Epitaph
04-22-2004, 12:48 PM
Reflections from Nevermore! 22ND April
Well this passed week, I Really have not seen as much Independent Wrestling as I’d have liked too. In fact my Pile is pretty much still the same, Which is about 20 Video’s that really need to be watched. So out of interest I pulled CZW Extreme 8 out of the pile, I’ll say this now I wasn’t really expecting a “Classic” Show, Instead I was expecting the CZW “Ultraviolence” Crap they have pretty much been doing for 5 year’s and it looks to be coming to a end might I add. Now I’ll just add I am not a BIG Garbage Wrestling fan. I Usually watch it to see some Crazy action or the Wrestling Match’s on the shows. So I was pretty much Mind Numbingly Bored pretty much after The Backseat Boys Vs Sonjay Dutt and Ruckus had happened! Which might I add has got to be the Highlight on the tape! They pretty much hint that Sexuality of the Backseat Boys by having them do Compromising Positions Accidentally Landing on one another. But the show really isn’t anything special, There’s a rather nuts “Lucky 13” Match, I Don’t see how its lucky though as the Objective Is to STAPE, 13 One Dollar bill’s to the Opponent. So yes folks it is that bad, If you don’t like extreme action and are a “Wrestling Fan” I Suggest avoiding the tape at all cost’s.
Whilst also looking through my Download file’s the other night, I Came across a match I don’t think I’d seen or Enjoyed since the first time I saw it which would have happened to be 1992. Yes one of my Favourite match’s in Wrestling is Bret Hart Vs Bulldog. So when I happened to watch it, It got me thinking of the REAL Emotion going on in that Arena, It was pretty intense. The fact is was also Two Faces going at It on a PPV was also “Confusing” as I believe that it MAY Have been one of the first time’s for this to happen.
The main problem was, Growing up I Rooted for Bret, I still do, I’m Proud to say I’m a Wrestling fan, That I grew up Idolizing him over the likes of Hulk Hogan, But Bulldog was from the United Kingdom, My country, So it was a common case of Rooting for both of the guys and Trying not being disappointed when Bret lost the title. Hell watching the Version of Got on my PC, As soon as Bret’s music hit, I was that 5 Year old boy once again, Hell I’m Nearly 17 now and Looking at Bret do his Usual routine of giving the Child his Sun Glasses brought a Little Tear to my eye…. I’m not ashamed to admit that…. I Genuinely Think Bret could Possibly be Right…The Best there is, The Best There was..And the best there ever will be.
The Electric was in the Air at Wembley that night. When Bulldog took the pin after a Role Up, The crowd popped big time Possibly one of the biggest Pops that I have ever seen on a UK PPV. I think that’s where the WWE screwed up on the UK PPV Industry; they no longer put on top Quality matches that actually mean something to the live crowd, whilst also wrestling not being anywhere near as Popular as it once was. The only other event I would say that could really compare to that of Summer Slam 1992, Is One Night Only, Which happened around 1997, Which featured Shawn Michaels Vs British Bulldog, Where Bulldog was supposed to take the title, But well the Change finished, Shame Title’s don’t change Hands in the UK Anymore. It would actually mean something.
General Thoughts
So, One of the WWE Main Draw’s was released. Steve Austin, One of the BIGGEST Merchandise Sellers and Possibly one of the BIGGEST WWE Stars to be made in their federation History has been released. They where having contractual problems down to Austin wanting to use his name on non-related WWE Items whilst also not wanting to hand any percentage of the money he made over to Vince McMahon! Whilst I was expecting him to resign, But when his release was put up on WWE.com, I Was shocked…especially as I had read a day previous that he and McMahon had come to some sort of terms. Now you can tell I’m what has been described as a Smark (Combination of Smart Wrestling Fan with the Word Mark which is often used to describe WWE Fans ***No Offence***) And it had me thinking What is next for Steve Austin? Well its evident over on the Ring Of Honour message board that Austin isn’t wanted there. I For one REALLY Don’t want him there, I got nothing against the guy but there all about Putting over New Talent, As opposed to broken down guys. Then the other Logical Place for Austin is NWA TNA…Where he would no doubt be a Non Wrestler, But there isn’t any chance of him going there either down to the face he doesn’t get on with the Jarrett’s. So where can Steve Austin go from hear?
I was under the illusion through 2003 that his back was pretty much screwed and that’s why he couldn’t Wrestle…Yet had hinted at wanting some “Last Match’s” Some where down the line. Every one thought that we would get that One Dream match that has been in fan’s minds since 1998, the fans thought they would get to see Goldberg Vs Austin in a WWE Ring yet that is not the case as both men serve no purposes inside the WWE. It’s all ready been hinted that Austin is “Interested” in going to Japan…Whilst I have my thoughts on this which at the moment I find VERY interesting. Pride is a Japan ran Promotion, It has a Pro Wrestling Division yet happens to have its own MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) Division inside of the same Company. This lead me to think, For a guy with a Pretty bad Neck that this clearly isn’t the place for him to go if he wish’s to walk in later life. Pride is VERY Stiff, Even their pro wrestlers are stiff. Rumours have circulated though that Goldberg who has a deal with Pride is trying to get Austin to go out there. I think that it would be a mistake for Austin to even think about working pride. Whilst now it has circulated that New Japan Pro Wrestling are looking to Bring in Austin for their Latest show’s.
