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Showing posts from October, 2011

GSP v. Diaz

Hey Scott, Just another example of what is missing in the WWE that the UFC some how is able to pull off with out being a work. So we have the abrasive Nick Diaz who has been piling up wins against mid card talent for the past few years over in Strikeforce. Has put down all challengers in that time. The whole time squacking about not making enough money, how he could beat the champ (GSP) if he wasn't being held back. Meanwhile the clean cut, even keeled GSP is having pedestrian performances where, although remaining unscathed and dominant in them, has looked unimpressive. Diaz destroys all in front of him until the UFC can't ignore him as a challenger any longer and set up a title fight. GSP vs. Diaz is set. In the months leading up to the fight, the brash and stubborn Diaz decides he doesn't want to play the UFC media game and no shows a pair of press conferences calling them "beauty pageants" and as a result gets pulled from the main event. GSP down p

GSP v. Diaz

Hey Scott, Just another example of what is missing in the WWE that the UFC some how is able to pull off with out being a work. So we have the abrasive Nick Diaz who has been piling up wins against mid card talent for the past few years over in Strikeforce. Has put down all challengers in that time. The whole time squacking about not making enough money, how he could beat the champ (GSP) if he wasn't being held back. Meanwhile the clean cut, even keeled GSP is having pedestrian performances where, although remaining unscathed and dominant in them, has looked unimpressive. Diaz destroys all in front of him until the UFC can't ignore him as a challenger any longer and set up a title fight. GSP vs. Diaz is set. In the months leading up to the fight, the brash and stubborn Diaz decides he doesn't want to play the UFC media game and no shows a pair of press conferences calling them "beauty pageants" and as a result gets pulled from the main event. GSP down p

Hawk Falling Down

Hey Scott, Long time reader, followed you through Wrestlemaniacs/ Wrestleline/ Rantsylvania/ Smarks/ 411wrestling/ 411mania/ Insidepulse/ Blog of Doom. The discussion within the Scott Hall post got me thinking about Road Warrior Hawk. My timeline may be off, but I believe it was back in the LOD 2000 days, when Hawk was playing being drunk/stoned, and I think the idea was that Droz was his dealer or something to that effect. Anyway, very early in the angle, LOD was doing a promo and Hawk took a minute to address the crowd as Michael Hegstrand to apologise for his behaviour the previous week, saying that it wasn't professional, not what the fans paid to see, and promising that it wouldn't happen again. Sure enough, starting the very next week Hawk is stumbling around the place, tripping while getting in the ring, and falling off the titantron. My question is, what was the incident that started that angle, and was it genuine? Was Hawk really on live TV unfit for work in a g

Hawk Falling Down

Hey Scott, Long time reader, followed you through Wrestlemaniacs/ Wrestleline/ Rantsylvania/ Smarks/ 411wrestling/ 411mania/ Insidepulse/ Blog of Doom. The discussion within the Scott Hall post got me thinking about Road Warrior Hawk. My timeline may be off, but I believe it was back in the LOD 2000 days, when Hawk was playing being drunk/stoned, and I think the idea was that Droz was his dealer or something to that effect. Anyway, very early in the angle, LOD was doing a promo and Hawk took a minute to address the crowd as Michael Hegstrand to apologise for his behaviour the previous week, saying that it wasn't professional, not what the fans paid to see, and promising that it wouldn't happen again. Sure enough, starting the very next week Hawk is stumbling around the place, tripping while getting in the ring, and falling off the titantron. My question is, what was the incident that started that angle, and was it genuine? Was Hawk really on live TV unfit for work in a g

Double A (Not To Be Confused With A Double)

Just curious your opinion on a recent discussion I had about Arn Anderson. Has there ever been a mid-carder so perfect? He'd hold titles, but never the top one. He'd be involved in major feuds, do great in them, yet never rise to be World Champion. Yet, it never felt like he was being held back. Is that merely due to the era in your mind or can you think of some other wrestlers who felt perfect in the mid-card, even if they could have clearly been higher? Sure, not everyone is cut out to be a main eventer.  Mr. Perfect was a perfect IC champion and although he probably could have been World champion, was probably better off where he was.  Terry Taylor was always a great guy to have in the midcard, because he was enough of a name where beating him meant something, but he was never a threat to take your spot.  Especially after the WWF run.  Marc Mero, whether as Johnny B Badd or Marvelous Marc, was a solid midcard threat.  A lot of the guys who ended up as World champion to

Double A (Not To Be Confused With A Double)

Just curious your opinion on a recent discussion I had about Arn Anderson. Has there ever been a mid-carder so perfect? He'd hold titles, but never the top one. He'd be involved in major feuds, do great in them, yet never rise to be World Champion. Yet, it never felt like he was being held back. Is that merely due to the era in your mind or can you think of some other wrestlers who felt perfect in the mid-card, even if they could have clearly been higher? Sure, not everyone is cut out to be a main eventer.  Mr. Perfect was a perfect IC champion and although he probably could have been World champion, was probably better off where he was.  Terry Taylor was always a great guy to have in the midcard, because he was enough of a name where beating him meant something, but he was never a threat to take your spot.  Especially after the WWF run.  Marc Mero, whether as Johnny B Badd or Marvelous Marc, was a solid midcard threat.  A lot of the guys who ended up as World champion to

WM title matches

Hey Scott, With Cena/Rock and Taker trying for 20-0 at WM this year, the casual fan buy rate is pretty well confirmed. It's not like casual fans will revolt if Orton doesn't get a title shot. So do you think WWE takes advantage of this to play to the more stubborn Internet fans by making title matches we want to see? The only people NOT buying at this point are smart fans who don't care about the two big matches...so why not throw them a bone with a "I can't believe they're doing this at Mania!" type of match. And in that case, what do the two world title matches become? Given they think very little of internet fans and their desires, I don’t foresee anyone getting thrown any bones.  I’m pretty sure they’re building up Mark Henry for Undertaker at this point, whether or not the title is on the line.  People are still all “OMG they’re totally gonna insert D-Bry in the title match briefcase briefcase briefcase” but he’s basically a jobber at this p

