Hidden Highlights 12.15.08: Issue #172

Posted by JP Prag on 12.15.2008

Matt Hardy is greatly concerned with his brother during his Slammy speech, Matt Striker makes obscure references to his favorite watering hole, Curry Man begs Lauren for one last dance, Triple H finds a better way to pummel Jeff Hardy’s in the face, and more!

Hidden Highlights
By JP Prag

Issue #172

Commentator: Previously, on Hidden Highlights…

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Commentator: Drug abuse appeared to be the theme of the evening as the "RVD was backstage" folks invaded Hidden Highlights.

Stenographer: At least the "Epic", "w00t", and "pwned" people have not been seen for a while.

Commentator: But that was not the only drug-related reference for the show.

Cathy Kershaw: Just to clarify - I wasn't implying anyone here had said TBK was unmotivated. It's just one of those pot myths that gets deployed a lot and which Kendrick has rather neatly blasted out of the water. The real issue is, of course, double standards in drug law where alcohol (which kills thousands) is legal and pot (which doesn't) isn't, so the E has to crack down on stoners rather than heavy drinkers who are, arguably, putting themselves at greater risk.

But, hey, all this has been said already. Let's just get on with life.

Lance Storm: Can I be serious for a moment?

JP: No, I mean actually serious. This is one of those rare times you are going to get my political views. If you hate me forever because of it and never read me again, so be it, but these are two things I really believe deeply in.

First off, I believe all drugs and prostitution should be legalized. On top of that, I would like to regulate and tax the hell out of these industries. People are going to do what they are going to do, so we might as well make some government funding on it and make sure people are as safe as possible. That means prostitutes are licensed and medically checked regularly, work in safe conditions, and are of a legal age. That also means that all drugs go through the same FDA testing as cigarettes, alcohol, and other substances to make sure they meet quality standards.

And what do we do with all that money that we get from taxes and don't spend on policing prostitution and drugs? We (a) lower income and property taxes because we don't need as much, (b) invest revenue in infrastructure to make cities and towns better places overall, and (c) we pay heavily into education.

Why education? Because I am fine with consenting adults in their own property doing what they see fit to their own bodies. But the second they get behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated with ANY substance then they should receive the full punishment of the law.

What really scared me is what I read in the comments section of Small-for-All and I've heard from people I consider my closest friends in the world: that marijuana not only does not impair driving skills, but actually makes people sharper. With a little education, people might know some real facts, like this study done by the NIDA:

In a laboratory study at NIDA's Addiction Research Center in Baltimore that controlled for alcohol's confounding effect, Dr. Heishman tested marijuana's effects on the functional components of driving. Study subjects smoked a marijuana cigarette, waited 10 minutes, then smoked another cigarette. Both cigarettes contained either 0, 1.8, or 3.6 percent THC. Twenty minutes after smoking the cigarettes, the subjects were given a standard sobriety test similar to a roadside sobriety test. The test showed that marijuana significantly impaired their ability to stand on one leg for 30 seconds or touch their finger to their nose. As the dose of THC increased, the subjects swayed more, raised their arms, and had to put their feet down in an attempt to maintain their balance. Subjects also committed 2.5 times more errors when they attempted to touch their nose with their finger.

The data from these laboratory studies show that marijuana impairs balance and coordination - functional components important to driving - in a dose-related way, said Dr. Heishman. These effects may be related to reported marijuana-induced impairment of automobile driving, he stated.

As far as marijuana being less deadly than alcohol, it's a total myth. Percentage wise, the numbers are pretty staggering. In a study done by the French National Institute for Transport and Safety Research and published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found:

[In] 10,478 drivers who were involved in fatal crashes between October 2001 and September 2003… that 681 drivers tested positive for cannabis (7%) and 2,096 were found to have alcohol in their blood (21.4%). In total, there were 285 drivers who tested positive for both substances (2.9%).

Given the limited availability of pot, that number seems incredibly high. Imagine if pot were fully legal and people believed the myth that you drive better while high? How many MORE of my friends and family will be hurt or killed due to either their own negligence or someone else's?

