411Mania's Squared Circle News Report 04.18.09
Posted by Dustin James on 04.18.2009
411mania's Squared Circle News Report returns from a week off with some HUGE news! Join me as I discuss TNA's signing of a "former world champion", a WWE legend who is set to retire next year, and much much more!
Welcome back inside the Squared Circle! First of all, sorry for missing last week. I must give a hearty thank you to Chris Lansdell for filling in for me last week. I don't care what Stephen Randle says....Lansdell is not that bad of a guy. Well, the reason I missed last week was because Comcast decided I didn't need any sort of Internet connection for three days so my only sort of Internet access was courtesy of my lovely IPhone. Thank GOD for that invention. But I'm back online and kicking obviously, so that was just a little set back in this express train known as the 411SCN!
I may be back this week, but I have some bad news. Unfortunately I'm a little handicapped at the moment. You see, my girlfriend has this hamster and I thought it would be a good idea to stick my index finger in the cage. That's when the little son of a bitch decided to treat my favorite finger like it was some sort of delicious treat. Not only that.....but IT HURT! Now, I consider myself a pretty tough guy, but this little rodent made me BLEED! I was so mad I took him out of the cage, drove to the nearest elementary school, waited for school to get out, and SQUASHED him in front of a group of little kids!!!
....OK, that last part didn't really happen but that's what I felt like doing!
Before I get to the good stuff I must let you know that UFC 97 is tonight and it features Anderson Silva vs. Thales Leites and Chuck Liddell vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua....I'm telling you this because I'm recommending you go somewhere to watch this show. It should be a FANTASTIC one.
Oh, and the NBA playoffs start tonight. All I can say is.....GO BLAZERS!!!!!
Now, moving on to RASSLIN......
What's the deal with this WWE Encylcopedia? Is it worth spending my hard earned cash on it or should I wait until it reaches the bargain bin in a year? I went to WWEShop.com to see how much it costs, but I got sidetracked by this!
I have to have that t-shirt....you know how many chicks I can get with that sucker?
Oh, that's right....you came here for actual wrestling news......
LET'S GET IT ON!!!!!
Biggest News Of The Week:
TNA Signs "Former World Champion"...Is It Tazz?
Is Tazz heading to TNA?
TNA sent out a mobile message on Friday stating that they have signed the "former world champion from another wrestling organization" and that the mystery man would be debuting at Lockdown. The Wrestling Observer is speculating that the mystery man may indeed be none other than Taz(z)! Tazz is still interested in staying in the wrestling business and left the WWE just a few weeks back, which is why his name is the one being kicked around the most. If TNA did somehow sign Tazz and they put him on Impact as the new color man, I can't tell you how great of a move that would be for TNA. However if it is Tazz, did they sign him with the intention of having the man compete in the ring? Tazz is reportedly not interested in wrestling anymore, but who's to say a man can't change his mind? A return to the ring for Tazz would definitely be something I would be interested in seeing so kudos to TNA if that's what happens.
In the end, we all know TNA's history is to sign recently departed WWE guys, which is why if Tazz shows up at Lockdown no one will really be surprised. Unless of course you don't visit wrestling websites, which in case means you probably live in a state that doesn't have the Internet...like Montana.
The Undertaker To Retire Next Year?
Is The Undertaker calling it a career next year?
During a house show at The O2 Arena in Dublin, The Undertaker's entrance music came on and ring announcer Tony Chimmel then announced that the WWE would be running an Undertaker retirement tour next April. No doubt this is huge news as Undertaker is one of the biggest WWE legends of all-time and has been with the WWE for almost 19 years. Hell, the man has been with the WWE almost as long as I have been watching it. If you were to put together a list of the five most recognizable professional wrestlers of all-time....Undertaker may very well have a spot on that list. That's how important Taker is to the WWE. But let's not stress it yet, we still reportedly have another year before that happens.
