We’re Back!
An ISP problem struck ProWrestlingDaily.com and the other sites associated with ClickFighters.com and plunged the whole group into darkness on WrestleMania Day!
Our apologies for not being here when you probably wanted us the most. We are back now, thanks to diligent work by the folks at the ISP, so look for a lot of new content in the next 24 hours. “A lot” even for us, that is.
It’s good to be back. Damn good.
— Arnie Katz
editor-in-chief
ProWrestlingDaily.com
(3/31/08)
The Katz Files – Arnie Katz
WrestleMania 24 Pros & Cons!:
The Kingfish Arnie Katz checks out the pros and cons of the big event coming this Sunday!
RAW (3/24) Recap: The War Is On!:
The Kingfish Arnie Katz brings you all the highlights and sidelights from Monday’s WWE TV show!
RAW, from the University of South Carolina, opened with a live, multi-part group promo for WrestleMania 24,
John Cena told fans he’s excited that WrestleMania is less than a week away. He said he wants to walk into WrestleMania and leave as the champion.
Big Show came out to say that WrestleMania will go down in history for only one reason: Him ending Mayweather’s boxing career. He vowed that him knocking out Floyd would replace Hogan Slamming Andre as the signature WM moment.
John Bradshaw Leyfield claimed that he is the one who makes history. He gloated about hospitalizing Hornswoggle and revealing the secret of his parentage. John Cena said he wasn’t listening to JVK; he was mentally reminiscing about beating the Cowboy Financier at WrestleMania 21,
Randy Orton said that no one thinks he’ll retain the title, but that he likes it that way!
Umaga glared at everyone and took Randy Orton’s microphone. He launched an unintelligible tirade in which the only word heard clearly was “Batista.” John Cena, ever helpful, gave his translation, which focused on Orton’s predilection for boy bands and sperm whales.
After pausing to huckster his new tee-shirt, Triple H declared that nothing is more important than regaining the gold. Apart from selling tee-shirts, evidently.
Triple H claimed that WrestleMania was going to be in the Citrus Bowl, because the outdoor stadium has no room. With three such superb wrestlers, he explained, if there was a roof they would blow it off.
“At WrestleMania, the King of Kings goes back on his throne!” Triple H screamed about one inch away from Cena’s face.
William Regal came out and made a four-against-four main event: Umaga, Orton, JBL & Big Show versus Triple H, Cena, HBK and Ric Flair.
Chris Jericho & CM Punk d. MVP & Carlito
Jim Ross pointed out that this matched involved four of the seven men who will be vying for the suitcase in the Money in the Bank match at WM,
CM Punk took down MVP with a Reverse Legsweep. Punk ducked a Clothesline and connected with one of his own. He Bodyslammed MVP, but couldn’t convert it into a pinning cover.
Carlito came in to face Chris Jericho, who jolted hi with a Side Suplex! Lionheart followed up with a Clothesline and a flurry of punches. Carlito seized a Side Headlock and fired Jericho into the ropes. When Carlito set up too early for a Back Body Drop, Jericho picked him up in the Suplex position and bounced him off the top rope. As he hung over the strand, Jericho connected with a Leg Lariat!
Back from commercial, Carlito stomped away at Jericho. Jericho broke out with a Drop Toehold, bounced off the ropes and jumped onto Carlito’s back at full speed!
Chris Jericho Clotheslined Carlito and Bodyslammed him! He sprang off the middle rope with a Lionsault, but Carlito evaded it! Chris went for the Walls of Jericho, but MVP broke up the hold before it did much damage.
Carlito punished Jericho with a Crucifix and, when the victim broke free, dished out a Spinning Neckbreaker! Jericho lifted his shoulder at “two.”
MVP made his presence known by Kneedropping Jericho and taking over the attack from Carlito. MVP missed a Corner Charge, which enabled Jericho to tag CM Punk.
Punk Powerslammed MVP, but it was only worth a two count. CM threw MVP into the corner and blasted him in the face with a running knee! When Punk tried to come off the top rope, but MVP reversed and almost got a pin!
Chris Jericho returned to the action. He and MVP got into a slugfest and hammered away at each other. Chris went for an Enzuiguiri, but it misfired and flattened his own partner! MVP covered Punk and kept him down for the required one-two-three!
Grade: B-
In a pre-taped segment, Mr. Kennedy offered his WrestleMania 24 predictions.
He forecast retirement for Flair, the end of the streak for Undertaker and a win in the Money in the Bank match for himself.
A video celebrated the distinguished career of Ric Flair. After it ended, Jim Ross told fans that Ric wanted to confront Shawn Michaels on this RAW
A video pushed Big Show-Floyd Mayweather.
Great Khali d. Hardcore Holly
Hardcore Holly tried to play hit-and-run, except that he just couldn’t hit Khali hard enough to make any kind of impression.
Great Khali caught up to him in less than a minute and, from there, the match became a meaningless Squash. A Two-Hand Chokeslam mercifully ended this one.
Grade: F
After another video reminded fans of what happened to Flair last week, The Nature Boy came out live.
Flair was angry with Shawn Michaels for coming out to help him in his match against Mr. McMahon on last week’s show. He complained that it showed a lack of respect for his ability.
When HBK joined Flair in the ring, he tried to smooth over the rift, extolling Flair’s many achievements. “The Ric Flair I knew always had his bases covered, always had back-up,” Michaels insisted.
“I don’t need anybody to tell me who I am!” Flair roared, after JBK started reciting his favorite Flair catchphrases.
Ric brandished the 1981 NWA World Championship Belt! Flair said he chose HBK for WrestleMania, because he wants to prove, on the grandest stage of all, that he is still the Nature Boy.
“Let me assure you that I’m going to give you everything you need,” Shawn replied.
“I would expect noting less from you,” Flair said. “That’s what I want!’
HBK then compared Ric Flair to Old Yeller. He vowed to take his idol out back and put him out of his misery.
Flair stood nose to nose with Shawn Michaels and slapped him in the face – twice! “What are you gonna do about that!” he screamed.
Michaels accepted the slaps without comment or retaliation. He simply left the ring.
A video recounted Big Show’s visit to The Connan O’Brien Show
Melina (with Beth Phoenix) vs. Maria
The match had barely started when the ring got awfully crowded as Ashley and then Santino Marella hit the ring.
William Regal came out and made a six-person inter-gender tag team match. Wonder what the fans did wrong to deserve this one.
Melina, Beth Phoenix & Santino Marella d. Maria, Ashley & Jerry Lawler
Inter-Gender Six-Person Tag Team Match
Jerry Lawler dominated Santino Marella in the early going. He took the arrogant Italian to school with an offensive run that included a Back Body Drop and an Atomic Drop. When Marella tagged in Melina, Lawler didn’t want to fight her and gave way to Ashley, who didn’t mind a bit.
Ashley raged Melina for a while and then tagged in Maria, who uncorked a Bronco Buster. Beth Phoenix came in, picked up Maria and Bodyslammed her to the mat!
Maria and Ashley seemed to get a great deal of pleasure from slapping around Santino Marella and did so for an extended period. Maria kicked her former boyfriend completely out of the ring, where The King caught up with him to hand out more punishment.
The heels took down Maria from behind, out of sight of the referee, and Marella scored the pin on his former girlfriend.
Grade: C-
Triple H told John Cena that his loss to him two years ago still rankles. “I know I’m better than you,” said HHH. He brought up several instances in which Cena had stood between him and his unquenchable desire to regain the title. “This Sunday, if you get in my way, I’m going to mow you down.”
“Try watching for six months while a man carries around a belt you never lost,” Cena shot back. “At WrestleMania, the championship comes home!”
John Legend hyped his WrestleMania appearance in a video.
Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, Triple G & John Cena d. Big Show, JBL & Umaga
Eight-Man Tag Team Match
No Disqualification
Randy Orton went right to work on Shawn Michaels’ right arm at the bell until HBK reversed and have him some of the same medicine. The two men battled to a stalemate as each blocked the other’s attempted maneuvers.
Finlay appeared at the top of the ramp. JBL immediately lost all interest in the match. He and Finlay raced to meet each other and brawled wildly all the way to the back.
When the show returned after commercials, Randy Orton was still whaling the tar out of HBK. Umaga replaced the champion, but nothing changed for Michaels, who continued to struggle on the wrong end of a pitiless beatdown.
Just as Umaga was about to deal HBK the Samoan Spike, Batista rumbled down the ramp toward the ring! Sure enough, Umaga abandoned the match and went to fight his opponent in the Brand Supremacy match at WrestleMania They fought a moving battle that carried them into the backstage area.
Big Show took charge of Shawn Michaels and proved to be a very rude host, subjecting HBK to a wide range of painful sensations. The Giant heaved his victim along all the way across the ring to a very rough landing!
Big Show knocked down Flair using the leverage of an Armbar. Cena ran at Big Show – and took a ring-shaking Chokeslam! Show went back to the Nature Boy, who probably would’ve preferred not to have all that attention in the form of devastating punches and chops. The referee broke it up when Show used his huge boot to choke Flair.
Randy Orton got angry when Big Show refused to let him come in to finish off Flair. Cena and The Game jumped into the ring and tried to double-team Big Show, who ended up turning the tables with a Stereo Suplex!
Big Show finally got tired of Orton’s complaints and Bealed him into the ring!
He then Chokeslammed him.
And then he walked on him.
He decided it was a good time to end his workday and left the ring and the match.
John Cena caught Randy Orton in the STGU, but Triple H turned on his partner and broke it up! That set The Game and Cena at each other’s throats in the ringside area.
Ric Flair and Randy Orton remained in the ring. Flair clamped on the Figure-Four Leglock and wrung a submission from the champion!
Grade: B (A wild clusterschmazz)
Overall Grade for This Episode: C (too much filler and too many squashes0
– Arnie Katz
Crossfire4@cox.net
(3/28/08)
The Katz Files – Arnie Katz
RAW (3/24 Recap: The War Is On!:
The Kingfish Arnie Katz brings you all the highlights and sidelights from Monday’s WWE TV show!
NBC Plans MMA Television Series!
NBCk has ordered a new MMA series as a companion for its late-night “Poker After Dark” program.
“Strikeforce on NBC” will premiere April 12 and is billed as the first weekly MMA series to air on broadcast television. The half-hour program will air in wee hours, from 2 to 2:30 a.m.
MMA, where fighters of different martial disciplines compete in cage match bouts, has been a success for cable network Spike TV and is very popular as a pay-per-view event under the Ultimate Fighting Championships banner.
CBS is also getting into the genre, with four “CBS EliteXC Saturday Night Fights” specials scheduled to debut on Saturday nights starting May 31. And Comcast’s G4 network is developing an MMA series hosted by fighter Tito Ortiz.
–The PWD Editorial Staff
(3/28/08)
Katz: WrestleMania 24 Preview & Prognostications!
The Kingfish Arnie Katz gets you ready for WWE’s most important card of the year.
Maria & Ashley vs. Beth Phoenix & Melina
Bunnymania LumberJill Match
The Story: Fate has conspired to make a bad idea even worse. Candice Michelle bowed out due to an injury, so former Diva Search winner Ashley will take her place in what promises to be a “cool down” match. (When the crowd gets to fever pitch, they need a match to bring them down a little so they will react to the next important match.