(Note: Yes, I am aware of the "test" Speed channel in the UK did, but they did a low dose test on a controlled course. They never upped the amount of use or added too many challenges. The same results could be accomplished by someone who has had one or beers. There is a reason why there is a "tolerance" limit. The French test used empirical evidence of people who actually DIED. Closed course versus people who are DEAD… guess which study I'm going with?)

Do I worry that pot use will go up if made legal? Of course it will go up… initially. Part of the allure of most illegal substances is that they are, in fact, illegal. Still, with the right education and understanding, I believe overall use will go down. At the very least, people need to understand the real dangers and not believe the hype spread by the pushers. To paraphrase Terry Goodkind, people will believe what they want to believe and make up their own truth because it's easier to believe the lie than face the reality.

Do understand, the real change is not an immediate thing; it's more like a two or three generation deal. There will be lots of short term problems to deal with. I am not naïve in that respect. Addiction and abuse will be serious issues and a lot of that tax money is going to have to go into rehabilitation and psychiatric programs (although this is better than going into a prison program). But for me, the short term is irrelevant to what it will mean in the long term for people and countries.

Like I said, whatever you want to do to your body in the privacy of your home is your business. The second you put the rest of the world in danger, though, it's a zero tolerance policy from me.

I'm getting off my soapbox now so we can get back to our regularly scheduled program.

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Commentator: And now, 411mania.com proudly presents…





JP: Hello everyone that recently found out that you are going to spend the next few months living in your own home and not a hotel room, and welcome back to Hidden Highlights! If you've never been here before, let me tell you what we are doing in these pages.

Hidden Highlights are about the little things that make the product great. They are about showing the positive motions all those involved in wrestling do to make a better show. The Miz may hold his opponents hands down to make a pin attempt better. Charles Robinson may let a little tear shed from his eye every time someone mentions Ric Flair. Mike Tenay may tell you about the 17 year history of a visiting wrestler and make them sound huge in one sentence. These are all examples of little things that make the product far better.

Every week this article spotlights the Top 15 Hidden Highlights of the week, whether the be from television (RAW, ECW of SciFi, iMPACT, SmackDown!, and a PPV or television special if there is one), the past, small shows, tapes, or the indy scene.

This article may have an author, but it is also dependent upon the readers and true fans of professional wrestling—those who love what they watch and want to tell the world what they have found. The Top 15 are chosen from what I see and what readers write-in. Whatever is the best is what you'll see!

And who am I? Well, I am JP Prag, and I bring you Hidden Highlights with one goal in mind: to appreciate all those little things that make a huge difference.

Now let's get on with the Hidden Highlights!


RAW – Retro 1 Week

JP: You still with me? Good, good. In that case, let's hope you stick around because not only are we going to begin this week Jillian Hall, but we are going to end it with Triple H. If you didn't hate me before, now's your chance! But first, to the just mentioned singing sensation.

Jillian Hall's HH (and DD's): Just something I noticed on RAW last week that was pretty funny... during Melina's entrance to the ring watch Jillian. When Melina drops down to do the splits under the rope you can see Jillian in the background wince and mouth "Oww." I've watched that part of the match a few times and Jillian makes me laugh each time I see her doing it. Kudos to her who probably didn't even know the camera was on her.

JP: Jillian is really one of the those underestimated people in how much she puts on in the background. Not only that, but she's a professional who has been on the road since 1998. She is much more accomplished and better in the ring than the WWE ever lets her show off, which is quite a shame. Of course, there's only thing they like her to show off, and that's because they paid for it.


ECW – Retro 1 Week

JP: This one takes a little bit of history to understand. I wasn't into it at the beginning, but Matt Bowen had me convinced by the end.

Matt Bowen: During MVP's match with Matt Hardy last week, when MVP hit a big running boot, Matt Striker awesomely called MVP "Masahiro MVP" or "MashahiroVP" (I can't remember which).

Anyways, that's relevant because the running big boot which he calls "The Kenka Kick" is one of Masahiro Chono's (NJPW LEGEND) signature strikes. Also, MVP's "Drive By Kick" is stolen directly from Chono who innovated the "Shining Black" (It's original name). Striker is the man.

