The Triple Threat 4.30.06: ECW's Return, Lockdown Thoughts, and More
Posted by Sean, David, Alex on 04.30.2006
In this edition we talk about the return of Sabu, an ECW revival what's that all about? Our thoughts on Lockdown and who would you choose as RVD's opponent for One Night Stand? And that's just part of it.
Hello everyone, first I would like to point out that we are the last of the new columnist. With that being said we would like to welcome all of you to the "Triple Threat." My name is Sean Garmer and I am your host for this evening. I'm not alone though as there is a reason this is called the Triple Threat. David Martell and Alex Mattis join me to give you three distinct opinions on the topics of the week. David likes to watch all wrestling but he prefers WWE over all others. He likes a mix of wrestling with storyline and sometimes shows a fascination for the big guys. Alex is a wrestling purist and if he could he would slap WWE right in the face for all their silly storylines. He is also very pro TNA and ROH. Me I'm a little bit of both and for the most part try to be the voice of reason. Just to make this clear to everyone, this column is shared between the three of us. I may be the organizer that comes up with all the questions but it takes hard work from the three of us to make this interesting, fun, and enjoyable for everyone. We use our favorite colors on our names so it is easier for you to identify who is talking. So we encourage you to take in these opinions, think about them a little bit, and then give us your response to whatever boggles your brain. Here's the 1st one and we hope you like it.
Topic #1 TNA Lockdown was last Sunday, what are your thoughts on the PPV? Please include what you thought was the match of the night as well.<
Sean:Lockdown was really good. I enjoyed every wrestling match that was on the card, From AJ jumping off of the Lethal Lockdown cage to Christian retaining the title. I would totally recommend this PPV for anyone that still has questions about what TNA can offer. I just wish Sabu had been healthy and we didn't have to deal with that Arm Wrestling stuff. Either way the PPV was worth the purchase price. This one blows the previous year's Lockdown out of the water and their next PPV is looking just as good at this point. TNA did a very good job in not overusing the Cage as a weapon and focused more on having matches around the Cage. Lethal Lockdown was better than many imagined and Christian proved that he deserves to wear the most prestigious title in wrestling today. The Xscape match had some pretty good action and the Anthem match was surprisingly good. I love the mystery opponent that TNA got for Christopher Daniels because it gave them so much for the future. It also gave them another solid performer for that excellent X-Division. This is definitely a DVD you should consider picking up at your local retail store. My match of the night has to go to the Christian vs. Abyss. The stuff with the tacks was crazy but this one had everything. It started with some brawling on the outside, then we saw some wrestling, and then finally the hardcore action we come to expect from Abyss matches. It was 20 minutes of both guys showing their prowess while entertaining us at the same time. I really enjoyed it and I think I wasn't the only one, because Christian did get Wrestler of the week.
David:Lockdown was a pretty decent PPV from what I've seen. I'm not really a fan of an all cage match PPV but they definitely showed it can work. I haven't yet got my hands on the Christian vs. Abyss match but I heard it was spectacular. I did, however catch the World X cup preview match and parts of the Lethal Lockdown. I enjoyed what I saw and I loved AJ's sick bump onto the table on top of the cage. Let's hope TNA can keep up the good work and make their next PPV live up to Lockdown.
Alex: I was speechless after this PPV. Possibly TNA's best pulled off PPV ever. There seemed to be no pointless fillers. Yea Bullet Bob Vs. Konnan and Team Canada Vs. Team 3D sucked, but at least they had a build up. I marked out when Raven came back. It was also awesome to see who the mystery partner was, and he had a great comeback match with the Fallen Angel. The World X cup preview was excellent, I hadn't seen two of the Japanese guys compete yet, and I was impressed by both. The X-Division Xscape match was awesome, Chase Stevens is lucky to be alive. Sabu Vs. Joe was a disappointment, but that was expected and completely understandable. The NWA World Title match was one of the best title matches TNA has had and it was also Christian's best performance in TNA to date. It had everything a great cage match needs including a great ending to keep the feud going. The promo by James Mitchell before the match was one of the best I have seen him do ever. Finally, the main event exceeded my expectations, considering the 2-suplex wonder Scott Steiner, was involved. Truth, Rhino, AMW, Sting, and even Jarrett preformed excellently. I was shocked that Jarrett was at the top of the tower of doom, I guess he can still take some bumps. Now to AJ, this man is PHENOMENAL; the dive from the top of the arena was insane, and very inventive. I had to watch it twice to reassure myself of what I just saw. The ending seemed a bit rushed, but it seemed like they were running out of time. However, I don't feel as though it hurt the match. Overall this was a very strong PPV, carrying on the tradition of tremendous PPV's from TNA. I would have to give Christian-Abyss, Match of the Night.
