The Wrestling 5&1 11.20.10: Mickie vs. Trish

Welcome to edition #6 (for me) of The Wrestling 5&1! Or as Tony Schiavone calls it…

Spare me the pleasantries… BRING ON THE GIRLS!

Mickie James took one more step towards immortality last week (heel turn in TNA?), defeating Madison Rayne and getting so close to the HoB that she can taste it. And it’s tasty indeed, Mickie! But don’t eat it, okay? You still get those jokes, even if they don’t really apply. The gate keeper for Mickie is a rather hot little number herself–the former object of Mickie’s obsession–Trish Stratus!

This is sure to be a close race, so study those pics closely and make an informed choice.

So, you think Mickie’s gonna just waltz right into the Hall of Bang, huh? …

… Not if Trish Stratus has anything to say about it! …

…Hmmmmm…Decisions, Decisions!

Cast your official ballot in the comments section. In just one short week we’ll know if Mickie James will occupy spot #3 in “The Wrestling 5&1 Hall of Bang!”

Survivor Series is here! Survivor Series is this weekend, and obviously the main focus is Wade Barrett challenging for Randy Orton’s WWE Championship with John Cena serving as the special guest referee. The subtitle of this match has been Free or Fired, where John Cena is free of his obligations to The Nexus if Wade Barrett wins the WWE Championship, and if Barrett loses Cena is fired. But the hell with that match! Let’s take a look at the rest of the announced card:

John Morrison vs. Sheamus
It all started when Sheamus was beating the crap out of Santino and Morrison inexplicably came out to cause the distraction that gave Santino the win. Morrison continued to interfere in Sheamus’s business, finally leading to their Survivor Series match. It was eventually revealed by Morrison that he viewed Sheamus as a bully, and he doesn’t like bullies. So here we are. But I think this match has a much more important underlying tone, Morrison’s future. If the WWE is using this as a fill-in feud for Sheamus, then Morrison will likely put on a good match in defeat. But if this is more–if this is the start of Morrison’s big push, then we might see Morrison pull off the big win.

Team Mysterio (Rey Mysterio, Big Show, Kofi Kingston, MVP, Chris Masters) vs. Team Del Rio (Alberto Del Rio, Dashing Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, Tyler Reks, Jack Swagger) – Survivor Series Elimination Match
At least we get one, right? I like the overall idea of this match being built around the Mysterio-Del Rio feud. And that’s a feud that I think still has legs. Therefore, I think we’ll see Del Rio end up as the sole survivor. I’m honestly just glad that we’re getting the traditional Survivor Series match, considering the strongest group in the WWE, The Nexus, would have been perfect for a Nexus vs. WWE match (even if it’s already been done).

The Nexus (Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater, champions) vs. Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov – WWE Tag Team Championship
Santino & Kozlov earned the right to this match on RAW, and now they get to face the champs. Thanks to the Nexus storyline, Gabriel and Slater have a great chance to get a long title run. I can’t find any reason why you’d take the belts off of them right now. Personally, I like them as tag champs, and think a good reign for them will re-elevate the belts in the eyes of the fans who have been taught that tag teams (and tag team titles) are irrelevant.

LayCool (champion(s)) vs. Natalya – WWE Unified Divas Championship Handicap Match
Natalya has been fighting with LayCool for a while now, and if they don’t pull the trigger on her title win at SS, there’s no reason to believe it’s happening at all. I for one think it is happening, at least temporarily.

Dolph Ziggler (champion) vs. Kaval – WWE Intercontinental Championship
You have to question Kaval’s thinking here, using his guaranteed title shot for winning NXT Season 2 to challenge for the Intercontinental Championship. On one hand, it’s insane for him NOT to wrestle for a world title. On the other hand, he might feel he has Ziggler’s number, and wants to build himself through the mid-card. Either way, it won’t matter when Kaval’s shot has the same result at Barrett’s, a loss.

Daniel Bryan (champion) vs. Ted DiBiase – WWE United States Championship
Ziggler and Bryan were at their most entertaining against each other this month, a little three match series that seemed to elevate both guys. Now they’re rushed into title matches at SS, but I think both defenses will end up a little differently. The WWE loves Dibiase, and their removal of the Million Dollar Championship seems to clear the way for a different belt–the United States Championship. He’s got the pedigree, he’s got the looks, and he’s got the girl. You know Vince has to love that. Thankfully, Daniel Bryan can feud with William Regal without the US title.

