WWE-The Next Generation

by Pat Robinson

02.10.10
 
In a few weeks ECW will cease to exist.  It will be replaced by NXT. A show devoted to the next generation of WWE superstars. It will show the lives of the youngest superstars in and out of the ring. I thought it would be a good idea to look at some of the up and comers from the recent past and see what’s on the horizon for them.
Several of the new guys that have yet to impress me are Trent Barretta , Caylen Croft or Vance Archer. I know it’s tough to find the right character that brings a reaction, good or bad , from the crowd. Hopefully these guys will find theirs. The athletic ability is already there, now for the right gimmick to stand out.
The group who may never be top level performers, but will always have a part on the shows include Zack Ryder , Dolph Zigler, and Jack Swagger.These guys got big pushes early and certainly can be exciting to watch, but haven’t broken thru to the next level. Sometimes their character just need a little tweaking to move up. Look at the Rock in his early days with his Samoan persona.
The ones that should be the next wave of main event talent will be John Morrison, Yoshi Tatsu, The Hart Dynasty , Ted Dibiase, Cody Rhodes, and three who already are wearing gold: Sheamus, Drew McIntyre, and the Awesome One The Miz. These are future stars if they will evolve and change as needed. The talent in the ring is there and the mic skills are there for some like Miz, Morrison, Dibiase and Sheamus. All should do well for years.
I’m sorry to see the name ECW go, because of  what it stood for, but the NXT brand should do well if it will cultivate the new stars.

Match of the Week: Christian vs. Sheamus

Wrestler of the Week: I hate to say it: the Miz. As much as I tried not to like him, he really works hard in the ring.

Rumble, Wrestlemania , and Big Butts

by Pat Robinson

02.03.10
 
This past Sunday, I had the pleasure of attending the Royal Rumble in Atlanta. There is nothing like being among thousands of excited wrestling fans. Kids. parents and old guys like me all together in line, freezing our respective asses off, doing the Nature Boy’s WOOOOOOOOOOO!!!  while we waited.

Phillips Arena was packed to the rafters. You can’t imagine how loud the explosions are or how hot the pyro is unless you’re there. There were little Hardy Boys, mid-size diva wanna-bes, and oversized Hulk Hogans everywhere. It was a blast, except for trying to fit my oversized rear end into seats made for people Hornswaggle’s size. I’ve got to lose some weight before the next time.
The wrestlers were in top form. The single matches were good, except the Rey vs. Undertaker match, which was great. These two injury-slowed warriors put on an exciting show, but we were all there to see the Rumble. Over the course of an hour, 30 of the stars got to strut their stuff. Along with the usual emphasis on the Cenas, HBKs, HHHs and Big Shows, many of the mid-card guys got to shine. Carlito went on a rampage as did Drew McIntire and Chris Masters. In the end the unannounced entrant, the returning Rated R Superstar Edge won. He will now choose what championship he will challenge for at Wrestlemania 26.
Speaking of Wrestlemania, in 2011 the Super Bowl of pro wrestling will be held in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, so expect an on-sight report from there next April. Hey Wes... about those press passes…

Match of the Week: The Royal Rumble... great job by all 30 stars

Wrestler of the Week: Edge... glad he’s back

One sad note for me personally... the passing of one of my all time favorite wrestlers Jack Brisco. He was the NWA champion on two occasions and won over 20 tag team titles with brother Jerry. He was as good a technical wrestler as there ever was. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Who Should Win the Rumble?
by Pat Robinson

01.27.10

This  is Royal Rumble week in the WWE. The winner of the 30 man over-the-top rope battle will headline Wrestlemania in a title match of his choosing. It’s not "who is the best wrestler", but "whose match would draw the most fans to invest in a PPV buy?" This year there is no clear-cut pick, but let’s see who might make for a great headline match.
1. Shawn Michaels. Mr. Wrestlemania wants a second go with the World Champ The Undertaker. A rematch from last year’s show might be worth seeing again.
2. HHH. Vince’s favorite son-in-law has been without a belt for a long time. Any match he is in will be exciting.
3. John Cena. He has had plenty of titles and shots over the last few years. This time I say “The Champ Is Not Here”
4. Kofi Kingston. Like Eddie and Rey, Rumble winners who won it all at Wrestlemania, Kofi would bring new excitement to the title picture.
5. John Morrison. Some have called him the next Shawn Michaels and this would be a great place to start living up to that title.
6. Big Show. As much as I like the big guy, his time as a single's champ is past.
7. The Miz. Not feeling his awesomeness as much as he does.
8. Shelton Benjamin. The Gold Standard is my favorite, least-utilized star. He has it all athletically, but like the late Chris Benoit, is weak on the mic. Still he would be the one I would want to win.
 
Well, we’ll see this Sunday. I will be at Phillips Arena and will bring an on site report next week.
 
Match of the Week. DX vs. Legacy. All four guys can put on a great show.
Wrestler of the Week: Santino Morella because he is just so entertaining.

No More Complaining

by Pat Robinson

01.20.10
 
I will no longer complain about TNA’s mistake of teaming with Hulk Hogan. I still have a lot of issues with it, but it’s pretty clear what I think. I will acknowledge the things that I liked about this week’s PPV Genesis. The return of Brian Kendrick as the mystery opponent for Amazing Red led to a great , fast-paced X-Division match which saw Red win. ODB and Tara continued to impress with their third meeting. They showed that the Knockouts know how to wrestle. Beer Money beat the Band (Nash and XPAK). The Pope Dinero and Desmond Wolfe showed that wrestling is alive and well. They had a great match full of stiff blows. Wolfe won the day. Finally,A.J. Styles and Kurt Angle showed why they are considered the best in the business. A 20 minute showcase which ended with Styles turning heel and joining with Ric Flair in the defeat of the Olympian. Again, no complaints about what goes on in the formally 6, now 4-sided ring. Everything else in between, doesn’t need to be mentioned.
Over at WWE, the non-Rumble matches seem to be set and there are some interesting matchups. Christian will meet the powerhouse Ezekiel Jackson. Sheamus will face Randy Orton. Rey Mysterio vs. the Undertaker. Face vs. face or heel battling heel or a virtual unknown vs. the longest reigning ECW champ. New blood, new directions. Sounds good on paper, but we’ll have to wait if that translates in the ring. I’ll be in Atlanta on the 31st to see for myself.

Match of the Week: Amazing Red vs. Brian Kendrick for the finish alone.

Wrestler of the Week: Amazing Red who just continues to excel everytime he wrestles.

What’s Old is Still Old

by Pat Robinson

01.13.10

Monday Night War 2010

by Pat Robinson

01.06.10
 
Was Monday Jan. 4th 2010, the beginning of a new era in pro wrestling competition? Maybe. Did each company move in new directions for a new decade? Not really. So what was accomplished by the faceoff between the WWE and TNA? Pretty much a nostalgic look backwards to the glory days of the mid 1990’s. Having said this, let’s see who won this one night stand off.
TNA’s teaming with Hulk Hogan brought them loads of free mainstream press. It brings probably the most famous pro wrestler and all his buddies to a company built on youth and innovation. Will youth be served? If this night is any indication, yes. The highlights of TNA’s show were the TNA’s best and brightest stars. A.J. Styles and Kurt Angle tore down the house with their main event match. So did the Pope, Desmond Wolf, Kong, Hamada, and all the X Division guys. The wrestling shined among all the smoke and fog of “special appearances “  by the Nasty Boys, Scott Hall, X-Pac, and Hogan himself. The only curious moments were the appearances by Ric Flair and Jeff Hardy. If they are to be a part of Hogan’s TNA, then  I will stay tuned. All in all TNA stirred interest in the future, but they’ve got to keep up the momentum. My advice would be to lay off the mysterious backstage attacks and the Eric Bischoff smugness skits. Too much like the final days of WCW.
Over at the WWE, Vince McMahon used the return of Brett Hart as a tool to counter TNA’s big night and, more importantly, as the beginning of the road to Wrestlemania. The burying of the hatchet between Brett and Shawn Michaels met expectations and surely drew viewers away from Spike TV. After that, like at TNA, Vince relied on the usual DX skits and great wrestling. The tag match between DX and JeriShow was good and the match between Kofi Kingston and Randy Orton was great. Even Sheamus’ beat down of Evan Bourne had a few exciting moments. At the end of the night the payoff between Brett and Vince was weak. They talked of forgiveness, Vince nominated Brett’s dad Stu for nomination into the Hall of Fame, and they shook hands, played to the crowd and then Vince hit Brett low, setting up for a possible match at Wrestlemania. Pretty much business as usual for RAW.
For me, it was mildly exciting to have two shows to choose from on a Monday night. Both shows had better-than-average television matches which I enjoyed. In the end, the Monday Night War came and went... now show me what you got next. The war was a draw; for now.

Match of the Week: a tie between Kofi vs. Randy and A.J. vs. Kurt. Each show was made better by these matches.

Wrestler of the Week: Brett”the Hitman” Hart.  As it was said on the show , this man should not be remembered just for one bizarre event, but for all the great matches he was a part of.
    

Our prayers for the family of Steve “Dr, Death” Williams. This giant of a man lost his five year fight against cancer. He was one of a kind and will be missed.

What 2009 Meant to Me

by Pat Robinson

12.30.09
 
What I will remember most about pro wrestling in 2009 was the wrestling more than the spectacle and the people more than the events. This was , in my opinion, a great year for the fans of this made up world.
The 25th anniversary of Wrestlemania was an event full of spectacle and fireworks, but it was one match and one man that I will remember from that weekend. The battle between Shawn Michaels and the Undertaker showed what two veteran stars can do when pitted against each other. The one man was ,as Ric Flair stated, the perfect good guy  Ricky “the Dragon” Steamboat who was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
TNA had a lot of drama in front of and behind the scenes. The Main Event Mafia, comprised of a lot of former superstars, made life hell for the young stars. Behind the scenes was a real struggle involving owner Dixie Carter and Jeff Jarrett. As the year came to a close, what made TNA great returned:  wrestling. The matches between Kurt Angle and Desmond Wolf became instant classics. The same can be said for those involving Samoa Joe , Chris Daniels , and A. J. Styles.
Each company’s short term  future success is in the hands of the past. WWE’s is with Brett “the Hitman” Hart and TNA’s with Hulk Hogan. 2010 should start off with a bang.

No match of the week, but there is a wrestler of the week who deserves a little extra attention. That man is Tommy Dreamer. This week he retired from the WWE. Tommy is the heart and soul of  ECW wrestling. He was there in the early days in Philly through the transition to the WWE. He is the last of the ECW Originals to depart. Good luck to the Innovator of Violence.

This Is Wrestling!!!

by Pat Robinson

12.23.09
 
"This is Wrestling!” was the chant yelled a lot at this week’s TNA pay per view “Final Resolution” and the fans were right. The show even with its version of WWE’s money in the bank match, Feast or Fired, was full of wrestling holds and wrestling stories being told. It began with the Motor City Machine Gunns taking the British Invasion to the limit. They didn’t win the tag titles, but they and the Brits gave us a fast-paced, wrestling show. Tara beat ODB for the Knockout title. Even this match highlighted each lady’s wrestling background. Steiner and Lashley showed their power in their match. This is what they’re known for and they delivered.
These matchups, plus the others, all fell short of the textbook quality of the final two matches. Kurt Angle vs. Desmond Wolf 2 was a two out of three fall marathon. First fall won by pinfall (Winner :Wolf) Second fall by submission (Winner Angle) and the third and deciding fall was escape from the six sides of steel (Winner of the fall and the match: Kurt Angle). It was a showpiece of a match. Then A.J. Styles faced his former friend Chris Daniels. These two know each other so well and presented a class in wrestling, period. They both gave all they had and in the end Styles retained his TNA belt.
If both brands ,TNA and WWE, would give us more of this type of product, they would grow a regular solid following.

Match of the Week: Rey Mysterio’s victory over Batista on Smackdown. These two made a unbelievable match work.
Wrestler of the Week: Sheik Bashir( Davari) is leaving TNA. He has always given his all in both the WWE and TNA. I wish him well.

If You Need A Push, Work Out With HHH

by Pat Robinson

12.16.09
 
The joke around wrestling gossip these days is that Sheamus and Drew McIntyre have been climbing the WWE ladder because they are the workout buddies of HHH. Whether that’s true or not , I don’t know , but Sheamus is the new WWE champ and McIntyre now holds the Intercontinental belt. Regardless, I am glad that there is new blood getting attention in wrestling.
The rest of this past weekend’s TLC(Tables, Ladders, Chairs) PPV had its share of excitement. Yes Sheamus “beat” John Cena when Cena fell thru a table while attempting a suplex on the Irishman. So under tables match rules, Sheamus wins. McIntyre’s victory over John Morrison was in a regular rules match. JeriShow(Chris Jericho and Big Show) lost their unified tag belts to DX in a full blown TLC match. Undertaker retained his World title against Batista as did Michelle McCool against Mickie James. The best match of the night was not one of the gimmick matches, but a show of wrestling  skill and power. Randy Orton’s win over Kofi Kingston was stiff, hard fought, and exciting. I hope we see more of them in the future.
TNA is preparing for the age of Hogan. This past week’s show was highlighted by a taste of future glory with a interference shortened match between Desmond Wolfe and champ A. J. Styles. This week’s show will include a match between Wolfe and Daniels which should be equally great. Jeff Jarrett is on his way back , with the help of Mick Foley, to reclaim his place as the leader of TNA.

Match of the Week: Orton vs. Kingston

Wrestler of the Week : Sheamus, he’s on his way to learning to be a classic monster heel and he is still the whitest man I have ever seen

The Great White Hope

by Pat Robinson

12.02.09
 
John Cena’s next opponent for his belt is the Celtic Warrior Sheamus and he is without a doubt the whitest man I have ever seen. I guess the sun has quit shining in Ireland. He came up through the ranks at ECW and was a moderate force, but now that he is on the WWE’s flagship, he is the monster who so far is only known for beating up a junior heavyweight star (Jaime Noble), blindsided a Hall of Famer (Jerry Lawler), and likewise the champ Cena. Now he is in the main event at the Tables, Ladders, and Chairs PPV. God Bless America and HHH, Sheamus’ workout buddy. I’m all for giving new guys a shot, but let’s build up to it.

Speaking of giving  shots, TNA did that last week on their TV show. They had a one night tournament to determine a new #1 contender for A. J. Styles’ TNA belt. We got to see matchups that we don’t usually see between main eventers and some of the mid-card talent. Kurt Angle against the Pope Dinero, Angle and Robert Roode, Roode and Bobby Lashley, were just some of the matchups. Lashley eventually won. It was a real good night of wrestling.

Match of the Week: Kurt Angle vs. Robert Roode

Wrestler of the Week: Robert Roode, a great tag or single wrestler

Surviving Another Survivor Series

by Pat Robinson

11.25.09
 
Another annual Survivor Series PPV has come and gone. The show started twenty odd years ago to show off as many wrestlers as possible in a series of elimination tag team matches. This year the WWE put together several match-ups which, unlike past years, included some of the best talent. The women had  a match with all their best, the mid-carders put on a good show with Team (John) Morrison battling Team (the)Miz. This is (many times) where the next big “thing” comes from. In this case it might be Sheamus. He mowed thru the opposing team. Team (Kofi) Kingston took down Team (Randy) Orton. The push for Kofi Kingston continued as Kofi got the best of Randy Orton one-on-one once again. There is a great match coming between these two stars.
The respective world belts were decided in another type of survivor match: a triple threat match. The Undertaker battled the two members of the unified tag champs while John Cena faced the members of DX. Undertaker survived Chris Jericho and Big Show as they fought each other about as much as the Deadman. Cena pretty much faced either HHH or HBK one-on-one during most of their match as the two DXers would disable each other at times during the match with either “Sweet Chin Music” or a crash through the announcer’s table. In the end, Cena escaped with his belt.
The fun continued on Monday Night RAW as the Governor Jesse Ventura hosted. He decided to highlight all of the talent who had never won the world’s title. A series of matches helped choose the new #1 contender. In the end Sheamus will now face John Cena in a tables match at the TLC PPV. Finally we got to go back in time as Ventura was reunited with his old announcing buddy, with red bow tie and tux, Vince McMahon. They reminded us how much fun it was to hear them argue while calling a match.

Match of the Week: On TNA, a tag match between Devon Wolf and Daniels and A. J. Styles and Kurt Angle really highlighted these four stars
Wrestler of the Week: Chris Daniels... we are once again being reminded how good this man is

Who Needs Hogan?

by Pat Robinson

11.18.09
 
All the wrestling world continues to buzz about Hulk Hogan’s impending arrival in TNA, but if this past weekend’s pay-per-view is any indication, who needs him?

From top to bottom, Turning Point was a great show. Amazing Red and Homicide put on a fast-paced X –Division match with Red retaining his belt; the ladies put on two great matches one for the Knockout’s tag belts and the other a cage match between Tara and Awesome Kong which included a dive by Tara from the top of the cage on to Kong for the win; ECW alumni were well represented with Dr. Stevie and Raven with Tazz doing the announcing and Team 3D in a tag match.
Each of these matches added to a great PPV , but the last two matches of the night elevated it to a new level. The first was Kurt Angle battling newcomer Desmond Wolf. This was a scientific wrestling dream. They each not only used their power moves, the Angle Slam and Wolf’s devastating forearm, but they each showed off their mat wrestling and submission moves In the end Angle made Wolf tap out in what I see as a match of the year candidate. The final match was a revisiting of a classic showdown from four years ago: Samoa Joe vs. Chris Daniels vs. TNA champ A. J. Styles. This was as good as the match up from TNA’s early days. All three men showed why they are some the best talent in wrestling. All three hit hard, flew everywhere, used their signature moves, and in the end A. J. retained his belt.
Who needs Hogan? TNA may or may not, but the WWE must because there are hawking his new DVD with matches dug up from the “Thunderlips” era. Well, Vince, make your money off the Hulkster while you can.

Match of the Week: Angle vs. Wolf

Wrestler of the Week: Samoa Joe for looking like the Joe of old

Is It Real and Do We Care?
by Pat Robinson

11.11.09 

Last week, Dixie Carter, not of Designing Women fame, the head of TNA gave an impassioned speech to her crew of wrestlers in a before show meeting. She basically said change is coming, HULK HOGAN, and if you can't jump on board get out of the way. Over the weekend , fans have debated whether this was part of the show or a real request for unity. Probably a little of both. Ms. Carter is very serious in her wish for a united front in the wake of a couple of her stars being unhappy with storyline directions, A. J. Styles and Samoa Joe.