WM title matches

Hey Scott, With Cena/Rock and Taker trying for 20-0 at WM this year, the casual fan buy rate is pretty well confirmed. It's not like casual fans will revolt if Orton doesn't get a title shot. So do you think WWE takes advantage of this to play to the more stubborn Internet fans by making title matches we want to see? The only people NOT buying at this point are smart fans who don't care about the two big matches...so why not throw them a bone with a "I can't believe they're doing this at Mania!" type of match. And in that case, what do the two world title matches become? Given they think very little of internet fans and their desires, I don’t foresee anyone getting thrown any bones.  I’m pretty sure they’re building up Mark Henry for Undertaker at this point, whether or not the title is on the line.  People are still all “OMG they’re totally gonna insert D-Bry in the title match briefcase briefcase briefcase” but he’s basically a jobber at this p

Rivalries

Hi Scott Just watched the Bret-Shawn Greatest Rivalries interview, and they make a few mentions of how they replaced the 'dinosaurs' of the 80s (notably Hogan). Having recently witnessed the spectacle of Hogan wrestling Sting in late 2011, with a still-active Ric Flair interfering, it struck me as odd that those guys - the very top guys in Hogan and Flair - of the 80s are still wrestling when several generations of replacements such as Bret and Shawn have been and gone since. Do you think any guys approaching the level of Hogan/Flair from the New Generation, Attitude, PG eras etc will still be wrestling at that age? Bret, Shawn, Austin, Rock are all done at reasonable ages - though I suppose with the exception of Bret they could come back. Seems unlikely though - and somehow I don't see Cena or Orton or whoever lasting that long either. I can imagine HHH maybe, as he'll be around anyway in some capacity, and Nash at 52 is having a good stab at it - but Hogan

Rivalries

Hi Scott Just watched the Bret-Shawn Greatest Rivalries interview, and they make a few mentions of how they replaced the 'dinosaurs' of the 80s (notably Hogan). Having recently witnessed the spectacle of Hogan wrestling Sting in late 2011, with a still-active Ric Flair interfering, it struck me as odd that those guys - the very top guys in Hogan and Flair - of the 80s are still wrestling when several generations of replacements such as Bret and Shawn have been and gone since. Do you think any guys approaching the level of Hogan/Flair from the New Generation, Attitude, PG eras etc will still be wrestling at that age? Bret, Shawn, Austin, Rock are all done at reasonable ages - though I suppose with the exception of Bret they could come back. Seems unlikely though - and somehow I don't see Cena or Orton or whoever lasting that long either. I can imagine HHH maybe, as he'll be around anyway in some capacity, and Nash at 52 is having a good stab at it - but Hogan

They’re the 1%…

…blood alcohol level.

They’re the 1%…

…blood alcohol level.

Lobdell Clarifies About Superboy and Other Stuff

http://www.comicvine.com/news/scott-lobdell-answers-your-questions-even-ones-about-starfire-october-edition/143746/ Interesting Q&A with Titans/Red Hood/Superboy writer Scott Lobdell, and he actually clarifies a point about Superboy that I had heard differently before the reboot started: Superboy started all over again? I mean this is more than just a retelling of his origins like "Year One" stories right, it's a proper reboot? Or will it jump some years ahead and preserve some of his old comics and his role during Doomsday? It was going to be a relaunch, but it became clear after the Superman and Supergirl retooling that Superboy's origin has to begin in the here and now. So there you go, they changed their damn mind again.  Although a lot of Lobdell’s answers fall under the “Previous continuity wasn’t under my control so you can consider whatever you want as being in-continuity” variety.  As someone else said here, Titans is a continuity nightmare

Lobdell Clarifies About Superboy and Other Stuff

http://www.comicvine.com/news/scott-lobdell-answers-your-questions-even-ones-about-starfire-october-edition/143746/ Interesting Q&A with Titans/Red Hood/Superboy writer Scott Lobdell, and he actually clarifies a point about Superboy that I had heard differently before the reboot started: Superboy started all over again? I mean this is more than just a retelling of his origins like "Year One" stories right, it's a proper reboot? Or will it jump some years ahead and preserve some of his old comics and his role during Doomsday? It was going to be a relaunch, but it became clear after the Superman and Supergirl retooling that Superboy's origin has to begin in the here and now. So there you go, they changed their damn mind again.  Although a lot of Lobdell’s answers fall under the “Previous continuity wasn’t under my control so you can consider whatever you want as being in-continuity” variety.  As someone else said here, Titans is a continuity nightmare

Sporcle Series

Scott Here's a new Sporcle quiz I put together that you and your readers might enjoy.  Can you name the WWF Superstars who were announced as participants in the Survivor Series elimination matches, and then replaced by someone else? http://www.sporcle.com/games/BarleyMcFlexo/wwf-survivor-series-replacements Barley That’s a REALLY tough quiz for someone like me, because I’m pretty useless with that sort of trivia without proper context.  I only ended up getting 5/23. 

Sporcle Series

Scott Here's a new Sporcle quiz I put together that you and your readers might enjoy.  Can you name the WWF Superstars who were announced as participants in the Survivor Series elimination matches, and then replaced by someone else? http://www.sporcle.com/games/BarleyMcFlexo/wwf-survivor-series-replacements Barley That’s a REALLY tough quiz for someone like me, because I’m pretty useless with that sort of trivia without proper context.  I only ended up getting 5/23. 

Scott Reviews The New 52: Week 8

Scott Reviews The New 52: Week 8 So we’re at the end of month #2, with nothing I was dying to read, but a lot of decent comics this week.

Scott Reviews The New 52: Week 8

Scott Reviews The New 52: Week 8 So we’re at the end of month #2, with nothing I was dying to read, but a lot of decent comics this week.

Random Thought For The Night

Given that the Muppets are on RAW next week and the show has a chance to break out of the current funk and be something different and fun (although it won't be), there's really one storyline that they have to do. At some point, Miss Piggy has to put the moves on Dolph Ziggler, leading to a knock-down drag-out catfight with Vickie where Piggy quickly ends it with a "HIYA" karate chop and Vickie sells it like death. There's just no way around it. If they were really thinking, they'd bribe Chris Jericho to make a guest appearance and do a skit with Fozzie Bear. It could be fun. We'll see.

Random Thought For The Night

Given that the Muppets are on RAW next week and the show has a chance to break out of the current funk and be something different and fun (although it won't be), there's really one storyline that they have to do. At some point, Miss Piggy has to put the moves on Dolph Ziggler, leading to a knock-down drag-out catfight with Vickie where Piggy quickly ends it with a "HIYA" karate chop and Vickie sells it like death. There's just no way around it. If they were really thinking, they'd bribe Chris Jericho to make a guest appearance and do a skit with Fozzie Bear. It could be fun. We'll see.

