The Raven vs Tommy Dreamer meets Get Well Randy Orton Wrestling Topic! [Mobile/Archive]

Demolition Man

06-30-2008, 02:21 AM

Just found this on the PWTorch forums from member Robert Miqueli. Thought that a few of you might find this interesting so here you go:

Chris Benoit: One Year Later - Part 1
By: Jerome Cusson

It was in June 2007 when the world of professional wrestling changed forever. Chris Benoit murdered his wife Nancy, his son Daniel, and finally killed himself on an early summer weekend. While deaths in professional wrestling have become all too common in the last 15 years, the circumstances surrounding what happened are what shocked so many.

What made this different was Benoit took two others into the abyss of death with him.

Benoit was not a gregarious and jolly person, he was a quiet individual who through sheer hard work and talent became one of the top superstars in World Wrestling Entertainment. With one action, the legacy of Benoit was ruined. More importantly, three lives were lost – and why?

In the past year many questions have been asked by media, fans and even politicians. While these questions will never be fully answered, the WWE has made changes to how they conduct their drug-testing policy as well as more thoroughly examining concussions. For one wrestling journalist, that just isn’t enough.

Finally, a niche industry has sprung up of Chris Benoit books. A pair of Benoit-related books have already shown up in bookstores with two more to come out in the fall of 2008. In order to fully understand where we are, it’s only right to look at where we were.

Where It All Began

Scott Keith has a very unique perspective on Chris Benoit. As an author and freelance writer for many years, he’s written a great deal on the career of Chris Benoit for a number of websites and now his personal blog. He is also, like Benoit, a Canadian. But there is something about Keith that makes him unique among all the people interviewed for this story.

Keith saw Benoit’s debut match for Stampede Wrestling up in Calgary back in 1987. Over the next twenty years, Keith would follow Benoit’s career as he went from Calgary to Japan and then to the United States with Extreme Championship Wrestling and World Championship Wrestling.

What separated Benoit from so many other wrestlers, as Keith and other fans will attest to, was his hard work in the ring.

Qumar Zaman, a wrestling fan for 20 years, said about Benoit: “I think Benoit was able to captivate more and more fans with his hard work and desire. If you put in the effort, win or lose, the fans will get behind you. And that was the case for Benoit. He gave 100 percent in every match and showed a great arsenal of moves that wowed the audience. The more that the fans saw this, the more they got behind him.”

Keith and Zaman were able to follow Benoit’s career throughout. No matter how hard he worked or how much the fans began to embrace him as a real favorite, he was never able to capture a world heavyweight title, the top prize for any wrestling company. Four years into his WWE career and 17 years into his professional wrestling career, Benoit finally achieved his dream by winning the title at Wrestlemania 20 in Madison Square Garden, the mecca of wrestling. Just four years after celebrating his championship victory with his friend Eddie Guerrero, wife Nancy, and son Daniel, all four had tragically died.

The Cause

Chris Benoit’s wrestling career was never easy, but the amount of tragedy and physical pain led directly to the murder/suicides.

*Going back to 1999, his friend and a fellow wrestler Owen Hart accidentally fell to his death from 50 feet at Kemper Arena in Kansas City at a WWE (then called WWF) Pay-Per-View.

*Benoit required neck surgery in the summer of 2001 and was out for almost a year in recovery.

*Nancy Benoit filed for divorce in the months in the summer of 2003 due to irreconcilable differences. She rescinded later in the summer.

*One of his best friends, Eddie Guerrero, died on Nov. 13, 2005 due to an enlarged heart. According to those close to Benoit and various reports, this is what may have set Benoit over the edge.

*On Feb. 16, 2006, one of Chris Benoit’s neighbors and fellow wrestler Johnny Grunge died due to complications of sleep apnea.

*Benoit took a sabbatical from wrestling for most of the spring and summer of 2006, citing a want to heal nagging shoulder injuries.

The Effect

Over the course of one weekend, June 22 until June 24 2007, Chris Benoit murdered his wife Nancy and son Daniel and then he committed suicide. There is no one cause, but the effect is very clear. Three people are dead and an entire industry was shaken to its very core. The WWE was forced to defend itself. The media began a frenzy.

“I was particularly disturbed, especially by the mainstream media and in particular with CNN,” Zaman said of the coverage. “I followed the news through CNN whenever I could, and the first instance of his death was assumed steroid use. To jump to such a conclusion was irresponsible and unfair. Sure, there were many wrestlers who succumbed to steroid abuse, but how could you substantiate such a thought when investigators had not completed their case? Why make the assumption when nothing was known?

“Then, another thing irritated me. The AP just bunched together the deaths of Owen Hart, Eddie Guerrero and Benoit into this humongous list of current and former pro wrestlers that have died over the last 15 years. The list was long and there was a lot of blame put toward the WWE. Sure, they could have easily prevented the death of Owen Hart, but they aren’t fully responsible for the lives of past wrestlers who have left the profession. To place the blame on Vince McMahon and WWE was cruel, and showed me why Vince and the WWE feel that the media has a vendetta against them. How could Vince be held responsible for the death of some mid-card wrestler who once fought in the WWE for a year or two, then retired? ”

As a member of the media, Jonathan Hood of Chicago’s ESPN Radio 1000 can provide a unique perspective. He is a life-long wrestling fan and once hosted a wrestling chat on show for another Chicago station, 670-AM “The Score,” on a weekly basis. Hood still writes about wrestling in his column “Wrestling Ringpost“.

Hood believes that the coverage was fair, and that certain media members like Larry King not knowing a lot about professional wrestling really isn’t a surprise. He was also able to inform the management at the station and talk a little bit about it on his show.

Lumping all the media together would also be unfair, as Scott Keith makes clear in his assertions about how the Canadian media handled the story.

“It was front-page news up here and he was treated more as a legitimate sports star than the circus freak that the American press treated him as,” Keith said. “I’d say the coverage was more ‘gentle’, for lack of a better word, with the press asking more “How could this happen to a decent guy like Benoit” rather than ‘STEROIDS ARE THE DEVIL’S WORK!’ like CNN seemed to jump right into the day after. But then this is sadly the second mainstream wrestling death [referring to Owen Hart’s death] that made the front pages in Canada in less than a decade, so they had some practice.”
Concussions

Chris Nowinski is a former professional wrestler himself. His WWE career was cut short in June 2003 after a series of concussions, and Nowinski channeled his energy toward concussion research. In 2006, he wrote a book about the NFL’s concussion problem, entitled Head Games: Football’s Concussion Crisis.

Over the next couple years, Nowinski and Dr. Bennet Omalu of the University of Pittsburgh would look into the cases of a few NFL players, including Andre Waters, a 44-year old defensive back who shot and killed himself on Nov. 20, 2006. Nowinski and Dr. Omalu were able to look at Waters’ brain and found a man with the brain of an 85-year old who was in early stages of Alzheimer’s. While Nowinski continued his research, he did keep up with some of his acquaintances in the wrestling business, including Chris Benoit.

“We spoke on the phone every few months,” Nowinski said, “It would be a friendly catch-up. When we discussed how many concussions he had throughout his career, he told me he didn’t know and never kept track.”

Nowinski founded “The Sports Legacy Institute” in June 2007 after Benoit’s death. This is when he attempted to find Chris’ father Michael Benoit to ask if he could conduct research on his son’s brain.

“I tried to get the WWE to broker a deal over the phone,” Nowinski said. “They absolutely refused, so I had to track down Michael Benoit’s phone number. He had been ignoring phone calls, so I drafted a statement about the research we were conducting. Eventually, he agreed and we were able to find the same kind of damage we had in other professional athletes.”

To help further the mission of “The Sports Legacy Institute,” Nowinski and Michael Benoit started the Benoit Family Fund for Brain Injury Research.

Nowinski ’s word also expanded into the current professional wrestling scene. It wasn’t easy for Nowinski at first, but eventually the WWE relented. In the summer of 2007, the WWE gave a physical examination to every wrestler on the roster and have said they will check the status of their talent every six months. The WWE is checking for a number of things, but concussions are particularly emphasized because of the risk facing the wrestlers.

“WWE fought us hard in the beginning because of financial liability,” Nowinski said. “But the environment has changed about the testing. I have been pushing this for the last five years quietly. I tried to do it quietly by having them cut down on chairshots to the head, but they can still do a lot more.”

More to be Done

Wade Keller is a professional wrestling journalist. In most cases, being a journalist means you have to access to the people you’re covering. For Keller, he doesn’t get to call Vince McMahon after a controversial death or an episode of RAW. Instead, he must rely on anonymous sources, who can include wrestlers or other employees of whatever company he covers. He produces a weekly newsletter called The Pro Wrestling Torch and has since 1987 when he was a junior in high school. Along with The Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Dave Meltzer, he is considered to be one of the foremost experts on professional wrestling.

Keller has a lot to say about the WWE and Chris Benoit, but he is an advocate for something that the WWE doesn’t provide to its talent – regular vacation time.

“For the last five to ten years, I’ve advocated a system where the wrestlers can get a two or three week rest,” Keller said. “Sometimes you need to stop, and leadership needs to make sure you’re not destroying yourself. There is a business incentive not for this to happen. And even though there are differences in the schedule now [compared to what Keller called the much rougher schedule of the 1980s], there is still no consistent pattern of time off. It can be a mental relief for the wrestlers.”

Keller also discussed the WWE’s wellness policy.

“The wellness policy wasn’t and still isn’t as transparent,” Keller said, “There’s too much money involved. The drug testing company receives hundreds of thousands of dollars from the WWE, and they want to keep them as a client. The WWE should welcome state athletic commissions and governments for independent testing. The WWE also needs to test more often for more things.”

For the WWE, there is only way Keller believes they can go.

“The WWE needs to announce what they’re doing on the corporate website about concussions, and they also need to push variety of body types.”
The Books

Mere months after the Benoit tragedy, a collection of articles were put together for form a book entitled Benoit:Wrestling with the Horror That Destroyed a Family and Crippled a Sport. One of the authors is Irv Muchnick, who’s also working on a book called Chris and Nancy. He has written a number of books about the industry including Wrestling Babylon. Muchnick was not available to be interviewed for this story, but his blog is one of the best resources for information about the Benoit case.

Scott Keith also has a new book coming out.

“The book is called Dungeon of Death: Chris Benoit and the Hart Family Curse, and overall it’s an examination of why Benoit’s death came to pass and how no one in the sport ever learns from the mistakes of the past, especially the mistakes that kill people.”

When asked why he wrote the book, Keith said, “It was a ‘lucky’ coincidence in that I was looking for subject matter to do a fifth book on, but my growing apathy towards the wrestling world left me without anything I wanted to write about in the current product. But then Benoit died and my publisher was wanting to do a book on him, and it worked out well for everyone.”

While Keith’s book is more of a fan’s perspective on the Benoit tragedy, author Matthew Randazzo is taking a more investigative look at the case in Ring of Hell: The Story of Chris Benoit and the Fall of the Pro Wrestling Industry. Randazzo is both a journalist and historian who became interested in the case when people in and out of the wrestling industry were not asking what he felt were the obvious questions about Benoit’s lifestyle.

“I realized that this case was an especially ripe subject for a truth-telling expose,” Randazzo said,.”With Ring of Hell, I felt I had a unique opportunity to write the type of book about pro wrestling that I always wanted to read: an unflinching, uncensored investigative expose that revealed what the business was really like behind-the-scenes at every level, with no punches pulled and no compromises made.”

Randazzo believes that the wrestlers who appeared on television were lying about being surprised at what Benoit had done. He says that Benoit had shown signs of being mentally disturbed for some ten years. Randazzo summarized his book this way.

“I show in meticulous detail how Benoit’s obsessive drive to succeed in the pro wrestling business lead him to voluntarily adopt a lifestyle that slowly destroyed his mental, physical and emotional health. I ultimately place responsibility for Benoit’s homicidal meltdown on both Benoit for pursuing such a destructive lifestyle and on his employers in the pro wrestling business who made it impossible for Benoit to fulfill his dream without exhibiting such self-mutilating behavior.”

What should be learned

Wrestling fans, sports fans and even people who would never watch either have a lot to gain from this tragedy.

Scott Keith discussed what wrestling fans should learn.

“I think the main thing is that all the painful-looking “fake” moves and weapons come with a price, and no one, even someone who was the best in the world at the time, can escape that price forever.”
Qumar Zaman has this to say about sports fans.

“I think that sports fans need to realize that the use of steroids and drugs, both legal and illegal, do have a major effect on those who use them. There’s a reason that the media overwhelms its audience with news on drug use and steroid use in sports: because it’s a problem, an epidemic. There are very serious risks to such use and athletes need to make sure that some of the problems that have happened to wrestlers and other performers don’t happen to them.

Finally Jonathon Hood explains what the average person, who neither enjoys wrestling or sports, could take away from what happened just one year ago.

“Because the deaths of these athletes could affect their kids. If their heroes die because of drugs, then they have a big decision to make. Take drugs and take a short cut or compete and attempt to be successful the right way.”

Conclusion

There is ultimately no way to possibly combine all aspects of this story into such a short amount of space. In order to understand what happened, knowing about Benoit’s life and about how the world of professional wrestling is key to understanding the entire situation.

For more information:

Check out this excellent half-hour documentary about Chris Benoit and Stampede Wrestling.

Take a look at what “The Sports Legacy Insitute” is working on. Even if you’re not a wrestling fan, this is the type of research that could save lives down the road.

There are currently two books out now about Benoit, with two more to come out later this year. As part of a follow-up, you can expect NSR to include reviews of Ring of Hell by Matthew Randazzo, Chris and Nancy by Irv Muchnick, and Dungeon of Death by Scott Keith.

http://nationalsportsreview.com/2008/06/27/chris-benoit-one-year-later-part-1/

Demolition Man

06-30-2008, 02:25 AM

I predict io will try for this on all 3 of his accounts.:lol:

..... did neocisco just slidecage us?

neocisco

06-30-2008, 02:39 AM

..... did neocisco just slidecage us?

:lol: Apparently I did. I have no idea how I ended up putting that post in this thread. I'm blaming CAG 2.0. It's already causing problems!

lmz00

06-30-2008, 03:10 AM

There is no way he'd put CM Punk over, but if he did, holy hell. How amazing would that be!?
He put Shelton Benjamin over.

JJSP

06-30-2008, 03:56 AM

Tommy Dreamer, who has an account on WWE's Fan Nation website, wrote in a blog last Friday that he plans on giving his "uncensored opinion" on the state of ECW and his own career in two weeks. "To quote Y2J Chris Jericho, I am going to "break the walls down." Actually, if there is a line to cross, I will cross it," Dreamer wrote. "The walls will be destroyed from their foundation. Make sure you tell your friends to read this and prepare to watch history be made again."

Well, that could be interesting.

JaytheGamefan

06-30-2008, 05:52 AM

NoC thoughts -

The WWE Tag Title match was better than expected - Finlay was absolutely on fire at times, and was a huge highlight of this match for me. Good finishing as well, as Finlay didn't lose any credibility, and the right guy dropped the fall.

U.S. title match was fine, nothing too special, but it was fine, and I loved the three amigos>Twist of Fate finish.

The ECW title match was the worst thing on the show, and wasn't particularly memorable or good aside from the finish, which was creative and worked well at getting Henry over as a champion without hurting either Show or Kane. Henry looked absolutely overjoyed to win the belt, which made the win seem more meaningful than the build indicated.

The funniest part of this match was the pre-match camera pan across the belt banners, showing a poorly-altered cruiserweight title banner (with minor alterations) being used as the ECW Title banner. Very bush-league move there by WWE, and it reminded me of WCW poorly altering a regional belt to use as the WCW World Title for a brief time while Flair had the Big Gold belt in the WWF.

The Raw tag title stuff was about what I expected, although with far less heat than I was hoping. DiBiase's theme was a heat-killer, so I hope they change it. Kinda odd to have Cody FINALLY have matching safety tape-looking attire alongside Holly only to wear it once and turn on him, but it worked at making the turn seem like a bigger deal as it least gave the appearance of them being a major tag team. Zero heat for anything here, which isn't too surprising given how underplayed DiBiase's character has been, and how bland Cody's appeared for a long while, and also because they tried to get the heat on Holly, who crowds haven't really cared about in years.

I loved the IC title match - Kofi and Jericho meshed well together, and the match was definitely the best thing on this show up to this point. I enjoyed seeing the liontamer make a return, and HBK costing Jericho the title worked from a storyline perspective, but does hurt Kofi's big win a bit - fortunately he won via his finisher and not just a fluke rollup, so the damage was minimal. Kofi should've gotten more time to celebrate - Mark Henry did, and as a result, he was able to make his title win seem like a big deal because he was given plenty of time to react and show joy. Kofi's didn't have that, and it hurt the change. Great post-match bit with Jericho punching HBK in the bad right eye - a perfectly believable angle, as a punch like that to a bad eye (especially if the blow is to a detached retina) could easily blind someone.

Mickie-Katie was okay. I dug Katie's new attire, and the arm work. Good-looking ending. Otherwise, the match didn't do much for me, although Cole amused me by acting so excited when he said that titles can in fact change via submission - thanks for stating the obvious, Cole.

Edge-Batista was very good - Batista coming out second annoyed me a bit, but otherwise, this was a good match. Batista got a chance to showcase his power via the jackhammer (nice to see him break that out again, only to get a loud "GOLDBERG" chant), the spinebuster, and even his agility by doing the leapfrog over the spear.

The ending worked at continuing the idea of La Familia being a really effective group, and kudos to Vickie for taking that potentially risky bump (sure, there were four guys on the floor to catch her, but there have been matches with similar setups like Lockdown '06's Xscape match featuring Chase Stevens doing a shooting star to a bunch of guys and no one caught him), and thank goodness they caught her. Good way to establish Batista as a guy screwed out of his belt - I could see that leading to a rematch on either a TV show or at the Bash to get the World title back on Raw.

The main event was the best match on the show, with Cena finally looking like he did in his '07 prime, and having easily his best PPV match of '08. Effective psychology here with Cena working on the bad wheels of Hunter, and the bad pec of Cena playing a part as well.

The kick out of the Pedigree was a good spot, but I enjoyed the kickout of the FU more, as it was a flash FU done in a way that he hasn't done it in years (doing the Michinoku Driver-style landing for it), and it helped the kick out stand out more.

The finish was very good, with the STFU that cost HHH the WWE Title at WM 22 being countered into the move that cost HHH the world title at WM XX, the crossface, into the FU, the move that Cena used to win his first WWE Title, and then that being countered by HHH into the pedigree. Very memorable ending in full, and in highlight form, it'll probably work best going from the lift off the floor>FU Position into the finish, but it still wasn't quite THE MOMENT! that WWE was hoping for (or hyping up). J.R. calling this would've made it even better, as he would've certainly gotten more of the drama and history behind some of the spots across better than Cole (although J.R. did have some flubs tonight, including calling the Leviathan spinebuster the "Batista Bomb".)

Chase

06-30-2008, 07:20 AM

BTW, I now have the coolest sig on CAG thanks to chasemurata.:bow:

'Twas not a problem, sir. :D

I'm glad I could help.

Bezerker

06-30-2008, 07:41 AM

There is no way he'd put CM Punk over, but if he did, holy hell. How amazing would that be!?

What would be even more amazing is if punk used the Pepsi Plunge on Trips.

Chase

06-30-2008, 07:50 AM

#1 (http://rajah.com/base/node/12885)

Kofi Kingston was moved to Raw in last week's Supplemental Draft because officials believe he's been a success in ECW and he now needs some more exposure on WWE's premiere brand. When Kingston was originally called up to the main roster, Raw head writer Brian Gewirtz had no ideas for him and SmackDown head writer Michael Hayes didn't want him, hence the move to ECW at the time.

There is no way this is true. Michael Hayes, not wanting to deal with black talent? No way in this world.

Ahem.

#2 (http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=31889&p=1)

"If everyone is cut from the same cookie cutter, business will suffer." Kevin did wish to go on record, saying that he feels that there is enough independent talent out there that have not been exposed yet to keep the business going & make it flourish into the future years ahead.

But if they aren't WWE homegrown how will Vince McMahon and WWE Creative know if they are capable of performing five moves and jobbing to Triple H?

007

06-30-2008, 07:54 AM

NoC thoughts:

- I'm glad that Kofi is getting a push, but it seems a bit early to be making him IC champ, especially since you have no idea who he is if you don't watch ECW. Sadly, beating Jericho doesn't really help either man, although I'm happy to have the belt off of Y2J, since there was no reason for him to have it. At this point, this one is up to the writing team on whether it sinks or floats. ... since I don't watch ECW, has Kofi ever spoken?

- It's nice to see that the Tag Titles mean nothing. First, one pair gets defended against a midget, and then the second isn't defended for about 4 months and no one notices, then they're transfered in a glorified promo where a guy that people actually care less about than Holly himself turns heel. While I'm interested in this new team, which I hope will become a stable (strange, since Smith got traded), but I'm not so much a fan of this new 'hey, are you the son of an old superstar? Have the tag titles within a month of debuting!' thing.

