Your News, My Views 4.15.08
Posted by Larry Csonka on 04.15.2008
WWE does big business in Europe and on PPV, the latest update on Bobby Lashley’s future, TripleMania on US PPV, TNA house show business grows in profit, ROH and TNA hang out, today in wrestling history, the latest podcast, and more!
Welcome to the Tuesday news adventure, the one stop shop for all of the wrestling news, scuttlebutt, tidbits and rumors that you crave…Your News, My Views! I am your host Larry Csonka and it is time again to do what I do best, so sit back and relax.
I want everyone that got RICK ROLL'D by the Muppets last week to admit so in the comments section. You have to admit, it was gold.
Lillian Garcia was insanely hot last night on Raw.
Mickie James, as always, was insanely hot on Raw last night.
Katie Lea was insanely hot on Raw last night.
Now to discuss some comments:
I love to read in the comment section, in various columns when people say, "You IWC Douche Bag/Asshole/Ect." Do you realize that by visiting the site, reading news, columns and posting a comment, YOU are in fact a member of the "Internet Wrestling Community?"
Regarding last week's news column: Jason, I didn't mean to say that your opinion was a "problem." Bad wording perhaps, but I also think that it is sad when we get two solid matches, and people label them classics. I think it is great that you thought they were "rights," but in my opinion the finishes made them more of a "purgatory" topic. I do appreciate you sharing your opinions and reading.
Regarding last week's news column: Even if Test wasn't drinking, and on a "downer" or something else, he was still driving under the influence and is still a douche bag.
Regarding last week's news column: While most Irish pubs do suck, the knock about "Hicksville" was uncalled for. I am originally from Pittsburgh, but like the south. If you want to send me to a proper Irish pub, send me the money to go to Ireland.
Regarding last week's news column: Mike Knox scapegoat? I didn't outright say "OMG HE DID IT," but what I did say was that it looked very bad and discussed possible punishments.
Regarding last week's 4R's: I do like Slurpees Darth Mortis.
Regarding last week's 4R's: While I agree that Santino should start getting wins if we are to take him seriously, I still stand by the fact that jobbing the tag team champions, who already have been treated as a complete afterthought was horrible.
Regarding last week's 4R's: When I write "The Redneck Whirling Dervish (Cade and Murdoch) it is like that way because I copied it from my recap that week. Also it is catching on to some degree, I have seen people on other sites "borrow it." But I got your point, maybe not one of my better ones, but I like it.
Regarding last week's 4R's: In no way do I think 35-minutes of wrestling for Impact is unreasonable. I will keep discussing it like I do every week.
Regarding last week's 4R's: While Lethal and Dutt do have characters, and that is great, constantly trying to push a guy (Beating Angle, Saving the X-Division) and then treating him like he is the biggest fucking goof on the roster does him no good.
WrestleMania Buy Rate prediction. 800,000 Domestic and 1.2-Million combined with international buys, likely just below the record. I wouldn't be surprised to see them break the record though.
~SWEET JESUS I LOVE WACKY JAPANESE WRESTLING~
Today in Wrestling History:
1925 - Stanislaus Zbyszko defeated Wayne Munn for the World's Heavyweight Wrestling title
1983 - Crusher Blackwell defeated Kerry Von Erich for the Missouri State Heavyweight title
1995 - The Sandman defeated Shane Douglas for the ECW Heavyweight title
1995 - Brickhouse Brown & the Gambler defeated PG-13 for the USWA Tag Team title
1996 - Brian Pillman was injured in a single vehicle accident in Kentucky
Births and Deaths:
NONE
Is it hot in here, or is it just Csonka?
WWE/ECW news, notes and happenings to the EXTREME:
Your News: The WWE No Way Out PPV, which featured two Elimination Chambers looks to have been a big PPV success for the company. So far the numbers have come in at 328,000 total PPV sales, 207,000 of those domestic PPV buys. Last year the show did 205,000 worldwide, with 135,000 of those being domestic. As of now the PPV is roughly up 59% in PPV buys.
My Views: Damn. This is great news for the E, no doubt about it. When you see news like this, I do think they made the right call to drop New year's Revolution or what ever the hell it was called. Hell I thought it was anyway because over 12 PPV's a year are killer, and in a bad way. Doing three PPV's in two months, and then taking off a month of PPV to build just didn't jell the last few years. The Rumble flowed well into NO Way Out, and that helped the build to WrestleMania. I think it worked out well as someone who watches, and obviously it worked out financially. Also, the current tour of Europe should be another record breaking tour for WWE, pulling in close to $12-million dollars. 2007 was a HUGE financial year for WWE, and so far in 2008 they look to be making a run at outdoing themselves. Last year's European tour did huge business, but this one looks to beat it for a new company record. Add in that the Austin DVD is selling very well and that the WrestleMania DVD will do huge business and WWE is off to an insane start this year. In the end, there is only one appropriate way to describe this… MANY BUYS!