To which this had me thinking could Goldberg Vs Austin be on the cards? I personally think that New Japan COULD do this feud; I Personally think they could book the match as though it mean’s something! The Match’s may not be anything special, but I imagine they would be something worth watching. Shame this wasn’t 1998 again. I’d have killed to see Goldberg Vs Austin when it would have been something special to actually see it during the wars.
Also its reported that Ultimo Dragon has “Left” The World Wrestle Entertainment also. Rumours have circulated that Dragon WILL indeed be returning at some point to the WWE, But at the moment he has Important “Business” to attend to in Japan.
Funnily enough there’s a New Japan show happening on 3rd May Where this match is taking place - Jushin Thunder Liger, Koji Kanemoto & X vs. Heat, Tiger Mask & Naomichi Marufuji – Currently every one is Wanting to Who X is going to be! Maybe Ultimo Dragon is going to be X Coincidence or Not? Personally To me, Dragon is one of the most Underrated Cruiserweight Wrestlers in the world and it is one MAJOR Shame that Vince Wont put him on Smackdown.
Whilst now it has now pretty much been confirmed that Ultimo Dragon WILL be wrestling for Japanese promotion Toruymon which He used to Appear regularly. Also I’m lead to believe by many fan sites that He owns the promotion.
If you think about it this way. If some “Other” Promotion formed and had the Financial Backing the WWE Really would have competition. I mean think of the guys that could be picked up? For a start Austin, Goldberg, Brock Lesner could be the Main draws for that company and then there’s the like’s of some of the Independent/WWE Releases like Chris Kanyon that could be picked up…. That’s just a thought though.
Ric flair recently came to the UK and did a Interview with Morning Paper the Sun, The fans asked him the Questions. Some of which he had “Shoot” Like answer’s for which make him look like a Ass. I mean NWA/WCW was where Flair was made yet, Saying the place was a Embarrassment and a Personal playground. So this looks to me likes it a Pro WWE interview. Lets not put over the History surrounding the place Or Flair you didn’t like the Business that Russo and Bischoff were all about…That’s putting the YOUNGER Generation over.
Which takes your Push and Next title reigns away from you?! Why does a Manager/Wrestler feel the Need to put over guys that are established in the Industry? That’s all Flair did in this Interview, Constantly putting over Shawn Michaels and Triple H. Whilst talking about them at great length saying how they could be the best the industry has ever seen…. Any one see a problem with that? His constant Licking up to Shawn and Hunter is something that really annoys me. He puts them over whilst totally briefly mentioning Eddie and Benoit as their respective brand champions. For me, Flair really should have put across Both Champions as true Wrestler’s and Who could be the best at what they do one day. But he chose not to, Which In my opinion is a shame.
He then TOTALLY Ripped in to Foley. What did Foley ever say about You Flair? Oh Yeah what was it he said in his Book…. That your Booking was slightly Worrying and that you didn’t understand what you where doing? (In so many Words). How many younger Generation star’s has Flair put over? I Really don’t think Shelton Benjamin counts in all honesty. Big deal, Flair lost on the PPV To Shelton, If you think about it like this, There wasn’t really a feud going and I’m sure that it would have had more Credibility if Flair and Shelton where feuding then it would have done wonder’s for him. Whilst Foley has gone out of his way to Make The Young Randy Orton Really look good. I mean Foley and Orton both bumped their Ass’s of! Orton even went as far as to Impress me with his Bump on to the Tack’s, That kind of stuff was what I thought I was never going to once again see in the WWE. But Foley even said in his book that he wished he had Put over a lot of younger guys, Does any one think it’s fair to say that He just probably made a Future World Champion?!
Asked if He has seen NWA TNA Flair yet makes him self look like the BIGGEST Prick ever! For a start, Wrestling has moved on, these days’s it isn’t just about Arm Bar take Down’s to Figure 4 Leg locks. There are different Style’s and most of the Independents seem to show cast that. Whilst Lord Flair here thinks that NWA TNA and its High Flyers are stupid and claims it isn’t Wrestling and that he has yet to see a good match in NWATNA…. Flair, I don’t think I’ve seen you in a good match for over 10 year’s, Long time isn’t it! So I don’t know how he can say that the likes of Styles, Lynn, Low Ki , Daniels Don’t put on good match’s. Maybe he is one of the Old school Traditionalist’s who Prefer Pure Wrestling as opposed to the “Garbage” Name that has been given to pretty much everything.
Now would any one hear pay to say Raven Headline NWA TNA? I no for a fact I would, I’d seriously rather see him with that NWA Title belt around his waist, but According to Flair, Jarrett is a good Performer…Yes of course Flair, Whilst going on to say No One would pay to see Raven Headline and How he’s a Horrible Worker. To me Raven is possibly one of the best Talkers on the Independents; He has a good head for Business also and is VERY Capable of putting on good matches! Thing is Raven is possibly one of the few Thinker’s left in this business and by that I mean a guy who uses his Ring Physcology to make the fans Gain interest and keep them entertained. I Really do want to see Raven respond to this actually, I mean Raven speaks his mind and I don’t see why he should hold back in this case.
NWA TNA
There is a new plan for the TNA X cup. TNA Officials are really thinking about more teams entered but to also finally find out in one night, which really is the best. If done right, I really think it could be something special. “King of the Country’s” Type event. I Think that Japan, Mexico, United Kingdom and The United States pretty much SHOULD be involved, Especially seeing as it is called “World X Cup” I should imagine if done right, that the Wrestling from the X Superstars could be VERY interesting. Unfortunately I personally think TNA Could mess up and drop the ball on this. I personally think that it really would be good, depending on the Wrestlers that they pick for the teams also.
