| It’s
time, for you all to come aboard the Pain TRAIN! Okay, so it doesn’t rhyme
as much as Ho Train. Well it’s been a week since I last wrote, and we’ve
seen a lot for another big week of pro wrestling. This week’s column will
include RAW/Nitro thoughts, thoughts on the women’s division of the WWF,
the Big Show-Undertaker duo, Sunday Night Heat highlights, the failed gimmick
of the week, and to wrap it all up, Poll Results from last week and a new
poll for this week.
Well
RAW clobbered Nitro in the ratings, to keep the streak going, I’m not exactly
sure what the exact straight weeks is, but it has to be getting up there.
Time after time, the WWF delivers what the fans want, the WWF isn’t really
wrestling anymore, it’s all development of angles with the final blow coming
in a heated match between to enemies. I’ve been watching wrestling since
1985, and must admit, I’ve adapted to the WWF’s new way of entertainment,
and I actually enjoy it more then just plain wrestling, and the ratings
and popularity don’t lie, the Sports-Entertainment approach is a much more
interesting approach then the plain wrestling that WCW is known for,
sure WCW includes some interesting angles, but an angle can only go on
for so long, look at the nWo, they are still teasing us with the rekindling
of the group. At least the WWF realized that they couldn’t do anymore to
the Austin-McMahon feud so they cut it finally. Also SummerSlam will mark
an end of another era, if HHH wins the title. It will end Steve Austin’s
Main Event Streak. I do believe the last pay-per-view that didn’t show
case Austin in the main event was 1998’s Survivor Series where The Rock
defeated Mankind in the final of the WWF title tournament.
Now,
RAW and Nitro thoughts, RAW was just the average showing from the WWF,
and of course that wins ratings. I’m glad that D-Lo Brown is starting to
get a semi major push by getting in a tussle with the Intercontinental
Champion, Jeff Jarrett, I’d say that Debra is going to soon be leaving
the side of Jarrett since, the two are seen always fighting on camera,
and Jarrett is getting a bit protective of the puppies. Ben Stiller, that
was pretty funny to see him get pushed around, but the even better part
was D-Lo executing on of the most electrifying moves that has even been
used, the Sky High. D-Lo may not be in the best shape, but he has a great
work ethic, and makes each move look devastating. Moving on, the last time
we see Vince McMahon on a WWF program? I highly doubt it. McMahon will
probably be back at Survivor Series or maybe even sooner, it would be pretty
funny to see Vince walk out in the Main Event at Survivor Series, and "screw"
the champion out of his title. The chemistry between Lawler’s and Ross’
announcing is perfect. They work well together, and when either one moves
on, it’ll be sad to see them go. JR downing a few beers, and singing the
song to Vince was pretty funny, and the master of facial expressions Vince
McMahon put on a good showing as well. Vic Grimes has finally debuted,
but come on, in a white suit with his hair in braids, it looks like? That
was pretty dumb, but at least he stands out in a crowd.
Nitro,
boy oh boy, Jason Irving, the guy that came out to do guest commentary
totally ruined the show. He took up eighty percent of the air time with
stupid comments. Scott Hudson was trying to recap what happened on past
shows with Macho Man, and the Irving, cuts in, and just states that Macho
is cool? Did Bischoff think bringing in this guy would get ratings, or
is Bischoff just getting anyone that will sit there and talk? By the way,
I don’t know what ratings Irving is reading, but declaring that he came
to Nitro because it’s the number one rated wrestling show is totally bogus.
They need to work on their product, and never mind the silly shots at the
WWF. Probably the saddest segment of the night, Benoit jobbing to David
Flair. But, something you have to include when you think of the way WCW
is misusing and abusing their younger talent is, Benoit’s old contract
only expired a few months, ago, and he was the one that decided to ink
his name to the new contract, so really, if he, or anyone else complains
about WCW’s ways, they should think back to the time when they had the
opportunity to jump ship and didn’t. Also when Benoit’s contract expires
again, will he sit back and sign with WCW, or will he actually think about
the situation, WCW isn’t going to use their younger guys till Hogan, Savage,
Nash, and a few others, either step down, or leave all together. We hear
a lot about Ric Flair’s younger son, who is supposedly an excellent amateur
wrestler, it will be interesting to see if when he grows up, if he explores
the world of pro wrestling, and if he does, how good will he be. Since
when is Chase Tatum worthy of a Television title? And why was this match
the second last of the night? Do they not know that, that is when the viewers
are getting ready for the main events? And if a fan liked both the WWF
and WCW, and he was flicking back and forth, do you think he would rather
see Rick Steiner Vs. Chase Tatum, or the ending of Triple
H-Shamrock
, and then Test jumping the Greenwich. Posse? Then, the main event, another
replica of a past WWF card. Sid Vs. Hogan, well, that happened about 7
years ago, do we really want to see it again? Nash and Sid would be a great
tag team, but again what happened to the story lines from the past two
months? Isn’t Sid supposed to be Macho Man’s lackey or something? Oh, and
what a great surprise tag team partner brought out by Nash, some great
last minute booking on WCW’s behalf again.
