Wrestling News July 1, 2005

According to PWInsider, Outlaw Championship Wrestling will run from Trenton, Georgia on July 24th with an afternoon show headlined by Tracy Smothers vs. The Blue Meanie. And for those wondering, the promotion informed me [Buck Woodward] that they did attempt to contact WWE and offer to pay airfare and expenses for JBL to come to the show. Not surprisingly, there was no response from WWE.

SD: Funny stuff. Also of note, to me only probably, Tracy Smothers and the Blue Meanie just signed to be at the Cleveland All Pro Wrestling 12th Anniversary next Sunday. Right now they are pencilled in a tag match of Tracy Smothers and JT Lightning vs the Blue Meanie and MDogg 20. Antime JT is out there the heat is out of control. Same with Tracy Smothers. Throw them together in the same match against Meanie and MDogg and I expect a match that will cause more than a couple fans to spontaneously combust. Hey, JT, on the (very) off-chance you are reading this, invite JBL too!

Internal estimates at WWE place the ECW: One Night Stand at about 265,000 buys. Despite claims to the cotrary that is still pretty damn good.

Not much news today. Does anybody else have something?

Wrestling News June 30, 2005

Matthew Kaye, aka Matt Striker, was recently fired from his teaching position for taking off personal time thinking that it was the same as personal days. According to Richard J. Condon, the special commissioner of investigation for the city schools, teachers get 10 sick days off a year but only 3 can be used for personal business.

From the NY Times: “In a letter to Schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein, Mr. Condon urged that Mr. Kaye be deemed ineligible for future employment in the schools and that the city demand to be repaid for the days he missed work. A spokesman for Mr. Klein, Keith Kalb, said, "This is outrageous behavior and we're going to pursue the recommendations."

"There are people out there who touch children inappropriately who are still allowed to work," Mr. Kaye said in a telephone interview. "The only thing I did was I put in sick days instead of personal days, because I didn't know there was a difference."

From NY News Day:Kaye, who has been teaching for four years, including one year for the city, said he took his attorney's advice to keep his teaching license by resigning in April, but didn't cash his paycheck for a month to show he was "remorseful."

"I didn't deposit my last check because I thought that would be a show of my intention," he said. "I told them I'd work overtime without pay. I told them I'd do anything I could to keep my job."

SD: This has to absolutely suck for Kaye. The articles said teachers only received about $42,000 per year in Queens which is about equal to $31,000 in Cleveland but with much, much higher rent. Most teachers work other jobs to supplement their income. The only problem with Kaye is that he got caught because of his match against Kurt Angle on tv.

WWE.com announced the trade now that the draft lottery is over.
Going to Raw: Danny Basham, Rene Dupree, Chavo Guerrero, Kenzo Suzuki & Hiroko and Mark Jindrak,

Going to Smackdown: Simon Dean, William Regal, Steven Richards, Sylvain Grenier and Candice Michelle.

In other news, PWTorch announced that Marc Loyd was released.

SD: Isn’t that nice? They split up three tag teams; La Resistance, the Bashams and Simon Dean/Maven. Also, sad to see Loyd go. He’s improved his game a lot since he first came on tv.

TNA announced that they have entered a DVD distribution deal with Navarre Corporation. Among the titles that will be distributed by Navarre are the popular line of TNA Wrestling pay-per-view events such as “Victory Road”, “Turning Point” & “Lockdown.” Also available will be TNA superstar videos, including soon to be released titles such as “Enigma: The Best of Jeff Hardy” and “The Best of AJ Styles Volume 2.”

SD: Hopefully they can break into some “power” retailers like Best Buy or FYE. More wrestling in stores is always. Unless it is MXPW.

Wrestling News June 29, 2005 Part A

Matt Hardy is still in the wrestling world’s spotlight. On his website today he addressed speculation about his career and asked fans a hypothetical. “Recently, it seems that alot of people are discussing several different possible scenarios in my future. There's a ton of speculation about everything concerning Matt Hardy these days--but I want all of my fans and supporters to know that I have always been honest with them. With that said, I have a hypothetical question for everyone. In a perfect world, where do you wish Matt Hardy would end up wrestling in the future and why? If you respond, put some time and thought into your answer--I look forward to seeing what everyone says.”

Relevant to this discussion is this from PWInsider: “World Wrestling Entertainment officials contacted Matt Hardy several days prior to the Raw wedding angle between Edge and Lita, requesting that Hardy give them some time to potentially make him an offer to return to the company before he agrees to any TNA offers.” …”Hardy's current WWE no-compete expires on 7/11. According to several sources, he has a TNA offer on the table with the idea that he would debut on 7/17 at the No Surrender PPV in an angle involving Jeff Jarrett. It is believed that TNA had been holding out Matt's brother Jeff, who was sent home for disciplinary reasons, from returning until Matt made his debut.”

