Hidden Highlights 05.07.06: Issue #36
Posted by Prag-Thomlison on 05.07.2006
Chris Masters beats himself at Backlash, Eugene proves he is a strategist on RAW, Sting wakes up the fans on iMPACT, refs give Finlay a rubdown on SmackDown!, and then Hogan and Warrior face off before Hogan has an energy drink!
Hidden Highlights
By JP Prag and James "JT" Thomlison
Issue #36
Intro
Hello everyone who has a blister on their middle finger making every single letter you type dreadfully painful, and welcome back to Hidden Highlights!!
Hidden Highlight (n) – a small, hardly noticeable point that makes a big, positive difference. This could be anything from a wrestler putting extra emphasis into his moves to make it believable to a person in the background reacting while not the focus to the cameraman shaking the picture to create an effect. There are just so many unsung heroes of wrestling that it is impossible to cover them all.
Every week we take the top 3 Hidden Highlights from the biggest shows on television (iMPACT!, RAW, SmackDown!, and a PPV or television special if there is one). Plus we turn to you, the readers, to let us know all the Hidden Highlights you saw or that we missed. On top of that we revisit old moments to find Classic Hidden Highlights and then explore other issues that prove why this is the most positive article in the IWC.
And who is this mysterious we, you ask?
First, there is JP Prag who also this past week posted In Defense of… DDP (Part 1 of 3). Did you want to know what DDP did for the first thirty five years of his life without reading his book? Now's your chance!
And then there is James "JT" Thomlison who also this past week posted his Smallville Recap! The season finale is next week, which means I'll have nothing to do around here!
JP: Good, then maybe you can actual focus on getting this back to me on time for once.
JT: I'm doing my best!
JP: Oh, I believe y— …you know what:
We bring you Hidden Highlights with one goal in mind: to appreciate all those little things that make a huge difference. JT?
JT: DDP. Finally you defend someone that's actually defendable! By the way, my sympathies on how bad your hand must feel from …golf.
JP: My life rarely requires blistering my hands. Since I stopped playing golf and guitar and working out, I've gotten delicate hands!
JT: Oh, really? *I* cameo'd did I? Who wrote my parts?
JP: Well… I mean, I sort of took the lib—
JT: Exactly!
JP: There's gonna be no pleasing you this issue… On with the Hidden Highlights!
Hidden Highlights for WWE RAW presents Backlash: Sunday, April 30, 2006 by JT
JT: Some titles switch hands, some didn't; the Holy Spirit was in the house, yet another injury to a crucial superstar, the return of JR, some Samoan guy not named Joe, and all the little seeds were planted for some major upcoming storylines!
(3) It's a Miracle:
Like one of JP's later on, sometimes you have to give credit to the blatant stuff, even if it isn't caught out of the corner of your eye or just something you happen to notice split second. Remember, we're all about looking for the little things, but we don't want you so focused on that you forget about all the stuff right in front of your eyes. Vince and Shane were having a conversation backstage and Shane had a bottle of water. They focused on Shane and Vince's upper body during the convo, and when they panned back out (as Vince was leaving) the water bottle was filled with wine! I liked two things about this. For one, people are quite divided on this whole God angle, but if they are going to go with it, at least they are going all out. Another thing to consider is that Shane just stood there the whole time, which means there is some guy – not getting credit – probably down there on his hands and knees pulling the switcheroo.
(2) Masters is the Master… of the Masterlock:
I'm sure we all saw JP's man-crush Carlito put Masters in the full nelson – his own move – during their match. And honestly, how many of you (when he broke it) thought to themselves, "Hey, Masters was the first to break the Masterlock!". Now I don't know what the rules are in terms of it not counting because it wasn't Masters himself applying the move, but all I could think was, "a man who uses the hold/move should know how to break it". It reminds me of the little known fact that the first man to ever kick out of the Undertaker's tombstone was… the Undertaker! Not sure who to give props to on this one, but you know this was a little hidden – and more importantly – planned gem. I'm actually surprised the announcers didn't mention it. Perhaps that is the difference between the "Masterlock" and the "Full Nelson".
(1) A no sell! …that makes sense!:
During the RVD / Shelton Benjamin match, these two men battled it out like beasts. Then, at the end of the match, RVD goes for the his patented 5-star FrogSplash. He hits it and… … … DOESN'T keel over in pain! He made a small motion towards his stomach, but at the same time, immediately went for the pin! We all know that RVD consistently sells the pain to his stomach area after the 5SFS and I thought this really showed that he was focused on this match, understood the importance, and had no time to worry about a little cramp to the tummy in a match like this. He ignored it, went for the pin, and got it.