More randomness

Hey Scott, Just because everyone on the blog always comes up with the best things to read, two conversation starters, one humorous/nostalgic and one forward thinking: 1) What's the lamest catchphrase that never got over? 2) What two WWE/FCW wrestlers would you repackage as a tag team to seriously bolster the potentially revitalizing tag team division and under what gimmick/name? 1.  John Morrison’s “Mr. Ziggles”.  Go on, try to find a worse one, it’s scientifically impossible.  2.  The tag division doesn’t need gimmicky teams, it just needs regular teams who get focused on beyond one champion and one challenger.  I mean, currently the Usos are kicking around, but no one cares about them anyway.  Other than that, Air Boom and Vickie’s guys are the only people who even compete as a team.  Awesome Truth are supposed to be the “main event” team, so I don’t really count them, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see them win the tag titles before Survivor Series.  Really

More randomness

Hey Scott, Just because everyone on the blog always comes up with the best things to read, two conversation starters, one humorous/nostalgic and one forward thinking: 1) What's the lamest catchphrase that never got over? 2) What two WWE/FCW wrestlers would you repackage as a tag team to seriously bolster the potentially revitalizing tag team division and under what gimmick/name? 1.  John Morrison’s “Mr. Ziggles”.  Go on, try to find a worse one, it’s scientifically impossible.  2.  The tag division doesn’t need gimmicky teams, it just needs regular teams who get focused on beyond one champion and one challenger.  I mean, currently the Usos are kicking around, but no one cares about them anyway.  Other than that, Air Boom and Vickie’s guys are the only people who even compete as a team.  Awesome Truth are supposed to be the “main event” team, so I don’t really count them, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see them win the tag titles before Survivor Series.  Really

Plugging the Hard Way

A new episode of The Hard Way is up. We talk about Vengeance, Scott Hall's tragic story on E:60 and, as always, we give our top 5 of the week. http://www.wrestlingringpost.com/2011/10/hard-way-vengeance-james-storm-win-tna.html Video podcasting seems like way too much work to me.  Good on ya, though!

Plugging the Hard Way

A new episode of The Hard Way is up. We talk about Vengeance, Scott Hall's tragic story on E:60 and, as always, we give our top 5 of the week. http://www.wrestlingringpost.com/2011/10/hard-way-vengeance-james-storm-win-tna.html Video podcasting seems like way too much work to me.  Good on ya, though!

Randomness

Hey Scott, Long time fan. Own all your books. Two questions for the blog on some 80s wrestlers I figured you would know the answers on: 1- Watching old episodes of prime time it seemed as if Hillbilly Jim was pretty over with the crowd in the late 80s but other than a survivor series match I don't remember him being on any on big PPV card or any big feuds. What gives? 2- Lanny Poffo was pretty boring in the ring but he wasn't awful, why did he stop wrestling entirely? Injuries or they just lost faith in him as a wrestler. In retrospect would it have been better to have played up his relation to Randy so they could have had a brother feud? 1.  Nothing gives, really.  Hillbilly was a midcard comedy guy who was very effective at his role and was gone by the time the PPV era really began.  He had a good run with Hogan on top of house shows as a tag team, made huge money from the Rock N Wrestling cartoon, and currently works as a goodwill ambassador type of role

Randomness

Hey Scott, Long time fan. Own all your books. Two questions for the blog on some 80s wrestlers I figured you would know the answers on: 1- Watching old episodes of prime time it seemed as if Hillbilly Jim was pretty over with the crowd in the late 80s but other than a survivor series match I don't remember him being on any on big PPV card or any big feuds. What gives? 2- Lanny Poffo was pretty boring in the ring but he wasn't awful, why did he stop wrestling entirely? Injuries or they just lost faith in him as a wrestler. In retrospect would it have been better to have played up his relation to Randy so they could have had a brother feud? 1.  Nothing gives, really.  Hillbilly was a midcard comedy guy who was very effective at his role and was gone by the time the PPV era really began.  He had a good run with Hogan on top of house shows as a tag team, made huge money from the Rock N Wrestling cartoon, and currently works as a goodwill ambassador type of role

Animal Help Plug

Hey Scott,  You've always been mighty generous in plugging my projects on your blog, and it's always helped, so I figured I'd bug you again.  Not sure how many BoD readers are animal lovers, but I'm running a campaign to raise money for equipment that will advance animal care and discover the causes and treatments for animal brain disorders. Every single dollar helps, so even a $1, $5 or $10 donation is significant.  Anyone can donate here: http://www.give2gether.com/projects/american-friends-of-the-hebrew-university-1/ Just as important are people sharing that link on Facebook and Twitter. To keep it somewhat wrestling related, a few 411mania.com and Insidepulse.com writers have shared the link on their Facebook pages. And if any of your readers are into it, you can make a donation in honor of your pet and send a picture of that pet to bgaroon@afhu.org to have them featured on our organization's giving page and our Facebook page. If you share t

Animal Help Plug

Hey Scott,  You've always been mighty generous in plugging my projects on your blog, and it's always helped, so I figured I'd bug you again.  Not sure how many BoD readers are animal lovers, but I'm running a campaign to raise money for equipment that will advance animal care and discover the causes and treatments for animal brain disorders. Every single dollar helps, so even a $1, $5 or $10 donation is significant.  Anyone can donate here: http://www.give2gether.com/projects/american-friends-of-the-hebrew-university-1/ Just as important are people sharing that link on Facebook and Twitter. To keep it somewhat wrestling related, a few 411mania.com and Insidepulse.com writers have shared the link on their Facebook pages. And if any of your readers are into it, you can make a donation in honor of your pet and send a picture of that pet to bgaroon@afhu.org to have them featured on our organization's giving page and our Facebook page. If you share t

