411mania.com: Wrestling - 411 Fact or Fiction 12.04.08: Team 3D Swerving, Smackdown Double Taping, Christy Hemme Challenging and More!

Welcome back to another week of 411 Fact or Fiction: Wrestling Edition! This week we have TWO men stepping up to the challenge as 411's Cody Dalton and 411 Reader Manu Bumb step into the 411 Arena to do battle in this week's edition of Fact or Fiction!

And remember to go to TigerFlashGames.com and play addictive, free flash games when you're bored at work, school, or whenever! Ashish made this place because he loves you.

Questions were sent out Monday morning.

If you would like to appear in the column, shoot me an email!

1. While it is a smart move for financial reasons, doing double Smackdown tapings will eventually fail because it will burn out the crowds and wrestlers.

Cody Dalton : FICTION. Doing a double dose of Smackdown tapings is not only a great idea financially, but a wonderful idea for the wrestlers. They are able to get two weeks worth of shows done at one night and give the wrestlers a little more free time every other week. The crowds won't get burnt out because they pay to see action. The only downfall I see in this whole picture is the results getting out, just like TNA's tapings in Orlando. I think it's really a win-win situation though, as the wrestlers get some extra free time every other week and the fans get double the action they paid for.

Manu Bumb: FACT. It would be one thing if the show was as exciting as it was 9 years ago, then 2 smackdowns back to back would be a treat. But in 2008, I usually fast-forward over one hour of irrelevant crap (intros, commercials, and recaps make up 60 mins of the show). Put that in perspective of a live show taped for TV, and that's 2 hours of useless crap for fans to sit through now. The only possible upside is if they decide to limit certain wrestler's exposure over the two episodes, so instead of two back to back shows full of HHH (not saying he still hogs camera time, just using him as an example), each individual show gets a little bit less HHH, and everyone wins! Eventually, they'll run out of "tricks" like this and have to admit that they just need to improve the product, so might as well go through this one right now. Ironically, I'll be out of town for the Raleigh SD taping, so, if its a double show, i won't get to experience it myself.

Score: 0 for 1!

2. Christy Hemme getting a Knockouts Title shot is a good idea.

Cody Dalton : FACT. With the loss of Gail Kim back to WWE, TNA needs to try and find a replacement as their lead face knockout. If you are going to have talent on your roster, you might as well utilize them. Taylor Wilde has had a ton of matches with Kong, as well as Roxxi, so a fresh face to the title picture certainly gives you some variety. I look forward to seeing what Christy can do in the ring and we'll find out at the pay per view.

Manu Bumb: FICTION. I can't think of a serious, legit, valid argument any sane person could make as for why this is a good idea, so I'm going to leave my answer at that.

Score: 0 for 2!

3. Gail Kim should be placed on the Smackdown brand when she debuts.

Cody Dalton : FICTION. I think that Kim should go to RAW for a few reasons. The women's title scene on Smackdown is just getting interesting and you have a lot of talent over there that needs to be utilized (Maria, Natalia, Victoria, Maryse). On the other hand, RAW has had a rotating storyline with Beth Phoenix, Candice Michelle, Mickie James, and Melina. I'd like to see Gail on RAW and feud with Beth Phoenix. It would be more beneficial to have her on RAW, as she could be utilized in the right capacity.

Manu Bumb: FICTION. I read your breakdown of the raw and SD diva rosters, and will admit you made a good case for sending her to SD. One thing I can't ignore, though, is that SD divas are horrible. Add them to the list of things I FF through on SD. The only saving graces are Victoria and Natalya, but they keep losing. The Diva division needs to be put down, with Victoria and Natalya moving to raw, and the rest of the women becoming valets or Nitro Girls. Gail belongs on raw with the other women wrestlers. Even if they don't abolish the diva division, Gail belongs with women who can stand up straight without tripping.

Score: 1 for 3!

---SWITCH~!---

4. TNA not taping a "Global Impact Special" or even an edition of "Impact" from the UK, where will be playing major arenas before the biggest crowds in company history is a mistake.

Manu Bumb: FACT. The Global Impact from Japan was widely praised - there's no good reason not to do another one from the UK. They don't need fancy sets, just video cameras. I'm sure they could find adequate lighting and sound in Europe. Plus, if these are the biggest crowds, why not show them off so anyone passing by the show sees a wrestling company in front of a packed house? When WCW went to Australia, the show looked better being in front of a sold out crowd than it did in the weeks before and after.

Cody Dalton : FACT. Any exposure you can get the better. This goes the same for TNA. Your company has the ability to grow in new and bigger areas. I do think that TNA needs to focus more on their national exposure in the US and less on the International for right now. However, another DVD or Special allows them to continue their expansion to bigger and better things.

Score: 2 for 4!

5. The "Beat the Clock" gimmick matches on last week's Smackdown ended up being a waste of time since HHH and Jeff Hardy were placed in the WWE Title match anyway.