My Prediction: Having the babyface girls win gives a faint “feel good” nanosecond and also sets up challenges to Beth Phoenix.
Predicted Winner: Maria & Ashley.
Predicted Grade: C+ (If Maria does well, she and Beth Phoenix could push the grade a little higher.
Finlay vs. Jon Bradshaw Leyfield
Belfast Brawl
No-DQ, No Rules Match
The Story: When the Fiendish Financier revealed that Hornswoggle is really Finlay’s son and not Mr. McMahon’s, it set in motion the hostilities that have led these two men to this “o rules” confrontation.
My Prediction: I’d expect some good, hard wrestling from the combatants, both of whom can work a match very well, but this is likely to be a heavily booked match with a gimmicky finish. Just when it looks like the Big Cowboy is about to win, Hornswoggle will pop out from under the ring and give Finlay the good old shillelagh. Finlay will club him to the mat and score the pin in a way that preserves JBL’s reputation.
Predicted Winner: Finlay
Predicted Grade: B-
The 24-Man Battle Royal
ECW Title Shot Later on This Card
The Story: Someone has to fight Chavo Guerrero for the ECW Championship. WWE has decided it mighty as well be one of these guys. So it is that two-dozen wrestlers, including some of WWE’s least talented, least over performers, will vie for the right to work twice on the same card.
My Prediction: This would be a much easier match to predict if WWE had posted a definitive list of the competitors. The winner should be a face so that there will be at least a little heat when he fights Chavo Guerrero. Colin Delaney will help Tommy Dreamer win the match.
Predicted Winner: Tommy Dreamer
Predicted Grade: C+
Chavo Guerrero vs. Battle Royal Winner
ECW Championship
The Story: Someone will get a shot at the ECW title. The trick will be to make the fans care about it.
My Prediction: If Dreamer or Kane win the Battle Royal, Chavo Guerrero retains his title. If Colin Delaney somehow wins the Battle Royal, WWE would create a new “name” by having him beat Chavo and fight a rematch on the next pay per view.
Predicted Winner: Chavo Guerrero (unless Delaney wins the Battle Royal)
Predicted Grade: C+
Batista vs. Umaga
Brand Supremacy Challenge
The Story: The RAW and Smackdown general managers cooked yup this battle of the brands. Each named a representatives for the match.
My Prediction: Since RAW is WWE”s “lead show,” you might think they’d want Umaga to win and validate that claim. On the other hand, Batista is on a roll and is probably on his way to another title run. The pre-match signs run toward Umaga, who got destroyed by John Cena while Batista rolled over all opposition. That sounds like it’s building toward one of those “nobody really wins or losers” finishes, but I will go out on a limb and predict that Umaga will beat Batista through unfair means. Then Batista will go to RAW for a rematch. The Animal would then win the rematch and head to a pay per view as a challenger for the WWE Championship.
Predicted Winner: Umaga
Predicted Grade: B+
John Morrison vs. C.M. Punk vs. Mr. Kennedy vs. Carlito vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. MVP vs. Chris Jericho
Money in the Bank Ladder Match
The Story: The Money in the Bank Ladder Match has become as much of a WM staple as the washed up celebrities. The winner gets thrust into the title picture.
My Prediction: This one was tailor-made for Jeff Hardy until other circumstances intervened. They may add someone like Matt Hardy as an eighth entrant. In the absence of Hardy, Chris Jericho looks like the winner. It’ll come down to him and MVP.
Predicted Winner: Chris Jericho
Predicted Grade: B+
The Big Show vs. Floyd Mayweather
Boxer versus Wrestler
The Story: Big Show (“The World’s Largest athlete) and Floyd Mayweather “The Best Pound-for-Pound Boxer n the World”) are on a collision course that will put them both in a WrestleMania ring. In some unguessable way, this contest will allegedly determine whether boxing or wrestling is the superior martial art.
My Predictions: This is WM’s “freak show” match, so I guess it’s an improvement over things like a Battle Royal of failed characters. Not much better, though. We don’t know the rules of the match, so it’s a little hard to predict the winner. That we don’t even know if it is a work or some kind of ill-advised shoot doesn’t help matters, either. Big Show would win a shoot and Mayweather may have a victory in his contract if it’s a work. The one safe prediction is that it’ll be pretty lackluster.
Predicted Winner: Floyd Mayweather
Predicted Grade: D
Ric Flair vs. Shawn Michaels
Career Threatening Match
The Story: Mr. McMahon, bent on getting rid of Ric Flair, decreed that the first time The Nature Boy loses a match, he must retire. With more than a little help from his friends, Flair has surmounted every challenge. Now he must get in the ring against the Heartbreak Kid.
My Prediction: The only real question, in my mind, is whether Flair wins the match and then retires or loses the match and then retires. Traditionally, wrestlers lose their final high profile match, but this might be a special case. Flair is going into the Hall of Fame and Michaels can absorb this kind of loss if needed. If I booked this, Flair would defeat Michaels after a long, brilliant match and then announce his retirement on RAW the next night. It would be the signature “feel good” moment at this WrestleMania. Since I’m not the booker, I figure Ric Flair will go out on his shield like a champion after a great match. He and Shawn Michaels will embrace at center-ring. They’ll have a retirement part on RAW
Predicted Winner: Shawn Michaels
Predicted Grade: A
Edge vs. Undertaker
World Heavyweight Championship
The Story: Undertaker and Edge have butted heads for some time. The Deadman wants another title run and, of course, The R-Rated Superstar stands in the way.
My Prediction: It’s hard to ignore the rumor that Undertaker will come out of WrestleMania with the title around his waist. It also makes sense to preserve his winning streak at the event. I’d let Edge win so that he would still have the belt when they do the wedding angle, but Taker has been so loyal and steadfast at WWE that my guess is that the rumors are right. Edge will fight like a tiger and his minions will mix in, but Undertaker will make Edge Rest in Peace, at least until next week’s Smackdown.
Predicted Winner: Undertaker
Predicted Grade: A=
Randy Orton vs. John Cena vs. Triple H
WWE Championship
Triple Threat
The Story: Randy Orton has the gold. John Cena and Triple H want the gold. Each man is more than willing to pound the other two into sludge, a feeling intensified by the last three episodes of RAW, on which each man had a chance to book the other two into grueling matches.
My Prediction: John Cena will be on hiatus to make a movie immediately after WrestleMania, which gives the McMahons all the excuse they need to put the belt back on Triple H.
Predicted Winner: Triple H
Predicted Grade: A
Predicted Grade for WrestleMania 24: B+
The Bottom Line
This year’s WrestleMania veers strongly from the customary emphasis on titles in favor of (hopefully) compelling match-up. Only the world titles will be defended, another kick in the teeth for the tag team and women’s divisions. Cruiserweights? What’s that?
The boxer versus wrestler, 24-Man Battle Royal and Bunnymania are time-wasters-in-the-making, but the other matches sounds pretty hot.
– Arnie Katz
Crossfire4@cox.net
(3/27/08)
The Katz Files – Arnie Katz
WrestleMania 24 Preview & Prognostications!
The Kingfish Arnie Katz gets you ready for WWE’s most important card of the year.
NWA Showcase (3/26) Recap: New Tag Team Champs!
Our resident philosopher, Jay Shannon, takes a look at the newest nationally-televised wrestling program: NWA Showcase Challenge.
The show opened with David Marquez, running down the show. Our main event was Zokre and Phoenix Star challenging Karl Anderson and Joey Ryan for the NWA tag team straps. Also, Adam Pierce defended his NWA World title against T.J. Perkins. The show also featured Brent Albright, Rob Conway and U-Gene Dinsmore v Alkatraz.
Brent Albright d Dallas Murdock
Albright and Murdock exchanged a lot of Arm Drags and punches to start this one. Albright worked over the arm of Murdock. Murdock used the Irish Whip, but Albright held onto the ropes.Albright kicked Murdock in the chest. Albright hit a Bouncing Suplex.
Murdock caught Albright with some rough-housing tactics. Murdock locked in the Arm Bar. Albright fought back with punches. Albright stepped it up with a Double Underhook Reverse German Suplex. Albright then used the Lethal Injection Backbreaker. Albright sent Murdock to the ropes and hit the Snap Powerslam. Murdock was placed on the ropes. Albright then hit a weak 6-1-9 on Murdock. Albright took Murdock to the mat with a Side Russian Leg Sweep. Albright then locked in his Octopus Sleeper. Murdock had no choice but to tap out.
Grade: A-
Rob Conway was interviewed. Conway threw pops to Ric Flair by quoting his “To be the man” catchphrase. Conway then twisted it, slightly. In Conway’s words: “To be the man, you have to beat the Iron man.”
“Iron Man” Rob Conway d “Fast and Furious” Scott Lost
Conway moved Lost to the ropes. Lost and Conway switched Go Behinds. Conway grabbed a grinding Headlock. Conway spun around and tried to School Boy Lost. Conway shoved Lost to the ropes and dropped him with a big Shoulder Block.
During the match, the announce team made it official that the NWA is now working with New Japan. That should bring an influx of talent to the organization. Conway hit a Spin Kick and several Fore-Arms to weaken Scott Lost. Conway sent Lost into the corner with massive force. Lost fought back and then slid out of the ring. When Conway sent out of the ring, Lost slid in.
Lost played a cat an d mouse game of inside/outside. Lost nailed some good offensive moves. A Dropkick by Lost was followed by a Drop Toe Hold. Lost worked on the arm. Conway used the knee to get free. Conway Hot Shotted Lost on the top rope. Conway then ran the shoulder of Lost into the post. Lost fell to the floor. Conway exited the ring and nailed a Short-Arm Clothesline. Conway placed Lost on the apron and pounded on him. Conway climbed on the apron and dropped the elbow to the back of Lost’s head.
Conway pounded away on the face and head of Lost. Conway Irish Whipped Lost at warp speed to the corner. Conway slapped the face of Lost. Another Irish Whip folded Lost up in agony. Lost reversed an Irish Whip. Conway climbed the ropes and nailed a Guillotine Leg Lariat. Conway locked in a Sleeper, but Lost broke free. The two men traded fists. Lost hit a big Clothesline and a Dropsault. Lost hit his Superman Spear in the corner. Conway caught Lost with the Uranage Bomb. Conway nailed the Decapitation Clothesline. Conway finished things off with the Ego Trip (Spinner version of Kevin Thorn’s Original Sin).
Grade: A-
Alkatraz was interviewed. He screamed at the camera as “Special E” made faces behind Alkatraz’s back. Alkatraz was oblivious to “Special E”’s presence. The announcer was about to get beaten down as we faded to black.
“Special E” (Nick) Dinsmore d Alkatraz
Dinsmore had a midget at ringside to serve as his manager. Dinsmore goofed around with the ref with some “Groucho” glasses. Dinsmore offered a handshake, but Alkatraz slapped the hand away.
Alkatraz moved Dinsmore to the corner after the Collar and Elbow. Alkatraz beat on Dinsmore. Dinsmore fought back and bounced Alkatraz off the corner. Alkatraz used a big boot to stun Dinsmore. Alkatraz distracted the ref to throw Dinsmore over the top rope. In the NWA, it is illegal to throw someone over the top rope. The ref didn’t see it, so it didn’t count.
