Your News, My Views 8.19.08
Posted by Larry Csonka on 08.19.2008
In this week’s edition of Your News, My Views we discuss Foley leaving WWE, future TNA booking plans, Carlito being unhappy again, ROH lacking Flair, the Question of the Week, Buys and No Buys, another special essay on the latest WWE cuts, the latest Hulk Hogan news, this week in wrestling history and much more!
Continued thoughts and prayers to Mr. Walter "Killer" Kowalski, his family, friends and fans during this very difficult time.
WELCOME~!
Welcome back to the news report kids! Next weekend there are NO wrestling or MMA events to cover, and that is going to be sweet. I hope this finds you all doing well, as for me, time to work.
CSONKA COMMAND CENTER UPDATE: The Csonka Command Center is running at 98% currently. Time Warner is holding me up.
PODCAST UPDATE: When the command center is 100%, they return.
BUYS or NO BUYS BUYS or NO BUYS is a new feature here, similar to what I used to do in discussing random events and small bits of wrestling news. BUYS or NO BUYS is a phrase I use all the time, even outside of wrestling. In a way it is just another way of ranking GOOD or BAD. So each week I will kick off the column with BUYS or NO BUYS, discussing the world of wrestling, this website and or my life. Feel free to skip it, I won't be offended.
MANY BUYS to the 2008 Olympics. I am not a huge Olympics buff, I have events that I like and try to catch, but this year I have been LOCKED on the TV. Maybe it was the want to see my country do well, maybe it was the gold medal chase of Michael Phelps… nah, fuck it, it was the Women's Beach Volleyball. DAAAAAAAAAAMN!
NO BUYS to no softball in the 2012 Olympics. They voted to exclude the event, and that's a bunch of bullshit. Some say it is because they want to cycle out and give other events a chance, I say that it is the fact that the US has soundly HUMBLED the field in a major way thus far. The game I got to see Sunday night saw the US put up nine runs, and they once again took a victory via the mercy rule. This shit better be back in 2016.
MANY BUYS to the recent addition of Family Time to our schedule. With the move, painting of the house and Christi getting her new classroom prepared, Family Time has been at a minimum for the Csonka family. The last few days have opened up more, and we enjoyed an excellent Sunday that involved Hana's first trip bowling, and a picnic. These are the day's I'll remember when she hates me in around 7-years, when she turns 13.
NO BUYS to Time Warner Cable, those cock suckers. They were supposed to install my phone on Friday, and well, they didn't come. Why? The guy forgot. How do people like this have employment? Seriously.
MANY BUYS to some relaxation tome for myself. Since the move into South Carolina, I have had the chance to hang out with my little brother in law, (he's 17 and we live in the same housing development as Christi's parents) which translates into video game time! I don't get to just relax and do that much anymore, but I got some time in this past week (Top Spin Tennis, Tiger Woods, HALO, Some Old School NFL ESPN 2k5) and it was great.
A big no buys to others that can't accept someone else's opinion. Listen, we all aren't gong to get along and we will likely never all agree, it's cool, no hard feelings. Just be polite about it. I got some hate mail for the Sports Fact or Fiction because I said that, "the Chinese are a bunch of cheating fucks." This is mainly in regards to their questionable gymnasts. Some have been offended, and got very rude over it, but that's my opinion. Hell, Bella Karoly has called them out numerous times for it during the NBC broadcasts, so I think I have good company. I guess Mr. Karoly just says it nicer than I do. Anyway, the bottom line is that is my opinion. If you disagree, coolness. Life goes on.
Today in Wrestling History
1990 - Riki Choshu defeated Big Van Vader for the IWGP Heavyweight title
1999 - Lenny Lane defeated Rey Misterio, Jr for the WCW Cruiserweight title
2000 - The last edition of WCW Saturday Morning aired on TBS
2001 - Event - Summerslam, Compaq Center, San Jose, CA
2001 - Edge defeated Lance Storm for the WWF Intercontinental title
2001 - Kane & The Undertaker defeated Chris Kanyon & Diamond Dallas Page for the WWF Tag Team title
2001 - Rob Van Dam defeated Jeff Hardy for the WWF Hardcore Title
2001 – X-Pac defeated Tajiri for the WWF Light Heavyweight title
2001 - The Rock defeated Booker T for the WCW Heavyweight title
1959 - Born - Tim Horner
1973 - Born - Lillian Garcia
1975 - Died - Jim Londos of a heart attack at 78
1976 - Born - Kano
1997 - Died - Jeep Swenson of a heart attack at 40
1999 - Died - Ann Laverne at 76
2000 - Died - Tony Paresi AKA Antonio Pugliese at 58
QUESTION OF THE WEEK Is Michael Cole about to use his laser vision to destroy the Earth?
