Hidden Highlights 03.26.07: Issue #82
Posted by Prag-Thomlison on 03.26.2007
Chris Masters flexes his peck, Matt Striker keeps his distance, THE Austin Starr grips his hands together, The Game gets schooled, we present a WWE Hall of Fame mini-Roundtable, and more!
Hidden Highlights
By JP Prag and James "JT" Thomlison
Issue #82
Intro
Hello everyone who now has two homes after being homeless for seven months, 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: SIX….F'N….DAYS!!!!!!!! Man, I'm so pumped, I'm even distracted from all of the shitty off-season moves the Lions are making! Viva La WrestleMania!!!!!! Oh, and speaking of that, a lovely little note to the boss Ashish. Yes, I'll do your little post show live report; just remember, "careful what you wish for"!
JP: You have no intentions of attempting to maintain any sort of level of sobriety this weekend do you?
JT: Does that sound like me?
JP: Actually, that sounds exactly like you.
JT: …….I have nothing to say……..
JP: Neither do I. Let's get on with the Hidden Highlights!
Hidden Highlights for WWE RAW: Monday, March 19, 2007 by JP
JP: So, did Vince McMahon and the WWE give me a birthday RAW worthy of my personage? Well, I guess that depends on what you think of me. Also, there was a freak snowstorm for about a half hour during the show, so I missed everything between Melina coming out to Chris Benoit delivering a German Suplex to John Cena. Luckily, there was plenty to catch before then.
(3) Where are we again?:
I didn't notice this one until late in the broadcast (immediately after Cena let HBK off his shoulders), but it must have been visible many times throughout the night. There was an audience member with a green sign in about the eighth row. Looking at the sign under pause, I became positive the sign was written in Hebrew! Now, I've been to Israel fairly recently, so I think my Hebrew recognition skills are pretty good right now. I just thought it was odd to see this sign in Indiana of all places! I mean, how many of my fellow Jews could there be in Indiana? I'd say very, very few.
(2) Flexy flexy:
One of the biggest stories of the week (if you ignore all the other big stories) is that Bobby Lashley broke Chris Master's Masterlock in rather anti-climatic fashion. Ah well, at least this time it counts (that was a good Hidden Highlight when it didn't count). Anyway, when Lashley joined Masters in the ring, the two had a quick stare-down. It was at this moment that Chris Masters flexed JUST ONE of his pecks at Lashley. I thought this was a great little moment by Masters. He was sending the message to Lashley that though Lashley may be bigger, Masters is in better shape and has much more control over his muscles than his opponent does. It was very subtle and almost not caught by the camera, so I do have to give props to Chris Masters.
You read that right.
(1) Totally a mess:
A little later in the evening, Edge was forced to compete in a battle royal to re-win his Money in the Bank Ladder Match spot. People, even though Edge was not really in the match, he took a huge risk going into that ring while injured. Anything could have happened once he put himself in there. Management really should be ashamed of themselves for putting Edge at risk for no reason. And Edge, you should have known better than to accept the match. That said, I do have to give you kudos for a little detail. Obviously, as a character you didn't know the battle royal was coming up. So when Edge came out to the ring, his t-shirt was half tucked into his trunks and he looked completely disheveled. I was impressed that Edge took the time to add that extra detail to his in-ring appearance, and therefore have to applaud him instead of laud him for even being out there.
JT: Interestingly enough, our very first issue of Hidden Highlights gave Edge props for his wardrobe choices! Proof that over the last year and a half, he has been one of the most consistent performers on the roster. I expect good things out of him in the MITB match, and… ….did we give Masters props two weeks in a row!? Bet nobody saw THAT coming!
Hidden Highlights for ECW on SciFi: Tuesday, March 20, 2007 by JT
JT: Chris Masters is in a mood, MCV (ya like that?) and Thorn get a victory over RVD and Sabu, Mike Tolar gets introduced to Snitsky (or rather his boot), CM Punk gets unwanted help to defeat Hardcore Holly, Burke gets a quick victory over Tommy Dreamer (man the New Breeds were ON it!), Lashley runs through Masters in a matter of minutes, and Tha Sheik is going to the Hall! By the way JD, I swear I didn't see it on Monday either, so don't worry, your sobriety is not in question.
