Hidden Highlights 01.29.07: Issue #74
Posted by Prag-Thomlison on 01.29.2007
Shawn Michaels reveals his Passion, Test hits Lashley right where it counts, Kurt Angle takes a quick swipe at Samoa Joe, Joey Mercury protects his face, Hulk Hogan doesn’t know what direction to tear, and more!
Hidden Highlights
By JP Prag and James "JT" Thomlison
Issue #74
Intro
Hello everyone getting back into the groove of their own time zone, and welcome back to Hidden Highlights!!
There are very few positive things on the Internet. It's more about everyone's negative view of what everyone else is trying to do.
— Eric Bischoff, Controversy Creates Ca$h
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 (RAW, ECW of SciFi, iMPACT, 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 this, last, or any week in history. On top of all that, we explore the other issues that prove why this is the most positive article in the IWC.
We bring you Hidden Highlights with one goal in mind: to appreciate all those little things that make a huge difference. JT?
JT: Well it's good to have you back in the saddle, chief! Larry was starting to get that look in his eye that screamed "I'm taking over this HH shit". Settle down, LC.
JP: After seeing his commentary last week, I'm just not even going to bother with him right now. We have much too much to do, so on With the Hidden Highlights!
Hidden Highlights for WWE RAW: Monday, January 22, 2007 by JP
JP: The final march to the Royal Rumble got underway as I returned to watch RAW. Lucky for me, the RAW crew is always ready to recap what happened last week and tell me everything I missed. Normally, I just fast forward through all that nonsense since I watch the shows, but it is very helpful when you haven't seen anything in almost two weeks.
(3) Give me a signal or something:
I'm quite sure we and the readers have brought this one up before, but why not do it again? It has actually become quite prominent. This week, Jeff Hardy took on SmackDown's Joey Mercury in a special challenge match. Before, during, and after the match, Hardy made a combined hand-sign. With one hand he made the gun pointing symbol that he is known for, and with the other hand he made the V-1 sign of his brother Matt. Of course, this week's use of it had bigger meaning at the Hardyz are set to take on MNM at the Royal Rumble, so this time it was more of a warning than just showing off.
(2) Reborn:
The opening promo of the night has Shawn Michaels telling the world that he was ready to go at it alone. More than that, though, Michaels said that man he has been trying to suppress for years is coming back, that the HBK of old was about to make an appearance. But did you catch what he specifically said? Michaels said that man was coming back with a "reborn passion". Oh, HBK, you just can't resist throwing in a good old fashion Christian reference in, even when you are pretending to abandon the doctrine.
(1) That's how I kick it:
Late in the evening, the Divas tagged up as Candice Michelle and Mickey James took on Victoria and Melina. First, I hope you all noticed that Candice Michelle straightened her hair and looks to have had a little extra work done on her face while she had her nose fixed. Overall, she looks about five years younger, which would make her 23. What, you didn't realize that Candice Michelle was born in 1978?
Anyway, on to the real Hidden Highlight. During the match, Victoria did another one of those rising leg kicks to Mickey James that broke Candice Michelle's nose. Candice than ran in to the ring to tell the ref what has happened. But she didn't just tell him, she showed him with a high kick of her own! You have to give props to Candice for putting that extra emphasis on her explanation and doing something that truly stood out.
JT: I've also got to give some love to the makeup department. Randy Orton looked absolutely JACKED UP Monday night.
Hidden Highlights for ECW on SciFi: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 by JT
JT: Sandman, Sabu, Kevin Thorn, Tommy Dreamer, and Rob Van Dam compete in an over the top rope challenge, Marcus Cor Van "pounces" another opponent, Holly is pissed at Test, Kelly Kelly treats us to an "Extreme Expose", CM Punk sends Elijah Burke packing, and Test and Lashley get it on! ……five days before they'll get it on… ?
