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
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
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
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
Monday, October 13, 2008
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
-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
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Candle's Take On: The Positive Effects of WSX
On January 30th 2007, the first match ever wrestled within the rabid WSX Bunker was aired on MTV after a short show play-in by Zakk Wylde’s Black Label Society (perhaps the best music MTV has played in over a decade). It was a spotty and short bout between Evan Bourne and Jack Evans, and it was like nothing any mainstream wrestling fan had ever seen. Shortly after this bout, another anomaly to the mainstream viewer came to pass in the form of a Battle Royal Ladder Match for two contracts insuring number one contender spots for the vacant WSX title. This would be the beginning of Wrestling Society X’s short life.
In truth, there was nothing epic about this first show. It was nearly one year in the can, the matches were chopped up and repackaged into spotty and barely fluid bouts, the ring announcer was more annoying than Don West on ether, and the unnecessary special effects were both cartoony and unnecessary.
Not to mention the rabid crowd was filled with nothing but paid extras instructed to act enthusiastic about what they were watching.
Indeed, the company’s death in mid March of the same year was viewed as being a mercy kill for this abominable experiment, and even though the company had spawned a cult following, most people didn’t miss the WSX when it disappeared from MTV’s programming schedule. After all of the hateful comments that have been made, and after all of the smarky jokes that have been told, one’s left to wonder…did the WSX make any impact on the wrestling business within it’s small time on national television? Did this alternative to the WWE’s product help turn the industry around? Was the short-lived Tuesday Night Battle between ECW an WSX an eye opener for Vince McMahon, along with other promotions like TNA and independents like Ring of Honor? Did WSX leave a positive mark on the world of wrestling? Or just the presumed skid mark that most fans are more inclined to make crude jeers about?
It’s obvious that WSX affected the independent scene. For one thing, for nearly two years, key independent stars were roped into an exclusive contract with the WSX. Even when the show was no longer on the air, the roster was caught in a contractual loop hole that stated that they weren’t allowed free agency until the last show taped was aired on MTV. As many fans know, the product was cut short before the taped season could fully air, therefore seemingly legally binding these workers to never wrestle again. Of course, this was worked out, but what kind of toll did this take on the independent scene?
Apparently a positive one.
Within the absence of guys like Colt Cabana and the newly E signed CM Punk, many other talents were able to work their way up the roster. Men like Nigel McGuinness and the Briscoes started to earn a star for themselves.
When the WSX contracts were finally sorted out, opportunity arose for the stars brought to light by the national exposure. Tyler Black and Jimmy Jacobs of DIFH (Do It For Her) returned to Ring of Honor as a misfit faction of recluses known as the Age of the Fall. The duo, along with the initial recruits, Necro Butcher and Lacey, became very over after debuting back with the company following an elaborate viral build. Since the inception of this group, Black has become a serious contender within the ROH realm, and Jacobs continues to draw a spotlight with his cerebral promos and constant angst that could be traced all the way back to it’s Do it for Her roots. While some could argue that Jimmy’s always been a little emo guy, one could argue that the gimmick never truly got over until it’s exposure on WSX, and who knows if Black would have ever been paired up with Jacobs if it weren’t for the WSX? And if he weren’t, it’s questionable to if he’d have the amount of indy star power and success he does today. Then you have the Human Tornado, a relative unknown prior to popping up in WSX. Now he’s considered by many to be one of the hottest indy acquisitions out there today, and one of the most over faces to ever grace a PWG ring, and one of the biggest draws in any promotion he lands in, so much so that PWG has crowned him as their champion on two separate occasions.
But let’s take our eyes off of the indy product and turn them north. After all, these could be viewed by some as farfetched ramblings of an insane WSX mark. Most independents get over with the fans by showcasing their skill and persona, not by being on television, so I’m sure the arguments made above will be construed as moot by some readers, and I’ll graciously accept any criticisms. I’m not the most indy savvy writer out there, but I do loosely follow these promotions, but I whole-heartedly follow the mainstream TNA and WWE products, so let’s delve into how the WSX could have theoretically affected the McMahon Monopoly.
It’s no secret that the WWE was threatened by the WSX airing on Tuesday in an opposing slot to their new ECW product. As a matter of fact, Vince seemed to be more concerned with the WSX than he ever has been about TNA. Then again, TNA’s never ran on the same night as a WWE product, much less in the same slot.
Keep in mind that around this time period, the ECW product was fairly unwatchable. Guys like Elijah Burke, CM Punk, John Morrison, and the Miz were just starting to fight for the main event reigns with a new blood stable. The washed up no-talents like Sandman and Sabu were just starting to disappear, and ECW was just beginning to become it’s own separate entity from the hardcore legacy of old. Looking at these drastic deviations from the product’s initial nature, one has to wonder if Vince was catching the reaction the WSX was getting from it’s growing fan base with it’s fairly unknown, yet talented and spotty young roster, because the ECW product did a complete 180 when WSX company came into fruition. Now it’s the highlight of the wrestling week as far as watching actual wrestling goes.
