411mania.com: Wrestling - 411 Fact or Fiction 09.24.09: A.J. Styles' Title Win, Batista to SmackDown, Lacey Von Erich and More!

Hello ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to another edition of 411 Wrestling Edition of Fact or Fiction! I'm Jeremy Thomas, and coming off the heels of No Surrender we have some good stuff to cover here. This week it's another edition of reader vs. staffer, as 411 reader Paul Cohen goes head to head with Jeff Small of the Small For All News Report. The questions are set, the participants are ready...let's get right down to it!

Questions were sent out Monday.

Participants were told to expect WWE and TNA related questions.

If you would like to appear in the column, shoot me an email!

1. While you're happy to have seen AJ Styles win the TNA World Title, you would have rather seen them wait until Bound For Glory to give it a more "important" meaning.

Jeff Small: FICTION. Clearly TNA's intent these last few weeks have been to build to a Sting vs. AJ Styles match. While a Title vs. Career stipulation has not been added yet, I could see it happen as it adds a little more fuel to the fire. Because of that, then one of the men had to win before Bound For Glory. And sure, No Surrender is no Bound For Glory but AJ's win and celebration added many bonus points to the PPV.

Paul Cohen: FICTION. I think that TNA has never been and probably will never be interested in having a win be important or significant. Since their debut on Spike, they've introduced titles with little to no significance to the performer or the fans. When they had the original Joe/Angle series, they dragged it on so long, by the time Joe finally won, no one cared. They spend way too much time shoving the same retreads down our collective throat. This is probably among the main reasons why Danielson and McGuiness will be on WWE television rather than a second rate program that would rather be considered WWE lite than be their own brand, as they originally claimed to be a new alternative. That being said, they should have taken the belt off Angle before now to give him a chance to take a break to deal with his issues. Now, we'll either shove the Sting retirement off to the side or he'll be involved in the main event and have a repeat of what we just saw.

Score: 1 for 1

2. The WWE should have kept Batista on Raw rather than move him to SmackDown.

Jeff Small: FICTION. Between numerous guest host segments and at least one hour devoted to Legacy vs. Cena & DX and Hornswoggle/Chavo matches, there really is no room for Batista or hell anyone else. SmackDown has done a better job recently at juggling more storylines than Raw due to less excess baggage so there's a better chance that Batista will prosper more on the Blue Brand.

Paul Cohen: FACT. Batista has never been able to carry a program on his own. His wrestling repertoire is severely lacking and his mic skills are just barely above apes grunting. He may have been a big deal on Smackdown in the past, but it's just that, the past. Between getting injured every few months (because steroid users never get injured) and having no credible moveset, his appearance on Smackdown only further dilutes the quality programming that has taken place on the supposed "B" show for the past few months. I realize they moved Rey (the little steroid user that could) to maintain the Hispanic audience, but Big Dave does nothing to maintain this in his absence. Besides, didn't Melina have a restraining order against him? At the rate he fucks Divas, he'll end up on Superstars exclusively.

Score: 1 for 2

3. Having Hernandez cash in his Feast or Fired briefcase in a four-way title match undercuts Hernandez's credibility since there was no way he was going to win.

Jeff Small: FACT. It appears that TNA either wants to reuse the Feast or Fired gimmick at BFG or has no intentions of having Hernandez be a world champ at this time. Because of that, I understand why Hernandez cashed in early as he didn't have to eat a pinfall loss to the champ (after the champ just went through a grueling match). That said, by Hernandez announcing it before the four-way match, he looked like an idiot and would have been better off losing to the champ at another time in a hard-fought competitive match.

Paul Cohen: FACT. FACT, fact, a million times fact. Why would you undercut the closest thing you had to taking some steam from Smackdown's Hispanic audience? While Hernandez is fairly similar to Batista (uninspired promos, teaming with a more charismatic partner (Homicide, HHH or Flair), big man moveset), he did have aerial maneuvers that were impressive and he could make you believe in his joy and pain. I can't blame Homicide for getting upset with the decision of the booker's to split up LAX. Other than Team 3D, they don't keep successful tag teams together for very long. Either you get the mismatched partners that got thrown together for lack of options, or you get a team that is struggling individually and needs the other to survive. Either truly split LAX and keep them from interacting or put hem back together. Just don't waste the Feast or Fired for nothing. It was unique because it was the first time the owner of the briefcase didn't win. Unique doesn't keep interest for long if there is nothing behind it to keep the interest going.

Score: 2 for 3

4. Lillian Garcia will be remembered as one of the top ring announcers in the WWE.

Jeff Small: FACT. In my Small-For-All, I sarcastically commented that Lillian Garcia was the greatest and most accurate announcer of all time. Hyperbole aside, Lillian will definitely be remembered as one of the top announcers for a couple of reasons. First, she had a 10 year run with the company, which is much longer than most of the current roster. In addition, she went to every Tribute to the Troops shows and was, in general, a great goodwill ambassador to the company. Judging by the way she went out (surprisingly on top without any hint of a burial), she will easily be remembered by the WWE.

Paul Cohen: FICTION. Lillian Garcia was not even one of the great ring announcers on Raw. She has mailed it in long before this announcement. She was Adamle before Adamle was Adamle. Her voice was grating and her singing only less so. Good riddance to bad rubbish. Bring back The Fink!!! Why is it that when a person decides to leave on their own, their last few appearances are treated with sub reverence? Especially when their appearance was for eye candy and nothing more. There are thousands of vapid blondes that could replace her in a minute. And judging by the time on my watch, her 15 minutes were up a long time ago.

Score: 2 for 4

SWITCH!

5. You're interested to see what Lacey Von Erich brings to the TNA Knockouts Division.

Paul Cohen: FICTION. If she was going to be a Diva, I might have written Fact. She only has a family name to go off of. She hasn't been around long enough to show a large amount of skills. Due to the fact that Googling her name puts her Playboy shoot as among the most important thing she's done, that should tell you something. When you have a division with Kong, Tara, Taylor Wilde, Sarita, Alyssa Flash, ODB, Hamada, Roxxi, Madison Rayne & Angelina Love, you need to surround yourself with talent, not T&A. Even Daffney can put on a decent match. Who in the WWE fit in there? Beth Phoenix? Mickie James? They don't hold a candle to the Knockout division. Being the best in that division is like being the smartest kid with Down Syndrome. Not the most difficult challenge.

Jeff Small: FACT. My interest level is based on what TNA wants to do with Lacey. If Lacey is just another blond who is challenging for the Knockouts TItle, then my interest level is a tad lower as it's already too crowded in the Division (right Tara?). However, if Lacey is brought in as the new ringleader of the Beautiful People (as is rumored), then my interest level (and other things) will peak.

Score: 2 for 5

6. You can buy Zach Ryder as a credible contender to Christian's ECW Championship.

Paul Cohen: FACT. I say this with a grimace, simply because of the way the question is worded. Saying the words "credible contender" and ECW in the same sentence is a bigger oxymoron as military intelligence. ECW has to be the biggest waste of time. They can't make up their mind as to what they want to be. Pushing new talent on a national scale (Jack Swagger, Evan Bourne, Kofi Kingston, CM Punk) or becoming the next TNA and having castoffs in positions they are in due to longevity, not talent (Tommy Dreamer, Christian, William Regal, Kane, Matt Hardy, Mark Henry). Pick one and stick with it. Zach Ryder can't win over Yoshi Tatsu or Shelton Benjamin. What makes anyone think he could beat Christian? As a long time wrestling fan, I've spent the better part of 30 years attempting to find logic in the flawed reality of professional wrestling. Even I can't believe that if ECW wasn't the latest spinoff of the McMahon empire, I would never buy Woo Woo Woo as a legitimate contender to anything other than the next to be "future endeavored". However, we are forced to believe the ECW title has some value. So, Zach Ryder, come on down! You are the next contender on "No one gives a shit about you anymore!!!"

