God what a great show this was. The video package recapping the Jeff-Punk cage match found EVEN MORE fans crying - awesome, and then Jeff came out as Punk and they cut to more crowd shots of people being greatly offended by him. Punk is in such a zone right now - everything he does is at least great, and his promo ruled too. He bought up some fine points about the fans, then teased the anaconda vice and while I question not actually SHOWING THE MOVE right after this since there's only like a week to go before the PPV match, it did intrigue me and gave me hope that he'd use it to beat Matt in the main event.
Khali and Finlay vs. Kane and Knox was pretty much perfect. Knox's character was showcased, he looked great in there with Finlay, and Kane and Khali were in there as little as possible. Singh's jacket saying THE GREAT KHALI SAYS! amused me for some reason. The divas deal in the back was amusing, with Maria showing slight heel tendencies while Michelle was actually amusing by being so full of herself and saying that she SWEARS TO GOD SHE'LL CALL THE COPS if Melina touched her. That ruled.
Rey-Morrison was just amazing. Lots of great action, swank moves, nothing got botched, the fans bought the near-falls every single time, and the finish ruled. Seeing a reverse rana teased on WWE is pretty rare - let alone one from the top, and Morrison blocked it perfectly, then just absolutely squashed Rey with the starship pain. That HAD to suck for Rey, but it worked as the finish. The announce team put the win over like a huge deal, and they cut away to Dolph at perfect points in the match - during rest holds, which were also placed perfectly as they gave the wrestlers and fans a chance to breathe and then go nuts again during the fast-paced stuff.
The divas tag was good, and it all started with the video package which A - made me wish I'd remember to watch Superstars and B - made Eve look fantastic by showing her doing all sorts of new flippy moves and doing them pretty well. And then the tag match did the same thing, so yeah, she needs to be women's champ soon to actually capitalize on this when McCool comes back.
The McIntyre deal is great - he dresses better than a bunch of guys on the roster, talks better, has a presence, carries himself like a champion, and has an awesome-looking finisher - and he hasn't even wrestled a full match yet since returning to the main roster. He's clearly improved a ton since his last run on SD with Dave Taylor, and this seems like his time to shine - he'll fit in well with the IC Title picture. Or maybe team up with Finlay and go after the tag belts.
Matt-Punk was better than I expected for Matt's first singles match since being brought back too early. Again. Anyways, his interview with Mathews was good, although the main thing I remember about it was Josh's unbelievable tan. Punk going after the torn up ab of Matt was great - he was actually able to get heat due to an ABDOMINAL STRETCH in 2009 thanks to this. VIVA LA PUNK! And this match brought back two more big BODY SCISSORS spots for the night, with the first one being in the IC Title match. God this show is so awesome in some many small ways. Punk choosing to destroy Matt rather than get the win made him seem like an even bigger dick, and I liked that he once again went for the necktie chair smash - they're getting that over to near con-chair-to levels right now and I hope they keep it up.
The chokeslam through the table from Taker to Punk to close the show was great, and I liked that they didn't go through the convoluted "Well, I'm gonna SMASH YOU THROUGH THIS, but first I'm going to clear it off..." bit. He just grabbed him, dragged him, and threw him through it. Great stuff. The only thing I didn't like about the Punk stuff tonight was not showing the anaconda vice - they had Punk reference, had J.R. put it over, but didn't show it, which means that unless fans remember the move from THREE YEARS AGO, they've only got about a week to re-get it over as a big deal.
Screens -
this fan was NOT AMUSED!
this one was just pissed
and this lady is just disgusted
Conclusion - Punk=AWESOME!
