The Wrestling 5 & 1 04.13.13: Summer Rae vs. Paige!!

Wrestlemania has come and gone. Some people loved it, most people hated it, but the day has passed and since then, we’ve seen an amazing RAW, and numerous developments about the future of the WWE. After all the hype has died down and the dust settles, how do we at the 5&1 feel about it? We’ll talk about that…right now!

3 Changes To Make WWE WrestleMania 29 An Epic Event
With Greg DeMarco

Monday’s edition of WWE Raw confirmed one thing many of us expected: the Raw after WrestleMania truly is the grandest stage of them all. Every performer wants to appear at WrestleMania—it’s the Showcase of the Immortals. But it’s just that—a showcase. Not much actually “happens” at WrestleMania anymore, as evidenced by a lack of a Dolph Ziggler Money In The Bank cash-in at this year’s “Granddaddy of them all!”

And while the Raw after WrestleMania is truly becoming the most exciting show of the year, WrestleMania 29 had the elements that a huge card needs. And with three small changes, it could have been quite epic itself.

Change The Order Of The Top Three Matches

While not promoted as such, WWE WrestleMania 29 as built around a Triple main event. Those three matches, in order of presentation during the pay-per-view, were The Undertaker successfully defending The Streak against CM Punk, Triple H successfully defending his career against Brock Lesnar, and John Cena successfully regaining the WWE Championship from The Rock.

Problem? The main events peaked with the first one, not the last one.

The WWE Championship is still the most important belt in the wrestling world, evidenced by all of the fuss made around CM Punk’s 434 day reign. As a former UFC World Heavyweight Champion, Brock Lesnar is the second largest mainstream media star in the company, right behind The Rock. And Triple H is a legend who will be taking over the reins of the company—sooner rather than later.

But The Undertaker’s streak? That simply IS WrestleMania. Thus no match should follow it until it’s broken and The Deadman retires. The crowd was never hotter than it was for CM Punk’s amazing effort against the aging phenom, and The Undertaker more than pulled his weight. The emotion and expression found in both men was perfect, as The Undertaker got what might be his last real feud on the WrestleMania stage. That recipe, along with a crowd that obviously loved both men—meant no one would be able to follow this match. Unfortunately for Brock Lesnar and Triple H (as well as John Cena and The Rock), they had to.

Take 10 Minutes From The Rock & John Cena…and Give It To Dolph Ziggler’s Blue Briefcase

I enjoyed this year’s installment of Rock-Cena more than last year’s. That’s because it built upon last year’s, continuing storytelling elements such as John Cena trying to win with The Rock’s moves and The Rock having an answer for nearly everything John Cena did.

But the length of the match exposed a cardinal flaw of The Rock: lack of in-ring creativity. Creatively, The Rock has it in spades, likely more than anyone else. But he’s actually quite limited in the ring. The few things he does he does very well—perfect, even. But it’s just a few things. That’s the drawback of headlining your card with an A-list Hollywood actor.

In television and film acting, everything is done to perfection. Unless you’re Colin Ferrell delivering the signature monologue in Phone Booth, one take is never enough. You can keep doing it until it’s perfect. The Rock obviously wants perfection in the ring. He doesn’t want to do anything that he can’t be 100% sure will be perfect.

During the WrestleMania build, John Cena defeated CM Punk in what many are calling the greatest WWE Raw match of all time. Both men busted out moved they’ve rarely (if ever) used on television, and they made an encounter we’ve all seen before seem unique and special again.

The Rock and John Cena didn’t do that. They obviously took inspiration from Japanese wrestling with the false finisher-finishes and stealing of each other’s moves. But with The Rock’s apparent (obvious?) desire to stick with what he knows, the final third of the match became very repetitive.

The solution is simple: make the match shorter. Twenty four minutes wasn’t needed for this story. 16-18 would have been more than enough. So take those extra 6-10 minutes and give them to Dolph Ziggler! Take Monday’s Money In The Bank cash-in and move it to Sunday’s WrestleMania 29 event.

Create that WrestleMania moment—one that will never be forgotten. Show everyone that Mark Henry beating Ryback clean and Triple H not having his career ended by Brock Lesnar aren’t the biggest surprises you have up your sleeve.

Don’t Let The Shield Open WrestleMania 29

If you’ve been reading, you know I love The Shield. They’re the most unique act in the company today. No one matches their intensity as the frenetic pace they set in their six-man tag team matches cannot be duplicated.

That didn’t fit in the opening match. The Shield doesn’t warm-up the crowd—they ignite it. They’re often called upon to main event for the local crowd after a live Raw, and have been main eventing house shows for most of 2013.

You Decide: Could a few changes make WrestleMania 29 epic?