Jeff Small: FICTION. Not yet. Ryder hasn't really had any credible wins under his belt as he came out on the short end against Christian, Shelton Benjamin, and most recently to Yoshi Tatsu. Ryder still needs to be built up in order for the majority of the WWE Universe (and not the IWC) to view him as a ECW main eventer.

Score: 2 for 6

7. Jim Cornette's release from TNA will likely signify the end of his tenure in the industry for the foreseeable future.

Paul Cohen: FICTION. (praying to whatever God will make my answer correct) The fact that Ed Ferrara can get hired again shows anything is possible. Jim has one of the greatest minds in professional wrestling in the past 30 years. He has always been underestimated, undervalued and underappreciated. Bobby Heenana was a better commentator than a manager, but Jim Cornette was the greatest manager I have ever had the privilege to watch. TNA has screwed up every decision they have made since Kurt Angle came crawling into that promotion. The advantage TNA had was a lighter workload, yet they have almost the same number of house shows. Smaller crowds, smaller merchandise revenue streams, smaller PPV buys does not a successful business model make. Russo couldn't write his way out of a paper bag. Feeding his already massive ego by getting rid of the only sane mind left in TNA booking is begging for a massive implosion. When TNA goes under, where will Mick Foley, Taz, Kurt Angle, Booker T and the rest of the has beene go? The only person that Vince wants is Sting, just to make a shitload of money off a career retrospective. Angle and Steiner are too unpredictable, Nash, Foley and Taz are broken down, Holliday and Lashley were only successful because Vince felt like pushing them, Booker was a success in spite of himself. If I take the blue pill, will I wake from this dream and Cornette will be back where he belongs? I can only hope so.

Jeff Small: FACT. Where else will he work? He clearly has a grudge with the way his career with the WWE ended and unless Vince Russo is fired from TNA, he won't be going back there for a while. Can I see him in ROH? Possibly (with a chance of meatballs). Am I betting on it? Nope.

Score: 2 for 7

8. The Undertaker/Teddy Long limo segment from SmackDown was too cartoonish and looks to be taking the storyline in a downhill direction.

Paul Cohen: FACT. Saying something with the Undertaker is too cartoonish is like a pot calling a kettle black. The character has been cartoonish since the beginning and his antics haven't changed over the years. The bookers backed themselves into a corner when putting Punk and Taker in a submission match so early into their feud. Either they make Punk look like a punk or they pull the bullshit screwjob. God fucking forbid the almighty Undertaker actually put someone over. For all the bitchiness you get from the Divas, nothing tops these superstars that refuse to give up their moment in the spotlight for the business that gave it to them in the first place. At least the Main Event Mafia called a spade a spade. When Kevin Nash stated that their spot and the money was all he ever cared about, it was worth watching because it was true. Fuck Survivor and Big Brother. Pro Wrestling is the ultimate reality show.

Jeff Small: FACT. I had the unfortunate experience of watching the first hour of Smackdown with some non-wrestling fans. While the in-ring action was acceptable, this segment clearly did not help my case as to why I watch wrestling. Look, no one buys Teddy Long as a thorn in Taker's side, so I'd rather we leave the cartoonish effects out of it. Punk vs. Taker has not taken the world by storm yet and these shenanigans won't help.

Score: 3 for 8

It's a contentious week between our two contestants as they agree less than half the time this time around. A huge thanks goes out to Paul and Small for participating…and as always, thanks to you the viewer for clicking and reading. Come back next week for another edition of 411 Wrestling: Fact or Fiction!

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Comments (134)

Isn't it some kind of law that Sting has to win the title at Bound for Glory?

Posted By: Quesi (Guest) on September 23, 2009 at 11:17 PM

"God fucking forbid the almighty Undertaker actually put someone over. For all the bitchiness you get from the Divas, nothing tops these superstars that refuse to give up their moment in the spotlight for the business that gave it to them in the first place"

I love you, Paul Cohen. I have said this same thing about Taker for years. I cannot figure out why the denizens of this site love and defend him, while bashing HHH. HHH has lost clean to more superstars than the Dead Man.

I hate the argument that not losing is his gimmick, or that "he puts people over even when he beats them. Taker is the biggest cancer in WWE. No one with a career that long should get off with almost never losing clean and never tapping out.

Locker room leader? Yeah, right.

Posted By: Guest#8421 (Guest) on September 23, 2009 at 11:25 PM

can we get people who aren't so negative next time? These guys were terrible! There is no such thing as credibility in wrestling. WWE can push whoever they want and is they truly care about pushing them, that wrestler can lose 1000 matches and still look like a contender.

Posted By: Guest#1205 (Guest) on September 23, 2009 at 11:28 PM

Don't disrespect the military cohen, whoever the fuck you are.

Posted By: sprint_upstage_sux (Guest) on September 23, 2009 at 11:33 PM

Is it just me, or is Paul Cohen EXTREMELY negative? Kind of annoying to read.

Also, TNA FINALLY puts the belt on AJ in the RIGHT move, and this guy sees the need to complain about something irrelevant.

Posted By: Johnny (Guest) on September 23, 2009 at 11:34 PM

First one of these FoF I plan to read in a while

Posted By: Guest#8897 (Guest) on September 23, 2009 at 11:34 PM

1) Fiction - I can't think of anyone more deserving of the title right now. Hopefully the MEM is dead and gone by the end of the year.
2) Faction - I hate Batista because he doesn't add anything at all. But SD needed a quick fix with Jeff gone and Rey out for 30 days.
3) Fact - If they don't feel that he is WHT material, then why in the hell did they give him the briefcase?
4) Fiction - Yes, she can sing, but she sure made more than her fair share of mistakes.
5) Fwap, fwap, fwap. What was the question again?
6) Fiction - It does look like he can wrestle. But he does need a few more "big" matches under his belt.
7) Fact, you said foreseeable future. Not a long term exit. He'll be back, maybe with ROH.
8) FACT! - Did you notice that whenever Vince gets air time, things go straight to hell? I cringed weeks ago when he appeared. And it looks like my fears were correct. :(

Posted By: mogamer (Guest) on September 23, 2009 at 11:36 PM

FYI PAUL COHEN: Scott Steiner lost his World Championship Feast or Fired Briefcase in a match against Samoa Joe and Kaz at Sacrifice 2008.

So far, Johnny Devine (X-Division 2007), Homicide (X-Division 2008) and Lethal Consequences (Tag 2008) successfully cashed in the feast or fired case and won the title. The rest (BG James and his father, Scott Steiner and Hernandez) lost the matches.

Posted By: JF (Guest) on September 23, 2009 at 11:41 PM

Paul Cohen,
Your comments come off as nothing more than intentionally going out of your way to just play the devils advocate. (Rather than being an actual, sincere opinion.)
Going against the grain for no other reason than to go against the grain gives the person doing it ZERO credibility.
If it isn't your intention to do that, then perhaps you need to look a little closer at what's being said in your writing...
(Just my humble opinion.)

Posted By: Brian (Guest) on September 23, 2009 at 11:44 PM

I wish some of you internet morons could spend one day within a WWE writers meeting or booking session. Why does everyone just assume the wrestlers themselves just refuse to lose?? Who does that?? You think at 40-something Taker really gives a crap if Punk beats him?? He let Khali beat him cleanly at a PPV when he debuted!! Remember that?? You IDIOTS!!

