Skip to main content

Monday Night Open Mic

Howdy Blog O'Doomers!

Not much happening this week as we prepare for the final stretch before Summerslam. I actually downloaded all 28 In Your Houses (or 27 depending on whether Backlash 1999 was considered an IYH or not) to prepare to watch and possibly review. A couple of things really stood out to me.

-- They tried and tried and tried and tried and tried to find something that Bradshaw could do to get over and oddly enough I think the one thing that worked (APA) really seemed to get over by chance more than anything.

-- If not for Shawn Michaels, the earlier cards would easily be considered among the most boring PPVs of all time.

-- If I go back and review the Austin-Vega strap match it'll likely get five stars. I think the first time I did it it was about ****1/2 but rewatching it again it was Austin's second best match in the WWF pre-injury, with the Survivor Series match against Bret Hart being the clear number one. Definitely the best strap match EVER.

-- In the much later cards it looks like they were experimenting with a born-again Christian gimmick for Dustin Rhodes. He came out before the bikini showdown between Sable and Jackie and said a prayer. Was this the first time they tried this? I don't remember. However, they eventually went the total opposite direction and did "The Artist Formerly Known As" gimmick.

Something else I wanted to ask but I've forgotten so I'll remind myself later.

With Summerslam heading in and the high expectations for it we have a good chance at the WWE hitting a three-in-row streak for kick ass PPVs. Hopefully tonight is the big sell. So enjoy the show and come out swinging but try to keep it clean!

Comments

  1. You've got it backwards with Rhodes. The "Born Again" gimmick came AFTER TAFKA. For a while he carried a sign saying "He is coming BACK!" "He," at the spurning of Val Venis sleeping with Terri, ended up being Goldust.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I actually found the "Born Again" gimmick to be pretty interesting, especially in matches when he would try to be a good sport after losing.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Bradshaw is the epitome of the "Be yourself with the volume turned way up" school of getting over.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yeah, you're right, my time period was off, he debuted TAFKA at or around Survivor Series 1997 and the time period between that and Survivor Series 1998 gets mixed up for me.

    ReplyDelete
  5. if 3 hours isn't enough for you ESPN Classic has had GWF on as a nice little prelude to raw.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Depending on how much you considered the Brood to be part of the Ministry of Darkness, the APA was the best thing to come out of that faction.

    ReplyDelete
  7. WHat about the Artist Formerly Known as Prince Iakeau??

    ReplyDelete
  8. The Lightning Kid when he was an indy/smart darling! LOVE IT.

    ReplyDelete
  9. This is it guys, six days until Daniel Bryan is (briefly) WWE Champion!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Your_Favourite_AssholeAugust 12, 2013 at 5:58 PM

    'If I go back and review the Austin-Vega strap match it'll likely get
    five stars. I think the first time I did it it was about ****1/2 but
    rewatching it again it was Austin's second best match in the WWF
    pre-injury, with the Survivor Series match against Bret Hart being the
    clear number one. Definitely the best strap match EVER.'


    no, no its not. the austin/savio matches are wayyyyyyyyy overrated, just like the hhh/rck summerslam ladder match


    i will never understand the love people give to the austin/savio matches


    eddie/jbl - now theres a good strap match

    ReplyDelete
  11. think that was raven on commentary too.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Your_Favourite_AssholeAugust 12, 2013 at 6:00 PM

    btw, backlash was def an iyh event

    ReplyDelete
  13. his arms must get tired.

    ReplyDelete
  14. As this match gets underway, I would just like to remind people that Wade Barrett won NXT and was therefore selected as the leader of the Nexus ahead of Daniel Bryan.

    ReplyDelete
  15. He just flew in all the way from Aberdeen.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Ha! I just said that.

    ReplyDelete
  17. while carrying half the roster!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Maddox should have worn a size smedium referee shirt. Own your gimmick, young man.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hey, Maddox has main event refereeing experience.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Did Wade Barrett even get an entrance? Does silence count as his 12th entrance theme?

    ReplyDelete
  21. If that's the case, then the crowd noise for his other themes counts as a mash-up.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Nope, was in the ring as the show came on. Not sure why Bryan needs to squash him two shows in a row. Could of given Bryan someone different to squash tonight.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Presented by Doritos? And here I figured it would be sponsored by the newest Doritos Locos Taco, Flamas.

