The Saturday Storyline 9.22.07
Posted by James Thomlison on 09.22.2007
This teaser is brought to you by all the bored people at work who remember to go visit our sister site, Tiger Flash Games!
Hello all! As you read this, my Lions are 2 – 0 (I know, me too) and heading to Philadelphia to see if we can get past the Eagles. Their secondary is banged up so hopefully we can take advantage of that. I have so many Fantasy Football teams that I think my record at the moment is something like 28 – 61 and we've only played two weeks; what is important though is my one and only pay league, in which I am heading into tomorrow at a disappointing 1 - 3. Note to Larry Johnson: You're a top 5 back, remember? Let's start paying some dividends for your boy JT, eh? Enough about that though, we're here for wrestling and you know what I noticed??? 411 does not have nearly enough TIMETABLE COLUMNS! Every legitimate and respectable pop media website needs to have a reliable timetable column! That's website 101 stuff!
…Can anyone tell that the only thing I could think up was a timetable column and now am insincerely hyping it in an attempt to make myself look better? No? Good, let's get started then and have a look at much of the news that came out over the last six days.
The Saturday Storyline!
As you have probably heard before, it can be a bit odd to try and provide any sort of news you weren't aware of because we provide a news report for every day of the week. So you've basically heard everything already, but A. 411 needed a fill-in, and B. I know you were just sitting around all week thinking, "I wonder what JT thinks about that". …right? I knew it.
Sunday, September 16th, 2007
WWE presented Unforgiven live on Pay-Per-View. Larry had live coverage, and enjoyed the show so much, he caught an Asian death flu for a half a week.
- CM Punk retained over Elijah Burke
- Matt Hardy and MVP retained over Deuce and Domino w/ Cherry
- HHH defeated Carlito
- Candice Michelle retained over Beth Phoenix
- Big Dave defeated Khali and Rey Mysterio to become the new World Heavyweight Champion
- Cade and Murdoch retained over the Londricks
- John Cena retained over Randy Orton via snapping and subsequent DQ
- Undertaker defeated Mark Henry
JT: I originally planned on giving my thoughts on the show; then I actually saw the show and decided it wasn't worth my time. I know I'm one of the most positive guys around 411, but this show was a chore to stomach. I personally found it to be an AWFUL show, (possibly 2nd or 3rd worst of the year), and I don't care whose face that slaps.
All we can do now is pray to Jesus H. Christ himself that JP managed to salvage some Hidden Highlights to try and bring SOME good to this show... what?
Jakks Pacific has announced that they will be releasing a new Andy Kaufman action figure in their WWE Classic Superstars series. Jakks Pacific has also signed Tatanka for inclusion in the WWE Classic Superstars line. Credit: PWInsider by way of 411.
JT: Jakks and WWE make a lot of money on these figures and that is why they continue to do business together. Andy Kaufman was a MAJOR storyline back then and brought some mainstream attention to professional wrestling so I think he definitely merits having a figure. Tatanka's original run with WWE wasn't the longest, but he was fairly successful and a crowd favorite (even upon his return a couple of years back) so there is a market for him signing. Speaking of figures, if you haven't checked The Unmatched Fury Series (1 – 6) out, they are pretty sweet:
My only question is how long until I get my Chris Jericho executing an implied Liontamer position figure!?
Monday, September 17th, 2007
The main event for WWE No Mercy in Chicago will be John Cena vs. Randy Orton in a WWE Title Last Man Standing Match.
JT: I'm kind of torn on what I'd like to see happen here. I know the money is in the chase, and I'd like to see Orton get a second shot. On the other hand though, I am also very curious to see just how long and how far they can push John Cena. Either way, Last Man Standing Matches generally do not suck and I think this one at the least has potential to be highly entertaining.
The Times Union has an article up that talks about steroids in WWE, stating that Batista has been suspended for steroid use. The article also names Rey Mysterio and Santino Marella as being suspended. Of course, none of those three are suspended. The article does not seem to be well researched or totally accurate. Credit: PWInsider by way of 411.
JT: This is exactly the problem with the mainstream media attempting to cover professional wrestling. Nobody gets off their ass for fifteen minutes to find out exactly what they are talking about, and when they do try to bring in a "legitimate source", they bring in people like Marc Mero and Debra. Granted the publication looks like an ass to you or me, but the problem is people who know nothing about wrestling take it to be the truth, thus making them even more uninformed about the business than they started out in the first place.
