone, but we (the marks) are shown/spoonfed otherwise. That's part of the reason why Bryan is so over right now, and probably led to Punk leaving. I'll also believe that Punk is back when I see it.
-
WWE would be crazy not to have Punk show up tonight. Pay him whatever he wants. That place is gonna flip their sh*t tonight if Punk doesn't show up.
-
1. When did you first get into wrestling?
My grandpa came to visit in '98 and he was a big wrestling fan. My older brother thought it was stupid, but my younger brother and I got into it pretty quickly thanks to Goldberg. Became a fan just in time to see him beat Hogan for the Championship.
2. Favorite promotions?
WCW and WWF/E. Watching old WCW Nitros makes me cringe though. Definitely a nostalgic memory.
3. Favorite wrestlers?
Goldberg, Stone Cold, Triple H, Kane, CM Punk, Jeff Hardy, and Daniel Bryan is pretty cool too I guess.
4. Favorite shows?
No idea. Never kept track of that.
5. Favorite matches?
John Cena's recent matches with Punk and Bryan were really cool, but same as 4. I do like the TLC and ladder matches. Those are always fun.
-
WWE would be crazy not to have Punk show up tonight. Pay him whatever he wants.
May not be that simple. If Punk doesn't want to show up, he's not going to show up. And if he's really dealing with as many nagging injuries as he's said he is, then maybe he shouldn't show up.
-
WWE would be crazy not to have Punk show up tonight. Pay him whatever he wants.
May not be that simple. If Punk doesn't want to show up, he's not going to show up. And if he's really dealing with as many nagging injuries as he's said he is, then maybe he shouldn't show up.
Yeah but it's confirmed that the main reason for his walkout was how they were booking WM, along with him being burnt out. I seriously think if Punk doesn't show up tonight, Chicago better have some open jail cells
-
Good read below, regarding the Punk situation:
https://pwinsider.com/article/83982/whats-next-for-cm-punk-tonight-will-tell-the-tale.html?p=1
The most important thing to take from that article: CM Punk is not stupid. Just like he leveraged his contract expiring in 2011 into the Summer of Punk, I believe his walkout was him using his leverage to come back and be in the main event of Wrestlemania 30. The question is: will Vince give him what he wants?
-
What's funny to me is that Punk has said this should be Daniel Bryan's year, so if he does leverage himself into the WM main event, he'd be stealing Bryan's spot.
-
I totally think Punk deserves to main event WM, just probably not this WM since they've written themselves into a whole and pretty much Daniel Bryan should be added to the main event. Even if Punk does come back, I really don't know how they'll make the story lines work this close to the PPV
-
What's funny to me is that Punk has said this should be Daniel Bryan's year, so if he does leverage himself into the WM main event, he'd be stealing Bryan's spot.
I don't think Punk left because he himself wasn't in the main event. I think it's because WWE went with Batista instead of Bryan.
-
What's funny to me is that Punk has said this should be Daniel Bryan's year, so if he does leverage himself into the WM main event, he'd be stealing Bryan's spot.
Not true. They seem to not want to put Bryan in the main event, so how can Punk be stealing Bryan's spot if he was never really gonna be in it anyway?
And if they do add Bryan into the main event as a triple threat, it would likely be if Punk doesn't come back and only as damage control because of how badly they screwed the pooch.
-
What's funny to me is that Punk has said this should be Daniel Bryan's year, so if he does leverage himself into the WM main event, he'd be stealing Bryan's spot.
I don't think Punk left because he himself wasn't in the main event. I think it's because WWE went with Batista instead of Bryan.
That was probably the last straw, but not the only straw. Odds are, if Punk comes back, it will be under a new contract where he has some type of creative control over his character. Given that Punk has zero faith in creative to do anything right, I can see him negotiating a large chunk of creative control, ala Bret Hart prior to his 1997 departure.
-
Yeah I can see that
-
What's funny to me is that Punk has said this should be Daniel Bryan's year, so if he does leverage himself into the WM main event, he'd be stealing Bryan's spot.
Not true. They seem to not want to put Bryan in the main event, so how can Punk be stealing Bryan's spot if he was never really gonna be in it anyway?
Because if he really wanted Daniel Bryan to get the main event, he could try to use his leverage to make that happen. Agree to come back and face Triple H at Mania on the condition that they add Bryan to the title match. I'm not saying that would work, of course; I'm just saying it's something he could try if he was really doing this for the fans. The thing is, I'm not at all sure he's doing this for the fans, or for Daniel Bryan, or for anybody other than himself. And if he walked out on his contract as a power play to put himself in the main event, then as far as I'm concerned, he's really just a child throwing a temper tantrum when he doesn't get his way.
Don't get me wrong, I'd still love it if Punk was added to the main event. It would be better with him than without him, because I still have the utmost respect for him as a performer. I'm just not sure how I'll feel about him as a person if he's just been holding the WWE hostage to get himself back in the spotlight.
-
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/t1/1925244_538507856261821_1755169812_n.jpg)
-
What's funny to me is that Punk has said this should be Daniel Bryan's year, so if he does leverage himself into the WM main event, he'd be stealing Bryan's spot.
Not true. They seem to not want to put Bryan in the main event, so how can Punk be stealing Bryan's spot if he was never really gonna be in it anyway?
Because if he really wanted Daniel Bryan to get the main event, he could try to use his leverage to make that happen. Agree to come back and face Triple H at Mania on the condition that they add Bryan to the title match. I'm not saying that would work, of course; I'm just saying it's something he could try if he was really doing this for the fans. The thing is, I'm not at all sure he's doing this for the fans, or for Daniel Bryan, or for anybody other than himself. And if he walked out on his contract as a power play to put himself in the main event, then as far as I'm concerned, he's really just a child throwing a temper tantrum when he doesn't get his way.
Don't get me wrong, I'd still love it if Punk was added to the main event. It would be better with him than without him, because I still have the utmost respect for him as a performer. I'm just not sure how I'll feel about him as a person if he's just been holding the WWE hostage to get himself back in the spotlight.
Even if he is just throwing a temper tantrum, he's still doing what is ACTUALLY best for business.
-
If you've seen Punk's DVD, you'll probably get his mindset is that he's still trying to change WWE for the better, even if his methods aren't as popular as some people like. (Not too sure what people want from Punk really)
-
The fact that Batista has gone heel after being brought back as a monster face proves that creative is in scramble mode. Who know's what we'll end up seeing. I hope that crowd is insane tonight. Crowds are fun.
-
What's funny to me is that Punk has said this should be Daniel Bryan's year, so if he does leverage himself into the WM main event, he'd be stealing Bryan's spot.
Not true. They seem to not want to put Bryan in the main event, so how can Punk be stealing Bryan's spot if he was never really gonna be in it anyway?
Because if he really wanted Daniel Bryan to get the main event, he could try to use his leverage to make that happen. Agree to come back and face Triple H at Mania on the condition that they add Bryan to the title match. I'm not saying that would work, of course; I'm just saying it's something he could try if he was really doing this for the fans. The thing is, I'm not at all sure he's doing this for the fans, or for Daniel Bryan, or for anybody other than himself. And if he walked out on his contract as a power play to put himself in the main event, then as far as I'm concerned, he's really just a child throwing a temper tantrum when he doesn't get his way.
Don't get me wrong, I'd still love it if Punk was added to the main event. It would be better with him than without him, because I still have the utmost respect for him as a performer. I'm just not sure how I'll feel about him as a person if he's just been holding the WWE hostage to get himself back in the spotlight.
I could not disagree more.
Is he trying to get a better spot for himself? Of course, but what is wrong with that? Should he just roll over and allow himself to be booked horribly, just so he can say he towed the company line and did what he was told? Hell no. Remember that the whole reason Michaels, HHH, Nash and Hall formed the Kliq back in the day was to have more say in how they were booked, instead of having to bow down to Vince and kiss his ass. When you have power, you have leverage, and Punk has both at the moment. When you combine how pissed the fans are at Bryan's awful booking as of late with Punk's departure, it is safe to say that right now the WWE needs Punk more than he needs them, which is why Vince has reportedly been scrambling like crazy to get him back in the fold. Besides, there isn't a performer in the business with tons of power who hasn't used it to get what he wanted. Hogan, Flair, Austin, Rock, Undertaker, Bret, Michaels, HHH, Cena, Punk, etc....they've all done it. It's the nature of the business.
-
What's funny to me is that Punk has said this should be Daniel Bryan's year, so if he does leverage himself into the WM main event, he'd be stealing Bryan's spot.
Not true. They seem to not want to put Bryan in the main event, so how can Punk be stealing Bryan's spot if he was never really gonna be in it anyway?
Because if he really wanted Daniel Bryan to get the main event, he could try to use his leverage to make that happen. Agree to come back and face Triple H at Mania on the condition that they add Bryan to the title match. I'm not saying that would work, of course; I'm just saying it's something he could try if he was really doing this for the fans. The thing is, I'm not at all sure he's doing this for the fans, or for Daniel Bryan, or for anybody other than himself. And if he walked out on his contract as a power play to put himself in the main event, then as far as I'm concerned, he's really just a child throwing a temper tantrum when he doesn't get his way.
Don't get me wrong, I'd still love it if Punk was added to the main event. It would be better with him than without him, because I still have the utmost respect for him as a performer. I'm just not sure how I'll feel about him as a person if he's just been holding the WWE hostage to get himself back in the spotlight.
I could not disagree more.
Is he trying to get a better spot for himself? Of course, but what is wrong with that? Should he just roll over and allow himself to be booked horribly, just so he can say he towed the company line and did what he was told? Hell no. Remember that the whole reason Michaels, HHH, Nash and Hall formed the Kliq back in the day was to have more say in how they were booked, instead of having to bow down to Vince and kiss his ass. When you have power, you have leverage, and Punk has both at the moment. When you combine how pissed the fans are at Bryan's awful booking as of late with Punk's departure, it is safe to say that right now the WWE needs Punk more than he needs them, which is why Vince has reportedly been scrambling like crazy to get him back in the fold. Besides, there isn't a performer in the business with tons of power who hasn't used it to get what he wanted. Hogan, Flair, Austin, Rock, Undertaker, Bret, Michaels, HHH, Cena, Punk, etc....they've all done it. It's the nature of the business.
I agree with every word of that. Vince, and other promoters through the years have had to cater to the demands of their draws. Just the cost of doing business.
This is cute:
(https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1/1798525_639984106054991_1098957927_n.jpg)
-
Sounds like I need to DVR Raw.
-
What's funny to me is that Punk has said this should be Daniel Bryan's year, so if he does leverage himself into the WM main event, he'd be stealing Bryan's spot.
Not true. They seem to not want to put Bryan in the main event, so how can Punk be stealing Bryan's spot if he was never really gonna be in it anyway?
Because if he really wanted Daniel Bryan to get the main event, he could try to use his leverage to make that happen. Agree to come back and face Triple H at Mania on the condition that they add Bryan to the title match. I'm not saying that would work, of course; I'm just saying it's something he could try if he was really doing this for the fans. The thing is, I'm not at all sure he's doing this for the fans, or for Daniel Bryan, or for anybody other than himself. And if he walked out on his contract as a power play to put himself in the main event, then as far as I'm concerned, he's really just a child throwing a temper tantrum when he doesn't get his way.
Don't get me wrong, I'd still love it if Punk was added to the main event. It would be better with him than without him, because I still have the utmost respect for him as a performer. I'm just not sure how I'll feel about him as a person if he's just been holding the WWE hostage to get himself back in the spotlight.
I could not disagree more.
Is he trying to get a better spot for himself? Of course, but what is wrong with that? Should he just roll over and allow himself to be booked horribly, just so he can say he towed the company line and did what he was told? Hell no. Remember that the whole reason Michaels, HHH, Nash and Hall formed the Kliq back in the day was to have more say in how they were booked, instead of having to bow down to Vince and kiss his ass. When you have power, you have leverage, and Punk has both at the moment. When you combine how pissed the fans are at Bryan's awful booking as of late with Punk's departure, it is safe to say that right now the WWE needs Punk more than he needs them, which is why Vince has reportedly been scrambling like crazy to get him back in the fold. Besides, there isn't a performer in the business with tons of power who hasn't used it to get what he wanted. Hogan, Flair, Austin, Rock, Undertaker, Bret, Michaels, HHH, Cena, Punk, etc....they've all done it. It's the nature of the business.
My point is that he claims this should be Daniel Bryan's year in the spotlight. For him to then do everything in his power to put himself in the spotlight just strikes me as a bit hypocritical. That's all.
But I realize I'm in a minority on this. I've already been literally cussed out elsewhere on the internet. :lol
-
Not trying to beat a dead horse...but I've been a wrestling fan for over 25 years now and a small part of me still sees this whole thing being a work. I can just totally see Vince/HHH/Punk coming up with this after the Royal Rumble. "Let's make it look like you left the company, even in your personal life. The IWC will go crazy. Take a month off, stay off Twitter, get your rest, then return for the RAW in Chicago in a month."
If this isn't the case, then it's almost like WWE is deliberately trying to make their creative team the new heel faction, much like the Corperation/McMahon/Helmsley regime was back in the day. Except instead of Rock and Austin, it's now Punk and Bryan. And instead of a work, it's a shoot.
-
Not trying to beat a dead horse...but I've been a wrestling fan for over 25 years now and a small part of me still sees this whole thing being a work. I can just totally see Vince/HHH/Punk coming up with this after the Royal Rumble. "Let's make it look like you left the company, even in your personal life. The IWC will go crazy. Take a month off, stay off Twitter, get your rest, then return for the RAW in Chicago in a month."
If this isn't the case, then it's almost like WWE is deliberately trying to make their creative team the new heel faction, much like the Corperation/McMahon/Helmsley Bischoff/Russo was back in the day.
Agreed, this could all be a very elaborate work, but I don't think that the McMahon's have that much creativity in them anymore. Interesting theory though.
-
WWE has announced that tonight, Batista will face Daniel Bryan. Interesting...
-
After Batista's promo on SmackDown talking about how he was going to destroy all of the fans' heroes, I kinda figured they'd be feeding him Daniel Bryan sooner or later. I expect Bryan will end up getting Batista Bombed through the announce table or something.
I'd love to be proven wrong, of course. But after what happened with Ziggler, I'm not optimistic.
-
Watching the Pre-Show.... just heard a CM Punk chant, loud and proud..... they're currently filming O'Neil vs. Ryder for Superstars.
-
Paul Heyman, I love you :heart
and nice touch with the sitting indian style.
-
Paul Heyman, I love you :heart
and nice touch with the sitting indian style.
Well... if he's NOT there... this is certainly the best way to approach it.
-
He HAS to be there. And if he isn't, someone needs to call a cab and get him there in the next 2.5 hrs. Or else this crowd will riot. We're gonna hear Punk chants for the rest of the night, unless DB is wrestling. Maybe even then.
-
Awesome to see the Usos win the Tag Team Titles.
-
Not trying to beat a dead horse...but I've been a wrestling fan for over 25 years now and a small part of me still sees this whole thing being a work. I can just totally see Vince/HHH/Punk coming up with this after the Royal Rumble. "Let's make it look like you left the company, even in your personal life. The IWC will go crazy. Take a month off, stay off Twitter, get your rest, then return for the RAW in Chicago in a month."
If this isn't the case, then it's almost like WWE is deliberately trying to make their creative team the new heel faction, much like the Corperation/McMahon/Helmsley Bischoff/Russo was back in the day.
Agreed, this could all be a very elaborate work, but I don't think that the McMahon's have that much creativity in them anymore. Interesting theory though.
If it's all a work, then it's awesome. But I don't give them any benefit of the doubt right now that they have that kind of creativity either. I think they're just legitimately doing a shit job of business.
-
Wow... I get that they're building towards Cesaro/Swagger... but what a waste.
-
That seals it. If the 6 man tag isn't closing the show, then Bryan/Batista is. Punk is showing up then.
-
If it's all a work, then it's awesome. But I don't give them any benefit of the doubt right now that they have that kind of creativity either. I think they're just legitimately doing a shit job of business.
As much as I wish they were that creative, I know in my heart that they've probably just fallen ass backwards into something special here, because D-bry and Punk are red hot over right now. And jaded, cynical me is now watching RAW for the first time in months.
-
I say again, Seth Rollins is a god!
-
That was an awesome match. Nice to see that Seth was the one that deserted the other two, while so many thought it would be Dean.
Think a triple threat match at Wrestlemania is likely.... perhaps for the United States Title.
-
Well, that was a lunch bag let down. Steph and HHH are just brutal at promo's these days. There were so many opportunities for Bryan to tear her to shreds. I liked how he immediately dismissed her - "Anyway..." :lol But it would've been better for him to respond "you wouldn't have anything without your family".
Could they be possibly setting up the all-too-obvious three-way for the title? I can't say that I'm anymore interested in what the WWE is doing these days, and was highly disappointed in no Punk. It's clearly not a work now, because tonight would've been the night to capitalize on it if it was a work.
-
Yesterday was a great show, all things considered. It does look like we're getting a triple threat for the title. Maybe Trips and Bryan's match will be a win and you're in sort of thing. We'll see.
As for Punk.... yeah, he's gone and it's legit. If it was a work, last night was the time to bring him back.
-
Whilst I'm sure Punk not being there is worrying, man, Heyman's line about "The man that nobody dares talk about" was pretty awesome.
-
I think last night's show featured some of the loudest booing I've ever heard in my life. :lol
-
Having Heyman come out to Punk's music at the beginning was a cheap ploy to make most think, they wouldn't do that unless Punk was showing up later, and keep watching for the whole night. And it probably worked. :lol :lol
Pairing Aaron Paul with Ziggler was a wise move, since you know they didn't want their guest star getting booed, and pairing him with a guy a smarky Chicago crowd loves was the way to go.
And I've never seen John Cena look so bored and irrelevant.
-
Heyman is such a master! I laughed so much when he took the crowd to it's zenith of pro-Punkness and then turn all that into heat for Brock and himself with one sentence! :lol
-
- We noted before that John Cena and Daniel Bryan were being planned to be pushed as the #1 and #2 guys in WWE coming out of WrestleMania XXX. Cesaro will also be pushed big time and is being planned for a big match at SummerSlam. Other names to be pushed hard after WrestleMania include Bray Wyatt, Roman Reigns, Batista, Brock Lesnar & Paul Heyman and Randy Orton.
Not sure how you push Batista and Randy Orton any more than they already have. :lol
-
Trips vs. DB.... if DB wins, he gets added to the WWEWHC match at WM. All is well.
-
What's that chant to symbolize how much I like this..? YES! YES! YES!
-
So he beats HHH and loses the triple threat...
-
You can't help but wonder what they would have done regarding Daniel Bryan had Punk not walked out after the Rumble? Since Punk/HHH was a near lock before that, would they have found another way to get Bryan into the main event, or would the lame ass rumored match against Sheamus been it?
-
Maybe all hope is not lost after all! So that means it's basically a sure thing Bryan will beat HHH, even if he loses the title match.
-
Given that you know Vince wants to promote Batista's movie that is coming out this summer, and that it will be a lot easier if he is the champ, I think a likely scenario is Bryan winning the belt at WM, but then Batista winning it shortly thereafter, leading to a spring/summer feud that will see Batista the champ and Bryan quickly back in the underdog role of trying to win it all. He'll get the payoff at WM, and it will be glorious, but it will be short-lived.
-
That isn't necessarily a bad thing, if he and Batista trade it a few times, a la Stone Cold. He never had a long reign, granted the main event talent was deeper back then.
-
Thank goodness they added the stip with Bryan possibly getting the title shot if he beats Triple H. But if it's another screw job, there may be a riot. Plus, I think everyone is ready for a major push for Cesaro, he's awesome
-
I'm usually one of the first people to try to defend Triple H on the internet, but if he ends up winning the title at Wrestlemania, I might facepalm myself into a coma.
Shield's rebellion looks promising, though.
-
It would be dumb to have a champion that stays behind the scenes. I think HHH just wants to be in the main event regardless if he wins or not.
-
I don't think there's any way Triple H will work that Main Event of Daniel Bryan. Last night was just him building an angle. I'm surprised how many people seem to be making it more than it was.
-
They are sticking Bryan in the main event so the crowd doesn't tear that place apart during the awful title match they initially had planned. If they put HHH in there over Bryan? They're not getting out of that venue alive.
Whether they have him win the title or not, there is no way Bryan is not going to be in that title match.
-
I WANT to think that it is just the WWE building the angle, but with Triple H one can never be sure!
-
I didn't see it, but after hearing about it, any RAW that begins AND ends with a HHH promo is a RAW I want no part of. His long-winded, boring monologues (which 99% of his promos are) do not interest me.
-
The promos are the best part of RAW.
-
Yeah they totally swerved me last night. One of the best endings to Raw I've seen in years
-
I'm not a big Triple H fan, but he is definitely bringing his a game for this match build. Stephanie has been absolutely incredible.
-
1. When did you first get into wrestling?
2001 - Shortly before WWE acquired WCW and ECW and the invasion started
2. Favorite promotions?
New Japan Pro Wrestling and WWE
3. Favorite wrestlers?
Shinsuke Nakamura, Kazuchika Okada, Cm Punk and Antonio Cesaro.
4. Favorite shows?
Too many to mention but ECW One Night Stand 2005 and 2006 were memorable.
5. Favorite matches?
I don't know the context but assuming it's types then I will say Money In The Bank and Hell In a Cell before PG.
-
I pity the fool who does not acknowledge Mr. T being inducted in to the WWE HoF! I remember that first Wrestlemania with him going face to face (literally!) with Roddy Piper in the ring. Like the promo said, that was such a huge crossover as Mr. T was about as big as you could get back then.
(https://onehellofaslobberknocker.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/8-26-2013-9-42-53-pm.jpg)
-
that was a pretty cool angle at the end of Raw; actually looking forward to a Triple H match for once.
-
Mr. T will always be Clubber Lang, to me.
"Don't give that sucka no statue! Give 'em guts!"
-
As great as he was in that movie...
Mr. T will always be Clubber Lang Sgt BA Baracus, to me.
-
Pretty good ending to Raw. I really, really hope they manage to put on a good WrestleMania.
-
Triple H sold that attack like a champ! Especially when Bryan drop through the ropes. :lol
-
Triple H sold that attack like a champ! Especially when Bryan drop through the ropes. :lol
Absolutely!
Trips and Steph have been absolutely fantastic on the road to Wrestlemania!
-
(https://i.imgur.com/o5kdCFjl.jpg)
INB4 the Bryan/HHH match ends in a controversial double count-out or something, and Hogan, as the host of WM30, inserts them both into the main event for a Fatal Four-Way. The way this has been booked, it almost seems inevitable. Plus, it will give HHH's ego the satisfaction of not having put Bryan over in a one-on-one match.
-
My brother came to the same conclusion, and the more I think about it, the more it seems exactly like something HHH would do.
Either way, Daniel Bryan has to be in that title match, after all, that's why they needed to do this, but the chance of HHH also putting himself into the mix is much more likely than Bryan having a clean victory over HHH and having the 3 way match.
-
I will be watching Wrestlemania tomorrow. The last time I watched WWE was last year's Wrestlemania.
Anything I should know?
-
CM Punk's out. Daniel Bryan is the hottest thing in the business since Stone Cold. SHIELD is still awesome.
-
SHIELD is still awesome.
Until Captain America: The Winter Soldier, that is.
-
And the Hall of Fame is too draining to watch from start to end.
-
And the Hall of Fame is too draining to watch from start to end.
Agreed. It was pretty much a trainwreck. Lita's stories were entertaining, but she went on entirely too long. Mr. T effectively highjacked the show with a long-winded speech having nothing to do with professional wrestling whatsoever. It was a shame to see Kane have to come out prematurely and interrupt him. And Warrior's at the end, as out there as one of his promos......
Jake's speech and Bearer's induction were the highlights for me.
-
Oh yeah... it's time for Wrestlemania XXX! Time to see guys who have been grinding all year do their thing on the biggest stage that professional wrestling provides. Guys like Cesaro, Kofi Kingston, Dolph Ziggler, R-Truth, Christian, and so many others. I can't wait to see their single matches. And teams like the Usos and the Brotherhood... can't wait to see them work on the main card.....
Oh that's right, Wrestlemania ain't about that life. Instead we've got to see cherry pickers and part-timers come out and take their spots, then stay out of the ring until it's convenient. All part of the business, but not a part that I like. At least Daniel Bryan, Randy Orton, Bray Wyatt, The Shield and John Cena all get appropriate spots. And at least The Rock ain't around to be a part of the main event for the fourth year in a row.
-
My picks (In the order of how i think the matches will be ordered)
Pre-Show: Usos win. Get the crowd warmed up
1. The Shield vs. Kane & New Age Outlaws: If you would have asked me months ago, I would have thought that the Shield would have been facing each other in a triple threat match for Dean's U.S. Title, instead, WWE seems content on letting this over as hell stable continue to roll. In that light, they get another big win tonight. But I wouldn't be disappointed to see Dean turn on Roman and Seth.
2. Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. I'll take The Big Show, but wouldn't be surprised to see Sheamus add another accolade to his impressive resume.
3. Daniel Bryan vs. Triple H. I think that with this build, both Trips and Bryan could wind up in the main event. I think the logical way to do this is to have Trips win dirty as hell, and to have someone, either Hogan or Vince add Bryan to the main event, making it a Fatal Fourway. But once again, would not surprise me to see Trips do the job outright.
4. Vickie Guerrero Divas Championship Invitational. Damn, it would have been great to see a well build, one on one match for the Divas Title. I re-watched Mickey James and Trish Stratus from WM22 yesterday, and that's how you build up a women's match. Instead, we've got this. I'll go out on a limb and say that Tamina kirks out on AJ Lee and leaves with the title. But I'd love to see Natayla win this mess.
5. John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt. I've stated before that to me, neither man needs to win this match, or a loss doesn't hurt either man. This will be the first time that Cena wrestles someone at Mania who was not currently or previously a top champion. I've got Cena taking this match, but would love to see Bray pull it out like he did against Bryan at the Royal Rumble.
6. The Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar. Undertaker wins a brutal match.
7. WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match.
Daniel Bryan pins Orton to win the WWE Championship. This protects Batista, who has also stated he detests the triple threat format because he doesn't have to be pinned to lose. As stated earlier, I (and many others) believe that this will actually end up being a fatal fourway match. And while the writers could throw a swerve here, or have Bryan lose (or not make the match at all), I think that they'll put over Bryan so that everyone leaves happy and WMXXX is fondly remembered for years to come.
Will CM Punk be a part of the show? I'm thinking not. But if he does show up, it would be great to see him come back all corporate looking to screw Daniel Bryan. But if he shows up tonight... people will be screaming "told you it was a work".
-
I think Wyatt will win the match against Cena. I think the only reason he's got a match against Cena is as part of his big push, and I think beating Cena will be to bring him up. I have no idea what they see in that guy though. For a Wrestlemania match, this is beneath Cena, and I'm not even a Cena fan.
I would also bet that HHH will not give Bryan a clean win. I'll give it a 70% chance they'll both end up in the title match, and a 30% chance that Bryan barely wins by interference or something else that makes HHH look like the legend he thinks he is. There's no chance Bryan is not making it to the title match though.
As for who wins the title match itself? Like everyone else, I'm hoping to see Bryan win it, but I think there's still at least as good a chance Bootista still takes it.
Hopefully there are some genuine pleasant surprises!
-
Well, I think Mr. T loves his mother.
-
Well, I think Mr. T loves his mother.
And I bet he treats his mother right.
-
In my dream world, Sting shows up and costs Taker the lesner match, killing the streak and gaining an inferno level of heat. One year build to WM31 where Taker regains his honor by going over against sting.
It would never happen, but if it was ten years earlier I would have liked to see an angle like that, considering both Taker and Sting were my two favorite wrestlers growing up.
And this is probably nothing but:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDlQ20p8BXw
-
In my dream world, Sting shows up and costs Taker the lesner match, killing the streak and gaining an inferno level of heat.
Really? This is pretty much my nightmare scenario for ending the streak. :lol
-
In my dream world, Sting shows up and costs Taker the lesner match, killing the streak and gaining an inferno level of heat.
Really? This is pretty much my nightmare scenario for ending the streak. :lol
Yeah... there's no way to justify allowing Brock to be the one to end the streak. If Sting's really in the mix, he can come down after an Undertaker win or show up tomorrow night on Raw.
-
Awesome opening match. I just marked out big time.
-
Good match, and judging from comments I've seen online, I am one of many who could have done without Stephanie screaming her head off every 22 seconds outside the ring.
Also, the main event now will likely see interference from HHH and Stephanie, and my money would be on it backfiring, leading to a Bryan win, and possibly leading to an Orton face turn in the coming weeks.
-
judging from comments I've seen online, I am one of many who could have done without Stephanie screaming her head off every 22 seconds outside the ring.
Agreed. That got old really fast.
-
Aside from the obvious - promoting the streak for money - what was the point of this Undertaker/Lesnar match? Lesnar looks weak and horrible, cause Undertaker is old and can't take bumps like he used to. As much as people ragged on Rock and Batista for waltzing back in to main event Wrestlemania, Undertaker has it made in the shade: he can show up once a year to keep his kayfabe streak going. Boring.
-
I'm not watching Mania live, so I can't really comment on the quality of the Taker/Lesnar match, but I definitely think they could have picked a much better opponent for him this year.
That being said, I really don't have a problem with him showing up once a year for WrestleMania.
-
Its almost painful watching this Taker match. The crowds getting restless and so am I. He should have just went out on top with 20-0
HOLY SHIT
-
Thank God it's over.
-
Wait, Lesnar won?
... I can't remember the last time I've been this legitimately surprised by the outcome of a match.
-
Unbelievable....... why not give it to an up and comer that could have used that like Roman, Cesaro or Bray?
Unbelievable.....
-
You could hear a pin drop when the ref counted three. I'm still in shock.
-
It was time. Like I said earlier, he is old now and can't take bumps anymore, and while they played up the "he can't get to his feet" angle, it was legit; he simply cannot go anymore, which is why he probably agreed to let Lesnar beat him.
-
I would have rather they gave that honor to a Reigns or Cesaro or Wyatt. Someone who would benefit from the rub of ending The Streak.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BklWo56CcAATHvL.jpg)
:lol :lol
-
Yeah, I'm kind of torn here. On the one hand, it's just surreal. The streak's been going on about as long as I've been alive. It feels incredibly strange to think that it's over. I am literally in disbelief.
On the other hand, Undertaker obviously couldn't keep doing this forever. At some point, he was going to stop wrestling, and there would always be a question of what to do about the streak. I also know that Undertaker has enough creative control at this point in his career that he didn't have to do this if he didn't want to, so I have to assume that this outcome had his blessing. And if this is the way he wanted it to end, fair enough. I respect that.
On the third hand (that's right; I grew a third hand just to express my disappointment), I personally think Brock Lesnar is a fucking awful choice for ending the streak.
-
Sounds like the audience gave him some nice appreciation after Brock and Heyman left.
This does feel surreal, that is a good word to describe it. This match did feel like a throw away, certainly not the one that would end the streak. No build-up, momentum. Nothing like the matches he had with Michaels and HHH. And of course seeing the three of them at the top of the ramp at the end of WM28.... that would have been the most fitting way to end an era.
And of course they follow it up with the Diva Invitational or whatever.
-
THat was awesome. :metal
-
THat was awesome. :metal
Hell yeah it was :metal :metal
-
Whistles.......
(https://abload.de/img/bombvzurz.gif)
-
THat was awesome. :metal
Hell yeah it was :metal :metal
The whole show, or just the main event?
I'm just curious; as I said, I haven't watched it.
EDIT: Also, kinda looks like Orton landed on the monitor. Ooouuuuch...
-
Bryan winning at the end and the crowd going berserk the way they did. Awesome moment.
And I am shocked Orton was able to finish the match after landing on that monitor. I thought he was legit hurt. Hell, he probably is.
-
And I am shocked Orton was able to finish the match after landing on that monitor. I thought he was legit hurt. Hell, he probably is.
Seriously. That does not look good.
-
Not sure Bryan winning makes up for them ending the streak what a joke :censored
-
Kinda weird to see Lesnar, of all people, beat 'Taker :yeahright
-
Triple H coming out as Shao Kahn was one of the cheesiest things I've even seen in wrestling...
-
And I bet Vince didn't like his son in law doing a crippler crossface.
-
Prowrestling.net can confirm reports that Undertaker (Mark Calaway) was taken by ambulance to a hospital in New Orleans after his WrestleMania 30 match with Brock Lesnar on Sunday. It is believed that he suffered a concussion during the match.
-
Whistles.......
(https://abload.de/img/bombvzurz.gif)
That move was amazing. I didn't notice at the time that Orton hit the monitor right on like that.
Aside from the Undertaker match, the night they had booked could not have gone better.
I am thoroughly shocked that HHH cleanly put over Daniel Bryan, and not only that, put on a pretty darn good match that didn't devolve into weapon hits. Then after the match he did just enough to keep Bryan as the underdog going into the title match. Respect to HHH for his job. And Stephanie was awesome. I was surprised she didn't interfere during the match. Perfect performances all around.
The tag match was suitably short and sweet. It was a waste of the Shield, but luckily it was a squash match, and that triple/double powerbomb was a killer finish. Perfect outcome to a wasted booking.
The battle royale was great. It was a perfect excuse to give Kofi Kingston another fun showing, and having Cesaro body slam The Big Show over the top rope was such a brilliantly fitting finish to the match. Well played.
The Cena/Wyatt match was expectedly fairly stinky, but I was pleasantly surprised that Cena won. They got to raise Wyatt's profile without compromising one of their top guys. Another good result, and the match wasn't quite as bad as it could have been.
The Lesnar/Taker match sucked huge donkey testicles. It was just 15 minutes of basic striking moves. The crowd wasn't even pissed, they were simply in shock. Such an uneventful match that ended with zero fanfare. I didn't even believe that the match had ended, it was all over without there really being much of a match. A match that shitty did not deserve to end the streak, and Lesnar hadn't really earned that right either. The only downer of the night.
The Divas match wasn't too bad at all. The Divas matches at Wrestlemania are usually in a tough spot, and this was no exception. But it kept up a good pace, and had some decent moves, and another good result.
Then the title match. Going into the show, I would have given it an even bet of Batista still winning, but after HHH let Bryan beat him cleanly, there was no way he was letting Bryan lose. It would have made him look bad.
Again, HHH put in what was necessary to play his part in the match, then left and let Bryan have his moment.
The moments where it was just Orton/Batista, the crowd couldn't have cared less. They did a couple of big moves, but all eyes were on Bryan when he was being wheeled out on the stretcher.
That match played out so well, and it was a huge Wrestlemania moment. They've put a lot of faith in him here, and hopefully he continues to remain in the title picture regardless of the fallout from this.
They clearly had little faith in their "host" Hulk Hogan, so putting him together with two of the other icons of wrestling to kick off the show was perfect for the occasion. I'm glad there weren't any stunners etc. I loved seeing them all acknowledge each other and shake hands and leave it at that.
The other cameos were excellent too.
Overall, a really solid Wrestlemania from start to finish, and a huge turnaround from the Royal Rumble, which was a low point for the WWE.
-
How do they not have flat screens there yet?
-
Monitor looks more effective than a flatscreen would when hitting someone with it.
-
I doubt they had little faith in Hogan, so much as his bad knees and hips have made it to where he probably can't take even the simplest bump, thus what he can do is fairly limited. Plus, once they got Rock and Austin on board to show up, having the three biggest stars in wrestling history together, even if it was just window-dressing, was the natural thing to do.
I'd love to know what measures Vince took to ensure that Warrior and Hogan didn't cross paths since the former still has a major beef with the latter.
The unfortunate thing for Daniel Bryan is, they actually let him win it all and have his big moment, like so many thought they should, but all anyone is talking about is the Undertaker's stupid streak ending. Some older gal I work with is legit mad that he lost instead of just retiring with the streak intact. I chided her on FB about it, and the next time I see her, I am gonna remind her again what a mark she is. :lol :lol :biggrin:
-
The unfortunate thing for Daniel Bryan is, they actually let him win it all and have his big moment, like so many thought they should, but all anyone is talking about is the Undertaker's stupid streak ending. Some older gal I work with is legit mad that he lost instead of just retiring with the streak intact. I chided her on FB about it, and the next time I see her, I am gonna remind her again what a mark she is. :lol :lol :biggrin:
There's really no need to be so dismissive about it. Granted, it's just professional wrestling, no big deal, but it's also the end of a storyline that has been going on for more than two decades. I think that seems like something worth talking about.
-
I doubt they had little faith in Hogan, so much as his bad knees and hips have made it to where he probably can't take even the simplest bump, thus what he can do is fairly limited. Plus, once they got Rock and Austin on board to show up, having the three biggest stars in wrestling history together, even if it was just window-dressing, was the natural thing to do.
It did work out very nicely, and I'm actually glad Austin and Rock didn't get involved beyond that. I'm over the Rock's recent part timer wrestling, and Austin didn't need to do anything, it was just cool to see him there as part of the event. He was clearly enjoying the hell out of being in there too. :hat Having any fighting after that would have ruined the moment.
-
Oh, I know, Jaffa. I will do it in a fun way, as she is a super nice lady, so I'll be cool about it, while also having fun with it. :coolio
Also, back to one of BVD's points, Stephanie not interfering in the match made total sense when you consider the kayfabe stance she and HHH had taken. In their minds, Bryan wasn't good enough to even wrestle HHH at Wrestlemania, and only got the match because of the Occupy Raw moment, so she shouldn't need to interfere since HHH should beat Bryan with relative ease. Her "shocked" reaction when Bryan won was part of that arc.
-
Also, back to one of BVD's points, Stephanie not interfering in the match made total sense when you consider the kayfabe stance she and HHH had taken. In their minds, Bryan wasn't good enough to even wrestle HHH at Wrestlemania, and only got the match because of the Occupy Raw moment, so she shouldn't need to interfere since HHH should beat Bryan with relative ease. Her "shocked" reaction when Bryan won was part of that arc.
I didn't think of it that way, but that works.
I'm glad she stayed out of that match, and that they saved the obligatory screw-job drama for the big title match (excluding the minor beating after the first match, which was expected).
It even showed that HHH is capable of wrestling a good match without using weapons and foul play as a crutch. Best match I've seen from him in a long time, and I gained a little bit of respect for him after this PPV, which I thought was impossible at this point. Bryan makes his opponents lift their game, and he can put on a good match with just about anyone, which is the mark of a great wrestler.
And seeing HHH wrestle in the opening match was also a bonus, even if he did still insert himself into the title match in some form. :lol
-
(https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4252583/grr.gif)
Probably HHH's best entrance.
-
My love for Sasha Banks keeps distracting me in that gif.
-
I thought it was a great show overall. I expected Bryan to come out on top at the end, but I was very legitimately surprised to see Undertaker lose cleanly.
-
Extremely surprised to see Taker lose. WTF happened. He had a concussion? Lesnar was supposed to put him over but chose to break script? The rumor mill keeps turning...
-
People can make up any rumor they want, but anybody who believes that that match didn't end exactly as they planned it needs to get a grip on reality.
-
Yes, it was a lame end to the streak, and it sucks that Undertaker lost, but losing a match isn't a conspiracy regardless of his win record. The Undertaker has wanted the streak to end in the past, but nobody else has wanted it. They ended it at Wrestlemania XXX to a powerful opponent.
-
Where the f did that Trips come from? Tiger suplex, crossface chickenwing and crippler? Definitely MVP of WM30 for me(Except for Punk, who seems to have saved the fans from experiencing Bryan-Shaemus and Orton-Batista).
I'm actually excited for what he has in store for next year. Steph was distractingly hot.
-
I doubt they would have kept those plans. They likely would have found a way to get Bryan into the title match, just not having to resurrect the feud with HHH to do it. We'll never know what their original plans really were, but the Royal Rumble backlash - Batista not being the face they thought he'd be following his return; the anger over Bryan not being in the Rumble - forced them to change things, and that would have happened even if Punk had stayed.
-
Hate Triple H all you want, but damn he put on a great match with Bryan and jobbed clean!
At first I thought either Taker or the ref fucked up that three count because I was so surprised, but yeah it was time for him to lose. I would've if it had been in the long rumored Sting match though.
-
Predictions for RAW tonight? I bet Heyman and Lesnar open the show and get tons of heat. The best that can come from Taker's loss is if Lesnar gets a huge push out of it.
-
Anyone think that Sting will show up tonight?
-
That would be cool.
So are the Wyatts so over because the crowd hates Cena, cause they were cheered like faces in that match.
-
wow Wyatts were over huge tonight
-
That Ultimate Warrior promo was painful. Dude looks like he can barely walk, let alone talk.
-
An hour ago, Heyman was being booed out the building and now he's cheered like he's Daniel Bryan lol
-
Has anyone ever been as over as Daniel Bryan is at the moment? Seriously. It is just insane. Maybe Hogan, Rock or Austin, but that's it. That pretty crazy company to be in.
-
Agreed. I can't recall anyone other than those three getting the pops that Brian has. Maybe Brett Hart in the USA vs Canada days, when he was a huge face up here, and a heel south of the border.
-
I don't really care about wrestling since Stone Cold-Undertaker-Rock were the main events and I'm still pissed that they ended the streak. It killed a little from my childhood.
-
I sure hope Bryan can sustain his popularity, but he has got to change things up a bit now that he's won the championship. Maybe get a manager.
Paige winning is cool. AJ botched the finisher though. This will be a great feud.
And this really feels like the start of a new era.
-
I sure hope Bryan can sustain his popularity, but he has got to change things up a bit now that he's won the championship. Maybe get a manager.
Paige winning is cool. AJ botched the finisher though. This will be a great feud.
And this really feels like the start of a new era.
I feel like they should have waited on having the actual match. Both ladies had title reigns over 200 days long. They could have played that up and had a title for title match which might have been the biggest Women's Title Match in modern history. But that aside, still very happy for the Champ!
-
Assuming the HHH twitter account is legit, and I think it is, he just announced the passing of the Ultimate Warrior. Woah.
-
It's legit. WWE.com has announced it now as well. That is some crazy timing, considering he was inducted into the HOF this past weekend and appeared on RAW last night for the first time in almost 20 years. Wow.
-
It's legit. WWE.com has announced it now as well. That is some crazy timing, considering he was inducted into the HOF this past weekend and appeared on RAW last night for the first time in almost 20 years. Wow.
I can't help but think that can't be a coincidence. I'm thinking either the recent events were too much for him and his heart gave out (as has caused many old wrestlers to drop like flies), or maybe even suicide, given that he's a bit of an odd guy.
R.I.P Ultimate Warrior.
And I watched this week's RAW. I haven't watched it in forever, but it was surprisingly great.
-
Could this be the fastest title change, ever? From RIP Streak to RIP Warrior?
Anywho, this is very sad and very sudden that it happened and this segment pretty much makes a good amount of sense in light of everything.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xR08M6EUd0g
-
Holy shit. :( :( :( :( :(
R.I.P. Warrior.
-
It really is sad for him to die this young but at the very least he went out sensationally: WWE HoF, Wrestlemania XXX, and a Raw reunion all in his final week. I truly feel bad for his loved ones and fans but, for him at least, this is FAR better than the standard 10-15 years of withering through a gradual decline in motor skills, mental capacity, and many other things we take for granted in our vital years. Regardless, RIP Warrior.
-
RIP Warrior
-
Unbelievable. My thoughts are with his wife and children....
-
This is incredibly surprising. We just saw him the day before and everything you read about him said he always took good care of himself. Wow
RIP
-
That is absolutely crazy. Makes his speech Monday about the last heart beat and last breath so incredibly ironic (and not in the good way). Saddened to hear this. He was one of my favorites growing up.
-
Down here he was just seen as a Kerry Von Erich ripoff. Nobody really had anything against him. He just didn't have a whole lot to offer. Guess it's good that he did better elsewhere. All in all he looked pretty good in the video I just saw. I suppose he's just one of the thousands of people who drop dead of a surprise heart attack and it's not wrestling related at all, or it's further evidence that coke and steroids are a really bad combination. Don't know anything about the guy's personal life, but since he started down here it's almost a foregone conclusion.
Anyway, here ya go. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_qoRfmcZY8
-
RIP Warrior :(
Word going around is that he died of natural causes which would surprise me if that were the case.
-
I was never much of a fan of his - I think I rooted against him in every major feud he had (Rude, Savage, etc.) - but there is no denying the guy had one of the best entrances ever: nothing fancy or choreographed, just him running to the ring at 100 MPH with that music playing. It was easy to see why he was so over with the fans during his peak (1988-1990), even if I personally wasn't a fan. Should be interesting to see what is said about him in the coming days by people in the industry since he was not well-liked at all, partly for being a bad and difficult worker back in the day, and partly for the way he spent decades trashing the industry.
-
I was unaware that he was unliked or that there was animosity until you mentioned it. Based on the WikiP entry it does seem that WWE brought a fair amount of it on itself. Selling a DVD titled "The Self Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior" after he resigns from your promotion isn't exactly a tactful move. :lol Furthermore, suing him over the image and IP of the Warrior schtick wasn't real cool either, since he was clearly doing most of it back here in Dallas.
-
Well, look up petty in the dictionary and you'll see a picture of Vince McMahon. :lol :lol
In fact, I think that is a big reason why Bret Hart sucked it up and buried the hatchet with Vince, as there was talk that Vince was gonna do something similar with Hart and a new DVD. Deep down, I would bet money that Bret still hates Vince's guts, and every time they trot him out for an event, like when he was there the other night, you know Bret is thinking, "I can't believe I have to do this shit." Granted, he probably gets a nice paycheck for the window dressing, but still, it has to be pretty galling.
-
To be honest I don't even know who Bret Hart is (there used to be a manager named Hart--bald guy, but I'm assuming that's not him). The only reason I know the Warrior is because he was the Dingo first, and that was in Dallas back when I watched wrestling. I do know who McMahon is, and he certainly seems like one of the world's leading assholes.
-
To be honest I don't even know who Bret Hart is (there used to be a manager named Hart--bald guy, but I'm assuming that's not him). The only reason I know the Warrior is because he was the Dingo first, and that was in Dallas back when I watched wrestling. I do know who McMahon is, and he certainly seems like one of the world's leading assholes.
Guess you never watched the WWF in the 90s? He was probably their biggest name for that decade, behind the Undertaker and Michaels.
-
Hated WWF, and probably the biggest reason I blew off wrestling altogether. That's what changed it from blood and guts to soap opera stories with the occasional match thrown in. WCCW was dark and spooky. Those guys would turn up dead in hotel rooms or get stabbed in lockerrooms. WWF was about as dark and shady as GLOW (except without the T&A to make it worth watching).
-
SO saddened by this news. Here is his final speech from RAW on Monday. The guy basically gave his own eulogy....
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1.0-9/10253804_10153980214635328_6189205968742190922_n.jpg)
-
I started watching wrestling around the time Warrior was blowing up, and the first Mania I caught was WMVI, and everyone there was tired of Hulk Hogan and was pulling for the Warrior to win. When he got the pin the room I was in exploded. Memorable start to my watching of pro wrestling. Had some amazing matches with Rick Rude and Randy Savage (and Warrior seemed inspired when he worked with those two because if you watch them, it wasn't the classic broomstick carry, he would bust out moves you couldn't believe he KNEW against those two) and wow, that entrance was simplicity itself, and yes, blew him up for early parts of matches, but it jacked the crowd up every time.
To this day I can watch where he won the IC title from Honky Tonk Man and laugh my ass off at it. Hard to believe he died so soon after being on TV.
-
It's too bad that he died, but honestly, I never saw the appeal, or the wrestling talent. He certainly milked what he had, though.
-
Trivia time ... Who remembers this from '85/'86? Anyone else remember what they were called?
(https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/Delvie/CrusadeForum/Sting/sting2.jpg)
-
Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley?
-
Trivia time ... Who remembers this from '85/'86? Anyone else remember what they were called?
(https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/Delvie/CrusadeForum/Sting/sting2.jpg)
Blade runners, with a young Steve borden.
I loved the Ultimate Warrior as a kid. The energy and charisma he carried always blew my mind.
-
I started watching wrestling around '98 so my only memory of warrior was the hilariously bad time he returned to WCW to haunt Hollywood Hogan. I had no clue who the guy was, but that whole thing was retarded to me, even as a kid.
-
Trivia time ... Who remembers this from '85/'86? Anyone else remember what they were called?
(https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/Delvie/CrusadeForum/Sting/sting2.jpg)
I remember that. They were in Mid-South Wrestling. What a great territory that was. It also featured (at various times) The Rock N Roll Express, The Midnight Express, The Fantastics, and The Fabulous Ones. Fantastic time and place for tag-team wrestling.
However, I would imagine that both Sting and the Warrior were better served for the Blade Runners splitting up.
-
Blade Runner Rock and Blade Runner Flash.
-
WMVI was one of my favorite WWF moments growing up. The Warrior was pretty much the only guy I liked better than Hulk until Taker came up. RIP Warrior, you crazy bastard :metal
-
I've actually been watching the Ultimate Warrior DVD the last week. He was more than capable of having a good match when he had the right opponent. The match with Hogan at WM is amazing.
-
Ok all you smarty pants... what stable/faction were Helwig and Borden part of before they broke out and called themselves the Blade Runners? No googling allowed.
And I concur with Jay... that WMVI match is one of the best ever.
-
Something USA.
Powerlifting? Powerteam?
-
Something USA.
Powerlifting? Powerteam?
Atta boy. Powerteam USA for the win.
(https://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/article/media_slots/photos/000/985/079/PowerTeamUSA_original.jpg?1374724999)
-
So why did they decide to end the streak? Any ideas? It makes no sense to me, especially by Brock Lesner. Seems like this should have been done by someone iconic - maybe a return of Steve Austin, the Rock, Kane, or anyone that he's had a big feud over the years. BL has been in and out of WWE a few times iirc? Doesn't enhance his career or anything. It all looks like a wasted opportunity, not that it should have been done in the first place.
-
So why did they decide to end the streak? Any ideas? It makes no sense to me, especially by Brock Lesner. Seems like this should have been done by someone iconic - maybe a return of Steve Austin, the Rock, Kane, or anyone that he's had a big feud over the years. BL has been in and out of WWE a few times iirc? Doesn't enhance his career or anything. It all looks like a wasted opportunity, not that it should have been done in the first place.
It's possible Brock just happened to be the guy who was wrestling Taker on the year he/they chose for him to lose. For all we know, the outcome was decided after the match was booked.
Brock is definitely one of the most believable guys to defeat The Undertaker, so I don't have a problem with that, although he is a bit of a part timer right now, and doesn't seem to have as much respect for WWE or The Undertaker's legacy as someone else would have, and the build-up and match weren't really worthy of the loss. That does bother me.
I would definitely not have wanted The Rock or Kane to end the streak though. Kane has been terrible for years, so nobody would have been happier with that situation, and The Rock is a part timer, so I don't think he deserves it either.
-
Word is that 'Taker wanted Lesnar to end the streak years ago, and since they are good friends apparently, it was probably an easy decision for him to decide to let Lesnar end it.
Some have said it should have been to an up-and-comer, but I disagree. Sure, it would give a major rub to a possible future star, but what if that guy flames out and never becomes a top star? Then the streak was ended by someone who turned out to not be all that great. It had to end at the hands of someone who is already a top guy, and while Lesnar might be a part-timer, he fits the bill. The other top guy it could have gone to is Cena, but he is already hated by tons of people, and if it had been him to end the streak, my gosh, the backlash would have been unreal.
-
I would be quite surprised if the Undertaker and Lesnar are, at least, decent friends. I wouldn't think that Undertaker would like guys that was given everything the business had to offer him and he left in a manner that Lesnar did back in 2004.
The other top guy it could have gone to is Cena, but he is already hated by tons of people, and if it had been him to end the streak, my gosh, the backlash would have been unreal.
That would have be a good opportunity to really legitimately turn Cena heel.
-
Maybe I'm wrong but I thought that there was major heat between them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=zjHtxPew5Os#t=44
That doesn't look like friends to me.
-
I think I read before that Brock didn't really like losing to Taker some years ago when they had some match so maybe they weren't the best of pals back then, no idea what's up now. As I've said before, I haven't really kept up with the scene, just check out the occasional Taker WM match and that's about it.
I wonder if he has a chance against Brock in an UFC match after few months of training himself.
-
Um... What was up with that divas match on Raw? Paige did one move and was able to beat AJ? I'm unfamiliar with Paige, but apparently she's well liked on NXT, but couldn't they have made her title match a little better than that? That was crap.
-
Um... What was up with that divas match on Raw? Paige did one move and was able to beat AJ? I'm unfamiliar with Paige, but apparently she's well liked on NXT, but couldn't they have made her title match a little better than that? That was crap.
Female wrestlers never get up from finishing moves, and it was only a TV match, and apparently that was her finishing move, executed poorly. I couldn't even tell what it was supposed to be, as I've never seen anything else of her.
It was crap.
-
Yeah Paige was terrible they should put the title on someone who can actually wrestle like Natalya or Tamina.
-
Yeah Paige was terrible they should put the title on someone who can actually wrestle like Natalya or Tamina.
Do what? Paige is incredible. You should probably actually watch one of her "full" matches before passing judgment on her.
Here's a clip from a recent match...... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYAtvX48xZY
-
Okay, do we really care who the divas champion is? I mean, really? :lol :lol
Maybe I'm wrong but I thought that there was major heat between them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=zjHtxPew5Os#t=44
That doesn't look like friends to me.
That was part of the work, as they both knew that a Wrestlemania match was a possibility down the line, so they did that to make look like there was real animosity in case the match every came about, which it obviously did. Those in-the-know have said that they are pals, and Lesnar supposedly rode along with him and Vince when 'Taker was taken to the hospital after the match the other night.
-
Um... What was up with that divas match on Raw? Paige did one move and was able to beat AJ? I'm unfamiliar with Paige, but apparently she's well liked on NXT, but couldn't they have made her title match a little better than that? That was crap.
She is a member of a wrestling family. She's been wrestling her whole life, and is really, really good.
As for the "impromptu" match the other night, here's what I've previously posted:
I feel like they should have waited on having the actual match. Both ladies had title reigns over 200 days long. They could have played that up and had a title for title match which might have been the biggest Women's Title Match in modern history. But that aside, still very happy for the Champ!
-
Okay, do we really care who the divas champion is? I mean, really? :lol :lol
Maybe I'm wrong but I thought that there was major heat between them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=zjHtxPew5Os#t=44
That doesn't look like friends to me.
That was part of the work, as they both knew that a Wrestlemania match was a possibility down the line, so they did that to make look like there was real animosity in case the match every came about, which it obviously did. Those in-the-know have said that they are pals, and Lesnar supposedly rode along with him and Vince when 'Taker was taken to the hospital after the match the other night.
This exactly. It's very likely that Undertaker hand picked Lesnar to beat him at Wrestlemania. I'm sure Vince was content with the streak never being broken, but this may have been something that the Undertaker insisted on, or at least pushed for.
-
I feel bad for the families of the wrestlers that were slandered last night. Feel bad for DDP who had to sit in on that crap.
I went on Nancy Grace last night expecting to discuss Warrior the man. Had I known the only topic discussed would be steroids I would not have participated. At the time I was also unaware of the list that was shown to the viewing audience. To imply that all of the wrestlers on that list died from steroids was wrong and for that they owe the families an apology. Again, my only intention was to discuss Warrior the man and share some stories about how dedicated he was to the wrestling business. I am saddened that was not what happened and my thoughts remain with his family.
DDP
Source: DDP Yoga Facebook Page
Here's the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6gv-WOE17s
Here's Cody Rhodes alleged thoughts on it:
This is what Cody Rhodes had to say
""Why are folks surprised by @NancyGraceHLN ?? She got dumped by a pro-wrestler in the 80s' and started a life quest to be just awful... ...if she was remotely confident in her accusations, she'd interview an active talent, yet she won't do that because she'd have a... ..."Mark Cuban/Skip Bayless" situation, and she would come-off as the ignorant sweathog she actually is." "
-
Okay, do we really care who the divas champion is? I mean, really? :lol :lol
Maybe I'm wrong but I thought that there was major heat between them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=zjHtxPew5Os#t=44
That doesn't look like friends to me.
That was part of the work, as they both knew that a Wrestlemania match was a possibility down the line, so they did that to make look like there was real animosity in case the match every came about, which it obviously did. Those in-the-know have said that they are pals, and Lesnar supposedly rode along with him and Vince when 'Taker was taken to the hospital after the match the other night.
This exactly. It's very likely that Undertaker hand picked Lesnar to beat him at Wrestlemania. I'm sure Vince was content with the streak never being broken, but this may have been something that the Undertaker insisted on, or at least pushed for.
I'm betting it was 100% Taker's decision. And while I'm not happy that the feud was so bad (WWE's fault) and the match was so bad (circumstance's fault with the concussion), I am happy that Taker lost to someone he chose personally. Actually, it's given me a lot of respect for Taker (the man, not the superstar). I never really thought about it, but he seems like a really humble guy. Does his job, does it well, doesn't brag, and is willing to give his legendary streak over to his friend even though he didn't have to. I was also reading a story about how he stuck up for Bret Hart when Hart got screwed by McMahon.
Seems like one of the most respectable guys in the business. :tup IMO, leagues ahead of Bryan. Lesnar vs Taker should have been the main event (providing that they built up the feud properly).
-
Well, there were rumors that Undertaker picked him to stop the streak back in 2010, so I'm not that surprised.
-
Well, there were rumors that Undertaker picked him to stop the streak back in 2010, so I'm not that surprised.
I've heard this as well.
If it's true, and he voiced his opinion prior to that year's Wrestlemania, Vince be like.... well, you got to work the clique 3 more times before we can have this discussion. ;D
-
re: Undertaker. If any fellow wrestler has ever said a bad word about him, I've never heard it.
Sting signs with the WWE.
I only have a vague recollection of watching him from the 80s (NWA?) but I never followed WCW so his career pretty much passed me by.
-
Sting signs with the WWE.
I only have a vague recollection of watching him from the 80s (NWA?) but I never followed WCW so his career pretty much passed me by.
You missed so much then. His early 90s NWA time was amazing. He picked up the torch when Flair left for WWF in '92, and carried it all the way to and thru the nWO/Monday Night Wars. Can't say he's done anything notable since WCW folded... gezuz... 13 years ago now!? Wow.
-
Referee Chad Patton did not know that The Undertaker would be losing to Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania XXX. He was told Taker was winning but the rule every referee is told is that if the guys don't kick out, you continue the count. Right after the match ended, Lesnar whispered in Taker's ear, "Thank you."
Apparently the decision to end The Streak was finalized on March 31st. Only a few people knew the outcome before WrestleMania Sunday. The group of people that knew were most likely Vince McMahon, Taker, Lesnar, Paul Heyman, Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. None of the agents were aware. The actual script for the show did not have a finish listed but this didn't raise any red flags because that's not unusual for WrestleMania and it wasn't the only match that didn't have a finish listed.
Whether or not The Undertaker is done, Vince was going on the assumption that this was his last match and he could either win or lose. McMahon chose the idea that it's better to lose on your way out. One person close to the situation said Vince talked Taker into losing. Another person, who would also be in the know, described it as Vince making the call and Taker agreeing, and that he wasn’t talked into doing something he didn’t want to do. Losing was not Taker's original decision but he was in on it and never protested the decision. Perhaps, like he thought in 2010, if he was going to lose, maybe he thought Lesnar was the guy to lose to.
There were many people within WWE very unhappy about The Streak ending but couldn't say so publicly.
-
Sting signs with the WWE.
I only have a vague recollection of watching him from the 80s (NWA?) but I never followed WCW so his career pretty much passed me by.
You missed so much then. His early 90s NWA time was amazing. He picked up the torch when Flair left for WWF in '92, and carried it all the way to and thru the nWO/Monday Night Wars. Can't say he's done anything notable since WCW folded... gezuz... 13 years ago now!? Wow.
Eh, that is a bit of an overstatement. Sting flopped his first two times as world champ - 1990 after beating Flair, and 1992 after beating a departing Luger - which is why he was never given an extended world title run again (all of his world title runs after that were really short). Yes, he was a fan favorite, and had some great matches, but he was never really the guy you could look at and say, "That is THE guy who can carry our company." They thought he was gonna be, which is why they wanted the belt on him in '90, but he flopped so badly that they put the belt back on Flair in early '91, something the powers-that-be didn't want to do again.
-
Referee Chad Patton did not know that The Undertaker would be losing to Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania XXX. He was told Taker was winning but the rule every referee is told is that if the guys don't kick out, you continue the count. Right after the match ended, Lesnar whispered in Taker's ear, "Thank you."
Apparently the decision to end The Streak was finalized on March 31st. Only a few people knew the outcome before WrestleMania Sunday. The group of people that knew were most likely Vince McMahon, Taker, Lesnar, Paul Heyman, Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. None of the agents were aware. The actual script for the show did not have a finish listed but this didn't raise any red flags because that's not unusual for WrestleMania and it wasn't the only match that didn't have a finish listed.
Whether or not The Undertaker is done, Vince was going on the assumption that this was his last match and he could either win or lose. McMahon chose the idea that it's better to lose on your way out. One person close to the situation said Vince talked Taker into losing. Another person, who would also be in the know, described it as Vince making the call and Taker agreeing, and that he wasn’t talked into doing something he didn’t want to do. Losing was not Taker's original decision but he was in on it and never protested the decision. Perhaps, like he thought in 2010, if he was going to lose, maybe he thought Lesnar was the guy to lose to.
There were many people within WWE very unhappy about The Streak ending but couldn't say so publicly.
https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/468463-who-knew-about-the-streak-ending
Fixed.
-
(https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10247258_772928126060124_7897089614663458490_n.jpg)
-
Sting signs with the WWE.
I only have a vague recollection of watching him from the 80s (NWA?) but I never followed WCW so his career pretty much passed me by.
You missed so much then. His early 90s NWA time was amazing. He picked up the torch when Flair left for WWF in '92, and carried it all the way to and thru the nWO/Monday Night Wars. Can't say he's done anything notable since WCW folded... gezuz... 13 years ago now!? Wow.
Eh, that is a bit of an overstatement. Sting flopped his first two times as world champ - 1990 after beating Flair, and 1992 after beating a departing Luger - which is why he was never given an extended world title run again (all of his world title runs after that were really short). Yes, he was a fan favorite, and had some great matches, but he was never really the guy you could look at and say, "That is THE guy who can carry our company." They thought he was gonna be, which is why they wanted the belt on him in '90, but he flopped so badly that they put the belt back on Flair in early '91, something the powers-that-be didn't want to do again.
So who would you say was 'the guy' (title or not) for the NWA/WCW from '92-'96? Simmons, Vader? Roma, Shockmaster :lol? Flair, Hogan? Sting was the only Tier 1 name there the whole time.
-
I'm a huge Sting fan. I'm glad he's signed as he deserves a proper send off.
His 45 time limit draw with Ric at the clash is a classic.
-
He's got a lot of classics. That final WCW match with Flair was pretty darn good too. His tag bouts with Luger in the late 80s were great. There wasn't a single heel in NWA/WCW that he didn't feud with at some point.
Now the WWE can do a proper DVD on his career.
-
That is the top reason I always wanted Sting to sign with WWE. For a DVD, hopefully with a documentary.
I would put him number 2 behind the Naitch for my all time favorite.
-
Sting signs with the WWE.
I only have a vague recollection of watching him from the 80s (NWA?) but I never followed WCW so his career pretty much passed me by.
You missed so much then. His early 90s NWA time was amazing. He picked up the torch when Flair left for WWF in '92, and carried it all the way to and thru the nWO/Monday Night Wars. Can't say he's done anything notable since WCW folded... gezuz... 13 years ago now!? Wow.
Eh, that is a bit of an overstatement. Sting flopped his first two times as world champ - 1990 after beating Flair, and 1992 after beating a departing Luger - which is why he was never given an extended world title run again (all of his world title runs after that were really short). Yes, he was a fan favorite, and had some great matches, but he was never really the guy you could look at and say, "That is THE guy who can carry our company." They thought he was gonna be, which is why they wanted the belt on him in '90, but he flopped so badly that they put the belt back on Flair in early '91, something the powers-that-be didn't want to do again.
So who would you say was 'the guy' (title or not) for the NWA/WCW from '92-'96? Simmons, Vader? Roma, Shockmaster :lol? Flair, Hogan? Sting was the only Tier 1 name there the whole time.
There really wasn't someone you would call THE guy in WCW during that time period, although Hogan was the man once he got there. Sure, Sting was always in the mix, but like I said before, his two flops as champ is why he never got an extended title reign again; he simply wasn't the draw they thought he'd be as the main event guy. Even during the whole nWo thing, his mystique being that he didn't wrestle for a long time is why he was so highly touted, and even then, he never really got over on Hogan and the nWo. They expected Sting to dominate the 90s in WCW like Flair did the 80s in the NWA, but he fell way short. I wouldn't even call him one of the top 5 wrestling stars of the 90s.
-
Absolutely nothing you said about Sting, though, was his fault.
Speaking as a guy who lived in an old NWA territory, Sting was always over, was hugely popular (especially with kids), but always ran into the problem that he was booked, basically, into the grave. His first reign? No one could have drawn with Ole Anderson going with the Black Scorpion crap because it was cheaper to bring in a different jobber every night to wrestle him. Second reign? Bill Watts took over a couple of months into it and decided to put the belt on Ron Simmons, rather than have Sting chase Vader. It's worth noting that, really until Hulk Hogan showed up, WCW was basically still booked like the old NWA, which tended to give heels the long runs with the belt while the faces got the occasional, feel good victory. Sting's short title reigns until the Nitro era were as much a product of how WCW had always been booked. Sting should have beaten Vader for the belt at Starrcade '93 but by then Bischoff had given the book to Flair, who...promptly booked himself as the babyface champion after Sid Vicious got fired after attacking Arn Anderson. Then Hogan turned up in 1994 and that was it for Sting until the NWO feud, which, of course, they promptly fucked up by having Sting basically lose cleanly in a squash to Hogan, only for Bret Hart to restart the match.
Sting should have been the face of the company. As far as the fans were concerned, he was. It wasn't his fault no one who worked for Turner could book him right.
-
Sting should have been the face of the company. As far as the fans were concerned, he was. It wasn't his fault no one who worked for Turner could book him right.
Agreed.
-
Sting should have been the face of the company. As far as the fans were concerned, he was. It wasn't his fault no one who worked for Turner could book him right.
Agreed.
My sentiments exactly. And while Hogan may have been the face, he didn't show up until '94, while Flair left in '91. So at least for those three years, Sting was THE top guy carrying NWA/WCW. He could've/should've been bigger than he was, but he was still 'the guy' (imo). Also, Hogan didn't have the kind of impact they were expecting, and wasn't the name/draw he was in WWF. He could've/should've been bigger than he was, but they booked the shit out of him too.
I was just checking wikipedia, and Wrestemania matches.... seems like someone's having some fun with the entries. From Wrestlemania XI
The Allied Powers (Lex Luger and John Cena) defeated The Blu Brothers (Jacob and Eli) (with Uncle Zebekiah)
Jim Neidhart defeated Bob Backlund - "I Quit" match with Sheamus as the special guest referee
-
Absolutely nothing you said about Sting, though, was his fault.
Speaking as a guy who lived in an old NWA territory, Sting was always over, was hugely popular (especially with kids), but always ran into the problem that he was booked, basically, into the grave. His first reign? No one could have drawn with Ole Anderson going with the Black Scorpion crap because it was cheaper to bring in a different jobber every night to wrestle him. Second reign? Bill Watts took over a couple of months into it and decided to put the belt on Ron Simmons, rather than have Sting chase Vader. It's worth noting that, really until Hulk Hogan showed up, WCW was basically still booked like the old NWA, which tended to give heels the long runs with the belt while the faces got the occasional, feel good victory. Sting's short title reigns until the Nitro era were as much a product of how WCW had always been booked. Sting should have beaten Vader for the belt at Starrcade '93 but by then Bischoff had given the book to Flair, who...promptly booked himself as the babyface champion after Sid Vicious got fired after attacking Arn Anderson. Then Hogan turned up in 1994 and that was it for Sting until the NWO feud, which, of course, they promptly fucked up by having Sting basically lose cleanly in a squash to Hogan, only for Bret Hart to restart the match.
Sting should have been the face of the company. As far as the fans were concerned, he was. It wasn't his fault no one who worked for Turner could book him right.
All of this. In that organization, the guy pushed as the top face was rarely champ for any length of time, or sometimes even champ at all (see Magnum T.A.). The storyline revolved around the chase by the hero. If he accomplished his goal, the chase was over. So when it happened, he normally wouldn't stay champ for long, so he could start the chase again.
Sure, Flair was champ forever, and deservedly so. But he was also a heel for 99% of that time.
-
No shit! Just looking at the wiki entry for the NWA Heavyweight championship, from '83-'91, the number of days held the title:
Ric Flair- 138
Harley Race- 167
Ric Flair - 118
Harley Race - 2
Ric Flair - 44
Kerry Von Erich - 18
Ric Flair - 793
Dusty Rhodes - 14
Ric Flair - 412
Ron Garvin - 62
Ric Flair - 452
Ricky Steamboat - 76
Ric Flair - 426
Sting - 188
Ric Flair - 69
Tatsumi Fujinami - 59
Ric Flair - 112
Sting was never given the booking chance that Flair was (as hef says... deservedly so for Flair) in the 80s. In 8 years, face's held the title for about 11 months. Perhaps that was the nature of territorial wrestling... the heel moves from territory to territory, and local guys step up to challenge him, yet never beat him because they don't have the broader appeal/awareness in other territories?
I remember that Garvin victory... what a steel cage match.
-
Dusty only held the belt once in that period? That can't be right.
-
Dusty only held the belt once in that period? That can't be right.
It is wiki, so you never know. There's invariably a lot of week long (or less) title reigns that only a local person would know about. As I recall, he was always on the chase/hunt as well. Wasn't he more often in the US Title picture?
-
Dusty only held the belt once in that period? That can't be right.
It is wiki, so you never know. There's invariably a lot of week long (or less) title reigns that only a local person would know about. As I recall, he was always on the chase/hunt as well. Wasn't he more often in the US Title picture?
No. I mean, he may have held it a few times, but he was always feuding with Flair and the Horsemen. Well, and the Russians.
-
Dusty only held the belt once in that period? That can't be right.
It is wiki, so you never know. There's invariably a lot of week long (or less) title reigns that only a local person would know about. As I recall, he was always on the chase/hunt as well. Wasn't he more often in the US Title picture?
No. I mean, he may have held it a few times, but he was always feuding with Flair and the Horsemen. Well, and the Russians.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IoeO5x55q6U/Tp9FogYzowI/AAAAAAAAAQg/NFVM0j12CUU/s400/N-Koloff.png)
Man Dusty (and Magnum until his accident) had a great feud with Koloff (and I don't mean zook :lol) I guess because "The Russian Nightmare" was always in the US title scene, I figured that's where Dusty was with all their feuding.
-
Absolutely nothing you said about Sting, though, was his fault.
Speaking as a guy who lived in an old NWA territory, Sting was always over, was hugely popular (especially with kids), but always ran into the problem that he was booked, basically, into the grave. His first reign? No one could have drawn with Ole Anderson going with the Black Scorpion crap because it was cheaper to bring in a different jobber every night to wrestle him. Second reign? Bill Watts took over a couple of months into it and decided to put the belt on Ron Simmons, rather than have Sting chase Vader. It's worth noting that, really until Hulk Hogan showed up, WCW was basically still booked like the old NWA, which tended to give heels the long runs with the belt while the faces got the occasional, feel good victory. Sting's short title reigns until the Nitro era were as much a product of how WCW had always been booked. Sting should have beaten Vader for the belt at Starrcade '93 but by then Bischoff had given the book to Flair, who...promptly booked himself as the babyface champion after Sid Vicious got fired after attacking Arn Anderson. Then Hogan turned up in 1994 and that was it for Sting until the NWO feud, which, of course, they promptly fucked up by having Sting basically lose cleanly in a squash to Hogan, only for Bret Hart to restart the match.
Sting should have been the face of the company. As far as the fans were concerned, he was. It wasn't his fault no one who worked for Turner could book him right.
Fair points, but some guys simply look better when chasing the belt than when being the champ, and I think Sting was one of those guys.
No shit! Just looking at the wiki entry for the NWA Heavyweight championship, from '83-'91, the number of days held the title:
Ric Flair- 138
Harley Race- 167
Ric Flair - 118
Harley Race - 2
Ric Flair - 44
Kerry Von Erich - 18
Ric Flair - 793
Dusty Rhodes - 14
Ric Flair - 412
Ron Garvin - 62
Ric Flair - 452
Ricky Steamboat - 76
Ric Flair - 426
Sting - 188
Ric Flair - 69
Tatsumi Fujinami - 59
Ric Flair - 112
Sting was never given the booking chance that Flair was (as hef says... deservedly so for Flair) in the 80s. In 8 years, face's held the title for about 11 months. Perhaps that was the nature of territorial wrestling... the heel moves from territory to territory, and local guys step up to challenge him, yet never beat him because they don't have the broader appeal/awareness in other territories?
I remember that Garvin victory... what a steel cage match.
I don't think is accurate since Flair was a face for around 9 months of his reign from May 1989-July 1990 (he turned face when Funk attacked him right after winning the belt, and didn't turn heel till he and the Horseman threw Sting out of their group in February of the next year).
I see what you are saying, but that could be more of a fact that Flair was so dominant in the 80s, and he was more of a natural heel than face.
-
What kind of Sting you think we might get when he makes his first appearance?
-
Fair enough... I couldn't remember which specific run(s) Flair was a face. The net of it is that he was always a heel at some point in his reign... all of his losses are to faces (except when it was heel-on-heel action with Harley).
-
What kind of Sting you think we might get when he makes his first appearance?
As far as I know, the only time he's changed his gimmick after becoming the "crow" was when he did that stupid Joker thing in TNA, so I'm betting he shows up in the white face paint and trench coat.
-
I see what you are saying, but that could be more of a fact that Flair was so dominant in the 80s, and he was more of a natural heel than face.
No, it was how Southern wrestling was booked period. Flair benefited the most from it, but "the face chases the heel" was how you booked wrestling in the south in the 80s. Hell, any promotion with a TV champion put the belt on a heel and had him spend a year holding onto the title by time limit draws. Heel reigns for any title were usually longer by far than corresponding face reigns.
And something worth pointing out about Flair was, once the NWA became centered on Jim Crockett Promotions, he had veto power and full control over his storylines. Hell, you want to know how Ronnie Garvin won the NWA title? Flair wanted to lose it and win the belt back at Starrcade '87. No one in the company but Garvin was stupid enough to go for a reign that, regardless of how well you did as champ, was destined to end at Starrcade. (And people shit on his win so much that he wound up only defending it the once at Starrcade.) Flair's dominance wasn't because of his skill or his ability, it was because he had veto power over his matches. Whether or not he would have worked as a champion, Lex Luger was over enough in 1988 that he should have been given the shot. Instead Flair kept veoting the title changes, and along the way Flair constantly keeping the belt while Dusty Rhodes' friends held all the secondary titles bankrupted Crockett.
Flair's dominance was a combination of the way things were and his veto power. Flair was nowhere near the draw people think he was, especially in the late 80s. And really, drawing power is why you're a champion.
-
Well, you'll never see me defend Flair's locker room shenanigans. I still laugh at how he ripped Bret Hart for the Montreal screwjob, when he himself refused to put Luger over in 1990 after Sting blew his knee out, and then again in 1991 before he left. Flair is by all accounts a POS and it always makes me laugh how some defend him to death simply because he was such a good entertainer.
-
Flair the personality.... godlike; Richard Fliehr... 10 pounds of douche in a 5 pound bag.
-
Pretty much, yeah. :lol
Also, going back to Jaq's post, why was Ronnie Garvin stupid? He is a guy who never would have been world champ otherwise, and definitely wasn't main event material, so why not take the opportunity to be the world champ at least once? Sure, his reign was gonna be super short no matter what, but he guaranteed both a world title and main eventing the NWA's biggest PPV of the year on his resume; not a bad deal, if you ask me.
-
Oh, and...
(https://i.imgur.com/abtfe.gif)
:rollin :rollin :rollin
-
Pretty much, yeah. :lol
Also, going back to Jaq's post, why was Ronnie Garvin stupid? He is a guy who never would have been world champ otherwise, and definitely wasn't main event material, so why not take the opportunity to be the world champ at least once? Sure, his reign was gonna be super short no matter what, but he guaranteed both a world title and main eventing the NWA's biggest PPV of the year on his resume; not a bad deal, if you ask me.
Mainly because it made him a locker room laughing stock. There's a reason why Garvin was in opening matches on WWF shows against Greg Valentine within a year; he was dead in the water in the NWA after that debacle. Sure he had a reign on his resume, but everyone in the business knew he got it not because he deserved it, or was thought to be a big draw, but because Ric Flair wanted to win at Starrcade. That's the kind of choice that kills careers, and it pretty well killed Garvin's right there.
-
Everything that happens behind the scenes
Remember the good ol' days when we as fans didn't know all this stuff?
-
Pretty much, yeah. :lol
Also, going back to Jaq's post, why was Ronnie Garvin stupid? He is a guy who never would have been world champ otherwise, and definitely wasn't main event material, so why not take the opportunity to be the world champ at least once? Sure, his reign was gonna be super short no matter what, but he guaranteed both a world title and main eventing the NWA's biggest PPV of the year on his resume; not a bad deal, if you ask me.
Mainly because it made him a locker room laughing stock. There's a reason why Garvin was in opening matches on WWF shows against Greg Valentine within a year; he was dead in the water in the NWA after that debacle. Sure he had a reign on his resume, but everyone in the business knew he got it not because he deserved it, or was thought to be a big draw, but because Ric Flair wanted to win at Starrcade. That's the kind of choice that kills careers, and it pretty well killed Garvin's right there.
I suppose, but Garvin was never really a main event guy, so that at least gave him a short time at the top. And the Valentine feud in the WWF was a really good mid-card feud, so I don't think that was a detriment to him or anything. I looked as his lack of a real push in the WWF as Vince's way of saying, "A guy good enough to be the NWA champion by beating Ric Flair isn't good enough to be more than a mid-carder here in the WWF." Not that he deserved a main event push, but Vince routinely did that with NWA stars he signed. Look at how he turned Dusty Rhodes into a polka dot-wearing buffoon (although I never liked Dusty Rhodes, so I was fine with that :lol).
-
- Dean Ambrose is currently 10 days away from having the longest WWE United States Title reign since it became a WWE title. Ambrose is currently at 333 days and MVP has the longest reign with 343 days.
He defended it like 2 times?
:rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin
-
Not his fault that creative can't do anything to make the secondary titles mean something.
-
Hey just like the old days. I just watched CM Punk's promo where he talked about how Bruno Sanwhatever only defended the title like once a year and had a title reign of several years. I miss Punk's pipe bombs/promos.
-
Er, someone should tell those bonehead writers that Kane putting his mask back on isn't gonna make most forget that he has been a glorified jobber for years now. And yet he will be Bryan's first PPV defense as champion? Good grief. :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin
-
Yeah, you definitely can't just pull that one overnight, and expect people to buy it, even taking into a account a few good tombstones on RAW. Doesn't make a difference.
Kane hasn't been a serious contender for the belt since...... well, ever. He was only involved in the title scene while he was still coasting on Undertaker's gimmick and heat. What a letdown for Bryan's first PPV title defense.
-
And you can bet your bottom dollar that the Evolution vs Shield match will be the main event. Isn't amazing how HHH, despite not even being a full-time wrestler anymore, always throws himself into the biggest and hottest story?
-
I never understood the appeal to Kane (assuming their was one?) in any of his incarnations.
Found this amusing on wikipedia:
Wrestling Observer Newsletter
Worst Feud of the Year (2002) vs. Triple H
Worst Feud of the Year (2003) vs. Shane McMahon
Worst Feud of the Year (2004) vs. Matt Hardy and Lita
Worst Feud of the Year (2007) vs. Big Daddy V
Worst Feud of the Year (2008) vs. Rey Mysterio
Worst Feud of the Year (2010) vs. Edge
Worst Feud of the Year (2012) vs. John Cena
-
Kane was amazing when he first came into the scene, imo and his Big Red Machine thing. All throughout his feud with The Undertaker and then both of them partnering up. They've really fucked him up after that, losing to some stupid matches up to making him the class clown of sorts.
-
Kane's been a glorified jobber for years? Alright.... I've seen it all.
-
Kane died after the Katie Vick incident. I'll alway hold out hope that someday he'll bulk up and kick ass again though. They can do a storyline where he slowly goes mad and starts wandering the boiler room again, and actually becomes the big red machine again... and a threat to someone other than Santino.
-
Kane died after the Katie Vick incident. I'll alway hold out hope that someday he'll bulk up and kick ass again though. They can do a storyline where he slowly goes mad and starts wandering the boiler room again, and actually becomes the big red machine again... and a threat to someone other than Santino.
I guess you missed his World Title reign, Tag Team Title Reign and MITB win, all occurring after the "Katie Vick incident".
-
Actually yeah, but title reigns don't stop a wreslter from sucking.
-
Actually yeah, but title reigns don't stop a wreslter from sucking.
You think he sucks? Wow... guess there's no point in even debating this.
-
Kane was my favorite wrestler for a long time. After he changed his mask to the open mouth one, things went down hill. Then Katie Vick, then the mask off, then I didn't like him anymore. I tried. Team Hell No was amusing, but it just wasn't the same. I don't mind funny Kane, that epic skit with he, Rock and Hogan was hilarious.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHpd1jBWuH0
Yeah this is how you do funny Kane while still making him bad ass.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHpd1jBWuH0
Yeah this is how you do funny Kane while still making him bad ass.
great promo
-
That was a classic promo for sure.
You want to talk about one of the most underrated promo cutters in the business? This promo still holds up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6czHP6rzmkA
And his promos cut as Corporate Kane.... perfect for what was needed.
-
Kane's been a glorified jobber for years? Alright.... I've seen it all.
Since I started watching again, five years ago, he has been.
I guess you missed his World Title reign, Tag Team Title Reign and MITB win, all occurring after the "Katie Vick incident".
I think it goes without saying that the WWE has devalued their titles so much over the years that pointing to specific title reigns is probably not the best case to convince anyone that someone was good. The only notable thing Kane has done in the last few years was Team Hell No, and even that was more about Daniel Bryan, who had just gotten major over with the crowd, than him. That struck me as "We don't have anything else to do with Kane right now, so we'll stick him in a tag team with one of our most over guys." Once they broke up, Kane went back to being nothing until they dragged him into this corporate/authority storyline.
They appear to be making some effort to making their titles worth something again, hence the new emphasis on the Intercontinental title again, and finally going back to having only one world champion, but we'll see how long that lasts.
-
Agree to disagree I suppose. Jobbers don't get World Titles, no matter how "devalued" they are, as least in my opinion.
And while DB was extremely over before Team Hell No even started, Kane definitely held up his end of the bargain, both in the ring and in the promos.
-
Jack Swagger was given a world title run, albeit a brief one, a few years ago. I rest my case.
-
Yeah, having the title alone doesn't validate a wrestler's cred. It's one step in establishing it, but there have been many people over the years who held the title that I don't rank as being great.
-
I don't think winning a title makes a wrestler great, but I do think winning a title elevates a wrestler beyond jobber status.
-
I don't think winning a title makes a wrestler great, but I do think winning a title elevates a wrestler beyond jobber status.
BINGO!
-
Kane was my favorite wrestler for a long time. After he changed his mask to the open mouth one, things went down hill. Then Katie Vick, then the mask off, then I didn't like him anymore. I tried. Team Hell No was amusing, but it just wasn't the same. I don't mind funny Kane, that epic skit with he, Rock and Hogan was hilarious.
It's what wwe has done for a long time. Build up great characters and then either completely screw them up, or move them to the back burner and make them jobbers or mainly wrestle in dark matches
-
The thing I have to say about Kane is that Glen Jacobs is a consummate pro. Everything they've given him, no matter how godawful, he goes out and sells to the best of his ability, 110%. Admittedly sometimes that hurts him-see Katie Vick-but he just goes out and does his job. And based on the few times they've let him be funny (which I suspect is pretty close to the actual Glen Jacobs) he hits it out of the park. But him being Bryan's first PPV defense while HHH and his friends get the real main event? That's bullshit booking. Doesn't even get a PPV rematch of the Mania match, which is usually a given in WWE Booking 101. Just Kane.
-
I don't think winning a title makes a wrestler great, but I do think winning a title elevates a wrestler beyond jobber status.
Okay, then I'll change it to jobber to the stars. Aside from his win over Punk on RAW last year before Wrestlemania, thanks to Undertaker's distraction that helped build towards the Punk/Undertaker WM match, I can't remember him having a single significant win over a top guy since I started watching again. I remember the LOL-worthy "embrace the hate" feud with Cena before the first Rock/Cena match.
-
I'm really interested in seeing where this Cena/Wyatt program goes.
-
I'm expecting Wyatt to win this rematch, and it feels like they're setting up Cena to turn heel. At least I hope so, or else he's just being mopey for nothing. :lol I might even half like him if he turned heel!
I'm still not a fan of the Kane/Bryan thing. Are we supposed to believe that the mask magically turns Kane into a legitimate threat? I don't mind them doing classic early Kane stuff, but I'm not buying the sudden turn from jobber to title match contender.
I don't like whats-her-face coming out with Bryan either. Just because they're married, doesn't mean I want her tagging along all the time. I don't think they're capitalizing on Bryan's Wrestlemania win at all yet, and I hope it doesn't bring him down before he's had a chance to wrestle against someone good.
I like what's happening with Cesaro, Heyman, and RVD recently. RVD needs a good storyline.
They've built up the Shield/Evolution rivalry well since Wrestlemania, so I'm excited for that match. I've never liked Flair, so I was disappointed to see him brought into the story.
-
I don't even know what to think about Kane at this point, but I do know that Corporate Kane was a travesty. I'd rather have Isaac Yankem over corporate Kane.
(https://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/174/170/Isaacyankem_display_image.jpg?1268343523)
-
That Kane segment was beyond awful. Trying to drag someone down into a hole? :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol That is so cheesy and not believable, it's actually insulting to the audience. Is this really the best they can do with Daniel Bryan right after he wins the belt??
And Flair was pretty hammered in that segment at the end. I got the impression that there was supposed to be more to it, but he was so tanked that he abruptly cut it short and left the ring.
-
That Kane segment was beyond awful. Trying to drag someone down into a hole? :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol That is so cheesy and not believable, it's actually insulting to the audience. Is this really the best they can do with Daniel Bryan right after he wins the belt??
And Flair was pretty hammered in that segment at the end. I got the impression that there was supposed to be more to it, but he was so tanked that he abruptly cut it short and left the ring.
Also that ring gag is overused, kane has even done it before I believe.
-
Why was he trying to drag her into Hornswoggle's house anyway?
Also, that promo with Hugh Jackman was dreadful. Did they even rehearse? Do they rehearse with celebrities, cause if not, they should. Their improv is terrible.
-
Why was he trying to drag her into Hornswoggle's house anyway?
Also, that promo with Hugh Jackman was dreadful. Did they even rehearse? Do they rehearse with celebrities, cause if not, they should. Their improv is terrible.
Jericho recently did a podcast with William Shatner, who was a special guest on a mid '90s episode of RAW to promote TekWar (lol), where he did a terrible monkey flip on Lawler, and he said they rehearsed that.
So I think they would do a quick rehearsal probably that day for the wrestling move (the hip toss in this case), but the rest it doesn't seem so. It seemed mostly guided by the wrestlers with a few remarks from Jackman. I doubt a celebrity would put a lot of time into a one-off promotional appearance like that.
I wouldn't want a celebrity doing a random wrestling move on a wrestler without knowing what they're doing. Actually, I don't want to see celebrities doing moves to wrestlers at all. :lol It has never made wrestling look good.
-
I think that Kane is the perfect choice for Daniel Bryan to feud with, given the circumstances. I mean, they have a long, well documented history that lacks that payoff match. And let's be honest.... the Title match at Extreme Rules was probably originally going to be Batista defending against Orton. Thankfully, that's not the case. And even as things played out the way they did, Bryan would most likely be facing off against Batista if it weren't for the Shield/Evolution thing. So Kane was the perfect choice, and having him return to his roots is the absolute correct move. Corporate Kane had a fantastic interview a couple of months ago where he explained that he could put on the mask whenever he wanted (in a way that made perfect sense). On top of that, I don't understand why Kane doesn't get more credit for being one of the best big man wrestlers in history. What he does at his size is incredible. That match on Sunday will be fantastic. You heard it here first.
-
Well, Daniel Bryan can pretty much get a fantastic match out of just about anyone - remember he got one out of freaking Ryback last year! - so if the match this weekend is fantastic, that will be because of Bryan's greatness more than anything.
-
He salvaged the Orton/Batista match, he managed to make Bray Wyatt look good (that match was 100% Bryan despite the commentary's attempts to boost Wyatt), I'm sure it will be a good match, but as you said, it will be because of Bryan, not Kane.
-
- It's said that Bill Goldberg definitely has interest in doing a match at WrestleMania 31 if the right deal can be made. He's kept himself in shape, training almost daily, and will be 48 by next year's WrestleMania.
Get it done Triple H this should be his top priority right now.
-
Why??? Why would Goldberg be a top priority?
-
I think his top priority should be continuing to build up the new talent for the future of the company, not continually relying on the past to sell Wrestlemania.
-
The last time he was a relevant wrestler was more than a decade ago, most of the people watching the product now don't know him and I doubt the people that do would be like "holy shit!! Goldberg's back!!!!!"
-
Why??? Why would Goldberg be a top priority?
This, who cares?
-
Because he was awesome then and all the new ones are shit?
-
Because he was awesome then and all the new ones are shit?
Troof.
-
Yeah, Goldberg was never awesome, even when WCW was hyping his kayfabe streak. To me, he'll always be the braindead musclehead who ended Bret Hart's career by kicking him in the head.
-
Goldberg was a limited wrestler in terms of what he could do, but the man drew thermonuclear heat-that pop when he beat Hogan was earthshaking-and could have been as big a draw as the big names from the WWF at the time. But I have no interest in seeing him now. I guess the appeal is he's one of the big names from the hottest period wrestling ever had and likely ever will have?
-
Kane is a glorified jobber.
Bray Wyatt is a bad wrestler.
Goldberg is awesome and all the new wrestlers are shit.
DTF's Pro Wrestling talk never ceases to amaze me.
-
Bray Wyatt IS a bad wrestler, though. :lol
-
Bray Wyatt IS a bad wrestler, though. :lol
Again, that's an opinion I've only seen on these forums. It completely baffles me.
-
I don't think Bray Wyatt is a bad wrestler, but I do think he is highly overrated on other parts of the internet.
Pretty sure I've mentioned that before, but there it is again.
-
I don't think Bray Wyatt is a bad wrestler, but I do think he is highly overrated on other parts of the internet.
Pretty sure I've mentioned that before, but there it is again.
I guess I'm fortunate to call many wrestlers (no one famous) friends (offline).
-
Rotunda has been given an interesting and unusual character in Bray Wyatt, and he is doing a great job with it, but he is not a good wrestler in the technical sense of the word. But he doesn't have to be. His character is all about psychology (mentally) and brute force (physically).
Also, getting back to the great matches thing, Daniel Bryan is to the 10s what Shawn Michaels was to the 00s, Bret Hart was to the 90s, and Ric Flair was to the 80s: put him in the ring with just about anyone and it'll be, at worst, a really good match.
-
Rotunda has been given an interesting and unusual character in Bray Wyatt, and he is doing a great job with it, but he is not a good wrestler in the technical sense of the word. But he doesn't have to be. His character is all about psychology (mentally) and brute force (physically).
Also, getting back to the great matches thing, Daniel Bryan is to the 10s what Shawn Michaels was to the 00s, Bret Hart was to the 90s, and Ric Flair was to the 80s: put him in the ring with just about anyone and it'll be, at worst, a really good match.
Daniel Bryan is absolutely incredible, and is virtually incapable of having a bad match. Couldn't be happier for the guy.
-
I just hope they don't make him dumb his move set down, ala Cena and his five moves of doom or whatever :lol, just because certain moves (the repeated kicks to the chest before ending it with a kick to the head, for example) get the loudest pops from the crowd. He has a massive array of moves and he should be allowed to utilize it as much as possible.
-
Cena has actually been doing a few new moves as of late. It makes me smile every time he busts out the hurricanrana. He's not good at it, but he has gotten better.
As far as Goldberg ending Hart's career: anyone could have done that. Accidents happen, and Goldberg has gone on record as saying he regrets what happened every day. I'd love to see Goldberg back for one more match. He was my favorite wrestler back in the day, and they misused him in WWE. Plus his last match was terrible.
-
I saw that particular kick, it didn't seem that hard and I can't see how it's all his fault, isn't the guy getting the kick supposed to be in control of that situation and go down? Anyway I've seen much tougher kicks to the head in MMA, why was this so damaging?
-
He concussed Bret Hart which led to him developing post-concussion syndrome and making him retire.
-
(https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/10288724_501137773348951_356329895797106157_n.jpg)
-
The sad part is how many more wrestlers they could have added to that list. :lol
-
Another solid PPV!
The 3-way match was a great way to kick it off. The way it unfolded was as expected, but there were a lot of great moves from all 3, and once it was down to RVD and Cesaro, it was even better.
The Shield vs. Evolution match was another strong one. I wasn't sure who was going to win this one, so having the clean win over Batista was a pleasant surprise. I'm sure Batista's comeback is everything he hoped it would be. :lol
The Cena vs Wyatt match wasn't very good, and the result was obvious. Wyatt had to win this one after losing at Wrestlemania. I still cannot figure out what people see in Bray Wyatt at all. Very average match, with a stupidly lame ending.
The women's match was one of the better ones I've seen. There were some big moves that most of the "Divas" wouldn't have pulled off, and it flowed pretty well too.
And the title match mostly sucked. Daniel Bryan deserved better for his first PPV title defense than to be stuck carrying Kane through that stinker. I was at least hoping they'd keep it in the ring so Bryan could wrestle a match around Kane, but instead it was mostly boring weapon hits and cliche spots. They were never fooling anyone into thinking Kane had any chance of winning this. This match didn't help Bryan at all. At least Brie Bella wasn't involved.
-
I really dug Cena/Wyatt. It may have been a little long though.
-
Loved the Kane/Bryan fight. I mean, it's the main event of Extreme rules, in one of the most personal feuds in recent memory. Was anybody expecting (or even wanting) to see a technical match in the middle of the ring? That would make zero sense psychology wise.
There's a rumor on the internets (lol) that Batista was supposed to be the next guy to face Daniel Bryan, but he turned it down based on everything that has changed since he's returned, which is why we may not be done with Kane and Bryan. As much as I love Kane, and his interactions with Bryan, I would have preferred for it to had ended last night, and let Bryan take someone else on. It would be nice if him and someone like Dolph got a month or two to feud.... it would be amazing.... Ziggler's all but disappeared from the storylines. Hell Bryan and Cesaro for a few months would be hot until Brock decides to grace us at SummerSlam (something I'm not looking forward to seeing, if it happens).
Oh and WEELC was one of the most entertaining matches that I've seen in a long time, and that crowd last night ate it up.
-
Good Raw. I'm more than happy to see the RVD/Cesaro feud continue, and a Battle Royal is always a winner.
The big downer is seeing the Bryan/Kane thing continue. This is burying Bryan. Sliding a stuntman off a car isn't going to convince me that it's still 1998 and that Kane is still a thing. Yawn.
Anyone else catch HHH calling out the move at the end? :lol
-
Good Raw. I'm more than happy to see the RVD/Cesaro feud continue, and a Battle Royal is always a winner.
The big downer is seeing the Bryan/Kane thing continue. This is burying Bryan. Sliding a stuntman off a car isn't going to convince me that it's still 1998 and that Kane is still a thing. Yawn.
Anyone else catch HHH calling out the move at the end? :lol
Let's not go overboard.... this is not burying Bryan in any way.
-
It's not burying him, but it's not making him look strong at all either. Him suddenly having his real life shrieking wife next to him this much isn't helping either. They need to keep Brie away from Bryan on camera.
Honestly though, they are probably stuck as to what to do with Bryan at the moment. If Batista really did refuse to do a one-on-one match with him at the next PPV, who else is there?
-Orton, but Orton/Bryan was just a PPV main event like three or four times last year, so they probably don't want to go that route again this soon.
-HHH, but like he is really good job to Bryan twice.
-Lesnar - too soon.
-Cesaro - too soon, as they need to slowly build him up as a legit top guy, and having him losing this early to the world champ would majorly stunt his progress.
I guess they could have turned Sheamus and had him feud with Bryan - he is better as a heel anyway - but I suspect that will be Bryan's early summer feud.
Either way, the whole Kane thing is just stupid.
-
I don't follow closely, but how is Ziggler not in the equation? Doesn't he have the MITB briefcase? If there isn't anyone else, the WWE has no one to blame but themselves for continually putting their main event chips into the stars of the Attitude era. They clearly haven't done enough to elevate the younger talent so there is an inventory of main event stars. They missed the '10-'12 years to create that crop... of the names you mention Kev, 3 (+ Bautista) were built to main event status in the mid-00s, and Cesaro is only just being built up within the last 12 months.
:yawn:
-
I don't follow that closely either, quite honestly, but the lack of push given to Ziggler in the last year is more than just a bit puzzling.
-
I don't follow closely, but how is Ziggler not in the equation? Doesn't he have the MITB briefcase? If there isn't anyone else, the WWE has no one to blame but themselves for continually putting their main event chips into the stars of the Attitude era. They clearly haven't done enough to elevate the younger talent so there is an inventory of main event stars. They missed the '10-'12 years to create that crop... of the names you mention Kev, 3 (+ Bautista) were built to main event status in the mid-00s, and Cesaro is only just being built up within the last 12 months.
:yawn:
Ziggler hasn't had the briefcase for over a year now.
-
And there you go.... now I remember, he beat Alberto for the title, right? I remember him getting a huge pop for that. Shows how close I follow. Who does have the briefcase?
-
And there you go.... now I remember, he beat Alberto for the title, right? I remember him getting a huge pop for that. Shows how close I follow. Who does have the briefcase?
Two briefcases were won at Money in the Bank, which was last July. Randy Orton won the "Raw" briefcase, allowing him a shot at the WWE Championship. Damien Sandow won the "Smackdown" briefcase, allowing him a shot at the World Heavyweight Title.
At SummerSlam, Daniel Bryan defeated John Cena to win the WWE Championship. Triple H attacked Bryan, allowing Orton to cash in his briefcase to win the Championship.
At Hell in a Cell, John Cena, in his first match since losing the WWE Championship to Bryan (he needed time off for an arm injury), defeated Alberto Del Rio to win the World Heavyweight Title. The next night on Raw, Sandow cashed in on Cena, who was still "selling" an injury. Despite Sandow attacking Cena before the match, and dominating the match itself, Cena beat Sandow, leaving Sandow with nothing to show for his MitB victory. Since that match, Sandow has been misused, and then seldom used.
-
A MUST SEE VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RAhxhIHdpM
-
It was retarded how scared Bryan was of the same guy he just beat down, brought back to ring in a forklift and pinned for the win just 24 hours before.
-
It was retarded how scared Bryan was of the same guy he just beat down, brought back to ring in a forklift and pinned for the win just 24 hours before.
Yeah, considering all that DB's been through and everyone who he has stood up to as of late (including Kane at Extreme Rules), he shouldn't be showing an ounce of fear. Concern for his wife, I get that, but not fear.
-
I am by no means an actor, and probably wouldn't be a good one, but if I was being paid a good chunk of change like these entertainers, I'd at least make an attempt to try. Brie Bella needs to be taken off TV.
Also, being eliminated by Santino means your career is pretty much over. Ziggler is at Zack Ryder status now.
-
Poor Dolph. He had the temerity to get iover huge with the crowds when he was a heel, and no one who does that shit gets spared the wrath of Vince for not playing along.
It amazes me how many guys get flat out buried because they manage to draw heat on their own. You'd think you'd want that, sure as shit worked back in the Attitude era, but today? Nope.
-
No chatter about Daniel's Bryan's injury, eh?
The timing of it is absolutely horrible, and I fear that it could be the end of the reckless guy we see in the ring. I mean, his wrestling at neck break speed is probably why he has that injury in the first place - doing that flying headbutt off the top rope and that missile dropkick (imagine falling five feet on your back every time you do that) probably contributed mightily to him getting this injury - and when he comes back, I wouldn't be surprised if he has to tone it down a bit, which could kill his momentum, as his style in the ring is largely why he is so over with fans. He's a pretty average talker, so his promos had nothing to do with him getting as over as he is. Should be interesting to see what happens. If he is back in a few weeks, then okay, but if he's out for close to two months or longer, then I'd start worrying big time.
Honestly, it makes CM Punk's decision to leave the business when he did look that much smarter. His body took a beating for years, too, although he didn't throw himself around quite as much as Bryan does, and assuming the stories about him having saved his money well are true, he's probably thinking he doesn't need it anymore.
-
This is why pre-taped shows suck:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcMKGm0pgwY&feature=player_embedded#at=143
:rollin :rollin :rollin
If nothing else, they have good sound engineers.
-
At least she's still cute. In an I-want-to-punch-her-face type of way, at least on stage.
-
I don't quite get the fascination with her that a lot of male fans have. Yeah, she has a pretty face, but her boobs are way too big (yes, there is such a thing) and she is too muscular. Don't get me wrong, a girl in good shape is sexy as hell, but when she is bigger than most of the guys I see at the gym every day...no thanks.
-
I'd totally let her see me naked
-
To all the kids of the world, if you see Hulk Hogan coming, just go find an Adult
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CCROasz8F0
creepy
-
I don't quite get the fascination with her that a lot of male fans have. Yeah, she has a pretty face, but her boobs are way too big (yes, there is such a thing) and she is too muscular. Don't get me wrong, a girl in good shape is sexy as hell, but when she is bigger than most of the guys I see at the gym every day...no thanks.
Right with ya there. I always hated her boob job. She looks better with age, and all though I concede she's attractive, she does nothing for me.
-
Her boobs are terrible but I don't think she had much to work with in the first place. She has that type of face which can loo bitchy and cute depending on what she wants, which is what I meant. Nothing special, but I've always enjoyed watching her in the past- some good entertainment, especially when she was getting beaten by wrestlers.
Phoenix87x, it's not creepy. It's just Japanese :P
-
This is why pre-taped shows suck:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcMKGm0pgwY&feature=player_embedded#at=143
:rollin :rollin :rollin
If nothing else, they have good sound engineers.
WWE love getting revisionist with things that don't go their way. You can even hear the quick crossfade on the "boo" to the alternate audio track.
Where did the first broadcast come from though? It's obviously the real deal, so did it air live there before the RAW broadcast?
-
Let's not forget that Stephanie also inherited her dad's annoying, shrilling, screechy voice. :lol :lol
-
To all the kids of the world, if you see Hulk Hogan coming, just go find an Adult
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CCROasz8F0
creepy
Terry's dreamy :hearts:
-
I've always had a thing for Stephanie. I too though always thought her boob job was unnecessary though. That being said, I'd still love to see her in all her glory
-
Oh, her boob job was necessary. She had a pair of sunny-side eggs for tits before it.
It's just a bad boob job.
-
How do you know? Are there naked pics out there I don't know about? lol
-
https://youtu.be/QSaayI1S5yQ?t=5m35s (https://youtu.be/QSaayI1S5yQ?t=5m35s)
-
(https://i.imgur.com/JNtpctj.gif)
-
Talk about a rush job. But Seth's good enough to pull it off.
-
Seth is an awesome worker and I'm interested to see where they go with this one. Do you think Shield will bring in someone new?
-
Maybe, it would be a good way to introduce someone from NXT (Sami Zayn please!!!)
But, I don't know about the rush job or not, they teased the SHIELD breaking up twice before and kept them together. For one thing, it instantly propels Rollins as a top heel and gives him nuclear heat. He's been my favorite member of them for all this time so I'm certainly looking forward to what happens.
-
Maybe, it would be a good way to introduce someone from NXT (Sami Zayn please!!!)
But, I don't know about the rush job or not, they teased the SHIELD breaking up twice before and kept them together. For one thing, it instantly propels Rollins as a top heel and gives him nuclear heat. He's been my favorite member of them for all this time so I'm certainly looking forward to what happens.
You're right that there's been talk of breaking up the Shield for quite a while now. I thought it would happen to set up a match at Mania (Either Dean vs. Roman for the US Title, or a triple threat). I meant rush job as in the 24 hour window where Rollins was helping beat Evolution, to turning on his group.
-
When I look at Batista, this is all I can think of:
(https://www.technologytell.com/gaming/files/2014/06/Bluetista-Mega-Man.jpg)
-
We may not think Vince is very creative anymore, but I'm willing to bet that he might be more creative than we think and he came up with the blue attire because he knew it would get a crowd response. This applies to other things as well.
"They are totally going to chant "Bluetista". "I'm a genius!"
-
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TIyGq77eBqM/U4wIKjp7OiI/AAAAAAAAWwY/562ydPMfMlM/s1600/Bluetista+wwe+gay.png)
-
Ducktista!
I'm a genius!
-
We may not think Vince is very creative anymore, but I'm willing to bet that he might be more creative than we think and he came up with the blue attire because he knew it would get a crowd response. This applies to other things as well.
"They are totally going to chant "Bluetista". "I'm a genius!"
Yeah, that's kinda what I was thinking too, since like I really didn't give two shits about Batista, but now I'm like "what the hell is this mess"
If there's one thing that Vince is good at, its definitely provoking a response.
-
Seth is an awesome worker and I'm interested to see where they go with this one. Do you think Shield will bring in someone new?
Fantasy booking.....you book Evolution vs Shield for MITB (2 on 3 handicap match). Then on Raw the Monday before the PPV, The Shield announces they have a 3rd member (ala Nash and Hall in 96 with the NWO). At the PPV, have Reigns and Ambrose get beaten down and just when it looks like it's over, The Shield's music hits and from the ramp, NOT from the crowd, in full riot gear, out comes John Cena. So you basically have the 96 Bash at the Beach NWO scenario, except with the most over babyface faction in the business.
Cena has been in serious need of a repackaging for years now, but WWE can't turn him heel. This would be a great way to repackage him as a babyface, it elevates The Shield further, and I think Cena would get the crowd back because of it.
-
I think Cena would get the crowd back because of it.
Honestly, I think the crowd would probably start losing interest in the Shield rather than gaining interest in Cena.
-
Cena joining Shield is a horrible idea. If the Shield go back to 3 people, they should use that spot to elevate someone from NXT (like Sami Zayn or Adrian Neville) not on someone who needs no help selling tickets and merchandise.
-
Cena joining Shield is a horrible idea. If the Shield go back to 3 people, they should use that spot to elevate someone from NXT (like Sami Zayn or Adrian Neville) not on someone who needs no help selling tickets and merchandise.
This exactly. Shoving Cena into a hot stable would only piss off the hardcore fans. But if creative had the notion that it would make money, I wouldn't put it past them :(
-
While I am in no way a Cena mark, there's no denying that the guy has essentially carried the company for the last 10 years, a much longer time than Hogan or Austin ever did. They would have gotten stale at some point too. Hell, even people got sick of The Rock. Any anyone who thinks he can't work is just wrong. And he has put plenty of people over. He doesn't have creative control, so him winning all the time isn't his decision, it's a creative one.
I think the hardcore fans are just sick of the same old Cena. I kind of am as well. I think they would embrace the change honestly. At least I would. He needs some sort of repackaging as opposed to a heel turn, which they will NEVER do because of his staggering merch sales and Make a Wish grants.
-
Pfft, Cena already gets enough cheap pops by mentioning other wrestlers, like Daniel Bryan, in his promos, and sticking him in the Shield would be a pathetic way to try and force the fans to cheer for him. Besides, they are supposedly trying to slowly build Reigns up as a monster face, and you put Cena in that faction, he automatically is the biggest star in it, and Reigns would be a tougher sell as the top face they eventually want him to be.
Also, who said Cena can't work or doesn't put people over? ???
-
Pfft, Cena already gets enough cheap pops by mentioning other wrestlers, like Daniel Bryan, in his promos, and sticking him in the Shield would be a pathetic way to try and force the fans to cheer for him. Besides, they are supposedly trying to slowly build Reigns up as a monster face, and you put Cena in that faction, he automatically is the biggest star in it, and Reigns would be a tougher sell as the top face they eventually want him to be.
Also, who said Cena can't work or doesn't put people over? ???
Ehh...I thought about the Reigns thing too. Here's the thing though.....traditionally, you can't build a monster babyface without them being a very significant heel first. Rock, Austin, HBK, Triple H, Undertaker, Batista, Eddie Guerrero, Punk...even Daniel Bryan were all pretty major solo heels before their huge babyface runs. The only time I've seen otherwise would be with guys like Hogan, Bret Hart or Goldberg. Also, Rollins, Ambrose and Reigns are still VERY young in the WWE. Rollins aligning with Triple H and Orton is a very smart booking move because this will SIGNIFICANTLY push Rollins into the stratosphere. The Shield is still too young in the business to elevate someone even younger (I LOVE Sami Zayn btw). I feel them pushing Reigns into a major babyface role might be a little presumptuous. Who knows though?
Also traditionally....anytime ANYONE has aligned themselves with one of the 5 biggest names in the history of the business (Hogan, Flair, Rock, Austin, Cena), whether it's in a faction or a feud, they get elevated. Hence what's happening with Bray Wyatt currently. I just think it would be a significant shake up for a character that should have been shook up 5 years ago. I'm still pulling for the 3rd man to be Ziggler though :) They are completely wasting him.
-
In the mean time.....
https://www.kayfabenews.com/wwe-wrestlers-sent-live-ddp-just-case/
-
In the mean time.....
https://www.kayfabenews.com/wwe-wrestlers-sent-live-ddp-just-case/
:D
-
God-tier promo by Dean Ambrose last night.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=exDkCIZHzXg
-
Is he Scottish? I've been wondering that for a while.
-
Ambrose is the man.
-
I guess he isn't. Sounds like he has an accent.
-
He's from Ohio...
-
YOU'RE FROM OHIO!
-
awesome promo by both
-
awesome promo by both
Agreed, very badass stuff.
-
Yeah, so this happened:
(https://wrestlingnews.co/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/stardust-goldust-300x194.jpg)
At first I was like "ah, hell no", but the more I think about it, the more I think it could have some potential. Kind of brings back memories of 80's tag teams that share the same gimmick.
We'll see where it goes.
-
Dusty was stuck with polka dots, he put that over. Dustin got this homoerotic persona, he got that over, so over he's been doing pretty much for the last 20 years.
Do not underestimate the ability of a Rhodes to put a gimmick over. Shit, Cody already got himself over once by growing a mustache and even sold some t-shirts of it!
-
Apparently John Cena is in line to win the WWE World Heavyweight Title at next Sunday's Money In the Bank pay-per-view.
It was previously reported that word from within WWE was that a heel would be leaving Money In the Bank with the title. During Monday's RAW, it appeared they may be grooming Roman Reigns for the title as they had him work his way into the match but that may not be the case as it's likely too soon for Reigns to have a title run.
Cena is going to pass Ric Flair next year at this rate :lol
-
Apparently John Cena is in line to win the WWE World Heavyweight Title at next Sunday's Money In the Bank pay-per-view.
It was previously reported that word from within WWE was that a heel would be leaving Money In the Bank with the title. During Monday's RAW, it appeared they may be grooming Roman Reigns for the title as they had him work his way into the match but that may not be the case as it's likely too soon for Reigns to have a title run.
Cena is going to pass Ric Flair next year at this rate :lol
I thought it was going to be a heel too, ready for Bryan to return and win it back. I think it's way too early for Roman Reigns to win the title right at the moment, so I'll be glad if he doesn't win it for now. It very rarely turns out well for people to win it too early. WWE is littered with mid-cards who all suffered that fate.
And do they really need to stick the belt on Cena yet again to keep pushing the merch onto the kids? Isn't the guy hated enough already? :lol
-
But they need a big face so Brock can have a match for the title on Summerslam. :lol
-
So everyone here hates Vickie Guerrero right? I mean, she was awful on the mic, super annoying, and couldn't act for shit. On a certain wrestling news site I frequent it seems like now that she retired, she's suddenly a likable person and has been liked. Didn't she redefine "X Pac heat"?
-
Well, I know how Eddy feels at least:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbQgH_nni_8
-
My picks for tonight....
Summer Rae vs. Layla (Fandango as referee) - Layla
Rusev vs. Big E - Rusev
Stardust and Goldust vs. Ryback and Curtis Axel -Team Dust
Divas Championship Match
Paige vs. Naomi - Paige
WWE Tag Team Championship Match
The Usos vs. The Wyatt Family = The Usos
Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Seth Rollins vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Bad News Barrett vs. Rob Van Dam vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Jack Swagger vs. Kofi Kingston - I would have taken Barrett had he not been hurt, but now, Kofi, why not. I think that Seth and Ambrose will cancel each other out.
WWE World Heavyweight Championship Ladder match
Kane vs. Randy Orton vs. Alberto Del Rio vs. Sheamus vs. Cesaro vs. Bray Wyatt vs. John Cena vs. Roman Reigns - John Cena...... I hope he doesn't win, but I see them doing what they think is "safe". I'll be rooting hard for Cesaro and Wyatt.
-
lolcenawins
-
lolcenawins
Same shit different day. So not looking forward to seeing him and Brock at SS.
-
Predictable, but not surprising.
Remember 1993 when they put the belt on Hogan with his impromptu victory over Yokozuna even though it was obvious that fans were getting tired of seeing him as the champ? That was John Cena...five years ago, and yet they keep putting the belt on him. :lol :lol :lol
Granted, he is likely only a transitional champ, which was needed after Bryan's injury, but still, this just proves how right CM Punk was all along. The view never changes.
-
Pretty average PPV. Not bad, not great. Cena winning was predictable, although it could have been worse. A few good spots, but not a stellar match.
I was hoping one of the former Shield would win the Money in the Bank match, and I was expecting it to be Rollins. I'm glad he won, but having Kane come in was a crappy ending, and the match was not very good overall considering it had so many great performers in it.
-
So is Cena going to drop the belt to Daniel Bryan again? Are they going to give it to Lesnar? Will Goldberg return and apologize to the fans through a decent match with Lesnar? Will The Rock return to beat Cena at The Royal Rumble only to drop the belt to Santino at Wreslemania 31?
-
Jericho :metal
-
Jobbercho
-
Jericho has reached such a status that he can literally do anything he wants and no one really minds. Since coming back in 2012 he's been jobbing to everyone he's been in a feud with (and I'm pretty sure also having a hand in picking the feuds) and helping to put over new talent like the legend he is!
-
I'm thinking there's got to be a work visa issue. If not, WTF WWE?
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2117638-wwe-diva-emma-released-following-arrest
-
Not sure why anyone cares if WWE releases Emma just seems like another blonde bimbo that they picked up off the street.
-
Not sure why anyone cares if WWE releases Emma just seems like another blonde bimbo that they picked up off the street.
If by that you mean, she's been busting her ass in the Indys to get to where she's gotten, then your statement isn't ridiculous.
Apparently, WWE realized their mistake and has ...."un-fired" her.
-
I'd like to think that Triple H's reaction (who signed Emma) to her being fire for a minor shoplifting incident while Cameron and Swagger weren't for their DWI was something like:
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rwro8doozUw/T755eP-AslI/AAAAAAAABPU/nCWLy9hg7Dg/s1600/triple-h-angry.gif)
-
For whoever is interested, WWE is offering a free one week trial of the Nework. No credit card either :tup
https://www.wwe.com/
I've been messing with it for about 2 hours and I have truly fallen in love with it. As soon as I'm done school, I will be a lifetime member.
-
never mind. It was sting in TNA ring, but it looked like NXT and I fell for it.
Here it is, for anyone who is curious what the hell I'm talking about.
(https://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x459/phoenix87x/ScreenShot2014-07-14at74310PM_zps120b1a3f.png) (https://s1182.photobucket.com/user/phoenix87x/media/ScreenShot2014-07-14at74310PM_zps120b1a3f.png.html)
-
Damn he looks familiar.
:neverusethis:
My first reaction was
No. Fucking. Shit. :omg:
Guess I have a reason to watch NXT.
-
Seth Rollins appeared to legit blow his knee out at the end of RAW just now. The ref threw up the X sign, too. That would make Bryan, Barrett and Rollins all lost to injuries in the last three months when all were being pushed hard. Meanwhile, John Cena is still the picture of health, as always. :lol
-
That's because John Cena is a terminator.
-
That's because John Cena is a terminator. eats roids for breakfast.
FTFY. :P
-
I was wondering if that was legit, or just part of the angle to get the final four in the ring together leading up to the ppv. I missed the X, but did see the medic go rushing over, and with the camera not panning to him at all, figured it was legit.
-
The way it happened and was shown looked legit to me. We'll find out soon enough, I suppose.
-
- Word from backstage at last night's RAW is that Seth Rollins is fine and is not injured. A source said Rollins was just selling the knee injury from the main event and doing a good job of it. It was noted that it was suspicious how WWE kept the cameras off Rollins when he went down.
-
It doesn't surprise me that they would try to work the Smarks by making it seem fully legit.
-
Just read the same on PWI...WWE wanted only the 4 participants for the Battlefield PPV in the ring at the end
which explains the earlier beat down of Ambrose
-
CM Punk's contract expires this week and he sent out this tweet yesterday:
(https://i.imgur.com/rpCCZun.png)
-
I'm going to miss the pipebombs.
-
Honestly, I barely watch anymore. I still have RAW set to DVR every week, but more often than not, I just see what happened at the beginning and end, and that's it; I am done with it in less than 20. The only two guys I still liked watching a lot aren't even there anymore (Punk and Bryan), so there is no one that makes me want to watch. The Shield guys are fun to watch, but they aren't must-see performers.
And while I am not a big fan of his, how badly have they bungled Cesaro's momentum? Fans were dying to root for him like mad after Wrestlemania, but they crushed his momentum by not turning him heel and now he is losing to Del Rio? Another genius move by the writers. :lol :lol
-
I find it hard to believe how much they are screwing up Cesaro's momentum. This guy is major money.
-
I find it hard to believe how much they are screwing up Cesaro's momentum. This guy is major money.
I don't know, I don't think I can trust a guy like Cesaro selling me Fruity Pebbles.
-
I find it hard to believe how much they are screwing up Cesaro's momentum. This guy is major money.
I don't know, I don't think I can trust a guy like Cesaro selling me Fruity Pebbles.
If you don't buy them, he will swing you off a bridge into the river.
-
(https://i1.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/723/501/330.gif)
-
Chris Jericho... didn't job to the up and coming talent? I guess he's back for a while.
-
So much for Mr. Wyatt.
-
Chris Jericho... didn't job to the up and coming talent? I guess he's back for a while.
Wyatt will win the rematch at Summerslam. The same happened in his Cena feud. It doesn't have any impact for Jericho to come back and instantly job to Wyatt without re-establishing himself first in the feud. Wyatt continues to be an extremely unimpressive performer both in and out of the ring. I'll never figure out what anyone sees in him. :dunno:
It's a shame we got screwed out of a real Rollins/Ambrose match, but on the plus side, it means it won't be rehash when the match happens at Summerslam. And they had some good segments throughout the PPV. With another month of build-up on top of what's happened already, that will be the match.
The opening tag match and the women's match were both really good.
The Battle Royal was excellent except for the screwy finish. I thought it was going to be either Miz or Sheamus to win it from the start, but I really wanted Ziggler to win, so that ending was a huge tease. It would have been a great finish if not for that too.
And I swear they only do these an excuse for Kofi Kingston to put on a show, and I'm all for it! Always entertaining.
The title match was average. I wasn't expecting much from it anyway. We knew Cena would retain the title, and we knew Kane would turn on Orton, so there were no surprises here.
All in all though, pretty solid.
-
I read that many thought it sucked, but while I disagree with much of what they do these days, their handling of Bray Wyatt makes a lot of sense. I think his fans need to remember that not every new star has to be a main event guy. He has been around for only around a year and has already worked a long program with John Cena; that is pretty darn good. And do people really think Vince would let a guy who looks like him be the face of his company? Hell no.
From 1988-1991, in the WWF, you had:
-the two or three main event guys: Hogan, Warrior and Savage for a spell)
-guys just below that level who were occasional main eventers whom you were always gonna get good matches out of: Rude, Hennig, Savage again, DiBiase, etc.
-the one guy who almost always had the most interesting feud: Jake Roberts.
In a sense, Bray Wyatt is like the modern day Jake Roberts. And Jake was almost never in main events and never held a title, but he was always at the forefront. That is likely to be Wyatt's future, although Wyatt will likely hold some titles and be in the occasional main events, because nowadays there are 18 titles and 288 PPVs a year.
