The Triple Threat 12.24.06: The 31st Edition
Posted by Sean, David, Alex on 12.24.2006
We are back once again with the team intact. We talk about Armageddon, Three hour RAW, ECW has a farm league, Tag Team wrestling and more. You don't want to miss this edition of the column, it's awesome.
Hello everyone, merry Christmas Eve to you all, and we hope everyone out there has Happy Holidays around the world. I got my gift (XBOX 360) early, but I'm sure all of you are waiting till tonight or early tomorrow morning to open all those gifts under the tree. Well anyway, we do have some wrestling to talk about on this week's column. What did we think about Armageddon? Would ECW work as a farm brand? And more. Take a break from your hectic Sunday Afternoon and come join us at the Triple Threat.
Topic #1 WWE's Armageddon was last weekend. What did you think of the show?
David: I didn't get to see Armageddon but from what I heard it was a pretty decent PPV. I know Sean has seen it so I'll let you get his thoughts on the PPV. But I will say the main event with Batista and Cena vs. King Booker and Finlay was not something I thought was main event quality.
Alex: Well I only saw some of this PPV, but from what I saw this PPV was solid, most likely to make up for the utter crap known December To Dismember. I'll just give a few quick thoughts: MVP looked funny on fire, I was a little disappointed that Taker didn't put Kennedy over even after taking that sick bump off the stage, the "dream tag match" was just plain bad, and major
props to the E for that ladder match. This match had a certain element that took it from being just a spot fest to a great match. I really enjoyed the story told by Regal and Taylor, where they could have had the match won, but were too afraid to climb. I'm not a big fan of the Hardyz, but they can always deliver the big bumps. Finally, good God Joey Mercury that was a very scary moment. Watching it on the replay was sick and made me
cringe. The best description I read was that "Mercury went to 8 on the Muta scale in 2 seconds."
Sean: I was the only one out of us that saw the whole PPV. I also watched it with some people that are just casual fans so it was a great experience. The inferno match was pretty plain the coolest thing was the ending where MVP took that flame to his back. The kid may not be that great, but at least he's a trooper, luckily the guy only got out with first degree burns. The surprise of the evening was crazy, I couldn't believe I was getting to see a dream match happen before my eyes, MNM, Hardyz, and L & K in the same ring with a Ladder! The match was completely and utterly awesome. I can't really describe it, you need to see it for yourself. Mercury got busted open really bad when he put his face to close to the catapulting Ladder. No one should have to go through that, poor Mercury, luckily he's ok, and resting at home. Benoit vs. Chavo was better than their last PPV encounter, but Benoit winning kinda kills the feud for me, Chavo has looked good in matches, but he can't win the big one, and that hurts him. The Cruiserweight title match was damn good and I really enjoyed it, too bad the crowd turned on it a little. Kennedy vs. Taker was good, I was surprised that Kennedy took a Chokeslam and a Tombstone to the car that looked nasty. I don't know if this feud has done anything for Kennedy, but maybe it will help him later. The main event was pretty much run of the mill, and I didn't care for it. The PPV was decent and highlighted by one hell of a surprise Ladder match.
Topic #2 Surprisingly no titles changed hands at Armageddon. Do you feel that at least one of the titles should have a new owner right now?
David: I really didn't mind the titles not changing but I am kind of mad that Batista didn't defend his title. If he is supposed to be such a dominant champion then he should be defending his title every PPV. I am glad that London and Kendrick kept the title because that really puts them over as the dominant tag team in the WWE.
Alex: First off, I'm very happy that London & Kendrick kept the tag titles, this really
helped establish them as a tag team, more so than anything else the E has
done for them so far. Helms and that gold piece of ring attire he wears
have had some impressive "title defenses." I will say this, who ever ends
his title streak will be a pretty big deal, because they have been talking
quite a lot about how he is the "longest reigning champion" in SmackDown
history. As far as the US title, I don't really care about anything
involving the name of Eddie Guerrero.