JP: Did you really just say tummy in your top Hidden Highlight?!?! And you were making fun of me?!?!?!
Hidden Highlights for WWE RAW: Monday, May 1, 2006 by JP
JP: RAW was feeling the backlash from Backlash (oh man, I've been waiting FOREVER to use that one) and the Spirit Squad was in charge. My only regret is that they never showed the "spirit sticks", though I was impressed by all the balloons and stuff everywhere. Very cool detail throughout the night.
(3) Dress for S-U-C-C-E-S-S:
Our opening Hidden Highlight comes from the opening contest. The match was set to be Victoria and Mickey James (as blue cheerleaders) vs. Maria and Torrie Wilson (as red cheerleaders). As Torrie was making her way down to the ring, I noticed that not only was Cloe dressed up in a matching cheerleader outfit, but that she actually had matching pom-poms!!! Excellent job by Cloe to somehow, even without opposable thumbs, to get pom-poms on and shake them for the crowd in full cheerleader spirit!
Yes, I did just get a Hidden Highlight to a dog. Dude, Cloe has a better profile on WWE.com than Rob Conway and actually has a finishing move!
(2) He's the planner?:
As the Spirit Squad got ready to take on the "Odd Squad" team of Eugene, Goldust, and Snitsky (Thank goodness for people like Small and Slimmer who take such great care and effort to detail all the happenings on Heat, otherwise I would never know that Snitsky was a face! Oh, and as a suicidal choice, I've decided to take sides with Small and Slimmer and their attack on Larry. Mostly because I feel the wraith of Larry anyway, so I might as well feel it for something ridiculous.), the "Odd Squad needed to do some planning. And did you see who was in charge of coming up with the plan of attack for the team? It was Eugene! How hilarious is that that the mentally challenged teammate would be coming up with strategy! I know I found it amusing.
(1) Ode to a Revolution:
I definitely could not leave RAW without touching on the beginnings of the new ECW. As Joey Styles returned to the ramp after the break, he gave a good spiel on the reasons he was POed (in a kayfabe/swork kind of way). Anyway, at the end of his promo did you catch what Joey did? He took off the WWE Logo on the microphone and threw it away. Now while that in itself MIGHT be good enough for a Hidden Highlight, it isn't quite kudos worthy. No, what makes it kudos worth is that do you realize what other revolution began in pretty much the exact same way? That's right: the nWo. It seemed more like at the beginning ECW will be a renegade "promotion" within the WWE that is trying to get their own shows, belts and PPVs. Remind you of any other "Outsider" promotion that ran rough shot in some type of "InVasion"? Exactly! Joey knows his wrestling his history, and since the new ECW seems to be like the old nWo, he did the perfect ode to them.
On a side note, did anyone else notice that Eric Bischoff's name was dropped TWICE on RAW, plus for the first time in months the idea of a "General Manager" came up? I think the best swerve ever would be if they brought back Eric Bischoff to be the figurehead of the ECW revolution. Who else has more experience at leading a renegade organization than the former leader of the nWo? Plus, nobody would ever think that Bischoff would be behind Heyman. The ironing is delicious!
JT: The Odd squad definitely needs to get some more face time, and I demand more of the Million Dollar Cackle!!! I have thought for a bit that it was about time to get Bischoff back on television. He really is a great character, and always (most of the time) makes for entertaining segments. Not only that, the man can talk – something it seems only Vince, HHH, and Cena are doing lately.
Hidden Highlights for TNA iMPACT: Thursday, May 4, 2006 by JP
JP: For some reason, iMPACT went back to their old theme music after just a week. Did the Panda not like the rap? Ah well, didn't stop me from spotting a few things…
(3) She's the odd one out:
Our opening contest saw AMW with las chicas taking on the team of AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels. And if you noticed, AMW and Gail were all in matching shinny red outfits (mmmmm… Gail in shinny red) while Jackie was in a, errrr, Summer dress. Nice job of enforcing it just one more time that Jackie really is the odd one out.
(2) Today's 50-cent word – Amalgam!:
As Sting was in the ring, I noticed that his outfit had a lot of red in it, too. As a matter of fact, he had the red scorpion coat with red lining. This of course reminded me of nWo Wolfpac Sting. But he was all in crow makeup, which made him Crow Sting. But then he was talking a lot, which made him Surfer Sting. But then he was sporting his goatee, which makes him Movie Star Sting. But then he was working with Rick Steiner, which makes him Green Just Getting Into the Business Sting. But then he was playing weird mind games, which makes him… ummm… some other Sting. The bottom line is Sting is really just a combination (an amalgamation, if you will) of all of his previous Stings, thus making his mind games even more prevalent.
