Happy 4th of July to my fellow Americans, and happy belated Canada Day to my friends to the north. It’s time to look back at the week that was in this wacky world of professional wrestling.
The Bash was last Sunday, and the WWE managed to surprise us again – not in a main event (both of which had terrible endings, btw), but in a tag team match of all things. Yes, “Team Ego” captured the Unified Tag Team Championships in a match they weren’t originally scheduled to participate in. And the internet dubbed them, “Rated Y2J.”
Also on Sunday, it was reported that RAW ring announcer Lillian Garcia has handed in her notice to WWE and will be leaving. Lillian was very capable as an announcer, and always pumped the crowd up with her pre-show singing of “America The Beautiful.” WWE is looking for a female announcer who can sing to replace Garcia, but here’s hoping for a promotion for Justin Roberts to what WWE considers the A show.
Former WWE Superstar Brian Christopher Lawler, also known as Grand Master Sexay, was in court on Monday on charges of public intoxication. He allegedly threatened the police officer who arrested him as well, saying he’d rip the officer’s head off. Surprisingly, he was only sentenced to rehab.
On RAW it was randomly announced that 15 Superstars were involved in a trade between the three brands. For what it’s worth, the draft was just over 2 months ago. If we’re randomly going to move guys around, can we just get rid of the whole draft thing?
In the very definition of “slow news week,” it was reported that The Miz posted on his official Twitter page (http://twitter.com/mikethemiz) that he stayed up until 5:30AM watching YouTube.
Would it surprise anybody if I said that Matt Hardy complained on MySpace about something somebody said about him on the internet? I didn’t think so. Apparently some reporter on a wrestling news site complained that Matt spilled the beans on the trade (Matt went to SmackDown), when in fact Matt posted it after it hit WWE.com.
In proof that nobody watches TNA except for Drowgoddess, the IWC is speculating that Taz will debut for TNA at Victory Road. Nevermind the fact that Joe has been acting like Taz and using some of his moves while taking advice from a mysterious “advisor.” Oh, and the fact that he told AJ Styles he can ask the “advisor” who he is at Victory Road.
Word going around is that some wrestlers were upset that WWE was allegedly only paying Vickie Guerrero $500 per appearance. Those wrestlers need to shut their damned mouths. I’d kill for $500 per appearance with WWE, especially since my take home pay right now is slightly over $200 a week.
The rumor mill is buzzing with reports that Candice Michelle was released from her WWE contract because of her weight. Look, Candice may not have been as thin as the majority of the other WWE Divas, but to be fair, I’ve seen Ethiopians who weren’t as skinny as some of the WWE Divas (coughKELLYKELLYcough).
Further proving he’s a black Brock Lesnar, Bobby Lashley says he’s patiently waiting for a call from UFC, where he wants to fight against the top fighters.
Everybody’s favorite right wing nutjob, Warrior W. Warrior posted a blog on his official website blasting Michael Jackson. CZW (there’s those initials again) wrestler “Halfbreed” Billy Gram attempted a rebuttal to Warrior’s post via the comments, but apparently Warrior’s web team deleted them.
ROH (hey, more guys we don’t get to talk about much around here) is on shaky ground right now, with all of their TV tapings being canceled due to HDNet having enough footage to last them the summer, and only a couple of shows booked this month. We like ROH, and we truly hope they survive this unfortunate setback.
I was going to ask if anybody had $5,000 I could borrow to bail Roddy Piper out of jail, but apparently somebody beat me to it. Hot Rod was arrested under suspicion of driving drunk.
Torrie Wilson’s feelings are hurt, because WWE barely mentioned her when she participated in the 25 Diva Battle Royal at WrestleMania. I’d be upset too if my ring announcement was replaced by a medley of Kid Rock songs.
Finally, some sad news coming out of Mexico, as mini Luchadors La Parkita and Espectrito II (the latter you’ll remember as Mini Mankind in the WWE) were found drugged to death in Mexico City. (The rest of this paragraph is from an article written by Ryan Clark) The police have released that Parkita & Espectriro checked into their hotels after a show on Sunday night and were approached by two prostitutes. The two women spiked the lucha stars drinks and after they passed out stole all of their possessions. The two overdosed on the drugs the prostitutes spiked their drinks with. Police say that this M.O. matches that of a prostitute ring called “The Filtracion” (The Leak) who proposition men and then spike their drinks and then rob the men, but the spiked drinks usually don’t kill (probably because of their size, it killed them). The police have retrieved finger prints from the scene and are confident they will find the two responsible.
That’s it for me tonight, guys. Enjoy your holiday, and join us tomorrow as JT brings you another edition of Random Randomness!
