Wrestlings Greatest

Wrestlings Greatest Of All Time Day 6

2007-10-25T09:08:00.000Z

Day 6 sees the inclusion of a superstar who has seen no shortage of controversy but is regarded by many as the best in ring performer to have ever graced professional wrestling... "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels.

From his days in the Rockers to the current day Shawn Michaels has always given his all to put on the best match possible and more often than not he has achieved this.

"The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels has had many classic battles over the years and has also shown his attitude to give anything a try as he participated in the first televised ladder match, the first hell in a cell and the first elimination chamber, and in each one put in a fantastic performance.

Any wrestling fan certainly has a lot to choose from when it comes to picking there favorite Shawn Michaels moment. From his feud with Razor Ramon, which of course included the infamous ladder matches, to his underrated feud with former partner Marty Jannetty or his war with the Hart Family to his match carrying performance of the decade against Hulk Hogan there is something, somewhere that fans will love that Michaels participated in.

Despite these in ring heroics Shawn Michaels may also, somewhat unfairly, always be associated with controversy. From the Madison Garden send off to The Montreal Screwjob most things controversial seemed to include "The Heartbreak Kid" in one way or another.

Is Shawn Michaels the greatest of all time? That's for you to decide but he certainly isn't far from it and when the Heartbreak Kid has finally left the building it will be a sad day for wrestling.

Favorite Shawn Michaels Moment
There's so many to choose from but my favorite his the classic from Wrestlemania 21 v Kurt Angle...just

Championships Held

American Wrestling Association
- AWA World Tag Team Championship (2 times)^[15] - with Marty Jannetty

Central States Wrestling

NWA Central States Tag Team Championship (1 time)^[14] - with Marty Jannetty

Continental Wrestling Association
- AWA Southern Tag Team Championship (2 times)^[131] – with Marty Jannetty

Texas All-Star Wrestling
- TAS Six Man Tag Team Championship (1 time)
- TAS Texas Tag Team Championship (2 times)^[13]^[131] – with Paul Diamond

Texas Wrestling Alliance
- TWA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)^[131]

World Wrestling Federation | World Wrestling Entertainment
- WWF Championship (3 times)^[41]^[46]^[56]
- WWF European Championship (1 time)^[52]
- WWF Intercontinental Championship (3 times)^[132]^[133]^[134]
- WWF/E World Tag Team Championship (4 times) – with Diesel(2)^[135]^[136], Stone Cold Steve Austin(1)^[49], and John Cena(1)^[122]
- World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)^[137]
- Royal Rumble (1995)^[10]
- Royal Rumble (1996)^[40]
- First Grand Slam Champion
- Fourth Triple Crown Champion

wwe, shawn michaels, hbk

Wrestlings Greatest Of All Time Day 5

2007-10-23T08:43:00.000Z

Day 5 sees the addition of the man who claims to be "the best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be..." yes it's Bret "The Hitman" Hart.

The Hitman is the first wrestler on this list to have had to work his way up through the ranks of WWE. Bret Hart of course first came to the notice of WWE fans as a member of the Hart Foundation. It was there that Bret Harts in ring ability was first recognized as teamed with a less mobile and athletic partner in Jim Neidhart it was Bret that was often left to carry there matches.

Despite being virtually a one man team The Hart Foundation still contested several classic tag bouts with the likes of The Demolition and The British Bulldogs but it was seen as just reward by many when "The Hitman" was pushed into singles action. In one of Bret Hart's first bouts as a full time singles wrestler "The Hitman" had a classic.

He faced Mr. Perfect for the IC title and at the end of the classic encounter Bret Hart walked away with the gold, it was the first of many titles "The Hitman" would win and the first of many classics.

Bret Hart had classic bouts with the likes of Shawn Michaels, Bam Bam Bigelow, Jerry Lawler, Ric Flair, Steve Austin and of course his brother Owen Hart. "The Hitman's" work on the microphone also improved as time went by turning Bret from not just one of the best in ring performers but also one of the best all rounders.

It's a shame that after all Bret Hart gave us in the ring that he will probably be best remembered as being on the receiving end of the Montreal Screwjob.

Bret "The Hitman" Hart sadly had to end his career prematurely do to a concussion and despite consistent rumors of a Hart return the fact is that Bret Hart will never wrestle again ( as much to do with a legal reason as physical wellbeing ). It is a sad way to finish an amazing career but that's just how it happens sometimes.

Bret Hart is a legend, no doubt, but is he really the best there is the best there was and the best there ever will be?

Favorite Bret Hart Moment
King Of The Ring 93 - because it summed up Bret Harts talents as he put on the three best matches on the card including a good bout with Razor Ramon, another classic with Mr. Perfect and a fantastic final with Bam Bam Bigelow.

Championships Held
* Stampede Wrestling
o NWA International Tag Team Championship (Calgary version) (5 times) - with Keith Hart (4) and Leo Burke (1)
o Stampede British Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight Championship (3 times)
o Stampede North American Heavyweight Championship (6 times)
* World Championship Wrestling
o WCW World Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
o WCW United States Heavyweight Championship (4 times)
o WCW World Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Bill Goldberg
* World Wrestling Council
o WWC Caribbean Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Smith Hart
* World Wrestling Entertainment/World Wrestling Federation
o WWF Heavyweight Championship (5 times)
o WWF Intercontinental Championship (2 times)
o World Tag Team Championship (2 times) - with Jim Neidhart
o WWF King of the Ring Winner (1991) (1993)
o Royal Rumble Winner (1994) – with Lex Luger
o WWE Hall of Fame Inductee (Class of 2006)
o WWF Triple Crown Championship (Second)

bret hart, wwe

Wrestlings Greatest Of All Time Day 4

2007-10-22T07:25:00.000Z

Day 4 of our quest to find wrestlings greatest sees the first inclusion of a superstar that is still active today ( before you start yes I know Ric Flair may yet return to action ) that man is ....The Undertaker.

The most successful wrestling character ever created who thought that when we first saw The Undertaker in the WWE he would still be around some 17 years later. The fact that The Undertaker has succeeded for so long shows that unlike most characters there was actually some talent behind the guise of The Undertaker.

The Undertaker has set a landmark that will most likely never be equaled with his unbeaten streak at WWE's yearly showcase that is Wrestlemania. Over the years he's beaten the likes of Ric Flair, Kevin Nash, Randy Orton, Batista, Triple H and of course his storyline brother Kane on the biggest stage of all.

A great character, longevity and good microphone work have helped the Undertaker book a place amongst the elite but one thing the Undertaker doesn't get the credit he deserves for are his actual in ring performances, for such a big guy very few can match the undertakers record of great bouts.

Of his Wrestlemania bouts the matches with Flair, Triple H and Orton where all fantastic and his bouts with Batista and Nash both exceeded expectations. Wrestlemania aside The Undertaker has also had great bouts with Kurt Angle, Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin, The Rock and perhaps most famously of all Mankind.

Those who don't believe the Undertaker his a great in ring performer often forget it is the quality of his opponents which has been the problem. How many guys have had good matches with the likes of The Giant Gonzales and Mark Henry. If the Undertaker isn't a good in ring performer then how come he got the best match of The Great Khali's other wise pathetic career in their last man standing bout.

The fact is that The Undertaker has proven over the years that he is a legend, but is he wrestlings greatest? Thats for you to decide.

Favorite Undertaker Moment
v Mankind - Not the best "match" of the Undertakers career but it is the one bout which will always be remembered throughout the history of wrestling.

Championships Held

United States Wrestling Association
- USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

World Class Wrestling Association
- WCWA Texas Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

World Wrestling Federation | World Wrestling Entertainment
- WCW World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Kane¹
- WWF/E Championship (4 times)²
- WWF Hardcore Championship (1 time)
- WWF World Tag Team Championship (6 times) – with Stone Cold Steve Austin (1), Big Show (2), The Rock (1) and Kane (2)
- World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- Royal Rumble (2007)³
- Undefeated at WrestleMania (15-0)

undertaker,wwe,wrestling

Wrestlings Greatest Of All Time Day 3

2007-10-21T08:12:00.000Z

Today sees the inclusion of the biggest star of them all.. Hulk Hogan.

As an in ring performer there is little doubt that the 12 time world heavyweight champion would not have been included. Although capable of decent performances, as shown in classic bouts with The Ultimate Warrior and The Rock, the fact is that the majority of Hulk Hogans matches where dull and followed the same predictable formula night after night. Hogan, because of his star power, would often fail to perform to a high standard without recriminations from his bosses.

However there is no question that, along with Vince McMahon, Hulk Hogan changed wrestling forever. Hogan and the right look and amazing charisma and without him wrestling may never have come as far as it has and we may never have seen charismatic wrestlers such as The Rock if it wasn't for Hulk Hogan.

Although as I stated Hulk Hogan wasn't the greatest in ring performer everyone still seems to have a favorite Hulkster moment, from his slamming of Andre The Giant to his battle of the legends between himself and The Rock all wrestling fans have an Hogan moment they remember.

Of course apart from his matches Hulk Hogan will also be remembered for his comebacks in his bouts and the famous finger shake. As lame as this seems in today's wrestling business at the time it was what every Hogan fan eagerly anticipated in his bouts knowing at would lead to there heroes victory.

In terms of being the greatest all rounder then Hogan, for me at least, isn't anywhere near the complete package and his a sad testament as to how actual wrestling ability has little to do with how successful you will become. However there is little question that without him the wrestling business may not be the source of entertainment we all love today.

Hulk Hogan now claims to be on the verge of opening his own wrestling promotion to compete with Vince and the WWE however Hogan has made these claims before and the timing of the announcement ( just before a new series of Hogan Knows Best ) leaves me dubious that it will ever happen. Whether it does or not Hulk Hogan has secured is place in wrestling history.

Favorite Hulk Hogan Moment
v. The Rock at Wrestlemania X8.

Championships Held

American Wrestling Association

AWA World Heavyweight Championship (2 times) Unofficial.

New Japan Pro Wrestling

International Wrestling Grand Prix tournament winner in 1983 (First)

Southeastern Championship Wrestling

NWA Southeast Heavyweight Championship (Northern Division) (1 time)
NWA Southeast Heavyweight Championship (Southern Division) (1 time)

World Championship Wrestling

WCW World Heavyweight Championship (6 times)

World Wrestling Federation | World Wrestling Entertainment

WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2005)
WWF/E Heavyweight Championship (6 times)
World Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Edge
WWE Royal Rumble Winner (1990)
WWE Royal Rumble Winner (1991)

WWE,wrestling,hulk hogan

Wrestlings Greatest Of All Time Day 2

2007-10-20T11:18:00.000Z

After naming Chris Benoit on day 1 I felt for day 2 I would choose someone who no one could even argue isn't worthy as a contender to be named Wrestlings Greatest... "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair.

The 16 time world champion has certainly left a legacy on professional wrestling that may never be matched again. Ric Flairs career has been one long highlight reel.

From his first world title win in 1981 all the way through to his "I Quit" bout in 2006 with Mick Foley, Ric Flair has given his all to entertain. Whether it be the original Four Horsemen's run in the NWA in 1985, the legendary feud with Rick Steamboat (which included what many today still claim to be the greatest match in wrestling history) , his amazing Royal Rumble victory in 1992, his feud with Savage, Flair's against odds title win from Vader, or his last man standing bout with Triple H every single wrestling fan has there favorite Ric Flair moment.

Ric Flair is one of very few men to have the complete package, great ring skills, fantastic on the microphone, amazing levels of success and longevity. No one in there right minds can question Ric Flairs position as a complete and utter legend.

Has Ric Flair carried on a little too long? probably, but after all he's given to wrestling fans can we really complain? and despite his age he can still put on a better match than half the WWE roster when given a chance.

Hopefully Ric Flair can sort out his current problems with WWE as it would be an unfitting end to such a legendary career. Ric Flair deserves to go out with the biggest of bangs and lets just hope that can still happen.

All Time Favorite Ric Flair Moment

His battle with Randy Savage at Wrestlemania 8, did Flair have better matches? probably, but for some reason on a personal level I just love this bout above any other in Ric Flairs career and it is one of my all time favorites.

Championships Held

All Japan Pro Wrestling

NWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

Central States Wrestling

NWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling

NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship (4 times)
NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Championship (3 times) - with Rip Hawk (1), Greg Valentine (1) and Big John Studd (1)
NWA Mid-Atlantic Television Championship (1 time)
NWA Television Championship (1 time)
NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (Mid-Atlantic version) (4 times)¹
NWA World Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
NWA World Tag Team Championship (Mid-Atlantic version) (3 times) - with Greg Valentine (2) and Blackjack Mulligan (1)

National Wrestling Alliance

NWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)²

Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame
- (Class of 2000)

St. Louis Wrestling Club

NWA Missouri Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
NWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

World Championship Wrestling

NWA World Heavyweight Championship (4 times)³
WCW International World Heavyweight Championship (2 times)⁴ (Last Champion)
WCW United States Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
WCW World Heavyweight Championship (8 times) (First)

World Wrestling Federation | World Wrestling Entertainment

WWE Intercontinental Championship (1 time)
WWF Championship (2 times)
World Tag Team Championship (3 times) - with Batista (2), and Roddy Piper (1)
Royal Rumble (1992)

ric flair,wwe,wrestling

Wrestlings Greatest Of All Time Day 1

2007-10-19T15:01:00.000Z

Chris Benoit.

Depending on where you stand you will either feel Chris Benoit rightfully deserves to be included in any list of wrestlings greatest or should be forgotten about entirely because of his final actions.

The fact is I thought I was one of the latter but no matter how many times I wrote my list down it just didn't seem right without Chris Benoit's name on it.

Despite where you stand on the position of Benoit's legacy very few will actually deny the high quality of his matches would have made him a guaranteed legend if not for the tragedy he was responsible for.

Where ever Benoit's career took him a quick shift through his catalogue of matches within that promotion will no doubt reveal an avalanche of classics. Whether it be Japan, WCW, ECW, or WWE Benoit was more often than any other performer in one of the best bouts of the night.

The one thing that maybe prevented Chris Benoit from even further greatness and certainly more success in terms of title reigns was his poor ability on the microphone, especially in WWE.

With WWE ever more dependent on storylines Chris Benoit's title reign was always likely to be a one off but no one can deny he deserved the opportunity he was given, even though the majority of fans knew Benoit was destined to end up dropping back down the pecking order.

On in ring ability alone there is little doubt that Chris Benoit would be right in contention as wrestlings greatest but as an overall package Benoit does fall some way behind many others who are in contention.

Favorite Must See Match
v Kurt Angle ( Steel Cage Raw 2001 )

Championships Held

Catch Wrestling Association
- CWA World Tag Team Championship (1 time) — with Dave Taylor
Extreme Championship Wrestling
- ECW World Tag Team Championship (1 time) — with Dean Malenko
New Japan Pro Wrestling
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- Super J Cup Winner (1994)
- 1993 Top of the Super Juniors
- 1995 Best of the Super Juniors
Stampede Wrestling
- Stampede British Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight Championship (4 times)
- Stampede International Tag Team Championship (4 times) — with Ben Bassarab (1), Keith Hart (1), Lance Idol (1), and Biff Wellington (1)
Universal Wrestling Association
- WWF Light Heavyweight Championship (1 time)¹
World Championship Wrestling
- WCW United States Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
- WCW World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- WCW World Tag Team Championship (2 times) — with Dean Malenko (1) and Perry Saturn (1)
- WCW World Television Championship (3 times)
World Wrestling Federation | World Wrestling Entertainment
- WWE Tag Team Championship (1 time) — with Kurt Angle (First)
- WWE United States Championship (3 times)
- WWF/E Intercontinental Championship (4 times)
- WWF/E World Tag Team Championship (3 times) — with Chris Jericho (1) and Edge (2)
- World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

The Greatest Wrestler Of All Time

2007-10-18T10:26:00.000Z

Having not been able to update the blog for a while due to personal reasons I have to admit it's great to be back.

To mark the return to action of the blog I was trying to think of what I could do that would interest readers and possible stir a little debate so after much deliberation I decided to go with the all time favorite - Who is the greatest wrestler of all time?

From tomorrow, it would've been today but I'm still making my selections, I will post a superstar each day that could be considered the greatest and then I will open a poll so that you the readers can have your say and crown the unofficial Wrestlings Greatest .

Right I'm off to finish selecting my names but be sure to check in tomorrow for the first superstar to be considered the greatest wrestler of all time.

John Cena Out For Upto 1 Year! What Next For WWE

2007-10-03T09:30:00.000Z

I'm not going to pretend I'm upset but John Cena's long ( and dull!!!) WWE title reign has come to an end thanks to Cena picking up an injury whilst battling Mr. Kennedy on this weeks Raw. The injury itself was a fully torn right pectoral muscle which is a very similar injury to the one that has kept Edge out of action for so long but Cena's is believed to be more severe.

It is never nice to read of injuries to wrestlers. Whether you like them or not the fact is they are putting themselves at risk for our entertainment, so although never a Cena fan and a strong believer that this title reign lasted at least 6 months too long I hope John Cena a speedy recovery.

That said I do believe WWE can now turn this into a positive. Fans have been dying for a WWE title change for months and now they will get there wish. Some believe that Orton would have won the title at No Mercy anyway ( I'm not one of them ) and if this is the case then Randy Orton must be the strong favorite to win the title but the fact is WWE could do much more.

WWE could opt to give someone new a shot at main eventing. Now WWE doesn't have quite the depth of talent that it has in the past but fans would love guys like Ken Kennedy or Jeff Hardy to be given a chance to run with the gold.

They could also opt for someone like Triple H whose popularity is as high as ever however personally I'd rather see Triple H chase the title for a while before winning it out right.

For me though this is the perfect opportunity to bring one of the companies many returning stars back with a bang. Edge is due back at Survivor Series but if he could be fit to wrestle at No Mercy it would be a fitting return for a guy who himself lost the title due to injury and this could then also build up a feud with Triple H, which on paper could be a classic.

Another guy due back soon is The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels. Shawn Michaels has apparently stated in the past that he no longer craves the responsibility that comes with the WWE title but he must be tempted by one last championship run.

The Undertaker is another who had his last title reign ruined by injury and there would be no more popular choice in the eyes of WWE fans, however the Undertaker is already scheduled to face of for the SmackDown version of the World Title at No Mercy so the chances are slim.

Finally there have been so many rumors of a certain superstar returning to WWE that there would be no bigger way of arriving than to win the WWE title upon there return, the man I'm talking about is Chris Jericho.

Whomever WWE choose lets just hope it is a better choice than there previous decision when a major title was vacant and they opted for the pathetic waste of space The Great Khali.

fully torn right pectoral muscle

Chris Jericho v The Rock

2007-09-30T10:30:00.000Z

This is one of my favorite Chris Jericho bouts. It's from No Mercy 2001 for the WCW Championship

Cyber Sunday Promo Or Jericho Return Build Up?

2007-09-27T09:46:00.000Z

In case you blinked and missed the video from Raw that is currently causing mass debate amongst wrestling fans here it is

Opinion seems torn between it being Jericho's return and a promo for Cyber Sunday. Although I'm not 100% certain it points to Chris Jericho returning I do believe it is something to do with a wrestler as it seems way too soon for WWE to be promoting a second rate PPV like Cyber Sunday.

WWE have barely promoted No Mercy yet so my thinking is why would they promote a PPV that's several weeks a way ahead of one just around the corner?

For those hoping it is Chris Jericho ( including me ) the biggest suggestion is the hint to the WWE cd volume 4 track 1 as Walls of Jericho was track 1 on that volume.

If it's Jericho expect the promos to continue and reveal more and more each week. Although he could return for Cyber Sunday if I'm honest I'd rather they save it for the bigger event that will be Survivor Series.

For those wanting to make there own concussions here is the same video but in slow motion. Good Luck!!!

Chris Jericho Wins The IC Title

2007-09-27T09:26:00.002Z

As part of Chris Jericho month here is the first time Jericho won gold in WWE when he defeated Chyna for the intercontinental title at Armageddon 1999.

Chris Jericho Month On Wrestlings Greatest

2007-09-25T14:05:00.000Z

As my blog was kind of all over the place I've decided to have a theme for each month as well as the usual posts. It may consist of a certain wrestler, promotion, year or match type but it will feature for a full month.

This month it is seeming more and more likely that we may see the return of Y2J Chris Jericho so to get people in the mood for the return of the "king of the world" it's time for Chris Jericho month.

To start with heres a reminder of how Chris Jericho debuted in the WWE the first time around.

The Rock's Top 10 Funniest Promos

2007-09-20T14:13:00.000Z

With a massive rumor currently circulating that the Rock has indicated he may come back for one last match at Wrestlemania 24 with Shawn Michaels the rumored opponent I started thinking about some of the Rock's funniest promos. Here are 10 of the best in no particular order.

The first promo is a backstage interview where the Rock takes the piss out of Triple H and Brock Lesner. The line about Triple H and his wet diaper still makes me laugh as does his impression of Paul Heyman as a Walrus.

This is from Raw Where the Rock impersonates his opponents in the upcoming Hell In A Cell. Once again it's the Triple H comments which are the best.

The Rock sings to Eddie Guerrero in this great promo featuring two legends.

The Rock and The Hurricane segment which featured the classic "wash your ass" and "the scorpian king had a small ding a ling line.

The Rock returns to Toronto and insults the crowd.
Part 1

Part 2

The Rock and Jericho had some great moments on the microphone and this is one of the best where the two mock each other.

The Rock gets interviewed by Michael Cole and makes him wear a t shirt on his face for the full interview "keep your head still jabroni"

"The only thing the Rock hasn't done is make a white baby"

The Rock calls out Goldberg - "Just bring it, bitch"

The Rock tells a story featuring Kurt Angle andd William Regal

I hope you liked reliving some of these great promos, of course I'm sure you'll have some of your own.

Why Does WWE Currently Suck? Wrestlers Or Bookers

2007-09-17T19:26:00.000Z

After watching WWE's latest atrocious PPV offering in Judgement Day 2007 I'm beginning to seriously consider not purchasing another PPV until things are sorted but the bigger question should be who is to blame for the WWE currently sucking big time?

They may have had bad luck with injuries but that has always been a problem in WWE yet they've always coped. Now we have Raw which has seen the dullest world title reign I can remember and yet it is still going strong. SmackDown has seen Batista in every Smackdown PPV main event since last August despite the fact that he can't talk and he's crap in the ring. ECW meanwhile has never stood a chance because WWE have treated the project with little apparent interest.

Is WWE really so devoid of talent that it has given John Cena a year long title reign and Batista endless title shots ( and now a title reign ,sigh!!) or is the booking team at fault for delivering the same tired PPV's month after month and failing to spot the guys with real talent as opposed to the biggest biceps.

WWE have had some interesting concepts over recent months, including the bastard son story that is currently running, but the creative team haven't come up with satisfactory endings or have rushed stories with good potential to an abrupt end. The fact is that any of the WWE best feuds over the years where feuds which where built up over months and not having it's entire storyline contained inside three weeks to get on the next PPV.

How long did WWE tease fans about Batista turning on Triple H? Months and that's why it was such a huge success for WWE and why the fans where so into the feud. Whether WWE don't feel they have enough talent to keep a feud between the big guys simmering in the background or whether they actually believe throwing two guys in the ring together when the feud is only 3 weeks old is the best way to go I don't know but if they take a look through wrestling history they will see that the long brewing feuds have always been the most successful, both financially and in terms of quality.

Could the WWE keep apart guys in this way though with the talent they currently have? For instance could they slowly build up a battle between say Cena and Triple H whilst finding them enough opponents to get in the way until Wresltemania? In my opinion they could do this easily the two could just keep throwing each others names into promos, have stare downs and even be involved in bouts together ( just not one on one) whilst still facing the likes of Umaga and Orton etc. in the mean time. Instead WWE will probably just focus on the rushing promos and storylines together when the time comes and that is down to the booking.

Yes the WWE doesn't have the strength in depth it once had but the fact is that if a feud is sold well it will inevitably turn out successful. How many extra buy rates would WWE have had for Summerslam if the hatred between Cena and Orton had been building since Wrestlemania and the fans had been trained to want more than any other bout?

John Cena's title reign may still have been dull but in fairness to him because of the booking he never stood much of a chance of having a memorable title reign as not at any point was there a bout fans where desperate to see because the WWE had teased us with it so long. And with Smackdown the fans would've been far more desperate to see Batista win back his title if he'd been after a title shot for months, now it just feels like "so what! you where given enough chances mate".

With no feuds currently teasing us and Survivor Series, one of the big 4, just around the corner it could be a long Autumn/Winter for fans of WWE

What Match Should Headline Wrestlemania 24?

2007-09-15T14:50:00.000Z

Wrestlemania 24 may seem a while away just yet but it will soon come around to the biggest event in the wrestling calender so what should WWE start to tease as the main attraction for the big showcase that is Wrestlemania.

I made a previous post stating what my dream card would be ( you can see it Here! ) but this time I am talking about what actually has a realistic chance of headlining Wrestlemania 24. Here are the bouts I think are the current favorites.

Triple H v John Cena.

A Wrestlemania rematch, the first bout was better than expected and the two will no doubt clash again in the next year but should it be at Wrestlemania 24? For me personally I'd prefer something fresher to headline but it has to be a possibility. If it where to take place I would rather see the roles reversded this time with Cena as the bad guy and Triple H the face.

Triple H v Mr. Kennedy

The Vince McMahon storyline was supposed to result in Kennedy as Vince's bastard son and if this is still the case then this bout would make sense if one of them could become champion before Wrestlemania 24. It is obvious WWE want to make Kennedy a main eventer and before he picked up an injury this year he did state he would not cash in his world title shot ( which he lost to Edge ) until the main event at Wrestlemania 24 so even at that point WWE must have been considering Mr. Kennedy for a big roll at Wrestlemania 24. I'd like to see this match as it would give us a new main eventer and a fresh match up.

Batista v John Cena

WWE would obviously spin this as a dream match although I personally think the match would probably be awful the fact is it would be a huge money spinner for the WWE and that is what Wrestlemania is usually all about.

