The Triple Threat 5.13.07: The 48th Edition
Posted by Sean, David, Alex on 05.13.2007
Happy Mother's Day people, we talk about Austin Starr wanting to leave, the Naturals being released, EDGE's new title reign and more. Be sure to tune into this Triple Threat for all your wrestling info.
Hello everyone, happy Mother's Day to all the women out there, I can't celebrate it with my mother because she lives on the other side of the United States in Miami. I still have my Grandmother though. David is at home celebrating with his Mother, and Alex is at home too. We hope all of you take the time to say thank you to your Mothers for taking the time to care for you all those years. As far as wrestling goes an injury causes a major shake up for SmackDown. EDGE is the new World Champion and we have our thoughts on that. TNA released some talent, they could release another, and we preview Sacrifice as well. Well what's left is for you to read this column.
Topic #1 EDGE defeats Mr. Kennedy on RAW for the MITB and then beats Undertaker on SmackDown to win the World Title. Are you ok with this? And was he the right guy to move to SmackDown?
David Martell: To me, Edge was probably the best pick to take the title. Yeah it does suck that both Taker and Kennedy are out with injuries but hey, anything is better than Batista. I hope that Edge ends up keeping it till Kennedy gets back, which is sooner then once thought. This will be an interesting feud and a good chance to finally turn Kennedy face. I expect this to turn out better then we though and we might end up getting some great matches out of this.
Alex Mattis: AHHH! That's what I have to say. One week, after saying the angle with Kennedy wrestling for the title at Mania was one of the best the E has had in some time it all goes to hell. I understand injuries happen, I feel like the story could have been written around it however, and that the writing team acted too quickly. The injury bug has bitten the E hard, in addition to the big Kennedy plans; the Undertaker's big title run came to a screeching halt. I personally blame this string of injuries on the E's ridiculous travel schedule and the amount of shows they hold, wear and tear. Back to the original topic, any reader of this column knows that I can't stand EDGE and that I think he is one of the most overrated people in the business right now. People have tried to point out to me his "great matches" and how good he can work, his best matches have been tag matches or with the likes of Eddie Guerrero, Kurt Angle, Chris Benoit people in a class of their own. The other matches he's had that were viewed as "awesome" were all gimmick matches (cage match, ladder match, TLC match, etc). Don't get me wrong, the guy can bump, but he's just plain overrated and isn't a very good heel. Watch out though, he'll insult your local sports team like that! *Snaps Fingers* I took the summer of '06 off from the E so I don't really know how his title reign was, I can't imagine it being great seeing as how all he did was feud with John Cena, but there is hope in this one, fresh new start, fresh face on another show, more options for title defenses. SmackDown needed another guy in the main event scene, I might not like who it is, but hey they got someone.
Sean Garmer: Oh Alex, get off it will ya, he's better than Christian and you are going to have to get over it. It sucks that Kennedy had an injury thankfully the injury is only for about two months instead of the five to seven it was originally. Regardless, this was a glorious moment for all of wrestling and will now draw interest in watching SmackDown once again. This was the right guy to move to SmackDown because Randy Orton is still being punished and needs to be on RAW so he can be watched closely. HBK can't go anywhere because he belongs on RAW. So EDGE was the logical choice here because he hasn't been on SmackDown in a long time, also he would be a fresh match-up for Batista and Kennedy when he returns, as well as have a great match with Benoit if he moves up to the main event. Alex may not like this, but I love it, how wonderful it is to see EDGE as champion once again. Not to mention, he's the only one that could do that storyline where he steals the belt after a match and now the crowds are going to be hot for Kennedy when he returns.
Topic #2 TNA released the Naturals this week. They also hired the Bashams in their place. Should WWE think about signing the Naturals? And is this a good move by TNA to hire the Bashams?
David Martell: I think that the Naturals would be a good investment since the WWE is lacking tag teams. I really hope they pick them up. For TNA, it was a good idea to get the Bashams but I also think that it was a bad idea to release a good tag team like the Naturals. I have no idea what TNA is doing with the tag division right now.