SD: I’m not sure Matt will see this in time or if at all but I certainly feel he needs to decide what is best for him and his career. WWE is where the money is right now, no doubt. Chances are he’d be walking into a big money feud as well. But as we’ve seen before, when WWE rehires somebody due to fan response the results aren’t what anybody wanted. Look at the blue Meanie back in 1998 or so. He got released. Fans demanded him back. He was hired back, not used, then released a few months down the line. I’m not saying it will happen, only that it could. If this happens suddenly Matt’s drawing power in the indies is reduced drastically. So Matt, do what you think is best. Don’t listen to us. If you feel like sending my commentary to him, feel free. Also be sure to let him know how you feel if you do.

The Outlaw, aka Billy Gunn, discussed the situation in TNA with Bob and Dixie Carter taking a more active role in the creative department: "They're putting up all the money and they're backing this...yeah, you've got great business knowledge or you wouldn't be where you are and you wouldn't have the cash you have," he continued, "but if you're gonna run a wrestling company and try to go head to head with Vince, I would kind of get my ducks in a row to figure out how I could do that without falling flat on my face.”

He also has a lot to say about Triple H. Most of it only reiterates what you’ve probably read or heard a thousand times already so we won’t get into that. He also states that the New Age Outlaws only joined DX because DX pushed for it because the NAO were more popular.

On VoiceofWrestling.com he’s also answering questions from fans. Of his tag team with Chuck Palumbo: “my angle with Chuck was great and perceive [SIC] it as it was, cause we pulled off characters that noone [SIC] else had the balls to do. its [SIC]called expanding your character. you don’t [SIC] ever limit yourself in what you can do whether it is wrestling or any other career. Did you understand the storyline and get that we weren’t [SIC] "gay" if you paid attention to the storyline and understood there was no gayness in it.”

He also has bad words for Trish Stratus because he helped her get into the WWE and she never thanked him. Mentions that he, Black Jack Mulligan and the Harris Brothers (Ron and Don) trained together for 6 months. He prefers to wrestle in tag matches. And that in the WWE, the reason some of the less talented workers get pushed more than the more talented workers is because they get paid far less.

SD: I think he should ask Dean Malenko if he can have the nickname “the Shooter” now that Dean is retired. Despite what I may think about his technical ring skills, I admit that the Outlaw is a solid performer with a lot to offer the business. He’s in a position now to really help TNA move forward and he seems ready to accept that task. He understands what his next step should be and is going forward with it.

Dave Nelson is again talking about his upcoming fed WWWA. Amid speculation as to his financial back he says: "We do have a driving force behind us. I wish I could go public with who that is. We have proved we are the real deal in Ohio. I hope no one will knock us for giving it a try. If we don't make it, I hope people give us the respect because we tried," Nelson said. "Overall, we're trying to create a better business and more opportunities. WWE isn't big enough for all the wrestlers in the world. We have no bad intentions. We're not here to hurt TNA or WWE. Let's be honest, it will take years to get on the level WWE is currently at. They have worked years and years to get there. If a group thinks it's going to knock down a huge corporate giant with one swing, they're crazy."

SD: We do need more players in the game and for that reason alone I hope this is a success. However, I also get the feeling that this is the next MECW.

Misc. WWE News and Notes:
From PWInsider: Bryan Gerwitz' last night as an active member of the WWE creative team was this past Monday's dual taping in Anaheim, California. Gerwitz is going on sabbatical, partially to work on a screenplay for WWE's film division.

Jim Ross and Victoria will be the guests on tonight's Byte This on WWE.com.

The John Cena "Bad, Bad Man" music video is included as an extra on the WWE Vengeance DVD.

A number of WWE office workers have been laid off due to the upcoming loss of revenue resulting from their move from Spike TV to USA.

Wrestling News June 29, 2005 Part B

The Blue Meanie is in the spotlight of the wrestling world. On news about a possible lawsuit against JBL he says: “I also got a lot of messages from the reports that I am considering suing JBL personally. A lot of people read that report and ran with the ball as if I had already filed. They key word here is "CONSIDERING" lol.”

He continues about it and takes those to task who say that it is just wrestling: “I heard a few things of people saying I shouldn't sue because "it's just wrestling". Well guess what? It wasn't "just wrestling"....it was personal. Some say "haven't you ever been stiffed" and "wrestling is a fraternity, wrestlers don't sue each other". Well yes I HAVE been stiffed in the ring, I have worked with guys who worked snug. In this case it was neither "stiff" nor "snug". It can't even be considered working. It was a straight up assault. Wrestling is in many ways a fraternity but there some codes to live by in this business. The MAIN and ultimate code in this business is one word................trust.

