The Wrestling Thread is a skipping, Chucks-wearing broad in a power suit

[Metallo]

So it's early moring and I can't sleep, I'm grumpy and felt like posting my issues with WWE that have led to me simply not watching after 20+ years. Needless to say the fact WWE still book like we are in 1986 but without the charm or brains plays a huge part as it infects every area of the product, but I'll bullet point it.

CM Punk - Finally a face that is actually over with the over 12's and who can sell merch like Cena! Best booking plan? tone down what made him popular, then make it clear he's second fiddle, then turn him into a chicken**** heel and feed him to Cena!

Cena - An impotent face, half the crowd hate him no matter what, his mix of "Gee golly" attitude, pious bellowing about how righteous he is and horrible comedy shtick has grated on just about everyone old enough to realize breasts are awesome.

You can't get heat on him so Punk has to beat up a jaded old fart announcer, because **** knows beating Rey Mysterio up ceased working years ago and Ryder proved useless as surrogate heat in the Kane feud.

Sheamus - Once a mean destroyer, then he went face and just won matches every week, now he's a big jolly ginger giant telling tales from the old country and even worse jokes than Cena, I am sure Vince has designs on getting him on the side of that sweetcorn tin.

Del Rio - Is the Latin market that lucrative? Do WWE brass really think Latin fans wont watch as much without a representative? how the hell did WWE draw in Mexico before Rey Mysterio? Honestly Del Rio has been pushed forever as a top heel despite having no mic skills and not being over, Christ! his half dead looking ring announcer is more over.

Orton - He was last interesting in 2009 before his balls were removed. Now he just talks and walks very slowly and has the odd good match here and there.

Daniel Bryan - Made the mistake of getting really over, this had to be fixed and quickly, hence the barking loon in a comedy angle with Kane, the guy known for being in the worst angles in WWE history.

AJ Lee - Yes she grew a surname when made GM. Classic Vince, take a quirky and interesting character, change what got them over and ram them down everyone's throat. She is now an obnoxious poison midget in a power suit.

Triple H - Just **** off you tired *****ebag, you can't work without a crutch now, you got your Mania matches with Taker, you actually did the right thing at Summerslam, just go away and sort out the booking instead of lingering around like the stale remnants of a fart from an 80 year old who's been on a curry and cider binge, you aren't Shawn or Flair, deal with it!

Brock Lesnar - A true box office attraction, a legit wrecking machine, the best plan of action? job him out in his first match to Cena who lost to a movie star in a phoned in match instead of doing it the other way around, then book him in a tedious 4 month angle with a has-been, have him actually win, but only so he can lose the rematch to said has-been who just wanted to wait a bit longer and oil it up some more before he got his "rub."

Dolph Ziggler - Best athlete in the company but Sheamus has beaten him so many times I'm surprised he hasn't been mounted on the all green Sheamusmobile Vince is no doubt having built for the cartoon launch. Honestly Dolph is in a no win situation, chasing a belt that doesn't matter with a case he didn't need.

The Big Show - He was likable as the giant military gnome, now he's just pointless as the unstoppable monster who is always stopped.

Social Media - WORST THING EVER! just get rid of it, it sucks on every level, no one wants to see short videos of inbred marks who don't seem to get that wrestling is a work, these people only serve to make the business look worse, and ditch the z list celebs as ambassadors, they suck, and not in the good porn way.

Cody has seemingly stalled, Christian is a jobber, Ryback will be pushed despite no one giving a **** and Cesaro is working an angle with a comedy act who's sock puppet has a hard on for his girlfriend, genius!

The booking is infantile, idiotic and boring, the belts are worthless and the talent undervalued as Cena and Triple H have a circle jerk with nostalgia acts.

/Rant

Its like you are Moses preaching the word. We may as well carve this whole post in stone because its the stone cold truth. Well said. You've summed up my exact feelings. The cluster of booking started with Rock vs Cena and has only gotten worse since. They should be doing what they can t keep Brock a potent draw. Beating Cena after he beat Rock would have been big but WWE had it ass backwards.

Okay, one good thing I did see about these Anger Management segments was Kane deadpanning his life history. That was the best Kane's done in a long time.

Ditto. I laughed. Hard. They lampshaded Kanes awful history brilliantly and his delivery was excellent.

Of course no one took it seriously, look who it was coming from! he's about as sincere as a declaration of sexual satisfaction and lust from a hooker who's just been slipped a Benjamin from an obese 60 year old with erectile dysfunction and genital warts.

If they really hold off Triple H's needless win over Brock until Mania they are even dumber than I thought, but one way or the other some poor bastard is jobbing to this ego case at Mania when he makes his triumphant return.

Shoulda known this was coming. I watched Raw and it was plainly obvious that segment was to get H sympathy afteer the crowd joked about him tapping. WWE is laughably protective of his image. Now not only will he get his win back but he gets it at the biggest show of the year when Brock would b better served elsewhere. Its H's ultimate way to say he's better.

I kept thinking his talk about being "that guy" was a dig at Hogan and guys like him but H is proving to have more ego than even Hogan did 20 years ago. Even Hogan didn't get his loss to Taker avenged at Mania.

I mentioned that I love Joe and Austin, though not as much in TNA where they just don't feel quit like themselves in the ring.

And God no, none of those (other then Joe and Austin) are anywhere in the same universe as Dragon (best in the world by some margin), Punk (the best overall package in the business), Ziggler, Brock or Cena. I would have added Jericho but he just left.

Styles has never and will never be anything other then mediocre to me. I honestly don't know what he does for those that think he is a world class, but his matches, nothing, absolutely nothing for me. It isn't like he is built like Cena or has offense on par with Dragon. He can't be a convincing force of nature nor is he likable enough to be the baby face that gets ripped up. Jeff was always good at one specific thing and he isn't even good at that anymore. A nearly middle aged man walking around like that isn't appealing to begin with and his in ring work just makes it more painful.

