Your News, My Views 6.12.07
Posted by Larry Csonka on 06.12.2007
Not only is there a TON of draft coverage, but today you the reader make a very important decision. Oh yeah, and Vince McMahon is dead.
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 hope all is well. This was another tiring week for me. There was lots of work, some partying and just the usual stuff. Thankfully Christi is finishing up school, and there will be more family time to be had, and that is always a great thing. We have some news this week, overall a light week as far as the regular news stuff goes, so we will get to that and YOU the reader will make a VERY important decision! But it all pales in comparison to the death of Vince McMahon. I don't know how I will be able to finish the column. I am in mourning.
DRAFT THOUGHTS~!
Wednesday there will be some form of supplemental draft as well.
I will not be writing about RAW or ECW for the R's this week due to my crazy schedule this week. I do have some good people taking care of them for you, but I thought I would share some draft thoughts with you here.
-MATCH 1: JOHN CENA vs. EDGE – I am so glad that they didn't a do a finish here. Having Edge escape with a count out victory was awesome as it fits his character well. So SMACKDOWN got the first pick.
+Pick Earned: THE GREAT KHALI to SMACKDOWN – And this worked perfectly as well. Khali jobbed on the way out from Raw, so this was expected. But the expressions from Edge and Cena were glorious. Edge had this "I AM FUCKED" look, while Cena had the "Have fun with that big bastard" look of joy. Khali back on Smackdown where he can be edited is good stuff, I just hope they actually have a plan for him. This was all good stuff in execution though, so a fine start.
-MATCH 2: Carlito vs. Punk – Fine match, Punk won which he should have as he has been booked better, has been producing better and ECW needs to look like they are important here. Punk got the win with the Go2Sleep, and earned ECW a draft pick.
+Pick Earned: THE BOOGEY MAN to ECW – So does Boogey-Cito come with him? First of all, Punk looking happy about this was so laughable. Secondly, so much for helping out ECW. Boogey is fun for comedy, but he in no way helps the brand out.
-MATCH: Balls Mahoney vs. UUUUMAGA – Umaga killed a bitch. No Samoan Clam Bake though.
+Pick Earned: KING BOOKER to RAW. ALL HAIL KING BOOKAH~! All right, I don't want to be the conspiracy theorist, but when you look at the picks: Khali, Boogey and then…BOOKER. Yeah, Raw got the first sweet draft pick of the night for sure.
-MATCH: Chris Benoit vs. Bobby Lashley – These men had a grappling match! While not always pretty, these are the kinds of matches Lashley needs to be involved in for learning purposes. Lashley got the win using his power game, and this was fine.
+Pick Earned: CHRIS BENOIT to ECW. I had discussed this before on podcasts and other places. This is an excellent move as Benoit working with Lashley and others will be good for the company, and he is a name and that is needed on ECW.
-MATCH: Santino vs. MVP – Wow, way to make that Night of the Champions PPV special, huh? And to make matters worse, the IC Champ, who sucks, loses. He should have because MVP is much better, but wow, NO BUYS. MVP with the win in the end, and he looked good.
+Pick Earned: TORRIE WILSON to SMACKDOWN. MVP liked this, because he is a pimp and liked white chicks. I am sure I'll get hate mail for that. This helps Smackdown in no way. But the burning question is this, "Does Smackdown get Chloe as well?"
-MATCH: The Miz vs. Snitsky – The Miz got a reality check ass kicking, but Snitsky got DQ'd and lost the pick.
+Pick Earned: Chris Masters to SMACKDOWN. Well, he has jobbed to EVERYONE on Raw so this was a "needed" move.
-MATCH: "Everyone's favorite Hood Rat" Candace vs. Krystal – It was fine.
+Pick Earned: Bobby Lashley to RAW. Well, he wrestles and appears more on Raw anyway. Coach made an appearance when this happened and welcomed him to Raw. Vince said since he was gone from ECW, he couldn't be the ECW champion. Coach stripped him of the title and ECW just got thrown into more of a state of flux than it already was. It's a good thing they drafted Boogey, he'll carry the company. Lashley then said he was a champion. He will prove this on Raw. I REALLY hate stripping of titles. It makes ECW look even less important than it already is. And this freshens nothing up since Lashley has been hanging around on Raw for like 5-months.
