The Wrestling Gospel

[The Sage]

http://www.pwpix.net/pwpixnews/headlines/231024715.php

Source: Wrestling Observer

- New details are coming in from the altercation between Joey Styles and JBL in Iraq from a few different sources. Apparently the incident wasn't as big as it was first made out to be. One eye witness reports that after JBL was bullying Styles all night and was being taken away by other wrestlers for basically being an *******, "When he turned his back, Joey jumped on him and caught JBL with a punch that gave him a small cut under the eye that was bleeding like crazy. JBL was furious." It wasn't a showdown situation where they were face to face and Joey just clocked him.

One source also reports that JBL was talking trash about Styles and his family until Styles just blew up on him. The whole incident was described as a slow build over several days with lots of verbal taunting. At RAW this week, Styles was something of a hero to some. While Joey isn't popular in some circles within WWE, there were a lot of people who got a big kick out of the idea that JBL was humiliated by the old ECW TV announcer. JBL was very quiet at RAW, working on his Blackberry before the show and being more subdued and quiet than usual, since he just knew people were talking behind his back and he was the center of a story that will probably be repeated forever. One friend of JBL's noted, "I always shake my head when he lowers himself to these high school spectacles. He’s such a smart, funny, engaging person and a good guy at his core but he is compelled to act in a deplorable manner and it has come back to bite him in the ass.”

It'll be interesting to see any repercussions come out of this. The incident in Iraq, when it happened, was a huge embarrassment to the company. Vince told everyone who witnessed it that nobody was to breathe a word about it to anyone else. Vince was furious when the story got out and people who weren't there heard all about it.

 

[Marx]

I think Michaels would be willing to lose the match to the Undertaker. If the WWE does it right, it could be a great feud. What the WWE needs to do though is to mention the history between the two that occurred a long time ago (1997 I believe) and not have the WWE announcers say "this is the first ever meeting between the two." It should be hyped up as "first meeting between the two in over a decade." Do a nice video package, showing the history between Michaels and The Undertaker over the last dozen years or so. End the video package with their in-ring confrontation at The 2007 Royal Rumble, when they were the last two in the Rumble.

There's no way that WWE could pull off saying that 'it's the first match between the two.' Not when everyone knows that their HIAC match was the debut of Kane.

 

[BlackLantern]

and they did have the very first HIAC....

 

[Marx]

and they did have the very first HIAC....

Exactly.

 

[The Sage]

http://pulsewrestling.com/2008/12/11/kurt-angle-tells-friends-he-wants-out-of-tna/

Kurt Angle has been telling friends that he is considering a return to WWE when his TNA contract expires next fall. Reportedly Angle is unhappy with Jeff Jarrett and the way his character has been used. Sources indicate WWE would gladly take Angle back even on a limited schedule although there is concern over Wellness Policy issues since Angle has had problems in the past.

Source: ProWrestling.net

 

[The Sage]

Shawn can only carry so many matches. He needs to wrestle someone like Morrison or Punk and put them over.

Co-sign. Let Batista/Cena II be the Wrestlemania marquee match, and have the vets face and put over new stars. Taker's been getting injured a little more than often, so who knows how long it'll be before he becomes less mobile in the ring.

 

[Dr. Evil]

http://pulsewrestling.com/2008/12/11/kurt-angle-tells-friends-he-wants-out-of-tna/

Kurt Angle has been telling friends that he is considering a return to WWE when his TNA contract expires next fall. Reportedly Angle is unhappy with Jeff Jarrett and the way his character has been used. Sources indicate WWE would gladly take Angle back even on a limited schedule although there is concern over Wellness Policy issues since Angle has had problems in the past.

Source: ProWrestling.net

He's been off drugs for over a year.

 

[BlackLantern]

I'd guess if he was working a partial schedule, 'wellness' wouldn't be as much of an issue....