(1) Keeping the energy:
Most us IWC kids know that TNA tapes two or three episodes at a time and then we see them as the weeks go on. Well, that works well for people at home, but it's killer for people in the arenas. When they've already seen a wrestler once in a night, they are much less likely to react as well to them later in the evening. After all, they already got their screaming in. Sting, of course, realizes this after doing many WCW Saturday Night tapings. So as he was making his way to the ring, what did Sting do? He "wooooooo"ed into the microphone to try to get the energy up in the iMPACT Zone. Good job by Sting to remember the live audience and realize how they need to sound when it comes across on TV.
JT: Okay, it should be a rule that we are not allowed to give Jackie any more Hidden Highlights. If we were scoring this the way we do Wrestler of The Week, I think she'd be in the lead! And two Stings? You didn't just watch the beginning and the end did you???
JP: Ummmm… Sting was mid-show…?
JT: Oh… that's right. …Raven was cool, huh?
JP: …*sigh* I'll allow for the subject change since we're pressed for time.
JT: We're not pressed for time, we're late.
JP: Either way! On with it!
Hidden Highlights for WWE SmackDown!: Friday, el Cinco de Mayo, 2006 by JT
JT: Gunner Scott gets some TV time, Benoit loves to fight people who love to fight, Simon Dean, Booker yet again in a head towel, and oh yeah, Rey Mysterio is short! Good times as we approach the finals for the King of The Ring Tournament.
(3) No sir, I won't need to see your ID:
During the opening segment, they zoomed in on Mysterio, and you could tell that he had some chin hair a.k.a part of a beard. Now, I don't think this is done intentionally, but sometimes for a HH, you have to think outside the box and give in to Kayfabe. I have only noticed this since he's been champion, and that's what's important here. As champion, you are TEN TIMES busier than normal; speaking engagements, title defenses, house shows, etc etc. By Rey growing a bit of facial hair, it says to me that he is burdened with the business of being champion. It is not an easy task, and sometimes, you just don't have the five minutes in the morning to shave. This is from experience people, because when I shave, I get carded out the ass, but when I'm so busy that I let it go for a few days, I never have a problem. Purposely or not, Rey is selling the responsibility of being champion.
(2) I love to fight! …and people know it:
During the Benoit / Finlay match, Benoit managed to get Finlay to the ground and get his legs around his arm for an Armbar type move – looking for the submission. The ref dropped to his knees, and instead of saying a word to Finlay, started rubbing his hand on the ground near Finlay's shoulders. Now, this is the ref's job and I understand that: You make sure at least one shoulder is up. I'm with him. But the funny thing was, he didn't ask Finlay if he wanted to submit! Normally, the request for submission comes either before or right after the shoulder check; but the ref apparently (kayfabe) knew there was no way Finlay was going to submit. Great sell by the ref of his toughness by feeling that there was no need to even ask. Check the shoulders, and let the boys play.
(1) If I can be serious for a moment:
Did I use the latest ECW (Lance Storm) thing to draw you in? Yes. Did I use the possibility of Lance Storm to draw you in? Yes. Does it have anything to do with either of the two? No. During one of the matches (I'm failing to remember), you could see a poster being held up that had a picture of Bob "Hardcore" Holly and something to the effect of "Good Luck" or "Get Well" or some shit. The point is, on the little island that me and JP live on, we are constantly trying to point out the positive; but we are in no way saying you should just flat out ignore the negative – especially in a case like this. Holly is fighting for his arm – and more importantly – his life. It was very cool to me to see someone in the arena (at least within TV distance) recognizing this and showing him love. Holly is not a lot of people's favorite, and he certainly isn't involved in any major storylines, but I've always found him entertaining and have followed this story on a personal and in depth level because I think he can (despite himself) provide so much to not only TV, but backstage and development as well. On behalf of JP, we at HH wish Holly the best of luck and pray he has a flawless recovery; allowing him to keep both his arm, and his career. Kudos to the fan thinking of the guy we haven't seen in three months.
JP: If I knew you were going to be this late with the draft, I would have finished watching SmackDown! so I could actually comment. Oh well, I'll just make fun of you for being late some more.
