That is the question.
Do I bother with this week's Smackdown or not? I know the main is the six-man and I'm a big fan of six-mans but they'll be more Vito, Sylvan, Tatanka, MVP, Burke rubbish that anooys me so much.
I'll fast forward through it I think. Mind I haven't even watched ECW yet.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Kashing Out
WWE released Kid Kash today. No word yet as to why but he was one of the guys who caused problems back in July at the now infamous Great American Bash pay-per-view. It's a shame because at least he was getting TV time as part of the Pitbulls with Jamie Noble and the tag divison seemed to be having something done with it. I'm sure there will be more to come.
BTA Exclusive: How to get to the 'A' Show
Randy Orton, Super Crazy and Johnny Nitro have all managed to jump to Raw over the past three months and the transistion has been great for all three guys. Recently Smackdown superstar Mr Kennedy has asked his general manager for a transfer to Raw. However his move was turned down. So, we at the Behind The Angle have caught up with the three men who have managed the jump to get advice on how to make it to the 'A' show.
"I was a dick. I got too big for my boots and thought I was a star. I pissed everybody off in the lockeroom and then started on the dope," Orton said, "pretty soon after I was suspended. The first guy you know? The first guy to be suspended under the wellness policy" he says with a smile. "I thought I'd have to return to the dreaded Smackdown but with Kurt in ECW there was nobody with me to work with. Hogan was looking to work with me but didn't want to go on Smackdown so I was shipped to Raw and I'm still there!" It seems Orton being a tosser and defying a policy intended to get the business clean earned Randy his promotion.
Current Intercontinental Champion Johnny Nitro's story follows a similar line; "Me and Melina sort of got it on. All the guys were jeaulous of me for banging the hottest chick on the show so they hated me and they hated Melina." It was at Judgment Day that Nitro's worries came to ahead; "I was teaming with Joey and we'd been tag champs for months but at Judgment Day these little geeks in masks beat us for the titles. Well, I say beat us, they beat Joey." Soon after Nitro and his sidekick Melina was kicked off Smackdown. "The next week I was on Raw! I couldn't believe my luck. Everybody hated me on Smackdown so I moved to Raw and got a bug singles push!"
Super Crazy's story is rather different. He was involved in the scandalous Great American Bash fiasco in which a number of Smackdown stars were suspended after the results of the lastest round of drug testing came through. Unfortunatly Crazy was unable to comment as his English is non-existent (according to commentator John Bradshaw Layfield). The broken English we could understand seemed to say that he was rewarded for trying to get bigger and not be a crusierweight any longer. One source inside WWE made the comment that when Crazy showed he could be more than a small guy he was instantly moved to Raw.
Three success stories in this business and fellow Smackdown stars can do the same by getting heat or taking 'supplements'. BTA hopes that in the future more stars find their way to the number one show in sports entertainment just like these three guys.
"I was a dick. I got too big for my boots and thought I was a star. I pissed everybody off in the lockeroom and then started on the dope," Orton said, "pretty soon after I was suspended. The first guy you know? The first guy to be suspended under the wellness policy" he says with a smile. "I thought I'd have to return to the dreaded Smackdown but with Kurt in ECW there was nobody with me to work with. Hogan was looking to work with me but didn't want to go on Smackdown so I was shipped to Raw and I'm still there!" It seems Orton being a tosser and defying a policy intended to get the business clean earned Randy his promotion.
Current Intercontinental Champion Johnny Nitro's story follows a similar line; "Me and Melina sort of got it on. All the guys were jeaulous of me for banging the hottest chick on the show so they hated me and they hated Melina." It was at Judgment Day that Nitro's worries came to ahead; "I was teaming with Joey and we'd been tag champs for months but at Judgment Day these little geeks in masks beat us for the titles. Well, I say beat us, they beat Joey." Soon after Nitro and his sidekick Melina was kicked off Smackdown. "The next week I was on Raw! I couldn't believe my luck. Everybody hated me on Smackdown so I moved to Raw and got a bug singles push!"
Super Crazy's story is rather different. He was involved in the scandalous Great American Bash fiasco in which a number of Smackdown stars were suspended after the results of the lastest round of drug testing came through. Unfortunatly Crazy was unable to comment as his English is non-existent (according to commentator John Bradshaw Layfield). The broken English we could understand seemed to say that he was rewarded for trying to get bigger and not be a crusierweight any longer. One source inside WWE made the comment that when Crazy showed he could be more than a small guy he was instantly moved to Raw.
Three success stories in this business and fellow Smackdown stars can do the same by getting heat or taking 'supplements'. BTA hopes that in the future more stars find their way to the number one show in sports entertainment just like these three guys.
Raw Thoughts
This was a boring episode of Raw this week. Again nothing happened it was just match after match for no point at all.
The opening segment bored the hell out of me to the point where I actually started doing my washing whilst it was on. We get Cena's funny but does he have to do the ridiculous Lita jokes every single week. They do nothing to get you interested in Cena, Edge or Lita and consequently do nothing for pay-per-view buyrates.
Oh yeah there's a tournament for the women's title. I didn't know anything about it and it's already being portrayed as a joke so there you go.
The main event was no holds barred but Edge is barred from interfering so effectivley a hold is barred. There was some promotion for Smackdown! Oh my god! "You rap scallion." Great.
Kane vs Nitro was perfectly fine for what it was meant to be and in Kane/Umaga they're building a feud! That's right there's a reason to the matches.
How loud was Carlito's pop? Far louder than he ever deserves. Masters got jobbed out again. Orton/Carlito continues on.
For the second week in a row, Flair on TV is always good and Flair winning on TV is even better. I have know clue where this is going unless Flair beats every member of the squad over the next three weeks.
The DX gauntlet was OK. The problem with this is that no teams are over. When they used to do these type of things with the Hardys, Dudleys, Edge and Christian, the Outlaws etc. it used to work because the teams were over. These days nobody cares because they're beating nobodys. All I can gather is that DX are now feuding with Cade and Murdoch. Again I would have no problem with this if Cade and Murdoch had done anyhting for the past ten months.
Bishoff's apperance is a one time deal to promote his book. At the moment there are no plans to bring him back but then again plans change all the time. What he said was pretty much true though if you think about it.
The Raw reunion show should be good and is a setup for the Survivor Series PPV where it has been announced it will be Raw vs Smackdown vs ECW. I'll talk more about that later.
Overall: A boring show that really did nothing for me and didn't get me excited in anything they're doing at the moment.
The opening segment bored the hell out of me to the point where I actually started doing my washing whilst it was on. We get Cena's funny but does he have to do the ridiculous Lita jokes every single week. They do nothing to get you interested in Cena, Edge or Lita and consequently do nothing for pay-per-view buyrates.
Oh yeah there's a tournament for the women's title. I didn't know anything about it and it's already being portrayed as a joke so there you go.
The main event was no holds barred but Edge is barred from interfering so effectivley a hold is barred. There was some promotion for Smackdown! Oh my god! "You rap scallion." Great.
Kane vs Nitro was perfectly fine for what it was meant to be and in Kane/Umaga they're building a feud! That's right there's a reason to the matches.
How loud was Carlito's pop? Far louder than he ever deserves. Masters got jobbed out again. Orton/Carlito continues on.
For the second week in a row, Flair on TV is always good and Flair winning on TV is even better. I have know clue where this is going unless Flair beats every member of the squad over the next three weeks.
The DX gauntlet was OK. The problem with this is that no teams are over. When they used to do these type of things with the Hardys, Dudleys, Edge and Christian, the Outlaws etc. it used to work because the teams were over. These days nobody cares because they're beating nobodys. All I can gather is that DX are now feuding with Cade and Murdoch. Again I would have no problem with this if Cade and Murdoch had done anyhting for the past ten months.
Bishoff's apperance is a one time deal to promote his book. At the moment there are no plans to bring him back but then again plans change all the time. What he said was pretty much true though if you think about it.