- I'm actually happy about the ECW change. He sucks, but I've always felt that Sexual Chocolate deserved a payback for all the shit they put him through.. which seems to be what ECW is for now. Chavo, Kane, Henry... all guys that have been around and haven't really accomplished much. Still, I'm cool with it.

- And, once, it's all about HHH. Except now, of course, it's not just one show, but TWO. Really, until they resolve this damn title situation, both shows are going to effectively revolve around HHH. I get the sense that Vinnie Mac only left the title on Trips because it was the 'unexpected' thing to do. Unfortunately, as nice as surprises are, you *do* need a good storyline to back it up... which I just severly doubt they have.

Still... it was a much better show than I expected, though the lack of Punk with the perfect set-up ever sort of hampered the ending. Not that I think Punk is ready for a title, let alone THE title, it still would have been 'unexpected' and actually made sense in the storyline.

Scrubsy

06-30-2008, 10:39 AM

Im glad Henry won, he has been in the game for quite some time and really never got much attention. It's only the ECW title, but still a top title non the less.

CouRageouS

06-30-2008, 11:30 AM

PhrostByte

06-30-2008, 02:43 PM

What would be even more amazing is if punk used the Pepsi Plunge on Trips.

http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/3748/1201835861703ae1.png

tangytangerine

06-30-2008, 04:12 PM

Chase

06-30-2008, 04:28 PM

Whens the last time anyone cared about the ECW belt though? A couple years ago when RVD held both it and the WWE title? It did matter a bit when CM Punk held it but Mark Henry as ECW champ doesn't bring any draw to either the wrestler or the title. There is potential to make someone look amazing for dethroning the beast of the belt though. The only candidate I see is Matt Hardy, since he has to eventually give his belt back to Smackdown.

And what is up with that situation anyway? How long are these belts going to be mixed up? Usually they try to give the illusion that the drafts actually matter before a few months in when everyone appears on whatever show they feel like. What I'm really hoping is that they bring back the cruiserbelt and stop wasting guys like Londrick, Yang, etc. Adding another women's belt but abandoning the Cruiser is some stupid shit.

Personally, I haven't cared about the ECW World Heavyweight title since Rhino's short reign in 2001. Rhino was an awesome monster heel champion. It's a shame ECW died.

Mark Henry will probably play the enhancement talent role until he retires. If he doesn't, he should. He didn't draw as World Heavyweight champion, and is nothing special. He's not even a good Big Man wrestler. He's pretty much WWE's Arashi. I think it's very apparent that Matt Hardy is due for a big push in ECW, which probably includes a feud and win over Mark Henry.

And the only reason WWE's women division is getting so much attention is because TNA's women division draws ratings, and WWE wants to tempt TNA fans. If TNA had instead showcased the X-Division, WWE would probably give their junior heavyweights more TV time.

This is just a small example of how competition is a good thing. At least for us fans.

And PhrostByte, that is hilarious. I guess Billy Gunn's ass better call somebody. ;)

Chase

06-30-2008, 04:32 PM

I didn't think about it until now, but wasn't there supposed to be a "Divas" championship match last night for SD?

Something tells me that the Women's Championship will be going to SD & Raw gets one of the world titles in exchange(or they go back to the world & women's champion being on all shows).

I believe there was supposed to be the crowning of Nattie as Smackdown's Womens champion, or so it was reported.

I could see Smackdown becoming WWE's outlet for womens wrestling. I suppose Vince said, "Hey guys, instead of attracting the Mexican audience with Mexican pro-wrestlers on free TV, let's give them the women. Let's vag it up."

-Never4ever-

06-30-2008, 04:59 PM

Personally, I haven't cared about the ECW World Heavyweight title since Rhino's short reign in 2001. Rhino was an awesome monster heel champion. It's a shame ECW died.

Mark Henry will probably play the enhancement talent role until he retires. If he doesn't, he should. He didn't draw as World Heavyweight champion, and is nothing special. He's not even a good Big Man wrestler. He's pretty much WWE's Arashi. I think it's very apparent that Matt Hardy is due for a big push in ECW, which probably includes a feud and win over Mark Henry.

And the only reason WWE's women division is getting so much attention is because TNA's women division draws ratings, and WWE wants to tempt TNA fans. If TNA had instead showcased the X-Division, WWE would probably give their junior heavyweights more TV time.

This is just a small example of how competition is a good thing. At least for us fans.

And PhrostByte, that is hilarious. I guess Billy Gunn's ass better call somebody. ;)

You mean the ONE DAY reign of Rhino? Personally, I liked Mike Awesome's reign, but yeah, the ECW title's been a joke since Dreamer dropped it to JUSTIN CREDIBLE. RVD brought the cred back, only to have Chavo suck it all out of the title.

Chase

06-30-2008, 05:25 PM

You mean the ONE DAY reign of Rhino? Personally, I liked Mike Awesome's reign, but yeah, the ECW title's been a joke since Dreamer dropped it to JUSTIN CREDIBLE. RVD brought the cred back, only to have Chavo suck it all out of the title.

Hence my use of "short reign." ;)

Justin Credible was only good in the Impact Players. I never did like him as a singles wrestler. Less so without Dawn Marie and Jason.

I'd say the ECW World Heavyweight title was first tainted when Taz, who had just signed with WWE, won it a second time against, WCW bound, Mike Awesome. After that, it soon went downhill.

JaytheGamefan

06-30-2008, 06:44 PM

RVD bought cred back? It was the B-rate belt for him when he held the real world title, the WWE Title. I thought the Morrison-Punk feud did far more for it than RVD's reign, which was tainted by Edge basically winning the belt for him at ONS 2.

PhrostByte

06-30-2008, 07:58 PM

spy0070

06-30-2008, 09:53 PM

Raw stream link:

http://www.justin.tv/raw_

I'll get another if there's a slight problem with this stream. Some of the regular streams were taken down temporarily, this is the best one I have found.

(And Chase will eventually admit it himself, but, hehe, I helped a bit with some of the links for streams)

Purple Flames

06-30-2008, 10:24 PM

Oh My Goooooooooood!!!!!!

That was such an awesome swerve. My throat is sore from cheering so hard.

Chase

06-30-2008, 10:24 PM

!?!?!!!

CM Punk! New World Heavyweight champion! Good gravy, that was awesome! :hot:

TheRock88

06-30-2008, 10:24 PM

Punk!!!!!

Sporadic

06-30-2008, 10:25 PM

GREATEST THING EVER

I marked out when he came down.

Tybalt Flux

06-30-2008, 10:27 PM

Yeah uh, long-time lurker, first-time poster (in this thread), but uh WOAH, CM Punk, new champ.

GuilewasNK

06-30-2008, 10:27 PM

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/1921/ronsimmons3sr6.jpg

That was unexpected.

Sporadic

06-30-2008, 10:32 PM

Now they need to have Batista turn heel and fued with Punk.

Ugamer_X

06-30-2008, 10:32 PM

I'll save the complaints about not building up Punk before making him champ because that was cool and unexpected, and that god awful spinner belt is finally off Raw.

Now, how long until they take the belt away from Punk?

Chase

06-30-2008, 10:33 PM

I dub Mickie James' Thesz press the "Face Full of Fish."

That is all.

xcoax

06-30-2008, 10:33 PM

mykevermin

06-30-2008, 10:33 PM

I'm certainly pleased; can't think of how long it's been since I've been this excited for a WWE, or hell, wrestling moment in general. RVD's title win at ONS 2006?

JaytheGamefan

06-30-2008, 10:34 PM

Very pleasant surprise there - Raw's title scene finally feels fresh for the first time in a long while. Edge losing via the MITB case is incredibly fitting, as he's made use of that twice to win world gold, and then fell prey to his own tactic - good stuff. Excellent celebration as well - that was more exciting than anything on the PPV.

Yes, RVD treated the ECW Title as the more important belt, but realistically, it wasn't. Show's reign was a mixed bag of helpful for the title (the Flair match), and hurtful (the Batista match, and towards the end of his reign when he could barely move). Lashley's reign was important for it in the sense that it allowed the belt to be part of the biggest money-making match at WM 23, but the last year, barring Punk's win from Morrison, easily the best new-era ECW Title match, hasn't been too good for it, as the Chavo reign did nothing to help it, and Kane's didn't help it either.

cdubb1605

06-30-2008, 10:36 PM

woke up my girlfriend, called my cousin at work, and called my friend playing wow: all who shouldve been watching raw cause they missed awesome.
PUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNK

heres hoping he isnt fucked over now

Chase

06-30-2008, 10:36 PM

After reading through the old thread after the PPV I was thinking to myself "why the hell didn't Punk cash in the case?" The answer was so that I could see it on TV. For once WWE actually did something completely right by me. I haven't marked out for anything wrestling related in so long.

Agreeeeeed, sir!

Let's just hope CM Punk's title reign isn't handled like Rey Jr.'s or Van Dam's.

The WCW World Heavyweight title looks good on Punk. Then again, it's a pretty title. Much better than that damn Spinner.

GuilewasNK

06-30-2008, 10:37 PM

After reading through the old thread after the PPV I was thinking to myself "why the hell didn't Punk cash in the case?" The answer was so that I could see it on TV. For once WWE actually did something completely right by me. I haven't marked out for anything wrestling related in so long.

Just the fact that Hunter Hearst McMahon is off the screen is all that matters to me. WWE did it right though, this time.

Sporadic

06-30-2008, 10:38 PM

I dub Mickie James' Thesz press the "Face Full of Fish."

That is all.

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/4386/69658e4e45a2dab29fa8930pv7.jpg

Purple Flames

06-30-2008, 10:41 PM

Agreeeeeed, sir!

Let's just hope CM Punk's title reign isn't handled like Rey Jr.'s or Van Dam's.

The WCW World Heavyweight title looks good on Punk. Then again, it's a pretty title. Much better than that damn Spinner.

At least we can all take solace in knowing that Punk won't have to drop the belt because of violating the Wellness Policy.

GTzerO

06-30-2008, 10:42 PM

Holy shit.

And I missed it.

GuilewasNK

06-30-2008, 10:43 PM

Nice pornstache from Santino. :lol:

GuilewasNK

06-30-2008, 10:43 PM

Santino is GOD. I mean, is good. :)

Chase

06-30-2008, 10:44 PM

"You sir, are not the Batman!" :lol:

Santino is a promo machine. Oh man, this promo is glorious.

neocisco

06-30-2008, 10:44 PM

I decided to try Raw for the first time in over 8 months and I'm recording it now. I figure I'll give a HHH-free show another shot.

mykevermin

06-30-2008, 10:46 PM

"I like cookies!"

Chase

06-30-2008, 10:48 PM

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/4386/69658e4e45a2dab29fa8930pv7.jpg

+10 cool points, Sporadic. :lol:

At least we can all take solace in knowing that Punk won't have to drop the belt because of violating the Wellness Policy.

Hehehe... true, true. Van Dam really did fuck up his opportunity.

spy0070

06-30-2008, 10:48 PM

Santino is hilarious.

JaytheGamefan

06-30-2008, 10:49 PM

"YOU ARE NOT THE BATMAN" - God bless Santino. Punk vs. JBL...well, I was expecting JBL vs. Kofi at some point, but this could work out well as far as giving Punk a win over a former WWE Champion in his first defense. May God help WWE if they have JBL win the gold.

Purple Flames

06-30-2008, 10:50 PM

Here's hoping Punk comes out and turns heel a la his ROH world title win.

GTzerO

06-30-2008, 10:57 PM

Punk will lose it tonight.

Welp, everybody said he couldn't do it and he did. Didn't say he could keep it for longer than 24 hours.

Chase

06-30-2008, 10:59 PM

Well, if Punk does lose the title tonight, at least he will have held a World title longer than certain reigns of Andre the Giant, Yokozuna, and Randy Orton.

lmz00

06-30-2008, 10:59 PM

That is the GAYEST THING I HAVE EVER SEEN!!! Even gayer than Billy, Chuck and Rico combined. WHY oh WHY did he have to take the belt from Edge and not HHH?!?!?! :'(

Moment of slience, please.

Tybalt Flux

06-30-2008, 11:01 PM

JBL becomes champ tonight! YEAH.

...at least it's better than a unified title run for HHH.

lmz00

06-30-2008, 11:02 PM

JBL becomes champ tonight! YEAH.
I'm going to light a candle and hope that you're right.

GTzerO

06-30-2008, 11:03 PM

Fatal 4way between Batista, Punk, JBL, and Cena. Punk loses because of JBL and gets in a feud with him. Cena wins with Vince's help because he turns heel.

Sporadic

06-30-2008, 11:06 PM

I will blow up the internet if Cena wins the title tonight.

That is the GAYEST THING I HAVE EVER SEEN!!! Even gayer than Billy, Chuck and Rico combined. WHY oh WHY did he have to take the belt from Edge and not HHH?!?!?! :'(

Raw need to get rid of that horrible looking spinner Cena unleashed on Raw.

lmz00

06-30-2008, 11:12 PM

I would rather see Cena as champ than CM Punk, and that's saying something.

And I don't get why the fans boo everytime SmackDown is mentioned, as if they wouldn't have gone to see it, had it been in OKC instead of RAW.

They should use HHH being on SD and Cena being on RAW as an excuse to go back to the original belt, but they won't.

Purple Flames

06-30-2008, 11:13 PM

I think it's a safe bet the Cena comes back later tonight and (thankfully) cost JBL his match tonight.

Brak

06-30-2008, 11:14 PM

I would rather see Cena as champ than CM Punk, and that's saying something.
What? That you're a mark?

lmz00

06-30-2008, 11:17 PM

What? That you're a mark?
If being able to put up with Cena's lame ass gimmick slightly more than Punk's even lamer gimmick makes me a mark, then sure. ;)

007

06-30-2008, 11:20 PM

I'm amazed that looking at the Raw titles:

World: CM Punk
IC: Kingston
Tag: DiBiase & Rhodes
Women's: Mickie

If you had told me a year ago... hell, a month ago... jesus, even earlier tonight... that THIS would be our Raw champions line-up, I would have said you were fucking crazy. Outside of Mickie, it's all relatively unestablished talent, and that's downright amazing for Raw.

They keep going this route, and I may just start watching faithfully again.

Purple Flames

06-30-2008, 11:21 PM

Cody sounds like the asshole jock from every 80's high school movie ever made.

TheRock88

06-30-2008, 11:23 PM

Dibiase seriously needs a new theme or use his dad's.

thater

06-30-2008, 11:23 PM

Wow, I can't remember a crowd be so quiet during an intro like they were for Cody & Ted Jr.

JaytheGamefan

06-30-2008, 11:24 PM

DiBiase just having "Priceless" lead into his father's theme would be fine, instead of this shit, which sounds worse than Cade and Murdoch's theme. I can see JBL losing tonight, then becoming GM, as he's apparently re-retiring again because of his bad back.

Sporadic

06-30-2008, 11:28 PM

Jamie Noble?!? Leading to a Burchill/Noble fued?

It's like WWE creative crawled into my head and took all of my ideas.

benjamouth

06-30-2008, 11:30 PM

Geez, lots of talking on Raw tonight.

slidecage

06-30-2008, 11:30 PM

Why no matches on Raw tonight. Was those tickets given away free? I would be so pissed if i paid 30 on up for tickets just to see this crap

Chase

06-30-2008, 11:30 PM

Gibson and Burchill really should be on ECW contending for the ECW World Heavyweight title. =/

And Burchill needs his Ripper hood.

cdubb1605

06-30-2008, 11:34 PM

GTzerO

06-30-2008, 11:37 PM

Somebody needs to turn heel tonight, damn it. Too many faces in the top tier.

PhrostByte

06-30-2008, 11:42 PM

Punk! w00t

Chase

06-30-2008, 11:47 PM

What terrible booking tonight. Worse than usual. Way to sully a solid start, WWE.

diddy310

06-30-2008, 11:48 PM

Apparently the worst thing Jericho can think of is eye gouging...

cdubb1605

06-30-2008, 11:52 PM

Demo Man, i was promised a report on the functionality by the time raw went off the air.... im waiting sir.

Demolition Man

06-30-2008, 11:52 PM

RNN UPDATE! RNN UPDATE!

Hi. Randy Orton here. The good news is that there was no further damage done to my collarbone this week and its 37% healed. Thanks to your e-mails I will be back to 100% in no time. Send your Get Wells to GetWellRandy@WWE.com. And please... keep sending them because the Age Of Orton depends on you!

JaytheGamefan

06-30-2008, 11:52 PM

I loved the eye gouge - it fits his new, more serious character, as it sends a message to HBK that he has no qualms about taking away his sight. The first hour was great, but this show fell greatly in the second hour.

Yay, Edge is pissed! I like the way they're doing the La Familia breakup.

GTzerO

07-01-2008, 12:01 AM

Nice abruptly stopping CM Punk and Cena chants, WWE,

I want Cena to come out and ruin it for Punk. Somebody.

EDIT: Didn't see that coming.

Sweet, Cryme Time is back.

lmz00

07-01-2008, 12:04 AM

Even lamer finish. They must think having no-name champions equals ratings.

Chase

07-01-2008, 12:05 AM

Wow. JBL actually jobbed. I was expecting another DQ finish.

beane316

07-01-2008, 12:07 AM

BEST raw in a LOOOOOOOOOOOOONG ass time

cdubb1605

07-01-2008, 12:09 AM

RNN UPDATE! RNN UPDATE!

you sir, are a true man of the people

xcoax

07-01-2008, 12:12 AM

BEST raw in a LOOOOOOOOOOOOONG ass time

Agreed. Like someone else said I so glad that everyone holding a title on RAW is a fresh face that hasn't had the belt before. I know I'm back watching since taking a vacation ever since Wrestlemania.

Sporadic

07-01-2008, 12:14 AM

RNN UPDATE! RNN UPDATE!

Liar :cry:

Hi. This is the qmail-send program at yahoo.com.
I'm afraid I wasn't able to deliver your message to the following addresses.
This is a permanent error; I've given up. Sorry it didn't work out.

<GetWellRandy@WWE.com>:
Remote host said: 550 5.2.1 <GetWellRandy@WWE.com>... Mailbox disabled for this recipient

JaytheGamefan

07-01-2008, 12:18 AM

Turning that "no name" champion INTO a big name is WWE's goal here, and one that I hope they accomplish.

Overall Raw thoughts -
The first hour of Raw was my favorite hour of wrestling TV since the Global Impact special. J.R.'s speech that opened the show was fantastic, and helped ensure that the crowd would be hot for Punk's title win, which was a huge surprise even if they did tip it off a bit with Edge mentioning every other possible contender BUT Punk in his promo. Punk's title win came off like a historic deal (a MOMENT!, as Cena would say).

It was great to see Punk hold the same basic belt as legends like Flair, Dusty Rhodes, Barry Windham, Steamboat, Bret Hart, Hogan, Savage, Sting, DDP, Angle, Michaels, HHH, the Undertaker, Goldberg, and the Rock. I also loved seeing Edge's demise come via the tool he's made such great use of over the years - the MITB briefcase. Poetic justice was served when it cost him a world championship tonight.

The women's title match peaked with Jillian singing her theme to a chorus of boos, but was followed up by a fantastic Santino-Rey segment full of one-liners and a wacky image of Santino that just about topped the homoeroitc image on Raw of Grisham lying in bed winking at the camera that was used to hype up the latest diva search. This built up towards what will likely be Rey's return at the Bash against Santino, who is a perfect guy for him to face in his first match back, as he's always over, and will sell Rey's offense well.

The JBL-Cena confrontation was great, and saw Cena cut his best promo of the year while JBL declared Marshal law and ordered Cena out of the building after he got some cheap shots in. This had good heat, and I'd expect it to either lead to a street fight between them at the Bash (perhaps with a loser retires stip attached), or lead to JBL becoming Raw's GM.

The rest of this show was no great shakes. The Cody/Dibiase tag match was fine, but lacked heat (as did their post-match promo, which was pretty good). The stuff with Noble and Kane had some funny lines in it, and worked at getting Kane back over as a monster on Raw with the chokeslam onto the announce table.

The IC title match was a good vehicle to further the Jericho-HBK feud, and I love Jericho attacking the eyes because it adds a new layer of ruthlessness to Jericho's character, but this whole thing made the IC belt seem meaningless. I don't recall a DQ ever being done off of tights being pulled, so I'll give them credit for that (slightly), even though it was a huge copout, as it does make the refs at least seem important.

The main event was...a match. Not good by Punk's standards, but it worked at showing that Punk could go in a Raw main event role, and I dug the stuff with Cena and Cryme Tyme at the end. It felt like they're going to make a street-wise faction out of the three (Punk joining is possible, but as stated on Raw tonight, his character is a loner). The end of the show was exciting, and worked at continuing Punk's momentum. Hopefully the follow-up to all of this can be about as exciting as what we saw tonight.

The entire first hour is worth going out of your way to see (minus perhaps the women's match), while the second hour had the main event brawl to make it worthwhile viewing (well, and that JBL-Cena stuff, I think that spilled into the second hour). The second hour wasn't really "bad", it just had some lulls in it that stuck out on this wrestling-lean edition of Raw.