Alex Mattis: Man did I love the Naturals, the pink and black Naturals, the "Newly Franchised" thing was alright but it flopped. Many people don't realize how important the Naturals were in TNA for a while. During the FSN era they were the dominant team, feuding with AMW and Triple X and having great matches. It seemed like they were over, but they just faded away. When given their big push with Shane Douglas it was like TNA wanted them to be the next big tag team and wanted them to get over, but only put 50% into them. They would get all the hype videos then lose in 2 minutes to LAX. Bad booking in TNA? Unheard of I know. They won three matches that gave them the number one contender status, but never got a shot. What the hell!?!? As for the Basham's, I feel they have some untapped potential and could be a nice addition to the tag division, which seems to be in the middle of a rejuvenation.
Sean Garmer: I guess I can understand why TNA released them, they basically jobbed them out and were tired of thinking of new ways to bring them back. Also Russo probably couldn't think of a way to make them into goofy characters, so they were let go. They were a very good tag team in TNA and might not be a bad move for WWE to sign them and move them to ECW or SmackDown to flesh out the tag divisions there. They weren't big enough in TNA that people will recognize them off the bat like Monty Brown, so WWE can mold them anyway they want. The Bashams is also a good hire for TNA, they are probably the best free agent team available. WWE never gave them the time of day, and they can now go to TNA with a fresh start. They won't pop a rating or anything, but they provide a good solid tag team that is just replacing the one they just let go. So no roster space is taken up either. The only thing is, these are two more WWE rejects that have defected to TNA. However, I think this will pan out well for them.
Topic #3 Austin Starr has asked for his release from TNA. Should they give it to him? And should he try to go to WWE?
David Martell: I actually figured this would happen. This wasn't the first time Starr has had problems with TNA and it was only a matter of time before he would want to quit, this is almost the same thing that happened with Roderick Strong. I think that the WWE should pick him up as long as they would use him right. I see Starr going back to the Indies for a while before anything big happens.
Alex Mattis: I don't think that leaving TNA may be the right choice for THE Austin Starr right now, as they have used him a lot and seemed to want to put stock into him. Although he is a big name on the indy scene and wouldn't have any trouble finding work. The E wouldn't know what to do with a talent like Aries, but I could see them liking the Starr gimmick, but still his size would prohibit him from excelling to far in the company dominated by monsters.
Sean Garmer: You know, I don't care how much of a talent Austin Starr is. If he doesn't want to be in the company and he basically can't work for 90 days, I say let him go. Your depriving him from working and he's causing a rift in your lockeroom that's not good. Part of the reason that TNA's morale is so low is because they keep people around that no longer want to be there. Yeah WWE might pick them up, but in reality, with the stuff you are doing now there's no way you will be competing with WWE anytime soon, especially if WWE has a bunch of other PPV's as good as Backlash. I understand that Austin is a great talent that could do great things for TNA, but it's my belief that you must deal with your disgruntled workers or they will continue to cause a rift in the lockeroom. If you continue to let that happen the morale will remain low. TNA has taken a step to let him know that he will not control them. For right now, I guess they can weather the storm with him, but if he continues to make a fuss, I'd say let him go.
Topic #4 NWA plans to hold a tournament to crown a new NWA World Champion. Being considered are Brent Albright, Bryan Danielson, and Claudio Castignoli to hold it. Who do you think should win the belt?
David Martell: I think that Bryan Danielson would be the best pick for the NWA title. Danielson is the best indy wrestler out there and probably one of the best in the entire industry so he would be a shoe in. Either way, the tournament would be worth watching to see who will get crowned the new NWA champion.
Alex Mattis: If this is a one-night tourney it will be an awesome show. Not to mention the importance it will have. I assume TNA worked out a deal with the NWA board so they can have the belt for one more month until Joe's big title victory in Nashville. I just pray they don't do something stupid trying to copy the Shane Douglas incident, have Joe win it, retire the NWA title from TNA and talk about how he will lead TNA by being its first true champ. As for who the belt should go to, all three candidates are excellent. The E messed up big with Albright, he is a hoss in the ring. "The Most Money Making Man" wouldn't mind having the NWA title under his suit; he may just European Uppercut his way to being the holder of one of the most important belts in wrestling, and finally, the man who I think should win it, Bryan Danielson. This man represents everything that title does. Pure wrestling, respect, and the true will of a champion. He could hold the NWA title, and then reclaim his title in ROH. I do believe that the best wrestler in the world will be in line for the NWA title.