The two men fought on the floor. When they got back in the ring, Alkatraz stomped and kicked on Dinsmore. Alkatraz then locked in a Rear Chin Lock. Dinsmore used Elbow Smashes to get free. Alkatraz dropped Dinsmore with a Clothesline. Alkatraz tried to attack Dinsmore’s manager. Alkatraz turned back and fell victim to a Small Package from “Special E”.
Grade: C+
Alkatraz attacked both “Special E” Dinsmore and the midget. Brent Albright rushed to the ring to check on Dinsmore and the midget. Alkatraz came out of the audience to attack Brent Albright. The two men fought up the aisle and into the dressing room area.
“Scrap Iron” Adam Pierce (c) d T.J. Perkins
NWA World Heavyweight Championship Match
Nick Bockwinkel joined the announce team for this match. Pierce took forever to get ready for the match. The ref showed off the NWA belt before calling for the bell. Pierce told Perkins to hold on while he played up to the booing crowd. Pierce talked a lot of trash before the match started. Perkins jumped on the corner ropes to play up to the crowd. This gave Pierce the chance to Pearl Harbor the challenger. The match was off and running.
Pierce pounded on the ribs of Perkins. Perkins flipped out of a Back Suplex attempt and nailed a Dropkick. Perkins rolled underneath a Clothesline by Pierce and hit another Dropkick. Pierce reversed an Irish Whip and sent Perkins to the corner. Perkins did a Handstand in the corner. When Pierce came to investigate, Perkins locked the ankles around Pierce’s neck and spun around, sending the NWA champ flying. Perkins brought Pierce down with an Arm Drag. Perkins then locked in a wrenching Arm Bar.
Pierce got to his feet and sent Perkins to the ropes. Perkins dove over Pierce and then Arm Dragged him to the mat, again. Perkins applied a Wrist Breaker on Pierce. Pierce tried to Scoop Slam Perkins, but the challenger wouldn’t let go of the Arm Bar. Pierce was flipped to the mat. Perkins continued to work on the arm of Pierce. Perkins dropped a knee on the arm of Pierce. Pierce moved Perkins to the ropes. Pierce used the Irish Whip to send Perkins to the opposite ropes. Pierce dropped Perkins and then immediately picked him up and tried to toss him out of the ring. Perkins caught himself in the ropes and waited for Pierce to charge. Normally, Perkins would drop out of the way and the opponent would fall to the floor. It didn’t happen that way, this time, as Pierce kicked the ribs of Perkins. Perkins then fell to the floor.
Pierce exited the ring and beat down on Perkins. Pierce whipped Perkins into the guard rail, twice. Pierce didn’t seem to care about being counted out or disqualified. The ref yelled at the champ and his manager. Perkins tried to attack C. Edward Vanderpyle, the manager. Pierce then pounced on Perkins. Pierce pounded on the face of Perkins. Pierce set the head of Perkins against the steel post. He wanted to punch the challenger’s head into the post. What he ended up doing, thanks to Perkins moving out of the way, was punch the ring post.
Perkins used kicks to weaken the champion. Perkins also slammed the injured wrist and hand on the ring apron and guard rail. The ref was sent into the steel barricade. Pierce went to Suplex Perkins into the ring, but Perkins floated over and rolled up Pierce for a 10+ count. There was no ref, so the pin wasn’t legal. Perkins used all kinds of kicks and punches to attack Adam Pierce. Perkins used a Single Leg Take-down to drop the NWA champ. He then dropped an elbow to Pierce’s back. Perkins Irish Whipped Pierce to the corner. The ref took a glancing shot from Pierce. Perkins then hit a Dropkick in the corner. Perkins placed Pierce near the corner and nailed a 450 Splash. The ref counted the pin, even though the foot was on the rope. Nick Bockwinkel went to talk with the ref. It looked like T.J. Perkins was the new champion. The ref restarted the match. Pierce snuck up and caught Perkins with the Piledriver to retain his title.
Grade: A
Nick Bockwinkel caught Hell from the announce team for his interference. Bockwinkel left to chat with Adam Pierce. It looked like Bockwinkel and Pierce might have been working together on this one. The announcers lost a ton of respect for Bockwinkel for sticking his nose in.
David Marquez conducted a heated interview with the Real American Heroes, Karl Anderson and Joey Ryan. Ryan went off on Los Luchas. Ryan talked about sending Phoenix Star to the hospital. Ryan wanted to cripple Zokre, as well. Anderson threw out a bunch of disgusting racial slurs towards Los Luchas. We were fortunately taken to break.
Los Luchas d The Real American Heroes (c)
NWA World Tag Team Title Match
Zokre and Phoeniz Star, Los Luchas, tried to attack manager, C. Edward Vanderpyle, before the bell. Ryan and Anderson came to the aid of their manager. Ryan and Anderson sent Zokre to the floor and attacked Star. They used a Double Irish Whip to send the Mexican grappler to the ropes. Star rebounded with a Double Dropkick. Ryan was sent over the ropes by Star. Zokre flew off the ropes to drop Anderson.
Star worked on the arm of Anderson. Zokre tagged in and hit a Springboard Moonsault on Anderson. Star tagged back in the ring. Star used an Irish Whip to send Anderson to the ropes. He then dropped Anderson with a Back Elbow. Anderson reversed an Irish Whip and took Star down with a Power Clothesline. Anderson stomped on the injured arm of Star. Anderson tagged out to Ryan. Ryan stretched out the arm of Star and cranked backwards. Ryan Hammerlocked the arm of Star and dropped numerous knees on the arm.
Anderson tagged back in. Anderson dropped Star with a Leg Lariat. Anderson Key Locked the arm of Star. Anderson stomped on the injured left arm of Star. Ryan tagged back in and taunted Zokre. Ryan sent Star to the mat with the Hammerlock Slam. Star kicked out of the pin at two. Anderson tagged back in. Anderson taunted Star and slapped the masked head of Phoenix Star. Anderson then turned and knocked Zokre off the apron.
Anderson locked in an Arm Breaker. Vanderpyle screamed at Anderson to “Break It (the arm)”. Ryan tagged back in. Ryan and Anderson double teamed Star. Ryan used the Northern Lights Suplex to stun Star. Zokre rushed in the ring and kicked Ryan. Star was moved into the enemy corner. Star was Irish Whipped to the ropes, but he came back with what I can only describe as a Reverse Spinning T-Bone Suplex Star tried for a tag, but Anderson grabbed the ankle. Star kicked loose adn dove for a tag.
Zokre flew off the top rope with a Springboard High Crossbody. Anderson got to his feet and tried for a Splash on Zokre, who had moved to the corner. Zokre slid out of the way and Anderson crashed in the corner. Zokre snapped off a Flying Headscissors to send a dizzy Anderson crashing into the ropes. There was a momentary glitch in the video, but it stablized just in time to see Phoenix Star tag back in the ring.
Zokre launched his partner into a huge Double Dropkick on the champions. Los Luchas used the double team to set Ryan up for a version of the Canadian Destroyer (El Matador?) Amazingly, Ryan kicked out at two. Phoenix Star went to the top rope, but Anderson pulled him down. Star ended up crotched on the top rope. Zokre rushed to his partner, which allowed Anderson to Hot Shot the masked man on the ropes.
Anderson climbed the ropes and nailed Star with a Superplex. Somehow, Star managed to kick out at the last possible moment. Star moved to the outside apron. Anderson took his eyes off the prize to talk with his manager. When Anderson charged at Star, Star went for the Sunset Flip. Anderson tried to hang onto the ropes to prevent the roll-up. Zokre slapped the hands to make Anderson release. Zokre then hit a Blockbuster that sent Anderson crashing into Star’s knees. It was a similar move to the Miz/Morrison Blockbreaker combo. Los Luchas tried to Double Team Joey Ryan. Ryan sent Zokre into a (Karl) Anderson Spinerbuster. Zokre defied all the odds and kicked out! Anderson was totally shocked that his finisher had failed.
Anderson picked up Zokre. He tried to Irish Whip Zokre into the waiting Superkick of Ryan, but Zokre turned the tables. Anderson took the full Superkick to the face! Zokre tried to roll up a confused Ryan, but the tag champ shrugged off the contender. Ryan sent Zokre to the ropes. Zokre ducked a Clothesline and nailed a Reverse Hurancanrana than slammed Ryan’s skull into the mat. Phoneix Star climbed the ropes and nailed a Picture Perfect Springboard Senton Splash. The ref made the count and we have New NWA World Tag Team Champions.
Grade: A+
The crowd in Las Vegas erupted in joy at the crowning of new champions. We faded to black as the champions raised their belts in victory.
Final Grade: A-
Final Thoughts:
The NWA is really starting to get their act together. The announce team is starting to gel. The action is top-notch. The nice thing about the NWA is that you’re not stuck watching the same stale performers, week after week. These young kids are hungry for stardom and it shows.
Adam Pierce is the best champion that I’ve seen in years. He’s not some over-hyped wrestler that the crowds have bored with. He has earned the respect (and hatred) of the fans by his actions. The tag team scene is embraced, not seen as an after-thought. Both TNA and WWE seem bored with the tag team division. The NWA pushes the team division almost as hard as the singles titles.
If you haven’t caught an episode of NWA, you’ve really missed some excellent action. The interviews are still a bit weak, but the action is actually much better than both the WWE and TNA. Check it out, you won’t be disappointed.
–Jay Shannon
JayofPWD@SBCGlobal.net
(3/27 Read more
ECW (3/25) Recap: Battle of the 24!
Our resident philosopher, Jay Shannon, brings us the action from Tuesday’s ECW.
We were in North Carolina for ECW. The World Tag Team champions, Hardcore Holly and Cody Rhodes, made their entrance. They were followed by Kofi Kingston. The ring was already full of men. The pyros of Kane exploded…so did the crowd. This was the largest tag team match of all time: 12 on 12!
12 v 12
Super Tag Match
Cody Rhodes tried for a roll up on Brian Kendrick. The two men exchanged pin attempts, several times. Cody trapped the head of Brian, but Brian flipped out. The two men flipped, flopped and flew all over the place. Cody tagged out to Jaime Noble. Brian flipped out of a Back Suplex attempt and stumbled towards his side of the ring. Chuck Palumbo blind tagged his way in.
Chuck and Jaime threw fists, big time. Chuck nailed a huge Back Suplex. Jaime scooted to his teammates and tagged out to Jimmy Wang Yang. Supposedly, these 24 men are the ones involved in this Sunday’s 24 Man Battle Royal. Sadly, there are very few actual ECW guys in this one. Palumbo Clotheslined Yang. Palumbo launched Yang with an Inverted Border Toss. Yang waited in the corner and booted Chuck as he rushed. Yang then flew off the ropes with a Hurancanrana. Yang threw a mean Dropkick that sent Palumbo through the ropes and to the floor. Yang came flying over the top rope with a Crossbody. Paul London came out of nowhere to take out Yang with a Tope Suicida. Shannon Moore then took out London with a Tope Con Hilo over the top rope. Trevor Murdoch completely surprised everyone with a Flying Crossbody off the top turnbuckle to the floor. Welcome to Redneck Airlines.
And in answer to Joey’s question…Yes! Waxahachie, Texas does have a small airport. My sister, Lucy, lives in Waxahachie with her husband, Abe, and their three girls.
