The PG Era Rant: Raw 09-30-13

When last we left our heroes, they were given a gift in the form of a large handicap match against the Shield.  Four men won the match, but only one stood tall in Daniel Bryan.  Yet SmackDown revealed that all is not in their corner in WWE.  Randy Orton has already put Miz on the shelf, and it’s clear that, whatever management feels about anyone, the road to the title goes through him.  We’re six days away from Battleground, so let’s see where they go from here!

Our commercial talks about the debut of Los Matadores and the McMahons meeting with the Rhodeses.

- The PG Era Rant for Monday Night Raw, September 30, 2013.

- Live from… wait, the commercial wouldn’t say?

- Your hosts are the usual suspects.

Monday Night Open Mic

Howdy Blog O'Doomers!

Tough competition for the WWE tonight as two 3-0 teams are going at it on Monday Night Football and there is a baseball playoff game.

I was a little disappointed to hear a report that Ziggler isn't seen as a star (yeah it's from Meltzer...who's still predicting the Shield's de-push....I mean it has to happen eventually. Right?). But then I remember that JR was one of the those that was super high on Dolph long before he got real traction so it could simply be a situation where they are just going to shit on the people JR liked (sorry Jack Swagger).

Between this and watching all those old Heenan stuff made me think...you know we look at a manager type like Heyman and say he's there because so-and-so needs a mouthpiece. But that's not always the case. Sometimes they just need the association. Bobby Heenan managed the top heels. So when Rick Rude comes into the promotion and gets with Heenan, he's quickly identified as a top heel. Rude didn't need a mouthpiece, he was perfectly capable of cutting his own promo. Rude didn't need the additional charisma, the guy had plenty of that. We just needed to know that this is a top guy. Sherri was the same way. Be it Savage, DiBiase or HBK...when Sherri was involved with a guy he was identified as a top guy. The genius of Heenan was that he never had to try to get himself or his talent over. It just happened because he was who he was.

Guys like Dolph never got that rub. They never got that identification. He was able to get himself over organically but if the machine jobs you out enough you lose that support because no one ever wants to get behind a loser. Right now I'm excited about The Usos...they are being made to look very strong but there has to be a spot that it goes to the next level or they end up hitting a point and dying off.

Is it frustrating to see a lot of talent, guys like Dolph, Cesaro...hell Titus...guys that the fans really love, that could be stars and there just doesn't seem to be that vehicle to get over and take it to the next levele. As a board most of us just want Cesaro to get over and I thought when Deadspin spotlighted his ridiculous giant swing that it might get him a little extra boost by no dice...yet...I've been trying to get behind the Barrett barrage for two years and well it's a pretty ineffective barrage.

Am I'm wrong? Impatient? Will these guys' time come? How many of them can Paul Heyman save?

Anyway your thoughts are appreciated. Enjoy the show and come out swinging but please keep it clean!

QOTD 21: A yab a dab'll do ya?

Hola Otters, after an understated but satisfying conclusion to Breaking Bad, I got to thinking about various media that are still on, but we've had our fill of - but still appreciate.

Thus:

Be it a video game, movie series, or TV show, what media 'thing' do you have benevolent feelings toward, but either had your fill of, or are content to let others enjoy?

BoD Daily Update

WWE.com RAW Preview

http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-09-30/five-point-preview-26152066



Ken Anderson Returning to TNA?

In an interview with "4th and Pain," Anderson said that he expects to go back to TNA in a week. He claims his agent and lawyer are working on a new contract with the company.

http://4thandpain.com/2013/09/mr-anderson-interview-expects-to-be-back-in-tna-wrestling-within-a-week/



"Cousin Luke" Passed Away

Gene Lewis, who portrayed Cousin Luke in the WWF, passed away this past weekend

http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/103-indies/33324-gene-lewiscousin-luke-passes-away

Promo of the Day: "I'd like to talk to Tom" - 1988 angle of the year

Dirty White Boy v. Tom Pritchard from Continental.  No way this angle would fly today, but hot damn!

Flair '92 Rumble

Was Flair booked to win the WWE title as soon as he signed back in 1992? Or was the Rumble for the vacant title a quick-fix for dealing with Hogan politics?

I'd have to dig through the Observers from the time, but given they were booking everything long-term at that point I'd have to say the Flair Rumble win was planned right from the start.  

Cucch's Inquiry of the Evening

Bear with me, as I am not quite to meltdown mode (it will come soon DB's) but I was thinking of this one on the bus: Who is the greatest tertiary champion in WWF history and what is the best tertiary championship match? Obviously you are going to have Owen-Bulldog in 97, and the spectacle of HBK and HHH later that year...but were there better European or Hardcore matches? Hit it up BOD'ers. 

Are you excited...

Scott, hope all is well.   Waiting for the late NFL game to start, and reading some BoD.  Was just curious on some completely subjective things...

- What PPV were you most excited to watch, for whatever reason?  Mine was WM 14

- Most excited you were for a wrestling "reveal?"  3rd NWO man?  Higher power?

- Favorite wrestling "moment?"  Im a sucker for retirement stuff, so I gotta say the HBK farewell speech.  This was guy who was a self described asshole, who was hated by almoat everyone, that changed his life around and was being completely transparent and real in his retirement address.  Just great fucking stuff.  Second is probably Austin and the beer bath.

- Biggest letdown, whether it be match, reveal, angle, etc? 

Just curious to your answers.  Thanks...officerfarva

Most excited PPV:  Wrestlemania XV or 2000, mainly because it was the main gathering of people at the apartment, and in particular with 2000 it was coming off two huge shows in 2000 and we all geeked to see Rock finally win that damn title back.  

Most exciting reveal:  Third man, no contest.

Favorite moment:  Piper smashing up the Flower Shop on crutches.

Biggest letdown:  Luger choking against Yokozuna at Summerslam was a pretty big disappointment after all the weeks of build. 

WWF Madison Square Garden March 17th, 1985

March 17^th, 1985

Your hosts are Gene Okerlund and Gorilla Monsoon.

This is the version of the show that was shown on WWE Classics on Demand. It excludes the Nikolai Volkoff & Iron Sheik vs. George Wells and Bret Hart match.

 

Promo of the Day

How can't you love this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BKKzwc4LVE

Team him up with the singing guy on NXT. The mic work would be epic and awesome.

Take care.

Jon

Ha, I've been waiting for someone to rip off Ricky Bobby.  Kudos.

MOTD Kurt Angle vs. Marty Janetty

Since I already sent in one Rocker vs. Curt match earlier this week, I figured I'd submit this gem as as something of a companion piece, featuring the other Rocker and the other Kurt. Obviously the last great match of Janetty's career (and really the only one post 1994 or so), and a real testament to Kurt's ability to bring out the best in his opponents. As an aside, Kurt Angle really was the evolutionary Hennig, wasn't he? The hyper-cocky technical genius who could work heel or face without really changing his gimmick. It's a shame we never got a program with the two of them, but I suppose the window there was pretty small. Anyhow, here's the match, and it is good: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1cvku_kurt-angle-vs-marty-jannetty-smackd_news

Yeah, that was a good week for Marty. Surprised he didn't earn himself a job off that.  