Reader Write-in Hidden Highlights
Hidden Highlights aren't just for us to find and tell you about, but for you to spot and share with us. Don't just sit there and stare, but be a more active, attentive, and engaged viewer. Appreciate all the hard work that goes into making the wrestling we have the privilege to watch and then let us know what you caught this and every week.
This week JP gets to pick our Reader Write-in Hidden Highlights of the week.
JP: This week, the Reader Write-ins sucked!
JT: WHAT?!?!?!
JP: Hahaha, nah I'm just kidding. I just wanted to say something different other than they were awesome. So, *GENERAL WARNING*:: some parts of the following Reader Write-in Hidden Highlights may be edited for grammar, spelling, and English translation…
First up Mel wants to correct JT:
Actually, Jeff Farmer/The Cobra played nWo Sting. Harris' appearance as Sting was during the total clusterfuck of a match he had with Jarrett at (I believe) Halloween Havoc 2000.
I doubt that anybody on the face of the planet aside from me would care about the clarification, but I've been in therapy for my bizarre nWo Sting fixation since 1996. Forgive me!
JP: I care! But mostly to throw it in JT's face.
JT: Actually it was Douglas he was correcting, as a reader said that Harris played nWo Sting. I merely reiterated that we had mentioned Harris as Sting before, but I was not specific as to which one or for what reason. Lay off the meds Mel!
JP: It's kind of funny that you and I take the blame for things readers say, eh?
JT: I get the reference, but I'm pretty sure nobody else does.
JP: Well… uhh… good then... Next up is Oscar Ortega giving us some more Latino heat:
What can I say? Carlito is the man! This is late but I think it's fitting. A couple of episodes ago on RAW, Carlito did something that made me say, "That's my hero!" He was being interviewed by Maria and before he cut his promo HE CHECKS HER OUT and says to her in Spanish "You are such a moron but the things I would do to you." Now since Carlito is the epidemy of cool of course he would have some Latino Heat (™ Eddie Guerrero).
Also, with his promo with Matt Striker, what he says after he spit in the teacher's face was he was the coolest guy on the island. Now we now Carlito is from Puerto Rico which is an ISLAND. I thought that was cool for him to remind every one that he's from an island.
I might get heat from JT for this, but Carlito is my HERO. Us Latin people don't have many
JP: I'm not sure why that would give you heat with JT, but those two were definitely great Carlito ones! Now, I know you may not be a native English speaker, but I know for a FACT that there is punctuation in Spanish. You had so many awesome points that I had to include it, but man was that a pain on the old edit feature!
Next up is Fran Llorente who wanted to break kayfabe:
Just finished watching Backlash today. If you watch the Big Show vs. Kane match, about three minutes into the match, as Kane goes off the ropes to clothesline Big Show, he shouts to Show 'go down Paul' (Paul Wight is his real name I think). You'd think they wouldn't make it so obvious, would ya?
JP: Hey, sometimes it's just fun to catch the "magic" behind the wrestling and break down the wall. It won't be the last time someone is caught calling out a move in the ring!
Speaking of Backlash, Jamie O'D has a couple more:
I'm not sure what your thoughts were on God's involvement in the tag match at Backlash, but I think he was involved in a hidden highlight. While Vince had the glitzy music playing over the speakers, watch the light representing God. It slowly circles the outside of the ring. I think this showed that God was keeping his guard up. Instead of just moving the light into the ring and having the risk of being 'attacked', God showed that he was keeping an eye on Vince and not playing into any of his games.
There was also a hidden highlight involving Triple H's entrance music at the triple threat. He came down to his original song, but at the end of the night it changed to his new song "Bow Down To The King". By coming down to his original music, it showed that HHH was more focused on the match instead of underestimating Cena. By having it switched to his new song at the end, when he was the only man standing, it showed that Triple H was indeed the strongest person in the end.
JP: There seemed to be a lot of thought that went into God's lighting, and that was another example. Triple H has been doing a lot of playing with his songs. On RAW, when he's coming out to do a promo or ref a match or whatever, he'll use "King of Kings". But when he's coming out to fight, it "The Game". It's a really good perpetual Hidden Highlight that each song has a different feel for the Triple H character that is going to come out.
RC also has a good one from Backlash, among his many:
During the main-event Cena and HHH bangs Edge's head into the announce tables and Ross and Lawler just sit there. But as soon as Edge later (after HHH starts bleeding) bangs HHH's head into the SPANISH announce table the announcers take their papers and stuffs and quickly gets up and away. Some will say they do this because they know of what is going to happen next in the match. But in kayfabe they don't know… so why do they get up from their chairs and leave the table so fast? Because at every PPV ppl destroy their table so they know that it might happen again and quickly leaves because they don't want to be caught in the middle.