The Raw reunion show should be good and is a setup for the Survivor Series PPV where it has been announced it will be Raw vs Smackdown vs ECW. I'll talk more about that later.
Overall: A boring show that really did nothing for me and didn't get me excited in anything they're doing at the moment.
Monday, September 25, 2006
The Big Announcement - Angle To TNA
Well it has happened. Some said it was inevitable and some said it would never happen but Kurt Angle has signed for TNA. This was the last night's big announcement at the PPV last night (I'll post my thoughts on the show later).
Many thought (and Kurt hinted) he'd be doing some MMA (this is still possible as his TNA contract in non-exclusive) but he's sticking to what he knows at least at the moment. This could be the first sign of the end or at least the revision of WWE's drug testing policy. They had a policy back in the nineties but guys like Scott Hall failed on numerous occasions and eventually found themselves employment in WCW. The same situation could develop here with a number of undercard guys getting caught but getting a job with TNA where drug testing doesn't exist.
The ethical implications of TNA show this buisness for what it really is. TNA have gone out and hired a man whose drug problems have been documented and known by everybody out there. Angle refused to go into rehab and got fired. Without rehab the likelihood is he is still a heavy user of pain medication. TNA know this and have willingly employed the former WWE Champion.
On the flip side TNA could well be the best move for Kurt Angle. With the tapings currently as they are Angle could well work only 3 shows per month (two tapings where he'd probably only wrestle once and a PPV match) and still make a decent amount of money. It will be nowhere near the amount in WWE ($1m guaranteed) but when travel expenses, car rental and hotel costs are taken into account along with his health, as long as Angle wants to wrestle, TNA could be his best option.
Angle's impact could be negligable for TNA. Ever since debuting on Spike they've kept the same audience encouraging nobody new to watch the show. Angle, despite being awesome, is not a mainstream star and may not be a guy who is going to increase the viewership of Impact. The one thing this deal has done is put Kurt Angle and TNA as a major focal point in the wrestling business; something TNA has failed to do thus far. What it will do for the all important PPV buy is a different story.
Where Angle fits on the roster is another question. TNA's habit of having a huge main event scene, a huge mid-card and a huge undercard means that Kurt Angle could be another face in a crowd of people they're trying to get over this nobody gets over. Hopefully not. Hopefully Angle will make them realise that they need stars and not everybody can be a star. I will certainly be watching Angle in TNA but Jarrett and his chums could easily drop the ball with their biggest aquistion to date.
Many thought (and Kurt hinted) he'd be doing some MMA (this is still possible as his TNA contract in non-exclusive) but he's sticking to what he knows at least at the moment. This could be the first sign of the end or at least the revision of WWE's drug testing policy. They had a policy back in the nineties but guys like Scott Hall failed on numerous occasions and eventually found themselves employment in WCW. The same situation could develop here with a number of undercard guys getting caught but getting a job with TNA where drug testing doesn't exist.
The ethical implications of TNA show this buisness for what it really is. TNA have gone out and hired a man whose drug problems have been documented and known by everybody out there. Angle refused to go into rehab and got fired. Without rehab the likelihood is he is still a heavy user of pain medication. TNA know this and have willingly employed the former WWE Champion.
On the flip side TNA could well be the best move for Kurt Angle. With the tapings currently as they are Angle could well work only 3 shows per month (two tapings where he'd probably only wrestle once and a PPV match) and still make a decent amount of money. It will be nowhere near the amount in WWE ($1m guaranteed) but when travel expenses, car rental and hotel costs are taken into account along with his health, as long as Angle wants to wrestle, TNA could be his best option.
Angle's impact could be negligable for TNA. Ever since debuting on Spike they've kept the same audience encouraging nobody new to watch the show. Angle, despite being awesome, is not a mainstream star and may not be a guy who is going to increase the viewership of Impact. The one thing this deal has done is put Kurt Angle and TNA as a major focal point in the wrestling business; something TNA has failed to do thus far. What it will do for the all important PPV buy is a different story.
Where Angle fits on the roster is another question. TNA's habit of having a huge main event scene, a huge mid-card and a huge undercard means that Kurt Angle could be another face in a crowd of people they're trying to get over this nobody gets over. Hopefully not. Hopefully Angle will make them realise that they need stars and not everybody can be a star. I will certainly be watching Angle in TNA but Jarrett and his chums could easily drop the ball with their biggest aquistion to date.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
TNA No Surrender Mini Preview
TNA present another show from Orlando tonight. Here's the card:
Fans Revenge Match - Samoa Joe vs. Jeff Jarrett
This will be an interesting one to say the least. Firstly there are going to be marks at ringside strapping the shit out of Jarrett and there's every chance he's going to retaliate. Secondly Joe has to go over because he's Joe and Jarrett has to go over because he's headlining the biggest PPV in TNA history next month.
NWA World Tag Team Titles - Ultimate X match - Latin American Xchange vs. Christopher Daniels & AJ Styles
This has the potential to be great. They've worked together in the past very well and all four are that good they can really make something out of this Ultimate X.
X-Division Title - Sen She vs. Chris Sabin
I'm sure this will be a good little match but I'm bored of workrate.
Rhino vs. Christian Cage
First match of the heel Christian TNA era so he has to win. This will be a good match and I hope it will get the ball rolling for Mr Cage.
Triple Chance Tag Team Battle Royal - AMW, The James Gang, The Naturals, The Paparazzi , Diamonds In The Rough, Bentley & Kazarian, The Truth & Lance Hoyt, Shark Boy & Norman Smiley
A desperate attempt to get everybody on the roster on the PPV so inevitably everybody will forget about this crazy match with it's crazy rules and nobody will get over.
Abyss vs. Raven vs. Brother Runt
And this match is happening because?
Petey Williams vs. Jay Lethal
Another good but instantly forgettable match.
Don't forget the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT of a new timeslot!
Fans Revenge Match - Samoa Joe vs. Jeff Jarrett
This will be an interesting one to say the least. Firstly there are going to be marks at ringside strapping the shit out of Jarrett and there's every chance he's going to retaliate. Secondly Joe has to go over because he's Joe and Jarrett has to go over because he's headlining the biggest PPV in TNA history next month.
NWA World Tag Team Titles - Ultimate X match - Latin American Xchange vs. Christopher Daniels & AJ Styles
This has the potential to be great. They've worked together in the past very well and all four are that good they can really make something out of this Ultimate X.
X-Division Title - Sen She vs. Chris Sabin
I'm sure this will be a good little match but I'm bored of workrate.
Rhino vs. Christian Cage
First match of the heel Christian TNA era so he has to win. This will be a good match and I hope it will get the ball rolling for Mr Cage.
Triple Chance Tag Team Battle Royal - AMW, The James Gang, The Naturals, The Paparazzi , Diamonds In The Rough, Bentley & Kazarian, The Truth & Lance Hoyt, Shark Boy & Norman Smiley
A desperate attempt to get everybody on the roster on the PPV so inevitably everybody will forget about this crazy match with it's crazy rules and nobody will get over.
Abyss vs. Raven vs. Brother Runt
And this match is happening because?
Petey Williams vs. Jay Lethal
Another good but instantly forgettable match.
Don't forget the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT of a new timeslot!
Friday, September 22, 2006
He Swerved You
After qutting the wrestling business forever six months ago the saviour of WWE and WCW (don't believe me? Just ask him) is back in the rasslin business. Mr Vince Russo has returned to the TNA booking committee.
This is going to be fun. I'm sure they'll be plenty of non sensical crazy booking over on Impact and may will be complaining about it. But, this might be the shot in the arm this business needs.
This isn't TNA's big announcment on Sunday night at the PPV. It's expected to be a new timeslot. Once again we've been told it's the biggest announcement ever that will change wrestling history. Just like every other announcement I really don't think it will be that big.
This is going to be fun. I'm sure they'll be plenty of non sensical crazy booking over on Impact and may will be complaining about it. But, this might be the shot in the arm this business needs.