Kane (champion) vs. Edge – World Heavyweight Championship
I’m much happier with Edge’s current face run than I was with his early 2010 run. But you know what’s more impressive than that? Kane’s title run. It’s one of the biggest and brightest surprises of 2010, and I just don’t see it ending. Kane is supposed to be a monster, even if it’s a diabolical one. The WWE has Kane in a perfect position, atop the mountain just waiting for someone to knock him off. It’s a great chance to book a proper World Title chase, once the correct challenger is identified. I honestly don’t know who that is, but I think we’ll find out soon.

Okay, now we can cover that match…

Randy Orton (champion) vs. Wade Barrett – WWE Championship
Special Referee: John Cena
If Barrett wins the WWE Championship, Cena is freed from his obligation to Nexus
If Barrett fails to win the WWE Championship, Cena is fired from the WWE

Out of all the 2010 main events, this one might have the longest and most involved build. Cena has been put in the position where he has to make a decision, and this match hinges on it. If you think about it, it’s a pretty unique (and dare I say smart?) storyline. Much like I said in the SS Roundtable, I see Cena costing Orton the title, then beating the “holy hell” out of Barrett, which leads to The Miz cashing in and winning his first WWE Championship. But that’s an easy prediction to make at this point. The Cena heel turn? I think that happens on RAW, when Cena explains his actions and the fans reject them. Done right, it could be a great turn of events.

You Decide: Does Cena turn heel? Does Miz finally cash in? Any other surprises you expect to see at the 2010 Survivor Series?

Our good buddy Sting has been a small topic of conversation lately. His contract is up by the end of the year, and apparently TNA isn’t interested in renewing his deal. There’s always that WrestleMania run that many of us (myself included) are asking for, but that’s likely up to Sting. But there’s a reason we care so much about Sting. It’s not because he’s so talented (he is). It’s not because he’s an iconic figure (he is). It’s not because we all marked out like crazy when he was falling from the rafters (we did). It’s because on one night, Ric Flair and Sting battled in a 45 minute classic on free TV. The first ever Clash of the Champions–Flair made Sting.

TNA dominates the discussion last week: Last week, I posted the article from Bryan Alvarez bashing TNA’s booking, and centering all of the blamce for TNA’s issues squarely on the shoulders of said booking. I hoped for some great responses, and boy did you all respond!

“Bishoff is wrong, I don’t need to stick around to see all the twists and turns. I certainly don’t need to get used to what he or anybody else are doing. He and the rest of Creative need to make me want to watch. … On the other hand Bishoff/Hogan/Russo are kind of like M Night Shamalan. They delivered big once and it has been kind of downhill since. All the same unsurprising swerves. … Then there is the inability to use what they do have that were successful. The X-Division and Knockouts were successful and different. They drew in viewers.”
~Guest6476

You made so many great points I couldn’t include them all. I’ve long been a proponent that TNA being different was a good thing, and I hate that they feel the need to compete by trying to do their own brand of sports entertainment. My problem with TNA is (and I fear will always be) the fact that they have so many talented performers–so much potential–and it just seems that they always fall short of that potential.

“TNA is doing everything right, in the sense that they aren’t booking around ratings. You can’t book based on the ratings. Sure, if you whole audience drops drastically, but TNA hasn’t lost any fans. If anything, ratings are back up. If you rebook your whole show everytime your ratings dropa tenth of a point, you’ll just do more yo-yo booking that TNA certainly doesn’t need more of.”
~Guest#7568

How can you say TNA is doing everything right. Everything? Including the “yo-yo booking” that you referenced? Look, I don’t they need to rebook the whole show beause of a tenth of a point drop in ratings. I think they need to rebook everything because the booking is their major issue.

“What is wrong with TNA… Is it the booking? Is it the talent? Is it going against the WWE? Is it us?”
Booking. That’s it. If they sorted out the booking they’d be set.”
~Guest#0643

If this were a message board, that comment would have been “quoted for truth.”

“See, that’s the problem. You guys think Hogan and Bischoff should leave TNA when in fact they were the only ones that has tried to improve the company. You see, they are, just like everyone else, at the mercy of Vince Russo’s writing. In fact, what’s good for TNA in my opinion is for Dixie Carter to resign as president and let Bischoff take over the reigns. Eric would run that company 100 times better, and he would not be afraid to fire people. Dixie’s parents are finally get involved somewhat on the money side, controlling spending, since now they can’t write off their yearly losses anymore. Sooner than later, I think they would pressure their daughter to resign. That’s really the only hope TNA has left.”
~billy

So Eric Bischoff is TNA’s Obi Wan? Really?

