The Triple Threat 9.03.06: The 18th Edition

Posted by Sean, David, Alex on 09.03.2006

Well we had to get some help again because Alex had some business to take care of this week. Dan Zurbruegg is here to lend a hand and fill-in for him. We talk about Carlito's issues, Does DX need to end? We also wonder what WWE needs to rebuild the most, in the 18th edition of the Triple Threat.

Hello people, this is David just thought I'd let you know. What's better then mixing things up every once in a while? This week was a long week for Sean, Alex, and I because once again were back at college to serve another year of learning. Waking up early and, spending hundreds of dollars on books, yeah, that's the life I tell ya. This is definitely a break from our Government and Astronomy class, right Sean? This week was not only an interesting week of school but also an interesting week of wrestling. Before we get started, Alex couldn't do his part this week, because he went to Austin to watch the UT vs. UNT game, and then had to drive four hours to get back to Denton. Don't worry we have someone helping us out this week. Dan Zurbruegg who recaps Global Impact and ECW for 411. Today we get to discuss the TLC match stipulation between Cena and Edge, ECW's new deal, and much, much more. This is the 18th edition of the "Triple Threat." Now let's get this party started.



Topic #1 ECW received good news this week. ECW now has a television show through 2007. Aside from that, SCI-FI wanted another replay of the show to air sometime during the week as well. How great is this for WWE?


David: This means great things for WWE. They now have another televised show to make them more money. Hell, SCI-FI liked them so much they asked WWE if they could have the replay. Since everything seems to be working out great for the WWE and SCI-FI, maybe we will be able to see a two hour show in the near future.

Zurby: Words can not describe how great this is. They've made a great partnership with SCI-FI. They're on great terms with NBC Universal. Heyman won't be going anywhere for a LONG time. CM Punk will soon become the face of this business. And most of all, they're sticking it to TNA with ECW's ratings.

Sean: Hey, everyone can complain about the show not catering to the old ECW fans. They could also complain about the show not having much to offer. Well you can't say anything about the ratings that they have been getting for this thing. They double TNA's ratings and all other shows that air on SCI-FI too. When you are the highest ranking show on your network, they better get a new contract. I'm not always a fan of the replays because on one hand, it gives WWE a chance to give the audience that can't watch the show on Tuesday, to watch it another day. However, this also gives fans an option to not watch the show on Tuesday (when the big ratings are counted.) So they can watch it later. It will also be interesting to see what day and time they will put that replay on the air. I'm very happy for them because now, they can put the shows in their own arenas if WWE desires. The last we heard about that though, was that now, just to test the waters, ECW will be alternately taped before RAW one week and then on SmackDown another week. That way, maybe, the crowds will be a little more receptive to ECW. You know, you could just run ECW on its own little like five arena schedule and alternate the arenas. However, Kevin Dunn as always has to nix stuff before it happens. Oh well, the best thing about this is they can plan long term and don't have to worry about making SCI-FI happy every week. They may have some issues, but I like the new ECW, and I hope they keep it up.


Topic #2 The Miz made his debut this week on SmackDown against Tatanka. What did you think of his abilities and does he have some potential?


David: I didn't get to see it because I forgot SmackDown was on until around the 2nd hour. I don't think you can judge him very well though, if he's wrestling Tatanka.

Zurby: He'll be fine since his charisma is so over the top. He's going to be successful for his character, and not his wrestling ability. If he can be adequate in the ring, and he can, he can be a successful tag team wrestler or a minor singles wrestler.

Sean: He was doing pretty basic stuff in his match-up, but he looked decent and certainly has a chance to get over as the arrogant prick. He has charisma and personality that could go a long way. I know a lot of people don't like the Miz, but he could be someone in the future for WWE.


Topic #3 Carlito has told management that he's none too happy with how they are using him as of late. Does he have a valid beef?


David: It is quite understandable. Since Wrestlemania, Carlito hasn't done much. I believe it all started with his face turn. To me, Carlito, is a heel and as a heel he should show much more personality. I actually went over this in this weeks Fact or Fiction. Carlito could be at the top of WWE, if they just utilize him right. He has great wrestling ability and is a natural on the mic. It shouldn't be that hard to bring him where he wants himself to be.

