Classic1333's Corner: My retirement from blogs (in case you didn't know)

Hello Wrestling fans. I just wanted to let everyone know that I am no longer going to make any blogs (yes, I haven't posted any in a long time anyways). I am now posting videos on youtube under my channel: www.youtube.com/classic1333
I'll admit they are low budget right now because I am using an old webcam and a microphone, but soon I am going to get a better webcam. I hope to one day post a video away from the computer so it looks more interesting, but that might take sometime due to my pc not reading my camera at all. Please check out my videos and subscribe to me! Right now I am doing basically Raw Reviews but I will occasionally discuss other wrestling topics as well. Plus my Raw Reviews usually have some randomness in them which makes them interesting/funny and worth the view. So please check them out, subscribe, and leave comments. And to anyone who actually read my blogs on here, thanks for reading them. Quick shout out to ProWrestlingandYou universe, if you mention me, please plug my videos :) Take care everyone!

-Classic1333

Candle's Kayfabe Critique: CCW, The Rundown

Hello, Pro Wrestling And You blog-o-sphere, and welcome back to another one of my (hopefully) thought provoking blogs that helps put the “smart” in smart mark. As always, Candle here to run down the world of wrestling, but this week (well, the second time this week. I’m as surprised as you!) I’m going to tackle one of the biggest faux pas in smart markdom history since WSX, and talk about the widely shunned, and often re-run Country Music Television original series…that’s right, Candle’s putting his credibility on the table and taking a stab at CCW: Celebrity Championship Wrestling.

I guess I can initially understand why wrestling fans are so quick to dismiss this reality television show. You have the same Celebreality C-List rejects from VH1 taking on the sport(s entertainment) of professional wrestling. Their teachers? Heading the pack with name value to spare, the immortal Hulk Hogan. Heading up both teams as captains, the biggest gimmick failure that only maintained any steam en lou of the massive shadow cast by bigger flat gimmicks, like the Black Scorpion or the Shock Master, Brutus the Barber Beef Cake, and none other than the original sloppy brawler that looks so terrible in the ring, they had to call him Nasty, Brian Knobbs. Alongside with the Hulkster, a judging panel consisting of (what I consider to be) the worst manager to ever make a name for himself in the business, Jimmy Hart, and the cutthroat slave driver at the helm of the sinking Amistad that was WCW, Eric Bischoff. So, essentially, we have a training staff of c-list no-talent wrestlers, and a judging staff consisting of Hulk Hogan, a man who doesn’t know the difference between a wrist lock and a wristwatch, Eric Bischoff, whom can run any good idea into the ground, and Jimmy Hart, whose doing what he’s been doing his whole career (in my eyes, anyway) riding the coattails of bigger names. So, what could Hogan and the motley crew of retirees teach these “piqued at 16” megastars?

In one word? Plenty

I’ll be the first to admit, if this show were really about making Screech Powers or Danny Partridge into Dean Malenko, these trainers and judges would be the last people I’d put in charge, but it’s not about that. These wrestlers are teaching basic essentials, like taking a bump, eating and delivering a clothesline, selling to the crowd, and cutting a promo that could keep the audience interested. I know, it sounds like a Hogan match already, but that’s not a bad thing by any means. They’re teaching these celebrities how to tell a story in the ring, and it’s obvious that these sparsely trained D-List Diva’s are picking it all up quick and actually putting on interesting matches. This week in particular consisted of high spots like a middle rope flying clothesline and a hip toss, along with an elbow with theatrics, but they were still able to keep me interested in the match with these basic fundamentals. I’m not saying it was Flair v Steamboat by any means, but these were actually adequate wrestling matches, some of which were better than some of the crap shoot indie shows I’ve seen in my home state of North Carolina.

So with all of this being said, I ask you to at least give this show a chance. If you’re nostalgic for Tough Enough like me you’ll at least find some facet of that novelty in CCW. After watching tonight’s show and seeing what the (admittedly, highly edited and foleyed show [that means sound effects were edited in, for those not in the know]) program had on it’s plate for tonight, I immediately decided to go over each remaining superstar and predict which one would be left at the end of the show to become CCW Champion. At this stage in the show, team Beefcake and team Nasty have ceased to exist, so it’s every man and woman for themselves, so let’s look at the remaining roster one at a time and single out the good attributes each possess, the weaknesses that are holding them back, and the likelihood of them moving on to the next round.

The Remaining:
Danny Bonaduce: a.k.a. “Dangerous” Danny Bonaduce
Profile: Former Partridge turned full-time rage-o-holic shock jock and overall the biggest celebreality psycho since Gary Busey.

Positives: Danny’s skilled in martial arts, which could be a plus if he wanted to pursue further training and independent booking after this show went off the air, which could be a very real possibility considering how seriously he’s taking this CCW project. Danny definitely has the type of physique that appeals to someone like Hogan, Bischoff, and Hart, and loads of enthusiasm that really comes across in the ring perfectly, but sometimes overshoots him on the mic. “Dangerous” Danny definitely has heel appeal to anyone whose followed his life on VH1 over the past three years, and the gimmick kind of allows him to tap into that rambunctious side that comes across so negatively sometimes. Any guy who has the gift of gab good enough to have his own radio show should definitely be able to adapt to being in front of a microphone AND a camera, and hopefully we’ll see Danny hone in on some focus and not let the crowd’s reactions get the best of his excitable nature.

Negatives: Danny’s hotheaded tendencies may end up getting him in trouble. In this week’s episode he nearly bit off Dustin Diamond’s head in promo training with personal attacks, which are apparently a big no-no on Celebrity Championship Wrestling. (I suppose because it’s such an easy target for everyone to go after and fall prey to) His misguided rage and stubbornness translate into masochism in the ring. This week he requested to take a hip toss wrong, just so he could be instructed on how to do one properly. After learning the proper technique, he over jumped his bump and immediately requested to head to the medics, complaining that he heard a pop when he landed. The only thing the medic could reportedly do is send Danny in for X-Rays, but Danny wasn’t ready to leave the show, so he insisted unless there was an x-ray machine in the building, that the medic should just forget about it. This back problem didn’t slow him down in the “main event,” but it may cause him problems in the future if indeed it was something serious. Danny’s devil may care attitude could cost him the CCW Championship.
Seeding/Odds: On a scale of 1 to 10, in measure with everyone else on the show, I’d say Danny’s one of the most advanced wrestlers on the show, and definitely wont be sent packing by the judges, but could very well put himself on the shelf if he continues to shoot off his mouth or go on with unchecked injuries. That lands him an 8 on my scale, and out of the six people remaining, I’d guess he’d end up going home maybe three shows from now due to attitude issues or injury.

Todd Bridges: a.k.a.- Mr. Not-So-Perfect.
Profile: Bridges is probably best (and only) known for his role as Willis in “Diff’rent Strokes” opposite Gary Coleman.

Positives: Todd’s shown a great gift of gab on the microphone so far, and definitely shows signs of wanting to expand his repertoire within the ring to set himself apart. This week the celebrities were told to learn a hip toss and an elbow strike. Bridges took it a step further and worked in a handspring elbow into his tag routine with Bonaduce.

Negatives: This week in particular, Todd didn’t put in much ring work. He led Danny through an opening match promo, but when the bell sounded, Partridge did most of the work. There’s just nothing very impressive about him. His attire seems to be as throwback as humanly possible, and his ring work is very forgettable. I think what he’s mostly lacking is an overall sense for the feel of the crowd. Unlike Danny or Dustin, or even Rodman, Bridges just doesn’t seem to take the time or effort to play to the crowd all that often, and considering that’s one of the biggest tools he has to work with right now, he really needs to zero in on connecting better. He also lacks the physique that guys like Butterbean, Rodman, and Bonaduce bring to the table, and considering that’s not going for him, there really isn’t much standing out in his act to help him get that edge that he desperately needs.

Seeding/Odds: While Bridges is fairly unremarkable, I could definitely see one or two people possibly leaving before him. As I said earlier, out of everyone I’d say his mic work is probably the most refined and clearly delivered, and it has energy as well, but I could see him being demoted to “Jabroni” status within the next two weeks if he doesn’t find something to keep him relevant. Plain and simple, we need something worth talkin’ ‘bout, Willis.

Butterbean: a.k.a. The Mean Bean
Profile: Former boxer with an infamous match ending haymaker. If anything’s more famous than Butterbean’s short match win streaks, it’s his infamous hairless, bulky, red, white, and blue trademark look.

Positives: As I said with Danny, having any sort of fighting background to play off of in the ring, or have back up your legitimacy as a threat in the ring is always good. I’m not comparing the two by any means, but look at what Kurt Angle’s based his whole career around; a pair of gold medals he won over ten years ago. Credibility goes a long way, and the Mean Bean definitely possesses plenty of clout and notoriety as a one punch boxer. Also, surprisingly enough, those blows to the head haven’t affected his promo working abilities. Butterbean’s pretty natural on the stick, and that’s a major plus. Butterbean also has a great look that’s been carried over from his boxing career with his barrel-chested bulky physique and memorable Apollo Creed esc patriotic trunks. The Mean Bean has a lot going for him.

Negatives: I don’t have many to really report. Butterbean has the inclination of falling back on his size as an excuse for not being as expansive within the ring as some of his opponents. This could come back to bite him on the “Butter-butt” though, because if he fails to evolve on some level as the show continues and his rivals progress, he may find himself left stranded on Jabroni Drive with only enough gas to carry him to the Smackdown! Hotel.

Seeding/Odds: In a way, I think the Mean Bean could stay standing for the next few major rounds, and could end up being one of the two remaining CCW contenders as the show comes to a close, but ultimately, he wont win unless he broadens his horizons and incorporates every newly learned move in the weeks to come, whether it be by taking it or delivering it. Considering it looks like they’re going up top next week, I think Butterbean would be privy to learn how to be the best crash pad possible.

Trishelle Cannatella: a.k.a. Red Hot Redneck
Profile: I’m not going to even pretend that I know who this chick is outside of this show. I know she’s done Playboy, and a few other reality shows, but that’s pretty much the extension of my knowledge on whom this girl is. So, moving on.