Manu Bumb: FACT. If Jeff had half a brain, he would've either talked to matt and Shelton and convinced them to lose by count out or dq (JR emphasized that victories must be pinfall or submission to count) in return for guaranteed title shots, or run down to the ring himself and gotten HHH and the Russian disqualified. Out-play the game for a change. Since they didn't go that route, they should've at least had a real winner, or just skipped it all, announced Jeff and HHH for the title match, then start building towards it.

Cody Dalton : FICTION. With Vickie Guerrero being the General Manager of Smackdown and working directly with Edge, there was no way should would (in storyline) she would place her lover in a triple threat match for his championship. She would protect him in all ways possible. By doing the "Beat the Clock" matches, you had that possibility of having a tie on time. It was the first time something like that had happened, which made Smackdown that much more interesting.

Score: 2 for 5!

6. Team 3D will pull the double swerve and turn on the "TNA Frontline" at Final Resolution this Sunday.

Manu Bumb: FACT. The only other good ending would be Joe getting the pinfall, winning the title for AJ, then feuding with him for the next 6 months, giving us some awesome main events. Sadly, it's too early in the story for that to happen, and a straight loss to the MEM would stall the program. Plus, 3D belongs in the MEM. they fit in with the other guys more than they do the TNA guys.

Cody Dalton: FICTION. After joining the "Frontline" last week on Impact, I look for Team 3D to stay on their side. I could see Team 3D jumping ship down the road, but I feel that they will stay put for now. I could see other swerves, such as a Petey Williams or Rhyno jumping, but not 3D.

Score: 2 for 6!

Come on back next week for more of 411 Fact or Fiction: Wrestling Edition!

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Comments (61)

This was the fact or fiction for this week? Balboa gave more fight in his first match against Lang. Guess you can only go up from here.

P.S. Go Matt Casell!

Posted By: Bill Simmons (Guest) on December 03, 2008 at 11:14 PM

"One thing I can't ignore, though, is that SD divas are horrible. Add them to the list of things I FF through on SD."

Your loss because they've been doing some good things lately.

You FF through their matches, though, so you wouldn't know that.

Posted By: Guest#0170 (Guest) on December 03, 2008 at 11:27 PM

I think Gail should go to Smackdown.

If Gail comes in as a babyface, she would immediately be the top face on Smackdown since Michelle McCool is turning heel. On Raw, she would be equal or second to Mickie James.

If she comes in as a heel, she'd play second fiddle to Beth if she went to Raw. On Smackdown, she could easily slide into the top heel spot.

Posted By: Guest#3287 (Guest) on December 03, 2008 at 11:32 PM

Manu Bumb: FICTION. I read your breakdown of the raw and SD diva rosters, and will admit you made a good case for sending her to SD. One thing I can't ignore, though, is that SD divas are horrible. Add them to the list of things I FF through on SD. The only saving graces are Victoria and Natalya, but they keep losing. The Diva division needs to be put down, with Victoria and Natalya moving to raw, and the rest of the women becoming valets or Nitro Girls. Gail belongs on raw with the other women wrestlers. Even if they don't abolish the diva division, Gail belongs with women who can stand up straight without tripping.

---

Wow, you're shortsighted. While I think that McCool is incredibly overrated with people lying as they say that she's constantly improving there are women on SD! besides Victoria and Natalya that can wrestle.

Mayrse has definitely improved leaps and bounds. She seems committed to wrestling and there's no reason to undercut her and make her a valet.

If a woman is willing to train and at least try to become a good wrestler than they should get that chance. So what, if a woman isn't a great wrestler prior to debuting on TV then they should just be forced to shake their ass at ringside? Yeah, that's what we need... more Extreme Expose. THAT was fun.

The WWE doesn't currently have enough talented women for a division on both RAW and SD! but they're trying to get there.

Constant undercutting only leads to stagnation.

Posted By: Ron Mexico (Guest) on December 03, 2008 at 11:54 PM

Dear Bill Simmons,

Gregg Easterbrook's TMQ column beats anything you write like HHH beats down an entire roster.

Posted By: T-Mirk (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 12:01 AM

Gail Kim should go to Smackdown BECAUSE they have a weak division. I think that they do have some Diva's who are improving (I think Michelle is improving as is Maryse) but they're not ready to really carry a fledgeling division. The WWE needs a women's wrestler who could legitify (it is a word now, I said so) the Diva's title. (Also get rid of the stupid butterfly belt. How did they possibly make something worse than the spinner belt?)

Posted By: Justin (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 12:24 AM

I think the people that turn on the frontline could actually be the MCMGS. which would make sense story wise.

Posted By: john (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 12:52 AM

Contrary to what Guest#0170 believes the diva matches on smackdown are in fact terrible. The diva title lost all credibility in its first match when they had Natalya lose to McCool by submitting to a disgrace of a submission maneuver.

If Natalya won the belt from the beginning and was making every diva tap out with the sharpshooter, had a few months feud with Victoria, finally make her pass out to the submission, and then make Gail debut the diva title would be epic now and people would actually be excited about Diva matches. I would pay for Natalya (built up like this) vs. Gail!