“Well Greg I think the biggest problem with TNA is the fact that the fans are too cynical. … I think the advent of the IWC has done more to harm wrestling than help it. When you have the majority of the people that write for the IWC bashing anything that isn’t WWE. Everyone needs to chill, suspend belief and look for the stuff that entertains.
Wrestling is different now, that is good and bad, and we have to have a mindset that they are not going to do everything that we would want. But TNA is good, you just have to let go of the IWC stance to find it.”
~ThatGuyFromAustin

Hate to disagree with a reader that I respect, but I have to here. I’ve been watching since mid ’83, and I to have seen the good & bad like you. But remember, TNA has had tons of support in the past, and still holds a lot of support today. And they’re one major booking turn away from the entire IWC jumping on the bandwagon. I watch TNA every week looking for the good. And all I see is the missed potential. And it’s not because I’m IWC, as I think I’m one of the least IWC people writing within the IWC. Personally, I like Jeff Hardy as a heel, but his free spirit nature doesn’t work within a group like Immortal, it would work much better if he were a cult-type leader with followers that would do anything for his support, when he just slaps them around in the end. Somewhat like a Raven’s Flock with a more modern edge to it. I don’t think we’re too cynical as fans, I think we’ve gotten too smart. We know too much, and that does cloud our judgment.

“Because its acronym is TNA, which 99% of the population out there know is tits and ass and not total nonstop action. … So, if TNA wants to move to the next level of public acceptability and consciousness, they might want to change their names to TNW for “Total Nonstop Wrestling”, some combination thereof or a complete different name altogether.”
~Bleh

You make a great point, one I never considered until now. The TNA name does hurt. But they’re stuck in a tough position there. You could go all the way with it, but then you’re putting out a product that loses the kids, and we can’t have that. You could change your name, but it’s hard enough for mainstream media to realize that it’s not the WWE already. It’s not a good name, but they’re stuck with it.

“the biggest problem TNA has is not awareness its CONSISTENT/PERSISTENT AWARENESS. Meaning that when TNA advertises their product HARD, the results are very good … Thank you for posting the article Mr. Alverez wrote, but he sounded more like a biased writer than a journalist. He lost all credibility with me anyway when he says only 10% of TNA’s fanbase spend money on TNA. On this site, it is said that TNA merchandise sales are up a significant percentage ergo that means that more people are spending money on TNA then the 10% figure he gave. … TNA’s booking is the only other problem TNA has but its better than its been in YEARS. I mean the shows have more focus on storylines, More wrestling (last year TV matches averaged about 2 minutes whereas this year its about 4 minutes a match) and the shows look like a Real Gritty show circa Raw 1997. … The tag-team division is stacked and will continue to kick ass for a long while. Finally, while wwe shows are dull and uninspired TNA has a feel of anything can happen at anytime which for a wrestling fan who watched the entire attitude era is all i want.”
~Will

I think Alvarez was indicating that consistency and persistence is the main problem with TNA’s awareness. Now, you’re right about him being biased. He pretty much admits it, but defends his own stance a little too hard. But hey, he makes money doing this, I don’t. TNA’s booking has shown flashes of greatness (last year’s top contender tournament won by D’Angelo Dinero being a fresh example). The tag team division will kick ass for a while? Since beating Team 3D, how much focus has TNA put on The Machine Guns? I do love to see TV where anything can happen, but not if it comes off as a surprise for the sake of a surprise.

“It bugs me how anyone that has a problem with TNA is labeled a “WWE fanboy”. Although the same could be said for WWE. I’ve been reading this site for 5 years, and I remember back then how this site use to be accused for being “Pro-TNA & Anti-WWE”. And with good reason; WWE was barely watchable while TNA put on decent-to-awesome matches, despite the occasional silly booking. … Now, while TNA attempts at doing “long-term” storylines, it seems that the quality of the shows end up suffering. I can get behind Jeff Hardy’s heel turn (hell, I like the idea of his own belt).”
~Guest#6536

I agree that hating TNA is currently in style, but damn if they don’t make it easy. TNA just needs to find the right mix between the in-ring product and storytelling. They’re usually one or the other. And they need to realize that a crappy finish *does* take away from an otherwise great match. I think Immortal could be a good story if they didn’t sacrifice so many other areas of the promotion to do it.

“Think about it objectively. Is there really any difference between WWE’s booking and TNA’s booking that would constitute such a difference. Both programs have an opening program segment that sets up an angle that culminates at the end of the night with filler segments in between that range from bad to great.”
~bighustle

Because the WWE knows how to balance what they’re doing. And they’re just now really hitting that stride. Almost every episode of RAW is now featuring a good, long match. And they’ve had some really entertaining segments (take Tea Time with Santino for example). TNA goes for broke behind one major storyline, and if people don’t get behind it, it’s a failure. WCW did the same thing with the nWo, but they hit a home run. People are already treating Immortal like they did at the end of the nWo‘s run.