Back to action, Jaime Noble flew into Trevor Murdoch. We took a quick break while the bodies were sorted out.
Tommy Dreamer battled with Snitsky as we returned. Tommy hit his D(reamer)DT, but Miz made the save. The match broke down into a serious slugfest. Deuce and Domino Double Clotheslined Tommy. Kofi flew off the ropes with a Crossbody on both members of the Throwbacks. Elijah took out Kofi wiht his Power Clothesline. Holly took out Burke with the Alabama Slam. Holly then chopped Miz into burger meat. Festus hit his Horny Toad Splash onto Miz. Khali then chopped the skull of Festus. Kane attacked Khali and dropped him. Matt Striker rushed Kane, and ended up Chokeslammed. Mark Henry ran at Kane and ended up Booted. Snitsky waited for Kane to turn and then booted him into oblivion.
Snitsky charged at Tommy Dreamer in the corner, but Tommy moved. Snitsky crashed and burned. Mark Henry caught Tommy in a Bear Hug and rushed him to the corner. Henry whipped Tommy into a boot from Snitsky. Snitsky covered Tommy to take the pin.
Grade: B+
The ring filled up with all 24 men. There was a massive Mexican Stand-off as we learned that the 24 Man Battle Royal has been taken off the main card of Wrestlemania and offered up as a freebie on WWE.com, just before Wrestlemania kicks off. Again, two dozen decent wrestlers get shoved into Dark Match Hell.
We get another Big Show v Floyd “Make a ridiculous amount of Money” Mayweather. They had a bunch of “mainstream” sports people talking about how Mayweather might get hurt. That is just not going to happen. After Sunday, Big Show will be able to change his name to Big Jobber. Make book on it.
Chavo made fun of Tommy Dreamer getting beaten in the last match. Chavo then made fun of Colin Delaney. Tommy challenged Chavo to a match, albeit non-title. Chavo talked about Tommy being a loser. Chavo wimped out of the match. Tommy then questioned Chavo’s heart and guts. That was the button that needed to be pushed. Chavo accepted the non-title match for later in the show.
We went back to the ring, where the Money in the Bank briefcaase hung from a hook over the ring. Carlito walked out, first. He stared up at the briefcase. Shelton Benjamin made his entrance to gold pyro.
Shelton Benjamin d Carlito
Money in the Bank Preview Match.
Carlito popped Shelton in the face as the bell rang. Carlito stomped away and punched Shelton in the head. Carlito Monkey Flipped Shelton out of the corner. Shelton actually landed on his feet and then attacked Carlito. Shelton Irish Whipped Carlito to the ropes and went for a Hip Toss. Carlito flipped over and landed on his feet. Carlito then attacked Shelton.
Shelton grabbed a Headlock. Carlito shoved Shelton off and to the ropes. Shelton bounced back with a massive Shoulder Block. Shelton took a moment to look at Carlito and then bounced off the ropes. That momentary pause was enough to let Carlito re-energize. Carlito hit a Dropkick, right on the button. Carlito punched Shelton and sent him flying over the ropes. Shelton caught the ropes and “Skinned the Cat”. Carlito waited for Shelton to get back in the ring and then wallopped his back.
Carlito stomped away on Shelton. Shelton fought back with shoulders to the ribs. Shelton slid onto the apron and continued to shoulder Carlito. Shelton tried to Sunset Flip into the ring, but Carlito caught him and hit a Diamond Cutter that sent Shelton’s throat into the top rope. Shelton fell off the apron and to the floor.
Shelton climbed onto the apron. Carlito charged at Shelton, who flipped Carlito over the ropes and onto the apron. Carlito kicked at the ribs of Shelton. Carlito grabbed a Headlock on Shelton and then stepped off the apron. It basically turned the move into a modified DDT. Carlito rolled back in the ring and tried for a pin, but Shelton kicked out.
Carlito locked in a Rear Chin Lock. Shelton battled back to his feet. Carlito used the tights to pull Shelton back down. Carlito kept working on the neck as the crowd started to yell “Boring!”. Shelton elbowed his way out. Shelton sent Carlito to the ropes. Carlito stopped and then hit a Springboard Back Elbow to take down Shelton. Carlito moved Shelton into the corner and threw several hard shoulders. Shelton fought back with fists. Carlito hit a Kneelift and a Suplex. Carlito then locked up the head of Shelton, again.
Carlito tried to lock in a Stump Puller-like move on Shelton. Shelton slipped under Carlito and lifted him up for an Electric Chair Drop. Both men were down and stunned. Shelton rolled over for a near pin. Carlito rolled onto the apron. Carlito popped Shelton in the face a few times. Shelton staggered backwards. This allowed Carlito to hit a Springboard Dropkick on Shelton. Carlito got a 2+ count on Shelton. Carlito pounded on Shelton and then nailed a Neckbreaker. Shelton kicked out of the pin. Carlito slowed the match down with a Neck Wringer.
Shelton made it to his feet and reversed an Irish Whip attempt. Shelton dropped Carlito with a Crescent Kick to the side of the head. Shelton dropped Carlito with a Spear. Shelton shocked Carlito with a Lethal Injection Backbreaker. Carlito came back with a Kneelift. Carlito went to the ropes. Shelton caught Carlito with the Exploder Suplex. Shelton went for the pin, but Carlito kicked out. Shelton went for the Windmill Kick, but Carlito ducked. Carlito grabbed Shelton for a Suplex, but Shelton floated over and locked in a Neckbreaker. Carlito grabbed the ropes to keep Shelton from being able to finish the Neckbreaker move. Carlito spun Shelton around and looked to be going for a Suplex. Instead, he hit a Spinner Neckbreaker that got a collective “ooh” from the crowd.
Shelton kicked out at two and 99/100. Carltio went for the Back Stabber (Lung Blower) but Shelton turned in mid-move. Shelton launched Carlito with a Horizontal Powerbomb into the corner. Shelton went for The Market Crasher (Flying DDT/Bulldog) but Carlito turned it into a Flying Backbreaker. Carlito stomped on Shelton and climbed the corner. Shelton rushed up the corner and took Carlito to the mat with a Super-DDT off the top rope. Shelton rolled an out-cold Carlito over and took the win.
Grade: A+
We went to a promo for Triple H. Don’t forget, Triple H’s new King of Kings DVD set has just been released. I picked it up and it’s incredible. I so expect Triple H to take his spot as the WWE champion on Sunday. The video then looked at both John Cena and Randy Orton. The Triple Threat Match will be the number two match of the night, behind Shawn v Flair.
We got another run-down of the Wrestlemania card. Ashley has replaced Candace in BunnyMania. Candace re-broke her clavicle, last week.
This brought us into the annoucement of the final WWE Hall of Fame inductee. It should have been Jake Roberts, but it wasn’t. It was the voice of Florida wrestling and the NWA, Gordon Solie. Solie was perhaps the greatest announcer of all time. I question his induction, since he never called a single WWE match. This was a gift to Jim Ross, Dusty Rhodes and Ric Flair. Rhodes pushed hard for Solie to get this induction. He was a fantastic announcer, just not in the WWE.
Back to WWE/ECW-Based wrestling, Kelly Kelly and Stevie Richards talked strategy. They were scheduled to face Mike Knox and Layla, after a set of commercials.
Layla sasheyed her way to the ring. Layla slinked into the ring with Shelly “Salinas” Martinez’s old ring entrance. Mike Knox just stomped to the ring. Knox always looks like he’s in a bad mood.
Stevie got a decent pop as he made his entrance. His pop was eclipsed by the eruption of emotion for Kelly Kelly’s stroll to the ring. Kelly was almost dressed in red and black (Go Bulldogs!).
Mike Knox & Layla d Kelly Kelly & Stevie Richards
Mixed Tag Team Match
Kelly and Layla got into a shoving match. They then locked up with a Collar and Elbow. Layla reversed a Kelly Headlock into a Hammerlock. Kelly reversed the Hammerlock. Layla elbowed her way free and kicked Kelly in the ribs. Layla Irish Whipped Kelly to the ropes, but the Blonde Bombshell ducked a Clothesline, bounced off the opposite ropes and dropped Layla with a Crossbody.
Kelly grabbed a Headlock. Mike tried to interfere in the match, but Stevie took him out. Mike went to the floor. Layla sent Kelly to the ropes. Mike grabbed Kelly’s ankle and tripped her. Layla went for a pin, but Kelly’s foot was in the ropes. Layla went for a second pin, but Kelly kicked out. Layla slung Kelly across the ring by the hair. Layla stomped on Kelly and locked in a weak Camel Clutch. Layla missed a Leg Drop. Layla grabbed the leg of Kelly. Kelly bounced up and caught Layla with a Enziguri. The men both tagged in.
Stevie ducked a Clothesline and started kicking the thighs of Mike. Mike shoved Stevie off, but the Comeback Kid came back with more sharp kicks. Stevie got a Straight Kick to the jaw of Mike. Mike collapsed and Stevie went for the pin. Layla made the save. Kelly rushed in and attacked Layla with a Spear. The two girls rolled to the floor. Stevie went for a Monkey Flip, but Mike used his power to block it. Mike brought Stevie to center ring and finished him off with Knox U Out (Corkscrew Neckbreaker/Faceplant).
Grade: C
After a couple more Wrestlemania promos, it was time for our main event. We had about 5 to 7 minutes left for this match. That was kind of sad. The ring was surrounded by the 23 men that will join Tommy Dreamer on Sunday for the 24 Man Battle Royal.
Chavo’s music announced his arrival. The crowd showed it’s disdain for the ECW champ. Chavo demanded that the men around the ring move out of his way. Dozens of daggers flew from the eyes of the men around ringside. Tommy, in Wrestlemania T-Shirt, walked to the ring. Since Colin isn’t going to be in the Battle Royal, which surprised me, I hope to see Tommy take the Battle Royal win. I doubt that it will happen, but I’d sure like to see it.
Chavo Guerrero d Tommy Dreamer
Non-Title match
The two men locked up in a Collar and Elbow. Chavo hit a Kneelift to stun Tommy. Chavo worked over the neck of Tommy, which seemed to wake up the Hardcore Icon. Tommy blasted Chavo with numerous shots to the face. Chavo reversed an Irish Whip, but Tommy held onto the ropes. Chavo charged Tommy, who flipped him over the ropes. Chavo landed on the apron and hung on with all his power to the ropes. Tommy punched Chavo, who fell into the sea of humanity that surrounded ringside.
The guys at ringside grabbed Chavo and tossed him back in the ring. Suddenly, this match turned into a Lumberjack Match. Chavo yelled at the ringsiders, which allowed Tommy to School Boy Chavo for a two count. Chavo grabbed Tommy and slung him into the corner. Chavo used the boot to choke Tommy. Chavo Snap Mared Tommy to the mat and tied up the neck with less than 3 minutes of TV time left.