I don't know how anyone can watch Angle and not cringe. This is the guy who had that match with Benoit at the Rumble. The dude is a shadow. He looks horrible, in pain and moves like a robot. The sheer intensity is gone, as is his overall movement and he looks like he is just trying to get through it. Any semblance of psychology he learned while working with Eddie, Austin, Benoit, the Rock, Taker, etc. disappeared over a half a decade ago.

Roode is ok, but Storm, nah.

As far as pure talent I'd match TNA's top guys up against WWE's any way of the week. Aries and Roode could hang with anybody in the E. Thats one reason even Punk said he'd like top wrestle them both. Roodes style is old school but he does it as well as anyone and since so few seem to do that now he stands out. Roodes a great old school heel whereas WWE doesn't undersdtand how to make an old school heel anymore. Storms not a mat master but where he shines is a natural promo ability. Its where guys like Ziggler, as good as he is, comes up way short. I'd stack Styles up against him. Ziggler sells better but AJ is just as good a pure athlete maybe better. psychology wise? they are about on the same level.

How is Jeff Hardy nearly middle age? He can't be over 35 yet. If he's near middle age so is Punk and I don't think anyone would buy that. With Hardy its not the years but the miles. Angles lost a step but his psychology is as good as its ever been but he's never been one of those guys that were masters of it. I'd say the rosters are comperable.