BoD Sunday NFL Thread

My picks for this week are:

Indianapolis (-8) vs. Jacksonville
Dallas (-2) vs. San Diego
Baltimore (-3.5) vs. Buffalo

Last week: 1-2
Season: 3-3

Talk about anything related to the NFL here.

QOTD 20: Saving the best for...the middle of season 3.

Hola Otters, today concludes our 3-part series on TV series we loved and hated to see go, and how well they went. Today will be a little different, as we're going to focus on our favorite episodes of shows, that may or may not be the finale.

What is your favorite episode of a TV show, currently airing or not? 

I have a few:

Scrubs - I actually really loved the ABC finale so much that it could have been my favorite had there not be OBVIOUS JD stunt doubles for a variety of shots. My favorite of the series is tough to pin down, but I always liked the one where JD's Dad died and Dr. Cox has trouble being the mentor he knows he should be.

Roseanne - The one where Roseanne goes over and gets David from his abusive mother always gave me chills - "Well women in glass whore houses shouldn't throw stones" is up there with "I am the Danger!" in terms of my favorite lines in TV.

The West Wing - While the season 2 finale gets a ton of credit (Two Cathedrals) my favorite series of episodes are probably the season four arc detailing the election, involving Bartlett coming to terms with his...bookish and nerdy nature, and not worrying if people think he's relatable enough - ultimately challenging his opponent, and the nation, to realize that governing needs as many words as it can get. in the debate episode 'Game On'.

The Wire - Season 4 finale. Sometimes people get out.

Breaking Bad - I initially thought that "Face/Off" was my favorite, but the thing about Breaking Bad is that it's actually better 'in the moment' so to speak, than it is in pieces. Therefore my favorite episode remains the pilot for how fucking ribald it is.

---------------------------------------

Blog Otter Award: All of us, for being a bunch of dorky wrestling fans who happily admit we loves us some Betty, Bea, Rue, and Estelle in their roles of a lifetime.

1. I missed a ton of my favorite show endings yesterday, including Who's The Boss, Fresh Prince, Sports Night featuring Agent Coulson, and the aforementioned Golden Girls.

2. If you're having a hard time figuring out WHY the Sopranos is so god damn fucking insane when you think about it, I'm linking you to this insane article that is absolutely worth the read if you loved the show and wanted answers. For the record, while most shows have subtext you can pull out of them, David Chase, the writer and creator of the show, INTENDED to put in all sorts of little details and plot points to write the show. Get some coffee on, it's a doozy, but worth every minute.

3. If you wanna do Breaking Bad Predictions lets keep them all to one 'thread' and reply to that. I have a few, including "Breaking Dad" where Jesse makes off with Brock, and another idea where regardless of whatever happens, Walt eventually ends up like he did in the pilot, no pants and a gun in his hand. He pulls the trigger with the gun to his temple. then *click*, the chamber is empty. Cut to credits.

Fwd: Just missed feuds/matches.

Wondering what feuds and/or matches you think would've been really fun if circumstances were just slightly different.

Say Austin had one more year left, maybe we get that run vs Lesnar. Foley makes it to 2001 and perhaps some matches with anyone in the Radicalz or Kurt Angle.

Any fun ones jump out for you guys?

I feel like Austin v Goldberg might have done some business had Steve been around in 2003.  Just a hunch. 

BoD Saturday Night Thread

Tonight, we have college football and the season premiere of "Saturday Night Live." As always, talk about anything you want

Evolution

> Hi Scott
>
> From the new Triple H DVD, have you seen this picture of Evolution? https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BVMgp7ICEAAJ8a4.jpg

> Jindrak looks so out of place in this picture
>
>

There was some weird choices going on with that group. im not even sure if Jindrak was part of HHH's crew or what. I know "Katie Vick" was also named as such to introduce Scott "Sick Boy" Vick as her brother around the same time. The mind of HHH is hard to figure.

QOTD 19: It pulled down my head pants and blew my mind

Hola Otters, after a rousing discussion of the most disappointing series finales, it's now time to talk about those shows that ended in such deliciously satisfying ways they had weight watchers points.

What are your favorite Series Finales? What Satisfied you most, and why? Are there finales other people hate, but you really like? 

peak overness

hallo und guten tag lieber scott! based on another post: when did the following wrestlers reach their "peak" in terms of being over? not necessarily their most successful or interesting period, but the time when people loved/hated them the most?

1) Undertaker
2) Steve Austin
3) Chris Jericho
4) Macho Man
5) Edge
6) Bret Hart
7) DDP

Hmm, OK.

1)  I'd say sometime around the Ministry of Darkness stuff.  

2)  1998-99, no question.  He was World champion, stunning people and hosing them down with beer.  

3)  The moment in 2000 when he "beat" HHH for the World title on RAW.

4)  Turning on Hulk Hogan right after the Main Event, but before losing the belt at Wrestlemania.   

5)  The Rated R Superstar / sex celebration era.

6)  The Hart Foundation v. Steve Austin in 1997.  Peak being Canadian Stampede.

7)  The moment he hit Scott Hall with that Diamond Cutter to decline nWo membership.

BoD Daily Update

Daniel Bryan and Brie Bella are Engaged

http://www.eonline.com/news/464169/exclusive-total-divas-brie-bella-and-wwe-superstar-daniel-bryan-get-engaged-see-the-ring?cmpid=rss-000000-rsschrfeed-365-topstories&utm_source=eonline&utm_medium=rssfeeds&utm_campaign=rss_topstories



Mickie James Turned Down TNA Contract Offer

Mickie was reportedly offered a contract for $60,000 a year to stay with TNA but turned them down. Mickie still wants to focus on her music career and is now charging $1,800 per appearance on the Independent scene.

Credit Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Newsletter



Zema Ion Interview

Its hard to not feel bad for the guy after listening to this.

http://www.thepainclinic.net/

Newman's Take: UFC 158: GSP vs. Diaz

-Talk about a long time coming – this one had been building for what felt like years, or at least since the initial cancellation of the fight when Diaz wouldn’t play ball and refused to show up for press conferences. Every GSP fight these days feels like a massive deal but this in particular was HUGE, as Diaz DID show up to the press conferences and media conferences and what-not this time and built it into one of the biggest grudge matches in UFC history. More on that later, though. The card was also somewhat of a showcase for the 170lbs division, with Johny Hendricks vs. Carlos Condit and Jake Ellenberger vs. Nate Marquardt underneath the title match in the main event. Exciting stuff? You betcha.

Smackdown - September 27, 2013

Smackdown

Date: September 27, 2013

Location: Bradley Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Commentators: Michael Cole, John Bradshaw Layfield

Reviewed by Tommy Hall

The WWE is almost on the verge of a civil war between the HHH regime and a good chunk of the midcard. Daniel Bryan continues to be the one big hope for the good guys but tonight is about Dolph Ziggler as he challenges for Dean Ambrose's US Title. Other than that we may see some new developments for Battleground which is now just over a week away. Let's get to it.

WWE Smackdown Thread

QOTD 18: What a letdown!