Chavo locked in a Front Face Lock. Tommy battled out. Tommy reversed an Irish Whip and then planted Chavo with a Bulldog. Tommy nailed a Clothesline. Tommy then locked Chavo in the Sullivan Tree of Woe. Tommy backed up, yelled “E-C-W” and caught Chavo with the Hesitation Dropkick. Tommy went for his finisher, the D(reamer)DT, but Chavo grabbed the ropes. Tommy landed hard on the back of his head. Chavo did the Eddie Shimmy to taunt Tommy. Chavo tried for the Three Amigos, but Tommy turned out of the move and nailed a Hangman’s Neckbreaker. He learned that move from the Texas Legend, the King of Hardcore, Terry Funk. Tommy climbed the ropes, but Chavo rammed the ropes. Tommy crotched on the ropes and fell into the ring. Chavo sprinted up the ropes and nailed the Frog Splash to take the win.
Grade: B-
After the match, the 23 men at ringside jumped in the ring and beat on Chavo. They then turned on each other. We faded to black as the 25 men in the ring went at it with full force.
Final Grade: B-
Final Thoughts:
I’m really disappointed that all the tag teams are going to be thrown in the 24 Man Battle Royal. I’m even more disappointed that very few ECW guys are going to be in the match. It looks like Big Daddy V may be on the shelf. I haven’t heard of an injury or an issue with the Wellness Program, so I’m not sure what caused him to be pulled.
Giving a Chavo v Tommy match only 5 minutes is a slap in the face to the fans. It’s just another show of disrespect to the ECW Originals. Chavo was a poor choice to put the ECW Strap on. It was an even poorer choice to have Chavo defeat Tommy is such a short time.
I expect this will be our final year to have ECW represented at Wrestlemania. I just expect ECW to be absorbed by Smackdown within the next few months. I still hope, against hope, that the whole brand situation will be eliminated and we will have a unified WWE. I’m not sure in Vinny Mac is ready to do that, just yet.
– Jay Shannon
JayofPWD@SBCGlobal.net
(3/27/08)
Sklarz: Maina 24 Predictions!
WrestleMania 24is this Sunday live from the Citrus Bowl in Orlando Florida. Our favorite smartfan Rob Sklarz predicts all the action in this pre-WrestleMania edition of Outside Interference.
WrestleMania is the greatest spectacle in sports entertainment, the Granddaddy of them all, the Superbowl of professional wrestling and a hundred other superlatives. It can make or break a career and influence the direction of the entire industry. This Sunday WWE presents the 24th edition of Wrestlemania. Opinions of the scheduled card vary greatly but the 9 match lineup seems pretty solid to me and the open air venue of a football stadium will certainly add a special feel to the event. I’ll run down the card, offer thoughts on each match and predict the results.
Playboy BunnyMania
Ashley & Maria vs. Beth Phoenix & Melina
The Match This is the annual Playboy commercial in the middle of Wrestlemania. Originally Candace Michelle was intended to team with Maria before she re-injured her clavicle. WWE would have done well, storyline and action-wise, to insert Mickie James into this spot but opted to go with former Playboy covergirl Ashley. The match is now weaker than what was originally scheduled. This is a lumberjack match so all the remaining WWE divas will be outside the ring. Snoop Dogg will be the master of ceremonies.
Prediction I expect this to be sports entertainment fest and under the circumstances that’s probably a good thing. I fully expect Santino Marella and Jerry Lawler to get involved. I think the match will be kept relatively short with the Playboy covergirls getting the win. Expect all the Divas to jump in the ring at the end for an impromptu melee.
Expected Grade: D
Predicted winner: Maria & Ashley
ECW Championship Match–Chavo Guerrero vs. Battle Royal Winner
The Match The challenger for Chavo’s ECW Championship will be determined by a 24 man Battle Royal. The Battle Royal was originally part of the PPV lineup but has been relegated to a “Freeview” match which will be streamed on WWE.com prior to the PPV. I am not a fan of this decision because they have advertised this as part of the PPV lineup and have hyped the match quite a bit on WWE programming. I also consider it a slap in the face to the 24 workers scheduled for the match. It is also another example of WWE burying the ECW brand. Chavo Guerrero will defend his title against the winner during the PPV broadcast.
Prediction I’m not going to say much about the Battle Royal since it has been removed from the PPV but I’m predicting that Kane will win. Tommy Dreamer also has an outside chance and it would probably go over well with the fans but I’m sticking with Kane. Whomever wins the Battle Royal will go over Chavo and become the ECW Champion. Chavo has not been a strong champion and has done little for the title or the brand. WWE may use this to move a talent to ECW from another brand. I’ve noticed that Kane is already prominently featured in ECW’s opening despite being a Smackdown superstar. The Big Red Machine will move to ECW as the champion.
Expected Grade: C
Predicted Winner: Kane
Belfast Brawl
Finlay vs. JBL
The Match The storyline for this match is a little out there. JBL has taken up the fight for Vince McMahon who was duped into believing that Hornswoggle was his son by Finlay and the McMahon family. The motive for this subterfuge has not been explained but suffice to say that JBL has done horrible things to Horny and Finlay’s Irish blood is boiling mad about it. The two will meet in a Belfast Brawl which is basically a no holds barred/street fight type of match, anything goes.
Prediction The outcome of this match depends on whether WWE plans on continuing this storyline. It would seem there are a lot of unanswered questions. What was the reason for letting Vince think Hornswoggle was his son? How will Vince deal with his family? What was the unspoken agreement between Vince and Finlay? Since WrestleMania is traditionally the place to end programs, I’ll assume that the storyline ends here or perhaps the next night on Raw. My prediction is that Hornswoggle will get involved and get revenge on JBL by helping Finlay pick up the win. The match should be a solid brawl with a lot of sports entertainment elements toward the end. The key to this match being memorable will be wether or not they can get the crowd into it.
Predicted Grade: C+
Predicted winner: Finlay
Batista vs. Umaga
Brand supremacy Match
The Match This is a battle for “Brand Supremacy” which basically means bragging rights. I think the match would be more compelling if something was actually on the line. Something like “the victorious brand gets to select the superstar of it’s choice from the losing brand” would have added a lot of interest to the match. Making it a Raw vs. Smackdown match was kind of a lazy booking excuse to get these two together for Mania. They could have had an altercation at the Royal Rumble or No Way Out to set up a cross-brand grudge match for Wrestlemania.
Prediction This match has a chance to be really good. The key to me is Umaga. Batista has proven that he can deliver at Wrestlemania but this year he’s not working with Triple H or The Undertaker. Umaga is a good worker for a big man but his matches against Bobby Lashley were not very good. If Umaga can keep the pace up this could be a very good, high impact match. Batista seems like a shoo-in to win here, on the other hand Raw seems like a shoo-in to establish dominance over Smackdown as WWE’s flagship brand. I’m going with Batista, unless they plan to continue this feud beyond WrestleMania, the Animal will go over here.
Expected Grade: B
Predicted winner: Batista
Money In The Bank Ladder Match
The Match This is the fourth annual ladder match featuring between six and eight wrestlers fighting for a contract, good for one year, against any brands champion. This years match features an odd number of seven competitors. Mr. Kennedy, John Morrison, Chris Jericho, MVP, Carlito, Shelton Benjamin and C.M. Punk comprise the field. Jeff Hardy was originally scheduled to be in this match before his suspension for a wellness policy violation. His spot has not been filled but I believe it will before the opening bell rings. I’m expecting Matt Hardy to be a last minute addition to the match. I consider this to be the most athletic bunch of workers ever assembled for this match, all of there styles are a good fit and there are no big men to slow down the match. I expect a very entertaining spot-fest and something breathtaking from Shelton Benjamin.
Prediction If Matt Hardy is entered into the match he will be a favorite but I don’t think he will win. My prediction is that MVP will get the contract and become Mr. Money In The Bank. He will probably lose the U.S. title to Matt Hardy down the road and cash in his MITB contract against the WWE Champion.
Expected Grade: A
Predicted winner: MVP
Big Show vs. Floyd Mayweather
The Match I’m not one of the crowd who thinks this match is a total waste of time. I actually like Floyd Mayweather and his persona. I think the WWE could have selected a different opponent than Big Show to make it seem less lopsided. There is also the fact that Big Show is working as a heel and the crowd hates Mayweather that has led to a weird feel to the build up. The match might be more appealing if the fans had someone they could solidly get behind but apparently WWE did not accurately gage how WWE fans would react to Mayweather.
Prediction The crowd will be noisy during this match. Wether they cheer for Big Show or just boo and catcall the whole affair, the crowd will be heard. This match has potential to very entertaining or a complete train wreck. I expect a lot of cat and mouse in the early going. Mayweather will get Big Show to chase him around. Big Show will also go easy on Mayweather early on, demonstrating his power without really doing any damage. Eventually Show will deliver a devastating blow and grandstand instead of putting Floyd away. Mayweather will recover and land a quick knockout blow to the Big Show.
Expected rating:??? no clue here honestly
Predicted winner: Floyd Mayweather
Career Threatening Match
Ric Flair vs. Shawn Michaels
The Match This will be the most emotionally charged match of the show. Two of the greatest in-ring performers of all time battling under the stars with Flair’s career on the line. The build up has been very well done. They’ve walked a fine line between mutual respect and the desire to win on the grandest stage of them all. We’ve been treated to some of Flair’s finest promos in years and really been reminded of why this guy has been “The Man” for almost four decades. HBK is the perfect guy to work with Flair in what could be the final match of his career. On their worst day these two could not have anything less than a very good match.
Prediction I really hope this match is given enough time to really build to a climax. The Battle Royal being moved to a preview may facilitate this. I really think HBK and the Nature Boy will pull out all the stops here. Flair will wrestle like it’s the last time wether it is or it isn’t. That’s the question isn’t it? Is this Ric Flair’s final match? I’m going to say yes. I wasn’t sure but when Flair made the WWE champion tap out on Monday Night Raw I became convinced that this will be Flair’s last match. That said, I’m not convinced that Flair will lose. I think there is a chance that Flair could win and retire after the match on his own terms. Either way the conclusion of this match and it’s aftermath will be one of the most emotional moments in wrestling history. I think this match alone is worth the price of WrestleMania.
Expected Grade: A
Predicted winner: Ric Flair
World Heavyweight Championship Match–Edge vs. The Undertaker
The Match This match has been a long time in the making. Edge cashed in a MITB contract at Undertaker’s most vulnerable to steal his world title and subsequently screwed him in a title match against Batista. Undertaker responded by tombstoning the love of Edge’s life, Vicki Guerrero. Strangely WWE has made little mention of this history in the build up to this match. Instead there has been talk of the fact that Edge is also undefeated at Mania (I guess last year’s MITB bank match doesn’t count) and Edge’s belief that he is the man to end Undertaker’s streak. Things have heated up in the last few weeks as Edge has pinned the the Phenom and beat him with a chair while screaming “15 and 1 deadman!”.
Prediction This will likely be a “stack the deck” type of match as Edge has the Smackdown GM at his disposal and the Edgeheads to interfere on his behalf. Undertaker will overcome all of these odds and reclaim the World Championship. I don’t think Taker’s streak will end until he’s ready to hang em up for good and I don’t believe were there yet. There is also a chance that Undertaker will retire undefeated at Wrestlemania. 15 and 1? Sorry Edge but I’m smelling 16 and 0. This should be a good match between two pros who can get it done.
