Saturday, June 23, 2012

Just To Let You Know.

Due to technical issues I've been having with Facebook, I had to move my blog to http://sqcircleblog.wordpress.com/.

This blog will still be up so the older posts can still be accessed.

Thanks,
Ashlee

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

What Is Going On?

I'm pretty sure that I'm not the only one who is wondering what is going on in the WWE lately. There have been a lot of changes and a lot of things happening that haven't really been making sense to anyone. Let's start with the Over The Limit pay-per-view and go from there.

I would just like to start off by saying that I had an 88% success rate with my predictions and I'm pretty proud of that. Overall, the event was excellent and one of the best pay-per-views of the year. The crowd seemed really into each and every match (with the main event being the huge exception) and the superstars truly entertained all of those who were in attendance.

Hits:
- Christian winning the battle royal was a huge moment and something that I enjoyed very much. I have always admired Christian as a performer and he truly deserved the win. I jumped up off the couch and cheered when he won and my mom thought that I hurt myself. It is nice to see people who deserve  a shot finally getting one.

-The CM Punk and Daniel Bryan match stole the show and should have been the main event of the evening. These two men put on a clinic for how a wrestling match should look. I'm sure it had something to do with the fact that they had known each other on the independent circuit but it was a match that rivaled the one Punk had against Cena at Money In The Bank.

Misses:
-The only real 'miss' worth mentioning is the main event that saw Johnny Ace face John Cena. I love John Cena but this match was just ridiculous. I was bored and just not into it at all. Seeing him humiliate the General Manager was mildly entertaining but it was kind of embarrassing because Cena is so much more talented than that. When the Big Show came out, I thought maybe he would have a chance at winning and Teddy would get the General Manager job back. Sadly, this was not the case as Big Show turned heel and we became stuck with John Laryingitis for the foreseeable future.

-A tiny thing I noticed was when Michael Cole said that Christian was 'less expereienced' than Miz. Really?

The edition of Monday Night Raw that followed was scattered and disjointed. The segment featuring Ricardo Rodriguez and Santino Marella was a prime example of that, sure it was funny but it felt like it didn't belong in the show at all. The whole Big Show contract thing really got on my nerves as well, Johnny kept saying that it was a verbal agreement, that still constitutes a contract. I still say he should have been fired and it took the WWE Universe pointing it out on Twitter for them to realize they flubbed and made a mistake. I sincerely hope that someone in creative got reprimanded for that one.

The Punk and Daniel Bryan feud is something that I am excited about, I think that this is something that could really light a fire in the WWE and it is a feud that the fans really want to see. The fallout from Over The Limit was that Punk's victory was a fluke and Bryan claims he made Punk tap out. I don't understand why they are trying to make this into a big deal. Punk pinned Bryan for the win and Punk tapped out AFTER he won. What's the big deal? I'm not sure where they are trying to go with this but I sincerely hope that the storyline with them doesn't fizzle out prematurely.

The edition of Monday Night Raw that aired on May 28th was much of the same. It was weird to see a broadcast without John Cena, who is (I'm assuming) dealing with his divorce. Big Show came out and gave a speech that could have put anyone to sleep but when he mentioned a "phony UFC so-called fighter" I was left wondering if that was a shot at Brock Lesnar? I personally prefer Show as a face but the heel turn could be interesting if the angle with Brodus Clay continues. The Funkasaurus is growing on me and the little bit of edge he showed tonight makes him more appealing as a superstar.

The best part of this show was seeing that Punk got the cover of the new WWE'13 video game.

For the love of all that is holy, John Cena better be back next week....

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Extreme Rules and Monday Night Raw.

The pay-per-view that the WWE and its superstars put on this past Sunday was one of the absolute best in the last little while. It was entertaining and engaging, keeping the crowd interested and involved in what was happening in the ring. Here is a quick run down of who fought who, who won, and what their stipulations were:

Randy Orton versus Kane:
Stipulation: falls count anywhere
Winner: Randy Orton

This was a very entertaining match in a feud that seemed to be fizzling out. I personally liked that they actually moved all over the arena, somewhat reminiscent of the hardcore match between Hardcore Holly and Al Snow. The first few punches and the flying dropkick that Kane delivered looked like they hurt. Overall, I was very pleased but I'm hoping that both men can move on to things that are bigger and better.

