The Triple Threat 12.10.06: The 30th Edition

Posted by Sean, David, Alex on 12.10.2006

Dang we are at 30 columns? I still can't believe that. Due to computer issues David couldn't make it, but Alex and I have you covered. We talk about that horrible ECW PPV, Lashley, X-Division, and we honor the Big Show's retirement. If you think that's all, you got another thing coming.

Hello everyone, as we prepare for another wrestling PPV weekend, we would like to remind you that Christmas is coming up and you should be saving some of your money in order to buy your family gifts. Family should come before wrestling, unless your lucky enough to have a family that all enjoys this art form, then of course, have fun. We have other things to get to today including: Paul Heyman's dismissal from ECW, that horrid PPV they had last Sunday, Big Show's retirement, and even some ROH. We are without David this week as he had some computer issues that prevented him from doing the column. Hey, this is still a good column and you should read it.


Topic #1 ECW's December to Dismember was last weekend. What did you think of the show?

Alex: Well I was excited about this one, but as it turns out, I'm happy I didn't watch this PPV which I have heard was "utter garbage." From reading the results alone, it looks like it turned out to be a horrible show. Davari winning with a roll-up? That's very original. The EEC sounded terrible, so much for building Punk up, apparently Vince was listening to his iPod when CM Punk came to the ring at Survivor Series. Bobby Lashley as champ? Give me a break. Apparently, the only good match on the card was MNM Vs. The Hardyz, wow that makes sense, highlight two teams that have nothing to do with ECW, genius booking. This PPV was the final nail in the coffin of "ECW." I guess I just can't get out of the past.

Sean: I don't think I really should waste people's time with this. The PPV was in fact a one match affair and it ended up being the first match on the card, not the main event, that really shows how far ECW has come. The chamber had high expectations and then it didn't even go 30 minutes what kind of crap is that? Also why was CM Punk eliminated first? He is supposed to be the future of your new brand, and you toss him out first in favor of one guy in RVD that can't wait to get out. Then there is Test who I'll admit has been better since returning but everyone on God's green earth knows he's not winning the match, and Hardcore Holly he's a replacement, and it's pretty rare that a replacement gets close to victory. Punk could have easily been in the final four or last three, but oh well. Props to the Hardyz vs. MNM which was fantastic match and Lashley's victory, other than that, what a laugher of a PPV.


Topic #2 ECW did get a new World Champion coming out of the PPV in Bobby Lashley. What does he do for ECW and can he help keep it afloat?

Alex: Well winning that title makes this fool seem like a million bucks. While Big
Show may not be a great wrestler, he is still the Big Show, and let's face
it, he defended that strap against the biggest names in the E: Kane,
Batista, Ric Flair, Rob Van Dam, The UnderTaker, and so on. For Lashley
to destroy him, that is saying something. As far as Bobby goes as champ, I
can't understand how this guy got over, he has yet to do anything that I
find noteworthy, he has all these wrestling credentials...well USE THEM.
Finally, I don't think this effects the sinking ship that is ECW one way or
another.

Sean: All night I was hoping that Lashley would get the win during the Chamber match. That he did, and I was happy because it seems he's about the only new guy getting a big push around WWE these days. Let's face it, CM Punk wasn't going to win and everyone else in the match was either over it or on the way out. Bobby Lashley has improved in the ring throughout the year and Alex the reason he doesn't use those amateur credentials is because they won't let him, and also he hasn't really faced anyone in the ring lately that he needs to use those amateur skills against. Lashley may not have the big time charisma to match his wrestling prowess, but he could be what Brock Lesnar never was, a big time player that stayed around for a long time. I think Lashley could help make Vince see the light to his young talent, not to mention, this could help Lashley in the future.


Topic #3 More news on the ECW front, Paul Heyman was dismissed as the head of ECW this week by Vince McMahon. What do you think about the situation? And does this mean ECW is dead? Could there be any wrestlers that leave the promotion soon?

Alex: It is sad on one hand, but a blessing on another. The genius booker is no more, but at least he doesn't have to watch his brain child be desecrated anymore. To quote Tommy Dreamer "ECW is dead, I'm just starting to realize it." So yeah, it is dead, they might as well call the Tuesday night show
"Velocity." I do think many ECW talents are going to want out. Sabu, Dreamer, and Van Dam come to mind. As far as Heyman going to TNA is concerned, well we can cross that bridge when we come to it.