Well,
the WWF is finally getting back to concentrating on the Women’s division
now, which is good news for women’s wrestling fans. Looks like Tori will
finally get her shot at the gold against Ivory at Summerslam. And I really
think at the end, Tori will be holding the strap above her head, simply
because she’s bigger than Ivory, and it’s time we had a champion that will
defend the title, and not just challenege audience members.
When
the Big Show and Undertaker first got together, I thought it was totally
stupid, but I have to admit that I’m really liking the duo, even though
it screwed up the whole past two months of story lines with Kane. The interview
with Undertaker on Heat stating he was going to turn on Big Show eventually
was pretty straight forward, and I think it will set up a feud between
the two come after SummerSlam. Big Show Vs. Undertaker where taker got
choke slammed to hell was a great match, I would mind seeing these two
go at it on a pay-per-view giving it all they got. Can you imagine Big
Show Vs. Taker in a buried alive match? How deep and how long would the
grave have to be?!
Now,
Sunday Night Heat, Damn the first match was awesome. The Hardy Boyz Vs.
Papi Chulo and Funaki. Papi’s frog leap over the turnbuckle and to the
outside was simply amazing, no other wrestler I think, would have dared
done that. But then, that was quickly topped, when one of the Hardy’s ran,
jumped the barrier, and ran along until he dove and clothes lined Papi
who was holding the other Hard Boy. Simply awesome. I personally don’t
like the Hardy Boyz, but I do appreciate their talent, and do like watching
their matches. The Meat-Terri Runnels segments are quite humorous, but,
it would be nice to see Meat when a match on Heat or RAW, and not just
win on Shotgun Saturday Night. The WWF is playing the Taker, Big Show,
Hard Core Holly angle down nicely I think. But, most likely down the road,
Holly will be the reason that the Undertaker turns on Big Show, because
he’s tired of Holly following around.
To
conclude the column, here’s the Failed Gimmick of the Week. The West Texas
Rednecks. Sure this was a great group at the beginning when they were up
against The No Limit Soldiers and involved in the Rap Vs. Country angle,
but what now? WCW has to learn that angles like these, only last a bit
until they get old. Last week on Nitro they had Hennig Vs. Goldberg, and
the match didn’t even end really, the referee just decided to ring the
bell and raise Goldberg’s hand. Somehow the Red neck angle just doesn’t
fit there. Hennig’s a great wrestler, and it was great to see him finally
in charge of a group, instead of being a lackey like he was in the nWo.
Maybe WCW can find a way to keep this angle going, but they are going to
need remodeling, and I just don’t see WCW putting the proper effort in
to doing so.
Now
onto the poll. For last week’s poll, I got an OVERWHELMING amount of feedback,
and I’d like to thank every single person that took the time to e-mail
me your choices. Here are a few of your responses
---
[email protected]
Heavyweight
title-Hunter Hearst-Helmsley It's about time for him to get the belt, as
he has something that the WWF's champion (Austin) doesn't. Actual wrestling
skills. He doesn't just punch a lot. HHH can piss anyone off, including
the viewer. He is a great heel, a lot like the Rock was when he was Corporate.
Intercontinental
title-Mr.Ass, Billy Gunn - Remember the days when, if you had the IC belt,
you would soon get pushed up to the heavyweight belt? Look at all the guys
who first got the IC belt, then got the Heavyweight belt. The Ultimate
Warrior, Randy savage, Bret Hart, Diesel, Shawn Micheals, The Rock, Austin.
There are more, and I know these names span over 10 years of wrestling,
but my point is, now the WWF is giving the IC belt to guys like D-Lo, the
Godfather, the Road Dogg. These guys, although great wrestlers, it is doubtful
they will ever be moved up to the heavyweight division. The WWF needs to
bring some glory back to the IC belt, and Mr.Ass will eventually move up
to the heavyweight division (He is wrestling heavyweights like the Rock),
and will hopefully get the belt.
European
Title-D-Lo Brown - Although people like Shawn Micheals and HHH once had
this belt, I don't look at it as a stepping stone belt of any kind. D-Lo
is a great wrestler, and he OWNS Shotgun, which I feel is the showcase
for European Title belt holders.
Hardcore
Title-Mankind - Hardcore matches are either hits or misses. Hit: Bolier
Room Brawl between Mankind and Big Show @ Backlash '99. Miss: Hardcore
Title Match between Bossman and Al Snow @ Fully Loaded '99. The point is
Mankind really knows how to get hardcore, he knows how to entertain a crowd.