Complete PWI 500 Rankings for 2012

Spoiler

1.CM Punk
2.Bobby Roode
3.John Cena
4.Daniel Bryan
5.Sheamus
6.Jun Akiyama
7.Davey Richards
8.Kurt Angle
9.Mark Henry
10.Alberto del Rio
11.Kiroyoshi Tenzan
12.James Storm
13.Austin Aries
14.Randy Orton
15.Christian
16.Dolph Ziggler
17.The Big Show
18.Eddie Edwards
19.L.A. Park
20.Kevin Steen
21.Jeff Hardy
22.Kane
23.Cody Rhodes
24.Takashi Sugiura
25.Devon
26.Dr. Wagner Jr.
27.Mr. Anderson
28.AJ Styles
29.Chris Jericho
30.Bully Ray
31.Kofi Kingston
32.Roderick Strong
33.Jack Swagger
34.El Terrible
35.Sting
36.R-Truth
37.Rob Van Dam
38.Go Shiozaki
39.Jay Lethal
40.Kazchika Okada
41.Crimson
42.Shelton Benjamin
43.Magnus
44.Colt Cabana
45.Tensai
46.Seth Rollins
47.Shinsuke Nakamura
48.Chris Daniels
49.The Miz
50.Matt Morgan
51.Samoa Joe
52.Sami Callihan
53.Charlie Haas
54.Michael Elgin
55.Gunner
56.Wade Barrett
57.Jeff Jarrett
58.Kazarian
59.Johnny Gargano
60.Santino Marella
61.Takeshi Morishima
62.Adam Pearce
63.Jay Briscoe
64.Karl Anderson
65.Mark Briscoe
66.Robbie E
67.El Mesias
68.Prince Devitt
69.Averno
70.Zack Ryder
71.Tommaso Ciampa
72.Primo
73.Satoshi Kojima
74.Brodus Clay
75.Adam Cole
76.Epico
77.Leo Kruger
78.Mike Bennett
79.Yamato
80.Negro Casas
81.La Mascara
82.El Generico
83.David Otunga
84.Kenny King
85.Eric Young
86.Hernandez
87.Zema Ion
88.Pac
89.Damien Sandow
90.Jey Uso
91.Jimmy Uso
92.Hunico
93.Harry Smith
94.Tetsuya Naito
95.Carlito
96.Evan Bourne
97.Rhett Titus
98.Richie Steamboat
99.Justin Gabriel
100.Sin Cara
101.Kyle O’Reilly
102.Great Khali
103.Blue Panther
104.The Almighty Sheik
105.Kid Kash
106.Luke Harper
107.Tyson Kidd
108.Heath Slater
109.Alex Shelley
110.Antonio Cesaro
111.Ryback
112.Suwama
113.Finlay
114.Abyss
115.Masato Yoshino
116.Jerry Lynn
117.Togi Makabe
118.Xavier Woods
119.Ultimo Dragon
120.La Sombra
121.Shingo
122.Masaaki Mochizuki
123.Akira Tozawa
124.Kassius Ohno
125.Yoshi Tatsu
126.Chuck Taylor
127.Hirooki Goto
128.Rhino
129.Low-Ki
130.D’Angelo Dinero
131.Naomichi Marufuji
132.Genki Horiguchi
133.Volador Jr.
134.Mike Dalton
135.Mason Ryan
136.Jay Spadley
137.Mahabali Veera
138.Jimmy Susumu
139.Darrick Bateman
140.TJ Perkins
141.Bo Dallas
142.Yuji Nagata
143.RJ Brewer
144.Rush
145.Douglas Williams
146.Drake Younger
147.A.R. Fox
148.BXB Hulk
149.Jushin Liger
150.Ezekiel Jackson
151.Cima
152.Ryusuke Taguchi
153.El Zorro
154.Uhaa Nation
155.Rey Escorpion
156.Darren Young
157.Blue Demon Jr.
158.Shannon Moore
159.Caprice Coleman
160.Curt Hawkins
161.Mike Mondo
162.El Hijo Del Santo
163.Cedric Alexander
164.Minoru Suzuki
165.Jinder Mahal
166.Ultimo Guerrero
167.Bray Wyatt
168.Titus O’Neil
169.Ryo Santo
170.Alex Riley
171.Mohammad Yone
172.Matt Jackson
173.Kenta
174.Joe E. Legend
175.Camacho
176.Hector Garza
177.Chavo Guerrero
178.Nick Jackson
179.Shawn Spears
180.Mark Haskins
181.Yoshinobu Kanemaru
182.Silver Kain
183.Kota Bushi
184.Kenny Omega
185.Ted DiBiase Jr.
186.El Hijo Perro Aguayo
187.Chance Prophet
188.Matt Cross
189.Joe Doering
190.Drew McIntyre
191.Jake Carter
192.Robert Anthony
193.Connor O’Brian
194.Tyson Dux
195.Jack Evans
196.Michael McGillicutty
197.Gamma
198.Rob Terry
199.Corey Graves
200.Eddie Kingston
201.Naruki Doi
202.Masato Tananka
203.Tyler Reks
204.??? (Seriously, there’s nobody here&#8230
205.Chris Masters
206.Briley Pierce
207.JTG
208.N8 Mattson
209.Derek Wylde
210.Johnny Curtis
211.Brian Kendrick
212.Cbernetico
213.Brad Maddox
214.Delirious
215.Shawn Daivari
216.Dragon Rojo Jr.
217.Mike Quackenbush
218.Scott Steiner
219.Apollyon
220.Trent Barreta
221.Josh Alexander
222.Darin Corbin
223.Papdon
224.Chris Angel
225.Akitoshi Saito
226.Richochet
227.Shaun Tempers
228.Psicosis II
229.El Texano Jr.
230.Dragon Kid
231.Chessman
232.Hartley Jackson
233.Jado
234.Devon Moore
235.Petey Williams
236.Rocky Romero
237.Paul London
238.Mascara Dorada
239.Hallowicked
240.Steve Corino
241.Virus
242.Sonjay Dutt
243.Bestia 666
244.Bray Wyatt
245.Extreme Tiger
246.Ricky Cruz
247.Takao Omori
248.Kaz Hayashi
249.Gedo
250.BJ Whitmer
251.Manabu Soya
252.Bryon Saxton
253.Dean Ambrose
254.Masada
255.Famous B
256.Kahagas
257.Arik Cannon
258.Ryan Eagles
259.Jake Manning
260.Alex Silva
261.Daisuke Sekimoto
262.MVP
263.Kai
264.Big E Langston
265.Joey Ryan
266.Lance Archer
267.LA Parka Jr.
268.Krimson
269.Masahiro Chono
270.Homicide
271.Akebono
272.Jimmy Rave
273.Gilbert
274.Rey Bucaniero
275.Rich Swann
276.Shane Haste
277.Jigsaw
278.Dr. Nicholas Dinsmore
279.John Silver
280.Harlem Bravado
281.Silas Young
282.Facade
283.Silver King
284.Lance Bravado
285.Matt Riviera
286.John McChesney
287.Gran Akuma
288.Gurv Sihra
289.Ruckus
290.Ray Gonzalez
291.Anthony Nese
292.Harv Sihra
293.Robby Heart
294.Kuimuna
295.Ace Hawkins
296.Rick Victor
297.Icarus
298.Tommy Dreamer
299.Pepper Parks
300.Scotty Vortekz
301.Luke Gallows
302.Ares
303.Damien Wayne
304.Sabu
305.Craig Classic
306.Jesse Neal
307.Vance Nevada
308.Kenneth Cameron
309.Tiberious King
310.Aden Chambers
311.Brandon Espinosa
312.Joh Davis
313.Marco Corleone
314.Necro Butcher
315.BLK Jeez
316.Danny Havoc
317.Kory Chavis
318.Oliver John
319.Jason Jordan
320.Caleb Konley
321.Mikael Judas
322.Roscoe Jackson
323.Alexander Rusev
324.Pinkie Sanchez
325.Ray Alexander
326.CJ Parker
327.Joey Rico Dynamite
328.Peter Avalon
329.Jake O’Reilly
330.Grizzly Redwood
331.Scott Reed
332.Willie Mack
333.Mike Posey
334.Shaun Ricker
335.Mike Sydal
336.Lince Dorado
337.Devon Storm
338.Asylum
339.Josh Daniels
340.Tim Storm
341.Stryknyn
342.Derek Sanders
343.Se7en
344.Kenso
345.Drew Gulak
346.Electroshock
347.Greg Excellent
348.Chris Wylde
349.Dru Onyx
350.Kyle Sebastian
351.Leakee
352.Luke Hawx
353.Amazing Red
354.Matt Burns
355.Craven Knyte
356.Percy Watson
357.Andrew Alexander
358.Ricky Reyes
359.Brandon Gatson
360.Andy Ridge
361.Jake Christ
362.Alex Koslov
363.Tiger Mask IV
364.Josef Von Schmidt
365.Steve Boz
366.Scotty O’Shea
367.DJ Hyde
368.RJ City
369.Bobby Fish
370.Robbie Mcallister
371.Jimmy Jacobs
372.Mustafa Aziz Daniels
373.Dave Crist
374.Notorious T.I.D.
375.Mike Hughes
376.John E. Stone
377.Chip Day
378.Chris Silvio
379.Ashley Sixx
380.Kekoa The Flyin’ Hawaiian
381.Super Dragon
382.Slyk Wagner Brown
383.Tank
384.Vaquero Fantasma
385.Dasher Hatfield
386.Dash Maverick
387.Aaron Draven
388.Micah Taylor
389.Cobian
390.Jimmy Cicero
391.Bobby Moore
392.James Bronson
393.Timothy Thatcher
394.Ahtu
395.Azrieal
396.Aiden Veil
397.Seth Delay
398.Bloody Harker Dirge
399.Oliver Cain
400.Breaker Morant
401.Garett Bischoff
402.Dandido Jr.
403.Sexxxy Eddie
404.Biggie Biggs
405.John Kermon
406.Sinn Bodhi
407.Crazzy Steve
408.Patrick Bentley
409.Matt Saigon
410.Scorpio Sky
411.Bill Collier
412.Tyler Hilton
413.Anthony Darko
414.Damian Dragon
415.Mike Rollins
416.Gregory Iron
417.Kyle Matthews
418.Bobby Shields
419.John Skyler
420.Primo Scordino
421.Gee Gee
422.Jayson Wayne
423.Napalm Bomb
424.Steven Walters
425.Hellcat
426.Stupefied
427.Ethan HD
428.Dave Osborne
429.Kevin Douglas
430.Sara Del Rey
431.Corey Hollis
432.Rob Sweet
433.Christian York
434.Greg Anthony
435.Sam Shields
436.Player Uno
437.Chris Rockwell
438.Dany Only
439.Paredyse
440.Nitro
441.Samuray Del Sol
442.Jessie Godderz
443.Gideon Malice
444.Vordell Walker
445.AJ Kirsch
446.Nick Fury
447.Black Ice
448.Joe Gacy
449.Luke Robinson
450.Brandon Thurston
451.Rudy Switchblade
452.American Kickboxer II
453.Billy Gibbs
454.Jamin Olivencia
455.Tommy Mack
456.The Bodysnatcher
457.Garrett Dylan
458.Jason Cypress
459.Ophidian
460.Steve Stasiak
461.Cueball Carmichael
462.Franky the Mobster
463.Nui Tofiga
464.Rob Fury
465.Cheech Hernandez
466.Gabe Saint
467.Johnny Spade
468.Larry Dallas
469.Danny Daniels
470.Marc Mandrake
471.Mohamad Ali Vaez
472.Dave Dutra
473.Chris Cooper
474.Kid America
475.Tommy Reznik
476.Butch Long
477.Joey Knight
478.Al Farat
479.Tyler Priegel
480.Mr. Ooh La La
481.Elia Markopoulos
482.Barry Hardy
483.Brandon Bishop
484.Lumberjack Leroux
485.The Big O
486.Shooter Storm
487.Jimi The Hippie
488.Corey Blaze
489.Chrisifix
490.LJ Cruz
491.Anton Levigh
492.Perry Von Viscious
493.The Maestro
494.Vince Beach
495.Silent Warrior
496.Johnny Adams
497.Lance Anoa’i
498.Nick Vickers
499.Shane Hollister
500.Brian Hardy