But it's not too early to talk about WrestleMania 26 right? If The Undertaker is set to retire next April then we basically know that the man who faces him at WrestleMania next year could be the one who finally ends "DA STREAK~!" Of course it's way too early to determine who would be feuding with the Undertaker in a year, but let's hope it's someone who is young and can get a "rub" from the Undertaker. Perhaps someone like this man.....
Or not......
In the end, it will be sad to see the career of the Undertaker come to an end, but you know what they say. All good things must come to an end.
Remember This Guy???
The Yeti
Oh man...this one was a treat. There was a time when WCW was having a tough time doing EVERYTHING. So they decided to bring in a stable known as the "Dungeon of Doom" which was headed by "The Taskmaster" Kevin Sullivan. It featured a bunch of horrible gimmicks but none of them were able to top this baby. At WCW Halloween Havoc we were promised a surprise.....and man did we get one. During a match, this mummy looking creature came out and it was revealed that he was the newest member of the "Dungeon of Doom"....THE YETI!.
There was one good thing about The Yeti though....if you blinked, you missed his whole run in WCW! Sometimes life does work out for everyone.
Random News Bits:
- It was ruled that the cause of death of Andrew "Test" Martin was an accidental overdose of Oxycodone, the same drug that led to the death of Sherri Martel and Pitbull #2. I would like to say this new surprises me, but it doesn't.
- The 2010 Royal Rumble will be going down at the Phillips Arena on January 24. Great, so my dream of the Royal Rumble coming to Portland is delayed yet another year.
- As I mentioned last time, Shawn Michaels will be taking some time off to heal some injuries. Expect him to be back before the Fall because recent rumors have another DX reunion (UGH!) around Survivor Series time.
- JBL will be doing some MMA announcing for Danny Davis' Vyper Fight League. Let's hope that JBL knows the difference between a "gogoplata" and "that choke hold the Undertaker does".
- Former WWE diva Victoria had the following to say regarding her participation in the diva battle royal at WrestleMania:
"It was great to see a lot of old friends. The Diva Battle Royal wasn't exactly the tribute to 25 years of women's wrestling that I was hoping it would be. But any WWE PPV event, let alone Wrestlemania, is always a spectacle, and it was fun to be part of it. Frankly, I didn't get much camera time either, but I'll get more at Wrestlemania 26 in Phoenix when I fight Gina Carano."
Of course, we all know THAT'S not going to happen. As cool as it would be to see Victoria fight Gina Carano at a WrestleMania, it would never happen. Victoria also mentioned that she is not going to TNA and that she is still interested in an MMA career. So maybe one day we will get to see Carano vs. Victoria....but it will be inside a cage! WOOOO!
(Credit goes to The Wrestling Observer for the above news!)
Wrestling Top 10 Lists:
My Top 10 Legends Who Should Be In The WWE Hall Of Fame
(These are my personal top 10 WWE legends who should be in the WWE Hall of Fame but for some reason or another have yet to be inducted....)
This list is in no particular order......
10) Ultimate Warrior
The Ultimate Warrior is the sole reason I started watching wrestling. I was obsessed with his face paint, his energy, his promos that made no sense what so ever. It all worked for me! The Warrior is a former WWE Champion and Intercontinental Champion, so he has the credentials. This could happen next year when the WWE is in Arizona. That all depends on what kind of mood Warrior is in at the time.
9) Ted DiBiase
It's a shame "The Million Dollar Man" was never WWE champion, but they can make it up to the legend by putting him in the HOF next year. Inducted of course by his son.......
8) Owen Hart
This is one that is more than likely going to happen sometime soon. It will be a memorable induction and one hopefully made by none other than Bret "The Hitman" Hart.
7) Yokozana
If Koko B. Ware has a spot in the HOF, then this multiple time WWE champion deserves a spot as well.
6) The Undertaker
If this man isn't on your list, then you don't deserve to have a list.
5) Shawn Michaels
Once again, another no-brainer.....
4) The Rock
Well, we ALL know this is going to happen someday. The question is....when?