Sean Garmer: I think for the NWA to give instant credibility back to their title you need to give it to the best Indy wrestler available. That would be of course, American Dragon Bryan Danielson. He held the ROH title longer than anyone and defended it with so much honor that it gave the title lots of credibility. American Dragon is a phenomenal wrestler and he deserves to hold that belt, especially if he wants to be the one to carry on the legacy of the title, I'd say give it to him. Brent Albright is still a little young for it, and Claudio wouldn't be a bad idea, but I still believe that Am Drag is the best choice. Just imagine some great match-ups they could have with that belt, and you'll see why American Dragon should be the one to hold it.
Fun Topic of the Week: WWE dropped the ECW December to Dismember PPV? What other PPV do you think WWE should drop?
David Martell: WWE made a smart move dropping December to Dismember since all of the PPVs are all branded. I don't think this will be the last PPV to go, at least I hope so. Since they are doing all branded PPVs it would be a good idea to only have 12 the whole year so one PPV won't be two weeks after another. I think that the wwe needs to drop New Years Revolution, One Night Stand, and the Great American Bash. That should leave WWE with 12 PPVs left.
Alex Mattis: Well after the last December to Dismember it was only right that they dropped it, the name would be forever tainted. Should the E drop more PPV's? Dear God yes, what are we up to? 15? That is ridiculous, damn you Eric Bischoff for fucking up the PPV world. 12 is too many. ECW had the PPV science down. I believe 6 a year is a perfect number, every other month, more time to build feuds and anticipation. Now a days sometime you only have two weeks between PPV's. Back in the day when the E had the big 4 PPV's things worked, I would say "Man I can wait 'til August for SummerSlam!" Now I say "Hey PPV this Sunday? Eh, I'll just watch the one next Sunday." It's just too much, now the PPV's don't seem like BIG shows, just SmackDown or Raw that you pay for. The big four still have the "big" feel to it though. I know they won't drop any more, but I think it would be smart to do so. All this goes for TNA also, I think they messed up doing monthly PPV's, every other month would have been a far better decision for them.
Sean Garmer: It's good to see WWE dropping their worst PPV ever. Now if we can get WWE to drop three more we can get it back to what it should be, one PPV a month. That makes a lot more sense especially with the PPV's going back to being all tri-branded. New Year's Revolution needs to go and the novelty of One Night Stand has worn off too. Cyber Sunday, which traditionally hasn't done well could use a kicking too. I love the concept of the PPV however, I think the fans should still have a PPV that they can call their own. I'd say use either Great American Bash, No Mercy, or Armageddon for that to draw a little more interest in the PPV itself. Letting the fans pick the stipulations for the matches and the participants is a neat idea. If WWE brings their PPV's back to once a month it will keep their storylines a lot more streamlined. Then having a lot of bumps in the Summer and around October. I also wish they would do away with the WCW PPV Great American Bash and move Vengeance to that month. This would make room for the return of the King of the Ring, which is a PPV known for making stars. WWE knew this, and they brought it back for King Booker and he took off after that. Imagine what it could do for CM Punk, Johnny Nitro or Paul London. It is just a thought but people know the name of KOTR and it would sell. Ultimately, it's up to WWE and what they want to do, I'm just giving some advice.
Topic #6 Jimmy Hart is talking to various places around the US and UK about hosting a Hulk Hogan tour that could possibly turn into a Legends World Tour. Do you think this could work?
David Martell: I really don't care for a Legends World Tour and I certainly don't care about Hogan. I hope this doesn't work out, that's all I have to say.
Alex Mattis: Ever hear of Hero's of Wrestling? Trust me, you don't want that on tour.
Sean Garmer: With so many indy shows nowadays you would have to guarantee a great show to get people to go. Hogan also counted charge too much for these shows or they are going to alienate people. I don't really know how this would work? Over half the legends either don't like Hogan or are owned by WWE, so who's he going to get? Ultimate Warrior? Macho Man? Kamala? I mean there's only so many and even then how do you know they can wrestle with any semblance of what they could before. This thing could end up being a total washout if Hogan couldn't get anyone. Now if Hogan does it in another way it could work, get lots of very good Indy talent to be in the undercard and then build the main event around Hogan vs. whoever he wants. At least if Hogan doesn't deliver you can count on the undercard to give fans their money's worth and then Hogan can really test if he can still draw. It would be way, too difficult to do a Legends tour because there aren't many left that can still have normal matches or WWE doesn't have a Legends contract with either.