http://www.ewrestlingnews.com/news/8771/the-complete-pwi-500-list-revealed-details-inside?pg=1

Mmm...hard to argue the top two even if the list leans towards kayfabe sucess or not. I could live with the top ten except for number ten. C'mon PWI...most of his run this year has been a dud. 13 should be in that 10 spot.

 

[Superark]

Interesting note I picked up today....

Credit www.Pwinsider.com

In regards to Matt Morgan's TNA contract, he was said to have asked for a guaranteed World Title run in his new deal. The feeling is TNA did not give it to him, and thus he did not re-sign. It's reported that Morgan cares more about having the title than money and he wants a chance to prove himself as a draw.

 

[the dmg]

As far as pure talent I'd match TNA's top guys up against WWE's any way of the week. Aries and Roode could hang with anybody in the E. Thats one reason even Punk said he'd like top wrestle them both. Roodes style is old school but he does it as well as anyone and since so few seem to do that now he stands out. Roodes a great old school heel whereas WWE doesn't undersdtand how to make an old school heel anymore. Storms not a mat master but where he shines is a natural promo ability. Its where guys like Ziggler, as good as he is, comes up way short. I'd stack Styles up against him. Ziggler sells better but AJ is just as good a pure athlete maybe better. psychology wise? they are about on the same level.

Agreed.

With Hardy its not the years but the miles.

I've never been a fan of Hardy due to his ring work, but over the years, he's improved a great deal on the mic. I remember when he was cutting those heel promos in TNA that were just fantastic for someone like him.

Angles lost a step but his psychology is as good as its ever been but he's never been one of those guys that were masters of it. I'd say the rosters are comperable.

Honestly, some of Angle's best matches have been in TNA. In WWE, you would have never seen Angle doing a sunset flip off of the stage. His matches against Abyss and recently, Jeff Jarrett were amazing. Of course, his best matches have been when he's facing Styles.

Mmm...hard to argue the top two even if the list leans towards kayfabe sucess or not. I could live with the top ten except for number ten. C'mon PWI...most o his run this year has been as dud. 13 should be in that 10 spot.

I've always found their rankings to miss the mark a lot of times, but the top ten this year isn't that bad.

Interesting note I picked up today....

Credit www.Pwinsider.com

In regards to Matt Morgan's TNA contract, he was said to have asked for a guaranteed World Title run in his new deal. The feeling is TNA did not give it to him, and thus he did not re-sign. It's reported that Morgan cares more about having the title than money and he wants a chance to prove himself as a draw.

Hmm...interesting. I always felt that when both Hernandez and himself were getting pushed to be contenders, that they really missed the opportunity with Morgan. It's weird to hear that the contract issue wasn't due to money.

Devon and Bully Ray still haven't signed new contracts with TNA, which has me worried since Ray is doing some of his best work right now.

 

[DarthSkywalker]

As far as pure talent I'd match TNA's top guys up against WWE's any way of the week. Aries and Roode could hang with anybody in the E. Thats one reason even Punk said he'd like top wrestle them both. Roodes style is old school but he does it as well as anyone and since so few seem to do that now he stands out. Roodes a great old school heel whereas WWE doesn't undersdtand how to make an old school heel anymore. Storms not a mat master but where he shines is a natural promo ability. Its where guys like Ziggler, as good as he is, comes up way short. I'd stack Styles up against him. Ziggler sells better but AJ is just as good a pure athlete maybe better. psychology wise? they are about on the same level.

I love Austin. He has never been as good as his peers at their best. But, he is very, very good and still enjoy watching him.

The rest, nah. Roode style is "old school" and it shows. Guys like Punk and Dragon can incorporate stuff from the past without reducing their whole shtick to it. They can be modern with the fan service. Roode has not show he is capable of that.

And it isn't that they can't make "old school heels". One of the points that has been made in the recent days is that isn't necessary nor is it favorable. The guys should be far more complex then that. Punk, Dragon, Sheamus don't need to be defined by heel, face, or anything else. They should just be who they are. Roode isn't interesting enough to do that.