-
Comparing late 80s wrasslin to the entertainment of today isn't apples to apples. There were Tier 1 main eventers (those that you mentioned), and then tier 2 main eventers, of which I'd say there was a much bigger crop - the tag teams, Steamboat, Honky, Orndorff, Andre, Studd, Murroco, Piper and a few others. Everyone else was a mid-carder. And rarely, RARELY did people move too much in between. A few lucky mid-carders might get to the Tier-2 main event group, but I can't think of anyone that broke through. Also, the big names never fell down to the mid-card territory. Nowadays, guys can get propelled like Miz, then in less than a year be nobody's. That didn't happen too much back then.
Wyatt is more like the modern day Junkyard Dog. :rollin
-
In a sense, Bray Wyatt is like the modern day Jake Roberts. And Jake was almost never in main events and never held a title, but he was always at the forefront. That is likely to be Wyatt's future, although Wyatt will likely hold some titles and be in the occasional main events, because nowadays there are 18 titles and 288 PPVs a year.
Yeah but Jake in his prime was a great worker and the best promo guy in the business. Wyatt...isn't :rollin
-
Yeah but Jake in his prime was a great worker and the best promo guy in the business. Wyatt...isn't :rollin
Very true. Jake was so great, he didn't need a title to get over, as a face or heel.
Comparing late 80s wrasslin to the entertainment of today isn't apples to apples. There were Tier 1 main eventers (those that you mentioned), and then tier 2 main eventers, of which I'd say there was a much bigger crop - the tag teams, Steamboat, Honky, Orndorff, Andre, Studd, Murroco, Piper and a few others. Everyone else was a mid-carder. And rarely, RARELY did people move too much in between. A few lucky mid-carders might get to the Tier-2 main event group, but I can't think of anyone that broke through. Also, the big names never fell down to the mid-card territory. Nowadays, guys can get propelled like Miz, then in less than a year be nobody's. That didn't happen too much back then.
Wyatt is more like the modern day Junkyard Dog. :rollin
:lol :lol :lol
Imagine a promo like this nowadays:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=aSRUJ9XQC-o#t=91
The look on Mean Gene's face right after Valentine calles JYD a "nasty black man" is freaking priceless. :rollin :rollin :rollin
-
If I was Heath Slater I would just quit. He even has to job to celebrities.
-
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10559781_749466908425699_4346290486494095530_n.jpg?oh=6ac687d8033cc65bec31f01a56a7e708&oe=54560133&__gda__=1412833466_1be27e34a16c12858ca50143b16cabee)
-
Love or hate Triple H, you can't deny he's been killing it for months now! God he's such a heel!
-
He's always been a great bad guy, and I'm sure he loves doing it. One of the many reasons why probably he doesn't stay a face for long. What was his longest face run? Probably less than a year (with the exception of the DX runs)
-
I think what he's doing now is his best stuff, IMO. How he needles the smarks from time to time, like on this Monday saying the stuff about "I'm gonna complain about it... on Twitter", all the stuff with Bryan, screaming at the cops "career choices". It's sooooo good!
-
I think what he's doing now is his best stuff, IMO. How he needles the smarks from time to time, like on this Monday saying the stuff about "I'm gonna complain about it... on Twitter", all the stuff with Bryan, screaming at the cops "career choices". It's sooooo good!
That was great and all, but what ruined it for me was Brie/Nicki's acting. She really needs to get lessons/give a fuck.
-
He's always been a great bad guy, and I'm sure he loves doing it. One of the many reasons why probably he doesn't stay a face for long. What was his longest face run? Probably less than a year (with the exception of the DX runs)
I started watching again early in 2009 and he was a face since then until his heel turn last summer, and that's 4 1/2 years. Granted, he had a few long spells where he wasn't on TV at all, but he was a face for a pretty long time there.
-
I think what he's doing now is his best stuff, IMO. How he needles the smarks from time to time, like on this Monday saying the stuff about "I'm gonna complain about it... on Twitter", all the stuff with Bryan, screaming at the cops "career choices". It's sooooo good!
That was a fantastic promo. My problem with HHH is that a lot of the time you know the heel stuff he says is what he actually thinks in real life, and I don't like him inserting himself into whatever the biggest storyline is.
But to his credit, he does play the heel well.
-
Apparently TNA Impact has been cancelled
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2143311-tnas-impact-wrestling-will-reportedly-not-be-renewed-by-spike-tv
-
I can't say I've ever watched a complete TNA show from beginning to end.
-
I haven't watched a single second :|
And honestly WWE doesn't hold my attention either
-
I watched a few episodes of it, mostly when AJ Styles was in it and Sting first got there.
-
Cesaro's promo was funny but sill pretty awful, not to mention awkward. If they're going to keep him heel, he needs to improve his mic skills so he doesn't end up like Ryback.
-
Unlike Ryback, Cesaro can actually wrestle so he won't end up like him.... hopefully.
-
I'm rooting for Stephanie just because Brie is so terrible on the mic.
Also, Stephanie does the Pedigree better than HHH.
-
And the Bellas sold it better than half the male roster too! :lol
-
So I just found out there's a fellow Bulgarian in the WWE. Quite disappointed to see them basically turning him into some comic version of an 80s baddie. He could have had some future. Talking about Rusev. That guy is as old as me, yet looks twice my age xD
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCUzAts4ifs
-
Pretty soon they're going to start selling WWE Network For $9.99 t-shirts.
-
:lol I wouldn't put it past them.
When HHH did it, it was just part of the "authority" heel gimmick, and it was hammy and funny. But when the announcers kept doing it all night, it was just obnoxious and lame.
-
Yeah, I'm not really sure what they're going for here. Do they want people to hate the WWE Network?
-
(https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/imported_assets/2312854/uKuBunO.gif)
-
Yeah, I'm not really sure what they're going for here. Do they want people to hate the WWE Network?
I have no idea, but that seems to have been the result. The endless repetition did nothing to gain more subscribers. Is this episode of Raw supposed to set an example of the kind of show I'm encouraged to sign up for?
Maybe they should focus on a stronger product and more original content if they want people to subscribe. Just a crazy thought. :neverusethis:
-
I have no idea what The Network is but I know I don't want it after watching that youtube clip :lol
-
I have no idea what The Network is but I know I don't want it after watching that youtube clip :lol
but it's only 9.99
-
There is no doubt that Punk's sudden departure and Bryan's injury have hurt them this year, but their writing is so terrible that this is what happens when you have no clue.
Think about it: Cesaro was getting over like mad after Wrestlemania, but instead of turning him face, which would have made sense since fans were dying to cheer for the guy like crazy, they kept him as a heel with Heyman, and now four months later, he is losing matches on RAW in two minutes. :lol :lol
Does anybody really want to see The Miz being a featured guy again every week? I thought we were done with the silly idea that that clown was a legit star.
The Brie/Stephanie feud closes RAW two weeks in a row?? :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin
And how about this pathetic build-up of the Cena/Lesnar match? But hey, that is what happens when you put in the main event a guy who never shows up. They still haven't learned their lesson from the Batista disaster. If CM Punk is paying attention to this at all, he has to be thinking, "This is why I left and don't intend on ever coming back."
The WWE will always do well cause they are the only major game in town, but it's sad how terrible it is now compared to what it used to be. Basically, WWE is like Metallica: fans are still hanging around cause they remember how good it used to be and they still cling to that hope that maybe someday, somehow, they will recapture that former greatness.
-
I stopped listening to Metallica 15 years ago. Never went back. Too many other listening options.
I stopped watching WWE about 5 years ago. Never went back. Too many other (sporting) entertainment options.
-
If not for DVR, I'd honestly never watch WWE anymore, since I would never go out of my way to make sure I was home on Monday night to watch live. I usually get through RAW in about 20 minutes, and that is factoring in the time it takes to forward through commercials and most of the crap (which is most of everything these days :lol :lol).
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCUzAts4ifs
That is hilarious
If not for DVR, I'd honestly never watch WWE anymore, since I would never go out of my way to make sure I was home on Monday night to watch live. I usually get through RAW in about 20 minutes, and that is factoring in the time it takes to forward through commercials and most of the crap (which is most of everything these days :lol :lol).
Same thing with me. I really have no idea how someone can legitimately sit through the show from beginning to end. I just fast forward.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCUzAts4ifs
That is hilarious
If not for DVR, I'd honestly never watch WWE anymore, since I would never go out of my way to make sure I was home on Monday night to watch live. I usually get through RAW in about 20 minutes, and that is factoring in the time it takes to forward through commercials and most of the crap (which is most of everything these days :lol :lol).
Same thing with me. I really have no idea how someone can legitimately sit through the show from beginning to end. I just fast forward.
I use a book, I read during the commercials and matches I don't care about. I still think making raw 3 hours long was a mistake.
-
WWE announced the release of Alberto Del Rio due to unprofessional conduct and an altercation with an employee.
-
And no fucks were given that day.
-
I stopped listening to Metallica 15 years ago. Never went back. Too many other listening options.
I stopped watching WWE about 5 years ago. Never went back. Too many other (sporting) entertainment options.
Well that really sucks for you
-
I stopped listening to Metallica 15 years ago. Never went back. Too many other listening options.
I stopped watching WWE about 5 years ago. Never went back. Too many other (sporting) entertainment options.
Well that really sucks for you
Why? If he doesn't enjoy it, and can find much more enjoyment in other places, why force himself to watch it? That's why I barely watch anymore; it's a waste of time most of the time now.
-
Wrestling during the Monday Night Wars era, and the Attitude era was way better than it has been in the last 5 years. As Kev said, when there are are more entertaining options to occupy my time, why spend it on the WWE of today?
-
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t1.0-9/10382742_10152314955616443_7764523166039834056_n.jpg)
One of these guys is one of the greatest, most entertaining wrestlers that I've ever seen.
The other is Triple H.
-
Serious question here for wrestling fans: Does anyone get anything out of the women in WWE, from the wrestlers, to the managers, to the... others? Even in my big WWF/E days in the 80s and 2000-2002, I never got any enjoyment out of women in or outside the ring, with the possible exception of Miss Elizabeth who had a great thing going with Savage's character. Now when I happen across Raw or Smackdown, a women gets in the ring or grabs a mic, and I change the channel.
-
I liked a few of them in the Attitude era... Trish Stratus and Amy Dumas could put on a good program.
-
Like anything else, it's how the writers set them up and how they handle it that determines my interest.
-
Sure they're nice to look at, but they are so terrible at wrestling and just about everything else that I skip right over them.
-
Well, yes and no. The current state of the WWE women's division is pretty pathetic, so I can't say that I get very much out of them right now. But in general? Yeah, I love women's wrestling.
-
I've been impressed with Paige for the most part
-
The divas matches are always lame, but I never mind looking at AJ.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img661/6797/o7r1wn.gif)
Ah, to be that other woman... :lol :lol
-
(https://i.imgur.com/CfHBtXr.png)
-
Such a terrible storyline, even Bryan has said it's stupid. :lol
https://au.ign.com/articles/2014/08/15/daniel-bryan-on-brie-bella-s-summerslam-match-and-why-hes-not-sure-when-hell-be-back-on-wwe-tv?page=1
-
Such a terrible storyline, even Bryan has said it's stupid. :lol
https://au.ign.com/articles/2014/08/15/daniel-bryan-on-brie-bella-s-summerslam-match-and-why-hes-not-sure-when-hell-be-back-on-wwe-tv?page=1
After reading this, it seems that he's all for the story line (never called it stupid), but only said how he was brought into the story line was stupid.
-
I don't mean the general Brie vs. Stephanie thing that's been going on recently, I mean the cheating angle (ie. how he was brought into it), which he did call stupid and groan-worthy. And it is.
-
I don't mean the general Brie vs. Stephanie thing that's been going on recently, I mean the cheating angle (ie. how he was brought into it), which he did call stupid and groan-worthy. And it is.
Yeah, it was bad when TNA did it with AJ Styles, and it's even worse now. The feud didn't even need it.
-
It just has a bad soap opera feel to it, and detracts from the wrestling. Hopefully they drop that part of the angle soon. As you said, the Stephanie / Brie feud didn't need it, and Bryan definitely doesn't need it.
-
It just has a bad soap opera feel to it, and detracts from the wrestling. Hopefully they drop that part of the angle soon. As you said, the Stephanie / Brie feud didn't need it, and Bryan definitely doesn't need it.
Um, that's every storyline Wrestling has. :lol
-
It just has a bad soap opera feel to it, and detracts from the wrestling. Hopefully they drop that part of the angle soon. As you said, the Stephanie / Brie feud didn't need it, and Bryan definitely doesn't need it.
Um, that's every storyline Wrestling has. :lol
I know, but I don't want to be reminded of it! :lol
-
In 1983 Blob, I saw Sunka and the Samoan Brothers team up against nobodys. Freddie Blassie was there as well as, gosh gee willickers bob Backlund in a skating rink. Ah the days of the WWE when it only aired Saturday mornings.
-
Katie Vick. /worststorylineever
-
Steph looks smoking hot!
-
Steph looks smoking hot!
(https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/1947585_304050193110433_995432046809969518_n.jpg?oh=91ba11afb1d0acfdc91a5f1fb14f9a04&oe=547148B8)
I ain't mad.
Also, Paige and AJ had a great match!
-
Brock Lesnar......
Debuted on the main roster in April of 2002.
Won the 2002 King of the Ring
Won the WWE Undisputed Championship at SummerSlam 2002 by beating the Rock.
Won the 2003 Royal Rumble
Won the WWE Championship in the Main Event of his first ever Wrestlemania by beating Kurt Angle
Ended the Undertaker's Wrestlemania Undefeated Streak at Wrestlemania XXX
Won the World Heavyweight Championship by being the first person to Completely dismantle John Cena at SummerSlam 2014.
This might be the best track record in the modern era of professional wrestling
Would rather see a full time guy with the belt, but we'll see how this goes. This could be a huge payoff if they have Brock dominate until WM and drop it to an up and comer like Roman Reigns. Now if Brock just drops it back to Cena at some point, then it's all for naught.
-
I understand why the match had to be longer, but it would've been a much more impressive win if that first F5 would've ended the match!
Talk about "conquering!"
-
So it was a good match? Cena\Punk quality?
-
The match told the story it wanted to tell really well, which was "Brock Lesnar is gonna beat the ever loving shit out of you". It was really a squash match, with Cena getting squash.
By the way, I can't believe that we got an entertaining lumberjack match! I now want Rollins and Ambrose to have a series of dumb gimmick matches and make them entertaining!
-
That was a really enjoyable PPV!
The Miz vs Dolph Ziggler was a strong opener. I hate the Miz because he's terrible at everything, but Ziggler put on a good show, and to my surprise won! Nice way to kick things off.
AJ Lee vs Paige was an excellent women's match for the 5 whole minutes they gave it. A lot of big moves, and that T-bone DDT was awesome. I'm glad Paige won too.
Jack Swagger vs Rusev was pretty bad. The injured leg thing always is. I really thought Swagger was going to win this one and end the feud, so I was surprised that he lost. I guess that means another month of the same thing. Bleh.
Dean Ambrose vs Seth Rollins stole the show. Being a lumberjack match, I thought it was going to suck despite the talent, but it actually enhanced the match a lot. It gave it that much more payoff when they were able to leave the ring, and Ambrose did a lot of good dives. I'll be glad to see this continue in future.
Bray Wyatt vs Chris Jericho sucked. Can't say I expected anything else from Wyatt.
Brie Bella vs Stephanie McMahon was just wrong. I shouldn't be surprised that Stephanie made herself look super strong throughout the match given who she's married to, but it made no sense given that she was helped out with Nikki's turn at the end. It should have at least been an even fight until then. Stephanie's outfit looked like it was made by NASA for a superhero movie.
Randy Orton vs Roman Reigns was incredibly boring, and the crowd let them know it. I don't know why they're backing Reigns when he's the weakest member of the former Shield. He's a one trick pony who hasn't evolved one bit since the split, unlike the other two. Same old punches, superman punch and spear.
John Cena vs Brock Lesnar was beautiful to behold. That start with them going at it then the F5 was a pleasant surprise, and Lesnar dominated for the entire match. Those german suplexes looked brutal. John Cena can job like a champ when he has to. I respect that.
By the way, I can't believe that we got an entertaining lumberjack match! I now want Rollins and Ambrose to have a series of dumb gimmick matches and make them entertaining!
It was a first! :lol TLC PPV, ladder match for the briefcase. Make it happen.
-
I confused.
8 matches ; 4 comments are "pretty bad" + "sucked" + "just wrong" + "incredibly boring" = "Really enjoyable PPV"??
Just how low are the expectations that the WWE has set?
-
When you watch a WWE PPV, you're hoping for 2 good matches out of the card, mostly the main ones.
I for one, thought the Orton/Reigns one was enjoyable after they got all the slow start out of the way and had those nice spots. As boring as Randy seems to be: when he's walking to the ring, cutting a promo; there's no denying his ability and his two counters (spear into powerslam and superman punch into RKO) where some of the moves of the night.
-
I didn't like the main event. But that's mainly because the suplexs got too much and I got bored.
-
I read a review of the event and the thing that stood out to me the most was this:
(https://i.imgur.com/4aRexIF.gif)
-
I confused.
8 matches ; 4 comments are "pretty bad" + "sucked" + "just wrong" + "incredibly boring" = "Really enjoyable PPV"??
Just how low are the expectations that the WWE has set?
How many PPVs have ever been amazing from start to finish? You're always going to have a combination of lower/mid card wrestlers along with your better guys. Overall I enjoyed the PPV despite some not so good matches.
It also comes down to expectation vs the result. If I expect a match to not be good, and it's not so good, it doesn't really disappoint me. But if I expect a match to be good, and it's not, then that drags it down. Likewise, if I expect a match to be bad, and it ends up being good, then it's exceeded my expectations. It's not always just a sum of its parts. It's an overall package. It started very strong, it ended strong, mixed bag inbetween. I was entertained.
-
^ Gotchya. I guess it's been so long since I saw a PPV (geez... gotta be well over 5 years), when I remembered there might be one stinker, or couple of sub-par matches, but the majority was at least decent - with always the chance (and regular occurrence) of an "O-mah-fawkin-gawd!!!" match
-
It may also be a bit of lower expectation for PPV's these days, but having watched every PPV this year for the first time in a long time, I think it was the best since Wrestlemania.
-
Lesnar could have done a few powerbombs and slams to change it up a bit. It really didn't have to be a squash match either. Unless of course this is supposed to mirror Superman and Doomsday or something.
-
Ambrose dousing Rollins in ice water then going "what? It's for charity!" before punching him was just gold! Please never let this feud end!
-
Lets introduce the Miz from Hollywood now after introducing him from Cleveland for the past few years surely nobody will notice :lol
-
That's not that unusual. I remember when Ted DiBiase was at his height of the Million Dollar Man gimmick. They would announce where he was from based on where his seasonal residence was. "Making his summer residence in..." :lol :lol
-
It's really not unusual at all. Hogan changed his billing when he turned into Hollywood Hogan, so did The Rock when he went "movie star heel", 'Taker when he was Biker Taker, Sting did for a time. And that's just off the top of my head, it's pretty common.
-
Lets introduce the Miz from Hollywood now after introducing him from Cleveland for the past few years surely nobody will notice :lol
There was a period years ago where they were no longer announcing any Canadian wrestlers as actually being from Canada, and instead changed them all to US locations.
Seth Rollins and Ambrose is the best feud of the year. Their match on RAW is the best RAW match in a long time, and you could have stuck that match on Summerslam and it still would have stolen the show. It's just a shame that Kane has to exist. He had no place in that match. He has no place in wrestling at all anymore.
-
Didn't they use to just introduce every Canadian from Toronto? Which led us to this gem.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o77NwC2TLR8
-
Seth Rollins and Ambrose is the best feud of the year. Their match on RAW is the best RAW match in a long time, and you could have stuck that match on Summerslam and it still would have stolen the show. It's just a shame that Kane has to exist. He had no place in that match. He has no place in wrestling at all anymore.
Yeah, his inclusion in their last two matches have been incredibly unnecessary!
-
It's even worse now that he's back to being Corporate Kane. There's nothing threatening about a middle-aged dude with a terrible haircut dressed for a day at the office.
Kane could have just come out and revealed the blocks to skew the match, if anything at all. The curb stomp through the cinder blocks was enough to make Rollins look like the cheating heel and to take out Ambrose for a while.
-
Wait, so this family-oriented PG show is now having one star curb stomp another? That's rich.
-
The curb stomp is Seth Rollins finishing move. Where have you been? :biggrin:
It was a pretty hardcore match for Raw these days though. The bit with all of the chairs was a highlight.
It was funny how they let people vote for the kind of match they were going to have, when the options were all the exact same thing! :lol
-
I told ya, I don't watch much anymore. It still DVRs every week, so perhaps I'll check out that match.
-
If anything from Raw in the past year is actually worth watching (which isn't a lot), it would be this match. It was PPV quality.
-
Curb stomping a man's face into cinder blocks and the blocks breaking is some Dragonball Z quality shit. I know the kids don't know any better, but adults still watch this stuff. I bet there was a whole lot of eye rolling after that, cause realistically, Ambrose would be beyond death if that happened. Still a cool spot though.
-
The Ambrose/Rollins match on Raw was one of the best tv matches I've seen in recent memory. What a feud!!
-
(https://i.imgur.com/iYEvoEq.png)
-
Found this online. I could watch this promo all day long. The Snake tells you everything you need to know about him, his thoughts on his opponent, and the upcoming match, all in 1:20. And he even threw in a people's eyebrow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzE9UgLGjWs
-
So what do you guys think about the new logo? I'm really excited about it!
-
Eh, it's a logo. Makes no difference to me.
-
Eh, it's a logo. Makes no difference to me.
That.
I figured they were going to change over when they started using this logo with the WWE Network, then this week on Raw I noticed they were now exclusively using it, for the entrance and turnbuckles and graphics.
Doesn't really make a difference to anything. It's an angular version of the same logo.
-
Looking forward to the Sting DVD on the 23rd. This is the DVD I've been hoping for since WCW went under.
-
ooohhh... didn't know there was one coming out.
*goes and investigates*
Um, yeah... think I'll be getting this one. All I needed to see was "Great Muta". Twice. That one-on-one match between the two was one of the greatest things I think I ever saw. Better than Flair v Windham or Flair v Steamboat.
The only thing I think missing is Fall Brawl '96 with Fake Sting. Pretty pivotal match in his career, as it was essentially the starting point for 'Crow' Sting.
-
It's missing the first clash match against Flair, which is a five star epic. The set itself looks awesome and it's great to see the Muta matches. Lots of obscure matches too
-
Pretty soon they're going to start selling WWE Network For $9.99 t-shirts.
https://shop.wwe.com/WWE-Network-%249.99-T-Shirt/W08156,default,pd.html?dwvar_W08156_color=Black&start=17&cgid=shop-wwe-products-men-tshirts-authentics
(https://www.thewrestlinganswer.com/images/9-99-t-shirt.jpg)
-
Pretty soon they're going to start selling WWE Network For $9.99 t-shirts.
https://shop.wwe.com/WWE-Network-%249.99-T-Shirt/W08156,default,pd.html?dwvar_W08156_color=Black&start=17&cgid=shop-wwe-products-men-tshirts-authentics
(https://www.thewrestlinganswer.com/images/9-99-t-shirt.jpg)
Well WWE is really predictable.
Were there always big holes on the sides of the HIAC for easy climbing?
-
No, but they have been for a few years now.
-
Were there always big holes on the sides of the HIAC for easy climbing?
Or the ledge on the outside for them to stand on?
Love how the PPV went to a blank screen when everyone with a phone had their flashlight on. Damn that was a lame-ass ending to an otherwise decent match. I would've been more satisfied if Kane did what he did 17 years ago, and ripped the door off it's hinges.
-
So... at the beginning of the year, Brock Lesnar comes out of nowhere, wrestles Taker at WM and beats him, does nothing for a while, beats Cena for the title, then does nothing for a while?
Is this the worst use of a wrestler ever, or just his new t-shirt/slogan?
Big Match
Disappear
Repeat
-
Does Brock do anything else that keeps him from WWE for that long?
-
I don't mind the ending. They needed something to end the rollins/ambrose feud. With Wyatt thrown in the mix ambrose will be feuding with him and it looks like they are setting up a rollins/orton rivalry. So it looks like were getting a break from the rollins/ambrose feud for a while which is a good thing because i think they were stretching it out far too long.
-
Does Brock do anything else that keeps him from WWE for that long?
No. He stays at home and hunts.
-
Does Brock do anything else that keeps him from WWE for that long?
No. He stays at home and hunts.
Why is he indorsed by Jimmy John's?
-
Because they sponsored him when he was a UFC fighter and he kept the sponsorships.
-
Because they sponsored him when he was a UFC fighter and he kept the sponsorships.
Wouldn't the sponsorships end after he left UFC? Why endorse a guy who's barely on TV to promote a product? Maybe that's not how it works. I'm not well versed. You could say I'm........ Ignorant.
-
I don't have a clue why he's still got them on his trunks other than it was his big sponsor in UFC and having sponsors makes him look "legitimate".
-
I don't have a clue why he's still got them on his trunks other than it was his big sponsor in UFC and having sponsors makes him look "legitimate".
I guess JJ's doesn't care much. I'm pretty sure a big company like Pepsi would threaten to sue if their product was visible and they weren't getting a cut.
-
Were there always big holes on the sides of the HIAC for easy climbing?
The first couple of matches didn't have them, but they've been there since at least the 6 man HIAC at Armageddon 2000, so a long time now.
Best HIAC match in a while, especially considering it's the PG era. It's no wonder they put that on last and distanced the Cena/Orton match from it, which was totally boring and worthless.
-
Why is Orton RKOing random people?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TQ1I6Ey5hc
-
Because RKO OUTTA NOWHERE.
-
Because it's hilarious.
-
Because it's hilarious.
-
I haven't laughed at any of these yet... probably because I've already seen most of the original videos.
-
That guy with the bike looked dead.
-
Cesaro vs Ziggler vs Kidd on Smackdown was the best Smackdown match for ages. Go out of your way and watch it because it's incredible.
-
Cesaro vs Ziggler vs Kidd on Smackdown was the best Smackdown match for ages. Go out of your way and watch it because it's incredible.
It was really good. You typically see these good of matches on Smackdown rather than Raw.
-
Holy shit this match was awesome!! Easily the best thing I've seen this year in WWE since the Rollins/Ambrose lumberjack match!
-
Sorry if this is old news.
An awesome video where Jake the Snake shares bad news with DDP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52MECk0mb9g
A moving update on Kamala
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2267803-from-wrestling-legend-to-double-amputee-kamala-keeps-fighting?utm_source=cnn.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=editorial&hpt=hp_t4
-
Sting.
-
:omg: Guess I'm recording RAW tomorrow.
-
Finally, Sting!!!
-
Also, before we get too caught up on Sting, Ziggler. Hell of a performance.
-
Seeing Sting was awesome, but they gave the belt to Nikki Bella. NIKKI BELLA. What the fuck?!
-
I'm not upset they put the title on Nikki more than... WTF was that entire match and feud about?
-
While Nikki is still a horrible actress, she's been not bad in the ring recently. This whole feud with AJ was a whole lotta nothing though.
Ziggler, what a fucking performance! What a hoss! Once I saw Cena get eliminated, I was so happy that they left Ziggler to win the match by himself! Would've love for him and Rollins to have gone even longer.
And, fucking Sting man! I hadn't read any rumors about him being in the arena so I was completely taken by surprise! Too bad he's not using the WCW theme. :(
-
Good god that was an awful PPV overall, but go Ziggler! That was about the only good part of the PPV, seeing Ziggler fight team authority alone and win. I knew Sting was coming back, but that didn't soften the blow of the disappointment, and it was just booooring.
I figured before the PPV that they were going to be light on matches, so that was super drawn out, and starting a PPV with 15 minutes of talking like every Raw was a bad move. The whole thing just felt like a typical episode of Raw.
AJ Lee getting squashed was pathetic.
-
I don't know man...I thought it was exactly what the "free subscribers" needed to see to get them to keep the network. Sure, some of the matches were unnecessary or poorly executed (Adam Rose/Nikki Bella), but what was good about it was VERY good. The 4 way tag was very strong with a lot of intensity and movement. We got exactly what we needed to set up the TRUE Wyatt/Ambrose match, and that main event was fantastic.
-
I thought it was about the worst PPV they could present to get people to buy the network. It was no better than an average episode of Raw they get for free. The WWE is going to end up going till the Rumble without a title match, and most of the other title holders were in the one big match (which I thought was very good btw).
The tag match was also pretty good, but the rest was overly drawn out with rehashes of Raw footage and talking, and was not very good. It was a contender with the Rumble for the worst PPV of the year.
They have a habit of copout finishes to draw out feuds lately, so the Wyatt/Ambrose match didn't feel conclusive or important, when PPV matches should always feel more important than the cycle of matches they do on Raw. Not to mention that Wyatt just can't wrestle, so that feud is an absolute waste of Ambrose's talents.
The only thing of importance was the big match, and that felt somewhat manufactured due to the lack of a title match, just like Cena's match with Orton to determine the #1 contender at HIAC, which has gone unmentioned since because the champion is still sitting at home getting a paycheck for doing nothing. It was easily the highlight of the PPV, but it couldn't save it.
Having Lesnar as a champ is a big deal, but it's actually dragging them down to have so many PPVs without the title even being defended.
-
I liked the 4 way tag match (although I hate the two men in the ring at a time rule)
I really liked the ambrose/wyatt match and I am really looking forward to their rematch at TLC
I liked the main event but I did not like how quickly ryback was eliminated or the random heel turn from big show.
Overall Survivor Series was disappointing, but it did have its moments. At least I liked it more than battleground.
-
The whole point of providing the network for free during November was to provide "can't miss" content to non subscribers. And technically people don't watch RAW for free. They pay their cable provider to watch it. So if there's 4 million people watching RAW every week and only 750,000 Network subscribers, then there needs to be "can't miss" content on the Network. They need to reach out to the 95% of people who don't have the Network, especially cable subscribers who are going to tune into RAW to see if Sting shows up because they missed it last night. Regardless of the overall quality of the PPV, bringing Sting out was can't miss. Having the US Title match was can't miss. Austin's exclusive interview with McMahon next week will be can't miss. If all of that new/original/exclusive content, plus the thousands of hours of new and pre-existing content on the Network isn't enough for people to cough up $9.99/month, then I'm not sure what else WWE needs to do. For me, the Network is easily worth $49.99/month.
-
I was extremely excited to see Sting, but I have to admit, I do think they could have made that match's ending much better. As amazing as it was to see Sting, he did kind of take away from the awesome match Ziggler and Rollins were putting on. Having them just lie there motionlessly while Sting and HHH stared each other down for five minutes was a little sad, and having Sting trigger the finish wasn't great, either. I think it would have been much better if Sting had just dropped HHH and then left, leaving Ziggler and Rollins to get up and finish the match on their own. Ziggler hits one last big move and gets the win for real, rather than being literally dragged into it.
I also think Sting's entrance could have been much cooler. I'm okay with him just walking out (it would be amazing to see him lowered from the ceiling, but I totally understand why we're never going to see that in a WWE arena again, and having the lights go out and him appear in the ring might be too similar to Undertaker for WWE's liking), but it would have been cool for him to come out to classic music. And for crying out loud, why didn't he have a baseball bat?!? It was Sting, with his crow gimmick, coming out to challenge the corrupt ruling entity, and he didn't have a baseball bat! :lol
But anyway, all small complaints aside, I thought it was amazing to see him. If nothing else, this means we're finally going to get a proper DVD package of his career, and probably a Wrestlemania match as well.
-
I preferred Sting before he started ripping off the Crow. Of course, he wasn't a brooding supernatural creature then, he was just a hell of a wrestler who could hang with almost anyone in the ring and painted his face.
-
Yeah, he sure did look odd without the bat.
-
I preferred Sting before he started ripping off the Crow. Of course, he wasn't a brooding supernatural creature then, he was just a hell of a wrestler who could hang with almost anyone in the ring and painted his face.
To be honest, I'm not all that familiar with pre-Crow Sting.
-
I preferred Sting before he started ripping off the Crow. Of course, he wasn't a brooding supernatural creature then, he was just a hell of a wrestler who could hang with almost anyone in the ring and painted his face.
To be honest, I'm not all that familiar with pre-Crow Sting.
That's too bad, because that's when he was awesome.
-
Pre-Crow Sting was much more about being impressive in ring, and whenever someone mentions how good Sting was, I always presume they mean Pre-Crow.
-
He was really good then. I saw him go to a draw with Ric Flair in Flair's heyday - was at least a 45-minute match, may have been an hour. It was fantastic.
-
I got the Best of Blu-Ray last month. Watched a few of the early matches, and man he was rough to start, but by the early 90s, was amazing. Gotta revisit that. Looking forward to the Great Muta match
-
I loved Sting since the day I started watching wrestling and I'm really praying that they don't just completely ruin his run with their tame, watered down WWE non-sense.
-
He was really good then. I saw him go to a draw with Ric Flair in Flair's heyday - was at least a 45-minute match, may have been an hour. It was fantastic.
You are probably thinking about the first Clash of the Champions. 45 minute draw. 5 star classic, amazing match.
-
I was extremely excited to see Sting, but I have to admit, I do think they could have made that match's ending much better. As amazing as it was to see Sting, he did kind of take away from the awesome match Ziggler and Rollins were putting on. Having them just lie there motionlessly while Sting and HHH stared each other down for five minutes was a little sad, and having Sting trigger the finish wasn't great, either. I think it would have been much better if Sting had just dropped HHH and then left, leaving Ziggler and Rollins to get up and finish the match on their own. Ziggler hits one last big move and gets the win for real, rather than being literally dragged into it.
I agree. It was Ziggler's moment, and having a washed up Sting come in and take up so much time for nothing was classic WCW at its worst. :lol
-
He was really good then. I saw him go to a draw with Ric Flair in Flair's heyday - was at least a 45-minute match, may have been an hour. It was fantastic.
You are probably thinking about the first Clash of the Champions. 45 minute draw. 5 star classic, amazing match.
Nah, I watched that too, but on PPV. I am talking about a house show I attended in Charlotte.
-
CM Punk speaks:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxHRJnZsinQ
Source: PWInsider & Art of Wrestling Podcast
*Punk made it clear that he's the happiest he's personally been in many years and that at times, he will come off bitter while discussing what happened, but it's "OK to be bitter" and that's part of going through the process of dealing with everything and that his appearance wasn't meant to be an attack on WWE, but a discussion of what his led to his departure.
*The most amazing thing to come out of the interview is that Punk didn't quit WWE after all - he was fired. While he left the company in January, he was told weeks later by Vince McMahon via text that he was suspended for two months. The next day, Vince told stockholders that Punk was on a "sabbatical." When the suspension ended, no one in WWE contacted Punk. When Punk finally reached out asking where royalties that were owed to him were, he got a run-around from WWE Execs until he received termination papers informing him he was in breach of contract on his wedding day. So, they technically fired him on his wedding day in June 2014, which Punk said was "going too f***ing far." Punk claimed the company tried to find him in "retro-breach" in June, instead of claiming he breached his deal back in January 2014 and he knew legally, that wouldn't stick.
*Punk said he left WWE the day after The Royal Rumble for one main reason: his health. During the podcast, Punk went into great, esquisite detail about the last several months in the company, which includes Punk being so injured that he's working with broken ribs (thanks to Ryback), a concussion (which he ignored after WWE medical asked him if he was OK to go on a European tour, so he toughed it out, which he noted was his own mistake) and injured knees. During the November tour, Punk was getting so sick that he was puking and dry heaving every night after wrestling, had a fever for months and had no appetite. WWE medical had given him so many antibiotics by that he pooped himself in the ring on Smackdown all while watching his checks shrink. Punk described it as the worst he ever felt in his life and being unable to sleep because he was so sick. This went all the way through the end of his WWE run.
*At the Royal Rumble, Punk suffered a concussion early on and still worked the entire match. The next day, he passed the company's concussion test (which he described as "bullsh**") while texting Colt Cabana and wearing headphones. WWE then told him he passed the test but they wanted him to go run the ring ropes to check him again. Punk said he felt like they wanted him to go run the ropes like some 2 week rookie in front of everyone and refused. At that point, Punk demanded they just decide he has a concussion and admitted that until then he was just trying to deny he was hurt and tough it out.
That same day, the company began pressuring him about signing visas for future tours and taking a drug test instead of listening to his requests to "f***ing help me" because something was obviously wrong with all the issues that had built up. Deciding he had enough, Punk said he decided to tell Vince McMahon and Triple H he was going home. Punk's version of this conversation is something to behold as he calmly tears into Triple H for cutting off his momentum in 2011 (Punk goes into great detail on issues with HHH), complains to Vince that he's stifled Punk's creativity and tells them both it's garbage they aren't considering Daniel Bryan for the main event of Wrestlemania 30, passing him by the way they've passed Punk by. He told them he was done and didn't want to do this anymore. Vince hugged him goodbye in tears and told him he was family, yet later suspended and fired Punk.
*Punk also told a story of going to WWE's doctor because he found a lump on his back during the same time period as the November 2013 European tour. The WWE Doctor, identified by Punk as Dr. Chris Amann, diagnosed it as a fatty deposit. Punk told several stories of asking for Amann to cut it out, but Amann says no because it wasn't hurting Punk. Punk explained that WWE docs cut things out of the wrestlers on a regular basis. Amann declined several times to remove it with Punk describing him as "lazy" in explicit, colorful terms. The day of the 2014 Rumble, Punk told Amann that it was now badly hurting and purple and bigger. Amann told him he couldn't do it then because Punk had to work the Rumble. After the Rumble, Punk demanded it be cut out right now and Amann noted that Punk would need to be on antibiotics, to which Punk responded that had been put on antibiotics WWE docs have given him for three months, which is why he pooped his pants.
*After leaving WWE and still not feeling any better weeks later, his wife AJ Lee convinced him go to her doctor. Her doctor (without knowing who Punk was or having any background information), immediately looked at the lump and diagnosed Punk with a MERSA staph infection. The doctor proceeded to squeeze the lump so hard the puss hit the ceiling. Punk said getting it cleaned out was the worst pain in his life and he needed specific medications for the infection, so none of the meds WWE had been giving him were any help. So, Punk had been wrestling the last few months of his WWE run with a staph infection in his back, which he stated was ignored and/or misdiagnosed by WWE's medical staff. When the doctor asked Punk how long he had the lump and Punk told him a few months, the doctor told him, "You should be dead."
*Punk talked about how badly hurt he was during his 2011-2014 WWE run and that on two occasions, he literally came out of surgery (and in one story, was walking out of the hospital following knee surgery) to find out he was being brought back almost immediately to TV with no time off. After elbow surgery, he was told he was being brought back to the road and TV to cut promos and after the knee surgery, was told he was being brought back in three weeks to work a TLC match against Ryback. Punk's version of these stories were enough to really make you shake your head and really need to be heard in his own voice.
*Punk described his wrestling career as a failure as he failed to get to the main event of Wrestlemania and that he's come to terms with that as he's moving on to the next stage of his life. He said that it was ridiculous that so many current roster members have not been in the Mania main event position. Punk talked about politicking to get to that level, but it was never about winning or being the guy. He said he needed to get there so he could learn to work at that level and get better, draw more and be an asset to the company. He said he would hear he wasn't a draw, but every chance he had, he "shoved it down their f***ing throats." He said that it all comes down to an "out of touch old man" (Vince McMahon) and his decisions.
*Punk said he knew he had the best match at Wrestlemania 29 and he was praised for it, but he knew he didn't get the money that John Cena, Undertaker, Brock Lesnar, Rock, and Triple H got for the show.
*Punk said that for anyone complaining he left WWE in a lurch, he didn't hold WWE up for money and didn't ask for anything and didn't walk out in the middle of a storyline. He was chokeslammed by Kane and he was gone. He went home for his health and sanity, although he did note he was frustrated with seeing smaller checks and not getting answers as to how the WWE Network will change the pay scale. Punk noted that everyone was afraid to ask Vince McMahon and even Randy Orton was coming to him asking if he knew anything.
*Punk said that when WWE fired him and issued him a contract breach, he hired a very "vicious" Los Angeles lawyer to go after WWE to fight the breach and in the end, he got a settlement that gave him everything he asked for "and more." He said he's just not allowed to talk about the settlement, but pretty much made it clear he got everything he wanted and noted it was stupid of WWE to even advertise him for the next WWE 2K15 videogame. He said he is completely done and clear of WWE and they will never, ever have a working relationship ever again.
*Punk said they were terrified that as an independent contract for the last ten years, that he would take them to court and ruin their way of doing business.
*When WWE later asked to issue a joint statement between the two, he told them to "F*** off."
*Punk talked in detail about WWE using the independent contractor status, noting the company does concussion testing to help themselves, not the wrestlers. He noted all the money the NFL Player's Union is forcing the NFL to pay for old injuries and medical concerns of players and that WWE is doing all this to prevent wrestlers from being able to say that they aren't. Punk said that if WWE truly cared for the talents, they would allow a union to be created for the talents.
*Punk also noted that he was to star in "12 Rounds 2" while he was WWE champion. When signing the paperwork, he noticed the filming dates were the same as a WWE European tour and Triple H. Triple H told him that was not the case but he will look into it. The next day, WWE announced Randy Orton would star in the move with HHH never calling Punk to inform him of the change because, as Punk said, "He thinks I'm a piece of sh**." Punk said it was indicative of the lack of respect he was shown by those in the company.
*Punk said wrestling Ryback took "20 years off his life" and talked in detail about how badly hurt he was working with, as Punk described him, "Steroid guy."
*WWE was afraid he was going to TNA, but his lawyer told WWE that he despises wrestling now and will never wrestle again.
-
Listening to it now. Its awesome
-
While Punk probably embellished some stuff and has a big ego, I'm thinking most of what he said was true, especially about Vince and HHH. Too many stories about those guys over the years for it not be mostly true. HHH has never struck me as anything but an asshole, and this interview just reaffirms what I've always thought. Vince always treats most of his wrestlers like shit.
And with Punk and Bryan gone, the product is so awful now. I've barely watched for months, and I don't see me ever really being someone again who watches it regularly.
-
And with Punk and Bryan gone, the product is so awful now. I've barely watched for months, and I don't see me ever really being someone again who watches it regularly.
I flipped by Raw on Monday, and saw Bryan come out in the opening segment. Is he back full-time now?
And yeah, HHH is 10 pounds of asshole in a 5-pound bag.
-
And with Punk and Bryan gone, the product is so awful now. I've barely watched for months, and I don't see me ever really being someone again who watches it regularly.
I flipped by Raw on Monday, and saw Bryan come out in the opening segment. Is he back full-time now?
Daniel Bryan's return is for Monday's Raw and Friday's Smackdown only. From what I understand, he has a ways to go yet.
WWE should take this is a chance to severely overhaul how they do business. Sometimes, I think they're headed in the right direction, like when they had Bryan win at WM, and when they had Dolph be the sole survivor the other night. But still, so much other bad stuff going on, none worse than an absent WWEWHC. But those are all "creative" things. What Punk shed light on (which comes as no surprise to most of us) is the overuse of antibiotics and painkillers along with how wrestlers are forced to play through injuries/concussions etc are much bigger issues that must be addressed immediately. It's 2014... get with the times!
-
Oh dang, I just read this news at 411mania.com and was about to post this, but you guys are on the ball of it as usual. Well, that sucks that what happened, happened and all. Hopefully, Punk can be happy with his life and with AJ and move on. I heard he's a writer for Marvel now or was that just a one-time thing?
-
I would guess it's only a matter of time before A.J. Lee leaves wrestling, too. She is probably staying until her contract is up and then she'll leave. That has to be kind of weird for her to still be working there, knowing how poorly they treated her husband - all of that stuff with the doctors not taking care of him properly and firing him on his wedding day - and knowing how much her husband now hates the company. Hell, if I were her, I'd be worried about Vince or HHH having one of the divas stiff her on purpose and jack her face up or something near the end of her contract. I don't put anything past those petulant children otherwise knows as the McMahons and HHH.
-
The response to this has been pretty good and damning of some people.
Road Dogg only read the headlines because he made the comment "how would anyone of known he was getting married", when Punk told Trips.
Ryback is digging himself into a whole by mocking Punk.
Jericho took a shot at Colt Cabana by saying "Colt Who?" before deleting that tweet.
-
Regardless of the overall quality of the PPV, bringing Sting out was can't miss.
I used to miss Sting every week for Monday Night Raw, back in 1998 when he was in his prime.
-
WWE should take this is a chance to severely overhaul how they do business. Sometimes, I think they're headed in the right direction, like when they had Bryan win at WM, and when they had Dolph be the sole survivor the other night. But still, so much other bad stuff going on, none worse than an absent WWEWHC. But those are all "creative" things. What Punk shed light on (which comes as no surprise to most of us) is the overuse of antibiotics and painkillers along with how wrestlers are forced to play through injuries/concussions etc are much bigger issues that must be addressed immediately. It's 2014... get with the times!
Agreed. I've been in favor of some kind of offseason or forced vacation for the talent. Stack them in a way that you never miss good/top guys while others are in vacation.
There is no need for this guys to kill themselves for 4-5 days a week, absolutely no need
-
WWE should take this is a chance to severely overhaul how they do business. Sometimes, I think they're headed in the right direction, like when they had Bryan win at WM, and when they had Dolph be the sole survivor the other night. But still, so much other bad stuff going on, none worse than an absent WWEWHC. But those are all "creative" things. What Punk shed light on (which comes as no surprise to most of us) is the overuse of antibiotics and painkillers along with how wrestlers are forced to play through injuries/concussions etc are much bigger issues that must be addressed immediately. It's 2014... get with the times!
Agreed. I've been in favor of some kind of offseason or forced vacation for the talent. Stack them in a way that you never miss good/top guys while others are in vacation.
There is no need for this guys to kill themselves for 4-5 days a week, absolutely no need
Agreed. They have so many wrestlers, that they could come up with a way to work guys in and out of the road schedule.
-
This "New Day" garbage is just the same old shit. Take three minorities with potential and repackage them into this crap where they've got to sing and dance and be caricatures. Kofi Kingston has been on the main roster for SEVEN YEARS.... he should be a main eventer by now. If I were Booking, 2011 Little Jimmy I'll be a good R-Truth R-Truth would have been pushed through the roof and he'd have been a World Champion for sure. This shit is so sad, stale and stagnant.
-
Nah, I think Kingston is actually used properly. Not every guy is a main eventer, and Kingston does well as an upper mid-carder who always dazzles in the specialty matches like the RR and EC cause of the acrobatic things he can do.
I agree though that the little jimmy thing they had R-Truth doing was hilarious, but he was merely fed to Cena and then buried after that. Same old, same old.
-
I agree with that R-Truth sentiment, I also thought they had something nice they could do when he and Miz paired up and had that whole conspiracy thing going.
-
(https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10845961_10152432183645723_570681219630490085_n.jpg?oh=dfa1e6cbbb9de2102083827b0af1dd00&oe=5501EA01)
-
Zack Ryder is a loser. I don't see the appeal.
-
Zack Ryder is a loser. I don't see the appeal.
Doesn't matter. He was over as fuck, and was immediately buried. So unless he did something backstage to deserve that.... it's total bs.
-
Come on next Thursday!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nncCOvls0Sk
-
The fact that Zack Rydar was over just shows how dumb fans are sometimes. That whole "woo woo" chant was the stupidest thing ever. Sounded like something a 11-year old would come up with.
-
Because screaming "yes" or "no" over and over is super original?
Stupid or not he made it work for him.
-
Because screaming "yes" or "no" over and over is super original?
Stupid or not he made it work for him.
Yeah..... Zack Ryder was so much more than that chant. Long Island Iced Z is how he got so over..... but you already knew that :angel:
-
I never saw the appeal of The Rock back in WWF's Attitude era. The People's Elbow looked like the dumbest thing in the world to me. His stupid catch phrases made me want to vomit. Everything about him just seemed ridiculous, not cool at all. I always wondered why he was so over, and I finally concluded that I was not the WWF's target market. My dreams of being the next Chyna shattered, I had no recourse but to go to college, study Latin and become a snobby overeducated curmudgeon.
-
Because screaming "yes" or "no" over and over is super original?
I never said it was. Neither Bryan's "YES!" nor Steve Austin's "WHAT?" were original, but both were over as hell already and added a silly, simplistic catchphrase to take advantage of being so over.
I never saw the appeal of The Rock back in WWF's Attitude era. The People's Elbow looked like the dumbest thing in the world to me. His stupid catch phrases made me want to vomit. Everything about him just seemed ridiculous, not cool at all. I always wondered why he was so over, and I finally concluded that I was not the WWF's target market. My dreams of being the next Chyna shattered, I had no recourse but to go to college, study Latin and become a snobby overeducated curmudgeon.
Well, it's all in the eye of the beholder, but while I agree that the people's elbow is a dumb-looking finisher, The Rock has the IT factor and just oozes charisma. When a guy has the IT factor and has that kind of charisma, he can get away with that kind of simple finisher (see: Hogan's leg drop, which didn't look so simple in the 80s).
-
My dreams of being the next Chyna shattered, I had no recourse but to go to college, study Latin and become a snobby overeducated curmudgeon.
You could probably get with X-pac at this point. :tup
-
CM Punk is joining the UFC (https://espn.go.com/mma/story/_/id/11991124/cm-punk-joins-ufc-fight-2015)
-
Saw that.
Interesting.
-
I'm sure he'll be spoon fed a few equally-green UFC wannabes, but once he goes against anyone with real experience, I expect he'll be in for a major wakeup call. I'm sure he'll make great bank for the ass-kicking he'll inevitably take though. :lol :lol
-
This news will get my money.
-
I would give up a whole paycheck to see Bond hit someone over the head with a chair in the next film.
(https://www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276352/Article/images/25153314/8729642-large.jpg)
-
Cheap plug for a wrestling forum that I'm helping to start up. If you like talking wrestling much more than we do in this thread, then consider joining up!
https://thewrestlenation.b1.jcink.com/index.php
-
My wrestling related thought of the day - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ope4A-U92qo&list=UUa-cuUnQJqBgSSYNEq6P_7w
-
Seth Rollins to Seth Green: "back off kid!"
Seth Green is 12 years older than Seth Rollins.
-
Seth Green is also a small man,
-
Seth Rollins to Seth Green: "back off kid!"
Seth Green is 12 years older than Seth Rollins.
I'm liking Rollins more every time I see him.
-
So excited that Mr. Wrestling is making his NXT debut tonight!!!
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t31.0-8/10633841_760275277355372_4255073694806810287_o.jpg)
-
Mr Wrestling? ADAM COLE BAYBAY?
-
Mr Wrestling? ADAM COLE BAYBAY?
Lol... would be great to see Austin.... err Adam, sign with WWE.
-
Yeah, I can't wait to watch
Steen Owen and Balor and Itami!
Can someone explain to me, in kayfabe, why would Seth Rollins care at all about being #1 contender when he has the MitB briefcase?
The whole build up to this PPV (who no one should watch) has been atrocious!
-
Yeah, I can't wait to watch Steen Owen and Balor and Itami!
Can someone explain to me, in kayfabe, why would Seth Rollins care at all about being #1 contender when he has the MitB briefcase?
The whole build up to this PPV (who no one should watch) has been atrocious!
I suppose that Rollins' motivation is not so much to earn a title shot (we all that he already has one) as it is to take a title shot away from Cena. Anyone's kayfabe motivation should be to beat John Cena, especially a character bent on becoming... (I hate to say it) the next big thing.
-
So excited that Mr. Wrestling is making his NXT debut tonight!!!
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t31.0-8/10633841_760275277355372_4255073694806810287_o.jpg)
K.O. killed it. WWE has another star on their hands. Hopefully they make the most out of it.
-
HOLY SHIT.... they let Finn break out the PAINT!!!
-
Can someone explain to me, in kayfabe, why would Seth Rollins care at all about being #1 contender when he has the MitB briefcase?
Well, I mean, he would have two guaranteed title shots. Granted, if he wins the title as number one contender, MITB would be useless, but if he lost as number one contender, he'd still have MITB to fall back on.
Actually, that could be a pretty cool scenario. Lesnar is in the ring celebrating a successful title defense after beating Rollins, then Rollins gets back to his feet, blasts Lesnar from behind with the briefcase, and cashes in. Curb stomp, new champion.
I dunno. Just a thought.
-
What a fantastic show. Charlotte and Sasha did work. And Neville and Zayn... outstanding match with superb storytelling.
-
Dude that crowd was so hot during the Zayn/Neville match! Especially when Neville brought the belt in and Sami grabbed it and everyone started "NO!! NO!! NO!!" that was awesome!
If you've never saw anything WWE until last night you would think that he's the #1 guy in the company! Also, never a bad thing to have a continuation of the Steen/Generico feud, though there's no way we're getting something as brutal as their Ladder War match.
-
Dude that crowd was so hot during the Zayn/Neville match! Especially when Neville brought the belt in and Sami grabbed it and everyone started "NO!! NO!! NO!!" that was awesome!
If you've never saw anything WWE until last night you would think that he's the #1 guy in the company! Also, never a bad thing to have a continuation of the Steen/Generico feud, though there's no way we're getting something as brutal as their Ladder War match.
You said it. Last night was magical.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10858608_884898888199046_1961293238337845534_n.jpg?oh=bff3b407e61093fb5a946eb011a0fb32&oe=5504C313&__gda__=1430439083_e7e855045c3b9d84c6c212e56372d57b)
-
Absolutely love Finn and always have. I can't wait to see him as he continues to work.
-
A better PPV than I was expecting, with some pleasantly surprising match placement, but still many disappointments.
The Ziggler / Harper match was a great way to kick off a PPV, and that was a great match. I'm glad Ziggler won too. Harper did well considering how new he is to singles matches since splitting from Wyatt. He's my favourite of the Wyatts by far.
Mizdow continues to amuse. Shame about the screwy finish. They've done a lot of that lately.
I skipped the Big Show match, but I can only assume it sucked.
John Cena vs Rollins was a good match. I thought the bit with both of them going through the tables was going to be another screwjob finish, but as a mid match bit, it was a good little break. I wish the stooges would stay out of the matches, because Rollins doesn't need them. The double AA through the table was impressive too. Oh and I forgot that Reigns is back. Yay. Because I was really missing seeing his same 3 moves and boring promos every week. He's going to win the rumble and win at Wrestlemania, and it's going to suck.
Nikki Bella vs AJ was a predictable disappointment. Sadly very one sided.
I skipped Kane/Ryback too. See Big Show / Rowan.
The Rusev match was pointless. I didn't see the point of this rematch. It was lazy booking.
I was pleasantly shocked that they put Ambrose/Wyatt on last. Very good overall, but that finish stunk. WTF was that about? If you're going to do a screwy finish, at least have Wyatt involved, and not some random accident.
I was expecting this PPV to be as bad as Survivor Series given how rushed it was, but it wasn't bad.
-
Ambrose/Wyatt should of ended with Ambrose missing a very big move (elbow drop through the announcer's table, for instance) and Bray hitting the sister abigail in a big way. It was simple, but you can't have simple in WWE at the moment.
-
That would have made too much sense. It didn't serve any purpose to do it this way, other than possibly prolonging the feud with yet another screwjob finish.
But I think Ambrose is due for a big win, and the reason for them pushing Wyatt so hard continues to elude me.
-
NXT R Evolution absolutely slayed TLC in every way. Not even close.
Dolph and Luke should have been the main event, all things considered.
Commence Roman Reigns being forced down out throats.
-
I can count who I considered on the main roster to have "stepped up" after the success of NXT R Evolution on one hand. (Harper, Ziggler, Wyatt and Ambrose.) Rollins got the typical Cena booking shenanigans and everyone else.. didn't get time, we've seen too many times before or are just dog awful.
-
Didn't watch the show, but I've read up on it. That Cena/Rollins match must've been a trainwreck!
And Reigns announcing he's in the Rumble? Way not to telegraph who's winning that, WWE!
I'll just stick to watching NXT for the foreseeable future.
-
I thought it was a very entertaining PPV. Big Show/Rowan was better than expected. I think some of the smarks are a little too hard on the product. There are gonna be shitty matches on every card. That's how you develop talent. I think the overall WWE and NXT products have been very strong in 2014, especially considering how many top guys they've lost (Punk, Bryan, Reigns). 2015 will only be better, especially when they start adding more new/exclusive content to the network, which I still say is the best thing ever.
But yeah.....Ramen....Royal....Rain...Rambler Reigns sucks
-
Regarding the finish of Ambrose/Wyatt, I actually didn't mind it. Everyone is calling it a screwy finish, but the story it was trying to tell seemed pretty straightforward to me: Ambrose was so obsessed with hurting Wyatt that he didn't realize the TV was plugged in, and handling it so roughly came back to bite him in the ass. This is his 'lunatic fringe' attitude getting in his own way.
Or that's my take on it, anyway.
The match could still have had a much better ending, don't get me wrong. I just don't think it was horrible.
-
Regarding the finish of Ambrose/Wyatt, I actually didn't mind it. Everyone is calling it a screwy finish, but the story it was trying to tell seemed pretty straightforward to me: Ambrose was so obsessed with hurting Wyatt that he didn't realize the TV was plugged in, and handling it so roughly came back to bite him in the ass. This is his 'lunatic fringe' attitude getting in his own way.
Or that's my take on it, anyway.
The match could still have had a much better ending, don't get me wrong. I just don't think it was horrible.
You're right. The finish made sense, and played to the lunatic fringe thing perfectly. But it was still an underwhelming way to end the show.
If I were running it.... I'da have the hometown kid win his ladder match in the last match, instead of the first.
-
(https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4c4EdYZhvzQ1MdBUP0pwfM86txw=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/assets.sbnation.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/2714688/tumblr_ngsxyamOBU1qlmfquo1_500.0.gif)
Kill Owens kill!
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRm-2loMupM
By reading some comments on youtube I found an awesome 30-minute Ironman Match between Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose when they were in FCW!
I started watching wrestling when Evolution broke up and I stopped between Wrestlemania 24 and 25 (I bought PPVs regularly from Vengeance 2005, maybe there was a more economic way to follow WWE ;D). After that, I watched only a few matches on youtube after reading Wrestlemania reviews and I really enjoyed the epic Undertaker matches with Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels. I regret to have missed the period when CM Punk had the belt for more than one year because he was one of my favourite wrestlers when I decided not to follow WWE anymore!
Lately, when I have time, I follow Raw or Smackdown maybe once every three weeks and I read something on internet. I regained interest thanks to the Shield first, in particular Dean Ambrose, and then I followed most of the storyline between Daniel Bryan and the Authority. I like also Bray Wyatt and Paige from the other new entries
This week I've seen half of TLC, Charlotte vs Sasha Banks and Sami Zayn vs Adrian Neville of NXT Revolution. I rarely saw a women's match like this one and the main event was fantastic. I have registered NXT for tomorrow :)
-
One of my Christmas presents to my wife are floor seats for tonight's episode of Raw in Washington D.C. She is a HUGE Edge fan, and she has never seen him live.
-
It should be a cool show with Edge & Christian hosting
-
Fantastic show, for Raw standards. Seats were awesome, as well.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10897803_10152485662850723_2233492847963227184_n.jpg?oh=8402184067c9cdeb663269a2930cbdc3&oe=55468D5F&__gda__=1428868681_138288d96f3d9a82896d1bef8faa566b)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10906078_10152485759295723_5048995446466240384_n.jpg?oh=03a8ae947b3e65a951e4fb9b4ae6d5bd&oe=54FA13CD&__gda__=1425656472_f4b5416c329c66f3cb63656d5c7f6012)
-
Wow amazing seats!!
-
Anybody ordering/watching NJPW's Wrestle Kingdom 9?
I shelled out money for the PPV, first time I've bought a wrestling PPV in I don't know how long!
I've bought it for two reasons: 1) JR is doing the commentary for the US broadcast. 2) Support the great stuff NJPW is doing and has for a few years now. Man, if someone found a way to broadcast more NJPW stuff in the US it could have a legitimate chance at becoming a new WCW (i.e., competition).
-
We're gonna watch it just because JR. I assume the wrestling is going to kick WWE's ass either way, but having JR calling it just elevates anything to must-see at this point.
-
Not getting the PPV but I'm sure I read somewhere that New Japan is starting a network too, just like WWE
-
Yeah, it's already up and running. Though, I can't seem to find an English version of it.
njpwworld.com
-
I am apparently the hipster of the internet because I'm not looking forward to Wrestle Kingdom at all. Mainly because I've seen 90% of the matches before.
-
I just finished watching Wrestle Kingdom. Damn good PPV from start to finish! There were a couple of matches in the middle that weren't as good, but even those would have been standouts at the typical WWE PPV these days.
That opening tag match was crazy, and those last two singles matches were easily among the best recent matches I've seen. A lot of variety in styles, and watching 4 hours of this was much less of a chore than a WWE PPV or even Raw is. It flew by. Having JR on commentary was just the icing on the cake.
I've also been rewatching aa lot of Rumbles lately in preparation for this year's one. The 2003 Royal Rumble would have to be the best I've seen. Amazing wrestling and pacing from start to finish. The other early 2000s ones are also great due to the big names. You know it's good when it comes down to Undertaker, Kane, Austin and Rock. They don't even have the big names to top that any more.
-
From Wrestle Kingdom, I'd give props to three matches: Ishii/Makabe, Naito/Styles and Nakamura/Ibushi. Though I might be biased towards Naito [He's my fav]. I don't think Tanahashi/Okada lived up to some of their previous work, and there's some problems with it. JR really helped, and hearing him say "Superkick Party" was fantastic.
Also 2001 Rumble is my favourite, I think. Or 2007.
-
Ishii/Makabe was actually my least favourite, but even then, a very good match for bigger guys wrestling that style.
The opening match and the last two would be my favourites. Outside of the last two matches, I generally preferred the tag matches over the singles ones, but I wouldn't say there was a bad match among them. Nothing close to skip-worthy.
Those early 2000s Rumbles are all among the better ones I've seen. I watched the 2007 Rumble, and the ending of that was killer. The 2008 Rumble was also great, starting off with those two again.
Of the post-2000 Rumbles, 2012 is easily the worst of them imo. Barely anyone of note, and only 2 or 3 who had any real chance of winning.
-
They can't honestly think having Reigns winning the Rumble is a good idea. He is a decent wrestler at best. He's beyond terrible on the mic. People are already getting sick of him. And especially with Bryan's announcement last week, anyone else winning it will piss the crowd off even worse than last year. The best thing for Roman Reigns right now going into WM season would be to turn him heel. Have it payoff with a match with Ambrose at WM 31. Maybe even a Shield triple threat match.
My fantasy booking would have Bryan beat Lesnar at WM 31 in a classic David vs Goliath match. Then have Rollins cash in either that same night, or the next night on Raw in front of that hot crowd. Have Bryan and Rollins feud with the blow off match being at SummerSlam. Hell, make it a 60 min Iron Man match for the belt and have them tear the house down.
But they're lunatics if they think putting Reigns in the title picture right now is a good plan.
-
It doesn't seem to me as if the crowd is sick of Reigns yet, but I hope they catch on before the Rumble that he's not particularly good. He's awful on the mic, and he only has a few moves, and no variety. He can't carry a 30 minute match, and has no place in the title match at Wrestlemania.
But if Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns are both in the Rumble at the same time, I think the crowd will turn on Reigns in an instant like they did last year with Batista (and anyone else once it was apparent Bryan wasn't in it). All they could do is eliminate Bryan before Reigns even comes in, and hope for the best. I don't expect either guy will be in the Rumble for too long no matter how they book it, so they better be careful.
In a perfect world, Bryan would win the Rumble and make the big comeback rather than Reigns, but I have no delusions of that at all at this stage.
-
I don't know man....I really think if you eliminate Bryan from the Rumble it's gonna be SUPER tough to get the crowd back into it. He's still that over.
-
I don't know man....I really think if you eliminate Bryan from the Rumble it's gonna be SUPER tough to get the crowd back into it. He's still that over.
I agree completely. I just meant the best case scenario for Reigns to win the Rumble is for them to keep him and Bryan as far apart in the Rumble as possible, to give the crowd as much time as possible to accept that somebody else is winning the Rumble.
I'm not sure it will necessarily work (and I hope not), but it's all they could do if they want to stick to Reigns. I was going to say they could just take Bryan out of the Rumble, but I think that would cause an even bigger backlash. :lol It didn't help last year!
-
They'd also have to have Reigns eliminate someone the crowd really wants to see lose to win it
-
Yeah WK9 was great! That opening match was insane! And the last 3 matches were all great! Though I would've love Ibushi/Nakamura to have gone longer, I love watching Ibushi man! That dude can literally get a great match out of a blow up doll (google it). Kenny Omega is basically a video game villain and I love it!
Also, loved JR! The little underhanded jabs thrown here and there like "The champions, as they always should be, coming to the ring last" were great! :lol
-
Also, loved JR! The little underhanded jabs thrown here and there like "The champions, as they always should be, coming to the ring last" were great! :lol
I noticed lots of subtle little comments like that. :lol But as usual JR was all class, and there were still positive mentions too. WWE has been taking subtle pot shots at JR since he left too.
-
Loved WK9. I'll take that over that WWE non-sense any day. New japan is something I can actually respect.
-
A new one hour show on NJPW debuts tonight on AXS TV, so far it's just some of the best matches from the past 2 years but I encourage anyone to watch it!
Tanahashi vs Okada from WK7 is the match being showed tonight!!
-
I've got Wrestle Kingdom 8 ready to watch. I can't wait to see that title match! Those two put on such a good show in their respective matches at WK9, so I can't wait to see them together.
I've also just gotten into Lucha Underground. That's the kind of wrestling I like!
-
Does anyone know which Raw it was that CM Punk was referring to where Ryback missed the table and dumped him on the floor?
-
September 23, 2013.
-
Randy "Macho Man" Savage finally headed to the HoF.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHH YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
-
September 23, 2013.
Thanks. :metal
Poor Punk.
-
September 23, 2013.
Thanks. :metal
Poor Punk.
(https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ByK3vbpU0SfAJ-fmf6ZN97d1oWM=/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/2501782/OldWetHypsilophodon.0.gif)
-
"dumb as fuck..."
-
Randy "Macho Man" Savage finally headed to the HoF.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHH YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
cool news!!
-
Did he hit his head on that blue cart too?
-
It seems like when he hit the side of the table and broke the end part of it came up and hit the back of his head.
-
Ryback is a dipshit who can't wrestle.
-
Randy Savage in the HOF is too little, too late. It should have been done years ago when he was still alive, and it seems more like a FU at CM Punk, since he was the one modern guy who did a tribute to Savage in the ring (the flying elbow, which always got the crowd to chant Savage's name), and they induct Savage immediately after Punk had his falling out with the company (his firing was months after last year's HOF thing). The timing is just too suspect, and we all know what a spiteful dick Vince is. Plus, the word is that Hulk Hogan will be the one inducting him, which is even dumber, since Savage supposedly hated Hogan in real life.
-
Honestly, that sounds a bit paranoid to me. I mean, if they finally got it worked out with Savage's family, what should they do, wait a year for the Punk thing to blow over? Makes sense to me to do it as soon as possible.
-
I don't think the timing has to do with CM Punk, but I wouldn't put anything past WWE.
Austin asked McMahon about Savage being inducted on his WWE Network podcast a few months ago, and McMahon said it would happen at some point, but probably not the next one. Maybe it snowballed from there after Austin raised the question. That was a great interview btw. Austin didn't hold back anything, but he didn't push to the point of badgering either. There was also the recent Randy Savage DVD, so it may have all been part of the deal with his estate anyway.
They'll probably keep Hogan on the leash and script his entire induction speech too.
-
I'm really pulling for Ziggler or Ambrose to win the rumble.
-
I'm really pulling for Ziggler or Ambrose to win the rumble.
Not gonna happen, but I'd love to see either of those guys win a Rumble at some point. They're not happy with Ziggler at the moment after he did some standup gigs or something, which is why they took the IC belt off him. They don't know what they're doing with Ambrose lately.
It's still going to be Roman Reigns, and if not, maybe they'll wise up and it will be Daniel Bryan. The comeback story there writes itself, but they haven't played it up near as much as they should have. I'm hoping the Philly crowd tears it apart like last year's Rumble when Bryan gets eliminated. But for some reason Reigns is still really over despite his awful promos and boring matches.
Also, this must be posted. So much truth here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cB3wzO4NWEg
-
Yeah it's gonna be Reigns or Bryan. Hopefully Bryan if they wanna avoid the same boo fest they got last year
-
If Reigns does win, and has his rumoured tag match at Fast Lane, Wrestlemania will be his second singles match.
-
If Reigns does win, and has his rumoured tag match at Fast Lane, Wrestlemania will be his second singles match.
And his first one with Orton stunk. I know he's been out for a while, but still, he hasn't evolved one bit since leaving the shield. Same music, same attire, same 4 moves, same bad promos.
Daniel Bryan isn't great at promos either, but he's gotten over with consistently impressive matches, and doesn't look to have dialed it back at all since returning.
Interestingly, there are no one on one matches at the Royal Rumble this year. The title match is a triple threat, and the rest are tag matches, plus the rumble itself.
-
Bryan is so awesome in the ring that he doesn't have to be great at promos. Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels, neither of whom were ever that good at promos, were similar in that regard.
-
Roman Reign's "push" reminds me so much of when they shoved Rocky down our throats in 96-97. Didn't work and the crowd turned on him. Best thing for The Rock's career was turning heel and feuding with Austin.
Best thing for Reigns' career at this point would be for him to turn heel and feud with Ambrose. It would get them both over big time. Reigns could cut a promo talking about how Ambrose stole his spot while he was hurt, etc.....or some version of that.
Other than that, he's becoming more and more worthless every appearance.
-
Roman really needs to change things up; the Rocky comparison is right on.
Both Dean and Seth have changed thier gear, music, etc and moved away from the Shield. Roman still has the same look, gimmick and its holding him from going to the next level
-
Bryan is so awesome in the ring that he doesn't have to be great at promos. Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels, neither of whom were ever that good at promos, were similar in that regard.
Shawn Michaels was good with promos, especially later on, but Bret Hart is the perfect comparison for Bryan. Bret Hart even admits that his mic skills were his weakness, but despite what Vince McMahon wants to believe, the wrestling is ultimately what people want to see, not storylines and promos. Those are all just there to enhance the wrestling, not to be a substitute.
Daniel Bryan was the most over guy they had before he got injured, but they're just going to keep pushing him aside, because he's not the roided up beefcake that Vince thinks sells. Heck, Mick Foley wouldn't have even been hired if it weren't for JR nagging him constantly, and Vince still only hired him to prove JR wrong. Unfortunately he's still none the wiser.
-
I haven't watched at all for a while, but with Bryan back, I'll probably tune in tomorrow to see what they did with the Rumble, and the Rumble through WM season is usually really good anyway. I've read that supposedly Reigns has been awful lately, which means we can expect him to win the Rumble tonight and headline WM, right? :lol :lol
-
I'm thinking that Brock retains, Bryan wins the Rumble... and we have the ultimate David vs. Goliath for WM31.
I'd also be cool with seeing either Ziggler, Ambrose, or Wyatt winning the Rumble.
I would be THRILLED to see someone from complete left field like Kofi. But... let's get back to reality.
I think that Bryan was thrust back on TV and into the Rumble match because people aren't buying Reigns as a top guy yet. But even then, I wouldn't put it past WWE to shove him down our throat.
I also think we'll see Miz get eliminated from the Rumble, and then Mizdow, on the other side of the ring, will eliminate himself. Comedic gold.
-
I also think we'll see Miz get eliminated from the Rumble, and then Mizdow, on the other side of the ring, will eliminate himself. Comedic gold.
I think they'll actually have something where through Mizdow's antics he eliminates Miz himself, or he doesn't eliminate himself after Miz gets eliminated, something to set up a singles match between them, possibly at WM.
I've been saying a lot lately that I'd love to see someone completely unexpected win it, with Kofi actually being my pick. He's so damn entertaining in Rumbles, and I think people would dig it. They don't even need him to go to Wrestlemania, there are any number of ways he could lose the spot or it could be a 3 or 4 man match, but it would be great to be seriously surprised for once.
I don't think they're having any doubts about Reigns yet unfortunately, and he's still getting over, at least during his entrance. It will no doubt be either Reigns or Bryan winning it, but I wouldn't be betting on Bryan, even though I want that more than anything else. It would be the ultimate underdog comeback after being stripped of the belt and being out with injury.
-
I'd love for Rollins to win the title! He's been the company's #1 heel since breaking off from The Shield and he's been absolutely terrific at it! Cena can win, Brock destroys him and then leaves, Rollins cashes in. I think it would be a good swerve for the crowd too, if Cena wins in Philly he's getting booed worse than Batista last year.
A Rollins/Bryan match at WM would be one hell of a match!
-
I kind of hoped that Kurt Angle wouldn't have resigned with TNA. Tonight would have been a great time for him to return
-
Unless there's a swerve coming, WWE did not learn its lesson last year...
-
INB4 The Rock.
-
Wow, they're really go with Reigns... wow!
-
By the way, Big Show and Kane in the final four... in 2015!
EDIT: lol you know you fucked up when not even The Rock can save the segment!
-
At least the triple threat match was awesome.
Also, why develop mic skills when you can just have The Rock do them for you?
-
Reading the reaction on twitter, all I have to say is, LOL at anyone who gives the WWE money for ANYTHING, whether it be the WWE network, live shows, merchandise, etc.
-
Man, it would be amazing to read that tomorrow morning the WWE subscription falls off a cliff! :lol
-
Show was still worth is for the title match. Amazing!
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B8QCvXLCEAAz7nm.jpg)
Also #CancelWWENetwork was the #1 trend on twitter, and the page to cancel the WWE network crashed :lol
There's also rumors going around that fans were blocking WWE talents cars, and not letting them leave everyone was pretty pissed off.
-
How over does a guy need to be before you take the fucking hint, WWE? That was 2 years in a row the Royal Rumble match was a complete trainwreck because they didn't do what's "best for business". They're clueless.
I predicted it. The only way they could book it was to put Bryan in early and hope the crowd gets over it, and when you have him come in at a nowhere early spot like #10, of course he's not going to win it. But that didn't work. Thank you, Philadelphia. The only saving grace of the Rumble.
Not even The Rock could save the WWE's new poster boy from getting unanimous boos. Try to ram your person of choice down audience's throats, and that's what you get. When your final 3 is Roman Reigns and Kane and The Big Show, you could bet your life on the winner. As if Kane or Big Show are ever winning a Rumble! Did they think having him eliminate two big guys was going to put him over? The audience do not care for big guys, either heel or face.
Ziggler comes in #30 and gets unceremoniously dumped out of the ring. That'll teach him to do a stand-up gig. Best for business my ass.
It's a shame they fucked that up so badly, because the title match before it is one of the best matches they've had in a long time, and by far Lesnar's best match since his return. Forget Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins is your next star. That guy put on an incredible show, and they were smart enough to make him look strong despite being pinned. All 3 of those guys put on an impressive show.
Here's to Rollins cashing in the briefcase immediately after Reigns' predictable and undeserved Wrestlemania win and taking the belt.
-
I said before, you fucked up when not even The Rock can save the segment, also, when the crowd starts chanting for the guy who hates America... in the birthplace of America.
Ziggler and Ambrose's elimination was like the WWE purposefully sent a "fuck you" to the fans. "Oh you like these guys, well watch Big Show and Kane just dropped them out of the ring like they are dolls".
#CancelWWENetwork is still the #2 trend in the US. That makes me so happy!
-
Speaking of which, that was weird with Rusev still being in it and then just getting thrown right back out. It was like that last little chance for them to surprise us, but it was just so Reigns could have another chance with the crowd after sucking up some Rock heat. It didn't work either.
I cannot wait for the fallout on Raw.
-
Yeah, I'll probably watch Raw to see what they do after this debacle. But probably a stream or wait and download the episode later though, they don't deserve my TV rating.
-
Last year they scrambled in the Wrestlemania lead-up and put Daniel Bryan in the title match. The response to this year's Rumble was far worse, so I'm interested to see what happens in the next 2 months.
Having Reigns get the obvious win against a most likely departing Lesnar in what would no doubt will be a stinkfest of a match would not be a good way to end their biggest PPV of the year.
-
It would have an even worse reception than the Lesnar/Goldberg match!
-
Ok, so I never post here but I felt like I had to bring up a few things: Curtis Axel never got eliminated, I'd rather have him win than Reigns; Why not have Bubba Ray and D-von (assuming you could sign them both) attack the Ascension so we can maybe add another tag to the awful tag division instead of Miz and Mizdow vs the Usos every week? Why wasn't Randy Orton brought in to either the Rumble or the triple threat match to add something? Not that the title match really needed anything, I thought it was fantastic. Just my two cents.
-
Ok, so I never post here but I felt like I had to bring up a few things: Curtis Axel never got eliminated, I'd rather have him win than Reigns; Why not have Bubba Ray and D-von (assuming you could sign them both) attack the Ascension so we can maybe add another tag to the awful tag division instead of Miz and Mizdow vs the Usos every week? Why wasn't Randy Orton brought in to either the Rumble or the triple threat match to add something? Not that the title match really needed anything, I thought it was fantastic. Just my two cents.
I've recently watched every single Rumble from 1997 onwards (and some of the ones before that), and it's very common for someone to be taken out so someone could take their place, and it's never been an issue. It's pro wrestling, so the rules are whatever they want them to be. :lol
There have been times when wrestlers have been eliminated by non participants, and it didn't count as an elimination. In more recent times, it does count. There have been cases where people have left the match without technically being eliminated, and it's been ignored. Sometimes they come back later on. The "both feet touching the floor" rule was never even a thing until the year Michaels decided to pull the hanging on trick.
-
Ok, so I never post here but I felt like I had to bring up a few things: Curtis Axel never got eliminated, I'd rather have him win than Reigns; Why not have Bubba Ray and D-von (assuming you could sign them both) attack the Ascension so we can maybe add another tag to the awful tag division instead of Miz and Mizdow vs the Usos every week? Why wasn't Randy Orton brought in to either the Rumble or the triple threat match to add something? Not that the title match really needed anything, I thought it was fantastic. Just my two cents.
I've recently watched every single Rumble from 1997 onwards (and some of the ones before that), and it's very common for someone to be taken out so someone could take their place, and it's never been an issue. It's pro wrestling, so the rules are whatever they want them to be. :lol
There have been times when wrestlers have been eliminated by non participants, and it didn't count as an elimination. In more recent times, it does count. There have been cases where people have left the match without technically being eliminated, and it's been ignored. Sometimes they come back later on. The "both feet touching the floor" rule was never even a thing until the year Michaels decided to pull the hanging on trick.
I know it's happened in past Rumbles, just pointing out that I'd rather not have 2 months of terrible Reigns promos. I think it'd be hilarious for Curtis Axel to try and use not having been eliminated to draw some heat, although we all know that it won't happen.
-
I know it's happened in past Rumbles, just pointing out that I'd rather not have 2 months of terrible Reigns promos. I think it'd be hilarious for Curtis Axel to try and use not having been eliminated to draw some heat, although we all know that it won't happen.
Oh yeah, that would be hilarious to see. :lol But they wouldn't have even acknowledged his existence but for needing a throwaway spot for Rowan to take over.
Hopefully the response at the Rumble is the turning point for Reigns being over, and may lead to them changing their plans again.
-
We need to bring attention to this issue! #Axelgate, get it trending!
I did noticed that and was hoping that it would somehow turn into a swerve for Bryan to come back in.
-
Think the Rock was stunned by him and Reigns getting booed last night?
(https://abload.de/img/untitled-4b5u5o.gif)
It shows how awful the Rumble must have been when even the Rock gets booed.
-
I feel the need to say: I like Roman, from what I've seen in pictures and read he seems like a nice guy and a devoted father. I loved Roman in The Shield, he was without a doubt the best hot tag in the business during that time and I believe that when The Shield and the Wyatts where staring down each other in the ring it would not have felt the same if Roman hadn't been the guy in the middle.
But we ALL can see that he's not ready! He fumbles and forgets lines constantly in promos ("sufferin' succotash, son!" not withstanding which by the way, that seriously must've been a Jericho promo from 2001 they had lying around) and he doesn't even have 4 moves of doom, much less five. As much as the IWC loves to criticize Cena (fairly and unfairly) you put Cena with a quality opponent and and he will give you a great fucking match! (Punk/MitB 2011, Bryan/SS13, Edge, last night's 3-way) which is not the case with Reigns right now. Not even Cesaro could get a great match out of him!! And Vinny Mac has the gall to say in that Austin podcast that the fans tell him what to do! And he has the stupidity and arrogance to actually let his chosen "next big thing" win in front of a smart crowd! :lol
-
I feel the need to say: I like Roman, from what I've seen in pictures and read he seems like a nice guy and a devoted father. I loved Roman in The Shield, he was without a doubt the best hot tag in the business during that time and I believe that when The Shield and the Wyatts where staring down each other in the ring it would not have felt the same if Roman hadn't been the guy in the middle.
But we ALL can see that he's not ready! He fumbles and forgets lines constantly in promos ("sufferin' succotash, son!" not withstanding which by the way, that seriously must've been a Jericho promo from 2001 they had lying around) and he doesn't even have 4 moves of doom, much less five. As much as the IWC loves to criticize Cena (fairly and unfairly) you put Cena with a quality opponent and and he will give you a great fucking match! (Punk/MitB 2011, Bryan/SS13, Edge, last night's 3-way) which is not the case with Reigns right now. Not even Cesaro could get a great match out of him!! And Vinny Mac has the gall to say in that Austin podcast that the fans tell him what to do! And he has the stupidity and arrogance to actually let his chosen "next big thing" win in front of a smart crowd! :lol
I'm with you. I don't have any ill will towards Roman whatsoever. My beef's with creative, or lack therof.
-
Overall, I like reigns and think he's got potential, but he is no where near ready for this.
-
Right, it's not his fault that Vince is pushing him too hard too fast.
Interesting that they are showing the Rumble for free on RAW tonight. Bryan just got eliminated, and the gasp from the crowd was deafening. Getting ready for some boos. :lol :lol
-
Right, it's not his fault that Vince is pushing him too hard too fast.
Interesting that they are showing the Rumble for free on RAW tonight. Bryan just got eliminated, and the gasp from the crowd was deafening. Getting ready for some boos. :lol :lol
I feel the same way. This is another of many questionable and or baffling creative decisions by Vince lately.
-
It's nothing against Reigns personally, and some people have incorrectly tried to argue that fans are fickle for cheering him in the Rumble last year, then booing him this year. But that completely misses the point.
People cheered Reigns last year, because he was the last alternative to the guy they were trying to obviously ram down our throats as the returning good guy last year, Batista. And The Shield was very over at the time, despite being a heel faction, and it would have been a pleasant surprise to see someone like that win it. But he still wouldn't have been ready for a push.
Fast forward a year, and the Shield have split up, and Reigns has had a total of one singles match against Orton before getting injured, and it sucked. He's clearly not ready for a 20-30 minute singles match. On top of that, since returning he has had a string of embarrassingly bad promos that have shown that he's not ready on the mic either, and have been a major WTF.
In the meantime, Ambrose and Rollins have worked their asses off and become potential stars, good on the mic, good in the ring, and get a response from the crowd. But from the moment The Shield split up, the plan was always for Reigns to be the next top guy, and they've stuck to it despite him being out with injuries for the better part of the year, and despite his total lack of progress in any regard. This is the sign of a company that doesn't adapt or evolve or listen to fans. They live in a bubble. They made up their minds at the time, and they haven't taken note of what's happened since.
And they've shunned Bryan with the excuse that he's not a top guy due to getting injured. Because their biggest star of all time Steve Austin was never out for the same amount of time with a career threatening neck injury. HHH was never out twice for a quad injury. Nope, top guys don't get injuries.
You'd have to be allergic to making money to overlook the most over guy in the company in the past decade, especially when their chosen top guy of the past decade, Cena, hasn't been without boos for the better part of that time. It was unanimous booing at the Rumble match, too.
And the RR match had a ton of deserving people get treated like total crap to make Reigns look as good as possible. Bryan gets booted out as early as possible because they knew the fans wouldn't be happy about it, yet they did it anyway. Ziggler gets the #30 spot, not to give him a good opportunity in the final moments of the Rumble, but to give him as little time as possible in the ring, and for him to get tossed out two minutes later literally like a piece of garbage by Big Show and Kane, same with Wyatt (even though I think nothing of him, but at least he got a good run), and Cesaro. It's frustrating as a fan to see the company time and time again overlook so many talented guys that the fans love, all because WWE doesn't care who the fans like, they want to continue to try to tell us who we like, and treat potential moneymakers like crap because of petty personal vendettas. This is not what's "best for business" at all.
People turned on this Rumble not just because the wrong guy won, but because the rest of the Rumble match suffered so greatly and obviously to make it happen. It was entirely booked knowing the fans wouldn't be happy about any of it, and trying to minimize the damage so they could stubbornly stick to what they wanted, instead of what the fans wanted. That doesn't mean you always have to give the fans exactly what they want by any means, but at least don't spit in their faces in the process. Bryan's WM win was all the sweeter for fans last year because he had to fight for it, instead of just instantly making him champion like fans wanted. WWE were lucky they managed to turn that around, but they should always have a greater plan that takes into account what the fans want to see.
This Rumble insulted the intelligence of the fans by thinking we'd have the memory span of a goldfish after Bryan's elimination, and cheer once they dangled their chosen one in front of us. Then as damage control, they thought they could simply transfer The Rock's heat onto Roman Reigns just because they get buddy buddy in the ring. How easily manipulated do they think the fans are?
They brought this on themselves two years in a row by not respecting their audience, resulting in twice the RR match has been a trainwreck to the point of being newsworthy. This is not good publicity for WWE, and like last year, they'll need to do better to avoid a disaster at WM.
-
I'm going to say, the sitdown interviews on Raw were very good, and I though that aspect of Raw was a good cover for the fact they couldn't host a show due to the travel ban in CT.
Plus Ambrose walked from Philly to there in kayfabe and that's incredible.
-
They were actually lucky to have this buffer week after the Rumble. I thought they did a decent job of trying to address the fans' concerns head on without sugar coating it. Reigns spoke about the fan response, although taking the Cena approach isn't going to work for him any better than it has for Cena. Cena handles that stuff like only a pro can.
Bryan's interview was excellent, and didn't feel scripted, and really spoke directly to what the fans are thinking. It actually makes it feel like they have plans for Bryan in the long term after all. I think it would feel too forced and repetitive to try and shoehorn him in to WM as champion, but after that, they better do something with him.
Brock was solid, and Heyman was gold as usual. They better keep that man around after Brock leaves. Have Rollins cash in the briefcase in WM, Heyman can be his new manager, and have Reigns and Bryan chasing the title all year.
-
Rollins has been the best damn heel in the company since The Shield broke up. He can handle the mic and is a god in the ring (granted, I'm a bit biased towards him), he has EARN, more than anyone else, a title run!
I've been actually surprise with Ambrose's babyface run in that it has worked. He's still kinda weird to watch in the ring, but I guess that's part of the character. Anyway, when he finally goes heel it's gonna be delicious!
-
Ambrose's promo last night was brilliant. He's so good.
-
It's nothing against Reigns personally, and some people have incorrectly tried to argue that fans are fickle for cheering him in the Rumble last year, then booing him this year. But that completely misses the point.
People cheered Reigns last year, because he was the last alternative to the guy they were trying to obviously ram down our throats as the returning good guy last year, Batista. And The Shield was very over at the time, despite being a heel faction, and it would have been a pleasant surprise to see someone like that win it. But he still wouldn't have been ready for a push.
Fast forward a year, and the Shield have split up, and Reigns has had a total of one singles match against Orton before getting injured, and it sucked. He's clearly not ready for a 20-30 minute singles match. On top of that, since returning he has had a string of embarrassingly bad promos that have shown that he's not ready on the mic either, and have been a major WTF.
In the meantime, Ambrose and Rollins have worked their asses off and become potential stars, good on the mic, good in the ring, and get a response from the crowd. But from the moment The Shield split up, the plan was always for Reigns to be the next top guy, and they've stuck to it despite him being out with injuries for the better part of the year, and despite his total lack of progress in any regard. This is the sign of a company that doesn't adapt or evolve or listen to fans. They live in a bubble. They made up their minds at the time, and they haven't taken note of what's happened since.
And they've shunned Bryan with the excuse that he's not a top guy due to getting injured. Because their biggest star of all time Steve Austin was never out for the same amount of time with a career threatening neck injury. HHH was never out twice for a quad injury. Nope, top guys don't get injuries.
You'd have to be allergic to making money to overlook the most over guy in the company in the past decade, especially when their chosen top guy of the past decade, Cena, hasn't been without boos for the better part of that time. It was unanimous booing at the Rumble match, too.
And the RR match had a ton of deserving people get treated like total crap to make Reigns look as good as possible. Bryan gets booted out as early as possible because they knew the fans wouldn't be happy about it, yet they did it anyway. Ziggler gets the #30 spot, not to give him a good opportunity in the final moments of the Rumble, but to give him as little time as possible in the ring, and for him to get tossed out two minutes later literally like a piece of garbage by Big Show and Kane, same with Wyatt (even though I think nothing of him, but at least he got a good run), and Cesaro. It's frustrating as a fan to see the company time and time again overlook so many talented guys that the fans love, all because WWE doesn't care who the fans like, they want to continue to try to tell us who we like, and treat potential moneymakers like crap because of petty personal vendettas. This is not what's "best for business" at all.
People turned on this Rumble not just because the wrong guy won, but because the rest of the Rumble match suffered so greatly and obviously to make it happen. It was entirely booked knowing the fans wouldn't be happy about any of it, and trying to minimize the damage so they could stubbornly stick to what they wanted, instead of what the fans wanted. That doesn't mean you always have to give the fans exactly what they want by any means, but at least don't spit in their faces in the process. Bryan's WM win was all the sweeter for fans last year because he had to fight for it, instead of just instantly making him champion like fans wanted. WWE were lucky they managed to turn that around, but they should always have a greater plan that takes into account what the fans want to see.
This Rumble insulted the intelligence of the fans by thinking we'd have the memory span of a goldfish after Bryan's elimination, and cheer once they dangled their chosen one in front of us. Then as damage control, they thought they could simply transfer The Rock's heat onto Roman Reigns just because they get buddy buddy in the ring. How easily manipulated do they think the fans are?
They brought this on themselves two years in a row by not respecting their audience, resulting in twice the RR match has been a trainwreck to the point of being newsworthy. This is not good publicity for WWE, and like last year, they'll need to do better to avoid a disaster at WM.
I just wanted to say that this is spot on and perfect...... might end up stealing it.
-
Miz and Mizdow should have been 1 and 2. Without a doubt. I've been seeing that coming for months. Also, if you have Orton backstage and dressed to wrestle, why not have him enter the Rumble, especially right after DDP did the Diamond Cutter to like 5 dudes. Same with Bo Dallas. Feed him to Wyatt instead of Sin Cara. Everyone would have marked out. Missed opportunities there.
But yeah Blob, you're spot on.
-
Miz and R-Truth, two guys who are such afterthoughts, being 1 and 2 was laughable. The Rumble needs to start with some excitement, not two bozos who lack the ability to excite fans (other than Truth's stupid "What's up?" chant).
Having fan favorites like Ambrose, Ziggler and even Wyatt just tossed out of the ring like they were trash was such awful writing. Obviously, the point was to make Reigns look even better by overcoming the two guys who were eliminating the others with such ease, but it failed miserably. It looked like sophomoric writing.
I get why they brought Bryan back for the Rumble; his presence alone probably resulted in more buys, but bringing him back to have eliminated like that did nothing but piss most fans off. Him not winning could have worked had they done it right, but they seemingly did everything wrong.
Oh, and you can tell Bryan is being a lot more careful. When he does that running dropkick, where he runs from one corner to the other, he is landing a lot more safely now, turning on his way down so he doesn't land on his back or neck. I wonder if he'll still do that missile dropkick off the top rope, a move that is nearly impossible to do without landing on your back.
-
As gimmicky as it is, I have to admit that I really enjoy Mizdow.
-
As gimmicky as it is, I have to admit that I really enjoy Mizdow.
I think it may have saved his career. He's doing great with the gimmick
-
Yeah, Mizdow is great! Making chicken salad out of chicken shit.
-
I just wanted to say that this is spot on and perfect...... might end up stealing it.
Go right ahead.
I've watched a lot of Rumbles lately, and the first two spots are really important to setting the tone of the Rumble. I was expecting them to go with either Bryan or Ziggler in the opening spot.
Starting with Bryan would have started off with a bang, and I knew they were going to get him out of the way as possible. But they didn't want to establish the guy who goes on a good run and lasts a while, and they didn't want Bryan to establish that momentum and get the crowd onside uncontested from the start. They figured the longer he's in, the more disappointed fans will be when he gets eliminated. All it did was make it more obvious early on that Reigns was the winner.
Ziggler would also have been a great choice, because they seem to have valued Ziggler lately in the opening spot to get the crowd pumped, and it would have fit perfectly with the storyline of the Authority punishing him for helping team Cena at Survivor Series. But again, he would have gained too much support from the crowd. The #30 spot was a poor choice though, because when you put a guy that popular in that late, there's no way you can expect them to get on board with Reigns.
They didn't allow anyone else to look good, because it was the only way they could push Reigns, and the only time they let anyone look strong was so Reigns looked even stronger by defeating them. They weren't just pushing Reigns, they buried everyone else in the process. They can't multitask, and think about more than one guy at a time, which is how they've managed to paint themselves into a corner and end up with no main eventers in their title scene other than Cena and Lesnar.
-
I don't know...they made Wyatt look super strong until he was eliminated.
-
The Rumble disaster aside, I think it is important to remember that you don't have to get a "fake" win to be put over. Wyatt did look strong for most of the Rumble, even if his elimination was similar to that of Ambrose and Ziggler (being tossed out of the ring like trash). Flair used to put wrestlers over all of the time in the 80s, even when the other guy would lose (or in the case of Sting in '88, battle to a draw). Hell, even Hogan would often allow himself to be dominated for much of a match before hulking up and winning.
-
Wyatt was I think the only one who got a good run, but I don't think he looked that impressive in doing so, especially with his exit.
Beyond that, they just didn't let anyone look good. They didn't start off with good people who could have a decent run, they didn't let anyone get a lot of eliminations, they only made Big Show and Kane look good to make Reigns look better. But it didn't really help Reigns to have him up against the Rumble's most prolific jobbers, because it was so transparent, and such a typical misguided Vince McMahon thought process.
There have been many Rumbles that were great despite a poor choice of winner. The 40 man Rumble that Del Rio won was actually one of the best ones imo, even though Del Rio is about the least deserving winner in history. But the rest of the Rumble was well thought out, it had a lot of good stories to it, and it was entertaining throughout.
For this Rumble they didn't give the fans a chance to latch onto anyone else, ignoring so much potential to elevate a lot of guys. At least they did a good job with Miz/Mizdow, but those guys were never in competition with Reigns as potential winners. Mizdow did get the biggest pop after Bryan got eliminated though, so maybe they should have gone with him. :P
-
You're all ignoring the best part of the rumble. Cena didn't win.
-
I would have even preferred Cena to win, but I doubt the crowd would have reacted any better. :lol
The guy was already in the title match (and every other for the past year), so like he needed yet another opportunity!
-
I'm hearing buzz about a possible Bryan vs. Ziggler match at Wrestlemania.
:caffeine:
-
I'm hearing buzz about a possible Bryan vs. Ziggler match at Wrestlemania.
:caffeine:
So am I. That would be much better than their original plan of sticking Bryan against Sheamus.
Even though it's a throwaway plan that would probably put them in the opening slot with about 7 minutes of ring time, Ziggler vs Bryan would easily steal the show, and remind people that Bryan should be in the title scene (and hey, I'd argue Ziggler too). Put that together with the most disliked WM match since last time Lesnar left the company, and you've got yourself another crowd ready to turn. Crash and burn. :lol
-
I'm hearing buzz about a possible Bryan vs. Ziggler match at Wrestlemania.
:caffeine:
This would steal the show!
-
I think Ziggler and Bryan could put on the kind of match that would remind disillusioned fans why they used to love wrestling.
-
I think Ziggler and Bryan could put on the kind of match that would remind disillusioned fans why they used to love wrestling.
It's ok, NJPW and Lucha Underground have already reminded me why I love wrestling. Matches like that really just rub in the fact that WWE wastes so much talent.
-
NXT itself rubs that in every week! And it's a WWE product! :lol
-
NXT itself rubs that in every week! And it's a WWE product! :lol
Thats because HHH is in charge of NXT and vince isn't involved in any way. I've read that Vince doesn't even watch it.
-
The really should start incorporating the NXT roster more into the RAW's and PPV's.
Opening WM31 with a title match between Sayn and Balor for instance would be sick. NXT is probably the most valuable asset on the network and that would definitely give non-subscribers a “see what you’re missing?” feel.
Also, having Ziggler vs Bryan would be awesome. But the IC strap not having any relevance anymore sucks. Perfect opportunity to elevate it.
-
NXT itself rubs that in every week! And it's a WWE product! :lol
Thats because HHH is in charge of NXT and vince isn't involved in any way. I've read that Vince doesn't even watch it.
With that being said, I would honestly like to see vince step aside. He's been out of touch for a long time and at the very least it would provide something new/different.
-
Opening WM31 with a title match between Sayn and Balor for instance would be sick. NXT is probably the most valuable asset on the network and that would definitely give non-subscribers a “see what you’re missing?” feel.
Apparently Vince isn't too happy that NXT gets such a good reputation without him, so I wouldn't expect that to happen. I'd definitely like to see NXT guys used more on the main show, for opening PPVs, and I was hoping they'd even throw a couple into the RR.
-
Pretty dead crowd for Raw this week. That's a shame. Reigns was only getting a few boos.
Given his exchange with Reigns in the locker room, and the fact WWE have zero plans for Bryan to be champion and having his WM match already planned, I think the plan is to use Bryan's popularity to get Reigns over as a heel at fast lane and have Lesnar as the face. If they really want to stick to that match at WM, that would be a smart move. Maybe I'm giving them too much credit though. It would also mean Rollins wouldn't cash in on him, which would also have been a good move.
I can't wait to see the HHH / Stone Cold interview. Just about to watch that.
-
Looks like they're setting up Reins to have a clean victory over Bryan at Fastlane. They're hoping Bryan will endorse Reigns in the title fight at Mania. I still think this is horrible. Hopefully they'll have Rollins cash in after Reigns beast Brock and WM31 ends with Rollins as champ.
-
Just watched the SC/HHH interview. Very solid.
-
Looks like they're setting up Reins to have a clean victory over Bryan at Fastlane. They're hoping Bryan will endorse Reigns in the title fight at Mania. I still think this is horrible. Hopefully they'll have Rollins cash in after Reigns beast Brock and WM31 ends with Rollins as champ.
I don't see that. WM never ends with a heel celebrating. Hell, even the one time I can remember where a heel won the main event (Miz), the show still ended with the Rock storming the ring and taking him out and celebrating in the rings to loud cheers. Rollins is far more likely to cash in at RAW the next night.
-
I had this thought today, might be dumb but i figured I'd post it here anyway. What if in the title match at Wrestlemania Lesnar does the typical heel stuff, knocking out the ref, using a chair, etc. and then suddenly the lights go out and the Undertaker shows up. He doesn't do anything, just distracts Lesnar so Reigns can hit him with the spear or whatever for the win.
-
I think turning Reigns heel would be the best for him right now. Changing his outfit is a must too.
-
Looks like they're setting up Reins to have a clean victory over Bryan at Fastlane. They're hoping Bryan will endorse Reigns in the title fight at Mania. I still think this is horrible. Hopefully they'll have Rollins cash in after Reigns beast Brock and WM31 ends with Rollins as champ.
I don't see that. WM never ends with a heel celebrating. Hell, even the one time I can remember where a heel won the main event (Miz), the show still ended with the Rock storming the ring and taking him out and celebrating in the rings to loud cheers. Rollins is far more likely to cash in at RAW the next night.
WM 16, 17 and 19 did. Also, if Rollins cashes in on a freshly won Roman Reigns, it'll be a babyface pop for sure.
-
If either Lesnar wins or Rollins cashes in they'll get a babyface pop for sure. Most of the people who'll go there are the hardcore fans. If Reigns win, the boos at next night's Raw will be unbelievable!
-
I really think the best option at this point is to have Bryan beat Lesnar and have Rollins cash in, either at WM31 or the next night on Raw.
-
I really think the best option at this point is to have Bryan beat Lesnar and have Rollins cash in, either at WM31 or the next night on Raw.
That would be a good route. Or go with Bryan as champion for a lengthy reign and see how it effects the ratings and network buys.
-
I don't think Bryan should be in the mainevent at WM31. With him just returning from a neck injury I dont think putting him in the ring with a man who mainly does german suplexes (sometimes rather sloppily) is such a great idea.
-
I don't think Bryan should be in the mainevent at WM31. With him just returning from a neck injury I dont think putting him in the ring with a man who mainly does german suplexes (sometimes rather sloppily) is such a great idea.
That, and also I think it would be a bit too on the nose to force him into the main event at WM two years in a row. It would be caving at this point to go "We're sorry Reigns won the Rumble, so we're giving you Bryan anyway!". I'm also not sure fans would accept it, and might start to turn on Bryan. I think it works better for him to have a longer underdog story. I actually hope he doesn't end up in the main event under these circumstances.
I'm absolutely all for any situation that involves Rollins cashing in though. He deserves it much more than Reigns, and he's your top heel once Lesnar leaves.
-
I'd rather them be "too on the nose" than watching Bryan/Sheamus yet again (which is the plan right now).
-
The plan is currently Bryan/Ziggler last I heard, unless they've changed their minds back to Bryan/Sheamus.
-
The bryan/ziggler plans got dropped so Ryback and Ziggler can be a tag team.
-
Jebus, so much talent going to waste. Wrestlemania is going to a trainwreck at this rate.
-
Hey, at least we have a new NXT Takeover event this Wednesday!
-
They just can't have Reigns as champ. They can't.
-
You'd think even Vince would figure out by now that when he forces someone down the fans throat for the WM build, they turn violently on it.
Hell, let's be honest: I watched the Rumble the night they had to replay matches because of the blizzard on Raw, and all it did was prove that the Rumble is a beyond stale concept, and it's been handing out title shots for 22 years now. The whole "Road to Wrestlemania" period needs to be blown up and started again. Hell, the whole fucking company is stuck in 1998, but the Rumble is just boring anymore.
-
It's also because they've telegraphed who's going to win for so long. Royal Rumble has never had this "you never know" feel.
-
You'd think even Vince would figure out by now that when he forces someone down the fans throat for the WM build, they turn violently on it.
Hell, let's be honest: I watched the Rumble the night they had to replay matches because of the blizzard on Raw, and all it did was prove that the Rumble is a beyond stale concept, and it's been handing out title shots for 22 years now. The whole "Road to Wrestlemania" period needs to be blown up and started again. Hell, the whole fucking company is stuck in 1998, but the Rumble is just boring anymore.
This year's Rumble was boring and awful, but they're still a great idea that regularly has unique creative ideas you haven't seen before, and allows wrestlers to interact who normally wouldn't.
It's definitely an issue with how predictable the outcome has become, but that's an issue with booking, not with the concept itself. The problem is that they place too much importance on the RR as the lead up to their biggest event of the year, instead of taking the chance to truly surprise the fans. They regularly change their plans before WM anyway, so I don't think they need to overthink it quite so much.
-
There might BE creative ideas to do with the Rumble, but no one at WWE seems to want to use them. The average Rumble usually has the following:
1. People who stopped wrestling for the company years ago coming in for a nostalgia pop.
2. Comic relief quick eliminations.
3. Someone eliminates a ton of people to hopefully increasing crowd response. (The Diesel Push. Amazing how different wrestling history would be if any other big man other than Kevin Nash had gotten the job in 1994 of clearing out the jobbers.)
4. The match stops dead when the last four people are left. Odds are someone points at the Wrestlemania sign. There are two heels and two faces left.
5. One of the final four is the guy who has been pushed as the new top guy since Survivor Series if not Summerslam.
WWE has made everyone so generic and having such similar movesets and doing scripted promos that the Royal Rumble now has no personality. It's like setting up WWE 2K15 to do the Rumble with all computer controlled characters. They don't look at who is over BEFORE the show and build from the Rumble to Mania. It's the same thing year after year, and people are so tired of it unless it's an out of the blue choice getting elevated from nowhere or the rarest of things, the guy who got over on his own and got buried like Bryan, the end result is 100% guaranteed to annoy the crowds. WWE has become risk averse in the past decade anyway-it's why the Money in the Bank title shot booking is always the same, and why we're speaking confidently that Rollins is going to walk out of Mania with the belt because we just know he's going to cash it in on a weakened opponent. They're stuck doing the same things over and over again to the same audience that doesn't mind it, rather than going utterly mad. There's no WAY to go utterly mad. No one's allowed to be the Rock or Steve Austin or DX's version of HHH anymore. Hell, even Bray Wyatt's been turned into "the guy who sings about having the whole world in his hands and everyone holds up their phone when he comes in." Bland, boring wrestlers with storylines that don't take any risks. It's why I've stopped watching.
WWE needs to blow itself up and start again. John Cena's been the face of the company since 2005. And he had to be neutered and made dull to the point that half the crowd turned on him. Just time for a massive change.
-
Vince needs to step down and get out of the way. From what's he done with NXT, I'm anxious to see what HHH can do with the main product. Until then, the WWE will continue to be a farce.
either that, or bring back the goon. At least then, I can start taking wrestling seriously again.
(https://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag150/Curtis_Dwayne/goon_display_image_zpsccdf0809.jpg)
-
I know HHH wants less scripted promos, that alone I think could be a huge improvement. Also it sounds like he wants raw back to 2 hours which I hope happens because 3 is just too long.
-
Great post, Jaq.
Honestly, the people who are sick of Cena need to stop booing him. Keep quiet when he comes out or wins and turn your back to the ring. Booing indicates heat, which indicates he's doing something right. They can pipe in cheers or boos all they want on TV, but frequent crowd shots of people with their back to the ring because they are sick of Cena would look bad and send a real message.
They need to embrace the change in climate in regards to faces and heels and stop making everything about face vs heel.
Add some realism back into it. Hell, have Rollins come out and say, "How can I cash in money in the bank when the champion is never around?"
The fact that promos are scripted to where every word has to be said the way it is written is pathetic. How are wrestlers supposed to have any identity when thy aren't allowed to be themselves?
-
Went to the WWE live event in Jacksonville last night. Hate to say it, but Reigns was SUPER over.
Second biggest pops went to Ambrose and Jericho
-
I know HHH wants less scripted promos, that alone I think could be a huge improvement. Also it sounds like he wants raw back to 2 hours which I hope happens because 3 is just too long.
I really don't know how they expect any breakaway stars to ever occur again while they script them word for word, it's just not natural.
The Rock and Austin would not exist if they were kept on that tight a leash. Neither one was amazing in the ring, but they became stars because they had great personalities that made them worth watching every week.
The only person I can think of currently on Raw who has promos worth hearing is Paul Heyman, and that's because he's very obviously not scripted. :lol They wouldn't let anyone else get away with what he says.
-
Pretty sure Bray writes his own stuff, and I believe they let Ambrose kinda go on his own too. But I agree. They should really let people do their own thing and just hit the key points like Heyman does.
-
I'm not sure Ambrose is less scripted, I think he just sounds a bit more natural doing it. I wouldn't know about Bray Wyatt. His promos are so painfully boring and pointless that I can't watch them.
The only person I think gets any real leeway out of the active roster is John Cena, being the pro that he is. And Lesnar is either mostly guided by Heyman or just speaks from the heart about hating everyone and wanting to hurt them. :lol
-
Ha you really don't like Wyatt do you
-
No, I really don't. :lol He's had so many chances in big feuds, and continually failed to impress me in any way. His only decent match was with Bryan, because Bryan wrestled a good match around him.
I'm hoping Undertaker doesn't come back for WM only so he doesn't get stuck in a match with Wyatt. It would be a waste of The Undertaker at this point in his career.
-
Interesting....
https://www.24wrestling.com/report-vince-mcmahon-decides-new-wrestlemania-main-event/
-
I love Daniel Bryan, and I want him to be champ again at some point, but I don't like that idea for so many reasons. Lesnar will kill him, I worry fans will start to turn on him making his way into the WM main event twice lime this, and he's probably going to have to job to Reigns so Lesnar doesn't look bad.
-
I agree for the most part. Bryan definitely won't win. However I don't see the point of building up Lesnar to be this monster if he doesn't end up putting someone over. Especially if he's leaving.
-
I worry fans will start to turn on him making his way into the WM main event twice lime this
I'm not going to turn on Daniel Bryan, but to be honest, at this point, I think I'd rather see Reigns vs. Lesnar as planned than see Bryan shoehorned into that match because the fans threw another fit.
-
The thing for me is that Lesnar has been built up so far, breaking The Undertaker's WM streak of over two decades, and crushing the top guy of the past decade, Cena on multiple occasions.
So I'm not buying that Roman Reigns, who has only had like 1 PPV match since becoming a singles wrestler and just came back from injury, is going to defeat Lesnar with a punch and a tackle.
To be fair, I don't really buy anyone beating Lesnar cleanly at this point, so having a triple threat gives them an out there. Reigns is not going to get over with Bryan and Lesnar in the same ring though.
Jaffa, I agree. I don't want Bryan shoehorned in either, and while its good that they do listen to fans at some point, they go about it wrong and it doesn't benefit anyone.
-
I only marginally keep up with wrestling anymore, but my brother is religious about it. He said that in his opinion, the biggest problem in the WWE right now is actually Lesnar, because he is so much better in the ring than anyone else. He is such a beast that he has no real competition. How accurate is that?
-
For somebody who doesn't even really like wrestling, it's unreal how good Lesnar is. He just adds such a realism to his matches that is unmatched by anyone. I hope he sticks around past WM
-
I only marginally keep up with wrestling anymore, but my brother is religious about it. He said that in his opinion, the biggest problem in the WWE right now is actually Lesnar, because he is so much better in the ring than anyone else. He is such a beast that he has no real competition. How accurate is that?
Definitely not better than everyone else, no. As far as workers go, I wouldn't put him in the top 10. But the WWE has build him up to he this unstoppable monster, so he's still over
-
He needs some more moves though. He actually had a move set 10 years ago. Now he just does German suplexes and maybe a clothesline.
-
Well........... it doesn't look like Rollins will be cashing in the briefcase and winning the title any time soon. Probably back to the mid card for him for the next couple of years now, even though they desperately need him with Lesnar leaving.
It seems as if Reigns is turning heel, and it's already working for the better. The heel attitude is already paying off for his promos, and both him and Bryan had a pretty good opening segment this week. And Bryan used the W word! He said WRESTLING! I'm guessing Vince didn't write that. :lol
-
Yeah I was pretty happy about last night. REALLY sucks about Rollins though. 2015 was definitely gonna be his year. Looks like he'll be tagging with Tyson Kidd in 6 months.
-
If this was a few years ago they would've worked it into the storyline. Now I'm not so sure, I hope they don't stop his push because of this.
-
There's no way WWE would acknowledge it on air in the current PG era. HHH basically said Chyna isn't in the hall of fame because she did the porn stuff, and they didn't want young fans looking her up and seeing it associated with them. I imagine they'll want to distance themselves from this incident too.
Just how badly it affects Rollins, we'll have to wait and see. It would have to hurt their immediate plans for him, I would think.
-
What happened?
-
What happened?
A nude pic of some NXT chick was posted on Seth Rollin's Twitter, and then his fiance posted nude pics of him on her Twitter in retaliation. It's all been deleted now, but the pics and tweets are circulating. He says he was hacked, but who knows what actually happened.
-
What a moron.
-
https://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2015/0210/589323/backstage-wwe-reaction-to-seth-rollins-nude-photo-debacle/ (https://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2015/0210/589323/backstage-wwe-reaction-to-seth-rollins-nude-photo-debacle/)
If this is true then seth just dodged a bullet.
-
this is the same fed that allowed Orton to keep rolling despite 2 failed drug tests and doing stuff like taking a dump in a diva's purse. If the person is money... the fed will protect him.
-
Good thing I didn't like him much. He's a good worker, but I just don't like his character. And if he's a cheating bastard, I don't have much respect for him anyway as a person.
-
the sting/hhh build has got to be the lamest thing I've ever seen.
You wait like 100 years for sting to finally work a program in the WWE and he literally just comes out on the ramp, points and turns around and walks away. Then last night, it just reads "I accept". For the love of god, do something
Its a shame I don't have insomnia, cause this shit's betting than ambien.
-
I think it's been building perfectly. WM31 is still 2 months away. Plenty of time. Can't blow their wad too early.
Remember too back in 97, the Sting/Hogan build was like a year long
-
NXT in about 20 minutes. This could be the best WWE related show of WM season.... if not the whole year.
-
I watched NXT Takeover. Balor vs Neville was solid, the women's match was quite good, and the title match got better as it went on. Zayn really knows how to sell. Owens is really good for a big guy too, better than the ones they've got on the main show.
The match with the Luchas was painful though. Those guys botched pretty much everything.
-
Yeah Zayn put on a selling clinic last night
-
The way he takes those whips to the corner, and his reaction to the big chop in the middle of the ring, just great.
-
I think Owens will do very well in WWE
-
Looks like they set Owens up as the Brock lesnar of NXT, and I have no problem with that.
-
The 3 main matches were all fucking fantastic! And I'll add to all the love for Zayn selling, he's perfect at it! Even with the pins he's great at selling them, everytime someone pins him early in a match he'll always kick out at 1; as the match wears on his kick out get delayed more and more.
I laughed in just stupid amazement at how effortless Owens made that swanton bomb or whatever it was look.
-
The 3 main matches were all fucking fantastic! And I'll add to all the love for Zayn selling, he's perfect at it! Even with the pins he's great at selling them, everytime someone pins him early in a match he'll always kick out at 1; as the match wears on his kick out get delayed more and more.
I laughed in just stupid amazement at how effortless Owens made that swanton bomb or whatever it was look.
For a second there I thought he was going for this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpsD1mXeFQM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpsD1mXeFQM)
-
That would have, literally, made the crowd spontaneously combust!
-
I know they won't, and I've mentioned it before, but they should totally open WM31 with Balor vs Owens.
-
Forget opening, they should main event WM31 with Balor vs Owens ;D
but then again, I'm a psycho mark for the those 2
-
NJPW update: Honma vs Ishii is a must watch match (from New Beginning in Sendai)
-
I was going to watch that PPV, but it appeared to be such a damn long event. Not that it's not worth it, but that's a lot of wrestling!
-
Yeah, we're over 3 hours at this point, but that's including an intermission. And really, I'd only say Honma/Ishii is the only thing watching from this one.
-
I might have to get it and just skim it. After Wrestle Kingdom, I was expecting the skip percentage on this one to be low.
-
I downloaded that PPV yesterday. Gonna see if I can watch it over the weekend.
-
That tag team turmoil on Smackdown was actually pretty good
-
Well, this saga between Punk and the WWE has taken an interesting turn now. Now the doctor is suing him and Cabana for defamation. I'm just wondering why now rather than roughly three months ago when Punk made those comments.
- It looks like CM Punk will need to get his amazing lawyer ready because he is currently facing a $1 million defamation lawsuit. The Cook County Record reports that WWE in-house physician, Dr. Chris Amann, has filed a lawsuit against former WWE Superstars CM Punk and Colt Cabana after comments made on Colt Cabana’s Art of Wrestling Podcast last November.
Amann says his reputation has suffered as a result of the comments made by Punk. He is reportedly seeking more than $1 million in compensatory damages and an undetermined amount in punitive damages. Cabana is also included in the complaint for helping Punk “falsely depict” Amann.
Amann claims that Punk (real name Phillip Brooks) and Cabana (real name Scott Colton) “knowingly fabricated the false and disparaging statements” about him and that both men knew their comments would be heard by third parties.
In the complaint, Amann also says the statements made by Punk and Cabana “are highly offensive in that they accuse [him] of a gross lack of integrity as a medical doctor, an inability to perform his professional duties as a medical doctor, and in placing the financial interest of his employer above life-threatening health conditions of his patients.”
Phillip J. Zisook and Brian D. Saucier of Deutscy, Levy & Engel out of Chicago, Illinois are representing Amann.
https://411mania.com/wrestling/cm-punk-and-colt-cabana-sued-by-wwe-doctor-over-comments-on-art-of-wrestling-podcast/
-
I believe Punk. He's smart enough to know that this kind of thing could happen if he told a bunch of lies, so I'm thinking the doctor is just pissed that Punk exposed him for his negligence, and is trying to make some money off him. Hopefully some other wrestlers step up in Punk's defense.
-
Good luck with that. I am pretty sure Vince would fire and/or bury just about any wrestler who would testify in court against his doctor and in favor of Punk.
-
Ex-WWE wrestler?
-
Well plus, Punk also has his own doctor's evidence.
-
Good luck with that. I am pretty sure Vince would fire and/or bury just about any wrestler who would testify in court against his doctor and in favor of Punk.
He doesn't even let active employees go on JR's podcast, and has buried wrestlers for the most trivial crap. There's zero chance of any current wrestlers backing him up, even if they wanted to.
-
Well according to the statement released today about it, with accompanying video, they've got the gloves off
https://www.24wrestling.com/wwe-statement-video-denying-cm-punks-claims-of-medical-incompetence/
-
If you watch the linked video out of context, it's just strangely homoerotic. :lol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alLmQFx801M
-
Kane is teaching me about economics
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/l8xphl-CyvU/maxresdefault.jpg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8xphl-CyvU
-
He should take that up as his day job. He seemed much better at that than being a WWE entertainer. :lol
-
Speaking of entertaining, has the Undertaker really been that great? I mean, take away the streak, which created most of the drama in his great WM matches, and what else is there? I think it goes without saying that 'Taker is by far Vince's most successful gimmick ever.
-
The Undertaker has had a lot of classic matches, none of which relied on his streak to be entertaining imo. It's such a corny typical early 90s Vince gimmick when you think about it, and any lesser wrestler would have ended up relegated to the same category of Doink the Clown or the Repo Man. For The Undertaker to have endured so long at that level says it all.
-
Honestly, it's amazing to me that someone would ask that question. Even if you ignore everything about his gimmick (his entrance, his persona, his storylines, his feuds), you're still looking at an impressively large athlete who has always moved amazingly well for his size and who, in my estimation, is capable of telling a story in a match better than just about anyone else in wrestling history.
And I don't know why you would ignore his gimmick. Granted, he didn't create it himself, but he damn sure made it work, and it led to a decade's worth of compelling storylines and great feuds that improved the careers of other wrestlers around him.
-
Undertaker has been my favorite since I started watching wrestling.
-
His two WM matches with Michaels and his HITC with Triple H are absolute classics
-
Kane is teaching me about economics
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/l8xphl-CyvU/maxresdefault.jpg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8xphl-CyvU
I opened that just to see it. It was actually interesting so I watched the whole thing. But damn, that cliffhanger ending!
Also, The Undertaker has always been entertaining no matter how ridiculous his story lines have been- his presentation on and off ring has been spot on and he's just such an iconic figure with great moves that it would be very hard not to be impressed by his craft, even if it's not your cup of tea.
-
Kane is teaching me about economics
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/l8xphl-CyvU/maxresdefault.jpg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8xphl-CyvU
Crap, I may need to free up 75 min. to watch this somewhere in the week. I could learn a lot more about economics which is something I should do more of as a business major.
-
I am not saying the Undertaker hasn't been good; he has been. But he is more gimmick than pure great. Yes, he moved extremely well for a guy his size, but without the gimmick or streak, he'd be an afterthought. That is all I am saying. Mad props to him for taking that gimmick and doing as well as he did with it.
-
I guess I just don't have a clue how you define greatness in the wrestling world. As far as I'm concerned, Undertaker has been great by any measuring stick.
-
I'm probably just being dumb. :lol :lol
Speaking of dumb, that applies to anyone these days who gives the WWE money for anything, especially in the light of the CM Punk lawsuit. I have never seen a company shit on their customers as much as the WWE has, only for customers to keep throwing money at them. I haven't given them money for ANYTHING since 1991.
-
So what happens to Bryan? Back to mid-card I guess?
-
I guess I just don't have a clue how you define greatness in the wrestling world. As far as I'm concerned, Undertaker has been great by any measuring stick.
Agreed. That gimmick only succeeded because the Undertaker was great enough to make it work. That gimmick would have buried anyone else's career. He moved like nobody else his size can, did a lot of big impressive moves, had many all time great matches, he had the presence, the look. It's a shame his last WM match was so bad, and it looks like this year's will be equally bad. Hopefully he has one more match in him next year in his home town against someone good so he can go out on a high.
And Fast Lane sucked huge balls.
The Rollins/Ziggler tag match had a super lame finish, with Big Show laying out Ziggler to job, and Rollins doing nothing. Orton was like the icing on the shit sandwich. What a waste of talent. It was like an encore of everything that was wrong with the Rumble. They haven't learned a thing.
The Goldust/Stardust match was another lame one. The ref missing a proper 3 count is your finish? Lame. Rematch at Wrestlemania.
The tag title match was ok. Good outcome, some good moves. Nothing we haven't seen 100 times this year though.
