Your News, My Views 3.27.07
Posted by Larry Csonka on 03.27.2007
Don’t push me, cause I’m close to the edge.
Introduction…and Things I want to talk about~!
Welcome to the weekly dose of news and views that you crave. I, as always am you host Larry Csonka. How are we all doing today children? Good I hope. I had a long weekend, lots of work and all, and I am just tired. I plan on sleeping all day Friday though, until work at least. The wife is off to a conference and the kiddo will be off to C-Town so I will have Casa de Csonka all to myself, and THAT is a great thing. Well, let's talk on some random things and get to work!
411 on MySpace? Yeah baby, the rumors are true! Go and check it out @ www.myspace.com/411mania
So I got MAV TV and have a whole new slew of wrestling to watch and recap. This actually makes me happy.
I helped some friends move on Sunday. The good news is that I got to drink a lot of beers.
JT got himself a new dog. I hear that he also used his macramé skills to make him a sweater, while watching Will and Grace and drinking a "Squirt." To each their own.
To all the staff that got joke material out of me firing someone last week, you're welcome.
The wife and kid are going away Thursday for 2-weeks. Which means I have almost no responsibilities while they are gone, and that makes me happy.
I think it's cute that Randle uses "me" in his columns. You make a run of it little guy, one day, people will read you just for you.
Also, from the 3R's and I will say it here: For those that asked, What do I think the WrestleMania buy rate will be?It will top 1-million buys, with 710,000 domestic. Bookmark that shit kids.
ON NOTICE~!
And now back to Gene Krupa's syncopated style…
Today in Wrestling History:
1982 - Mr. Wrestling II defeated J.J. Dillon for the Florida State Heavyweight title
1988 - Event - Clash of the Champions I
1988 - Lex Luger & Barry Windham defeated Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard for the NWA World Tag Team title
1988 - Event - WrestleMania IV, Trump Plaza, Atlantic City, NJ
1988 - Demolition defeated Tito Santana & Rick Martel for the WWF Tag Team title
1988 - Randy Savage defeated Ted DiBiase in a tournament final for the WWF Heavyweight title
Births and Deaths:
1951 - Born - Jumbo Tsuruta
1967 - Born - Kenta Kobashi
1972 - Born - Charlie Haas
TNA stories, scuttlebutt and rumors:
Your News: Jeff Jarrett is expected to return to action either in the late Spring or early Summer. Jarrett took time off after the Bound for Glory PPV to attend to the business aspect of TNA, as well as personal issues with his wife's health. He has been at the TV tapings and PPVs.
My Views: You know besides the domination of the title and TV time, I seriously like JJ. The man gets way too much shit but the fact is that he has good matches and if some people would just let go of the blind hate, he is a fine guy to main event. Now when he comes back, I don't want him right into the main event picture though. Have him around the high mid-card, some main event stuff, but not dominating he title picture. Of course they'll want to run an Angle vs. JJ match, which is fine, get all you can, you know. Anyway, it will be nice to see good old JJ back!
Your News: TNA is now posting daily video news segments on www.TNAWrestling.com. They are hosted by Jeremy Borash and Don West and the pieces include exclusive interviews and merchandise promotions.
My Views: And while this is a great idea, they are once again missing the point of this, and that is to actually treat this as another show. Back when they tried out Global Impact, they had the right idea. While it was short, it was a 20-30 minute show with one match, some interviews and PPV hype. Considering they only get 42-44-minutes a week on Impact, this was a nice addition to the program. But, they either lost interest or decided to cut costs and they dropped it after a very limited run. Anyway, this is a "nice" little deal that they are doing, but in all reality it could and really should be a lot better.
Your News: On the TNA/NWA split, what is currently happening is that wrestlers from each NWA member company have been issuing challenges for the NWA title, including Bryan Danielson, Adam Pearce, and Brent Albright. The current plan is for there to be a tournament and crowning of a new NWA champion. During that time, TNA plans to simply re-brand their titles as TNA Titles, and get new belts made. As of right now, there are no plans for an on air angle to explain the drop of the NWA name, it will just be phased out.