Posted By: DUH (Guest) on September 23, 2009 at 11:45 PM

i got a question where is tera what happen to one of there best knockouts havent seen on tv lately

Posted By: Endy (Guest) on September 23, 2009 at 11:50 PM

Lacey Von Erich in Playboy

Vrrroooooooooooooooooooooom

Posted By: Perversity (Guest) on September 23, 2009 at 11:51 PM

Undertaker has lost clean a bunch of times. But they are rare enough that they are still important.

His losses to Kurt Angle and Batista and Stone Cold would have meant nothing if he looses to every doofus who crosses his path.

If you seriously expected him to tap out clean just as soon as you got back you have problems.

Posted By: Guest#6157 (Guest) on September 23, 2009 at 11:55 PM

"Is it just me, or is Paul Cohen EXTREMELY negative? Kind of annoying to read."

No,it isn't just you. Almost every sentence of his bashes someone, TNA, ECW, Batista, anybody. About the half-way point, it got totally predictable.

And I wish people wouldn't throw about the word 'cancer' so lightly.

Posted By: Guest#1240 (Guest) on September 23, 2009 at 11:57 PM

"TNA has screwed up every decision they have made since Kurt Angle came crawling into that promotion."

Every single decision? That's one of the most idiotic broad statements I've seen.

Where on earth do you find these morons?

Posted By: Donners (Guest) on September 23, 2009 at 11:58 PM

Paul, you are such a WWE-mark. Get over yourself, TNA is not a "2nd rate" Company. You are a "2nd rate" writer.

Posted By: JWestmoreland (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 12:07 AM

The fact that Sting always wins the title at Bound For Glory is a perfect setup for AJ to retain.

Posted By: Guest#4418 (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 12:11 AM

I think the Undertaker/Teddy segment was one of the worst segments of the modern wrestling era.

Just like the street fight segment between JBL and John Cena a while back, it was just too cinematic and fake, even for pro-wrestling. Cutting to a ton of ridiculous camera angles (which take time to set-up), with ridiculous lighting schemes (which take time to set-up) and doing things they do on tv and in the movies has no place in something that is supposed to feel realistic and unpredictable.

Remember when they would shoot backstage fights with one mobile camera that could barely keep up with the action because it was as if it was unplanned and "real". I wish they would return to that.

The biggest problem with wrestling these days is that instead of imitating a sport like it's supposed to, it's imitating itself. The Taker/Long segment is a concrete example of everything wrong with the modern day WWE.

Posted By: Se7en17 (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 12:17 AM

TNA should rename Lacey Von Erich to Carrie Von Erich.

Posted By: Guest#4814 (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 12:43 AM

More Paul Cohen...that dude is hilarious.

"an oxymoron like military intelligence"

More Cohen...just let him do Fact or Fiction by himself.

Posted By: CarnivoreJ (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 12:49 AM

1. Fiction - I agree, he's definitely deserving and getting it off Angle might be necessary politically, but he AJ is the future of TNA, and he deserved the big win. If he is heading to Sting at BFG, how much harm would it be to put it on Sting until then. I know this would be a one month reign, but if he is heading to retirement wouldn't one last title be a great sendoff.

2. Fiction - Sure, he steps over Morrison and Ziggler to get the position, but Smackdown has wrestlers who may be able to carry him to new and interesting matches. Plus, Raw would see him feuding with HHH, Orton and Cena. Sound interesting to you?

3. Fiction - the problem is people see the Feast or Fired match as the TNA equivalent of the Money in the Bank title, where wrestlers are basically guaranteed to win the big one. It's pretty hard to deny that Hernandez has been pushed huge in the past month, and he has been booked to look strong against overwhelming numbers in his feud with Eric Young. He's on his way up, and Feast or Fired cash in is a taster, not the big event.

4. Fiction - Are we really into debating how good a ring announcer is?

5. Fact - TNA have a good eye for talent in the woman's division. Whether Lacey will be the next Tara or not is beside the point. I'm at least inetrested.

6. Fiction - Zach Ryder? Really? I'm still trying to get used to Ziggler as a credible threat.

7. Fiction - ROH would be idiots not to sign him post haste. The old school flavour would be a perfect match for Jim Cornette.

8. Fact - Generally, the Undertaker gimmick requires that things go for the cartoon, but his opponent is CM Punk, and Punk is character grounded in reality.

7.

Posted By: Ray Church (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 12:56 AM

I think Taker would job cleanly if Vince told him to. I just can't imagine Taker demanding victories all the time when he has had such stupid events happen to his character. The locker room leader thing is more correctly locker room enforcer. Then again he let HBK and the rest of the clique run around so maybe not. Still, he allegedly forced HBK to job cleanly to Austin, and he did nearly kill Angle once when he thought Angle was beating Vince up.

Posted By: Guest#3224 (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 12:57 AM

When TNA goes under, where will Mick Foley, Taz, Kurt Angle, Booker T and the rest of the has beene go? The only person that Vince wants is Sting, just to make a shitload of money off a career retrospective. Angle and Steiner are too unpredictable, Nash, Foley and Taz are broken down, Holliday and Lashley were only successful because Vince felt like pushing them, Booker was a success in spite of himself. If I take the blue pill, will I wake from this dream and Cornette will be back where he belongs? I can only hope so whoever the hell u are you're a focking douchebag. yay another tna hater.

Posted By: Guest#8762 (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 01:00 AM

While Ryder isn't quite what I would call credible contender qutie yet. He's getting almost there. But to be fair Johnny Nitro wasn't what I would have considered a credible threat to the title either when he first captured it.

Posted By: Guest#0169 (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 01:01 AM

"Besides, didn't Melina have a restraining order against him? At the rate he fucks Divas, he'll end up on Superstars exclusively".

Paul Cohen

LMFAO

Posted By: george (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 01:02 AM

Bradshaw went from being an over the hill tag partner that had just lost a feud to the Bashams, to a main-eventer by saying he didn't like Mexicans in the US, and putting a cowboy hat on.

Posted By: K. Bett (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 01:09 AM

dave maintain the hispanic audience? last i checked, it was the flag of the phillipines on his arm...

that is in south east asia in case you failed geography.

Posted By: k (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 01:13 AM

wow u must not watch much wrestling cuz taker has job clean to alot of guys and its always important cuz he's taker thats what sets him apart from a guy like chavo and i love chavo a win over taker is always big hell a match with taker is a big deal cuz most guy come out looking better then they started u cant say that about hhh its rear anyone ever looks good over that over rated piece of crap lets face it hes not nor has he ever been that damn good yeah he would have been champ a few times but not 16 or 17 times i dont remember what the counts at he rearly loses clean or at all and when he does he never does anything to put over the other guy other then lay down for once

Posted By: Guest#6516 (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 01:13 AM

I miss Fink much too, but Lillian was awesome. I was glad I got the chance to see her live before she retried. Minus the occasional mistake.

Posted By: Guest#3325 (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 01:16 AM

Saying something with the Undertaker is too cartoonish is like a pot calling a kettle black.
_____________________________

Way to completely mess up that similie. Cohen was a wreck in this edition of FoF.

And if people using steroids, ala your Batista remarks, pisses you off...maybe pro wrestling isn't the thing for you. Wake up, sunshine. The majority of both TNA and WWE are probably juicing in some sort of way.

Posted By: MasterShake (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 02:00 AM

Paul Cohen: FICTION. I think that TNA has never been and probably will never be interested in having a win be important or significant. Since their debut on Spike, they've introduced titles with little to no significance to the performer or the fans. When they had the original Joe/Angle series, they dragged it on so long, by the time Joe finally won, no one cared. Didn't Lockdown which had Angle-Joe as the main event) draw the highest buyrate in TNA History? yeah nobody cared sure. You wanna slam them how Joe was booked after he won the title fine but the build to that particular match was tremendously done.

