The Triple Threat 4.08.07: The 44th Edition

Posted by Sean, David, Alex on 04.08.2007

We talk Colt Cabana, Hardy Boyz, TNA/Spike TV rumors, and oh yeah, Wrestlemania 23 too.

Hello everyone, Happy Easter to you all, whether you spend it with your family, friends, church, or on your own, it's always great to have a holiday to look forward to. I, see it as the day of the resurrection, of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, but others may see it as the day of the Easter Bunny, Egg hunting, and eating lots of chocolate. We hope you enjoy the holiday with those close to you and have a fun day. Another thing that is important is that the post Wrestlemania hoopla has finally died down, and it's time for the wrestling world to shift it's focus to the things that lie ahead in the new year. We give our thoughts on Wrestlemania, but also that's not all. There are more Spike TV/TNA rumors, Colt Cabana has a new home, and we have new tag champions. We discuss that and more on this edition of the Triple Threat.



Topic #1 Wrestlemania 23 was last Sunday. What did you think of the big show?


David Martell: I think that the PPV as a whole was a great show and I really enjoyed it. I had a lot of fun. The money in the bank match was awesome to me. Even with the 8 guys in the match, everything seemed to fit together and we got everything we wanted to see. I am very excited that Kennedy won the match and I can't wait to see that gold on him. The Kane vs. Khali matched sucked like I thought it would. I, really enjoyed the MVP vs. Benoit match and I feel that if it got more time it could have been something special. MVP showed me he can really be a star one day and I hope he continues to progress. The Undertaker vs. Batista match in my opinion was really good. I really enjoyed it and it even had me scared at times that Batista would win. It's great to see Taker back on top of the food chain. The Battle of the Billionaires was what it meant to be, fun. It was enjoyable and hell, we even got to see Stone Cold give a stunner to Trump. Does Vince look old as hell without hair or is it just me? Unlike a lot of people, I really enjoyed the New Breed vs. ECW originals match but the one on ECW this past week showed how much better it could have been. The Women's match was shit; it was a great way to kill the crowd before the big match. To me, Cena vs. HBK was a big disappointment. The first part of the match was so slow and it made me very bored. I thought that they would have a really fast paced match but it was just the opposite, at least at the start. The match did pick up but it made me angry that Cena didn't sell his knee at all. I don't care how popular you are or how big of a face you are, you should always sell when someone is working on a specific part of your body. The last part of the match was good but all in all it was just a big disappointment. It was a good PPV it just had the wrong main event.

Alex Mattis: Well it is the grand daddy of them all, and the big event feel was there, with that being said the show itself was more than lackluster. The MITB ladder match was a wise choice to have open the show and was better than the previous two. Props to Edge and Jeff Hardy for the sick bump they took. MVP stepped up his game and showed me that he is better than he has been leading on. Benny and MVP were building what could have been a great match and then it just got cut off due to the time, or lack there of, given to the match. The match should have gone at least 20 minutes, still a good match nonetheless. Undertaker vs. Batista exceeded my expectations, I knew Taker would deliver, but given how terrible Batista is, I didn't know what to expect. It turned out to be a pretty good match, and I was happy with the finish. This should have been the main event, this was the 2nd year that the Royal Rumble winner was not in the WrestleMania main event, and the 4th year in a row that SmackDown hasn't closed the show. So I understand the frustrations that 'Tista and Taker had going on 4th. The rest of the card was a blur to me, nothing stuck out as being great or even good. As for the Cena vs. HBK match, it seems like I might be the only person on 411 that thought this match was awful. I went into this match thinking Cena would deliver, screwed again. The match started with Cena's ridiculous entrance, so Cena drives drift cars now? Then for a good portion of the match HBK worked on Cena's leg, but did Cena sell it? Fuck no, he's John Cena, members of the Chain Gang show no
weakness. So, that really hurt the match for me. Not to mention that Cena did NOTHING in this match, he got dominated, threw some punches then hit the 4-5 moves he knows, nothing new, in one of the biggest matches he could have in his career...nothing new. HBK worked hard but it just wasn't enough. Also, you think that they would come up with a different finish than the one they used last year, just lazy booking all around. All in all, it was a poor WrestleMania with some flashes of greatness thrown in.