    ReplyDelete
  24. This lousy Smarch weather...

    ReplyDelete
  25. Meatball subs, Monday Night Raw, and the BLOG OF DOOM.


    Life ain't bad.

    ReplyDelete
  26. There was an early Steve Austin match(1991) on there sometime in the last week, as well. Plus all the Stevie Ray you can handle. My DVR loves it.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Man, what did they do to Barrett's heat? During the Nexus gimmick, dude was over. Now...*crickets*.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Vader vs Sting is the best strap match ever. Eddy/JBL is good as is Austin/Vega but neither approach Sting vs Vader

    ReplyDelete
  29. Way to give away the ending of Summerslam, JBL.

    ReplyDelete
  30. They're being presented by the entire Doritos *brand*, thus including all of the Locos Tacos.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Man, these guys are sloppy good tonight

    ReplyDelete
  32. Like manwiches or a night with Missy Hyatte.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Yeah. Spoiling the end of PPVs is Cole's job.

    ReplyDelete
  34. "But who's side is he ON, Schiavone?"

    ReplyDelete
  35. BARRETT WINS A MATCH?!? There's hope for him yet!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Like a nice Sunny day

    ReplyDelete
  37. They need to get Det. R-Truth in his Sherlock Holmes get-up to solve the mystery of why Brad Maddox gets so much damn TV time.

    ReplyDelete
  38. WWE: Every Heel Is The Honky Tonk Man

    ReplyDelete
  39. It's one of the unsolved mysteries of...Unsolved Mysteries.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Exactly what is controversial about Miz TV?

    ReplyDelete
  41. Ugh, Miz TV.


    SO glad I went on a beer run.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Sandow's new briefcase is awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Oh good, at least they're making sure the Miz is getting on tv.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Not sure what the point of that finish was. Does Vince try to kick him out of the ME so Cena can give an empassioned speech to "save" his title shot?

    ReplyDelete
  45. It's still allowed to air?

    ReplyDelete
  46. Why it is still a segment when even an appearance by Paul Heyman couldn't make it enjoyable.

    ReplyDelete
  47. The BOD should be receiving royalties for that idea.

    ReplyDelete
  48. It violates international sanctions against torture.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Gotta love Sandow's briefcase. IS THAT MAHOGANY?!

    ReplyDelete
  50. It sits next to his leather-bound books.

    ReplyDelete
  51. I really thought the Austin/Savio WM12 match was overrated and can't understand people who give it ***1/2 since the crowd was dead, the announcers could have cared less as they were more interested in the Piper/Goldust saga and the finish was awful too, but I did really like their strap match, though I agree that ***** is pretty absurd.

    ReplyDelete
  52. The fact that a eunuch landed Maryse.

    ReplyDelete
  53. is MizTV controversial because of the fact that it fucking sucks a whole bunch of dicks or something?

    ReplyDelete
  54. Ad Break Topic #1:


    Seriously, how great was The Last of Us?


    No spoilers, but I finally purchased it and beat it in a few days and bawled like a small child.

    ReplyDelete
  55. It's one of the most gutwrenching openings to a video game that I can recall.

    ReplyDelete
  56. It NEEDS to be referred to as his investment portfolio.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Really? I heard it sucked so I passed on it.

    ReplyDelete
  58. "Damian Sandow is an educated man, Monsoon!"
    "As he so helpfully reminds us each week."
    "Hey, he's way smarter than that hick grandson of a plumber Cody Rhodes! You know, I heard they had to cancel both driver's ed AND sexual education at Cody's old high school."
    "And why is that, Brain?"
    "Their mule died!"
    "WILL YOU BE SERIOUS?!"

    ReplyDelete
  59. can't he just open it and take the contract?

    ReplyDelete
  60. How long until Sandow gets cuffed and beaten?

    ReplyDelete
  61. You can tell the wrestlers WWE really wants to push. They're the only ones who get full entrances.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Ok, I didn't watch Smackdown so I had only read about the new briefcase until now...that thing is awesome

    ReplyDelete
  63. I've yet to read a single negative review of it except for an article on Forbes bitching about the ending.

    It takes a little while to get going, but it's one of the best games I've played in years. Naughty Dog is outstanding at making incredibly cinematic games that are still fun and challenging to play.


    Love it so much.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Tremendous.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Oh, couple of minutes yet.