Expected Grade: A-
Predicted winner: Undertaker
WWE Championship
Triple Threat Match
Triple H vs. Randy Orton vs. John Cena
The Match Let me say that I’m glad they went with a triple threat match here. I really didn’t want to see a Triple H/John Cena rematch. I also like a heel holding the title going into WrestleMania. The match has been built up fairly well with no one holding a distinct advantage. Triple H has probably been made to look the strongest while I’d have to say that John Cena has looked weak. I can remember episodes of Raw that ended with Triple H or Orton having the upper hand but I can’t remember Cena posing at the end of a show. I guess they figure John Cena as the underdog is the best wat to sell the match. Of course all of this will mean nothing once the bell rings.
Prediction One thing I can say for sure is that Randy Orton will probably not leave the Citrus Bowl with his title in tact (though it wouldn’t hurt my feelings if he did). There has been a lot of scuttlebutt about who will win and why which I will ignore and just go with my gut. I see Triple H walking out with the WWE Championship. The Game has not held a world title for two years and has lost in his last three Wrestlemania appearances. These facts should quell rumors about Triple H’s backstage power plays and holding down talent but some will be upset if the game goes over. However the same can be said if Cena or Orton goes over. Fan support during the match should be interesting to say the least. I think this will be an entertaining match. John Cena will be in peril much of the match as HHH and Orton keep laying him out and focusing on each other. Cena will comeback at the end but fall short as Triple H wins in an opportunistic fashion.
Expected GradeL B+
Predicted winner: Triple H
In Conclusion
I really believe WrestleMania will be an entertaining show. I think the card is a lot better than it looks on paper. The atmosphere of the Citrus Bowl will add a unique feel. Big time wrestling shows held in outdoor venues are extremely rare. The show will start before the sun sets and finish up under the stars (providing the sky’s not full of clouds). It’s the biggest show of the year and history will be made one way or another. It’s WrestleMania baby!
– Rob Sklarz
Sklarz@aol.com
3/26/08
Outside Interference–Rob Sklarz
Mania Predictions!
WrestleMania 24is this Sunday live from the Citrus Bowl in Orlando Florida. Our favorite smartfan Rob Sklarz predicts all the action in this pre-WrestleMania edition of Outside Interference.
Hulk Hogan Names in Lawsuit!
Hulk Hogan is being sued by attorneys for the man who was critically injured in a Florida car crash involving the celebrity wrestler’s son.
John Graziano’s attorneys filed suit against Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea.
The suit claims that the wrestler and his estranged wife, Linda, are liable as the parents of 17-year-old Nick Bollea, who is also named in the suit.
Graziano was a passenger in Nick Bollea’s Toyota Supra when Bollea crashed into a tree in August.
Attorneys said that they will seek millions of dollars for the now incapacitated Iraq war veteran. He will require care for the rest of his life.
The attorney for Terry and Nick Bollea, Morris Weinberg, said that he isn’t surprised by the suit and likely will make an issue out of Graziano’s failure to wear a seat belt.
–The PWD Editorial Staff
(3/26/08)
Smackdown (3/21) Recap: Chairs of Fury!
The Kingfish Arnie Katz reports the angles and action from WWE’s Friday TV show – and adds his own inimitable analysis.
The show opened with a reprise of Batista-Umaga.
Batista d. Deuce & Domino (with Cherry)
Handicap Match
This contest held so little interest that the announcers didn’t both to call the moves as the Animal scored with a Spinebuster to a BatistaBomb to set up the winning cover.
Grade: C+ (little more than a squash)
Maryse, who was eliminated from the Diva contest for a motorcycle, insulted Cherry before the next round of the contest.
Maryse told Cherry, who was wearing a sexy leather dress in an attempt to change her image, that she wasn’t really a Diva.
Teddy Long, at center-ring, introduced the third round of the pointless Diva Contest. The winner will get a motorcycle. Not even a Chuck Palumbo motorcycle.. Wow.
This week, the women competed in arm wrestling. Victoria and Michelle McCool won their first-round matches against Cherry and Eve. Michele McCool then defeated Victoria, who whined like a crybaby.
Teddy Long announced that the fans had voted to eliminate Victoria. She attacked McCool, who gave more damage than she took.
A video promoted Floyd Mayweather. A second video focused on Mayweather’s coming match against Big Show.
Big Show d. Somebody
The indifferent announcing continued as Big Show knocked out a jobber. This is, of course, exactly the wrong way to promote the boxer versus wrestler match. If the wrestler has to win by boxing, that proves that boxing is superior to wrestling.
Grade: Z
Raven Simone, former “C”-list celebrity, is the latest addition to the star-thudded WrestleMania line-up.
Edge d. Funaki
Funaki hit a Cross-Body Fly from the top turnbuckle, but Edge’s knee to the midsection ended that brief offensive run.
Edge choked Funaki along the ropes and then hit a Baseball Slide that sent the former Cruiserweight Champion to the ringside area. After banging him against the outer barrier, Edge put Funaki back in the ring and rocked him with a Neckbreaker!
Edge shrugged off Funaki’s Enzuigiri and obliterated Funaki with a Spear and then mocked the Undertaker by using both the Tombstone Piledriver and the “folded hands” cover.
Grade: C+
“Tonight I step up to a whole new level,” Edge screamed. “Tonight, you’ll all find out what I’m capable of.” Well, some truly frightening facials, for one thing.
MVP opened his “MVP Lounge” segment by drawing fans’ attention to the ladder in the ring and the briefcase hanging from the rafters just above it.
He went into his list of victims, claiming that he was superior to each and every one of those illustrious performers. He was just about to mention Chris Jericho, when the man himself came to the ring as the segment’s official guest.
Jericho said he hadn’t been on Smackdown for five-and-a-half years and that he had come out sooner than expected to save the fans from boredom.
MVP said he knew all about Jericho. He listed a bunch of positive achievements – and then brought up the way Big Show knocked out Chris on RAW
Jericho stopped the host and said he knew a lot about him, too. He suggested that it was fortunate that parents had had the foresight to name their child Montell Vontavious Porter so that it spelled MVP.
He then used the Titantron to show how different MVP’s life might’ve been if his parents had given him the initials Z-I-T, L-O-S-E-R or J-A-C-K-A-S-S. It was not made clear why someone who is still calling himself “Y2J” despite the fact that he has only one “J’ in his name, would want to raise this subject.
MVP showed how he would climb the ladder to retrieve the briefcase in the “Money in the Bank” Match. Jericho showed what he would do; he pushed over the ladder to send the United States Champion sprawling.
Kane vs. Chuck Palumbo No Contest
They muscled each other around the ring, until Kane put Palumbo in the corner and pounded away at him. Chuck sneaked in a shot on the break and tried for a quick pin, but he was doomed to disappointment.
The Motorcycle Master alternated between a Wristlock and an Armbar, torturing Kane’s left arm. Kane brought his foe up short with a stunning boot to the face and a Clothesline from the middle turnbuckle!
When Palumbo left the ring to avoid more punishment, Kane followed. Hr bashed Palumbo into the side of the ring and then shoved him back inside, under the ropes.
Kane rocked Palumbo with a series of right hands. Kane missed on a Back Body Drop, but he recovered quickly and sent Chuck fleeing to the ringside area again!
The two combatants had a mid-ring collision that left both down on the mat.
That’s when Great Khali joined the action in the ring. He poleaxed Kane with one might blow. He Chokeslammed Palumbo and then, for good measure, did the same to the Big Red Machine!
That brought Mark Henry to the ring and, to his credit, Henry showed no fear of the Punjabi Nightmare. He blocked Khali’s attempted Chokeslam and then shocked him (and the fans) by subjecting the former World Champion to a Fall-away Slam! When first Palumbo and then Kane tried to attack, the Silverback nullified them, too.
Grade: C+
A video extolled the achievement of Hall of Fame inductee Eddie Graham, famed Florida wrestler and promoter.
John Morrison & The Miz d. Jesse & Festus
WWE Tag Team Championship
Jesse sent John Morrison into the corner. Morrison Floated Over. Instead of banging into the post, Jesse went around it to the ringside area – and then reached back to pull Morrison down by his feet!
The heels’ strategy became clear as the match progressed. They battered Jesse relentlessly and did everything possible to prevent the tag to Festus, who’d become quite animated at the sound of the opening bell.
Jesse came within inches of salvation at one point, but John Morrison stopped him with a Drop Toehold and The Miz added a Legdrop to the back of the head!
Jesse blocked two attempted Morrison Suplexes and, finally, made the tag to his huge buddy.
Festus roared into the ring with fists of fire and clotheslines of chaos! He Face Planted both antagonists and hit The Miz with a Fall-away Slam! He Splashed The Miz and then launched Jesse at him like a guided missile! Morrison broke up what would’ve surely been a pinning cover.
The Miz isolated Jesse at center-ring and clocked him with the Reality Check for the title-retaining win.
Grade: B
Michael Cole announced that Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho versus United States Champion MVP for the next Smackdown.
The RAW Rewind recapped the most recent episode.
Chavo Guerrero (with Edge, Hawkins & Ryder) vs. Undertaker
Undertaker went right at Chavo Guerrero. He soon had him flying through the air with a Back Body Drop and then crashing to the canvas after a Short-arm Clothesline. The Deadman went Old School and then took the ECW kingpin into the corner for more pain.
Chavo got in some punches when Taker became distracted, but the Man in Black soon got things going his way again. After introducing Chavo into a couple of turnbuckles, Undertaker lined him up for a Chokeslam, but again a distraction enabled Guerrero to escape. Taker recovered and hit a Side Slam, but it didn’t lead to a three count.
Undertaker stared at the Edge Clan, so Chavo Guerrero attacked him from behind. Taker left the ring. The champion followed and smashed Taker’s head against the announce table!
Back in the ring, Chavo came off the top with a stunning blow and then went to a ground and pound offense. Every time Undertaker lurched to his feet, Chavo was right there to bash him back to the mat.
Chavo had Taker on the mat, caught in An Armbar Grapevine. Somehow, the Deadman got to his feet, taking Guerrero with him, and crashed his nemesis to the canvas with something like a Suplex!
Undertaker Chokeslammed Guerrero. When Hawkins rushed Taker, the Deadman tossed him at his comrades!
Undertaker then ended the match with the Gogoplatz.
Grade: B
Things got ugly after the match. Curt Hawkins and Zach Ryder assaulted Taker, who tried to give them simultaneous Chokeslams — but Edge disrupted it.
After that, it became a carnival of hellacious chairshots as Edge and his minions beat Undertaker black and blue. Edge had his men hold Taker’s legs while he delivered a Con-chair-to to the head.
This was one of those most vicious beatdowns seen in WWE in some time. The chairshots were brutal blasts to the head.
“It’s over this year!” Edge screamed at the prostrate Undertaker. “It’s over!’
The last thing fans saw was Edge’s frightening grimace.
Overall Grade for This Episode: C (too much filler, too many squashes)
– Arnie Katz
Crossfire4@cox.net
(3/26/08)
The Katz Files – Arnie Katz
Smackdown (3/21) Recap:
The Kingfish Arnie Katz reports the angles and action from WWE’s Friday TV show – and adds his own inimitable analysis.
The March TNA Report Card
The Kingfish Arnie Katz presents his February promotion report card for the good folks at the Impact Zone.
TNA has expanded it’s show to two hours and is preparing for the first live iMPACT on 3/27.
Here’s how I rate the promotion’s performance in key areas:
Talent Pool
There have been both additions and subtractions. Abyss is history, but it looks like Sting is about to rejoin the roster.
