The Triple Threat 4.29.07: The 46th Edition
Posted by Sean, David, Alex on 04.29.2007
We are back and better than ever. We talk about a pair of wrestlers that have issues, TNA giving things away for free, and WWE going international.
Hello everyone, as we start winding down the school year and head into summer vacation, we'd like to remind you that wrestling never stops. We didn't have a column last week because Alex and David went on a trip to Austin and San Antonio for an IWA-Mid South show. I didn't go because I had things to do with my church. We preview Backlash we also talk about Randy Orton's issues, Austin Starr's issues, TNA giving stuff away for free and more. You better make sure to read this edition of the Triple Threat.
Topic #1 Randy Orton has gotten himself in trouble again for trashing a hotel room and is being taken off shows at the moment. This is not the first time that Randy Orton has done something stupid like this, should WWE fire him?
David Martell: Even though I am a pretty big Orton fan I do believe he should get fired. You would figure that he would learn after the first couple of times he did something but obviously he doesn't care about making money too much. He thinks that he is such a big star that he can do whatever he wants. The problem is WWE wont fire Orton because they don't want him ending up in TNA. It's a smart move and a dumb move at the same time. Its smart to keep him out of TNA but dumb because he might end up doing the same stupid crap once again.
Alex Mattis: Oh Randy, once again get yourself in trouble, right when it looks like a push was on the horizon for you. Of course, we all know this isn't the first time he's done something like this. I believe his age can take the blame for some of his actions, also the people he was brought up in the business with. Given his father, and the men he was around, and the fact that Orton spent a lot of time with Flair early in his career. Randy, I think, just wants to live the life style they lived, the rock star, horsemen life style. Difference is that it is a much different business today. I think Randy will pull out of this, he'll be back on his feet in a while, and hopefully he'll wise up to what he can and can't do in today's wrestling world. The E won't and shouldn't fire him for this, others have gotten away with worse.
Sean Garmer: Well, this certainly isn't unexpected. Yeah he's young, but then again, if we use Alex's logic here because of having family in the business he should know what to do, and what not to do. I understand times were different back in the day, and guys had a longer leash, but come on Randy how many chances are you going to get before you burn them all. Randy is still a youngster and he wants to live his life while on the road, but you have to understand that it is your duty as a WWE Superstar to act like a professional when in public places. If we use WWE's logic, this was more demeaning than Rhino's breaking of the flower plant, and Rhino got fired for that. I'm on the fence about this because I think WWE kinda wants to fire him but they won't because they are afraid he will go to TNA. Maybe WWE should give him a long break in fire him. Let him think about his issues and if he wants to move on, let him. What's the point of having this problem child in your lockeroom.
Topic #2 If WWE were to let Randy Orton go, should TNA go after him?
David Martell: I would say no on this just because he might pull the same stuff in TNA that he did in the WWE. He may even cause more problems because knowing Orton; he would think he is bigger than TNA all together. TNA probably would take this chance just because Orton is known and may add some drawing power to their product.
Alex Mattis: Should they get him? I don't know, TNA is in such a slump right I don't know what they should do with anything. Until they get two hours they don't even need to think about expanding their roster. Plus this would take time away from Russo and Co. thinking of new gimmick matches, like the "Suicidal Stampede!!!" Jesus Harold Christ, someone please fire Russo, Mantel, Jarrett, just do something.
Sean Garmer: Similar to RVD, I wouldn't be opposed to TNA picking up Orton because it's someone that WWE has not used to their full potential sort of like a Christian type, where TNA can use his star power and make him into a bigger star there. However, you pay a price with Orton, because everyone watching TNA knows him, therefore they couldn't just start him at the bottom because he would receive an instant reaction. You'd have to immediately place him in the main event because the mid-card consists of the X-Division. Also, there's the fact that some TNA talent would suffer because they would need to build him up. His backstage attitude might improve being in a new place that's a lot less strict and gives more time off. It's a double-edged sword just like any big name signing is for TNA right now. Ultimately, it would be up to TNA, but it wouldn't be a bad decision to hire him. However, unlike RVD, Randy Orton doesn't fit anywhere but in the main event scene, so that's something TNA must consider.