3) Bob Backlund
Of course Backlund should be in the HOF. He's had a long run as WWE champion in the 1980's and then came back with an awesome gimmick in the 1990's as a "crazy old man" and won the title again. Oh yeah, he also tried to run for President!
2) Scott Hall
This is one that may have to happen quickly due to the unpredictable behavior and reportedly bad health of Hall. I know I'm not the only one who thinks "Razor Ramon" should be inducted into the HOF. He's a multiple time IC champion, a former tag team champion and THE man who kicked off one of the biggest angles in pro wrestling history in the form of the nWo. Let's put Hall in there ASAP!
1) Randy Savage
The biggest no-brainer on this list. Whatever heat exists between Vince McMahon and Randy Savage is one of the biggest mysteries in wrestling, but perhaps one day we will FINALLY get to see Savage back in the WWE in some way shape or form.
YouTube! Find Of The Week!
Diesel tries to win the WWE title from Bob Backlund, can he do it?
Your Turn:
Your Turn is on hiatus this week due to the fact that I wasn't around last week. How you like them apples???
And that's it for me this week. Remember, don't be a stranger to 411! Bookmark the site and visit it countless times a day. Hell, be brave and make it your homepage! Trust me, it will make you a better person......
See you next Saturday back in the Squared Circle! Until then, you can find me on MySpace or Facebook! I also recently broke down and got a Twitter as well!
Posted By: YOU ASS (Guest) on April 17, 2009 at 11:43 PM
Wasn't Justin Credible a World Champion? What about The Sandman, or better yet how about David Arquette...
There are tons of "World Champions" out there that I have no desire to see.....at all.
another EPIC FAIL, brought to you by TNA! IQIMPACT!
Posted By: TazzFan (Guest) on April 18, 2009 at 12:22 AM
With Koko B. Ware now officially in the WWE Hall Of Fame, I'm assuming that there is a Mid-card wing being added to the hall.
NONE of the people you mentioned belong in said Mid-card wing. Why? Because they are all LEGIT Main Event HOF'ers!!!
Perhaps Hillbilly Jim, Rick "The Model" Martel, Fit Finlay, The Warlord, The Barbarian, Haku, The Killer Bee's and The Brooklyn Brawler will make the Mid-card wing of the WWE HOF some day. Why not? Every one of them is more deserving than Koko B. Ware!!!
Posted By: Brian (Guest) on April 18, 2009 at 12:31 AM
Repeat after Me
The Undertaker will retire UNDEAFEATED at Mania no matter WHO He is facing off there.
20-0 and he will retire that night.
Next year it's Shawn Michaels.
He already talked about it a lot and it's as obvious as the nose in the middle of HHH's face.
Posted By: Hell Yeah (Guest) on April 18, 2009 at 12:32 AM
I wanna throw out an idea which I hope gains traction. For his NEXT (and maybe last) Wrestlemania match, the undertaker should face some MMA legend in a worked shoot. :)
Posted By: ldo (Guest) on April 18, 2009 at 12:48 AM
swagger over taker next year at WM26
Posted By: jags (Guest) on April 18, 2009 at 01:05 AM
I would like to see Jericho/Taker at WM26 even though I know Taker would win. I just think it would be a good match.
Posted By: Johnny O (Guest) on April 18, 2009 at 01:30 AM
Who is this "Yokozana" character, and why should he be in the HoF?
Posted By: Steve307 (Guest) on April 18, 2009 at 02:03 AM
If there's one man that makes sense in ending the Undertaker's streak then that man is no other than......John Cena.
If Cena is still considered the top dog for the WWE then perhaps such feat must be his Wrestlemania moment to cement his legacy. It would be very identical to Hulk Hogan's defeat of the supposedly undefeated Andre the Giant.
Think about it.
Posted By: Gordon (Guest) on April 18, 2009 at 02:26 AM
Im serious these comments are so hilarious. Where do you find people to write these comments
Posted By: Dickweed (Guest) on April 18, 2009 at 02:33 AM
"The Undertaker will retire UNDEAFEATED at Mania no matter WHO He is facing off there.