Brodus Clay versus Dolph Ziggler
Stipulation: none
Winner: Brodus Clay

An obvious filler match. I get why people like the funkasaurus but I'm not sure that this should be a permanent gimmick for Clay. His dancing with the kids in the middle of the ring was pretty cute.

Big Show versus Cody Rhodes
Stipulation: tables
Winner: Cody Rhodes

The way that Big Show lost is complete bullshit. He's a 500 plus pound man, what did they think would happen if he stepped on a table? I was really mad that he lost because I felt like he was due for a lengthy title run after finally getting a Wrestlemania moment. As a fan, I'm not interested in seeing Cody Rhodes face on my television with the belt and seeing Big Show portrayed as a loser. Hopefully the creative team has a direction for this and another title run for Big Show.

Sheamus versus Daniel Bryan
Stipulation: two out of three falls
Winner: Sheamus

A.J lurking in the shadows is just plain creepy, had to get that out of the way.

I called who would get what fall in the match and who would win. I really like Sheamus and the way his character has developed, gingers have to stick together! His shirt was hilarious and I'm sure that seeing it plays with the head of Daniel Bryan. Both men did a tremendous job and it was my second favorite match of the entire event. Daniel Bryan doesn't interest me that much anymore, I liked him way better when he was just a face technical wrestler.

Two Jobbers versus Ryback

What in the holy hell was this garbage? They should have just kept him as Skip Sheffield and not made him wear that ridiculous outfit. Finish him? I was unaware I was watching Mortal Kombat.

C.M. Punk versus Chris Jericho
Stipulation: Chicago street fight
Winner: C.M. Punk

Hands down this was the best match of the whole thing and it really showed what great entertainers and athletes the wrestlers of the WWE really are. Punk's mother and sister being at ringside added a lot to the atmosphere going into the match and when his sister slapped Jericho, I almost died. This match couldn't have been any more perfect, it was a great showcase for the talent of both of these individuals. If this did not secure them both a spot in the Hall of Fame, I don't know what could do the job. This match rivals the one he had with John Cena at last year's Money in the Bank pay-per-view, and is on my list of favorite matches.

John Cena versus Brock Lesnar
Stipulation: no count out or disqualification
Winner: John Cena

I had major problems with this match from the beginning. Lesnar should not have been able to wear trunks with sponsor logos on them or such thickly padded gloves. Another thing that really bothered me is the way that he fought the match. It was fought as if he was still in UFC but it should not have been that way. When he cut Cena and he started to bleed, the match should have been stopped. Anyone who knows me knows that I am the HUGEST John Cena fan around and I love all of his matches but this one was different. I didn't like the way that it was fought by Lesnar and it made me feel like he treats the company and what they do as a joke. Why bother even coming back if you're not going to wrestle? All he did was pound the crap out of Cena to try and prove how tough he is. When John picked him up and slammed him down on the steps, the crowd erupted and you could literally feel the electricity coming from them.

Having John Cena win after all that adversity was a great touch and a good way to end the broadcast. The speech that he gave after left me reeling, I could not imagine a WWE without John Cena.

 I would rate this pay-per-view a ten out of ten.

Monday Night Raw was a showcase for the fallout from the previous night and featured a beat the clock challenge to determine the new number one contender for C.M. Punk's title. Randy Orton ended up winning the contest with a time of 4:16 and won the right to face Punk at Over the Limit. With three weeks left until the event, it will be interesting to see what kind of build up they can accomplish.

We also witnessed the fallout from Cena versus Lesnar at Extreme Rules. Triple H came out and did what everyone wanted, told Lesnar that he is no better than anyone else in that locker room and took away all of the perks that Johnny Ace afforded Lesnar. I feel like people aren't responding as strongly to Lesnar being back because he is simply just being an asshole. People enjoy bad guys but Brock Lesnar is just a punk. I hope that he just moves on to something else and leaves the WWE alone.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

The Next Big Thing.

School is now over so I will be posting more frequently and I have a lot of things to say about the recent developments in the world of wrestling...