Okay, here you go…

BRING ON THE GIRLS!

Versus
With Tony Acero

Last week’s Versus saw Trish run away with the win against Sunny. This week, I reach not to the past of the WWE, but to the future, in the battle of the NXT babes! Will the indy darling Paige take over, or are Summer Rae’s locks too much to handle?

VS

VOTE NOW!

The poll expires Tuesday night, and you can vote once every 12 hours. Now get voting!

TNA Gut Check: An Open Letter To Us, The IWC
By Patrick O’Dowd

Ok, people, time to give props to TNA for Gut Check. You read that right, props. They created a created a worked shoot concept that seems to have truly fooled the fans. At least that’s the way I see it after watching people lose their minds on social media last night. The second the Joey Ryan angle happened, you all should have known better. But you held out hope. You hoped that this angle was a one time thing. Maybe TNA just saw the error in turning down Joey Ryan.

Then, along comes Wes Briscoe. He gets his gut check shot because, hey Kurt Angle says so. Then the judges mysteriously change, and Wes’s opponent is Garrett Bischoff. We know its an angel. we even know what angel this is a part of and yet, the hope remains. Maybe they just needed to further this Aces and Eights thing. The format is changing so its TOTALLY going to be a shoot now, right?

Nope, fast forward to everyone’s shock and awe that the Wrestling legacy got the nod over the Indy darling, talented as she is. And yet still, people cry miscarriage of justice, not work.

Then we get what happened this week, no one gets a contract, which by the way TNA never promised in the first place. I get the feeling there will be more to Adam’s ouster after seeing his exit and subsequent postings in social meeting. Which brings me to this point:

WRESTLING IS ALMOST ALWAYS A WORK. ALWAYS. You know this and yet you let yourself believe that somehow a significant part of a wrestling show is legit. This isn’t tough enough (also not a total shoot). Stop holding out hope that business built on taking money from people who believe it to be real will not play on your willingness to believe in it. Kudos to TNA for building the illusion.

There’s a story being told. Always. We are watching a prologue, here. Let the story be told. Rant Over.

You Decide: Is TNA’s Gut Check a total work?

Looking Ahead: WrestleMania 30
With Greg DeMarco

WrestleMania 29 is in the books, and we’ve already had the “Greatest Raw Ever.” What’s left but to look ahead to April 6, 2014, when the world ascends upon New Orleans, Louisiana for what could be the most fun WrestleMania experience of them all.

But the fun is looking ahead to the card itself. Can we really predict what the WWE will do?

The Streak Ends – The Undertaker vs. Ryback

If you’ve been following along, you should know three things about me: Independent Wrestling is the backbone of the business, The Montreal Screwjob is the biggest work in the history of wrestling, and The Streak will end.

Ryback is the perfect choice to end The Streak. He’s way over, he’s a juggernaut, and he’s someone who ‘Taker can “pass the torch” to. 2013 will be The Year of Ryback, as he’ll be a former WWE Champion by the time he rolls into New Orleans. And ‘Taker doesn’t have much left—he’s said so himself.

Alternative Undertaker opponent: CM Punk.
Sounds crazy? It shouldn’t. Look at The Undertaker’s past two WrestleMania opponents. Two straight matches against Shawn Michaels followed by two straight matches against Triple H. The WWE already knows that Punk-Taker can deliver. And with the first one being a true Good vs. Evil story, they can have the mutual respect story the following year.

Box Office SMASH! – The Rock vs. Brock Lesnar

See what I did there? The rumored big angle at Raw that didn’t happen was Brock Lesnar attacking The Rock. It worked out for the best. Brock attacking Rock would have signaled that Rock will definitely be back. Now we have some mystery as to whether or not he’ll ever return. And I wouldn’t be shocked if he didn’t.

But we’re not taking about being shocked or not, we’re predicting a card. Money talks, The Rock will get a deal that brings him back. And he’ll face Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 30.

Alternative Rock opponent: John Cena
While I don’t actually think we get Part 3 at WrestleMania 30, it’s impossible to rule it out. The story is there, and they just can’t pass up the chance to hit their finishers some more!

Alternative Brock opponent: CM Punk
The story is there, but I see this happening at SummerSlam. Brock turns on Punk, and Heyman likely goes with him. Punk can be a huge box office draw as a face, and this is a money match. If it doesn’t happen at SummerSlam, it could happen at WrestleMania 30. Or both, as HHH-Brock has already shown us!

WWE Championship – John Cena vs. CM Punk

When Edge retired, I was less upset that we didn’t get an Edge-Christian feud and more upset that we didn’t get Edge-Cena one-on-one at WrestleMania. That match-up would have put Edge over the top as a true WWE legend, and a Top 10 wrestler in the history of the WWE. Sadly, we never got this match on the ‘Mania stage.