Your Empress of “Impact” has abbreviated the review format for this week, as the job hunt continues to take precedence over everything else. For a lovely real-time of this week’s show, check here:
Match #1: Brutus Magnus of the British Invasion vs. Brother Ray: This was a “New York Street Fight.” It went to “no contest.” Massive run-ins from both sides, chairs used, and it’s all supposed to be legal, and we get a “no contest.” WTF??? Additionally, there was no build to this at all. Big gimmick matches have been rendered pointless through overuse and lack of hype. If Team 3D was mad at the British Invasion after the doings at “Slammiversary,” have Team 3D cut a promo, go after the British Invasion, and announce a street fight for the following week. Better still, save it for the ppv. But we’re getting to that.
To the ring! It’s Kurt Angle and the Main Event Mafia. Except for Sting. Angle welcomes Joe, calls everyone who didn’t see it coming as “morons,” and makes fun of everyone for getting played by the MEM and Joe. Foley comes out and demands his rematch against Angle. Angle is yelling, screaming, and ranting again. Oh, yay. Angle says that his contract gives him the right to choose who he wrestles. Oh, yay. If Foley wants something from the MEM, he has to give something back. They’ll go to the back and discuss it.
Match #2: Kevin Nash defeats Abyss: Not really. Dr. Stevie came in and used a taser gun on Abyss, allowing Nash to get the win. No Raven. I guess he and Douglas are both through. A real shame, as the Psycho Circus faction is awesome. Nash is terrible. The guy who can barely move and doesn’t sell for crap gets the win over a guy who actually used to be booked as a monster. Looks like happy days are here again. If you’re a former WWE main eventer.
To the ring! Beer Money, your new TNA World Tag Team Champions, hit the ring. They’ll give Team 3D a rematch any time. Scott Steiner and Booker T come out, and inform Beer Money that the MEM runs the show. Again. In return for Foley getting a rematch against Angle at “Victory Road,” the rest of the MEM gets title shots too. Kevin Nash gets a “Legends” title shot against AJ Styles. Steiner and Booker get a tag team title match against Beer Money. Oh, christ on a cracker, that’s just wonderful! James Storm, Promo God, understands what the Steiner Brothers and Harlem Heat have done, but right here and right now in TNA, they’re just another Neal and Bob. They can kneel down and bob on his beer bottle! Yes! Booker tells them that they have singles matches tonight, so they had better get ready for them. Team 3D comes out, and asks if anyone can understand anything that Booker and Steiner are saying. Great Steiner impression by Ray. Team 3D promises to make Foley an offer he can’t refuse in regard to the tag team title match, though Booker and Steiner claim that the match is carved in stone. Are they seriously going to put all the gold on the MEM at “Victory Road?” I really will commit crimes of such violent magnitude that a new mental illness syndrome will be named after me.
Match #3: Taylor Wilde defeats Daffney: This was a “Match of 10,000 Tacks.” Why? Why, why, WHY does TNA feel compelled to waste this in this manner? Daffney and Taylor have a “Monster’s Ball” match at the last ppv, which Daffney lost. They have a mixed tag team “Monster’s Ball” match Sunday night at “Slammiversary,” which Daffney lost. For absolutely no good reason, with zero hype or build, they have a “Match of 10,000 Tacks” that Daffney loses! Aside from completely desensitizing fans to this sort of match and rendering it completely ineffective, what possible good reason is there for the heel crazy chick to lose all these matches? Shouldn’t Taylor Wilde be getting her pretty little backside handed to her?
To the back! Velvet Sky and Madison Rayne sit on their thrones and talk about Tara. Her name is apparently short for “Tarantula,” and they won’t let someone from another organization come in and take the Knockouts title. A real tarantula turns up on Madison Rayne’s shoulder, and shrieking ensues.
To the back! In Mick Foley’s office, Team 3D confront Foley over the tag team title match arrangement. Foley offers them a “Number One Contender” match against Steiner and Booker, with the winners facing Beer Money for the titles at the ppv. Team 3D doesn’t want to until Foley gets on his knees and begs them to take the match. Taken aback, they agree to the match.
Match #4: Scott Steiner defeats Robert Roode: Uh, sure. MEM wins again. Just like old times.
To the back! JB interviews Angle. Angle answers to no one, not even Sting.
To the back! JB chats with Foley, who is all about making up with Jarrett if Jarrett apologizes next week when he shows up. Angle can meet with Foley next week if he is angry about Foley’s “tweaking” of their title match deal.
To the back! Lauren asks Eric Young what’s up. Young refuses to be the court jester, and has learned that there are no friends in this business. Rhino steps up and confronts Young, who headbutts him and leaves. Jesse Neal checks on Rhino, who gets mad at him and shoves him away.
To the back! Lauren asks Booker T about his match, and he insults Team 3D. Sharmell runs up with paperwork in hand, giving her a match against Jenna Morasca at the ppv, because there’s only room for one female in the MEM. Great. A nonwrestling personality and skanky reality tv show winner from 2003 get a ppv wrestling match. The non-WWE part of the roster can’t be happy with this, nor should they be.