Posted By: graves9 (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 02:02 AM

Saying something with the Undertaker is too cartoonish is like a pot calling a kettle black.
_____________________________

Way to completely misuse that similie. Cohen was a wreck in this edition of FoF.

Oh, and if people using steroids, ala your Batista remarks, pisses you off, then maybe pro wrestling isn't the thing for you. Wake up, sunshine...the majority of both TNA and WWE are juicing in some fashion.

Posted By: MasterShake (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 02:03 AM

'Taker's not the guy to refuse doing jobs? This is a guy who helped bury DDP just because he wasn't a fan of how Page bumped and felt slighted just because of Sean O'Haire not saying hello.

Posted By: His Bubbliness (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 02:47 AM

I barfed in my mouth reading that "Hernandez is fairly similar to Batista". Ugh, no Cohen,Shawn Hernandez has more athleticism in his hangnail than Batista has or ever will have. Moron.

Posted By: Darren Runne (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 03:00 AM

Where did you find the unbearable guest writer? Was there a miserable asshole convention in town? There is nothing more irritating than someone who is abrasive and unpleasant for the sake of being abrasive and unpleasant.
Fact or Fiction is one of my favorite quick reads and it was thoroughly ruined for me. Had Cohen been asked about Christmas, the result would have been a scathing indictment of Santa, religion, reindeer, turkey, string lights, presents and anything else that popped up in that angry little mind. Some negativity is fine but when its oozing out of all bodily orifices its a real problem.
In the future kindly screen guest contributors to ensure they're not rambling, hate-filled malcontents. I enjoy this site and the perspective as well as insight it offers even when I don't agree. I did not enjoy the crap on everything festival. Some needs to get Cohen laid or get him a puppy or do something, and snap to it!

Posted By: gbh1978 (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 03:18 AM

Cohen,

You are so fuckin' dumb. Your military intelligence statement just truly shows you are a seventh grader and do not understand the military at all. Be glad that this read is among the hundreds of thousands that fight daily for an idiot like you to be privileged with the freedom of speech, but seriously, you are stupid.

Posted By: CryptoBiz (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 03:31 AM

Paul Cohen is a fuckin' moron who thinks he knows his shit. This character must be a teenager because his comments are cartoonish like the Taker/Teddy Long bullshit we all saw last Friday. Lillian Garcia was not the "greatest" ring announcer but who gives a shit. She was nice to look at and did a decent job but Cohen rather see The Fink? Yeah, let's see a bald small man who's voice is so fake announce Raw. Raw sucks right now anyway so let's put The Fink on the show to boost ratings. Fuckin' stupid! Lastly, your down syndrome joke is so pathetic especially since you got that line from the movie Waiting. If I could ever meet you Cohen I would punk your ass and then punk your dad.

Posted By: The Fett (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 03:39 AM

Wow, Paul Cohen must be the love child of every IWC nerd in existence.

Posted By: Hey guy (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 03:40 AM

Lilian is the best ring announcer ever.

Posted By: iomis (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 03:42 AM

Nevermind The Undertaker's mystique/backstage pull; Punk making Taker tap would be a betrayal of the PUNK character. Here's a guy who could barely beat Jeff Hardy cleanly. Yeah, we know he's an excellent wrestler. But right now he's playing a weasel. And he's a bad guy. Kinda hard to boo a guy who can make The Undertaker submit.

It's still dumb that they would book themselves into that position in the first place. But the solution wasn't to give Punk the clean win.

Posted By: Sam! (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 03:53 AM

Hooooly shit, I sure hope to God that Paul Cohen never gets anywhere near this again. Or anything that involves him talking about wrestling.

Posted By: Getleman (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 04:25 AM

I must say its not fun when someone wants to be negative about everything just because he thinks thats the "cool" thing to do. Why not just follow something else? Or should I agree with your views and ditch wrestling altogether? Is that what you want?

Posted By: BrianKennedy (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 04:41 AM

"They don't hold a candle to the Knockout division. Being the best in that division is like being the smartest kid with Down Syndrome. Not the most difficult challenge."

LMAO nice assessment of the Divas division. Lacey Von Erich will be good as a valet for TBP. She's only been in the business for about 2 years now, but she still has A LOT of training to do, she's on Rhaka Khan levels of wrestling ability right now. She'd still be no replacement for Angelina Love who carried that group. If TNA want to elevate her they must put her into training on her off days.

Posted By: Guest#3207 (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 04:44 AM

"More Paul Cohen...that dude is hilarious.

"an oxymoron like military intelligence"

More Cohen...just let him do Fact or Fiction by himself.

Posted By: CarnivoreJ (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 12:49 AM"

The first hundred people to use it probably thought it was funny too. It's hardly original.

Posted By: Donners (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 04:45 AM

Okay, I love this column, firstly...it's one of my favorites, because I love hearing alternate viewpoints to my own, and I also love hearing my views supported. But really, Cohen was EXTREMELY overboard in his comments...so much so that I stopped reading after the second question. Even though I agreed with the points that were made, generally, the way they were stated detracted from the points themselves with the verbage that was used.

Posted By: Steve (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 05:02 AM

You guys didn't answer the most important question: who put the sand in Paul Cohen's vagina?

Posted By: poffo316 (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 05:06 AM

I don't normally leave feedback, but since we're supposed to if we want change, in the most politest of ways, Paul Cohen's manner does not make a good read. Just the way he chooses his answer, but then goes on a rant about the industry or wrestler or even something totally off topic, it was really offputting. Not good man, sorry, I didn't enjoy.

Posted By: samoa_joel (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 05:35 AM

Keep this Cohen guy as far away from writing for this site as possible please.

Posted By: guest420 (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 05:47 AM

"You are so fuckin' dumb. Your military intelligence statement just truly shows you are a seventh grader and do not understand the military at all. Be glad that this read is among the hundreds of thousands that fight daily for an idiot like you to be privileged with the freedom of speech, but seriously, you are stupid. "

Much as the relentless hate of Mr Cohen for seemingly everything in wrestling (maybe the qu's just picked his pet hates, but by the end I have to admit I'd stopped wondering what opinion he might have to offer) did spoil my enjoyment this comment does need a challenge.

1) The 'millitary intelligence' gag has been about for decades and the people I've heard it from most (either in person or in their writings) have been those in the forces, so I don't find any malace in the comment and

2) The phraseology is a bit opaque so I could have got the wrong end of the stick here but who exactly is trying to take Cohen's freedom of speach away, and who're the 'hundreds of thousands' fighting to prevent this?

I have friends and family in the forces and genuinely feel there are areas they do a lot of good in, but upholding freedoms at home isn't one of them, and statements like the one above really boil my piss.

Posted By: Dave^G (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 05:48 AM

"Wow, Paul Cohen must be the love child of every IWC nerd in existence.

Posted By: Hey guy (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 03:40 AM"

My thoughts exactly. I reckon he's one of those people that think Charlie Haas would be over if "They just let him wrestle, damn it."

Posted By: ButchReedMark (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 05:51 AM

Taker was at his worst for putting people over during 2001 where he made WCW stars look weak, that i cant argue with.

But in recent times whoever he has faced has come out looking better after fueding with him, i really dont get the arguement that he should job more often, the point is when someone beats him it looks very important because it doesn happen that much, i have to say tho i hope he takes a pin fall off Punk because hes on fire at the moment.

Posted By: jbardo (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 06:24 AM

who pissed in Cohen's corn flakes?

Posted By: Guest#9409 (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 07:24 AM

I wish some of you internet morons could spend one day within a WWE writers meeting or booking session...