My Views: TNA Hard Justice was another PPV where TNA struggled to have strong ticket sales. They weren't bad, 3,500 paid, but the Slammiversary and Victory Road shows were down in attendance to roughly 2,000 paid. While Hardy Justice saw a rise in sales, they are way down from the neat 7,000 they drew for Lockdown. TNA has made the decision to no longer paper PPV events because they feel that it will bad for business in the long run. I understand the philosophy here, but the fact is that TNA isn't burning out towns multiple times a year, and if PPV ticket sales continue to stay low, papering may be needed to a better presentation.
What is being seen as a positive business sign for the company are the advance sales for the January tour of the UK. Reports state that ticket sales are going so well that these events will be the biggest crowds in the history of the company. I was very critical of TNA's decision to run such large venues, but they are thankfully proving me wrong. The January swing in the UK will certainly be the most lucrative week in the company's short history, and that's a good thing.
My Views: It looks like TNA is dipping into the WCW playbook (arguably again) and are looking to do a 2008 version of the new Blood vs. Millionaires Club. The idea would be for Nash to turn on Joe, finally, and join with Booker, Kurt Angle and Sting (and possibly Team 3D.) They would play off of the current TV, where the older established stars are claiming that they paved the way for these "ungrateful newcomers." AJ Styles and Samoa Joe as it is being laid out would lead these "ungrateful newcomers". Right way TNA has been blasted for the idea, partly because it is a WCW rehash, partly because it failed big time and partly because it is the Russo mantra of going back to an old idea that either worked or that he THOUGHT would work. Now I get why people are blasting this. In WCW the "New Blood" ended up being the heels, it was laid out poorly and they abandoned the plan early on. But I feel that this is a case of judging before we see. Don't get me wrong, with Russo's history this does stink of fail, but maybe it works this time. I will reserve judgment here, because every once and a while I get this spell of hope in regards to TNA. If properly booked, this could be a very fun angle. Please be properly booked…
My Views: TNA has been building a working relationship with CMLL. Unfortunately with this they have slowed down on trying to sign CMLL talents, due to the delicate nature of the relationship. TNA really wanted to use Dark Angel Sarah Stock and was working with the CMLL office to make this happen. TNA, Hit, Snag, Now. In bad news for Stock and CMLL, she suffered a broken arm on August 7th in Aguascalientes and will now miss a few months. Stock is a very talented performer and I hope she recovers soon. I would love to see her, even if it is for a short run, in the TNA Knockouts Division.
My Views: With Mick Foley seemingly finished with WWE, you knew the rumors of him heading to TNA would begin and they have. That pillar of reporting the SUN out of the UK ran a story stating that Mick Foley will be going to TNA once his current WWE deal expires on 9/1. Foley never said this thought, it is all being based on what a "close friend" of Foley told them. SOURCES~! According to the SUN, Foley would have a deal similar to the one Sting has and would only work select dates. TNA is denying this, but of course they may be saying that as a way to keep Foley's jump to TNA a surprise. Never say never kids. Back in 2005 Mick Foley had reached a verbal deal with TNA before he signed his current WWE deal. Foley gave Vince the courtesy of telling him that he was going, and at the time, Vince felt he couldn't lose him. Foley has written about how his relationship with Vince McMahon was never the same after he came so close to going to TNA, even though he stayed with WWE. In 2005 I would have been all for a Foley run in TNA. But in 2008, even on a limited schedule I cannot see him causing a substantial bump in ratings, buy rates or live attendance. Rhino, Cage, 3D, Sting, Booker, Nash, Hall and Angle have all come in, and while they may have bumped things for a show or two, that was it and TNA is where it was before they all came in. Foley's main motivation to go seems to be that he wants a to cement his legacy, and he feels that helping to put a second national promotion in closer competition with WWE would do that. Again in 2005 maybe, but I just can't see it right now in 2008, and I say that as a long time Mick Foley fan.
My Views: In another bit of good news for TNA, they are back on TV in India on ESPN STAR. The deal will give them the rights to broadcast TNA Wrestling across various television, mobile services and internet. The contract provides ESS broadcast rights across the Indian subcontinent including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Maldives. That's a hell of an expansion. Starting in September, ESPN STAR Sports will showcase a comprehensive and entertaining line-up of programming including two popular programs ‘TNA iMPACT!' & ‘TNA Xplosion' every week and the big blockbuster fight in the monthly special events. In addition, ESS will showcase more TNA wrestling action every week in the form of original programming custom-produced for sub-continental fans, which will include "classic" TNA matches from the early years of the promotion. TNA had a small deal with the network in the past, and at one time was outdrawing WWE on the station. TNA sent Shark Boy, Pat Kenney and most importantly Sonjay Dutt on a trip there back when they had the deal and Dutt was treated like royalty. This was a reason Dutt was featured so much on Xplosion for the longest time. TNA is certainly not the worldwide powerhouse that WWE is, but they are continuing to make more deals, which in turn is giving them more exposure and revenue. These are great things for the company.
My Views: Seriously, they are going to shoot his DNA into space. Wow…just, wow.
~Special Essay~ Vince Trims the Fat…AGAIN~!