Maybe just Maybe, Guys like Teddy Hart, Jack Evens, Jerry Lynn etc should represent there country’s. The thing is, I can’t really see a 2 Hour Pay Per View being enough for this, So Hopefully TNA will be using their TV Shows and will go out of their way to hype this up. Then I’d like to see TNA put their first Pay Per View on as an X Division Special like show, which you guessed it features the “World X Cup” the current plan for this to happen Is in may. TNA normally do get set back’s, But for some reason, I Really hope this Happens as it could possibly be a way of showing what type of wrestling that there company is all about. The thought of Seeing a Jerry Lynn Vs Teddy Hart match really appeal to me.
I Personally Really do think that They dropped the Ball with the last couple of “X Cups” Especially United Kingdom Vs Mexico … If any one saw that on here, Please don’t think of the UK Wrestling being poor, Just the fact ALL Star promotion was where they came from, Next time I’d really like to see the FWA go to TNA for the X Cup.
With that done, lets take a look at that NWA TNA Results.
Last night’s show looked like they are really going to go back to the Old TNA Style. Interesting Match’s and Story Line’s that COULD Make or Break the promotion. Last night quite a bit went down which is very interesting to note…But also a NEW World Champion was Crowned, There will of course be more about that as I get to it. Last night’s TNA Broad cast seemed to have its Good bit’s and of course things that look pretty dam stupid.
I Really don’t think Sabu cant cut it as a Face, I really think for Sabu’s character to be effective, He needs to be the Heel. They actually need to use him much better than they are doing now. I personally think Sabu needs to also be broken away from Raven, Which seam’s to be what they are doing now. I Think that mainly down to the fact that Raven did not come out at all during that Tag match against Brown and Abyss essentially Leaving Sabu in a Handicap match! The only time Raven in fact showed his face was After the Match and after he had beaten up the Number One contender Chris Harris! So I’m wondering, is a Raven/Sabu feud in the Making? I hope so, but I just don’t like the idea of seeing Sabu week in and Week out as a Face! Maybe, Just maybe if they actually if they Built him up to look like a face, Instead of a Bit of everything I’d believe it.
Whilst Match of the night, Looks to be Michael Shane Vs Chris Daniels, It really is one of those Match’s that look’s superb and you wish had more time in it. Shame that it look’s to have such a Silly ending though. Why didn’t Shane just cover Daniels after Illegally knocking him out? Why did he wait around and try to nail the Super Kick on a Knocked Out Daniels? If you think about it, Shane could have gone over like that. But I think they set up him losing to have the Splitting of The Franchise. I said last week it looks to be on the Verge of splitting up, well this week I would say that it did. Shane and Douglass of course arguing in the ring until a fight breaks out, Yeah just what I always wanted to see. Anyway Shane managed to gain the advantage because of Trinity and Super kicked Douglass sending him to the canvas. So this look’s to be another feud in the making. I’m really expecting a Douglass Vs Shane feud on the up coming weeks of NWA TNA Broad Casting. I Really cant see the match’s being anything special to be honest with you. Douglass is past it, and I doubt could put on a good match if he tried. Whilst Shane has a Bright future a head of him, yet I don’t think I can see him putting on a good match with Douglass.
The centre story line for the TNA Broad cast this week was who would challenge Jarrett for the belt, after Raven brutally attacked Chris Harris backstage! Many wondered who the challenger would come in the form of, Many names where thrown around from Raven to Ron Killing’s to, James Storm, But AJ Styles was the Man Vince Russo picked to face Jeff in the Steel Cage Match main event. This has left me to wonder, is this Big “Screw You” to Ring Of Honour where Styles is the Pure Wrestling Champion? I for one was surprised that Jarrett actually jobbed the belt once again. I think that now is the time for TNA To actually go about business by Elevating some new Talent for Styles to work with! Actually I really would like to see Jarrett take a Break from being in the title hunt, maybe working with some other guy’s instead, whilst part of me wants Raven, Chris Daniels to Work Programs with the New Champion. So you could say I was right last week about Americas Most Wanted and there over ness and how they shouldn’t be wrestling in such a High profile match. Though I was surprised with how this Mystery Challenger angle played out, Shame TNA Cant be like this every week. Whilst I think now is the time for TNA to build up better story lines for the under card.
Nice to see that the DQ title rule has returned to TNA once again, Except it was in the same match as last week. Which is a bit of a shame as they keep taking the belts of people and putting them around some one else waist, In the Space of a month there have been 3 Teams holding the belt, which if you think about it, is a New Holder every week. Hopefully the belts will be kept on Kash and the ever so Green but looks Impressive Dallas! I really would like to see a feud break out between The Champions and Former Champions Brown and Apollo, That would be some thing worth seeing if they didn’t have the straps changing hands every week.
So that’s my thoughts on Last Night’s show, here are the Quick results for the show
Abyss/Brown Beat Sabu
Shark Boy Beat David Young
GLENN GILBERTI & JOHNNY SWINGER Beat SIMON DIAMOND & SONNY SIAKI
Christopher Daniels Beat Michael Shane
NWA Tag Title Match: Dallas and Kash Beat Brown and Apollo Via DQ
NWA World Heavyweight Title Match: Styles Beat Jarrett
Unfortunately there wasn’t a X Division title match, I think I would have preferred one than Most likely Brown/Abyss and Sabu Match up, Other than that all I can say really is either watch the replay or buy it on VHS….Or wait till the match up’s end up on a File Sharing Program. As this to m looks to be one of the best Shows TNA have done in a While!!
