...Well this escalated quickly. Much like Glenn Jacobs is to Diesel, it looks like I'm the new, flabbier, Caliber, and now have 'posting questions from Mr. Keith's inbox' duties, as well as officially handling QOTD from now on. So the first person I get to disappoint with a response that's not from Scott, but instead from me, is Brent. Brent says:
'Over the course of your time watching and, especially, reviewing pro wrestling, what wrestlers have you changed your opinions on, both good and bad? For example, I remember you not caring for Ronnie Garvin matches years ago, but it seems you like his matches more now (hope I'm not wrong on that perception). And are there match styles you like or dislike more than you did when you started doing this? Thanks for the writings.'
Brent Z.
Hulk Hogan.
...Seriously.
Right around the time Hogan came back to wrestle The Rock, I think a lot of pro-wrestling fans kind of caught the nostalgia fever, and I was kind of glad to have him around. He wasn't setting the world on fire, match wise, but I enjoyed his feud with Brock Lesnar quite a bit ("Brock Lesnar may be 23...and I may be...29, brother!") and thought his match with Vince at Wrestlemania was one of those 3-and-a-half star classics like Angle v. Shane or Vince v. Shane that had no right being as good as it was. Plus he gave us one of the best ribs in the history of (my association with) pro wrestling, where Shawn Michaels spent the majority of the Summer Slam bumping around like a cartoon character behind Hogan's back.
I'm pretty sure I'm mixing up two separate runs in there, but hey, memory is a funky thing.
But anyway, much like barfing up ice-cream, I'm a bit embarrassed to admit I enjoyed Hogan the second time around - maybe because I was expecting far less than I actually got, and could actually appreciate what Hogan had to offer as an entertainer. Especially since I was 'in the know' versus being a kid who liked him because I was supposed too.
As far as wrestling styles go - I think a lot of fans are a bit more conscious of hardcore wrestling. The first time I saw "I Quit" I was like 13 and loved every second of it. After reading "Have a Nice Day" and all the other crazy wrestler head-trauma related ish that happened there-after, I stopped enjoying matches where dudes bashed their skulls in for the entertainment of the millions (and millions) of fans watching at home.
But what say you, Blog ODers?
'Over the course of your time watching and, especially, reviewing pro wrestling, what wrestlers have you changed your opinions on, both good and bad? For example, I remember you not caring for Ronnie Garvin matches years ago, but it seems you like his matches more now (hope I'm not wrong on that perception). And are there match styles you like or dislike more than you did when you started doing this? Thanks for the writings.'
Brent Z.
Hulk Hogan.
...Seriously.
Right around the time Hogan came back to wrestle The Rock, I think a lot of pro-wrestling fans kind of caught the nostalgia fever, and I was kind of glad to have him around. He wasn't setting the world on fire, match wise, but I enjoyed his feud with Brock Lesnar quite a bit ("Brock Lesnar may be 23...and I may be...29, brother!") and thought his match with Vince at Wrestlemania was one of those 3-and-a-half star classics like Angle v. Shane or Vince v. Shane that had no right being as good as it was. Plus he gave us one of the best ribs in the history of (my association with) pro wrestling, where Shawn Michaels spent the majority of the Summer Slam bumping around like a cartoon character behind Hogan's back.
I'm pretty sure I'm mixing up two separate runs in there, but hey, memory is a funky thing.
But anyway, much like barfing up ice-cream, I'm a bit embarrassed to admit I enjoyed Hogan the second time around - maybe because I was expecting far less than I actually got, and could actually appreciate what Hogan had to offer as an entertainer. Especially since I was 'in the know' versus being a kid who liked him because I was supposed too.
As far as wrestling styles go - I think a lot of fans are a bit more conscious of hardcore wrestling. The first time I saw "I Quit" I was like 13 and loved every second of it. After reading "Have a Nice Day" and all the other crazy wrestler head-trauma related ish that happened there-after, I stopped enjoying matches where dudes bashed their skulls in for the entertainment of the millions (and millions) of fans watching at home.
But what say you, Blog ODers?
I made a major switch on Dolph Ziggler; for the longest time, the stench of his Spirit Squad involvement and his retarded name just rubbed me the wrong way, but he won me over big time with his work had has since become one of my favorite wrestlers. I also made a minor switch on Sheamus; he was originally a guilty pleasure, but just got overexposed to the point of irritation whenever he'd show up. Those are just recent guys though; there's a million wrestlers who I used to love or hate from my childhood that I've flipped on either way with age and perspective.