My Views: If you read my recent NWA recap, Adam Pearce is currently the NWA Heritage Champion, which is their big title right now. When they have their tournament, I would expect to see Adam Pearce win that and enter into a feud with Bryan Danielson over it. Which should be fun stuff and I hope it ends up on the NWA TV I get now. As for TNA just rebranding the titles and moving on, that may be for the best. I fear what kind of bumble-fucked storyline they would come up with for this, it would be way too complicated.
Your News: TNA Impact did a 1.0 rating while going head-to-head with the ongoing NCAA March Madness tournament.
My Views: I usually don't do ratings, unless they are drastic changes, but I wanted to mention this for one reason. For the most part, TNA has one of the most loyal audiences around. No matter what is on TV (accept for WWE) the same number of people seem to always turn in. That's a great thing, it would be better if the number was bigger though.
Your News: Team 3D Academy of Professional Wrestling and Sports Entertainment to open in Kissimmee, FL.
That's right, the biggest name in modern day tag team wrestling, Team 3D, (formerly known as The Dudley Boys) are opening the doors to a state of the art professional wrestling and sports entertainment training academy.
Over the past 20 years, professional wrestling has evolved into a mainstream form of entertainment all across the world. We here at the Team 3D Academy believe it's time for a wrestling school to take the next step and do the same. The academy will not only prepare students to be accomplished in-ring performer's, it will also teach the skills needed to become a great speaker.
In addition, students will be assigned a personal trainer that will custom design a workout program that will ensure optimum physical condition, but most importantly get them into "ring shape." The Team 3D Academy will be located inside of the 15,000sq. ft. X-Cel Fitness Gym on Irlo Bronson Hwy. (route 192) in Kissimmee, FL.
The BEST part of the 1-year program, is that students will be personally trained by Brother Ray and Brother Devon. Students will also be trained by TNA Star Matt Bentley. THIS IS NOT AN EMPTY PROMISE. As the stars of tomorrow, you will be trained by the stars of today. Brother Ray and Brother Devon will be there from day 1 until the day you graduate; teaching and giving you all the tools to become the best professional wrestler/entertainer you could possibly be.
Our facilities are state of the art. You will train in a brand new wrestling ring. You will have access to our video library to watch and learn from past great performers. You will work on "character development" in our audio and video studio. Your personal trainer has a proven track record for helping athletes from many different sports reach their goals. You will also be given a 1 year unlimited membership to X-cel Fitness. All this and much more!!
So, for all of you who are "BOUND FOR GLORY" or ever dreamed of stealing the show at "WRESTLEMANIA," here is where your first step begins. Our academy is based on the 3D's....You DREAM it...we help you DEVELOP it...then you DELIVER it all here at the TEAM 3D Academy of Professional Wrestling and Sports Entertainment.
For more information contact us at: info@team3dacademy.com
There is an official myspace at: www.myspace.com/team3dacademy
And the official website (which is still under construction) is located at: www.team3dacademy.com
My Views:I know a lot of people are going to be set to bash this one, but I tell you, this is a good thing. Seriously, if you have a chance to go to wrestling school, do you go to Joe F. Indy's school? You know, the guy that worked one dark match and claims to have connections? Or do you go to a school ran by Team 3D or Lance Storm; guys that made it, were on TV for years and you know have legit contacts with WWE, TNA and in Lance's case ROH? It is a simple question to answer. Devon is the better wrestler, Ray is the better talker, Bentley is a good guy to teach bumps and bump around with the guys so I think this will be a fine place for people to go.
The PURO invasion is in full force as I have hired some new warriors! Go and read Short's Navigation Log~! And when you are done with that, read Adamson's Destiny~!
The Shimmy is currently going to writer's court for gimmick infringement.
IF these guys are so Hidden, how come I always find them~?
Stuart gets plugs because of the WrestleMania feature help, so go and read Friendly Competition~! And when you are done there, read That was Then~! Oh yeah, I also let him have a news report as well. Yup.