Edge v The Undertaker.

This would be the match I'd love to see. Edge before his injury had shown himself to be the best all round performer currently in the business ( yes even better than Angle and Triple H ) and The Undertaker has shown that given the right opponent he can still put on a classic contest. Whether WWE would put the main event as a Smackdown match however is another matter.

Of course these are just a handful of potential bouts and there are also guys like Shawn Michaels and Bobby Lashley to return from injury plus the rumored comeback of Y2J that could come into the equation as Wrestlemania 24 main event contenders.

Who Is Vince McMahons Bastard Son?

2007-09-07T16:22:00.001Z

The big storyline currently running in WWE, on screen at least, is the story of Vince having an illegitimate son. This was supposed to be revealed as Mr. Kennedy but due to his suspension because of the steroids issue it would appear WWE have changed there plans.

Last week Mr. Kennedy was told that DNA test showed that he wasn't Vince McMahon's son but that the true identity will be revealed this week on Raw. There are some that now feel WWE will push John Cena as the bastard son of Vince McMahon and this will lead to an heel turn and a feud with Triple H. I on the other hand don't think this will be the case.

My theory is that on Raw none other than Triple H will be revealed as Vince's son. I think that on Raw while Triple H is again teasing Vince the lawyers will come out and reveal Triple H as Vince's bastard son.

The following weeks will feature both men struggling to come to terms with the announcement especially Triple. Then after several weeks Triple H will start to soften towards Vince - Then I think it will be revealed as a trick by Vince and his real son .....................MISTERRRRRRRRRR.. KENNEDYYY............Kennedyyyy.

This would allow Mr Kennedy to serve his suspension without missing out on his big push and would actually make the announcement when it happened more surprising to the wrestling audience - at least thats what I hope happens. Let me know who you think will be Vince's son.

TNA Release Test/Punisher Andrew Martins

2007-09-06T10:29:00.000Z

TNA have released Andrew "Test/Punisher" Martins from TNA according to Rajah.com

Andrew "Test" Martin is already gone from TNA Wrestling. Martin was brought in last month and was immediately pushed into a top match at TNA's last PPV. The reason for his firing is his unreasonably muscular physique. At a time when TNA is being investigated by the United States Congress, Martin stuck out like a sore thumb and management was convinced he could not pass a drug test. Test was told he could come back to the company when he loses considerable weight.

Now I'm not a fan of Martins and in truth I'm glad he's gone. The less of these steroid taking junkies in wrestling the better as far as I'm concerned but I just wonder if TNA have done this to appear as if they are making a statement.

The reason I say this is because if TNA are serious about cleaning up before US congress come after them as well as the WWE then surely it means other stars will follow. Yes Martins is an obvious steroid taker if you can't see it you must be blind but the fact that nothing has been said about the most juiced up guy in the history of professional wrestling makes me think TNA are giving false signals to everyone about how serious they are taking it all.

If TNA are serious about dealing with the steroid issue then why has nothing happened to Scott Steiner. Not only is Steiner one of if not the most juiced up guys in wrestling history but he is also a guy with a terrible attitude so not to release him to me says that the release of Martins is more a publicity stunt to show they are doing something rather than actually having this happen.

At least Martins won't be employed by WWE, one because he bad mouthed the company and two because it appears WWE are starting to get serious about there wellness program. Just this week WWE changed there minds about offering Sid a job in WWE when he said he wouldn't pass a test ( Sid claims this is because he is taking something for his injuries which violates the program and not that he's abusing steroids). In the past this would've still been good enough as WWE's policy allowed steroids to be used for injuries but it now appears they are becoming stricter on this issue too.

So I'll end this post simply by saying - Andrew Martins goodbye...............and good riddance!!!

Ric Flair Quits WWE

2007-09-05T16:08:00.000Z

Ric Flair today has quit the WWE according to reports. Of course this has nothing to do with the latest steroid scandal but instead the felling of Ric Flair that he is been misused by the WWE. The two could yet come to a compromise that would see a return but if Ric Flair does walk it will be interesting to see if he joins TNA or retires as he was scheduled to retire in a big send off at Wrestlemania 24.

Although it is a bad time for WWE to lose another superstar with all the current suspensions and injuries I can't say I'm upset at the loss of Ric Flair. Unquestionably one of the all time greats all that Flair has accomplished in recent years in a tarnishing of his own legacy.

Ric Flair should have retired years ago but sadly because of his high living lifestyle and several divorces Flair had to continue competing in the squared circle well beyond his years.

If Ric Flair does retire our memories of him should be his classics with Steamboat, Savage, Vader and others and not his jobbing days to far inferior wrestlers like Khali.

I just hope he does retire or return to WWE to retire at Wrestlemania rather than dragging out his career to a sad end in TNA.

SmackDown v Raw 08 Roster

2007-09-04T14:45:00.000Z

For those that love the WWE SmackDown V Raw video games the roster for the next game in the series has now been released. Here it is in full.

RAW:
Bobby Lashley, Booker T, Carlito, Jeff Hardy, John Cena, JTG, Ken Kennedy, Randy Orton, Shad, Shawn Michaels, Snitzky, Triple H, Umaga, William Regal

Smackdown:
Batista, Chavo Guerrero, Chris Masters, Edge, Finlay, Gregory Helms, Kane, Kenny Dykstra, Mark Henry, Matt Hardy, MVP, Rey Mysterio, Ric Flair, The Great Khali, Undertaker

ECW:
CM Punk, Elijah Burke, Johnny Nitro, Marcus Cor Von, Sabu, Sandman, Tommy Dreamer

Divas:
Ashley, Candice Michelle, Kelly Kelly, Melina, Michelle McCool, Mickie James, Torrie Wilson

Legends:
Bret Hart, Mick Foley, Rick Rude, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Terry Funk, The Rock

A few emissions as always including the brilliant London & Kendrick but it's not really THQ's fault that WWE's actual roster is at its weakest in years although the legends list does seem on the small side. Here's a demo of the game in action.

ECW (4/9) And SmackDown (8/9) Results SPOILERS

2007-09-03T18:51:00.001Z

ECW TAPING

Boogeyman defeated Matt Striker on a DQ when Big Daddy V got invloved and destroyed him. Striker held Boogeyman on a table and BDV came off the top with a splash driving him through the table.

The Miz defeated Balls Mahoney. Match wasn't to bad. Kelly checked on Balls after the match until Miz grabbed her arm and made her go to the back with him.

- A video on C.M. Punk aired.

Kevin Thorne & Elijah Burke defeated Steven Richards & Tommy Dreamer in what was announced as an Extreme Rules match however no weapons were used. It was pretty decent overall.

C.M. Punk defeated John Morrison to win the ECW Title in about 12 minutes. Punk dominated most of the match. At one point some guys in the floor seats started chanting "steroids" during the match and Morrison just gave them a dirty look. When Punk won, the crowd went nuts.

SmackDown Taping

MVP hosts the "VIP Lounge" with Matt Hardy as his guest.

Matt Hardy defeated Deuce.

Michelle McCool's music and video played but she never came out.

Kenny Dykstra defeated Chuck Palumbo via forfeit when Palumbo never showed up.

Backstage Jamie Noble was telling Moore that he would beat Hornswoggle tonight and win back his Cruiserweight title. Moore shook his head and agreed but rolled his eyes after Noble walked off. Noble triped and fell and Moore luaghed at him until Noble turned around and gave him a nasty look.

They are taking a long time between segments. The crowd is getting restless at times.

Batista & Kane defeated The Great Khali & Finlay. As he put it, "The match was all kinds of sucktitude."

Kenny Dykstra comes back out and challenges Chuck Palumbo to face him. Chuck shows up this time. He was told by a fan that Chuck's bike wouldn't start the first time.

Chuck Palumbo defeated Kenny Dykstra in a basic squash.

Hornswoggle defeated Jamie Noble via countout. My friend in attendance missed most of the match so he doesn't know how or why he was counted out.

Rey Mysterio defeated Chavo Guerrero in an "I Quit" match. It went close to 20 minutes and was very good. After the match, Khali attacked Rey and gave him the head claw.

WWE Raw Results 9/3 SPOILERS

2007-09-03T18:40:00.000Z

Unlike most weeks this weeks WWE RAW was pre recorded on Sunday night as WWE head out on a tour of South Africa. Heres what went down courtesy of gerweck.net

- Raw begins with a video segment of Randy Orton attacking John Cena's father Johnny Fabulous. The crowd is perfect, cheer when they should and boo when they should.

- Jeff Hardy defeated Umaga to capture the IC title.

- They are showing Triple H and Carlito as upcoming tonight, not sure if its a match or the Cabana. They are also advertising "the McMahon family confrontation."

- Segment with Vince and Carlito. Vince suggests a handicap match because Umaga is mad about his loss. So it'll be Umaga and Carlito vs. Triple H.

- Another segment with Melina talking to William Regal about things she has done with Vince in private meetings. She whispers in Regal's ear and Regal claims its "filthy." Stephanie McMahon shows up, and then Linda shows up. Linda slaps Melina in the face. Melina rubs her face, turns around and sees Ron Simmons who says "damn."

- Santino Marella comes out to vent his frustrations about Simmons and the "dump of a City Columbus," and Sandman interrupts. Sandman chases him out of the ring.

- Beth Phoenix defeated Maria in about a minute. Beth says she is cashing in her opportunity against Candice Michelle at Unforgiven, and Candice comes running to save Maria.

- William Regal comes out to announce he gave Randy Orton the night off because of his actions last week. They are showing Randy via "satellite." Regal announces Orton vs. Cena at Unforgiven for the WWE championship. Cena comes out and kisses his dog tags and attacks Regal. They send out three referees out to try to get Cena off .. Cena walks up the ramp and leaves Regal in a heap on the floor.

- Brian Kendrick and Paul London defeated the World's Greatest Tag Team - Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin. Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch were at the announce table to "praise" London and Kendrick, and then they leave.

- They show Regal in an ambulance getting treated and Shane McMahon walks by towards the arena.

- They aired a video about CM Punk and his desire to be champion. In the segment he says something like "I don't smoke, I don't do drugs, my high is wrestling."

- Vince and Coach have financial advisors and they are talking about Vince's money and how the family can't touch him. He then asks Coach how Regal is doing. Coach says "pretty beat up" and Vince replies with "well Coach, I guess its time for you to step up again."

- Cody Rhodes and Mickie James defeated Jillian Hall and Daiviri.

- Melina did the kiss cam.

- During the Triple H vs. Carlito and Umaga match, the ref rang the bell about 1 minute into the match because they were double teaming Triple H in the corner, I'm guessing for a DQ. Carlito brings a steel chair in, Triple H grabs it and starts to beat Umaga. He decided it wasn't doing the job so he climbed out of the ring to grab the sledgehammer busting Umaga wide open and continues his attack. Carlito retreats leaving Umaga in a pool of his own blood with Triple H standing over Umaga holding the sledgehammer. Huge pop for Triple H.

- Off air, they carry Umaga out on a stretcher and change the pad on the mat from all of the blood.

- Vince comes out and says everything is about the money and out walks Linda. She tells Vince she's the CEO of WWE and has plenty of money, she doesn't need his. But just so he knows based on his cheating and his parade of women. Vince tries to defend himself saying he's loney on the road and Stephanie comes out. She COULD take him to court for everything he's got. Vince tells Stephanie they have had good times together as she grew up and he put a video together of "Daddy's girl." Which is a montage of clips from past times like Vince choking Steph, kicking her, etc. He screams its the wrong video and turns it off. Coach says someone sabotated the video and then cut to Triple H in the back drinking water. Hunter says "Vince, I had nothing to do with that! Hi Steph." Steph says she does love Vince and he obviously doesn't get it and asks him to step down as chairman of the board. Shane's music hits. Vince asks Shane if he agrees and Shane asks which Vince McMahon he's talk to. The fearless leader who he's proud to call his father or the grapefruit swining meniacal concieted (etc.) embarrassement. Vince tells Shane to stop calling his wife names. Boring chants then turn into "asshole" chants. Fans seem really bored .. its hard to hear the mics aren't very loud. Vince says he confesses that he has only cheated on Linda once in his whole life and that was with the woman who gave birth to his bastard child. Vince is on his knees vowing to be a better father and human. Vince is on his knees when Mr. Kennedy comes out. Kennedy apologizes for interrupting saying everything happens for a reason. There was a reason he came face to face with him the night he found he had a son. That his last name is the same as his middle name .. that he demands the bastard child be revealed next week in Green Bay, Wisconsin. And Kennedy says "ya see dad .. i'm your son." Stephanie butts in and says "you might be a bastard, but you aren't my dad's bastard." And tells him to prove it. Kennedy tells Vince he inspired him to become the greatest WWE superstar. Vince stands there with a grin as Mr. Kennedy's says "Mrrr.. Kennedy .. Mr. McMahon." A guy interrupts and says he represents the woman who gave birth to his son, its a male on the roster but the DNA test shows its not Mr. Kennedy. But it won't be revealed until next week. The guy messes up his lines dropes his paper and says the only clue he can give out is "things are looking up." They stumble through that portion because the lawyer totally messed up.

Vince sends everyone away except Kennedy and tells him to stop pretending and Vince says we are gonna have a match .. bring out a referee. Kennedy vs. Cena, a man full of rage for all the right reasons, and calls Cena a lunatic. Cena gets in the ring, runs his mouth and beats Kennedy down. The ref rings the bell and the match is on. Cena continues attacking and ripped Kennedy's shirt off and shreds it. Cena wins the FU.

- Raw goes off the air. Cena takes time in the ring and leaves shaking hands with fans.

Raw Tapings Reveal Suspended Stars And Tag Team Released.

2007-09-03T04:15:00.000Z

It's been another busy day for WWE as they have released the Raw tag team Cryme Tyme. Reports say this has nothing to do with the latest WWE steroid story but instead is related to a backstage incident with Cade and Murdoch.

Since they where just starting to get a push in the tag team division then all I can say is they must have done something really bad to piss off WWE management. There are a few idiots out there claiming the firings where race related but comments like these just make me sick. It doesn't matter what race you are in WWE and unless your a major star they get rid for bad behaviour. WWE have sacked bigger stars for less just ask Matt Hardy.

In case you didn't here WWE also released Nick Dinsmore (Eugene) on 1st September. Reports differ some claim his contract was meerly up and WWE felt his character had run its course others that it was drugs related (Dinsmore overdosed in 2005).

This weeks Raw isn't live because WWE are heading out on world tour but the results did reveal a few pointers as to who was suspended over the steroids scandal but we won't know everyone until they've put on more shows. PLEASE NOTE THESE ARE SPOILERS FOR TONIGHTS RAW.

Jeff Hardy won the IC title from Umaga. Umaga was then used in a handicap match teaming with Carlito against Triple H. The bout ended with Umaga been stretchered away after Triple H beat down Umaga with the sledgehammer. All this points to Umaga been written out because he is suspended.

William Regal was also stretchered out after been battered by John Cena so it would appear Regal is also out.

Mr. Kennedy claims to be Vince McMahon's son but DNA test show he is lying and he then loses to Cena, so Kennedy could also be gone for 30 days.

From the Smackdown taping it looks like Chris Masters is out but that isn't 100% however he wasn't on the show. Chavo Guerrero lost an "I Quit" match to Mysterio and I would guess that's Chavo done for the month as well.

The final guy confirmed for now is John Morrison as he lost the ECW world title to CM Punk on the ECW taping.

The Rock Speaks About The WWE Steroid Issue

2007-09-01T09:20:00.001Z

As you will now probably be aware WWE has now suspended 11 superstars and reportedly fired Simon Dean over steroid use. Well one of it's biggest performers from its history has spoken about the situation in an interview with Fox Sports.com so I thought I'd post a few of his comments.

On Steroids In WWE

In light of World Wrestling Entertainment's latest steroid scandal, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson said he hopes the company continues to lay the smackdown on performers who are using muscle-building drugs.

Johnson, though, wasn't happy to hear that the sports entertainment industry where he thrived before shifting his acting skills full-time to Hollywood is continuing to struggle with the steroid issue.

"Clearly, there has to be an aggressive educational program put in place," Johnson said. "These guys have to be armed with the knowledge and understanding of how bad these drugs are and the dangers of mixing these drugs with the lifestyles they lead."

On Chris Benoit

"I was blown away," Johnson said. "I had a chance to work with Chris on many occasions. He was a great guy and I knew his wife very well. The guy I knew wasn't the guy who committed these heinous crimes.

"I've stopped trying to figure it out because Chris had wiring that allowed him to do that where anybody who was sane couldn't fathom doing that."

On His Own History With Steriods

Johnson, who is officially retired from wrestling, said he didn't take steroids during his nine years (1996 to 2004) with the WWE. Johnson, who wrestled with the WWE before the promotion enacted a steroid testing policy, did admit to briefly using them with unsatisfactory results entering his freshman year as a University of Miami football player in the early 1990s.

"I always joke about it because nothing happened," said Johnson, who played collegiately as a 6-foot-4, 270-pound defensive lineman. "I had no idea what I was doing. I was probably taking Advil or something like it because it seemed like there were no changes. I didn't understand what it was all about and that UM had drug testing all the time.

"When I got in the wrestling business, I never cared about being the biggest guy. I just wanted to be the most entertaining."

"I always tell guys I know they want to get into pro wrestling to make a box with their hand and put it around their face," said Johnson, who is carrying far less bulk now than during his wrestling days. "I tell them, 'This is where you're going to make your money in wrestling. You should take care of yourself and your body but you're not going to make money with only your biceps.'"

Whether the Rock ever touched steroids is not for me to say only he knows the truth but if his feelings are true he will be bitterly disappointed in his cousin Umaga been one of those currently suspected. The Rock is certainly right though that there has to be a more aggressive testing program in place for it to work, it's just a shame that it has taken the involvement of US congress to make this happen.

10 WWE Superstars Suspended On Drugs Policy - 2 More To Follow

2007-08-31T05:06:00.001Z

Another day and more bad news from the WWE. They have suspended 10 wrestlers with another two expected tomorrow. WWE have decided not to release the names of the guys involved but I have found several reports naming athletes. Here are two from two of the most respected sites around.

Firstly this is from sports illustrated-

As the WWE is embattled by charges that its wrestlers die early and unexpectedly with alarming frequency, it must now counter evidence that the culture is awash in illicit drug use. That cause wasn't helped on Thursday, when, based on information provided to the WWE by the Albany District Attorney's office, the organization suspended 10 wrestlers for violating the company's drug policy.

While the WWE declined to release the names of the suspended athletes, SI has learned that a dozen professional wrestlers have received steroids and/or human growth hormone through the drug network. The WWE would not confirm which, if any, of the following wrestlers are among those suspended:

• Benoit, who died June 24, 2007, received nandrolone and anastrozole in February 2006. (Anastrozole is used by athletes to counter side effects of steroid use, such as water retention and breast enlargement.)

• Two weeks prior to Eddie Guerrero's death on Nov. 13, 2005, he was sent nandrolone, testosterone, and anastrozole. Guerrero died in a Minneapolis hotel room due to what a coroner later ruled as heart disease, complicated by an enlarged heart resulting from a history of anabolic steroid use.

• Chavo Guerrero, who found his uncle Eddie dead in the Minneapolis hotel room, received, among other drugs, somatropin (HGH), nandrolone and anastrozole between April 2005 and May 2006.

• Between November 2003 and February 2007, Shane Helms, a/k/a The Hurricane, received, among other drugs, testosterone, genotropin (HGH) and nandrolone. (As previously reported by SI, he allegedly received HGH from an Arizona doctor in 2005.)

• Starting in September 2004 through February 2007, Randy Orton received somatropin, nandrolone, stanozolol.

• John Hennigan, a/k/a Johnny Nitro, a.k.a. Johnny Morrison, is the current WWE Extreme Championship Wrestling's heavyweight champion. Between June 2006 and February 2007 he was prescribed somatropin, anastrozole, testosterone, stanozolol and chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone produced naturally during pregnancy. (HCG is taken by anabolic steroid users to stimulate the production of testosterone, which is suppressed as a result of steroid use.)

• Ken Anderson, a/k/a Mr. Kennedy, lost to Eddie Guerrero in Guerrero's final match on Nov. 11, 2005. Kennedy received shipments of anastrozole, somatropin and testosterone between October 2006 and February 2007.

• Shoichi Funaki received somatropin in March 2006.

• Brian Adams, a/k/a Crush, who retired from the pro circuit in 2001, was found dead of unknown causes on Aug. 13. He received nandrolone, testosterone and Somatropin or HGH in December 2006.

• Charles Haas was prescribed anastrozole, somatropin, stanozolol, nandrolone and chorionic gonadotropin between August 2006 and January 2007.

• Edward Fatu received somatropin between July and December 2006.

• Between November 2004 and November 2006, Darren Matthews received stanozolol, somatropin, genotropin, and anastrozole.

• Adam Copeland, a/k/a Edge, received somatropin, genotropin (both HGH), and stanozolol between September 2004 and February 2007.

• Sylvain Grenier received somatropin, nandrolone, genotropin and stanozolol, starting in February 2005 through July 2006.

Through WWE spokesman Gary Davis, the applicable WWE wrestlers listed above declined comment.

In the wake of Eddie Guerrero's steroid-related death, the WWE instituted a "Talent Wellness Program" in February 2006. The policy "prohibits the use of performance-enhancing drugs, as well as other prescription drugs which can be abused, if taken for other than a legitimate medical purpose pursuant to a valid prescription from a licensed and treating physician. For purposes of WWE's policy, prescriptions obtained over the Internet and/or from suppliers of prescription drugs from the Internet are not considered to have been given for a legitimate medical purpose."

Under the Talent Wellness Program, an initial positive test triggers to a 30-day suspension and a second positive leads to a 60-day suspension. A third positive yields a termination.

And here is the second from ESPN-
WWE did not release the names of those suspended. A source close to the investigation said that WWE was told that the following wrestlers were among the clients of one of the pharmacies under investigation, Signature of Orlando: Shoichi Funaki, Dave Bautista, Adam "Edge" Copeland, Chris "Masters" Mordetsky, John "Johnny Nitro" Hennigan, and Shane Helms. Chris Benoit, the wrestler who killed his wife and son before hanging himself in June, was also a Signature client, as were two other wrestlers who recently died, Eddie Guerrero and Brian "Crush" Adams.

Which of these names are suspended won't be known either until a source reveals full details or until next weeks shows when you'll know which wrestlers are missing.

Of those on the list WWE's policy does state that steroids could be used for a legitimate reason and as Edge was using them to help with his legitimate neck injury then I think he is the most likely on these list not to be suspended. Chavo Guerrero should be ashamed of himself if it's true about him. You'd think finding the dead body of his uncle Eddie would've made him quit.

Lets hope WWE now learn from this and start to treat its athletes like real people. If WWE allowed its performers to take time off when they picked up little injuries rather than making them work through the pain or face losing there current position there wouldn't be half as many stars in need of painkillers and steroids. They should also give there stars holidays each year the same as you'd get in almost any other profession.

The only way things will change is if the WWE help and offer there support. If WWE stop treating these REAL people like meat and start looking after there performers then maybe, just maybe, WWE can recover.

Who Should Run WWE When Vince McMahon Really Retires?

2007-08-30T10:17:00.000Z

Stephanie and Triple H or Shane McMahon - Who would you choose to run the WWE When Vince McMahon finally calls it a day?

On the one hand you have Stephanie, who at the moment would have to be the favorite. Stephanie recently took over the running of wwe.com something which up until then had been run by Shane McMahon. The may lead some to say it is a clear sign Stephanie is currently held in higher esteem then her brother Shane. But wwe.com and how it's been run also shows the different take the siblings have on the industry.

Shane McMahon made wwe.com as good a place to visit for honest up to date news as any independent wrestling site. He decided that as wrestling fans nowadays understood that wrestling was a worked product, a form of entertainment, that there was little point pretending otherwise.

Stephanie McMahon along with her husband Triple H however felt differently and have run the site in line with the actual product, meaning any storylines currently happening on screen would be perceived as actually happening. The first instance of this was the recent "Death" angle run by WWE, wwe.com kept informing the world it was a genuine incident and that Vince indeed was dead.

The two have differing opinions on other matters within the WWE as well. At this years Summerslam Shane McMahon pushed for a bout featuring members of the Jackass program which Vince McMahon gave the green light, much to the dismay of Stephanie and her husband. The bout only failed to happen when the Jackass team distanced themselves from WWE after the Benoit family tragedy so Vince pulled the match. This did show however that Shane McMahon's opinion isn't worth any less than that of his sister.

Shane McMahon has also pushed for several other ideas one being the possibility of a UFC style MMA promotion leading to a feud with WWE but VinceMcMahon passed on the idea as his belief was that the MMA world was already oversaturated and wouldn't get better any time soon. He also failed to see how a feud between a worked promotion like WWE and a real fighting league would work.

Shane did get permission to test the waters for his idea to open wrestling promotions in different territories such as the U.K, Australia and Asia but as yet not a lot has happened on this front. Although in theory it's a sound idea the fact is that Asia apart other countries would probably fail to produce the income to make it worthwhile. As a Brit I'd love the WWE to have a league over here but I just believe it would, like every other British wrestling promotion, fail to make money and WWE will know this.

The problem with Stephanie appears to be her running of the creative team. In recent times WWE has been at it's worst ever in terms of storyline creativity with the majority of storylines just been a rehash of old ones or ones which have failed to keep the fans interest. It is however a little unfair that Stephanie McMahon takes all the blame for this as every storyline in WWE has to be approved by Vince McMahon first, so if Vince has approved the storyline he's as much to blame as he obviously feels the storylines are good enough.

The real test of Stephanie McMahon's running of the creative team would be if they had to step up there game in the face of competition from TNA but sadly TNA are a long way from making that happen as they have taken a huge backwards step in terms of quality in recent times and the signing of Kurt Angle failed to take the company to another level.