Topic #3 Austin Starr has been suspended by TNA for three months for a bad backstage attitude. This is the 2nd offense on Starr, is he really worth all this aggravation for TNA?
David Martell: He is worth the aggravation because Starr has everything you need to become a star in wrestling. Unlike Orton, Starr seems to have a good reason to get mad. Starr and a lot of the younger guys in TNA are angry about how they are getting used and how they are overshadowed by ex WWE and WCW guys. Unfortunately Starr will actually speak his mind and it ends up getting him suspended for 90 days.
Alex Mattis: Absolutely he is worth it, and TNA knows it, that's why they haven't severed ties with him. Aries is one of the best all around talents that TNA has, I would put him up there with AJ, Joe, Fallen Angel, etc. But I think these "attitude problems" translate to Aries speaking his mind when something sucks, which of course we all know is a big no-no in the wrestling world. He'll be back, but he doesn't need nor deserve to put up with bullshit so we'll have to wait and see where he goes from here.
Sean Garmer: Apparently this stems from him wearing a "Ring of Honor" shirt at the "TNA" fanfest, and refusing to cut promo's on his day off. I understand the promo thing because well, he does have the right to refuse to work on his day off. However, Starr is not stupid, he knows that this is a TNA fanfest and he doesn't need to be wearing a competing companies T-Shirt. Why don't you promote the company that is paying you on contract? That's just dumb. Does TNA need to make a dress policy too? Obviously, he's not happy with his status in TNA and he wanted to be difficult about it. Hopefully, he cools off because TNA has enough backstage issues as it is. Starr has a lot of talent and could be a big thing for TNA, but it takes two to make it work. I'm glad TNA was smart enough to stick up for themselves and show him who's boss.
Topic #4 A lot of hoopla has been made about giving away Kurt Angle vs. Sting for free on Impact. Should TNA have done this?
David Martell: This was a bad idea because they could have made a PPV around this match alone. Sting vs. Angle is a dream match that should have been properly done. Something like this has to have a story and be built around something. Something like this can't be rushed. TNA really lost their chance to make it something special. You don't give away a dream match on free TV.
Alex Mattis: Literally the dumbest thing that TNA has done in the past few months. There isn't much more to say, Angle-Sting could be awesome, like AWESOME. But nah, TNA wants to give us 3 minutes then interference, whatever…way to drop the ball TNA.
Sean Garmer: Well the way TNA did this they saved it from really showing what could happen if it was done on PPV. Goodness, why even have this? It didn't pop a rating for TNA and almost nothing will when your show sucks badly, and you are having PPV's that could be better but that horrid booking committee doesn't help. However, they probably still know more than I about booking a show do, and I'm being truthful, not sarcastic. Your PPV buyrate is what's important for a small company like TNA and that should be your focus. Now any match you have with Angle vs. Sting in the future will have lost some steam because you already had the first meeting on TV. WWE can do this because they have a loyal following, and always find a way to make it still seem epic when you get to it, but TNA can't because they don't do well enough.
Fun Topic of the Week: in light of the recent miscue on the Women's, title change on the European tour. Does it always devalue a title if you do multiple title changes?
David Martell: I am not a fan of multiple title changes in a short amount of time. It was pretty useless for the woman's title to change hands and then changed hands again in one day. To me its just really dumb there nothing much else to say about it.
Alex Mattis: Absolutely. Trading title's back and forth can be interesting if done right. But don't trade the title back every week, every month, and never on the same night. It just makes the title seem like it isn't much to fight for, if you can lose it after having it for only a week, month, etc.
Sean Garmer: This was a mistake but WWE has done this before, but since it didn't happen on television they don't actually have to honor it. However, WWE has decided to make the title change part of the history to add some fuel to the fire. I think doing title changes can sometimes add some intrigue and give a shock factor, but you can't do it too much. For a small title like the Women's title it's no big deal, and let's people know that Mickie James is indeed a threat. If they show video in the highlight package before the match at Backlash that would be cool, anyhow, you can do this some, but for bigger titles it should be done in rare cases. I don't feel there is a devaluement unless it happens week after week, or month after month.