ReplyDeleteI'm making a bit of a switch the other way on Ziggler these days. He's going to end up the next Dynamite Kid if he's not careful.
ReplyDeleteI have softened my hatred of Dolph. I couldn't stand him for the same reasons you mentioned. Now I don't mind him. He's a great worker, but I still don't think he has the charisma to be THE guy in the company.
ReplyDeleteCo-sign. I didn't think much of Ziggler for a long time, largely because of the name, but he's really proven himself.
ReplyDeleteKane is one I've changed my mind on about 10 times. Didn't like him when he debuted because it ruined a perfect match in HBK Vs UT and I thought the storyline was dumb even for Taker (if I only knew).
ReplyDeleteI liked him during his feud with X-Pac. Thought the cage match was underrated.
Swung back to hating him through the 2000's when he became a trope "For punishment you face KANE!"
Really liked his recent run with Bryan. Funny segments and some good work overall.
I'm not positive that it fits, but I would say Daniel Bryan. I always enjoyed his matches, but I thought that he was as dull as dishwater until he found himself through the YES business.
ReplyDeleteI liked his mid-career run right after "Kane-a-roonie" and right before the unmask and Katie Vick stuff.
ReplyDeleteTo this day, I have to admit that I LOVED the Powers of Pain as a kid. Loved them. I remember when they signed with the WWF and debuted and all the managers were salivating to sign them. Then, you grow up, and rewatch a Warlord match. Yikes.
ReplyDeleteI would probably be willing to go as far as the next Curt Hennig, with respect to the back injuries from the crazy selling. Dolph's actual offense isn't as suicidal as DK's was.
ReplyDeleteI doubt you're flabbier than Caliber.
ReplyDeleteI remember being psyched that Dave Taylor signed with the E. That did not turn out well.
I actually hated Hogan in the late 90s. And I mean I hated all of his matches from the beginning of his career. I also 'got it' after the Hogan/Rock match.
http://www.411mania.com/game_article_pictures/15103.jpg
ReplyDeleteMagnum TA. I was a fan of him with his feuds with Koloff and Blanchard but looking back at his work I'm not impressed. Same with Nikita Koloff and Kerry Von Eric.
ReplyDeletePretty sure that's Abuse of Patio Furniture. Still a misdemeanor.
ReplyDeleteI actually broke that chair later in the night. I felt really bad about it.
ReplyDeleteThe chair felt worse.
You look like a fat guy that's headed in the right direction. As opposed to a fat guy who thinks he's in shape.
ReplyDeleteAre you going to post this conversation on NPP Assiris?
ReplyDeleteHoly crap dude! Awesome job. Where are you circa 2013?
ReplyDeleteWhy would I? It's not that interesting.
ReplyDeleteI dunno, just to fullfill that itch of obsession that you seem to have.
ReplyDeleteNewsflash, nothing that takes place here or at NPP is "that interesting".
Sorry if this is not the place to ask but what happened to Caliber? Seems like I just showed up today and he's gone.
ReplyDeleteI wondered the same thing.
ReplyDeleteYoud be surprised.
ReplyDeleteYou guys should go to the QOTD thread Meekin posted. It's all there. No need to rehash it here as well.
ReplyDeleteNo. No I wouldn't.
ReplyDeleteSure, thanks a ton!
ReplyDeleteYes. Yes you would.
ReplyDeletehttps://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/300534_10151687786382433_1993271164_n.jpg
ReplyDeleteYou kept it off, good for you. Now, you just have to hit some weights, looks like you have some "softness" still. Either way, congrats on getting healthier.
ReplyDeleteIf your idea of interesting is trolling a guy here and at other sites while pretending to be other posters, then I can't be bothered. I guess I'll miss out on all the interesting happenings there.
ReplyDeleteHaha this is through no effort of my own. I tend to diet, then fall off the wagon around my birthday, then get on the wagon again. The idea is to keep it up and find a work out routine I like.
ReplyDeleteReally the think that's stops me is sort of people being like "Ohhh you're on a diet, pal?" or "Ohhhh Meekin's hitting the gym" with a hint of irony that's sort of embarrasing in a bizarre way? I dunno.
Kind of wanna try DDP Yoga.
Eh, ignore those people. The older you get, the harder it is to keep the weight down and constantly yo-yo'ing (if you will) is not good for you. I'd say find stuff you enjoy eating and just eat less portions and more often during the day. Couple that with playing basketball or tennis or whatever sport you like (even riding a bike or kayaking or skateboarding) 3-4 times a week and voila!