Positives: Trishelle definitely knows how to play the crowd, and I think that’s her real strong point. She works her gimmick well, and seems fairly comfortable in it. Out of the girls on the show so far, I think she’s whined the least, which may be the biggest reason she’s still around this week. She knows how to sell, she knows how to work a hot tag spot, and she knows the basics pretty well. I’d say she’s a pretty strong contender, and the fact that she’s the only woman left amongst five men proves it. Her sex appeal has brought her a long way, and it’s an edge that nobody else remaining in the competition really has (that is, unless Rodzilla slaps on a dress and goes through his crazy phase again)

Negatives: Nothing really major to harp on, really. She may rely on her salesmanship a little too often, which could leave judges feeling like she’s delivered too much sizzle and not enough steak, but that could be a plus considering her main critics are the biggest hype man in the business and a former company owner who knows a good gimmick when he sees it. My biggest fear is that her gender could hurt her more than it helps. Women are generally looked upon as weaker in society, and in wrestling, it’s pretty much tenfold, especially with old school guys like Hart and Hogan. And do you remember a WCW Woman’s Title Division? Neither does Eric Bischoff, because he never booked talented women. I’d dare say that Trishelle may be more talented than a majority of the former WCW woman’s locker room, and maybe more talented than most of the main event!

Seeding/Odds: She’s really got an uphill battle ahead of her, and I’m not saying it’s right or fair, because in some ways, it’s not if there turns out to be any gender bias, but I think she has a shot at being within the top 4, but I could also see her going home as soon as next week. If I had to put money to mouth, I’d say she’s our next Jabroni. Sorry, sister.

Dustin Diamond: a.k.a.-The Winner
Profile: Dustin Diamond is best known for being the Caucasian geek alternative in Urkle heavy years on the cult hit Save By the Bell. He would later pursue a career in standup, porn, and most degrading of all, a weight loss reality show with the Snapple Lady. In recent years, he’s made a bad name for himself as a fairly big bully on Celebrity Fit Club, nearly prompting a beating from former Marine drill instructor, Harvey.

Positives: It seems as if Dustin’s checked his sue happy bad attitude at the door, and has become very enthusiastic about learning to wrestle under the tutelage of Hulk Hogan. Compared to the rest of the house, aside from maybe Bridges whose shown some great industry smarts by dropping names like Rocky Johnson, Dustin seems to be one of the few real fans of professional wrestling within the show. So far a lot of his negative energy has went into the constructive outlet of comprising a really great heel gimmick. So far his promos have been fairly reminiscent of Andy Kaufman’s old Memphis territory stuff, and Diamond seems to have no trouble with selling to the audience and drawing in their hatred. Like Bonaduce, Dustin has his own established heel heat coming into this stemming from real life. Diamond may be one of the few rounders, if not the only one, within the house capable of selling, delivering, playing the crowd, and working a promo like a true heel wrestler. I’d love to see him take yet another career avenue and pursue a Johnny Fairplay or Mike Mizanin type role within the independents. Diamond definitely has a natural gift.

Negatives: I addressed it earlier, and I’ll address it later on while analyzing another celebreality wrestler, but Diamond really does put you to mind of Andy Kaufman on the mic, and considering Jimmy Hart is on the panel, a man whom was very instrumental with the whole Kaufman angle in Memphis, perhaps standards will rise, and a desire for originality will come into play later on. Dustin also seems very apprehensive about learning new things at first, and seems a tad afraid to interact with the others on occasions, and take control of the match a little bit. I don’t think his build or physique (or lack thereof) hurts his chances. If anything, it helps him a lot considering he’s focusing on one major thing in his gimmick; brain over brawn. Dustin knows his limitations, but sometimes I fear that he might second guess himself as well, and that worries me. That kind of thinking usually leads to an accident.

Seeding/Odds: Diamond’s a perfect ten as far as a total package goes in this competition. A lot of my money is riding on…who else?…The Winner.

Dennis Rodman: a.k.a.- Rodzilla
Profile: Former bad boy basketball player turned tabloid spectacle, Dennis Rodman has probably been the most talked about celebrity of the past fifteen years, both on the court and on the news stands.

Positives: Rodman has a lot going for him; A pre-existing image of being a radical, a former career as a major NBA star, an athletic physique, a very recognizable name, and the inclination of being one of the few celebrities in this show to ever step foot in a wrestling ring prior to coming onto the show. Rodman can play the crowd in the ring, and does fairly well for a big man considering what’s been taught. Rodman’s colorful past of multiple reinventions really left little room for him to even create a gimmick, which is a leg up on the competition.

Negatives: Rodman really seems uncomfortable on the microphone, and showed signs of uncertainty during training for his first promo, going as far as to rip off Hogan‘s infamous “Whatcha Gonna Do?.” When the time came, he delivered, but perhaps the delivery was a bit too fast. I hope Dennis expands his in-ring horizons though, and doesn’t just settle for being another big man with a lariat. Overall, I think the biggest problem with being Rodman in the ring is the same baggage that comes along with being Rodman in real life, and that’s being unsure of who you are, or who or what you really want to be. I also think that Rodman would work much better as a heel character, and the cardboard face persona being presented really hinders what depth he could have as Rodman the Recluse.

Seeding/Odds: I think Rodman could very well be the weakest link on the show right now. Even being adequate is working for Bridges, but being a super face with no personality or character really isn’t doing Dennis any favors. I predict he’ll be the next to go.

So, my final thoughts:
Winner: “The Winner” Dustin Diamond
Next Week’s Loser: Dennis “Rodzilla” Rodman

Well, after this venture, I hope whatever following I have returns to read up on my blog. Also don’t forget to check out the rest of the You-Neverse. I’m not the only blogger here, and I’m sure it doesn’t take much to steer you all towards Bo’Jack, Backstage Pass, WWEKid, and Strata and Co. on their weekly views on all things wrestling.

Anyway, Until Next Time
I’m Out Like A Candle

Thoughts, Balks, Predictions: TNA Turning Point.

Hello everyone out there in interwebs world. It’s me, your fair-weather friend, Candle, whom obviously hasn’t been around lately to do his blog. It’s a good thing that nobody really notices I suppose…or wait…is it….hello? Anybody reading this?…Echo…echo…echo…

Anyway, I’m back in the You-Neverse once again, still trying to hold down my real job, and my blogging job (which has just as many good benefits as my ACTUAL job. Sad, I know), and ready to kick off another round of thoughts, balks and predictions for TNA’s upcoming, and well built Turning Point Pay-Per-View. Let’s get this egg rolling.

- Awesome Kong and Riesha Saeed vs. Roxxi and Taylor Wilde

Thoughts: I’m really happy with where the Knockout’s Division is going these days. It really took a major blow by losing Gail Kim, and for awhile it seemed as if it was taking a spot on the backburner next to the X Division, but this newly re-vamped push for Roxxi, and these high profile wins for Kong, along with more and more backstage eye candies getting into the ring has really helped the division move forward into a good direction. I still think it needs a big face star, and I think Roxxi or Taylor could be the new face of the KO Division if they were pushed correctly, and lately, they both have been heading in that direction. I have a lot of faith in these four women to put on a good match

Balks: Not that much build for this exact match outside of this week. I know Saeed has gotten in the ring with Roxxi, and I know Wilde’s had an ongoing feud with Kong, but something just doesn’t feel established about this rivalry. I also hate the idea that TNA initially was going to give this match away for free, then opted to push Khan as a heel so soon again. If any skank in the back needs to stay out of the ring, it’s Khan. She looks like a Prince SLAG…or just…Prince, to be honest, and she wrestles worth crap.

Predictions: Faces come out on top. Wilde and Roxxi win. Considering the odds have been against them lately, and there hasn’t really been a major focus on these feuds lately, I don’t see things going past Turning Point, or at least not in the tandem way they've been going lately.

- Grudge Match: Sheik Abdul Bashir vs. Rhino

Thoughts: This has been a decent little mini feud. I think the resulting match will be passable.

Balks: For the second time already on this card we have a champion (Bashir, the X Division champion, just in case anyone forgot) not defending their title. Now, I for one am glad that the “It’s not about weight limits, it’s about no limits” days of the X Division title are behind us, but why even have this feud? Nobody benefits from it. Bashir already looks credible as the X Division Champion, and Rhino isn’t really going to get pushed towards a World Title shot by “Goring the Whore.” The only way anybody could get over in this match is if Bashir wins, and then you just have Rhino reduced to looking weak. This has really been a pointless feud.

Predictions: Rhino gores the whore and makes the X Division obsolete once again. Moving on.

- Falls Count Anywhere: Kurt Angle vs. Abyss

Thoughts: This is a good little mini feud that could help Abyss get more over as a main eventer. The resulting match should be good. Abyss is a great big man worker, and Angle…well, everyone knows Kurt Angle’s the greatest pure wrestler out there today. This could be entertaining.

Balks: This is another one of those feuds that’s came out of nowhere. Suddenly, one week Morgan and Abyss have their sights set on Angle for some reason. The reasons to hate Kurt have built from there. Morgan lost to Kurt and got beaten down by the Mafia, Angle raked Abyss’s injured back during a bout, the Mafia’s beaten down both men, along with half of the roster. It’s an OK feud for this month, and it’s had some good matches attached, and it’s made Abyss look like a main event threat again, but there are so many other things Angle could be doing right now that would make more sense. Abyss and Morgan haven’t even technically sided with the Originals, so I don't get why they're even after the Mafia. I also don't like that they've distanced themselves from the pack a bit, but I suppose they have to, considering Morgan's past with the WWE.

Prediction: Angle gets the win. I sense a Morgan turn coming, but it wont be this month. The Mafia may be “all about the 5’ right now, but there are plenty of former WWE and WCW guys left on the roster who haven’t really taken a side yet. Then again, I could see Morgan rebelling against this whole thing a bit. I’d love to see Abyss get over here, but I think Angle will play the numbers game, and we’ll have to settle for a real credible Mafia beat down to put down the Monster as a "push" for Abyss.

- X-Division Championship Seeding Match: Participants: Sonjay Dutt, Eric Young, Jay Lethal, Consequences Creed, Petey Williams, Jimmy Rave, Homicide, Doug Williams, Tanahashi and Volador

Thoughts: This should be the atypical great, fast paced clusterfuck X Division seeding match that seems to be a PPV mainstay lately. I’ve heard good things about Doug Williams, and can’t wait to see more of him, and Volador and Tanahashi have been a treat lately.