20-0 and he will retire that night."
I dont think so. Undertaker has always been a company man, and knows the importance of putting over the next guy.
Posted By: Cactus JayC (Guest) on April 18, 2009 at 02:45 AM
I wanna throw out an idea which I hope gains traction. For his NEXT (and maybe last) Wrestlemania match, the undertaker should face some MMA legend in a worked shoot. :)
Thats just a dumb idea. super gay. I agree with Hell Yeah, let taker retire undefeated at mania.whoever he faces can then challenge him to a retirement match at backlash in a Hell in a cell (yay!) or casket match (boo'urns), then they can still have the rub of the guy who ended takers career.
Posted By: Luke81 (Guest) on April 18, 2009 at 02:58 AM
you suck , getting bitten by a hamster BAH !!
Kidding :)
HBK V HHH @ WM XXVI - ARIZONA
BANK ON IT
***** STAR MATCH
MATCH OF THE CENTURY
41 MINUTES , 2ND LONGEST WM MATCH .
HBK / HHH EMBRACE TO END WM .
Posted By: YOUR girl (Guest) on April 18, 2009 at 03:15 AM
I think Dolph Ziggler can be the man someday. He has a good look and has decent charisma... Kindof a mix of Chris Jericho/Kennedy/Mr. Perfect.
Posted By: Brian (Guest) on April 18, 2009 at 03:38 AM
I can't believe you made that list of WWE HOF candidates and failed to mention Bruno Sammartino. Also I can't picture Vince including Owen in the HOF since it would look kind of bad profiting off him in any way, which he really has never done since his death, and let's face it Owen had a slim (if any)chance of ever making the HOF and it especially would never had happened this soon if it weren't for the sensational circumstances surrounding his death.
Posted By: Guest#2228 (Guest) on April 18, 2009 at 04:29 AM
the yeti haha.i remember him in the flock
Posted By: Guest#5874 (Guest) on April 18, 2009 at 05:21 AM
I hope they let undertaker keep his streak. He should go out undefeated, he deserves too. I don't think there is any young talent worthy of the huge honour of ending 'the streak'. WWE would be stupid to just give it away.
Posted By: dexterous dave (Guest) on April 18, 2009 at 06:19 AM
It's not the Yeti, it's the YE-TAY! And the most devastating move ever was the Giant and YE-TAY doing the double bearhug/sexual assault on Hogan.
Posted By: You wanna piece of me Stid (Guest) on April 18, 2009 at 07:13 AM
I have a good source that Undertaker is going to lose his "retirement" match against Ted DiBiase Jr.... NICE!
Posted By: Skim MIlk (Guest) on April 18, 2009 at 09:42 AM
Top Legends Who Should Be In The Hall Of Fame:
4) The Rock
????
Posted By: Banger (Guest) on April 18, 2009 at 09:55 AM
I'd love to see Taker retire with 20-0, but it just aint gonna happen.
Could Hunter Hearst HMcMahon possibly be self obsessed enough to want the win?
Will Super-Cena be the man?
Maybe Hogan convinced Vince that he can make a comeback, and a victory over the Undertaker at WM26 would be a great way to kickstart it?
My money's on RVD in a one shot deal to bust the streak.
Posted By: Dumb Mutha Sucka (Guest) on April 18, 2009 at 10:26 AM
YOU ARE AN ASS
Posted By: YOU ASS (Guest) on April 17, 2009 at 11:43 PM
So witty!
So insightful!
Such a fucking SMART MARK!
another EPIC FAIL, brought to you by TNA! IQIMPACT!
Posted By: TazzFan (Guest) on April 18, 2009 at 12:22 AM
EPIC FAILURRRREZZZZZZ ROFFLEKOPTUR I am part of the IWC. I am a sheep, I cannot formulate my own idea. I have a hard-on for the WWE.