If you need any more convincing that Vince was watching his rivaled product, look no further than his fairly over new baby face talent, Evan Bourne, whom had the honor of christening the WSX with it’s maiden match against Jack Evans. And then you have Colt Cabana, whom shortly after the WSX finally closed it’s doors, began to pop up as a local jobber on numerous occasions on WWE television before finally being signed to a developmental contract, and then brought up to the main roster as Scotty Goldman. Keep in mind that around this time, ECW wasn’t only being affected. New blood began to rise to the surface with the electrifying pairing of London and Kendrick, the debut push of Montel Vontavious Porter, the sudden interest in talents like Gregory Helms, Shannon Moore, Kid Kash, Frankie Kazarian, Jamie Noble, Chavo Guerrero and Rey Mysterio, and even the return of Jeff Hardy. You could even trace this newfound interest in pushing and scouting younger talent up to now with the Talent Initiative constantly trying to find a new superstar to come up and make the product fresh, the current push of Brian Kendrick, the fresh Kofi Kingston, the title reign of CM Punk, and even the return of Chris Jericho. Sure, you could attribute some of these new pushes to the steroid scandal of recent years, but you have to think that on some level that WSX may have opened the WWE’s eyes to what fans wanted to see. The fans want risk, they want speed, they want a new style of wrestling, and some new young talent to watch. I’m no fool though, I’m no mark, I’m aware that all of this wasn’t directly, if even remotely attributed to the WSX, but theoretically it does make me wonder how closely the WWE followed their short-lived competition.
In the end, I suppose all we have left is speculation on how much of a footprint WSX left on the wrestling world. I mean, even TNA’s fate was slightly altered by the presence of WSX. They took in Ricky Banderas after the promotion closed, and in doing so, drew in some fans and alienated others, even though his time in the company was more short-lived than WSX’s time on television.
I suppose part of me just wants to believe that everything has a purpose, and that everything creates both positive and negative repercussions. I guess the whole point of this article/blog was to try and highlight some of the good that WSX may have instilled on the industry. Perhaps the bad will always outweigh the good in most people’s minds, but I hope after reading this they can at least consider the idea that there was some good to be found in the defunct promotion.
In late September of this year, Big Vision Entertainment, the same production company that brought us Wrestling Society X released an announcement that they are hoping to re-open the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW) franchise, and are seeking out females to participate within the promotion. No ring experience required.
…Perhaps, in hindsight of this oncoming quagmire, people in the future will be able to look back on the WSX with fonder memories, and perhaps appreciate it more in comparison.
Here’s hoping for that silver lining.
In truth, there was nothing epic about this first show. It was nearly one year in the can, the matches were chopped up and repackaged into spotty and barely fluid bouts, the ring announcer was more annoying than Don West on ether, and the unnecessary special effects were both cartoony and unnecessary.
Not to mention the rabid crowd was filled with nothing but paid extras instructed to act enthusiastic about what they were watching.
Indeed, the company’s death in mid March of the same year was viewed as being a mercy kill for this abominable experiment, and even though the company had spawned a cult following, most people didn’t miss the WSX when it disappeared from MTV’s programming schedule. After all of the hateful comments that have been made, and after all of the smarky jokes that have been told, one’s left to wonder…did the WSX make any impact on the wrestling business within it’s small time on national television? Did this alternative to the WWE’s product help turn the industry around? Was the short-lived Tuesday Night Battle between ECW an WSX an eye opener for Vince McMahon, along with other promotions like TNA and independents like Ring of Honor? Did WSX leave a positive mark on the world of wrestling? Or just the presumed skid mark that most fans are more inclined to make crude jeers about?
It’s obvious that WSX affected the independent scene. For one thing, for nearly two years, key independent stars were roped into an exclusive contract with the WSX. Even when the show was no longer on the air, the roster was caught in a contractual loop hole that stated that they weren’t allowed free agency until the last show taped was aired on MTV. As many fans know, the product was cut short before the taped season could fully air, therefore seemingly legally binding these workers to never wrestle again. Of course, this was worked out, but what kind of toll did this take on the independent scene?
Apparently a positive one.
Within the absence of guys like Colt Cabana and the newly E signed CM Punk, many other talents were able to work their way up the roster. Men like Nigel McGuinness and the Briscoes started to earn a star for themselves.
When the WSX contracts were finally sorted out, opportunity arose for the stars brought to light by the national exposure. Tyler Black and Jimmy Jacobs of DIFH (Do It For Her) returned to Ring of Honor as a misfit faction of recluses known as the Age of the Fall. The duo, along with the initial recruits, Necro Butcher and Lacey, became very over after debuting back with the company following an elaborate viral build. Since the inception of this group, Black has become a serious contender within the ROH realm, and Jacobs continues to draw a spotlight with his cerebral promos and constant angst that could be traced all the way back to it’s Do it for Her roots. While some could argue that Jimmy’s always been a little emo guy, one could argue that the gimmick never truly got over until it’s exposure on WSX, and who knows if Black would have ever been paired up with Jacobs if it weren’t for the WSX? And if he weren’t, it’s questionable to if he’d have the amount of indy star power and success he does today. Then you have the Human Tornado, a relative unknown prior to popping up in WSX. Now he’s considered by many to be one of the hottest indy acquisitions out there today, and one of the most over faces to ever grace a PWG ring, and one of the biggest draws in any promotion he lands in, so much so that PWG has crowned him as their champion on two separate occasions.