Balks: We shouldn’t need this. We just had a Steel Asylum (or whatever they’re calling it this week) match at Bound For Glory. I honestly think that Creed should still be in the chase. They really dropped the ball on a fairly compelling feud there, and it would have been a lot better than Rhino vs. Bashir. I’ve just hated how TNA’s been talking up the X Division as “the guys who put TNA on the map” and yet, they dare not showcase any sort of singles bout anymore involving those fine men who made TNA. I just miss the great feuds that used to come along with the X title, and I miss the prestige that was once invested in the gold. Bouts between the likes of Christopher Daniels and AJ Styles, or Petey Williams and Chris Sabin used to get built up to epic proportions for just one month, ONE MONTH, and they’d result in a great match that never disappointed, and then the next month, a new hungry contender would pop up, or the former champion would look for his rematch. God I miss the X Division, but it went out the window with the old title it seems.

Prediction: I don’t’ even know, and I hate to say it, but I really couldn’t care less anymore. It would be interesting if Homicide got this fabled singles push that everyone’s been talking about since before BFG. It would be interesting to have this Latin man standing up for a country that he chose to come to against Bashir. Yeah…that’d be great…but odds are, it wont get booked.

- TNA Legend's Title Match - If Cage wins, he gets the title. If Booker wins, Cage must join the Main Event Mafia: Booker T © vs. Christian Cage

Thoughts: This feud has had great build. It’s been one of the many great byproducts of the Main Event Mafia vs. TNA Homegrown angle. I maintain my opinion that Book has really been revitalized since coming into TNA. He’s been more crisp, faster, and a bit stiffer since coming to the company, and that tells me that he wants to put on a believable bout. Hey, at Bound for Glory, the man went off the top rope with a scissors kick to win. When’s the last time he did that in the WWE? Cage is always a treat, on the mic and in the ring. These men have had some decent matches in the past in TNA, so I hope that their chemistry carries through to this bout.

Balks: Only one…I’m worried…and excited at the same time. Lately, it’s felt like Cage has been phoning in his promo work. A lot of his enthusiasm for the company seems to have diminished, and considering there’s still no word on if he re-signed with TNA or not…one has to wonder…could Captain Charisma be ready to rejoin his peeps in the WWE? Wouldn’t it be interesting if Edge came back from hell with his old Brood running mate in tow? I’m just saying, the mechanics to set this all up are there, and even as a TNA mark, I wouldn’t be opposed to Cage jumping back to the ‘E. I’d actually be happy, because I think Smackdown could use him, and I think he’d get the main event push he deserves, but I would miss him in TNA.

Predictions: It’s obvious that one of two things is going to happen. Either Cage is going to lose via Mafia shenanigans, or he’ll pull the usual heel turn move and take a finger poke of doom and lay down (maybe a royal pinky poke of doom? I can hear Book the following week with his cheesy accent. "En My Countly, You Can Keel A Man Wit One Poke Of Da Leetle Fingah." Then our suspicions are confirmed; Booker T is from the country of WCW.)

- TNA World Tag Team Title Match: The Motor City Machine Guns vs. Beer Money ©

Thoughts: These are two of TNA’s freshest and most over tag teams out there right now. They were smart to save this for PPV. I think they’ll mesh very well in the ring. This is one of the big matches that’s got me begging my boss for Sunday evening off.

Balks: I don’t get why we had this FREE ladder match for a number one contender shot at the Tag Titles if this match was pre-destined to happen. I also fear that Team 3D will stick it’s ugly mugs into this match and mess up a potentially hot encounter.

Predictions: I could either see this going to a draw finish, leading up to a 3 team tag bout next month, or Beer Money winning via Dusty interference. I really do wish that there were a clean win in sight, but BM Inc really screwed the pooch when they cost 3D their shot in the Ladder Match. 3D loves to get that sweet retribution. OH MY BROTHA, TESTIFY!

- Kevin Nash vs. Samoa Joe

Thoughts: This may be the longest standing storyline that TNA has ever had. This goes all the way back to last year’s Turning Point where Joe verbally ran down Hall for no-showing. This has resulted in some very shady moments between Joe and Nash, a very compelling love/hate relationship, and the inevitable Nash “Outsiders” turn, and some major promos from both men. Nash has ditched the goofy act, much like the rest of the roster has over the past few weeks, and he’s set his sights on Joe.

Balks: If only the actual match could live up to the hype put behind it. I’ve been in a constant debate with my friend over the past few months about whether or not Nash still had a passable singles match in him. I say no, considering every time they book him these days, it’s in a six man tag where Nash doesn’t have to be in the ring very long, and usually doesn’t have to do much work, and what little work he does in the ring is very repetitive and sloppy. Don’t get me wrong, I love Nash. He’s a very charismatic big man, but he’s never been that much of an in-ring performer, even before both knees blew out. I know a lot of naysayer have ran down old timers in TNA, and I’ve defended a majority of them, and a majority of the time I’ve been right, but Nash is the exception to the rule. He’s broken and past his prime, and he should be nothing more than a mouth piece. I pray to God, for Nash's sake, that they don’t book a Jacknife finish, or a Scott Hall run-in, because if they do, both Scott Hall and Nash’s knees will fail to be there for him.

Predictions: This COULD be an almost watchable brawl if Nash accepts his limitations, but ultimately, I can see this only going one way, and that’s a Samoa Joe victory.


- TNA World Title Match: Sting © vs. AJ Styles

Thoughts: This has been the quarrel at the center of everything. The eye of the storm in TNA. This feud has given Sting plenty of opportunities to shine on the mic, and just as many opportunities for AJ to prove that he too can work a stick when put in the right situation. This is another bout on the card that I’m paying to see. If Sting hasn’t proven to everyone out there that he can still go in the ring after Bound For Glory, then hopefully he’ll set the record straight against AJ in a match where he’ll be forced to be dominant.

Balks: I have only one balk with this entire feud, and it’s a minor balk that I’ve overlooked, and will continue to overlook as long as they don’t let this balk o’ mine grow into something bigger, and that’s the mentioning of one of the SINGLE worst angles that TNA has ever sired upon AJ Styles, and that’s the angle of him being white trash whose had a falling out with his “paw.” I’ll admit that it’s a great call back, and it’s a great way for Sting to rile up AJ, but if it goes any farther than that, I will be pissed. We’ve JUST gotten the AJ of old back, don’t turn him back into a bumbling hick sidekick.

Predictions: Sting walks out of Bound For Glory still World Champion, via hook, crook, or Mafia interference, and that’s the way it should be. Sting was dominated by Joe last PPV, and it made Joe look like a beast. I wouldn’t mind if AJ got the upper hand in this encounter, and I definitely wouldn’t care if some outside interference cost him the bout. Hell, NWA rules don’t apply anymore. If this match ended in DQ through interference, I’d be fine with it, but Sting has to retain, because the Mafia has to maintain this glass ceiling over TNA. As soon as any Original wins that title, this feud is over for me, because that’s what they’re supposedly fighting for, a chance to become something within TNA.

Well, that pretty much wraps up this months run down of the TNA PPV card. This is one I hope I really don’t miss. Bound For Glory did not disappoint, and this PPV has had a great month of build behind it with the Main Event Mafia storyline. Remember folks, if you don’t buy PPV’s, companies wont know what angles you’d pay to see, so shell out a few bucks and tune in so that TNA will keep this angle going. It’s resulted in some great weeks of promo work and wrestling, so don’t let it die. I hate that I’m shilling myself out like a TNA company whore, but don’t bitch about the fallout of this PPV if you don’t buy it to see what you claim you want to see in wrestling. Hopefully I wont become a hypocrite here, and maybe I’ll get my job hours switched to morning shift and get to catch this thing Sunday. But please, TNA supporters, support the company here. I don’t think anybody who watches both products can deny that TNA’s been the hottest promotion in the past month, so please, keep that heat coming and watch Turning Point.

I’m thinking about doing a few things to keep me active in the You-Neverse. One’s something I’ve done on old blogs, a sort of EWR War Journal, which would essentially be me writing results for my EWR game. It may not sound exciting now, but people have really gotten into my storylines, PPVs, and angles in the past, so that might be something I may pick up again. I’m also tossing around a few gimmicked up fan interactive segments, but I’m half afraid to learn how many people are actually out there reading this. One’s called “The Verdict” where I present something controversial within wrestling, present both sides of an argument for and against it, and have you, the fans, write in with your response to which side is correct. The best response would get their answer posted on the ever-prestigious, obscenely expensive Blogatron 5000 for all of the You-Neverse to see. If that doesn’t work out (and I still have the morale to do this blog after learning nobody’s reading), I might vie to get some guest spots from around the You-Neverse to give their opinions on each case. I really want to keep this blog a positive experience, because god knows that there’s plenty of negative going around the internet, and the world for that matter, in regards to wrestling as a whole, so we really don’t need another self-important armchair opinion out there running down something he claims to love, and seemingly masochistically subjects himself to each week, just to run it down on a chat board.

Well, I’ve supposed we’ve reached the end of this week’s blog. This is usually the spot where I pimp out Strata, Matt, Troy, and WWEKid, but odds are, if you’re here (and I hope someone is) you got here through their videos. I greatly appreciate the shout outs and links from all of the You-Neverse pundits, and I really hope that it’s paying off. Otherwise, me and the other guy writing here are wasting our time (which, if someone’s reading this, we’re still technically wasting our time…but it sort of pays off, because we’re wasting someone else’s time…yeah…)
Until Next Time
I’m Out Like A Candle

1333 Classic's Corner: Pro Wrestling and You 1 year anniversary, and other thoughts

So November 5 is 1 year for Pro Wrestling and You on youtube. Wow, it just seems like I started watching them yesterday. I don't remember the date of when exactly I started watching them, but it had to have been on a Wednesday sometime around or after Thanksgiving when they first came around. I was sitting in the computer lab at my school killing time waiting for my next class and I had just started watching these 2 guys on youtube who review Raw and I figured "there's got to be more out there" Sure enough, I discovered Pro Wrestling and You and watched their videos and I thought they were hilarious and made some good points and yep, about a year later, I'm still a fan. I also think it's really cool how they've created the whole Pro Wrestling and You universe thing, I've gotten to watch videos/leave comments on Tom Bojack, WWEKID, Backstage Pass, and read blogs. Definitely neat stuff. So I just thought I'd pay respects to the 1 year anniversary of Pro Wrestling and You, congrats guys!