Didn't we do this last week? Every year WWE seems to have at least one "trimming" of the fat, where they release a handful (or two) of talent in order to free up some money (quarterly just came out) and to make room on the roster for fresh faces. Well, we're onto the second handful. Usually I try to write a column on it, but since it was so close to the publishing of the news column I figured I would just place it here as this week's special essay. Who got the boot this time and did they deserve it? Time to find out.
Stevie Richards: Stevie Richards, a sentimental favorite of mine. Stevie was a guy that COULD have been used much better than he was in his long WWE run. He had such a long run with the company, he had been there since 1999 that I felt that he would be a lifer with WWE. He's been used to help the developmental guys as well as prepare Shane McMahon for matches and was generally well liked. His biggest break with the company was as the Leader of Right to Censor, where he got a lot of TV time as the group's leader. But that dried up when the Kat was released and when WWE decided that they were done pissing off the PTC. They had numerous chances to make Stevie worth something. Stevie Night Heat, the ECW revival, the rebirth of the bWo and most recently as a heartstring puller coming back from a series of numerous neck operations. Unfortunately for Stevie they never pulled the trigger on him and he became a guy that did his job well until the end. Stevie will go onto have a lucrative Indy career due to his time with WWE, he can do bWo and Raven reunions and make good money. The release makes sense since they were never going to do anything with him at this point, but he is a real case of "what could have been." TNA doesn't need Stevie, but a possible surprise appearance at some point could be fun.
Cherry: Cherry was a very surprising release to me in some ways, but also no surprise for some of the same reasons. She was a woman that got into the business on the Indy level and smartly followed up on that by going to OVW in hopes of making the WWE. She did that and was paired with the "Throwbacks/Untouchables/Deuce and Domino" and the gimmick worked for her. One problem she suffered for was the anti-climatic split from Deuce and Domino, which was mainly done on WWE.com and has no spark when it finally got brought to TV. She had a different look from the average WWE woman and was serviceable in the ring. But that was also her downfall I feel. She wasn't the WWE mold, she wasn't rail thin and the company doesn't care of she can work. He release now makes the Smackdown women's division even thinner, as they are down to McCool, Maria, Natalya, Victoria and Maryse. TNA's women's division is stacked right now, so I don't see her ending up there.
The Highlanders: The tag teams they are a falling! We all know that WWE doesn't care about tag team wrestling and they further proved that point this week in releasing the Highlanders. Don't get me wrong, they were not a great team. But the fact is that they were never booked well, they were goofs instead of bad asses like the Sheepherders. Unfortunately Vince wanted another variation of the Bushwackers. Between injury to Rory and Robby showing up on Impact, their days were numbered. Had they been booked half way decently for any amount of time, they could have been a decent team to have around. But de-pushing them, trying to salvage them with Piper, de-pushing them, turning them heel and letting them beat London and Kendrick and them offering no follow up sums up their career.
Colin Delaney: On Tuesday I knew that the Colin Delaney experiment was now dead. They did well bringing him in and I think that the idea of Mikey Whipwreck/1-2-3 Kid 2.0 was fine in theory. Pairing him with Dreamer was also a smart move, giving him a mentor and someone on the roster that people still connect with. I feel that they really dropped the ball when they ended the feud with Miz and Morrison so quickly. They had a really fun extreme rules match, way better than what we got here. The heel turn, again in theory was not a bad idea. They ruined it the first night after it having him lose to Dreamer clean. He then lost to Matt Hardy, clean as a whistle as well as Tuesday to Dreamer again. Delaney is certainly no loss for WWE, but could have been booked much better. The good news for him is that he has months of WWE exposure, which will lead to a lucrative Independent career. He can also return to CHIKARA and join back up with his "brother" to reform the Olsen's. And just in time for the return of Tag World Grand Prix in November…
Referee Wes Adams: The release of Referee Wes Adams is actually a sad one in my opinion for the simple fact that he did nothing wrong. For more than a year WWE has made a decree to officials to work the matches like they are shoot. Due to that we've had some wacky DQ's and such over this last year, but that is what the company wants. Last week on ECW the main event had a very funky finish. Some assumes either Morrison was inured or that Wes Adams plain fucked up. The truth of the matter is that he was placed in a no win situation. The Miz was supposed to break up the pin, and when he didn't Adams had to make the choice to oddly stop the count (Morrison wasn't kicking out) or do what the company wants. He did exactly what the company wanted, and got released for it. That's some bullshit, plain and simple.
In the long run none of these releases will hurt the company, they were all expendable. We can argue all day long that they could have been used much better, and that some weren't exactly fair, but the WWE is a business and sometimes the fat needs to be trimmed. WWE has now released 13-talents in the last two weeks, and word is that there are more coming. Funaki, Val, Super Crazy, Chuck Palumbo; watch your backs. It isn't over yet.
…Intermission… Remember that fun, free, addicting flash games await you at 411's new sister site, TigerFlashGames.com! Go there or Ashish will cry!