(3) That's using your head …chest?:
In the main event, Test had managed to distract the referee with uncovering one of the turnbuckles, and in turn went to the opposite corner and undid the pad from that one. Once he got the opportunity, Test threw Lashley's sternum/chest into the exposed turnbuckle. SMART. Typically it's the head that bares the brunt of such a thing, but you know what, you don't use your head to kick out, and Test knows that Lashley is a beast, likely not to be knocked out cold by one shot to the head. Of the two options (head/chest), he had a better shot with the chest. By knocking the wind out of him, he wouldn't have the air to help with the kick out. That's just one big man knowing another.
(2) Ring the bell, fool!:
After he came out and told us all about himself, Marcus Cor Van hit Wes Adams with the mic RIGHT IN FRONT of the ref. So why no DQ on the foreign object tip? Because as you saw, the ref took the mic from him, and then rang the bell. The ref couldn't DQ him because the match hadn't started yet! Yes, it's a technicality, but those are the rules and therefore it does not come off as cheesy or "WTF".
(1) Fly away:
During the "Over the top rope Challenge" consisting of Kevin Thorn, Tommy Dreamer, RVD, Sabu, and Sandman, you could see that Ariel was standing in the corner (top right TV) watching Thorne getting beat up in the opposite corner (lower right TV). However, you could also see her in the background during other camera shots and she kept glancing quickly at RVD and Sabu who were fighting in the corner closest to her. Well, of course she was! It was an over the top rope challenge, and she was making sure that neither man was being thrown over the top (and essentially onto her). Considering that most of the time, Valet's/Escorts/Managers/Whatever are usually solely focused on their guy (or an opportunity to help him), I thought this was a nice gesture of ring awareness on her part to keep herself safe due to the type of match it was.
JP: Ok, so far Candice Michelle and Ariel have gotten the top Hidden Highlights. What will happen next?
Hidden Highlights for TNA iMPACT: Thursday, January 25, 2007 by JP JP: Back in the land of TNA, some mysteries were solved (what did Abyss do?) while others continued (who is Christian Cage's consultant?). Actually, I've been thinking about the last one, especially with a little help from our friends at Obsessed with Wresting. My thoughts are either Abbas Jadidi (the Iranian that Kurt defeated in the 1996 Olympics), Scott Steiner (though they don't really have any history together, just good amateur records), Tazz (his contract doesn't run out until March, though, so it's a little too soon), Chris Jericho (but I'm not sure he is ready to come back), or Dory Funk Jr. (the man who professionally trained Kurt). I really don't see it being Brock Lesner, that is way too obvious a choice for a Russo swerve. My bets are on Dory Funk Jr. just because Russo loves obscure history and when mentors turn on pupils.
(3) I'm watching here:
During the main event of the night, Christian Cage took on Christopher Daniels in a nice non-title affair. About halfway into the match-up, Samoa Joe came down to take a seat and watch what was happening. After a quick commercial break, Jeremy Borash came out to interview Joe and find out why he was out there. But did you catch what JB did during the entire interview? He kept looking up at the match going on in the ring. At the end of the day, JB is still a fan and wants to watch the action, not just stand there and interview someone, and I thought this was a great little nod from him that the action in the ring was more important than what was going on in front of him.
(2) Another little nod:
Way earlier in the evening, Samoa Joe was about again to confront Kurt Angle who was on a tirade about Joe possibly being Christian Cage's consultant. The two went face to face, and it seemed like they were about to just jabber each other's heads off. But when Joe got too close to Angle, Angle took a shot at giving Joe a little headbutt as a reminder to keep his distance. I like that Kurt would take a shot at Joe because it shows his paranoia as well as his competitiveness. Not taking a chance with Joe is completely in line with Angle's new insane (kayfabe) personality.