This was one of the few times where a Raw show has had basically no good matches on it and I still felt like it was an exciting show that also felt very important as well since they freshened up the lineup and the invigorated whole feel of the show. This was a massive improvement over last week's SD, which felt like more of the same, just with some bigger stars on at times. I also liked how they set up La Familia breaking up with Edge being pissed at Hawkins and Ryder. I'm guessing that we'll get something similar on SD with him being pissed at Chavo for not winning the U.S. title, leading to the group dissolving after the wedding goes awry.

Quotes -
Shane - Good evening, my father was a victim of a horrendous accident. You know him as the boisterous WWE Chairman, and he’s also a private person, so tonight, we won’t be mentioning his condition. I ask anyone involved with tonight’s production to come together in this time of uncertainty. Thank you. (fans boo)
J.R. - Wow…(fans cheer louder) Thank you. Thank you. It is a magnificent honor to be standing in this ring on this night, with our wonderful WWE fans around the world watching to say it’s damn sure good to be home! I am very excited about a new journey I am embarking on as the play-by-play voice of Smack Down (fans boo) I hope that as you have in all the years, the many years, since I’ve started on Raw, you will join me on that journey. We’re gonna raise hell on SmackDown and take it places it’s never been before! Before I go on, I want to say that I am excited to work with Mick Foley on SmackDown. I also wanna say that for over a decade, my traveling partner, my driver, my confessor, well, hell, he’s my older brother - King, thank you very much for some wonderful years. Going into the WWE HoF with the same class as you made that moment even more special, and you’re a hell of a special guy to me. I know that me going to SD, the goodness is that my friend Michael Cole is gonna do a great job on Raw (fans boo loudly) I know Michael since the first day he came to WWE and he’s been my friend - he’s as hard a working an individual as I’ve seen. I’ve had a lot of interesting moments here in Oklahoma City - the first time I saw wrestling in person, I saw Danny Hodge wrestle at the Stockyards Coliseum, and at the Myriad, we used to have a heck of a lot of fun at Mid-South Wrestling. Some of my experiences here involved our fallen chairman, I’m not one to throw salt, course, he probably is a long horn fan, but be that as it may, some people just can’t help themselves. Not even my situations and experiences with him can put a damper on my opportunity to be here tonight, surrounded by my friends, family, and all the Raw fans throughout the world. I’m never gonna forget this night, and in closing, I hope you’ll load the wagon, you’ll get on that Sooner scooter and you’ll ride it to SmackDown and join us every Friday night! It’s been an amazing run. An amazing run. It’s great to be home, great to be on Raw, I’m excited about my new adventure, I thank you all for being here tonight. I’d be remiss if I didn’t tell you to eat more BBQ, but that’s another story for another time! (Edge comes out)
King - THIS IS RAW, WHAT’S HE DOING HERE!?
Cole - Because of Edge, Raw doesn’t have a world title - both the WWE and World titles are on SmackDown!
Edge - Hold on a minute, when I heard that J.R. had a farewell address tonight, I just had to make an appearance, because your arrogance never ceases to amaze me! WHAT MAKES YOU THINK THAT ANYONE CARES ABOUT YOU, THE SOONERS…OR GIVE A DAMN ABOUT YOU AT ALL!? HOOK ‘N HORNS! NOBODY CARS ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE KING, NOBODY CARES ABOUT MICHAEL COLE, OR YOU, AND THEY NEVER DID! PUT THAT IN YOUR BLOG, BBQ BOY! It’s not all bad - now you can start to call your Hall of Fame career - by coming onto my show. Now you can start to call my future HoF career. Instead of STONE COLD, STONE COLD, STONE COLD, from here on in, it’s EDGE WINS, EDGE WINS, EDGE WINS! Now J.R., why don’t you try that on for size. Come on - I wanna hear it! (J.R. throws mic down) Put that down in the books - J.R. is actually speechless! Hawkins, Ryder, would you please escort J.R. out of the building, and maybe help him pack his hat! Your farewell address is officially over! Hit the bricks! Now that that’s taken care of, I really did have an ulterior motive for coming here tonight, because I want to tell the viewers of the “flagship” show is missing a few things - like a GM, which my brand has - THE GREATEST GM EVER, MY FIANCE, VICKIE GUERRERO! Who by the way is resting comfortably right now - THANKS FOR ASKING! This show is also missing the Undertaker, but then again, the entire WWE Universe is missing him after I single-handedly banished him from WWE - you’re welcome! There’s one other thing the show’s missing - A WORLD CHAMPION! And I wanted to come here tonight and tell you that the Cenas, Michaels, and Mysterios of the world will never have a shot at my championship. They can challenge HHH for the WWE Title if they want, but unless it’s a draft show, YOU WILL NEVER SEE ME ON MONDAY NIGHTS AGAIN!
Cole - Well, he’s right KING! (Batista comes out)
Cole - BATISTA! THE SEETHING ANIMAL! (Batista destroys Edge, Punk comes out with ref)
Cole - MR MONEY IN THE BANK IS NOW MR. WORLD CHAMPION!
Cole - CM PUNK IS WORLD CHAMPION!
(Jillian sings)King - That poor boy’s ears are bleeding. Stop siinnnggggiinngg!
Cole - IN THE NEW ISSUE OF WWE MAGAZINE, Jillian says she wrote that book, that song, “Sliced Bread” in 10 minutes.
King - She’s very smart - she can speak 5 languages. Can’t sing in any of them.
(Rey comes out)King - Without a doubt, Raw won the draft!
Rey - WOOOOOO! Aight, first things first, I wanna congratulate CM Punk…(crowd cheers) on beating Edge and bringing back the world heavyweight championship back to Raw! That was kinda weird. Strange. Ya know, up till last week, my entire WWE career, my entire life was SmackDown! (fans boo) Hold on - I was shocked when I got drafted to Raw. That was a good thing though! Now that I’m here, I like it! I’m excited! (Santino comes out)
Cole - We had a chance to see Santino during that Cousin Sal debacle on SmackDown.
Santino - As you heard earlier, Shane said we should pull together, and seeing as how I am the most charismatic superstart on Raw, I’ve come to officially welcome you! Now personally, I don’t see what da big deal is. Any man who hinds behind a mash is either incredibly ugly, stupid, or he’s THE BATMAN! And you sir, YOU’RE NOT THE BATMAN!
Rey - See Santino…
Santino - SHUT UPPA YOUR FACE! I just don’t undastand your popularity, for example, let’s have a look at the new cover of da WWE Magazine! Look at you, it’s like your saying “I’m Rey Mastrio, I’m taller than Hornswoggle, I LIKE COOKIES!” REY MASTRIO, I’M NOT FINISHED! The problem I have with this is that I submitted a perfectly good photo for the cover, and what makes me more mad I that you are on the cover! (Santino shows his photo)And if that was a poster, you would buy it and put it on the ceiling of your bedroom! Rey Mastrio, there’s a reason you have never been on Raw - because Raw is where true superstars, LIKE MYSELF, rise and shine! ‘K? If you want your experience here to be a good one, just mind your manners and behave, and if you don’t, it could be very, very bad for you! If there’s something you wanted to say, I will let you speak, but do me a favor and say it in a language we can all understand!
Rey - Now that you insist (he hits him)
Grisham - YOUR NEW WORLD CHAMPION, CM PUNK!
Punk - I don’t know if I have the words…I gotta do so many things, gotta get this name off here and get mine. I wanna thank Batista, Chaz, my little sisters… I feel awesome!
JBL - You’re joking, right? You’re celebrating. You hold a world title held by the pillars of this industry by beating a defenseless man. You’re proud of that?
Punk - Yeah.
JBL - You can go to bed tonight and know you’re a paper champion, know you’re an asteriks, or you can step in the ring tonight and putting asteriks, that championship on the line tonight! It’s a yes or no question.
Punk - You wanna be the first one? My answer’s yes!
Cena - I’m certainly a fan of surprises and classic moments, and I told all of you that the match between HHH and myself would be a classic moment, and no, I didn’t win the WWE Title last night - I was defeated by HHH. It was a loss that I take with pride - it was a match that proved one thing - we are the best in the business and that match will go down in history, just like tonight! You have all been part of history! You may not know it right yet, but years from now, you will look back on this day and say that I WAS THERE WHEN CM PUNK CASHED IN THE MITB BRIEFCASE AND BECAME THE NEW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION! Only thing I’m not too savy about is JBL trying to bully his way into becoming WWE Champion. I don’t know much about Punk, but I like him - he used his brains to win the title, and he’s showing that he can use his guts to keep it. I figure he’s a fighter and he’d say yes to anyone, JBL, Kwang, the Brookyln Brawler, Sally Jesse Raphael, and me…that’s not too bad an idea, actually. Since Raw doesn’t have a GM, Punk should be the one to choose, and since you just won, I’ll let you listen to the crowd, the largest one ever assembled here in Oklahoma city. You guys think that JBL should get a shot? (they boo) Or do we make history again? For his first defense, Punk versus John Cena RIGHT HERE (crowd cheers) CM Punk, the choice is yours, but it’s very easy - I have a message to JBL. You should take your big limo, your Mamajuana, drive it back to Texas… (JBL comes out)
JBL - You will not, you will not, be wrestling CM Punk tonight for the world championship, Cena, that match is mine. In fact, as a matter of RIGHT NOW, I am declaring marshal law here in the WWE! And become world champion here tonight- my God-given destiny. I cannot have you in the building.
Cole - I don’t think anyone’s ever declared Marshal law out here!
JBL - This is not WWE security, it’s mine - paid for just this occasion, because people who rule things don’t do it by crowd response - people with money rule things. And with Mr. McMahon gone from the WWE, that means that I am running things around here. I am going to become world heavyweight champion tonight. Security, please show Mr. Cena the door.
Cody - When you’re the son of Dusty Rhodes, you hear “do the right thing”, and where did it get me? Carrying that damn baby boomer, keeping his fledgling, worth-nothing career alive. So why wouldn’t I seek out Ted DiBiase? Why wouldn’t I find a partner…like me? He’s young, he’s dynamic, and I’m not a patient person. When you’re this talented, you don’t pay dues!
DiBiase - Unfortunately, the people of our generation don’t have the spine to do what we did. They thing they’re rebellious by uploading a video to youtube and buying a shirt at Hot Topic - the people under 30 in this country are nothing but obedient sheep! That’s what makes us simply…priceless!
Katie - Trouble…
Noble - I’d like to introduce myself! I’m new on Raw, but over on SD, I was a big deal!
Katie - I can see that!
Noble - I’m gonna go up to the biggest, meanest guy on Raw and challenge him prison rules-style (Kane shows up) Hey big guy… new shows, new starts… There ain’t no rules, means me and you are equals. Don’t let me catch ya listening to my Larry the Cable Guy tapes without interruption, or else there’s gonna be trouble! Stay outta my way before I knock ya on your big red butt! (he kicks Kane low, then runs)
Cole - Over on Raw, Noble had a nasty habit of putting his foot in his mouth. Doesn’t look like things have changed.
King - That alligator mouth has overloaded your hummingbird rear end!
Jericho - WWE.com referred to me as Y2-Jaded! Why shouldn’t I be jaded? I do the ring thing and I was swindled out of the IC title by HBK and Kofi Kingston. I WAS DOUBLE TEAMED AND YOU ERRUPTED IN GLEE WITH MY MISFORTUNE. I was told tonight that HBK isn’t in the building, and I was told that before, and he was there. HBK INVOLVED A LIE, WOW, WHODA THUNK IT!? There’s more to that eye injury than he’s letting on - he has a serious problem with that eye, fine, chant HBK, go ahead. He’s got a serious problem yet he keeps coming out to attack me in massive danger, for what? To placate his ego? To entertain you? You’re not worth it! He’s paying a big price to come out, but I’m willing to give him a return on his investment - I’m challenging him to a one on one match at the GAB. He took something very important away from me, and I’m going to take something important away from him! Tonight, I’m going to take back my title!
Cole - Kofi bounced off the ropes like a rubber band man!
King - Jericho might shoulda watched some footage instead of taking the match tonight.
Cole - JERICHO USING THE TIGHTS! (ref DQs him)
King - JERICHO’S DIGGING INTO THE EYES OF KOFI KINGSTON!
King - Michael, can the title change twice in one night!? I HAVE A FEELING IT CAN!
King - No matter how this turns out, at least Punk can say “I was world champion!”.
Cole - JBL WITH A SLEEPER HOLD!
King - THIS COULD DO IT!
King - IT’S JOHN CENA AND CRYME TYME!
King - PUNK WINS! PUNK WINS! PUNK WINS!

Halo05

07-01-2008, 12:18 AM

I enjoyed tonight's RAW. Punk as a champion is fine with me although I was really pulling for Cena to beat Triple H last night.

As far as Punk being ready to be champion... Very rarely in life are we thrust into situations that we're ready for. Usually it's something along the lines of, "Here's the ball kid, don't fuck it up."

From a purely wrestling standpoint I'd say that Randy Orton wasn't ready for his initial title run. But Punk of today is a significantly bigger talent in the ring than Orton was in 2004. He's proven to be decent to good on the mic and like others have said, they don't have to worry about him going out and getting into a drunk driving accident or anything along those lines.

cdubb1605

07-01-2008, 12:26 AM

overall thoughts on raw:

fun show, great opening and just when batista was backing up the ramp and i thought the wwe had blown a golden opportunity the music hit and even batista had a dumbfounded look on his face, punk showing a sign of urgency made me that much more eager for it to take place. yes i am an edge fan (apparently there are few of us on this thread), but him losing the title just fit then.

mickie is a good womens champ and a very good forefront for the womens division.

cena getting tossed was nice, and jbl ejecting him from the arena helped garner him some extra heat.

noble was just there to put over kane as a monster, but never watching smackdown it was nice getting a chance to see him.

santino is gold on the mic and rey is a nice addition to raw.

i've been waiting for some sort of cryme tyme/cena team up of any shape to appear. so, heres hoping they at least team up once or twice. i'll admit i dont like cena, but i love cryme tyme and for some reason i can see them teaming together and fitting well.

having punk win over jbl is a good way to soldify him as a champ, making him seem like a viable champ, but now, who will be his first serious challenger?

my raw thoughts. there ya go.

Halo05

07-01-2008, 12:33 AM

I think what made Edge losing the title like that work so well comes from all the times he either won the title like that or made others lose it via screwjobs (think RVD vs. Cena from 2006 ONS). He finally got what he deserved which is a powerful, I dunno, plot device I suppose.

lmz00

07-01-2008, 12:38 AM

having punk win over jbl is a good way to soldify him as a champ, making him seem like a viable champ, but now, who will be his first serious challenger?
If they wanted to do that, they shouldn't have had Cena & Co. come out. I think it's way too soon for him to be carrying that kind of gold, but I guess time will tell. Don't forget, we're talking about a guy who just a few weeks ago was jobbing (cleanly, I might add) to The Miz. I'll be surprised if he's still champion after the Great American Bash.

I must admit that I'm somewhat biased toward Edge, though. Had Punk cashed it in against HHH last night, I wouldn't have minded one bit, since he's a pretty boring champ anyway.

JaytheGamefan

07-01-2008, 12:50 AM

The cover for Angle's DVD -
http://www.navarre.com/Admaterials/Artwork/853877/853877001683-072-sRGB.jpg
I was wondering when TNA would get around to doing an Angle DVD - I love the title, although I'm not big on the cover. Hopefully they do a better job with this than they did with the Sting DVD, which didn't even do a good job of summing up his TNA run, let alone his entire career.

They've got plenty of great matches to work with, so there's no reason it shouldn't be "great" at a bare minimum. Part of me hopes they just make it a matches-only release, while another part of me wants them to put a documentary on it so Angle can rant and rave about how mis-used he was by WWE and how he "quit". A chapter devoted to Puder would be incredibly amusing as well.

cdubb1605

07-01-2008, 12:52 AM

If they wanted to do that, they shouldn't have had Cena & Co. come out. I think it's way too soon for him to be carrying that kind of gold, but I guess time will tell. Don't forget, we're talking about a guy who just a few weeks ago was jobbing (cleanly, I might add) to The Miz. I'll be surprised if he's still champion after the Great American Bash.

I must admit that I'm somewhat biased toward Edge, though. Had Punk cashed it in against HHH last night, I wouldn't have minded one bit, since he's a pretty boring champ anyway.

point made about punk.... and even more about hhh

Scorch

07-01-2008, 01:07 AM

Watching Raw now...

Edge's opening promo was great.. CM PUNK~~!!! CM PUNK~~!!!! CM PUNK!!!!!!11!!!!!!

New IC Champ.. new World champ.. I like this new Raw a lot so far!!

lmz00

07-01-2008, 01:09 AM

Tybalt Flux

07-01-2008, 01:14 AM

Loved Raw tonight. Reminds me of back of the good 'ole days of Raw when you could actually be surprised. Caldwell over at PWTorch.com was pointing out how all the fresh faces were winning via TNA Even-Stevens finishes, which in this case, though, I have to say works great. You can't have JBL or Y2J jobbing to Kofi or Punk, not because they won't warrant in the future, but just because they don't warrant it now (at least in the eyes of your typical, non-smark fans).

Smackdown should be interesting with HHH on top- looks like they're turning into the new Raw.

Brak

07-01-2008, 01:20 AM

If being able to put up with Cena's lame ass gimmick slightly more than Punk's even lamer gimmick makes me a mark, then sure. ;)
I'll take hobo poop smeared all over my face over Cena.

lmz00

07-01-2008, 01:27 AM

I'll take hobo poop smeared all over my face over Cena.
I'd take hobo poop smeared all over your face over Cena, as well. Unfortunately, however, that isn't an option.

Scorch

07-01-2008, 01:38 AM

Iron Clad Burrito

07-01-2008, 01:43 AM

Hey, Jeff Hardy?

That could've been you.

Fuckup.

CouRageouS

07-01-2008, 01:45 AM

Please please please use this opportunity for HHH vs Edge for a so called "undisputed belt" since Edge was "robbed". PERFECT opportunity to get rid of that damn spinner.

Scorch

07-01-2008, 01:45 AM

I know I don't watch SmackDown! and have probably missed a lot, but seriously, what the fuck?

http://www.wwe.com/superstars/smackdown/alkaseltzerspeedy/

Nephlabobo

07-01-2008, 01:54 AM

Alka Seltzer Speedy is what you take after eating JR's BBQ sauce.

cdubb1605

07-01-2008, 01:56 AM

I know I don't watch SmackDown! and have probably missed a lot, but seriously, what the fuck?

http://www.wwe.com/superstars/smackdown/alkaseltzerspeedy/

they do those every few months as product placement i guess. when drillbit taylor came out they had a profile for the three nerdy kids in that on the raw page.

Halo05

07-01-2008, 01:59 AM

Hey, Jeff Hardy?

That could've been you.

Fuckup.

Ooh sick burn.

Very true though.

Demolition Man

07-01-2008, 02:04 AM

Great Raw, even in fast forward (god bless DVR). I wish the IC title still meant something and we'd see a Kofi vs Punk feud.. or even Rey vs. Punk. Something fresh. I was against the change on Raw, but so far, it seems great.

Personally I'd love to see an Kofi vs Rey fued for the IC Title. Given that they both can work an fast pace style it would certainly be exciting.... and yes fresh.

Oh... I was semi right on Punk. Just replace Triple H with Edge. ;)

-Never4ever-

07-01-2008, 02:08 AM

Fuck, I missed it all cause I stopped DVRing Raw.

Guess I'm back to watching Raw & ECW, SD! can lick the darkside of my taint.

PhrostByte

07-01-2008, 02:13 AM

What a strange time to be a wrestling fan.

WWE champion - Triple H
WCW champion - CM Punk
ECW champion - Mark Henry
TNA champion - Samoa Joe

.. but hey, I ain't complaining. :bouncy:

Demolition Man

07-01-2008, 02:15 AM

Even stranger when you consider that two of those champs are former ROH World Champs.

VanillaGorilla

07-01-2008, 02:15 AM

My new roommate moving in with me is a big WWE guy, maybe I'll get back into it when he wants to watch Raw every Monday.

-Never4ever-

07-01-2008, 02:22 AM

And on an unrelated note, the way they started the show gave me flashbacks of when Cole/Lawler used to be the RAW announce team, and JR returned (as a heel), had someone take out Michael Cole, and had his own announcer's table built right in front of Cole/Lawler's.

That would be Dr. Death Steve Williams, and I was just tallking about that on the last topic.

I think what made Edge losing the title like that work so well comes from all the times he either won the title like that or made others lose it via screwjobs (think RVD vs. Cena from 2006 ONS). He finally got what he deserved which is a powerful, I dunno, plot device I suppose.

Indeed. I'm a huge Edge fan, and it's sad to see his career pretty much over now that SD! has Aids in the form of the current WWE Champ.

I'll take hobo poop smeared all over my face over Cena.

Ditto. Cena is so trash now. With any luck they'll move him over to SD! too.

Hey, Jeff Hardy?

That could've been you.

Fuckup.