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My Views: Things continue to not look good for the relationship between the WWE and Carlito. While Carlito has changed his look and been working house shows, he has not been used on TV since the draft. He is once again discouraged and is talking about a release from the company. Back in June he had sand in his vagina, and seeing this news all I can say is this. In my opinion, Carlito sucks. He isn't that good of a talker, his ring work is way too soft and unbelievable, he has horrible punches, cannot run the fucking ropes to save his life and he has not noticeably improved in all these years he has been on TV. He is a waste of space, and if he leaves my TV today I will not miss him. TNA is always a possibility as Dutch Mantell has power there, and TNA, much like WWE wants to take advantage of the Hispanic market. But I cannot see him adding anything to the company that would be of good use, I think the only things he would bring are his Hispanic heritage and the fact that he worked for WWE.
My Views: Shane McMahon was hard at work wheeling and dealing in Mexico last week. Shane had meetings with the Televisa Network, which is the leading television network in the country and broadcasts both CMLL and AAA. While there are no details on what the meeting was about, one could speculate that it has to do with the International Expansion plan that was rumored last year. WWE desperately wants to break into the Hispanic markets, a reason that they have kept Carlito, Super Crazy, moved Rey to Raw and have been seeking out some lucha stars like Dos Caras Jr. and El Sicodelico Jr. If I was to speculate, I would say that Shane was there to lay the groundwork for a possible TV deal. Time will tell.
My Views: We all know that Chris Harris was released last week by WWE, but it also turns out that he was not well liked backstage. Apparently Harris came off like he had "accomplished" something in the wrestling business, a look of superiority some are saying, and that turned people off. Many feel that his TNA accomplishments didn't mean anything because he had not done anything of value with WWE yet in his career. Unfortunately this doesn't surprise me, because a lot of guys that come from the Independent scene and or TNA are looked at like this. I had joked in the TNA recap when he was released that people were happy about it and were mocking him, and apparently that is the truth. Many people in TNA were said to be happy when Harris got released, since he left for supposed "greener pastures." While I can understand the feeling from the TNA side, as they felt betrayed since they "made him," celebrating in someone else's failure usually comes back to bite you in the ass. There's no word on Harris and his plans as of this writing, but I highly doubt that TNA has any interest in him.
My Views: In what is good news for Chris Jericho, he recently got a deal to host a new TV show called "Shame 2 Fame" on Fuse. The reality show will be about ten women with problems competing for a record deal. Many have been critical of Jericho taking this new gig, but I'm not, not at all. I for one think it is great when wrestlers can secure outside projects to try and secure the future for them and their families. Sure it doesn't sound that great to many of us, but even if it fails Jericho will pull in some more cash and if he plans well, hopefully he will not be one of the guys we hear about that hits 50 and is dead broke because he didn't save and properly prepare for the future. Best of luck Chris.
+++RAW RAMBLINGS ARE BACK BABY~!
Monday Night Raw 8.18.08+++
Super Serial Suit Wearing Chris Jericho kicks off the show! Tremendous, he blames Shawn for putting his own wife in harms way. I have to say that those damn Canadians are all alike, always resorting to male on female violence. Look, it's a pattern: Robert Roode, Chris Jericho, Stephen Randle, the list goes on and on. Anyway, Jericho is fucking awesome as he places the sole blame for this on Shawn in spectacular fashion, telling him that he now has to live with it the rest of his life and that he deserves it. Seriously, between Jericho, Edge, HBK and Flair there have been some great promos so far in 2008.
Speculation has been running wild as to the identity of the star that is debuting on ECW tomorrow night. I don't have an official confirmation, but I did see this man talking with Teddy Long over lunch today…
LULZ~! Batista about busted his ass on the way into the ring. Smooth move there Dave.
Speaking of the match, did Paul Burchill piss in someone's corn flakes? Damn, that wasn't even a match. Paul Burchill was just…
BERRIED AND CREAMED~!
Wow, Carlito's brother is introduced as a new member of the roster, and is treated just as badly as Carlito as Adamle blows him off. Tremendous. Seriously, what the fuck was that? And "PRIMO" Colon? I guess Eddie was too gringo. That was just, I don't know what that was. JR, what do you think?
Katie Lea is bringing back the thong in the fed, and I approve. What I do not approve of is Katie jobbing yet again. Professor, what are you feeling on the match?
"OFFENDED!"
Speculation continues to run wild as to the identity of the star that is debuting on ECW tomorrow night. I don't have an official confirmation, but I did see this man talking with Teddy Long over tea today…
JBL comes to the ring. WWE.com reported that John "Bradshaw" Layfield, along with Houston's Innovative Beverage Group, will introduce Drank "anti-energy" beverage to New York City. Layfield told WWE.com,"Drank is an extension of Layfield Energy's other beverages Mamajuana Extreme and 418." JBL had this to say, "This is the first ‘anti-energy' drink for New Yorkers or anyone who needs to calm down after a hectic day. I drink them before every match and that's all the proof you need." JBL did his best Nigel McGuinness impersonation and killed Jamie Noble with 76 lariats. I wonder what CM Punk thinks about that…
Ok I'll admit, I got picture happy. It had to be done. MOVING ON!