 

[NDX]

Still a chance of relapsing, as is the case of most any addict. I'd be wary about bringing him back in, but I would still do so nonetheless. It's a chance worth taking.

 

[The Sage]

http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/n...ges,-Mickey-Rourke-Discusses-The-Wrestler.htm

More Thursday news!

- Over the last day, ROH booker Adam Pearce has informed the ROH locker room that he would be cutting back on some of his responsibilities as far as being on the road. This is due to family and other obligations. Pearce will still maintain control of the company's booking, but will not attend Friday shows. On these shows Austin Aries will run the locker room. Aries has gained a lot of power under the Pearce booking regime. Pearce will fly in from the west coast for the Saturday shows. Larry Sweeney will now serve as a "liaison" between ROH talent and Pearce, which will help Pearce manage his time better as well as lighten some of the workload. [Credit: Pwinsider.com]

- Newsday.com has an transcript of a roundtable discussion with Mickey Rourke from The Wrestler. Here are some of the highlights:

On meeting Roddy Piper: He went on to pay us like highest compliments that we could wish for. And actually he got a little emotional about it. And it was kind of like, it was hard holding this guy and hearing him and talking back to him and understanding where he's been – the journey that he's been on and all the others that were like him. Because when your time has come and gone and that's the only thing you know, you can't go and be a godd--- bus boy somewhere. You just can't do it. And the options aren't a lot. And it's not very pretty.

On what wrestlers he got close too: Mainly, Dwayne Johnson's uncle. His name is Afa. He was one of the Wild Samoans back in the 80s. And I talked to The Rock the other day I told him, ‘We're sending you [the movie] and we want to hear what you have to say, too.' And I didn't know it was his uncle. All the Samoans say they're related to each other. I thought when Afa's going on about his ‘nephew,' ‘Yeah, every Samoan is related to Dwayne Johnson.' And they are related. And when he spoke very fondly of him, it was like, ‘Wow.'

On his wrestling training: We had choreographed the wrestling matches pretty basically [with moves] that any half-assed athlete could do. And then what started to happen after about like two and a half months was, one of the guys was very gymnastically inclined. He, like, got bored and started doing these f---ing moves. And I thought, ‘Wow. Man, I want to do that.' So I'd go in on Sundays with him alone and do it and not tell Darren. And so what I said was, ‘I want to nail three or four f---ing moves that nobody could do.' And I got so hurt. I had three MRI's in two months. I've never flipped over in my life – like done back flip and a scissors into the ring. And I couldn't do it. Weeks would go by and I couldn't do it. And then you finally… If you work hard enough at anything in your life, you're going to f---ing do it.

- You can check out the whole article here.

 

[Dr. Evil]

I am looking forward to hearing what the future WWE Hall of Famer Dwayne Johnson is going to say about "The Wrestler."

 

[NDX]

I'm looking forward to The Wrestler. Have to wait till Jan. 4th, though.

So far not a big fan of Repo Man's booking. There are far too many matches per card that has some sort of interference in them. One of the reasons I started enjoying ROH was the fact there were a good amount of clean wins. Going to see how Final Battler '08 is before I make any other decisions about it.

 

[Dr. Evil]

I'm looking forward to The Wrestler. Have to wait till Jan. 4th, though.

So far not a big fan of Repo Man's booking. There are far too many matches per card that has some sort of interference in them. One of the reasons I started enjoying ROH was the fact there were a good amount of clean wins. Going to see how Final Battler '08 is before I make any other decisions about it.

Now that I think about it, Adam Pearce does look like Barry Darsow.

 

[NDX]

Even moreso when he sports the mask.

Damn, that was an amazing moment. He embraced his inner Repo Man.

 

[Dr. Evil]

Maybe Final Battle 08 will be the end of Nigel's reign. Needs to drop it to Danielson.

And what is it with Grizzly Redwood (the Lumberjack)?