Modern day wrestling goes back and forth between storylines and the real world. It does so as needed for ratings. I always say the first of these peeks behind the curtain was when Jim Ross went on an on air tirade about the way Vince treated him after his first bout with Bells Palsey. Vince himself went from being the owner to a character Mr. McMahon. Eric Bischoff did the same at WCW.Over the years they have had fun with the in the know fans with storylines concerning real life couple HHH and Stephanie McMahon. First the were married in a storyline and then in real life.
The one common factor during this time was that Vince Russo was the writer at each company. Well Well, who do I see behind Dixie Carter at that meeting but Mr. Vince Russo. HMMMM!!!

Match and Wrestlers of the Week : Chris Daniels vs. A. J. Styles... the best against the best

Hulkmania Is Back! Is This a Good Thing?

by Pat Robinson

11.03.09
 
Last Tuesday it was revealed that Hulk Hogan has teamed up with TNA Wrestling. It was not revealed whether he will wrestle, be a spokesperson, or (the scarriest scenerio) have creative control. I have never been a big a fan of Hogan the wrestler, but no one does a better job of getting a crowd excited before and during a match than the Huilkster. So as someone who will draw attention to TNA's product this is a great move.
If Hogan along with Eric Bischoff will have creative control then I might be concerned. Yes this is the twosome that reigned over the best of times of WCW and produced an enjoyable reality show about celebrity wrestlers , but they are also given credit for WCW's downfall. Hogan says he wants to remind the wrestlers how to build reputations , characters, and tell a long term story. If this is true, again it may be a good thing as long as Hogan doesn't overshadow the talent such as Styles, Daniels, Hernandez, and Joe.
Finally, the speculation is that  the timing of this announcement may just be to bring attention to Hogan's new book and his and TNA's upcoming Austrailian tour. If this is the case then promote it as such or if it is a long term arrangement then let it build slowly and not rush to the payoff. Also if this could mean that the Nature Boy Ric Flair might show up , as he is touring with Hogan in Australia, then I hope this  will go on for a long time to come.

Match of the Week: Kofi Kingston, MVP and Mark Henry vs. Legacy and Randy Orton...Kofi is really coming into his own
Wrestler of the Week: Hulk Hogan... WHAT YA GONNA DO WHEN TNA RUNS ALL OVER YOU?!!!

A Classic, a Betrayal, Another Betrayal, a New Name and a Miracle
by Pat Robinson

10.28.09 

This week is full of news.from TNA and WWE. First is the classic match between John Cena and Randy Orton. Their one hour "Iron Man" match was full of brutality, strength, and sheer will. They kept the fans into the match by wrestling in the ring and all over the arena. In a down to the wire ending, John Cena is once again WWE champion.The other big part of the Bragging Rights PPV was the betrayal by the Big Show  of his RAW teammates in the 14 man brand vs. brand tag match. Big Show opened the door for the Smackdown team to claim the trophy by chokeslamming Kofi Kingston and punching out HHH.The RAW guys got their revenge on Show on Monday night by ganging up on him during a lumberjack match against HHH.The other betrayal came when Batista turned on his good buddy Rey Mysterio after his frustration in not capturing the World title from the Undertaker.
       
Over at TNA, the Mafia is dead, Booker T is gone and a Ring of Honor superstar shows up with a new name. Nigel McGuiness, the man with one of the greatest forearm smashes in wrestling, arrives and is now known as Desmond Wolfe. His first order of business is to jump on Kurt Angle. Between his blindside attack by Wolfe and an earlier admission of being wrong about the young lions of TNA passion for the business, the miracle of Angle's babyface turn  took place. Wolfe and Angle will make for great matches.
  

Match of the Week: Cena/Orton Iron Man Match

Wrestler of the Week: THE CHAMP John Cena

WWE RAW LIVE From Columbus

by Pat Robinson

10.21.09
 
As a long time pro wrestling fan, nothing is better than when we have the WWE come to town. Saturday October 17th was such a day. The guys and gals we see each week on television are bigger , smaller or prettier in person. HHH, John Cena, Randy Orton  headlined a show that was well worth the $50 for my ringside seat.
The matchups were the same that were on tv, but to see an aerial assualt by Evan Bourne, a split by Melina, or even a comedy skit by Santino is more fun in person. Non televisied events are more fun to me because the wrestlers can play off script and interact more with the crowd.All the kids ran to the railing just to touch their heroes and scream at the villians. I am still waiting for my hearing to return from the screams from one young boy behind me. Everyone should attend a live event once just to see the spectacle.
The aftermath of TNA's biggest PPV, "Bound for Glory" includes a very banged up Chris Daniels , from a fall during the X-Division title match, new IGWP tag champs, Team 3D, new TNA tag champs, the British Invasion, new Legends champ, Eric Young, and Sting's future still in doubt. The show was well hyped and anticipated, and the wrestlers worked hard , many hurt and sick, to put on a good show. I think they succeeded. It does't have the largeness of a Wrestlemania, but it has the wrestling, which is what I want. Sting/A.J, X-Division championship, TLC(Tables,Ladders,Chairs) tag match were all quality matchups. I hope each year TNA will build on this and get better and better.
Finally the passing of a legend, Capt. Lou Albano.The good captain was a true character. From his hair and beard all askew, to the loud  Hawaian shirts, to rubberands in his beard or attached to his cheeks Lou Albano was one of a kind. He was the manager of champions, mostly tag teams. He's also known for playing Cindy Lauper's dad in one of her videos.He was loved and recognized by millions and will be missed.
      

Wrestler of the Week: Sting... if this is his last match, even in defeat, he was great

Match of the Week: From Columbus, Ga. The Miz's victory over Kofi Kingston

Is this the End of the Road for Sting?

by Pat Robinson

10.14.09

Wrestler of the Week:  Hornswaggle, for his entertaining antics week in and week out... this week for his imitation of HBK
Match of the Week: Jack Swagger's victory over MVP

Hell No

by Pat Robinson

10.07.09

Testify!!!! Rev. Al is in the Arena

by Pat Robinson

09.30.09
 
Well the parade of the famous and infamous continues at Monday Night RAW. This week Rev. Al Sharpton was the guest host and was there to help promote his tour with Newt Gingrich concerning the status of education in this country. Now even though I am not always a fan of the the good reverend, this is a great cause to promote.
On the wrestling side of things, both the WWE and TNA are in the promotion phase to get us hyped for their respective upcoming PPV's. This Sunday's Hell in the Cell looks like it could settle several feuds and move on. Those include Undertaker/C.M. Punk, Legacy/DX, and Cena/Orton. An added match for the tag belts could be the best as Big Show and Chris Jericho defend against Batista and the returning (from 30 day suspension) Rey Mysterio.
TNA is getting us ready for Bound for Glory in Los Angeles. Sting could retire after this show or begin his retirement tour to say goodbye to the fans. His match with A.J. Styles will do wonders for Styles already high fan status. Bobby Lashley's match with Samoa Joe should be a power move fest.
If any of you hardcore wrestling fans want listen to some of your favorite stars remember the good old days search for any of the "shoot" interviews on DVD. Recently, I've watched Ric Flair's, Arn Anderson's, and Bruno Sammartino's. They're full of great stories and insights.

Match of the Week: Mark Henry and MVP vs. Big Show and Chris Jericho... these men, big and small, can move

Wrestler of the Week: Chavo Guerrero for being the butt of many jokes over the last few weeks and still keep coming back for more

A New Champ, A Sad Farewell, and an Entertainer

by Pat Robinson

09.23.09
 
This week TNA showed how to put on a pretty good pay-per-view. Some odd matchups, but all-in-all it was a solid wrestling show. Taylor Wilde and Sarita were crowned the first knockouts tag team champions with a win over the Beautiful People. ODB regained the Knockouts single title with a win over former boyfriend Cody Deaner. Nash vs. Abyss was actually a good big man match. Samoa Joe's victory over Daniels was like the old days, thank goodness. Finally, A.J. Styles was crowned the new TNA champion by winning over Kurt Angle, Sting and Matt Morgan. A new belt and new baby in the same week; not bad A.J.
This week's guest host on RAW was Cedric the Entertainer and he did his job, he entertained. From his jokes with Santino to his actually participating in a match against recent foil for Hornswaggle Chavo, to "making matches", Cedric did all right.
Finally, this week was the last for announcer/Diva Lillian Garcia. Her singing of the National Anthem, especially right after 9/11, was always a highlight. She was always a fixture on the trips to visit the troops overseas at Christmas. She is a class act and will be truely missed. Good luck Lillian.
   
Match of the Week: A.J. Styles winning the TNA belt

Wrestler of the Week: A.J. Styles

It Was the Fans That Got Screwed

by Pat Robinson

09.16.09
  
Years ago in Montreal, the famous match where Vince McMahon stole the WWE title from Brett Hart (who was leaving for WCW) by faking a submission by Hart with help from referee Earl Hebner made history. For years, Vince has toyed with the chance of re-enacting it. Well, this past Sunday, he tried and failed miserabebly. The Undertaker seemingly had won the belt from C.M. Punk when Smackdown GM Teddy Long voided the win saying the submission by Punk had come by means of a banned hold. The match was restarted and Punk slapped on a submission move and the ref called a submission by the Dead Man and he and Punk ran for their lives. Vince, quit trying to recapture past glories and move on.
Breaking Point also marked a series of new PPVs with gimmick themes. We already have One Night Stand which is an ECW-style no rules show. Breaking Point had a series of submission matches. Soon we will have Hell in the Cell and Tables, Ladders and Chairs.

A gimmick match is good within a PPV, but not every match. That dilutes the product. I hope Vince will concentrate on the talent and let the gimmicks stay in the background.
A few tidbits: Jeff Hardy arrested for possession of drugs with intent to distribute, let's wait and see how this one plays out; our thoughts and prayers to the family of Hall of Famer Koko B. Ware in the the death of his wife; finally a guest GM on RAW that could wrestle: Trish Stratus. We all got Stratusfaction from this.

Match of the Week: Legacy's surprise submission victory over DX (the only really good match on the PPV)

Wrestler(s) of the Week: Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes (Legacy)

Vince McMahon, COME ON DOWN
by Pat Robinson

09.09.09

Match of the Week: John Morrison's victory over Rey (Gotta Serve My Suspension) Mysterio... this also makes Morrison the Wrestler of the Week

As R Truth Would Say: WHAT'S UP?
by Pat Robinson

09.02.09

What is up in the world of wrestling when Rey Mysterio may be suspended for failing the WWE's wellness test (Drugs); where the American Dream turns on his friends for the love of a son; where Rhyno turns on an American hero.
Rey will either be suspended or not this week for use of a pain killer, that he stated in a weekend radio interview in Mexico was prescibed for him. Since Mysterio is the Intercontinental champion and scheduled to defend against Dolph Zigler (for the 3rd straight PPV) in two weeks, the WWE must stage something this week to take the belt off of him so he can begin serving his suspension.
On this week's RAW, the guest GM was the ever-popular Hall of Famer, the American Dream Dusty Rhodes. There was plenty of humor between Big Dust and DX making fun of WCW's downfall and hawking their respective DVD's. Dusty signed a match to highlight his son Cody against champ Randy Orton with John Cena as special referee and Dusty in his son's corner. Of course this was a setup to beat the tar out of Cena.Thankfully, Dusty was redeemed in the eyes of the fans, by Orton beating him down. Plus Dusty took part in a beatdown on his son and Orton after the show went off the air. The bionic elbow lives.
Finally, Rhyno turned heel and beat up his protege Jesse Neal. Neal, a hero during Desert Storm, is learning to be a pro wrestler but has a long way to go. His continued mistakes were why Rhyno became frustrated and gave him the GORE.
Next week wrestling fans can: COME ON DOWN as the guest GM will be Bob Barker. I hope no one crosses him as he was trained by Chuck Norris and he punched out Adam Sandler in "Happy Gilmore."
Good luck to Jeff Hardy as he takes time off once again from the WWE. Who does he think he is the Undertaker?
      
Match of the Week: John Morrison and Matt Hardy's defeat of the Harts

Wrestler of the Week: John Morrison (the next Shawn Michaels)

The Dead Rise, the High Flyer Flies Away,Youth is Served

by Pat Robinson

08.26.09

This weekend's WWE Summerslam PPV was supposed to be a spectacular second only to Wrestlemania. It was not. One of its main events, John Cena vs. Randy Orton, ended with a series of false endings: Orton disqualified; then Orton counted out; then Orton wins after a run in by a fan into the ring which distracts Cena long enough to be pinned. All of this was a further swerve for the next match.
In the Ladders, Tables and Chairs (OH MY) match, the high flying enigma Jeff Hardy, who is taking another extended vacation to find himself, performed great as did C.M. Punk. Their bodies were slammed with all the aforementioned weapons and in the end Punk once again was champ, but that was just part of the story. After the match was over, as Punk stood triumphantly over Hardy the lights went out the gongs sounded, the lights came back on and lying in Hardy's spot was the Undertaker who proceded to beat the crap out of Punk.How did he get there? He was most likely placed under the ring while attention was on the fan who ran in during the previous match.The fan was Brett DiBiase, Ted's brother.
Both TNA and WWE have continued to push the younger wrestlers as main eventers. In the DX vs. Legacy match, DiBiase and Rhodes were really allowed to shine against HHH and HBK. At TNA, Sting appears to have passed the torch to A.J. Styles as Sting prepares to retire. This shows great respect and confidence for and in Styles, which is much deserved. Other youthful stars being allowed to shine include Dolph Ziggler, Jack Swagger, Cryme Time and Eric Young.

Match of the Week: Rey Meysterio vs. Dolph Ziggler... much more chemistry than their last match

Wrestler of the Week: Jeff Hardy... he left it all in the ring

Around the Wrestling World

by Pat Robinson

08.19.09

This was a week full of changes at the mic, changes of title belts, and changes once again of RAW hosts.
A change TNA fans will see this Thursday August 20th, will be a new announcer with Mike Tenay: Taz. Don West has been sent to do what made him famous: selling stuff. He'll be working in TNA merchandising. Also, once again Kevin Nash is the Legends champ by defeating Mick Foley at Hard Justice and Samoa Joe is the X-Division champion after beating Homicide. Also, a change of company for Elijah Burke means a new name: D'Angelo Dinero.
The new RAW host and GM was Mr. Sarah Michelle Geller, Freddie Prinze Jr. Prinze is a lifelong fan of the WWE and a former employee. He was a writer for Vince for a short time. He was there at the beginning having fun with Santino and getting laid out by Randy Orton and he was there at the end stacking the deck against Orton with enemy lumberjacks during his tag match. In between we saw the return of DX. HHH and HBK were beaten up by Legacy during their usual "ARE YOU READY? speech.
In wrestling political news, Jerry Lawler continues his run for mayor of Memphis and former Killer Bee B. Brian Blair is running for local office in Florida.
Next week boxer Floyd Mayweather will host RAW. Maybe we'll get a rematch between him and Big Show.
 
Match of the Week: Carlito vs. Kofi Kingston... this let Carlito show how good he can be when given a chance

Wrestler of the Week: Chris Daniels for becoming #1 contender for the X-Division title

Youth, Dressing for Sucess, and DX is Cooking

by Pat Robinson

08.12.09
 
Both the WWE and TNA have been making a definite effort to bring a new generation of stars to the forefront of their companies... finally. After years of knowing that HHH, Shawn Michaels, or Stone Cold Steve Austin would be taking up the lion's share of a Monday Night RAW, we now have a new breed to look foward to. Second and third generation performers like Randy Orton, Ted DiDiase Jr., Cody Rhodes, Natalya, and David Hart Smith are finally getting into main event and mid-card matches. Others that are getting a deserved push are: Tyson Kidd, Dolph Ziggler, Evan Bourne, Jack Swagger, Yoshi Tatsu, and the palest man in wrestling Sheamus. Along with their counterparts at TNA, Eric Young, Matt Morgan, A. J. Styles, Chris Daniels, and Taylor Wilde, these great young superstars have given me faith in the future of the business.
Since makeovers are such a big thing on television, I just wanted to make a comment on one such change in wrestling: the Big Show. Because of the unfortunate injury to Edge, Show has been given a new role as co-holder of the unified tag belts with Chris Jericho and this brings a new look... new wrestling trunks that give him a sleeker look, if that's possible for a 400+ lb. man, but more importantly new tailored suits to go along with the way Jericho dresses. This, plus a more arrogant attitude, has breathed new life into his character. Now if they could just improve his theme song.
With HBK as a cook, sorry chef, at a corporate lunchroom, DX theatre is back. Michaels, who has not been seen since Wrestlemania, appears in his new position cooking for corporate toadies and their snotty children. HHH comes to ask him back to help him in his fight with Legacy. Shawn is finally convinced to return and he quits by giving his boss some sweet chin music. The band is back together.

Match of the Week: Tyson Kidd vs. John Morrison... Kidd and Morrison both showed their best
Wrestler of the Week: Tyson Kidd

Jeremy Piven - "The Goods" and the Bad

by Pat Robinson

08.05.09

In the continuing onslaught of guest hosts on RAW, this week it was Jeremy Piven and Dr. Ken from "The Hangover" and the upcoming "The Goods". Unlike Shaq, last week's host, Piven wasn't himself, but acted like his character in "The Goods".That included opening up his car's trunk to reveal Dr. Ken, thank goodness he wasn't naked like in "The Hangover", to asking all the wrestlers if they had the "goods" like his car dealer character in his next movie. Piven did okay interacting as guest GM setting up matches between Kofi Kingston and Big Show, and John Cena and The Miz... or as Piven called him Lame Miz. Where Piven was okay, Dr. Ken was just silly and annoying with his high pitched squeelling and babbeling. In the end, like previous guest GM's like Seth Green and Shaquille O'Neal, Piven got involved in the main event by turning heel and stacking the deck against Cena in his lumberjack match and then climbed to the top rope to dive on to Cena. At least with Sgt. Slaughter as next week's GM if he wants to be in a match, he knows what to do.
Over at TNA, the shuffling of titles continued with Mick Foley winning the Legends Belt from Kevin Nash. Also, they gave me the match I've been waiting for: Hernandez vs.Samoa Joe. These two wooly mammoths put on a show worthy of their early indy show days. Amazingly Super Mex got a clean pin over the Samoan Submission Machine.
For anyone who loves to hear stories about the inner workings of wrestling, go to either highspots.com or rohwrestling.com and choose any of your favorite wrestler's "shoot" interviews. These straight-from-the-horse's mouth interviews give you an understanding of a wrestler's life and what it takes to make it.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Blackjack Mulligan who suffered a minor stroke and Jerry Brisco who is recovering from heart surgery. Get well. Vince can't run the show without you.
 