This isn't TNA's big announcment on Sunday night at the PPV. It's expected to be a new timeslot. Once again we've been told it's the biggest announcement ever that will change wrestling history. Just like every other announcement I really don't think it will be that big.
ECW Thoughts
This show was saved by King Booker. How great is he? In fact I'm making an extra effort to watch Smackdown this week.
The opener made no sense whatsoever. Sandman fell and bumped his head and had to leave the match? I thought he was a fucking hard case. He's a wuss as far as I'm concerned. If they were going to do a DQ finish why not have Sandman come in and nail everybody with cains rather than the Test psuhing the ref finish they did?
How long was Sabu on the apron for? He can't do shit.
CM Punk is starting to get over with the fans. I have to admit he is with me as well. I like what they're doing with him at the moment. All I ask though is give him a character. Saying he doesn't drink, smoke or take drugs just makes him boring. It doesn't impress me one bit.
He's a vampire called Kevin wrestling a man named Balls. That's all I have to say about this shitty segment.
The main was a decent match considering the participants but does Bob Holly really have to be a focal point of the show. He hasn't been over for ten years and he's not about to start getting over now.
The opener made no sense whatsoever. Sandman fell and bumped his head and had to leave the match? I thought he was a fucking hard case. He's a wuss as far as I'm concerned. If they were going to do a DQ finish why not have Sandman come in and nail everybody with cains rather than the Test psuhing the ref finish they did?
How long was Sabu on the apron for? He can't do shit.
CM Punk is starting to get over with the fans. I have to admit he is with me as well. I like what they're doing with him at the moment. All I ask though is give him a character. Saying he doesn't drink, smoke or take drugs just makes him boring. It doesn't impress me one bit.
He's a vampire called Kevin wrestling a man named Balls. That's all I have to say about this shitty segment.
The main was a decent match considering the participants but does Bob Holly really have to be a focal point of the show. He hasn't been over for ten years and he's not about to start getting over now.
Raw Thoughts
What a total nothing show this was. Nothing happened. No challenges were issued. Nothing of note happened. DX continued their thing. Cena continued his thing. As did everybody else on the roster.
The main event was a fine little match, I'd be quite happy with a six-man tag every single week on Raw as a talent showcase you really can't go wrong with it. Plus Cade and Murdoch were involved and I think that these two have great characters and seeing them in that role makes a refreshing change.
The six-way for the IC belt was simply put one big cluster with a decent finish. It basically sets Hardy up as the number one contender for the title and I have no problem with this whatsoever.
Masters does has been back four weeks and has done three jobs in a row. I have a feeling he's out the door pretty soon without that masterpiece physique.
Lita and Mickie argiung for the belt doesn't interest me one bit. It's leading to Looser Leaves Town at Cyber Sunday when Lita does the jobski on the way out and Mickie wins the vacant belt.
Is it me or has Candace improved dramatically?
Kane and Umaga continuing their problem is OK as I happen to quite like what they're doing. The idea was for Umaga to be in the main event at Unforgiven (a la Brock Lesnar circa 2002) with him beating Hunter, Shawn and Cena in a space of a few weeks but as usual they shit themselves about an unproven commodity being on top so his momentum was lost pretty quicky.
Ric Flair on my TV is always great. Ric Flair winning on my TV is fantastic.
The opening segment went far too long and Edge turning on the Montreal crowd was a good way to get him heat but they still hated Cena (and Shawn and Hunter for that matter).
Overall not the worst show in the world with nothing horrible going down. The problem is nothing happened. If you missed a week of TV then don't worry because you're not behind on anything.
The main event was a fine little match, I'd be quite happy with a six-man tag every single week on Raw as a talent showcase you really can't go wrong with it. Plus Cade and Murdoch were involved and I think that these two have great characters and seeing them in that role makes a refreshing change.
The six-way for the IC belt was simply put one big cluster with a decent finish. It basically sets Hardy up as the number one contender for the title and I have no problem with this whatsoever.
Masters does has been back four weeks and has done three jobs in a row. I have a feeling he's out the door pretty soon without that masterpiece physique.
Lita and Mickie argiung for the belt doesn't interest me one bit. It's leading to Looser Leaves Town at Cyber Sunday when Lita does the jobski on the way out and Mickie wins the vacant belt.
Is it me or has Candace improved dramatically?
Kane and Umaga continuing their problem is OK as I happen to quite like what they're doing. The idea was for Umaga to be in the main event at Unforgiven (a la Brock Lesnar circa 2002) with him beating Hunter, Shawn and Cena in a space of a few weeks but as usual they shit themselves about an unproven commodity being on top so his momentum was lost pretty quicky.
Ric Flair on my TV is always great. Ric Flair winning on my TV is fantastic.
The opening segment went far too long and Edge turning on the Montreal crowd was a good way to get him heat but they still hated Cena (and Shawn and Hunter for that matter).
Overall not the worst show in the world with nothing horrible going down. The problem is nothing happened. If you missed a week of TV then don't worry because you're not behind on anything.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
I'm The Boogeyman But I Won't Be Coming To Get Ya
"WWE has come to terms on the release of Boogeyman (Marty Wright) as of today 9/20/06. We wish Marty the best in all future endeavors." - From WWE.com
It's ture ladies and gentlemen. Please do not upset yourselves as The Boogeyman has gone from WWE. He was meant to be coming back to the ECW brand but for whatever reason (they saw sense) he won't be returning now.
It's a shame because Marty Wright actually had his teeth done like that to play the character and I'm sure all the red makeup isn't easy to get off. I'm sure they'll be much work for him on the indy scene but for now The Boogeyman will remain as another of those legends like Giant Gonzalez and Kamala.
It's ture ladies and gentlemen. Please do not upset yourselves as The Boogeyman has gone from WWE. He was meant to be coming back to the ECW brand but for whatever reason (they saw sense) he won't be returning now.
It's a shame because Marty Wright actually had his teeth done like that to play the character and I'm sure all the red makeup isn't easy to get off. I'm sure they'll be much work for him on the indy scene but for now The Boogeyman will remain as another of those legends like Giant Gonzalez and Kamala.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Unforgiven Thoughts
This show can be summed up in one word. Boring.
Intercontinental Title - Jeff Hardy vs Johnny Nitro
This was fine to start with when Hardy was doing all his usual stuff at the start but Nitro's heat was boring as hell. Hardy's comeback was good as always and they did some decent nearfalls. They had me a few times at least. Jeff would have won the belt if they hadn't had been doing the two title changes later in the show.
Kane vs Umaga
Short and sweet. I love watching two big men pound the shit out of each other and this is what this was. Nothing special but Kane made Umaga look really good. The shitty ending means this is going to continue.
World Tag Team Championship - Spirit Squad (Kenny & Mikey) vs The Highlanders
Pretty boring match to be honest. Spirit Squad won with the usual antics. Again I'd expected a title change but the two they did later were more important than this.
Hell In A Cell - DX vs McMahons & Big Show
Nothing match. No big bumps. No awesome spots. Usual raking the face against cage spot (the brand new cage I should admit) a million times, plenty if chairs and a sledgehammer in use. A cluster like you'd expect. DX won when Hunter laid waste to Vince. This has to be the end.
Women's Championship - Trish Stratus vs Lita
The usual Trish/Lita match but the crowd were hot for young Miss Stratus. Fun match whilst it lasted with a great finish (Trish used the sharpshooter). Trish got the send off she deserves. The video package before this match was great. Maybe if they'd done something like this on Raw over the last few weeks this might have actually got over.
Carltio vs Randy Orton
Orton cut a nothing promo before the match. Thankfully Carlito didn't get the opportunity. Boring match, apart from the finish where Orton hit an RKO after Carlito went for a flying thingy madgicy. Pushing like Orton can hit the RKO out of anywhere worked two years ago. As soon as he started teasing it it sucked. Hopefully they're going back to the old way.