Your News: The word backstage at RAW in London is that next week's three hour RAW could feature a one night King of the Ring tournament. The entire eight-man tournament would take place on the three hour broadcast.
My Views: Oh glorious day I dig this idea. If they are doing it then they better get on the advertising horse this week, but I dig this idea. The main reason is that it is a change of pace, something different and it brings back the KOTR, which is something I like. If they are doing it, I think they need to focus on the mid-card, and guys that need something like this to help bolster them up and perhaps get them ready for the next step. Also I would use three guys from Raw, three from Smackdown and two from ECW. Here are eight guys I could see putting on a good tournament, which involves enough star power to make the regular fan enjoy it.
*Mr. Kennedy
*Umaga
*Chris Jericho (IC Champ)
*Shelton Benjamin
*CM Punk (MITB Winner)
*MVP (US Champ)
*Matt Hardy
*Finlay
Feel free to share what eight guys you would use and why.
Your News: There were "major thefts" backstage at WrestleMania this year. Nobody knows who did it, but with so many people backstage at the event, the company feels it could have been anyone from the outside. Wallets and passports were stolen, and the company had to pay for emergency passports for the performers due to the European tour they are now on. Matt Hardy had his wallet and passport stolen, some cash was taken from others while Batista had a Rolex stolen, valued at between $35,000-$60,000.
My Views: That is shitty! Really, who ever did this stuff is a complete douche bag. Now I do want to say, and this isn't a bash WWE session, but really, you are running a stadium show with 70,000 plus fans in attendance and tons of backstage guests. How do you not have extra security specifically to guard the locker room areas? It jus makes no sense to me at all. I guess the good news is that WWE paid for the emergency passports, but that doesn't replace the cash and other stuff, like big Dave's watch. And the reason it says "valued at between $35,000-$60,000" is because depending on who tells you the story, that's the price range you get. But regardless of the price, a mans property was stolen, his $35,000-$60,000 property. Now, I have hired a private investigation service out f Orlando, and well, I think we found our thieves. "This stuff wasn't for everyone?"
Your News: It is estimated that Robbie McAllister lost out on a $5,000 pay off when he was sent home after appearing at the TNA Impact Live show. Mick Foley and Rey Mysterio "stopped by" the March 29th TNA Tapings.
My Views: While some people do not think $5,000 is that big a deal, to a low level performer like Robbie it is. He is likely in the $65,000-$75,000, which means that one day of work for WrestleMania would have meant between a 5% and 7% bonus. So basically, going to Impact, BAD MOVE ROBBIE! I will say that it completely sucks that he seems to be one the only ones (Chavo got his) that have got punished. Rey and Foley went, and while they aren't being used, you don't hear about anything bad happening to them, due to their status in the company. Hey Robbie, how do you feel about losing $5,000? "$5,000? Fuuuuuuuuck…"
Your News: The new issue of WWE Magazine features Joey Styles putting over Jim Ross for helping him transition to the WWE style of announcing. Styles says that he would not have lasted in WWE if it wasn't for Ross helping him.
My Views: The good news is that Joey Styles has learned the WWE style and now has a secure job with the company. He commentates ECW, on PPV's and works with the 24/7 project. The bad news is that while he has learned some good storytelling tools from JR, he also has lost everything that made him Joey Styles that made him interesting and unique. He is as boring as watching paint dry now.
Your News: Also in the magazine, Rey Mysterio says that when he came back from his knee injuries, he became concerned with trying not to hurt his bad knee again and thus started overcompensating on his other knee which hurt his in-ring performance.
My Views: That does make a lot of sense, and as someone who has had major knee injuries, it is something that athletes do. They overcompensate because they know the healthy knee is strong and they hope that they can do it long enough for the rehabbing knee to get to 100%. I hope that he learned from this and doesn't do this with his arm when he comes back.
Your News: CBS has cancelled their new show "Secret Talents of the Stars" after only one episode. The first airing last night had former "Star Trek" actor George Takei singing "On the Road Again." Only 4.6 million people tuned in for the show, and thousands tuned away as the hour continued. Unfortunately this means that Ric Flair's salsa dancing talents will be kept a secret.
My Views: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Why did they do this to me? Granted the show was absolutely fucking horrible, but I wanted to see Flair SALSA DANCE! I also wanted a GIF of it for a dance off with Finlay, Daniels and Brock. Damn you CBS, damn you to hell.
Your News: The reason that Big Daddy V was not around WrestleMania weekend is because he was sent home and asked to lose weight.