Sean: The only title I kinda wanted to see change hands was the Cruiserweight Title. Jimmy Wang Yang has breathed new life into the division and it would have been nice to see a new champion along with that. Other than that, I think I agree with David as to, Batista should have defended the title at the PPV, at least a mini Finlay vs. Batista feud and then they could have had Booker turn on Finlay or something. It probably would have been better than the crap we got for a main event.
Topic #3 RAW had their big three hour show on Monday. What did you think of that?
David: I actually liked this RAW and believe me, it has been a long ass time since I liked a RAW. I enjoyed the 30 man over the top rope battle royal because those matches are always interesting. I was kind of mad that Carlito got eliminated first but oh well. I also enjoyed the matches of Edge vs. Cena and the WGTT and Nitro vs. The Hardys. Both of those matches were great and the Edge and Cena match would have been awesome if there were no interferences. Cena actually pulled out some moves that he doesn't use very often. The last thing I really enjoyed was when Carlito came out to beat the shit out of Masters. He really showed intensity out there and I liked it. It sucked that he busted up his face like that but it made him even look angrier.
Alex: They did? I turned it on, K-Fed was on, I turned it off, so I can't really, say.
Sean: I didn't get to see this show, so I think David pretty much summed it up.
Topic #4 TNA has decided to run another Basebrawl angle this team including the World Series Champion MVP David Eckstein and AJ P against Dale Torborg & Lance Hoyt. Do you see any profit in this for TNA having outsiders have matches in the promotion?
David: I hate this stuff, it has nothing to do with wrestling.
Alex: Other than bringing in outside attention from the main stream media, I don't see any redeeming value. The fans are going to crap all over this angle, that is for certain, the damn Orlando marks are so predictable, actually I wouldn't be surprised if that did the 1,372,783rd "this is awesome" chant.
Sean: I thought TNA already tried to do this? I guess since it worked well the first time, they are going to do it again. Once again, they are using the World Series MVP to get them some press and that's fine. They got all over ESPN and CNN but I think they don't need to put those guys in a match. It really doesn't do anything for the buyrate. If you keep the match on television then it isn't a bad thing because I'm sure it could draw them a high rating. Lance Hoyt is not a bad choice for this either, the problem is I don't see what this does for him. I'd rather TNA not have to resort to this stuff, but if they must, it just shows desperation to me.
Fun Topic of the Week: Apparently Stone Cold's movie "The Condemned" is getting some nice things said about it. Do you plan on seeing the film when it comes out?
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: I actually do plan to see this movie because I think Stone Cold is a pretty decent actor, defiantly when he's acting like Stone Cold. I also think that this movie will do better just for the fact that Stone Cold is in it because he was a much bigger star then Cena and Kane will ever be. The rave reviews are also good for WWE to make their film division look better.
Alex: I don't want to say a bad word about Steve Austin, so I'll wait and see what I think about this one.
Sean: Yeah I'm probably going to see this too, I've always enjoyed Stone Cold in everything he's done. He did well as Jake Cage in Nash Bridges, and was even funny on VH1's Greatest Celebrity Feuds as the host. Stone Cold will draw more viewers to the screen and hopefully, WWE will do something other than making a generic movie. "The Marine" was not bad, I liked the good old fashioned action movie feel. Maybe with the good things from this movie, WWE Films could begin to prosper.
Topic #6 With lots of old ECW stars probably leaving the promotion soon. Would it be a good idea to use ECW as a farm league for RAW and SmackDown?
David: Why not make it into a farm brand. ECW seems to be going down hill. At first I really thought it was going strong but now that a lot of the originals are most likely going to leave and the departure of Paul Heyman from being apart of the brand it doesn't looks so appealing anymore. They really got two choices here: Turn it into a farm brand, or get rid of it all together.
Alex: I love the idea of having a WWE TV show that is treated like the "training grounds," but there is no need for the ECW name, it is just unnecessary, but like I said I think the idea of a "lower league" show for the E is a good idea. That way fans will be familiar with the wrestler when they move up to the "bigger shows" and will help them get over.