“What is wrong with TNA? I’ll tell you the three areas they need to improve on the most:

1. More wrestling – They’ve really been watering down the shows with storylines lately, and honestly, they need to compete with WWE and have the wrestlers capable of putting on better matches. Let’s use those guys and girls.

2. MARKETING. I can’t stress enough how little TNA markets. I never see TNA commercials anywhere but on Spike, whereas on about ten channels I see RAW commercials or Smackdown commercials. TNA needs to spend millions on an awareness program because half the people I know, they don’t even know what TNA is!

3. Pledge to never have a DQ/Countout in any PPV main event, ever, or your money back. This simple statement implies there will be no crutch booking for $39.99 of your money and gives the fans a guarantee it won’t be a cheap finish.”
~Black Scorpion

I think #’s 1 & 3 would be an amazing step in the right direction, a place TNA has been before. Hell, they were headed there about a year ago. But once they do right the booking ship, it doesn’t mean squat without your #2. And I agree that they’re lacking in that area as well.

“I agree with Alvarez and yourself (It seemed you were pretty much agreeing with his take). TNA doesn’t have problems getting known. I mean how many wrestling promotions would KILL for 3 hrs of prime-time cable programming on a relatively well known channel. Their problem is CONVINCING people (including many on this and other sites). I would include myself into that group. I have wandered in and out at times of TNA. For years we heard the TNfAnboys (and girls) talk about TNA as the “real Wrestling company” and all that. They had Div.X, 6 sided ring and Knockouts. Now that they have a legitimately deep roster of talented guys, they are focusing on Hogan, Bischoff, Flair, Jarrett and a Hardy facing FELONY drug charges. And oh yeah, Vince Russo as head creative guy. As far as I and others are concerned, not only have they NOT convinced enough of us, they are going the wrong way.”
~JPW

I do agree with a good deal of what Alvarez says, but I honestly think I’m coming from a more genuine place. I’m not knocking the guy (as I’ve said, he makes money doing this, I don’t), that’s just my honest assessment. I’m not saying that the past was the answer. But if you’re going to pump money into marketing (see Scorp’s point above), I think a product focusing on the X-Division, Knockouts and a World Title level roster of either fresh faces or faces perceived to be misused by the WWE is a better product to push. You’re not going to be successful playing the WWE’s game, you need to focus on what’s different. Thing is…they’re not that far. Heel Jeff Hardy, the Anti-Christ of pro wrestling? I like that. AJ, Kaz & Beer Money as Fortune? I like that. Joe vs. Jarrett? I like that. Pushing Matt Morgan? I like that. But for some reason, when you add the stink of Hogan & Bischoff, sprinkle in a little televised backstage politics, and suddenly it sucks.

So what’s the answer?
I think it’s indeed a change in booking. But I don’t want to be part of the problem and just complain. No Dixie, I have a solution. Don’t hire Paul Heyman. Nope. Fire Hogan & Bischoff, and hire…me! Seriously, a retarded monkey could fling his crap at a wall and produce a booking plan better than what TNA is doing. I’m barely a step up from said monkey, but I’m still a step-up! Hire me Dixie. I promise that within a year I won’t cause ratings to go down, and I’ll build new stars within a product that is a perfct alternative to the WWE.

I mean it Dixie. You know where to find me, you just have to call. The lines are open…

You Decide: We spent plenty of time & energy talking about what’s wrong (and right) with TNA. Now let’s look at the future. Is the future bright for TNA? Is it bleak?

Five Things You Didn’t Know About…Eric Bischoff

1. Former WCW Hardcore Champion. Yes, really.

2. Bischoff worked for the AWA in sales. He always indicated he had zero desire to be in front of the camera. Zero. Then, when Larry Nelson was arrested for DUI, Bischoff was convinced to be a last minute replacement. The rest is (revisionist) history.

3. The AWA Team Challenge Series was Eric Bischoff’s idea. He denies it, but we all know the truth.

4. Bischoff was once president of Matrats, a pro wrestling company that featured high school aged kids. I’m sure he never gets ribbed about that one…

5. Bischoff, who is a legit blackbelt and classically trained musician, also appeared in a training video for bank loan officers. The topic was prohibited lending practices. I’m sure there’s a joke in there somewhere.

Hating you is as easy as 1, 2, 3, Kid! Sean Waltman continued to be an idiot this week on Twitter. I mean, I guess it wasn’t a big deal. All he did was endorse illegal drugs, bash the company and owner who willing pays for rehab for any wrestler (contracted or former) who needs it, and has made changes to his product to allow it to be more appropriate for kids. I’m not the PG-era’s biggest fan, but I’m also smart enough to understand that it had nothing to do with the election and everything to do with their deal with Mattel. Licensing fees are pure money, and money talks. Unfortunately, so does Sean Waltman.