Tuesday, September 18th, 2007
Nothing exciting!
Wednesday, September 19th, 2007
All 10 entrants in the TNA Knockout Gauntlet at Bound For Glory have been confirmed:
- Christy Hemme
- Gail Kim
- Ms. Brooks
- Jackie Moore
- Roxxy Laveaux
- ODB
- Angel Williams
- Talia Madison
- Shelly Martinez
- Amazing Kong Credit: TNA Mobile Service
JT: Well, they have talked for months now about wanting to have a legit women's division, and it sounds like with the addition of the second now, that is exactly what they plan to do. I doubt it will be the prettiest match ever, but it will crown the first even TNA Women's Champion so this is a significant match in TNA's history and another step for them in the growth process.
Midway Games is planning a major presentation of the TNA video game for the Bound for Glory weekend. This is to help begin the buzz for the first TNA video game, which is looking to be released in 2008. Credit: PWInsider by way of 411.
JT: Again, this just adds to the growth of TNA. Video games are serious money, and from everything I've seen so far from this video game, it has a much better shot at competing with WWE games than TNA television does with WWE programming. A moot point really as video games do not help draw new fans in, but Vince hates losing money, period. As I said, this is another big step and a good thing for them.
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) has appointed London-based media rights agency, RDA TV, to exclusively distribute its television rights on a global basis in a three year agreement, excluding the US. Credit: TNA Press Release by way of 411.
JT: And the news just keeps piling in on Wednesday! I hate to sound like a broken record, but this is yet AGAIN a growing step for TNA. RDA did a lot of good things for UFC and now TNA is looking to have similar results. It goes without saying that the more markets you are in, the larger your fan base is going to get. TNA has already been successful in the past overseas, and it appears that they want to expand on that.
TNA and Ticketmaster.com have an auction going on for "the ultimate fan experience" for the Bound for Glory PPV. The winner of the auction gets two front row tickets to the show, a signed photo of the TNA star of their choice, the entire 2006 TNA DVD set, a T-shirt, a private meet and greet backstage, a photo with Mike Tenay and Don West, an appearance on the TNA Today internet show, and a $250 gift certificate to the ShopTNA website. Credit: PWInsider by way of 411.
JT: My goodness, that is a sweet F'N package if you are a TNA fan!
A fan that attended the WWE taping last night in Atlanta fell from a walking ramp to his death. The incident took place around midnight. A ticket stub from the WWE taping was found on him. Credit: PWInsider by way of 411.
JT: This sucks. To be honest they way arenas are built to cram as many seats and walkways into the smallest space possible, I am surprised we don't hear about this more often. Maybe not death, but at least injuries.
Former World Wrestling Federation superstar and close friend of Hulk Hogan, Ed Leslie (famously known as "Brutus Beefcake"), wrote a letter to "The Winchester Star", a Massachusetts newspaper talking about the media coverage that Nick Hogan has received since his car accident. Leslie defends Nick by saying he is a kind, polite and had a good upbringing.
"I am writing this article because I am outraged at the way the media has been handling its reporting on Nick Hogan (Bollea). I am Ed Leslie, a.k.a. Brutus The Barber Beefcake, and I have known Hulk Hogan since grade school. He is the godfather of my one and only daughter, which was an obvious choice for my wife Barbie and me. I was there when Hulk's children were born and watched them grow up into young adults."
It goes on…
"Instead, you would find him in his garage with his buddies working on cars or tricking out their scooters and bicycles. Nick Bollea is just a loving, caring, 17-year-old that had a tragic accident. His broken bones may be healing, but it is the emotional injuries that are causing the most suffering. I want people to know that Nick is a great kid and to remember that not everything you read is always the whole truth."
JT: While I'm certainly not ready to proclaim that Nick did nothing wrong here, the media is kind of making it out like all this kid does is street race and get into trouble which I doubt is the case. It was a nice gesture of Leslie's part but I seriously doubt it will change anything.
In a new interview with UGO.com to promote the DVD release of The Condemned, Steve Austin says he has moved on from wrestling to pursue acting full time. Credit: UGO.com
JT: There goes another one. From reading the interview, it didn't sound like he'll never be on WWE television ever again, but it was pretty clear that his wrestling days are over and he is now focused on getting better as an actor. All I can pretty much say is good luck, thanks for the memories, and F'N CHEERS!