JP: Kayfabe explanations are my favorite! It is just a show, after all!
But when you want to break kayfabe, ask Jack Thornley and he'll give you a good one:
I was just watching the replay of Smackdown from the UK and noticed something during the Lashley-Mark Henry match. As Mark Henry went for a backbreaker, Lashleys hand was placed on Henry's quad, but Henry moved it up to his rib section beoring completing the move. This shows great awareness by Henry in knowing the backbreaker couldn't have been completed if Lashley's arm was left where it was without injuring him. What do you think?
JP: I think that is a good one, and that Meehan would appreciate the Mark Henry defense. One of the news reporters this week mentioned that it was really crazy that we are attributing Batista's injury to Mark Henry, since that is not what happened in the real world, only the storyline! Selective memory is a big problem in our world (see: every issue of In Defense Of…).
JT: Actually, I've been hearing this a LOT since the Kurt Angle injury. Come on people, Henry didn't do this! It's storyline! Both Angle and Big Dave were working hurt! I'm not saying he's amazing, but let's lay off our boy Mark Henry, eh?
Jordan Linlous moves us over to RAW:
After Umaga's match with local jobber, Joey Styles called him the Samoan smashing machine. This is obviously a take off of Samoa Joe being the Samoan Submission machine. It seems like Mr. styles is doing his homework, and it shows that they know there are other brands out there.
JP: I actually slightly disagree on this one. If you remember, in the previous weeks he was calling Umaga the Samoan Wrecking Machine. This was really in reference to Tazz, who was the Human Wrecking Machine in his WWF run. But you are right, Joey is VERY aware of Samoa Joe and it would not surprise me to hear some similar references from him.
Up next we have first timer Clif Taylor:
During Chris Masters entrance, he tossed his robe off a little too close to the pyro. Low and behold, without looking back, he scooted it out of the way using his right foot WHILE POSING. Poopoo on the naysayers of the Masterpiece!
JP: Excellent first catch! I couldn't have come up with a better one with better commentary!
After that, Josh Lankton made his triumphant return:
During the Main Event of RAW, while Todd Grisham and Jerry Lawler were calling the WWE Title match for John Cena vs. Kenny with Triple H as the special guest referee, at one point, the very new/fresh Grisham refers to Triple H as the 'King' by saying, "Look at what THE KING is doing" or something of that fashion. What does Lawler say? "Well I.... HE… clearly isn't interested in Cena being pinned even by The Spirit Squad." Why does that stand out? Because Jerry's moniker is THE KING. Great job of Lawler in remembering his own character while still acknowledging Trips as the NEWLY declared 'King of Kings'.
JP: That was a good one that completely slipped under my radar. The King knows he is the King, and I'm glad to see him still bringing that up.
Fan W. Chow chimed in with his first one:
I only wrote so soon because it kinda seemed obvious. It was tag match with Maria and Torrie vs. Mickie James and Victoria. Stating the obvious, they were wearing cheerleader outfits. WHOO HOO.. but why Blue and Red. Well I think the Red represented Raw and Blue represented Smackdown. Those were also the colours they wore when they had brand vs brand. I knew just by looking at the colour cheerleaders outfit who was going to win. Because McMahonism knows that Raw is the A-show and Smackdown is the B-show, it's Raw who was going to win. Hope I am right about the HH.
JP: To be honest, I was not going to include this one until I got a letter from Madmax:
I DON'T KNOW IF YOU WOULD CONSIDER THIS AN HH...but did you notice in the diva cheerleader match that the victorious team, the faces, were wearing raw red, and the losers, the heels, were wearing smackdown blue…… interesting IMO, just some drink for thought. I know everyone says food for thought, but I do my best thinking drunk, I mean with a drink. Peace out.
JP: Well, since two people said pretty much the exact same thing, who am I to argue? Like I've said before, Hidden Highlights don't have to be universal, sometimes they just have to work for a you.
Adam Nelson added on to my Joey and the WWE logo one from above:
At the end of Joey's promo, just before he said that he quit, he popped the cube with the WWE logo off the microphone. He looked at the cube with an expression of disgust before saying that he quit.
However, he still had the microphone with him when he walked out. It was like he was saying "I'm still an announcer, but I'm through shilling this 'sports entertainment' crap."
JP: Again, same situation, different Hidden Highlight. I like getting multiple Hidden Highlights from the same segment!
