The Wrestling Thread...Has Set Me Free!- - Part 41

[venom892]

Saw Jericho's return. Utter genius. He worked the crowd the way no other can. My thoughts on the last couple of discussions.

1.Savage/Flair should have totally gone on last or at least semi-main event. But as HR mentioned it doesn't matter as it was the most memorable match on the card.
2.Rock/Hogan should have gone on last. The crowd was utterly exhausted when Jericho/HHH happened.
3.Rock/Cena doesn't need the title. It be a waste. Punk/Jericho needs it more and why waste two draws on one match?Makes no sense.
4.HBK/Taker II had to go last. Anything else would have been horrible.

 

[Metallo]

Kevin Nash Challenges The Ultimate Warrior to a Fight

Posted by Marc Middleton on 01/04/2012

- After The Ultimate Warrior took a shot at Kevin Nash earlier this week, Nash has replied on his Twitter and challenged Warrior to a fight the day before WrestleMania 28 in Miami. Nash wrote:

"Never realized I had a problem with Jim (Warrior). Seemed to get along fine in Scottsdale. Come on my clown, turn that frown upside down."

"@UltimateWarrior: A true warrior never turns down a challenge. Put up a 100K. I'll do the same. 3 rounds. mma rules. winner take all."

"I'm talking shoot, not sports entertainment. Jim Hellwig needs to put up or shut the f*** up. Day before Mania in Miami area. Warrior will have to pass all hiv and hep a b and c tests. I'll do the same."





Update on WWE's Plans for Chris Jericho, News on His Cryptic Videos & More
By Marc Middleton
Jan 4, 2012 - 9:30:34 PM

- Chris Jericho actually flew to WWE headquarters in Connecticut a while back and met with Vince McMahon to map out his return, all while claiming that he would never work with WWE again.

The cryptic videos leading to Jericho's return were WWE's Social Networking Department's idea. Several in the company felt that the campaign as too smart for its own good before they started airing.

During Jericho's unique return at Monday's RAW Supershow, people backstage were noting the similarities to the Dynamic Dudes character that John Laurinaitis played years ago.

Most expect Jericho to begin feuding with WWE Champion CM Punk, leading to a WrestleMania match. There is no word yet on exactly how long Jericho is back for but there was speculation going around that he will be involved in a major program after WrestleMania 28 with a match at SummerSlam.

Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter




The Rock Scheduled to Appear Regularly on RAW, Update on Orton's Injury
By Marc Middleton
Jan 4, 2012 - 9:06:01 PM

- Randy Orton's injury may have happened on the December 19th RAW Supershow when Wade Barrett put him through a table. Those close to Orton note that his rehab is going well.

On a related note, Orton is one of the longest contractually locked talents in WWE as his current deal doesn't expire until 2019.

- As noted before, The Rock is scheduled to appear on WWE TV soon. He is expected to start appearing live or on tape almost every week by late February to hype the match with John Cena at WrestleMania 28.

Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter




More on Concern Over the WWE Network Debut, Update on WWE Classics
By Marc Middleton
Jan 4, 2012 - 8:51:12 PM

- WWE 24/7 Classics looks to be ending on March 31st, based on what certain providers have been told. Apparently WWE first notified providers that it would end on January 1st, 2012 but then realized there were existing contracts with some companies so they had to extend it until the end of March. Depending on the contracts, Classics will stop being available to different providers at various times over the next few months.

- More people within WWE are wanting the April 1st launch of the new Network to be delayed because of lack of clearances. There's a fear that they will debut the Network with such little clearance that it will come across like a flop. As far as planning goes, it's said that officials have mapped out a tentative schedule for the first day to be built around WrestleMania but that's about it.

Source: Wrestling Observer Nesletter

 

[Dr. Evil]

Orton is signed for seven years? Damn.

 

[TripleR]

This is probably one of the best fan made videos I've seen, check out this look back at the 2011 Summer of Punk I found.
[YT]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Rz38IwXKG0[/YT]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Rz38IwXKG0
There's the link, can't get the video to work right here lol

 

[Slushy]

Kevin Nash Challenges The Ultimate Warrior to a Fight

The truth hurts.

 

[bullets]

This is probably one of the best fan made videos I've seen, check out this look back at the 2011 Summer of Punk I found.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Rz38IwXKG0
There's the link, can't get the video to work right here lol

Odd choice of music but amazing how it fits.

 

[Hunter Rider]

- After The Ultimate Warrior took a shot at Kevin Nash earlier this week, Nash has replied on his Twitter and challenged Warrior to a fight the day before WrestleMania 28 in Miami. Nash wrote:

"Never realized I had a problem with Jim (Warrior). Seemed to get along fine in Scottsdale. Come on my clown, turn that frown upside down."