Posted By: Guest#9442 (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 01:31 AM

Trust me - having two back-to-back Smackdown taping will NOT burn out the crowd.
I don't think you give the audience enough credit. Way back in the day, they would tape nearly 3 weeks worth of Superstars, Challenge, All-American, etc, etc, on a single taping! People would sit through six hours worth of squash matches! And I don't even any of them even committed suicide immediately afterwards.

Posted By: Theodore "T-Bag" Bagwell (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 01:32 AM

Cody and Manu doing Fact or Fiction? That's Priceless!

Posted By: Guest#1658 (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 01:35 AM

Can we actually get an insightful person next time to do the fact or fiction. My God, if this Manu is skipping through Smackdown, which is currently the best of the four shows, then why is he reviewing things he doesn't watch?

Posted By: Manu Bumb Sucks (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 12:08 AM

I was just gonna say the same thing.^^^

I get the feeling that Manu doesn't REALLY watch Smackdown these days. I mean unless he has a short attention span for, you know....ACTUAL WRESTLING, he would know that Smackdown has been MILES better than Raw in that regard for the last several months.

I mean he said that Smackdown has a bunch of useless crap segments that take up an hour of the show. UH...I think you were mistaking it for that Monday show buddy. Raw has like at least 5 promos and 4 backstage segments a week. Not to mention the habit of having a 5 match card and four of them get 5 mins. time or less.

Also his Triple H ratio of weekly airtime argument completly devalues his whole take on Smackdown IMO. That is an arugument a 15 year old would make.

Bottom Line: Instead of skipping through Smackdown every week, try sitting down and actually watching the whole show.

You just might like it.

Posted By: Brian (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 02:06 AM

"Contrary to what Guest#0170 believes the diva matches on smackdown are in fact terrible. If Natalya won the belt from the beginning and was making every diva tap out with the sharpshooter, had a few months feud with Victoria, finally make her pass out to the submission, and then make Gail debut the diva title would be epic now and people would actually be excited about Diva matches."

The Divas matches on Smackdown have been fine, plus the Bella Twins angle and Michelle's heel turn have been good. Natalya not winning a match that happened almost five months ago doesn't change that.

Posted By: Guest#5749 (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 02:14 AM

HEY, you fucking punks! I will have no fake Bill Simmonses, nor any piece of shit kids making fun of him. Save it for tomorrow's recess!

Posted By: The REAL MP (Registered) on December 04, 2008 at 03:17 AM

Just because SD doesnt have 10 million 9 year veterans like Raw doesnt mean they are awful. They have better matches than the raw divas ever have (bar this week) and they are given more time. They show off new moves, and all, but Maria, have atleast some talent that can be shown. Though with your biased opinion on SD divas sucking without you even watching their matches as you admitted to fast forwarding them, you are probably just one of those normal people who say SD divas suck because like all but 2 arent PRE TRAINED LOL! Sorry Raw has typical 2 minute sloppy matches each week because they force their VETERANS to work fast to make time for the main event :)

Posted By: Sam (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 04:44 AM

Back in the day about 12 to 13 years ago, they taped a month worth of Raw's in 1 night.... and no the cr5owd did not get burned out....Granted Raw was only an hour back then, but you get the point... No different than having a 2 1/2 hour house show.

Posted By: William (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 05:07 AM

1. Doubling up the Smackdown tapings: to quote Darth Tyranus from Star Wars, Episode III-Revenge of the Sith: "Twice the pride, double the fall." 2. Christy Hemme: unless the plan is for her to get bare ass naked for Playboy again, TNA is wasting their time, talent, and cash on her. Oh wait, thanks to Russo, TNA's doing that with everybody. 3. Gail Kim: unless the plan is for her to get bare ass naked for Playboy, DO NOT SEND HER TO FRIDAY NIGHT WHACKDOWN! 4. No Global Impact: let's see: no Global Impact means no overseas revenue, no overseas revenue means one step forward, two steps backward, one step forward, two steps backward means somebody's getting fired. 5. Beat the Clock: don't you mean "Beat your Meat"? 6. Team Fatboys: really, who gives a damn?

Posted By: David (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 05:29 AM

Less TNA would be nice

Posted By: Woz8005 (Registered) on December 04, 2008 at 05:58 AM

team 3d better not join, the whole point of the main even mafia is that they're all former world champions from other organizations (namely wcw) and they shouldn't mess that up, the only person that should swerve and join them is jarrett.

Posted By: Nash (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 06:07 AM

What kind of fucking questions are these?
Shit your column really really sucks

Posted By: Guest#9554 (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 07:11 AM

"Eventually, they'll run out of "tricks" like this and have to admit that they just need to improve the product,"

Excuse me but Smackdown is better now that at any time since the Smackdown Six were tearing it up. OK it isn't early 2001 levels of awesome, but it's still good. I agree that Raw needs a helluva lot of improvement, but in the context of Smackdown, that statement is assinine!