Match of the Week is Joe vs. Hernandez with Hernandez as Wrestler of the Week

Champions New and Old

by Pat Robinson

07.29.09
 
When TNA had a multitude of title changes a few weeks ago, it was part of just one storyline concerning the Main Event Mafia and their dominance. This week's WWE "Night of Champions" PPV and its title changes will lead to a multitude of more interesting stories.
Because of Edge's injury, Chris Jericho had to pick a new partner to help defend the unified tag team belts against Legacy. He chose Big (as in Show). Jericho and Big Show will make an entertaining duo as they won and retained the belts.Plus they can appear on any of the brands (RAW, ECW, or Smackdown) to defend the belts.
Tommy Dreamer's loss to Christian in the ECW title match will open up some great matchups with Koslov, Ezekiel, Shelton Benjamin and other ECW greats. It was respectful to Tommy Dreamer to let him wear the belt one more time.
Kofi Kingston and Michelle McCool each retained their respective belts (US Title and Women's Title). It allowed them both to shine and move on to new great matches.
Mickie James defeated Maryse to become Diva champ. Yeah. I like MJ.
The two matches that did not live up to expectations was the WWE title 3 way match and the Intercontinental match.
Randy Orton retained his belt with help once again from Legacy... an exciting match with the same old ending. Rey Mysterio's win over Dolph Zigler was just lackluster. Dolph may need a little more time until he returns to the main events.
Finally, the World title match between the now almost-heel C.M. Punk and the 2 time short term ex-champ Jeff Hardy... a really good back and forth match which resulted in the new World Champion Jeff Hardy. It was an ending worthy of a above average pay per view.

Match of the Week: Michelle McCool's win over Melina... these two Divas took bumps that the best male wrestlers would think twice about taking

Wrestler of the Week: Big Show... he just keeps on reinventing an already great character

Godfather 4 TNA Style and a Sharp Dressed RAW

by Pat Robinson

07.22.09
 
TNA's pay per view "Victory Road" was an event that could have been great, but it was a below-average attempt to re-enact the heyday of WCW's NWO. The MEM (Main Event Mafia) won all the belts that they fought for. The matchups were good, but none of the matches were PPV quality. Sting and Samoa Joe were both out of gas by the time Joe's "secret" advisor TAZ showed up to rally Joe to victory.
So now the MEM have the world title (Kurt Angle), the legend's belt (Kevin Nash) and the tag titles(Booker T and Scott Steiner). I hear that Samoa Joe will go after the X Division belt and possibly a returning Traci Brooks will join the Mafia and go after the woman's belt. Didn't anyone learn that this type of overkill brought the WCW to an end?
Over at RAW, ZZ Top appeared as guest hosts joined by a very funny Santino Marella in beard and sun glasses. Isn't it amazing that for a second week in a row the hosts had something to promote: ZZ Top Tour 2009. As with any RAW the week of a PPV (Night of Champions), the show was devoted to highlighting the matchups. HHH, Cena, Orton; Micki James, Mayrese; Jericho and mystery partner, Rhodes and Dibiase; Kingston vs five other stars. We also had, in recognition of the hosts, a "Sharp Dressed Man" tuxedo match and a Divas "Legs" match. Next week Shaq is guest host. Hope he's not promoting a sequel to "Steel".

Match of the Week : Primo, MVP, and Kofi Kingston vs. Big Show, Jack Swagger, and Carlito.... this match highlighted the fast moves and wrestling abilities of all and that Show is still a major monster

Wrestler of the Week: Samoa Joe showed some of the fire of his independent days... I hope he is on his way back to greatness

Wrestlemania Stars Every Week

by Pat Robinson

07.15.09
 
One of the things that brought non-fans of pro wrestling to Wrestlemania was the celebrities. Liberace, Joan Rivers, Pamela Anderson, and Burt Reynolds were just some of the stars that appeared each year. Now it appears that Vince McMahon is going to bring us famous folks every Monday night. He is also going to put them in charge of RAW each week. It started with Donald Trump buying and re-selling RAW and continued this week with Seth Green. The star of Buffy the Vampire Slayer tv series, Austin Powers movies, and creator of Robot Chicken came out and started making matches that included bikini-clad Divas while at the same time promoting the new season of Robot Chicken, which includes a skit with HHH wrestling Dakota Fanning. He even wrestled in a main event tag match with HHH and John Cena against Randy Orton and crew.

Of course, there have been seveal "stars" involved in wrestling for publicity. Celebrities all the way back to Steve Allen calling matches in the 50's, to Chuck Norris as a enforcer in the 90's, to David Arquette holding the WCW World's title have had fun mixing it up with the wrestlers. Hulk Hogan in Rocky 3 and Vader on "Boy Meets World" became part of the storylines. So, as Vince tries to go back to family-friendly programming, he is using those we are comfortable in seeing in other genres to make it easier.

So no more porn stars like in the old days of ECW  just good ol' guys and gals. I guess that is why members of ZZ Top are hosting and running the show next week.

Match of the Week: Jack Swagger vs. MVP...both get better each week

Wrestler of the Week: Gail Kim... finally the WWE is letting her shine like she did in TNA

Injuries, Politics , and DUI's, Must be Summer in Pro Wrestling

by Pat Robinson

07.08.09
 
Well the fast and furious summer of pro wrestling is under way. WWE, TNA , ROH and all the independents are fighting for that summer cash. TNA has started their eighth year as strong as ever. They are finally finding the right mix of old and new. A.J. Styles, Samoa Joe, Beer Money Inc. , and many others are now being highlighted more than the old guard of Booker T, Sting or Kevin Nash.
ROH has been gaining new viewers with their weekly show on the HDTV network. Along with the usual cast of chaarcters, old TNA and WWE stars such as Petey Williams, Brett Hart , and Lance Storm have been showing up.
The WWE has juggled their rosters to bring several guys to the RAW brand to show them off to a larger audience. Such notables include Evan Bourne , Jack Swagger , Dolph Ziggler , Gail Kim , and even Mark Henry. So far the new ideas are working as all the shows are as good as they've been in a while.
On the TMZ side of wrestling, Edge has had a major injury to his leg in a house show on the west coast. He may not be back until March 2010. Jerry Lawler is supposedly considering a run for mayor of Memphis(with his background with women , he'll fit right in); Hall of Famer Rowdy Roddy Piper was arrested for DUI; Lillian Garcia, my favorite diva, is working out her present contract and then she'll be getting married.

Match of the Week: Randy Orton vs. Ted Dibiase. This battle of two third generation wrestlers was very exciting. Dibiase will be great if given the chance.

Wrestler of the Week: MVP for all his work with young people and his trying to keep them from going down the same path he took which ended in prison time.

Lots of Bashing at the Bash

by Pat Robinson

07.01.09
 
WWE's PPV The Bash (formally the Great American Bash) was a good (at times great) show. It had several title changes, one spectacular match and a really botched ending to one match.
One match had several title changes within the match. The ECW title match was fought "Scramble" style. This means in a 20 minute period, whenever someone pins an opponent he is the champ until the next pin is made. Whoever has made the last pin when time runs out is the recognized champion. Tommy Dreamer is still the title holder. Other title changes include Michelle McCool winning the Woman's belt from Melina and a last-minute entry in the tag team match, Chris Jericho and Edge became the unified tag champs over Legacy and the Colon Brothers.
One title change was a match of the year nominee. Rey Mysterio kept his mask by defeating Chris Jericho for the InterContinental title. This match had everything: High flying moves, mat wrestling, many near-falls and submission moves. This is a match that shows why wrestling can, at times, be more than a soap opera.
The match which should have been great, ended in disarray. C.M. Punk's defense of the World title had hard-hitting and fast moves as expected, but it ended with a false win because of a referee error and then a disqualification that seemed to be used to help the fans see Punk as now a bad guy. Punk is still the champ and is now being booed which I think was the plan.
Randy Orton kept his WWE belt over HHH with help from Rhodes and Dibiase. Been there seen that. Let's move on.
TNA 's Slamiversary aftermath is moving Sting back to hero, Samoa Joe back to villian, and Kurt Angle back to a wrestler with hair.

Match of the Week: the previously mentioned Mysterio vs. Jericho match

Wrestler of the Week: Dolph Ziggler who got his first PPV appearance and made the most of it against Khali... he looked pretty good

Trump Era Comes to an End-Thank Goodness

by Pat Robinson

06.24.09
 
The Donald's reign as RAW's owner lasted one week and that was plenty. He doesn't have the charisma of Mr. McMahon and it appears he has to read everything off of cue cards. He served his purpose of free mainstream publicity and completing the gimmick of a commercial-free RAW. The show actually moved very well without the commercials and with the addition of the Smackdown stars, gave it a PPV quality. The Randy Orton/HHH "Last Man Standing" match was well-served by the lack of breaks.
TNA's 7th "Slamiversary" was really good. Once again when they go on the road, this time Detroit, the show is better because they're not only in a different venue than Orlando, but the fans paid to be there... unllike the fans at Universal Studios. The matches were all exciting in their own right. The Sting/Matt Morgan match was boring at times, but Sting can still carry a match. The Daniels/Shane Douglas bout was exciting when Daniels was on top, but sad just because Douglas is past his glory days.The two "King of the Mountain" matches, one for the X-Division belt and the other for the World title, were really great. Lots of bumps and high spots. Suicide kept his X- Division belt. Kurt Angle became the new World Champ with help from the newly turned  and newest member of the Main Event Mafia, Samoa Joe. A nice swerve... opens up some great match ups.
Summer is here and it's time for the great PPVs, like the Bash and Summerslam and all the shows leading up to them.

Match of the Week: Monster's Ball match between the teams of Abyss/ Taylor Wilde and Raven/Daffney. The girls were just as brutal as the guys using the variety of weapons.
Wrestler of the Week: A.J. Styles. Even though he did not win the TNA World belt, he still showed why he is so great.The risks he continues to take are amazing.

The Donald Buys RAW - Oh! Crap

by Pat Robinson

06.17.09

Monday Night Raw, the flagship of WWE programing, is now owned by Donald Trump. Yeah right. The newest storyline involves Mr. McMahon's old enemy billionare purchasing RAW so he can make it better for the WWE fans. His first act is to make next week's show commercial free. The next assumption is that the Donald will name a new General Manager. that could work I suppose... as long as it's not one of those who have been on "Celebrity Apprentice". Joan Rivers as GM would destroy pro wrestling as we know it.
Monday night's RAW was a three-hour event full of title matches where nothing really changed. Randy Orton regained the vacant WWE belt and was the only "new" champ. C.M. Punk, Tommy Dreamer, and Chris Jericho all held on to their belts. The matches were exciting, especially the 3 Way Dance between C.M. Punk, Jeff Hardy, and Edge.
TNA is gearing up for their 7th Annual Slamiversary. The King of the Mountain match will hopefully relieve Mick Foley of the belt and put it on any one else.
One last bit of wrestling news spreading across the internet, at RAW's show, after filming stopped, a classy act by HHH. A young boy was trampled as others were fighting for a tossed t-shirt. HHH went into the crowd to make sure he was okay, then he broght him into the ring and they both posed for the fans. Way to go Paul.

Match of the Week: Punk vs. Hardy vs. Edge on RAW

Wrestler of the Week: Jeff Hardy for the bumps he takes to put on a good show

Title Changes for Everyone

by Pat Robinson

06.10.09

The Week in Wrestling

by Pat Robinson

06.03.09

P.T. Barnum is Alive and Well and Living in the WWE

by Pat Robinson

05.27.09
     
Last week I made passing mention of a problem betwwen the WWE and the Denver Nuggets.Well, because Vincent Kennedy McMahon is involved it became a three ring extravaganza culminating in this week's Monday night RAW. Since the Nuggets are still in the playoffs, the WWE lost its Monday night venue in Denver which gave McMahon the mainstream media attention he so dearly loves including an interview on ESPN with his former employee Jonathan Coachman. Appropriately, RAW was moved to LA. Let the circus begin.
The show included an actor depicting E. Stan Kroenke, owner of the Denver Nuggets, badmouthing the WWE fans in front of a group of other actors made to look like Jack Nicholson, the Laker's #1 fan, and the NBA commissioner. Vince came out to save the day by not only knocking the fake Kroenke on his ass, but also making fun of his first name Enis and how it rhymes with a part of the human body and promising a new basketball league: the XBL. This of course is reference to Vince's dismal  attempt at pro football in the XFL.

The night ended in a five on five tag match where the fan favorites were in Laker jerseys and the heels in Nuggets jerseys.They were also introduced by the Lakers announcer. All-in-all a tame night at the circus.. I mean the matches. At least Vince didn't induct a new member into the Kiss My Ass club.
Over at TNA, their Sacrifice PPV saw Beer Money Inc. win the Team 3D Tag Trophy and Sting become the new head of the Main Event Mafia. Actually a good show.

Match of the Week; Daniels vs Suicide at the Sacrifice PPV... fast action with an emotional ending where Daniels is awarded the X-Division belt but returns it when he learns that outside help enabled him to win

Wrestler of the Week: Kofi Kinston for his win over William Regal and Matt Hardy for a chance at the U.S. Title

RAW Denver Update

05.21.09

WWE is moving the May 25 RAW show from Denver to Los Angeles. The Denver show had a conflict because of the NBA Playoff game between the Nuggets and the L.A. Lakers.

Everything Fron the NBA to Britney Spears- This Week in Wrestling

by Pat Robinson

05.20.09
        
A little of this and that in wrestling this week. First the WWE pay-per-view "Judgement Day" was judged, by me... as a pretty good show. It proved that you can put on an event without HHH, HBK or the Undertaker. No titles changed hands but the matches still looked good. Standout matches included Christian's win over Jack Swagger. The All American American continues to impress. Cena and Big Show; Edge and Jeff Hardy; and Orton and Batista were all good matchups, but Rey Mysterio vs. Chris Jericho stole the show. These two veterans showed how its done.
Over at TNA, they are making the most of the tag teams. Since WWE almost shows no interest in tag team belts, TNA is pushing theirs. The next few weeks the Team 3D Tag Tounament will showcase the best twosomes. They are also teasing the possible retirement of Sting. Time will tell. There is also a rumor of Taz showing up in some capacity. That would be great.
In mainstream related wrestling news, the WWE is at odds with the NBA's Denver Nuggets. Next Monday's RAW is scheduled for Denver, but so are the Nuggets vs. the Lakers .. Vince McMahon stated that  Denver's owner did not show faith that his team would advance this far, so he did not block this date. Stay tuned.
The other news tidbit is that the WWE has hired Rachel Carr as a new diva. Ms. Carr has in the past been a body double for Brittney Spears. Maybe this is Vince's way of luring Kevin Federline back to the WWE.
 

Match of the Week: Rey vs. Jericho

Wrestler of the Week: Chris Jericho... he has been a part of several great matches these past few weeks against Rey, C.M Punk and Jeff Hardy

Ring of Honor

by Pat Robinson

05.13.09 

New Blood
by Pat Robinson

05.06.09

The biggest complaint many wrestling fans have with the WWE and TNA is over reliance on the more established stars which makes it hard for newcomers and midcarders to advance. Fortunately, in the WWE some younger faces are being given a chance. A couple of the reasons that new slots are being opened in the main events is that obviously a lot of the older wrestlers are, well, getting older and need a lighter schedule. HBK, the Undertaker, and even HHH are asking for more time off. The second reason is the rough travel schedule itself. The WWE has three television shows plus three or four house shows a week. That's a lot a work. Now is a good time to groom a larger number of stars to, as Ernie Ladd used to say, "put butts in the seats."
Three of the guys who have recently been given a chance to move up the ladder are MVP, John Morrison, and Jack Swagger.
Jack Swagger, who is really new to the WWE, has already had a run as ECW champ and a high profile match with John Cena. He has done very well in his short time on camera. The All American American reminds many of Brock Lessner with his power and amateur background.

John Morrison has been said to be the next Shawn Michaels. His good looks, swagger, and athletic ability are certainly much like HBK. He was great as a tag champion with the Miz; now he can show what he's got as a single performer.

Finally, it's long overdue for MVP to be raised to main event status. His love and respect for old school wrestling will help him put on great matches. He has already had a great RAW match with Randy Orton.
I, like any fan, want to see the big stars like Cena, HHH, HBK and the Undertaker, but it's always great to see the future stars shine.

Match of the Week: C.M. Punk's non-title victory over Edge

Wrestler of the Week: ECW legend Tommy Dreamer... his match with Christian showed he's still got it

3 Championship Matches... 3 New Champions

by Pat Robinson

04.29.09

TNA's Lockdown 2009

by Pat Robinson

04.22.09

WWE Draft 2009
by Pat Robinson

04.15.09

The WWE has had the post Wrestlemania draft in which they try to continue the illusion that the RAW, ECW, and Smackdown are seperate ententies.They make a big production of wrestlers being moved from one show to another like pawns on a chess board.
This would be exciting if the guys and gals stayed exclusively on their respective shows, but that rarely happens. If needed, anyone and everyone will show up on any of the shows to continue a storyline. The only purpose it really serves is to let fans who attend the non-televised house shows know what wrestlers to expect to perform. So let's see what "magic" Vince and company worked this year:
Wrestlers from the different brands competed to win a draft pick for their group. This is actually a good idea. This allows some of the up and comers to shine on a live brodcast or we get to see much anticipated matchups.There were two matches that were prime examples of this: World champion John Cena vs. ECW champ Jack Swagger allowed the fans to see what a young guy like Swagger can do against one of the top performers. It was no surprise that Cena won, but the All American American looked okay. Evan Bourne vs. Rey Mysterio allowed to us see a high flying match between two guys who always work at light speed. It was short but did not disappoint.
Other matches included a comedy match, Khali vs. Santino; a squash match: Kane vs. THE Brian Kendrick; a brother attack during match: C.M. Punk vs. Matt Hardy ,with involvement by Jeff Hardy; and a interbrand battle royal.
When the dust had cleared RAW  gained U.S Champ MVP, Big Show, Matt Hardy, WWE champ HHH, Miz, and Diva Champ Mayrse.

Smackdown acquired Women's Champ Melina, Mr Money in the Bank C.M. Punk, Kane, Chris Jericho, and InterContinental champ Rey Mysterio.

ECW got one new star in Vladimer Koslov.
RAW and Smackdown basically traded their respective title belts, monster-sized wrestlers and pain in the asses (Hardy and Jericho). The only odd thing is that the two main title holders (Cena and HHH) are both on RAW. I'm sure that will change in the near future. There will be further changes as the supplemental draft will be held online. No big  shocks, but stirring the pot is not a bad idea. We'll see what new rivalries will be created.