“The election is over. Down with the PG sh*t & drop the marijuana policy. The IOC doesnt even ban it, except during competition. F*ck it, While your at it, lay off the steroid policy too. People want to see guys with great bodies & the boys want to take it. even Vince doesnt want to stop the boys from smoking weed. Its a bs policy. Now the ban on somas & the whole wellness policy in general is great. That would give WWE an idea if anyone’s health is affected. Real Sports w Bryant Gumble did what started out to be a hit piece on steroids & came to the conclusion that they are mostly benign. Do some research & know wtf ur talking about before calling me a moron. I know wtf Im talking about & I have scientific back up motherf*cker Even if they were bad for you. who r we to dictate what others can put in their own body. Its un American. Plus population is going to be a problem in the future, so if someone wants to shorten their lives by smoking cigarettes, alcohol, or whatever, Let them. dont hurt others…”

Wow. Just, wow. Sean Waltman is a complete moron. Let me put out a few disclaimers. I support the legalization of marijuana. I think it can be legalized, regulated and taxed. I don’t think it’s any worse than cigarettes or alcohol. It’s legal to drink alcohol. It’s illegal to abuse it. And when it’s not illegal to abuse it, it’s still stupid. The same can be said for marijuana. Drunk people cause far more havoc than high people. But I digress. Back to my point. Sean Waltman is a complete moron. He’s everything that is wrong with wrestling. He had some talent, but let his ego get in the way of that talent. He befriended guys like Shawn Michaels, Kevin Nash & Triple H, but couldn’t handle himself when he got to their level. I once served as the ring announcer for a show Waltman was on in Arizona. I’ve let this story out to before–getting me in trouble with the NWA. I didn’t care if they were mad at me, but they also took it against the promotion I was announcing for, and I felt bad about that. But those days are over (for me and the promotion), so I’ll happily share it here…

Sean Waltman landed at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, and a friend of mine picked him up at the airport. First stop? Find some weed. Check. He found the right guy in my friend. In my friend’s list of biggest personal wrestling moments, getting high with X-Pac is likely in his top 5 (if not #1). When Waltman arrived at the venue, he hugged me. Yes, he hugged me. He followed it up with “Man, it’s been forever since I’ve seen you, man.” That’s the exact quote. Three and a half years ago, I remember it word for word. My response was easy. “Yeah, it has been FOREVER since you’ve seen me, Sean. Forever.” He then hugged me again. As I was prepping for intros (getting vital info like height, weight, hometown, special intro instructions, etc.), Waltman had 2 requests. 1) Introduce me as X-Pac. “I don’t care what anyone with the NWA says, introduce me as X-Pac.” And 2) They better “play the DX theme when I come out, or I walk.” Seriously, he threatened to leave to the point where the sound guy had to find & download the DX theme online or Waltman was gone.

You’ll notice I’ve said very little about Waltman’s Twitter comments. Do I really have to? It’s all already been said over the past few days. That’s why I added my own personal story. The guy is an idiot, and his comments are stupid. He’s earned every bit of X-Pac heat he’s gotten over the years. But you know what, how bad must it be to be Justin Credible. He goes to bed every night knowing he played second fiddle to freakin’ X-Pac in X-Factor. But at least Credible’s been a world champ. And Aldo Montoya.

You Decide: Does Sean Waltman need to shut the hell up? No need to answer this one, the answer is obviously yes.

Kevin Nash (RealKevinNash): “I go to sleep a free unsigned man. It’s funny, since I haven’t been owned, i sleep like a baby. Up every 2 hrs crying. PEACE. GoodNight!”

That’s funny because it’s probably true. I’d bet he thought he’d be signed by Vince already. But Vince likes veterans who give back to the younger talent, not veterans who want to go over younger talent.

Jay Briscoe (jaybriscoe84): “Watched Dr. Phil housewives with da old lady… 1st time in my life I’ve ever considered suicide”

Adam Pearce (ScrapdaddyAP): “Happy Birthday to @ROHCary. Best boss ever to fire me!!!”

Pearce is outstanding. The guy just gets it. If I had money and ran a wrestling promotion, I’d hire Pearce. Not to book, but to take on some major responsibilities running the company. Seriously, he seems that impressive.

Jeremy Buck (GenMrJer): “Come to universal tonight for impact tapings Gen Me will be wrestling!”