A few other ROH thoughts:

- Jerry Lynn is still very good, even though he's lost a step.
- I'm liking the new Heel Claudio Castagnoli.
- I like Bobby Dempsey.
- The Briscoes are always injured
- the new backstage interviewer in the videowires is a moron. He's their own Todd Grisham.

 

[NDX]

Nigel's facing Marufuji at FB08. Danielson has a fight without honor with Morishima.

Grizzly whatnow?

I'm looking forward to Lynn in ROH. Never got to see him live, this will be a treat.

Claudio's heel turn was amazing to see. Great moment in that show, and my seats were perfect for it.

Bob-by Demp-sy! ::clap clap clapclapclap:: Hits an awesome DVD.

Don't care anymore about them, other than there theme song never playing on my mp3 player while it's stuck on random. A year, and not playing once.

videowhatnow?

 

[SLYspyder]

http://www.pwpix.net/pwpixnews/headlines/230943476.php

Posted by Marc Middleton on 12/10/2008

Source: Wrestling Observer

- The 11/21 edition of WWE's Friday Night SmackDown scored a 3.6 Hispanic rating, the highest since Rey Mysterio was drafted over to RAW.

- Apparently MVP was told that his losing streak in WWE is being done because the company is mad about giving guys like Brock Lesnar and Bobby Lashley big pushes only to see them leave. The word going around is that they're doing this to MVP now not as a booking reprisal, but as a way to make sure he's willing to stick it out. Apparently MVP feels this is the real reason for losing .

- Jack Swagger is getting strong reviews coming out of WWE's live events now. Swagger was singled out by Dusty Rhodes while he was in FCW as the guy who he expected to do the most.

They're right to fear MVP getting too big and leaving, but there should be other ways to figure out if he wants to stick with Wrestling.

MVP is one of those guys that could EASILY go and start doing movies or tv shows. He's one of the best actors in the WWE.

 

[Hunter Rider]

Rarely seen Smackdown talent Ryan Braddock is reportedly set to debut a new gimmick soon. Creative has told him to get a hair cut and according to reports the gimmick will be an Elvis-like character similar to that of The Honky Tonk Man. It is unknown at this time whether or not creative has any long term plans for this gimmick, or if this is simply a short term idea to freshen up Braddock's appearance.

PWinsider.com is reporting that WWE will begin running vignettes in the near future promoting the debut of Hade Vansen on the Smackdown brand. Vansen has been training down in developmental and will reportedly be working a masked character that will be similar to the "Fallen Angel" character that Christopher Daniels works in TNA. It's unclear how long WWE has been wanting to move Vansen up to the main roster as he's been out of action for most of 2008 with a knee injury. Vansen signed his developmental deal with WWE back in May of 2007.

 

[Hunter Rider]

The American Hero Joey Styles

12/10/2008 by Scott Hudson

Joey Styles punched out John Bradshaw Layfield.

Jesus Freakin’ Christ, Joey Styles punched out John Bradshaw Layfield!!!

Its not that Joey did it. Joey’s no pushover (not by any stretch of the imagination), but, honestly, there are a helluva lot tougher guys in the WWE than Joey Styles who cut and ran when this steaming pony loaf named John Bradshaw Layfield would wield his vaselined harassment fingers high.

Its not that Joey did it. Its that ANYBODY did it.

JBL (Joey’s ***** Layfield) has long been the bully of the locker room in the WWE. He has made his disdain for professionalism crystal clear to all by his infantile actions but has, thus far, escaped the wrath of Darth McMahon because....well, I’m not really sure.

It cannot be because JBL (Jiggly Boobs Layfield) is such a huge draw. The precious few pay-per-views he has headlined have not exactly resulted in scorching buyrates. His quarter-hour segment breakdowns on whichever brand he found himself on have not opened any eyes. His work in the ring has usually risen or fallen depending on the caliber of his opponent (which also means that I doubt we will ever see JBL vs. Great Khali.) His work ethic is on par with a quadriplegic rhinoceros operating carnival rides. And has made no bones about the fact that he could not care less if anyone respects him.