(1) We're watching, too:
Shortly thereafter, Sting revealed Abyss' secret which incurred the monster's wrath (hey Tenay, Sting even said that he was going to sacrifice his body for Abyss' soul, pay attention). As the two fought to the back, the cameras lost sight of the brawl. We then heard Tenay and West scream to get cameras back there to follow the action. At the same time, the cameras came over to them, apparently unaware. How unaware? The two never looked up from their monitors, they were just watching it to continue to follow the action. I thought this made great sense as they would be watching the television screens to see what was happening since it was out of their range of vision. I rather liked that they did not look up to talk to the camera as we often see announcers do, but to continue to try to follow everything that was happening, and not miss a single second of what was going down.
JT: I don't know what's funnier. The fact that you guessed against Steiner being Cage's consultant, or the fact that when describing Kurt Angle's insane personality, you actually used the word kayfabe. I think it's cute you're giving him the benefit of the doubt, though.
Hidden Highlights for WWE SmackDown!: Friday, January 26, 2007 by JT
JT: Batista puts Gregory Helms in his place, Benoit makes the Miz tap out, Deuce and Domino put the beat down on some silly jobber fools eyeballing their girl/sister, Finlay and Booker fight to a draw, MNM gets a victory over the tag champs (and company), Kennedy avoids a boot from Taker, Kane and MVP also go to a draw, as does the last match because Undertaker showed out of nowhere and cleaned house!
(3) Is my face okay?:
And it's officially time for another HH which I every so often deem the "Short But Sweet HH"! After Joey Mercury got the pin on Kendrick, he popped up and the very first thing he did was check on the status of his mask! To me, this is a nice little sell of paranoia. Adam Birch the man knows damn well that mask is on just fine and isn't going anywhere. Joey Mercury the wrestler on the other hand is still super pissed about his face and doesn't want anything else to occur to it.
(2) Something in your teeth?:
When Deuce and Domino (with Cherry) were walking in the back, a …uh… grip maybe… doesn't matter. Someone came over and told them that their car was ready. As Domino was grilling the young man regarding his ride, you could see Deuce flick his toothpick at him. But when they came out minutes later, vua la! He had another toothpick in his mouth, which he then flicked at his opponent the first time he got him to the mat. Just goes to show you that a prop – even one as small as a toothpick – can do wonders to add to an overall character. Deuce was able to show that off twice this week. I'd give props to the prop department, but… toothpicks? Something tells me Deuce has that covered on his own.
(1) WHY DOES HE ALWAYS DO THIS TO ME!?:
As Batista made his way into the ring and confronted Kennedy, the lights when out and we all knew what was coming. We ALL knew what was coming, including Mr. Kennedy. Anyone notice his face when the lights came up? Yup. He knew. Eyes were closed and lips were clenched. He had the complete look of despair on his face like "Dammit, he's RIGHT behind me and I know it". For one I think this awesome because often times people play the "I still don't know he's behind me" role, but Kennedy knew. He's been around Taker long enough to know that when the lights go completely out for ten seconds, he will be there. But that isn't the only reason I like this. I like it because it made perfect sense that because Kennedy knew he was behind it, it isn't unrealistic that he could immediately get out of the way, thus setting up the big boot to Batista. One face gesture that said it all, and gave reasoning for his gazelle like quickness. The little things, people, the little things.
JP: You know, now you've got me wondering if Scott Hall ever paid for his toothpicks.
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: I am so sorry to have left you completely in JT's hands for the past two weeks. No worries, because I am not back. So, *GENERAL WARNING*:: some parts of the following Reader Write-in Hidden Highlights may be edited for grammar, spelling, and English translation…
We'll start with Nick Calcaterra who took us back to an episode of iMPACT I missed:
On Impact 1/18, when Steve Borden was throwing Jim Mitchell around at the beginning of the show, he threw him through a table. The HH is that the table had AMW on it; I'm pretty sure it was from when AMW was feuding with the Dudleys (aka Team 3D).
Just wanted to mention it...totally out of place, but a funny HH nonetheless.