Posted By: DUH (Guest) on September 23, 2009 at 11:45 PM

What I wouldn't give, dude. What I wouldn't give...

Posted By: IWC Member #23495867 (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 07:40 AM

"[Batista's] mic skills are just barely above apes grunting"

Well played, sir! A tip of my hat to you and keep up the excellent work.

Posted By: IWC Member #23495867 (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 07:42 AM

Well, I won't be reading any other columns written by Paul Cohen. That was excruciating. It's like sitting behind some smarky fan at an indy show who thinks his loud and whiny opinions are what people came to the building for.

Posted By: Canucklehead (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 08:00 AM

AJ retaining against Sting at Bound For Glory and ending 1) the streak of Sting winning the main event, and 2) the streak of World title changes in the main event, would be a bigger deal than AJ just winning the title there in my opinion. As far as I'm concerned, the whole "not a big pay-per-view" argument is redundant. You don't make a pay-per-view 'big' by not having any significant history associated with it. Even if it's never on the same level as Lockdown or Slammiversary or BFG, fans will still remember it for the AJ title win. Besides, all pay-per-views are supposed to be big deals - that's why we PAY TO VIEW THEM.

Posted By: Bimmy (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 08:01 AM

"Being the best in that division is like being the smartest kid with Down Syndrome. Not the most difficult challenge."
That comment was just crass.

Posted By: Guest#2921 (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 08:24 AM

Paul 'The Chosen' Cohen seems to have become the IWC greatest heel in an instant. Sure some of his comments were abrasive and rude, but so what? If that's how he feels, why should he write any different. I'm sorry but not every writer on FoF needs to be a happy, positive type of person. If they want to be a cynical bastard then let them. Stop judging them and acting superior because they don't write or think like you.

-----

1. Fiction - Gives time for Angle to sort out his problems, rest and come back a dedicated man...till some other event happens that derails him again.
2. Fiction - I want my batista heel change and siding with Orton goddamit.
3. No matter if it made him look like a good guy or how honourable the act was, the loss made him look stupid and that's what the fans will remember. If your gonna be dumb, wait till your established, Just like Sting.
4. Lillian Garcia - Not as a top ring announcer but in a respectable capcity as someone who was loyal and good at her job.
5. Fictio....Wait a miniute! "Googling her name puts her Playboy shoot as among the most important thing she's done, that should tell you something"...FACT FACT FACT, you know it!
6. Fiction - Zach Ryder - Not yet. Losing and then getting a title shot dosen't make you a credible contender. Getting established does. So let Ryder get some high profile wins and then we'll see if he can become a legit threat.
7. You can take the man out of wrestling but you can't take the wrestling out of a man...to paraphase and butcher perhaps a well known statement. If Cornette has passion for wrestling still, he will be back.
8. Fact - yeah pretty much.

Posted By: The_Mystical_Ninja (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 08:37 AM

Paul Cohen and Aaron Hubbard have to be related.

Posted By: Big Fat Fag (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 08:54 AM

Paul Cohen was just awful, dude is clearly lacking sense

Posted By: Whoa (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 08:56 AM

Fact or Fiction:

Would you bang Lacey von Erich like a screen door in a hurricane?

Fact.

Posted By: Jake Fury (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 09:02 AM

I very rarely comment on these things, but it was literally painful trying to watch Cohen formulate a coherent though. Won't read this again if I see he is on the panel.

Posted By: sprawlandbrawl (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 09:11 AM

1) It was important for TNA to go into their biggest PPV with a true homegrown star as champ. This way should AJ Styles beat Sting in his retirement match it will put Styles over even more. He deserves it, and NO Cohen it doesn't make it any less significant! Idiot.

2-As long as Batista has his theme music, fans will care. Once the music goes off, he's irrelevant.

3- I think TNA wants to slowly build up Hernandez to have a run at the belt, which is smart. Have him run through the World Elite first before going after the belt.

4- Lilian was good for her time, now bring back the Fink!!!

5- Lacey Von Erich is hot, therefore I care. NEXT!

6- Zach Ryder will get his 15 minutes of fame in ECW, and then be pushed down the card, where he'll eventually get moved to Smackdown in next year's draft and go for the IC Title. That said, WWE has given him an identity, and that's always good.

7- Cornette will return to TNA, if only in an advisory role.

8- To quote CM Punk "I told you sooooo" They should've waited until the end of the year to have Undertaker come back to feud with Punk. Too soon and now after next month they'll have ran out of feasible options.

Posted By: Orlando (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 09:38 AM

Undertaker puts guys over all the time even when he wins because he's that highly respected among the fans. Anyone that can stand toe to toe with him in the ring can be made to look good even in losing. The only way to keep that type of commodity is if u protect him in losses. That way, he doesn't look like such a washed up loser. A guy who's been main eventing for that long and only has a handful of WWE title reigns is not a cancer. Triple H from 2001 to 2008 was a cancer. Taker's feud with CM Punk only raises stock in Punk and instead of him looking like a flash in the pan will now have a long feud with Taker and be made to look all the better.

And who the hell shat in Paul Cohens coffee when he wrote this. "30 some odd years" and you're still fishing for logic in wrestling. I feel bad for people that take this stuff THAT seriously cuz ur only setting urself up for disappointment. Just watch it and TRY to have fun. All of this talk of "Hispanic demographics" and "losing clean" do you think the majority of kids out there buying the merch and begging their parents to purchase live event tickets and ppvs give a crap about all that smarky stuff. They just wanna see Undertaker hop out of a purple coffin and kick CM Punk's rear end.

Posted By: bighustle (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 09:59 AM

"Becoming the next TNA and having castoffs in positions they are in due to longevity, not talent (Christian, William Regal, Matt Hardy)."

The fact that you said Christian, Regal and Matt Hardy have no talent totally ends your credibility....

Posted By: Froze (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 10:03 AM

Justin RRRRRRRRRRObbertsss is on RAW!!!!!!!!!!

Posted By: Guest#0090 (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 10:06 AM

LOL at people angry at the "military intelligence" line.

Fuck those murderers. Yes, I said it. People who take taxpayers money in exchange for killing people at the behest of the Government ARE NOT HEROES. Accept this fact and move on.

Posted By: Frank (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 10:07 AM

Did people actually like Fink?

Posted By: Comment Board Poster (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 10:14 AM

I had to go back to the beginning to make sure this Cohen chap wasn't a writer for the site. He is terrible.

"a bigger oxymoron as military intelligence." - Really? REALLY?!?

Posted By: Leones (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 10:25 AM

Paul Cohen should not be doing these.While the format is opinion based, and I do not expect to always agree with the writers, it is obvious he has his panties in a twist and doesnt watch the same tv. saying ecw is the biggest waste of time when in one hour i get 2 to 3 solid matches with awesome midcard buildup, solid workrate, and decent storylines? no one expects ryder to win, its all about a young contender even having the shot at the champ, to show his balls, so to say. and to say taker never puts anyone over. puh-leeze. go spin your elvis records if you want to hear the same old shit agian.

Posted By: 16s (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 10:36 AM

there were ring announcers BESIDES lillian garcia?

Posted By: `16s (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 10:38 AM

If Paul Cohen represents the type of thinking that we're going to get when readers participate in FoF, then I say BAN readers from participating in FoF in the future. The dude was beyond annoying. He was like every negative stereotype of the IWC rolled into one.

Bash Batista and Undertaker? Check.

Call TNA 2nd rate? Check.

Make fun of the WWE Divas? Check.

Rag on Lillian and cry for The Fink to come back? Check.

It felt like he was pandering to the negative naysayers of IWC to become a voice for them. We see enough whining and bitching in the comments section everyday. I don't need to see it in a typically enjoyable column.