But let’s take our eyes off of the indy product and turn them north. After all, these could be viewed by some as farfetched ramblings of an insane WSX mark. Most independents get over with the fans by showcasing their skill and persona, not by being on television, so I’m sure the arguments made above will be construed as moot by some readers, and I’ll graciously accept any criticisms. I’m not the most indy savvy writer out there, but I do loosely follow these promotions, but I whole-heartedly follow the mainstream TNA and WWE products, so let’s delve into how the WSX could have theoretically affected the McMahon Monopoly.
It’s no secret that the WWE was threatened by the WSX airing on Tuesday in an opposing slot to their new ECW product. As a matter of fact, Vince seemed to be more concerned with the WSX than he ever has been about TNA. Then again, TNA’s never ran on the same night as a WWE product, much less in the same slot.
Keep in mind that around this time period, the ECW product was fairly unwatchable. Guys like Elijah Burke, CM Punk, John Morrison, and the Miz were just starting to fight for the main event reigns with a new blood stable. The washed up no-talents like Sandman and Sabu were just starting to disappear, and ECW was just beginning to become it’s own separate entity from the hardcore legacy of old. Looking at these drastic deviations from the product’s initial nature, one has to wonder if Vince was catching the reaction the WSX was getting from it’s growing fan base with it’s fairly unknown, yet talented and spotty young roster, because the ECW product did a complete 180 when WSX company came into fruition. Now it’s the highlight of the wrestling week as far as watching actual wrestling goes.
If you need any more convincing that Vince was watching his rivaled product, look no further than his fairly over new baby face talent, Evan Bourne, whom had the honor of christening the WSX with it’s maiden match against Jack Evans. And then you have Colt Cabana, whom shortly after the WSX finally closed it’s doors, began to pop up as a local jobber on numerous occasions on WWE television before finally being signed to a developmental contract, and then brought up to the main roster as Scotty Goldman. Keep in mind that around this time, ECW wasn’t only being affected. New blood began to rise to the surface with the electrifying pairing of London and Kendrick, the debut push of Montel Vontavious Porter, the sudden interest in talents like Gregory Helms, Shannon Moore, Kid Kash, Frankie Kazarian, Jamie Noble, Chavo Guerrero and Rey Mysterio, and even the return of Jeff Hardy. You could even trace this newfound interest in pushing and scouting younger talent up to now with the Talent Initiative constantly trying to find a new superstar to come up and make the product fresh, the current push of Brian Kendrick, the fresh Kofi Kingston, the title reign of CM Punk, and even the return of Chris Jericho. Sure, you could attribute some of these new pushes to the steroid scandal of recent years, but you have to think that on some level that WSX may have opened the WWE’s eyes to what fans wanted to see. The fans want risk, they want speed, they want a new style of wrestling, and some new young talent to watch. I’m no fool though, I’m no mark, I’m aware that all of this wasn’t directly, if even remotely attributed to the WSX, but theoretically it does make me wonder how closely the WWE followed their short-lived competition.
In the end, I suppose all we have left is speculation on how much of a footprint WSX left on the wrestling world. I mean, even TNA’s fate was slightly altered by the presence of WSX. They took in Ricky Banderas after the promotion closed, and in doing so, drew in some fans and alienated others, even though his time in the company was more short-lived than WSX’s time on television.
I suppose part of me just wants to believe that everything has a purpose, and that everything creates both positive and negative repercussions. I guess the whole point of this article/blog was to try and highlight some of the good that WSX may have instilled on the industry. Perhaps the bad will always outweigh the good in most people’s minds, but I hope after reading this they can at least consider the idea that there was some good to be found in the defunct promotion.
In late September of this year, Big Vision Entertainment, the same production company that brought us Wrestling Society X released an announcement that they are hoping to re-open the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW) franchise, and are seeking out females to participate within the promotion. No ring experience required.
…Perhaps, in hindsight of this oncoming quagmire, people in the future will be able to look back on the WSX with fonder memories, and perhaps appreciate it more in comparison.
Here’s hoping for that silver lining.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Candle's Kayfabe Corner
Hello, soon to be loyal readers and welcome to my little blog nook (…shit…I probably drove away readers with a pretentious word like “nook.” Might as well buy a beret and go to Starbucks. Wrestling fans don‘t say nook!) Okay, enough self-conscious inner monologue thought bubbles, let’s get down to the topic at hand. Hi, I’m Candle. Don’t ask why I go by such a weird little (pretentious) name like Candle. It’s mostly for fear of you, the loyal reader, hacking everything I own and stealing my identity, but I digress. From hereon out, I’m going to be giving you my thoughts on everything mainstream in wrestling. If you’re looking for ROH, NJPW, FIP, IWA, or any other sort of Japanese or indy smart mark talk, you’ve come to the wrong place. I have nothing against those promotions, I just have a hard time following them. I’ll be mostly covering TNA and WWE, and maybe covering free agent and a little independent news, but don’t expect much of it.