(3) Advertised Spoiling!:
So shortly after Lashley finally ended the Masterlock Challenge, it was announced on WWE.com that Masters would face Lashley on ECW the following night. So as it turned out, as both men made their way to the ring, they showed SEVERAL signs referencing the match. I originally thought nothing of it but then realized that promoting it beforehand is actually another way to make the show seem hot! Look, tens of thousands of people read WWE.com everyday, and if I were attending an event, I would read it the night before, too. Why? Because it might give me a kick ass sign idea based on what's going to happen. But it's simply another way that advertising helps the E in the long run. They don't want a bunch of CM Punk signs when Masters is coming out; they want a bunch of Lashley / Masters signs, and the way to do that is advertise early so that the super-marks in all of us have time to make signs, which in turn helps the E because now when they are running a match like this, there are a ton of signs which make it seem like this is a super important match. Is it? Probably not, but you wouldn't guess it from the signs. Calculated leaks of information at its finest!
(2) Stay away from me:
Well, it looks like we here at HH are apparently determined to get Matt Striker over. I yet AGAIN found him doing some great things in the background, even when off camera. During the Tommy Dreamer vs. Elijah Burke match, we started with Matt Striker being on the TV side, middle of the ring (outside), and Sandman over in the bottom right corner of the ring (outside). Now, initially I found this to be odd because usually the heels are bottom right and the faces top left (something we've noted in previous columns), but as it turns out it was not without reasoning. Sandman then began walking towards the top right corner. Now, he didn't turn it, but as he got there, Striker moved farther away towards the top left corner, almost as if he was scared of Sandman. As the match went on, Sandman again moved his way towards and eventually into the TV side, and Striker again moved to keep away from him. They made their moves back and forth, and when the match ended, Sandman was on the announce side of the ring, with Striker on the opposite side, right in position to greet Elijah Burke as he got the pin in the top left corner and then rolled immediately out of the ring. So with the entire crowd and the television audience watching the match, Striker made sure that not only did he sell his heel "cowardice" throughout the match but avoiding Sandman, he made sure that he ended up right near Burke so that the heels could make a very characteristic hasty retreat. It's the little things people, and Striker does them.
(1) Safety first, kids:
Right before Sabu took that VISCOUS Pounce from Marcus Cor Von, there were two split second things I saw immediately before taking the move. For once, Sabu began walking towards the middle of the ring and turned his chest ever so slightly in MCV's direction. Then, seeing this, Marcus Cor Von adjusted his course to ensure that he planted his body directly into the left side of Sabu's chest, which – while creating a SICK effect – is probably about the safest way to take a Pounce. It was just nice to see these guys in a matter of seconds be on the same page and execute the exchange as devastatingly looking and safe as it could be. Double kudos for a guy like Marcus Cor Von, who is always accused of not doing anything to improve his wrestling. It may only take one man to call a match, but it takes two to execute.
JP: I could almost hear the disgust in Joey Style's voice when he was forced to say "flying shoulder tackle combination" instead of "POOOOOUUUUUNNNNNCCCEEEE… PERIOD!" Just say it is the Cor Von Crush and call it a day.
Hidden Highlights for TNA iMPACT: Thursday, March 22, 2007 by JP
JP: Over on iMPACT, we had a star-filled show that saw Angle, Joe, Rhino, Styles, Cage, Sting, Abyss, and Steiner all in action. Plus there were some lower mid-card guys there, too! The real question is: how did Bob Backlund get multiple TV appearances and X-Division Champion Chris Sabin got none? I'm just saying we could use a little balance.
(3) Come closer… I won't bite… maybe:
Early in the broadcast, Sting (sans paint and wearing sunglasses) was backstage with Abyss (sans growling). With them was none other than everyone's favorite metro-sexual interviewer Jeremy Borash. Sting started talking, and then tried to bring JB in closer so he could capture the interaction between Sting and Abyss. JB, though, instead resisted String pushing him towards the center and even backed away a couple of steps. I absolutely love this bit of continuity! Of course Borash is afraid of Abyss, the man almost killed him twice! It's great that Borash continues to reject Abyss as a safe figure despite Sting's reassurances. It shows a real reaction that you would expect from someone who has been beaten up multiple times.