My Views: Well that isn't all that unexpected if you think about it. What I am guessing happened is that he tripped some alarms of one of the mandatory health tests. I know that people have been saying that he has been fat for years, but we are in a different time. Also I have to wonder if some state commissions stepped in here. Back in the day that is what happened with Yokozuna. One state commission flagged him and wouldn't allow him to wrestle, and then as the story goes a total of 25 states wouldn't let him wrestle, so he was taken off of the road and basically, that was the end of his WWE career.
Your News: Amy Hennig, daughter of the late Curt Hennig has signed a WWE Developmental deal. Her brother Joe already has a Developmental deal with the company. They are both currently training at Harley Race's school. While WWE wants all talent in FCW, since they are part of the Hennig family and are close with Race, they are being allowed to train there first before going to FCW.
My Views: WWE Developmental is certainly starting to fill up with second and third generation superstars isn't it? I have only seen Joe in a squash situation, which he did well in and have never seen anything from Amy. But is Harley Race is dedicating time to them, they surely have some talent. Whether that will transition to WWE or not we don't know. Let's keep an eye on these two to see where they go. It looks as if Ted DiBiase Jr. will come up to Smackdown soon, so we'll be getting a look at him.
Your News: In a post on her MySpace page, Torrie Wilson teases that her in-ring career is probably over.
"My health is doing ok as far as back problems. I must say there are days that I wake up and ask myself why the heck I put my body through what I did the last few years but it's all worth it. I can never trade all of the awesome experiences that I have had in the WWE and of course all of the great lifelong friends that I have made along the way. I have been told by 2 back surgeons that I should never set foot in a wrestling ring again if I want to be moving around in a few years on my own. Pretty depressing if you ask me....I don't even have some awesome memory of what my last match even was or who it was with. Hopefully it was with Victoria and I beat her! (-: I guess everything happens for a reason for sure."
My Views: First of all let me say that I feel very bad for Torrie Wilson. I wish injury on no one, and I hope that she recovers well and lives out a regular life. That being said, maybe this is a sign that she shouldn't come back at all. Let's face facts, Torrie didn't exactly run up her bump card over the years in those vicious bra and panties matches. Yes she is an athlete, she is a runner, but obviously her body is not built for wrestling. I hope that she just relaxes and takes time to open her clothing store(s) and is happy. Also, this should be a warning to someone like Ashley Massaro, who isn't an athlete and is constantly suffering small injuries. GO away now before you break yourself.
Intermission kids, let's party!
…Intermission…
Remember that fun, free, addicting flash games await you at 411's new sister site, TigerFlashGames.com! Go there or Ashish will cry!
411 PODCAST~!
411's back with another huge podcast broadcast! First there is discussion of TNA Lockdown, an overall great show with an epic main event. From there the couple has the latest installment of DEAR CHRISTI! Topics include the Tudors, Deadliest Catch, Hugh Jackman or Ewan McGregor, Mickie James or KNOX and whether or not Christi is mad at me for my escapades at the bar from a few weeks back! And finally 411's Diva and Big Brother Expert Andrew Critchell joins the show to announce the Diva of the Week, we discuss how she could be used better and then to close it us as always is some Big Brother talk. Over 55-minutes of show! Listen and enjoy!
TO STREAM: Simply press the play button on the podcast player.
TO DOWNLOAD: Right click on the DOWNLOAD HERE link below and then save the mp3 file to your computer.
~BILLY KIDMAN, DISCO INFERNO and CHRIS JERICHO on…THE DATING GAME~
TNA stories, scuttlebutt and rumors:
Your News: Frank Trigg got rave reviews for his initial outing with the company. He was on the live Impact and the company felt that he did a great job on commentary and he commentated the Samoa Joe vs. Kurt Angle match at Lockdown. There is even talk of bringing Trigg in as a wrestler with an MMA gimmick. Trigg is in good shape and can talk, which has the company interested.
My Views: Here is the thing, most people hate Trigg as an MMA announcer, and after watching PRIDE I can understand why. But, for as bad an MMA announcer he is, he is a fucking great pro wrestling announcer. Not only is he great explaining holds, why they are doing them, how they work and the punishment to the body, but also he is a HEEL ANNOUNCER! During the Angle/Joe match, as Angle ended up using the ref and pulling on him to get the ropes, Trigg was like, "That was great" while Tenay admonished him for it. But he was spectacular before the match in his promo and then during the match as he commentated. HIRE THIS MAN IMMEDIATELY TO REPLACE DON WEST!
Your News:Joel Anderson from Survivor fame has been training for wrestling, but has not been signed to a deal. Dixie Carter has stayed in touch with he and Jonny Fairplay, and the feeling is that they will both be signed.
My Views: The one thing I am glad to hear is that they didn't sign them to a contract as of yet. Let the dude train, if he shows promise they can try a celebrity angle with Team 3D later on. I would actually LOVE to watch Ray and Devon stiff the shit out of Fairplay. But I am glad to hear that they didn't sign them. There is no need right now, and I actually hope that they do not sign them period. They have an awesome roster as it is right now, and these guys wouldn't help out at all, they would drag it down.