Zurby: Carlito was heavily pushed for the first half of this year, but with the demise of Intercontinental Championship, they really have no choice but to end the major push. He's not main event material, at least not yet, and they're pushing him slow and steady now. Carlito will eventually get his time to shine, don't worry.

Sean: I think he does in the fact that, he's been involved in a storyline with Trish that really isn't doing anything for him. Trish is about to get married and really doesn't need to be involved in a thing where she kisses Carlito every Monday. If they don't want her to wrestle until Unforgiven then that's fine, but if you are not going to put Carlito against EDGE, you are going to have to find another way to feud Trish vs. Lita. The way things have been going for Randy Orton as of late it looks like Carlito is going to go over Orton too. Since we don't know how they are going to do the Survivor Series match this year, I wonder if these two will be involved like last year. They've been slowly letting Carlito show his skills in every match, and this feud with Orton could be what he needs to finally be elevated. Carlito being a face or heel hasn't really hindered him very much in the ring. The only thing that's really bothered me about this; is that he seems to only have one line. I guess they should let him talk a little more and keep him in wrestling storylines, not, love stories.


Topic #4 Chris Benoit is set to return in October to SmackDown. Is this the right place for him? And are there any feuds you would like to see him involved in when he returns?


David: Of course, Smackdown is the right place for him. Smackdown needs veterans like Benoit to improve the rookies. By feuding with the likes of Lashley, Kennedy, and maybe MVP, he could help them hone their skills and become better wrestlers. Look how Lashley is shaping up with the help of Finlay and Regal. As feuds are concerned, I think, just like many people do on this web site. Benoit should feud with Finlay. Wouldn't it just be amazing to see these guys wail on each other for an entire match? It would be priceless.

Zurby: If Cena doesn't move over to Smackdown, it's the correct place for Benoit. RAW obviously doesn't need any help, and I just don't think there's enough room for Benoit on ECW. On Smackdown, Benoit can be used everywhere. They've got something good going, and Benoit can be a big boost. The only problem I have is that Benoit has feuded with both Finlay and King Booker over the past year. Other than Mr. Kennedy and Regal, there may not be a suitable wrestler for him to feud with. But, nonetheless, Benoit can be used in the Heavyweight Championship picture, the U.S. Title picture, and even the Tag Team Championship picture. SmackDown's the way to go, though I would like to see him switched over to ECW after Wrestlemania.

Sean: How is this not the right place for him? I really don't know why anyone is asking for Benoit to go to ECW. That was a past time in his career and this is the new ECW. His wrestling style can, only, be complimented by guys like Finlay, Lashley, Kennedy, and Regal. There's Holly and RVD in ECW, but the young guys that are in ECW really aren't in a position to need rubs just yet. Even though, I would love to see a CM Punk vs. Chris Benoit match, he is still better suited for SmackDown. As far as any feuds I would like to see, well Benoit against about anyone in the mid-card on SmackDown would be great. Benoit vs. Kennedy would be a great place to start. It'd be great if Benoit got another titleshot in the future against King Booker too. I hope Benoit enjoyed his time off and that he's ready to light up the screen once again.


Fun Topic of the Week: What do you want to see WWE rebuild the most? Cruiserweight division, Women's division, or Tag division?

Explanation: This question may not necessarily be something that is going on in the wrestling 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.


David: A tag division by far. Remember the good old days with the Dudleys, Hardyz, and Edge and Christian? That stuff was classic, if the WWE decided to rebuild a tag division, we might be able to relive those days. All they have to do is to bring in some more tag teams with talent. It is not something that is really hard to do. I think that there is a plan for Smackdown. Right now we got the Pitbulls, L & K, and KC James & Idol Stevens. Add the returning Gymini and we got four tag teams. If they really wanted to, they could also put Turkay and Burke as a tag team for the tag division. Right there we got five tag teams. Let's hope they get smart and start building the tag division back to what it should be and if they do so, it will be a bigger draw.