(2) No escape:
A little later in the evening, Eric Young took on X-Division sensation (yet terrible win-loss record) THE Austin Starr. After Robert Roode hit Young in the back of the head, Starr was able to hit a quick brainbuster on Young and score the pinfall victory. But did you see how Starr made the pin? He was not content to just cover and hook the leg of Young. Instead, he hooked the neck and leg and then grasped his hands together for a strong pin. I liked all that extra effort that Starr put into the pin. It made him look totally serious about the match and a serious competitor overall. Good job by Starr.
(1) Three for one:
As many of you know, I love when segments and storylines intertwine and just continue to shoot through each other. This means I also love when Hidden Highlights string together in great fashion. Our string of three began when James Storm and Jackie Moore were on their way down to the ring for a match between the former of the pair and Jerry Lynn. As Storm and Moore were talking to the ring, I caught Moore singing along to Storm's theme song. That was freaking hilarious and I thought I was done. Then, due to much shenanigans, things broke down until it was catfight between Moore and Gail Kim. As the four refs finally managed to pull the two apart, Kim was able to take one last shot at Moore with a kick to the head. I enjoyed that Gail never gave up even when the two were pulled apart. It showed her ferocity and determination.
Just when this all seemed over, we came back from commercial break and the two were still fighting in Jim Cornette's office. Not only did Moore his Gail with a tennis racket (which was fantastic in itself considering whose office they were in), but Gail threw a printer at Moore! Did you notice anything about the printer, though? That's right: it was not hooked up or plugged in and did not have any paper in it! Guess Cornette doesn't do much printing in his office, eh?
JT: You know, I cannot in good faith tell you that I have never considered throwing my printer in the office! So this may be the opportunity to live vicariously through Gail Kim!
Hidden Highlights for WWE SmackDown!: Friday, March 23, 2007 by JT
JT: Vince is in love with himself and dead set on destroying Lashley (who knew!), the tag champs one up MNM again (what's the score here? 324 – 218?), Yang helps his cause to get himself a Cruiserweight Championship match, MVP *barely* survives another encounter with an international champion, Lashley fends off Orton and Kennedy, Benoit is in a VISCOUS mood as he makes Gregory Helms tap, and Big Dave is back to return the favor to Undertaker as he throws King Booker into him! Oh, and lest I forget, the Wild Samoans are the newest inductees into the 2007 Hall Of Fame!
(3) I'll be setting that up, thank you:
During the handicap tables match between the team of Randy Orton and Ken Kennedy vs. Bobby Lashley, Kennedy brought a second table into the equation. He brought it into the ring and set it up for the finish, but when Lashley went on a mild tear, it was a little dislodged from its original setting. Ref didn't touch it. Orton didn't touch it. Lashley didn't touch it. But as Randy and Bobby were fighting in one of the corners, you could see Kennedy in the background making a few adjustments to it. Well, of course he would! He knew damn well he was the one that was going to be going through it, and wanted to make sure it was in a safe, proper position for the ending of the match. Hey, if I know I'm going through a table, I'd like to make sure it was set up properly as well!
(2) I'm sorry, were you saying something?:
As they did earlier in the week, they showed a preview for the upcoming movie from WWE films, "The Condemned". Now, I had noticed this the first time I saw it, but the connection didn't even click. The music chosen for the preview was a song featuring 50 Cent and Eminem, and who is in that camp? That's right, The Game, who has taken his usual beef with rappers into the wrestling world claiming Triple H and the E stole the name from him! Smack in the face anyone? How Vince like is it that he would not only refuse to change Triple H's nickname, but then uses The Game's former crew to help promote his product? Just a funny little touch I noticed.