Ouch
Vince's greatest jacket yet
Quotes -
(Jeff’s theme plays and Punk comes out dressed like him)Punk - AWWWWW! Did you expect someone else? Well HE’S GONE! SO LIKE A JUNKIE WAITING FOR YOUR NEXT FIX - I SUGGEST YOU SOAK THIS UP WHILE YOU CAN because this is the last time you’ll see a trace of Jeff Hardy on SmackDown ever again. And that means no more face paint. That means no more stupid arm bands…. And no more excuses. Now that the charismatic enabler is gone, I can see it in your faces - you’re wondering if his “live for the moment” lifestyle was right, but now you know it wasn’t. I know how weak you people really are. But now at least you have a champion you can be champion - a STRAIGHT EDGE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION! Now that Jeff’s gone, I’m the only one strong enough to pull you up from your downward spiraling life - I’ll never miss a show due to an airport problem, or miss ‘Mania because I failed a test. Unlike Jeff, I’m built to last - if you’re going to emulate a WWE superstar, it’s the choice of the new generation, and his name is CM Punk. And then there’s the Undertaker, who is a legend, but he is no longer the solitary icon here on SD - I AM THE ONLY BACK-TO-BACK money in the bank winner. I am the man that retired Jeff Hardy! AND I’M THE FIRST AND ONLY STRAIGHT EDGE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION, so if he at any moment wants to test my breaking point, I’ll be waiting. Waiting for the lights to go out and for him to appear before my magical eyes - I know he’s here right now. So…Undertaker, if you wanna face me man-to-man, like I said, I’ll be waiting. See, he knows it’s not in his best interests to face my man-to-man - he’d rather lurk in the shadows and play games - which you people fall for every single time. (fans chant “WE WANT HARDY”) Alls it takes is some smoke and mirrors to make you all believers - smoke being the operative word, I can imagine you all on your couch smoking your ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES while you ooh and aww at all his spooky powers. What he fails to realize that unlike you people, my mind is clear and strong - it hasn’t been polluted by things like beer and cigarettes, so at Breaking Point, it’s going to be two icons face-to-face in a fight to the finish! I love it because he’s never faced a guy like me before - I HAVE NO BREAKING POINT! All you have to do is look at my eyes and see that I’ve laughed in the face of temptation, and I’ve never tapped out to society’s peer pressure - you try to stick a beer in my hand with the same commercials that convince you. I’m harder than any alcohol, and I’m straighter than any line you can snort, and I’m stronger than any pill you can put on your tongue. But I do have one vice. It’s more dangerous than you people are addicted to - I can’t get enough of it, but unlike your typical monkey on your back, it’s more like an anaconda… (Matt comes out)
J.R. - PERHAPS WE’LL NEVER KNOW WHAT HIS ONE VICE IS
J.R. - Punk may resemble the Joker, but I don’t think Matt thinks this is funny at all.
Punk - TEDDY, MATT TOOK UP MY INTERVIEW TIME! HE’S OBVIOUSLY HOPPED UP ON SOMETHING!
Teddy - Okay, let’s settle it in the ring!
Punk - WHAT!? Not for the title, right?
Teddy - No.
Punk - Okay then.
J.R. - It’ll be interesting to see how Khali and Finlay communicate.
Grisham - Well, they’ve got a translator - they’ll be okay.
J.R. - The pair of Ks - Kane and Knox - are an evil duo.
Grisham - I bet their pre-match strategy session involved a lot of DIABOLICAL LAUGHTER!
(after a Khali chest chop)Grisham - IT’S LIKE A SONIC BOOM!
J.R. - Finlay’s tougher than a mother-in-law - I guarantee ya.
Kane - RIP HIS ARM OF, MIKE!
Teddy - I’m watching the RISE AND FALL OF WCW DVD! I was there! FOR THE RISE OF IT!
Vince - How about last week? Punk faces Jeff…and Jeff’s out of here. Good stuff, and now we’ve got the Undertaker against Punk for the championship - and that’s a submission match. Breaking Point - good concept. Sharp outfit - very subdued though.
Teddy - Yours is more colorful.
(with a pink jacket)Vince - Are you saying this jacket looks like Pepto Bismol?
Teddy - No sir.
Vince - I’ll let you wear this one day.
Teddy - I’d be honored.
Vince - You ever been lucky before?
Teddy - Yes sir - I work for you.
J.R. - It is quite the coat - and Pepto does coat the stomach.
J.R. - The Intercontinental championship is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
Crowd - THIS IS AWE-SOME! THIS IS AWE-SOME!
J.R. - ON THIS NIGHT, JOHN MORRISON IS THE NEW INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION!