-MATCH: Jeff Hardy vs. Young Elijah vs. Batista – This was random. It was fun, but sloppy. Including Batista almost killing Young Elijah with the powerbomb. Stop it dude!
+Pick Earned: RIC FLAIR to SMACKDOWN. Batista liked this pick as he and Roc are buddies. I think this is cool because Flair has been Raw exclusive and we'll have some fresh matches. Not a great help for the brand, but a fun addition. This also would be his chance to win the title, because they won't do it on Raw, but would on Smackdown. Other good news, Torrie was moved, so Flair and MVP can trade off nailing her.
-MATCH: 15-Man Cluster Fuck Battle Royal for the last TWO draft picks – Point of order, they popped for Henry and Vis like they planned for once. MARK HENRY IS THE BULL OF THE WOODS BABY! Eugene tosses Kenny, that is so sad. FUCK. Monty was robbed AND no POUNCE. At 10:40pm I IM'd Cook and said I bet Orton wins and Rey with Kennedy get moved to RAW. We'll see about that. Well Orton won.
+Picks Earned: SNITSKY and MR. KENNEDY BOTH to Raw! Well I was right about half of it. That is dumb to move him, he has a BUILT feud with Edge when he comes back. Oh well.
++THE END RESULT:
RAW LOSES – Torrie Wilson, Chris Masters, Ric Flair
RAW GAINS – King Booker, Sharmell, Bobby Lashley, Snitsky and Mr. Kennedy
RAW: +2 As expected, Raw , the "A-Show" came out on top in the draft. Torrie is nothing, Masters jobbed to everyone and Flair has done about everything he could there. So their losses mean nothing. But they made out huge with King Booker, with Sharmell. They are an awesome duo and King Booker is immediately in the Vengeance Main Event. Lashley has been Vince's golden boy, and this movies no surprise. He could have stood to stay in ECW a while longer, but raw gets what it wants. Snitsky is a useless monster, but stealing Kennedy is a big deal as he is upper mid-card, headed to the main event.
SMACKDOWN LOSES – King Booker, Sharmell, Boogey Man, Chris Benoit and Mr. Kennedy
SMACKDOWN GAINS – The Great Khali, Torrie Wilson, Chris Masters and Ric Flair
SMACKDOWN: -1 Smackdown not only loses a body number wise, which they could afford, but they take a bit hit talent wise. King Booker is a main event guy. Benoit is a upper mid-card/main event guy. Kennedy is the same, but a rising star. Plus he has the ready-made feud with Edge, and it seems very odd they would toss that away UNLESS they might do a Kennedy Rumble win in order to get his revenge. While Rey Jr is coming back soon, but in the end, Smackdown took a hit in order to strengthen other shows. So is life.
ECW LOSES - Bobby Lashley and Snitsky
ECW GAINS – Boogey Man and Chris Benoit
ECW: Even While ECW came out even numbers wise, they were certainly thrown into a sense of flux. While getting Benoit is great for them for NUMEROUS reasons, the stripping of the title hurts the perception of the brand. Talent wise, they are better off as Benoit is better than Lashley and Boogey is at least entertaining. But they could have used another body or two to solidify things. Hopefully they get that in the "supplemental" draft. Someone like Nitro could be beneficial.
-WACKY VINCE STUFF – While Vince's crazy old man deal is just another version of angry Mr. McMahon, he does it well and that is good. His "prepared" statement he read was funny in execution, and a decent way to start off his appreciation night.
+Jesse Ventura was the first guest, and he refused to call Vince "MR." He made fun of him like the old days, and it was what it was. Jesse is looking really old these days, age is a bitch.
+SNOOP DOGG was our next guest. He thanks Vince for making wrestling big and then talked in SNOOP DOGG-EESE~! I LAUGHED AND GOT ANOTHER BEER.
+Mick Foley then made a LIVE appearance on the show. He mentioned Coach's announcement of the open title challenge, that this reminded him that he was a former champion, and since he is a member of the roster, if he survives the draft, he WILL be a part of the open WWE Title match! He then ran down Vince and said that he had NO real friends. He was Foley, he popped the crowd and people liked it.
