A blog about all things wrestling. Here you will find opinions and reviews about PPV's, the wrestlers themselves, events in the wrestling world, and anything else that has to do with the WWE.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
The Next Big Thing.
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?
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...
Friday, December 30, 2011
Road Trip to Wrestlemania.
In just a few short weeks, the WWE superstars take the first steps on the road to Wrestlemania. It is always the most exciting time of the year for a wrestling fan, it begins the build to the biggest night in sports entertainment. Wrestlemania is more than just a pay-per-view, it truly is a showcase of the immortals. Separating the good from the great, every person in the WWE works to make this even spectacular.
There is no doubt in my mind that the draw of this event is the epic confrontation between The Rock and, my favorite, John Cena. Anyone who knows me is aware that I'm not a big Rocky fan. The man can draw a crowd like no other and he can talk like the best of them but I just think his passion for the business is lacking. This can be attributed to the fact that he made several appearances via satellite instead of actually showing up to the Raw tapings prior to the last Wrestlemania. People notice things like that. If the WWE Universe meant as much to him as he said, I feel like he should have made the effort to actually show up. I'm just saying...
It was quite a gamble to have the big draw match for WMXXVIII announced a year in advance but it will pay off. This is something that is very unique to the WWE and the realm of sports entertainment. The Rock and John Cena had a good back and forth thing going for a while, teaming them together at Survivor Series was a genius move. It fueled the fire even more and helped build interest for their bout in April. What will be interesting is seeing how the feud is built heading into the event. I do think that the Cena-Kane angle could be entertaining but they need to use The Rock. He can't just come in two weeks before the pay-per0view and start teasing him or building the angle. It needs to start at Royal Rumble or Elimination Chamber at the very latest. It also can't be done mostly via satellite, which was my pet peeve when they first introduced this angle. To me, if he cared he would have showed up a bit more but that's a different issue. A few of the 'call-in' appearances are fine but he needs to be there to interact with the fans and ramp things up. It's not like the ratings would be hurt, he would probably make them go through the roof.
As for what is happening with Cena right now, I think a full heel turn is a terrible idea. Cena is the superman of the WWE, the guys who always does good. It's really hard to ignore that fact. It is also really hard to ignore the people who hate John Cena. He takes it all in stride it seems, just letting it roll off his back and the money flowing into his pocket. No matter how loud they cheer that they don't like him, the ones who like him cheer louder. People like Dave Batista have to face the fact that this guy is what represents World Wrestling Entertainment. He didn't ruin the WWE, he is one of the faces that is propelling it into the global juggernaut that it is. Those 'Did You Know?' facts prove it, WWE is worldwide and growing by the moment.
The other hot topic in the WWE is CM Punk. I think that he is a genius and one of the hottest properties that the company has ever had on its roster. He is the breath of fresh air that the company needed and he is (obviously) a HUGE hit with the fans. You can tell by the reaction that they give and the constant selling out of his merchandise, I have been trying to get a 'Best In The World' t-shirt for months, to no avail. The big draw may be the Rock versus John Cena but the main event will be whatever match Punk is in, this will be another Steamboat versus Savage type of moment. He will steal the show from these two guys. His matches are always top notch and of the highest quality. He is the essence of what a true entertainer should be. Whoever he faces better keep their eyes open and watch out for the Anaconda Vise.
January 29th is the day that the path to the showcase of the immortals starts. Wrestlemania is the moment that every superstar and fan looks forward to. It is the biggest event of the entire calendar year for the WWE Universe and this fan will be sitting on the edge of her seat.
Monday, December 19, 2011
TLC: A Turning Point in the WWE.
In my opinion, Zack Ryder stole the show. His match was not only the highlight of the entire event, but he finally got what he rightfully deserved. Being relegated to backstage bits and average matches, Long Island Iced Z got to show that he is a fantastic wrestler with a HUGE following. Someone in WWE creative must have gotten a clue because this was one of the best decisions that has been made in a long time. I was sick of seeing Ziggler get the belt and having to hear Vickie whine and scream. Dolph is one hell of a competitor but Vickie is dragging him down.
I jumped up off the couch when he won, I have been waiting for months for this moment. Hopefully he gets to keep the title and this means that he will move on to bigger and better things. He wasn't handed the belt, he earned it. The best moment of the entire night was seeing him celebrate with his father. Ryder's winning of the United States Championship is yet another turning point in the WWE. Much like the speech CM Punk gave a couple months back, something monumental is happening. They are creating room at the top of the wrestling food chain for guys other than the John Cena's and Randy Orton's.
There is a revolution happening. The WWE can't keep relying on one or two top guys. Sooner or later, the top guys will have to retire and then there will be a large void to fill. By building up other superstars now, they have a constant pool of talent to turn to. Guys like Daniel Bryan, Zack Ryder, and even people like Evan Bourne can still be promoted alongside the bigger names. It really is refreshing to see and they are gaining even more popularity than they had before.
I also like to think that me wearing my 'Broski' t-shirt had something to do with his win. A girl can dream...
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Why I Love the WWE.
I'm sure I have mentioned this before but I have literally been watching wrestling since I was born. I think I was a day or two old and my dad brought me home from the hospital and we watched my very first episode of Superstars together. From that second, I was hooked. To me, it is much more than watching something on pay-per-view or television. It's spending time with my dad, enjoying something together. Wrestling is something that we share and it ties us together even more. Some of the best times of my life have been spent with my dad on the couch watching our favourites compete in the ring.
The people who step between those ropes are not only entertainers, they are athletes as well. They train hard and they work hard. I always take offense when people say they are just actors. These men and women train every day, they put their bodies on the line, and they do it because they love it. It is all for the fans, they may not make 28 million dollars for a year contract, but they put on a show like no other. I have been to a few live events and I have never had more fun. The crowd is electric, you can literally feel the excitement in the air and coursing through the entire building. I find the fans of wrestling have an unspoken bond, I always end up chatting with everyone that sits in whatever section I'm in, either before or after the show. It really does bring people together.
I have also been witness to some of the biggest and most shocking moments in sports entertainment history. I have seen my favourite wrestlers be triumphant, be screwed over (I don't even have to explain this one), get beaten down, and sadly pass away. I remember where I was when Bret got screwed over, when Chris Benoit died, when Owen Hart had his tragic accident, and pretty much everything else. Even when I talk about my favourite moments and superstars, I get emotional and fired up. These people who step between the ropes each and every week are a integral part of my life. I watch them, I cheer them, I boo them, and I enjoy each and every step of the way.
And this, is why I love the WWE.