tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38655422524818663942024-02-21T00:47:27.816-03:30From The Gorilla PositionProfessional Wrestling ... plain and simpleDale Hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724060709774911680noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865542252481866394.post-89397348012623693102013-02-11T11:12:00.000-03:302013-02-12T23:40:14.762-03:30#29 - Let Wrestlers Be Wrestlers<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bUhQmx4SRZw" width="480"></iframe><br />
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I have posted above the 2012 SummerSlam music video that the WWE put together promoting the event which I believe played mostly through social media. I remember watching this last summer and thinking to myself that the video showcased what was good about pro wrestling.<br />
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In this video, we have pro wrestlers being pro wrestlers! They are allowing their own personalities to shine (Daniel Bryan is pure gold in this video) which adds so much to their characters. Today, I feel that the creative team has too much control over the product. Why does the creative team have to write promos? Why do the talent be given the ability to add dimensions to their own characters? If a person uses their own ideas, they are much more committed to the task. Let's start letting pro wrestlers be pro wrestlers!<br />
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It worked for Dolph Ziggler who wouldn't be near the level he is now without appearing on Zack Ryder's Z True Long Island Story. Without Ryder, Ziggler would be still portrayed as the "new Mr. Perfect" when now we are now comparing his rise to Shawn Michaels<br />
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Daniel Bryan was floundering in the mid card until turning heel in early 2012 and being allowed to let his personality to show through the Yes/No chants and Dr. Shelby segments with Kane. The wrestler once known as the American Dragon and for "kicking in fucking heads" is now wanting to be called the Dazzler? Bryan showed that you can be a great wrestler while also entertaining which is something we might not have seen since Ric Flair and his outlandish personality of the '80s<br />
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The Ringmaster floundered until he submitted an idea to creative for a cold-hearted ruthless man who showed no emotion. Eventually, we were given Stone Cold Steve Austin who was his personality exaggerated. Steve Austin actually drinks beer, drives a pickup truck, enjoys using colorful language and is a redneck from Texas.<br />
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These three examples show that wrestlers being themselves have worked in the past and present so why not allow other wrestlers this chance? Mick Foley has stated that he felt the Attitude Era (arguably the most profitable era in pro wrestling history) started when Vince McMahon gave a speech about wrestlers having to inject more of themselves into their characters. Actually, Foley really can attribute the success of his WWE career largely to his series of interviews with Jim Ross back in June 1997 where he interwove his personal history (Dude Love & his desire for attention as a teenager) into how the Mankind character came to be in his head.<br />
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In closing, I have given four good examples of where wrestlers were allowed to be themselves and were successful. The music video included with this post proves that there is a wealth of charisma and untapped comedy in the WWE locker room just looking for the opportunity to be showcased weekly. Why not lighten the workload of the creative team and allow them to focus strictly on story line progression! Let's start seeing wrestlers make the best of their chance and their characters! Lets start letting wrestlers be wrestlers and watch the product we receive every week! I thank you very much for reading!Dale Hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724060709774911680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865542252481866394.post-64407126883579851192013-02-02T22:26:00.001-03:302013-02-02T23:51:12.248-03:30#28 - The Undertaker @ WM29I am going to take the current state of WWE story lines and progress them in my own vision, starting with this past Monday's RAW. As we've all heard, the Undertaker's status for this year's WrestleMania is uncertain. The rumor is that he is dealing with injuries that would be better off resting this year. However, I feel we can allow Undertaker to rest but still keep him in a major storyline this year at WrestleMania! Here is my idea of how the Undertaker can be a major part of WrestleMania with minimal in-ring action! ...<br />
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Starting at ...<br />
Last Monday - Paul Heyman's Performance Evaluation<br />
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<ul>
<li>Brock Lesnar attacking Vince McMahon as a favor to his friend/business partner Paul Heyman who was about to be fired by McMahon</li>
<li>Vince suffers a broken left hip as reported on WWE.com </li>
</ul>
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My idea is for this storyline to culminate at WrestleMania with ... </div>
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CM Punk and Brock Lesnar vs Triple H and the Undertaker!</div>
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Outline:<br />
<u><br />February 4th</u></div>
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Brock cuts a promo describing himself as the most destructive force in WWE after eliminating Triple H and Mr. McMahon, he makes reference to the ring being his world (a subtle reference to the Undertaker)</div>
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Vickie Guerrero comes to the ring and states that she has been asked by WWE Board of Directors to negotiate Brock's return to WWE after quitting last summer. Heyman states that they return to the back for the negotiation. As the show is closing, Heyman returns to the stage to announce that Brock has agreed to a new iron-clad two year deal with WWE! Stephanie McMahon's music hits as she comes out to meet Heyman face to face, stating that she was the one who asked Vickie to sign Brock back and that Triple H would be on the next RAW.<br />
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<u>February 11th</u></div>
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<ul>
<li>The show opens with Triple H shown backstage waiting for Brock Lesnar's arrival. </li>
<li>A limo arrives which Lesnar's Deathclutch license plate on it which is promptly destoryed by Triple H. </li>
<li>Paul Heyman is shown getting out of the limo on the opposite side of Triple H. </li>
<li>As Heyman is being stalked by Triple H, he is attacked from behind by CM Punk. </li>
<li>Triple H and Punk battle for a moment until Lesnar arrives in a truck and the Punk/Lesnar duo leave Triple H lying in need of medical attention. </li>
<li>Triple H is placed into an ambulance and taken from the arena</li>
<li>Punk/Heyman/Lesnar come to the ring for a promo which Heyman highlights how effective these forces could be together with Punk and Lesnar throwing compliments towards each other! Heyman also illustrates how they have battled adversity from the WWE and how similar their battles with management were</li>
<li>Punk wrestles main event of show with Lesnar in corner! Triple H is shown driving an ambulance back into the arena! Triple H comes from the side of the entrance and as he reaches the ramp, the Rock's music hits! Rock hits the ring to fight Punk (helping to sell their EC Title Match) and HHH battles Lesnar for the show to end</li>
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<u>February 18th</u></div>
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<ul>
<li>CM Punk, having been defeated by the Rock the night before, opens the show with another promo about not receiving the respect he deserves</li>
<li>He states there's only one man who has the respect he deserves in WWE and that's the Undertaker</li>
<li>Punk challenges the Undertaker to a match at WrestleMania</li>
<li>Triple H cuts a promo stating that he wants Brock and Punk at WrestleMania! </li>
<li>Offers to put his role as COO on the line with Heyman receiving the job if his team wins</li>
<li>He says he can get Punk what he wants and asks the Undertaker to be his tag team partner</li>
<li>The show closes with the Undertaker's gong going off and the arena going black</li>
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<u></u><br />
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<u>February 25th</u></div>
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<ul>
<li>The show opens with the gong, the same way RAW closed the week before</li>
<li>THE RETURN OF THE UNDERTAKER</li>
<li>The Undertaker cuts a promo describing his love for the WWE but his distrust for Triple H as he spent the last two WrestleMania's trying to end the streak</li>
<li>Triple H comes to the ring and gives his plea to the Undertaker</li>
<li>The Undertaker states he will deliberate and give Triple H his answer next week on RAW</li>
</ul>
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<u>March 4th</u></div>
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<ul>
<li>The Undertaker comes to the ring and declines Triple H's offer, stating that he cannot afford to allow the Streak to be placed in the hands of the man who tried to end it on three occasions</li>
<li>Shawn Michaels returns to talk to Undertaker, highlights the respect he earned with Taker after his WrestleMania bouts</li>
<li>Undertaker tells Shawn he respects him but he can't risk the Streak like this</li>
<li>As Undertaker gets ready to walk up the stage, Mr. McMahon's music hits</li>
<li>Vince is now confined to a wheelchair thanks to the broken hip and comes to the stage</li>
<li>Vince comes out and gives Undertaker a speech about how close him and Taker has been over the years! How Undertaker never left his side when everybody else did (throws a shot in at Hogan) and that he needs him one more time! To defend the honor of WWE against Heyman</li>
<li>Undertaker agrees to be Triple H's partner for Vince</li>
</ul>
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<u>March 11th</u></div>
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<ul>
<li>Triple H challenges CM Punk to a steel cage match on RAW on March 25th (two week buildup to that match) that if Punk wins, he'll receive the first title match after WrestleMania (presumably at Extreme Rules) </li>
<li>We have a dual contract signing setup for both the WrestleMania match and the steel cage match! </li>
<li>There is an $2 Million Dollar No Contact Clause in the contract that neither group could be physical with each other until the cage match or forfeit their cash</li>
</ul>
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<u>March 18th</u></div>
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<ul>
<li>Video packages air throughout the night where the locker room are discussing how important this match will be to the landscape of the WWE</li>
</ul>
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<u>March 25th</u></div>
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<ul>
<li>The Steel Cage Match</li>
<li>Video packages air throughout the show highlighting both Punk's history in steel cages (defeating Ryback and ending Jeff Hardy's career) and Triple H's history (ending Mick Foley's career, defeating Austin at No Way Out 2001, defeating Legacy etc.)</li>
<li>CM Punk escapes the cage as Lesnar puts HHH in a chokehold as he's crawling out the door! </li>
</ul>
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<u>April 1st</u></div>
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<ul>
<li>Segments are filmed at WWE Headquarters where Heyman/Lesnar/Punk arrive at Titan Towers where they interrupt a board of directors meeting, which he is discussing the possibility of him becoming the COO of the WWE! </li>
<li>They find Stephanie McMahon and with Triple H viewing from the arena and destroy her office with Stephanie watching on! </li>
<li>The trio leave the office stating "Hunter, we'll see you this Sunday" </li>