The main thing that I want to discuss is the return of Brock Lesnar. Truth be told, I never really liked him the first time around. I find it highly ironic that a guy who criticizes the company that made him a household name returns to it. I understand why he would have criticized the schedule they have to keep and all that but if they don't want to then they always have the option to do something else. It just irks me to no end but his reappearance did light a spark in the WWE universe. When he clocked John Cena in the mouth and bloodied him, it was an exciting moment for the WWE and its fans. Much like The Rock, Brock returns and has prominent spot on television. I don't agree with that at all. While it does amp up the excitement and ratings, it is unfair to the guys in the locker room who but their ass each and every week to entertain thousands of people. No one should just be able to waltz right in and get a top spot. When Brock leaves again to pursue another avenue, he will fade into the background.

Another hot topic is the feud between Chris Jericho and C.M. Punk. I think that this feud could use a little jolt coming off of Wrestlemania in Miami and what they are doing on television is not what I had in mind. I'm all for entertaining but when family members are dragged into what is happening in the stories, I don't agree with that. Even if the talent involved agreed with it and the family is okay with it, it is still something that should not be brought up on television. Even if it is a made up family member, it is in poor taste and should be something that the creative division of the company should be talking a closer look at.

It's better late than never but I would like to congratulate the Undertaker on going 20-0 at Wrestlemania this year. Every year, his match is always the highlight of the event. Fans salivate at the thought of seeing the Undertaker continue the legendary streak. There were a few times during the Hell in a Cell match that I thought he wasn't going to be able to over take Triple H but he did it. The image at the end of the match of Undertaker, Shawn, and Triple H standing together is going to be one of those classic images that stands the test of time. They are the last of a dying breed, these are guys that I grew up on and they gave me some of the best memories of my life. It was everything that a Wrestlemania match should be. Entertaining, intense, and just a well fought contest. They should all be extremely proud and the WWE should be proud of there talent for delivering such a high caliber match.

That's it for now. I'm looking forward to next week to bring you my thoughts on the world of wrestling!

Friday, March 16, 2012

John Cena vs. The Rock: Who Will Win?

The match-up between the leader of the Cenation and the People's Champ is one of the most anticipated matches at any Wrestlemania, maybe even more so than when Hogan faced Rocky. It is also one of the most polarizing matches in the history of the WWE, with the fans being split in half as to who they want to win. It will certainly be interesting to see how the WWE handles such an epic match-up.

Here is a quick run down of both individuals and who I think will win...

My obvious pick is John Cena. His career success and popularity has eclipsed that of The Rock and he's just a better wrestler overall. A lot of people give Cena flack for only having a certain skill-set in the ring but I see him improving and evolving with each match that comes along. He will continue to be around for the foreseeable future, not just via satellite. That is a real sore spot for myself and many wrestling fans. How can a guy that claims to be so dedicated to the business, appear so infrequently? He does do movies and all that but a lot of fans hold resentment towards him for sort of 'abandoning' the business that made him. The Rock's movies are funny and entertaining but now he is a movie star, not a wrestler. Simply put, he just isn't around enough to make a difference to the people who show up to the events and the people who are tuning in at home. John is out at house shows, live events, and has multiple charitable endeavours. He is out there busting his ass for the fans that love him and the fans that hate him.

I will say this, as I have said before, The Rock can talk on the microphone. He has a certain charisma in the ring that can't be ignored. Even when I was a kid (I'm 23 now) and he was on TV, I never really gravitated towards him the way that other kids did. I just don't find him that entertaining. Granted, he has provided the fans with some pretty memorable moments. Another thing that really bothers me about him returning is that he is stealing the spotlight from the WWE superstars that have worked hard all year to even be considered for a spot at the showcase of the immortals. He just waltzes in and gets a top spot. It is for ratings, and I get that, but it is simply just NOT fair to the others in the locker room. The match that does deserve the top spot (which should be Undertaker versus Triple H) won't get it because they are after a ratings draw, not that a Wrestlemania needs a gimmick to be highly successful.

The only conceivable way for Dwayne to win would be if they were going for a best two out of three series or something along those lines. Although, seeing as they are in his hometown, they may go for the hometown win and an induction for next year's Hall of Fame. It's really a tough thing to call, there are so many different angles that they could approach it with. A double count out, disqualification, submission win, there could be an interference, the creative machine at WWE can be unpredictable. No matter what the outcome, both individuals have provided great entertainment in the lead up to Wrestlemania, The Rock got a few good zingers in at Cena's expense but I think John has the upper hand when it ones to burning him on the microphone.