JP: That is pretty funny that that table was still sitting around! I suppose Team 3D never did get a chance to use it on AMW. That's pretty funny actually. And hey, whatever happened to the red emergency phone? Speaking of TNA relations, Jarkota had one that trended many levels:
When Vince and Coach were in the backstage area after the Super Crazy/Chris Masters match, Coach was trying to apologize for an earlier comment about Donald Trump having more money than Vince. He said something about Trump stating various points where McMahon was supposedly close to bankruptcy and then proceeded to say, "You've never even been *close* to bankruptcy, sir! You've told me many times about all the money you have, about all the gold, all the medals......"
Now, everyone knows Vince holds a grudge, and it's no surprise that he took an opportunity here to insert a jab, however so slight, at Kurt Angle. And that's all I have to say about that.
JP: I have to say, it went right over my head, but you are right, yet another jab at Angle. Geez, could these people on both sides be handling this breakup any more childishly? Well, I guess they could leave flaming bags up poop on each others' porches. Don't get any ideas, fellas. Instead, listen to Cyrus Krapf-Altomare with more McMahon/Coach fun:
Just wanted to drop the highlight for RAW I noticed. When Mr. McMahon was leaving Coach to fend for himself, he left through a back door. Some workers standing around literally jumped out of his way as if they fear every moment could be their last with a job. Made me chuckle.
JP: Makes me chuckle, too. That's one of those shwork moments that makes you wonder who the real Mr. McMahon is. Maybe we should buy his DVD to find out?! Getting away from McMahon is Chris Tighe and an actual wrestling related Hidden Highlights:
On raw when Carlito was facing off with Kenny. I thought it was a nice touch when Kenny went for the backbody drop on Carlito. Carlito did the whole, you bend down I kick you in the chest but so many people just bend down. Not Kenny.
Kenny bent down to give him the backbody drop but also put his hands out reaching for Carlito's thighs to push him over. Usually you just see the guy bend down and take the kick. I thought it was a very nice touch.
JP: Nice touch indeed. Kenny has been showing a lot of promise in the ring (and everyone knows how I feel about Carlito). Could this be a future main even feud? Who knows in this crazy business! John Nelson instead decided he wanted to try to read into more of what HBK had to say:
Others may have sent you this already, but when I heard Shawn Michaels say that "no mortal man" would stop him in the Royal Rumble, I immediately thought of the Undertaker. Was that phrase "no mortal man" a hidden message that this may be the Undertaker's year to win the Rumble? May be!!!
JP: An interesting thought, but I think it was more along the lines of HBK's God referencing. Like I said above, even when he pretending to forsake God he is actually referencing God. Good times. Speaking of references, James Ramage figured out one of his own:
Did nobody hear JBL's shot at Johnny Ace on SD? When Cherry got out of the car and Cole commented on her roller skates, JBL said "Well if she had a skateboard, half a brain and no talent, she could be head of talent relations." A shot at Johnny Ace's old tag team The Dynamic Dudes and his idiocy when it comes to talent relations.
JP: I actually don't know if he was knocking Johnny Ace as the head of Talent Relations, but he was definitely taking a pot shot at him anyway. And quite a funny one it was, too! He's also being doing a lot of Terry Taylor references recently with talk about wrestling chickens. JBL has a surprising amount of wrestling knowledge that we are only now beginning to get a clear idea of. Continuing the references, Karl thinks he found one, too:
Having just gotten around to watching impact for 18 Jan 007, I noticed a potential hidden highlight by, of all people, Tomko.
Whilst our new NWA heavyweight champion was giving his promo about a consultant, Tomko was conspicuous by his absence, and when he came down during the Angle-AJ match, I noticed he'd dyed his beard.
Who do we know in professional wrestling that dyes the outer pieces of his goatee but has the middle black, just like Tomko's new style? The largest arms and shortest fuse in professional wrestling, that's who.
Please let this be a nice, subtle HH, oh, and how strange would "Mr Steiner" look in a sleeveless suit as a consultant?