Regular Mike LaFave send in about ten of them, so I picked one from Backlash. I'm so mean:
Next in the Big Show/Kane match Big Show was pissed about Kane going after his eye, so Show was all business. When he went to slap Kane's chest, Show didn't play to the crowd, he didn't do his traditional "shhh" before the slap, he was pissed and didn't care about anything but punishing Kane so he just slapped the hell out of him. Using emotion to sell a story is a def Hidden Highlight!!!
JP: That it is! I always say NOT doing something is just as hidden as doing something unexpected. Good catch!
Next up is Bob with one JT will love:
First off i just wanna say Christian is the man. His entire match during impact was great and I think he had a great hidden highlight. When he came they announced him of course as NWA world champ even without his belt. But he looked like a champ, belt or not why? He wore all gold. He put himself over anyone else around as a champ by what he wore. And I don't know if this qualifies as a Hidden Highlight but you gotta love Christian putting the head phones on and sending the show to commercial as if he was so in charge as champ he either knew it was coming or he made them do it.
JP: Well, I included a Christian one because, well, I have talked a lot about Carlito, so it is only fair to JT. Well that, and this was a really good one. I like your interpretation of both the clothes and the sending to commercial, so both are Hidden Highlight worthy to me!
And last, as part of my agreement to stay alive for another week, is Jordan Williams with a couple of good ones:
Backlash - WWE runs the same PPVs every year, but I noticed that one thing always changes: the logo. There might be a few years where the logo stays the same, but ultimately, it always changes. Watching RAW this week, it hit me. The Backlash logo ALWAYS has a swinging guillotine. As far back as I can remember, whenever I saw them promoting Backlash, there is ALWAYS a swinging blade. The blade itself has become synonymous with Backlash. I thought it was a pretty interesting note that they always opt to throw such a small detail into the PPV's logo ever year.
And now, to my knowledge, the first ever Video Game Hidden Highlight.
The Masterlock - Now, I don't know if any of you play wrestling games at all, but I happen to love them. I recently got Day of Reckoning 2 for the Gamecube and have been playing it for a few months. During a recent match with Masters, I noticed a VERY nice detail. Of course, in the game, his special is the Masterlock. But I noticed something. Say Masters is about to slap the Masterlock on you, and you counter it; the animation that you get is that you countered Masters before he ever go a chance to lock the move in. Say during the move you break out of the Masterlock, the animation doesn't show you breaking it; instead, it shows Masters picking you up, dropping you to your knees, and then simply tossing you aside like he does in real life. If you manage to get a Rope Break, you get the same animation. The detail I am trying to get at is, in the game, they made the Masterlock impossible for YOU to break. By all accounts, even if you BREAK the move, it doesn't show you breaking it. Instead, it shows Masters releasing it. I thought that was a VERY nice detail to put in the game. Even digitally, no one can break The Masterlock.
JP: For the first one, I have two words for you: MARKET BRANDING! WWE is nothing if not one of the best brand managers in the world, and if the guillotine has become synonymous with Backlash, then they have done their job again. As for the second one, I actually think this is the third video game Hidden Highlight we've had, but that doesn't take away from the fact that it is a good catch. Unfortunately, I am playing Dragon Quest I on the SNES, so it will be a while until I catch up to real games.
That finishes me off for this one. Keep them coming, and we'll keep printing them!
JT: The readers never cease to amaze me. That Chris Masters one was fucking beautiful. And if anyone's curious, my current game of choice is The Matrix for Xbox… because kicking ass in slow motion kicks as…er… is cool, or something.
Do you have a Hidden Highlight of the week? Or a Classic Hidden Highlight that you would like to share? Please e-mail JP..erT…er…us at jpjthidden@yahoo.com with your thoughts! Send them by Friday afternoon to be considered! And remember, they can be from any show, live or taped, or any house show, or anything you saw… we just like to know!