THE ADAMLE is out with his CLIP BOARD OF CHEAT NOTES, and announced CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho for later tonight. Also, at Unforgiven we will see a new concept. Five guys, including the champion will compete in a 20-minute match. Anyone can get a pin or submission on anyone else. If you get a pin or submission, YOU ARE THE CHAMPION, and at the end of the match who ever is recognized as the champion, well is the champion. CM Punk vs. Kane vs. Batista vs. JBL vs. John Cena. This is being called the championship scramble, which I do not like the idea of because the match feels like the old Hardcore Battle Royals for the Hardcore title. And no, it isn't an Adamle Original, it basic Russo-Nomics.
Cryme Tyme lifted the tag title, tremendous. What sucks is that I have to watch a handicap match with Cena facing the tag champs. AND HE FUCKING WON! Yeah, those kids are getting over HUGE being in matches and having their asses handed to them by Cena and Batista. Dibiase and Rhodes…
BERRIED AND CREAMED~! What bullshit.
There is even more speculation as to the identity of the star that is debuting on ECW tomorrow night. I don't have an official confirmation, but word is that this man had dinner date with Teddy Long…
HBK is so great. That is all.
CM Punk's facial hair looks like he sneezed while shaving. What the fuck is that, really?
Santino has switched to the singlet as mentioned last night, he needs to back away from the all you can eat pasta bowl at the Olive Garden. D LO! Oh please let D LO win, I know hw won't, but it would be so great. And now Kofi is out to watch and join the commentary team. Beth gets the DQ to save Santino's title, yawn. You know, D Lo wouldn't be a bad guy to add into the IC Title feud as a veteran base to help things along in the ring. The only problem I see is that it would mirror the potential US Title three way feud.
And I suffer watching this 24/7 clip, reminding me that I no longer have the channel. Fuck you Time Warner!
Kane has a new entrance theme, that resembles his old school one a bit. He broke Rey's spirit, that wasn't very nice. BIG DAVE DOES NOT APPROVE OF THIS! Unfortunately for him, Kane kicked his ass.
SUPER SERIAL SHORT TIGHTS JERICHO is here to fight CM Punk! I have to sat, the pairing of Cad with Jericho has resulted in nothing thus far. I know he is injured, but he's been nothing but Jericho's lap dog thus far. And CM Punk suffers the long WWE tradition of losing in your hometown. Congrats Punk.
My Views: It was hyped that a new member would join the Age of the Fall on the ROH shows this past weekend, and speculation ran wild. Some thought it would be an extended member from another promotion or even someone like Shannon Moore, but when all was said and done it was Delirious that joined the group. With his advances to Daziee Haze not working out for him, Jimmy Jacobs was able to brainwash the lizard man and bring him into the fold. It is an interesting move to be sure, from my perspective as an outsider Delirious was in a state of flux, and this could be some much-needed direction for him. It will be interesting to see how it unfolds, as this could be a dark turn for Delirious and that has me interested.
My Views: In what I feel is a smart move for Ring of Honor, Jerry Lynn will be back with the promotion in September for the shows on the 19th and 20th. Rumor says this is the beginning of a more regular schedule for Lynn, and having that veteran presence on the shows will only be a positive for ROH. In the past they have used Jim Cornette, Ricky Steamboat, Lance Storm, Joey Mercury and now Lynn as a leader of sorts to work with the talent and share their knowledge. I think it is a great thing when veterans can still be used in a viable role with wrestling promotions and still want to give back. Lynn is in great shape and will not only help as a leader, but another good worker with tons of experience is never a bad thing to have around.
My Views: With Ric Flair being gone from WWE, he is now available for bookings, and you can have Ric Flair appear for the bargain price of $15,000! Now many of you are probably thinking, "what kind of bargain is this?" Well, compared to some others, it's a pretty good one. Hulk Hogan charges $75,000, Bill Goldberg charges $30,000, and Steve Austin charges $20,000 for such appearances. At the price Flair is being flooded with offers, and will make out very well in the short term, that's for sure. Unfortunately for Ring of Honor, there will be no added Flair to any of their shows. Besides an appearance fee for coming in, there is a separate fee for doing autographs plus he also has a separate price for coming into the ring and cutting a promo. It just isn't a possibility for ROH right now. While a Flair appearance would be great for ROH, there is no need to lose money in doing so just for the "possibility" of some added exposure. Maybe down the line it will work out, but for now, it just isn't happening. That Kobashi handshake will have to wait for another day.
From Western - Hopefully Priceless can rebound from the loss? WTF? There's nothing to rebound from, they didn't look bad either time.
Larry - All right, in my opinion they did. They lost the titles when they didn't have to. They then only won them back when Batista and Cena "slipped on a banana peel" and then took as ass whooping afterwards. That looks bad to me. We'll agree to disagree.