The bunk of wrestling is wrestling. Storm and his shtick on the mic wouldn't fly in the WWE for good reason and he is mediocre at best in the ring.

Ziggler is miles ahead of AJ. Beyond pure athleticism and selling, his psychology is clearly being underrated. The way he incorporates his character, one that is actually appropriate, into what he does in the ring is miles ahead of AJ. miles. The guy is about as close to Mr. Perfect as you can get, and he is only getting better.

How is Jeff Hardy nearly middle age? He can't be over 35 yet. If he's near middle age so is Punk and I don't think anyone would buy that. With Hardy its not the years but the miles. Angles lost a step but his psychology is as good as its ever been but he's never been one of those guys that were masters of it. I'd say the rosters are comperable.

Punk wears wrestling gear and actually shows he can wrestle. Hardy walks around in his get up and with paint everywhere.

Angle's best matches were 2003 and before. About halfway through 2004 he started becoming a completely indulgent worker, kind of like HBK but to a far worse degree and he stopped having constantly good matches. Then his body started really catching up to him and he started looking ridiculous.

He looks like a guy with a deadly disease whose body is in pain constantly, and can't convincing wrestle anymore.

 

[Donnie Darko]

I just glanced at the PWI 500. Where is Shelton Benjamin wrestling now? I very rarely check in on Raw now, but that's about it.

 

[Team Andino]

I just glanced at the PWI 500. Where is Shelton Benjamin wrestling now? I very rarely check in on Raw now, but that's about it.

An independent company called ROH (Ring of Honor), he's tagging with his old partner Charlie Haas there.

 

[Benstamania]

So... Apparently Punk bladed on Raw. He either has that much pull or is just doing whatever he wants now, lol.

 

[Slushy]

In regards to Matt Morgan's TNA contract, he was said to have asked for a guaranteed World Title run in his new deal. The feeling is TNA did not give it to him, and thus he did not re-sign. It's reported that Morgan cares more about having the title than money and he wants a chance to prove himself as a draw.

That's when you know you love the business. t:

Now The Wrestling Observer reports that word coming out of RAW was Triple H won't be wrestling again until WrestleMania 29. No word yet if this means Lesnar's WrestleMania opponent will be Triple H or if it means they have nixed the rematch altogether.

Hopefully, they nixed it. That way when Lesnar challenges Undertaker, he'll be more of a threat. Maybe we'll get Lesnar Vs. Orton for Survivor Series now.

If they really hold off Triple H's needless win over Brock until Mania they are even dumber than I thought, but one way or the other some poor bastard is jobbing to this ego case at Mania when he makes his triumphant return.

Well, if HBK is going to come back, wrestling against Lesnar or Helmsley (his best friend) is the best way to go about it. However, if Hunter is going to bury somebody, I nominate The Miz!

Also, I just finished The Epic Journey of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and something was mentioned that makes me wonder....Dwayne was talking about how it affected him when he heard 'Die Rocky Die' and 'Rocky Sucks' because every "good guy" wants to get the entire crowd behind him and the feeling is BS when someone can't get the entire crowd on their side. It just makes me wonder how Cena truly feels and if he's ever been truthfully honest, or that if he ever wonders how it'll be if Cena can change up his WWE persona a little and even become a heel.

I've had this theory since 2006 that Cena saw what happened with Rocky and knew he was going wind up in the same position so he stuck to his guns to change things up and piss people off by not listening to him.

 

[Donnie Darko]

An independent company called ROH (Ring of Honor), he's tagging with his old partner Charlie Haas there.

Ah, ok, I've watched some ROH. I used to have a "best of" dvd a few years back and let a coworker borrow it. Never saw it again, and haven't seen him in years, but I need that back.

I always like Shelton Benjamin and thought the only thing holding him back at all was his mic work, which did improve, but was never great. Back when Angle was a heel champ, I always thought they should work a story like Shawn/Diesel of Benjamin basically growing tired of being an underling and making a legit run at Angle's belt (if not winning it), turning into one of the top faces in the process. Oh well, good to hear that he is still around, though.

 

[TX85]

 

[Superark]

Borash mouthing "yes" cracks me up!

Miss Assmacher

 

[Anno_Domini]

So... Apparently Punk bladed on Raw. He either has that much pull or is just doing whatever he wants now, lol.

I actually like that. Bringing in an element into the cage match.

 

[Team Andino]

Ah, ok, I've watched some ROH. I used to have a "best of" dvd a few years back and let a coworker borrow it. Never saw it again, and haven't seen him in years, but I need that back.

I always like Shelton Benjamin and thought the only thing holding him back at all was his mic work, which did improve, but was never great. Back when Angle was a heel champ, I always thought they should work a story like Shawn/Diesel of Benjamin basically growing tired of being an underling and making a legit run at Angle's belt (if not winning it), turning into one of the top faces in the process. Oh well, good to hear that he is still around, though.

Yea I was always hoping they would give him a manager (Shelton's mama doesn't count) to help him until he might improve enough to go solo. They stuck him with some crap gimmicks near the end of his run and finally let him go. It's a shame but then again this isn't the first time WWE missed a good opportunity at getting a new star.

 

[Team Andino]

So... Apparently Punk bladed on Raw. He either has that much pull or is just doing whatever he wants now, lol.

Punk tweeted a picture of his head and the stapled needed to close the wound, either it was the hard way or he's really rusty on blading. I'm assuming it was the hard way.

 

[Metallo]

I love Austin. He has never been as good as his peers at their best. But, he is very, very good and still enjoy watching him.

He's as good as anyone in WWE right now. The praise he's been getting from a lot of people and the way he single handedly elevated the X division whereas his WWE counterparts really haven't with their midcard speaks volumes. Its not like Aries was always matched against amazing opponents either he's just that good. You don't rise THAT fast and be able to back it up without being good. Its something not even Ziggler has been able to accomplish as well.