Posted By: son of pillman (Guest) on April 18, 2009 at 10:54 AM
There are any number of people who could potentially be the ones to beat The Undertaker and end the Wrestlemania streak. Cena and Jericho come to mind, but neither need that kind of accolade in the slightest bit, so while a feud is possible (and Taker against either would be great), a win isn't necessary.
A handful right at this moment could actually BENEFIT from beating the Undertaker at Wrestlemania:
MVP - MVP is over enough to almost be above the level to "need" a win as big as the streak-ender. But if he got it, it'd be the ultimate vote of confidence for a guy who's been sorely tested this past year. He could write his own ticket as far as his WWE future.
CM Punk - The match would be good, the feud would be good. But sadly, based on their start-and-stop booking of the guy, I don't know if WWE would ever have enough faith in Punk as someone at that level for this to ever happen.
Jack Swagger - Probably the guy who could do the most with it...but also probably the longest shot for it to actually happen.
John Morrison - WWE's clearly had their eyes on him for several years now. All he needs is one great feud. While I believe it'll probably come against Shawn Michaels (who he seems to be constantly compared to), this could be equally good.
Cody Rhodes or Ted DiBiase - When Orton feuded with Taker, even in defeat, his star rose. Beating him could give either of these two grounds to say they've surpassed Orton's greatness - at a younger age.
Posted By: BJC (Guest) on April 18, 2009 at 12:26 PM
Taker will lose to Punk at Wrestlemania and give him the rub, because it's the right thing to do. Besides, Taker sucks.
Posted By: Underwho? (Guest) on April 18, 2009 at 12:42 PM
Sammartino? Overrated.
Brock Lesnar and Vader should be in the HOF.
Posted By: Bruno sucks (Guest) on April 18, 2009 at 12:43 PM
Victoria vs Gina would be better than porn.
Posted By: APrince66 (Guest) on April 18, 2009 at 12:49 PM
Dustin, I bought the WWE Encyclopedia. If you're looking for stuff about wrestlers outside the WWE, you won't find it. Save for a few people, this is strictly WWE time and in near kayfabe terms. So there are separate entries for The Goodfather, Papa Shango and Kama Mustafa. Obviously, someone like Sting isn't in it. I like it, it's definitely not an exhaustive career retrospective of each person, but it's got a good bunch of stuff. Personally, I doubt it's the type of book that would be in the bargain bin within a year.
Oh right, great column as always, I make sure to read it every week.
Posted By: quattre777 (Guest) on April 18, 2009 at 01:21 PM
Taker doesn't have to end the streak. He has put over EVERY main eventer in the company already. Having some rookie go over him in Wrestlemania can end two ways: the Angle way or the Lesnar way.
Leave the streak alone.
Posted By: jayt11 (Guest) on April 18, 2009 at 01:21 PM
In order for the WM streak end to mean something, it has to be at the hands of somebody who could use the rub. Therefore, Jericho, Batista, Cena, Orton, HHH and HBK are out. (Not to mention, UT has defeated 3 of those already at WM)
On the other hand, it can't be someone for whom the fans would go WTF? and turn on for ruining the streak. Thus, people like MVP, Swagger, Kennedy, etc are not really at the level.
At this point, the only one I can think who could use the rub, without the tremendous backlash that would ensue is CM Punk (and even then Punk would have to be a full-on heel to ensure that any backlash becomes part of his character).
Posted By: Michael L (Guest) on April 18, 2009 at 01:25 PM
Will they PLEASE turn HHH or John Cena, or both heel.
For Fuck Sake.
HBK is an obvious choice, but there is no point beating a dead horse..
Posted By: Propagandhi (Guest) on April 18, 2009 at 03:44 PM
If Chimel said they would start a Undertaker retirement TOUR next april then wouldnt that imply WM26 is not his last, but WM27.
I think Undertaker beats Cena or Jericho or another top of the card guy this year. And then ends the streak at WM27 at someone deserving at the time. Jack Swagger perhaps? I'm looking into the future remember not saying Swagger should NOW.