Happy Friday Olog Botters, I figured with this Sunday being the finale of one of the best television shows of the past decade, we could dedicate today, tomorrow, and Sunday, to our favorite and least favorite finales. Today we're going to tackle our LEAST favorite endings to a given show.

What series finale let you down the most? Did it ruin the rest of the show for you? What did you hate it about? 

NWA-TNA Weekly PPV #61

September 17^th, 2003

Your hosts are Don West and Mike Tenay

A video shows us a four-team tag match to determine the Number one contender. They are America’s Most Wanted, New Church, 3 Live Kru, and Kid Kash & Abyss

Lego Wrestling

Hi Scott,

I was hoping you could plug a little project for me.  Lego offers fans the opportunity to submit ideas for sets.  If you can get 10,000 supporters, they'll consider developing it for sale.  I built a wrestling ring and cage and was hoping to drum up some support.

You can view my project at: http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/50254

Thanks,

Matt

They should totally do Lego WWE video games.

question for the blog

Godfather is getting back into indy wrestling. He will work as Godafther or Papa Shango. Goldust works indys as Goldust as well.

 

My question is how does this work? Does WWE not care about ex employees using old gimmicks?

 

thanks

 

rancho king

Short answer, no they don't care.  Long answer, it depends on the contract they signed and whether the person has the rights to their own gimmick and whether they're on good or bad terms with WWE and a zillion other reasons.  Generally they've got everyone important from that era under some sort of Legends agreement and they'll look the other way.

Option A or B

Hi Scott

Thought I'd do one of these again because I've always enjoyed your responses and I enjoy writing these as well. They always seem to stimulate conversation on the blog as well.

For those of you new to the game, I give Scott two options, A or B, and ask him to pick his favourite. It's crisp and clean with no caffeine!

BoD Daily Update

Hulk Hogan / TNA Update

After last night's Impact, there is a chance that we have seen Hogan's last appearance in TNA. Sources have told Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com that Hogan was mad with TNA after they did not inform him ahead of time that they were releasing his daughter, Brooke. Also, Hogan's recent comments about TNA needing "real leadership" were seen as a slap in the face of Dixie Carter. With Jeff Jarrett assuming a more active role in the past few weeks, there are rumors within the company that TNA is preparing him for a larger role.

Credit Mike Johnson, PWInsider.com



Mark Henry Signs a New Contract

While on Jay Mohr's podcast, Henry revealed that he has signed a new contract that will take him through 2016.

Credit PWInsider.com



How Much did it Take the WWE to Lure Tensai Away from Japan?

According to sources in Japan, WWE Offered Tensai $400,000 a year to leave New Japan, where he was making $100,000.

Credit Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Newsletter



WWE.com Article with Konnan about his Max Moon Gimmick

http://www.wwe.com/classics/konnan-on-max-moon-26151357

Promo of the Day! Bobby Heenan at the Hall

Since there were so many good memories after reading Bayless' transcript of his shoot 12 years ago I figured I'd pop up his full HoF speech. His voice is affected by his cancer but he's still the Brain. Have a wonderful weekend BoD'ers!

Recent Wrestling Pieces at Place to Be Nation

Hi Scott - wanted to share some of the great podcasts and articles we've had over at Place to Be Nation recently.

 

Place to Be Podcast Episode 256 is a Tag Team Extravaganza as the boys team up with the guys at ProWrestlingOnly.com to talk tag team favorites

 

http://placetobenation.com/place-to-be-podcast-episode-256-ptbn-summit-tag-team-extravaganza/

 

Place to Be Podcast Episode 254 features a 64-team Tag Team Tournament to crown the greatest WWF/WWE team of the modern era!

 

http://placetobenation.com/ptb-episode-254-all-time-wwe-tag-team-tournament/

 

Our staff debates John Cena's greatest opponent:

 

http://placetobenation.com/cena-versus/

 

Wrestling with the Past #3 chronicles the career of Bret Hart:

 

http://placetobenation.com/wrestling-with-the-past-episode-3-celebrating-bret-hart/

 

Wrestling with the Past #4 has Will and Charles talking about the history of cage matches:

 

http://placetobenation.com/wrestling-with-the-past-4-cage-matches/

 

Justin breaks out the Treasure Trove and looks back at Tough Enough I:

 

http://placetobenation.com/jrs-treasure-trove-2-tough-enough-i-casting-special/

 

Thanks again!

Classic Belts, New Wrestlers

WWE.com upped yet another feature, this time with current superstars posing with Classic Belts. And it's pretty awesome. 

http://www.wwe.com/classics/superstars-with-classic-championships-photos 

Granted, this draws painful attention to the superiority of previous belt designs to pretty much every title they have now. But it's worth it for the nostalgia boner. Anyhow, keep doing what you're doing, friend.  

-Cabs

I wish they would have expanded it to stuff like the Hogan 86 belt and Attitude Era Gold Eagle, but this was pretty cool.  Cesaro with the European title needs to happen, though.  

Daniel Bryan with the classic winged eagle?  MEANT TO BE.

Impact Wrestling - September 26, 2013

Impact Wrestling

Date: September 26, 2013

Location: Verizon Arena, Little Rock, Arkansas

Commentators: Mike Tenay, Tazz

Reviewed by Tommy Hall

We're less than a month away from the biggest show of the year and somehow the top heel is Dixie Carter. Bully Ray is busy with the rejects known as Aces and 8's while AJ Styles is being called Mr. Marginal by a woman famous for having a husband named Surge and tweeting a lot. But remember, everything is FINE in this company. Let's get to it.

Match of the Day suggestion- Rock n Sock vs. Evolution, WMXX

WWE's YouTube channel continues to dole out some great matches for free and easy viewing. Flair yelling "I DON'T THINK SO, MOTHERFUCKER!" is the best.

FULL-LENGTH PPV MATCH - WrestleMania XX - Rock 'N' Sock Connection vs. Evolution

Flair and Rock basically went out there and tried to steal the entire PPV.  This match was GREAT.  

Which Shoot Interview Would You Like to see Reviewed Next?

Here are your choices:

Scott Hall, Volume 1
Eddie Guerrero
Vader

Vote by clicking on the link below. Voting ends Saturday at 8pm

http://poll.pollcode.com/357926

TNA Impact Live Thread

Tonight, Hulk Hogan will address AJ Styles and Dixie Carter about what happened last week.

Matches for tonight include:

Chris Sabin vs. Manik for the X Division Title
Magnus & Samoa Joe & Sting vs. Knux & Garrett Bischoff & Wes Brisco
Eric Young & Joseph Park & ODB vs. Robbie E. & Jesse Godderz & ???

Match of the Day suggestion- Rock n Sock vs. Evolution, WMXX

WWE's YouTube channel continues to dole out some great matches for free and easy viewing. Flair yelling "I DON'T THINK SO, MOTHERFUCKER!" is the best.

FULL-LENGTH PPV MATCH - WrestleMania XX - Rock 'N' Sock Connection vs. Evolution

Flair and Rock basically went out there and tried to steal the entire PPV.  This match was GREAT.  