+STEVE-O was next. He thanked Vince and said he was the man. That was that.
+Trump was next and ran down Vince and we got replays of the hair shaving.
+Ashley was here via satellite. She got suspended last week, so she isn't allowed to be there. She does thank Vince for the Diva search. She regrets spilling the coffee, and then brings up Vince's relationship with the ladies. We see Trish barking like a dog and taking off her clothes. She says two divas will come out and reenact that. Moolah and Mae come out. Ew.
+Snuka and THE IRON SHEIK were next! Snuka said Vince was crazy and didn't understand, I also think he said that he appreciated Vince covering up for him when he murdered his girlfriend. Maybe not. Sheik was not nearly as wacky as I had hoped.
+Bret Hart got questioned about all of this. He is searching for words to express himself. He then discussed hitting Vince as the only way to thank him.
+HEENAN was next! Heenan was Hennan, which was great.
+PIPER was next and LIVE! He shares some proud Vince moments. Vince liking cock, BFNOG, in Show's ass, Shane in his ass, shit and the Spirit Squad, him pissing his pants, beer bath, Shane buying WCW, getting the stunner 800 times and the head shaving. Piper says on behalf of the fans, he says they appreciate Vince for what he is. Bless Piper, who looks like he is feeling great.
+Mark Cuban put Vince over.
+Bob Costas was interviewed and was pissed that he never got the announcers spot with WWE. But people always talk about their interview, in which Costas whooped his ass.
+Lou Albano was detoxed long enough to cut an interview on Vince.
+DUSTY FN RHODES got a live interview along side with his music! This man should be on TV every week talking.
+Mean gene talked, I went to the bathroom.
+Austin talked, people were happy, he talked about beer. Good times were had. 50% was censored.
+Vince came to the ring to close the show. Vince was sad, or stoned. He left. He then walked by a bunch of jobbers and Ron Simmons while Coach stopped him. He showed him the right way to his limo and got into it and it exploded. Yup, his limo exploded. VINCE IS DEAD! Yup, the company that never portrays murder apparently has KILLED THE OWNER! Wow…I do not know what to say. That's one way to kill off the character. Or it was like Dallas and was a dream sequence. TOP THAT JARRETT! WILL YOU DIE FOR TNA?
+They also ran wacky videos of Vince's greatness and awfulness through out the evening. Good production work, some fine memories and all that good stuff.
OTHER THOUGHTS~!
411 on MySpace? Yeah baby, the rumors are true! Go and check it out @ www.myspace.com/411mania I did an awesome interview there a few weeks ago, it was tremendous go and check that out in the archives.
So I got a gig working with a local band this week. Putting that Music Ed. Degree to work baby. I am maybe going back to teaching fulltime this year as well with Hana starting school.
I was at a killer party Sunday for my one boss at the Restaurant. It was great times, good food and a lot of booze. We played FN Beer pong, which I had not played since my University some 8 years ago. But damn, I am still awesome. Some bitches tried to cheat, but they got theirs in the end.
For the record, Greeks can fucking party.
For those asking, Christi and I will discuss our "lists" on the next podcast.
If you don't know what the list is, do some research.
They do not, in fact grow high school girls like they used too. I got out my yearbook to check, they don't. DAMN.
ON NOTICE~!
THE GREAT DANCE OFF~!
YOUR VOTE WILL DECIDE~!
THE CONTESTANTS~!
DANCING BROCK
VS.
DANCING FINLAY
VS.
DANCING DANIELS
Now it is up to you to decide who is the BEST dancer!
And now back to Gene Krupa's syncopated style…
Today in Wrestling History:
1936 - Dave Levin defeated Ali Baba for the World Heavyweight title
1991 - Event - Clash of the Champions XV
1998 - Kenta Kobashi defeated Toshiaki Kawada for the All-Japan Triple Crown
2000 - Trent Acid & Johnny Kashmere defeated The Haas Brothers in a match between Johnny Kashmere & Russ Haas for the Combat Zone Wrestling Tag Team Titles
2001 - Test defeated Rhyno for the WWF Hardcore Title
Births and Deaths:
1971 - Born - Mark Henry
1997 - Died - Stan the Man Stasiak of heart failure at 60
TNA stories, scuttlebutt and rumors:
Your News: Scott Steiner posted the following update on his trachea surgery: "Scott is still in ICU. He is doing better again today but is still heavily sedated due to the amount of pain he is experiencing due to the injury and the surgery. The doctors are still draining blood from his lungs so things are still quite serious.