:lol: So true. Way to go Jeff.

Demolition Man

07-01-2008, 02:23 AM

My new roommate moving in with me is a big WWE guy, maybe I'll get back into it when he wants to watch Raw every Monday.

You gonna watch RAW while.....

http://images.radcity.net/5163/2730259.jpg

.... eating one of those? ;)

-Never4ever-

07-01-2008, 02:24 AM

What a strange time to be a wrestling fan.

WWE champion - Triple H
WCW champion - CM Punk
ECW champion - Mark Henry
TNA champion - Samoa Joe

.. but hey, I ain't complaining. :bouncy:

In 2005 I would've laughed it off. Well cept HHH as champ, that's pretty much expected from now till 2012.

VanillaGorilla

07-01-2008, 02:25 AM

You gonna watch RAW while.....

http://images.radcity.net/5163/2730259.jpg

.... eating one of those? ;)I would, if the place wasn't in Oakdale, a nearly 50 mile round trip drive from Eagan.

Demolition Man

07-01-2008, 02:31 AM

In 2005 I would've laughed it off. Well cept HHH as champ, that's pretty much expected from now till 2012.

That's being optimistic to say only until 2012. I'm guessing that he'll go on until.... 2056.

I would, if the place wasn't in Oakdale, a nearly 50 mile round trip drive from Eagan.

Well take heart.... at least an Arby's should be nearby with some fresh roast beef & cheddar. :drool:

-Never4ever-

07-01-2008, 02:36 AM

That's being optimistic to say only until 2012. I'm guessing that he'll go on until.... 2056.

Well I'm hoping he'll finally go down with a career ending injury by then. Right around his 20th World Championship reign.

Chase

07-01-2008, 02:49 AM

Please please please use this opportunity for HHH vs Edge for a so called "undisputed belt" since Edge was "robbed". PERFECT opportunity to get rid of that damn spinner.

It's a shame the Spinner wasn't accidentally placed under the falling structure during the end of the "Vince McMahon gives away his hooker money" giveaway. If I worked for WWE and cared about the company, I'd place it there hidden under one of JBL's man-boobies. During questioning, I'd blame a black guy, and ask Michael Hayes to verify. It would be fool-proof. ;)

Chase

07-01-2008, 02:50 AM

Well I'm hoping he'll finally go down with a career ending injury by then. Right around his 200th World Championship reign.

Fixed. :-#

neocisco

07-01-2008, 03:06 AM

"I like cookies!"

:-s

BTW, where you been?

JaytheGamefan

07-01-2008, 05:36 AM

Raw screens -
http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/1240/punkholdingworldbelthigxd6.th.jpg (http://img234.imageshack.us/my.php?image=punkholdingworldbelthigxd6.jpg)

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/3411/punkholdingworldbelthigde3.th.jpg (http://img90.imageshack.us/my.php?image=punkholdingworldbelthigde3.jpg)

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/289/punkholdingworldbelthigum1.th.jpg (http://img90.imageshack.us/my.php?image=punkholdingworldbelthigum1.jpg)

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/7421/punkholdingworldbelthigcu8.th.jpg (http://img118.imageshack.us/my.php?image=punkholdingworldbelthigcu8.jpg)

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/1102/punkholdingworldbelthigbk4.th.jpg (http://img172.imageshack.us/my.php?image=punkholdingworldbelthigbk4.jpg)

http://img395.imageshack.us/img395/2677/punkholdingworldbelthighh6.th.jpg (http://img395.imageshack.us/my.php?image=punkholdingworldbelthighh6.jpg)

http://img368.imageshack.us/img368/5244/punkholdingworldbelthighm9.th.jpg (http://img368.imageshack.us/my.php?image=punkholdingworldbelthighm9.jpg)

http://img397.imageshack.us/img397/871/punkholdsworldbeltdx8.th.jpg (http://img397.imageshack.us/my.php?image=punkholdsworldbeltdx8.jpg)

http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/2592/santinoshortspicclosetp7.th.jpg (http://img353.imageshack.us/my.php?image=santinoshortspicclosetp7.jpg)

Punk wearing the belt -

http://img368.imageshack.us/img368/797/punkwearingworldtitlebg3.th.jpg (http://img368.imageshack.us/my.php?image=punkwearingworldtitlebg3.jpg)

http://img79.imageshack.us/img79/3204/punkwearingworldtitle2ve6.th.jpg (http://img79.imageshack.us/my.php?image=punkwearingworldtitle2ve6.jpg)

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/8850/punkwearingworldtitle3aq2.th.jpg (http://img20.imageshack.us/my.php?image=punkwearingworldtitle3aq2.jpg)

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/9844/punkwearingworldtitle4op2.th.jpg (http://img172.imageshack.us/my.php?image=punkwearingworldtitle4op2.jpg)

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/5029/punkwearingworldtitle5pi5.th.jpg (http://img360.imageshack.us/my.php?image=punkwearingworldtitle5pi5.jpg)

Kofi screens -
http://img368.imageshack.us/img368/3554/kofiicbeltht5.th.jpg (http://img368.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kofiicbeltht5.jpg)

http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/5987/kofiicbeltpyro3hr9.th.jpg (http://img353.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kofiicbeltpyro3hr9.jpg)

http://img381.imageshack.us/img381/3711/kofiicbeltpyro4oz6.th.jpg (http://img381.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kofiicbeltpyro4oz6.jpg)

hankmecrankme

07-01-2008, 05:40 AM

Well I'm hoping he'll finally go down with a career ending injury by then. Right around his 20th World Championship reign.

Maybe he'll blow out both quads simultaneously? ;)

JaytheGamefan

07-01-2008, 06:58 AM

AWA show thoughts (aside from it moving to one hour earlier) -
Bockwinkel was the fucking man on this show - he explained the damage behind a hammerlock, rolled his eyes at Paul E. and his outlandish outfit, AND had a fucking awesome match with Larry Zbysko. The mere fact that the match began with something other than five minutes of stalling was noteworthy, but when Bockwinkel just tore him the fuck up from pillar to post, choked him with his boot, the rope, raked his face with his boot, and then beat him with a roll of dimes AND admitted it to the ref Scott LeDoux that LeDoux allowed because as noted many times before, the ref can't call what he can't see. Plus, he hates Larry. This was 20+ minutes of pure awesome.

It was interesting to see DJ Peterson look like a more buff version of Paul Diamond, but he stood out much better when he teamed with Wahoo and looked like Scott Hall.

Quotes - Nelson - We’ve got a great lineup for you tonight, and we’re starting with Greg Gagne! You will also see the Midnight Express, and a main event of Nick Bockwinkel facing Larry Zbysko.
Bockwinkel - Everyone wants to reach the pinnacle of whatever they choose to be, and in wrestling, the oldest sport in the world, having the title is something I want back. Greg Gagne, even though our enemies have brought us together, we are not exactly friends. In the ring, I look forward to him as a very worthy partner to have.
Bockwinkel - The hammerlock works on the shoulder first, the elbow second, but many don’t even notice the slight twist put on the wrist as well. Greg doesn’t have the size of most, but he makes up for it with passion and skill.
Bockwinkel - I’m asked who’s better - Greg or Verne Gagne? While Greg lacks about 15 pounds compared to his father, I’d say he’s actually the better wrestler.
Paul E. - I’LL SHOW YOU HOW IT’S DONE! PAUL E. DANGEROUSLY PROUDLY PRESENTS THE GREATEST TAG TEAM IN THE HISTORY OF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING! FROM THE DARK SIDE, LOVERBOY DENNIS AND RAVISHING RANDY, THE MIDNIGHT EXPRESS!
Paul E. - THE TRUE MIDNIGHT EXPRESS IS HERE IN THE AWAY! WE’RE GONNA TAKE THE BELTS!
Bockwinkel - Did you get the message, Mr. Trongard?
Trongard - Yes, I believe he has a message he’d like to deliver. He’s a man of a few thousand quickly-spoken words.
Paul E. - IF YOU AND RAY STEVENS WRESTLED LIKE THEM, MAYBE YOU’D STILL BE WORLD TAG CHAMPIONS! (Rose pats foe on back, then tosses him into ring)
Bockwinkel - Well, he’s a generous man - he’s got something to say and two feet.
Trongard - I still can’t understand the kerchief around the neck - SOMEONE’S GONNA GRAB THAT!
Bockwinkel - I’d find it to be a hindrance, as I said earlier, like I’d be giving them a handle that they don’t need.
Trongard - Rose with the forearm on the throat, it looks like he caught his foot on the rope.
Bockwinkel - Yes, but he caught enough with the final move, plus, they’d had Milliman pretty much beaten before it.
Hennig - Zbysko’s not the reason I’m champion. He gave me advice, and I took it and knocked Bockwinkel out cold.
Nelson - Others think he gave you a roll of dimes to hit him with!
Hennig - I DON’T NEED ANYTHING FROM ANYONE! I WORKED MY WAY UP THE LADDER STEP BY STEP, and I’m not gonna listen to you or any of the crazy fans who say I needed Zbysko’s help! I’ve done nothing to nobody that’s been wrong. I’ve always done it by the rules. I AM THE GREATEST WRESTLER IN THE WORLD AND I DON’T WANT ANYONE TO FORGET IT!
Announcer - Coming to the ring, one of the most exciting tag teams in wrestling today - JT SOUTHERN AND DJ PETERSON!
Trongard - JT Southern, from Asbury Park. For those who don’t know, Asbury Park is also the home of Bruce Springsteen and the Bon Jovi. JT, a lookalike for David Lee Roth, formerly of Van Halen, and doing quite well on his own THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
Verne - Well, I’m not a fan of rock music, but the young ladies sure love him.
Trongard - The young men don’t like him - for them, the JT could stand for “just terrible”, while the women say he’s “just terrific”!
Verne - One advantage to those long tights is that the gripping power of the legs is stronger with them than without them.
Al DeRusha - COMING TO THE RING, FROM BEVERLY HILLS CALIFORNIA…WAIT A MINUTE, NICK BOCKWINKEL’S ATTACKING!
Greg Gagne - If you’re just tuning in, the first referee was knocked out, so the Nevada state athletic commission assigned Scott LeDoux to the match, who has no love lost for Zbysko.
Trongard - I’d completely missed that!
Crowd - LARRY SUCKS!
Zbysko - NO, YOU SUCK!
Greg Gagne - Zbysko’s showing a lot of guts - I don’t like the man, but I’ve gotta give him credit.
Trongard - Even his mother doesn’t like him, but he is a hell of a wrestler!
Gagne - I don’t know if fans could hear that collision on TV, but here, it was absolutely deafening! It was like two football players colliding, only these men have no pads!
Gagne - HE’S GOT A ROLL OF DIMES!
Trongard - And he gives a little deposit on his claims of being number 1 contender!
Gagne - He’s telling Scott that he used the dimes.
LeDoux - Bockwinkel said that he had a roll of dimes when he hit him in the head, HOWEVER, I DID NOT SEE HIM HIT HIM WITH THAT IN HIS HAND - Nick Bockwinkel is still the winner!
Trongard - You can’t call what you didn’t see!
Gagne - The referee didn’t see Hennig hit Bockwinkel with the dimes, and neither did Scott LeDoux!
Trongard - Zbysko is just now, minutes later, coming to!
Nelson - Mr. Zbysko, you appear…Mr. Zbysko, you appear to have been hit…
Zbysko - YOU AND EVERYBODY ELSE GO STRAIGHT TO HELL!
Trongard - Short interview. Normally he has thousands of words, very few this time, but well-chosen.
Nelson - Mr. Zbysko…
Zbysko - NOT ONLY IS BOCKWINKEL IS A LYING CHEAT, BUT NOW EVERYONE KNOWS THAT EVERYTHING I SAID ABOUT LEDOUX IS TRUE! HE CAN’T CALL WHAT HE CAN’T SEE! LOOK THERE WOULD YA!
Nelson - He can’t call what he can’t see.
Zbysko- HE’S STUPID BUT HE’S NOT BLIND! LOOK AT ALL THE DAMN DIMES! MY ATTORNEY IS TALKING TO STANLEY BLACKBURN! IT’S ON!
Nelson - I have never seen a wrestler admit to using a foreign object to win the match and still win it, but LeDoux says that he couldn’t call it because he didn’t see it. We also saw some great wrestling action from the Midnight Express - the ORIGINAL MIDNIGHT EXPRESS! Donna’s from Texas and I think she had something to do with this Texas letter winning fan of the week. A Ninja Star Wars game goes out to everyone who is chosen as our fan of the week.

Screens -
http://img395.imageshack.us/img395/4551/awapauleyellsatbockwinkch0.th.jpg (http://img395.imageshack.us/my.php?image=awapauleyellsatbockwinkch0.jpg)

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/8254/awapauleyellsatbockwinkhp5.th.jpg (http://img360.imageshack.us/my.php?image=awapauleyellsatbockwinkhp5.jpg)

http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/321/awapauleyellsatbockwinkjf6.th.jpg (http://img376.imageshack.us/my.php?image=awapauleyellsatbockwinkjf6.jpg)

http://img368.imageshack.us/img368/6941/awabockwinkelbeatsuplarpy7.th.jpg (http://img368.imageshack.us/my.php?image=awabockwinkelbeatsuplarpy7.jpg)

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/1052/awabockwinkelbeatsuplarzy2.th.jpg (http://img384.imageshack.us/my.php?image=awabockwinkelbeatsuplarzy2.jpg)

http://img392.imageshack.us/img392/9317/awabockwinkelbeatsuplarnd2.th.jpg (http://img392.imageshack.us/my.php?image=awabockwinkelbeatsuplarnd2.jpg)

http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/6236/awabirthdaywisheselizablj4.th.jpg (http://img353.imageshack.us/my.php?image=awabirthdaywisheselizablj4.jpg)

DA CLAW!
http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/933/awalarrynelsonclawmr6.th.jpg (http://img353.imageshack.us/my.php?image=awalarrynelsonclawmr6.jpg)

jimbodan

07-01-2008, 07:32 AM

I'm surprised everyone loved the show so much tonight. This had to be one of the lightest wrestling RAW's ever. In the first hour and a half I believe there were a grand total of 3 matches, 2 of which lasted less then 1 minute, and the third was a so-so Diva's match.

I'm also surprised everyone is marking out for CM Punk. While it is definitely nice to interject some fresh faces into the title picture, I just plain don't like CM Punk. His gimmick is boring and his matches are pretty much all the same, he gets his ass kicked for about 90% of the match and then miraculously at the end he does a bunch of lame kicks and then either he wins with a GTS or continues to get his ass kicked and lose. I just don't get the infatuation with CM Punk. His mic skills also don't do it for me.

I did really like the JBL stuff though, I'm looking forward to seeing that continue and the Santino stuff was pure comic gold as usual. I gotta agree with everyone else about the Cody/Ted entrance music. That's gotta be the worst entrance theme of anyone currently in the WWE, it just completely kills any heat they have when it comes on.

Bezerker

07-01-2008, 07:58 AM

Great American Bash Main Event: CM Punk vs. Lance Cade.

Now thats a main event for the ages...

Sporadic

07-01-2008, 07:59 AM

ZForce

07-01-2008, 10:24 AM

I think the thing I liked best about Punk's title win wasn't so much that it was Punk that won it (I like Punk, but I'm not ga-ga over him like a lot of internet fans) but the fact that it seems WWE is finally trying something new as far as world champs/main eventers are concerned. It would have been easy after shaking up the rosters for WWE to go the "safe" route and have Cena or Batista win a World Title to bring it back to RAW and carry it for a while. Likewise, it would have been easy for them to have Punk win and then hotshot the belt over to JBL, who again would be a "safe" heel champion that the faces could have chased. But for now, they're going to let Punk carry the strap, I don't know for how long, but at least it's something new, and I'm for once excited to see where they go with this.

mykevermin

07-01-2008, 10:59 AM

:-s

BTW, where you been?

Didn't Santino say that when cutting down "Ray Mastrio" last night?

I've been around; just very busy. More lurking, I suppose.

slidecage

07-01-2008, 11:10 AM

i dont see why people are saying BEST RAW in years

So your sayin your willing to pay 80 bucks to see this (if you was one of the unlucky people in the crowd to watch this last night)

Hey vince people are saying BEST RAW IN YEARS... Save yourself some money and just book 3 Matches for PPV and i guess people will say BEST PPV IN YEARS

you knew Punk was going to win the title before the show even started (or someone was going to take edge out) RAW Had no titles and they wasnt going to make up a new title

they really need to cancell ECW and Smackdown and just make one Major show

there isnt enough talent to hold up 3 shows

i asked and noone answered so i ask once again ... Name at least 4 big names that could even bring in major ratings for the main title on each show

at this time
RAW----- CENA----that animal dude--- and thats it (maybe Hbk and randy when they come back)
ECW-------
Smackdown----Edge----HHH---???????/

This is why we see the same Main events at least 6 times per year at the PPVS.

or they should allow more crossover matches where anyone can win the titles

GTzerO

07-01-2008, 11:16 AM

CM Punk flat out sucks in WWE, IMO. The reason that I think a lot of people like him is because of his ROH stuff, which I liked, but he hasn't done shit in WWE. I'd really like to see him shine as a heel, that's where his best stuff was.

And I think it's a lot easier to just give a guy a strap rather than actually develop his character. Whether you hate or love Cena, you have to admit that he was actually something in WWE before he got the WWE title. And he actually won it, nobody won it for him .

Demolition Man

07-01-2008, 11:31 AM

Didn't Santino say that when cutting down "Ray Mastrio" last night?

I've been around; just very busy. More lurking, I suppose.

We certainly need less Slidecage more Professor Murder.

KaneRobot

07-01-2008, 11:31 AM

Fixed. I've always had that problem with putting "A" when its supposed to be "an" and vice versa.

And also apparently a problem spelling "feud" as "fued."

Demolition Man

07-01-2008, 11:33 AM

And also apparently a problem spelling "feud" as "fued."

Jesus Christ I'm starting to slidecage my shit round here.

Sporadic

07-01-2008, 11:40 AM

CM Punk flat out sucks in WWE, IMO. The reason that I think a lot of people like him is because of his ROH stuff, which I liked, but he hasn't done shit in WWE. I'd really like to see him shine as a heel, that's where his best stuff was.

He's had a ton of great matches on ECW, was the only ECW guy apart of MITB 3, won the ECW championship, won MITB 4 and made it to the finals of King Of The Ring after beating Matt Hardy/Jericho. While that isn't necessarily the old school "won the tag/IC championship 5+ times, won Rumble leading to a win at Wrestlemania" path or the best build ever, it definitely isn't nothing.

Punk is never going to be heel or at least heel in the way he was a heel in RoH. I imagine that one of the reasons he got the strap is because he is the WWE PR's wet dream. In a time where they are getting a ton of grieve on steroids/drugs, here's a guy that doesn't do any of that. He doesn't drink, he doesn't do drugs and he doesn't juice. Could you imagine the field day the media would have if the WWE turned him into a bad guy that "is better than you" for not doing drugs/drinking/etc?

And I think it's a lot easier to just give a guy a strap rather than actually develop his character. Whether you hate or love Cena, you have to admit that he was actually something in WWE before he got the WWE title. And he actually won it, nobody won it for him .

Remember Mankind's title win? I guess he didn't actually win it but Stone Cold won it for him. How about Kurt Angle's first title win? Guess that wasn't his doing but Rikishi's. Rock's first win? Vince and Shane McMahon screwjob.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHJu10u0TuE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zv76ThUrtCs
http://www.dailymotion.com/halfcrazie20/video/x530kr_the-rock-vs-mankind-part-34

Purple Flames

07-01-2008, 11:44 AM

I'm surprised everyone loved the show so much tonight. This had to be one of the lightest wrestling RAW's ever. In the first hour and a half I believe there were a grand total of 3 matches, 2 of which lasted less then 1 minute, and the third was a so-so Diva's match.

I'm also surprised everyone is marking out for CM Punk. While it is definitely nice to interject some fresh faces into the title picture, I just plain don't like CM Punk. His gimmick is boring and his matches are pretty much all the same, he gets his ass kicked for about 90% of the match and then miraculously at the end he does a bunch of lame kicks and then either he wins with a GTS or continues to get his ass kicked and lose. I just don't get the infatuation with CM Punk. His mic skills also don't do it for me.

Punk's mic skills really only shine when he's a heel when he does his "I'm sXe, I'm better than you" shtick. It's the only way he can really tap into his gimmick and make it an important part of his persona. As a babyface, it all goes to waste.

As far as his moveset goes, well that's not really his fault. We all know how WWE loves to criple people's movesets, and Punk's just a statistic. Punk's still an entertaining wrestler IMO, but he's a shadow of his former self.

cdubb1605

07-01-2008, 01:33 PM

We certainly need less Slidecage more Professor Murder.

if for no other reason that the fact that the good professor can spell correctly.

lmz00

07-01-2008, 01:35 PM

I'm also surprised everyone is marking out for CM Punk. While it is definitely nice to interject some fresh faces into the title picture, I just plain don't like CM Punk. His gimmick is boring and his matches are pretty much all the same, he gets his ass kicked for about 90% of the match and then miraculously at the end he does a bunch of lame kicks and then either he wins with a GTS or continues to get his ass kicked and lose. I just don't get the infatuation with CM Punk. His mic skills also don't do it for me.
I couldn't have said it better myself.