Topic # 7 TNA Sacrifice is on tonight. What do you think of the card?
David Martell: This PPV seems pretty good on paper and doesn't look too gimmicky like the last few TNA has had. It looks like TNA is finally getting there own titles after tonight and I could see, maybe, all of the title changing hands. All three of the title matches look great. I'm not going to go too much into this because I'm not really up to date with TNA but I know Alex will have a great breakdown of the card.
Alex Mattis: Pretty good card, considering what TNA has been putting out lately. It reeks of three ways though, and not in a good way. OVER KILL, but the best way to analyze the show is to break it down match by match.
4 Way X-Division Match:
MOTN most likely, the debut of Tiger Mask should have been hyped to shit though. They could have announced that one of the most iconic characters in Puro history will be on you American product three days before hand? Doesn't make sense, but the match should be incredible; I look forward to the exchanges between Tiger Mask and Low Ki. The match might go to Tiger Mask just because of his name, but good booking would put Shelley over, seeing as how he is the only one the company has plans for right now.
My Prediction:
Alex Shelley (Maybe with help from "Chris" Sabin)
Christopher Daniels Vs. Rhino:
Just to further push Daniels as a main player, he will take out the man beast. Match should be ok.
My Prediction:
Christopher Daniels (Win will somehow involve something about Sting)
VKM Vs. The Bashams:
AHHH, tied for Shit of The Night. Bashams just beast VKM then do something else.
My Prediction:
The Bashams
James Storm Vs. Chris Harris:
Ugh, end this feud please.
My Prediction:
Chris Harris
AJ Styles Vs. Samoa Joe:
Match makes no sense at all, why are they wrestling each other. TNA had an AJ-Angle feud going, why turn the main event into a triple threat when you could have AJ-Angle on PPV? Then put him against Joe when they have had nothing going on with each other? What the hell man!?! Putting all that aside, of course this will be an excellent match and could tie or out do the X-Division 4 way for MOTN. I think Joe might have one more lose before the biggest win of his career.
My Prediction:
AJ Styles
Jeff Jarrett Vs. Robert Roode:
Personally I think this is going to be a very good match, a lot of old-school stuff. These two guys wrestle alike and I have a feeling they are going to have some good chemistry together. I think Jarrett may lose, kind of like a "he's not on the ball due to being gone for so long" type of deal, and continuing this feud until the next PPV where Jarrett will still to win in front of his home town crowd, but not win the title. It's win freakin' win baby!
My Prediction:
Robert Roode and Hooty McBoob
Chris Sabin Vs. Sonjay Dutt Vs. Black Machismo:
Should be a good, fast paced match, and a title change. Sabin will go onto the tag division from here, Dutt will turn heel and feud with you new X-Division champion.
My Prediction:
"Black Machismo" Jay Lethal w/ his advisor Mr. Kevin Nash
Tag Title 3-Way:
Wow! Where in God's name does Homicide fit in with these 5 big men? I could actually see LAX pullin the win off however, going on to feud with The Bashams or The Motor City Machine Guns, while Team 3D feud with Steinko.
My Prediction:
To live and die and LAX! BBBBBLLLLLATTTTT!!!!!
NWA World Title Match:
I weep, I have wanted Christian Vs. Sting since August...I'm never gonna get it am I? Not to say this match won't be good, but I would have thought the title would have been in more jeopardy, and the match would have had more importance is it was a single's match. The Instant Class will retain and we may see some interference from Daniels, distracting Sting while Christian pins Angle.
My Prediction:
"The Instant Classic, Captain Charisma, Never pinned never submitted, the NWA champion 24-7, if you don't know now you know!" Christian Cage
All in all, should be the best PPV TNA has produced in a few months. The past few months have been so damn gimmick filled and this PPV only has one gimmick match, it's going to be weird to see TNA live up to there claim that they "Are Wrestling."