</ul>
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<u>April 7th</u></div>
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<ul>
<li>The tag team match of the century!<br />The Streak and COO position of WWE is at stake!<br />Punk and Lesnar vs Undertaker and Triple H!</li>
<li>I feel Punk should take the pin in this match via a Undertaker pinfall thus leaving room for an Punk-Undertaker and/or a Undertaker/Lesnar feud down the road with the seed being what Undertaker cost them! </li>
<li>Triple H thanks Undertaker for his help and they shake hands!</li>
</ul>
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I understand my details get less detailed towards the end but I literally wrote this as I typed it! haha I hope you enjoy this blog. It's not perfectly written but this is how I would present the idea to a friend and hope you enjoy it and would love some feedback! Thank you very much! </div>
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<br />Dale Hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724060709774911680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865542252481866394.post-12656662945072974652012-10-10T11:02:00.002-02:302013-02-02T22:27:15.270-03:30#27 - My original idea for Hell In A Cell <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; line-height: 13.981481552124023px;">I wrote this as a Facebook message to my friends about two weeks before Night of Champions and this was going to be my fantasy story for the Hell In A Cell pay per view. I haven't been as active as I should be on this blog so I figured I should at least share this idea with you and see what you thought of my idea? Comments are welcomed as I would love to debate! Enjoy! Here's to hoping this ends up in front of anyone in the wrestling business and they tell me I might have a good idea! </span><br />
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The Fallout of Night of Champions ...<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; line-height: 13.981481552124023px;">CM Punk barely retains the WWE championship against John Cena with some tricks! CM Punk comes out to declare that he is the best in the world ... only to be interrupted by ... KOFI KINGSTON! Kofi comes out to cut a promo to his FRIEND CM PUNK talking about how Punk has changed since RAW 1000. He talks about the Punk DVD having footage of the two hanging out, even playing video games together. Kofi has the last word on Punk which leads to Punk attacking Kofi with the save coming from John Cena. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; line-height: 13.981481552124023px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; line-height: 13.981481552124023px;">AJ Lee announces that the No. 1 Contender for the WWE Title will be determined that night in a singles match between Kofi and John Cena</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; line-height: 13.981481552124023px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; line-height: 13.981481552124023px;">CM Punk comes out to sit ringside with the fans for this battle ... John Cena has Kofi in the STF when suddenly the bell rings ... Punk is the one who rang the bell ala Brian Pillman during the Austin-Taker Match at IYH15 (May 1997) ... Cena relinquishes the hold thinking he had won only and is distracted. When he notices that it was Punk was the one who rang the bell, he turns back to Kofi who hits him with the trouble in paradise for the WIN! </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; line-height: 13.981481552124023px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; line-height: 13.981481552124023px;">The next week, we see Cena cut a in ring promo with Kofi stating that while he don't agree with the way Kofi won, he RESPECTS Kofi more than Punk, puts him over and says that he will be involved in the match at Hell In A Cell! </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; line-height: 13.981481552124023px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; line-height: 13.981481552124023px;">Enters AJ Lee announcing that she will not tolerate Cena interfering in the title match which is why it will be contested inside Hell In A Cell, to keep Cena from being involved!</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; line-height: 13.981481552124023px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; line-height: 13.981481552124023px;">In the weeks leading up to Hell In A Cell, we are shown the clips from Punk's DVD with both Kofi and Punk hanging out (which would help sell the DVD which comes out during this buildup), Kofi attempting to save Punk from being punted by Randy Orton back at Unforgiven 2008 costing Punk a World Title, Kofi and Punk winning the tag titles! etc. We also see Punk attack Kofi at every chance, feeling that Kofi is a serious threat to his record title run! </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; line-height: 13.981481552124023px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; line-height: 13.981481552124023px;">Can you imagine what Kofi could do inside the Cell? With his best friend in the business... for the WWE Title? </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; line-height: 13.981481552124023px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; line-height: 13.981481552124023px;">From this angle, </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; line-height: 13.981481552124023px;">we get a break from Cena going for the title, keeping things fresh</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; line-height: 13.981481552124023px;">a renewed interest in Kofi Kingston as a main eventer</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; line-height: 13.981481552124023px;">a reason why the Hell in a Cell is being used in this match</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; line-height: 13.981481552124023px;">Punk continuing his heelish ways</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; line-height: 13.981481552124023px;">keeps Punk - Cena for Survivor Series if that's the way they are headed</span></li>
</ul>
Dale Hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724060709774911680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865542252481866394.post-79948311409729129742012-10-10T10:57:00.003-02:302013-02-02T22:27:04.539-03:30#26 - Giving TNA/Impact Wrestling A Fair Compliment<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Ug1kfHkxNEk?fs=1" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 13.981481552124023px;">I have </span><span style="line-height: 13.966666221618652px;">re watched</span><span style="line-height: 13.981481552124023px;"> this segment a few times and started to realize something ... </span>TNA<span style="line-height: 13.981481552124023px;"> has been running the same general </span><span style="line-height: 13.966666221618652px;">story line</span><span style="line-height: 13.981481552124023px;"> for almost three years now </span></span></span><br />
<ul>
<li style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 13.981481552124023px;">January 4, 2010 - Hogan and Bischoff come to TNA</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 13.981481552124023px;">June 2010 - the They </span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 13.966666221618652px;">story line</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 13.981481552124023px;"> begins with Abyss</span></span></span></li>
<li style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 13.981481552124023px;">October 2010 - They are revealed, Jeff Hardy Heel Turn, Hogan and </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bischoff</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 13.981481552124023px;"> turn heel, take control of </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">TNA</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 13.981481552124023px;">, forms Immortal</span></li>
<li style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 13.981481552124023px;">November 2010 - Dixie Carter puts an injunction on Immortal, Turning Point </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">PPV </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 13.966666221618652px;">main event</span><span style="line-height: 13.981481552124023px;"> also sees Garrett </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bischoff</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 13.981481552124023px;"> debut as referee Jackson James</span></span></li>
<li style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 13.981481552124023px;">March 2011 - Dixie Carter loses court hearing and Hogan gains full control of </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">TNA</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 13.981481552124023px;">, Sting returns to battle Immortal and take back </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">TNA</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 13.981481552124023px;">, wins world title</span></li>
<li style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 13.981481552124023px;">October 2011 - Hogan vs Sting, Sting gains control of </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">TNA</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 13.981481552124023px;"> back for Dixie, Hogan turns face to save Sting from Immortal </span><span style="line-height: 13.966666221618652px;">beat down</span><span style="line-height: 13.981481552124023px;">, </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 13.966666221618652px;">introduction</span><span style="line-height: 13.981481552124023px;"> of Garrett </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Bischoff</span></li>
<li style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 13.981481552124023px;">January 2012 - Hulk returns as the trainer of Garrett Bischoff</span></li>
<li style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 13.981481552124023px;">April 2012 - Team Garrett beats Team Eric in lethal </span><span style="line-height: 13.966666221618652px;">lock down</span><span style="line-height: 13.981481552124023px;"> to banish Eric </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Bischoff</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 13.981481552124023px;"> from </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">TNA</span></li>
<li style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 13.981481552124023px;">June 2012 - After Sting is chosen to go into the hall of fame, Aces & Eights debut attacking Sting, targets Hulk Hogan as well</span></li>
<li style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 13.981481552124023px;">September 2012 - Garrett Bischoff is told by Hulk Hogan than he is not ready for a TV title match, looks pissed at Hogan</span></li>
<li style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 13.981481552124023px;">October 2012 - The promo I have above ... almost a guarantee Bischoff is involved! It could be a swerve but I think the evidence adds up! </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 13.981481552124023px;">If this is the direction that Impact Wrestling is heading for, I have to be honest and say I will be impressed. Internet fans will dismiss this as a rehash of the same story but I am going to give them credit. When a TV show moves from season to season, the </span></span><span style="line-height: 13.966666221618652px;">villains</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 13.981481552124023px;"> usually stay the same or return back into the show's story. I am a Breaking Bad fan and a character example of this theory is Hector Salamanca (the older gentleman who only communicates by using a bell, for those readers who are unaware or unfamiliar with character names). He returns in each season's story in some form ... With Bischoff's obvious television experience and past track record that he treats wrestling like the episodic television it competes with, this story makes sense and has had </span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 13.966666221618652px;">longevity. As wrestling fans, we are used to short payoffs but this hopefully will pay off eventually. The only issue ... you can't kill someone off in pro wrestling ... what will be the pay off? We may not know for a long time yet ... </span></span>Dale Hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724060709774911680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865542252481866394.post-38361234262339539472012-06-25T11:25:00.001-02:302012-06-26T09:48:47.538-02:30#25 - When Legends Make Bad Decisions ...<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/uQc9zxLqrhE?fs=1" width="459"></iframe><br />