As first reported by WWE Mobile Alerts, WWE has come to terms on the release of ECW Superstar Marcus Cor Von as of September 19. We wish him the best in all his future endeavors. Credit: ECW.com
JT: A shame really. I had high hopes for Cor Von in the new ECW, but family comes first and I believe this to be nothing more than really bad timing for him. I hope that whatever he is dealing with only gets better and maybe we'll see him in a WWE ring again some day.
Video Funtime!
It appears that there is a strong possibility that we will never see the King Booker character on television again. Obviously, a tragedy this…well, tragic, should not go unnoticed. The King Booker gimmick rejuvenated Booker, and he turned it into television gold week in and week out for all of us. I am also very happy that it allowed him that (possibly) one last world title run, as I doubt seriously he would have gotten it as Booker T. So, just in case we have seen the last of our highness, let us remember his grand royal-ness in all things he did with this clip from earlier this year. We shall miss you KING BOOKAH!
"MUPPETS! MUPPETS I SAY!" - King Booker
Thursday, September 20th, 2007
JR posted another blog. Larry gives you the recaps on Tuesdays so I will spare you, but I did find this tidbit interesting:
"I don't see the WWE going back to single branded PPV's any time soon, as I think the tri-branded events provide the fans more bang for their buck. With the rosters so thin it also would not surprise me to see some cross over from the three brands on the weekly shows but that is simply a personal observation and nothing any one has discussed with me."
JT: I know many disagree on whether or not the brand split should or shouldn't be around, but I will for one say that I definitely agree that under no circumstances should PPVs be single branded at all. I think JR makes a point about the roster being thing and that possibly leading to crossovers, but I don't see that happening; the two (3) shows have created their own identities, and as thankful as I am that he is back, I don't need guys like Trips, Cena, and Taker dominating both shows every week. What they need is for the younger guys to get better and have the creative team come up with better stuff for the people on the separate rosters.
The Sandman will debut for Philadelphia's Pro Wrestling Unplugged on October 27th.
JT: Good for him. From reports, he was a good worker for WWE and has changed a lot about his lifestyle so it's nice to see him making some money so soon after being released.
Tampa, Florida's John Todd Miller has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for conspiring to dispense steroids to a teenaged in-line skater. Authorities became aware of the situation after the skater's father had a dispute with Miller and told the authorities about him. The father also ended up pleading guilty to getting steroids for his son from the doctor. Miller apparently provided Billy Kidman, Eddie Guerrero, Hector Guerrero, Danny Spivey, and Paul "Big Show" Wight with steroids. Kidman stated that he was informed of the clinic by Brian "Crush" Adams who died recently. Credit: TBO.com by way of 411.
JT: Okay, I have kind of stayed away from the whole steroids topic because I have never even seen one in my entire life and am not informed enough to intelligently comment. My only thing about this was did Kidman really have to throw a dead man (who obviously can not dispute the claim) under the bus like that? What an ass.
Friday, September 21st, 2007
First and foremost, Happy Birthday Mom! Love ya!
WWE has been sending the following letter out to former WWE performers.
Over the last ten years, an inordinate number of wrestlers have passed away. Some of those deaths may in part have been caused by drugs and alcohol.
In an effort to prevent such tragedies in the future, the WWE is willing to pay for drug and/or alcohol rehabilitation at a certified treatment chosen by WWE for any performer with a prior WWE booking contract who may need this service. The WWE will pay for this service in full.
There is no cost to you or your family. Help will be provided regardless of the circumstances of your departure from the WWF or the amount of time you performed for the WWE.
If you do not have a drug and/or alcohol problem, but know you know a former WWE performer who does, we are asking you to try to help them by encouraging them to take advantage of this opportunity.
Liz Difabio has been appointed as a representative in this matter. Liz has been with the company for over 24 years and has been directly involved with the majority of WWE performers who have received treatment for substance abuse. She understands emotions that individuals and family members go through in this process. Any conversation you have with Liz will remain confidential and will not be released to the public.
In many instances, an individual in need of help is in denial and will not want rehabilitation. There are professional intervention companies that will help persuade that person that they need treatment. Liz will be able to facilitate such interventions, should they be necessary. An intervention and treatment will be at the cost of WWE exclusively.
This service is being provided for performers with a prior WWE booking contract only. No family or friends. Please reach out to Liz if you think you might have a drug or alcohol problem or if you know someone who does. We all need to do anything we can to help prevent another tragedy.
Sincerely,
Vincent K. McMahon
Chairman, World Wrestling Entertainment Credit: PWTorch by way of 411.