All About Chemistry

Hey Scott, 2 list/opiniony questions for you; Firstly, what pairs of workers had unusually great chemistry together? I'm using the word chemistry here to basically say that if wrestler X and wrestler Y are in a match together, it will be better than an average wrestler X match or an average wrestler Y match (so, you know, Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels elevating stiffs doesn't count as them having chemistry with the stiffs unless the match is great by Michaels/Flair standards, too). I think it also has to be more than just one match, because anybody can accidentally have a great night. I could only think of a few, but I fee l like you'd probably be able to think of a lot more for me to check out. Anyways, here are the ones I could come up with: Bret Hart/Owen Hart Edge/Kurt Angle Punk/Cena Bret Hart/Steve Austin Cena/Batista Scott Hall/Shawn Michaels Rick Rude/Ultimate Warrior (Rude was generally a really good worker, but Warrior, uh, wasn&

All About Chemistry

Hey Scott, 2 list/opiniony questions for you; Firstly, what pairs of workers had unusually great chemistry together? I'm using the word chemistry here to basically say that if wrestler X and wrestler Y are in a match together, it will be better than an average wrestler X match or an average wrestler Y match (so, you know, Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels elevating stiffs doesn't count as them having chemistry with the stiffs unless the match is great by Michaels/Flair standards, too). I think it also has to be more than just one match, because anybody can accidentally have a great night. I could only think of a few, but I fee l like you'd probably be able to think of a lot more for me to check out. Anyways, here are the ones I could come up with: Bret Hart/Owen Hart Edge/Kurt Angle Punk/Cena Bret Hart/Steve Austin Cena/Batista Scott Hall/Shawn Michaels Rick Rude/Ultimate Warrior (Rude was generally a really good worker, but Warrior, uh, wasn&

Prime

I was thinking about Scott Hall and Kevin Nash recently, and they way they both were really great for a little while... and terrible for a long, long time before and/or after. What other wrestlers can you think of who had really noticeable "primes" where they were good-to-great (technically, not in kayfabe), and otherwise kinda stunk.  My list, with my limited knowledge is as follows:  Scott Hall (mid 90s) Kevin Nash (mid 90s) Rick Rude (late 80s) Jake Roberts (mid 80s) Kurt Angle (early 00s) I'm sure there are others. Sting was  good worker once upon a time, right? I feel like Bossman had a few years where he didn't stink, too. Bossman was a hell of a worker from 1990-1996.  Sting’s still a good worker, he’s just old and broken down, but there’s not many Sting matches where I watch and go “Man, that guy sucks”.   He shouldn’t be doing it anymore, but at least he’s not embarrassing himself out there.  I’d add a few to this list, though

Prime

I was thinking about Scott Hall and Kevin Nash recently, and they way they both were really great for a little while... and terrible for a long, long time before and/or after. What other wrestlers can you think of who had really noticeable "primes" where they were good-to-great (technically, not in kayfabe), and otherwise kinda stunk.  My list, with my limited knowledge is as follows:  Scott Hall (mid 90s) Kevin Nash (mid 90s) Rick Rude (late 80s) Jake Roberts (mid 80s) Kurt Angle (early 00s) I'm sure there are others. Sting was  good worker once upon a time, right? I feel like Bossman had a few years where he didn't stink, too. Bossman was a hell of a worker from 1990-1996.  Sting’s still a good worker, he’s just old and broken down, but there’s not many Sting matches where I watch and go “Man, that guy sucks”.   He shouldn’t be doing it anymore, but at least he’s not embarrassing himself out there.  I’d add a few to this list, though

Booking backwards

I remember reading once in an interview with Jerry Lawler that Vince McMahon used to decide what he wanted at the next WrestleMania and would then book backwards from there.  When do you think Vince stopped doing this and why?  Was it when Vince Russo came to power? When The Monday Night Wars started?  Do you think there's any chance Vince (or HHH/Stephanie whenever they take over) might go back to this method of booking or has that ship pretty much sailed? Thanks for reading and have a good day! That train has indeed sailed, except I guess for Rock/Cena.  But it was absolutely during the Monday Night Wars and the fixation with popping ratings therein.  That’s also a reason why PPV in general is a dying beast for them. 

Booking backwards

I remember reading once in an interview with Jerry Lawler that Vince McMahon used to decide what he wanted at the next WrestleMania and would then book backwards from there.  When do you think Vince stopped doing this and why?  Was it when Vince Russo came to power? When The Monday Night Wars started?  Do you think there's any chance Vince (or HHH/Stephanie whenever they take over) might go back to this method of booking or has that ship pretty much sailed? Thanks for reading and have a good day! That train has indeed sailed, except I guess for Rock/Cena.  But it was absolutely during the Monday Night Wars and the fixation with popping ratings therein.  That’s also a reason why PPV in general is a dying beast for them. 

The Vengeance Thread

Wait, there’s a PPV tonight? Feel free to make predictions and do real-time complaining here if anyone’s actually watching this show tonight.  My own thoughts:  - ADR beats Cena because he’s supposedly defending against Punk at Survivor Series, plus the Last Man Sleeping stip means they can do some wacky finish so that Cena doesn’t have to lose to the World champion.  Maybe Ricardo runs Cena over with the car of the week and traps him underneath?  - Mark Henry beats Big Show again. - HHH and his little buddy Punk go over Miz-Truth strong to set up Punk’s title challenge next month.  HHH pedigrees both guys and then graciously allows Punk to get the pin. - Orton destroys Cody Rhodes, unless the title’s on the line in which case he destroys Cody Rhodes and then gets himself DQ’d for not breaking an asskicking in the corner. - Air Boom retain over the Whoresmen when Kofi’s substitute partner Mason Ryan powerbombs the shit out of Ziggler and pins him.  Then they do the US title

The Vengeance Thread

Wait, there’s a PPV tonight? Feel free to make predictions and do real-time complaining here if anyone’s actually watching this show tonight.  My own thoughts:  - ADR beats Cena because he’s supposedly defending against Punk at Survivor Series, plus the Last Man Sleeping stip means they can do some wacky finish so that Cena doesn’t have to lose to the World champion.  Maybe Ricardo runs Cena over with the car of the week and traps him underneath?  - Mark Henry beats Big Show again. - HHH and his little buddy Punk go over Miz-Truth strong to set up Punk’s title challenge next month.  HHH pedigrees both guys and then graciously allows Punk to get the pin. - Orton destroys Cody Rhodes, unless the title’s on the line in which case he destroys Cody Rhodes and then gets himself DQ’d for not breaking an asskicking in the corner. - Air Boom retain over the Whoresmen when Kofi’s substitute partner Mason Ryan powerbombs the shit out of Ziggler and pins him.  Then they do the US title