Sean: Well this sucks, the mastermind behind ECW is no longer commanding the reigns. I don't think that ECW is in the total gutter yet, but I think if RVD, Sabu, Big Show, and others either retire or leave then possibly. RVD and Sabu are pretty much just waiting to get their notices handed to them as it is. ECW has lost it's creative mind and I wouldn't be surprised to see ECW fold eventually if this run with Lashley as champ doesn't work. If Vince were smart he'd use ECW as a training ground for SmackDown or RAW, to see what characters he can get over. I don't think Paul Heyman will go to TNA because of Russo, but then again getting to be with terrific talent might entice him. It's just I don't see TNA giving Heyman a high position in the company if he were to go there.


Topic #4 ROH has a show coming up soon called Final Battle 2006. What do you think about the card?

Alex: One of ROH's most celebrated shows is just around to corner. This rivals Death Before Dishonor and Glory By Honor as Ring Of Honor's biggest show of the year, it is rich with historical moments in the companies short history. Three years ago New Japan invaded ROH, with The Great Muta headlining, two years ago Austin Aries ended Samoa Joe's near 2 year title reign and became the 4th Ring Of Honor champion, and last year NOAH sent over Marifuji and KENTA who both had tremendous matches against Bryan Danielson and Low Ki. This year should once again write history as the Road Of Homicide will culminate in his hometown of New York City. If Homicide does not win the ROH title, he said he will leave ROH. It is my firm belief that 'Cide is going to capture the title and end AmDrag's dominant reign. It is just unfortunate I won't be able to see it, wouldn't it be cool if ROH did live streaming videos on their website for like 10 bucks?

Sean: I think Alex said enough, but I would also like to see some live streaming video of ROH.


Fun Topic of the Week: In honor of the retiring of Big Show this week. What do you think was Big Show's greatest feud, accomplishment, and match in WWE?

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.


Alex: Show is one of the only "giants" I have ever found entertaining in the ring, it's been him, Taker, and Andre really. So since he is calling it quits, I think it is only fair to honor him. His best feud was probably with The Undertaker or Brock Lesnar in 2003. Accomplishment, I guess when he won the WCW title from Hulk Hogan in his FIRST match, or when he beat Triple H in '99 for the WWF title. I can't really pin down one match, but if I had to, I would say the triple threat between Show-Angle-Lesnar, it was an excellent match. I can't go without mentioning my favorite Big Show moments: when he swung Rey into the post when he was strapped to a gurney, that was freaking awesome. Of course, you can't forget when he and Brock destroyed the ring with a
ridiculous superplex.

Sean: I've always been a fan of Big Show and thought that he should have had a run with a WWE title like he did with the ECW title. His best feud was probably the triple threat feud where Paul Heyman kept changing his managerial services between Big Show, Brock Lesnar, and Kurt Angle. His greatest moment I guess would be winning the WWE title from Triple H during the McMahon-Hemsley era even though it was a short reign, it was his first World title in WWE. My favorite Big Show moments are probably when he dressed up as all those different characters including the Showster and Shownan the Barbarian. Then when Brock Lesnar and Big Show did the crazy Superplex, I still remember freaking out when I saw that for the first time.


Topic #6 Wrestling Society X is set to debut on January 30th on Tuesdays at 10:30 ET/9:30 CT going head to head with ECW, the show will have ten episodes that have all already been filmed. Do you think Wrestling Society X will be good? And could it eclipse ECW in the ratings?

Alex: Eh, not going to say much until I see it. And no, it won't beat ECW in the ratings...but WSX has Jack Evans and ECW doesn't.

Sean: I too am going to hold my judgment on the show until it airs, but I'm glad they finally have a debut date set. I won't say that WSX doesn't have a chance because MTV is behind this and they will find a way to make it appeal to everyone. I don't think they will be competing with WWE anytime soon but they could very well surpass TNA or ECW in ratings. As long as they put some emphasis on the wrestling and not too much on the music, they will be ok.