WWE/ECW news, notes and happenings to the EXTREME:
Your News: WWE has pulled Randy Orton from all his upcoming media appearances. No reason was given but WWE probably doesn't want him answering questions about the Sports Illustrated steroid story.
My Views: Now no reason was given but WWE probably doesn't want him answering questions about the Sports Illustrated steroid story. Basically they feared that Young Randall, who was caught in this deal having upwards of SEVEN different prescriptions, would put his big ass foot in his mouth. At least they stopped it before they got worse.
Your News: The reason Sabu was wearing Diavari's tights on ECW on Sci-Fi last night was because he showed up late to the arena and claimed the airlines had lost his bags.
My Views: This is funny because of the rumors that he is already in trouble, and looking to be released soon. I was wondering why he was wearing the boots, that is what threw me off, those black boots. Anyway, I wonder if he'll start sleeping backstage again and missing meetings.
Your News: A Statement From World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
March 19, 2007
All of the allegations set forth in a recent SI.com article mentioning WWE predate the initiation of WWE's current Talent Wellness Program. This WWE program prohibits the use of performance enhancing drugs, as well as other prescription drugs, which can be abused, if taken for other than a legitimate medical purpose pursuant to a valid prescription from a licensed and treating physician. For purposes of WWE's policy, prescriptions obtained over the Internet and/or from suppliers of prescription drugs from the Internet are not considered to have been given for a legitimate medical purpose.
My Views: The standard statement from WWE, which I figured that they would do. They want to stay calm in that "Damage control, we're actually not doing damage control" type of mode. Smart move.
Your News: Several Wellness tests were given backstage at the Smackdown/ECW taping today. The timing is interesting considering the recent Sports Illustrated article linking several WWE wrestlers to steroids and HGH. Some reports have over two-dozen wrestlers being tested today. WWE does not give talent advance warning of tests, so there is no way to know if the tests were planned prior to the SI article or not. As reported earlier, the SI story focusing on WWE talent using steroids and HGH has been all over the media today.
My Views: Come on, who isn't thinking that this is a very timely test? Anyway, here is the main point on the testing. I think it is working, to a degree, but as I have said, they have adjusted things so much that there is almost no penalty or incentive for people to stop. And also, until Batista, Lashley or Cena; or someone along those lines gets busted and taken off TV (not happening) then the "regular sports media" will continue to come down on them and that's the truth.
Your News: WWE has come to terms on the release of ECW Diva Rebecca DiPietro. WWE wishes Rebecca all the best in all future endeavors
My Views: Good, she wore too much makeup and had a man face most of the time on ECW.
Your News: WWE.com reports that Joey Mercury has been released from the company.
My Views: At first one would thing that the lack of any "we wish Joey all the best in future endeavors" type statement makes you think that this is either disciplinary or wellness related. Add to that the fact that he has had a "Wellness" issue in the past, was taken off the road and he went to rehab on top of the fact that they had "random" testing last week, and things start to take shape. As of this report there is no "official" reason, so I am just speculating. But I wouldn't be surprised if this was due to wellness.
Now, let me say that if this is NOT due to wellness, and it is some random ass release, which I doubt this close to Mania, that would be some bullshit. I mean, he got his face destroyed, came back early to work angles and matches when he really shouldn't have. So yeah, if this is some bullshit release, then it would really suck. I guess Nitro will be getting that singles push we thought after Mania now, maybe with Foley.
Your News: Aretha Franklin will be singing "America the Beautiful" at WrestleMania 23. Franklin performed at WrestleMania III twenty years ago.
My Views: That's cool, bringing back a little something from WrestleMania III. Funny note though, after WrestleMania III Franklin was very upset about the production and way she was handled at the event, and openly blasted the company. Heenan and Monsoon blasted her for weeks afterwards on the shows. Anyway, WrestleMania is bigger than ever and so is Aretha, so it all works.