But we can still get Cena-Punk! CM Punk is John Cena’s best opponent, just slightly ahead of Edge, Dolph Ziggler and Batista. This match deserves the grand stage, and it doesn’t matter who the champion is going in.

Alternative Cena opponent: Dolph Ziggler
Ziggler brings out the best in John Cena, and I could easily see this match taking place at ‘Mania. I don’t know of the WWE would let Ziggler in, but they’d definitely let him show off.

See what I did there, again?

Alternative Punk opponent: Daniel Bryan
Why not? Daniel Bryan is solidified as a WWE main eventer, and you know the ever so vocal CM Punk would love to do this match at WrestleMania. If all of the other “top guys” pair off—and the numbers work if you throw Triple H into the mix—then this could be the fall back plan that steals the show.

So there you have it, the potential top three matches at WrestleMania 30.

You Decide: What do you expect to see at WrestleMania 30?

With a new and improved link! Right here!!!

Last week in The Wrestling 5&1…

damn mickie james vs trish stratus. back then when mickie james was actually good. oh and people want WWE to be less TV PG and more TV14 and when they DO SOMETHING like the punk and undertaker storyline that aint PG at all a lot of them get mad? smh. – Sergio

Oh Sergio, if you ARE our unknowing troll, then I have little to say. But since I assume you are not, I want you to know that Punk and Taker’s storyline was hardly harped on as negative. I think it was one of those things that a lot of people defended before it even needed defending, to be honest. And I don’t see anything TV-14 about the Punk and Taker feud anyways. Still, your opinion is appreciated!

I freely admit that I’ve not enjoyed wrestling on TV for some time and I VERY rarely watch Raw, Smackdown, or Impact. It’s just not compelling enough for me to devote 2-7 hours a week. Sure I’m busy…but not that busy. Instead 411 is my connection to the day-to-day and week-to-week developments in WWE and TNA. I read all the reports and listen to the varying opinion.

But I do watch every PPV for both companies. It’s the only time when wrestling is at the forefront of their programming. And from a wrestling perspective, I’m rarely disappointed. I think there’s a ton of in-ring talent for both companies. Which brings us to Wrestlemania, which in my opinion, is the must see show every year simply because the talent is more motivated to put on a show than any other show the whole year.
Don’t get me wrong, the storylines are so huge in my general enjoyment of wrestling…which is why I’m on Youtube watching old shows, rather than any new stuff. With that in mind, I understand why so many are underwhelmed by the storylines for Wrestlemania…but I think that’s been the case for almost 10 years. I think the matches on Sunday will still be fantastic. I honestly don’t see a bad match on the whole show…that’s not to say there won’t be any stinkers, but I don’t anticipate it. Keep in mind, not every match is supposed to be Austin/Hart, Savage/Steamboat, or HBK/Razor. Some are supposed to be fun or a brawl or whatever. I just take each match for what it is and I’m very much looking forward to Sunday.

I think a lot of people would be so much happier if they just accept wrestling for what it is in 2013 and enjoy that which they can, rather than longing (or just as likely revising history to elevate memories from yesteryear) for a day that is unlikely to return anytime soon. – Sully

I’m for sure pickin’ up what you’re putting down, Sully, and there are often times when I tell myself to just calm my tits and enjoy the show. I find it harder since I write for the site numerous times on a weekly basis, but there are still those moments when I can’t help but be happy about something that I probably shouldn’t be, all things considered. Regarding Mania, even I was a little let down with the lack of quality the show possessed, and I was just as excited as you pre-show. What we got didn’t suck in the wrestling department, which I think is what you were trying to get across, but those stories that drove us there didn’t rise in conflict or settle themselves either, so it came off as another chapter instead of an end. Still, you’re spot on in the attempts to simply enjoy something that we all love instead of wishing for the days when she had a taut rack and no grays. (Stretched that metaphor a bit, ey?)

Let’s be honest here. Before Paul Bearer died, nobody gave a shit about Undertaker vs. CM Punk. Now we do. I think William Moody would be on board with the angle. – CM Chunk
I’ll have to double KipSmithers’ comment in that I was sold on the idea when it was just that; an idea. I also really thought that the unfortunate death of Bearer nearly hindered the program, as I was looking for some good back-and-forth between Taker and Punk, and instead we got Taker moping around. Not that I’m complaining about the program they chose – I mean, it was practically writing itself, but I would have fully signed off on a match with them pre-death of Bearer. Also, I agree, Moody would so be on board.