The HHH/Sting promo stunk. 5 minutes of promos rehashing HHH talking and Sting doing nothing, followed by 15 minutes of HHH talking and Sting doing nothing. And then more pointing at the WM sign. Lame as shit setup for a match everyone knew was happening anyway.
The Divas match was another lame one. Paige loses to a rollup pin with a hand full of tights that wasn't actually a hand full of tights. Rematch at Wrestlemania.
Ambrose vs Barret? Lame! A lame DQ for something that is never enforced or an issue. Rematch at Wrestlemania? Probably.
Obviously the Undertaker wasn't coming out, so that cocktease intro was obviously going to be Wyatt. Lame Wyatt promo setting up the match I was hoping wouldn't happen. That match is going to stink. What a waste of Undertaker's one match a year.
The Rusev match was ok, and the finish was great, except it means Cena is obviously winning the obligatory rematch at Wrestlemania. Lame. Rusev beating Cena should have been the WM match, not Rusev losing his streak to Cena.
Reigns / Bryan was an ok match, but Bryan was so aggressive and dominant for the whole match that it was obvious Reigns was going to win. We knew that going in though. But it actually did nothing to help Reigns look strong for facing Brock.
There was a point near the end where both guys were on the ground being counted, and Bryan had his leg over Reigns, so if they intended to get Bryan into the title match as a triple threat, I guess that would be their backdoor, because often that would be considered a pin.
On paper this looked like an ok PPV, with lots of potentially good matches, but they screwjobbed everything. Lame/10.
-
Yeah I noticed the leg thing too. That was a total pin.
Loved the Wyatt promo and I think that match will be a lot stronger than you think. Cena/Rusev was MUCH better than I thought it would be, probably becuase both guys did a helluva job selling.
Bryan/Reigns was pretty good. No clue where they're gonna put Bryan at this point, but a mid-card match with Ziggler or Sheamus just seems awkward.
Yeah I'm not sure I've ever watched a PPV with THAT many botched endings.
-
Wyatt has yet to put on a single good match outside of Bryan imo, and that match was 100% Bryan. The Undertaker is great, but he really needs to work with someone who can construct the match with him. Put Undertaker with Wyatt, and it's going to be a bore. It will be 20 minutes of strikes and running clotheslines.
I had really high hopes for Cena/Rusev, because this was Rusev's first real test. Cena is the only non jobber Rusev has gone against in the year since he joined the WWE roster. It was definitely Rusev's best match to date, and Cena helped make him look good, but I was hoping to see a bit more range from Rusev. Hopefully the Wrestlemania rematch steps it up. The match was fine, but I was hoping to be surprised.
-
I saw Wyatt/Ambrose a few weeks back at a house show. They were given around 30 min and it was easily the best match I saw between the two. I think Wyatt has a big future with the company. He's much better than you give him credit for :)
-
Luke Harper has already impressed me a lot more with his very short time as a singles wrestler than Wyatt has over the past year. They can keep hyping and talking up Wyatt all they want, but he's yet to deliver the goods imo. I doubt he's ever going to live up to what they want him to be. I'm always open to change my mind on that, and this WM is a prime opportunity for that.
-
They did fool me though. I honestly thought it was gonna be Taker coming out to respond to Wyatt's promos.....until I saw the casket
-
I saw Wyatt/Ambrose a few weeks back at a house show. They were given around 30 min and it was easily the best match I saw between the two. I think Wyatt has a big future with the company. He's much better than you give him credit for :)
Thats because at the house shows they get a lot more freedom to do what they want. Vince has the main show so tightly scripted it can be hard for the talent to shine in the few minutes the're given most of the time.
-
I saw Wyatt/Ambrose a few weeks back at a house show. They were given around 30 min and it was easily the best match I saw between the two. I think Wyatt has a big future with the company. He's much better than you give him credit for :)
Thats because at the house shows they get a lot more freedom to do what they want. Vince has the main show so tightly scripted it can be hard for the talent to shine in the few minutes the're given most of the time.
Agreed. You can see some terrific matches at the house shows.
I enjoyed Fast Lane a lot more than I thought I would. The Tag Team Title match was spectacular, and I'm thrilled that Kidd & Cesaro are the new champions. Cena and Rusev was everything I hoped it would be, and opens the door for a submission match at Mania. Dean and Wade wasn't great, and I'm not a huge fan of Ambrose magically forgetting his issues with Rollins and Wyatt to chase this title, but it's a case of WWE having more faces than creative knows what to do with. Bryan vs. Reigns was good, and I'm happy with the finish.
Wyatt vs. Undertaker is intriguing from a promo standpoint, but Bray is absolutely the wrong type of opponent for the Undertaker at this stage of his career. If you thought Brock/Taker was painful, stay tuned.
All in all, expectations should have been low on Fast Lane, and honestly, this wouldn't have been a show that I would have dropped 50 bucks for. But since I had the network, I watched it, and overall I'm glad that I did.
But NXT is still absolutely killing it :)
-
I'd LOVE to see Ambrose/Bryan. Their indy matches were awesome
-
That sledgehammer sure did bounce high when HHH dropped it. They should really add some weight to it.
-
Oh my. :lol :lol I am pretty sure a sledgehammer should not bounce at all. :rollin :rollin
Anyway, most reviews I have read said last night stunk, which is no surprise. Their booking has been god-awful for a while now, and expecting them to turn it around at a PPV that is bottom of the barrel wasn't realistic.
As for Wyatt, I am not sold on him either, but his fans can't say he isn't be given major opportunities. Cena and Undertaker at back-to-back is more than anything could ask for.
-
I could never really get behind The Undertaker, although when I started watching WWE, it was when he was doing the American Badass gimmick. But knowing what his gimmick was before, and him doing something so drastically different, it just takes away the whole aesthetic. The fact that he went from an "undead guy" to a normal biker and back to an undead guy AND made it work is incredible though. Someone similar would be Mick Foley. He constantly breaks the fourth wall/kayfabe jumping in and out of his gimmicks, but somehow makes it work and the fans are still behind that. I just can't get behind it. When I see The Undertaker, I just think, why is he acting like that when he was just fine before driving around on a motorcycle?
-
Random Friday thoughts.
Undertaker. I think like it other sports (or real sports), it is hard to quantify a person's impact in numbers, or stats. Sometimes their greatness transcends whatever the sum of their career parts is. It is hard to explain why Undertaker is so great, but it is hard to argue that he isn't. Yes, greatest gimmick ever. But he was able to change over time, and not outlive his schtick. He was also somehow able to make it cool to come out to a Fred Durst song. And he commanded and earned the respect of the locker room and the brass. I normally hate when wrestlers take 5 minutes getting to the ring, but seeing an Undertaker WM entrance in person is something that will go unfulfilled on my bucket list.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI5YDqkrbkc
Commentators. How has Michael Cole been the play-by-play guy for so long? He isn't bad, he is just... well, there. Now he is along side JBL and Booker T? Listening to a match called by JR had a quality to it, like the Undertaker, that you can't describe. He made the average match sound great, and the great match sound epic. I grew up listening to Monsoon and Heenan, Jesse the Body and Lord Alfred Hayes, Tony Schiovone, and even Vince call matches. They all had their gifts and drawbacks, but they all brought something special to the mic. Cole and company don't.
-
I don't mind cole, For me its the combination of JBL and Cole thats terrible. The commentary for fast lane was especially bad.
-
I can't stand JBL on commentary. I loved when he broke character and returned to his APA gimmick a few weeks ago. I miss that.
-
JBL is god awful on commentary. Cole is just satisfactory and King is no where near what he used to be.
-
Was King ever really that great? He's been pretty annoying to me ever since I started watching WWE full time in 2001, and I don't think he was much different before that. He just isn't perverted anymore because PG.
-
Not a fan of any of the current announcers. JBL is brutal.
Nothing will ever beat the team of Gorilla/Brain for me
-
Gorilla/Brain was legendary. I also loved jesse as well.
-
"It's Pandemonium Brain!!!"
-
Monsoon/Heenan was by far the best, yes, and Vince and Jesse were damn good as well, mainly because Ventura was such a great heel announcer, and those two argued well. It was always great, too, when Monsoon and Ventura did PPVs together.
-
JR.
-
I guess it's just that I grew up in the South, so our main wrestling was the NWA/Mid-Atlantic Wrestling, but I always thought Monsoon was hokey as hell. But Heenan had a certain charm.
Tony Schiavone was great, especially in the earlier days. As the NWA eventually became WCW and the Monday Night Wars started, he became more of a tool.
-
Was King ever really that great? He's been pretty annoying to me ever since I started watching WWE full time in 2001, and I don't think he was much different before that. He just isn't perverted anymore because PG.
True. He always just gave crass comments about the women, and now that they're PG, he hardly does anything at all. He's basically redundant. A 3 man announcer is a terrible idea, and there's no point to it. JBL is also awful, just automatically defaulting to obvious heel cliches. Michael Cole has never been great, but he used to be ok. Now he's just a dead husk of a human being spouting Twitter advertisements to earn his paycheck.
It's never been the same without JR. He enhances every match, and I always appreciate watching old matches for that reason. WWE really has no appreciation or respect for that role, or many other roles that they'll just give to whoever they've got hanging around *cough*Booker T*cough*
-
Was King ever really that great? He's been pretty annoying to me ever since I started watching WWE full time in 2001, and I don't think he was much different before that. He just isn't perverted anymore because PG.
True. He always just gave crass comments about the women, and now that they're PG, he hardly does anything at all. He's basically redundant. A 3 man announcer is a terrible idea, and there's no point to it. JBL is also awful, just automatically defaulting to obvious heel cliches. Michael Cole has never been great, but he used to be ok. Now he's just a dead husk of a human being spouting Twitter advertisements to earn his paycheck.
It's never been the same without JR. He enhances every match, and I always appreciate watching old matches for that reason. WWE really has no appreciation or respect for that role, or many other roles that they'll just give to whoever they've got hanging around *cough*Booker T*cough*
It also doesn't help that they have vince in their ear all night directing their commentary.
-
This Jon Stewart stuff reminds me of WCW and MadTV.
-
if this was wcw stewart would have been in an actual match and ended up with a title.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDs37KO5m_I&
Paul Heyman is a legend, Paul Heyman is a god!
-
Yep, Heyman is the best thing they have on the mic right now and it's no contest. Everything that comes out of that man's mouth is pure gold, and his Raw promo this week was amazing.
-
In their fake little cardboard show, Heyman is one of the few shreds of what wrestling should be. Engrossing and genuine.
-
Dude performs classic wrestling moves on his girlfriend into a pool. Best. Girlfriend. Ever.
https://uproxx.com/prowrestling/2015/03/wwe-finishers-on-girlfriend/
-
I saw that last night. That took quite a bit of trust, especially to let him do the tombstone piledriver. Even into water, that could go really wrong.
On family vacations when we were teenagers, my brother, two of our cousins and I would always do the Savage elbow and Hogan leg drop into the deep end. Good times. :hat
-
“Guy finishes his girlfriend multiple times in the pool before her sister joins in” sounds like another Brazzers post, but I promise that this video of YouTube personality Joe Weller RKO-ing his girlfriend is as safe for work as you’re going to get with “brutal” and “girl” in the title.
:lol :lol :lol
-
15 or so years ago my brother and I used to do wrestling moves on each other on my brand new bed that was given to me by my grandpa. The bed got pretty fucked up. The mattress had a huge dent in it so much so that I had to put pillows under it to make it somewhat confortable, the box spring legs were bent. We stashed all that behind the huge tree across the street. I wonder if it's all still there. We threw a couch back there too. The weeds made good cover. Anyway, one time I went to do a Rock Bottom, but tripped and pushed him into the corner of the wall. He has a dent in his head to this day. Other times I've nearly killed him by dropping him on his head. It was fun doing choke slams, spears, and suplexes. Pump handle slams were fun as well. Though I almost broke my back one time trying to do a power bomb.
We were stupid kids.
-
When I was 9 years old, I took a razor's edge on the couch. My friend lost his footing or something and my right knee went through the dry wall. Too this day, my knee is screwed up. Still love wrestling though :heart
-
Dude performs classic wrestling moves on his girlfriend into a pool. Best. Girlfriend. Ever.
https://uproxx.com/prowrestling/2015/03/wwe-finishers-on-girlfriend/
Very dangerous, but very funny!!
-
I used to do that shit to my daughters on vacation.
-
Dude performs classic wrestling moves on his girlfriend into a pool. Best. Girlfriend. Ever.
https://uproxx.com/prowrestling/2015/03/wwe-finishers-on-girlfriend/
Very dangerous, but very funny!!
That's awesome. Reminds me how we used to do that in the school gym. As well as anywhere in the school actually. Stunners, submission moves (that probably hurt more than those we watched) and the smaller guys received the Lex Luger finisher. Made my best friend power bomb me Kevin Nash-style on the floor at home on a couple of blankets. Ah, 5th grade. Good times. Not very smart, but it was fun.
-
Was King ever really that great? He's been pretty annoying to me ever since I started watching WWE full time in 2001, and I don't think he was much different before that. He just isn't perverted anymore because PG.
Lawler worked best with Jim Ross, because they had a certain amount of chemistry where Lawler's wacky horndog act was kept in check by JR's serious professionalism. These days everyone is a shadow of themselves because they're reduced to cliche spouting social media machines. (I can't figure out if I should give WWE credit for being pretty massively ahead of the curve where Twitter is concerned or so annoyed that they're one of the reasons why it's so pervasive in entertainment media today, but that's another rant.)
-
Dude performs classic wrestling moves on his girlfriend into a pool. Best. Girlfriend. Ever.
https://uproxx.com/prowrestling/2015/03/wwe-finishers-on-girlfriend/
Very dangerous, but very funny!!
That's awesome. Reminds me how we used to do that in the school gym. As well as anywhere in the school actually. Stunners, submission moves (that probably hurt more than those we watched) and the smaller guys received the Lex Luger finisher. Made my best friend power bomb me Kevin Nash-style on the floor at home on a couple of blankets. Ah, 5th grade. Good times. Not very smart, but it was fun.
Did he tear his quad while doing it?
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOpJKNlIcos&t
I say again, Paul Heyman is a legend, Paul Heyman is a god!
How am I suppose to NOT cheer for Lesnar after those two promos by Heyman?!
-
Nobody gives a promo like Heyman. The bit about the Montreal screwjob was incredible. :lol
-
I wonder if he'll get flack for that UFC comment, especially considering recent events. I doubt he was supposed to say that. Still....AMAZING promo. I really don't see how the majority of the WM crowd won't be rooting for Lesnar at this point.
-
I realized something really sad about WM today - three of the biggest matches on the card are pretty much one sided feuds. So much for big stories with buildup at WM.
Undertaker hasn't showed up for his buildup with Wyatt, and it doesn't look like he's going to show up before WM at all. Sting has barely showed up for his buildup with HHH, and I don't think he's even said anything. They've even had to resort to stunt doubles and apparently fake voiceovers. Lesnar barely shows up at the best of times, and when he does, he stands there while Heyman talks up a storm.
They've really messed up booking for Wrestlemania, so I don't have high hopes this year.
They've stuck most of their best wrestlers in a nothing ladder match for the IC title, there's a rematch of Cena vs Rusev that Cena is certain to win, an awful and predictable title match where Roman Reigns will look really strong, yet another HHH stinker with an old has-been, and a wasted Undertaker match against the most overrated guy in the company. And a battle royal for anyone else they didn't care to make matches for.
The only match I have any expectations for at all is the ladder match, and the better it is, the more it will remind me how much talent the WWE is wasting.
-
I mean....you've got Lesnar and Reigns in the same building. You're less than 3 weeks out. They haven't done ANYTHING for this feud together except stare at each other at the studio RAW well over a month ago....why not have them do SOMETHING? Especially since you're paying Brock a shit load of money to appear.
The Sting/HHH and Wyatt/Taker matches don't bother me as much because of the mystique around the two protagonists. We don't need to see Taker again until WM, and I'm willing to bet Sting makes another appearance before the PPV. I still think they'll be solid 7/10 matches. I mean, on a technical level, Hogan/Rock at 18 was like a 4/10 match, but it's still my favorite match of all time because of the spectacle and how the story unfolded in ring. I think there's a bit of that spectacle in these two matches.
Also, while I totally don't agree with Bryan eventually being in and probably winning the ladder match, I DO like the idea of adding considerably more prestige to the IC title. Same with the US title. And he'll definitely do that. It's just stupid that the guy who headlined and won last year's event is in the IC title picture, through no fault of his own and he's still over as balls.
But yeah, the crowd is gonna eat the Lesnar/Reigns match alive.
-
I think The IC title ladder match could be a way to restore some value to the belt. Especially if someone like Bryan or even Ambrose wins it, but it would only work if he holds on to it for a long time. The IC title switched hands so damn much that it became less of a title and more of a prop.
Also I Like roman reigns and he can put on a good singles match with the right opponent. I just don't know how he will look with lesnar.
-
The three main events consist of part timers; I guess that can be viewed as a bit of a slap in the face to the guys around year round. Plus it forces WWE to cram everyone into the battle royal, IC match and likely a tag team 4 way.
-
See I'm not so sure I agree with all of the part timers heat. I mean.....part timers=special attractions=bigger draws=more buys/subscribers.
I guarantee you that the WWE Network will see a significant increase in subscriber count because the "part-time" fans will want to see Sting and the return of the Undertaker, especially after how bad he got banged up last night.
I for one have loved how they've handled Lesnar as the part time champion.....as far as keeping him off tv goes. They definitely could have improved on the quality of his non fight appearances though.
-
Yeah, nothing restores prestige to the I-C title like having the champion losing to everyone for a month straight. :rollin :rollin :rollin
-
See I'm not so sure I agree with all of the part timers heat. I mean.....part timers=special attractions=bigger draws=more buys/subscribers.
I guarantee you that the WWE Network will see a significant increase in subscriber count because the "part-time" fans will want to see Sting and the return of the Undertaker, especially after how bad he got banged up last night.
I for one have loved how they've handled Lesnar as the part time champion.....as far as keeping him off tv goes. They definitely could have improved on the quality of his non fight appearances though.
I agree partially.
On one hand, Brock Lesnar has been turned into an attraction, and Paul Heyman as usual gave a compelling promo for that. But while it has elevated the title having a high profile champion, the lack of title matches at every PPV has devalued the PPVs to the point where they're barely better than Raw these days. They've tried to compensate with matches of contrived importance, like the Survivor Series match to ditch the Authority, and #1 contender matches, but overall it's been a really shitty year for PPVs.
I don't blame Lesnar for this, I blame the WWE for making the decision to put the belt on him and then not pay to have him show up more often. And he's been so strong that I don't buy the very inexperienced Reigns having a chance at beating him with a tackle and a punch, yet that's what we're going to have to swallow come WM.
I'm fine with the Undertaker only having his one big match a year, and with the streak he's become a big WM draw. But you can't build up a real feud with one person completely absent. That's not a story. It's the bare minimum they need to cobble together a highlight package for before the match. Just look at the two Undertaker/Michaels matches. Both of those matches told great stories because they built them up beforehand to have some significance and relevance. As a result, they've both among the best WM matches ever.
It just would have been nice to have Undertaker show up for at least one or two Raw appearances, he doesn't need to fight.
As for Sting, the whole thing feels super phoned in. All he's done is show up 3 times over the past half a year and stand there doing nothing and collecting his paycheck. I've never liked him one bit, and like most HHH matches, I'll be skipping this one.
-
I don't buy the very inexperienced Reigns having a chance at beating him with a tackle and a punch, yet that's what we're going to have to swallow come WM.
This really bothers me, too.. How are they going to have Brock lose after the things he's stood up from? Take his triple threat match with Cena and Rollins for example. He no sells 3 straight AA's from Cena. Later takes two briefcase shots to the head from Rollins, only to get up very quickly and F5 him for the victory. How can they possibly make the fans believe that Reigns has the arsenal to put Brock away? It couldn't even be done in a No DQ match with weapon use, yet we're supposed to believe that Reigns can pin Lesnar with a simple spear? A simple shoulder to the ribs, which Lesnar (kayfabe) broke one of in that Royal Rumble match and still won? No, just no. Reigns thinks he's ready, but I have a feeling he's going to be exposed in his match with Lesnar. What I mean is he lacks the cardio to carry a long match. Lesnar suffers from the same thing. What happens when you put two guys with limited gas tanks together for a long, high profile main event? It will likely include lots of Brock standing over Reigns just doing nothing but staring at him while they both gasp for air.
I'm hoping for something other than Reigns as WWE Champion. I would much rather see Rollins cash in, and have Reigns continue to build his character over the Spring/Summer towards a big match at Summerslam.
-
I think the best scenario for everyone involved would be for Rollins to cash in, and have Reigns chase the title, while he builds up over the year. They need a top heel, and it will benefit Reigns to not look like he's being handed everything on a silver platter. I really don't expect it to play out that way though, at least not at WM.
Having interference would be the most believable scenario for Lesnar losing. Have Heyman switch sides if Brock is leaving, maybe turn Reigns full heel, or have Rollins interfere because he's going to cash in. They need something. A straight 1 on 1 victory to Reigns is going to stink, and the audience won't swallow it, and it won't get Reigns over. Vince doesn't seem to have gotten it through his head yet that making someone look really strong hasn't worked since the 1980s. It's not that people hate Reigns, they just hate the way he's been handled.
-
What kills me is that so many people bitch about the product, yet still go to house show and PPVs. Booing Reigns or cheering Bryan non-stop will never get the bottom line across to Vince. Do not go to live events, do not buy any merchandise, and do not pay for the WWE network. That is the best way to send the message that you think the product stinks. I think Vince thinks a lot of their fans are stupid, and I am not sure he is wrong.
-
Why did Reigns stop doing other moves? In the clip Heyman showed, you see Roman Reigns doing a lot of different stuff in NXT, but now he literally does 3 moves if we're lucky.
-
Because it's the style of the main roster. You stick to moves that people know you by and don't bust a new one out often.
-
That's strange. Here I thought people wanted to see as much cool shit in the ring as possible. I know I do. Even thought he botched it, it was cool seeing Cena do a hurracanrana. We need more of that. Are powerbombs not cool anymore? Cena did that too. I was like, hey that was cool, do more of that. Reigns does maybe a clothesline, samoan drop, and then that stupid superman punch and the spear. Brock Lesnar is worse. He might kick you and then nothing but german suplexes. Meanwhile 12 years ago he had all kinds of moves and even talked on the mic. Special attractions aren't supposed to be boring as fuck.
-
My favourite thing to see in a match is something I haven't seen before. I want to be surprised. Exciting moves get stale quickly when that's all you're going to see.
-
Absolutely hilarious
https://www.kayfabenews.com/demott-undergoes-sensitivity-training-returns-hugh-manitarian/
-
My favourite thing to see in a match is something I haven't seen before. I want to be surprised. Exciting moves get stale quickly when that's all you're going to see.
I get saving cool stuff for the PPVs, but they should give roman SOMETHING. If they had let him do more than his 3 moves of doom the backlash against him might not have been as strong.
-
My favourite thing to see in a match is something I haven't seen before. I want to be surprised. Exciting moves get stale quickly when that's all you're going to see.
I get saving cool stuff for the PPVs, but they should give roman SOMETHING. If they had let him do more than his 3 moves of doom the backlash against him might not have been as strong.
There are lots of people like me who don't dislike him, but just feel he's not ready and hasn't developed since leaving the Shield yet. So if he started showing signs of growth in the ring and expanded his repertoire a bit, I'd be open to changing my mind on him.
Variety of moves is a necessity if you expect to carry a half hour headlining match. The 3 moves are ok for a Raw match, but it won't cut it on PPV if you want him to be a top guy.
-
My favourite thing to see in a match is something I haven't seen before. I want to be surprised. Exciting moves get stale quickly when that's all you're going to see.
I get saving cool stuff for the PPVs, but they should give roman SOMETHING. If they had let him do more than his 3 moves of doom the backlash against him might not have been as strong.
That's one of the things I loved about All Japan in the 90s. A guy had finisher levels. Like Mitsuharu Misawa had the Tiger Driver, and if he put you away with it, you weren't ready to move to the next level. Get out of that? You got the Tiger Driver '94. Get out of THAT? Emerald Fusion. It added drama to see if the wrestler could kick out of the big moves and measured his progress against his opponent. When Kenta Kobashi finally kicked out of the Emerald Fusion in a title match, you knew Misawa was going to lose. You knew who had lost to who and how.
Modern WWE is "You have three moves that caused a pop. They're ALL YOU GET NOW."
-
Anyone watched the New Japan Cup final? Currently going through it, Ibushi just had a great match and keeps solidifying his place as my favorite Japanese wrestler by far. Currently watching the tag match with Cody Hall (Scott Hall's son) he's one tall sunovabitch!
Also, I love Japanese crowds! How they "oooh" and "aaah" at all the big spots and pop for them and stay silent for the rest of the match, in an attentive manner, it's awesome!
-
Not sure how Sting got in the ring that fast during the blackout, but it was awesome
-
Not sure how Sting got in the ring that fast during the blackout, but it was awesome
Must have been hiding under the ring. There was plenty of time for him to climb out. It was more awesome when they were doing it 15 years ago......
As usual, Heyman was the highlight of the night, everything else is going through the motions until Wrestlemania. Wouldn't it be awesome if Lesnar retained at WM? And even better, snapped Roman Reigns like he deserves? *sigh* One can dream.
-
I thought about hiding under the ring, but surely the live crowd would have seen it during the break before the last segment.
But yeah Heyman killed it as per usual. I really hope Lesnar retains. I HATE Reigns so much.
-
I thought about hiding under the ring, but surely the live crowd would have seen it during the break before the last segment.
Maybe he was incognito at the front of the crowd or near the timekeeper area the whole show and jumped over the barricade (hilariously, to make this work he'd probably have to wear one of the plastic Sting masks to cover up his actual Sting facepaint :lol ).
I don't know, but they've done it so many times in the past that they've obviously got a system for it. He had about 10 seconds of darkness to get in there, so it shouldn't have been too hard.
-
Seemed shorter than that to me. Maybe he just ran down the ramp real quick
-
I thought about hiding under the ring, but surely the live crowd would have seen it during the break before the last segment.
Maybe he was incognito at the front of the crowd or near the timekeeper area the whole show and jumped over the barricade (hilariously, to make this work he'd probably have to wear one of the plastic Sting masks to cover up his actual Sting facepaint :lol ).
I don't know, but they've done it so many times in the past that they've obviously got a system for it. He had about 10 seconds of darkness to get in there, so it shouldn't have been too hard.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GTzHd1h47o
-
I timed it out, and it was about 9 seconds. I don't think a guy of his age could run down the ramp that quickly and get into position without being spent, but still a good amount of time.
I think he was either in the audience the whole time, or they managed to sneak him out under the ring shortly beforehand off camera. Maybe he came out there during the Wyatt promo just before the main event. That seems a likely possibility.
I thought about hiding under the ring, but surely the live crowd would have seen it during the break before the last segment.
Maybe he was incognito at the front of the crowd or near the timekeeper area the whole show and jumped over the barricade (hilariously, to make this work he'd probably have to wear one of the plastic Sting masks to cover up his actual Sting facepaint :lol ).
I don't know, but they've done it so many times in the past that they've obviously got a system for it. He had about 10 seconds of darkness to get in there, so it shouldn't have been too hard.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GTzHd1h47o
:lol Fantastic.
-
^^Ah good point
-
Ok this is wonderful...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYvMOf3hsGA
-
Ok this is wonderful...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYvMOf3hsGA
good stuff
-
That was so so good!
-
(https://gs1.wac.edgecastcdn.net/8019B6/data.tumblr.com/6da3895401bb1b7f7944a08c6c21733d/tumblr_nlcnhmHd7u1qjj817o1_r1_400.gif)
This is the greatest thing ever!
-
Ok this is wonderful...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYvMOf3hsGA
This is hilarious. Also, I never thought I'd say this but... Batista is cute as fuck :lol
-
AAA wrestler Hijo del Perro Aguayo has died in a match that included Rey Mysterio, after taking a dropkick to set up the 619. There's plenty of video floating around for anyone who wants to check it out, but it looks like a complete freak accident, you'd think nothing of it. RIP.
-
Yeah, it's pretty awful to see. Apparently the dropkick knocked him into the ropes, which cause whiplash and cervical spine trauma. It looks like he was out immediately. If nothing else, at least maybe if he was out immediately, he didn't suffer. Just a terrible thing.
-
I don't know if there was existing injury, and he just hit the ropes badly, but he appeared to be unconscious as soon as he hit the ropes, perhaps already dead from the whiplash, so hopefully it was at least quick. It doesn't look like the event staff handled the situation all that great, but I'm not sure it could have made a difference at that point. I can't imagine the guy shaking him hard (Konnan?) helped.
I just hope it doesn't have any repercussions for Mysterio, because he must be feeling terrible about it already, and I don't think either guy did anything wrong there. It was a tragic accident.
-
That's one thing you gotta give WWE props for: if that had happened there, the ref would have checked on him immediately, instead of just acting like the guy was "dead selling" (which happens a lot) and ignoring it like the ref there did. You gotta make sure your performers aren't really hurt.
-
:(
-
That's one thing you gotta give WWE props for: if that had happened there, the ref would have checked on him immediately, instead of just acting like the guy was "dead selling" (which happens a lot) and ignoring it like the ref there did. You gotta make sure your performers aren't really hurt.
WWE is a very safe company in that regard, and they would have stopped the match as soon as they couldn't get him to regain consciousness. That match wouldn't have continued past the 619 attempt. Mysterio was clearly questioning it, and I think it was a careless decision by whoever was in charge to continue the match. All of the ring movement and untrained people intervening would have been really bad if he was alive at that point.
-
Wow that's very very sad
-
So, it looks like it was cervical spine trauma that did Perro Aguayo Jr. in. :(
-
For the final RAW before Wrestlemania, that was pretty bad. It doesn't look like anyone liked that lame ending with Lesnar and Reigns. Not even Heyman's usual great promo beforehand can save that match.
Not much else to say. Everything has been set up piss poorly. The only match I'm even half interested in is the ladder match, and half of those guys deserve better.
-
I actually laughed at that final image from the show. Pretty pathetic.
-
I was too confused to laugh, because it wasn't even really an ending. It ended right when something should have happened. Like, what happened once the show went off air?
I get that they don't want to give away the fight yet, and maybe having Brock wrestle would have cost them more than just having him appear, but they could easily have had them appear to try to go at it, and have a shit ton of guys to pull them apart and have all hell break loose. Anything.
-
"But most importantly, Brock, make him look strong"
*belt tug of war*
-
I didn't see it, but based on what you guys are saying, I am standing by my theory that Vince thinks most WWE fans are morons and will keep giving him money no matter how much stupid shit he does.
-
Its official Brock lesnar will be staying with WWE.
-
I sometimes find it hard to believe he is currently with the WWE.
-
And now they pretty much have to turn Reigns heel.
-
hopefully his contract will be restructured for more dates
-
Its official Brock lesnar will be staying with WWE.
Which at least means there's theoretically some possibility of him retaining now, although given Vince's stubbornness of getting what he wants, it's still highly unlikely.
I don't think we'll be getting more appearances out of Brock than before. They've hyped him as as a rare attraction, and if he loses the belt at WM, there will be even less need for him to appear at every PPV. Given how tough the negotiations have been this time, I don't think Lesnar is budging to give them more dates. It will probably be the same contract as before.
The biggest surprises to me would be Reigns not winning the title (whether it be by Lesnar winning, or Rollins cashing in), and Rusev beating Cena again. Given that Rusev won their last PPV match, and got the better of Cena on Raw, it seems all but assured that Cena is intended to win the feud at WM.
I'd also be shocked if Sting lost (one of the very few times I'm going for HHH, which says a lot about how much I dislike Sting). I expect the WM match is a one off match for Sting, so I can't imagine any scenario where he signs a contract agreeing to job to HHH at WM. That's not how WCW veterans are used to working. :P
I'm still 50/50 on how they'll go in the Undertaker match. I don't think Wyatt deserves to even have a match with Undertaker let alone win, but for some reason they think a fat hawaiian shirt wearing redneck is the next Undertaker and might think it's "passing the torch", and now that Lesnar has taken the flack for being the one to beat the streak, they might think fans are more receptive to Undertaker losing now.
Rollins really needs the big Wrestlemania win over Orton, but they're still treating him like a pipsqueak heel, and Orton just came back and they think he's a big deal. If Rollins does win, it won't be cleanly.
I'm expecting Bryan to win the ladder match, but there are several legitimate contenders in the match, all deserving.
They'll probably continue to make the Bellas look ridiculously strong and flatten Paige and AJ, but I'm hoping Paige and AJ win.
There are a number of ways they could go for the Battle Royal, but I expect Sheamus will return and take it. It's a shame they squashed Axelmania on Raw, because having him win would have been hilarious. :lol
-
I don't see Taker losing two years in a row, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Heyman screw Lesnar and ally himself with Reigns if they were to turn him heel
-
I don't see Taker losing two years in a row, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Heyman screw Lesnar and ally himself with Reigns if they were to turn him heel
If Lesnar was leaving, I'd say that was a very likely scenario. With Lesnar returning, I think he needs to keep Heyman as his mouthpiece in his absence. It could happen, but I don't think Lesnar would agree to continue without Heyman.
-
I'm a little bummed.
I've been a monster truck fan since I was a kid. I paperviewed the first ever world finals event 15 years ago and have wanted to go ever since. I'm finally going this year. One of my favorite drivers, Madusa, also used to be a professional wrestler. She's missing the event for the first time in 16 years because she's getting inducted into the wrestling hall of fame this weekend. :tdwn
-
Hey, this is the pro-wrestling thread, not the anti-wrestling thread! :neverusethis: (see what I did there?)
-
I'm a little bummed.
I've been a monster truck fan since I was a kid. I paperviewed the first ever world finals event 15 years ago and have wanted to go ever since. I'm finally going this year. One of my favorite drivers, Madusa, also used to be a professional wrestler. She's missing the event for the first time in 16 years because she's getting inducted into the wrestling hall of fame this weekend. :tdwn
Madusa Micelli?
She's going into the Hall of Fame?
-
I'm a little bummed.
I've been a monster truck fan since I was a kid. I paperviewed the first ever world finals event 15 years ago and have wanted to go ever since. I'm finally going this year. One of my favorite drivers, Madusa, also used to be a professional wrestler. She's missing the event for the first time in 16 years because she's getting inducted into the wrestling hall of fame this weekend. :tdwn
Madusa Micelli?
She's going into the Hall of Fame?
I think her wrestling name was Blaze.
(https://clatl.com/binary/a3da/1326491928-0131.jpg)
-
She was Alundra Blayze in WWF. I swear Alundra Blayze vs Bull Nakano was on every single PPV we hired back in the mid 90s. :lol She was a good wrestler too. She deserves to be in the HOF.
-
For whatever reason, a bunch of wrestlers had monster trucks in the 90s.
(https://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/monsterjam/images/e/e1/Sting.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20131004052727)
(https://image.fourwheeler.com/f/8520139+w600+cr1/0201_10zoom%2Bgoldberg_monster_truck%2Bside_driver_side_view.jpg)
(https://www.samson4x4.com/photos/2013/allison-patrick/DSC_1984-lg.jpg)
-
Back when wrestling was going for more mainstream appeal. We have this old toy of a monster truck with the Undertaker's face on the hood, and when you press it down it plays a sound clip of "I AM THE UNDERTAKER!" Seems like it was a happy meal toy or something.
-
(https://a.disquscdn.com/uploads/mediaembed/images/1873/4323/original.jpg)
-
I remember she had a brief return in the 90's. Good for her
-
I have never seen a build for a WM main event where neither competitor even threw a punch. Worst main event build ever.
-
I have never seen a build for a WM main event where neither competitor even threw a punch. Worst main event build ever.
Can you just imagine the highlights package before the match? Reigns getting booed as he wins the Rumble. Reigns and Lesnar sitting down talking. Reigns getting booed as he beats Bryan. Reigns and Lesnar both grabbing the title in slow motion. Overlay with Heyman promo audio in an attempt to salvage this mess of a build-up.
-
Thats a good point. That will be a terrible highlight package
-
It's all a big swerve. Neither of them will actually be there.
-
Can't be worse than Lesnar/Goldberg.
-
Speaking of Lesnar/Goldberg. You think Brock's middle fingers to the crowd and Stone Cold were planned? I suppose so since Lesnar sold the stunner, but I wonder if they knew the crowd was going to be that against the match before it started. Either way, it was very unprofessional of them to put on such a stinker just because it was their last match with the company. Goldberg says he's all about the fans, so why not go out with a bang?
-
Can't be worse than Lesnar/Goldberg.
I don't think anything could be worse than that match, but at least it had the consolation of Stone Cold kicking their asses afterwards. :lol
If Lesnar was leaving, this match had the potential to be in the same ballpark of bad, but with Lesnar staying, there's some small hope they could salvage it now.
-
He will probably still come out and no-sell the hell out of RR and then kill him.
-
Why is Lesnar even in WWE? He was a crap wrestler even when he first showed up, then apparently he's said all over the place that he doesn't enjoy it, why come back after UFC or w/e he was doing? Did he get his ass kicked over there or what?
-
Why is Lesnar even in WWE? He was a crap wrestler even when he first showed up, then apparently he's said all over the place that he doesn't enjoy it, why come back after UFC or w/e he was doing? Did he get his ass kicked over there or what?
He's an awesome wrestler. He just never liked the full time schedule of WWE
-
Sable probably threatened to not put out.
-
With Lesnar staying on, he needs to keep the belt for a long time. Otherwise, what is the point of a part time Brock Lesnar showing up once in a while for otherwise meaningless feuds? While I am not a fan of a part time champion in theory, if done right, keeping Lesnar as the unstoppable beast is the way to go. Plus, him only wrestling at PPVs gives it that 80s feel when we only saw Hogan wrestle on TV a few times a year, which made it feel special, instead of yet another world champion who wrestles on RAW every week. But, knowing Vince, he'll still have Reigns win the belt, and fans everywhere will piss and moan and keep watching every week and giving him their money. :lol :lol
-
So, Wrestlemania is tomorrow. The question is, does anybody care?
I've never felt this ambivalent about Wrestlemania.
-
I care, but only because I feel this is the first Mania in a long time where I don't feel like I know who wins every match.
-
So, Wrestlemania is tomorrow. The question is, does anybody care?
I've never felt this ambivalent about Wrestlemania.
Man, I just don't care much about this year's Wrestlemania, so much, I'm considering watching an EDM festival on Twitch.tv over WM and I'm not a huge fan of EDM.
Which pretty much sucked considering at the beginning at WM 28, I was so hyped about the whole show. And then 18 seconds into the 1st match later......., and then the following matches later.......
-
I definitely don't care. This year its incredibly underwhelming.
-
Wrestlemania has been at the level of every other PPV for years. When was the last time it was actually a big deal?
-
If I could pinpoint the precise year where they started the whole "everyone starts pointing and looking at the Wrestlemania sign" I could tell you. The last time 'Mania felt huge to me was the first Shawn Michaels/Undertaker match, and even then that wasn't the whole show, just that match. Mania's been basically just another PPV in the biggest place they go to each year for years.
-
I've always been a huge wrestling fan, and family and friends treat Wrestlemania much like the Super Bowl. We're having a huge party tonight, and regardless of whether the show is great, shit, or somewhere in the middle, we'll have fun, and that's the most important thing.
With that said, I can understand why many aren't excited for the show tonight. NXT's white hot product proves that there are some folks in power who know how to deliver a great product. So it was very frustrating to see Roman Reigns win the Royal Rumble, not because of anything that Roman did or didn't do personally, but because it was so damn predictable, and there were other guys that are considered to be more deserving by many.
I personally am very excited for the Intercontinental Title Ladder match. It has a lot of my current favorites in it. And while I'd rather see guys like Ziggler, Ambrose and Stardust doing something "bigger", I can't help but think that this will be an amazing match. It's also great to see R-Truth in a meaningful match at Mania. Much deserved.
I'm also excited for Orton and Rollins. That will probably have the best wrestling of the night.
Sting vs. Trips.... yeah, I would have preferred to have seen Sting show up years ago. But I am curious to see what he has left in the tank, and love him or hate him, Trips has still got it.
I'm a bigger Bray Wyatt fan than most, but this match against Taker isn't one I'm looking forward to... however the entrances should be fantastic.
Rusev vs. Cena. Great build. I think Rusev comes out looking great whether he wins or loses. I'm not the biggest Cena fan, but this should still be good.
The Beast vs. The Chosen One. At this point, I'm okay with either one of these guys, or Rollins leaving Mania with the strap. I don't have high hopes for the match itself, but maybe they'll surprise me.
All in all, expectations are down for tonight's show. So maybe it will surprise. We shall see.
-
^^ Pretty much this. It's my favorite day of the year. Watching the network all day. Wearing 3 different WWE shirts throughout the day. Huge party at my house tonight. Lifelong fan and always will be.
Even though the card is slightly underwhelming, you're all are still watching it tonight. You wouldn't have posted in this thread otherwise. My predictions:
Cesaro/Kidd retain
Mizdow or Ryback wins the battle royal
Bella Twins go over
Orton goes over
Rusev beats Cena
Ambrose wins the IC title
Sting beats HHH
Taker beats Wyatt
Lesnar retains
Rollins attempted cash in either tonight or tomorrow
-
Sheamus most likely will be returning tonight. I predict he will win the battle royal or the IC title.
-
Even though the card is slightly underwhelming, you're all are still watching it tonight. You wouldn't have posted in this thread otherwise.
You are incorrect. I haven't paid for a PPV since the early 90s. I will not be watching.
-
You don't have to pay for it to watch it tonight. :lol
-
I just watched Wrestlemania 2000 yesterday. Such a perfect snapshot of the Attitude era in both the worst and best possible way. A really solid Wrestlemania, especially considering there was no Austin or Undertaker.
My expectations for Wrestlemania 30 were not high going in, but that ended up being a surprisingly solid Wrestlemania too, as good as it could have been given the card.
My expectations are much much much lower this year, and I'm not sure if it can be salvaged, but I'm still a little excited, because Wrestlemania is the one PPV of the year they pull out all stops and do something big.
My final predictions are-
Don't know/care who wins the tag titles, or the battle royal. Maybe Ryback? They're all jobbers. I was thinking Sheamus would return and win this, but now that it's on the preshow, that doesn't seem likely.
Orton vs Rollins - This could go either way. Rollins needs the win much more than Orton, but Orton just came back and is apparently supposed to be liked now.
Rusev vs Cena - I think this one is a definite lock for Cena. I can't see Rusev winning this match unless they do a screwball finish, which would be terrible for the end of a big feud at WM.
AJ Lee & Paige vs The Bellas - Probably the Bellas.
The Undertaker vs Bray Wyatt - I don't think having Undertaker lose two years in a row would benefit anyone, so I think The Undertaker should win this one, but there's a good case for them wanting Wyatt to win it.
Sting vs HHH - I think this is another sure thing with Sting winning, unless he intends to continue wrestling after this. For that reason, I hope Sting wins it and disappears.
IC ladder match - Daniel Bryan, unless Sheamus is in it, in which case Sheamus, which would ruin the one match I even care about. Hooray.
Lesnar vs Reigns - My money is still on Reigns winning, because Vince is a stubborn old fool. My expectations could not be lower, so if anything slightly different to "Reigns conquers the beast and wins the belt" happens, I'll consider it a success.
Someone told me there's a possible plan for Miz/Mizdow to have something happen in the battle royal and then have a match later in the night, which would be stupid as they've had plenty of time to build that up right and book a match.
-
Even though the card is slightly underwhelming, you're all are still watching it tonight. You wouldn't have posted in this thread otherwise. My predictions:
Nope. I'll still get once it comes out on DVD - I have every Wrestlemania on DVD, and the collection has a lot of sentimental value for me, so I'm not ready to give up on it yet - but I'm definitely not watching it tonight.
I don't even have any real problem with the card in and of itself, as I think most of the matches could have the potential to be good. They just haven't done anything to make me excited about anything. In my opinion, the build up has been kind of pathetic, and almost every feud and storyline has been awkward in some way or another. Wyatt vs. Undertaker, for instance, could be a very interesting program for me, but considering the Undertaker hasn't actually shown up for any of it, it's been very difficult for me to muster any interest. And I've been wanting Sting to show up in WWE for years, so that should be huge for me, but it isn't, because they've been treating him like a pure novelty attraction. The only cool thing about Sting's appearances on RAW has been the basic fact that Sting was appearing on RAW. Not to mention Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar, whose only physical interaction in the buildup to their Wrestlemania main event world championship match has been a tug of war.
The only feud that has been legitimately interesting to me is Rusev vs. Cena. I might be excited about that match, except I'm 99% sure Cena is going to win. I literally cannot imagine them ending this feud with Rusev gonig over Cena clean. Maybe they'll surprise the hell out of me, but at this point, there's very little suspense for me, because the finish seems obvious.
As I said, I'll get it on DVD eventually, and I'm sure some of the matches will be good, especially the ladder match. But my excitement level is in the toilet.
-
I might be excited about that match, except I'm 99% sure Cena is going to win. I literally cannot imagine them ending this feud with Rusev gonig over Cena clean. Maybe they'll surprise the hell out of me, but at this point, there's very little suspense for me, because the finish seems obvious.
I feel the same. They shouldn't have had the match at Fast Lane, with Rusev getting the win on technicality. It made it too obvious that Cena had to get back the win at WM to end the feud. Wrestlemania should have been their first time, with one clean winner, and a big buildup.
Rusev getting the win at WM would have been the big story, not Cena getting the win, because that is the path of least resistance and the most obvious and boring outcome. They've booked this whole feud backwards, if they want to build up Rusev. He'll be back to beating up jobbers next week and never leave the midcard again. Then WWE wonders why they've got no stars anymore.
It would have been a big deal to see who would win out of their top guy of the past decade, and the guy on the 1 year winning streak (or at least not pinned or submitted). The Fast Lane match, plus their encounter on Raw just made it all too obvious who was going to win.
If Rusev got a clean win over Cena at WM? I'd be legitimate shocked, and pleasantly surprised.
I follow WWE Creative Humor (@WWECreative_ish) that tweets the funniest stuff during the shows. Here are some of their gems today-
"WrestleMania is the magical day of the year where fans around the world gather in front of their TVs to bitch about wrestling"
"We will continue to move matches to the preshow until you start cheering for @WWERomanReigns"
"The winner of the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal will headline next year's WrestleMania...preshow"
-
So, I just read that Cena apparently lost by submission to Rusev at that Fast Lane PPV? See, this just shows how clueless they are. The first time Cena ever loses by submission, and it happened at a transitional PPV. :lol :lol :lol
You don't have to pay for it to watch it tonight. :lol
Lol, I am aware. I might try to find a stream online at some point, but there's nothing this year that I really want to see.
-
So, I just read that Cena apparently lost by submission to Rusev at that Fast Lane PPV? See, this just shows how clueless they are. The first time Cena ever loses by submission, and it happened at a transitional PPV. :lol :lol :lol
They gave him the treatment Swagger had back in the Summer and Cena 'passed out' rather than tapped out.
-
Even though the card is slightly underwhelming, you're all are still watching it tonight. You wouldn't have posted in this thread otherwise.
You are incorrect. I haven't paid for a PPV since the early 90s. I will not be watching.
Yet you still regularly visit and comment in the only wrestling thread on the board that you're an elder of? And haven't watched a WWE PPV in over 20 years? Strange.....
-
So, I just read that Cena apparently lost by submission to Rusev at that Fast Lane PPV? See, this just shows how clueless they are. The first time Cena ever loses by submission, and it happened at a transitional PPV. :lol :lol :lol
They had Rusev cheat and kick Cena in the balls and then Cena passed out during the submission, he didn't tap. Typical half-assed screwjob finish to protect both wrestler's reputations. At least that's what they think they're doing. Very clueless indeed.
-
So, I just read that Cena apparently lost by submission to Rusev at that Fast Lane PPV? See, this just shows how clueless they are. The first time Cena ever loses by submission, and it happened at a transitional PPV. :lol :lol :lol
They had Rusev cheat and kick Cena in the balls and then Cena passed out during the submission, he didn't tap. Typical half-assed screwjob finish to protect both wrestler's reputations. At least that's what they think they're doing. Very clueless indeed.
Ah.
Even though the card is slightly underwhelming, you're all are still watching it tonight. You wouldn't have posted in this thread otherwise.
You are incorrect. I haven't paid for a PPV since the early 90s. I will not be watching.
Yet you still regularly visit and comment in the only wrestling thread on the board that you're an elder of? And haven't watched a WWE PPV in over 20 years? Strange.....
I said I haven't paid for a PPV since the early 90s. I think WM 7 or 8 was the last one I paid for. SummerSlam '88 was the first I talked my parents into paying for back in the day.
-
I think you read me wrong. I said "you're all watching tonight". You responded by saying I was incorrect and that you hadn't paid for a PPV since the early 90's.
So are you saying you're not watching tonight because you don't pay for PPV's? Or because you haven't watched one in over 20 years?
-
JHC, what's with the semantics game? :lol :lol
I AM NOT WATCHING TONIGHT.
I NEVER said I haven't watched one in over 20 years.
Reading is fundamental.
Is that clear enough??
-
Plus this is a Pro Wrestling thread! There's other promotions!
Speaking of other promotions, Ring of Honor just lost Tommaso Ciampa to the wild. Hoping WWE pick him up because Ciampa is a special talent.
-
Plus this is a Pro Wrestling thread! There's other promotions!
Speaking of other promotions, Ring of Honor just lost Tommaso Ciampa to the wild. Hoping WWE pick him up because Ciampa is a special talent.
If he's a special talent, I'd hope for WWE not to get their hands on him. :lol
-
Whoever put those video packages together deserves a raise. I'm watching the pre-show and the videos that summarize the "build" to mania are better than the actual build.
-
I guess two months of time gives them just enough video to work with for the montage. And I'm out for now. I won't be seeing Wrestlemania until a few hours after it airs, so I don't want any spoilers.
And to the OP, please don't edit the thread title with any WM spoilers! I want to be able to browse GD safely.
-
Its cool to have the day to night transition again. Always thought that was pretty cool.
Or maybe not, I'm bad with time zones
-
THAT FINISH TO ROLLINS/ORTON HOLY HELL
-
I'm marking out
-
Triple H's entrance was pure cheese, but it was still pretty cool.
-
Triple H's entrance was pure cheese, but it was still pretty cool.
would have looked MUCH better if they werent in a sunny outdoor arena. That entrance was begging for dark lighting.
-
JHC, what's with the semantics game? :lol :lol
I AM NOT WATCHING TONIGHT.
I NEVER said I haven't watched one in over 20 years.
Reading is fundamental.
Is that clear enough??
Hence why I think it's strange that you frequent a WWE thread. Oh well.
Missing out though. Fantastic show so far
-
Worst match was Taker/Bray but that was probably to do with some of the issues that surround them both.
...
Like a sprained ankle for Bray and an old broken body for Taker.
-
I'd still give it a 7.5/10. Bray told a good story
-
That was a sweet Wrestlemania, i really enjoyed it.
-
One of the best main events I've ever seen. I NEVER thought I'd say it. Absolutely BRILLIANT booking.
I give WM31 9/10
-
We're talking about Reigns/Lesnar?
-
Not gonna lie, marked the fucked out at Rollins cashing in!
-
Lesnar clotheslining Reigns off the ring apron got a pop out of me.
-
Absolutely brilliant and brutal main event. Fantastic booking. Fantastic show! :metal
-
I guess two months of time gives them just enough video to work with for the montage. And I'm out for now. I won't be seeing Wrestlemania until a few hours after it airs, so I don't want any spoilers.
And to the OP, please don't edit the thread title with any WM spoilers! I want to be able to browse GD safely.
Glad that you posted this :angel:
-
In all of my years watching wrestling, I've NEVER once considered cashing in during a match. Brilliant booking. Made everyone look better.
That main event was totally Rocky IV.
-
For a Wrestlemania with one of the worst build ups ever, I thought it actually turned out pretty good.
The Fatal 4 way tag match was fun, a bit too chaotic but fun. The only thing I did not like was the inclusion of the usos because since one of them is legitimately injured they had to pull him out fast. Why not pick a tag team with 2 healthy members like the acension, they could use it.
The andre the giant memorial battle royal was alright. It was nice to see mizdow finally turn on the miz, but it just made me wish miz vs mizdow was a mania match. I had no problem with Big show winning it. For a man who's been with the company as long as he's had I think he deserved a wrestlemania moment, since he has lost almost all of his matches at WM.
The IC title match was pretty solid but I wish it was longer. Ambrose has been screwed over repeatedly in all of his solo ppv matches, but I can't complain here that powerbomb to the outside was a good way to take him out of the match. With Bryan winning hopefully this is the first step in rebilding the IC title.
Seth Rollins vs Randy Orton was also pretty solid. I don't have much to say for this one it was a good match with a great finish.
Sting vs HHH I have mixed feelings on. It was a good match until the DX vs NWO stuff started. It was kinda fun to see them but it was just so unnecessary. I just wanted to see a normal match between these two. Especially since I thought sting looked good out there. He was energized and overall looked damn good for being 56. I hope this is not his last mach, because he still has some gas left in the tank and he deserves to go out on a much bigger note.
the bellas vs AJ & Paige was alright. There was nothing really wrong with this match but it just seemed kinda pointless since there was nothing at all on the line.
John Cena Vs Russev I enjoyed more than I thought I would even though the ending was totally predictable. Hopefully russev will be alright, I mean he lost but he still looked impressive IMO. It wasn't a one sided make cena look ridiculously strong match like I was fearing. I do have to give cena some credit for that springboard stunner thing that he did.
Undertaker vs Bray Wyatt I thought was pretty good but I think it was harmed by the fact it happend in daylight. Taker looked 100x better than he did last year and I loved that he was wearing his 2004 attire. It was nice that they used the fact that he was severely concussed by lesnar and had Bray use it to his advantage (although he messed up what ever the hell that spot on the outside was.) Although it did not make Taker look the greatest. Overall I liked it and it was nice to see that taker has at least has a little left in him.
Brock Lesnar vs Roman Reigns I thought was a pleasent surprise. Roman got a lot more offense in than cena did at summerslam but brock still looked dominant throughout. Also it looked like they intentionally busted lesnar open on the ringpost which was a surprise. Its like they needed something as visual as blood to make seem possible that brock could come anywhere close to losing. Rollins coming out and cashing in was one of the best things they could have done. Rollins looked smart, Brock is still unpinned as champ and roman isn't the champ.
-
Fantastic card! I enjoyed every match
-
I wish that now that Cena and Bryan are holding the secondary belts, WWE Creative tries to build them up and make them mean something!
But then again
(https://gs1.wac.edgecastcdn.net/8019B6/data.tumblr.com/6da3895401bb1b7f7944a08c6c21733d/tumblr_nlcnhmHd7u1qjj817o1_r1_400.gif)
Some thoughts on Haitch/Sting:
That match was book exactly like a big WCW main event was booked! :lol And while the Sting mark in me wanted him to win, once it was a WCW vs WWE thing there was no chance for him. WCW is dead anyway so it doesn't matter, plus that handshake at the end kinda made sure no one was buried (and his oversold bump on Ronda Rousey's judo throw was hilarious!) I thought Sting look really good and would definitely want to see him again. Also, wth was that bruise on HHH's leg??
-
I just checked it out, skipped through most of it. I have to say, I did enjoy seeing Hogan, Hall and Nash. Those were my favourites back in the WCW days.
I don't watch MMA but damn, Rousey is so hot.
-
Ok, you guys talked me into finding a video of the main event. I have to admit, that was a hell of a match.
-
Well shit, that was good.
The opening IC match was great, although it would have been nice to have it longer. Obviously they wanted Bryan as far from the main event as possible, but he won the belt, and everyone looked good. Excellent way to open the show.
Randy Orton vs Seth Rollins wasn't very good. Orton looked really sluggish and out of shape, and he put on a poor performance even for him, and he didn't sell any moves. Rollins should not have lost that match. Orton needs to piss off.
The HHH / Sting match was surprisingly fun. The wrestling wasn't pretty, but it was better than I expected, and they gave the fans a good dose of nostalgia with DX vs NWO. I'm shocked that Sting lost, but in hindsight that shouldn't surprise me coming from HHH. HHH's entrance was cheesy as hell. Sting's wasn't much better.
The women's match was solid. I wish they had more time, but there was some good wrestling all around, and I'm happy that AJ / Paige won. I didn't like that Paige spent most of the match on the floor though. Paige's outfit was awesome.
John Cena vs Rusev was a really good match, easily the best Rusev has had, but the outcome could not have been more obvious. Yeah, Cena was going to tap out at WM when representing USA against Russia. Yup, that was totally a plausible outcome.
Rusev's entrance was amazing. Riding out on a fucking tank to the Russian national anthem while vigorously waving your flag and wearing a Russian teamster jacket. I love you Rocky IV gimmick man.
I could have done without the usual long winded HHH promo. Hey, it's the Rock. And now he's bringing in some fighter chick I've never heard of. You could have used this time for a match. I don't want to see this lead to any matches at next year's WM either. It also wore out the term "Wrestlemania moment". I think telling people you're making a Wrestlemania moment negates making a Wrestlemania moment. :lol It would have been fine if it took up half the amount of time.
The Undertaker vs Wyatt was almost sad to watch. Undertaker was looking better than last year, but not by much. He was struggling throughout the match, and it was completely forgettable. I don't know why they thought Wyatt could put on a good match. And both entrances were total buzzkills during the daytime. Hopefully they choose a better opponent for next year and Undertaker has one final match.
The title match. THAT TITLE MATCH. Holy crap, that was perfect. SUPLEX CITY, BITCH! The whole time I was worried because Reigns was smiling as he took the beating like the arrogant son of a bitch he's been since he won the Rumble, and I thought he was going to overcome all odds and look super strong, especially once he started giving the flurry of superman punches and spears.
Then once Rollins' music hit, I got excited. But then I figured they were just throwing him in there for Reigns to have someone to pin while Rollins was still distracted cashing in the briefcase, but then he got the pin without cheating.
I'm not happy about Reigns kicking out after 3 F5's in the match, or again after the first curb stomp, but they got to make Reigns look good without him winning the belt. It's a win-win as far as I'm concerned.
The stage setup and arena had a great vibe, the crowd was great, they packed in a lot of veterans, it really felt like a big Wrestlemania. Much like last year, they took what on paper looked like a pretty weak card, and turned it into a very enjoyable show.
-
I went back to see the 4-way tag, man what a hot mess of a spot fest... loved every second of it!
-
Wrestlemania is like the Super Bowl for my brother as well. Reading the outcomes sounds like something he would have really enjoyed. Can't wait to talk to him about it this evening.
-
There's a small part of me that wants to get back into the WWE. I was a huge Hulkamaniac, watched it on Saturdays, then became all about Taker and his mystique, then RAW came on and that was appointment TV for me for a long ass time. Then, there's the part of me that just got tired of the whole thing and says, nevermind, I'm good
-
I was too busy watching The Walking Dead and missed some of the later matches, but I don't watch wrestling too much anymore. My brother, father, and sister like it a lot, but I don't really watch it now unless it's Wrestlemania. I used to be really into it though. Kurt Angle will always probably be my favorite. Or Mick Foley.
-
One of my favorites was Chris Benoit, and, well, you know...
-
What? Is he not wrestling anymore?
-
...
:(
-
Ok ok. :millahhhh
-
a tragic reminder that head injuries are a serious thing.
-
REALLY excited for RAW tonight. Post WM Raw's are always great and after last night's fantastic show, tonight should be great.
-
I can't wait for the crowd tonight! If Sheamus does show up tonight, the rain of boos will be too sweet!
-
I wonder how CM Punk feels about the UFC plugs and Rhonda Rousey showing up especially when he brought the idea to Vince he was totally against it, especially the women fighters. "People could die!" Maybe he doesn't care at this point, but I'd be pissed.
I didn't even know RR existed before yesterday, but damn she's a looker. The arm hold was a bit weak, but it was the only realistic thing they could do. Rolling around with Steph in a catfight would have destroyed her credibility.
-
I think Brock Lesnar just killed everyone. :lol :lol But hey, that's one excuse to explain why Lesnar isn't there for months.
As for last night, reading the reviews, sounds like it was a good show. Rollins cashing in seems like an audible similar to last year's, cause Vince knew that Reigns winning would erupt in boos that would have been deafening. Like BVD said, Sting losing isn't a surprise in hindsight, since we know Vince loves any opportunity to make WCW guys look bad. But Sting is overrated and probably got paid a ton for his handful of appearances and that loss, so I am sure he's just fine.
-
i haven't watched the wwe in years. but tonight is the night i change that. i was gonna watch wrestlemania last night, but i had to work.
-
Loved Brock coming in and fucking all shit up! Laughed as hell as Booker and JBL had to sell like death a table falling on them :lol
But holy shit this guy they have replacing them is baaaaaad!
EDIT: Oh god now they brought out King!!
-
He's bad, but I'd rather listen to him than the other 3 guys.
-
The Raw after Wrestlemania is always one of the best of the year.
I rewatched the title match, and the more I think about it, the more perfect it was. It worked out best all around. They got to make Reigns look really strong and survive a beating by Lesnar without winning the belt and having him piss off the fans. They got to keep Lesnar looking strong and unbeatable and take the belt off him without him being pinned. They got to elevate Rollins to champion as he deserves.
And the best bit is that they've got a lot of potential title matches that write themselves. Lesnar will get a rematch at some point, and can either win it back, or lose because Rollins is a heel who will cheat to retain. Reigns can feud with Rollins based on both robbing him of his title shot and being a former Shield member, and it helps lift Reigns to main event status where they want him, so he can still eventually win if things work out. This is the better scenario for him in the long run. And Orton could argue that he deserves a shot because he cleanly defeated Rollins at WM, and there's already a long running feud there, so that already makes him a legitimate contender for the title without any work.
And on top of that, Rollins is a star who has stolen the show at every PPV, so you're also going to have great title matches regardless of the challenger.
-
Raw after Wrestlemania is always a good show. Especially coming off of one of the hottest Wrestlemanias!
Seriously, that show last night reinvigorated why I love wrestling.
(I'm new here, glad to see some fellow DT fans are WWE fans as well!)
-
The Raw after Wrestlemania is always one of the best of the year.
Change that to "almost always." With the exception of the Lesnar segment, tonight was just another mediocre RAW.
Kane and Show in the main event? :lol :lol
I don't know who that guy was who took over play-by-play, but he was dreadful. Which is putting it nicely.
-
That main event was the only major weak part of the show to me. The rest was a bit better than usual. Some good match ups, Lesnar tore it up, and no HHH at all. But I say it's one of the best of the year mostly due to the crowd, and they didn't disappoint. I wish the crowds gave that much of a shit all year-round. :lol
And yeah, that guy on commentary sucked big time. I've never liked him when they him on panel discussions and whatever else. You know a guy is bad when you're glad they bring out the king. :lol
And I know they had to sell that a table flip took out two guys (who are both ex-wrestlers), but surely someone was capable of putting an up-turned table back to the upward position. Those tables break at the drop of a hat. Nobody believes they weigh that much.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CBY8OVhUMAASqyZ.jpg)
:lol :lol
Oh, and this gif from WM is pretty cool:
(https://i.imgur.com/m4ALEPX.gif)
Now I want to see that match just for that ending. :lol
-
Oh, and this gif from WM is pretty cool:
(https://i.imgur.com/m4ALEPX.gif)
Now I want to see that match just for that ending. :lol
Don't bother. You've literally seen every bit of that match worth seeing. All you're missing is 10 minutes of Orton sluggishly not selling.
-
I suppose. But I have no problem with Orton winning that match. Considering what Rollins did to him in kayfabe - putting him out for months by curb stomping him - Orton returning as a face and winning their match was only natural.
-
In retrospect I don't have a problem with Orton winning, given that Rollins is a heel and won the title later that night, which automatically sets up a potential title match, I just didn't like the way Orton handled the match itself at all. I've never liked Orton's in ring ability (or anything out of the ring either), but he was really out of shape in this match imo, and did nothing to help Rollins look competitive.
I can't wait for the day when talent is more important than how good buddies you are with HHH.
-
If you listen closely you can hear Rollins thanking Reigns as he's pinning him. Unless my computer just sucks (and it does) your best bet is to just find the show, 'cause the vine that's floating around doesn't appear to be working. Pretty cool.
-
Heh, that's funny.
Also, do you guys realize how much Rollins sounds like Punk? When he talks in that candid voice, he sounds like just CM Punk, with the voice inflections and the way he phrases things. I think it goes without saying that Punk is one wrestler Rollins definitely patterned himself after. They even have the same smarmy grin. :lol :lol
-
I watched Wrestlemania this afternoon and I agree with you that it was a great show! It was fun to watch through all the 4 and more hours. The divas match and Taker vs Wyatt were the only average matches, a very consistent show. I thought the ladder match would be more spectacular but I didn't expect much from all the other matches, I was surprised, especially by the main event!
-
Fun fact:
-Four men have lost the WWE title in the last year; three of those four did not get pinned or submit to lose the title (Orton and Lesnar lost in triple threat matches where someone else took the losing fall, and Bryan was stripped of the title last spring).
-
Another fun fact:
Since the "inception" of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship only two persons have gotten their rematch after losing at the next PPV. Both of them are John Cena.
-
I'm likely getting the DVD of WM31- I enjoyed it greatly and would rank it near or at the top for WM'S of all time.
-
I'm likely getting the DVD of WM31- I enjoyed it greatly and would rank it near or at the top for WM'S of all time.
My brother told me it was one of his favorite ones ever.
-
I was so happy when Brock hit that first F5 on Roman.
-
My favorite Wrestlemania will always be WM17.
-
My favorite Wrestlemania will always be WM17.
Yeah that's pretty much the best card ever
-
I was so happy when Brock hit that first F5 on Roman.
Me too. Roman got his ass handed to him :metal
-
AJ Lee has, unsurprisingly, retired from the WWE.
-
AJ Lee has, unsurprisingly, retired from the WWE.
I figured that was going to happen sooner then later
-
Everybody saw that coming. Just before WM I was discussing with someone that after WM would be the time to go before things went downhill, so I think this was the right decision at the right time for her.
Rewatched the Undertaker / Punk match from WM 29 today. Damn, Taker was still in top shape there and was looking like he could have easily gone longer. Great match. Hopefully he can be match ready for one last match at WM 32 in Texas.
-
Rewatched the Undertaker / Punk match from WM 29 today. Damn, Taker was still in top shape there and was looking like he could have easily gone longer. Great match. Hopefully he can be match ready for one last match at WM 32 in Texas.
A very good match, with probably the most heelish build for a wrestler I can imagine. Probably my third favourite Taker's Streak matches.
-
I'll always be fond of his match with Batista at 23. He was in top form there too... and I was there.
-
i was fortunate enough to attend WM 21, and I thought that the build and match between Taker and Orton was outstanding.
But overall... hard to top Taker/Michaels at WM 25.
-
I was lucky enough to attend WM28 in Miami.
Needless to say, if you have the means to attend a Wrestlemania, DO IT.
I met so many cool people in my section (I was on the floor risers, maybe about 50ft from the ring).
We did not sit down once during the Undertaker/HHH match. Every hit, every pin attempt, every kick out, my entire section freaked out. The emotion in that match was off the charts. HBKs super kick into the pedigree combo, oh god the entire section just about lost it. I get goosebumps just thinking about it.
But seriously, if you are any type of wrestling fan and have a chance to go to a Wrestlemania, DO IT! Being around nothing but true wrestling fans for a few hours was amazing, made even the suckiest of matches so much better. I've been to a few Raws and Smackdowns, and they are usually littered with kids that dragged their parents to the event, so its hard to show emotion when you got these parents looking at you like your crazy lol.
-
A guy I worked with at the time tried talking me into going to 1,000th RAW a few summers back, which was here in St. Louis, but I told him that went against my policy of giving Vince McMahon money for anything. :lol
-
i was fortunate enough to attend WM 21, and I thought that the build and match between Taker and Orton was outstanding.
But overall... hard to top Taker/Michaels at WM 25.
That was still "Legends Killer" Orton right? Man, that was the best Orton!
-
i was fortunate enough to attend WM 21, and I thought that the build and match between Taker and Orton was outstanding.
But overall... hard to top Taker/Michaels at WM 25.
Both of his Michaels matches are hard to top. I hate the 2 more recent HHH matches. Typical HHH matches where he makes himself look super strong and relies on weapons. The WM17 HHH match was great though. :tup
I've never seen the Orton or Batista ones that I can remember, because it's so hard to voluntarily watch their matches, even for The Undertaker.
-
i was fortunate enough to attend WM 21, and I thought that the build and match between Taker and Orton was outstanding.
But overall... hard to top Taker/Michaels at WM 25.
Both of his Michaels matches are hard to top. I hate the 2 more recent HHH matches. Typical HHH matches where he makes himself look super strong and relies on weapons. The WM17 HHH match was great though. :tup
I've never seen the Orton or Batista ones that I can remember, because it's so hard to voluntarily watch their matches, even for The Undertaker.
I strongly encourage you to watch Orton vs. Undertaker.
-
I've already watched one Orton match in the past week, so I think I'm at my limit, and that match certainly did nothing to convince me to watch more. :biggrin:
-
I'm going to miss AJ Lee. She was my favorite diva for a really long time. It looks like she may be starting a family though, so all the best to her :)
WM31 was solid with a couple of spectacular moments. Orton's RKO made me damn near jump out of my seat. The DX/NWO stuff during the HHH/Sting match was right up my alley, since I used to watch all those guys during their heyday (Except Hogan, he was before my time). Seeing Scott Hall and Hogan take a bump was great to see, considering the health issues those two have had over the years.
The Lesnar/Reigns match was stellar. The psychology was great, Lesnar looked as dominant as ever, while Reigns finally established himself as a top guy. I even got my wish on the finish, when Rollins successfully cashed in. I did disagree with one thing, though. The fourth F5 to Reigns should have been the third, and the third F5 should not have happened at all. It was the only hiccup in the match. Here you have Reigns doing something that not even Undertaker could do, which is kick out of three F5's, including 2 in succession. That is not believable to me. I was totally invested in the match until that happened. Reigns is not on the level of Taker. Not even close.
Other than that, it was better than I expected. I wish Ryback won the Battle Royal, and I wish Sting won his match, but that's the way she goes.
-
Only Byron Saxton can make Michael Cole look great. Seriously, Cole is still "out" cause of the Lesnar beatdown and Saxton is the best they got to replace him? :rollin :rollin
-
Neville vs. Rollins? Oh hell yeah!
-
You gaaaiizzz you need to watch more NJPW if you aren't because AJ Styles is catching people off Phoenix Splashes and into his finisher! (https://pbs.twimg.com/tweet_video/CB0nw_uUoAA7xM4.mp4)
-
I'm good. Actually appalled that he refuses to change his finisher.
-
Why should he change it?
-
Because last year two guys got legitimately hurt taking the move. They tucked in their head making them land on their neck.
Also, "refuse" is a pretty strong word to use here, has he gone on record saying that? Or are we just going off on him still using it?
-
Yeah you're right. He never refused, so poor choice of words. He said that he doesn't have to do it to guys who are uncomfortable with taking it, but I'm of the opinion that he should take the initiative of retiring the move. Even if the accidents were 100% on the other person, him not doing the move would prevent future incidents.
-
I watched Taker vs Wyatt and Reigns vs Lesnar today. Two solid matches as far as wrestling goes, though I didn't understand the angles (mainly because I haven't been keeping up.
Taker is looking strong, much better than last year or the year before that. Doesn't look like he needs to be carried as much anymore. Though to be fair I heard Wyatt was injured.
Reigns vs Lesnar was a great match. For a Wrestlemania main event booking, it sounded awful. Neither are that entertaining, IMO. But the match told a story, and of course Rollins is pretty cool.
I noticed after looking at the results - no matches longer than 20 minutes. Smart move. We've had too many grueling borefests in the past couple years.
-
Taker is looking strong, much better than last year or the year before that. Doesn't look like he needs to be carried as much anymore. Though to be fair I heard Wyatt was injured.
There's no comparison between Taker this year and against CM Punk a couple of years ago. Against CM Punk, Undertaker was in top form, and easily looked like he could have kept going. This year was marginally better than last year, but he was still struggling to get up, and looked winded the entire time. He needed someone better to carry him.
It was really interesting that for a WM of big singles matches, none of them really went that long, which was surprising given that there weren't that many matches on the show, and it didn't feel padded aside from the HHH/Rock segment.
It was a smart move to not have the title match go on too long, because Reigns couldn't have sustained it. I initially expected that match was going to be the worst thing since Lesnar/Goldberg, but I really don't think they could have done any better with that match. I even rewatched it the next day, and it was still just as enjoyable.
-
undertaker still wrestles? jesus
-
God, that was an especially awful Raw. Way too much Orton (ie. more than zero), HHH is back with his usual long promo for nothing, Sheamus is back to ruin good matches, the Cena match was wasted on tired old has-been Kane, more throwaway matches than usual, and no Bryan at the moment. I skimmed through that one much faster than usual.
It's no coincidence that episodes of Raw without HHH+friends are noticeably better.
-
They really need to go back to the two hour Raw. Extra revenue notwithstanding, even Hunter has mentioned this should happen
-
Undertaker was old, fat and useless when I was still watching wrestling (at least 15 years ago). How on earth is he still drawing a crowd?
-
Because most of his best matches have been in the last 15 years.
-
I miss the days when old wrestlers retired to WCW.
-
I miss WCW too. For a while it was way better than WWF which had only 3 people worth watching.
-
I miss WCW too. For a while it was way better than WWF which had only 3 people worth watching.
I don't know. Have you watched Nitro recently? Even before Russo, that shit was pretty bad. I definitely had nostalgia glasses on.
-
Yeah, even the nWo storyline was only so great for so long. They ruined it quickly by turning too many people, to where you'd have Nitros where there were 20 nWo guys in the ring, and it was just stupid. It should have always been just four or five of them against all of WCW, but Bischoff was so worried about ratings and beating the WWF that he needed the shock factor of "who will turn this week?" to get people to watch.
-
Yeah, I was raised on Mid-Atlantic Wrestling/NWA. But when it changed over to WCW, with Turner delegating control to the assemblage of idiots he had, it was never better than WWF/WWE.
-
I've been catching back up with all of the old attitude era RAW's on the network lately. It's amazing how they had such a tighter and more exciting show back then. I remember watching all of them live, but just don't remember them being this good. 1 huge difference, little to ZERO commercial breaks in matches. Which happens during virtually every televised match nowadays.
Last night during the Extreme Rules pre-show (on the network) they literally had a commercial break in the MIDDLE OF A MATCH on their own network for....the WWE NETWORK.
They should be embarrassed.
-
They do it every time.
-
I don't ever recall seeing a commercial during a match on the network before
-
So is Cena going to make Rusev look like a sissy in their I Quit match like he did Batista?
-
I'm just interested in what they do with Lana. She is an absolute smoke show
-
I wish the Belle Twins would go away.
-
So is Cena going to make Rusev look like a sissy in their I Quit match like he did Batista?
4 PPV matches in a row, with what will be 3 losses for Rusev. I just don't get the point of that. Was having him lose to Cena at WM not enough? And this doesn't help Cena either, because then people think Cena buries people, when he's not the one booking it.
Sunday Night Raw...... I mean Extreme Rules was even worse than expected. A few surprise results, like Ziggler actually winning a match, but overall it was even worse than expected, with no good matches.
-
The crowd didn't help anything, although we can't blame 'em for being asleep most of the show.
-
If you didn't think there were any good matches on Extreme Rules I don't know what you watched because the tag team match was a ton of fun and Ziggler/Sheamus was good.
About that next I Quit match between Cena/Rusev, if Rusev doesn't threaten Lana's safety to make Cena quit then the match would be a complete waste.
-
If you didn't think there were any good matches on Extreme Rules I don't know what you watched because the tag team match was a ton of fun and Ziggler/Sheamus was good.
Eh, by today's WWE standards they were ok, but they weren't great by any stretch. I can't recall anything in particular from them.
And it's especially hard to take any interest in WWE's half assed tag scene when Lucha Underground is doing stuff like this-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRWZbLrGJIo&feature=youtu.be&t=375
-
Oh yeah, I've been catching up on Lucha Underground after I saw that and that 10 way match from a few months back.
-
Top rope stomp? That's..... Quite dangerous. But that high flying maneuver was awesome.
-
Angelico does it again on Lucha Underground.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuSgGtD2S7Y
Every wrestling fan should be watching this show.
-
So good to see Samoa Joe with WWE hopefully they give him a decent run, but it's WWE so who knows what will happen. :lol
-
So good to see Samoa Joe with WWE hopefully they give him a decent run, but it's WWE so who knows what will happen. :lol
It would be interesting to see him on the main roster and what he does. But I also wouldn't be surprised if he is gone quickly either
-
So good to see Samoa Joe with WWE hopefully they give him a decent run, but it's WWE so who knows what will happen. :lol
If he stays on NXT i'm sure he will have a good run.
-
so apparently Kevin Owens has already been signed to the main roster. I hope HHH makes sure Vince doesn't do something stupid with him because he is the best heel in the company right now IMO.
-
Angelico does it again on Lucha Underground.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuSgGtD2S7Y
Every wrestling fan should be watching this show.
Indeed! It's so fun and over the top I love it!
-
The return of
Mexican Undertaker Mil Muertes this week was pretty awesome too. That little venue has so many possibilities for "holy shit" moments! :lol
-
Yeah, I'm such a mark for Mil Muertes, but then again I've been following Ricky Banderas/El Mesías/Mil Muertes since he started out.
But who I've become such a mark and I'm all in for is Pentagón Jr.
-
I've only been following this stuff since Lucha Underground, and only since Aztec warfare, so I'm a noob. I llike Pentagon Jr too, heck I like most of them. There's very rarely a dull match.
I've taken a liking to (Willie) Mack. He looks like a crummy 1980's WWF jobber, but that man can move! :lol
-
Yeah you're right, there's very rarely a dull match!
But man everything about Pentagón is just awesome to me! The look, the way he carries himself, the "CERO MIEDO" line and the hand gesture and, of course, the move set
(https://38.media.tumblr.com/c57f2186e6b1bdae7896f2416625e63d/tumblr_nocfidhCpt1rofocqo1_400.gif)
-
I remember that one well! Brutal. Was that in the 7 way match? It's like every other promotion can do multi-person matches well except for WWE.
-
Whenever there's a battle royal or even just a huge brawl in WWE, all the wrestlers look lost. They kind of just wander around and look confused. It's like if it's not a spot they're fucked. You'd think working together for years would develop some kind of chemistry.
-
In WWE, they'll just immediately pair off and get fake injured on the outside so they can lie there while two people at a time come in for a quick spot.
The 7 man match on Lucha Underground a few weeks ago started off a little slow like that, but once it got going, it was crazy.
-
It was insane! Lucha Underground is so awesome!
You're doing yourself a disservice by not watching it if you're a wrestling fan.
-
I had moderate hopes for Elimination Chamber, and it exceeded my expectations. Solid PPV.
The tag team elimination chamber went well, and I was happy with the outcome (I want to see Cesaro/Kidd win it at some point though).
The women's match was decent for a Divas match, and Naomi didn't win and got pinned. I want Paige to win it back, but that can also come later.
The Owens/Cena match turned out well, with both men putting on a good show. Since it was non title, I was hoping and kind of expecting Owens would win, and it works out best for both guys. Let's hope Cena doesn't get booked to beat him for 3 PPVs in a row like his last feud. :lol
Neville got wasted in what is usually the divas spot. Poor guy. He deserves better.
The IC match was crap, and Ryback? Really? I was expecting Sheamus to win it (which I wouldn't have been happy about either). What a huge downgrade from Bryan.
Title match was solid, but not up to the standard of their matches last year. Obviously Rollins wasn't losing the belt, so it was obvious the decision was getting overturned, but this wasn't a bad way to end the match considering. Having Ambrose pinned cleanly wouldn't have helped him, and as far as screwy finishes go, the reversed decision isn't a bad choice, and Ambrose will get another title match out of it.
Aside from Wrestlemania, I think that was probably the most consistent PPV of the year.
-
Reading about the finish, this is the legacy that dipshit Dusty Rhodes has left on the industry: fake out finishes that pull the rug out from fans, by nullifying big wins, almost always by faces, and for the stupidest freaking reasons. I thought those kind of finishes sucked back then and they suck now. I lost track of how many NWA PPVs had sucky endings in the later 80s thanks to what was deemed a Dusty finish. Worst booker ever.
-
I enjoyed the main event a lot, until the Dusty Finish, I saw it a mile away!
-
I enjoyed the main event a lot, until the Dusty Finish, I saw it a mile away!
The sad part is that it was so obvious, that when Ambrose won, we didn't even get excited because it was clear what they were doing.
But given that Ambrose was never going to win, I was ok with it.
Although it goes to show how jaded a WWE fan I am that I consider that one of the best outcomes. :lol
-
Ryback's mic skills sure did improve.
-
Ryback's mic skills sure did improve.
He's improving quite a bit overall
-
Rest in Piece to the American Dream.....
https://www.wwe.com/
-
RIP Dusty.
-
My favorite wrestling feud of all time was Rhodes vs the Four Horsemen. Thank you Dusty for the memories.
-
I was never a fan of Dusty Rhodes, as a wrestler or a booker, but he definitely had charisma, and proved that you didn't need to look like you lived in the gym to be a top wrestling star. R.I.P.
-
Da Uhmehikin Dweem, takin' it to da big pay winda in the sky.
Even if his booking sucked, the man was a great speaker, though. His "Hard Times" promo was one of the best ever, right up there with CM Punk's pipe bomb and Chris Jericho's promo for his WWF debut. Jim Cornette also had some good ones when he was managing the Midnight Express.
R.I.P. Dusty
-
One of the best of all time
RIP
-
I loved Dusty.
RIP
-
Money in the bank was a bit disappointing but still alright in my opinion.
The MITB match being first on the card was surprising. I didn't expect it to be the main event because of the title match but I wasn't expecting it to be first. I thought it was pretty good but kinda forgettable. I was actually surprised that sheamus won, I really like heel Sheamus so I can't complain. I hope that the Wyatt/reigns feud that they set up lasts a while because just throwing him at everybody isnt doing him any favors and it could be good for both men
I cant judge the divas match because my stream was acting up and I missed a good chunk of it. That ending however was dusty as hell.
I was actually enjoying Big show vs Ryback which was surprising. Then they decided Miz had to interfere to set up a triple threat at battleground or maybe even summerslam.
Kevin Owens vs John Cena once again stole the show for me. Cena even pulled out all the stops with moves I've never seen from him before. Even though some of his experiments didn't work out as well as he would have liked it was nice to see. I did not mind the ending (even though cena did an awful job of taking the apron powerbomb) and I am looking forward to the rubber match.
The New Day vs The Prime Time Players was also pretty good. I think Titus and young are very entertaining and I am glad that they won the titles.
Ambrose vs rollins was my second favorite match of the night. I'm glad they FINALLY put rollins out there on his own with out J&J and Interference Kane. Rollins was in control for most of the match focusing on Ambrose's leg which you don't see much of anymore. I did wish Ambrose got some more offence in but overall I really liked it. I just hope creative has something lined up for Ambrose now that this feud is over (well at least for now.)
-
I would imagine Owens-Cena 3 will be at Summerslam.
-
Holy shit! Cesaro and Cena tore the house down on Monday!
VKM says that Cesaro "doesn't connect with fans"?? LOL
He doesn't need to have a big personality! Just continually do what you did on Monday! Tell him to go out there with a quality worker and tell him to tear the house down!
-
Cesaro is awesome
-
Holy shit! Cesaro and Cena tore the house down on Monday!
VKM says that Cesaro "doesn't connect with fans"?? LOL
He doesn't need to have a big personality! Just continually do what you did on Monday! Tell him to go out there with a quality worker and tell him to tear the house down!
And people think Cena can't wrestle, when he continually brings his A game.
Fantastic match. Cesaro is like Daniel Bryan in that he's not great on the mic, but stick him in the ring with someone capable, and people are going to respond well to his impressive skills. It was such a pleasant surprise to have a 20 minute wrestling match as the main event of Raw.
That and Lesnar going all Street Fighter on that car were the only redeeming qualities of Raw.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAv72T_3T74
Poor Teddy.
-
Wrestling is awesome
-
Was big on wrestling years ago during the Attitude era. No interest now, but I just saw a thing on John Cena doing another Make-A-Wish thing. Guy seems like legit good human being.
-
Was big on wrestling years ago during the Attitude era. No interest now, but I just saw a thing on John Cena doing another Make-A-Wish thing. Guy seems like legit good human being.
John Cena is a great guy. From interviews he seems genuinely very humble, hard working, and completely selfless. If he chose to, he could be complacent and lazy and pull moves to get what he wants, but he's constantly pushing himself in the ring, helping out other guys, and is a fantastic ambassador for the company.
That's why despite not liking his character, I just can't possibly hate the guy, and I get why they stick with his gimmick.
-
I just can't see Cena ever turning heel for the sole reason of all the ambassador/make a wish events that he does.
-
I liked the spring board stunner when it was first used, but it worked because it was RKO OUT OF NOWHERE, but now that he does it every match, it's not a surprise anymore, and it sucks that his opponents have to let him do it even when it can be easily avoided. "ok I'll just stand here and watch you jump off the rope."
Similarly, I hate the shoulder tackles into the Five Knuckle Shuffle. It's like an uncounterable move in the Smackdown games. --> + Square initiates the move, two tackles, and after the second one the opponent absolutely has to swing at him, and then the back drop. Hell, when Kevin Owens steals the move even John Cena goes for the swing.
The obvious leg slaps for effect were always silly, but Roman Reigns is so obvious with them it's annoying.
-
So apparently Hulk Hogan made a racist tirade and the WWE has removed him from Tough Enough and removed all traces of him from their website.
-
Guess he recently read Michael Richards' memoirs?
-
I heard about that. I think it was stuff he said a few years ago. It's no surprise they kept him on a tighter leash when he was back in WWE than their other legends. It's bad enough to say these kinds of things at all, but someone who's been around for as long as him should definitely know better than to say them publicly.
-
I read an excerpt of the interview, and not hearing the context of the quote I personally don't see what the big deal is. I don't think he was maliciously using the word in a derogatory/racist fashion. That being said, the Hulkster has been washed up for awhile now so I don't see why the WWE brought him back in the first place.
-
From what I gather he didn't say them publicly. It was pillow talk, quite possibly from that sex tape a couple of years ago. Just another example of people no longer allowed to be an asshole, even in the privacy of their own house.
-
From what I gather he didn't say them publicly. It was pillow talk, quite possibly from that sex tape a couple of years ago. Just another example of people no longer allowed to be an asshole, even in the privacy of their own house.
I've seen a few different comments mentioned, both from public interviews, and from private conversations, so I'm not 100% of what exactly weighed in to their decision.
These companies don't really care that they've employed assholes, but they care that the public knows they've employed assholes, and want to distance themselves from it purely for the sake of PR.
The irony is that firing Hulk Hogan turned it into a much bigger public story than it otherwise would have been to a few wrestling fans. The other irony is that WWE is a pretty racist company (or at least Vinnie Mac), so it's almost hypocritical. The only difference is that Vince's racism isn't so blatant to shareholders.
WWE is very touchy with these kinds of things these days, and while I'm all for Hulk Hogan's (or anyone's) freedom to be an asshole, as a public figure, public perception is important.
-
I also read from the reports at 411mania.com was that part of his racist rant was that he made racial derogatory comments on, wait for it, The Rock. One commenter in that article stated something along of lines of this.
"Various media outlets, including (the link that I got this from), have received short audio of a disgustingly racist rant Hogan unleashed toward fellow wrestler, Dwayne Johnson, otherwise known as The Rock. Among other things, Hogan calls Johnson,
“An uppity, half-breed ni**er undeserving of his success”
“An untalented, no-good shit talking Sambo”
And also claims
“I never liked having to wrestle with anybody who wasn’t white”
https://411mania.com/wrestling/hulk-hogan-apparently-gone-from-wwe/
Of course, it's from a comment section, so there's not much weight on it yet until there's actual audio of it to confirm it. Now I don't know how accurate this is, and I hope Hogan really didn't say what he say about the Rock. The Rock wrestling in his prime, he was the full consummate professional that pretty much earned everything amount of praise he received, and did what's best for the good of the company.
-
How many times has Vince said that he would never use Hogan again, only to bring him back. This time will be no different, and he'll be back once this blows over.
-
How many times has Vince said that he would never use Hogan again, only to bring him back. This time will be no different, and he'll be back once this blows over.
It might just be a kneejerk reaction by WWE, or they might know more of the story than we do and he's entirely screwed.
Depending on what of this ends up being truth, they might bring him back for WM next year, as they're going to need all the starpower they can get to put butts in seats. But I wouldn't expect him back before or after then. He's nothing but a mascot at this point anyway.
-
Anybody who heard Hogan's comments about his son's friend who was injured badly in that car accident years ago, knows that he is a POS. Hearing this news today, I wasn't surprised at all.
Pretty crazy to think that two of the most beloved celebrities in the 80s were Hulk Hogan and Bill Cosby, and now both of their reputations are in the toilet for good.
-
sad to hear
-
well I guess its time for the return of Mr. America https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNavOLpxHek (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNavOLpxHek)
-
Private or not, there should be no room for something as ignorant as racism in 2015! So, good riddance!
-
This is both the best and worst thing ever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZTSahJxT0Q
-
This is both the best and worst thing ever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZTSahJxT0Q
You are correct.
-
This is both the best and worst thing ever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZTSahJxT0Q
Pretty good job recreating that scene, but they could have done a few more takes.
-
Now I wanna see a buddy cop flick with Dean and Arnold.
-
This is both the best and worst thing ever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZTSahJxT0Q
Pretty good job recreating that scene, but they could have done a few more takes.
Do you really think more takes would have resulted in it being any better? :lol
As a T2 fan, I thought they did a really good job of recreating the scene given it's an ad for a video game, but Terminator in a wrestling game? That's your pre-order incentive?
I thought the new Terminator movie was great, but the crossover with wrestling (including HHH's Wrestlemania entrance this year) is lame. Almost as lame as Robocop saving Sting in WCW.
-
This is both the best and worst thing ever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZTSahJxT0Q
Pretty good job recreating that scene, but they could have done a few more takes.
Do you really think more takes would have resulted in it being any better? :lol
As a T2 fan, I thought they did a really good job of recreating the scene given it's an ad for a video game, but Terminator in a wrestling game? That's your pre-order incentive?
I thought the new Terminator movie was great, but the crossover with wrestling (including HHH's Wrestlemania entrance this year) is lame. Almost as lame as Robocop saving Sting in WCW.
They obviously put a lot of effort into it, but Paige's reaction wasn't quite as good as the woman from the movie, as if she didn't care. That and Arnold said his line too slow. I'm picky about stupid shit like that.
-
Anybody who heard Hogan's comments about his son's friend who was injured badly in that car accident years ago, knows that he is a POS. Hearing this news today, I wasn't surprised at all.
Pretty crazy to think that two of the most beloved celebrities in the 80s were Hulk Hogan and Bill Cosby, and now both of their reputations are in the toilet for good.
(https://wrestlinglol.com/images/4a06c35a6eced61bb5f6fde77758d858.jpg)
-
That took longer than I expected actually.
-
So, I turn on the beginning of RAW, which I haven't tuned in to for a while, to see if there are any Hogan chants, and what happens? Rollins, Stephanie and HHH come to the ring...to HHH's music. Yeah, don't play the music of the world champion; play the music of the mostly-retired son-in-law. :lol :lol
Oh, and I read that the Undertaker is back, but looks awful. They must really be desperate if they are bringing him back in the summer time instead of trotting him out like usual during WM season.
-
To be fair, it was The Authority coming out to the ring, not HHH, Steph, and Rollins ;)
I am an avid Undertaker defender, so disclaimer, but I think he looks better than he should, and that brawl with Lesnar was pretty cool. I think they are trying to redeem themselves after the lackluster WM match last year, and Taker doesn't have many good feud potentials. Hopefully they can work a good match at Summerslam. I don't know what Taker has left after this, either physically, or in terms of opponents. The most recent WM match against Wyatt seemed like a huge drop-off after his run of Michaels x2, HHH x2, Punk, and Lesnar.
I thought Sting was going to be in the Summerslam mix somewhere, maybe it is still in the works.
And Hogan, well.... without him, how many of us would even be talking about wrestling in 2015? I know he was the most significant part of my WWF fandom in the 80s. For me, wrestling was him, and Flair in the NWA, and then everyone else.
-
I think Undertaker wanted to come back earlier and get match fit for WM this time to avoid the same fate as the last two disappointing matches. This WM is almost definitely his last.
I think that's a good idea, however putting him against Lesnar is a terrible idea. Lesnar will kill him. Undertaker will look even worse against a current Lesnar than he did a couple of years ago against him, and injure himself for WM. Plus he needs to be against someone who can help carry a match.
For his last match at WM, he needs to be against someone experienced, like Cena.
-
WWE made a bad move I think. Just terminating Hulk from his contract should have been enough. Hogan slipped up, he's human. If it was something he was known to do more consistently, then okay, but one incident shouldn't tarnish his legacy
-
WWE made a bad move I think. Just terminating Hulk from his contract should have been enough. Hogan slipped up, he's human. If it was something he was known to do more consistently, then okay, but one incident shouldn't tarnish his legacy
They just dug up more crap on him. This time, bigotry.
-
I think he was just blowing off some steam in the privacy of his own home. I know I say things I don't mean when I'm angry.
-
nobody is perfect and everyone says things they don't mean.
-
I say things I don't mean as well, but that doesn't include racism and bigotry.
-
I'm with Zook (and Scott Steiner on this one). There's having a bad day, then there's getting exposed for what you truly are.
-
Agreed, although given what a nut job Scott Steiner is, he probably shouldn't be the one casting stones. :lol
-
I've thought about this and honestly I don't really give a shit about what he said. Rather than try to erase him from WWE I think the better option would have been to give him a chance to explain himself and apologize if he wanted to and try to turn this into something positive or a learning opportunity for others. People get nothing out him just getting fired. And news flash to the WWE, you will never erase Hulk Hogan. No Hulk Hogan = No WWF. People can learn and grow from negative situations. Look at Riley Cooper and the Eagles. I thought America was the land of second chances not knee jerk reactions.
-
I've thought about this and honestly I don't really give a shit about what he said. Rather than try to erase him from WWE I think the better option would have been to give him a chance to explain himself and apologize if he wanted to and try to turn this into something positive or a learning opportunity for others. People get nothing out him just getting fired. And news flash to the WWE, you will never erase Hulk Hogan. No Hulk Hogan = No WWF. People can learn and grow from negative situations. Look at Riley Cooper and the Eagles. I thought America was the land of second chances not knee jerk reactions.
I'd be all for this if he screwed up or had a bad day. But by all accounts, this is who he was/is, so screw him. He wouldn't be sorry for what he is and what he said/felt, but he'd be sorry that he got caught. This reminds me a lot of Michael Vick, and how sorry he was. Anyone who still follows the product knows that Hogan was only there to plug the network, do some interviews, make some appearances and help try to make Tough Enough something that people care about. And while it may be silly for WWE to act as if Hogan and Benoit and whomever else didn't exist, it is absolutely their right to as a business.
And I've never bought into that no Hogan - No WWF line of thought. While I cannot deny his impact on the industry, I'm of the opinion that if it weren't him, it would have been someone else.
-
You can think that all you want, but it's not true. Given your age, DoC, you weren't old enough to be around when Hogan was THE man in the 80s. Heck, go back and look at how awful those cards were for the first Wrestlemanias, but they were something big because of one man: Hulk Hogan. His influence on the industry is undeniable.
Also, considering what a racist organization the WWE has always been, it's a bit comical for them to react this way, but it's still understandable. Hogan deserved to be fired. But trying to erase him from history is just moronic.
-
That's akin to saying I didn't know that Hitler was a bad dude because I wasn't around to see it first hand. I know that the Golden Age of Pro Wrestling in the States was a combination of Hogan, Vince going national, and the advent and utilization of cable television and Pay Per View services. And while Hogan's impact on the industry is undeniable, I credit him second only to Vince himself on the list of reasons the WWF blew up in the 80s. To say that it would not or could not happen without Hogan is speculation. No way to know for sure.
-
The Hitler comparison is a poor one, because we are talking scripted entertainment vs. real life.
Vince's vision wouldn't have worked without Hogan, and proof is in how poorly the WWF/WWE has done under his tenor when they didn't have a Hogan or Austin or Rock to stand at the top. Once Hogan went part time in '92 and left in '93, the WWF struggled until Austin blew up four or five years later. And as massive as the attitude era was, it wouldn't have been nearly what it was without Austin or the Rock.
Hogan, basically, is to wrestling what the Beatles were to music.
-
Kev, you are not wrong, and I don't want to put words on DoC's keyboard, but what I think he is implying is that if there was no Hogan, there is nothing to suggest that Vince would not have found another flagship wrestler for his burgeoning enterprise. There could have been another charismatic individual out there, with the look, the physique, and the ability to rip off a t-shirt that could have served equally well.
Same thing goes with The Beatles. It could have been The Stones, or The Kinks, or a band that never made it out of the British club circuit. It's just speculation.
-
You're all right. It is just speculation. But to speculate what the past might have been isn't the point. The point is what actually was. And Hogan was the WWF. Back in the 80s and early 90s, the average fan didn't know that lead commentator Vinnie Mac was pulling all the strings, so to the public and WWF fans, Hogan was the WWF.
No sense on speculating what might have been. This is what was. Without Hogan, who would've filled his place in 1983? David Sammartino? Dino Bravo? Rick Martel? C'mon. Hogan was lightning in a bottle at the time.
And by that argument, if not for Hitler, then there would have been some other baddie to start WWII?
-
Kev, you are not wrong, and I don't want to put words on DoC's keyboard, but what I think he is implying is that if there was no Hogan, there is nothing to suggest that Vince would not have found another flagship wrestler for his burgeoning enterprise. There could have been another charismatic individual out there, with the look, the physique, and the ability to rip off a t-shirt that could have served equally well.
Same thing goes with The Beatles. It could have been The Stones, or The Kinks, or a band that never made it out of the British club circuit. It's just speculation.
Bingo!
You're all right. It is just speculation. But to speculate what the past might have been isn't the point. The point is what actually was. And Hogan was the WWF. Back in the 80s and early 90s, the average fan didn't know that lead commentator Vinnie Mac was pulling all the strings, so to the public and WWF fans, Hogan was the WWF.
No sense on speculating what might have been. This is what was. Without Hogan, who would've filled his place in 1983? David Sammartino? Dino Bravo? Rick Martel? C'mon. Hogan was lightning in a bottle at the time.
And by that argument, if not for Hitler, then there would have been some other baddie to start WWII?
I brought up Hitler to make the point that you can be knowledgeable about someone or something that took place before your time, since my opinion on Hogan was being discredited by my age.
-
On my Hitler comment, I was being mostly facetious. Shoulda put an emot after that.
Still... I don't agree with either example that "someone woulda come along an filled the void". That might fly with something rudimentary, or even above average... but to use that for The Beatles? Sorry, I can't fathom that. Just because there was The Beatles, doesn't mean that anyone could've done what they did. Same goes for Hogan. If Gretzky didn't come along, would someone else have been the best ever? If there was no Jordan or Woods (in his prime), does that mean someone would've filled that void? I don't for a second believe that.
Look, Vinnie Mac didn't alone create The Rock... it was very much with the help of Dwayne Johnson, and because of who Dwayne was. I think the same goes for Hogan (and Austin). Those are three persona's in the WWF/WWE that are unparalleled. Not all the credit goes to Vince, so it's illogical to assume he could've simply found or plucked some other talent and done the same thing. If so, why haven't there been any since The Rock? Cena is close, but not quite.
-
My belief that Vince is the #1 reason for the WWF's golden age extends much father than his ability to develop characters. Again, it was the decision to go national, utilizing cable television and Pay Per View. We can speculate all we want, but no one's denying Hogan's impact on the industry, and pop culture in general. We're free to believe whatever we want about how it would have played out had Hogan not been there.
-
I've thought about this and honestly I don't really give a shit about what he said. Rather than try to erase him from WWE I think the better option would have been to give him a chance to explain himself and apologize if he wanted to and try to turn this into something positive or a learning opportunity for others. People get nothing out him just getting fired. And news flash to the WWE, you will never erase Hulk Hogan. No Hulk Hogan = No WWF. People can learn and grow from negative situations. Look at Riley Cooper and the Eagles. I thought America was the land of second chances not knee jerk reactions.
"Let me tell you something, brother! I'm a racist/bigot/asshole, dude!"
Hulk Hogan is the new Mel Gibson. An apology wouldn't mean anything. He is what he is.
-
Well said DoC. We shall agree to disagree.
My belief that Vince is the #1 reason for the WWF's golden age extends much father than his ability to develop characters.
Freudian slip? Was it perhaps his father's ability to develop characters?
-
jingle.boy doing some great work here. That 2nd to last post of his was perfect. :tup :tup
What's really funny is that some of the WWF/WWE's biggest characters were accidents:
-Austin wasn't supposed to get the push he did in 1996/1997, but HHH getting punished for the MSQ curtain call and the fans going nuts for Austin, all but forced Vince to make him the man.
-It took a couple years for Vince to even figure out what he had in the Rock.
-Daniel Bryan got over with the fans, despite Vince never wanting him to be a main event guy. The fans basically made Vince put Bryan in the main event of WM30 and win, because clueless Vince wanted Batista. :lol :lol And then he botched it again this year with Reigns. Vince single-handedly ruined Roman Reigns this year.
-Same with CM Punk, whom I believe never would have gotten that long run with the title in 2011-2013 had he not done what he did in the summer of 2011 (forcing their hand when his contract was running out).
-
Ergo nowadays... it's even more on the talent to create their success, rather than the WWE. Great examples Kev. Think about all the people that Vince tried to push in a big way that never made it big - Chris Masters, Vladimir Kozlov, Snitski, Ludvig Borga (man, I forgot about him!), and how many more shots is Matt Bloom going to get? I'm sure many others.
-
I read somewhere years back that Kerry Von Erich was Vince's first choice in 1983 to play the main babyface in his rock n wrestling expansion. When he wasn't available, Hogan was the next pick.
-
Interesting.
-
I remember hearing that. What a disaster that would have been. No disrespect intended towards the Von Erich family, who have endured way more self-inflicted tragedies than any family should ever have to, but from a wrestling standpoint, it wouldn't have lasted.
-
I agree.
I understand the history and tradition they built up in Texas, but outside of Texas, their biggest claims to fame are their tragedies and the fact that Ric Flair was willing to put Kerry over and hold his belt for 18 days before taking it back.
-
I bought that was Ronnie Garvins Claim to Fame? There's probably a good sized list with that claim on their resume.
-
I bought that was Ronnie Garvins Claim to Fame? There's probably a good sized list with that claim on their resume.
Off the top of my head, I thought Garvin held it longer than Von Erich. I could be wrong.
That whole deal was stupid.
-
Kerry held it for 18 days. Garvin held it for about two months. Neither was a good idea. Kerry only got it to pop the crowd at Texas Stadium as a feel good moment, after David von Erich died (he was being looked at as a potential long-term champ, unlike Kerry). Garvin only got a brief reign after Magnum T.A. (Flair's perceived long-term successor) had a career-ending car accident, and people like Lex Luger and Sting were deemed not yet ready. Why Jim Crockett or Dusty chose Garvin is a mystery.
-
https://www.tmz.com/2015/07/31/roddy-piper-dead-dies-wwe-wrestler-cancer/
-
https://www.tmz.com/2015/07/31/roddy-piper-dead-dies-wwe-wrestler-cancer/
Holy shit. Feels so out of no where. RIP
-
And there goes part of my childhood :'(
-
Well, this has not been a pretty period for old-school wrestling guys. Hulk Hogan is exposed as a racist and Dusty Rhodes and Roddy Piper is gone. Sigh....
-
Kerry held it for 18 days. Garvin held it for about two months. Neither was a good idea. Kerry only got it to pop the crowd at Texas Stadium as a feel good moment, after David von Erich died (he was being looked at as a potential long-term champ, unlike Kerry). Garvin only got a brief reign after Magnum T.A. (Flair's perceived long-term successor) had a career-ending car accident, and people like Lex Luger and Sting were deemed not yet ready. Why Jim Crockett or Dusty chose Garvin is a mystery.
What happened was, the NWA wanted Flair to drop the title to someone and then win it back at Starrcade a few months later, but quite a few guys said no, since they don't want to be a token champion for two months merely to job to Flair at Starrcade, which seems like a dumb stance to me. Garvin was more than willing, which is why he got that one single world title reign.
https://www.tmz.com/2015/07/31/roddy-piper-dead-dies-wwe-wrestler-cancer/
Damn. :(
-
RIP Piper......
-
That's too bad. He was on my deadpool list last year, and it always makes me happy when decent people work their way off of it; in his case beating cancer. Shame that it didn't work out.
-
And there goes part of my childhood :'(
Yup. That's shitty news to start the long weekend.
-
Just saw this. He was awesome in They Live.
-
(https://thesauceofchaos.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/bubblegum.jpg)
-
"They Live" is a fantastic movie!! The 10 minute back alley fight is one of the most epic fight scenes in movie history.
Sad news.
RIP Roddy
-
My first kiss was during "They Live." True story. Was a good movie up till that point, don't recall much of it after that.
Goodbye Hot Rod, thanks for the memories. Your face off with Mr. T is one of my top WWF/E all time images.
Re-reading this thread... Piper, Magnum TA, Flair, Garvin.... Damn, I'm gonna throw in some Rock N Roll Express to finish off this nostalgia trip.
-
Well, on another subject. So my household got Dish Network and the package got AXS TV, which is good because I wanted that and Palladia since those are the only channels that I will watch. Heard from various sources that AXS shows highlights and some full matches of various events of NJPW every Friday.
Watched them, today, and I find myself liking watching wrestling on TV again after a long hiatus of WWE disappointing me. It's very refreshing to see programming of a wrestling company actually be a wrestling company that emphasis a lot about competition rather than soap opera drama (nothing wrong with that if done right though). Although I would have really loved it to hear Japanese commentators, those that did commentate did a good job emphasizing why a win of a certain match means a lot for a certain wrestler in a competitive sense, which is good since I have no idea who these wrestlers are aside from, what I saw, AJ Styles and Davey Boy Smith Jr. In the episodes I watched, the events took place during the G1 Climax tournament, I think, and the episodes did a good job highlighting why a win means so much in the context of the tournament.
-
RIP Piper. He did great promos, and was one of the all time best heels. A bit unexpected for him to go right now.
-
At least he went in his sleep. We all have to go sometime, and dying in your sleep is the best we can all hope for.
-
Too bad, Rowdy. Definitely one of the best promos in the business.
My earliest memories of him were from the Mid-Atlantic/NWA days, feuding with Ric Flair and Greg "The Hammer" Valentine (culminating in a bloody dog collar match at the first Starcade).
RIP
-
I guess god changed the questions this time.
-
Ya know... as much as we discussed/debated the Hogan = WWF topic, Rowdy Roddy was just as important. He was Hogan's first major feud and heel; he was the lightning rod for the Rock 'n' Wrestling era with the whole Cap'n Lou/Lauper thing at MSG; he was the main event along with Hogan (Orndorff and T were just along for the ride) for Westlemania. If WM tanks, there is no WMII, and perhaps the how the WWE structure's PPVs is different. He was front and centre every single week on WWF weekend TV with Piper's Pit.
Personally, I think he's #2 in importance to the national launch of the WWF after Hogan.
Gonna miss him, but thankful I grew up watching him in his prime.
-
I agree.
Also, it is worth pointing out as well that as much grief as Hogan gets from some people for supposedly never putting people over, Piper was just as bad, if not worse. The only televised matches Piper was ever pinned in supposedly were the loss to Bret Hart at WM 8 and the legends match where he, Snuka and Steamboat all lost to Jericho at WM25, and even during that big feud with Hogan, he never let Hogan pin him, always losing their many house matches by countout or DQ. He later said that he felt like had he let Hogan pin him, it would have taken his heel heat away.
-
Ya know... as much as we discussed/debated the Hogan = WWF topic, Rowdy Roddy was just as important. He was Hogan's first major feud and heel; he was the lightning rod for the Rock 'n' Wrestling era with the whole Cap'n Lou/Lauper thing at MSG; he was the main event along with Hogan (Orndorff and T were just along for the ride) for Westlemania. If WM tanks, there is no WMII, and perhaps the how the WWE structure's PPVs is different. He was front and centre every single week on WWF weekend TV with Piper's Pit.
Personally, I think he's #2 in importance to the national launch of the WWF after Hogan.
Gonna miss him, but thankful I grew up watching him in his prime.
I agree. Hot Rod is the greatest heel of all time. Nobody was as good at getting under people's skin than him. And since a hero is only as good as the villain they're up against, then the top heel must be as important as the top face. He's also the greatest WWE superstar to never win the WWE title.
RIP Roddy Piper. You will be greatly missed.
-
Too bad, Rowdy. Definitely one of the best promos in the business.
My earliest memories of him were from the Mid-Atlantic/NWA days, feuding with Ric Flair and Greg "The Hammer" Valentine (culminating in a bloody dog collar match at the first Starcade).
RIP
YES!!! He was legend. I remember I was working at the Hartford Civic Center as a security guard (we had to wear blazers, white button down shirts, and clip on ties), and was working the cage match between him and Jake The Snake. Friggin' best match ever, by the way, but at one point, I was leaning against the rail facing away from the match and a little kid says to me "Mister, why aren't you watching the fight?" and I said "Because I already know who's going to win." And the mom shot me a look of death, like "Don't blow this for my kid, a-hole!" The kid says something like "You do?" and I said yes, and flipped my tie over, and unbuttoned my shirt like Superman to show the "HOT ROD" t-shirt I was wearing underneath. For about 12 minutes I was the coolest security guard ever to about 10 pre-teen kids and their parents. ;)
Ya know... as much as we discussed/debated the Hogan = WWF topic, Rowdy Roddy was just as important. He was Hogan's first major feud and heel; he was the lightning rod for the Rock 'n' Wrestling era with the whole Cap'n Lou/Lauper thing at MSG; he was the main event along with Hogan (Orndorff and T were just along for the ride) for Westlemania. If WM tanks, there is no WMII, and perhaps the how the WWE structure's PPVs is different. He was front and centre every single week on WWF weekend TV with Piper's Pit.
Personally, I think he's #2 in importance to the national launch of the WWF after Hogan.
Gonna miss him, but thankful I grew up watching him in his prime.
Favorite wrestler ever, and it isn't even close. I've heard the rumblings, but truth be told, he was Derek Jeter. Or Terry Bradshaw. Was he the best or most flamboyant guy on the floor? Nope, but he was money, always, and he made the people he was with better than they would have been without him there. Even the Hogan rivalry and the "no pin", it made that feud legend, and it let Hogan be that "David Lee Roth" character.
I generally tend toward the guys like that, so for me, he is my all time favorite.
-
I remember I was working at the Hartford Civic Center as a security guard (we had to wear blazers, white button down shirts, and clip on ties), and was working the cage match between him and Jake The Snake. Friggin' best match ever, by the way, but at one point, I was leaning against the rail facing away from the match and a little kid says to me "Mister, why aren't you watching the fight?" and I said "Because I already know who's going to win." And the mom shot me a look of death, like "Don't blow this for my kid, a-hole!" The kid says something like "You do?" and I said yes, and flipped my tie over, and unbuttoned my shirt like Superman to show the "HOT ROD" t-shirt I was wearing underneath. For about 12 minutes I was the coolest security guard ever to about 10 pre-teen kids and their parents. ;)
That is fucking badass. :metal
-
Boy, that Undertaker / Lesnar finish was a new level of lame even for WWE, but otherwise that was a surprisingly good match, and much better than their Wrestlemania one.
Overall a good PPV though. Cesaro / Owens was good as expected, and Cena / Rollins stole the show (shame that the title match wasn't even the main event). Rollins just keeps getting more and more impressive. The Jon Stewart interference was stupid, but it wasn't too bad considering.
-
How did Stephen Amell do in his tag match against Stardust?
-
We skipped over it for time, but it appeared as if he took quite a bit of offense and gave a few moves, and did a splash from the top rope to the outside while Neville got the win. I'll have to watch it properly, but it seemed as though he put in a strong effort for an actor coming in for a one-off match.
-
Cool. I am a fan of his work on Arrow, so I was interested in this. He has apparently been a wrestling fan forever, and was extremely excited to do this.
-
I didn't know that, but it does appear he put in a lot more work than the usual celebrity wrestling performance, which generally I think is a terrible idea to begin with.
-
TAKER TAPPED!
-
You'd think Seth Rollins was the good guy based on the crowd last night.
But I think they were cheering for the wrestler, not the character.
-
Well, his opponent was John Cena. There are fans out there who would cheer for a rotten potato if it was billed against John Cena.
-
Yeah, but normally he gets some cheers for good spots. He got zilch last night. Was it Rollins' home town or something?
-
It was New York. THE smarkiest crowd in the world.
-
I thought Chicago was the most smarkiest crowd in the world? Or the most ahole-ish? No wait, that's probably Philly. Chicago can be a lot of things, nvm.
-
I'd say a combo of a smart crowd cheering for a good wrestler, and hating Cena.
Aside from Sting being alive, it was a really good Raw this week, with some nice surprises. The great crowd also helped.
I just watched the Summerslam tag match with Stephen Amell properly, and thought he did a good job. The match was short and sweet, and Amell took a decent beating without doing anything unbelievable for a non-wrestler, and got a nice high spot to set up the finish.
-
A three-hour wrestling show with four whole matches. Granted, they gave each match time, but still. Did they rehire Vince Russo or something?
That Miz TV segment was a total train wreck. Team PCB should never be allowed to speak, especially Becky Lynch. When someone comes across as more annoying than the Bellas, that is quite an accomplishment. Then the crowd totally dumped on their match, chanting "We want Sasha!" among other things. They couldn't find time for Team BAD on the card, but we got three or four segments of Triple H and Steph.
It was cool to see Sting under the curtain, if a little predictable. It would have been a better visual to have him destroy Rollins' statue with his baseball bat, though. I'm sure the thing was only plastic, since they wouldn't immortalize in bronze a guy who's only been in the company a few years. It still could happen, since they never showed it again after the backstage segment.
It still seems stupid to bring Sting in just to job two matches, since they're not going to take it off Rollins. They should make Sting look strong, just for merchandise and t-shirt sales if nothing else, and they should show highlights of his WCW and Mid-South career since they own the tape libraries to build him up as a credible challenger.
-
It still seems stupid to bring Sting in just to job two matches, since they're not going to take it off Rollins. They should make Sting look strong, just for merchandise and t-shirt sales if nothing else, and they should show highlights of his WCW and Mid-South career since they own the tape libraries to build him up as a credible challenger.
Keep in mind that Sheamus will likely cash in very soon, so I wouldn't put it past them to have Sting get a victory.
Every single part of that scenario makes me vomit a little in my mouth.
-
God damn Sheamus is so boring. I really hope he gets a botched cash in.
-
Sheamus won't cash in on Rollins, not unless Rollins turns face, and that isn't happening anytime soon. Most briefcase holders job for about six months until they are no longer considered a legitimate threat (Bryan, Ziggler), then cash in out of nowhere. Sheamus has been booked unusually strong for a Mr. Money In the Bank, although he has been booked strong for just about his entire career. He'll probably cash in once a face beats Rollins, and that probably won't be Sting. And he'll be successful, because he's Trip's spotter in the weight room. Then he'll lose it before WrestleMania so they can put him in with Bryan (if healthy) for the umpteenth time, since that match is seemingly penciled in every year.
-
I'm a huge fan of the Stinger.
Nice to see him getting some recognition in WWE.
-
I watched some old interviews recently on youtube that Mean Gene did, when I was young I never realized what a pro he was. He usually kept his cool even with big muscle men towering over him. And his delivery was so smooth.
-
Yep, Mean Gene was awesome. His facial expressions were priceless, too.
-
Two of his interviews stand out for me. The first was at the Royal Rumble where Flair won the title and Naitch, Perfect, and Heenan were gloating. Somebody off camera was smoking and Gene angrily told him to "Put that cigarette out!" The second was when he was interviewing Ted DiBiase and the background of the set fell down behind him and Gene started shouting profanities. They cut away from him, then cut back, and DiBiase had broken character and was smirking.
-
That was Rick Rude, during SummerSlam '89. Mean Gene yelled, "Fuck it!" when the part of the set fell, and it immediately cut back to a crowd shot.
Or did it happen with DiBiase, too??
-
I watched some old interviews recently on youtube that Mean Gene did, when I was young I never realized what a pro he was. He usually kept his cool even with big muscle men towering over him. And his delivery was so smooth.
Mean Gene is a legend. The way he was always able to play it cool and straight was the perfect foil dynamic for the roided up coked up wrestlers. They'll never match it again, especially now that they keep their wrestlers on a scripted leash, and give the interview job to any random person they happen to have employed at the time.
-
Not to mention, this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fgfXGPeX24
Found this with Lord Alfred too. Glorious!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7lHGyV7jTg
-
KevShmev, you might be right. I just saw it on YouTube, but if it was the same interview that I'm thinking of, the downloader cut off the end, because a few moments later they went back to Gene and whoever he was supposed to be interviewing (I thought it was DiBiase but it could have been Rude) had a shit eating grin on his face.
-
New wresting podcast I started with some friends. I think you'll all dig it.
https://degenjax.landofbunnies.com
-
Snuka busted
https://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-jimmy-snuka-grand-jury-announcement-20150901-story.html
-
Not surprised. The popular theory has always been that Vince paid some lawyers big time to get him off the hook back then, since Snuka was one of the WWF's main attractions at the time.
-
Quite a good card for Night of Champions, and good results overall. I was really expecting Sting to win, especially given the way they booked both Rollins matches back to back and had him AA'd onto the floor. It looks like Sting might have a legit injury, so it's possible they had to change their plans on the fly for that ending though. And we dodged Sheamus cashing in for now. I've been dreading that inevitable moment all year.
Owens proved he's a true talent by putting on a watchable match with Ryback. :lol The New Day get more entertaining by the week, and I'm glad they retain for now. As usual they'll milk the feud out for probably 3 PPVs, so it's only a matter of time before the Dudleys win the belts, which I'm not against, but it was too soon for them to just walk in and win them.
Rollins and Cena stole the show as expected.
I'm also relieved that they're not saving the final Undertaker/Lesnar match for Wrestlemania. I'd rather they not have another match at all given Undertaker's condition after the first two, but better to have a fresh match of Wrestlemania for both of those guys.
Oh shit, they might do Undertaker vs Sting now. Can you imagine the levels of suck? :|
-
New Day is the best thing in the WWE.
Xavier Woods with the Rufio hair was the best thing to happened last night!
-
I didn't even notice that's what the hair was. :lol Even better.
When New Day first formed, I just thought it was a terrible way of lumping together a few black guys they had no story for (and it probably was), but since turning heel they've worked amazingly together as a team. If that trombone doesn't get inducted into the hall of fame, there is no justice.
-
Yeah! I love that they have had the freedom to just do whatever! I've laughed so much in their interviews/promos (like E telling Bubba "you ain't got bars!" or the first time Kofi went "the Dudleys don't respect furniture!") and just been thoroughly entertained any time they're on. A 3-hour Raw of just New Day would be the best Raw in the history of 3-hour Raws!
-
I want to see a compilation just of Xavier Woods' comments during matches. The term "tricep meat" would have a recurring role, and during the PPV match I heard him yell out that the Dudley's camouflage didn't match, and that they weren't even brothers. :lol
-
Nobody read that Sting obviously got hurt pretty badly fighting Seth Rollins??
-
Yeah, WWE.com finally acknowledge it. I hope it isn't as serious as some dirtsheets are making it up to be, he was definitely having a good match and taking some big bumps for a 56 year old until that turnbuckle power bomb.
-
I hope the Stinger is going to be ok.
I was hoping for him to win the title, but I wasn't holding my breath on the change.
-
Newest episode of the podcast is up. We discuss pretty much everything you guys have talked about in the last few days. Check it out.
https://degenerationjax.com/podcast/episode-5
-
Marion Crane, I've listened to all eight of your episodes over the last couple of weeks, and I must say that I like your podcast more than most of the others. It's good to hear fans give their opinions instead of "insiders." Too many of them feature drunk old wrestlers slurring their words for two hours (ahem, Ric Flair), or hip hop dj's hijacking the show to talk about hip hop feuds (Cheap Heat). Jericho's is decent, although he is just as likely to have a musical guest as he would a wrestler. Austin's is okay, as is Sam Roberts', although I can only take so much of his voice.
-
Seth Rollins injured his ACL Triple H style. He's out for months. Looks like they are doing Deadly Game 2 at Survior Series.
-
WWE is so hurting right now. No Cena, no Orton, no Rollins, no Bryan (although I don't know what the reason for that is since he's been cleared). We're gonna get Reigns as champion, maybe a cash-in soon, it's going to be awful.