PhrostByte

07-01-2008, 01:48 PM

Sporadic

07-01-2008, 02:07 PM

Mr. Perfect DVD details.

Curt Hennig, better known as Mr. Perfect, competed for the American Wrestling Association, World Wrestling Entertainment and World Championship Wrestling. Born the son of legendary Larry “The Axe” Hennig, it was perhaps inevitable that Curt would want to follow in his father’s footsteps. But Mr. Perfect lived up to his moniker becoming one of the best in-ring technicians of his generation. A former AWA World Heavyweight Champion, he was also the longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion of the 1990s. Loved by fans and friends alike, Mr. Perfect entertained in and out of the ring, earning him the honour of induction into the WWE Hall of Fame. This two-disc set relives his life and career, from his early start as a second-generation star through AWA, WWE, and WCW. Some of his greatest matches and vignettes are included. Who was this man? Here’s a hint… he was absolutely “perfect”.

Disc 1

Perfection
Twin City Origins
Building a Path
AWA
Mr. Perfect
Living up to His Name
Intercontinental Champion
The Prankster
Commentator
WCW
Return to the WWE
A Sudden Tragedy
Hall of Fame
The Perfect Legacy Lives On

Curt Hennig vs. Eddie Gilbert
Madison Square Garden (21/11/82)

Curt Hennig & Scott Hall vs. Steve Regal & Jimmy Garvin
AWA Championship Wrestling (26/11/85)

Mr. Perfect Hall of Fame Induction
WWE Hall of Fame (31/03/07)

“Rap is Crap” Music Video

Vignettes

Billiards October 1, 1988

Golf – Perfect Putt October 1, 1988

Darts October 8, 1988

Bowling October 8, 1988

Chess October 15, 1988

Basketball October 15, 1988

Ping Pong October 28, 1989

Diving November 4, 1989

Golf – Perfect Drive November 4, 1989

Horseshoes November 24, 1989

Baseball with Wade Boggs December 26, 1992

Football – Perfect Passer with Steve Jordan February 13, 1993

Basketball with Felton Spencer February 27, 1993

Hockey with Mike Modano March 13, 1993

Stories

Curt Loved Karaoke

Lifestyles of Mr. Perfect

Disc 2

60-Minute Time Limit AWA World Heavyweight Championship Match
Curt Hennig vs. Nick Bockwinkel
AWA Championship Wrestling (15/11/86)

Curt Hennig vs. Terry Taylor
Commentary By: Michael Cole & Mick Foley
WrestleFest (31/07/88)

Mr. Perfect vs. Bret Hart
Madison Square Garden (24/04/89)

WWE Championship Match
Mr. Perfect vs. Hulk Hogan
Madison Square Garden (15/01/90)

WWE Intercontinental Championship Match with Special Referee Roddy Piper
Mr. Perfect vs. The Texas Tornado
Madison Square Garden (24/11/90)

WWE Intercontinental Championship Match
Bret Hart vs. Mr. Perfect
SummerSlam (26/08/91)

WWE Intercontinental Championship Match
Mr. Perfect vs. Shawn Michaels
SummerSlam (30/08/93)

Curt Hennig vs. Bret Hart
Uncensored (15/03/98)

Genocidal

07-01-2008, 02:22 PM

While we're picking nits with the OP: "a woman" not "an woman."

I'm digging the new landscape of Raw at the moment and could see the gang warfare thing that WWE tried to do in the mid-90s with Los Boricuas and The Nation working out this time if they wanted to make a large storyline out of it: Have Cena, Cryme Tyme, and a couple others (Kofi, Punk?) take on JBL, his security and Rhodes/Dibiase... although I would like to see Jericho with Cade and the tag champs as a third 'faction' in here. Set up a Survivor Series elimination match for that PPV, winner gets to appoint the Raw GM. A good way to get JBL back out of the ring if he's planning on retiring due to injuries while having a major story to push some of these fresh faces on the show.

Lost_In_Shadows

07-01-2008, 02:51 PM

I was extremely happy to see punk run down, and win the title. I really got sick of edge being the champ, and besides that I think it is good to see someone new with the title. Although I would rather see jeff hardy,matt hardy or kennedy as champ. It made raw for me the way they did it, and the look on batista's face. I though it was great, and I'm happy for c.m punk even though what someone said is ture. He gets a few moves in the end, and wins.

neocisco

07-01-2008, 02:54 PM

Didn't Santino say that when cutting down "Ray Mastrio" last night?

I've been around; just very busy. More lurking, I suppose.

OK, I wasn't watching and that threw me.

Busy? You act like you're getting ready to move or something.

if for no other reason that the fact that the good professor can spell correctly.

...and knows how to use the shift key, knows how to form coherent sentences (I could go on)...

cdubb1605

07-01-2008, 03:03 PM

OK, I wasn't watching and that threw me.

Busy? You act like you're getting ready to move or something.

...and knows how to use the shift key, knows how to form coherent sentences (I could go on)...

well, i don't normally find myself capitalizing everything so i can't pick on him for that. i spell correctly and mostly form sentences that make sense unlike some of the less wanted "slidecage" posters in this thread.

JJSP

07-01-2008, 04:17 PM

I love CM Punk as champion for nothing more than he's a transition away from the meathead champions and back to the 230 lb. champions. Seeing the WWE give him the ball on a show that also includes Cena and Batista (two proven champions) gives a lot of fans hope that they're going to try something new. He's a fresh face, he's incredibly over, and he's got potential for some great feuds. As a wrestling fan, I've got a lot more interest in the chance of a solid Punk vs. Orton/Jericho match instead of the same damn Cena/Orton or Batista/Orton match we've seen a dozen times.

mykevermin

07-01-2008, 04:24 PM

^ well said. Whether or not you like him, it's different.

Even if his matches are formulaic WWE style beatdown-the-good-guy-until-he-comes-back-in-the-end.

But they've been doing that since Hulkamania 20+ years ago. It's not suddenly old now.

GTzerO

07-01-2008, 05:10 PM

Remember Mankind's title win? I guess he didn't actually win it but Stone Cold won it for him. How about Kurt Angle's first title win? Guess that wasn't his doing but Rikishi's. Rock's first win? Vince and Shane McMahon screwjob.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHJu10u0TuE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zv76ThUrtCs
http://www.dailymotion.com/halfcrazie20/video/x530kr_the-rock-vs-mankind-part-34

Now we all know that those matches and situations are very different from what CM Punk did ( including how Angle was a heel and the Rock was a tweener, and Mankind had previously been screwed out of the belt by the Rock which was part on an ongoing storyline), but guess I get where you're coming from.

jimbodan

07-01-2008, 06:33 PM

Punk's mic skills really only shine when he's a heel when he does his "I'm sXe, I'm better than you" shtick. It's the only way he can really tap into his gimmick and make it an important part of his persona. As a babyface, it all goes to waste.

As far as his moveset goes, well that's not really his fault. We all know how WWE loves to criple people's movesets, and Punk's just a statistic. Punk's still an entertaining wrestler IMO, but he's a shadow of his former self.

Yeah I think that's really what it comes down to. I never saw him in ROH, but based on what people here are saying it seemed like he was much better as a heel over there. As much as I don't like him, I would still take CM Punk as RAW champion over HHH as RAW champion 100 times out of 100.

PhrostByte

07-01-2008, 07:49 PM

Yeah I think that's really what it comes down to. I never saw him in ROH, but based on what people here are saying it seemed like he was much better as a heel over there. As much as I don't like him, I would still take CM Punk as RAW champion over HHH as RAW champion 100 times out of 100.

I think one thing you've neglected to mention is that THE CHEAT, IS GROUNDED.

JaytheGamefan

07-01-2008, 07:50 PM

Natch listing for the Mr. Perfect DVD set due out in September. -
Disc 1

Perfection
Twin City Origins
Building a Path
AWA
Mr. Perfect
Living up to His Name
Intercontinental Champion
The Prankster
Commentator
WCW
Return to the WWE
A Sudden Tragedy
Hall of Fame
The Perfect Legacy Lives On

Curt Hennig vs. Eddie Gilbert
Madison Square Garden (21/11/82)

Curt Hennig & Scott Hall vs. Steve Regal & Jimmy Garvin
AWA Championship Wrestling (26/11/85)

Mr. Perfect Hall of Fame Induction
WWE Hall of Fame (31/03/07)

“Rap is Crap” Music Video

Vignettes

Billiards October 1, 1988

Golf – Perfect Putt October 1, 1988

Darts October 8, 1988

Bowling October 8, 1988

Chess October 15, 1988

Basketball October 15, 1988

Ping Pong October 28, 1989

Diving November 4, 1989

Golf – Perfect Drive November 4, 1989

Horseshoes November 24, 1989

Baseball with Wade Boggs December 26, 1992

Football – Perfect Passer with Steve Jordan February 13, 1993

Basketball with Felton Spencer February 27, 1993

Hockey with Mike Modano March 13, 1993

Stories

Curt Loved Karaoke

Lifestyles of Mr. Perfect

Disc 2

60-Minute Time Limit AWA World Heavyweight Championship Match
Curt Hennig vs. Nick Bockwinkel
AWA Championship Wrestling (15/11/86)

Curt Hennig vs. Terry Taylor
Commentary By: Michael Cole & Mick Foley
WrestleFest (31/07/88)

Mr. Perfect vs. Bret Hart
Madison Square Garden (24/04/89)

WWE Championship Match
Mr. Perfect vs. Hulk Hogan
Madison Square Garden (15/01/90)

WWE Intercontinental Championship Match with Special Referee Roddy Piper
Mr. Perfect vs. The Texas Tornado
Madison Square Garden (24/11/90)

WWE Intercontinental Championship Match
Bret Hart vs. Mr. Perfect
SummerSlam (26/08/91)

WWE Intercontinental Championship Match
Mr. Perfect vs. Shawn Michaels
SummerSlam (30/08/93)

Curt Hennig vs. Bret Hart
Uncensored (15/03/98)

Very good match lineup - I'm ecstatic to see the show-long Bockwinkel-Hennig included, and to see a Hennig and Hall tag title defense. For anyone curious about the "Steve Regal" in it, it is NOT the man known as Steven/William Regal now. I'm happy to see the Summerslam '91 classic with Bret included on yet another set, and they're breaking out some fairly obscure stuff that hasn't hit DVD before, like the Terry Taylor match (which I haven't seen before, and is something that should be quite good given how great both men were in the '80s), and Hennig-Gilbert, which I've never heard of before, and should also be good. I'm happily surprised to see some Eddie Gilbert on a WWE DVD. The Hogan-Hennig MSG match, which I've seen before on a Coliseum Video tape, and enjoy quite a bit (there's a fantastic spot where Hogan constantly crotches Hennig, leaving him to sell with wacky facial expressions, hair grabbing (since that's how Hogan's lifting him), and then he does some wacky selling - fine stuff from Hennig) is something I'll love watching on this.

I expected the Mr. Perfect vignettes to make it, but I didn't think "Rap is Crap" would, so that, like some of the matches, is a pleasant surprise. It seems like a slightly match-lean set, but keep in mind that one match does go about 40 minutes (Hennig-Bockwinkel), and is a classic (the aftermath of this match can presently be seen on the AWA shows on ESPN Classic, so its inclusion on this set is somewhat fitting now).

Chase

07-02-2008, 04:36 AM

It's a shame Curt Hennig was plagued with injuries. He was such a great pro-wrestler and is in my rotating top five. It will be hard for Joe Hennig to break out of his father's shadow - as Curt Hennig was as close to perfect as possible.

And I have never seen the Hennig/Gilbert match. This DVD set is a must-buy.

diddy310

07-02-2008, 04:46 AM

That's one of the few biography DVDs i may be interested in picking up, always loved those Mr. Perfect promo videos, as well as his matches against Hart and Michaels.

As for the quality of Raw last night, as much as i feel for the fans who had to sit through such a match light show, it was a great way to set up the new status quo on Raw. They introduced all the new faces without giving away too much about them. The only weakness i see is JBL as the top heel until either Batista turns or Orton comes back. Jericho's firmly entrenching himself as a very different heel from what were used to seeing from him (new music would be nice, or even a slowed down mix) and its been consistantly entertaining so far, hopefully he'll move up to the main event once his program with HBK is over, as a feud with Jericho can only help CM Punk's reign. Much moreso than matches with JBL could, since they'll basically be face-in-peril style matches the whole time, whereas ones with Jericho would be more competetive and evenly paced.

Also, Rhodes and Dibiase have the worst theme since Billy Gunn's solo career ("The One" era)

I

CouRageouS

07-02-2008, 06:09 AM

The One Billy Gunn did have a solid finisher though. "The One and Only" full nelson lift and slam where he would drive them down. I liked it.

lmz00

07-02-2008, 06:16 AM

I felt compelled to buy the No Way Out '03/Wrestlemania XIX/Backlash '03 DVDs, as well as The Rock's own. :[

Long live "Hollywood" Rock.

mykevermin

07-02-2008, 07:55 AM

So, looks like Atlas Da Bone is now Atlas Ortiz.

Anyone watch ECW last night?

GuilewasNK

07-02-2008, 08:03 AM

So, looks like Atlas Da Bone is now Atlas Ortiz.

Anyone watch ECW last night?

I watched it simply because my 360 is just about dead. Just waiting for the red ring at this point.

That was the first time I saw Armando wrestle. He was alright, but I liked him better as Armando Alejandro Estrada instead of just Armando Estrada.

It's cool to see Finlay wrestle. Although, the Irishman/leprechaun gimmick is a little to stereotypical for my tastes.

Speaking of stereotypes, I'd like to see Cena and Cryme Tyme form a stable. It's been a long time since some good stable have been in WWE.

mykevermin

07-02-2008, 08:13 AM

I see what you're saying about Estrada - it still seems to me they intentionally pulled the rug out from under him by removing him from being Umaga's manager going into the McMahon/Trump feud - don't want TOO MANY guys getting over, apparently! :roll: Not to mention, as you did, how over his tag line ("My name eeess..........") was, and how he suddenly stopped doing it for no explicable reason.

It was like he got over when nobody wanted/expected him to, and then he was suddenly shuffled down to OVW for a while, and then quietly and meekly brought back in as the ECW GM, well after any lasting overness would have been declared dead.

Chase

07-02-2008, 08:18 AM

So, looks like Atlas Da Bone is now Atlas Ortiz.

Anyone watch ECW last night?

While I am not a fan, Atlas Ortiz is a bit too generic. What was wrong with Atlas DaBone? Does he own the rights to the name and wouldn't allow WWE to buy it from him?

I watched it simply because my 360 is just about dead. Just waiting for the red ring at this point.

That was the first time I saw Armando wrestle. He was alright, but I liked him better as Armando Alejandro Estrada instead of just Armando Estrada.

It's cool to see Finlay wrestle. Although, the Irishman/leprechaun gimmick is a little to stereotypical for my tastes.

Speaking of stereotypes, I'd like to see Cena and Cryme Tyme form a stable. It's been a long time since some good stable have been in WWE.

Well, they could call themselves "The Chain Gang", since WWE has used the phrase all over his merchandise. Cryme Tyme and John Cena would work well as a stable, though I feel it would be a detriment to Cena, as his promo ability is much higher than theirs. But yes, it would go over. Perhaps after it has run its course, WWE could have Cryme Tyme turn heel, and join the new Nation of Domination.

Sporadic

07-02-2008, 09:59 AM

WWE is coming out with another History of the Intercontinental Championship DVD on November 25th

They have a list up of potential matches we can vote on. You can pick 3 matches from each era.

http://survey.wwe.com/intercontinental/

1970's-1980's
Pat Patterson vs. Ted DiBiase
Ken Patera vs. Tony Atlas
Ken Patera vs. Pedro Morales
Pedro Morales vs. Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka
Pedro Morales vs. Don Muraco
Don Muraco vs. Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka
Tito Santana vs. Cowboy Bob Orton
Greg “The Hammer” Valentine vs. Tito Santana
Tito Santana vs. Greg “The Hammer” Valentine
“Macho Man” Randy Savage vs. Tito Santana
“Macho Man” Randy Savage vs. Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat
Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat vs. “Macho Man” Randy Savage
Honky Tonk Man vs. Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat
Honky Tonk Man vs. “Macho Man” Randy Savage
Ultimate Warrior vs. Honky Tonk Man
Ultimate Warrior vs. “Ravishing” Rick Rude

1990's
Mr. Perfect vs. Tito Santana
Bret “Hit Man” Hart vs. Mr. Perfect
Bret “Hit Man” Hart vs. “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase
Bret “Hit Man” Hart vs. “Rowdy” Roddy Piper
British Bulldog vs. Bret “Hit Man” Hart
Razor Ramon vs. Rick Martel
Razor Ramon vs. Shawn Michaels
Diesel vs. Razor Ramon
Jeff Jarrett vs. Razor Ramon
Razor Ramon vs. Dean Douglas
Goldust vs. Razor Ramon
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. The Rock
The Rock vs. Triple H
Ken Shamrock vs. Mankind
Chyna vs. Jeff Jarrett
Chyna vs. Chris Jericho

2000's
Kurt Angle vs. Chris Jericho
Eddie Guerrero vs. Chris Jericho vs. X-Pac
Edge vs. Test
Rob Van Dam vs. Jeff Hardy
Randy Orton vs. Rob Van Dam
Edge vs. Randy Orton
Shelton Benjamin vs. Chris Jericho vs. Christian
Carlito vs. Shelton Benjamin
Ric Flair vs. Triple H
Rob Van Dam vs. Shelton Benjamin
Johnny Nitro vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Carlito
Jeff Hardy vs. Johnny Nitro
Santino Marella vs. Umaga
Jeff Hardy vs. Umaga
Jeff Hardy vs. Carlito

mykevermin

07-02-2008, 10:26 AM

While I am not a fan, Atlas Ortiz is a bit too generic. What was wrong with Atlas DaBone? Does he own the rights to the name and wouldn't allow WWE to buy it from him?

Dunno. Maybe Vince wanted him to "spic it up" a bit?

GuilewasNK

07-02-2008, 10:31 AM

The One Billy Gunn did have a solid finisher though. "The One and Only" full nelson lift and slam where he would drive them down. I liked it.

A defitnite step up from the Fame-asser.

That "Assman" theme was putrid.

Anyone want to list the worst themes?

Personally, Assman and Sexy Boy (HBK) make my skin crawl.

dmunkee

07-02-2008, 10:33 AM

On the subject of "Assman", I always wondered just what it was like for whoever sung that theme in the studio. That guy seemed into it.

Scorch

07-02-2008, 10:51 AM

That guy seemed into it.

Because it's ALL ABOUT THE MON-AYYYYYY

Purple Flames

07-02-2008, 11:21 AM

So, looks like Atlas Da Bone is now Atlas Ortiz.

Anyone watch ECW last night?

I caught it. I was also hoping he'd keep "Jive Soul Bro" as hs entrance theme, but that was a long shot. I'll cut him a break since he just got called up, but I'd like to see him expand his moveset a little; at least get a new/definite finisher since I just don't see the Boneyard Boogie getting over with the fans.

mykevermin

07-02-2008, 11:36 AM

Yeah, the Boneyard Boogie was, IIRC, just a splash like Warrior used as a finisher, but sans the military press/drop. That move stunk up the ring 15+ years ago, let alone today.

-Never4ever-

07-02-2008, 12:04 PM

Looks like Carlito & Santino fused into one boring ass dude.

I'll give it some time, but his debut match was certainly no Angle vs Cena.

Chase

07-02-2008, 12:34 PM

A defitnite step up from the Fame-asser.

That "Assman" theme was putrid.

Anyone want to list the worst themes?

Personally, Assman and Sexy Boy (HBK) make my skin crawl.

God help me, if anyone lists Rikishi's glorious "Bad Man"...

Lita's screaming number is one of the worst modern bits of entrance music. "Sexual Chocolate", Big Vis's Lilian-Garcia-wooing music, and Val Venis's porn romp all would be flushed down my toilet like a prom night baby. However, "Biscuits and Gravy" is the worst modern example. It tries, but is not endearing.

Some of my favorite entrance music would be Rey Jr. and Dean Malenko's WCW music, and Koji Kanemoto's "Dog Fight".

My two favorite entrance tracks would be:

1. Keiji Mutoh's "Outbreak" (which I still have on my MP3 player)

http://www.sendspace.com/file/tdi4ka

.
.
.

2. Masahiro Chono's "Team 2000 Crash" (which I also still have on my MP3 player)

http://www.sendspace.com/file/v606v7

:grouphug:

007

07-02-2008, 01:00 PM

See, I love the Sexual Chocolate and Val Venis themes. Cheesy, to be certain, but they had personality.