    ReplyDelete
  66. Most of the complaints I heard came from friends.


    I think I'll check it out regardless.

    ReplyDelete
  67. That new briefcase of Sandow's is really great, but you KNOW it would job to Orton's briefcase.

    ReplyDelete
  68. I kind of want him to hold onto it forever now.

    ReplyDelete
  69. If Orton jobs to Sandow here (don't laugh), he's definitely turning Sunday. WWE logic says that someone on the verge of a turn puts everyone over, because no one will remember after the turn anyway.

    ReplyDelete
  70. So if Sandow loses, he's turning?

    ReplyDelete
  71. I only regret that I have but one upvote to give.



    *Is hanged*

    ReplyDelete
  72. No, that means he's getting the title.

    ReplyDelete
  73. I'm kinda surprised Cena never got a briefcase with a spinner in it.

    ReplyDelete
  74. I can't remember if they were over or not, but 99 Acolytes were pretty cool as asskicking machines, and I felt the 2000 APA stuff was too hokey and watered down, which pretty much ruined them as they quickly lost credibility shortly after. They went from winning tag team titles and tag team turmoils to jobbing to the friggin' Bossman and Bull Buchanan..

    ReplyDelete
  75. I get that they want Cody as this suave suit-wearing babyface in the vein of Flair and Rock, I get that. But the guy hasn't developed the kind of charisma to support that kind of character.

    ReplyDelete
  76. What was in Mongo's briefcase? Was that ever explained?

    ReplyDelete
  77. So incredibly stupid...why the hell would Cody stop Sandow from cashing in? Why wouldn't he just let him so his match at SummerSlam could be for the title?

    ReplyDelete
  78. Man, those sour grapes are sure gonna help Cody get over as a face.

    ReplyDelete
  79. Cocaine. A mountain of cocaine.

    ReplyDelete
  80. he needs an on air run with his dad by his side.

    ReplyDelete
  81. I said this last week -- a couple of guys in suits fighting isn't going to work. Cody really needs to dress like an everyman first.

    ReplyDelete
  82. Love JBL pointing it out too, and Cody having no comeback. Because WWE science.

    ReplyDelete
  83. Originally I think it was a cash payoff from the Horsemen.

    ReplyDelete
  84. Ad Break Topic #2:


    Moment in a work of fiction that most provokes manly tears.


    For me, it's either the ending to Gran Torino, the ending of the last fight in Warrior, or Savage/Elizabeth reuniting at WM7.


    Right in the feels.

    ReplyDelete
  85. A match-up between Money in the Bank briefcase holders is so rare, we just saw it two weeks ago on Smackdown.

    ReplyDelete
  86. Definitely WM7. Still the best moment in wrestling history.

    ReplyDelete
  87. Nobody watches Smackdown, though.

    ReplyDelete
  88. I actually kind of liked "Sandow isn't going to win the title before I do" line.

    ReplyDelete
  89. Nah, he just needs a personality. He's not over the top enough with the gimmick. People started cheering heel Rock in 1998 because he was just so much fucking fun in that role. His Wrestlemania 14 speech about poor people is genuinely hilarious. Also note how Barack has tried to borrow Rock's swag.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2QUZ9T_KhI

    ReplyDelete
  90. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnKQo9n7M6Q

    ReplyDelete
  91. "Hey! Dad? Wanna have a catch?"
    "I'd like that."

    ReplyDelete
  92. Iron giant's superman scene.

    ReplyDelete
  93. Braveheart makes me cry like a little girl every time.


    The elves showing up at Helm's Deep in Two Towers.


    The Green Mile.


    Foley winning the WWE title for the first time.

    ReplyDelete
  94. His divorce papers from Debra.

    ReplyDelete
  95. Oh man, I forgot about LOTR.


    "My friends, you bow to no one."


    ALL THE CRIES.

    ReplyDelete
  96. I feel it's just not a true 'manly tears' discussion if we don't bring up Brian's Song..

    ReplyDelete
  97. True story the last 20 minutes of Toy Story 3 do it to me.

    ReplyDelete
  98. Oh, totally. Many moments in that series. That's right there too.

    ReplyDelete
  99. It's rarer than someone mandhandling The Undertaker.

    ReplyDelete
  100. He tried to explain, no one understood

    ReplyDelete
  101. It's as good an explanation as any, but you get my point. The booking is fundamentally flawed. It's not his fault.

