WWE Yard Sale of TNA Superstars

I rarely cover TNA Wrestling, and I have been deterred from Impact programming because of the exact reason; My observation is seeing TNA taking WWE's scraps and "re-polish" into their own stars. Now, I see that this has immense potential, if used correctly, BECAUSE the WWE has trained these superstars and has taken the work out of having a developmental territory. Ohio Valley Wrestling has been taken over by TNA as their official training grounds, but again... OVW was originally the primary developmental facility to the WWE! OWV trained the likes of Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, Batista, and even John Cena to name a few. Being led by Al Snow and Rip Rogers in OVW, one would think that TNA doesn't need to dig through Vince McMahon's remains.

Even through his struggles, Jeff Hardy
remains TNA World Heavyweight
Champion!

But look at TNA's top men. The TNA World Heavyweight Champion is a WWE discard. Jeff Hardy was being successfully coached by Triple H and being prepped for his WWE title run. Drugs and injuries limited Hardy in his run, and he left for a lighter schedule to TNA. Eight months after his return to TNA, he became the TNA World Heavyweight Champion. TNA was smart in this acquisition; Jeff Hardy brought his fan base over to TNA, and he draws there. Even with all of his drug concerns and court dates, TNA chooses to keep Hardy on top because he needs to be. For business.

The current Television champion is another WWE wash; Devon Hughes. Well known as part of the "Dudley Boyz" with Bubba Ray, he's on top of the third time branded Television Championship. And looking back, again with the WWE throwing away talent, the Television Championship was introduced as a "Legends" Title by none other than Booker T, and was held by Mick Foley and Kevin Nash. Currently, TNA's roster holds over 20 former WWE superstars, with plenty of TNA Alumni that are also WWE Alumni. Then, you have major players of the game like Kurt Angle, Rob Van Dam, Mr. Ken--er... Anderson, several divas, and even Earl Hebner, occasionally sporting a "Damn Right I Did" T-Shirt (which is pretty awesome, by the way), alluding to his involvement the Montreal Screwjob. All former WWE superstars.

Finally, you have the granddaddy WWE relic of them all; the ultimate, self-absorbed individual who immerses himself in everything he can because not that he needs to, but that he wants to. I am talking about Hulk Hogan. Don't get me wrong... I respect the man over all he did in the WWF/E back in the 70s, 80s, and early 90s, when times were great and Hogan couldn't book based upon his popularity. However, I believe that he was part of the destruction of WCW (along with a bunch of other things), as he refused to do several things, such as let other superstars defeat and go over him clean (refusing to job to Jeff Jarrett in WCW), the famous "Fingerpoke of Doom" (see video enclosed) match against Kevin Nash in 1999, and just the overall hand in his own Creative control. Being a fan, I could absolutely be wrong about Hogan, as I don't know him personally, but from hearing many things about his past, he is a rigid worker as far as the business is concerned. With his current run with TNA, Hogan has been given nearly ultimate control and has been involved and booked himself (and now his daughter Brooke) in several different angles, and not being a "General Manager" like he should be. I hope for Dixie Carter's sake that TNA survives the Hogan Era.

OVW has been elected as the Official Development
Territory for TNA Impact

TNA has been dipping in pieces of the WWE's own disposal for several years now, and have failed to utilize the salt-and-pepper talent that the WWE has no need for. Such is the case with the discovery of TNA's VP of Ace's and Eights. D-Lo Brown himself was a mid-card wrestler back in the late 90s, and again, didn't account to much outside The Nation of Domination with the Rock. Why bring a road agent/mid-carder who is now in his 40s into the ring? It may make sense to some, but taking what the WWE has washed their hands of isn't what TNA was founded on. It's absolutely thrilling to know that AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, Abyss, and a couple of others have been with TNA since the beginning, and I am happy for the fact that TNA now has a training ground to bring up new and fresh talent the "Impact" way, and not keep digging into the WWE graveyard. It will be a while, of course, but TNA needs to work on the talent in OVW and leave what McMahon doesn't need any more. The wrestling is there. The wrestlers can put on five-star quality matches.