I guess they want to know my story of when I first started watching or why. I first started watching when I was 12 years old (I'm 23 now) and I believe the name of the company was USWA (Jerry Lawler wrestled with them I believe). It was a Saturday morning, around 5am or so and I was flipping channels and I came across it and decided to watch it. I was entertained by it, the coolest/funniest segment at the time was when this wrestler started attacking another wrestler with a broom causing a DQ during the match. I was hooked and I think when Nitro was on back in 1996, I was channel surfing and I came across WCW Monday Nitro and I watched their show and again, I loved it. I would go on to watch WCW for 2 years and then eventually I discovered WWF and for a while, I would Monday Night Raw for 2 hours and then Nitro would replay around midnight or so and I would watch it then. Tuesday mornings were always tiring for me. lol But I loved wrestling. Some of my friends were also into wrestling and we even formed (actually, they did, I just joined) a backyard wrestling federation and I wrestled in that for a while. If anyone reading this wants to look up any footage, look up a youtuber Wargreymon3190. But yeah, that's how I got into wrestling.

I joined Pro Wrestling and You as a blogger because they asked me too. After being entertained by them so much, I figured "sure, why not?" I always enjoy talking a bout storylines/wrestlers I like and don't like. I just hope my blogs are a joy for them to read like their videos are for me.

So aside from addressing Pro Wrestling and You, I thought I'd go over some brief thoughts from Raw last night:

Overall, I thought it was a good show. Having Randy Orton back in action is awesome, he's one of my favorites. He puts on decent matches and his heel work is phenomenal. Plus I love the punts to the head that he does. I am a bit confused on what they're doing with Simply Priceless at the moment. Is Dibiase getting a singles push and if so, will he stay a heel or become a face? Or are they going to keep Priceless as a group and have Orton become their leader? I kind of think that Orton might become the leader of the group and maybe him punting Dibiase was tough love, especially since Dibiase not only eliminated both Cody Rhodes and Manu from the Battle Royal, but also the big reason was he interfered in Orton's match. Nevertheless, this is a good storyline they've got right now.

Regal becoming #1 contender for the IC title is cool. At first I was confused why they were doing a heel vs heel for the IC title (which don't get me wrong, I love when they have heel vs heel matches), but then when I heard Raw was in the United Kingdown next week, Regal will get cheered like crazy. Maybe we'll get a title change? It would surprise me, that's for sure. But Regal vs Santino will be fun and if Regal wins, that'd be the shit. They need to do something to rebuild his character after his character assasination by Batista and Jericho during that "gauntlet" match a few weeks ago

Jericho as world champion again is awesome. I'm guessing the logic for this was to save Batista vs Cena down the road, maybe Royal Rumble or Wrestlemania? But having Jericho win the belt back again definitely makes him look like a credible champion, because it was Stone Cold that cost him the belt at Cyber Sunday, according to him. But he also had Batista beat for a 3 count when Austin was on the outside of the ring as well. So props to Jericho. I just hope they don't have Cena take the strap from him right away though.

Keep Mae Young off TV! How bad did she look in the ring when she was throwing forearms with the other divas?! But having Beth Phoenix get the pin on her was funny though.

DX vs Miz and Morrison was a good match. I'm glad DX sold to them well and for a second it looked like they were going to lose. I think it wouldn't have hurt them to lose at all, in fact it would've elevated both Morrison and Miz. But the fact that they didn't look like bitches and have character suicide on them was a good thing.

MVP was the best United States champion in WWE history, why are they still making him a bitch and losing every match?! It's a dumb storyline, and it just makes his reign look weak. Drop the storyline, have him win some matches and go for the World Title!

Kozlov still sucks. I know some people might've warmed up to him, but I'm still not a fan. At least change his finisher!! Have him do a Scorpion Death Drop. Have him use some kind of a suplex, but the headbutt is just stupid. I got to admit I am curious to see if Undertaker gets a good match out of him on Friday. Since I can't watch Smackdown, I'll have to youtube it or something.

Hot DAMN, Ron Simmons is back doing his thing. Awesome!

I think that's it. If anyone actually read this, thanks! Leave me comments if you want to. Have a good rest of the week.

-Classic1333

Thoughts, Balks, And Predictions For Cyber Sunday

Okay folks, it’s been awhile since Candle’s been in the blog saddle (about two weeks) so let’s get this unique edition of Thoughts, Balks and Predictions under way. This week I’m covering Cyber Sunday predictions, and what I think is going to happen, what I hate about what I think is going to happen, and my overall thought on the PPV as a whole. I really think the voting’s obsolete (sorry Strata and Matt, I do believe it’s gimmick, and I do believe you guys wasted money) and that booking ultimately decides. I believe it now more than ever since WWE’s trying to weasel money out of fans to vote. I think this pay-to-text will ultimately be the death of this PPV gimmick, but on with the night’s card!
- PRE-SHOW US Title Match: Shelton Benjamin © vs. ???The WWE Universe Picks the Opponent: MVP, R-Truth or Festus

Thoughts: Anyone would work well with Benjamin. You could stick a piece of bubble gum wrapped in cello tape in the ring with Benjamin and he’d put the damn thing over as looking like a legitimate competitor

Balks: Pre-show? Wow. This could be the match of the night, and it’s not even going to make air. Bummer. I’m also bummed that I can only see one man getting voted into this, and he wont win it…

Predictions: MVP gets voted in. I don’t know if he’s still got heat for smart mouthing the drug tester or what, but they seem bent on putting a losing streak behind him. To clear up any confusion though, nobody has squashed Porter and he is NOT a jobber. He always loses after a fairly back and forth bout, and then falls victim to someone dodging his finisher (like Triple H) or simply losing clean. I do NOT think this means they’re going for an Austin-esc face turn like everyone seems to think, because he’s still got heel heat with the crowd, and ultimately the crowd turned Austin, but they don’t’ even have that sort of control anymore over the product (and Cyber Sunday being revealed as rigged would be my proof)

- Diva's Halloween Costume ContestThe WWE Universe Picks the Winner

Thoughts: …I can’t legally put them on paper for a massive viewing audience without having parental block installed onto this blog spot, and since we’re still working out the bugs, I doubt that’s possible.

Balks: If I want to watch softcore porn, I’ll buy another type of PPV.

Predictions: Some face chick will win. I’m not even going to pretend that I care or know whose in this.

- The Undertaker vs. The Big Show The WWE Universe Picks the Match: Last Man Standing, I Quit, or Knockout Match
Thoughts: I told everyone that these men could deliver together, and I was right, and I think they have a chance to put on an epic big man battle in any of these matches.

Balks: None. If it’s last man standing, their slow pacing would work, if it’s I Quit, they could let this run as long as they wished. If it’s Knockout, once again, they can work the slow, meticulous pace needed.

Predictions: Show wins. I’ll go as far as to say it’s a clean victory. I like this investment that WWE’s putting behind everyone’s favorite Barbarian, Shownan.

- Kane vs. Rey MysterioThe WWE Universe Picks the Match: Falls Count Anywhere, No Holds Barred or 2 of 3 Falls Match

Thoughts: I really haven’t got much positive to say about this feud. I haven’t really liked it’s direction from the get-go. I think that these men can deliver in two of these three matches, and they’re likely to be the two highest voted matches, and that’s No Hold’s Barred and Falls Count Anywhere.

Balks: FCA and NHB are the same thing, so it’s not really much of a choice, and you KNOW that no fan is going to put themselves through a 2 out of 3 falls match. Even the “mark” fans will gravitate towards NHB and FCA.

Prediction: I haven’t really paid that much attention to this feud, but I think Rey has the advantage so far, so I think Kane will win this. There’s no way they’ll end this feud on a gimmicky PPV like Cyber Sunday. Then again, the booking for this feud has been lackluster as it is, so who knows?

- Pick a Tag Team MatchThe WWE Universe Picks the Match - World Tag Team Title Match: Cody Rhodes and Ted Dibiase © vs. CM Punk and Kofi Kingston or Cryme Tyme vs. The Miz and John Morrison or Jamie Noble and Mickie James vs. William Regal and Layla

Thoughts: This seems like a fun bout, regardless to who gets picked. These are some great teams that could definitely highlight the tag division once again. Even though the mixed tag has little to nothing to do with the tag division as a whole, I'm still happy to see that every single tag bout listed has a fairly storied rivalry going for it.

Balks: Only one of the tag teams is really a mainstay tag team. I know that M&M 2.0 have been together for a long time, but you know it wont last, and you know as soon as Orton gets back in the ring, Punk will be gunning for him, leaving Kofi high and dry in the midcard division again. Even Priceless could be construed as a throw together tag team. If WWE’s looking to rebuild their tag division, and I highly doubt they are, they need to have more established and like-minded tag teams brought in, like the Naturals, whom I KNOW are in development.

Prediction: Whether or not the fans vote it, or WWE books it, CM Punk and Kofi are over big time, and I think Orton’s making his return tonight. It’s a bold prediction (well, it’s not a dull one) but I think it’ll happen. The bout will be Trouble in Punkadice vs Priceless, and Priceless will win.

- IC Title Match: Santino Marella © vs. ???The WWE Universe Picks the Opponent: Goldust, Roddy Piper or The Honky Tonk Man

Thoughts: The build for this has been awesome, and it’s given Santino a shot to show that he’s gold on the stick. Regardless to whose voted into this match, it’s going to be a fun one to watch.

Balks: I know that this isn’t going to be a clean bout, or a good one on a pure wrestling level, which I’m actually fine with. Regardless to who gets voted in, even if it’s Dustin Rhodes, all of these guys aren’t the same performers they were in their prime. I expect a cameo from everyone on the polls.

Prediction: The Honkey Donkey Man will be voted in, and he will ultimately take on Santino, lose via interference, and Marella will continue to try and break his record. Actually, this storyline may end after this PPV, which is good, because I really don’t want to get sick of Santino, and in order for that to work, he’s got to keep his act as fresh as that newly grown unibrow.

- ECW Title Match: Matt Hardy © vs. ???The WWE Universe Picks the Opponent: Mark Henry, Evan Bourne or Finlay

Thoughts: Regardless to who gets voted in, this will be a fine match. Henry and Matt compliment one another well, and Finlay and Matt could put on a pier six brawl the likes of which we’ve never seen. Bourne appeals to the Team Xtreme nostalgia, and I think Matt and his new fly moonsault could keep up with the speedy Sydal.