Match of the Week: Kofi Kingston vs the Miz... it was great because you could see how hard they worked to put on a good show
Wrestler of the Week: Shelton Benjamin... "the Gold Standard" may have lost to Christian but his atheleticism and power moves showed what a star he is 

Wrestlemania Rehash

by Pat Robinson

04.06.09 

Class of 2009     

by Pat Robinson

03.31.09 

Wrestlemania 25 is on the horizon and that means the induction of the class of 2009 into the WWE Hall of Fame. This is my favorite event of the weekend. It's the one time of the year where the wrestlers are allowed to be themselves and thank those who paved the way for the present day superstars.

Here is the list of this year's inductees and those who will induct them:    

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin: the "Texas Rattlesnake" is considered by most the face of the change that came to wrestling in the 90's: the Degeneration Generation. Austin was the guy who told off the boss and got away with it. Whether the good guy or the bad guy, Steve Austin was always cheered because he did and said what we all wanted to. He will be inducted by Vince McMahon.    

Dory and Terry Funk are the only brothers to hold the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. In the 1960's and 70's, the cool, wrestling machine Dory and his hot-tempered, hardcore brother ruled the NWA territory. Their battles with Jack and Jerry Brisco and Dusty Rhodes are legendary. They will be inducted by Dusty Rhodes.    

Koko B. Ware, the "Birdman", who always came to ring with his feathered friend Frankie, was a colorful member of the Hulk Hogan era. His charisma and high flying moves made him an instant fan favorite. He will be inducted by the Honky Tonk Man.    

"Cowboy" Bill Watts who, in the 1960's was this rough, tough former football player, who ran roughshod over the competition from Bruno Sammartino to Dusty Rhodes. In the 1970's, he became a promoter in the Mid South area of La. and Miss. He was a tough, but fair boss. He will be inducted by former employee Jim Ross.    

The Von Erichs: David, Kevin, Kerry, Fritz, Chris, and Mike were the first family of Dallas wrestling. This group of talented father and brothers were at the center of World Class Championship Wrestling, the first nationally and internationally syndicated wrestling program. The lone survivor Kevin will accept for his family. They will be inducted by arch enemy Michael Hayes.    

Howard Finkel, the longtime McMahon employee and the ring voice of the WWE, has over the years, mixed some great comedy skits in with his announcing duties. He will be inducted by "Mean" Gene Okerland.     

Ricky "the Dragon" Steamboat was one of the greatest pure wrestlers of all time. His matches with Ric Flair in the NWA and WCW are considered some of the best of all time. His Wrestlemania match against Randy Savage is still considered the best match in Wrestemania history. He will be inducted by the "Nature Boy" Ric Flair.      

Wrestler/Match of the Week: The Class of 2009 and their many great matches 

25 Years of Wrestlemania

by Pat Robinson

03.25.09

A Rainy Wrestling Weekend

by Pat Robinson

03.17.09

Soap Opera - WWE Style   

by Pat Robinson

03.11.09 

The last few weeks Vince McMahon has been revving up the storytelling engines to bring the interest in the upcoming Wrestlemania 25 up to speed. I don't mind a feud being built like the one between Shawn Michaels and the Undertaker or a cat fight in the making between the Diva champion and the Women's world chamion, but what transpired on this week's RAW was worthy of a daytime soap opera.    

On the heels of an already brewing war between McMahon son-in-law HHH and #1 contender Randy Orton, Vince added a home invasion with a side order of assault with intent to murder. HHH was shown breaking in the front door of Orton's "home" with his trusty sledgehammer, terrorising his wife, and throwing Orton, through his plate glass window. What drama. Yawn. At least he didn't pull a gun like Brian Pillman did years ago in a similar incident involving Stone Cold Steve Austin.   

Not to be outdone, the group on Smackdown revealed a love triangle. At the contract signing between Edge and contender Big Show, John Cena was added to the match after whispering something to GM Vicki Guruerro. Cena then revealed his love for Edge's wife; an "as the stomach turns " moment. In true soap fashion it was a lie, but next the truth was revealed via security camera footage... a stolen kiss between Show and Vicki. Cue the music: DUM, DUM , DUMB.    

With almost a month until Wrestlemania, we can look foward to possibly unwanted pregnancies(hopefully not Mae Young again), marriage and divorce or maybe even midget witches or wizards. Right Hornswaggle?. It would be nice if they concentrate on the in-ring matches and less about "AS the WWE Turns."   

Match of the Week: JBL's victory over C.M. Punk for the Intercontinental belt

Wrestler of the Week:  JBL, he's still got it

An Open Letter to TNA 

by Pat Robinson

03.04.09 

Dear Jeff Jarrett,

I am writing concerning the future of your wrestling company. Your product continues to disappoint me. Of late, you have relied too heavily on the older superstars who are in the twilight of their career and slowly pushed the younger stars down the card. Don't get me wrong, I am still amazed at the quality of work from Sting, Booker T, Scott Steiner, Team 3D and even Kevin Nash, but with the exception of Kurt Angle, these guys should not be headlining all of your shows; it should be the younger guys who made your show worth watching in the first place.

A.J. Styles, Jay Lethal, Petey Williams, Sonjay Dutt, Kaz, LAX, Samoa Joe, and Beer Money Inc. are all being used as the jobbers who are being beaten down each week by the older group (a la the NWO in the old WCW days) instead of being allowed to be shining stars. 

That brings me to my other complanint: the use of old storylines. Besides the NWO-like Main Event Mafia, you have continued to wield your guitar as a weapon of mass destruction, the once indestructible Abyss is now used like George "the Animal" Steele as a comedic character, and recently you re-enacted the famous empty arena gimmick (originally fought between Jerry Lawler and Terry Funk) using Kurt Angle and Sting. 

My suggestion is to go back to pushing the remakable performers of the X Division with their fast-paced matches, let Samoa Joe once again become the force he was in his independent days and his early time with TNA, use the older stars like the WWE does... sparingly.

Jeff, I still enjoy watching TNA, but I need more than you are giving me to make me part with $29.95 each month for a pay-per-view.

Good luck,

Pat Robinson

Match of the Week: Kane's victory over Mike Knox and Rey Meysterio to advance to Wrestlemania's Money in the Bank match

Wrestler of the Week: TNA's Taylor Wilde for quality work every week

Those Who Paved the Way

by Pat Robinson

02.25.09 

As February comes to a close, I want to put the wrestling spin on Black History month. Today we have a multitude of great black wrestlers such as Shelton Benjamin, Cryme Time, MVP, Jay Lethal, Booker T, and many others, but they owe a big thanks to many that came before.

Nowadays the wrestler who wins a match or gets a push depends on his marketability with the fans, but years ago it was determined by the man's skin color. In the 1950's, a black wrestler could not pin the white wrestler no matter if he was the bad or good guy. Slowly that began to change. Bobo Brazil was one of the first to be cheered by black and white fans alike. This giant of a man spoke quietly but backed it up with true power in and out of the ring.

In the 1960's, Ernie Ladd, former pro football player, moved to pro wrestling and became a superstar. His impact in the ring and on the microphone are  well known, but his breaking down barriers behind the scenes was even more amazing. Ladd was hired by "Cowboy" Bill Watts to be his booker in the Mid South promotion. This not sit well with promoters and wrestlers alike because they did not want to take orders from a black man, but that soon changed when many saw how much Ernie Ladd knew about the psychology of the business.

Others that soon rose to the top in their respective promotions were Junkyard Dog in Mid South, Thunderbolt Patterson in Georgia, Kamala in World Class, and many others across the world. I know that all wrestlers had a hard life in the old days with thouasnds of miles of travel, low pay and injuries , but the black wrestlers had to deal with problems the white wrestlers did not. It is a rich history with many great men and women who all have a story to tell.

Match of the Week: C.M. Punk's victory to advance to Wrestlemania's Money in the Bank match  

Wrestler of the Week: Petey Williams... left TNA, but he leaves behind a legacy of innovation and hard work... I hope he does well whereever he works next

One Pay Per View-Two New Champions  

by Pat Robinson

02.18.09 

WWE's No Way Out  was the last PPV before Wrestlemania in April, so the storylines were set in motion that will lead to the 25th edition of Vince McMahon's dream come true. The Devil's Dungeon, Satan's Playground or many of the other descriptions given by Jim Ross to the Elimination Chamber was used to determine which wrestlers would be the champ and would defend the belts in Houston.

In the Smackdown version HHH was triumphant over the Undertaker, Jeff Hardy, Big Show, Kozlov, and Edge. The odd thing, at the time, was the reigning champ Edge's early and quick elilmination, but that would come into play later. In the other elimination chamber match for RAW's title Edge was crowned champ. (Edge?) Yep, the Rated R Superstar took out Kofi Kingston with a chair and took his place in the match. He outlasted John Cena, Rey Meysterio, Kane, Mike Knox, and Chris Jericho. Other matches that move storylines foward were Randy Orton's win over Shane McMahon and HBK's getting out of his contract with JBL. The matches that are taking shape for Wrestlemania include HHH 's moving his belt to RAW and Edge to Smackdown.

So now Edge can be with his fake wife Vicki and HHH to be with his real wife Stephnie. HHH will most likely face Randy Orton in the continuing family feud; Edge could possibly meet John Cena in a rematch for the belt he lost; Shawn Michaels will try to end the Undertaker's unbeaten streak ; and Chris Jericho will face off with a Hall a Famer yet to be determined. The Road to Wrestlemania  has begun.  

Match of the Week: HHH's victory to become a champion for the 13th time

Wrestler of the Week: Christian...Capt.Charisma has returned to the WWE... let the peeps rejoice

The Wrestler: A Review  

by Pat Robinson

02.11.09

The movie The Wrestler by Darren Aronofsky portraying the life of an aging professional wrestler is very good. Mickey Rourke as Randy "the Ram" Robinson captured almost every nuance of a wrestler both in and out of the ring: from his difficulty in paying his rent to his need for painkillers for old injuries, Rourke made you see and understand what it's like to be a wrestler who stays in the business well past his prime.

The documentery-style of filming and the on-location scenes give the film the realism that makes you have empathy for the character. Although the scenes of the preparations for the matches and the action itself are exciting, it's the private battles that the Ram endures that are the most interesting. His attempt at relationships with a stripper played wonderfully by Marisa Tomei and with his estranged daughter and his struggle to make money away from wrestling, show that aging wrestlers don't have it easy. 

This movie reminded me of part of a real wrestling documentary "Beyond the Mat" that dealt with Jake "the Snake" Roberts and his real life struggles. I think that every wrestling fan should support this film by running out to the theatres and see it.

Match of the Week: Chris Jericho, Kane, and Mike Knox's victory over John Cena, Kofi Kingston, and Rey Meysterio... power moves and high-flying made for a lot of excitement

Wrestler of the Week: Alex Shelley... the X division champion showed why he is champ in his exciting match against Eric Young

It's Good to be a Wrestling Fan

by Pat Robinson

02.05.09

These days it is fun to be a fan of pro wrestling: from Chris Jericho at his slimey best to Booker T showing himself as a talented broadcaster. This past week TNA continued to live true to the statement a friend of mine said... that they look like WCW.

Like the NWO of old, the MEM (Main Event Mafia) took over the show. Kurt Angle was in charge, making fools of all outside his group; Kevin Nash and Booker T as the announcers; Sharmell doing backstage interviews; and Scott Steiner as the ring announcer. Entertaining, but been there done that.

For all those who wonder how Suicide is still showing up in TNA rings when Kaz is injured, that's Chris (Curry Man) Daniels under the mask.

As Wrestlemania nears, the WWE is putting their best foot foward. Chris Jericho continues to anger everyone. He has set his sights on Hall of Famers beginning with the man who desrves his own wing, Ric Flair. Randy Orton has further incurred the wrath of the McMahons. Between meeting Shane at "No Way Out" to facing the Undertaker at next week's RAW, he may not make it to Wrestlemania.

On the video game horizon, there is the WWE Legends game. This will let us relive classic matches like Andre vs. Hulk Hogan.

Finally, even wrestling was represented during the Super Bowl. In one of the final commercials of the night, John Cena was amongst other USA network characters like Monk promoting their shows. All in all a good week for the fans.  

Match of the Week: Booker T vs. the TNA referees... not because it's fun to see the refs getting beaten up (although that can be fun) but because Shane Sewell came out and defended the zebras by putting the smackdown on Booker T

Wrestler of the Week: Kane...  for being a workhorse and his tag match against Mysterio and Kingston on RAW showed how good he is

Sins of the Father 

by Pat Robinson

01.28.09 

Last week on RAW, Vince McMahon, in a confrontation with third generation wrestler Randy Orton, made remarks about his father Cowboy Bob Orton that were less than complimentary. McMahon said the elder Orton was a mid-card talent 'rassler that Vince made a bigger star than he really was. The aftermath was an attack by Orton that even in slow motion looked as realistic as the punch Chris Jericho gave to HBK's wife a few months ago. Vince was carted off with a screaming Stephanie McMahon in tow. Several days later, Randy Orton won the Royal Rumble and now may choose which title he can compete for, but that's just the beginning of the fun.

On this week's RAW (Jan. 26), Orton, awaiting punishment for his attack on the boss, was attacked by the man with the best entrance music in wrestling (Here Comes the Money), Vince's son Shane. Shane did a beat-down on Orton that any UFC fighter would be proud of . I can't wait to see the next chapter in this family feud. 

The Royal Rumble also had two title changes. Melina beat Beth Pheonix for the Women's title and in the surprise of the night, Jeff Hardy was attacked by his brother Matt and lost his World belt to Edge.Talk about family feuds. 

Match of the Week: the Royal Rumble itself, it's great to see the main-eventers and the mid-carders mix it up

Wrestler of the Week: HHH... Helmsley may not have won the Rumble, but he made eveyone he encountered look good, the sign of a great wrestler

Tough Times in the WWE 

by Pat Robinson

01.21.09 

The real world has hit the imaginary world of the WWE. As with any large company in slow ecomomic times, Vince McMahon has had to make cuts in personel. In the last few weeks, some of the mainstays of pro wrestling have hit the bricks. Some of the more notables include:

Bruce Pritchard (Brother Love) who has worked for years behind the scenes writing and scouting talent, referees Micky J. and Tim White, road agent and former superstar Barry Windham, former stars and rarely latey: Val Venis and Bob Holly, former ECW standout and resident vampire Kevin Thorne and finally the biggest shock was that epitome of America's fighting men Sgt. Slaughter. Vince, you maggot! If times are this bad no wonder Shawn Michaels is working for JBL.

Other evidence of slowing times is Vince's appearance on RAW Monday night. Whenever he shows up, ratings go up. Plus this week he let Randy Orton beat the daylights out of him. I hope things get better; Vince can only take so much punishment.  

Match of the Week: C.M. Punk's winning the I-C Title from William Regal... this showcased  not only the greatness of Punk, but also Regal's great work ethic

Wrestler of the Week: C.M. Punk, with the Intercontinental belt , he is now one of the few triple crown winners in the WWE: World belt, tag belts with Kofi Kingston , and I-C belt

Injuries: Real and Imagined

by Pat Robinson

01.13.09 

TNA's pay per view was full of injury storylines, and strangely enough, most of them were real .

Christy Hemme was unable to face Awesome Kong due to a neck injury. It was a good thing because Kong is nursing a back injury that has not been discussed. This caused the women's lumberjack championship match to become a knockouts tag match which earned ODB a title match.

Kevin Nash had to be replaced in the six man tag main event by "Cute" Kip because of a staff infection. Again, a real injury.

During the show, Jeff Jarrett hurt his back in a missed Angle slam, Robert Roode sprained his ankle , and Kaz (Suicide) is recovering from surgery.

Since it is pro wrestling there was one manufactured injury: Rhino's bloody skull beaten up by the Main Event Mafia and left in a vacant lot. 

The "Genesis" pay per view was from Charlotte and, like all the ones that are away from the Orlando studios, was better than average. Referee Shane Sewell's win over Bashir was great, Kurt Angle's victory over Jeff Jarrett was brutal, Beer Money Inc.'s regaining the tag belts was good but predictable, but the match that shows what TNA is all about was Alex Shelley's winning the X Division belt in a match against his own tag partner Chris Sabin. It was fantastic in its pacing and it's technical moves. All-in-all a really good show.

Match of the Week: Alex Shelly vs. Chris Sabin

Wrestler of the Week : Alex Shelly

It's All Just an Act  

by Pat Robinson

01.07.09 

In a recent interview, Darren Aronfsky, the director of the movie "The Wrestler", made the statement that pro wrestlers should belong to the screen actors guild. Every time we see them either on TV or in person, they are acting, so why not? One of the hardest things a pro wrestler has to learn is not a dropkick or an arm drag, but how to make you believe. Fans have to believe that he or she is the "King of Kings" or the "Showstopper" or whether they are a former porn star or race car driver. This can partially be achieved by the unsung heroes: the costume designers or those who film the vinettes to introduce the new characters, but ultimately it is the wrestler themself.

Long ago we had characters that were easy to portray: George "the Animal" Steele was the crazy guy who ate the stuffing out of the turnbuckles and Fritz Von Erich was the evil German but they did their job well plus one went on to be a teacher and one was a promoter and former president of the NWA.

Today, there is a little more depth to the characters. Shawn Michaels at one time was the boy-toy type of character who evolved into the degenerate who evolved into the family man hero. Always, along the way, we believed him no matter the persona.

It is also part of their jobs to sell their pain. Limping out of an arena after a beating or the anquish they show if they can't help a tag team partner from their own beating.

Finally, the announcers are great actors. I grew up believing eveything about a wrestler as long as Gordon Solie was the one telling me. He and Jim Ross are the best. So, yes, wrestling is fake, staged and choreagraphed, but the injuries are real and so is the acting.  

Match of the Week: Miz and Morrison's defeat of Kofi Kingston and Rey Meysterio

Wrestler of the Week: Shawn Michaels for his pitiful portrayal of a man who hates his boss:JBL

2008: The Year In Review 

by Pat Robinson

12.31.08 

2008 was pretty much business as usual in pro wrestling. Injuries and violations to the so-called wellness policy (drug abuse) caused some changes to stoylines during the year. Jonn Cena, Evan Bourne, Rey Meysterio, Scott Steiner, and most recently Batista were all plagued with tears and strains that put them out of action. John Morrison, Jeff Hardy, and William Regal had to sit out with suspensions for undisclosed substance abuse.

WWE and TNA had their share of new stars: Evan Bourne, Consequences Creed ,and Taylor Wilde; and their share of returns: Golddust in the WWE and Black Reign in TNA, Sheik Bashir, D-lo Brown, and Jeff Jarrett.

