Your News, My Views 11.07.06
Posted by Larry Csonka on 11.07.2006
Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.
Introduction…
Welcome to the weekly dose of news and views that you crave. I, as always am you host Larry Csonka and we have stuff to talk about. Yeah, that's about it, stuff. It has been a slow week kids as far as the news goes, but I will do my best to break down all the good stuff for you. I have a site update on a feature people have been waiting for, WWE signed some new people, Sting never watches TNA, Cornette impeached from ROH and some reader rant fun! I am going to get a case of beer, feel free to do the same and then we'll get started.
Things I want to talk about…
Did you realize that it is almost time for the 411 Wrestling Hall of Fame to induct the class of 2007? The voting is complete, the bios are being written and the first inductee will be revealed on January 8th!
If you read my blog here at 411, and why wouldn't you, you would know that I decided to have my last match on Saturday night. There is a big story there; back story, discussions with the wife, her happiness and unhappiness, why this is the last one, who I did it for, gimmick infringement, hard way cuts and more. Man, that's like an Observer teaser! I'll have a column up on that probably next week, but it was an interesting weekend.
Someone please offer me a good trade for this Benoit DVD.
Have you seen all of the drama on the 411 Forums? That is why I stay away from that shit. Also, apparently I was, "Cool back in the day" and am not cool because of "My Religion." Oh well.
So some people say I have been overly negative as of late. Some think I am over worked. Well kids, if you haven't noticed for the most part, Wrestling on TV has been sucking a big old dick the last few weeks. WWE, WWECW, Smackdown and TNA. All of it. There has been a little bit of good, but not a lot. Writing a lot when wrestling is "ok" or good is awesome, but writing a lot when wrestling is sucking takes a lot out of you. I refuse to be positive for the sake of being positive, I won't fake it. You get my feeling, my opinions in the raw. I don't whitewash my opinions for anyone, and if you don't like that tough shit.
I appreciate the people that didn't order Cyber Sunday thanking me for my live Play by Play. The thanks was because they didn't buy that piece of shit show. You guys are welcome! **Thumbs Up!**
Big Trouble in Little China is classic stuff. YAY Kim Cattrall!
Also, Point Break was on like three times this weekend, killer flick.
Finally, Spike will be showing Rocky I-IV this Sunday! Damn I love me some Rocky flicks.
96 and counting…the questions are being asked, but you'll have to wait… **Struts**
And now back to Gene Krupa's syncopated style…
Cyber Sunday Feedback!
Ok, I have received almost NO feedback on the Cyber Sunday PPV. I don't know if you guys decided to skip the show, or if it sucked so bad you don't feel like writing about it. But I need feedback, scored 1-10, best and worst match as well as any thoughts on the show sent to me. This is for the special PPV edition of the 3R's, which will probably be up Wednesday if all goes as planned.
CHECK THIS OUT…FREE DVD…
Kinda…I have ONE copy, UNOPENED left of the Chris Benoit: Hardknocks DVD. I am looking to unload it. I don't want to sell it, but am instead looking to make a trade! If you are interested, make me a trade offer through email! (Lthomascsonka@earthlink.net)
WWE signs Photo Shop to contract!
WWE did a little work on Roddy Piper, to make him look human. Let's look at this, first of all here is Piper during his match at the PPV:
Jesus, he's an albino! And here is Piper "after" the win:
Awesome. Discuss among yourselves.
WWE/ECW news, notes and happenings to the EXTREME:
Your News: WWE Smackdown scored a 2.8 broadcast rating with a 4.8 share last Friday. That is the shows best rating since the change to the CW Network.
My Views: Isn't it amazing that when the show starts to go downhill, the rating goes up. I am amazed as well.
Your News: Stephanie McMahon is set to return to the road in a backstage capacity this Sunday at WWE Cyber Sunday. She had taken time off due to her pregnancy and giving birth.
My Views: Some have asked if this is good or bad. Honestly, it can't go much more downhill as it is so I think it won't matter much. Now if she appears back on screen…
Your News: Robert "Egotistico Fantastico" Anthony and Keith "Mike Venom" Walker have both signed developmental deals with WWE and will report to Deep South Wrestling in January. The two are from the Mid-Western independent scene.
My Views: I have never seen either guy that I know of, so I can't drop a lot of insight on you. It seems as if they are trying to stack up their developmental rosters, which is good overall.
Your News: ROH, CZW and CHIKARA Tag Team Champion Claudio Castagnoli has been offered a WWE developmental deal. WWE was impressed with his tryout in Deep South Wrestling a few weeks back. Whether he accepts the offer remains to be seen.