And speaking of Classic Hidden Highlights…
Classic Hidden Highlight
Every week we take a look into the past and remember something that was done to make a show that much better. Well, sometimes we don't remember, but you remember for us. Anyway, without further ado JT presents the Classic Hidden Highlight of the week:
They can't both be good guys, can they?:
JT: I'm going to cheat a little, as this is late as shit. When I thought about what I would do for the Classic this week, I thought about watching Hogan vs. Warrior (1 of course, because it's one of my all time faves), and realized that I didn't even need to watch it to see the Hidden Highlight. Now, I can't speak for anything before the 80's (I just don't know enough), but at the time, there were always clear cut faces and clear cut heels. But Hogan vs. Warrior changed this. It was the first time where people on the same side (face) were actually against each other; battle lines had been drawn, but you were essentially rooting for the same team. Back then, you didn't have the classic battles between faces such as Angle vs. Benoit or HBK vs. Angle. There was always a good guy, and always a bad guy. That is, until this match up. Hulkamania was running wild, but Warrior Nation was at full blast. We loved both men so much, that we almost hated to pick a side. …but we did; and it didn't matter which side it was, you were right in either way. I personally was all about the Warrior. This was the essentially the first (at least in the 80's) Icon vs. Icon match, even if Warrior wasn't quite there. He is now, psycho or not. That may have very well been the match that has given us the great face vs. face matches we've had since then. Sometimes, it's all about the respect, and it's all about the belt. Both men had it, and both men had one.
JP: It just reminds me of this time my dad and I were watching Nitro. It was Chris Benoit vs. Dean Malenko when both were faces. My dad said something to the effect of, "Why do they have to have two good guys like this fight each other when there are plenty of bad guys they could go up against." So for some old school people, the face-face dynamic just didn't work out. That said, I'm not one of them.
That Other Section
That Other Section is an idea, a free forum for a few things that just don't have a place. It could be Read Between the Lines where we'll look at a news bite in more detail. It may just be a Pointless Question trying to connect the unconnected dots. You might read a Hidden Highlights Profile where we explore one of the masters of Hidden Highlights (like Chris Jericho) and explain what they do right. It could even be some additional Hidden Highlights, or something else entirely. And sometimes, it might not exist at all. Hey, if we don't have anything to talk about, why force it?
This week, JP has something for That Other Section.
JP: I'm already excited for season three, but he's another episode of season two's Hogan Knows Best…
Hidden Highlights for Hogan Knows Best – Sunday April 30, 2006:
JP: Before you watch this episode, be sure to watch SLC Punk. Only then can you appreciate how much of a poser pussy Jerry is. I mean, it's pretty obvious anyway, but man, I just hate that people "dress" the part. And sorry, Tollah, but Avril = biggest poser crap ever. For proof, I turn to Weird Al TV 2003:
Al: Anyway, I understand that you consider yourself a punk, and that your roots are in punk music. How much did the Sex Pistols influence your sound?
Avril Lavigne: (sits silent licking her teeth)
Al: Umm, were you inspired by The Clash when you were growing up?
Avril Lavigne: (silently bites down on air)
Al: OK, well, what's your favorite punk song?
Avril Lavigne: The Y.M.C.A. song.
Al: Ahh, yes. The Village People. Very punk.
Avril Lavigne: (shrugging her shoulders) Whatever.
Oh yes, proof in the pudding… what? Oh yes, Hogan…
JT: ….I've seen SLC Punk, and I've seen Avril Lavigne interviews, and yet you have successfully thrown me into complete "tha fuck?" mode. Congratulations.
JP: I do what I can do.
(3) So much bull (the red kind):
I've noticed this throughout the season, but this episode was kind of ridiculous. In every other scene someone was drinking a Red Bull or there was a Red Bull sitting around. Now, I don't know if Red Bull is a huge sponsor or something or all the Hogan's are in desperate lack of taurine, but I think these people have a problem! Mind you, this is coupled with the news that this week Hogan has struck a deal with Socko energy drink to make his own energy drink. And in a mini-read between the lines, here's some more facts to go with that. Socko is based on of Scottsdale, AZ as is... drumroll please… Eric Bischoff, who is involved in this project. I wonder how that happened! And Socko is the favorite energy drink of Bubba the Love Sponge, Hogan's close personal friend. The bottom line: it's a small world after all.
JT: Does anyone else find it funny that Cook – who happens to be on a constant war quest with Hogan – has a forum name of Socko, the very company/drink hooking up with Hogan. The irony owns.
JP: That's nice, could you stop interrupting me?
(2) Continuity again!:
When Brook confronted Hulk about the pillow trap he set in front of Jerry's door, Hulk completely denied it. But then Brook reminded Hulk that he was the guy who put a GPS in her car. Yes! Continuity to last season! And this was the second time that Brook had done that, the previous one being with Nick's condoms. Brook is quickly becoming the queen of continuity.