Balks: None, except that this match is predictable. Matt’s not losing the strap to any of these guys. While I think Henry was a great champion for ECW, if they wanted to book him as their big name, they would have ran with the ball when they had it. Losing to Hardy does nothing for Henry’s strong man credibility. While WWE is trying to appeal to the kiddies these days, Fit’s not going to win this. I think the WWE realizes that they can make only so much of a mockery out of ECW before people quit tuning in, and while I don’t think Finlay is unworthy, a champ with a Leprechaun just doesn’t scream “respect” for the ECW banner or the crowd’s intelligence. Bourne is hot, but I think WWE’s learning by the mistakes made with Punk. They don’t know how to elevate a guy like Punk or Bourne unless they’re like Rey Mysterio and come into the promotion with a pre-existing win column over bigger guys. I think they’ll stall on pulling the trigger on a Bourne title reign so early.
Prediction: The fans want Bourne. You can’t convince me otherwise. If anyone other than Evan gets voted into this, this shish is rigged. Ultimately Matt will retain though
- WWE Title Match: HHH © vs. ???The WWE Universe Picks the Opponent: Jeff Hardy, Vladimir Kozlov or Jeff Hardy AND Vladimir Kozlov

Thoughts: This bout has had some great build leading into it. Kozlov has been booked perfectly as a smart and ruthless blue chipper wanting to make a name for himself at the expense of anyone who steps in his way. Jeff’s been stuck in a similar storyline as MVP where he’s always so close to grabbing that brass ring, so his continued contention makes sense. Triple H looks dominant as always, and still has that tweener twinge to his character that makes him unlikable enough to root for Jeff, and likable enough to boo Kozlov, which is good. Both competitors are hungry, and that adds to the tension.

Balks: I have a fear that this build could lead to disappointment. We haven’t exactly seen Kozlov in the ring against Triple H, so who knows what the give-take chemistry there is. They’re both constantly booked as very dominant, and while Triple H has been more giving with his selling lately, it’s still hard to tell how those two locking up will turn out. There’s also a matter of not letting Trips get too much control over Kozlov. His win needs to be lightening fast to solidify Vlad as a credible main event threat. If we get Jeff vs. Trips, well, we’ve seen tha already, and while it’s good, it’s headlined two or three PPV’s in the last 6 months. I just don’t know if people really want to see it again. A triple threat could be a disaster. Once again, a matter of chemistry comes into play. Kozlov’s still a bit new to Triple H and Jeff’s song and dance in the ring, and I fear that a triple threat with these men could be a bit awkward and overwhelming for Vlad.

Prediction: We’ll probably see the Triple Threat, and it’s a shame, because it’s hard to pull off a watch-able one that doesn’t look telegraphed. Either way the voting goes, Trips is retaining. Depending on whom he goes over, it could set this three way feud into a new direction. I don’t want to make any bold predictions, but Triple H and Vlad really haven’t physically interacted that much…perhaps there’s an alliance set to surface at Cyber Sunday?
- World Title Match: Chris Jericho © vs. BatistaThe WWE Universe Picks the Referee: Randy Orton, Shawn Michaels or Steve Austin

Thoughts: Anything with Jericho, Batista, and Michaels going against one another makes so much sense right now that it makes me giddy. I love how this all still stems from Flair’s retirement in a roundabout way. It’s rare that you see this sort of long-term continuity in a wrestling storyline these days, and it’s great to see it.

Balks: I have a feeling Shawn wont get voted in as ref. If he does, this junk is rigged folks. It would be a thing of beauty to see. The main focus of most of this match could surround Shawn’s reaction to each cover. Remember, he has a history with BOTH men, and even though he and Dave have seemingly come to terms with one another, it wouldn’t be unlikely for there to still be tension between the two. Perhaps Dave gets a 2 count where he thought he should have gotten a 3? Or maybe Shawn sets his bias sights on Jericho while tuning up the band, and stalls just in time to avoid hitting a naïve and groggy Batista just as Y2J ducks out of the way? There’s so much that could happen if Shawn, the vote that makes sense, gets voted in. Then again, Randy would be an interesting vote in as well. Once again, if WWE’s looking for continuity and conflict, look no further than Evolution, and Randy’s made it common knowledge that he’s going after whoever has the world gold. Wouldn’t the evening be interesting if Batista won, and then ate an RKO? Kind of a retaliation for Orton’s Evolution jumping that initially started when Dave himself electric chair dropped Orton to the canvas. Indeed, there’s history all over both of these choices, but we all know that if the voters really do matter that…

Prediction: Steve Austin will be the special guest referee. If this is the case, Jericho will retain and eat Stunner and drink it down with a Steveweiser. My biggest question is what could this mean if it does happen? I know it’s sort of hopeful to say…buuut…there have been rumors that Austin is getting back into good ring shape, and even if it was on a limited schedule, even though it wouldn’t be the same at all, it would be kind of interesting to have a little bit of Rattlesnake venom injected back into the WWE product. Again, this is another far-fetched hair brained theory (the check’s in the mail, Matthew) of mine that probably wont happen, but anything can happen in the WWE.

That’s all for this week. I hope someone reads this before the PPV, so I can know that I rule if any of this is right. I may have some indy news to report this week, considering there's controvercy within the NWA World Title ranks (yes, it still exists. No it's not really that relevant, but I'm an Adam Pearce mark, so you'll be forced to indulge me.) and news that a major booking asset within ROH has parted ways with the company. Hopefully I'll get to report my thoughts on both of these things before they're resolved, or become common knowledge.

But until next time, I'm out like a Candle

1333 Classic's Corner: WWE Cyber Sunday thoughts/predictions

What's up wrestling fans, people from Pro Wrestling and You Universe, and anyone else that happens to stumble upon here? Is it just me or did WWE steal the phrase "universe" from Pro Wresting and You? Or did we steal it from them? My money's on they stole it from us! This is Patrick, original writer of the column of Doing the Trick, doing the PATrick on Pro Wrestling and You's myspace page. Much like wrestling companies randomly change stuff, I changed my column title as well. So yeah, this is 1333 Classic's Corner.
So WWE Cyber Sunday is tomorrow night. I'll be honest, I don't watch pay-per-views or if I do, it is very rare. The reason for that is because I'm a broke ass college student. Paying over $3000 a semester plus usually $700-$1000 extra for textbooks is devastating. Maybe it's why part of the economy is in shambles at the moment, because the US charges too much freakin' $ for college so everyone needs to get loans and shit. Good theory, right?
Anyways, this isn't politics, this is wrestling stuff! My overall opinion of Cyber Sunday is I think it's kind of a worthless ppv. Some of the matches have potential to be good matches, don't get me wrong, but I really think they shouldn't have this ppv and had more of a buildup for Survivor Series so Survivor Series could look like a stronger ppv. But just my opinion. Nevertheless, I'll give predictions:

Big Show vs Undertaker; choices are Last Man Standing, I Quit, or Knockout Match. I'd really like to see a Last Man Standing match or I Quit match because basically it's anything goes. I think technically the Knockout Match is the same, but I got a feeling WWE will go the route of the Knockout match. I think Big Show has more to win than Undertaker does and it might be stupid to bet against Undertaker, but I'm doing just that. My pick: Big Show

Rey Mysterio vs Kane: choices are 2/3 Falls, Falls Count Anywhere, or No Holds Barred. No Holds Barred and Falls Count Anywhere sound similar, aside from only being able to get the pinfall in the ring in No Hold Barred. I think Mysterio will pull the fairy godmother card and have a free trip to the ball, only this time there will be a monster to set the castle on fire and smash the glass slipper. Mysterio did dominate Snitsky on Raw for the most part, so I see Kane taking the victory. I got a feeling this feud will progress beyond this ppv, unfortunately.

Quick note: the only reason I'm starting to dislike this feud is because it was over something so stupid. Kane was all talking about Rey's soul and spirit was raped and destroyed or how Mysterio was injured, etc, yet Rey showed up with no indications of any wounds or anything and all they said was that Kane jumped Rey in the parking lot, yet they don't at least have any footage of that! So yeah, basically a dumb-ass feud at the moment

Divas halloween costume: I really could care less. Umm...WWE divas=hot. My pick: Candice Michelle. If I called it correctly, I think Mcmahon should change the name of WWE Superstars being "entertainers" back to wrestlers! Anyone else besides me think it's a slap in the face of Pro Wrestling?

Tag team optional match: choice of Cryme Time vs Miz and Morrison, William Regal and Layla vs Jaime Noble and Mickie James, or Kofi Kingston and CM Punk vs Simply Priceless. I'm guessing we'll get Priceless vs Kofi and Punk. Either that or Cryme Time vs Miz and Morrison. I like both feuds actually, I still thought it was hilarious on Raw 2 weeks ago to see that segment between Miz and Morrison and Cryme Time just talking shit to each other for like 10 minutes during the women's match. Funny stuff. But yeah, if we get Priceless vs Kofi and Punk, my pick depends on if it's a tag title match. If it is, my pick" Simply Priceless. If it isn't, my pick: Kofi and Punk. If the match is Morrison and Miz vs Crime Time, my pick: Morrison and Miz. If it's the 3rd match, my pick: Regal and Layla

quick note: I was so pissed to see Regal just get treated like a bitch and get destroyed on Raw last Monday. Here's a guy that's King of the Ring and one tough stiff MoFu and he gets destroyed in like 30 seconds? ! Fucking stupid! Regal should at least be a main eventer. I can understand him not winnning the World Title because of his suspensions, but he should at least get more of a push than he's had.

Batista vs Jericho for the World Heavyweight Championship; choices for special guest referee include Randy Orton, Shawn Michaels, or Stone Cold Steve Austin. It'll be Austin hands down. This is like having a spelling bee and putting the dumbest kid in the class against a student who's been a spelling bee champion for like 3 years straight. Austin will easily get the vote. So, obviously this match favors Batista, but guess what, my pick: Chris Jericho. Jericho will somehow outsmart Batista, or Adamle will show up later with a different ref or something. I don't see Batista getting the championship back just yet.

Quick note: I guarantee Randy Orton will win the championship back soon enough when he is cleared to return to the ring. I think we'll get some sort of a 3 way feud between Batista, Orton, and Jericho. It would definitely be cool to see, something new for WWE to give us!!!