**Editor's Note**: We are aware that 50 cent and The Game have an possibly ongoing / subposedly deaded feud and I should have noted as so. By using the word "crew" I was more referencing the affiliation through the record companies and even The Game's "Hate It or Love It". Because of their falling out, The Game's sophomore effort came out under Geffern when 50 publically booted him out of G-Unit, but it is still attached to Interscope records and therefore still affilliated in some way to Aftermath/G-Unit records who has Shady Records under them, which of course = Eminem who is the main artist on the song I am referring to. So: Geffern to Aftermath by way of Interscope. Sheesh, you guys are making me get technical, now!? Shame on you! I have worded it differently to reflect upon what I meant and also added this note so that there is no confusion.**End Editor's Note**
(1) Ah well, here I go:
When Chris Benoit was going at it with Gregory Helms, Helms found himself in a position where Benoit was behind him and had his arms wrapped around him, preparing to issue some German Suplexes. Helms then began to try and counter it by throwing his right elbow back into Benoit's face. Benoit took a couple of these, but then ducked the third. As he did, Helms right arms swung over him, but at the same time, Helms was putting his left arm around Benoit's neck! Fact is, him holding onto Benoit's head is a pivotal part of Benoit being able to execute the Northern Lights that came next! Takes two to Tango, as they say, and sometimes you tend to forget that the victim of a move has to make sure that his position is also well prepared. Helms – essentially – set himself up for the very move designed to do damage to him.
JP: I just want the audience to know that in the original version of this JT wrote the movie name as "The Departed" and I was not going to allow my hometown movie to be taken down to that level! It's an Oscar winner, for God's sake. On a side note, I watched the Hong Kong movie the Departed was based off of. Although it was more "stolen" than "based off of", I do have to give Scorsese credit for adding in much better killing, a more logical progression, and generally better locations. Go Sox!
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: Ah, back to a good sized batch this time. 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 off this week with Melissa who has already piqued my interest by having a Juno.com account. People still have those? Anyway:
First of all I'd like to say that Hidden Highlights is the only reason I have 411 on my favorites list, it's just that freakin' funny. Go You! (and one of these days I'll get around to making my "My shirt is a Hidden Highlight!" shirt) Anyway, this is my first time writing in…
JT: Big mistake on a JP week! You are a girl and you've complemented us. You have no idea what you've set yourself up for!
JP: Hey, will you shut up and let the lovely Melissa continue…
JT: See, it starts already…
Anyway, this is my first time writing in, and it wasn't all that hidden, but it sure brightened up my day, so during the 3/15 episode of TNA, during the @Lex Shelley/LAX vs. 3D match, towards the end of the match, right before Alex Shelley got slammed into the mat, he crossed himself as if to say, "Damn-it I know it's coming, and I know it's gonna hurt, but that doesn't mean I can't be prepared for it." Anyway, keep up the good work, you guys crack me up!
JP: Definitely a good catch. Sometimes it is a blast catching these guys breaking kayfabe, even just for a brief moment. And I'm glad this article has caught your eye as well.
JT: Oh god, just stop!!! We even have the return of Jay 2K Winger to get to. Keep it going.
JP: Fine, fine. Melissa, I'll see you at the end of the article. Jay?
It's been a while since I wrote in with something, but I noticed you left out something while singing the praises of Matt Striker.
You pointed out the fact that he fully supports Ariel's "bat hang" entrance routine, being that he and Kevin Thorn are both members of the New Breed. But there was something else during that entrance that I'm surprised you didn't mention.
Striker and Thorn's attire matched! They were both wearing clothing or wrestling attire that was silver, black, and red. Sadly, Marcus Cor Von was still wearing his gold tights and Elijah Burke was doing his own thing, but nevertheless, further signs of solidarity between Thorn and Striker with the matching colors.
Additionally, in response to the reader write-in with the comment on AJ Styles' lack of shaving. This has been covered in one of Meehan's old Wrestling Glossary entries: the Dark Side of Facial Hair.
"While unique and elaborate facial hair stylings have been a staple of the professional wrestling industry since long before the time of Haystacks Calhoun, it is also a well-known fact that the slightest alteration of a performer's facial hair will, in turn, have a dramatic effect on their overall demeanor. Should a wrestler find themselves "drifting closer to the dark side," they will assuredly find themselves exhibiting the beginnings of a Chris Benoit-like five-o-clock shadow. Likewise, should a heel wrestler find himself suddenly allied with the forces of good, you can bet that he's likely to lose said scraggly facial pubes in an attempt to further exhibit just how "good" he's become. (note: "The Dark Side of Facial Hair" phenomenon does NOT apply if said wrestlers were formerly HOMOSEXUAL heel characters. In this case, the addition of facial hair ‘and blue jeans' actually helps eliminate their heelishness and homosexual tendencies)."