WWE Championship - TLC Match - John Cena vs Edge
Great heat. They loved Edge and hated Cena, although there was some Cena love. Easily the best match of the show. Not the best TLC ever but it was decent. They did some fun spots and did them very well through teasing them before they actually did them so when somebody did get put through the table the crowd popped. RVD and Sabu take note please. Awesome finish with Cena hitting a super-duper FU off the ladder through two tables and grabbing the belt.
Overall a boring show that was saved from disaster by the reaction to Trish and the main event.
Intercontinental Title - Jeff Hardy vs Johnny Nitro
This was fine to start with when Hardy was doing all his usual stuff at the start but Nitro's heat was boring as hell. Hardy's comeback was good as always and they did some decent nearfalls. They had me a few times at least. Jeff would have won the belt if they hadn't had been doing the two title changes later in the show.
Kane vs Umaga
Short and sweet. I love watching two big men pound the shit out of each other and this is what this was. Nothing special but Kane made Umaga look really good. The shitty ending means this is going to continue.
World Tag Team Championship - Spirit Squad (Kenny & Mikey) vs The Highlanders
Pretty boring match to be honest. Spirit Squad won with the usual antics. Again I'd expected a title change but the two they did later were more important than this.
Hell In A Cell - DX vs McMahons & Big Show
Nothing match. No big bumps. No awesome spots. Usual raking the face against cage spot (the brand new cage I should admit) a million times, plenty if chairs and a sledgehammer in use. A cluster like you'd expect. DX won when Hunter laid waste to Vince. This has to be the end.
Women's Championship - Trish Stratus vs Lita
The usual Trish/Lita match but the crowd were hot for young Miss Stratus. Fun match whilst it lasted with a great finish (Trish used the sharpshooter). Trish got the send off she deserves. The video package before this match was great. Maybe if they'd done something like this on Raw over the last few weeks this might have actually got over.
Carltio vs Randy Orton
Orton cut a nothing promo before the match. Thankfully Carlito didn't get the opportunity. Boring match, apart from the finish where Orton hit an RKO after Carlito went for a flying thingy madgicy. Pushing like Orton can hit the RKO out of anywhere worked two years ago. As soon as he started teasing it it sucked. Hopefully they're going back to the old way.
WWE Championship - TLC Match - John Cena vs Edge
Great heat. They loved Edge and hated Cena, although there was some Cena love. Easily the best match of the show. Not the best TLC ever but it was decent. They did some fun spots and did them very well through teasing them before they actually did them so when somebody did get put through the table the crowd popped. RVD and Sabu take note please. Awesome finish with Cena hitting a super-duper FU off the ladder through two tables and grabbing the belt.
Overall a boring show that was saved from disaster by the reaction to Trish and the main event.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
BTA Exclusive: Sandman Quits Smoking
Since the rebirth of ECW the extremist simply know as 'The Sandman' has given up his smoking habit. His trait for years was a cigarette in one hand and a lager in the other but for the last couple of months he has kept away from the cigs.
Behind The Angle spoke to the rebel last week regarding the issue: "I quit. I quit to give the new ECW a more wholesome image. I'd been doing the whole smoking and drinking routine for years but the smoking was taking its toll on me. I was getting blown up in my matches and I figured kicking the cigs would soon banish that. Plus we've been working some big arenas compared to the old days and making my entrance is getting longer and longer each week, my healthy lungs allow me to get all the way to the ring without feeling even a little breathless."
The Sandman couldn't be more right as his matches since the return of ECW have been hailed as classics. Like all quitters the ECW star has found himself on the end of a few 'extreme' mood swings. Such incidents involving a priest, a school teacher and a zombie have seen Sandman use his singapore cain to deal with the cravings; "Every so often I snap. The cravings get too much and somebody in the ring annoys me and I see red."
Life is going great for the ECW mainstay since he has kicked the dreaded weed and an episode of Monday Night Raw confirmed this; "I was flicking and came across this show called 'Raw'. There was this really cool guy running around doing crazy stuff called Triple H. A dastardly man planted some Cubans in his locker room and the police found out. The funny thing is the cool guy [Triple H] doesn't even smoke! If a guy who is too cool for school like him doesn't smoke then why do I need to?"
Behind The Angle spoke to the rebel last week regarding the issue: "I quit. I quit to give the new ECW a more wholesome image. I'd been doing the whole smoking and drinking routine for years but the smoking was taking its toll on me. I was getting blown up in my matches and I figured kicking the cigs would soon banish that. Plus we've been working some big arenas compared to the old days and making my entrance is getting longer and longer each week, my healthy lungs allow me to get all the way to the ring without feeling even a little breathless."
The Sandman couldn't be more right as his matches since the return of ECW have been hailed as classics. Like all quitters the ECW star has found himself on the end of a few 'extreme' mood swings. Such incidents involving a priest, a school teacher and a zombie have seen Sandman use his singapore cain to deal with the cravings; "Every so often I snap. The cravings get too much and somebody in the ring annoys me and I see red."
Life is going great for the ECW mainstay since he has kicked the dreaded weed and an episode of Monday Night Raw confirmed this; "I was flicking and came across this show called 'Raw'. There was this really cool guy running around doing crazy stuff called Triple H. A dastardly man planted some Cubans in his locker room and the police found out. The funny thing is the cool guy [Triple H] doesn't even smoke! If a guy who is too cool for school like him doesn't smoke then why do I need to?"
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Return of the Mack
In the most bizzare news of the week WWE have signed four new amazing talents. The first being Rodney Mack. You know Rodney Mack who in 2003 was so over with the audience and was an absolute workhouse? The second is Marty Jannety. You know the troubled Marty who was fired twice in the last two years and after his latest one was told he's never coming back? Henry Godwin, one half if the the infamous Godwins and Brad Armstrong.
It's really great news that WWE are looking for that next big thing by signing a load of 'veterans' who will probably be out of the door by this time next year.
It's really great news that WWE are looking for that next big thing by signing a load of 'veterans' who will probably be out of the door by this time next year.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Unforgiven Preview
They're pulling out all the stops for this show with two gimmick matches on the same card. On paper it's a fine little card but in practice things are pretty cold as it seems impossible to actually care about any of these matches.
Kane vs Umaga
If booked correctly then this could be good a la Goldberg and Steiner but if they try to do a technical match then things will get boring pretty quickly. If they play a game of oneupmanship with each trying to out power the other and Umaga does his usual stuff then this will be fun. I've enjoyed the build for this match and actually somewhat care about it. Expect an Umaga victory as the Samoan Bulldozer continues his winning streak.
World Tag Team Titles - Spirit Squad vs The Highlanders
The Spirit Squad are breaking up (they got blamed for the fact that ratings didn't boom when DX returned) so The Highlanders have to win. They won't get an angle though they'll just hold the tag belts until Cryme Tyme get given them.
Intercontinental Championship - Johnny Nitro vs Jeff Hardy
Nitro is one of the best characters on Raw and the initial pops for Hardy are making him seem worthy of the position. Their match on Raw a couple of weeks ago on Raw was decent and this won't be any worse. As for who wins; flip a coin.
Women's Championship - Trish Stratus vs Lita
Trish is so made up this is her last match. No more bumps, no more injuries just the bliss of married life. We're in Trish's hometown and it's her final match with her most famous rival and it could be a hell of an emotional experience. Given the video package on Monday they're making a big deal out of this which in all honesty Trish deserves. If it were me booking I'd give Trish the belt and let her keep it as women's wrestling on Raw isn't exactly great but as she's leaving it makes sense for her to put over somebody else who's leaving a month down the line.
Randy Orton vs Carlito
Cold as the artic. Orton wins and challenges Cena for the belt next month. If Carlito wins I'll kill myself.