He said that the most frustrating part of being in the hospital is the lack of communication between the nurses and Scott because of the English/Spanish language barrier. Scott would like to again thank the staff and especially Dr. John Jones, Dr. Jorge Hernandez and Dr. Pablo Rodriguez. These doctors have helped out throughout the entire process from everything from the surgery to the recovery process."
My Views: First of all that is GREAT to see that he is doing so week after this. Throat injuries are very serious, and can be deadly and or career ending. HHH had his trachea crushed, and if he wouldn't have gotten the right medical attention he could have had long-term effects. Lance Storm broke a bone in his throat and was told if he didn't get it treated as he did it could have caused death. So the fact that Steiner seems to be recovering so well is a great thing as I think we can all agree, we don't want to see anyone lose career or life from injury like this.
Your News: Still no word on what TNA will replace the Steiner Brothers/Team 3-D Slammiversary match with.
My Views: Considering the show is Sunday, that is a problem. I had gotten some emails on this subject, so let's see what some of you think!
Brian has an idea -
It's a shame that Scott Steiner's injury will rob us of the tag match on PPV, but I think TNA could be smart and use Steiner's injury to put over someone else. That someone else SHOULD be LAX. Run an angle where LAX claims to have killed the Steiner Bros in Puerto Rico (Latino home turf) and have them challenge Team 3-D in a rematch clause. LAX already have a built in feud with Team 3-D, and it just makes sense.
That would be better than the random tag with Harris and Rhino. I would have rematches Harris and Storm and had Rhino face the football player, but oh well. Not a bad plan.
Jason also has an idea -
I think that at the pre-show for the PPV they should have Rick on the rampage looking for the Team 3D and saying something about Scott. It comes out that Scott is injured and Rick blames Team 3D. He says the Team 3D are afraid of the Steiner's. Team 3D is no-where to be found for an interview.
Corrnette tells Rick to find a partner. Since Scott was such a heal in TNA Rick has problems finding a partner.
When match time comes Team 3D comes out first. Rick then comes out by himself and tries to take them one two on one but cannot beat the odds. The bell never rings to start the match since Rick did not have a partner. The ref tries to stop the beating but gets a 3D from Team 3D. Bubba gets the mic and goes old school Duddley and admits to taking out Scott and now they are going to take out Rick. Runt comes out to try to save the day and gets killed. 3D leaves as heals. This also sets up a match for when Scott comes back. I always liked the Dudley's back when they were a-holes so this booking is self-serving.
Hell, have Runt as the partner ala the old Dudley days. He hasn't been on TV, he is jealous and wants gold. He tags with Rick, takes the loss and then Rick kicks his ass. This will also fuel the, as they hate when others whoop Runt's ass. It is a decent out, but I would prefer the LAX angle better. If nothing else, scrap the random LAX tag and the most likely crap-tacular Basham's vs. VKM tag and run a gauntlet with the winners getting the title shot later that night. LAX wins that and then gets a title shot. They have some options, I just have no clue what they will do.
Your News: TNA will be releasing a Best of Jeff Jarrett DVD on 9/18, a Best of Christian Cage DVD on 10/16, and TNA: Year One DVD on 11/20.
My Views: I know a lot of people hate JJ, but the man has had some fine matches in TNA through the years, and if anything, this will be a DVD with some good wrestling on it. The Cage one should have not only good matches, but also a lot of good promos, which should be the selling point for Christian fans. The "TNA: Year One DVD" should have some good stuff on it as well, hopefully they keep the stupid shit out and focus on the good and show off some of the great stuff they have in the footage, because there was some really good wrestling in that first year of the promotion that a lot of people have never seen.
Your News: TNA is setting up a new online community on their website, TNAwrestling.com, that should open soon.