I hate most of this new cookie-cutter rock song bullshit that we get now. I first picked up on it back when they 're-recorded' some entrance themes with real bands, who gave the songs lyrics. You know who NEVER EVER needed lyrics? Kane. Sometimes, it works, though... I still think the Chris Benoit theme is the best piece on entrance music they've used in well over a decade, if not longer. Problem is, not every wrestler NEEDS a song like that.

It's sort of what they tried to do with Volume 8, which didn't work. Jeff Hardy had a GREAT and, more importantly, OLD theme that was perfect. So, they got someone to write a 'song' for him. Not as good. Same with Kennedy, as much as it was the cheesy Jim Johnston lyrics, I LOVED his original theme. New one, not so much.

... while I've strayed from the point, I think I sort of said what I meant. Maybe. Kind of.

strongpimphand

07-02-2008, 01:10 PM

The Priceless Theme Song Is Garbage. Pure And Simple Garbage. And I'm Embarrassed To Listen To That Garbage

CouRageouS

07-02-2008, 01:23 PM

God help me, if anyone lists Rikishi's glorious "Bad Man"...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtHQaZjoxJg

My brother and I found that shit hilarious. Everytime he came out to that theme you'd hear faint drums and then you couldn't even hear the song. Its like he was walking out to nothing.

Sporadic

07-02-2008, 01:46 PM

Melina's going to be out for 5 months and Ashley posted on her myspace that she has requested her release so she can take care of her sick 7 year old.

http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/4237/7569346bh5.jpg

Last week, two-time WWE Women’s Champion Melina broke her heel when she took a hard fall during an inter-promotional Divas tag team match, becoming the latest Raw Diva to have her career put on hold. Melina talked exclusively with WWE.com about her injury.

“My spirits are good. I was upset I was unable to finish the match the way I wanted to. I felt like I let Mickie down and I let the fans down,” said an contemplative Melina. “I’m sad that I’m unable to do anything at the moment. Things happen for a reason, I suppose.”

Melina and WWE Women’s Champion Mickie James were in a heated contest with SmackDown Divas Victoria and Natalya when she landed awkwardly. The two-time champion quickly grabbed her ankle and grimaced in pain. Now, the Diva will be out of action for up to five months.

“I didn’t think I was going to get hurt. I thought I was going to get up from [the injury]. When you’re wrestling you don’t feel it, because your adrenaline is rushing. I tried to get up, but I couldn’t,” Melina recalled about the moment incident occurred.

Melina said that since “being betrayed by her former friends Beth Phoenix, Jillian and Victoria” she’s being more cautious about who becomes part of her inner-circle. However, Melina feels Mickie James has proven to be a valuable addition to her life.

“I’ve always been someone who could fight and stand up for myself, but this was a time where I was vulnerable. She gave up her own body to protect me in my moment of weakness,” Melina said about the current Women’s Champion. “Despite our differences in the past, we have learned to move forward and continue to build our friendship. I thank her for that.”

An injury for any Superstar or Diva can present a difficult challenge in their career. Having a strong support system is vital to a speedy recovery. Melina understands this and has a special message for her fans.

“Thank you all for all your support and all your well wishes. It really touches my heart. Throughout my years with WWE I’ve really done my best to give them everything that I’ve got. I appreciate them for respecting what I do.”

And for those who doubt that the former WWE Women’s Champion will return to Diva glory … think again.

“I’ve been doing this for a few years and been going strong. There’s no way I’m going to stop. When I come back, I don’t want to be the same Melina I was before. I want to give Raw an even better and improved Melina — a Melina who’s more determined and focused.”

http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/articles/6648278/melinafight

some unfortunate news...this is the hardest decision i have ever had to make

I have some thing to tell you guys and I wanted u 2 be the first 2 hear it...I tried very hard out of the respect I have for her privacy and not wanting her 2 be exposed in any negative light but I have a 7yr old daughter and I just found out 2day that she not well and I can't be on the road with WWE when my own flesh and blood needs me...I am a single parent trying 2 juggle taking care of my child and working my butt off for her and now at this point when she is sick and needs me home I have 2 make the decision 2 bow out of wwe for a while and take care of my daughter...I wish I could do both and that there were more ways 2 get everything done but with the severity of the situation I'm going 2 have 2 ask for an early release for now...I may be back if she gets better...please keep her in your prayers...I love the wwe...I love all the talent that works there and most of all I love all the fans...thanks for always being so supportive...so this is me taking a bow and stepping out of the lime light right now to take care of my family...stick with me guys cause I will be back somewhere some how when this is all over...thanks for all your love and support and I'm sorry 2 be the bearer of bad news...thanks and good night my punks...stick with me ill see you soon
Xoxo
Dirty Dirty

Post song-May Angels Lead You In-Jimmy Eat World

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=61214741

I hope her daughter will be ok but I also hope she never ever comes back.

dmunkee

07-02-2008, 02:19 PM

I completely agree with everything 007 said about today's entrance themes. It all sounds like the same generic modern rock that doesn't quite seem to fit any of the characters. I'm also getting confused because lately it seems like all these new guys they're bringing up look like Randy Orton o_0

Here's an entrance theme that I hated, but loved at the same time:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=EkR2y0I0eUQ

The creepy Randy Newman/Tom Waits singer just cracks me up :lol:

GuilewasNK

07-02-2008, 03:10 PM

Holy crap, I forgot about Rob Conway.

Anyway here is one more....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwfhtEiVR04

JJSP

07-02-2008, 03:25 PM

We can't mention shitty theme songs without listing Steve Blackman's.

Chase

07-02-2008, 06:38 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtHQaZjoxJg

My brother and I found that shit hilarious. Everytime he came out to that theme you'd hear faint drums and then you couldn't even hear the song. Its like he was walking out to nothing.

"I'm a bad man, giving bad men
Bad looks, prince amongst thieves and crooks
Want bad women, bad cars, bad hoods
Bad duels, I'm making my own rules
I'm a bad man, giving bad men
Bad looks, prince among thieves and crooks
Want bad women, bad cars, bad hoods
Bad duels, makin my own rules"

One of the best ever, blasphemer! :cry:

Chase

07-02-2008, 06:44 PM

I completely agree with everything 007 said about today's entrance themes. It all sounds like the same generic modern rock that doesn't quite seem to fit any of the characters. I'm also getting confused because lately it seems like all these new guys they're bringing up look like Randy Orton o_0

Eh, it's WWE. If they create a model that leads to success, they will overuse the model. Plus, WWE keeps trying to live the Attitude era, instead of progressing. So, WWE fans receive black trunks, generic rock themes, and the same look. This is one reason why WWE needs competition. Without competition, they are lazy and uncreative.

Halo05

07-02-2008, 08:20 PM

Ashley has a kid?!

If my Mom had pierced lips, fake boobs and dressed like a Hot Topic employee I'd probably be sick too.

PhrostByte

07-02-2008, 08:30 PM

WWE is coming out with another History of the Intercontinental Championship DVD on November 25th

They have a list up of potential matches we can vote on. You can pick 3 matches from each era.

http://survey.wwe.com/intercontinental/

I voted.

Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat vs. “Macho Man” Randy Savage
Honky Tonk Man vs. “Macho Man” Randy Savage
Ultimate Warrior vs. “Ravishing” Rick Rude

Bret “Hit Man” Hart vs. Mr. Perfect
Razor Ramon vs. Shawn Michaels
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. The Rock

Eddie Guerrero vs. Chris Jericho vs. X-Pac
Shelton Benjamin vs. Chris Jericho vs. Christian
Rob Van Dam vs. Shelton Benjamin

JaytheGamefan

07-02-2008, 10:55 PM

Not much in the way of good wrestling on the Wednesday morning AWA show, but I did love Paul E. calling Larry Nelson "McMahon - ED MCMAHON!" and Ted Baxter, stating that Adonis was sick of having flowers in his mouth. Verne mentioning that Adonis came back from "New York" was interesting, and I loved it when he said he should find a partner for Adonis so they could face the Midnights and he'd get both the winners and losers purse - now THERE'S a thinking-man's manager. Also, I think Adonis was actually bigger here than he was in '88.

The pink hair look certainly different, and one thing that I'd never noticed until now was how uniquely Adonis applied the sleeper on his foe in a sitting position - I've never seen anyone apply the move while keeping their legs so far apart, and with his added girth, it really made the move seem even more devastating. Verne calling it a move that could permanently injure a man helped that out as well. Rod Trongard stating that Paul E. might use the phone to call the president to alert him of the Express's victory was simply amazing, then it was close to topped by Verne stating that he'd call Stanley Blackburn and not Ronald Regan.

Quotes -
Trongard - Jerry Blackwell with a judo shot!
Trongard - Jerry Blackwell needs a blow in the corner!
Trongard - Look at those tights on Lance Allen! By the by, he was the 1980...
Trongard - “Jamming!” Mitch Snow is one of the top rising stars!
Trongard - Allen, as we began saying, was the 1980 Louisiana bodybuilding champion.
Crowd - BOOORRRIINNGG! BOORRIINNGG!
Trongard - Mitch Snow is coming hard onto Lance Allen!
Trongard - Hiptoss by Mitch Snow…JAM SLAM!
Hennig - Since I became world champion on May 2nd, 1987 at the Cow Palace, everything is great! I’ve got the Hollywood Squares calling me! Vanna White wants me on the Wheel of Fortune! Give the champ a break! What you see here is nothing new - I’ve always wrestled within the rules! There’s no controversy, Bockwinkel has been outsmarted! Greg Gagne, you’ll never get a shot! I’ll defend it against who I want! There’s Yayhoo McDaniel, Mitch Snow, the Russians - boys, I’ll show ya one-by-one why I’m the AWA Heavyweight Champion of the World!
Zbysko - 1987 IS THE YEAR OF MY DESTINY, WHERE I BECOME THE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD!
Trongard - LOOK AT THAT! Adonis has to be 60 pounds heavier! ADORABLE!?
Verne Gagne - If that’s adorable then I don’t know the meaning of the word.
Verne - Before, Adonis was a tag champion here, then he went to New York…now, I don’t know what kind of endurance he could possibly have.
Verne - Paul E, with a telephone in his hand. Not sure why, but he’s always got one. Adonis…I’m shellshocked, but he can still do it!
Verne - The sleeper is a dangerous hold - kids, don’t try it at home!
Paul E. - I’ll call you McMahon - Ed McMahon. Let’s talk about the hottest talk show in wrestling - the flower shop. Jimmy Hart, a good friend of mine, couldn’t handle the flower shop, so I got a call from the big money players. Adonis didn’t want to do photoshoots with flowers in his mouth, SHUT UP TED BAXTER, and hey, I could find a partner, have him face my Midnight Express, and then take both the winner’s and loser’s purse home!
Paul E - THE MATCH THE PLAYBOY CHANNEL COULDN’T GET!
Blackwell - HOW BOUT DAT!?
Paul E. - LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, ADORABLE ADRIAN’S FAVORITE TAG TEAM, RAVISHING RANDY AND LOVERBOY DENNIS, THE MIDNIGHT EXPRESS!
Trongard - That phone…I don’t know if it’s meant to call the president for congratulations after a win or what!
Verne - We’ll call Stanley Blackburn - he’s the president of the AWA, not Ronald.
Trongard - Right you are!
Verne - That shot’ll part your hair! Not mine - it’s been parted. Wide.
Verne - This is a very dangerous tag team…Dennis Condrey and…
Trongard - Randy Rose.
Verne - This Paul E. reminds me of a young Bobby Heenan, only he’s more sneaky and dangerous.
Trongard - Jerry Blackwell with a judo shot!
Trongard - Jerry Blackwell needs a blow in the corner!

Screens -
http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/3873/awaadonispinkhair2xg8.th.jpg (http://img93.imageshack.us/my.php?image=awaadonispinkhair2xg8.jpg)

http://img394.imageshack.us/img394/6881/awaadonispinkhairhuge2oy7.th.jpg (http://img394.imageshack.us/my.php?image=awaadonispinkhairhuge2oy7.jpg)

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/4995/awaadonispinkhairpranceli1.th.jpg (http://img20.imageshack.us/my.php?image=awaadonispinkhairpranceli1.jpg)

http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/9948/awaadonispinkhairprancelq5.th.jpg (http://img45.imageshack.us/my.php?image=awaadonispinkhairprancelq5.jpg)

http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/156/awaadonispinkhairprancepv7.th.jpg (http://img93.imageshack.us/my.php?image=awaadonispinkhairprancepv7.jpg)

http://img354.imageshack.us/img354/4295/awaadonispinkhairsleepexn3.th.jpg (http://img354.imageshack.us/my.php?image=awaadonispinkhairsleepexn3.jpg)

http://img394.imageshack.us/img394/6789/awaadonispinkhairsleepejo8.th.jpg (http://img394.imageshack.us/my.php?image=awaadonispinkhairsleepejo8.jpg)

Eh, it's WWE. If they create a model that leads to success, they will overuse the model.
ALL companies do this - when they get a successful formula, whether it's the Attitude era, or the NWO, a company will eventually overuse it and kill its effectiveness. Aside from trying to bring back a more spontaneous feel to the shows (which wasn't just something done in the Attitude era), WWE's far removed from it - ALL of their shows are rated PG now, for one thing, and in ECW's case, even that rating might be a bit much, as there's really nothing objectionable on there.

Iron Clad Burrito

07-03-2008, 04:59 AM

Best themes ever, IMHO:

Benoit's "Whatever" by Our Lady Peace
the old Hardy Boyz (and most recent Jeff Hardy) theme
While it took a long time, Matt Hardy's theme is growing on me
Eddie Guerrero's Latino Heat, and his Lie, Cheat, and Steal themes.
Mankind's original theme (both pre- and post-match) -- not the car crash one

Themes I hated:
The NWO's themes (all of them -- except Hogan's theme, done by Jimi Hendrix)
Shawn Michaels -- it wouldn't be so creepy if I didn't believe that was Jimmy Hart saying "Oh... Oh! SHAWN!" Plus it's about 35 years old.
Sexual Chocolate. But that may have been me thinking the gimmick was stupid.
Billy Gunn's themes, all of them
Carlito. Sorry, I just don't like it.

You know who else needs an update? Vince, and Linda. Either that, or ditch their themes altogether (probably smarter). Both of their themes were the theme songs to PPVs... in 1998.

CouRageouS

07-03-2008, 05:05 AM

I don't like most themes that have a forced catchphrase at the beginning. The Rock's was okay but when everyone had it, it was too much. Booker and Hardcore Holly come to mind.

JaytheGamefan

07-03-2008, 06:17 AM

pitfallharry219

07-03-2008, 07:07 AM

Some themes I liked:

Tazz's 1st WWF theme
DX's Run DMC theme from 2000
Kane's current theme
CM Punk"s current one

Some I hated:

Kane/Big Show mash-up
Right to Censor
T&A

mykevermin

07-03-2008, 08:28 AM

I don't like most themes that have a forced catchphrase at the beginning. The Rock's was okay but when everyone had it, it was too much. Booker and Hardcore Holly come to mind.

Holly's would make my friend and I roll out in laughter every fuckin' time we heard it. Even today, a good 5+ years after she stopped watching wrestling, I'll bust out a "HOWD'YALIKEMENOW????" and she'll laugh about it.

It was corny as all hell. But it's what WWE does: everything on their program is a vehicle to sell you a product, and they come packaged with dozens of things that try to trigger some psychological mechanisms that create affinity for that character, or the brand, or WWE on the whole. It's just sad that the wrestling takes a backseat to what essentially becomes a glorified runway show where WWE trots out this year's fashions, waiting for the crowd to take a bite on one of them.

benjamouth

07-03-2008, 09:18 AM

Booker's I didn't mind, Holly's...yeah...IT'S HARDCORE HOLLY - don't waste something that should just be done for main eventers on him. Vince's theme is a classic, Linda's, however, is awful, which fits her acting skills (which, even by wrestling standards, are truly dreadful).

Isn't Linda's music just that generic WWE tune they've been using for years? I've heard it on loads of different things, like those old WWF shows we used to get in the UK before we started getting RAW. Back in the Todd Pettingill days.

I hate the way some theme's do the rounds and are given to different people, how many Diva's have had that tune that starts off "you know you want me" I think Michelle McCool has it now, I seem to remember Candice Michelle having it and Torrie Wilson before her.

Chase

07-03-2008, 09:44 AM

Booker's I didn't mind, Holly's...yeah...IT'S HARDCORE HOLLY - don't waste something that should just be done for main eventers on him. Vince's theme is a classic, Linda's, however, is awful, which fits her acting skills (which, even by wrestling standards, are truly dreadful).

Linda McMahon's is the old post-WrestleMania video recap theme, which I dig for its nostalgia value. :D

I really did not like Rob Van Dam's WWE music (Breaking Point's "One of a Kind"). But then again, it's hard to beat Pantera's "Walk". The atmosphere when Van Dam entered was up there with Sandman's or Bryan Danielson's entrance.

CouRageouS

07-03-2008, 09:59 AM

Another one that comes to mind that was plugged into the beginning of the music...

"ITS ME ITS ME ITS D.. D.. P"

and...

"WHO BETTER THAN KANYON?!"

Chase

07-03-2008, 10:14 AM

"WHOTH BETTAH TH'N KANYONTH?!"

Fixed. ;):D

GuilewasNK

07-03-2008, 10:38 AM

I really did not like Rob Van Dam's WWE music (Breaking Point's "One of a Kind"). But then again, it's hard to beat Pantera's "Walk". The atmosphere when Van Dam entered was up there with Sandman's or Bryan Danielson's entrance.

I thought RVDs WWE theme was one of the best in the last 10 years. The music part was great IMO. The lyrics were ok, but I prefer themes without lyrics if possible.

KaneRobot

07-03-2008, 12:51 PM

Holly's would make my friend and I roll out in laughter every fuckin' time we heard it. Even today, a good 5+ years after she stopped watching wrestling, I'll bust out a "HOWD'YALIKEMENOW????" and she'll laugh about it.

That is awesome...and comforting to know that someone else actually does that. I wish they had kept that in. Busting out a forced and loud "HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW?!?" is guaranteed laughs among friends, along with referencing D-Lo's chest protector.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8pKC6d3f84

:rofl: The "GRRRR" picture makes it even better.

Blackout

07-03-2008, 01:54 PM

I know I'm late to the party, but Night of Champions was the most boring piece of shit wrestling show I have seen in years. My friend actually went to see the PPV, I feel sorry that he had to sit through that.

Can someone explain to me why WWE is making Cena/HHH to be some kind of epic match that I should instantly have a boner just by thinking about it? The match sucked (but I guess it was a 5 star match compared to the rest of the show). I hate when WWE hypes matches that even they know completely suck. They make it seem like it was some historic-I have to watch every 3 days match.

CM Punk is the champ. I just find him boring in WWE. Maybe this will open the door for more new champions, but we all thought the same thing when Benoit and Eddie got the belts back in 04 and look how that turned out.

masked lemon

07-03-2008, 04:01 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c83rE5oo-FA

Chase

07-03-2008, 06:34 PM

I thought RVDs WWE theme was one of the best in the last 10 years. The music part was great IMO. The lyrics were ok, but I prefer themes without lyrics if possible.

I thought it was too fast and upbeat for Van Dam. And did Breaking Point specifically create the song for WWE? It sounded curiously similar to Walk to just be a coincidence.

tangytangerine

07-03-2008, 06:48 PM

Best themes ever, IMHO:

the old Hardy Boyz (and most recent Jeff Hardy) theme
Eddie Guerrero's Latino Heat, and his Lie, Cheat, and Steal themes.

Themes I hated:
Shawn Michaels -- it wouldn't be so creepy if I didn't believe that was Jimmy Hart saying "Oh... Oh! SHAWN!" Plus it's about 35 years old.

I think they stopped using the old Hardy Boyz music because it's licensed music, much like the music Crash Holly had.

As for the Latino Heat, I really didn't like that. On the old Eddie Guerrero DVD WWE released years ago, Eddie said he absolutely hated that song. The Lie, Cheat & Steal was good, but the "heel" version of it was just horrible.

If they went back to the Sensational Sherri version of HBK's music, I wouldn't mind. But the one now just makes him seem like an arrogant ass when he's a face.

Just got to thinking about THQ releasing that Legends of Wrestlemania game next year. Anyone else thinking that they're trying to milk all they can out of the license until it expires in November '09? There was a report about companies using licenses & it seems 25% of THQ's annual revenue comes from the Smackdown games.

JaytheGamefan

07-03-2008, 06:52 PM

WWE had them make the song - it was a revamped version of RVD's initial '01 WWF theme, which was just a WWF-owned production track.

Wrestling certainly took a backseat on Raw, but it's basically all ECW and SD are, and if you want to see a wrestling-only show, watch the '87 AWA shows on classic and see just how boring THAT can be. The show on today featured tons of boring chants and Kevin Kelly (aka Nailz) and Steve Olsonoski (STEVE-O) doing neck locks and arm bars for minutes at a time to the tune of loud BOOOORRRRIIINNNGGG chants in the background.