Pretty inoffensive Tweet, right? Until you read the the Impact spoilers and see that they didn’t wrestle! That’s right, TNA kept Generation Me on the sidelines. But Orlando Jordan got work…

Chris Jericho (IAmJericho): “I’d like to see a Bottom 50 WWE DVD. Mantaur, Silent Brian Macnee, Moppy, Joe Mirto, Beaver Cleavage, Harvina, Big Bully Busich…”

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Really Alex, Really? I can admit it. I like Alex Riley. I think he has that “it” factor that gives him the chance to go far. But this Wednesday morning, he was arrested and issued a DUI. Not much has been released about that DUI. No idea how intoxicated he was…where he came from…where he was headed…what he thinks about the fact that Ric Flair keeps insisting on wrestling. Oh, wait—well, hang on a minute. I’m sure Riley has an opinion!

Speaking of Flair wrestling, I couldn’t help but want to share my random thoughts that I recorded during this week’s Impact. Alex Riley’s stupid decision? Later for that. This is more fun!

Random thoughts during TNA Impact:

Flair is still a great talker, that’s for sure.

Funny to hear Morgan talk about his “bucket list.” When is he rolling out his five-year plan?

Tara “The Cougar”? I can deal with that.

So Sky & Sabin are dating? And that’s apparently reason enough for her to be a bubbly face? Shouldn’t Shelly & Sabin have a little contest to see who gets to her first, followed by a WrestleMania match where Sky & Sabin turn heel?

Empty arena match? Makes sense, put four of the guys who get the best crowd reaction into a match with no crowd! Oh, TNA…oh you…clever!

Jeff Jarrett does MMA? I run downstairs to get a beverage.

I did like “Double J Double M A.” The phrase, not the concept.

I don’t get it, what did Raven do to the camera?

Ohhhhhh!

Raven put up one hell of a (three minute) fight for his career.

Casket match. Love it. When is the Buried Alive Match?

Pope is a star. A star. I seriously hope TNA doesn’t screw up on him, because I bet Vince would take him back.

Angeline couldn’t wear an outfit to match Velvet’s?

Is that Mickie James or someone’s squaw? Glad to see Mickie still botches her finishers.

Winter with the lesbian advances on Angelina? Put the follow-up on ReAction and you know everyone will tune in.

Did he say “Dudley?”

Austin? Undertaker? Rock? Um Bbba? I think you forgot Stacy Keibler and Barbara Bush.

Is Sabin really the first person to kick out of a 3D?

So he’s Shawn Michaels now, huh?

I heard the Devon promo is better.

So if Matt Morgan wins, then the referee is freed or something. Right?

Took Flair longer to bleed than I expected.

Why the hell did Fortune even let Williams out with them?! They turned their backs on him last week! You thought he’d be cool with it?

Man, that Carbon Footprint must be an amazing move, a glancing blow to the shoulder is enough to knock a man out.

That match was actually way better than I could have imagined. Good thing I DVR’d ReAction, too.

The core four? So they’re basically saying Flair is less important? Then split away from Immortal so I can actually enjoy Fortune!

Yes, I stuck around for the Empty Arena Match. If I wanted to see four underrated and mega talented wrestlers put their bodies on the line to provide an intense and competitive match to zero crowd reaction, complete with bad camera angles and poor lighting, I’d go watch my Dragon Gate USA DVD. It didn’t work for the AWA Team Challenge, it didn’t work for Rock-Foley, and I don’t think it worked now. That match deserved a hot, live crowd.

Wait, was that a double turn?

Oh shut up already Raven! I liked you better as Johnny Polo anyway.

So yeah, Alex Riley…

He’s stupid for putting himself in that position. He’s got all the talent in the world, a huge future in front of him, and he’s paired with possibly the hottest act in wrestling right now. And he puts it all at risk by getting behind the wheel of a car. Alex, come on! You never know when Vince might “Randy Orton” your decision and keep your around, or “Daniel Bryan” your decision and make an example out of you. And now the WWE is on a release spree. I’m probably one of your biggest fans in this here IWC, too. But a DUI at this time in your career? Even Sean Waltman thinks that was a bad call.

You Decide: Does the WWE doing anything with Alex Riley? Future endeavors? 30-day suspension? Slap on the wrist? Push? Nothing?