Triple H vs choice of Jeff Hardy, Kozlov, or a Triple Threat match for the WWE Championship. I don't watch Smackdown anymore. Ever since they switched to MyNetworkTV, I don't have access to watch Smackdown anymore. Aside from that, I think this match is a waste of time. I would like to see Jeff Hardy win, but it won't happen. Kozlov is the worst wrestler on Smackdown at the moment, yet he's getting pushed over MVP, Shelton Benjamin, THE Brian Kendrick, guys that have been in WWE for a while now and get decent heat from the crowd and the crowd actually enjoys their matches instead of getting bored to death during a Kozlov match. Plus Triple H as champion also=boring. His character is soooo stale, whether if he's a face or a heel. He's a decent wrestler, don't get me wrong, but whenever he's champion, I could care less about the title. Anyways, my pick for the match: Triple Threat match. My pick to win the match: Triple H. I'd be shocked if any of the other guys won. But again, snowball's chance in hell.

Shelton Benjamin vs: R Truth, Festus, or MVP for US title. I think this match is going to happen on WWE.com. What a waste of a great match on the card if that did happen. I think R Truth will defintely get the vote, but I don't see him winning the US title. Shelton's been a good champ so far, plus R Truth has only been on Smackdown for like a month or 2 at the most. I think he's going to get the strap eventually, but Shelton will either get DQed or counted out or something. So my pick R Truth but he will not win the title

quick note: I hate this storyline of MVP losing every freaking match he's in. Here's a guy that was United States champion for a year, and a tag team champion, The guy obviously has what it takes to get it done in the ring, so having him lose every match is stupid. MVP should have the push Kozlov has right now, not to mention a triple threat between Triple H, Jeff Hardy and MVP sounds more like something I'd want to see.

Santino Marella vs: Goldust, Roddy Piper, or Honkey Tonk Man. Roddy Piper definitely won't get chosen. Goldust has a shot, but I think it's going to be Honey Tonk Man. The greatest IC champion of all time vs the wannabe greatest IC champion of all time. I'm picking Honkey Tonk Man to get the title shot, but my pick to win: Santino Marella.

quick note: I'm mixed on Santion being IC champion. He plays a good heel, but he can't wrestle at all. I do think this storyline of him somehow winning and survivng with the IC title is something good for him to play though. I still think Santino would be better off has a manager than a wrestler...unless he worked on his ring skills. At least give him a finisher!!! I think Santino should have some kind of submisson finisher, like a Texas Cloverleaf or something. If anyone's got any ideas for a finisher for Santio, leave me a comment!

Matt Hardy vs: choices are Mark Henry, Finlay, or Evan Bourne for the ECW title. I think Evan Bourne gets the title shot hands down. If given time, this could be match of the night. Evan Bourne is just amazing in the ring. His high risk stuff is gold, and even if he was only just a mat technician, I think he'd be great at that. My pick: Matt Hardy. Bourne will push Hardy to the limit, but Hardy wins.

So those are my predictions. I'd like to give a shout out to the Pro Wrestling and You universe: Strata, Grutt, Bojack, WWE Kid, and Backstage Pass. You guys make awesome videos! I hope to one day join you on making of wrestling videos, since it's got to be faster than typing these blogs. Have a good weekend/good week!

-Classic1333

Candle's Good, Bad, And Ugly (BFG IV)

Hello everyone in Blogger Land! (That is, if anyone is actually reading this. Start pimping me, Strata!) and welcome to my slightly gimmicked analysis of TNA's biggest Pay-Per-View of the year, Bound For Glory. What's going to happen here is I'm going to put the events of the evening in three categories; the good and the bad, which are self explanatory, and the ugly, which can range from the ridiculously terrible, to the sickest bumps of the night, and trust me, there's plenty to put in this category coming off the heels of BFG IV. So, without further ado, let's hop into this somewhat shallow analysis.

-The Good-

Attendance: TNA delivered on a promise, in my eyes anyway. They practically sold out the Chicago venue, and frankly, it was the biggest paying crowd I've ever seen at a TNA event. Kudos for building a major PPV card that was strongly hyped and big enough to draw in a huge crowd. In this sense, TNA's Bound For Glory lived up to it's hype.

The Never Disappointing Opening Match: TNA has a history of booking a strong card for BFG, and at the base of it every year is an otherwise show stealing (and usually X Division highlighting) performance that sets the bar, and ultimately the tone, for the rest of the evening. While I'm not a huge fan of the Steel Asylum, and see through it's paper thin purpose of shoving the entire X Division on the card at last minute (Along with Eric Young, whom I don't consider an X Division Star), I can't deny that this match was good. It was spotty, but that's what it's there for. We saw a sweet Spicy Drop/Rack, some great tag stuff from the Machine Guns, and an awesome finish with Lethal and Dutt that, I hope, drives the final nail in their feud's coffin. Other spots include a sweet Divine Intervention from Johnny Devine (who knew he had a finisher?) and a running Canadian Destroyer from the master of the flip piledriver, Petey Williams. Honestly, there are too many great spots in this match to even mention. Even Shark Boy got one in with a double falling Chummer from the top rope. Let's not forget the modified hurricanrana tower of doom! Once again, the X Division shows that they're the guys who built TNA, and still make up it's foundation today.

Monster's Ball: I was stoked to see an 8 Man Tag Monster's Ball, and it didn't fail to deliver. The VIP's of this bout were definitely Brother Ray, LAX, and Abyss. The Dudley pulled out some great ECW spots, including Ray licking a bloody cheese grater, flaming tables, and some new school thumbtacked tables. Brother Ray as a whole made this match for me. He's one of the most underrated charismatic guys of our time, and I think it has a lot to do with him being restricted to tag work. LAX weren't slouches either. Homicide solidified his worth in this match by showing just how vicious he could be when he laced into Brother Devon with a fork in such a way that I'm sure that Abdullah the Butcher would even flinch while watching. Hernandez showed why LAX was bound to break up at Homicide's expense someday as he put on a big man clinic for most of the bout, and then took a sick 3D through a tack laden table. And then we have The Monster Abyss. Everything he did in this match added flavor. I marked hard when he showed signs of weakness when he started childishly reaching for the bag of tacks, and who can forget that sick bump through that flaming table? I'm sure Chris Park wont. Matt Morgan was just there, and while he did impress with some huge spots, like an attempted Old School into a top rope Crossbody, and a flying crossbody to the outside, his futile attempts to garner attention were vastly overshadowed by Hernandez's amazing big man work. Beer Money had it's comedic moments (LOVED Storm's head gear) but were essentially just there to steal the win. I DID however liked their Enziguri/Block Buster spot, although I could have done without the comedic bits with Mongo...or Mongo as a whole...more on that later.

Christian Cage vs AJ Styles vs The Royal T: I honestly can't find one bad thing to say about this match. We saw a side of AJ Styles that we haven't seen in quite a while, an unpredictable Styles that makes you go "ooooh" and "ahhh". It was that seemingly impromptu AJ of old, who did small yet stunning things in the ring that made you take notice. My favorite spots of this match (and there were many good ones) had to have been AJ's misdirection springboard moonsault to the outside onto Cage, and his sequence with Book and Christian in the ring, which I couldn't even begin to explain in words, other than to say that Cage and AJ have some real chemistry. To the best of my abilities, I'll describe it as a backwards no-look roll over on a charging Cage by Styles. It wasn't an actual move, but a greatly timed diversion. Book and Double C weren't exactly dead weight in this bout either. TNA has really breathed new life into Booker T. His ring work is much more crisp, his demeanor seems enthusiastic, and his matches are better than they've ever been in my eyes. The last time I saw a Booker T like this was back in the Harlem Heat days when he first caught the eye of the WCW bookers. He just seems like he's shed 20 years of ring rust and career angst, and I love it. Cage, as always, proved that he is an asset to TNA's main event, and I don't think anything else needs to be said but that. Great spots included Cage fighting out of the Styling DDT, a double Axe Kick on Cage and AJ by Book, a flying middle rope unprettier, and of course the finishing blow on Cage by Booker, a flying Axe Kick. This was the best Triple Threat I've seen in a long time, and it takes a lot to impress me with a Triple Threat. The last ones I honestly liked were the series between Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and Chris Benoit back in, what?, '04? '06? And that was at two of my favorite PPV's of all time, Backlash and Wrestlemania. Bound For Glory is definitely my favorite TNA PPV, and this match will definitely solidify it's place in my heart. A true 5 Star performance.

Double J vs Kurt Angle (Special Enforcer: Mickles "Cactus" Foley Kind Love or How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Dude [take that Peter Sellers!]): Okay, enough with my Strangelove for Foley, this match rocked. How anyone doubted the ability of Jeff Jarrett is beyond me. There weren't any real notible spots, outside of the finish, but this was some good, clean, old school wrestling that can't be beat with a stick (but definitely with a guitar). We saw a clinic from Angle, and perpetually no ring rust whatsoever on the King of the Mountain. Foley's presence was merely incidental for most of the match, and that's the way it should be. I know the purist are going to hate the finish, but every match tells a story, and in the eyes of this fan, like Terry Funk before him, Jeff Jarrett was wrestling for the soul of Mick Foley, so Foley's inevitable decision had to be made within the realm of this match to complete the story arc. Another 5 Star outing for this PPV card in my humble opinion. I'm not the type to toss around the term match of the year, but so far I've seen two in this Pay-Per-View alone, and this was one of them.

~The Bad~
Bimbo Brawl: Rhino/Rhaka/ODB vs The Beautiful People w/Kute Kip: This match is honestly only bad if you went into it expecting something great out of it, and I can honestly say that nobody did. This would have been a fine TV bout, but it didn't have a place on the Bound For Glory card. While I love Velvet and Angelina, Rhino and Kip aren't exactly the type to be headlining a Pay-Per-View. These are WWE midcarders, hell, they're TNA midcarders, and while I respect TNA for jam-packing the card with as many stars as possible, Bound For Glory should be a privilage EARNED by a year of good ring performances and note worthy feuds, and nobody in this match can really boast all of these things. Sure, Rhino and Kip are good enough workers, but there's no real heat for either of them, and sure, The Beautiful People have been the Knockout Division's anchor since the departure of Gail Kim, but their ring work just pales in comparrison to their peers, even though their mic work is better than anyone elses within this bout. Rhaka's just started to wrestle in TNA, and she's very green. Yes, I know it's not her first picnic, but it might as well be considering how she's wrestled so far. ODB's good for some fan heat, and a few Big Girl spots (PS- I'm coining the phrase "Big Girl," in light of Kong and Phoenix. Patent Pending) but other than that, she really can't throw a great match together unless she's in there with someone who can string all of those power moves together. This bout was a major crowd killer coming off of the heels of the wonderful opener, but I do maintain that this is a passible free match. It wasn't as bad as it could have been.