"@UltimateWarrior: A true warrior never turns down a challenge. Put up a 100K. I'll do the same. 3 rounds. mma rules. winner take all."

"I'm talking shoot, not sports entertainment. Jim Hellwig needs to put up or shut the f*** up. Day before Mania in Miami area. Warrior will have to pass all hiv and hep a b and c tests. I'll do the same."

I have to admit, I'd watch.

Update on WWE's Plans for Chris Jericho, News on His Cryptic Videos & More
By Marc Middleton
Jan 4, 2012 - 9:30:34 PM

- Chris Jericho actually flew to WWE headquarters in Connecticut a while back and met with Vince McMahon to map out his return, all while claiming that he would never work with WWE again.

The cryptic videos leading to Jericho's return were WWE's Social Networking Department's idea. Several in the company felt that the campaign as too smart for its own good before they started airing.

It's good to hear that Jericho has a lot of control over what he's doing.

During Jericho's unique return at Monday's RAW Supershow, people backstage were noting the similarities to the Dynamic Dudes character that John Laurinaitis played years ago.

I hadn't thought of that but it's an accurate observation, very interesting.

Most expect Jericho to begin feuding with WWE Champion CM Punk, leading to a WrestleMania match. There is no word yet on exactly how long Jericho is back for but there was speculation going around that he will be involved in a major program after WrestleMania 28 with a match at SummerSlam.

I hope Jericho has signed at least a two year deal. As for the major program to built for Summerslam, I wonder who that would be with, perhaps Orton?

- As noted before, The Rock is scheduled to appear on WWE TV soon. He is expected to start appearing live or on tape almost every week by late February to hype the match with John Cena at WrestleMania 28.

It'll be interesting to see the ratio of taped to live segments.

 

[Dr. Evil]

A lot of the Rock's promos are probably going to be taped because he's currently shooting this movie:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0882977/

 

[Lantern Venom]

Vince has been accused of meeting most of those criteria over the years. The only one thats indisputably untrue is about attending college. And he's not from midwest. But a lot of the ideas about hicks and rednecks are interchangeable. With a name like McMahon I'd assume he was catholic but since he wasn't raised by his father but his mother and "a string of stepfathers" in North Carolina he's probably protestant.


Even a hick can be educated. Vince McMahon has never claimed to be an intellectual. In fact he's gone after the so called intellectuals in the media to cover his own a** various times.


Look at what Vince thinks is funny. A guy f***ing a corpse. Even the so called fans who ARE called blue collar, low brow, and rednecks found that offensive. That shows me a serious lack of sophistication. Same thing with the incest angles he's tried to push. If he really thinks thats what his audience wants to see then he's more classless than we ever could be.

Fascination with incest sounds like something a hick would be into.

I never said he hadn't cleaned himself up or put on a glossy facade and become a learned businessman but in his heart Vince McMahon is still a hick. His wife is smart enough to distance herself from him this time around. If anything he only hurt her political ambitions.

We know a BIG reason JR has been treated like such crap over the years is because Kevin Dunn does not like him. Vince values Dunns advice. He didn't understand Cornette at all. Even though Corny is a Southerner he's also very liberal. A southern conservative like Vince couldn't stand that. Whose idea was it to put a cowboy hat on JR? Vinces. JR never wore it before WWE. Maybe the reason Vince hates these on air southern characters so much is a little bit of self loathing. Where he came from and the upbringing he came from...but he still carries a lot of that around.

THATS why he's so desperately yearning for this mainstream acceptance in the business and entertainment world.

General defining characteristics of a hick: Protestant upbringing, usually Baptist; racist and sexist opinions; does not attend collage ; dumber than a post.

This definition (like many Urban dictionary definitions) is very questionable.( ie. "collage"??!) Hicks usually aren't religious types. If a guy is drinking cheap beer, driving his truck through the mud, and yelling "yee-haw" on Saturday night, he probably isn't in a church meeting on Sunday volunteering to help at the local soup kitchen.

Racist/sexist/ethnocentric are all hick/redneck traits. I think there's enough evidence to believe Vince is sexist, but racist? I'm not sure. There is evidence on both sides there.

The point that I most disgree with you about is "even a hick can be educated". I've spent most of my life in the South, and I'm well aquainted with the redneck type. Rule #1 is that they are proud of being anti-intellectual. In their mind, school is the place where Jews, Communists, African-Americans, etc..try to brainwash them. The thought of higher education couldn't be less appealing to someone whose philosophy on life is "ain't nobody gunna tell me what to do!"