No more Paul Cohen EVER please. I'd rather read constructive criticism instead of someone whining like a spoiled brat over something they don't like.

Posted By: Monty (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 10:50 AM

C'mon, this 'Paul Cohen' persona is really a parody, right? Some kind of joke about all the worst 'smart fan' attributes, rolled into one? No way that's a real person.

Posted By: Ryushinku (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 10:53 AM

on a site that tends to be incredibly negative (referring to 411wrestling only) Cohen has got to be the single most negative person i've ever read. He's terrible whoever signs the people to do this column please never bring him back. From this point on every time i see his name attributed to an article i skip right over it.

Posted By: stronelis (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 10:58 AM

Mr Cohen you are one bitter man.

Posted By: Andrew Barbarash (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 11:06 AM

correction not sure if this was said yet but scott stiner cashed in his feast or fired briefcase. in a match they turned into a three way between him,kurt and joe i believe and he did'nt win so hernadez was'nt the first.and besides you said it perfect hernadez is a batista like oaf who is boring as fucking to watch IT'S BOOGIE TIME CHILDREN !

Posted By: the_disco_inferno (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 11:08 AM

Yah seriously Paul Cohen is one of the worst I have read on this site period. I hope i'm never ever subjected to his offerings again.

TERRIBLE

Posted By: Common Sense (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 11:19 AM

Yeah Paul Cohen sucks a fat one, but at least he's just a straight up geek rather than those pseudo-intellectual guys.

Oh, and you idiots getting pumped up over the military intelligence joke: are you fucking kidding me? That's a George Carlin bit, my dog knows that. Carlin was in the Air Force by the way.

Posted By: Foolio (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 11:26 AM

Fiction- The titled needed to be involved in Sting/Styles.

Fact-Batista will only undercut the talent on smackdown. His first show was the worst in month.

Fiction- There was no place for hernandez to cash before the next F or F. This adds fuel to world elite feud.
And Hernandez is no another Batista.

Fiction- She's no Fink

Fact- 1st, of course playboy came up it's the internet porn idiot. but Damore is booking the women therefore everything is a win.

Fiction- Ryder is no contender, but this doesn't hurt.

Fact- TNA has been booked well without him so who cares. Russo has built a midcard. Cornette didn't. The last two months of TNA have been great, i'll argue that all day. They have pushed new talent really well, Cornette for all his good qualities wasn't doing it.

Fact- That was awful. But not as awful as Paul Cohen

Posted By: Common Sense (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 11:29 AM

That Taker segment would have worked if after saying, "Buckle up Teddy," the limo peeled away and you heard Teddy banging on the window and yelling help as it drove off.
There never should have been a camera on the inside at all anyway. Anytime there's multiple camera angles it just takes you out of the 'reality' of the moment.

Posted By: demOcratic (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 11:31 AM

You know we're through the looking glass when the 411mania comments section is more balanced and rational than the article itself! Feel bad for Jeff Small...thought he was interesting to read, but he was swamped under.

Posted By: Canucklehead (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 11:34 AM

Lmao @ the patriotic morons who are crying because Cohen used the 'more of an oxymoron than military intelligence' line; you realise half your goddamn military would be flipping burgers were they not to have taken the route they chose? And considering the amount of villages, children and hospitals the US military bombs with reckless calamitous abandon, the over-used similie kinda has a semblance of truth to it.

Not that I'm bashing the military as a whole (before you flag-waving knuckle-dragging numbskulls start for your Constitutionally-approved-goddamit AK47s) but seriously, get over yourselves.

Posted By: Chungles (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 11:36 AM

BUCKLE UP TEDDI!

Posted By: That Darn Undertaker (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 11:41 AM

First of all, I am entitled to my opinion regardless of what you marks say.
I've been an avid smart for over 30 years.
I have a breadth of knowledge that eclipses most of you morons. It's like going to a Yankee game wearing a Cubs jersey.
Military intelligence, please... Please shoot me in the foot while I take one for the team.
Losers.

Posted By: Paul Cohen (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 07:17 AM

And with that, good sir (assuming it's really you), you serve only to reinforce all the criticisms aimed your way. No one is deny you your opinions...it's that many of us found them embarrassing to read and are saying so. I thought your writing in the column was childish, and this reply even more so. Well done.

Stay classy, Paul Cohen.

Posted By: Canucklehead (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 11:48 AM

What does Paul Cohen do on this site? Because I want to avoid it at any cost! That was by far the worst Fact or Fiction I've read and it was down to him. I don't care if you've been watching wrestling for 30 years or 30 seconds. So why stick that in? Oh right....to make yourself more important. You are a typical internet fanboy "boo Batista" "Lacey is just for show so gonna say no" there to make yourself seem more important, the fact is this, if you were to see Batista in the street you'd be the first to run up and get him to sign your limited addition Eddie Guerrero shirt that you haven't taken off since the day he died.

Posted By: Guest#1977 (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 11:53 AM

To the Cohen Reply above this comment:
Your 'retort' as it may be sums up exactly why 95% of the comments mentioning you asked for you to not return. Since your simple brain probably is going to lump this in with the rest, lets do a bulletin style breakdown. For every sentence you finish you get a cookie and a pat on the head.

-1.
First of all, I am entitled to my opinion regardless of what you marks say. I've been an avid smart for over 30 years. : First of all, no one said your not entitled to an opinion, they said the rancor and dripping, cocky bitterness was what they disliked. Your opinions are debatable, your negative, pissy-pants tear down of every character presented to you, is not, and was not needed.

-2.
I've been an avid smart for over 30 years.I have a breadth of knowledge that eclipses most of you morons. It's like going to a Yankee game wearing a Cubs jersey. : Like any troll, Cohen assumes we assumed anything about him; I didn't, did you? I don't care how long you've been a fan smark or not [frankly, I've watched since I was 6, am 28, college educated, been a 'smark' since 99/00, does it matter? NO.] And I didn't care how long you have been either, your attitude was shitty regardless.

-3.
Military intelligence, please... Please shoot me in the foot while I take one for the team.
Losers.
: *yawn* now he's not even trying. recap a played out, ridiculuous statement for shock effect [ie: sway away from his moronic statements with a political side argument], make himself sound like a savior to wrestling commentary and fandom [take one for the team, wtf mate?] and then call anyone who disliked his guest run a loser.

gran show chap.

Posted By: 16s (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 11:53 AM

to cohens credit, god i hate batista. but hernadez is nowhere near as bad. give a brother a break. FLYING MEX!

Posted By: 16s (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 11:54 AM

"Oh Radio" is my new ringer!! WOO WOO WOO!

Posted By: Bonerfied (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 12:15 PM

First of all, I am entitled to my opinion regardless of what you marks say.
I've been an avid smart for over 30 years.
I have a breadth of knowledge that eclipses most of you morons. It's like going to a Yankee game wearing a Cubs jersey.
Military intelligence, please... Please shoot me in the foot while I take one for the team.
Losers.

Posted By: Paul Cohen (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 07:17 AM

--------

What a pompous douchebag you are, Cohen. Your opinions are less than worthless, keep your crappy 30 years of "smart" knowledge to yourself in future, you overbearing, pretentious tool.

Posted By: Jonathan (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 12:22 PM

Damn Cohen... my FoF in 411 politics didn't get this much hate. Maybe if I'd gotten that much heel heat they'd have given me something to do regularly around this place LOL

Posted By: Madcap Unlimited (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 12:23 PM

Paul Cohen seriously tell us how you truly feel about TNA.

Posted By: Guest#4331 (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 12:30 PM

Didn't Lesnar beat Taker in Hell in a Cell?