Posted By: Mr Quimby's Beard (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 07:32 AM

Guest#9442 has it right on the money when it comes to the Divas on SD. Gail could save this division if she was to feude with the likes of Victoria and Natalya.
Jeeze FPjr. how f'n stupid can you be making your two most talented women's wrestlers into clowns.
Someone needs to make HIM pass out with the sharp shooter }:(

Posted By: Nicole (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 08:19 AM

You do know the live crowd doesn't sit through commercials during TV tapings, right, Manu?

Posted By: His Bubbliness (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 09:04 AM

Team 3D is not swerving the Frontline for one simple reason -- without Bubba there isn't a guy involved with the Frontline who has the chops to cut a decent promo.

Had Christian been staying in TNA I think he would have been the guy to be the voice of the Frontline, but since he's gone they need to put someone out there who can talk. Sorry but Rhino, AJ and Joe aren't cutting it when the Legends have guys who have been cutting promos longer then the Frontline has been in tights.

Posted By: Joe Roche (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 09:22 AM

3D will perform Russo's Rare Double-Double Swerve (patent pending) and create an offshoot of The Frontline. It'll contain Rhino and some other fellows and have some horrid name. This whole angle will drag on for a long-time and peter out rather than be settled in the ring.

Posted By: Iron Knee (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 10:55 AM

To Brian Guest): the Triple H ratio was an example, it was made clear that HHH doesn't actually do that himself anymore. So Brian you must be a 5 yr old if you can't comprehend what you think was that of a 15 yr old. Read carefully and it will all make sense.

To Guest#5749 (Guest): Having a short attention span doesn't boost the diva title anymore. The first diva title match certainly does effect the credibility of the belt, and they destroyed it. And having your champion constantly win by a fluke submission hold only destroys an already ruined credibility. The Bella twins story was good, but ever since they did they big reveal the story has fallen flat. And Michelle McCool's heel turn is as exciting as Colin Delaney's heel turn.

Posted By: Guest#9442 (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 11:54 AM

Manu, if your fast fowarding through the whole thing, then remind me just why your opinion is relevant?

Posted By: Guest#9409 (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 11:59 AM

"Having a short attention span doesn't boost the diva title anymore."

What?

"The first diva title match certainly does effect the credibility of the belt, and they destroyed it. And having your champion constantly win by a fluke submission hold only destroys an already ruined credibility."

No, it didn't. Michelle's hold wasn't a fluke as she already won mutliple matches with it before the match with Natalya and after it.

"The Bella twins story was good, but ever since they did they big reveal the story has fallen flat. And Michelle McCool's heel turn is as exciting as Colin Delaney's heel turn."

The Bellas reveal was the story. Now they wrestle as a team (which has only been twice so far), a different story.

And Michelle's heel turn will be the best thing to happen to her and good for the Smackdown's women division as just teasing has shown she'll be a much better heel than a face.

Just because they aren't doing things your way doesn't mean what is actually happening is bad.

Posted By: Guest#2981 (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 12:09 PM

How is McCool's heel turn a good thing? Smackdown already has 3 solid heels. Why take the only decent face and turn her heel?

Posted By: Iron Knee (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 12:15 PM

"And having your champion constantly win by a fluke submission hold only destroys an already ruined credibility"

If you constantly win with a fluke move, is it still a fluke move?

Posted By: Homie (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 12:38 PM

To Brian Guest): the Triple H ratio was an example, it was made clear that HHH doesn't actually do that himself anymore. So Brian you must be a 5 yr old if you can't comprehend what you think was that of a 15 yr old. Read carefully and it will all make sense.

Posted By: Guest#9442 (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 11:54 AM

Yeah you're right he said that Triple H doesn't do that anymore. But he still could have used someone else as an example. I mean you can still detect a little hint of HHHate in that comment IMO.

If I'm wrong then I apologize to Manu for that. I'm just sick of all the Triple H bashers that bitch non stop.

My original post on his lack of knowledge towards the current Smackdown product still stands though.

Anyone who pays attention can see that Smackdown as been the best WWE show for months now.

Posted By: Brian (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 12:40 PM

"How is McCool's heel turn a good thing? Smackdown already has 3 solid heels. Why take the only decent face and turn her heel?"

McCool, just teasing a heel turn, is already more much more interesting than she is as a face. As a face, Maria is more popular than Michelle.

Plus, Gail Kim can easily take over that babyface spot should she go to Smackdown.

Posted By: Guest#3293 (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 01:01 PM

As a guy who prefers athleticism over anything else in a wrestling ring, the SD Divas have a lot to overcome and the Diva title is a joke. WWE faithfuls can say whatever they want about how hard they're trying, but so what? If I'm going to train really really hard to be a wrestler you wont see me on TV will ya? Send the women to an off-camera development company and try again in 6 months instead of making us feel embarrassed for these poor girls. I cant blame anyone for fast forwarding to something more exciting.

Posted By: AmericanHero (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 01:27 PM

"If you constantly win with a fluke move, is it still a fluke move?"

Exactly. It isn't a fluke when you keep winning with it. McCool has won matches on TV with that hold at least 6 times.

Posted By: Guest#6612 (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 01:30 PM

"As a guy who prefers athleticism over anything else in a wrestling ring, the SD Divas have a lot to overcome and the Diva title is a joke."