Grisham - THEY BROUGHT IT ALL, BUT MORRISON STANDS TALL!
J.R. - One of the most amazing championship main events here on SmackDown!
J.R. - Rey bows out of the ring because it’s John Morrison’s time.
J.R. - I am enthralled with this matchup!
McIntyre - Last week, I was overlooked, so I decided to make a statement at the hands of that dancing fool in the ring. Tonight, he has a match, and I’m not even on the show. Lemme tell ya what’s gonna happen - I’m gonna keep coming out here and ruin all your parties until everybody recognizes me as the superstar that I am! (fans chant YOU SUCK at him)
Grisham - The WWE divas - SMART, SEXY, AND POWERFUL!
J.R. - I KNEW YOU WERE GONNA SAY THAT.
J.R. - I heard the lady at the hotel say that about you earlier.
Grisham - She speaks the truth. I don’t look as good in sequins, however.
J.R. - Won’t even go there.
J.R. - Maria with a Lou Thesz press - I’m not sure if she knows who that is, but it was a nice move!
Matt - Punk should be concerned about the Undertaker, but he should also be concerned about me. I’m not after Punk’s title or soul - I’m here to take his health. I want to take from him what he took from my brother - his career!
J.R. - Punk says that his definition is - straight edge means I’m better than you.
Grisham - It’s not just rhetoric - he has the words “drug free” tattooed on his knuckles!
J.R. - The Undertaker has never submitted in a match - but something’s gotta give at Breaking Point - the match HAS to end by submission!
Grisham - His INTESTINES EXPLODED, I hear. This is Matt’s first one-on-one match since returning.
Grisham - CM Punk - the Hardy killer.
J.R. - Did you get past kindergarten, Todd?
Grisham - It was Alabama, so it really didn’t matter.
J.R. - I didn’t pass - I just outgrew the desk.
(after slapping Matt)Punk - YOU AIN’T JEFF!
Grisham - Punk is the only back-to-back MITB winner. He beat Jeff Hardy in his first TLC match ever, and last week, forced Jeff out of the WWE!
J.R. - Hardy trying to gut it out - and that was no pun. His courage has been amazing!
WWF: In Your House abandonware.[/QUOTE]
Sucks so much compared to Wrestlemania: The Arcade Game.
Ever play that one in the arcade? it was phenomenal. I literally shouted "TOMBSTONE! TOMBSTONE!" in the middle of the arcade when I performed a tombstone with Undertaker.
/\
I remember getting shafted on the SNES I think when I bought that, they left out Yokozuna AND Lex Luger for some reason. Does anyone know the story behind that?
[quote name='diddy310']Just watched Punk's promo, awesome Jeff impression, clapping and all. Also enjoyed him referring to Jeff as "The Charismatic Enabler".[/QUOTE]
Link?
Bryan Danielson left PWG last night with the PWG Championship as he defeated Chris Hero in an absolute WAR. After winning the belt, he immediately attempted to vacate the title by handing it to PWG Commissioner Of Food & Beverages Excalibur, but X told Danielson he had to at least wear it once for old times sake. Danielson obliged for the photo op, and tried to name a new champion himself before X announced that 2009's BOLA tournament would crown a new PWG Champion. Bryan waved to the crowd, took a bow, and walked out as everyone chanted "Make Us Proud".
[quote name='pimpster4183']/\
I remember getting shafted on the SNES I think when I bought that, they left out Yokozuna AND Lex Luger for some reason. Does anyone know the story behind that?[/QUOTE]
I thought they only cut out Yokozuna. I have the Genesis (and Playstation) versions and it remains a fun game to bring out from time to time. I wish it had gotten an arcade sequel with the same basic gameplay but more wrestlers/moves. The roster was ridiculously outdated even right when it released. Luger had bounced back to WCW, Diesel was WWF champion, etc.
[quote name='pimpster4183']/\
I remember getting shafted on the SNES I think when I bought that, they left out Yokozuna AND Lex Luger for some reason. Does anyone know the story behind that?[/QUOTE]
It was Bam Bam and Yokozuna that didn't make the SNES version. No reason given that I could find, but the SNES version was the worst version
//edit: Never knew about Undertaker's fatality in the game.