Your News: The Best of TNA 2007 DVD, which comes out on 4/22, will feature:
* Sting vs. Kurt Angle
* Kaz vs. Christian Cage in a Ladder Match
* Chris Harris vs. James Storm in a Texas Death Match
* The Ultimate X with Triple X vs. LAX
* Rhino vs. AJ Styles in the first Elevation X match
* And more.
My Views: While most will agree that 2007 was a down year, there was some good stuff during the year for them to focus on. Let's see here:
* Sting vs. Kurt Angle - This was a really good match that showed that Sting could still go.
* Kaz vs. Christian Cage in a Ladder Match - An awesome ladder match, the win of Kazarian's career. Booking shit on it, but great match.
* Chris Harris vs. James Storm in a Texas Death Match - EPIC WIN. From worst match of the year to a match of the year candidate in a month.
* The Ultimate X with Triple X vs. LAX - Ultimate X goodness, LAX goodness, this was good stuff.
* Rhino vs. AJ Styles in the first Elevation X match - I really liked the first * * * * Elevation X match. I would have likely went with something else, but it isn't a bad choice.
Your News: Steven Godfrey, head of PR for TNA tried to set something up where TNA talent would go to WWE Fan Axxess in a big group in an effort to get footage for YouTube or Local News Shows. This didn't happen as Samoa Joe and other top talent didn't want any part of it.
My Views: And again, as far as these stunts go during WrestleMania week I understood why they were doing them and what they were thinking. But again, I also thing a lot of it was very bush league. I am glad that Joe and the other top guys basically said no way to this. I don't think that it would have done anything good at all. Once again I beg of TNA, please worry about your company, show and talent. If you actually do that, things will get better.
Your News: It turns out that Matt Morgan did not accept an offer to be a Gladiator on the new season of American Gladiators and is therefore not part of the ongoing tapings of the new season.
My Views: BOO~FUCKING~URNS! I wanted to see jacked Matt Morgan and Wolf fucking dudes up on Gladiators. I wonder what happened there? Maybe it was going to conflict with the Lockdown PPV or something. Oh well, at least Morgan is in a wrestling role now with TNA.
Your News: Jeremy Borash has been given the lead for house shows, and is said to be doing a great job pushing the complete experience of the wrestling and interacting with the performers. The company is focusing on booking arenas that hold closer to 1,000 people than 5,000 people to try an obtain the packed, energetic atmosphere; like the old ECW. The company is profiting from these shows, unlike when the WWE tried to run small house shows with the new ECW.
On April 4th TNA drew 1,100 fans in Spencer, IA. On April 5th in Lincoln, NE they drew 1,346.
My Views: It is funny, because they had a BAD start to house shows. They had to cancel the Mexico and Israel dates due to shitty ticket sales, but they finally put a SMART plan into place and now, it is working and working well. They are doing well because they are averaging 1,000-1,200 a show in small buildings with low rent. They are keeping overhead low and are using a 2-man ring crew. Also Jeremy Borash does announcing duties and runs the sound from his laptop at ringside. It is skeleton crew sounding, but reports from the shows are always a fun show, good wrestling and you never hear anything bad about the presentation. On good nights they are averaging $10 a person in merchandizing sales, which doesn't sound like a lot, but if you do 1,000 people, that's $10,000 in Merchandize sales. Small steps, but they are positive ones. Also, "several hundred" of those attending are getting $20 Polaroid's taken with top stars (Kurt Angle and Booker T usually.) So let's say 300 people get the picture taken, that's $6,000; the company gets half, and the performer gets half. That's not bad at all.
Your News: Dutch Mantell is a big supporter of the Riesha Saeed character, as he believes Melissa Anderson does a very good job portraying the character. Anderson grew up with Syrians at one point, which is why she is doing well with it.
My Views: It is good to see that Anderson is supported backstage. I agree that she is doing well with the character, but it also seems too forced at times. I know that it is a way to get her in the company, on TV and then transition to an active in ring role, which is why I am cool with it. I just hope that she maintains that support while she is stuck in the Saeed role.
Your News: Kurt Angle came out of his match last night with his back and neck hurting. He's been acting as if he is fine but some think he was actually knocked out briefly during the match. When Angle arrived at the hotel last night, he had a huge icepack on his neck and Karen Angle told fans that he was hurt and wouldn't be able to sign autographs. When Angle arrived, he got a big ovation and went straight to his room. Angle wanted to have a physical, MMA style match and seems to be paying the price for it.