Babyface Buff

Just to follow up on a comment from the Vintage Collection thread... Turning Buff heel after the neck injury was just as stupid as botching the ready made Rick/Scott feud. I mean seriously after the turn in Feb. 98 was it really hard to build to a simple grudge match at let’s say Great American Bash? Good god that heel turn still makes me angry for all the wrong reasons.  WCW had spent literally YEARS trying everything in their limited arsenal of tricks trying to get Marcus Bagwell over as the teen heart-throb babyface in the 90s, and it never stuck.  They wanted him as a top star so bad that they gave him tag title runs, partners more over than him that he was supposed to get the rub from, endless blowjobs on commentary, you name it.  So finally they’re like “fuck it, let’s turn him heel” and he joins the NWO.  And suddenly he gets over as Buff Bagwell, obnoxious self-centered pretty boy heel.  So now fans kind of buy him as a top guy due to his circle of friends, and he joins

Babyface Buff

Just to follow up on a comment from the Vintage Collection thread... Turning Buff heel after the neck injury was just as stupid as botching the ready made Rick/Scott feud. I mean seriously after the turn in Feb. 98 was it really hard to build to a simple grudge match at let’s say Great American Bash? Good god that heel turn still makes me angry for all the wrong reasons.  WCW had spent literally YEARS trying everything in their limited arsenal of tricks trying to get Marcus Bagwell over as the teen heart-throb babyface in the 90s, and it never stuck.  They wanted him as a top star so bad that they gave him tag title runs, partners more over than him that he was supposed to get the rub from, endless blowjobs on commentary, you name it.  So finally they’re like “fuck it, let’s turn him heel” and he joins the NWO.  And suddenly he gets over as Buff Bagwell, obnoxious self-centered pretty boy heel.  So now fans kind of buy him as a top guy due to his circle of friends, and he joins

Great Rivalries

I’m starting to get overlapping mailbag questions so I should probably start clearing them out. Saw a preview for the new WWE Greatest Rivalries DVD: Hart/Michaels.  It looks really good, and I'll probably check it out, but it got me thinking of future Greatest Rivalry DVDs.  If they were to continue with these titles, what Rivalries would you like to see?  Some come to my mind, but I don't know if there'd be enough material for a 3-disc set. Angle/Lesnar Edge and Christian/Hardys Guerrero/Mysterio HHH/Foley Rock/Austin seems like a no-brainer. Thoughts? Hey Scott-- So the Bret v. Shawn dvd is out in a couple of weeks, and all the early reviews indicate that it's going to be the best wrestling dvd released this year. However, I'm wondering if the 'E can really go any further with this concept, especially given the truly unique nature of what went down between Bret and Shawn. Can you think of any rivalry they could do t

Great Rivalries

I’m starting to get overlapping mailbag questions so I should probably start clearing them out. Saw a preview for the new WWE Greatest Rivalries DVD: Hart/Michaels.  It looks really good, and I'll probably check it out, but it got me thinking of future Greatest Rivalry DVDs.  If they were to continue with these titles, what Rivalries would you like to see?  Some come to my mind, but I don't know if there'd be enough material for a 3-disc set. Angle/Lesnar Edge and Christian/Hardys Guerrero/Mysterio HHH/Foley Rock/Austin seems like a no-brainer. Thoughts? Hey Scott-- So the Bret v. Shawn dvd is out in a couple of weeks, and all the early reviews indicate that it's going to be the best wrestling dvd released this year. However, I'm wondering if the 'E can really go any further with this concept, especially given the truly unique nature of what went down between Bret and Shawn. Can you think of any rivalry they could do t

Crappy Mains

I found the TNA BFG PPV review that was posted on your website earlier this week interesting. It seemed that it was an excellent PPV until the poor main event, and as result everyone bashed the PPV as a whole.  While it would be awesome to have a PPV that was excellent from top to bottom, that rarely happens. So my question to you is do you think it is better to have a excellent undercard (but a crappy main event), or a crappy undercard but a excellent main event.  Also, can you think of any PPV's (from any company) that fit either criteria? Meaning ones that had an excellent undercard, but blew it with their main event, along with ones that had a crappy undercard, but were potentially saved because of an awesome main event.  Is one situation better than the other? I’d rather sit through a crappy undercard and get blown away by the main event, because usually that’s what you remember anyway.  Like with Royal Rumble, I’m spending the $50 because of that one match, not anything

Crappy Mains

I found the TNA BFG PPV review that was posted on your website earlier this week interesting. It seemed that it was an excellent PPV until the poor main event, and as result everyone bashed the PPV as a whole.  While it would be awesome to have a PPV that was excellent from top to bottom, that rarely happens. So my question to you is do you think it is better to have a excellent undercard (but a crappy main event), or a crappy undercard but a excellent main event.  Also, can you think of any PPV's (from any company) that fit either criteria? Meaning ones that had an excellent undercard, but blew it with their main event, along with ones that had a crappy undercard, but were potentially saved because of an awesome main event.  Is one situation better than the other? I’d rather sit through a crappy undercard and get blown away by the main event, because usually that’s what you remember anyway.  Like with Royal Rumble, I’m spending the $50 because of that one match, not anything

Combat Plug

  Dear Mr. Keith, I hate to do this, but I am asking you to plug my site: the Combat Sports Almanac https://sites.google.com/site/combatsportsalmanac/home There are no big bells or whistles, and it is still being built over time as I get a chance to add links and my own research into the mix. It is what it is. I am trying to offer fans of combative sports in all forms, but particularly professional wrestling, boxing, kickboxing, and hybrid/freestyle/MMA fighting a place to find information and resources on their favorite fighters and promotions. It is a work in progress and I am only able to do a little to it each day. Any information from those that come across the site would be a major help in expanding the site, and of course constructive criticism, advice, or suggestions are always welcome. Never be apologetic about asking for a plug!  Take ownership of your site, man. It’s certainly no-frills at the moment, but Rome wasn’t burned in a day. 