We go out there with the plain and simple guideline that “I am giving you with my body in the TRUST that you will not purposely hurt me as you expect the same TRUST of me.” I put that trust out there when I stepped in the ring and it was clearly violated. I wouldn’t consider legal action if it had just been “working tight” and I wouldn’t have considered legal action if 3⁄4 of the wrestling community wasn’t telling me I SHOULD!”

SD: 3/4 of the wrestling community? Come on Meanie. I know what you mean but don’t make it sound bigger that it already is. If this case does happen then it should be something very interesting. Chances are, though, that there will be a settlement well before it ever gets to that point.

Dave Cromier, Olympic wrestler, recently talked about Real Pro Wrestling. "It was a chance to wrestle in something totally different, in front of a live audience and on TV," Cormier said. "Being on TV was hugely important, and people watched it. When the ratings came back, they were OK. Look at some other sports like bowling and arena football ... they started small and waited for their time, and now they're big things on television."

The wrestlers were divided into teams with names like the New York Outrage and the California Claw. The shows had music, lighting and physique-friendly singlets, but organizers made sure the line between their group and WWE-style "wrestling" was clear and distinct.

"It was a chance to, if you do well, help make a living," Cormier said. "Guys with bigger names had a chance to earn some money. We've never experienced this before."

SD: I still haven’t gotten the chance to see this program yet but it’s supposed to be a lot of fun to watch. The team name idea sounds a bit goofy but besides that I’m all for it. If this gives amateur wrestlers an opportunity to make some money doing what they love then what’s the harm? Besides — if it takes off it’ll give them even more leverage for when Vince comes calling.

TNA announced today that Impact! Will now be offered free of charge via streaming broadcast by the Real Broadcast Network at 4pm EST starting this Friday. They said you will still be able to download the show if that is your preferred method. In addition they will be offered on television in the following markets:

Sun Sports in Florida: Friday at Midnight
Time Warner Cable of New York City: Tuesday 8PM on channel 94
Augusta, GA: WBEK Saturday 8PM and Tuesday 9PM
Cedar Rapids, IA: KWWF Friday 8PM and Sunday 7PM
Urban America TV: Tuesday 10PM and Saturday 1AM

On this weeks show you will see: Sean Waltman vs. Sonjay Dutt, Lance Hoyt vs. Team Canada's Eric Young, Abyss vs. Sonny Siaki, America's Most Wanted vs. Simon Diamond and Trytan, The Phenomenal AJ Styles vs. Alex Shelley, plus, NWA World Heavyweight Champion Raven and TNA X Division Champion The Fallen Angel Christopher Daniels. More matches for “No Surrender” on pay-per-view will also be announced!

SD: Great news for people with dialup. I do wish they were still on television in my area but this is fine as well. This weeks program should have a few moments.

Misc. News and Notes:
The next tryouts for the ROH Wrestling School are July 10th. Email ROHhelp@aol.com if you are interested.

The new trailer for 101 Reasons not to be a Pro Wrestler DVD is not online. Check it out here.

The Heartland Wrestling Association will hold a free, three-hour live wrestling event Friday, featuring Jeff Jarrett, Road Dogg, Raven, Al Snow, Jamie Noble and Shark Boy at Fort Campbell, TN. If you’re near there then you should definitely check it out.

Design Changes Redux

I removed Haloscan for a while because of a bug I just discovered last night. As soon as I figure my way around it Haloscan should be coming back.

EDIT 2:30 PM June 29: I also messed up somewhere and got rid of the direct links to the newer articles and the archives. Sorry about that.

New WWE Products

For a change of pace today how about we take a look at some of the new products offered by WWE Shopzone? Inside you'll find pics and links to these WWE Shopzone Exclusive products. Let's take a look. Warning: if you're on dial-up this may take a while to load.

First up, we've got William Regal's autobiography which is sure to be of interest to most of us. The man has had a long career full of ups and downs. I can't snark on the idea of this book. Just the cover design...




Would you like a replica of the Undertaker's hat? You can have a lot of fun with this. Wanna be a pimp? Throw a purple feather on it.






How about some rookie Divas? Here's a Joy Giavanni poster. Her ass is really hungry. Remember when Christy Hemme had that problem?





Here's a poster of Maria: everybody's favorite backstage Raw interviewer! She has a theory that this picture was taken by WWE photographers to show off just how adorable she is.







Raw's newest make-up lady, Candice Michaelle, is using her non-verbal communication skills to let you know that the water is cold.





Hey! It's Trish Stratus and she's wearing her maid of honor outfit! If you're getting married soon try to convince the maid of honor to dress like this.





Here's something surely inspired by Jerry Lawler: The Divas wastebasket! It's a lot of fun! Let's do this South Park style.

Step 1 Stare at wastebasket
Step 2 ???
Step 3 Throw away tissue



Now this is a WTF? product. A Rey Mysterio hooded towel...? What sense does a hooded towel make? And if they are making a hooded towel, why isn't it a Tazz hooded towel? Or even a Kane hooded towel? When has Rey ever worn a towel on his head? And who would even want one let alone wear one? Seriously, somebody let me know.