Anyway, enough with the formalities, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Let’s talk wrestling, and what a good time to start a column on the two biggest promotions in the US. We’re on the heels of both No Mercy and Bound for Glory, two Pay-Per-Views that look like they’re going to deliver something special. Since BFG is far off, and the card is still a week away from completion, let’s dive right into No Mercy with what I like to call my thoughts, balks, and predictions. What happens here is I run down the card and give my…yeah…keep reading…
Rey Mysterio vs. Kane: Match For The Mask
Thoughts: This feud seemed to have come out of nowhere, but I’ve liked how dominant it’s made Kane look, and how credible it’s made Rey look. Rey plays the underdog way too often, and while he’s been dominated by Kane (and his wicked crazy choke slam post marked “Return To Sender: From- Hell”) it hasn’t been complete domination, and they’re playing up the power of Rey’s heart and will. Will this be a triumph of the will for Rey? (oooh, bad phrasing, might lose some demographic for that one) Or his ultimate WCW undoing all over again?
Balks: This feud really hasn’t had much time to simmer, and as noted before, came out of nowhere. We keep hearing about this ambush on Rey by Kane. Just in case you forgot about that, I’m going to ask the web master to insert the video here…
….
What’s that? Oh, there is no footage? Uhhh…this is awkward.
While I have no problem with kayfabe, the WWE could have at least staged some vignette of Rey getting jumped by Kane a few months ago that wasn’t released to the public initially because of the brutality, or some other BS reasoning. Anyway, I just find it kind of odd that they’d start a feud on something as unmemorable as hearsay from the unstable monster that is Kane.
Predictions: You may have noticed my WCW reverence earlier, but honestly, I think the WWE’s smarter than that, and that’s why Rey losing his mask didn’t land in my “balk’ category, because it’s not going to happen. I’ll admit, this is an ingenious ploy to get buy rates (from ten year old who’ve never seen WCW). Rey will come out on top…but here is a prediction that some may question. Rey will unmask himself in respect to the fans. To those not familiar with lucha, it’s a rarely practiced custom for a luchador to unmask himself to the audience as a sign of respect after a hard fought battle. While I do believe this could be viewed as a major mistake on WWE’s part, it doesn’t kill their Rey merchandise, because after a luchador does this, they’re allowed to put their mask back on, and that’s the only reason I can see this happening. WWE doesn’t want to lose the Rey mask profit margin, and they don’t want to entirely disappoint their fan base, so Rey will keep the mask, but he will show his face.
Beth Phoenix © vs. Candice Michelle
Thoughts: I have few good thoughts on this match. I will admit that it makes sense, considering Beth put Michelle on the shelf, but…
Balks: They haven’t played up the fact that Michelle is really out for revenge. This potential storyline has kind of floundered, and, to be honest, before last night I wasn’t even aware that Candice was booked against Beth in this match.
One step forward, two steps back. This is the WWE Woman’s Division.
Look, I’m not saying that strides haven’t been made, I’m just saying that strides haven’t been made lately. It’s true, Glamarella is the hottest thing on Raw right now, and one of the biggest reasons to watch, but that’s mostly because of Santino, and even though Beth shares his spotlight, one could easily forget what that title on her shoulder means. If you’re going to book two woman’s divisions, at least book one right. I’m aware that this isn’t TNA (no “Crossing The Line” here folks. The line stops and starts here) but would it kill to add something more to this quote/unquote “feud” other than a few surprised expressions from Beth, and a glare in each other’s direction?
Oh, and the match is going to blow wrestling wise. Not even the Glamazon can save us from the train wreck that is Candice Michelle…she can’t even save Candice. Here’s looking forward to 6 more months of Michelle free TV. Mind the collarbone, Candice.
(Okay, a tad harsh, I know, but you’re smiling Admit it)
Predictions: Candice wins after a terrible, TERRIBLE bout that will foreshadow terrible PPV bouts to come. I don’t know why the WWE pushes this woman. Maybe Vince is a fan of her other line of work.(Hey, he did give us the Snitsky gimmick.)
Big Show vs. The Undertaker
Thoughts: It’s a nice month long mini feud. It’s nice to see Show doing something, and getting over while doing it. Face the facts, Taker doesn’t sell a right hook like that for just anybody. This feud has done loads for Show’s credibility, and even if he loses at the Pay-Per-View, he’ll still come out of this looking like a million bucks. As for Taker, well, can you really hurt his credibility?
Balks: The answer is, you can’t, which is why I’m semi-peeved with the fact that Show isn’t going over in this bout. They’ve spent all month building up Show only to feed him to the Dead Man, and while I maintain that Show will still rank higher as a contender than he did prior to this feud, he’d have a lot more wind in his sails if he went over Taker in this bout. It’s a minor peeve, one I can live with.
Predictions: This match is going to be a sleeper. I think people underestimate how good both of these men can be. Show’s been moving better and faster than he has in years since coming back before Wrestlemania, and let’s hope that he maintains that “Slim Show” intensity Taker has been nothing but gold in the ring against lesser guys (*cough*Batista!*cough*) and I think if given the time, this match could be great. And yes, I do think both men have the stamina to pull off an epic battle. Taker wins via Chokeslam.
#1 Contender’s Bout: Batista vs. JBL
Thoughts: Eh, the build’s been solid enough, and it’s passable enough to have this match simply for contention without any major back story or twisted angles muddling it up.