The belt is awful. The championship is no different than the women's title, and it's actually been defended more than Beth's title recently.

Posted By: Guest#2823 (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 01:39 PM

"WWE faithfuls can say whatever they want about how hard they're trying, but so what? If I'm going to train really really hard to be a wrestler you wont see me on TV will ya? Send the women to an off-camera development company and try again in 6 months instead of making us feel embarrassed for these poor girls. I cant blame anyone for fast forwarding to something more exciting."

I don't fast forward and find their matches are just fine. They do as much as they can when given 1-3 minutes, then have matches that are pretty good when given 4-6 minutes.

Last week's six-woman tag on Smackdown was given a little more time than usual, and, not surprisingly, the match was better for it.

Posted By: Guest#4576 (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 01:47 PM

Memo to Larry Csonka:

I don't know which you do first if it's pick the questions or pick who answers them but here's an idea. Before you ask a question about TNA or SD! or whatever ask the the person who is going to be answered the question if they watch that show. If they don't then change the question or have someone else answer it.

There's zero point in asking someone a question about a topic they admittedly fast forward through or don't even watch at all.

I don't watch NASCAR thus I know that no one would care to hear my opinions on NASCAR since I don't know the first thing about it!

Posted By: Ron Mexico (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 03:01 PM

"I cant blame anyone for fast forwarding to something more exciting."

the difference is that you imply that you watch them, and Manu admits that he doesn't.

that offers your opinion validity, and does the opposite to Manu's.

Posted By: Darth Mortis (Registered) on December 04, 2008 at 03:14 PM

HA! I certainly stirred up a sh**-storm, didnt I? It was unintentional. Let me take this time to clear up a few things:

- I watch ALL the NEW content on SD every week (except the Diva division matches, which I used to watch, until I couldn't take it anymore; McCool and Maryse are unwatchable TO ME, if I'm allowed to have an opinion that I formed while watching them crap in the ring), I skip: commercials, recaps of last week's show and ecw and raw (since I've already seen those shows), and wrestler intros (the time their music plays and they walk to the ring, not as exciting as you might think, other than cena's old entrance when he had a new rap every week, which I watched every week, because it was NEW CONTENT). If you feel those things are VITAL to making SD enjoyable (commercials? really? forgive me for owning a dvr), feel free to watch them. I prefer to watch the new content. Its all this other stuff that makes up the hour I fast forward through (and the same applies to raw, we can usually start watching it at 10, and catch up to the live feed without missing a single match or interview).

- The question was about SD, so I kept my answer focused on SD. Pay better attention!

- I picked HHH as an example. Am I a fan of his? I was a HUGE fan of his in 2000, but not anymore, but I no longer bash him for hogging the camera, since he's doesn't do that anymore. And his DX skits are pretty funny. I just picked him as an example because he's someone EVERYONE can relate to - everyone remembers his camera hogging days, so he seemed like a good example.

- I am very much in favor of women who want to become wrestlers training and becoming better. Trish did it. Candice did it. Kelly is trying really hard to do it, and you can see she's serious about becoming better. However, that doesn't mean they should be on tv while learning. Did Kurt Angle debut as a hack, and progressively get better? Did Cena? Did Jack Swagger? Did Edge? No. When all these guys debuted, they were already pretty capable in the ring, and got better. When SD Divas debut, they suck. All I'm saying is hold their debut off until they don't suck.

- I'm a big fan of SD. Have been ever since the brand extension started in 2002. Raw used to steal their guys, and SD still ended up the better show. Kurt angle, the smackdown six, edge, cena, batista, JBL, Londrick, MNM, etc - SD always found a way to put on a damn good show each and every week, despite constantly losing their guys to Raw.

- I watch ALL the wrestling I can - Raw, SD, ECW, TNA, NWA Anarchy, AAA, CMLL, RoH on ppv, so don't call me uninformed.

Posted By: Manu (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 04:59 PM

And now to respond to specific comments.

@Ron Mexico - I don't pay money to see someone train (and yes, I buy ppvs, dvds, live event tickets, and PPV ringside seats with the special chair, so I'm a paying customer), I pay money to see people wrestle and entertain.

@Manu Bumb Sucks - re-read my answer, I don't skip SD, I skip the commercials, recaps, and intros. Nowhere did I say I skip matches or interviews (other than diva matches, but thats, what, 2-5 mins?). Also, I did not pick these questions, Larry sent them to me and I answered them to the best of my ability, and seeing as how I watch all the wrestling I can, my ability covers a lot.

@john - I agree with you, I can feel a MCMG turn coming, but I think 3D will turn first.

@T-bag - I was speaking of today's audience, which is quite different than the days of yore, and having been a part of the live audience for more than a few SD shows, I based it on my experience.

@Guest#1658 - LOL! You are my new internet hero! I can't believe no one else, myself included, noticed that it was Manu vs Cody this week!

@Brian - where did I say I prefer Raw to SD? The question was ABOUT SD, so I kept my answer limited to SD. Sorry, next time I'll be more wordy and give answers to questions that weren't asked. And, as I clearly stated in my answer, I don't feel HHH hogs the camera.