A lowbrow sense of humor is too common to be a good indicator of a hick. Probably 90% of college age males have a lowbrow sense of humor, even if they are intelligent.

Anyway, I won't belabor the point any more. Defending Vince too much makes me feel dirty. t:

 

[Lantern Venom]

Kevin Nash Challenges The Ultimate Warrior to a Fight

Posted by Marc Middleton on 01/04/2012

- After The Ultimate Warrior took a shot at Kevin Nash earlier this week, Nash has replied on his Twitter and challenged Warrior to a fight the day before WrestleMania 28 in Miami. Nash wrote:

"Never realized I had a problem with Jim (Warrior). Seemed to get along fine in Scottsdale. Come on my clown, turn that frown upside down."

"@UltimateWarrior: A true warrior never turns down a challenge. Put up a 100K. I'll do the same. 3 rounds. mma rules. winner take all."

"I'm talking shoot, not sports entertainment. Jim Hellwig needs to put up or shut the f*** up. Day before Mania in Miami area. Warrior will have to pass all hiv and hep a b and c tests. I'll do the same."

It probably wouldn't be a good fight, but it would sell! Does Warrior hate everyone?!

 

[Dr. Evil]

It probably wouldn't be a good fight, but it would sell! Does Warrior hate everyone?!

Is that a trick question?

 

[Slushy]

Does Warrior hate everyone?!

If he didn't, he wouldn't be The Ultimate Woya!

 

[Team Andino]

Kevin Nash Challenges The Ultimate Warrior to a Fight

Posted by Marc Middleton on 01/04/2012

- After The Ultimate Warrior took a shot at Kevin Nash earlier this week, Nash has replied on his Twitter and challenged Warrior to a fight the day before WrestleMania 28 in Miami. Nash wrote:

"Never realized I had a problem with Jim (Warrior). Seemed to get along fine in Scottsdale. Come on my clown, turn that frown upside down."

"@UltimateWarrior: A true warrior never turns down a challenge. Put up a 100K. I'll do the same. 3 rounds. mma rules. winner take all."

"I'm talking shoot, not sports entertainment. Jim Hellwig needs to put up or shut the f*** up. Day before Mania in Miami area. Warrior will have to pass all hiv and hep a b and c tests. I'll do the same."





Source: Wrestling Observer Nesletter

I'll gladly spend some extra dough that weekend to see that happen.

 

[The Sage]

WrestleMania used to be viewed as a kind of "season finale" in which the good guy won, and the emotional investment the fans had placed for the last 12 months was rewarded.

Ticking the fans off at the end of WrestleMania is a very, VERY risky move. The fact that this will be happening in Miami of all places just makes it even worse!

Deliberately pissing off the hometown fans of one of WWE's biggest Superstars during the biggest show of the year just because "this guy will be around more than that guy" is not a good business decision.

What emotional investment all year long? Rock wasn't around all 12 months, busting his butt to earn a big time slot at Wrestlemania, so how is he the guy they're emotionally invested in? If anyone qualifies for "season finale" win, it's really CM Punk, which is one of the reasons why keeping title on him makes sense.

Lastly, let's face it, when the Rock takes his ball and leaves, a good chunk of his fans will leave with him. They won't be watching the product, won't be investing in the guys who really are working hard day in and day out, won't be increasing the ratings. These Rocky fans will check-in sometimes to see if the Rock made an appearance and when they realize he hasn't, they'll check right back out.

So why is it so important to appease them when they aren't going to improve the bottom line in the long run?

 

[the_ultimate_evil]

I think Cena going on last was WWE testing things out to see if the ratings pattern would change, it didn't. Right now they are simply fishing around to see what works, personally I think they got a brief spike in the Cena/Kane angle and misread the level of interest, it would have worked much better if Kane has a mouthpiece and was simply the implement of destruction as Kane is too much of a b movie villain when he talks, this whole angle would work so much better with a Ministry of Darkness Taker.
.

agree about taker, but as kanes mouth piece is anyone else thinking what i am OOOOOOHHH YESSSSSt:

 

[the_ultimate_evil]

They can't be serious. So many problems with thinking its going to be as big as Austin putting his hands on Vince. So so many. Not even sure where to start.I see The New England Longnose is succumbing to his predatory instinct. His mates material instincts are kicking in though.
.

personally i think it could be but they are missing the key comptoments aside from the ability to talk, is other guys to back him up. now i may be remembering it wrong but didn't austin have to go though a bunch of lackeys boss man, stooges etc before he gets to vince

give old funk man a stable of miz, clay, ziggler and then build it

 

[LOBO3315a]

Kevin Nash Challenges The Ultimate Warrior to a Fight

Posted by Marc Middleton on 01/04/2012

- After The Ultimate Warrior took a shot at Kevin Nash earlier this week, Nash has replied on his Twitter and challenged Warrior to a fight the day before WrestleMania 28 in Miami. Nash wrote:

"Never realized I had a problem with Jim (Warrior). Seemed to get along fine in Scottsdale. Come on my clown, turn that frown upside down."