My Views: I expected both guys to get banged up in this match. They wanted to work the MMA route, they wanted to be physical, they wanted it hard hitting and the match was. Angle was almost decapitated mid-match with a SICK clothesline by Joe, and I would imagine that this has a lot to do with his back and neck hurting. It looked nasty when he landed. I just hope that they are getting Angle a full check up before allowing him to return to the ring. Angle looked great physically when he stepped into the ring, but that doesn't erase his history of injuries. I just hope that he is all right.
~The HOTTNESS of Rebecca Knox~
I love this woman!
Independent News
Your News: Austin Aries has suffered a head injury and was taken off of the weekend ROH shows. ROH hopes that he will be back in action by Detroit and Chicago, but he is being cautious and won't return until he is ready. Obviously, he was in major matches in both Boston and Edison so the cards were re-booked.
My Views: First of all it sucks when anyone gets injured. Secondly, it sucks that the injury was bad enough that the shows had to be re-booked due to him needing to miss them. That being said I am VERY glad that Aries pulled out of these shows. The first reason is something I vent about a lot. Some of these independent guys think there is some badge of honor to earn if they work through a serious injury. Sometimes taking the proper time to rest is the best case, not being a tough guy. This made me happy to see for that reason. Secondly, this was a head injury. With all of the things we have learned about concussions, post-concussion syndrome and the like, a head injury is nothing to mess around with. I wish him well, I hope he recovers quickly and I commend him for taking the smart option here.
Your News: AAA's TripleMania will be on June 13th at Los Palacio de los Deportes and AAA is hyping talent from NOAH and TNA as appearing. The group is still working on getting the show on US PPV, which could involve both Bobby Lashley and Bill Goldberg. The American PPV contact is a huge Goldberg fan and while many feel that no one would be buying a Lucha PPV to see Bill Goldberg, many feel AAA would play ball to please the US sponsor. Lashley is open to the idea, but Goldberg has stated that he is retired and if he were to come back most feel he wouldn't do so in Mexico.
My Views: I am still hoping that AAA gets a deal done and that they are on US PPV. While I don't think monthly or even bi-monthly (right away) Lucha PPV's would draw well, I think 3-4 a year could do well. TripleMania is basically their version of WrestleMania and if they could get the show on US PPV, and properly promote it, they could do well. The thing is that if they do get on US PPV, I highly doubt that they would still be able to use TNA talent, unless it is some swap deal as a payback for using people for the X-Cup. As for Lashley and Goldberg getting involved, if the US Sponsor would be footing part of the bill it isn't that bad a plan. People will remember Lashley, and Goldberg does have a strong following. Again, if there is proper promotion, with the Hispanic Wrestling Fan (who is watching American Wrestling, buying PPV, merchandize and is an audience that wants catered too) looking for the product, I think they would debut rather well.
Your News: Speaking of Bobby Lashley has been training in both San Jose and Colorado Springs lately for MMA. From all reports he appears to be MMA bound when his WWE non-complete clause ends in early May.
My Views: We have discussed this before, and right now I think that this may be his best move. I know he has the wrestling background, but as far as pro wrestling goes I never got that into Lashley. When he worked Finlay for a while I did, but then after that I seemed to lose all interest. Before going into wrestling, Lashley was training and looking to go into MMA. He is back to training, he has that amateur background and I think he will be a natural. And while the UFC isn't interested right now, a Pro Elite, Strikeforce or YAMMA I am sure would drop the money to get him due to the fact that he does have a name.
Your News: Sabu has missed two conventions, one booking and one personal appearance over the last few weeks. He was supposed to headline for Maryland Championship Wrestling on April 5th, and owner Dan McDevitt said Sabu was having problems with his personal demons.
My Views: I know he likely doesn't know anything else to do, but I would really like to see Sabu retire before he turns to dust trying an air Sabu, hit rehab and then try to life a normal life. That dude has tortured his body for years. And again I have to say that the sad part is that he really made no money off of it. In 1994 or so the dude was hot, he was doing revolutionary shit and never got paid big money, partially due to his own attitude. Unfortunately if he doesn't get his own life out of control, he may be a death pool 2008 candidate. I hope to hell I am wrong.
Your News: Dixie Carter was at the ROH show in Boston, MA last night. A group of TNA office employees also bought tickets to the show. ROH offered to comp them all but they insisted on paying.
My Views: Some people have made this out to be more than it is and have made a ton of jokes about this topic. You know what, I think that this is great. Dixie Carter and her employees, who are close to members of the ROH roster make the decision to go to the show to visit and watch. ROH, who is working with TNA to book some talent makes the nice gesture to allow them in for free. But TNA reciprocates this gesture by declining and offering to pay to support the ROH product. I think that this was a cool little story.
King of the ring list:
1)Mickie James
2)Mickie James
3)Mickie James
4)Mickie James
5)Mickie James
6)Mickie James
7)Mickie James
8)Mickie James' Jeans
:)
Posted By: Matt P (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 12:12 AM
Csonka, where do we send the checks if you can get West replaced?