Topic #2 Continuing with the TNA headlines off the impressive PPV show. Senshi (known in the indy's as Low-Ki) made his return to TNA at Lockdown. What does he bring to the X-Division? And is he a good edition to the roster? Also at Lockdown we saw the debut of Christy Hemme. What do you think she will do for the roster?
Sean:Senshi is going be to one hell of an edition to the X-Division roster. The warrior has already shown what he can do with the two x-division stars in AJ & Christopher Daniels not only in TNA but in ROH as well. We know the guy can compete with the best and is what you would expect from an X-division wrestler. They can also use the history between Daniels and Senshi to have them feud in the future. As you could tell they were saving themselves for future matches. I do hope this doesn't give TNA the idea to even think about reforming XXX because it's not needed and Elix Skipper wouldn't make them look too good at this point. Especially since a lot of the fans view him as a jobber. The former X-champ and two time tag Champ looks to be ready to take on the whole division. I can't wait to see this guy in action on Impact! As for Christy Hemme, TNA doesn't use their women for anything other than valets so I don't expect her to do much except for eventually be someone's manager. May I suggest Chris Sabin to make up for his lack of personality. I will say I have no problem with either one and give props to TNA for hiring them.
David: I think Senshi is a good addition to the TNA roster. I'm looking forward to seeing him own the X division and maybe ending Joe's unbeaten streak. Senshi is a damn good wrestler from what I've seen and hes done a lot of sick matches. I do wish TNA would build up some of the other X division people but at least we get someone new into the mix. I just hope to see some good matches turn out of this and for Joe to lose the title. As for Christy Hemme, its cool she went to TNA. I don't really care about it too much because I don't see much she can do because there is no women's division in TNA. Maybe she will be involved in some interesting storyline, who knows. More power to her for going to TNA.
Alex: These could be two tremendous additions to the TNA roster. Christy isn't a wrestler by any stretch of the imagination, but she does have personality. She could be an interviewer or someone's manager. TNA has been smart with their women as of late, and not making them wrestle when they know they can't. TNA should put Christy backstage to do the interviews and bring JB back out to do the ring introductions. Low Ki was one of the pioneers of the X Division and its second champion. He claims he has come back to rule the X Division, even hinting feuding with Samoa Joe in his promo. I would have absolutely no problem with Low Ki being the crown jewel of the X Division and being the man who ends Samoa Joe's 10 month undefeated streak. Joe Vs. Ki in ROH is still regarded as one the stiffest matches in the company's history. So I imagine they wouldn't disappoint inside a TNA ring either. Senshi will eventually end up holding the belt one way or another.
Topic #3 Finally Brock Lesnar has settled his lawsuit with WWE. Where would you like to see him go?
Sean:I'm glad this lawsuit business is over so we can focus on something else besides Brock. I hope he stays far away, like where he's at right now in Japan that's a good place for him. We should buy him another plane so he can fly to Australia and stay there. Seriously though, Japan is the best place for him. He's a Champion there why would you want to leave? He doesn't need to go back to WWE, besides I highly doubt he would go back there anyway. He would kill TNA because he would demand too much money and immediately want to be placed in the title picture. It would be hard for TNA not to put him anywhere else because all the fans know who he is and they would make TNA put him in that spot. Not to mention he would bring down their talent even more than they already are. I understand they are trying to get a fan base but use the people you have instead of disgracing them for other guys that made their names somewhere else. Stay in Japan Brock for the love of everything sane.