@Sam - how long has the Diva division been around? 2 weeks? No. longer? Yes. I watched the division form, I watched the title get created, I watched the belt get defended, I watched Maryse kick Cherry in the face, and then fall down while spinning around. Not an athletic spin, mind you, spinning to pose for the audience. I paid my dues and got nothing back from the Divas, so I stopped watching. Sue me.

@Mr Quimby's Beard - I was speaking of WWE trying these tricks to cut back on costs, rather than just improving the product to a point where more people are spending money on it.

@His Bubbliness - when I attend live tapings, there is a period of nothingness where the commercials would go. It might not be the full amount of time, but its longer than a momentary pause.

@Guest#9409 - see above. Also, I don't pick the questions, I don't get to say "Give me SD questions PLEASE!" I got sent questions, I spent time answering them.

@Brian (again) - apology accepted.

@AmericanHero - EXACTLY! Let the divas train more and come back in 6 months when they're better!

@Ron Mexico (again) - where did I say I don't watch SD? In my answer, I specified exactly what I FF through, and yet no one seems to have noticed that "matches" and "interviews" (the meat of the shows) aren't on that list.

@Darth Mortis - if the division started last week and I was already skipping over it, I'm at fault. But it didn't, so you assumed incorrectly.

Posted By: Manu (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 05:22 PM

"@Darth Mortis - if the division started last week and I was already skipping over it, I'm at fault. But it didn't, so you assumed incorrectly.

Posted By: Manu (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 05:22 PM"

so are you now saying that you didn't ff through the divas match last week?

given that you seemingly made an opinion based on something you didn't watch, i fail to see how i assumed incorrectly.

Posted By: Darth Mortis (Registered) on December 04, 2008 at 05:34 PM

Smackdown has been really good of late. Double SD tapings long term are BAD.. the 2 episode of the double taping the other week the crowd were notably dead throughout.

The Diva's on both Raw and SD I think are decent filler.. I actually enjoy those matches, sure there not technical masterpieces but you see some funky moves and there usually fun.

P.S... does anyone HATE rey mysterio when booked with a big guy, he should sooo be on ECW or back on Sd working with the good people not lumps of stone like Kane and beardy mcbeard knox.

Posted By: Andrew Barbarash (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 05:39 PM

@Darth Mortis - I have to watch something EVERY week and never stop to be allowed to say I don't like it? But why would I keep watching it if I don't like it? Isn't the fanboy motto "If you don't like it, don't watch it"? Well, I gave it a chance, I didn't like what I saw, so I stopped watching it.

As for last week - I skipped the match, and watched the post-match stuff. Isn't that where one of the twins accidentally cost McCool the tag match, and McCool got pissed, so Maria came out to intervene?

Like I said, I just skip the Diva matches, I never said I skip the other stuff.

Posted By: Manu (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 05:50 PM

Make-Believe Muscle Petey Williams has no business in the MEM

Posted By: Guest#0947 (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 06:32 PM

"I watched the division form, I watched the title get created, I watched the belt get defended, I watched Maryse kick Cherry in the face, and then fall down while spinning around. Not an athletic spin, mind you, spinning to pose for the audience. I paid my dues and got nothing back from the Divas, so I stopped watching."

Maryse and Michelle also good matches with each other in September, actually better than Natalya had with Michelle. Maryse is doing great these days and is an awesome heel. Victoria, Natalya, Michelle, Maria, and the Bellas have all done their part, too.

But you shouldn't be expected to know that since you skip their segments and form an opinion anyways.

Posted By: Guest#8135 (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 06:50 PM

"As for last week - I skipped the match, and watched the post-match stuff. Isn't that where one of the twins accidentally cost McCool the tag match, and McCool got pissed, so Maria came out to intervene?"

Yep, it was, and the match you skipped was good, too.

Posted By: Guest#4225 (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 06:52 PM

I see 3D and Mick Foley turning and joining MEM.

Posted By: BischoffRulz (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 08:36 PM

Manu: The question was about the diva's division on SD!. You said you don't watch the diva's division on SD!. Thus, you have NO BUSINESS commenting on it.

I don't care if you used to watch it a few months ago. If you aren't watching it currently on at least a semi-regular basis then you have no business commenting on it. What's so hard to understand? It's impossible to have a well-informed opinion on something that you don't watch.

The point still stands. You still fail.

Posted By: Ron Mexico (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 09:13 PM

HEY, you fucking punks! I will have no fake Bill Simmonses, nor any piece of shit kids making fun of him. Save it for tomorrow's recess!

Posted By: The REAL MP (Registered) on December 04, 2008 at 03:17 AM

Is there a pop up blocker for drunk retards at 3 a.m.?

Posted By: Prickasso (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 09:53 PM

"You did the number one mistake among these internet fanboys, mentioning that you didn't watch or that you fast forward matches."

Fast forwarding through a match is fine.

Fast forwarding through a match and then saying it was terrible is idiotic.