Whoever Vince McMahon opts for as his successor I think the WWE could be in trouble unless both of his siblings up there game. With Shane wanting celebrity gimmicks and MMA style action, both of which aren't what WWE fans want, and Stephanie already showing a lack of creative flair let's just hope that for now Vince McMahon has no plans on retiring soon.

Jimmy Rave Joins TNA

2007-08-29T11:26:00.000Z

Probably the greatest heel on the indy wrestling scene has signed a contract with TNA. This would be a great signing for TNA as Jimmy Rave is a great talent but sadly I have my doubts as to how TNA will actually put Jimmy Rave to use - lets face it if your not ex WWE then your nothing in TNA or at least thats how it seems just lately.

Jimmy Rave will apparently make his TNA debut at No Surrender in a tag team guantlet match. For those of you who have no idea who Jimmy Rave is.....................

WWE Summerslam 2007 Results

2007-08-27T08:04:00.000Z

WWE Summerslam 2007 was yet another disappointing pay per view offering from one of the big two. The returns of Triple H and Rey Mysterio where well received and Stone Cold Steve Austins drinking contest with MVP was a welcome surprise but overall WWE Summerslam 2007 wasn't worth watching.

Kane beat Finlay in a watchable opener but the bout had no reason to be on the card in truth.

Umaga beat Kennedy and Carlito in an average triple threat match when Umaga pinned Kennedy. This was a great chance for a title change but WWE decided to keep the belt on Umaga. The stranger decision was having him pin Mr. Kennedy - not exactly a good sign for the proposed mega push.

Rey Mysterio beat Chavo Guerrero in an entertaining bout. Rey showed little ring rust and put in a solid display, I just hope this is the end of this feud. The reaction to Mysterios return was pretty good.

Beth Pheonix won the Diva Battle Royal in the usual waste of time - Note to WWE:STOP putting Divas in actual wrestling matches because all bar two of them absolutely stink!!!!

CM Punk lost to John Morrison once again in another disappointing effort between the two. The fact the match was given just 7 minutes didn't help. Morrison also screwed up the finish which made Punk look pathetic for not kicking out.

HHH beat King Booker in a disappointing bout. Triple H looked a little ring rusty after 8 months off but still received the pop of the night. The bout itself was also short and was a bit of a squash match. I know WWE wanted Triple H to return with a win but they could've still made the bout competitive. Good to have The Game back though

Kahli lost to Batista by dq in a pathetic battle. Batista hardly has the talent to be a main eventer himself without WWE expecting him to be able to carry the useless Khali. The fact that Batista has been the number one contender since losing the title 5 months ago highlights the problems with the WWE creative team. What makes it worse is that you just know the two will meet again at Unforgiven.

Cena beat Orton to once again retain the title. The best match of the night sadly ruined by Cena once again retaining the gold. All the months of building Orton up now seem a little worthless and even Cena's own fans have started to turn on him.

WWE need to realize the fans have changed since the days of Hogan's superman days and like things to be kept fresh with title changes and different bouts headlining pay per views - They don't like having the same face rammed down for throats for such a long period of time. WWE are slowly losing fans and the sooner they realize it is having Cena as champ (and not Cena himself) the better.

I certainly wouldn't advise anyone to pay for this but even a free viewing I would seriously consider giving it a miss. WWE Summerslam 2007 is sadly one of the worst Summerslams of all time.

The 5 Greatest Matches Of ......The Undertaker

2007-08-26T07:32:00.000Z

With an illustrious career that includes an historic unbeaten Wrestlemania record The Undertaker has been involved in his fair share if classic battles over the years. From legendary feuds with Steve Austin, Kane, Shawn Michaels and of course Mick Foley to the best forgotten Kamala and Giant Gonzales feuds The Undertaker has done it all.

Here in my humble opinion are the Undertakers finest matches.

5. v. Bret Hart Summerslam1997

Bret Hart's last WWE title reign started here when he defeated the Undertaker in this often forgotten classic. The two had several great battles throughout the years and this was probably the best.

4. v Triple H Wrestlemania X-7

Wresltmania X-7 is probably the greatest Wrestlemania of all time so it is only fitting that it is also home to The Undertaker's greatest Wrestlemania match. An engrossing brawl in the first ever one on one PPV encounter between the Game and The Dead Man many expected the Undertaker's streak to come to an end but The Undertaker pulled the victory out of the bag.

3.v Shawn Michaels Badd Blood 1997

The first ever Hell in a Cell match and in the eyes of many still the best. An unforgettable brawl inside the steel plus the first appearance of the Big Red Machine Kane.

2. v Kurt Angle No Way Out 2006

Kurt Angle's last great match in WWE took place here at No Way Out against the Undertaker. Those that have always claimed that The Undertaker only excels in gimmick matches shouls watch this classic Title bout.

1. v Mankind King Of The Ring 1998

It may not be a bonefied wrestling match but this crazy stuntfest will always live in the memories of all that have seen it. There's not too much wrestling involved but it will always be an historic night in wrestling history.

WWE Summerslam 2007 Card

2007-08-25T22:23:00.000Z

Here's the card for Summerslam 2007 . Truth be told in my opinion the card doesn't look up to much at all so I'm just hoping it's one of those pay per views that punches above its weight - because if it doesn't this could be a Summerslam you forget in a hurry.

* WWE Championship:
John Cena (c) vs. Randy Orton

* World Heavyweight Championship:
The Great Khali (w/Ranjin Singh) (c) vs. Batista

* Rey Mysterio vs. Chavo Guerrero

* ECW Championship:
John Morrison (c) vs. CM Punk

* Triple H vs. King Booker (w/Queen Sharmell)

* Interpromotional Diva Battle Royal:
Michelle McCool vs. Kristal Marshall vs. Victoria vs. Torrie Wilson vs. Cherry vs. Kelly Kelly vs. Brooke vs. Layla vs. Beth Phoenix vs. Mickie James vs. Melina vs. Jillian Hall vs. Maria

* Triple Threat match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship:
Umaga (c) vs. Carlito vs. Mr. Kennedy

* Kane vs. Finlay

Must See Match # 4- Shawn Michaels v Shelton Benjamin

2007-08-25T11:23:00.000Z

This match took place on Monday Night Raw during a "Gold Rush" tournament to decide the number one contender for the world title and is very much a hidden classic. It is one the greatest matches in the history of Monday Night Raw packed with fast paced action and near falls it sadly shows just how much WWE have misused the talents of Shelton Benjamin.

Rather than go into detail here is the Shawn Michaels v Shelton Benjamin match itself.

The New Hart Foundation In Action

2007-08-25T07:03:00.000Z

Heres footage from a recent OVW card featuring the Next Generation Hart Foundation, also known as the New Hart Foundation,Teddy Hart & Harry Smith with Natalie Neidhart.

Summerslams 20 Greatest Matches.

2007-08-24T08:15:00.000Z

Summerslam 2007 is just around the corner but it seems to have been forgotten that this is the twentieth annual Summerslam event so to mark the landmark here are the best Summerslam matches of the last 20 years in my opinion.

20. Chris Jericho v Chris Benoit 2 out of 3 falls. Summerslam 2000

These two put on some great bouts and to be honest this wasn't there best but an average Benoit/Jericho match is still better than what most can achieve. Summerslam 2000 was probably the best Summerslam of all time and Chris Benoit won this one when he used a low blow when the bout was tied at one all.

19. Hulk Hogan v Shawn Michaels. Summerslam 2005

I will always remember this match most for Shawn Michaels amazing match carrying performance against a broken down Hogan. The match is a little overated but the suspense makes the bout feel special. A Must see for any fan that wants to know why The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels is regarded as the greatest by so many.

18. Shane McMahon v Steve Blackman. Summerslam 2000

An under rated stuntfest. This bout was never gonna be a wrestling classic but if it wasn't for sharing the same card as the first ever TLC match then this bout and the ending in particular would not have been forgotten as much as it is.

17. Steve Austin v The Undertaker. Summerslam 1998

A good brawl between two all time WWE legends. Austin retained his title with a low blow and stunner for the win. The match may have been even better if it wasn't for an accidental clash of heads which caused Austin to blackout shortly and made both men groggy.

16. Shawn Michaels v Vader. Summerslam 1996

Many WWE fans just don't know how good Vader really was as he never really showed his best in WWE. In this bout with Michaels though he does give a glimpse of what could've been had WWE used him correctly. Vader twice won the match by dq and countout but on each occasion demanded the match be restarted because he wouldn't win the title on these decisions. Michaels won the bout when it was restarted fro the final time when he pinned Vader following a moonsault.

15. Mankind v The Undertaker Summerslam 1996

Another forgotten classic. This boiler room brawl is sometimes a forgotten part in the classic Taker/Mankind feud but it is a brutal brawl that helped establish Mankind as a major star in WWE.

14. Randy Orton v Chris Benoit Summerslam 2004

Randy Orton was perhaps pushed into the roll of world champion before he was ready but the bout shows he does have the ability to be a great champion. Summerslam 2004 had been a poor WWE PPV but was slightly redeemed by the efforts of Benoit and Orton.

13. Bret Hart v The Undertaker Summerslam 1997

The Hitman's last world title reign in WWE began here when with the unintended help of his bitter rival and the special referee Shawn Michaels. The Undertaker and Bret Hart always had great matches and this is no exception.

12. Triple H v The Rock Summerslam 1998

This bout between the then rising stars was a more brutal than athletic bout and like the Taker/Mankind bout tends to get forgotten in the history between the two stars. This showed why so many knew the Rock and Triple H were the stars of the future.

11. Hart Foundation v Demolition Summerslam 1990

This tag team classic still stands up to day as a fantastic tag team bout. This two out of three falls bout was probably the last great bout that both of theses tandems competed in. The Hart Foundation won match and the tag team titles.

10. Kurt Angle v Steve Austin Summerslam 2001

Another forgotten classic mainly because it took place during the awful Invasion storyline. The end of the bout is also disappointing as Austin is dq'ed for attacking the match officials but the bout before that was classic Austin.

9. Bret Hart v Owen Hart Summerslam 1994

One of the best steel cage bouts of all time. Not quite as good as there Wrestlemania 10 encounter but that would've been hard to surpass. The two make everything they do look so real and at the time it was one of the most original and best endings to a cage match.

8. Shawn Michaels v Triple H Summerslam 2002

It was hard to believe that Shawn Michaels hadn't wrestled for over 4 years after you'd watched this streetfight against Triple H. A great brawl that marked the return to action a true legend.

7. Rick Rude v The Ultimate Warrior Summerslam 1989

One of the Ultimate Warriors best ever bouts. Ravishing Rick Rude's brilliant performance is almost on a par with Shawn Michaels performance against Hogan as one of the greatest match carrying efforts of all time.

6. Shawn Michaels v Razor Ramon Summerslam 1995

Not as dramatic or as enthralling as there Wrestlemania 10 classic but the bout is still one of the best in Summerslam's history and a must see.

5. Kurt Angle v Brock Lesnar Summerslam 2003

A wrestling clinic which is often overlooked because of there Wrestlemania bout but in my opinion this is the better bout and deserves more credit than it gets.

4. Elimination Chamber Summerslam 2003

Triple H, Goldberg, Chris Jericho, Randy Orton, Kevin Nash and Shawn Michaels gave the world another thrilling elimination chamber bout at Summerslam 2003. It was the first time that WWE used Bill Goldberg properly by allowing him to be the explosive star he was in WCW. Chris Jericho deserves an extra mention for his fantastic performance in the match.

3. Bret Hart v Mr Perfect Summerslam 1991

Bret Hart's first singles title came in this classic when he defeated Mr Perfect for the Intercontinental title. A wrestling masterclass between two great mat technicians. A definite must see.

2. Bret Hart v The British Bulldog Summerslam 1992

One of if not the greatest match of all time that didn't use a gimmick. The suspense, emotion and in ring action all came together to make a match that no wrestling fan should fail to see.

1.Edge & Christian v Dudleys v The Hardys Summerslam 2000

This match is just amazing with so many highspots if you blink you'd miss something. It is only fitting that the greatest Summerslam of all time was also host to the best Summerslam match up of all time.

I've Heard Something Great About WWE !!!

2007-08-23T22:18:00.000Z

After months of injuries to guys who can perform in the ring

After months of waiting for the return of Chris Jericho only to be disappointed

After months of boredom over John Cena's title reign

Finally some fantastic news for WWE fans around the world......... Mark Henry may be quitting.

It's only a maybe but that is enough for me to celebrate I just hope I haven't got my hopes up too soon. Apparently though The Waste of Space...sorry Mark Henry's contract is up soon and he isn't interested in renewing.

All I can say to that is thank fu.....

Why Isn't John Cena A Heel Yet?

2007-08-21T14:13:00.000Z

Did anyone watch Raw last night (20/8)? If you did you can't have failed to spot the massive crowd response to Randy Orton. Sadly it wasn't a jeering response that the WWE would've wanted instead Randy Orton was cheered louder than anyone I've heard in a while.

WWE thought that the RKO from Randy Orton on John Cena would skyrocket his heel status but it hasn't happened instead the fans went nuts for Randy Orton. Was it because Randy Orton has failed in his roll as a heel?

In my opinion no. If Randy Orton had hit that awesome but sick RKO on Umaga, Jeff Hardy, The Undertaker or Triple H he'd have been jeered like crazy and probably got items thrown at him, yet he didn't and the reason for that lies with one man - John Cena.

Now John Cena has improved a lot over the last year in terms of his in ring performance but this hasn't been able to repair the damage that had already been done. WWE throwing John Cena down the fans necks for three years solid has just proved too much for most WWE fans. So the simple question is why haven't WWE simply turned John Cena heel?

John Cena may sell a lot of merchandise to the women and children but is this really a good enough excuse to turn the entire WWE product sour and get fans turning off there TV sets and refusing to purchase PPV's.

The thing is John Cena wouldn't have to stay heel but I believe that after a spell as an heel when he became a face again he would be far more popular than he is now.

The biggest stars of recent times where all originally heels who became fan favorites when the fans demanded it. Lesnar, The Rock, and Steve Austin all became massive as heels but the fans decided to cheer them and ultimately thats what made them such a huge success - Because they wheren't shoved in our face and it even felt like we fans had made the decission.

Now I know that WWE just played us all - they knew we'd cheer these guys - but for many they believe it was because of them and ther voices and it added to the magic. In sad truth the recent pushes of John Cena and Bobby Lashley are a sad return to the 80's where WWE basically tell you who we are supposed to cheer and that's that.

John Cena would make a great heel, he already gets the heat from the crowd that most heels can only dream of and he is great on the microphone. Apart from Austin and The Rock all the best speakers have tended to do there best work as a heel. Chris Jericho, Kurt Angle, Christian, Randy Orton, Shawn Michaels and Triple H all excelled as heels on the microphone and even The Rock and Steve Austin where just as good at been heels as they where fan favorites.

Surely it isn't just me that believes turning John Cena heel would be best for everyone - John Cena, WWE and most importantly to me the fans. Lets hope they do it soon as more and more fans are growing bored of WWE......and John Cena's stale act.

The Late WWE Superstar Crush Biography

2007-08-21T09:52:00.000Z

Brian Adams (January 31, 1963 - August 13, 2007) was an American actor and professional wrestler. Adams gained fame in the 1990s while performing for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) under the name Crush and for World Championship Wrestling (WCW) under his given name. In the August 20, 2007 issue of Dave Meltzer's Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Meltzer wrote, "Although Adams' birthday in wrestling was always listed as April 14,1964, dating back to his start in Japan, his actual birthday was January 31, 1963."

Trained in Japan by Antonio Inoki, Adams was a two time WCW World Tag Team Champion as well as a one time holder of both the WWF World Tag Team Championship and the All Japan Pro Wrestling World Tag Team Championship among other titles and accomplishments.

In 2002, Adams briefly tried a career in boxing until he was forced to retire due to a back and shoulder injury.

Career

Brian Adams was born on January 31, 1963 in Kona, Hawaii and was raised in Kealakekua, Hawai'i and attended Konawaena High School. After graduating from Konawaena High School Adams joined the military.It was during his time in the military, while stationed in Japan, that he was exposed to wrestling.

Adams was then trained in wrestling by famed Japanese wrestler and mixed martial artist Antonio Inoki. In 1986, after training in Japan, Adams came to the United States and began working in Portland, Oregon's Pacific Northwest Wrestling (PNW).

Pacific Northwest Wrestling

Given the nickname The American Ninja, he was put together in a tag team called "The Wrecking Crew" with veteran performer Len Denton, billed as masked wrestler, "The Grappler."Adams and Denton were given the Pacific Northwest Tag Team Champions for a time and worked a storyline feud with the Southern Rockers, Steve Doll and Rex King.

In 1990, he was given the Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Championship after being scheduled to win a tournament final over Larry Oliver in Portland on April 21, 1990 for the vacant title.He lost the title to Scott Norton on May 12, 1990 in Portland.

World Wrestling Federation: first stint (1990–1991)

In April 1990, while still working for the PNW, Adams was introduced to the World Wrestling Federation as Crush, the third member of the popular WWF World Tag Team Championship team Demolition. The introduction of Adams turned the tag team into a stable.

With Adams joining Demolition, the stable exercised the Freebird Rule allowing any combination of the three to defend the titles and not just Ax and Smash that had originally won the titles. This meant that Adams as Crush became a WWF World Tag Team Champion without actually being involved in winning the title in the first place.

At the 1990 SummerSlam pay-per-view, Demolition, with new member Adams, lost the Tag Team titles to the The Hart Foundation in a Two out of three falls match with Adams getting pinned for the final fall to lose the titles.

After SummerSlam, Demolition continued a feud the WWF had previously placed them in with The Road Warriors. Adams continued to perform as part of the Demolition tag team up until WrestleMania VII where he and Demolition member Smash lost to Genichiro Tenryu and Koji Kitao in a very short, one-sided match. After WrestleMania the WWF decided to disband Demolition as a team.

Return to PNW (1991–1992)

Upon his departure from the WWF, Adams, who began using the Demolition Crush gimmick, returned to PNW.[ He was portrayed as a dominant wrestler, winning both the Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championship and the Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Championship.

Adams received the first of these two championships during this stint in the PNW while teaming with previously scripted rival Steve Doll and defeating The Bruise Brothers for the Tag Team Championship on July 27, 1991 in Portland, Oregon.They remained the champions until September 1, 1991 when they lost the titles to The Grappler & Don Harris.

A little more than a month later, Adams received his second Pacific Northwest Heavyweight title, on October 12, 1991, in Portland during a performance that had him defeating Rip Oliverby submission with the full Nelson.[1] Adams was the champion for just over three months, until he lost the title to Ron Harris at a show in Portland, on January 18, 1992.

World Wrestling Federation: second stint (1992–1998)

Adams went back to work for the WWF, in 1992, and was given the first of numerous gimmicks created for him while using the name Crush, the first being a surfing Hawaiian occasionally referred to as Kona Crush. The WWF put him in a feud with his former tag team partner Barry Darsow (Smash) who was now known as Repo Man.

Two years after losing the tag team titles, the two clashed at the 1992 SummerSlam with Crush as the victorious one. Crush then engaged in a feud with Doink the Clown and was the target of many of Doink's pranks. This storyline rivalry culminated at WrestleMania IX where it was revealed that there were two Doinks.

In 1993, it was scripted that Crush was injured in a WWF Title Match by Yokozuna and had to take several months off. When he returned in autumn, he attacked his on-screen friend Randy Savage, because Savage had failed to contact him during his convalescence. Crush dropped Savage on the guardrail, giving him a lacerated tongue, and allied himself with Yokozuna and Mr. Fuji. Turning heel (bad guy) Adams adopted a "Japanese Sympathizer" gimmick to go with his new attitude. This led to a falls count anywhere match against Savage at WrestleMania X.

In March 1995, Adams was arrested, and subsequently jailed, for purchasing steroids and owning an illegal stun gun, while home in Hawaii. After a brief stint in jail, Adams was brought back to the WWF at the beginning of the Monday Night Wars in 1996 with his incarceration being introduced as part of a storyline on Monday Night RAW.

Upon his return, the WWF gave Adams Clarence Mason as a manager, Mason’s gimmick was that of a lawyer thereby tying it in with Adams’ time in jail. Shortly after his return to the WWF he was made a member of the Nation of Domination (NOD) along with Faarooq and Savio Vega.

Preparing for the coming "Gang Wars" storyline, the WWF had Adams and Vega kicked out the group in favor of Ahmed Johnson and Kama Mustafa. No longer a part of the NOD, the WWF had them each form their own gang with Adams leading a wrestling biker gang called the Disciples of Apocalypse (DOA), formed by Chainz, and the Harris twins, then known as Skull & 8-Ball. The DOA was pitted in a feud with Faarooq's NOD and the gang Vega led called Los Boricuas.

In 1996, Adams had an uncredited role in the Bollywood movie Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi. In the movie he played "Crush" and was killed by "The Undertaker" (played by Brian Lee) in a wrestling match.In 1997, Adams obtained his release from the WWF because of his objection to Vince McMahon's double-cross of Bret Hart that has become known as the Montreal Screwjob.

World Championship Wrestling (1998–2001)

After his release from the WWF, Adams signed with World Championship Wrestling (WCW), in 1998 as part of the New World Order stable and later as part of it’s off-shoot nWo Hollywood. As a lower card performer, he often tag teamed with the likes of Scott Norton and Stevie Ray, occasionally being placed in squash matches against smaller and lesser known wrestlers.

One of his most notable matches with the promotion was his involvement in a tag team tournament steel cage match on WCW Thunder, in February 1999, where he and Horace Hogan lost to Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko.

Later, he was scripted as the original Demon, a take off of Gene Simmons of the band KISS. This saw him emerging from an iron maiden with a rendition of "God of Thunder" as his entrance theme. The gimmick did not work for Adams as he made only one appearance as the Demon. Dale Torborg took over that gimmick, while Adams was placed back into tag wrestling again.

He formed a team with Bryan Clark called KroniK, where he won the WCW World Tag Team Championship twice.

World Wrestling Federation: third stint (2001)

After the WWF's purchase of WCW, Adams, along with Clark, appeared as KroniK in WWF, in 2001, as part of the Alliance storyline. During their time in WWF, they were managed by Steven Richards and were placed in a short feud with the Undertaker and Kane. Adams and Clark faced the Brothers of Destruction at the 2001 Unforgiven pay-per-view and gave a very poor performance.

Clark was released from his WWF contract and Adams was sent to the then WWF development territory Heartland Wrestling Association in Cincinnati, Ohio where he performed until he too was released from his WWF contract, in November 2001.

After the WWF (2001–2003)

Adams, along with Clark, briefly worked for World Wrestling All-Stars, in early 2002. They then traveled to Japan to work for All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW). On July 17, 2002, at AJPW's Prefectural Gym pay-per-view, AJPW had Adams & Clark defeat Keiji Mutoh and Taiyō Kea for the AJPW Unified World Tag Team Championship. Adams and Clark remained champions until October 10, 2002 when AJPW declared the titles vacant, because Adams had left the promotion to pursue a boxing career.

Adams was scheduled to have his first boxing match, on November 16, 2002, at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, with professional wrestler Randy Savage in his corner.The match versus Rick Zufal was to air on the Never Surrender boxing pay-per-view, but during his training for the bout, Adams injured his shoulder leaving him unable to fight.

After recovering from his shoulder injury, Adams returned to wrestling in Japan. In January 2003, during his last in-ring performance he faced Rey Mysterio and lost. He suffered a spinal injury in his last-in-ring performance that forced him into retirement.

Retirement

Adams had surgery in an attempt to correct his spinal injury, but it did not result in a return to professional wrestling. Adams said that due to his spinal injury, he was unfit to wrestle. Following his retirement, Adams became a bodyguard for his longtime friend, wrestler-turned-rapper Randy Savage, who was touring to promote his CD, Be a Man. It was reported that he was living off of a Lloyd's of London insurance policy.

Death

On August 13, 2007, Adams was found by his wife unconscious in bed and not breathing. His wife then dialed 911. When paramedics arrived they could not revive Adams. He was pronounced dead of an undetermined cause. Police noted that "there were no visible signs of injury." An autopsy was performed on August 14, 2007 with inconclusive results.

Championships and accomplishments

* All Japan Pro Wrestling
o AJPW Unified World Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Bryan Clark

* Pacific Northwest Wrestling
o NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
o NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championship (2 times) - with The Grappler (1) and Steve Doll (1)

* Pro Wrestling Illustrated
o PWI ranked him # 289 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003.
o PWI ranked him # 59 of the 100 best tag teams during the "PWI Years" with Bryan Clark in 2003.

* World Championship Wrestling
o WCW World Tag Team Championship (2 times) - with Bryan Clark

* World Wrestling Federation
o WWF Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Smash

Chris Jericho Return Imminent?

2007-08-20T09:05:00.000Z

One of the most trustful sources on the internet the Wrestling Observer has stated that Chris Jericho is in talks with WWE about a September return. If this is true what can we really expect from Chris Jericho's return.

Firstly let's not forget that TNA are still interested in Chris Jericho but what I'm gonna say now may upset some TNA fanboys but here goes - Chris Jericho going to TNA would be a MASSIVE step backwards.

A move to TNA would definitely be good for TNA but I just don't think Chris Jericho would get anything from the move at all. That said what would WWE offer Chris Jericho?

If Chris Jericho does return to WWE in September , and I pray he does, firstly I just hope it is on a full time business and not a case of Chris Jericho returns to plug his new book like a certain other superstar I could mention.

Which show would be best for Chris Jericho? I'd probably side with Raw as long as he is given the main event push he deserves but the problem with Raw is that Chris Jericho has feuded with the majority of it's stars but I don't see this as a big problem as it has been a long time since these feuds took place.

The biggest problem with Raw in my opinion is the Triple H factor as the two have had there problems in the past and Triple H has never been a big fan of Chris Jericho and considering the power Triple H has in the company this could stop Chris Jericho been a huge success on the Raw brand.