Wrestling News June 28, 2005

Pro Wrestling Unplugged announced today that RF Video has become a partial owner of the company. Says the press release: "As part owner of PWU, I am pleased to announce that we are merging with RF Video effective immediately. The new PWU ownership team consists of The BackSeat Boyz, Dr Don Bootz, and now RF Video. I feel that this relationship will only strengthen our company from the inside out. I believe so strongly in our talent roster and I know that RF Video does as well. Together we now have all the tools needed to run a truly successful and innovative organization. I personally am getting back into ring shape so that I may fulfill my commitment to PWU on the active wrestling roster. I truly can't wait to get back in the ring for a company I believe in whole-heartedly. Our next event, July 30th, will truly be a life changing experience for me. I would like to let the fans know to keep a close eye on PWU from this moment forward because it's all about to begin.......again."---Johnny Kashmere

SD: Has it really been a year since that infamous incident? If you recall part of the deal was that RF Video would not be able to have another promotion for a year after they sold their rights of ROH to another party. This deal can potentially help PWU move to the next level if the stench of that incident has worn off by now.

Singers Hall & Oates compared “American Idol to professional wrestling. Both singers said they were impressed by one modern development: 'American Idol.''It's honest,' Hall explained. 'Everybody might think, you know, it's like professional wrestling or something and villain and the good guy. But you know something, it's all real. If somebody says they don't like somebody, they don't like somebody.'

'And the crowd,' Oates said. 'The studio audience really responds. They respond honestly to the performances.

SD: Well, Oates is wrong. As we know most wrestling fans aren’t really up to the task of evaluating wrestling performances. Yes, that includes “smart” fans.

There’s a small story about Sting online about a book signing and his life after finding God. By the mid-1990s, Borden had reached the height of success within the wrestling world -- enjoying international fame, money and everything he'd ever wanted. But something was missing.

"I realized I had achieved everything the world calls success, but I was not happy," Borden said. "There was something in my life that was really, really empty."

"After I got saved, my brother, who's now my pastor, told me to let my example be my testimony," Borden said. "Don't be shy in sharing your faith; the more you talk about it, the stronger your faith will be."

SD: I’m glad positive self-fulfilling prophecy is working for him. All accounts say he really has turned his life around. I think that speaks well of the sheer will power and self-discipline of the man called Sting.

In Indian political news, the use of professional wrestling tricks is a bitter pill to swallow. The Left parties should withdraw support if they were unhappy with the UPA, but the Marxists would not do so as it was a case of 'match-fixing' between them, BJP General Secretary Shahnawaz Hussain said today.

"This is a case of match-fixing like in WWE free style wrestling. There is a tacit understanding between the UPA and the Leftists. The understanding is that the UPA will continue to do as it pleases, while the Marxists will keep on shouting," Hussain said.

"If the Leftists are unhappy with the UPA over implementation of the common minimum programme and the recent increase in the prices of petrol and diesel, let them withdraw support.".

But the Leftist would not do, he said, "They want to continue with their drama to hoodwink the people till next year's Assembly elections in West Bengal," he said.
About the elections in Bihar, he claimed that the NDA would get an absolute majority there under the leadership of Nitish Kumar and defeat the RJD-Congress combine.

SD: Politicians lying and trying to “fix” a win? Say it isn’t so! Let’s be honest: we all know that it’s all a work. Wrestling, religion, politics, reality tv. People will say and do anything to keep your attention. Sometimes that’s what’s so fun about it all.

Thirteen year old amateur wrestling champion Nikola Bogojevic is possibly the next Kurt Angle. ``I always loved wrestling,'' said Bogojevic, who stands 5-foot-9 and weighs 220 pounds. ``My main goal is to make it to the Olympics.''

After discussing his life and that of family, it goes on. Kim Kogojevic says her son is a gentle giant wrapped in a man's body. His bedroom is full of medals and posters of World Wrestling Entertainment stars. When friends visit Nikola, they sometimes wrestle downstairs, dressed costumes mimicking pro wrestling stars, Kim Bogojevic said.

``We're very proud of him. We'll push him all we can,'' Kim Bogojevic said ``I really feel he will be in the Olympics one day.''
http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif
SD: The future is looking good for professional wrestling. It seems because of Kurt Angle that more and more kids see how amateur wrestling really can be a solid base for professional wrestling.


WWE News and Notes:
In a short video promo on WWE.com Carlito announces that Hulk Hogan will be his guest on the Cabana next week. Hogan will most likely be there to hype his upcoming VH-1 show Hogan Knows Best .

The addition of Coach to the Raw announce team may be permanent. In my opinion that is fantastic news.

Vince McMahon is said to have liked RVD’s promo at ECW: One Night Stand enough that he will once again be a talker. He seems a little rusty now but he’ll pick his game back up soon enough.