Topic #6 WWE is considering making one or two international brands to add to the three that they have now in America. There plan is to move some talent over there permanently to help viewership. If WWE were able to gain TV rights for those brands in America, do you think it could work?
David Martell: I really think that WWE needs to concentrate on making their current brands good before they start adding any new brands. International brands would be cool but only if we would be able to watch it on TV here in the US. I also think that the stars who would have to go to the international brands wouldn't be very happy being there because they will have to be away from home all year.
Alex Mattis: Here it is people, the final nail in the coffin of professional wrestling. So killing the sport in the US isn't enough for you is it Vince? You have to completely kill it. I hope these are just rumors, because this could honestly be the worst possible thing to happen to wrestling for many reasons.
Sean Garmer: I don't think Vince would be able to handle two other brands that are not even in the United States, he would probably put someone else in charge of the booking stuff. They are considering Mexico, Japan, and England. They already run into a problem with Mexico and Japan because they would be competing against CMLL and AAA down there, and all those federations in Japan. Also, they would have a long haul to do because those two countries have their own style of wrestling. Though I do think WWE could draw due to their name and bringing something different, but doing that every week would be extremely difficult. Also let's not forget the extensive travel schedule all these wrestlers already have, to send them some of them to do special appearances in other countries to wrestle natives puts more strain on them. That's not even counting what this would do to the wrestlers that get transported in those places permanently. All I know is, they better get some big paychecks if WWE were to make Rey Mysterio live in Mexico, or WGTT live in Japan. England could work because they speak the same language, don't have as many competing promotions, and could get TV rights for it in America. They also travel to England more often than the other two places, so they could easily set up big shows. However, it is still a problem. WWE needs to stabilize the American brands before they even think of expanding globally. Also how would their tour schedule work? Would they ever come here? If it didn't pan out, WWE runs the risk of losing lots of money. Right now, WWE is not that wonderful of a financial state to do this.
Topic # 7 WWE Backlash is tonight. What do you think of the card?
David Martell: Melina vs. Mickie James Womans Title Match : This could be one of the better womans matches of this year but I don't really see it going that long. I see Melina taking this one.
MVP vs. Benoit US Championship Match: If this is given more time then the Wrestlemania match this could be a damn good match. MVP and Benoit have been working together a lot in the past few months and have even had some good matches on Smackdown. Who knows, this could be the match of the night.
The Hardys vs. Cade and Murdoch World Tag Team Title Match: Its really good to see two real tag teams actually facing off for the tag belts. I hope this match is giving at least 10 minutes because this could turn out to be a decent match. Its good to see the titles being defended at a PPV it has been forever.
The Undertaker vs. Batista for the World Title (Last Man Standing): Undertaker seems to be able to hold Batista to pretty good matches so I expect this to be alright. I think Undertaker is going to win this match to end their little feud.
Bobbey Lashley vs. Vince, Shane and Umaga for the ECW Title (3 on 1 handicap match): To me this match is going to be the worst match of the night. Lashley's going to keep the belt and hopefully this feud will end.
John Cena vs. Randy Orton vs. HBK vs. Edge for the WWE Title: This match has potential to be a great match if everyone works together. I hope this is more of a wrestling match then a spot fest but who knows. I believe Cena will come out on top again probably pinning Orton because of all his misconduct lately.
Alex Mattis: Ahh, WrestleMania part II. This should be a decent show. The 3 on 1 match should be absolute garbage, but the tag match and the 4-way should be pretty good. I think the last man standing match can actually turn out to be solid. Overall should be an ok show.