Sean Garmer: You can definitely say that this was a Wrestlemania, just by the 80,103 in attendance and all the things on display. As for the card itself, the opinions are going to be very subjective because everyone has their own. Money in the Bank opened it up and I, think they totally delivered. Everyone got their moment to shine in this one and as Alex pointed out to me, it seemed more like a match, instead of a spotfest. You had two men inside the ring with everyone else doing other things most of the time, and it allowed for things to be clearer. Finlay got the cool opening spot with a Crossbody on everyone to the outside. I very much liked the drama spot with King Booker and Matt Hardy. Of course, we had our big spot with Jeff Hardy jumping off the Ladder nailing a Legdrop on a prone EDGE through another Ladder (that cracked in half). The best part was that WWE did not repeat the drama from last year, this time the man that took the big spot stayed in the back and did not return. Allowing for those that hadn't won it before to have their time to shine. WWE picked the right man to win, in Kennedy, but I was happy to see CM Punk was in there with him at the end. Also, very glad to see Randy Orton didn't win, as it would have been pointless because he was going to be feuding with EDGE. Only thing that bothered me was that it ended anti-climatically, there was no big finish that we are used to seeing in these matches that really puts you on the edge of your seat as to who would win, making it seem like a huge victory. The match is still the best out of the three MITB's though. Benoit vs. MVP was surprising, not just, because MVP showed that he does belong on the card, and can be a future star. This one seemed to be cut short, maybe they are saving it for later, but it came out of nowhere, especially, because Benoit won with the Headbutt. It makes sense, because MVP had been working on the arm for most of the match, but since he had not won with the move in such a long time, it came off as awkward. Then came what should have been the main event, just because, Taker won the Royal Rumble. Originally, the main event was awarded to the person that won the Rumble match. I understand, that they still have to choose who wins the Rumble, but come on, we are talking about Undertaker here. The match turned out, better than expected with the crazy announce table spot, Air Deadman, and the Batista Bomb that made us wonder for a second if Taker was going to win. It was great to see Taker get his much deserved title victory, on the 10th anniversary of his 2nd one. The ECW tag was decent it was a surprise that the Originals won, but, seeing the greatness that was Tuesday, made you wish that would have happened on the big show. Lashley vs. Umaga was fine, it was entertaining and I think that's what they were going for in the end. Stone Cold's involvement to finish the match made Lashley look bad, but I understand, the crowd was there to see Austin, and they got what they wanted. It was a Wrestlemania moment, getting to see Vince bald. Ashley vs. Melina was way, too short to be anything, it also suffered from the anti-climatic ending, but I was happy to see Melina retain, setting up the more interesting Mickie vs. Melina feud that was happening before the whole Playboy deal. Now I guess we get to the main event. I'm going to agree more with my 411 brethren, than these two. This is still not the best the two could have put on, but it wasn't boring to me. I like it when they start slow and build to something, it tends to create drama. They had a good build up working on Cena's leg, and then once Cena starts his offense he no sells. This may have been a commandment from management because he's supposed to be the next Hogan, and this is their way of making him look strong. Still, the selling is what creates the drama, also the no selling doesn't help the match itself either. They both worked hard and HBK did all he could. The last ten minutes were stellar aside from the ending, I hated that they had HBK tap out just like Triple H last year. The match was still very good and hopefully they can eclipse that at Backlash. I also loved the dancing skit, that was hilarity at it's finest. I don't know, I think it may have been the fact that this was a Stadium, but the crowd didn't seem as into as last year. It didn't come off well on television, and that hurt the PPV some in my view. I guess in the overall realm of WWE, the fans went home happy, but the crowd in Detroit didn't. I'm sure everyone would have been just as happy if Taker ended the show, at least you know Detroit would have.



Topic #2 We only had one title change at Wrestlemania. It's the one we all wanted, but did you want anymore?


David Martell: I would have liked Cena to lose the title because he is just getting stale to me. He doesn't entertain me as much any more and I would really like to see a heel champion again. Its more fun watching a face chase for the title then for a face like John Cena to have the title. I am hoping that Kennedy will cash in his MITB title shot against Cena and to end his long run with the title.

Alex Mattis: I was happy that Taker won the belt, other than that I didn't care about the other titles changing hands, I was pleased that Melina kept the belt, and knew Cena would retain.

Sean Garmer: I'm happy that Melina retained, and it shows that WWE's not out of it, by keeping it on a Diva that can wrestle. Not to mention, that means someone from the Latino nation is still a champion. Benoit winning was good, because he deserves a big mania win for all the things he's done, if he does put over MVP at Backlash it works out better, because they can have a better match. Like I've said before, unless Taker would have lost at Mania, nothing phases me in wrestling anymore, so personally Cena holding the title for another PPV doesn't bother me, I also like Cena, but it would have been cool to see HBK get one last title win. I wouldn't be surprised if they were waiting to pull the title change at Backlash to get people to buy the PPV. It makes sense somewhat, because people buying Wrestlemania is a given, but just because the other PPV's are tri-branded now, doesn't mean the same guarantee. They are going to want to tease people to buy the smaller PPV's, and HBK getting a title win might help.