RoH
Well Tomorrow Night in Ring Of Honour, Samoe Joe will be taking on Homicide! Samoe Joe is possibly the best Ring Of Honour Champion that the Promotion has had to date. To me he has brought A LOT of credibility to the Title. In The Promotions History, They have had 3 Champions, Low Ki, Xavier and the Current Champion Samoe Joe. But could this all change on tonight’s Show? Will Homicide Defeat the current Reigning Champion Joe? I’ve looked at the RoH time line of events and pretty much changed it in to my own words and cast my opinions.
Homicide hasn’t always been a single Wrestler. When the promotion first opened, Homicide was a Tag team Wrestler with the Guy known as Boogalou, The Name of the Team was the Natural born Sinners, That team could have gone some where if it was not for XPW Poaching Boogalou and Homicide refusing to jump over to there average company. So Boogalou was Wrote out of Ring Of Honour Story lines after being “Attacked” By the Carnage Crew…. If you think about it, that’s just a way of basically saying, don’t come back! So from that day, Homicide has been a Single’s Wrestler in Ring Of Honour!
So, on the show “All Star Extravaganza” which happened in 2002, Joe and Homicide met in a 6-man tag match, which I thought wasn’t a Bad Match. Homicide wasn’t to win and was choked out by Joe. If you think about it, this was the beginning of their feud! So enter “Scramble Madness” Which happened a week later, Homicide Yet again faced Joe but this time it was there first ever single’s encounter. Homicide took the win, By Putting Joe down to the mat with a Role Up. Then, a month later Corino is beaten down by Homicide, Joe who was part of Corino’s Faction Called The Group stood on and Watched as Corino Beat down Homicide. Tension was Defiantly there between the two!
Enter 2003, Ring Of Honour had been standing for a Year, “The First anniversary Show” Corino Defeated Homicide, after the match Corino started a Riot with Homicide’s crew. Joe took part in this “Riot” and Beat up some of Homicide’s Crew. Unfortunately the Riot got out of Hand and a lot of fans took part in this Riot. Then at “Expect the Unexpected” During a 4 Man Survival Match where Joe took on EZ Money, BJ Whitmer and Homicide! Joe and Homicide pretty much duelled it for the full match, but it wasn’t to be Homicide’s night when Joe took the Win and took the title shot to face Xavier at “Night of Champions”. Unfortunately after the match Homicide and Joe Brawled and hand to be separated by Ring Of Honour Officials. This pretty much entered us in to “Night of Champions”, this was where the 6 Man Tag match between Homicide and Hit Squad took on The Group. Yet again this wasn’t to be any one’s night. The Match ended on a DQ after Homicide Gave his Finisher to Simply Luscious! The after math saw Anderson and Victory decimate Homicide with a Trash Can, Finally Homicides crew came in through the front door and chased off the group! The crew took Homicide out of the front door and to the Hospital! It looked like The Group had took out Homicide forever….
Homicide returns at “Epic Encounter” and has a Great match with Chris Daniels, but the after math was yet to come as in a Post Match Beat down, Joe attacked Homicide and Yet again choked him out! Then “Do or Die” came along, Homicide and Joe FINALLY got it on for a World Title Match Up. This is possibly one of Joe’s better Title Match up’s that I have seen also this is Very Brutal and Hard Hitting! Joe took the win though after hitting a DEVISTATING top rope move on Homicide! Many put Homicides loss down to The Arguing that was happening between Low Ki and Julius Smokes!
Things then cool down for 4 Months…Until “Glory By Honour 2” where Homicide is upset that He lost to Joe at “Do Or Die” So, Homicide and Joe is set up for “Empire State Showdown”! Under No Hole’s Barred! This is Right up Homicides Ally, yet it then became known that the title WOULD NOT be on the line. Homicide took the Win over Joe by putting a Hangman’s Noose around the neck of Joe and choking him out!
Pretty much after this, Joe was upset that Homicide took the win and was pretty upset that he lost after being choked out! Also even refused to Grant Homicide a World Title Match. Ring Of Honour front office even went, as far as to say, “Joe is Ducking Homicide” Which then Looked to be the case, As Joe is a Fighting Champion…. Could it be that he was Running Scared?
The introduction of the Pure Wrestling title also caused problems as Joe thought his title was more prestigious than the Pure Title. So too make his belt look better he offered out HOMICIDE! For a Return title shot.
So this Friday will the feud come to an end? Or will this just be another chapter in there on going feud? All I’m saying is that this is going to be one Strong Style match up. I got a feeling that this could very well beat there last match and could possibly go down as one of the BEST Ring of Honour title match’s in history.
Whilst other news in Ring Of Honour is that on may 15th, Ring Of Honour and World 1 will be presenting a Double Header. The shows will be coming out of Braintree, MA, whilst the Venue is going to be The National Guard Armory! The World 1 show will infact have several names on it that Wrestle for Zero 1 in Japan! Expect the likes of Kohei Sato, Steve Corino, CW Anderson, Low Ki and Many More. Also I would imagine that some of the World/Zero 1 Names would most likely appear on the Ring Of Honour show “Round Robin Challenge 3”! Seeing as this is a Double Header, There’s going to be defiantly some Awesome match up’s on the shows and it is some thing that I could go see in person! All ready confirmed for Ring Of Honour show is Spanky Vs Homicide, Which In My opinion is going to be one watch that is worth seeing!