Weight limits. Due to childhood obesity issues at that time they were left out of the game due to concerns that their inclusion would be seen as promoting a sedentary lifestyle.
[quote name='neocisco']Weight limits. Due to childhood obesity issues at that time they were left out of the game due to concerns that their inclusion would be seen as promoting a sedentary lifestyle.[/QUOTE]
Are you kidding me?
I always figured it was because of the SNES's limits or the developer's unwillingness to work around them. The SNES version slowed down a lot, and having bigger sprites probably would have caused even more slowdown.
I have the Saturn and PSX versions. The Saturn one is almost a completely faithful recreation of the arcade version except for the atrocious load times and the bewilderingly high difficulty even on the lowest setting. The PSX version has a few audio differences but plays well and has somewhat more bearable load times.
[quote name='OnyxPrimal']I have the PC version of Wrestlemania: The Arcade Game. Give me a few days to dig it out of my PC box and I'll make an ISO.[/QUOTE]
Dragon Gate at Congress tomorrow! I'm pumped. Kendrick and Danielson are going to be there. I don't know any of the other guys. I know it's gonna be a great show.
Angelina Love has apparently been working for TNA without a work visa since late 2007. It was assumed that she'd been using the one granted to her during her WWE developmental days, but that's actually illegal as you have to reapply for one for the new employer.TNA was never allowed to hire her in 2007 without having her work visa situation handled - that's why it took so long for Gail Kim to redebut this year.
She's potentially facing deportation as well as a ten-year ban on entering the US, which would pretty much end her US wrestling career.
[quote name='pimpster4183']those gifs are CLASSIC, is it just me or this chick on the bottom kind of hot? I wouldn't picture her as a wrestling mark[/QUOTE]
[quote name='JJSP']Angelina Love has apparently been working for TNA without a work visa since late 2007. It was assumed that she'd been using the one granted to her during her WWE developmental days, but that's actually illegal as you have to reapply for one for the new employer.TNA was never allowed to hire her in 2007 without having her work visa situation handled - that's why it took so long for Gail Kim to redebut this year.
She's potentially facing deportation as well as a ten-year ban on entering the US, which would pretty much end her US wrestling career.
Only in America can a person illegally work in the country, appear on TV every week, have it go unnoticed for two years, and then raise a stink about it years after the fact while other illegal immigrants get paid less than minimum wage, don't appear on TV, and nobody gives a crap about it.
[quote name='Chuplayer']Only in America can a person illegally work in the country, appear on TV every week, have it go unnoticed for two years, and then raise a stink about it years after the fact while other illegal immigrants get paid less than minimum wage, don't appear on TV, and nobody gives a crap about it.[/QUOTE]
No, it's just that the people who do give a crap are called rednecks and racists. But that discussion is more suited for the vs. forum.
The biggest difference, though, is it LOOKS like both she and TNA believed she was OK (Whether reality differs is another story, but they'll use this defense if she has a hearing).
I always figured it was because of the SNES's limits or the developer's unwillingness to work around them. The SNES version slowed down a lot, and having bigger sprites probably would have caused even more slowdown.
I have the Saturn and PSX versions. The Saturn one is almost a completely faithful recreation of the arcade version except for the atrocious load times and the bewilderingly high difficulty even on the lowest setting. The PSX version has a few audio differences but plays well and has somewhat more bearable load times.[/QUOTE]
I haven't watched wrestling since 2000, but CM Punk might bring me back. Those fans seem legitimately pissed off, and I haven't seen a heel do that in ages.
I don't have cable and can't watch Raw, but it must be terrible to have Cena/HHH/Orton/Batista in the main event regularly. Perhaps you should watch the crap that is Smackdown. They've villainized their one talent, CM Punk, for the Hardy Boys and the Undertaker. Morrison is coming along, but why is he wasted on Rey Mysterio? Mysterio is and always has been a joke. The Undertaker is a has been, but I'm sure Punk will be forced to lay down for him. His WrestleMania streak is a bigger joke that Mysterio. Mike Knox, Finlay, Kane? All laughable. When Edge gets back from his fake injury he'll hopefully go to Raw. It'd be great to have Batista or Cena back on Smackdown.