David:Thank God this is finally settled. I was getting sick and tired of hearing about this lawsuit. Back in the day, I was a pretty big Lesnar fan. When he decided to go to football I was pretty pissed and he ended his WWE reign in one of the worst matches I have ever seen, and defiantly one of the biggest disappointments. I know many would hate for Brock to go back in a WWE ring but hell, hes still a damn good wrestler and I would be interested in seeing him back on Smackdown!, they need a main-eventer like him nowadays. I don't want to see Lesnar in TNA because I know he would be pushed straight to the top which would push TNA home grown talent even farther in the hole then they already are. I don't even know if TNA has the money to afford a guy like him. Lesnar might as well stay in Japan because he seems to be doing well over there. If he does, in fact, ever come back to the WWE I won't be angry about it. I guess everyone will just have to wait and see what happens.
Alex:I have made it clear in previous columns that I don't care about Lesnar or his career anymore. At one point I was a big fan of his, he was a great wrestler, and he was given the push of a lifetime. Then he threw it all away to go play football. So I wouldn't really like to see him go anywhere.
Topic #4 It has been reported that Sabu signed a one year deal with WWE this week. Do you think there is a chance this is beyond an ECW thing?
Sean:As much as I would love to see Sabu be a part of the WWE roster it's probably not going to happen. Besides EDGE or RVD there are not too many active wrestlers right now that can compete with Sabu in the hardcore arena. I have a feeling he will be a reason that RVD is able to walk out of One Night Stand 2 a Champion (that's if RVD becomes champ.) Sabu is here for the revival of ECW and may make a few appearances on RAW. I would be really surprised if he is added to the RAW roster. I do hope we see that RVD vs. Sabu Wrestlemania dream match. That would kick all kinds of ass and being at the grandest spectacle of them all you know they would pull out all the stops. You can't have any kind of ECW revival without Sabu and its good WWE signed him because it shows they are really trying to go all out on this. This is also good news because maybe this means Vince will consider putting Sabu into the Hall of Fame one day.
David:I have no idea on this one but, I would love for it to be a WWE thing and not an ECW thing. As of late, WWE has been going all out on the ECW 2nd wind, it is very likely that Sabu will be a part of it. We might actually get to see Sabu in a WWE ring very soon. All in all, I don't know what's going to happen but this was all a big shock to me.
Alex: Good news for Sabu, I don't know if it is beyond ECW or not. I just hope this man starts to get the appreciation he deserves for revolutionizing the business. He made it clear in his shoot interview with RF Video that at this stage in his career he needs to be smart with his money and go where the money is. I know that Sabu has self-respect and won't do any stupid and embarrassing storylines, most of all I just hope the WWE doesn't try to make Sabu speak. I have never heard him cut a wresting promo and it worked for him. So he doesn't need to start talking now.
Fun Topic of the Week: If you could choose anyone on the WWE roster to face RVD at One Night Stand 2 who would it be?
Explanation: the fun topic of the Week sometimes may not necessarily be something that is going on in the news, but it is what it describes. The fun topic is there to get everyone thinking about how they would answer the question. Basically your own personal brain teaser where you can answer it however you wish. This is what we had to say about this week's fun topic.
Sean:Now that rumors are flying around that in fact RVD could end up facing JBL at One Night Stand instead of whoever is the WWE champion. I think this has relevance because I really wanted to see this match go down. Even though it could still turn out to be RVD vs. HHH. The match itself would be a historic match-up that defines the two companies. RVD arguably the face of ECW and HHH representing the McMahon's and all they are about. These two can go and it would be a treat to all those ECW fans to see RVD at the end of the night come out victorious against one of WWE's most recognizable names. For one night we could see ECW rise above all the rest and proclaim its star the WWE Champion. Whoever it turns out to be that faces RVD in my opinion cannot measure up to what HHH would bring to the mix. RVD I just ask one thing, please don't throw down the WWE title.
David:If you would of asked me this questions a few weeks ago, I would of said HHH. Now that time has passed, I think it would be awesome to see Cena in the match. I can only imagine the crowd reaction in that match, that alone could be historical. It would certainly amp up the excitement and become, maybe, the biggest boo fest of Cena's career. I think Cena would make the match more memorable then any other guy you could throw at RVD.