Balks: Nobody is going to buy this PPV simply to see this match. It’s a case of been there, done that. Neither man is a strong worker. Batista can be when in the ring with a big name that motivates him, but Jaybe (that’s what I call JBL, Jaybe. He pays me in Mamajuana to do so) has been rusty in the ring since leaving commentary. I know a back injury is a serious ailment, but if it’s going to hinder an already bland athlete, why put him back in the ring? I mean, not to compare the two, but Shawn Michaels has a frackin’ pole in his back, and he delivers better than most of the young guys on the roster. I’m not going to judge the RASSLIN’ GAWD! too harshly, because he was never an athlete of Michaels caliber, but I just don’t see why he’d put himself back into a situation where people legitimately hate him (not good heel heat, bad wrestling heat) and lose all respect they ever had for him. Go back to commentary, Jaybe. You’re not selling tickets, you’re not doing anyone favors by putting them over, and you’re not fit to wrestle.
Predictions: This is going to be the stinker of the night. It’ll be slow, meticulous, drab, and full of no-sells, but somehow Batista will win with a spine buster. Considering Jaybe’s ego, the Animal might have to go into business for himself to keep the RASSLIN’ GAWD! down.
ECW Championship: Matt Hardy © vs. Mark Henry
Thoughts: Another match that could’ve used a bit of build, but Henry is the former champion, so I suppose it makes sense that he gets an obligatory rematch.
Balks: Oh boy, get settled in for this one folks. Matt just jobbed to Triple H in a match that made young Matthew look very weak. Now I get that ECW is the “inferior brand” but it doesn’t mean Matt should only get offense in a match against the other champions during commercial break. Matt’s coming into this looking a little weak, and he’s going up against the World’s Strongest Man, a man who shouldn’t have lost the title too soon in my honest opinion. I know I’ll get brow beaten to death by the anti-Silverback lot for putting Henry over Hardy as a champion, but you can’t deny that ECW was on the verge of making Mark a star. One could argue that they designed that belt specifically for Mark. Let’s be honest kids, wrestling hasn’t been about wrestling in a long time, and what Henry does in the ring is passable considering his size and bulk. Mark Henry is a charismatic man with the look of a credible champion. Don’t get me wrong, I love that bowlegged son of a buck Matt Hardy, but he doesn’t look, sound, or carry himself like a champion. He carries himself like a midcard face. Henry should win the title back, but he wont. Not at No Mercy, not this year anyway, and after Hardy took one for the team in the Smackdown! main event, in my eyes, he’s going into this bout looking weak, and he’s going to drag Henry down to his level by beating him.
Predictions: Hardy wins via out of nowhere Twist of Fate.
WWE Title Bout: Triple H © vs. Jeff Hardy
Thoughts: This should be a good match. For weeks you’ve been spotting them keeping an eye on one another, looking over their shoulders for any sign of the other turning. Jeff finally broke this tense atmosphere with an explosive Twist of Fate heard ‘round the world. The bond has been broken. Spin the wheel raggedy man! (Did I just quote a menopausal cartoon housewife?)
Balks: I have little to complain about going into this. My only complaint is the foreshadowing Twist of Fate. They could have kept us guessing about what was going to happen if it weren’t for that meddling kid (and the drug dog trailing behind him. Rooby roo!) but they opted to go the traditional approach of knocking down the champ a peg before he retains his title, just to make the opposition look a bit more credible. They could’ve settled for a tense stare down (one of those epic ones you always see in the montage videos between the Rock and *insert superstar here*) but they had to open the cliché’d flood gates. In a way, I suppose they had to, just to remind people that Jeff Hardy is looking out for number one, and knows Triple H is the cerebral assassin, and that all friendship and camaraderie will be cast aside when it comes to the WWE title.
Prediction: Hmmm, let’s see. Jeff just got kicked off of an airplane for disorderly conduct…he hit the Twist of Fate on the reigning champion…I deduce that the Game comes out with a clean, but hard fought victory.
World Heavyweight Championship Ladder Match: T.A.F.K.A. Y2J © vs. HBK
Thoughts: What an epic and long feud this has been. We don’t get feuds like these anymore, folks, so soak it up while you can. I say TAFKA Y2J because I think Y2J was a crowd pleaser, and I really haven’t heard him refer to himself as Y2J in awhile, or at least not that I can recall. I love what Jericho’s turning into. The attire, the attitude, the Save_Me entrance video, it all means something. He’s not out to be a crowd pleaser. He’s not going to wear flashy and performance inhibiting ring gear just to get you Jerichoholics off, nay!, he’s going to wear trunks that make him more mobile, to hell with what you think of his Canadian physique! He’s not going to pander to you with flamboyance and catchy sing along sessions, no, he’s going to be monotone and serious, and if you don’t like it, who gives a care! He’s not out to save you anymore, he’s out to look after number one, and he’ll never…e-e-e-ever serve as your baby face martyr agayne! I just buy into this character so much, and I hope that all these nuances I’m pointing out aren’t coincidental at all, and considering the genius of the man who brought us Money in the Bank, Gillberg, and Ralphus, I doubt these minor details can be chocked up to coincidence. HBK and Mrs. Heart Break Kid have served well in their roles as well. Way to take one on the chin, Ms. Hickenbottom. I honestly don’t know if she was selling that or not, and if she was, she’s frackin’ gold in my book. If she isn’t, she’s still 14 Karat as far as I’m concerned. What ring wife would do that for her man? Such self-sacrifice from a female non-wrestler hasn’t been seen since Gorgeous George’s wife put her hair on the line for hair vs. hair match, a match that her husband lost. The drama has been heart wrenching, the promos have been immaculate, and the angles have become so convincing and close to the truth that I’m beginning to hate Chris Jericho. Kudos to both men, and that one woman, for building up the feud of the past ten years.