In other words - he is a *****e.

Yet, he continues to be employed by the WWE and has been since 1996. He has left no doubt in the mind of anyone who has ever formulated a rational thought that he is worthless as a wrestler and/or sports entertainer. He draws no money. He draws no ratings. He is a liability to the promotion (remember the nazi salute and march in Germany?). He simply has no redeeming qualities other than (I guess) he’s a big, tough guy.

That is, until Iraq.

The war that has been waging since 2003 has scuttled a congress and a president. And now is has scuttled an *******. No longer will we refer to “Napolean meeting his Waterloo” to indicate someone finally meeting his match. It will be “JBL meeting Joey in Iraq.”

Can JBL (Just Bought Lunch) kick my ass? Of course! Nine ways to Sunday. Who do think I am?! Joey Styles?! That is not the issue. If might makes right then I’m wrong. But might does not make right. Right makes right and this moron is beyond wrong. Just like on the FOXNews Saturday morning business block a few weeks ago. Layfield, in his role as a “financial expert,” was asked for his stock pick of the week. This dim bulb, with a straight face, named the WWE stock. The other panelists laughed at him. The stock has dropped like a stone since. Good advice, there, JB. Got any thoughts on Saturday’s fourth race at Santa Anita? Are you sure that the USFL, New Coke, and the McDLT are sure things?

So, I ask you: what would JBL (Jingoism Before Logic) have to do to be wished well in his future endeavors by the two-headed McMahon hydra that is dive bombing the airship WWE into a Lakehurst parking lot? Apparently nothing.

What a wonderful posterchild for aspiring WWE talent. Prove that you can’t draw and be a resplendent ******* to everyone in the company not named McMahon and you, yes YOU, can masquerade as talent and parlay your “celebrity” into a “career” as a “financial expert” on FOX “news” and “write” a book about your “knowledge.” And then marry a woman who caused a panic because she spouted off about a bank’s stability before her morning Midol kicked in.

What the hell ever happened to wrestling anyway?

Whatever. Until JBL (Jackingoff Behind Lillian) grows up or Vince grows a pair, he will be held in good graces. In all honesty, Joey Styles punching Layfield’s ticket for Pittsburgh may finally be what does JBL in. If you live by the porksword, Johnny, you die by it.

Long Live Joey Bradshaw Layfield!!

 

[BlackLantern]

I stopped reading after seeing 'by Scott Hudson'

 

[The Sage]

Rarely seen Smackdown talent Ryan Braddock is reportedly set to debut a new gimmick soon. Creative has told him to get a hair cut and according to reports the gimmick will be an Elvis-like character similar to that of The Honky Tonk Man. It is unknown at this time whether or not creative has any long term plans for this gimmick, or if this is simply a short term idea to freshen up Braddock's appearance.

PWinsider.com is reporting that WWE will begin running vignettes in the near future promoting the debut of Hade Vansen on the Smackdown brand. Vansen has been training down in developmental and will reportedly be working a masked character that will be similar to the "Fallen Angel" character that Christopher Daniels works in TNA. It's unclear how long WWE has been wanting to move Vansen up to the main roster as he's been out of action for most of 2008 with a knee injury. Vansen signed his developmental deal with WWE back in May of 2007.

Good for Vansen, but what the heck for Braddock. Honky Tonk Man? Heyman wasn't lying when he said the company is somewhat out of touch with current times.

 

[BlackLantern]

which seems odd because they are grabbing writers from various places like DC Comics and NBC....I think the whole creative process needs to be overhauled, as far as wrestling is concerned

 

[Lobo]

The pony loaf comment made me chuckle.

 

[Colossal Spoons]

Face Kennedy


Do. Not. Want.

 

[NDX]

Hmmm, I think I'm glad I slept though most of SD except for the main.