Posted By: Kevin (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 01:29 PM

I am also hoping the Paul Cohen was a joke writer. A character to make for of "IWC smarts". If not, then please guys read this stuff before you put it up on your site. Why let someone post nonsense like "While Hernandez is fairly similar to Batista" or "Other than Team 3D, they (tna) don't keep successful tag teams together for very long." (I would post more but I stopped reading his side after question 3.)
Seriously? LAX was around for how long? How long has Beer Money been together? How long were Harris and Storm a tag team? It is not just that he was negative, it was that he was just plain wrong about the stuff he was negative about. Please tell us it was a joke. Otherwise it is 411 wrestling that is quickly becoming the joke.

Posted By: PD (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 01:42 PM

Look, you can complain all you want, I got to write the column, which is something that the majority of you neanderthals couldn't accomplish.

In fact, I'm amazed some of you actually have the ability to actually read in the first place.

I have a degree in Wrestle-ology from the Univerity of Smark, so you can all kiss my pasty white rear end.

I'm going to smoke some pole.

Later, IWC losers.

Posted By: Paul Cohen (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 02:39 PM

I usually don't dis the writers. I actually enjoy most of the writers on the site. But this Paul Cohen guy...dude! What DO YOU LIKE? This was just bitter sounding. The Undertaker is supposed to be over the top and he has done far worse thins than that last smackdown. He has put people over time and again and if someone wants a spot earn it!! If u have nothing positive to add but another vague Cornette compliment just stay home man

Posted By: the get some kid (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 03:09 PM

Lmao @ the patriotic morons who are crying because Cohen used the 'more of an oxymoron than military intelligence' line; you realise half your goddamn military would be flipping burgers were they not to have taken the route they chose? And considering the amount of villages, children and hospitals the US military bombs with reckless calamitous abandon, the over-used similie kinda has a semblance of truth to it.

Not that I'm bashing the military as a whole (before you flag-waving knuckle-dragging numbskulls start for your Constitutionally-approved-goddamit AK47s) but seriously, get over yourselves.

And is there anything wrong with that if it was true? We get the job done. It pisses me the fuck off when pieces of shit like you and that little pussy frank talk about something they know absolutely nothing about.

Posted By: sprint_upstage_sux (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 03:10 PM

You honestly should make this guy a regular, not because I like him, I don't. But because nobody gets this worked up over any of the other heel writers on this site nobody gives a crap about like Joke Chambers. He'd get a crazy amount of hits and reaction just from people who want to tell him he sucks. He could be like the Glen Beck or Bill O'Reilly of 411wrestling. Paul Cohen = Money, I would read him every week and hate every second of it.

Posted By: Will (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 03:26 PM

Was there any other way to do the AJ thing? It's called passing the torch for a reason. Sting had to give him the torch, AJ isn't supposed to just take it. Perfect set up going into Sting's last match. As a die hard Sting fan maybe I'm the only one who see's how important Sting's retirement is. You wanted that big AJ celebration to happen upon Sting's retirement? Are you nuts? Losing the one legend that never "sold out" out ranks any championship switch, and AJ's gonna get the ultimate rub from him personally. Besides if you think back they've been building this storyline for over a year. AJ was always Sting's main focus.

Posted By: Burnout (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 03:29 PM

Frank, I won't recap the bile u spilled onto my screen. Frankly it would make me puke. I'm an ex military who has never been mistaken for a murderer. I would however be willing to take care of you for without filling my pockets with taxpayer gold. That would make me a hero.
You and your overprivelidged, cowardly,ignorant ilk make me sick. Disagreement with policy or execution of policy is fine. Collectively smearing those who sacrifice makes you a disgusting little stool sample. I doubt you'd have much to say if anyone who has worn or wears a uniform was within earshot. I don't think a split wig would match your new khakis. You are a U S Ahole,and even less tolerable than Paul Cohen.

Posted By: gbh1978 (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 03:34 PM

Paul Cohen you need a hug.

Posted By: American (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 03:35 PM

In over 18 years in WWF/E, Taker has been champ six times and all the reigns combined total only about one year. If he's such a selfish, me first guy, how is that possible?

Posted By: Jason Douglas (Registered) on September 24, 2009 at 03:40 PM

1. AJ's big win: HE EARNED IT! Take a look at all the bullshit he put up with up to the ppv! 2. Batista: I never really knew he was gone. Then again, I never really knew he was there. 3. Hernandez: Back to obscurity, amigo. 4. Lillian Garcia: There's nothing to say, except, at least Vince never had sex with her (that we know of). 5. Lacey Von Erich: Last I checked, that last name never had a non-controversial part in the business. 6. Zach Ryder: He's not back in the minor leagues? 7. Jim Cornette: You deserve better, dammitt! You deserve better! 8. Deadman/T'Lo: Insert comment here, please.

Posted By: David (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 04:18 PM

Man, this column used to be one of the best but it's really gone downhill since the new talent initiative. Can you go back to having columnist vs columnist instead of columnist vs lame columnist wannabe? Fact or Fiction has become like ECW: Old reliables and up-and-comers no one gives a shit about. Please no more reader participation. That's what the comment section is for.

Posted By: Douche (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 04:19 PM

Good Lord. We didn't even have this much flak in the Boxing zone over Mayweather/Marquez. 103 comments? Once he started talking smack about Lillian I read Small's portion only.

Posted By: Ryan Bates (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 04:40 PM

Paul Cohen your comments about Rey Mysterio being "the little steroid user that could" and the Wwe better hide the divas before Batista screws them all is just PRICELESS!! You really need to become a comedian & I'm not talking Abraham Washington type comedian. Haha!

Posted By: Paul Cohen's #1 Fan (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 04:49 PM

That Cohen guy is a fucking idiot. Who let this guy give his opinion. Such a wanna be smark like most people lately.

Posted By: Everyone who read this (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 04:53 PM

Paul Cohen you might be the funniest man I have ever read on this site - god work!

Posted By: ronny (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 05:04 PM

After reading 3 questions, I couldn't wait to get to the comments section. Sure, Paul Cohen's a little negative, but look at all the flaming in the comments section. Give this man a column!

Paul Cohen = Clicks

Posted By: The Other Ryan (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 05:07 PM

"First of all, I am entitled to my opinion regardless of what you marks say.
I've been an avid smart for over 30 years.
I have a breadth of knowledge that eclipses most of you morons. It's like going to a Yankee game wearing a Cubs jersey.
Military intelligence, please... Please shoot me in the foot while I take one for the team.
Losers."

I really hope this isn't the real Paul because you just screwed up my day by letting these people bait you into sinking to their level with the name calling and thinking you're better than them.

"His wrestling repertoire is severely lacking and his mic skills are just barely above apes grunting."

OUCH!! LMAO

Posted By: Guest#6652 (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 05:08 PM

Ok I never really comment on these but that Cohen dude is a fuckin tool! Seriously where the hell did this guy come from?!

Posted By: da juice (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 05:49 PM

Anyone who thinks the undertaker doesn't put over talent is stupid and has little knowledge of wrestling. taker makes anyone he rivals against look amazing, win or lose

Posted By: Guest#9470 (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 05:57 PM

It's like the entire smark contingent of the IWC rolled into a single character and then allowed to cut heel promos on the rest of us.

Wait a minute....Miz? Is that you?

Posted By: BJC (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 06:15 PM

Please, don't ever let Cohen do a Fact or Fiction again. This is the only article I make an effort to read every week, and WOW, he is just insanely negative about EVERYTHING. I know the IWC by nature is supposed to be cynical and sarcastic, but my god man why do you even watch wrestling? You apparently hate everything about it! FYI to all the geniuses bitching about Taker...last time I checked, he wasn't on the creative team. According to every wrestler (even those who bash their tenure in WWE), they always have NOTHING but positive things to say about Taker. Clearly he's not some political ass-kisser. Ya know what happens when a veteran 'puts over' every single young wrestler just because they're young? They become Mick Foley - and a win over them means nothing. Thanks Jeff, I enjoyed your portion of the article.