ReplyDeleteI'm doing a variation off of DDP Yoga at a gym and it is a hell of a workout. It definitely works.
I think all our opinions of Mr Cena have changed from "ok, it's nice to see wwe giving someone besides HHH a run at the top, lets see where this goes" to "get the fuck off my tv and stop telling crap jokes!"
ReplyDeleteNice. I'm trying to get folks to go Golfing with me, and have had little success. May just start hitting the driving range on my own.
ReplyDeleteGuess so.
ReplyDeleteCan I ask you something Assirus/Dougie? Why do you guys at NPP have this wierd intrest/obsession with this blog? You all seem to hate it and us so why dedicate 177 pages to it? I mean, after today I really don't think anybody here is going to be talking about you guys. What's the appeal?
ReplyDeleteKoko B. Ware. At first I thought he was a jobber-to-the-stars, but then I found out he was in the WWE HOF I figured he must have been a lot better than I remembered.
ReplyDeleteFor a long time I did not like Mick Foley as a wrestler, especially in a regular match. As I've watched more of his stuff I have gained an appreciation for Foley and especially how much effort he always seemed to put into his matches. I used to think of him as a hardcore wrestler but his WWF stuff from 1996-1998 plus his WCW stuff made me a fan of his and shattered my perception of him. Big fan of Mick Foley.
ReplyDeleteHe just recently freeze-dried his dog.
ReplyDeleteWorked out consistently since high school and taken numerous fitness/nutrition class in undergrad abd med school so have seen all the diet/exercise/strength programs. The biggest tip I can give you if your trying to lose weight is to start with the "Harris Benedict formula/calculator." Its simplistic but is a fantastic starting point to tell you exactly how many calories you should consume a day if youre trying to lose X amount of pounds. Youll obviously have to decide how much exercise/calorie defecits you need but this is a great place to start.
ReplyDeleteI have done a 360 on Cena. Loved the ruthlessly aggressive rapper, hated the overcomes-all-odds PG Attitude Adjuster, and once again love the Cena that trolls fans while putting on five star matches while everybody tells him that he can't wrestle.
ReplyDeleteTwo Words...
ReplyDeleteMARK HENRY
Good choice. Henry is one of my favorite guys but I can't remember when or what it was that made me go "I like this guy alot."
ReplyDeleteI dont think any knowledgeable fans still subscribe to the Cena can't wrestle theory. Hes one of the better main event workers we've seen.
ReplyDeleteIt started for me when he took out Kane and Big Show, then had a series of matches with Orton for the title. All of a sudden I was like, I like this fucking monster.
ReplyDeleteGood job man! It's hard work but it pays off.
ReplyDeleteWould anyone happen to enlighten me with a cliff notes version why Caliber left? Good riddance but I can't read pages of all of that!
ReplyDeleteYea, my moment of enlightment is around the same period. Probably the Orton or Bryan feuds.
ReplyDeleteI do yoga every other day and it works tremendously well for me since I have a bad back. I also go walking on days I don't do yoga. I don't do anything too strenuous but it all helps. I topped out at 315 and now I'm at 218. I know it's hard but try to stop yo yoing, it's not good for you. Eat healthy but if every once in a while if you're in the mood, have a little junk food. Just don't go overboard with it. You still get to feed that craving but in small doses.
ReplyDeleteZiggler purely for his name
ReplyDeleteAlberto Del Rio I thought was boring at first but I get him now
Mark Henry
I'm starting to like Randy Orton
Yeah that chant really pisses me off, so disrespectful and you can see he doesn't appreciate it
ReplyDeleteYea, that "boring" chant gets to him to I think. For all his faults he does a great job of ignoring those chants to stay in character.
ReplyDeleteHoly shit. Just saw this so ignore my previous post about losing weight. Seems like you know the drill.
ReplyDeleteThe more apropriate chant for him is "you're played out". "You can't wrestle" makes no sense. Maybe the people that chant that are blind.
ReplyDeleteI'll try. Caliber and I got into a debate on whether or not steroids prohibit Arnold from being self-made. He claimed steroids are the same as coffee, I mocked him. He complained to Scott, Scott asked me to stop antagonizing him, I did, he quit anyway. Oh and I posted two comments on his blog. One pointing out a spelling error and one claiming he did not do well with women.
ReplyDeleteWhats the full story with Calibur? I've managed to piece bits of the story from some comments but whats the deal, he just got upset for getting called out for being a douche and bolted? Don't want to miss seeing the heel get his comeuppance
ReplyDeleteeverything he said had that air of BS about it, especially the women stuff
ReplyDeleteI liked Calibur, too bad he left.