Speaking of One Night Stand, the DVD was released today. The Dudleys and the Sandman’s music were changed for the release. Also, the swearing is still gone or even more censored. I haven’t seen it yet.

ROH News and Notes:
They are having a 15-25% off sale until tomorrow night at ROHwrestling.com. If you’ve never seen an ROH event this is your chance to get a DVD or VHS copy cheap. In addition you can save on live event tickets and a lot of other stuff.

You can now pre-order Straight Shootin' With Terry Funk & Shane Douglas at ROHwrestling.com. This will be a region 0 high quality DVD and play anywhere in the world. This is a must for not just ECW fans, but all wrestling fans. You'll be entertained and educated on the wrestling business. If you don't at least want to see the Terry Funk one then you are not a wrestling fan.

CM Punk said his goodbye to the Florida independent scene last Saturday losing to Colt Cabana in a 45 plus minute classic for the FIP promotion. I would love to see this one.

Austin Aries will take over for C.M. Punk as head trainer for the ROH wrestling school in Philadelphia with the next class starting on 7/18.

WWE Raw June 27, 2005 Open Thread

Open thread! What did you like about Raw? Dislike? What would you like to see happen next? Click the "Read More!" link for the results. Spoilers inside if you haven't seen it yet.

Kurt Angle came out to challenge Batista. Ric Flair came out and challenged Angle instead.

Eric Bischoff told Christian, Chris Jericho and Tyson Tomko they would be facing John Cena and two partners of his choosing in the main event.

Edge and Gene Snitsky were supposed to face Kane and the latest drat from Smackdown. Kane and Edge brawled through the crowd. Eric Bischoff announced the match would be snitsky against the latest draft: the Big Show! Big Show wins with a chokeslam.

Maria interviewed John Cena but couldn't remember her question. John Cena announced that HBK would team with him. HBK announced that his favorite tag team partner is on his way. Maria remembered her question. Does Cena know who he is teaming with? heheh

Chris Masters def Tajiri in a Masterlock Challenge. Tajiri sprayed Masters with the mist after the match.

Carlito's Cabana debuts on Raw. He announces the second Smackdown draft pick of the night: RVD! After a battle of words Carlito attacks RVD's injured knee.

Kurt Angle def Ric Flair with the ankle lock in a really good, fun match.

The Diva Search began. No charisma to be found.

Todd Grisham interviewed Batista who said the match was worth the pain he feels.

Christian, Chris Jericho and Tyson Tomko discussed who the mystery partner would be.

John Cena, Shawn Michaels and Hulk Hogan def Christian, Chris Jericho and Tyson Tomko. They posed for the crowd after the match.

Design Changes

I've made a few changes to the feel of Pillar to Post. Details inside.
- First, the dumbest. The "Read More" link is now on the right.

- Now, the ones that concern you:

- I've made a switch to Haloscan to the comments as it has a few advantages over Blogger's comments. Most of these won't matter to you but...

- Please comment using the "Comments" link and not the Talkback. Talkback is for another purpose. I need to read up on it still LOL

- You will no longer be asked to provide a Blogger ID. This may have been scaring some people away from commenting. Maybe.

- The information you provide will be retained if you allow cookies.

- Please don't post anonymous. Use a pseudonym if you must but this makes it easier for us all. You don't have to list an email address or URL if you don't want to.

- The old Blogger comments can be seen if you click on the "Read More" links in all articles posted prior to this. I apologize if this upsets you.

- Thank you James Ray for attempting to salvage the comments for me. Sorry it wasn't exactly necessary.

Wrestling News June 27, 2005

The WWE has put up a story about the infamous JBL/Blue Meanie incident. “The incident with Meanie had nothing to do with any old heat, I don’t even know the guy,” JBL said. “I understand he worked here, but I don’t even remember working with him. I couldn’t care less about the fat little kid. “

SD: Obvious BS. If you recall prior to the ECW: One Night Stand pay per view, JBL cut a scathing shot-laced promo against the company and some wrestlers in particular; Blue Meanie was among them. The comments weren’t aired because they didn’t sell the pay per view but rather were an airing of personality disputes.

JBL continues: “Before the brawl at the end of the pay-per-view, he starts cutting a shoot promo on me, saying I’m the reason he got fired and the only reason I got where I am is because I suck Vince McMahon’s d**k. I was incredulous,” JBL said. “I thought there’s no way he could really mean this. So I got to work with him at the end, and here we are trying to give the fans a great finish when we begin to lock horns in the melee. But he’s basically not even acknowledging my presence. Now I might have caught him snug with a shot, but then he starts throwing back heavy punches, including a body shot. So make no mistake, I club him back to make sure he knows I’m not playing, and I think I got him with a shot over the eye and one near the forehead and apparently opened him up a little.”