<br />
... wow! I first heard this on Colt Cabana's Art of Wrestling podcast (which I should really write a blog about because it's worth the listen!) ... here we have Kamala ... singing a r&b song on his shoot feelings towards the professional wrestling business ... this is odd on so many levels but too good not to share ...Dale Hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724060709774911680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865542252481866394.post-34954454918874512172012-06-25T11:23:00.001-02:302012-06-26T09:48:31.689-02:30#24 - Why I enjoy Chikara's brand of Pro Wrestling<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jDw0ivvq9Nk?fs=1" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
... because it's good old fashion fun in professional wrestling! It's not meant to be taken 100% serious and you can tell the wrestlers are enjoying it as much as the fans! This video is from the Chikara event "It's How You Play The Game" in March 2012! These two wrestlers here, Chuck Taylor and Archibald Peck are two of my reasons for watching Chikara! I hope you enjoy!Dale Hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724060709774911680noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865542252481866394.post-55434059477281688822012-06-18T12:55:00.004-02:302012-06-26T14:17:36.667-02:30#23 - No Way Out 2012<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 16px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #373737;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;">Well ... it was about this time last year that I wrote a blog outlining what I would want to see done after June's Capitol Punishment PPV. I am looking back at that blog and am happy to see that three of my five suggestions have happened over the last year. While the Punk-Mysterio match at Capitol Punishment wasn't to determine the no.1 contender to the WWE championship, they were involved in a triple threat with Alberto Del Rio within a week to determine the top contender. I predicted Punk would be the title challenger only because I thought that was their way of writing Punk off at Money In The Bank ... well, I was right and wrong on that one! What followed was "the shoot heard around the world" in Las Vegas and the story arc that persisted in the WWE right until December! I suggested that AJ and Kelly Kelly would become the faces of the Diva Division. Predicting Kelly Kelly to be the face of the Divas was as obvious as saying we are getting fog in Newfoundland one day out of a week! But AJ, while she may not have become the face of the divas, she is currently the only diva with a prominent spot on Monday Night RAW and her character has gotten over because of her cuteness which supplements the crazy chick angle they are doing with her. First of all, kudos to WWE for doing the crazy chick angle with AJ! We may have seen a variation of this with Victoria back in 2002 but nothing like this character! It has provided the WWE with great television leading into last night's PPV! I will outline my thoughts for the AJ character later on in this blog. The final suggestion I had was Zack Ryder ... he has been up and down so much over the last year but at least it's something! He hasn't been completely neglected to being Superstar's best kept secret!! Instead of making a top five changes I would like to see, I am going to review last night's PPV and give you my opinion of how I would take each angle.</span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 16px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u style="color: #373737; font-style: italic; line-height: 24px;">Triple H is advertised to appear</u><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #373737;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Triple H's promo last night is the reason why we need Vince back as the highest honor and power in World Wrestling Entertainment! He verbally cut Lesnar for being a quitter and it sounded like he was purposely throwing verbal jabs at Lesnar, showing the legitimate heat between the two. Triple H should be less worried about his personal feelings and be building Lesnar as a threat. He should be talking about Lesnar as a monster, as one of his toughest obstacles, and as a legitimate tough guy! I feel this way because if Triple H is going over at SummerSlam, wouldn't it look better if he beat the monster Brock Lesnar than the quitter Brock Lesnar. The more you build up the opponent ... The more meaning it has when you beat them</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 16px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u style="color: #373737; line-height: 24px;">John Cena vs. Big Show – Steel Cage Match</u><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #373737;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">I wouldn't have changed anything about this match and angle! I am curious of where the angle leads tonight on RAW. Where does this Big Johnny? Unemployed? Do they publicly acknowledge that Triple H is now taking care of Talent Relations? Where does this leave the Big Show? Where does this leave John Cena? Will Vince McMahon return as the ruler of WWE? ... after watching last week's RAW ... I certainly hope so! His unscripted ride on the scooter was hilarious and made the angle so much better. Why? Because it evoked real emotions and reactions! Sheamus broke character and started to laugh! You could tell he wasn't told how to react, it was Sheamus being Sheamus ... the way all characters should be! Vince needs to be the main guy ... with the so-called "reality era" we have entered in professional wrestling, fans know Vince is in charge and we are not going to accept any other authority! Vince may not like being on TV at his age but he is one of WWE's greatest resources ... All I want to know ... is if we can get him into the WWE Studio to do the voiceover for the SummerSlam intro "IT'S TIME FOR SUMMMERSLAMMMMMMMMMMMMM!"</span></span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #373737; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 16px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<u><span style="font-family: inherit;">World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus vs. Dolph Ziggler</span></u></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #373737; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 16px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Alright ... here is what I would have done last night. I would have maintained the same match they had last night because it was good! However, I would have used a dusty finish. Ziggler uses the tights or Vickie pushing Sheamus' leg off the rope so the referee doesn't see it ... something! I would have had Ziggler celebrating with the title right to the Entrance Stage ... Where I would have had Vince McMahon come out and demand Ziggler to return to the ring and the match to restart!!! Sheamus could pick up the win with the Brogue Kick after the restart. Instantly, you do not hurt Sheamus while increasing the stock of Ziggler! We get a shocking moment to start the pay per view AND we re-establish Vince as being the most powerful man in World Wrestling Entertainment! It would have been great!</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #373737; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 16px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<u style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></u></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #373737; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 16px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<u style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">WWE Champion CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Kane – Triple Threat Match</span></u></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 16px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #373737;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">As for this match, I really thought we were going to see a title change ... I just read that Bryan was considered again to walk out champion but obviously ... he wasn't! I guess Punk will be receiving the new title belt on the 100th ... I mean 1000th Episode of RAW. That would have been my only change! As for </span></span>AJ<span style="color: #373737;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"> ... I think we need </span></span>AJ<span style="color: #373737;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"> doing double duty in terms of </span></span>storylines<span style="color: #373737;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">. I would like to see her and Layla fighting over the Diva's championship while maintaining her role in the </span></span>WWE<span style="color: #373737;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"> Title picture! Maybe we can see Layla and Punk talking backstage which leads to </span></span>AJ<span style="color: #373737;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"> being jealous, maybe Bryan hitting on Layla (Once you go Bryan, you stop tryin'!) and </span></span>AJ<span style="color: #373737;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"> getting jealous! There are a couple ways they can mesh the stories! </span></span>AJ's<span style="color: #373737;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"> logic being that if she wins the title, Punk or Bryan will be proud of her and she would bring it to them kind of like a sad dog would bring a bone back to the owner. It's hard using that analogy because </span></span>AJ<span style="color: #373737;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"> is far from a dog but you understand! Instantly, we have a feud that can lead to mixed tags on RAW, fresh character interactions, a renewed interest in the diva's division, and could even add some female equality to the </span></span>WWE<span style="color: #373737;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"> that they can tout! With one or two simple segments, we may have two good stories on Monday Nights for the time of one! ... you can't disagree with that!</span></span><br />
<br />
<u style="color: #373737; line-height: 24px;">Intercontinental Champion Christian vs. Cody Rhodes</u><br />
<br /><span style="color: #373737;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">
Great wrestling ... it's what the Intercontinental Title was built upon ... I don't see any problem seeing these matches more </span></span>often<u style="background-color: white; color: #373737; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</u></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #373737; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 16px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><u>Divas Champion Layla vs. Beth Phoenix</u></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #373737; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 16px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">See WWE Championship Match ...</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #373737; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 16px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>United States Champion Santino Marella vs. Ricardo Rodriguez – Tuxedo Match</u><br />
<br />
I am not even reviewing this ... shouldn't have been on pay per view ... end of discussion! Not when we have new talents like Damien Sandow who could have benefited from the pay per view time!</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 16px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u style="color: #373737; line-height: 24px;">Brodus Clay vs. David Otunga</u><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #373737;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Brodus lost some of his cool ... like we saw in the main event between Cena and Big Show ... could have established his anger early in the night for getting dq'ed against Otunga or Otunga getting dq'ed (Jesus, I am getting hungry for a Ultimate Burger right about now) and Brodus going crazy. This is what needed to be done!<br />