He had a Heavyweight title run, although it was awhile ago, I don't see
him having another one soon. Hardcore Holly hasn't been getting to hardcore
lately, and the Bossman is just a joke when he gets hardcore. Mick is a
crazy, and as proven, will do anything to entertain a crowd.
Women's
Champion-Chyna - She has the best wrestling skills of any woman in the
WWF. Although I shudder at the though of her competing in an evening gown
match, she could still beat down Debra, Ivory and all of PMS at once. With
her beside my pick for heavyweight champ HHH, and my pick for IC champ
Mr.Ass right there backing them up, they could form a great heel DX.
---
[email protected]
WWF
Women's Title: Tori - Not only does this girl look good, she can, for the
first time ever, put some dignity into the Women's title. The women's division
though needs a lot more talent to stick around.
WWF
Hardcore Title: Gangrel - Gangrel is one funked up looking dude with a
lot of talent. His character and attitude fir the Hardcore title perfectly,
or at least better then the Bitch Boss Man.
WWF
European Title: Test - The mini Big Sexy has some wicked moves that can
get the crowd on it's feet. This title can show the WWF that he has great
talent and give Test a World Title push in a year or so.
WWF
Intercontinental Title : X - Pac - The I.C. title would be great for this
kid because he works his ass off every match he's in. The fans love him
and it would put more prestige on this title. I rather have X - Pac as
champion instead of hearing Jeff Jerrett saying he's the greatest Intercontinental
Champion of all time even though he hasn't won a match on his own for 6
months now. A couple of new moves added to his arsenal and he could be
the world champion.
WWF
Tag Team Titles : The Adulterers, Val Venis & The Godfather - These
guys always send great energy through the crowd. They've shown great chemistry
as a team and have great combos and a finisher, which all great tag teams
should have. Fans would love to see these guys with the belts, just seeing
them is worth the paid admission.
WWF
World Championship: HHH - To have a heel as champion would be perfect for
the WWF, because people will watch RAW and the Pay - Per - View's just
to watch and hope that someone would beat his ass. He has great talent
and is a sound technical wrestler. I would just like to see him beat Austin
without any interference, something he hasn't done since he was in DX.
For him to be a great champion, he has to stop saying the same damn thing
over and over again. But he is a guy that really pisses me off, so for
him to be champion is essential.
---
[email protected]
World
Heavyweight - HHH... I mean this, call me a mark or whatever, but I saw
him at MSG, and I was the only one in the audience cheering for him...
I love his character, good or bad, I always enjoy watching him, which is
MUCH more than I can say for Steve Austin (for the record, I was also probably
the only one cheering for the Undertaker over Austin at that show too)...
Intercontinental
- X-Pac... I don't think he's ever held it before, but he is such a good
worker, and he can make any match look good... he deserves something for
that.
HardCore
- Road Dogg... the Hardcore division was at its best when he and Foley
were heading it up, unfortunately, Mankind is out of commission, but I
think RD would do a great job.
Euro
- Christian... since you didn't mention a LightHeavyweight belt, this one
will have to do. I know we don't get to see much of him, but he's good...
he's really good. And he has this vulnerable look to him that makes people
underestimate him.
Tag-Team
- Edge & Christian... yes, I know this means Chrissy has 2 belts...
I don't care, I love them that much... I think they're both amazing to
watch individually, and when they tag it's great... they have a great story,
the ever-important "look" and they just work well together, putting on
an awesome show when given the opportunity (i.e. if they ever got more
than 2 minutes for a match).. Plus, I snubbed Edge for the IC title,m i
have to give him something... their fued with the Hardys should have lasted
longer... it would have been good for both teams...
Women's
- Luna... Luna is the most kick-ass player in the Women's Division ever!...
Chyna fights men, so she doesn't count, and Nicole never really fought
anyway... the division they have now is a joke... hell, DEBRA was the champion,
what kind of BS was that?... they really need Luna back.
---
Well,
that’s it for last week’s poll, now for this week’s poll. "The WWF has
lots of gimmick pay-per-view like the Royal Rumble, or KOTR, or the Survivor
Series format, and matches then matches such as Dog Collar, Caribbean Strap
match, Hell in the Cell, Cage match, Battle Royal, Iron Man etc., what
has been your favorite gimmick pay-per-view, and also what is your favorite
type of gimmick match?"
Just
a note, some of you are just sending me your picks with no reasons, I appreciate
the feedback, but it would be better if you all would send in the reasons
as to why you chose that certain thing
Send
your choices to [email protected] have a nice night everyone and thanks
for reading. |