"@UltimateWarrior: A true warrior never turns down a challenge. Put up a 100K. I'll do the same. 3 rounds. mma rules. winner take all."

"I'm talking shoot, not sports entertainment. Jim Hellwig needs to put up or shut the f*** up. Day before Mania in Miami area. Warrior will have to pass all hiv and hep a b and c tests. I'll do the same."

I'd watch it in anticipation of Kevin's quads snapping like rice crispies.

 

[Pink Ranger]

I have to admit, I'd watch.

That would be the worst MMA match in history. Nash would blow his quad just trying to enter the octagon, and Warrior would spend 10 minutes running around in circles trying to capture and kill a gay roadrunner that only he can see.

 

[Nell2ThaIzzay]

What emotional investment all year long? Rock wasn't around all 12 months, busting his butt to earn a big time slot at Wrestlemania, so how is he the guy they're emotionally invested in? If anyone qualifies for "season finale" win, it's really CM Punk, which is one of the reasons why keeping title on him makes sense.

Lastly, let's face it, when the Rock takes his ball and leaves, a good chunk of his fans will leave with him. They won't be watching the product, won't be investing in the guys who really are working hard day in and day out, won't be increasing the ratings. These Rocky fans will check-in sometimes to see if the Rock made an appearance and when they realize he hasn't, they'll check right back out.

So why is it so important to appease them when they aren't going to improve the bottom line in the long run?

Its not like The Rock brought a slew of fans with him when he came back. There really isn't a significant chunk of people watching that dont already watch when Rock comes to town. There won't be a very significant dip in viewers when Rock leaves, just as there wasnt a very significant increase when he returned.

The fact is, these fans who are watching are absolutely sick of John Cena, and unless it leads to a very drastic change in his character, beating Rock will do absolutely nothing for Cena or the company, except turn even more people off because it will only further add to that hatred people have of Cena.

Rock v. Cena has nothing to do with the long term of the company, and everything to do with giving the fans a match they want to see. A win will do nothing long term for either guy, and I feel will only hurt Cena either way, but further alienate fans if he wins.

The only way this match has any long term value is of they use the match to drastically change who Cena is as a character.

That's why I dont get into all this long term garbage. I dont give a flying crap about this match for what it can do for the company long term, I give every crap about this match for being a dream match, clash of generational "legends", and being an entertaining pairing.

Let the "long term" of the company get fondled when CM Punk defends his title against Jericho, solidifying him as a legitimate top guy. But leave your "long term" out of Rock v. Cena and just give me something that I want to see.

 

[Wheels]

They might as well let Rock win if Cena doesn't change his character, because people will hate your top babyface even more. Now, if he snaps half way through and uses any means necessary, then I have no problem beating The Rock, but Mr. "Take everyones crap with a smile on my face" beating The Rock is just awful.

 

[Metallo]

Its all in how Cena wins and how Rock puts him over as far as whether or not the win will cause people top hate Cena more.

Personally I think Rock losing to Cena won't change a thing. The people who hate Cena now will STILL hate Cena if he wins or loses.

If Cena loses to Rock his haters will boo him just as much.

Fact is a guy who has wrestled ONE tag match in 7 years beating a guy in his prime who is ring ready is hard to believe. Rocks had a longer layoff than Shawn Michaels did in 2002.

Rock winning comes off as Hogan level prima donnaism and look what thats done for HIS long term legacy. Certainly hasn't helped it.

Rocks not going to stick around to put everyone else over. Cena will. thats not smarky thats just the way the show can be written. Cena can talk about how he beat the Rock then some guy can come out and try to make a name for himself by beating Cena after his greatest win.

That gives more options and makes for better entertainment going forward than a John Cena who just got his ass kicked by less than part timer.

 

[Metallo]

Report on WWE's Interest in Top TNA Stars - Beer Money, RVD & Others

Posted by Marc Middleton on 01/05/2012

- Recent online reports have suggested that WWE is interested in signing several talents from TNA once their contracts with the company expire. Courtesy of PWTorch, here is a breakdown of the rumored names and if WWE is interested:

* Rob Van Dam - WWE is interested in bringing him back.