That's all I have to say for this week. Keep up the good work!
JP: We missed a color coordination? We must be slipping! And quoting Meehan in this article? I'm not quite sure how I feel about that. Let me think about that while Michael Reid fills us in with:
During the Foley segment when he was in the ring with the Originals, Foley started the ECW chant. Well, about three chants in, the camera cuts to a very busty young woman chanting ECW. It stays on her for about three seconds, and you can see some guy in the background staring right at her! It was a pretty funny and cool moment at the same time. I'm not even sure if they were chanting...
JP: Bwa hahahahaha! I love catching audience members doing hilarious things on camera. If someone catches someone picking their nose, let me know ASAP! Regular Josh Lankton comes up with something a little less embarrassing:
Hey guys! Back again with a really interesting HH this week. I know you guys are always showing some love to the backstage, technical, and ring crew of the wrestling industry. Well, during the Umaga vs. Eugene match on RAW, I noticed near the 2/3 section of the match that a cameraman was squatted down at ringside trying to get a good shot. The Hidden Highlight was that he used his free hand to get a good strong grip of the ring apron to steady himself and keep the camera still while squatting. And that's when I realized that even though the cameras are shoulder mounted, they're probably still heavier than hell and hard to keep steady while trying to capture a wrestling match. So props to the camera crew for doing everything they can to keep a steady focus on the in-ring action. Thanks for the time and keep up the good work, guys!
JP: Seriously, those guys do not get enough love. They have the same road schedule as the wrestlers and not nearly the pay. Mad props for the production crew! Speaking of props, Vince McMahon had one of his own courtesy of R B:
Hey dudes! Tonight I saw continuity and it was wonderful. When Vince announced himself vs. Lashley he mentioned he changed over to ATT after last week saying he was going to switch to Cingular. Nice job to plug the company that provided mobile content two weeks in a row very subtly.
JP: Product placement… so sweet… business sense… tingling…
JT: That's not your business sense…
JP: GET OUT OF THIS SECTION! Go prepare something for "That Other Section" or something.
JT: Fine, I will!
JP: Good, because QuickNSpeedyE (I assume that refers to your love making prowess) has an interesting one:
I was watching the 3/16 edition of SD! and caught this HH. After the Undertaker was thrown out of the ring towards Batista, who was sitting at the announce position, the cameras cut to a tight shot of Big Dave's face to show his reaction. The HH here is that I noticed a few specks of gray in The Animal's sideburn. It's an interesting catch that reminded me that despite his impressive physique, Dave isn't exactly a young man and really shouldn't be the guy to end THE STREAK. If anyone should, it's got to be a younger star who could benefit in the long run. Who knows how much time the "Gray Animal" has left!
JP: Ah yes, Batista is an old dude comparatively. I do have to agree with you, Batista is too old to benefit from the Undertaker's steak. If anything, I'd like to see Randy Orton win Money in the Bank, have Undertaker go over Batista, Batista go nuts and beat down Taker with a chair, and then have Orton cash in MiTB at that second and win the title. That way, Orton can say, "I ended Edge's steak and Taker's steak on one night!" Plus then he has about 100 built in feuds for the title. I guess that means they'd have to believe in Orton, though, for this to work. Ah well. Jordan Goodman has some thoughts on a different veteran:
If you watch as Cena breaks the STFU and stands up, he says something quickly to Benoit. I wouldn't be surprised if he gave a nice "Thank You." After all Benoit did tap out in 6 minutes during the highest rated segment that any WWE programming produces each week.