JP: Now if he somehow worked in a "Masa ‘My Hero' Chono" reference in there somewhere, then he would be the super man!



I would like to point out that Chono is also an NWA legend, not just NJPW. There's some American love here!


SmackDown – Retro 1 Week

JP: Sticking in the past, we move on to one involving the largest athletes in the world!!!!! Oh, and Jon.

Jon: I'm not sure if anyone else picked up on it, but during last week's SD! when 'Taker was straddling the top of the cage and Big Show had fallen to the ground, 'Taker appeared to grasp in his left hand the same ring iron that Jericho used to beat Batista...not sure of the relevance but it was interesting that he loosened the iron all the same.

JP: Maybe that's the place where they hide things in the cage now? More likely, though, it's jus the side closest to the hard camera so it looks good on film digital recording.


Santino's Casa – Retro 2 Weeks

JP: In one of those great moments outside the main shows, the production folks at WWE.com show what they are made of.

John Madigan: Santino celebrated Thanksgiving in a "log house" during the Thanksgiving edition of Santino's Casa. In the background of the shot (and not visible for most of the episode) was a picture of Santino, Beth Phoenix and two kids. The kids' faces appeared to be created by combining the faces of the happy couple to create one boy and one girl (but both creepy). It's impressive to see the WWE go to these lengths for web only content.

JP: For those who want to check it out, you can get a real good look at about the 2:34 mark:



Great attention to detail!


RAW

JP: Finally jumping ahead into this week, RAW was a special 3-hour show giving out the first ever Slammy Awards in years! The show began with Maria and Festus giving out the award for Tag Team of the Year (which thankfully went to Miz and John Morrison). When they came back from announcing the nominees, Maria then gave the winners… except she didn't open the envelope! Whoops! But to make it even better, Maria tried to cover up by opening up the envelope afterwards and even giving her ditzy, stupid girl look. So the cover up was to try to make it look like she made the mistake in character, but it was still a funny kayfabe breaking moment!


RAW

JP: Speaking of the Slammies, Jeff Hardy won Extreme Moment of the Year, an award being given out by his brother Matt Hardy of all people. As Jeff was giving his speech, he said that he would do anything to walk—or even crawl—out of Armageddon as WWE Champion. As he was giving this speech, Matt Hardy's face turned totally grave and concerned, like he knew that his brother would do something terrible. But when Jeff Hardy turned around to look at him, Matt suddenly changed his expression to one of encouragement and started clapping. I thought this was great reaction from Matt who naturally would be concerned for his brother who has crashed and burned so many times. He wants to help him, but also knows he just needs to be supportive. It was a great little story happening in the background going on in just a few minutes and one that deserves mention.


RAW

JP: Of course, Slammy Awards were not the only thing happening on RAW, as John Jones will point out…

John Jones: During the Morrison vs. Punk match, when Punk leaps off the ropes to hit a crossbody/forearm, he shouts 'I'm flying!'. I found it damn hilarious to watch, good to see Punk adding some subtle comedy in there.

JP: That is good stuff! Glad to see Punk still enjoying life.


RAW

JP: CM Punk did get one more moment on RAW, actually, just before this match.

John Madigan: On RAW, CM Punk won the OMG Moment of the year. Among other people, he thanked Scotty Goldman. While he has barely been on WWE TV, Scotty Goldman is more well know as Colt Cabana, Punk's partner in ROH.

JP: I caught this, too, and thought it was a funny lithe throw in. And where is Mr. Goldman? We haven't seen him in forever!


ECW

JP: Over in the land of extreme, JT's favorite wrestler the Boggeyman made his in-ring return!

Ghost of JT: This is why I'm a ghost. That guy killed me!


JP: Well, JT, as Boogeyman was making his entrance, you could just make out Matt Striker making a bunch of sniffing noises. Later on he commented on the putrid smell, but I really enjoyed that Striker used a lot of build up throughout the Boogeyman's entire entrance to get there.


ECW

JP: Why stop at one Matt Striker Hidden Highlight when you can have two? Especially when it comes from a first timer!