Zurby: The tag division needs to be rebuilt the most, without question. It's not too bad on Smackdown, but on RAW it's a serious need. I don't see the point of having Jeff Hardy return and not reuniting the Hardy Boyz. That would have been a great boost to the tag division on RAW, and I think they could have had a fun feud with the Spirit Squad. A tag division is important, as you can build wrestlers through it and create a solid mid-card. As I said, Smackdown isn't in too bad of shape, especially now that the Pitbulls are back. Just take a look at the match they had against London and Kendrick at the Bash. If you could add something like that too RAW's pay-per-views, that would add nothing but good.

Sean: TNA may have a hot thing going with the X-Division but let's face it, Vince has never cared for Cruiserweights and we are not going to get an X-Division equivalent anytime soon. The Women's division will be there whether the girls can wrestle or not, because Vince always has to have his Tits and Ass. There is nothing wrong with that, but the reason Vince made the whole Diva Search wasn't to find new Women's wrestlers, it was to find new magazine models. Also with Trish and Lita leaving they are going to be left to the bare bones On RAW. The only thing that has a chance at taking shape is the tag division. SmackDown already has another one brewing with London & Kendrick, Scotty & Funaki, and the Pitbulls. KC James & Idol Stevens could prove to be another good team in the mix, but they need some time to develop. I guess the Gymini can also be included in there too. I'm not putting Sylvester Terkay and Elijah Burke in there just yet because it looks like they are priming Terkay for a singles run. The Hardy Boyz would have been a terrific edition to SmackDown but, WWE decided to put Jeff on RAW, which has proven ok for now. The thing is that it has left Matt with nothing to do. I hope he has a good feud with Gregory Helms. Then on RAW, we have the Spirit Squad, Highlanders, and Viscera & Hass (Val Venis was a way better tag partner for him.) Even if Charlie Haas wasn't getting a crowd reaction, he is still a young man and could do well in the RAW mid-card. You also have Murdoch & Cade that work well together and need to get off of Heat. I do wish Eugene and Hacksaw would get off of my television screen though. There you have four teams on RAW, they aren't the best ever, but it works. It also gives those jobbers something to do on the show, besides look like idiots. Both brands have something they can work with, now will they go through with it? That would be something I'd love to see WWE rebuild. SmackDown is on its way, but, RAW could use some help too.


Topic #6 Rumors are going around that Vince and Stephanie have lost confidence in Johnny Ace and are considering firing him. The problem is that WWE currently doesn't have anyone to take his place (except J.R.) They also want Barry Windham as an agent. What do you think of all this? And do you think Johnny Ace should be fired?


David: I know Alex would be freaking out if they fired Johnny Ace. In my opinion, hell yes they should fire his ass. He has messed up so many things in the past and with him in that spot wrestling is never going to be as good as it can get. Does anyone actually like this guy anyways? Just fire him and get it over with.


Zurby: Just keep him. If you don't have any other option right now, just keep him for the time being. If someone's name comes up at a later date, make the change then.

Sean: I wish Vince would fire Johnny Ace. This guy wouldn't know talent if it slapped him in the face. This doesn't mean I'm saying, I could scout better than him, I just think there are better people that could fill that position. Vince needs someone like JR or maybe a Barry Windham that know the business and aren't just "Yes Men" for Vince. Johnny Ace thinks too much like Vince and doesn't have an eye for talent either. Johnny Ace has also caused many problems in the lockeroom by introducing the dress code. I think these men and women are mature enough to understand where they should wear a suit (like a press conference or formal event) or where they can just go casual dress like an autograph signing or on their way to work. The dress code along with a few other reasons caused Rhino to stay in TNA. Not to mention, Johnny Ace is the one that came up with the Leprechaun for Finlay. Johnny Ace also caused Matt Hardy and the Dudley Boyz to leave. Hardy came back, but still, this guy just doesn't know what he's doing as the VP of talent relations. I would be in favor of a change, so that maybe we can start to get this company back on track. Maybe someone like JR or Barry Windham that would be all about the wrestling would be a good idea.


Topic #7 The stipulation in the TLC match is that if Cena loses he will go to SmackDown. Do you think there is any chance that happens?


David: I think there's no chance at all. If Cena some how does end up on Smackdown that will be a complete shocker. There's nothing really to say about this, I don't think he's going to Smackdown.