Match #5: Booker T defeats James Storm: Uh, sure. MEM wins again. Just like old times. Booker has Sharmell get Storm’s beer bottle, and smashes Storm in the head with it.
To the ring! AJ Styles calls out Samoa Joe and yells at him. He wants to know who is in Joe’s head. Joe says that AJ can ask him himself at “Victory Road.” AJ attacks Joe. Matt Morgan makes the save for Joe and attacks AJ. Daniels makes the save for AJ. The entirety of the Main Event Mafia comes out and takes out all the non-MEM people. Sting comes out with his bat. Sting berates the MEM, and tells Nash that he expected better from him. Nash explains that Sting’s plan of “honor and dignity” for the MEM didn’t work, and Angle’s plan did. They couldn’t beat Joe, so they bought him, and had to have Jenna Morasca’s money to do it. Sting brings up Nash’s son. Sting hands Nash his bat and tells him to hit him, and turns his back. Nash goes for it, but Sting has a second bat and hits Nash first. Sting starts laying out the MEM, but Joe gets one of the bats and beats down Sting. The whole MEM stomps on Sting as the show ends.
FINAL THOUGHTS: If I sound overly negative and hostile toward this week’s show, it’s because I am. Unlike some people, if I didn’t really care about the product, I wouldn’t get upset when things like this show happen. “Slammiversary” was quite well-done, and following it up shouldn’t have been difficult. Did Jarrett and Foley lose their executive power when they failed to win the World Heavyweight title? Why does the MEM run the show and make their own matches? I get the Foley compromise bit, and actually like that part, but we seem to have come back to the “MEM dominates the show and win all their matches, and anything not part of the MEM doesn’t matter” routine. Had there actually been any semblence of a Frontline/Originals group, this might have been ok, with power shifting back and forth, but it all got dropped. Sting is out of the MEM, and certainly is not the Godfather anymore, despite winning a match with that stipulation. Angle is the Godfather again simply because he says that he is. Apparently, match stipulations can be disregarded at will, with no consequences of any kind. As if all that wasn’t bad enough, Chris Sabin wasn’t even on the show. Not even in a short backstage segment. That’s just cruel, TNA! I don’t ask you for much.
Join us next week for more detailed “Impact” Impressions, and hopefully, news of gainful and legal employment!
It’s line-crossing time with your Empress of “Impact,” so away we go!
“Welcome Back, Jeffrey.”
Anyone claiming NOT to hear the theme song from “Welcome Back, Kotter” playing in his head upon seeing this title is a dirty pirate hooker. And a liar.
Tonight’s episode is titled “Foley Fires Up Founder.” Why do I think of the skinny little speed freak bad guy from “The Crow,” who kept yelling, “Fire it up!Fire it up?” Ah, well.
Hey everybody and welcome to another review of the 4th most watched weekly WWE show…WWE Superstars. Fresh off the heels of “Extreme Rules,” what happened?
Match 1: Diva tag team match between Rosa Mendez and Beth Phoenix and the Bella Twins
I hate Diva wrestling, but the Bella Twins are HOTT! The end of the match saw the referee Marty Alias being distracted by Rosa and one of the twins fighting on the outside and Beth hit her finisher on the other twin. Beth Phoenix and Rosa Mendez get the win.
Is it just me, or is Superstars just really random?
After the match, there was a video package of the Batista/Randy Orton fued and showed HHH coming back to destroy Randy Orton yet again.
Match 2: Evan Bourne against Zack Ryder. Woo Woo Woo!
Zack Ryder is just weird. He’s the type of guy you just want to make fun of because he thinks he is cool, but in reality he isn’t. Doesn’t matter….he’ll be gone eventually. Somehow he warrented a long enough match to involve a commercial break. Anywho, Evan Bourne wins with the prettiest move in wrestling…the Shooting Star Press. This was a pretty long match, or at least it felt long.
Main Event time: The 9-time Intercontinental Champion, Chris Jericho against the Guru of Greatness, John Morrison.
This is yet another random match for WWE Superstars. I like the pairing, but it makes no sense. Jericho should be in the World Title picture, not doing IC spots. Morrison should be the IC champ at this point in his career. John Morrison can do anything he wants to in the ring. He is the most athletic performer I have ever seen in a WWE ring. The end of the match was extremely active, as Morrison about won several times. But in the end, Jericho gets the roll up with a tights grab on Morrison for the win. I hope that this begins a fued, but as we have seen with Superstars in the past, it probably won’t.
The show was random as usual. It seems like the perfect place to showcase Diva wrestling, the lower tier talent, and a main event that makes no sense to any storyline. Alrighty then, I shall see you again next week and thank you for reading.