Topic #3 This Monday on RAW we finally got new World Tag champions in the Hardy Boyz. Are you in favor of the change? And does this do anything for the tag division?


David Martell: I'm just glad a real tag team actually has the titles. I would really like it if the WGTT won the belts but for some reason they weren't even in either battle royals. Its going to be interesting to see who will end up going against the Hardyz. There's not a lot of tag teams out there on RAW so it would only make sense to have the WGTT out there to challenge them.

Alex Mattis: I'm just glad that the tag straps are off of Cena and HBK, I would have liked for the belts to go to London and Kendrick or WGTT but what can you do? As for helping the tag division, the E hasn't been serious about tag team wrestling for a few years now, but there is always room for change, so we'll just have to see where this one goes.

Sean Garmer: Obviously, this is good for the regular tag teams that the titles are off Cena and HBK. People have wanted to see the Hardyz reunite for a long time, and they finally got it now. I know there's a lot of people hating on this because it ruins the brand extension, but we might be that much closer to seeing, greatness, and that would be for the tag titles to be unified and we'd have a huge tag division with some real good teams. This does hurt their single's runs, but I think they will be happy to be the flagship of the new WWE tag division, and they bring credibility to the titles and hopefully, they can bring some prestige back to those belts.



Topic #4 More talk continues about TNA and Spike TV. Now there is discussion about adding a secondary show (Possibly like Livewire, WCW Saturday Night, or Heat). Would you be in favor of that? Also, there's rumors that the My Network Station wants TNA (that is a national station, it's MY whatever number.) Should TNA take a deal with them instead?


David Martell: It would be interesting for TNA to have a secondary show but they first need to get that 2 hour time slot. If they do get a second show it would be better for it to be like a Sunday Night Heat with less story and more wrestling. I really don't know what they would do with this extra slot. I really don't know if it would be a good idea for TNA to be on the My Network Station because I don't even know if anyone watches that station. I think TNA should stay on Spike because it seems that they are working very well together and will eventually get what they want.

Alex Mattis: A secondary show would be nice, TNA needs two hours for impact before getting a secondary show though. Moving to another network wouldn't be a good move right now. I, personally feel that Spike TV is the best station for TNA to be on right now, given the whole UFC connection and the concept of a "man's network" helps, at least to me.

Sean Garmer: Should TNA have a secondary show? I'd say that's not a bad idea. Obviously, having two hours of Impact would be a lot better for them. However, if all they are going to get is a secondary show, I'd take it. Since they aren't pulling in any "new" fans, and the TNA faithful will watch anything with the TNA name on it, use it to cater to them. They can use it to have matches with some unused talent on the main show, and they can develop some smaller PPV feuds on that show. Then possibly pull in some big names every once in a while for a shock factor. As far as, My Network TV goes, I'd say take it. For one, it's a network station that can be seen by more people in the US than Spike TV that's on cable. They do have sports on that station in various markets, so they could promote at different times to see if they can get new viewers. The TNA faithful will at least get it the same rating it's getting on Spike now, and it can compete against SmackDown. Anyone that watches UFC will not mistake TNA (who barely lives up to their "we are wrestling" moniker) for something real, or on par with UFC. So why not try something new, a network television station, and not on Spike that only wants them there because they can't find anything else to draw ratings besides UFC or Pro's vs. Joes.



Fun Topic of the Week: Stone Cold Steve Austin had the premiere of his movie, Wrestlemania weekend. Are you going to see "The Condemned"? And he reportedly done with Wrestling, you think he will keep his word?



David Martell: I'm pretty sure I will actually see this movie because it actually looks like it could be good. I doubt he is done making appearances every once in a while. I know he is for the fans and if the fans want him bad enough he will return. I personally hope to see him on a wrestling program again. I'm not going to lie, every time I hear that glass shatter I get goose bumps.

Alex Mattis: This is the first "WWE Film" that I would actually like to see, I think it has potential to be a fun shoot-em-up type of movie. Plus Stone Cold is actually buyable in a movie, unlike the "Big Red Un-Charismatic Machine" Kane, and the ever so stiff John Cena. As for wrestling again, Stone Cold is one of the few guys in this business that his word means something, I don't see him getting into another WRESTLING match again, he may do some silly stuff
and such, but not a real match.