TNA needs to work on creating a future Batista, Orton, or Cena in OVW, refrain from cultivating talent that hasn't been seen since the 90s, and take away some of the creative demolition from Hogan. These will be some start to success with TNA. It won't be immediate, but everything is a process. Rome was not built in a day.

A Paul Bearer Tribute

Willim Alvin Moody (April 10, 1954 - March 5, 2013)

William Moody was quite possibly one of the best managers in the WWE ever since its inception. Better known as Paul Bearer (pun off pallbearer off of his mortuary gig he undertook as a degree in mortuary science and as a funeral director), and Percy Pringle III, Moody took under his wing multiple superstars in his twenty year-plus tenure,  some of which that have gone on and main-evented in the WWE, such as Rick Rude, Stone Cold Steve Austin (as Stunning Steve), Kane, and of course, The Undertaker. With all this said, Moody leaves behind a legacy that no one else can fulfill. Ohhh yeahhhh!!

Moody became famous after he took his Percy Pringle character and ran with his funeral parlor gimmick, inspired by his own interests for mortuary sciences, ultimately becoming Paul Bearer. Bearer was seen always carrying an urn, which developed an eerie gimmick of Bearer carrying the Undertaker's ashes, or soul, and even led to many storylines of Bearer having his urn taken away for some reason or another.

Some of Paul Bearer's best alliances were the back-and-forth between the Undertaker and Kane. Introducing Kane as Taker's half-brother as a hidden secret between himself and the Undertaker was the beginning of the Brothers of Destruction, and both Undertaker and Kane have demolished the foundation of the WWE many times over the past twenty years.

The Undertaker walks into Wrestlemania against CM Punk in a month's time. One can only wonder that Bearer be in the Dead Man's corner in sprit.

Paul Bearer

The Wrestling Specator sends their deepest condolences to the Moody Family. You will be missed.

The Show Must Go on

(At least) Most of us understand that in the world of wrestling, rather in the WWE, about 80% of the business is scripted. That is the "entertainment" side of it, as it mostly an act. However, outside instances from wrestler's lives can alter the scripted outcome of what has already been written. That again, is the "entertainment" side of the business  And that is the beauty of it all; scripts can be changed and whipped up in a heartbeat. Even with wrestlers at the Gorilla Position.

Such is the case with Jack Swagger. A lot of buzz is happening and being spoken around the guy, and yet, there has been no "known" punishment given to Swagger to the public eye. That's where the politics side of it all happens. At this point in time, it is apparently the case that the WWE is going forward with the Swagger push and holding off on his suspension, as it seems as if it is, again, "good for business" as upper management sees fit. Of course, I would not hesitate to agree with Creative.

"But TWS? Why would you AGREE with allowing Swagger to evade punishment and get his push? This isn't fair to the other wrestlers who have been charged with suspensions and such!!" Although this isn't fair to plenty of superstars on the WWE roster, Swagger and Zeb Colter (Dirty Dutch, by the by) have garnished enough heat in the media with Glenn Beck and within the locker room "kayfabe" with Del Rio to keep this run up and not ditch it in the circular file. Therefore, in the eyes of WWE Creative, the show must go on. When Swagger no longer proves to be useful, then they'll slap on whatever punishment that they feel needs to be administered, if there hasn't been already.

Regarding the show, however, Swagger seems to have taken a backseat. In typical Superstar/Managerial roles, Swagger should be the one sending the message, and Colter the mouthpiece. Swagger is showing to be Colter's muscle in the vignettes  and Colter is sending the message, a la Shawn Michaels and Diesel. I believe this works for

Swagger, as he isn't too eloquent on the microphone, and Colter delivers points home time and time again in a controversial All American Tea Party influenced storyline. He has even caused a stir with Glenn Beck, who is a conservative commentator on his own radio show. As "The Atlantic Wire" mentions, Beck is losing the war with the WWE, as the radio host doesn't see the transparency and the "kayfabe" script of what the WWE has created. Co-Commentator Stu Burguiere argues the fact that back in the Golden Era, the WWE had created a storyline similar to this, but with the shoe on the other foot;

“Wouldn't the argument be, I mean at least one of the arguments would be, okay, they’re trying to create villains. They do this all the time. They are trying to create a villain. Like when I was a kid, I remember, like, the Iron Sheik. And the Iron Sheik was from I think Iran and he was always saying terrible things about America. Now, that didn’t mean the WWF at the time didn't like America. They were trying to make a villain out of the Iron Sheik, right? But this is different. It seems that the villain, the guy you’re supposed to hate, is this stereotype of a conservative that I've never met."