Alex:Kurt Angle because his limitless wrestling ability meshes well with RVD's incredible athleticism. This match would definitely get five stars, no pun intended…
Topic #6 WWE is bringing back ECW. Do you think it could succeed? And what are your views on it?If you don't know about this check those wonderful news reports and the headlines on the website for all the latest details. I don't have time right now to explain everything and I apologize for that. Between the three of us in our opinions we will try to cover most of it for you.
Sean:I have mixed emotions about this whole thing. ECW is dead and I have no problem with the One Night Stand's because they bring back the nostalgia of ECW. A complete revival that's taking it too far isn't? I mean as much as I loved ECW, WWE can't possibly think they are going to create the same ambience. That it is being run by Tommy Dreamer and Paul Heyman really helps this out however. This is why I think its going to succeed because so far WWE is really showing that they are going full force with this. They are trying to sign some old ECW names to give it credibility and they also want to use their OVW guys since Paul Heyman is the head man there anyway. That's all well and good but, WWE can't do these at the same arenas where they tape RAW or Smackdown! Because they didn't have big crowds like that. There was a report out saying that WWE is trying to book arenas on the old ECW circuit so we will see how that goes. Right now WWE is going to replace velocity with ECW and make it a web show on ECW.com. Why do they always have to punish Smackdown! With their new creations. Oh well, hopefully this means Smackdown! May get even better. We know that this is all run behind the scenes by WWE but I would wait till it actually gets going before we completely trash it.
David:This, again, was a big shocker for me. This bringing back of ECW just came out of nowhere. I can see this idea as a good and bad. It's good because many of the old school fans that have lost their precious ECW style can relive the excitement of what it once was, if WWE can properly remake it. This could also be a bad thing because WWE could end up ruining the ECW legacy. Luckily Paul Heyman is running this shindig. He could possibly make the new ECW something that everyone could enjoy. I know that they are missing a lot of ECW's old talent but they could easily use the up and comers of OVW to fill in the spots. I think it would be really cool to see the new guys on national TV before they get to the big time of WWE. Hopefully WWE is going to do this the right way and make it good for everyone who enjoys wrestling.
Alex: I can appreciate ECW's first One Night Stand in 2005 because it was an amazing night and it just gave me, and many other REAL ECW fans, closure. People who watched it straight up to the last show. Not little kids in the front row of Smackdown! chanting ECW! ECW! ECW! The fact that they had guys from RAW and Smackdown! there was pretty bad but didn't spoil the event for me. This year's event is just going to be too commercial and manufactured. I'm all for RVD being champ, but why do we need a WWE title match at a show that Vince is billing as "ECW." Now they want to bring ECW back for good? New Jack said it best "They can bring back the three letters, but they will never bring back the company." Let's be honest, a wrestling show filmed before RAW or Smackdown! with bright lights, fancy camera angles, and in front of fans who don't know anything about it, is the antithesis of what ECW was and represented. Vince cannot have something that he doesn't drive into the ground and kill. Unfortunately, it's gonna kill me, to see it. I believe in the end WWE's ECW, will make the REAL ECW fans angry and damage ECW's legacy forever.
Topic #7 WWE is planning on having a WWE vs. ECW show in Dayton, Ohio on June 7th. What are your thoughts on this?
Sean:The only thing we know right now is that the main event will be a 20 man battle royal featuring RAW, Smackdown!, and ECW superstars. This show has been given two hours by USA so this show and ONS will show everyone what WWE plans to do with this ECW revival. By then it will be interesting to see who WWE has signed for the ECW team and who they will remove from their own roster to give to ECW. I don't like the idea of killing half your cruiserweight division and some others on your roster to feed ECW some people. Unless they have someone like RVD who was a key part of the show and has to be included in ECW, the other guys should be left alone. Either way, whatever they decide to do will make the evening interesting for fans.
David:It going to be something interesting. I don't know exactly what they are going to do but we could have some interesting matches on our hands. We might even get to see Sabu in a match, that's always a plus. I'm anxious to see what old ECW stars are going to be there and what kinda storylines they may do with them. Its all to early to tell what's going to happen but if anything its going to be pretty good.