Hell In a Cell - DX vs The McMahons & Big Show
Remeber when Hell in a Cell was the culmination of great feuds between two guys who fucking hated one another? Not the case here. Shane-O may take a crazy bump (Shawn can't, Hunter won't, Vince would break every bone in his body and Show is tall) but that will be the only highlight of this match. Shawn may do an injury angle and take some time off after this. DX will win. Again. In fact they'll probably pin the Big Show.
TLC Match for the WWE Championship - Edge vs John Cena
We're in Edge's hometown in Edge's speciality match (so he gets beat). The crowd are going to be insane for this. At Summerslam 2004 they were anti-Edge but considering Edge has been great over the last year or so they have to be behind the home-town boy. The crowd will make this match awesome. I hope. Both guys want to stay on top so I'm expecting them to do some crazy shit, but a slower paced match would be ideal letting them build to some good spots. Edge should have this match won at some point so he continues to look credible and say he's been screwed. Cena's not going to the C show to he's winning.
Writing about this show has made me gain more interest in the show which is a better job than WWE are doing (or TNA) at this moment in time.
Kane vs Umaga
If booked correctly then this could be good a la Goldberg and Steiner but if they try to do a technical match then things will get boring pretty quickly. If they play a game of oneupmanship with each trying to out power the other and Umaga does his usual stuff then this will be fun. I've enjoyed the build for this match and actually somewhat care about it. Expect an Umaga victory as the Samoan Bulldozer continues his winning streak.
World Tag Team Titles - Spirit Squad vs The Highlanders
The Spirit Squad are breaking up (they got blamed for the fact that ratings didn't boom when DX returned) so The Highlanders have to win. They won't get an angle though they'll just hold the tag belts until Cryme Tyme get given them.
Intercontinental Championship - Johnny Nitro vs Jeff Hardy
Nitro is one of the best characters on Raw and the initial pops for Hardy are making him seem worthy of the position. Their match on Raw a couple of weeks ago on Raw was decent and this won't be any worse. As for who wins; flip a coin.
Women's Championship - Trish Stratus vs Lita
Trish is so made up this is her last match. No more bumps, no more injuries just the bliss of married life. We're in Trish's hometown and it's her final match with her most famous rival and it could be a hell of an emotional experience. Given the video package on Monday they're making a big deal out of this which in all honesty Trish deserves. If it were me booking I'd give Trish the belt and let her keep it as women's wrestling on Raw isn't exactly great but as she's leaving it makes sense for her to put over somebody else who's leaving a month down the line.
Randy Orton vs Carlito
Cold as the artic. Orton wins and challenges Cena for the belt next month. If Carlito wins I'll kill myself.
Hell In a Cell - DX vs The McMahons & Big Show
Remeber when Hell in a Cell was the culmination of great feuds between two guys who fucking hated one another? Not the case here. Shane-O may take a crazy bump (Shawn can't, Hunter won't, Vince would break every bone in his body and Show is tall) but that will be the only highlight of this match. Shawn may do an injury angle and take some time off after this. DX will win. Again. In fact they'll probably pin the Big Show.
TLC Match for the WWE Championship - Edge vs John Cena
We're in Edge's hometown in Edge's speciality match (so he gets beat). The crowd are going to be insane for this. At Summerslam 2004 they were anti-Edge but considering Edge has been great over the last year or so they have to be behind the home-town boy. The crowd will make this match awesome. I hope. Both guys want to stay on top so I'm expecting them to do some crazy shit, but a slower paced match would be ideal letting them build to some good spots. Edge should have this match won at some point so he continues to look credible and say he's been screwed. Cena's not going to the C show to he's winning.
Writing about this show has made me gain more interest in the show which is a better job than WWE are doing (or TNA) at this moment in time.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Raw Thoughts
Raw sucked. Well it was OK if it was just a Raw building towards a PPV, but it wasn't. It was the final Raw before Sunday's Unforgiven PPV so it's meant to make you excited about the PPV and ensure you spend your cash on Sunday night. This show failed in a big way.
Cena/Edge was the hottest feud on the show and judging my the MSG crowd Cena is the hottest thing on the show. Therefore he was thrown in a six-man tag (that was a decent match none the less) with five other guys who are having a match at the PPV. No, he wasn't given a shit-hot promo to cut vowing to win the WWE Title in a match he had never competed in he was in a seemingly random match where he beat Johnny Nitro. By the way Johnny Nitro isn't his opponent on Sunday.
Edge burying Smackdown makes me chuckle at how WWE treat that brand.
Did you notice how they played up the Orton/Cena thing from last week with Orton giving the 'you can't see me' gesture to Cena? I'm thinking Cena's winning and starting his feud with the Legend Killer. Rewarded for failing the drugs test. Again.
Jeff Hardy's reaction to Nitro kicking his painting was THE best thing on this show, "hey man my painting" as if it was a masterful piece of work that he'd spent hours on.
Remember when Nitro was getting heat on Smackdown so he got moved to Raw and got a push?
Carlito and Orton is so cold I think that WWE have realised it's not selling any PPVs so they've just sacked off promoting it.
From this show the match I'm most interested in is Kane/Umaga. Openign the show with this was great. This two men slugging out actually making it look like they had a point to prove was awesome. Umaga's suplex to Kane was fantastic. This match will probably suck but if booked right could be a hell of a lot of fun.
Vince thinks his angle is shit hot. It's not. I have no desire to see this match whatsoever. Cade and Murdoch beating on DX was cool and they should have left it at that but Vince had to have his no heat main event that did nothing for this crappy feud. I still don't know why their feuding. Email me if you know.
Trish had her last Raw matched and embraced with Mickie. Remeber when Mickie was a phsyco stalking Trish? Now she's a babyface for now reason.
Chris Masters and Super Crazy had to have another match and Super Crazy and Super Crazy won. I'd expect these two to have a match at the PPV. Remeber these two got a whole segment to build up their match and did a better job in doing so than anybody else in the six-man tag.
Remeber when Super Crazy got suspended for failing a drugs test. Then he got moved to Raw and got a little push. Is there a recurring theme here?
The Highlander deal with Roddy Piper was one of the most entertaining things on the show. Piper on the stick reminds you how inept most of the roster are today.
All in all this would have been a fine episode of Raw two weeks ago but when you're pushing a PPV this isn't the show you need.
Cena/Edge was the hottest feud on the show and judging my the MSG crowd Cena is the hottest thing on the show. Therefore he was thrown in a six-man tag (that was a decent match none the less) with five other guys who are having a match at the PPV. No, he wasn't given a shit-hot promo to cut vowing to win the WWE Title in a match he had never competed in he was in a seemingly random match where he beat Johnny Nitro. By the way Johnny Nitro isn't his opponent on Sunday.
Edge burying Smackdown makes me chuckle at how WWE treat that brand.
Did you notice how they played up the Orton/Cena thing from last week with Orton giving the 'you can't see me' gesture to Cena? I'm thinking Cena's winning and starting his feud with the Legend Killer. Rewarded for failing the drugs test. Again.
Jeff Hardy's reaction to Nitro kicking his painting was THE best thing on this show, "hey man my painting" as if it was a masterful piece of work that he'd spent hours on.
Remember when Nitro was getting heat on Smackdown so he got moved to Raw and got a push?
Carlito and Orton is so cold I think that WWE have realised it's not selling any PPVs so they've just sacked off promoting it.
From this show the match I'm most interested in is Kane/Umaga. Openign the show with this was great. This two men slugging out actually making it look like they had a point to prove was awesome. Umaga's suplex to Kane was fantastic. This match will probably suck but if booked right could be a hell of a lot of fun.
Vince thinks his angle is shit hot. It's not. I have no desire to see this match whatsoever. Cade and Murdoch beating on DX was cool and they should have left it at that but Vince had to have his no heat main event that did nothing for this crappy feud. I still don't know why their feuding. Email me if you know.
Trish had her last Raw matched and embraced with Mickie. Remeber when Mickie was a phsyco stalking Trish? Now she's a babyface for now reason.