“Backstage I asked him if he wanted to finish it right then and there,” JBL continued. “He told me it’s all a show and that he didn’t want to fight. And he pretty much ran off.”

Meanie, as you might expect, had a much different view of what transpired.

“I was jaw-jacking with everyone, that was the whole point,” Meanie said. “The tape doesn’t lie. He went right for me and hit me when I wasn’t even looking. He even tried to pull my shirt over my face and have one of those hockey fights. He wanted a receipt for the things I’ve said about him.

Meanie is referring to old interviews on various Internet sites that quote Meanie calling JBL a “bully.”

“I tried to fend him off the best that I could, but at that point, I was also trying to protect the 14 staples I had in the back of my head from the night before,” Meanie added. “He’s a real big guy and there’s only so much I was able to do.”

SD: I’m sure the truth lie somewhere in between. Looking at the footage it is obvious JBL went right after the Blue Meanie. Now if something was said off-mic or in the back we have no idea. JBL was obviously more than a little tipsy which doesn’t allow for a safe work environment in any industry let alone one where personality conflicts and fights can be hidden in the guise of being a work.

Paul Heyman attempts to make light of the situation: “I'm not surprised the JBL-Blue Meanie incident is still generating so much buzz,” Heyman told WWE.com. “The top star on SmackDown!, a former WWE Champion, hit ECW's court jester with his best shots and couldn't knock him out? This is like The Sandman pounding on Howard Finkel and Howard walking away with some bumps and bruises.”

He continues: “It's pretty amusing the SmackDown! brain trust hasn't capitalized on the interest in JBL and The Meanie and begged Vince McMahon to allow this match to take place on TV or pay-per-view,” Heyman said. “If they don't have the vision, ECW certainly does, and I'd welcome that match on any platform ECW is afforded. I even propose we allow the two to fight in the streets of New York City and broadcast on ECW.com! After failing to silence his harshest critic, I think it's on JBL to prove if there's anything but bullsh** behind the Wrath of the Wrestling God.”

SD: I love when Heyman borderlines like that. I suppose now would be a good time to mention that WWE is considering a return of the ECW brand for the house show circuit. Also, it's weird to find the WWE handling a story like this. It is better for a company to try to keep a handle on these things but it's still odd.

Speaking of ECW, a few of the workers from the company are in talks and are booked for tryouts for the company. Axl Rotton and Balls Mahoney are scheduled for tryouts at TV tapings next month. In addition they are still wanting to meet with Sabu and there is some possibility that they want to talk to Danny Doring and Roadkill as well.

SD: WWE can definitely use more tag teams. It would be a real shame if they didn’t let Axl and Balls keep their personas as is rumored they may not if hired. Danny Doring and Roadkill are a lot of fun as well. And what can be said about Sabu that hasn’t been said already?

Ed Ferarra talks more about the WWE’s (former?) view of fans and fan responsibility itself. The WWE has always had an unspoken (and sometimes spoken) derision of any criticism from the fans. If something is over, it's because the fans "get it." If the fans fart on something, well they "just don't understand what it is that we're doing."

Well, if THE FANS don't understand/appreciate it... who are they doing it for? That's akin to a hot musical act - let's say U2 - puts out a horrible experimental polka party album. If their fans sh- all over it and it doesn't sell, the band would say, "Well, they just don't get what we're doing." No... the fans get that what you're doing sucks. And they'll stop lining your pockets with their money.

Wrestling is a more dangerous beast, however, due to the fierce loyalty of the fan base. I've never seen, in any industry, a fan base that will stick around for YEARS while the product suffers. And, while they're sticking around, they're still plunking their money down, with the desperate hope that "TONIGHT will be the night that the product starts to turn around." I know because I was one of those fans for a long time.

Unfortunately, management only sees the bottom line ($$$), and as long as money continues flowing in, they'll take it as a validation of the product's creative direction, and not listen to the valid criticisms.

SD: He has one hell of a point about wrestling fans. We’re as bad as comic book, anime and Star Wars geeks. I do wonder which group has the worst personal hygiene…

Miscellaneous wrestling news:

- Eugene is set to return to the main roster within the next month or two
- Rico was in the audience and backstage at Vengeance since he lives in Las Vegas. Some of you may know I was a huge fan of his. I doubt he’ll be coming back any time soon, unfortunately.
- - Forever Hardcore is available for immediate sale and shipping here. It makes a great companion piece to WWE’s Rise and Fall of ECW and features commentary by Raven, Shane Douglas, Tod Gordon, New Jack, Sabu and many other ECW alumni.
- If you’re interested, WWE has a site up for this year’s Diva Search finalists.