ROH TV episode 105

I was all set to make a whole bunch of cheap jokes at ROH's expense for their broadcasting disaster last Friday night, but they mucked that up.  This week's show was the best top-to-bottom episode of TV all year.  When it was over I just didn't feel like hatin' no more.  Tommaso Ciampa wrestles Michael Bennett in the former Prodigy's first match since crippling BJ Whitmer, Kevin Steen and Roderick Strong meet in a battle of former world champions, and NJPW's Karl Anderson wrestles a return match against Michael Elgin in the main event.

Live from the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York, New York.  This is ROH

NXT - September 25, 2013

NXT

Date: September 25, 2013

Location: Full Sail University, Winter Park, Florida

Commentators: Tom Phillips, William Regal

Reviewed by Tommy Hall

It's finally the start of a new set of tapings meaning things will start changing around here again. The main story tonight is a major announcement to be made by HHH. Let's get to it. They've got a long way to go to top how fun last week's show but maybe they can go in a different direction this time around. Let's get to it.

RF Video Shoot Interview with Bobby Heenan

This interview was filmed at some point in 2002. It lasts about an hour and forty-five minutes long.

 

nxt entertainment factor

hey scott, since you also seem to appreciate current NXT, what do you think is the biggest factor that the hour seems to fly by, compared to RAW (or SD for that matter)?

1hr means a faster-paced, more action-filled show, compared to the draaaaagging  3hr RAW and RAW-recap city SD?
fresher, more diverse, more exotic characters? (Breeze, Enzo, Emma, Bayley...)
a way more entertaining women's division? and ppl CARE about them?
most wrestlers being over?
Regal on commentary plus Renee conducting most interviews?
returning homegrown guys getting treated like stars that "made it"? (Shield, Big E)
super babyface Sami Zayn?
super douche heel Bo Dallas?
super-hot Tyler Breeze?
super-melodic Aiden English?
you decide!

Y

eah, the show is simply booked, with a new and fresh cast of characters who rotate out and don't get stale all the time.  It reminds me a LOT of classic World Championship Wrestling that way.  

BoD Daily Update

Reasons for RVD and Dolph Ziggler not Being Pushed

According to a few sources, Dave Meltzer reported that RVD is being punished for not signing a contract extension. His contract ends on October 1st but is scheduled to work a few more dates after that. These sources also report that many in the company do not believe that Ziggler has what it takes to become a top guy and will never draw them any money. Speaking of Ziggler, he is now booking himself more stand-up gigs and is trying to do more improv gigs too in order to improve on his promos

Credit Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Newsletter



Chances of Hulk Hogan Returning to the WWE

There is a feeling among most in the WWE that Hogan will re-sign with TNA in a few weeks when his contract expires.

Credit Bryan Alvarez, Figure Four Weekly Newsletter



WWE Not Interested in AJ Styles?

Apparently, there is very little interest in AJ Styles amongst those in the WWE.

Credit Bryan Alvarez, Figure Four Weekly Newsletter



WWE Interested in International Talents?

According to reports in Japan, the WWE is interested in Prince Devitt and Karl Anderson. Also, the WWE is showing interest in lucha libre star Volador Jr.

Credit Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Newsletter

QOTD 17: Sugar coating is for Babies and Tylenol.

Mornin' Blog Otters, apologies for this late / really early QOTD, hopefully you can find it in your hearts to forgive me.  Someone who won't be forgiving me however, are the kind folks who recently got a plug, here, in this very ring- erm, blog, for their well-meaning but technically faulty documentary about wrestling fans, that I really took issue with, so I went the brutal honesty route.

Come to find out today, via a deleted Tweet and Facebook message, that I am all the things that are wrong with Chicago and my hyper negativity wasn't appreciated, saying ultimately that I sounded like one of those genius multibillion dollar entrepreneurs on 'Shark Tank', which is really one of the nicest insults I've ever received.

So this brings to me a question I've had for awhile, especially regarding creative endeavors.

Generally, when asked for an honest opinion, do you sugar coat your criticisms to salve possible hurt feelings, or are you brutally honest? What do you prefer in response? 

The SmarK Rant for WWE NXT–09.25.13

The SmarK Rant for WWE NXT – 09.25.13

Hulu actually lists this one as September 25 2015, but I feel like that might be a typo. It really is the future of wrestling! Or maybe it’s a Back to the Future reference.

Taped from Orlando, FL

Your hosts are William Regal and one of the interchangeable announcers, Tom or Todd whatever.

Promo of the Day: JASON THE TERRIBLE // ZODIAK

This is certainly a masterpiece. Of what, I have no idea, but its a goddamn masterpiece.

Care to provide a little context on The Zodiak and Jason The Terrible for the confused bloggers? I tried to find your Stampede tape review that documented this, but 411mania is kneeing my browser in its 0101011100001s and won't load for some reason.

Sure.  Zodiak is Randy Orton's fuckup uncle Barry (aka 80s jobber Barry O), banished to Stampede at the tail end of his wrestling career and living out whatever drug-induced fantasies Bruce Hart was experiencing that week.  Jason the Terrible was the uber-mega-monster heel set up for the Hart boys to triumph over (journeyman Karl Moffat), although as a kid he scared the SHIT out of me and I was sure he was going to kill Owen Hart and take the North American title with ease.  Mr. Hito even wore BOOTS because he was afraid of having his feet stepped on!  Sadly, a pretty horrific car accident with Davey Boy Smith ended Moffat's wrestling career when he shattered his leg, and he was never the same after that.  

But yeah, they used to do these trippy promos, on ultra-conservative Stampede TV no less in 1987, and this stuff was WAY ahead of its time.  In the end, Jason lost to Owen Hart (or Bruce and Pillman, I forget how they blew it off in the end) and the mysterious Zodiak, who was being built up as a big name in wrestling, was just unmasked and Ed Whalen was like "Oh, it's Barry O" and that was that.  It was a hell of a deal while it lasted, however, one of the most vivid memories I have of the promotion.  

New E-Book: KB's Monday Nitro Volume I

Yes I've done it again, this time with the first in a series Monday Nitro reviews. Volume I covers everything from the first episode through the end of 1996, which includes a lot of awesome moments and matches. These shows feature a long series of Eddie Guerrero vs. Chris Benoit matches, a bunch of world title matches and changes, the New Japan invasion, the debut of Chris Jericho, the Alliance to End Hulkamania, the reformation of the Four Horsemen, and of course the rise of the NWO in their dominance of WCW. 

This was one of the most important times in wrestling history as the way wrestling was presented on television was changed forever. The days of an hour of squash matches a week were gone and the flagship show was now on Monday nights. The Monday Night Wars were underway and this show rocked Monday Night Raw to its core. These shows still hold up today and are well worth checking out. 

The book is available from Amazon for just $4 and can be found in America here.

In the UK here.

And in Canada here.

If you live in another country and have an Amazon specific to said country, just search KB's Nitro and it should be the only result that pops up. 

If you don't have a Kindle, there are completely free apps you can download to any device imaginable which can be found from Amazon here. 

Please check it out and I hope you enjoy it. 