Sean Garmer: Women's match stands to be good to possibly a great one, but it's going to be hard to get the crowd into it. MVP and Benoit have been getting some great matches out of each other recently and this one could steal the show. Taker vs. Batista could be good but expect to walk out champion because Batista has been acting up lately, not to mention, Taker has done too much for the company to be relegated to transitional champion, especially, to Batista. The ECW title match I expect to be another fun McMahon deal. The tag match could be a good one too and it is nice to see on the PPV. The Fatal Four Way could be great as long as the four work together and make it a match. Not something where two are in the ring and two are outside all the time. The first tri-branded PPV, I hope it's a success.
Match of the Week Nominees: John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels (RAW), 8-Man Elimination Tag Match: Matt Striker, Marcus Cor Von, Elijah Burke & Kevin Thorne vs. RVD, Sabu, Sandman & Tommy Dreamer (ECW), Undertaker & Batista vs. Mr. Kennedy & Finlay, Chris Benoit vs. MVP (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.
Ari's Column of Honor Is the place to go for all of your ROH needs.
The 3R's "The Franchise" Larry Csonka and Geoff Eubanks, just like you like them.
Truth B Told Bayani Domingo has those Asian girls looking good. He also talks about what TNA is doing wrong, what they do well, and what they need to change.
Remember that Hidden Highlights is out there too. Go read JT & JP's column that show's you all the little details of a wrestling show. I can't link them because they come out at the same time I need to turn this column into the system. So there is a link here in spirit.
Meehan Gives you all the news with his great writing included too. Don't miss the King of Positivity.
Don't forget about High/Low Road Sat & Uncle Trunx discuss the changing the PPV's back to being all tri-branded.
Shining the Spotlight Michael Weyer discusses the 2nd part of his series on the Four Horsemen.
Top Ten Julian Williams is here with his Top Ten Backlash matches.
Special shout out to the Andy Clark who's doing the Shimmy on Monday.
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Our Indy Scene
Alex Mattis: IWA-MS came to San Antonio and sure as hell wasn't going to miss it. The show was a cross promotion show between IWA and ACW (local Texas promotion). It was quite the Indy show for Texas. The card included Joey Ryan, Necro Butcher, Masada, Hernandez, Low Ki, Ian Rotten, Roderick Strong, and someone who wasn't announce but was an awesome surprise for me, Drake Younger. The wrestling itself was pretty solid, Low Ki and Hernandez had an amazing match, and Masada and Necro had one of the sickest matches I have ever seen. This match also mark the first time I have seen Necro dropped in a slugfest, Masada legit rocked Necro about 5 minutes into the match and the Butcher was loopy for a little while. The Main Event was a four way tag death match type spot fest. Not my cup of tea, but had some decent spots none-the-less. The best part was after the show when I got to meet Joey Ryan, Roderick Strong, Low Ki, and Drake. All were very nice and appreciative, and Ki has the stiffest handshake ever! The DVD will be available on Smart Mark Video in a few weeks, and I highly recommend it, especially to hardcore wrestling fans.
David Martell: This past weekend Alex and I had the chance to go to a ACW/IWA Mid South joint show in San Antonio. The Show had big names such as Hot Stuff Hernandez, Low Ki, Rodrick Strong, The Necro Butcher and Joey Ryan. I'm not going to go to deep into the show because I am sure Alex will explain things a bit better then I can. Stong and Joey Ryan went against local talent and put together some decent matches. Necro basicly got killed in a death match against this guy named Masada. The best match of the night and the best match I have ever seen live was Low Ki vs. Hernandez. This match was made perfect. It was one of those classic David vs. Goliath type matches. Low Ki handed out several kicks and chops to bring the big man down in the usual Low Ki fashion. Hot Stuff brought out all the big moves but in the end Low Ki won with a quick roll up. It is really had to explain how good this match actually was but I will defiantly recommend the DVD when it comes out. After the show we all go to hang out with some of the wrestlers which was kind of like a dream for me. All of them was really nice but Low Ki was really intimidating. Low Ki has a very strong hand shake might I add. All and all it was an awesome show and when the DVD comes out it's a definite buy just for the Low Ki vs. Hernandez match.
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. Enjoy Backlash, and see everyone here next week. Ciao Triple Threaters.
If you want to send us your thoughts or comments send them to triplethreatsda@hotmail.com