WWE Vengeance 2005 Results

On Heat Rosey/Hurricane def the Heart Throbs

Click on the link below if you have seen the show or don't mind spoilers.
Carlito def Shelton Benjamin to retain the IC Championship
Victoria def Christy Hemme
Kane def Edge
Shawn Michaels def Kurt Angle
Lillian proposed to Viscera. The Godfather returned with hoes to talk Vis out of it. Vis chooses the hoes as Lillian cries.
John Cena def Christian and Jericho to retain the WWE Championship by pinning Christian
Batista def Triple H for the World Championship in the Hell in a Cell.

Thoughts?

Booking the Draft Following Vengeance

Since Cena won his Triple Threat match against Jericho and Christian for the WWE Title this evening at Vengeance, I think there are two possible booking scenarios for the draft this week:

1) Cena is going back to SD. He's eligible, since he's a RAW superstar, and if this does come to pass, in hindsight it still makes the past month sensible from a business standpoint. Cena is red hot right now, and they tapped into both this and his album by moving him to the show that had the PPV this month so that he could not only have exposure, but maintain momentum by winning the match against two very capable challengers (in what was a truly fine match, in my opinion).

2) Jericho will challenge Cena for the WWE Title tomorrow night on RAW since Cena didn't beat him in the match, and rather pinned Christian. Jericho will win the WWE Title, and then get drafted to SD so that it has its own champ.

In either case, this will make the SD 6 Man match for the Smackdown Title becomes a #1 contender's match by default, with the champ facing the winner at the Great American Bash next month. Booker T, Benoit, and Taker would pose fine opponents for either Cena or Jericho (Hassan is not ready, JBL lost to Cena but is also a heel to Jericho, and as much as I like him, I don't Big Show would sell the PPV).

If either possibility does pan out, I think it will make for some good, fresh matchups.

Wrestling News June 26, 2005

In yet another interview with Christian, he still prefers not to say too much about the company. With the ongoing Draft Lottery ... and some big names going back and forth ... Christian doesn't worry about where he'll wind up.

"If I end up on Smackdown!, I end up on Smackdown!," he says. "It doesn't matter to me either way. With Kurt Angle and Cena moving (to RAW), there's a great opportunity for guys to step up."

SD: Can't disagree with that one. I think he'd shine, shine, shine on SmackDown.

Christian enjoys his wrestling persona, even if it does have the smugness turned up a notch or two.

"Some people say that's me. The same as outside of the ring," says Christian. "I'm a little sarcastic sometimes. And I like to have fun with the guys.

"But I don't think I'm going to run up behind the mailman when he's putting mail in the mailboxes and hit him with a chair.

"I don't see myself changing the way I am. It works for me. (The fans) have a choice. They can cheer or boo."

SD: The thought of Christian running up behind a mailman and hitting him with a steel chair makes me laugh. I guess this pretty much confirms my suspicians that the way he talks out there now is an amplified aspect of his personality.

The Korean military is having problems with how it treats its newest trainees as reported by their newspapers.
Meanwhile, a video clip showing a junior soldier on prison guard duty being felled by a flying kick from a senior was apparently taken last August. The Ministry of Justice said four members of a guard squad were imitating professional wrestlers while watching an American pro-wrestling match on TV in August last year.

But internet users who have seen the clip have thrown doubt on the ministry’s “horseplay” interpretation, saying the junior does not look prepared for the kick.

SD: Hey look! Wrestling is a scapegoat for other the actions of bullies! Haven't had a story like that in a while....

WWE announced a few more books to be published.Among them, a biography about Shawn Michael (November 2005), a "photojournal" book about the Divas (October 2005) and a fictionalized biography about Kane (September 2005) which should be fun as hell. The latter states that it "... takes the enigma that is Kane into terrifying places where few would dare to go." Insert Katie Vick joke here: ______.

In Ring of Honor news:
- Jack evans is taking off a few months to allow some lingering injuries to heal

- Matt Hardy says he is coming with a mission on July 16 when ROH returns to the New Haven market. Hardy says he wants to blow the ROH fans away when he takes on Christopher Daniels. Hardy has seen the DVD of his brother in ROH at the first "Death Before Dishonor" and he says that his debut will be the exact opposite. Hardy told ROH officials that he can't wait to wrestle without any restraints.

SD: Did I mention I got my tickets for the ROH debut in Cleveland on October 14th? We'll see who's on the roster by then but it should be fun as hell.


You can find an interview with ROH's Jimmy Jacobs here and one with TNA's Cassidy Riley here.

WWE Vengeance 2005 Preview

WWE's Vengeance is set to begin in approximately 7 hours. On paper this could be a very middle on the road pay per view. There should be some strong matches and moments but other aspects worry me a little. Here are the matches and my thoughts, hopes and predictions on the card.