The highlight of the show was a rant by Verne Gagne about how the AWA is the WRESTLING league, where WRESTLERS WRESTLE. It's also the ORIGINAL WRESTLING LEAGUE, unlike the WWF, which was the HYPE LEAGUE!!!! Then he hyped up Adrian Adonis, who came back into the AWA with his "adorable" WWF gimmick. Wonderful. There was also a great moment where the fans chanted boring and Verne said that they're only doing that because they don't understand WRESTLING!

Purple Flames

07-03-2008, 07:34 PM

Botchamania 46 proves Ricky Steamboat can't count:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=epKC5-4RSZc

Chase

07-03-2008, 07:54 PM

Sporadic

07-03-2008, 09:10 PM

Trevor Murdoch released
Written: July 3, 2008

World Wrestling Entertainment has come to terms on the release of Trevor Murdoch as of July 03, 2008. WWE wishes Trevor the best in all future endeavors

Lame.

Are you really telling me they couldn't think of anyway to use him over on Smackdown? Oh well, hopefully we'll be seeing the Redneck Destroyer in RoH soon :D

Purple Flames

07-03-2008, 09:18 PM

Well that was a complete waste of a supplementary draft pick.

Well at least he's got a potential country music career to fall back on (no sarcasm intended. I think he's got a great singing voice).

007

07-03-2008, 10:57 PM

I have to wonder who made that decsion, WWE or Murdoch himself. Obviously if they had been planning on releasing him they wouldn't have even bothered mentioning him in the draft. I have to assume that either Murdoch asked for his release, or he broke a rule.

Regardless, it's a shame, since I actually always enjoyed him more than Cade. Of course, Cade was always built better, so it's no surprise which one got the push (and I'm sure the HBK rub didn't hurt).

Chase

07-03-2008, 11:11 PM

Murdoch is a pretty good wrestler. He deserves some commendation as he really bulked up for his role as "Trevor Murdoch." The differences between Trevor Murdoch and Stan Dupp is like night and day.

Chase

07-04-2008, 12:08 AM

#1 (http://rajah.com/base/node/12928)

The quarter hour ratings were released for this week's WWE Raw and there's some for CM Punk. The highest rated segment of the show by far was a 4.12 for the overrun featuring new World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk's first title defense against JBL. WWE shook things up with the draft and followed up with a strong show with new faces on top. Some ratings momentum could secure somebody like Punk in a top position.

I'm glad CM Punk drew viewers. That will definitely help him if they decide to give him a proper World title run. Hey, maybe CM Punk will feud against a heel Nosey and not get jobbed out? ;)

Brak

07-04-2008, 12:14 AM

Lame.

Are you really telling me they couldn't think of anyway to use him over on Smackdown? Oh well, hopefully we'll be seeing the Redneck Destroyer in RoH soon :D
Wait. Weren't they giving him a push, or something?

JaytheGamefan

07-04-2008, 12:14 AM

Impact thoughts -

The opening segment with tons of talking went on a bit long, but had some intense mic work. I'm glad they resisted the temptation to have Christian return tonight as it helped get over the supposed damage caused by the "glass" table. The opening match was fine, but the Guns' win (which was over the NUMBER ONE CONTENDERS) felt completely meaningless. I'm not a fan of the big EVERYONE YELLS AND THERE'S PANIC segment as it was annoying due to all the screaming, and came off as comedy (much like when Angle went on an ankle locking spree on Impact a year or so ago) because it was so over-the-top. DW stating that he was going to bribe someone to kick Beer Money's ass at the PPV was funny though.

The bimbo brawl was a good little late '90s WWF hardcore match. Moose's shirt and jeans look is at least something different from the norm compared to TNA's other women. The highlight of this match was easily Roxxi's "no carpet, no drapes" shirt. Moose's trailer park montage entrance video's a close second.

The stuff with the dates was predictable and not particularly funny. It didn't help that they rammed this cliche material down our throats time and time again, and it did turn Kurt's character back into a joke - a step back after they rebuilt him as a world beater. At least it's leading to a six-man tag that should be good, and as long as Kurt doesn't decide to do crazy shit off a ladder, will be better for his health than a one-on-one match would be.

After the dating segment, we were about an hour into the show, LAX has had mic time, Beer Money's been all over the show, and there still wasn't a single sighting of the number one contender to the world heavyweight title, or even a mention that he'll be in a WORLD TITLE MATCH ON THE NEXT PPV! They addressed how much of an afterthought that match is during the Pimp My Locker Room (seriously, TNA? It's not 2004 anymore.), but that doesn't do anything to resolve the problem of this main event match being cold. At this point, it's really more of a semi-main event, as the six-man's been built up better over a longer period of time, even though it doesn't have anywhere near the stakes as the title match.

The world X cup matches didn't do much for me, as they were way too short to really showcase the talent of the new guys - why should fans who have never seen these wrestlers before care about their matches? TNA did a good job of letting Speed Muscle shine at first, but now, no one's getting a chance to, and it's further burying this X Cup concept. Tenay saying "CAPTAIN DAIVARI" almost made this stuff worthwhile.

Taylor-Saeed was a good little match - I liked the way that Taylor won, as it established that Kong doesn't want to face her, but did so in a way that didn't make it appear like Kong fears her, plus, Taylor got the win a finisher anyway, so she didn't just get the win with a cheap DQ which wouldn't help her. Saeed's camel-heavy entrance video was... something...

The main event was a match. Nothing particularly special about it other than the post-match angle (once again becoming a trend after nearly every match on the show) involving Sting. "WHY DID STING RETURN TO TNA!?" indeed - he's got a past with Storm and Sting, so there could be some intrigue in all this, but they've used him so poorly this year that it'll take some major work on TNA's part if they want him back in the main event mix again.

The video for Matt Morgan didn't really do much for me. it was a bit too short (a regular problem with these multi-part videos) and all it did was firmly establish that the stuttering gimmick didn't fit him and drove home that he's athletic. Nothing was really accomplished there.

Same kinda deal with the Angelina Love video - these are supposed to be looks at the characters' real lives, and now they're just turning them into kayfabed fluff. It's not making me want to see Love-Gail. I like what they did with the Beautiful People and Karen though, so perhaps it's all leading to a six-woman tag with Karen teaming with Gail and ODB.

After the past few weeks of mostly good Impact shows, this felt like a return to the worst of Imapct, as the matches were either too short, weren't exciting, and felt worthless compared to SKITS!~, which made up the bulk of the program tonight and were mostly bad.

Quotes for "The Mating Game" episode of Impact - Tenay - Tonight, we’ll follow Kurt Angle on a series of blind dates set up by Brother Ray. Also, the world X cup continues!
DW - Plus, Moose takes on Roxxi in another Knockout Bimbo Brawl!
AJ - Kurt, you went TOO FAR! I’LL TELL YA ONE THING, THE ONE THING I DO CARE ABOUT IS THIS LADY RIGHT HERE! SHE’S SICK OF COMING TO WORK EVERY WEEK AFRAID, ESPECIALLY OF YOU! THIS ENDS TONIGHT! LET’S GET IT OVER WITH!
Ray - Devon, look at the happy couple! Ya know, you got a lot of nerve - you come out here running down Kurt Angle - he’s not here right now, because he’s out scoring some REALLY, REALLY HOT CHICKS! Why would you want to talk bad an Olympic gold medalist!? You know what the problem is? You’re not smart enough to realize it, AJ? SHE’S THE PROBLEM! SHE’S NOTHING MORE THAN A SOAP OPERA BIMBO! You know what else? You’re the problem TOO! BECAUSE YOU BEEN SLEEPING WITH ANOTHER MAN’S WIFE!
AJ - YOU THINK FOR ONE MINUTE WHAT YOU AND DEVON DID TO ME!? THERE’S A LITTLE SAYING - PAYBACK’S A BLEEP!!!!!!!!
Ray - BLEEP!? I know the saying - it’s been around for 30 years, did it just trickle down to the South where you hicks live? (Ray hums Deliverance theme) You got a bright future here, but you’re not smart enough to realize that the only BLEEP here is that puttana.
AJ - Puttana?
Ray - It means she’s nothing but a whore!
Tenay - AJ GETS CAUGHT FROM BEHIND BY BROTHER RAY! NOW IT’S 2 ON 1!
Ray - GET THE TABLES!!
Tenay - GET THE TABLES!?
DW - THIS TABLE’S NOT GLASS, BUT IT BRINGS BACK THE MEMORIES OF LAST WEEK!
Tenay - AND ALSO THE MEMORIES OF TWO WEEKS AGO WHEN THEY PUT… HERE’S RHINO! THROUGH A TABLE TWO WEEKS AGO!
Rhino - You tried to take me out, but it didn’t happen! You tried to put Christian out, and it didn’t happen! AND AT VICTORY ROAD, HE’LL BE BACK TO KICK YOUR BLEEPS! Since there’s only 3 vs. 2 now, let’s make it a six-man tag at Victory Road, and since you like to use to tables, Christian and I like tables, ladders, and chairs! HERE IN TNA, WE LIKE TO CALL IT FULL METAL MAYHEM! YOU WANT TABLES, WE WANT FULL METAL MAYHEM, I SAY LET THE FANS DECIDE! AT VICTORY ROAD, WE WILL CUT YOU AND KURT ANGLE IN HALF WITH THE GORE GORE GORE!
Devon - Me and my brother would love to have another war with you, and I’m sure Kurt feels the same way, but if you let these inbreds make the match for ya, there’s gonna be your blood on your hands!
(Kurt finds fat chick on blind date)Kurt - Sweet mother of Jesus!
J.B. - It’s a human medicine ball, Kurt!
Kurt - Funny one… - joke’s on me.
Ad Guy - Why do you hate Beer Money Inc? At Victory Road it’ll be FANS REVENGE!
(Beer Money Inc. comes out during LAX satellite piece)Tenay - BOY, YOU TALK ABOUT DISRESPECT! THEY’RE INTERRUPTING THE SATELLITE FEED FROM HOUSTON!
DW - THEY’VE CROSSED THE LINE!!!!!
Storm - What you need to do Hector is shut up, I don’t even understand what you’re saying, and I’m not even drunk! WE GOT THE TOUGHEST CHICK IN WRESTLING AND A 12-PACK OF BADASS! TNA, WHAT YOU NEED TO DO IS GET THOSE TWO PUNK KIDS OUT HERE SO WE CAN STRAP ‘EM DOWN AND GIVE THE PEOPLE A PREVIEW OF WHAT’S GONNA HAPPEN IN HOUSTON!
Tenay - BOY, THAT LACK OF RESPECT EXTENDS TO THEIR OPPONENTS! HE REFERRED TO THESE GREAT YOUNG ATHLETES AS TWO PUNK KIDS!
Tenay - Beer Money - A COMBINATION OF STORM’S BEER AND ROODE’S MONEY!
DW - THEY’RE STRAPPING THE GUARD!
Tenay - MY GOD! MY GOD! MY GOD!
DW - AAAAHHH!
Tenay - THEY’VE TAKEN OUT DON WEST! THEY’VE GOT DAVE PENZER AS A HOSTAGE!
Cornette - YOU WHIP THAT MAN ONE MORE TIME AND YOU’RE BOTH OUT OF A JOB! HAVE YA BOTH GONE COMPLETELY OUT OF YOUR MIND! NOW YOU’RE WHIPPING SECURITY, THE REFS, AND THE ANNOUNCERS! YOU WANT TO PLAY WILD WILD WEST, COWBOYS? I’M GONNA GO FINE THE TWO MOST TICKED OFF WRESTLERS ON THE TNA ROSTER AND YOU TWO ARE GONNA FIGHT ‘EM RIGHT HERE IN THIS RING! WE’RE GONNA HAVE A SHOWDOWN AT THE TNA CORAL! YOU WANT A FIGHT? YOU’RE GONNA HAVE ALL THE FIGHT YOU CAN HANDLE!
DW - I HOPE WHOEVER IT IS KICKS THE LIVING CRAP OUT OF ‘EM!
Angle - I can’t believe what Ray did to me - that chick was so damn fat!
Angle - Hi, I’m a little nervous - it’s my first date in 10 years. I really like to manhandle guys, I’m an Olympic gold medalist, and a 12 time world champ.
J.B. - Kurt…she’s got chest hair…
Angle - She has chest hair? AND AN ADAM’S APPLE!?
DW - Now we know why he wears dark sunglasses inside a dark room!
Tenay - Two weeks ago, the knockouts debuted the knockouts bimbo brawl!
DW - In these bimbo brawls, anything that isn’t nailed down can be used!
Tenay - Don, we’ll check on your condition…
DW - WELL, I’M HURTING MORE THAN EVER BEFORE! I’M GONNA SEND MY VIDEO IN!
Tenay - DON, YOU CAN’T ENTER - YOU’RE A TNA EMPLOYEE!
DW - WELL THEN, I’LL SEND A FEW EXTRA BUCKS IN TO BRIBE SOMEONE TO TAKE A FEW EXTRA SHOTS FOR ME!
Tenay - LOOK AT THE BLOOD COMING FROM ROXXI’S HEAD! LET’S GO TO JIM CORNETTE WITH KEVIN NASH!
Cornette - Tonight, we need the biggest bad-ass in TNA - that’s why I’m coming to you, Kev. I’m sure there could be a financial bonus in it for ya.
Nash - If you got a problem, I’ll be happy to help you solve it…
Cornette - Don’t worry, we’ll take care of it.
Nash - Who’s my partner?
Cornette - Joe?
Nash - He know?
Cornette - Not yet.
Nash - Good luck telling him.
Cornette - You have no problem with this?
Nash - No problems - only opportunities.
Cornette - Joe, you’re the most valuable player in TNA - you see, Storm and Roode jumped a fan and they need to be put in their place. Tonight, if ya would, ya wouldn’t mind, slap ‘em around - can ya do it, champ?
Joe - We got a deal, Jim. Who’s my partner supposed to be?
Cornette - Nash…
Joe - I WANT NOTHING TO DO WITH NASH! NASH HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ME! DO YOU UNDERSTAND THAT!?
Cornette - Yes, but he’s been good for you.
Joe - HOW!?
Cornette - IT’S A HELL OF A LOT HARDER TO KEEP A TITLE THAN WIN IT, AND JOE, I HATE TO DO THIS, BUT YOU’RE A CONTRACTED TALENT, AND I HAVE TO DO IT!
Tenay - BOY, IT SURE WAS INTERESTING TO SEE THE REACTIONS OF NASH AND JOE!
Angle - I’m interested in you, but more interested in myself. I was born in Pittsburgh,..
Chick - Excuse me…
Angle - When I was six, I was kicking everyone’s ass - boys, girls, mothers, fathers, everyone!
Chick - Excuse me…
J.B. - What’s going on here?
Angle - I think she’s…what’s that…
J.B. - Bulemic?
Angle - So, you like the food? You’re not getting an upset stomach are you? You’re not about to throw up are you?
Chick - Excuse me?
Angle - Are you puking the food out I paid for?
Chick - No, I have a condition called spastic colon.
Angle - YOU SHIT YOUR PANTS! HEY MISS POOPY PANTS! BABE, WHERE YOU GOING!? DON’T FORGET TO FLUSH!
J.B. - Boy, that Brother Ray…he got you three times.
Angle - THAT BASTARD, I’M GONNA KILL THAT BROTHER RAY THIS THURSDAY!
Tenay - WELL THIS THURSDAY IS NOW, I HEAR KURT ANGLE’S ON HIS WAY HERE NOW!
Tenay - Captain Daivari looks to Koslov to get the win and get the lead!
J.B. - KURT, DIDYA HEAR? IT’S GONNA BE YOU, RAY, AND DEVON AGAINST CHRISTIAN, RHINO AND…
Angle - SCREW BROTHER RAY, HE PUT ME THROUGH THREE BLIND DATES!
(we’re one hour into the show and there hasn’t been a single mention of the next PPV’s main event, nor has the number 1 contender even been on the show)
Angle - RAY, YOU THINK THIS IS FUNNY!? YOU THINK MY LOVE LIFE IS A JOKE!/ YOU SENT ME OUT ON A DATE WITH A CHICK WITH ASS PROBLEMS! GET OUT HERE SO I CAN KICK YOUR ASS!
Ray - Listen, we’re all friends here - let’s go in the back and talk. Devon accepted a match for us at the PPV, okay? It’s gonna be me, Devon, and you against AJ, Christian, and Rhino - the only messed up thing is that these morons get to decide the match! Listen, honestly, I don’t even think that Christian is gonna make it to the PPV. WE PUT HIM THROUGH A GLASS TABLE!? HOW IS HE GONNA MAKE IT BACK FROM THAT!? Let’s sit down, have a non-fat, soy late…
Angle - YOU MADE A HORSE’S ASS OUT OF ME, AM I A JOKE!?
Ray - YOU’RE THE MOST LEGIT PRO WRESTLER IN THE WORLD, YOU’RE A GOLD MEDALIST! YOU’RE THE MAN, KURT!! We would never make a joke out of you - I know what I told you, and that I had a black book with all the hot girls, Britney Spears, Ashley Simpson, Jessica Simpson… we had ‘em both, but when I went home, I lost it. So I did what I thought was the right thing - I got Devon’s, and you know what kinda sick crap he’s into!
Angle - SHE HAD ASS PROBLEMS!
Ray - I did you a favor - I picked up a girl who is SO HOT! SHE’S AN 11, I was gonna use her for myself, but she’s here tonight. SANDY! GET YOUR HOT LITTLE BODY OUT HERE!
DW - Well, as long as she doesn’t have any physical ailments we don’t know about, she’s hot!
Ray - THIS IS THE HOTTEST RAT ON THE BLOCK AND SHE’S ALL YOURS!
Angle - So you want to go for a ride on the Olympic gold medal freight train? WOO WOO! So, what does a woman like you offer to a champion like me?
Sandy - I’m loving, I love to have fun, and most importantly, I’m really loyal.
Angle - You like to have fun, huh? And you’re loyal!? Lemme tell you something sweet pea, NONE OF YOU ARE LOYAL! YOU’RE ALL LIARS! LOOK AT ME! YOU’RE ALL CHEATERS, AND YOU’RE ALL FULL OF SHIT! JUST LIKE MY WIFE KAREN! IF YOU HAD A CHANCE TO SLEEP WITH ANOTHER GUY IN MY BED, YOU WOULD! ADMIT IT!
Sandy - SCREW YOU!
Angle - Screw me? I’m sorry. Sometimes I lose my temper. I can get a little overbearing…Listen, from the bottom of my heart, I would never touch a woman, but I do know a couple of people that would…(Beautiful People come out)
(Sandy nearly gets bagged)Ray - EH, YOU WERE UGLY ANYWAY!
Tenay - KAREN JUST SHOVED VELVET SKY ON HER BUTT!
Tenay - When we come back, JB will be with Booker T in this week’s edition of Pimp My Dressing Room!
Booker - Take your shoes off, grab a jacket, please.
JB. - This real silk?
Booker - Of course - only THE BEST for Booker T!
Booker - Nash has Joe wrapped around his finger, and he’s forgetting about the task at hand - DEFENDING THE TITLE IN MY BACK YARD! I’ve got it all in the palm of my hands, except for one thing, the world heavyweight championship! I hope Joe and Nash work out their problems, ‘cuz Joe, you’re gonna need it!
Matt Morgan - My first match in WWE was myself, Brock, and Nathan Jones against Kurt, Chris Benoit, and John Cena.
Angle - They used him as an idiot - he was stuttering, and it wasn’t a good use of his talent.
Tenay - Milano Collection AT is the only wrestler accompanied by an invisible dog!
DW - AND WHY WOULDN’T HE BE!?
Tenay - Milano Collection AT fashions himself as an Italian fashion designer - hence the designer jacket and trunks.
DW - Curry Man, representing Team Tenay.
Tenay - There are the standings for the World Cup - NOW LET’S GO TO LAUREN WITH ROODE, STORM, BEER MONEY!
Storm - BEER MONEY SHIRTS! LOOK HERE - PLACE TAG BELTS HERE! BAM! WHEN I WAS A KID, MY MAMA MADE ME GET A SWITCH, AND I DIDN’T GET A BIG ONE, SHE’D MAKE ME GET A BIGGER ONE! BOYS, AT VICTORY ROAD, WE’RE JUST GONNA HAVE BIGGER STRAPS! You got money, right?
Roode - Yeah.
Storm - AND I GOT BEER! WOOO!
Tenay - It was more of the same last week…when Awesome Kong won the $25,000 challenge!
Tenay - IN THE PAST, WE’VE ESTABLISHED THE WRESTLING BACKGROUNDS OF SAEED, WHO TRAINED WITH KONG IN THE ORIENT, AND TAYOR, WHO HAS A WRESTLING BACKGROUND! SHE’S TRYING TO PROVE SHE’S ON THE LEVEL WITH THE TNA KNOCKOUTS!
(Sting’s video hits)DW - WHAT’S GOING ON HERE!?
Tenay - WHY DID STING PICK THIS MOMENT TO RETURN AND WHY IS STING BACK IN TNA!?

Screens -
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Chase

07-04-2008, 12:23 AM

Wait. Weren't they giving him a push, or something?