-
^^ All of that means nothing to me, atm, as in about less than two hours, I'm going to go and watch NJPW's Power Struggle event.
I'm not expecting any big mind-blowing matches (though they are always welcomed, of course) like the big matches of this year's Wrestle Kingdom, Dominion, G1 Climax, etc. However, it should be a good watch, anyway, and going to be worth staying up late.
-
I miss CM Punk.
-
Anguyen, right now New Japan is by far the best promotion in wrestling. Their match quality (at least the year-old matches that AXS TV have been showing) is far above anything WWE lets their performers do or are capable of (I lean toward the former). The Nakamura-Ibushi and the Tanahashi-Okada matches from WrestleKingdom were the best matches I've seen all year. The only WWE matches in their ballpark are the Royal Rumble triple threat and Bayley-Sasha from Takeover: Brooklyn.
It can be argued that WWE is actually the fourth best promotion right now, behind New Japan, Ring of Honor, and WWE's own developmental league, NXT. I don't get Lucha Underground on my cable, so I can't comment on it. Production values don't matter if it's just two ancient guys or two immobile, muscle-bound guys clotheslining each other. The NXT wrestlers get neutered once they get called up or get stuck with terrible gimmicks, while you listen to three announcers bicker and try to get themselves over instead of calling the match.
I'm not crazy about Mauro Ranallo as a boxing blow-by-blow guy, but he's great for wrestling. And his colorman, Josh Barnett, actually gives insight as to what the various holds and moves are supposed to accomplish, unlike JBL or Booker T.
It sucks about Rollins getting hurt and being out until after WrestleMania, because it means they'll either usher in the Reigns Era or panic and go back to Cena once he comes back from taping his fitness show. Or worse, give it to Del Rio.
-
You should find a way to watch Lucha Underground, it's the second best wrestling show in the USA behind NXT.
-
Lucha Underground is much better than NXT. NXT is much better than WWE, but they're still stuck under a lot of the restrictions that WWE place on themselves that holds them back.
-
Lucha Underground is much better than NXT. NXT is much better than WWE, but they're still stuck under a lot of the restrictions that WWE place on themselves that holds them back.
Part of that is probably why I cannot get into NXT even though it has been highly acclaimed because we know the moment these young great wrestlers get into the main roster, they are going to get neutered hard and it's hard to get into it knowing that.
It just sucks that they are not getting paid as much (even if anything at all) as the main roster, but I guess that's developmental for you. At least, for hockey players and the likes, that are in development farm systems, those guys don't get neutered when getting called to the main roster, sometimes.
As for Power Struggle, it was a fine event. All I asked was that the top 3 matches was good/great and that's what I got. Most importantly, the post-match in the last two match sets up the two big matches of Wrestle Kingdom. Okada/Tanahashi, which has been established already, but the disdain from Tanahashi on Okada has elevated to another level, he just coming after Okada very aggressively in the post-match. I was hoping Okada tombstoned Tanahashi on the floor, but the refs and the Young Lions didn't want that.
Most importantly, we got AJ Styles vs Shinsuke Nakamura at the Tokyo Dome, baby. That's one of the few matches NJPW has yet to do since AJ went to NJPW in 2014. Should a great one.
-
Well you can think about what may happen down the line and not get into NXT or just say fuck it and enjoy the great matches the NXT roster routinely put on, especially the women.
-
I have only been watching the year-old matches of NJPW on AXS for a couple of months now. I was under the impression that Tanahashi was supposed to be a face and Okada, Nakamura, and all the members of Chaos were supposed to be heels. I know that the Japanese fans always cheer for their own (even Chaos) against Americans, who are cast as de facto heels. In the events since WrestleKingdom 9, have Tanahashi and Okada done a double turn? Or are the fans just sick of Tanahashi like the American fans are of Cena, even if he doesn't do anything heelish?
-
The Chaos face/heel dynamics are weird, at times. You got Nakamura whose actually an uber-face in most peoples' (foreign or Japanese) eyes. Guys like Yano and the other guys of Chaos could be heel, but are indeed very face against guys from Bullet Club.
Okada, with his arrogant Rainmaker persona, screams heel, but he's the main guy that can take down the face of the Bullet Club in the form of AJ Styles, and the crowd was with him loudly in Dominion back in July. Also, people can acknowledge how talented he is and probably thinks he is the right guy to lead NJPW's future when Nakamura and Tanahashi may scale things down. People would want to root for that. Though he can act very heelish, even against his own stable members (Check out Okada/Nakamura in G1 25 of this year, not the one in AXS TV, the one that took place a year later).
Tanahashi is the uber-face, the John Cena of NJPW, atm, though he works like Eddie Guerrero or Shawn Michaels, whose capable of working heel well even as a babyface, during the proper matches. I don't want to say the fans are tired of Tanahashi, though I do not blame them since he's going to headline Wrestle Kingdom for the sixth year in a row. I feel like Tanahashi's ongoing huge "disdain" over Okada is going to push him to be the de-facto heel going into January 4th. He just kept coming after Okada very heelishly after their Power Struggle tag match, yesterday, though he may still be a huge face against guys like Naito.
-
(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlp1/v/t1.0-9/12247105_920108841375804_8528580986619932169_n.jpg?oh=247128979e90cd0c84747808f743bea2&oe=56B5F425)
-
Should be interesting tonight.
I think a Roman win along with a heel turn will happen
-
I would love a Reigns heel turn just to watch the net smarks do a 180 on him overnight.
-
After a Roman win/heel turn, then maybe a surprise return at the Rumble for Daniel Bryan and a win. Then Bryan-Roman at WM
-
No. Roman goes heel over Ambrose. Ambrose wins Rumble. Seth screws Reigns at WM.
HIRE ME VINCE
-
https://degenerationjax.com/podcast/episode-11
Our final SS preview for tonight's show. Plus we discuss the Paige/Charlotte controversial promo, the terrorist threat rumors, the Rousey loss and finish it up with some SS trivia. Check it out guys.
-
I'm thinking that it's going to be Reigns over Ambrose, and joining the Authority in the process. My preferred choice would be to just give it to Owens, because the WWE badly needs a heel that can talk, and Del Rio certainly isn't it. Ambrose looks like he would be fun for a month or two, but fans would get sick of his act after a couple of months. Reigns will eventually be the face of the company, because Vince is dead set on it, but he still needs to be rehabilitated and now isn't the time to give him the belt.
No sooner than I espouse New Japan's virtues, I see a Junior Heavyweight Title match where Kenny Omega and Ryusuke Taguchi sodomize each other with the Bullet Club's flag pole and make me look like a total idiot in front of my friends. Then, the rematch between Tanahashi and Styles was very lackluster compared to their previous match and the Tanahashi-Okada Wrestle Kingdom match. I'm hoping that AXS TV leapfrogs a few months and shows the G1 Climax matches soon, but I wouldn't bet on it.
-
I would have Ambrose win over Reigns clean. Reigns instead of being happy for his friend proceeds to beat the shit out of him.
-
(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlp1/v/t1.0-9/12247105_920108841375804_8528580986619932169_n.jpg?oh=247128979e90cd0c84747808f743bea2&oe=56B5F425)
Wait... did this actually happen?!?!
-
Overall, the event was solid. I knew a swerve of some kind was going to happen with the main event only lasting 9 minutes. Interested to see where this will lead.
-
Sheamus is the WWE Champion.
"That ought to put butts in seats!" -Tony Schiavone
Nice to know that they think our attention span is so short that they can recycle finishes from only two years ago.
-
They will need to completely revamp Sheamus' character IMO. As is, nobody really has much interest in him and the character has been stale for quite some time.
-
They will need to completely revamp Sheamus' character IMO. As is, nobody really has much interest in him and the character has been stale for quite some time.
They'll give him a suit and some shades.
-
Ugh, same tired old shit ending. Without Rollins and Cena and now with Sheamus as champ, I'm struggling to find any reason to want to watch Raw. Maybe the whole point of this is to make the prospect of Reigns being champ not look so bad by comparison. :lol
That crowd started off great, but by the end of the night they were asleep. That women's match deserved a much better response than it got. That was good stuff.
-
I miss Seth.
(https://i.imgur.com/XyhF7CN.gif)
-
I miss Seth too. :( So many great matches in a short time.
And I could rewatch that WM ending all day.
-
I should have known. Rollins getting injured was a perfect opportunity to hit the reset switch and try something different. So of course Vince just went with the safest option possible instead of turning somebody heel.
I DO like sheamus. When they give him something to do he can be entertaining, but the problem is most of the time they dont and he's just kinda there.
-
I've never liked Sheamus, but they haven't done anything with him since winning the briefcase. I thought that tonight maybe they'd make him single handedly win the rest of the Survivor Series match to look stronger when he cashed in, but nope not even that.
-
I'm so glad I don't watch this crap anymore. Even my dad, who has watched wrestling regularly since I was born, barely watches anymore, because of how bad it is. Sheamus is a mid-carder, yet now he's the champion? Oh my. :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin For those old enough to remember, that would be like if The Warlord was the champion in 1991.
Let me know when Bryan or Punk are back, and then maybe I'll watch again.
-
It's hard for me to convince myself to watch WWE again, with the exception of NXT, after sitting back and enjoying watching NJPW in real time during the very late nights. I mean over the past weekend, I watched two shows from NJPW in real time and it was nothing but tag matches and one of those shows had no commentary and only a single camera angle. Basically a house show, but I had a good time watching it and it was well worth it to me in the end. I wouldn't do the same thing for WWE nowadays, in a scenario like that, and I don't know what would convince me to watch them again.
-
I'm so glad I don't watch this crap anymore. Even my dad, who has watched wrestling regularly since I was born, barely watches anymore, because of how bad it is. Sheamus is a mid-carder, yet now he's the champion? Oh my. :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin For those old enough to remember, that would be like if The Warlord was the champion in 1991.
Let me know when Bryan or Punk are back, and then maybe I'll watch again.
I'll always remember The Warlord for his 2 second Royal Rumble appearance. From what I've seen of Seamus, he's barely even worthy of the IC title.
I stopped watching the WWE shortly after the Attitude era ended - I'm trying to remember the last PPV I watched live... it was probably with Lesnar's first go-around. Lesnar/Angle was a great WM match. Nowaday's, there's just no depth in the roster. I never ever 'got' Punk, and there is no "star" power anywhere after Cena. I've watched (YT'd) a few matches that you guys go gaga over, but Raw is about 15 minutes of action, and 2 hours of filler ... oh wait, they upped it to a 3 hour show a while back, didn't they? I remember someone (Kev?) saying it was like making a double cheeseburger a 'triple', but still using the same amount of meat. :lol
-
I didn't say that, but it sounds about right. :lol :lol
From the way it sounds, this corporate angle is probably never-ending, which is a way for the attention whore that is HHH to keep himself involved in the top program without actually having to wrestle. What a shock.
That is a big reason why I stopped watching. He and Stephanie are both brutal to listen to on the mic, and not in a "they are heels so we are supposed to hate them" way, but more in a "they make me turn if off" way.
-
I didn't say that, but it sounds about right. :lol :lol
From the way it sounds, this corporate angle is probably never-ending, which is a way for the attention whore that is HHH to keep himself involved in the top program without actually having to wrestle. What a shock.
That is a big reason why I stopped watching. He and Stephanie are both brutal to listen to on the mic, and not in a "they are heels so we are supposed to hate them" way, but more in a "they make me turn if off" way.
I'd still hit her. Just press mute.
-
I've never found her that attractive, but then again, balloon-looking fake boobs and overly muscular, manly shoulders don't really do it for me. :P :lol
-
I'm so glad I don't watch this crap anymore. Even my dad, who has watched wrestling regularly since I was born, barely watches anymore, because of how bad it is. Sheamus is a mid-carder, yet now he's the champion? Oh my. :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin For those old enough to remember, that would be like if The Warlord was the champion in 1991.
Let me know when Bryan or Punk are back, and then maybe I'll watch again.
Sheamus keeps getting pushed because he is or used to be Triple H's spotter. That, and the fact that Vince likes big men.
The MITB briefcase holder does nothing but job after he wins the briefcase, so that it's a surprise when he actually cashes in and succeeds. Ziggler and Bryan never won a match in the interim. Rollins and Sheamus were protected a little better, but even Sheamus was jobbing left and right lately, including earlier in the PPV.
I wouldn't consider Sheamus a midcarder, per se. He was pushed to the moon immediately. He beat Cena twice for the WWE title, albeit in table matches and that sort of thing, and then he singlehandedly started the Yes Movement when he was booked to beat Bryan for the World Title in record time and the fans revolted. He was also one of the stars who crossed the picket line and was given mic time with Cena and Punk during that stupid "strike" by the rest of the roster when Mark Henry among others made the WWE an unsafe work environment, essentially positioning him as a top guy who "cared more about the fans" than the rest of the roster. He also got to pass out to Rusev's accolade instead of tap, which Vince doesn't allow his top faces to do, so he's been positioned as a big deal for years now. It's just that his reaction, face or heel, doesn't justify his placement.
I've never found her that attractive, but then again, balloon-looking fake boobs and overly muscular, manly shoulders don't really do it for me. :P :lol
It works for Nikki Bella.
My opinion on Stephanie changes, depending on how her weight fluctuates. I thought she looked good in her dominatrix ring gear when she "wrestled" Brie at SummerSlam in '14, but she goes through periods where she's as big as a horse. That said, she and Triple H are the reason the show gets 2's in the Nielsens instead of 3.5s-4s, because we're accustomed to having a 20 minute Authority promo every week shoved down our throats, then 3 or 4 backstage segments with them, and half the time they go back and forth as crooked or benevolent authority figures (the Divas Revolution, i.e.) that there's no continuity. Maybe they're just supposed to be incompetent like Roger Goodell?
Either way, the WWE is the fourth or fifth best promotion on TV right now, behind New Japan and their own developmental league (albeit online, prescription channel), Ring of Honor, and in some people's eyes, Lucha Underground. At least while they're still on the air, TNA is far worse, but even their product was better than current WWE in the late 2000s, before Hogan and Bischoff strip mined the company.
-
I cannot wait for Lucha Underground to come back. That show is a clinic in good booking and utilizing all of your talent effectively, not to mention the wrestling being consistently top notch.
Someone needs to tell them that using the term Divas Revolution as a storyline defeats the entire purpose of the Divas Revolution. :facepalm: Kind of like how at Wrestlemania they kept telling us something was a Wrestlemania moment.
I skimmed through Raw quicker than ever this week. I just can't sit through the same old tired Authority bullshit week after week. It's not because they're good at being heels, it's because it's tedious as hell and redundant to watch and makes me hate WWE. Even in fast forward, I can tell exactly what they're saying, because it's the same generic crap they said last week and the week before. Just because you did it well once in the attitude era, doesn't mean it will work with every single top face of the week. It's obviously not getting Reigns over. Time to just nuke it all and start fresh.
-
TNA is far worse, but even their product was better than current WWE in the late 2000s, before Hogan and Bischoff strip mined the company.
It was so depressing to see that TNA delivered in 2009 back-to-back quality main-event matches, two PPVs in a Row, regarding guys like Styles, Christopher Daniels, Samoa Joe, Kurt Angle, and Desmond Wolfe (Nigel Mcguinness) and then it all just went to crap a few years later (maybe even sooner).
-
Between Raw, Smackdown, NXT, the Network, and the half dozen other weekly shows, WWE has just oversaturated their product. I'm as big of a wrestling fan as you'll get, and I'm tired of the current product. That should tell you something.
The first thing they need to do is go back to a two hour Raw, but that likely won't happen due to the lost revenue. But their current ratings are getting scary low. It's going to get worse if they continue as is
-
Just wanted to add one thing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci1wkgqt6g8
-
Between Raw, Smackdown, NXT, the Network, and the half dozen other weekly shows, WWE has just oversaturated their product. I'm as big of a wrestling fan as you'll get, and I'm tired of the current product. That should tell you something.
The first thing they need to do is go back to a two hour Raw, but that likely won't happen due to the lost revenue. But their current ratings are getting scary low. It's going to get worse if they continue as is
NXT is almost an alternate universe of WWE, where feuds are well thought out and matches are well-choreographed and given enough time. Sasha Banks was awesome in NXT and she's nothing on the main roster right now, although the fans are definitely making it known that she should be the star of the division.
Smackdown is essentially just a Raw recap show with a few throw-away matches added in that don't seem to count as much as Raw matches. Superstars and Main Event are C level shows the way that Metal, Jakked, et al used to be, although when Main Event started it had only 1 or 2 long matches and appealed to work rate fans like myself. They probably felt that it was too redundant with the NXT weekly show, so they changed it. So Raw is really the only show to watch if you want to be caught up in the storylines (or read 411mania).
-
TNA is far worse, but even their product was better than current WWE in the late 2000s, before Hogan and Bischoff strip mined the company.
It was so depressing to see that TNA delivered in 2009 back-to-back quality main-event matches, two PPVs in a Row, regarding guys like Styles, Christopher Daniels, Samoa Joe, Kurt Angle, and Desmond Wolfe (Nigel Mcguinness) and then it all just went to crap a few years later (maybe even sooner).
The Joe/Kurt feud was good until they brought in Karen Angle. She may be the only person in the world more annoying than Stephanie McMahon.
-
Ahhh, sweet promotion video for NJPW's Wrestle Kingdom 10.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOZ2pE0WRaU&user=NJPW
Looks good. Highlights how big this is, how it's probably the largest wrestling event in the world outside of Wrestlemania, and highlights how popular NJPW is nowadays (far from their prime in the 90s, but I think they are on an uptick atm). Shows a good wide range of demographics from the adult men, to the women, to the kids on how they can enjoy this wrestling promotion without feeling out of place.
Entrances from past events look good. They had Marty Friedman, formerly from Megadeth, play out to Hiroshi Tanahashi while Shinsuke Nakamura came out with strippers during the 2014 version. Such swag. I didn't see too much high production values in the entrances in WK 9 outside of the last two matches and I hope the production values get a little better for the next one.
As for the rest of the video, it mainly highlights the past Wrestle Kingdom main events, mainly seeing Hiroshi Tanahashi winning the majority of the main events with two high fly flows (frog splashes), and shows the card thus far. It's a good watch. I'll be sure to stay up late to watch this event live.
-
Wrestle Kingdom will have a really hard time matching last year's. The Ibushi-Nakamura match for the IC Title was the best match I've seen all year, with only the Royal Rumble three-way and Sasha-Bayley from Brooklyn coming close to it. The rematch between Okada and Tanahashi might not be as good as previous ones because I think it is going to be the eighth match between the two of them, and it will just be more of the same, except that I expect Tanahashi will put him over and there might be a changing of the guard moment.
It sucks that Ibushi is off the card due to his neck injury. He absolutely stole the show last year and was probably destined to replace Tanahashi as the #1 face, although if Tenryu and Mutoh still wrestle at their ages and physical conditions, who knows how much longer Tanahashi will wrestle full time and still be the ace.
I haven't seen the NEVER or IWGP Heavyweight Tag Title matches announced. The Makabe-Ishii match was great in a train wreck sort of way, so they could go that way again. Shibata and Goto could face Guns and Gallows again, based on the World Tag League results, but I think I would rather see Shibata face Makabe or Ishii in a battle of forearms and stiff kicks. The Junior Title Match will be better with Kushida facing Omega instead of Taguchi (the worst native wrestler on the roster IMHO), and the Jr. Tag four-way will be another car crash. They'll probably bring in guys from NOAH or All Japan to fill out a few matches as well.
-
I forgot to mention this year's IC Title Match between Styles and Nakamura. I've always found Styles to be overrated, other than for a couple of his moves, and his character always bored the shit out of me, whether he was a face or a heel. Nakamura is the best in the world, so I'm sure the match will be good, but not as good as last year's, because Ibushi was fantastic.
That video hyping Wrestle Kingdom was awesome, showing the closing sequences of all the main events. I would have liked to see the Mutoh-Tanahashi match in its entirety, even though Mutoh was probably about as mobile as Khali even five years ago. Also, it was cool to see Marty Friedman play Tanahashi out, like Living Color did with Punk and (ugh) Limp Bizkit did with 'Taker.
I'm sure the two Tanahashi-Nakamura matches were probably mind-blowing. I didn't discover the show on AXS until this past August, so I think they played the WK8 match last winter or spring, with the G1 over the summer, since they're almost a year behind.
-
The New Japan show on AXS was good again last night. The NEVER Openweight Title match was extremely good with Honma and Ishii, with one unbelievably crazy spot by Honma. There was a good comedy tag team match with Ibushi and Naito against Sakuraba and Yano. New Japan even does comedy better than WWE, with Yano's exploits (hairpulling, nutshots) at least being funny. The only mediocre match was the six-man with Meiyu Tag and Tanahashi against Guns and Gallows and Tama Tonga. Guns and Gallows are very mediocre compared to even WWE teams like the Usos. There is nothing that stands out about them other than their size. Goto and Shibata did everything they could to make the match watchable, and when Tanahashi came in for his cameo there was little doubt what was going to happen (new boy Tama eats the pin). The best thing about the show every week is that there is no 20 minute long opening promo, and that the only interview segments are taped away from the ring and shown in a retrospective manner months after the matches, at the very end of the show. If WWE copied this, they might regain a few tenths of a ratings point.
-
The card for Wrestle Kingdom 10 is set.
Pre-Show New Japan Rumble - Over-the-top rope battle royal with two participants starting and one minute between entrances. Number and identity of participants TBD.
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship 4-Way - reDRagon (Kyle O'Reilly & Bobby Fish) (c) vs. The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) vs. Roppongi Vice (Rocky Romero & Beretta) vs. Ricochet & Matt Sydal
Special Six Man Tag Team Match - Toru Yano & Two Mystery Wrestlers vs. Bullet Club (Bad Luck Fale, Yujiro Takahashi & Tama Tonga)
Special Singles Match (Note: If Lethal holds the belt at this point, it is performed for the ROH World Championship.)
Jay Lethal vs. Michael Elgin
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship - Kenny Omega (c) vs. KUSHIDA
IWGP Tag Team Championship - Bullet Club (Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows) (c) vs. Great Bash Heel (Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma)
Special Singles Match - Hirooki Goto vs. Tetsuya Naito
NEVER Openweight Championship - Tomohiro Ishii (c) vs. Katsuyori Shibata
IWGP Intercontinental Championship - Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. AJ Styles
IWGP Heavyweight Championship - Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi
My thoughts. Well, this should be a tremendous show. The last three matches, if everyone is 100% and left to their own devices, should be mind-blowing. The junior tag match should be a nice spotfest match (though I did wish it would be just 2v2). The heavyweight tag match, if booked well, could be a great moment in the sun for Honma. As for Elgin/Lethal, Lethal has got a title match coming up against AJ Styles on 12/18, but since this is wrestling and AJ is already in a big title match at WK, there's no way Elgin/Lethal isn't for the ROH belt.
I look forward to the watch.
-
Those last two matches should be excellent. I haven't seen a lot of NJPW, but I look forward to Wrestle Kingdom. Last year was amazing.
Speaking of amazing wrestling next year, Lucha Underground returns on 27th of January.
-
AJ's health, last I read, was up in the air. If he can't go, the Nakamura match will be lackluster because they'll have to pull a retread out of the Battle Royal (Tenzan, Nagata, i.e.).
The NEVER match should be stiff as hell with Ishii against Shibata. Even though Shibata wasn't a particularly good MMA fighter, he looks the part, and everything he does looks as though it hurts. And Ishii gives and takes a great beating, as evidenced by his matches with Makabe and Honma last week.
I'm still a little confused about the heel/face dynamic when it comes to Great Bash Heel. I've always thought that Makabe was a heel, just in the way he carried himself in the ring and how he calls the press "Bastards" repeatedly in the faux press conferences after the matches. His tag team partner, Honma, is cheered big-time however, and Ishii was booed last week. Ishii, meanwhile, is Nakamura's tag team partner. Nakamura is the most over guy in the promotion, even though he is nominally a heel, and the crowd actually laughs or cheers when he cheats, much like Toru Yanu.
The junior singles match will be better this year with Kushida instead of Taguchi, just for the sake of not having to look at Rear Views as a finisher in a serious wrestling match. However, since Kushida is challenging for the singles title, the junior tag match will not be as good with the Time Splitters not in it, although Ricochet and Evan Bourne should be a good replacement, and Roppongi Vice isn't that much different than Forever Hooligans.
Finally, it looks like Tanahashi is going to pass the torch to Okada this year, unless his backstage, political skills rival Triple H's, in which case, he'll continue to hold the top stop long after people want to see new blood. I personally think Nakamura should be the man, because even though they went with him earlier (circa 2003-2004) he was just a bland heel then and not the performer that he is today. I think Tanahashi is credited with bringing the company out of the doldrums of the mid-2000s (Inoki leaving the company, dual IWGP world champions, stronger competition from AJPW and NOAH, etc.), so that is why he still has his spot, but from what I've read, he's becoming Cena-stale.
-
So, I have barely watched this since the spring, but let me get this straight: in the span of two months, Seth Rollins legit broke John Cena's nose and then legit messed up Sting's neck? Yeah, they have a word for wrestlers like that: unsafe. It's probably good for the other performers that he is now out for a while with a torn ACL, since he can't anyone else in the ring if he isn't there.
-
I think it's just bad luck to happen in such close proximity, but two does not make a pattern here. Sting is 100 years old and brittle. The move was done fine, but Sting was clearly too old to be trying to take such a move. If done the same on any current wrestler, there wouldn't have been a problem, and I don't blame Rollins for not having experience fighting someone 20-30 years older than the rest of the roster.
-
and sting took 2 of the damn things. He said the first one felt rough but he thought he could take the second one better. He should have called the spot off.
-
Sting took at least the partial blame for that one.
From what I remember, the John Cena nose injury was a Seth screw up completely.
-
Broken noses happen all the time in wrestling, especially in the indies, where WWE has to find its new talent now that they've put all of the other "Sports Entertainment"-style promotions out of business (TNA is on life support). The non-Lucha indies wrestle a much stiffer, more realistic style, as does New Japan, where most of their competitors came from martial arts and some also fought shoot matches in PRIDE. New Japan guys bust each other open the hard way all the time, and I'm sure I've seen Okada, one of their biggest stars, finish a match with a legitimate concussion, something that WWE wouldn't allow now. Where WWE screwed up is letting Rollins keep too much of his indie move set, as the leaping knee strikes aren't a particularly entertaining move and are capable of legit damage, but then again it is his indie move set that got him over in the first place.
The Sting injury was going to happen with any simple bump, as it was later determined that he has spinal stenosis, which is essentially what ended Steve Austin's and Edge's careers.
Raw's ratings are lower now than Nitro's were when they were cancelled by AOL/Time Warner. There is a major lack of star power on the roster right now. Cena is on hiatus. Rollins and Bryan are out with injuries, and from what I've read, the WWE is never going to clear Bryan (concussion related). Orton is out again with his semi-annual shoulder dislocation, and they pay Lesnar $1M/date, so he's never on TV except on the go-homes before a Top Four p-p-v. The good news is that Big Show is also out with a knee injury, so we're spared more Roman Reigns/Big Show main events, which is what Vince would give us every week.
The WWE has failed to produce new stars for several years now, and they refuse to listen to their fans and continue to push people nobody cares about. The fans want Cesaro as a main eventer, but he's a jobber to the stars (and now he's injured too). They have stopped and started pushes for Dolph Ziggler for about five years now. Everybody they bring up from NXT is buried immediately, like Neville, Tyler Breeze, the Ascension, Adam Rose, etc., although most of them suck anyway. Kevin Owens is the only NXT guy who gets any response at all, and it's mostly favorable, which is bad because he's a heel. They will make Roman Reigns the face of their company no matter how many years it takes, and no matter how little number of fans want to see it happen.
The Divas Revolution is a disaster. They bring up three good female wrestlers from NXT, after years of having bikini models in throwaway, 90-second matches, and essentially integrate them with the holdovers by forming three three-woman-teams and having throwaway, 90-second matches. One of the call ups, Sasha Banks, was an absolute star in NXT and should be the face of the division for years, but she is completely lost in the shuffle and just another girl. The result of all of this is, other than sometimes two divas segments instead of one, is that casual fans don't want to sit through women's matches, while the fans that like NXT-style women's matches are disappointed greatly, so nobody is satisfied. And the fact that they have a Charlotte-Paige feud where they miscast the face-heel dynamic, never have a blow off, and then turn the other heel clearly shows they have no idea what they're doing. Or that Vince and Kevin Dunn just think that all women are bitches.
The fact is people will watch good wrestling if it's available. My cable alone has 900 odd channels. and there are subscription channels in addition. The New Japan show blows everybody else away. The ROH show, despite its low production values, is more entertaining than Raw right now. I don't get Lucha Underground on my cable, but people swear by it. NXT does everything right that the main roster does wrong, except for heavily pushing Eva Marie, but that's a side product of Total Divas
-
One of the first rules of being a pro wrestler is, you have to protect yourself AND your opponent. I can't recall any other top wrestler over decades injuring two wrestlers to that extent in such a short span. If they were loaded right now, I'll bet he would have punished by being demoted to the mid-card after the Cena incident alone, but given that at the time he was the champ and they the cupboard was/is bare, they likely had no choice to let him maintain his position (prior to his injury).
-
Bryan won't get cleared to wrestle because Vince blames him for Reigns being hated by the smarks now. I think it's clear their plan after WM30 was for:
-Lesnar to beat Bryan for the belt at SummerSlam
-Because he beat Bryan, Lesnar would get even more heat as a heel
-Reigns would eventually beat Lesnar at WM31 as a massive face and fans would relish in seeing Lesnar go down
However, once Bryan's neck put him out of commission, Cena became the champ and what happened was:
-Lesnar beat Cena for the belt at SummerSlam, which instead of making him even more of a hated heel, turned him into somewhat of a tweener, since so many dislike Cena
-Bryan was brought back too soon and then eliminated quickly at the Rumble, angering fans, and making fans turn on Reigns, whom they feel the WWE had predetermined to be the man, instead of Bryan, who organically got over as a face because of his natural charisma and awesome wrestling style
-Thus, Reigns did not win over Lesnar at WM, because the fans would have booed him unmercifully, like they did at the end of his Rumble win, so they did the swerve with Rollins running in and cashing in to win the belt
So now, Vince isn't about to let Bryan come back in and take all of the face cheers again, to where the fans take the "we'll boo anyone you put in the WM main event who isn't Daniel Bryan" approach.
-
Everything you wrote until your last paragraph is entirely correct, Kev.
Bryan suffered a major concussion just after winning the Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania. It was either in a televised match against Ziggler or on the English tour in a match against Sheamus. The plan was for Bryan to elevate the IC belt the same way that Cena elevated the U.S. belt, by being defended every week on Smackdown and carrying the championship for months, maybe losing it briefly a time or two (like Rollins' month-long U.S. reign) but always regaining it. Vince finally realized that passing the two mid-card belts around like a hot potato did nothing for their credibility and that by putting them on main eventers they'd become more than trinkets. Plus it had the added benefit of giving Bryan's fans the satisfaction that he would at least be the undisputed star of Smackdown, since the WHC rarely appeared on it.
Of course, after Bryan relinquished the belt, it became a trinket again as it was given to Ryback and now Owens.
The WWE is struggling very badly right now and Vince would definitely activate Bryan right now if there was no issue. He'd be the IC champ, although with Raw in the low 2's they'd probably bring him back to the flagship show. They would just keep him out of the main event scene to not sabotage Reigns. Vince is clearly worried about the Billy Jack Haynes/class-action concussion lawsuit and isn't going to let the plaintiffs use Bryan as exhibit A.
-
I thought Ryback and Kevin owens were good IC champs, and if ambrose wins at TLC I'm sure he will be too.
On a side note they just announced a Takeover event for Wrestlemania Weekend. Takeover Brooklyn blew summerslam out of the water IMO and I would not be surprised if people end up liking this one more than mania.
-
TLC wasn't as bad as I expected (although I expected nothing).
The pre-show match with Sasha Banks vs Becky Lynch was great, it's a shame it was a match with no build-up blown on the pre-show. Maybe don't parrot Divas Revolution endlessly when you can't stick another women's match on the main show despite the popularity of Sasha (who's supposed to be a heel). The crowd still got behind it though. That match flowed so well, it just annoyed me more that any of the existing "divas" have been booked in competitive matches with these NXT girls.
The opening match was excellent. The New Day are stars, and are so over right now. The match itself was better than I expected, some great original high spots, and Xavier Woods on commentary was one of the best things ever.
Dean Ambrose winning was a pleasant surprise. I suppose this means they'll feud for another PPV or two, which I'm more than ok with. The match was solid.
The Diva's title match was ok, except that they can't even book their title feud properly. Diva's revolution my ass. Let's turn the champ heel right before the match, but leave Paige a heel too. Why do they have to make this look so hard?
The title match stunk, but the crowd knew it, so that softened the blow. I'm thoroughly over the tired done to death story they're pushing for Reigns leading into the Rumble /Wrestlemania stretch. If it worked in the Attitude era, surely it will keep working again and again for the next 20 years, right?
-
I thought the title match was actually pretty good. The crowd really got on my nerves during it.
Also Im glad there is an actual storyline developing with Charlotte alienating Becky with her actions. First time a divas storyline has made sense in months.
-
Hopefully they can build enough of a storyline to stop using the words "diva's revolution" ever again. :lol
Heel Charlotte vs face Sasha Banks, Wrestlemania, make it happen.
-
So Vince poached Mauro Ranallo from New Japan to take over haed announcing duties on Smackdown. That sucks for the AXS New Japan show, because Ranallo's commentary was awesome. I hope they let Ranallo call matches the way he wants to, without Vince in his headset and Booker and Lawler arguing for time and trying to get themselves over, but with Vince, who knows. I wish Ranallo got the RAW and p-p-v announcing gig, but he can't do it because it's a live show and he'll always be travelling weekends calling Showtime fights. He can do Smackdown because it's a taped in the middle of the week. Between Ranallo and Cole there is no comparison, and the B show will probably be worth watching now. It just sucks that he won't be doing the A Show.
-
^^ That's a shame. Is it possible to pull triple duty between AXS NJPW show, Smackdown, and the Showtime fights? Too much to ask for? All right, I guess we need a new guy for NJPW on AXS TV. I wonder who will it be? I say either Matt Striker or J.R. They seem to do a decent job at Wrestle Kingdom 9, albeit JR was a tad rusty and didn't have a great grasp (still decent though) of the NJPW guys, but he still brought a big-time vibe to it and put NJPW over as a credible alternative product well.
-
My understanding is that Jeff Jarrett brokered Jim Ross for Wrestle Kingdom 9, and that Ross himself does not want a permanent gig, and would probably cost more than what NJPW wants to do the voice overs post production. Striker is more of color man, and Barnett is the best in the business at that as far as I am concerned. They have a partnership with ROH, so my guess is that Kevin Kelly will end up doing it.
-
Hey now we don't have to worry of Roman is gonna win the rumble again. :yeahright
-
Sounds like smart booking for a change, for a variety of reasons:
1) it got the belt off of that clown Sheamus.
2) it added some unpredictability to the Rumble.
3) it got Reigns over a bit with the smarks (although I am sure they will turn on him again soon :lol), which wouldn't have happen with another Rumble win and inevitable WM win.
4) it makes RAW worth checking out again, since you never know when a title change might happen on it.
Also, checking out the end of TLC on YT, Stephanie has officially entered the Vickie Guerrero territory of getting heat because she is annoying in general, not because she acts like a heel. When she screams, it's like nails on the chalkboard. That is mainly why I stopped watching, since any promo with her and HHH features her being annoying as hell and him droning on in his boring token promo voice for 14 minutes. When either starts talking, I change the channel.
-
Also, checking out the end of TLC on YT, Stephanie has officially entered the Vickie Guerrero territory of getting heat because she is annoying in general, not because she acts like a heel. When she screams, it's like nails on the chalkboard. That is mainly why I stopped watching, since any promo with her and HHH features her being annoying as hell and him droning on in his boring token promo voice for 14 minutes. When either starts talking, I change the channel.
You mean something like what The Rock is referencing here?
https://youtu.be/KYEhpByMUD4?t=5m55s
It's hard to believe it, but somehow almost 16 years later, they apparently still do the same thing. It's also hard to believe that NXT HHH is so much different and gives more purpose in the grand scheme of things to wrestling than the main shows HHH.
-
Hey now we don't have to worry of Roman is gonna win the rumble again. :yeahright
I stand corrected.
-
Hey now we don't have to worry of Roman is gonna win the rumble again. :yeahright
I stand corrected.
The ONE upside to Roman Reigns being champ gone. Maybe they'll make it 3/3 for RR trainwrecks. Either RR is winning the rumble, or he's losing it to win it back at WM. Either way he'll be in the title match at WM. I really don't want anyone to have to job to Reigns at WM.
In better news, I watched Wrestle Kingdom 10 today. Perhaps not quite as good as last year's overall, but still excellent. The commentary was a downer, with Striker playing second fiddle, plus the addition of that worthless 3rd guy.
In worse news, WWE has signed Nakamura and AJ Styles. :(
-
This one hurts my soul. Triple H is #30... wins the Rumble....and the belt... setting up Triple H and Reigns at Mania.
-
This one hurts my soul. Triple H is #30... wins the Rumble....and the belt... setting up Triple H and Reigns at Mania.
I'd laugh, but I wouldn't even put it past HHH.
-
I find the AJ Styles signing very interesting. I would imagine they will utilize him on the main roster instead of just NXT.
-
The rumor going around is that they'll make a Bullet Club-WWE with Balor, Karl Anderson, Doc Gallows and AJ Styles. Which wouldn't be a bad idea, but AJ deserves a singles push.
-
Maybe it will be like the Radicalz where Benoit and Guerrero eventually branched out.
-
I would totally be OK with that! Balor and AJ branching out would be great! Karl Anderson is a good wrestler but I don't see him getting a big push in WWE.
I'm also expecting WWE to totally shit all over what makes Nakamura great.
-
A group would be a good place for AJ to start and hopefully develop into a singles star.
Kenny Omega is somebody that would be an awesome fit for NXT. He resides in Japan but is from my hometown and still works an independent organization here every three months or so. It's a small bar show but this guy is just an amazing athlete and he is doing very well in Japan
-
Kenny Omega was once under a development deal with WWE but left because he hated Bill DeMott and has (rumors) turn them down twice because of that bad experience.
And he's about to get a mega push on NJPW so he won't be leaving anytime soon!
-
Now Cena is out for most of the year...
-
Now Cena is out for most of the year...
Which sucks. :( People like to hate on Cena, but he always puts on excellent matches, and Undertaker vs Cena was the only potential and likely match at this point I was excited to see. I don't know what they're doing with Taker now, but unless it's Kevin Owens or something, it's gonna be total shit.
Wrestlemania is going to be awful this year. Every single title winner out of last year's Wrestlemania is currently out injured. If they were smart, they could build up the mid-card that deserves to be in the bigger matches, and maybe even get totally crazy and have two Divas matches, but they won't. Instead they'll scrape together part timer veterans, and probably pad it out with jobber big guys.
-
The WWE deserves this. Now, that doesn't mean I am happy to see Cena or Rollins or anybody else hurt, but after years of them giving the majority of the best spots in the biggest PPV of the year to part-timers, this is the roosters coming home to roost. I think it's hilarious that they are having Wrestlemania this year in a venue that holds so many people, with such a depleted talent pool.
-
The WWE deserves this. Now, that doesn't mean I am happy to see Cena or Rollins or anybody else hurt, but after years of them giving the majority of the best spots in the biggest PPV of the year to part-timers, this is the roosters coming home to roost. I think it's hilarious that they are having Wrestlemania this year in a venue that holds so many people, with such a depleted talent pool.
And even before a lot of the injuries, I haven't heard about a lot of solid plans anyway. Last year the big matches were known months in advance, but this year it's been a bunch of vague rumours.
It's their own fault they're scrambling. They arguably have a more talented roster than ever overall, but they have no idea how to develop stars or handle multiple story lines, or even give people what they clearly want. They have NXT to develop great new talent, then basically bury them out of spite once they get to the main roster, they dismiss fan response to a lot of popular wrestlers, and the few times they manage to let something good develop, they manage to ruin it because they don't understand why it worked in the first place.
-
Well, I have to admit that I never watch NXT, and I barely watch RAW anymore, but I did tune in the other night at the end and that was embarrassing. Even Vince did a horrific job of selling that shit at the end.
Oh, and Stephanie has reached Vickie Guerrero status: she is so annoying in general that she makes me change the channel instantly. It's not a matter of "heal heat where you are supposed to hate her"; it's a matter of "when she talks, I just want to rip my ears off and throw them at her."
-
I haven't watched or followed Raw at all since Sheamus won the title, and it was only downhill from there with Reigns. I don't watch the weekly NXT shows, but I usually catch the special shows, so I know how good they really are before being buried in tag matches on Smackdown on the main roster.
-
I bothered to watch this last Raw before the Royal Rumble, and boy is it going to suck. The rest of the card actually looks pretty good, but the RR match itself is going suck even harder than last year.
With Reigns coming in #1, the entire Rumble will be about him regardless of whether he wins or loses, since whoever wins is just setting him up to win at Wrestlemania anyway. Last year he came in around half way, and the entire Rumble still suffered hugely because it was completely one track minded, so imagine that with Reigns in there the entire time. Forget side stories, forget good pacing, it's all Reigns Reigns Reigns this year. Win or lose, he'll make it to the end.
It's the most blatant rehash of Austin in the Attitude era, except without the personality, the popularity, the justification or the dynamic, and the worst part is that it's going to be a dumbass crowd who will eat it right up and validate McMahon's ass-backwards way of thinking and his belief that Reigns is over.
It looks like they're setting up to possibly waste Lesnar in a throwaway feud with Wyatt, which doesn't leave many real legitimate contenders to win the Rumble. We'll probably get HHH as a surprise entrant at #30 to win it so Reigns can win it back at WM, because HHH loves to insert himself into any big storyline and pump up his legend status in his own mind. Reigns can't go into WM as the champ, because there's no real story there.
On the plus side, I decided to sign up for the free month on the WWE Network to watch the PPV live for the first time in over a decade, so at least I'll be disappointed in realtime with everyone else. :lol
-
I do always enjoy looking forward to the Rumble match itself; even though most of them are disappointing overall. I wonder who will be the surprise entrants this year- Triple H, Angle, Styles?
The 1992 Rumble match is one of my all time favorite matches ever. Monsoon and Brain were on fire commentating as well.
RIP Iron Mike Sharpe
-
My brother and I were talking about this last night, and I came up with what and who the WWE really needs.
Hogan.
:neverusethis:
-
I do always enjoy looking forward to the Rumble match itself; even though most of them are disappointing overall. I wonder who will be the surprise entrants this year- Triple H, Angle, Styles?
The 1992 Rumble match is one of my all time favorite matches ever. Monsoon and Brain were on fire commentating as well.
RIP Iron Mike Sharpe
Monsoon and Heenan. That's a classic announcing team! Rewatching the old Rumbles, it's so refreshing to hear great commentary from JR, Striker, and even Taz and a few others (the oldest I've watched recently is 1996). The current commentary is just wallpaper noise. They should use that new Smackdown guy for PPVs.
I heard that Styles will debut the Raw after the Rumble, so I wouldn't expect him as a surprise entrant. They don't want to create too much buzz for anyone but Reigns, and the average WWE viewer probably doesn't know him well enough. I think Angle is recovering from injuries, and they didn't want to hire him last time he was free (which sucks because he's one of my absolute all time favourite wrestlers).
I expect HHH, and maybe a couple of NXT guys to pad out numbers if they're running low. Or just dig out some wrestlers you forgot were still employed like Goldust.
The Royal Rumble has always been my favourite PPV, but the last couple of years they've missed the mark so hard and ignored all of that potential. In the old Rumbles, they would plant the seeds of so many Wrestlemania feuds.
-
I agree about the commentating, it's really been lacking. And I really can't stand listening to JBL
Mauro Ranallo is one of their best signings. I think he should become the lead announcer on Raw and PPV's. Awesome announcer!
-
I agree about the commentating, it's really been lacking. And I really can't stand listening to JBL
Mauro Ranallo is one of their best signings. I think he should become the lead announcer on Raw and PPV's. Awesome announcer!
I hate JBL. His heel colour style is too forced, not like the classic personalities who did it naturally. WWE doesn't value the announcing role which is why we've been stuck with ex-wrestlers and random employees. Who thought it was a good idea to give Byron Saxton a microphone? :lol The three man announcer team needs to go. Too many cooks in the kitchen.
I haven't heard a lot of Ranallo since I don't watch Smackdown, but I hear nothing but good things, and they badly need a real commentator like him. Commentary is crucial for more than just advertising the WWE Network and plugging Twitter hashtags, it's important to put over the talent and sell the storylines. JR got you emotionally invested in a match and made it feel real, the current team just makes you feel like you're watching a rifftrack of a tacky comedy soap.
-
Ranallo is the real deal. He's Canadian so I've been hearing and seeing him for years on various fight/mma shows. He is very credible and knowledgable about all things wrestling and fighting.
WWE is in a major rut right now and they need to change up many aspects, announcing is one of them. IMO they are on the right track by getting Ranallo.
But the Raw format itself needs an overhaul. Maybe change up the look and design, the entrance ramp, music. It's just so stale as is. There was a time where I wouldn't dare miss an episode of Raw, but now it's just meh if I do.
It desperately needs to go back to two hours
-
Agreed on all counts. The only reason they stick to three hours is money, which wouldn't be an issue if the product was good/popular enough, but it isn't. I'm tired of seeing the exact same set for every single Raw and PPV, the same music, the same commentary (and getting worse going from King to Saxton), the same tired promo to start the show, the worn out authority thing, seeing the exact same kinds of guys getting pushed while the same guys continue to get overlooked and held back, the same storylines told the same way.
The whole company is stuck in a rut that I don't see ending until McMahon dies, and even then...
-
The authority gimmick needs to be shut down for sure
-
I dont really blame the commentators for the commentary. I blame the fact that Vince is always in their ear directing them. That was one of the reasons Mick Foley quit doing it.
The authority gimmick needs to be shut down for sure
And yes totally. HHH even looks bored as hell most of the time now like he would rather be doing something else.
-
The authority gimmick needs to be shut down for sure
I'm just sick of seeing the same Attitude era storyline recycled, especially when it makes no sense, and is just face = bad, heel = good. At one point the authority was trying to stop Cena being champ FFS.
We want a dependable champion who's best for business. Mr "Make-A-Wish all time champion who never misses a day of work unless he breaks his neck and needs to take a week off to recover" isn't a good fit at all!
I dont really blame the commentators for the commentary. I blame the fact that Vince is always in their ear directing them. That was one of the reasons Mick Foley quit doing it.
I bet Michael Cole hears permanent voices in his head at this point telling him what to do. That dude is an empty husk of a human being.
-
In other news, JR is now going to do commentary for NJPW on AXS TV.
https://411mania.com/wrestling/jim-ross-official-for-njpw-on-axs-tv-commentary-job/
Huzzah!!! This is actually something, even though NJPW themselves has nothing to do with it, NJPW needs that could be to their benefit. They lost four guys, two of them some of their top guys of the company, and AXS lost a really great commentator in Mauro Ranallo that did a great job on the AXS show. AXS bringing JR in could somehow bring a little more eyeballs to the NJPW product, even if the matches occurred a lot of months ago.
-
Bad feeling about tonight's rumble match. Don't want to see any of my top 3 win.....
Since TLC, I've been saying that Triple H is going to win the Royal Rumble, and now, hours away, I am sticking with that pick, even as it's gained traction. I can realistically see him, Brock or Roman winning it. Outside chance to Bryan, if he's healthy and reliable, or Rollins if he had a freakish recovery.
I will be rooting for Ambrose, Ziggler, or any other "deserving" grinder. Hope it's entertaining.
-
Zero chance of Bryan being in it, or Rollins. Brock will get cost his chance by the Wyatts and that will be his wasted WM match.
I'm sticking with HHH from man #30, if not then Reigns retaining.
And the Last Man Standing opening? FFS
-
ugh... goodnight.
-
I don't mind HHH winning as it at least makes sense with the ongoing storyline. Since he's going to be seeing more action maybe he actually wont look bored as hell during the authority segments now.
-
And not a single person was surprised in the slightest.
Well, that was predictable as hell, but otherwise that was a great show. Every match was good and had the best outcome, AJ Styles had a good showing, the crowd was amazing, and the RR match itself was overall well booked.
I'm not happy about the Wyatt family taking on Lesnar, but they were smart with having the entire family come out to beat him and toss him out before Reigns came back, and it made sense to have them clear house.
HHH at #30 was the worst kept secret ever, but I was slightly surprised they got rid of Reigns before Ambrose, but that was quite smart of them. People didn't boo the final two, and HHH didn't get cheered as he did against Reigns. It does't make sense that Reigns disappeared and didn't help his former Shield buddy win the belt to get back at HHH.
Kofi got a crap deal. They gave him his little spot of getting caught and parading around a while, and I was getting nervous it took so long to get back in the ring, then suddenly I couldn't see him and it turns out he got eliminated off camera. Poop.
It was silly that Reigns got beaten up but was able to walk to the back. If you can walk, you get back in the Rumble. You couldn't even take Foley out of a HIAC match on a stretcher, but Reigns went and took a breather. Then when he came back, he wasn't stumbling or selling his injury, he burst out like he was well rested. You don't sit out that long. The way that was booked didn't make him look like a fighter or an underdog as they wanted.
And I'm sorry Orlando I underestimated you. An amazing crowd. They got into everything, they cheered (and booed) loudly.
The rest of the show was good. Ambrose/Owens was very good, and that table spot was a cool ending. The tag match was a lot of fun (although watching this one live, I missed a bit due to loading). The New Day keep getting better and better. The women's match was good but could have even gone longer. It was well built up and booked though. Sasha Banks got one of the biggest pops of the night, and I'm excited for Charlotte/Sasha at WM. I hate Del Rio, but that match wasn't too bad.
-
Triple H's retirement reign maybe?
Roman Reigns wouldn't be so bad if he had more than 3 moves. Even Goldberg had more moves, and was more entertaining too. I like Lesnar, but Suplex City is boring. Do something else for fucks sake.
-
Lesnar is capable of a lot more, but that's his thing these days. I still find it entertaining to just see him snap the shit out of everyone, so I'm fine with that, especially in a Rumble.
Reigns just sucks though. He has a punch, a tackle, and a jump kick. Space that out with punches and clotheslines. That's it. He makes the Rock look like Bret Hart by comparison, and the Rock at least compensated with charisma, which Reigns lacks entirely.
-
Solid show overall. Very cool to see Styles show up; interested to see what they do with him tommorow on Raw.
Triple H champ? meh
-
First episode back of Lucha Underground was great. That's how you do a heel manager/champion!
-
First episode back and they set up resistance to the heel manager/champion's reign, broke the champion's arm (by a heel that got a white meat babyface pop), had a woman compete in the main event for it's top championship and killed 3 people!
I fucking love this show!
-
Well I just started watching NXT after hearing all the rave reviews and I love it... guess I'll check out LU as well. Where can I watch it though?
By the way NXT is fucking great.
-
Unfortunately, if you don't have El Rey network or like Sling or (I think) Roku, you'd have to, illegally, stream or torrent it.
-
Ok. Gonna have to do the stream thing. Thanx, bro. :tup
-
If you were a professional wrestler, and could use any piece of music, what would your walk-up music be?
-
First episode back and they set up resistance to the heel manager/champion's reign, broke the champion's arm (by a heel that got a white meat babyface pop), had a woman compete in the main event for it's top championship and killed 3 people!
I fucking love this show!
:lol Beautiful summary.
I loved how the look on lvelisse's face slowly changed from "I just won the match and earned a title shot" to "Oh shit I'm about to get killed by Mil Muertes". :lol That's how you sell!
I also like how they changed the look to match the new management by darkening the lighting and removing the band. I miss the band, but it works to make the whole thing feel like it's legitimately being run differently and evolving. Not just the same thing year in, year out........
The filmed sections were pretty cool too. They didn't just ignore Vampiro's storyline and go right back to commentary, they gave him a little video to bring him back. I'm glad Dario Cueto is still around too.
-
Yep just watched the season 2 premier. I'm loving it. Shoulda told me Johnny Nitro was there.
-
I watched the Royal Rumble without reading anything on the web about wrestling for some time and I was shocked about the entrance of AJ Styles and really surprised that Triple H won the Rumble.
It's difficult for WWE to not be predictable when every news is available on the web. If Dean Ambrose had lost the Intercontinental Title at the start of the show I would have believed in his winning at the end (I hoped for a moment that given the low ratings they wanted to give the title to Ambrose).
I think it was the best PPV since the last Wrestlemania
-
If you were a professional wrestler, and could use any piece of music, what would your walk-up music be?
Quite frankly, I'd would use this theme. It's NJPW/DDT's Kota Ibushi theme song. Sounds very rocking and has a, I want to say, heroic feel to it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Lq4zrFo_mI
-
Me watching Tyler Breeze get wasted on the main roster:
(https://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss196/axeman9182/braincrying_zpsmywusxhg.gif)
-
If you were a professional wrestler, and could use any piece of music, what would your walk-up music be?
The Zoo by the Scorpions. I've always thought this would be a bad ass tune to walk down to.
-
Daniel Bryan's announced his retirement. I need to go lay down for a couple hours.
-
That sucks. A Bryan-Styles match would have been epic.
-
Daniel Bryan's announced his retirement. I need to go lay down for a couple hours.
I just read he's going to appear on Raw to announce it... Is it a work? Could be an angle leading to a retirement match at Mania? I hope :-[
-
Daniel Bryan's announced his retirement. I need to go lay down for a couple hours.
I just read he's going to appear on Raw to announce it... Is it a work? Could be an angle leading to a retirement match at Mania? I hope :-[
Yeah, I'm holding out hope it's some kind of work, but we'll see. He tweeted that he was retiring effective immediately and that he'll be on Raw tonight to explain.
-
Daniel Bryan's announced his retirement. I need to go lay down for a couple hours.
I just read he's going to appear on Raw to announce it... Is it a work? Could be an angle leading to a retirement match at Mania? I hope :-[
Yeah, I'm holding out hope it's some kind of work, but we'll see. He tweeted that he was retiring effective immediately and that he'll be on Raw tonight to explain.
Looks like a lot of non-wrestling news sources are reporting it too. This might be the real deal :(
-
If true, that really sucks. I almost never watch anymore, and with Bryan retired and Punk seemingly done for a while, I can't see watching regularly ever again.
-
If true, that really sucks. I almost never watch anymore, and with Bryan retired and Punk seemingly done for a while, I can't see watching regularly ever again.
Punk in MMA? Wonder if he'll do any good?
The most I've followed WWE in the past 7-8 years is this thread.
-
I used to be a big fan back in the late 90's but the best thing to happen to the WWE would be to get rid of anyone with the last name of McMahon and HHH.
-
I used to be a big fan back in the late 90's but the best thing to happen to the WWE would be to get rid of anyone with the last name of McMahon and HHH.
Oh if only.
Bryan's retirement segment was so sad. If you didn't tear up during that, you have no soul.
-
I used to be a big fan back in the late 90's but the best thing to happen to the WWE would be to get rid of anyone with the last name of McMahon and HHH.
Nah if anything HHH should be in charge. I have enjoyed NXT a whole lot more than I have the main roster shows for a while now.
-
I used to be a big fan back in the late 90's but the best thing to happen to the WWE would be to get rid of anyone with the last name of McMahon and HHH.
Oh if only.
Bryan's retirement segment was so sad. If you didn't tear up during that, you have no soul.
I honesty didn't. Mostly because I didn't believe a word of it. My bad. That's on me.
-
Yep, I tuned it at the end last night to watch and it was pretty brutal. That guy spend so many years working his way up, gets as over with the crowd as many as any wrestler ever, finally gets to the top against all odds, and then has his career taken out from under him due to injuries. Very unfair.
-
I honesty didn't. Mostly because I didn't believe a word of it. My bad. That's on me.
Sometimes, that's a fair thought. We never really want the things we love so much to be taken away from us that we want to deny any information that can take away the things we love. With all these information becoming more and more pronounced, it's quite clear that Daniel Bryan, or Bryan Danielson, will not step into a wrestling ring as an active wrestler ever again in any promotion. The shock is still there where Edge retired out of nowhere, and I'm sure some people want to deny that, during his retirement speech, but they knew that Edge had his problems with his neck (similar with Austin) and that it was a matter of time. In Bryan's case, his time to retire has come now as sad and as soon as it is.
-
I used to be a big fan back in the late 90's but the best thing to happen to the WWE would be to get rid of anyone with the last name of McMahon and HHH.
Oh if only.
Bryan's retirement segment was so sad. If you didn't tear up during that, you have no soul.
I honesty didn't. Mostly because I didn't believe a word of it. My bad. That's on me.
Bryan has never been very natural on the mic for promos, so I knew that was all straight from the heart and honest. You could tell he was really soaking in that final experience and not taking it for granted, and was tearing up. :(
It's so sad to see a guy who worked so hard to earn his spot get taken out that way at the height of his popularity. Almost nobody else in the company gets a pop like that.
-
Just saw on FB that Wade Barrett is leaving because he is dissatisfied with his role. While he had bad luck with injuries, I always thought they wasted him. He had that natural heel charisma, yet he was never really relevant once the Nexus storyline ended, and that was like five years ago or so.
I flipped on RAW right at 10 last night to see what the main event was and about fell off my couch laughing at how pathetic it was.
-
Just saw on FB that Wade Barrett is leaving because he is dissatisfied with his role. While he had bad luck with injuries, I always thought they wasted him. He had that natural heel charisma, yet he was never really relevant once the Nexus storyline ended, and that was like five years ago or so.
Yeah, it must be frustrating, WWE is supposed to be the Mount Olympus of the wrestling world and everybody aspires to get there, so to actually get there and then basically be put on the shelf must be a terrible feeling... Just waiting for all the 'I'm afraid I've got some bad news' memes to show up now ;D
On another note, does anybody know anything about The Undertakers Wrestlemania opponent? Apparently he will definitely be wrestling and Vince has chosen his opponent, but it is not somebody on the current roster.... Sting has been suggested but he still has a spinal injury from taking that second turnbuckle powerbomb from Rollins so seems unlikely...
-
Just saw on FB that Wade Barrett is leaving because he is dissatisfied with his role. While he had bad luck with injuries, I always thought they wasted him. He had that natural heel charisma, yet he was never really relevant once the Nexus storyline ended, and that was like five years ago or so.
Yeah, it must be frustrating, WWE is supposed to be the Mount Olympus of the wrestling world and everybody aspires to get there, so to actually get there and then basically be put on the shelf must be a terrible feeling... Just waiting for all the 'I'm afraid I've got some bad news' memes to show up now ;D
On another note, does anybody know anything about The Undertakers Wrestlemania opponent? Apparently he will definitely be wrestling and Vince has chosen his opponent, but it is not somebody on the current roster.... Sting has been suggested but he still has a spinal injury from taking that second turnbuckle powerbomb from Rollins so seems unlikely...
It better not be Sting, or Goldberg, or The Rock. I have a sinking feeling The Undertaker is going to end up in another terrible match this WM. I'm still praying that Cena makes a miraculous recovery, because an old Undertaker and a recovering Cena is still going to be by far the best match they've got going. I would have loved Owens, but that got shot down. Ambrose would be a great option too, but probably unlikely. In a perfect world, Kurt Angle would make a surprise comeback. :lol
They've got piss poor plans right now if they expect to fill up a stadium of 100k people, and keep them there by the end of the title match. But hey, maybe they'll scrape something together. The last two Wrestlemanias were surprisingly good considering the card.
-
It better not be Sting, or Goldberg, or The Rock. I have a sinking feeling The Undertaker is going to end up in another terrible match this WM. I'm still praying that Cena makes a miraculous recovery, because an old Undertaker and a recovering Cena is still going to be by far the best match they've got going. I would have loved Owens, but that got shot down. Ambrose would be a great option too, but probably unlikely. In a perfect world, Kurt Angle would make a surprise comeback. :lol
They've got piss poor plans right now if they expect to fill up a stadium of 100k people, and keep them there by the end of the title match. But hey, maybe they'll scrape something together. The last two Wrestlemanias were surprisingly good considering the card.
Sting is unlikely, The Rock apparently can't wrestle due to his insurance but will still 'appear' at the event, and GOLDBERG!!? Dear lord let's hope not... Kevin Owens/Taker could be a great match if they gave it some time and build up, I even found myself thinking Chris Jericho would be good opponent for Taker, again with the right build up, but this is when the leading rumour was Braun Strowman so I'd take just about anybody other than him :-\ Kurt Angle returning to face Taker would be awesome, they've had some really good matches in the past.... I really hope his opponent isn't something completely stupid :(
They've also been pestering Shawn Michaels to come back and do something fro a while but he keeps turning them down... They wanted him at the Rumble but he said no... Wonder if they'll get him in for Mania?
-
I don't think so. Shawn seems to be enjoying retirement. He liked his retirement match so much he does not want to ruin it by coming back.
-
I doubt they'll be able to sway Michaels, and I'm with Michaels on that one. He went out on an incredible high, and there's no point coming back for an average WWE storyline just so they can make some money. Michaels doesn't need it.
Braun Strowman should not have a 1 on 1 match at all at WM. He cannot wrestle, he doesn't deserve the spot over all of the veterans who have busted their asses off over the years only to not get good WM matches, and he's just the last in an unfortunately far too long list of shitty big guys that Vince has a raging boner for. He's fine as part of the Wyatts in an enforcer role, but that's it.
-
Did Strowman only get sent to the main roster because of his looks? I thought only the best of the best from NXT got sent up.
-
Its obvious vince cares more about looks than actual wrestling ability. Pretty much always has.
-
he's just the last in an unfortunately far too long list of shitty big guys that Vince has a raging boner for.
I genuinely LOL'd at this! It's so true... Sticking Taker with lumbering big guys who can barely work was bad enough when he was full-time, but it's just a waste now he only wrestles a couple of times a year, so I'm glad this isn't happening.
And totally agree about HBK, his final few rivalries with Ric Flair, Chris Jericho and Undertaker were just perfect, and the retirement match was fantastic, anything else would just spoil it.
-
I'd love to see Undertaker go up against Demon Balor at Mania.
-
Kamala
or possibly
King Kong Bundy
-
A match with Kamala would be pretty entertaining, considering the dude has no legs.
-
I'd love to see Undertaker go up against Demon Balor at Mania.
YES PLEASE!!!!!! :tup
-
Too bad Giant Gonzalez isn't still around for a rematch.
-
A match with Kamala would be pretty entertaining, considering the dude has no legs.
:metal
-
Predictable as hell outcome to that triple threat, but an enjoyable match nonetheless thanks to Lesnar and Ambrose.
The opening Divas tag match was quite good, obviously thanks to Sasha and Becky.
I couldn't watch Big Show/Kane/Ryback against the Wyatts, but what the hell were they thinking having the Wyatts job to those losers? Even having seemingly changed their plans for the Wyatts at WM, that was just a pointless and stupid move.
I feel sorry for Charlotte having to work with Brie Bella in that match. Brie sucked, and shouldn't be trying to mooch heat off Bryan. Poor Charlotte probably wished she stuck to NXT after that one.
AJ Styles vs Jericho was pretty good. Even though he actually got the Styles Clash in this match, I feel like they're working to phase it out very quickly.
The whole segment with the New Day was a waste of time. The New Day are awesome, but it was just an ad for Edge and Christian's show, and was a waste of New Day and made it feel like a Raw episode. And it made the League of Nations look more like worthless bitches. What is the point of that faction? They could have actually put the US Title match on the main card instead. Good job devaluing the title after Cena had such a great run with it.
-
The New Day segment was a complete waste of time as was the R-Truth Goldust thing. Way to make it seem like even more of a Raw episode.
-
And what were they thinking having those back to back? Total buzzkill for the main event. The crowd was reluctant from the start, so that didn't help.
-
The show was ok. However, it was predictable and felt like a Raw episode.
I did enjoy the triple threat match and Jericho/Styles.
-
The matches were pretty good for the most part except for the divas title match(man did Brie stink it up out there) and whatever the hell that R-truth vs curtis axel thing was. The storytelling is still pretty bad. This was the perfect opputunity to shake things up and make mania exciting, but instead Vince continues to try his hardest to make Reigns the top guy even though nobody wants him to be. It's like trying to cram a square peg in a round hole at this point. The only match I really cared about was Styles vs Jericho which did steal the show IMO.
Overall it was very middle of the road. Atleast I thought it was better than the Survivor series with the thrown together tag matches and the Summerslam with Jon Stewart.
-
Some of the in ring work was good, but overall it was a very safe PPV from a booking standpoint. I don't get why they had Jericho kick out of the Styles Clash, and it's really sad what they've done to the Wyatt family.
-
Some of the in ring work was good, but overall it was a very safe PPV from a booking standpoint. I don't get why they had Jericho kick out of the Styles Clash, and it's really sad what they've done to the Wyatt family.
I personally think they are trying to phase the styles clash out which I'm not completely against. When that move goes wrong it's terrifying and can cause massive damage. just ask yoshi tatsu.
With the wyatts im just baffled. They were finally looking dominant again after winning their last couple feuds. Making them lose here makes no sense whatsoever.
-
An interesting Raw.
The return of Shane McMahon was an unexpected surprise. I don't like the idea of Shane McMahon getting a match with the Undertaker when so many other hard working full time guys got overlooked, but I have a feeling this is intended to leave the door open for Cena to fight in his place if he's healthy. If not, Shane has proven to do some crazy stuff in the past, so being a HIAC, hopefully it could still be ok. But it's a weird dynamic of having Shane as a good guy against Taker.
Dean Ambrose vs Lesnar. FUCKING YES. This is exactly what I wanted. Ambrose in a scrappy street fight against Lesnar. Ambrose won't win, and nor should he against the beast, but he'll take an awesome beating for 15 minutes and put up a good fight. This will be good for both sides.
I look forward to a triple threat women's match at WM with Charlotte, Becky and Sasha. Those NXT girls are all excellent wrestlers and have proven they can do multi person matches very well.
HHH busting Reigns open was awesome. What was that red stuff coming out of Reigns' face?! Won't somebody think of the children! It looked intentional too.
The McMahons setting up a WM match, Ambrose getting taken out in an ambulance only to drive it back himself later, blood; This episode of Raw was brought to you by 1998.
-
Byron handed Roman a blood packet.
-
Lol did he? Checking back, they take the camera off Roman for the entire time he's on the announcer table, so you don't see anything, and I notice his hands are very covered in blood, so that makes sense.
I'm just surprised they went against their no blood policy. I guess HHH can do whatever the hell he wants.
-
The McMahons setting up a WM match, Ambrose getting taken out in an ambulance only to drive it back himself later, blood; This episode of Raw was brought to you by 1998.
My thoughts exactly! And a car park ambush to boot. Really old-school style episode. I'm not sure if that was Reigns blood or not, but it's still a rare enough occurrence to be shocking either way. There is no doubt at this point that Trips is the babyface of this feud, so are they really planning to end the biggest show of the year with Reigns winning at WM? I just don't see how it could work....
I agree with you on Shane/Taker as well, this might be a stopgap until they can make a final call on Cena's condition, but even so, considering the crowd is obviously gonna get behind the idea of Shane taking control of Raw, are we really supposed to buy Taker as a heel at this point?
Lesnar/Ambrose could be show stopper, Lesnar hasn't actually been pinned for 3 years so I can't see Ambrose actually winning but it'll be great for him to have such a high profile match guaranteed to have a 'big fight' feel.
Y2AJ? ADORABLE!! Let's see where this goes....
-
Sooo I haven't watched or followed WWE in at least 10 years, maybe more, but I just bought two tickets to WWE Payback in May in NJ. Because why not? :lol I've been to a bunch of events as a kid, Raw, Smackdown, Royal Rumble, Survivor Series, ECW events.... they were always fun so why not try it out now that I am older and can have a beer? (or 10).
-
I'm trying to figure out how they end up booking this Mania match with Shane. Obviously Shane doesn't go over Taker clean, and what's the point in bringing Shane back just to take a straight loss. My first thought was that some storyline injury happens to Shane before Mania and he gets either Sting or Cena as a stand in. I saw someone pitch the idea this morning that he could bring in the Bullet Club signees and/or some NXT talent to help him. Then you get a Shane/his guys vs Vince, Stephanie and the Authority for a couple months after Mania.
-
That was awesome when they did it 15 years ago with the Invasion. Except it wasn't.
-
The main reason the WCW invasion did not work was because all the big stars were sitting home with guaranteed money still in their contract.
-
As always, the McMahons love putting their family over like crazy.
Can you imagine anybody else being allowed to drop an f-bomb (even if it was muted out) on television, like Vince did?
Can't have blood on a PG show, except when it is the guy getting beat up by HHH, which of course puts him over even more.
Yeah, let's put Undertaker in the heel role for WM against the boss' returning son, who's a spot monkey and nothing more.
It's almost comical.
-
Lol, I hope the WWE just crashes and burns. It's such a joke how ego-maniacal the Mcmahons are. How do you even consider taking a living legend like the undertaker for what could be his last match and have it be against Shane Mcmahon who isn't a freaking wrestler!!! The Undertaker should be going against the rock or someone of that caliber. I honestly don't understand how any of you still watch the WWE.
-
There's no way the Taker/Shane match would actually happen. It has to be a set up for another match (Taker/Cena?, assuming Cena is ahead of schedule). Shane is athletic and I'm sure he would make the match fine, but he doesn't deserve the semi main event slot at WM no matter what.
I can only expect some twists and turns over the next few weeks.
-
There's no way the Taker/Shane match would actually happen. It has to be a set up for another match (Taker/Cena?, assuming Cena is ahead of schedule). Shane is athletic and I'm sure he would make the match fine, but he doesn't deserve the semi main event slot at WM no matter what.
I can only expect some twists and turns over the next few weeks.
Kev nailed it, complete with the family in charge putting themselves over and doing stuff that low-tier workers would be suspended or shown the door for.
It's not about what anyone "deserves" They're millionaires doing whatever they want. They have no competition, so there's no pressure to give people what they deserve.
-
Lol, I hope the WWE just crashes and burns. It's such a joke how ego-maniacal the Mcmahons are. How do you even consider taking a living legend like the undertaker for what could be his last match and have it be against Shane Mcmahon who isn't a freaking wrestler!!! The Undertaker should be going against the rock or someone of that caliber. I honestly don't understand how any of you still watch the WWE.
I rarely do. I keep up on what is going on by reading online and my dad still watches occasionally and and will tell me if anything out of the ordinary happens, but by and large, I almost never watch anymore.
-
I actually hope shane stays in the match.
-
I've watched probably a grand total of 30 minutes of Raw over the last 3 years. No interest at all. I watched a bit of WM last year - mostly for the Sting. It's probably been 10+ years since I had any real interest in the WWE.
-
Lol, I hope the WWE just crashes and burns. It's such a joke how ego-maniacal the Mcmahons are. How do you even consider taking a living legend like the undertaker for what could be his last match and have it be against Shane Mcmahon who isn't a freaking wrestler!!! The Undertaker should be going against the rock or someone of that caliber. I honestly don't understand how any of you still watch the WWE.
To be fair, Shane McMahon was actually a better wrestler than The Rock. The Rock got over with charisma and personality, not his in ring abilities. I don't want to see The Rock wrestle anyone. Then again, I don't want to see Shane wrestle anyone either. :lol
I'm still praying it ends up being Cena, but I don't want the McMahons being part of it.
-
Shane couldn't wrestles worth shit. As Kev said, he was just a spot monkey.
-
Not sure he can even do that now. He's no spring chicken, and I don't see him taking any huge bumps. The only plus is that McMahon WM matches usually have a story, but I don't want that from an Undertaker match. He's the afterthought in all of this, when he's the star.
-
Lol, I hope the WWE just crashes and burns. It's such a joke how ego-maniacal the Mcmahons are. How do you even consider taking a living legend like the undertaker for what could be his last match and have it be against Shane Mcmahon who isn't a freaking wrestler!!! The Undertaker should be going against the rock or someone of that caliber. I honestly don't understand how any of you still watch the WWE.
I don't. I pretty more swore off WWE as soon as I discovered watching New Japan Pro Wrestling. Sadly, WWE had a big acquirement from that company of guys that I really like (like AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura) when their contract expires, and the injury bug that is happening all over the world, atm, just keeps coming which puts NJPW in somewhat of a rough shape (not financially though) for the next few months although Kenny Omega is on the rise there.
-
The Miz is such a shitty actor.
-
And just think, the Miz has done something Ric Flair never did: main evented Wrestlemania.
:omg: :omg: :omg:
Note: the main event is the last match, so Flair supposedly being in the co-main event of WM8 doesn't count, especially since it was in the middle of the card.
-
And just think, the Miz has done something Ric Flair never did: main evented Wrestlemania.
:omg: :omg: :omg:
Note: the main event is the last match, so Flair supposedly being in the co-main event of WM8 doesn't count, especially since it was in the middle of the card.
Should have been Flair-Hogan at WM8. The ball was dropped on that one IMO
-
Agreed. Still don't know how the hell that didn't happen. I know that was right when the steroid story was ready to explode, but putting Hogan with the boring Sid Justice instead? Terrible decision. Although the Flair/Savage match was incredible.
-
Yes the Flair/Savage match was incredible. Also from the same card, the Piper/Hart match was outstanding. Probably the best match of Pipers career.
It might have been a combination of the steroid story plus Hogan wanting to get into movies more. Who knows, but the Sid/Hogan match was the shits. The Warrior ending was very cool though.
-
As far as watching the current product, Raw is something I have on in the background on Mondays, and pay more attention to when the more talented guys (Owens, Neville, etc..) are on. What I really live for is NXT every Wednesday. The talent down there, plus the fact that Triple H oversees it, has me hopeful for the future.
-
I remember PWI (or one of its sister magazines) back then running an article trying to explain how the sound guy knew to cue the Warrior's music up when he ran to the ring. :rollin :rollin :rollin
That was obviously back when they actually try to make people think that it might be real on some level. Nowadays, a wrestler's music hits out of nowhere before he even appears, which is so contrived and so awful.
-
Yeah it always seems ridiculous when someone challenges somebody to come to the ring and within seconds they come out with their music playing. Its like the dressing room is only 5 feet away from the entrance ramp.
But why bother over analyzing pro wrestling lol
And on a side note, I would like to calculate how much money I spent in my life on wrestling magazines lol (PWI, The Wrestler, Inside Wrestling etc)
-
Heh, you and me both. Funny story about that though: I must have bought 200 of them over the years (from the later 80s through the early 90s), and in the late 90s, I boxed them up and sold them all on eBay together and got back like $300 for them. I was pretty thrilled. :lol :lol
-
Hell, magazines like that were the only way I knew about other wrestling organizations back in the day. What we had for the most part was NWA/Mid-Atlantic Wrestling. WWF was also on TV, but it seemed more cartoony even then than what we were getting with the NWA.
But the magazines showed me things about other wrestlers in other territories, and Japan, and lots of other places. Very cool stuff.
-
A few good bits from Raw last night. Super excited that Zayn made the run in after the Owens-Neville match, I just hope they don't stick those two in a big clusterfuck of a match with like six other guys. The tag title match was excellent (holy shit, that AJ Styles springboard moonsault inverse DDT), and a heel turn for Jericho is a much needed character change.
-
Yeah, AJ did some cool stuff in that match. I think that will be a great WM match, I just hate having rematches at WM.
-
Evidently the Zayn vs Samoa Joe 2 out of 3 falls match is the whole episode of NXT tonight. Much excitement.
-
Creative missed a golden opportunity again. Last night, if Ziggler beat Trips in a non-title match, he would get a match at Wrestlemania, and it would be a match of Ziggler's choosing. If Ziggler lost, then he wouldn't compete at Wrestlemania.
So you'd think they'd have Roman Reigns come back, distracting Trips and allowing Dolph to roll him up, which gives Ziggler something to do at Mania, and adds intrigue to the show because you don't know which match he'll request. Plus it will have some of these Anti-Reigns fans like him for helping out Ziggler. Too easy right?
Instead they have Trips soundly beat Ziggler.... then Reigns comes out and he and Trips brawl. End of Raw.
:facepalm:
-
HHH going over is almost always what's best for business...according to HHH.
-
I have no idea what the point of that match was, unless they just wanted to rub it in further that they don't give a shit about Ziggler or what the fans want. I won't give them the benefit of the doubt that it will go any further before Wrestlemania. At best he'll be lumped into a multi-man match for one of the mid-card belts.
And the Undertaker / McMahon match is so lamely booked. The Undertaker is secondary to his own match. He's not working for Vince, so he's not a heel, but we're supposed to be going for Shane, the non-wrestler to be the only person to beat Undertaker at WM other than Lesnar. I don't care how many people come in and interfere, I don't want the history books to say that Shane McMahon has a WM win over Taker. That's stupid, and an insult to all of the legendary wrestlers who have competed and lost to Undertaker, not to mention the wrestlers who haven't even been given a match with Undertaker at WM.
Then we have Jericho doing all of the work in the AJ/Jericho feud because Vince thinks Southerners shouldn't be allowed to speak.
The Lesnar / Ambrose match has been booked pretty well so far, but the best booked would actually be the women's title match. Very much looking forward to that one.
-
That was a pretty cool bit they did with Ambrose and Charles Manson.
-
Then we have Jericho doing all of the work in the AJ/Jericho feud because Vince thinks Southerners shouldn't be allowed to speak.
He must have forgotten about Matt Hardy Version 1. I think we'd all like to, but he had no problem with Hardy on the mic constantly.
I did hear that Styles isn't the greatest on the mic, so that might be why.
-
I get that but fans these days tend to look past mic skills if they are really good in the ring like Cesaro. He was building up a good sized fanbase before he got hurt.
-
I never considered Cesaro to be that bad on the mic. He and Daniel Bryan were about the same. Serviceable, but you could tell they were reciting lines. Roman Reigns is a few steps below them. Even Rusev has better mic skills than Reigns.
I miss CM Punk. Everything he said sounded natural, and not the least bit rehearsed.
-
In case you are not following the Gawker/Hogan trial, an update: While Hulk Hogan may possess a 10" penis, Terry Bollea admits he does not.
-
thats good to know
-
In case you are not following the Gawker/Hogan trial, an update: While Hulk Hogan may possess a 10" penis, Terry Bollea admits he does not.
I've been reading some highlights of that case. Somewhere along the line, when they were asking him to describe himself, or rather Hulk Hogan, he was quoting the lyrics to "Real American"?
-
In case you are not following the Gawker/Hogan trial, an update: While Hulk Hogan may possess a 10" penis, Terry Bollea admits he does not.
I've been reading some highlights of that case. Somewhere along the line, when they were asking him to describe himself, or rather Hulk Hogan, he was quoting the lyrics to "Real American"?
"When it comes crashing down, and it hurts inside" ??
-
In case you are not following the Gawker/Hogan trial, an update: While Hulk Hogan may possess a 10" penis, Terry Bollea admits he does not.
I've been reading some highlights of that case. Somewhere along the line, when they were asking him to describe himself, or rather Hulk Hogan, he was quoting the lyrics to "Real American"?
"When it comes crashing down, and it hurts inside" ??
I've got something deep inside of me........
-
Well, let's leave it there, for God's sake.
-
Darn, I should have sent Tim "Real American" for the TAC roulette
Still one of the greatest entrance songs has to be "All American Boys" for the Fabulous Rougeau Brothers. Check it out on YouTube if you haven't heard it
-
Anybody else watch aztec warfare? Shit was awesome.
-
Anybody else watch aztec warfare? Shit was awesome.
I remember being wow'd by the Aztec Warfare match last year. Really need to get back into Lucha Underground. It's awesome.
-
El Jefe is back!!
-
I just watched Aztec Warfare. Holy shit, I had high expectations, and that still blew me away.
Very unpredictable with when some of the biggest contenders went well before expected, Rey Mysterio had a good showing, and a lot of great spots and storylines. Dario's new big guy is impressive too. He looked like he was going to be the next Braun Strowman, but you can trust Lucha Underground to find an awesome big guy. Half the moves he was doing were ridiculous.
:caffeine: This show just got even better.
-
Ugh, I really need to catch up on season 2, I'm a few episodes behind.
Also, really stoked for the NXT Takeover event next week, the card is ridiculous.
-
I have no idea what's on the card, and probably don't know many of the NXT wrestlers at the moment, but I'm watching the show for Nakamura anyway. I'm sure it's a lot better than how WM is shaping up currently.
-
I have no idea what's on the card, and probably don't know many of the NXT wrestlers at the moment, but I'm watching the show for Nakamura anyway. I'm sure it's a lot better than how WM is shaping up currently.
Finn Balor (Prince Devitt) vs Samoa Joe for the NXT title
Sami Zayn vs Nakamura
Bayley vs Asuka (Kana) for the NXT women's title
Apollo Crews (Uhaa Nation) vs Elias Samson
The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) vs Chad Gable and Jason Jordan for the NXT tag titles
Austin Aries vs Baron Corboin
Aside from Nakamura's debut, I might be looking forward to the tag match the most. This is basically a coronation for Gable and Jordan, who have a ridiculous amount of potential. Chad Gable is basically a young Kurt Angle (even competed in the Olympics), and Jason Jordan has some of the best hot tags in the business. Definitely worth it to check out some of their recent stuff if you have the network and some free time.
(https://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss196/axeman9182/chad-gable-suplex_zpsfnraa4rs.gif)
-
Kurt Angle is my favourite wrestler, so you've got me. :lol I know many of the people on the card at least, even if just from the last Takeover.
That roll through german suplex is impressive. That's the kind of stuff I love to watch.
-
I know Brock has coined the term "suplex city," but back in the early 90s, the Steiner brothers were the king of awesome suplexes. Even their matches against jobbers were great to watch just to see them bust out their wide array of awesome suplexes.
-
Bayley vs Asuka is gonna be siiiiiiiick
-
Chad Gable is great! Definitely elevates Jordan just by association.
Asuka/Bayley should legitimately main event that show though.
-
Seriously considering buying last minute tickets for Raw tonight in Brooklyn. Going to monitor CL and stubhub to see if anything reasonable pops up for floor seats.
-
If I could go, I totally would. It's the last Raw before Wrestlemania, so you know you're getting Taker, Lesnar, and everything else they're willing to do to sell this Wrestlemania.
-
If I could go, I totally would. It's the last Raw before Wrestlemania, so you know you're getting Taker, Lesnar, and everything else they're willing to do to sell this Wrestlemania.
Fifth row floor tickets (basically under the hard cam) are available for just over $300. Seeing as that's what I made helping out at my dad's store this weekend, I may pull the trigger.
-
Ticket purchased and printed :metal
-
:metal
-
Awesome. Let us know what the crowd reaction is for Roman from where you are sitting
-
The reaction from the broadcast did not seem positive at all. I can't wait to hear 80,000+ people boo him out of the building when he wins the title. :lol
Raw did nothing to raise my hopes for WM.
The thrown together Divas tag on the pre-show is awful. I feel sorry for Paige and Natalya being wasted in such a nothing match.
Triple H vs Roman Reigns is going to need something big to salvage that trainwreck. I hope the crowd is audible enough when they rip it apart.
The New Day are too far beyond the rest of the tag division to have any competition to care about.
The Ladder match should be fine, but we've seen it all before and there's no real story to the big multi-man matches.
AJ vs Jericho should be good, but again we've seen it before.
In terms of wrestling, the women's match could steal the show. They're all damn talented and they'll give this match everything. I'm excited for that one.
Ambrose vs Lesnar is the other match I'm really looking forward to, I just hope we don't get a screwy interference. They probably shouldn't tease with weapons such as the baseball bat wrapped in barbed wire when they're not going to let them do anything with them, but otherwise I think that will be a great street fight.
Kalisto vs Ryback? lol.
-
Random thoughts from last night:
The reception to Roman Reigns winning on Sunday is going to be... not good if last night was any indication. Not sure how it came across on TV, but it seemed like he was getting 80/20 boos/cheers during Raw, and was pretty much entirely booed when he came up during a Wrestlemania promo video they showed before Raw started. There were a fair amount of kids/women with Roman Reigns shirts and/or signs though.
Obviously we all marked out when Taker's music hit to start the show, but Shane was definitely getting a bigger reaction. Curious to see how their match goes on Sunday.
New Day were way over, and I'm glad we got a good promo out of them for the first time in a couple weeks.
That six man tag match went one segment too long, they definitely started losing the crowd. Kevin Owens really is great at his job though. At one point during a commercial break the crowd started doing the wave (and were being egged on by Ziggler and the faces). KO grabbed a mic and said "Alright, everyone who loves Michael Cole's announcing do the wave" and immediately shut it down. Lots of great little character work from him on the apron as well (e.g. acting pleasantly surprised and complimenting Miz any time he did something right).
That said, I hate the way they've booked Owenz-Zayn over the last week. I would have much rather had them not really get physical at all until Mania, and even then have them start out separate in the ladder match. Then you'd have that moment where the two of them clear everyone else out of the ring and look at each other and just start throwing fists. Instead we got to watch Sami get his hands on KO, hit him with the Helluva Kick, and pin him clean already. Waste.
During one of the commercial breaks they did a bit where Lillian narrated as they showed a bunch of the fan signs up on the Titantron. One of the best reactions was for an Enzo and Cass sign, which has me hopeful for their main roster run. I hope they debut on the post Mania Raw, the pop would be huge. Now that New Day are faces, not sure who they'd feud with first though. Dudleys maybe?
Poor Byron Saxton, not only does he not have his own entrance (he has to come out with Michael Cole, entering to a shower of boos), but as soon as JBL came down he starting slapping Byron around with his hat (which I admit got a chuckle out of me).
Lastly, wrestling fans really are the worst sometimes. A lot of the CM Punk chants were originated not too far from where I was sitting, and it was so aggravating. Dude's been gone for two years already... get over it. I don't even mind if you want to get that going in the middle of an exceptionally shitty/boring segment, but busting it out every time there's a moment of quiet is lame as hell. And there was one guy a few seats from me wearing a Punk shirt who stood up and looked around trying to get attention every damn time. Everyone else sitting down by where I was also seemed as focused on getting on camera or taking selfies with superstars in the background as they were watching the damn show.
-
It's gonna be fun watching Roman get crapped on by the fans this sunday.
-
Am I the only one that think Seth Rollins makes another appearance in the title match to try and redeem it?
-
Am I the only one that think Seth Rollins makes another appearance in the title match to try and redeem it?
I think Seth helps Trips retain. Then eventually, Trips "turns" on Seth and sets up Seth going on a huge monster FACE run and beating Trips for the belt, say at SummerSlam.
-
Am I the only one that think Seth Rollins makes another appearance in the title match to try and redeem it?
I think Seth helps Trips retain. Then eventually, Trips "turns" on Seth and sets up Seth going on a huge monster run and beating Trips for the belt, say at SummerSlam.
Thinking about it more I doubt they'll do anything but if I had to guess I think Seth tries to help HHH but messes up somehow and helps Roman win the belt inadvertently. We all know that Reigns is winning the belt it's just a matter of trying to keep the boos to a minimum. My scenario doesn't really solve the problem but at least people will be happy to have seen Rollins :lol
-
I'm expecting Seth or Cena or both to show up in some capacity.
-
I'm not sure if they'll bring back Rollins to do anything at this point since he's well out from being ready to wrestle again, but I like that scenario a lot. Maybe Sting? I don't know. As much as Vince wants Reigns to have his WM moment, they can't let it go down clean cut. It's going to tank hard.
Apparently HHH wants the title match on last (of course he wants his match to go on last and headline the biggest WM ever), but Vince wants the Taker match last. To me it would work a lot better to have the Undertaker match last.
-
The world title match should always be last, but good luck convincing Vince of that, considering how many times the world title match was not the last match of WM (the first Cena/Rock match, the one with LT, WM8, etc.).
-
Under normal circumstances I agree the title match should always be last, and I think it's been a slap in the face to the guys in the title match when it's not (like whenever Hogan had to go on last even when he didn't have the title, the Cena/Rock match over Punk's title match), but this year they've painted themselves into a corner with a title match nobody wants, with an outcome nobody likes. It's their own fault for awful booking.
I think they're going to look silly if they end their biggest WM ever with the crowd booing their intended top guy out of the building knowing full well it was going to happen. Of course, that's assuming the Reigns/HHH match goes down straight. They may have a backup plan that involves interference or a turn or something. They salvaged it well last year, so maybe they'll surprise us again.
-
My thinking with having Rollins come in is to salvage the main event if it is in fact the last match on the card. Even then I don't know how it doesn't end with the crowd booing if/when Reigns wins. I think Taker v Shane should go last just because it has more ramifications. Whatever happens I'm curious to see if they can make it all work like they did last year. The only problem this year is they're missing so many big names I'm not sure how they pull it off.
-
T minus 30 minutes people :metal
-
All hail Jordan and Gable :hat
-
I got to say. I like the Takeover show, solid tag team wrestling (with an exception of a botch). A great debut for Shinsuke Nakamura where he hit all of his trademark stuff, a solid woman's match with an interesting ending, and a decent main event that kinda did not get its wheels moving for a bit due to the beginning (and was not as great as the two matches before it).
I am overall happy. Not going to be watching Wrestlemania though.
-
That whole show was great.
-
Nakamura's new theme here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJjZM5zFGuA
After hearing it a few times, it reminds me of Lindsey Stirling. It's all right. I'm going to miss his NJPW theme though, it was good hype music.
-
What a show last night. Just watched Zayn-Nakamura for the third time :hefdaddy
-
Nakamura's new theme here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJjZM5zFGuA
After hearing it a few times, it reminds me of Lindsey Stirling. It's all right. I'm going to miss his NJPW theme though, it was good hype music.
For ages we've been joking about how he'd have the generic Asian music that all the Asian wrestlers get, and this is less bad than usual, although still pretty bland. He needs something higher energy and more rocking than that to fit his personality.
I watched Wrestlemania XX the other day, and in the Cruiserweight open title match, there were so many dudes with generic asian music. :lol Hey WWE, you can have an Asian wrestler without their music sounding "oriental". You can always tell the racial background of a WWE wrestler by their theme music.
-
^^ All right, I'll give you that. Even from the beloved stars, back then, that did not have a stereotypical character like Eddie Guerrero and Booker T had certain undertones in their music that gives away their racial background.
-
One positive thing about tonight's show is, I can't think of a possible outcome for most of the matches. So no matter what I am gonna be surprised.
-
Takeover was amazing, as always. Hoping that WM is entertaining.
-
Geez, not a single decent finish so far. Awful booking. The matches themselves haven't been bad, but Ryder as IC champ? WTF? New Day losing? Come on. Jericho not having to put over Styles? Why? And obviously Lesnar was winning the street fight, but what a letdown finish.
-
Just logged into wwe to watch wrestling for the first time in like 15 years. It's pretty fun.
-
This women's match is gonna steal the show. Damn.
-
God damn. Goodbye shitty Divas title, and hello Women's title. Amazing triple threat match, and I really dig the new belt.
You''re putting on Reigns HHH last? Fuck you HHH. Of course you don't want to follow up the best damn match on the card, and of course you have to put yourself on last.
-
The women's match was dope, but they should have pulled the trigger on Sasha.
-
That would have been good, but I didn't care who won that match, they were all deserving. And the finish left it open for the feud to continue, so I don't mind. Sasha will get there.
-
Ugh, why is Shane being booked as a legitimate competitor here? There's no way in hell he should be kicking out of the last ride. Ever. Or putting Undertaker is a believable submission hold. You're not a wrestler, Shane. This is awful. The upcoming pre-planned Shane bump can't save this booking.
I blame HHH for this entire Wrestlemania.
-
How do you think HHH gets addressed in board meetings? Triple H? Hunter? Paul? Mr. Levesquoo?
He can get some of the blame, but Vince is planning Wrestlemania the day after the previous Wrestlemania. Of course he couldn't have anticipated all the injuries on the roster, but if anyone deserves blame, VKM deserves the majority of it. God knows he would take the credit for it if it was a success.
Wait! I just read an update! Shaq entered the Battle Royal. Glorious! Of course I have no idea who the winner is. What I get for not following NXT.
-
Some NXT dude won the battle royal. No idea. And they just wasted half an hour on a worthless Rock promo where he adds nothing except burying the current talent. It was only marginally better than last year's awful time waster. And then they wonder why they have to keep relying on the old talent as a crutch. At least Cena is back. Thank god.
I hope the crowd boos this title match out of the building. You can't put enough padding before this thing as much as they tried. Worst Wrestlemania of the 2000s. The women's match is the only redeeming match, it stole the show.
Oh my god, this Triple H intro is the worst thing in the history of ever. Fuck, just rub in how awful you've made this event. Stephanie, just die.
-
So they decided to put Reigns winning the title on last with no curveballs at all? BWAHAHA. Oh but they muted the audience and dubbed in some cheers when he won. Now everyone will love Reigns. That match tanked hard.
-
There's no way in hell he should be kicking out of the last ride. Ever.
I definitely don't agree with that. I mean, I understand the sentiment of your point, but Shane's entire in-ring career has centered around getting his ass kicked and refusing to quit. This is the same Shane McMahon that kept fighting after Kurt Angle had to take a second shot at suplexing him through a fucking window. If he had stayed down after the first big move Taker had hit him with, I would have been sorely disappointed.
That being said, I don't disagree with your larger point. The booking of the match definitely didn't make much sense to me.
-
Haven't watched any of that but from what I read, this is quite insulting to Undertaker. If he is to be in any match with a McMahon, it should at the very least look like one of the early Kane matches when he was introduced. In and out in under 3 minutes, total domination.
-
I cant wait for HHH to take over. Vince has lost it completely
I did like ryder and corbin winning though
-
Great show. The Shane-Taker match was 10X better then I thought it was going to be.
-
There's no way in hell he should be kicking out of the last ride. Ever.
I definitely don't agree with that. I mean, I understand the sentiment of your point, but Shane's entire in-ring career has centered around getting his ass kicked and refusing to quit. This is the same Shane McMahon that kept fighting after Kurt Angle had to take a second shot at suplexing him through a fucking window. If he had stayed down after the first big move Taker had hit him with, I would have been sorely disappointed.
That being said, I don't disagree with your larger point. The booking of the match definitely didn't make much sense to me.
Shane McMahon is not a wrestler, he's just a regular man coming in against THE UNDERTAKER. There's a difference between refusing to quit, and being physically unable to continue. It made the Undertaker look weak rather than making Shane look strong. Even though the Last Ride isn't his current finisher, it is still a powerful move that real wrestlers rarely got up from, so Shane definitely shouldn't have kicked out. It wasn't believable.
The whole match was stupidly booked. Obviously Undertaker wasn't losing. Undertaker's true last WM match would main event. There wasn't ever any pretense of Shane winning, because otherwise the Authority would have actually given a shit and had someone at ringside, anyone, doing anything to protect their spot in the company. No other McMahons involved at all. So in a one-on-one match of Undertaker vs Shane, it should be no contest, at all. That was the whole point of choosing the Undertaker, since he had no real part in the storyline, aside from later tacking on the retirement stipulation. It was the toughest guy in the company with over 20 WM wins (including 3 against HHH) against a regular middle aged desk dude. The reason he always had to resort to the huge spots was to overcome his obvious deficiencies in fighting real wrestlers, but his high spot had none of that impact, because they made him look competitive beforehand. It was just a spot in a match with no believable stakes. He didn't even need to resort to that many weapons to wear down the Undertaker. It was impossible for me to get invested in that match because there was no suspension of disbelief for the entire situation. It was also hard to buy how serious and brutal the match would be when he brought out his kids in his entrance and sat them at ringside. Here kids, watch me get killed!
Most of the event was booked terribly.
Zack Ryder winning the IC belt. What is a Zack Ryder anyway? They could have finally given Ziggler a deserved WM moment (they're just trolling us at this point), or actually given Zayn some impact on the main roster (I didn't even realize he was on the main roster now?) and have him feud with Owens for the belt. And it was a very run of the mill ladder match to boot. Same old stuff, like a watered down version of last year's identical match.
AJ Styles losing. I don't get that. Otherwise, it was a pretty good match.
The League of Nations beating New Day was pointless. As much as I love Austin/Foley/Michaels, that whole spot was pointless too. Pure nostalgia to boost the show. Still nice to see those guys though.
The Ambrose/Lesnar match was completely underwhelming. They had a few chairs in the ring, then cockteased with a weapon you knew they'd never use in 2016, a very bland match that could have gotten more time. I wanted Lesnar to win, but they could have continued to elevate Ambrose here with this match, but made it a whatever loss. And they could have utilized Brock Lesnar so much better. This should have been a big match, and it didn't deliver.
The women's match. I couldn't stop grinning after that. Well done to all of them for what they've achieved here. The one saving grace of WM32.
I always like battle royals, but I found it weird. Tatanka appearing with zero fanfare, random DDP appearance was fun, Shaq, hyping all of the big guys even worse than usual, some guy I've never heard of winning.
Then the Rock comes out to waste a huge amount of time for no reason (for the second year in a row) that could have been used to give someone else a match. The Rock's appearances do not help the company at all in the long term, only in the immediate short term. The Wyatts have been jobbers for a while, and having the Rock bury them and beat Rowan in record time does not help them. If insurance won't let you wrestle, then don't wrestle. Don't give us this garbage instead. I'm glad Cena is back, but he was also pointlessly tacked in.
That title match was awful. The crowd was on HHH's side, and 100% against Reigns. If Reigns doesn't turn on Raw tomorrow, I just don't know what they're thinking. Stephanie McMahon screaming her head off at ringside in her NASA designed dominatrix gear did not help either.
-
The suspension of disbelief was lost every time Shane pulled his shirt down. Or any time a wrestler gets beaten to a pulp, but still has to get his hair out of his eyes.
-
@Blob: We'll have to agree to disagree on Shane. I mean, I'm not defending the overall way that match was booked. But I have always loved Shane's matches, and it's partially because he wasn't a real wrestler. He wasn't trained to compete - he was just a guy fighting for his life, fighting his heart out, fighting until he physically couldn't fight anymore. And it was always an awesome spectacle.
Think about what people have had to do to keep Shane down in the past. Kurt Angle had to hit an Angle Slam from the top rope. Steve Blackman had to knock him off the rafters and follow him down with an elbow drop (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nMp4Z51-nE). And you want the Undertaker to beat him with a powerbomb?
I don't know. If I had been in charge of booking this match, I definitely would have wanted the Undertaker be more dominant. But I would have also wanted Shane to kick out of the Last Ride. I probably would have also wanted him to kick out of the chokeslam. I would have wanted him to keep kicking out and kicking out until Undertaker was forced to basically murder him, because it was the only way Shane would stop kicking out.
Of course, that's not what happened. And I agree with you that what happened didn't really make either of them look particularly good.
-
Decent Wrestlemania. Far from the best, but also far from the worst. Jericho & AJ was outstanding. The ladder match was fun. The Women killed it (was there ever any doubt).
Happiest for Zack Ryder. That was a LONG time coming.
-
I'm going to type up match by match thoughts in a few minutes, but just in general I always look at Wrestlemania, much more than their other PPVs, as part wrestling show and part spectacle. This year it definitely slid much more to the spectacle end of the spectrum (and I can't necessarily blame them given the injury plague they've been hit with), but for the most part it was still damn entertaining. I was watching with a group of people last night and there were a few moments that had us collectively losing our damn minds.
-
I enjoyed this year's Mania and definitely liked it more than the last one I watched (30). Zack Ryder winning was a good moment for the fans, the Hell in the Cell match gave me the "holy shit" moment that I always look forward to, and AJ vs Jericho was awesome despite the finish. Of course, the show stealer was the Women's Title match. Those three ladies put on one hell of a show, and it gives me hope for the future of women's wrestling. It felt like watching Lita and Trish again, and I was smiling during the whole match. Congratulations to Charlotte, Sasha Banks, and Becky Lynch for putting women's wrestling back on the map.
-
Just finished watching it. Loved the whole show.
Might I suggest to those who are upset about it to stop watching all wrestling for a while. I did that, now I enjoy it more than ever. :tup
-
Match by match thoughts:
IC Title Ladder Match- Overall decent match with a couple cool spots. Enjoyed Ziggler spamming superkicks, and I'm not sure how Sin Cara managed to hit that fall onto Stardust without his bones shattering. That suplex Zayn gave Owens onto the ladder looked brutal. The finish gets an incomplete for me. Definitely came out of left field, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. If they give him at least a couple successful defenses it could be an interesting shakeup to the mid card scene, but if they just have him drop the title back to Owens tonight and he just goes back to tagging full time with Mojo on NXT then it just becomes a swerve for the sake of a swerve.
AJ Styles vs Chris Jericho- Second best wrestling match of the night, but I was expecting a little bit more. It just seemed like it could be a little more crisp, some of the transitions and counters felt a little sloppy. This is one case where I definitely don't agree with the booking, no reason your big new acquisition should be losing to a part timer who doesn't need the win.
The New Day vs League of Nations- A lot of people were bitching about LoN getting the win here, but it really didn't bother me. A month from now people will remember two things from this, New Day making their entrance out of a giant goddamn box of Booty O's (dressed in DBZ attire), and the post match segment with the legends. Everyone at my house was marking out hard when the glass shattered (although I was pretty much already there over HBK coming out) and it was a fun little segment.
Lesnar vs Ambrose- Fine, but a little bit of a letdown given the buildup. I guess inevitable given that this is the PG era and they involved Barbie and a chainsaw in the buildup. Still think it needed to be a few more minutes longer and Ambrose needed to take a bit more of a beating if you wanted him to still look good in defeat.
Triple Threat Match for the Women's Championship- The best pure wrestling match in a walk. Love the new belt and the reveal with Lita on the pre-show. I get why they kept the belt on Charlotte, and I think they had an eye towards the crossover coverage they would get as a result of rebranding the women's division. I still think they should have put the belt on Sasha though. Imagine the pop if they ran essentially the same match, and then had Snoop run over to block Naitch from interfering with Sasha, letting her get back in the ring and tap somebody.
Hell in a Cell- Well, we sure as hell got the crazy Shane spot we were expecting. I think this match needed a little more time with Taker being in control, because up until the high spot was booked a little too even for HiaC Mania Undertaker vs someone just back to the company who was never a full time wrestler to begin with. I was expecting some kind of outside interference here that never manifested, and I'm really surprised they didn't involve Vince in the presentation at all.
Andre Battle Royal- The most overtly spectacle part of the evening. Nice to see DDP show up again (and Tatanka as well). Shaq coming out was pretty random, but cool to see nonetheless. Glad to see Corbin get the win, he's been pretty great down in NXT since his match with Joe last August. Curious to see if he jumps to the main roster full time, and if so what they have planned for him.
The Rock- The whole flamethrower was really random, but otherwise I thought this was good. I know people are complaining about him "burying" the Wyatts, but let's all be honest, they are already DOA. Rock ripping off his pants to reveal that he was in his wrestling gear was a great moment. I'm curious to see if Cena's back full time or just popping in because it's Mania.
Triple H vs Roman Reigns- Yeah, about this... The only way this was going to work is with some kind of interference or twist, but instead they just had Roman Reigns show up and beat Triple H clean. The match itself was slow, and while it wasn't terrible, it wasn't great either. It's a pretty awful sign though that pretty much everyone there either left before this was over or stayed and booed. Evidently Roman called out Cena on the Today show this morning, which is what I can only hope is the beginning of a turn to a cocky asshole heel.
-
I forgot how much I love Cesaro just straight uppercutting people to death.
-
Might I suggest to those who are upset about it to stop watching all wrestling for a while. I did that, now I enjoy it more than ever. :tup
Or just watch better wrestling like Lucha Underground. Aztec Warfare a couple of weeks ago was better than anything WWE have managed in a long time. :tup That show is a clinic in logical booking and utilizing talent properly.
The Raw after WM is always one of the better ones, and this one was better than their average Raw these days (even if just for the lack of wasting the first half hour on HHH rambling the same tired garbage like every other week, and not having to hear Stephanie McMahon's voice). The crowd after WM is always the best, and while it was great to hear a crowd actually care, I found them mostly obnoxious this time. I was surprised that AJ Styles became #1 contender (and won with the Styles Clash, which they continue to downplay). I can't wait to see the crowd reaction as he jobs to Reigns.
-
Yeah, as much as I love a hot crowd, they trend towards making it about themselves and doing nonsequiter chants when they're not warranted. Save the wave and your "JBL" and other random chants for when what's happening is truly stupid and/or boring, don't bust them out when legitimately cool stuff is happening. I have the same problem sometimes with the NXT crowd. That said, between Apollo Crews and Enzo and Cass (that promo!) debuting, Cesaro returning, and the Vaudevillains debuting on Smackdown (damn you WWE for giving me a reason to watch Smackdown), there's a lot of potential for them to do some good stuff in the coming months.
Do we think AJ Styles springboards for the Phenomenal Forearm into a spear or a Superman punch?
-
Aside from the "women's wrestling" chant, I think the crowd was a bit over the top and rude during the segment for the new women's belt. And it caught Charlotte completely off guard for her promo too.
I hope they don't job out Apollo Crews, being a black guy and from NXT. I've only seen a couple of his matches, but I think they could do a lot with him.
Do we think AJ Styles springboards for the Phenomenal Forearm into a spear or a Superman punch?
:lol Gonna be a superman punch on the springboard forearm, followed by a regular spear.
-
Well, reading the last few post, at least, the solace I have over Styles going to be jobbing for Reigns is that Styles is going to get paid well and so forth. It's an odd thing and shows how powerful, malicious, and terrifying, WWE is as a business company nowadays. Styles going to be lose to Reigns, everyone in the internet will bitch and moan, but he's going to get paid a lot more than if he wrestled a five star match in a gymnasium in ROH or a lower-tier arena (like 5-10k people) in NJPW. Still beats working for TNA though at this stage for him.
-
So, uh, Raw tonight has been pretty great.
-
I've been reading this since I posted a few weeks ago, I need to start watching to get into the storylines going into the next ppv which I have tickets for. You guys think Extreme Rules will be a good event or is it too early from the WM fallout?
-
I've been reading this since I posted a few weeks ago, I need to start watching to get into the storylines going into the next ppv which I have tickets for. You guys think Extreme Rules will be a good event or is it too early from the WM fallout?
Payback is the WM fallout show, but it seems that this year they're not doing the Backlash rehash of WM with Styles facing Reigns instead of trips and Miz & Cesaro for the IC Title instead of Ryder and Owens.
Extreme Rules is the following "PPV" and it should be entertaining, given the stips and who could be facing off.
-
I've been reading this since I posted a few weeks ago, I need to start watching to get into the storylines going into the next ppv which I have tickets for. You guys think Extreme Rules will be a good event or is it too early from the WM fallout?
Payback is the WM fallout show, but it seems that this year they're not doing the Backlash rehash of WM with Styles facing Reigns instead of trips and Miz & Cesaro for the IC Title instead of Ryder and Owens.
Extreme Rules is the following "PPV" and it should be entertaining, given the stips and who could be facing off.
Oh, oop,s I thought Extreme Rules was the next PPV. I guess I can wait until after Payback to start following.
-
Rest in peace Balls Mahoney. A true legend of ECW.
-
Rest in peace Balls Mahoney. A true legend of ECW.
whaaa, RIP, I used to watch him a lot in ECW.
-
Did you guys watch this week's Lucha Underground??
I don't know who's beneath that Dragón Azteca Jr mask, but BY GAWD can he go!
-
That whole match was pretty damn amazing. No dead weight at all there. That spot with Cage giving the double fallaway slam. What a machine!
-
I really need to catch up on Lucha Underground. Maybe now that some of my TV shows are finishing their seasons...
-
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/TimChizmar/church?ref=discovery
Because there just aren't enough movies starring Sabu, Gangrel, and Jack the Snake Roberts.
-
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/TimChizmar/church?ref=discovery
Because there just aren't enough movies starring Sabu, Gangrel, and Jack the Snake Roberts.
Shut up and take my money.
-
RIP Chyna. Don't know the cause yet, whether she fell of the wagon, or whether her past just caught up with her, but still unexpected.
-
Well damn, very unexpected. I read recently she was going to be featured in a TV show about botched surgeries, or something like that.
-
Wow. Another one gone young. This year has been ridiculous to celebrities of all types. She was one of the greats of the attitude era. Maybe this will cause the WWE to get over their problems with her and put her in the Hall of Fame where she belongs.
-
Sad news
-
So, Finn Balor dropped the NXT Title to Joe at a house show tonight... Who all is ready for Balor Club on the main roster
(https://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss196/axeman9182/latest-jonah-hill-gif-422_zpsovknw379.gif)
-
Wow. Another one gone young. This year has been ridiculous to celebrities of all types. She was one of the greats of the attitude era. Maybe this will cause the WWE to get over their problems with her and put her in the Hall of Fame where she belongs.
For them to acknowledge her at all now just shows what pieces of shit the McMahons are. When HHH left her for Stephanie, that basically got her fired and then they blacklisted her from the company, which was the beginning of her downward spiral that lasted till she died. But hey, now that she is dead, they want to talk about her and what she meant to the business? Typical low class McMahon crap.
-
They were still dating during her IC run?
-
The PPV after Wrestlemania was significantly better than Wrestlemania. Go figure. :lol
Aside from the unfortunate circumstances of the opening tag match, there wasn't a bad match, not even the Reigns match. Every match got plenty of time too.
The IC scene is looking much better after those two matches back to back. Zayn vs Owens was of course great, and Who would have thought a Miz match could be so damn entertaining? Owens on commentary was money.
AJ Styles got a good match out of Reigns, I don't think it even needed the extra guys. The screwy finishes were used to add to the match, and AJ Styles came out of it still looking good. I'm ok with them getting another match out of this.
-
Yeah, I was pretty happy with the PPV overall. Obviously what happened to Enzo sucked, glad it wasn't anything more serious than a concussion. The in ring action for the rest of the night was at least solid, if not great (hell, even Ryback and Kalisto had a pretty entertaining match at the end of the pre-show). Kevin Owens is just gold, whether he's in the ring or just on commentary. Really nice match between Cesaro and Miz. Miz definitely needs someone great in the ring with him in order to have a great match, but he's certainly capable of having one (see also some of his matches with Styles and Jericho over the last few months). And his character work has been on point for a while now. Styles vs Reigns was about as enjoyable for me as it possibly could have been without any kind of formal WWE Bullet Club formation. The false finish off the forearm where Roman just got his foot on the rope absolutely got me.
-
Yeah, I was pretty happy with the PPV overall. Obviously what happened to Enzo sucked, glad it wasn't anything more serious than a concussion. The in ring action for the rest of the night was at least solid, if not great (hell, even Ryback and Kalisto had a pretty entertaining match at the end of the pre-show). Kevin Owens is just gold, whether he's in the ring or just on commentary. Really nice match between Cesaro and Miz. Miz definitely needs someone great in the ring with him in order to have a great match, but he's certainly capable of having one (see also some of his matches with Styles and Jericho over the last few months). And his character work has been on point for a while now. Styles vs Reigns was about as enjoyable for me as it possibly could have been without any kind of formal WWE Bullet Club formation. The false finish off the forearm where Roman just got his foot on the rope absolutely got me.
That near fall absolutely killed me. I'm a huge AJ Styles mark but knew going into the match that he has virtually no chance of winning. However, as the match went on and got restarted twice, it started to look like the WWE would possibly give him the belt. That cover was the only time during the night that I jumped out of my seat in excitement and I dropped to the floor when he got his foot on the rope. The WWE and Roman Reigns did a great job in making AJ look strong even in defeat and this gives me hope that Vince and co. are actually invested in Styles' success instead of just casting him off to the side like they usually do when they take other companies' talent.
-
I don't see them ever giving AJ the title unfortunately, but this at least showed that they value him in a main event capacity, and I was happy with his strong showing. It felt like a close fight the entire time.
-
Holy shit, that No Mas match on Lucha Underground! That was the most hardcore women's match I've seen, not to mention an amazing end to a feud. Sexy Star screaming FUCK YOU MARIPOSA into the mic while bleeding out in that submission hold was awesome. :lol Probably about the extent of her English skills.
And I am so beyond excited for Graver Consequences next week. :caffeine: The last Grave Consequences was one of the most brutal matches they've had, and between these two guys, I expect this one to top it.
-
Quick, hide your favorite WWE mid carders. It looks like it's Future Endeavors day.
-
I really hope Sandow goes to LU.
-
No words...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=85&v=-orP16Vnqs0
-
:lol WTF? And I liked the Crazy Train knockoff stock rock too.
-
I didn't even have the sound on since I'm at work. Dinosaurs throwing headscissors ftw :metal
-
Pretty excited for Extreme Rules tomorrow. I looked at the matches and I only really know Chris Jericho who I am pumped to see. Was a huge fan of his from WCW and then loved his Y2J stuff in the WWE. Then liked his first two Fozzy albums of cover songs which actually is how I discovered my favorite band, Iron Maiden. Well not discovered, I knew the hits, but Fozzy did The Prisoner and Where Eagles Dare which is what really got me to listen to IM more.
I'm giving my extra ticket to my friend so we will be boozing at my house before and then hopping on the train to Newark. First event in at least 12 years for me. :metal :metal
-
Pretty excited for Extreme Rules tomorrow. I looked at the matches and I only really know Chris Jericho who I am pumped to see. Was a huge fan of his from WCW and then loved his Y2J stuff in the WWE. Then liked his first two Fozzy albums of cover songs which actually is how I discovered my favorite band, Iron Maiden. Well not discovered, I knew the hits, but Fozzy did The Prisoner and Where Eagles Dare which is what really got me to listen to IM more.
I'm giving my extra ticket to my friend so we will be boozing at my house before and then hopping on the train to Newark. First event in at least 12 years for me. :metal :metal
Hope you're enjoying the show. I probably would have gone if not for serving as my cousin's confirmation sponsor today. The IC title fatal four way is probably my main roster match of the year so far.
-
Cody Rhodes asked for his release, I believe, yesterday, and got it today. Here's what he has to say.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CjF5AxQVAAAG53q.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CjF5AxxWkAAX2QS.jpg
The thing is where would he go? ROH is not really known for good storytelling (even if the matches are good at times albeit seems meaningless imo), and I can't see him adapt to the harder-hitting style that NJPW has. LU? Doing something with Stephen Amell?
-
Rollins is back!!!
-
Rollins is back!!!
That was a nice surprise and made up for AJ not winning.
-
How long before Rollins injures someone else?
-
So much fun at the show tonight :metal :metal
-
https://youtu.be/v4FBLnDoF4o (https://youtu.be/v4FBLnDoF4o)
Could not stop laughing when I came home and watched this video. We were so drunk and just chilled by the entrance to our seating area and the attendant was so nice. She had to kick some people out of our seats earlier so we were chatting with her for some time before this happened. We kept joking around with these guys too and so while we didn't know them, we just kept cracking jokes and this guy attempted to sit in the handicap seats :lol :lol
-
I have to say, I really enjoyed Reigns vs Styles tonight. Admittedly, Reigns kicking out of two Styles Clashes was a bit obnoxious, but I don't feel like Styles was made to look bad. I've seen some people online acting like Reigns won with just one spear, but Styles actually took quite a lot of damage. Body dropped through a table, planted with a pretty high impact powerbomb, punched off the the top rope out to the floor, powerbombed again through another table, speared outside the ring, superkicked repeatedly by the Usos... Reigns may have won, but it wasn't just a spear. And even the spear itself was a pretty sick one.
It was a pretty fun match, in my eyes. I would have liked to see Styles win, but that was never a realistic possibility, and I think they did a pretty good job overall.
-
Knowing that Styles was never going to win, it was a solid match. I think their last one was better, but again Styles wasn't made to look bad at all. WWE needs to learn that having people kick out of a million finishers doesn't make someone look strong, it just waters down the move. The Styles Clash isn't a move that should be devalued. And I'll never accept a punch and a tackle as a finisher. It's lame as shit. The crowd was amazing during that match. Absolutely amazing. And thank god Rollins is back.
Another very strong PPV overall. It was actually excellent up until the Ambrose/Jericho match, which lost the crowd until the main event. They continue to make Ambrose look silly, with gimmicky booking, and a feud over a pot plant. I'm surprised they allowed the thumb tacks to actually get used, but it was wasted. That match was a lost cause. The women's match could have gotten more time, and the interference was lame, but that wasn't a bad match.
That fatal four way lived up to all expectations and stole the show. They set up the groundwork perfectly at Payback, and developed it well over the month, and it paid off. I wish Cesaro wasn't down for so long before the pin, but he took a lot during the match and looked very strong, and it was a good heel win for Miz. Everyone continued to get elevated with this storyline. There's still steam left in the rivalries here for the next couple of months too.
-
I feel like the Styles Clash really hasn't been built up as a move that ends matches in WWE, so last night didn't really de-value it so much. He beat someone random (I want to say Curtis Axel) the first time they let him use it here, and then the second time he used it was for a false finish against Jericho.
-
Yeah, I wasn't thinking in WWE, I'm more thinking of before that, being a move with a reputation for breaking necks. :lol
I get that they probably don't want it to be his big finisher for that very reason, but if you do let him do it, having people kick out of it multiple times isn't the best idea imo. If they'd left it at one, no big deal, but having a second one on a chair with another kick out, bleh. It just makes me dislike Reigns even more.
-
Seems like the brand split is back.
https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/smackdown-live-usa-network-july-19
-
Seems like the brand split is back.
https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/smackdown-live-usa-network-july-19
YESSSSS
-
Assuming they do this right, I think this was the only call given the size and quality of their roster. The best proposal I heard was that the world champ, the women's champ, and tag champs would bounce between both brands, with each of them getting one out of the IC and US titles as brand specific.
I think that gives a lot of opportunity to give more people something to do. The way I'd do it is having a number one contender's match PPVs with a representative from each brand (occasionally expanded to two from each brand for a fatal four way match), that way you can have one feud around the brand specific title and one feud around who gets to be that brand's rep in the #1 contender match
-
The big news here is Smackdown going live. The brand split has happened and been successful before but Smackdown has never been live. This will put more pressure on the superstars to peform to their fullest every night (since there's no do-overs or post production editing when live) and can only enhance the product. Hopefully they bring back brand specific ppv's (four for each) and make SummerSlam, Survivor Series, Royal Rumble, and WrestleMania the only four full roster ppv's so that the big four feel special again. Besides Mania, the other three ppv's, especially SummerSlam and Survivor Series, felt like every other ppv.
-
The brand split was terrible, and that was when they had a more developed roster, and better writing that wasn't entirely one track minded. The brand specific PPVs felt budget, and in the era of the devalued WWE Network era of PPVs, that would be even worse. The only positive that came of it was having Heyman in charge of Smackdown to develop a lot of the best talent of the time.
Assuming they do this right, I think this was the only call given the size and quality of their roster. The best proposal I heard was that the world champ, the women's champ, and tag champs would bounce between both brands, with each of them getting one out of the IC and US titles as brand specific.
This would certainly make the idea work a lot better, as the abundance of titles really watered them down, and one title was always worth less than the other.
But I haven't watched Smackdown....... ever, and I haven't bothered with Raw since Wrestlemania, so there's no way I'm watching 5+ hours of WWE a week.
-
I definitely wouldn't do brand specific PPVs again, just a couple big matches from each brand on each PPV.
-
If they avoid brand specific PPVs and belts (aside from US/IC which makes sense since they're theoretically comparable), it wouldn't be too bad.
And none of this crap with the commentators talking about how much better their show is. You're the same damn company, and it's annoying. It's like having your parents split up, then constantly tell you how shitty your other parent is.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jzScgAhSt0
wat
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jzScgAhSt0
wat
They're crazy. I miss them in WWE so much.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jzScgAhSt0
wat
yikes
-
:|
-
I think that's unintentionally brilliant :lol
-
AMBROSE!!!!!!!!!!! What a way to end the PPV with all three former Shield members holding the world title in one night.
-
AMBROSE!!!!!!!!!!! What a way to end the PPV with all three former Shield members holding the world title in one night.
Wow!!
-
AMBROSE!!!!!!!!!!! What a way to end the PPV with all three former Shield members holding the world title in one night.
Yeah, that was something!
The only downer is that it brought down the fact Rollins beat Reigns cleanly, because you knew Ambrose was cashing in at that point. Still, Ambrose was long overdue for a legit title win, so I'm happy with how that turned out. All three Shield members holding the title in one night. Damn!
So it will probably be Ambrose/Rollins next month, then a triple threat at Summerslam with the three of them. Reigns will probably win it back.
The MITB ladder match itself was great too, as expected. The only weak link in the match was Del Rio, so it had to be good. I think Cesaro put on the best performance there.
Cena/Styles was also as good as expected. I'm sure the next 5 consecutive matches will be even better. :neverusethis:
Thank god they have Cena and Rollins back.
-
Good timing on the title change...
-
Good timing on the title change...
I think that maybe they knew before the PPV and that's why they had him lose clean to Rollins. They had to have him lose before they could suspend him. Why they would then set up a triple threat is beyond me. I guess he will be back in time for Battleground but do they really want him in the main event?
-
Good timing on the title change...
I think that maybe they knew before the PPV and that's why they had him lose clean to Rollins. They had to have him lose before they could suspend him. Why they would then set up a triple threat is beyond me. I guess he will be back in time for Battleground but do they really want him in the main event?