Grade: B
In-Ring Action
There’s almost always a good match to follow when the bell rings in the Impact Zone. They are still running too many matches with too many participants and not enough X Division contests, but iMPACT seldom runs a match that rates less than a C+.
Kevin Nash has made a strong effort to work despite physical limitations, but he isn’t exactly Undertaker out there.
Shark Boy now is permitted to wrestle more effectively, leading to better matches, and his sometimes partner Curryman is almost a guarantee of a good match when he gets in the ring
Grade: A-
Booking & Dramatics
The “Abyss-is-Mitchell’s-son” plot has ended and we have apparently seen the last of the drinking contests. Those are huge plusses. Unfortunately, the Super Eric plot is equally absurd and the company gets no points for the inept handling of the Team3D “weight problem” angle.
One especially painful aspects of Super Eric is that the bookers are using essentially the same gimmick twice. Neither Dustin Rhodes nor Eric Young know about their alter egos. I foresee them going to Chucky Cheese in their ordinary personas, getting amped up while playing the games and erupting into their contentious alter egos.
The Karen Angle story has been on hold for a couple of weeks and either needs to die or get some new direction. The big announcement of the separation – and I think we were here before, weren’t we? – fell flat.
The “Rough Cut” series about BG James and Kip James has been decent, but the Black Machismo-SoCal Val courtship videos have not done much for the plot or those involved in it.
TNA booking let the Team 3D story unravel by ignoring the much-reiterated retirement stipulation.
If this promotion ever gets books and writers worthy of its in-ring action, TNA will truly be ready to jump to the next level of success.
Grade: C-
Announcing
It is starting to look like Scott Hudson will not have any continuing role on iMPACT<, which could use a third man at the announce table.
Jeremy Borash continues to do a fine job, no matter whether they put him in dramatic scenes or ask him to introduce matches at center-ring.
Crystal showed improvement during this month. She doesn’t crowd the performers for face-time, but she has done a better job of being more than just a microphone stand. She has exchanged some banter, which is a good sign.
Grade: B
Star Power
Star-making is still a huge problem for TNA. All those six-man matches have a leveling effect that keeps fans from seeing TNA’s top talent as part of a main event elite.
Grade: C+
Overall
TNA is a paradox. The shows are great as long as you don’t think too much about what you are seeing. The bookers come up with a lot of ideas; maybe they need to have a resident may-sayer or something. Not every idea is a good idea and knowing when not to do something is just as important as knowing when to do something.
Grade: B-
– Arnie Katz
Crossfire4@cox.net
(3/25/08)
The Katz Files – Arnie Katz
The March TNA Report Card
The Kingfish Arnie Katz presents his February promotion report card for the good folks at the Impact Zone.
Shannon: Wrestlemania 24 Thoughts & Predictions
Our resident philosopher, Jay Shannon, takes a look at this Sunday’s Wrestlemania. He picks the winners and evaluates each match.
OK, let me start by saying that I will not be ordering Wrestlemania, this year. This year’s event is perhaps the weakest Wrestlemania, ever. That being said, it’s time for me to break out my crystal ball to run down the card and do my best to read the minds of the monkeys typing the scripts.
Maria & Ashley v Beth Phoenix & Melina
Bunnymania LumberJill Match
Candace is out of this one. She re-injured her shoulder, last week. Since she can’t go, Ashley got called up. This match just gives me nightmare flashbacks to when Sable and Torrie fought Miss Jackie (Gayda) and Stacy Keibler in that Bizarro Evening Gown match at Wrestlemania XX.
The main difference between this match and that one is that there are some competent wrestlers in this one. Sable, Torrie, Jackie and Stacy were lovely but they couldn’t wrestle their way out of a wet T-shirt. Melina and Ashley have some talent. Beth is one of the most talented female fighters of the last 20 years.
When it all comes out in the wash, expect Maria and Ashley to come out on top of this one. Melina will likely take the fall. This will set up a nice feud between Melina and Beth.
Expected Winners: Maria and Ashley
Expected Grade: C
Importance: C-
Finlay v JBL
Belfast Brawl (No-DQ, No Rules) Match
This one’s going to be just plain ugly. Finlay is fighting for family honor. JBL just wants to beat the daylights out of the Irishman. JBL has bragged about exposing Finlay’s heart through Hornswoggle. That may be his biggest mistake. Nothing is more dangerous than a person who’s family has been attacked.
Hornswoggle is going to be the deciding factor in this one. There are two ways that I see this one going. The way that I would write it is that Hornswoggle will assist his “father” in taking out the loud-mouth JBL. The crowd would eat that up. Sadly, I could see the writing team going with Hornswoggle coming to the ring to help his daddy, only to have JBL threaten to cripple the vertically-challenged grappler. Finlay would have to submit to prevent injury to Hornswoggle. JBL would then likely nail the Clothesline From Hell on Hornswoggle, anyway.
Expected Winner: JBL
Expected Grade: B
Importance: C
24 Man Battle Royal
Winner gets an instant shot at the ECW title.
This one is going to be either fantastic or horrible. There will be no middle ground here. Logic would say that with the push that he’s been getting, Kane should take the win. I just don’t see that as the ending of this one.
What I expect is that Colin Delaney will be told that if he wants to get an ECW contract, then he will have to win the Battle Royal. I expect Tommy Dreamer to help Colin survive the battle. In the end, Tommy will eliminate himself to give Colin the win and his contract.
Expected Winner: Colin Delaney
Expected Grade: B
Importance: B
ECW title match
Chavo v Winner of 24-Man Battle Royal.
As I mentioned, I expect Colin to get the win in the Battle Royal. I expect Chavo to totally destroy Colin. Chavo gets to keep his belt and Colin gets a contract. There really won’t be a loser in this one.
Expected Winner: Chavo Guerrero
Expected Grade: C
Importance: B-
Batista v Umaga
Smackdown v Raw Supremacy Challenge Match
This match, on paper, should be an even match-up. The truth is Batista is going to squash Umaga. Who the heck had the bright idea to waste Batista in this match? Umaga lost any momentum he had when John Cena dominated him. Batista has been on a massive run for quite some time.
Batista will try to make this one look good. Umaga is a decent wrestler, but he’s just not an equal for Batista. Batista might as well be facing Snitsky or Big Daddy V. Batista should have been placed in the Money in the Bank match or set against Big Show.
Expected Winner: Batista (well, duh)
Expected Grade: C
Importance: D
John Morrison v C.M. Punk v Mr. Kennedy v Carlito v Shelton Benjamin v M.V.P. v Chris Jericho
Money in the Bank Ladder Match
First of all, I expect a surprise 8th entrant for this match. There are a lot of rumors that Flair may get to compete twice at Wrestlemania. If Flair is in it, he’ll win in.
Since Flair hasn’t been announced for the Money in the Bank match, I will go with the seven men that have been announced. There are some members of this group that I’d bet the farm will not win. Jericho already has the I-C title. There’d be no reason to muddy the championship waters by letting him get a shot at one of the “Big Two”. The same goes for M.V.P., who holds the US title. John Morrison is still 1/2 of the Smackdown tag champs, so he’s almost certainly out of contention.
Carlito has been bogged down in Mid-card Hell ever since he ticked off the Powers-That-Be with his negative comments at last year’s Wrestlemania. Carlito is also set as a team with Santino, so why set him up as the Number One Contender to the title of his choice?
Shelton Benjamin deserves a title shot, but I don’t know if the Powers-That-Be feel that they can run with him, just yet. Shelton is going to put on a top-notch performance. If he doesn’t win, he will earn the respect of everyone who watches him. I figure that he will go out of the match with a huge spectacular move.
Mr. Kennedy won the Money in the Bank last year, only to be tricked out of the title shot by Edge. Mr. Kennedy has had issues with the Wellness Program, in the past. I’m not sure that Creative wants to risk pushing another star that could crash. Jeff Hardy’s suspension just has to have the writers on edge. I would like to see Kennedy win it, but I doubt that the company would go with Kennedy.
That brings us to C.M. Punk. Punk worked his tail off to push the ECW title. Punk is the best ECW champion since the re-launch of the brand/company. Punk deserves a run at the top. Punk v Triple H or Punk v Undertaker would be massive. Hopefully, Punk wouldn’t be foolish enough to waste his title shot on the ECW title. I love ECW, but it is simply not the WWE or World title.
Expected Winner: C.M. Punk
Expected Grade: A+
Importance: A
The Big Show v Floyd Mayweather
Boxer v Wrestler $20 Million Dollar Waste of Money Match.
This one will likely take it’s place as Number One on my Worse Wrestlemania Matches of All Time list. I am totally offended by this one. This match was the deciding factor in my passing on ordering the PPV. Big Show makes his comeback and instead of fighting Batista or Hulk Hogan, he has to job to an over-hyped boxer that is 1/3 of Show’s size? Give me a break.
Yes, I expect Big Show to do the job. Vince McMahon wouldn’t be stupid enough to take a top boxer and injure him. The backlash against WWE would be worse than anything that WWE has faced (with the exception of the Benoit/Steroids situation). Vince would never be able to get another sports star to come near the WWE if Mayweather were to be ripped apart by Big Show.
I hope that Big Show gets a title shot against Triple H or Undertaker as a reward for this embarrassment. Big Show is so much better than what he’s going to look like in this “match”.
Expected Winner: Floyd Mayweather
Expected Grade: F-
Importance: F-
Ric Flair v Shawn Michaels
Career Threatening Match
This is going to be THE match at Wrestlemania. Flair is ready to step out of the ring as an active wrestler. He needs to go out in major style. This match is the best way for Flair to step out in grand fashion.
Rumors have run rampant for a long time that Flair wants to lost to either Triple H or Shawn. Since Flair got past Triple H, then it’s up to Shawn to send Flair to the world of “Ex-Wrestler Turns Manager”.
The only possible twist to this one would be if Flair was forced into the Money in the Bank match. If he is in M-I-T-B, then he will win against Shawn. If he doesn’t, then it’s almost a lock that Shawn will take the win.
Going with the idea that Flair will not be in Money in the Bank, then Shawn will have to throw absolutely everything at Flair to take him out. I expect to see a bloody Flair pass out to Shawn’s new Leg Lock Finisher or to a Figure Four from Shawn. If Flair is going to “Pass the Torch” at Wrestlemania, then it would only really count if Shawn used some form of Leg Lock to end Flair’s career. I would be so irritated if Shawn used the Sharpshooter to finish this one off.
Expected Winner: Shawn Michaels
Expected Grade: A+
Importance: This can’t even be measured it’s so important.
Edge v Undertaker
World Title Match (Title v Streak)
Undertaker is getting very close to the end of his career. The rumor mill is working overtime that Undertaker is going to get the long title run that he was scheduled to have, last year. Injury put ‘Taker on the shelf before he could enjoy a good final run. The original plan was for ‘Taker to keep the title until Wrestlemania 24 and then drop the title and the streak in the same night, at least according to some reports.
Undertaker is the most successful Wrestlemania competitor. Edge is number two. If Edge was still undefeated going into this match, I might be tempted to give the nod to him. Since Edge has already lost at Wrestlemania, then having him beat Undertaker wouldn’t have quite the impact that it would if both men were undefeated.