<br />
In closing, thank you for taking the time to read this blog! Please comment and let me know your opinions! For my friends, we can discuss it anytime! I'm out!</span></span></span></div>Dale Hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724060709774911680noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865542252481866394.post-84738556874633247672011-06-18T17:30:00.003-02:302011-06-18T17:32:32.485-02:30#22 - When Legends Make Bad Decisions ...I am sorry if the blog title misleads anybody but this is too funny not to share with everybody. Apparently Terry Funk released an album in Japan back in 1984 after his first retirement. This song does not scream "hardcore" but it does make me want to scream that I will remember it FOREVER! FOREVER! FOREVER! FOREVER!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qe5q0-ulP0c?fs=1" width="425"></iframe><br />
<br />
Perhaps this could be a continuing series on "From The Gorilla Position"?Dale Hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724060709774911680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865542252481866394.post-21310208982811491022011-06-17T13:36:00.003-02:302012-06-26T14:16:43.117-02:30#21 - 5 Things I'd Like To See Done After Capitol Punishment!<span style="font-family: inherit;">This has nothing that will benefit this blog but I am about to shamelessly plug a WWE DVD. I currently watching the WWE's newest release, the Very Best of WCW Nitro. While I do not have it finished in full, it does seem like a good release. I am currently streaming it before purchasing the DVD and so far, I am happy with the product WWE has produced and would recommend it to others who are fans of this era in professional wrestling!</span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=frothegorpos-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B004RBC5TM&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=FFE606&bg1=FFE606&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, today's topic for the blog would be 5 things I would like to see the WWE do after this Sunday's Capitol Punishment pay per view!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Have the Punk-Mysterio determine the No.1 Contender to the WWE Championship</span></i></u></div>
<i><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></u></i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I really can't complain that these two are having another pay per view match because the quality of matches they have had in the last two years have been outstanding. To my knowledge, this is their fifth singles match on PPV since Armageddon 2008. I think if this match was to determine the No.1 Contender would add to this match. It would make Punk and Mysterio both seem to have a higher position on the card just by their association with the WWE Championship picture as currently the Miz is the only other star that feels like they are in the main event level. R-Truth may be on the rise but this is his first main event and the main event scene needs guys who are credible to take the title at any moment as that is where Wrestling gets its suspense from. This would also allow them to write Punk off in July, which seems like their current plan, at the Money in the Bank PPV in Chicago!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Making AJ and Kelly Kelly the faces of the Diva Division!</span></i></u></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">While Kelly Kelly has been slated to be the face of the division currently, I think that Kelly Kelly doesn't have the skill to lead a division like Trish Stratus did in the early 2000's! I think AJ could be the perfect supplement to Kelly's character and vice versa. Both girls are presented in similar roles right now ... they have cute personalities yet exciting to watch in the ring. As a red-blooded man's man, I will also point out how are incredibly sexy but not in a slutty way! which worked perfect in the new PG era of the WWE. In retrospective, the WWE's Diva division was at it's finest when they had two Diva Stars ... what were their names again? OH Trish Stratus and Lita! I think this would benefit the division right now, having them built to defeat the Bella Twins later this year, only to have a heel Kharma return next year to destroy both AJ and Kelly Kelly! The storylines are simple yet play themselves out!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Zack Ryder </span></u></i></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I mentioned to a friend the other day that I believe that the Ryder Revolution is noticed by WWE Creative and they are building towards his ultimate push! How can they not notice it? They booked him on RAW every week other than the week they are in his hometown. Why? It's not because they want him to remain a heel because they paired him with John Cena in all his previous RAW segments. It's not because he's not a good worker as he had a great match with Kofi two weeks ago on RAW. I feel the WWE is just letting the popularity rise and rise, with his "broskis" (which I am a big part of) just loving him more for being the underdog. It's time to let the Ryder Revolution begin ... I don't want to see him go right into the main event or even the U.S. title scene. He doesn't need a title run currently, he just needs the chance to show his personality to the audience without any restrictions and let them decide if Zack Ryder is "the next big thing" in WWE</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<i><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. A Summer of Legends </span></u></i></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=frothegorpos-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B004NJC0DE&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=FFE606&bg1=FFE606&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wrestling fans love legends! It's a proven fact that we love seeing the stars of yesteryear! We jumped in joy when Michael Hayes came out on SuperStars as Tyson Kidd's manager. We never missed a minute of last Monday's Piper's Pit. What I propose is that the WWE should book legends on the show every week just for the surprise factor, making RAW seem less formulaic. Why not have Superfly show up with Tamina every now again? Why not have Sunny show up one week to referee a Diva's match? The possibilities are endless and will all be received positively. It would be loved by superstars who get to see their childhood favorites and the legends will love being loved so much. I know that some may feel this takes away from the return of Old School Raw coming up in the fall but I don't think it will, I think it will only "wet the appetite" of the audience for that show.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am promoting WrestleMania here only because it has the Hall of Fame ceremony from this year, where Sunny became the youngest inductee to the Hall.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">5. The Return of Managers</span></u></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></u></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=frothegorpos-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B000EU1QAO&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=FBEF24&bg1=FBEF24&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><span style="font-family: inherit;">We are in the process of seeing this come about right now, with Tyson Kidd having a different manager every week on SuperStars. I would like to see this emphasis start after this Sunday, perhaps even on Sunday with Ezekiel Jackson debuting a new mouthpiece when he defeats Wade Barrett. Some guys need managers, that has always been proven in pro wrestling. Some of the greatest talents in wrestling had managers. It just adds so much to their characters and their matches. This is one idea I am really excited about!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Conclusion</span></u></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></u></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am really excited for the WWE's summer programming as it is always filled with excitement leading up until SummerSlam in August. We are pretty much guaranteed one RAW appearance of the Rock to help further the main event of WrestleMania 28. We are almost guaranteed to see a star debut or return to the company and we are guaranteed a great PPV at Money in the Bank. I love the summertime in WWE and hope that these ideas I have posted here will become real on WWE programming</span></div>
</div>Dale Hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724060709774911680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865542252481866394.post-34310722162257094562011-06-14T16:02:00.000-02:302011-06-14T16:02:41.103-02:30#20 - WrestleMania : One Last Stand?Good afternoon, wrestling fans!<br />
<br />
I am using my 20th blog to help a friend of mine out who has just started his own blog receive some viewership! Billy has created "Shooting on Pro Wrestling: Past, Present and Future" and can be seen at ...<a href="http://the-last-outlaw.blogspot.com/"><br />
<br />
http://the-last-outlaw.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<br />
As an example of some of the great blog ideas Billy is currently thinking of, I bring to you my comment to his most recent blog. He wanted viewers to comment on a dream WrestleMania card that could only be booked using deceased wrestlers. While our cards differed, it became fun to sit down and think about pro wrestling at it's finest!<br />
<br />
Here was my card and be sure to visit his blog and read his card!<br />
<br />
<br />
Announcer: Gorilla Monsoon<br />
Color Commentator: Chris Candido (who was full of charisma, could work like Bobby Heenan)<br />
Backstage Interviewer: Lord Alfred Hayes<br />
<br />
1. Owen Hart vs the British Bulldog <br />
<br />
2. Battle of the Big Men<br />
Road Warrior Hawk vs Dino Bravo<br />
<br />
3. Yokozuna vs Crash Holly<br />
<br />
4. Ravishing Rick Rude vs Bam Bam Bigalow<br />
<br />
5. Adrian Adonis and Dick Murdoch (Faces) vs "Dr. Death" Steve Williams and Terry Gordy (Heels)<br />
<br />
6. Eddie Guerrero vs Brian Pillman <br />
<br />
7. Andre The Giant vs Big Boss Man<br />
<br />
8. MAIN EVENT!!!!!<br />
Randy "Macho Man" Savage vs Mr. Perfect<br />
<br />
That would be my card bud, I am gonna post my card on my blog and place a link there to your blog! You are welcome for the promotion!Dale Hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724060709774911680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865542252481866394.post-31914871659898966192011-06-04T16:43:00.003-02:302011-06-14T14:47:05.824-02:30#19 - The Better Roster? WWF 1992 or WCW 1994I recently wrote a blog on how I would have booked WCW's main event scene in 1994. After writing the blog, I started to re-watch several WCW events from 1994. The latest event I watched was Bash at the Beach 1994, which I had not seen in years. I watched the event and began to notice the Hall of Fame talent that participated on the show as every match seemed to have a wrestling legend battling another legend. The more I analyzed the event's roster, I thought of the WWF's roster in early 1992 which hosted every major wrestling star of the 1980's. After watching "the Bash", I started to question which roster was better? The April 1992 WWF roster or the July 1994 WCW Roster? The purpose of this blog is for you to review the points I raise about each roster and make your decision! I would love to see some comments and answer them accordingly!<br />
<br />
Notes<br />
<br />
- Both companies had big events during the month's I have chosen for comparison<br />
<em>WWF - WrestleMania VIII<br />
WCW - Bash at the Beach 1994</em><br />
- Ric Flair was the World Champion of both companies during the era's I have chosen<br />
- There will be some overlap in roster names but there's still enough different names to warrant a comparison<br />
- oth companies were around equal in popularity at the time<br />