My Views: Hmmm, I could go a few ways on this. Let's go with option "B." It couldn't be any worse than the ROH Nazi Germany Board! ZIG HEIL~!
WWE/ECW news, notes and happenings to the EXTREME:
Your News: Mr. McMahon Appreciation Night turned deadly when the WWE Chairman's limo exploded with him inside it at the conclusion of Raw. Mr. McMahon has been presumed dead at the scene in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
My Views: This is truly a sad day for wrestling fans. But while we are all mourning, we really need to address one thing. WHO DID IT? Maybe that sick bastard Steve O did it! He is always pranking people, I could see that. Austin after that swearing tirade he was on? Could be. Or maybe, it was RIKISHI… because, He did it… for the people… he did it… for the Rock. And then there is Shane and Stephanie. They want control of the company, HHH could have talked then into it, he controls the company, and is good at burying people, which he will do to Vince now. There is a list of suspects a mile long. Paul Heyman, in revenge for killing "ECW." Chavo and Vickie for exploiting Eddie? Ashley seemed a bit upset about her suspension, add her in. I say we bring back Leslie Neilson, he found the fucking Undertaker guys! He can solve this shit. All I know is that we must not rest until we find out who the culprit was! Never forget this day people…
I wonder who gets all of the doo-rags and fedoras? Can I call dibs, or is it too early?
Your News: WWE has motioned to have the lawsuit that Karlene Boutwell filed against them and The Sandman for alleged assault and battery thrown out. WWE's reasoning is that the lawsuit was filed in Tennessee (where the alleged incident happened) while Boutwell is a resident of Florida, WWE is a Connecticut corporation, and Sandman is a resident of Pennsylvania.
My Views: Holy shit that just got really complicated. While I don't think the lady has a case, what the fuck does it matter? If a crime is committed, then shit is going to happen. This is the WWE, with all of their money trying to sidetrack shit in order to get it thrown out. It's slick I will say, maybe not right, but slick. I still think that nothing happened here.
Your News: Vince McMahon recently brought up Paul Heyman's name at a creative meeting to gauge response but it doesn't appear as if anyone in the company is pushing for his return. Heyman and WWE have not talked in awhile and Heyman is working on other projects not related to wrestling. He does remain under a WWE contract though.
My Views: I understand they don't want him in any kind of creative or management role, but really, why are they not using him as an onscreen character? The man is gold on TV and is someone that could be talking for someone or a brand as a whole. I don't care about creative because people wither worship or despise him in that way, but as an onscreen character, he is gold and SHOULD be utilized to the fullest.
Your News: Internally, WWE is expecting a 4.0 or higher rating for the RAW Draft Special on Monday.
My Views: You would thing that with all of the brands together, the promise of major moves and an Edge vs. Cena match to kick off the show, anything less than that would be a disappointment I feel. But then again, while ratings are nice, PPV buys are what counts.
Your News: WWE's trademark of "King Booker" has expired. This may indicate that he will return as Booker T. Of course, WWE could always reapply for the King Booker trademark.
My Views: Dear God no! DO NOT LET THE KING DIE~! I mean, I LIKE Booker T, but as KING he strived to his fullest potential, as a character. With him returning soon, they could run with him for almost another year before running another KOTR deal, where someone else wins. There is still too much to do with the king and queen, I would be sad to see that end. Hopefully the WWE will reapply for the King Booker trademark soon.
And they may have as he appeared AS KING BOOKAH on Raw last night. ALL HAIL KONG BOOKAH~!
Your News: Steve O of Jackass wrote on his blog today that he was backstage at RAW last night filming a commercial for Summerslam that will help setup the main event of the show which will include the entire cast of Jackass.