Graeme MacPherson: On ECW this week, during MNM 2.0 vs. Orient Express 1.3, the headmaster of Hidden Highlights, Matt Striker wondered whether or not Miz and Morrison celebrated their double Slammy win by "taking a flight and going to The Friendly Tap". For anyone who doesn't know, The Friendly Tap is the name of the bar owned by former WWE referee Timmy White.

JP: Nice little reference Mr. Striker put in there! It's no Scotty Goldman or Masa "My Hero" Chono, but it'll do.


iMPACT

JP: Leaving behind Matt Striker, we move on to another surprise of the week and Christy Hemme on TNA iMPACT! No, I kid you not! In her match with Soujournor Bolt (my spell check does not like that name), Hemme went to finish off Bolt with a sunset flip. As Hemme was in the air, she actually wrapper her legs over around Bolt's shoulders so that when the flip landed Hemme already had Bolt's arms pinned to the mat. I thought this was a great moment of smart thinking in the ring and pure athleticism, so Hemme deserves major kudos.


iMPACT

JP: Sadly, though, it was the last night for Curry Man in TNA, so he'll get a couple of moments of love from us.

Jim McDaniel: I don't remember seeing this feature on Curry Man's mask before. When he was fired during this weeks Impact episode, I noticed around the left eye hole on his mask was the familiar Christopher Daniels tattoo. Since it was last year's Feast or Fired event that Daniels was sent packing, nice touch adding this to Curry Man's mask!

JP: We've actually covered this point before, but it's been a while so I figured why not? Besides, it's the last chance you'll get to repeat a Hidden Highlight about Curry Man. But I expect everyone to find references to Curry Man in everything Christopher Daniels does from now on!


iMPACT

JP: Speaking of Curry Man, while he was being dragged from the building Curry Man screamed to Lauren, "One last dance!" Most people think this was Curry Man begging to do the Curry Dance one last time, but that was not it at all. In one of the best moments of the year, Curry Man actually had this huge dance off backstage with Lauren that was just great. So Curry Man was actually begging Lauren herself to have one last dance with him! Nice allusion to the past there.

So with that, we bid ado to Curry Man… 2008 to 2008.



Best ending video ever!


SmackDown

JP: Without Curry Man around, that means I can spend more time enjoying MVP… if they would just get over punishing him and let one of the best heels in the company actually win matches. I hope MVP is asking creative everyday what the payoff to the losing streak is because otherwise he's going to Val Venis territory.

Anyway, after MVP lost his match to R-Truth, Mr. Kennedy came out to berate the former US Champion. Mr. Kennedy told MVP that "I wish I could give you one of these" and pointed to his smile. But did you catch what finger Mr. Kennedy was pointing with? That's right: the middle! Nice little throw-in by Mr. Kennedy to get something like that on a TV-PG broadcast.


SmackDown

JP: Wrapping us up this week is, as promised, the King of Kings himself: Triple H. I cannot for the life of me remember the last time Triple H won a Hidden Highlight, but if this doesn't prove this is the most positive article in the IWC, nothing will!

Late into his match with Jeff Hardy, Triple H decided that he was no longer going to do much wresting and decided to just pummel away on Hardy on the mat. As he did so, Triple H actually took Jeff Hardy's hand and slowly pushed it under his (Triple H's) knee so that Triple H could continue to punch Jeff Hardy in the face unimpeded. Nice work by Triple H to not just punch Hardy in the face but to go the extra effort and making sure Hardy could not fight back.


Well everyone, that wraps up this week's show. Thank you for reading the 172nd ISSUE of Hidden Highlights!

Do you have a Hidden Highlight from this or any week in history that you would like to share? Please e-mail this article at [e-mail] with your thoughts! Send them by Saturday afternoon to be considered! And remember, they can be from any show, live or taped, or any house show, or anything you saw. The best of the best will be featured among the top 15 next week.

In the meantime, be sure to catch my very own Saturday morning news report The Hamilton Ave Journal: the only wrestling news report focused on the business of wrestling.

Until then, you have just experienced the most positive article in all of the IWC: Hidden Highlights!