Zurby: If it weren't for the fact that Cena is the face of RAW, WWE's number one show, then I'd say yes. This is a great opportunity to move him to SmackDown and breath some life into their product, as well as to re-structure RAW. With Cena gone, Edge can move on and feud with the likes of Shawn Michaels. You can rebuild the Tag and Intercontinental Championship divisions. With Cena on SmackDown, you can set up Cena versus Batista at Wrestlemania. It's the way to go, but I think Cena has too much of an impact on RAW to be switched over.

Sean: You can never say never in WWE, but I think it is pretty clear that they, are not about to send their biggest star over to SmackDown. They could make a storyline out of the whole thing but I highly doubt it. I really hope this doesn't mean that we are going to have EDGE lose in his hometown like they always do when someone goes home. Since WWE still treats SmackDown as the B show, it would be rather awkward seeing Cena over there. I wouldn't be opposed to it, since I'm sure the ratings would go up for SmackDown if Cena left RAW. Not to mention, Cena would create a lot of new storylines and feuds for everyone. I don't think its going to happen, but people shouldn't just throw it out, because that would be a big swerve that most people wouldn't see coming.


Topic #8 At this stage, is the DX stuff getting really boring and needs to end? Or should WWE keep DX around until the crowds get tired of them?


David: I don't know how to answer this. I am really getting sick of DX now, because they are the whole concentration of the show. I probably don't care for it too much because Vince is in the picture. I hope all of this ends at Unforgiven and we can move on from this crap. I hope that Vince disappears from TV after this as well. I want a new GM on the show, I don't care who it is, but anything would make this better.

Zurby: Now's the time to change the landscape of the WWE, and the first change that needs to occur for this to happen is the breakup of DX. Triple H's career has been somewhat revived, and now's the time to put him back on top of the singles division once again. Shawn Michaels could elevate Edge to another level if the two were to feud, in my opinion. There's so much that can be done once DX is broken up. And where are they going to go after the Hell in a Cell match, anyways? It's not like you can really defeat the McMahon's any worse.

Sean: DX is funny to a certain extent and they have the crowd behind them. I think this wouldn't be such a problem if they weren't involved in the same boring storyline with Vince for four months. People are ready to see this thing end and would like for DX to move on to something else. This is why many of us thought that DX would last till around Summerslam. Since the rehash has done so well, they decided to keep DX going. As long as this stuff ends by Cyber Sunday I'll live with it, but seeing almost the same crap every Monday end the show, is really getting annoying.


Topic #9 On Tuesday, Chris Jericho was the first person kicked off the "Celebrity Duets" show. Does this prove that Jericho should stop this singing stuff and go back to wrestling?


David: I think he should quit just because he was my favorite wrestler. I doubt Jericho is going to quit though. I think he might just be done with wrestling, which in my case sucks ass. At this point in time, he could really add to the Raw roster. We will just have to see what happens.

Zurby: If Jericho enjoys acting and appearing on these reality shows, then he should stay away from wrestling. He seems to have a good amount of projects, some successful, some not. But Jericho has other dreams to fill, and now's the time to attempt to fulfill them.

Sean: I actually liked his band Fozzy, but there is a reason that he had to go to England and Australia to get sellouts. Jericho is better known as a wrestler and always will be, no matter how many times he appears on VH1 or does a music radio show. They even billed him as a former wrestler on this show. I think he's good at singing rock songs but really Jericho, come on back to wrestling already. I think he would get a huge ovation and would help RAW or SmackDown out a lot. If he wants to stay out of wrestling, I guess he's going to have to keep trying. All I gotta say is, it sucks you were eliminated first, but good luck man.



Match of the Week Nominees: #1 Contenders Match for Intercontinental Championship: Randy Orton vs. Jeff Hardy, John Cena vs. Chris Masters (RAW), 10,000 Thumbtacks match: Abyss vs. Brother Runt (TNA Impact), United States Championship Triple Threat: Finlay vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Ken Kennedy

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 match if it was really good but most of the time it will just be from RAW, SmackDown, ECW and TNA 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: United States Championship: Finlay vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Ken Kennedy

David: United States Championship: Finlay vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Ken Kennedy

Zurby: John Cena vs. Chris Masters


Shout Out's to our 411 Crew


Column of Honor He comes out the latest of all these columns so I thought he should get the first link. You want to know all the happenings of ROH? Go read this column.