Alex: More of the same of what I said above, although this event will build fans intrigue for ONS. I don't know many details, so at this point I don't know the pros and con's that could come out of it.
Topic #8 WWE does have a PPV on later today called Backlash. Do you think the PPV could be pretty good? Or is it going to be a total waste of time?
Sean:Backlash has the ability to be good with some of their matches. Masters vs. Carlito could be better than we think if Carlito doesn't have to carry him the whole time. I'm really looking forward to RVD vs. Shelton because this one has the ability to be one hell of a match-up. Just by the stuff these two have shown they can do I expect it to be one hell of an athletic show. Flair and Umaga, well Umaga does have some nice moves and I'm sure Flair can make this entertaining but I'm not expecting much. Kane vs. Big Show, well it could be some decent big man action. Mickie vs. Trish, I expect this one to be as good as the Wrestlemania match and I hope the feud continues because I have enjoyed every minute of it. That tag match well I would rather not talk about it. The Triple Threat Match could be alot better than we expected. Especially that now that the RVD stuff is in limbo it makes things a little more hazy as far as the result which is always good. I don't care if they have done this three times before it could still be a good one. Sure this won't be Lockdown quality but it won't be a total waste job either.
David:I think Backlash could end up a pretty decent PPV. I don't know if it's going to live up to Lockdown but there could be some gems in this PPV. Shelton vs. RVD, if they are able to go all out, could be match of the year. HHH vs. Cena vs. Edge is also a match that I'm really looking forward to because I have no idea who's going to come out the champion. When I can't tell who's going to win a match, I'm having a good day. Carlito vs. Masters is another one I'm looking forward to see, because Carlito… hes cool. The only thing about the Backlash PPV that I know I'm not going to enjoy is Vince and Shane vs. HBK and God. I hope this is quick and we see nothing of God in this match. I hope that after this match the storyline between them is over and we can move on to much better stuff. I'll just say it could be a good one.
Alex:
Well at least RVD vs. Shelton has the potential to be good. Carlito vs. Masters also has potential to be good, but Flair vs. Umaga and Kane vs. Big Show come on, where is that going to lead? I guess Mickie vs. Trish could be good but I think the feud has gone on way too long. The feud should have ended at Wrestlemania because that would have been perfect. I'm not going to comment on the tag match that has just made WWE reach an all-new low. As far as the main event? Well we've seen the match for three weeks following Wrestlemania and has now given fans no incentive to buy this PPV. I expect John Cena to hold onto the title. Backlash at best could end up being a C PPV.
Match of the Week Nominees: United States Championship: JBL vs. William Regal, World Heavyweight Championship: Rey Mysterio vs. Kurt Angle (Smackdown!), World X Cup: Team USA (Sonjay Dutt & Alex Shelley) vs. Team Japan (Goto & Minoru) (Impact!), Carlito, RVD, & Charlie Haas vs. Shelton Benjamin, Matt Striker, & Chris Masters (RAW).
Explanation: Match of the Week is where we honor those companies that have enough money to get themselves a national television deal. We list the ones that we thought were the best from the three shows and then pick our favorite. We may include a Heat or Velocity match if it was really good but most of the time it will just be from RAW, Smackdown! And Impact! PPV's don't count because we always give out our match of the night when we give our thoughts on them. Also we only add an indy match if we went to the show. So here are our picks for match of the Week.
Sean:World Heavyweight Championship: Rey Mysterio vs. Kurt Angle
David:World Heavyweight Championship: Rey Mysterio vs. Kurt Angle
If you want to know where we came from and some of our old columns go here: Old Triple Threat's
Well that's it for this week folks. We hope you enjoyed our first column on this wonderful website. Who do you agree with? What are your thoughts on these things? We sure would like to know. Also if there is anything you wish for us talk about go ahead and give us a shout on that too. Don't go too ridiculous this week see ya's laters my People's, "Crazy" Sean is out. Defensive Driving sucks ass, bye from the "Sexy Beast" David. No Gimmicks needed here, thanks for reading, Alex Mattis says peace out. See ya's laters Triple Threaters.