I'm sure Vince loves Roman no less than he did, and it might not have been a huge violation anyway.
-
At least he admitted his mistake, whatever it was
-
Their wellness policy seems to be pretty strict considering it's not a real competitive sport, so I wouldn't be surprised if it was an innocent mistake over something silly. If it was something good like meth or steroids, they wouldn't have booked around him and let him stick around to set everything up for the next PPV before taking the month off. It wouldn't even surprise me if he wins the belt right back.
-
Finally caught up on last week's NXT. Not that spoilers hadn't leaked out, but Balor vs Nakamura is gonna be so dope.
-
I also believe they found out about Reign's violation prior to the MITB show. Ambrose has always been my favorite of the three Shield guys. As happy as I am that he won the belt, I would have loved to see him troll around with the briefcase for a few months. With out the violation, I'm sure that was the original plan.
The suspension will end prior to Battleground so Reigns can and will be in that match. It would behoove WWE to make him come back as a total heel, especially given the receptions that Ambrose and Rollins garner.
I am very much looking forward to the brand split. There is PLENTY of talent to go around, and I hope this creates more opportunities for guys like Cesaro, Kofi & others. If only the Intellectual Savior of the Unwashed Masses was still around for it!
-
25 years ago, Ambrose was basically the Brooklyn Brawler....and in 2016, he's the WWE champion. Yikes. :lol :lol
-
I wonder how they will acknowledge his absent in the storyline. Pretty sure they never said anything when Randy Orton violated the policy.
-
I would imagine they would try and let it fall under the radar as best they can and then just move on starting on July 21st like nothing happened. I guess they will have to come up with some kind of story for him when he isn't at the draft.
Speaking of the roster split, I wonder if they will go back to two world champions. I would prefer they just have one champion as I felt having two world champs last time just watered things down title wise
-
Heel AJ Styles is the best thing they got going today.
-
Heel AJ Styles is the best thing they got going today.
Agreed. He's so good at being serious but he was great as a goofball this week as well. His "beat up John Cena" promo with Luke and Carl was the best promo he has given since joining the company. Being a heel just comes so naturally to the guy and you can tell he's a lot more comfortable on the mic right now than he was as a face.
-
They've actually made great use of AJ Styles so far. Can't wait to see more of this feud.
First part of Ultima Lucha Dos on Lucha Underground was great too.
-
So, uhhhh, TNA on Tuesday did the big Hardy vs Hardy - The Final Deletion. Here's a video of everything that happened in terms of build-up and match. All I can say is that Matt Hardy is really out of his mind. Even moreso than Jeff and that's saying a lot. If you like some backyard wrestling and weird Hardy boys antics, this is the video for you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GG6y-5OYc_0
-
WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT
-
WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT
It was awful. But in it's awfulness, iI think it might have also been brilliant.
-
WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT
It was awful. But in it's awfulness, iI think it might have also been brilliant.
I dont follow wrestling nor TNA and the hardy boys anymore. I watched that video (well most of it) and kind of came away with the same conclusion. It was odd and really dumb, but also very different and kind of cool.
-
Today is the 20th anniversary of Hogan starting the NWO at Bash at the Beach.
Still the greatest wrestling storyline ever created.
-
Today is the 20th anniversary of Hogan starting the NWO at Bash at the Beach.
Still the greatest wrestling storyline ever created.
Created? Yes. At the start, it was so awesome, kicked off by the best heel turn ever, but it's too they diluted the whole storyline over time because they felt the need to have weekly "who's gonna turn on WCW and join the nWo" moments simply because they had to constantly try to one-up the WWF.
To me, the best angle is still the twin referee story in 1988 that saw Hogan's 4-year title run end. Those 15 minutes of wrestling drama will never be topped.
-
Btw, anyone who loves great tag team wrestling should check out the Revival vs American Alpha 2 out of 3 falls match from NXT. Just stellar stuff, including a near fall towards the end that had me yell out loud even though I was watching in a room by myself.
-
So who has watched The Final Deletion? That was like if the kids from The Blair Witch Project visited Col. Kurtz's compound, and a wrestling match broke out.
-
Lesnar just won his UFC fight. :metal
-
Lesnar just won his UFC fight. :metal
it was a good match!
-
Is that what's considered a good UFC match? I watched this one only because of Lesnar, but I've found all MMA boring. :lol The first and third rounds were just Lesnar holding the other dude down, and the second round was literally nothing. I'll stick to my scripted sports entertainment, thank you very much!
-
Is that what's considered a good UFC match? I watched this one only because of Lesnar, but I've found all MMA boring. :lol The first and third rounds were just Lesnar holding the other dude down, and the second round was literally nothing. I'll stick to my scripted sports entertainment, thank you very much!
Yeah, that pretty much sums up why I find MMA boring for the most part, and why Pro Wrestling (not just WWE, but other aspects of wrestling like puroresu or Lucha Libre (I don't know/care much about Lucha, but people love that sort of stuff) and elsewhere), for me, is so much enjoyable. I mean, I don't mind seeing some more mat grounding-stuff or some awesome transitions into a submission hold in wrestling if it looks very compelling enough, and it is just not to kill time.
If I get to see something like this, once in a while, I'd be a happy guy.
(https://giant.gfycat.com/PleasantEminentAmericanindianhorse.gif)
-
The Final Deletion match was good, but I think it could have used a couple more minutes of actual wrestling in the ring before moving outside to the Hollywood stuff. All they basically did was hit finishers on eachother, kickout, and move outside the ring. Also, I did not like the finish. I'm ok with Matt winning, but the way he won bothered me.
Jeff fell from the ladder onto a soft dirt pile, and it takes Matt at least 15 seconds to drag him in position for the pin attempt. You're telling me that Jeff Hardy can't kick out of that? A guy that is known in TNA for being able to handle insane punishment and kick out of some brutal moves, suddenly falls on a dirt pile and is down for a 20 second count.
I don't buy it. Why advertise it as the "final" match when the finish isn't even satisfying? Their first match was better (Before Matt became broken), in my opinion.
-
I read up on TNA all the time, but I can't say I've watched a TNA match in probably five years. And I don't think I've ever watched their television show in its entirety.
-
Balor vs Nakamura and then the start of the Cruiserweight Classic tonight, good night of pro graps ahead :hat
-
ULTIMO LUCHA DOS
-
Just got an email that WWE will be at MSG this Saturday and tickets are cheap. Hmmmm I had so much fun at Extreme Rules that this might be fun to go to. Obviously it wont be as good since it's not a televised event, but could still be fun.
This is the card from the email:
For the first time ever at MSG:
New WWE Champion
Dean Ambrose
vs.
Seth Rollins
vs.
Kevin Owens
Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship
John Cena vs. AJ Styles
Neville vs. Chris Jericho
The New Day vs. Bray Wyatt and the Wyatt family
Six man tag team match
Also see your favorite WWE superstars including:
Alberto del Rio
Sheamus
Gallows & Anderson
The USO’s
Mark Henry
Apollo Crews
Natalya
Becky Lynch
And many more!*
-
^^ House shows from what I hear are very laid-back. Pretty much, the wrestlers give a good match. Sometimes, a good in-ring segment or promo or addressing the crowd at the end of the show. No booking mess or commentary whatsoever, and everyone goes home happy.
The card from the looks of it looks intriguing enough, so I'd say if you want to, go for it.
-
That MSG show sounds pretty awesome. I've read that at the house shows they turn down the lights and make it more about the in ring product so it feels totally different from the televised shows. I'm going to Raw Monday in Providence. Should be a fun night. Hoping for some surprises. Was trying to go to Smackdown in Worcester but the tickets are really expensive and I'm not a big enough fan to spend that kind of money.
-
Just got an email that WWE will be at MSG this Saturday and tickets are cheap. Hmmmm I had so much fun at Extreme Rules that this might be fun to go to. Obviously it wont be as good since it's not a televised event, but could still be fun.
This is the card from the email:
For the first time ever at MSG:
New WWE Champion
Dean Ambrose
vs.
Seth Rollins
vs.
Kevin Owens
Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship
John Cena vs. AJ Styles
Neville vs. Chris Jericho
The New Day vs. Bray Wyatt and the Wyatt family
Six man tag team match
Also see your favorite WWE superstars including:
Alberto del Rio
Sheamus
Gallows & Anderson
The USO’s
Mark Henry
Apollo Crews
Natalya
Becky Lynch
And many more!*
Dayam, I'd go for the title match alone, and the rest of the announced card looks strong too.
-
Cool, it's a toss up to go to that or to see 311 on the second night (seeing them tonight). 311 is cheaper and plays different songs every night, but wrestling was so damn fun and you guys even say the card looks solid.
I did go to a house event once before and remember it being fun, but nothing too crazy. Typically WWE shows at the garden are pretty good since that's a hot spot for WWE historically.
-
Yeah, if we weren't going out to dinnner for a friend's birthday I'd probably be all over that MSG house show. Like Blob said, the title match alone should be worth it.
-
Charlotte and Dana vs Sasha and mystery partner... Main roster Bayley debut?
-
Charlotte and Dana vs Sasha and mystery partner... Main roster Bayley debut?
Hooray for being right.
I may be concussed just from watching the apron brainbuster that Zayn hit on Ownes tonight.
-
Battleground was honestly a pretty awesome show.
-
Overall pretty good, although I think some of the recent ones have been stronger. They do appear to have improved recently.
The Zayn/Owens match stole the show, but couldn't they have held off until Summerslam and given it the stage it deserved? Either way, both guys went all out and put on a hell of a match. The title match was also great, as was the outcome. The rest of the card was pretty solid too. All of the recent NXT arrivals were so over.
-
The Zayn/Owens match stole the show, but couldn't they have held off until Summerslam and given it the stage it deserved?
That might have been better, yeah. But to be honest, I'm kind of expecting these two to headline Wrestlemania together at some point in the not-too-far-off future. They both definitely have the talent, and while they need to take a break from each other for now, I doubt we've seen the end of their rivalry overall.
-
The Zayn/Owens match stole the show, but couldn't they have held off until Summerslam and given it the stage it deserved?
That might have been better, yeah. But to be honest, I'm kind of expecting these two to headline Wrestlemania together at some point in the not-too-far-off future. They both definitely have the talent, and while they need to take a break from each other for now, I doubt we've seen the end of their rivalry overall.
It just seemed a bit of a waste to me to build their feud so well recently while managing to keep them apart from a 1v1, and then not wait the extra month for a huge event like Summerslam. It's easily one of the best feuds of the year. Nonetheless, the match was excellent and was given a good amount of time.
-
So Raw tonight was pretty damn great.
-
So Raw tonight was pretty damn great.
This was the best Raw in a long time. Finn Balor going over Roman Reigns was a pleasant surprise. Sasha Banks winning the title was even better.
-
I actually watched the entire show from beginning to end. Not that often I can do that. Great show.
-
Sasha might just have the most beautiful smile I have ever seen.
-
Smackdown Live was awesome. Now we've got two Top Title matches at SummerSlam with 4 dudes that I really like.
-
Smackdown Live was awesome. Now we've got two Top Title matches at SummerSlam with 4 dudes that I really like.
I agree. This past week of wrestling is the most I've enjoyed from WWE in recent memory.
-
I've never seen an Enzo and Cass promo before. That was some hilarious shit.
-
I've never seen an Enzo and Cass promo before. That was some hilarious shit.
Man, you have missed out. Enzo is hilarious pretty much every week.
-
Anybody watching the Cruiserweight Classic? Ciampa vs Gargano to close out the first round last night was straight fire.
-
Anybody watching the Cruiserweight Classic? Ciampa vs Gargano to close out the first round last night was straight fire.
That match up was spectacular. The match up before it, the one with Jack Gallagher, was also fantastic.
I gotta say, I am really enjoying this tournament and hope its a yearly thing. I know they have had the cruiserweight division before and it never lasted, but I have a feeling its here to stay this time. If you havent been watching this tournament, I highly highly recommend catching up.
-
I was just texting my buddy earlier that for all the Zack Sabre Jr hype ahead of time, I think I enjoyed Gallagher's match last night more.
-
So how 'bout that Ibushi vs Cedric Alexander match this week? Right up there with Ciampa vs Gargano.
-
So how 'bout that Ibushi vs Cedric Alexander match this week? Right up there with Ciampa vs Gargano.
It might have actually surpassed it. I think Cedric got himself a contract based on his performance. When it comes to wrestling, this is must see television. And like Mick Foley mentioned, the commentating with the CWC actually makes it even more enjoyable
-
I was in Brooklyn for TakeOver again last night, fucking awesome. Early matches were all at least solid, Bobby Roode's entrance was truly glorious, and the three title matches were all great. Tag title match was Match of the Night for me. For the second year in a row, Summerslam might end up being upstaged by NXT.
-
Although the Summerslam card looks much better on paper than last year's imo, so I expect it to at least be a solid show, with a lot of potential.
I only watched the two singles title matches. I preferred the women's match to the men's match, but they were both good. First time I've seen Asuka wrestle, even though I was already familiar with her. I was happy with the outcome of both too. :metal
-
Yeah, Summerslam does look very good on paper. Do yourself a favor and watch at least the tag title match when you have time.
-
Will do. I'm really not familiar with who's left on NXT any more, so I wanted to see those two matches first for Nakamura and Bayley, because I knew they'd be good.
-
I watched Takeover last night. It was the first time I ever watched NXT and it was incredible. Asuka vs Bayley was amazing and every other match was great as well.
-
I watched Takeover last night. It was the first time I ever watched NXT and it was incredible. Asuka vs Bayley was amazing and every other match was great as well.
Dude, there is so much *fantastic* wrestling waiting for you in the NXT TakeOver archives.
-
Welcome to the main roster Finn. Here's your top title.
I mean I'm happy for him.... but wow.
US Title Match?
Brock "exempt from wellness policy" Lesnar?
F that noise..... bed time. 5 AM comes around fast.
-
Welcome to the main roster Finn. Here's your top title.
I mean I'm happy for him.... but wow.
US Title Match?
Brock "exempt from wellness policy" Lesnar?
F that noise..... bed time. 5 AM comes around fast.
Well you certainly missed some... interesting finishes to those last couple matches. Pleasantly surprised that Finn and AJ won their respective matches.
Decided to grab a ticket for Raw tonight, should be an interesting show.
-
AJ Styles and Cena stole the show hard. Nothing else came close. And damn, Ranallo is such a huge plus on commentary. He adds so much to the match. They definitely have big plans for Styles after giving him the clean win. He's had a great debut year in WWE.
The women's match was very good too, but Sasha Banks seemed out of it after that botched(?) corner move onto her head. Took her a while to get back into it, and even after that it didn't flow as well as usual. Looks like she'd was already planning to take time off for a back injury, and it showed. Still a great match under the circumstances, I just spent the whole match worrying.
Balor vs Rollins was good, but not amazing.
The opening tag match was fun. How could that much charisma in the ring possibly have disappointed? It couldn't. Jericho + KO is a great combo.
I'm glad Lesnar kicked the shit out of Orton. That shouldn't be an even match up. Ever. Looks like Orton was legit busted open too. Awesome. And now they can "suspend" him until the next time he shows up.
The rest of the show was meh. A lot of underwhelming matches, and a disappointing running order. Two main titles, and neither of them made the final two matches. Ok.
-
SummerSlam was a mixed bag of good and terrible moments. Neither world title match getting the main event slot is inexcusable but the US title match that didn't even happen being after both of them is even worse. I hate Lesnar more and more every time I see him. He couldn't give two shits about actually putting on a decent match and simply doesn't deserve to have everything handed to him like the WWE has since his debut. Jon Stewart's appearance was a waste of time and brought down the New Day's entertainment value which I once thought to be impossible. Sasha having to drop the belt due to injury was a tremendous disappointment. And the terrible design of the Universal title caused the hostile Brooklyn crowd to ruin a good match between Rollins and Balor. With that said, AJ and Cena brought the house down. That is a contender for match of the year and may very well win the award. The two of them completely stole the show and as an added bonus, Cena lost clean. This should catapult Styles to superstardom and it's long overdue as far as I'm concerned.
-
Looking at the results of Summerslam and other shows from other companies from the past week, it's hard to believe it after a rocky start and shakeup in 2016, but, somehow, The Bullet Club has become relevant again.
Kenny Omega won NJPW's G1 Climax, which to me, is the greatest wrestling tournament of the year, being the first foreigner to do so under the G1 Climax name. Adam Cole won the ROH Championship, ending Jay Lethal's year-plus long reign. AJ Styles, former Bullet Club member, defeated John Cena cleanly (which is already insane cause I thought it might have ended in LOLCenawins or that Styles wins due to Guns and Gallows shenanigans) and Bullet Club founder, Finn Balor, became a World Champion.
Wrestling in 2016, it's a fun time to be a fan.
-
NXT Takeover was a great show. The tag title match and main event were fantastic. Great show overall.
From Summerslam, Cena-Styles stole the show for sure. Match of the year contender for sure. Overall, SS was very good, but like WM, was just too long. The length of Takeover was perfect. Less is more many times.
I'm assuming the Orton cut was legit, because the ending was pretty flat. A Shane-Brock match just doesn't sound too appealing at this point in time. The Reigns-Rusev match seemed like a cheap way out; that should never happen on a major event.
Some great wrestling this weekend (and a fantastic UFC main event too)
-
I am really out of the loop with wrestling, hence me having no idea who Finn Balor is, so when I read the SummerSlam review earlier, I was like, who? But hey, looks like another wrestler that got hurt thanks to Seth Rollins. What's that, three in the last 13 months now (six of which he didn't wrestle)? Can you say UNSAFE?
And the WWE can stop acting like they give two craps about concussions. I mean, they just ended their 2nd (or 3rd) most important PPV with one of their biggest stars of the last decade lying in a pool of blood thanks to his opponent beating him in the head repeatedly with elbows.
-
I am really out of the loop with wrestling, hence me having no idea who Finn Balor is, so when I read the SummerSlam review earlier, I was like, who? But hey, looks like another wrestler that got hurt thanks to Seth Rollins. What's that, three in the last 13 months now (six of which he didn't wrestle)? Can you say UNSAFE?
And the WWE can stop acting like they give two craps about concussions. I mean, they just ended their 2nd (or 3rd) most important PPV with one of their biggest stars of the last decade lying in a pool of blood thanks to his opponent beating him in the head repeatedly with elbows.
On the Seth Rollins point, Balor was at fault for his injury on Sunday. He turned to break his fall with his arm which you're not suppose to do with that move.
And the WWE definitely cares about their superstars' well beings. People aren't sure if Orton getting busted open was planned or not but if it was planned, Orton had to agree to it. If he said no, it wouldn't have happened on purpose.
-
From what I read, it just sounds pretty careless a bit dangerous for Rollins to pull a move like that on the outside and I would like to think that there could have been better options to continue establishing Lesnar as a destroyer of worlds that didn't result in the sight of seeing Orton knocked out in a pool of blood. Who wants to see that at a wrestling show? It sounds depressing. Here's a translation of something that came from NJPW ace Hiroshi Tanahashi's autobiography regarding matters like this.
During my U-30 IWGP Champion reign (2003-2005), I used to criticize wrestling styles that involve excessive use of moves as “McDonalization of Wrestling”. Here, I'm talking about wrestling that you can readily enjoy like fast-food. Type of wrestling where you throw in moves after moves, and make spots that will make the crowd on their feet as much as possible, so that the fans can enjoy them conveniently and efficiently.
As a result, wrestlers and matches start to lack in their color or individuality. In the end, there will be more wrestlers with same moves resulting in same kind of matches. When you think of fast-food, it has its benefit for being simple, but in the long run, it has its downside as well.
I wanted to give attention to the “space” in between my moves. If I throw in moves after moves, the crowd will be deprived of their opportunity to enjoy those “space” between the moves. The kind of “space” that the famous Ric Flair created in his matches. And when they are lost, you fail to give audience the aftertaste of each move. The beauty of pro-wrestling will be lost forever. Pro-wrestling is about dealing with mannerism. As the chairman of BUSHIROAD (owner of NJPW) Takaaki Kidani always say, “Entertainment is done for when people are bored with the product”. And I agree with that. The more progress “McDonalization of wrestling” make, the faster fans will lose interest in the product. The fans will lose their expectation for the coming product in the future.
Why wrestlers turned to dangerous moves
What stood in the way when I think about “Wrestling that women and kids can enjoy” is an exchange of dangerous moves. I have long been claiming that “Pro-wrestling is a competition of winning three counts from the opponent, and it is by no means a ‘stunning contest’ where you stir up the crowd with series of dangerous moves.” When I had the chance to fight in other promotions, I got worried watching exchange of dangerous moves on the apron and head-first moves outside the ring, which even seemed way too dangerous from a wrestler’s perspective. And since then, I’ve been raising an alarm at these actions. When wrestlers turn to dangerous moves, the fans will be immune to them. An exchange of normal moves wouldn’t be enough to excite the fans, and wrestlers will turn to even more dangerous moves. Both the wrestlers and the viewers will be desensitized, leading the former to be driven in to the corner. Exchange of dangerous moves just keeps on escalating. Punching the opponent until he coughs up blood, dropping the opponent head-first with a suplex he can’t take bump to… You must put an end to the never-ending spiral of dangerous moves.
And they are usually babyface vs babyface matches that tend to have no theme and result in exchange of dangerous moves for the sake of getting crowd reaction. And the rise of MMA also had effect on excessive use of dangerous moves. Wrestlers thought they had to appeal to the fans that wrestling is as intense as MMA. But wrestling is supposed to be exciting in more other ways. From the viewer’s perspective, you can’t tell which to root for if you see two men in the same black pants with same black hair on the ring. The matchup is an un-friendly one for the first-timers.
https://yottsumepuroresu.blogspot.com/2014/05/njpw-hiroshi-tanahashi-talks-about-his.html
Tanahashi might be onto something here.
To be fair, one of the things I've been soured on in American promotions is this idea of the McDonalization of wrestling that Tanahashi talks about. Nowadays, I think people want to see amazing four-star matches and spots and flips and chant "This is Awesome" rather than get invested in wanting to see someone win. With that mentality, it feels like the WWE wrestlers are killing their bodies, moreso than what it used to be, and hence that big period around Fall 2015 where people was getting injured left and right.
And Hiroshi Tanahashi, from my perception, looks to be one of the more safer workers in NJPW that works more like a Shawn Michaels (second coming era HBK) and can work with anyone in any country.
-
Thoughts from last night:
The opening segment was a little awkward I thought just in nobody getting on the microphone and making their case to be a contender (besides Rollins with some nice heel work after Balor left), and not really getting the details of how it was all going to work aside from there being a series of matches and that Rollins vs Zayn would be first.
All four of the qualifier matches were at least solid. Not sure what was going on with Sami's ankle, but they either went with a weird story to tell in the match or they kept that match going on too long after a legit injury. Either way, Sami on one leg is still capable of a very good match. Owens vs Neville was also really good, and they did a good job of making Neville look strong in defeat. Enzo and Cass was entertaining enough, though I'm not really sure what the plan is with Rusev going forward. Jericho vs Reigns was a solid main event, and I have to admit that I bought in a little bit on the near fall from the Owens superkick to codebreaker sequence. I'm glad they didn't split up JeriKO over this though, those two are delightful together.
New Day segment was fun, I wish I had sprang for seats closer to ringside after seeing Big E ladling Booty O's into people's mouths. Also funny: Xavier and Kofi carrying the unicorn pinata around for people ringside to pet during the commercial break.
Titus O'Neil was... not great on the microphone, and the crowd wasn't having any of it. On the plus side, I got to watch Mr. Bob Backlund bust out a cross face chicken wing.
Obviously the Bayley debut was the highlight of the night, my voice is kinda shot today from marking out over that. Solid little introductory match for her against Dana.
Crowd was super hot for the Dudleys farewell, and super pissed when it ended up being Devon going through the table. Not a bad way to get some more heat on the learned doctors Gallows and Anderson.
Dark match saw Ambrose and Cena beat Rollins and Styles, pretty standard affair. Big pop when Cena's music hit, as it was a surprise, and the crowd was really into Styles as well.
Non-show thoughts:
People who try to start CM Punk chants and/or the wave should be castrated and barred from attending future events, unless the segment is truly awful and boring. We had people trying to start the wave during Bayley's debut match... not cool. Less attempts to start CM Punk chants than from the pre-Mania Raw, though that was partially offset by the "We want Slater" chants that popped up a few times. At least he's relevant to the current product though.
Had a little dust up between the guy sitting next to me and the mother of the kid sitting in front of us. Her one kid was a little obnoxious about how often/long he was holding up the sign he brought with him. The guy finally said something during the New Day entrance/promo. The kid started crying and the mom got pissed and complained to arena staff, who came down and gave the guy grief. He went back up to argue with them some more, and ended up getting his seat upgraded to keep everyone happy. Worked out well for me as I got some elbow room and the kid didn't want to put his sign up for the rest of the show.
-
On the Seth Rollins point, Balor was at fault for his injury on Sunday. He turned to break his fall with his arm which you're not suppose to do with that move.
Perhaps, but people keep getting hurt while in the ring with Rollins, and he is the one constant. He is clearly unsafe in the ring.
And the WWE definitely cares about their superstars' well beings. People aren't sure if Orton getting busted open was planned or not but if it was planned, Orton had to agree to it. If he said no, it wouldn't have happened on purpose.
Only for the purpose of them making money for the company, not because they actually care about their well-being. Once they are not with the company anymore, they couldn't give two shits, unless you are one of the ones Vince, Stephanie or HHH are buddies with (see: Ric Flair, who still collects a paycheck despite being an embarrassing drunk, only cause he and HHH are pals).
-
And the WWE definitely cares about their superstars' well beings. People aren't sure if Orton getting busted open was planned or not but if it was planned, Orton had to agree to it. If he said no, it wouldn't have happened on purpose.
Only for the purpose of them making money for the company, not because they actually care about their well-being. Once they are not with the company anymore, they couldn't give two shits, unless you are one of the ones Vince, Stephanie or HHH are buddies with (see: Ric Flair, who still collects a paycheck despite being an embarrassing drunk, only cause he and HHH are pals).
I'm not sure how fair this is. For example, it's a pretty well established fact that WWE have a standing policy of offering to pay for rehab for any former talent who are struggling with substance abuse. As far as I know, they send this offer in an annual letter to pretty much all of their former employees, though I could be mistaken on that point. At any rate, it is publicly known that they have extended this offer to guys like Zach Gowen and Maven - not exactly the Kliq.
Granted, this doesn't have any bearing on concussions or injuries, but it hardly paints the picture of a company that stops giving a fuck once talent leaves.
-
So, Kevin Owens is now your new Universal champion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiUVQ-pla24
-
About damn time! :metal :metal
-
I can't wait to see how fantastically douchey his promos are now that he's champion.
-
:lol He better bring all the douche. He's such a great heel on the mic, and now he has the prize to back it up.
-
I actually turned it on in time to see most of the match. I had no idea who the first guy was eliminated. :lol :lol
Wasn't surprised Owens won, though. Reigns is probably still being punished a bit for the drug test thing, and it's hard to put the belt on a guy as unsafe as Rollins (at least for now).
-
Watched for the first time in awhile last night. Was pulling for Roman but oh well. Kind of amusing to see Triple H show up.
The guy who had the title but dislocated his shoulder - this is where I get confused? Was that all scripted, or did he really pop his shoulder back in during the match?
-
So, Kevin Owens is now your new Universal champion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiUVQ-pla24
When Triple H turned on Rollins, I marked the fuck out. I couldn't believe that Owens was finally getting a world title. I can't wait to hear his promos now that he's the champ.
-
Watched for the first time in awhile last night. Was pulling for Roman but oh well. Kind of amusing to see Triple H show up.
The guy who had the title but dislocated his shoulder - this is where I get confused? Was that all scripted, or did he really pop his shoulder back in during the match?
My understanding is that none of that was planned, so his should really got dislocated and then he popped it back into place and finished the match. Unfortunately there was just a bunch of additional damage that required surgery.
-
Very good main event and it will be interesting to see how things go with Owens. He's been impressive and I expect good things from him.
As far as Raw goes, I'm starting to feel like groundhog day each week.
I understand the Braun Strowman and Nia Jax squash matches are used to build them up, but I think we can start moving on from this a bit.
The Cesaro-Sheamus feud seems to be dragging. And with a best of seven series going on, this will likely go on for awhile longer.
I really don't ever want to see a Darren Young- Titus match again.
-
Was Lesnar destroying Orton legit or a work?
-
Was Lesnar destroying Orton legit or a work?
I wasn't sure at first, but the sense I'm getting is that it's a work. Orton's got balls to agree to a finish that's basically letting Lesnar elbow him into oblivion.
-
Yeah, that was pretty brutal.
-
Honestly I think the thing that has me convinced it's a work is that there was no backstage altercation between the two afterwards. With Orton's temper there definitely would have been an incident in the locker room if Lesnar had done that without it being part of the plan.
-
Honestly I think the thing that has me convinced it's a work is that there was no backstage altercation between the two afterwards. With Orton's temper there definitely would have been an incident in the locker room if Lesnar had done that without it being part of the plan.
Didn't look to me like he would have been able to have an altercation. Not to mention that if they got into it legit backstage, Lesnar would kill him. Orton has to know that.
-
It was a work, but it sounds like Lesnar busted him open more than he was supposed to. Must've been the 'roids.
-
Yeah, I guess so.
-
On the Seth Rollins point, Balor was at fault for his injury on Sunday. He turned to break his fall with his arm which you're not suppose to do with that move.
Perhaps, but people keep getting hurt while in the ring with Rollins, and he is the one constant. He is clearly unsafe in the ring.
Two of my favorite wrestlers got hurt while wrestling him. Sting, as well as Balor, and Balor's injury really sucks since he was just starting to get some really solid momentum on the main roster. I don't know if Rollins is dangerous, but I definitely don't like seeing these injuries.
Also, I can't wait to see nakamura come up
and also, as a life long Smashing pumpkins fan, it is crazy weird seeing corgan on TNA. First time I tuned into that show in years
-
Lucha Underground season 3 start was pretty good. Looks like there's gonna be some solid feuds this year.
-
Alberto Del Rio: Out
Paige: Out
CM Punk: Tapped out
-
I wasn't expecting Punk to win, but I was at least hoping he managed to put on a more impressive performance. Hopefully he does better next time.
-
After the amount of time he put into preparing for this, I was expecting to see a more impressive performance as well.
-
Been watching all of Asuka's matches on NXT, and there is just something about her she is absolutely amazing :hefdaddy
-
I'll give Punk credit for stepping into the cage. But like others above mentioned, I was hoping for a better result
-
With any luck, this will be result in Punk making his way back to the WWE, which would get me to watch regularly again.
-
With any luck, this will be result in Punk making his way back to the WWE, which would get me to watch regularly again.
With the current lawsuit between the two and the bad blood, I don't expect we'll ever see Punk back in WWE, at least not any time soon. They could do with the extra talent since the brand split, and I'd love to see him against a lot of the wrestlers who have appeared since his departure, but I think both sides are too proud to get back on good terms.
From Punk's post match interview, he seems determined to prove himself despite his loss, and I hope he can have some success at something he's put a lot of time and work into, as little interest as I have in it.
-
The lawsuit is the hair in the soup for sure, but others have burned bridges far worse than Punk did and were brought back eventually. If there is one thing you can say about Vince McMahon, it's that he will bring someone back no matter what if he thinks it will make him money. And now that Punk is more of a name (even though he got pummeled, competing in UFC makes him more known and increases his brand), he can leverage that into them guaranteeing him the main event at Wrestlemania in his contract.
-
Even though the whole UFC thing has given a lot more exposure to Punk, I'm not sure this loss gives him more leverage. Unless he proves it's a viable career path for a little while like Lesnar did, I think WWE holds most of the cards here. Either way, we'll see more fights from CM Punk before anything would/could happen on that front, so hopefully he can gain some more cred. I'd love to see him have another WWE run. :tup
-
Personally I would have liked to have seen Punk do better, just as a fan, but that fight went about as expected. I don't doubt Punk busted his ass training twice a day and whatnot but Mickey Gall is a guy who's fought professionally before, and is a brown belt in jiu jitsu. I don't think Punk ever had much of a chance. Hopefully he keeps training and looks better next time around.
As much as I'd like to see him back in the WWE, I'd be asbolutely shocked if it did. While other guys have had bad blood and then come back into the fold, I just don't see that happening here. The impression I've gotten is that Triple H has been instrumental in mending fences and brokering truces between the other guys and Vince, but I'm sure Punk has plenty of vitriol for Hunter as well so I don't think that's happening. Punk's also just about as proud/stubborn as they come. I think he's more likely to pop back up in ROH or even have a couple matches in New Japan if he wants to get back in the ring and wrestle.
-
Soooooo, AJ Styles is the WWE Champion now. What a journey for him. 11 years ago, on this day, he and Samoa Joe and Christopher Daniels had arguably the greatest match in TNA history. Then he won the top title in TNA, then he was underutilized, and then he quit TNA since they want him to take a paycut. He, then, had a career resurgence in NJPW having top-caliber matches with their top talent and won their big championship and was a proven draw for them.
Now, not even eight months into being in the WWE, he's the WWE champion. Wow. What a year for wrestling.
-
Punk sounded genuinely content after his bout. Obviously displeased with the result and knows he could have, or should have, done better, especially for those who supported him on this journey, but not displeased with his effort or facing the challenge. Good of him to take some time to himself now, before the next challenge presents itself.
Which wrestlers, if any, would do well in UFC? Taker is a huge fan and has said if UFC was around when he was growing up, he would have been interested in giving it a shot.
Soooooo, AJ Styles is the WWE Champion now.
I never know how to address these situations. He is the WWE World Champion, but not the WWE Universal Champion. So... technically not champion outside of planet Earth I guess. But still WWE Champion. Of Smackdown. It's like when they used to have split "National Champions" in college football.
-
Which wrestlers, if any, would do well in UFC? Taker is a huge fan and has said if UFC was around when he was growing up, he would have been interested in giving it a shot.
I think Kurt Angle, if he was younger, more saner, does not have a history of drugs problems and DUIs, he could have done well. Also, back when he was in his 20s, Shinsuke Nakamura had a good (yet short) record in MMA. That's why NJPW gave him a big push early on.
-
Kurt Angles name always comes up when the discussion of pro wrestlers crossing into MMA. Other wrestlers mention his name first too
-
Not gonna lie, I thought Styles might have been legitimately hurt when Ambrose catapulted him into the post. That looked rough to me.
-
How damn good is their lineup of main champions right now? AJ Styles, Kevin Owens, Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Nakamura, and Asuka. There's not one of those I'd change at all. Just perfect.
-
(https://www.wrestlingrumors.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/AJ-Styles-Champion-Backlash-702x336.jpg)
He did it. He finally did it. I have been waiting 10 years for this moment. AJ Styles was the first wrestler outside of WWE who I fell in love with back in 2006. I always knew that he could be successful in the big leagues if he was just given an opportunity but as time went on it seemed less and less likely. I can't explain how happy I am for him. Congratulations AJ Styles. You definitely deserve it.
-
I only watched the title match this PPV, really good match as expected. The crowd was very much on AJ's side, so I'm glad he was able to win.
-
Hopefully they give him a good long title reign. Wouldn't mind seeing him carry it into Mania, him defending against a returning John Cena who is gunning to tie Flair's title record = $$$
-
Man I love it when all the matches turn out like I hoped.
-
I have to see, the Ziggler vs Miz match was really enjoyable as well. Miz has really elevated his game lately.
-
I only watched the title match this PPV, really good match as expected. The crowd was very much on AJ's side, so I'm glad he was able to win.
If you get a chance, watch Miz VS. Ziggler. That might honestly have been match of the night.
The women's match was pretty entertaining too, although I got very tired of the formula. People kept getting thrown out of the ring until there were only two wrestlers in it, so it never really felt like a six person match. That kind of thing works okay in a ladder match, because when people get thrown out of the ring, it's usually in a ridiculous way, so it makes sense for them to need a little time to recover. But it feels kind of silly in a straight wrestling match. Still fun though!
-
I have to see, the Ziggler vs Miz match was really enjoyable as well. Miz has really elevated his game lately.
I was thinking the same thing while watching Miz-Ziggler last night. Miz has turned it up a notch on the mic and in the ring.
-
It's like
Across the board
WWE "creative"
Said F it
Give 'em everything they want.
Right away.
No build needed.
No payoffs needed.
Have fun with that.
-
Alexa Bliss keeping her quasi Harley Quinn cosplay going last night on Smackdown = :hat
-
The main event at No Mercy is money. The creative team is doing such a good job at building excitement for Smackdown. Raw overall has the better superstars and matches but the storylines for the blue brand are far more intriguing. AJ Styles vs Dean Ambrose vs John Cena should be a phenomenal (pun intended) match and the intensity that the three men showed on Tuesday night will only help make it even better.
-
That should be a great triple threat for sure!
And a fantastic ending to the CWC last night. What an enjoyable tournament; amazing match after amazing match
-
So within one month, John Cena lost clean to AJ Styles and Dean Ambrose (my two favorite current superstars). Wrestling has been very kind to me lately.
-
So within one month, John Cena lost clean to AJ Styles and Dean Ambrose (my two favorite current superstars). Wrestling has been very kind to me lately.
Sounds like I missed out on an interesting Smackdown.
Super excited that the cruiserweight division is up and running on Raw. Can't wait for Cedric Alexander to become everyone's favorite wrestler.
-
Cena looked so bored in that match. He was definitely going through the motions. Maybe he wasn't happy with the outcome, but he still has to act like he cares, and like he's fighting for the win.
-
What an odd decision to put the title match first, and then not even put the Ziggler retirement match on last. Who wants to see Orton / Wyatt as a main event? Yuck.
I only watched the two big title matches, and skimmed to the end of the Wyatt match hoping to see the return of Harper (and was not disappointed), but those two matches didn't disappoint. That triple threat had a lot of amazing spots, even though some were reused from the Cena/Styles match (I rewatched it only a couple of days ago, so I noticed). They were great spots though, so I don't mind seeing them again. I liked the ending too. For as long as Cena keeps losing, they can stretch out that Cena/Styles feud until WM and have Cena go for that 16th title win.
I'm still not really a Miz fan, but he's done a great job with this feud, and has gotten people to care about Ziggler again. That match had a good story to it, and I really thought this might have been it for Ziggler. Hopefully they can do something with him now.
-
What an odd decision to put the title match first, and then not even put the Ziggler retirement match on last. Who wants to see Orton / Wyatt as a main event? Yuck.
I only watched the two big title matches, and skimmed to the end of the Wyatt match hoping to see the return of Harper (and was not disappointed), but those two matches didn't disappoint. That triple threat had a lot of amazing spots, even though some were reused from the Cena/Styles match (I rewatched it only a couple of days ago, so I noticed). They were great spots though, so I don't mind seeing them again. I liked the ending too. For as long as Cena keeps losing, they can stretch out that Cena/Styles feud until WM and have Cena go for that 16th title win.
I'm still not really a Miz fan, but he's done a great job with this feud, and has gotten people to care about Ziggler again. That match had a good story to it, and I really thought this might have been it for Ziggler. Hopefully they can do something with him now.
They put the title match first because of the debate and Sunday Night Football. I do agree with you on the fact that Ziggler-Miz should have been last in this case.
-
I really enjoyed the Ziggler-Miz match. Off the top of my head I can't think of a match involving either of them that I've enjoyed more. Great performance!
Triple threat was awesome as well
-
What an odd decision to put the title match first, and then not even put the Ziggler retirement match on last. Who wants to see Orton / Wyatt as a main event? Yuck.
I only watched the two big title matches, and skimmed to the end of the Wyatt match hoping to see the return of Harper (and was not disappointed), but those two matches didn't disappoint. That triple threat had a lot of amazing spots, even though some were reused from the Cena/Styles match (I rewatched it only a couple of days ago, so I noticed). They were great spots though, so I don't mind seeing them again. I liked the ending too. For as long as Cena keeps losing, they can stretch out that Cena/Styles feud until WM and have Cena go for that 16th title win.
I'm still not really a Miz fan, but he's done a great job with this feud, and has gotten people to care about Ziggler again. That match had a good story to it, and I really thought this might have been it for Ziggler. Hopefully they can do something with him now.
They put the title match first because of the debate and Sunday Night Football. I do agree with you on the fact that Ziggler-Miz should have been last in this case.
Ah ok. I think they should focus on putting on the best show they can instead of worrying about what other networks are doing that night, or even better, not oversaturate us with 2 PPVs every month. :lol But yeah, the Ziggler/Miz match should have been last in that case. Maybe they didn't have faith in it closing the show, but the crowd was really behind that match.
-
Once again Cena looked bored out of his mind. I can't be the only one who sees it.
-
Did not mind having the triple threat (which was really good) kick off the show, but they definitely should have had Ziggler-Miz close if that was going to be the case. Really hoping they A) elevate Miz to the main event where he belongs, because he's been fire for the last month or two, and B) give Ziggler a good, long reign with the IC title and not have this be another squandered opportunity like when he won that SS match a couple years ago.
On the Raw side of things, team Chris and Kevin (or Kevin and Chris) for life.
-
WTF is up with Goldberg coming back? Is there a big demand for that?
-
I have literally zero interest in seeing an old and out of practice Goldberg waste a match with Lesnar in a redo of one of the worst matches in all of Wrestlemania history. WWE needs to just stop with pulling out old wrestlers.
-
For better or worse, it'll get eyeballs on the product I guess.
-
Billy Corgan is already suing TNA
https://nypost.com/2016/10/14/billy-corgan-sues-tna-wrestling-in-showdown-for-control/
If it leads to a better product, I am down with it. If that's even possible with TNA at this point.
-
I have literally zero interest in seeing an old and out of practice Goldberg waste a match with Lesnar in a redo of one of the worst matches in all of Wrestlemania history. WWE needs to just stop with pulling out old wrestlers.
To be fair, Goldberg has said that he wants a redo so they can do it better. I'm not saying it will be Match of the Year, but without the bullshit backstage politics and with them not leaving the company therefore having the fans behind it instead of them completely turning against the two wrestlers, Goldberg vs. Lesnar II could actually turn into an entertaining bout. Or the two of them could shit the bed again and we could have a repeat of Wrestlemania XX. Either way, I'm interested in seeing what happens.
-
I have literally zero interest in seeing an old and out of practice Goldberg waste a match with Lesnar in a redo of one of the worst matches in all of Wrestlemania history. WWE needs to just stop with pulling out old wrestlers.
To be fair, Goldberg has said that he wants a redo so they can do it better. I'm not saying it will be Match of the Year, but without the bullshit backstage politics and with them not leaving the company therefore having the fans behind it instead of them completely turning against the two wrestlers, Goldberg vs. Lesnar II could actually turn into an entertaining bout. Or the two of them could shit the bed again and we could have a repeat of Wrestlemania XX. Either way, I'm interested in seeing what happens.
My big problem with it is that I don't accept the premise of a 50 year old Goldberg putting on a competitive match against the currently strong Lesnar. Lesnar has destroyed everyone since defeating Undertaker at WM, and I don't see Goldberg coming out of retirement to get squashed. And Lesnar's move set is limited these days, and his great matches since returning have all been with skilled veterans who can work to that. I don't see Goldberg's very limited power move set working any better with Lesnar now than it did at WM20. The only scenario that works for me is Lesnar dominating the shit out of Goldberg for some period of time and winning, which I don't see happening. Lesnar has been wasted this year in totally phoned in matches, and I can't imagine this will be any different.
-
I think it's more likely that Goldberg wants a big payday. Let's face it, he was never that good of a worker, so expecting him to come back after years of not wrestling and give an entertaining match is a bit...unrealistic. Lesnar isn't exactly the kind of wrestler who can carry anyone to a good match.
-
Goldberg looked pretty old. I don't feel very enthusiastic about this return.
-
Goldberg looked pretty old. I don't feel very enthusiastic about this return.
He looked like he was genuinely enjoying himself. I don't think he expected the tremendous reaction that he got and it looked like he was fighting back tears at one point. I have no idea if the match will be any good, but it's cool to see Goldberg back and watching him have the time of his life out there just makes me smile.
-
I've met Goldberg before and he was truly a nice guy. When I met him, there was also a special needs girl that wanted to meet him and he went out of his way to spend an hour with her. He also grabbed her mailing address and promised to send out a bunch of stuff to her. She was overjoyed.
He looked like he was having a great time last night.
-
I seriously doubt they are gonna put a retired WCW guy over Brock. And I also doubt Goldberg would sign on just to get jobbed out.
Expect a schmoz involving Shane or Orton. More likely its with Shane...
I really hope it's not Shane.
-
Anyone else think Brian Kendrick looks a lot like James Labrie? Even kind of has the pirate thing going on...
-
Anyone else think Brian Kendrick looks a lot like James Labrie? Even kind of has the pirate thing going on...
yes, good call on that
-
Anyone else think Brian Kendrick looks a lot like James Labrie? Even kind of has the pirate thing going on...
I said that the second I saw him.
-
Hell in a Cell was a solid PPV. Didn't even skip any matches, which is rare for me.
The opening cell match stunk, but I expected as much from Reigns. Very by the numbers modern cell match, and way too long. I'm glad it didn't get a later slot.
The Bayley vs whatsherface wasn't too exciting, but I'm glad Bayley got the win. As it should be.
The Owens vs Rollins cell match was great. That spot with the two tables was pretty awesome, and the shenanigans with Jericho were fun.
And Sasha vs Charlotte justified closing the show. Lots of big spots, which had me constantly worrying about Sasha. From the start with the fighting outside the ring and the powerbomb through the table, you knew it was going to be a special match. The only disappointment was the two table spots, especially the second one leading to the pin. That ending was a slight letdown given the strength of the rest of the match, but overall they definitely made that match count.
-
I would say it was a very solid show as well. The women showed that they deserve the main event slot no question.
The one thing I will say is that even though Chris Jericho is a 26 year veteran, I am enjoying his character and work right now more than any other time in his career.
-
Chris Jericho is on fire right now. He's gotten that list more over than most of the roster. :lol
-
Trump has been involved with WWE in various ways for years. I am curious to see if an active president shows up on a Wrestlemania card :lol
-
Are we forgetting about Wrestlemania X? :neverusethis:
-
I fell asleep in my living room and briefly woke up to "Ready to Rumble." I was in an out, so I randomly saw scenes of Oliver Platt, Goldberg, David Arquette, and genuinely had no idea what the hell was going on.
-
Oh god, I remember seeing that movie when it came out on video, and it was awful even at the time.
-
Oh god, I remember seeing that movie when it came out on video, and it was awful even at the time.
David Arquette winning the WCW championship really was the final nail on the coffin for the company.
-
Oh god, I remember seeing that movie when it came out on video, and it was awful even at the time.
David Arquette winning the WCW championship really was the final nail on the coffin for the company.
Heck, even David Arquette, as a wrestling fan, know that a wrong move to make and donated whatever money he made in WCW to help out Owen Hart's family, Brian Pillman's family, Droz as well? Now Vince Russo winning the championship....... That just made no sense at all. I still don't know how to justify Vince McMahon winning the WWF Championship in 1999 as well.
-
Yeah, Russo winning the title was another brilliant idea lol.
Watching WCW from 1999-2001 was just a head scratcher and just terrible for the most part.
-
So I really enjoyed watching Lesnar get utterly humiliated on live tv.
-
I did not see that coming at all
-
My knee jerk reaction was feeling a little short changed, but then I started thinking about that wrestlemania match between them which was a snooze fest and then re-think, maybe this was a better option.
-
THAT WAS THE MOST FUCKING RETARDEDLY STUPID THING EVER.
Fuck WWE, seriously fuck them. You've just thrown away two years of building up a monster and made Lesnar look like a fucking bitch, along with everyone Lesnar has beaten. You brought back an injured old man who hasn't wrestled in a decade to squash the guy who squashed THE UNDERTAKER, ORTON, and JOHN CENA. I knew it was going to be screwy shit when the PPV only had a couple of minutes left, but I cannot believe they have done something so completely thoughtless and stupid as job out Lesnar to a washed up nostalgia act. This is the guy who took two AA's in a row and brushed it off. The guy who took countless superman punches in a row and just laughed. This is the guy who recently won a legitimate UFC heavyweight fight. I've never been more angry about anything I've seen in WWE.
And I already thought it was pathetic that Shane McMahon was in the Survivor Series match as one of the 5 best choices from the entire show of Smackdown, and again was booked to look competitive. But that ending was just the giant turd on the cake.
-
Well Goldberg signed on for more matches,so it looks like Lesnar will be getting his win back in the future.
-
The damage is already done.
-
Where is David Arquette when you need him?
-
Honestly the ending is growing on me. I don't think it really hurts lesnar at all.
-
From what I've heard so far, the ending was changed to what we saw only after Goldberg agreed to work more dates beyond Survivor Series (Royal Rumble and presumably Wrestlemania as well). I think they could take this in an interesting direction for Brock where Heyman basically claims that they didn't think Goldberg had anything left in the tank and he won't sneak up on them again. Goldberg declines a rematch, saying he's beaten Lesnar twice now. Goldberg enters the Royal Rumble and Lesnar shows up and rage-murders a bunch of people to get at Goldberg and get him eliminated from the Rumble. Lesnar then takes down Goldberg at Wrestlemania.
-
It just seems like WWE put themselves in a tough spot no matter how they try and redeem Lesner from this one. Unless there was some injuries, I just don't understand how they couldn't have had a brutal fight last night where Goldberg still wins in the end. Then they can have Lesner get his revenge any way they wanted from that point on. But to have Lesner job in 90 seconds just takes away the Beast mentality that they have worked so long for him. I really can't wrap my head around the booking decision on this one. But I'm interested to see what happens on Raw. So at the very least, they are getting people talking and tuning into Raw.
-
To be fair, about 95% of all of Goldberg's matches went exactly like that. He may not know how to do anything else.
-
I can't believe people still watch wrestling with the expectation of it "making sense". That has never been their purpose.
-
I can't believe people still watch wrestling with the expectation of it "making sense". That has never been their purpose.
I don't have high expectations from WWE at all these days, but they still manage to constantly disappoint and hit new lows.
Meanwhile Lucha Underground has managed 3 seasons of logical booking, and I can't think of a single decision they've made in that entire run that I've questioned. No screwy finishes, people don't get jobbed out, nobody is forgotten.
Sure, they don't have as much television to fill as WWE, but it shouldn't be this hard to achieve some level of common sense.
-
A decent show tonight with Bray Wyatt finally winning a championship, a surprise title change with Alexa Bliss going over Becky Lynch, and James Ellsworth turning on Dean Ambrose allowing AJ Styles to retain the world title.
-
I would say it was decent too. Main event was good with an interesting ending.
Maybe AJ Styles vs Undertaker at the Rumble?
-
Maybe AJ Styles vs Undertaker at the Rumble?
One can dream. Then Cena at WM. That would be perfect to me.
TLC was ok overall, pretty consistent. The title match obviously stole the show, but they've already way overused Ellsworth, and that didn't make much sense at all. It was funny how they tried to keep the camera off Styles' ass after he tore his pants. :lol
That was the first time I've seen Alexa Bliss in a proper match, and she was alright. Good finish to the match.
I hope the Wyatts use Freebird rules so Harper is involved, because he's the only one I care about and think is good.
-
As happy as I am that women's wrestling is getting so much attention in WWE right now, I really wish Charlotte would take an acting lesson or two.
-
I have to say, I really enjoyed Raw this week. Both triple threat tag matches (especially the main event) were great, and Jack Gallagher coming out and announcing his intentions to interfere in a match ahead of time was gold. Stephanie getting hosed down in champagne certainly doesn't hurt either :hat Only thing that really fell flat for me was the Lana/Rusev/Cass segment.
-
Neville just attacked TJ Perkins and Rich Swann!!! He's joining the cruiserweight division!!!
-
As far as the women's championship goes, apparently WWE forgot that it's called a title reign. Why won't they let Sasha have a long run with the title? The crowd loves her and she's amazing.
-
I thought it was a great show overall, the two main events were very good. I enjoyed the swerve with the best friends, I'm glad it will continue on and they aren't going to rush a match out of them yet
-
Wow, Linda Mcmahon got picked to be a part of Trumps cabinet
I'm still holding out for Trump to be on the Wrestemania card this year.
-
JJ!!!
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/more-sports/watch-ric-flair-deadlift-400-pounds/vi-BBxUIHR
-
That's nothing. I'm confident Ric could lift 750lbs
-
He was probably promised a free keg of beer if he could deadlift that much weight. :lol
-
It's probably a work. :lol
Spent all day watching Wrestle Kingdom, all 5 hours of it in one sitting. As usual, a really solid show, and a much easier watch than WM. Not my favourite WK overall, but damn that closing title match is probably the best individual match I've seen in NJPW. 46 minutes long, and it didn't drag one bit. It just kept getting better.
-
Kenny Omega is an unreal performer. He is actually from my hometown and still shows up every few months for a bar wrestling show. Even for these small shows, where there are 40 people, he still puts in a great performance and is head and shoulders above every one else.
I've watched him from when he first began and he just gets better and better. Its a shame that he doesn't appear to be interested in going to WWE because he would be a perfect fit for NXT.
-
Kenny Omega is an unreal performer. He is actually from my hometown and still shows up every few months for a bar wrestling show. Even for these small shows, where there are 40 people, he still puts in a great performance and is head and shoulders above every one else.
Damn, that sounds awesome. :lol I was thrilled enough to get to see Nakamura from 50-75ft away in a crowd of maybe 5000.
Even though I'm familiar with Kenny Omega, the only match I've properly seen him in was last year's WK, which was a tag match or something. He was still quite good in that, but it didn't allow him to showcase his full talent. I was very impressed by him this year. I was going for him anyway just based on that entrance. :lol
So has he said he's not interested in going to WWE? Because he definitely seems like a guy WWE would be interested in.
-
I've heard through the grapevine that WWE is interested in Kenny for sure. He was actually signed with WWE I think about 7 or 8 years ago. It made the papers here and Kenny went to OVW, which was WWE'S previous training league. I'm not sure what issues arose, but he was released.
It worked out for him and he has obviously been a huge success in Japan. I've been told by other local wrestlers here that Kenny just gets mobbed whereever he goes in Japan. He just enjoys the Japanese culture and NJPW is a perfect fit for him. I recommend checking out more of his matches as he is someone who never has a bad match.
But it definitely sounds like WWE wants him right now, but he is the one who is resistant in going there.
-
There have been so many great wrestlers who were signed to WWE/OVW at some point but never eventuated. Many of the best Lucha Underground wrestlers were technically employed for a bit or at least had tryouts at some point. WWE have missed out on some great talent.
WWE definitely has their eyes on NJPW. AJ Styles and Nakamura were facing each other last year at WK, then right after got signed to WWE. Then there's the Bullet Club.
If you can make it that big in NJPW, you'd want a pretty damn good deal to move to WWE, where it's pot luck whether you get much of a chance. I'm glad there's an alternative out there for good wrestlers besides rotting in TNA. :lol
Definitely wanna check out some more Omega matches. Any particular recommendations?
-
I really think you would enjoy any match from NJPW with Kenny in it.
I do remember one match he had a few years back in NJPW that made headlines all over the place. It was a comedy match against a 9 year old girl and its funny stuff. Check that out just for comedy relief.
But like I said, I'm confident you will enjoy any of his matches.
-
:rollin OMG, I just watched the match with the 9 year old girl. That was hilariously awesome. She's a great worker! :metal
-
Supposedly he has an open invitation to join NXT whenever he wants. I think he's happier being a big fish in a somewhat smaller pond than becoming another cog in the WWE machine (don't mean this in a bad way either).
-
Supposedly he has an open invitation to join NXT whenever he wants. I think he's happier being a big fish in a somewhat smaller pond than becoming another cog in the WWE machine (don't mean this in a bad way either).
I concur. WWE has so many good talents, atm, but I feel like when it comes to showcasing them, I feel that WWE is really not putting their best foot forward when it comes to the booking and rather keep flaunting the days of yesteryear and Cena and whatever over truly moving forward with their big roster.
Kenny Omega and what he has done at the G1 Climax and the Tokyo Dome show, he has shown that he can be a big player and draw for NJPW which is quite surprising given his start. He started during the Canadian independent scene (there's a video of him fighting for this Champion of Anywhere match and I really think TNA's The Final Deletion was inspired off of that), wrestled in DDT which is full of weird stuff including wrestling sex dolls, teaming up with Kota Ibushi where they were known as "Golden Lovers", to wrestling that nine-year old girl, to eventually wrestling Kota Ibushi in a long main event in Budokan Hall in front of about 11,000 people to eventually finding his way to NJPW and slowly building himself to be a superstar there.
So yeah, I don't blame him if he wants to stick around in NJPW for a while. He can do a lot now there than if he is in WWE/NXT where he could just be another guy in the WWE machine. It's not every day you'll see him going 46 minutes against the present/future of NJPW in front of 26,000 people. I do think he'll win their big championship eventually. He seems to have plenty of ideas lined up regarding NJPW and them growing, so it's definitely for the better if he sticks around. I don't watch WWE anymore, but love watching NJPW, so I don't mind this at all.
Just because WWE signed Shinsuke Nakamura and AJ Styles, doesn't mean I'm going to watch their product again. It just means that I'm not going to watch Nakamura and Styles as much as I want to.
-
Meltzer just gave that Okada/Kenny Omega match 6 Stars! I'm so out of touch with anything not WWE-related I have never heard of either of those guys.
Undertaker officially in the Rumble. During his promo though they cut away to Strowman. They better not be setting up that as a match. Undertaker/Cena at WM33 makes much more sense than him with Strowman. Undertaker/HefDaddy makes much more sense than him with Strowman.
I never watched WCW, what was the appeal to Goldberg? I mean, I get the initial appeal, but how did it carry on for so long?
-
Undertaker- Cena really should happen. Its one of the last dream matches left as they have wrestled before, but not on a major stage.
I need to track down that Okada/Kenny match. I think Meltzer has only given around 10 matches five stars in the thousands and thousands of matches he has watched, so a six star match is mind boggling.
-
Regarding Cena/Undertaker. I still felt like they should not have Lesnar broken the streak. I mean Cena/Taker for the streak was a guarandamntee license to print money match that would easily would have drawn 100k people at Wrestlemania, regardless of the strength of the other matches on the card. It could have been this generation's Andre/Hogan.
Meltzer just gave that Okada/Kenny Omega match 6 Stars! I'm so out of touch with anything not WWE-related I have never heard of either of those guys.
To keep it short and sweet, Okada is the present/future of NJPW. Known as the Rainmaker, in his big matches, he has money raining down on his entrance (obviously fake money with his face on it). Has a pretty cool looking dropkick. Just looks like he's a big deal based on how he presents himself in and outside of the ring. Only 29 years old and has proven to be a good draw/asset for NJPW.
Kenny Omega. Comes from Winnipeg (same city as Chris Jericho). Started off wrestling in Canadian independent scenes I think. Had a video where he was the Champion of the Anywhere match (it's a funny watch). Then he went to this Japanese promotion called Dramatic Dream Team where he, among other things, wrestled sex dolls, a nine-year girl, and teamed up and eventually wrestled a bishonen pretty boy name Kota Ibushi. Was officially signed to NJPW in 2014. Eventually climbed the ladder up where he found himself winning the G1 Climax (NJPW's big tourney of the year, and probably the best tourney right now in all of professional wrestling) and headlined the Tokyo Dome show on January 4th where he and Okada wrestled a 46 minute match (it didn't even feel that long). The dude also loves video games (especially Final Fantasy and Street Fighter) and is fluent in Japanese.
So yeah, both guys are definitely worth watching and that match is definitely worth watching (though I wouldn't go crazy and give it six-stars like Meltzer and screw up the whole star system). Both guys took a lot of painful punishment and bumps, but carried on in that long match like there was no tomorrow.
-
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/more-sports/wwe-hall-of-famer-jimmy-superfly-snuka-dies/ar-AAlTybk?li=BBnbfcL&ocid=HPCOMMDHP15
-
RIP Superfly!
-
Anybody watching the UK Tournament on the WWE Network (only 9.99 a month!)? Most of the matches have been at least solid and the final was *fantastic*.
-
RIP Jimmy Snuka. A true legend.
-
Murderer.
-
Well, this is unexpected. Kurt friken Angle is going to the WWE Hall of Fame. I didn't think WWE would contact him given what happened in 2006, but it looks like he will return to the WWE in some capacity. I hope if he comes back in a wrestling capacity, he wrestles Styles or Nakamura. He wrestled them back in the late 2000s in TNA and NJPW, but those guys have grown as wrestlers since then with their more refined personas and I would like to see Angle take on those guys in their modern form.
OH IT'S TRUE, IT'S DAMN TRUE!
https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2017/01-16-2017
-
Very cool news!
Would like to see one more run with Angle and hopefully this puts him in the Rumble
-
Well, this is unexpected. Kurt friken Angle is going to the WWE Hall of Fame. I didn't think WWE would contact him given what happened in 2006, but it looks like he will return to the WWE in some capacity. I hope if he comes back in a wrestling capacity, he wrestles Styles or Nakamura. He wrestled them back in the late 2000s in TNA and NJPW, but those guys have grown as wrestlers since then with their more refined personas and I would like to see Angle take on those guys in their modern form.
OH IT'S TRUE, IT'S DAMN TRUE!
https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2017/01-16-2017
To be fair, Kurt said in an interview recently that he asked for his release at a time that he was deep into his painkiller addiction and he didn't want to be a liability to Vince. The WWE has mended fences with people who they've had bigger falling outs with.
-
What happened in 2006?
I always thought he was just injured and needed time off and couldn't get it
-
He had a painkiller addiction in 2006, WWE wanted him to go to rehab, I believe, Angle opted not to, wanted a release, ended up in TNA a month later. It's not too much a falling out as other people like TheCountOfNYC stated, but given that it's about 11 years since WWE wanted to do anything with Kurt, I didn't think WWE wanted to do anything with him in the future.
-
KURT FUCKING ANGLE
My favourite wrestler of all time, going into the HOF. The only downside is that this perhaps precludes any comeback matches. Even just one more match at WM would be amazing.
-
KURT FUCKING ANGLE
My favourite wrestler of all time, going into the HOF. The only downside is that this perhaps precludes any comeback matches. Even just one more match at WM would be amazing.
He tweeted that he's coming home and he's also appearing on Sportcenter with Coachman this week. The last person to do that was Goldberg and that led to his return.
-
KURT FUCKING ANGLE
My favourite wrestler of all time, going into the HOF. The only downside is that this perhaps precludes any comeback matches. Even just one more match at WM would be amazing.
He tweeted that he's coming home and he's also appearing on Sportcenter with Coachman this week. The last person to do that was Goldberg and that led to his return.
Goldberg wasn't announced for the HOF beforehand, but I like the optimism. :D
-
Beth Phoenix is rumored to be inducted but I can't remember a single noteworthy thing she's done. I wasn't actively watching during her run, so maybe I missed something, but I only recall her being this big bad Brawn Strowman type wrestler.
-
Cool for Kurt! He was so good in the early 2000s. I lost touch with WWE around 2003/4 and never watched him in any other promotions, but his first few years in WWE were definitely HoF worthy. In baseball terms, he was a 5-Tool player. In the ring, on the mic, face, heel, he was the total package.
And he had an amazing ability to play the fool, without being foolish. If that makes any sense. What other wrestler could have pulled off this bit with the tiny hat?
(https://cdn.niketalk.com/a/a3/a365fbed_vlcsnap7818961.png)
-
He was also a rare heel who got numerous submission victories over top faces. The way Angle did the ankle lock was the best. There is no move he couldn't reverse into the ankle lock, it was insane.
-
For someone who never watched pro wrestling and had no interest in it, he sure picked it up fast. He became without question one of the best of all time
He's been sober and clear headed for a few years so I'm hoping for one last run, he deserves it
And his interactions with Steve Austin in those skits was comic gold
-
I saw an interview with him this morning where he said that Steve Austin was the only guy he has kept in touch with.
Triple H called him about the HOF.
Also, that Kenny Omega match was incredible.
-
It really was. I can't get over both the backdrop spot and that dragon suplex from the top. Insane.
-
All hail Bobby Roode :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
-
The NXT Championship is now glorious. Congrats to Bobby Roode, who with his charisma and in ring skill has the potential to bring NXT back to the level it was at two years ago before WWE started calling all of their top talent up.
-
Bobby Roode is outstanding!
-
Been watching some Mid-Atlantic/JCP/SMW (not Super Mario World) videos on YT lately. Is it safe to say the Rock N Roll Express were pretty over in the 80s?
I know the knock on them is that they appealed mainly to the training bra crowd, as Flair would have put it, but these guys were huge.
https://youtu.be/S-tUHi8tfG0?t=1m6s
-
:facepalm:
They better not waste an Undertaker WM match on Reigns. Get over it, Vince. Reigns is ass and can't carry a match. He's had more than enough chances, and failed. And don't get me started on the possibility of Reigns beating Taker. He's already the most hated guy in the company. They never learn from their mistakes.
And why waste an RR win on Orton? Terrible. Worst final two I can think of.
The only surprise was that I enjoyed Strowman's run, and was disappointed when he got eliminated.
Of course Cena vs Styles was as good as expected. That last AA! Cena earned it, although I wish this was a WM match, because neither of them will get as good a match at WM.
WM is shaping up to be awful.
-
:facepalm:
They better not waste an Undertaker WM match on Reigns. Get over it, Vince. Reigns is ass and can't carry a match. He's had more than enough chances, and failed. And don't get me started on the possibility of Reigns beating Taker. He's already the most hated guy in the company. They never learn from their mistakes.
And why waste an RR win on Orton? Terrible. Worst final two I can think of.
The only surprise was that I enjoyed Strowman's run, and was disappointed when he got eliminated.
Of course Cena vs Styles was as good as expected. That last AA! Cena earned it, although I wish this was a WM match, because neither of them will get as good a match at WM.
WM is shaping up to be awful.
Quoted for truth. Unless Styles wins the belt back at Elimination Chamber (which he should have never lost tonight to begin with), we'll be getting Cena vs Orton. Again. Their rivalry is more stale than ten year old bread and nobody wants to see that as the main event of the biggest show of the year. Now Styles vs Orton would be incredible but knowing WWE's penchant to always make the wrong booking decision, I doubt that we'll get that. Also, Charlotte absolutely should not have won clean tonight. It does no favors to the storyline to have Bayley lose clean. The WWE writers need to create sympathy for her while generating heat for Charlotte so that when Bayley does eventually beat Charlotte's PPV streak for the title at Mania, the moment is that much better. Once again, another poor booking decision by the powers at be.
-
I thought the Cena-Styles match was outstanding.
The Rumble match itself was ok, but I was disappointed in the lack of surprise entrants. I knew it was a long shot, but I was hoping Angle would be in it. But it appears this was stage one of a possible Roman heel turn. His match with Owens was better than I expected.
-
Been watching some Mid-Atlantic/JCP/SMW (not Super Mario World) videos on YT lately. Is it safe to say the Rock N Roll Express were pretty over in the 80s?
I know the knock on them is that they appealed mainly to the training bra crowd, as Flair would have put it, but these guys were huge.
https://youtu.be/S-tUHi8tfG0?t=1m6s
Those were my glory days in wrestling, and yes, the RnR Express were huge.
-
Been watching some Mid-Atlantic/JCP/SMW (not Super Mario World) videos on YT lately. Is it safe to say the Rock N Roll Express were pretty over in the 80s?
I know the knock on them is that they appealed mainly to the training bra crowd, as Flair would have put it, but these guys were huge.
https://youtu.be/S-tUHi8tfG0?t=1m6s
Those were my glory days in wrestling, and yes, the RnR Express were huge.
The Jim Crockett era of wrestling was the best. The talent and matches were well above WWF, but the marketing was terrible and lead to their downfall. Flair, Horsemen, Rhodes, Magnum TA, Road Warriors, RnR Express, Midnight Express, Sting, Nikita, Luger, etc. Classic matches.
-
Yep, from about 1981 to about 1987 or so, NWA/Mid-Atlantic Wrestling was unbelievably awesome.
-
WM is shaping up to be awful.
It looks like that's the norm nowadays, same with the rumble. They have fuck it up for the past 5 years.
-
I know wrestling is scripted.....hell we all know that. But if you're going to have a tumbler or bingo cage or whatever tf it's call allegedly used to give people random numbers... then you can't have a guy who has the number 10 as a gimmick come out at number 10....you shouldn't have the former tag team champs come out back to back. You can't have Taker Brock and Brock's daddy all come out in the final 5...and you sure as hell can't have Superman Reigns come out at 30. I'm willing to suspend my disbelief to a certain extent.
Couple that with no surprise entrants....Cena winning again after a lengthy break and Another insider Rumble win...and that show was a huge disappointment.....to me
...not to them, they made millions.
-
So glad I stopped watching this crap. Vince continues to shit all over the heads of fans with a terrible product, and fans continue to say, "Thanks for the hat." :P
-
So glad I stopped watching this crap. Vince continues to shit all over the heads of fans with a terrible product, and fans continue to say, "Thanks for the hat." :P
In another forum where someone had a Royal Rumble 2017 thread and stated in the OP, "Regardless of the state of the product, the rumble should almost be guaranteed to be a good match." I stated "Oh no, I'm not falling for that again. The last time I fell for that was in Royal Rumble 2014 and it turned out to be a big disappointment." With the exception of the main event of WM 30, and some of the NXT: Takeover shows, I hadn't watched anything from WWE since then.
WWE had killed my love for professional wrestling back in 2013-2014. NJPW brought that love back in 2015 and I'm just sitting here waiting for this weekend where NJPW is going to do their big event of the month, "The New Beginning." and I'm going to watch it and I know that regardless of results/match quality/etc. I'm going to have a good time watching it and it's going to be worth the time. Wrestle Kingdom was over 5 hours long and I had a blast watching the whole thing. I don't think any other promotion, but NJPW, can convince me to watch a 5-hour supershow.
-
I know wrestling is scripted.....hell we all know that. But if you're going to have a tumbler or bingo cage or whatever tf it's call allegedly used to give people random numbers... then you can't have a guy who has the number 10 as a gimmick come out at number 10....you shouldn't have the former tag team champs come out back to back. You can't have Taker Brock and Brock's daddy all come out in the final 5...and you sure as hell can't have Superman Reigns come out at 30. I'm willing to suspend my disbelief to a certain extent.
Couple that with no surprise entrants....Cena winning again after a lengthy break and Another insider Rumble win...and that show was a huge disappointment.....to me
...not to them, they made millions.
Tye Dillinger entering at number 10 was too prefect to not happen truthfully. All of the fan pages I follow were begging for it before the PPV. As for the Roman thing, he shouldn't have even been in the Rumble match. And if he was in it after having a world title match earlier in the night then why wasn't Styles? Roman being in that match completely went against kayfabe and while things are different now and there's a lot of aspects of wrestling where kayfabe can be ignored, the actual wrestling aspect of it should still be treated as real. Roman being in the Rumble after having a world title match earlier in the night tells the fans that he was scripted to lose which is a big no-no even in today's world where everyone knows that the match results are predetermined. Also, the fact that the WWE thinks that Roman was worthy of the number 30 spot in the Rumble, a spot that's typically reserved for a returning or legendary superstar, as well as thinking that he's worthy of eliminating and potentially having a Wrestlemania match with The Undertaker, shows how out of touch with the fans they truly are. WWE had done a good job of getting Reigns back into the fans good graces and he was actually starting to get some cheers but with the sound of a buzzer they undid all of that.
On a more positive note, Samoa Joe made his main roster debut tonight, attacking Seth Rollins and setting up a potential Wrestlemania match between them. It looks like he'll be playing the role of Triple H's enforcer, and even though a lot of fans have been hoping for a Seth/HHH match, I respect that Triple H may be stepping away to open up a spot for the younger guys and Seth vs Joe is a potential show stealer.
-
Unless Styles wins the belt back at Elimination Chamber (which he should have never lost tonight to begin with), we'll be getting Cena vs Orton. Again.
Possibly. I'm not sure how they would fit Wyatt into that picture, though. I don't see them having Orton wrestle Cena for the championship while Wyatt just cheers on from the sidelines, so we may end up with something a little bit different.
Maybe Wyatt will command Orton to surrender his title opportunity to Wyatt. It could go a couple different ways from there. If WWE creative really wants to commit to the story of Orton being loyal to Wyatt, Orton could actually give his spot to Wyatt, and we could end up with Wyatt wrestling Cena for the championship. Or, as I think is more likely, we could see Orton rebel against Wyatt, which could potentially lead to a triple threat match with Orton, Wyatt, and Cena (or whoever wins the title at the chamber, but Cena seems most likely).
Or, here's a thought: what if Wyatt wins the title at Elimination Chamber? Not likely, granted, but not outside of the realm of possibility, either, especially if Orton interferes to help him. Then Cena could invoke his rematch clause to inset himself and make it a triple threat, or, fuck it, a fatal four way with Styles.
Or we could actually just have Orton vs. Wyatt at Mania. That could be an interesting little story for the Road to Wrestlemania. Wyatt could expect Orton to lay down for him in the main event. There could be a lot of speculation about whether Orton would actually go through with it. Then when the match finally comes, Orton bows his head and lets Wyatt set him up for Sister Abigail. Wyatt kisses him on the forehead, then Orton spins out of it and hits an RKO right off the bat. Wyatt kicks out and rolls out of the ring stunned, and - boom. Suddenly we could have a pretty interesting match on our hands. Alternatively, Orton could rebel before WrestleMania, setting up a feud where Wyatt has been abandoned by the last of his family and is now angrier and more dangerous than ever.
I don't know. I think there could be some interestin possibilities.
Of course, this is WWE creative we are talking about, so there is always a chance that they will just drop the Orton/Wyatt relationship without explanation and pretend it never happened while Orton wrestles Cena for the millionth time.
-
The thing is, though regarding the Roman scenario, this was not the first time WWE had someone come into the Royal Rumble after losing a World title shot in the same night. Kurt Angle lost a WWE Championship match, got pinned as well, in 2005. Stole one guy's number, backstage, and entered the Royal Rumble and suplexed everyone in the ring. He only lasted about a minute though before being eliminated by HBK (which then set up the dream match at the time at Wrestlemania 21).
-
A sore loser heel cheating his way into getting a chance in the rumble to regain the belt, then being quickly denied that opportunity by someone else, setting up a feud for WM? Good booking.
Someone who's constantly pushed down the fans' throats being naturally given two chances at the belt in one night, and the best spot in the Rumble, after already having endless chances at the belt in the past? Bad booking. Not as bad booking as the past two Rumbles though.
-
A sore loser heel cheating his way into getting a chance in the rumble to regain the belt, then being quickly denied that opportunity by someone else, setting up a feud for WM? Good booking.
Someone who's constantly pushed down the fans' throats being naturally given two chances at the belt in one night, and the best spot in the Rumble, after already having endless chances at the belt in the past? Bad booking. Not as bad booking as the past two Rumbles though.
-
Well, when you lay it out like that, then of course, the booking of this year's Rumble was terrible. I just think the idea that the whole action itself going against kayfabe seems a bit weak to me. Of course, if Roman Reigns was the heel, which people have been begging for a long long time now, that Kurt Angle was back then, there probably would be not as much hostility for the booking.
Note, since I do not care about WWE's booking or their product, nowadays, I am neither mad, upset, or happy with the booking they made regarding the rumble. I just wanted to add some facts that is related to that and get people's thoughts.
-
I don't have a problem in principle with someone losing a title match, then getting another shot in the Royal Rumble (just assume that whoever lost the match got that chance). The problem was that it was bad booking in this instance when you look at the circumstances.
Nobody expected Reigns would be in this Rumble because he already had a match, so that final spot was a real opportunity for a surprise, with many people anticipating Samoa Joe or Balor (although I didn't think he was ready for a return anyway). Keep in mind that the last few spots had included Goldberg, Lesnar, and The Undertaker. The ending of this Rumble was actually huge.
Then they completely deflated the Rumble by giving that best spot to the very person who is responsible for the incredibly poor reception of the previous two Rumbles, showing an apparent lack of regard and understanding of the fanbase. Even if Reigns had entered the Rumble earlier, but lasted till the end, that would have improved the situation. Then they still could have set up the Undertaker feud. And that was another problem. It also confirmed their plans for Reigns and Taker, which was another huge kick in the teeth for many people.
-
On a more positive note, Samoa Joe made his main roster debut tonight, attacking Seth Rollins and setting up a potential Wrestlemania match between them. It looks like he'll be playing the role of Triple H's enforcer, and even though a lot of fans have been hoping for a Seth/HHH match, I respect that Triple H may be stepping away to open up a spot for the younger guys and Seth vs Joe is a potential show stealer.
I'm not buying that for a second. Joe might be getting Seth at Fastlane... but other than injury, there's no chance in hell of Triple H not getting the match he wants at Mania... and this year... that match is with Seth.
-
I know wrestling is scripted.....hell we all know that. But if you're going to have a tumbler or bingo cage or whatever tf it's call allegedly used to give people random numbers... then you can't have a guy who has the number 10 as a gimmick come out at number 10....you shouldn't have the former tag team champs come out back to back. You can't have Taker Brock and Brock's daddy all come out in the final 5...and you sure as hell can't have Superman Reigns come out at 30. I'm willing to suspend my disbelief to a certain extent.
Couple that with no surprise entrants....Cena winning again after a lengthy break and Another insider Rumble win...and that show was a huge disappointment.....to me
...not to them, they made millions.
The "random numbers" that the wrestlers drew were definitely worthy of eye rolling. Combined with no surprise entrants, this was a disappointing rumble match itself.
But the Cena-Styles match made up for it as I really enjoyed that one. I was hoping for a Cena-Undertaker match at Mania but it appears that they are moving away from that possibility.
-
The only "surprise" entrants that would have had me excited are Kurt Angle or Kenny Omega.
-
^^ Yeah, Omega was never coming at all to the Rumble. Already stated in an interview with Meltzer, a few days back, that he wasn't appearing at the Rumble. Had an indy show at Chile the day before, I think. Whether or not people choose to believe him is up to the listener. He also claims that he's heading to Japan in February to negotiate new terms with NJPW (looking for a one-year contract, don't think NJPW will give him only one year after last year around this time).
-
Well looks like rollins got injured again on raw. He took the Coquina Clutch wrong and landed awkwardly and messed up his knee again. I just hope it isnt as serious this time.
-
That would just be terrible luck for Rollins if its serious
-
Sucks for Seth. Curious to see what Triple H would do to get a suitable replacement opponent for him self.
-
Undertaker is supposedly hurting more than expected too.
-
Isn't Undertaker currently holding off on a hip replacement or something? He's just trying to keep it together for his WM match.
It's no coincidence that Undertaker and Goldberg had such short runs in the RR. They're not really match fit, but WM is about the star power. This is why I would have liked Undertaker to go against an experienced and safe opponent at WM who could carry the match, like Cena. Reigns with his 3 moves just won't cut it.
-
There's a chance that the Rollins injury is a work. The next Raw PPV isn't until March so they need to drag this out for two weeks longer than usual. I mean he could actually be injured which would suck and I would feel so bad for him but I have a feeling that this is all part of the storyline.
-
What I'm hearing is that it's legit and currently expected to keep him on the shelf for ~8 weeks, which would run right up to Wrestlemania.
-
Yeah word is Seth is genuinely hurt, and while plans for the HHH match aren't officially scrapped they're gonna need a backup plan..... Somehow work it into Trips Vs. Joe maybe? Though Joe just made a big statement by affiliating himself with HHH so it wouldn't make a huge amount of sense them turning on each other straight away....
As for Taker/Reigns, that could be entertaining to watch, even if just for the crowd reaction everytime Roman gets a nearfall on Taker, or - heaven forbid - actually wins :( :censored
-
Yeah word is Seth is genuinely hurt, and while plans for the HHH match aren't officially scrapped they're gonna need a backup plan..... Somehow work it into Trips Vs. Joe maybe? Though Joe just made a big statement by affiliating himself with HHH so it wouldn't make a huge amount of sense them turning on each other straight away....
As for Taker/Reigns, that could be entertaining to watch, even if just for the crowd reaction everytime Roman gets a nearfall on Taker, or - heaven forbid - actually wins :( :censored
Taker/Reigns could be Lesnar/Goldberg 2.0. Taker is old and can barely move, and Reigns has no charisma and 3 moves. It might be WORSE than Lesnar/Goldberg.
-
Well hot damn I brought up the Rock n Roll Express here a week ago, and what do ya know?
https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/rock-n-roll-express-to-be-inducted-into-wwe-hall-of-fame-class-of-2017/
-
Yep, saw that this morning. Awesome.
-
The Rock n Roll Express' best of 7000 match series is still going on with the Midnight Express. I wonder who is going to win?
-
The Rock n Roll Express' best of 7000 match series is still going on with the Midnight Express. I wonder who is going to win?
lol
-
Well then, I just finished watching NJPW's The New Beginning in Osaka. Uhhh, it was a great show. The big matches like Will Ospreay/Shibata, Hiromu Takahashi/Dragon Lee, Michael Elgin/Naito really delivered big time and had a strong crowd support. I suggest to give the event a watch if possible for those matches if people feels disenchanted about wrestling nowadays.
-
Ive been a happy njpwworld subscriber for many months now. Money well spent.
-
Bray Wyatt is the NEW WWE World Champion!!!
-
Bleh, so obvious. Wyatt/Orton is going to stink, and will be pointless unless Wyatt retains. WM is shaping up to be a lost cause.
And the new Elimination Chamber is so sanitized and watered down. They replaced the metal grating with soft mats ffs. It looks like a kid's playground now.
-
Bleh, so obvious. Wyatt/Orton is going to stink, and will be pointless unless Wyatt retains. WM is shaping up to be a lost cause.
Well, I kind of doubt it will be just Wyatt and Orton. John Cena technically has a rematch clause, and I'm betting they're going to have him insert himself into the match. I'm also betting that he will win, so that he can have his big Wrestlemania moment where he breaks Ric Flair's record and becomes a 17 time champion.
Granted, this is probably not much of an improvement. I'm just saying it's gonna happen.
At any rate, I thought the Chamber match was awesome. Everyone came out of it looking pretty good. Ambrose got to go nuts. Baron Corbin got to murder everyone, hitting finishers on half the field. AJ Styles looked good because it is not biologically possible for AJ Styles to not look good. The Miz got crushed by Super Cena, sure, but the whole performance fit his gimmick really well I thought, and it wouldn't really make much sense for him to do well in the Chamber with his movie star gimmick. Cena was Cena. And Wyatt won clean! I figured they would have Orton sneak into the Chamber or some bullshit, but nope, he just eliminated the two top guys in the company back to back by countering their finishers into his.
Yes, the Chamber itself was watered down, and that really sucks. But I found the dynamics of the match itself to be really entertaining.
-
Yeah they had to tone down the chamber the old one was so big and heavy that a lot of arenas couldn't support it. Also apparently it was a bitch to transport.
I kinda like the redesign though. Except for the square pods. Oh well I'm looking forward to orton vs wyatt
-
Kevin Owens just broke my heart.
EDIT: And Bayley just brought my smile back. Congratulations to Bayley on winning the Raw Women's Championship. Well deserved.
-
Kevin Owens just broke my heart.
EDIT: And Bayley just brought my smile back. Congratulations to Bayley on winning the Raw Women's Championship. Well deserved.
I was hoping they would keep the Owens-Jericho partnership together for much longer; really enjoyed their segments. I think the break up could have been built up longer.
Actually I just read that Jericho is taking time off after WM, so I guess they felt the urgency to get the feud and match going.
-
Actually I just read that Jericho is taking time off after WM, so I guess they felt the urgency to get the feud and match going.
Fozzy's doing some festivals including Download and Carolina Rebellion and I think they are in the process of creating another album. So I think it makes sense that Jericho will be busy and done with wrestling for now after Wrestlemania. I'm game for more Fozzy.
-
Kevin Owens just broke my heart.
EDIT: And Bayley just brought my smile back. Congratulations to Bayley on winning the Raw Women's Championship. Well deserved.
I was hoping they would keep the Owens-Jericho partnership together for much longer; really enjoyed their segments. I think the break up could have been built up longer.
Actually I just read that Jericho is taking time off after WM, so I guess they felt the urgency to get the feud and match going.
I knew that Jericho was leaving some time after WM, so I was hoping they'd get a WM match out of this. Too many feuds have been rushed and fizzled out before WM in the past. I would have liked to see more from them too though, because Jericho + Owens has been one of the best things in years.
-
I agree. It's absolutely been one of the best things in years
-
Bayley deserving to win the title pales in comparison to Naomi deserving to win the belt, so I'm more happy for her.
This Charlotte losing on Raw but being invincible at PPVs is getting old. Look for her to win it back at Fastlane.
Jericho costs KO the win against Goldberg... can see this coming from a mile away, just like Bray winning the chamber match. But they did manage to make Bray look STRONG in doing so. May his reign be long!
-
Festival of Friendship segment was fantastic last night. Really looking forward to Jericho and Owens feuding until KO wins the US title at Mania. Happy for Bayley, but I agree with DoC. This is what, the fourth time that Charlotte has dropped the title on Raw in the last six months? Way too much of a game of hot potato with that title.
-
I think the Festival of Friendship was one of the best segments in recent memory.
-
I'm not gonna lie, I popped for Gillberg.
-
The up and down emotions that was in the Festival of Friendship was excellent. Perfectly played by both Chris and Kevin.
-
Randy Orton refuses to fight Bray Wyatt. There will be a battle royal next Tuesday to determine who goes against Bray Wyatt at Mania. So why even have Orton win the Rumble?
-
When they make these changes, it just hurts the prestige of the Rumble match. I'm still thinking it will be Orton in the end. If not, I would imagine Styles
-
I don't even know what they have planned for Styles at this stage, but I doubt it's a title match. I've heard Styles vs Shane mentioned, which would suck so hard. Shane should not even be in a match at WM. And Styles deserves a real match after the amazing year he's had.
I'd like to see Harper win that battle royal, then Orton can change his mind and make it a triple threat or something. But they don't appear to think that highly of Harper. :(
-
The Harper idea is a good one, but yeah it doesn't appear that they think too highly of him. Definitely not high enough to give him a WM main event.
And I really think it's time for Shane to step away from in ring action. He took the spot of someone else last year against Taker and I hope he doesn't do the same this year against Styles
-
When they make these changes, it just hurts the prestige of the Rumble match.
Maybe. But I think it also demonstrates an actual commitment to the Wyatt/Orton storyline, which I do kind of appreciate. We'll see if the payoff ends up being worth it, but I'm feeling cautiously optimistic.
-
I'm 100% sure that Orton will still wrestle Wyatt at Mania. It could be a triple threat with Harper....we shall see.
-
I think having Harper win the battle royal and then Orton re-inserting himself into the match could make for a lot of interesting head games in the lead up to Wrestlemania.
-
Harper definitely has his supporters, so there is a chance it becomes a three way for sure.
-
I haven't taken any notice of wrestling since I was a teenager but I still remember the awesome George "The Animal" Steele. RIP :-\
I still remember Elizabeth too :lol
-
I saw George The Animal Steel. That was when the WWF was touring high school gyms. 1982ish. Killer Kahn too!
-
I remember watching him as a kid. Every ounce of my kayfabe being thought he was totally insane. When he would rip open a turnbuckle, man that still has to be one of the craziest things to ever happen in a wrestling ring.
-
RIP George
-
RIP Ivan Koloff, the Russian Bear. A death doubleshot weekend.
-
Saw that too, no memory of watching him wrestle. Remember Nikaloa Volkoff and Nikita Koloff more.
And BANG! this is shaping up to be an awesome Hall of Fame class!
-
I enjoyed that Big Show vs Strowman match a lot more than I expected
-
I've heard a few people remark similarly. I bailed on Raw right before the KO/Zayn/Joe bit because I needed to get up early this morning for a run, but the rest of it's waiting on the DVR for me tonight.
-
Evidently the Rock came out after Raw went off the air because they were filming scenes for a moving being made about Paige's family (his production company is involved). They were filming the match where Paige beats AJ for the title the night after Wrestlemania, which meant the crowd was doing CM Punk chants, so Rock took his phone out and called Punk from the ring and left a voicemail for him of the LA crowd :lol
-
Evidently the Rock came out after Raw went off the air because they were filming scenes for a moving being made about Paige's family (his production company is involved). They were filming the match where Paige beats AJ for the title the night after Wrestlemania, which meant the crowd was doing CM Punk chants, so Rock took his phone out and called Punk from the ring and left a voicemail for him of the LA crowd :lol
The Rock could literally do whatever he wants. There was a time a couple of years ago when WWE wasn't mentioning Hulk Hogan due to the racial tirade where The Rock decided to interview a fan dressed as Hogan. He gives no shits.
-
I really hope The Rock isn't at WM this year. He has dragged down the last two so badly with his unnecessary appearances. It doesn't benefit anyone in the long term.
I also watched the two "once in a lifetime" matches with Cena in the past couple of days, and they stunk hard.
-
I'm really impressed with Braun Strowman. He clearly has the look, but he's improved in the ring and with his character recently. I definitely see a title reign coming up for him.
And Fastlane should be enjoyable, I'm interested to see how Jericho gets involved in the title match.
-
I think it's still way too early for Braun Strowman to win the title at this point. He doesn't have the experience yet (and he knows that), and if they pushed him this early, he'd become another Reigns. Speaking of which, I'm very interested in how they book that match.
But I think they've been using him well recently. I really liked his appearance in the Rumble, and was actually disappointed when he got eliminated. They've also done a good job with his character from what little I've seen from Raw.
He could be a great big guy, I just hope they don't push him before he's ready.
-
How can SmackDown be SO much better than Raw?
-
Raw is coming to Newark NJ May 15th. Im debating about going, you can get a pretty cheap ticket. It's also the day after the Metallica concert. Would be a good excuse to just take the day off from work.
-
How can SmackDown be SO much better than Raw?
I know they will never get rid of that third hour of Raw because of revenue, but it just may be the mentality of less is more. The two hour show just seems to be running smoother.
But also AJ deserves a lot of credit too
-
Total. Bullshit. They're shooting themselves in the foot yet again. Stop putting washed up part timers in the main event who can't handle main event length matches. This is why Wrestlemania is so bad now. Goldberg Lesnar 2 is going to be even worse than the first time.
-
Total. Bullshit. They're shooting themselves in the foot yet again. Stop putting washed up part timers in the main event who can't handle main event length matches. This is why Wrestlemania is so bad now. Goldberg Lesnar 2 is going to be even worse than the first time.
-
How can SmackDown be SO much better than Raw?
-
On the bright side, the Neville vs Gallagher match was one of the better cruiserweight matches on the main roster.
Also still trying to figure out the booking for the women's division. On one hand, I was glad to see the title stay with Bayley because that belt has moved around way too much over the last 9 months or so. On the other hand, it doesn't make sense to build up Charlotte's PPV streak and then have it snapped at a random PPV a month before Mania. I think giving Bayley the title in the first place was a mistake. I would have had Charlotte retain by any means necessary up until Mania. Then at Mania I'd run the rumored fatal four way with Charlotte, Bayley, Sasha, and Nia Jax. Get to the end of the match and let Bayley have Charlotte dead to rights (maybe a finisher from the second turnbuckle, Cena style), only for Sasha to sneak in and screw Bayley over and get the win. Sasha turns and then Bayley finally wins the belt at Summerslam.
-
Goldberg was always my favorite wrestler, and the short matches in WCW never bothered me. His current run however is very disappointing. He may not be the best wrestler, but I know he's capable of putting on longer matches. Makes me wonder if this was something he negotiated, as in he'll only return if he can just go out and do 30 second squash matches, or if he's just not physically able to wrestle for long periods of time.
Is Kevin Owens the longest reigning transitional champion? And once Lesnar beats Goldberg, it's back to months without a champion.
Remember when Lesnar would actually talk on the mic? I miss Stone Cold...
Rambling of a confused wrestling fan.
-
These days I think I read this thread and watch Whatculture on youtube more than I watch actual WWE wrestling. Not sure why I even do that anymore. Probably the nostalgia factor.
And speaking of nostalgia....
(https://cdn.wrestlingnewssource.com/feed_images/1488825977_1acf3269aab61704a69f45636204f5be_384.jpg)
-
I can't remember the last time I watched any WWE. Lucha is far more entertaining, but I'm not totally committed to it. If it's on when I've got the TV on, I'll watch it.
WWE feels like Tater constantly trying to bring back Queensryche material - they've lost everything they once had, and are just trying to capitalize and recapture their past glory.
-
On the bright side, the Neville vs Gallagher match was one of the better cruiserweight matches on the main roster.
Also still trying to figure out the booking for the women's division. On one hand, I was glad to see the title stay with Bayley because that belt has moved around way too much over the last 9 months or so. On the other hand, it doesn't make sense to build up Charlotte's PPV streak and then have it snapped at a random PPV a month before Mania. I think giving Bayley the title in the first place was a mistake. I would have had Charlotte retain by any means necessary up until Mania. Then at Mania I'd run the rumored fatal four way with Charlotte, Bayley, Sasha, and Nia Jax. Get to the end of the match and let Bayley have Charlotte dead to rights (maybe a finisher from the second turnbuckle, Cena style), only for Sasha to sneak in and screw Bayley over and get the win. Sasha turns and then Bayley finally wins the belt at Summerslam.
I don't get their booking either. They have a habit of blowing their load before WM these days though. :dunno:
And yes, the Cruiserweight match was very entertaining! They usually are, but the two guys' styles worked really well together. The only other time I've seen Gallagher was in the RR when he was just there for some light fun, so I was expecting it to be just gimmicks here, but he was a great wrestler, and very entertaining, even though I think the gimmick is very Indie/NXT.
-
It appears that Lucha Underground is now on Netflix, so get on it, people.
-
Kurt Angle did an AMA on Reddit, some pretty interesting answers and insight.
https://www.reddit.com/r/SquaredCircle/comments/5xny09/i_am_olympic_gold_medalist_thirteentime_world/#bottom-comments
-
Wow, great answers all around. He didn't talk shit about anyone, and I didn't sense any bitterness. I'm so glad he's finally back with WWE.
-
It seems like he really has his head on straight and is winning the addiction battle. He is helping a lot of other people fight addictions as well, so you have to respect that. He really wants one more title run and I hope he gets it, he deserves it.
-
I used to really like Kurt Angle and stop following as my interest in wrestling fading, but didn't realize how big of an addict and dick he was. I read some, and still am reading more, of that AMA and it's really interesting and good to see him acknowledge his mistakes and work towards bettering himself.
-
So... turns out Paige used to get around the locker room :lol
-
Yes yes, I'm investigating this right now......
-
You'd think after The Fappening that they would have learned their lesson.
-
Yeah, you would. Looks like some of the stuff of her is a few years old though, so I guess the damage was already done. Once it's out there, it's out there. And Paige is young and stupid, so it doesn't surprise me too much.
-
I bet Alberto is pissed :lol
-
I bet Alberto is pissed :lol
I mean if this was a few years back before they got together, it shouldn't be a problem. Then again, Alberto Del Rio/El Patron/etc. seems to get pissed off about anything pretty easily.
-
So this Cloud thing. Is there no was of removing content like this?
-
Back when I still watched, I think I was one of the few guys who didn't think much of Paige. The WWF/WWE has had countless more attractive more women/divas over the years.
-
I've always thought that Paige was beautiful but in regards to the "scandal", it's not right that these celebrities can't trust that these private photos will stay private.
-
I've always thought that Paige was beautiful but in regards to the "scandal", it's not right that these celebrities can't trust that these private photos will stay private.
I totally agree, but why in the world are you taking pics of yourself and making videos like that, especially once you're a celebrity or in the public eye at all? That is just asking for trouble. But that is the selfie world we live in now. Again though, this kind of violation is just not right.
-
Taking pictures/videos isn't the issue. It's storing them in the cloud. Never heard of hard drives?
Rumor is out for the WM34 main event. If you haven't heard it yet, I won't write it out here, you aren't going to like it.
-
(https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/t_original/o0gic2cglcr7uqewjuxi.gif)
-
Note to self: If i ever become famous, Turn off auto cloud backup.
-
Taking pictures/videos isn't the issue. It's storing them in the cloud. Never heard of hard drives?
Rumor is out for the WM34 main event. If you haven't heard it yet, I won't write it out here, you aren't going to like it.
Yeah, just in case this year's WM wasn't shaping up shitty enough, they had to go and ruin next year in advance too. They'll never learn. :facepalm:
-
What she did to the NXT womens title was fucked up.
-
What she did to the NXT womens title was fucked up.
Technically, she didn't do it. :lol :lol :lol
Taking pictures/videos isn't the issue. It's storing them in the cloud. Never heard of hard drives?
Rumor is out for the WM34 main event. If you haven't heard it yet, I won't write it out here, you aren't going to like it.
Yeah, just in case this year's WM wasn't shaping up shitty enough, they had to go and ruin next year in advance too. They'll never learn. :facepalm:
Why would they? People keep paying for the WWE network, watching every week and attending live shows, no matter how awful the product gets. Vince probably sits in his office laughing and thinking, "It doesn't matter how shitty our product is, these fools still lap it up." As a former fan, I can say with 100% honestly that I have not paid for ANYTHING wrestling-related since the early 90s.
-
What she did to the NXT womens title was fucked up.
Technically, she didn't do it. :lol :lol :lol
Taking pictures/videos isn't the issue. It's storing them in the cloud. Never heard of hard drives?
Rumor is out for the WM34 main event. If you haven't heard it yet, I won't write it out here, you aren't going to like it.
Yeah, just in case this year's WM wasn't shaping up shitty enough, they had to go and ruin next year in advance too. They'll never learn. :facepalm:
Why would they? People keep paying for the WWE network, watching every week and attending live shows, no matter how awful the product gets. Vince probably sits in his office laughing and thinking, "It doesn't matter how shitty our product is, these fools still lap it up." As a former fan, I can say with 100% honestly that I have not paid for ANYTHING wrestling-related since the early 90s.
Spot on. WWE is rolling in the money. They can do whatever they want with "creative".
In other news, these Southpaw Regional Wrestling videos are pretty funny.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4RFCRpp9P0&t=197s
-
That is hilarious :lol
-
ha thats good stuff
-
Why would they? People keep paying for the WWE network, watching every week and attending live shows, no matter how awful the product gets. Vince probably sits in his office laughing and thinking, "It doesn't matter how shitty our product is, these fools still lap it up." As a former fan, I can say with 100% honestly that I have not paid for ANYTHING wrestling-related since the early 90s.
Correct. All of this. As long as WWE still pulls in around 70k people for WM, reels in about $600 million in yearly revenue, has millions of eyeballs watching WM and subbing to the Network, live shows still sell well enough, Vince and co doesn't have to try to pull a great wrestling product anymore. All they care about is pulling enough people, from any kind of demographics, in to make their money and please the shareholders.
I mean yeah, WM is going to suck this year, but does WWE care? No, because 10s of thousands of people are going to come there anyway to say that they went to a Wrestlemania. WWE is going to scoop a live gate of around $10-15 million on whatever card great or crappy, plus more in other aspects like merch, etc. We've been hearing that it's going to be Brock vs Goldberg for the title in the main event for months now and apparently the live audience just don't care that it's going to suck, since WM is still going to sell-out.
I guess in a sense, WWE needs to have a major sense of vulnerability like the Monday Night Wars to really shake things up and give a hoot about delivering a quality wrestling product, but since no other company can challenge WWE, in terms of financial resources, something else probably needs to happen to get WWE to deliver a strong product again.
Either way, I don't care if WWE has a good product or not. I haven't watched anything from them since the main event of WM 30, with the exception of some of the NXT: Takeover shows. Time is too short for me to resort to watch hours of a subpar product and I rather spend that time doing other things I enjoy like playing WoW or watching NJPW.
-
I keep watching because the in ring work is probably the overall best in company history. As much as the booking tries to drive me away, I keep coming back because I like the performers. Well thats the case with raw anyway. I actually enjoy smackdown more often than not. I also like NXT a lot and 205 live has been alright.
Come to think of it maybe I just don't like raw lol.
Also Ishii vs Shibata from the new japan cup today was fantastic. Those two always put on a great match.
-
Interesting thoughts here. WWE is producing such an inferior product, yet they are selling out arenas, getting lots of PPV buys and Network subscriptions.... so how inferior can the product really be? It's the old Nickleback conundrum: If your product is selling and making money, and that is your goal, how objectively can we critique its quality?
I keep watching because the in ring work is probably the overall best in company history.
If you grew up watching WWF in the 80s, you will definitely remember those wrestling clinics that legends like King Kong Bundy, Hillbilly Jim, and Hacksaw Jim Duggan put on :lol
-
Just watching Wrestlemania 3. I don't know how many times I've watched this show but the Steamboat vs Savage match never gets old and deserves all the recognition it gets. Many people call it the greatest match in wrestling history and I can see why, it's just non stop action. Supposedly Randy and Ricky had practiced the match in the months leading up at Randy's house and memorized every step and move that played out. Fantastic five star match and if you've never seen it, go out of your way to see it.
The Hogan-Andre match wasn't a great match technically but it was still great based on the visual and spectacle of the whole thing.
And it's strange playing back the show and observing the Silverdome and knowing it's now a derelict wasteland.
But WM3 is a good show and maybe still the biggest of all time. It might be the biggest point for wrestling too
-
Just watched the Steamboat versus Savage match. I was going to watch a few minutes but ended up watching the whole thing.
-
Its a very captivating match, and one of the first of its kind. Its very swift, technical and innovative for its time. Still very solid even by today's standards.
-
It's absolutely flawless.
Steamboat and Savage should have had the rematch at WM4 during the tournament but for whatever reason, they put Valentine over Steamboat. There were lots of politics, including from Hogan most likely, that worked against Ricky. I guess he asked for time off after WM3 to be with his new born and that's pretty much a no no in Vince's eyes. That's why they did the quick switch to Honky. If he didn't ask for time off, I'm sure Steamboat would have been groomed for a title run
-
Steamboat and Savage were both faces in 1988, though, and face vs face matches were unheard of at that time in the WWF.
Funny thing about their WM3 match is Steamboat didn't want to do that way - he preferred to call his movies in matches on the fly instead of planning them out - but Savage insisted and won. The right to pre-plan the match move for move, not the actual match. :lol :lol
-
I think the fact that they were both faces would have made the match even cooler and not as predictable. Would have been a nice touch for Ricky to return the favour and would have made Randy winning the tournament more special.
As it is, WM4 is a bit of a grind to sit through.
There was a lot of filler in the early WrestleManias, but also a lot of classic match ups. Hogan vs Warrior exceeded all expectations and is one of my all time favorite match ups. And also exceeding expectations is Warrior vs Savage at WM7. That's a rollar coaster of a match and you would be hard pressed not to get even slightly emotional with the Elizabeth angle afterwards.
Other classics off the top of my head from the first ten WrestleManias would be Piper-Hart, Savage-Flair and of course the two major classics from WM10, Bret/Owen and the ladder match
-
Warrior/Savage was a beast of a match. That was before kicking out of finishers was something that happens in every other WM match 33 times, so Savage kicking out of Warrior's press slam and splash, after Warrior kicked out of getting I think 5 elbow drops, was a major holy crap moment.
Jake/DiBiase from WM6 was awesome, too, especially when the crowd started doing the wave to try and get Jake the Snake to rally.
But yeah, a lot of crap matches early on. Just about every match at WM4 was pretty blah, even the tag team title and I-C title matches. I think the tournament made for so many matches that all of them ended up being over too fast.
-
I remember being so amped when my parents told me WM1 and WM2 were available to rent on VHS, when I had my birthday that year, I put on the invitations that we were going to rent them (the party was at my house). I was a huge A-Team fan (aw fuck it, I still am) so Mr. T could have read a Chinese menu at WM1 and I would have loved it.
-
I have a weird affinity for WM4 because when I was a kid we randomly had it recorded on a blank VHS, so I used to watch it all the time.
-
I remember being so amped when my parents told me WM1 and WM2 were available to rent on VHS, when I had my birthday that year, I put on the invitations that we were going to rent them (the party was at my house). I was a huge A-Team fan (aw fuck it, I still am) so Mr. T could have read a Chinese menu at WM1 and I would have loved it.
I remember going to blockbuster and renting WM and other WWF VHS's.
-
I had so many wrestling VHS/DVDs as a kid. I loved collecting them. Had all of the early WMs. I sold almost all of them on ebay at some point, but still have a bunch of DVDs.
-
That's part of why I love the network, is having all of the old PPVs available on demand. When April 2nd rolls around I will absolutely be spending all day leading up to Mania going back and watching old matches and such.
-
Jim Cornette to induct The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Jim Cornette to induct The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express
Jim Cornette
!!!
-
(https://jimcornette.com/sites/default/files/styles/uc_product_full/public/jc-face.jpg?itok=qmC6LXAM)
-
All part of the mindgames to continue to legendary Midnight Express-RnR Express feud.
-
Is it me or does the new ring announcer on RAW sound a lot like Lilian? I was watching it last night after a while and thought she had come back
-
If you had to choose your top 6 favorite wrestlers, who would they be:
In no particular order for me, it would be:
1. Undertaker
2. Ric Flair
3. Shawn Micheals
4. Bret hart
5. Sting
6. Macho man
-
Top 6 seems like a bit of a strange number. :lol
My top 5 would be-
Kurt Angle
Rey Mysterio
Shawn Michaels
Mick Foley
Undertaker
Beyond that would get a lot tougher to narrow down, but would include more recent wrestlers like Styles, Cena, Punk, Bryan.
-
All time
1. Chris Jericho
2. Edge
3. Kane
4. CM Punk
5. Daniel Bryan
Current
1. AJ Styles
2. Shinsuke Nakamura
3. The Miz
4. Dean Ambrose
5. Asuka
-
I have to name 7, 5 from what was for me the classic era and 2 from the recent era (cannot leave any of these guys off).
Hulk Hogan
Rick Rude
Curt Hennig
Ted DiBiase
Randy Savage
CM Punk
Daniel Bryan
-
Never really thought about my 'fave' wrestlers.
Sting
Stone Cold
Luger (pre WWF days)
Kerry Von Erich (dunno why, just always loved him)
British Bulldogs
Hart Foundation
-
From the entirety of my wrestling fandom, counting tag teams as one:
Rock 'n Roll Express
Ric Flair - though I might want to say the Four Horsemen
The Undertaker
Bobby Heenan - yes, technically a manager, I don't care.
Well, there's my top 4. There is a big of a drop off after these, so I will leave it at this.
-
Ric Flair
Bret Hart
Ricky Steamboat
Steve Austin
The Road Warriors
-
Mick Foley (by far my favorite wrestler ever)
Stone Cold
The Rock
Chris Jericho
Hulk Hogan
and I'll add Vince McMahon. While not a wrestler, he did get into the ring quite a bit and put on some fun matches and was/is a great entertainer.
-
Ultimate Warrior
Macho Man
Shawn Michaels
Undertaker
Chris Jericho
From a character perspective I loved Stone Cold and The Rock. And don't forget about the Bushwhackers!
-
Ric Flair
Bret Hart
Ricky Steamboat
Steve Austin
The Road Warriors
Pre WWF Road Warriors I hope. Their time in AWA/NWA was epic.
-
Ric Flair
Bret Hart
Ricky Steamboat
Steve Austin
The Road Warriors
Pre WWF Road Warriors I hope. Their time in AWA/NWA was epic.
Yeah their time in NWA and AWA was epic for sure. Pure terror when they would come to the ring with Iron Man playing and absolutely destroy the two jobbers in a minute.
Flair and Sting are my top favs, but Hogan, Savage, Michaels, Hart and Warrior are up there too.
-
All time
1: Kane
2: AJ Styles
3: Jeff Hardy
4: Undertaker
5: Shawn Michaels
Current
1: AJ Styles
2: Sasha Banks
3: Finn Balor
4: Seth Rollins
5: Dean Ambrose
-
Luger (pre WWF days)
He was much better from 1988-1991 than some give him credit for being. It's a shame that Flair was such a dick and would never put him over.
-
All time...
HHH
Jericho
Austin
HBK
Brock
But right now AJ is my guy.
-
Luger was capable of having a great match if he was in the ring with the right opponent. His match with Flair at Starrcade 88 and Pillman at Halloween Havoc 89 are both excellent. Him and Sting had good matches too
-
Ric Flair
Bret Hart
Ricky Steamboat
Steve Austin
The Road Warriors
Pre WWF Road Warriors I hope. Their time in AWA/NWA was epic.
Yeah their time in NWA and AWA was epic for sure. Pure terror when they would come to the ring with Iron Man playing and absolutely destroy the two jobbers in a minute.
Absolutely. Their two primary finishers - the 2nd rope power slam, and the top rope close-line off Animals' shoulders - were the two most devastating thing my early teenage eyes had ever seen. They usually spent more time lacing their boots than they did in the ring.
-
Ric Flair
Bret Hart
Ricky Steamboat
Steve Austin
The Road Warriors
Pre WWF Road Warriors I hope. Their time in AWA/NWA was epic.
Of course. Sorry, I thought that went without saying, which is why I didn't say it lol
-
https://comicbook.com/wwe/2017/03/21/matt-and-jeff-hardy-officially-offered-new-wwe-contracts/
-
I just hope the Hardys, if they sign, can continue on with the their current gimmicks. It would be very interesting to see the Broken Matt in WWE.
-
I love me some broken Matt Hardy
Delete!! :metal
-
Considering its been such a major success on a low level show like Impact, it could just be huge on the big stage. Or then again, it could be a complete flop in WWE. It would be interesting to see regardless.
-
Vince will probably rebrand it to Fractured Matt hardy with Backspace chants, legion of doom style :lol
-
:lol
I haven't followed it too closely but Anthem is saying they own the rights to Broken while Matt is saying he owns it. Sounds like a court case is pending.
-
In no order:
1. CM Punk
2. Stone Cold
3. Kane
4. Jeff Hardy
5. Triple H
6. AJ Styles
7. Goldberg
8. The Rock
9. Sting
10. Kurt Angle
-
Pretty neat article on "Shocked Undertaker Guy" from Wrestlemania XXX and how that reaction literally changed his life for the better.
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2688749-how-wrestlemania-xxx-changed-everything-for-shocked-undertaker-guy
-
Pretty neat article on "Shocked Undertaker Guy" from Wrestlemania XXX and how that reaction literally changed his life for the better.
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2688749-how-wrestlemania-xxx-changed-everything-for-shocked-undertaker-guy
My favorite part of this is that Undertaker actually wanted to meet him. That picture of the Deadman impersonating him is priceless.
-
That was a cool read.
-
Evidently WWE approached Shawn Michaels about having a Wrestlemania match this year with AJ Styles. He said no :( Even now, that would probably be so good.
-
Sadly it looks like that dream match will just have to be reserved for my imagination :'(
-
Retirement matches mean very little in the world of pro wrestling, but Shawn appears to be the rare exception where he is true to his word
-
Wonder when that offer was. I remember seeing in an interview Vince starts thinking abotu the upcoming Wrestlemania the day after the previous Wrestlemania. Of course a lot can happen in 364 days, but the last few WMs seems like they are being conceived haphazardly.
Cool story about Shocked-by-the-Streak-Ending guy. Once the internet captures you, you can either fight it, or make the best of it. And to date, no one has come out on top after taking on the internet.
-
Evidently WWE approached Shawn Michaels about having a Wrestlemania match this year with AJ Styles. He said no :( Even now, that would probably be so good.
That would be an absolute dream match for me, but I'm glad that Michaels has stuck to his word. I have no doubt he could still work the best match of all time, but he went out on top, and has nothing left to prove. WWE also needs to realize they have a roster full of guys who deserve singles matches at WM, instead of constantly relying on part timers and nostalgia. They're screwing themselves over in the long run.
-
That would be an absolute dream match for me, but I'm glad that Michaels has stuck to his word. I have no doubt he could still work the best match of all time, but he went out on top, and has nothing left to prove. WWE also needs to realize they have a roster full of guys who deserve singles matches at WM, instead of constantly relying on part timers and nostalgia. They're screwing themselves over in the long run.
I agree. It just feels like they have really no faith in rolling with guys like Owens, Sami Zayn, Cesaro, Ambrose, etc. as their top guys (i.e. the guys that came from the indies after Punk and Bryan) and they have been consistently shooting themselves in the foot with the pushing of Roman Reigns rather than take the crowd pissing on him and make it something that plays well into his strengths. However, you got to look at this from WWE's perspective. The current guys just does not seem to really latch on with the casual crowds for the most part for some reason. Whether that's booking/writing being crap whatever, or something else is a different story. Anyway, so WWE has to find other ways to ensure big paydays and attendance and ratings and whatnot and this is where they are going for them. I think WWE knows it as well they are shooting themselves in the foot long run, but they care about wanting the guarantee revenue more rather than take a hit, but ensure a good future.
Unfortunately, like music, people only care about the wrestlers of the "glory" years like Attitude Era, and the Monday Night Wars like how casual rock music fans only care about old-time bands wanting to hear the nostalgic hits that makes them want to relive their youth and wouldn't even invest into listening something more current or modern.
-
The problem is that the current roster is too restricted by crappy booking and being heavily scripted, so there's less room for wrestlers to get the crowd invested in them. The storylines (or lack thereof) don't get people interested, and they don't allow the wrestlers to connect with the audience naturally and organically. WWE micromanages everything too heavily and overreacts to the tiniest things.
When they bring back in part timers like The Rock, those same rules don't even apply. People like The Rock and Steve Austin wouldn't have become the wrestling legends they are if they hadn't been allowed to do their own thing. A lot of the most popular things that audiences have latched onto have been created by the wrestlers without trying, not by WWE intentionally. It's difficult for this to even happen with how things are run these days.
-
Evidently WWE approached Shawn Michaels about having a Wrestlemania match this year with AJ Styles. He said no :( Even now, that would probably be so good.
That would be an absolute dream match for me, but I'm glad that Michaels has stuck to his word. I have no doubt he could still work the best match of all time, but he went out on top, and has nothing left to prove. WWE also needs to realize they have a roster full of guys who deserve singles matches at WM, instead of constantly relying on part timers and nostalgia. They're screwing themselves over in the long run.
No shit. Imagine if they kept bringing back the likes of Big John Studd, Snuka, Morrocco etc... in the late 90s and early 00s. How popular would Rock/Austin/HHH etc... be if the WWE's current strategy was employed 15-20 years ago. They aren't going to have any nostalgia factor in 5-10 years.
-
Evidently the Hardys took down their official online store, probably a precursor to a WWE return. I could see them coming back on the post Mania Raw. Have Gallows and Anderson retain at Mania and cut a promo the next night. Kill the lights, start some kind of classical piano music, and then the Broken Hardys show up.
-
The Raw after Mania is one of, if not the most, must see show of the year. They actually just released a DVD about that specific yearly Raw.
-
Yeah, that's only really happened the last couple years, but it's become a pretty big event. Should be a couple cool debuts this year (hopefully including Nakamura).
-
I would be very surprised if Nakamura doesn't show up.
-
Hopefully the Smackdown Live after Wrestlemania gets similar treatment.
-
Hopefully the Smackdown Live after Wrestlemania gets similar treatment.
If the Hardys come back, I think they'll go to Smackdown so hopefully that happens the Smackdown after Mania.
-
I don't watch TNA or wherever they are, but have seen stuff on youtube, and don't get Broken Matt Hardy.
On paper this WM card looks pretty good. But wrestling doesn't take place on paper, it takes place on TV screens.
-
The Raw after Mania is one of, if not the most, must see show of the year. They actually just released a DVD about that specific yearly Raw.
I actually stopped watching Raw after the Raw after Mania a couple of years ago. The crowd were just attention seeking douchebags being disrespectful to the wrestlers and hijacking the show.
After this year's Mania I might just stop watching Mania altogether too. :lol
-
"Alright Bill, you can make me look like a bitch leading up to our match at Mania, but I get to win."
-
On paper this WM card looks pretty good. But wrestling doesn't take place on paper, it takes place on TV screens.
I looked it over, and I have to ask:
It does?
Lesnar vs Goldberg, who put on shit matches in the 90s and is 20 years older now?
A major talent like AJ Styles being wasted against a non-wrestler like Shane McMahon, who has the most laughably ridiculous style ever (he looks like a moron when he punches like he's a boxer).
Roman Reigns vs The Undertaker, who is so old and broken down now that he cannot even do a choke slam properly (I watched the Royal Rumble from this year a few weeks ago on YT and couldn't believe how bad he looked).
Seth Rollins vs HHH, which will be another "HHH dominates his opponent, but loses" match.
Cena and Miz in a mixed tag, which are almost always are joke matches.
Orton and Jericho both in matches against fat guys who look like they haven't lifted in years.
Yowza.
-
On paper this WM card looks pretty good. But wrestling doesn't take place on paper, it takes place on TV screens.
I looked it over, and I have to ask:
It does?
Lesnar vs Goldberg, who put on shit matches in the 90s and is 20 years older now?
A major talent like AJ Styles being wasted against a non-wrestler like Shane McMahon, who has the most laughably ridiculous style ever (he looks like a moron when he punches like he's a boxer).
Roman Reigns vs The Undertaker, who is so old and broken down now that he cannot even do a choke slam properly (I watched the Royal Rumble from this year a few weeks ago on YT and couldn't believe how bad he looked).
Seth Rollins vs HHH, which will be another "HHH dominates his opponent, but loses" match.
Cena and Miz in a mixed tag, which are almost always are joke matches.
Orton and Jericho both in matches against fat guys who look like they haven't lifted in years.
Yowza.
That's not fair to either Wyatt or Owens (especially Owens). Both are great wrestlers who can bring out the best in their opponents. To write them off because they're both a bit overweight just isn't right.
-
The Higher ups obviously believe that shane is a High level feud. I think that it should be a fun match,. If anybody can carry shane to a fun match it's AJ Styles.
I felt the way you did about the mixed tag match when it was first announced but I've enjoyed the segments on SDL so much that now I'm actually really looking forward to it.
I also love Bray & Owens, 2 of my favorites on the roster and I am looking forward to both of their matches.
Im also really looking forward to austin aries vs Neville, Baron corbin vs Dean Ambrose, The raw tag team triple threat ladder match and both women's title matches.
-
That's not fair to either Wyatt or Owens (especially Owens). Both are great wrestlers who can bring out the best in their opponents. To write them off because they're both a bit overweight just isn't right.
Yeah, I was onboard until that last one. Owens is one of the best guys they have, and that's one of the best storylines they've had in recent times. That's the only men's match I'm looking forward to. Now that the women's match is elimination, I'm more excited for that too. Those are the only two matches I'm excited for at all. I'm quite dreading the rest.
-
There are a lot of scheduled matches, and all can have decent to good timing if they don't waste so much time showing the video packages that they've shown in the weeks/days leading up to the event.
Jericho/Owens and Neville/Aries will be spectacular.
Goldberg and Lesnar is a joke.
Rollins/Trips and Orton/Wyatt will be great.
AJ and Shane will surprise.
Taker/Reigns will probably have its moments.
Ambrose/Corbin will be decent, but not Mania worthy, if that makes sense.
All in all... it will probably be an up and down show.. hopefully with more ups than downs.
-
Check that...Neville/Aries could be spectacular, but they'll probably be pressed for time.
NXT Takeover should be outstanding...as usual.
-
I agree about the video packages. A quick set up is cool but when they play out the entire feud on video before each match, it makes an already long card unnessasary longer.
-
There are a lot of scheduled matches, and all can have decent to good timing if they don't waste so much time showing the video packages that they've shown in the weeks/days leading up to the event.
Jericho/Owens and Neville/Aries will be spectacular.
Goldberg and Lesnar is a joke.
Rollins/Trips and Orton/Wyatt will be great.
AJ and Shane will surprise.
Taker/Reigns will probably have its moments.
Ambrose/Corbin will be decent, but not Mania worthy, if that makes sense.
All in all... it will probably be an up and down show.. hopefully with more ups than downs.
Jericho / Owens is going to be great. The trash talk alone should make it a classic.
Neville vs Aries will probably be great, except I won't even get to see it because it's on the pre-show. :(
Goldberg and Lesnar will be the drizzling shits. It will also probably be the shortest main event in WM history. I have not forgotten WM 20, and I don't expect the circumstances this time will make it any better. Goldberg is old, and he's not match fit.
Rollins / HHH should be alright, but only because of Rollins. HHH isn't in ring shape any more, and wasn't great at the best of times. He needs to stop wrestling. And I still wouldn't be surprised if HHH puts himself over. Even when HHH loses, he makes himself come out looking stronger. The best I expect from this is an uneventful win for Rollins that will go about twice as long as it should.
Orton / Wyatt I couldn't care less about. I couldn't name a single great match with either of them from the past decade. But I do really hope that Wyatt wins it, otherwise the whole thing is for nothing. He deserves that much.
AJ / Shane is a joke to me. Also, it's presently a standard match, which is even more of an insult. A random middle aged dude vs arguably the greatest wrestler in the world at the moment. That should not be a competitive match. BUT SHANE WILL DO A PRE-PLANNED SPOT!
Taker / Reigns is going to be awful. Taker can literally barely walk, can hardly bump, and Reigns can't wrestle or carry a match. That match will be short and disappointing, and it's also very possible that Reigns is going to win. I foresee the crowd turning on this one hard.