Chris Masters and Super Crazy had to have another match and Super Crazy and Super Crazy won. I'd expect these two to have a match at the PPV. Remeber these two got a whole segment to build up their match and did a better job in doing so than anybody else in the six-man tag.
Remeber when Super Crazy got suspended for failing a drugs test. Then he got moved to Raw and got a little push. Is there a recurring theme here?
The Highlander deal with Roddy Piper was one of the most entertaining things on the show. Piper on the stick reminds you how inept most of the roster are today.
All in all this would have been a fine episode of Raw two weeks ago but when you're pushing a PPV this isn't the show you need.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
A Change in Policy
Remeber when Raw and ECW were drug tested the other week and for some reason everybody passed? Well they didn't.
The policy has changed in that to eliminate any future events that went down at the not so Great American Bash and to aviod having to rewrite storylines (what storylines?) guys aren't being taken off TV for failing the tests. They aren't working house shows (where they make a good amount of their money) and they're aren't being paid any of their downside guarantee for hwoever long their suspension is. However, they are still working TV and being paid expenses (hotel, flights, car etc.).
The people who failed were Randy Orton (yes the same Randy Orton who got caught in April, suspended for 60 days and retunred to the A show) and Balls Mahoney. The fact that a man named Balls failed a drugs test should come as a shock to nobody.
How long before we get another ammendment? We'll see when Hunter gets busted.
The policy has changed in that to eliminate any future events that went down at the not so Great American Bash and to aviod having to rewrite storylines (what storylines?) guys aren't being taken off TV for failing the tests. They aren't working house shows (where they make a good amount of their money) and they're aren't being paid any of their downside guarantee for hwoever long their suspension is. However, they are still working TV and being paid expenses (hotel, flights, car etc.).
The people who failed were Randy Orton (yes the same Randy Orton who got caught in April, suspended for 60 days and retunred to the A show) and Balls Mahoney. The fact that a man named Balls failed a drugs test should come as a shock to nobody.
How long before we get another ammendment? We'll see when Hunter gets busted.
Jarret vs Joe - Too Late
This is going to be one hell of crazy match. Fans are at ringside and are allowed to strap the shit out of Jarret. Surely there has to be worked element to this because if a fan really doesn't like Double J they could really do him some harm.
Once again, the NWA Title won't be defened on the PPV which really annoys me as TNA seem to do it all the time. The boat has been missed (or at least delayed) who three months ago was a star. Steiner did an awesome job in making him look like one (and even Jarret played a role) and it looked as if he was steam rolling through to the NWA belt. In true TNA style his momentum was halted when they decided that going with their half a million dollar investment in Sting was the right way to go.
Joe subsequently was pushed down the pecking order and although his matches with Rhyno have been good it certainly seems as if he's buying his time. Putting him in the main event now is a little strange as in reality it's supposed to be a payback to Jarret but Rhyno is now the most over babyface in the company because of Joe's stalled momentum.
Joe has to beat Jarrett at the PPV to setup a title match in the future and setup Joe's run as the company's top star. TNA had a star on their hands but have faffed about and lost momentum with him. His match against Jarrett has to change this.
If Jarrett wins all hope for TNA has gone out of the window.
Once again, the NWA Title won't be defened on the PPV which really annoys me as TNA seem to do it all the time. The boat has been missed (or at least delayed) who three months ago was a star. Steiner did an awesome job in making him look like one (and even Jarret played a role) and it looked as if he was steam rolling through to the NWA belt. In true TNA style his momentum was halted when they decided that going with their half a million dollar investment in Sting was the right way to go.
Joe subsequently was pushed down the pecking order and although his matches with Rhyno have been good it certainly seems as if he's buying his time. Putting him in the main event now is a little strange as in reality it's supposed to be a payback to Jarret but Rhyno is now the most over babyface in the company because of Joe's stalled momentum.
Joe has to beat Jarrett at the PPV to setup a title match in the future and setup Joe's run as the company's top star. TNA had a star on their hands but have faffed about and lost momentum with him. His match against Jarrett has to change this.
If Jarrett wins all hope for TNA has gone out of the window.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
ECW is Raw
Ok. I know it's late but I've only just watched ECW because my interest going into the show was pretty small.
BINGO!
The opener with RVD and Sabu vs Test and Mike Knox was a great match. The spots were well worked in, not all of the spots were fucked up and thr result went the right way. All I ask is where was Heyman or Holly who had a vested interest in both men last week?
The main event was OK for what it was. It obvious promotion for the PPV on Sunday rather than pushing ECW angles but at this point in time that's absolutley fine. DX standing tall makes sense in the fact that faces need to be kept strong but we need to see a reason for them fighting at the PPV which at the moment is seemingly lacking. DX standing tall at the end of the ECW made me laugh at how far ECW has moved away from the original product.
CM Punk slapping Shannon Moore was funny.
I have one question for the vampire. Which in fact is my only interest in him. Why is he called Kevin? Could there be a plainer name for a vampire.
The Sandman/Striker thing is alright for what it is. They're holding the pay off of Sandman caining the shit out of the teacher and that's fine.
Overall the show was OK with a good opener and an OK main event all that was in between was pretty much filler.
Question of the week: Why do they never refer to ECW history? Surely it would add some legitmecy to the promotion.
BINGO!
The opener with RVD and Sabu vs Test and Mike Knox was a great match. The spots were well worked in, not all of the spots were fucked up and thr result went the right way. All I ask is where was Heyman or Holly who had a vested interest in both men last week?
The main event was OK for what it was. It obvious promotion for the PPV on Sunday rather than pushing ECW angles but at this point in time that's absolutley fine. DX standing tall makes sense in the fact that faces need to be kept strong but we need to see a reason for them fighting at the PPV which at the moment is seemingly lacking. DX standing tall at the end of the ECW made me laugh at how far ECW has moved away from the original product.
CM Punk slapping Shannon Moore was funny.
I have one question for the vampire. Which in fact is my only interest in him. Why is he called Kevin? Could there be a plainer name for a vampire.
The Sandman/Striker thing is alright for what it is. They're holding the pay off of Sandman caining the shit out of the teacher and that's fine.
Overall the show was OK with a good opener and an OK main event all that was in between was pretty much filler.
Question of the week: Why do they never refer to ECW history? Surely it would add some legitmecy to the promotion.
Monday, September 11, 2006
X-Pac, the nWo and Kanyon
The deal with X-Pac is that his apperance at the house show on Friday was a one time thing. He is currently working with the MTV promotion which is set to start and Vampiro's RXLL which debuted last week. Despite Vince wanting to rewind to 1998 it seems that young Sean Waltman isn't part of the plan. Then again, Vince's plans change by the half hour so you never know.
Kanyon's apperance was off his own back. In order to stick it to Vince he bought a ticket for the show, made some signs at home and turned up to the show. This man is so desperate for a job anywhere and is trying to get the Internet on his side. Sorry kid it just ain't working.
As for the nWo they're not coming in. Nash is trying to get himself back into the company but Nash's drawing days are well behind him and is workrate days never were so I'd be surprised if Vince wanted him back. The nWo angle has been discussed and shot down many a time and it probably won't happen. As I said before about Vince's plans, you never know.
Kanyon's apperance was off his own back. In order to stick it to Vince he bought a ticket for the show, made some signs at home and turned up to the show. This man is so desperate for a job anywhere and is trying to get the Internet on his side. Sorry kid it just ain't working.
As for the nWo they're not coming in. Nash is trying to get himself back into the company but Nash's drawing days are well behind him and is workrate days never were so I'd be surprised if Vince wanted him back. The nWo angle has been discussed and shot down many a time and it probably won't happen. As I said before about Vince's plans, you never know.
Saturday, September 09, 2006
DX vs nWo
If you've been looking around the net for the last twenty-four hours I'm sure you'll have seen the rumours of a possible DX vs nWo feud.