So, I ask can you please leave feedback here or feel free to contact me Via PM or Email me on Thecritic6325738@aol.com
Thanks for Reading
Gary
Well this passed week, I Really have not seen as much Independent Wrestling as I’d have liked too. In fact my Pile is pretty much still the same, Which is about 20 Video’s that really need to be watched. So out of interest I pulled CZW Extreme 8 out of the pile, I’ll say this now I wasn’t really expecting a “Classic” Show, Instead I was expecting the CZW “Ultraviolence” Crap they have pretty much been doing for 5 year’s and it looks to be coming to a end might I add. Now I’ll just add I am not a BIG Garbage Wrestling fan. I Usually watch it to see some Crazy action or the Wrestling Match’s on the shows. So I was pretty much Mind Numbingly Bored pretty much after The Backseat Boys Vs Sonjay Dutt and Ruckus had happened! Which might I add has got to be the Highlight on the tape! They pretty much hint that Sexuality of the Backseat Boys by having them do Compromising Positions Accidentally Landing on one another. But the show really isn’t anything special, There’s a rather nuts “Lucky 13” Match, I Don’t see how its lucky though as the Objective Is to STAPE, 13 One Dollar bill’s to the Opponent. So yes folks it is that bad, If you don’t like extreme action and are a “Wrestling Fan” I Suggest avoiding the tape at all cost’s.
Whilst also looking through my Download file’s the other night, I Came across a match I don’t think I’d seen or Enjoyed since the first time I saw it which would have happened to be 1992. Yes one of my Favourite match’s in Wrestling is Bret Hart Vs Bulldog. So when I happened to watch it, It got me thinking of the REAL Emotion going on in that Arena, It was pretty intense. The fact is was also Two Faces going at It on a PPV was also “Confusing” as I believe that it MAY Have been one of the first time’s for this to happen.
The main problem was, Growing up I Rooted for Bret, I still do, I’m Proud to say I’m a Wrestling fan, That I grew up Idolizing him over the likes of Hulk Hogan, But Bulldog was from the United Kingdom, My country, So it was a common case of Rooting for both of the guys and Trying not being disappointed when Bret lost the title. Hell watching the Version of Got on my PC, As soon as Bret’s music hit, I was that 5 Year old boy once again, Hell I’m Nearly 17 now and Looking at Bret do his Usual routine of giving the Child his Sun Glasses brought a Little Tear to my eye…. I’m not ashamed to admit that…. I Genuinely Think Bret could Possibly be Right…The Best there is, The Best There was..And the best there ever will be.
The Electric was in the Air at Wembley that night. When Bulldog took the pin after a Role Up, The crowd popped big time Possibly one of the biggest Pops that I have ever seen on a UK PPV. I think that’s where the WWE screwed up on the UK PPV Industry; they no longer put on top Quality matches that actually mean something to the live crowd, whilst also wrestling not being anywhere near as Popular as it once was. The only other event I would say that could really compare to that of Summer Slam 1992, Is One Night Only, Which happened around 1997, Which featured Shawn Michaels Vs British Bulldog, Where Bulldog was supposed to take the title, But well the Change finished, Shame Title’s don’t change Hands in the UK Anymore. It would actually mean something.
General Thoughts
So, One of the WWE Main Draw’s was released. Steve Austin, One of the BIGGEST Merchandise Sellers and Possibly one of the BIGGEST WWE Stars to be made in their federation History has been released. They where having contractual problems down to Austin wanting to use his name on non-related WWE Items whilst also not wanting to hand any percentage of the money he made over to Vince McMahon! Whilst I was expecting him to resign, But when his release was put up on WWE.com, I Was shocked…especially as I had read a day previous that he and McMahon had come to some sort of terms. Now you can tell I’m what has been described as a Smark (Combination of Smart Wrestling Fan with the Word Mark which is often used to describe WWE Fans ***No Offence***) And it had me thinking What is next for Steve Austin? Well its evident over on the Ring Of Honour message board that Austin isn’t wanted there. I For one REALLY Don’t want him there, I got nothing against the guy but there all about Putting over New Talent, As opposed to broken down guys. Then the other Logical Place for Austin is NWA TNA…Where he would no doubt be a Non Wrestler, But there isn’t any chance of him going there either down to the face he doesn’t get on with the Jarrett’s. So where can Steve Austin go from hear?
I was under the illusion through 2003 that his back was pretty much screwed and that’s why he couldn’t Wrestle…Yet had hinted at wanting some “Last Match’s” Some where down the line. Every one thought that we would get that One Dream match that has been in fan’s minds since 1998, the fans thought they would get to see Goldberg Vs Austin in a WWE Ring yet that is not the case as both men serve no purposes inside the WWE. It’s all ready been hinted that Austin is “Interested” in going to Japan…Whilst I have my thoughts on this which at the moment I find VERY interesting. Pride is a Japan ran Promotion, It has a Pro Wrestling Division yet happens to have its own MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) Division inside of the same Company. This lead me to think, For a guy with a Pretty bad Neck that this clearly isn’t the place for him to go if he wish’s to walk in later life. Pride is VERY Stiff, Even their pro wrestlers are stiff. Rumours have circulated though that Goldberg who has a deal with Pride is trying to get Austin to go out there. I think that it would be a mistake for Austin to even think about working pride. Whilst now it has circulated that New Japan Pro Wrestling are looking to Bring in Austin for their Latest show’s.
To which this had me thinking could Goldberg Vs Austin be on the cards? I personally think that New Japan COULD do this feud; I Personally think they could book the match as though it mean’s something! The Match’s may not be anything special, but I imagine they would be something worth watching. Shame this wasn’t 1998 again. I’d have killed to see Goldberg Vs Austin when it would have been something special to actually see it during the wars.