Posted By: Guest#5399 (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 09:56 PM

I give you credit for taking all the heat Manu and responding rapid fire. Very nice touch.

I apologized for misundertanding you on Triple H "hogging" the spotlight, but I still feel you are overlooking the strengths of Smackdown.

You posted this in your orignal answer to the Smackdown question:

(Talking about the limiting of wrestler's exposure)...................

"Eventually, they'll run out of "tricks" like this and have to admit that they just need to improve the product"

For me that was the one comment that made me think you were uniformed or misguided about Smackdown.

My question is, what exactly needs improving right now on Smackdown?

I mean is it a perfect show? Of course not, but here are the things I'm seeing on a weekly basis that make it good:

1. Good solid wrestling with usually anywhere from 5 to 7 matches.

2. Matches outside of the Diva's getting more than 5 mins. (I'll admit they can be shakey on this at times, but they've been increasing the total wrestling time each week.)

3. Less promos and backstage interviews allowing more time for wrestling.

To me all of those things have been very positive and effective for Smackdown as of late. The reason I made the comparison to Raw is because I was pointing out the things that Smackdown is doing better than Raw IMO. I know you weren't asked about Raw, but I wanted to use them as an example of what I feel Smackdown is doing right and Raw is doing wrong.

I thought your answer came off like you were less than impressed with Smackdown as a whole and I wanted to find out why. I like many feel that Smackdown has been very strong lately and I wanted to make my case for why and hear your's for why not. Again it seemed like you weren't exactly praising Smackdown.

I wasn't going to make it personal and call you an idiot or anything like some others have. I just wanted to clarify your take on Smackdown.

Posted By: Brian (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 10:03 PM

I take it the reason TNA aren't doing a taping in the UK is because of the HD requirements now.

Posted By: Stephen` (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 10:47 PM

' "As for last week - I skipped the match, and watched the post-match stuff. Isn't that where one of the twins accidentally cost McCool the tag match, and McCool got pissed, so Maria came out to intervene?"

Yep, it was, and the match you skipped was good, too.'

Lol, I actually caught that segment and the match was horrible. Angel Williams vs Kelly Couture in front of 500 people last year was far better.

Who? Exactly. People you've never heard of, wrestling in buttf*&k, Idaho, are better than the dump the Divas leave in the ring.

"Manu, if your fast fowarding through the whole thing, then remind me just why your opinion is relevant?

Posted By: Guest#9409 (Guest)"

every other week called... they said something about iMPACT!... and it's you're...

Posted By: elgrannoche (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 11:00 PM

@Manu: You did the number one mistake among these internet fanboys, mentioning that you didn't watch or that you fast forward matches. These guys go crazy every single time mentions not watching one single match, you have their pocket protectors going haywire! The best thing to do is not reply, you won't win, they don't understand anything unless it involves you saying "lol ur right!"

Posted By: JcJames (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 09:36 PM

---

Pocket protectors? If you're going to use a cliche at least use the right one. Come on. Say something about everyone living in their parents' basement and eating Cheetos. Get it right.

Also, I love it when hypocrites cast stones. Newsflash buddy: you're at a wrestling website posting in the comments section to make fun of other posters in the comments section. You've got no room to talk.

There's nothing wrong with not watching something. There's something wrong with not watching something and then commenting on it as if you did watch it. That's not just a wrestling thing. That's comment sense. I'm not going to comment on the TV show "Law and Order" because I'VE NEVER SEEN IT.

Posted By: J-D-Z (Guest) on December 04, 2008 at 11:02 PM

@Ron Mexico - ya know what, you're right. I'm sorry I passed judgment on the _current_ Diva division having only watched a few matches in the past few months. I should've qualified my statement by saying when I last watched it, it sucked. But I still think McCool sucked in her match with Maria a few weeks ago. I did watch that, beginning to end, and wasn't impressed with her. After I finished it, I said to myself "damnit! I forgot to fast forward that crap!"...yeah, it was a weird night.

But if you enjoy the current Diva product, I'm happy for you. In fact, I will promise to watch the next 4 weeks of Diva division matches. What holds me to this promise? Well, so far, I've only posted under my own name, and haven't pretended to be any of the people who disagree with me, and I've taken all criticism head-on - to me, that counts for something. If it means nothing to you, then there's nothing I can do to assure you that I WILL watch the next 4 weeks of Diva matches.

@Brian - "My question is, what exactly needs improving right now on Smackdown?"

I enjoy SD. I enjoy Raw. I even enjoy WWEcw (although I liked it more when Sydal was on it, because he's really fun to watch, but I do enjoy Matt Hardy, Finlay, Swagger, and others who make appearances on the show). I am what some would describe as a WWE-loyalist. I've watched WWE since sometime between Wrestlemania and Wrestlemania 2. I never gave up on them during the monday night wars (I just watched both, recording nitro and watching raw live). The _ONLY_ time I stopped watching was in college my first 2.5 years because I didn't have a tv. My senior year I had a tv and I was watching every week, making my roommate watch too. I agree with you - SD is a really good show right now (and WWE is better than they've been at other times this decade), but, as the ratings and product-related revenue (not history dvds) indicate - they're (WWE that is, not SD in specific) not as good as they have been. For me personally - I like WWE. But I'm aware that this isn't THE high-point for WWE since 2000. Its better than some points in the past 9 years, but not the high point. When I finish one episode of any of their shows, I no longer think to myself "HOLY SHI**! I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE NEXT WEEK'S SPOILERS!!!" To me, that means there's room to improve.