<em>WWF - losing popularity thanks to the steroid and sexual harassment allegations<br />
WCW - rising popularity thanks to the signing of Hulk Hogan</em><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><strong><em><u>WWF - April of 1992</u></em></strong></span></div><br />
Roster included:<br />
<ol><li>Hulk Hogan (took a leave of absence after WrestleMania VIII)</li>
<li>Ric Flair</li>
<li>Macho Man Randy Savage</li>
<li>The Undertaker</li>
<li>Jake "The Snake" Roberts</li>
<li>Roddy Piper (took a leave of absence after WrestleMania VIII)</li>
<li>Bret Hart</li>
<li>Shawn Michaels</li>
<li>Ted DiBiase</li>
<li>British Bulldog </li>
<li>Sid Justice</li>
<li>Ultimate Warrior (returned at WrestleMania VIII)<br />
<br />
Top 3 Announcers: Gorilla Monsoon, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan and Vince McMahon</li>
</ol><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><u><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">WCW - July 1994</span></u></strong></em></div><br />
<div><ol><li>Hulk Hogan</li>
<li>Ric Flair</li>
<li>Dustin Rhodes</li>
<li>Steve Austin</li>
<li>Cactus Jack</li>
<li>Ricky Steamboat</li>
<li>Big Van Vader</li>
<li>Guardian Angel (Ray Traylor "The Big Bossman")</li>
<li>Sting</li>
<li>Triple H (wrestling still as Jean Paul Leveque) </li>
<li>Arn Anderson</li>
<li>Terry Funk<br />
<br />
Top 3 Announcers: Tony Schiavone, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, Jesse "The Body" Ventura (on the brink of leaving during this time period due to heat with Hulk Hogan)</li>
</ol><div><br />
</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><u><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">My Opinion</span></u></em></strong></div><br />
Both of these rosters were filled with Hall of Famers and future Hall of Famers but if I had to choose, I would go with WCW in July of 1994. I have always been a diehard WWF fan but in this case, I have to side with the Atlanta-based promotion. The roster WCW had at this time was just a better mixture of young and old. <br />
<br />
<ul><li>They had depth in the main event level (Sting, Hogan, Flair, Vader) that could have offered great matches for the coming years. </li>
<li>They also had depth in the upper mid card level (Austin, HHH, Regal, Steamboat, Jack) who were ready to step up into main event spots and become the stars they would eventually become in later years *cough* WWF *cough* </li>
<li>Two great heel commentators that added entertainment value to the product</li>
<li>A better on-screen authority figure (Nick Bockwinkle > Jack Tunney)<br />
<br />
Those are my reasons for why I thought WCW had a better roster in 1994 than WWF in 1992 but I would like to know your opinion, the ones reading my blog! Feel free to start discussion on this blog and I'll try my best to quickly reply. </li>
</ul></div>Dale Hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724060709774911680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865542252481866394.post-82253664967002111962011-05-18T23:01:00.003-02:302011-06-14T14:23:57.742-02:30#18 - Re-booking WCW in 1994I am writing this blog after a few drinks of Golden Wedding Whiskey so please excuse my writing, even though I feel many of WCW's creative personnel could have used a stiff drink back in 1994 when booking. Everybody gives WCW credit for booking Hogan-Flair at Bash at the Beach and making it the "big deal" it should have been but I feel the aftermath could have been booked as good as the original match. Let's take a look ...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>July - The Initial Match</u></span></div><br />
Booked the same way as WCW booked it then, with Hogan winning the championship and WCW giving the fans what they wanted and that was a Hogan win<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">August - Clash of the Champions</span></u></div><br />
Did we really need to see Hogan - Flair on TV? Sure it would have brought in ratings but why blow the 2nd battle of their feud on a TV special? The Clash was WCW's answer to Saturday Night's Main Event so why didn't they book it the same as WWF booked SNME? The WWF booked Hogan on SNME against credible heels that fans believed MIGHT take the title from Hogan but wouldn't. I can look back at Hogan's SNME matches against Honky Tonk Man, Bob Orton, King Haku, and the Genius. All these opponents were credible heels but stood no chance at taking the Hulk's title.<br />
<br />
I think Hulk's TBS wrestling debut would have been enough to draw ratings to this Clash of the Champions event. I look back now at the roster WCW had at the time and would have booked Hogan against Terry Funk. Funk was involved with a feud with the Rhodes family and could have easily been given a TV match against the Hulk. Hogan could have gone over easily with Funk still keeping enough credibility to keep his feud running with the Rhodes<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">September - Fall Brawl</span></u></div><br />
At this event, we saw Flair and Hogan doing on-screen taped promos to promote their cage match at Halloween Havoc ... In retrospective, why couldn't we have Flair wrestle on this card? This event hosted the first mainstream Triangle match for a future WCW title match?<br />
<br />
I would have had Flair wrestle instead of Ray Traylor (Big Boss Man, Guardian Angel) in the triangle match against Sting and Vader. Sting could have beaten Vader in the opening match then had Flair weasel his way to victory against Sting. This could secure Flair a title shot later in the year.<br />
<br />
On this event, we also saw Ricky Steamboat forfeit the U.S. title to Steve Austin only for Austin to drop the title in 27 seconds to Jim Duggan. In addition, we saw Steven Regal drop his TV title to Johnny B. Badd ...<br />
<br />
Why not book Regal to win the U.S. title, thus making him the No.1 Contender to the WCW title? Regal was really over back in 1994 in WCW. They had the confidence to book him against Larry Zbyszko and Antonio Inoki at the previous two Clash events ... so obviously they had confidence in his abilities. Why not give him a main event against Hogan like WWE had confidence to do in 2002 on RAW?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">October - Halloween Havoc</span></u></div><br />
Hulk Hogan vs Lord Steven Regal for the World Heavyweight Title<br />
<br />
The positive sides of this match would be that ...<br />
<ul><li>Regal would receive a main event slot, which he deserved</li>
<li>Hogan would be able to show off some of his true wrestling skill that he showed in Japan only</li>
<li>WCW would put over young talent against an established face and make stars for the future</li>
<li>They would have been able to save Flair-Hogan II for Starrcade</li>
</ul>... There are no cons to this situation<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>November - Clash of Champions</u></span></div><br />
Flair announces that he is sick of sharing the spotlight with Hogan and challenges Hogan to put their careers on the line at Starrcade ... similar to the storyline they did in reality at Halloween Havoc because ticket sales were down in Detroit!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>December - Starrcade</u></span></span></div><br />
Hogan vs Flair - The Rematch<br />
<br />
- They could have booked this match the same, even down to the retirement angle<br />
- They could have still had Vader earn a title shot at SuperBrawl by winning a match at Starrcade<br />
- The biggest rematch in history would occur on the biggest event of the year! which equals ... MONEY!<br />
<div><br />
</div>I think this set of angles could have made WCW better during Hogan's first few months after entering the company! We could have been saved from the backstage politics between Hogan and Flair initially. We could have been saved from Ed Leslie (Brutus Beefcake) main-eventing Starrcade! AND we could have saved Steve Regal from becoming a Real Man's Man!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I will edit this tomorrow but this is the product of a whiskey on the rocks! I hope you enjoy</div>Dale Hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724060709774911680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865542252481866394.post-75749119437507073762011-04-30T15:35:00.002-02:302011-06-14T14:27:54.462-02:30#17 - Greatest Line in the History of Pro Wrestling<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">At 4:30, Ric Flair may have created the greatest quote in the history of professional wrestling. Whooooooooooooooooo!</span></div><div><br />
</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_0wkla4E6a8?fs=1" width="480"></iframe>Dale Hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724060709774911680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865542252481866394.post-40284870767778704952011-04-30T15:18:00.004-02:302011-06-14T14:49:04.806-02:30#16 - 5 Coliseum Videos You Should Watch!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I am an avid DVD/VHS collector! I probably spend at least $250 a year in WWE DVD's. Every release that peaks my interest, I buy! If I don't know if they are worthy to buy, I download it and then decide. I watch everything. One thing I am very proud of is my collection of Coliseum Home Videos. For years, I have searched St. John's to find people selling these rare gems. I had a nice collection built but it really took off in 2007 in terms of old school Coliseum Videos.<br />
<br />
<div></div>Our local video store in Bonavista was took over in recent years by the owner's son who changed business models to focus more on computer repair and sales. So this left me waiting for years to get a chance at buying the tapes I had rented so many times as a child. I was actually driving home from work one day and passed the store, Like a sixth sense, I saw a basket outside their store with a recognizable logo on the basket's contents ... They were finally selling off their wrestling tapes!!! With the skill of Stone Cold Steve Austin, I threw my pickup into reverse and pulled into the store's parking lot like a maniac.<br />
<br />
<div></div>The contents was magical ... the first ever Survivor Series, WrestleMania's, Royal Rumbles, and those classic compilation tapes Coliseum Video released. They even had many WCW releases from 1994-1995! I was like a kid in the candy store. I picked up Halloween Havoc 1994 (great card and a tape I watched many of times) and the first Survivor Series (for its historical significance and because I hadn't seen that event in ages)<br />
<br />
<div></div>I can say this much, thank God I was working because every time I had cash in my pocket, I was back at that store building my collection. With a few exceptions, I had my pick of the tapes and I loved it. The VCR will never die in my house because of these great tapes!<br />
<br />
<div></div>Sure, you can download these tapes now off your local torrent site, but there's something extra about picking the tape out of your collection and putting it into the VCR. So that is why I am going to give you five "Coliseum Videos" you should go out of your way to watch and why!<br />
<div></div>Hope you guys enjoy, have had the chance to watch these releases and hope to hear some comments!<br />
<br />
<div></div>5) Grudges, Gripes and Grunts<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
<div></div>A great tape for the era it came from. 1993 was a transitional period in the WWF. Stars leaving and stars debuting seemed to be happening on a regular basis. This tape, until the Macho Man DVD was released in 2009, was the only place to get a superb tag team match... HBK and Ric Flair vs Macho Man and Bret Hart. Also for the Hogan marks, we receive a rare match in the Mega Maniacs (Beefcake and Hogan) in a "tune up match for WrestleMania 9" facing the Beverly Brothers. While it was not a mat classic, it is still cool to see Hogan working with other talents. Also we are given the gem of "Wrestling Lessons with the Steiners". A fun tape to watch, with Macho Man hosting as well</div><br />
<div></div>4) WWF World Tour (1989-1990)<br />
<br />
