The MeeThinks Friday FreeThinks 01.11.08
Posted by John Meehan on 01.11.2008
Clap, Clap, Clap-clap-clap, Clap-clap-clap-clap... DOG SHOW!
Howdy, all. And welcome back to your regularly scheduled week-end dose of intrawebz wrestling optimism. It's been pretty slow going, of late, as TNA continues to maintain status quo, Ring Of Honor and the indies have yet to make any major announcements in '08, and resident big dog WWE recovers from their "holiday hangover" slow season and gradually begins gearing up for the busiest season of the 'rasslin calendar year: The Road to Wrestlemania.
Still, there are at least a few little newsy tidbits from the usual suspects as we roll into the Royal Rumble (just little over two weeks away) and TNA prepares for a SUPERSHOW of a Thursday broadcast next week. So let's cut the jibber jabber and get to it.
Sure, nobody got fired or screwed over backstage in the past seven days (that we *know* of...), but there's a huge reason for the fans and folks up in Stamford to smile this week, as -- for the first time in the company's history -- The USA Network announced that Monday Night Raw will *NOT* be pre-empted for this year's coverage of The Westminster Kennel Dog Show, scheduled for February 11.
Instead of bumping RAW for the Dog Show (as had been done in previous years), The USA Network has decided to wrap it's coverage of the Westminster Dog Show at 9 p.m., bump the rest of the show to its sister network in CNBC, and air RAW in it's regular time slot on USA.
Why's this a big deal, you ask?
It's no secret that USA Network honcho Bonnie Hammer has pretty much been breathing down Vince McMahon & Co.'s neck over the past few months, pushing the 'E to churn out big ratings and pitching ideas their way in hopes to keep RAW atop the most-watched shows on cable. This relationship has been something of a dance, of course, as Bonnie has pushed for Vinny Mac to refashion his flagship show more in the spirit of its famed "Attitude Era" heyday (translation: SEX! VIOLENCE! AND MORE STEVE AUSTIN!), while Vince's people have struggled to blend the network's crush on their established stars with their own desire to cultivate a new crop of mainstay talent.
Anyhow --
Long and short of things is that USA's decision to keep RAW and bump the dog show simply has to be seen as a victory for World Wrestling Entertainment. Not only does this show that the network has faith in the company's ability to deliver a better one-off rating than their annual inexplicably-popular-pooch-parade, but it also shows that for as much as the IWC-know-it-alls may freak out over the latest ratings dip of 0.1 or what have you, the USA Network brass (translation: the people who choose to keep WWE on television) are perfectly satisfied with WWE's established track record and drawing power, even if the red brand isn't necessarily down with making a weekly habit of "partying like it's 1998."
In the end --
MeeThinks this is good news all around, as it shows that -- for as much as we 'web dorks might worry and doubt otherwise -- WWE programming is still money in the eyes of the people who dictate what stays on television.
Huge news for TNA fans and critics alike, as the company has *finally* announced a start date for its much-ballyhooed and long-rumored drug testing policy. According to the usual sources, word has it that TNA agent Terry Taylor let the roster know that regular drug testing (for steroids, narcotics, etc.) of the company's roster was scheduled to begin at the Jan. 21 & 22 Impact! tapings. Basically, a two week window sends a pretty strong message to anybody with half a brain:
"GET CLEAN NOW."
TNA has been promising this policy for a long time now, and announcing an official start date takes things one (very necessary) step further in the right direction. Whether this policy has legs or staying power is anybody's guess, but for the outset -- at least -- it is a *very* good thing to see a smaller wrestling company stepping up to the plate and challenging their performers to stay off the gas (or, at the very least, to pass a regular series of tests saying as much).
Bigger picture?
WWE's Wellness Initiative has seen more than its fair share of critics (and rightfully so), and a *lot* of critics, armchair pundits, mainstream media talking heads, and self-proclaimed "experts" have taken it upon themselves to pillory the 'E's testing efforts at just about every turn. Now again, *some* of this criticism (perhaps even *much* of it) is absolutely warranted and long overdue. But at the same time, there's also been a crazy amount of knee-jerk finger-pointing levied WWE's way regarding this issue in recent history, simply due to the fact that they are the resident "big dog" in the yard, and thus are something of an easy target by virtue of their stature within the industy
My point?