[quote name='ragtop70']I don't have cable and can't watch Raw, but it must be terrible to have Cena/HHH/Orton/Batista in the main event regularly. Perhaps you should watch the crap that is Smackdown. They've villainized their one talent, CM Punk, for the Hardy Boys and the Undertaker. Morrison is coming along, but why is he wasted on Rey Mysterio? Mysterio is and always has been a joke. The Undertaker is a has been, but I'm sure Punk will be forced to lay down for him. His WrestleMania streak is a bigger joke that Mysterio. Mike Knox, Finlay, Kane? All laughable. When Edge gets back from his fake injury he'll hopefully go to Raw. It'd be great to have Batista or Cena back on Smackdown.[/QUOTE]
[quote name='ragtop70']I don't have cable and can't watch Raw, but it must be terrible to have Cena/HHH/Orton/Batista in the main event regularly. Perhaps you should watch the crap that is Smackdown. They've villainized their one talent, CM Punk, for the Hardy Boys and the Undertaker. Morrison is coming along, but why is he wasted on Rey Mysterio? Mysterio is and always has been a joke. The Undertaker is a has been, but I'm sure Punk will be forced to lay down for him. His WrestleMania streak is a bigger joke that Mysterio. Mike Knox, Finlay, Kane? All laughable. When Edge gets back from his fake injury he'll hopefully go to Raw. It'd be great to have Batista or Cena back on Smackdown.[/QUOTE]
Really? That's the best you can do? Go practice and try again. BTW, your avatar is XTREMEZ!!!
Being completely honest...I think that CM Punk will break Undertaker's streak come Wrestlemania.
It would cement Punk as the top heel in the WWE and I don't think Undertaker would care at all if he thought it would help the business (remember when he wanted Kane of all people to break the streak at one of the Wrestlemanias?)
Not gonna happen. Sure, Taker seems to have no problem giving up the streak, but he's not the one calling the shots. As long as his streak is marketable, he'll keep winning. It's his 'thing'.
Plus, as amazing as Punk has been recently, let's see how this Taker feud goes. Hardy was the perfect foil for Punk, so it remains to be seen how hot he can remain going up against not only someone else, but the total momentum-vacuum known as the Undertaker. Then again, aside from brief moments (HBK), I've found Taker to be exceptionally boring for years, so I may not be the best judge.
[quote name='ragtop70']I don't have cable and can't watch Raw, but it must be terrible to have Cena/HHH/Orton/Batista in the main event regularly. Perhaps you should watch the crap that is Smackdown. They've villainized their one talent, CM Punk, for the Hardy Boys and the Undertaker. Morrison is coming along, but why is he wasted on Rey Mysterio? Mysterio is and always has been a joke. The Undertaker is a has been, but I'm sure Punk will be forced to lay down for him. His WrestleMania streak is a bigger joke that Mysterio. Mike Knox, Finlay, Kane? All laughable. When Edge gets back from his fake injury he'll hopefully go to Raw. It'd be great to have Batista or Cena back on Smackdown.[/QUOTE]
Really? And I thought I never contributed anything of worth around here... Try again champ.
[quote name='007']Not gonna happen. Sure, Taker seems to have no problem giving up the streak, but he's not the one calling the shots. As long as his streak is marketable, he'll keep winning. It's his 'thing'.
Plus, as amazing as Punk has been recently, let's see how this Taker feud goes. Hardy was the perfect foil for Punk, so it remains to be seen how hot he can remain going up against not only someone else, but the total momentum-vacuum known as the Undertaker. Then again, aside from brief moments (HBK), I've found Taker to be exceptionally boring for years, so I may not be the best judge.[/QUOTE]
It's marketable but how much longer does Taker have in wrestling? What would be the better long term choice for the company? Letting Undertaker retired undefeated or cementing CM Punk's spot as top heel of the company? I don't even anybody could up that mega-rub and if anybody deserves it, it's Punk (true fan of wrestling and drug free, basically he'll be with the WWE for as long as they'll have him)
ing names.