You introduce the ‘And 1 model’ pic as Eve but the actual photo is Alicia Fox.
And Trish destroys Sunny back then and definitely kills her now. – Jeff Vinson

I appreciate how Greg and Co will be giving us a Royal Rumble preview! Their opinions are the last thing I need to hear before I decide if Im going to buy it or not.
Oh, and Eve is so hot when she’s dressed up as Alicia Fox. – Jonathan Foye

There’s a special place in my heart for those that bring nothing new to the table. Thank you for pointing out the obvious moments within the column in which I was too lazy to fix. If it weren’t for your astute and thorough reading of the column, furthered more by pointing out the oopsie, I would have kept walking around thinking I was perfect. Oh, you humble me. You humble me so well…

“fall in love all over again with the characters you have missed, BOO the heels, CHEER the faces”
lolwut. Can’t do that MARK LOLOLOLOL –SmartMark

My name is Tony. Mark is my Uncle.

Don’t Sleep On The ECWA Super 8
With Greg DeMarco

This Saturday night, the ECWA Super 8 hits Newark, Delaware Boys & Girls Club, and a group of fans will be treated to one of the most entertaining nights of wrestling that they’ll see all year Some of wrestling’s biggest stars have competed in the Super 8, including Daniel Bryan, Austin Aries, Christopher Daniels, Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy, and the recently retired Jerry Lynn.

This year, 8 men will enter the field for the right to win “the first, the original, the best…the most prestigious single elimination tournament in the history of pro wrestling.”

Yes, that comes from the ECWA site. But they put it in all caps!

As with any year, the field is very impressive:

2012 Champion “The Greek God” Papadon
Damian Dragon
Mike Mondo (formerly of the WWE’s Spirit Squad)
Chris Wylde
Antonio “The Promise” Thomas (formerly of the WWE’s Heartbreakers)
Vordell Walker
ROH superstar “Addicted to Love” Rhett Titus
VsK

Greg DeMarco’s Prediction: “The Greek God” Papadon becomes the first man to win two straight ECWA Super 8 trophies, defeating Damian Dragon in the finals.

For more information, head over to www.ecwaprowrestling.com!

Nearly one year after her final appearance, Buggy Nova returns home to talk WWE/NXT, eating disorders, and the exciting future ahead. Don’t miss what is sure to be an emotional roller coaster interview

Click here to listen on Sunday night, or to set a reminder!

After becoming a Tuesday night tradition, The Greg DeMarco Show moves to Sunday nights and on The SportsRantz Radio Network! For nearly two years, Greg has been joined by co-host and best friend “The Wrestling Realist” Patrick O’Dowd. With his unique viewpoint on the professional wrestling business, Patrick will take those fans who overact to the events of the past week and welcome them back to earth! Originally built as an extension of their near daily banter, the pair have grown into some of the most respected wrestling analysts on the ‘net.

The GDMS guest list is one of the most impressive in the business, including appearances by TNA talent “The Fallen Angel” Christopher Daniels, former WWE Superstar Chris “Masters” Mordetzky, ECW/WWF/WCW legend “The Franchise” Shane Douglas, former 5-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion “Scrap Iron” Adam Pearce and many of today’s top independent talent including Ring of Honor World Champion Kevin Steen, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla World Champion Adam Cole, Dragon Gate USA Open The Freedom Gate Champion Johnny Gargano and independent wrestling’s #1 female star, Rain.

The show also features appearances by The DeMarcettes, the seven hottest unsigned talents in all of women’s independent wrestling. Buggy Nova (WWE/NXT), Barbi Hayden (Texas), Veda Scott (ROH), Terra Calaway (SoCal, WSU), Scarlett Bordeaux (Chikara, AIW, CZW), Su Yung (WWE/NXT, Shine, Shimmer) and Allie Parker (Las Vegas) entertain fans on a regular basis during The Greg DeMarco Show!

You can reach the show via e-mail at [email protected], on Facebook by searching for “Greg DeMarco Show” and on Twitter @gregdemarcoshow.

Hit up the ‘Mania on the TWITTER (so Ashish will like me, okay?)

http://www.twitter.com/411mania
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And 1 Model of the Week
with Tony Acero

Ask and you shall receive…Scarlett Bordeaux!!!

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Randle’s Wrestling News Experience!
The Tuesday Communique with Nick Marsico!
Kelly’s Thursday Sports Entertainment News!
Fact or Fiction featuring Jeff Small and Scott Slimmer!

Tony Acero presents The Low End Theory!

Plenty to talk about in the comments!
How would you make Wrestlemania 29 Epic?
What’s your Wrestlemania 30 going to look like?
And don’t forget about the Versus—Summer Rae vs Paige!!!

Until next time…

Find Tony:
Twitter: @TonyAcero411
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