Now that TNA is throwing their proverbial hat into the drug-testing arena, we will (or *should*) soon see if so many of the problems stemming from steroid and narcotic use in the wrestling industry are (as many critics have suggested) due largely in part to just one wrestling promotion in particular. Sure TNA is nowhere near the level of financial stability or international notoriety as WWE, but the bottom line here is that if this little upstart promotion out of Orlando can slap together a drug policy that's even *remotely* credible on a shoestring budget, then WWE will look terrible by comparison and be forced to step up their game as a result.
And if TNA *can't* muster a drug testing policy worth its salt?
Then wrestling fans and critics alike will have every right to take a step back and re-evaluate the current landscape of professional wrestling in North America. If the overall credibility of TNA's drug policy pales in comparison to what WWE's Wellness initiative has been able to offer, then perhaps this can give folks a better picture of just how big (and tricky) an issue their dealing with when it comes to testing for controlled substances in professional wrestling. And if that's the case, maybe at least a few of those folks will stop ripping into the 'E long enough to direct their collective energy and attention towards actually trying to fight for a difference in the broader landscape of professional wrestling in North America.
(Think something along the lines of a performer's union, or a broader system of health care benefits, etc.)
Though TNA may well be nowhere near the level to compete with WWE for television ratings or PPV buyrates at this point in time, what they *CAN* do -- if their testing policy holds any water -- is throw down the gauntlet and compel WWE to put their big money where their big talk Wellness initiative currently stands. Sure it's all a long way off, and it's not likely to happen overnight the moment TNA's drug testing policy is rolled out in two weeks... but the bottom line is that this move by TNA is most definitely a step in the right direction.
It should be tremendouly interesting to see how this one plays out in the weeks, months and years to come.
Here's a fun little wrinkle out of O-town, as rumors are swirling 'round the webz of late that homegrown TNA talent "Wildcat" Chris Harris recently came to terms with World Wrestling Entertainment. Though reports have varied over the past few days on this one (some are saying he's still under contract, some are saying he's signed a booker's contract, while still others are flat out calling the story bunk) -- bottom line is that the long and short of things is that the Wildcat could well be headed to Stamford sooner than later.
MeeThinks?
Of all TNA's homegrown talent, a guy like Chris Harris is easily one of those with the best argument for feeling as if he'd gotten lost in the shuffle. Harris has been a true company man for TNA dating all the way back to the company's infancy, and his run with James Storm as one half of America's Most Wanted was easily one of the best tag team showings of the new millennium. Since splitting from Storm last year, Wildcat struggled to find any new momentum and staying power in the TNA semi-main-event.
Even worse --
A few months back, after taking part in what was (arguably) one of the best matches on free television in all of 2007 (and perhaps even in all of TNA's history), Harris seemed headed for surefire TNA super-stardom as he was vaulted into a high-profile program against resident company standout, Christian Cage.
Two middle-of-the-road pay per view showings later, however...
And Harris was right back in the thick of the directionless TNA midcard, spinning his wheels fighting for TV time with a character who's new schtick was "the guy who complains he's not on TV enough" against the likes of former WWE stars and/or TNA upstarts like Cage, Kurt Angle, Frankie Kazarian and recent import Booker T.
Bottom line?
If Harris' TNA contract really has come to an end, and if WWE really has come through and offered the guy a chance to show what he can do up north, than conventional wisdom says that the guy should absolutely go for it and see if he can't find better work in greener pastures. When motivated and paired with the right opponents, Harris has been a solid addition to the TNA roster, and there is no reason to believe that the guy couldn't do the same for (at the very least) one of the "B" shows for World Wrestling Entertainment.
Good news for fringe-wrestling fans this week, as NBC announced that they'd be picking up a full season of American Gladiators, the latest addition to the ever-expanding "sports entertainment" fold. This little nugget-o-news is of particular interest to we 'rasslin fans out there, because in addition to being co-hosted by none other than pro wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, the show also features regular appearances from at least four other faces with some sort of connection with the wild, wacky and wonderful world of professional wrestling.
(Proving once again that spandex is universal).
Anyhow --
The "wrestling gladiators" of the bunch, in case you haven't already heard, are...
Justice - a.k.a. Justice Smith, former Tough Enough contestant.
Wolf - a.k.a. Don Yates, a.k.a. "Hollywood" of UPW fame.
Toa - a.k.a. Tanoai Reed, cousin of (and sometimes stunt double for) Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson
Titan - a.k.a. Mike O'Hearn, husband of ex-WCW valet Midajah.