The 3R's It's Larry and Geoff giving you those always loveable or not so loveable opinions.

Truth B Told Bayani Domingo has those Asian girls looking good. And he also has his column about PWG in there as well.

Fact or Fiction This week it features our man David going against O-Dog. Well it's David's first crack at F or F so give him a break.

Remember that Hidden Highlights is out there too. Go read JT & JP's column that show's you all the little details of a wrestling show. I can't link them because they come out at the same time I need to turn this column into the system. So there is a link here in spirit.

You want to know about futbol or as American's call it Soccer? Well check out Tim O' Sullivan as he gives you the week in English Premiership and Champions League. It's always a good read and if you are a fan of footy, it should be a no brainer. The Round Football Column Is only one click away.

Meehan Talks about how Eddie's death led to Angle's life being saved.

Also don't forget to check out Ryan Byers's regular column Cheap Wrestling for Cheap People Where he tries to get you to watch some wrestling for less money.

Stuart Carapola does that well written This Week in Hardcore Yeah it's the week all ECW style.

A special shout out to Andy Clark who's doing the Shimmy tomorrow morning.


Hey! there are other new guys out there besides us


Because they come out the latest of all these columns they get first dibs from us. High/Low Road Sat and Rajah discuss nothing, as they took a break from the column this week.

Shining the Spotlight Michael Weyer compares Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan, in how each wrestler still doesn't want to get out of the spotlight. Even though they are past their prime and no longer have the same ability as before. It was another good read from Michael and I suggest you check it out.

Getting Over Mike LaFave continues trying to get over SmackDown as the A show along with RAW. This is just marvelous how he keeps finding ways to book these things. You better go over there and read his column now.

The Top Ten The original top ten man Steve Cook fills-in for Jules. This week its your top ten guys you won't see on television.

If you want to know where we came from and some of our old columns that aren't on 411 go here: Old Triple Threat's



There is something new you should know about

I've been meaning to do more than just link the 411 Video Games section because I feel all the column writers should be recognized for their hard work. Also don't forget to check out all the latest reviews on your favorite games. As well as, a retro review as well. Those news reports are also very important because they keep you up to date on what's going on in the video game world.


On Monday's Damian Sarcuni comes out with his column called Angry Gaming Where he takes a look at things in gaming that makes him pretty mad. This week he examines problems with the addicted hardcore gamers. Find out which kind of gamer you are.

On Tuesday's for sure you are going to get one mean Gaming Rant from Will Scott. This week he goes back to talking about the death of PC gaming.

Tuesday's or Wednesday's there is a column by someone with the name of Sean, no not me, because his last name is McCabe. Your result is a Retrospective on a certain video game franchise. For the last time he delves deeper into his focus on the Legend of Zelda. Another good one this week, so I recommend you give him a shout.

Thursday's is all about Jordan Williams's Working Title Yeah that's the name of the column. Anyway, Jordan is giving his opinions on overrated and underrated games in a certain genre. What's Mischief Makers all about? And is Donkey Kong really overrated? Go read his column


Man a whole bunch of stuff comes out on Friday's. First we have a column Hardcore Haven Where Joel Beggs gives us his greatest hardcore moments in Video Game History.

Fact or Fiction this week features: Matthew Sforcina and Andrew Mellick talking about all the news in video games.

The last thing is the Top 5 where we in the Video Games staff give our top 5 games on a certain topic. This week it is our Top 5 Games that should get a sequel.

There is one thing that comes out on Sunday's, and that is Gaming Trends a Column where Vincent Chiucchi talks about trends that have developed in gaming. Go check out his new column on Sundays. Until then, enjoy last week's column Gaming Trends


Now Time for Feedback



Wow! Three pieces this week, and one is from John Bryant Bateman He has a good dream match for us, and also has a question.


An Ultimate Elimination Submission match between Samoa Joe vs Kurt Angle(fully healed) vs Chris Benoit vs. The American Dragon Bryan Danielson. If TNA fails to be able to get 2 hours within the next say......6 months who do you think is also a risk for them losing to WWE?