<div></div>Now this tape is fun to watch! We get Hulk Hogan vs Macho Man from Paris, France , Ultimate Warrior vs Ted DiBiase for the WWF Title from Japan (with a rare home video appearance by Vince McMahon and Jesse Ventura on commentary) AND a Rougeaus - Rockers match also from Paris. This tape is great for the rarity of the matches as I think the only one re-released by the WWE may have been Warrior and DiBiase, which I think is on WWE Classics Online.<br />
<br />
<div></div>3) The Hart Foundation (1987)<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
<div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;">I bought this tape because it was in tremendous shape and in fact, became the oldest tape I own! As I watched this tape, I was greeted with quality match after quality match. I also have something that no other WWE DVD boasts ... The Harts winning their first tag titles! This tape shows us an in depth analysis of the first few months the Harts were champions and their tag team run, which is great to look back on now. This tape also shows Mean Gene visiting the Hart Foundation offices which is hilarious! I recommend this tape to any fan of Bret Hart or that era of pro wrestling. You won't be disappointed!</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
<div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;">2) SuperTape (1990)<br />
<br />
<div></div>During the 1980s, the WWF were releasing a series called the Best of the WWF and had numbered them by Volumes. In an effort to only make the name sound better, they started the SuperTape series that went two years. The first volume of this tape was great and had everything you'd look for! </div><ul><li>The tape opens with a hard hitting match between Ronnie Garvin and Mr. Perfect</li>
<li>Followed by some comedy with Mean Gene trying to find the home of the Bushwhackers and a profile on that tag team * You've probably seen portions of these segments as Gene dresses up like a Bushwhacker which is quite funny</li>
<li>A Bobby Heenan profile</li>
<li>More great wrestling between Ted DiBiase and Jake Roberts</li>
<li>A rare gem between Tito Santana and Rick Rude</li>
</ul>To close things off, we have the only release of the No Holds Barred tag team Steel Cage return match ... Hulk Hogan and Brutus Beefcake vs Macho Man and Zeus which in my books, isn't a bad match! This tape has great highlights and is another recommendation if you can find a copy either on VHS or on a torrent site<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLzMsc_agBV-rWcSZGhWVr2tbUrgoOKzcPfequ5Whyphenhyphen7C6Mki8TspNGsDDijyTCU3eg_QV4de1bx5wQGsxXeXCwoEqj_jN6_zHZ7V-2B54loRPy9qurWEPzSpEL1UWbMC50pkB0Lrf0CU1/s1600/CroppedImage354540625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLzMsc_agBV-rWcSZGhWVr2tbUrgoOKzcPfequ5Whyphenhyphen7C6Mki8TspNGsDDijyTCU3eg_QV4de1bx5wQGsxXeXCwoEqj_jN6_zHZ7V-2B54loRPy9qurWEPzSpEL1UWbMC50pkB0Lrf0CU1/s400/CroppedImage354540625.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;">THE #1 TAPE is ... HULKAMANIA 6<br />
<br />
<div></div>If you are not a Hogan mark, you will not like this choice. In my opinion, this tape was what a Coliseum Video profile should be! We are treated to ... </div><ul><li>Rare matches against the Undertaker, the Macho Man Paris match (again) and a tag match with Jim Duggan against Slaughter and Iron Sheik</li>
<li>We receive the classics against King Kong Bundy and Sgt. Slaughter at WrestleManias</li>
<li>A JAPAN HOGAN MATCH! His match with Stan Hansen from the WWF - All Japan Wrestling Summit in April 1990 was included on this set, which was amazing and proof that Hogan could wrestle a decent match under the Japanese style <div></div><div>This was just a great tape from top to bottom and when thinking of it's style, compares to the Chris Jericho DVD set that was released in September. Jericho gave us matches from every era of his career as did Hogan in this set. I recommend this tape and Hulkamania 4 from the Hulkamania series as tapes to watch </div></li>
</ul>Dale Hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724060709774911680noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865542252481866394.post-13402528503357552002011-04-29T17:14:00.010-02:302011-06-14T14:34:32.880-02:30#15 - Looking at this Sunday's Extreme Rules<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #777777; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><strong>This Sunday is a reason why the WWE should really take more time in developing their PPV Schedule. As most readers are aware, this weekend also marks the UFC's biggest event ever, coming from the Skydome in Toronto. The UFC has also stacked the card with big time fights and reasons for buy the pay per view to watch both main events. GSP will face off with Jake Shields in a title bout which Dana White has stated "could be the last step to the dream GSP - Anderson Silva fight". The event will also host the final MMA fight of Randy Couture which is a big deal regardless how many times Couture has retired and returned to dominate.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
<br />
Terry Funk > Randy Couture<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
<br />
However, this is not a mixed martial arts blog ... I am all about professional wrestling so let's look at the card for this Sunday's Extreme Rules<br />
<br />
<u>No Disqualification, No Count-Out, Loser Leaves SmackDown! Match:<br />
Layla vs. Michelle McCool</u><br />
<br />
This match won't be on par with Jack Brisco and Dory Funk Jr. back in 1976 but will serve a purpose. The feud has been building for a couple of months so that is nice. The fact they are blowing this off with one weeks notice is bad but manageable if it serves this purpose. I think whoever loses this match is going to get an extended hiatus from the WWE because if they wanted to move one of them, they would have drafted them to RAW. This theory leads me to believe that Michelle McCool is receiving time off. The Undertaker is home nursing injuries and they haven't really had time off together since their marriage last June so perhaps this is time for<span class="Apple-converted-space"> the happy power couple to have their honeymoon. Who knows, but this theory does led me to believe that Layla will be put over in this match</span></strong></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #777777; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"></span></span></span></span><strong></strong><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #777777; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><strong>Winner: Layla </strong></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<strong><u>Falls Count Anywhere Match:<br />
Cody Rhodes vs. Rey<span style="background-color: yellow;"> Mysterio</span></u><br />
<br />
Back when discussing WrestleMania with some friends, we were all under the belief that Mysterio would make Rhodes the star of their Mania match but still win! This did not happen and we were surprised to see Rhodes win on the grandest stage of them all! The same can't be said about their rematch this Sunday at Extreme Rules. Mysterio will play the babyface that gets destroyed for most of the match and comes out on top, thus sending him to Monday Night RAW with momentum. Cody Rhodes will find a new feud on Smackdown with his career looking brighter than ever! Currently, depending on a Christian title win, I would pay to see a Rhodes - Christian World Title Feud!<br />
Winner: Rey Mysterio<br />
<br />
<u>Michael Cole & Jack Swagger vs. Jerry "The King" Lawler & Jim Ross</u><br />
<br />
One of the more intriguing matches on the card because the feud has nowhere left to go! It will kill itself if they continue the feud. This match has to be the blowoff which means the faces are getting this "come-uppance". It will be interesting to see how they save Swagger's credibility while having JR and King get over on Cole. The future of the announce tables is causing the intrigue of this match ... Are we seeing the return of JR to full time announcing? Has the WWE realized the audience is not enjoying the product and need something to bring us back? I think so <br />
<br />
<u>Last Man Standing Match:<br />
Randy Orton vs. CM Punk</u><br />
<br />
Personally, I've talked with friends that think Punk will lose this match but I am feeling the other way around! Last Man Standing/Death Match is a match that can easily allow interference costing a face the win! I predict Nexus or a SD heel to cost Orton this match and Punk will receive the big W!!! Let's just hope he gets booked the way he likes in the near future! Otherwise, we may be losing the greatest talker WWE has on their roster currently<br />
Winner: CM Punk<br />
<br />
<u>Ladder Match for the vacated World Heavyweight Championship:<br />
Alberto Del Rio vs. Christian</u><br />
<br />
Where the WWE is going here is a mystery! I have two theories ... <br />
<br />
1. Alberto Del Rio wins, bringing the World Heavyweight Championship to RAW and leading to a World Title Unification match at SummerSlam<br />
<br />
2. Christian wins his first title, has an emotional moment with Edge and we see both World Titles continue on different brands <br />
<br />
While a unification would be nice, I can't see it happening at SummerSlam ... seems too much like a WrestleMania worthy historical event so I am predicting a Christian win!<br />
<br />
Winner: Christian<br />
<br />
<u>Triple Threat Steel Cage Match for the WWE Championship:<br />
The Miz © vs. John Cena vs. John Morrison</u></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><u></u></strong></div><strong>I am curious about this match because of how close Over The Limit is ... meaning that they are not likely to build a new feud in three weeks ... Which leaves me to wonder if they will put the title back on Cena or let Miz carry it a couple more weeks? Miz has had a pretty long title reign, when you analyze it! He won it the night after Survivor Series and has held it since. How long has it been since a Champion have retained it at THREE Major PPVS (I am counting Survivor Series, Royal Rumble and WrestleMania). I do predict Cena to take the title this month and Miz getting his title shot at Over the Limit</strong><br />
<strong>Winner: John Cena</strong><br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><strong><u>Closing Remarks</u></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>If you are looking for a different card than you paid for 29 days ago, you should not buy Extreme Rules! If you are looking for a PPV which may beat Mania in terms of quality, buy this event! Each match will receive more time than they did at Mania, thus making these matches shine through. I am watching tomorrow night's UFC either live or on Sunday before Extreme Rules with friends and some fast food ... I encourage you all to enjoy these events as we are looking for a great weekend in PPV sports!</strong></div>Dale Hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724060709774911680noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865542252481866394.post-74175873757899788102011-04-16T12:53:00.001-02:302011-04-16T13:11:09.500-02:30#14 - Wrestlers In Court?<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">I have not researched the charges brought against the Iron Sheik that this video was produced for, but this is something else! In the video which apparently aired for a judge in New York I believe where WWF Superstars break kayfabe to be character witnesses for Khosrow Varsi (maybe a spelling mistake but I'm happy with it). I actually believe that the Sheik's attorney is playing the role of Gene Okerlund in this video, which adds to the hilarious nature of the video. What follows is just pure wrestling fun! I hope you enjoy and please comment! I would love to hear some thoughts on this great video</span></div><div><br />