X Division Match- Bashir vs Creed: Sooooo much build for Creed, only to pull the typical, and yes, I hate to say it, Russo move and pull the swerve heel finish. We've had rough cuts, we had a special entrance, we had everything that pointed to Consequence's arrival at the Apex of the X Division. We saw PROMISE of this title becoming relevant again, and it was all dashed by one of the worst rollups I've ever seen. Creed's shoulder was a foot off of the mat when the final 3 count was patted on the mat. I don't think I would mind this match as much if they'd actually give Bashir a clean win with a FINISHER, something we've yet to see out of him. I get it, he's a heel, but cheap tight-pull school boys are only going to work so many times before your opponent starts to see it coming, and the ref begins to look for it. Otherwise, this was a solid bout. Creed showed his worth, and Bashir continued his passable, but somewhat mediocre move set. I guess what bugs me about Bashir the most is the simple fact that he's so basic. Everyone in the X Division has something about their wrestling style that sets them apart from everyone on the roster, and Bashir doesn't have that, and it's somehow a reflection unto his character. There's something about him that really screams two dimensional. I want to see some of that pent up rage for America come out in the ring. The closest we've seen to this was the Tiger Jeet Singh Belt Swing two weeks ago, which looked awesome, and original to the unsavvy fan (that is, if Tenay would shut his mouth). I want to see an angry Arab-American, and Bashir just hasn't delivered that in the ring, and it's hurting his character.

The Knockout Title Match: Tayler Wilde vs Roxxi vs Kong: This was easily the most disappointing bout on the card, and it wasn't anybodies fault but the bookers. Six minutes...that's all they were given to work with, and while I've heard that they delivered a good match within that 6 minutes, I missed it all while switching to a downstairs TV during the entrance of all of the women. When my friends and I finally got to a TV that allowed us to continue to watch this great PPV, we turn it on to find Foley in Cornette's office telling Borash Jim Ross stories. I'm really angry about two things; that I missed out on what was probably a great 6 minutes of women's wrestling, and that it was for the prestigious Knockout Title and lasted SIX MINUTES! I really don't want to see the division hit the back burner like the X Division has in recent years, because it's the hottest thing TNA has going for it right now, and the ratings have more than proven this. More people tune in to see the women's wrestling in TNA, it's rated higher than any other aspect of the show in recent months, so why blow this clinic? Why miss out on the chance to boast two phenomenal Triple Threat matches in one night? Especially when one's highlighted with women's wrestling!?! I'm also not happy that Wilde retained. She's the biggest problem with the division right now. I'm not going to say she's a bad wrestler, because she isn't a bad wrestler, she's a great wrestler, but nobody cares about her as a character. People care about Roxxi. People respect Roxxi because Roxxi has sacrificed her well being, and hair, for TNA on multiple occasions. Why not make her the Joan of Arc for the KO Division? She's already got the haircut! It just stings me so bad that after the rough cuts, the sacrifice, and the build up of Roxxi over the past month or so, they blow it. Face it TNA, you need a new face for the division, and Kim might not be coming back, and Tayler Wilde, while very sweet and friendly, just doesn't cut the mustard with the fans. Either make her pay her dues, or push her aside and let Roxxi do that voodoo she do so well.

TNA World Title Bout: Samoa Joe vs Sting: From a wrestling standpoint, this match delivered in spades. From a booking standpoint it worked as well, but something just rubs me raw about this match, and I can't place my finger on it. Joe went in and dominated into the crowd (which was brilliant on TNA's part. They got to show off the empty seats...all two of them...in the nose bleed section...which were apparently reserved for Joe's left and right foot, but more on that later). Joe dominated throughout the bout as well. This was purly 18 minutes of Samoa Joe handing Sting his grease painted ass on a platter, and that's great booking considering Sting's done nothing but jack his jaw for months on end without backing up his words while Joe busts his ass night in and night out. Joe was beating some deserved respect into Sting, and that translated well. They both traded and no-sold each other's finishers, which was an awesome rub for Joe, and classic 'Stingin' Up' by Borden, and Joe KILLED Sting with what I consider the biggest spot of the night, a coast-to-coast dropkick in the audience, which resulted in Joe BARELY clearing the stair railing, and nearly killing himself on the cement steps. As far as wrestling goes, this bout delivered, even if it was almost a prolonged squash lacking the resulting pinfall victory. I'm even fine with Nash coming out and costing Joe the victory, but it feels like his interference lacked...I don't know...build. Don't get me wrong, Nash and Joe have a sordid relationship, and they have their history, but Nash has sort of been absent from television for quite some time, maybe over a month. Maybe that was the plan, maybe TNA was hoping that this would be a major swerve appearance, and in a way, it was, but more like in the way that most fans were scratching their heads and wondering if Nash pulled a Spinal Tap and got lost backstage. I suppose people can call this a good match, and I wont be offended or disagree, because it was, but something about it just doesn't set right with me...maybe it's the inevitable bout between Joe and Nash that we'll undoubtedly be forced to pay for in order to see better wrestling matches at No Surrender, or maybe it's the fact that Joe doesn't get his rematch clause. I'm not going to sit here and say that Sting's not a good champion for the company, because he is, but I guess I'll miss the reign of Joe.

#The Ugly#

Goodness Gracious Monster's Ball of Fire!: Damnit Chris Park, haven't you heard of Stop, Drop, And Roll!?! Abyss really took this bump badly, and it was quite obvious that his unprotected arms took the brunt of this bump. Reports right now say that his arms were miraculously the only part of his body that suffered burns. There's no word on how severe the burns really are, but considering what I saw, which was about eight seconds of burning arm flesh, they've got to be at least second or third degree. Either way, I guarantee that he'll carry the scars from this match the rest of his life. I hope he's OK, and wish that the ringside guys would have been quicker to react with the fire extinguisher. It's partially Abyss's fault for not rolling, but who really has the right sense of mind when their entire upper body is engulfed with fire?

LAX Eats TAX: Okay, I admit, cheap joke, but damn Hernandez! A stomach full of tacks can't be fun, and considering he flopped like a fish and dotted up his back as well doesn't spell out a good evening for Shawn Hernandez, not to mention the fact that Roode also piled up on him for the cover. While this is a minor injury, it's note worthy, because if those were indeed real tacks, Hernandez spent the majority of the rest of the evening picking them out of his back and stomach. See, the usual beauty of a tack spot is if you're wearing a shirt, you can avoid some penetration, and ultimately pull every tack out with one foul yank of your shirt tail...Hernandez...doesn't have that inclination, because Hernandez took off his wife beater halfway into the bout. Kudos to Shawn for taking such a sickening bump that, no doubt, cost him a backstage ticket to the Pay-Per-View.

Oh Waitress, I Asked For My Devon Well Done, But He's A Bit Pink In The Middle: Holy shazbot! What the fork was Homicide thinking!?! That was simply a brutal display of sacrifice on Devon's part to sit there and take so many jabs to the face. To all wrestling haters who believe the sport is totally fake, try sitting through Homicide exfoliating Devon's forehead with silverware. Kudos to Devon for showing that he can take it just as sickly as he can dish it out, and major props to Homicide for having the juevos to do it so viciously.

Another Kind Of Ugly: Continuing the trend of harping on the Monster's Ball, I'd like to point out how horrible Steve McMichael is at reffing. His fast counts were normal speed, his slow counts were slower than a snail on speed, and his spot with Beer Money made me want them to speed up the match. Let's keep Mongo out of wrestling, folks. He made a bad horseman, and he made a worse ref. And my god did he look like he was a hoagie short of being Jarred pre-Subway.

Foley Eats Chairs For Breakfast: EPIC no-sell by Foley. I just thought that was worth mentioning, and it even seemed like he took the brunt of the chair shot in Foley hardway fashion, and then acted as if it were an afterthought only moments later. Only Mickles could do this and not be considered an egomaniac, because HE'S HARDCORE! HE'S HARDCORE!

In-Bound Flight To Samoa: Holy hell did Joe fly! The only thing ugly about this was the turbulent landing of Air Joe. He seemingly cracked the back of his skull on the steps, and then sat up with a really annoyed look on his face...not dazed, ANNOYED! As if to say "Shit, can't believe I did that." Ladies and gentlemen of the internet, if I wasn't mortified of the Samoan Stiffing Machine before tonight, I sure as hell am now. The man's indestructable!

Overall, I'd give this PPV an 8 out of 10. It had it's bad match, it's unnecessary match, it's poorly timed match, and it's epic battles. Overall Bound For Glory failed to disappoint. I'm sure it'll have it's retracters, but all TNA events do. They're called WWE marks and ROHbots

Anyway, that's all for now folks. I hope to get something else up this week, as soon as I figure out what to write about. Right now I'm getting into the groove of a job, so odds are this might be it for me this week. Cross your fingers loyal reader (I say "reader" because I'm assuming there's one of you...if I'm lucky...PIMP ME OUT STRATA!)

Until Next Time, I'm Out Like A Candle

Candle's Kayfabe Corner: Issue #2 For The You-Neverse (Bound For Glory '08)

Bound For Glory. TNA’s biggest PPV of the year. We’re four days and one iMPACT taping away from Total Non-Stop Action’s equivalent to Wrestlemania, and so far the card looks packed with high profile matches. Hoping in good faith that TNA will not book a match at the following iMPACT, I’m going to run down the card with my thoughts, balks, and predictions, and hopefully I’ll be able to see this Pay-Per-View and report on it here on the You-Neverse blog page. I say “if” because I’m slowly working my way into a job, and may be scheduled that Sunday, but hopefully I’ll be able to see this Pay-Per View. It would be a pity if I couldn’t, considering my friends were considerate enough to come all the way down from their college to watch it with me. Since TNA’s inception, I’ve yet to miss a single Bound For Glory, and I’m hoping I never do, because TNA Pay-Per-Views are phenomenal 99% of the time, but Bound For Glory is just that much better. Okay, enough nostalgia. Time to move into the T-B-P.