Also its reported that Ultimo Dragon has “Left” The World Wrestle Entertainment also. Rumours have circulated that Dragon WILL indeed be returning at some point to the WWE, But at the moment he has Important “Business” to attend to in Japan.
Funnily enough there’s a New Japan show happening on 3rd May Where this match is taking place - Jushin Thunder Liger, Koji Kanemoto & X vs. Heat, Tiger Mask & Naomichi Marufuji – Currently every one is Wanting to Who X is going to be! Maybe Ultimo Dragon is going to be X Coincidence or Not? Personally To me, Dragon is one of the most Underrated Cruiserweight Wrestlers in the world and it is one MAJOR Shame that Vince Wont put him on Smackdown.
Whilst now it has now pretty much been confirmed that Ultimo Dragon WILL be wrestling for Japanese promotion Toruymon which He used to Appear regularly. Also I’m lead to believe by many fan sites that He owns the promotion.
If you think about it this way. If some “Other” Promotion formed and had the Financial Backing the WWE Really would have competition. I mean think of the guys that could be picked up? For a start Austin, Goldberg, Brock Lesner could be the Main draws for that company and then there’s the like’s of some of the Independent/WWE Releases like Chris Kanyon that could be picked up…. That’s just a thought though.
Ric flair recently came to the UK and did a Interview with Morning Paper the Sun, The fans asked him the Questions. Some of which he had “Shoot” Like answer’s for which make him look like a Ass. I mean NWA/WCW was where Flair was made yet, Saying the place was a Embarrassment and a Personal playground. So this looks to me likes it a Pro WWE interview. Lets not put over the History surrounding the place Or Flair you didn’t like the Business that Russo and Bischoff were all about…That’s putting the YOUNGER Generation over.
Which takes your Push and Next title reigns away from you?! Why does a Manager/Wrestler feel the Need to put over guys that are established in the Industry? That’s all Flair did in this Interview, Constantly putting over Shawn Michaels and Triple H. Whilst talking about them at great length saying how they could be the best the industry has ever seen…. Any one see a problem with that? His constant Licking up to Shawn and Hunter is something that really annoys me. He puts them over whilst totally briefly mentioning Eddie and Benoit as their respective brand champions. For me, Flair really should have put across Both Champions as true Wrestler’s and Who could be the best at what they do one day. But he chose not to, Which In my opinion is a shame.
He then TOTALLY Ripped in to Foley. What did Foley ever say about You Flair? Oh Yeah what was it he said in his Book…. That your Booking was slightly Worrying and that you didn’t understand what you where doing? (In so many Words). How many younger Generation star’s has Flair put over? I Really don’t think Shelton Benjamin counts in all honesty. Big deal, Flair lost on the PPV To Shelton, If you think about it like this, There wasn’t really a feud going and I’m sure that it would have had more Credibility if Flair and Shelton where feuding then it would have done wonder’s for him. Whilst Foley has gone out of his way to Make The Young Randy Orton Really look good. I mean Foley and Orton both bumped their Ass’s of! Orton even went as far as to Impress me with his Bump on to the Tack’s, That kind of stuff was what I thought I was never going to once again see in the WWE. But Foley even said in his book that he wished he had Put over a lot of younger guys, Does any one think it’s fair to say that He just probably made a Future World Champion?!
Asked if He has seen NWA TNA Flair yet makes him self look like the BIGGEST Prick ever! For a start, Wrestling has moved on, these days’s it isn’t just about Arm Bar take Down’s to Figure 4 Leg locks. There are different Style’s and most of the Independents seem to show cast that. Whilst Lord Flair here thinks that NWA TNA and its High Flyers are stupid and claims it isn’t Wrestling and that he has yet to see a good match in NWATNA…. Flair, I don’t think I’ve seen you in a good match for over 10 year’s, Long time isn’t it! So I don’t know how he can say that the likes of Styles, Lynn, Low Ki , Daniels Don’t put on good match’s. Maybe he is one of the Old school Traditionalist’s who Prefer Pure Wrestling as opposed to the “Garbage” Name that has been given to pretty much everything.
Now would any one hear pay to say Raven Headline NWA TNA? I no for a fact I would, I’d seriously rather see him with that NWA Title belt around his waist, but According to Flair, Jarrett is a good Performer…Yes of course Flair, Whilst going on to say No One would pay to see Raven Headline and How he’s a Horrible Worker. To me Raven is possibly one of the best Talkers on the Independents; He has a good head for Business also and is VERY Capable of putting on good matches! Thing is Raven is possibly one of the few Thinker’s left in this business and by that I mean a guy who uses his Ring Physcology to make the fans Gain interest and keep them entertained. I Really do want to see Raven respond to this actually, I mean Raven speaks his mind and I don’t see why he should hold back in this case.
NWA TNA
There is a new plan for the TNA X cup. TNA Officials are really thinking about more teams entered but to also finally find out in one night, which really is the best. If done right, I really think it could be something special. “King of the Country’s” Type event. I Think that Japan, Mexico, United Kingdom and The United States pretty much SHOULD be involved, Especially seeing as it is called “World X Cup” I should imagine if done right, that the Wrestling from the X Superstars could be VERY interesting. Unfortunately I personally think TNA Could mess up and drop the ball on this. I personally think that it really would be good, depending on the Wrestlers that they pick for the teams also.