Ambrose/Corbin will be whatever. It will probably be a throwaway in the second spot, not good, not bad, just there. I'll probably zone out during that one.
The triple threat ladder match for the tag belts should be solid, but it will be the same thing we've seen a hundred times before from these kinds of matches. It could make a decent opener.
The mixed tag with Cena is a waste of one of their best wrestlers. Cena and Miz have certainly made the best out of a bad situation, but it's hugely disappointing booking.
The women's match may be the best match as it was last year.
And I swear, if I hear the Rock's music, I'm done. :lol
At least I'll be watching it live again, which makes it more exciting regardless of what's on the show.
I'll definitely be checking out NXT Takeover! The title matches alone have me excited.
-
The one thing with that Shane/AJ set up that was stupid was when AJ threw Shane into the car window. WHY was there a camera inside the car showing that vantage point???? That made the angle so dumb and pre set up.
I'm looking forward to the Owens/Jericho match as I think that can steal the show.
Is it possible that Lesnar squashes Goldberg in a minute and thats the end of Goldberg. I can see that happening as I can't see them having a very long match.
Just looking over the card, there isn't much that I'm really craving to see, but everything has the potential to be decent-very good. Maybe it will be like WM 31, which I didn't think would be that great, but exceeded my expectations.
-
HHH is still in fantastic shape
-
HHH is still in fantastic shape
Agreed. And he can still wrestle a great match.
-
HHH is still in fantastic shape
Agreed. And he can still wrestle a great match.
Yeah he put on really good matches with ambrose and ziggler last year. It's a shame people mainly focus on the awful mania match lol
-
HHH is still in fantastic shape
Agreed. And he can still wrestle a great match.
Yeah he put on really good matches with ambrose and ziggler last year. It's a shame people mainly focus on the awful mania match lol
Well there's a huge difference between working someone like Ambrose and Ziggler, vs. working someone like Reigns or Old-Sting.
-
I remember actually enjoying the 32 match. Seems like it was just me.
-
That's not fair to either Wyatt or Owens (especially Owens). Both are great wrestlers who can bring out the best in their opponents. To write them off because they're both a bit overweight just isn't right.
Perhaps. I probably should have worded it better.
HHH is still in fantastic shape
Looking great, which is easy for him since we know he is a workout freak and he doesn't have to deal with the rigors of the road anymore, but being in ring shape is another.
-
HHH is still in fantastic shape
Looking great, which is easy for him since we know he is a workout freak and he doesn't have to deal with the rigors of the road anymore, but being in ring shape is another.
Yep. Two completely different things. HHH probably also doesn't have to worry about the wellness policy....
Often a wrestler will look good and be in otherwise great physical shape, but once they get in the ring, they get blown up very quickly and just can't handle a 20-30 minute match. I noticed it recently watching the Rock's two Wrestlemania matches with Cena. He looked more fit than he ever did as an active wrestler, but he could not keep up with the pace at all, and needed a headlock for a breather every couple of minutes. He looked totally wiped early on. I've noticed it with many recent HHH matches too. Apparently he's been wrestling at house shows to prepare for it, so hopefully it will be enough to help.
-
Trying to figure out if it makes sense for a big Finn Balor return at Wrestlemania. Lesnar beats Goldberg, Heyman cuts a promo about how nobody can beat his beast, and then the lights go out and the demon shows up owed a match for the title he never lost. Only thing I don't necessarily like about it would be that you'd either have to have Finn lose which wouldn't make any sense (his demon bit should start out with a decent PPV win streak) or have Lesnar finally beat Goldberg only to immediately put over someone else.
-
I am leaning towards saying that the Lesnar/Goldberg match goes on last, I think that's the clear choice. And I also think its a solid bet that Lesnar wins; but I can't see Lesnar ending the show with him celebrating. So there is very likely a curve ball at the end of the night. Who shows up is anybodies guess. I don't think Finn would be a big enough of a surprise but its possible for sure.
-
It's looking like Taker/Reigns is going on last. Apparently Lesnar/Goldberg isn't going to be a long enough match to close out the show.
Either way, the ending of Wrestlemania will probably be extremely underwhelming.
-
It's looking like Taker/Reigns is going on last. Apparently Lesnar/Goldberg isn't going to be a long enough match to close out the show.
Either way, the ending of Wrestlemania will probably be extremely underwhelming.
(https://media.makeameme.org/created/ya-think.jpg)
-
:lol That was me trying to be optimistic. Can you feel it?
-
Wow. What an amazing match. The Authors of Pain, The Revival, and #DIY may be an early contender for Match of the Year.
-
Bobby Roode is one of my current favorites no question. He has all the tools and deserves a main roster spot.
The Hall of Fame show was good, but WWE needs to condense things a bit as that was a pretty long show. But of course Wrestlemania will be at least 6 hours long, probably 6.5
-
My Booty Wrestlemania predicts;
Cruiserweight Championship Match - Neville retains
Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal – Braun Stroman
Raw Tag Team Championship Match – Enzo & Cass win
Smackdown Women’s Championship Match – Naomi wins.
Intercontinental Title Match – Ambrose retains
AJ vs. Shane – AJ wins… Shane does something crazy.
Cena & Bella vs. Miz & Maryse – Cena and Bella win, Cena
proposes.
Raw Women’s Championship Match – Sasha wins.
United States Championship Match -Owens wins….which I think that someone winning the US Title a month after holding a Top Title for months is ridiculous… but oh well.
Unsanctioned Match – Seth “wins”.
WWE Championship Match – Wyatt retains.
The Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns – The Undertaker wins.
Universal Championship match – Brock Lesnar wins. Match is much longer and much better than the previous ones. (Hopefully Finn Balor or someone leaves with the title somehow)
-
I agree with Destiny about all the matches he predicted except that I say Baron wins the IC belt and Charlotte wins the Raw Women's title
-
I agree with most of those (or don't feel confident enough in my predictions to disagree), except I really think Reigns might have this one.
-
This is the best chance to officially turn Reigns heel. If he defeats Taker the crowd will go nuts especially if he uses some cheating tactic to win. During the Hall of Fame show Reigns gave a very cocky heelish look to the camera so that might be a sign. He's definitely been heelish the last few weeks but it's time to turn it up a notch. There is big money to be made with a heel Reigns; the babyface experiment is done
-
Still can't get over how stupidly great the tag match last night was.
-
Cena and Nikki don't need this win. They need to put Miz over. John has been overly arrogant and confident about winning, and that's a great reason why Miz should get the upset win.
-
I get the impression that Cena feels this match is beneath him to begin with. Taking the loss would be another step down for him it would seem.
-
I hope Taker doesn't lose. Even though this may be his last match, he should go out with a win, plus most of the fans hate Reigns, like X-Pac heat, but Vince doesn't seem to care. And expect Lesnar to win. No way is he having 3 straight losses to Goldberg
-
I can't believe Wrestlemania Sunday is finally here. I'm so pumped. :metal
-
I'm going to watch it on a movie theater screen! Should be good
-
I get the impression that Cena feels this match is beneath him to begin with. Taking the loss would be another step down for him it would seem.
I haven't watched much Smackdown lately to see the build for that match, but I'd be surprised if that was the case for Cena, just from what I've heard about his professionalism in the past. Fantasy booking for me would have Miz/Maryse winning, let Cena do his rumored Wrestlemania proposal to Nikki afterwards, and then Miz cuts a promo on Tuesday about having beaten Cena and not having any competition and Daniel Bryan brings out a debuting Shinsuke Nakamura.
-
So is there anything worth watching in the pre-show thing. Or its better to just wait till two hours from now to start watching
-
There will be a couple matches during the pre show, including Neville vs Aries for the Cruiserweight title, which should be dope
-
Surprised that AJ is in the opening spot, but that's actually a great spot if you're not one of the main events. This match is an abomination though.
-
For what it was, I enjoyed it. But knowing that it could have been against Shawn wasn't doing it any favors
-
Surprised that AJ is in the opening spot, but that's actually a great spot if you're not one of the main events. This match is an abomination though.
I thought it was great.
-
^^ what he said.
-
AJ did the best he could with what he was working with (ie nothing), but the booking of that match was awful. Shane was sloppy as shit too. Shane should not have been competitive, he should not have beaten AJ in a fist fight, he should not have lost by taking himself out with the table and shooting star press. He should have gotten his ass handed to him by the best wrestler in the world. At least the outcome was correct.
-
AJ did the best he could with what he was working with (ie nothing), but the booking of that match was awful. Shane was sloppy as shit too. Shane should not have been competitive, he should not have beaten AJ in a fist fight, he should not have lost by taking himself out with the table and shooting star press. He should have gotten his ass handed to him by the best wrestler in the world. At least the outcome was correct.
Shane has always been sloppy and has always been put up against wrestlers far above his skill level. His match with angle comes to mind.
-
Shane has always been sloppy and has always been put up against wrestlers far above his skill level. His match with angle comes to mind.
Speaking of that match with Angle. I saw a before and after picture in 2001 before they were going to do the street fight and then one in 2017 of them hanging together. Man, they aged horribly in 2017 which was not surprising given the bumps that Shane did in the few matches he did and Kurt having a period with his drug/medication/neck issues.
-
Neither of them are young either.
Owens / Jericho was good. 2nd match is not a great spot, but they still got a good amount of time. I guess they have to make up the time of the main events.
And now the good women's match? They're totally Wrestlemania 8'ing this card order. Loading up the best matches at the front end so they don't overshadow the weaker main events.
-
^^ Maybe, it could be good for the live crowd. Maybe, some can take that opportunity beat traffic and doesn't have to sit through the crappy matches with the 20 minutes entrances.
-
I loved the light up scarf and the 1 single finger on the rope was great
-
^That scarf was cool, and that finger on the rope spot was amazing. Nice touch.
They booked the start of that women's match perfectly. They got Nia Jax out of the way quickly, but she got to look really strong. Those triple team spots were cool too. I wish the match could have gotten a bit more time, but I guess they can't all go for 20 minutes. Another good match.
-
^That scarf was cool, and that finger on the rope spot was amazing. Nice touch.
They booked the start of that women's match perfectly. They got Nia Jax out of the way quickly, but she got to look really strong. Those triple team spots were cool too. I wish the match could have gotten a bit more time, but I guess they can't all go for 20 minutes. Another good match.
I think aj/shane mightve gone long
-
DELETE DELETE
-
Hell yeah :metal
-
I'm marking out so hard. I expected this match to be ok, but this is already very good, and not just because of the Hardys either. Sheamus and Cesaro are doing a lot of great tag spots, and these spots are all flowing really well.
-
Great match, and Jeff killed himself. :lol
So far, this WM has been surprisingly very good, and has flown by. They're really preparing us for the disappointment of the second half.
-
How DELIGHTFUL, the rest of the Raw tag team division has been rendered OBSOLETE!
-
And jeff hardys wm losing streak is over. Now he's like 1-5 lol
-
Ms. Eliza-Bella-beth
Will
You
Marry
me...
-
Ms. Eliza-Bella-beth
Will
You
Marry
me...
OOOOOOOH YEEEEEEEAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH
Was totally thinking the same thing. :lol That was so pre-planned. I guarantee he proposed for real months ago. So cheesy.
-
Gotta have that Total Divas synergy.
Triple H's entrance was better (read: more crazy) last year, but I'm never opposed to putting Steph in tight leather.
-
She actually looks half ok for her.
Triple H's entrance was dumb. What was the point of the slow 80s TV cops as escorts? HHH's entrances are usually pretty silly.
-
Steph can definitely still get it :hat
The more off the wall insane his entrance is the better, so this one was definitely a little underwhelming.
-
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Oh well, I don't like The Miz that much anyway.
-
So Undertaker's entrance should be about 15 minutes long with that ramp.
-
As I saw someone point out, Undertaker walking down the ramp is going to last longer than Goldberg's last two matches combined.
-
lol
Maybe in the interest of speeding up the event, he'll come out on his motorcycle.
-
:lol I'd prefer Wrestlemania 9 style.
Of course HHH gives himself the longest match of the night. Decent match by HHH standards, which means mediocre. Good finish though.
-
HHH should hang it up. That was the first match of the night I didn't really enjoy
-
HHH should hang it up. That was the first match of the night I didn't really enjoy
He'll keep wrestling if Vince asks him to do so. I'm sure he'd rather focus on his backstage duties.
Also man you guys are harsh on him lol.
-
HHH should hang it up. That was the first match of the night I didn't really enjoy
Sadly, it was still 10x better than his WM match last year.
-
What a waste of time that was. Why the fuck does Orton need the win? You know a match is crap when the only high spot is insects on a projector.
-
I like Orton and I like wyatt but putting them against each other was a mistake.
-
That Lesnar / Goldberg match went as well as could be expected. That was downright enjoyable, even. I knew it was only going to be 5 minutes, so I'm glad it was packed full of beefcake moves, and had the correct outcome.
Lesnar doing the leapfrog. :lol Amazing.
-
The sd woman's match was short and sweet. Full of action and everybody got something in.
Also I'm really happy for naomi. Hopefully she stays healthy.
-
I wish Goldberg would have at least done a gorilla press slam or something.
-
I'm not convinced he could have done one without blowing out his back.
I'm dreading this Undertaker match.
-
Cool to hear JR calling the main event.
-
Undertaker has said he wanted JR to call his last match, so I think this is it.
-
Taker is looking more mobile than i thought he would
-
He's done well given his condition, but this is still a bit of a sad match.
-
That was the saddest piece of shit I've ever seen. Both of these guys need to retire immediately. They chose the wrong guy to carry this match with Undertaker. That finish stunk like ass.
They were stupid to have that close an otherwise strong WM.
-
Honestly this match wasn't that bad. Too bad he wasn't fighting cena. Cena probably could've carried him to a pretty good match instead of this overwhelmingly ok one
-
That was the saddest I've ever seen Undertaker in the ring. He could barely move by the end. And Reigns was completely clueless as to how to carry it, so he just ran into the ropes a lot and hit the boring ol' spear. That was sad on all counts. They should have known Undertaker couldn't do 20 minutes. And they should have known that Reigns doesn't have the talent or experience for that responsibility either. It was literally just spears and punches for 20 minutes, except for the one super botched reversal.
-
I thought taker did surprisingly well for the first half of the match.
The other half of the match i wish cena was there to help him. If put with a better opponent i think takers last match could've been pretty good. Instead they have him reigns who is ok at best
When taker ran out if steam it was obvious Roman didn't know how to cover for it.
-
Yeah, the first half was a solid brawl, and Taker took some bumps. That's probably what put him out of the second half though.
It needed to be more like Flair's last WM match against Michaels, where Michaels 100% carried the match for him. Undertaker needed someone who could wrestle around him.
-
I thought this was a great Mania with a lot of high points. My personal highlights, in order of when they happened, were:
-Rob Gronkowski tackling Jinder Mahal: First of all, congratulations to Mojo Rawley for winning the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. It was unexpected but I feel like he deserves it. I'm not a big fan of his gimmick, but he's a nice guy so I would like to see him succeed. Anyway, as much as I dislike the Patriots (dislike actually doesn't even begin to describe my feelings towards them), Gronk is pretty awesome, and if he was with a different team, he would be one of my favorite players. Also, I hate Jinder Mahal with a sick passion. He wrestles a very unsafe style, is very clearly on steroids, and is only there because the company needs a guy to cater to their very large Indian market otherwise he would have been suspended for steroids a long time ago. Gronk taking that waste of a contract down and helping Mojo win was a very cool celebrity moment that was done right (to put over an up and coming superstar instead of themselves).
-AJ Styles vs Shane McMahon: I thought it started out slow but really picked up in the middle. AJ could carry a paper bag to a five star match so I'm not surprised that the match was good with the right person winning. I still wish it was Angle or Michaels instead of Shane though.
-Kevin Owens vs Chris Jericho: They really brought it. The finger on the rope spot was hilarious and well done, and the right man went over in the end.
-The triple pin on Nia Jax: Reminiscent of what #DIY and The Revival did against Authors of Pain on Saturday night, Bayley, Sasha, and Charlotte working together against Nia was perfect booking, showing the strength of Jax and how much the title means to the other three, with them willing to put aside their differences to take out the toughest challenge. I will say I was surprised at first with how they booked the ending, with Bayley winning by pinning Charlotte last instead of Sasha turning heel and taking the title from Bayley, but the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. Bayley came out looking like a strong champion, proving that she doesn't need Sasha's help to win/keep the title. May this mark the end of the hot potato and mark the beginning of a good title reign, so that when Nia Jax beats Bayley for the belt, it will mean that much more.
-The Hardy Boyz returning: I felt that the AJ-Shane match and the Owens-Jericho match were both better, but the tag team title ladder match had the best moment of the night. As soon as that iconic music hit, I marked out. The Hardy Boyz have always been my favorite tag team, with Jeff being one of my favorite wrestlers of all time, and seeing them back in WWE was amazing. Them winning the titles in their signature match (which was Jeff's first Mania win btw) was just the icing on the cake. A great match with an awesome moment and outcome.
-The proposal: We all knew it was happening, but it still was a feel good moment that called back to Savage and Elizabeth at Wrestlemania 7. Congratulations to John Cena and Nikki Bella. I wish them both all of the happiness in the world.
-Stephanie McMahon goes through a table: This one is simple. Anytime Steph gets her comeuppance is a great moment and it was done in a smart way. Triple H accidentally knocking her off the apron after a superkick from Seth made it so that we could have payoff without having a man purposely hit a woman, which is something that should never happen ever, let alone on a PG television program.
-All of the hard hitting moments of Lesnar vs Goldberg: These two put on a surprisingly good match. It was short but boy did they pack in a good amount of action into the five minutes that they fought. German suplexes and spears galore in a match that was full of big moves without too much time spent doing nothing (*cough Wrestlemania 20 cough*). Once again the right person won, and as much as I dislike Lesnar, he comes around more lately than he used to, and is certainly a better choice than Goldberg as the top champion on the A show. It will be interesting to see who beats him for the title. I'm gonna guess either Reigns (gross), Strowman (ok I guess), Samoa Joe (awesome), or Sami Zayn (unlikely but what a great story it would be).
-Naomi winning the Smackdown Women's Championship in her hometown: Short match, no surprises here, and Naomi deserved this moment. Not much else to say. I'm just very happy for her.
-Undertaker leaves his gloves, jacket, and hat in the ring: This was an ok match overall, and I do feel that the right person won considering Taker is the past while Roman is the future (even though I'm not his biggest fan), but it could have been better. However, The Phenom leaving his gear in the ring, essentially saying that he's retiring, was an emotional moment and a fitting way to close out Mania, letting the man who is synonymous with the event walk out of the arena last.
Overall, I really enjoyed Wrestlemania 33, and it definitely exceeded the low expectations I had for it.
-
The show exceeded my expectations too. I marked out when the Hardys came out. I knew they would be back but it still seemed strange seeing them.
Both the Shane-AJ and Brock//Goldberg match was better then I thought they would be. The Goldberg match was just a five minute blitz of power and destruction; I really liked it.
I thought Bray deserved to hang onto the title for longer as Randy doesn't need a title at this point of his career.
Beautiful and emotional ending for Taker; I assume he will be inducted next year into the Hall of Fame.
Great card overall
-
Even though my expectations were almost zero, it well surpassed my expectations, and was a solid WM. My favourite thing is that they didn't really pad it out. The New Day appeared exactly as much as necessary. There was no appearance by the Rock this year (thank god). The show flowed fairly smoothly, and most of the time went into the wrestling (and entrances). Even during the matches I didn't care about, it didn't drag.
-
I was very surprised the Rock didn't show up considering he has two movies coming out.
The New Day were pretty irrelevant as hosts but I will say their set up for the Hardys was absolutely perfect. They had me hook line and sinker
-
I'll probably put together some match-by-match thoughts when I'm home and killing time before Raw tonight, but overall this was a fairly solid Wrestlemania, I'm thinking B/B- overall. Certainly no five star classics, but nothing really terrible either, and I mostly agree with the booking decisions.
-
I was overall very disappointed with Wrestlemania.... I mean, this Roman thing is beyond ridiculous. They've used the Rock, Daniel Bryan, Trips and Taker to try to make him "the guy".... and it's failed miserably. They take all the booing as... "he's getting a reaction, so we're doing something right".... but it's not that at all. But alas, they're too big to fail. Brock will be next on the "make Reigns the guy" tour, but they'll milk it for a whole year and tout that these are the only two guys to beat Taker at Mania. In the meantime, Braun will magically remember that he has beef with Roman.
The Memorial Battle Royal SHOULD have been about Show and Stroman, but mojo knows a famous person, so there you have it. But really, the thing has no merit, as they didn't capitalize Cesaro winning the first one.
Bray losing to Orton was pretty terrible and throws basically everything that has happened surrounding the WWE Championship since January out the window. Terrible, terrible decision.
Brock and Goldberg was terrible. They certainly didn't need to soil the Universal Championship with that mess.
But.. the women's matches were good (although the Smackdown Match was extremely rushed).. KO/Jericho was great, AJ and Shane was fantastic! Hardys coming back was awesome, and Trips vs. Rollins was perfect.
Now that Mania is over, we can get back to the actual full time workers getting the shine, well outside of Brock of course.
-
Its a shame Sting got injured, because when he got signed I would have liked Taker's retirement to also be Sting's retirement, facing off together. Oh well
Or do the brock/goldberg thing where sting comes in, defeats taker and then taker gets the glory back at WM
Taker deserved better than reigns though.
-
Raw is pretty great so far. We already had Kurt Angle named as GM and the main roster debut of The Revival.
-
And finally the return of Emma!
-
And finally the return of Emma!
She's so cool. And I loved how when Nia started beating the shit out Charlotte, Emma noped the fuck out of there.
-
My internet access was down for two days, so I couldn't watch it online for free somewhere (regardless of how bad the product is now, WM is still worth checking out...for free), but I followed it a bit on Twitter.
I didn't watch wrestling for like 10 years, so I missed most of the Hardy Boys run, except Jeff's feud with CM Punk where he lost and had to leave WWE. So them coming back didn't do anything for me.
Undertaker has looked terrible for years, so him retiring was long overdue. He probably should have gotten a better opponent than Reigns, but it is what it is.
Has New Day's stock dropped so far that they only got to host it and didn't wrestle??
There is literally nothing they can do anymore to make the fans like Reigns. He is a boring, one-dimensional wrestler who is a mediocre talker. And Vince pushing him like he has just makes fans hate him more.
-
My internet access was down for two days, so I couldn't watch it online for free somewhere (regardless of how bad the product is now, WM is still worth checking out...for free), but I followed it a bit on Twitter.
I didn't watch wrestling for like 10 years, so I missed most of the Hardy Boys run, except Jeff's feud with CM Punk where he lost and had to leave WWE. So them coming back didn't do anything for me.
Undertaker has looked terrible for years, so him retiring was long overdue. He probably should have gotten a better opponent than Reigns, but it is what it is.
Has New Day's stock dropped so far that they only got to host it and didn't wrestle??
There is literally nothing they can do anymore to make the fans like Reigns. He is a boring, one-dimensional wrestler who is a mediocre talker. And Vince pushing him like he has just makes fans hate him more.
New day was tag champs for over 400 days. Im all for keeping them out of the tag title scene for awhile.
-
I was watching a crappy stream of the Taker match and it kept freezing, and froze after the second count of the final three count. Man that was an agonizing stretch of a couple seconds for it to reconnect. Maybe it was the gods way of sparing me the final three count. Thank you Mark for all you have done for wrestling. And I feel secure in the belief I won't see you stumbling around a TNA or ROH ring in a couple months (Hi Ric!)
I should feel better about his retirement. I love that he got his moment, and the crowd was able to express their appreciation. But, I can't explain it, I felt good about Flair's (WWE) retirement, and he, along with Taker, have been my favorite wrestlers since the 90s. This one just leaves me feeling a little empty I guess.
In other news, that was an epic speech by Cornette at the HOF. I love that guy.
-
Matt wasn't in character on Raw Talk...
-
Let me get this straight:
Last night on RAW, the fans booed Roman Reigns unmercifully, but cheered like crazy when Vince came out?? :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin
Idiots.
-
Matt wasn't in character on Raw Talk...
Anthem (a Canadian company who now owns TNA and is not related in any way with Rush.) apparently has the legal rights to the Broken gimmick and, to sum it up, if Matt wants to be Broken Matt Hardy in a wrestling company that's not in TNA, he has to pay Anthem a fee and WWE doesn't seem to be interested in wanting to help Matt fight back (especially when in the past, they always had a "not too heavily invested in what they did not create" mentality when it comes down to gimmicks. Of course, recent times have changed that a bit especially when it comes to the booking and presentation of AJ Styles.). Matt Hardy is on his own in his fight to remain broken. If he does win the fight, I hope WWE can be convinced to run the ball with Broken Matt Hardy. That character is really been the first time in about 10-15 years that Matt Hardy has become interesting from a character perspective.
That stated, Jeff does not need to be broken or Brother Nero. If he can tone down his wrestling style like HBK did during his second WWE run and remain to be clean and not relapse, then maybe WWE can trust him with the ball and be a big-main event player and sell loads of merchandise and produce some good matches/stories like he did in 2009.
-
He should dye his hair white with one black streak and be fractured Matt Hardy. Erase, Erase, Erase
-
Nakamura and Tye Dillinger are now on Smackdown. This is good news.
-
It was expected, and it's about time Nakamura was on the main roster! Hopefully they don't screw it up, but I expect they will. I'm excited about the potential match-ups they could do now though.
-
Now that Nakamura is there, I will probably start watching Smackdown again, for the first time in 15 years. He is hands down my favorite wrestler for this era, with Finn Balor and AJ being close number 2's
-
Very excited for Nak on the main roster, and I really hope I see him feuding with Miz because that would be all kinds of entertaining. Kind of awkward to introduce all these new call-ups right before they have this superstar shakeup thing.
-
Nakamura got on the right show though, Smackdown. Hopefully, the key guys like Cena, Styles, The Miz, Ambrose, Orton etc. stays there and we can get some pretty awesome matches and interactions and stuff. Plus, DB is dying to want to face him one-on-one and would probably do all he can to convince WWE to do so, just as a one-off from his forceful retirement.
-
Nakamura and Tye Dillinger are now on Smackdown. This is good news.
This will be very interesting!
-
Anybody else besides me a fan of OSW review?
They are 3 irish dudes that review old and new wrestling pay per views. They are funny as hell and talk about backstage stuff as they are reviewing the pay per view.
https://oswreview.com/episodes/
-
I'm interested to see how this Superstar shakeup works out. Hopefully it leads to some renewed pushes.
And it's impressive how over Dillinger and Nakamura are
-
I'm interested to see how this Superstar shakeup works out. Hopefully it leads to some renewed pushes.
More likely it will lead to Roman Reigns steamrolling over the other half of the roster. :P
-
I'm interested to see how this Superstar shakeup works out. Hopefully it leads to some renewed pushes.
More likely it will lead to Roman Reigns steamrolling over the other half of the roster. :P
That's a strong possibility
-
Braun Strowman for president :hefdaddy
-
Braun Strowman for president :hefdaddy
That was amazing. I was dying laughing. :rollin
The crowd ate it up too.
-
Overall I thought Raw was a fun show last night. Though I am puzzled by some of the trades. Especially the bray wyatt one. Also I guess the mysterious House of horrors match will be at Payback even though its for Smackdowns main title.
My guess they did this because they wanted a title match for the show and Lesnar won't be there to defend the universal title.
-
KO in a suit doing the Canada gimmick, yuck
and wow, Smackdown is awful. Its been like 15 years since I've watched an episode and I only checked it out for Nakamura, but man. Him and styles are just not enough. It feels like such a B show.
And its funny how Nakamura is booked like he's being slowly introduced to the WWE crowd, except for the fact he's the most over and well known guy on the roster :lol
-
Smackdown is better than raw most weeks.
-
The triple threat on Smackdown was very good.
It would have been nice to have them explain a bit better how this superstar shake up worked. How did all of a sudden did all of these superstars switch brands? Traded, drafted, who knows
I think a better way to have done it would have been to have Angle and Bryan partake in a draft last night on Raw. The champions should have been exempt to switch. And then both Angle and Bryan could have protected say three other superstars. But then after that each GM could pick five superstars from the opposite brand to switch over. This would have been a good opportunity to have underutilizes wrestlers switch brands and get a renewed switch.
At least something like that would have made it organized instead of just seemingly random
-
If I had to pick my current 3 favorite wrestlers it would be:
1. Nakamura
2. AJ Styles
3. Finn Balor
-
I don't know exactly why, but Nakmura doesn't do much for me at all. My current favorite would have to be Bobby Roode. He is tailer made for the main roster and needs to be brought up soon
-
I don't know exactly why, but Nakmura doesn't do much for me at all. My current favorite would have to be Bobby Roode. He is tailer made for the main roster and needs to be brought up soon
They probably can't move Bobby Roode up too soon. They'll probably be relying on him to carry NXT for a while now without Nakamura and such.
-
Yeah, I expect Roode to be the champ for a while down in NXT now that Nak's gone. Excited for tonight's episode of NXT, it's the first from the most recent batch of tapings.
-
So a fan was ejected for showing up with a JBL bullied me sign. Seriously, WWE?! It's a sign. Like JBL is really going to take offense to that
-
So a fan was ejected for showing up with a JBL bullied me sign. Seriously, WWE?! It's a sign. Like JBL is really going to take offense to that
I think it's more a matter of WWE not wanting any discussion about what happened w/ Mauro. Could theoretically turn into bad publicity given his history of depression.
-
JBL is such an asshole. The way he treats people is bullshit. Now I have no problem with some ribbing and ballbusting, it is wrestling for god's sake, but he takes shit way too far
and why not just take the damn sign. Ejecting a fan who paid is a little overboard.
-
So a fan was ejected for showing up with a JBL bullied me sign. Seriously, WWE?! It's a sign. Like JBL is really going to take offense to that
I think it's more a matter of WWE not wanting any discussion about what happened w/ Mauro. Could theoretically turn into bad publicity given his history of depression.
Well, they are going to have to do something regarding this Mauro/JBL situation since the longer WWE does not do any necessary action regarding this scenario, the more people will talk about it and then it leads to bad publicity anyway.
I also hear that Mauro will not be commentating on anything WWE-related and his contract ends on August. I hope NJPW or AXS TV nabs him if Mauro does not continue on with WWE. He was golden on NJPW on AXS TV. Had a great voice and enthusiasm for the product and he knows the company, moveset, and the wrestlers very well. Would be a great asset to NJPW if he calls the live shows or did what he did with AXS TV back in 2015.
-
JBL just comes across as a jerk and I really think he is terrible as a color commentator as well. He adds nothing.
-
I hope that guy gets better, but he's a horrible commentator. His exaggerated voice sounds cartoonish. So annoying.
-
I really liked Mauros commentating style. He always sounds so enthusiastic like he was calling a real fight. Kinda like how the japanese commentary in NJPW is.
JBL being a dick is really well known so I wasn't surprised
-
Mauro and Daniel Bryan were a great pair during that cruiserweight tournament last year. I hope he is able to stick around as he is my favorite commentator right now.
-
I really liked Mauros commentating style. He always sounds so enthusiastic like he was calling a real fight. Kinda like how the japanese commentary in NJPW is.
JBL being a dick is really well known so I wasn't surprised
He reminds me of that one scene I saw on this cartoon called "The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy" where this commentator at a martial arts tournament stated something like, "THESE GUYS ARE DOING THE MOST DEVASTATING THINGS TO EACH OTHER. OH MY GOODNESS, I NEVER SEEN SOMEONE'S SPINE BEND THAT WAY BEFORE!"
That was my first impression of Mauro. I like it. He's a great guy for calling fights in any combat sport (MMA, Boxing, Pro Wrestling). He even commentated Brock Lesnar's first MMA fight. Heck, Goldberg was on commentary as well for that one.
-
I was very impressed with Drew McIntyre in his debut/return on NXT; he looked very good and leaving the company for three years was the best decision he ever made.
And speaking of impressive, there was another debut on NXT. A guy named Dylan Miley. My goodness, what a beast!!
-
Also I was impressed with Ruby Riots first televised singles match against Kimberly Frankele (though I thought Kimber Lee was a much better ring name.) I see good things in the future for both women, Especially Ruby
-
Yeah Ruby was good but I don't see anyone giving Asuka a serious challenge anytime soon. Ember Moon is impressive, but still not at Asuka's level.
-
Well, it seems like Mauro has officially parted with WWE. Apparently, signed some form of NDA and got a settlement. He probably won't be speaking any matters about this in the near future. There are times someone probably wants someone to stand up to WWE over matters like these, but it's not going to be Mauro in this spot. No matter. What's done is done.
What matters though is "GET MAURO TO NJPW IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM, WHETHER IT IS CALLING LIVE SHOWS OR THE AXS TV RECAPS!" He would be a big asset for NJPW to for them to continue getting traction and it would be a nice little way to stick it to WWE without being callous or anything.
I would legit watch English commentary of the live NJPW shows if Mauro is commentating it.
-
Mauro is a major loss for WWE. He is head and shoulders above everyone else as far as commentating
-
I'm just going to pretend you guys are joking.
-
I watch the NJPW shows in english when I can anyway. Though Mauros style is PERFECT for NJPW and would only make it better.
-
Mauro is a major loss for WWE. He is head and shoulders above everyone else as far as commentating
He was the only one who wasn't a complete joke, although Corey Graves is pretty good as a colour commentator. Besides them, everyone else is just background noise I tune out entirely. The Cena/Styles matches were elevated so much because of him. He's the best commentator they've had since JR.
But we still have JBL. Yay..........
-
I agree about Graves; he does a very good job.
I have no use for JBL
-
I was seeing some hints of Brokeness last night on RAW. I think we may see a full breakdown at payback, which would be good timing since it felt a little like the audience has gotten over the initial pop of the hardys returning.
-
I was seeing some hints of Brokeness last night on RAW. I think we may see a full breakdown at payback, which would be good timing since it felt a little like the audience has gotten over the initial pop of the hardys returning.
Believe it all depends on the legal battle he's fighting to keep the broken gimmick.
-
I believe Matt said something on Twitter about winning the WWE tag titles curing his CONDEEEEESHUN, so I would expect they'll hold the titles until all the legal stuff gets sorted and then it'll be time for the Broken Hardys.
-
Matt is using the delete mannerisms here and there which the crowd likes. They just need to figure out a way to transition them into the broken characters as I'm assuming lots of people are unaware of their TNA gig. Maybe hook them up with Bray Wyatt.
-
How did the gimmick start? Did he bump his head or something?
-
If memory serves me right, Jeff Hardy did a super Swanton Bomb (off a roof or ladder or something) on Matt Hardy through a table and then Matt Hardy went insane.
-
Tonight's card should be pretty solid. I'm assuming Braun will go over and I'm curious how this House of Horrors plays out. I wonder if they will go with the violence or the cheesy angle for the match
-
Vince McMahon never fails to ignore logical storytelling in favor of a cheap surprise.
-
Vince McMahon never fails to ignore logical storytelling in favor of a cheap surprise.
Vinny Mac has nothing on Vince Russo in that department lol.
Overall I'd give payback a B. The only duds for me were the house of horrors match and the Main event. Though Braun winning saved it a little bit.
-
Vince McMahon never fails to ignore logical storytelling in favor of a cheap surprise.
Vinny Mac has nothing on Vince Russo in that department lol.
Overall I'd give payback a B. The only duds for me were the house of horrors match and the Main event. Though Braun winning saved it a little bit.
Jericho winning takes away the Owens-Styles match that had the potential to be match of the year. Alexa winning takes away the Sasha-Bayley feud that has been brewing for months and makes Bayley beating Charlotte's PPV streak mean nothing. At least Neville retained the belt in a very heelish way and Cesaro and Sheamus turned heel. Other than that and Braun beating Reigns, this PPV pissed me off.
-
I thought it was a pretty good show. Braun vs Roman exceeded expectations and was a very good main event. Braun is just an awesome monster and its quite amazing how good of matches he can have with people.
The House of Horrors was what I expected. Pretty cheesy but I would still pick the Chamber of Horrors over it if you remember that cheese classic from Halloween Havoc 91.
-
House of horrors entertained me in a "so bad its good" kind of way, but just barely. I kept thinking back to ultimate warrior getting betrayed by jake the snake and bitten by the cobra. Just uber cheese
-
House of horrors was terrible. Like.... take the "LIVE" graphic off of it if it's pitch black at the house and still daylight at San Jose.
And I was under the impression that the Championship was on the line I mean, why on earth wouldn't it be?
Bliss winning the belt so early in her Raw "career" makes no sense. Jericho taking the US Title back was a surprise. And Stoman's build is being worked correctly, so very mixed on this show, but more bad than good.
-
House of horrors entertained me in a "so bad its good" kind of way, but just barely. I kept thinking back to ultimate warrior getting betrayed by jake the snake and bitten by the cobra. Just uber cheese
Yeah the Jake-Warrior vignettes were just something you had to see to believe lol
And I was also pleasantly surprised at Jericho winning
-
That was a pretty good PPV from start to finish, with the exception of that House of Garbage match. That was just awful, and made no sense. Pre-filming it like a movie took away any credibility it could have had, and then leaving for the arena makes no sense, nor does Orton arriving at the same time as Wyatt. But I didn't expect anything better from an Orton match.
The main event was good. I was pleasantly surprised that Strowman had such a dominant win over Reigns.
-
Well y2j is going on tour with fozzy very soon so we're still gonna get ko vs aj. I can see them doing a stretcher job with the rematch to write jericho off tv.
Alexa having the title for a few months is a good way to waste time until summerslam because bayley vs sasha deserves to be at one of the big 4 IMO.
-
Fairly uneven PPV overall. With both the Gallows and Anderson match and the Balor Miz TV segment on the pre-show I thought maybe that they were going to do something towards a Balor club faction, but both were just fairly run of the mill, predictable segments.
KO versus Jericho was a perfectly fine match, though I saw someone mention last night that they never really get the intensity/hatred coming across that you might expect following KO's dastardly actions at the Festival of Friendship, and I agree with that. Obviously Jericho isn't staying champion for long with the Fozzy tour coming up, but I don't mind him hot-shotting the title to someone just to keep everyone on their toes with an occasional surprise in a match we all think we know the ending to.
The cruiserweight match was solidly entertaining, though the booking seems a little odd unless they plan on keeping the title on Neville for a while longer.
Tag team title match was serviceable as well, did appreciate the beat down/heel turn afterwards though. Hopefully this leads to a certain breaking of one half of the tag team champions.
Solid women's title match. I don't mind Bliss getting the title because she's the best talker in that division by about a country mile. Anything to shake up the booking for the Raw women that's ranged from meh to head scratching over the last... year almost. I think we need to see Sasha turn on Bayley in the midst of what starts as a friendly rivalry over the number one contendership. Let a full on heel Sasha win the title at Summer Slam, and then do a big one on one match and a Bayley win after a long chase at next year's Mania.
The House of Horrors match was just stupid from start to finish. I award it zero points, and may god have mercy on creative's souls.
Joe vs Seth was decent, though I really think Joe should have gone over here. Seth beats Triple H with a bad knee, and then Joe a few weeks later... how does he ever lose once he's healed up? I guess if you want Joe to lose the pin counter to a submission was better than having Seth lay him out, but still.
Liked the main event, they've really got something special going with Braun. I was worried for a minute or two there at the end that they were going to pull a 2012 or so Cena and just have Reigns win anyway. Probably could have done without the post match stuff they did though.
-
Wow, what a shitty RAW. 30 full minutes of a women's devision segment to start things off. That just went on forever
and yet another week of the broken matt hardy cock tease. And honestly that was just a shitty segment in general (broken gimmick looming or not). They get the shit kicked out of them last night and then don't even get to lay a hand on shamus and cesaro. That was weak.
-
Wow, what a shitty RAW. 30 full minutes of a women's devision segment to start things off. That just went on forever
and yet another week of the broken matt hardy cock tease. And honestly that was just a shitty segment in general (broken gimmick looming or not). They get the shit kicked out of them last night and then don't even get to lay a hand on shamus and cesaro. That was weak.
I liked the womens segment but yeah this raw has a lot of filler this week.
-
The main event on Raw was very good, one of the better television matches in recent memory
-
Not sure if many watch that 205 live show but I've been digging it. That Noam Dar plays the role of a guy you want to see get beat up perfectly. And I really get a kick out of watching Jack Gallagher.
It's definitely not must see tv, but it usually has solid to very good matches.
-
Braun Strowman isn't finished with you!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOs2iazjDvs
-
Roman deserves punishment
-
Oh you're just on the Roman hate train. Besides not being a good wrestler, having a total of 3 moves, lacking charisma, being shit on the mic, and just being all around boring as fuck and still getting pushed to the moon, you don't have a legitimate reason to hate him.
-
I wanted to like him so bad when shield broke up, but sometime around the sufferin succotash thing, I just was like:
(https://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc55/black_floyd_2007/vomit.gif)Roman
-
They need to reunite The Shield. They clearly work better as a team, with maybe Seth being the exception. He's pretty good on his own. He just needs a good storyline. Dean is descending into the Reigns abyss. He needs to turn heel, and actually be crazy, and not just goofy zany hijinks Dean. He's not convincing as a lunatic. He could be the new Stone Cold, but they are writing him TERRIBLY.
-
I am ready to really like Ambrose, but yeah the booking is holding him back. Right now he feels like a poor man's Pillman, but the key thing is that Pillman was able to get over because he wasn't muzzled by creative. He pushed the envelope and forged his own character.
Now how much of that we could actually see in this PG era, who knows. But right now DA in his current form is just not convincing.
Maybe Braun Strowman could start going after Seth and Ambrose as well, in an attempt to show his "dominance" over the former mighty shield and they had to re-unite to defeat this mega enemy. I could be down for something like that.
-
They don't have to go to extremes like Pillman, but Dean can be a successful "lunatic" heel in the PG era. If Braun can tip over ambulances with someone inside, Dean can be crazy and menacing too. Sure, no blood makes it less effective, but just last Monday, Roman was bloody. Remember that "malfunctioning blood capsule" Roman had? I think as long as they aren't Eddie Guerreroing themselves, they can incorporate blood again. Smaller blood capsules maybe?
EDIT: Roman has already beaten Braun once on his own, so The Shield reuniting to take him out wouldn't make sense anymore.
-
Saw a small bar show last night and Kenny Omega returned home for a very rare appearance. He shows up for these shows once or twice a year. His match was fantastic last night taking on a couple of local guys in a tag match and he deserves to main eventing the Tokyo Dome
-
A couple more female wrestlers had their naked photos "leaked." Someone call G. Gordon Liddy, we need a good plumber.
-
I think there just maybe a chance that these pictures are "leaked" on purpose lol.
-
I resisted the urge to post Charlotte's leaked pics in the funny stuff thread.
-
Her body is kinda creeping me out :-\
and she did the photos with a phone with the WWE logo case :lol Like, when I take my nude picks, I at least make sure to take off my companies logo case, I mean come on...
-
It is kinda amazing how much she's changed physically since those photos were taken lol
-
(https://thumbs.gfycat.com/DisastrousShinyKinkajou-size_restricted.gif)
-
(https://thumbs.gfycat.com/DisastrousShinyKinkajou-size_restricted.gif)
This is one of my favorite things ever.
-
:lol :lol yeah, I had never seen that particular version of that Vince reaction gif.
-
so i see a lot of threads for professional sports on the first page (ex nhl, mlb, etc). and i just have to ask
you guys know that wrestling is fake right?
-
so i see a lot of threads for professional sports on the first page (ex nhl, mlb, etc). and i just have to ask
you guys know that wrestling is fake right?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0EZobdiJ4M
-
so i see a lot of threads for professional sports on the first page (ex nhl, mlb, etc). and i just have to ask
you guys know that wrestling is predetermined right?
Fixed that for ya.
-
so i see a lot of threads for professional sports on the first page (ex nhl, mlb, etc). and i just have to ask
you guys know that wrestling is fake right?
Knew it was you before I saw your name.
-
so i see a lot of threads for professional sports on the first page (ex nhl, mlb, etc). and i just have to ask
you guys know that wrestling is fake right?
If it's fake, then why did Robocop help out Sting? And how were there two Undertakers?
Checkmate!
-
so i see a lot of threads for professional sports on the first page (ex nhl, mlb, etc). and i just have to ask
you guys know that wrestling is fake right?
First of all, it's not fake. It's scripted. These are highly athletic performers executing difficult and sometimes dangerous stunts. Second of all, yes we know. But just like a movie of a tv show, the fact that what we're watching has predetermined outcomes doesn't stop us from enjoying it. Just like someone roots for their favorite characters to have success and get mad or upset when things don't go their way, we react the same way towards our favorite wrestlers. The two key differences between professional wrestling and tv shows or movies: the wrestlers all perform their own stunts and only get one take to get their lines right. They are trained professionals who are damn good at what they do and there are people who enjoy it just like any other tv show. If you don't like it, don't watch it and don't criticize or belittle those who do.
-
I hate when people say its fake. Its a true insult to this poor baby's memory
(https://stream1.gifsoup.com/webroot/animatedgifs2/3964004_o.gif)
RIP baby. You will be missed :'(
-
Hey, you guys know that movies are fake right?
-
so i see a lot of threads for professional sports on the first page (ex nhl, mlb, etc). and i just have to ask
you guys know that wrestling is fake right?
I have half a mind to just ban your account right now.
-
so i see a lot of threads for professional sports on the first page (ex nhl, mlb, etc). and i just have to ask
you guys know that wrestling is fake right?
I have half a mind to just ban your account right now.
I can help convincing the other half if you want.
-
Fake or not, the Ric Flair chops to the chest in the 80's have got to sting just a bit
-
Even though they're trying not to hurt each other, and everything is designed to absorb impact, a lot of that shit would hurt.
-
Many of the moves are prearranged, and are orchestrated to be as safe as possible.
Most of the punches and kicks are pulled/otherwise deadened.
The actual storylines and "grudges" are definitely scripted.
But there is no way to simulate all of it. Falling from the top of a cage is falling from the top of a cage. These guys are incredibly tough athletes.
-
Many of the moves are prearranged, and are orchestrated to be as safe as possible.
Most of the punches and kicks are pulled/otherwise deadened.
The actual storylines and "grudges" are definitely scripted.
But there is no way to simulate all of it. Falling from the top of a cage is falling from the top of a cage. These guys are incredibly tough athletes.
I agree 100%
and to add to that. There is no "off season" for them. It is year round, night after night, town after town. And that includes having to work the day after Wrestlemania. That's like having to work the day after the superbowl rather than go on vacation and chill.
These guys are incredibly strong and have my respect. And whenever I hear someone say something cliche and dumb like "oh don't you know its fake, lolz" , its really a slap in the face of some of the hardest working people on the planet. No shit its scripted, the world has known that for almost 20 years now. For god's sake, think of something new or original to say, besides "don't you know its fake" ffs
And its a real good thing that dave schultz isn't in this thread right now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrX9Ca7LSyQ
Or Vader
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJf1Bgfzx-U
-
Fake this **** then. Warning this video may be NSFW and may have caused a ripple effect that lead to actually ending the career of a promising wrestler.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXtSz8uYSGA
The results are predetermined for the most part, but these wrestlers have taken some insane bumps and pain and some have been doing this for a long, long time and after they are retired, they can still feel the aftereffects (i.e. look at Mick Foley and he's been "retired" for a decade). They try to do their best to make things look impactful and protect themselves as much as possible to soften the impact, but they can feel pain.
Go ahead and fall off a 16 ft cage. Go ahead and do a dangerous dive off a ladder. Tell me that stuff is fake. Heck, the WWE shows adverts of their guys being injured and not be able to do what they love for months (maybe a year) and inform viewers to "Do not try this at all. These are trained professionals." I wish I can recall one of JR's line when he feels miffed when people tell him that stuff is fake (i.e. doesn't hurt). The punches and the forearms. Sure, they are and can be pulled, but you can't fake the landing when taking a suplex.
-
Honestly, any time someone asks if you know wrestling is fake, they are:
a) showing their ignorance.
b) trying to belittle you.
It's not even worth responding to.
-
Honestly, any time someone asks if you know wrestling is fake, they are:
a) showing their ignorance.
b) trying to belittle you.
It's not even worth responding to.
-
Ask Jean-Paul Levesque if either his separated quad or crushed larynx were fake - while his continued to finish out both those matches.
There's no doubt who some of the toughest mother-fucking athlete's in the world are, and it ain't basketball players who need to be carried off with a calf cramp.
(https://static01.nyt.com/images/2012/06/21/sports/21araton2/21araton2-popup.jpg)
-
Mick Foley. Nuff said. :lol
Wrestlers have finished matches through all sorts of huge injuries that can take out an athlete for months.
-
Mick Foley. Nuff said. :lol
Well, that goes without saying.
-
Yea, the wrestling is fake crap always bothered me. Yes, it's not real fighting, but that doesn't take away from the athleticism and the risks the wrestlers do put themselves in. The "sport" is extremely painful. There's a reason these guys get hooked on pain killers, because wrestling really hurts even if its "fake".
Anyway, Raw is close by tonight. I considered going, but I am beat from Metallica last night.
-
I've always had the hots for miss Elizabeth
-
The fake Ric Flair/Miss Elizabeth pictures to set up the match at WM8 with Savage was classic.
-
Flair with the horse is my favorite :lol
(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/94/c3/cc/94c3ccd573dd207ea8d33ede6e07dadc.jpg)
-
:lol
-
So the UK title match last night was about three different kinds of fantastic. May just watch it again at some point during tonight's PPV :lol
-
Pretty much everything about Takeover last night was excellent. The UK title match was off the charts good and that heel turn at the end of the show was done as well as a turn could be done.
Backlash should be interesting, I have a feeling that Jinder might be given the title tonight.
-
I'm thinking that this will be just like Capital Punishment (also a Wrestlemania hangover May show)
Orton is Cena
Mahal is R-Truth
-
...What?!
-
:rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin
-
I thought it was a solid show overall with the US title clearly stealing the show. Those two had great chemistry together.
The title match was alright but I really enjoyed Orton tossing around the Singh brothers. A couple of scary bumps when he put them through the announcers tables and Orton seemed to agree based on his facial expression.
-
JINDER FUCKING MAHAL
And they say WWE plays it too safe these days.
-
JINDER FUCKING MAHAL
And they say WWE plays it too safe these days.
They're trying to appeal to the Indian market, so business-wise it was actually a really safe move. Also really dumb. You know shit is bad when Orton retaining the title is the better option.
Vince needs to die so they can get over the racist xenophobia based heel gimmick stuck in 1980.
-
JINDER FUCKING MAHAL
And they say WWE plays it too safe these days.
They're trying to appeal to the Indian market, so business-wise it was actually a really safe move. Also really dumb. You know shit is bad when Orton retaining the title is the better option.
Vince needs to die so they can get over the racist xenophobia based heel gimmick stuck in 1980.
Agreed. This is F'n sad to say the absolute least.
If they wanted to make him a star because of the Indian market... then let him be a FACE.
-
I actually think mahal winning was the better of the 2 options and I'm curious to see what happens next.
-
JINDER FUCKING MAHAL
And they say WWE plays it too safe these days.
They're trying to appeal to the Indian market, so business-wise it was actually a really safe move. Also really dumb. You know shit is bad when Orton retaining the title is the better option.
Vince needs to die so they can get over the racist xenophobia based heel gimmick stuck in 1980.
All of the Indian fans I've spoken to online don't like him anyway.
-
I actually like Jinder Mahal.
The problem is, they haven't built him. Like, at all. He has been a jobber for pretty much his entire run on the main card in WWE. He was a member of the Three Man Band, and probably the worst member of the Three Man Band. He's only won a handful of matches on WWE television, and now he is the WWE champion.
Why? Well, they booked it to appeal to India, and some of the fans are accepting it because it's a funny joke. Neither of these are particularly good reasons. Sure, it's a nice novelty to have a jobber beat a 13 time world champion, but that novelty is not enough to make for an interesting title run. I'm willing to bet that the fans he has right now will be sick of him inside two months, because he just isn't that good yet. Maybe someday he could be, but I'm not sure shoehorning him into the title picture as a joke is going to help with that. Long term stars are built organically, and this is far from organic.
Meanwhile, the booking of the Orton/Wyatt feud makes less sense than ever. Wyatt got an awesome moment at Elimination Chamber only to lose the belt to Randy Orton only so that Randy Orton could lose the belt to Jinder fucking Mahal a month later. The whole thing feels pointless.
I'm trying to keep an open mind and wait to see what they have planned. But it doesn't feel like they have a planned. It feels like they wanted to try to elevate an Indian superstar, and then someone in creative said at a meeting, 'hey, you know what would be funny? Let's have Jinder Mahal beat Randy Orton.'
-
JINDER FUCKING MAHAL
And they say WWE plays it too safe these days.
They're trying to appeal to the Indian market, so business-wise it was actually a really safe move. Also really dumb. You know shit is bad when Orton retaining the title is the better option.
Vince needs to die so they can get over the racist xenophobia based heel gimmick stuck in 1980.
All of the Indian fans I've spoken to online don't like him anyway.
That's exactly what I'd expect. The guy is being pushed as a heel with a dated and racist gimmick that has little basis in reality. I'd find it offensive.
And what Jaffa said. There's been no build up here. Usually with this kind of run, you'd build up the wrestler over several months with an undefeated streak or something, so they'd look like a challenger for the champion. Mahal hasn't had a single PPV win to build him up, I didn't even know/remember who he was, it's like they just needed to get the belt on an Indian as soon as possible.
But Vince will probably consider this a success, because he doesn't get the difference between a wrestler getting heel heat, and the audience just downright hating and rejecting what you're doing because it's garbage.
-
I'm 100% on board with jinder as champ. I have no problems with it whatsoever.
-
I'm interested to see how it plays out as well. I can't Jinder holding the title past Summerslam though.
This fatal five way coming up should be good. A potential Samoa Joe- Brock Lesnar match has me very interested.
-
Good main event tonight on Raw as I find Reigns is very capable of having good-excellent matches with the right opponent. The fatal five way on Sunday should be very good as I can see any of the five winning, which makes things interesting.
-
Sasha Banks is relegated to a pre show tag team match with Alicia Fox and two cruiserweights when last year around this time she was the top babyface female on the entire roster and was starting her Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award winning feud with Charlotte. #SaveSasha
-
Despite them making a big deal about the divas/womens revolution, they still don't know how to book the division well. And they've spread themselves far too thin with the brand split, so they're still using all of the terrible "divas" who can't wrestle for shit and make the division look bad.
But at least it's not as bad as it was 15 ago. Last night I watched a match from Insurrextion 2003(?), where they had a women's tag match with a feud based around the heel females getting heat for dressing moderately, and when Marlena interviewed them before the match she took her top off. Also, King was on commentary. Enough said. :lol
-
If you've seen the computer background thread, you know that my desktop is the Four Horsewomen. I love all four of those women but Sasha is by far my favorite of the bunch. I just want WWE to give her the proper run with the title that she deserves.
-
I was wondering the same thing tonight, that Sasha has been put down the card big time. Tonight she is on 205 live, not sure what the plans are for that.
Same thing with Charlotte on smack down, it feels like she is being underutilized at the moment. Unless the plan is for her to win money in the bank.
-
Excellent main event last night, Brock vs Joe should be classic!
-
Ugh, Lesnar better squash him in 5 minutes. I'd like to have at least one show with a decent champ. Pretty average match too. WWE really doesn't know how to do multi-man matches well, and it was way too long for what it was.
The cage match stole the show, and the cruiserweight match was great too. I expected the cage match to be the best match of the night, because they're both good teams. I've always preferred cage matches to be escape only, and they put that stipulation to good use, with both teams constantly trying to get out.
Neither of the matches with the women were very good. That division has gone backwards. I'm excited for the money in the bank match though.
-
The mixed tag match was fun.
The women's title match just has me baffled. Why make one of the best wrestlers in the division look like a complete chump. I was fine with her losing (even though i adore her) but what was the point in making it so one sided.
-
Not sure what they are doing with Bayley, but it's not working.
-
Not sure what they are doing with Bayley, but it's not working.
You could swap out Bayley's name with almost anyone on the roster, and that statement would probably hold true. :lol
-
yeah no kidding lol
I will say that Alexa Bliss is doing an excellent job with her gimmick. She has the snotty too good for you attitude and demeanor down perfectly
-
The first ever women's Money in the Bank match happened tonight, and the woman who won needed help from a man. What a slap in the face to the five extremely talented women who competed in this match. What should have been a monumental and historic moment was ruined by boneheaded and misogynistic booking. Such a shame.
-
The first ever women's Money in the Bank match happened tonight, and the woman who won needed help from a man. What a slap in the face to the five extremely talented women who competed in this match. What should have been a monumental and historic moment was ruined by boneheaded and misogynistic booking. Such a shame.
I thought it was fine.
-
The first ever women's Money in the Bank match happened tonight, and the woman who won needed help from a man. What a slap in the face to the five extremely talented women who competed in this match. What should have been a monumental and historic moment was ruined by boneheaded and misogynistic booking. Such a shame.
Absolutely this. They hyped it up with that huge video package, then took a giant steaming dump all over it. First ever women's ladder match, and it was won by a man besting them all and tossing the briefcase to a girl. That booking was insulting to the idea of progress. Women's wrestling has gone backwards and is no better off than it was before the NXT women moved to the main roster.
The entire PPV was crap, probably the weakest PPV in a long time. Definitely the most skippable. Worthless tag matches, an awful women's title match (what the hell is this crap gimmick with Lana? Is it 2002?), another forgettable title match, more screwy finishes and terrible booking.
And then to top it all off, they take Nakamura out of the ladder match before he even gets his entrance. Luckily he came back, but I tuned out of everything in between I was so salty by that point. :lol And they picked literally the worst person to win MITB. Why do they do these things? Do they actively hate us?
-
I've been calling Corbin to win this for months. I'm happy he won. Hes the one that could use the win the most except for maybe sami.
Also i have no problem with ellsworth getting involved. I can see why people do but i thought it was a good heel move and I'm curious to see the storyline that spawns from it.
The usos vs new day match waa great and the ending will extend the feud which i have no issue with.
Lana was actually pretty decent. She clearly still needs some more work but she's already better than eva lol.
Overall i enjoyed the show and would give it a B
-
I think Lana showed some potential and will only get better. I can totally see her getting the belt by the end of the year.
I thought it was a decent show overall, but nothing I would want to watch again.
-
I thought it was a pretty poor PPV for the most part. Definitely on team "having a man win the women's MitB match was a terrible idea". The tag titles match was pretty good, only to cop out with a lame, weekly TV ending. Most of the rest of it was pretty forgettable, though I am trending towards Mike Bennet's theme being so bad it's good. They did the exact same finish with the Orton-Mahal rematch as when Jinder first won it. Main event MitB match was boss.
I think Brandon Stroud (who I enjoy reading a lot in general) summed up the issue with the women's ladder match pretty well.
"One of the arguments you’ll hear about why the finish of the women’s ladder match wasn’t bad is that it’s a classic heel move, done to make us mad on purpose. The idea is that Ellsworth and Carmella ruined an historic moment by exploiting a legal loophole. It’s no DQ, so why couldn’t you just get one of your friends to run up the ladder and pull it down for you, you know? And in a vacuum where nothing has consequence and WWE didn’t promote the match the way they did, it’s fine. It’s a reason to watch Smackdown. If this had happened in, say, the fourth or fifth women’s Money in the Bank ladder match in history, it’d be a different story.
It didn’t happen in a vacuum, though. And the match was promoted this way. The point — the entire point that they decided, not the fans, not me as an up-my-own-ass armchair blogger, they told us this — is that the women involved in the match are participating in history. This is a Big Deal®. It’s such a big deal that they play a three-minute “trailblazers” video package putting over their connection to Mae Young, Fabulous Moolah, Alundra Blayze, Trish Stratus and the rest after the entrances. The women in the match and the crowd are all standing there watching this video package about exactly why this is important to the women specifically. And then a dude wins and hands a woman a briefcase. He doesn’t even have to try. He just shoves Becky off the ladder and climbs to the top and wins. He even kinda shrugs and shows off the briefcase before he drops it. The very worst guy. The guy who can’t beat anybody ever. You could’ve had him take a huge bump for her or hold the ladder steady or hold one of her opponents or something. She could’ve still grabbed it herself and had some kind of agency."
-
That sums it up perfectly. The finish itself could have worked fine in different circumstances, but these were absolutely not those circumstances.
The negative response wasn't heel heat, and it didn't make me hate the heels as intended. It only made me hate WWE for making a degrading and unbelievably blind booking decision that undermined everything they've tried (and failed) to do with the women's division for the past couple of years. Even if Elsworth had helped Carmella climb the ladder, it would have improved a lot (which they've done before). But everything about it just spat in the face of what they claim about women's wrestling in WWE. It was an insult to all of those hard working female wrestlers, Carmella included.
WWE seem to get confused about heat lately. The crowd booing doesn't always mean you're successfully getting a heel over, sometimes the crowd is just booing because you're doing a very shitty job of creating entertainment. See: Roman Reigns.
Oh, and Mike Bennett's theme is amazing. I had no fucking clue what that whole segment/gimmick/whatever was about though. As someone who doesn't keep up with the weekly shows at all, this segment along with most of the show had me yelling "What the hell is happening?" They were clearly padding for time, because they're spread far too thin with this brand split.
-
God you people are so negative lol
-
We're only negative about things when they're bad, so it's WWE's fault really. :biggrin:
If you want to talk about something positive, Lucha Underground is back, and as amazing as ever. :hat
-
I didn't watch Raw last night but I did hear it was better than it has been lately. I also enjoyed this description of the Miz-Ambrose feud: "This week features another installment of a happily married couple suddenly at each other’s throats because of the constant life interference of a greasy Bugs Bunny in jeggings."
-
The only thing I've seen from Raw is Strowman returning and beating up Reigns, which was excellent. :lol
-
Raw was a good show. They finally let bayley show some fire and kick some ass.
-
The only thing I've seen from Raw is Strowman returning and beating up Reigns, which was excellent. :lol
Strowamn is over huge! And I'm really getting a kick out of this feud with Reigns; the ambulance match should be pure entertainment.
-
Would Strowman be as over if Reigns was actually likable?
-
God you people are so negative lol
Eh. If you look around on the internet, I think you'll find that the women's MITB finish has been fairly controversial all around.
-
I'm gonna be going to my first wrestling event in years this saturday. I saw that an Evolve event was ridiculous close to my house so I bought a ticket. The Main event will be Zack Sabre jr. vs Matt Riddle which should be great.
-
If you want to talk about something positive, Lucha Underground is back, and as amazing as ever. :hat
If you also want to talk about something positive, NJPW has announced the participants of the G1 Climax round-robin tourney. All the usual guys will be there. Tanahashi, Okada, Naito, Omega, Ishii, Goto, Elgin, and many other great wrestlers and some pretty much not too great.
The one guy I'm really hyped for being in the tourney is Kota Ibushi. This guy has been on an interesting journey ever since he decided to be a freelancer wrestler back in early 2016. Participated in the Cruiserweight Classic. Has done many shows with his home promotion in DDT where he had some many weird things there (like things you would not expect in wrestling). Has set himself ablaze with a roman candle in England. Heck, rumor has it that he is Tiger Mask W in NJPW due to their similar styles and built....... So look out, he's coming back to a NJPW ring and he will deliver and good lord almighty if he goes against Kenny Omega.
So yeah, G1 Climax is always a fantastic tournament filled with great matches, good active crowds, sometimes big crowds, help build future big matches down the line, and build solid drama and suspense when they come to the finishing stretches of the tourney. It's like aside from Wrestle Kingdom, this is always the most hyped I am about wrestling nowadays.
-
Speaking of NJPW, I've downloaded the recent Omega/Okada rematch from Dominion, but I haven't watched it yet. I heard it's as good as the WK match, so I can't wait. I rarely end up seeing much NJPW outside of WK.
-
So Vince Russo has filed a restraining order against Jim Cornette which I find to be completely hilarious.
Also Mauro is going to be doing commentary for NXT which I think is fantastic. Hopefully his commentary will be as good as it was for the Cruiserweight classic without Vinny Mac constantly in his ear.
-
Also Mauro is going to be doing commentary for NXT which I think is fantastic. Hopefully his commentary will be as good as it was for the Cruiserweight classic without Vinny Mac constantly in his ear.
I'm glad he's back doing commentary in some capacity, and he'll be a great fit for NXT. It's a shame the commentary for Raw/Smackdown are both a complete waste of space though.
-
Also Mauro is going to be doing commentary for NXT which I think is fantastic. Hopefully his commentary will be as good as it was for the Cruiserweight classic without Vinny Mac constantly in his ear.
I'm glad he's back doing commentary in some capacity, and he'll be a great fit for NXT. It's a shame the commentary for Raw/Smackdown are both a complete waste of space though.
Yeah the main roster commentary just feels so controlled. The best commentary jobs Michael Cole has done in years was the beast in the east and uk tournament specials. You know the ones he did away from Vince and had more freedom to work.
-
I think Mauro is a perfect fit for NXT. I've lost a bit of interest in NXT the last while, and forget to watch it sometimes. But with Mauro back, I'll make sure to PVR it just for his commentary. Hopefully this leads to him coming back to Raw or Smackdown, or doing the upcoming female tournament.
My main interest right now in NXT is Roode and Drew, and I think both will be mega stars on the main roster; hopefully sooner than later.
-
I think Mauro is a perfect fit for NXT. I've lost a bit of interest in NXT the last while, and forget to watch it sometimes. But with Mauro back, I'll make sure to PVR it just for his commentary. Hopefully this leads to him coming back to Raw or Smackdown, or doing the upcoming female tournament.
My main interest right now in NXT is Roode and Drew, and I think both will be mega stars on the main roster; hopefully sooner than later.
I think Mauro will stay on NXT. The reduced schedule will work better for him since he also still calls boxing events and stuff. Also not having to be on the road for tv every week may be better for his mental health. I would love to hear him call the women's tournament though.
-
I watched Beach Blast 92 on the network last night. It's a good show with the Sting vs Cactus falls count anywhere match being a fantastic brawl. Also, the Steamboat vs Rude Iron Man match was a back and forth classic with lots of drama. The final match, Steiners vs Gordy/Williams was a stiff fight, but very good. If you havent watched this show, its worth watching on the network if you have it. But then again, I'm partial towards early 90s WCW and its cheese factor. Halloween Havoc 91 and the Chamber of Horrors is the ultimate!
-
Sasha Banks is number one contender for Alexa Bliss' title! Thank the lord. When she was in the middle of the Rich Swann/Noam Dar/Alicia Fox program, I hoped it was just a holdover feud until Alexa was done with Bayley but feared it was the beginning of Sasha falling to the midcard. I'm glad my first thought was true. Sasha is arguably the top female superstar in the company (crowd reaction and merchandise sales would agree with me) and she deserves this. The promos between her and Bliss will be so good, with more sass than the world may be able to handle. And if any wrestler on the Raw roster can bring an amazing match out of Bliss, it's Banks. Looking forward to the next couple of weeks and hope it turns into a full fledged feud and isn't just a one off.
-
The female gauntlet match was very good; I was actually quite impressed with Jax. But Banks deserved the win and Bliss and herself should have a good match at GBOF.
I'm not sure what to make of the Lavar/Lonzo Ball segment. I found it funny at least.
-
The only thing that felt weird was this big celebration after Sasha won, like she accomplished something, when her opponent was on her fifth consecutive match :lol I mean it's a tough spot, because if you have Sasha run the table and Nia comes in at the end then you don't get to establish Nia's dominance.
-
I didn't notice it when watching, but one of the Ball guys used a racial slur on Raw and that's the reason they weren't at ring side for the six man match. Or Vince was worried that they may do something else that would cause issues. They also sent Dean Ambrose out early just to put a stop to things. Regardless it was a strange segment and I don't expect to ever see the Ball family in WWE again.
-
Vince is a sexist big mouth.
Lavar Ball is a sexist big mouth.
Seems meant to be. :lol :lol
-
In this instance it wasn't Lavar. But yes, those two take self-promotion to unheard of heights.
Regardless, I can see one slur slipping through, but that second one makes it look like Kevin Dunn was asleep in the truck.
-
The women's ladder match on Smackdown was pretty good, and I think it was a smart decision to have Carmella win at the end.
But I find with all ladder matches, men or women, that one thing annoys me a bit. The wrestlers go all out, yet when it comes time to climb the ladder, they climb painfully slow up the ladder. It's actually quite ridiculous and it just might be that they haven't timed the sequences properly and are buying time. But it just looks so unrealistic considering that within a storyline context, getting this contract will potentially get them championships and more money. They should be flying up this ladder by all accounts.
-
^^ I guess you can argue the fact that these guys are so damn exhausted from the bumps they are taking that they can justify the "slow" climbing. Listen, unless your legs were worked hard in the match or your arm was busted to the point where you can't climb with your hands or you are afraid of heights, there's no need for the "slow" climb.
-
Anyone who was disappointed in the lack of spots in the Womens MITB matches should check out the Asuka vs Nikki Cross last woman standing match from tonights NXT.
-
Anyone who was disappointed in the lack of spots in the Womens MITB matches should check out the Asuka vs Nikki Cross last woman standing match from tonights NXT.
One of the most entertaining women's matches I've ever seen!
-
Managed to watch everything besides that match last night. Looking forward to it tonight.
-
https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/855333-tna-wrestling-to-rebrand-as-gfw-jeff-jarrett-and-ed-nordholm-comment
Well the day has finally come. The TNA/Impact Wrestling brand as we know it has died. What could have been legitimate competition to the WWE with guys like AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, and Bobby Roode mixed with former WWE stars like Jeff Hardy, RVD, and Rhyno became a joke, and in the end, management drove away superstars who could have brought them back to prominence like the Hardys and all of the TNA originals. While technically it's being rebranded and not shut down, to think that we won't be able to watch "TNA Impact" anymore is a shame and we'll only be left asking "what if?".
-
No more tits n ass wrestling. Sounds like a win for people that want to watch wrestling besides WWE that aren't teenagers.
I may finally watch now.
-
New name, same old smell.
-
The one thing with TNA that has caused me to rarely watch it, is the six sided ring. For whatever reason, that ring just changes the perception of pro wrestling for me and I really don't enjoy it. I know they took it away for awhile becaue Hogan told them to change it, but they returned back to it when he left I think. I would be interested to see what changes the new brand does, if any.
-
I am curious to see what JJ can do in charge without Russo on board, but man he must be an amazing negotiator. I guess if your company can't get a TV deal just take over one that does.
-
I wonder if that was Jarrett's plan all along
-
I wonder if that was Jarrett's plan all along
If it was he's either far more cunning that I've ever thought he was or the heads of Anthem are just a bunch of gullible idiots.
-
He might have known that TNA was crumbling and by starting his own organization, he saw a future oppurtunity to take over TNA with his company. Who knows what his initial plan was, but I really think GFW needs a major overhaul. From the look to the entrance and set up. And for me, obviously the ring is number one if I'm going to watch it ever.
-
Great NXT title match last night between Roode and Strong!
Roode is the man!!
-
Yeah, really enjoyed that match as well. Only minor nitpick was how far Roode had to go to position himself close to the ropes for that false three count. Made it really obvious what was about to happen.
-
Yeah, really enjoyed that match as well. Only minor nitpick was how far Roode had to go to position himself close to the ropes for that false three count. Made it really obvious what was about to happen.
Typical wrestling. It's like when the recipient positions themself to take a top rope move, ie a frog splash.
-
Yeah, really enjoyed that match as well. Only minor nitpick was how far Roode had to go to position himself close to the ropes for that false three count. Made it really obvious what was about to happen.
Typical wrestling. It's like when the recipient positions themself to take a top rope move, ie a frog splash.
Or when they do something unnatural when about to take a move off the top rope. 3:30-ish of this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pPZEonvZUY&t=75s
-
So today was a strange day in WWE. Austin Aries gets released, it's announced that Dixie Carter will appear on the WWE Network for the Kurt Angle special, and AJ Styles wins the U.S. title at a live event in MSG.
-
Pretty busy for a Friday before a PPV. Not crazy about Owens losing the title.
-
Pretty busy for a Friday before a PPV. Not crazy about Owens losing the title.
If he lost it to anyone besides the best wrestler on the planet I would be mad. They probably did this because they want to extend the feud for a little longer.
-
I'm a fan of WWE once in a blue moon changing titles on house shows. This was at MSG, so a bigger house show, but it just makes things more realistic to have a title change at small shows every so often.
I'm surprised at the Aries release. But the cruiserweight division needs an overhaul as it's clearly not working as is. Last summer, I looked forward to the cw tournament and I think alot of it came down to having the matches in the intimate environment. I think what WWE needs to do is have 205 filmed with NXT at Full Sail Universtiy (with Mauro as the announcer) and then have those shows aired back to back. And the purple ropes need to go; that's the sign for piss break time.
-
Usually title changes at house shows change back the next night on a show or PPV.
-
This ended up being the best PPV of the year besides Mania. Every match delivered in some way, with extra props going to the ironman match, the women's match, and the ambulance match. Still a ridiculous name, but the show lived up to the stacked card that it had.
-
I really enjoyed the PPV as well. The main event was just what I was hopping for; a straight up brawl that made Joe look very strong in defeat. Awesome main event.
And the ambulance match was just as entertaining and I hope this was a double turn for Reigns and Strowman. If that wasn't the point, I really don't understand the rationale behind it then.
-
It's amazing how much better Becky Lynch is when she's not forced to carry someone like Alexa Bliss or Carmella through a match. Her and Charlotte just had an amazing match with no storyline attached other than "hey we're both great wrestlers so let's have a match".
-
I'm surprised they cancelled Talking Smack. I actually liked that show and I thought Rene and Daniel had fantastic chemistry together. Maybe the wrestlers complained about having to stick around later after the show. The unscripted aspect was quite enjoyable as well.
-
Or maybe Vince didn't like the unscripted aspect. :lol
And they need that kind of content for the network, and it would have been relatively cheap to produce.
-
Shane-O continues flirting with disaster, this time at least not of his own doing. Glad everyone is ok!
https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/20104796/shane-mcmahon-helicopter-makes-ocean-landing
-
Shane-O continues flirting with disaster, this time at least not of his own doing. Glad everyone is ok!
https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/20104796/shane-mcmahon-helicopter-makes-ocean-landing
Same, Shane has always come across as a nice guy.
Also Rusevs tweet about it was hilarious
-
In a business where people are generally not shy about saying what they really think about others, I haven't heard anyone say anything bad about Shane. Nash called him something like "the chillest rich white motherfucker I've ever met."
-
He just had to top the Cell spot...
-
Got to meet Ric Flair at the SuperCon here in Raleigh 2 weeks ago. My brother even got his replica WCW belt signed, so that was cool.
Also saw Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, but he was lonely - no one in line to see him. I considered going over out of mercy, but then decided against it lol.
-
Poor hammer
Good thing Virgil wasn't there, now that's one lonely ass guy
https://lonelyvirgil.net/
-
Poor hammer
Good thing Virgil wasn't there, now that's one lonely ass guy
https://lonelyvirgil.net/
Virgil's all about that fuck money.
-
This fatal four way next weekend at Summerslam has all the makings of being a classic. I'm leaning towards Braun but I can really see any of the four winning. You would think that Brock will lose the belt but I can see the swerve with him hanging on. And if Jon Jones shows up, that will make things even more interesting. Really excited for that one.
Speaking of Summerslam, I just recently watched the 94 edition. I havent watched it since it was new, and watching the two main events was such a contrast. The cage match between Brett and Owen was fantastic and as good of a cage match that you will see. However, that Taker vs Taker match is almost unwatchable. No wonder WWE has never mentioned that match again lol.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJPZzlOhBmA
No comment.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJPZzlOhBmA
No comment.
The product outside of WWE is so much better.
-
I'll watch that all day every day before having to suffer through an entire episode of Raw or Smackdown now. :lol
-
Apparently Ric Flair is very unwell??
-
CBS Sports Radio just mentioned Flair on their update spot of all places. Sounds like he is out of surgery, but not out of the woods yet.
-
Apparently Ric Flair is very unwell??
He's in...um..flair condition.
-
Apparently Ric Flair is very unwell??
He's in...um..flair condition.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/500x350q90/924/9TjLRa.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/f/po9TjLRaj)
-
Don't worry. I bitch slapped myself after that one. :lol
-
:lol
-
He saw Charlotte's nudes.
-
He saw Charlotte's nudes.
Like Ric would say "No hair, no Flair."
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJPZzlOhBmA
No comment.
:rollin
And yea, I hear Flair is in an induced coma and not such a good place. :sad:
-
I don't have a good feeling about Flair recovering, given his past issues. What a huge loss to the wrestling world it would be. There aren't many big wrestlers from the era left.
-
So, a long overdue question about the demise of the TV14 era: did WWE ever asked their fans what they wanted? I mean, yes, it is your company and you can do whatever you want, but you should remember who is buying your product
-
So, a long overdue question about the demise of the TV14 era: did WWE ever asked their fans what they wanted? I mean, yes, it is your company and you can do whatever you want, but you should remember who is buying your product
Roman Reigns. That should answer your question.
-
So, a long overdue question about the demise of the TV14 era: did WWE ever asked their fans what they wanted? I mean, yes, it is your company and you can do whatever you want, but you should remember who is buying your product
Roman Reigns. That should answer your question.
:lol :lol :lol Is he still being pushed like crazy as if he is THE face of the company? I don't watch anymore, so I honestly do not know.
Also, the WWE didn't technically ask, but finding a way to shoe-horn Daniel Bryan into the main event of Wrestlemania 30 is the one time I can remember them going out of their way to give the fans what they wanted (and that was only because of the backlash of Batista winning the Rumble and the fans revolting over the original main event of Batista/Orton).
-
Haven't followed WWE in years, and haven't watched in even longer. Raw was just way too boring, plus all of the shows now are only broadcast on WWE Network, and I sure as shit ain't paying $12 (CAD) to watch any of it. I'd dig some of the historical stuff from the 80s and 90s, but honestly, I can YT pretty much anything from that era if I wanted to.
-
So, a long overdue question about the demise of the TV14 era: did WWE ever asked their fans what they wanted? I mean, yes, it is your company and you can do whatever you want, but you should remember who is buying your product
Roman Reigns. That should answer your question.
:lol :lol :lol Is he still being pushed like crazy as if he is THE face of the company? I don't watch anymore, so I honestly do not know.
Also, the WWE didn't technically ask, but finding a way to shoe-horn Daniel Bryan into the main event of Wrestlemania 30 is the one time I can remember them going out of their way to give the fans what they wanted (and that was only because of the backlash of Batista winning the Rumble and the fans revolting over the original main event of Batista/Orton).
He's in a pretty entertaining feud with Brawn Strowman, but it's entertaining because of Strowman, not him. Strowman is a heel, but because Reigns is hated so much, he's basically the face. Reigns still gets booed out of the building, and I just read an interview where he said he's the leader of the locker room. I bet Vince told the other wrestlers that they had to listen to Roman. I'm not just on the Reigns hate bandwagon. Honestly, I don't think there is a wagon. The man is boring as fuck. At least Cena pulls out a new move every once in awhile, and is excellent on the mic. Roman has maybe 4 moves, but he mainly does the Kane uppercuts, the Superman punch and spear. Back to Cena for a sec, I really wish he'd abandon the 5 Knuckle shuffle. I know it's his signature move, but it's so contrived, and the receiver looks so bored when they throw that clothesline. It's like a special move in a videogame that you have to do a combination of buttons to activate, and goes into an animation. John Cena could be in the next Mortal Kombat, and the 5 Knuckle Shuffle can be his X-ray special.
Brock can be pretty entertaining when he actually cares. You can tell when he does when he gets on the mic. Unfortunately, it's still just suplex city, and that's also boring as fuck. I watched an old clip of his feud with Eddie Guerrero, and he came out in a subraro dancing around. What happened to that Brock Lesnar?
-
Overall, Summerslam was really good.
Cena vs Corbin was boring because of Corbin, but Cena winning was a pleasant surprise.
Natalya vs Naomi was a surprisingly great match with another unexpected result.
Big Cass vs Big Show was a skipper.
Orton vs Rusev was even shittier than Orton's usual shit. Poor Rusev deserves way better.
Sasha Banks vs Alexa Bliss was decent, and another unexpected result.
The tag match was as good as expected. Cesaro and Sheamus work so well together.
Styles vs Owens was a lot of fun with the ref bumps.
Mahal vs Nakamura sucked as every Mahal match has. Nakamura has been given nothing but crap to work with on the main roster so far.
The main event was excellent. Strowman and Lesnar is money. I'm happy that the finish involved Reigns jobbing to Lesnar.
Best of all, there weren't really any screwy finishes.
-
I give Takeover Brookyln 3 an A. Every match delivered and the storylines set up for the next batch of tapings should be good. They also surprised me with some of the endings which is nice to see.
I give summerslam a C+. For me it was slightly above average. The only match that really didn't set well with me was orton vs rusev. Most of the matches were ok, with a couple really good ones tossed in. I do appreciate the lack of screwey finishes this year though.
-
NXT Takeover was excellent overall. Every match was enjoyable and the main event was fantastic. Roode has put in his time in NXT and proven himself. He deserves a main roster spot and in my opinion, a main event run.
Summerslam suffers the same as WM; just too long of a show when you include the pre show. It had some good moments but the standout was the Fatal 4 way which was every bit as good as I had hoped. Just a outstanding brawl.
Both main events from NXT and Summerslam easily get an A in my book.
-
NXT Takeover was excellent overall. Every match was enjoyable and the main event was fantastic. Roode has put in his time in NXT and proven himself. He deserves a main roster spot and in my opinion, a main event run.
Summerslam suffers the same as WM; just too long of a show when you include the pre show. It had some good moments but the standout was the Fatal 4 way which was every bit as good as I had hoped. Just a outstanding brawl.
Both main events from NXT and Summerslam easily get an A in my book.
Wrestle kingdom 11 was about 5 and a half hours long and fantastic. Length of the show doesn't really matter as long as its consistently entertaining
-
Apparently Flair's health is on the up :metal
-
Apparently Flair's health is on the up :metal
(https://brobible.files.wordpress.com/2015/11/ric-flair-pump-fake-woooo.gif?w=470&h=370)
-
https://wrestlingnews.co/wwe-news/bobby-the-brain-heenan-has-passed-away/
RIP to one of the best heels in the business and a legend. Sucks to see him gone, but glad he's no longer in any pain
-
Thank you for all the laughs Brain. You were the best. I am sure Monsoon has a seat ready for him in the Gorilla Position up in the sky.
-
One of the funniest things I ever saw on Saturday morning wrestling shows was when Tatanka's music hit once... it was that ay-ee-ay-ee-i-i-i-i-i-i scream. Without missing a beat as soon as it hit, Brain screams out "Indians, take cover!" :rollin
Him and Gorilla were the best 1-2 commentating pair ever. Ever.
-
One of the greatest heels the business has ever seen, and one of the best talkers. A true legend. R.I.P.
-
His commentary at the Royal Rumble 1992 match was golden. He just really really wanted Ric Flair to win that match so badly and look at this reaction when Ric Flair entered at #3 and his reaction at the end of the match. He will be missed for certain.
-
His commentary at the Royal Rumble 1992 match was golden. He just really really wanted Ric Flair to win that match so badly and look at this reaction when Ric Flair entered at #3 and his reaction at the end of the match. He will be missed for certain.
I was just going to mention the same. Gorilla and Brain were the best commentating team ever, and this was their best performance. The match is awesome in itself, but its taken to the next level based on the commentating.
Thank you Brain!!
-
Completely forgot he was the original co-host of RAW. Why did he leave to WCW? Was he fired?
-
Was bummed to see the news, I'd known he'd been having health problems for a number of years now. Don't know that announcing gets better than him yelling that Marty Jannetty was trying to escape through the barbershop window when Shawn Michaels superkicked him and put him through it :lol
-
WILL YOU STOP!
-
Was bummed to see the news, I'd known he'd been having health problems for a number of years now. Don't know that announcing gets better than him yelling that Marty Jannetty was trying to escape through the barbershop window when Shawn Michaels superkicked him and put him through it :lol
Oh god yes! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsvUNQyWFhw
-
Cesaro is one tough dude. Lost his two front teeth not far into that tag match, but kept on fighting anyway. Cesaro/Sheamus always deliver a great match.
The women's match was great too. I'm not a fan of them lumping them all together in multi-person matches, but they know how to make them work.
The Reigns match was trash. Predictable garbage booking. You can't book legacy. They need to give up on that two-move dead end already. The video package comparing him to Cena was an insult.
-
Holy shit Kurt Angle is replacing Roman in the tag match this Sunday. Guess I will be watching TLC.
-
Holy shit Kurt Angle is replacing Roman in the tag match this Sunday. Guess I will be watching TLC.
Also, AJ Styles is replacing Bray against Finn Bálor, which means we’re finally getting that match as well. Meningitis turned out to be the best thing to happen to this PPV.
-
Getting rid of Bray Wyatt AND Roman Reigns, and getting AJ Styles and Kurt Angle instead? Thank you, meningitis! :lol Getting rid of two of the worst and replacing them with two of the best of all time.
They must be desperate, but I ain't complaining! I'm sick of having a PPV every two weeks, but now I'm actually interested in this.
-
Holy shit Kurt Angle is replacing Roman in the tag match this Sunday. Guess I will be watching TLC.
Also, AJ Styles is replacing Bray against Finn Bálor, which means we’re finally getting that match as well. Meningitis turned out to be the best thing to happen to this PPV.
I guess. I'm trying to be positive, but I'm having a little trouble on this one.
Don't get me wrong, I am stoked as fuck for Styles and Balor. But it also kind of sucks that we're getting it under these circumstances. That match should be the main event of a Pay Per View for a major championship with a solid storyline. Instead, we're getting it with no build-up because somebody is out sick.
And as for the handicap... once again, don't get me wrong, I am thrilled to see Angle back in the ring. But the match seems utterly ridiculous now.
To be honest, I was already pretty skeptical about it. I couldn't see how it could possibly end without a rising star being damaged. If the Shield won, it would kind of hurt the credibility of their five opponents, and in particular, Braun Strowman's monster push would take a big hit. Yet if the Shield lost, it would kind of derail the momentum of their reunion. But I was still hyped for the match, and I was keeping an open mind, because there is a lot of hype for the Shield, and I could suspend my disbelief enough to imagine that they MIGHT be able to use their teamwork to outclass the merry band of misfits.
Now, though, we have lost the Shield element. This is no longer a band of brothers with a wolf pack mentality taking on impossible odds. Now it is the tag team champions and a 48 year old man who hasn't wrestled in months vs the former tag team champions, Kane (okay, fair enough, a 50 year old man who also hasn't wrestled in months), the intercontinental champion, and Braun fucking Strowman. For perspective, they've painted Rollins & Ambrose and Sheamus & Cesaro as pretty evenly matched teams in their title feud. The added ingredients here are Kurt Angle on one side and the Miz, Kane, and Braun Strowman on the other. On paper, this should be a squash match. I'll mark out for Angle's return to the ring, and I'm sure the pop will be magnificent, but it will be kind of a waste if he just gets crushed. And if his team wins, the other team looks like kind of a joke.
I'm kind of hoping that the match changes on the show. My big hope is that the Miz does something really obnoxious and Strowman gets pissed off and decimates him. Strowman walks, and we're left with Rollins, Ambrose, and Angle vs Cesaro, Sheamus, and Kane. Then you have a couple pretty good options. Angle can pull off the win for a huge feel good moment, or Miz can limp out to the ring to attack Angle from behind and cost him that feel good moment for nuclear heat. Hell - you can maybe even build an Angle/Miz feud out of this, and some of the heat from the Miz/Bryan feud can sort of carry over and get a proper payoff.
But that's just me fantasy booking.
I'm sure it will be a fun show. Probably a lot more fun than it would have been before. The Angle return will be a joy to watch, and Styles vs. Balor is sure to be fucking magic. But I'm a little worried about how this is going to affect their booking in the long term.
-
Very strange but fun PPV. Every match was serviceable except for Elias vs. Jordan. But there was one match that stood above the rest...
AJ Styles and Finn Bálor tore the house down with a legitimate Match of the Year candidate. With no build up and no prep time, these two put on a wrestling clinic. I want to see them go for an hour. If the powers at be decide to give us more, this could be the WWE’s version of Okada/Omega.
-
Yeah, very strange and scrapped together PPV, very light on matches, since all of the champions were loaded into the one match.
Balor vs Styles definitely stole the show.
The main event was very weirdly booked all around. And why does Kane still exist? But at least I got to see the in ring return of my favourite wrestler ever Kurt Angle.
-
The move to have AJ Styles capture the WWE Title over Jinder Mahal was a decision made directly by Vince McMahon sometime last week. There is much speculation on why this change was made, with most believing that McMahon felt that a Mahal vs. Lesnar match was not something fans were looking forward to see
McMahon felt that a Mahal vs. Lesnar match was not something fans were looking forward to see
Vince had a thought about what fans might want to see??
-
Fans didn't want to see Mahal vs Lesnar? YOU DON'T SAY! :lol
Fans want to see Styles vs Lesnar? YOU DON'T SAY! :lol
I'm really looking forward to that match now. I don't expect Styles to win, I just hope they let it be a somewhat competitive match with a decent length for a change.
-
Fans didn't want to see Mahal vs Lesnar? YOU DON'T SAY! :lol
Fans want to see Styles vs Lesnar? YOU DON'T SAY! :lol
I'm really looking forward to that match now. I don't expect Styles to win, I just hope they let it be a somewhat competitive match with a decent length for a change.
This is the best possible match for Lesnar. Styles is one of the few guys who could carry a match by himself so if Brock decides to be lazy, AJ can pick up the slack and make it a good match.
-
Yeah, AJ Styles can get a good match out of literally anyone, including Reigns and Shane McMahon. I just hope that they're willing to let it be all it can be.
-
Yeah, AJ Styles can get a good match out of literally anyone, including Reigns and Shane McMahon. I just hope that they're willing to let it be all it can be.
I’ve always said that A.J. Styles could carry a paper bag to a four star match. Now we’ll get to see if that’s true.
-
Solid if not very predictable PPV. Having the running counter of Smackdown vs Raw made it obvious how the matches would go so the SS match was the decider, as they always do.
AJ Styles vs Lesnar was slightly more competitive than expected, but not as competitive as I'd hoped.
So glad to see Asuka have a strong showing in her match.
The main SS match was such dumb booking. Nakamura the first to go, and we're supposed to believe Shane McMahon as the last man on his team was a legitimate contender to any of the Raw team, let alone the three of them. He shouldn't have even been on the team in the first place. Retarded McMahon booking as always.
And the blatantly obvious and incredibly unwanted setup between HHH and Angle was done like complete shit with no logic. Don't waste Kurt Angle on HHH. This is why nobody gave a shit about the first couple of years after Lesnar came back. The Strowman bit was the only thing that redeemed it.
Garbage ending to an otherwise decent PPV.
-
What a great Raw last night. Paige is back and brought Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose with her. It looks like the company is giving her a prominent role on Monday nights which makes me happy because despite all of the controversy that has surrounded her this past year, she’s one of the best female wrestlers on the planet and will be an asset to the division going forward.
Also, Roman Reigns won the IC title in the main event, which I actually like. As good as the Miz is, he has held that title on and off since the Raw after Wrestlemania 32. It’s time for someone else to hold it and time for the Miz to move into the main event scene. Roman actually got cheers last night, which shows that the crowd doesn’t hate him but hate the way he’s shoved down their throats as the next top guy. Giving him a midcard title will allow him to fully get back into the fans’ good graces because if they would take a step back and look at him, the fans would see how good Roman actually is.
-
How good Roman actually is? He's mediocre on the mic at best, and literally only has 3 moves, one of which is just a punch, one of which is just a tackle, and a samoan drop, the half-assed move his entire family is obligated to do by law. He has not evolved at all since the Shield broke up. If anything he's gone backwards. He used to have a 4th move!
-
How good Roman actually is? He's mediocre on the mic at best, and literally only has 3 moves, one of which is just a punch, one of which is just a tackle, and a samoan drop, the half-assed move his entire family is obligated to do by law. He has not evolved at all since the Shield broke up. If anything he's gone backwards. He used to have a 4th move!
Every wrestler in WWE has a set of up to five moves that they do every match. Even AJ Styles, who is widely regarded as one of the best in ring competitors ever (and my favorite wrestler of all time) has the Styles Clash, Phenomenal Forearm, Calf Crusher, Pele Kick, Springboard 450, and Ushigoroshi. Reigns also has the Drive By and Niagara Bomb as signature moves. Go look at a list of signature moves from all of the legends (Steve Austin, Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, etc.) and you’ll start to realize that they all did the same moves every match. For some reason, Roman (and Cena for that matter) get crap for it. Watch Roman’s matches with Rollins, Styles, Strowman, Miz, Balor, and many others. They are all good matches and you can’t say that he was carried through every match. It takes two (or more) to make or break a match and Roman has been involved in a lot of great ones in the past couple of years. His mic skills aren’t the best, but neither were Shawn’s and he’s one of the greatest of all time. I know this sounds like I’m a Roman mark which I’m not. He’s easily my least favorite member of the Shield and I also don’t like him being shoved down my throat. But that latter point isn’t his fault, and despite the crowd reaction, he continues to work hard and put on a great show. I’ll at least give him credit for that.
-
I don't mean doing the same movies. Other wrestlers have their signature moves, but he LITERALLY only does those 3 moves. Ever. Very different things. A wrestler like AJ Styles can bust out anything at any time, and he is the kind of rare wrestler who can wrestler a mop and put on a 5 star classic. Hell, he put on a great match with the dead weight of Reigns!
-
I don't mean doing the same movies. Other wrestlers have their signature moves, but he LITERALLY only does those 3 moves. Ever. Very different things. A wrestler like AJ Styles can bust out anything at any time, and he is the kind of rare wrestler who can wrestler a mop and put on a 5 star classic. Hell, he put on a great match with the dead weight of Reigns!
I guess we’re watching a different Roman. I see a vastly improved all around wrestler who works hard to be the best even though the fans reject him.
-
Roman is ok. I still skip his matches because I know the ending though.
-
I think Reigns is better than a lot of fans give him credit for.
He isn't nearly as good as Vince McMahon gives him credit for, though.
-
I'd be happy if Reigns did a damn suplex. It would be different for him at least.
-
roman is only as good as they let him be. I know he can do more than he does.
On some random smackdown before the brand split he was actually doing more moves. Nothing too complicated but I was happy he was mixing it up. Then by the time Raw came back around he was back to punching a lot. Was he yelled at for doing too much or something lol
-
Roman has potential to be one of the greatest heels of all time. He has the look and attitude of the perfect heel and the fans are just chomping at the bit to boo him even more than they already do. Vince is the only one I think that is preventing this from happening.
-
I went to a local wrestling show today that included known wrestlers, including X-Pac, Ricochet / Prince Puma, Joey Ryan, Brian Cage, Zack Sabre Jnr, The Headbangers, and Austin Aries.
Easily the best wrestling show I've gone to. I've never given a shit about the Headbangers even back during the short time they were half relevant, but even they put on a fun match. X-Pac and Joey Ryan were in a 3 on 3 tag match on the same team, and that was highly entertaining. They had one of the opponents cornered, and were trading off between "SUCK IT!" and "TOUCH IT!" (touch his dick). :lol And of course he did the penis plex.
I'm not familiar with Zack Sabre Jnr, but he had a match against a local wrestler, and it was amazing. Great technical mat wrestling.
Cage was also against a local wrestler who had a silly caveman gimmick, but it was a good big man match full of power moves and general meatiness.
The main event was Austin Aries vs Ricochet for whatever belt it was, which was a hell of a match as expected.
I also did the meet and greet before the show. X-Pac was a genuinely nice dude, and I got a pic with Cage.
-
Not sure what is going on in the WWE universe lately, but next Monday is the Raw 25th Anniversary. Undertaker, Jerry Lawler, JR, Shawn Michaels are all confirmed, and there are more big names sure to be there. Might be worth a tune-in for the first time in ages.
And yeah, anything else worth noting since the last post here on Nov 27?
-
Wrestle Kingdom? :biggrin:
Oh speaking of which, NJPW is coming to Australia in about a month, so I have my tickets already. Tanahashi, Cody Rhodes, Okada, Ospreay (for the second time in the past few months), I can't wait. :metal
-
The Curb Stomp is back. :metal
-
Officially confirmed for Raw 25:
* Jericho
* Bischoff
* Jacqueline Moore
* The Brooklyn Brawler
* Steve Austin
* The Undertaker
* Ric Flair
* Shawn Michaels
* The Dudley Boys
* Scott Hall & Kevin Nash
* Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler
* The New Age Outlaws
* JBL & Ron Simmons
* Ted DiBiase
* Sgt. Slaughter
* Brother Love - They didn't specify if Bruce Pritchard or Sean Combs.
-
I dont really keep up with wrestling, but had I known this was happening tonight in Brooklyn, I might have tried to actually make it there. Would be really cool to see all those wrestlers. Is Mick Foley going to be there?
-
How in the world is The Brooklyn Brawler worthy of being brought out for that? He was basically a glorified jobber.
-
He wasn't "basically a glorified jobber." He was a jobber. I think it is more to celebrate their 25 year RAW history, of which he is a part of much more than some of the other "talent" slated to be there, like Maria Kanellis or The Boogeyman.
-
The event is also taking place in Brooklyn. I also wrote yesterdya "tonight" even though it was Tuesday :lol Actually going to the event is somewhat possible for me, but the ticket prices are a bit ridiculous and the cost of just getting to Brooklyn is as well. Maybe had I been able to get a face value ticket that would have worked out.
-
Well. That was kinda garbage.
-
I was expecting a bit more, but enjoyed the Austin stunners at the beginning. Not sure where the Undertaker segment is leading to, but I was hoping for a Cena WM challenge.
Elias is really winning me over and Torrie Wilson is looking better than ever!
-
Well. That was kinda garbage.
:lol It sure was. I feel sorry for the people who paid top dollar to be at the Manhattan Center for that. Sure, they got a couple of minutes of the Undertaker, but then they got a filler match, and by the time of the DX reunion, that crowd looked pretty pissed off and restless.
The Manhattan Center should have gotten a lot of those early legends at the very least. Apparently they didn't even have video screens to see what was happening on the real show.
-
I fell asleep half way through. I honestly was considering spitting out some money to get the chance to see Stone Cold again, but opted not to when I saw ticket prices weren't budging (and also realized it was two seperate events so not everything was going to happen wherever I was). But other than those first pops, it seemed the show got pretty boring and a lot of the fun stuff was happening in the backstage segments, for which I always hated watching at live events, I want to see action not watch a screen. I did love seeing the APA and whatnot though.
-
I noticed that too. A lot of the guests were just in backstage segments, which isn't much more exciting live than on TV. The show would have still had its moments live, but it wouldn't have been worth much more than a regular show overall.
It was still a fun enough watch on TV, but there were so many missed opportunities and oversights, typical of WWE's poor management and booking.
-
It was still a fun enough watch on TV
Yea, at the end of the day, I hadn't watched Raw in years and I tuned in. I'm sure I wasn't the only one
-
It was still a fun enough watch on TV
Yea, at the end of the day, I hadn't watched Raw in years and I tuned in. I'm sure I wasn't the only one
It's been years since I stopped watching Raw, and I don't even keep up with what happens or see clips any more, but with a show that loaded (The Undertaker / Austin / Jericho / etc), I couldn't give it a miss.
And as nice a nostalgia trip as it was, it was another reminder of how badly handled the current show is, and why I no longer watch it each week. As the last Raw before the Royal Rumble, it failed. Did any of the wrestler's really mention the Royal Rumble matchup? The title match got a couple of minutes tacked onto the end for the three guys involved, and the only thing it did was to confirm that Kane is the jobber fallguy of the match, and Braun Strowman isn't going to win. It didn't make me hate that the match exists any less.
I'm actually most interested in the women's Rumble, because they don't have enough women on the main roster, which means more room for surprise entrants like NXT wrestlers and legends, and less predictability. Plus, there's a lower (but still not non-existent) chance of Roman Reigns winning that one.
It's been years since they've managed a good Rumble, and not just because of the bad choice of winners. Last year's RR was forgettable and was booked backwards for WM, 2016 was very poorly booked for what they wanted to achieve and was tragically derivative anyway. 2015 was a trainwreck of such legendary proportions that the only rewatch value in it is to see the audience shit all over it. The 2014 event was a bit of a joke all around, and the crowd turned to indifferent booing once man #30 came out.
I'm hoping having two Rumbles means we have more chance of something exciting, or it's just possible they're spreading themselves even thinner and we end up with two bad Rumbles instead of just one. We'll see!
-
I dont know, I don't follow enough, but the idea of two royal rumbles makes me less interested and feels like it cheapens the main one. I'd rather just see the girls get in the ring with the guys at that point, but my opinion doesn't mean much as I don't really watch. I did go to the Royal Rumble in 2000 at MSG which was insane. I've always enjoyed the Rumble matches, but haven't watched one in like 10 years or so.
-
I dont know, I don't follow enough, but the idea of two royal rumbles makes me less interested and feels like it cheapens the main one. I'd rather just see the girls get in the ring with the guys at that point, but my opinion doesn't mean much as I don't really watch. I did go to the Royal Rumble in 2000 at MSG which was insane. I've always enjoyed the Rumble matches, but haven't watched one in like 10 years or so.
I don't quite agree it cheapens the RR, but I definitely get what you're saying. I do think they're running a very real risk of just wearing people out though with two full length RRs. The women's RR has to be the opening match, there's just no other way it works, if it's going to work. It's going to be too much. What I liked about the PPV in the past, is that it used to contain only a few other matches, with the RR match being the drawcard, because it's a big match. They're making PPVs too long now for the sake of it.
My main issue though is that they just haven't done a good enough job building the women's division to warrant a separate RR yet. For all of their parroting about a women's revolution, they've made little progress, and spread themselves too thin splitting them between the two shows. They've still got a lot of the same females who are not wrestlers first and can't work good matches, they still rarely if ever have more than one women's match on the main card of a PPV, and too often have multi-person matches just to cram as many girls into a match as possible, instead of focusing on storylines and feuds.
-
I was wondering to myself, "wow the wwe female roster must have gotten really large since I last watched to be able to do a RR" also I didn't realize the PPVs were getting longer, they were already pretty long events from what I remember.
-
The standard PPVs are a bit under 3 hours in length, but in recent years Summerslam has been over 4 hours (and other PPVs I can't remember), and Wrestlemania has been 5 hours. It's a drag.
WWE barely has 20 female wrestlers employed, including the champions. The graphic for the women's RR on Raw showed 18 women. They really should have just made it 20 participants. The first RR match was only 20 men, so there's no shame in having a smaller match, and the shorter length would have been better for the show. I don't agree with their decision, but it does at least promise some surprises. I just hope they're good ones.
-
but it does at least promise some surprises. I just hope they're good ones.
The return of Mae Young and/or The Fabulous Moolah would certainly be surprising. They probably have an equal chance to Roman Reigns of winning it.
-
I will be watching the women's rumble for all of the inevitable botches. 3 injuries at least.
-
I also think the women's rumble should have only had 20 participants. The Royal Rumble is always my favorite match of the year and this year especially, I'm expecting a few surprises in both rumbles. Last year was disappointing from a surprise standpoint.
-
but it does at least promise some surprises. I just hope they're good ones.
The return of Mae Young and/or The Fabulous Moolah would certainly be surprising. They probably have an equal chance to Roman Reigns of winning it.
Taker will have to play a role in that somehow. They're both dead.
-
I will be watching the women's rumble for all of the inevitable botches. 3 injuries at least.
if this was 5 years ago maybe. 90% of the women in the company are really good.
-
They're putting the AJ Styles title match on first? Really?
Oh well, gonna be an awesome opening match at least.
Ok, so they're having the men's Rumble in the third spot?! That's quite possibly the worst spot to have a match on a show.
And while I'm all for the women's revolution and equality etc, that match has just not earned the closing spot. They literally don't even have a big enough division for this match to begin with. I think they just want to be able to pat themselves on the back for having a women's match headline. On the plus side, it hopefully promises an eventful finish.
-
Wow, best RR in a long time, definitely for the decade, and not just because of the winner. A lot of great fun spots throughout, surprise entrants, and good showings from people that deserved it.
Mysterio was my favourite surprise, and they toyed with the audience big time with the final 4 and 2. :lol
-
That was dope, and not just because I had Nakamura's entry number in my pool and won three boxes of beer as a result :hat
-
:tup Congrats.
Hopefully this title match revives the crowd a bit in time for the women's Rumble. I feel sorry for that tag match. Everyone was completely dead after that Rumble.
-
I feel like the women's Rumble main eventing has to mean Rousey.
-
I'm thinking the same.
-
And the men's match not main eventing made me feel pretty confident that Reigns wouldn't win. I figured they'd never piss off the crowd *that* much with more show to come.
-
Yeah,I had the same thought before the match.
This women's RR is too gimmicky so far. It's nice to have the surprises, but half of these women are the reason they needed the "women's revolution" to begin with. Molly Holly and Lita had good showings. Torrie Wilson had no right being in there (along with Michelle McCool and others), but damn she actually looks better than ever.
This would have been a perfect match to have in the opening spot, but not as a main event. The crowd is too tired for it.
-
That conflicted moment when the crowd expects Ronda Rousey at #30 but gets Trish. :lol
SO FUCKING HAPPY. Asuka + Nakamura. Japan gets the clean sweep!
I can see why the women's Rumble closed because of the Rousey spot, but that totally undermined Asuka's win. Asuka endures an entire Rumble match to get a WM spot, but Rousey just walks out and points at the sign to get the same thing.
-
Yeah, Rousey's appearance sort of downplayed the importance of the Rumble. At the same time, though, I'm glad they did it that way. If Rousey had entered the Rumble and won, it would have sort of shit on the whole division, insinuating that no one on the roster can stand up to an outside legitimate athlete - which is probably true, but not the statement I would want them to make with their first women's rumble.
All things considered, I had a lot of fun with the women's match, and I'm thrilled that Asuka won.
Also, let it sink in: the main event of Wrestlemania is going to be Shinsuke Nakamura vs. AJ Styles for the WWE championship.
In general, the Wrestlemania card is shaping up to be a pretty solid one. Asuka challenging for one women's title, Rousey possibly challenging for the other (assuming we get her in a singles match rather than a four horsewomen vs four horsewomen match), Brock likely defending against Reigns or Cena, and, to reiterate, fucking NAKAMURA VS. STYLES headlining... could be a damn good show.
In any event, best Royal Rumble match of the decade, I would say.
-
Also, let it sink in: the main event of Wrestlemania is going to be Shinsuke Nakamura vs. AJ Styles for the WWE championship.
It won't be the main event. The better title match never headlines. Reigns/Lesnar will be last, and there's whatever HHH books himself in (probably wasting a Kurt Angle match), and whatever Ronda Rousey is doing will be considered much more important too, plus who knows what Shane Mac will be doing. It wouldn't even shock me if they stuck Styles on first.
But we're getting Styles vs Nakamura at Wrestlemania, so yeah. Assuming of course they don't pull some shit with the screwy finish of the RR title match and make it a four way or something. And Asuka will be getting a title shot. Not bad.
-
I've heard that the plan is to do Triple H and Stephanie versus Rousey and a partner.
-
I've heard that the plan is to do Triple H and Stephanie versus Rousey and a partner.
I hope that's the case. It keeps HHH away from wasting a match with someone else, and it gives Rousey a big match without being pushed into a title match too soon. It also finally gives some purpose to that garbage waste of time from WM a few years ago. It also means we can get Asuka vs Charlotte, which would be fucking amazing.
I wonder who they'll get as Rousey's partner assuming they can't get The Rock?
-
I had a dream that Kevin Nash chased me around with a cockroach...
-
I had a dream that Kevin Nash chased me around with a cockroach...
Probably wasn’t a long dream since I’m sure he tore his quad mid chase.
-
I had a dream that Kevin Nash chased me around with a cockroach...
Probably wasn’t a long dream since I’m sure he tore his quad mid chase.
Well, I made it across the street, and he didn't follow, so it's possible. lol
-
:lol :lol
Watching the first ever elimination chamber match in preparation for tonight's PPV.
-
:lol :lol
Watching the first ever elimination chamber match in preparation for tonight's PPV.
Hope you didn't raise your expectations based on how great the first EC match was.
2017 EC match: I'ma make Bray look strong!
2018 EC match: Hold my....
Vince takes 🍺 from Braun....hands to Roman.....again.
-
:lol :lol
Watching the first ever elimination chamber match in preparation for tonight's PPV.
We've been rewatching a lot of the old elimination chambers, but it's a bad idea when they're so weak now. The crowd just doesn't care about the bumps, because the new chamber is so neutered. They've replaced the hard steel floor with gym mats ffs. It's actually softer than landing in the ring or on the outside. The chain link fence doesn't make any sound on impact. It's just an ordinary multi-person match now.
That aside, it was a decent enough EC match, and Braun was the MVP. It's just a shame we knew it was all just to make Reigns look strong as always. BECAUSE IT'S WORKED SO WELL FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS GUYS. Then Vinnie will finally get his wet dream of jobbing out Lesnar to 100 superman punches and hand Reigns his WM win and everybody will hate it. Wrestlemania moment. As if Lesnar wasn't devalued enough at this point. Give up on Reigns already. He's a lost cause.
And that contract signing segment was the shits. Rousey is really bad on the mic, and the whole dumb thing with Angle makes it all but certain he'll be stuck as her tag partner at WM, which sucks. I was hoping he'd get a real 1 on 1 WM match. And all of that talk about Rousey losing plus having Stephanie stand up to her instantly devalues such a big signing. Bad booking. But I expect no better when HHH and McMahons are involved, because they love to put themselves over.
-
I saw people losing their minds about this on twitter last night before I went to sleep and just laughed. No offense to anyone here, but wrestling fans who bitch about Reigns and keep watching, they are the ones Vince is laughing at. Vince keeps shitting on your head and you keep saying, "thanks for the hat." If you are really that pissed about it, stop watching RAW. Stop paying for the network. Stop watching it for free online somewhere. I gave it up for good several years ago and do not miss it. If I am watching TV on a Monday night now, I don't even think to turn RAW on anymore. Heck, even my dad, who started watching wrestling regularly in the 70s and did so until a year or so ago, never watches anymore. Who wants to watch a bad product?
-
:lol :lol
Watching the first ever elimination chamber match in preparation for tonight's PPV.
:metal I was there for that one in the Garden
-
I saw people losing their minds about this on twitter last night before I went to sleep and just laughed. No offense to anyone here, but wrestling fans who bitch about Reigns and keep watching, they are the ones Vince is laughing at. Vince keeps shitting on your head and you keep saying, "thanks for the hat." If you are really that pissed about it, stop watching RAW. Stop paying for the network. Stop watching it for free online somewhere. I gave it up for good several years ago and do not miss it. If I am watching TV on a Monday night now, I don't even think to turn RAW on anymore. Heck, even my dad, who started watching wrestling regularly in the 70s and did so until a year or so ago, never watches anymore. Who wants to watch a bad product?
^ This to a tee describes where I'm at - except for the dad thing. The fact that both Raw and Smackdown are aired on a channel not in my current TV package helps too. :lol
-
Solid PPV. Only thing I wasn't really into was Matt Hardy Vs Bray Wyatt.
I personally really liked the contract signing and think putting her in a tag match first is a good idea.
-
Solid PPV. Only thing I wasn't really into was Matt Hardy Vs Bray Wyatt.
I personally really liked the contract signing and think putting her in a tag match first is a good idea.
A tag match is the best option, because she's too green to put on a 1v1 match that lives up to the hype, and this way you can rely on the hot tag and need less work to get the crowd into it. And it makes sense to actually justify that worthless waste of time from WM31.
The only bit I hate is that Kurt Angle is going to be stuck in a tag match with HHH instead of getting to have a good match with a younger competitor.
-
They could just not be sure enough of Angles health to give him a full 1 on 1 match. I mean the man has a LONG history of neck issues. After what happened with Sting I wouldn't be surprised if they are hesitant about it.
-
Why in the hell am I seeing WWE coverage on ESPN.com? Better question, why I am getting my sports news from ESPN.com?
Also, why am I seeing bit and pieces about a Cena v. Undertaker match at WM34.
-
Why in the hell am I seeing WWE coverage on ESPN.com? Better question, why I am getting my sports news from ESPN.com?
Also, why am I seeing bit and pieces about a Cena v. Undertaker match at WM34.
I think ESPN and WWE have some sort of deal for coverage.
-
I know that, I was being facetious, as I am old school and don't see it enough as "sports entertainment" worthy of coverage on a "sports" news outlet.
-
Angle is garbage on the mic now, but image that segment with him in his prime.
-
Here's HHH sneaking a pic of rousey, lol
(https://i.redd.it/43exkw6fjzc01.png)
-
If sneaky HHH taking a photo isn't a meme already, it's a missed opportunity.
-
Well I'm certainly more excited about this than anything at WrestleMania!
NXT will award a brand-new title at TakeOver: New Orleans on April 7 when it unveils the NXT North American Championship, WWE announced Wednesday.
A six-man ladder match will determine the champion, with EC3, Ricochet, Adam Cole, Killian Dain, Lars Sullivan and Velveteen Dream competing.
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2763211-nxt-to-debut-north-american-championship-at-takeover-new-orleans
-
I don't know most of these guys yet (been a while since I've caught one of the shows), but you had me at NXT, ladder, and Ricochet. :metal
Definitely sounds better than anything they've got finalized for Wrestlemania. I can't even remember the last time a Wrestlemania card excited me.
-
I've heard nothing but good things about Ricochet. Interested to see him in action.
Velveteen Dream has really won me over and his character is excellent. The character probably just needs a little bit more refining and he will be ready for the main roster, maybe around summer time. Dream is my pick to win the new championship at NXT.
-
I've heard nothing but good things about Ricochet. Interested to see him in action.
He was awesome in Lucha Underground as Prince Puma. I was lucky enough to see him wrestle live a few months ago at a local club in front of a few hundred people. Glad I got to see that!
-
That ladder match should be dope AF. Really don't understand having Authors of Pain knock out TM61 in the first round of the Dusty Classic. AoP needs to start wrecking shit on the main roster ASAP, and TM61 just got a couple video packages and victories for their return.
-
So a cowboy, a hillbilly, a redneck walk in to the WWE Hall of Fame....
-
I know it would kinda ruin the Raw tag team division, but man, I have to admit, part of me really wants Braun Strowman to be tag team champions by himself.
-
I know it would kinda ruin the Raw tag team division, but man, I have to admit, part of me really wants Braun Strowman to be tag team champions by himself.
For an idea that's just scrapped together last minute because they couldn't come up with a decent 1v1, I think the thought of Braun Strowman single handedly winning the tag titles is fresh and pretty cool, and I'd love to see it.
While it might not be great for the tag division, the tag division on both shows is pretty dire anyway, and they've worn out the combinations of the few great tag teams they have. It's also an interesting way of making Strowman really strong and giving him a belt (well, two) without wasting potential future 1v1 matches against main event opponents, and makes tag matches interesting without needing particular good opponents.
I prefer this to the other ideas they had for him, including being tacked into other matches as an afterthought.
Besides the god awful "main events" of Lesnar putting over Reigns, and HHH and a McMahon wasting the better part of an hour (and whatever wrestler is stuck making Shane look competitive), the rest of the card isn't shaping up too badly at the moment.
While I'm very apprehensive about Undertaker coming back and looking worn out and hurting himself, I'd kinda like to see him manage one more match so that shit show with Reigns isn't his last, and Cena is perhaps the best opponent for him to put on a good match. And it's been a while since Cena has had a fittingly big WM match.
Charlotte vs Asuka will kick ass. The other women's title match will probably be good too. Styles vs Nakamura is a given (seen it before, know it will rock). The IC title match should be great. Strowman and the Bar should manage a great one too.
-
Well lots of people are understandably not happy about the Moolah battle royal. I know WWE can be tonedeaf at times but did they really think that naming the match after her would go over well.
-
Well lots of people are understandably not happy about the Moolah battle royal. I know WWE can be tonedeaf at times but did they really think that naming the match after her would go over well.
The basic idea is just like the Andre battle royal, and how many recognizable classic female stars are there to choose from besides Moolah and Mae Young?
I get why they're doing it, for the same reason they have the male one, but I hate that they have this fallback of a generic battle royal to dump all of the talented performers who should be getting real matches. Maybe cut back on wasting so much time for HHH and Shane to inflate their egos, and you could literally free up an hour to an hour and a half of space to actually build up more stars with eventful WM matches.
And I also hate how many of their female wrestlers get wasted in meaningless multi-person matches. If you want a real women's revolution, how about a one on one match at a PPV that doesn't need to be for a belt? Crazy thought.
-
Huh, I never knew that about Moolah, and I thought I was fairly knowledgeable about WWE and its history.
My kid watches a couple shows on Nick, and they are pimping Cena hosting the Kid's Choice Awards hard. Regarding him taking on Taker, I don't like this at all. I am a huge Taker mark (obviously), and there is no upside for this to me. Of course it might help rinse the palate from that Reigns match from last year, but he still needs to lose if this his is last match(?), which would be two consecutive WM losses, this one to the last person in WWE history who needs a push, which makes it even more unnecessary.
-
Well lots of people are understandably not happy about the Moolah battle royal. I know WWE can be tonedeaf at times but did they really think that naming the match after her would go over well.
The basic idea is just like the Andre battle royal, and how many recognizable classic female stars are there to choose from besides Moolah and Mae Young?
I get why they're doing it, for the same reason they have the male one, but I hate that they have this fallback of a generic battle royal to dump all of the talented performers who should be getting real matches. Maybe cut back on wasting so much time for HHH and Shane to inflate their egos, and you could literally free up an hour to an hour and a half of space to actually build up more stars with eventful WM matches.
And I also hate how many of their female wrestlers get wasted in meaningless multi-person matches. If you want a real women's revolution, how about a one on one match at a PPV that doesn't need to be for a belt? Crazy thought.
I have no problem with the concept. In fact I like it, and I am hoping for Nikki Cross to win it.
My problem is the name. The fabulous moolah has been accused of absolutely horrible things over the years.
-
I have no problem with the concept. In fact I like it, and I am hoping for Nikki Cross to win it.
My problem is the name. The fabulous moolah has been accused of absolutely horrible things over the years.
Oh, I was unaware of that. Stupid me.
-
I have no problem with the concept. In fact I like it, and I am hoping for Nikki Cross to win it.
My problem is the name. The fabulous moolah has been accused of absolutely horrible things over the years.
Oh, I was unaware of that. Stupid me.
Yeah you'd think with all the sexual harassment claims coming to light recently you'd think WWE wouldn't name something after somebody accused of pimping her students out for money among other things.
-
I have no problem with the concept. In fact I like it, and I am hoping for Nikki Cross to win it.
My problem is the name. The fabulous moolah has been accused of absolutely horrible things over the years.
Oh, I was unaware of that. Stupid me.
Yeah you'd think with all the sexual harassment claims coming to light recently you'd think WWE wouldn't name something after somebody accused of pimping her students out for money among other things.
wait what? I had no idea Moolah was involved in such things either
-
I have no problem with the concept. In fact I like it, and I am hoping for Nikki Cross to win it.
My problem is the name. The fabulous moolah has been accused of absolutely horrible things over the years.
Oh, I was unaware of that. Stupid me.
Yeah you'd think with all the sexual harassment claims coming to light recently you'd think WWE wouldn't name something after somebody accused of pimping her students out for money among other things.
wait what? I had no idea Moolah was involved in such things either
Yep a simple google search brings up some terrifying stuff.
-
Was it ever anything more than accusations?
-
Was it ever anything more than accusations?
Not that I can see from my simple google search. However, that seems similar to a Harvey Weinstein type of situation. I bet there was a lot more of this type of behavior back in those days. I'm not sure I'd want to use her name for anything anymore even if there's no proof. It's just bad press in this climate of today.
-
Well lots of fans were angry about the name and more importantly WWE's sponsors were not happy. So now they've taken Moolah's name off of the battle royal.
So I guess people can thank Snickers for that.
-
I'm just upset that more divashit is taking up time on the WM card. 2 title matches, the Rousy shit and now the rumble. Who needs to piss that much?
-
I'm just upset that more divashit is taking up time on the WM card. 2 title matches, the Rousy shit and now the rumble. Who needs to piss that much?
I usually like the women's matches much more than most of the men's matches so the more the merrier in my eyes
-
I'm just upset that more divashit is taking up time on the WM card. 2 title matches, the Rousy shit and now the rumble. Who needs to piss that much?
Honestly I enjoy the women’s matches more than half of the men’s matches lately. The Four Horsewomen, Asuka, Mickie James, Naomi, Alicia Fox, and Ruby Riott are among the most technically gifted wrestlers on the main roster.
-
I'm just upset that more divashit is taking up time on the WM card. 2 title matches, the Rousy shit and now the rumble. Who needs to piss that much?
I'd agree with this if it was a few years ago, but the botchy cringefest that was the Diva Division is long gone. The women still aren't as fluid as the men, but I can actually watch women's matches now.
