Shining a Spotlight 11.26.09: Reasons To Be Thankful

Posted by Michael Weyer on 11.26.2009

An invitation for readers to share what they're thankful for in wrestling this year.

　

While my column has been posted on Thanksgiving before, I've never really tried to theme it. This year, however, I decided to do a bit for the holiday that makes sense. I'm also welcoming more feedback than usual as I think this is something a lot fans might enjoy and think about as well.

Basically, it's about giving thanks for stuff in wrestling. It's a bit like the "Gifts for Fans" columns I do every Christmas but still want to point out things in wrestling today that fans should be happy about. I know some may mock me being so idealistic but I like being a "glass half full" guy and so thought I'd share some of these…




I'm Thankful For… Jesse Ventura and Vince McMahon reuniting on commentary, complete with ‘80's music and Vince in the old red bow tie. Forget the whole "guest hosts" stuff, just make The Body the permanent RAW GM.




I'm Thankful For… TNA not dropping the ball with Nigel McGuiness. It could have been a disaster. Nabbing one of the biggest stars in ROH history and then dropping the ball with him via bad booking or character. But so far, TNA has done wonders with Desmond Wolfe, from a cool-ass name to how he's been built as such a dominant force with wins over Angle. I'm already salivating for the inevitable bouts with Joe and Styles as TNA is really giving Wolfe the respect he deserves and is making his entrance work.




I'm Thankful For… the wild Orton-Cena feud which some complained went on too long but I felt really worked out well. Both guys gave their all in matches and solidified Orton as a bad-ass heel and Cena as a great working face. It may be a bit cooled now but still terrific memories of it.




I'm Thankful For… Kofi Kingston getting a push. Yes, dropping the Jamaican accent was an odd touch but the guy shows some real promise in the ring and WWE's pushing of him against CM Punk shows they have faith in him as a possible star and good to see those on the rise.




I'm Thankful For…: Tara on TNA as I've always been a big fan of hers and great seeing her in the mix with the Knockouts. Be nice if she had a longer run with the belt but still good to see. Also nice to see ODB finally getting the title after doing so much for the division and doing a good job as a wild champion.
　



I'm Thankful For… TNA's new commentary team. Ever since TNA started in 2002, Don West has simply not been a good fit. The guy was always way too loud and over excited and downright annoying, taking away from the stuff happening in the ring. Thankfully, TNA has finally realized that as West has moved on and the company has smartly put Tazz in his place. He balances out Mike Tenay pretty well with good comments and knows when to get excited and when not to just let the action speak for itself. While Tenay can still go over the top at times, with Taz and occasionally Mick Foley, TNA's commentary is no longer the grating experience it once was.




I'm Thankful that… WWE isn't letting bad blood get between DVD releases. When Hogan signed with TNA, it could have instantly killed his DVD but WWE still put it out, albeit without the big promotional push it would have had otherwise. Likewise, Jeff Hardy's problems aren't preventing them from doing a DVD on the high point of his career. Maybe Vince is finally realizing holding a grudge isn't as important as the bottom line after all.




I'm Thankful That… Raw Vs Smackdown 2010 continues to improve on things with better play and a fun story creation system. Wish they could give the guys doing the next TNA game some pointers.




I'm Thankul For… ROH giving Bryan Danielson the send-off he deserved. It might have been tempting to bury the man as he leaves the company but instead ROH took the high road and gave him a rousing farewell. A terrific match was followed by the ROH locker room paying tribute to a guy who'd helped the company along for so long and the fans got the chance to bid him farewell and thanks as well. True, would have been great for them to show his actual speech on the TV broadcast but still a great end for a fine ROH run.


Those are my own picks so opening it up (and be nice if folks were serious and not throwing in sarcastic entries or such). What are you thankful for in wrestling this year?


Next week, I examine Hulk Hogan's new biography. For now, the spotlight is off.