    ReplyDelete
  102. This is sad replacement for smash or pass. Couldn't we do it, just without the links?


    :(

    ReplyDelete
  103. Zombie Sapphire?


    I'm in.

    ReplyDelete
  104. Same. Although I was too terrified during the climax to be anything but numb. I seriously thought they were going to go through with the incinerator.

    ReplyDelete
  105. "Polka dots...must...have...polka dots..."

    ReplyDelete
  106. LOL, have to love all of the announcers burying his face turn, because it makes no sense.

    ReplyDelete
  107. Eh, depends on if others would be willing to do the googling.

    ReplyDelete
  108. What about Randy Quaid flying into the enemy spaceship at Independence Day?

    ReplyDelete
  109. Anyone who says they didn't feel it when they all held hands in the incinerator is a damn liar :-)

    ReplyDelete
  110. "Randy Orton is my mentor in sports entertainment..."


    Does anybody ever think to themselves how stupid a statement like that sounds?

    ReplyDelete
  111. Besides the obvious contagion problem, I can see Zombie Sapphire becoming popular with the fans.. Sure would improve her promo skills..

    ReplyDelete
  112. Well, you can still do the links.

    ReplyDelete
  113. I had a brief moment of doubt. Talk about quality film-making. Getting the audience to believe they're going to kill off a bunch of toys in a kids movie.

    ReplyDelete
  114. JBL is killing Cody out there.

    ReplyDelete
  115. I still can believe its Vin Diesel doing the voice,so much emotion he put it in the character.

    ReplyDelete
  116. He now knows how to trash a hotel room with the best of them.

    ReplyDelete
  117. the alternative universe ending to the 2001 World Series, where Mo actually did close out Game 7.

    ReplyDelete
  118. Busting his balls big time

    ReplyDelete
  119. True or False: Cody is a better talker than Dustin, but Dustin is the better worker. Discuss.

    ReplyDelete
  120. Time to take this home.

    ReplyDelete
  121. And then they're going to shocked (SHOCKED!) in a few weeks when said face turn isn't working and wonder how the hell this could be happening.

    ReplyDelete
  122. It seems they are testing Cody and improvisation and is failing miserably.

    ReplyDelete
  123. Cody can talk but he's bland as hell.

    ReplyDelete
  124. It's obviously going to be Cody's fault.

    ReplyDelete
  125. Oh, and the opening scenes in Up! and the Star Trek reboot.

    ReplyDelete
  126. Because that's how you get people over! By making them look like dopes at the commentary table!

    ReplyDelete
  127. Terminator 2 arnie's death scene.

    ReplyDelete
  128. Was that a picture of Pee-Wee Herman?

    ReplyDelete
  129. Cody just said that he'll be damned if Sandow becomes champion before him. Just because he's feuding with Sandow doesn't mean he's entitled to a title shot. Technically, Del Rio would just use his rematch clause at SummerSlam.

    ReplyDelete
  130. What about the ending to Oldboy? Are those considered manly tears?

    ReplyDelete
  131. I tear up during 'Brian's Song', the last Bruce Willis scene in 'Armageddon'... and sometimes during 'Rudy'.

    ReplyDelete
  132. Dustin wouldn't have been put in that position. I don't remember Goldust ever getting sent to the announce table, just so everyone there could troll him.

    ReplyDelete
  133. He also knows what to poop in when a toilet isn't nearby.

    ReplyDelete
  134. WWE: where every heel is dumber than a shitload of bricks.

    ReplyDelete
  135. False. Dustin at least has some memorable promos.

    ReplyDelete
  136. Well...the really smart, cool, good heels get over as faces. Eventually.

    ReplyDelete
  137. You could say that about more than half the babyfaces, too.

    ReplyDelete
  138. ...execpt Triple H. Because he's awesome in every facet.

    ReplyDelete
  139. I wonder if they have second thoughts about turning Orton heel, on certain nights, this guy gets the biggest pops of any face...

    ReplyDelete
  140. Oh, MAN. Someone so should kick RVD right in the junk with that shot.

    ReplyDelete
  141. Except Cena,he tricked all the kids.

    ReplyDelete
  142. With Vince's Genetic Jackhammer, Hunter's Sledgehammer, or Stephanie's...


    Okay, time to end that train of thought.