  WWE Creates Controversial Tea Party Character

Burguiere is right, but hardly anyone ever goes back to happier times when the WWE was with cartoon villains attempting to take over the wrestling universe. So, ever the opportunist, WWE offered a spot for Beck to have a chance to speak on RAW, to which Beck supposedly turned down. Therefore, WWE brought the fight to Beck's radio studio to get a chance for Beck to publicly state his opinion on the WWE's venue!

With so much controversy over Swagger's arrest, and then the immediate "pipe-bomb" that Colter and Swagger have already ensued, this is television. This is a storyline worth investing, and why dump Swagger in the suspension pile when this is running on all eight cylinders? There is no rhyme or reason, and most likely, just to keep the Tea Party going, Swagger must have had already agreed to something when he made his return. You don't see the man being buried immediately after his run in with the lawman; you see him dominating like nothing ever happened. And whether or not Alberto Del Rio makes a triumphant victory at Wrestlemania against a (potentially seeming) racist faction, this will continue. It works, and the show must go on.

Elimination Chamber Year to Year Comparison

As Elimination Chamber comes to our screens tomorrow in New Orleans and is the last PPV to showcase the last of what is to come on the Road to Wrestlemania, where were the current EC participants last year, and how far have they come up this year to this Sunday? Let's take a look and do a comparison, shall we?

Kaitlyn and Tamina

Courtesy of the WWE

Coincidentally, Tamina was also in the Elimination Chamber last year, doing the same this she's doing this year--fighting for the Diva's Championship. But she takes on a new face from last year in the challenge of Kaitlyn. Beth Phoenix was the Diva's Champion last year, and aptly suited as the girl on top (no pun intended). My prediction still stands, as Tamina has had a whole year to work on her character and make something of herself, and I doubt this will be her opportunity to claim gold like her father. As with the division itself, I haven't seen any development for her character over the past year, and if an entire year brings her back to the same spot, what would be the point to continue such a "build" of a Diva? Granted, she has been pulling wins left and right as of late, but I don't think she'll pull a win from the champion.

Kaitlyn, on the other hand, was nowhere on the card for Elimination Chamber 2012, or even the main roster for that matter. Kaitlyn was buried within the NXT/FCW training grounds as part of the Chickbusters. Within a year's time, Kaitlyn has come up from NXT and made something of herself as Diva's Champion, being the focal point to replace the outgoing Eve. Kudos to Kaitlyn for working hard this year and catching WWE Creative's eye.

Antonio Cesaro and The Miz

The Miz finds himself back in the Elimination Chamber PPV, but unfortunately not as a main competitor in the Chamber itself. This is a step down for The Miz as he isn't an active part of the major championship chase, but he does save face by at least going for a mid-card title. Again, The Miz is a former World Champion, but my prediction stays, as with storylines in general, Jack Swagger should be the guy to take the US Championship. I would like more than anything for Miz to be US Champion again, but this feud should continue as it is a strong combination until Swagger comes into play for some reason.

Courtesy of the WWE

Cesaro is another superstar that has made major leaps-and-bounds while being in the WWE for a short time, less than a year on the main roster. Cesaro was still in FCW working with Alex Riley when the Elimination Chamber PPV was in town. Antonio Cesaro, again with less than a year under his belt, became US Champion within months of his debut, and has not looked back. A great superstar with exceptional talent in the ring and on the mic. Another reason why I believe that the US title should stay in Cesaro's grasp, and keep the USA booing the Swiss champion for a little longer.