"I really wasn't that bad last night, well, that's not true. I did a great job shooting my new WWE commercial to promote the WWE Pay Per View Summer Slam, but then everyone got all sorts of uptight as a result of me running around trying to get famous wrestlers to choke me unconscious (sic) for my Paparazzi Stuntman dvd (plenty of them were ready to do it, including Umaga, but the suits derailed me). I got a funny call from LA saying, "why are we getting calls that the main event of their WWE Summer Slam may be called off because of you're behaving so badly?"(The whole cast of jackass, minus Weeman, will be in a huge match for the main event)"
WWE cannot be happy about Steve O announcing this so far in advance
My Views: First of all, yeah, I figure WWE is a little upset that this was leaked so soon. Secondly, the angle was ALMOST killed last week as he was almost kicked out for being…himself. Thirdly, this won't so much be the MAIN EVENT as one of those shows with "2 or 3 main matches" billed as main events. I suppose it COULD work out ok, but I don't have the highest of hopes. Those assholes will do about anything, and if it is some crazy hardcore deal, fine, just as long as they don't know sell Umaga again, he'll kill those bitches. And why no Weeman? Him vs. Little Bastard in that mix would have been great. Anyway, I want to see Umaga, Finlay and say Monty kill these guys, because that would be glorious.
Independent News
Your News: A 70 minute collection of audio tapes featuring former WCW and WWE star Brian Pillman and his wife Melanie is now available for sale at PillmanCD.com.
My Views: I remember this was advertised a while back. I heard it was pretty cool, but nothing mind blowing. But I suppose if you are a Pillman fan, you may want this for your collection.
Your News: Digital Music Group announced today that they have acquired 100 hours of pro-wrestling footage which they will brand under the "Wrestling Titans" banner. DMG distributes independent music, film, and television via internet and mobile devices. The press release is below.
Digital Music Group Announces New TV and Video Content Acquisitions
SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Digital Music Group, Inc. , a content owner and global leader in the digital distribution of independently owned music, TV and film catalogs, announced today a number of new long-term exclusive video content acquisitions totaling over 400 hours of new video content.
Wrestling Titans
The Wrestling Titans series features over 100 hours of classic wrestling content including wrestling legends such as Gorgeous George, Freddie Blassie, Captain Lou Albano, Pat Patterson, Andre The Giant, Lex Luger, Junkyard Dog, Nature Boy Ric Flair and many more. The series chronicles the golden years of wrestling and features the top names in the sport from the 1960's to the 1980's.
My Views: Hey I am all for this. Maybe they can go the dollar DVD route, because those things ruled all. Plus, I like collecting more DVD's. Also, it is nice to see some things not owned by WWE.
Reader Feedback and Rants!
From Josh -
Mr. Csonka(since I don't know what else to call you in an e-mail and just calling you 'Larry' seems rude),
I just want to say that I love your podcasts. Simple as that. Thanks to you and Mrs. Larry Csonka for giving me something to listen to while at work that involves humor, professional wrestling, views on wrestling. It's hard not to be entertained by listening to someone whose material you've read for so long finally put his voice to his opinions. That and the fact that I had to try to find old videos on WWE.com and YouTube.com of the Finlay Shimmy.
Haven't seen it yet, but it sounds glorious. I really don't have much feedback to give other than that I love the podcasts and hope they keep coming. It would be nice to have a podcast version of the four R's, but I realize that'd be a lot of work and that you are honestly busy enough with work and your own other vices.
Oh, and if you want to hear about 'scrimps/shrimps', come to Louisiana. They're half a gnat's wing from declaring Ebonics a national fucking language.
Take care, Larry. Godspeed and all that
Glad you like them. We'll be back this weekend with a FATHER'S DAY/SLAMMIVERSARY PODCAST~! And please call me Larry, Mr. Csonka was my father. Hopefully over the summer, as I get used to and purchase some more technology, we will incorporate some more staffers into these and other fun stuff, so stay tuned and thanks for the kind words.
From Christopher -
Do you think its possible that Killings is trying to set up a return to WWE and an instant feud with Cena? Perhaps he is acting on his own or in concert with WWE. Don't understand the comment that was made about the WWE's "World" titles being used because they were competing with other companies. The WWE had less competition when they started the "World" titles than they do now (TNA wasn't in as good a position back then). Not that I'm against the WWE unifying their top titles but I don't understand the reason given.
He may be, but he isn't a big enough name to mean anything to WWE as far as a Cena feud goes. As far as the titles, WWE has a different answer all the time. But basically, they want to make money and feel the more brands and such they have, the more they can make.