Some special recognitions for this past year are:

Best remake of image or character: Chris Jericho

Worst remake of image or character: THE Brian Kendrick

Most humorous: Santino Morella, Charlie Haas(WWE); Eric Young and Curry Man (TNA).

Best tag teams: Miz and Morrison (WWE); Beer Money Inc. (TNA)

Best new faction: Legacy; and the worst: Main Event Mafia 

THE match and moment of the year was Ric Flair's final match with HBK and the farewell on RAW the following night.

Some of the greats from the past who passed away in 2008 include Killer Kowalski, Johnny Weaver, Gary Hart, S.D. Jones and Randy Barber. I hope in the coming year, both companies will create a good mix of the established stars and the new up-and-comers. Also a few surprises would be great. 

A New Champ, A Knocked-out Chump, and HBK Bankrupt 

by Pat Robinson

12.18.08 

This week the wrestling world has something for everyone: drama, blackeyes and money woes. First, congratulations to Jeff Hardy for winning the WWE title on Sunday night's PPV "Armegeddon". Jeff finally saw his dream come true by winning a triple threat match against HHH and Edge. This has been a long, turbulent year for Hardy with a suspension from wellness code violations, his home burned down and problems in an airport concerning his behavior. Thank goodness he ends the year on a high note. 

Next, thanks to former ECW announcer and present WWE internet boss Joey Styles for punching out JBL. On a trip to visit the troops in Iraq, JBL acted his usual obnoxious self by antagonising Joey, and finally Styles had enough and punched the big bully out. As Joey has said on more than one occasion when calling a match....(wait fot it).... "OH MY GOD!!!! 

Finally in an attempt to take a story from the mainstream news, the new storyline concerning a broke HBK going to work for the aforementioned JBL was taken in part from the new movie "The Wrestler" about a down-on-his-luck wrestler. By the way (not to steal Wes' thunder) but this movie is supposed to be one of the best of the year.  

Match of the Week: a tie between Jeff Hardy vs. HHH vs. Edge and C.M. Punk vs. Rey Meysterio  

Wrestler of the Week: Jeff Hardy 

Oh, How I Miss the Good Old Days

by Pat Robinson

12.11.08

I sound like my grandfather as I long for the old days of the Monday Night Wars between WWE's RAW and WCW's Nitro. Don't get me wrong, there is still a lot of great wrestling going on now, but the lack of head-to-head competition between McMahon and Bischoff has taken the edge off.

This weekend I watched WWE 24/7 's monthly segment highlighting the Monday Night Wars in the mid 90's and between the two shows, I saw the early days of Degeneration X, the NWO, Fit Finley and William Regal when they were bad asses and not cartoon characters, Raven and his group of his crazies, Rey, Eddie and Dean at their best, Bret Hart in his final days with WWE, and Vince before he became Mr. McMahon.

At times these are more fun than watching TNA's Main Event Mafia in the twilight of their careers, Carlito trying to get over, Vickie screeching and MVP's losing streak. There are still many bright spots today: A.J. Styles, Evan Bourne, Kelly-Kelley, Matt Striker, Morrison and Miz, but the product seems a little too safe and uninspired since there is no one to compete with each week  Maybe Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Wrestling can go head to head with the WWE.

Match of the Week: Chris Jericho's victory over Jeff Hardy

Wrestler of the Week: Reid Flair, Ric Flair's baby boy made his in-ring debut tagging with his brother David with dad in their corner and Hulk Hogan as the special referee; what a way to begin a career 

What's Up in Wrestling?

by Pat Robinson

12.04.08 

This week there is a multitude of questions that need answers in the world of grunts and groans:

Will Stephanie McMahon make as good a character as her dad Mr. McMahon? No, but she is a welcome addition to the Monday Night Raw line-up.

Can Santino Marella keep topping himself in slapstick? So far a hilarious yes. His attempt to mimic Marlina's leg splitting ring entrance resulting to a double groin pull was laugh-out-loud funny.

Will HBK go to work for JBL? Maybe. This new storyline springing forth from the bad economic times surrounds Shawn Michaels' need to ensure a strong financial future for his kids is an interesting idea.

Will Christian Cage stay with TNA or return to the WWE? The jury's still out on this one. Real financial need may help Christian make that decision.

When will TNA return to showcasing Samoa Joe? Soon I hope. This fantastic performer is being lost in a crowd of other good and great wrestlers, but he should be #1.

Finally, will Mickey Rourke be nominated for his role in the new film "The Wrestler? The buzz in Hollywood is YES.

In time these questions will be answered and a hundred more will take their place. 

Match of the Week: Screech vs. Danny Partridge... WHAT? Yes, on Hulk Hogan's reality wrestling show, Dustin Diamond's match against Danny Bonnaduce in a falls-count-anywhere match was as good or better than any regularly produced match.

Wrestler of the Week: Gregory Helms... he hasn't wrestled yet, but will return on this week's Smackdown. I'm just glad to have the Hurricane back.

What's Real and What's the WWE  

by Pat Robinson

11.25.08 

At this past weekend's "Survivor Series" pay-per-view, the WWE almost stepped over the line with it's storytelling. Taz and good ol' JR opened the show with an announcement that they claimed had been reported on mainstream news shows that Jeff Hardy had been found unconscious in a stairwell of his hotel. Fans who know the history that Hardy has had with drugs and alcohol, were surely concerned. It was stated that he may not participate in the triple threat match against HHH and Vladimer Koslov for the title. I was concerned because I remember what had happened with the death of Chris Benoit.

As the show progressed, I realized that it was all part of the story as HHH, Koslov (who a friend of mine said should have used the line from Rocky 4 that Ivan Drago says in his thick accent "If he dies, he dies.") and Jeff's brother Matt all added to the story that Jeff appeared to have been hit in the back of the head and had been released from the hospital. Of course, this all led to Jeff becoming part of the match that led to Edge's return from Hell thanks to the Undertaker a few months ago, and Edge winning the belt.

It was a good bit of theatre, but to use real news sources and Jeff's real life problems as part of the storytelling makes me fear just how far Vince will go to create sports entertainment. Past attempts included a Dusty Rhodes parking lot attack by the 4 Horsemen, Stone Cold Steve Austin getting run over by some mystery person, and the many fake arrests of wrestlers by real and false policemen to merge reality with fiction. The only problem is like playing certain video games dull the ability to tell the difference between the real world and the game; the WWE makes it more difficult for younger fans to understand the real tragedies such as Benoit and Owen Hart.

Match of the Week: Thriple threat match between Batista, Randy Orton and eventual winner Chris Jericho 

Wrestler of the Week: Chris Jericho for making a rusty John Cena look good in his return

Those Who Have Aches and Pains... Teach

by Pat Robinson

11.20.08

In the world of pro wrestling, there is never really retirement. Some guys like Terry Funk and Jake "the Snake" Roberts continue to wrestle until the body parts fall off, while others become color commentaters like Gorilla Monsoon, Bobby "the Brain" Heenan, or Jerry "the King" Lawler. Many take their years of learning and teach the next generations of eager pro wrestlers. A few open their own schools: Lance Storm, the Dudleys, Booker T. and, at one time, Shawn Michaels. Most take jobs as road agents and trainers for the WWE and TNA.

Like in baseball, some of the best managers and coaches were not nescessarily the superstars; the same can be said for wrestling. Vince McMahon, especially, has hired the best and the brighest to teach and train his new young studs and divas. These days, the new generation of superstars can learn from Arn Anderson, Dean Malenko, Ricky Steamboat, Sgt. Slaughter, Jerry Brisco, and one of the real unsung teachers Steve "Brooklyn Brawler" Lombardi.

At the WWE's training ground in Florida, the likes of Dusty Rhodes leads a group of teachers that includes Steve Keirn and Billy Kidman. Fit Finley not only loves to fight, but for years he taught the WWE Divas how to wrestle and Jamie Noble may be small in stature, but teaches and trains many of the WWE wrestlers.

Over at TNA, the former Red Rooster Terry Taylor shows the guys how it's done in the six-sided ring.So the next time you see a wrestler make a really great move, tell a great story in the ring, or cut a great promo, odds are one of these great teachers had some part in it.

Match of the Week: Rey Mysterio and HBK vs. Miz and Morrison

Wrestlers of the Week: Miz and Morrison

The Other Glass Ceiling 

by Pat Robinson

11.12.08 

During the recent political season, we were reminded about the glass ceiling women face trying to make their way to the top in the race for President, but there is another glass ceiling: the one in pro wrestling. This glass ceiling that is hard to break through is between the older, more established stars and the young upstarts trying to take their "spot" in the main event matches.

In TNA, it is now part of their main storyline. "The Main Event Mafia" is made up of Sting, Scott Steiner, Booker T., Kevin Nash, and Kurt Angle and they feel the younger wrestlers who really began TNA don't show them the respect they feel they have earned. TNA's originals include Samoa Joe, A.J. Styles, Eric Young, Jay Lethal, and Concequences Creed.

This storyline will work if they don't go the route of WCW's NWO storyline and have everyone become a member of the MEM.Plus; ultimately the younger guys should prevail and re-establish themselves as TNA's true stars and not the WWE rejects. I hope it works.

In other news, we wish Evan Bourne a speedy return from his injury. He was just showing how hot he is in the ring and with the fans.

Match of the Week: from TNA's Turning Point PPV, Kurt Angle vs. Abyss in a Falls Count Anywhere Match, both men tore the house down and the end came with a fight on a scaffold.

Wrestler of the Week: Eric Young won the #1 contenders match at the PPV. I hope he will now be more wrestler than character

800 and Counting 

by Pat Robinson

11.05.08 

WWE's Monday Night Raw celebrated it's 800th episode this week and like any television anniversary, it was full of clips from old shows and attempts to draw viewers to watch with promises of big matches and surprises. The only problem with showing old clips, it reminds just how ground-breaking RAW once was. Not so much now.

Some of those great memories included Bobby "the Brain" Hennan from the 1st show; the Rock's confrontation with Hulk Hogan; Stone Cold Steve Austin's giving Vince McMahon a beer bath; and Degeneration X's invasion of WCW's Nitro. All of these were great to see again.

I was glad to see some new things at which RAW is still great. These included great verbal banter with the reunited HHH and HBK before their victory over Miz and Morrison, a Diva's match with the ever-young Mae Young participating, an appearance by Shane and Stephnie McMahon which resulted in the resignation of GM Mike Adamle and the forced return to wrestling of Randy Orton, a bunch of old and new wrestlers dancing in the ring to Funaki's new theme music (Dusty Rhodes and Sgt. Slaughter dancing?), an appearance by Brett "the Hitman " Haas ('nuff said) and finally the one real surprise of the night: Y2J's regaining of the World's title he lost just eight days ago to Batista. Not a bad show, but it does remind that we're all getting older. 

One sad note was the death of S.D. Jones. "Special Delivery" was one of those special wrestlers with a great fan base even though he was mostly there to make the more well known wrestlers look good. It is a gift, and his big smile will be missed.

Match of the Week: HHH and HBK vs. Miz and Morrison, M&M look better every time they wrestle Wrestler of the Week: Chris Jericho is better both as a wrestler and a character than ever

Great and Not So Great Expectations

by Pat Robinson

10.29.08 

This past week, two events in wrestling took place that were looked on by me with opposite amounts of anticipation. One was TNA's live event from Las Vegas which was advertised as a big deal because of a monumental announcement by Mick Foley plus other surprises a live event could bring. I was sitting on the edge of my seat.

The show began with a women's match full of mistakes, followed by the forming of a new group of established wrestlers. The "Main Event Mafia": Kurt Angle, Sting, Kevin Nash and Booker T was no big surprise. The X-Division match between Bashier and Black Machismo was lackluster much like the rest of the matches.

The time came for the big reveal by Foley, which was him becoming "Vince McMahon" by buying into TNA and becoming the boss. Big Deal.

IN other news, the WWE held their PPV Cyber Sunday, an event where the fans pick the stipulations. I usually don't like it because of the gimmick-filled nature. Boy was I wrong. From beginning to end, this was a show full of great wrestling. From the ECW match between fan-favorites Evan Bourne and Matt Hardy, to HHH vs the other Hardy Jeff, to Undertaker against the Big Show, and finishing with Batista beating Y2J for his World title. It goes to show you even in the world of pro wrestling there can be surprisingly good or bad shows according to your expectations. 

Match of the Week : Morrison and Miz's victory over Cryme Time

Wrestler of the Week: Evan Bourne who showed even in a losing effort he is main event material

Paparazzi Beware 

by Pat Robinson

10.23.08 

Those photographers who stalk the stars from the A to the Z list better beware, Screech may now be able to put the smackdown on your candy asses. Hulk Hogan, who is no sranger to reality shows, has brought to CMT "Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling."  A list of pseudo-celebrities are taught each week several wrestling moves and they are to use them in wrestling matches against each other each week. The matches are staged in front a live arena audience and  the stars are judged on their ability to execute the moves, tell a story in the ring and excite the fans as either the "faces" or the "heels". They are judged by the Hulkster, former WCW head Eric Bischoff, and Hall of Fame manager Jimmy"Mouth of the South" Hart.

The list of participants include Dustin Diamond (Screech), basketball bad boy Dennis Rodman, Danny Bonaduce, fighter Butterbean, singer Tiffany, Erin Murphy (Tabitha on Bewitched), Sly Stallone's brother Frank, Todd Bridges, eye-candy Trishelle Cannatella, and Playboy bunny Nikki Ziering.

After watching the first week's show, I was actually was impressed on how hard each of these "stars" worked. They are trained by either Brutus the Barber Beefcake or Jerry Saggs of the Nasty Boys. I don't think HHH has anything to worry about, but those guys over at TMZ better watch out. It's a fun show to watch to see who will win the covetted championship belt. 

Match of the Week: Kurt Angle against seemingly the entire TNA roster 

Wrestler of the Week: Chalie Haas (Again) for his impressions of Hulk Hogan and Stone Cold Steve Austin or as he was called Haas Hogan and Steve Haastin

The Return of the King of the Mountain

by Pat Robinson

10.14.08

After a two year layoff, Jeff Jarrett has returned to TNA. The co founder of Total Nonstop Action has been away in order to take care of his young daughters after the untimely death of his wife. His match against Kurt Angle at this past weekend's "Bound for Glory" pay-per-view, showed the wrestling fans what a really good wrestler  Double J is. He was less the guitar carrying character of years past and more the seasoned technician. Of course, Kurt Angle works well with everyone, but this match was just great. Hopefully, this the beginning of a renewed effort to recapture the excitement of the TNA of a few years ago.

In other action, Taylor Wilde, Money Inc., and Sheik Bashir retained their respective championships, while the TNA champ dropped his belt to the icon Sting (with a little help from Kevin Nash). Also, the Hardcore Legend  Mick Foley proved he could still take a chair shot to the head during the Angle/Jarrett match. This is TNA's biggest show of the year and it looked like it. 

Match of the Week: Jeff Jarrett's victory over Kurt Angle

Wrestler of the Week:  Black Machismo Jay Lethal for outlasting all the other X Division wrestlers to become the #1 contender

And the Winner is... the Loser!

by Pat Robinson

10.08.08

This past weekend's WWE PPV "No Mercy" had a fantastic match where the loser of the match was the real winner: Jeff Hardy. His match against champ HHH was full of action, drama, and ultimately a loss for Hardy, but his ranking with fans continued to rise.

For many years, some of the best wrestlers in the ring and those who draw fans to the arenas, are not those who continually hold the gold. The best ones are those who can give the champion a run for his money, coming close to winning, but not actually taking the gold. In the past every champ needed several of these wrestlers to not only further his career, but also their own.

Ricky Steamboat, even though he won the belt once for a short time, was one of Ric Flair's best "losers". Over the years in the Southeast, some of the best never to wear the belt included Bob Armstrong, Mr. Wrestling 2, and the Junkyard Dog. It has been said that sometimes those who won the belts got higher tv ratings and PPV buys when they were pursuing the champ. The Rock was a good example of this. Once the wrestler had won the prize, it wasn't as interesting to watch. So for all the Jeff Hardys, Shelton Benjamins, MVPs and many others, it doesn't matter whether you have the gold or not, the show you put on night after night is appreciated. 

Match of the Week: HHH vs.Jeff Hardy

Wrestler of the Week: Jeff Hardy

Bad Guys Doing Good 

by Pat Robinson

10.01.08 

Recently I saw a notice that former WCW, WWE, TNA wrestler Sonny Siaki was leaving wrestling. He was not retiring because of travel, or lack of work, he was leaving  to help save his brother's life.His brother Bernard is suffering from kidney failure and has to endure dialysis three days a week. Sonny is helping to raise money for a transplant operation for his brother. Sonny, for much of his career(which included working in the Columbus Ga. promotion of GCW) was one of the heels, but this recent choice to help his brother shows the bad guys can do good. If you would like to help, go to savebernardsiaki.org.

Other former wrestlers who have devoted their lives to charity or faith-based work are Nikita Koloff (NikitaKoloff.com), Tully Blanchard , Ted Dibiase, and George South. The WWE as a whole has done a lot for Make A Wish Foundation and the USO. It's good to know that under the masks, face paint and screaming are good folks even if they're the bad guys.

Match of the Week: DX back together again. HHH and HBK against Y2J and Lance Cade (No inititals?)

Wrestler of the Week: Mick Foley who is now in TNA

Around the Wrestling World   

by Pat Robinson

09.24.08

From Ric Flair to Jake Roberts to Mick Foley, the world of pro wrestling contiues to wobble on it's axis. The WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair now will be also be NWA Hall of Famer. He was supposed to join Tommy Rich, Iron Sheik, the Midnight Express, and Nikita Koloff in June at ceremonies in Atlanta to receive his award, but Vince McMahon wouldn't allow it because Flair was still employed by the WWE. Now that Ric is a free agent, he will accept his award at an event in Robstown, Texas.

Jake "the Snake" Roberts seems to have been the victim of a drugged-drink at a show in Cleveland, Ohio. He appeared incoherrant at the show and remembered nothing the next morning. Many had feared he had fallen off the wagon. We wish him the best.

Mick Foley has made his presence known in TNA. It would appear his first major opponent will be Kurt Angle. I love Mick, but I hope he will limit his in ring work and do more work on the microphone.

Finally, never to miss a chance to plug WWE products, Vince had Charlie Haas (WWE 's version of Rich Little) to appear as Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig in a renactment of those great perfect promos of Curt shooting hoops, hitting baseballs, and throwing footballs (to himself no less) to promote the new DVD on Hennig's carreer. Instead of the athletic field it took place in what looked like Chuck E. Cheese's.