My Views: That is good news for Claudio. Being offered a WWE deal is a big thing to most wrestlers, and it means that they see something in him. I don't know if they would use him to the best of his abilities though. Also, he is probably making more doing Indy's than he would make under developmental, so this will probably be a hard choice for him. In the end his happiness is what is important, and I would like to see him on free TV. Best of luck to Claudio.
Your News: The plan right now is to keep the combined Smackdown/ECW house shows going until at least WrestleMania time.
My Views: I guess that makes sense since most of the time they tape with Smackdown. I wouldn't mind "some" crossover if done well, since they seem to do it anyway. Hopefully it works out and they can strengthen the brand enough for them to get their own shows back down the line.
Your News: Johnny Nitro and Melina attended Kevin Federline's album release party in Los Angeles on Tuesday. WWE.com has photographers there as well. Many celebrities including Paris Hilton were at the party.
My Views: Amazingly enough, more people were there to see Nitro and Melina than K Fed.
Your News: While it was reported earlier in the week that JR was working without a contract, his website says that he does have a deal in place.
My Views: JR has signed a very short term extension. He has no desire to sign for a long-term deal, because he doesn't want to be locked in with the company, especially since they handled his last "firing" on air. I think losing JR would be bad for WWE, as no one hypes or calls the big matches like him. He is a true asset.
Your News: Sci-Fi Channel will be airing a one hour ECW special titled "The Best of ECW" on Tuesday, December 26th at 10PM ET instead of the usual ECW On Sci-Fi show. The reason is because WWE's talent will be on their Christmas break.
My Views: IS that like a best of Test DVD? I kid, but only slightly. I hope they show Dreamer and Funk vs. Edge and Foley from the ECW PPV on that show, because that would be a fun show even with the other stuff around that. They have enough for a one-hour best of show, easily, so I just hope they pick the right things to put on the show.
Your News: WWE has signed TJ Wilson to a deal.
My Views: I really like this signing. I thought Wilson would have no chance since he is smaller than they like, but he is a really good worker with great ring presence. Wilson brings a lot of experience as he has toured New Japan, and has worked a lot with Harry Smith in Stampede Wrestling, the former MLW promotion and Pinnacle Wrestling. They had a run as the "Stampede Bulldogs" when they teamed. Wilson is very close to the Hart family, and has worked the Stampede promotion since 1995. I also believe that he is dating Nattie Neidhart but am not positive, it is hard to remember all of that shit. Anyway, with them having Harry signed and now TJ, and rumors that they want to sign Nattie, maybe they should sign Teddy Hart as well. You slowly introduce them all of TV over the next months, but carefully keep them part. If WWE just has to have DX around and if they just have to keep bringing up the Montreal Screw job, then I say you have DX involved in a big match at Survivor Series next year with Harry Smith involved. They are going for the win, it looks as if they will decimate Harry and then TJ, Teddy and Nattie hit the ring. People know who they are since they have been around for months. They have been protected but not pushed very hard. They totally destroy DX and leave them laying. The next night on Raw they kick off the show, and proclaim themselves the Hart Foundation 2000, and bring out their leader, Jim The Anvil Neidhart. TREMENDOUS. Hell, it is better than anything they are currently booking.
And finally Sforcina makes my day as the Evolution Schematic looks at THE DANGEROUS ALLIANCE!!!
Conversations with JT~!
JT: You're gay now?
Larry: No, I'm not gay I'm just married.
JT: I think? I mean, that sounds gay- I just want you to know this is like the first conversation of like three conversations that leads to you being gay. Like... there's this and then in a year it's like, "Oh you know, I kinda wanna, ya know, get back out there but I think I like guys" and then there's the big, "Oh I'm I'm a g-gay guy now".
Larry: You're gay for saying that.
JT: I'm gay for saying that?
Larry: You know how I know you're gay?
JT: How? How do you know I'm gay?
Larry: Because you macramed yourself a pair of jean shorts.
JT: You know how I know you're gay? You just told me you're not sleeping with women any more.
Larry: You know how I know that you're gay?
JT: How? Cuz you're gay and you can tell who other gay people are.
Larry: No…You know how I know you're gay?
JT: How?
Larry: You like Coldplay.
…AND I'M BAAAAAAACK!…
TNA stories, scuttlebutt and rumors:
Your News: TNA wants A.J. Styles as the centerpiece of the X Division, which is why Chris Sabin's title victory at Bound for Glory was ignored on Impact last week. Russo is high on Styles and believes the move to prime time is a good time to reestablish Styles on top of that division.
My Views: I will be talking about this in the 3R's this Friday. I will say that there is good and bad in this whole situation.