From Alex - With regards to Team 3D, you offer Japan and Europe as options. What about WWE? Do you think they have they burned bridges, or just not interested in going back there?
Larry - They blasted Johnny Ace hard when they left, but have always mentioned that they would consider going back if the money was right and if they thought they would be used well. I doubt that they would return, but never say never in wrestling.
From Frank - hey Larry. first podcast give away winner here. when you get the podcast back up and running, your giving more stuff away. i want to win more swag. keep up the work pimp. 411FTW!!!!!!!!!!!
Larry - I will have them up and running as soon as Time Warner gets my phone hooked up, and yes, I have some more prizes to give away!
From Bret Hart Owns Your Soul - "And this is why I think Santino is a joke. He needed HELP to beat Mickie James. Yes the guy is funny and all, but I hate this entire match concept and his wild, over the top celebration was great, now it is tired in my opinion. LAME."
It's called "booking" and the guy is doing the best he can with what they give him. He's OVER and if you could dig your wife's pink thong from your crack you might see what everyone else sees. A guy busting his ass to get over by playing the character WWE gave him of a whiney, arrogant, I need help type of wrestler. You have the worst wrestling typing article on 411. Be-Gone!
Larry - Well I don't like the booking, hence my stance on the subject. If you dig it, good for you, we all don't have to agree on stuff. Also I don't wear thongs, they chafe. As for me being the worst, no one forces you to read me buddy. It's your choice, but sorry to say for you that I will not be going anywhere anytime soon. Once I complete 5-years, I get stock options and a 410k. That's shit you don't pass up!
From Johnny Kinard - Yo Csonka!
Welcome to South Carolina, bro! Hope that you can get yourself situated soon.
Larry - Thank man! Good to hear from you. Johnny Kinard ladies and gentlemen, a friend of the site for many years. Take is easy buddy.
From Curty - Adamle didn't molest Cena on his first night. He stealthily ninja'd in like a suit wearing, authoritative Ryu Hayabusa and let Cena know that he COULD have molested him at any time and there was nothing he could do about it. That's even more awesome.
Larry - That's a damn fine point you have there, I commend you good sir.
The reason Softball is getting the boot is because a grand total of 8 teams are in the event. When you have 100 Countries at an event and only 8 care enough to send a team then the event is dead.
Posted By: Andre (Guest) on August 19, 2008 at 12:36 AM
"What sucks is that I have to watch a handicap match with Cena facing the tag champs. AND HE FUCKING WON! Yeah, those kids are getting over HUGE being in matches and having their asses handed to them by Cena and Batista. Dibiase and Rhodes…"
Wasn't Cena the one who got his ass handed to him? THAT's what I don't understand about these matches. DiBiase and Rhodes kicked his ass for about 10 minutes, but then in 30 seconds, it falls apart and they lose.
Also, I wasn't surprised about Cherry being released as Eve Torres has began wrestling on SD/ECW house shows (and from what I've read, has looked decent).
Posted By: Guest#6783 (Guest) on August 19, 2008 at 12:47 AM
TNA on ESPN-Star is a good thing. But, Star insists on having HINDI commentary for the event. And believe me when i say, the Hindi commentators are worse than anything Tenay and West can pull off.
Thats where WWE gains major ground in India, despite being telecasted on a channel with much less viewership in India (Ten Sports)
Posted By: Grim (Guest) on August 19, 2008 at 12:51 AM
I don't get the idea of having one get get in so much offence then lose in a few seconds at the end. If anything I think that makes them look even worse. So Simply Priceless beat up Cena for 10 minutes but couldn't pin him, Cena got 30 seconds of offence in against 2 guys and won...makes SP look all manner of weak if you ask me. I mean, Cena's 15 seconds on each is better then 2 on 1 for 10 minutes?
Posted By: Curtis (Guest) on August 19, 2008 at 01:44 AM
Primo means cousin in Spanish. So he's Cousin Colon.
Posted By: Guest#4003 (Guest) on August 19, 2008 at 01:56 AM
Have you listened to Bela about the Chinese gymnasts? He's not even remotely pulling punches. Several times, he's just flat out said he thinks that the Chinese government is cheating. Trust me, Larry, you aren't being more blunt about it than Bela has been over the last several weeks.
As always, I love the send off. Though I would have to say that there are a few of those pictures WWE graced us with that I'd like to see on these columns as well. Maybe you could switch them out over the weeks?
Posted By: Mina (Guest) on August 19, 2008 at 03:10 AM
cena is like popeye if you think about it. he gets beat down for most of the match. then pops a can of spinich and hits the five moves of death and it is over.
Posted By: furiouseverett (Registered) on August 19, 2008 at 04:05 AM
SO MANY BUYS for the amount of pictures in the Raw Ramblings!
Awesome
Posted By: The Age Of Awesome (Registered) on August 19, 2008 at 04:25 AM
I blame Steven Richards getting fired on this guy:
http://tinyurl.com/6chls2
Posted By: The Conquistador (Guest) on August 19, 2008 at 04:55 AM
i hate whn they put the tag champs against a main eventer in a handicap match and win. it completely buries the team. TWO DUDES cant beat one guy, is ridiculous.
would hogan been pitted against demolition and won? or how about austin vs the new age outlaws by himself?