Christian Cage vs. AJ Styles vs. Booker T
Thoughts: All three men have been phenomenal in the past few months. Book seems to have a new lease on his career since joining up with TNA. His work in the ring is much crisper, his promos are still hysterical, and his accent seems to get worse and worse with each taping. Plus, I just love the name “Royal T.” Cage has been a huge presence within the company for about three years now. Even when he’s not headlining, he’s still a major driving force behind the ratings. His promos keep the shows interesting, and his ring work has evolved without the restraints of the WWE hindering it. And, as we all know, AJ Styles is the name synonymous with TNA. Even though his routine has toned down quite a bit as age goes by, he still proves to be an exciting worker, and a valuable asset. What do all of these men have in common?

Balks: The Answer; They all seem to be in a stalemate. As blunt as this sounds, unless you’re gunning for a title in TNA, you’re not a major part of the show. Cage and AJ have been stagnate for quite some time now, and soon after his first title shot, Book was tossed to the back-burner. I hope against hope that this match does something for these three major talents. It’s clear that Cage will turn on AJ soon, and a feud between the two could definitely draw some positive attention towards the product, but even now, this match means nothing in relation to the TNA World Title, and that’s a shame.

Prediction: Cage takes the fall to Book due to some sort of AJ miscommunication. Christian turns on Styles. Book wins via rollup pinfall

Sheik Abdul Bashir vs. Consequences Creed for the TNA X-Division Title
Thoughts: Two of the newer stars headlining the X Division, and breathing new life and needed prestige into the title face off in what I expect to be a good match.

Balks: This match really isn’t about the title, and I hate when a title match isn’t about the title. This match is about Creed’s feud with Bashir, and while I’m fine with these two going at each other’s throats, aside from giving it some relevance and needed notoriety, there was no reason to inject the X Division title in the equation. It’s true, Petey hasn’t really been that exciting of a champion since the absence of Scott Steiner, but they could still put the strap on someone who needs it right now, instead of pulling the common TNA mistake of putting a title on a guy as he comes through the door, and I hate to be one of those internet writers who harps on this point, but sometimes it’s true. Bashir is a decent worker, but compared to the rest of the X-Division roster, he really has nothing flashy or stand-out about him other than legitimate crowd heat.

Prediction: Bashir retains. Why take it off of him so early? That’s honestly the only reason I can think of saying Bashir to win. It would be great if Creed had a career making moment at Bound For Glory, one that would pull him out of this feud and give him something, other than America, to fight for. I’d honestly love to see him go up against another foreign star with the X Division being the main focal point. After all, Canadian wrestlers never seem all too fond of us Americans, and Petey Williams is the classic X Division champion. His face is as synonymous with that title as AJ’s and Daniels’s, and it would make sense for him to want his gold back, especially when some stinky American’s holding it.


Steel Cage Asylum match featuring X-Division wrestlers
Thoughts: I wish they’d give us a list of people in this match.

Balks: Because without a list, this looks like the typical TNA Pay-Per-View clusterfuck attempt to get every member of the roster on the card. I’ll admit, it’s a noble move, but it’s just become such an obvious ploy to cram the entire locker room on camera. I’m also kind of turned off by the fact that they’re having a Terror-Do…I MEAN…Steel Cage Asylum match so soon after the first one.

Prediction: Unless they do something memorable to make this match worthwhile, this will be the most forgettable match on the card. I know I sound pessimistic, and I’m sure the match will be a fine X Division spot fest, but I just feel really irritated knowing that TNA’s going to book a risky match simply for the sake of stuffing a card. My prediction is Suicide debuts and cleans house and gets the win.

Beer Money Inc. vs. LAX vs. Team 3D vs. Abyss & Matt Morgan in a Monster's Ball TNA Tag Team Titles match with Steve "Mongo" McMichael as the Special Ref
Thoughts: I love this idea. I know that sounds kind of bass ackwards after my complaint about TNA packing the card, but this match serves a purpose Beer Money and LAX have been feuding, 3D’s had their nose in Morgan and Abyss’s business, and it seems as if last Thursday that these feuds have crossed, which is awesome. An 8 Man Hardcore Falls Count Anywhere Match sounds freaking fantastic. Monsters Ball was always an awesome concept (I even actually miss the kayfabe 24 hour isolation stipulation) and giving it this much dimension and chaos only compliments and enhances the nature of the match.

Balks: Why TNA? Why? I get that you’re in Chicago, and I get that McMichael will get you a cheap pop, but why? He’s like…the single worst member to ever be initiated into the Horsemen, and yes, I’m even taking Sid Justice into account when I say that! But when it’s all said and done, there’s no way that his presence could hurt this match…but it’s just so unnecessary.

Prediction: Beer Money’s going into this bout with a pretty big target on their backs, so naturally, I’m rooting for them. Sure, in true uber heel fashion, they’ll take the brunt of the beating (at this point, even 3D’s taking aim on these two) but they’ll pull off some surprise win over LAX.

Taylor Wilde vs. Awesome Kong vs. Roxxi for the TNA Knockouts Title
Thoughts: WOW! What a stacked woman…’s match (giggity). Roxxi has been hyped to the moon this week, and honestly, she needed it, and not because she wasn’t over because she was, but because within the TNA product she hasn’t looked like a legit threat to the KO title in a long time. Kong’s going into this after about 3 months of killing everything in her wake, but at the same time, showing some moments of vulnerability, so it makes the match even more interesting. Wilde has proven to be a great in-ring worker, and a suitable transitional Knockout Champion in the absence of Gail Kim. They really couldn’t have booked a better woman’s match.

Balks: No build. Sure, Roxxi’s been getting the Rough Cut treatment lately, but in no way have these three women really crossed paths in a major significant way over the past month. Wilde’s been busy kicking Velvet and Angelina’s Beautiful butts (While Kip Sopp sits at ringside, questioning the purpose behind another run as a sexually androgynous heel), Kong has been focusing on ODB, and Roxxi’s just been busy trying to get her name back out there. While I agree that the TNA’s Knockout’s are the best booked mainstream woman’s division, this match may be an exception to the rule. Don’t get me wrong, I maintain that it’ll be a really great and solid bout, and not in the sense that it’ll be a “good woman’s match”, these women have all of my respect as competitors and are able to step it up to a level in the ring that’s main event worthy. I just wish there were some sense behind them fighting at Bound For Glory…but, once again, we have one more show, so we’ll see how things pan out.

Predictions: As I said earlier, Wilde’s a great transitional KO champion, but TNA really needs to put the title on someone who the fan’s like, and frankly, Wilde just hasn’t struck me as someone whose gotten over big time with the iMPACT Zone regulars. Roxxi has. This woman has sacrificed her wellbeing, and her hair, for a shot at the Knockout title in a Ladder match, and fans haven’t forgotten the sacrifice she took when she ultimately lost, and she’s had baby face sympathy since. Why they didn’t pull the trigger on her earlier, I don’t know, because she’s definitely the new face of the division, they just need to push her as such. The fans love her, they respect her, and she’s a solid worker. Hopefully they’ll do the right thing and give her the title.

Jeff Jarrett vs. Kurt Angle f/ Mick Foley
Thoughts: I am STOKED for this bout! As weird as it may sound, this is a match I’ve been waiting for since Kurt Angle set foot in TNA, and the build over the past month hasn’t whetted my appetite whatsoever for this match. If anything, I’m hungrier for it. Jeff Jarrett’s pulled off some of the greatest interviews of his career this month, and pulled more baby face sympathy than anybody in recent years. Outsiders may not understand, but even though AJ Styles is the face of TNA, Jarrett’s the backbone, and everyone knows it, and respects Double J because of it. Kurt Angle, the greatest wrestler alive today (and I’ll argue that point with anyone) could wrestle with a broomstick and sell tickets, but booking him against Jarrett in TNA is monumental. Jarrett has an underrated amount of old school mat skill that will make this match interesting, and you know everyone will be looking for the infamous El Kabong. Adding Mick Foley into the equation as special enforcer does nothing but sweeten the pot.

Balks: I’m not going to gripe about the “E” talk, because it was justified on all counts. I’m not going to gripe about the possible Foley swerve, because I’m used to this side of TNA by now, and it’s a necessary move to make. The only thing that really bugs me in the slightest is that Kurt has had very little mic time to respond to Jarrett’s accusations. Once again, we have another show to go before the PPV, and honestly, I really don’t have a problem with Angle bowing out of the spotlight and letting the King of the Mountain take the verbal driver’s seat, but this feud would be so much better if we get a war of the words, because both men are outstanding on the microphone. It’s a minor balk, one that can be corrected after the PPV, considering it’s apparent that this awesome Originals vs. Newcomers feud is long term.

Prediction: Jarrett goes for the guitar, Foley stops him from doing so, they have a tug o war until Jarrett’s hand slip, and he’s sent flying backwards into an Angle Slam. Foley wont turn yet, but this will be a build towards his heel aligning with the New Billionaires Club.

Samoa Joe vs. Sting for the TNA Title
Thoughts: Another match with the potential to be something great. The vignettes and promos building up to this match have been a treat. I think both men are very capable workers within the ring. I don’t know why Sting gets the heat he does about his ring work. If anything, he’s gotten better with time, or at least that’s what I believe, and Joe’s possibly, pound-for-pound, the most agile athlete on the TNA roster. Both men are essentially brawlers, so I expect a great Pier 6 slobber knocker that will be remembered for years to come.

Balks: I have little to complain about, because they’ve masterfully built this feud up to be something special. All I can really complain about is the possible outcomes. Sting has a streak to uphold at Bound For Glory, and this makes me worry about interference shenanigans. I’m mostly worried about the possible full turn of Nash. He just re-signed with the company, so they’ve got to inject Big Sexy somewhere, and why not put him back in the mix of this angle/ It’s inevitable that he’s going to take the side of Angle and the rest of the imported talents, and it makes me fear that we’re going to see Joe vs. Nash somewhere down the line, and I fear that “somewhere down the line” could be as soon as the next PPV. I love Nash, he’s a funny guy, but his place isn’t in the ring anymore, and if they book this bout between him and Joe, it’s going to be terrible. But, once again, this is all “stinkin’ thinkin’” rearing it’s ugly pessimistic head. Here’s hoping that I’m wrong.

Prediction: Sting wins via She-Nash-igans.


Well, that does it for this edition of Candle’s Kayfabe Corner. Hopefully I’ll be back Sunday night with a sweet report on this Pay-Per-View, and hopefully my greatest fears wont come into fruition.


Until Then, I’m Out Like A Candle