Combat Plug

  Dear Mr. Keith, I hate to do this, but I am asking you to plug my site: the Combat Sports Almanac https://sites.google.com/site/combatsportsalmanac/home There are no big bells or whistles, and it is still being built over time as I get a chance to add links and my own research into the mix. It is what it is. I am trying to offer fans of combative sports in all forms, but particularly professional wrestling, boxing, kickboxing, and hybrid/freestyle/MMA fighting a place to find information and resources on their favorite fighters and promotions. It is a work in progress and I am only able to do a little to it each day. Any information from those that come across the site would be a major help in expanding the site, and of course constructive criticism, advice, or suggestions are always welcome. Never be apologetic about asking for a plug!  Take ownership of your site, man. It’s certainly no-frills at the moment, but Rome wasn’t burned in a day. 

Powertrip

Hey Scott Before Trips tore his quad in that tag match with Jericho and "he who shall not be named" back in 2001, where was the Two Man Power Trip storyline suppose to go?  What did WWE have planned for it? It’s safe to say “Benoit” you know, it’s not like Voldemort where he’ll come back to life and try to take over the world. Anyway, I think I’ve addressed this before, but the plan was a pretty straightforward deal where Austin would stop trusting HHH and they’d ending up feuding over the World title around Summerslam.  Of course, with HHH out they had to go to Kurt Angle, and that worked out better due to 9/11 anyway.  I don’t think there was any long-term planning going on past that point. Edit:  Former WWE writer Seth Mates clarifies for me via Twitter: After HHH got hurt, plan became to do face returning HHH vs heel Austin at WM18. But Austin wanted to be a face and was turned around SSeries, and basically talked himself out of the WM main and losing t

Powertrip

Hey Scott Before Trips tore his quad in that tag match with Jericho and "he who shall not be named" back in 2001, where was the Two Man Power Trip storyline suppose to go?  What did WWE have planned for it? It’s safe to say “Benoit” you know, it’s not like Voldemort where he’ll come back to life and try to take over the world. Anyway, I think I’ve addressed this before, but the plan was a pretty straightforward deal where Austin would stop trusting HHH and they’d ending up feuding over the World title around Summerslam.  Of course, with HHH out they had to go to Kurt Angle, and that worked out better due to 9/11 anyway.  I don’t think there was any long-term planning going on past that point. Edit:  Former WWE writer Seth Mates clarifies for me via Twitter: After HHH got hurt, plan became to do face returning HHH vs heel Austin at WM18. But Austin wanted to be a face and was turned around SSeries, and basically talked himself out of the WM main and losing t

Austin, Post-Wrestling

Why do you think that Austin hasn't had the same level of success as The Rock in his post-wrestling career?  I remember a time where it seemed that Austin was gonna become the big star, not the Rock.  Those appearences on the old "Nash Bridges" tv show were so popular that CBS was seriously considering spinning Austin's character off in his own show at one time, but that didn't happen for some reason.  Now Rock is the big movie star, while Austin is making direct-to-DVD stuff.  Heck, Austin is also a well-known hunter, yet HBK gets his own hunting show.  Is Austin just content in doing WWE appearences/dvd movies?  Yea, Austin hosted the newest "Tough Enough" show, but surely the USA Network could come up with another one of their shows to put Austin in. Well, Austin is super duper mega rich thanks to years of merchandise sales and ridiculous DVD royalties, so I think he’s probably content to pick and choose his projects.  Plus he’s never struck me

Austin, Post-Wrestling

Why do you think that Austin hasn't had the same level of success as The Rock in his post-wrestling career?  I remember a time where it seemed that Austin was gonna become the big star, not the Rock.  Those appearences on the old "Nash Bridges" tv show were so popular that CBS was seriously considering spinning Austin's character off in his own show at one time, but that didn't happen for some reason.  Now Rock is the big movie star, while Austin is making direct-to-DVD stuff.  Heck, Austin is also a well-known hunter, yet HBK gets his own hunting show.  Is Austin just content in doing WWE appearences/dvd movies?  Yea, Austin hosted the newest "Tough Enough" show, but surely the USA Network could come up with another one of their shows to put Austin in. Well, Austin is super duper mega rich thanks to years of merchandise sales and ridiculous DVD royalties, so I think he’s probably content to pick and choose his projects.  Plus he’s never struck me

Podcast Plug

My friend Mik and I started the website WrestlingRingPost.com recently to be the home of all of our debates on pro wrestling. Our weekly news show, The Hard Way, has just begun. Every episode ends with our top 5 of the week, which varies wildly every week. Episode 3 is a special episode in that Mik and I give our top 5 of all time to make up for the botched quality of episode 2. Share this on your blog. I love getting feedback. Episode 3 - http://www.wrestlingringpost.com/2011/10/hard-way-top-5-of-all-time-vince-russo.html In this episode, Mik and I give out top 5 wrestlers of all time and talk about Vince Russo no longer being the head of TNA creative. Episode 4 - http://www.wrestlingringpost.com/2011/10/hard-way-brock-lesnar-in-wwe-12-bound.html In this episode, Mik and I give our predictions for Bound for Glory and talk about Lesnar being in WWE 12. Good luck!

Podcast Plug

My friend Mik and I started the website WrestlingRingPost.com recently to be the home of all of our debates on pro wrestling. Our weekly news show, The Hard Way, has just begun. Every episode ends with our top 5 of the week, which varies wildly every week. Episode 3 is a special episode in that Mik and I give our top 5 of all time to make up for the botched quality of episode 2. Share this on your blog. I love getting feedback. Episode 3 - http://www.wrestlingringpost.com/2011/10/hard-way-top-5-of-all-time-vince-russo.html In this episode, Mik and I give out top 5 wrestlers of all time and talk about Vince Russo no longer being the head of TNA creative. Episode 4 - http://www.wrestlingringpost.com/2011/10/hard-way-brock-lesnar-in-wwe-12-bound.html In this episode, Mik and I give our predictions for Bound for Glory and talk about Lesnar being in WWE 12. Good luck!

Scott Reviews the New 52: Week 7

Another week of strange mixtures, with one hotly anticipated title and two that probably won't get past "guilty pleasure" but still ended up on my pull list anyway because I'm a glutton for punishment sometimes. Let's get to it...

Scott Reviews the New 52: Week 7

Another week of strange mixtures, with one hotly anticipated title and two that probably won't get past "guilty pleasure" but still ended up on my pull list anyway because I'm a glutton for punishment sometimes. Let's get to it...