Match of the Week : Kane vs. Evan Bourne, lots of action and Kane looks better than ever Wrestler of the Week: Jeff Jarrett, he appears ready to return after taking care of his family after his wife's untimely death

TNA Live From Canada, Eh  

by Pat Robinson

09.16.08 

TNA broadcast their first international PPV from Canada this past weekend. From the look of the enthusiatic crowd, it won't be the last. Native Canadians Christian Cage and Petey Williams were both highlighted in great title matches. In true wrestling tradition, they both lost. Cage was one of the losers in the TNA title match along with Kurt Angle when Jeff Jarrett returned to help Samoa Joe retain his title. Williams lost his X Division belt to Abdul Bashir (Davari).

This show was full of Canadian patriotism with the flags and Petey Williams for Prime Minister signs. There were also Canadian wrestling references. Sting's tribute to Brett Hart and the screams of "You Screwed Brett" when referee Earl Hebner appeared refering to the famous Montreal Screw Job from a decade ago between Hart and Shawn Michaels. The only glitch during the show was during the A. J. Styles - Frank Trigg match when tv viewers were treated to a few minutes of blank screen followed by a scene of two naked girls in a soft porn movie. I hope that Vince (and the WWE) isn't mad that TNA beat him to the punch with full frontal nudity. All in all a good entertaining show.  

Match of the Week: Chris Jericho's sucessful title defense against C.M. Punk on Monday Night RAW

Wrestler of the Week: A tie between HHH and Charlie Haas... they each showed their comic side: HHH in his making fun of some his top contenders on Smackdown and Haas for his imitations of JBL and Good old J.R Jim Ross

New Match- New Champions 

by Pat Robinson

09.10.08 

In this day of trying to continue to appeal to wrestling fans new and old, the companies are constantly creating new types of matches. This past week's WWE PPV "Unforgiven" included such a match: the Championship Scramble.

Five competitors battle for twenty minutes scoring pins or submissions on each other until whoever makes the last pin at the end of the time limit is the champ. It is fast paced and gives everyone a chance to shine. All three titles WWE, World's and ECW were on the line. When the dust cleared, there were two new champs. Matt Hardy is the new ECW champion over former champ Mark Henry, the Miz, Chavo Guerrero, and Finley.

HHH retained the WWE title beating Jeff Hardy, THE Brian Kendrick, MVP, and U.S. Champ Shelton Benjamin.

The World Champion is now Chris Jericho who was not even in the match originally. He replaced Champ C.M. Punk after an attack by Randy Orton. Earlier in the night, Jericho had lost a violent non-sanctioned match to HBK, but was placed in the match by GM Adamle.

The losers in the match were Batista , Kane , Rey Mysterio , and JBL. The other BIG occurance on the PPV was the Big Show attacking the Undertaker who was trying to take GM Vicki Guerrero to be with her husband Edge in hell. I hope the new match will be a regular part of future shows.

Match of the Week: Rey Mysterio and Evan Bourne's spectacular victory over the Miz and John Morrison

Wrestler of the Week :  Matt Hardy for winning his first "world" title

Tidbits from Across the Wrestling Universe

bt Pat Robinson

09.04.08

This week in wrestling was full of injuries, debuts, possible departures, new characters for old wrestlers, and the passing of a true legend. John Cena has had sucessful neck surgery and should return in about four months. Fortunately, there is already a replacement for Cena in the form of last week's Charlito, Charlie Haas. I guess this is his new gimmick to take on the guise of another superstar. He should ask the Big Show for pointers since he tried it a few years ago.

Shawn Michaels also is nursing a torn tendon after his run-in with Lance Cade at Monday's RAW. Ron "the Truth" Killings debuted on last Friday's Smackdown. Mick Foley's time on WWE programing may be at an end. Rumors are he may show up at TNA. We'll see.

Gail Kim has left TNA to return to WWE with a great pay raise. Rey Mysterio has retuned to the wrestling wars... still waiting to see Carlito return to Smackdown to show off his new shorter hair style.

Next week, the Perfect DVD will be released, that's Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig. All the wrestlers who showed up at the respective political conventions did a great job as WWE ambassadors. Seeing Katie Couric with the U.S. belt made me wonder if Vince could convince her to be a WWE Diva.

Finally, the death of Killer Kowalski . This man was as a good a ring villian as the sport as ever seen, but I will always remember him for all the wrestlers he trained and helped get into the business. HHH and TNA's Kaz are just a couple who owe their careers to this giant of a man; both in stature and heart. Rest in Peace Walter.

Match of the Week: Smackdown's HHH vs.Shelton Benjamin, a super match with everything: hard-hitting Shelton's aereial attack, with multiple near falls

Wrestler of the Week: The Undertaker for not only his return to the ring, but his great promos

Let The Games Begin

by Pat Robinson

08.28.08

The only video games that appeal to me or that I have the dexterity to play are wrestling ones. With TNA's first video game due out in a couple of weeks, I thought I would match up similar wrestlers from each company and decide who would win in my own fantasy pay-per-view.

To start with, a match between the women's champions: TNA's Taylor Wilde and the WWE's Beth Pheonix. Since Wilde has had to face someone like Awesome Kong, Pheonix's size and strength would not be a surprise. So I believe with a combination of speed and high flying moves Taylor Wilde would win.

In the battle of the big men WWE's Big Show would be able to defeat TNA's Matt Morgan on expierience alone.

Since both companies have wrestlers who recently became blond, I matched up TNA's Petey Williams against Shelton Benjamin. Both men have strength, speed, and great moves, but on finishing moves alone, I would pick Williams' Canadian  Destroyer to do the job.

I chose for tag team action WWE's Miz and Morrison and TNA's LAX. All the flair and smooth moves of the former ECW champions could not withstand the brute force of Homicde and Hernandez; winner LAX.

Two of the odder characters are WWE's Enigma Jeff Hardy and TNA's own superhero Eric Young. Each are good in the air or on the mat, but in the end Hardy would pull off a win.

Two of the best technicians are WWE's Matt Hardy and TNA's A.J. Styles. This would be the one gimmick match I would have: a ladder match, something both know well. In the end Hardy's history in these kind of matches would help him win.

Olympic wrestlers Mark Henry and Kurt Angle would be an interesting idea but probably not a very good match. TNA's Angle would win without really breaking a sweat.

In the battle of monsters, WWE's big Red Machine Kane versus TNA's crazy man Abyss would, to coin a phrase, be a slobber knocker. These two giants know how to use their size and power to mow down opponents. In the end , Kane would squeeze out a bloody victory.

Finally the company's flagships, WWE's HHH and TNA's Samoa Joe would face off in the main event. The egos would fill any arena. This would be a match for the ages. Both of these men know how to work long matches, hit hard, and take punishment. In the end I see the winner being the Samoan Submission Machine Samoa Joe.

Match of the Week (in the real wrestling world, if there is such a thing): Kane vs. Batista... just for the sheer hard hits each man gave and received

Wrestler of the Week: Charlie Haas for his imitation of Carlito, Charlito

At The Movies... WWE Style

by Pat Robinson

08.21.08

The last few years, Vince McMahon has likened his summer event Summerslam to a blockbuster movie. The promos this year showed Batista as an action hero and Rey Meysterio as a superhero. So I'll give a little Ebert and Roeper style review of the matches.

The opener of MVP vs. Jeff Hardy was like a really good football movie with two well matched teams: one arrogant and bragging and one team of outsiders but hard working (like Little Giants). The braggarts won (MVP) but it sets up for a great sequel. (2.5 stars)

The Kofi Kingston and Micki James match against Beth Pheonix and Santino Marrella was like Beauty and the Beast meet Abbott and Costello. Good action and broad comedy. Glamerella (Glamizon and Marrella) win both the women's belt and Intercontinental belts. (2 stars)

Mark Henry's quick DQ victory over Matt Hardy was like any movie with a lot of hype and then it bombs. (1/2 star)

C.M. Punk's victory over JBL was, in a small way, like Charlie Sheen getting the best of Michael Douglas in "Wall Street" if only for the analogy of JBL as  an ass of a stock broker. It was a hard fought match. (3 stars)

HHH vs. Khali was like any Looney Toon cartoon where the smaller, smarter animal equipped with a large aresenal of weapons brings down the big, slow lumbering giant. HHH wins without having to use his sledgehammer from ACME. (1.5 stars)

The match between Batista and John Cena was like the final moments of Rocky 3 where Apollo Creed and Rocky, who now has learned to fight like Apollo, face off alone in the gym to see who's the better man. On this night it was Batista. (3 stars)

The Hell in the Cell match between the Undertaker and Edge was the blockbuster match of the night. It had drama with the return of the banished Dead Man; it had sex, with Edge's affair with the wedding planner before his marriage to Vicki; it had revenge when Vicki put her husband in the cell with its master; finally it had a finale full of special effects when Edge was sent thru the mat to hell with flames shooting up from the ring. (3.5 stars)

All in all I give Summerslam 2008 a thumbs up.

Match of the Week: Y2J's victory over C.M. Punk on RAW

Wrestler of the Week: C.M. Punk, for surviving an unplanned busted head during his JBL match and finishing the match strong

Lazy Days of Summer 

by Pat Robinson

08.14.08

In the wrestling world, like the real world, they say there is nothing new under the sun and the recent wrestling storylines bear that out. I know it's hard to come up with something fresh weekly, but lately I have been having flashbacks to previous decades.

In TNA, Black Machismo Jay Lethal, So CalVal, and Sonjay Dutt have been re-enacting the Randy Savage, Miss Elizabeth, Hulk Hogan "love" triangle. This storyline also includes Lethal channeling the Macho Man's voice and mannerisms. A wrestling angle that goes back to the beginning of televised wrestling is also being used by both TNA and WWE: the wrestler from a part of the world the U.S. isn't friendly with; Koslov from Russia in WWE and Bashir (formally Davari) from Iran in TNA. Big poweful women a la Chyna are seen in Awesome Kong and the Glamizon. THE Brian Kendrick with bodyguard Ezekiel is a modern day Shawn Michaels and Diesel (Big Daddy Cool, Kevin Nash, Vinnie Vegas, Oz etc.).

I guess Mike Adamle as the clueless RAW GM could be like the real Jim Herd in old WCW; I just hope he doesn't do the harm Herd did.

Finally, the Sting of the 90's is still the Sting of the 21st Century; up in the rafters waving his menacing baseball bat.I hope new storylines will be on the horizon with the hiring of Freddie Prinze Jr. as a new WWE writer. Maybe a mystery solving British Bulldog or a young girl who kills off the vampire wrestler over at ECW.

TNA's Hard Justice pay per view was okay; a Grade B-

Beer Money Inc are the new tag champs; A.J. Styles was the last man standing over Kurt Angle; Sting is still hurting his friends and it appears Jeff Jarrett may soon return.

Match of the Week: Robert Roode and James Storm's defeat of LAX for the TNA belts. Great action, just stop using the beer bottle as a finisher.

Wrestler of the Week: Evan Bourne... Ever since Vince let this young man use his moves he used in ROH, he has been on fire. 

Thoughts from the Ring (4 or 6 Sided) 

by Pat Robinson

08.07.08

Random thoughts from the world of pro wrestling include:  Putting glasses on new RAW GM Mike Adamle really did make him look smarter, now let's work on his charisma; Ric Flair has parted ways with WWE so he can pursue other ventures like attending NWA fan fests and who knows, maybe he can make his way to TNA in time for Sting's retirement. Just keep Ric away from Brett Favre or we could see a try at world title #17.

Both WWE and TNA are finally starting to give the younger guys a chance at stardom: Shelton Benjamin, LAX, Kaz, THE Brian Kendrick, MVP, and the ever-young William Regal; Sorry to hear that Tomko is going to spend more time in Japan than TNA. Our loss.

As much as I admire the hard work the WWE Divas show in the wrestling ring, the TNA knockouts could kick most of their beautiful butts.

Lately Edge and Chris Jericho have shown some of the best mic work in a long time, plus Edge has shown better facial expressions than Hornswaggle; I didn't think it possible but WWE 24/7 has been showing better old matches than ever before, including shows from the 1950's and 60's. Killer Kowalski is his prime is something to see. WWE is scheduled to return to Columbus, Georgia after Thanksgiving. Live house shows are so much fun. 

Match of the Week: Consequences Creed's non - title victory over X-Division champ Petey Williams

Wrestler of the Week: C.M.Punk for his match against JBL and Y2J. He lost but he showed why he deserves main event status

Check, Because Hell Must Have Frozen Over 

by Pat Robinson

07.31.08

Monday night  ECW commentator Mike Adamle was made RAW's general manager and the devil must have gotten frostbite. Adamle, who can't get the names of the wrestlers or their holds straight is now the face of the WWE's flagship show. I know he has nothing to do but act a part in the play, but you've got to have some on-air charisma and make us want to watch. The only thing we'll be watching for is just to see how bad it's going to get. In other WWE news, congratulations to HHH and the Billion Dollar Princess on the birth of their daughter Murphy Claire Levesque. It also is great to see the return of the wresting CPA D-Lo Brown. He is a great performer, I'm glad he's back. Over at TNA, the best new gimmick is the pairing of the three masked wrestlers (Shark Boy, Curry Man, and Super Eric) as a mini Super-Friends group. If you collect or just watch great wrestling DVDs some I would recommend are : The Matt and Jeff Hardy Story, The Ric Flair collection (WOOOO), TNA's Global Impact , and any Ring of Honor DVD.

Match of the Week: C.M. Punk Vs. William Regal. It was great to see Regal back. A great technical display.

Wrestler of the Week: Michael Cole (again?) for taking part in an impromptu match made by the new RAW GM as Jerry Lawler's tag partner against Rhodes and DiBiase. What has Vince got against Michael Cole? 

Finally WWE Hall of Famer Walter "Killer" Kowalski is in a nursing home awaiting joint replacement surgery. If you would like to drop him a card or note send it in care of Everett Nursing Home 289 Elm St. Everett, Mass. 02149. Killer is one of the true superstars in the history of pro wrestling. We wish him the very best. 

Some Men Just Like to Watch the World Burn

by Pat Robinson

07.24.08

The overall scenario in the WWE, and to a lesser degree in TNA, is let chaos rule. Ever since Vince McMahon left active participation due to his "accident" and since there is no general manager to run RAW, the inmates-I mean, the wrestlers-are running the show. So far it's worked. Since this all started, the RAW show has been more interesting.

Kane is running amok carrying a little bag asking everyone is someone alive or dead; C.M. Punk has become world champion; JBL, John Cena, and Cryme Time have been doing great damage to each other and a variety of automobiles; Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho have raised their feud to a dark bloody level; and Santino Marella can't decide whether to beat up Beth Pheonix or date her.

These storylines, plus the ones concerning Colin Delany's turning on Tommy Dreamer on ECW and Edge's wedding and pending divorce from Vicki Guerro on Smackdown plus some pretty good wrestling matches, have made for good television.

From time to time, TNA's acting boss Jim Cornette seems to lose control, especially when it comes to the knockouts. There is nothing better than watching Cornette having a yelling tirade. So if the ratings and the PPV buy-rates bear it out, let chaos reign. 

Title changes at the Great American Bash are Hawkins and Ryder (the former Edge clones) are the new tag team champs on Smackdown and Shelton Benjamin is the new U.S. Champ and Michelle McCool is the first Diva's Champ.

Match of the Week: C.M. Punk vs. Batista on RAW. They both showed that they could really put on a good match and tell a good story.

Wrestler of the Week: new U.S. Chanp Shelton Benjamin, he deserves a long title reign

I Just Won, but I'm Not Going to Disneyworld

by Pat Robinson

07.17.08

For the last few years, TNA wrestling has held their tv tapings and all their PPVs in Orlando at Disneyworld before crowds who largely just happen to be in the park. The PPVs lacked the energy and excitement that are needed for such an event. Thankfully, last year the bigger shows went on the road and it made a large difference. This past weekend's Victory Road was held in the home of the 5-time, 5-time, 5-time WCW champ Booker T: Houston , Texas.

The fans were into the matches, the wrestlers, and the excitement was evident. The matches were great but not as great as when they were in Atlanta last year. The show began with most of the participants of the World X Cup tournament in a multi-member tag match. Teams TNA, Mexico, Japan, and International put on a fast-paced match where everyone got to showcase their talent. Points were awarded according to the order of finish. Alex Shelly of Team TNA won, which made it possible for any of the teams to win the final match later in the evening: Grade A

Next Gail Kim defeated Angelina Love in an above average Knockouts match: Grade B-

In the battle of former friends, Sonjay Dutt won over Jay Lethal: Grade C

The TNA tag champs LAX retained their belts against Beer Money Inc.(Roode and Storm) in a power vs. speed match: Grade B

New TNA women's champ Taylor Wilde again beat Awesome Kong to continue her Rocky Balboa type story: Grade C

In the finals of the multi week World X Cup Tournement, Voldamer Jr. won the cup for Team Mexico. The fans really benefited from seeing legitimate stars from all over the world: Grade A

Kurt Angle and Team 3D out brutalised Christian Cage , Rhino and A.J. Styles: Grade C+

Samaoa Joe and Booker T 's match ended in a no contest. Sting got involved setting up a future storyline only TNA officials know about: Grade C- 

I hope TNA will bring a show to a town near you. 

Match of the Week: Beth Pheonix defeats Santino Marella

Wrestlers of the Week: All members of all the teams in the TNA World X Cup

Change is Good.. Most of the Time 

by Pat Robinson

07.10.08

In the old days of pro wrestling, you always knew who the good guys and bad guys were. Year after year, we always knew that Bruno was the hero and would battle the bad guy of the month whether, it was Killer Kowalski or Ivan Koloff.

These days, whether  a wrestler is a face or a heel depends on the story the writers need to tell, a fued that would make good money, or even merchandise that needs to be sold. Lately there have been a few changes to the status of a few wrestlers, hopefully for the best. 

In order to stage what will surely be a great series of matches with Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho is back to the arrogant jackass he plays so well. In TNA, Booker T is back to playing the bad guy he is so good at (as long as there is no return to the yells of King Booker) and A.J. Styles is back to being the "phenominal one" instead of Kurt Angle's lackey. The fans will benefit with a series of matches between Angle and Styles. Most recently, Kane's monster persona has returned which will lead to a new rampage thro gh RAW. Some wrestlers are immune to these changes; HHH can beat up anyone these days and still be cheered. We will see who will make changes next to stir the sports entertainment pot. 

Match of the Week: Batista's win over JBL, John Cena, and Kane to win a chance against C.M. Punk

Wrestler of the Week: Michael Cole... Michael Cole??? Yes, for his almost butt-whooping at the hands of the crazed Kane. Welcome to RAW Michael.