After being involved in the coverage of WWE Extreme Rules this past week. II’m back to bring you my weekly Wednesday column. Now, all links will lead to my favourite racing moments or races or crashes, or just funny moments.
WWE
My opinions of Extreme Rules has already been expressed. So I’m going to comment on other things.
Umaga was released. A case of a guy who was pushed, then nothing. Pushed, then nothing. He had just recently come back and into the feud with CM Punk. The release comes as a bit of a shock but it isnt a surprise. He was getting pushed and pushed, and yet he wasnt getting the crowd reaction of a main event guy. Maybe he could do better in TNA. Speaking of which, guess where Mr. Kennedy’s going in September?
Vickie Guerrero quits as General Manager of RAW. Rumour has it, that she is leaving for good, to spend more time with her kids. Good for Vickie for wanting to spend time with your kids. No offence, but it seems, for the most part, you tarnished your late husband somewhat.
Triple H returns. Yes, the Game, the King of Kings returned on RAW to attack Legacy. Now, as we talked about during our Extreme Rules coverage, Hunter wasnt out for that long at all after the Scott Norwood kick. Shawn Michaels was out months, it ended the WWE career of RVD, and yet both Vince McMahon and Triple H were both out for about a month and a half. Those McMahons must have super powers or something.
TNA
To be honest, I missed iMPACT this week. due to my cable being down. Let’s see what I missed.
It doesnt look like much at all. The MMG and Lethal Consequences were named as Suicide’s opponents for the first ever X-Division King Of The Mountain. That isnt a shock at all. i’m sure I’ll have more next week.
I’m gonna finish this column with a reminder to Ricardo Rosset and Taki Inoue. Poor Taki needs to watch for cars, as for Ricardo. Well, thanks for making my night a whole lot better.
Peace out, or whatever, tune in next week, and read all the columns. Oh, and avoid the beer bottles, we just turned one, so we’re breaking it in. Well I am anyways, by drinking the place dry.
Legend Killer: This is the one they call ‘Legend Killer’ alongside Drowgoddess for the Extreme Rules Post-PPV recap
Drowgoddess: This is the one they call Drowgoddess alongside the notorious Legend Killer. Let’s recap this thing!
Legend Killer: First of all, we had the United States Championship match, where Kofi Kingston retained the title against William Regal, Matt Hardy and MVP
Now, to be honest, I didnt see much of this match, due to technical reasons
Drowgoddess: Kofi Kingston was certainly a popular choice with the fans, and for the first t ime in a long time, there doesn’t seem to be any grudge between the previous and current champs.
The focus was just on two guys who want to be the champ.
Sometimes, that’s all you really need.
Legend Killer: Did you really see the need for William Regal and Matt Hardy to be involved in the match?
Personally, I believe that they were there just to make up numbers, as they seemed to be as involved in this match as they were in the build-up to the Vickie/Santina Hog Pen match.
Drowgoddess: Agreed. Since Kofi just won the title off of MVP, perhaps a rematch that quickly might not have seemed enough. Regal and MVP have certainly had their differences, as have HArdy and MVP.
The history between all the guys was there.
Legend Killer: Was Kofi the deserved winner?
Drowgoddess: I think so. MVP is definitely the guy who is at the breakout point. He could very possibly get in the main event picture soon. HE’s the complete package, and he has huge fan support.
That being said, Kofi is the guy to step up to the place where MVP was at.
Kofi has tremendous athleticism, more charisma than half the roster, and a connection with the fans.
He’s exactly the kind of guy who should be wearing that belt now.
Legend Killer: He reminds me a bit of Shelton Benjamin
but I’ve never heard Kofi on the mic
Drowgoddess: He’s more conversational and comfortable in the little bit of backstage talking that I’ve heard from him, but he hasn’t had much mic time. Maybe now he will, and we can see what he’s like.
Legend Killer: As long as he doesnt put people to sleep, or make their ears bleed, he should be fine.
Drowgoddess: I think he’ll be ok, then.
Legend Killer: Next on the card was the Intercontinental Championship, where Chris Jericho not onlt captured the title for a record ninth time, but he also claimed the mask of Mysterio
Drowgoddess: Jericho has captured luchedor masks in the past, like Juventud Guerrera’s.
I wasn’t crazy about this outcome, though I’m taking a “wait and see” attitude because Jericho is so amazing.
Legend Killer: How long will it be before Rey Mysterio wrestles without a mask on WWE TV?
I’m looking at it, to be as early as SummerSlam
Drowgoddess: I hope he doesn’t. Part of his massive appeal to kids and to the Hispanic market is that mask. He’s a superhero. Seeing his face will kill that, even though it has been done before in WCW.
I know that’s no realistic, considering that Jericho took the mask, but Rey has a different mask almost every night. It’s not like his only one was stolen.