Punk plug

http://wrestling.insidepulse.com/2011/10/19/wednesday-morning-backlash-lessons-from-cm-punk-vs-miz-on-raw-the-best-in-the-world-debate-revisited/ I don’t know that I agree that Punk is the best on the mic right now, let alone a big draw.  Punk was doing great stuff in July, yeah, but he’s been kind of a smarmy dick since then.  And HHH had to bail out their Night of Champions feud with a promo to explain why they hated each other.  Punk definitely has charisma and he’s a funny guy who can think on his feet, but HHH still blows him away as far as getting points across and making people care about a match, in my opinion.

Punk plug

http://wrestling.insidepulse.com/2011/10/19/wednesday-morning-backlash-lessons-from-cm-punk-vs-miz-on-raw-the-best-in-the-world-debate-revisited/ I don’t know that I agree that Punk is the best on the mic right now, let alone a big draw.  Punk was doing great stuff in July, yeah, but he’s been kind of a smarmy dick since then.  And HHH had to bail out their Night of Champions feud with a promo to explain why they hated each other.  Punk definitely has charisma and he’s a funny guy who can think on his feet, but HHH still blows him away as far as getting points across and making people care about a match, in my opinion.

Best Comic Runs

Hi Scott, I'm new to the comics game, I've just finished Marvels Civil War Saga. What are your favorite comic book series/runs? Which ones should I definitely look for? All the best from Holland, Well, it’s not much to go on, plus I’m not a Marvel guy to begin with.  I’m an old-school DC guy, so most of my favorite stuff tends to gravitate to that.  But for the record, here’s the ones I’ve always loved (most of which are available in trade paperback): - Crisis On Infinite Earths.  The first and best universe-resettingest George Perez-Marv Wolfman nerdgasm.  People and universes got slaughtered wholesale, Superman got so pissed off that he punched out a living sun and saved the universe, Wally West got to be the Flash.  I read it over and over all the time. - The Man of Steel.  John Byrne flushed away all the debris of the “moves planets with a shrug” version of Superman and recreated him as the musclebound Kansas farmboy we all know and love today.  The

Best Comic Runs

Hi Scott, I'm new to the comics game, I've just finished Marvels Civil War Saga. What are your favorite comic book series/runs? Which ones should I definitely look for? All the best from Holland, Well, it’s not much to go on, plus I’m not a Marvel guy to begin with.  I’m an old-school DC guy, so most of my favorite stuff tends to gravitate to that.  But for the record, here’s the ones I’ve always loved (most of which are available in trade paperback): - Crisis On Infinite Earths.  The first and best universe-resettingest George Perez-Marv Wolfman nerdgasm.  People and universes got slaughtered wholesale, Superman got so pissed off that he punched out a living sun and saved the universe, Wally West got to be the Flash.  I read it over and over all the time. - The Man of Steel.  John Byrne flushed away all the debris of the “moves planets with a shrug” version of Superman and recreated him as the musclebound Kansas farmboy we all know and love today.  The

Play By Play Dead, Film at 11

Hey Scott, Just wondered what you and the blogees make of JR's recent outburst about the state of commentary on Raw. Is it right that the company should now make explicit their focus on storylines rather than the story of the match? http://twitter.com/#!/JRsBBQ/status/125600671729844224 http://twitter.com/#!/JRsBBQ/status/125603106850480128 If they need their announcers to explain their storylines, they’re doing a shitty job of creating storylines.  And even so, with the Punk-HHH feud, they needed HHH to go out there and basically tell people why they were fighting because it was such a nonsensical mess.  And of course you have the Swagger-Ziggler “storyline”, where we’re never really clear on whether they’re teaming or hate each other.  Basically it’s just another buzzword for them to tell the investors and justify their ridiculous decisions. Edit to also add:  I think the best summation is Peter Griffin pitching the show “Handi-Quacks” to the FOX animati

Play By Play Dead, Film at 11

Hey Scott, Just wondered what you and the blogees make of JR's recent outburst about the state of commentary on Raw. Is it right that the company should now make explicit their focus on storylines rather than the story of the match? http://twitter.com/#!/JRsBBQ/status/125600671729844224 http://twitter.com/#!/JRsBBQ/status/125603106850480128 If they need their announcers to explain their storylines, they’re doing a shitty job of creating storylines.  And even so, with the Punk-HHH feud, they needed HHH to go out there and basically tell people why they were fighting because it was such a nonsensical mess.  And of course you have the Swagger-Ziggler “storyline”, where we’re never really clear on whether they’re teaming or hate each other.  Basically it’s just another buzzword for them to tell the investors and justify their ridiculous decisions. Edit to also add:  I think the best summation is Peter Griffin pitching the show “Handi-Quacks” to the FOX animati

90s Lightning Round

A few quickies for you, re: early-90s WWF... 1. Why did Papa Shango, who was heavily featured in a number of 'top spots' in the early-90s WWF, work so few actual matches on PPV?  He seemed to be involved in potential programs with Warrior, Hogan, and the like--even running in during the Wrestlemania VIII main event. We never got a Hogan-Shango, Undertaker-Shango, Warrior-Shango match on PPV, but he worked throwaway dark matches on numerous cards.  Any idea why? 2. Was there a long-term plan for Sid Eudy in '91-'92 WWF?  It seemed Vince went to great lengths to sign him away from WCW and the WMVIII main event vs. Hogan was as high as he could go in terms of spotlight, but was that as far as 'plans' could extend because of Sid's flaky nature?  Was there more in store for Sid if he had not bailed by the summer of '92? 3. After the Rockers' split, was Marty Jannetty out with an injury or rehab stint?  It seemed the Michaels-Jannetty clash

90s Lightning Round

A few quickies for you, re: early-90s WWF... 1. Why did Papa Shango, who was heavily featured in a number of 'top spots' in the early-90s WWF, work so few actual matches on PPV?  He seemed to be involved in potential programs with Warrior, Hogan, and the like--even running in during the Wrestlemania VIII main event. We never got a Hogan-Shango, Undertaker-Shango, Warrior-Shango match on PPV, but he worked throwaway dark matches on numerous cards.  Any idea why? 2. Was there a long-term plan for Sid Eudy in '91-'92 WWF?  It seemed Vince went to great lengths to sign him away from WCW and the WMVIII main event vs. Hogan was as high as he could go in terms of spotlight, but was that as far as 'plans' could extend because of Sid's flaky nature?  Was there more in store for Sid if he had not bailed by the summer of '92? 3. After the Rockers' split, was Marty Jannetty out with an injury or rehab stint?  It seemed the Michaels-Jannetty clash