    ReplyDelete
  143. Sweet! A "We have nothing better for these 20 guys to do!" battle royale!

    ReplyDelete
  144. The Shield are in the Ninja Turtles' lair.

    ReplyDelete
  145. The Shield needs Jimmy Jacobs.

    ReplyDelete
  146. Now THAT'S decent motivation for The Shield.

    ReplyDelete
  147. But seriously, Roberto Benigni in Life is Beautiful. Everything. He. Does.

    ReplyDelete
  148. I just got back into the product a few years ago.. Has Cody ever had either a manger or female valet? He seems like the kind of guy that could benefit from that.

    ReplyDelete
  149. hmm any chance mark Henry wins due to his feud against the Shield? Not telegraphed at all.

    ReplyDelete
  150. Ok, this has always irritated me, since the inception of The Shield. How exactly are they dispensing justice? Have they given any kind of clue?

    ReplyDelete
  151. Dean fuckin' Ambrose!

    ReplyDelete
  152. Okay, by popular demand, an image-free Smash or Pass:

    This week's theme, competitive reality show contestants.

    First up, RC from Survivor: Philippines!

    http://survivorfandom.com/survivor-philippines-secret-scene-33894/

    ReplyDelete
  153. Ambrose FTW.

    ReplyDelete
  154. "Wait a minute... THAT'S ANDRE THE GIANT'S GHOST'S MUSIC!"

    ReplyDelete
  155. Do cops give clues when they dispense justice? No, they FIND them!

    ReplyDelete
  156. A star is born.

    ReplyDelete
  157. Would he still be afraid of snakes?

    ReplyDelete
  158. Way to wait until literally the last minute to try and book matches for both the US and Tag titles... Sheesh..

    ReplyDelete
  159. I thought that was the point. They're hiding behind the label of 'justice' to further their own interests.

    ReplyDelete
  160. Randy Savage's money.

    ReplyDelete
  161. So...RVD wins the battle royal, Henry and Big Show challenge for the tag titles?

    ReplyDelete
  162. Ad Break Topic #3:


    What's your best pick-up line?

    ReplyDelete
  163. Only if Show gets to turn on Henry.

    ReplyDelete
  164. yeah...I guess I just missed it, or don't get it. I subscribe to the idea that the heel has to believe he's right, and I just don't quite get that from them.

    ReplyDelete
  165. "Do you have flood insurance?"


    "No, why?"


    "Because, baby, I'm about to get you wet."

    ReplyDelete
  166. So that would be another two turns in a week for Show?

    ReplyDelete
  167. Dayum girl did you fall from heaven because your pelvis looks shattered and your shins look scuffed up girl

    ReplyDelete
  168. *LOOKS FROM AFAR*


    *APPROACHES*


    So I thought I'd take a closer look.


    *SLAP*

    ReplyDelete
  169. Excuse me Miss, does this handkerchief smell like chloroform to you?

    ReplyDelete
  170. "Let me check the label on your dress. Just as I thought: 'Made in Taiwan.'"

    ReplyDelete
  171. You must be a magic mushroom, 'cuz you're making me grow

    ReplyDelete
  172. You know, it's interesting to note that WWE would literally announce a match was happening at the PPV randomly on commentary on the go home show back in late 1999.

    ReplyDelete
  173. Suck my dick.

    (I like to just be honest sometimes)

    ReplyDelete
  174. Here's a fun idea! This Sunday during the Brock/Punk match, take a drink every time someone says either "Best" or "Beast"! Just make sure someone has 911 on speed dial.

    ReplyDelete
  175. I would like to actually *remember* the match.

    ReplyDelete
  176. Brock looks like he's reading cue cards. Beginners in MMA is a GOLDEN LINE!

    ReplyDelete
  177. Not going to lie.


    I cried during Click. Now shut the fuck up and stop staring at me like that.

    ReplyDelete
  178. Reason we don't here Lesnar speak much - this promo.

    ReplyDelete
  179. *Does "come here" gesture with index finger*


    *Female approaches*


    "I made you come with one finger, imagine what I could do with my whole hand."

    ReplyDelete
  180. But but . . . isn't RVD already booked for the pre-show match?

    ReplyDelete
  181. Getting your drunk friend chokeslammed isn't nice...

    ReplyDelete
  182. This feud has been so fucking money.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment