Your News, My Views 4.17.07
Posted by Larry Csonka on 04.17.2007
Diamonds are forever…and so am I!
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? I really only have one question for you…
WHAT'S CAUSIN' ALL THIS? WOOOOOOOOO~!
Yeah, good week for me, which I think I deserved one. The wife and kid returned from their vacation and we have had some nice family time this past weekend. Hana has decided that she would like to learn baseball; she saw some kids playing and wants to learn to hit the ball. I went out and bought a "wiffle ball" bat and ball and taught her. She has some good hand-eye coordination, and really for 5 did well. It makes a daddy proud! She is also doing well in learning how to ride her bike. Well, let's hit some talking points and then on with the column!
411 on MySpace? Yeah baby, the rumors are true! Go and check it out @ www.myspace.com/411mania
A good week for me as I picked up the 4-Horsemen DVD. Great DVD overall. The Documentary is really good shit, they bury Roma, Sid and Jarrett (Surprise) but really cover things well I thought. The match section is "OK" and that is really a disappointment really, but a solid DVD in a long line of some great WWE DVD's. Probably an easy 8 out of 10, which is what I believe JD gave it. They could have done much better with an extra disc of (better) matches and interviews, because this deserved three discs. But the documentary rocked and overall another great DVD from WWE.
Speaking of the SPORTS ZONE, there is tons of great coverage there. The MMA coverage has picked up big time, so head over there and check out all of that. You can relive early MMA as we have column on the early UFC shows as well as Retro Rants on the early PRIDE shows! You're cheating yourself if you don't go and check out all of this awesomeness!
Sometimes I don't understand the WOTW voting.
"I'm coming for you…you big blond bitch!" A great quote from the TITO vs. DANA hype for the no fight special. I am so upset that Tito decided against the fight, just for the reason that the special was SO AWESOME that it made me want to spend money on it.
Work sucks. People that come into a restaurant 5-minutes before closing are assholes. If this is you, please die.
ON NOTICE~!
And now back to Gene Krupa's syncopated style…
Today in Wrestling History:
1984 - Adrian Adonis & Dick Murdoch defeated Tony Atlas & Rocky Johnson for the WWWF Tag Team title
1994 - Event - Spring Stampede, Rosemont Horizon, Chicago, IL
1998 - WCW filed suit in Fulton County Superior Court against Ric Flair for breech of contract
1999 - The Dudleys defeated Sabu & Rob Van Dam for the ECW Tag Team title
2000 - Event - Spring Stampede. United Center, Chicago, IL
2000 - Scotty Too Hotty defeated Dean Malenko for the WWF Light Heavyweight title
2001 - Kane & The Undertaker defeated Edge & Christian for the WWF Tag Team title
2001 - Rhyno defeated Kane for the WWF Hardcore Title
2002 - The New Heavenly Bodies defeated Jeff Daniels & Tim Renesto for the NWA Tag Team title
Births and Deaths:
1951 - Born - Rowdy Roddy Piper
1959 - Born - Nailz
2003 - Died - Ray Mendoza of natural causes at 73
TNA stories, scuttlebutt and rumors:
Your News: The TNA house show in Springfield, Missouri last night drew roughly 1400-1500 fans.
- The TNA Lockdown FanFest, which is ongoing apparently has roughly 1000 fans there.
My Views: You know a lot of people are down on TNA attendance, and think it is pathetic that they draw 1300-1500 for house shows. But what some of these people are failing to understand is that it doesn't matter who is on these shows or what matches they have, it is branding. As I have said with WWE, they are branded and proven so they sell tickets on the name alone, the other stuff; wrestlers, good matches are a bonus. TNA is almost 5-years old, and are still branding. The fact that they are getting 1300-1500 people is a good sign FOR NOW. Now if this time next year it is still the same, that is bad. But for now, considering they run a small amount of shows it is ok. Also, in Orlando it is free, so any other revenue for a house show is good for them, money makes the world go around. I think that the Fanfest having 1,000 people is pretty kick ass. It looked great on the TNA Today deal and reports I have heard is that people had a fun time. It is always a good thing to try and please your paying customers.
Your News: TNA morale is up this weekend due to the number of fans coming out to the FanFest and the expected TNA record attendance for Lockdown tonight.
My Views: I would think that performing in front of more people is good for morale. There is a huge difference from 25 people to 400 people, and from 400 to 900 and from 900 to 1,400. Also, Lockdown probably did over 4,000 people, I would say closer to 4,500, which is more than Bound for Glory. The place was set up well and looked packed on PPV, and that's a good thing. I will be interested to see how they do in Nashville, and if they can improve on that again, it is a good sign. Now all they have to do is get the PPV buy rates to grow and stay up.
Your News: All the participants in the TNA Lethal Lockdown match from last night were banged up after the match. Rhino needed stitches to close the cut on his head, but nobody was hurt seriously and everyone should be fine for the Impact taping tomorrow night.
My Views: The fact that no one was seriously injured is always good news for us fans. There was some crazy shit at that PPV, and the fact that Rhino was the only "major" type injury is a good thing. I thought Angle got a concussion early on when he hit the post, but it looks as if he is ok.
Your News: Angle worked the PPV despite a back injury. During his match with Christian Cage at the TNA house show on Friday, Angle was slammed into a guardrail by Cage and a piece of metal jabbed into his back and cut him open. He finished the match and worked the PPV..
My Views: Speaking of Angle. I can hear people jumping all over this and playing the injury prone deal. Look, his neck didn't break and his arms didn't fall off, this was an accident that could have happened in the opening match. The good news is that he is ok and worked the match with no ill effects.
Your News: Scott D'Amore was actually backstage at WrestleMania and the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, which hasn't endeared him to some in the company.
My Views: D'Amore isn't making any friends is he? He missed a taping because he had Jericho at his sports bar one night and now this. This Scott is looking for greener pastures?
Your News: Over 500 people showed up for the opening of Brother D-Von's Smoothies Shop in Melbourne, FL this past weekend. Chris Jericho and Maven were also there signing autographs.
My Views: This isn't important news, but something I like to talk about. I am always glad when people in the business are finding success outside of the business. I hate to hear that guys are broke when there careers are done, so the fact that Devon's deal is starting off well is great news.
Your News: RFVIDEO is reporting that they have found a kidney donor for Konnan.
My Views: The bad news is that it is a 3rd generation kidney…ba dum dum CHINK~! In all seriousness, if they have, great news for Konnan and I hope he continues to recover well from all of his health issues.
WWE/ECW news, notes and happenings to the EXTREME:
Your News: WWE.com reports that King Booker's surgery to remove bone spurs from the joint was successful. He is expected back by the end of June.
- Hardcore Holly's elbow surgery to repair ongoing nerve issues has been scheduled for 4/14. He will be out 3-4 months after that.
My Views: It sucks that they have been injured, but the good news is that Booker is doing well already. I hope the best for Holly as he has had a lot of problems of the last few years, including almost dying and losing an arm. Whether you love or hate him, I think we all wish him the best.
Your News: WWE has announced that Ashley Massaro will need to undergo surgery soon to have a screw in her ankle plate (which was inserted last year after she fractured her tibia) reinserted. No word on how much time she will miss.
My Views: While I am no fan of her as a wrestler, once again I wish her the best. I know a lot of people that have had similar issues and it is no fun.
Everything else that needs covering in wrestling…and maybe some MMA
Your News: WWE has forced Jerry Lawler out of his scheduled match against Hulk Hogan on 4/27 in Memphis. Lawler said in a press conference held earlier today that the main reason was because WWE, and NBC-Universal by extension, didn't want WWE talent appearing on Hogan Knows Best on VH1. However, it seems as if that was just an excuse. The fact is that Vince McMahon did not want Hulk Hogan involved in such a high profile match that wasn't being promoted by WWE. The goal seemed to be to get the entire show pulled. Lawler told Memphis promoter Cory Macklin that WWE would reimburse him for the deposit they put down on the FedEx Forum to hold the show, but Macklin decided to hold the show anyway and headline with Hogan vs. Paul Wight.
All media material for the event, including billboards, print ads, and radio spots, will now have to be changed to reflect the new main event. Major portions of TV aimed at building Hogan/Lawler will now also have to be changed.
Lawler apparently asked McMahon if he could appear on the show if he didn't wrestle Hogan, and was told he couldn't appear if Hogan was on the show.
My Views: It seems the bulk of the WWE news has come this week from the Hogan vs. Lawler match that was supposed to take place. The funny thing is that I never thought of WWE shutting the event down, I figured Hogan would bail on it. This is more of Vince vs. Hogan, and well, Hogan lost again as he did with his WrestleMania negotiations. Kudos to Macklin for not backing down, but the show doesn't have high hopes as ticket sales are slow.
Your News: More details have also come in on exactly how WWE went about telling Jerry Lawler he couldn't work the 4/27 show. Kevin Dunn called Lawler and told him he couldn't work the show. He then called him back again later asking if there is anyway they could get the entire show shutdown, saying that WWE would reimburse Cory Macklin for the deposit on the FedEx Forum. Lawler told Macklin about WWE's offer but Macklin denied it, saying that sponsors were already set, t-shirts already printed, etc. Macklin also felt like pulling the show now would put a bullet in Memphis Wrestling because they have been promising something big and had to deliver.
A lot of people in Memphis are upset with Jerry Lawler about this, since everyone including Hulk Hogan suspected whether McMahon would let him work the show. Instead of asking permission ahead of it, Lawler just moved forward assuming he could work the show. Then, at the press conference, instead of coming out and saying WWE forced him off the show, he made up a story about WWE talent not being allowed to appear on VH1. He then left and Hulk Hogan basically painted a more accurate story of this being about him and WWE.
This has hurt Lawler's reputation in Memphis and it remains to be seen if he will even be part of Memphis Wrestling from now on.
My Views: The bigger story here is the fact that depending on what happens, Jerry Lawler could be finished with Memphis wrestling. WWE has pulled all WWE talent and they could demand that Lawler stay away. There has always been a deal that "what happens in Memphis stays in Memphis" because it is only a local show. But the Hogan factor makes all new rules. Lawler may have to decide between WWE and Memphis, and in the end if he has saved his money, Lawler could leave WWE over this.
Your News: Former WCW and TNA star Glen "Disco Inferno" Gilberti was arrested Monday night during a gambling bust in Roswell, Georgia. The gambling ring involved high stakes no limit hold 'em poker. Police had been investigating the ring for six months after neighbors complained about the number of people going in and out of the house. Players had to pay $10,000 to get into the game. The games took place in the basement of a house on Nesbit Ridge Drive. The basement had been converted to look like a casino. When the police bust happened, a game was ongoing. 27 people total were arrested.
- Official felony charges of commercial gambling and violation of the controlled substance act have been filed against Glen "Disco Inferno" Gilberti following his arrest in a gambling bust.
My Views: I have met Disco, he is good people. That being said, this was incredibly stupid on his part. I am actually surprised that Raven wasn't involved here and he plays a lot of poker and he and Disco are friends. Bottom line, this was no small time weekly poker game, this was organized gambling with employees and he got busted and busted bad. Don't drop the soap brother.
Your News: The Ultimate Fighter did a 1.3 rating while the White vs. Ortiz 90 minute show did a 1.3 rating.
My Views: The Ultimate Fighter is starting off strong, but the surprise is the rating for the Tito vs. Dana special. A 90-minute special starting at 11pm and going until 12:30 maintaining that rating is great. It is just a shame that there is no PPV match for this, because they would have done HUGE business off of it.
Reader Feedback and Rants!
From Jesse -
I have an opinion question regarding the future of the WWE...
When Vince McMahon Sr. gave the company to Vince McMahon Jr...Vince went out and acquired a variety of different talent from all over...Launching the Hogan Generation of Wrestling
My question is, do you think that when Vince McMahon passes away, or in the lighter situation, retires from professional wrestling and hands the company over to Shane (or whomever he decides to leave it to), could Shane possibly alter the face of wrestling forever? It would be in his power to push people like Shelton Benjamin and Val Venis, and fire people like The Great Khali or any other wrestler he is not high upon.
So, in your opinion, will we see another revolution of wrestling, or do you feel Vince's apprentice will continue to push people like John Cena, Batista and Randy Orton
It depends. Shane doesn't look to be the one to take over though, it will be Stephanie and by proxy HHH. We COULD see another change and "revolution" if you will. HHH is a major reason so many old school NWA guys have agent jobs, and if they go back to "booking wrestling" instead of creating stories I think it will be better off, look at WrestleMania.
From Matthew -
1. I am not sure why you would buy into the rumor (no doubt started by the TNA dopes who consider a paid attendance of 1,000 a miracle) that the numbers for WrestleMania are worked. WrestleMania 23 did a paid attendance of 80,103 for a live gate of 5.38 million dollars, which has been reported by McMahon, Ford Field, wrestling news sources, and every mainstream media outlet on Earth. McMahon's company is a publicly traded company (not like UFC and TNA that work all their numbers), which means people go to jail if McMahon lies about his numbers (particularly dollar figures). Ford Field and mainstream media outlets certainly have no reason to lie about the WrestleMania numbers and would love to catch McMahon in a lie if he was lying.
2. I agree with you that I will believe the Hogan / Lawler match when I see it. My bet is if the match happens it will do a maximum attendance of 10,000, which is less than McMahon does when running the same venue. The day tickets go on sale, Hulk will see only 4,000 tickets get sold, so he will come up with a worked injury to get himself out of the match (see Hogan in TNA). Hopefully, Lawler has a good lawyer and some signed documents from Hogan so he can go after Hogan if Hogan tries backing out.
3. Vince McMahon feuding with Rey Mysterio is a horrible idea in every way. By the way, what happened to the worked reason why Trump and McMahon could not wrestle each other at WrestleMania and had to pick representatives because McMahon's physician told him to never wrestle again (it took the WWF a month to forget that plot)? Rey needs clean wins over real wrestlers (and Umaga) when he comes back to make fans forget his jobber title reign and establish Rey as a top guy. Rey can still draw, but he is getting older and does not have much time left, so Rey does not need to be bumping and selling his ass off for a jacked up, 80 years old, bald, geezer on an ego trip.
4. Talk about rumors, all the TNA television news items are the same old false rumors they have floated for years. I will remain mystified as to why TNA fans think TNA can put on a decent 2-hour show when they badly misuse the 1-hour they have each week. It matters not as TNA is never getting a second hour per week and they are certainly never going head to head with Raw. My gut says Viacom dumps the whole network for men gimmick in a year or 2 because Spike makes no advertising revenue and has been a disaster since day 1, which will leave UFC and TNA out in the cold (ratings are not dollars and dollars rule television, hence WCW gets cancelled while still doing better numbers than UFC or TNA).
5. Triple H got Motorhead over, so I do not want to hear any more how Triple H gets nobody over. I never heard of Motorhead before Hunter started using them, so he has definitely expanded their audience. All their music sounds the same, but it is not bad. I still prefer the DX band (Connecticut Yankee) for live appearances, but the Motorhead live performance of "The Game" (with subsequent forgetting of the words by Lemmy) is an institution at WrestleMania.
TNA people didn't start the attendance rumor, it has been discussed by many people. If you don't believe that Vince wouldn't work an attendance number, you're a fool. He also got called out on the billionaire claim, so he'll get called on this if enough noise is made.
Well, WWE put the kibosh on the match, so we'll move on.
It isn't the best idea, but I think it is better to ease Rey back in due to the severity of his knee injury.
Spike isn't going anywhere, they are making good ad revenue off of both.
The HH stuff was a joke man, get a sense of humor.
I much like a lot of other wrestling fans, am very confused these days.
Is Matt Hardy just "on loan" to Raw until the Hardyz drop the titles?
is he there forever? WTF?.
While I was thinking about this, it also made me wonder.
Does this mean that in the future (given the new PPV situation) that any given person could challenge for any given title at a PPV and then be in brand limbo?
could Super Crazy win the Cruiserweight title and then be back on Smackdown till he drops it?
could Ashley win the women's title?
hell, let's get crazy, Could Batista win the ECW title?
What the fuck is going on Larry? WTF?
Who the fuck knows brother, it sure the hell isn't them.
And finally from Jude who just needs to rant -
I can't believe that someone in your feedback section actually referred to the Cena vs. Umaga match from the Royal Rumble as a 5 star match. That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. It wasn't even better than the WrestleMania match, At least Michaels/Cena had some kind of drama to it. For a single second, I actually believed that Cena might lose a match. With Umaga, it was never in doubt.
Let's step back for a second and consider what matches might actually be candidates for five star matches. Using Michaels as an example, how many matches that he was involved in could have been five stars? Iron Man vs. Bret Hart? Vs Stone Cold at WrestleMania 14? Hell in the Cell 1 vs. the Undertaker? Back when these matches occurred, there would have been some argument about whether or not these were five star matches, but compared to something like Cena vs. Umaga, what are they, 27 star matches?
I think that people are letting the current awful quality of WWE programming affect their brains. WWE is so lame and boring that they have actually lowered the bar so that a snoozefest like Cena/Umaga actually appears good. People have such low expectations that something that would barely have made it off of Heat 7 years ago is suddenly a five star match.
For a long time, I was in the same boat with these people. With PPV after PPV disappointing me, I still got every one and tried to look at the positive things that WWE had to offer. I have finally reached my limit. WWE bores me to death, and I cannot deal with it anymore.
I happen to have an extensive DVD collection, and while a friend of mine was over last weekend, he convinced me to watch some old DVDs. One of the things we watched was some old WCW, from 1999. Now, the first time that this was on the air, I was watching RAW, which was much better, and would just watch WCW on the replay, mostly so I could laugh at how bad it was.
Now, after sitting through years and years of increasingly awful WWE programming, 1999 WCW was a breath of fresh air. How sad is it that I would rather watch David Flair back then than Ric Flair today? How sad that I should find something that I've ALREADY SEEN less predictable than something that is brand new? How bad is it that something that was barely more than a joke back then is so much better than the crap that WWE puts out today?
The fact is that WWE is utterly boring and predictable. Is it me, or didn't they used to have actual title changes back in the day in WWE? Not only that, but didn't they actually have title changes on RAW? Didn't the top face used to occasionally lose a match, so that people wouldn't feel like rooting for the heel because the heel is the underdog?
I've put up with WWE for as long as possible, even defending them against people who were at the point I am now, but I cannot stand it anymore. WWE puts me to sleep, literally, 4 out of 5 times when I watch it. They book Cena, a decent performer, so invincibly that the crowd actually HATES him because they are tired of seeing him win every single confrontation. They book their matches so that there is never any possible doubt what the outcome will be. Most annoyingly, with a few very rare exceptions (like Michaels vs. Cena at WM), every single match follows the same formula, and ends the same way.
WWE is making me hate wrestling, and that is really sad for them, because I am a Longtime fan and I thought I would never give up. Thank god for DVDs. I can understand if you don't want to print a long diatribe such as this, but I just felt like venting to somebody, and you were unlucky enough to be the recipient.