Posted By: Matt (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 12:13 AM
Good stuff Csonka.
Here is a question, anyone know of a place where us english speaking gringos
can get some english sutff on AAA?
I have been to their website, but it's not that great.
Man, I watch it every week and while I know some Spanish, I can't follow it.
I would love an english broadcast. That would = MANY BUYS.
Posted By: JT (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 12:18 AM
...i...was...damn it, i was rick roll'd !
Posted By: danboy (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 12:22 AM
It's interesting that AAA wants to work a deal with TNA even though Konnan, whom
has a position of power in AAA, has his lawsuit with TNA going on at the
moment.
I prefer my AAA to be in Spanish and feels more authentic. Morales (for all the
Guapito is his kid ribs), Rivera (Los Rudos! Los Rudos! Los Rudos y El
Atlante!), Zuniga and Maronas are a fun group to listen to.
Posted By: Ryan Mancuso (Registered) on April 15, 2008 at 12:28 AM
How have I never seen that Dating Game clip? Awesome. I can't believe he didn't
mention it in his book.
Posted By: Derek (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 12:29 AM
Lucha in Spanish may be authentic, but WWE in english is authentic in english
yet they translate it.
I would think that translatiing it and marketing it to the American audience
would be good for buisness, wouldn't it?
I realize there are more mexicans here than mexico (look out Canada, here they
come) and before you call me racist, I am married to a very beautiful Mexican
American whom has given me two of the most incredible children in the world...
Anyway, the story lines in AAA seem to be more consistant.
There was someone recapping the shows on 411 but I haven't seen them in a
while.
Too bad, it was good stuff.
I agree with JT it would be great in English.
Posted By: Lucha Libre (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 12:36 AM
"When he's not pinning opponents to the mat, he's practicing sleight of
hand magic or playing miniature golf."
Billy Kidman is now the biggest loser ever.
The sad thing is that Disco was trying to actually get a relationship.
Posted By: Derek (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 12:40 AM
No doubt that translating AAA to English that it would reach a broad audience,
but I was talking about my personal preference.
I've seen plenty of Japanese wrestling translated into English and the
commentary was so bad that I wanted to turn off the video or DVD. The only time
where I liked the English commentary in a foreign promotion were the guys who
did English commentary for UWF-I back in the 1990's. Even then, they didn't use
pro wrestling announcers but guys whom would sell the event as a sport. That was
what UWF-I sold itself on.
Posted By: Ryan Mancuso (Registered) on April 15, 2008 at 12:43 AM
But don't a lot of the guys in AAA also speak English? I mean we know Konnan
does.
I wonder why they never expanded that way. I guess there is a reason.
Hey Csonka, why not find someone to do a "History of Luche Libre" for
the site?
Could be many buys.
Posted By: Lucha Libre (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 12:51 AM
King Santino!!!!
Posted By: Slick (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 12:55 AM
Wow...that girl was not attractive at all...the real winners of the dating game
were Kidman and Disco.
Posted By: Curtis (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 01:12 AM
I wooped that Japnese guy up.
Greatest Video EVER posted
Posted By: Invisible Man (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 01:48 AM
I'll be glad to admit that I was Rick Roll'd. Although I RickRoll'd people back,
so it's all even. Good column as always.
Posted By: Kevin F. (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 01:50 AM
For the King Of The Ring, I'd book:
QF: Finlay b Morrison;
QF: MVP b Hardcore Holly (via interference from Carlito & Santino);
QF: Matt Hardy b Ken Kennedy;
QF: Kofi Kingston b Santino (via interference from Holly & Rhodes);
SF: MVP b Finlay;
SF: Kofi Kingston b Matt Hardy (via interference from MVP)
Final: Kofi Kingston b MVP (via interference by Matt Hardy).
Granted, it would be a little short on star power and very heavy on
interference, but it would also advance storylines and lead to King Kofi. I'd
guess that we're going to get King Kennedy though - it has a certain ring to
it.
Posted By: Baron Skinny (Registered) on April 15, 2008 at 03:57 AM
"How have I never seen that Dating Game clip? Awesome. I can't believe he
didn't
mention it in his book."
I'm thinking it's cause he may have nailed her.
Posted By: James Palm (Registered) on April 15, 2008 at 06:15 AM
larry, you NEED to get a gif of santino doing the "Air Trombone" that
he does when he wins a match, its freaking hilarious!!!
Posted By: setobakura (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 07:33 AM
Mike Tenay would be great doing Lucha Libre history. He is so wasted in his
current role. I remember back in WCW he was portrayed as a wrestling genius,
and he is. Guy's a walking wrestling encyclopedia. I wish he'd stab Don West in
the throat with his pen. Like Joe Pesci in Casino. Mickie James would be QUEEN
of the ring. Lillian is ALWAYS hot!! Lillian is also MINE. Larrold can have
Mickie, Sfornca can have Victoria, and the rest of you can fight in a Hell in a
Cell over whoever's left, but Lillian is MINE! So because Sulu can't sing for
shit, I don't get to see Slick Ric tear it up, salsa style? HORSESHIT!!! Put
Sulu in the figure four, Ric. Scotty ain't beamin your ass out of THAT one,
bitch!