Well, they were giving Murdoch a "push" in the same way Jillian got a push. It's more "airtime" and less "push." Murdoch would have gotten some airtime, but after his comedy routine ran its course, they probably would have left him for dead until he was finally released. I sincerely doubt WWE Creative would have given him a title run or even a contention.

Chase

07-04-2008, 12:26 AM

Tenay saying "CAPTAIN DAIVARI" almost made this stuff worthwhile.

Maybe they plan on giving him a Captain Nemo gimmick? :-#

Purple Flames

07-04-2008, 12:43 AM

Looks like I made the right choice in skipping the last 40 minutes of Impact to watch King of Kong instead.

Shame really, the last few weeks were pretty good.

moonknight25

07-04-2008, 01:05 AM

#1 (http://rajah.com/base/node/12928)

I'm glad CM Punk drew viewers. That will definitely help him if they decide to give him a proper World title run. Hey, maybe CM Punk will feud against a heel Nosey and not get jobbed out? ;)

I feel that Raw's freshness will draw a ton of old/new viewers over the next few weeks. Everyone I know that's into wrestling is talking about the title change! Finally....some excitement exists in the wrestling world again!

cdubb1605

07-04-2008, 02:48 AM

I feel that Raw's freshness will draw a ton of old/new viewers over the next few weeks. Everyone I know that's into wrestling is talking about the title change! Finally....some excitement exists in the wrestling world again!

yeah, this was the first time i was genuienely excited about a title change, even though the wwe has done some surprising stuff in the past couple weeks with the draft and such.

hell i was even surprised when taker lost to edge at ONS... til i read he wanted time off again.

and the cena comeback in jan was a surprise of....sorts...

oh well, doubt ill be on here tomorrow. so two things:

1. everyone have a happy/safe 4th of july

2. demo man, whats the latest with the RNN? ;)

Scorch

07-04-2008, 05:22 AM

Inferno Match confirmed in SvsR 09 by Playstation Magazine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niC4Cducp6U

JaytheGamefan

07-04-2008, 05:53 AM

Excellent - if only this was 1998, when that match was the least bit relevant in the world of wrestling.

Sporadic

07-04-2008, 08:17 AM

Excellent - if only this was 1998, when that match was the least bit relevant in the world of wrestling.

Really, I wish they would work on coming up with relevant roster or a working/interesting career mode or backstage areas or commentary thatIFWISHESWEREFISHESTHEWORLDWOULDBEANOCEAN

It ridiculous how much Yukes halfasses the SvR series. How is it that they somehow managed to created a new engine and have an 80+ roster for that upcoming UFC game?

ZForce

07-04-2008, 07:16 PM

http://www.pwpix.net/superstars/m/maryseouellet/

The new Smackdown Women's Title. View at your own risk.

Genocidal

07-04-2008, 07:20 PM

I think we've finally found a belt worse than that damn spinner. Fitting that they're on the same show now.

tangytangerine

07-04-2008, 07:51 PM

Seems WWE is ripping off TNA by having their new title have their "it" name for women. They should just go with "World's Women's Championship" like what they did with the tag team titles.

That new belt makes Cena's U.S. belt look like a masterpiece.

Purple Flames

07-04-2008, 08:17 PM

That belt looks edible.

GuilewasNK

07-04-2008, 08:20 PM

I just hate the word Diva.

*edit* Wait a minute, so they are having a women's title on each show now?

tangytangerine

07-04-2008, 08:36 PM

*edit* Wait a minute, so they are having a women's title on each show now?

Yep, guess it's cause there's divas on every show. So I guess they dumped the cruiserweight title for this?

JaytheGamefan

07-04-2008, 08:38 PM

Yeah, this title was announced about a month ago, with the top contender being determined via gold star on a pole match. So it really is like TNA! Naming the belt after a company's "it" name for women really is a stretch - if they were trying to copy TNA's knockouts division with this belt, they'd have actually used more capable wrestlers to contend for it. They didn't dump the cruiser title for this - that belt was dead for months before this one was announced.

Purple Flames

07-04-2008, 09:16 PM

It's nice to see that WWE isn't afraid to poke fun at itself.

Genocidal

07-04-2008, 09:19 PM

Only if HHH does it. Still an extremely entertaining segment, imo

JaytheGamefan

07-04-2008, 09:47 PM

Cleaner shots of the..very pink... divas belt. I don't hate the design, but the pink coloring looks tacky - light blue instead of light pink would work well with this design and wouldn't be as garish-looking (with dark blue or possibly black instead of the dark pink). It would also fit the SD blue/silver color scheme. -
http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/7260/divastitletk7.th.jpg (http://img93.imageshack.us/my.php?image=divastitletk7.jpg)

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mykevermin

07-04-2008, 09:53 PM

What in the holy fuck is that thing!?!?!?!

dmunkee

07-04-2008, 10:05 PM

That thing is a monstrosity. Who the hell are they letting make these title belts?

JaytheGamefan

07-04-2008, 10:29 PM

Joe Marshall has made their belts for the past ten years - WWE gives him an idea as to what they want, and he makes it. It usually takes him a couple of months to fully craft a belt, although he has been able to turn things around in just a few weeks (like the ECW Title when WWE revived it - they had to use a Figs. Inc. replica until his belt was ready).

Before him, Reggie Parks made their belts, and his designs (the '86-'02 world tag title, winged eagle, '86-'98 IC title) have held up far better over time. He also made belts for WCW and other companies. Both Parks and Marshall sell belts to the public, but Marshall's turnaround time for the general populous is horrid - with people frequently waiting years (even up to half a decade) for a single belt, while Parks gets people their belts in about a year despite being in his '80s now.

Dave Millican's the other prominent belt maker, and he helped craft TNA's TNA-branded titles in '07, and the 3rd and 4th gen IWGP belts along with Rico Mann.

neocisco

07-04-2008, 10:55 PM

Guile, is that your Elite that died? If so, my condolences.

What in the holy fuck is that thing!?!?!?!

The Pink Taco championship.

I actually LOL'd when I saw it tonight.

That belt looks edible.

I see what you did there.

PhrostByte

07-04-2008, 11:10 PM

What a strange looking belt...

All of the TNA belts kick ass.. I also like the NWA championship and the Winged Eagle.

JaytheGamefan

07-04-2008, 11:15 PM

After reading the spoilers that regarded SD as being a poor show, I didn't have high hopes for this week's episode, but I found myself loving it quite a bit. The divas title unveiling was interesting if nothing else, and I dig Natalya's new auburn hair, as it sets her apart from Beth Phoenix and helps her stand out. The laugh doesn't do much for me, but like the new hair color, it helps make her seem unique.

This was a very good show match and storyline-wise, as the U.S. title match was Kennedy's best match in months (and I was happy to see him in the hunt for a title instead of in purgatory against Birchill) and allowed everyone in it to shine in some way (although I was annoyed by the revolving door sunset flip spot, as it led to an extended period of time where the ref didn't count down someone's shoulder's because if he did, it would interrupt the planned spot of a sunset flip breaking up the pin attempt).

Hardy-Morrison was also fantastic, and was greatly aided by J.R. and Mick putting over just how great Morrison is in comparison to legends like Rick Rude and Mr. Perfect, further allowing this match to put him over in a major way despite the loss.

I loved Jeff missing with the whisper in the wind when he telegraphed it, but hitting it out of nowhere. Morrison's Pele kick was fantastic, and unlike when AJ does it, it actually came off as a spontaneous move - I only hope that Morrison doesn't overuse it like AJ, whose overuse of it in the exact same situation every time out kills the "YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN HE'S GONNA HIT IT" aspect of the move. Each man looked strong in this match, and it made me wish that these two were in a major feud over a singles title again, as they once again brought out the best in each other just like they did two years ago (which was brought up a bit on commentary, with it being noted that Morrison was more confident in himself now and had a mean streak, thus making him a bigger threat to Jeff).

Storyline-wise, the Vickie-Edge angle FINALLY went somewhere, and I'm interested in seeing how they blow it off next week. Edge was great at playing a guy losing his marbles, and then, like Monday, he cut a fantastic heel promo that firmly established him as the best heel act in wrestling today. I didn't like the HHH-Edge title match at the Bash being a throwaway announcement (and one that HHH didn't even acknowledge at any time during the show), as it made the title seem like an afterthought.

Edge getting a shot at this belt right after losing his other one really makes this title look second-rate as well, although at least he's only getting this shot because of Vickie, and I guess they'll add another wrestler to the mix now that Edge and Vickie are on the outs, to decrease the chances of Edge winning - which would somewhat explain why they didn't do much to hype the match tonight.

The HHH-MVP segment that started the show was pretty funny (especially HHH's lines about marrying your way to the top in business, him knowing a quaint little Vegas chapel where you don't even need to be conscious to get married, and the bit about MVP needing to be careful with his performance-enhancing outfit, as it might lead to a call and 30 day suspension from Dr. Black).

HHH's digs at the "Power Ranger" attire seemed very out of date, as MVP hasn't had that chant directed at him in a long time, and I'd prefer that thing to remain a relic of the past, as it's something that could easily prevent MVP from being taken seriously as a main event-level act. I wouldn't be surprised if this segment was used to put MVP in the WWE Title match, as Vickie could easily take out three of her biggest rivals in just one match by doing so. It would also be a good way for WWE to test the waters with MVP as a main eventer without putting him in a position to have to carry the buyrate of the show on his shoulders (a death knell for a first-time main event act, especially for a B-level PPV).

I'd also be remiss if I didn't mention that Kozlov hype video - I was happy to see him get one, and hope it helps him get over with the live crowds, as his act is a huge throwback to a bygone era, and is something that WWE will have to be patient about if they want him to get over in any kind of meaningful way.

J.R. and Mick putting the history of the U.S. title over, including J.R. mentioning the first champion being Harley Race (and name dropping Johnny Weaver in a 2008 WWE broadcast in the process), and Mick noting (and J.R. confirming) that Foley's idol Terry Funk held the title helped make that title seem important again.

While they try to do something like this every week by bringing up that Flair and Austin held the belt, it usually comes off as forced because they ALWAYS mention the same few names - here, they changed it up and made it seemed like a genuine attempt to bring up the history of the title.

The reference to Kennedy being a former champ who wanted the belt back did that as well, while Chavo wanted this belt after being accustomed to wearing ECW gold also helped make each participant in the match seem important and worthy of being champion. I also liked Mick bringing up that Shelton was his son's favorite wrestler, as it made Shelton seem like a superstar (while J.R.'s mention of Shelton having to look at the man in the mirror to truly live up to his potential served as a reminder that Shelton's been his own worst enemy at times, like Jeff Hardy, and that his present success could be dashed at any time, so I'm going to enjoy it while it lasts.

This was a very good, effective show that made the two hours just fly by and made me excited about the future of SD - it didn't feel like everything the new roster SD could be, but it was a huge step up from last week's show, which felt like the usual boring SD show, only with a few bigger-name stars than in previous weeks.

Quotes - J.R. - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!
J.R. - I got started in Tulsa, Oklahoma 34 years ago - I know I’m dating myself, but I’m still as excited about stepping into this building now as I was then.
HHH - I watched SD every week when I was on Raw - I’m a big fan of yours, MVP. I like that, what do you call it? Bling! I even dig that Power Ranger outfit - that’s why the kids like you.
MVP - Hey, the stuff I wear is cutting-edge stuff! It’s high tech athletic equipment!
HHH - I know, I read about it in the paper on the Olympic swimming trials - it’s considered a performance enhancer - you better be careful, you might get a call from Dr. Black. That’s 30 days off.
(after video package of Punk title win)HHH - Edge got Punk’d.
MVP - Punk had Edge’s Punk card!
HHH - CM Punk is straight edge’d!
Vickie - EXCUSE ME! I HAVE HEARD ENOUGH!
HHH - Congrats on your upcoming wedding…that fiance of yours is some kinda genius - marrying the boss to get ahead in business - honestly, who thinks up that kinda stuff!? Know what I mean!? I know that weddings can be a lot of pressure, and if the stress is getting to you, you two kids should get in a car and drive to Vegas. I know this great drive-thru in Vegas, it only costs like $40 and you don’t even have to be conscious!
Vickie - There are things that Edge has accomplished… (fans boo)I AM TRYING TO TALK! In his life that you never will do in yours! For instance, he has successfully defended his championship every time he faced Batista (fans boo) and he’s the only man that has defeated and banished the Undertaker from the WWE - YOU WILL NEVER DO THAT!
HHH - That’s true, Vickie, but as I stand here now, I can clearly see there are other things that Edge would do that I would never do!
Vickie - What do you mean by that?
HHH - Nothing, but I’ve seen some of the other girls he’s dated and you’re a big step up!
Vickie - What are you trying to say?
MVP - Vickie, I think he’s trying to say…
Vickie - SHUT UP! CHANGE YOUR TUNE BECAUSE MY FIANCE IS ABOUT TO ARRIVE SOON AND HE IS NOT GONNA BE VERY HAPPY! Hunter, I have some news from you, 2 weeks from Sunday is the Great American Bash - and you will be defending your WWE Championship. At the end of the match, the announcer will say the winner and new WWE CHAMPION, EDGE! Thank you, gentlemen.
Mick - I’d like to clear up something I’d said before - where I said Natalya’s father Jim the Anvil came to a PTA meeting without a shirt, but he started the meeting with one…
Natalya - And took it off during the meeting.
J.R. - Another Warren Cleaver here, folks.
Mick - It’s about time for our SD divas to have their own title.
J.R. - Well, when you’re the top show in the WWE network, you should have your own divas title.
Natalya - Michelle may have a good hold, but she’s not a submission technician from the DUNGEON, Mick.
J.R. - The legendary dungeon.
Micke - You literally grew up hearing screams of misery.
Natalya - Nothing would bring me more joy than to hear Michelle McCool scream.
Mick - Jesse’s bringing out Festus dressed like the guy who takes a lot out of my check each week - Uncle Sam. Thanks, Uncle Sam.
Mick - I saw the World title change hands while sitting at J.R.’s BBQ in Norman, Oklahoma. True story.
J.R. - Of course, you always tell the truth.
J.R. - Nothing pretty or fancy about Festus.
Mick - Or his pants - those are hideous.
J.R. - It looks like he got thrown into a barber pole.
J.R. - EDGE IS WHIPPING FESTUS LIKE A COUNTRY ANIMAL!
J.R. - Edge’s eyes tell a story of mental anguish and torture.
Vickie - Edge, the only fool here is you! I’M STILL YOUR BOSS!
Edge - MY BOSS!? (they glare at each other in a pissed off manner, then Edge leaves)
J.R. - Jeff Hardy coming to SmackDown cements that we are now the NUMBER 1 PROGRAM IN THE WWE!
Mick - I don’t think there’s any doubt about that.
J.R. - There’s a great article in the new WWE Magazine about his recent personal turmoil and how he’s a new Jeff Hardy now.
Mick - I’ve felt before that the only person who could stop Jeff Hardy was Jeff Hardy, but now he’s completely focused.
J.R. -Morrison reminds me of a “Ravishing” Rick Rude, or a great superstar like Mr. Perfect - he’s just so naturally athletic.
Mick - Plus, his abs are so sharp he can grate cheese on them.
J.R. - I can’t relate to that.
Mick - Given how early Morrison wakes up in the Palace of Wisdom, you’ve gotta be pretty sharp to get one over on Morrison, but Hardy did.
J.R. - What is the address of the Palace of Wisdom?
Mick - Well, it’s more a place of mind than an actual place.
Mick - The big difference I see between this Morrison and the one of two years ago is a mean streak.
J.R. - He’s also got more confidence - he’s very confident now inside the ring.
Mick - It pains me to admit this, but his team with the Miz may be the most athletic one I’ve seen in the WWE since the Rockers.
J.R. - WE ARE IN THE MIDST OF AN INCREDIBLE JEFF HARDY-JOHN MORRISON MATCH!
J.R. - PELE KICK FROM MORRISON! YOU TALK ABOUT BREAKING ON THROUGH TO THE OTHER SIDE!
Mick - Somewhere in Brazil, Pele is smiling.
J.R. - There are so many great Samoans in WWE history, from the Wild Samoans to the Rock, but this man may be more athletic than all of them.
Mick - Just over a year ago, I had a chance to face Umaga. There’s only a couple of times I’ve felt overwhelmed, and that was one of those occasions.
(after Umaga mangles Funaki)Mick - Technically this is a win, but it seems to be a warning to potential SmackDown opponents.
Edge - You summoned me, to YOUR office!? YOUR OFFICE, THAT YOU WOULDN’T HAVE IF IT WASN’T FOR ME! BEFORE I CAME BACK, YOU WERE TEDDY LONG’S LAPDOG! I’M THE REAL GENERAL MANAGER OF SMACKDOWN!
Vickie - It’s all about you, isn’t it, BABY!? Do you realize that I’m confined to this wheelchair for the rest of my life because of you!?
Edge - SHUT! UP! DON’T SPEAK TO ME IN THAT GIBBERISH, YOU SPEAK TO ME IN ENGLISH!
Vickie - GEETTTTTTT OUUUTTTTTT! (Edge gets locked out)
Edge - Vickie, it’s me. The door’s locked. VICKIE, OPEN UP! OPEN UP! DAMN IT!
Mick - Kennedy’s a man who bleeds SmackDown blue - he told me he finally feels like he’s home.
Kennedy - Ladies and gentlemen, I MAY HAIL FROM GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN, BUT TONIGHT I COME HOME!
Mick - See?
Kenndy - And you just happen to be looking at the next UNITED STATES CHAMPION, MR. EKKENNEDY! KENNEDY!
J.R. - Kennedy, a former U.S. champion, wants the gold back around his waist.
Mick - Shelton is my oldest son Dewey’s favorite wrestler - he’s a big Shelton fan.
J.R. - Chavo, the grandson of the late, great Gory Guerrero.
J.R. - Matt Hardy continuing the legacy of the U.S. Title, which started when Harley Race beat Johnny Weaver on January 1st, 1975.
Mick - I believe my hero and mentor was U.S. champion, is that true?
J.R. - Yes it is.
J.R. - I wonder where Chavo stands in this issue with our GM and Edge.
Mick - Kennedy views SmackDown as a place where he can show off his skills on a weekly basis.
J.R. - Mick, have you ever been in a fatal four way?
Mick - Yes, I have - I lost one at last year’s Night of Champions, to John Cena.
Mick - This is kinda like John McCain sitting back and letting Obama and Clinton damage each other during the Democratic primary.
Mick - Some think that Shelton is the next big breakout superstar.
J.R. - He’s got the tools, but it’s up to the man he sees in the mirror to make use of them and live up to his potential.
J.R. - Matt Hardy retains the prestigious United States championship!
Edge - THIS WILL BE MY FIRST AND LAST PUBLIC STATEMENT ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED TO ME ON RAW! I WAS THE VICTIM OF 2 COWARDLY ATTACKS - FIRST BY BATISTA, AND THE SECOND BY CM PUNK! The latter of which cost me my, MY, world heavyweight championship! It was a cowardly attack! It wasn’t even a match, it should’ve have happened…I WAS A VICTIM! IT WASN’T FAIR TO ME AT ALL! The only solace I have is that I won’t be without gold for very long, because at the Bash, I will beat HHH and will be YOUR WWE CHAMPION FOR A THIRD TIME! But with that being said, this has been the most difficult week of my life professionally and personally. From the moment I walked in here tonight, I felt disrespect from all of you, I’ve had no support from anyone! Hawkins and Ryder, who I took from nothing, who I gave everything to, they should be doing everything in their power to make me happy and they’ve done nothing! You’ve all done nothing! I STAND OUT HERE AN ISLAND UNTO MYSELF, A SOLITARY FIIGURE! THAT’S FINE! I’LL BATTLE THROUGH THIS BECAUSE THAT’S WHY I DO, I BATTLE, I STRUGGLE, AND THAT’S WHY NONE OF YOU LIKE ME, BECAUSE I HAVE ALL THE ATTRIBUTES NONE OF YOU HAVE! I HAVEN’T EVEN RECEIVED THE SUPPORT OF THE PERSON WHO SHOULD BE STANDING BY ME MORE THAN ANYONE ELSE - MY FIANCE, VICKIE GUERRERO! SHE SHOULD BE HERE FOR ME MORE THAN ANYONE, BUT SHE LOCKS ME OUT OF HER OFFICE! That should really tell you all there is to know about Vickie, but I’ve got a few secrets…
Vickie (who walks out on her own) - WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING!? WHY ARE YOU MAKING ALL OF THIS PUBLIC!? THESE PEOPLE DON’T DESERVE TO HEAR ABOUT OUR PRIVATE LIFE!? BECAUSE YOU LOST THE TITLE!? HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND!? I DON’T UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU’RE THINKING!? WHAT YOU’RE TRYING TO DO!? WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?
Edge - What am I doing? Really good question. (Edge walks out, towards Vickie) I have one last public statement to make - THE WEDDING IS OFF!
Vickie - NOOOOO!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! NOOOOOOOOOO! NOOOOOOO!

Screens -
Mick shills J.R.'s BBQ.
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Edge sucks...Mr. Kennedy...
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