In the end, it doesn't really matter who is bigger or stronger or who knows the most wrestling moves. The true winner of this match will be who gets in there and gives the fans what they want.

Hustle. Loyalty. Respect.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

The Importance Of The Phenom.

He is one of the most respected men in the history of sports entertainment. He strikes fear in the hearts of his competitors and elation with the fans. When he walks down to the ring, you can feel his presence and an air of electricity.

He is the Undertaker.

As a young kid, I remember the man who rolled his eyes in the back of his head as someone who scared the crap out of me. When that music hit, the fear started. Looking back on it 23 years later, that was one thing that makes him so amazing. The Undertaker is one of those rare athletes that delivers on every performance, his whole aesthetic is one that grabs the attention of the audience. There has always been a universal appeal to him that wrestling fans just eat right up. He can come out in his classic cloak and bubble hat (as I call it), as a cult-type leader, or even as a biker; wrestling fans always see the same person. I believe that his appeal comes from his solemness and quietness, most eloquently seen when he cut the famous 'wordless promo' with Triple H to hype their Wrestlemania 27 bout. It was more than epic, it was classic Undertaker.

I have been watching wrestling for a lot of years and have seen a lot of things. One of my all-time favorite memories is seeing him take his unfortunate opponents arm and walk across that top rope. Even now, at almost 24 years old, I still get that same flutter of excitement in my stomach when I see it. It's little moments like those that stick with a fan. Another of my favorite memories is his undefeated streak at the showcase of the immortals, Wrestlemania. How many other athletes can say that they have gone 19-0 at the biggest event of their respective sports? How many can say that they have gone 19-0 at anything? It truly is a feat and is going to be one of the many pieces of his legacy.

More than great in-ring memories, he is professional wrestling. He is so important because even after twenty years in the business, he can still get out there and perform like someone half his age. The Undertaker embodies what every aspiring wrestler should want to be. He has longevity and the reason why he has that is because he is one of the most dedicated performers that professional wrestling has ever seen. He isn't like some wrestlers that go to a rival company and sandbag the place that made them, I'm pretty sure anyone with some wrestling knowledge can figure out who that would be. The Undertaker, even with his dark persona, is someone the fans feel like they can identify with on some level. That, in part with the amazing memories he gives them, is why he has survived over twenty years in the wrestling business.

With his recent comeback to challenge Triple H to their third go at a Wrestlemania, he has reinforced his spot at the top of the company. He comes back at the most opportune moments and capitalizes on them. His matches are always the most anticipated of the entire pay-per-view and to even think about a Wrestlemania without and Undertaker match is simply unfathomable. As far as I am concerned, he makes that event every year, everyone enjoys seeing who he will face and the quality of the matches themselves is always outstanding. It was only last year but one of my favorites (who am I kidding? I love them all.) is when he faced Triple H last year in a match that saw his illustrious streak almost be broken. I get chills up my spine every single time i watch it, i count it in my top ten favorite matches ever.

Say what you want, there is no denying that he is still at the top of his game. This blogger and fan is eagerly anticipating the moment when the bell rings, he gets down on one knee, extends his hand to the sky, and the 20-0 image comes on the screen.

Monday, January 2, 2012

Raw is Jericho.

After weeks of mysterious videos and messages, the mystery man has finally been revealed.

Chris Jericho is back and I have a feeling he is better than ever.

The internet was in an instant uproar about how he made his return. He came out and didn't say anything. I thought it was genius. Jericho is a master on the microphone and is one of the best talkers ever in the industry. If he came out and started speaking right away, it would have taken away from the 'magic' of his return. He is another example of what the wrestling industry needs. People need to settle down and let a story develop, he will speak next week and then it will officially begin.

My big prediction is that he will feud with CM Punk. In his previous WWE run, he prided himself on being the best in the world at what he does. CM Punk now uses the 'best in the world' slogan on one of his new shirts. These two would cut some of the best promos anyone has ever seen and if the WWE doesn't see the potential then they are going to miss out on some great television. They will either face each other at Wrestlemania 28 for the title or face each other to see who the best in the world really is. The fans are in for a real treat and some great television and matches.

I am already looking forward to next week...