* Matt Morgan - WWE was interested in Morgan last year but he chose to stick with TNA.

* Bully Ray - WWE has shown some interest in the former Tag Team Champion. No word yet if they're interested in bringing Ray back with Devon as Team 3D.

* The Pope - Officials were interested early last year when he was being pushed but not so much anymore.

* Samoa Joe - There is no interest from WWE.

* Ink Inc. - There may be some interest in bringing back Shannon Moore down the road but Jesse Neal is viewed as a developmental prospect at best.

* James Storm and Robert Roode - WWE had interest last year in bringing Beer Money in as a tag team but word is that they're not interested in bringing the former TNA Tag Team Champions in as singles wrestlers.



Kevin Nash Rants More on Ultimate Warrior, WWE Up for Shorty Awards, More

Posted by Marc Middleton on 01/05/2012

- WWE's website currently has an article up looking at how a school teacher from France used WWE in her classroom. The teacher was explaining to her students how to pay tribute in English. She used DVD''s from the first SmackDown after 9/11 and the RAW Tribute show to Eddie Guerrero for the lesson.

- WWE is up for several awards in this year's Shorty Awards. The Shortys honor the best producers of short content on social media including Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and other sites. WWE is up for the Best TV Show award while Zack Ryder is leading the Best Webshow category and The Rock is in the top 10 for the Best Actor category. Several WWE Superstars are in the running for the Best Athlete award including John Cena, Kelly Kelly, The Bella Twins, CM Punk and others. TNA stars Rosita, Velvet Sky, AJ Styles, Mickie James, Brooke Adams and others are also nominated.

- Kevin Nash continued ranting about The Ultimate Warrior on Twitter after challenging him to a shoot fight. He wrote last night:

"I'm tired of this guy talking **** about the boys & me. When they stop it or you tap, i'll quit, or you can apologize like the c*nt you are."




TNA Working on Slammiversary Plans, TNA Wrestlers Doing MMA?

Posted by Marc Middleton on 01/05/2012

- HereIsYourWinner.com reports that TNA star Kid Kash, who has some MMA experience, is currently training to fight. This comes after the Bellator MMA group has been talking with TNA about using some of their wrestlers. As noted before, Bellator and TNA will be cross-promoting when Bellator joins Spike TV next year.

- TNA is already working on plans for their 10th anniversary and the Slammiversary pay-per-view this year. Dixie Carter wrote on Twitter:

"Big meetings this week to discuss plans for TNA's 10 Year Anniversary in 2012...all leading to Slammiversary in June. Cool stuff."




Goldust vs. Cody Update, Austin's Next DVD, TLC DVD/Blu-ray Extras, RAW

Posted by Marc Middleton on 01/05/2012

- The DVD Special Feature for WWE's 2011 TLC DVD will feature Josh Matthws interviewing Daniel Bryan after his win. Blu-ray exclusive content for the DVD includes Zack Ryder vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Cody Rhodes plus CM Punk & Randy Orton vs. The Miz & Alberto Del Rio and Mark Henry vs. John Cena from the December 12th RAW as well as Big Show vs. Jack Swagger and Randy Orton & Zack Ryder vs. Wade Barrett & Dolph Ziggler from the December 16th SmackDown.

- Stan is back and sent word that Monday's WWE RAW Supershow from Memphis had 29 minutes and 6 seconds of in-ring action.

- Steve Austin's new movie "Recoil" hits DVD and Blu-ray in North America on March 6th. Austin plays a cop turned vigilante after his family is murdered. Austin and actor Danny Trejo are featured on the cover of the DVD.

- The latest on Cody Rhodes vs. Goldust is that they may do something together at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view.

Partial source: F4Wonline.com

 

[Pink Ranger]

- WWE's website currently has an article up looking at how a school teacher from France used WWE in her classroom. The teacher was explaining to her students how to pay tribute in English. She used DVD''s from the first SmackDown after 9/11 and the RAW Tribute show to Eddie Guerrero for the lesson.

Not surprised by that. In the past, at work I've used examples from the WWE as great examples of public speaking in a professional environment (generally Rock, Austin and Angle from the Attitude Era).

 

[Wheels]

I really just want Cena to go nuts and beat the living hell out of someone. This angle is not satisfying at all unless Cena goes off on The Rock and his haters.

 

[Pink Ranger]

A Cena heel turn would also require him to beat down Zack Ryder, the most sympathetic face right now until Mysterio comes back.