Chris Jericho would make a definite champion on SmackDown but the big question would be what's on SmackDown for him? A feud with Edge would be fantastic viewing if done properly as would Jericho/Mysterio, and no doubt Chris Jericho v The Undertaker would be a blast as well but these bouts aside little really excites me about a run on SmackDown. Sadly WWE's current bias on the roster is pathetic.

Whatever the Chris Jericho return brings it will be great to see him in action again I just hope Jericho returns full time and is used properly.

The Good Ol' Days

Mr. Kennedy - Back On Course For Wrestlemania 24

2007-08-19T19:42:00.000Z

After numerous injury setbacks it seems that Ken Kennedy, or Mr. Kennedy, is finally on track to fulfill his own prophecy of being in a world championship match at Wrestlemania 24.

Mr. Kennedy made the prophecy after winning the money in the bank match at Wrestlemania 23 when he claimed he would cash in his title match at the same event next year but due to injury to first the Undertaker and then to Mr. Kennedy himself the money in the bank title shot was quickly dropped to Edge as a storyline for Edge to face and beat The Undertaker.

It was a double blow for Mr. Kennedy as he was to take the title from the Undertaker when it was discovered the Dead Man was injured until his own injury stopped that from happening. In yet another blow for Mr. Kennedy it was then discovered that his injury wasn't as bad as first thought so he lost out on the world title for no reason - but perhaps this was a good thing.

It's been strongly rumored that Mr. Kennedy will turn out to be Vince McMahon's son in the current storyline of Vince fathering a bastard son. If this is indeed the case it is fantastic news for Mr. Kennedy as Vince McMahon only works with those he considers to have megastar potential.

The last guy to get this treatment was Bobby Lashley, who despite been given a monster push by Vince McMahon hasn't become the megastar Vince had hoped for. Mr. Kennedy though in my opinion has more going for him than Lashley ever did.

Mr. Kennedy is a decent performer in the ring who is still improving but it is Ken Kennedy's microphone skills which give him such a huge advantage. The best microphone worker that has appeared in WWE since The Rock, Mr Kennedy will have no problems in the storytelling department unlike Lashley who sounds like a chipmunk on heat.

Another thing Mr. Kennedy has going for him is his heel status. All of the most successful superstars in recent years started there bid for megastar status as an heel. Steve Austin, The Rock, Mick Foley and Brock Lesnar where all heels first and there are those that believe had John Cena been left as an heel for a longer period that he wouldn't be receiving the hostile reception he currently does.

Mr. Kennedy will unquestionably at some point become a massive fan favorite but I for one am ecstatic that WWE haven't done this straight away. WWE has become stale in recent times with John Cena's boring run as champ and WWE continually pushing big men way above there capabiities so I for one hope that 2008 will be the year of Mr. Kennedy.......................Kennedy

New WWE No Mercy 2007 Poster- Awesome

2007-08-17T14:36:00.000Z

Just thought I'd show you the WWE No Mercy 2007 poster because I think it's one of the best PPV posters I've ever come across. Enjoy!!!

Wrestling Promotions You May Not Know #1 CMLL

2007-08-17T11:58:00.000Z

CMLL is along with AAA one of the leading wrestling promotions in Mexico and many of it's top stars have an absolutely massive fan following across Mexico. CMLL is far more popular than WWE or TNA in its home country. Formerly known as EMLL, CMLL is the oldest existing wrestling promotion today.

Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) means Worldwide Wrestling Council and is a wrestling promotion that focuses on the Lucha Libre style of wrestling. CMLL run the majority of there cards in Guadalajara and Puebla but also perform in other parts of central and southern Mexico.

The History Of CMLL

CMLL was founded under the EMLL banner in 1933 by "The Father of Lucha Libre" Salvador Lutteroth Gonzales. The promotion quickly became a huge success and was soon attracting the best workers of the time.

El Santo, Bobby Bonales, Tarzán Lopez and Gory Guerrero (father of Eddie Guerrero), "La Empressa" helped take the company to the top in Mexico with the Lucha Libre style which they specialized in and many of these stars became household names across Mexico.

The promotion remained the top company until the company weakened in the 1970's when it's inventor Lurreroth Gonzales left the company to his son Chavo and Ray Mendoza left, along with other promoters, to create the Universal Wrestling Promotion. UWA went up against CMLL head to head and it was UWA that won the battle and became a massive success until the company started to lose it's talents and eventually went out of business in the 90's

EMLL became the Mexican affiliate of the NWA but pulled out in the 80's it was then EMLL changed its name to CMLL to give the company a more international feel. At the start of the 1990s the company began appearing on Televisa.

CMLL's appearance on television led to a massive boost in popularity but after the boom started to fade another of the CMLL's main staff members, booker Antonio Peña, left to company to form the AAA wrestling promotion and took a lot of CMLL best young talents along with him.

Mexico's version of WCW v WWF saw AAA initially become the leading company but when Mexico's economy began to struggle AAA had to make cutbacks and CMLL took advantage building the company around the famous feud between El Hijo del Santo vs. Negro Casas. CMLL followed this up by pushing younger stars, leading to another boom period.

The CMLL Style

CMLL are different to almost every other promotion in existence. Matches with blood involved aren't broadcast and the only gimmick match they have all year is an annual cage match. CMLL is still broadcast on Televisa in Mexico and is also shown on Fox sports en Espanol in the US. It is also occasionally shown on the Wrestling Channel in UK.

TNA and WWE Show Interest In CMLL Star Mistico And TNA Want Lesnar

2007-08-16T09:35:00.000Z

The talk is getting ever stronger that TNA are nearer than ever to pulling off a fantastic coup by signing Brock Lesnar. Apparently Kurt Angle has been trying hard to persuade Brock Lesnar to joining and has been doing is best "big-up" TNA to him.

It's also been claimed that Dixie Carter herself has been in touch with Brock Lesnar and trying her best to get Brock Lesnar signing for TNA.

How reliable this information is I don't know but I believe bringing Brock Lesnar could be the wrong move for TNA for two reasons.

1. Brock Lesnar would command a huge salary(he was on $50,000 a match in Japan) and this isn't money TNA can afford. Would Brock Lesnar really attract enough interest to outway this downfall? In the beginning maybe but my opinion is that after the immediate impact fans would drift away. Look at Kurt Angle, a massive signing maybe but he's hardly turned TNA into a money making machine has he?

2. Many of TNA's best talent are already been held back because of the number of ex WWE ego's that are been pushed in front of them. Brock Lesnar would see them have even fewer opportunities to rise up the ladder and may even mean the release of some of the highly talented guys to meet Brock Lesnar's financial demands.

Sure I'd love to see Lesnar/Angle, Lesnar/Joe, Lesnar/Styles and others but I just don't believe it would be good for TNA in the long run.

If You Haven't Yet Seen Lesnar v Angle From Japan This Year Click Here

Also I've noticed that CMLL megastar Mistico's contract is soon up with the company and WWE and TNA are both interested in signing Mistico.

Mistico could be a big star in the both companies if used properly and I think it would be stupid on behalf of TNA and WWE if they didn't treat Mistico properly. CMLL currently has bigger ratings than both WWE and TNA in Mexico and it is a huge market, but fans would tune into WWE or TNA to see Mistico as he has a massive following so it would only make sense to use Mystico properly.

Mistico has already had a trial match for WWE behind closed doors so if he impressed expect WWE to be the frontrunners for Mistico's signature.

If you've never seen or heard of Mistico here's a video of him in action

Poll Results- Who Will Be WWE Champion At The End Of The Year

2007-08-16T08:57:00.000Z

Here are the results of last weeks poll. It seems many of you believe John Cena will keep the title all year or will lose the title and regain it before the years end.

Personally I hope John Cena isn't the champion at the years end because I believe WWE has grown a little stale in recent months and one of the main reasons is that John Cena's title reign has become boring. A couple of new faces in the main event picture for a while won't hurt anyone, especially John Cena who I think will get a better reaction from the crowds if he wasn't champion for a while.

The list contained who I believed to be the main contenders but I did notice a number of votes for "Other" to be champion so any who'd like to share there opinion as always feel free to leave a comment.

John Cena	90 (43%)
Shawn Michaels	11 (5%)
Triple H	58 (27%)
Randy Orton	21 (10%)
Mr Kennedy	10 (4%)
Umaga	4 (1%)
Other	15 (7%)

This weeks poll is very topical in the current wrestling climate and this time you can vote for multiple superstars. The question is which wrestlers do you believe are on steroids?

Thanks For Voting

Wrestlings Greatest Hall Of Fame #1

2007-08-15T15:53:00.001Z

Welcome to Wrestlings Greatest Hall Of Fame. My first ever inductee may surprise a few but here it is......... WRESTLINGS GREATEST HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE #1

Macho Man Randy Savage

The Macho Man Randy Savage was one of the first grapplers I used to love watching when I first became interested in wrestling in the late 80's and even to this day I still love to sit back and put on some of my video's and DVD's that The Macho Man Randy Savage featured in.

A genuine superstar of wrestling Macho Man Randy Savage was successful in both WWE and WCW but it is the former where he will always hold my fondest memories of Macho Man Randy Savage, and at Wrestlemania in particular.

Macho Man Randy Savage and Ricky Steamboat contested an all time classic at Wrestlemania 3 and for many the match overshadowed the spectacle that was Hulk Hogan v Andre The Giant, myself included.

Savage then won the WWF Heavyweight title at Wrestlemania 4 but one of Macho Man Randy Savage's greatest achievements came in defeat at Wrestlemania 5 where he carried The Immortal Hulk Hogan to probably the Hulkster's first great in ring match, and still one of Hogan's top 10.

At Wrestlemania 7 he repeated the feat, this time it was the Ultimate Warrior who Macho Man Randy Savage carried to the match of the Ultimate Warrior's entire career. The bout is one I would consider a must see for any wrestling fan. Again Savage did this in defeat and as the storyline went Savage had to retire.

By the following Wrestlemania, Wrestlemania 8, Macho Man Randy Savage was back and this time beat Ric Flair for the WWF Heavyweight title in yet another Wrestlemania classic.

At Wrestlemania 10 Macho Man Randy Savage had his final great Wrestlemania bout when he faced the late Crush(Bryan Adams) in a falls count anywhere bout and once again gave his opponent the best match of their career.

Macho Man Randy Savage had many accomplishments in his career in both WWE and WCW but these matches and his memorable persona are the reason I have decided to induct Macho Man Randy Savage into Wrestlings Greatest Hall Of Fame.

For a Full Biography Of Randy Savage Click Here

Thoughts on This Week In Wrestling 7/8/07-15/8/07

2007-08-15T07:42:00.000Z

This week in wrestling saw yet another death, this time the it was the sad passing of Bryan Adams probably best known as Crush. I'd like to think that this will be the last such death but I get a very strong feeling it won't be. If you look at the vast majority of the stars that have passed away in the last few years you will notice the majority where at there most prominent in the early and mid 90's.

It isn't the current stars wrestling should be worried about these superstars can be dealt with by stronger drug testing, but the stars from the 90's are now suffering for there hard living lifestyles in the 90's. Wrestling still has it's users but it has cleaned up a lot but sadly it cannot stop the damage that has already been inflicted on stars like Bryan Adams.

On a better note it's fantastic news that Mr. Kennedy is finally to be given a monster push as Vince McMahon's secret love child. Let's hope WWE put as much effort into Mr. Kennedy as they did Bobby Lashley, if they do Mr. Kennedy has all the skills to become the next megastar, unlike Bobby Lashley.

Anyone bothered about Pacman Jones yet? No wonder TNA keep under performing when they dedicate so much time to an NFL player that there fans don't give a crap about. TNA are still not in profit yet they continue to throw money at stupid gimmicks like Pacman Jones, I mean let's face it he ain't no Mike Tyson.

I have to say I've been left a little disappointed by the Kurt Angle/Samoa Joe feud but I can't decide who's to blame - TNA's booking department certainly has to shoulder the majority of blame but I've come to my own conclusion that maybe The Samoan Submission Machine is a little over rated!

TNA still aren't making any in roads in to the WWE's ratings despite them missing so many top stars, I fear for TNA once the WWE return to full strength around Survivor Series with Michaels, Taker, Triple H and Rey all back by then plus the possible return of Chris Jericho.

Stone Cold Steve Austin is set to appear at next SNME but I'm just not bothered anymore. Don't get me wrong I love Austin but all he does nowadays is come down, drink a beer, stunner someone and then disappear for a few months. Either help with a storyline, get back in the ring or just sit at home and enjoy your retirement.

Gene Snitsky is still getting zero reaction from the crowd so let's hope WWE ditch the idea of Snitsky been this years Umaga.

And on a final note lets hope Paul Burchill gets a call up from OVW in the very near future, and lets hope WWE stick with his Ripper persona.

Former WWE Superstar Crush Passes Away - Another Wrestling Death

2007-08-13T18:28:00.000Z

Yet another tragedy has struck th world of wrestling as it was announced today that former WWE and WCW star Bryan Adams has passed away. At this time it is as yet unknown what the cause of death is but it would surprise absolutely no one, considering his relatively young age, if it was heart failure caused by drugs.

This new tragedy has come at a terrible time for wrestling and WWE in particular and will only increase the numbers of those pointing the finger at the thing we love.

Fans will best remember Bryan Adams for either his spell as Crush in WWE or as a member of Kronik in WCW. I will always remember him best as Crush and for his falls count anywhere bout at Wrestlemania 10 with Macho Man Randy Savage.

Best wishes to all of Adams family at this sad time and lets hope it's the last wrestling death for a long time.

TNA Hard Justice 2007 Results

2007-08-13T07:28:00.000Z

Hard Justice 2007 took place on August 12, 2007 from the iMPACT! Zone in Orlando, Florida. The promotional poster featured Kurt Angle. The tagline was All or Nothing.

Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal defeated The Motor City Machineguns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) and Triple X (Christopher Daniels and Senshi) (w/Elix Skipper) on 15:36 when Lethal pinned Daniels with a small package.

Kaz defeated Raven on 5:37 when he pinned him following a strike with a kendo stick.

James Storm defeated Rhino in a Bar Room Brawl on 13:03 with a beer bottle to the head.

The Latin American Exchange (Homicide and Hernandez) defeated The Voodoo Kin Mafia (B.G. James and Kip James) (w/Roxy Laveaux) (5:06) when Homicide pinned Kip following a victory roll after the match was restarted.

Robert Roode (w/Ms. Brooks) defeated Eric Young in an Ultimate Humiliation match (9:26) after hitting Eric Young with brass knuckles.

Chris Harris defeated Black Reign by disqualification (4:40) when Black Reign attacked the referee.

The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott) defeated Team 3D (Brother Ray and Brother Devon) on 11:01 whenScott pinned Devon after a top rope Bulldog from Rick.

Abyss, Andrew Martin and Sting defeated Christian's Coalition (Christian Cage, A.J. Styles and Tomko) in a Doomsday Chamber of Blood Match on 10:10 when Abyss pinned Styles after a Black Hole Slam on broken glass to earn a TNA World Heavyweight Championship match at No Surrender.The rules stated that an opponent must be bleeding in order to be pinned.

Kurt Angle defeated Samoa Joe to retain the TNA World Heavyweight and IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and to win the TNA X Division and TNA World Tag Team Championships 18:31 after using a chair.

Pacman Jones also appeared in several segments with the returning Ron Killings. The segments ended when Pacman Jones was found unconcious backstage and gets taken to hospital. Pacman Jones was a poor talker throughout.

As he can see from the TNA Hard Justice 2007 was filled with cheap finishes which ruined most matches. In truth the card didn't deliver the goods on the whole. The Doomsday match was entertaining but a little short and Samoa Joe/Kurt Angle although entertaining it was hardly the classic TNA had hoped for. The three way tag match opener was the best bout on the card but the wrong team won the bout as TNA should be helping The Motorcycle Machine Guns make a big impact as TNA are in desperate need of there own original teams.

The majority of fans will be pissed that Samoa Joe still hasn't won the TNA title and you'd have to think Samoa Joe will be too. If his contract really his up in the fall then I fear TNA will lose him as I can't see Joe putting up with TNA's crap.

Overall I give TNA Hard Justice 2007 a 2 and a half out of 5, very average.

TNA Hard Justice 2007 Card

2007-08-09T16:16:00.000Z

Hard Justice 2007 will take place on August 12, 2007 from the iMPACT! Zone in Orlando, Florida.

TNA World Heavyweight, IWGP (IGF Version) World Heavyweight, TNA X Division and TNA World Tag Team Championship Match
Samoa Joe v Kurt Angle

Team 3D (Brother Ray and Brother Devon) vs. The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott)

Bar Room Brawl:
James Storm vs. Rhino

The Latin American Exchange (Homicide and Hernandez) vs. The Voodoo Kin Mafia (B.G. James and Kip James) (w/Roxy Laveaux)

Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal vs. The Motor City Machineguns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) (w/Kevin Nash) vs. Triple X (Christopher Daniels, Senshi and Elix Skipper)

Humiliation Match
Robert Roode (w/Ms. Brooks) vs. Eric Young

Doomsday Chamber of Blood Match
Abyss, Andrew Martin and Sting vs. Christian's Coalition (Christian Cage, A.J. Styles and Tomko)

TNA Hard Justice 2007 certainly looks to have the potential to be the card of the year so far. The Doomsday Chamber Of Blood match will either be amazing or a complete mess, but as long as the three way tag match is given enough air time and Samoa Joe v Angle isn't lumbered with a cheap finish( double dq or similar crap) or Pacman Jones involvement and if LAX can get a good bout out of the useless VKM then TNA Hard Justice should be a very entertaining pay per view.

When Wrestling Goes Wrong

2007-08-09T04:44:00.000Z

Unlike in the 80's and early 90's fans nowadays know that wrestling is a form of entertainment and not a real sport, in other words it isn't real. The matches are worked out in advance and the winners of the match are predetermined. However there are still risk as I will now show you.
PLEASE DON'T WATCH IF YOU ARE SQUEEMISH THESE ARE LEGITIMATE WRESTLING INJURIES!!

Sid Vicious/Justice
At WCW Sin 2001 Sid Vicious was asked by WCW to perform a leap from the second turnbucke, Sid Vicious tolod WCW he was against the idea but he was told it was in his contract to perform the match that they wished. Sid Vicious/Justice snapped his lower leg in half and had to have a steel plate inserted to connect the bones together. It's more of a miracle because Sid Vicious/Justice claims he's ready for a comeback.

Hayabusa
One of the greatest high flyers of all time FMW's Hayabusa suffered a career ending neck injury when his foot slipped of the rope when attempting a quebrada and he landed on his head.

Invader III
Some still claim this was a work, it wasn't. Invader III suffered a broken sternum thanks to Manny Fernandez knee drop. He was out for four months. The qualities not great but here it is.

Sabu
Amongst many Sabu injuries was this broken neck he suffered in a match with Chris Benoit.

There are of course many other legitimate wrestling injuries, so just remember the next time you slate a superstar that they are taking risks just to entertain fans like you.

Why Are TNA Promoting A Meaningless IWGP Title For Samoa Joe v Kurt Angle ?

2007-08-08T12:12:00.000Z

At this weekends TNA Hard Justice Tna will hold a match between Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe with all the titles on the line, one of those titles is allegedly the IWGP Heavyweight Title but what many fans don't realize is that Kurt Angle isn't currently and never has been the IWGP Heavyweight Champion.

Kurt Angle faced and defeated Brock Lesnar on June 29,2007 in Antonio Inoki's IGF promotion, the bout was labeled as a contest for the IWGP Heavyweight title (Click Here to see the match). However the truth was that Brock Lesnar had been stripped of the IWGP Heavyweight Title almost a year earlier.

New Japan, the owners of the IWGP Heavyweight title, claimed that Brock Lesnar's failure to appear was the reason they stripped him of the title. The truth is that because New Japan failed to give Lesnar a contract in time for him to get a visa it was impossible for Lesnar to wrestle on the show and New Japan where responsible.

The reason New Japan did this was probably because they couldn't afford (or didn't want ) to pay Brock Lesnar's hefty fee (Lesnar was paid $50,000 per match in his New Japan contract). Although Lesnar was stripped of the title he failed to hand the title back to New Japan.

Yuji Nagata is actually the IWGP Heavyweight Champion having won the title from Hiroshi Tanahashi in April, Tanahashi won the title in a tournament held after BrockLesnar was stripped of the belt.

The match between Lesnar and Angle was on the first ever show held by the IGF promotion and there are no more shows planned at present so the title as it stands is meaningless. Why New Japan have allowed both TNA and IGF to get away with using the claim is a mystery to me, but so far they haven't complained.

Why TNA are promoting such a meaningless title as equal to all there titles I just don't understand, because if there fans realized it would make there own titles seem just as worthless.

Undervalued Superstars # 1- Alex Shelley

2007-08-08T06:30:00.000Z

There are many stars around today who must wonder who they've pissed off. They have both in ring talent and good mic skills and yet remain over looked. Here is my first article in a series looking at undervalued superstars I'll start off with Alex Shelley.

Alex Shelley first appeared on most people's radar in 2003 during his spell with Ring Of Honor, mainly for his time spent in the group Generation Next where he teamed with Austin Aries, Jack Evans and Roderick Strong. A series of strong performances and his skills on the microphone had many questioning whether a call from WWE was on the cards, but it didn't materialize and Alex Shelley instead started to appear in TNA, along with still competing in Ring Of Honor.

Alex Shelley was paired with Goldy Locks and dubbed Baby Bear when he signed with TNA on July 8, 2004 but he soon asked for his release when booker Dusty Rhodes didn't use him. Alex Shelley signed a new contract in 2005 when Rhodes quit his job as TNA's booker and returned at Slammiversary 2005 where he was beaten by Shocker in a good match.

Shelley formed a tag team with Michael Shane and entered the 2005 Super X Cup, where he was defeated in the semi's by Samoa Joe. He then teamed with Sean Waltman and entered the Chris Candido Memorial Tag Team Tournament. The pair won the tournament beating Shocker and Chris Sabin in the finals. As reward they where granted a shot at the NWA tag team titles in a four way bout at Unbreakable but Sean Waltman no showed and Alex Shelley performed most of the match on his own until Johnny Candido came to team with Shelley, but Candido was pinned shortly after and the pair where eliminated.

Whilst performing in TNA's X division for the rest of the year Alex Shelley introduced the Shelley-cam as part of his gimmick and also started to team with fellow former Generation Next stars Aries and Strong. The three feuded with babyfaces Dutt, Sabin and Matt Bentley, usually coming out on top.

2006 began well for Alex Shelley as he was a part of the main storyline in TNA when Jeff Jarrett asked Shelley Jarrett to obtain footage of Jackie Gayda for blackmail use. Alex Shelley then created Paparazzi Productions and stalked the families of Sting and Christian Cage. After winning the World X Cup Tournament with Team USA, Shelley alligned himself with Kevin Nash when he vowed to destroy the X division.

The two feuded mainly with Chris Sabin and it went on throughout the summer, including several PPV bouts but the feud was mainly noted for Alex Shelleys work on the microphone as he showed a great comedy touch and amazing charisma.

Despite this Alex Shelley failed to be rewarded by a push in the X division, which most fans felt he deserved. Instead he was joined by Austin Aries, much to his displeasure, as a member of Paparazzi after Johnny Devine was fired by them. The two went on to compete in what was known as the Paparazzi Championship series.

Alex Shelley next made several tapes for LAX for there feud with team 3 D, one which showed LAX attacking Brother Rays uncle Johnny Rodz. At Destination X 2007 Alex Shelley helped LAX to defeat Team 3 D when he hit Brother Devon with his camera and delivering a frog splash through a table

Shelley failed to win the 5 man Xscape bout at TNA Lockdown when he was eliminated by Jay Lethal. Since then Alex Shelley has begun teaming up with Chris Sabin under the names of the Murder City Machine Guns and the Motor City Machine Guns.

Three years into his TNA career and despite numerous entertaining bouts and a microphone ability that few in TNA can equal, Alex Shelley still finds himself with nothing to show for his time in TNA. His current tag team alliance with Chris Sabin should be fantastic but with TNA intent on pushing ex WWE teams who are well passed there best it remains to be seen whether this brings the success that Alex Shelley is due.

Alex Shelley reminds me of Chris Jericho when on the microphone as like Jericho he has great comedy timing and great charisma, but Shelley is also a great in ring performer. Those who have witnessed Shelley in Ring Of Honor will know this better than anyone.

Alex Shelley could be a huge star in WWE or TNA if any of the companies gave him the opportunity and if neither are willing I would suggest Alex Shelley goes full time in Ring of Honor where his talents are respected and not undervalued.

Thoughts on This Week In Wrestling 1/8/07-7/8/07

2007-08-07T18:27:00.001Z

Does anyone actually give a dam that Pacman Jones is going to appear in TNA? If this is what we can luck forward to in TNA then I feel they could be struggling soon. Wrestling fans don't give a crap about celebs they give a crap about wrestling. Just look at how good for business the likes of L.T, Kevin Federline, David Arquette and Dennis Rodman where for proof.

Whilst I'm on subjects I don't give a crap about, Andrew Martins(Test) should concentrate on becoming clean rather than shooting his mouth at Vince McMahon, it weren't McMahon's fault that Martins failed test under the WWE's wellness program.

Talking of the wellness program TNA are apparently considering a similar program, several guys spring to mind who should be worried if this is true.

The Fabulous Moolah and Mae Young will both make an appearance at this year’s SummerSlam pay-per-view. Why does that fill me with fear and dread.

Isn't it funny how all the ex WWE guys in TNA speak so highly of the company but there own guys don't. I wonder if the ex WWE stars have it in there contracts to slate WWE and praise TNA. Why a would a company that's so great have such low backstage moral and be fining guys like Homicide when they dare to speak there mind.

The Dudleys contract in TNA is up soon and they want a WWE return but I can't decide whether this is a good or a bad thing.

All the rumors about big things happening on this weeks Raw and not one came to fruition. Rumors included the return of Triple H, the seperate brands becoming one and, the one I was hoping for most, Chris Jericho's return.