Thomas Hall

Monday Nitro - May 4, 1998

Monday Nitro #135

Date: May 4, 1998

Location: Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, Indiana

Commentators: Tony Schiavone, Larry Zbyszko, Bobby Heenan, Mike Tenay

Reviewed by Tommy Hall

It's another two hour show this week instead of the usual three hours due to the NBA Playoffs. My response: God bless the NBA. We're closing in on Slamboree and the main story is the NWO civil war. Nash, Savage and Konnan have officially formed the Wolfpack who will have their own everything very soon. Let's get to it.

BoD Daily Update

CM Punk Update

Punk was not injured by Ryback on RAW last night but is still dealing with nagging injuries, including his knee, elbow, and ankle.

Credit Mike Johnson, PWInsider.com



Kayfabe Commentaries Releases Another Installment in their "Timeline" Series

1993 WWE as told by Lex Luger was released yesterday. Click on the link below for the trailer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAeKRRyp36A



TNA Bringing in New Talent?

Word around TNA is that they are considering bringing in newer talent and some of the X Division guys that have been used in the past.

Credit Mike Johnson, PWInsider.com



Matt Morgan Article in the Miami Herald

http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/09/20/3638571/baby-dream-a-reality-for-matt.html

About the PPVs...

The theory behind the WWE Network being viable was that putting the minor PPVs on there for free would be too good for wrestling fans to pass up, right? Every serious fan makes sure the network is in their cable package, ratings for those shows are high, WWE can request big ad dollars for the shows, and then they're making money.

So — with the network on continued hiatus or whatever — wouldn't the thing to do at this point be farm some/all of the minor PPVs out to existing cable networks, to demonstrate that viability to potential investors and advertisers? Put Battleground or whatever on USA, or E!, or NBC if it's not football season, and have some solid numbers to show people who might put money into the network?

Or is that too logical in the face of continuing to make a pittance on PPV buys?

Well they're hardly making a "pittance".  150,000 buys x $60 = more money than any of us will ever see in a lifetime.  The issue is less "PPV is not viable/profitable/worth it" and more "The dream of the network will mean more money than even Scrooge McDuck could fit into his vault" and thus they're willing to sacrifice one revenue stream for the risk of creating a torrential revenue river.  Point being, there's no reason not to keep milking the PPV cash cow as it stands, especially with the network being vaporware at the moment.  Plus they already have a three-hour show on USA, and I could see it being tough to differentiate to network execs what exactly the difference between RAW and PPV is at this point.  

FULL-LENGTH MATCH - WCW Power Hour - Triple H vs. The Road Dogg

Yes, it's Terra Ryzin' v. Brian Armstrong.  This is a thing that actually happened.

The SmarK RAW Rant–09.23.13

The SmarK RAW Rant – 09.23.13

Live from Chicago, IL

Your hosts are Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler & JBL

Cucch Asks What Book?

Hardcore Diaries by Bob Holly or Goldust's book?

CM Punk: TNA's Savior?

Apparently, CM Punk's contract with WWE expires next summer. Separately, TNA is looking for a new home base.

Forget for a moment the fact that none of the following will actually happen...what if TNA decided to settle in somewhere in Chicago, and, when Punk's contract expired, Dixie Carter offered Punk carte blanche to run the creative side of the company however he wants? And allow him to bring in anyone he can get?

Would that be enough to make TNA a viable wrestling company?

CM Punk?  The guy who even his friends think is a grumpy asshole with no common sense filter on his mouth?  I don't see him being a very effective booker.  Say what you will about HHH, but he knows how to talk to people.  Punk seems more in the Raven mold, as the super-smart guy with great ideas who needs a Paul Heyman to actually turn them into usable TV.  

WWF Championship Wrestling March 16th, 1985

March 16, 1985

Your hosts are Bruno Sammartino and Vince McMahon

In action this week are Big John Studd, Ricky Steamboat, and the debut of King Kong Bundy.

Request for sharing our Kickstarter project...

This week the Nose Bleed Seats announced the launch of a Kickstarter project - a documentary on the pro wrestling fan.  I don't believe there's been any prior documentaries on wrestling fans...lots of them on various wrestlers or the sport in general.  We humbly request your help in sharing this project to the masses of fans who may want to be a part of this...

---

Millions of people around the world watch professional wrestling every week. The common misconception is that professional wrestling fans are dumb, uneducated and immature. This simply isn't true and as far from the truth as you can get. They may look at you like YOU ARE dumb and CLEARLY uneducated when you repeatedly ask them if they know its FAKE but this film will help you understand why they have dedicated the bulk their lives to this particular form of entertainment. The Professional Wrestling Fan, A Documentary Film by Christopher L. Cooper in Association with The Nose Bleed Seats Entertainment is set to be released in January 2015. Mr. Cooper & NBS Entertainment recently created a project using the Kickstarter.com website to help raise funds to produce this rare documentary movie. You can view this project by clicking here:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/christopherlcooper/the-professional-wrestling-fan-a-documentary-film

Ken Anderson and Mickie James done with TNA

THE CURRENT STATE OF THE SITUATION IS PRESENTLY IN A SATISFACTORY OR PLEASANT MANNER, OR VERY WELL

http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/298438

"Oh no, we're losing Mr. Anderson, let's just shut down the promotion right now", said no one, ever.

Mickie James should totally try to get on Total Divas and shill her CD, though.  The bitchy drama would write itself.  

BoD Daily Update

WWE 2K14 Roster Revealed
http://www.wwe.com/inside/2k/wwe-2k14/wwe-2k14-full-roster-revealed-26149996



Stone Cold Steve Austin Update

When asked if he would ever wrestle again, Austin said that if he couldnt come back at 100%, then he wouldnt want to come back at all. He then added that his chances to return are "pretty damn slim."

http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/9/23/4760134/the-mma-hour-with-georges-st-pierre-anderson-silva-chael-sonnen-stone

What the World Was Watching: Monday Night Raw - December 15, 1997

by Logan Scisco

-Jim Ross, Michael Cole, and Kevin Kelly are in the booth and they are in Durham, New Hampshire.

-Cole interviews the Undertaker and announces that he will face Shawn Michaels in a casket match at the Royal Rumble for the WWF title.  The Undertaker cuts a good promo and acknowledges that the only casket match he lost took ten men to beat him and D-Generation X doesn’t have ten people in it and Michaels doesn’t have ten friends to help him.  Kane and Paul Bearer come out and Bearer rehashes “the Undertaker is a murderer” bit.  Kane hits the Undertaker and when he tries to do it a second time, the Undertaker blocks it, but then leaves instead of retaliating.

-Call 815-734-1161 to get your copy of WWF the Music:  Volume 2.  It will cost you $20 for CD and $15 for the tape (plus $4 shipping & handling)!

-Brian Christopher and Jerry Lawler’s attack on Taka Michinoku on last week’s RAW is the 1-800-COLLECT Rewind segment.

Promo of the Day: Ric Flair Flossy

Scott,

Always have appreciated your work and have been a long-time blog follower.  

To me, there aren't many things better than a good ol' mid-80s Flair promo.  I love how he covers multiple challengers for the belt, gives them all a bit of a rub while also tearing them down a bit ... and then ad lib destroys the hell out of Landel and JJ to finish it off.  Good times!