JP: It would not surprise me, either. Cena has a ton of respect for the guys who came before him and takes the time to show it. Corey Van Slyke (who many be the Luxembourg Champion) moved us over to iMPACT with:
- As Mike Tenay pointed out during their entrances, and even in the prematch interview, Angle called his team "Machines", which is true, Kurts the "Wrestling Machine", Joes the "Samoan Submission Machine", and Rhinos the "War Machine"
- In regards to the Team 3D / LAX segment, I noticed two things
1) Team 3D didn't show the CURRENT WWE tag belts when they threw them out at LAX
2) Konnan called Homocide and Hernandez TNA Tag Team Champions (the switch from NWA to TNA begins)
JP: A very good batch, and thanks to Josh Lankton for noticing the first one as well. Just thought I'd give Corey the props as his other ones fit in well here. Besides, I also have first timer Chris McElroy to get to:
This is the first time I've sent in a highlight but I love reading your column. Anyway I have 2 highlights first comes from this latest edition of Raw.
1) After Melina beat Ashley down The Great Khali came down to deliver a chokeslam (why I do not know) but Lawler said to JR " I know I might get my ass kicked but I can't watch this" then he goes into the ring and takes the chokeslam instead of Ashley basically sacrificing himself. To me this seemed like a veiled knock at TNA where three announcers Hector Guerrero, Mike Tenay, and Jermey Borash stood there and watched So Cal Val get dominated by Abyss and do nothing even though Hector already took off his jacket like he was going to do something and just STOOD THERE.
2) Comes from Raw a couple of weeks ago when Edge refused to fight Edge because of MLK day not being celebrated. Edge came out then MNM came out after him. But if you notice it was only Johnny Nitro's Titantron that played not MNM's so the production crew was prepared for a Johnny Nitro match not just an MNM appearence. I noticed it when it happened and thought they just didn't care about Mercury but when Edge announced the match change it all made sense. This column is awesome keep it up guys.
JP: Good catches all around, I do have to say, especially for a first timer. I'm not so sure about what you read into for the announcers, but I'm glad you made the connection personally. Now back to the old with Todd Vote and yet another one from RAW:
A hidden highlight for sure was the look on HBK's face when Benoit tapped to the STFU? Seeing HBK change from smug confidence, to immediate desperation was just awesome, because as we all know Benoit made both members of DX tap out in back to back triple threat matches. I love how HBK sold the desperation by immediately getting in the ring and setting up the sweet chin music, but stopping short when Cena caught him.
JP: I did notice that too. Pretty blatant but effective. And wrapping us up this week is Nathan Hardie with a CLASSIC:
I was watching the 1990 Royal Rumble this morning and was watching the Rumble match itself. At one point its down to Hogan and the Ultimate Warrior. The only thing is that Bobby Heenen is still at ringside. His man was already eliminated but he had to stay and watch the main event!
JP: Always enjoyable to see Heenen at work. He was great out there. I miss seeing him on a regular basis.
That wraps us up this week kids. Good batch, all around!
JT: Did you just call one reader old and tell another they were not up to par in the sack, all in the same section? Remember folks, when you turn, turn on JP; I am but an innocent bystander, a victim like all of you (especially you Melissa, there is no stopping him).
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, JT has something for That Other Section.
JT: So I received our Hall Of Fame ceremony tickets last week and… well, first:
To the gentleman who sold us ours, thank you very much for being the one sane HOF ticket seller on eBay. It was very fairly priced, and we ended up actually paying a little less than originally planned. I feel very fortunate because had I have not caught your listing as soon as it went up, there's a great chance myself and JP would not have been attending.
Although as I told the group going, I really was looking forward to making fun of the hookers in the casino as I got drunk and lost a fat pile of cash.
Anywho, let me get back to the original point, and that is for myself and JP to kind of hold a little "Hall Of Fame" roundtable. Nothing too extensive or serious, just a few thoughts on each inductee as we head into WrestleMania weekend (FINALLY). With that, let's get to it!
2007 HALL OF FAME
"The American Dream": Dusty Rhodes
JT: The Dream is the epitome of a man of the people. He hardly had the look, but he was so great at doing so many other things. The man needed to do nothing more than open his mouth and an entire nation of wrestling fans were hooked. He could get in the ring and not be the most technical guy, but you were entertained and – more importantly – emotional invested. If Booker T is the most decorated champion in history (yes, he is, save the emails disputing it), I'd have to say based on Dusty's history, he has to be in the top 5. A lowly son of a blue collar working man from Austin, Texas, ended up with one of the greatest careers ever and spent over 40 years in this business. His knack for flare and the dramatic are legendary, and he is certainly worthy of induction.