The rest, nah. Roode style is "old school" and it shows. Guys like Punk and Dragon can incorporate stuff from the past without reducing their whole shtick to it. They can be modern with the fan service. Roode has not show he is capable of that.

The rest...uh yeah. The business could use a dose of old school. Knowing how to work and ring psychology and having a match that slows down instead of being flashy for the sake of it is a problem a lot of todays talent has. In the ring Roodes as good as anyone. You compare styles but fail to realize that diversity is a good thing. Why should Roode try to be like Punk or Bryan in terms of the way they do things when what he's done has worked brilliantly? At one point he was one of the best heels going. Even guys in WWE said so. Rock said so. That speaks volumes.

And it isn't that they can't make "old school heels". One of the points that has been made in the recent days is that isn't necessary nor is it favorable. The guys should be far more complex then that. Punk, Dragon, Sheamus don't need to be defined by heel, face, or anything else. They should just be who they are. Roode isn't interesting enough to do that.

They can't. Their booking has been utterly incompetent when it comes to most heels. A lot of guys have been been tried with a more traditionalist heel slant but WWE has failed time and again. They've tried it with Del Rio and failed. Tried with with Tensai and failed. Rhodes seemes to be in a rut right now.

As far as Roode a lot of people would say otherwise. Look past your bias for a minute and see the reaction the guy has gotten from a lot of quarters. Roode isn't trying to play the cool heel or the tweener so your point that he isn't "interesting enough to do that" is moot. Its not a matter of ability its a matter of executiuon. He doesn't WANT to be cool in that way. He's not trying to have any gray. Problem is some people don't see room for anything but tweeners and thats a huge error. Thanks Vince Russo.

The bunk of wrestling is wrestling. Storm and his shtick on the mic wouldn't fly in the WWE for good reason and he is mediocre at best in the ring.

Please. WWE is MOSTLY talk these days. We have three hours of Raw now and two of those hours seem to be nothing but talk, recaps, and social media bullsh**. Over a year ago they gave Miz a title run for God's sake and Storm is ten times the wrestler Miz is.

Ziggler is miles ahead of AJ. Beyond pure athleticism and selling, his psychology is clearly being underrated. The way he incorporates his character, one that is actually appropriate, into what he does in the ring is miles ahead of AJ. miles. The guy is about as close to Mr. Perfect as you can get, and he is only getting better.

He's nowhere close to Curt Hennig yet. Not anywhere close to having his heel psychology and certainly not his ability to showcase who he is in a promo. As far as being miles better than AJ thasts not really true. The facts speak for themselves. Ziggler hasn't had the big matches with as many top guys as AJ has had and delivered the way AJ has. AJ has improved greatly as a worker in the last 5 years

Punk wears wrestling gear and actually shows he can wrestle. Hardy walks around in his get up and with paint everywhere.

you mean like Sting, The Road Warriors, Ultimate Warrior, etc? Yeah top guys in paint has never worked. Its called diversity. Hardy is doing with what works for him. A lot of guys don't work in traditional gear. Cenas gear ain't exactly wrestling gear is it? This is the same company where Rock wrestled in track suits for a while and Foley in a dirty dress shirt and tie. I won't even get into Lesnars MMA gear.

Angle's best matches were 2003 and before. About halfway through 2004 he started becoming a completely indulgent worker, kind of like HBK but to a far worse degree and he stopped having constantly good matches. Then his body started really catching up to him and he started looking ridiculous.

Funny...he and Taker stole the show at NWO 2006. that wasn't before 2003. he and Joe had some great matches. Angle vs HBK at Wm21 was AFTER 2003. Nobody but you has said that wasn't one of Angles best matches. Angles psychology got better in the mid 2000's. Before that he was all about the mechanics and had to be lead through more than he did later. Doing a bunch more athletic stuff back then didn't make him "better."

He was worker enough to give Ken Anderson one of the ONLY great matches he's ever had in a cage in TNA and Angle and Styles always seem to bring out the best in each other.

He looks like a guy with a deadly disease whose body is in pain constantly, and can't convincing wrestle anymore.

You seem to see what you want to see because your posts on this subject seemed to start with a bias against TNA.

 

[Metallo]

Interesting note I picked up today....

Credit www.Pwinsider.com

In regards to Matt Morgan's TNA contract, he was said to have asked for a guaranteed World Title run in his new deal. The feeling is TNA did not give it to him, and thus he did not re-sign. It's reported that Morgan cares more about having the title than money and he wants a chance to prove himself as a draw.

If thats what this has all been about they should just re sign him and offer him a short test run with the title down the road. He's got a long way to go to imrpove but Morgans still got potential and it would be a shame to see TNA let him go after so much has been invested in him. Can't see how he'd do unless they give him a chance to at least prove he's willing to step up to the plate. Doesn't have to be now just in the next year or so.

The fact that its more about wanting a chance than money says a lot. He should want the belt. Of course if he does get resigned he has to show why he deserves it as well. Biggest thing is he needs to work like a monster heel champion. That would be the way to book him. He's already got the talent on the mic he just needs to step up in the ring.

 

[DarthSkywalker]

Funny...he and Taker stole the show at NWO 2006. that wasn't before 2003. he and Joe had some great matches. Angle vs HBK at Wm21 was AFTER 2003. Nobody but you has said that wasn't one of Angles best matches. Angles psychology got better in the mid 2000's. Before that he was all about the mechanics and had to be lead through more than he did later. Doing a bunch more athletic stuff back then didn't make him "better.".

I will answer the rest later don't worry, but I wanted to comment on this right now because I knew it was coming, like the face paint stuff (completely different to wear face paint and to come out looking like you fell in a vat).

Those matches with Taker and HBK are overindulgent, overrated, and completely lacking logic. They are fun and quite manipulative do to the lack of actual logic, but that doesn't make them great matches. They are the kind of matches I was talking about when I said he lost his way. Matches that became all about stretch runs that hand nothing to do with the first 15-20 mins of the match. The stretch runs were pretty, but destroyed everything about the matches.