The Shield, John Cena, Ryback, and Sheamus

Courtesy of the WWE

Yet another group of gentlemen making an impact on the WWE within a short amount of time from NXT, The Shield, in my opinion, has made a tremendous impact and has rocked the WWE to its core, in as little time as possible. So much, in fact, that Vince has dispatched his toughest superstars to try and take out this contending force. The Shield, if used correctly, and I say this with watching so much of success and failures throughout the years, can continue to be a force to dominate the WWE. Play The Shield like the nWo. However, unlike the nWo, The Shield aren't portrayed like "juvenile buddies" and are veterans of their craft. They are focused, and will take out any target with precision and efficiency. The Shield, ever since their debut (as I can't go back into last year's EC), have impressed me to the fullest, and I plead to the WWE to allow this trio to make even more of an impact in the future.

Courtesy of the WWE

Then, you can add two of the next set of three gentlemen to the MIA list for EC 2012. John Cena was the only superstar in this match up of six wrestlers to make an appearance at last year's PPV, and it was in a gimmick match versus Kane. Obviously, Cena did not have much to do and couldn't get involved into a major title feud with a major superstar going into Wrestlemania 28 against the Rock, as this was a filler match to occupy his time. This is a much higher-profile match Cena is in, so I anticipate much more action... from Sheamus and Ryback. With an even more of a planned-since-last-Wrestlemania match with the Rock, John Cena most likely will not wrestle too much in this match, and with the rumor of this match being in the Elimination Chamber (tweeted from Mr. Ryback himself and subsequently removed), Cena won't take too much of a bump to save himself and keep himself fresh for the Rock's win in Wrestlemania. Outside of Cena, Ryback was on the shelf with an injury, so with him already repackaged from cornbread eatin' Skip Sheffield and given a push to the heavens, this is a plus for Ryback on all avenues. With Vince McMahon very high on Ryback (along with any other steroid filled star), I see nothing but career-enhancing things for this star. Notice I said, "career enhancing", not potential wins. Sheamus, being last years Royal Rumble winner, was already slated in the cards to pick on Daniel Bryan and his grasp on the World Heavyweight Championship, so he wasn't on the card. Made an appearance and rattled the hamster in Bryan's head with a Celtic Cross (and going on to defeat him in a record eighteen seconds at Wrestlemania). Sheamus, I will give a step down, because as he is stuck in-between feuds now, he was a favorite and in the title picture last year. This isn't too much of a plus for him, because he could be destined for greater at this time, or just not one of Cena's bodyguards.

The Big Show and Alberto Del Rio

Courtesy of the WWE

Sidelined with a groin injury, Alberto Del Rio was not on the card recovering at last year's Elimination Chamber, but he did happen to make an appearance to support Johnny "Ace" Lauranitis and his "People Power" gimmick. Great heel boss, by the way. But as the current World Heavyweight Champion, this build up to the Elimination Chamber has done wonders for ADR, and he tells an awesome storyline. Ricardo Rodriguez is such a tool for the champ, which even makes Alberto's face turn more conflicting and funnier to watch. Again, with my predictions steadfast, I see Del Rio pulling off a win with his trusty comedy act of Ricardo and "stealing" a win this time via Eddie Guerrero style! Viva la Raza!

Big Show finds himself again in a contender's match for the World Heavyweight Championship, but at least he isn't surrounded by five other superstars, glass, or chains. I want to say that Big Show doesn't go up nor down "in general", but considering that there are no obstacles, no chains, no glass, no steel, no competition, and no disqualifications, this should seem as a match where Big Show can lay back and relax. My opinion brings that just a slight notch down from last year. It's not a high-profile match that says "Wow" to me, and I don't see it furthering Big Show's career. The previous articles have applauded the newcomers for going so far, but at this rate, Big Show has done nearly everything he needs to do in the WWE. Big Show has had his Wrestlemania moments. Let ADR have the win, and move on with life.