</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-eBf3HfHM-8?fs=1" width="425"></iframe>Dale Hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724060709774911680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865542252481866394.post-16602815741384840862011-04-11T20:25:00.004-02:302011-06-14T14:36:00.261-02:30#13 - Top 5 Books/DVD's<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A really short entry today because it's final exam time so time is hard to come by! On the suggestion of my friend Jon Parsons, who frequently comments here on the site, I will list off my Top 5 Wrestling Books and my Top 5 Wrestling DVD's!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><strong>Books:</strong></u></span></div><ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><i>Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling</i></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><i>Have a Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks </i></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><i>A Lion's Tale: Around the World in Spandex</i></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><i>Bobby Heenan: Wrestling's Bad Boy Tells All</i></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><i>Ric Flair: To Be The Man</i></span></li>
</ol><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Honorable Mention -> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Undisputed: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">How to Become the World Champion in 1,372 Easy Steps</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 19px;"><u><strong>DVD's</strong></u></span></div><ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><i>The Ultimate Ric Flair Collection</i></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><i>Hulk Hogan: The Ultimate Anthology</i></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><i>The True Story of WrestleMania</i></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><i>The Best of Saturday Night's Main Event</i></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><span lang="EN-US"><i>Bret Hitman Hart: The Best There Is, Best There Was and Best There Ever Will Be</i><br />
<br />
Honorable Mention -> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US">The Life and Times of Mr. Perfect<br />
</span></span></span><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US"></span></div></li>
</ol>Dale Hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724060709774911680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865542252481866394.post-64052874180555364962011-04-10T15:31:00.002-02:302011-06-14T14:36:28.150-02:30#12 - First Angle I Remember Watching On TV<div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">I have been watching professional wrestling since 1991 when I was 2 years old. That's what I've been told but obviously, memories of that age are few and far between for myself. However, the first angle I can remember vividly watching was the Hacksaw Jim Duggan - Yokozuna contest on WWF Superstars!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">Since debuting in the fall of 1992, Yokozuna had yet to been knocked off his feet! In the weeks leading up to this angle, Mr. Fuji had challenged any American to attempt to knock down Yokozuna ... Who's more American than Hacksaw Jim Duggan! The event was set for the following week as the video here shows that encounter!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">I won't spoil it for those who haven't seen or don't remember the angle but damn, it was good TV! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">Watch for the closing shot! If that's not emotional wrestling, I don't know what is</span></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/M8IHBeoG9H4?fs=1" width="425"></iframe>Dale Hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724060709774911680noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865542252481866394.post-34595614495784065212011-04-09T18:37:00.003-02:302011-06-14T14:38:43.212-02:30#11 - An Old School Approach That Can Help WWE Home VideoIt's an old school idea that can be brought into the current product and can make money for the WWE. Most of us grew up on Coliseum Video! Going to the local video store and renting these tapes were an exciting time for us in years past. Coliseum Video, in addition to the PPV events and Profile VHS, would release collections of random matches and segments under a lame title. For example, "Crunch Classics", "Mega Matches" and "Rampage '91" were all releases from Coliseum Video in 1991-1992. These VHS offered comedy segments and never before seen matches! I own a good collection of these tapes and now can boast owning the first match between Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels (from the VHS called Invasion 1992).<br />
<br />
I would like to see these style of tapes return to the WWE and am going to list a sample card of matches as well as benefits of this release<br />
<br />
There are NO CONS to this method, in my opinion, only Pros which I will outline in my ideas<br />
<ul><li>It gives Matt Striker something to do in the company! He can be the host of this collection!</li>
<li>There is no added budget if they shoot these matches at RAW / Smack Down tapings! They can take place in place of dark matches</li>
<li>Gives the WWE the chance to release comedy segments that would bomb on RAW to the audience and test their reception to these segments</li>
<li>Commentary Dream Teams! At most, taping commentary for these matches would last two days at maximum! Would you buy a DVD knowing that you are going to hear Joey Styles return to commentary?How about Good Ol' JR? How about the pair of JR-Styles? JR-Striker? Striker-Styles? Hell, Lawler and JR could reunite for this collection! The best part ... It would only cost WWE two days work for this team!</li>
<li>THE MATCHES WOULD NOT REQUIRE A STORYLINE!!! So there would be no extra work for the creative staff</li>
<li>Because of no added budget for this taping, the DVD sales are PURE PROFIT!</li>
<li>Guys such as Rick Rude who may not require a full DVD release can get a portion of this DVD by having a Legends portion of the disc!</li>
</ul><br />
And now, my card for the first release of this series<br />
<ol><li>Daniel Bryan vs Evan Borne</li>
<li>John Morrison vs Sheamus</li>
<li>Gabriel and Slater vs Kozlov and Santino</li>
<li>Eve vs Michelle McCool</li>
<li>Jack Swagger vs Kofi Kingston</li>
<li>Edge and Christian vs Wade Barrett and Ezekiel Jackson</li>
<li>Alberto Del Rio vs Rey Mysterio</li>
<li>John Cena vs the Miz<br />
<br />
* Sure we have seen some of these matches countless times over the last few months but I believe we would still pay for NEVER BEFORE SEEN matches between these individuals where more time can be allotted to their matches thanks to this taping schedule!<br />
<br />
* If you tape two matches per taping, you will have them taped within a month! Which means these releases can be on shelves within TWO months! Quick, Profitable and Efficient!<br />
<br />
What do you readers think of that?<br />
<br />
I would also like to take this time to thank everybody for visiting this blog! When I started a month ago, I intended on this blog being somewhere my friends can come and read a detailed idea of mine about professional wrestling and to have International Visitors is amazing! I hope you enjoy the past blogs and in the future! I look forward to bringing you more "From the Gorilla Position"<br />
<br />
.... JOHNNY ACE, WHERE'S MY JOB?</li>
</ol>Dale Hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724060709774911680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865542252481866394.post-6938120491448621232011-04-08T15:46:00.001-02:302011-04-14T18:21:02.791-02:30#10 - Greatest Heel Promo in Wrestling History!This promo shows what a true heel should be in the wrestling business! Someone who makes you downright sick when watching them! Someone who causes to you to truly despise them! This promo shows why Jake Roberts should be working creatively with World WRESTLING Entertainment in some fashion, helping develop heels!<br />
<br />
This promo was shot after the Tuesday in Texas PPV on December 3rd 1991. They had just shot the snake bite angle between Randy Savage and Jake Roberts a week prior. The Tuesday in Texas match between Jake Roberts and Randy Savage was quick but the angle that followed only intensified the angle. Randy was going to inflict permanent damage to Roberts with the ringside bell when Earl Hebner stopped him. As Hebner stopped Savage, Roberts hit a quick DDT on Savage, leading to Roberts toying with Savage. Roberts would then bring a black bag into the ring, supposedly carrying a Cobra. Elizabeth hit the ring to save Macho, much as she did when Honky Tonk Man was going to hit him with the guitar back in 1987. Roberts turned his attention to Elizabeth, forcing her to beg for Macho's safety. Jake responded by slapping Elizabeth across the face, an act unheard of in 1991. This is the promo that followed ...<br />
<br />
Also note how great Gene Okerlund was in this promo! Another thing missing from today's WWE would be interviewers!<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JaDxp_NV34s?fs=1" width="480"></iframe>Dale Hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724060709774911680noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865542252481866394.post-34453853276927601992011-04-07T14:22:00.001-02:302011-04-14T18:21:25.103-02:30#9 - A New WrestleMania Streak?Steering away from the usual opinion blog, I'd like some comments from you, the readers!<br />
<br />
Jesse Duggan, a buddy of mine, argues that the Miz is undefeated at WrestleMania's thanks to ...<br />
<br />
1. His successful tag title defense last year with the Big Show against John Morrison and R-Truth<br />
2. His successful WWE championship defense this year against John Cena<br />
<br />
However, I argue that because he lost in the pre-show tag team titles unification match against the Colons at WrestleMania 25, he is 2-1<br />
<br />
How do you guys see it? Has the Miz begun a new WrestleMania streak?Dale Hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724060709774911680noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865542252481866394.post-15193128613095718352011-04-06T18:04:00.001-02:302013-02-02T23:48:05.285-03:30#8 - 2012 Hall of Fame ClassWWE Hall of Fame - Class of 2012<br />
<br />
Headliner - Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson (To Be Inducted By Stone Cold Steve Austin)<br />
<br />
Co-Headliner - Mick Foley (To Be Inducted By Terry Funk)<br />
*seeing that he has stated he will not resign with TNA this year*<br />
<br />
Other Inductees<br />
<ul>
<li>Ron Simmons (Inducted by John Bradshaw Layfield)</li>
<li>Arn Anderson (Inducted by Ricky Steamboat or Ric Flair, depending on availability)</li>
<li>Kevin "Diesel" Nash (Inducted by HBK)</li>
<li>Barry Windham (Inducted by I.R.S)</li>
</ul>
Celebrity Inductee - William Shatner (Inducted by Jerry "The King" Lawler)<br />
<br />
Diva - Trish Stratus (Inducted by Lita)<br />
<br />
With the main event of next year's WrestleMania already announced to be The Rock vs John Cena, they are looking for a big WrestleMania next year! They're going to have a great amount of media attention for this event, thanks to the Rock's return and it's location of Miami, Florida. The WWE will be counting on fans, both current and those who have lost interest, in buying this event for the historic moments it will deliver. These factors have influenced my decisions for the Class of 2012.<br />
<br />
I'll give you a reason for each of my choices<br />
<br />
Rock - This pick is a shoe-in for next year's WrestleMania. He will face off in the biggest match of the current generation the night after the event! It's in his hometown of Miami! It will also be the ten year anniversary of Hogan-Rock in the Sky dome. This one is a guarantee!<br />
<br />
Foley - With the good relationship Foley has kept with the WWE, it seems that Foley will return to the WWE in some fashion once his contract ends with TNA. I predict that Foley will sign a deal with WWE similar to Kevin Nash, where he is "in the bullpen" if they ever need him for an appearance. Plus, Foley had a great career but I am unsure if he could headline a class, which might piss you off and allow some people to make comparisons that inducting Rock and Foley in the same class is like inducting Hogan and Piper in the same class. While Foley is a legend, I think he is the perfect co-headliner like Mr. Perfect was in 2007. Foley is a big star, a legend that is the perfect compliment to any class<br />
<br />
Ron Simmons - He should have been inducted this year seeing he resides from Georgia but it does make sense to induct him in Florida due to his college football history in the state! A great addition to the Hall<br />