JP: Most of my personal experience with Dusty was as a color commentator on WCW Saturday Night. To this day I still say, "He's goin' to the pay window!" Nothing compared with Dusty's skill on the mic. He even managed to take one of the worst gimmicks in history (wearing polka dots) and make it a success. He is proof that it is the performer who overcomes the gimmick, not the gimmick that defines the man.
"Mr. Perfect": Curt Hennig
JT: My love for Curt grew as my knowledge of wrestling did. He was in his prime when I was around the age of between 8 and 14. This was still slightly in my pre-kayfabe days. I knew it wasn't real, but I had no idea to what extent that reached. So all I knew was that I hated, HATED Curt Hennig. I hated that he always made sense when he talked. I hated that he was so good in the ring. I hated that he was so good at everything. I hated that he was so right in his cocky attitude. I hated everything about him. I eventually came to realize that the fact I hated him so much was exactly what he wanted because he was a heel. He was – almost – "perfect" at being a heel. As I learned more about the business, I finally woke up one day like "oh shit, he was like that on purpose, and DAMN is he good at it". R.I.P Curt, and again, you are certainly worthy of induction.
JP: I have a very special connection to Curt Henning as if it wasn't for him, I probably wouldn't be the smark I am today. You see, some friends and I saw a late showing of the movie "Face Off" and being pre-license, we had no ride home. Also being pre-cell phone, we had no way to call anyone. Instead, we walked down to the local hotel to find a pay phone and call for a ride. While waiting, we began chatting with the front desk clerk. Somehow, the conversation turned to wrestling and we found out that the clerk had a connection to the backstage of WCW. He told me that DDP's mystery partner was going to be Mr. Perfect (this was even before Raven started showing up in the front row). I didn't know how to take it, but I kept the information in my head until Curt Henning was revealed as DDP's mystery partner. Knowing this, I hungered for more backstage knowledge, and this fueled my interest in pro-wrestling news that continues to this day. Without Curt Henning, there would be no Hidden Highlights. That's the truth.
"The King": Jerry Lawler
JT: Well first and foremost, allow me to agree with all of my 411 colleagues. If Jerry Lawler wants Lance Russell to induct him, you let Lance Russell induct him. "Oh, nobody will know who he is!". You know what, it takes three sentences to start his speech; "I'm Lance Russell. I've covered Memphis wrestling and The King for infinity. I'm here to induct Jerry". ENOUGH F'N SAID. I would much rather listen to this guy tell stories about the last thirty years than some guy who they bring in because he is better known. No offense to Shats – Denny Crane rules – but just making it look nice for television really robs the fans in attendance. That being said, no comments are necessary for The King. He's The King. I wish he wanted it a bit more, but even if forced into it, I'm glad to see him inducted, as he's (like the rest) certainly worthy.
JP: Most modern wrestling fans think of Jerry Lawler as that pervy guy who sometimes fights. But they don't know about his bloody battles and, more importantly, his mainstream feud with Andy Kauffman. The best part about that feud? Those two NEVER broke kayfabe. It was so real that people were unsure if it was work or shoot until four years ago when Lawler admitted it was a work. Also, despite his outward personality, Lawler has a deeper emotional side, an appreciation of art (he's a painter), and a sappy romantic (hence all the marriages). Lawler has given a lot to this business and I hope this Hall of Fame induction is a chance to remember what he really meant and not just the past decade.
Nick Bockwinkel
JT: Have to be honest, not very familiar with Nick, and won't claim to be. That being said, what I have gathered from research is that he was one of the most charismatic men on the planet. He was apparently more than capable when it came to that department, and wasn't too bad in the ring either. He debuted in the 60's, made it all the way to the 90's (be it a gimmick match or not), and has over his career feuded with some of the biggest names in wrestling history (including inductees Curt Hennig and Jerry Lawler, and also including the *infamous* Hulk Hogan). Like everyone else, I find the induction worthy based on what I've researched of the man.