The rumours span from a Raw house show report which claimed X-Pac turned up to the show and celebrated in the ring with Hunter and Shawn after they beat Cade and Murdoch. Interestingly Chris Kanyon allegedly 'invaded' and it was unsure if he was supposed to be there or not. Hunter said "who invited Kanyon" over the house mic, so if this happened I'm guessing it's a work.
X-Pac has been both a member of DX and the nWo (as has HBK). Kevin Nash is finished with TNA (he never did the job to Sabin) and Hall has allegedly cleaned himself up (lol). They could do some sort of story where X-Pac rejoins with DX but then turns on them bringing in the nWo leading to a short program between them. It would have to be short considering what happened last time Hall and Nash were brought in. Nash stepped off the bus and tore a quad and Hall was gone within six weeks for the usual Scott Hall behaviour.
In the short-term this feud could draw as it's two of the biggest stables in the history of pro-wrestling coming together and battling one and other. In the long-term it's not going to be the thing to pick business up. Business picks up through new stars (Edge, Cena, Orton) not through reunion tours (ask WCW).
Of course I could have just written all the above for little reason at all. The report could be fake and I don't think Vince is stupid enough to bring the nWo back. Then again with Hunter and Shawn in his ear and their good buddys looking for work the nWo could be back on a screen near you.
The rumours span from a Raw house show report which claimed X-Pac turned up to the show and celebrated in the ring with Hunter and Shawn after they beat Cade and Murdoch. Interestingly Chris Kanyon allegedly 'invaded' and it was unsure if he was supposed to be there or not. Hunter said "who invited Kanyon" over the house mic, so if this happened I'm guessing it's a work.
X-Pac has been both a member of DX and the nWo (as has HBK). Kevin Nash is finished with TNA (he never did the job to Sabin) and Hall has allegedly cleaned himself up (lol). They could do some sort of story where X-Pac rejoins with DX but then turns on them bringing in the nWo leading to a short program between them. It would have to be short considering what happened last time Hall and Nash were brought in. Nash stepped off the bus and tore a quad and Hall was gone within six weeks for the usual Scott Hall behaviour.
In the short-term this feud could draw as it's two of the biggest stables in the history of pro-wrestling coming together and battling one and other. In the long-term it's not going to be the thing to pick business up. Business picks up through new stars (Edge, Cena, Orton) not through reunion tours (ask WCW).
Of course I could have just written all the above for little reason at all. The report could be fake and I don't think Vince is stupid enough to bring the nWo back. Then again with Hunter and Shawn in his ear and their good buddys looking for work the nWo could be back on a screen near you.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Raw Thoughts
What a fine episode of Raw aired on Monday night. From top to bottom it was a good show with plenty of angles being shot for Unforgiven and for the first time in forever all the matches booked for the show have been determined with two weeks to go.
Edge's opening promo was really good. I like it when he's out there without Lita as the heat is actually on him rather than her. A great start to the show and the fact I really want to see this match means the job has been done. I'm interested because they're really pushing the Cena going to Smackdown angle so I have to say that Cena wins because I can't see him going to Smackdown when he's Raw's top babyface and WWE's biggest star.
Remember when Edge went for neck surgery and he said he couldn't work any more of the TLC style matches? This will be his fourth since he has returned.
The DX stuff was kept to a bare minimum this week which is fine by me. Seeing Hunter and Shawn do what they did makes me happy as rather than doing their stupid antics they actually looked like they wanted to fight and that's what will sell the PPV. I haven't seen ECW yet so can't comment on the angle shot there on Tuesday.
In big news Super Crazy (the cruiserweight) returned to WWE on the Raw brand. The brand which has no cruiserweight division. Then again, does Smackdown? His shock win over Chris Masters made me laugh as John Cena couldn't beat Masters last week. This either means Crazy is getting a mini-push, Masters has pissed someone off or Masters is going to destroy Crazy next week.
Jeff Hardy vs Johnny Nitro was actually a really good match. I laughed at how they alluded to Nitro's press conference being boring (like watching paint dry actually). This ended exactly the way it should have done with Jeff looking like he can win the belt and Nitro looking like a dip shit heel. If people believe the challenger has a chance of winning the belt then they may just buy the PPV.
The Highlanders are now number one contenders for the tag belts and get the shot at Unforgiven. There's no interest in this feud from anybody and the number one contender's match was another example of how weak the tag division is. Maybe Cryme Tyme can sort it out. They look cool.
If Trish wins the belt at Unforgiven is the women's division done for? I would say she can't loose in her home town but this is WWE after all and burying people in their home town is what they do best.
Speaking of which is Ric Flair the greatest man to have ever lived? The Flair flop was absolutley great this evening.
I'm interested in Umaga vs Kane. Shock horror. See what booking can do?
The main event was solid and was a decent TV match. The crowd were rabid for Cena and I thought the only thing they did wrong was not do the hot tag. Cena just came into the ring rather than getting the big pop for the babyface team come back.
The only feud I don't have any interest in is Carlito/Orton. They did well together tonight but nothing that made me go "wow I want to see a singles match between these two guys!"
Overall it was a really good show from top to bottom. Nothing on the show was bad and nothing was fantastic; it was just a solid show that built angles for the PPV, ie the job of the TV show. It's an example of how if you book things correctly and get people interested in the feuds that are going on and keep the bullshit to a minimum you'll get a good TV show. The Atlanta crowd were hot and really added to the show tonight.
I've just had a thought. Maybe Cena is going to Smackdown. The plan is to get Smackdown rocking again on the new network. Maybe moving Cena there is a way of getting the viewership up?
Edge's opening promo was really good. I like it when he's out there without Lita as the heat is actually on him rather than her. A great start to the show and the fact I really want to see this match means the job has been done. I'm interested because they're really pushing the Cena going to Smackdown angle so I have to say that Cena wins because I can't see him going to Smackdown when he's Raw's top babyface and WWE's biggest star.
Remember when Edge went for neck surgery and he said he couldn't work any more of the TLC style matches? This will be his fourth since he has returned.
The DX stuff was kept to a bare minimum this week which is fine by me. Seeing Hunter and Shawn do what they did makes me happy as rather than doing their stupid antics they actually looked like they wanted to fight and that's what will sell the PPV. I haven't seen ECW yet so can't comment on the angle shot there on Tuesday.
In big news Super Crazy (the cruiserweight) returned to WWE on the Raw brand. The brand which has no cruiserweight division. Then again, does Smackdown? His shock win over Chris Masters made me laugh as John Cena couldn't beat Masters last week. This either means Crazy is getting a mini-push, Masters has pissed someone off or Masters is going to destroy Crazy next week.
Jeff Hardy vs Johnny Nitro was actually a really good match. I laughed at how they alluded to Nitro's press conference being boring (like watching paint dry actually). This ended exactly the way it should have done with Jeff looking like he can win the belt and Nitro looking like a dip shit heel. If people believe the challenger has a chance of winning the belt then they may just buy the PPV.
The Highlanders are now number one contenders for the tag belts and get the shot at Unforgiven. There's no interest in this feud from anybody and the number one contender's match was another example of how weak the tag division is. Maybe Cryme Tyme can sort it out. They look cool.
If Trish wins the belt at Unforgiven is the women's division done for? I would say she can't loose in her home town but this is WWE after all and burying people in their home town is what they do best.
Speaking of which is Ric Flair the greatest man to have ever lived? The Flair flop was absolutley great this evening.
I'm interested in Umaga vs Kane. Shock horror. See what booking can do?
The main event was solid and was a decent TV match. The crowd were rabid for Cena and I thought the only thing they did wrong was not do the hot tag. Cena just came into the ring rather than getting the big pop for the babyface team come back.
The only feud I don't have any interest in is Carlito/Orton. They did well together tonight but nothing that made me go "wow I want to see a singles match between these two guys!"
Overall it was a really good show from top to bottom. Nothing on the show was bad and nothing was fantastic; it was just a solid show that built angles for the PPV, ie the job of the TV show. It's an example of how if you book things correctly and get people interested in the feuds that are going on and keep the bullshit to a minimum you'll get a good TV show. The Atlanta crowd were hot and really added to the show tonight.