Yeah, Flair was always great in these because he was "burying" his opponents with stuff that was so ridiculous that anyone would be able to see through and tell how jealous he was.  Like when he'd mock Magnum's "skinny little arms" or the hordes of pre-teen girls who cheered for Ricky Morton.  It was all stuff that made fans go "Man, Flair is a delusional jerk" and made people want to see him get beat, and didn't tarnish the babyfaces.  I mean, obviously, look at Magnum, he's tossing 300 pound guys around with the belly to belly, his arms were obviously not skinny.  

Now, you have Vince McMahon and his surrogates telling Daniel Bryan that he's too small and not good for business.  What counter-argument can fans make against that?  Clearly he IS small, and given we don't have access to WWE's financial information, who are we to say he's not bad for business?  HHH in particular is the worst for it, because he buries guys with stuff that is specifically true and doesn't leave himself open for comebacks by the babyface.  That was a huge problem with the Punk feud in 2011 as well.  

Anyway, tl;dr, 80s Flair rules.  

Brock Lesnar in 2002

Scott,

Do you think Brock Lesnar's rise was timed correctly in 2002?  He was still really green, had not had meaningful feuds to establish himself, and didn't benefit from the current UFC badass crossover appeal in 2002.  He was an unknown commodity with a ton of potential, but was hardly the surefire badass main eventer of today.  Do you think SummerSlam 2002 was the time to put him on top?  

As a matter of personal opinion, I think the way to go was for Brock to come in as Kurt Angle's bodyguard (the Diesel to his Shawn Michaels).  They can emphasize the NCAA background with Kurt building a team of Brock, Benjamin, and Haas as his "legitimate" wrestling stable.  Brock can gain experience through 2002 and build the monster image against a greater variety of opponents.  Eventually, Angle becomes TOO reliant on Lesnar's assistance to protect his title (in a prolonged feud with the returning Benoit?) and Brock ends up ditching Angle.  Brock does the babyface turn, dominates the Royal Rumble and you put him over Angle (who needed to leave for surgery) at Wrestlemania 19 for his FIRST title.  I just think Angle-Lesnar could have had an even more epic build and Brock's rise could have gained more steam with a slower burn (even if it's just prolonged from SummerSlam 2002 to Wrestlemania).  

Why prolong it?  He was super hot by Summerslam, and people bought the title change.  I don't see what the problem was.  Failing to pull the trigger on their hot acts is exactly what the problem was 99% of the time, so I'm sure where keeping it off him would help matters.

QOTD 16: I'd go a little later, I'd go a little later, and when I got there, he was gone.

Mornin' Blog Otters, today's question is actually about wrestling! I know, I'm shocked too. In fact, not only is it about wrestling, it's about wrestlers! And seeing them in person with your own eyeballs! The question comes from Mr. McLoone, who asks:

What was your best experience meeting a wrestler? If you've never met a wrestler, what was your best experience at a live event?

I love indie gigs but never get to go because none of my buddies are wrestling fans - and the video production on most of them tend to be icky - I'll have to see if I can bug my videographer friend for an interview to explain what makes good wrestling TV. That said, I went to the Smackdown where they "Got the old Stone Cold" back years ago, and attended two indie wrestling shows in Fall River, Ma.- both of which were totally wild, and I wrote about on this very blog.

But I'm actually going to make this about a wrestler I've *avoided* meeting, for kind of silly reasons. To explain I think I need to write at length at about something I've been meaning to for awhile now, so bear with me.

My dream in life is to make my way as a writer, or some other creative-y person. While I always was a creative kid, playing with Legos, using my imagination, and so on, It wasn't until Christmas of 99', at the age of 12, that I realized how much I loved it, and 7 years later until I acted on it.

This is entirely the fault of Mrs. Foley's baby boy.

The marginalization of CM Punk In the WWE These Days With the HHH Storyline

Something I need confirmed or debunked; is CM Punk PURPOSELY isolating himself from the main Bryan/HHH storyline, through some sort of veto power he has in his contract, where CM Punk can opt out of any storyline creative might have going on these days?

It's been total and complete bullshit that Punk hasn't been front and center in the current Bryan/HHH storyline, especially since the only reason people gave a flying fuck about him and Heyman was the Lesner factor and Lesner's being a lazy fuck who won't work full-time. So why fucking continue the storyline and make us endure God-awful D-Listers like Curtis Axel and Ryback as the poor man's replacement for Brock?

And hell, it's not like they are even trying to give us a reason for Punk being off HHH's radar to explain this ma

ssive, massive plothole. They can't even bother to show HHH and Punk having a sit-down where Punk goes all Loki during the Surtur Saga in Thor, agreeing to turn a blind eye towards HHH and his bullshit, so long as Hunter and Steph effectively do the same and turn a blind eye towards his obsession with Heyman and Brock.

And hell, speaking of Brock, having Punk be side by side with Bryan fighting HHH and Orton (and remember, Orton/Punk is a bloodfeud that is FAR more personal than Punk being pissy that Heyman dumped him) would provide the perfect eventual set-up for what a lot of people have been speculating in terms of explaining WHY Brock and HHH might eventually hook up as allies: Punk proves to be such a threat to HHH/Orton, they have to buy Brock Lesner's contract from Heyman so they can sick him onto Punk, in order  to keep him from backing up Bryan.

 

I

don't even NEED to tell you who wrote me this e-mail.  

The PG Era Rant: Monday Night Raw, Sept. 23, 2013

When last we left our heroes, they’d finally had enough and stormed the ring, sending Randy Orton and the Shield running.  Now Daniel Bryan has an army of ten behind him, and HHH specifically prevented Vickie from exacting punishment… on SmackDown, anyway.  Which of these messages will rule the day tonight?

The pre-show ad promises a Punk return in his hometown, and apparently the McMahons will address the rebellious Superstars.

- The PG-Era Rant for Monday Night Raw, September 23, 2013.

- Live from Chicago.

- Your hosts are JBL, an Old King, and Cole.

help!

> Scott,
>
> I accidentally bought three Blu-Rays last week during the AMAZEBALLS Blu-Ray sale WWE.com was having that were then given to me the next day for my birthday. I know have two copies of 2013 Royal Rumble, The Best of Madison Square Garden and the Best PPV matches of 2012. I'd like $30 American via pay pal plus shipping.
>
> I know you usually get these for free, but if you'd like them you can have them. If not, would you mind posting a message on the blog?
>
> Thanks. I'll also be listing this via craigslist and whatnot.
>
> - Joe

I literally have more DVDs than I can watch in a lifetime.  But thanks.

Monday Night Open Mic

Whew, made it by deadline!

Enjoy the show and come out swinging but keep it clean!

TNA and Panda

Scott,

Let me play Devil's Advocate for a moment…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D44YUfi92ls

You are in a meeting with Bob Carter. Bob asks you why Panda Energy should fund the money-losing TNA in 2014 instead of pulling their support for the company.

What do you say to convince him to break out the checkbook and cover another year's worth of expenses for your wrestling company?

 

I

wouldn't.  I'd tell him to sell it to Viacom so that they'd be the ones profiting off whatever ratings increase it might get, and thus giving SpikeTV a direct interest in making it a better show.  This would be a case where network tampering could only HELP.