Posted By: common sense (Guest) on April 18, 2009 at 03:59 PM
I don't like the idea of ending the streak, and agree with Michael L.
Just leave the streak alone and let it be part of UT's legacy. The guy is a company man and stayed loyal throughout, putting over talent and never making waves. Frankly a loss to UT in his final match is enough of a rub, especially provided it's an epic. But I don't think even that is worth doing.
His opponent should be someone that provides closure for his career. I don't think it's Kane, although that would have made sense I suppose. I don't know whatever happened to Paul Bearer, and he wasn't a wrestler really anyway.
So I'm thinking it should be against Vince McMahon himself. I'm pretty sure Vince is the devil anyway. I can't really think of anybody that is high profile enough and enough of a ring worker to make UT's last match memorable, so this is really the only thing I can think of that'll work.
Unless the WWE can get Savage, that'd be a hell of a send off match since I bet Savage still has it.
Posted By: Serp (Guest) on April 18, 2009 at 07:26 PM
Undertaker doesn't need the streak to be part of his legacy. It's professional wrestling; his legacy is the matches he has had to make up the streak. If he retires with the streak intact, WWE is missing a HUGE opportunity to capitalize on an easy way to put over a young guy.
My pick to break the streak would be John Morrisson. He is easily the best future world champion prospect in the WWE today. Beating 'taker would put him over huge. I'd totally love it.
Posted By: CyberSocko (Guest) on April 19, 2009 at 12:03 AM
I think the Undertaker's streak should be ended by the Big Bossman via reverse decision of their prior WM match. they could celebrate by dropping confetti and playing his old school theme song Hard Time (cue music very loud, IF YOU EVER TAKE A TRIP DOWN TO COBB COUNTY GEORGIA!)
Posted By: jussayin (Guest) on April 19, 2009 at 02:23 AM
"I think the Undertaker's streak should be ended by the Big Bossman via reverse decision of their prior WM match. they could celebrate by dropping confetti and playing his old school theme song Hard Time (cue music very loud, IF YOU EVER TAKE A TRIP DOWN TO COBB COUNTY GEORGIA!)"
That would only work if during which Big Show rode Ray Traylor's casket down the aisle to the ring.
Posted By: s1rweeze (Guest) on April 19, 2009 at 04:57 PM
I think that the Ultimate Warrior will headline the hall of fame when WM comes to Parts Unknown Arena. looks like UT will be the man next yr if he's going to retire. he's got to put over someone to end the streak though.. and anything less than HBK/American Dragon at WM 26 will be a disaster. Book it!
Posted By: sdmcc (Guest) on April 19, 2009 at 05:02 PM
What do people see in Swagger, Morrison, and Christian that I just DON'T see? I've been watching wrestling for better than 20 years, and I just do not see any kind of main event "star power" in any of them.
Christian: First of all he has an awkward body shape. Charismatic yes, but not magnetic enough to be intrinsically watchable-- you don't wonder what he's going to do next: You already know, because you already know him. Too "regular" of a guy. Can't stand alone.
Morrison: Great look, great movement, but his charisma is manufactured, and he's fake as hell on the mic; his vocal production is weak. Maybe too good/pretty of a worker for his own good, i.e. his offense looks "soft" too.
And this new kid, Swagger? Sorry, but that linguadental lisp of his **automatically** makes him completely unbelievable. It undermines any skill he may have in the ring by making him sound juvenile. (Similar to what happened when Bobby "Michael Jackson" Lashley first opened his mouth...) I haven't even seen him wrestle...
On the contrary; the first time I saw Ken Kennedy (his debut on SD I think?) I thought "THAT guy has the potential to be a star!" And he does. But he's all but squandered the opportunity through stupid choices and injuries...
Posted By: Union Actor (Guest) on April 19, 2009 at 05:24 PM
Copyright � 2011 411mania.com, LLC. All rights reserved.
Click here for our privacy policy. Please help us serve you better, fill out our survey.
Use of this site signifies your agreement to our terms of use.