Hogan v. Ventura

Hey, Scott, long time reader and so on, love the site. I had a question about Jesse Ventura and his problems with Hogan; it's not a big secret that Jesse had some jealousy issues with the Hulkster throughout their time in the WWF, but this really seems to pop up a great deal during Wrestlemania V. After the No Holds Barred movie review, he lays into Hogan big-time about 'invading his territory in Hollywood' and how when he lost to the Macho Man later, he could come out to Hollywood and drive Jesse's limo (4:07 on the clip), and he briefly storms off the set while Monsoon has to cover for him. He also cheers more vociferously than usual against Hogan in the main event title match. Is this just good heel commentary by Jesse for the big event, or was there any specific heat that Jesse had with Hogan around that time? Thanks! Far as I know he was just being a good heel.  Ventura might be a tad insane, as demonstrated by his conspiracy theory show, but I don’t think th

Hogan v. Ventura

Hey, Scott, long time reader and so on, love the site. I had a question about Jesse Ventura and his problems with Hogan; it's not a big secret that Jesse had some jealousy issues with the Hulkster throughout their time in the WWF, but this really seems to pop up a great deal during Wrestlemania V. After the No Holds Barred movie review, he lays into Hogan big-time about 'invading his territory in Hollywood' and how when he lost to the Macho Man later, he could come out to Hollywood and drive Jesse's limo (4:07 on the clip), and he briefly storms off the set while Monsoon has to cover for him. He also cheers more vociferously than usual against Hogan in the main event title match. Is this just good heel commentary by Jesse for the big event, or was there any specific heat that Jesse had with Hogan around that time? Thanks! Far as I know he was just being a good heel.  Ventura might be a tad insane, as demonstrated by his conspiracy theory show, but I don’t think th

TNA Shocks

Hi Scott Long time reader since, god, way back, Wrestleline, Scaia, Micasa and days gone by!!! Anyway, what's your thoughts on the following. Back in the day when WWF and WCW were competing head on for Monday night and PPV dominance it was an interesting time, one of the key ingredients was the possibility of a shock defection, someone moving from one to the other. Sure the Smarks had it nailed and knew in advance but in the main it was intriguing stuff, i.e. Jericho, Radicalz, Rude, Luger, Madusa etc swapping sides. Now with no Big 2 that has drifted away over the years. The only thing that perks interest (moderately) is when TNA debut an ex WWE star, Angle, Hardy, RVD, Anderson etc. BUT the key thing is this doesn't happen the other way, i.e. how often has a TNA star made a big splash debuting on Raw?! I count never, but I may be wrong. Do you think TNA (aside from Angle, Sting and Hogan) have any talent that could do that big splash? I don’t know of any

TNA Shocks

Hi Scott Long time reader since, god, way back, Wrestleline, Scaia, Micasa and days gone by!!! Anyway, what's your thoughts on the following. Back in the day when WWF and WCW were competing head on for Monday night and PPV dominance it was an interesting time, one of the key ingredients was the possibility of a shock defection, someone moving from one to the other. Sure the Smarks had it nailed and knew in advance but in the main it was intriguing stuff, i.e. Jericho, Radicalz, Rude, Luger, Madusa etc swapping sides. Now with no Big 2 that has drifted away over the years. The only thing that perks interest (moderately) is when TNA debut an ex WWE star, Angle, Hardy, RVD, Anderson etc. BUT the key thing is this doesn't happen the other way, i.e. how often has a TNA star made a big splash debuting on Raw?! I count never, but I may be wrong. Do you think TNA (aside from Angle, Sting and Hogan) have any talent that could do that big splash? I don’t know of any

DVD Releases

Hello Scott. Long-time reader etc.  I was wondering if you have any idea why WWE releases so much cool old-school stuff on DVD overseas and not here. I'm talking about stuff like old house shows, SMNE sets with full episodes. All sorts of cool crap that you'd think would sell like crazy to all the old-school fans who are fed up with the current product. I mean I've liked their releases overall the past few years, but it seems like their missing the boat on this stuff. Or maybe I'm the only one who would buy something like this.. Any thoughts? Thanks for your time. Darn good question.  There’s a weird disparity in what gets released to foreign markets both in DVDs and stuff like the Vintage Collection show, and I’m not really sure why.  In the case of the DVDs, I’m just taking a shot in the dark and saying that companies like Silvervision just license the material and then release it how they want, whereas WWE exerts more dire

DVD Releases

Hello Scott. Long-time reader etc.  I was wondering if you have any idea why WWE releases so much cool old-school stuff on DVD overseas and not here. I'm talking about stuff like old house shows, SMNE sets with full episodes. All sorts of cool crap that you'd think would sell like crazy to all the old-school fans who are fed up with the current product. I mean I've liked their releases overall the past few years, but it seems like their missing the boat on this stuff. Or maybe I'm the only one who would buy something like this.. Any thoughts? Thanks for your time. Darn good question.  There’s a weird disparity in what gets released to foreign markets both in DVDs and stuff like the Vintage Collection show, and I’m not really sure why.  In the case of the DVDs, I’m just taking a shot in the dark and saying that companies like Silvervision just license the material and then release it how they want, whereas WWE exerts more dire

Boston Plug

Hi Scott, Second time, long time. I wrote an article for Boston.com about the Chaotic Wrestling event in Boston last Friday. Chaotic is one of the best little Indy's around, and they have featured such names as John Cena, Kofi Kingston and Spike Dudley, just to name a few. It would mean a lot to me if you could share my article with your readers. Many Thanks, Kenny http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/blogs/thenextgreatgeneration/2011/10/chaotic_wrestling_brings_sport.html OK, but I still hate the fucking Bruins.  Fuck them and their Stanley Cup.  Just wanted to mention that.

Boston Plug

Hi Scott, Second time, long time. I wrote an article for Boston.com about the Chaotic Wrestling event in Boston last Friday. Chaotic is one of the best little Indy's around, and they have featured such names as John Cena, Kofi Kingston and Spike Dudley, just to name a few. It would mean a lot to me if you could share my article with your readers. Many Thanks, Kenny http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/blogs/thenextgreatgeneration/2011/10/chaotic_wrestling_brings_sport.html OK, but I still hate the fucking Bruins.  Fuck them and their Stanley Cup.  Just wanted to mention that.