QOTD 15: Hey everybody, we're all gonna get laid!

Howdy Blog Otters, how is everyone's manic Monday going? Mine's pretttty swell, I'm typing this pre-'sure thing' date, and it got me to thinking about, well, how do you all going about seducing the fairer, or samer, sex?

Do you online date? Take to craigslist postings? tackle the icky-but-almost-assured-to-get-you-lucky world of fetlife? Consider this thread something along the lines of Free Masonry. A brotherhood of men helping other men, get women...or men

Thus:

What's your art of seduction, and what pointers can you give to the masses that you think most folks miss out on, and what are some definite red flags you've run into while attempting to get your proverbial rocks, off?

Mid-South

I'm most of the way through the Mid-South blu-ray, and there are some puzzling moments about it.  First, JR does new commentary on some matches, pretending to be old commentary.  My question is, why wouldn't they do this on the War Games set?  Would've made the matches much better.

 

Second, some of this stuff is really corny.  JR wandering blind-folded trying to find Stagger Lee being the worst offender.  And Mr. Wrestling II looks way too much like an infant wearing a diaper and a mask to be taken seriously.  They mention that Mr. Wrestling II got a new protege and the protege became Mr. Wrestling II and Mr. Wrestling II became Mr. Wrestling I?  Am I getting that right?  Who was the new Mr. Wrestling II?

 

I know that JYD came out to Queen, Midnight Express came out to the theme from the movie, Freebirds is obvious and RNR came out to Old Time Rock and Roll.  What did everybody else come out to?  Dibiase?  The Blade Runners?  Speaking of the Blade Runners, how odd is it watching the both of them trying to be Hawk?  Sting is especially weird.  And the Rick Steiner/Nick Patrick match is both awful and bizarre.

 

You should really check out the set when you get the chance.

Dammit, everyone keeps rubbing it in that I haven't watched this set yet.  

Anyone watch that CM Punk documentary thing on Netflix?  Best In The World?  I watched that today.  It was pretty good too.  SO THERE.

FULL-LENGTH PPV MATCH - Over the Limit 2012 - CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan: ...

GET OUT OF MY HEAD, WWE.

I just want to post this here for posterity because it took forever to find a good version of it online, and now WWE is just like "Oh, here, an HD perfect copy on YouTube for free."

And yes, it's a ***** match.

WWE Championship Wins - WWE Top 10

Jesus, WWE is sucking up hours of my life with their YouTube channel now.  I`d disagree with putting Punk's win as high as it is, especially because the MITB show was much bigger for him and the ADR match was pretty middling stuff for a main event.

Still a very cool list, though.

Two Gameboy game reviews

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqoFz_Blpzg

WCW Main Event and WWF Superstars 2, two middling effiorts for the GB.  Main Event does feature Steve Austin's video game debut.

Kind of scraping the bottom of the barrel there, Joe.  

BoD Daily Update

WWE.com RAW Preview

http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-09-23/five-point-preview-26149897



Fan Attempts to Attack TNA Star at a House Show

At a house show in Tucson this past weekend, a fan threw a beer at Kazarian and attempted to attack him but was stopped by security. As the incident was going on, James Storm attempted to divert attention by cutting a promo on the crowd.

Credit PWInsider.com



Rey Mysterio Returning to Action in a few weeks?

At this past Sunday's house show in Hidalgo, TX, Rey addressed the crowd, coming out on a crutch, and said he will be returning on October 16th when the WWE starts their tour of Mexico

Credit PWInsider.com

Random Great Match

With about 30 people or so posting here now I figure I have to throw something up, so let's watch the greatest Raw match ever.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xirchn_steve-austin-and-shawn-michaels-vs-owen-hart-and-the-british-bulldog-raw-5-26-1997_sport?search_algo=2

And yes, I know we've all seen it many times. But it's awesome, so just shut up and watch it again.

Cucch's Inquiry of the Evening.

Well, EVERYONE seems to be doing some sort of QOTD type dealies, so while I am waiting for my new cache of wrestling books to arrive (and for my liver to recover) I figured I would pose this INQUIRY to the Blog that I was chatting with some people about: What do yo consider the greatest Intercontinental Championship match of all time? Notice I said "greatest" and not "best." I have always found it comes down to two matches: Savage-Steamboat at Mania 3 and Bret Hart-DBS at SummerSlam 1992. I have always found myself going with the latter, because of a few key reasons:

1. Many people, more often than not WWE canon, cite Mania 3 as the largest wrestling crowd ever (despite the WCW Korean back to backs in the 90's) yet never mention SummerSlam 1992. I say that, just from the plain old eye test, that SummerSlam 92 had every bit as big a crowd (maybe larger) than Mania 3.

2. While Savage-Steamboat was clearly the better quality match, it was not what drew all those fans to Pontiac. That was Andre-Hogan, the biggest match ever to that point. Sure, Savage-Steamboat had a GREAT backstory to it, but it was not the big draw of the event. Whereas Hart-DBS was THE BIG DRAW, and main event, to boot, of SummerSlam 92.

3. Savage-Steamboat did not have a hometown favorite. DBS-Bret did. DBS was over gangbusters in his native land (Although Bret would say he was just as over...I will let you all laugh at that particular pearl of Bret egotism).

4. Bret-DBS may be the best carry job in wrestling history.

Obviously, there are many other great, great, great IC title matches, but those two tend to lend themselves to a particular historical significance in that most casual and hardcore fans remember. So I INQUIRE of you, BOD (Bag of Dicks?) what is the GREATEST (not best) IC title match of all time? Have at it.

favorite running gag

hey keithster, whats your favorite wrestling running gag/meme?

- making fun of Russo (...on a pole etc)
- bret hart's antics "(he told me with tears in his eyes")
- hogan's tales of lies & exaggerations
- flair still living like it's 1986
- cluelessness of TNA/Dixie
- Cornette being Cornette
- Sunny's arrests
???? tell us pls! TIA

I have one guy who e-mails me literally every time TNA does something stupid, so that one's getting a little tiresome.

Probably I'd say Hogan's lies, because it's always fun to write you own Hogan promos and build the exaggerations on top of each other as you go along.  Plus nothing you say can be as ridiculous as the shit he's said for real.

The Heart of Rock and Roll's Still Beating

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chmD3gPUK8k

Jump to the 24:20 mark.  Ricky and Robert are still taking titles,
kicking ass, and double dropkicking their way to four star matches all
across the country!

I missed that spot and jumped in where the guy was talking about 3D Bible Studies.  Oh, the South, you so WACKY.

And now I can't unsee Robert Gibson in 2013.  

Mr Perfect vs Shawn Michaels At Stars & Stripes Forever 91

So, I know everybody shits on their Summerslam match, but this is a great little TV match as Shawn and Curt try to out-sell each other. It drags a little in the middle, but two ridiculous Shawn bumps and a pretty great ending sequence (if not a great ending) make it well worth watching... and it makes it all the weirder that their Summerslam match wasn't better. 