Punked

by Pat Robinson

07.03.08

This week the WWE put on it's second  "Night of Champions". Every title in the WWE was on the line. The show was good, but not great. The one thing it lacked was, unlike last year, no former champions were there. Magnum TA, Iron Sheik, nor Ric Flair were there to remind us of wrestling's rich history.

The new champions crowned were Mark Henry as ECW champ (defeating Kane and Big Show); Kofi Kingston beat Chris Jericho for the Intercontinental belt; and Cody Rhodes beat up his own partner Hardcore Holly and joined Ted Dibiase Jr. as the new tag champions on RAW.

Again, this was an okay pay per view, but Vince showed his genius the next night on Monday Night RAW. Because of the draft, there was no champion representing RAW, so all of us fans were wondering if they would bring a belt back to the show. Edge came on the show to gloat about surviving Batista. Batista came out and beat up Edge bad enough that C.M. Punk, with Money in the Bank contract in hand and a referee in tow, proceeded to defeat Batista and become champion in the same fashion that Edge did when he beat the Undertaker. Punked!!!.

It was a great idea and it showed that without McMahon present they can fill the time with good storylines.          

Over at TNA, things are heating up between Samoa Joe and Kevin Nash; between Jay Lethal and Sonjay Dutt; and between Karen Angle and most of the knockouts (TNA's versions of WWE Divas). Also fans continue to get to enjoy watching wrestlers from Mexico, Japan, Europe, and the US who are participating for the X-World Cup.

Match of the Week: John Cena vs. HHH. A great classic between two big time wrestlers

Wrestler of the Week: C.M.Punk. As Lawler said in his best JR imitation: "Punk Wins, Punk Wins, Punk Wins!!!"     

Close the Door, I Feel a Draft

by Pat Robinson

06.26.08

The WWE held its 2008 draft Monday and for once it has me curious. Amid the third week of the "Vinnie Mac Stimulas Package", wrestlers from RAW, Smackdown and ECW faced off to win draft picks for their respective shows. I like this idea because we get matchups we rarely get to see. Some of the better ones included HHH vs. Mark Henry, Holly & Rhodes vs.Chavo &Neely, Edge vs. Cena , and the 15 man Battle Royal with 5 men from each company.

The two biggest surprises of the draft were Jim Ross and HHH moving from RAW to Smackdown. If these moves stick and are not canceled by later "trades " between the brands like in past drafts, I  can only assume it is to beef up the show before its move from the CW to MyNetwork this fall. The word is that good ol' JR is not happy. I think all the changes are actually good for each respective show; it never hurts to shake things up.

The rest of the changes are: 

RAW adds Rey Mysterio, C.M. Punk, Michael Cole, Batista and Kane

Smackdown gains Jeff Hardy, Umaga, Mr. Kenedy

ECW's sole addition is Matt Hardy

Vince couldn't just give away another (and probably his last) million dollars and stage the draft. He started a new storyline. As he was making his final giveaway, the stage collapsed injuring Mr. McMahon. At least this time he didn't "die" like last year.

A big shock and the suspension of the Million dollar giveaway... I wonder if Vince read my suggestions in last week's column.

Match of the Week: Hardys vs. Miz and Morrison

Wrestler of the Week: Batista for taking an ugly crash with Edge during the Battle Royal and contiuing despite a busted noggin.  

Additional draftees:  RAW: Jaime Noble , Deuce , Chuck Palambo , Matt Striker , Layla , Kofi  Kingston

                                  ECW  Mark Henry , Finley , Hornswagle , Super Crazy    Smackdown: Trevor Murdoch , Big Daddy V , D.H. Smith , Brian Kendrick , Maria , Shelton Benjamin , Carlito                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Million Dollar Bust   

by Pat Robinson

06.19.08

No, the title does not have to do with how much Vince McMahon has spent on the Diva's augmentations but his newest attempt to garner ratings and receive publicity in the mainstream press. His attempt to get people to watch RAW by giving away a million dollars to the fans has failed. The ratings have dropped . I believe this happened because it takes away from the flow of the show and is just distracting. He has got some main stream press, but again it has not shown him in a good light. Again , since RAW is live he should concentrate on shock value and just really good wrestling matches and interviews. I want nothing but the best for all wrestling shows; the better they are, the more fun we fans will have and that adds up to ratings and as Cryme Time says MONEY, MONEY , YEAH , YEAH.   

Wrestler of the Week: Lance Cade, for no other reason than it appears the WWE is going to give him a push. 

Match of the Week: Samoa Joe vs. Kaz; Kaz may have lost, but he showed he can perform with the big dogs.  

Happy Slamiversary

by Pat Robinson

06.10.08

Six years ago, Jeff Jarrett had a dream: a wrestling company of his own. Thus, TNA was born. Total Nonstop Action, with it's six-sided ring and old-school mentality, was born. It has grown from a weekly pay-per-view to a staple of Spike TV with monthly pay-per-view events. One of those events was this week's Slamiversary, a really great, fun, exciting show.

The show began with Maple Leaf Muscle Petey Williams successfully defending his X- Division title against Kaz. Willams was not hampered by the gear he wore to protect his healing orbital socket. He and Kaz put on a fast-paced, high spot filled match that the X-Division is known for. Grade B+

Next, the six woman Knockout tag match between Angelina Love, Velvet Sky, and Moose and Gail kim, ODB, and Roxxi shows that these ladies don't need bra and panties matches to create excitement. Grade B-

LAX kept their tag team belts against the immotal Team 3-D. Even though this was a newer stronger team against old school Dudleys , it still was a great match. Grade B

Awsome Kong continued taking on indy women wrestlers and squashing them. Nothing to see here except Kong did powerbomb Elvis.  Grade D

What would an anniversary be without a re-enactment of Macho Man and Miss Elizabeth's wedding with Jay Lethal and So Cal Val. Of course there was a fight between the groom and best man Sonjat Dutt. Fortunately, Dutt was disposed of by the groomsmen: Koko B. Ware, Kamala, Jake "the Snake" Roberts, and George "the Animal " Steele. Can't wait for those wedding pictures.

The next match marked the return of the real A.J. Styles, not a funny character but the "Phenominal One". He faced and defeated Kurt Angle. Angle did not seem bothered by his recent neck injury or the fact his weight is now around 200 pounds. Grade A

Finally there was the annual King of the Mountain match. Samoa Joe put his World's title belt on the line against Robert Roode, Booker T., Christian Cage, and Rhino. The match which included ladders, tables, a penalty box, and  Kevin Nash as special enforcer, was full of bumps, bruises and high-flying attacks. Samoa Joe won with a little help from Nash. Solid match. Grade B+  

Wrestler of the Week: A.J. Styles

Match of the Week: Kurt Angle Vs. A.J. Styles

Oh Well, What's a Few Broken Bones in a Day's Work  

by Pat Robinson

06.05.08

A broken collar bone, a blackened eye and various aches and pains are all in a night's work, especially when the night's work is "One Night Stand", WWE's annual homage to the violence of the old ECW. This year's event was actually worth the money. All of the main event guys and gals were there in all their bloody glory.

The night began with a falls-anywhere match between WWE's best risk-taker Jeff Hardy and Umaga. They fought all through the building ending with a dive by Hardy from one of the tractor trailers onto Umaga in the parking lot. Great ending. Grade B+

Next,  a Singapore Cane Match, where using a bamboo cane to beat your opponent senseless is legal. The Big Show won over Tommy Dreamer, John Morrison, Chavo Guerrero, and C.M. Punk. Show suffered a bloody gash over one now-blackened eye. Grade C

John Cena faced Fox commentator and part-time wrestler JBL in a First Blood match. Cena won by punching JBL in his big mouth and made is lip bleed. Grade C-

In the first ever Diva I Quit match, the Glamizon Beth Phoenix made Melina give up in a suprisingly exciting match. Grade B

In another match where Batista looked good because he was matched with ring veteran HBK in a stretcher match. To win you have knock your opponent out, place him on a stretcher, and wheel him across a sort of finish line. Batista won and unlike when HBK told Ric Flair that "I love you and I'm sorry." when he ended his carreer; Batista told HBK that he did'nt love him and he wasn't sorry. Grade B+

HHH retained his title against Randy Orton in a Last Man Standing match and broke Orton's collarbone in the process. The Age of Orton is over, for now. Grade B-

Finally, the match of the night: Undertaker vs. Edge in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs  Match (OH, MY... sorry, couldn't resist). These two took incredible risks and unbelieveable bumps. In the end, Edge was again World's Champion and the Undertaker is banned from the WWE. Must be time for Taker to take a vacation. Grade A+  

Well, once a year I will gladly watch a gimmick filled pay-per-view if it is as exciting as this one.

When In Doubt, Throw Money

by Pat Robinson

05.29.08

With WWE ratings on a recent decline, Vince McMahon announced on Monday night RAW that he will make it pay to watch wrestling with the announcement of a million dollar payoff.

He was vague with the details, only saying that he will use some of his personal money to reward fans for tuning in to WWE programing. Maybe that's why the Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase was on hand to help Vince to distibute some of those billions he claims to have. 

In other WWE news, Ted DiBiase's son, Ted Jr., was on hand Monday to challenge the tag champs Hardcore Holly and Cody Rhodes. It's good to see these young lions being brought up.

This weekend's pay per view "One Night Stand", full of it's extreme rules gimmick matches, may not as bad as I thought because of all the top stars' involvement. Over at TNA, Kurt Angle's neck injury continues to cause concern. He says he will be healed enough to face A.J. Styles at Slamiversary. Be on the lookout for TNA's Matt Morgan on American Gladiators as one of the new gladiators.

Finally , if you really want a treat, get a copy of the Wrestlemania 24 DVD. The almost four hour Hall of Fame induction ceremony is well worth it. Watch out for Columbus , Georgia's mention in a story concerning Ric Flair, a balloon, and being butt naked. 

Match of the Week: MVP vs. Batista on Smackdown,  a suprisingly good match

Wrestler of the Week:  Kevin Nash, his role as Samoa Joe's advisor shows that less is more... a guy doesn't have to be loud to speak volumes

Is There Such a Thing as TOO Many Pay-per-views?       

by Pat Robinson

05.22.08

WWE, TNA, and Ring of Honor  make a large amount of their revenue by convincing us hard working wrestling fans to part with large chunks of our money. They do this by making us believe we are going to see something we  would not see on television. This could be a bloody hardcore match full of fire engulfed tables or baseball bats wrapped in barbed wire , or an hour long iron man match (Robert Downey not included) between two ring technicians testing their endurance. Regardless, it's got to be something really good to make us hand over between $ 9.95 (Ring of Honor) to $49.95 (Wrestlemania) every month. As the economy becomes more sluggish, it will be harder to continue buying every one of them. My solution , if Vince and the owners are interested, is to go back to the early days of pay-per-view when each company would alternate months. This would allow longer more involved storylines to build the fans into a frenzy willing to buy in larger numbers. They would be real events instead of the monthly glorified Monday Night RAWs they are now.  One piece of breaking news: William Regal has been suspended for sixty days for his second violation of the WWE 's wellness policy.   

Match of the Week: Batista's victory over Chris Jericho. I've said it a million times, when Batista is matched with a ring veteran, he can really shine by bringing up his game.

Wrestler of the Week:  A tie. Black Machismo for his upcoming on air wedding (a la Randy Savage) and Santino Marrella for his Piper's Pit . Each remind me of   how much fun you can have on wrestling sometimes.  

How Many Gimmicks Can You Squeeze Into One Pay per View?  

by Pat Robinson

05.15.08

This past Sunday's TNA pay per view Sacrifice was a pretty good show because of the quality of the wrestlers not because of the multitude of gimmick matches.We got see matches where enemies were tag team partners , matches where women fought for title shots and the loser got their hair cut; matches inside a thunderdome style cage and so on. I love a a gimick match from time to time , but I would rather see a good old fashioned rivalry. A couple of good things came out of the show . First, after the all the mismatched tag teams, the new TNA tag champs are LAX, the most exciting team in years. Good job. Second , after Kurt Angle had to pull out of the three way world title match due to a neck injury suffered in South Korea , Kaz won a Thundercage match that not only got him a shot at the X Division title , but a place in the main event. Along with champion Samoa Joe and Scott Steiner , Kaz added some youthful excitement to the match.Another good job. I hope in the future , Vince Russo and the other TNA writers will rely less on odd ball matches and more on old fashioned personalities and talent.

Match of the Week: the title win of LAX over Team 3D. Tables, Chairs, and  Bubba Ray; OH MY!  Wrestler of the Week: Roxxi Laveaux ; Roxxi who like many of the TNA women wrestlers are very talented, sacrificed herself and had her head shaved at the end of the women's battle royal.       

Wrestling Wrap-Up   

by Pat Robinson

05.08.08

The WWE has entered the post Wrestlemania part of the year , which means trying to find new storylines and wrestlers to push. Initially, the first new superstar in the limelight is William Regal. In the aftermath of his winning the King of the Ring, he is being shown as being drunk with power. He has interfered in world title matches which should lead to a series with HHH. Also , a new feud is brewing between HBK and Y2J. I guess this will be billed as the battle of the abbreviations. On Smackdown , GM Vicki Guerreo is making sure her "fiance" Edge stays in title contention with the champion the Undertaker. Also , we are also having to deal with new announcing team of Michael Cole and the Hardcore legend Mick Foley. Speaking of announcers, at ECW the new announcer Mike Adamle has his own storyline. The writers are using his lack of expierence and heat from the fans of former announcer Joey Styles as part of an angle.  At the competition ,TNA has entered (to paraphrase Randy Orton) the age of Samoa Joe. The fans will get to enjoy seeing the long awaited title reign of the Samoan Summission Machine. Also, this week Petey Williams , the X-Division champ , was injured in a match that will air Thusday May 8th. He may be out 6 weeks with a broken orbital bone. I wish little Petey Pump a quick recovery.    

Match of the Week: Mike Knox's victory over Tommy Dreamer in an Extreme Rules match. It showcased Tommy Dreamer in the kind of match that made him the Innovater of Violence. 

Wrestler of the Week: Colin Delaney for his emotional victory over ECW GM Estrada to win a contact to wrestle on the ECW roster

All Hail the King and the King of Kings!

by Pat Robinson

05.01.08

This past week in pro wrestling was a time for royalty. William Regal, as earlier reported, is the 2008 version  of the King of the Ring following in the footsteps of Stone Cold Steve Austin, Owen Hart, and Harley Race. Regal is not only the King of all the WWE brands, he is also the General Manager of RAW.

This storyline has already beared fruit with Regal getting into a brawl with MR. KENNEDY (yell that at the top of your lungs) and not allowing the television viewers to see the finish to RAW's final match between HHH and Randy Orton.

This should be fun since Regal is great at playing a royal pain in the ass. The other king in the WWE, the self-proclaimed King of Kings, HHH, began his 12th reign as WWE Champion. He outlasted Randy Orton, John Cena and JBL Sunday night at Backlash. Knowing HHH's love for the spotlight, his tenure as WWE Champion will be long and exciting.

Over at TNA , Samoa Joe is already embroiled in fights not only with ex-champ Kurt Angle, but also with Big Poppa Pump Scott Steiner.Their triple threat match in a few weeks should be hard hitting with all that muscle in the ring.

The Match of the Week:  Monday Night's RAW between Cody Rhodes and Santino Marella. It really showcased Marella's abilties in the ring instead of just on the mic.and how good Rhodes is becoming.

The Wrestler of the Week: Matt Hardy who won the U.S.Championship from MVP

Now That's How to Elect a President

by Pat Robinson

04.24.08

Monday Night RAW staged a match between Democratic hopefuls Barrack Hussein Obama and Hillary Clinton. Not only did we get to see an animated version a la the WWE video game, but also a live match with indy wrestlers standing in for the real politicos. The real candidates also made taped messages appealing for the fans' support using lines like "Can you smell what the Barrack is cookin' " and  John McCain's " To be the man you've got to beat the man."

If anything, we learned that Umaga must be a Republican, since he came out and took out both Democratic wrestlers. In the real wrestling world (real?), a one night King of the Ring was held. This has always been a vehicle to elevate one of the mid-card wrestlers to a higher level. This year such stars as MVP, Chris Jericho , Matt Hardy , C.M. Punk , Khali , Hornswagle , Finley , and William Regal took part. All the matches were good , fast-paced matches with some good match-ups such as MVP vs. Jericho and C.M. Punk vs. Matt Hardy. The eventual winner was William Regal. I actually am glad because he was able to show his stiff punches with his great skill. Congratulations your Majesty.

One last editorial comment: ECW is dead!!! When Vince started ECW up again a few years ago, he tried to make us all excited about it by having some of the same extreme characters and matches. He even brought the voice of ECW Joey Styles in to continue his signature "OH MY GOD" match calling. As time went on, Sandman, Sabu , and many of the other ECW originals left and those who stuck around were rarely given tv time. Now , the final nail has been put in the coffin. Joey Styles has been replaced by former American Glatiator (1980's version) announcer Mike Adamle. I know Joey will do great working with WWE.com but wrestling on Sci-Fi is no longer ECW.   

Breaking News: Michael Hayes suspended for  inappropriate language to  Mark Henry.

Match of the Week: C.M. Punk defeating Matt Hardy. Great match that could have gone either way.

Wrestler of the Week : TNA's Mapleleaf Muscle or as I call him Little Petey Pump Petey Williams , the new X Division champion. I don't like the way he became champ; hitting Jay Lethal with a briefcase, but he's too good not to be a champion.

Fury in Six Sides of Steel   

by Pat Robinson

04.17.08

This past weekend, TNA took PPV centerstage with their annual Lockdown. All the matches were battled within a six-sided cage. As a whole , it was a good card; I'm just not a fan of overly gimicky matches. First off, the X-Division champion Black Machismo defended his belt against some of the best and fastest wrestlers in TNA. The wrestlers all started inside the cage and each left after he was pinned or submitted until only two remain. The winner is the one who gets out of the cage first. Winner : Black Machismo.(Grade B-) Women's champ Awesome Kong and her handler Raisha Saeed lost to Gail Kim and ODB. (Grade C+). The other Divas faced in a match to determine Queen of the Cage. All the ladies start on the outside of the cage and fight to be the first two to get inside; those two fight in a regular wrestling match . The winner Roxxi Laveaux (grade C-) Former New Age Outlaws in the WWE, Kip James and BG James faced off in a grudge match. Winner BG James, who was blindsided after the match by Kip(Grade C) A cage full of TNA's tag teams fought each other to handcuff their opponents to the cage itself; the winner is the last guy to go without being handcuffed.Winner Super Eric.(Grade B+) Booker T and wife Sharmel defeated Robert Roode and Payton Banks (Grade B) Lethal Lockdown is the cage with weapons hanging from a lowered ceiling. Team Cage won over Team Tomko. Great match full of many stunts. (Grade A-) The main event was Samoa Joe vs. Champ Kurt Angle in a pseudo MMA style match. Very stiff and hard hitting plus many submission holds.Winner and new Champion Samoa Joe. (Grade A) 

Match of the Week : Samoa Joe vs. Kurt Angle

Wrestler of the Week: Samoa Joe.  