Your News: The USA Network will air the WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony at midnight/11PM CT on Saturday March 31st. USA had not agreed to air the show until recently.
My Views: Rock on bitches! Our own Ryan Byers will be covering the event for us as he did last year, so stay tuned for our coverage of that!
Your News: Former WWE stars Samu and Rosey will be inducting their fathers, Afa and Sika, into the WWE Hall of Fame.
-Wade Boggs will induct Curt Hennig.
-William Shatner will be introducing Jerry Lawler
My Views: A little more Hall of Fame talk. I am digging the Samoans going into the hall, they are deserving, opened up a lot of doors and having Samu and Rosey induct them is cool as hell. Maybe Rikishi will get a comp and come and watch.
Boggs inducting Hennig is ok to me, because he may draw in some viewers and this also allows Larry Hennig to make the acceptance speech for his late son.
Listen, I love Statner, am a Trek fan and a BL fan, but WHY? Jesus, I want to see Bill Dundee, Lance Russell, or Tony Clifton induct Lawler! Oh well.
Heenan will induct Bockwinkle (confirmed), I heard Cody and Dustin Rhodes will induct Dusty, and Murroco will induct Fuji (FUJI VICE~!)! Sabu and or Sabu and RVD will induct the SHEIK and as usual, I am psyched for the Hall of Fame ceremony. If they are going to induct JR, I WISH they would get Bill Watts to induct him, as that would kick all kinds of ass. Anyway, the HOF has shaped up nicely this year, and makes the WM DVD a must for me as I love that part of the weekend.
Everything else that needs covering in wrestling…and maybe some MMA
Your News: "Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling" by Bret Hart is scheduled to be released in September.
My Views: This book has been in the works for about 4-5 years. Hart would update Meltzer from time to time and the man was writing War and Peace as he documented his entire career. I mean he was well into the writing and was at 2,000 pages I think I heard once. This will obviously be edited down, but should be a fascinating read. I just hope it comes across well, because sometimes Hart sounds like his own biggest fan.
Your News: MTV2 has quietly started airing episodes of WSX. Episode five and six aired last night with no advertising. MTV Tr3s is airing WSX every Wednesday at 5:30PM.
So one could assume that the finale, which has yet to air, will end up airing at some point on MTV2 or MTV Tr3s.
My Views: So there is hope for the finale maybe! I hope it airs, as I feel like I started a project and didn't finish. I'll keep an ye out and if it airs, I'll recap it.
Your News: Hulk Hogan said today on the Bubba the Love Sponge Radio Show that he is considering the concept of doing a worldwide legends wrestling tour. Hogan added that he would use the Hogan Knows Best reality show on VH1 as a springboard for the promotion.
Hogan said he has been considering the idea for a while but has yet to contact any potential talent.
My Views: I believe that this was called the XWF. I've heard this all before Orange Goblin, you will not fool me this time, no matter how drunk I am!
Reader Feedback and Rants!
From long time contributor Dan on WrestleMania -
I was thinking about the futility of this year's Mania card and it hits your pet peeve of failing to be a showcase pretty damn hard. Aside from the two main event World Title matches, there is a meaningless US Title match with Benoit defending against MVP and a joke Women's Title match with two non-wrestling females. To show how pathetic the booking is with a week to go...
- ECW World Champion Bobby Lashley is facing IC Champion Umaga with NEITHER belt on the line
- The World Tag Champions are John Cena and Shawn Michaels who are facing EACH OTHER and therefore NOT defending the straps
- The longest reigning champions in WWE, the WWE Tag Champs Paul London and Brian Kendrick are NOT BOOKED on the card despite just breaking Demolition's record for longest title reign as tag champs. (BTW - Regal/Taylor, MNM, TWGTT, Highlanders, Deuce & Domino...all possible opponents, not booked)
- Cruiserweight Champion Chavo Guerrero is currently NOT BOOKED although he lost on Smackdown to Jimmy Wang Yang so a possible rematch may be added this week
So that is it. One week till the biggest show of the year and 4 title matches despite there being 9 titles on the three respective brands. That is a joke.