They are great because they have huge spots and stuff that seems to be "impossible" because they just **** on the rest of the match. Angle kicking out on 4 doesn't make a match better. It just shines a light on how obvious the ref's count is.

If Kurt knew the leg scissor version of the ankle lock, why ever waste his time with the basic one, that every main eventer started kicking out of? Oh, I know. So he could do all those fun spots involving his opponent kicking out of it.

Kurt was a far better wrestler when he was simply attempting to kick the crap out of people and had the likes of Benoit, Eddie, Austin, Edge and others dictate where the match was going. The Angle that worn you down with suplexes and try to knock you out with his high impact was the best.

King of the Ring with Shane, the matches with Benoit after Benoit's return (The 2001 stuff was good, but only the Cage match was truly great), the cage match with Edge, NWO with the Rock, Summerslam with Rey, the Super Six tag matches, those are his great matches.

 

[El_Citrus]

This is exactly what should have happened but instead Triple H, like the succubus he is, stole all that heat and limelight for himself and feuded with Nash.

I would have even been fine with him feuding with Nash as a way to cover his tracks, taking out his friend who he hired to insure that Punk lost the belt, and took Nash out when he failed. An "If you want something done right, do it yourself." situation.

Thankfully I don't watch these shows right now, because just reading them on a weekly basis is enough to send my brain on an entire tangent about how to fix (insert storyline/character here).

Oh, and Hunter, being a man of authority, would you know how to go about a username change, if possible?

 

[The Sage]

- John Morrison and Melina are currently working on season 2 of The Darkness Descending, a web series.

- The topic of UFC canceling their upcoming pay-per-view was a hot topic backstage at WWE this week. WWE officials considered taking a shot at UFC by having a line on RAW about how they never cancel pay-per-view events.

- As seen on RAW, WWE is slowly starting to give Ryback more competition after having him defeat Jack Swagger this week. A source reports that WWE has not "pulled the trigger" and advanced the Ryback character yet because they're afraid of messing it up, believe it or not.

- We noted before that the new working idea was for Triple H to remain out of action until WrestleMania 29 next year. It wasn't known if that would be the date for the Brock Lesnar rematch or if WWE had scrapped the rematch altogether. Sources now report that the working plan is indeed for Lesnar-HHH II to take place at WrestleMania.

Obviously this would nix any plans for Lesnar vs. The Undertaker or Lesnar vs. The Rock. It's important to note that WrestleMania plans are always being worked on but the match they are going with is Lesnar vs. Triple H. While plans do change, it's said that because of Triple H's power, this match probably won't change as many times as the others will.

I reported on Monday that this week's Triple H retirement speech was not planned at SummerSlam when he loss to Lesnar but WWE wasn't happy with the original crowd reaction to his apparent retirement. One person in WWE noted that no matter what anyone claims, the entire reason they shot the retirement segment on Monday night was because they needed to get footage of the "right" crowd reaction meaning fans chanting "thank you Hunter" and other things like that.

- The surgery that Steve Austin had back in July was full blown reconstructive surgery to repair his ACL and PCL. Austin has been doing three hours of physical therapy three times a week and is hopeful to be ready for action movie roles again in January.

Austin wrestling at WrestleMania 29 is a longshot, mainly since The Rock and Brock Lesnar are booked for the show and the focus wouldn't be on him as strong as it should. Austin wants to be 100% for a return match and if he does, wants to have complete creative control.

- Speaking of Austin, while he was at the SummerSlam activities in Los Angeles, he was approached by WWE Diva Cameron. She pointed out to him that she was the first person cut from Tough Enough and the only one who made it to the main roster and is still with the company.

Partial source: F4Wonline.com

- Former WWE Superstar Chuck Palumbo and his band, 3 Spoke Wheel, will perform at Stage Bar (762 5th Avenue, San Diego, California 92101) on Sept. 14. They will also perform at Las Vegas BikeFest on Sept. 27-29. (Details)

- According to WrestlingFigs.com, The Killer Bees, "Jumpin" Jim Brunzell and B. Brian Blair, will appear at The Big Event 3 on October 6 at the Courtyard Marriott LaGuardia Airport 9010 Ditmars Blvd. East Elmhurst, New York.

- SmackDown Superstar Heath Slater is the proud parent of a baby girl. TNA Wrestling talent Jesse Sorensen ‏stated Wednesday on Twitter, "Congratulations to @HeathSlaterOMRB @meanstephiejean on the birth of their beautiful baby girl! #GonnaBeGreatParents."

- As reported Wednesday, SmackDown ring announcer Lilian Garcia indicated on Twitter that Michelle McCool and The Undertaker had a baby this week, tweeting, "Congrats @McCoolMichelleL & Taker! Soooooo happy 2 hear about ur new bundle of joy!!! #BestWishes!" The Undertaker's eldest son, Gunner, stated Tuesday afternoon on Twitter that the baby is a girl and her name is Kaia Faith Calaway. The new child is Undertaker's fourth and McCool's first.

- WWE will hold a SmackDown live event at Resch Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin on Thursday, December 27, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.

- Sinn Bodhi, who appeared in WWE as Kizarny, turns 39-years-old Wednesday.

- Dolph Ziggler appears at GameStop Expo at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center located on 200 East Market Street, San Antonio, Texas 78205 Wednesday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

- Randy Orton took to Twitter Tuesday evening to dispute online reports stating that his starring role in the WWE Studios and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment film The Marine: Homefront was nixed after companies were informed of his dishonorable discharge from the Marines. The claim was attributed to an article published on Variety.com promoting his feature role in 12 Rounds: Reloaded for WWE Studios and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

"A Bad Conduct Discharge and a Dishonorable Discharge under the Uniform Code of Military Justice are two different things," Orton wrote. "Come on you 'reporters'! Check your facts, and more importantly your sources! I was given a BCD, not a Dishonorable!! #semperfidelis."

http://www.pwpix.net/pwpixnews/headlines/348249972.php
http://www.pwpix.net/pwpixnews/headlines/348250469.php
http://www.pwpix.net/pwpixnews/headlines/348285681.php
http://www.pwpix.net/pwpixnews/headlines/348276218.php
http://www.pwpix.net/pwpixnews/headlines/348221774.php

 

[DarthSkywalker]

Well I guess Brock will just have to wait until WM 30 then. Damnit HHH.