-
The women's title match at WM32 stole the show, easily. Charlotte vs Asuka will definitely be one of the better matches this year, although it's got some competition this time. Definitely wouldn't want to skip it.
-
Wrestlemania is going to be at Metlife next year, I might have to see if I can get my ass in the stadium for that.
-
So, Daniel Bryan has been cleared to return to in ring activity. YES! YES! YES! YES!
-
I'm assuming the first choice is to have Daniel Bryan team with Shane against Kevin/Sami. But depending on how long AJ is out, Bryan might be the back up for that match. Will be interesting regardless.
-
So, Daniel Bryan has been cleared to return to in ring activity. YES! YES! YES! YES!
I guess they really did NOT want him to go to ROH or NJPW lol.
-
Another amazing NXT Takeover show that once again will probably be way better than the WWE show that follows.
-
Damn, only two matches into the proper card, but already pretty happy with this Wrestlemania.
-
Wow, I didn't even realize WM was even on today. Well, I guess I'll watch it then.
-
Literally don't think there's any way Rousey's debut could have gone any better.
-
Agreed. Hard to think strait though with all these dancing pancakes...
-
Literally don't think there's any way Rousey's debut could have gone any better.
She did as well as could be expected under the circumstances. She showed some impressive strength, my only gripe is how ridiculously Stephanie (and HHH) books herself. Good job flushing millions down the toilet by booking a middle aged business woman to go toe to toe against the most legit UFC fighter. :facepalm:
It's a shame the Undertaker could only manage a 3 minute match, but still better than last year's shitshow against Reigns. Cena is a champ for doing the job too.
So far, a really good WM. Every match has lived up to what I'd hoped for, although I was sad to see Asuka's streak end.
-
Good job flushing millions down the toilet by booking a middle aged business woman to go toe to toe against the most legit UFC fighter.
First of all, she hasn't been a "most legit UFC fighter" in more than 2 years. Secondly, are they really "flushing millions down the toilet" by booking this match?
It's a shame the Undertaker could only manage a 3 minute match, but still better than last year's shitshow against Reigns. Cena is a champ for doing the job too.
Just saw the update on wikipedia. Had to see if it was a typo. His entrances are usually twice that long. Sad. And apparently I need to change my avatar now.
Edit... at 802p Pacific wikipedia is has listed on WM34's page "Adolf Hitler (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura" Too lazy to take a screenshot.
-
Good job flushing millions down the toilet by booking a middle aged business woman to go toe to toe against the most legit UFC fighter.
First of all, she hasn't been a "most legit UFC fighter" in more than 2 years. Secondly, are they really "flushing millions down the toilet" by booking this match?
The point is she's an actual fighter, and she was fighting a billionaire's middle aged daughter who has worked one terrible fake match in the past decade. We can argue semantics, but it was bullshit booking that devalued a huge signing. The McMahons have a history of this. The Shane match continued that trend too. Stephanie should have been shitting herself.
Also, Braun Strowman + random 10 year old kid winning the tag belts is one of the greatest moments in wrestling history. :lol
-
Well that title match was the best you could hope for. The crowd shat all over it, and Reigns lost. :lol
It was the same old tired garbage that he kicked out of so many finishers, but the finish made it worth it. What is it going to take before they give up on this dead weight dragging down WM every single year?
And the Undertaker needs to retire. Make it official already. If you're at the point of only doing a 3 minute match once a year, call it a day.
Overall this was the most consistently good WM in years, although some matches didn't quite live up to their full potential.
-
The Undertaker has always been my favorite wrestler and last year's supposed retirement was a very powerful and bittersweet moment. Dragging him out for the 3 min squash felt really pointless honestly, and kind of shit on the feelings I had regarding him hanging it up last year. Next time he "retires" I'm not even gonna be able to believe it, since they might just wheel him out again.
I would have preferred if Stephanie had some "monster" female wrestler she was cultivating just in case Ronda were to show up at the WWE. At least someone more believable. What was shown was pretty weak.
A lot of that show was same old shit to me. Here's hunter and stephanie in their WM match. Here's the same tired New Day antics. Here's Shane again in a WM match, even though he's old as shit. Here's brock and shit head, yet again in a main event match. I didn't even stay up to watch the main event.
-
You didn't miss anything with the main event. Their WM31 match was actually surprisingly decent, even before the cash-in by Rollins, but this was just 20 minutes of the same two moves from both guys, with Reign booked to look stupidly unbelievably strong as usual, despite the loss.
The problem with the Undertaker, is that he's never officially said he's retiring. The last several years people figure he's retired because it's just felt like it's his last, especially last year with the loss to Reigns and leaving the hat and coat in the ring, and he disappears for the entire year saying nothing to the contrary. I don't think he even knows if he's retired. He waits until WM then decides if he can manage one last match, which is why we ended up with a 3 minute appearance. I believe he intended last year to be his last, but the match was such a poor showing, and he must be feeling like he can do better with his new hip.
I don't want this to be his new thing. He needs a definitive last match so we can accept he's done.
-
Maybe Cena will bitch about having no time to prepare for this years match and challenge him for next years mania for a full and final match for taker.
Overall I'd give Wrestlemania a B. With 7 hours of wrestling to fill I know they aint all gonna be winners but the only real clunker for me was the main event. Everything else at worst was at least OK.
I was puzzled about Aj vs Nakamura being surprisingly slow.......and then the ending happened and I totally understood why. Looks like at some point we'll be getting a rematch with a more vicious, hard hitting heel Nakamura which I can't wait to see.
Also I think Asuka will be fine. It's not going to be like goldberg who was basically done in WCW after his streak ended because Asuka can actually wrestle. Goldbergs streak was basically all he had going for him and when that ended with taser shenanigans it was pretty much over. At least Asuka lost in a great match, one of the best main roster woman's matches ever IMO.
-
Raw was good. Seemed like there were too many returns/debuts. The Lashley one was incredibly random.
Kurt Angle telling Owens and Zayn that TNA is hiring was awesome.
So apparently The Greatest Royal Rumble, a huge WWE show taking place in Saudi Arabia later this month will NOT have any of the female wrestlers on the card. On top of that, Saudi women will only be allowed to attend the event with permission of their "Male guardian" That's an embarrassment in any year, let alone 2018. So despite what looks to be an incredible card, I will not be watching.
-
So apparently The Greatest Royal Rumble, a huge WWE show taking place in Saudi Arabia later this month will NOT have any of the female wrestlers on the card. On top of that, Saudi women will only be allowed to attend the event with permission of their "Male guardian" That's an embarrassment in any year, let alone 2018. So despite what looks to be an incredible card, I will not be watching.
Wow, I'm surprised they would agree to put on a show with these restrictions. Doesn't really help a brand trying to be pro women's rights
-
They care a lot more about money and expanding their worldwide audience than they genuinely do about any concept of a "women's revolution".
-
Raw was good. Seemed like there were too many returns/debuts. The Lashley one was incredibly random.
Kurt Angle telling Owens and Zayn that TNA is hiring was awesome.
So apparently The Greatest Royal Rumble, a huge WWE show taking place in Saudi Arabia later this month will NOT have any of the female wrestlers on the card. On top of that, Saudi women will only be allowed to attend the event with permission of their "Male guardian" That's an embarrassment in any year, let alone 2018. So despite what looks to be an incredible card, I will not be watching.
I agree, it did seem like there were too many returns/debuts and it was losing its impact (no pun) by the end of the show. I'm not really sure what the point of the whole Braun/Nicholas thing was besides giving Braun a WM moment for his work this year. Glad they just transitioned out of that quickly and took away the belts. The TNA reference was quite surprising actually. I had to replay that a couple of times.
I'm surprised too that WWE would have this event in Saudi Arabia considering the rules that are put in place for women. It kind of goes against everything they are representing in their womens revolution. I guess money will talk.
I predict Daniel Bryan will step down tonight as GM. Jeff Jarrett seems like a good replacement.
-
As a huge Undertaker fan, and a dwindling wrestling fan, I have essentially been waiting for Undertaker to retire and then I can move on and stop following wrestling. I think his WrestleMania 25-28 with Michaels and HHH was genius, and the three of them at the top of the ramp after WM28 is as fitting an ending as anyone could hope to expect. I know HHH has wrestled since then as well, and I have separate thoughts on that.
So Undertaker aside, my life is too full, too busy, and interested in too many other things to commit to wrestling any longer. Though I will still listen to Cornette's podcast, as well as Pritchard's, because I love the stories that they tell from an era of wrestling I still feel nostalgia for.
-
My life is also busy, but that's not the reason why I ignore contemporary WWE. Its just garbage story telling across the board and its boring. FFS, I didn't know WM was even on the other night, and that's coming from a life long wrestling fan. If they put out an entertaining product, I would set aside time to watch.
And I really hope that one day, they nix that super cheesy music for the hall of fame inductees rundown.
-
My life is also busy, but that's not the reason why I ignore contemporary WWE. Its just garbage story telling across the board and its boring. FFS, I didn't know WM was even on the other night, and that's coming from a life long wrestling fan. If they put out an entertaining product, I would set aside time to watch.
And I really hope that one day, they nix that super cheesy music for the hall of fame inductees rundown.
I agree. Life is busy for me. Work, playing lots of hours of World of Warcraft, watching hockey, watching Twitch streams. I don't think I can feasibly find the time to watch WWE wrestling and then feel disappointed over the way WWE presents their products down to the little details. Life is too short and too enjoyable to have to go through that. I don't even watch NJPW (and I'm sure it's still a great wrestling company to watch, no spoilers pls. I may binge watch it one day going back to last year's G1 Climax) nowadays, because I always fear that their product will eventually get ruined somehow by WWE being so monopolistic over the wrestling industry.
-
Well, for my two cents, The Undertaker's match this year was actually perfect. I think John Cena single-handedly restored the mystique of The Undertaker. And I think that was needed. After two losses and a couple lackluster matches, The Undertaker did not retire on his best night. While the actual 'retirement' segment at 33 was beautiful, the match preceding it left a lot to be desired, and I genuinely believe that Taker deserves to go out strong.
This was not exactly a strong match. It was actually a fairly typical and boring squash match. But it was a squash match with a 16-time world champion on the receiving end, and it felt like a big deal to me. We basically watched John Cena mark out for The Undertaker, and through him, I marked out too. It really felt like Taker was a Phenom again.
But that's just me, of course.
I actually loved pretty much the whole show. Styles/Nakamura did not live up to the hype, but I am super stoked for heel Nakamura ("NO SPEAK ENGRISH"), and I'm sure this will lead to a much better rematch down the road. Strowman and Nicholas was silly nonsense, but it was fun. The main event was boring, but with a pleasant surprise ending.
Other than that, I loved everything.
-
So some overall thoughts on the weekend:
NXT Saturday night was bananas. Every match killed it, and the twist in the tag match was a good way to resolve the last minute injury issue with Bobby Fish. I actually made my dad sit down with me and watch the ladder match last night and his reactions to a couple of the ladder spots were great :lol
Overall very happy with Mania this year. The main event was the closest thing to a straight up dud, and it at least had the unexpected finish. Charlotte vs Asuka was probably the match of the night. I don't see any issue with how Ronda was booked in her match, she was fairly dominant against Stephanie (and Triple H for that matter), and they only ever really got the upper hand on her via underhanded tag team tactics, which makes sense given how much they harped on the idea that Ronda was entering "their world" in the hype videos.
Raw was good, but it felt like they maybe went over the top with the number of debuts and returns. Still, it made for a fast moving three hours and plenty of entertainment.
This is one of the few weeks where I actually watch Smackdown and it really delivered last night. Great tag match between the Usos and New Day (no shock there), Paige was an unexpected but welcome choice for new GM, we got a little taste of Styles vs Daniel Bryan, and so far I'm very in on douchebag Shinsuke.
The whole Saudi Arabia thing is a little disappointing for the reasons a few people have already touched on, but WWE is a business and I guess at the end of the day money talks.
-
Even though I don't watch anymore, I paid attention a little this week since Wrestlemania week is usually good.
So, let me get this straight: Daniel Bryan, their most over superstar since The Rock and Steve Austin, comes back at Wrestlemania...and isn't on RAW the next night? :lol :lol :lol :lol
Just shows how stupid their brand separation is. "Oh, but he is a Smackdown guy!" BFD. It makes zero sense.
-
It's called the BRAND EXTENSION, duh. And a timely clip from Bruce.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ett3NugJvRE
Whoa, who the hell saw this coming?
https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/undertaker-rusev-casket-match-set-for-greatest-royal-rumble
edit... changed already.
https://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/undertaker-chris-jericho
Sorry for all the edits....
Just listened to Cornette talk about WM34. He said (paraphrasing) 1) Rousey's performance could be the best WM debut ever, 2) the Rousey/Angle/HHH/Steph match is one of the best WM matches ever 3) if HHH constructed that match, he is a genius.
-
It was pretty entertaining, but HHH and Angle were way too loud calling their spots. Though after all the mediocre promos with Rousey leading up to WM34, I was impressed with her work.
-
(https://media.giphy.com/media/2YeheNa7pHNTSPH60A/giphy.gif)
Titus O' Neil takes a dive, :lol
-
So good :lol :lol
-
Almost as good as Vinnie Mac tearing both his quads.
(https://i.imgur.com/faTPQtG.gif)
-
:lol Still a classic. Vince was so angry at himself there.
The Titus trip was fucking hilarious. At first I didn't know what the hell the commentators were cracking up over, because it didn't show that angle until the replay. He was very lucky they didn't have their usual setup with the video screens instead of the apron, because that would have hurt.
Also don't be surprised if Vinnie Mac decides that's Titus' new gimmick that he trips on shit all the time.
-
I give full props to Vinnie for staying in character despite the fact he couldn't even stand up (and must've been in some level of discomfort).
-
Shock master is my all time favorite
(https://media.giphy.com/media/ZKNBCmoP5ItkA/giphy.gif)
-
Timeless classic.
-
That trip is the best thing that could have happened to Titus. I bet that will add at least a couple of years to his WWE career.
-
How has no one added audio of JR's "AS GAHD IS MAH WITNESS HE IS BROKEN IN HALF" to this yet?
-
Who's watching backlash.
-
Who's watching backlash.
I had it on until the Brawn/Lashley match then had to go to bed. Was getting too late. Is that what we're to expect going forward with these co-branded PPVs?
-
I stopped watching at the Lashley match too. Even though I like all of the other guys, that was a filler match. And I don't give the slightest shit about Reigns or Joe and that shouldn't have been on last to begin with.
Opening match stole the show, went slowly downhill from there. I felt sorry for Charlotte having to suffer such an awful match with Carmella. Garbage finish too.
The finish to Styles/Nakamura was great though. :lol
-
I am so over WWE it's not even funny. Haven't watched since the Raw/SD before The Great Royal Rumble.
Meanwhile what Jericho is currently doing is amazing!
-
Yeah, I briefly thought to myself when Rollins/Miz was over that I should just switch to playing Overwatch because that was going to be the match of the night. Really wish I had listened to myself in that moment :lol
-
Jericho won the IWGP IC title! :hefdaddy
-
And Kenny won the Heavyweight title!!!!!!
-
Jericho won the IWGP IC title! :hefdaddy
Wait a minute. I've been out of the loop from wrestling for a year now. I knew that Omega and Jericho were teasing that they wanted to do a match at the 01/04 Tokyo Dome show this year (but I honestly thought it was a joke) and that it actually happened? I thought it would be a one-off for Jericho and get some good publicity for himself and for NJPW. Now Jericho won a bloody title in NJPW? Is he going to be in the G1 Climax? That would be cool actually if he's in top shape to do the tournament and commit to the schedule (since he's always a busy guy outside of wrestling). How in the world did he and NJPW agree to a deal where NJPW decided to push him to one of their top titles?
How in the world do we live in a timeline where the faces of the top wrestling company in Japan are two wrestlers from Winnipeg?
-
I've only seen the second half of the NJPW show so far (caught the end of the Mysterio match onwards). All fantastic matches. I love heel Japan Jericho, and he was in top form again here. That Okada/Omega match was their best yet, and I love how slow the pace was at the end. They were so dead, and fighting for every move, and then unable to capitalize on anything. Such good pacing.
Surprised at the outcome of both matches too. Can't wait to see more Jericho.
-
Also I love Jericho's new wrestling style. Suzuki esque brawling and overall being an asshole combined with a touch of old school jericho. This change in style could add years to his wrestling career if he chooses to do so.
Also he made history by being the first person to hold both WWEs and NJPWs IC titles.
-
I feel like the internet is saying this a lot, so forgive me for beating a dead horse, but Okada/Omega IV may be my favorite wrestling match of all time.
-
I feel like the internet is saying this a lot, so forgive me for beating a dead horse, but Okada/Omega IV may be my favorite wrestling match of all time.
It really was fucking great though, wasn't it? You'd think after having several long matches already, they'd just be repeating themselves and getting stale, but that match was around 70 minutes, and didn't drag one bit, even with the deliberately slow pace at the end.
-
I feel like the internet is saying this a lot, so forgive me for beating a dead horse, but Okada/Omega IV may be my favorite wrestling match of all time.
For the last fifteen years, I had a favorite match. It was the one where everything sort of clicked for me and I realized “Hey, these guys aren’t just throwing each other around, they’re actually telling a story in there.” It had a special place in my heart for that reason, and I saw it as kind of untouchable.
Omega and Okada blew it away. That was the finest display of in-ring storytelling I’ve ever seen, and a wonderful way to wrap up the last year and a half. I’m looking forward to where New Japan goes next with Kenny at the top.
-
CM punk got beaten pretty badly, for a 2nd time with UFC. I don't know if they will let him fight again. So maybe later down the line perhaps a WWE return may be in the cards, who knows
-
CM punk got beaten pretty badly, for a 2nd time with UFC. I don't know if they will let him fight again. So maybe later down the line perhaps a WWE return may be in the cards, who knows
Dana White's post fight presser basically said he's had 2 chances, he's done. He also slammed the guy that won - maybe even harder than he slammed Punk.
-
I have to say thanks to you guys for helping me enjoy wrestling again. I was always a casual viewer but I have learned from you guys what makes a good character and match and it has made wrestling more entertaining by looking for those things.
Some random thoughts and questions:
All of the WWE women seem silly at best but more likely just annoying with one exception......
Osuka, while built like a fullback is oddly sexy
Has Randy Orton done anything different in the last 15 years?
Why is there a Miz, just why
Does anyone enjoy those pancake guys?
I dont know his story but I appreciate that Jeff Hardy seems to be willing to destroy his body and any chance of being able to walk when he retires, for the entertainment of the fans
I kinda miss seeing Vince McMahon get blown up in a limo
-
So maybe later down the line perhaps a WWE return may be in the cards, who knows
If Vince is able to find somebody wanting to job to somebody being called the worst UFC fighter ever maybe...
-
So maybe later down the line perhaps a WWE return may be in the cards, who knows
If Vince is able to find somebody wanting to job to somebody being called the worst UFC fighter ever maybe...
I'm not sure I get the hate for the fight. I saw some highlights, and it appeared he gave it his best effort - he's just not a pro MMA fighter. I remember seeing a fight a number of years back where for 2 whole rounds, one of the clowns just ran away from any engagement with his opponent. White fired him on the spot in the post fight presser.
-
So maybe later down the line perhaps a WWE return may be in the cards, who knows
If Vince is able to find somebody wanting to job to somebody being called the worst UFC fighter ever maybe...
I'm not sure I get the hate for the fight. I saw some highlights, and it appeared he gave it his best effort - he's just not a pro MMA fighter. I remember seeing a fight a number of years back where for 2 whole rounds, one of the clowns just ran away from any engagement with his opponent. White fired him on the spot in the post fight presser.
I am not a wrestling fan - so I typically don't post in this thread, however I am a MMA fan so I'll comment.
Couple of issues with the CM Punk fight over the weekend. (1) The fight was on the pay-per-view. It simply shouldn't have been, put it in the prelims on FS1 or something, that's on Dana not either fighter. (2) Dana didn't seem upset with CM Punk, he was upset with Jackson. Anyone who watches MMA regularly should know why, Jackson clearly could have ended that fight on several occasions and did not, drawing things out unnecessarily probably for TV time. That's a no no. Finish the fight, fight to win, etc... (3) Most fan comments I've seen regarding CM Punk were along the lines of respect for showing heart and giving a good effort, but not wanting to see him fight in the UFC anymore, which I find totally reasonable. He shouldn't fight in the UFC again, it was a good experiment, but it's over.
-
So maybe later down the line perhaps a WWE return may be in the cards, who knows
If Vince is able to find somebody wanting to job to somebody being called the worst UFC fighter ever maybe...
I'm not sure I get the hate for the fight. I saw some highlights, and it appeared he gave it his best effort - he's just not a pro MMA fighter. I remember seeing a fight a number of years back where for 2 whole rounds, one of the clowns just ran away from any engagement with his opponent. White fired him on the spot in the post fight presser.
I am not a wrestling fan - so I typically don't post in this thread, however I am a MMA fan so I'll comment.
Couple of issues with the CM Punk fight over the weekend. (1) The fight was on the pay-per-view. It simply shouldn't have been, put it in the prelims on FS1 or something, that's on Dana not either fighter. (2) Dana didn't seem upset with CM Punk, he was upset with Jackson. Anyone who watches MMA regularly should know why, Jackson clearly could have ended that fight on several occasions and did not, drawing things out unnecessarily probably for TV time. That's a no no. Finish the fight, fight to win, etc... (3) Most fan comments I've seen regarding CM Punk were along the lines of respect for showing heart and giving a good effort, but not wanting to see him fight in the UFC anymore, which I find totally reasonable. He shouldn't fight in the UFC again, it was a good experiment, but it's over.
I agree with just about all of that. But I think Jackson's stock was only hurt by letting Punk go the distance. Sure a 1st or 2nd round win would have been met with "Oh well, it's a 39 year old former professional wrestler who has no business being on the main card". But I think that "Wow, Jackson couldn't beat Punk straight up." is worse for him, especially if the perception was that he was prolonging the fight intentionally.
-
I agree with just about all of that. But I think Jackson's stock was only hurt by letting Punk go the distance. Sure a 1st or 2nd round win would have been met with "Oh well, it's a 39 year old former professional wrestler who has no business being on the main card". But I think that "Wow, Jackson couldn't beat Punk straight up." is worse for him, especially if the perception was that he was prolonging the fight intentionally.
Oh yeah, it was basically career suicide for Jackson, if he had just gone out and beat Punk like he could have - probably in the first or second - Dana would have been fine with that. The conversation after the fight would have been "okay Mike, who do you want to fight next". But because he did what he did, Dana clearly had some very different remarks after the fact. Now he won't fight in the UFC again.
-
I've only seen highlights of the fight, but it looked like CM Punk kept jumping the gun. Like he would barely get a shot in, and then leap at the other guy as if he had the upper hand.
-
I feel like the internet is saying this a lot, so forgive me for beating a dead horse, but Okada/Omega IV may be my favorite wrestling match of all time.
For the last fifteen years, I had a favorite match. It was the one where everything sort of clicked for me and I realized “Hey, these guys aren’t just throwing each other around, they’re actually telling a story in there.” It had a special place in my heart for that reason, and I saw it as kind of untouchable.
Omega and Okada blew it away. That was the finest display of in-ring storytelling I’ve ever seen, and a wonderful way to wrap up the last year and a half. I’m looking forward to where New Japan goes next with Kenny at the top.
What was your favorite match for the last fiteen years?
-
My favorite in the last 15 years is either Chris Benoit/HBK/HHH at WM20 or Hiroshi Tanahashi/Minrou Suzuki King of Pro Wrestling 2012. In the latter, I have never seen such a better structured 30 minute match that emphasized heavily on compelling limb work.
-
Anybody else watching Takeover tonight? The opening tag match was bananas and this crowd is molten hot. Can't wait for the rest of the card.
-
Gargano vs. Ciampa II was fucking insane.
-
Gargano vs. Ciampa II was fucking insane.
Yes, yes it was. I was legit a nervous wreck from the moment Ciampa exposed the bare ring :lol The tag match, Velveteen Dream vs Ricochet, and Gargano vs Ciampa were all fantastic, and the other matches weren't far behind. I put the tag match on again when my dad got home from work and roped him into watching it, and his reaction to Oney Lorcan's apron bump was amazing.
-
I don't always watch the weekly NXT shows, but their PPV'S are always off the charts good. The vast majority of times they blow the WWE shows the next night out of the water.
Last nights NXT show was fantastic.
-
RIP Vader
-
Damn.
I guess it was his time.
-
Well that sucks. Another HoF worthy guy dies without Vince putting them in.
RIP Big man.
-
Awe... poor Leon. One of the best working 'big man' I ever saw... in ring, and on the mic.
-
Vader was awesome. He could move really well for a big guy, and I loved his style where he would simply bully an opponent with brute force. His destruction of Sting at the Great American Bash in '92 is still one of the more shocking world title wins I have ever seen in pro wrestling, as I did not see Sting getting beaten cleanly like that so soon after getting the title again.
-
Vader had some outstanding matches with Sting, they had great chemistry together.
His Summerslam 96 match with Shawn was very good too.
-
The Extreme Rules audience completely ruined that main event with their disrespectful bullshit.
-
First PPV in a while without Reigns in it.... you would think they would have loved Rollins vs. Ziggler closing the show.
But then again, crowds love putting themselves over. Were they just doing countdowns, or saying legit disrespectful stuff like "boring"?
-
First PPV in a while without Reigns in it.... you would think they would have loved Rollins vs. Ziggler closing the show.
But then again, crowds love putting themselves over. Were they just doing countdowns, or saying legit disrespectful stuff like "boring"?
Did you forget about Reigns vs Lashley? Can't blame you if you did, it was fucking awful. :lol At least they didn't put that on last.
They were *just* doing countdowns, but it was literally every damn minute, and then randomly inbetween every ten seconds. It was embarrassing and rude, and made it unwatchable. Should have just muted it.
-
Sorry... I meant to say first main event in a while without Reigns.
Didn't see it for myself since I haven't watched any WWE since the Greatest Royal Rumble mess, but generally, paying customers can do whatever they want within reason. If they were more into a countdown than what was probably a stellar match between Rollins and Ziggler, then their loss I guess.
-
I had bought tickets for Summerslam thinking it would be fun to go to, as live WWE events have been, although I don't really follow. Work is making me go to Amsterdam the next Monday so I offloaded the tickets on stubhub. Oh well, but if the current product isn't very good then I'm ok with missing it.
-
Didn't see it for myself since I haven't watched any WWE since the Greatest Royal Rumble mess, but generally, paying customers can do whatever they want within reason.
I'm kind of torn on this.
On the one hand, yeah, you're right. Crowds should be allowed to chant whatever the hell they want. In fact, one of my favorite things about professional wrestling is the way crowds are basically given free reign to chant whatever the hell they want.
On the other hand, I think we underestimate how important crowd reaction is to making or breaking a show. Sure, it's the WWE's job to create a product that makes crowds want to get into the show, and there's an argument to be made that if the they just put on a better show, the crowd will get into it. You can look at the NXT Takeovers for easy examples of this. NXT didn't start out with a rabid following, it developed that by telling good stories and putting on good matches. At the same time, though I look at a magical moment like Nakamura vs. Samoa Joe, and I try to imagine what that match would have looked like if that crowd had not been so red hot. They were absolutely on fire for Shinsuke Nakamura, and they made him look like a bona fide superstar. When they brought his theme music back with pure chanting near the end of the match, I got fucking chills. Imagine if, instead, the crowd had been doing random countdowns, or playing with random beach balls, or just chanting CM Punk. It still would have been a good wrestling match, but I wouldn't have gotten chills out of it, you know?
That's where I am with some of the crowd hijackings. It has its place, but damn, can we stop for a minute?
Next week, Bobby Lashley is fighting Roman Reigns again to determine who will face Lesnar next. The existence of this rematch highlights the fact that their Extreme Rules match had no stakes whatsoever and was utterly pointless. When that match comes on, by all means, hijack the show.
If they had been the main event of Extreme Rules despite their match having no stakes, by all means, hijack the show.
But we got Seth Rollins vs. Dolph Ziggler for the intercontinental championship in the main event of a pay per view. And we still shit all over it for some reason.
When I look back at the Attitude Era, I think my actual favorite thing about it was the way every crowd went totally batshit insane whenever Stone Cold's music hit. I'm not saying anything on modern WWE television deserves that kind of pop, but damn, how do we expect the show to be good if we can't get the audience to invest in anything because they'd rather just shout random things?
-
So I just found out the news that Kane actually is elected to be the mayor for Knox County, Tennessee. That sounds cool and Kane, from what I've read, that he's a pretty smart and well articulate person so I have no doubts that he knows what he's getting himself into and he's looking at every intentions to do a good job at it.
-
As long as he doesn't have to deal with Pete Rose while being Mayor.
-
Was going to post that Kane story. Saw when he was going up to the podium to give his acceptance speech they played Kane's theme music. Didn't think artists had rights to use "their" music for their personal use.
Never got in to Kane as a wrestler, not sure why.
As long as he doesn't have to deal with Pete Rose while being Mayor.
I would bet against that.
-
Back in the 80's, I always thought the Hart Foundation as the most interesting tag team, as you had the incredible technical skills of Bret Hart, and then you had the sheer brawn and power of Jim Neidhart. I thought it was cool to have a regular tag team with two totally different styles, as opposed to two guys with similar styles which was the norm, yet they made it work.
R.I.P. Anvil.
-
:sadpanda:
The battles with the British Bulldogs were legendary. So many other fantastic feuds. He was one-dimensional on the mic, but man, what a great dimension. So much about the Hart Foundation was like the Odd Couple, but it worked so well.
-
Who died?
-
Well let's see:
Nikolai Volkoff
Brian Christopher
Bad News Brown
Jim Neidhart
-
So yes then.
-
Almost to a man, these guys are dying so young.
-
The 80's were clearly the best time for tag team wrestling. Modern day wrestling has moved away from it so much; but back then, there was lots of teams all with distinctive looks and personalities. The Hart Foundation were at or near the top of the best tag teams. Perfect combination of speed and power.
I don't think neither Bret or Jim will ever be considered fantastic on the mic, but they made their interviews work very well together. I always got a kick when Jim would go off the handles during the interview and Bret would always have to remind him to calm down lol
Last night I watched the Hart Foundation vs Demolition at Summerslam 1990. Great 2 out of 3 falls match and this may have been Jim's high point of his career. But tag team wrestling in the 80s and early 90s was always awesome to watch.
Hart Foundation, Demolition, Rockers, Brain Busters, Bulldogs, Road Warriors, Midnight Express, Rock n Roll Express, Rougeau Brothers, etc, etc. By the way if you've never heard the Rougeau Brothers theme song, do your self a favor and listen to it on youtube. Might be the best theme song ever, or at least the funniest. Rockers and Midnight Express had super cool entrance songs too.
-
Sorry, I should have added Randy Orton's career to my list.
-
Almost to a man, these guys are dying so young.
Yeah, I think someone on twitter noted yesterday that half or even more of the performers from SummerSlam 1990 are dead, which is kind of crazy.
The 80's were clearly the best time for tag team wrestling. Modern day wrestling has moved away from it so much; but back then, there was lots of teams all with distinctive looks and personalities. The Hart Foundation were at or near the top of the best tag teams. Perfect combination of speed and power.
I don't think neither Bret or Jim will ever be considered fantastic on the mic, but they made their interviews work very well together. I always got a kick when Jim would go off the handles during the interview and Bret would always have to remind him to calm down lol
Last night I watched the Hart Foundation vs Demolition at Summerslam 1990. Great 2 out of 3 falls match and this may have been Jim's high point of his career. But tag team wrestling in the 80s and early 90s was always awesome to watch.
Hart Foundation, Demolition, Rockers, Brain Busters, Bulldogs, Road Warriors, Midnight Express, Rock n Roll Express, Rougeau Brothers, etc, etc. By the way if you've never heard the Rougeau Brothers theme song, do your self a favor and listen to it on youtube. Might be the best theme song ever, or at least the funniest. Rockers and Midnight Express had super cool entrance songs too.
Definitely a more colorful era in general as far as gimmicks. There's been some amazing tag team wrestling down in NXT the last couple years, sadly Raw and Smackdown don't seem to know what to do with all these teams once they get promoted.
Sorry, I should have added Randy Orton's career to my list.
I've heard he's actually been doing pretty good stuff since his return a few weeks ago. Then again, hyper violent asshole doesn't seem like too much of a stretch for Randy :lol
-
I rode the shuttle train at Hartsfield Airport (Atlanta) with Michael Hayes one time. He was dressed like Ronnie Van Zant about to go on stage (he had a music career, and he was in the "Fabulous Freebirds", but my point was, he had style), but he was cool as beans. Really pleasant guy for the nine seconds I shot the shit with him. He didn't seem 6'4" though.
-
Sorry, I should have added Randy Orton's career to my list.
I've heard he's actually been doing pretty good stuff since his return a few weeks ago. Then again, hyper violent asshole doesn't seem like too much of a stretch for Randy :lol
https://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2018/0814/644797/former-wwe-star-accuses-randy-orton-of-more-bad-behavior/
Court Bauer on Randy Orton: "For every new writer that would show up, he come in the room put his hand down his pants, pull out his dick, touch himself, then say "I'm Randy Orton, shake my hand...oh you dont want to shake my hand? You're big leaguing me? That's f--ked up man. Should I tell Vince and Steph you wont shake Randy Ortons hand?"
The writers would all start sweating and backing up into the corner, the guys dick is still hanging out, and he would be there cutting a promo on a guy with his dick hanging out for like five minutes.
And speaking of taking out your dick...
I rode the shuttle train at Hartsfield Airport (Atlanta) with Michael Hayes one time. He was dressed like Ronnie Van Zant about to go on stage (he had a music career, and he was in the "Fabulous Freebirds", but my point was, he had style), but he was cool as beans. Really pleasant guy for the nine seconds I shot the shit with him.
Probably better that you were at the airport with him and not on a plane with him.
https://dailyddt.com/2017/05/05/wwe-plane-ride-from-hell/
“Hayes almost pissed on Linda McMahon. He was all f—ed up – trying to whip his d–k out [stooped over, tugging at his trouser zip] He doesn’t know it’s Linda – he thinks he’s at the f—in’ bathroom. He’s like… [Hayes’ voice] ‘Wait a minute…wait a minute…’ He just keeps saying ‘Wait a minute’, over and over again. Finally, somebody [led him away]…”
-
Oh, no, he did whip his dick out. I told you I don't offend easily. :)
I used to be a security guard at the Hartford Civic Center, and on odd occasions I'd get to be the guard inside the visiting teams locker room (I'd stand inside the door and make sure no one came in or out). The locker rooms weren't that big so there were players changing right there. LA Kings in town, and one of the goalies at the time was a shorter guy with a heavy French Canadian accent(I looked it up, and I'm pretty sure it was Mario Gosselin, though I won't bet on it). This was right around the time that they started to let women in the locker room. He's talking, all I can see is his back (he has no shirt on) and there's a woman behind him with her tape recorder and someone next to her asks a question and he turns. I get to see him swing around and he's totally nude except for a sock on his jimmy ala the Red Hot Chili Peppers. She was a pro, though and looked him in the eye and stuck out her tape recorder. Later, I did feel bad for her. I don't think he meant it in a dick way (pun intended), but more reflective of the adjustment period that change required.
(By the way, speaking of "pro", Gretsky. He knew he was the draw. He knew he was the guy that everyone wanted to talk to. He was in, showered and ready to go in like 20 minutes, tops, and took probably 75% of the press outside away from the rest of the team. He even said "'c'mon guys, let's go out here where there's more room" and pulled out most of the press to the walkway out front of the locker room.)
-
@Cool Chris yeah, I saw that yesterday, all of a sudden what you had said made a lot more sense :lol
Grabbed a last minute ticket for TakeOver on Saturday and I am pumped :metal
-
I gotta say, Gargano/Ciampa is shaping up to be one of my favorite wrestling rivalries of all time. I can't remember the last time I was this invested in a feud. These two guys are reminding me what it felt like to be a wrestling fan when I was ten years old.
-
Absolutely one of the best feuds in recent memory and last nights main event was fantastic and brutal at the same time. All kinds of awesome. Every match was great and I think it's time for Velveteen Dream to go to the main roster. He has one of the most entertaining gimmicks I've ever seen.
And I'm just blown away by the talent of Ricochet. Unreal and Adam Cole kept right up with him.
-
Summerslam ends with Roman, Charlotte and Ronda as champions? Glad I didn't lose any sleep over that.
-
We all knew Roman was going over, and that match sucked exactly as much as expected. Glad the crowd didn't take that shit for the hundredth time. :lol The "you both suck" chant was excellent. Brocky was looking noticably smaller ready for UFC drug testing.
So fucking glad Charlotte won. Carmella was an abomination of a champ, and set the women's division back 15 years. Great match too. Can't wait to see a Charlotte / Becky feud. Becky has been too overlooked on the main roster.
I get them putting the belt on Rousey, and she has definitely put in the time, because she looked like she earned it out there. She is awesome to watch, like what Brock used to be when he wasn't phoning it in. Loved every second of it.
-
Glad I didn't go to Summerslam and was able to sell those ticket then :lol
-
https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2018-10-22/article/roman-reigns-relinquished-universal-championship-leukemia-battle
From the article: Roman Reigns relinquished the Universal Championship after revealing his battle with leukemia.
The article went on to say Vince McMahon conceived the program between Reigns and Leukemia, instructing Leukemia to make Reigns look strong.
Too soon?
-
https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2018-10-22/article/roman-reigns-relinquished-universal-championship-leukemia-battle
From the article: Roman Reigns relinquished the Universal Championship after revealing his battle with leukemia.
The article went on to say Vince McMahon conceived the program between Reigns and Leukemia, instructing Leukemia to make Reigns look strong.
Too soon?
Some people actually think this is a work to try and get Roman over.
-
https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2018-10-22/article/roman-reigns-relinquished-universal-championship-leukemia-battle
From the article: Roman Reigns relinquished the Universal Championship after revealing his battle with leukemia.
The article went on to say Vince McMahon conceived the program between Reigns and Leukemia, instructing Leukemia to make Reigns look strong.
Too soon?
Some people actually think this is a work to try and get Roman over.
I ca't deny that the thought crossed my mind, too. But the WWE wouldn't joke around about cancer. Apart from any moral or ethical consideration, it would be a PR catastrophe for them. Between Connor's Cure and their support for the Susan G. Komen For the Cure, they have a lot of chips on the board in favor of taking cancer very seriously.
That being said, I wish it WAS a work. I wouldn't wish leukemia on anyone. I sincerely hope he can beat this.
-
Damn I thought it would take me years to get used to seeing HHH without his long hair. Aside from the too-bushy beard, he looks great. Michaels on the other hand looks downright bizarre with his new look.
Has Kane/Jacobs' term as mayor started? Does the town need to schedule council meetings or other town business around his other career? "I am sorry councilman, the mayor is not able to respond to your request at this time, he is currently in Saudi Arabia wearing tights grappling with some other 50 year old dudes."
-
Damn I thought it would take me years to get used to seeing HHH without his long hair. Aside from the too-bushy beard, he looks great. Michaels on the other hand looks downright bizarre with his new look.
Has Kane/Jacobs' term as mayor started? Does the town need to schedule council meetings or other town business around his other career? "I am sorry councilman, the mayor is not able to respond to your request at this time, he is currently in Saudi Arabia wearing tights grappling with some other 50 year old dudes."
Part of Glenn’s agreement to go to Saudi Arabia is that WWE is donating $100,000 to a local charity, so even when he’s wrestling, he’s still finding a way to make it beneficial to his city.
-
[Spoilers]
So. We're living in a world where both Daniel Bryan and Johnny Gargano are turning into villains, and there's an outside shot that Becky Lynch is going to headline WrestleMania.
Interesting year!
-
I scooped up a cheap ticket for Wrestlemania the other day. And buy cheap, I mean a nosebleed for $100 after fees, but compared to the price of the rest of the seats, it feels cheap. I don't know if I'll actually go, but have never been to a Wrestlemania and figure I could offload it if I decide not to go (I did that for Summerslam)
-
https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/news/watch-enzo-amore-ejected-from-survivor-series/ar-BBPRtzP?ocid=spartanntp
Wrestler cuts random, impromptu promo about how basass he is, gets taken down hard by a gal in a suit.
-
https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/news/watch-enzo-amore-ejected-from-survivor-series/ar-BBPRtzP?ocid=spartanntp
Wrestler cuts random, impromptu promo about how badass he is, gets taken down hard by a gal in a suit.
I was just watching video of the whole thing. The guy is such a tool bag
-
I think it's probably for the best if the wrestling world (and also the rest of the world) just pretends Enzo Amore doesn't exist.
-
Jake the snake on Rogan. Pretty cool interview
https://youtu.be/9DxeMowxDTU?t=58
-
If you watched wrestling in the 80s and in to the 90s there is no one you wanted on the mic interviewing a wrestler other than Gene Okerlund.
RIP Mean Gene.
-
Yeah... saw that earlier today. He was a legend.
-
Wow just saw this, RIP Mean Gene. Those interviews with Hulk were so classic back in the day.
-
Best interviewer in the history of wrestling
-
Wow just saw this, RIP Mean Gene. Those interviews with Hulk were so classic back in the day.
The way Mean Gene could handle and direct those coked up wrestlers was amazing. Nobody else could stand face to face with guys like Macho Man and Roddy Piper, and get the best out of them. He was always so sharp, and he was a huge part of the WWF.
-
His chemistry with The Brain was off the charts. In fact... his chemistry with all the A-listers was dynamite. He made EVERYONE he interviewed better. There will never be another as good as he. Ever.
-
He will be forever cemented in my childhood memory of wrestling. And he made one hell of a contribution. RIP
-
I always like Mean Gene just for that line, "Put that cigarette out!" Sadly, this interview was just posted on WWE's Youtube channel today. The post-match interview of Ric Flair winning the Royal Rumble 1992 and the WWF Championship and says probably the greatest speech a wrestler would say after winning the championship. I say sadly because everyone else in this video has passed away, except for Ric Flair........ (Mean Gene, Mr. Perfect, Bobby Heenan, Jack Tunney).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4o1wgItPCE
This contract signing segment with Mean Gene, William Regal, and Sting was pretty darn good as well, especially Regal calling Sting, "Sunshine," and Mean Gene noted that the I in Sting has been dotted in the contract.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSvh4irwP2s
-
That one hit the hardest of the three yesterday. Mean Gene was the man. RIP
-
An absolute legend in the business. His interviews were always top notch.
-
This contract signing segment with Mean Gene, William Regal, and Sting was pretty darn good as well, especially Regal calling Sting, "Sunshine," and Mean Gene noted that the I in Sting has been dotted in the contract.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSvh4irwP2s
I never followed WCW. Was this a big deal? If so, why does it look like it was held in the lobby of a Days Inn?
Favorite Mean Gene long form moment: WM17 Gimmick Battle Royale (ably assisted by the equally legendary Brain).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XU0079q4Vg
Favorite Mean Gene short form moment: NSFW. Whenever I consider what $200 an hour will get me, this is what I think of.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbcCO7OBafA
-
This contract signing segment with Mean Gene, William Regal, and Sting was pretty darn good as well, especially Regal calling Sting, "Sunshine," and Mean Gene noted that the I in Sting has been dotted in the contract.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSvh4irwP2s
I never followed WCW. Was this a big deal? If so, why does it look like it was held in the lobby of a Days Inn?
It wasn't really a big deal. Technically, this was a mid-card match between Sting and Regal. I just liked this segment because of Regal calling Sting, "Sunshine," and Regal slapping the f*** out of Sting. Mean Gene's reactions on this segment was so good though.
-
Was super bummed when I saw the new yesterday. This is a pretty good compilation of clips.
https://uproxx.com/prowrestling/mean-gene-okerlund-best-interviews/
-
This might be a TMI post. I've never really gotten wrestling, but I was flipping through Pluto TV the other night and stopped on the Impact Wrestling channel. I ended up watching it for like 2.5-3 hours. I found it awesomely bad (like the songs Breakfast at Tiffany's and We Built This City). There was this one lady wrestler on there named Jordynne Grace who freaking slayed it. I don't think I've ever been so sexually attracted to something in my life.
I'll be paying for the Homecoming pay per view this Sunday to watch her go for glory.
(https://66.media.tumblr.com/ea50bc138c4b0976f9dd694bcb38be28/tumblr_phwxdw1KSQ1qeiy6vo1_400.gif)
-
Pumped for AEW and am excited that Jericho signed a 3 year deal with them.
-
I think AEW is going to be the real deal. I hope they are competition mostly to give WWE a kick in the pants. The first sign that they are real competition is when a big name from WWE jumps there. Already there are rumblings that Mike/Maria Kanellis, The Revival, Goldust, Dolph Ziggler might be getting out of their contracts/or not renewing and heading there.
The main thing for AEW is to get a good tv contract. It sounds possibly that TBS/Turner might want to get back on the wrestling train so that would be a big deal if that works out.
And obviously the main signing will be Kenny!
Regardless I'm interested in seeing how AEW turns out.
-
Yup, definitely curious. Was already potentially going to Vegas with my dad and a few of my uncles in the spring, trying to make it so that I can hit Double or Nothing.
-
RIP Pedro Morales
Even I remember The Boston Crab.
-
Ah, the boston crab. A legit finisher that could only be applied once you wore your opponent down, and if you got on them, odds are they were gonna submit (as opposed to the 21st century where finishers get kicked out of on a regular basis).
It's a shame how awful pro wrestling has become.
-
I have little interest in wrestling these days but the news of King Kong Bundy passing away brought back plenty of childhood memories.
R.I.P.
-
Damn. One of the first major heels in my wrestling memories.
The five count was an awesome gimmick.
-
I just watched WM3 last week and Bundy squashing Little Beaver, thats a heel!
-
Once or twice a year Kenny Omega returns back to Winnipeg and wrestles in a small promotion PCW in front of 250 people. He does it as a favor to his friends in the promotion who helped him in the beginning of his career. They clearly get a boost in sales when he shows up.
Tonight he returned and took on another fellow Winnipeger, Don Callis. It was a pretty entertaining match and during the match, Chris Jericho's music played. Chris also comes back to Winnipeg a couple of times a year to see family and friends so everybody bought it hook line and sinker. But it was just a swerve by Callis to attack Omega from behind and get the victory. This would have been a cool way to set up Jericho vs Omega II though.
A Canadian sports channel TSN just aired a Kenny Omega documentary called "Omega Man, a Wrestling Love Story" which was fantastic. If you can catch it I highly recommend it.
-
Just bought myself a ticket for NXT on Friday night, can't wait for Wrestlemania weekend :hat
-
Between NXT, HOF, and WM, we'll be hammering the network pretty hard. :lol
-
I sold my wrestlemania ticket, I looked on stubhub to see going rates, and well, they were much higher than my interest in actually going so I made some money. Just been too busy with work to want to be out super late on a Sunday for something I have little interest in, plus the cash incentive. None of these matches look interesting to me. My one wrestling buddy said it was a good decision, I'm fine with it.
-
Yeah, you definitely made the right call. I can't imagine that it'll be over much before midnight and I'm sure Metlife will be a nightmare to get out of afterwards.
-
Been listening to a ton of Chris Jericho's podcast. Has really reignited my interest in wrestling. Looking forward to AEW getting launched.
-
I sold my wrestlemania ticket, I looked on stubhub to see going rates, and well, they were much higher than my interest in actually going so I made some money. Just been too busy with work to want to be out super late on a Sunday for something I have little interest in, plus the cash incentive. None of these matches look interesting to me. My one wrestling buddy said it was a good decision, I'm fine with it.
Besides the main event and the Daniel Bryan match, I'm not looking forward to WM much at all, so I can't blame you. That would be a really long day to actually be there in person for such a long show.
I'd still love the opportunity to see a WM live, but this probably isn't gonna be one I'd regret missing.
-
This will be the first Wrestlemana without Undertaker since WM2000 in (natch) 2000. And only the third one he hasn't been a part of since 1991. That is freaking crazy.
That's the extent of my WWE knowledge these days.
-
John Oliver gives his thoughts on the WWE and Vince McMahon. Interesting and entertaining.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8UQ4O7UiDs
-
I sold my wrestlemania ticket, I looked on stubhub to see going rates, and well, they were much higher than my interest in actually going so I made some money. Just been too busy with work to want to be out super late on a Sunday for something I have little interest in, plus the cash incentive. None of these matches look interesting to me. My one wrestling buddy said it was a good decision, I'm fine with it.
Besides the main event and the Daniel Bryan match, I'm not looking forward to WM much at all, so I can't blame you. That would be a really long day to actually be there in person for such a long show.
I'd still love the opportunity to see a WM live, but this probably isn't gonna be one I'd regret missing.
And don't forget to add in that it's a huge outdoor show and my seat was at the top, where it may very well be super cold (it's been pretty nice and warming up lately, but I haven't spent all night outside high up). That played into my decision as well. I've seen lots of wrestling events back in the day, they were always a lot of fun, that was my main reason to even consider going, but it's a lot of money and effort at the end of the day for a product I am not sure I can relate to right now.
-
John Oliver gives his thoughts on the WWE and Vince McMahon. Interesting and entertaining.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8UQ4O7UiDs
I saw that last night, and while it is easy to dismiss it as a one-sided, cherry-picked segment, the crux of what he said is likely pretty accurate. And given that the WWE has responded to it publicly means they are worried about the backlash.
-
John Oliver gives his thoughts on the WWE and Vince McMahon. Interesting and entertaining.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8UQ4O7UiDs
I saw that last night, and while it is easy to dismiss it as a one-sided, cherry-picked segment, the crux of what he said is likely pretty accurate. And given that the WWE has responded to it publicly means they are worried about the backlash.
Agreed. Many very valid points were brought up.
Jesse was right to try and unionize back in the day. You can't claim your workers are independent contractors and then force them to exclusively work for your company. Its either one or the other.
-
I just watched that too, very interesting about the contracts. I don't know the laws or anything, but it does seem unfair to the wrestlers. Plus add in the large amount of them who die early, you think they'd be treated better for putting their body's on the line for entertainment.
-
Gotta give Oliver props for showing two of the funniest WWE moments ever in that montage: Steve Austin clocking Vince in the head with a bedpan, and The Rock burying Vince's face in Rikishi's ass.
-
Was hoping for a tombstone video too.
-
So, I found this tweet of footage from the Hall of Fame ceremony where a crazed idiot ran into the ring and tackled Bret Hart with Natalya Neidhart nearby. A lot of guys came to stop the man fast including New Day, Ronda's husband Travis Browne, who was a MMA fighter as well, Davey Boy Smith Jr., among many others.
https://twitter.com/AhYezzir/status/1114691725845508096
On another note, seeing Bret in that footage reminds me of the fact that it had been 9 years since he returned to the WWE to bury the hatchet with the company and Shawn Michaels and he looked old then.
On an additional note, I am reminded that it has been nine years since HBK retired at WM26 with his match against the Undertaker. People gave praise, and rightfully so, about their match at WM25, but I think their match WM26 may have been the better match for various reasons. Everyone knows that their WM25 match was going to have the highest of expectations with HBK always delivering at WM and the Undertaker been having some good feuds and solid matches with Kurt Angle, Batista, Edge in recent years at the time where people are excited for big Undertaker matches again. Thankfully, it delivered on those lofty expectations. That stated, I didn't have too much expectations for the rematch, but with the way the story was building for their WM 26 match in terms of HBK's obsession to beat the Undertaker at Wrestlemania and they made it streak vs career with no DQ or countouts, that brought me back into being hype since it feels like there has to be a winner and no cop-out endings. Plus, it was a solid match and they did some good callbacks from their WM25 match. A match worthy to retire HBK's full-time wrestling career for good (I know he did the match in Saudi Arabia, I think, but aside from that, he's been good on the retirement for the most part).
Those Undertaker/HBK matches still feel recent. How did we get so old?
-
I never saw their WM26 match, but their WM25 match was very good (great by today's standards), although I still laugh at those who try to say it was the greatest match ever. Not even close.
As for the HoF thing last night, I saw it on Twitter, and was glad to see that clown got pounded after pulling that. Of course, he will probably get a lawyer now and sue the WWE and say they used excessive force to subdue him. :\ :\
-
Takeover was incredible, as always.
Hall of Fame ceremony was crazy with that clown going after Bret.
16 matches scheduled for WM tonight. Counting those with whatever Elias is doing and whatever other surprises they may have ....and we're in for a long long night
-
I never saw their WM26 match, but their WM25 match was very good (great by today's standards), although I still laugh at those who try to say it was the greatest match ever. Not even close.
I didn't watch of follow WWE from around 2002 till a couple years ago. I still don't really follow it, other than for nostalgia's sake. So a few year back I watched that Taker/HBK WM25 match. Of course this wasn't in real time, and with all the build-up in my head from what I'd read/heard about it. It was a great match, but I also fail to see it being included in the "greatest match ever" category. I know in real time people were thinking that, it isn't necessarily all in hindsight. So maybe you had to be there.
-
I never saw their WM26 match, but their WM25 match was very good (great by today's standards), although I still laugh at those who try to say it was the greatest match ever. Not even close.
I didn't watch of follow WWE from around 2002 till a couple years ago. I still don't really follow it, other than for nostalgia's sake. So a few year back I watched that Taker/HBK WM25 match. Of course this wasn't in real time, and with all the build-up in my head from what I'd read/heard about it. It was a great match, but I also fail to see it being included in the "greatest match ever" category. I know in real time people were thinking that, it isn't necessarily all in hindsight. So maybe you had to be there.
They have overdone the matches where guys kick out of finishers left and right, and that one had like a dozen of them, but they told a good enough story to where the match was still really good despite the many kick-outs from finishers. I haven't watched in years, but I thought that Punk/Bryan match from Over the Limit (2012, I think) was the best modern day match I have seen.
-
Kofi Kingston. DAMN. Could that whole thing have been any more perfect?
-
I never saw their WM26 match, but their WM25 match was very good (great by today's standards), although I still laugh at those who try to say it was the greatest match ever. Not even close.
I didn't watch of follow WWE from around 2002 till a couple years ago. I still don't really follow it, other than for nostalgia's sake. So a few year back I watched that Taker/HBK WM25 match. Of course this wasn't in real time, and with all the build-up in my head from what I'd read/heard about it. It was a great match, but I also fail to see it being included in the "greatest match ever" category. I know in real time people were thinking that, it isn't necessarily all in hindsight. So maybe you had to be there.
They have overdone the matches where guys kick out of finishers left and right, and that one had like a dozen of them, but they told a good enough story to where the match was still really good despite the many kick-outs from finishers.
I heard someone say any two competent wrestlers could pull off that match move for move, but only those two could have told the story and presented the in-ring psychology as well as they did.
Meanwhile, as Kev and I discuss a match from 10 years ago, apparently another WM is going on right now.
-
I will add that the follow-up match at WM26 has that as well where they kick out of finishers left and right and I think it didn't seem as annoying as the WM25 match and when you actually did see the actual finish to that match, I guarantee that you knew it was going to be over and that you know it was going to be lights out for HBK's active wrestling career. He wasn't kicking out from that one.
With stated, I found those Undertaker/HHH matches two years in a row later to have those issues with kicking out of finishers much more annoying and that their best match was at WM X-7 where I felt like they played their roles in that match much better than they did at WM27 and WM28.
-
Kofi Kingston. DAMN. Could that whole thing have been any more perfect?
I really can't imagine how it could have been more perfect.
-
Did anyone else watch Double or Nothing? I couldn't watch it Saturday but ordered it last night and am super impressed and I still have to watch the last two matches. I'm a lapsed wrestling fan and AEW has me hooked!
-
I've been following AEW very closely since they announced Double or Nothing. The show itself was amazing. Can't wait until they're on TNT every week.
-
I'll be curious to see if AEW does it more old school to appeal to the old fans who actually want to see wrestling, or if it will ultimately be just a cheaper version of WWE. Having Jericho, Jim Ross and Moxley already will bring in viewers at the start, but they will need more than a little star power to make it work over the long haul. If they could get CM Punk, that would be huge.
Given the pitiful state WWE is in right now (everything I read talks about how awful the product is now), fans are dying for something good right now.
-
I consider myself a lapsed wrestling fan and the wrestling product being provided by AEW in Double or Nothing (and All-In) blows almost everything the WWE has provided out of the water. Will the PPV action be the norm? Will the story lines be interesting enough to keep viewers? That remains to be seen, but so far I'm optimistic.
-
I will add that I was surprised by the $50 sticker price for the PPV. That was a bit hard to swallow but based on the reviews I jumped in. I think it should have cost half that considering they're trying to get long term fans.
-
I bought it and really enjoyed it. It started off a little shaky for me with that battle royal in the pre-show. Wasn't overly impressed with it and I can't say I understand why they would have Billy Gunn and Glacier be in the first official AEW match.
But once the main show started, it got progressively better and better. The last three matches were awesome and the debut of Moxley was very cool.
The amount of blood in the Rhodes match had me a bit concerned but the ending was awesome. The tag title match was excellent and Jericho-Omega was spectacular.
I'm wondering why WWE mentioned AEW on air last night as it just led to AEW chants. Not sure what the purpose of that was but overall I'm glad there is finally legit competition to WWE as hopefully this kicks them in the butt a bit and helps turn things around. Clearly lack of competition has been a problem over the years.
-
So. Ric Flair has recovered from his heart surgery and posted this video. He had some words to HBK about comments HBK apparently made on the 30 for 30 about Ric Flair. Without understanding the context, it sounds like a Ric Flair promo. WOOO.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNWZgAzR-MM
Here's part 1. Jebus, this is more of a Ric Flair-sounding promo which sounds friken awesome!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHqNMZdiqc0
-
The most awesome thing about that would be if he was watching a video of himself cut a promo and paused it in order to cut a promo.
-
Maybe it's because I think Flair is a shitty person, but there is something pretty sad about a guy his age still acting like his character from decades ago. Yeah, yeah, he became that character, but he's a caricature of his former self at this point.
-
Plus, he's just now getting pissed about HBK's comments which were in the 30:30 from a year or 2 ago? Maybe he's setting up a death match or something.
-
I really enjoyed the AEW PPV, will for sure get the next one and tune in when they start running weekly televised shows. WWE main roster is mostly dreck these days (Smackdown's not as bad as Raw usually), but NXT is still pretty fantastic.
-
I don't follow wrestling as closely as I used to, but my new favorite wrestler is easily Orange Cassidy.
-
The AEW PPV was my introduction to him, great gimmick.
-
Just watched Undertaker vs. Goldberg from the Saudi Arabia show. Yikes, what a mess
-
Just watched Undertaker vs. Goldberg from the Saudi Arabia show. Yikes, what a mess
That whole show was a waste of four hours.
-
Just watched Undertaker vs. Goldberg from the Saudi Arabia show. Yikes, what a mess
I saw some promo for that, and assumed it was some historical match on WWE Network. You're saying this was an actual match from June 2019??
Oh dear lord. I think I'd rather watch Jenna Jameson fucking Peter North.
-
Just watched Undertaker vs. Goldberg from the Saudi Arabia show. Yikes, what a mess
I saw some promo for that, and assumed it was some historical match on WWE Network. You're saying this was an actual match from June 2019??.
:lol
-
Yeah, it was going to be a mess no matter what, but Goldberg concussing himself and then continuing on sure didn't help :lol
-
Just watched Undertaker vs. Goldberg from the Saudi Arabia show. Yikes, what a mess
I saw some promo for that, and assumed it was some historical match on WWE Network. You're saying this was an actual match from June 2019??
Oh dear lord. I think I'd rather watch Jenna Jameson fucking Peter North.
:rollin haven't heard the name Peter North in a looong time
-
Just watched Undertaker vs. Goldberg from the Saudi Arabia show. Yikes, what a mess
I saw some promo for that, and assumed it was some historical match on WWE Network. You're saying this was an actual match from June 2019??
Oh dear lord. I think I'd rather watch Jenna Jameson fucking Peter North.
:rollin haven't heard the name Peter North in a looong time
Subliminal?
-
:rollin killin it
-
I thought the match looked good on paper. I mean Undertaker can still look decent if you keep it short and Goldberg couldn't really go over 5 minutes anyway. Then goldberg knocked himself out on the ring post. Not the first time he's done that, last time he did that in wcw it was much more horrifying.
-
That Tombstone looked pretty ugly as well :P
(https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/goldberg-1.jpg)
-
The jackhammer attempt was pretty scary as well.
-
Shit ... that tombstone looks like Owen Hart on Stone Cold!! :omg:
-
Undertaker had the perfect ending to his career when he lost to Roman at WM and left his hat and gloves in the ring. The opponent possibly could have been better than Roman but you couldn't have written a better way to go out for him. Any retirement ending at this point will be basically pointless after that. It's a shame that he has come back numerous times since then and it's getting tougher and tougher to watch each match. Even the hardcore fans of Taker have to agree with that.
-
The perfect retirement should have been at the top of the ramp, hugging HHH and Michaels, after WM28 (though that would mean we wouldn't have had WM29 against Punk...). That Reigns match wasn't bad and yes the imagery at the end was iconic (hey, it's still my avatar picture!).
-
Undertaker had the perfect ending to his career when he lost to Roman at WM and left his hat and gloves in the ring. The opponent possibly could have been better than Roman but you couldn't have written a better way to go out for him. Any retirement ending at this point will be basically pointless after that. It's a shame that he has come back numerous times since then and it's getting tougher and tougher to watch each match. Even the hardcore fans of Taker have to agree with that.
Honestly, to me, the Undertaker hasn't been the same since his match with HBK at WM 26. Afterwards, he had another sucky feud with Kane. He had two matches with HHH which really went heavy with the finishers kick-out. Also, what's with the title "End of an era" in their match at WM 28? What meaning does that have if both guys are still wrestling?
He had a solid match with Punk though at WM 29. I guess his feud with Brock Lesnar in 2015 was all right. I heard decent things about their match in Summerslam (which apparently had a crappy end) and Brock beaten Taker in a Hell in a Cell match again. Onwards, he really should have called it a career, but I guess his loyalty with Vince and Vince going hard on nostalgia and making everything else look like crap rather than moving forward is bound to rear its ugly head.
-
The perfect retirement should have been at the top of the ramp, hugging HHH and Michaels, after WM28 (though that would mean we wouldn't have had WM29 against Punk...). That Reigns match wasn't bad and yes the imagery at the end was iconic (hey, it's still my avatar picture!).
That Hell in the Cell match would have been a great ending for both Taker and Triple H. It was a fantastic match and would have been a great way for both to end their in ring career. But yeah as far as imagery goes, the Roman match was a perfect ending.
-
AEW just announced today that Fyterfest on June 29th will be free to stream on B/R Live.
-
R.I.P. Harley Race.
A true legend from back in the day, when wrestlers were legit tough guys and could spit out great matches like it was nothing.
-
Damn right. Harley was well past his prime when I got into wrestling, but I sure recognize his 'legendary' status.
-
Yowie wowie.
-
Thoughts on this year's the very different Wrestlemania?
-
Thoughts on this year's the very different Wrestlemania?
The Fiend/Cena match was a little surreal to watch but still pretty cool. The Taker/AJ match was over the top and very enjoyable. Orton/Edge was a bit too long, but intense and very good. Basically the three matches that involved being away from the ring and had distracting aspects, were the best and most enjoyable ones. The no fans/empty seat shows clearly just aren’t the same and isn’t really working. I know it’s the best they can do and it’s better than nothing.
I believe WWE filmed matches for a few more weeks of tv, but maybe after that they can film matches that are outside of the empty arena and in different locations with different ideas/twists. I can get the feeling that the wrestlers are out of their element with no fans too.
The rest of WM was decent stuff but there was no match within the empty seat arena that I would classify as must see.
-
The outside ring stuff was very enjoyable, and I wouldn't mind it to become a once per WM thing in the future.
The male title matches were the worst, while Edge vs Randy Orton would have been great with 10 minutes trimmed. Insane bump by Kevin Owens, and Angel Garza is a very good wrestler.
The best match - to my tastes - was Rhea Ripley vs Charlotte Flair.
-
I dont actively follow but my friend did a screen share of his stream last night so I caught some out of curiosity with the pre-filmed empty venue. It definitely was odd for no crowd reactions and it isn't quite the same. The Edge match was fairly entertaining. The one with all the effects was too much for me and I stopped watching at that point. I had no interest in whatever the hell that was. I'll give them props for doing what they can in these times though. Must suck soooo much for WWE and the wrestlers to have to do this vs the big event WM usually is.
-
Can I ask a question? Does anyone in this thread think that Rob Gronkowski is even remotely cool or funny? How do you feel about him coming to wrestling?
-
From what little I've read, they did a great job with this Wrestlemania considering all the constraints. At the beginning Stephanie said they wanted to present their fans with a fun escape, and it seems by and large they did just that.
I have no opinion about Gronkowski, as a football player or an individual. Considering the WWE's questionable track record with getting celebrities involved, I guess I'd give the choice of him a B.
-
Can I ask a question? Does anyone in this thread think that Rob Gronkowski is even remotely cool or funny? How do you feel about him coming to wrestling?
He seems perfect for WWE, but I don't personally have any interest in him.
-
Can I ask a question? Does anyone in this thread think that Rob Gronkowski is even remotely cool or funny? How do you feel about him coming to wrestling?
Honestly, I've found him the worst thing about this edition of WM.
-
Can I ask a question? Does anyone in this thread think that Rob Gronkowski is even remotely cool or funny? How do you feel about him coming to wrestling?
He's trying to find a place outside of Football. That's why he's everywhere. Plus, he's stoned out of his mind. But overall, he's having fun and you can see it.
Watching wrestling without fans is just too weird. It's actually funny to me, seeing them still act as if the fans are there.
Kurt Angle should come back so he won't have to hear fans chanting "You Suck". Unless Michael Cole does it from the booth.
-
Can I ask a question? Does anyone in this thread think that Rob Gronkowski is even remotely cool or funny? How do you feel about him coming to wrestling?
He's trying to find a place outside of Football. That's why he's everywhere. Plus, he's stoned out of his mind. But overall, he's having fun and you can see it.
Watching wrestling without fans is just too weird. It's actually funny to me, seeing them still act as if the fans are there.
Kurt Angle should come back so he won't have to hear fans chanting "You Suck". Unless Michael Cole does it from the booth.
I would pay good money to see that.
-
Can I ask a question? Does anyone in this thread think that Rob Gronkowski is even remotely cool or funny? How do you feel about him coming to wrestling?
Plus, he's stoned out of his mind.
He is??
-
Just saw Howard Finkel died. Looking back at me following WWF in the 80s, he was as much a part of that experience as anyone. Once they stopped having him perform the task of ring announcer, they should have just retired that position forever.
-
:sad: Such a fantastic voice. He provided the opening sprawl to get fans jacked. Lilian was pretty good, but no one was as good as The Fink. As good as either of the Buffer's.
-
I recall reading at one point he was the longest tenured WWF/E employee. Could be wrong on that. And if anyone ever said a bad thing about him, I haven't heard it.
On WWE's site: By 1979, Finkel was the full-time ring announcer for WWWF, and when WWE was established in 1980, The Fink became the first — and eventually longest-serving — employee.
-
Just a brutal two days for WWE. The passing of the Fink alongside the release of twenty-three (twenty-three!!!) on screen personnel is awful.
-
Does the WWE still say "We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors," when they decided to release someone?
-
Just a brutal two days for WWE. The passing of the Fink alongside the release of twenty-three (twenty-three!!!) on screen personnel is awful.
Just read about this, they released all those wrestlers right after being granted the ability to continue to make the live show and be considered "essential" which makes WWE look really really bad. But it's not the first time the company has looked so poorly.
-
Just a brutal two days for WWE. The passing of the Fink alongside the release of twenty-three (twenty-three!!!) on screen personnel is awful.
Just read about this, they released all those wrestlers right after being granted the ability to continue to make the live show and be considered "essential" which makes WWE look really really bad. But it's not the first time the company has looked so poorly.
They look really bad in this case. For wrestlers like Sarah Logan and No Way Jose, they had to fly out to Florida on Monday to lose to Shayna Bazsler and Bobby Lashley respectively, then got fired two days later. It also came out that some money from WWE was used to fund the now bankrupt XFL when Vince originally said that WWE had nothing to do with the XFL this time. And he also had said that WWE had enough money in the bank to survive this year without much revenue and would still turn in a profit, so these releases really came out of left field. Among those released was Rusev, who a few weeks ago had pledged 20,000 dollars of his own money to the production crew that was stuck at home not getting paid. There are a lot of moving parts to this story, but WWE and Vince McMahon look pretty bad in this case, and I've already seen a lot of backlash from fans and wrestlers alike, with cancelled network subscriptions and calls for unionization coming left and right. This could end up being ugly for the company, and tbh, they would probably deserve it. Between these releases, forcing their guys and girls to work what is basically a contact sport during a pandemic, the Saudi Arabia blood money deal, and years of obvious mistreatment of employees, it looks like a lot of people have finally had enough. The illusion of WWE being a wrestler's paradise is gone, and with companies like NJPW and AEW being able to offer a decent living for better treatment, I would not be surprised if up and coming wrestlers opt to not go to WWE and established superstars start walking away from the company. This pandemic is gonna be the impetus for a lot of change in the world, and WWE may be one of the biggest victims of a shifting perception of the way the world works.
-
And the draw that the WWE is 'The Show' with the biggest audience draws has literally vanished, and if it's going to be a year+ until large gatherings are permissible / acceptable, that's going to take away perhaps the biggest advantage they have over the competition.
-
Wrestling as we knew it back in the day is dead and gone and never coming back, but it would certainly be nice if this whole thing caused the WWE to decline in a big, big way. Vince treating the talent like ass has been going on for decades and yet he always seems to get away with it and mostly avoid accountability, but maybe this is the time the dominoes finally all tip over and land on his head. I will believe when I see it.
-
Maybe WrestleMania showed a glimpse of what MacMahon wants/needs WWE to become in the immediate future? Basically, a production company providing episodic mini action movies to be distributed by the streaming service big kahunas, under PG13 format.
-
McMahon and especially Dunn have wanted to be film producers more than they've ever wanted to run a wrestling business for decades.
-
Vince hates the word wrestling, which is why the announcers are ordered to call the wrestlers superstars (men) and divas (women). I am sure he goes to bed every night cursing the fact that his biggest annual event is called WRESTLEmania. :lol :lol
Factor in that his nitwit daughter was behind hiring soap opera writers to be a part of the creative team and write the promos the wrestlers are ordered to give, and it's no wonder that the product has been so bad now for so many years.
I am no fan of HHH, but I can't help but think that if Vince were gone and Stephanie was removed from the company that he would find a way to steer it back to the way it used to be at least on some level.
-
I am no fan of HHH, but I can't help but think that if Vince were gone and Stephanie was removed from the company that he would find a way to steer it back to the way it used to be at least on some level.
I watched the 2 hour documentary on HHH from 2013 (it's up on DailyMotion), and found it very fascinating. I agree with this statement Kev, at least Paul Levesque cares about the *wrestling* aspect of the business - unless the McMahon's drove that out of him over the past 7 years.
-
I try not to think of Stephanie as a nitwit. She is very smart, understands branding and all that. She just should never have been given any position related to creative.
I think HHH (when do we start calling him Paul?) has the best grasp of how to balance 1) wrestling (booking and all that), and 2) the business of "sports entertainment." Remember at heart, he loves wrestling, has since he was 5, and despite all the politicking, knows that the wresting side of WWE has to succeed or else the entity of WWE will fail.
-
I try not to think of Stephanie as a nitwit. She is very smart, understands branding and all that. She just should never have been given any position related to creative.
I think HHH (when do we start calling him Paul?) has the best grasp of how to balance 1) wrestling (booking and all that), and 2) the business of "sports entertainment." Remember at heart, he loves wrestling, has since he was 5, and despite all the politicking, knows that the wresting side of WWE has to succeed or else the entity of WWE will fail.
You look at NXT and see how much of a mind for the business he actually has. NXT is the best wrestling show on television, and as the guy who runs that brand, his stamp is all over it.
-
I think HHH (when do we start calling him Paul?)
I would like to refer to him as The Man with 3 Hs in honor of Broken Matt Hardy.
-
Vince hates the word wrestling, which is why the announcers are ordered to call the wrestlers superstars (men) and divas (women). I am sure he goes to bed every night cursing the fact that his biggest annual event is called WRESTLEmania. :lol :lol
Factor in that his nitwit daughter was behind hiring soap opera writers to be a part of the creative team and write the promos the wrestlers are ordered to give, and it's no wonder that the product has been so bad now for so many years.
I am no fan of HHH, but I can't help but think that if Vince were gone and Stephanie was removed from the company that he would find a way to steer it back to the way it used to be at least on some level.
They dropped the Diva label like 4 years ago.
-
Mike Rotunda was released on April 15. Think about that for a minute.
-
Mike Rotunda was released on April 15. Think about that for a minute.
Oh the Irony :lol
-
Mike Rotunda was released on April 15. Think about that for a minute.
It’s been a while, but was that Irwin R.?
-
Mike Rotunda was released on April 15. Think about that for a minute.
It’s been a while, but was that Irwin R.?
Yep. Irwin R. Schyster.
-
I was so fascinated with him as a kid. I was like "why's this dude wearing a shirt and tie" :lol
-
There were so many goddamn dumb stupid job-related gimmicks in the 80s but IRS was awesome, even for a kid. And his finisher was the "Write-off." Glorious. And DiBiase was a legend even before he came up with one of the best heel characters in history as the Million Dollar Man.
-
Even as a little kid I was shaking my head at the job gimmicks.
I remember the first time I saw The Goon and I couldn't help but think "what the hell am I watching" :lol
-
Let's see here, job-related gimmicks I can recall.
The Goon. The Mountie. Spark Plug Bob Holly. Duke "The Dumpster" Droese. Tugboat. Doink the Clown. Repo Man.
Heck, The Undertaker started out as an undead mortician when he debuted, I think. I think we've discussed this before, but you got to give props to The Undertaker for surviving the early-mid 90s with a gimmick that didn't look to go far. Those gimmicks I've stated wouldn't have last as long as the Undertaker in terms of legacy, match quality, lore, etc. Obviously, the fact that he was a bigger imposing man in size and can move pretty well for his size helped a lot. It also helped when he was starting to work with more quality wrestlers in the late 90s like HBK, Austin, Bret, Mankind and that was enough to make it to the 2000s when the streak became a bigger deal when quality wrestlers like Batista, Edge, Orton, CM Punk, HHH, was contending to end it.
-
Tugboat, and Earthquake, One Many Gang.. those weren't "jobs." They just helped fill out the WWF roster with Vince's fascination with really big dudes.
Mark Callaway was the right person, with the right gimmick, at the right time. Obviously Vince, Pritchard, and whomever create it. Even Joe Johnston had a hand in establishing the Undertaker as we know it. But in the end Mark was given the ball, and carried it for 30 years better than anyone could have imagined. Consider: In 1990 he debuted with less fanfare than the Gobbledy Gooker. In 2020 he had the most talked about, highest rated match* at Wrestlemania.
*I know, it wasn't really a match. My point is still valid.
-
You mean they didn't state that Tugboat was a sailor? I thought I read something that stated they portrayed him as an actual sailor or that it was obvious that his profession outside of wrestler was a sailor. I was barely born in the early 90s, so that period of WWF is unknown to me except for the obvious stuff that happened then.
-
Tugboat, and Earthquake, One Many Gang.. those weren't "jobs." They just helped fill out the WWF roster with Vince's fascination with really big dudes.
Mark Callaway was the right person, with the right gimmick, at the right time. Obviously Vince, Pritchard, and whomever create it. Even Joe Johnston had a hand in establishing the Undertaker as we know it. But in the end Mark was given the ball, and carried it for 30 years better than anyone could have imagined. Consider: In 1990 he debuted with less fanfare than the Gobbledy Gooker. In 2020 he had the most talked about, highest rated match* at Wrestlemania.
*I know, it wasn't really a match. My point is still valid.
Agreed. Undertaker was that anomaly that should have been just another throw away goofy gimmick, but Callaway was the total perfect fit that made it work and made it incredible. From the first time I ever saw him, he instantly became my favorite.
-
They were smart to change the way the Undertaker wrestled, as his initial style, with all of his moves being very slow and deliberate, was boring as hell to watch. All of this matches the first year or two of the gimmick were awful to watch.
Also, Cool Chris, I believe Vince came up with the Million Dollar Man gimmick, but DiBiase did an incredible job with it. Still one of my all-time favorite heels. The fact that he could wrestle really well and always put on great matches made the character that much better.
-
They were smart to change the way the Undertaker wrestled, as his initial style, with all of his moves being very slow and deliberate, was boring as hell to watch. All of this matches the first year or two of the gimmick were awful to watch.
Good point on the first part. Vince never looks past the day after tomorrow, so while his initial no-sell style of matches worked well at the beginning, that was obviously not sustainable. But who outside of Steamboat, Savage, Hart, and a few others had great matches in the WWF at that time?
Also, Cool Chris, I believe Vince came up with the Million Dollar Man gimmick, but DiBiase did an incredible job with it. Still one of my all-time favorite heels. The fact that he could wrestle really well and always put on great matches made the character that much better.
I will defer to your knowledge on this one. Nothing really happens without Vince's approval at a minimum, and most often his input. Sometimes it is hard to pinpoint where the creation of the character starts, and when the wrestler Superstar takes over and makes it their own.
-
They were smart to change the way the Undertaker wrestled, as his initial style, with all of his moves being very slow and deliberate, was boring as hell to watch. All of this matches the first year or two of the gimmick were awful to watch.
Good point on the first part. Vince never looks past the day after tomorrow, so while his initial no-sell style of matches worked well at the beginning, that was obviously not sustainable. But who outside of Steamboat, Savage, Hart, and a few others had great matches in the WWF at that time?
Henning/Von Erich feuds were always good. Rude also put on some great matches, iirc.
-
I like Mick Foley as " The Boulder " on The Last Airbender cartoon. The voice sounded so familiar when I first saw it and I was surprised when to see his name when the credits rolled.
-
Right but Vince knew Hulk body-slamming Andre would sell tickets. If Savage/Steamboat have a timeless classic, that is a testament to their professionalism and skill, not Vince's management or booking.
I remember in 7th grade there was a new kid who seemed to have a hard time making friends. He always came up to me telling me I looked like Rick Rude. I thought that was odd, as I didn't have his long curly hair or mustache. If only at any point in my life I resembled him....
And I was specifically talking about WWF during that era. JCP, Mid-South, and other promotions generally had better technical wrestling, or if you prefer, rasslin' matches.
-
And I was specifically talking about WWF during that era. JCP, Mid-South, and other promotions generally had better technical wrestling, or if you prefer, rasslin' matches.
So was I. Rude joined the WWF in '89.
-
Also, Cool Chris, I believe Vince came up with the Million Dollar Man gimmick, but DiBiase did an incredible job with it. Still one of my all-time favorite heels. The fact that he could wrestle really well and always put on great matches made the character that much better.
I will defer to your knowledge on this one. Nothing really happens without Vince's approval at a minimum, and most often his input. Sometimes it is hard to pinpoint where the creation of the character starts, and when the wrestler Superstar takes over and makes it their own.
IIRC, Vince made the pitch to DiBiase to join the WWF, but without telling him what his gimmick would be; all he would tell him was "if I were a wrestler, this is the character I would play." I suspect Vince did that because he didn't really know DiBiase, and he didn't want to tip his hand on what the character would be until DiBiase was under contract.
And I was specifically talking about WWF during that era. JCP, Mid-South, and other promotions generally had better technical wrestling, or if you prefer, rasslin' matches.
So was I. Rude joined the WWF in '89.
'87, actually. :P
He was on Andre's team on the first Survivor Series in 1987, and of course Rude had that great feud with Jake the Snake in 1988. Rude was another guy that it didn't matter who he was in the ring with; you knew that match was going to be good. His SummerSlam 1989 match with Ultimate Warrior was a classic.
-
Also, if stories told by those in-the-know are correct, DiBiase was supposed to win the world title at Wrestlemania in 1988 (in the 14-man tournament), but once Honky Tonk Man refused to drop the I-C strap to Randy Savage in late '87, the plans were changed to put the world title on Savage at WM4, as Vince wanted Savage to be the top face when Hogan went on sabbatical following WM4 and he needed to have one of the two major singles titles.
-
My memory is hazy from this period, and timelines are all jumbled up in my head. I was a fan of WWF and JCP around this time, but was just a kid and not a big enough fan to recall many of the details.
Rick Rude's son at his Hall of fame induction. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaqgRGWXJWU) It's brilliant and less than 2 minutes, check it out if you haven't. And there is a comment somewhere that says basically "Rick Rude's son just gave a better promo than Roman Reigns has ever done." :lol
Also, if stories told by those in-the-know are correct, DiBiase was supposed to win the world title at Wrestlemania in 1988 (in the 14-man tournament), but once Honky Tonk Man refused to drop the I-C strap to Randy Savage in late '87, the plans were changed to put the world title on Savage at WM4, as Vince wanted Savage to be the top face when Hogan went on sabbatical following WM4 and he needed to have one of the two major singles titles.
Wasn't that what precipitated him having the "Million Dollar Belt?" I recall reading that was a way to appease him for never giving him the championship.
-
Wasn't that what precipitated him having the "Million Dollar Belt?" I recall reading that was a way to appease him for never giving him the championship.
I believe that is correct. I would love to have seen DiBiase been giving a run with the real world title belt for a bit in '88, but it was not to be. They seemingly had no clue what to do with him once the Savage feud was resolved at SummerSlam (in the Hulk/Macho vs Andre/DiBiase tag match), hence him getting thrown into a dumb feud with Hercules, and then getting a WM5 match with Brutus Beefcake when they weren't even feuding and had zero build-up.
-
I never really had much of an opinion of DiBiase... probably because he was so under-utilized. I didn't see much of him pre-WWF, and while the MDM gimmick was great, I never thought much of his in-ring performance.
-
I just rewatched one of my favourite matches of all time. Warrior vs Savage from WM7. Why does someone always cut onions at the end of this match
-
Will also mention my all time favourites in no order:
- Royal Rumble 92
- Savage vs Steamboat WM3
- Flair vs Steamboat trilogy 89
- Warrior vs Savage WM7
- Warrior vs Hogan WM6
- War Games 92
- Flair vs Sting Clash 1
- Magnum TA vs Tully Blanchard Strarrcade 85
-
My top five is as follows from what I can recall.
Royal Rumble 2004 (not just because of the result and the action, and that Benoit went the distance for an hour and was strong throughout, but the fact that that match helped set the stage for a lot of matches that would occur at that Wrestlemania)
HHH vs HBK vs Chris Benoit at WM 20 (yeah, what happened three years after that will be forever tainted, but what a closing moment after that match seeing Eddie Guerrero and Chris Benoit hold their world championships high after being in the industry for about 20 years, wrestling all over the world, in Mexico, in Japan, in ECW, in WCW, and made it to WWE and got that big moment at Wrestlemania 20. Those are moments that feels natural in the industry. Moments that Vince would probably love to replicate, but it always looks forced when he tries to script it)
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Minrou Suzuki (NJPW King of Pro Wrestling 2012). Nothing like seeing a match that goes for 30 minutes and have only one pinfall attempt in it and it was the finisher, but the action and the limb work was pretty compelling.
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs AJ Styles. Day 17 of the G1 Climax in 2015. I never understand when people complain about certain matches and certain wrestlers when they do not "sell" any body part done to them until I saw that match. Those guys went 28 minutes and those guys were limping in agony throughout the match.
Chris Benoit vs Kurt Angle. Royal Rumble 2003. (Yeah, I was a Benoit fan. It hurts what he did to his family, to himself, and to the industry on that day in 2007, but damn dude, that guy had some tremendous matches).
-
I am not one to watch entire matches from the past. There are a couple YT channels I watch where they will review old PPVs, I enjoy watching those. There are also some promos/clips that I will watch if I need a nostalgia kick.
-
I just rewatched one of my favourite matches of all time. Warrior vs Savage from WM7. Why does someone always cut onions at the end of this match
Even though I think Savage and Elizabeth were separated or divorced by that point, that was the perfect ending to that storyline. He went into retirement (briefly) reunited with Elizabeth and loved by the fans again.
Will also mention my all time favourites in no order:
- Royal Rumble 92
- Savage vs Steamboat WM3
- Flair vs Steamboat trilogy 89
- Warrior vs Savage WM7
- Warrior vs Hogan WM6
- War Games 92
- Flair vs Sting Clash 1
- Magnum TA vs Tully Blanchard Strarrcade 85
For as limited as the Warrior was, he had three legitimately great PPV matches, the two you mentioned and the one vs Rick Rude at SummerSlam '89.
That Flair/Steamboat trilogy was something else. Many thought the last one at WrestleWar was the best of the three, but I thought the first at Chi-Town Rumble was the best and most exciting. A truly great match, IMO, has to have a great finish, and Steamboat winning the title was so unexpected and so exciting.
-
At the time of WM VII and for their Kayfabe wedding, Macho and Elizabeth were still married but the relationship was pretty much on its last legs. They didn't formally separate until after WM VIII.
Kudos to Randy for being cool with Elizabeth being brought into WCW despite being an ex lover/wife. I wouldn't be able to function if my ex fiancee was walking around me each day at work :P And if I had to think about her fucking Luger... :puke:
As far as favorite matches go:
Love Warrior/Hogan WM VI (Warrior is limited, but its such a larger than life match)
Bulldog vs Bret at Summerslam Wembley stadium (Its like watching a Prog Metal song in Wrestling match form. Its technicality is incredible)
-
Warrior vs Hogan clearly had lower expectations. But it exceeded every expectation and then some. Pretty much a perfect wrestling match, five stars no question. This is a match that had every one by the palm of their hands and is the definition of a main event. Hogan vs Andre might be the biggest match of all time, but this gets my attention every time. It’s cool that Edge, Christian and Renee Young were all ringside and young fans for this classic and was the catalyst for their love of wrestling. Who would win between Hogan vs Warrior had everyone guessing and had the Skydome packed to the rafters.
In regards to Flair vs Steamboat 89 trilogy, show me a better example of professional wrestling....I’m waiting.
Royal Rumble 92 and Wargames 92 are just outstanding.......if you haven’t watched either, don’t call yourself a wrestling fan.....watch them ASAP!!!!
-
Also just watched Hogan vs Savage from WM5. Mega Powers explode! The Mega Powers storyline might be the best storyline in the history of pro wrestling! Awesome pay off to the feud
-
That Flair/Steamboat trilogy was something else. Many thought the last one at WrestleWar was the best of the three, but I thought the first at Chi-Town Rumble was the best and most exciting. A truly great match, IMO, has to have a great finish, and Steamboat winning the title was so unexpected and so exciting.
I did enjoy the first match of the trilogy the most, mainly because of Steamboat winning it and I honestly felt that match had very little downtime in action. Of course, a Chicago crowd for a big match is always a great crowd (even though they were mostly rooting for Flair in that one, if I recall correctly).
-
I’ve been rewarding some old matches lately- DailyMotion has a lot of full matches posted. Benoit-HHH-HBK was great. Undertaker-HBK Wrestlemania (the first one) was unreal. Rock-Hogan. Angle-Lesnar (how he survived that failed moonsault - the first time I watched that match, I remember thinking he must’ve broke his neck!)
Still have a few saved on YT, and DM. Particularly looking forward to the trio of Rock-Stone Cold Wrestlemania matches.
Also, I had a VHS of the very first War Games. Man that was good. I’m pretty sure I digitized it, and have it on my computer.
-
The first War Games was amazing. The other amazing thing is that the heel faction has won the coin toss in every single War Games 😂
-
Anyone watch the "Dark Side of the Ring" series? I haven't been; I don't need to hear anyone talk about the Screw Job for the billionth time. But I watched the last one about Owen. I wasn't following any wrestling at that period, having followed it as a kid in the 80s/early 90s, and checking back in after 2000, so I didn't learn about it till years later. I don't even know if I ever saw or knew of Owen. I've obviously heard about it since, but I recall hearing only a couple people like JR and Jimmy Korderas talk about it at length.
I won't go in to it too much, but the biggest takeaway for me was his kids. They were 7 and 3. Mine are 9 and 2. I cannot imagine the devastation of getting a call in the middle of the night hearing your spouse is dead, and then having to figure out a way to tell me kids that.
-
People are always quick to talk about the screw job when it comes to the harts and the WWE, but I always considered Owen's death to be the real tragedy. What happened to Bret was lame and everything, but no one died. One of favorite things about sting was him repelling down from the rafters. Never did it cross my mind that that stunt could end up deadly.
Dark side of the ring is pretty decent for anyone that is seeing these stories in depth for the first time, but I've watched so many shoot interviews over the years that I know most of the material, but its a decent show none the less.
-
Dark side of the ring is pretty decent for anyone that is seeing these stories in depth for the first time, but I've watched so many shoot interviews over the years that I know most of the material, but its a decent show none the less.
That's why I haven't watched it till now. All the other episodes told stories I didn't need to hear anymore about, or didn't care about anyway.
I don't care for the re-enactments in the show. JR: "...and then King nudged me..." Cut to hazy clip of "King" nudging "JR." I found it distracting. The story is just fine through the telling.
And holy hell Martha taking her kids up on the catwalk!
-
Haven’t watched that but I have been watching the Undertaker Last Ride documentary, which is excellent. I just couldn’t understand why he would have come back after that Roman Reigns match at WM, which I think had the absolute perfect farewell for him. It never made sense to me but now watching the documentary I understand his rationale a bit for returning
-
Was just going to post about The Last Ride. I haven't watched Sunday's episode yet. Really captivating stuff.
-
I am a huge Undertaker guy so will get to that eventually.
-
https://twitter.com/undertaker/status/1275424960933216256?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet
No, Dead Man. Thank YOU.
-
Did he retire?
-
Until Vince drives a truck load of money up to his house again when he’s desperate for star power at a major PPV.
-
Looked it up... so, his last match was as his biker persona and not the actual Undertaker? Disappointing.
-
Until Vince drives a truck load of money up to his house again when he’s desperate for star power at a major PPV.
Exactly. The current documentary series on him has been a fascinating watch. Still haven’t watched least weeks chapter.
-
Until Vince drives a truck load of money up to his house again when he’s desperate for star power at a major PPV.
Exactly. The current documentary series on him has been a fascinating watch. Still haven’t watched least weeks chapter.
I should check it out, I don't follow wrestling anymore, but used to so much and their lives are usually really interesting (and often times in a negative/sad way).
-
At least with Calloway, it's not a tragic story. Some 'sad' ness to it in some spots, but overall, a great homage to the tail end of his career.
-
At least with Calloway, it's not a tragic story. Some 'sad' ness to it in some spots, but overall, a great homage to the tail end of his career.
I figured his story might not be so tragic as he's still alive, but there's so much dirt behind the scenes, Beyond the Mat was a really good wrestling documentary.
-
I haven't seen the Beyond the Mat, but I did recall a very disturbing scene from it where Mick Foley had his kids was watching his I Quit match with The Rock in Royal Rumble 1999 in person and you can see his daughter crying as Mankind keeps getting wailed on with those chairshots to the head (and he's handcuffed to his back). I don't know what Mick was trying to accomplish at the time, but fake/scripted/whatever or not, that sight can scar a kid. I'm sure there's more detail about why he made that decision to have his kids watch that match in person in his second autobiography (that and his first one was a pretty good read, I might add).
-
There has been nothing official about Undertaker retiring, but all the wresting news sites (for whatever they are worth) are reporting it as if it is true. He has been giving more and more interviews as himself, which he essentially hasn't done for 30 years, so there is definitely a shift there.
If he is retired he appears to be going out on his own terms, which is all we can really hope for, right? Maybe not perfect, or how he envisioned it, but really, what big name wrestlers have had the ideal retirement? Flair did after WM24, but that didn't last. Michaels did, till he had that match recently than no one wants to acknowledge ever happened
Regarding the Mankind/Rock match, I thought it was established that Rock let the moment get away from him with all the unprotected chair shots, and has since apologized to Mick, to which Mick accepted the apology with no hard feelings.
-
It's cool re-watching the debut of Undertaker from Survivor Series 90 and the 1990 matches from WCW with Mean Mark!
Roddy Piper as the announcer at Survivor Series 90 with Undertakers debut..........."Look at the size of that hamhawk, check out them drumsticks baby!"
-
Crazy, I have watched clips of that match multiple times and I never knew that was Piper who made that call.
-
Crazy, I have watched clips of that match multiple times and I never knew that was Piper who made that call.
Taker dominated that match. But 80's and early 90's wrestling is the best!! :metal
-
There is no way anyone saw his debut and thought he'd become a legend. Sure, those of us who had seen him as Mean Mark Callous in WCW shortly before knew he had great in-ring talent, but he didn't seem to have the charisma to become a big star. I would still argue that he lacks the charisma of the other biggest wrestling stars ever (Hogan, Rock, Austin, Flair), but he took the gimmick Vince gave him and made it legendary. The streak sure helped a lot in growing his legend. Changing his wrestling style helped a lot, too, as his early matches as the Undertaker sucked, as it was basically him no-selling everything while working too slow and deliberate. Once he started wrestling more "human" :lol, there was no stopping him.
-
There is no way anyone saw his debut and thought he'd become a legend. Sure, those of us who had seen him as Mean Mark Callous in WCW shortly before knew he had great in-ring talent, but he didn't seem to have the charisma to become a big star. I would still argue that he lacks the charisma of the other biggest wrestling stars ever (Hogan, Rock, Austin, Flair), but he took the gimmick Vince gave him and made it legendary. The streak sure helped a lot in growing his legend. Changing his wrestling style helped a lot, too, as his early matches as the Undertaker sucked, as it was basically him no-selling everything while working too slow and deliberate. Once he started wrestling more "human" :lol, there was no stopping him.
You are definitely correct about that. For the first 10 months, the Undertaker gimmick was too "gimmicky". The slow deliberate pace wasn't going to be a success. It was a bit too painful to watch and clearly had to be adjusted, which it was. By Survivor Series 91, he was getting in the grove and won the heavyweight title. From that point in 91, he became more comfortable with the gimmick and it became unstoppable.
-
There is no way anyone saw his debut and thought he'd become a legend. Sure, those of us who had seen him as Mean Mark Callous in WCW shortly before knew he had great in-ring talent, but he didn't seem to have the charisma to become a big star. I would still argue that he lacks the charisma of the other biggest wrestling stars ever (Hogan, Rock, Austin, Flair), but he took the gimmick Vince gave him and made it legendary. The streak sure helped a lot in growing his legend. Changing his wrestling style helped a lot, too, as his early matches as the Undertaker sucked, as it was basically him no-selling everything while working too slow and deliberate. Once he started wrestling more "human" :lol, there was no stopping him.
You are definitely correct about that. For the first 10 months, the Undertaker gimmick was too "gimmicky". The slow deliberate pace wasn't going to be a success. It was a bit too painful to watch and clearly had to be adjusted, which it was. By Survivor Series 91, he was getting in the grove and won the heavyweight title. From that point in 91, he became more comfortable with the gimmick and it became unstoppable.
The title win over Hogan in late '91 was when I really took notice that they had big plans for him. That was only the 3rd pinfall loss Hogan had suffered since 1984 (the first being the fake pin by the twin referee to Andre in '88, and then the clean loss to the Warrior in 1990). Granted, the whole "Taker winning the belt/Hogan winning it back in controversial fashion/Hogan getting stripped of the title" was a gimmick used to vacate the title so Flair could win the world title without having to beat Hogan to do it, since there was no way Vince was going to let Flair just waltz in and beat Hogan for the world title, but the fact that Taker was the heel picked to get the brief title reign was big.
-
You knew “Mean Mark Callous” was a great in-ring talent?
I’m not even convinced Undertaker is a great “in-ring“ talent. I can’t name a single great Undertaker match that doesn’t involve HBK. One of the greatest gimmicks of all time, though.
-
You knew “Mean Mark Callous” was a great in-ring talent?
I’m not even convinced Undertaker is a great “in-ring“ talent. I can’t name a single great Undertaker match that doesn’t involve HBK. One of the greatest gimmicks of all time, though.
For a guy his size, yes, he is a great in-ring talent. Most of those guys can/could do more in the ring than they usually show, except maybe The Ultimate Warrior. :lol
I would argue that the Undertaker is the greatest gimmick of all time by a wide distance. Whatever is number 2 is a very distant 2nd.
-
You knew “Mean Mark Callous” was a great in-ring talent?
I’m not even convinced Undertaker is a great “in-ring“ talent. I can’t name a single great Undertaker match that doesn’t involve HBK. One of the greatest gimmicks of all time, though.
For a guy his size, yes, he is a great in-ring talent. Most of those guys can/could do more in the ring than they usually show, except maybe The Ultimate Warrior. :lol
I would argue that the Undertaker is the greatest gimmick of all time by a wide distance. Whatever is number 2 is a very distant 2nd.
You are correct about the title win and the gimmick opinion by a wide margain.
-
You knew “Mean Mark Callous” was a great in-ring talent?
I’m not even convinced Undertaker is a great “in-ring“ talent. I can’t name a single great Undertaker match that doesn’t involve HBK. One of the greatest gimmicks of all time, though.
I don't know. He's had some good matches with Kurt Angle (especially in No Way Out 2006). That match in 2006 was the first instance that Undertaker looks like a good worker again. The problem in the history of the Undertaker really is that Vince keeps putting him in feuds with other bigger dudes that works a much more slower and sluggish style than he does (Giant Gonzalez, Hendrich (sp?), Mabel, Mark Henry, Great Khali, etc.) Thankfully, he looks good if he was working with relatively smaller guys that can sell well and work in a fashion that seems realistic against a guy the size of the Undertaker like HBK, Bret Hart, Edge, CM Punk.
Although I wouldn't have mind it if he was working with other guys his size that can move and work ok. The matches he had with Batista in 2007 were not huge five-star Meltzer-certified gems, but sometimes you just want to get excited about a big heavyweight match that has two big dudes beating each other up and still be entertained at what they do and I think Undertaker/Batista did that.
-
Mean Mark Callous had some pretty solid matches in WCW. Supposedly these matches in WCW didn't impress Vince upon first view, but once he met Mark in New Jersey at a house show, the meeting went well and he gave him a shot. Obviously this went very well lol.
-
I’m not even convinced Undertaker is a great “in-ring“ talent. I can’t name a single great Undertaker match that doesn’t involve HBK. One of the greatest gimmicks of all time, though.
When he had great matches, they relied on psychology, storytelling, and mystique as much as they relied on in-ring technical prowess.
I know the Streak had some garbage matches, and he was part-time through the end of of it, but consider that for Wrestlemania's 23 (Bautista), 24 (Edge), 25 (Michaels), 26 (Michaels), 27 (HHH), 28 (HHH) and 29 (Punk), you could make a sound argument he had the best match at each of those respective events
There is no way anyone saw his debut and thought he'd become a legend....Changing his wrestling style helped a lot, too, as his early matches as the Undertaker sucked, as it was basically him no-selling everything while working too slow and deliberate. Once he started wrestling more "human" :lol, there was no stopping him.
Unlike many other instances where they didn't realize what they had in a talent or what to do with them in the long term, they (with Mark's determination and talent) were able to transform it to the legend it would become.
-
While the Undertaker/Michaels Wrestlemania matches both suffered from the modern day shtick of "let's have a match where both guys kick out of 144 finishers and people will think it is great," the match at 25 was definitely great stuff. I think far too many of his later WM matches were only considered very good or great because of the threat of the streak ending (combined with the close call of him kicking out of endless finishers when it appeared as if the streak was on the verge of ending). A truly great match shouldn't need that kind of gimmick, IMO. I thought it was fittingly ironic that the match that ended the streak was pretty much a dud.
-
A concussion will do that!
-
I really never enjoyed the Undertaker's wrestling and often found his matches to be the least interesting (unless there was some stipulation which they often did: hell in a cell, graveyard, whatever the fires around the ring matches were called). I always have and will respect him for his work in the business and his character is iconic, but I can't recall a single time I really enjoyed his wrestling. Even the matches that he's most well known for, I give credit to the other guy for making them interesting IMO. Having said that, I haven't watched him in a loooooong time and I didn't see any of those WM matches that were being referenced.
-
@ Marc... you owe it to yourself to watch the 4 WM matches (2 v HBK; 2 v HHH). WWE.com has a lot of matches; Dailymotion users have loaded up a bunch there as well.
-
@ Marc... you owe it to yourself to watch the 4 WM matches (2 v HBK; 2 v HHH). WWE.com has a lot of matches; Dailymotion users have loaded up a bunch there as well.
I have no desire to watch actual wrestling so I don't see myself doing that, but I'm sure they are among his best and maybe would change my mind a bit. But having said that, HBK and HHH were both much better wrestlers so I imagine their role plays a big factor in those matches too.
-
Oh, I haven't watched 'current' wrestling in well over 10 years. But man, going back to some of these classic/legendary matches recently has been great.
-
Maybe if I get a kick for it. I used to own so many wrestling DVDs because I loved rewatching my favorite matches or to see (back before streaming) matches I wasn't able to see at the time. But these days, I don't have any desire to watch a match, even the classics. It's just not terribly interesting to me at this point in my life. Part of me feels like I may have burnt myself out of it by being so obsessed during my high school years.
-
cramx3, that is a good point about how Undertaker never really had a great match unless there was some type of stipulation or gimmick (title match, Hell in a Cell, streak on the line, etc.). I remember a match on Prime Time in 1989 between Bret Hart and Curt Hennig (that I have mentioned before). Neither was a champion, no gimmick or stipulation; just two guys having an awesome match. You never really got that from Undertaker. Granted, it is not fair to compare him to Hart and Hennig, who were two of the best ever at getting a good match out of almost anyone. Heck, just watch the first Undertaker appearance at Survivor Series 1990. Every time he is in the ring, it is boring as hell. And then at the end, Bret Hart and Ted DiBiase put on a wrestling clinic to finish it off (with DiBiase, the hell, winning cleanly).
-
I wouldn't say we "never got an awesome match" from Undertaker, with our without any stipulations. We just got a different kind of awesome match than someone like Hart, Hennig, DiBiase, or other ring technicians gave us.
Also note, for Wrestlemania 25 (I mean, the 25th Anniversary of Wrestlemania! :facepalm:) he and Michaels were both 44, the same age I am now. If I run with my kids for too long at the playground I am feeling it the next day. To do what they did speaks to their talent, ability, and dedication. They told a story, and they did it the best they could as their bodies would allow.
-
Recently I've been getting back into wrestling, watched some AWE which was rather fun, but most of the things I've been watching is the podcasts and interviews and I find that much more interesting with all the backstage stuff, especially during the 90s where there was no way to know what's happening behind the scenes.
-
The podcasts and shoot interviews are some of my favorite stuff. The real life drama is fascinating and adds a whole new level to wrestling.
-
So......Marty Jannetty may have have killed a guy.....
https://www.tmz.com/2020/08/05/marty-jannetty-apparent-murder-confession-columbus-police-department/
-
Dear lord. What the hell was he flappin his gums (or more accurately, finger-tips) like that for?
-
So......Marty Jannetty may have have killed a guy.....
https://www.tmz.com/2020/08/05/marty-jannetty-apparent-murder-confession-columbus-police-department/
The scary part of that is the line “That was the very first time I made a guy disappear”... FIRST TIME?!
-
So......Marty Jannetty may have have killed a guy.....
https://www.tmz.com/2020/08/05/marty-jannetty-apparent-murder-confession-columbus-police-department/
It's all the result of the Barber Shop head injury...........Rockers late 80s early 90s kick ass :metal :metal :metal
-
So......Marty Jannetty may have have killed a guy.....
https://www.tmz.com/2020/08/05/marty-jannetty-apparent-murder-confession-columbus-police-department/
The scary part of that is the line “That was the very first time I made a guy disappear”... FIRST TIME?!
Rite!?!?! :lolpalm:
-
He aint the only one
Scott hall killed a guy, Super fly probably killed a chick, Benoit murdered his family. Still wild though
-
Triple H killed several guys in the mid-2000s (well, their careers, anyway...)
-
So......Marty Jannetty may have have killed a guy.....
https://www.tmz.com/2020/08/05/marty-jannetty-apparent-murder-confession-columbus-police-department/
It's all the result of the Barber Shop head injury...........Rockers late 80s early 90s kick ass :metal :metal :metal
Well that's Jannetty's fault for trying to escape through the barbershop window.
-
Well that's Jannetty's fault for trying to escape through the barbershop window.
WILL YOU STOP!
The clip of Heenan saying goodbye to Monsoon will never cease to make me happy and sad at the same time; happy that two men could bring such joy to each other's lives, sad knowing that joy cannot last forever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEf87iR-7w4
-
https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2020/09/exclusive-vince-mcmahon-threatens-to-punish-talent-engaging-674408/
Vince McMahon issued an edict this past week that talent can no longer "engage with outside third parties," which would presumably include platforms like Cameo and Twitch.
WWE held a call with talent last Sunday regarding the reinvention of the product. During the call, it was said that WWE owns the real names of talent, not just their character names.
McMahon followed up by sending a letter on Thursday. McMahon wrote that it was imperative that they promote and protect the brand in every conceivable way, and that talent have 30 days to stop engaging with third parties.
"Some of you are engaged with outside third parties using your name and likeness in ways that are detrimental to our company," McMahon wrote. "It is imperative that these activities be terminated within the next 30 days (by Friday October 2). Continued violations will result in fines, suspension, or termination at WWE's discretion."
Really?? Vince has taken his professional selfishness to a new level.
-
https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2020/09/exclusive-vince-mcmahon-threatens-to-punish-talent-engaging-674408/
Vince McMahon issued an edict this past week that talent can no longer "engage with outside third parties," which would presumably include platforms like Cameo and Twitch.
WWE held a call with talent last Sunday regarding the reinvention of the product. During the call, it was said that WWE owns the real names of talent, not just their character names.
McMahon followed up by sending a letter on Thursday. McMahon wrote that it was imperative that they promote and protect the brand in every conceivable way, and that talent have 30 days to stop engaging with third parties.
"Some of you are engaged with outside third parties using your name and likeness in ways that are detrimental to our company," McMahon wrote. "It is imperative that these activities be terminated within the next 30 days (by Friday October 2). Continued violations will result in fines, suspension, or termination at WWE's discretion."
Really?? Vince has taken his professional selfishness to a new level.
If they were going on twitch as their WWE character, I could maybe see the issue. But being yourself? GTFO
-
You know, and this may not have been true, I feel like a long long time ago, back in the early 10s, Jericho may have ran into this issue, especially when it comes to his band, Fozzy or any other endeavors Jericho was doing at the time. Where WWE wants total control of everything their contracted wrestlers were doing in or outside of the company. If I'm any wrestler that's engaging in these activities, with the pandemic still going on, I either try to leverage something to make wrestling in a bubble more worthwhile for them or pretty much walk out on their candy asses or just say to Vince, "Fine, do it. Terminate my contract. I'll see if AEW or otherwise may have something for me."
-
I'm sure this will upset a lot of wrestlers. Considering their paychecks have likely been a lot smaller the last six months due to no live shows/less merchandise sold, platforms like cameo have probably brought in extra income. Now that's being taken away?
-
It's total arrogant bullshit is what it is. The talent aren't even employees of the corporation - they're independent contractors ... with no benefits, insurance (injury or health), retirement etc. For Vince to think he has the leverage to do this is crazy - especially for the top talent - he is insane. You think Sheamus is going to abandon the Celtic Warrior Workout channel/brand he's built? I suspect Vince will get a big Stone Cold double FU from a lot of the talent, and either walk, or call him on this.
-
Ventura had the right idea back in the 80's. They should have unionized.
-
Ventura had the right idea back in the 80's. They should have unionized.
Speaking of Ventura. I watch a lot of 80's and early 90's wrestling, and Ventura is such an outstanding color man.
-
This is the thing that makes me officially stop watching WWE. I’ll tune back in once Vince is dead and can’t mistreat his talent anymore.
-
From what I hear, Steph treats people like crap too so this tradition could be going on long after Vince is gone.
-
Ventura had the right idea back in the 80's. They should have unionized.
I don't know the history, and don't even care at this point, but I thought they explored it and were prohibited from doing so.
From what I hear, Steph treats people like crap too so this tradition could be going on long after Vince is gone.
I thought that was more an issue with creative than with talent. HHH is still in charge of talent (I think...?) and being from that side of the business will hopefully treat the wrestlers sports entertainers respectfully (even if he didn't always when he was one of the boys).
-
The product has been shit for ages... as demonstrated by the repeated need to bring back aging superstars all the time - Sting, Goldberg, Lesnar, Taker (though, that's as much of his own making), HHH, HBK. Shit, I wouldn't be surprised if Bret Hart had a comeback match at some point. There will always be athletes with athletic talent, so it ain't the in-ring skills that is the problem. The rest of the product is what honks on bobo.
-
I don't know the history, and don't even care at this point, but I thought they explored it and were prohibited from doing so.
As Jesse was starting to organize talent to form a union, Hogan ran to Vince and ratted them all out and essentially it was squashed before it could even get off the ground.
-
Just been rewatching Wrestlemania 3, 4 and 5.
WM3 might not be the best show ever, but it is without question the biggest wrestling show in history. I paused the audience a few times; not sure if it was actually 93,000, but no question it was an insane amount of people. Seriously Savage/Steamboat is the tops when it comes to wrestling :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal. And Hogan/Andre is a must watch just for a history standpoint.
WM4&5.....might not get the best reviews, but overall I enjoyed them both. A bit too long, but the two shows portrayed the best storyline in wrestling history......The Mega Powers explode.
If you have time, watch WM6 (Canada :metal) which includes one of my top two all time favorite matches....Hulk Hogan vs Ultimate Warrior. This is the match that overachieved more than any match in the history of pro wrestling but I really enjoy.
-
But I will emphasize the amazing match up one more time between Savage and Steamboat at WM3. Outstanding when it comes to pro wrestling. I just watch this match in awe. I've watched probably 100,000 pro wrestling matches and this one is mind boggling.
If a match can get a six star rating....Steamboat/Savage WM3.
-
I do not know why, but I always thought a match like Steamboat/Savage at WM3 ending on a small package slightly lessons the majesty that match trulywas. It's like the Diamondbacks winning in '01 on a bloop single. Yeah, it was an amazing, memorable series. But how much more awesome would it be ending on something like Joe Carter's HR in '93?
-
I do not know why, but I always thought a match like Steamboat/Savage at WM3 ending on a small package slightly lessons the majesty that match trulywas. It's like the Diamondbacks winning in '01 on a bloop single. Yeah, it was an amazing, memorable series. But how much more awesome would it be ending on something like Joe Carter's HR in '93?
The match is perfect IMO. I just watched it for the countless time tonight.
-
And continuing with Wrestlemania 3 until the end.......Hogan vs Andre will never be considered the greatest match of all time, but watching it for the ?????? time tonight.............I really don't think you can tell me a bigger match than this one. Obviously not the best match ever, but if you can tell me a bigger/more famous match in the history of pro wrestling than this one, I would like to know. And when it's all said and done, this was still a really entertaining match overalll. Andre was never able to perform like this after this match but he put it all on the line with this match.
-
Hogan/Warrior is the only one I can think of that might come close to being as-big (but certainly not bigger). The first time 2 faces headlined a major PPV, as well as the IC vs World Champ.
If Hogan/Flair had ever happened in the 80s, that might've been it. But by the time they finally did go 1:1, I think the WWF blew the promotion of it. And honestly, I just never felt that WWF-Natch carried the same gravitas as NWA/WCW-Natch
-
Hogan/Warrior is the only one I can think of that might come close to being as-big (but certainly not bigger). The first time 2 faces headlined a major PPV, as well as the IC vs World Champ.
If Hogan/Flair had ever happened in the 80s, that might've been it. But by the time they finally did go 1:1, I think the WWF blew the promotion of it. And honestly, I just never felt that WWF-Natch carried the same gravitas as NWA/WCW-Natch
No he was never even close, you’re right. Well maybe after the show in the bar he was lol
-
I will always hve fond memories of Wrestlemania 4 because when I was a kid (early-mid 90s) we had a random blank VHS tape with Wrestlemania 4 on it and I watched it countless times. What a great announce team Gorilla and Jesse Ventura were.
And it wasn't quite the cultural milestone of Hulk vs Andre, but Hulk vs Rock was pretty crazy too.
-
The atmosphere in Toronto for Hogan/Rock might be near the top for any match in history. It seemed like both men were legitimately taken aback by it.
-
The atmosphere in Toronto for Hogan/Rock might be near the top for any match in history. It seemed like both men were legitimately taken aback by it.
I think one of my favorite Rock promos ever was when he came to Toronto, the year after that Wrestlemania, when he became Hollywood Rock and he unleashed a lot of venom to that crowd that had the audacity, I say!, to boo the Rock at Wrestlemania 18. However, now The Rock became Hollywood Rock, they suddenly like him again and go along with his usual catchphrases like nothing happened the year before? No, no, no. He ain't going to let them forget about it. That crowd did probably wanted to kill him for saying that the Maple Leafs suck.
-
The atmosphere in Toronto for Hogan/Rock might be near the top for any match in history. It seemed like both men were legitimately taken aback by it.
I think one of my favorite Rock promos ever was when he came to Toronto, the year after that Wrestlemania, when he became Hollywood Rock and he unleashed a lot of venom to that crowd that had the audacity, I say!, to boo the Rock at Wrestlemania 18. However, now The Rock became Hollywood Rock, they suddenly like him again and go along with his usual catchphrases like nothing happened the year before? No, no, no. He ain't going to let them forget about it. That crowd did probably wanted to kill him for saying that the Maple Leafs suck.
I remember that one!
Those 2003 Hollywood Rock promo's were great.
-
Hollywood Rock was classic. But the heel persona didn’t last because Rock was just too cool and funny, people kept cheering him. The cool funny heel rarely works; a total heel needs to be evil and mean.
And Rock was always hilarious when he sang too
-
Hollywood Rock was classic. But the heel persona didn’t last because Rock was just too cool and funny, people kept cheering him. The cool funny heel rarely works; a total heel needs to be evil and mean.
And Rock was always hilarious when he sang too
I loved his feud with The Hurricaine.
WHAT'S UP WITH THAT!
-
:lol
-
RIP Road Warrior Animal...
https://www.tmz.com/2020/09/23/wwe-legend-joseph-laurinitis-dead-at-60-road-warrior-animal/
-
Very sad news. Road Warriors are the greatest tag team of all time.
-
Very sad news. Road Warriors are the greatest tag team of all time.
Agreed on both accounts. There are a plethora of teams that could be considered #2, but anyone who questions who is #1 is daft. I mean, these guys had everything. EVERYTHING. They were the perfect tag-team that could do it all. Mean, menacing, intimidating, innovative, athletic, powerful. Whether heel or face, they carried both an in-ring and mic-presence gravitas that no other tag team had, nor will ever matched.
Gonna have to go watch some classic matches. Maybe WarGames.
-
War Games are such a great match. Especially the original with the Four Horsemen and the 92 version with the Dangerous Alliance.
But the Road Warriors had the look along with the talent in the ring. Coming to the ring to Iron Man, immediately tossing out a jabroni, a few kicks, punches and then a doomsday device to the second guy. It was simple but extremely effective.
-
Oh, man. Terrible news.
-
Coming to the ring to Iron Man, immediately tossing out a jabroni, a few kicks, punches and then a doomsday device to the second guy. It was simple but extremely effective.
Dang, I remember those days. I didn't know that song as Iron Man at that time, it was just the Road Warriors' song. I probably totally marked out the first time I heard it on the radio when I was getting in to classic rock.
-
Not sure how many remember Rocco the Road Warrior puppet from 1992. One of the most ridiculous ideas ever. The Road Warriors hated that puppet with a passion. Especially Hawk, who went AWOL after Summerslam in London and went on a major bender mostly out of disgust for little Rocco lol.
-
Rocco was so dumb. Vince really knows how to water down an awesome and brutal tag team with a lame ass doll :lol
-
Poor little Rocco lol. I guarantee Hawk wanted to strangle him.
-
If a wrestler gets big outside of WWE, Vince always tries to change their gimmick or add to it because he can’t accept that sometimes wrestling is good without him contributing to it. Other than AJ Styles, he has found a way to ruin every wrestler who has come into his company that got over without him because he wants to be the one to hold the key to their success.
-
I’m still surprised at AJ’s success in WWE. And from reading interviews with AJ, so is he. But people noticed his workrate early on and he got some good breaks.
Another example was Flairs run in the early 90s. He was only there for about 15 months and I guess you could still argue he wasn’t used as well as he should. But when Flair arrived in Fall of 91 and if Vince didn’t acknowledge his background and give him a mega push immediately, fans would be livid. There is no way he could have given Ric a new gimmick or started him lower card.
Goldberg could be another example.
It’s a bummer that Sting never joined WWE in early 2000’s instead of TNA. I would have liked to see how that would have turned out.
-
I’m still surprised at AJ’s success in WWE. And from reading interviews with AJ, so is he. But people noticed his workrate early on and he got some good breaks.
Another example was Flairs run in the early 90s. He was only there for about 15 months and I guess you could still argue he wasn’t used as well as he should. But when Flair arrived in Fall of 91 and if Vince didn’t acknowledge his background and give him a mega push immediately, fans would be livid. There is no way he could have given Ric a new gimmick or started him lower card.
Goldberg could be another example.
It’s a bummer that Sting never joined WWE in early 2000’s instead of TNA. I would have liked to see how that would have turned out.
Had WWE treated the ex-WCW guys with more respect, Sting might have come on board earlier. He saw how Vince buried the former WCW wrestlers (see: DDP) and he wanted nothing to do with that.
-
I wasn't in to WCW in the slightest but I knew who DDP was, and when he revealed he was the guy stalking Taker's wife, I was all "OH HELL YEAH IT'S ON NOW!!!" And then... well, we all know where it went from there.
-
Stings run in the WWE (if you can even call it that) is one of the most disappointing things I have ever experienced in wrestling :P
If he came over in the early 2000's, it would have been something really solid. Oh well
-
Crow Sting was cool but I'm still a huge fan of blond surfer Sting. That's the version I still watch all the time.
-
Did everyone know that before cracking in to WCCW, he and Ultimate Warrior were part of a faction called "PowerTeam USA", then becoming the Blade Runners (in the UWF)
PowerTeam USA ... Justice and Flash!!!
(https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fprowrestlingstories.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F05%2Fpowerteamusa_FI.jpg&f=1&nofb=1)
Blade Runners ... Rock and Sting
(https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatics.sportskeeda.com%2Feditor%2F2017%2F10%2Fb2c52-1509027038-500.jpg&f=1&nofb=1)
-
Corny tells a story about watching the Blade Runners in a chat with Bruce Pritchard. The whole clip is them talking about Warrior, which is hilarious, but the part about the Blade Runners starts around 4:45.
https://youtu.be/vOv2ewcrFDA?t=286
-
When it comes to wrestling entrance music, there aren’t many that are more catchy then-
“He’s a Man called Sting. The Man Called Sting. He does this, he does that. He’s big as a bull and quick as a cat”
-
Kenny fn Omega!!!! Canada/Winnipeg!!!!!!! :metal :metal
-
I watched Kenny Omega in 2001 (quite possibly his first match ever) in a opening match at a community centre in Winnipeg. I remember he was only about 130lbs and was doing some some surfer gimmick. Only about 30 people there but I honestly remember being impressed with his skills. Even though he was the opening match, he always stood out to me. Since then I’ve met up with him in Winnipeg and spoken to him and told him I’ve been there since the beginning.....Kenny is a class act and a legitimate nice guy.....it’s awesome to see a fellow Canadian become world champion
-
Another fantastic show by AEW. Omega and Mox was outstanding....and Stings presence will be welcome, even if he doesn't do much in the actual ring.
Also RIP Pat Patterson
-
Definitely RIP to Pat. You have to respect his knowledge and the fact he came up with the Royal Rumble. The Rumble is my favourite match I can watch Rumble’s 88-92 over and over. Seriously is there ever a more star studded match than the 92 rumble and a greater commentary performance in the history of wrestling?
This AEW show was special for me. Obviously Kenny.......but my all time two favourite wrestlers are Ric Flair and Sting.......both are absolutely amazing......to see Sting return tonight and to see the fans get truly emotional and to hear Jim and Tony show the emotion they did.....I’ll admit, I did have a tear tonight......I know Chad will back me up
-
I would, but I haven’t watched any wrestling other than classic old clips in about a decade. I recently stumbled on the Monday Night War series on Dailymotion, and have been watching that.
Jim Ross and Tony Schiavone announcing together would be cool to listen to.
-
I would, but I haven’t watched any wrestling other than classic old clips in about a decade. I recently stumbled on the Monday Night War series on Dailymotion, and have been watching that.
Jim Ross and Tony Schiavone announcing together would be cool to listen to.
Chad....I know you are an old school fan......track down tonight’s episode of AEW and listen to the emotion in the voices of Jim and Tony
-
I would, but I haven’t watched any wrestling other than classic old clips in about a decade. I recently stumbled on the Monday Night War series on Dailymotion, and have been watching that.
Jim Ross and Tony Schiavone announcing together would be cool to listen to.