Topic #7 So apparently the X-Division wrestlers aren't happy with the way they are being booked. Do you agree with them? And is there a way to fix this?

Alex: Yeah they have a right to be mad, have you seen TNA the past few weeks? These X-Division three and four ways, while entertaining, rarely serve a purpose and often do nothing for the character, or lack of in the X-Division, that is why the trio of Nash-Shelly-Starr are a God send for TNA. Not only do they deliver the funniest sketches on TV right now, but they bring personality and character to the, at times, flavorless division. SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!

Sean: Ever since Russo has come in he has done nothing but slowly take out the X-Division by passing the title around like Mary Jane and limiting the time of the matches. How are you supposed to be different from WWE, if some of your best wrestlers on the entire show don't get to show what they got? Again another reason to call TNA, WWE lite with a better main event picture, not to mention, the two best wrestlers in the division are stuck doing silly skits with Kevin Nash because he has nothing else to do. Showcase these guys, seriously, it will help you more than you know.


Match of the Week Nominees: Shelton Benjamin vs. Super Crazy, DX & Hardy Boyz vs. MNM & EDGE & Orton (RAW), ECW Championship: Bobby Lashley vs. Big Show (ECW), Batista vs. Finlay, London & Kendrick vs. Regal & Taylor (SmackDown.)

Alex: Shelton Benjamin vs. Super Crazy

Sean: Batista vs. Finlay



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Now! It's time for Feedback

One piece of feedback comes from our loyal follower John Bryant Bateman

I finally came up with a match for you guys and thankfully it only repeats a little. you see what with that horrendous excuse of an Extreme Elimination Chamber. I decided to make my own EEC. okay the 6 entries are: Triple H, CM Punk, Shawn Michaels, AJ Styles, Samoa Joe & Christie "Da Fallen Barbie" Daniels. now hopefully this match won't fall flat faster than the Cowboys record when Drew Bledsoe was QB. oh yeah the other stipulation is that you 3 get to pick 1 weapon to go in the chamber aside from my choice which is the Sledgehammer.

Sean: Hey John, that extreme elimination chamber was bad, but at least this one looks a lot better. Damn this one looks ten times better actually. I would choose a chair, table, and a trash can. I think Christopher Daniels would probably be eliminated first after AJ betrayed him and hit the Styles Clash. HBK would take a quick advantage and take out AJ. After this Samoa Joe goes on a rampage taking out HBK. Triple H then sacrifices CM Punk to Joe. So we are left with Joe vs. HHH. After about ten minutes of brutality, Joe puts HHH in the choke and HHH taps out, putting over another wrestler in a big time match.

Our last piece of feedback comes from a welcome return from Tiffany

Hey guys, nice job on the article.
Just have a few questions.
Anyways, I wanna see what you guys think on what will happen to the Spirit Squad if they split up...they look they are going to split up soon, so any predictions on what will happen?
Oh yeah you probably mentioned this on a previous edition, but what do you think of the whole Kevin Federline thing going on and him challenging John Cena, ect.?
Since Bobby Lashley is our new ECW Champ, what do you guys think about that?

Sean: We already answered your question about Bobby Lashley in this column. So I'll get to the Spirit Squad one first. I think we can all tell what they are trying to do with Kenny. He's going to be the singles star of the group, he's pretty young, so that's going to be cool for him if he can get over. However, he could also get burned out quickly and the crowds will get tired of him even faster. Johnny and Mikey will probably become a tag team, or Johnny could become another singles star. Nicky and Mitch are too generic and probably will be sent back to OVW. Actually, I'm going to be in Miami for that show, but it's too late to look for tickets to that RAW, so I'm gonna have to watch the show from home. Personally, I think Kevin Federline is an idiot, but now without Britney, he's gonna need some money, and I wouldn't be surprised if he goes into wrestling anyway. This K-Fed thing might be a good thing for Johnny Nitro, so he can get into a big feud with Cena later. Besides that, I'd rather not see him on a wrestling show. Thanks for the feedback, your awesome.


Well that is all for this week folks. Thanks everyone for reading, we would sure like to know what you think about these topics, so you know send us some feedback. It's always good to have someone else to argue with besides these guys. We hope you enjoyed this edition of the column and we will see ya's laters. Later Triple Threaters.


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