JP: What I find most important about Nick Bockwinkel being inducted is that he is AWA through and through. I'm glad the WWE is starting to embrace all pro-wresting history as their history (since they own most of it). Also, here is a legend that would be forgotten if not for this ceremony, so this is the chance for the old school to shine again.
Mr. Fuji
JT: Mr. Fuji to me was much like Curt Hennig in the sense that he was so good at making me hate him, and at the time I really had no idea why. Because of the heel status, I just flat out hated him because I was young and naïve to what was going on. In later years, I again had the "oh… he was doing that on purpose" epiphany and I have come to see that not only through his managerial time but also through his wrestling career is one of the all time greats. This naturally makes him induction worthy. Thankfully, we're far enough away from the stage that the salt won't be an issue! The funniest part here is that many of the "newer" wrestling fans might think he's Oriental in some way, when that is in fact so far from the truth despite his later gimmicks.
JP: What I never understood was why Mr. Fuji disappeared. It seemed like he had so much more to offer in front of the camera, but sadly that time has passed. Mr. Fuji set the example for the interfering manager, even more than Jimmy Hart. Fuji felt like he was managing his guys, not just coming out with them, an important distinction that is often lacking today.
The Original Sheik
JT: Here's what's great. I don't remember a single thing about him…
BUT!...
My Dad does. Trust me folks, that is saying something. My father is about the LAST person you would want to have a wrestling discussion or attend a wrestling event with. The guy could literally not give a single SHIT about wrestling. But that is now. Not then. If you ask him about wrestling as a youngster, he will hesitantly admit that he would get to see certain shows because of the fact he lived in Michigan. The first two names out of his mouth will be "The Sheik", and "Bobo Brazil". Add to the fact that Sheik played for U of M, AND was in the military (like my father), and he is instantly cemented as one of only probably five wrestlers my father can name (surprisingly Rey is one of them). Under the circumstances, this is really great to me. Knowing my father, anyone who is locked in his mind thirty years later means he must have been big. Now I may have seen the result of his efforts (Sabu, RVD, etc), but my complete non-wrestling fan father is the one who remembers him; that tells me he is definitely worthy of induction. He also passed on in a Detroit hospital, so it makes it even more fitting to be inducted here.
JP: The Sheik to me will always be about who came after him. Not only did he train RVD and Sabu, but also Scott Steiner, Raven, and Greg the Hammer Valentine. Many of my favorites were trained by or emulate the Sheik, and because of that I have the utmost respect for him. This is a great post-hubris induction into the Hall of Fame. I don't know who the plan on accepting for him, but I certainly hope it is Sabu and RVD. We shall see!
The Wild Samoans
JT: Probably the most influential Samoan wrestlers in history, at least when it comes to mainstream American wrestling. This family brought later generations of wrestling fans some of the most popular WWE Superstars ever. Rikishi? Umaga? Yokozuna? The Rock anyone!? Not only did their lineage produce great stars, but they have also been responsible for training many others, as the Wild Samoan Pro Wrestling Camp is well known. I don't remember much about them back then, but they have clearly been beyond instrumental in the furthering of the business. Worthy of induction? Absolutely.
JP: Because of the Wild Samoans, Vince McMahon is willing to give anyone of Samoan heritage a chance at the big stage today. Well, anyone except Sonny Siake. Oh well, guess he should put on a few hundred pounds!
Whoever They Announce on Monday
JT: No idea who this is or even if they will, but if they do, I'm sure we'll find the time to pop in here and give our thoughts, so if you're reading us on Monday, be sure to check back on Tuesday or Wednesday!
JP: No way, I didn't even have time to write the comments we did! Maybe JT will write something, but I'll save it for the live recap we have to do now!
Exit, stage left!
JT: Well, to be honest, I really have no idea how the column is going to go over the next week or if we'll even have a column next week! With running to and from the airport, getting people into hotels, attending the HOF, WM, and RAW, I'm just not sure we plan to try and pull it off! So, because of this, I will leave you with a "see you (possibly) next week" my little gumdrops!
JP: I think we can do it, totally possible! Meanwhile, be sure to look for the biggest "My Banner is a Hidden Highlight" banner ever at WRESTLEMANIA!!!!!!
Thank you for joining us for THE 82nd 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: Hidden Highlights! Until then!