JT: This is a great idea by Vince here. I seriously doubt this would have come about had we not have been dealing with the Benoit/Wrestlers dying in general/Steroids stuff lately, but to me it does not matter what the motivation is. The fact is that the WWE are now doing the right thing by sending – and paying for – former superstars to rehab in an attempt to turn their lives around. There have been random occurrences over the years where they have picked up the tab for a wrestler in rehab (X Pac, Jannetty), but obviously never anything on this broad of a scale. What I really hope now is that former wrestlers who do have a serious addiction to drugs will reach out and accept the olive branch being extended to them. Rehab only works if you sincerely want to make the change.
MiamiHerald.com has a brief story up about Steve Austin being denied entrance to a restaurant because he was wearing shorts. Austin threatened to get physical with the staff. The restaurant eventually gave him pants and let him in. The restaurant is known for having half-naked women there all the time. Credit: MiamiHerald by way of 411.
JT: Not really news, just found it hilarious. Can you imagine Stone Cold standing there - especially if he can SEE half-naked women inside - listening to some jackass tell hiim he can't come in because of his shorts? Man I would have paid to be there to hear him threaten the staff over something this petty. Don't get me wrong, a 5 star place with a strict dress code is one thing; a place known for letting scantily clad women run wild making a stink about shorts is another. We all know Stone Cold has a temper and while I do not condone aggressive behavior, this story gave me a chuckle.
Saturday, September 22nd, 2007
Silly rabbits, there's nothing here! It's today!
Some DVD Notes Before We Go!
The new Rey Mysterio DVD, Rey Mysterio: Biggest Little Man, will be a 3 disc DVD and available on 10/23. It will also feature five different covers, each with a different colored mask.
The new HBK DVD, Shawn Michaels: Heartbreak and Triumph, will be a 2 disc DVD and is expected out in November.
The new John Cena DVD, John Cena: My Life, will be a 3 disc DVD and is also expected out in November.
WWE Film ‘The Condemned' was released last Tuesday and is now available.
Still no word on the World Class Championship Wrestling DVD.
The WWE Summerslam 3-Disc DVD set features the following bonus footage. The WWE Idol Segment from Raw on 8/13, Great Khali's Punjabi Celebration from SD on 7/27, and CM Punk & Boogeyman VS John Morrison & Big Daddy V, from Saturday Night's Main Event on 8/18.
ROH's "Buy 3, Get 1 Free" deal on ROH DVDs has returned and is now available at www.ROHwrestling.com
A week of Linkage!
Starting us off on Sunday, Alex Barcham explained why he feels that Claudio Castagnoli should be the new ROH Champion in his Hitting Below The Belt
Monday saw Chris Landell give us a very interesting theory on Vince Russo in his column, The Way I C It
Also on Monday, JP invited Jeff Small to Hidden Highlights, where Small managed to call himself a girl. Nice.
Larry was in (and ill) for Tuesday's Your News, My Views in which he had a special notification message for the top two tag teams on RAW, as well as for Carlito.
Tuesday also brought us Your Viral Dose of Reality by Jarrod Westerfield, who begins taking a look at what Vince McMahon REALLY is to blame and what not to blame for the current state of the wrestling industry.
Wednesday we had Cook and his Ask 411 Wrestling column. He claimed he didn't have much to talk about; this was in fact code for he didn't want to discuss how the Cleveland Browns handed him his teams ass on a platter.
As if making fun of Cook wasn't fun enough, I will also remind you that Wednesday also saw William Bumgarner's column, What Were They Thinking?, in which he takes a look back on some of the biggest McMahon duds.
The best Fact or Fiction on 411 pitted two newcomers, TG Corke and Tim Haught, against one another on Thursday.
Bayani chimed in on Thursday with his Truth B. Told. He has random pictures of hot Asians, no further explanation of his column is necessary.
Samuel Berman coordinates 411 Buy or Sell, where yesterday Brad Garoon and Matt Adamson discussed ROH and Pro Wrestling NOAH
Finally for Friday, Magnus Donaldson hits us with his Cut To The Crap, where he brings back painful memories for us all by looking at some of the garbage we've seen over the years.
Adios!
That's it for me this week all. Be sure to check in next Saturday as the new Saturday news guy takes over, and it just might surprise you who is taking over the reigns! Have a great week my little Megatrons!
JP: uh… little? Either way, you have to stop doing that!
JT: I CANNOT BE STOPPED!!!! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