Posted By: rey (Guest) on August 19, 2008 at 07:27 AM
i love watching the olympics as well. i am not one of those blind patrriots who only root for the usa team. i enjoy the overall competition and the clashing of cultures through sports and not war.(*check out the weightlighting accidents on nbc.com-gruesome!!!*)
when did the world heavyweight title become the new hardcore title? that scramble match is ridiculous. i hope punk wins.
Posted By: jd (Guest) on August 19, 2008 at 07:30 AM
Haha I loved all the pictures! I was really hoping for a shot of Katie Lea and her thong, but maybe next time... At least the send off made up for it! ;)
Posted By: SilentOx (Registered) on August 19, 2008 at 07:59 AM
Bela's off his rocker, the guy's nuts, though I do agree that the gymnasts are underage. When the Chinese state-run newspaper runs stories that say the gymnasts are only 13-14, then yeah, they're only 13-14.
Posted By: Guest 132 (Guest) on August 19, 2008 at 08:11 AM
You know, technically Beth is the only champ on Raw at the moment who earnt her title. She pinned the former champ clean, 123. Santino's only champ because Beth pinned Mickie, Simply Priceless are only champs because DAVE and JOHN couldn't get along, and Punk only won his belt due to MITB.
I'm not sure what my point is, but I have one. I think.
Posted By: Mathew Sforcina (Registered) on August 19, 2008 at 08:22 AM
Simply Priceless would be an excellent team if they weren't constantly getting the shaft by the bookers.
I have no problem with them taking a while to beat Cena - he's been booked as super resiliant boy for years - but to do it that way then have them lose is stupid.
Cena has been losing a lot recently and they could have continued that here quite easily and made a 'crisis of confidence' type deal with Cena. That little air of vulnerability would allow fans to connect with Cena more and alleviate the mixed reactions he gets.
Then again, character development isn't a strong point for them.
Posted By: dennett316 (Guest) on August 19, 2008 at 08:24 AM
Oh, and that HBK promo was absolute gold. He said so much while saying so little...THATS a textbook promo to teach the guys how to talk.
And Cole looks fucking evil in that photo.
Posted By: dennett316 (Guest) on August 19, 2008 at 08:35 AM
Larry!
I am shocked and appalled at you!
How could you forget the old TNA Faction War between S.E.X. and TNA back in the day? Or the lesser extent of Planet Jarrett vs TNA war?
If done right, this Faction War could be awesome, and I an hoping against hope that it is.
Posted By: Travis (Guest) on August 19, 2008 at 08:51 AM
Am I the only one that noticed there was an advertised blockbuster announcement from Shane & Steph last night that never came to fruition?
Posted By: Toddo (Guest) on August 19, 2008 at 09:42 AM
Matt Classic would both OWN and RULE . . . meaning Vince would NEVER green-light it . . .
Posted By: McLovin (Guest) on August 19, 2008 at 09:47 AM
I've had the feeling for a while that TNA is headed for an Old Blood vs New Blood type of feud, but I think they are going this route:
Think about it for a second, why did Sting attack Joe after the first match with Booker? Because Joe was mercilessly beating Booker to death. Why did Sting attack AJ? Because after Angle was hurt to the point of being stretched out, AJ still attacked him.
Sting is thinking himself a moral compass for TNA, and will recruit the rehash WWE/WCW superstars to show the young crowd how things should be in wrestling, so he may consider himself a face (though I see the old guard being the heels).
Jarrett on the other hand started TNA, it is his blood, and he will recruit the true TNA stars, those who made their mark in TNA, not elsewhere. Joe, AJ, Lethal, the MCMGs, etc.
It is the same old same old, but at least there will be stables and a direction in storyline development. Maybe it will be something worth seeing.
Then again, it could all be just crap.
Posted By: Brian (Guest) on August 19, 2008 at 11:01 AM
TNA BACK ON TV IN INDIA!!!! Who gives a crap?
Secondly, Jericho is the future and the past.
Posted By: Dawson (Guest) on August 19, 2008 at 12:14 PM
To those who hate the booking of Simply Priceless, think on this:
Simply Priceless won their belts through heel shennanigens. They are young wrestlers without much experience. They are crafty and powerful in the ring, but kayfabe and irl, have yet to reach the peak of their powers, which we are being led to believe will be considerable. They have put up decent showings against Cena-Batista, having won through cunning and lost because ultimately they were too young to handle the power game of the big men. That's OK for a young tag-team, because in those matches we saw plenty of indications that they will get better - they wont be doing this kind of job in a year's time, if they are still together.
Cena has beaten the pair as a team once, but did also get wailed on in the return match. He's been on a PPV losing streak and hasn't been dominating the main event like you'd expect. He has just been beaten by Batista in a match where he took Batista all the way.