Balks: With that being said, I hope that this is the end of it. I hate to be one of “those” fans, but I really don’t want to see this stupendous feud of epic proportions run it’s course and keep going, and it’s drawing nigh to that hour (I thought sounding dramatic and Shakespearean after that long diatribe praising this feud was fitting. I know, I’m a pretentious little blogger. I’ve come to accept this.)
Michaels needs to ride off into that sunset. It would be nice to see a “High Noon” type ending, with Michaels procuring the title, looking down from the heavens at the fallen and humbled Chris Jericho, looking down at the title, looking down at his wife in the front row, and then dropping the gold and walking away. He could have his little speech at the following Raw about how wrestling has become his life, and that he doesn’t want to put a profession before his family, and he realizes that he’s done that, and that he’s sacrificed things that weren’t his to sacrifice to get where he is today. He’s repented, and asked forgiveness for his sins, but he’s found that some sins take a lot of elbow grease to wash away. He’d congratulate Chris for being the better wrestler, the more opportunistic and predatory competitor, but he chooses to walk away the better man. Then he’d exit up the stage, where his wife would meet him with open arms, and they’d leave the sport forever…I know, I’m a detail ho, but in my imagined little perfect world, that’s what would happen. Maybe Shawn would be met with a chorus of boos, maybe there wouldn’t be a dry eye in the house, but either way, that’s how I’d love to see this end…or something like that.
Predictions: Michaels has to get the payoff win, but Jericho needs that strap more than he does. I’ll admit, this feud has done wonders for TAFKA Y2J, but I don’t know if a short title reign would solidify him as a big main event star. It sure as hell didn’t do much for the tag team specialist CM Punk.
Welp, those are my predictions. Hopefully they make it up before the Pay-Per-View airs. Take them or leave them. Hopefully you’ll all return when I…return…(frick!) with another edition of Candle’s Kayfabe Corner here on the You-Neverse blog page. Next time I’ll be covering Bound for Glory with my thoughts, balks and predictions, and possibly covering some wrestling news and my thoughts on it, that is, if news happens.
Until then, I’m out like a Candle.
Anyway, enough with the formalities, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Let’s talk wrestling, and what a good time to start a column on the two biggest promotions in the US. We’re on the heels of both No Mercy and Bound for Glory, two Pay-Per-Views that look like they’re going to deliver something special. Since BFG is far off, and the card is still a week away from completion, let’s dive right into No Mercy with what I like to call my thoughts, balks, and predictions. What happens here is I run down the card and give my…yeah…keep reading…
Rey Mysterio vs. Kane: Match For The Mask
Thoughts: This feud seemed to have come out of nowhere, but I’ve liked how dominant it’s made Kane look, and how credible it’s made Rey look. Rey plays the underdog way too often, and while he’s been dominated by Kane (and his wicked crazy choke slam post marked “Return To Sender: From- Hell”) it hasn’t been complete domination, and they’re playing up the power of Rey’s heart and will. Will this be a triumph of the will for Rey? (oooh, bad phrasing, might lose some demographic for that one) Or his ultimate WCW undoing all over again?
Balks: This feud really hasn’t had much time to simmer, and as noted before, came out of nowhere. We keep hearing about this ambush on Rey by Kane. Just in case you forgot about that, I’m going to ask the web master to insert the video here…
….
What’s that? Oh, there is no footage? Uhhh…this is awkward.
While I have no problem with kayfabe, the WWE could have at least staged some vignette of Rey getting jumped by Kane a few months ago that wasn’t released to the public initially because of the brutality, or some other BS reasoning. Anyway, I just find it kind of odd that they’d start a feud on something as unmemorable as hearsay from the unstable monster that is Kane.
Predictions: You may have noticed my WCW reverence earlier, but honestly, I think the WWE’s smarter than that, and that’s why Rey losing his mask didn’t land in my “balk’ category, because it’s not going to happen. I’ll admit, this is an ingenious ploy to get buy rates (from ten year old who’ve never seen WCW). Rey will come out on top…but here is a prediction that some may question. Rey will unmask himself in respect to the fans. To those not familiar with lucha, it’s a rarely practiced custom for a luchador to unmask himself to the audience as a sign of respect after a hard fought battle. While I do believe this could be viewed as a major mistake on WWE’s part, it doesn’t kill their Rey merchandise, because after a luchador does this, they’re allowed to put their mask back on, and that’s the only reason I can see this happening. WWE doesn’t want to lose the Rey mask profit margin, and they don’t want to entirely disappoint their fan base, so Rey will keep the mask, but he will show his face.
Beth Phoenix © vs. Candice Michelle
Thoughts: I have few good thoughts on this match. I will admit that it makes sense, considering Beth put Michelle on the shelf, but…
Balks: They haven’t played up the fact that Michelle is really out for revenge. This potential storyline has kind of floundered, and, to be honest, before last night I wasn’t even aware that Candice was booked against Beth in this match.