Who Now Will Be THE MAN?    

by Pat Robinson

04.11.08

Now that the legendary Ric Flair has hung up his tights, who is the now and future icons of professional wrestling?  In the short term, HHH and HBK are easily the leaders of the pack, but they are not young as they used to be .  John Cena certainly has the passion and personality to be the next big thing if he doesn't follow the Rock to Hollywood. Some of the loud guys with abilities to back their mouths up  are MVP and Mr. Kennedy. They both are hard workers and seem to love the business. Three talented guys that need a push are Lance Cade, Shelton Benjamin ,and Charlie Haas. Over at TNA, several guys are already leaders and certainly talented. Samoa Joe , Christoper Daniels (Curry Man) and A.J. Styles are alredy stars and should be for years to come. Some of the guys on the verge of stardom are Kaz , James Storm , and Jay Lethal (Black Machismo). All of these stars can be great with hard work , passion and respect for the fans , just like the Nature Boy.   

Match of the Week: Sting and James Storm... it was great to see new and old meeting and putting on a good show

Wrestler of the Week: Shelton Benjamin for surviving one of most jarring shots to the back during the Money in the Bank Match to wrestle again on Tuesday's ECW show

Wrestlemania 24: Night of Tears and Cheers    

by Pat Robinson

04.03.08

The 24th edition of wrestling's Super Bowl included the farewell to the sport's greatest , David once again beating Goliath , and the longest Mania winning streak continues. In a spectacle under a rainy sky, the WWE once again produces a show that fans will talk about for months. Here is a recap and my humble grade for each match:  JBL defeats  Finley in a pretty good brawl. Grade B- ;  C.M.Punk wins Money in the Bank Ladder match. Surprise run-in my Matt Hardy; lots of painful spots; not as exciting as past ones.(when is the WWE going to give Shelton Benjamin a big push?) Grade B-; Kane beats Chavo Guerero for ECW title in five seconds; glorified squash match, Grade D-;  Batista defeats Umaga in a RAW vs . Smackdown faceoff; good match between two monsters; Grade B; Beth Pheonix and Melina win over Maria and Ashley in Bunnymania match; these women can wrestle; Grade C+; Randy Orton surprises everyone by retaining his belt against John Cena and HHH; good, not great as I had hoped; Grade B-; Floyd Mayweather knocks out the Big Show; Floyd did't look that bad out of his element;saw the brass knucks coming a mile away; Grade C+; Undertaker beats Edge for the World's title; Great match, both guys worked hard to steal the show; Grade A; Ric Flair's career ends at the hands of HBK; loved the match from beginning to end; two pros telling a great story, I cried at the end; Grade A+.  Wrestemania 24  was a lot of fun; wish I had been there. 

Match of the week : Undertaker vs. Edge ; Edge doesn't get enough credit and the Taker looks like he could go on forever.( Even though I  really enjoyed the Flair- HBK match, this one was clearly the best match)

Wrestler of the week :  Ric Flair; he  made you feel every emotion . Thanks Nature Boy for 36 great years. 

To the Class of 2008... 

by Pat Robinson

03.27.08

Wrestlemanias come and go , but the Hall of Fame inductions are forever.  Like past years, the night before Wrestlemania will see the induction of the class of 2008. This year has several sentimental favorites for me of guys I grew up with. First is the great Mae Young; we all know her as the over-sexed 80 year old diva who once gave birth to a hand, but in 1940's she was one of the best woman wrestlers. She blazed a trail for the Litas, Trish Stratus' and Molly Hollys of today. I just wish Moolah was still here to help induct her. Next is Jack and Jerry Brisco; either as one of the best brother tag teams ever or as individual world champions ( Jack- NWA Heavyweight; Jerry - NWA Jr. Heavyweight ) these two are the best at technical wrestling or brawling; Rocky Johnson, besides fathering the Rock, is one of the most exciting performers ever. His dropkick and boxer's punch were a deadly combination. ; High Chief Peter Maivia was one tough man , but with a big heart. He is the father- figuire that is responible for the rich Samoan heritage of professional wrestling; either as a wrestler, a promoter, or a tireless supporter of the youth of Florida, Eddie Graham was the best. A tough member of the Graham Brothers in the 1960's, the insightful promoter who made Dusty Rhodes the American Dream , and lifelong supporter of the Sheiff's Boy and Girl Ranches in Florida, Eddie Graham was a man's man; there is only one Walter Cronkite in news and there is only one Gorden Solie in pro wrestling. The best wrestling announcer period. He made it easy to believe everything about wrestling was real; from the move's technical names to the part of the body they damaged to the history of each wrestler; finally WOOOOO the Nature Boy Ric Flair. Every generation has it's best ; Sammartino, Thez, Hogan , Funk , etc. but Ric Flair overshadows them all. His interviews , his sixty minute matches , his story telling ability, his robes, are all legendary as is the Man. My favorite Flairism  says it all :" Space Mountain may be the oldest ride in the park, but it's one with the longest line." 

This week's wrestler(s) of the week are the Class of 2008; the guys and gals of today could learn a lot from this group.

The Match of the week : any match Ric Flair has been in for the last 35 years.  

A Tale of Two Stars   

by Pat Robinson

03.20.08

This past week, the world of wrestling saw a tale of two superstars; one at his pinnacle and the other on another downward spiral. The first one is Vincent Kennedy McMahon. The head of the WWE was recognized by thr entertainment industry with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. As much as many fans love to boo the character of Mr. McMahon, they are forever thankful to the Chairman of the Board for the product he delivers week after week.Besides the millions he has made entertaining all of us, Vince and his family give so much back. Make a Wish Foundation, library reading programs, Smackdown your Vote, the U.S. Military are just some of the programs supported by the WWE. So Vince, Congratulations. A star with a star right next to Kermit the Frog. (It's not easy making green).   The other star that's fallen out of the wrestling sky is Jeff Hardy.  Jeff  was suspended for the second time , this time for sixty days , for failure to pass the wellness program drug tests. If that wasn't bad enough, over this past weekend it was reported that Jeff's house caught on fire. Jeff was riding high with a major push from the WWE and a chance to steal the show at Wrestlemania 24 , but now he has to watch from the sidelines. I hope Jeff will seek the help he needs; Vince is putting several wrestlers thru rehab , I'm sure he would do the same for the Rainbow Warrior. 

One sad note for us old 'rasslin fans : Gary Hart passed away over this past weekend. Gary Hart was one of the best heel managers in the old NWA and WCCW days. In Georgia, Florida, and Texas he managed the likes of Pak Song, the Great Kabuki, Brusier Brody, and many others. He loved the sport and the guys who worked in it . My prayers for his friends and family. 

Match of the Week: Vince McMahon vs. Ric Flair for no other reason that these two over 50 year-old  guys  can still go (plus who doesn't dream of beating up their boss from time to time?)

Wrestler of the Week: Mr. McMahon... why not a triple crown winner for old Vinnie Mac?

A Great Week in Wrestling 

by Pat Robinson

03.13.08

This past week had a lot of the things which make me glad to be a wrestling fan: great action, great interviews, great laughs , and great fun.

At the TNA pay-per-view Sunday, LAX finally got the respect and notice they deserved. In a three-way tag team match to determine the new #1 contenders, they dominated the whole match with power and moves. The women's championship match between Awesome Kong, Gail Kim , and ODB showcased why women can perform as well, or better, than any male wrestler. Great match. A great surprise during the show was the introduction of Super Eric, the fearless superhero who fights off the scary bad guys like Black Reign that Eric Young is scared of. 

WWE's RAW three-hour Wrestlemania Rewind on Monday showcased re-matches from past Wrestlemanias. From casket matches to title matches to even a rematch from twenty years ago, it was a blast. The Undertaker showed why he is 15-0 at Wrestlemania by beating Mark Henry in a casket match; Chris Jericho captured the Intercontinental title from Jeff Hardy in a hard fought battle; the Iron Sheik and Nickoli Volkoff faced  Barry Windham and Mike Rotundo in a rematch of retired wrestlers (I'll bet the winners got to use the Ben-Gay first).

The weigh-in between Floyd Mayweather and the Big Show (159 lbs. to 441) had the usual scuffle between the combatants and their respectve boys (Mayweather's half dozen guys to a locker room full of  WWE wrestlers). It was also a great night. Sometimes it's just fun to have fun. 

Match of the week: Jericho's win over Jeff Hardy; great action; great outcome

Wrestler of the week: SUPER ERIC; wrestling's newest hero

Breaking News: Jeff Hardy suspended for sixty days for violating the WWE wellness policy.

Let Me Tell You A Story

by Pat Robinson

03.06.08

Over the weekend I was watching old matches on WWE 24/7 (all you old school wrestling fans should subscibe to this) and it dawned on me that the one lost art in modern pro wrestling is telling a story in the ring. Guys like Shawn Michaels, Ric Flair, HHH, and the Undertaker still can but not a lot of the others pull this off.

Telling a story is, in my opinion, when the wrestlers who are facing off make you believe in what they are doing. The match is like a book; it has a beginning, a middle and an end. The wrestlers use their respective holds ,attitudes, reactions, showmanship, and acting to make a wrestling fan see that the match's outcome is believeable and enjoyable.

The reason that it is harder to tell a good story is that most matches these days are too short and the wrestlers (or the match bookers) put too much emphasis on high spots (risk-taking action or high-flying manuvers) instead of a good arm drag or punishing headlock. I give credit to MVP for trying to change this. He is said to be a big fan of 1980's-style wrestling, with its one hour time limit draws, and watches his large video collection for tips and inspiration. I hope he will try to keep this art alive.

I bet that the Ric Flair vs. Shawn Michaels match at Wrestlemania will be a great story told to millions. 

My match of the week is from last Thursday's TNA Impact: "Big Poppa Pump" and "Maple Leaf Muscle" vs  "Black Machismo" and "The Guru"  (that's Scott Steiner and Petey Williams vs. Jay Lethal and Sonjay Dutt for those who are unfamiler with the countless wrestlers' CB-like handles). This was a fast paced, exciting match which highlighted all the wrestlers' abilities.

My wrestler of the week is Carlito. Besides making a completely hilarious commercial promoting Wrestlemania. He had a great match with Cody Rhodes on Monday Night RAW.

YOOO  Adrian... I Mean Big Show!

by Pat Robinson

02.27.08 

The fight of the century? Nah. But boxer Floyd Mayweather against the new, improved Big Show will be a spectacle to see. Both of these men are great showmen in their respective rings, so together they should be exciting. I just want to know what Mayweather is going to do to earn the reported 20 million dollars Vince is paying him.We should at least see him bodyslam Show or maybe a verticle suplex.

Of course, this is not the first time boxers have mixed it up with pro wrestlers. The most famous match was Muhammed Ali vs. the Japanese superstar Antonio Inoki. That same night in New York, Andre the Giant  met and bloodied up Chuck Wepner. Finally, a few Wrestlemanias ago, Mike Tyson was a guest referee and called Steve Austin "Cold Stone" instead the other way around. Too many headshots I guess. 

So far, the WWE Hall of Fame induction announcements will lead to a night of great memories and probably some tears  The greatest of all time Ric Flair  Rocky Johnson and High Chief Peter Maivia will enter into history. Johnson and Maivia will be inducted by their famous son and grandson the Rock.

My match of the week was from Friday's Smackdown; "the Gold Standard" Shelton Benjamin against the high flying Jimmy Wang Yang. I don't know why Vince doesn't put these two on the A-list of performers, they're great.

My Wrestler of the Week is TNA's Scott Steiner. The reason I picked him is that week in and week out, he still amazes me that he can still put on a good match after his years of injuries. He even still has a few Frankensteiners left in him.       

The Return of the Big Show and Why Did that Guy from Dancing with the Stars Break his Nose?

by Pat Robinson

02.20.08 

Sunday Feb. 17 marked the return of a leaner, meaner Big Show (Paul Wight) at WWE's pay-per-view "No Way Out". Big Show, 108 pounds lighter, immediately began harassing an injured Rey Mysterio. Rey was rescued by boxing superstar and former Dancing with the Stars contestant Floyd Mayweather. In the course of the confrontation, Show's nose was truly broken and a Wrestemania 24 match was born. I don't know if it will be a single or tag team match, but Vince McMahon will once again get the mainstream publicity he so enjoys.

Other Wrestlemania matches that were set in motion Sunday night include: HHH vs. John Cena vs. Randy Orton for Orton's World's title; the Undertaker will put his 15-0 Wrestlemania record up against Edge's championship; a Money in the Bank match for a future title contract; a Ric Flair career-on-the-line match; and I'm sure some event to show off the Diva's assets (and front-sets).Over at TNA, we saw a great skit involving Kurt and Karen Angle renewing their wedding vows. In the course of Kurt being attacked during the ceremony, the bumbling preacher ended up marrying Karen to "Prince" A.J. Styles. Kurt didn't have a very good weekend either; he traveled to Japan and lost his IWGP heavyweight championship to Shinsuke Nakumara. 

One sad note from the wrestling world, Johnny Weaver passed away last week. Mr. Weaver competed during the 60's and 70's and then was a commentator for Mid Atlantic Wrestling. Dusty Rhodes made him immortal by proclaiming him the inventor of a version of the sleeper-hold known as the Weaver-lock.

Match of the Week: the RAW elimination chamber match where HHH was victorious over HBK, Jeff Hardy, Chris Jericho, JBL , and Umaga.

Wrestler of the Week: Big Show. He didn't wrestle, but his weight loss of 108 pounds (that's a Hornswaggle) is a feat to be recognized. 

The No Way Out pay per view gets a grade of A -; great action and all storylines lead to Wrestlemania.                                                                       

Wrestling Recap

by Pat Robinson

02.13.08

This past week in wrestling included TNA's  pay-per-view "Against All Odds" that included the most recent clash between the "Instant Classic" Christian Cage and the Olympic Hero Kurt Angle. This match had plenty of great action, but it ended with a run-in by Tomko who helped Angle defeat his former friend. TNA has too many matches with outside interference or wrestlers changing their alliances to one other. I wish they would rely a little more on the great action that these guys and gals can produce.

Another match I can completely do without is the barbed wire match. TNA's Abyss and Judas Mesias (who for two big guys can put on a good wrestling match if given the chance) fought in a ring where the ropes were replaced with barbed wire. I know blood has a place in wrestling story-telling but this is to the extreme. (Are you listening Paul E.?)

Other matches:

The women's title match, X-Division tag event, the beer-drinking title match (don't ask), and the revenge match

These matches all helped make the show worthy of a grade of B.

In the WWE, preparations are being made for this weekend's (Feb17) No Way Out pay-per-view. Monday night's RAW (Feb.11) saw Mr. McMahon try to show a little tough love for his LIl' Bastard Hornswaggle by facing off against him in a match. Vince  will use any excuse to show off his sixty year old (non steroid enhanced? Yeah right.) arms. Finley coming to the little guy's rescue is surely setting up a McMahon-Finley matchup at Wrestlemania.

John Cena continues to ready himself for his title match against Randy Orton. Cena  looked  pretty good the last couple of week's in matchups against Mae Young's former lover, Mark Henry. No Way Out will have two elimination chamber matches (one for Smackdown and one for RAW). That's a good idea because I'm sure it's a bear to haul that metal monstrocity out of  storage more than once a year. I predict HHH will win on the RAW side and the Undertaker for Smackdown.           

Other tidbits:

The billion dollar princess Stephanie McMahon and the Game HHH are expecting their second child according to reliable sources.

Smackdown and the CW network are parting ways in September. I'll keep you updated on where it will be moving to.

Jake "the Snake" Roberts ,Ron Simmons, Scott Hall are each in drug rehab paid for by the WWE. We wish them good luck.               

Match of the Week: Shawn Michaels vs. Jeff Hardy on RAW. A super match between two guys who always put their bodies on the line for the fans.

Wrestler(s) of the week: Curry Man (Christopher Daniels) and Sharkboy. These two put on a funny, entertaining match against Jimmy Rave and Lance Hoyt on TNA Impact. As Sharkboy (a la Stone Cold) would say "That's the Fishin' Line cause Sharkboy Said So".

Laughing All The Way to the Bank

by Pat Robinson

02.07.08

In the history of professional wrestling, those who could make us laugh were just as important as those who thrilled us with their athletic ability. Jimmy Hart, Bobby "the Brain" Heenan, Doink the Clown, Eugene, and many others have made us tune in just to see what trouble they could get into or what funny things they would say. 

Besides these classic characters, groups like DX can turn a rooster in to a punchline. Then there’s TNA's Black Machismo who channels Randy Savage. This brings a smile to a wrestling fan's face.

Recently, several new characters have emerged. First is the smallest McMahon: Hornswaggle. This bastard child of the genetic jackhammer has great comic timing and probably the best facial expressions of anybody in the WWE. He can show fear at facing the great Kahli, excitement at seeing a diva in the shower, or sadness at disappointing his dear old dad Vince with equal ease. I hope he will continue to bring his Irish charm to the ring for years to come.

Another character is Karen Angle. The real life wife of TNA champ Kurt Angle has amazed many fans with her ability to be sexy, funny, and a pain in the ass-sometimes all at the same time. At first, many (including myself) were afraid that she was just taking up valuable TV time. But antics which include the now-famous Angle Thanksgiving meal featuring pilgrim attire and Team 3D (the Dudley Boys) sitting at the children's table with Kurt's daughter, add the right amount fun to the show. Recently, Sharkboy (who has been a favorite of mine since WCW Saturday Night) has shown an even more comical side of himself (besides his usual biting his opponents on their ass) by showing his family-all decked out in Sharkboy masks. I hope that both WWE and TNA will always have time to tickle our funny bone while exciting us with fast-paced, well wrestled matches. Just remember, Big Dick Johnson is only funny in very small doses.

Starting this month I'm going to pick my wrestler and match of the past month. This month's wrestler is Jeff Hardy. Jeff has stepped up his pace to make an exciting run at Randy Orton's title. The Match of the month was Ric Flair vs. Triple H. They showed how to work a match and make it exciting, even when one of the participants is almost 60 years old.