Legend Killer: maybe he comes out on Smackdown! with a paper bag on his head
Drowgoddess: Followed by The BEautiful People?
Legend Killer: quite possibly, that would surely be a swerve nobody saw coming
Drowgoddess: It’s a license to print money!
I know that the IC title is supposed to be the #2 guy in the company, but Jericho winning it is almost a step back. A 9-time champ is great, and he should have a belt, but he’s been at th etop before. This almost seems like something he doesn’t really need.
Legend Killer: Or it shows that the WWE has nothing for Jericho at this present time
Drowgoddess: That’s my thought.
Unless he goes after Punk now.
Legend Killer: They know he should hold a Championship belt, but they dont want him to hold the World Championship, as it wouldnt fit in with their plans
Drowgoddess: Which would be the greatest thing in the history of things.
Legend Killer: A Punk/Jericho feud would be something worth watching
Drowgoddess: If both guys were allowed to go all-out on the promos.
It would be GOLD, I say!
You don’t script those two.
Legend Killer: there’s no need to
Drowgoddess: You and I know that. Does WWE know that?
Legend Killer: for those who havent seen Punk’s promos in ROH, should check them out
Drowgoddess: Absolutely! The man caused near-riots. He went from being the most beloved guy in the building to the most reviled in the space of five minutes once.
Legend Killer: They probably do, but because of the G rating they’re trying to get, it wont happen
Drowgoddess: A true thing of beauty.
Legend Killer: The interesting thing here is what they do with Jericho and Mysterio from here on
Drowgoddess: I have no idea. If they mean to unmask Rey for good, it could backfire completely.
Jericho can’t go after Punk while tormenting Rey. He CAN, but it won’t work as well.
Legend Killer: unless Rey goes after Punk as well
Drowgoddess: Although I believe that at one point, Jericho was feuding with most of the roster.
Rey and Punk have no history, not really.
Legend Killer: It will be somewhat interesting seeing what happens
CM Punk defeated Umaga in a Samoan Strap match
I can see that this match was there, to make people think that Punk wasnt going to cash in MiTB later on in the night.
Drowgoddess: I was surprised at that. Punk actually got Umaga on “Smackdown,” so I thought Umaga would destroy him at the ppv.
Being the huge, huge Punk fan thatI am, I wanted him to win, but I really didn’t see it happening.
The real question is what does Umaga do now.
Legend Killer: Probably what he’s been doing before this match. Nothing.
Now, match four … ah yes, the ECW Championship
Tommy Dreamer’s last night on his contrac, and he becomes the new ECW Champion
What does this mean for ECW?
Drowgoddess: Hopefully, a return to its roots, however slight. Tommy Dreamer is the last of the ECW originals. Yes, I understand very well that the only two things the current and original ECW have in common are him and those three letters.
However, Tommy’s been heelish lately, and a heel Tommy as the ECW champ could be fantastic.
Imagine him taking the rest of the roster to task for not “getting” what ECW is really about, and re-enacting some of his worst momenbts upon them.
Imagine him losing the title and becoming GM of ECW.
Legend Killer: I would like to see Jack Swagger get caned in the middle of the ring, like Dreamer was back in the day.
Drowgoddess: I think it could only be good, even if nothing really changes in terms of the current product.
Legend Killer: Would they need more ECW originals besides Dreamer, in order for that to work?
Drowgoddess: His face turn writes itself. Tommy schools him for months, gets him in the ring for the caning, and Swagger takes it with, “Thank you sir, may I have another?”
Not really. Most of them are dead, crippled, retired, or in other companies.
There aren’t many to choose from. Tommy was, and always has, been the heart and soul of ECW, so he’s really all you need.
If you wanted to bring in others, like RVD, for example, it would certainly help, but it isn’t critical.
Legend Killer: How about say, one-off appearances?
Drowgoddess: I’d personally love it if Evan Bourne’s recent comments about the new ECW blowing the old ECW out of the water in all ways were to set up a Dreamer/Bourne conflict.
One-off appearances would be great.
Particularly if they were handled in true randomness fashion.
Legend Killer: But, as you mentioned, the majority are either too old, or in different companies like TNA
Besides RVD, is there anyone else they could bring in
Drowgoddess: Yes, but some on the indies, who are free to make appearances anywhere, could do it.
For example, the way that Balls Mahoney and Spike Dudley turned up on TNA for a one-shot was perfect.
If WWE would be willing to use guys like that who may have appeared on TNA but don’t work for them, there could be several people left.
Too bad someone treated Jim Mitchell like trash, he’d be a good one.
Balls, Spike, Mitchell, RVD, and possibly Mikey Whipwreck might be good choices.
Mikey retired, but he could make an appearance or two.
Legend Killer: What about guys like Storm and Credible?
Sandman and Sabu?
Drowgoddess: Storm might do it, but I’m not sure he’d be interested. I don’t think they’d ask Credible.