One step forward, two steps back. This is the WWE Woman’s Division.
Look, I’m not saying that strides haven’t been made, I’m just saying that strides haven’t been made lately. It’s true, Glamarella is the hottest thing on Raw right now, and one of the biggest reasons to watch, but that’s mostly because of Santino, and even though Beth shares his spotlight, one could easily forget what that title on her shoulder means. If you’re going to book two woman’s divisions, at least book one right. I’m aware that this isn’t TNA (no “Crossing The Line” here folks. The line stops and starts here) but would it kill to add something more to this quote/unquote “feud” other than a few surprised expressions from Beth, and a glare in each other’s direction?
Oh, and the match is going to blow wrestling wise. Not even the Glamazon can save us from the train wreck that is Candice Michelle…she can’t even save Candice. Here’s looking forward to 6 more months of Michelle free TV. Mind the collarbone, Candice.
(Okay, a tad harsh, I know, but you’re smiling Admit it)
Predictions: Candice wins after a terrible, TERRIBLE bout that will foreshadow terrible PPV bouts to come. I don’t know why the WWE pushes this woman. Maybe Vince is a fan of her other line of work.(Hey, he did give us the Snitsky gimmick.)
Big Show vs. The Undertaker
Thoughts: It’s a nice month long mini feud. It’s nice to see Show doing something, and getting over while doing it. Face the facts, Taker doesn’t sell a right hook like that for just anybody. This feud has done loads for Show’s credibility, and even if he loses at the Pay-Per-View, he’ll still come out of this looking like a million bucks. As for Taker, well, can you really hurt his credibility?
Balks: The answer is, you can’t, which is why I’m semi-peeved with the fact that Show isn’t going over in this bout. They’ve spent all month building up Show only to feed him to the Dead Man, and while I maintain that Show will still rank higher as a contender than he did prior to this feud, he’d have a lot more wind in his sails if he went over Taker in this bout. It’s a minor peeve, one I can live with.
Predictions: This match is going to be a sleeper. I think people underestimate how good both of these men can be. Show’s been moving better and faster than he has in years since coming back before Wrestlemania, and let’s hope that he maintains that “Slim Show” intensity Taker has been nothing but gold in the ring against lesser guys (*cough*Batista!*cough*) and I think if given the time, this match could be great. And yes, I do think both men have the stamina to pull off an epic battle. Taker wins via Chokeslam.
#1 Contender’s Bout: Batista vs. JBL
Thoughts: Eh, the build’s been solid enough, and it’s passable enough to have this match simply for contention without any major back story or twisted angles muddling it up.
Balks: Nobody is going to buy this PPV simply to see this match. It’s a case of been there, done that. Neither man is a strong worker. Batista can be when in the ring with a big name that motivates him, but Jaybe (that’s what I call JBL, Jaybe. He pays me in Mamajuana to do so) has been rusty in the ring since leaving commentary. I know a back injury is a serious ailment, but if it’s going to hinder an already bland athlete, why put him back in the ring? I mean, not to compare the two, but Shawn Michaels has a frackin’ pole in his back, and he delivers better than most of the young guys on the roster. I’m not going to judge the RASSLIN’ GAWD! too harshly, because he was never an athlete of Michaels caliber, but I just don’t see why he’d put himself back into a situation where people legitimately hate him (not good heel heat, bad wrestling heat) and lose all respect they ever had for him. Go back to commentary, Jaybe. You’re not selling tickets, you’re not doing anyone favors by putting them over, and you’re not fit to wrestle.
Predictions: This is going to be the stinker of the night. It’ll be slow, meticulous, drab, and full of no-sells, but somehow Batista will win with a spine buster. Considering Jaybe’s ego, the Animal might have to go into business for himself to keep the RASSLIN’ GAWD! down.
ECW Championship: Matt Hardy © vs. Mark Henry
Thoughts: Another match that could’ve used a bit of build, but Henry is the former champion, so I suppose it makes sense that he gets an obligatory rematch.
Balks: Oh boy, get settled in for this one folks. Matt just jobbed to Triple H in a match that made young Matthew look very weak. Now I get that ECW is the “inferior brand” but it doesn’t mean Matt should only get offense in a match against the other champions during commercial break. Matt’s coming into this looking a little weak, and he’s going up against the World’s Strongest Man, a man who shouldn’t have lost the title too soon in my honest opinion. I know I’ll get brow beaten to death by the anti-Silverback lot for putting Henry over Hardy as a champion, but you can’t deny that ECW was on the verge of making Mark a star. One could argue that they designed that belt specifically for Mark. Let’s be honest kids, wrestling hasn’t been about wrestling in a long time, and what Henry does in the ring is passable considering his size and bulk. Mark Henry is a charismatic man with the look of a credible champion. Don’t get me wrong, I love that bowlegged son of a buck Matt Hardy, but he doesn’t look, sound, or carry himself like a champion. He carries himself like a midcard face. Henry should win the title back, but he wont. Not at No Mercy, not this year anyway, and after Hardy took one for the team in the Smackdown! main event, in my eyes, he’s going into this bout looking weak, and he’s going to drag Henry down to his level by beating him.
Predictions: Hardy wins via out of nowhere Twist of Fate.