Randy Orton and Mark Henry

Courtesy of the WWE

Both of these individuals were put out on the shelf when the Elimination Chamber came into town last year, so they hadn't an opportunity to run for the title. Daniel Bryan himself smashed the WHC over Orton's head, allowing Orton to step out of the WWE's schedule and make some movies, apparently. Henry has suffered a hyper-extended knee injury and was out for nearly a year because of surgery and rehabilitation. Orton himself was actually slated to be in the Chamber match, but outside endeavors would keep him from continuing a storyline on the Road to Wrestlemania. Being in this match up for both men is a step up, as they were unable to compete for the World title , and they get an opportunity to do so now. Mark Henry, even with his debut inside of the Elimination Chamber, I feel will do better in this match than Orton will, as Orton has taken a downward slide with hits and misses with matches, but the Elimination Chamber changes men; they don't exit the same as when they enter.

Jack Swagger

Courtesy of the WWE

This will be Swagger's debut inside the massive steel structure, but his second time at EC. Last year, he successfully defended the United States Championship against Justin Gabriel. This is another reason why I believe that the US Championship belongs on the waist of Swagger. He embodies the US Championship, and needs to take it away from Cesaro. But that is another story for another day. With the jump to a number one contender spot, but with no title as with last year, Swagger doesn't move up or down in this exchange. Now... what happens afterward will affect his place in the WWE. With only one other cage match under his belt, this will be a test for the All-American American to see how long he can last inside the Chamber. I highly doubt that Swagger will walk away with the #1 contender spot.

Daniel Bryan and Kane

Courtesy of the WWE

Daniel Bryan entered into the Chamber last year as World Heavyweight Champion and walked out just the same. Yet his last elimination was Santino Marella, of all superstars. If I had been writing this last year, I would have been giving major kudos to Santino for moving away from the comedy and into a match-up of this caliber. Just on the match-up alone. But I wasn't and now I am writing about the present. Bryan walks in as the comedy act this time around, with a sizzling feud with his own tag team partner-and-champion Kane. This is a huge step down for Bryan, going through a losing match that was about eight seconds at Wrestlemania, then a ridiculous feud with AJ Lee, Kane, CM Punk, amongst others, which ultimately landed himself in an odd, but delightfully entertaining, pairing with Kane for the Tag Team Championships, to which Bryan and Kane still hold going into this match together. What is absolutely intriguing to me, is that Kane is one of Daniel's opponents. How will this end up with the Elimination Chamber? Bryan has already shown his colors to Kane at the Royal Rumble by eliminating him then for his own benefit. Will he do the same to Kane, further inciting this tension and possible break-up of an interesting tag team? And being on the same topic, Kane goes the opposite way in my mind, as he is in the Chamber and not facing SuperCena, and if Kane pulls off a victory here at the EC (highly doubtful), will he dump Bryan? Or does Bryan convince Kane to be a "dual-holder" of the World Title, a la Layla and Michelle McCool with the Diva's Title?

Chris Jericho

Courtesy of the WWE

Jericho is the favorite in this match, and the one with the most appearances in the Chamber (seven). With only one victory, and ten eliminations, I'd be hard pressed not to pick Jericho as the winner for this one. But there are other superstars who want the World Title, and with Jericho doing his side dealings with Fozzy and dancing with stars and destroying robots, his want (or need), isn't as great as the other men involved in the WHC contender's match. That is why I chose Mark Henry to go on with the win. Since last year, Jericho was in last years' Chamber, and he returns this year to increase his record at the Chamber. As I have said with the other superstars, I don't think the ones that are returning to take a win, but I feel Jericho will, or come very close. On top of what could build for a Ziggy Wrestlemania Moment.