<br />
Arn Anderson - The most overdue inductee of all time THAT is still with the company! It's almost as if the WWE shuns away their road agents from going into the Hall. It's as if they take the Agents for granted and always look outside for their Hall of Fame class. It took Dusty Rhodes two years to be apart of the Hall of Fame. It took Ricky Steamboat four years before they inducted him. Arn Anderson has been with the company since the WCW buyout! It's not like he doesn't deserve a spot (I just flashed back to his retirement speech and how he offered his spot in the Horsemen to Curt Hennig). He is a multi-time tag champion in WCW, 1 tag title run in WWF, the greatest WCW TV Champion in history AND was apart of the greatest stable in history ... You mean to tell me that doesn't warrant entry into the Hall of Fame alone (they rumored that he would be inducted only as part of the Horsemen, which is a damn shame)<br />
<br />
Nash - Let's see ... He is a former WWF and WCW World Champion. He was the 3rd Triple Crown Winner in WWF History (three major titles, all of which occurred within 12 months). He was a founding member of the New World Order, a group who helped facilitate the Monday Night Wars, which rekindled the business! On top of his accolades, he has a renewed business relationship with the WWE and he is a close friend of Triple H and Vince McMahon ... The only question is why he wasn't inducted this year BUT I definitely see him going in next year!<br />
<br />
Barry Windham - His story is similar to Arn Anderson. He had multiple reigns as a tag team champion in both the WWF and NWA/WCW. He is known as one of the best in-ring workers of his generation and spent a great amount of time wrestling in Florida. From what I know, he still holds a good relationship with the WWE so why not induct him into the class of 2012? All the elements are there for Windham as well!<br />
<br />
Shatner - I would not have made this pick back in 2007 when Shatner was boo'ed mercifully off the stage at that year's ceremony for his induction speech for Jerry Lawler. However, he regained everybody's opinion last year when he hosted the February 1st edition of Monday Night Raw. With three great segments (Singing WWE Entrance Themes, RAW Match Negotiator, and his segment with Vince), he proved that he can be loved by the Wrestling audience. Unlike Drew Carey, he has made several appearances on WWE programming and would be a nice addition to the hall! I also believe that this would be the only time in Hall of Fame history that two people switched places in the Induction ceremony.<br />
<br />
Trish Stratus - If they want to induct a diva every year now, how can you go with anybody but Trish Stratus after Sunny! Sure, Miss Elizabeth is still not in the Hall of Fame but that's only until 2013 hopefully! (Hint, I am predicting Macho Man for 2013). Trish was the most dominant diva in history, ruling the division from 2001 to 2006. Her inductor, Lita ... induction in 2013 as well!<br />
<br />
These are my choices for the 2012 Hall of Fame. I'd love some comments, both positive and negative on my list!Dale Hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724060709774911680noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865542252481866394.post-14998934913982509092011-04-05T15:38:00.001-02:302011-04-14T18:22:53.380-02:30#7 - Why Dusty's Commentary Beats Booker T'sAfter discussing with Jon Parsons about the quality of Booker T's commentary skills, he argued that Booker can be compared to Dusty Rhodes in WCW ... well, this video proves why Dusty > Booker<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wMvF_6c5wiY?fs=1" width="425"></iframe>Dale Hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724060709774911680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865542252481866394.post-85165754937178017582011-04-05T15:35:00.000-02:302011-04-05T15:36:45.164-02:30#6 - How Jerry Lawler can get his rematch with Michael ColeHow Jerry Lawler can get Michael Cole back in the ring ... by re-recording this musical gem from the Memphis territory! Classic Wrestlecrap<br />
<br />
<iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OjgwAfi9eIo?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>Dale Hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724060709774911680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865542252481866394.post-26295349691590749502011-04-05T10:16:00.006-02:302011-06-21T15:05:02.542-02:30#5 - WrestleMania 27<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=frothegorpos-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B004NJC0DE&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FBEF24&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 267px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 137px;"></iframe></span>Bigger than Christmas ... Bigger than your first born ... It's WrestleMania weekend and another has passed by. Last Sunday was the 27th edition of the event and for what I was expecting, the card delivered the entertainment value. I write this blog the Tuesday after the event, so I do have to read the results again and then analyze which might lead to some different opinions. I will repost any differences I see come May 17th when the DVD is released here in Canada. Now, in the words of "Cowboy" Bill Watts, let's hook 'em up!<br />
<br />
The World Championship Match<br />
Edge vs Alberto Del Rio<br />
<br />
First thing that should have been done would be an angle between Brodus Clay and <br />
attendee Snoop Dogg. We were treated to Snoop Dogg later in the show to a talent search segment which ended with Hornswoggle's first words, but here would have been my angle ... <br />
<br />
<ul><li>Alberto Del Rio spots Snoop in the front row and calls him into the ring and begins to trash talk him. </li>
<li>Snoop throws a punch for Del Rio only to be stopped by Clay</li>
<li>Clay knocks Snoop to the ground and hits him with a splash</li>
<li>Snoop is carried from the ring and Clay looks like a monster!</li>
</ul>The mainstream media would have eaten this up and they could have brought more attention to both Del Rio and Clay. It's what they paid Snooki for ... to get publicity for the event and this would have benefit both characters greatly in the long run thanks to the exposure.<br />
<br />
Anyway, the match itself was a good match ... maybe not what we would usually expect from WrestleMania main events but this was the 2nd best match that the Smackdown brand could have delivered! The switch from spots between Christian - Clay to Edge - Del Rio was genius because it kept the match going at a very high energy pace, perfect to open a WrestleMania. The car segment that followed was okay, seeing that all cars are subject to be destroyed in WWE but from the looks of RAW last night, it's leading to a mean streak in Del Rio that could lead to the World Championship @ Extreme Rules<br />
<br />
Cody Rhodes vs Rey Mysterio<br />
<br />
A great match in which the seasoned veteran Rey Mysterio and the old school Cody Rhodes told a great story. I didn't care too much for Mysterio wearing the protective mask but Rhodes' use of Mysterio's knee brace was great! I see this feud continuing on Smackdown and I look forward to return matches!<br />
<br />
Did they even have the eight man tag team match involving the Corre? If they did, I must have missed it when I wrote a tweet about the event .... ONE TWEET!<br />
<br />
Randy Orton vs CM Punk<br />
<br />
I did not find this feud exciting until the knee angle started but did they deliver on WrestleMania. I am afraid however that this isn't the best match of their feud! Like last year with Rey Mysterio, the initial WrestleMania battle was the worse of their three match series and I see this feud being similar. When the blowoff comes either at Extreme Rules or Over the Limit, we will truly see a spectacular match<br />
<br />
Michael Cole vs Jerry Lawler<br />
<br />
Sadly, from reading the match times on Wikipedia, this match was the 3rd longest on the event ... 3rd!!!! The only other matches to go longer were Orton-Punk and Cena-Miz, both of which were only longer by less than a minute! I have loved the Jerry Lawler nostalgia push but this match went too long and killed the momentum the show had built up! The same spots could have been done in six minutes and did the same purpose. I honestly can't believe they gave Cole the win!!! I hope Lawler suggested it, because otherwise, it was downright disgraceful. Today's fans would not see this disgrace as much as a fan like myself, who have studied tape and angles from the Memphis territory for years and have seen Jerry Lawler face off with every legend professional wrestling has to offer. Lawler should have won and killed the feud once and for all! <br />
<br />
Did anybody else love that Stone Cold completely destroyed the PG rating at the event? You couldn't hear JR half the time because they were censoring Stone Cold and you know what? I am damn happy! Steve Austin is a legend who knows the business and knows that he sent fans home happy!<br />
<br />
<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=frothegorpos-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B004NJC0DY&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FBEF24&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 268px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 135px;"></iframe></span>Undertaker vs Triple H ... Mat Classic!! <br />
<br />
I really can't wait to go back and watch this match again and appreciate the story they told. Two legends who know the business and know what works! It was like watching De Niro and Pacino work together, and they created magic. I was very surprised to see the chair shot to the head of Taker that sounded like a gunshot but I guess you have those privileges when you are the Boss' son in law and the longest drawing star you have ever had! This match was amazing and a true WrestleMania moment.<br />
<br />
Personally, I think they are going for either round 2 @ SummerSlam or WrestleMania next year. I think Triple H came too close not to warrant another match somewhere. Can you imagine next year at WrestleMania if they booked Undertaker-HHH again AND the announced main event of the Rock vs John Cena? Miami will be rocking next April! I know I am getting excited to the point of checking airfares to Miami!<br />
<br />
Snooki, Trish Stratus, John Morrison vs Dolph Ziggler and Lay Cool<br />
<br />
For the hype it delivered to WrestleMania, it deserved more time as well. I have always been a fan of Lay Cool and am glad to see them get this high profile match, even if I believe it could be leading to their breakup within the coming weeks! We did get a Rock-Cena style Diva's encounter between Trish Stratus and Michelle McCool which was great to see, followed by Snooki's participation. How many times have you seen that handspring elbow/ass bump botched? Snooki did it to perfection on Sunday, even to the point where I would sadly compare it to the Great Muta which some may consider blasphemousness. A match that had potential to be a show stealer as well, if given the right amount of time!<br />
<br />
John Cena vs the Miz<br />
<br />
This was not a WrestleMania main event! I am sorry, I like the Miz and I like John Cena but they just look awkward in the ring! I compare the matches to Hulk Hogan vs Ric Flair only without the great work rate of Flair. Add this to the dount count-out false finish and the Rock's interference and you got a match that just boring to watch. Let's hope now that we see Cena out of the title picture while Miz has the title and see Miz move on into new feuds, such as with John Morrison.<br />
<br />
Overall, the event was good, definitely not the worse WrestleMania event. The only real fault was the time of the Lawler - Cole match. It took time away from matches that could have used the time to become legendary moments! Like the metaphor that anybody can go in the hall of fame now that Koko B. Ware is inducted, any Wrestlemania is better than the eleventh event. Overall, a good show that sent fans home entertained!Dale Hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724060709774911680noreply@blogger.com0