Legend Killer: possibly even a guy like Steve Corino
Drowgoddess: I don’t think that Corino, Sandman, and Sabu are on the WWE call list.
I’d love to see as many of the ECW originals turn up as possible, but considering how the WWE looks at people like that, I don’t think full reunions are likely.
It’s a shame really
Legend Killer: Imagine Paul Heyman returning to ECW, with Dreamer as Champion
We both agree that Tommy Dreamer being Champion is nothing but good for ECW
Drowgoddess: Yes.
Legend Killer: I think we’ve talked enough about this match. Santina Marella pinned Vickie Guerrero in the Hog Pen match to reclaim the Miss Wrestlemania crown
Drowgoddess: The less said about this mess the better.
If the only purpose of it was to divorce Vickie and Edge, then so be it.
Legend Killer: Couldnt agree more.
Batista defeated Randy Orton to become the new WWE Champion
Good move of bad move?
Drowgoddess: Bad. Very, very bad.
Legend Killer: How so?
Legend Killer: The only logic I can see why this is good, is to have Batista feud with Triple H
Drowgoddess: Some say that he was a main eventer coming back from an injury, and where else could he go but a main event push?
While there is truth to that, Batista didn’t have to WIN tonight.
I personally don’t care for the guy. He doesn’t entertain me. That’s irrelevent. The thing is that Orton has been so hot lately, and having anyone take the belt off him right now just feels like a very bad idea.
The match itself just didn’t seem good enough to be a main event world title match where the title changed hands. The whole match was a letdown.
Legend Killer: Batista isnt my cup of tea. I refer to him as ‘PenisHead’ in my columns, and him winning the title has destroyed any momemtum Randy Orton has made since winning the title at Backlash
This match wasnt worthy of a WWE Championship match. Batista cant climb the cage, and the match went way too quick for my liking
Drowgoddess: Agreed on all points.
Orton shouldn’t have lost the title to anyone yet, certainly not to Batista.
Legend Killer: The next match, saw John Cena beat the Big Show in a Submission match
the only thing I need to say is, did anyone not see Cena winning this match?
Drowgoddess: Stevie Wonder and the ghost of Helen Keller saw Cena winning this match.
Note to WWE: If you must have a submissions match, put guys in it who have actual knowledge of and ability in submission wrestling.
Awful. Just awful. Knowing the outcome didn’t help.
Legend Killer: The only move I knew either of these two could do, was Cena’s STFU. That right there, showed me that this match shouldnt of been a Submission match.
Is there any type of match that could have worked? I think an I Quit match could’ve been good.
Drowgoddess: COnsidering the negative attitude that WWE, and Vince in particular, has shown in the past towards submission wrestling, it’s not surprising that they didn’t think this through.
An “I Quit” match might have worked, or a “Last Man Standing” match, as was brought up in the thread.
Legend Killer: Those matches at least, would’ve made things less predictable
Drowgoddess: And less dull.
Legend Killer: A match involving John Cena being less dull?
Drowgoddess: I know.
I speak of madness, sir.
Legend Killer: Speaking of madness. That could be the word describe the results of the Ladder match between Jeff Hardy and Edge
Drowgoddess: In a positive way!
Legend Killer: Jeff Hardy won the World Title, only for CM Punk, to cash in his Money In The Bank briefcase, and end the night as new World Champion.
First off, let’s talk about the Ladder match itself. Was it a Main Event quality match>
Drowgoddess: It had main event quality spots. Overall, it wasn’t quite there. It was a very, very good match. I’m not insulting it or the guys involved in any way. The main event of any ppv, particularly when there is a stipulation like a ladder match, should be a Match of the Year candidate on basic principle.
While it blew away almost everything else on the show, it wasn’t quite that.
When you add ppv, main event, world title on theline, and ladder match, it should be epic.
However, I have to stress that nothing about thismatch was a letdown or in any way disappointing.
Legend Killer: This match definately had its high points. For example, Jeff Hardy’s Mid-Air Twist Of Fate, and both men destroying the Ladder on the otuside were great moments.
However, it all pales in comparison somewhat, to CM Punk.
Drowgoddess: I had heard nothing, absolutely nothing, about him possibly cashing the MITB shot tonight, so hearing his music play was a total shock.
Legend Killer: It made the, disappointment you could say, of Jeff Hardy winning the title, a lot brighter, seeing CM Punk cash in.
Drowgoddess: Jeff HArdy is extraordinarily popular. Most of the fans in attendance were thrilled that he won it. That he and Punk are both faces made me wonder, briefly, if Punk might be turning heel.
It opens up possibilities of an Edge/Punk feud, as Edge lost the title to Hardy, and Punk won it from HArdy, so Edge never lost the title to Punk.