“I hope Regal gets a good sendoff when he eventually ends his run. I’m not saying a Ric Flair or HBK type sendoff, just to end with a great match. Even though Bryan vs Punk would be a great WM match, I think to give Regal a great sendoff match, I think have it be Regal vs Punk vs Bryan at WM and give them 15-20min. That match would be great, but there is almost no chance Vince lets that match happen.”
~Still Guest#8287

You know, I would have agreed with you about Vince not letting Regal-Punk-Bryan happen, but Vince seems to have turned a corner on that. In fact, increased in-ring action could end up being a positive product of the PG era. Look at Bryan-Ziggler from a few weeks ago. Plus, if Vince does like Regal, he might ask him what he wants to do, and Regal could go for that–although I’d imagine Regal would request a straight up match against Bryan, Punk did make some overly positive comments about Regal’s training in his last commentary stint.

“Wow! Not to be a prick or anything, but NONE of your WM picks are going to happen. NONE! Not a single one…..
Those matches you listed are the exact reason I hate fantasy booking in the IWC. *sighs*”
~Max

Don’t worry Max, I think you’re the Shawn Michaels of Gen Me. Or do I have to say the Bubba Ray of Gen Me now?

Now, usually when someone starts a statement with “Not to be a …” they are indeed being that. But that’s not my problem with your comment. You blamed it on IWC fantasy booking, when I said it was based on what I think the WWE may do, not what I want. And then you didn’t even give another reason, or make your own educated guess on what may happen.

“actually put some effort into this week, instead of heading to google and typing in divas names….im impressed.”
~Guest#6794

That’s exactly what I did. But then I made the comparative images. I did check a few alternative sources, but Google usually gives better results, even if you have to dig 10 pages into those results.

“Edge v. Christian at Mania is one of my guesses. They haven’t had a feud proper since Christian came back from carrying TNA and proving he was on the level. People actually buy him as someone who can compete with Edge now. It would be nice to see it. … Since they are in WCW’s backyard, it would be cool to see Goldberg back for something.”
~Guest#8154

Based on the WWE’s use of Christian since his return, I just can’t see them going in that direction. I’d love if they did, but I think Christian will be in MITB once again. As for Goldberg, he loves to end any conversation about a WM27 appearance with either “if the price is right” or “not sure they’d pay me what I’m worth.” And like I said before, I don’t think Goldberg is worth anything at this point. I doubt he’d spike live attendance or the buy rate.

“Why would Taker fight Cena if Wade Barrett and Nexus are the ones who buried Taker?”
~Guest#1594

Because if Cena turns heel, it’s an easy explanation to say Cena was behind that move (a move that hasn’t really been explained).

“Madison Rayne in a landslide! No contest!”
~Tbone3771

Yeah, about that…

“How unfair is it that Mickey James is clearly favored by the editor here considering he always puts up hotter pictures of whoever he wants to win. far from a big deal though.”
~JWS

You must have missed where I stated Madison was one of my personal favorites. I would have loved to see Madison win.

“I think this Nexus hold all the belts storyline could work brilliantly, if, like you said, they bring the freebird rule also. However, I think to further enhance this development and inkeeping with the spirit of Nexus anyone who lost a title would immediately be attacked and thrown out. Therefore you’ve got the added incentive for Nexus members to survive but also it would be engaging for the fans with the hope of a Nexus loss. Dependent on storyline timescale it could establish Nexus as one of the most dominant stables ever.”
~Guest#0944

I think this could be a great addition to the story for Nexus. Especially with someone like Justin Gabriel who could possibly get over as a face. But NOT for David Otunga, please.

“I love Regal, but sheesh! Your ‘Mania suggestion is the craziest f’ing thing I’ve heard in a long time. Regal’s been a career mid-carder, at best, and absolutely no one would buy him beating taker. Why not bring back Barry Horowitz to face taker at Mania? hell, Tito Santana would have a better chance.”
~Guest#3258

I’ll see your “career midcarders never get to breakthrough” take, and raise you a JBL.

“Greg, DUDE..you really need to make some better matchups. IMO, Madison Rayne is probably the ugliest of the Knockouts and her gimmick seems forced. Almost like shes OVERLY trying to be a nutjob. Decent in ring worker but she has no real charisma. Make mine Mickie!”
~CM Wolf

Does Mickey vs. Trish work for you, Wolfie?

“Hall of Bang? F*cking juvenile. Grow up.”
~Guest#6671

Wait, you forgot to vote!

“Heyyy, take it easy about that mask thing. That was a very difficult time for me, man! I was young, and naive!
… Regal’s Exit: Honestly, I think the best they can do for him is to have Bryan and Regal on a three hour RAW with a thirty minute Iron Man match. Both men score 2 or 3 falls each but at the very end, Bryan reverses an armbar into the Lebell Lock and gets a submission win just before the bell rings. At the end they shake hands and Bryan raises his hand to the chants of “THANK YOU REGAL!”
~Black Scorpion

Sorry about the mask thing, I should have been considerate of such a tough time in your life. As for your Regal idea, I could definitely live with that.