Seems Santino Marella's injury wasn't that bad so I won't be getting to see his Boris Alexiev persona in WWE, if you haven't seen him as Boris this is a big loss.

Why do TNA think it is a good idea to promote a match labeled as the best teams of ECW, WCW, and WWE. It's like saying TNA have nothing of there own to be proud of, so let's push the other companies achievements. The guys backstage must be so happy.

At least Lashley's out of action for a bit. Bobby boy is apparently turning into a bit of a diva backstage and is already making demands on the creative team. The words "dick" and "head" spring to mind.

Gene Snitsky - Huge Push Coming Your Way

2007-08-06T18:57:00.000Z

I'm sure there will be many fans bashing there heads against the wall at the reports that Gene Snitsky is to be given a huge push as a monster heel, culminating in a feud with John Cena.

WWE recent choices of stars to push have been somewhat worrying with the likes of Mark Henry and The Great Khali possessing little in ring talent, so what has Gene Snitsky done to merit such a push above guys who can actually have good wrestling bouts.

Born on January 14, 1970 Gene Snitsky first wrestled in World Xtreme Wrestling as Mean Gene Snisky and soon won there tag team titles alongside Robb Harper. Snitsky then went on to win there Heavyweight title. Gene Snitsky then went to OVW as Mean Gene Mondo before quickly being moved to WWE.

Gene Snitsky made his WWE debut on the September 13, 2004 episode of RAW as an apparent jobber against Kane in a no DQ match. During this match, Snitsky hit Kane on the back with a steel chair, causing Kane to fall on his pregnant wife Lita, causing her to have a miscarriage. Snitsky claimed that he was not responsible for the child's death. "It wasn't my fault" would become his catchphrase for a time.

Gene Snitsky continued his feud with Kane into the new year and was at one point in consideration to be the Undertakers opponent at Wrestlemania in a tag match teaming with Heidenreich against the Brothers of Destruction, thankfully this never happened.

Snitsky had to take time off in April and May because of a blood clot in his stomach but upon his return he was placed in a feud with Chris Benoit. The feud was brief and Gene Snitsky was soon been used as an henchman for Edge & Lita and Eric Bischoff.

Snitsky then became a comedy character with a foot fetish, which Edge used to get Snitsky to help him in a match against Kane(he promised Snitsky a sniff at Lita's feet). Lita also thanked Snitsky during this period for causing her previous miscarriage of Kane's child.

Gene Snitsky then formed a tag team with Tyson Tomko and soon became number 1 contenders for the tag team titles(not much of an achievement to be honest) but the pair failed to take the titles from The Big Show and Kane. The team split when Tomko was released.

Gene Snitsky then became a face and teamed with Goldust, again they became number 1 contenders and again they came up short this time against the Spirit Squad. The team ended the same way as well when Goldust was released.

Snitsky moved to the ECW brand with a new look and had ditched the comedy character to become a psychotic madman, a cross between Sycho Sid and Kane. Over the weeks he attacked several ECW stars including CM Punk, Lashley and Hardcore Holly. In the storyline Gene Snitsky broke Hardcore Holly's arm after a match between the two.

Gene Snitsky then had a brief feud with RVD before finding himself drafted back to Raw.

Since his return to Raw Gene Snitsky has yet to do anything that has kept the fans interested in him and in truth it is hard to understand what he has done over the past three years that the WWE feel he deserves a push. He hasn't had a single bout of any significance nor have the fans reacted to him in a huge way.

Other superstars of similar abilities, like Heidenreich and Tomko, have been released yet it appears Snitsky is on the brink of the main event scene. If the rumored (and they are strong rumors) Snitsky push comes to fruition then Gene Snitsky needs to show us a whole other level he's never shown before

Poll Results - Which Upcoming Match Are You Most Looking Forward To?

2007-08-06T18:31:00.000Z

I have to admit the results of this latest poll have left me totally shocked but here they are.

Samoa Joe v Kurt Angle - 7%

Randy Orton v John Cena - 33%

Batista v Great Khali - 36%

Triple H v Booker T - 21%

I expected Batista and Khali being the least popular but it seems I was way off the mark. The poll doesn't make good reading for what is one of the biggest TNA matches of the year but I just don't think fans like these bouts where all the titles are in the one match.

Thanks For Voting

Mike Awesome RIP

2007-08-06T09:29:00.000Z

With the Benoit family tragedy the death of Mike Awesome was sadly overlooked. Mike Awesome never really fulfilled his huge potential in WCW or WWE and therefore will always be best remembered for his stint in ECW. Here's his last great match against Masato Tanaka at the first ECW One Night Stand.

The Undertaker Returns

2007-08-06T08:48:00.000Z

Here is the poster for Unforgiven 2007, on it you will of course see the Undertaker. This has lead to many reports that the Undertaker will definitely return at Unforgiven 2007 event, but is this really the case.

It had previously been reported that the Undertaker would return around the time of the Survivor Series 2007 and there where no reports in the mean time saying that the Undertaker would return ahead of schedule.

This poster then for Unforgiven 2007 is the only evidence we have. On the face of things an official WWE poster is a very strong indication but those in the know will realize the poster may not mean that much.

The Great American Bash 2007 poster featured Rey Mysterio as its cover star and as you will know he played no part whatsoever in the event, not even in a non wrestling capacity.

Until it is mentioned on WWE television I will take the Undertakers return with a pinch of salt and even if he does return at Unforgiven 2007 I would be surprised if it was an actual match the Undertaker was involved in, I would suspect it would be an angle if anything.

Whilst I'm on the subject of the Undertakers return let's hope WWE have a shake up in there creative department and scrap the idea of having the Undertaker feud with Mark Henry. There last feud was awful and Mark Henry doesn't deserve a spot on PPV with Hornswaggle let alone the Phenom that is the Undertaker. Lets just hope the rumors of Mark Henry retiring turn out to be true.

Santino Marella Suffers The Curse

2007-08-05T22:40:00.000Z

Another day another injury, this time it appears Santino Marella has picked up an injury but for a change this may not be a bad thing.

Believe it or not (probably not if you've only seen him in WWE) but Santino Marella is a talented guy with a lot of potential, unfortunately he's been lumped with a gimmick that never had a chance of working.

As a "fan" the real "fans where always going to grow tired of the gimmick pretty quickly, and unless the gimmick is changed upon his return WWE may as well release Santino Marella. The sad thing is that, as anyone who saw Santino Marella in OVW will support, he has massive amounts of potential and given the right gimmick Santino Marella could become a superstar.

Why WWE didn't just stick to Santino Marella's OVW gimmick as Boris Alexiev only they know, but it would have been a far better gimmick to pursue.

Eugene and Paul Burchill have both had potentially fantastic careers ruined/held up by stupid gimmicks lets hope Santino Marella isn't the same.

Here's a clip of Santino Marella as Boris Alexiev

Booker T Interview

2007-08-05T22:21:00.000Z

I received an email today with a suggestion of a site you all take a look at, so here it is

Hi my name is George Cook and I have just recently interviewed WWE superstar King Booker and I thought you and your readers might be interested.

Booker T discusses:

Being a role model.

Being an African American in wrestling

His wrestling promotion

His favorite character Booker T/ King Booker?/ GI Bro

His future.

You can listen here: http://www.letstalkhonestly.com/celebrityinterviews.html

What's Jeff Hardy Playing At ?

2007-08-04T06:19:00.000Z

If there's one man other than Randy Orton who seems determined to screw up his career because of a dumb attitude it has to be Jeff Hardy.

Earlier in the week I reported that Jeff Hardy had been indefinitely suspended and there was even a chance he'd been fired. However it appeared I was wrong when on Jeff Hardy's official site he told us he had been given permission to rest after suffering several injuries. Now it appears Jeff was talking out of his arse.

Jim Ross confirmed on his blog that Jeff Hardy had been suspended for thirty days, in other words Jeff lied.

At this time it is still not known exactly why Jeff Hardy has been suspended but the two reasons been touted are because of his immature attitude and because he failed a test under the WWE's wellness program.

To say this is Jeff Hardy's dream job he needs to grow up, in April 2003 Jeff was released from WWE for these same reasons and it seems he hasn't learned a thing in the three years he was away. Jeff's problems with drug use and behaviour seemed to be behind him but now who knows.

At the time of his first release Jeff Hardy refused to shoulder the blame, instead saying it was him that decided he needed the time away from wrestling, because he was burnt out. It is worrying that Jeff Hardy is still telling lies when things go wrong rather than facing up to his responsibilities.

Jeff Hardy is a great asset to the WWE and maybe this is why he has been suspended where others have been fired, but WWE's patience won't last forever (ask Kurt Angle). Jeff Hardy needs to grow up because not many get a second chance at the big time and if he screws it up again he'll only have himself to blame.

More WWE Misery- Lashley Out! Hardy Gone?

2007-07-31T18:35:00.000Z

When will the WWE's current run of bad luck end? This week Bobby Lashley was added to the ever growing list of WWE superstars put on the sidelines by injury. Bobby Lashley has been suffering from a shoulder injury since before Backlash but as tends to be the case in WWE Bobby Lashley continued to work and ended up aggravating the injury.

In another massive piece of news you may have noticed that Jeff Hardy was absent from last nights Raw and his feud with Umaga has been canceled. Apparently Jeff Hardy is not going to be back in time for Summerslam and may not be back at all. Full details have yet to come to light but for now it seems that Jeff Hardy's WWE comeback is over.

One more quick up date it seems Samoa Joe's contract does run out this October.

Kurt Angle And TNA - Was It Worth It

2007-07-31T09:53:00.000Z

A year ago Kurt Angle shocked the wrestling community by apparently walking out on WWE and joining TNA wrestling, and at the time it appeared it could be the move that finally made TNA a force to be reckoned with.

A year on and in truth TNA is no nearer becoming a force than it was back when Kurt Angle joined, they may have improved TV ratings slightly but little else has changed and what makes matters worse is that there in ring product has dropped alarmingly in quality.

Many believe TNA aren't focusing on the stars that they have created, in other words the guys who made TNA different and entertaining. Alex Shelley, Chris Sabin, Sonjay Dutt, Jay Lethal and many other X division wrestlers have seen there on screen time drop dramatically and even Christopher Daniels and AJ Styles don't seem as important as they where a year ago.

This would be o.k if the stars taking there place in the limelight where half as entertaining, but sadly it seems all you need to get a chance in TNA at the moment is a C.V that has the words WWE on it. TNA has turned itself into a parody of the WWE and is seemingly determined to push the WWE rejects in front of it's own talent.

The ex WWE guys should be there to get the TNA guys over, to turn them into superstars but sadly this isn't happening and apparently Kurt Angle is one of the ex WWE guys taking the blame.

In recent weeks rumors have surfaced that many of the wrestlers in TNA's locker room are labelling Kurt Angle as the"Triple H of TNA". Kurt Angle was not only given a contract earning more money than the rest of TNA wrestlings superstars but he was also given control of his character, basically Kurt Angle says when he wins and when he loses. The claim from the TNA wrestlers is that Kurt Angle is putting himself before the interest of TNA.

This smells of deja-vu as this is exactly what inevitably lead to the downfall of WCW, too many guys where given contracts giving them control to lure them to WCW but it just ended up causing mayhem and eventually turning a great show into a complete mess.

Another problem Kurt Angle brung with him to TNA wrestling was his problems with drugs. If you believe WWE over Kurt Angle then they claimed they released Kurt Angle so that he could sort himself out personally. They felt he needed to heal himself from his numerous injuries and more importantly wean himself off of painkillers.

Unlike WWE, TNA don't have a well being drugs policy for its wrestlers so it depends entirely on the wrestlers looking after themselves but if recent rumors are believed Kurt Angle is failing to do so. It's been implied that Kurt Angle has fallen off the wagon and his now back to bieng dependent on pain killers, if this is true then the whole wrestling industry should be worried.

Wrestling has suffered too many tragedies in recent years but if Kurt Angle is back on drugs and he doesn't get the help he needs then I fear the worse, and if that happens where would that leave wrestling and TNA especially.

If TNA are to turn their current slump around they need to do two things. Firstly they need Kurt Angle, and to a lesser extent the other former WWE superstars, to focus on what's best for the company as a whole and not for themselves. TNA will only ever be taken seriously if they have there own stars, without them they will always be considered by many as a graveyard for former WWE wrestlers who either weren't good enough or are past there prime.

The second thing TNA need to do is treat it's wrestlers better, because without good moral TNA will always have problems with performance. TNA wrestlers need to feel like they are looked after and of importance but currently that isn't the case. TNA's wrestlers are expected to pick up all there own medical bills which has caused numerous problems in recent months, a little care goes a long way. TNA also need to listen to all the wrestlers opinions to make moral better and not just those of a chosen few.

If TNA can improve moral and gets its roster working together as a team then they may yet have a chance as the future of wrestling. If they don't then the signing of Kurt Angle will have been a waste of time, money and hassle.

Poll Results- Which Superstars Return are You Most Looking Forward To

2007-07-31T09:37:00.000Z

Thanks for all the votes in last weeks poll. In case you must it I asked which superstars return you where looking forward to the most, here are the results in order

1. The Undertaker - 32%
2. Triple H - 18%
3. Rey Mysterio - 15%
4. Shawn Michaels - 14%
4. Chris Jericho - 14%
6. Edge - 5%
7. Rob Van Dam - 2%

On this evidence The Undertaker is still by as popular today as at any other time in his career. Once again thanks to all those who voted.

Cody Rhodes Biography - A Superstar In The Making

2007-07-29T05:12:00.000Z

On the July 2, 2007 episode of RAW, Cody Rhodes made his WWE debut when he appeared backstage with his father Dusty Rhodes, in a segment where Randy Orton introduced himself to Cody Rhodes and then proceeded to slap Dusty Rhodes. On July 9, 2007, Cody Rhodes returned the favor and slapped Randy Orton in retaliation for slapping Cody's father a week earlier. The following week, Cody, on his in ring WWE debut, faced Randy Orton with his father at ringside, although he was pinned after an RKO it was an impressive debut.

Cody Rhodes, born Cody Runnels, was born on June 30, 1985. His father is of course WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes and he also has a famous half brother in Dustin Rhodes who you may know better as Goldust, he also as a brother called Kevin.

Apart from Dusty and Dustin Rhodes he is also the nephew of Jerry Sags(Nasty Boys) and Fred Ottman(Typhoon), his godfather is another wrestling great Magnum T.A.

Cody Rhodes made his wrestling debut for OVW in August of 2006 when he formed a Tag Team with Shawn Spears and the pair soon started feuding with Deuce & Domino for the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship, capturing the gold from Deuce & Domino twice -- on October 18 and December 13, 2006.

While still holding the OVW Southern Tag Titles the two fell out when Spears became jealous of Cody Rhodes success when he won the OVW Heavyweight title from Paul Burchill on February 17, 2007. Although Cody Rhodes lost the title the next night to Burchill, the split was now inevitable.

Spears went on to win the OVW Television Championship in response and the team finally lost there Tag Team titles on April 11, 2007 kick starting the pairs singles feud.

In between these happenings on March 31, 2007 at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony Cody Rhodes made is first appearance on WWE screens when, alongside Dustin, he inducted their father Dusty Rhodes into the Hall of Fame.

Back in OVW Cody went on to defeat his now heated rival on July 6, 2007, to become the new OVW Television Champion. The reign wouldn't last long as Cody would then lose the TV Title back to Spears exactly one week later.

Before winning that title Cody Rhodes had a week earlier took part in a dark match at the SmackDown taping when he faced Daivari.

Cody next showed up at The Great American Bash 2007 to save his father from an attack by Randy Orton. Cody Rhodes was been considered as an opponent for Orton at Summerslam but WWE decided Rhodes was a little too inexperienced for a bout of such prestige just yet (plus Triple H recommended Orton face Cena for the world title) so the next night on RAW Cody challenged Orton to a rematch from the previous week, only to be pinned again in a losing effort.

WWE planned to leave Cody Rhodes in OVW for a little while longer but due to the rising injury list and the Benoit tragedy(Vince wants some new faces to take a little attention from it) they opted to bring someone in from OVW, with Burchill and Cody been the stand out performers both in the ring and on the microphone WWE went with Cody Rhodes as they had an easy story to get him over and Burchill wasn't a new face.

Although still a little green Cody Rhodes shows all the signs of making a huge impact in WWE. Lets wish him the best.

July's Wrestling Rumormill

2007-07-27T14:01:00.002Z

As everyday passes there appears to be more and more rumors of incidents and occurence's in the world of wrestling but let's face it us fans crave the wrestling rumors. In fact it's what I miss most about the time when we had three top wrestling promotions, every week there would be talk of top stars swapping shows but now those days are gone so has a little of the magic.

However that doesn't mean there isn't news, far too much for one man(a.k.a ME) to keep up with on a day to day basis. So I've decided to pick the best of the months news and wrestling rumors and report them in a once a month article, so what you waiting for here they are.

WWE
It's been going around that Bret Hart will make an appearance at this years Survivor Series in some way related to it been 10 years since the famous screw job. The rumor has also been based around the fact that Shawn Michaels is due to return to action around that time. I'm sorry to be a stick in the mud but it ain't going to happen, no matter how hard he tries Bret just can't forget what went down 10 years ago so although a return of some sorts isn't out of the question I think one at Survivor Series is extremely unlikely.

A far more rational return for Bret Hart would be alongside the New Hart Foundation. WWE currently has Teddy Hart, Harry Smith( Davey Boy's son) and Natalie Neidhart(Jim's daughter) all under contract and WWE are believed to be considering them as a unit. This of course would depend heavily on Teddy Hart proving he can behave himself.

Yet another rumored reformation is that of the NWO, with first Sean Waltman and now Scott Hall involved in talks with WWE this isn't impossible to imagine.

Renee Dupree was released by WWE, apparently for issues related to drugs.

Sid Justice/Viscous is reportedly in great shape and interested in a return to WWE, however with Arn Anderson currently working for WWE it is unlikely WWE will sign him up. In case you didn't know, the reason I mention Arn Anderson his because Sid stabbed him when the pair worked together in WCW in the nineties.

Chris Jericho keeps hinting at a return to WWE. Rob Van Dam however has no interest at the moment and his making enough money at conventions without wrestling, however the feeling is that when(or if) he returns to wrestling he's favoring TNA.

The match at Summerslam featuring the Jackass crew has been ditched. Rumors as to the reason why have varied but it is believed the truth is that the Jackass team wanted to keep as much distance from the WWE as possible after the Chris Benoit tragedy, so WWE just discarded the bout all together.

Edge is now expected to make his return at the Royal Rumble 2008 as his injury was worse than first thought.

Lance Hoyte has denied he's been in talks with WWE.

WWE tried to get Tajiri to return to the company, at this point in time Tajiri has no interest in doing so.

Paul Burchill has been very impressive as of late in OVW, both in ring and on the microphone, and should be due a call up to the WWE soon. If used correctly Burchill has the potential to be a future main eventer in the WWE.

Summerslam 2007 card will apparently look like this -

WWE Championship
Randy Orton vs. John Cena (c)

World Heavyweight Championship
Batista vs. The Great Khali (c)

King of the WWE
King Booker vs. Triple H

Carlito vs. Bobby Lashley

WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Rey Mysterio vs. Chavo Guerrero (c)

WWE United States Championship
Matt Hardy vs. MVP (c)

Ladder Match
Intercontinental Championship
Jeff Hardy vs. Umaga (c)

ECW Championship
CM Punk vs. John Morrison (c)

WWE Woman's Championship
Candice Michelle vs. Melina

TNA
Kurt Angle is allegedly causing problems with moral backstage in TNA, it' believed he's even been referred to as "the Triple H of TNA". Apparently TNA's roster believe management have given him too much power and Angle his only thinking of himself. This is what happens when a massive superstar is given power in a smaller company to leave a big one, it is part of what in the end destroyed WCW.

TNA are hopeful of Impact becoming a two hour show in the fall.

At the moment it's believed Jeff Jarrett will return in time for Octobers Bound For Glory PPV.

James Mitchells new monster Judas Mesias will be played by Ricky Banderas, you may know him as Banderas the former Wrestling Society X champion.

Moral is at an all time low in TNA and not just because of Kurt Angle. Apparently several stars are upset that they are been expected to pay for there own surgery, first Ron Killings and Konnan asked for TNA to release them and now it appears many of it's younger stars, who take the most risks, have been upset after Sonjay Dutt was told he would have to pay for MRI himself after he suffered a shoulder tear.

Six stars asked for there releases from TNA, all where however declined. VKM, Petey Williams, Brother Runt, Ron Killings and Senshi are believed to be the six guys people are talking about.

Samoa Joe has turned down a three year contract form TNA. Depending on who you believe his contract is either up this fall or in 2009, if it's this fall then TNA have to do something soon to keep hold of him.

October’s Bound For Glory will take place in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday, October 14, the event
will take place at the Gwinnett Civic Center arena.

Does anyone else feel like the X division title has lost all meaning?

TNA are interested in bringing in yet more former WWE workers in Nidia, Ariel and A Train. I bet the x division guys are wondering who they've pissed off as all three would no doubt get more air time than the majority of the x division.

Rumors that Kurt Angle is back on pain killers are worrying if true. If they are true Angle really should take a time out from wrestling(or retire) because if he doesn't he could well be the next wrestling tragedy.

Ken Shamrock has been in talks with TNA. Sabu has also been in touch with TNA about a return.

Team 3D have been telling friends they would like to return to the WWE.

Samoa Joe v Angle with all the titles on the line will main event Hard Justice. You have to wonder what effect all the titles been involved in one bout will mean for the rest of the card.

Wrestlemania 24 Fantasy Card

2007-07-25T20:34:00.001Z

Wrestlemania is without question the biggest event of the wrestling calander and although it is still a while away I starting thinking about which bouts I'd like to see at the biggest event of them all. I then extended this idea to what I'd like to see if any superstar, still living, could take part.

I'd also love to see your cards for what you'd love to see at Wrestlemania 24 so please feel free to leave yours in the comment box at the bottom of the article.

Just remember this is a fantasy card and doesn't relate to the real Wrestlemania 24 at all.

John Cena v Hulk Hogan

Not for the actual bout but for the atmosphere and spectacle it would produce.

Bret "The Hitman" Hart v Kurt Angle

Come on, who wouldn't want to see this match happen.

The Undertaker v Samoa Joe

The Undertaker's beaten everyone before him at Wrestlemania, but could Samoa Joe change that.

Elimination Chamber
Shawn Michaels v Chris Jericho v Edge v Batista v Triple H v Mr. Kennedy v Umaga v Rey Mysterio

Wrestlemania's the biggest event of the year, so why shouldn't it have the biggest Elimination Chamber of all time

The Rock v Randy Orton

The Legend Killer might finally shut his mouth

Stone Cold Steve Austin v Bill Goldberg

Why not let the most wanted match of the nineties finally take place.

No Holds Barred
Mick Foley v Vince McMahon

Let Mick get some payback for all the times McMahon's fired him.

TLC Match
The Hardy Boyz v London & Kendrick v LAX v Dudley Boys

Oh My!

Bobby Lashley v Brock Lesnar

Let Brock show his own mini me how it's done.

Thats my card which I'd love to see at next years Wrestlemania, don't ask what would main event I haven't got a clue.

Let me know what you think and don't forget to post the bouts you'd love to see.

Poll Results

2007-07-23T15:00:00.000Z

The results of the recent poll Which wrestling promotion Do you think is the best has now ended the results where as follows

WWE 74%
TNA 24%
ROH 1%
NOAH 0%
Other 1%

Thanks if you participated.

This weeks question is - Which superstars return are you looking forward to the most?

The Great American Bash 2007 Results

2007-07-23T13:55:00.000Z

Not expecting much from The Great American Bash 2007 I was pleasantly surprised as it turned into a watchable pay per view offering. Hardly a classic but the bouts including the Hardy's where both entertaining bouts and the two WWE world title bouts exceeded what was expected. Randy Orton's bout served it's purpose of building up his Summerslam storyline and was thankfully kept short. The ECW title match however was very poor as was the bout between Sandman and Carlito. The WWE cruiserweights may as well call it a day as WWE showed them yet more contempt by putting the title on the dwarf Hornswoggle. On a whole as a PPV the Great American Bash 2007 wasn't anything to shout about, but compared to what was expected WWE will be satisfied.

Montel Vontavious Porter defeated Matt Hardy to retain the WWE United States Championship (12:54)
- MVP pinned Hardy after a Playmaker.
Hornswoggle defeated Chavo Guerrero (c), Jimmy Wang Yang, Shannon Moore, Funaki and Jamie Noble to win the WWE Cruiserweight Championship (6:57)
- Hornswoggle pinned Noble after a Tadpole Splash.
- Hornswoggle was momentarily in the ring when the opening bell rang, officially making himself an entrant in the match (which was open to all cruiserweights), though he was hidden under the ring for most of the match.
Carlito defeated The Sandman in a Singapore Cane on a Pole Match (5:30)
- Carlito pinned Sandman after a Back Cracker.
Candice Michelle defeated Melina to retain the WWE Women's Championship (6:21)
- Candice pinned Melina after a Candywrapper.
Umaga defeated Jeff Hardy to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship (11:19)
- Umaga pinned Hardy after a Samoan Spike.
John Morrison defeated CM Punk to retain the ECW World Championship (7:50)
- Morrison pinned Punk after hitting Punk with both his knees after Punk attempted a slingshot manuever.
Randy Orton defeated Dusty Rhodes in a Texas Bullrope match (5:38)
- Orton pinned Rhodes after hitting him in the head with the cowbell.
The Great Khali defeated Kane and Batista in a Triple Threat match to retain the World Heavyweight Championship (10:02)
- Khali pinned Kane after a Batista Bomb from Batista and a Giant Chokeslam.
John Cena defeated Bobby Lashley to retain the WWE Championship (15:11)
- Cena pinned Lashley after an FU from the top turnbuckle.