I do anticipate several close calls for Undertaker. I wouldn’t be surprised if Chavo, Ryder and/or Hawkins make their presences known. Vickie might end up in the middle of this one, as well. Undertaker might pull a few tricks out his hat, as well. Undertaker is highly respected in this industry. It wouldn’t be that unusual for ‘Taker to bring out Kane, Paul Bearer, Mankind or any of a dozen other strange creatures to off-set the championship crew.
The main question isn’t IF ‘Taker is going to win, but HOW is he going to win it? The Tombstone would be the crowd’s preference, but ‘Taker seems to be moving away from that move. I expect him to send Edge to the mat with the Chokeslam and lock in the Triangle Choke for the submission win.
Expected Winner: Undertaker
Expected Grade: A
Importance: A
Randy Orton v John Cena v Triple H
Triple Threat WWE title match
This match is going to split the crowd, big time. The only thing that the audience will agree on is that they hate Orton. Triple H will likely be the favorite with the guys and the older fans. Cena will take the little kids and girls.
There is no reason to keep the belt on Orton. He’s run his course. He needs to be drafted to Smackdown to battle with Undertaker. Cena came back early from his injury, so it’s questionable if he could run with the belt, long term. Triple H hasn’t worn the belt for some time.
What I’d love to see is Triple H win the title and then announce that he has a new manager, Ric Flair. I’d also like to see Triple H pin Cena. That could set up several future options. Orton would have the right to complain that he was never beaten. That could set up a Triple H v Orton match at Backlash. From there, Orton could leave Raw and head to Smackdown. Triple H would then be free to battle John Cena at Judgment Day. I would then see the winner facing C.M. Punk at One Night Stand.
Expected Winner: Triple H
Expected Grade: A-
Importance: A-
Final Expected Grade: B-
Final Thoughts (going in):
Maybe I’m being too harsh on this year’s Wrestlemania. I just expect this Pay Per View to be a step or two ahead of everything else. The only match that really has my attention is Flair v Shawn. The title matches are acceptable. There are no tag title matches. The I-C and US titles are ignored. The Women’s title isn’t on the line. Beth Phoenix is stuck in a comedy skit gone bad.
I’m sure I’ll rent this one when it hits the market. I don’t know that I can even force myself to spend the money to buy a copy. The Mayweather/Show match has really soured me on this year’s event. The main things I want to see are the Hall of Fame ceremony and Flair v Shawn.
– Jay Shannon
JayofPWD@SBCGlobal.net
(3/25/08)
Headlocker — Jay Shannon
Wrestlemania 24: Thoughts & Predictions
Our resident philosopher, Jay Shannon, takes a look at this Sunday’s Wrestlemania. He picks the winners and evaluates each match.
!BANG! TV (3/23) Recap: Gail Kim Wins Title!
Our wrestling icon recaps the highlights and sidelights of the latest episode.
Gail Kim defeated “The Claw,” Claudia Reiff to capture the Funking Conservatory Women’s Championship Sunday March 23.
All Japan Pro Wrestling’s Osamu Nishimura is coming to the Funking Conservatory to scout wrestling talent this Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning.
The next !BANG! TV Taping is Support the Troops 26, Summer Sizzler coming to the Funking Conservatory Sunday May 4th.
For information on training schedules, Tickets to !BANG! TV and video of all our !BANG! TV Super Stars, visit www.dory-funk.com or call the Funking Conservatory Wrestling School direct at 352-895-4658
!BANG! TV TAPING QUICK RESULTS
Support the Troops 25, “Showdown”
Sunday, March 23rd in Ocala, Florida
U.S.A. Championship Match
Johnny Magnum (Champion) vs Shane Chung
(Twenty Minute Draw - Magnum is still champion)
Women’s Championship Match
The Claw (Champion) vs Gail Kim
(Winner - New Women’s Champion - Gail Kim)
World Heavyweight Championship Match
Blain Rage (Champion) vs Elvis Sharp
(Winner - New Funking Conservatory World Champion - Elvis Sharp)
Tough Man Match
Tom “Bi Polar” Behr vs Hack Meyers
(Winner Tom Behr by Disqualification)
Three Man Hardcore Tournament
Damien vs Kid Vegas vs Johnny Romano
(Winners, Kid Vegas then Damien - New Hardcore Champion)
Triple Crown Championship Tournament - Florida Title, European Title, International Title
Flyin’ Ryan “Air” Mitchell with Sandii Skye vs Elvis Sharp vs Chris “Animal” James
(Winners Chris “Animal” James then Flyin’ Ryan “Air” Mitchell)
–Dory Funk
www.dory-funk.com
www.tnawrestling.com
(3/25/08)
In Funk’s Corner – Dory Funk
!BANG! TV (3/23) Recap: Gail Kim Wins Title!
Our wrestling icon recaps the highlights and sidelights of the latest episode.
WrestleMania 24 Preview & Predictions!
Our ringside analist Jim LeMond weighs in with a preview and predictions for WrestleMania 24.
We are less than a week away from potentially the biggest PPV in professional wrestling history. Barring something totally unforseen, this will end up at worst third biggest ever, and with the increases in PPV prices and ticket prices, all indications are that Wrestlemania 24 from Orlando on 3/30 will be the biggest money-grossing event in the history of the business.
Below is a complete show line-up, along with how I’d book each match and how I expect it to actually go down. While this is not a line-up that looks to end up producing the best Wrestlemania of all time, it is a very strong series of matches and has the potential to produce some very memorable moments.
The Match: Randy Orton vs. HHH vs. John Cena - WWE Championship
What Should Happen HHH, for all his faults, has not held either version of the world title for three years, aside from the two-hour reign on PPV a few months back. I think the big money is HHH as a heel champion, with Cena chasing him throughout the summer. I’d book Cena to be dominant and within a hair’s breath of beating Orton, but HHH somehow stealing the pin. Not an outright heel turn that night, but certainly planting the seed for one down the road.
What Will Happen I think Hunter will take the title by pinning Orton. Whether he plants the seeds for a heel turn or plays Superman is another matter entirely.
The Match: Edge vs. Undertaker - World Heavyweight Championship
What Should Happen They’re outdoors so Undertaker should probably get the biggest pyro and most spectacular ring entrance he’s ever had. I also believe he should win the title. If his win streak is to ever end, it should be to make someone who will be a superstar for the next decade, not someone already established.
What Will Happen Undertaker will continue his Wrestlemania undefeated streak, winning the title. Barring a repeat scenario from last year, I think last year’s planned long title reign will finally take place. Edge has not been anything to write home about in the ring since returning from his latest injury, so I don’t expect a classic by any means, but I do think this should be a solid match.
The Match: 24-Man Battle Royal; Winner Faces Chavo Guerrero - ECW Championship
What Should Happen The ECW belt is one that is going to be as over as the man holding it. In other words, it’s a prelim title because Chavo is a prelim wrestler. He’s solid, but has never been booked as anything special.
What Will Happen Kane will win a hideous battle royal (final four could very well come down to Kane, Big Daddy V, Mark Henry, and Great Khali, which is simultaneously the best and worst thing I can think of), then squash Chavo Guerrero to win the title.
The Match: Chris Jericho vs. Mr. Kennedy vs. CM Punk vs. Carlito vs. MVP vs. John Morrison vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Money in the Bank Ladder Match
What Should Happen Morrison, Benjamin, and Carlito are nowhere near the world title picture at this point due to booking and/or lack of effort, so you can erase those three from contention. Kennedy sucks in the ring and has blown multiple big opportunities due to his own stupidity, so I’d remove him from contention as well. MVP is vastly improved, but I think he’s a year away, although I do consider him to be future main event material. Jericho is very good, but he had a title chase run recently, and he’s not caught on since his return like most expected him to. That sort of leaves Punk by default. It’s too bad Jeff Hardy ruined it for himself, because a Hardy title run later this year would have been money.
What Will Happen I don’t think the company has learned its lesson, so I expect Kennedy to win for the second year in a row and challenge Undertaker late this year.
The Match: Shawn Michaels vs. Ric Flair - If Flair Loses He Must Retire
What Should Happen If I were handed the book, I’d give these two 20 minutes. Yes, I have that much faith in Flair, given that it’s his last match, and Michaels, given that it’s Michaels at Wrestlemania. I would have Flair win clean in the middle via figure four. After the match, I’d have Flair cut a promo saying that he could never have a better match on a better stage again, and announce that he’s retiring on top. Stealing a page out of amateur wrestling, I’d have Flair leave his boots and robe in the middle of the ring, leaving to no doubt the biggest ovation of his career. Oh, and I’d book this all to go on last.
What Will Happen I expect a great, super-emotional match, with Michaels winning via superkick. Flair and Michaels will probably do a lot of crying before, during, and after this match, and why not? This won’t go on last, but it should. Seriously, what is going to render half the emotion of this?
The Match: Big Show vs. Floyd Mayweather
What Should Happen What should have happened from the get-go would have been Mysterio (had he not been injured) and a babyface boxer (de la Hoya if possible, maybe Hatton or someone like that) as babyfaces vs. Mayweather and Show as heels. Now you’ve got two heels. I think they never should have done this in the first place, but now that it’s there, I guess you book the wrestler to go over and give this all the bells and whistles possible to make it passable.
What Will Happen I have absolutely no clue how to call this, mostly because it’s a preposterous match to book and we don’t even know if it’s a wrestling match, a boxing match, or what. I expect tons of wrestlers and Mayweather’s posse to have another wild melee. I can’t see Mayweather laying down for Show, but how can Show lose to someone a third his size? This will be a spectacle of epic preportions, but what does that mean?
The Match: JBL vs. Finlay - Belfast Brawl
What Should Happen Hornswaggle should make his return, do some comedy with Vince McMahon, and cost JBL the match. With the rash of injuries that seems to hit every so often, it’s important that JBL be kept strong in defeat. This match really should be about Vince getting his comeuppance.
What Will Happen This may not be a catch-as-catch-can mat classic, but with these two, you’re guaranteed to get a lot of hard-hitting action. Expect Vince to interfere on JBL’s behalf. Hornswaggle will likely make his return, doing some sort of comedy spot with Vince and allowing Finlay to pick up the win.
The Match: Batista vs. Umaga
What Should Happen With the annual draft lottery coming up in the next few weeks and Smackdown short on the heel side, this could easily be a feud that continues in the coming weeks and months. Umaga is prime for a switch and if such a feud were to continue, standard booking is the heel gets a cheap win. I’d book Umaga to win after some sort of foreign object comes into play.
What Will Happen Up and down the card, it looks like there will primarily be babyface wins. Given that, I do expect Batista to lose, although be booked like a monster in the process.
The Match: Candice Michelle & Maria vs. Beth Phoenix & Melina
What Should Happen Since this type of match is usually just filler to bring the crowd down prior to the main event, Candice & Maria should pick up the win in a relatively quick match.
What Will Happen I’ll use this match as a chance to use the bathroom and make myself a sandwhich. Candice & Maria will win. Nothing more than a chance to get all the girls on the big show wearing as little as possible in as brief a time as possible.
– Jim LeMond
jim_lemond@hotmail.com
(3/25/08)
The Ringsider — Jim LeMond
WrestleMania 24 Preview & Predictions
Our ringside analist Jim LeMond weighs in with a preview and predictions for WrestleMania 2