I've just had a thought. Maybe Cena is going to Smackdown. The plan is to get Smackdown rocking again on the new network. Maybe moving Cena there is a way of getting the viewership up?
Breaking News: Psicosis Still With WWE
Contarary to reports posted on the Behind The Angle blog yesterday Psicosis is still emplyed by World Wrestling Entertainment. It was Juventud Guerrera who was released in December.
There has been an outbreak of hysteria amongst the Internet Wrestling Community at the thought of Psicosis not being employed by the Stamford based company.
Paul Robson, author of the blog commented: "It was a mistake. The Mexicools all came in together and as Psicosis hasn't been seen for a while I got confused between the two. I apologise to any fans who I may have upset."
There has been an outbreak of hysteria amongst the Internet Wrestling Community at the thought of Psicosis not being employed by the Stamford based company.
Paul Robson, author of the blog commented: "It was a mistake. The Mexicools all came in together and as Psicosis hasn't been seen for a while I got confused between the two. I apologise to any fans who I may have upset."
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Smackdown vs Raw 2007 Roster
The latest roster for Smackdown series has been released and courtesy of IGN.com, I have it in my grasp:
Batista
JBL
Randy Orton
The Big Show
Jillian Hall
Rey Mysterio
Bobby Lashley
Joey Mercury
Ric Flair
The Boogeyman
John Cena
Rob Van Dam
Booker T
Johnny Nitro
Shawn Michaels
Candice Michelle
Kane
Shelton Benjamin
Carlito
Ken Kennedy
Snitsky
Chavo Guerrero
Kid Kash
Super Crazy
Chris Benoit
Kurt Angle
Torrie Wilson
Chris Masters
Lance Cade
Trevor Murdoch
Daivari
Lita
Triple H
Edge
Mark Henry
Trish Stratus
Eugene
Matt Hardy
Umaga
Finley
Melina
The Undertaker
The Great Khali
Mickie James
Viscera
Gregory Helms
Paul Burchill
Vito
Hardcore Holly
Psicosis
William Regal
There's nothing really shocking on there and everybody you'd expect to be in is in. Finlay, Umaga, Khali, MNM, Cade, Murdoch and Burchill are nice additions. I wonder if big Vito will be wearing his trademark dress? It's also interesting that Psicosis is on there considering he left the company last December.
I love all the games in this series so if anything else of interest comes up I'll post it here. I'm looking froward to this one though.
Batista
JBL
Randy Orton
The Big Show
Jillian Hall
Rey Mysterio
Bobby Lashley
Joey Mercury
Ric Flair
The Boogeyman
John Cena
Rob Van Dam
Booker T
Johnny Nitro
Shawn Michaels
Candice Michelle
Kane
Shelton Benjamin
Carlito
Ken Kennedy
Snitsky
Chavo Guerrero
Kid Kash
Super Crazy
Chris Benoit
Kurt Angle
Torrie Wilson
Chris Masters
Lance Cade
Trevor Murdoch
Daivari
Lita
Triple H
Edge
Mark Henry
Trish Stratus
Eugene
Matt Hardy
Umaga
Finley
Melina
The Undertaker
The Great Khali
Mickie James
Viscera
Gregory Helms
Paul Burchill
Vito
Hardcore Holly
Psicosis
William Regal
There's nothing really shocking on there and everybody you'd expect to be in is in. Finlay, Umaga, Khali, MNM, Cade, Murdoch and Burchill are nice additions. I wonder if big Vito will be wearing his trademark dress? It's also interesting that Psicosis is on there considering he left the company last December.
I love all the games in this series so if anything else of interest comes up I'll post it here. I'm looking froward to this one though.
Monday, September 04, 2006
Hardy vs Nitro for the belt
Tonight's Raw promises Jeff Hardy vs Johnny Nitro for the IC Title. This could be a fun match or could end up being a complete disaster.
That's the only match announced so far but I'm sure Cena and Edge will get five minutes to push their match and then Vince and DX will get thirty to plug theirs. Pays to be owners.
As always my complete thoughts on Raw will be posted as soon as I get round to watching it.
That's the only match announced so far but I'm sure Cena and Edge will get five minutes to push their match and then Vince and DX will get thirty to plug theirs. Pays to be owners.
As always my complete thoughts on Raw will be posted as soon as I get round to watching it.
The Myth of the Cruiserweight Title
I'm sick of hearing that the WWF Lightheavweight and WCW Crusierweight Titles were unified at Summerslam 2001. Mainly because they weren't. It was X-Pac (WWF) vs Tajiri (WCW) in a title-for-title match-up not a unification match.
X-Pac won the match and won both belts. A couple of weeks later X-Pac dropped the WCW belt to Kidman on either Raw or Smackdown (around that time there were so many titles and so many title changes it's hard to remeber. He didn't frop the WWF belt though.
Around this time he was injured and he disappeared from TV. Mick Foley as commissioner alluded to this in his promo when he booked the tag title and US/IC title unification matches for Survivor Series. He stated he wanted to unify the lightheavyweight and crusierweight belts but "nobody knows where X-Pac is".
In December 2001 WWF simply adopted the WCW belt renaming it the WWF Cruiserweight Title.
When X-Pac returned in April 2002 he was still Lightheavyweight Champion. He defended the title on a few house shows but never carried the belt on TV. Soon after he returned the belt was dropped all together and the cruiserweights became exclusive to Smackdown.
Next time you hear (or say) the belts were unified then recite this tale and bust the myth that still exists to this very day.
X-Pac won the match and won both belts. A couple of weeks later X-Pac dropped the WCW belt to Kidman on either Raw or Smackdown (around that time there were so many titles and so many title changes it's hard to remeber. He didn't frop the WWF belt though.
Around this time he was injured and he disappeared from TV. Mick Foley as commissioner alluded to this in his promo when he booked the tag title and US/IC title unification matches for Survivor Series. He stated he wanted to unify the lightheavyweight and crusierweight belts but "nobody knows where X-Pac is".
In December 2001 WWF simply adopted the WCW belt renaming it the WWF Cruiserweight Title.
When X-Pac returned in April 2002 he was still Lightheavyweight Champion. He defended the title on a few house shows but never carried the belt on TV. Soon after he returned the belt was dropped all together and the cruiserweights became exclusive to Smackdown.
Next time you hear (or say) the belts were unified then recite this tale and bust the myth that still exists to this very day.
New United States Champion... Champion
For those of you who don't watch Smackdown (and I can't blame you) Mr Kennedy won the US bet in a triple threat involving Finlay and Lashley.
I love Finlay so I'm disapointed at this but the plan seems to be that Lashley is getting screwed out of the belt all the time so I'd expect him to go on and chase Kennedy.
This could be a disaster. Lashley has been working with Finlay to bring him up to the next level. When he's working with Finlay Blaster looks really good but when he's in the ring with anybody else he always seems a step behind. Working with the green Ken Kennedy won't exactly sort this out.
Kennedy should make a good champion and his promo ability could add some credibility to the belt and to Smackdown.
I love Finlay so I'm disapointed at this but the plan seems to be that Lashley is getting screwed out of the belt all the time so I'd expect him to go on and chase Kennedy.
This could be a disaster. Lashley has been working with Finlay to bring him up to the next level. When he's working with Finlay Blaster looks really good but when he's in the ring with anybody else he always seems a step behind. Working with the green Ken Kennedy won't exactly sort this out.
Kennedy should make a good champion and his promo ability could add some credibility to the belt and to Smackdown.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Guilty Your Honour
ECW mainstays Rob Van Dam and Sabu pleaded guilty to their drug charges from June. Both men have escaped with fines and a slap on the wrist.
I'm positive this will stop both men from doing anything like this again.
I'm positive this will stop both men from doing anything like this again.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