TNA Roster or TNA management - Who's To Blame

2007-07-22T05:23:00.000Z

In recent months it has become easy to feel sorry for the WWE during what has to be the worst injury crisis in there history. Main event draws Shawn Michaels, Triple H, The Undertaker, Edge and Rey Mysterio have all fallen foul of lengthy injuries and RVD, Chris Jericho, The Big Show and Kurt Angle all departed in one way or another. This plus the loss of Chris Benoit and the negative media attention over the incident has been a huge strain on the WWE.

So why hasn't TNA got the WWE in a submission hold they are struggling to escape?

All the focus appears to have been on the WWE and what they are going to do now but for me this is the perfect opportunity for TNA to step up and make it's mark with the wrestling masses, so why hasn't it.

TNA management may appear happy with the current fortunes of the company but behind the scenes they must be worried that as the number two promotion in America they have failed to make any real impact on the WWE during their little crisis.

TNA has had no major injury problems, brought in several major players and are now on a major network with Impact but yet there gains have been very little. Against a full strength WWE this would be exceptable but in it's weakened state that cannot be the case, but with whom does the blame lay - The TNA Roster or with TNA management ?

The TNA roster is probably the strongest it has ever been but as of late several stars just aren't performing like they where this time last year and as a result the PPV's, which where getting a lot of wrestling critics excited a year ago, are also suffering.

On the face of it the TNA roster have little to complain about. Compared to the life of their WWE counterparts TNA superstars have it easy as they have none of the travelling and work far fewer days a year. Yet it appears TNA's roster isn't all smiles.

In the last month or so Konnan and Ron Killings have departed, six or seven guys have asked for release, Kurt Angle has told friends he was unhappy and The Dudleys have stated their desire to go back to the WWE. All this plus the failure to lure several stars like Goldberg, Lesner, Jericho and RVD leaves you wondering whether there is something going on behind the scenes that is causing unrest.

Some will immediately point the finger at Vince Russo. After all the timing of TNA's current slump has coincided with his return to the company. However Russo doesn't actually write the shows he is merely an advisor, how much authority he has in this role no one except TNA know for sure, so it is a little unfair to lay all the blame with Russo.

Jeff Jarrett's return to the ring has also been touted as a reason as several stars are said to be a little pissed at the way Jarrett pushes himself above all others. I also feel this is a little harsh, like Triple H, he may hold himself in high regard but he his a proven main event performer and since Jarrett's return he hasn't placed himself in the title picture straight away.

I do however feel that it is TNA management who is to blame. If you look back at the TNA PPV's from late 2005 upto the summer of 2006 you'll not only notice there quality but you'll also notice why the PPV's stood out from what other companies where producing, The X Division.

The X division was what made TNA different from the WWE and it was what drew so many fans. The fans didn't give a crap about Jarrett and whoever his latest victim was they where interested in AJ Styles, Chris Sabin, Petey Williams, Christopher Daniels, Samoa Joe and the rest of the X division mob but yet TNA is now starting to treat them little better than the WWE treat there cruiserweight's .

Now TNA seem more interested in promoting matches with guys they brought in from the WWE. But let's face the facts, apart from Angle and Christian none of these guys are going to take away the WWE's fans. WWE released guys like the Dudleys and VKM for a reason - there fans just didn't give a crap anymore. Despite this, rather than give them new gimmicks TNA sent them out to the ring doing the same routines fans had tired of months ago.

The use of the X division may be TNA's biggest problem but it is closely followed by the tag team ranks. TNA not only had a great tag team division but it was also full of teams created by TNA - AMW, Team Canada and The Naturals but now with the exception of LAX it has become a graveyard for WWE rejects.

TNA is losing it's personality, it is becoming a pale imitation of the WWE, and for this TNA management must take the blame.

If TNA hope to make any impact on the WWE's stranglehold on wrestling then they need to create something unique and make sure the world knows about it.

When WCW was the top dog it was because they offered something different from the WWE and when WWE found itself behind WCW they reinvented themselves and returned to the top. WCW died when they tried to imitate the WWE's style.

Fans who aren't watching WWE aren't watching because they want something different, and fans who stay tuned to WWE will only be turned by something unique.

If TNA continue to imitate rather than innovate then I fear TNA could go the way of WCW and tap out!

Edge Forced To Relinquish The WWE Title- What Next

2007-07-19T14:01:00.000Z

WWE's recent injury jinx has struck again as current WWE champion, and the best all round performer currently in action, Edge has had to vacate the title due to a torn muscle. It was reported earlier in the week that Edge would still compete in the main event at the Great American Bash but the injury was worse than first thought and Edge has now had to vacate the title.

So the first question is who will be the new champion? There are several contenders on Smackdown but the majority simply aren't worthy of wearing a world title, the likes of The Great Khali and Mark Henry are simply the pits. Of those who are worthy it is hard to see any been given the title, I just can't see WWE giving the belt to Matt Hardy and Rey Mysterio isn't yet working a full schedule.

In my mind that either leaves Kane or Batista, whom I'd hate to see given another title reign so soon, or it means drafting someone over from Raw. WWE have done this on the two previous occasions the champion has given up his title, firstly with Kurt Angle and then only recently with Edge, but would they really want to do it again.

I feel WWE won't switch anyone just yet but if they want Smackdown to remain watchable then they need reinforcements soon as matches featuring Khali and Henry in the main event would be hard to watch, with a talent like Edge carrying them it may have just been bearable.

Mr. Kennedy and Booker T must be distraught that they aren't still on Smackdown as both would have certainly been the major contenders for the belt but WWE only have themselves to blame, if they weren't so biased towards Raw and the talent was more evenly shared out they wouldn't be in such a mess.

Fair enough they couldn't foresee the injuries they have had but whereas Raw has ample back up to deal with injuries Smackdown is left in a whole heap of trouble.

It's going to be a long summer on Smackdown unless something comes along in a hurry.

TNA Victory Road 2007 Results

2007-07-16T09:40:00.000Z

Victory Road 2007 took place on July 15, 2007 from the iMPACT! Zone in Orlando, Florida. There was nothing particularly great about Victory Road 2007 the event featured several reasonable bouts but nothing stood out above the rest. TNA need an inspirational PPV soon decisions like Dustin Rhodes involvement in the bout between Harris and Cage just show the lack of direction TNA is currently showing. TNA should also stopped wasting valuable air time with the likes of VKM and The Bashams and allow the X division to have more time on screen.

Christopher Daniels won the Ultimate X Gauntlet match (18:48)
- The entrants were: Daniels, Jay Lethal, Puma, Homicide, Sonjay Dutt, Petey Williams, Shark Boy, Elix Skipper, Kaz, and Senshi.
- Remaining after the Gauntlet were: Daniels, Lethal, Kaz, Homicide, Skipper, and Senshi.
- Daniels grabbed the "X" to become #1 contender to the TNA X Division Championship.
The Voodoo Kin Mafia (B.G. James and Kip James) (w/Roxxi Laveaux) defeated Basham and Damaja (w/Christy Hemme and Lance Hoyt) (7:03)
- Kip pinned Damaja after a chair shot from B.G.
James Storm defeated Rhino (10:26)
- Storm pinned Rhino after hitting him with a beer bottle.
- After the match, Storm and Jackie Moore attacked Rhino.
The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) (w/Kevin Nash) defeated Jerry Lynn and Bob Backlund (8:44)
- Sabin pinned Lynn after an enzuigiri / dropkick combination.
Eric Young and Gail Kim defeated Robert Roode and Ms. Brooks (8:17)
- Kim pinned Brooks after Roode inadvertently hit her with an Elbow drop.
Christian Cage defeated Chris Harris (13:58)
- Cage pinned Harris with a roll-up after interference from Dustin Rhodes
Sting and Abyss defeated A.J. Styles and Tomko (15:33)
- Abyss pinned Tomko after a Black Hole Slam.
- After the match, James Mitchell came out.
(TNA World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle and TNA X Division Champion Samoa Joe defeated TNA World Tag Team Champions Team 3DBrother Ray and Brother Devon) (18:25)
- Joe pinned Ray.
- Per the pre-match stipulation, Joe won the TNA World Tag Team Championship and could choose his tag team partner.
- This was billed as the "Match of Champions"

The Wrestlings Greatest Quiz#1

2007-07-13T18:47:00.000Z

Welcome to the first quiz here on wrestlings greatest. It's just for fun so don't get too excited.

Round 1
Re arrange the letters to make the name of a wrestling superstar

1. Eth Ocrk
2. Okazunoy
3. Cassi hirnb
4. Aunt gerkl
5. Geed

Round 2
Name the stipulation

1 Wrestlemania X HBK v Razor Ramon
2 King Of The Ring 98 Mankind v Undertaker
3 King of the Ring 98 Stone Cold v Kane
4 Judgement Day 2000 The Rock v Triple H
5 Halloween Havoc 93 Cactus Jack v Vader

Round 3
Name the finisher

1. Davey Boy Smith
2. The Road Warriors/L.O.D
3. Macho Man Randy Savage
4. Razor Ramon
5. Mr. Perfect

Round 4
Name the Wrestlemania these matches where main event at

1. Hulk Hogan v Sgt. Slaughter
2. Triple H v The Rock v Mick Foley v The Big Show
3. John Cena v Triple H
4. Undertaker v Sid Justice
5 . Shawn Michaels v Steve Austin

Round 5
Whose catchphrase is it

1. Everyone's got a price
2. Your gonna serve hard time
3. Hey Chico
4. what a russsshhhhhhhhh
5. ...........Take a look at what a real man looks like

The Results
How do you feel you did? Not the toughest quiz you'll ever encounter I'm sure but still a couple of stumpers may have found you out.

Round 1
1.The Rock
2. Yokozuna
3 Chris Sabin
4. Kurt Angle
5. Edge

Round 2
1. Ladder Match
2. Hell in a Cell
3. First Blood
4. Iron man
5. Texas Death match

Round 3
1. Powerslam
2. Doomsday device
3. Flying Elbow from the top turnbuckle
4. Razors Edge
5. Perfect Plex

Round 4
1. 7
2. Wrestlemania 2000
3. 22
4. 13
5. 14

Round 5
1. Ted DiBiase
2. The Big Boss Man
3. Razor Ramon
4. L.O.D
5. Ravishing Rick Rude

Must see Matches #3 Mankind v The Undertaker

2007-07-13T17:50:00.000Z

King of the Ring 98 and only the second ever Hell in a Cell match took place between the Undertaker, who had been beaten in the previous Hell in a Cell bout, against Mick Foley's disturbed alter ego Mankind. The two had been involved in several brutal battles during a lengthy feud but this would wipe all other battles between the two from peoples memory.

More memorable as a spectacle than a wrestling match, but what a spectacle. No one could've expected The Undertaker and Mankind to take the WWE to the new level of brutality that it did.

The match had not even began when Mankind went up to the roof of the cell and challenged the Undertaker to start the fight atop the infamous structure, the Undertaker didn't need asking twice. After a brief exchange of blows the Undertaker threw Mankind from the top of the Hell in a Cell structure and through the ringside announcers table. It was a move which not only stunned the crowd and those watching at home but changed wrestling as people knew it forever.

Amazingly the bout wasn't over as Mankind, after a brief rest bite, challenged the Taker to once again climb onto the roof of the cell. After another short flurry of blows The Undertaker chokeslammed Mankind through the steel cell roof and onto the canvas below. It was a chilling yet exciting blow to watch as Foley hit the canvas.

Yet somehow the bout wasn't over there. After Terry Funk, trying to help Foley out of the ring, was chokeslammed out of his shoes by the deadman Mankind shockingly continued the match and even took control leading to the introduction of a bag of drawing pins. The Undertaker avoided several attempts by Foley to use the pins and then reversed a mandible claw a by back dropping Mankind onto the pins. A chokeslam on the pins and a tombstone later and the match was finally over.

The greatest wrestling match ever? No

The wrestling match you have to see before you die? Definitely!

Here's a short highlights package of the bout.

Dgeneration X v NWO

2007-07-09T09:33:00.001Z

In recent days there have been rumors spreading like wildfire about the possibilities of two of the most successful factions of all time reuniting. TNA wrestling are looking at reforming the original DX with The James Gang joined by Sean Waltman whereas the WWE are looking at bringing back the NWO, although which members they are thinking of is unknown it is widely believed they would need to use at least a couple of the original members with Sean Waltman once again a possibility.

The last time both these factions where around at the same time was during the height of the Monday Night Wars with the most memorable segment being the time that DX, consisting of Triple H, the New Age Outlaws and Sean Waltman, invaded WCW's Monday Nitro program. DX ultimately came out on top with WWE victorious in the Monday Night Wars but there are still those that believe had WCW used the NWO better they may have won the war.

Although initially very successful, the idea was fresh and entertaining, it soon became tiresome mainly for the reason that so many members came and went it was hard to keep track at times as to who was in and who was out. All the major successful factions of the past had some sort of stability from The Four Horsemen to DX, each had members that would always be associated with them but the NWO changed too many times and the arrival of the red NWO only made matters worse. Fans simply got fed up.

If WCW had kept the NWO to it's original incarnation of maybe 6 or 7 members and kept them the same apart from the odd change then they may well have lasted longer and won the war. The last run of DX though was hardly a storming success after a good start it became all too apparent that DX was just an ego trip for Triple H and Shawn Michaels. DX originally where about controversy and pushing the limits on what was acceptable on a wrestling show, the new DX was basically two aging men playing childish pranks. The cutting edge that made DX so exciting wasn't there and some believe it could've been with the help of Sean Waltman.

Sean Waltman's problems with addiction in recent years is no secret but he has now been clean for several months and has always stated he would be interested in a return to wrestling once he was in the right frame of mind. If Waltman feels the time is right he could end up been the most sought after guy in pro wrestling. He's made clear in the past he loved his time in the WWE so this would appear his preferred option however the more hectic schedule of the WWE may sway Waltman towards TNA, especially if he has any doubts about whether he can cope without falling back on his old dependents.

Either way and in which ever promotion I'm sure fans would lap up a return of each faction, the question would be whether they could maintain it over a period of time as oppose to a quick boost in popularity before fading away again.

Big Van Vader In Action

2007-07-08T20:00:00.000Z

I recently noted a comment on a post I wrote asking who Vader was so I've found this video of one of his many classic battles with Sting. As always enjoy!

Randy Orton - The Most Wasteful Man In Wrestling

2007-07-07T16:18:00.000Z

It has recently been revealed that Triple H his pushing for Randy Orton to be given a run as the WWE champion, as Triple H believes it will benefit John Cena to chase the title for a while and that Orton his now ready to be the top dog, a position Randy Orton would already have held several times if he'd learn how to behave himself.

Orton was destined for big things almost immediately after his debut in the WWE and after an on off start due to injuries it wasn't long before Orton and WWE introduced the Legend Killer moniker. His first major feud under the gimmick would be with Mick Foley. Huge credit deserves to be heaped upon Foley for his selfless efforts in helping Orton get over and become a star, something which can't be said of too many of the WWE's top stars.

Orton was soon given a run as WWE champion, defeating Chris Benoit for the title at Summerslam, but the reign didn't prove a success. Orton wasn't to blame however as WWE rushed the title onto Orton when Benoit's reign as champion was seeing a ratings drop. Also Ortons ego and cockiness didn't help him to win over the fans in the role of a fan favorite.

Randy Orton feuded with Triple H and The Undertaker over the course of the next year but he was also starting to earn a reputation as a trouble causer and being extremely arrogant. Orton apparently beleived that because he was a top star he didn't have to abide by the same rules as the rest of the WWE roster.

WWE Diva Amy Webber left the company stating her reason as Randy Orton continually harrassing her and vandalizing her things, and Rochelle Loewen, was moved to Smackdown for making similar complaints (she left shortly after). It seemed The Legend Killers friendship with Triple H was helping Orton escape incidents such as these unscathed as he was given a place in the WWE title match against Kurt Angle and Rey Mysterio at Wrestlemania.

Although Orton failed to win the gold he was expected to challenge Rey Mysterio for the belt after Wrestlemania but Orton failed a drugs test and was suspended by the WWE. Though it potentially cost Orton a title reign many felt it was just what The Legend Killer needed to put him in his place and get him on the straight and narrow, it seemed to work.

Orton completed the rest of the year with no incidents of any note against him but once again when Orton was pushed into world title contention his behavior again raised its ugly face. Just before Backlash, where Orton was to face Shawn Michaels, John Cena and Edge he was sent home from a European tour for trashing a hotel room. Again it seemed Orton had thrown away his place at the top of the card.

There can be little doubt that where it not for Orton's favorable position with Triple H then Orton would be struggling in the middle of the card with his behavioral problems but instead it seems The Legend Killer could be about to receive another opportunity at the main event role, the question is whether he takes it.

Orton owes a lot to the WWE, and Triple H especially, so it's time for Orton to show his gratitude because if he doesn't it may be the last chance he gets.

Who is WWE's Next Big Thing

2007-07-06T18:43:00.001Z

In recent years it has been fairly obvious who the WWE had earmarked for future greatness. The Rock, Brock Lesner, John Cena and Kurt Angle where all pushed very early in there pro wrestling careers without the need to pay their dues. But do any of the current roster stand out in the same way? Here's a quick look at some of the stars who could potentially be the next main event superstar.

Randy Orton.

If it wasn't for Orton's terrible attitude and behavioral problems Randy Orton would already be one of WWE's top dogs. His first run as champion came too soon and was a panic decision after Chris Benoit's title reign failed to bring ratings success, this plus the problem that WWE pushed him as a fan favorite but because of his arrogant attitude the fans where never likely to except Orton. Each time Orton has been considered for a title run since he's done some thing stupid to put the stoppers on it.

It was believed Orton would feud with Triple H at Summerslam upon Triple H's return but it is now known Triple H is pushing for Orton to be given a run as champion as he feels Orton is ready and the fans attitude towards John Cena would be greater if he spent a little time chasing the title instead of holding it, the question is will Orton screw up before that time?

Johnny Nitro

A lot of wrestling experts have commented on Nitro claiming him to be the "next Shawn Michaels". His character certainly resembles Michaels in his early career, from his cocky attitude to his in the ring look but how many "next Shawn Michaels" have there been over the years and how many have reached the same heights? This said it does seem WWE management think a great deal of Johnny Nitro and if you proves he can handle himself as ECW world champion then his next reign could be right at the very top of the WWE.

Bobby Lashley

Not exactly a revelation but WWE obviously see Lashley as a potential Megastar. His look and powerhouse style will always win him fans but despite been given massive air time and the benefit of feuding with Vince McMahon (McMahon only ever feuds with guys earmarked for the top) I haven't been overly impressed. He's definitely improving but for me the jury is still out on whether Lashley can really live up to the WWE's high expectations.

Mr. Kennedy

Probably the best worker on the microphone since The Rock, which was always going to give him a huge advantage over the rest of the competition. Entertaining and no doubt a massive fan following awaits once he's done his part as an heel ( something Lesner, Cena, Angle and The Rock all did). Slight improvement on his in ring performances and a long spell without being sidelined by injuries could yet see Mr. Kennedy fulfilling his dream of competing in the main event of Wrestlemania .

CM Punk

Punk would definitely be one of the fans top picks but within the WWE itself things don't seem as possible. He was famously on the end of a slating from Triple H and Shawn Michaels (they said he couldn't "work" a WWE style match) and his clean living persona may not make him the most popular guy backstage.

His strong belief in the clean living attitude could however be a blessing for CM Punk, with the recent problems WWE have had with the media over steroid abuse who would make a better champion than CM Punk. Bret Hart's road to the top was helped in the 90's because of the steroids trial of Vince McMahon perhaps CM Punk could benefit in a similar way.

MVP

WWE have so far been impressed with the performances of MVP both in the ring and on the microphone which bodes well for the future of MVP. Certainly not the frontrunner to be the WWE's next big thing but if others slip up MVP could very well step into the upper tier of the WWE.

Marcus Cor Von

When wrestling in TNA as Monty Brown he was seen as a star of the future but since joining WWE things haven't quite continued in the same vein. This isn't a complete surprise however as WWE have in recent years made wrestlers coming from outside the WWE's own development promotions work harder and in the middle of the card before allowing them to shine. Some feel this is to make WWE seem superior to and harder to conquer than other promotions, whether true or not Marcus Cor Von isn't currently where he'd like to be in the WWE's pecking order.

Still, don't discount Cor Von's chances of becoming the next big thing as WWE clearly saw something in him to bring Marcus Cor Von to the company in the first place and maybe once he's shown WWE his commitment to the company he could get the push that most of us expected.

Let's hope one of these guys can make it as the next best thing as although none are the finished article all are open, and capable of, improvement and of putting on decent entertaining matches. I would much rather see any of these guys given a chance to fight at the top of the card than the likes of Mark Henry and The Great Khali any day of the week.

Who Would You Love To See In WWE

2007-07-05T18:27:00.000Z

With the number of recent injuries to WWE superstars such as Shawn Michaels, Triple H and The Undertaker the WWE has started to look a little short on genuine top of the card performers. This got me thinking about years gone by when there seemed an endless line of WWE superstars fighting it out for the top spot which brought an interesting question.

Which wrestlers past or present, dead or alive would I have loved to have seen come back in their prime to help the WWE in there current injury crisis? Here are the 5 I chose.

Bret "The Hitman" Hart

I'm sure the Hitman would be on many list of superstars people would love to see return, not just to the WWE but wrestling in general. Unquestionably one of the greatest in ring performers of all time, he would definitely improve the current roster and perhaps help make superstars of guys like Mr. Kennedy in the same way he did "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. Also a battle of the Canadians with Edge would make for fantastic viewing.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin

WWE could certainly use a bit of the "Stone Cold" magic, he could help John Cena finally become the megastar that WWE crave for by teaming with him and would be a great opponent for the Legend Killer Randy Orton.

Brock Lesner

I was undecided which powerhouse I'd want to return between Lesner and Goldberg but I opted for the guy with more potentially great feuds. Cena, Batista and Bobby Lashley would all be possible headlining feuds and just imagine the potential of a feud with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.

"Macho Man" Randy Savage

Not an obvious choice but whenever I think back to my favorite times of years gone by Randy Savage is a name that shows up quite frequently especially his amazing match carrying performance against the Ultimate Warrior at Wrestlemania 7. Who he'd feud with I'm not really sure, perhaps Edge would be my top choice, but it would be great just to see him in the ring once again.

Big Van Vader

This is definitely a personal choice of mine that I don't expect many to agree with. I always feel Big Van Vader is one of the most underrated superstars in wrestling history, especially his time as a monster heel in WCW where his feuds with Cactus Jack and Sting still live as two of my favorite feuds of all time. John Cena, Bobby Lashley and Batista are all opponents who would benefit from a feud with the monster heel.

I've had to write this down before I change my mind again as the likes Davey Boy Smith, Rick Rude, Eddie Guerrero, Chris Jericho, Kurt Angle, Samoa Joe, Sting, The Dynamite Kid and The Rock have all featured on my list at some time today and I'm sure your list would be different too.

Angle v Lesner for the IWGP title

2007-07-02T21:41:00.001Z

Several days ago Brock Lesner faced Kurt Angle in Japan for the IWGP title. As there previous bouts in the WWE where so popular I decided to put the bouts up here on Wrestlings Greatest. I'll not tell you the winner just sit back and enjoy.

The Scaffolding Match

2007-07-01T23:42:00.000Z

I realized after writing my last post on great tag teams of the past that when I mentioned a scaffolding match that many new fans will never have seen one before. For those of you that haven't heres a video of one it features the Road Warriors against the Midnight Express. Enjoy!

Great Tag Teams Of The Past Part 2

2007-06-30T11:01:00.000Z

If you read part one of the great tag teams of the past you will have learnt a little about The Brain Busters, The Rock 'n' Roll Express and The British Bulldogs but that has hardly touched the surface of the many great tag teams that have been and gone over the years.

The three teams featured in part one where personal favorites of mine as oppose to the most successful tag teams from days gone by, but for part two I have decided to focus on teams who where very successful and left a lasting impression on the tag team division.

The Road Warriors

One of the most successful tag teams of all time without question The Road Warriors, or The Legion of Doom as they where also known, are certainly legends and no doubt future WWE Hall of Famers.

With there mean look and powerhouse style it didn't take long for the Road Warriors to become a force in tag team wrestling, enjoying huge success in both America and Japan and holding titles in almost every territory they wrestled in. The Road Warriors where so popular that whenever promotions tried to turn them heel it failed as the crowd refused to go against them. When the Road Warriors won the WWE tag team titles at Summerslam 91 they became the first tag team to hold the world titles in the big three companies of the 80's.

The Road Warriors had many classic bouts with the Midnight Express ( including the first scaffolding match), and The Four Horsemen (with whom they had the first ever war games bout), as well as brutal bouts with others. Often imitated but never bettered, poor later incarnations cannot take away what the Road Warriors achieved in their prime.

The Steiner Brothers

Scott and Rick Steiner where at one time one of the greatest tag teams to grace the wrestling business. Debuting in 1989 they had many brilliant battles on there way to winning 6 WCW tag titles, 2 WWE tag team titles, NWA tag titles and 2 IWGP tag team titles.

Although Scott Steiner always seemed destined for a big singles career he was probably at his best when part of the Steiner Bros. team. I would advise you try to see them in action against the likes of Gordy and Williams, The Midnight Express and The Heavenly Bodies to see what I mean.

Lets hope TNA don't try to ruin there memory like the WWE almost did with the Road Warriors.

The Demolition

When the WWE failed to tempt the Road Warriors to join the company in the 80's they created a team in a similar vein that team was Demolition. With face paint, tough guy looks and one of the best pieces of entrance music in wrestling history Demolition quickly became top dogs in a very competitive tag team division (it featured teams such as the Hart Foundation,The British Bulldogs,Strike Force and many more.).

Winning the WWE tag titles from Strike Force at Wrestlemania 4 Demolition held on to the belts for a record 478 days, which still stands today. Demolition had many great bouts in there history including a classic 2 out of 3 falls bout with the Hart Foundation, by which time Crush had joined the team of Ax and Smash due to Ax( Bill Eadie) suffering heart problems. Because of this when the Road Warriors did join WWE the feud lost its spark and failed to be the success it could've been.