Sean: Wow! This is probably the best match you've ever come up for us. Sorry, it was hectic this week with school and labor day, weekend so I forgot to send David the feedback this week. As for your match, well damn this one is difficult to decipher. I would say that Benoit taps out first to Angle. Then Angle is not allowed to compete any further due to his injuries. Then we are left with a wonderful match in itself. I say we have American Dragon eventually getting the Cattle mutilation on Joe for the tap out. See your question is good, but the problem is that TNA doesn't directly compete with WWE. So unless somehow Vince was able to buyout Panda Energy, there is no way TNA crumbles to WWE. TNA not getting two hours in six months will hurt them in the ratings and with storylines, but, it won't kill them. Besides, Spike should know that TNA needs a second hour eventually, and unless TNA starts really bombing in the ratings, I don't see Spike taking TNA off of TV. TNA eventually needs two hours, but will they die if they don't get it? NO.



Our #1 fan Tiffany Has a few questions here

Hey guys! I agree with the whole Chavo, Rey, Vickie feud going on...it's just ridiculous.
If Eddie is still alive, do you think he would continue on as being Batista's "friend"? Also do you think Chavo would be still be Kerwin White? What do you think will happen if Eddie is still alive?
RIP Eddie Guerrero


Sean: This is difficult to do because I hate looking back in history. Had Eddie not passed away and Batista not gotten injured then we might have seen Eddie vs. Batista at Armageddon. Orton would have won the Royal Rumble and not Rey, then we would have seen either Randy Orton vs. Batista or a triple threat with Eddie included as well. The end result would have been Orton would be World Champion at Wrestlemania 22. What happened after Wrestlemania is anyone's guess. Thanks for writing, it is always appreciated.


Manu Bumb Has some feedback for us as well.

"Sean: The main event was terrific, I really enjoyed EDGE and Lita's involvement with each other, as Lita kept trying to get a DQ for EDGE, but EDGE kept telling Lita to put the weapons down."

How exactly is that terrific? If anything, that bugged the crap out of me. I hate it when the WWE tries to tell me that their wrestlers are stupid. You want me to believe that lita FORGOT that edge could lose the title on a dq? It seems like that would be a fairly important detail, and odds are, she would remember it. If she was just another airhead (candice), then I'd believe it, but lita's never been depicted as that. a slut? sure. airhead? not so much.

And dont get me started on guys who win a title match by dq, then get all upset when the announcer mentions a title can only change hands on pinfall or submission. the ONLY people who should be surprised by that rule are people who are watching wrestling for the FIRST TIME in their lives. That's it.

I also like how you compare hogan to flair, saying hogan should put over younger talent like flair does, right before you move on to discussing the match where flair beats foley ;-) I get what you're saying, just thought the timing was funny.

"Sean: I think the fans will always be partial to Hogan no matter what"

As long as he's a special attraction, I agree. If he came out every week, eventually the fans would tire of him. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Manu


Sean: First I'd like to thank you for writing to us. I don't think WWE was trying to tell us that Lita is a stupid airhead. I think what they were trying to prove is that Lita was so used to helping out EDGE in his matches. That it was a no brainer for her to try to hand EDGE things to win by DQ. Also if you think about it, if she hit EDGE, EDGE would win by DQ and get the title. So it was funny to me how they tried to add a little comedy into the match there. Overall there was some good wrestling mixed with the Lita comedy. I just wanted to point out I liked the interaction. If you don't like it, it is your opinion. As for Hogan, yeah he's the biggest name in wrestling, as long as, he keeps appearing on shows every now and then. We can expect these big cheers from the fans.



Well we are done for this week. Now we would really like your feedback people. We love feedback, even if Sean is the only one answering, we love it. We want to know what everyone thinks of our column and we would like your ideas on which topics you want us to discuss. Like the Nike commercial, JUST DO IT! Thanks for reading this edition of the column. That's right people, I'm Venezuelan live with it, Sean Garmer is out. Thanks to Dan for helping us out and hope everyone has a good week. Once again thanks for reading and until next time stay cool Triple Threaters.


If you want to send us your thoughts or comments send them to [e-mail]