Maybe just Maybe, Guys like Teddy Hart, Jack Evens, Jerry Lynn etc should represent there country’s. The thing is, I can’t really see a 2 Hour Pay Per View being enough for this, So Hopefully TNA will be using their TV Shows and will go out of their way to hype this up. Then I’d like to see TNA put their first Pay Per View on as an X Division Special like show, which you guessed it features the “World X Cup” the current plan for this to happen Is in may. TNA normally do get set back’s, But for some reason, I Really hope this Happens as it could possibly be a way of showing what type of wrestling that there company is all about. The thought of Seeing a Jerry Lynn Vs Teddy Hart match really appeal to me.
I Personally Really do think that They dropped the Ball with the last couple of “X Cups” Especially United Kingdom Vs Mexico … If any one saw that on here, Please don’t think of the UK Wrestling being poor, Just the fact ALL Star promotion was where they came from, Next time I’d really like to see the FWA go to TNA for the X Cup.
With that done, lets take a look at that NWA TNA Results.
Last night’s show looked like they are really going to go back to the Old TNA Style. Interesting Match’s and Story Line’s that COULD Make or Break the promotion. Last night quite a bit went down which is very interesting to note…But also a NEW World Champion was Crowned, There will of course be more about that as I get to it. Last night’s TNA Broad cast seemed to have its Good bit’s and of course things that look pretty dam stupid.
I Really don’t think Sabu cant cut it as a Face, I really think for Sabu’s character to be effective, He needs to be the Heel. They actually need to use him much better than they are doing now. I personally think Sabu needs to also be broken away from Raven, Which seam’s to be what they are doing now. I Think that mainly down to the fact that Raven did not come out at all during that Tag match against Brown and Abyss essentially Leaving Sabu in a Handicap match! The only time Raven in fact showed his face was After the Match and after he had beaten up the Number One contender Chris Harris! So I’m wondering, is a Raven/Sabu feud in the Making? I hope so, but I just don’t like the idea of seeing Sabu week in and Week out as a Face! Maybe, Just maybe if they actually if they Built him up to look like a face, Instead of a Bit of everything I’d believe it.
Whilst Match of the night, Looks to be Michael Shane Vs Chris Daniels, It really is one of those Match’s that look’s superb and you wish had more time in it. Shame that it look’s to have such a Silly ending though. Why didn’t Shane just cover Daniels after Illegally knocking him out? Why did he wait around and try to nail the Super Kick on a Knocked Out Daniels? If you think about it, Shane could have gone over like that. But I think they set up him losing to have the Splitting of The Franchise. I said last week it looks to be on the Verge of splitting up, well this week I would say that it did. Shane and Douglass of course arguing in the ring until a fight breaks out, Yeah just what I always wanted to see. Anyway Shane managed to gain the advantage because of Trinity and Super kicked Douglass sending him to the canvas. So this look’s to be another feud in the making. I’m really expecting a Douglass Vs Shane feud on the up coming weeks of NWA TNA Broad Casting. I Really cant see the match’s being anything special to be honest with you. Douglass is past it, and I doubt could put on a good match if he tried. Whilst Shane has a Bright future a head of him, yet I don’t think I can see him putting on a good match with Douglass.
The centre story line for the TNA Broad cast this week was who would challenge Jarrett for the belt, after Raven brutally attacked Chris Harris backstage! Many wondered who the challenger would come in the form of, Many names where thrown around from Raven to Ron Killing’s to, James Storm, But AJ Styles was the Man Vince Russo picked to face Jeff in the Steel Cage Match main event. This has left me to wonder, is this Big “Screw You” to Ring Of Honour where Styles is the Pure Wrestling Champion? I for one was surprised that Jarrett actually jobbed the belt once again. I think that now is the time for TNA To actually go about business by Elevating some new Talent for Styles to work with! Actually I really would like to see Jarrett take a Break from being in the title hunt, maybe working with some other guy’s instead, whilst part of me wants Raven, Chris Daniels to Work Programs with the New Champion. So you could say I was right last week about Americas Most Wanted and there over ness and how they shouldn’t be wrestling in such a High profile match. Though I was surprised with how this Mystery Challenger angle played out, Shame TNA Cant be like this every week. Whilst I think now is the time for TNA to build up better story lines for the under card.
Nice to see that the DQ title rule has returned to TNA once again, Except it was in the same match as last week. Which is a bit of a shame as they keep taking the belts of people and putting them around some one else waist, In the Space of a month there have been 3 Teams holding the belt, which if you think about it, is a New Holder every week. Hopefully the belts will be kept on Kash and the ever so Green but looks Impressive Dallas! I really would like to see a feud break out between The Champions and Former Champions Brown and Apollo, That would be some thing worth seeing if they didn’t have the straps changing hands every week.
So that’s my thoughts on Last Night’s show, here are the Quick results for the show
Abyss/Brown Beat Sabu
Shark Boy Beat David Young
GLENN GILBERTI & JOHNNY SWINGER Beat SIMON DIAMOND & SONNY SIAKI
Christopher Daniels Beat Michael Shane
NWA Tag Title Match: Dallas and Kash Beat Brown and Apollo Via DQ
NWA World Heavyweight Title Match: Styles Beat Jarrett
Unfortunately there wasn’t a X Division title match, I think I would have preferred one than Most likely Brown/Abyss and Sabu Match up, Other than that all I can say really is either watch the replay or buy it on VHS….Or wait till the match up’s end up on a File Sharing Program. As this to m looks to be one of the best Shows TNA have done in a While!!