Posted By: the Mad Redneck (Registered) on April 15, 2008 at 08:12 AM
Yes Csonka, Mickie was, as always, insanely hot on Raw last night and, as
always, Mickie James loves me.
I'm also getting text messages from Beth Phoenix.
Posted By: HoosierJim500 (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 08:14 AM
I think that TNA has hit it on the head with their plan to only use venues that
hold upwards of 2000. this is what should have been done in the first place.
TNA, regardless of what is said, simply doesn't have the fanbase yet (YET) to
be able to fill a 5000 seat venue.
this could turn TNA's house shows into profitable ventures, which means more
house shows in new cities, which means more money, and so on.
TNA, i think, just tried to expand too far too fast based on an overinflated
sense of importance. all promotions started out small, to be sure, and maybe
TNA thought that Kurt Angle was enough to sell out venues of 1/3 to 1/2 WWE
size, but really...not a chance.
good for TNA though, it is good to see them make the change now before it was
too late.
Posted By: Darth Mortis (Registered) on April 15, 2008 at 08:31 AM
I love DDT.
Posted By: Vincent Chiucchi (Registered) on April 15, 2008 at 08:36 AM
Oh yea, about KOTR. I am 100% behind King Santino IF they book him more like
the chickenshit heel ala the Honky Tonk Man.
Honky Tonk Man was brilliant, since he almost always cheated, rarely won clean
and ran when he couldn't win at all. This is the kinda booking King Santino
would need to be successful.
Posted By: Darth Mortis (Registered) on April 15, 2008 at 08:38 AM
I dont see this rick roll everyone is mentioning
Posted By: natedoggcata (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 09:16 AM
OMG MCW Finally makes it to 411mania. You do not know how cool it is to finally
see MCW mentioned in the news. Sweeeeet... They are the best indy promotion
not names ROH.
Posted By: Kevin (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 09:18 AM
Ok, so I have Csonkamania and it's driving me insane like Pac Man Fever did in
the 80's...
But I guess I am an idiot, so here goes...
What is Rick Roll'd?
Posted By: Um (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 09:37 AM
OK, even better than the guy from Japan in that video is the ref...
Slapping his leg to simulate the sound of Mr. Invisible hitting the crazy
guy..
TEMENDOUS.
Many buys and Mr. Invisible was BERRIED buy that ref.
Posted By: JT (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 09:40 AM
I was Beaker-Roll'd, but it was funny enough that I didn't mind.
And the actual KOTR participants to me is a mistake. I agree more mid-carders
should be used to help build them
Posted By: Bobby D. (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 10:12 AM
OK...this has nothing to do with anything.....
But the current Milwaukee Brewers line-up
Batting number 5,6,7
HALL-
HART-
HARDY-
What a way back ride for a wrestling fan!!!
Posted By: Animal516 (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 10:21 AM
I can't believe TNA did that well in Iowa. I know those aren't WWE numbers, but
when you consider how long it has been since I have seen WWE sell out anything
in my home state, whether it be in Des Moines, Ames, or Sioux City, that makes
the number that much more impressive.
Posted By: Toddo (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 11:15 AM
i think i'm the only one in the world who likes ashley. true, shes a bad
wrestler, and too skinny, but she does try.
Posted By: Litas Biggest Fan (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 11:38 AM
But we all know the greatest woman of all time is Lita.
And that picture of Cryme Tyme is right after Litas last match in WWE, when
they "sold" her stuff
Posted By: Litas Biggest Fan (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 11:40 AM
The clip of the Japanese wrestler was EPIC! I got looks from the office as I
stifled after he superplexed himself off the top rope then again after the
German. That dude can get *anyone* over, including someone not there.
Posted By: hgdragon (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 12:42 PM
to baron skinny
Kig Kofi...uh...
no
Posted By: ted g (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 02:14 PM
Santino is the natural choice for the King of the Ring winner. It gives him
something to do post-Maria, and his interactions with Jerry Stupid Lawler would
get even better.
Lilian made me do a double take last night. She was dressed like a hooker, in
a good way. Katie Lea is stunning and has a very different look about her. Is
she English or is the accent part of her character? Mickie is one of the
hottest women on earth, and her emotional sell-job on her victory made it seem
really important, something the title desperately needs after the Bunnymania
trash. Beth looked damn good too.
"While Lethal and Dutt do have characters, and that is great, constantly
trying to push a guy (Beating Angle, Saving the X-Division) and then treating
him like he is the biggest fucking goof on the roster does him no good."