JP: I thought about that too, which is why I think it is a swerve. Following my Russo logic, all clues are swerves, do don't follow any clue that will bring you a realistic conclusion. Dory Funk Jr. it is! Ok, Scarry Larry wants to go back to more things JBL has said in the past:
Is it too late to submit a Hidden Highlight for 01/19/2006's episode of Smackdown!? If it is not, then put me down for JBL's comment about a fat chicks wing at the Clinton Memorial Library. Maybe not a pure HH, but definitely a thinker's jab, and pure JBL gold to boot.
JP: It is never too late to go back (although I almost didn't take this one since you wrote it to JT exclusively… BOO!!!). I mean, come on, look at this one wrapping us up this week. It is Joe K. and a little classic action:
I was watching the Andre the Giant DVD the WWE put out (from a previous Coliseum Video release) and I noticed a bit of foreshadowing via the attire color. During the infamous tag match where Big John Studd and Ken Patera cut Andre's hair (or "raping his dignity, if you will), Studd was wearing black boots instead of his trademark red boots. Foreshadowing the most heelish act of his career? Perhaps a bit obvious, but yeah.
JP: Let's not forget that it was 25 years ago, so that could be considered much more subtle than today!
Well, that wraps up the kids this week. I know it is JT's week again next time, but try not to let that stop you from writing in.
JT: He was just writing to me exclusively because the readers had a strong feeling of abandonment because you felt the need to leave the country without asking if it was okay with them! Oh, and Small, you really should take what you can get. The truth is, when we use the term "riding Cook's coat tails", we're being nice. Don't push it, sir, do not push it.
Do you have a Hidden Highlight from this or any week in history that you would like to share? Please e-mail JP..erT…er…us at jpjthidden@yahoo.com with your thoughts! Send them by Saturday 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!
That Other Section
This week, JP has something for That Other Section.
JP: Don't worry, no Cook to ruin this party. It's none other than…
Hidden Highlights for Hogan Knows Best: Sunday, January 21, 2007
JP: After learning a little Spanish, Brooke felt ready to hit the road again with a show of her own. And then she got on the cover of FHM! Of course, FHM discontinued American operations shorty after her issue. Ouch, that has got to hurt!
(3) Tear it where?:
After doing a sound check, Hulk was quite proud of his daughter Brooke and felt she was ready for the next day. So much so that Hulk declared that Brooke was going to "tear it down!" Oh Hulk, I love when you mess up pop culture phrases, especially those from ten years ago. But what do I know? I'm just here, chilling in (bonus points if you know what movie that is from).
(2) Role Reversal:
Did you notice that there was a bit of role reversal in this week's episode? Brooke and Linda decided to do things without permission, and it was Nick who thought it would be best to ask Hulk and was trying to be the voice of reason. I like that no matter what, these people act as foils to each other and take on the roles that will put them on other ends of the spectrum.
(1) It's back:
Earlier in the show, I picked up something that was of great interest. During the sound check, Linda was drinking something. Oh yes, something indeed. What could it have been? Why… was it… was it… Sugar Free Red Bull?! YES IT WAS! Take that Cook, Red Bull lives forever in the world of Hogan Knows Best!
JT: I was laughing my ass off when they bought like 732 issues of the FHM in question and when asked why by Linda, Hogan was all "we were just so excited" with the super eye roll. He is such a dad and it is glorious.
Exit, stage left!
JT: Where is that consistent sound of bass coming from? Are you listening to music? …ah well, at least it's bearable. Enjoy the Super Bowl (don't drink and drive kids!), and have a great week my little Indonesian lillypads.
JP: No, I thought that bass was coming from you. Weird…
Thank you for joining us for THE 74th 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 for all the moments you see this and every week.
We'll catch you next time in the reader approved most positive article in all of the IWC, and most definitely the most positive article on Mondays: Hidden Highlights! Unt—
Wait, what are you doing here? Oh no! Oooooooh Nooooooooooooooo!!!