All in all?
The show isn't going to change your life or rock your world, but it sure is a lot of fun, and it's pretty awesome to see "mainstream" television audiences tuning in to a program that's really little more than a swimming pool away from your average pro wrestling spectacle. Likewise, it's great to see "fringe" wrestler-types finding success outside of the squared circle -- as far too many a grappler whose never made it to the bright lights of WWE has fallen victim to spending a lifetime toiling in indy-circuit obscurity working gym shows and bingo halls in a vain attempt to hit it big.
If you've got an hour to spare next Monday night at 8 p.m. (and with Monday Night Football done for the season, there's really little else to watch at that time) -- tune in to NBC and check out the brand, spandex-y spankin' new "American Gladiators."
And With That, I'm Outta' Here
Thanks again for reading. That'll do it for Mee this week, and here's hoping my playoff picks for the divisional round fare a bit better than I was able to muster over Wildcard Weekend (by the way -- I'm going Colts, Pats, Pack and *UPSET SPECIAL!* G-Men). 'Till next time, enjoy your weekend and a full slate of football, and always stay positive.
tna's drug policy will be a sham. there is no way guys like raven and kurt angle will pass any test whatsoever.
Posted By: jd (Guest) on January 11, 2008 at 12:46 AM
You know what? I think Harris could do alright in the E. Don't give him a full makeover. Keep him the Wildcat. (looks good on posterboard)
Would be a nice mark moment too if he showed up in the Rumble......
Posted By: Kairow (Registered) on January 11, 2008 at 12:47 AM
You sure ask alot of hypothetical questions, man.
Posted By: Rick (Guest) on January 11, 2008 at 03:06 AM
The fans wouldn't give a shit if Harris suddenly turned up in the Rumble. I doubt any more than about 20% of the audience would think "Hey, there's Chris Harris!" They'd all be saying "Get this jobber out of my rumble match". Sad, but true.
Posted By: T.G. Corke (Registered) on January 11, 2008 at 06:26 AM
If the WWE signed Harris, he'll probably fill in for Cade as Murdoch's partner for now.
Posted By: JackbomB (Guest) on January 11, 2008 at 09:22 AM
I'll just watie and see what pointless "gimmick" they give Chris Harris before he get shifted to ECW and then go back to the indies.
Posted By: Methoes (Guest) on January 11, 2008 at 09:37 AM
WWE will probabily make HARRIS cut his hair and give him some singing and dancing lessons and then the'll say he has the "it"factor.it will be cool to see HARRIS on WWE tv,but it wont be CHRIS HARRIS, it will be another Guy,Remember what they did with MONTY BROWN.
Posted By: Paul (Guest) on January 11, 2008 at 10:01 AM
Fuck it, go early 90s Double Double E on Harris and make him carry dress in leopard print and walk a mountain lion down to the ring. I can see his first feud with Torrie Wilson over who has the dumbest damn mascot 3V4R right now!
Posted By: Ty Huston (Registered) on January 11, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Actually, having Harris come out as one of the first 10 guys and eliminating a few people wouldn't be the worst way of debuting him. They can mention he's been a champion in other organizations, but now he wants to try his hand at the big time. And he's a fairly big dude, so him tossing guys like Yang and Moore wouldn't be inconceivable.
Posted By: Joe Momma (Guest) on January 11, 2008 at 10:37 AM
You know what, all this drug testing talk is bullshit. Why should they get tested? Steroids? They aren't playing a sport! They are essentially actors, and they aren't "traditionally" employed. They are independent contractors. Weed? C'mon. Other drugs? Hey, what people do on their off time is their business, and if someone does have a drug problem, you generally don't need a pee test to figure it out. These guys eat enough shit, not being in a union, not getting any healthcare, having to pay their own travel expenses, that they don't deserve to be tested. If we tested all our entertainers(ie: musicians, actors, comedians etc..) we wouldn't have any damn entertainment! Drop this testing crap, it's pointless.
Posted By: Jay Smith (Guest) on January 11, 2008 at 12:51 PM
To Jay Smith: Shut up. Who cares if they do testing? You should, for one, unless you like the idea of more wrestlers dying of overdoses and health problems related to drug use/abuse. With their schedules, work loads, constant injuries, little to no time to heal, wrestlers have tunred to pain killers, alchohol and steroids to try and cope. If your business model drives your employees, contractors or not, to destroy themselves just to continue to work and entertain you, the fan, then you owe it to them to find out and give them help. And the feds owe it to us fans so we don't have to hear about another tragic death of a wrestler. You are a clueless fool. See you at the next wrestler's funeral...