Posted By: Save_Us_411 (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 06:23 PM

i dont think you retards understand that the BOOKERS decide who wins. who loses. how they lose. how they win...

jesus christ, stop bitching about undertaker cohen....

Posted By: (guest) (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 06:36 PM

ITT: BAAAAAWWWWWWWWWW!

Well done Cohen.

Posted By: King Nikolai (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 06:45 PM

Hi, I'm Paul Cohen, and I hate fucking everything.

Posted By: Neat. (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 07:12 PM

"After reading 3 questions, I couldn't wait to get to the comments section. Sure, Paul Cohen's a little negative, but look at all the flaming in the comments section. Give this man a column!

Paul Cohen = Clicks"

Almost exactly what I thought...117 comments ?? wow...is it Csonka ??

Posted By: Guest#7015 (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 08:07 PM

Saying the words "credible contender" and ECW in the same sentence is a bigger oxymoron as military intelligence

douchebag, I will never read this article again

Posted By: Jay (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 08:10 PM

Paul Cohen = work. No one could be THAT big of a stereotype unless they were trying.

Posted By: The Tall Man (Registered) on September 24, 2009 at 08:27 PM

The fact that you said Christian, Regal and Matt Hardy have no talent totally ends your credibility....

Posted By: Froze (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 10:03 AM

He never said that, he said that Regal, Hardy, and Christian are or were at the top of ECW based on the fact that they had been with the company for a long time (well, a long time historically in Christian's case) and not because they ARE talented.

Posted By: Deathpool (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 09:54 PM

Taker has only had a few reigns because his character does not need them. He is made to look so dominant that there is an underlying implication that he could have the title any time he wanted it and went for it.

Someone please explain to me:

1. How does Taker make people look good while beating them? I fail to understand how never losing clean earns the reputation of "guy who puts people over."

2. List the people that Taker has lost to 100% clean. It is not as big as you think.

Oh, and newsflash. The streak will never end. I personally hate that every single Wrestlemania I am cheated out of the surprise of one match. Every year there is one match that is a foregone conclusion. Waste of time.

Taker sucks and IS a cancer that destroys talent. NO ONE buys Punk, the most awesome heel going today, as a threat to the Amazing, Unstoppable Taker.

Posted By: Guest#7289 (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 10:38 PM

Paul Cohen, you are everything that people in the wrestling industry seem to hate about the IWC. Hating everything doesn't make you "smart" and it doesn't make you cool. It just makes you obnoxious and unbearable to read. Don't ever write a wrestling column again.

Posted By: Matt (Guest) on September 25, 2009 at 01:22 AM

I doubt you'd have much to say if anyone who has worn or wears a uniform was within earshot. I don't think a split wig would match your new khakis. You are a U S Ahole,and even less tolerable than Paul Cohen.

Posted By: gbh1978 (Guest) on September 24, 2009 at 03:34 PM

As a guy that served in the Navy, the millitary intelligence joke did not offend me in the least. It's like people look for reasons to be offended. And aren't you proving his point in a way. If a military man's first inclination after hearing a joke or even a serious condemnation of what they do is to react violently, it doesn't sound like the most intelligent response. But that's just me. Let's not kid ourselves. The best and the brightest don't flock to the military way of life. A few, but it's not like it's filled with Rhodes scholars or anything. An overwhelming amount of military personnel are dumb kids fresh out of highschool that have just as much potential to be a recruiting ad on t.v. as they are to be the latest "army private raped and killed hostage."

Posted By: pd (Guest) on September 25, 2009 at 09:02 AM

Hey Paul Cohen, you and Ryan Byers should form a tag team. You could call yourselves "The Assholes who think they are better than everyone because of their nerdy smark opinions, but actually are just gigantic douchebags who nobody will ever give a fuck about, ever."

It's a catchy name!

Posted By: Dave (Guest) on September 25, 2009 at 10:01 AM

"Jeff Small: FACT. In my Small-For-All, I sarcastically commented that Lillian Garcia was the greatest and most accurate announcer of all time. Hyperbole aside, Lillian will definitely be remembered as one of the top announcers for a couple of reasons. First, she had a 10 year run with the company, which is much longer than most of the current roster. In addition, she went to every Tribute to the Troops shows and was, in general, a great goodwill ambassador to the company. Judging by the way she went out (surprisingly on top without any hint of a burial), she will easily be remembered by the WWE."

Jeff - Michael Cole has been with WWE for almost 12 years now. Don't dare tell me he means anything to the history of WWE and its announcers other than longevity. In that vein, you can't say Lillian deserves any praise because she lasted a long time.

Cole's career shouldn't have lasted as long as Beaver Cleavage and he's STILL employed to the chagrin of anybody with at least one working brain cell.

His only legacy is his lack of true passion for the business and his ability to kill great iconic moments when Jim Ross wasn't available (Foley's first title win, Austin giving the beer bath to Rock & Vince, etc.)

Posted By: Brad B (Guest) on September 25, 2009 at 02:02 PM

Clearly little paul was never hugged as a child. For the love of god Mrs Cohen get in here and take care of your douchebag son

Posted By: MacC (Guest) on September 25, 2009 at 02:46 PM

Paul Cohen- Fiction

Posted By: shamrocker (Guest) on September 25, 2009 at 02:47 PM

His only legacy is his lack of true passion for the business and his ability to kill great iconic moments when Jim Ross wasn't available (Foley's first title win, Austin giving the beer bath to Rock & Vince, etc.)

Posted By: Brad B (Guest) on September 25, 2009 at 02:02 PM

Yeah, because if a redneck is not screaming at the top of his lungs as the moment is happening, then it is ruined. I think the JR character overpowers moments, but I guess if you have no original thoughts you may need a screaming redneck to cue you in on when something is important.

Posted By: Guest#0250 (Guest) on September 26, 2009 at 12:07 AM

The IWC just got owned by Mr Cohen!

Posted By: Latex (Guest) on September 26, 2009 at 07:27 AM

"Yeah, because if a redneck is not screaming at the top of his lungs as the moment is happening, then it is ruined. I think the JR character overpowers moments, but I guess if you have no original thoughts you may need a screaming redneck to cue you in on when something is important.

Posted By: Guest#0250 (Guest) on September 26, 2009 at 12:07 AM"

You're right. It's way better when a guy forces laughter, tries to force an iconic line in WWF history ("Mankind did it...Mick Foley did it!"), and has to have his lines fed to him through a headset by Vince McMahon and the same hick you're making fun of.

Hate on JR all you want. Him in a coma during his colon surgery has more talent and passion than Michael Cole.

Posted By: Brad B (Guest) on September 26, 2009 at 11:23 AM

Maybe if Vinnie Mac and JR were not scripting everything everyone said, announcers like Cole would be able to develop their own personalities and announcing characters.

I agree that screaming about Stone Cold or anyone else does not make a great moment. I also hate how JR cannot banter with everyone. There are many times an announcing partner begins a funny exchange and JR just shoots them down with some holier than thou, I am right you are wrong crap.

JR=Overrated. I would rather listen to Mike Tenay. JR just tries to get himself over.

Posted By: Guest#6662 (Guest) on September 27, 2009 at 12:42 AM

GO COHEN GO!!!!

-This message has been approved by PJL.

(The get Paul Cohen A Damned Column (PCADCC) Commission, coywright 2009)

Posted By: PJL (Guest) on September 29, 2009 at 10:18 AM