Chad....I know you are an old school fan......track down tonight’s episode of AEW and listen to the emotion in the voices of Jim and Tony
Roger that
-
If you are an old school wrestling fan, the return of Sting tonight was special. Only the hard cores will understand
-
What a minute, what a minute, wait a gosh darn minute..... in 2020 there was a show with Flair, Sting, and JR and Tony Schiavone were on the call?!
-
What a minute, what a minute, wait a gosh darn minute..... in 2020 there was a show with Flair, Sting, and JR and Tony Schiavone were on the call?!
Destiny knows what I’m talking about.........hopefully Chris and Chad get on board with what took place tonight
-
It was cool to see Sting in AEW. hopefully they use him better than the idiot WWE did :P
-
It was cool to see Sting in AEW. hopefully they use him better than the idiot WWE did :P
Yeah.. they totally botched their use of Sting. It could've / should've been epic, and it was a total dud. I watch the JBL interview with him last week (from 2016). Very interesting stuff.
-
I love this clip:
https://old.reddit.com/r/maybemaybemaybe/comments/k5srag/maybe_maybe_maybe/
-
😆
-
I can’t say I’ve ever been much of a fan or really watched TNA/Impact besides casually here and there. But I am curious to see where this partnership with AEW leads. This obviously benefits Impact but I don’t see a big benefit for AEW. I think AEW would be better off doing their own thing. But could be interesting
-
I can’t say I’ve ever been much of a fan or really watched TNA/Impact besides casually here and there. But I am curious to see where this partnership with AEW leads. This obviously benefits Impact but I don’t see a big benefit for AEW. I think AEW would be better off doing their own thing. But could be interesting
Other than AEW, Impact has the most ex-WWE guys in the industry, a lot of them having left on bad terms. If AEW really wants to be competition to WWE beyond beating NXT in the ratings every week, they need as many guys working with a chip on their shoulder as possible.
-
So, AEW show is OnDemand. Just watched the Battle Royal. Good stuff. Great to hear Good Ole JR and Schiavone on the mic again.
-
RIP Brodie Lee. Gutted for his wife and young children.
I am truly grateful for the run he got in AEW. He was underutilized at WWE and it was great to see him used properly.
-
Such a shock to see the new last night. Sad, but also nice to see how many peers in different companies had such wonderful things to say about him.
I always thought it was funny that he dropped the TNT belt back to Cody so quickly after winning it, I wonder if that was the onset of his illness.
-
Undertaker was just on Joe Rogan
Pretty good listen and its on spotify if you want to check it out. Shorter highlights videos are on youtube.
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/g0q5HPUQ774/maxresdefault.jpg)
-
Cool ... definitely want to check that out.
Dayum!!! 2h43m!!!!
-
To me, it's been a given for as long as I can remember that the Mount Rushmore of pro wrestling is Hogan, Flair, Austin and Rock, but Undertaker has a strong case for it as well. I can't imagine taking any of the other four off the list, although I guess it would have to be Flair since he never dominated WWF/WWE during his prime and (amazingly) never main evented a Wrestlemania (last match, the whole multiple main events thing is crap).
-
Hogan, Flair, HHH, Undertaker. For me, longevity and consistency for the latter two plays a role to put them on top over Rock and Austin (who I’d put on if it were a 6 headed mountain).
-
(https://www.yellowbullet.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=1920,fit=scale-down/https://www.yellowbullet.com/attachments/93125238-9191-45f8-9dee-dcb40307b195-jpeg.196895/)
-
So in any spare time I had for the last week, I was listening to some wrestling audiobooks of autobiographies. I was listening to the Stone Cold Truth told by Steve Austin and JR. Austin was pretty good at doing the audiobook thing. It's like less of him reading his own book and more listening to a conversation of his life story and his time as an active wrestler. It just saddens me the way Austin talked about the state of the product near the end of the book (and he stated it in 2003 when the book came out) on how it was so slick and prefab that it didn't feel raw or realistic or exciting or engaging in which he has a point. You think with the success of Stone Cold had on the wrestling industry in general that you think Vince would let more wrestlers cut loose with the way they want to portray themselves on camera and in front of the crowds, but he didn't want to go that route for various reasons. The only downer to the audiobook was that Austin left off some details about certain events of his life (probably due to time constraints) and that JR felt not as enthusiastic in his parts.
I'm also quite amazed how the day before his final match ever in his career, against the Rock at WM19, Austin was in the hospital due to having a heart attack, mainly from stress of not wanting to stink the joint and drinking a lot of coffee and energy drinks. Sure, it was Rock and Austin at the tailends of their active career and it was pretty much a greatest hits match for them (The Rock donning Austin's vest midmatch was a hell of a moment though), but it was still pretty exciting to watch.
Also, I listened to most of the audiobook to Mick Foley's Have a Nice Day. You think with a 3 hour, 18 minute runtime he would tell the entire story? Nope, that book was extremely long so, naturally, parts had to cut. Naturally, Foley was excellent really at expressing his tone when it calls for it. He had some good accents and imitations for some of the guys he talked about, especially the person who trained him.
-
Flair is automatic. It is a shame about how his prime didn't align with a significant run in the WWF/E, but sometimes the timing doesn't work out.
I don't want to put Hogan in the pantheon, but this thread might not exist, let alone be 77 pages long, with no Hogan.
I am partial to Undertaker, he was my avatar here for a while. His level of consistency, relevancy, and professionalism are unmatched. If anyone has ever said a bad word about him, I have not heard it.
I do not know if Rock's career was long enough to warrant Rushmore status.
I think Michaels needs some consideration, his in-ring work was as good as anyone's, for two separate extended periods.
I really only followed WWF/E, and JCP back in the 80s, so my scope is limited.
-
I think the argument against HBK being on Mount Rushmore was that when he was champion and during the times he had his most famous matches in his prime (Ladder Match with Razor Ramon, Iron Man with Bret, Hell in a Cell with Undertaker) was during times where WWF/E was not at a peak when it comes to drawing eyeballs or revenue in comparison to Hogan's or Austin's time which sucks because there were times in that down period of 95-96 before Austin rose where HBK was probably the only thing worth watching WWF at the time in comparison to WCW.
Also, a lot of mainstream non-wrestling people probably wouldn't know who Shawn Michaels is compared to Hogan, Austin, and the Rock and maybe Undertaker. Heck, I didn't know who the guy was until I started watching again in 2006 and I was watching it during 2000-01 as a young kid, which like 2-3 years before he came back. HBK became a favorite of mine pretty fast and I was naturally excited to watch every Wrestlemania match he was in until 2010 since the buildup was pretty engaging for those matches.
-
I will take Bret Hart over Michaels when it comes to ring work, but neither was a draw like Hogan, Austin, Rock, etc., so it's hard to put either up there. Michaels loses points for me as well for what a cocksucker he was behind the scenes in the 90's and when you consider how many times he lost a title without actually losing it in the ring. He made amends with many for that in the 00's, but he can't erase how he acted in the 90's.
HHH wouldn't be on my Mount Rushmore if it was 12 deep. :lol
I get not putting Austin and Rock on there due to lack of longevity, but they were so huge, and were THE top guys during what was probably the apex of pro wrestling from a popularity standpoint, so I can't not put them on there. And even though Flair was obviously a better wrestler than Hogan, the latter was the main reason for the explosion of wrestling into the mainstream in the 80's. I know it's a cliche to say "you had to be there," but you really can't explain how over Hogan was in the 80's unless you witnessed it in real time.
-
Also, the one argument against Undertaker in regards to comparisons to Hogan, Rock, Flair and Austin was those latter four were all totally over because of their natural charisma and/or ring work. It took the Undertaker character to get Mark Calaway over, and then it took the streak, another gimmick, to keep him relevant for as long as he was. Mad props to Calaway for taking a gimmick that would have probably failed in the hands of almost anyone else, but those other four didn't need a gimmick like that to get over and stay over.
-
I will take Bret Hart over Michaels when it comes to ring work, but neither was a draw like Hogan, Austin, Rock, etc., so it's hard to put either up there.
Michaels had something that Hart didn't have, despite them both being A+ in the ring. Just a gut feeling I cannot articulate well. And true they didn't draw but the business was shit in the mid-90s, something that was in no way their fault. And maybe Michaels being a dick keeps him off the mountain, I don't know if I want to make that judgment.
I know it's a cliche to say "you had to be there," but you really can't explain how over Hogan was in the 80's unless you witnessed it in real time.
Yes, I was there, and 100% know what you mean. Dude hosted SNL - back when that meant something! - which was mindblowing for a young wrestling fan in the 80s.
-
My own personal Mount Rushmore would be Sting, Taker, Hall and Michaels
-
I will take Bret Hart over Michaels when it comes to ring work, but neither was a draw like Hogan, Austin, Rock, etc., so it's hard to put either up there.
Michaels had something that Hart didn't have, despite them both being A+ in the ring. Just a gut feeling I cannot articulate well. And true they didn't draw but the business was shit in the mid-90s, something that was in no way their fault. And maybe Michaels being a dick keeps him off the mountain, I don't know if I want to make that judgment.
Well, we could argue if being a dick keeps someone off the mountain, we could argue that Hogan shouldn't be there? He was against a wrestlers' union or something like that. Could have probably helped wrestlers nowadays, especially in these covid times. I don't know if Austin was really a dick backstage. The only thing closest to it, that I can tell, was him not wanting to work with Owen Hart anymore after Owen Hart give him a poorly executed tombstone that destroyed Austin's neck and shorted his career by a couple of years. I highly doubt anyone can be upset at the Rock at all during his wrestling career. Maybe CM Punk in 2012-13, but I think was more of him being upset at how WWE is ran than the Rock himself as a person.
-
Michaels had something that Hart didn't have, despite them both being A+ in the ring. Just a gut feeling I cannot articulate well. And true they didn't draw but the business was shit in the mid-90s, something that was in no way their fault. And maybe Michaels being a dick keeps him off the mountain, I don't know if I want to make that judgment.
Hart wasn't the high flyer that Michaels was, but to me, his style looked more real. Just two guys down on the mat duking it out in what looked more real and having a fight to the finish. Michaels' style looks great on TV, but it was almost too choreographed to where it looked like more like a circus act at times than a wrestling match.
Yes, I was there, and 100% know what you mean. Dude hosted SNL - back when that meant something! - which was mindblowing for a young wrestling fan in the 80s.
Oh, for sure! Time has shown that Terry Bollea is not a good guy and very much of a liar, but Hulk Hogan the character was as entertaining as it got back in the day. They can call Michaels Mr. Wrestlemania all they want, but Hogan was the original Mr. Wrestlemania. He freaking main evented seven of the first eight, and the one he didn't (IV), he was still in the main event, in the corner of Randy Savage when he defeated Ted DiBiase for the world title in the tournament for the vacant title.
-
Well, we could argue if being a dick keeps someone off the mountain, we could argue that Hogan shouldn't be there? He was against a wrestlers' union or something like that. Could have probably helped wrestlers nowadays, especially in these covid times. I don't know if Austin was really a dick backstage. The only thing closest to it, that I can tell, was him not wanting to work with Owen Hart after Owen Hart give him a poorly executed tombstone that destroyed Austin's neck and shorted his career by a couple of years. It's hard to say if anyone can ever be upset at the Rock at all. Maybe CM Punk in 2012, but I think was more of him being upset at how WWE is ran than the Rock himself as a person.
CM Punk was one of my favorites, but I would imagine he would a difficult person in real life to get along with.
IIRC, Hogan was against unionizing because he wanted to protect his spot as the top guy and keep making fat stacks, but of course there are countless stories about Ric Flair pulling stuff behind the scenes to keep his spot, too. Seems to be the way it was back then if you wanted to make sure you stayed on top. Of course the a-holes in the Kliq took it to a whole new level in the 90's, as they wanted to bury anyone who wasn't with them. Heck, just look at Vader. He was a beast in WCW, yet saw his run in WWF pretty much flop thanks to Michaels. Awful.
-
It’s like you all forgot about a man known as Andre the Giant.
-
I'd definitely put Hart over Michaels too. Saw most of the Stone Cold podcast with him recently, and the thing that stuck out to me is how many people had an absolute "classic" match with The Hitman - Austin at WM 13; Michaels and the Iron Man Match; Owen at WM 10; Davey Boy at SS '92; Henning KOTR; Benoit (Owen tribute). There aren't a lot of duds in the Hitman's inventory. Well, Goldberg, but he's got duds with everyone.
-
As great as the Summerslam and KOTR matches were, the best Hart/Hennig match I ever saw was from a house show in '89 that was shown on Prime Time Wrestling. I remember taping that episode and re-watching that match more times than I can count. Found it:
Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLmh_wJIxSQ
part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTjP6-agBaM
To me, Hart/Hennig was like Flair/Steamboat. Just put them in the ring, let them go, and you knew you were getting a great match.
T-ski, Andre the Giant would certainly be high on my list as well. If I did a secondary Mount Rushmore, he'd be on it. ;)
-
As great as the Summerslam and KOTR matches were, the best Hart/Hennig match I ever saw was from a house show in '89 that was shown on Prime Time Wrestling. I remember taping that episode and re-watching that match more times than I can count. Found it:
Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLmh_wJIxSQ
part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTjP6-agBaM
Thanks! Saved to "watch later".. which I'll do on the bike shortly. Think I just might watch a few 'classics'.
-
That's always a dangerous rabbit hole to go down as you can kill/waste hours doing that. :lol :lol
-
That's always a dangerous rabbit hole to go down as you can kill/waste hours doing that. :lol :lol
When the bike stops, so does the YT watching. I've got the Undertaker/Hogan title change match already in my saved list for a while.
-
Those early Undertaker matches were so terrible, as he worked too slow and methodical; it just wasn't entertaining to watch. It's funny how many love to rip Hogan for no-selling because of how he would "Hulk Up" at the end of matches, but the Undertaker no-sold almost EVERYTHING his opponents did for years, and always retained that part of his character (when he would sit up suddenly, as is rising from the dead! :lol). It's like people forget that those things were part of their character, not that Mark Calaway and Terry Bollea were trying to bury their opponents. Thank goodness that part of Undertaker's character, where he no-sold everything, was ditched.
-
Watched that Perfect/Hitman match. Lord Alfred ... miss his voice. I seem to have zero recollection that Schiavone was in the WWF back then. And man, Hennig was a masterful seller.
-
Lord Alfred ... miss his voice.
Promotional consideration paid for by the following...
-
Lord Alfred was always a good listen because he never really favored the faces or the heels. He would compliment the faces like the face announcers, but he was never shy about giving props to the heels when their dirty tactics worked. And on occasion, he would give commentary where he would blatantly favor the heel.
And he set up one of my favorite all-liners in wrestling history, during the Hogan/Andre cage match at Wrestlefest in the summer of '88. As Andre was climbing the cage late in the match...
Lord Alfred: Andre trying to climb over the cage so he can leap to victory.
Sean Mooney: Did you say leap?
:rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin
-
Just saw a YT video about the best talkers in wrestling history. So... who you got? Off the top of my head (I only really ever followed JCP in the 80s and WWF/WWE in spurts throughout the 80s/early 90s, and 2000s.
God tier:
Ric Flair. I grew up watching JCP on TBS. I never got in to WCW and wasn't following WWF/E when Flair was there, so my only real connection with him is during his time with JCP. Damn he was golden on the mic. "I've spent more money on split liquor.... (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTKMxFNqlcQ)" I doubt I knew what liquor was when I saw that promo as a kid, but damn if I didn't believe every word he said, and bought in to him being the baddest son of a gun on the planet.
Bobby Heenan. Being called a Humanoid never felt so good as when it came out of the mouth of the Weasel.
Not quite God tier, still above mere mortals.
Rowdy Roddy Piper. His promo could go anywhere, at any time, be about anything, and be the most engaging, fascinating thing you will hear the whole day.
The Rock.
Jake "the Snake" Roberts (while sober).
-
Hard to top Flair, Rock, Austin and Hogan. All being great talkers is a big reason why I consider them the 4 GOAT's of pro wrestling.
Bobby Heenan was awesome, for sure.
Piper was also a great one, as was Jake the Snake.
I would also add CM Punk.
-
Hard to top Flair, Rock, Austin and Hogan. All being great talkers is a big reason why I consider them the 4 GOAT's of pro wrestling.
Bobby Heenan was awesome, for sure.
Piper was also a great one, as was Jake the Snake.
I would also add CM Punk.
Agreed on all of the above.
Macho Man was an absolutely unique promo guy. I think there are a lot wrestlers with great mic skills, but not quite the charisma like a Flair or Rock. Bret Hart comes to mind. JBL too. Hogan (as a face at least) was the other way around... great charisma, but sometimes awkward and clunky. Same with Sting.
When it comes to managers, Cornette and Paul E are the only other ones after Heenan that were ever worth a damn on the mic.
Almost God-tier: HHH, HBK, Dusty, Mick/Mankind/Foley, Taker
-
I forgot to put Ted DiBiase up there. The Million Dollar Man gimmick was awesome, and he sold it amazingly. I remember Heenan once saying that on days where they'd shoot promos all day (the ones they would show before matches backstage, for example), he and others would work with the wrestlers to get them just right, but with DiBiase, you just had to turn the camera on and let him go. He was that good that he needed no prep.
I don't agree about Bret, Michaels, Taker or HHH. They all had their moments, but were in general average talkers at best.
-
I don't agree about Bret, Michaels, Taker or HHH. They all had their moments, but were in general average talkers at best.
I see your point, but I still think you're full of shit. :lol
I'm thinking HBK/HHH in the Attitude era, and origins of D-X. That was some good shit. And 'Taker as the American Badass - again, not a lot of charisma, but he was never stiff or uninteresting on the mic.
You can't deny Bret's "El Dandy" promo/comment is pure gold.
Average guys are the likes of Scott Steiner, The Miz, Booker T, Road Warriors, Rude, Hall, Nash, RVD ... those are the guys that I consider average.
Oh, let's also throw Perfect there (RIP) as A-list promo guys.
-
Scott Steiner had the occasional gold as well, with the "Math" promo :lol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msDuNZyYAIQ
-
It felt like Scott Steiner's old decent promos were when he was shooting for real, like when he went off on Flair. What a waste that guy became. The Big Poppa Pump thing was entertaining for a while, but he was incredible to watch circa 1989-1992. For a guy as jacked as he was, even back then before he blew up to ridiculous sizes, to perform the Frankensteiner was pretty amazing. That is still the most bad ass wrestling move ever.
And I agree about Cut Hennig. Great talker and he had the best smug grin.
-
Always thought Jericho was under appreciated for his mic work.
-
Always thought Jericho was under appreciated for his mic work.
I think he is underappreciated in general. He is an all-time great. One of the all-time best heels, great on the mic, awesome in the ring, etc. He can and has done it all. He just never had the massive appeal to bring in non-watchers like Hogan, Rock or Austin did.
-
Ric Flair's NWA Crockett promos are unmatched. Youtube is great :metal
-
Always thought Jericho was under appreciated for his mic work.
Good call.
-
One of my favorite Jericho moments....
Back when WCW had no idea what they had, Jericho was feuding with Dean Malenko (The Man of 1000 Holds) and Jericho wanted it to be known he knew more holds than Malenko.
https://youtu.be/w94CD9ixrNw (5:30 mark, make sure to get thru the commercial)
-
Best talkers....
From the classic era - Flair, Roberts, Savage
From the Attitude Era - Rock, Austin
From the PG Era - Jericho, Cena, Punk
From the Modern Era - MJF, Moxley, Kingston
Honorable mention to the managers, Heenan, Cornette, Heyman and Callis
-
One of my favorite Jericho moments....
Back when WCW had no idea what they had, Jericho was feuding with Dean Malenko (The Man of 1000 Holds) and Jericho wanted it to be known he knew more holds than Malenko.
https://youtu.be/w94CD9ixrNw (5:30 mark, make sure to get thru the commercial)
One of my favorites, he was so good at getting heat.
-
Shouldn't Booker T be on the list of great talkers on the strength of calling Hogan the n-word (with the -a ending) on live TV once? :lol :lol
-
^^ I loved how in the split second after Booker T called Hogan, the N-word, Booker T immediately knew that he was not suppose to say that on TV and put his hands on his head and years later, when he talked about it, he thought he was going to be blackballed from WCW after he said it.
Anywho, I finished watching the Royal Rumble 2005 match. I always say that the 2004 version may by my 2nd favorite match ever, but the 2005 version is a pretty good follow-up. You see Guerrero and Benoit going head-to-head at #1 and #2 at the start. Then, they started chopping at a rookie and then Hardcore Holly was really chopping at the rookie as well. You see a less broken down Edge and Mysterio. Chris Jericho (in his grunge-style hairdo at the time) was at his last Royal Rumble PPV until 2008. You see 4 Raw and 4 Smackdown guys teaming up to eliminate Muhammad Hassan. HBK and Angle had a brief clash where they eliminated each other to set up their match at WM 21. Batista was hella over (and less injured-prone).
The final four line-up was pretty good as well with Cena, Edge, Mysterio, and Batista. Those guys were over, non-injured prone, and non-oversaturated compared to 2010 where three of those four guys was in the final four (subbing Mysterio for HBK) where at that point people were already sick of Cena, Batista was starting to move out of wrestling, and Edge was about a year away from retiring the first time. I wished the final two between Cena and Batista had a much longer finish ala Undertaker/HBK in 2007 and you say what you want about WWE, and their decision-making nowadays. In 2005, that was the right call for those two guys to be the final two and to build around the company moving forward. It sucks about the botched ending, but at least, we get Vince being pissed and then blowing his legs out when he entered the ring.
Good match.
-
Vince being pissed and then blowing his legs out when he entered the ring.
That still gives me the heebee jeebies when I see that - especially since he didn't realize how bad it was until his tried to stand up, and completely buckled over.
:shivers:
-
So Alexa Bliss pinned a 15 time world champion in cowgirl position after interference from essentially Jason Voorhees.
Covid-era WWE is kinda wild.
-
Ric Flair's NWA Crockett promos are unmatched.
This is true.
-
So Alexa Bliss pinned a 15 time world champion in cowgirl position after interference from essentially Jason Voorhees.
Covid-era WWE is kinda wild.
Kinda reminds me of when Marc Mero let Sabel powerbomb him and it ruined all his credibility :P But yeah, WWE is whack
-
Kinda reminds me of when Marc Mero let Sabel powerbomb him and it ruined all his credibility :P But yeah, WWE is whack
Yeah. Though I will say that I don't think credibility is their prime concern with this particular angle. "I don't think Alexa Bliss got all of that... fireball..." - A calm commentator, as if somebody had just botched the timing on a superkick, rather than trying to maim her opponent with literal magic. :lol
-
So I'm browsing through pages, here and there, like I did and oddly enough, I was reading an Undertaker interview on Loudwire of all places and they mentioned the documentary, "The Last Ride," and there was a Youtube link of a 13 minute video that had parts of it and I thought, it was a good 13 minutes preview that showed the longevity that the Undertaker has gone through in the industry and one of the rare occasions you can see the Undertaker in a non-kayfabe appearance and him being more open about his career outside his American Bad Ass years. Is it a good watch, by any chance?
On a side note, it's a little sad to see the guys you watched on and off for decades and you see them horribly aged when they were talking about Undertaker in today's age. Vince, Shane, HBK, Bret, Mick Foley, etc. Austin was the only talking head in that video where he doesn't looked as aged. That Bald-headed and goatee look will stand the test of time.
-
Somewhat along those lines, the WWE uploaded the Bret/Vince match from WM26 to YT. It's cool that they are uploading tons of classic matches to watch for free on YT, but that match was so awful that it seems like a poor choice. Bret, because of his injuries and the stroke, was a shell of himself, and legally could not take a bump, so that match was a farce. I get having the match to have some kayfabe closure to the Montreal Screwjob, but should have left that match in the corner of their network and left it far away from YT.
-
Every time I see this thread bumped to the top, at a time when no one here seems interested in talking about wrestling, I fear some old time wrestler passed away.
I am a big Undertaker guy, but never got around to watching that.
I wasn't following wrestling throughout pretty much all of the 90s so did not experience Owen Hart's career and tragic end. I did recently listen to JR talk about Owen's death on his podcast (I've heard him talk about it on another occasion or two). Then I listened to Lawler talk about it on another podcast, and I had never heard him speak about it at all. Man, to be in the literal front row for that horrific event. When they cut to them live when JR is told to give the word to the audience, just the look on Lawler's face is enough to give me shivvers. I read something poignant and profound in the YT comments (a rare event!), something to the effect of "Only Cronkite could tell us JFK was shot, only JR could tell us Owen was dead."
-
Every time I see this thread bumped to the top, at a time when no one here seems interested in talking about wrestling, I fear some old time wrestler passed away.
Yeah.... same
As for The Last Ride, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I don't have a Network subscription, but someone was uploading them at DailyMotion, so I watched it there. Still seem to be all 5 chapters up there from various users.
-
Speaking of The Undertaker, he had the Tombstone, the Last Ride and Hell's Gate as prominent finisher. Did any other wrestler ever have 3 prominent finishers? Plenty of guys have had 2:
Cena: Attitude Adjustment and STF
Lesnar: F5 and Kimura Lock
Punk: GTS and Anaconda Vise
Rock: Peoples Elbow and Rock Bottom (latter was usually a precursor to the former, but was often used as a finisher as well)
Jericho: Walls of Jericho and Codebreaker
Bryan: Yes Lock and Running Knee (cannot recall if there is a more specific name for it when he does it)
-
Well, at the start of Jericho's WWE career, he used to do the Lionsault as a finisher, when he came back the first time in WWE, it was more of a signature move than a finisher and then he transitioned to doing the Codebreaker as a regular finish.
I think AJ Styles has three finishers? Styles Clash, Calf Slicer, and his Phenomenal forearm (I honestly don't see why that's a finisher, but if WWE was pushing for it, so be it)?
-
I believe DB's running knee was called the Knee Plus (from being referred to as a B+ talent).
Jericho also had the lionsault, and now he's got he Judas Kiss over in AEW.,
-
I forgot that he used to use the Lionsalt as a finisher.
Can Jericho even do that or the Codebreaker anymore? Given the weight he put on the last few years, I can't see how.
-
Can’t think of any off the top of my head - though surely there was someone. Angle and Sting also had 2 different finishers.
-
https://youtu.be/znE8a__mZQY?t=99
Undertaker tells Kane he'll be in the inducted in to the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2021. The equivalent of the David Baker knock I guess.
-
https://youtu.be/znE8a__mZQY?t=99
Undertaker tells Kane he'll be in the inducted in to the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2021. The equivalent of the David Baker knock I guess.
Yeah, I saw that. I also saw the 'reveal' video for Bischoff. Touching stuff.
-
Hooray Wrestlemania weekend. Watching some classic matches from prior WMs while I wait for a couple friends (we're all vaccinated) to get here and the beer to start flowing. First up was Hogan vs Rock at X8, now starting Flair's retirement match against Shawn Michaels.
-
So what's the deal, is Wrestlemania actually in a stadium again or is it going to be virtual.
I haven't paid attention to WWE in a good long time.
-
They're doing it in a stadium, the first time they're in front of a live crowd in a little over a year.
-
Same stadium in Tampa that the Super Bowl was at. I presume regular safety rules still applies at WM as it was at the Super Bowl (limited capacity, but people can attend).
-
Yeah, I'm not positive but I'm pretty sure that's going to be the case.
Hooray Wrestlemania weekend. Watching some classic matches from prior WMs while I wait for a couple friends (we're all vaccinated) to get here and the beer to start flowing. First up was Hogan vs Rock at X8, now starting Flair's retirement match against Shawn Michaels.
Shawn Michaels mouthing "I'm sorry. I love you" at the end of that Flair match gets me every time
-
Shawn Michaels mouthing "I'm sorry. I love you" at the end of that Flair match gets me every time
Man that is one thing WWE (and every YT channel devoted to wrestling) loves to look back on, but it is sure worth it.
-
I am not much of a Michaels fan (largely, cause he was too much of an asshole for most of his career), but he did a great job in making Flair's last match a classic.
I think what cannot be underestimated either is how key the commentators are in making a great match greater. Whether it was the Vince/Jesse combo, the Gorilla/Heenan combo, or the Ross/Lawler combo, most great matches have great calls that helped elevate the match. I will say, too, for as much grief as Michael Cole takes, his call of the final 15-20 seconds of the Bryan/Orton/Batista triple threat match at WM30 and his subsequent call of the victory was perfect. I will at least give him that.
-
Shawn Michaels mouthing "I'm sorry. I love you" at the end of that Flair match gets me every time
Man that is one thing WWE (and every YT channel devoted to wrestling) loves to look back on, but it is sure worth it.
Most definitely.
-
Night one was great! Lashley and McIntyre had a hard hitting fight. Seth and Cesaro predictably had an amazing match. AJ became the first wrestler to win the grand slam in both WWE and TNA. Shane and Braun had some fun moments. Bad Bunny surprised with the best in ring celebrity performance ever. And Sasha and Bianca absolutely tore the house down in the main event. If night two is as good as night one was, this could go down as one of the absolute best Manias ever.
-
Bad Bunny surprised with the best in ring celebrity performance ever.
He honestly sold better than a lot of full-time wrestlers. Also, I lost my absolute shit at that Canadian Destroyer.
-
There should be a game: Dumb wrestling gimmick from the 80s, or stupid rapper name. I legit thought Bad Bunny was a wrestler till I looked him up.
-
Bad Bunny surprised with the best in ring celebrity performance ever.
He honestly sold better than a lot of full-time wrestlers. Also, I lost my absolute shit at that Canadian Destroyer.
Same. That was nuts.
-
Anyone watching the A&E Biography series? I watched the Stone Cold one. Not a lot of new stuff I didn't already know, but very well put together. Nice that A&E preceded it was an old Andre The Giant bio. THAT was fantastic.
Really looking forward to the Piper one on Sunday.
-
Just watched the Dark Side of the Ring episode about the von Erichs. I cannot recall if I knew about them in real time, I wasn't big in to Wrestling at their peak yet, and their fame might not have reached the PNW. I have learned over the years about their history, so there wasn't a whole lot new for me, but damn if Kevin doesn't deserve a lifetime championship belt for what he had to endure.
Fritz: "You'd kill yourself too if you had the guts."
Kevin: "Dad, it takes guts to live, not to die."
And if it wasn't for that old dude in the gun store, we might not have Kevin to share these stories with us.
-
I read a review of a brief documentary of a WWE DVD that they did regarding the Von Erichs, back in 2008, but from what I interpret from it was, that's a pretty depressing family. They were a solid bunch of wrestlers from what I read and, in their home state in Texas, were able to wrestle and hang with guys like Ric Flair and the Freebirds and drew crowds there, and it's just sad to see the way most of them passed away.
-
Well, I mentioned this in the Boxing and MMA thread, but I guess I will also bring it up here. During the Paul/Mayweather boxing fight last Sunday, Mauro Ranallo (great commentator in anything he does whether it was in WWE, NJPW, etc.), he referenced Floyd taking on the Big Show at Wrestlemania 24 (that event was 13 years ago!!! Where does the time go???) and winning the match via Brass Knuckles (it was No DQ, I think).
I can't believe WWE booking thought the original plan was they make Floyd the babyface in that match, since he was a hella lot smaller than Big Show and that the story would write itself like if Big Show would face Rey Mysterio (which was actually how it all began back in February 2008 when Big Show returned after over a year-long hiatus where Floyd broke Big Show's nose when the Big Show was about to destroy an injured Mysterio and Floyd came to the rescue.....). Thankfully, they decided to change it since it was that easier to make Floyd the heel for being such an arrogant rich a-hole and I think the match itself worked the way it should have gone for a celebrity involvement.
These fights also got me thinking about this encounter back in the 70s between Antonio Inoki vs Muhammad Ali and how the setup to that fight got really weird. I feel like that crossover encounter was like the precursor to Mayweather/McGregor.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_Ali_vs._Antonio_Inoki
Anywho, sorry for that train of thought. Just thinking about Mayweather doing that fight got me thinking about a lot of stuff regarding crossovers.
-
Anyone watching the A&E Biography series? I watched the Stone Cold one. Not a lot of new stuff I didn't already know, but very well put together. Nice that A&E preceded it was an old Andre The Giant bio. THAT was fantastic.
Really looking forward to the Piper one on Sunday.
I watched the Macho Man and Ultimate Warrior (duh) episode and I enjoyed them. The Macho episode, though, was so nonsensical. The people who contributed were assaulting the guy's character. I mean Bubba the Love Sponge and Hogan were the main contributors. They spent way too much time on Elizabeth and his girlfriends. The best part (far and away) was the in depth discussion on his Ricky Steamboat match. That was interesting.
I thought the Warrior was done right. It was good story telling. They talked about the good and the bad and came to some conclusions. As a fan of his later life and youtube channel, I'm glad they focused on the theme of "family" and how it affected his life. How did his passions impact his personal life be it positive or negative. It was done well.
-Tof
-
I only have the Mick Foley one left to watch. I skipped over that one last week, and watched The Hitman. There wasn't much there I didn't already know. Some of the Hart family details were new to me, but everything wrestling related was already well documented and has been told over and over again.
-
I feel like we are at the point where all that can be said about a lot of subjects has already been said. Do we need anyone to further analyze the Montreal Screwjob at this point?
-
I caught most of the Warrior one a month or so ago when I was flipping around the dial. Pretty interesting. That was cool to see that he and Hogan had a nice moment the weekend of his HOF induction. Seemed like a good family man. I know a lot of wrestlers have bagged on him for not being as dedicated to the business as many others, but given the way the business shits all over most of the performers, in retrospect it is hard to really blame him, even if he still died too young.
-
I feel like we are at the point where all that can be said about a lot of subjects has already been said. Do we need anyone to further analyze the Montreal Screwjob at this point?
Ehhhh, not really. If I want to hear about the Montreal Screwjob in detail, I'll just watch that Bret and Shawn sit-down interview with JR from their greatest rivalries DVD. For me, that might be probably my favorite interview part of a DVD, ever, as they dived deep into a lot of stuff over certain events when their paths crossed each other.
-
Well, the following sentences will be random. So I'm watching a random NJPW match from 1986. Don't know why, just because, and there was a brief shot of a young Chris Benoit on the outside watching the match as a young lion, which makes sense, since he did train/wrestle in NJPW around that period, but that the one thing I did not expect to see when watching that random NJPW match. It still hurts on a lot of levels even 14 years later of what happened regarding Benoit.
-
CM Punk is back! I have something to be excited about in wrestling again. I've never watched AEW though.
-
CM Punk is All Elite!!!
-
CM Punk is back! I have something to be excited about in wrestling again. I've never watched AEW though.
You're in for a treat, AEW is fantastic.
Now if you'll all excuse me, I'm going to get drunk and make a stupid purchase of a ticket for Dynamite in NYC next month.
-
This Chicago crowd is ampted to see their hometown guy back in a wrestling ring at any capacity in a well-known promotion in..... seven years...... Holy crap, it still feels recent when his last match to date was the Royal Rumble 2014 and that was a event that holy crap, the fans were not happy at all with the way WWE was booking stuff. I hope he can still deliver great matches. Think of the possibilities he can have with Kenny Omega and co. if he does.
https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1428903068603662339
-
It would take a lot to get me to watch pro wrestling again, but Punk being back sure does have my curiosity peaked.
-
Everytime I see an update on this thread, my first thought is "I wonder who died". :lol :|
I don't think anything could re-ignite my interest in sports enter... wrestling. Dammit, it's WRESTLING! I'll just continue to have fond memories of the Monday Night and Attitude era, plus the odd fantastic match here and there in the 2000s (like HBK v Undertaker - both of 'em).
-
It would take a lot to get me to watch pro wrestling again, but Punk being back sure does have my curiosity peaked.
If your curiosity is peaked then you should definitely give AEW a shot. The product is pretty great and the crowd is usually electric in a way you don't really see with the competition these days.
-
Always love seeing sting in the rafters
-
Everytime I see an update on this thread, my first thought is "I wonder who died". :lol :|
You don't say!
Every time I see this thread bumped to the top, at a time when no one here seems interested in talking about wrestling, I fear some old time wrestler passed away.
Is Sting back? That makes him, Punk, Lesnar, Becky Lynch, and Paul Wight (by the looks of him, the not quite as Big as he used to be Show) within a week or so?
-
Punk, Becky, and Lesnar came back this weekend. Sting and Paul have been with AEW for a little while now.
-
So, they're following the '90s WCW formula? Re-hire washed up WWE talent?
-
So, they're following the '90s WCW formula? Re-hire washed up WWE talent?
They’ve brought in some older WWE names, but have also brought in younger talent that WWE inexplicably cast aside. These guys wrestling with a chip on their shoulder coupled with the older guys who can help them get better will make AEW a force to be reckoned with.
-
I don't think anything could re-ignite my interest in sports enter... wrestling. Dammit, it's WRESTLING! I'll just continue to have fond memories of the Monday Night and Attitude era, plus the odd fantastic match here and there in the 2000s (like HBK v Undertaker - both of 'em).
Yeah, I'm in the same boat. I don't see any way WWE (or wrestling in general) is going to capture my interest again.
-
I wonder if Vince realizes how royally fucked his company is if he doesn’t start making changes. As of tonight, AEW is THE wrestling company.
-
From what I'm reading, AEW has a loaded roster now. Ancient Sting, old man Jericho, slightly old Punk and Bryan Danielson, Kenny Omega, the Bucks, Adam Cole, etc. It feels like AEW is on its way to be what ROH tried to accomplish, but couldn't.
-
Saw the Bryan and Punk clips on YT. Pretty cool. Felt like Jim Ross was sleep walking with his announcing (never underestimate how much great calls in wresting can make or break a moment), but still great moments. Be interesting to see if AEW can keep it going. I never think to watch it, but I may have to tune it if Punk and Bryan are there on a regular basis.
-
I've had no interest in wrestling since the early 90's (I was at Summerslam 92 in London). About 6 months ago I caught some AEW on late night TV and at what started as morbid curiosity has become must watch TV. I've no real idea what the WWE produces thesedays as that's been behind a paywall in the UK for years, but AEW is really good, I mean it's wrestling so it's obviously as stupid as f*ck - but my God is it entertaining. Watch the Young Bucks vs The Lucha Brothers from the weekend and try to tell me that wasn't great viewing. They have some real good young talent too - Jungle Boy, MJF (probably as good a promo's as anyone I've seen), Sammy Guevara, Darby Allen, Hangman Adam Page....
-
Bumping this today because AEW is broadcasting tonight from Arthur Ashe Stadium in NYC. It's their first show in New York, their biggest crowd ever (may crack 20k with some last minute additional seating they added), and a ridiculously stacked card being main evented by Bryan Danielson vs Kenny Omega. That's an absolute dream match for pretty much anyone who's been into wrestling for the last decade. So if any of the recent buzz around Punk and Bryan joining has gotten you curious, you should check out Dynamite tonight. Also, ya boy will be there live, so if you do tune in keep an eye out for a handsome gentleman rocking the Heineken logo Haken shirt :hat
-
Yeah, sure why not! I'll watch it today. Might as well. See what the fuss is all about. May be the first time I've watched a wrestling show on TV in real time since the SoCal NJPW shows in 2017.
-
Every time I've watched AEW I enjoyed it.
-
I didn't know this was a thing. Apparently, when they go to commercial, they still have the action in picture in picture with the action muted while the ads are playing. When the heck was that a thing for TV wrestling?
-
I didn't know this was a thing. Apparently, when they go to commercial, they still have the action in picture in picture with the action muted while the ads are playing. When the heck was that a thing for TV wrestling?
I think Smackdown started doing it a few years back.
-
Yeah, shows have been doing it for a little while now during some commercial breaks. One guy in AEW has a bit where he'll come out with a bunch of cue cards and stand in front of the camera and basically cut a promo during a pip break.
-
I know nothing about AEW, so I checked out their website to see the roster. Not sure why this was my biggest takeaway, but two of the 5 "Coaches" are 1/2 of the 4 Horsemen, the Brain Busters, Tully and Arn!
Did not know AEW was on TV weekly because I never watch TV, I am not even sure I get TNT, I will have to check.
-
Orange Cassidy's faint kicks never get old to me. So simple but so effective :lol
-
I had never seen this match before (link below), but that chop Andre gives Race around the 6-minute mark has to be the greatest in pro wrestling history.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_kU_7LsdF8&t=10s
That makes my chest hurt just thinking about it. :lol :lol
-
Thank goodness for AEW. Another fantastic PPV.
-
Scott Hall being taken off life support after complications from hip surgery.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/former-wwe-star-scott-hall-123900256.html
Hall and Nash were the biggest thing in wrestling at one point and it was must see tv. It was amazing Hall was able to turn his life around after so many years of personal abuse.
Sad day for wrestling fans for sure.
-
He'll always be Razor Ramon to me. I had lost interest in wrestling when the WWF/WCW wars were on and guys were jumping between the two, leading up to the attitude era. So the NWO wasn't really something I got into, but kudos to him for becoming even bigger then.
My favorite story about him is when he presented the Razor Ramon character to Vince McMahon, knowing full well it was just a take-off on Scarface. Vince had never seen Scarface and loved it. :lol
Sad to see another of those classic WWF guys dying way too early.
-
Scott Hall being taken off life support after complications from hip surgery.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/former-wwe-star-scott-hall-123900256.html
Hall and Nash were the biggest thing in wrestling at one point and it was must see tv. It was amazing Hall was able to turn his life around after so many years of personal abuse.
Sad day for wrestling fans for sure.
That's rough. You can read how heartbroken Kevin Nash is in this quote.
“Scott always felt he wasn’t worthy of the afterlife. Well God please have some gold plated toothpicks for my brother. My life was enriched with his take on life. He wasn’t perfect but as he always said, ‘The last perfect person to walk the planet they nailed to a cross.’ As we prepare for life without him just remember there goes a great guy you ain’t going to see another one like him again. See Ya down the road Scott. I couldn’t love a human being any more than I do you.”
At least, the one thing you can say is that he tried to sort out his personal affairs to the best he can with help from guys like DDP and Jake the Snake.
-
Damn.
Ya know, my earliest memories of Hall were from him and Hennig as the AWA Tag Champs, and some battles they had with the Road Warriors when the latter two were alternating between the NWA and AWA.
He was always in the mix of some of the best rivalries and best storylines.
Sad to see another of those classic WWF guys dying way too early.
Yup.
-
Ya know, my earliest memories of Hall were from him and Hennig as the AWA Tag Champs, and some battles they had with the Road Warriors when the latter two were alternating between the NWA and AWA.
Me too.
-
Ya know, my earliest memories of Hall were from him and Hennig as the AWA Tag Champs, and some battles they had with the Road Warriors when the latter two were alternating between the NWA and AWA.
Me too.
Didn't he have a moustache, and looked essentially like the AWA version of Magnum TA?
Edit... yup, he did.
(https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fs-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com%2F736x%2Fbb%2F1f%2F57%2Fbb1f5757140f6326823d987a6228b96c--scott-hall-lwren-scott.jpg&f=1&nofb=1)
-
Hall was one of my favorite wrestlers and he was a person that I related to in many ways.
Watching his shoot interviews were fascinating and you could see all the mental trauma he was dealing with beneath the surface. Sure he stirred the shit and was a heat seeker, but there are times where he genuinely tried to the right thing (sags of the nasty boys) and later in life he did try and change his life for the better. He will be missed.
RIP
-
When you consider how many problems he has had over the years, along with the fact that many wrestlers die young, it's amazing that Scott Hall lived as long as he has, to be honest. I always thought it was weird that Kevin Nash was pushed as more of a main event guy over Hall consider Hall was a better worker and talker, but I guess being super tall does have its benefits. I think Hall will go down as the bigger and more iconic of the two though, even if they will always be linked for obvious reasons.
nWo for life!
-
The "bad guy" has gone to the other side.
R.I.P. Scott Hall.
-
Looks like it's official he has passed. I didn't watch wrestling in the mid/late 90s so always think of him as Razor Ramon. One of my all-time favorite wrestling lines: Someone asks Razor how he is doing, and he replies "Better than you, Chico."
-
Not to take away from the passing of Scott Hall.
On a brighter note, Edge has a new theme song after using Metalingus for 18 years. He's still using an Alter Bridge song. He's using The Other Side, which seems like a suitable replacement, I think. It's more "sinister" in regards to where he's at in his career and persona I would like to think.
-
Ok first off, no one died. But a big name wrestler did have a pretty big health scare.
In September 2021, it was reported that HHH underwent a procedure at Yale New Haven Hospital following a cardiac event caused by a genetic heart issue. Two months later, unnamed inside sources told wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer that the incident was "very, very, very serious".
On March 25 2022, Levesque gave his first interview since his cardiac event in September 2021. Levesque spoke with ESPN's Stephen A. Smith telling him had viral pneumonia and his lungs were inflamed and things got worse over time. Levesque said that Stephanie noticed he was coughing up blood so he went to the hospital where doctors discovered fluid in his lungs and around his heart and doctors informed him that his heart was working at a fraction of full strength and he was in "bad" heart failure. Levesque said there were moments where things were so serious that he thought he would die.
Also Wrestlemania is next weekend. I don't follow this stuff any more, and didn't recognize quite a few of the names I saw on the card. Though I did see a former NFL punter and the dude from Jackass. So yeah, the Showcase of the Immortals.
-
I saw the clip online, very scary for sure (and I am no fan of Triple H).
I had to LOL at Molly Qerim kicking off the clip by talking about how wonderful Triple H and Stephanie are as human beings, even referring to both as "salt of the earth." :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol I am guessing she doesn't talk to many people in the industry.
-
Well yeah, in that industry the bar is set pretty low :)
Got me thinking though. Looked it up and Vince is 76. He isn't going to live forever, though I imagine he will be running things with his iron fist until they sign the death certificate. Paul and Stephanie want to keep this ship running (and think of them what you will, Paul has a mind for the business and Stephanie has a mind for business); it's not like when Vince passes everyone is going to find something else to do. Just rambling here, but I am sometimes amazed the WWE has endured for so many decades and shows no signs of going anywhere.
-
Vince is to wrestling what Keith Richards is to music. Somehow, he is gonna outlive 'em all! :lol :lol
-
https://sports.yahoo.com/wwe-vince-mcmahon-3-million-payment-affair-former-employee-001943149.html
I can't believe Vince McMahon is a degenerate scumbag, said no one ever.
-
^^ Hold on, is John Laurinaitis still with them? I saw his name pop out in the article and I thought, "That's a name I haven't seen in years."
-
I'm sure there is more to the Stephanie resigning than meets the eye
-
I'm sure there is more to the Stephanie resigning than meets the eye
JJ! :panicattack:
Shock(master) it would be wrestling news that brings you out of the woodworks.
(https://thumbs.gfycat.com/ForsakenSneakyCommabutterfly-max-1mb.gif)
-
I'm sure there is more to the Stephanie resigning than meets the eye
Didn't realize this happened, and I usually check in on WWE periodically, though haven't since Wrestlemania.
-
I was shocked as well regarding Stephanie taking a leave of absence as well. I think this happened a few weeks back. I think, based on minimal reading I've read on wrestling nowadays, there's been quite a huge power struggle in WWE management for a while now and not in the usual Vince and HHH butting heads on where they want it to go.
-
I'm sure there is more to the Stephanie resigning than meets the eye
JJ! :panicattack:
Shock(master) it would be wrestling news that brings you out of the woodworks.
(https://thumbs.gfycat.com/ForsakenSneakyCommabutterfly-max-1mb.gif)
Just watched Warrior vs Hogan on the network...........Amazing Toronto match......5 stars.
-
I was shocked as well regarding Stephanie taking a leave of absence as well. I think this happened last week. I think, based on minimal reading I've read on wrestling nowadays, there's been quite a huge power struggle in WWE management for a while now and not in the usual Vince and HHH butting heads on where they want it to go.
A power struggle? In the world of professional wrestling? This certainly has never happened before!
-
^^ Yeah, in other companies. The perceived notion for WWE is that it's always Vince's show for better or worst (even when his kids and/or significant others looked to be clear heirs). Starting to feel like it's not leaning that way anymore. Whether if it leads to a watchable product or not, we'll see.
-
It seemed like they were setting it up for a peaceful transfer of power from Vince to HHH and Stephanie (once they got rid of that pesky Shane), but maybe something mucked up the works?
-
^^ I honestly don't know anymore. Another interesting twist to add.
I found this article while browsing through Loudwire and other news sites. So Vince is stepping down from his CEO role, but not relinquish his roles when it comes to creative, and Stephanie will assume the CEO role in the meantime?
https://loudwire.com/vince-mcmahon-steps-down-wwe-ceo-investigation/
-
It's a work!
- People who think everything in wrestling is a work.
-
Dave Hebner passed away aka the good twin. Condolences to Earl and the rest of the Hebner family
-
Vince McMahon: "As I approach 77 years old, I feel it’s time for me to retire as Chairman and CEO of WWE," McMahon said in a release. "Throughout the years, it’s been a privilege to help WWE bring you joy, inspire you, thrill you, surprise you, and always entertain you."
On the surface I am not sure what the difference is between "stepping down" which he did a few weeks ago, and "retiring." But this makes it officially official I guess.
-
He’s also being forced out of the creative role as well. Steph is Co-CEO with someone else, and Levesque is back as EVP of Talent relations.
Wonder who the talent was from the mid 2000s that he schtupped, then got fleeced by in 2018?
-
Was HHH out at some point?
I think the Co-CEO is a long-timer, so there will be some continuity.
-
Was HHH out at some point?
I think the Co-CEO is a long-timer, so there will be some continuity.
Yeah, HHH was out due to health issues.
-
What a toxic fuckin company and culture. Whether Steph did this willingly or unwillingly, it's just disgusting afaic... to celebrate this prick given all that's come to light in the past few weeks. He was already a massive prick to begin with, now he's just proven himself a god-tier prick.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-5HEm9DMXU
Who cares if Vinnie "retires", she's already signalled that she'll just continue his legacy. Shameless for a woman who has 3 daughters herself. Quite the example she's setting.
-
What a toxic fuckin company and culture. Whether Steph did this willingly or unwillingly, it's just disgusting afaic... to celebrate this prick given all that's come to light in the past few weeks. He was already a massive prick to begin with, now he's just proven himself a god-tier prick.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-5HEm9DMXU
Who cares if Vinnie "retires", she's already signalled that she'll just continue his legacy. Shameless for a woman who has 3 daughters herself. Quite the example she's setting.
It’s also her father. I’m not saying the company should have shared their appreciation on live television, but this is the man who raised her and who’s wrestling vision gave her everything she has. No matter the good or bad that Vince did, expecting Stephanie to treat him like some random person and not one of most important men in her life is crazy.
-
What a toxic fuckin company and culture. Whether Steph did this willingly or unwillingly, it's just disgusting afaic... to celebrate this prick given all that's come to light in the past few weeks. He was already a massive prick to begin with, now he's just proven himself a god-tier prick.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-5HEm9DMXU
Who cares if Vinnie "retires", she's already signalled that she'll just continue his legacy. Shameless for a woman who has 3 daughters herself. Quite the example she's setting.
It’s also her father. I’m not saying the company should have shared their appreciation on live television, but this is the man who raised her and who’s wrestling vision gave her everything she has. No matter the good or bad that Vince did, expecting Stephanie to treat him like some random person and not one of most important men in her life is crazy.
Sure, I get that. We're all shaped by our parents and our childhood. Some of us grow from that though, and overcome our parents' shortcomings / deficiencies, and the ... not-so-positive results of our upbringing.
I don't expect her to treat him like some random person - just maybe the man he is, rather than the man she thinks he is. If she can't, then she's herself also a victim of the toxicity.
-
Birds of a feather...Vince, Stephanie, Triple H, Shawn Michaels. Stephanie doing that seems totally on brand. Family full of scumbags, and they seem to be proud of it.
-
Birds of a feather...Vince, Stephanie, Triple H, Shawn Michaels. Stephanie doing that seems totally on brand. Family full of scumbags, and they seem to be proud of it.
Bingo.
Vince/WWE buried so much bad behaviour, and ignored / distanced themselves from so many scandals, the irony is so fucking rich at the moment.
-
I've wondered for a while how they would send off Vince. They couldn't just do nothing, if for no other reason than the headlines would be "Vince retires, WWE ignores longtime CEO's departure." I glanced at their website, and I don't see anything about it (he's still listed as Chairman and CEO on their corporate link). They can't do a full 'Raw is Vince' episode, if for no other reason than the headlines would be "Vince retires, WWE's devotes entire show to dirtbag ex-CEO."
-
I've wondered for a while how they would send off Vince. They couldn't just do nothing, if for no other reason than the headlines would be "Vince retires, WWE ignores longtime CEO's departure." I glanced at their website, and I don't see anything about it (he's still listed as Chairman and CEO on their corporate link). They can't do a full 'Raw is Vince' episode, if for no other reason than the headlines would be "Vince retires, WWE's devotes entire show to dirtbag ex-CEO."
Never underestimate how low the McMahon family will go. Remember that Vince is the guy who put the belt on Sgt Slaughter and had him acting like an Iraqi sympathizer during the Gulf War in the early 90s, so it is in his blood and his family's to take advantage of any situation to turn it into an angle.
-
What a toxic fuckin company and culture. Whether Steph did this willingly or unwillingly, it's just disgusting afaic... to celebrate this prick given all that's come to light in the past few weeks. He was already a massive prick to begin with, now he's just proven himself a god-tier prick.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-5HEm9DMXU
Who cares if Vinnie "retires", she's already signalled that she'll just continue his legacy. Shameless for a woman who has 3 daughters herself. Quite the example she's setting.
This is a major prick quote statement.
-
So I'm looking at the secondary ticket sites right now for Wrestlemania at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood in April next year. The show on 04/02 is pretty steep for the nosebleeds. At least $100.00. Part of me actually wants to go. I would be in Highland, CA to see Alter Bridge on 04/01 and it would be a glorious thing if I was there at Wrestlemania on 04/02 and all of sudden, Alter Bridge are also there to finally play Metalingus, Edge's theme song, live (something that they have never done because the timing wasn't right due to Edge's first retirement and the pandemic). Definitely intrigued regardless of the card quality, but I'll see how the months will play out.
-
Vince McMahon: "As I approach 77 years old, I feel it’s time for me to retire as Chairman and CEO of WWE," McMahon said in a release. "Throughout the years, it’s been a privilege to help WWE bring you joy, inspire you, thrill you, surprise you, and always entertain you."
On the surface I am not sure what the difference is between "stepping down" which he did a few weeks ago, and "retiring." But this makes it officially official I guess.
Showing that he was Logan Roy long before Logan Roy was conceived, I read that Vince is coming back. What a shock. :lol :lol
-
Meet the new boss... same as the old boss...
-
I believe Vince is coming back to help facilitate a sale of the company which can be concerning depending on which company buys WWE and whether or not whoever gets the company keeps HHH and co. around.
Funny thing about time. Back in 2001, WWE bought WCW for $4.2 million (back when WCW's value was at a low point). WWE is valued at $6 billion now from what I am reading.
-
No matter what he says publicly, Vince is the original Logan Roy. I doubt he trusts anyone to run the company as well as he thinks he can himself. But, like Bobby Heenan said 20 years ago, pro wrestling as he once knew it as dead anyway now they have shown us their magic tricks. It was obviously impossible to keep kayfabe alive 24/7 in the internet/social media age, but it's not just not the same. Even my dad, who has been watching wrestling since he was a kid, never watches anymore.
-
At this point, my favorite thing wrestling related is the Shoot interviews, or recap shows like OSW review or Dark side of the ring.
I honestly can't remember the last time I was interested in the actual product, despite being a lifelong wrestling fan.
-
At this point, my favorite thing wrestling related is the Shoot interviews, or recap shows like OSW review or Dark side of the ring.
I honestly can't remember the last time I was interested in the actual product, despite being a lifelong wrestling fan.
:iagree:
-
No matter what he says publicly, Vince is the original Logan Roy. I doubt he trusts anyone to run the company as well as he thinks he can himself.
Had to look up Logan Roy. I doubt Vince trusts anyone often, but I assumed he had been prepping Steph and then HHH to take over when he was ready to step aside, and they would continue on just it would with him at the helm - or realistically, probably better.
I believe Vince is coming back to help facilitate a sale of the company...
Good point, forgot this was in the works.
At this point, my favorite thing wrestling related is the Shoot interviews, or recap shows like OSW review or Dark side of the ring.
This was me for a long time, but at this point I feel everyone has already covered all the interesting wrestling topics over the past 30+ years to death.
-
Steph is awful. She was the one who years ago brought in writers who were failed soap opera writers, which contributed to how stupid the product became.
People think Triple H is the post-Vince savior, but let's be serious. He is still one of the children (along with his buddy HBK) who tried turning the WWF into his own personal playground in the later 90s.
-
People think Triple H is the post-Vince savior, but let's be serious. He is still one of the children (along with his buddy HBK) who tried turning the WWF into his own personal playground in the later 90s.
While that is true, it's better than letting Vince doing whatever the f he does nowadays. Despite the ego-tripping that him and HBK has at times, I still like to think those guys to have a decent mind of the industry and will help new talents find their footing. Regal is coming back on an backstage role and that's a great hand for them. I would like to cling onto that hope. Otherwise, well, there's really no point in watching WWE nowadays. AEW also has their own issues internally. NJPW have taken a bit of a pounding lately due to pandemic restrictions that limits foreigners from doing shows, although I hope things are getting better on that front.
-
True, but for good or ill, wasn't that something Vince would have still signed off on? I don't know much about the inner workings of the WWE but I thought people didn't buy toilet paper without clearing it with Vince.
And I never followed NXT but doesn't HHH get some credit for taking a third rate reality show in to a popular wrestling product?
-
Stephanie resigns
https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/35422004/stephanie-mcmahon-resigns-wwe-nick-khan-now-sole-ceo
-
Too much to recap, but I find the whole thing hilarious. Vince, Steph and Triple H all going down in flames would be poetic justice.
-
Rumors running amok about a WWE sale to Saudi Arabia.
Fans outraged.
By God, is that Austin’s music?
No idea what’s going on.
-
Wouldn't surprise me. The Saudis see the writing on the wall and are pivoting from oil production to tourism and entertainment.
-
This is crazy, but very interesting
-
By God, Bah Gawd is that Austin’s music?
Fixed
-
At the end of the day Vince is gonna sell to either the highest bidder or who ever agrees to let him stay in charge. Whether it be Comcast, Amazon, or Saudi Arabia.
-
By God, Bah Gawd is that Austin’s music?
Fixed
Glorious :lol
-
Royal Rumble season and watching Rumble 92 which I still say is the best Rumble of all time and one of the best matches of all time. Combined with the A+ commentary of Gorilla and Brain, it's a very pandemonium match.
-
^^ I know you would like that rumble the most. I, personally, love the 2004 Rumble more and if the guy that won it didn't do the things he did, his performance would be talked in more reverence. JR and Tazz was solid enough on the booth. Plus, many matches that was on WM20 was built off of that Royal Rumble.
-
92 is one of my favorites for sure.
-
Royal Rumble season and watching Rumble 92 which I still say is the best Rumble of all time and one of the best matches of all time. Combined with the A+ commentary of Gorilla and Brain, it's a very pandemonium match.
That Rumble is rock solid proof that announcing in pro wrestling can elevate a match in a big way. It's also Exhibit A as to why Bobby Heenan is in the conversation for greatest pro wrestling performer (meaning anyone associated with pro wrestling, not necessarily someone primarily known for wrestling) ever.
-
Agree. But I can't say if the combo of Gorilla/Jesse or Gorilla/Brain are my personal favorite. They both work off each other perfectly and will always be 1a or 1b or the other way lol. Also Vince/Jesse was an awesome combo too, especially on Saturday Nights Main Event.
-
Combined with the A+ commentary of Gorilla and Brain
WILL YOU STOP!
-
But, like Bobby Heenan said 20 years ago, pro wrestling as he once knew it as dead anyway now they have shown us their magic tricks. It was obviously impossible to keep kayfabe alive 24/7 in the internet/social media age, but it's not just not the same. Even my dad, who has been watching wrestling since he was a kid, never watches anymore.
I watched the rumble last night and decided to browse this thread, and I'm curious about this. I know the internet changed things, but wasn't it known before then anyway? I didn't have family members who watched wrestling - my parents thought it was stupid and fake. I remember my dad saying something like "you have one guy stomping on another guy's throat. If it was real he wouldn't be getting up like nothing happened 30 seconds later." So when I had friends who watched, I was like "it's fake" and they were like "that's not the point" and when I watched with them, it was just fun. Sometimes it was funny, sometimes it was dramatic, etc. Is it just that before the internet, fans could kind of pretend that they didn't know?
I've lost interest at times, but it was more because I wasn't interested in whatever stories were being told at that time, or I had other things going on, etc.
-
I think it's less about the internet that ruined the excitement about wrestling (because for me, things were still interesting in WWE in the mid-late 00s), and more about guys like Meltzer and other wrestling reporters feeling they need to speculate about a storyline before it happens and their voices have grown really rampant in the last decade or so. It also doesn't help that things aren't as interesting when it comes to developing stories that requires good visual hatred that makes people want to see the resolution.
Regarding the whole, "Why are you watching it if it's fake." People say it's fake, but you look at what a guy like Mick Foley did in the bulk of his career and you look at someone like Bryan Danielson or Katsuyori Shibata whose had careers shortened because of concessions due to headbutts they delivered, and tell me it's fake. These wrestlers will live in a lifetime of pain long after their careers are over even if they are safe workers. They can only do much to protect themselves when taking a bump or doing a dive or whatever.
-
I think it's less about the internet that ruined the excitement about wrestling (because for me, things were still interesting in WWE in the mid-late 00s), and more about guys like Meltzer and other wrestling reporters feeling they need to speculate about a storyline before it happens and their voices have grown really rampant in the last decade or so. It also doesn't help that things aren't as interesting when it comes to developing stories that requires good visual hatred that makes people want to see the resolution.
That makes more sense to me than the internet ruining it. Sometimes the stories work and sometimes they don't. I've been watching more lately and have been highly entertained by Bray Wyatt and LA Knight. I don't know if they each move onto something else now or if it somehow continues, but either way I want to see more of both. (And Sami Zayn.)
Regarding the whole, "Why are you watching it if it's fake." People say it's fake, but you look at what a guy like Mick Foley did in the bulk of his career and you look at someone like Bryan Danielson or Katsuyori Shibata whose had careers shortened because of concessions due to headbutts they delivered, and tell me it's fake. These wrestlers will live in a lifetime of pain long after their careers are over even if they are safe workers. They can only do much to protect themselves when taking a bump or doing a dive or whatever.
Oh I 100% agree with you. I had to learn that, but I agree.
-
I always hated the “it’s fake” commentary. Fake violence and fake competition maybe, but the entertainment and athleticism is real, ffs. They are real athletes … basketball players wouldn’t play thru a torn quad or crushed larynx ala HHH.
-
I always hated the “it’s fake” commentary. Fake violence and fake competition maybe, but the entertainment and athleticism is real, ffs. They are real athletes … basketball players wouldn’t play thru a torn quad or crushed larynx ala HHH.
I can't even count how many times I've had people once they hear I like wrestling tell me "You know it's fake right?".........wow thank you so much for this amazing enlightening information lol. People love wrestling due to the athleticism, entertainment, drama, comedy. That bloodline ending last night at the rumble was amazing television.
-
I saw the clips from last night on Twitter.
Nothing like Reigns taking a chair shot on the turn and then sitting there 20 seconds like nothing happened. :lol :lol
And what was with that stupid high spot where two guys clotheslined each other? That looked so dumb. Not like spots weren't a thing in the past, but at least they used to look natural and within the flow of a match. That looked like two circus performers looking at each other like, "okay, you ready? Ready. Ready. Go!" Awful.
And Cody Rhodes is going to main event a Wrestlemania? Good grief. :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin
-
I always hated the “it’s fake” commentary. Fake violence and fake competition maybe, but the entertainment and athleticism is real, ffs. They are real athletes … basketball players wouldn’t play thru a torn quad or crushed larynx ala HHH.
I can't even count how many times I've had people once they hear I like wrestling tell me "You know it's fake right?".........wow thank you so much for this amazing enlightening information lol. People love wrestling due to the athleticism, entertainment, drama, comedy. That bloodline ending last night at the rumble was amazing television.
I'm glad I was able to look past that misconception that I had about it. I don't think I ever gave it any thought at all - just took my parents word for it and I also really never did like what I'd see in commercials. When I actually did start watching it was The Rock and Y2J and stuff and it was just so entertaining. And the athleticism was certainly real.
Totally agree on the bloodline segment from last night btw
-
It's too bad you missed the Monday Night Wars era. That, followed by the Attitude Era were the best years of wrestling. There's no comparison. The late 80s were pretty good, but nothing like '96-'03/'04.
-
I started in 99, so I think I got a good portion of it. I never watched WCW though.
-
I started in 99, so I think I got a good portion of it. I never watched WCW though.
Understandable. By '99, they were :trainwreck:
-
It's too bad you missed the Monday Night Wars era, Chris. That, followed by the Attitude Era were the best years of wrestling. There's no comparison. The late 80s were pretty good, but nothing like '96-'03/'04.
I know you weren't speaking to me, but you might as well have been. I loved wrestling in the 80s, starting out with the WWF in the mid-80s with Hogan, Piper, Savage, Steamboat, Andre... and JCP on TBS with the 4 Horseman, Dusty Rhodes, Rock n Roll Express, Cornette, etc... I lost interest when I got to high school in th eearly 90s, and it never got back on my radar till 2000. As a kid I thought it was real. I believed The Road Warriors were two bad dudes who were just that much stronger and more fierce than the 'ham n' eggers' they went up against. I was certain The Horseman broke Dusty's arm. When I got back in to it around 2000, I knew it wasn't "real." I was older, and appreciated it differently.
-
Over time I caught up on a lot of the 90s stuff; I'm sure it was better getting to watch it in real time but since that didn't happen, it was pretty good as it was.
-
And Cody Rhodes is going to main event a Wrestlemania? Good grief. :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin
Cody completely reinvented himself in his time away from WWE and became a legit star.
-
I always hated the “it’s fake” commentary. Fake violence and fake competition maybe, but the entertainment and athleticism is real, ffs. They are real athletes … basketball players wouldn’t play thru a torn quad or crushed larynx ala HHH.
Yea same, look at the NBA for example. I'll never forget the time Paul Pierce was carried off the court , was in a wheel chair and then came back like basketball jesus.
-
I always hated the “it’s fake” commentary. Fake violence and fake competition maybe, but the entertainment and athleticism is real, ffs. They are real athletes … basketball players wouldn’t play thru a torn quad or crushed larynx ala HHH.
Yea same, look at the NBA for example. I'll never forget the time Paul Pierce was carried off the court , was in a wheel chair and then came back like basketball jesus.
or when LBJ had to be carried off for a cramp during the fucking finals.
-
I always hated the “it’s fake” commentary. Fake violence and fake competition maybe, but the entertainment and athleticism is real, ffs. They are real athletes … basketball players wouldn’t play thru a torn quad or crushed larynx ala HHH.
Yea same, look at the NBA for example. I'll never forget the time Paul Pierce was carried off the court , was in a wheel chair and then came back like basketball jesus.
or when LBJ had to be carried off for a cramp during the fucking finals.
Or when LBJ had like an hour long show called "The Decision" about where he was going to go play :lol
-
I started in 99, so I think I got a good portion of it. I never watched WCW though.
I started in 98 and I did watch WCW, but I wish I watched WWF instead. Goldberg was my favorite wrestler, but after he lost to Kevin Nash, things were never the same. It was like one thing after another, and then Vince Russo showed up, and like Jingle said, just a train wreck. I wish I could have seen Stone Cold in his prime.
I did flip back and forth between channels on WCW's last episode.
-
I started in 99, so I think I got a good portion of it. I never watched WCW though.
I started in 98 and I did watch WCW, but I wish I watched WWF instead. Goldberg was my favorite wrestler, but after he lost to Kevin Nash, things were never the same. It was like one thing after another, and then Vince Russo showed up, and like Jingle said, just a train wreck. I wish I could have seen Stone Cold in his prime.
I did flip back and forth between channels on WCW's last episode.
I liked Stone Cold, but I was never as into him like some. Maybe that was a good thing because I was a little less bothered by him becoming a heel for a while. But he was definitely fun to watch.
-
I started in 99, so I think I got a good portion of it. I never watched WCW though.
I started in 98 and I did watch WCW, but I wish I watched WWF instead. Goldberg was my favorite wrestler, but after he lost to Kevin Nash, things were never the same. It was like one thing after another, and then Vince Russo showed up, and like Jingle said, just a train wreck. I wish I could have seen Stone Cold in his prime.
I did flip back and forth between channels on WCW's last episode.
I liked Stone Cold, but I was never as into him like some. Maybe that was a good thing because I was a little less bothered by him becoming a heel for a while. But he was definitely fun to watch.
The thing is, he was a heel to begin with. It was only the Wrestlemania match against The Hitman that started to turn the character into the anti-heel.
-
I started in 99, so I think I got a good portion of it. I never watched WCW though.
I started in 98 and I did watch WCW, but I wish I watched WWF instead. Goldberg was my favorite wrestler, but after he lost to Kevin Nash, things were never the same. It was like one thing after another, and then Vince Russo showed up, and like Jingle said, just a train wreck. I wish I could have seen Stone Cold in his prime.
I did flip back and forth between channels on WCW's last episode.
I liked Stone Cold, but I was never as into him like some. Maybe that was a good thing because I was a little less bothered by him becoming a heel for a while. But he was definitely fun to watch.
The thing is, he was a heel to begin with. It was only the Wrestlemania match against The Hitman that started to turn the character into the anti-heel.
Yeah, but I imagine that was more organic. That how it seemed watching back anyway. So I guess it makes sense that if people wanted to cheer him then, that they wouldn't like the heel storyline later. I didn't totally hate it and thought he was funny sometimes. But it's probably for the best that it didn't last that long.
-
The Bret/Stone Cold double turn was awesome. Not only was that one of the best Wrestlemania matches ever, but the double turn just made it that much better. While very different characters, Austin as a face was pretty similar to Hogan as a face as both had no problem gouging eyes, raking backs, etc., ya know all the dirty stuff considered heel-ish, but because they were over so much as faces and were doing those things to heels, the fans ate it up.
-
I never liked Hogan. And I know he wasn't in his prime when I started watching, but he was pretty much all I did see prior to that and while I know people loved him, he wasn't a good advertisement for me. Didn't like him when I went back to watch 90s stuff either.
-
I never liked Hogan. And I know he wasn't in his prime when I started watching, but he was pretty much all I did see prior to that and while I know people loved him, he wasn't a good advertisement for me. Didn't like him when I went back to watch 90s stuff either.
I am sure those who didn't like him in real time will chime in, but I think you really had to experience his prime in real time to get how big he was. Remember those pops Daniel Bryan got during the YES movement? Hogan got those kinds of pops every night for like seven years. And then he reinvented himself as Hollywood Hogan and was perhaps the biggest heel of the Monday Night Wars era. Love him or hate him, and I get that many fall into the latter category, his status as perhaps THE biggest pro wrestler ever in nearly undeniable.
-
Being a casual fan of the WWF in the 80s, Hogan was miles away the biggest wrestling star, at least in my youthful mind at the time. Even his walk-up song was awesome to me. I was a kid in the 80s and didn't watch SNL, but even then knew what it meant to make it on to that show. So with him and Mr T. (whom I loved being a fan of The A-Team) being on SNL was huge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ukj47Hd8HB8
"This ovation, in my view, is not about nostalgia. It's about respect for what this man has done for this industry." -JR.
-
I never liked Hogan. And I know he wasn't in his prime when I started watching, but he was pretty much all I did see prior to that and while I know people loved him, he wasn't a good advertisement for me. Didn't like him when I went back to watch 90s stuff either.
I am sure those who didn't like him in real time will chime in, but I think you really had to experience his prime in real time to get how big he was. Remember those pops Daniel Bryan got during the YES movement? Hogan got those kinds of pops every night for like seven years. And then he reinvented himself as Hollywood Hogan and was perhaps the biggest heel of the Monday Night Wars era. Love him or hate him, and I get that many fall into the latter category, his status as perhaps THE biggest pro wrestler ever in nearly undeniable.
Agreed. He was the first person to cross into the mainstream in a big way. He was on the cover of Sports Illustrated when SI mattered, and magazines were “the internet”. He was the reason there is Wrestlemania and PPVs.
He is the first face to be on the Wrestling Mt Rushmore … without question.
-
I'm not going to (nor would I want to) argue against any of that. My comments were completely about my own personal preferences. I had exposure to him long before I started watching - commercials, maybe a movie or tv show, landing on a promo when channel surfing. (Which is more proof of what you guys are saying - so again, definitely not arguing against it). But I just didn't like him - nothing I saw made me curious, it made me uncurious I guess, and not interested. :) Just never my thing.
-
Hogan, at the very least, had a ripping theme song. I feel that Real American, as a full version, is a pretty good song, musically and fits the vibes of 80s America which makes sense for a guy like Hogan.
-
I'm not going to (nor would I want to) argue against any of that. My comments were completely about my own personal preferences. I had exposure to him long before I started watching - commercials, maybe a movie or tv show, landing on a promo when channel surfing. (Which is more proof of what you guys are saying - so again, definitely not arguing against it). But I just didn't like him - nothing I saw made me curious, it made me uncurious I guess, and not interested. :) Just never my thing.
Fair points. By 99, his best years were definitely in the rear view mirror. Save for the brief return of the NWO (the core 3 members) and his WM match against The Rock, he was otherwise a ‘washed up’ performer in the 2000s.
-
Yeah, if you saw Hogan wrestle in the 00s, or Flair for that matter, you were not seeing a guy at his best anymore. The match with Rock was amazing due to the storytelling and because of the Toronto crowd turning Hogan from a heel back into a face. Funny thing about that is Bruce Pritchard later said that Hogan had to fly to Orlando and back the next day to get his Hulkamania gear for the Monday night RAW the night after WM, as he needed it since he was suddenly a face again. No one anticipated the crowd turning him into a face again, so he didn't bring his good guy Hulkamania gear on the initial trip to Toronto cause he didn't think he'd need it.
-
Yeah, if you saw Hogan wrestle in the 00s, or Flair for that matter, you were not seeing a guy at his best anymore. The match with Rock was amazing due to the storytelling and because of the Toronto crowd turning Hogan from a heel back into a face. Funny thing about that is Bruce Pritchard later said that Hogan had to fly to Orlando and back the next day to get his Hulkamania gear for the Monday night RAW the night after WM, as he needed it since he was suddenly a face again. No one anticipated the crowd turning him into a face again, so he didn't bring his good guy Hulkamania gear on the initial trip to Toronto cause he didn't think he'd need it.
'
He couldn't call Jack Klompos to get his gear out of the garage and courier them up? :lol
-
I'm not criticizing him for not being in his prime when I was watching in real time. I'm not really criticizing anything. I've seen early 90s matches when I watched older stuff to catch up. And like I said, I saw him on tv through that time here and there, and just didn't like the persona. Eat your vitamins and say your prayers, ok.... I feel like even when someone like Stone Cold, since he was mentioned earlier, was totally over the top, it was in a different way and more interesting (for me) to watch.
-
I'm not criticizing him for not being in his prime when I was watching in real time. I'm not really criticizing anything. I've seen early 90s matches when I watched older stuff to catch up. And like I said, I saw him on tv through that time here and there, and just didn't like the persona. Eat your vitamins and say your prayers, ok.... I feel like even when someone like Stone Cold, since he was mentioned earlier, was totally over the top, it was in a different way and more interesting (for me) to watch.
I'll say it again ... totally fair. It's like hockey, I loved the era that I watched in the 80s, and don't have much use for prior legends/icons of the 60s and/or 70s. I totally get it. It's a completely different experience to be part of something in the moment, vs re-visiting it years or a decade+ later.
All good ole chap!
-
Yeah, that might be even more true with competitive team sports like that. I do find it interesting to watch old tennis matches sometimes, but I think it's a little different to revisit Borg and a handful of others vs NHL. Maybe.
I totally like 90s Undertaker though. I wondered why he was even called The Undertaker when I started watching, and when I found out I was very disappointed to have missed that.
-
Yeah, that might be even more true with competitive team sports like that. I do find it interesting to watch old tennis matches sometimes, but I think it's a little different to revisit Borg and a handful of others vs NHL. Maybe.
I totally like 90s Undertaker though. I wondered why he was even called The Undertaker when I started watching, and when I found out I was very disappointed to have missed that.
His early matches were a slog. Just watch his first championship victory over Hogan. The character was designed to be so slow and methodical. Not a whole ton of action between the ropes early on.
-
The issues with early Undertaker matches prior to 1996 was that his moveset is slow and methodical and his opponents were usually big dudes that were also slow (and sluggish to move). Not the most interesting matchups. Then you get to mid-1996 when he's working with Mick Foley (who also may be big and sometimes sluggish to move, but the guy knows how to take a beating well and able to come up with convincing offense in comparison to bigger dudes) and things slowly starts to get better and then he finally gets to work with Bret and HBK and they know what to do to make the Undertaker look good (and get the crowd behind him).
-
I have watched all of those matches and that all may be true but I don't care. The 2000s matches are better and I'm glad I witnessed them as it happened.
But I still enjoy watching the old matches. Everything about them - the intro, the commentary (did it just get cold in here?), the either lack of expression or someone's about to die expression, the lack of reaction, seemingly getting beat on and then just turning to look at his opponent and the fun's over for them, and even the slow movements because then suddenly he'd do something explosive. I could watch that all day.
-
Changed the thread title. It's been almost a year.
-
R.I.P. Lanny Poffo.
The Genius gimmick was entertaining there for a while in '89/'90, and his SNME match with Hogan, where he won by countout (!!), was surprisingly very entertaining.
-
R.I.P. Lanny Poffo.
The Genius gimmick was entertaining there for a while in '89/'90, and his SNME match with Hogan, where he won by countout (!!), was surprisingly very entertaining.
The Genius was one of my favorites as a kid. And yes, that SNME match against Hogan (with Ventura and McMahon providing hilarious commentary) is essential viewing for wrestling fans!
-
R.I.P. Lanny Poffo.
The Genius gimmick was entertaining there for a while in '89/'90, and his SNME match with Hogan, where he won by countout (!!), was surprisingly very entertaining.
The Genius was one of my favorites as a kid. And yes, that SNME match against Hogan (with Ventura and McMahon providing hilarious commentary) is essential viewing for wrestling fans!
RIP
Looks like that match happened even before the years I caught up on (started with 1990). I'll see if I can find it on YouTube.
-
It's on there. Jesse Ventura manages one of my favorite one-liners in that match on commentary with Vince.
Poffo did that move where he stands on the apron with his back to the ring and smoothly flips backwards over the ropes to enter the ring. He did it at the start of the match and then again a few minutes later, and on the second time, Vince muttered, "oh my," and Jesse said to Vince, "I'd like to see you try that." :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin
-
I first encountered him as Leaping Lanny Poffo.
And of course, at that time I had no idea he was Randy Savage's brother.
-
:lol
This is hilarious.
-
I first encountered him as Leaping Lanny Poffo.
And of course, at that time I had no idea he was Randy Savage's brother.
Ditto. And he was a 100% jobber.
-
I first encountered him as Leaping Lanny Poffo.
And of course, at that time I had no idea he was Randy Savage's brother.
Ditto. And he was a 100% jobber.
True. But he was always entertaining with his poetry. And had one of the greatest upsets of all time on SNME with his count out victor with the Hulkster. I believe around the same time as Buster Douglas/Mike Tyson…the two greatest upsets of all time
-
I thoroughly enjoyed that upset when I watched it earlier today.
-
Actually just watched that version a few days ago. I’ve read a few times that Winnipeg’r Kenny Omega’s favorite match of all time is the Genius vs Hogan match from SNME. Also should note that Dynamite is coming to Winnipeg in March. I’m row 3 and guessing it’s going to be a huge show since it’s the home town for Kenny Omega, Chris Jericho and Don Callis (and the late great Roddy Pipper).
-
Roddy Piper was awesome. I thought he was from Saskatchewan.
I don't have cable and haven't seen Chris Jericho in quite a while.
-
Roddy Piper was awesome. I thought he was from Saskatchewan.
I don't have cable and haven't seen Chris Jericho in quite a while.
Born in Saskatchewan but raised and lived in Windsor Park, Winnipeg until he was his late teens
-
Roddy Piper was awesome. I thought he was from Saskatchewan.
I don't have cable and haven't seen Chris Jericho in quite a while.
Born in Saskatchewan but raised and lived in Windsor Park, Winnipeg until he was his late teens
I guess I could have just looked that up. :) He's one of the ones I wish I'd seen more of in real time.
-
I was always amused when Piper referred to Brother Love as "Blubber Love." :lol :lol
-
Just catching up on the last week or so of this thread. I very much enjoyed this year's Royal Rumble, both the men's match and the PPV as a whole. Cody winning was a foregone conclusion, but the Rumble match was well put together. A little light on fun surprise entrants for sure, but I can deal with that when they're using those spots for good stuff with the current full-time roster instead. I also like when the final two last for a while and it almost becomes a mini-match. HBK and Undertake probably did it best back in 2007, but Cody and Gunther did well (side note: Gunther rules in general).Good title match for the main event, but the post-match stuff is what we were all waiting for. It may not have landed for anyone just checking in on WWE casually, but it's something WWE's been building to for almost a year in what what even their more jaded viewers would largely call WWE's best angle in a number of years.
-
Agree with pretty much all of that. I guess I'm kind of indifferent to Cody, but nothing for me to complain about. Gunther does rule.
Post match segment was great.
-
As if I need another reminder to feel older :lol, it was 35 years ago today when the WWF pulled the greatest wrestling angle ever: the twin referee angle that saw Hogan's 4-year title reign come crashing down and hurt inside ("look at the hundred dollar bills falling out of his pocket!!" :lol :lol :lol).
-
Do anyone have any "boys" aka a wrestler that were never huge stars but he's your "boy" as a guilty pleasure. That term can from OSW review, which I highly recommend.
But anyway the first ones to come to mind for me are:
1. Glacier
2. Alex wright
3. IRS
-
William Regal is my guy. Pompous English heel that can strike and suplex with the best of them. Plus, he can do comedy pretty well in a lot of awkward scenarios for a proper Englishman like him. He slapped Sting pretty good during a contract signing when Regal was in WCW.
I guess I will include Too Cool as well. Sure, their gimmick was one-noted, but man throughout the 1st half of 2000, people latched onto them really hard.
-
I loved IRS as a kid. Not a "boy" but along those lines, I loved the The Million Dollar Man as a kid. When he told the kid he'd pay him if he could dribble the basketball a certain number of times, then kicked it away from him... and paid the pool manager to get everyone out so he and Virgil could have it to themselves... that is a heel!
-
Couple of good Canadian lads for me ... Val Venis and Test (rip).
-
8 year old me was a big Tatanka mark.
-
8 year old me was a big Tito Santana mark. Does he qualify?
-
Couple of good Canadian lads for me ... Val Venis and Test (rip).
I would choose Test as well.
I like the Million Dollar Man from my 90s catch up watching, and a friend recently had me watch the basketball and pool videos as well. I would have assumed he was too big to qualify though.
-
8 year old me was a big Tito Santana mark. Does he qualify?
He was IC champ when I started watching WWF, in the midst of feuds with Morocco and The Hammer. I never cared for him as a tag-team with Martel.
-
Santana was great. Unless it was against a stiff like the Warlord, you knew a match with Santana was gonna be really good at the very least, and often great. It was a shame when Vince turned him into a jobber in the early 90s and then The Matador, but Tito was one of the unsung stars of the later 80s in the WWF.
-
Couple of good Canadian lads for me ... Val Venis and Test (rip).
The Big Valboski is a lot like a Rubik's Cube. The longer you play with it, the harder it gets!
-
Couple of good Canadian lads for me ... Val Venis and Test (rip).
The Big Valboski is a lot like a Rubik's Cube. The longer you play with it, the harder it gets!
Hellooooooo ladies!
-
Didn't like that Val Venis gimmick at all, and then I think I just didn't pay much attention to him afterwards; if I remember correctly he changed it up a couple times but after a while I was mostly tuning for highlights or specific favorites.
-
Didn't like that Val Venis gimmick at all
:omg:
-
Didn't like that Val Venis gimmick at all
:omg:
Is that surprising? I know I'm not the only one who wasn't really a fan.
-
I didn't like it but I didn't find it bothersome. He was just another uninteresting mid-carder to me.
-
Changing lanes, I binged 3 episodes of Dark Side of the Ring yesterday:
Assassination of Dino Bravo
Collision in Korean - that was one fucked up situation
The UWF Herb Abrams one
I've watched most of them already, but still have 3 more on the DVR:
Dave Schutlz
Shadow of Grizzly Smith
New Jack
-
Yeah, I don't know what the f*** WCW was thinking working with Inoki to host an event like that in North Korea. I mean I know Inoki wanted this show to happen for ego purposes, but man, getting the wrestlers in and out of the country in one piece and alive at the time was a miracle.
-
Yeah, I don't know what the f*** WCW was thinking working with Inoki to host an event like that in North Korea. I mean I know Inoki wanted this show to happen for ego purposes, but man, getting the wrestlers in and out of the country in one piece and alive at the time was a miracle.
Scorpio was off his fucking rocker, even in the interviews. Shanking Hawk?!?!?! NONE of them would have ever left the country if he'd done that. What an ass-clown.
-
Yeah, I don't know what the f*** WCW was thinking working with Inoki to host an event like that in North Korea. I mean I know Inoki wanted this show to happen for ego purposes, but man, getting the wrestlers in and out of the country in one piece and alive at the time was a miracle.
The podcasts and stories I've read from that show would make your head spin like a top. When Bischoff asked Hogan if he would go and he said not a chance.
-
Had to look that one up. I had heard of that event, but didn't recall the name. Don't know much about it at all, other than it was a disaster that everyone seems to want to disown.
-
From what I recall, Scott Norton got in mega trouble Everything about that show sounds like a shitnaumi.
-
From what I recall, Scott Norton got in mega trouble Everything about that show sounds like a shitnaumi.
DSOTR told how he called home to his wife, and promptly got hauled into a Police interrogation room.
-
I haven't heard anything about this but now I'm curious. I'll try to check out the episode at some point.
I took a look at the episode list; some dark topics indeed.
-
I watched the A&E Rivals episode with The Undertaker and Mankind. Really enjoyed it, and would probably have liked the episode to be three times as long.
(Anyone who kind of wants to watch those matches and hasn't should definitely do it before they watch this though.)
It's interesting, sometimes emotional, sometimes funny, I got mad at Paul Bearer again, etc. :)
And I had to laugh at this: "No one had scalding coffee on their bingo card, but a guy's gotta do what a guy's gotta do when he's up against the Phenom."
-
I very much enjoy the Rivals and Legends series. Not sure there's going to be much here that I haven't heard or seen before, but it's always fun to relive it a bit. Watched Hogan/Giant on the weekend; will watch Mankind/Undertaker sometime this week.
-
I don't think I'd heard everything about the boiler room, and I'd forgotten something about the buried alive match, but yeah I was mostly watching it just to hear what everyone had to say and enjoy.
-
It's actually mind boggling that Mankind wasn't seriously injured in that Cell match with Undertaker. Those two bumps are still tough to watch.
-
Well, Mankind was legit knocked out in the 2nd bump. The first one, he fell and took it as well as he could. Did all he could to protect himself in the landing. He may have ended up with a broken shoulder, but he was still conscious.
Just to add more tidbits, Foley did a live show in England, a few years back, talking about his career and he shared some other details regarding that Hell in a Cell Match and why it took a long time for him to feel ok about talking about it again (since that's all people ever ask him about).
Mick Foley Emotionally Opens Up About Hell In A Cell (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6-XfYWjYnc)
-
Do anyone have any "boys" aka a wrestler that were never huge stars but he's your "boy" as a guilty pleasure. That term can from OSW review, which I highly recommend.
But anyway the first ones to come to mind for me are:
1. Glacier
2. Alex wright
3. IRS
Loved Koko B. Ware as a kid.
Was a big Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat guy as well since he used Alan Parsons “Sirius” as he walk up song.
-
Well, Mankind was legit knocked out in the 2nd bump. The first one, he fell and took it as well as he could. Did all he could to protect himself in the landing. He may have ended up with a broken shoulder, but he was still conscious.
Just to add more tidbits, Foley did a live show in England, a few years back, talking about his career and he shared some other details regarding that Hell in a Cell Match and why it took a long time for him to feel ok about talking about it again (since that's all people ever ask him about).
Mick Foley Emotionally Opens Up About Hell In A Cell (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6-XfYWjYnc)
In the A&E show he talks about this as well. Thanks for that link though - even though I've watched all kinds of interviews/segments about that match, each time he or The Undertaker says/remembers something a little differently and it's still interesting. I'm glad he's come to terms with it and can appreciate it now; and can appreciate that it did what he wanted it to do. Having said that, if I ever meet him, I'm not asking about that match. :) It's something really impactful and special and I'm someone who even didn't see it at the time.
-
The crazy thing about that fall off the top of the cage is you cannot exactly practice it to get it right, so your practice attempt is the live "you have one shot to get it right" bump. What cannot be underestimated is the amount of trust in Mark Calaway (Undertaker) there, as he had to give him enough of a throw to get his momentum moving, but he cannot give too much or too little, as Foley has to get his dive in real time just right based on how much initial momentum Calaway is giving him. Over-compensating either way could have been disastrous.
-
The crazy thing about that fall off the top of the cage is you cannot exactly practice it to get it right, so your practice attempt is the live "you have one shot to get it right" bump. What cannot be underestimated is the amount of trust in Mark Calaway (Undertaker) there, as he had to give him enough of a throw to get his momentum moving, but he cannot give too much or too little, as Foley has to get his dive in real time just right based on how much initial momentum Calaway is giving him. Over-compensating either way could have been disastrous.
absolutely....watching that first throw and the luck of the timing of Mick hitting that desk and not a disaster is unreal.
-
Yeah. I guess he trusted The Undertaker more than the Undertaker trusted himself on that whole thing. Or he was just determined that it had to happen no matter what. And Mick Foley was afraid of heights, to top it all off.
-
Jake's bio. :( I knew some of this stuff already but still. I'm glad he seems to be doing so well now.
-
Jake's bio. :( I knew some of this stuff already but still. I'm glad he seems to be doing so well now.
For sure, DDP was definitely instrumental in helping Jake. I would have to say one of the low points was that Heroes of Wrestling PPV from 99. If you haven't seen that show, it actually might be the worst wrestling event of all time.
-
I've never seen Heroes of Wrestling, but I've seen a few videos dedicated to it. Yikes.
-
Its really miraculous that Jake isn't dead. From his monster father and the mental childhood, to all his issues with addiction. The whole thing is just crazy.
Heroes is so sad to watch, as well as beyond the mat but I got way more out of beyond the mat. There's some real serious shit on there and I guess that's why I'm so interested in anything shoot related.
Jake was one of my favorites and good on DDP for trying to help.
-
I know I will get pushback on this, but my dad and I re-watched the Undertaker/HBK WM25 last evening on YT, and both were surprised at how boring it was at times. I remembered it being far better than it was. I get that the 331 kickouts of finishers in real time was amazing, but on a re-watch, once you get past that, it's not that good. There was literally a 3-4 minute sequence in the middle where nothing happened; they both laid on the mat outside the ring with the ref and the cameraman for a good minute or two before the painfully slow sequence of Michaels trying to get 'Taker counted out, and the latter making it into the ring just in time. I admittedly dislike the modern day trend of matches where finishers are kicked out of non-stop.
-
I enjoyed their rematch at WM26 a lot better. They had high expectations going off of the WM25 match and they had the added stipulations and made it so that there had to be a definitive winner. Plus, the downtime in certain spots wasn't as painful to endure in comparison to the gasp moment where Undertaker nearly landed on his head during that cameraman spot. It was a nicely paced 24 minute match rather than a 30 minute match with a 5 minute period where no one could do anything. Plus, this is one of the fewer times you get to see Undertaker legitimately sell a body part throughout the match.
I just wished JR was there to cover the match, but he was recovering from another case of Bell's Palsy at the time.
-
I wasn't following wrestling at the time, and watched WM25 years later, thus my enjoyment of the HBK/Undertaker match was hampered a bit by expectations based on everything I've read and heard about it. I recall thinking the work rate did seem a bit slow at times, and while I found it enjoyable, it didn't stand out as one of the greatest matches of all time in any way.
-
I was totally into that match when it happened and obviously there wasn't the post match hype or anything so that wasn't an issue. I still like watching it now though. I don't know if I'm really going to say what is or isn't one of the greatest matches. But this one is definitely one of the matches that I was most invested in, so for me personally it's one of the best. And that would apply to the 3 after it too; it was a great series.
-
So I'm reading that the WWE is merging with the parent group that owns the UFC, Endeavor. Wow. I presume, until we hear otherwise, that the approaches of booking shows and matches for both companies remains the same. It's just going to be really weird for both fanbases to know that both companies are going to be in the same umbrella.
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/03/wwe-ufc-merger-endeavor.html
-
Out of context, I am not sure I would have known who this was. Might have assumed he was a railroad baron from the 19th century.
(https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/nIdRO2C79Bb8rcmyO3sCZw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTY0MDtoPTM2MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/wrestle_zone_910/2d76ae0c34fda48d6b8f2bcd404a42f8)
-
I think it's a little disheartening that he's pretty much back in control, as I think HHH has been doing a great job.
-
I am not following this, but it's my understanding that while he may be "in control" on the business side, HHH is in full control of the creative side.
-
I hope so, but apparently he was there on Raw yesterday changing stuff up at the last minute (according to various online sites). Maybe he'll just do that once in a while because he can and hopefully leave HHH alone most of the time, but I don't know.
-
Out of context, I am not sure I would have known who this was. Might have assumed he was a railroad baron from the 19th century.
(https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/nIdRO2C79Bb8rcmyO3sCZw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTY0MDtoPTM2MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/wrestle_zone_910/2d76ae0c34fda48d6b8f2bcd404a42f8)
Wait, is that actually Vince? Holy shit.
-
Out of context, I am not sure I would have known who this was. Might have assumed he was a railroad baron from the 19th century.
(https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/nIdRO2C79Bb8rcmyO3sCZw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTY0MDtoPTM2MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/wrestle_zone_910/2d76ae0c34fda48d6b8f2bcd404a42f8)
De plane. De plane.
-
I guess it shows that no one here watches regularly anymore when no one is discussing Wrestlemania. :lol :lol
-
I guess it shows that no one here watches regularly anymore when no one is discussing Wrestlemania. :lol :lol
I was wondering about that.
-
I watched it, but I didn't think others here were.
I thought day 1 was pretty awesome.
-
Honestly, I just want a wrestlemania that is a couple hours long. This whole multi day thing is just too much content for me.
That being said I haven't watched any WWE at all since last wrestlemania so yeah :lol
-
I watch regularly, but I had to watch night one after I got home from playing a gig, then I was with family for Palm Sunday, then I was so annoyed by the results of the final three matches of night two that I didn’t want to talk about it at that moment.
-
I will confess to only being annoyed by the results of 2 of those 3 matches. Edge was one of my original favorites, so I was pulling for him. Plus, his entrance was way way way better.
-
I was so bummed out that Edge didn't opt to have Alter Bridge play Metalingus live. The timing was perfect!!!! They were in the San Bernardino area the day before, I was there for that concert! The window for that to happen at a Wrestlemania is probably gone since this could be Edge's last Wrestlemania and AB may be taking the year off in 2024.
-
I guess it shows that no one here watches regularly anymore when no one is discussing Wrestlemania. :lol :lol
I'm catching up now. A tornado knocked out my power Mania weekend lol
-
I read the other day that Reigns has had 27 title defenses since winning the world title nearly three years ago. 27. Nothing like being a working champion, eh? Good work if you can get it.
Still not sure I buy Cody Rhodes as world champion material, but that could just be a blind spot on my part since I never liked his dad, who was the most overrated person ever in the industry.
-
I'm not sure I buy Cody Rhodes as well as a legit top drawing world champion kind of guy as well. Like I get what he wanted to do when he left WWE the first time. I just felt like he was really out of place in the matches he had in NJPW. He found a great footing in AEW to really establish his marketability and I've heard the transition from AEW to WWE has been solid enough for Cody. Is it enough to buy in on him as a world champion though?
-
I just want someone other than Roman Reigns. I don't care about Cody all that much, but if that's who they picked, then fine. Even though I'm not a huge fan, crowds seem to like him so I'm good with it. I'd prefer Sami myself. The bloodline story has been great over the last year or so, but I think that's because of Sami more than anything, and I'm very sick of Reigns.
I'd be fine a number of other guys. Another run for Drew McIntyre, since his was when everything was shut down. Or Seth Rollins.
-
Cody had the top merchandise sales among individual superstars all WrestleMania weekend, and he’s been a consistent merch mover since he came back to WWE. He has drawing power, the number one sign of a top star.
-
Yeah - he hasn't done it for me but obviously people like him and I'm fine with it. I don't dislike him either, just doesn't really hold my interest much.
Smackdown tonight was good.
-
I read the other day that Reigns has had 27 title defenses since winning the world title nearly three years ago. 27. Nothing like being a working champion, eh? Good work if you can get it.
Also saw he was in the main event at Wrestlemania 31, 32, 33, 34, 37, 38, and 39.
Still not sure I buy Cody Rhodes as world champion material, but that could just be a blind spot on my part since I never liked his dad, who was the most overrated person ever in the industry.
How do you really feel about him? But, really, can you elaborate a tad?
-
It's hilarious that Reigns has been in that many WM events now. He was pushed hard as a main eventer as a face when fans didn't want it, and once he got over big as a heel, they left have let his title reign linger on way too long. That's WWE for ya.
Cody Rhodes, to me, looks like a guy who would have been a mid-carder is just about any other era (like he was a decade or so ago when Orton, Cena, Triple H, Punk, etc. all were in or close to their primes), but they are so depleted from true main event stars now that someone has to be the top face. I read that they wanted Rock/Reigns for the main event last week, but once they couldn't get a deal worked out for Rock to work it, Rhodes was the backup plan and inserted into the spot. Given that, it's no surprise that he lost since they obviously had no intention of taking the belt off Reigns at this year's Wrestlemania.
-
So, anything interesting happening in wrestling in the last three months? I wouldn't be able to tell, but if anything happened, let us know. However, for those that love nostalgia of one particular infamous match that we had actually talked about a few months ago here, you may like this. Here's a video on WWE's Youtube channel of Mick Foley and the Undertaker watching the Hell in a Cell match at King of the Ring 1998 together and talking about it to commemorate the 25th anniversary of this match.
The Undertaker and Mick Foley watch iconic Hell in a Cell Match: WWE Playback (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl2m9exy4lU)
-
I know the Iron Sheik, Droz, and Mantaur all passed away.
-
AEW in Boston tonight.
(https://i.postimg.cc/3JHy2z8b/20230719-185429.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/G9qhC7sk)
(https://i.postimg.cc/yxCNXSHS/20230719-185432.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/DJ5F70m2)
(https://postimages.org/app)
-
In case any of y'all are interested, there were a bunch of wrestling people on the latest episode of The Weakest Link. They came across much smarter than I'd have thought (particularly my new alternate reality wife, Becky Lynch).
-
I got back into wrestling this year after 2 decades. It's a very fun time.
I don't think Jey Uso takes the belt off Roman at SS. Are we looking at Cody going for it at Wrestlemania and actually winning? Still disappointed it didn't happen this year.
-
I got back into wrestling this year after 2 decades. It's a very fun time.
I don't think Jey Uso takes the belt off Roman at SS. Are we looking at Cody going for it at Wrestlemania and actually winning? Still disappointed it didn't happen this year.
My man. I have to admit, I was very confused and surprised when Cody didn't win at Mania back in April, but the storytelling they've done with the disintegration of the Bloodline since than has been stellar. I don't think Jey wins the world title, I think getting that first pinfall over Roman in several years at MitB was his reward. I think Roman scratches and claws to hold on to the belt until Wrestlemania next year, and then drops it to Cody or someone else.
-
Being out of wrestling for so long, how does Cody challenge Roman for it since they're on different shows and Raw has its own belt now. Because I hope you're right.
-
Being out of wrestling for so long, how does Cody challenge Roman for it since they're on different shows and Raw has its own belt now. Because I hope you're right.
Oh there are a couple different ways. Most obviously would be him winning the Rumble again in January and choosing Roman as his champion to challenge. Alternatively someone else could win the Rumble and challenge Seth (or whoever is the Raw champion at the time) and Cody could work his way into a #1 contender's match for the Smackdown title (especially if the Rumble winner is a Smackdown wrestler).
Also, I went to Smackdown last night since it was in Orlando and some people from work were interested in going. Man is L.A. Knight ever over (YEAH)
-
YEAH!
I didn't know you were here in FL, nice.
That makes sense, and I am dumb for forgetting there is another Rumble between now and next WM.
-
I didn't know you were here in FL, nice.
Yeah I up and moved my life from NJ to Orlando for a job just about a year ago. So far so good :)
-
Nice dude, I love this state except this awful summer humidity >:(
-
Nice dude, I love this state except this awful summer humidity >:(
Yeah, I have to say it's not really much, if at all, hotter down here than it gets up in the northeast. It's just that as hot as it gets up there for maybe two months it gets down here for like five :lol
-
Yeah, I have to say it's not really much, if at all, hotter down here than it gets up in the northeast. It's just that as hot as it gets up there for maybe two months it gets down here for like five :lol
:lol that sound about right, I can't wait for a cooler Fall and Winter.
-
The Undertaker and Mick Foley watch iconic Hell in a Cell Match: WWE Playback (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl2m9exy4lU)
That was amazing to hear them share those memories with such a level of respect and admiration for each other.
-
I would like to see Gable take the IC title. Make it a months-long feud.
I bet the tag titles get vacated. I would like that, no slight on SZ and KO. Send them back to each show and let them change hands often like in the Attitude Era.
-
Gable has been underrated for years.
It's crazy how over LA Knight is at the moment. He clearly is going to get an immediate push to the top.
-
Gunther is the one long running title holder who hasn't overstayed his welcome (imo of course). I won't complain if he drops it, but I'm happy with him keeping it for a while too. I'd like to see Sheamus get the IC title at some point (picking up on a storyline from earlier this year).
Tag titles... I think they should split them but again I'd be happy with Sami and Kevin Owens keeping one of the two for a bit.
I was at SummerSlam and could have fallen asleep during tribal combat (and I think someone near me actually did). Otherwise it was great and very nice to see LA Knight with a win.
The Undertaker and Mick Foley watch iconic Hell in a Cell Match: WWE Playback (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl2m9exy4lU)
That was amazing to hear them share those memories with such a level of respect and admiration for each other.
+1 to this
-
I also wouldn't mind Gunther keeping it for a bit longer, let Gable and Gunther battle it out for a while.
The tribal combat was a snoozefest from start to finish, including Jimmy returning. There is hope left for some good "cinema", but it's starting to really jump the shark.
-
Gable is a gem. I'll forever be bummed that injuries killed American Alpha, the tag team he came up in from NXT. They had some spectacular tag matches back in the day. That said, Gunther is running with the IC title for a while longer, certainly long enough to break the record. Fun fact, Gunther has been a champion for something like 75% of his time in WWE between his long run with the NXT UK title and now the Intercontinental.
I wouldn't mind splitting the tag titles up so each show has a set, but I'd like to see Sami and KO run with at least one set of them for a bit longer. They could really have some great dedicated tag team feuds and matches, but I feel like they've been playing sidekicks to Cody and/or Seth the last few months moreso than ruling the tag division.
I was definitely surprised by the Jimmy twist in the main event (which I thought was good up until that point). My initial reaction was that they were stretching this story out too long, but I thought the same thing when Roman retained at Wrestlemania and we've gotten some great storytelling and matches out of the last few months.
Lastly, LA Knight is a goddamn star, they need to strap a rocket to his back. His pops are just ridiculous.
-
I totally agree about Sami and KO. And I also feel like the bloodline storyline has suffered a bit now that their part is done. Paul Heyman is great, the story is great, but even before SummerSlam it feels a little stale.
LA Knight is awesome. I wasn't familiar with him prior to the main roster and I didn't see much of him as a manager, which is probably a good thing. But unlike maybe everyone else, I loved both him and Bray in their feud. Bray's a great talker, and each week LA Knight got more and more of my attention. When he went from imitating Bray to going nuts in 2 seconds... awesome. Glad seemingly everybody now thinks so.
-
I can get behind all of that. I do want Gunther to break the record, and then I would be totally good with the long reigns going away for a while.
Maybe they can use the injuries to say they have to relinquish one set of titles. Smackdown has very little with belts because of Roman, so it could give SD some juice. Raw is longer though, and has some great tag teams.
I think getting time with The Miz was a test run for them to push LA Knight to the top or at least much higher than where he is at.
-
Terry Funk has passed away at the age of 79.
One of the best to ever do it.
-
Terry Funk has passed away at the age of 79.
One of the best to ever do it.
RIP, a wrestlling legend that never truly got to the level he deserved. I was/am a big Mick FOley fan and how much Mick talked and respected him made me feel the same way.
In other news, Hulk Hogan was on the Joe Rogan podcast. I listened to most of it today, pretty good, but maybe not much new if you follow him (I don't).
-
I think he got as big as he wanted to be. Was NWA world champion before the national expansion and then spent the rest of his career moving place to place as to not overstay his welcome. Whether it be WWE,AWA,WCW,ECW,AJPW,NJPW,ROH,FMW,PWG or random shows on the independents he was always somewhere.
Also every hogan interview always has at least something new because he's always making shit up. One of the biggest liars in wrestling history brother.
-
Also every hogan interview always has at least something new because he's always making shit up. One of the biggest liars in wrestling history brother.
I can't say I've followed him much in the last 15 years. But I got the feeling that a lot of what he was talking about might be bs just by the way he was telling the stories. Maybe not total BS, but fluff and likely from bad memory of getting hit in the head.
-
RIP Bray Wyatt. Crazy.
-
RIP Bray Wyatt. Crazy.
So fucking sad. He was so young and talented, and with a family. About to start one of my favorite matches from the first Wyatt Family run.
-
This just feels so wrong. I read that Bray was recovering from a health issue maybe a few weeks ago and was looking forward to him being back maybe soon.
RIP Bray. This feels kind of devastating and I'm just a fan. I'm so sorry for his family and his friends.
-
I read that there was a September return planned. What a gut punch.
-
Yeah, he had been out for months and at first they were saying it was creative differences, and then it came out that it was a health issue tied to covid, and then just in the last week or so they were saying he was finally close to being cleared to return.
-
This looks interesting. Can't wait until it comes to streaming. I always was a big fan of Kerry Von Erich.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KVsaoveTbw
-
Yeah, the trailer does look like the story of the Von Erich family is going to be portrayed well. I just wonder how they will go about the moments when things went really south for that family.
-
Can't say I was ever a real fan of any of them, but I remember when all this was going down. Should be interesting subject matter for a film.
-
Can't say I was ever a real fan of any of them, but I remember when all this was going down. Should be interesting subject matter for a film.
The Last of the Von Erichs (https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8i5h2s) Dark Side of the Ring episode about them was heartbreaking. What a snake-bitten family.
-
Apparently Chavo Guerrero will play The Sheik in this film and was the wrestling consultant throughout the filming to ensure accuracy of the wrestling action and history I presume.
-
I only heard about them long after the fact. I watched a couple youtube clips where the commentary referred to Kerry as the modern day warrior, and decided that I liked him just from that alone. :) But his story, and the whole family's is pretty tragic.
-
I only remember Kerry as The Texas Tornado, and learned about their family history much later. That being said, I've seen a few documentaries about them, including that 'Dark Side of the Ring' one, and if that's the one I am thinking of, I don't know if any dramatization could be 1/10th as powerful as that video was.
-
I know it was considered a dive, but the Sportatorium seemed like such a cool place to watch wrestling
-
Looks like it is clobberin' time in WWE again. CM Punk has returned after an absence of nearly a decade. This might actually get me to tune in again.
-
I thoroughly enjoyed the PLE last night. Randy coming back on the cash-in was glorious.
-
Looks like it is clobberin' time in WWE again. CM Punk has returned after an absence of nearly a decade. This might actually get me to tune in again.
Me too. MP back on DT, CM Punk back in WWE, I feel a decade younger.
-
I'm kinda indifferent about CM Punk. I would have preferred to keep Edge rather than re-sign CM Punk.
-
You know what, I haven't watched Monday Night Raw in over 20 years, but this buzz has done it's job, I may actually watch it!
-
You know what, I haven't watched Monday Night Raw in over 20 years, but this buzz has done it's job, I may actually watch it!
I was here last year, went 20+ years without watching. It's very fun right now!
-
Say what you want about CM Punk, but his ability to captivate an audience, whether they love him or hate him, is up there with the best of the best all-time when it comes to the wrestling industry.
-
I thoroughly enjoyed the PLE last night. Randy coming back on the cash-in was glorious.
thought that was a great moment as well, but Priest could have still capitalized. Even if Orton was running his fastest, he wouldn't have been able to break up the pin
-
Say what you want about CM Punk, but his ability to captivate an audience, whether they love him or hate him, is up there with the best of the best all-time when it comes to the wrestling industry.
I vehemently agree. He's also a huge draw both as face and heel and - like Bret and Lawler before him - he's the only one who can guarantee a perpetual sellout in a specific city, no matter what.
-
Punk's AEW run was pretty bad, even taking aside the backstage issues. His in-ring work was rusty, with two injuries killing any momentum he was getting, it wasn't all bad his promo work was still mostly great (his stuff with MJF was some of the best in recent times).
Anyone see the Hangman Page vs Swerve Strickland match at the recent AEW PvP? That was a stone cold classic.
-
I haven’t been into wrestling for about 25 years or so but occasionally peek in to see what’s going on, but it seems to me the idea of CM Punk > the actuality of CM Punk.
-
I haven’t been into wrestling for about 25 years or so but occasionally peek in to see what’s going on, but it seems to me the idea of CM Punk > the actuality of CM Punk.
Just like Dream Theater! :biggrin:
-
Punk's AEW run was pretty bad, even taking aside the backstage issues. His in-ring work was rusty, with two injuries killing any momentum he was getting, it wasn't all bad his promo work was still mostly great (his stuff with MJF was some of the best in recent times).
Anyone see the Hangman Page vs Swerve Strickland match at the recent AEW PvP? That was a stone cold classic.
In my opinion, backstage amenities aside, AEW made the mistake (or maybe just needed) to use Punk as a regular schedule wrestler, always on. He was too old and rusty for that, and he's the kind of character you can easily tire of when seen constantly. Let's hope HHH understands CM Punk should be used strictly as "attraction wrestler", bulding long stories only via mic and letting him fight only on the big events. What if it was the plan all along? To use AEW to shed rust and get the ball rolling, then forcing the inexperienced fanboy owner's hand for a termination, and come back home to finally fullfill the dream of headlining a WrestleMania?
-
I haven’t been into wrestling for about 25 years or so but occasionally peek in to see what’s going on, but it seems to me the idea of CM Punk > the actuality of CM Punk.
I can see thinking that if you are really seeing him for the first time now, but I got back into watching a bit in 2009 (thanks to Randy Orton), and Punk's run from 2009 through his exit in early 2014 was awesome. He was more often than not involved in the best angle/storyline. When it comes to the best talkers in the history of the business, there are the obvious ones like Austin, Flair, Hogan, Piper and Rock, but Punk is right there with all of them.
-
As if we needed more proof that Ric Flair is a shitbag of a human being:
https://www.sescoops.com/news/ric-flair-heat-aew-promo-legends-react
Long story short:
He invited any woman from ages 18 to 28 back to his hotel, and said no husbands or boyfriends allowed. Flair is 74.
He got all defensive and played the victim asking, "Why can't people leave me alone?" when he received criticism for being a creepy old man.
And then legends like Chris Jericho and Steve Austin had his back.
The entire wrestling industry really is just loaded with shitbags.
-
Why is he a creep for wanting to be with women 18-28? That seems perfectly logical to me.
He didn't invite minors, after all. Nothing illegal or negative about it.
I don't have a problem with it. *shrugs*
-
I think stuff like that is probably just better left in the past. Presumably he was just being in character anyway as he's done several interviews mentioning his current wife, etc. But that kind of thing is kind of icky, in character or genuine.
-
In that interview Ric Flair said the same thing that he has said 1000's upon 1000's of times. It's his gimmick and in the 70's and 80's, all the wrestling fans including women, loved every second of his promos. It's truly amazing what offends people nowadays.
-
I think it's a combination of the fact that inviting women that age up to your hotel room is a little bit creepier in your 70s than your 30s or 40s, but more importantly I think it's the more widespread knowledge of him committing sexual assault on the plane ride from hell.
-
I think it's a combination of the fact that inviting women that age up to your hotel room is a little bit creepier in your 70s than your 30s or 40s, but more importantly I think it's the more widespread knowledge of him committing sexual assault on the plane ride from hell.
Thank you.
It is still puzzling how he got a pass from nearly everyone for that, and I think he has been programmed to think that he can just say and do whatever he wants and get away with it, because, let's face it, he has always gotten away with it. They have a word for guys like that.
-
Why is he a creep for wanting to be with women 18-28? That seems perfectly logical to me.
He didn't invite minors, after all. Nothing illegal or negative about it.
I don't have a problem with it. *shrugs*
Same. And it appears that DiCaprio is following in his footsteps.
-
RIP Killer Kahn..
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mma-ufc/wwe-legend-who-wrestled-hulk-hogan-and-andre-the-giant-dies-aged-76/ar-AA1meF0A?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=959da2665f5a4a86b583d4e93af45b50&ei=11
-
So there are reports out there on Vince being accused of some pretty heinous gross actions. The description is not looking pretty. Sometimes, when you read stuff like this, you think, "How the f*** does this guy get away with this unscathed and still owns the company?"
-
Wow... allegedly, that man is a depraved POS.
-
Yeah, Vince McMahon can fuck right off, I'm so glad he's not running things anymore and I can't wait for the company to wash their hands of him for good. Brock Lesnar can fuck off with him, I hope I never see him on WWE TV again. This definitely dampers my excitement for driving to Tampa to go to the Royal Rumble in person on Saturday.
-
Lots of past storylines sure take on a new light now...
-
WWE moving to Netflix next year - including all the PPV's. Interesting...
-
I haven't kept up with Seth Rollins this week, I wonder what the plan is for him now that he is legit injured. CM punk still winning?
I am REALLY excited for the Rumble.
-
I'm at the point now where I am no longer surprised in the slightest whenever I hear something scandalous about a celebrity. I might be caught off guard, but I am never shocked. Especially with Vince, everything I've ever heard about him stopped fazing me 20 years ago. That changed today.
Early during the alleged May 2020 threesome, “McMahon immediately directed Ms. Grant to lay down on her back in a supplicating position. While straddling over her, McMahon defecated on Ms. Grant’s head. McMahon left to shower off, but he instructed Ms. Grant to remain in place, with excrement in her hair, and to continue performing for his friend. While Ms. Grant requested protection, none was offered. McMahon and Physical Therapist actively continued with the threesome and directed Ms. Grant’s sexual performance for around an hour and a half while she was left covered in feces.”
-
I'm at the point now where I am no longer surprised in the slightest whenever I hear something scandalous about a celebrity. I might be caught off guard, but I am never shocked. Especially with Vince, everything I've ever heard about him stopped fazing me 20 years ago. That changed today.
Early during the alleged May 2020 threesome, “McMahon immediately directed Ms. Grant to lay down on her back in a supplicating position. While straddling over her, McMahon defecated on Ms. Grant’s head. McMahon left to shower off, but he instructed Ms. Grant to remain in place, with excrement in her hair, and to continue performing for his friend. While Ms. Grant requested protection, none was offered. McMahon and Physical Therapist actively continued with the threesome and directed Ms. Grant’s sexual performance for around an hour and a half while she was left covered in feces.”
This is absolutely ridiculous.
I'm not surprised like you said that there's allegations, and even really bad allegations, against Vince. The guys basically a criminal in my mind and has been. But yeah, the shit story is just a different level of insanity. It's almost like he treated his real life like WWE, and well, there's lots of evidence to support that.
I don't really follow WWE, but I have to wonder what people like his family and Triple H have to say. I've also have to believe a lot more people were probably complicit in his actions.
-
I'm at the point now where I am no longer surprised in the slightest whenever I hear something scandalous about a celebrity. I might be caught off guard, but I am never shocked. Especially with Vince, everything I've ever heard about him stopped fazing me 20 years ago. That changed today.
Early during the alleged May 2020 threesome, “McMahon immediately directed Ms. Grant to lay down on her back in a supplicating position. While straddling over her, McMahon defecated on Ms. Grant’s head. McMahon left to shower off, but he instructed Ms. Grant to remain in place, with excrement in her hair, and to continue performing for his friend. While Ms. Grant requested protection, none was offered. McMahon and Physical Therapist actively continued with the threesome and directed Ms. Grant’s sexual performance for around an hour and a half while she was left covered in feces.”
Well, it can't be said that Vince never gave a shit.
-
For those who want a history to how terrible Vince there is a great six-part behind the bastards series:
https://pca.st/episode/def7a331-5d43-49c7-91df-f6ed4d7ddbf3
-
Anyone else watching Elimination Chamber right now?
-
5am is way too fucking early :lol
But the results were predictable, I read comments that it was a good show overall, so I will try to watch it.
Also, if they don't put Cody over Roman...that will be fucking stupid.
-
It was a good show but yes very predictable
-
5am is way too fucking early :lol
But the results were predictable, I read comments that it was a good show overall, so I will try to watch it.
Also, if they don't put Cody over Roman...that will be fucking stupid.
Well, it was 10am for me so I took full advantage as usually PPVs are at 1am everytime here.
-
Yeah, it's tough for people not in the US usually.
-
Ole Anderson died. Even as a kid I knew it was all "fake" but part of me still believed to my core that they really broke Dusty's arm. Their feuds with the Four Horsemen would have with Dusty Rhodes and the Rock n Roll Express were legendary.
-
Yeah, I saw that yesterday about Ole Anderson.
It was fake and everything, but he was really a tough old asshole, not doubt about. One of the real ones.
-
Who else is massively hyped for WrestleMania this year? I'm going to watch both night's live, and I can't wait!
-
Who else is massively hyped for WrestleMania this year? I'm going to watch both night's live, and I can't wait!
I wouldn't say MASSIVELY hyped, but I am more hyped than normal. I don't watch RAW or Smackdown normally, but my kid and I attended RAW a week or two ago and that was hella fun, so we may tune for WM.
-
Who else is massively hyped for WrestleMania this year? I'm going to watch both night's live, and I can't wait!
Me! So excited
-
I'm very much looking forward to Wrestlemania weekend (don't sleep on NXT Stand & Deliver on Saturday)! The build and the card for this year have been nothing short of epic, it should be a great two days of wrestling.
I wouldn't say MASSIVELY hyped, but I am more hyped than normal. I don't watch RAW or Smackdown normally, but my kid and I attended RAW a week or two ago and that was hella fun, so we may tune for WM.
Definitely jealous you got to see that Creeds tag match live, one of my favorites from recently.
-
Definitely jealous you got to see that Creeds tag match live, one of my favorites from recently.
That was 10 pounds of fun in a five pound bag.
-
It's so obvious that Cody wins it Sunday, which means it won't happen...or will it? They got me hooked.
-
Well, night one of Wrestlemania was good, but night two was fucking great. So many good matches and so many stories with satisfying conclusions. Can't wait for Raw tomorrow :hat
-
So in terms of the 10, 20, 30, 40 edition of Wrestlemania, how does 40 rank compared to those 3 other ones? It seems like when it gets to that X0 mark, it feels like it's one of the more better versions.
-
Night 2 was much better than Night 1. That main event was spectacular.
-
We enjoyed both nights. First WM I've watched in years. Loved it.
-
So in terms of the 10, 20, 30, 40 edition of Wrestlemania, how does 40 rank compared to those 3 other ones? It seems like when it gets to that X0 mark, it feels like it's one of the more better versions.
I'd have to review the cards and maybe rewatch some of them, but 40 was very very good. Some really high highs and no bad matches across two nights.
Night 2 was much better than Night 1. That main event was spectacular.
The main was great, and a few of the matches just got into a higher gear than most of the night 1 matches were able to hit.
We enjoyed both nights. First WM I've watched in years. Loved it.
Raw tonight should be a lot of fun as well. The Raw after Mania has kinda become its own thing, a lot of the diehards who travel to attend WM will go to Raw as well and since so many stories reach their conclusion over the weekend there are some surprise debuts/returns etc... to kick off new stores.
-
Great weekend, Cody ended the story. It was a glorious match.
-
I've watched quite a few cell phone recordings of the final minutes of Cody-Reigns. After Seth gets knocked out and The Rock is in the middle of the ring, every single person is all "Stone Cold is coming out! That glass is gonna shatter! Gimme a Hell Yeah!..." they are so amped up, they know for certain Austin is coming out. And then the gong hits, and everyone is "OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!" I love how everyone can still lose their mind seeing Taker.