Posted By: hg dragon (Guest) on January 11, 2008 at 02:10 PM
If Harris does sign with WWE you won't see him for at least 6 months. They make everyone go to OVW to learn the "slow down" style. The days of being on one program one week (TNA/WCW) and then being on another (WWE) the next week are long gone.
Posted By: Guest#5257 (Guest) on January 11, 2008 at 02:53 PM
Gotta agree with Jay, if every rock star or rapper got drug tested and told they would be suspended if they popped hot for anything we wouldn't have many concerts going on. These guys are athletic actors telling a story on TV.
Posted By: Dave (Guest) on January 11, 2008 at 03:02 PM
I know, I know... the E could give the wildcat this really boss looking spaceman suite, call him Max Moon and he could hail from Uranus... been done before? oh my bad.
Posted By: Idea man (Guest) on January 11, 2008 at 03:20 PM
Dave: Except rappers and musicians aren't putting their lives in the hands of others or have someone else's life in theirs. If a musician is blitzed, they might blow some lyrics of forget what song they're on. A wrestler can seriously injure or kill themselves or another worker in the ring if they aren't sober enough to take or give a bump safely.
Posted By: hg dragon (Guest) on January 11, 2008 at 03:47 PM
To the dragon: I would say you are the fool for this naive idea that these "employers" need to save these people from themselves. They are all adults, and can make decisions for themselves. And you are right, steroids, when abused, create health problems. So do multiple chair shots to the head, swanton bombs from the tops of cages, a possible too-deap blade job, anything New Jack has ever done and a boatload of other stuff these guys do. They get no help from the companies that employ them, so why should they have to pee in a cup for these guys? And seriously, most of these wrestlers that die, don't die on WWE or TNA's watch (Benoit and Eddie excluded), they die years later, trying to live the lifestyles they lived when they were young. Ozzie Osbourne can barely talk and walks around like a zombie; Morrison, Cobain, Joplin, Hendrix, Viscious and many other musicians died way too young. Should there be mandatory testing for all recording artists? And yeah, I'll be sad when another wrestler dies, but it will have been their choices that lead them down that path. And the business model you speak of, is more the problem than the drugs. So fine, what if drug testing is implemented properly, what hapens then? Do you re-write on the fly, storylines on a weekly basis because wrestler x has decided that his knee hurts too much to go that night in the main event, and he can't pop 2 vicodins for the pain? Will you, as a wrestling consumer, be OK if a three month long feud's blowoff match can't go that night because wrestler y isn't allowed to pop some anti-imflamatories to cope with that bum shoulder? No, you would scream bloody murder and that wrestler would probably lose his spot, and be called a pussy by many, both backstage, in the arena, and in the IWC. Look, until these guys are hired as legitimate employees, then these feds have absolutely no righgt to drug test them. Think what you want, but it's not your job to mother these guys to protect them from themselves. They are grown-ass men, let them make their own choices.
Posted By: Jay Smith (Guest) on January 11, 2008 at 04:06 PM
I'm taking a wait and see approach with this whole drug testing issue.
As for Harris, I think he will succeed only because WWE will want to suck away as much "homegrown" talent as they could from TNA. Remember Monty Brown was getting a push in ECW before he made the decision to leave. The only difference would be that they probably wouldn't allow Harris to use his catatonic as his finisher, as Umaga uses that often.
Posted By: Ryder (Guest) on January 11, 2008 at 05:17 PM
Why is there never mention of steroid use in ROH? Don't get me wrong, 2nd greatest promotion ever after ECW. (a steroid and drug haven if ever there was one) I go to all the NYC and NJ shows and actually find myself feeling overly sad for the midcarders (Hangman 3) who likely won't be getting anywhere beyond where they are now.
I can't even begin to get into Nigel and Aries.
For all the love we don't care about the welfare of our IWC gods.
Give me a fed full of Chris Hero's and CM Punk's any day of the week.
Posted By: John (Guest) on January 11, 2008 at 08:39 PM
Im surprised the WWE would pick up Harris hes not one of their typical huge guys they go after. Yea Harris his muscular but I noticed lately hes getting kinda big around the waist!
Posted By: Shane (Guest) on January 12, 2008 at 12:49 PM
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