For Batista's PPV victory to mean something you can't, given recent booking, have Cena get creamed by the tag champs on RAW the very next night. Unless Cena sells the PPV match as a beating, which again makes him look weak. Its more important to keep Cena and Batista strong, and the tag-team champs can afford to do the job as they get a little rub from being involved with Cena and Batista, and their feud is advanced, which again benefits a bit from Cena's earlier involvement with Crime Tyme. Plus the champs battered Cena for 10 minutes but couldn't put him away, and then don't lose to a moves-of-doom sequence but a power-and-strategy sequence where Cena creates just enough time to win with the STFU.
That's smart booking - the champs look good (this is no squash match) and lose to power and smarts, not just some no-selling and a power-moves-of-doom sequence.
It does not make the tag team division look any weaker than it already is. If anyhting it has given Crime Tyme and Simply Priceless some short-term rub, which might stick if they can make a decent tag titles feud. It sucks that the tag division has fallen this far, but that doesn't make the Simply Priceless booking ass-backward.
I just wish the underlying principles would change.
(Principles are: tag titles = jack shit; 1 main eventer > X mid-carders, where X = main eventer's bodyweight in lbs/75)
Posted By: evil_dave83 (Guest) on August 19, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Batista got to beat up Burchill, JBL got to beat up poor Jamie Noble, and who does Cena get to beat up, the Tag Champs, again. How many times has Cena beat up the Tag Champs, and not just Simply Priceless. He used to beat up Cade and Murdoch on a regular basis too. I just turned the match off cause I knew what the outcome was going to be. I realize it's not totally Cena's fault, but he has to have at least a little say in his character and he is smart enough to realize that he is just burrying two young talents. But he just goes ahead with it. Were Charlie Haas and Snitsky so busy that Cena couldn't just beat up one guy. The more I write this, the more I hate Cena. Screw Cena.
Posted By: DC (Guest) on August 19, 2008 at 12:31 PM
When you say that "the Chinese are a bunch of cheating fucks", you are not stating an opinion. You are making an accusation as if it were a fact, but a fact for which you have no proof.
Let me give you an example. I am going to say "Larry Csonka is a closet homosexual". Now, am I just stating my opinion? How about if I go on television like Karoly and say that repetitively. Should I tell you to calm down because I am "just stating my opinion"?
Posted By: Eric von Erich (Guest) on August 19, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Yep, Cuck Fena. For people who think that just because he FINALLY lost 2 matches cleanly (I don't count the gimmick crap with JBL), it's ok for him to beat a tag team by himself, moreso, Tag Team Champs. At least Batista & Jibble only beat 1 jobber each and Batista has certainly lost more and cleanly during last couple of years.
Posted By: Guest#2010 (Guest) on August 19, 2008 at 03:40 PM
At least get my name right when trying to come back with an unwitty retort. And I read "parts" of your column like I would watch an episode of the Two Coreys. Just waiting for the wreck at the end. And the thong wouldn't chafe if she used anal lube. As for your column, I have smelled popcorn farts that have more value than your shit article. BE-GONE!
Posted By: Bret Hart Owns You! (Guest) on August 19, 2008 at 08:46 PM
ok i will admit it I DON'T LIKE CENA i did not even watch his handicap match because i already knew the outcome, supercena will win with his basic move set, i try to like him i really do but come on, Batista beat you the night before and you shake his hand a stroke him, grow some ball, i so wanted him to say Dave you got lucky last night but your still a bitch, do something and then to destroy the tag champs by yourself he is so super it sickens me, i won't like him until he turns heel, but if that happens who will the 12-15 year old girls cheer for, and what the hell is CENATION, should i be afraid, is it coming for me, everybody get your guns and protect your homes!!!
ps, katie's thong was nice, but it would look better if it were tying her wrist to my bed post!!!
Posted By: O (Guest) on August 20, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Seriously who cares about the DiBiase & Rhodes, those dudes suck.
Let's Go Cena!!!
Posted By: E. Nygma (Guest) on August 20, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Not sure if this is the right place, but I've seen it here and on other wrestling sites...what in the blue hell does JTTS mean?
Posted By: shaun (Guest) on August 20, 2008 at 04:41 PM
Jobber to the Stars.
Posted By: Larry Csonka (Registered) on August 20, 2008 at 04:42 PM
There is something so wrong to me about flash-in-the-pan Bill garnering twice as much for an appearance than the Nature Boy.
Posted By: Michael O (Registered) on August 20, 2008 at 05:30 PM
Larry good column but I have to disagree on mick foley going to TNA. While Foley probably wont make a huge dent in ratings or buy rates, he has an ability, almost unique to him and that is to make stars. Also he's probably as close as humanly possible to being russeo proof being as creative as he is, having as much clout as he would undoubtedly have and seeing first hand how vince managed to reign russeo in. If nothing else tna would get a possibly legendary commentator.Larry have a little faith in foley.
Posted By: OhRyan (Guest) on August 20, 2008 at 06:40 PM
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