Sean Garmer: I'm going to watch this because it actually looks like it could be a good film. Stone Cold can act and he's genuinely funny on his own. His name will draw more to the theaters and this could be WWE Films biggest money maker yet. I'm glad to hear "The Marine" is almost at the 30 million dollar mark just in rentals. Imagine what this movie will do. I can't trust any wrestler anymore from the attitude era days. I'll believe that he might not wrestle another full match, but that he will never do another appearance for WWE, outside of the HOF, is ridiculous. The fans love him, he loves the fans and the environment, he will be on once again. The glass will shatter and everyone will stand in amazement at Austin 3:16.


Topic #6 WWE signed Colt Cabana to a developmental deal this week. Do you think he could do big things in WWE?


David Martell: I have been waiting for this for a long time. Colt Cabana is meant to be in the WWE. He has the style, he is funny, and he could get over with the fans easily if given the chance. I hope WWE uses him right and let him be himself. He could really become a big star and I hope that everything works out for him in WWE.

Alex Mattis: This, to me, was just a matter of time. With his charisma, size, and wrestling style I knew Colt would eventually land a deal in the E. Similar to when Punk left ROH, I will be sad to see Cabana leave the indy's, but I am happy that he is going on to bigger and better things. Similar to Punk will probably get himself over with the E crowd, and now we have all of the Second City Saints in the E, it would be awesome to see them back together. I mean... WHO COULD ASK FOR MORE, AT THE COPA, COPACABANA.

Sean Garmer: Certainly his entertainment value and the fact that he's been a job boy for WWE, for a while has helped him out here. He's a very good wrestler and his charisma will help him get somewhere in WWE. Colt is one of those people that can make anything given to him work, I could see WWE sticking him with a dumb gimmick and somehow he gets over. I can't wait to see a CM Punk vs. Colt Cabana match in WWE, and I do think he could be a future star for them if he's given time to develop in the system.



Topic # 7 Joey Mercury got released during Wrestlemania week, on several rumors. Should he go to TNA? And there are rumors of TNA wanting Chavo Guerrero, would he be good for TNA?


David Martell: I think Joey Mercury would be a good fit for TNA but I still think that TNA needs to concentrate on the talent they have instead of signing more. I really don't think Chavo is a good fit for TNA. I guess they could team him up with Hector but it just doesn't seem that interesting.

Alex Mattis: This guy looked like a wreck and may have a real substance problem, so I don't think he needs to worry about wrestling in TNA right now. As for Chavo, he's too old and would fit in nowhere in TNA.

Sean Garmer: Joey Mercury, whether it was because he got drunk, had a wellness issue (which he's already been to rehab for), or because he struck Stephanie McMahon probably deserved to be released. They weren't doing anything with him, he seemed out of it most of the time, and him being drunk doesn't help. He would be a nice fit for TNA's X-Division, and I don't think TNA would have to worry about getting this guy to the top of anything, as few will remember him. He could work his way up in the division. If TNA signs Chavo, they basically have another Jerry Lynn. He's too old now to stick with that "video game" style of the X-Division that Jeff Jarrett wants, he's a great veteran, but he's better suited for WWE. Hey, the team of him and Gregory Helms has been working out quite well as of late, and I hope to see it continue.


Match of the Week Nominees: Second World Tag Team Title Battle Royal, World's Greatest Tag Team vs. Carlito & Ric Flair (RAW), Extreme Rules 8-Man Tag Team Match: New Breed vs. ECW Originals (ECW), Matt Hardy vs. King Booker, Jeff Hardy vs. Mr. Kennedy, WWE Tag Team Championships: London & Kendrick vs. Chavo Guerrero & Gregory Helms (SmackDown).

Explanation: Since we talk about the PPV's every time they happen. We thought it would be a good idea to recognize the best TV match every week. So the only things under consideration for Match of the Week are RAW, ECW, TNA Impact, and SmackDown. If we happen to all attend an Indy show then we might mention it on there as well, but, this will mostly be based on matches you see on television.

David Martell: ECW Originals vs. New Breed Tag Match

Alex Mattis: ECW Originals vs. New Breed Tag Match

Sean Garmer: London & Kendrick vs. Chavo & Gregory Helms



There is something you should know about


411 Video Games section Go read the whole damn section. This is the place to go for your Video Game needs and maybe even more than you asked for as well. Seriously, everyone has been working hard to keep this running and any feedback for them, is greatly appreciated. I do reviews and organize the roundtables for the section, but it's all those column writers, news reporters, other reviewers, and our Editor Caleb Newby that keep it afloat. I'm just happy to be a part of it.

Hey check it out, did you hear? 411 has a Myspace. Go right here to visit the 411 page

411 Games has a Myspace too, and you can check that out right here



Now! Time for Feedback

Our feedback this week comes from someone we know, his name is Zachary Brown He gives his Wrestlemania thoughts.