Sean: We totally agree for once on something. ECW's name has some drawing power left and since they use the same crowds as RAW and SmackDown it wouldn't be a bad idea. It would be a lot better than running the show on a treadmill until all the old stars leave, and then just throwing out crap until the contract with SCI-FI ends. The sad thing is that ECW is probably still outdrawing most of their regular shows. They have some young guys their already and if you introduce more the people will be accustomed to them. This is Vince's chance to try out anything and see what sticks. Seriously, I don't think it would hurt, I mean what's the worst that could happen, that we haven't already seen this year?
Topic #7 All this movement of tag teams to and fro between the brands has caused a debate. Should WWE keep the tag division the way it is? Or make one title to go across all three brands where any tag team can compete against the other?
David: It all depends. If they try to make a tag division on each show then keep two separate tag belts but if they are doing this, they don't need tag teams being on both shows. Making one tag belt is a pretty good idea because then we can have that tag divison now. Just listen to this tag division: London and Kendrick, Regal and Dave Taylor, the WGTT, The Hardys, MNM, Cryme Time, The Highlanders, and Cade and Murdoch. To me, that sounds like a damn good tag division. We will just have to see what happens with this.
Alex: Well, since they have about 3 teams per show, I would much rather they just make one tag division, or put all the tag teams on one show. THEN they would have a reason for tag team titles, but it wouldn't matter because the World's Greatest Tag Team would rule them all.
Sean: Seriously, why hasn't WWE done this already? They should take a hint from that Ladder match people still like tag team wrestling and the Hardy Boyz got a huge ovation on the show. Sure, this would basically kill the meaning of the brand extension, but it's not like WWE is really keeping the thing tied up. People have been freelancing to shows for at least three months now. A three show tag division with one title, would allow for fresh match-ups, it would draw ratings, and give WWE an easy spot on a PPV card. There is no reason why this shouldn't happen, there are so many positives to this, it's unreal. The tag division would be flat out terrific, athletes all around the place.
Match of the Week Nominees: WWE Championship: John Cena vs. EDGE (RAW). * They are winners by default *
A Little Extra from: Alex:
"-Friday night marked, what I believe, is the last match that the King's Of
Wrestling will wrestle together, at least for some time. They defeated the
Briscoe Brothers, when the debuting "Sweet & Sour" Larry Sweeny cost the
Briscoe's the match. I look forward to this DVD, because the KOW Vs. The
Briscoe's was always a dream match of mine. The KOW really left a legacy
this past year; they really shook things up on the indy circuit. It is a
shame that they have to spilt right when they were gaining serious momentum.
But it is my firm belief that one day we will see my hero and savior back
with the most money making man on a grand stage.
-By the time this column will be up, the Road Of Homicide will have come to
an end. This will be a very important night in ROH's history for one of two
reasons; Homicide will either win the title and end AmDrag's 15 month title
reign or leave the company that he helped build. Final Battle has created
ROH history before, in 2004 Austin Aries ended Samoa Joe's near 2 year reign
as World Champ, will history be made again? ROH will be changed forever
following Final Battle 2006"
Shout Out's to Our 411 Crew
Ari's Column of Honor Is the place to go for all of your ROH needs.
The 3R's "The Franchise" Larry Csonka and Geoff Eubanks and some others help out this week with two ECW's geez.
Larry Csonka also had a special 3R's on
Truth B Told Bayani Domingo has those Asian girls looking good. Where has all the technical wrestling gone? Who is left on the pure wrestling scene for each show? What makes up a new breed of technical wrestler? And he talks about other things in there as well. Check out the fantastic read from Bayani.
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 can never go wrong with a little Wrestling Fact or Fiction This week it's Randle and Larry Csonka going at it.
Because they come out the latest of all these columns they get first dibs from us. High/Low Road Sat & Uncle Trunx discuss the Last Ride Match from Armageddon between Mr. Kennedy & Undertaker.
Shining the Spotlight Michael Weyer gives his thoughts on what we should be thankful for in 2006.