World Heavyweight Champion Batista vs. Triple H (Hell in a Cell)
This feud has been going strong since the day after the Royal Rumble — officially anyway. Prior to that the company had been teasing the upcoming feud and Batista face turn. Whatever the result of this match I hope it is the end of the feud for quite a while. From a company standpoint, Batista needs to win. They've invested a lot of time and money into developing him into this role. Because of how long this feud has been he hasn't really gotten the opportunity to show more of his personality. We know that Triple H considers this to be "his" match but fans just aren't buying it. A loss in the Cell won't damage his career in the least. And giving the win to Batista can allow the company to move forward in a new era of Raw. Prediction: I think Batista should win but I won't be surprised if he doesn't.

Kane vs. Edge (w/Lita)
What can be said about this that hasn't been said already? The worst part is that they simply don't have good matches together. Remember Edge's return last year around Backlash and the small feud with Kane? Not much better. They seemingly don't have any chemistry in the ring together. Even with the addition of Lita at ringside to act as spoiler I don't expect the match quality to improve. Prediction: Edge so the feud can continue.

WWE Champion John Cena vs. Christian vs. Chris Jericho
This is probably the most important match on the card from a company standpoint. Here we have in Jericho one veteran returning to form and possibly the top of the card again. One veteran in Christian who is connecting with the audience in a major way the past few months. And a star who can possibly reignite the wrestling industry in Cena with the strong crowd response he is getting. So who do you give the title too? They all deserve it. All three can carry the ball. And all three have a really strong connection with the crowd.

It isn't too much of a stretch to think that the winner of this match will be drafted to SmackDown this Thursday. So who will it be? As much as the crowd likes Cena he just hasn't been performing up to snuff in the ring the past year. Both Raw and Smackdown have the roster depth to hide this shortcoming. But Jericho is close to signing a new contract (if he hasn't already). He's proven he can carry the ball and is willing to elevate other wrestlers. That seems to be Smackdown's milieu. Jericho in SmackDown's main event or uppercard can be just what the brand needs. Then there is Christian whose star is rising faster than probably anybody else's in recent memory. He's a proven performer in the ring and is one of the best superstars in the WWE at getting an angle over. With him at the helm it sends a very strong message to the lockerroom that paying your dues and doing what is asked can result in good things if you are willing to learn and improve.

Prediction: Rough. Very, very rough. I'm going with Christian and a move to SmackDown with him on Thursday. I also expect he and Cena to continue their feud while on seperate brands leading to a match at SummerSlam.

Kurt Angle vs. Shawn Michaels
This should be the best match on the card/ Their WrestleMania match tore the house down and is going down as one of the best matches of all time. How do they follow up? Kurt says he told Vince not to make it a Last Man Standing match which is a smart move. These guys can wrestle so let them wrestle without the frills. Prediction: The fans win. Besides that, from a writing standpoint it would make more sense for Kurt to win. Allowing Kurt to have two wins and no losses over Shawn can be a very, very strong seed for a future storyline.

Intercontinental Champion Carlito vs. Shelton Benjamin
First, let me just say that I hope they bring back the other two C's of Carlito's name. As to this match, I have no idea what to expect besides a Carlito win. Some other columnist on one of the sheetsites was predicting Snitsky to help out Carlito but I don't think it will. I see Christian moving to SmackDown and Tyson Tomko becoming Cartlio's new bodyguard. Prediction: Shelton puts on a hell of a performance but Carlito ekes out a win.

Victoria vs. Christy
Oy vey. Ok, first off, nobody is buying Christy as a serious competitor in the ring at this time. I hope WWE realizes this. She may be nice, pretty, whatever, but she looks so non-threatening and obviously doesn't have the ring skills yet to make this match interesting. I have an idea their going to abandon the "angry" Christy stuff in favor of something more believable. WWE had to notice the fac pops Victoria has been getting for beating up the non-wrestling Divas a couple weeks ago and with her attack on Christy. So what could they do? Bring back somebody who hates Victoria even more: Trish Stratus. Prediction: No contest.

In addition we're supposed to be seeing the next step in the Viscera/Lillian angle which I am really looking forward to.

A few other comments: What about a tg title match? They have a few make shirt tag teams in Maven/Simon Dean, Regal/Tajiri and a "real" tag team in the Heart Throbs. So will they have something on Heat? Wait and see I think. In any case, I don't expect Hurricane and Rosey to lose the tag titles for a while simply because there really isn't anything for the tag titles to do besides just sit around their waists. The tag title situation hasn't been this bad on Raw since 1995.

Overall, the pay per view should be interesting with a few high spots and a few low. They've had more than enough time to put more into the pay per view despite the draft being firmly around it. I can see why they didn't want to have too many storylines leading in because of that but the tag title situation, for example, is one that could have been developed for it. My expectations are sorta of low especially after the amazing ECW: One Night Stand but I could be surprised by some steller performances. Unfortunately, this seems to be a story driven pay per view rather than in-ring driven. That isn't necessarily bad but it doesn't allow for a truly standout experience which is a shame given the use of Hell in the Cell and some potentially great matches.