Your News: There was a lot talk regarding Sting backstage at the Bound For Glory PPV, including some internal frustration on him. He showed up to the PPV in tremendous shape as he lost about 20 pounds. Also, he said that he was more ready for his match with Jarrett than any other match in his career. However, he was said to be completely lost during the initial stages of the match as he blew a few spots. Jarrett had to bail him out, and fortunately, the crowd was on Sting's side throughout the encounter.
My Views: Sting was in great shape, especially for his age. He looked motivated and ready for the match. I will agree that the beginning of the match was VERY rough and JJ did a great job keeping it together.
Your News: Sting forgot to bring his trademark white face paint with him to Bound for Glory, he accidentally packed 2-black paints. When he realized his mistake, TNA had people search through local stores, but they couldn't find any white face paint. Fortunately for Sting, a TNA official found an Insane Clown Posse fan in the stands with his face painted. They asked the fan if they could borrow his face paint, which he had in his car. So about one hour before Sting's big match, a fan went to his car to give TNA officials his white face paint.
My Views: Sweet god, how do you make a mistake like that for any match, let alone a HUGE PPV like this? They are just lucky that they found face paint for him I guess. Although black and red would have worked fie as well.
Your News: When Sting showed up for the PPV, he was completely unaware that Kurt Angle would be involved in the match as the special referee. He didn't complain about it, he just didn't know. Apparently, Sting doesn't watch Impact, although part of the blame can be attributed to TNA for the lack of communication. On the other hand, some say it was a lack professionalism on Sting's part to be so unaware of the industry and job that is paying him so much money.
My Views: Holy no communication Batman! How did he not know this? He even met with Angle before he debuted, you would have thought they would have brought this up at some point! Sting is at fault for not communicating and keeping up with the office but TNA management is also to blame, probably more for not making sure all the bases were covered. For every step they take forward, they certainly do take three steps back.
Your News: Here is what is on tap for the TNA 2-Hour Prime Time special, November 16th:
-A Samoa Joe match
-X Division Title match
-Kurt Angle vs. "Fight for your Right" Winner
-Tables Match: The Naturals vs. Team 3-D
-Barbed Wire Cage Match: Christian Cage vs. Rhino
My Views: Ok, let's run this down.
-Joe Match: = Good
-X-Title Match: So basically, it looks as if AJ won't be winning the tournament. AJ vs. Senshi would be cool, Sabin breaks it up and Daniels makes the save. Things get pissy and we end up with a 4-way match on the PPV.
-The Angle thing, STUPID. First of all, why the hell are you blowing Angle's in ring debut ON FREE TV! I know they are trying to get viewers, but I do not like this at all and will have more on it in the 3R's this week. Also, you can't have Angle beat the #1 contender, and you can't have Angle lose, so you have already told people that there will not be a winner to that match. BRILLIANT.
-Team 3D vs. The Naturals is fine in theory. The match could have been on the shoe early, some craziness happens and then they announce the tables match for the PPV. I hate that they leap to a stipulation match, especially when the feud just is starting. Should be a fun match though, just not the most logical of bookings. The Naturals need to go over here.
-Cage vs. Rhino has been broiling and this seems to be a big payoff. While I get the theory behind it, I would have expected this for the PPV and not the TV special. I could have seen Cage and (Winner of the FFYRT) vs. Rhino and Sting, to move both along yet NOT give too much away.
-I appreciate that they want to go for a "PPV" feel for the show, and it very well could work and get them some new viewers. But I just question the booking, since there really wasn't much thought in that process.
Everything else that needs covering…
Your News: Legendary luchador Huracan Ramirez passed away this morning at the age of 80. Ramirez created the popular Huracarrana move that is used so often now in wrestling. His in-ring career lasted for 36 years.
My Views: And another legend passes away. Every overactive Indy guy should thank this man for the move that they use like a headlock.
Your News: ROH Commissioner Jim Cornette has been impeached. Cornette and ROH have now parted ways. There are no plans to name a new commissioner. One of the things that originally made ROH different was the fact that there weren't any authority figures dominating the mic time. ROH will go back to that principal. The reign of ROH Commissioner Jim Cornette officially ended on November 4th in Philadelphia. Cornette has been descending into madness since July 15th when he whipped Homicide after Cage Of Death. The Commissioner hit rock bottom and went completely insane on 11/4 leading to the fans dismissing him. Here is a quick timeline of what led to Cornette's departure from ROH:
-Although this was not made public, there were concerns in the ROH offices after the 10/28 show about Cornette as ROH Commissioner. Cornette had been making some questionable rulings and was no longer impartial.
-Homicide brings Konnan to ROH on 11/4. This is significant because Konnan knows how to play the political game and now Homicide had a political ally in his corner.