Top Ten Julian Williams is here with his Top Ten Breakout stars of 2006.
There is something you should know about
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Now! It's time for Feedback
one piece of feedback comes from our loyal follower John Bryant Bateman
Okay time for my Dream match. it would be CM Punk vs Chris Sabin vs Johnny Nitro vs Gregory Helms vs Jack Evans in an Elimination Ultimate X match.
What do you guys think about this whole attempt to turn AJ Styles heel? let's face it, AJ is TNA's Rob Van Dam. the guy is so over people would cheer him if he was heel or not so it's damn near impossible to get him off of that honorable Face gimmick he has had. but as anyone who watched TNA when Vinnie Russo first showed up he was VR's golden bitch and was heel until VR left.
Who do you guys consider the best & worst seller currently wrestling? my personal choice would be Randy Orton for the best seller and.........
now with Lita & Trish gone is it pretty much the death knell for the women's division since with the exception of Mickie James and Victoria their's not a damn woman wrestler out of all of the divas?
Sean: Well this would be an interesting encounter to say the least. We know we would at least get some fun bumps from Jack Evans as he bounces around the whole ring. I say Nitro would win just because he's clever and would find a way to outsmart everyone. I think it comes down to Nitro vs. Punk and what would be a terrific match in itself. It could happen sooner than you think.
Now let's get to your questions. The only thing I see is it would help give some character to AJ and give him some time on the microphone. We all know AJ is talented in the ring, but he's pretty bland on the screen personality wise. Has Lafave done a Getting over on AJ as a heel? He probably should I bet Russo would cream all over it. Anyway, I don't mind it, but I think people around Russo are going to get to a point, where they take AJ off the mic, because he's bad. The feud with Rhino though has been nice and it's got me interested.
I would say Cena, Orton, Jack Evans, London those guys are damn good sellers. The worst I guess Khali, Umaga, and Boogeyman who no sell all the time.
I don't consider it a death nail for the division that Lita and Trish are gone. I mean, they had been their longer than any of the other divas, and even though Lita was involved in something else, you know all that "slut" and "ho" stuff had to be getting to her. If you read her book, you find out that Lita is very private and this expose with Matt (real or not,) probably started getting to her. Especially, the way she was sent out as opposed to Trish was ridiculous in my view. Getting back to the point, I think Mickie and Victoria (however many years she has left, because she's like almost 35.) Could be the new standard bearers of the division. While girls like Candice (who is slowly improving), Jillian Hall, and Krystal make up the rest of it. I think Maria and Ashley if they put time into wrestling could learn how to do it effectively. Torrie is probably on her way out as well. I think even though, it is a gloomy time for the division, it's certainly not dead, plus you can't forget young talent like Nikita and Beth Phoenix waiting in the wings too.
Our last piece of feedback comes from a welcome return from our #1 fan Jeremy Robertson Hey guys, nice column. It was a relief not being forced to read David's generic and unentertaining responses to the news of wrestling. (That better, make it into the column) Ok, all kidding aside you guys did a nice job. I've noticed a lack of reader mail lately and think that others need to kick it up a notch and put in their two cents. I read a quote from a "backstage source" that said something along the lines of Big Show having problems because he is lazy. He wants some "magical pill" that will make the weight fall off of him, etc. I'm interested to see what you guys think of that? Do you feel the quote is legitimate, or is it just someone venting some anger on the Big Show?
Sean: Jeremy, how I've missed you, that is the funniest thing we've gotten in months. Anyway, thanks for writing us, it's been a while man. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if it's true because Big Show is a large man and if you weighed 500 pounds, I bet you would get tired of it after a while. I don't know if Dexatrim works for him but that pill is supposed to work wonders. All kidding aside, Big Show is a great athlete for his size, and if someone is pissed at Big Show, I think he's able to take care of that himself.
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. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and see ya next week with our "end of the year" awards. Later Triple Threaters.
If you want to send us your thoughts or comments send them to triplethreatsda@hotmail.com