ReplyDeleteAnd Randy Orton is probably the guy who I got to like the most. I really couldn't stand him from his debut until about 2008. He just didn't seem ready, he was pushed down my throat, he was boring and at the first hint of him being worthy of the midcard heel role they had him in they turned him into the main event face. But I became a huge fan of his. I like Randy Orton and I don't care who knows it.
THEY CAN'T SEE HIM!
ReplyDeleteYou have to be a special type of terrible to look like Warlord and not get a mega-push working for Vince.
ReplyDeleteThis guy gets it.
ReplyDeleteForgive my ignorance, but what's NPP?
ReplyDeleteAre you talking about Caliber here? While I will admit him saying he felt he could get any women was stupid. His stories about his encounters with women always seemed genuine. The guy admitted to not losing his virginity until 22 or something. When you're throwing around BS, you don't say that unless your BS is really bad.
ReplyDeleteIt's a site, No Pants Provided that has a forum with a thread basically dedicated to this blog and making fun of the things we say. Go to the QOTD thread from earlier today to see our entire discussion of it. It's pretty funny.
ReplyDeleteCaliber left before but I'm sure he'll be back. He always comes back.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the promotion/punishment Paul!
ReplyDeleteThe majority of those who leave Youtube comments and most people who post on certain Wrestling forums are the worst about saying "Cena can't wrestle". And they seem to think he literally just walked off the streets and into WWE without any training.
ReplyDeleteUndertaker pops out at me, as when i started watching in 98 his matches were crap, and continued to be crap really up until the first Shawn Michaels/Taker WM match.
ReplyDeleteI find this whole thing existentially delicious.
ReplyDeleteWell.. before a few years ago, Mark Henry could have had a match against my mother in a steel cage and I still would have fast forwarded.. but now he's one of the most interesting wrestlers on the entire roster.. Go figure..
ReplyDeleteLike herpes.
ReplyDeleteWell Dougie, come on. He's an internet superstar for god's sake. OF COURSE he does well with women.
ReplyDeleteCena v Miz.
ReplyDeleteHe can't have a great match with ANYONE.
Hahaha no. It's not dedicated to that. It's dedicated to outrageously ridiculous things that smarks say. There is stuff from twitter there, stuff from YouTube, stuff from 411, stuff from meltzer. It pokes fun of people that take things way too seriously.
ReplyDeleteThat is true.
ReplyDeleteTHe shit with the Eric guy from twitter was absolutely hilarious.
Especially the shit with his dying grandmother and posting about to get a BJ but his date found out.
very funny stuff.
SHOWDOWN AT HERSHEY!
basically.
ReplyDeleteI can't remember someone who's rehabilitated themselves so much so quickly than Mark Henry. It all flipped for him quickly in the summer of 2011, and after that he was just awesome.
ReplyDeleteIt probably helps that he hasn't really had many matches.
ReplyDeleteLoved the Ultimate Warrior. Joined the "Ultimate Warrior sucked" club when I became a smark. Love him again now that I know better.
ReplyDeleteHi, Paul, ... not disappointed at all, sir. Interesting answering, and thanks for taking my question!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the weight loss and all. If you want an easy way to drop a bunch more pounds, you could give Hornswoggle his head back.
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised they didn't give him a monster push after the makeover and feed him, as a challenger, to The Ultimate Warrior at the start of his title reign. The Match would have been ugly, but the photos would have been amazing.
ReplyDeleteThey might have also tried the same thing with The Barbarian. That could have actually been a decent match.
They never really played up the amateur background and it took him a long time to develop a move-set, so I just knew him as a collection of bad gimmicks. The Rey Mysterio match at Summerslam was where I turned around on him. I feel like that was the point where he really came together as a worker.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't really impressed by The Dragon, a wrestler who worked for WWF around '91 and did a fire breathing gimmick. But then I learned that he'd actually had some decent matches against Randy Savage and Ric Flair. I did some digging around and it turns out he's pretty good. He's kind of like an old-timey version of Kazarian. I recommend checking him out.
ReplyDeleteYeah I feel like Barbarian was a far better worker than he ever got to show. That match with Big Boss Man at Rumble '91 was far better than it should've been. He did his best when he was paired with Haku/Meng, like their WrestleMania VII opener against The Rockers. Now Warlord, that's a different story...and I'm a mark for the guy...
ReplyDelete