Also because of the Road Warriors/L.O.D massive popularity Demolition began to struggle and shortly after there arrival the team split.

As you can see I have still barely touched the surface of the great tag teams of the past but the three teams here in part 2 are three of the most successful of all time. Part 3 will have to be something special to match the three teams featured here.

Chris Benoit - Killer Of His Own Legacy

2007-06-29T17:51:00.000Z

Due to terrible weather and flooding here in the U.K I have been left without an internet connection for several days but it won't take much guesswork between you what my page would've been about, Chris Benoit.

For those U.K fans unaware because of a lack of internet connection and a lack of U.K coverage or fans anywhere in the world who haven't yet heard on Monday Chris Benoit was found dead. Unfortunately the tragedy isn't complete there as before Benoit took his own life he took the lives of his wife Nancy (some of you may remember Nancy as Woman in WCW) on Friday and, most upsettingly of all, his son Daniel, aged just 7, on Saturday. It is thought that Benoit killed them both under the influence of steroids but at this point that is still unproven. Chris Benoit hung himself on Monday.

If Benoit had died in a car crash or from an overdose I would now be writing a wrestling eulogy telling of one of the greatest in ring performers of all time and a true professional, a man whose bouts with Angle, Bret Hart and Eddie Guerrero will live as all time classics and who holds serious claims to one of the greatest Wrestlemania main events of all time ( with Shawn Michaels and Triple H). However the circumstances make everything Benoit achieved inside the squared circle obsolete. In killing his own wife and child Benoit also, to me at least, killed his wrestling legacy as well.

Some may feel that what has happened away from the ring should have no bearing on how wrestling fans remember Benoit but I cannot share these views. I may be a massive wrestling fan but first and foremost I am a father and I cannot think of a worse crime than to kill your own flesh and blood, no matter what the circumstances.

During the bad weather and not having an internet connection over the last few days, I have watched a lot of old wrestling tapes on many of these where matches featuring Benoit. With each of these matches I found myself only able to watch several minutes of the bout and then forwarding past it, I could no longer bare to watch. Even one of my favorite bouts of all time featuring Benoit against Kurt Angle from the Royal Rumble was unwatchable.

Questions will no doubt be asked of the WWE once again, afterall steroids appear to be involved in yet another WWE superstars death, but this time I feel it would be harsh to lay blame at there door. If all we have been told so far turns out to be the truth then Benoit and Benoit alone is the only person responsible, steroids or no steroids. People who excuse his actions and blame steroids would do well to ask themselves this- if some one they didn't know killed a loved one of yours would you except that as an excuse, I very much doubt it.

It's upsetting that so many fond memories are destined to be consigned to the scrapheap but sadly that 's the way it will be for this writer. My heart goes out to the family and friends of the Benoits and lets just hope that for wrestling fans this will be the last tragedy for a long time to hit them, it's just a crying shame Benoit destroyed his legacy on his way.

WWE Vengeance 2007 - Results

2007-06-25T07:44:00.000Z

Here are the results from WWE Vengeance 2007 took place on June 24, 2007 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch defeated The Hardys (Matt and Jeff) to retain the World Tag Team Championship (8:51)

Cade pinned Jeff after a Sidewalk Slam.

Chavo Guerrero defeated Jimmy Wang Yang to retain the WWE Cruiserweight Championship (9:15)

Guerrero pinned Yang after a Frog Splash.

Johnny Nitro defeated CM Punk to win the vacant ECW World Championship (8:01)

Nitro pinned Punk after a Neckbreaker. (Nitro replaced Benoit who couldn't appear for personal reasons)

Santino Marella defeated Umaga by disqualification to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship (2:35)

Umaga was disqualified after he refused to stop punching Marella.

Montel Vontavious Porter defeated Ric Flair to retain the WWE United States Championship (8:40)

MVP pinned Flair after a Playmaker.

Deuce 'N Domino (w/Cherry) defeated Sgt. Slaughter and Jimmy Snuka to retain the WWE Tag Team Championship (6:29)

Deuce pinned Snuka after rolling through a Crossbody.
After the match, Deuce 'N Domino continued attacking Slaughter and Snuka until Rick Martel and Tony Garea made the save.

Edge defeated Batista by count-out to retain the World Heavyweight Championship

Batista was counted-out.
As a result of losing, Batista will not get another chance at the title while Edge remains champion.

Candice Michelle defeated Melina to win the WWE Women's Championship (4:21)

Michelle pinned Melina after a Spinning Heel Kick.

(w/John Cena defeated Mick Foley, Bobby Lashley, Randy Orton and King BookerQueen Sharmell) to retain the WWE Championship

Cena pinned Foley following an FU

For a card full of title matches only one title actually changed hands and that was the most meaningless title in the company. Have WWE let go the chance to shake up the company? we'll have to wait and see. The card itself was the usual mixed bag of good and bad although the many clips of previous champions was a nice touch. Hopefully Benoits family problem is nothing too serious but this has given Johnny Nitro a huge opening, lets see what he's made of.

Vince McMahon - The Suspects

2007-06-24T08:18:00.000Z

Now that we've seen the "death" of Vinnie Mac the big question on wrestling fans lips is the question of whodunnit. There are certainly no shortage of suspects.

There are likely to be many twist and turns throughout this storyline that's for sure. If your a long time fan you may remember the last time WWE did a similar story was the Steve Austin hit and run, and that ended up been down to Rikishi who had nothing to do with the story. The twist however came when it was later revealed Triple H was behind it all.

This shows that with a WWE storyline it really could've been anyone but here are the main suspects in no particular order.

Bret Hart
Given the real life personal issues between McMahon and "The Hitman" it would certainly make sense. Bret Hart was rumored to be appearing on Raw that night prior to the event which only added fuel to the fire that Hart could be responsible. My problem with Hart as the purpatrator is that his reason would be the double cross and the death of Owen Hart but I believe Bret Hart wouldn't want to make light of these two incidents and turn them into a storyline.

Mick Foley
The public firings Mick Foley suffered at the hands of McMahon would give Foley a good reason storyline wise especially as with his last stint in the WWE Foley also joined the kiss my arse club. A McMahon/Foley match has also been hinted at for quite some time now so Foley would have to remain a strong contender

John Cena
There may be no real storyline reason for Cena to have blown up his boss but as I said WWE don't always follow previous storylines. The theory for Cena is simple, he has struggled to become the next Hogan/Rock/Austin figure that the WWE are so desperate for but if he was to be responsible for the death of the most hated character in the company perhaps you would finally get the reaction WWE have so far failed to recieve.

Triple H
Several storyline's could be used if Triple H was to be the guilty party. They could use his real life partnership with Stephanie McMahon as a story for Triple H to take control of the company or build on there hatred from last years feud. The timing also seems right for Triple H as he is due to return from injury very soon so he could appear as the new man in charge or as a man with something to hide.

Shane McMahon
Similar to Triple H in that he would be the man in charge and in weeks previous to the event Shane had been doing segments claiming Vince was becoming an embarrasment and making a mockery of the family name.

Stephanie McMahon
If she was responsible it is likely to be linked with Triple H rather than on her own. Triple H would more likely be the person actually responsible but Stephanie would be the one behind it. It's a possibility but I think others are stronger candidates.

Eric Bischoff
Bitter enemies from the nineties Monday Night Wars Bischoff would be a perfect contender and a prime suspect using some sort of takeover/revenge for WCW storyline. A definite contender.

Hulk Hogan
They've had so many fallings out over the years a reason for a storyline would be easy to create. Hogan has also returned to the WWE for the past two summers to help promote his reality T.V show so timing wise this would fit in.

Paul Heyman
Paul Heyman's reason would simple be hatred because McMahon has taken ECW away from him and then treated it like crap. Pretty similar profile to Bischoff and for that reason a strong contender, the two men working together would be even better.

Steve Austin
One of the most famous feuds in wrestling history would be very easy to make into a storyline. Apart from the odd appearance here and there though Austin hasn,t shown any interest in a full time role and also hasn't been in an actual match for years. It's a nice idea but like Bret Hart I can't see it.

Vince McMahon
Since Vinnie Mac isn't really dead the question as to be asked can you see Vince McMahon retiring and staying away from the WWE? My answer is no. Even if McMahon plans to retire I don't think his ego would allow it and on that basis the only storyline excuse is that he faked his own death on purpose. What the reason would be I couldn't say, maybe to set someone up for his murder, but it is the only way he could return to our screens in future.

Of course there are several other candidates but these are the ones I consider the main suspects. If I was pushed for an answer I'd have to say Vince McMahon is responsible along with someone else to set someone up as I cannot imagine Vince McMahon staying away from the WWE for the rest of his life which this story line requires but in the world of the WWE anything can happen.

The Best Wrestling Gimmicks Part 2

2007-06-22T22:35:00.000Z

I was in two minds whether to name this article part two or change the name completely to the worst gimmicks in wrestling. Wrestling has certainly endured some shockers over the years and non of the below are ever likely to go down as legends like the gimmicks in part1. However they did have periods of success and are still remembered by most today.

Doink The Clown
Despite the seemingly ludicrous idea of a wrestling clown Doink was actually a successful and watchable character when he first appeared in the WWE in 1993. Playing the role of the bad guy, Doink was fantastic as the evil clown however the character started to get tiresome so Doink was transformed into the nice clown and then any hope for a lasting career was finally killed of with the arrival of Dink the Clown, Doink's very own mini me.

Papa Shango
Papa Shango was certainly a character with a lot of potential. A voodoo practitioner Papa Shango is best remembered for a brief feud with the Ultimate Warrior. The matches between the two was of a very low quality but the segments where great viewing, even to this day I still remember the black goo trickling down the Warriors face during an interview with Mean Gene. Sadly great segments couldn't alter the fact that in the ring Papa Shango stunk rotten, his bouts where awful (and yet WWE still gave him another go as The Godfather and Kamu).

Kamala
The Ugandan beast enjoyed limited success in the WWE mainly through his feud with the Undertaker. Kamala needed the aid of his translator Kimchee not just for interviews but also to actually tell Kamala to make the pin during matches.

Repo Man
Repo man was exactly what is name says he was. Repo man had several decent matches with the likes of Bret Hart but is best remembered for his video clips, mainly of him re-possesing something like a kids toy. He also had a very memorable catchphrase "What’s mine is mine…and what’s yours is mine too."

and now heres a few of the worst.

Arachniman
WCW never had much success with gimmicks and heres proof. Basically Arachniman was a cheap Spiderman rip off. He even came to the ring spraying not very well hidden silly string.

Oz
Another WCW special, Kevin Nash dressed up as a wizard. No more needs to be said.

Giant Gonzalez
He was useless as El Gigante in WCW but even worse as Giant Gonzales in the WWE where they put him in a suit that was supposed to make him look like a wild beast from the woods, really poor.

and the best till last.......

Shockmaster
Words cannot describe it, so heres a video of him in action.

Is John Cena Finally Over

2007-06-21T10:37:00.000Z

Never before in the history of the WWE have they being so determined to get a superstar over with the fans as they have been with John Cena. Almost three years after the push began the question still remains as to whether Cena is over or not with the fans.

Certain opponents have managed to get the fans to cheer for Cena but only Edge managed it out of his opponents with talent. Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Kurt Angle and Chris Jericho all failed to get the fans on the side of John Cena. The opponents where Cena has been cheered for where hardly a sign of approval, a guy like The Great Khali is always going to be booed as he has no talent for the marks to respect and he's meant to be booed by every one else.

So why have WWE stuck by John Cena for so long? As already discussed he's not massively popular, he has his fans of course but no more than the likes of Christian had when he was with the WWE or than Chris Benoit. Sure he has great microphone skills but John Cenas in ring performance level is far below that of these two.

John Cena's character doesn't really stand out as amazing either his attitude seems forced and is nowhere near the level Steve Austin achieved but this seems to be where WWE want Cena to be as they have almost completely dropped his rapper gimmick in recent times.

It's been argued that Cena could've been the greatest heel in the company if the WWE had turned him at the height of the fans disapproval of him but why didn't they? The two arguments that have been used are that WWE didn't want to risk the merchandise sales by turning Cena heel and the other is that Triple H (as the number one heel at the time) was totally against the move and originally he blamed Kurt Angle and Chris Jericho for failing to get Cena over, something Triple H himself failed to do.

The WWE's commentary team didn't help matters by claiming the booing was because Cena was controversial. Why? What part of John Cena's character was ever controversial? He was never as aggressive as Austin or as in your face as the Rock. Nor did John Cena cheat to win matches or flip out with members of the crowd when things didn't go his own way. Using the controversial tag was just a cop out on the part of WWE.

John Cena must be respected though as against all the disapproval he never let it effect his professionalism and for that he deserves credit, Cena has always kept his persona intact no matter how loud the crowds objection to him.

In recent months it appeared fans where starting to warm to Cena but once put in the ring with an opponent that has any popularity Cena seems to come out the loser with the fans. The Great Khali was a good move by WWE as Cena was always going to prove more popular but now with a match in which two fan favorites in Lashley and Mick Foley are amongst his opponents the boo's and jeers are once again resounding towards Cena.

How much longer WWE persist with Cena is unknown but with no one standing out in the current roster John Cena will be a major player for a while to come, whether you like it or not.

The 20 greatest matches of WCW

2007-06-20T13:23:00.000Z

When WCW lost its existence the wrestling community lost a promotion that put on some of the greatest matches in wrestling history. Because of the obsession of paying established stars like Hulk Hogan and Kevin Nash ridiculous amounts of money to be part of WCW fans now remember WCW more for that reason and forget about the volume of classic matches they produced especially in the cruiserweight division division.

Much like TNA with it X- division today WCW's cruiserweight division was what attracted fans that where fed up with the plodding big men of the WWE, but just as TNA are starting to do now WCW ignored the cruiserweights once the big stars started to come and they became of little importance.

As you will see below many of the greatest matches in WCW where in the cruiserweight division . I hope looking at this list and remembering some of these great matches brings back some great memories.

First here's a music video that shows the highlights of my favorite WCW match of all time .

Rey Misterio Jr. vs. Eddy Guerrero - Halloween Havoc ’97
Chris Benoit vs. Kevin Sullivan – GAB ’96 Falls count anywhere
Big Van Vader vs. Sting - Superbrawl '93 Strap match
Psychosis vs. Rey Mysterio, Jr. – Bash at the Beach ’96
Dean Malenko vs. Ultimo Dragon - Starrcade '96
Eddy Guerrero vs. Dean Malenko - Uncensored '97
Chris Jericho vs. Ultimo Dragon – BATB ’97
Jushin Liger vs. Brian Pillman - Superbrawl '92
Ric Flair vs. Ricky Steamboat - Spring Stampede '94
Vader vs. Cactus Jack – Halloween Havoc ’93 Texas Death Match
Chris Benoit vs. Dean Malenko - Hog Wild ’96
Ricky Steamboat vs. Rick Rude – Beach Blast ’92 Ironman Match
Juventud Guerrera vs. Blitzkreig – Spring Stampede ’99
Ric Flair vs. Arn Anderson - Fall Brawl '95
Psychosis vs. Blitzkrieg vs. Juventud Guerrera vs. Rey Mysterio Jr. - Nitro (4/19/99)
The Steiner Brothers vs. Terry Gordy/Steve Williams - Clash XIX
Steve Austin vs. Ricky Steamboat – BATB ’94
Steve Austin vs. Brian Pillman - Clash XXV
Chris Beniot vs. Bret Hart – Nitro (10/4/99)
Ric Flair vs. Vader - Starrcade '93

These are the WCW matches that in MY opinion are the top 20 and I recommend every wrestling fan should try to see them. Of course not every fan will agree it took me a while to decide on my final 20 feel free to tell me some of your favorite WCW matches of all time but this is my list of WCW's defining matches.

WWE Vengeance 2007 Card

2007-06-20T11:24:00.000Z

World Heavyweight Championship:
Edge (c) vs. Batista
WWE Championship:
John Cena (c) vs. Mick Foley vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Randy Orton vs. King Booker (w/Queen Sharmell)
WWE United States Championship: Montel Vontavious Porter (c) vs. Ric Flair
WWE Cruiserweight Championship: Chavo Guerrero (c) vs. Jimmy Wang Yang
World Tag Team Championship:
Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch (c) vs. The Hardys (Matt and Jeff)
WWE Women's Championship:
Melina (c) vs. Candice Michelle
WWE Intercontinental Championship: Santino Marella (c) vs. Umaga
ECW World Championship:
Chris Benoit vs. CM Punk

Must See Match#2 Macho Man v Ultimate Warrior

2007-06-18T21:17:00.000Z

This retirement match at Wrestlemania 7 was without question the Ultimate Warriors greatest ever match. The storyline was built around the Macho Man Randy Savage costing the Ultimate Warrior the world title at the Royal Rumble a few months previous.

This match was different to any other in the Warriors career as there was no speeding to the ring and rope shaking, no the Warrior slowly walked to the ring, emphasizing the importance of the bout. Warrior started the match overpowering Savage with a serious have punishing blows, methodically taking The Macho Man apart.

Warrior lost control when he charged into the ringpost after Savage had moved. Savage and Sensational Queen Sherri took full advantage and battered the Warrior but despite several near falls the Ultimate Warrior survived. Savage decided enough was enough and mounted the top rope for his patented flying elbow. Once wasn't enough for Savage though as he went on to deliver another three elbows to the helpless Warrior.

To the astonishment of the crowd and the millions watching at home the Ultimate Warrior kicked out and after drawing strength from the warriors he hit Savage with th Gorilla Press and Splash combo, this time it was Savage who would somehow survive.

Savage attempted another comeback but he had nothing left to give. The Warrior sent Savage to the arena floor with two giant shoulder blocks. He rolled Savage back into the ring and hit the Macho Man with a final shoulderblock for the victory in this truly classic encounter.

This match is available on the Wrestlemania 7 DVD which is on part 2 of the anthology

Buy WWE - Wrestlemania 6 To 11

TNA Slammiversary Results

2007-06-18T06:45:00.000Z

Here are the results of Slammiversary 2007 held at the Nashville Municipal Colliseum,Nashville,Tennessee.

Rhino and Senshi (w/Hector Guerrero) defeated The Latin American ExchangeHomicide and Hernandez) (w/Konnan) (8:24)

Rhino pinned Homicide after a Gore.
Chris Harris was originally scheduled to be Rhino's partner.

Jay Lethal defeated Chris Sabin to win the TNA X Division Championship (8:52)

Lethal pinned Sabin after a Diving Elbow Drop.

Frank Wycheck and Jerry Lynn (w/Kyle Vanden Bosch) defeated James Storm and Ron Killings (w/Jackie Moore) (8:53)

Wycheck pinned Storm after a Cradle Piledriver.

Bob Backlund defeated Alex Shelley (3:46)

Backlund pinned Shelley with a roll-up.
After the match,Shelley and Chris Sabin attacked Backlund.

The Voodoo Kin Mafia (B.G. James and Kip James) defeated Basham and Damaja (w/Christy Hemme) (2:47)

Kip pinned Basham.

Eric Young defeated Robert Roode (w/Ms. Brooks) (9:12)

Young pinned Roode with a Inside Cradle.
Young was freed from his contract with Roode, if Roode had won Young would have been fired.

Team 3D (Brother Ray and Brother Devon) defeated Rick Steiner and Road Warrior Animal to retain the TNA World Tag Team Championship (6:39)

Ray pinned Steiner after a 3D.
Animal replaced Scott Steiner, who had been injured.

Sting defeated Christopher Daniels (6:33)

Sting pinned Daniels after a Scorpion Death Drop.

Abyss defeated Tomko in a No Disqualification match (13:52)

Abyss pinned Tomko after a Black Hole Slam onto glass.

Kurt Angle defeated Samoa Joe, A.J. Styles, Christian Cage and Chris Harris in a King of the Mountain match to win the vacant TNA World Heavyweight Championship (19:21)

Harris qualified by pinning Styles after a Catatonic (3:45)
Angle qualified by pinning Harris after a Olympic Slam (8:45)
Cage qualified by pinning Angle after Angle passed out from Joe's Coquina Clutch (10:53)
Angle hung up the belt to win (19:21)

WWE Draft - Part 2

2007-06-17T21:26:00.000Z

Although later than scheduled WWE held the second draft earlier today. Many felt Smackdown and ECW where harshly done to on the first draft with Raw being the clear winner and todays draft made little difference to that belief. The biggest change of the day was Brian Kendrick and Paul London heading to Raw but her is the draft in full

No. 1: Raw selects Paul London & Brian Kendrick

No. 2: SmackDown selects Kenny Dykstra

N0. 3: ECW selects Viscera

No. 4: Raw selects Sandman

No. 5: SmackDown selects Hardcore Holly

No. 6: ECW selects The Miz

No. 7: Raw selects Daivari

No. 8: SmackDown selects The Major Brothers

No. 9: Raw selects William Regal

No. 10: SmackDown selects Victoria

No.11: Raw selects Jillian Hall

No. 12: SmackDown selects Eugene

Pick No. 13: ECW selects Johnny Nitro

So thats the WWE Draft complete for another year, and it could be a long one for ECW and SmackDown.

Sensational career of Sherri Martell

2007-06-17T13:31:00.000Z

On June 15, 2007, WWE.com announced that "Sensational" Sherri Martel had passed away at the age of 49. She had died that morning at her mother's residence in Birmingham, Alabama. Martell is added to the growing list of wrestling personalities to die at a young age.

Born Sherri Russell on February 8, 1958 Sherri Martell, as she was to be known, debuted in 1980 after training under The Fabulous Moolah. Martell got her first break when she joined the AWA and at 1985's Superclash she claimed their version of the womens title when she beat Candi Devine. She went on to have a further three reigns as the AWA womens champion.

In July of 1987 Martel made her debut in the WWE and defeated The Fabulous Moolah. As Sherri Martell still held the AWA title (which she lost three days later) she is the only wrestler of any sex to hold the world title in 2 major promotions at the same time. Sensational Sherri went on to reign for 15 months before losing the title to Rockin' Robin. During the reign she also played the roll of The Honky Tonk Man's valet Peggy Sue.

Sensational Sherri alligned herself with Randy Savage and feuded with Hulk Hogan and Elizabeth, who Sherri had her most memorable segments of her career including getting an haircut from Elizabeth at Summerslam 89. At Wrestlemania 7 Savage lost a career ending match against the Ultimate Warrior and Martell attacked Savage but was herself attacked by Elizabeth.

After a short alliance with Ted DiBiase Martell joined forces with Shawn Michaels. During a segment with Michaels and former tag partner Marty Jannetty, Martell was smashed in the face with a mirror by Jannetty when Michaels pulled her in front of him. Upon her return several months later she sided with Jannetty against Michaels but when Jannetty left it meant Martell was left without a partner. She accompanied Michaels different rivals to the ring until Wrestlemania 9 where when she accompanied Tatanka for his bout Michaels she came across Luna Vachon and the two women feuded. During her feud with Vachon she made several appearances in the USWA. Soon after Martell departed the WWE.

After a short stint in SMW and NWA Martell showed up in ECW and guided Shane Douglas to the ECW title. She was involved in the classic triple threat between Douglas, Terry Funk and Sabu before leaving for WCW.

Martell changed her ring name to Sensuous Sherri and joined up with Ric Flair in his feuds with Sting and Hulk Hogan. When Flair lost a retirement match to Hogan she was to be teamed with Steve Austin but just before he got injured and was released. After a short absense she was paired with Harlem Heat and became known as sister Sherri.

Martell showed up in ECW for a bout where she was the valet of Shane Douglas and Brian Pillman in a bout against Ron Simmons and Too Cold Scorpio Martell was piledriven by Douglas after she crossed the team. In WCW she was about to mange the team of William Regal and Jean Paul Levesque (Triple H) when Levesque took up an offer from the WWE so Martell was left managing Harlem Heat.

At Clash of the Champions XXXI, Harlem Heat and Martel defeated Bunkhouse Buck, Dick Slater, and Col. Robert Parker (11:01) when Martel pinned Parker. Martel hit her head on the mat, and suddenly fell in love with Parker. At Clash of the Champions XXXII Martel and Paker were going to get married, but Madusa interrupted the wedding. She and Martel engaged in a catfight, and then wrestled in the first women's match on WCW Monday Nitro on January 29, 1996. Shortly after defeating Col. Robert Parker at WCW World War Three Martell left WCW.

After a brief spell on the independent circuit she returned to WCW but it was a short and unsuccessful period. She appeared in the WWE in 2005 in an angle to help promote the feud between Shawn Michaels and Kurt Angle which ended with Angle applying the ankle lock on her. In 2006 she was inducted into the WWE's Hall of Fame and made several appearences on TNA.

Many of the diva's of today will do well to look at Sherri's career and learn something as she is undoubtedly one of the greatest female wrestling personalities of all time. Sherri Martell leaves behind one son. She will be sadly missed.

Wrestling DVD review - Bret, Horsemen,X-division

2007-06-16T14:58:00.000Z

Bret "The Hitman" Hart - The Best There Is...
10 out of 10

Format: PAL
Language English
Region: All Regions
Number of discs: 3
Classification:
Studio: Silver Vision
DVD Release Date: 30 Jan 2006
Run Time: 548 minutes

Bret Hart's claim as the best there is,the best there was and the best there ever will has certainly been enhanced with the release of this DVD.

The first disc will probably only be of interest to fans of the Hitman as it is a documentry of his wrestling career but the other disc should be a must see for any wrestling fan. Almost all the matches you'd expect to be present are here including early action and Hart's WCW career.