(1) Dude is a mess!:
After Jerry and Hulk worked out for a while, and Jerry made a complete ass of himself while Hulk watched his match with Shawn Michaels, Jerry went in search of Brook to, you know, just be with her. Yeah, did you notice something he didn't do? That's right: Shower!!! Seriously dude, if you work out for a while, you are supposed to shower up BEFORE you go back to hitting on the hot girl. That was total slacker gross, you pussy poser jack off.
JT: Yeesh. I can't tell if you have a overprotective crush on Brooke – who's underage by the way – or if you just felt like busting out the hate today! I think we're both a bit grumpy.
JP: I get that way when you're late. But that Jerry guy really got under my skin! And actually, in the real world, Brooke would scare me. I mean, she's so freakin' tall, and I'm a short guy… Brooke, honey, it just wouldn't work out between us.
Also, just for the record, my underage crush is definitely Hilary Duff… who I think might be legal now…
JT: Thank God we're almost done…
Last Page
The Last Page is where we get to express something else positive in the world of wrestling. Who knows what it might be? Well, actually, you do…
JP & JT Bicker like Married people:
By James "JT" Thomlison
JT: Well, to be honest, there is no Last Page this week.
JP: …What!?
JT: We're already late!!! It's almost midnight as I write this!
JP: You had TWO shows to cover this week, and ONE classic to find, and you can't even do the last page?
JT: It was a swamped week!
JP: I can't even TYPE and I managed to get my parts done!
JT: I had no choice in the matter!
JP: Like you trying to move into a new office that's twice as far away, having no internet connection, and in general being busy as hell is any excuse to not complete the column you write – for free – by the allotted time.
JT: Actually, I think you just made my case for me.
JP: Oh… heck, I suppose I did, didn't I. That is not the point! Not only were you late, but you were late AND incomplete!
JT: The readers understand.
JP: We'll see about that this week won't me.
JT: Forgive me people!!!!!
JP: And you call yourself a columnist.
JT: Well, it's not like I don't do anything around here.
JP: Yeah, what do you do?
JT: Well, it'll be football season… five months from now.
JP: Nice try, anything else?
JT: Umm, I do cover that non-existent online show that the E is "rumored" to be bringing back…
JP: Strike two; care to try again?
JT: Yes. There's …uh… one whole episode of Smallville left…
JP: Sorry, you're out. Face it, without Hidden Highlights, you wouldn't even be able to participate in roundtables and Top 5's (which you ironically didn't even do), let alone Wrestler of the Week's.
JT: …………………………your point?
JP: My point is that you didn't even finish the ONE thing you have to do around here!!!
JT: …….you whine about golf.
JP: I'm having you replac—
JT: Hogan is guilty I say!!!
JP: …oh my. Let's finish this up and get out of here… Larry tacks on a "level of bitching" rate per each hour that we're late.
Larry: This is true. Now get it done bitches [insert angry face smiley here]
JT: Agreed. At least we got that off our chest!
And the Response
JP: Ah yes, the prerequisite response to nothing. What will I say… what will I say? Well, I was thinking about ECW some, and more specifically what Vince said on the Rise and Fall of ECW DVD. I remember him saying that if ECW wanted to grow beyond a niche audience that they would have to tone down elements of the product. So I wonder if Vince is trying to just have a niche small ECW market, or if he is going to have Paul E. tone it down for a broader audience and the wants of the USA network?
JT: What does that have to do with anything?
JP: Well, at least it is using our space for wrestling related content!
JT: Touché, my friend. Touché.
Exit, stage left!
JT: Submit it already! See you next week my little frogs and frogettes!
JP: You're so trying to emulate Kornheiser… why don't you just go for Wilbon and call them knuckleheads?
JT: Fine! Have a good week, knuckleheads!
JP: Next week, I'm going to be doing my Dice impression.
JP: Hey! For the record, Bayani got all his parts in on time and Andy only made crying noises once!
JT: How's the vote going?
JP: Only one way to find out: click over the article and check the results!
JT: But I'm sooooooo lazy!
JP: Calm down, you have until this Saturday May 13th to get all your votes in. I'll announce the winner in the Last Word of this very article the next day!
JT: So for the third time in a row there won't be a real Last Word?
JP: Damn, you're nasty today!
JT: Nah, just being my normal self.
JP: And that's what scares me!
Thank you for joining us for the thirty-sixth issue of Hidden Highlights. Be sure to drop us a line and let us know what you think and all the other Hidden Highlights we missed. Plus, we want to hear your Reader Write-ins and Classic Hidden Highlights for all the moments you see this and every week.
We'll catch you again next time in the reader approved most positive article in all of the IWC: Hidden Highlights! Until then!