Hey guys I know I literally watched Mania with you but I just thought
I'd write in just to officially give my two cents on the Wrestlemania
card.

Money in the Bank ***3/4 - This was such a great match and a great
showcase for CM Punk. Props are also necessary for Randy Orton,
Kennedy, Finlay and even Edge. I'm really psyched to see Mr. Kennedy
get the push he really deserves.

Kane vs. Great Khali – Shit.

Benoit vs. MVP *** - Surprisingly solid match with more technical
wrestling than anything else on the card. Props to MVP for showing he
can really hang with the big boys. Too bad his gimmick sucks dick.
First down!

Melina vs. Ashley ½* - At least Melina retained. Other than that,
complete shit.

Battle of the Billionaires ** - Hated this entire match. There was
pretty much no wrestling, just brawling. Plus, way to make your
champion look completely weak by needing help from Stone Cold to beat
Umaga. Lame. The only reason it deserves two stars is because Vince got
shaved bald and Stone Cold gave a stunner to everyone needing one.

New Breed vs. ECW Originals ** - Solid match that was over WAY too quickly.

Batista vs. Undertaker – ***1/2 Great match and definitely should have
been the Mania main event. I'm really happy to see Taker get the strap
once again. But ugh Batista gasses like a bitch.

HBK vs. Cena – **1/2 I'm still on the fence with this one. Cena sucked
it up and didn't sell his leg which was really stupid. The match was
really slow in the beginning but picked up towards the end and it
really got exciting. I was on the edge of my seat, but I really wanted
Cena to lose the belt. When Shawn tapped out I couldn't believe WWE
would let Cena retain for two Manias in a row. We need a new champion.
Cena is getting really stale. Oh well. Maybe they'll put on a better
match at Backlash.

Overall I think it was a semi-lackluster Mania with a few good highlights.



Sean Garmer: This was way too late to send to the other guys. Wow, Zach I don't think you've sent us feedback since our very first column. Glad to hear from you buddy. Even though, I sit next to you in class two days out of the week, it's good to know you read the column. Seriously, you sound like Alex, the more I listen to you, but that's neither here nor there. You got our Wrestlemania thoughts at the top, but I'll break down yours here. I'm just wondering? You come up with those ratings on your own? Just kidding man. Anyway, MITB was great, it was even better that Kennedy won, and CM Punk was there till the end. You summed it up for Kane and Khali. MVP did show he can hang, but it should have gone longer so that MVP could show a little more. His gimmick is actually kinda funny to me, and it makes sense now after his performance at Mania. Melina retained, enough said, and the Latino nation remains strong. How can you hate on the Lashley vs. Umaga, it was fun, we got to see to nasty bumps to the outside, some stunners, and Vince shaved bald? What more could you ask for? I'm the one that told you guys they kinda made Lashley look bad. Hey, I don't care cause my boy Lashley is going to keep getting pushed, and be a big star in WWE one day. Mainly I like him because he's from the military but I don't know if he could ever be a bad guy because he looks like a teddy bear half the time when he smiles for no reason. Batista vs. Taker should have been main event, but what matters is that the match surprised us, and Taker got the belt. I'm glad at least your on the fence about the main event. Sometimes slow paced turn out for the best, and it worked for this match, however, the no selling of the leg was silly. As someone who's been in the ring (albeit for a short period of time, I do have matches with friends every now and then at this point, but I'm done from going back to the ring, unless God tells me it's my calling or something. I'm good at it, but I have this feeling I'm supposed to do something else with my life.) I, learned one important thing, the art of selling. It's vital to any match you have, and when someone no sells, it takes the drama away from the match and causes your opponent to look really weak. Not to mention, it makes wrestling seem extremely fake. The selling is what brings people in, whether it's joy or anguish, you tell a story with it. Cena's no selling might have been a front office decision, but as a wrestler, I don't know how you can condone having a match without selling. Back to the match, they tried, the last ten minutes was great, and I think they can put on better matches in the future. Thanks for the feedback Zach, and I hope you write us again very soon.


The End

Well that is all for this week folks. Thanks everyone for reading. Well let us know what your opinions are with some feedback. It's always good to have someone else to argue with besides these guys. Thanks everyone for the feedback, it's greatly appreciated, and let's us know, people read this column on 411. I'm sorry for not linking, I didn't have time. We did get feedback from Johnny Boy, but I didn't have time to respond to it either. Sorry man, I'll get ya next time. Hopefully though, we will see all of you here next week. Ciao Triple Threaters.


If you want to send us your thoughts or comments send them to [e-mail]