Well, to be fair, everyone shits on their Summerslam match because the WWF themselves basically did everything short of literally going on TV and promising a ***** match and it was only **1/2 or so.  But yeah, I've seen this match and it was damn good, and they had one on Coliseum Video somewhere that was damn good as well, and to this day I can't understand why they didn't click. 

See also:  Rey Mysterio v. Eddie Guerrero at Wrestlemania 21.

Honky was The Top Guy in early 88

Hey Scott,

Everybody discusses how the Honky Tonk Man had a great IC run blah blah blah... But a recent blog post about champs crowned due to the title being in held in abeyance raises the following technicality: Honky was the highest ranking WWE roster member after the title was vacated following Hogan-Andre II. Let me repeat: The fucking Honky Tonk Man was the highest ranked champion in the number one promotion in the Western world for over a month (early Feb. to late Mar. 1988). He was the Apex predator.

Steve

Holy cow, what if he had walked to JCP with the belt as threatened at the time?  It might have torn a hole in the time space continuum or some shit like that.  

WWF Championship Wrestling March 9th, 1985

March 9^th, 1985

Your hosts are Bruno Sammartino and Vince McMahon.

In action this week is the Iron Sheik & Nikolai Volkoff, as well as Hillbilly Jim. Also, we will see a training session with Mr. T and Hulk Hogan.

 

QOTD 14: The Placebo Effect

Howdy Blog Otters, I was recently listening to the Stone Cold Steve Austin Podcast, and found myself intrigued by the supplements he pushes, including testosterone boosters and 'brain' enhancers. Part of me things this is totally bull-pucky. The other part of me thinks that the kind of person inclined to buy this stuff would more than likely believe it works, regardless of whether or not it actually does creating a Placebo Effect.

Thus:

What are your thoughts on dietary supplements, do they work, what's the deal with this big push toward testosterone enhancers lately, and does anyone remember that scene in Space Jam where Bugs Bunny gives the entire team steroids ("MJ's Special Stuff")?

BoD Sunday NFL Thread

This is the place for all things football-related.

Here are my picks for today

Minnesota (-7) vs. Cleveland
Atlanta (2.5) vs. Miami
Indianapolis (10) vs. San Francisco

Last week: 2-1

The SmarK Retro Rant for WCW Nitro–04.26.99

The SmarK Retro Rant for WCW Nitro – 04.26.99

This show was posted to the blog via the YouTubes recently, so I figured, what the fuck, I’ll just review it and be done with it.

By the way, Jon Jones is LUCKY. He should buy those judges a beer. 49-46? Really?

Rick Rude gets the tribute treatment to really put this show on a pleasant note to start.

And we start in the MENTAL HOSPITAL, where Ric Flair currently resides. There are just too many jokes to make and three hours of this show is not enough time to make them all.

FULL-LENGTH PPV MATCH - Royal Rumble 1992

I guess in honor of vacant World titles, WWE is posting tournament finals to YouTube.  GOD BLESS THEM.

What If...........

Was curious about the blogs thoughts on this after hearing it talked about on a podcast.

WTF happens if Rock never goess Hollywood?  Does Cena ever "get the ball?"  Are we destined for Rock vs HHH to headline like WM 21-23?  Do fans eventually get bored of him like Cena?  Does his gimmick start to look outdated?  Do him and Hunter get into a pissing contest about who has more stroke in the WWE?  Of all "what ifs" ive heard, I find this the most fascinating.  Thanks

 

 

I think that Cena was getting the ball no matter what. Once he got over with the rapper gimmick, the crowd was in love with him. As far as WM 21-23, Rock vs. HHH probably could have headlined one of them. Rock can easily transform from heel to face so he could keep himself fresh in that regard.

 

What does everyone else think?

 

 

BoD Saturday Night Thread

Its an open forum so talk about whatever you want. Things happening tonight include:

UFC 165
College Football
Baseball Playoff Chase

NWA-TNA Weekly PPV #60

September 3, 2003

Your hosts are Don West and Mike Tenay

The show starts with a lengthy video to promote the “Wednesday Bloody Wednesday” match between Jeff Jarrett & Raven & D’Lo Brown & America’s Most Wanted vs. AJ Styles & Shane Douglas & Christopher Daniels & Simon Diamond & Johnny Swinger.

The Super X Tournament also takes place tonight. The contestants are Nosawa, Juventud Guerrera, Teddy Hart, Johnny Storm, Jerry Lynn, Chris Sabin, Frankie Kazarian, and Michael Shane.

 

QOTD 13: Which makes Grand Theft Auto poetic...

(Note: what follows is a mostly spoiler free post about Grand Theft Auto V's narrative themes and subtext, while I will mention details from various missions and specifics, I won't mention how they fit within the story and plot, instead talking about them abstractly - proceed at your own risk)

Yup, we're talking about this again, but in a different context, specifically as it relates to 'Grand Theft Auto''s particular brand of delicious cheap-shot satire. As I mentioned in the feminism thread, 'Grand Theft Auto V' is a troll. What I mean by this is that while 'GTAV' is technically about three different characters, it's in reality, a whip-smart deconstruction about why, exactly, the player likes causing all this mayhem.

Musical of the Day

> I actually caught both the finish of the main event and the post-match angle from ROH, without buffering, so I can't say it wasn't worth the price. Undercard was fine as well.. But THIS may have been the highlight of the day..
>
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1hcBup4I5U

Yeah, like I said in the NXT review, there's something unique and big here with this guy.

WWE House Show - September 20, 2013

I took in the WWE house show tonight at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. I know I said this about the TNA show I went to over the summer, but this might have been the most fun I've ever had at a wrestling event. The crowd was red hot all night and the matches were all at least decent. There was even a nice surprise that I'll get to in a bit. Let's get to it.

Reviewed by Tommy Hall

Match of the Day: 23rd Anniversary of Battle Kat's WWE debut

This has it all!  Brady Boone in a stupid gimmick!  Jobber extraordinaire BOB BRADLEY!  Gorilla Monsoon shilling Hulk Hogan's vitamins!  Actual vitamins, not just the metaphorical ones.

Fun fact:  Boone got shitcanned and they wanted to keep this retarded gimmick for some reason, so it went to... Bob Bradley.  For like two weeks and then they really did cut it loose for real.  And now you know.

The SmarK Rant for WWE NXT–09.18.13

The SmarK Rant for WWE NXT – 09.18.13

Taped from Orlando, FL

Your hosts are Tom Phillips & Alex Riley

I was gonna take a shot at ROH Death by Dishonor because it was free and all, but the stream died on me for minutes at a time and was basically unwatchable when it was working. Even at free, NO BUYS.

Smackdown - September 20, 2013

Smackdown

Date: September 20, 2013

Location: US Bank Arena, Cincinnati, Ohio

Commentators: Michael Cole, John Bradshaw Layfield

Reviewed by Tommy Hall

We're past Night of Chapions and the main story is that there's no WWE Champion. Bryan won the title on Sunday but has been stripped of it due to an alleged conspiracy between he and now fired referee Scott Armstrong. On Raw however, the roster finally came together to fight back against HHH and the Corporation, giving us an interesting battle for the first time since this began, which was somehow just over a month ago. Let's get to it.