Jim The Anvil & Bret Hart vs British Bulldogs - 7/10

Jim The Anvil & Bret Hart vs Killer Bees - 8/10

Disc 2 Bonus Matches

vs British Bulldog - 10/10

vs Bam Bam Bigalow - 8/10

Jim The Anvil & Bret Hart vs The Rockers: Marty Jannety & Shawn Michaels - 7/10

vs Mr Perfect - 9/10

vs Ricky Steamboat - 8/10

vs Ted Dibiase - 6/10

Jim The Anvil & Bret Hart vs Nasty Boys - 6/10

vs Mr Perfect - 10/10

vs Owen Hart Wrestlemania - 10/10

Disc 3 Bonus Matches

vs Owen Hart Summerslam - 7/10

vs Hakushi - 8/10

vs Diesel - 9/10

vs British Bulldog - 9/10

vs Undertaker - 8/10

vs Chris Benoit - 9/10

vs Stone Cold - 10/10

Except for the missing bouts with Shawn Michaels this is the perfect wrestling DVD.

Buy U.S version Bret the Hitman Hart Triple DVD Set

Buy U.K version WWE - Bret Hitman Hart - The Best There Is

Ric Flair and The Four Horsemen
8 out of 10

Format: PAL
Number of discs: 2
Classification:
Studio: Clearvision
DVD Release Date: 18 Jun 2007

Without the Four Horsemen there would have been no Degeneration X or NWO, they where the original wrestling faction.

Disc one features a documentry featuring interviews with the four horsemen and rivals from their past. It is probably the best documentary disc WWE have done so far. Ric Flair is especially insightful, and honest.

Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, & Ric Flair vs. Pez Whatley, The Itallian Stallion & Rocky King - 6/10

Steel Cage
Ric Flair vs. Ricky Morton -7/10

First Blood Match
Tully Blanchard vs. Dusty Rhodes -7/10

War Games
vs. Dusty Rhodes, "Dr. Death" Steve Williams, Lex Luger, Nikita Koloff, Paul Ellering - 6/10

Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard vs. Sting & Nikita Koloff -9/10

Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard vs. Barry Windham & Lex Luger -7/10

Arn Anderson vs. Ric Flair; Fall Brawl -9/10

In all the bouts aren't as good as memory tells you they and some I'd like to have seen aren't included (where's The Great Muta) where but the documentry and the footage from interviews are brilliant reminders of what the four horse men where all about.
Buy U.S Version Ric Flair and the Four Horsemen DVD Set
Buy U.K Version Wwe - Ric Flair and the Four Horsemen

The Best Of The X-Division 2
8 out of 10

Format: Colour, DVD-Video, PAL
Language English
Region: Region 2 ( DVD formats.)
Number of discs: 1
Classification:
Studio: Pinnacle Vision
DVD Release Date: 19 Feb 2007
Run Time: 210 minutes

Whilst WWE had big men plodding about the ring slowly TNA
made there mark with its own brand of fast paced high flying action known as the X division, Her is the second best of collection. The DVD doesn't let you down with the bouts chosen for this collection there are a couple of duds as is the case with any wrestling DVD but overall this is well worth watching especially if your new to TNA and haven't seen these bouts before.

Chris Sabin vs. Petey Williams vs. Alex Shelley - 8/10
Christopher Daniels vs. Matt Bentley vs. Austin Aries - 7/10
Chris Sabin vs. Petey Williams vs. Austin Aries vs. Alex Shelley - 8/10
Chris Sabin vs. Sonjay Dutt vs. Petey Williams vs. Puma - 9/10
AJ Styles vs. Jay Lethal - 6/10
Xscape Match - Chris Sabin vs. Petey Williams vs. Puma vs. Chase Stevens vs. Shark Boy vs. Elix Skipper - 9/10
Team USA (Sonjay Dutt & Alex Shelley) vs. Team Japan (Goto & Tanaka) - 7/10
Senshi vs. Jay Lethal vs. Alex Shelley vs. Shark Boy - 7/10
Sonjay Dutt vs. Alex Shelley vs. Senshi vs. Jay Lethal vs. Petey Williams vs. Shark Boy - 7/10
Samoa Joe vs. Senshi vs. Sonjay Dutt - 8/10
Senshi vs. Petey Williams vs. Jay Lethal - 8/10
Chris Sabin, Jay Lethal, Sonjay Dutt vs. The Paparazzi and Petey Williams - 8/10

Except for the letdown between Styles and Lethal this is a DVD that oozes in class and makes you wonder why recent pay per views have been so poor.

Buy U.S version TNA: Best of the X Division Vol. 2 DVD
Buy U.K version Best Of X Division - Vol. 2

Here is a list of planned WWE DVD releases for this year and early next.

Armageddon 2006

ECW Extreme Rules

New Year's Revolution 2007

The New and Improved DX

Royal Rumble 2007

Royal Rumble: The Complete Anthology

No Way Out 2007

Ric Flair and the Four Horsemen

WrestleMania 23

Backlash 2007

Powerful Families of Wrestling

The Ladder Match

Judgment Day 2007

ECW One Night Stand 2007

Vengeance 2007

The Great American Bash 2007

The Triumph & Tragedy of WCCW

SummerSlam 2007

Unforgiven 2007

Rey Mysterio: The Biggest Little Man

No Mercy 2007

John Cena: My Life

Stone Cold Steve Austin's Life & Legacy

WWE Cyber Sunday

Survivor Series 2007

ECW December to Dismember

The Top 5 Intercontinental champions of all time

2007-06-16T12:50:00.000Z

In recent years the intercontinental title has lost any meaning and is passed about willy nilly without a care for its great history. The belt used to be important and was the first step in the singles world for many legends including Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Randy Savage and Steve Austin.

But who was the greatest Intercontinental champion of all time? Now I'm not talking ability wise or what they acheived throughout the rest of their careers, just their time involved with the intercontinental championship. Well lets get started.

5. Chris Jericho
Chris Jericho made a great impact on his debut in the WWE with a brilliant segment involving the Rock but rather than build on that and make Chris Jericho a major player they decided he had to prove himself first.

Jericho did just that in a number of great matches over the intercontinental title, especially against fellow WWE new boys Chris Benoit and Kurt Angle. Seeing these matches today just reminds me of how much the Intercontinental title has fallen.

Jericho held the title 6 times although one of those reigns was a joint one with Chyna after they where judged to have pinned each other at the same time.

4. Greg "The Hammer" Valentine

One of the men on the list who never made it onto the higher tier in the WWE but he di have some great battles over the intercontinental championship.

Valentine had one of the most brutal feuds in Intercontinental title history with Tito Santana. Valentine took the belt from Santana but Santana returned the favor 10 month later in a Steel Cage match, that any good fan should try to see, to end their feud and Valentine's only intercontinental title reign.

3. Jeff Jarrett

Jeff Jarrett may have held the world titles in TNA and WCW but in the WWE he is best remembered for his reigns as Intercontinental champion.

Like Jericho he held the title six times although one of those reigns the title was held over after a controversial finish to his bout with Bob Holly, he won the rematch thus Jarrett was given his title back.

Jarrett does hold the dubious distinction of being the first male WWE title holder to lose his belt to a woman, as Chyna ended his sixth and final reign.

2. Razor Ramon

Razor Ramon had several great feuds over the intercontinental title with Shawn Michaels, Deisel, Golddust and Jeff Jarrett. His two ladder matches with Michaels over the title went down in history as wrestling classics.

Ramon was a 4 time intercontinental champion during his time in the WWE. Ramon (Scott Hall) never fulfilled the potential he had to become a main eventer and despite his part in the NWO as Scott Hall fans will never forget his incarnation as Razor Ramon.

1. Shawn Michaels

Michaels may be the icon and the showstopper today as a main eventer but he was still those two things when he was battling on the undercard for the intercontinental championship.

The Heartbreak Kid had several bonafide classics over the intercontinental title with the likes of Razor Ramon, Marty Jannetty, Bret Hart and The British Bulldog.

Michaels held the title on three occasions, on two of which he wasn't actually beaten in the ring for the title.

Michaels match quality and determination to shine in the Intercontinental division have made him my number one but that doesn't mean you'll agree. There are several legends that won the intercontinental title that aren't here and the longest reigning intercontinental champion of all time is absent from this list (The Honky Tonk Man) but in my opinion these where the five greatest Intercontinental champions of all time.

Wrestling DVD Review

2007-06-15T00:35:00.000Z

Tombstone - The History of the Undertaker
8 out of 10

Format: PAL
Language English
Region: All Regions
Number of discs: 2
Classification:
Studio: Silver Vision
DVD Release Date: 19 Sep 2005
Run Time: 547 minutes

Finally the Undertaker has a wrestling DVD to be proud of. I have to tell you now though that this is not a feature on the character like most recent WWE DVD's but simply a greatest matches collection.

There are three discs containing 21 bouts of differing quality and the storylines of several feuds. A lack of his Wrestlemania bouts is a minor quibble but there's certainly plenty her for fans of the undertaker and wrestling in general.

Heres the bouts and my match rating.

Hulk Hogan - Survivor series 1991 - 6/10
Yokozuna - Royal rumble 1994 in a casket match- 6/10
Diesel - Wrestlemania XII 1996 - 8/10
Mankind - In a buried alive match at in your house- 7/10
Mankind - In your House revenge of the taker - 7/10
Bret Hart - Summerslam 1997 for the wwf title - 8/10
Bret Hart - One night only in Birmingham England for the wwf title-7/10
Shawn Michaels - In your house ground zero - 7/10
Shawn Michaels - In your house Badd blood hell in a cell match- 9/10
Kane - At wrestlemania XIV 1998 - 6/10
Kane - In your house Unforgiven in an inferno match 7/10
Mankind - King of the ring 1998 in a hell in a cell match - 9/10
The rock - King of the ring 1999 in a wwf title match - 8/10
Stone cold steve austin - fully loaded 1999 in a first blood match - 8/10
Triple H - Wrestlemania X-7 2001 in a streetfight - 9/10
Hulk Hogan - Judgement day 2002 for the wwe title - 7/10
Brock Lesnar - No mercy 2002 in a hell in a cell - 8/10
John Cena - Vengeance 2003 -6/10
Mr Mcmahon - Survivor series 2003 in a buried alive match - 7/10
Kane - Wrestlemania XX - 5/10
Kurt Angle-Smackdown 2003 for the undisputed wwe Title - 9/10

A few omissions aside, like the boiler room brawl with Mankind, this is a fantastic in depth look at the Undertakers career.

BUY NOW
WWE - Tombstone - The History Of The Undertaker

New And Improved DX
4 out of 10

Format: PAL
Region: Region 2 ( DVD formats.)
Number of discs: 3
Classification:
Studio: Clearvision
DVD Release Date: 16 April 2007

Is the title of this DVD someones idea of a joke. The new and improved DX kicks of at there reformation in the summer of 2006 and includes almost all footage involving DX from then up to the moment Triple H picked up his injury.

That leaves you with the lame feud with the spirit squad, the watchable but hardly classic battle with the McMahons and the feud with Rated RKO, which was another letdown. The original Degeneration X where far more entertaining than this. If your a die hard fan of DX then you'll probably love this but if not I'd advise you to stay well clear.

Buy Now
Wwe - the New and Improved Dx [3 Disc Digipack]

Vince McMahon - Controversy personified

2007-06-13T21:40:00.000Z

On June 11, 2007, WWE aired a segment at the end of RAW that featured Vince McMahon entering a limousine moments before it exploded. The show went off-air shortly after, and WWE.com reported the angle as though it were a legitimate occurrence, proclaiming that McMahon was "presumed dead". Although this was the fate of the fictional Vince McMahon character, no harm came to the actual person (that is, his death was part of a storyline).

With this being a seemingly obvious storyline why have so many fallen victim. Plenty of news agencies across America believed the story was actually real when it first occurred and even veteran fans have questioned whether the death was real or not.

WWE will certainly face a backlash for this stunt, from the authorities if nothing else, but controversy sells and Vince McMahon may well have pulled off a marketing masterstroke. The controversy itself won't upset Vince McMahon as he's used to it.

Back in the 1980's Vince McMahon was accused of sexual harassment by former referee Rita Chatterton. Chatterton even claimed on the TV show Now It Can Be Told that in 1986 she was raped by Vince McMahon in his limousine after she refused him oral sex. No charges where ever made.

Vince McMahon was also accused of sexual harassment in 2006 by Boca Raton, a tanning bar worker. It was first thought a lie as Vince McMahon was in Miami however it was later revealed he was in Miami the day the incident was reported but not the day before when it was alledged to have taken place. Vince McMahon though has once again escaped any charges.

Vince McMahon has also come under fire for constantly placing himself into sexual angles with many WWE Divas, including Sable, Trish Stratus, Stacy Keibler, Dawn Marie, Candice Michelle, Torrie Wilson, and Jackie Gayda.

McMahon's World Wrestling Entertainment as a whole has been the center of controversy in the past, especially in the "Attitude Era" of what was the World Wrestling Federation - including D-Generation X for their sexual references, and Stone Cold Steve Austin for his trademark drinking of beer and flipping the middle finger.

On the McMahon DVD, Stephanie comments that she had to nix a potential incest angle. According to her, Vince was to reveal himself as the father of her baby; when she said no, he pushed for Shane to be the father, but she turned that idea down as well. She also nixed Vince's idea that her wedding to Triple H be aired live on PPV and said that the only reason Vince ever hired Eric Bischoff was to be able to say that his longtime nemesis once worked for him.

Of course his biggest case of controversy occurred in 1992. The Vince McMahon owned WBF went out of business as alleged steroid abuse among both McMahon's wrestlers and bodybuilders came under scrutiny. McMahon was put on trial in 1994, accused of distributing steroids to his wrestlers.

As a legal move, his wife Linda was made CEO of the WWF during the trial. He was acquitted of all charges though he admitted to taking steroids himself in the 1980s. The prosecution made Hulk Hogan, who had recently left WWE for WCW, its star witness, and his testimony in the trial severely damaged the two's friendship, even though Hogan's testimony defended McMahon. After Hogan's testimony, McMahon went before the media declaring that he wished that Hogan had not lied about him on the witness stand.

Vince McMahon may not be dead but when he does finally pass to the other side his gravestone should read "controversy personified".

Bret v Owen - update

2007-06-12T21:53:00.000Z

If you read my earlier post Must See Match #1 I'm sure you'll want to watch this video showing the final 10 minutes or so of the classic Wrestlemania 10 battle between brothers Bret and Owen Hart.

I'd still highly recommend Bret Hart's DVD which features this match in full plus his classics against the likes of the British Bulldog and Chris Benoit.

WWE Draft - There's Only One Winner

2007-06-12T07:02:00.001Z

After not bothering last year the WWE draft made a return on the 11/7 episode of Raw. So what where the all important draft picks

RAW - King Booker, Bobby Lashley, Snitsky, Mr. Kennedy.
ECW - The Boogeyman, Chris Benoit.
SMACKDOWN - The Great Khali, Torrie Wilson, Chris Masters, Ric Flair.

These where the 10 draft picks on Raw there are more to be announced on Wednesday, but what of the draw so far. Well there can be no doubt who the biggest loser of the WWE draft is, not only has Smackdown lost 3 major players in Benoit, Booker T and Mr. Kennedy but in return they have received a has been, a never will be, a big joke and the worst female performer in the company. Smackdown could now become a chore to watch especially if any of the new picks are given major rolls.

ECW had a mixed WWE draft in losing its champ Lashley but they did gain Benoit in return. Benoit is a fantastic wrestler and I for one only hope they put him and C.M Punk in the ring together before too long.

This brings us to Raw. They got rid of 4 terrible performers, 3 of which where hardly on Raw, and gained 2 of Smackdowns, the ECW champion and Snitsky,who despite being a poor in ring performer has been receiving quite a push as a monster heel on ECW.

Raw should certainly be interesting over the next few months but I really worry for Smackdown as, excuse the pun, they certainly got a Raw deal.
wwe draft

TNA Wrestling- Self Destruction

2007-06-10T13:56:00.000Z

TNA wrestling fans must be wondering what the hell is going on. Just 9 months ago they where putting on the best wrestling PPV every month and one of the worlds greatest wrestlers of all time had just joined its ranks. Now 9 month later they've managed four terrible PPV's in a row and several of its stars are losing faith in the company, just like its fans.

So have TNA wrestlings management just had a blip or is there more to it. In my opinion it can all be summed up in just two words- VINCE RUSSO!

Many fans of the old WCW still hold Eric Bischoff to blame for the ultimate demise of their favorite wrestling brand, but this is unfair. Bischoff was given an open checkbook to sign who he wanted and he did just that. Did he buy guys who weren't up to the job of making WCW number 1? Hell no, Bischoff got the guys to make WCW the best and they did, it's hardly his fault he spent too much afterall he was told to spend whatever it took.

WCW became a fantastic company under Bischoff putting on some of the best in ring action of the 90's but WWE and Vince Mcmahon clawed their way back to the top. WCW management decided it was down to Bischoff so they fired him but who could take his place.

One man who was getting a lot of credit for the WWE's revival was a story writer named Vince Russo so WCW poached him and made him their cheif, it was the beginning of the end for WCW. Russo didn't seem to have a clue about the audience he was catering for and nor did he care. WCW was always more wrestling based than the more story line driven WWE but Russo paid no attention to this. Suddenly the match quality became almost non-existent and the stories where pathetic.

The final nail was hammered in when Russo made actor David Arquette the companies World Champion. It was a shocking decline for WCW who just months earlier where the number one wrestling promotion.

If this had happened in any other industry Russo wouldn't have being allowed near a top job ever again. Just imagine if someone made Coca Cola bankrupt could you really see Pepsi letting the same person run their company. Yet that is almost exactly what TNA are doing.

Russo may not have the same level of power in TNA wrestling but he is still in a decision making position and this should be a huge worry for fans of TNA wrestling. His love of stupid gimmicks has already started to show with the awful Electrfied Cage and Last Rites matches aswell as the terrible return of the Blindfold match. The greatest signing in TNA history has also started to tell friends he isn't happen with TNA's current direction. It is no surprise TNA has started to go downhill.

Jeff Jarrett may feel he owes Russo as he was the man who promoted Jarrett to main event status in WCW but Jarrett needs to learn in business there is no place for compassion for fallen comrades. Unless Jarrett gets rid of Russo now shortly wrestling fans could be left remembering another promotion that has become no more. Russo is TNA wrestlings self destruct button and for the sake of wrestling lets hope they don't push it.

Great Tag Teams Of The Past Part 1

2007-06-09T13:36:00.000Z

Ask new fans of wrestling about the tag team division and they'll either tell you how much the Hardy's rule or that the tag division is just a card filler for newcomers to learn the trade or the oldies to end their careers with a little success. But the tag team divisions haven't always been like this.

For every decent tag team now there seems to be at least five useless tandems. Kendrick and London are the perfect example, look at the teams WWE have created over the last year or so and you'd think they where deliberately trying to make London and Kendrick pull their hairs out at the lack of talent they where up against. Want me to prove my point then I'll give you one word, Gemini.

Wrestling however used to be packed with great tag teams from the 80's through to recent times with The Hardy's, Dudleys, and Edge and Christian. There where always three or four great tandems. Here in part 1 are the first three great tag teams of the past.

The Brain Busters
Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard may be better remembered as members of The Four Horsemen but they also performed as a tag team under the name of The Brain Busters.

They took there first of two NWA World Tag Team Title Reigns beating the Rock n Roll Express. After losing and regaining the titles The Brain Busters fell out with promoter Jim Crockett in a dispute over pay, they signed for WWE . Before leaving they lost their titles to the Midnight Express.In WWE they where the team that ended the Demolitions record breaking title run and had several great matches with the Rockers but just before the 1989 Survivor Series Tully Blanchard failed a drugs test and was fired, Anderson left immediately after the PPV. Anderson returned to NWA but they refused to employ Blanchard so the Brain Busters where no more.

Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard had some of the biggest feuds and most intense matches against The Rock 'N Roll Express (Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson), the Road Warriors (Animal & Hawk) and The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane). Whilst in the WWE they feuded mainly with The Rockers (Shawn Michaels & Marty Jannetty) and The Bushwackers (Luke Williams & Butch Miller) and Demolition (Smash & Ax).

The Rock n Roll Express

The Rock 'n' Roll Express was formed by Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson in 1983 in Memphis. The gimmick of the Rock 'N Roll Express was a couple of high flying wrestlers who loved hair metal music, as it was a popular genre of music at the time. They soon made their way to Mid-South Wrestling where they first started on of the greatest tag team feuds of all time with The Midnight Express that would last throughout their careers.

They went to the NWA's Jim Crockett Promotions in 1985 and won 4 NWA World Tag Team Championships over the next couple of years there. Their first championship came on July 9, 1985 and lasted until October 13 that same year. At Starrcade 85, they recaptured the titles only to lose them on a prime time WTBS special, "Superstars on the Superstation," on February 7, 1986. This is significant because televised matches between major contenders were rarely shown in those days. Their loss to the Midnight Express only served to make them even more popular during the 80s professional wrestling boom. They won the titles back in Philadelphia on August 16, 1986, and held them until a Saturday night prime time broadway match on WTBS' World Championship Wrestling against Rick Rude and the Raging Bull Manny Fernandez.

The Rock 'n' Roll Express final NWA tag team title reign came when they won the belts back when Rude, still a champion, simply left the NWA to go work for the WWE. Needing to save face, promoter Jim Crockett had Ivan Koloff substitute for an 'injured' Rude, and the Express won the belts for what proved to be the final time.In the fall of 87 to Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard, with a large assist thanks to a pre-match attack by their longtime rivals The Midnight Express, they lost the belts for the final time. They went on to have some great battles during their feud with the Four Horsemen members.

With the arrival of more power based teams the Rock n Roll Express split but after an unsuccessful singles feud with one another they returned as a tandem in Smoky Mountain Wrestling where they won 9 tag team titles. The Rock n Roll Express then had stints in both WCW and WWE but where mainly used as jobbers.

The Rock n Roll Express had great bouts with the Brain Busters and The Heavenly Bodies but the bouts people will always remember will be their contests against the Midnight Express.

The British Bulldogs
After initially feuding with one another Davey Boy Smith and The Dynamite Kid formed a team known as the British Bulldogs, they would go on to be one of the greatest tag teams ever.

After wrestling for Stampede, AJPW and NJPW the Bulldogs went to the WWE where they started a classic feud with the Hart Foundation, although both teams where new to the company the quality of their battles immediately elevated their statuses in WWE and at Wrestlemania 2 the British Bulldogs claimed the tag team titles from the Dream Team.

The Bulldogs feuded with the Dream Team and Nikolai Volkoff & The Iron Sheik but Dynamite Kid suffered a back injury and they lost their titles to the Hart Foundation in a match where the Dynamite Kid had to be carried to the ring.

When they returned they continued to feud with the Hart Foundation and also had a short feud with the Islanders. They left WWE in late 88 after backstage incidents with Jaques Rougeau. The pair returned to previous stomping grounds but steroid abuse and the Dynamite Kids back injury meant they weren't the performers they once where.

In 1990, Davey Boy Smith decided to take up an opportunity to return to WWE and ditch his partner. Having trademarked the name The British Bulldog, Smith informed promoters he would take legal action if they billed the Dynamite Kid as a British Bulldog. Billington(Kid) was irrate and despised Davey Boy for years after. Soon after Billington announced his retirement as years of steroid and cocaine abuse, along with his high impact style, caught up with him.

Davey Boy Smith died on May 18, 2002, and Dynamite Kid had a leg amputated due to the back injury that haunted him for years and is now confined to a wheelchair. Their feud with the Hart Foundation still stands as one of the best tag team feuds in wrestling history.

Thats it for part 1 but I'd advise anyone who has never seen any of these teams in action to try and find some footage and see for yourself how great these tag teams from the past where.

The Best Wrestling Gimmicks Of All Time Part 1

2007-06-08T11:19:00.000Z

Wrestling has changed a fair bit over the years but one thing that hasn't changed is that a useless wrestler can be turned into a superstar if he has a great gimmick.

There is a difference between a gimmick and a character, Steve Austin and Hulk Hogan where great characters but there appearance was pretty much as they would appear anyway.

Not all superstars with a gimmick are useless wrestlers but the gimmick certainly won't have harmed their career. Glen Jacobs, or Kane as he is better known, is the perfect example. He tried numerous gimmicks, such as Icaac Yankem, but to no avail however since Kane's creation Jacobs has never looked back, becoming a superstar and even starring in his own movie. Would he have achieved this without a great gimmick? I very much doubt it.

So which gimmicks have been the best over the years? Here are a few of wrestlings greatest gimmicks-

The Undertaker
Without question the most recognizable and successful gimmick of all time. Mark Calloway had struggled to make an impact in the wrestling business until he joined WWE and they created The Undertaker. Everything about the character was perfect from the entrance and the theme music to The Undertaker's appearance and ring style, this was wrestlings finest creation.
Over the years WWE have tried to experiment with the character but the original incarnation of The Undertaker remains the greatest and without it Mark Calloway would never have achieved the legendary status he now does.

The Ultimate Warrior
What was it that worked so well for the Ultimate Warrior I can't quite put my finger on but there is no denying the characters success and when that entrance music started the whole roof came of the building, in fact as strange as it may sound the theme music that accompanied The Ultimate Warriors entrance was a huge contributing factor in the gimmicks success. He couldn't talk, he could barely wrestle, yet because of The Ultimate Warriors creation Jim Hellwig can take his place in wrestling history.

Kane
As already mentioned Kane made several attempts under differant characters to make it in the WWE but it wasn't until the creation of The Undertakers brother Kane that Glen Jacobs became a star. Jacobs will be forever indebted to the people behind Kane's creation.

The Boogeyman
This gimmick has hundreds saying they hate the gimmick but without it Marty Wright would never have appeared and won on a card such as Wrestlemania. One of the worst wrestlers in recent history yet he's still an employee of the biggest wrestling company in the world. The Boogeyman gimmick probably won't last long but whatever it's lifespan Marty Wright's wrestling career has been prolonged because of it.

Sting
Some would argue that Steve Borden would have made it with or without the creation of Sting and that may well be true but the gimmick certainly speeded up his rise to the top.

There are of course thousands of wrestling gimmicks that aren't on this page, and some for good reason, others though may yet appear in part two.