The Rock

Courtesy of the WWE

This is a superstar has paid his dues. Dwayne Johnson, even though as I have said before that his sporadic appearances are good for business, he HAS conquered everything that he needs to do. The Rock is in amazing shape for his age; has performed in countless movies; has been champion numerous times from Intercontinental to Tag Team, to World, and the WWE Champion; The Rock has NO NEED to be around in the WWE as a performer. Such as last year. Even though The Rock had some spats throughout the year of 2011/12 with John Cena, he was a part timer that drew BIG for the WWE, and that's how he's being used. Vince knows that The Rock has massive drawing power, and by having the Rock as champion, and having him showcase the WWE Title in his movie outings gives more exposure to the organization. So, the Rock was no where near a WWE ring one year ago, and most likely laughed at an appearance at the Elimination Chamber. Now, being WWE Champion, his schedule requires him to show his face a little more than four times a year (I'm guessing, so don't crucify me), and he is required to show at the Elimination Chamber this year to face CM Punk. I like this pairing when it first left the ground around the Royal Rumble. It was fresh, and it wasn't something washed out and repeated. Granted, this is great to see The Rock in a WWE ring, and the WWE needs charisma such as his, and the drawing power for it. And with CM Punk, these are two great performers that will pull off a spectaular match. My prediction still stands. The Rock will go onto Wrestlemania to face John Cena.

CM Punk

Courtesy of the WWE

Where was CM Punk at this time last year? HE WAS WWE CHAMPION!! It's been a short time removed of his position on the throne of the WWE Universe, and for 434 days, he was on top. No one could touch him, until the Rock decided to rear his face in the title picture, and Vince snatched the belt off of Punk. But Punk is a class act, and a workhorse. Punk knows that the Rock will leave and go away back to Hollywood. But for 434 days straight, unheard of for a WWE Champion not named John Cena for quite some time. The last superstar to even come close to such a record (outside of John Cena's own record of 380 days) was Randy Savage back in February 1988 with a stretch of 371 days! John Cena and CM Punk are the only individuals in twenty-five years that have held the WWE title over a year's time. And at Elimination Chamber last year, CM Punk retained his title in the Chamber. CM Punk now walks into the Elimination Chamber PPV one-on-one with The Rock for a rematch from the Royal Rumble. Punk will lose. But, rumor has it that if, and only if, the Undertaker has the gumption to make it to Wrestlemania this year, CM Punk will have his opportunity to take on the Streak. Having the title for so long, having Paul Heyman draw so much heat, I see Punk going a long way into 2013.

Elimination Chamber is tomorrow. With comparisons between last year and this year, there are newer faces who have made a strong impact so early in their careers, and many have made a jump . If utilized the right way, the old will pass the torch to the new, and bring a new generation beyond the conservative era that Linda McMahon imposed on the WWE. 2013 is a new year. Let us hope that the Road to Wrestlemania leads the way to excitement!

Does the Deadman Arise for Wrestlemania?

The Undertaker
Courtesy of WWE

For a couple of months now, this has been the question posed among many fans and WWE personnel alike--Does The Undertaker make an appearance at Wrestlemania to defend the streak? The Undertaker is the oldest "active" (and I use that term loosely) wrestler on the WWE roster at 47, following Kane at 45. One may say that, "Well, Kane is very active for being 45 and he can definitely make it to Wrestlemania", but there are a lot of differences between both wrestlers' timeline in the WWE. The Undertaker has been in high profile matches, some very hazardous in his career (multiple Hell in a Cell matches, Last Rides, Caskets, etcetera). The Undertaker also began his career in 1984, eight years before Kane stepped foot into the squared circle, and was already main-eventing Wrestlemanias and holding World Championships before Kane made his debut. More so, Kane has allowed Daniel Bryan carry a ton of weight in tag matches to ease aging aches and pains. But this article isn't meant to dwell on the Undertaker's past; it is about the present, and ultimately, the future of the Dead Man.