I agree with the 3 points you made about SD in specific, and appreciate you being diplomatic in your response. I'm sorry for the misunderstanding, and should've worded my response to indicate I was talking about all of WWE, and not just SD. To me, when a company focuses on "cutting costs" rather than "increasing revenue", they're trying to dodge the fact that some key sources of revenue are hurting. Double tapings is a cost cutting measure, not revenue increasing, IMO.

Posted By: Manu (Guest) on December 05, 2008 at 12:28 AM

"To me, when a company focuses on "cutting costs" rather than "increasing revenue", they're trying to dodge the fact that some key sources of revenue are hurting."

WWE's revenue streams are doing great as they are going to bring in over $500 million by the end of the year, the highest yearly revenue number in WWE history. They are cutting costs because expenses are rising, and profit should be rising when the revenue is coming in so strongly.

Posted By: Guest#6002 (Guest) on December 05, 2008 at 03:20 AM

Maybe I have some kind of special DVR, but when I fast forward something, the images just move faster on the screen. Thus, I am able to watch something whilst fast forwarding.

Also, you can often tell when a match is going to suck based upon who's in the ring. For example, if they were to announce Khali vs. JBL, you can bet it'll suck like a Hoover. The same goes for any match involving the Bellas or Kelly.

Posted By: Iron Knee (Guest) on December 05, 2008 at 08:13 AM

I think we're on the same page now Manu.

I definetly agree that this is not WWE's high point since 2000. How could it be, 2000 was a GREAT year for WWE and the year they put the nail in the coffin of WCW. (Well, more just pushed it in that last little bit after it was kindly inserted there by WCW themselves.)

Like you said while WWE is still very strong, it's not what it used to be.

I too am a BIG TIME WWE-loyalist. I haven't been watching as long as you(about '96 for me)but I have always stayed true to the 'E. I like you used to watch Nitro, even Thunder, and I watch Impact every once in awhile, but my fan loyalties have always been to WWE.

In a way I was lucky and unlucky to have grown up as a fan in the "Attitude Era". I consider myself EXTREMELY lucky to have witnessed the greatness of back then at all, because these younger fans today will never know how good it was back then. With guys like Austin, Rock, Triple H, Taker, Angle, and Jericho tearing it up. What was more amazing than that even was the fan response. The fans back then were RABID. Guys were getting ENORMOUS pops every week and the crowd was hot for every big match. The wrestling crowds now just aren't the same. If their favorite wrestler isn't wrestling they just sit on their hands. Not to mention all the smarks in the crowd that just love to chant **BORING** and such. Like they're cool or something.

I feel unlucky in a way to have grown up in the "Attitude Era" because at the time I was a young, inexperienced fan back then and I didn't really know what I'd be missing when it was over. I was just along for the ride and in my naive way, never really thought it would end. If the "Attitude Era" was happening now in my older years I would have appreciated more. I took it for granted back then, that WWF/E was always going to be like that.

I agree that WWE's move here is a cost cutting move, not revenue increasing. That is a shame for them, but I guess even Vinny Mac has to be smart with his money. Well if it results in a better show than I'm all for it. From what I've read they are trying to cut down on backstage segments that need a lot of production to cut costs aswell. To me if that results in more wrestling and less "fluff" I'm all for it.

Sorry for the misunderstanding on my part aswell. I thought you were ripping Smackdown and saying it sucked in not so many words.

Glad to see that such a long-time fan like yourself is still watching. I'm sure a lot of the fans that started watching back then have long since left.

Your a good fan.

/arguement from me.

Posted By: Brian (Guest) on December 05, 2008 at 11:23 AM

"Maybe I have some kind of special DVR, but when I fast forward something, the images just move faster on the screen. Thus, I am able to watch something whilst fast forwarding. Also, you can often tell when a match is going to suck based upon who's in the ring. For example, if they were to announce Khali vs. JBL, you can bet it'll suck like a Hoover. The same goes for any match involving the Bellas or Kelly."

The above may be the most retarded post ever.

Posted By: Guest#5286 (Guest) on December 05, 2008 at 07:08 PM

@Ron Mexico - Just watched my first of 4 weeks of SD Diva matches that I promised to watch. McCool showed some really good intensity, which was lacking the last time I saw her. If she does this every week, my main complaint about her is gone. Its one thing to just do the moves, its another thing to do them and not force the fans to remember that what they're watching is fake. This week, McCool didn't look fake, and I liked that.

Well, other than her chest, but I liked that too ;-)

@Iron Knee - HA! great comment!

@Brian - I'm glad we cleared up that mis-understanding.

Posted By: Manu (Guest) on December 06, 2008 at 04:42 AM