Sean Garmer: We get to see the debut of the Bashams against VKM. That could either be good or bad. Two very good X-Division matches on the horizon for the title we have Lethal, Dutt, vs. Sabin, which we've seen many times but it could still be good. Then Tiger Mask shows up to wrestle against Senshi, Alex Shelley and the thrown in Jerry Lynn. Christopher Daniels vs. Rhino could be another good one, AJ vs. Samoa Joe was thrown together but you can't deny it will be another great one. Jeff Jarrett vs. Roode should be interesting. 3D vs. LAX again, gosh I'm hoping that will end soon, adding Tomko and Steiner doesn't help this at all. All I'm going to say is the Triple Threat main event better deliver after robbing fans of the awaited Christian vs. Sting match. This is the first PPV in a while that's not bogged down by silly gimmicks and it could prove to be the best one of the year for TNA so far.
Match of the Week Nominees: CM Punk vs. Marcus Cor Von (ECW), Chris Harris, Rhino, & Samoa Joe vs. James Storm, Christopher Daniels, vs. AJ Styles (TNA Impact), MVP & Finlay vs. Chris Benoit & Matt Hardy, World Championship Cage Match: Undertaker vs. Batista (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: World Championship Cage Match: Undertaker vs. Batista
Alex Mattis: World Championship Cage Match: Undertaker vs. Batista
Sean Garmer: World Championship Cage Match: Undertaker vs. Batista
The 4R's "The Franchise" Larry Csonka and Geoff Eubanks, just like you like them, complete with a retro TNA Sacrifice.
Truth B Told Bayani Domingo has those Asian girls looking good. What's happened in the last few days to change the relationship between TNA and ROH, and what will be the fallout? Read all about it here.
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 complete with a big mailbag.
Don't forget about High/Low Road Sat & Uncle Trunx discuss Vince as ECW Champion
Shining the Spotlight Michael Weyer discusses a few DVD's he forgot himself and then tells us what the readers would like to see DVD's made.
Top Ten Julian Williams is here with his Top Ten SmackDown matches.
Special shout out to the Andy Clark who's doing the Shimmy on Monday.
There is something you should know about
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I guess one thing you may not know about me (Sean) is that I love Soccer. So I feel it necessary to give links to our soccer compatriots here at 411. Actually, on Wednesday is the debut of my very own Soccer column called America's Futbol, so be on the lookout for that.
Round Football Column Tim O' Sullivan usually puts his thoughts on everything Soccer in Europe, mainly on the FA Premiership but that's because he lives in England. He will talk Spanish, Italian, and other kinds of European Football from time to time as well. In this one he talks about the two Champions League second legs. So if you are big on Soccer read his column every week.
Thursday Kick-Off Taareq Elsokari is a big Manchester United fan (like me). He talks about the English Premiership and all things that have to do with that. This week he goes into detail about the Premiership champs Man U, the relegation battle, West Ham's issues and more. So be sure to read his column every week, especially if you are a Footy Fanatic.
Also, worthy of your time should be the whole Sports Zone itself. We have a new editor in Dan Owen and he's getting ready to roundup some guys to provide more content to the zone. So be prepared for the new look of the zone after the MMA guys leave for their own section.
Now! Time for Feedback
Our feedback this week comes from our loyal follower John Bryant Bateman
now the match I have planned is one only guys who like foreign wrestlers or indy wrestlers will really understand. It's the Great Sasuke(yes the legend) vs Rey Mysterio in an Ultimate X match. and now to my questions. What do you guys think of the alleged and rumored push that Chris Masters is supposedly getting? and also: Do you think Homicide could branch of as a Singles star in TNA because according to my opinion I think he's being held back in a tag team feuding against a no talent hack and his smoothie-making partner.
Sean Garmer: Hey John, good to hear from you again, your feedback is always appreciated. Sasuke vs. Mysterio would be another great match and I think in the end Mysterio would be grabbing that X. I haven't heard anything about this Chris Masters push, if he gets one that's a tragedy considering he's not worth it. I love Homicide he's my favorite TNA wrestler and of course I think he could do great things for the company. He could be a huge main event star for TNA and the best thing would be, he's representing the Latino nation.
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. Happy Mother's Day again, 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