Legend Killer: but it also opens up a new challenger
Drowgoddess: I truly did not think that they’d do the same thing twice. I thought for sure that Punk lose after cashing in his title shot. I was stunned in a good way when he won.
Legend Killer: Perhaps Punk will say he used Edge as inspiration
Drowgoddess: I could see that.
Legend Killer: Seeing as thats how Edge won the title using Money In The Bank
Drowgoddess: True, and Edge is constantly referred to as the”Ultimate Opportunist.”
Legend Killer: Could that work though, seeing as Punk didnt beat Edge for the title
Drowgoddess: He really didn’t have to. He could use Edge’s past actions as inspiration.
Legend Killer: Who do we see challenging Punk for the title?
and what does the happenings of this PPV, mean for Jeff Hardy’s much-documented Contract negotiations?
Drowgoddess: Edge will demand a rematch, for sure. Hardy may or may not stay with the company. Jericho could certainly go after him. Even Umaga could give it a shot.
Jeff Hardy’s contract negotiations are like Edge’s old entrance music. We know what they allow us to know. I personally think that nothing has been decided yet, and WWE got the best of both worlds.
If Hardy leaves, they don’t lose a champ and he goes out on his back.
If Hardy stays, he’s in a program for the top title after being taken advantage of in losing it.
They’ve covered themselves either way. I don’t think it tells us anything about Hardy’s current status, apart from the fact that nothing has been decided.
Legend Killer: Could the WWE be sending a message to Hardy, stating possibly that, ‘You would be World Champion if you re-sign’?
Drowgoddess: Definitely. The situation not only covers the WWE either way, it could be a very clear bribe, as it were.
If that’s what they are doing, I have no problem with it.
Legend Killer: When if Jeff Hardy’s contract up by the way?
Drowgoddess: I’m not sure. I thought that it was some time this month, but I could be wrong.
Legend Killer: It looks like being a very interesting next few months for SmackDown!
Drowgoddess: Indeed! It was already far and away the best show on WWE. I’m certainly going to be watching without fail.
Legend Killer: Arguments could be made that ECW is the better program
Drowgoddess: ECW is a very close second. It’s a smaller show, and talent seems to be less restricted or controlled, which is good. Some of the talent on ECW is awesome, and from an in-ring perspective, ECW may be the best program. In terms of an overall show, “Smackdown” takes the top spot.
Legend Killer: I agree, although with Dreamer as Champion, ECW could very well take the the spot
Drowgoddess: That it could. Over the next several months, both “Smackdown” and ECW could give wrestling fans something to feel proud about.
Legend Killer: What do you say for RAW’s future?
Drowgoddess: I have trouble watching RAW. Compared to the other two shows, it has felt boring, plodding, utterly ridiculous, or repetitive. With Batista as champ, I don’t know what that spells for Orton and the Legacy.
Having Orton chase the belt doesn’t work as well as him holding it.
Trips will turn up soon, and if he wants to be a heel, he can go after Batista again.
I don’t know what to say about RAW’s future, but it can only go up.
Legend Killer: Finally, what was your opinion on Extreme Rules as a whole?
Drowgoddess: Low. It was a weak show that did not live up to the name or the expectations. Kofi Kingston winning a title was great, but how “extreme” was that match, really?
The ladder match at the end and the aftermatch saved the show.
In general, they need to do better next time or scrap the idea altogether.
Legend Killer: I saw it as not worth my money. Sure, Punk coming out at the end was a surprise, and the Mysterio/Jericho and Edge/Hardy matches were good. But nothing else, really made me sit up and go Wow!
Drowgoddess: No, not at all. Lots of people are going to feel ripped off as far as this show is concerned.
As well they should.
Legend Killer: Although, those who are Batista/Cena/Punk fans will feel quite happy
Drowgoddess: This is what happens when you shove too many ppvs in a year out there.
True. I revel with the Punk fans.
Legend Killer: The next PPV is just three weeks away, the Bash. Will you be watching?
Drowgoddess: It’s too early to tell. Those of us not billionaires have to pick and choose our shows. I’ll be watching TNA’s “Slammiversary” for sure, and “The Bash” is the following Sunday. I’ll wait and see what the card is before committing to another ppv.
Legend Killer: Whereas I wont be watching any of them. Pay-Pre-Views just arent as good as they used to be.
Drowgoddess: Generally speaking, I have to agree with you, but there are good reasons for watching “Slammiversary” this year.
Again, if there weren’t so many ppvs, the quality would almost HAVE to go up.
Legend Killer: You would think so
Drowgoddess: A ppv should never feel like an episode of tv that you shelled out $30 or $40 to watch.
Legend Killer: exactly
and especially, when you can watch the high points of the PPV matches, on the next week’s weekly shows
Drowgoddess: Over and over and over again.
That really doesn’t make the paying customer feel very smart.