-During the course of the 11/4 event, Cornette's descent into madness hits rock bottom. He goes completely insane. He makes ridiculous rules for the Fight Without Honor pitting Homicide vs. Steve Corino that completely go against everything ROH was built on. He then even goes so far as to cancel the main event. Cornette has become the evil heel commissioner that he promised never to be.
-Behind the scenes, Konnan goes to the ROH owner and matchmaker to discuss Cornette's insanity.
-Cornette shows his complete insanity and says to the live crowd that the main event of Homicide vs. Corino is canceled and that Homicide is out of ROH. Cornette then backs himself into a corner and says that it is either him or Homicide in ROH. Konnan comes out with the support of ROH's owner and matchmaker and asks the fans if they want Homicide or Cornette. The fans side with Homicide and Cornette is escorted out of the building by security.
-Jim Cornette's time as ROH Commissioner provided many memorable promos and moments. Cornette was instrumental in leading the ROH troops against CZW. However, once he turned his attention to Homicide, Cornette slowly went insane and it reached a climax on 11/4 in Philadelphia. Cornette is now out of ROH and has no return dates scheduled. The ROH/Cornette relationship has suffered an ugly break up.
My Views: Sounds like a cool deal here. Some people seemed to not like it, but with Cornette having to take the time off due to his health. The use of Konnan seemed to go off well too, and aided this angle. Also, Homicide had a hot match with Corino to further his quest. I may pick up the DVD to check it out, and the Homicide vs. Corino match.
Your News: Yesterday was the one-year anniversary of the Shimmer promotion.
My Views: Congrats to the Shimmer promotion. The fact that they have been able to last the year, even if on a limited schedule is a great thing. I have heard good things from their shows and DVD's, and what I have seen via other venues I have enjoyed. If you really want to see some good women's wrestling, you should check out their DVD's. Support wrestling kids.
Today in Wrestling History:
1965 - Mad Dog Vachon defeated the Crusher for the AWA Heavyweight Title
1979 - Harley Race defeats Giant Baba in Amagasaki, Japan
Births and Deaths
1964 - Born - Billy Gunn
1975 - Born - Rory Fox
1976 - Born - Jay Jalliet
Reader Email Time:
From Andrew aka DivasRGr8 on Rebecca from ECW -
I know we have discussed Rebecca being a Seinfeld-esque "two face" before and last night while watching ECW and seeing two backstage interviews with her I realized what the problem is; she only looks good if she's not looking straight ahead. If you look at her ECW page http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/extremists/rebecca/photos/ you can see that she looks pretty hot in these pics because she is being photographed at an angle. How about that? Well, that's all I've got. Have a good one!
Good call on the Seinfeld reference. That is about the most perfect explanation I have seen. Good work as always.
From Rogelio on Big Show -
You know it is a shame that Show might have to retire due to bad knees. However I disagree with you how they pushed him to the limit. I think he did a great job building the ECW title up to the point where it is an important title in the eyes of many. Yes he was taking a lot of crazy bumps for a man his size but I think it was important as the brand needed some exposure to bring in old and new viewers into the mix. Hopefully, he can rest up and get one more payoff at WrestleMania next year.
"However I disagree with you how they pushed him to the limit." Did you see Cyber Sunday? He was labored as he walked to the ring, and was taken out of the match for 8-10 minutes because he is so bad off. Sure he did stuff for the brand, fine, but the fact is that he did push him to and past the limit. Having a 500lb guy working every week on TV, in semi-long matches with bad knees is idiotic. I am not defending his weight, but with his knees so bad, and him being so damn big cardio is virtually impossible for him. Add more wear and tear on the knees themselves and he is a mess.
From Pete Gas…MEAN STREET POSSE~! -
Just wanted to drop you a quick note about your columns over the last few weeks. It sucks that you're getting complaints from people about the hard work you do on 411, whether it be vehement disagreements with your opinion or issues about the lack of updates (which I find to be incredulous).
I just wanted to point out that there are those out here who appreciate all you guys do to provide the people with entertaining news reports and columns. So for what it's worth, I wanted to say thank you.
I also wanted to mention that I think the column could be better without all the foul language. I think you're smart enough that you can get your point across without such language. Whether it is in response to someone's comments that have angered you or an the context of discussing an angle you didn't like, it's my opinion that the use of that kind of language detracts from the quality of the column(s) and only serves to perhaps lower you to the level of those to whom you're responding. I hope you'll consider that next time something sets you off.
First of all, thanks for the kind words. Secondly, I am just being me man. I never "clean myself up" for anyone else, I am just me. But I will try to tone myself a bit and not use crazy profanity just because, I do tend to do that sometimes. Thanks for the email, rock on dude!