 

[El_Citrus]

So that means three different burials from Rock, Taker, AND Triple H in three different WM matches at WM29?

To be fair, Rocky may be willing to do the job, but at this rate, the only credible opponent (who would actually be booked to beat Rock) will be Cena, this time with the finish that should have happened last year.

At least Taker can elevate a young talent and make them look like main event material before ultimately beating them.

 

[Benstamania]

Orton can say what he wants... But the dude was Dishonorably discharged because he went AWOL...Not once, but twice.

After graduating from Hazelwood in 1998, Orton enlisted with the United States Marine Corps. There, he was dishonorably discharged a year later, after going AWOL (Absent Without Official Leave) on two separate occasions and disobeying an order from a commanding officer. Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Private First Class Orton was tried and convicted under a special court-martial and was put into a military prison for thirty-eight days.

 

[Pink Ranger]

Orton can say what he wants... But the dude was Dishonorably discharged because he went AWOL...Not once, but twice.

After graduating from Hazelwood in 1998, Orton enlisted with the United States Marine Corps. There, he was dishonorably discharged a year later, after going AWOL (Absent Without Official Leave) on two separate occasions and disobeying an order from a commanding officer. Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Private First Class Orton was tried and convicted under a special court-martial and was put into a military prison for thirty-eight days.

I knew Orton was a former Marine, but always wondered why the WWE didn't push the hell out of that. Then I found out the above.

 

[Metallo]

I will answer the rest later don't worry, but I wanted to comment on this right now because I knew it was coming, like the face paint stuff (completely different to wear face paint and to come out looking like you fell in a vat).

Thats the personal style that matches his character. Again you don't seem to be willing understand its about diversity with his look. Why shouldn't he be allowed to do something unique to him? You just seem not to care for the guys personal style. That doesn't make it "wrong."

If you actually bothered to LOOK at the paint there are actual designs in there. Its not just paint splashed on.

Those matches with Taker and HBK are overindulgent, overrated, and completely lacking logic. They are fun and quite manipulative do to the lack of actual logic, but that doesn't make them great matches. They are the kind of matches I was talking about when I said he lost his way. Matches that became all about stretch runs that hand nothing to do with the first 15-20 mins of the match. The stretch runs were pretty, but destroyed everything about the matches.

Most people would disagree with you. The matches you are complaining about were fine. Seems you're problem is the storytelling. What you are complaing about is the way they used psychology to bring emotional reponses up and down with pacing and flare. Wrestlings been like that for years. Plenty of the greats have done that.

They are great because they have huge spots and stuff that seems to be "impossible" because they just **** on the rest of the match. Angle kicking out on 4 doesn't make a match better. It just shines a light on how obvious the ref's count is.

What you are saying here describes what you consider to be Kurt Angles best matches later on.

If Kurt knew the leg scissor version of the ankle lock, why ever waste his time with the basic one, that every main eventer started kicking out of? Oh, I know. So he could do all those fun spots involving his opponent kicking out of it.

Kurt was a far better wrestler when he was simply attempting to kick the crap out of people and had the likes of Benoit, Eddie, Austin, Edge and others dictate where the match was going. The Angle that worn you down with suplexes and try to knock you out with his high impact was the best.

Here's your problem. If you prefer that its fine but you seem to want Angle stuck in one gear when the kind of matches you want were nothing but nonstop physical and no emotion. He expanded his style and diversified whast he did in the ring to not only add more layers but extend his career. waht you seem to prefer is nothing but the ground and pound action. If anything Kurt got BETTER because wrestling is about MORE than just the action but the emotion and the psychology. How was he "better" pre 2003 when as you yourself said he had to have other people dictate the matches for him? A truly great wrestler doesn't need to be led or carried ALL the time. At his peak Flair dictated the pace of his matches. He didn't need anyone carrying him. Angle was a better machine before and physically he was in better condition than he is now but that didn't make him a better wrestler.

King of the Ring with Shane, the matches with Benoit after Benoit's return (The 2001 stuff was good, but only the Cage match was truly great), the cage match with Edge, NWO with the Rock, Summerslam with Rey, the Super Six tag matches, those are his great matches.

Some of the mathes you list here are guilty of the same spotfests and pandering that you just complained about with Angles later more recent matches.

Kurts whole problem used to be that he wrestled the same match at the same pace all the way through no matter who the opponent. thats why he had trouble carrying someone like Hogan to a better match. You couldn't wrestle Hogan then the way you wrestled benoit or Edge.

Angle was always mechanically excellent but he had little in the way of psychology. What he could do was be led and pick up the phsyical part like a sponge. Thats WHY he worked with more experienced guys like Rock and HHH and Austin early in his career. He couldn't go in there and carry someone lesser than him to great matches for years. Kurts gift early on was that he was like a machine. but a wrestler should be MORE than a machine repeating moves over and over at the same pace the same way with no flare no matter the environment.

A good wrestling match is about more than high gear high impact nonstop physicality and a single pace. When Angle DID finally start picking it up from guys like Taker and Michaels he learned how to pace himself and readjust depending on the match and opponent.

His big problem by 2003 was that his body was beginning to break down not that he became a "worse" wrestler. But even that probably helped him to work smarter.

 

[runawayboulder]

Dammit, I thought TNA was on tonight! I thought today was Thurs for some reason. I'm soooooooo disappointed. (I haven't said that about a wrestling show not being on in a long time).