RoH
Well Tomorrow Night in Ring Of Honour, Samoe Joe will be taking on Homicide! Samoe Joe is possibly the best Ring Of Honour Champion that the Promotion has had to date. To me he has brought A LOT of credibility to the Title. In The Promotions History, They have had 3 Champions, Low Ki, Xavier and the Current Champion Samoe Joe. But could this all change on tonight’s Show? Will Homicide Defeat the current Reigning Champion Joe? I’ve looked at the RoH time line of events and pretty much changed it in to my own words and cast my opinions.
Homicide hasn’t always been a single Wrestler. When the promotion first opened, Homicide was a Tag team Wrestler with the Guy known as Boogalou, The Name of the Team was the Natural born Sinners, That team could have gone some where if it was not for XPW Poaching Boogalou and Homicide refusing to jump over to there average company. So Boogalou was Wrote out of Ring Of Honour Story lines after being “Attacked” By the Carnage Crew…. If you think about it, that’s just a way of basically saying, don’t come back! So from that day, Homicide has been a Single’s Wrestler in Ring Of Honour!
So, on the show “All Star Extravaganza” which happened in 2002, Joe and Homicide met in a 6-man tag match, which I thought wasn’t a Bad Match. Homicide wasn’t to win and was choked out by Joe. If you think about it, this was the beginning of their feud! So enter “Scramble Madness” Which happened a week later, Homicide Yet again faced Joe but this time it was there first ever single’s encounter. Homicide took the win, By Putting Joe down to the mat with a Role Up. Then, a month later Corino is beaten down by Homicide, Joe who was part of Corino’s Faction Called The Group stood on and Watched as Corino Beat down Homicide. Tension was Defiantly there between the two!
Enter 2003, Ring Of Honour had been standing for a Year, “The First anniversary Show” Corino Defeated Homicide, after the match Corino started a Riot with Homicide’s crew. Joe took part in this “Riot” and Beat up some of Homicide’s Crew. Unfortunately the Riot got out of Hand and a lot of fans took part in this Riot. Then at “Expect the Unexpected” During a 4 Man Survival Match where Joe took on EZ Money, BJ Whitmer and Homicide! Joe and Homicide pretty much duelled it for the full match, but it wasn’t to be Homicide’s night when Joe took the Win and took the title shot to face Xavier at “Night of Champions”. Unfortunately after the match Homicide and Joe Brawled and hand to be separated by Ring Of Honour Officials. This pretty much entered us in to “Night of Champions”, this was where the 6 Man Tag match between Homicide and Hit Squad took on The Group. Yet again this wasn’t to be any one’s night. The Match ended on a DQ after Homicide Gave his Finisher to Simply Luscious! The after math saw Anderson and Victory decimate Homicide with a Trash Can, Finally Homicides crew came in through the front door and chased off the group! The crew took Homicide out of the front door and to the Hospital! It looked like The Group had took out Homicide forever….
Homicide returns at “Epic Encounter” and has a Great match with Chris Daniels, but the after math was yet to come as in a Post Match Beat down, Joe attacked Homicide and Yet again choked him out! Then “Do or Die” came along, Homicide and Joe FINALLY got it on for a World Title Match Up. This is possibly one of Joe’s better Title Match up’s that I have seen also this is Very Brutal and Hard Hitting! Joe took the win though after hitting a DEVISTATING top rope move on Homicide! Many put Homicides loss down to The Arguing that was happening between Low Ki and Julius Smokes!
Things then cool down for 4 Months…Until “Glory By Honour 2” where Homicide is upset that He lost to Joe at “Do Or Die” So, Homicide and Joe is set up for “Empire State Showdown”! Under No Hole’s Barred! This is Right up Homicides Ally, yet it then became known that the title WOULD NOT be on the line. Homicide took the Win over Joe by putting a Hangman’s Noose around the neck of Joe and choking him out!
Pretty much after this, Joe was upset that Homicide took the win and was pretty upset that he lost after being choked out! Also even refused to Grant Homicide a World Title Match. Ring Of Honour front office even went, as far as to say, “Joe is Ducking Homicide” Which then Looked to be the case, As Joe is a Fighting Champion…. Could it be that he was Running Scared?
The introduction of the Pure Wrestling title also caused problems as Joe thought his title was more prestigious than the Pure Title. So too make his belt look better he offered out HOMICIDE! For a Return title shot.
So this Friday will the feud come to an end? Or will this just be another chapter in there on going feud? All I’m saying is that this is going to be one Strong Style match up. I got a feeling that this could very well beat there last match and could possibly go down as one of the BEST Ring of Honour title match’s in history.
Whilst other news in Ring Of Honour is that on may 15th, Ring Of Honour and World 1 will be presenting a Double Header. The shows will be coming out of Braintree, MA, whilst the Venue is going to be The National Guard Armory! The World 1 show will infact have several names on it that Wrestle for Zero 1 in Japan! Expect the likes of Kohei Sato, Steve Corino, CW Anderson, Low Ki and Many More. Also I would imagine that some of the World/Zero 1 Names would most likely appear on the Ring Of Honour show “Round Robin Challenge 3”! Seeing as this is a Double Header, There’s going to be defiantly some Awesome match up’s on the shows and it is some thing that I could go see in person! All ready confirmed for Ring Of Honour show is Spanky Vs Homicide, Which In My opinion is going to be one watch that is worth seeing!
So, I ask can you please leave feedback here or feel free to contact me Via PM or Email me on Thecritic6325738@aol.com
Thanks for Reading
Gary