Legend Killer: No it doesnt, it’s a shame the WWE got rid of these streams
Drowgoddess: Indeed.
Legend Killer: Well, I’d say that about call it a night.
Drowgoddess: Agreed.
Legend Killer: Thank you for joining me for the BWF post-PPV recap
Drowgoddess: My pleasure, anytime.
Legend Killer: My thanks to ThinkSoJoe and Drowgoddess for helping with BoredWrestlingFan.com’s coverage of WWE Extreme Rules, this has been the one they call ‘Legend Killer’, reminding you to tune in this Wednesday for my column, plus for all thr weekly wrestling coverage as well. So long from Extreme Rules!
Wow. BoredWrestlingFan.com is celebrating it’s one year anniversary this Tuesday, June 9th. Normally by this point in a project, I’ve lost all interest and will have not updated in months. BWF is not one of those projects. I still love this site and update it as often as possible, and with the cast of characters I’ve assembled here, we keep this place live nearly every day of the week. But enough about that for now, I’ll devote an article to that on Tuesday.
On to the wrestling news for the week.
The big news still on the radar from last week is the sudden release of Mr. Kennedy as details continue to leak. Word is that Randy Orton complained about Kennedy’s wreckless nature in the ring. The story goes that Mr. McMahon asked other Superstars about it, and they agreed which led to Kennedy’s release. Rumor has it that Kennedy is also now a member of the WWE “do not call” list, which is a very exclusive club.
Almost lost in the mix of Kennedy stories are the injuries that Samoa Joe suffered at a TNA house show sometime in the past week. The former TNA Triple Crown Champion suffered two broken fingers and a torn bicep. The injuries couldn’t come at a worse time for TNA, as they’ve already taped every episode of iMPACT! leading up to Slammiversary, where Joe was set to participate in the King of the Mountain main event. At this point, the only thing yours truly would expect is Joe to be taken out by the Main Event Mafia at the start of the PPV.
Chris Mordetzky, better known as Chris Masters, has apparently re-signed with World Wrestling Entertainment. Maybe he stopped taking steroids and learned how to wrestle, and can actually justify whatever push they give him this time around.
Sting is (allegedly) seriously considering retirement following this year’s Bound For Glory Pay-Per-View. If he does decide to retire, rest assured that he’d probably stay retired, and also bet your house on Sting being inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame no later than 2011.
Hey, speaking of Pay Per Views, WWE’s changed the name of another one. The Great American Bash is now simply known as The Bash. The reasons rumoured for this change include the old name being too WCW sounding, and the fact that if it’s the Great American Bash, you can’t hold it outside of the U.S.
The highlight of this week in wrestling for me was actually watching SmackDown for the first time in over a month. There were a few great matches on there that made me remember why I’m a wrestling fan. Edge vs. Rey Mysterio was a definite match of the year contender in my book.
And since it’s a PPV weekend, here’s my predictions for Xtreme Rules!
Vickie Guerrero vs. Santina Marella: Hog Pen Match
My prediction is this match will suck. For the hell of it, let’s go with Santina regaining her Miss WrestleMania crown.
CM Punk vs. Umaga: Samoan Strap Match
Time for these guys to move on from this random feud. Punk wins.
US Championship – Kofi Kingston vs. Matt Hardy vs. William Regal vs. MVP: four way match
What the hell is extreme about a four way match? Kingston just won the title on Monday, don’t expect that belt to be going anywhere this soon.
Intercontinental Championship – Rey Mysterio vs. Chris Jericho: No Hold’s Barred
Just as long as Zeus doesn’t get involved, we’re good here. Rey Rey will find a way to win. Jericho doesn’t need another IC Title run.
ECW Championship – Christian vs. Jack Swagger vs. Tommy Dreamer: Hardcore match
I know the story here about Dreamer getting one more chance at the ECW Championship, getting a one day extension past today’s original date. I just can’t see him getting the win. Christian retains.
John Cena vs. The Big Show: Submission match
I predict myself falling asleep. Two decidedly non-submission wrestlers in a submission match. Boring. Technical guys like CM Punk and Chris Jericho can get away with submission matches, not power guys like Cena and The Big Show. Anyways, why bother, we all know Cena’s going to win.
WWE Championship – Randy Orton vs. Batista: Steel Cage Match
For crying out loud, what is Batista even doing in a championship match? The guy sucks in the ring, he sucks on the mic, he is NOT championship material. Never was, never will be. I just hope he doesn’t injure Orton, who I’m sure is going over.
World Championship – Edge vs. Jeff Hardy: Ladder Match
Jeff hasn’t re-signed with WWE yet, and they want him to. Hardy goes over, believe it or not.
That’s all for me for now, JT will be around tomorrow with more Random Randomness, and we’ll have some sort of coverage of Extreme Rules – probably not live but it’ll be up sometime before RAW on Monday.