If we recognize their talent and further potential it must be doing some good.
I think being over (which they are) is more important than being perceived as
very serious. Angle has been the goof a hundred times and it hasn't hurt his
cred when it mattered. As long as a guy can tear it up in the ring that's all
the fans care about. The thing is Jay's imitation is so good I don't really
want him to stop. Even the biggest marks know Jay is "in on the
joke", so it's funny. AJ Styles, on the other hand, is being made to look
SO stupid it will be hard to ever take him seriously again, and the same goes
for Eric Young. To me at least, Super Eric is humiliating, Black Machismo is
not. If King Booker could become world champion, I don't think this booking
will be the death of Jay Lethal's career.
Random question: What does it mean when Chris Sabin points to his palm?
Posted By: Jason (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 02:48 PM
Lillian always looks insanely hot. As does the beautiful Mickie James. how the
Hell did Todd Grisham get to receive that wild kiss from her? I think Beth is
lovely too. One diva that doesn't get much attention that I find absolutely
smoking hot is Layla.
Posted By: JMASCORPIO (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 03:03 PM
I was RickRoll'D, and DAMN proud of it!
Posted By: Pierre (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 04:36 PM
Layla is definitely smokin hot.....she needs more love on these pages!
When Sabin points to his palm that is supposed to represent Detroit I think.
Have Kennedy come back and win the King of the Ring.
Posted By: Ryder (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 04:39 PM
OMG!
the dating game video it was
Billy and Chuck!
although of a different nature...
Posted By: Leon (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 05:21 PM
I was havin' a very bad day, then I come here and BAM:
"Put
Sulu in the figure four, Ric. Scotty ain't beamin your ass out of THAT one,
bitch!"
Thank you Mad Redneck.
And a black man with the name King Kofi Kingston? Epic.
Posted By: Rick Landis (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 05:54 PM
Good column, I hope the WWE uses KoTR to elevate someone like Kennedy or Shelton
and not just used to put over someone who doesnt need it. I feel really bad for
Sabu, he was the first guy who got me hooked on the indies back in '93 & he
influenced so many guys over the years. Its sad that someone who was such an
innovator has to keep destroying himself just to pay the bills.
Posted By: G3KKO (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 09:04 PM
WOW it takes God going over to Japan to actually win a match... LOL seriously
that was way more entertaining then a lot of stuff going on in American
wrestling rings and It was a great job of selling on part of the Japanese
wrestler, and if the new guys coming up from FCW would sell as good then things
will be ok for the future
Posted By: Eric (Guest) on April 15, 2008 at 11:41 PM
Mr. Kennedy
Umaga
CM Punk
Chris Jericho
Kofi Kingston
Shelton Benjamin
Finlay
Elijah Burke
I would say these 8 for the KotR tournament because they can all wrestle really
well, any of them is fairly believable as a winner even as a swerve, and most
importantly, none of them have current programs. That is why I would get rid of
Hardy and MVP, as that may burn out the already long fued I think. That said, I
believe Kennedy wins the tournament no matter who competes. He's been pushed so
many times but always has had something in his way. His time has come I reckon.
In other news...
That Robbie picture + caption is amazing.
Frank Trigg (even if I don't know shit about MMA) was an awesome commentator at
Lockdown and it was so refreshing not to hear Don West. He pisses me off and is
so so annoying.
That TNA 2007 DVD sounds brilliant at the moment. Even if it was an epicly crap
year with it's backwards booking, it still had some great matches and this
proves it.
Posted By: Banz (Guest) on April 16, 2008 at 01:02 AM
Oh yeah, too many K's. I was either tired or I'm just an idiot. Or a tired
idiot.
I guess that rules of King K-Kwik aswell - damn the racists for ruining
perfectly good gimmicks.
Posted By: Baron Skinny (Registered) on April 16, 2008 at 04:29 AM
Jason, Katie Lea IS English, she wrestled here for a few years. However, they've
made her put on some ridiculous accent, she doesn't talk like that, no one talks
like that. Like with Regal, they always mention him wrestling in carnivals and
coming up the hard way, but they have him do a posh accent and play an upper
class character.
Posted By: Robin (Guest) on April 16, 2008 at 04:33 AM
"Random question: What does it mean when Chris Sabin points to his
palm?"
Yes, that's Detroit, the Motor City, namesake of the Motor City Machine Guns.
Posted By: Kragar (Guest) on April 16, 2008 at 11:14 AM
Just read somebody would like to see King Kofi. You know whats funny? He would
become KKK
Posted By: Alex (Guest) on April 16, 2008 at 12:44 PM
RICK ROLL'D here too, and I also Rick Roll'd others ... ah, good times!
Posted By: elvis_foley (Registered) on April 18, 2008 at 02:40 PM