WWE Title Bout: Triple H © vs. Jeff Hardy
Thoughts: This should be a good match. For weeks you’ve been spotting them keeping an eye on one another, looking over their shoulders for any sign of the other turning. Jeff finally broke this tense atmosphere with an explosive Twist of Fate heard ‘round the world. The bond has been broken. Spin the wheel raggedy man! (Did I just quote a menopausal cartoon housewife?)
Balks: I have little to complain about going into this. My only complaint is the foreshadowing Twist of Fate. They could have kept us guessing about what was going to happen if it weren’t for that meddling kid (and the drug dog trailing behind him. Rooby roo!) but they opted to go the traditional approach of knocking down the champ a peg before he retains his title, just to make the opposition look a bit more credible. They could’ve settled for a tense stare down (one of those epic ones you always see in the montage videos between the Rock and *insert superstar here*) but they had to open the cliché’d flood gates. In a way, I suppose they had to, just to remind people that Jeff Hardy is looking out for number one, and knows Triple H is the cerebral assassin, and that all friendship and camaraderie will be cast aside when it comes to the WWE title.
Prediction: Hmmm, let’s see. Jeff just got kicked off of an airplane for disorderly conduct…he hit the Twist of Fate on the reigning champion…I deduce that the Game comes out with a clean, but hard fought victory.
World Heavyweight Championship Ladder Match: T.A.F.K.A. Y2J © vs. HBK
Thoughts: What an epic and long feud this has been. We don’t get feuds like these anymore, folks, so soak it up while you can. I say TAFKA Y2J because I think Y2J was a crowd pleaser, and I really haven’t heard him refer to himself as Y2J in awhile, or at least not that I can recall. I love what Jericho’s turning into. The attire, the attitude, the Save_Me entrance video, it all means something. He’s not out to be a crowd pleaser. He’s not going to wear flashy and performance inhibiting ring gear just to get you Jerichoholics off, nay!, he’s going to wear trunks that make him more mobile, to hell with what you think of his Canadian physique! He’s not going to pander to you with flamboyance and catchy sing along sessions, no, he’s going to be monotone and serious, and if you don’t like it, who gives a care! He’s not out to save you anymore, he’s out to look after number one, and he’ll never…e-e-e-ever serve as your baby face martyr agayne! I just buy into this character so much, and I hope that all these nuances I’m pointing out aren’t coincidental at all, and considering the genius of the man who brought us Money in the Bank, Gillberg, and Ralphus, I doubt these minor details can be chocked up to coincidence. HBK and Mrs. Heart Break Kid have served well in their roles as well. Way to take one on the chin, Ms. Hickenbottom. I honestly don’t know if she was selling that or not, and if she was, she’s frackin’ gold in my book. If she isn’t, she’s still 14 Karat as far as I’m concerned. What ring wife would do that for her man? Such self-sacrifice from a female non-wrestler hasn’t been seen since Gorgeous George’s wife put her hair on the line for hair vs. hair match, a match that her husband lost. The drama has been heart wrenching, the promos have been immaculate, and the angles have become so convincing and close to the truth that I’m beginning to hate Chris Jericho. Kudos to both men, and that one woman, for building up the feud of the past ten years.
Balks: With that being said, I hope that this is the end of it. I hate to be one of “those” fans, but I really don’t want to see this stupendous feud of epic proportions run it’s course and keep going, and it’s drawing nigh to that hour (I thought sounding dramatic and Shakespearean after that long diatribe praising this feud was fitting. I know, I’m a pretentious little blogger. I’ve come to accept this.)
Michaels needs to ride off into that sunset. It would be nice to see a “High Noon” type ending, with Michaels procuring the title, looking down from the heavens at the fallen and humbled Chris Jericho, looking down at the title, looking down at his wife in the front row, and then dropping the gold and walking away. He could have his little speech at the following Raw about how wrestling has become his life, and that he doesn’t want to put a profession before his family, and he realizes that he’s done that, and that he’s sacrificed things that weren’t his to sacrifice to get where he is today. He’s repented, and asked forgiveness for his sins, but he’s found that some sins take a lot of elbow grease to wash away. He’d congratulate Chris for being the better wrestler, the more opportunistic and predatory competitor, but he chooses to walk away the better man. Then he’d exit up the stage, where his wife would meet him with open arms, and they’d leave the sport forever…I know, I’m a detail ho, but in my imagined little perfect world, that’s what would happen. Maybe Shawn would be met with a chorus of boos, maybe there wouldn’t be a dry eye in the house, but either way, that’s how I’d love to see this end…or something like that.
Predictions: Michaels has to get the payoff win, but Jericho needs that strap more than he does. I’ll admit, this feud has done wonders for TAFKA Y2J, but I don’t know if a short title reign would solidify him as a big main event star. It sure as hell didn’t do much for the tag team specialist CM Punk.
Welp, those are my predictions. Hopefully they make it up before the Pay-Per-View airs. Take them or leave them. Hopefully you’ll all return when I…return…(frick!) with another edition of Candle’s Kayfabe Corner here on the You-Neverse blog page. Next time I’ll be covering Bound for Glory with my thoughts, balks and predictions, and possibly covering some wrestling news and my thoughts on it, that is, if news happens.
Until then, I’m out like a Candle.
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