Here was my WM card I made up after No Way Out -
-World Title vs. Streak - (C) Batista vs. Undertaker
-WWE Title - (C) John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels
-ECW World Title - (C) Bobby Lashley vs. Umaga
-MITB III - Edge vs. Randy Orton vs. Ken Kennedy vs. Chris Benoit vs. RVD vs. CM Punk
-IC Title - (Jeff Hardy having lost title to Flair) (C) Ric Flair vs. Carlito
-US Title - (Benoit having lost to Booker) (C) King Booker vs. Kane vs. Finlay
World Tag Titles - (TWGTT having beaten Cena/HBK) (C) TWGTT vs. The Hardy Boys
ECW Originals (Dreamer, Sandman, Sabu and FOLEY) vs. New Breed
-Battle of Billionaires - Great Khali (Vince) vs. Hulk Hogan (Trump)
-WWE Tag Titles/Women's Title 6-person Tag- (C) London & Kendrick & Ashley vs. MNM
-Cruiserweight Title - (C) Chavo Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio
11 matches, 9 for titles, better match quality. See WWE bookers, it ain't that hard.
From Raymond on the "TNA Thinks Every Critic is on the WWE Payroll" comment -
This thinking from TNA group reminds me of XPW in early 2002.
When XPW (as usual) pissing off fans with their usual crap (awful shows
and storylines; the puppy thing) that even their hardcore fans are were
getting turned off. Even XPW fan site (XPWLive) decide to post results
of "rival" feds such as CZW and shilling newly upstart EPIC (which died
in a giant clusterfuck) along with how the fed should book. XPW, getting
tons of crap and backlash from few fan sites, decide to made another fan
site (XPWTV) as their official XPW fan site making all their news
exclusive to XPW only. This truly pissed off XPWLive crew who happens
to be part of the street team as well. The fed dislike with fans gone a
while back when one of their Extreme Associates who was working as
security beat up the webmaster of the first XPW fan site at a show. (for
proof e-mail: Steve Bryant [steve@socaluncensored.com] of SoCal
Uncensored who has details of it)
At least TNA isn't that stupid do something like that but some of the
questionable stuff they do have me thinking they're XPW-Lite minus the
porn money and has ring talent and PPV.
From Ian on WrestleMania 24 -
So it's the same location as the first NWA War Games (Horsemen selling clinic) match?
How much do you want to bet that Flair, Anderson and Blanchard at the very least will all be inducted into the Hall of Fame next year? Heck, throw in Carlos Colon as the super-old-school selection, and I'd even wager that Randy Savage will be inducted next year, too. He won't have too far to travel to attend the ceremony.
From Keith on the Benoit job last week -
John Cena makes freaking Chris Benoit tap... in 6 minutes? BULL&%@#!!!!!
What crap is this, this is Chris Benoit, "The Canadian Crippler", taps out in 6 minutes to john Cena. I can take him losing in a glorious battle, I can take him losing to a very good cheater(Mr. Kennedy), what I can't take is a very good, serious, important wrestler being jobbed to hogan2k7! If they want to fix this then fine, feud him with Cena after a draft or something, make him a ticked off evil bastard who comes for revenge.
The man who had arguably the greatest WM match period and he's jobbed out to the next Hogan... BULL!!!!!!!
Key, Cena is the next Hogan/big name, he gets pushed and will get wins like that. While I think they could have done it better, as I discussed in the 3R's, that's the way things work in the E.
Finally from John on Vinnie Ru -
Do you think if ever possible that Russo will find himself on the Outs of he doesn't shape up and fly straight soon? and also: who do you think TNA should hire as their booker? I mean if Paul Heyman is free by that time they could go with him. and what's the big deal about this heat between Cornette & Heyman. I personally don't get it.
If anything, Cornette should get the book as he has a lot of success booking for a one-hour TV show. But then again, he would have the pressures of getting everyone on TV and JJ and Dutch over him looming with their opinions and re-writes.