“I know at on point or another there was talk of possibly unifying both the “big” WWE titles. I heard a lot of rumors about the ways of going about it. Now before I give my thoughts on how to go about it, I might as well go ahead and say I’m a huge Miz mark. I think the set up should be at the Rumble. Miz wins the Rumble, garunteeing him a shot at the Wrestlemania main event. Later that evening he cashes in MITB to claim one of the two belts. At the following Raw when questioned about being champion, but still having the Rumble stipulation, he challenges for the other brand’s title. I think Miz/Barret or Miz/Orton at Mania would be Awesome, and a garunteed unified champion at Mania. What do you guys think?”
~boostergold

I tell you what, you have history on your side. Chris Jericho outlasted The Rock, Steve Austin & Kurt Angle to become the first WWF Undisputed Champion in 2001. It was Jericho’s first world championship, and a tremendous vote of confidence. The Miz could fall into that category using your ideas.

“Mickey by all means. And dangit, next time feature the easter egg of Mickey’s porn picutres instead!?”
~AGNJoe

Sure thing buddy. But when you find it, DO NOT click at work. And click at your own risk!

“How unfair is it that Mickey James is clearly favored by the editor here considering he always puts up hotter pictures of whoever he wants to win. far from a big deal though.”
~JWS

You must have missed where I stated Madison was one of my personal favorites. I would have loved to see Madison win. Really, it matters not, because…

“Keep up the great work DeMarco. DEMARCOUT IN ‘DA HOUSE!!!”
~JPW

Ah JPW, spend a little time with Maria…Demarcout indeed.

Hadouken! Kenny Omega’s coming back to ROH. And before you ask, plenty of people care. Kenny Omega is an amazingly talented athlete. Seriously, he has more talent in his little finger than Abyss has in his whole body. He can play the comedy act. He can play the cocky heel. He can play the plucky face. He can seemingly do it all. He’s got the look, talent and drive to carry a company like ROH. But those damn Japan bookings! Omega left for Japan in the late spring, and pretty much never came back. He’s ascended to the main event, showing that he’s a legit draw in Japan. He and Prince Devitt put one a great main event for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, where both men showed tons of talent. And both would be perfect for Ring of Honor. If they were ever available. ROH fans ask for Kenny Omega almost as much as they ask for KENTA and Gabe Sapolsky. Hell, they ask for Omega more than Sapolsky at this point. When Omega returns for Final Battle weekend, he’ll get a king’s welcome. He’ll try to steal the show, and he might succeed. No clue who they’ll pair him with. My suggestions? Non-title match against ROH World Champ Roderick Strong on Friday (although Strong vs. Davey Richards’s trainee Kyle O’Reilly makes more sense) and a match against Homicide on Saturday at the iPPV.

Still not sold? Here is the aforementioned IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship main event match between Prince Devitt & Kenny Omega. Enjoy.

This week’s “&1” model of the week got plenty of attention last week as our 5 Things participant. She got some future Vs. love, and it can still happen. But she’ll make an appearance here first. The (current? former?) Miss Tessmacher, Brooke Adams!

Quick shout out about the talent just released by the WWE. I can live without Vance Archer, Caylen Croft, Jillian Hall, Shad Gaspard, Luke Gallows, and Chris DeJoseph (who portrayed Big Dick Johnson). Tiffany I’ll miss–especially Cheerleader Tiffany. I didn’t make an entire point out of it because I just don’t have much to add. It does suck that the SES is now dead AND gone, save for Punk. And it sucks when someone loses their job. But from a fan standpoint, I won’t miss any of them outside of Mrs. Drew McIntyre. She had something special–a hot look combined with a goofiness that made her the ideal girl next door. Too bad she had quite the temper to go along with it. But now it gives me an excuse to include this…

Ahh Tiffany, you’ll be missed. But you now qualify for “&1” status…see you in two weeks!

Why 2 weeks, you ask? Because I gave JP Prag the “honor” of selecting next week’s “&1” model in his final column here at 411Mania. Who did he pick? Read the News from Prag’s Place and find out. The guy literally wrote three of my all time favorite columns on this site–it’s the least I could do. By the way, did you catch that Easter Egg? Only one this week. We’ll see what we can stumble upon for next week…likely something involving our sweet (& sassy) Tiffany. Thanks again for reading the Wrestling 5&1. Vote for Vs, leave a comment, drop me an e-mail ([email protected]) enjoy Survivor Series (and/or UFC 123, which I’m definitely also hitting up this Saturday), and have a great weekend.

Until next time…

It’s-a-me!