Will the Undertaker make it this year to Wrestlemania 29?
Only he knows the answer to that.
Courtesy of the WWE

Triple H, Chief Operating Officer of the WWE and part-timer extraordinaire  stated that the WWE Universe has not seen the last of the Undertaker. This was a broad and general statement leaving many possibilities and outcomes open for interpretation. In what capacity will we see the Undertaker return? In a wheelchair? Joking aside, possible opponents thrown Undertaker's way have been Ryback, CM Punk, Brock Lesnar, and Triple H (repeat). Ultimately, the decision to face which wrestler is decided by Taker himself, and more importantly, will this wrestler end the streak? Will the streak even be put on the line at this Wrestlemania? And will this wrestler chosen be pushed into the stars and be revered as a legend or a fraud that the IWC will absolutely despise and tune out? Honestly, I don't think the WWE really cares what the IWC thinks, but they are interested in preserving the Undertaker's legacy and keep him around on a Legend's Contract with the best of intentions and keep him out of TNA territory. There has been several ideas as there are doubts of Undertaker's healthy return of having a tag-team match and allow Taker to keep his streak intact; keeping the streak alive by not bringing it into Wrestlemania as a contention; or having him avoid Wrestlemania altogether. It has been nearly thirteen years that the Dead Man has has a Wrestlemania off, since Wrestlemania 2000 (17), and it may be well deserved. On top of that, there hasn't been a build for any type of feud with the Undertaker, and it would be slightly rushed to start a feud with a superstar two months away from April 7th, and even so right after Elimination Chamber. If this is Taker's last ride (no pun intended), it should be big. Monumental. It should tell a story on the (possible) downfall of the Dead Man and pass the torch to a young superstar the correct way and not have it handed off to some main-eventer who is already established.

Mark Callaway, as the Undertaker outside the world of wrestling entertainment, has a healthy life from the ring. Married to former WWE Diva Michelle McCool with a baby girl, he is a real estate investor with business partner Scott Everhart. Taker is well established and with one or two years left in him within the business, Undertaker could retire very comfortably after a handsome payday from Vince and Wrestlemania. But again, the main question is; will he show? Rumor has it, he is training for the big one, but that is another vague statement. I believe that Taker should rest one more year to Wrestlemania 30, and take a Lesnar-esque schedule and pick one wrestler to start a feud with, and run with it all year, psycho-analyzing this rookie and and mentally picking him apart, piece by piece, until the big one where the young defeats the old.

I'm thinking Ziggy.

Justice Gathered In Black

The Shield from left to right; Reigns, Ambrose, and Rollins
Courtesy of the WWE

At the Elimination Chamber, The Shield (Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins) will be defending what they perceive as injustice versus the baby-face combination of Ryback, John Cena and Sheamus as their second official match up. Four months ago, The Shield has been showing up at random picking apart then-champion CM Punk's direct competition, and then spreading out to attack other faces within the WWE in an attempt to establish themselves and prove to be a dominant force, not unlike the Nexus. Many similarities are between the two heel factions, as the young Nexus developed from NXT, and so have the Shield. WWE has taken the NXT into a televised training ground for the up-and-comers, which is not a bad idea. It gives the viewer at home an insight on who the WWE is to groom, and bring to the main roster. However, back to the subject at hand, will The Shield be successful, and for how long?

With the Nexus, this was a rag-tag band of eight rookies who came within the WWE to wreck havoc with anyone in the locker room. Throughout their short two-month tenure, they were whittled down from disbanding, injuries, and dissection until CM Punk took over in December 2011. But I'm not talking about the New Nexus. I am making the comparisons between the Barrett-led Nexus to the Shield. Again, the original Nexus was short lived, and now with a four month and going status with The Shield, will this new faction from NXT work? Not many three-wrestler factions survived for a long run throughout the WWE, however there were a couple of mentions such as the nWo (with all of their incarnations), and Team Angle. The "three" in the stable is what leads to be the issue, however this may change with the new creative management shift. The Shield may be here to stay, maybe for a couple more months. Creative must have something for these guys to do, and they need to learn to effectively keep it switched up and compelling.

I always pitch for compelling storylines. It is what the WWE is lacking and has been for quite some time.

The Shield making their mark upon Rey Mysterio.
Courtesy of WWE

Ambrose, Reigns, and Rollins go into the Elimination Chamber against three of WWE's top faces as their second fight; the first was against Ryback, Kane, and Daniel Bryan. Cena and Sheamus, being former World champions, bring some legitimacy for a win to their team, and Ryback has been seething to get his hands on The Shield in a fair fight. And don't count out the rest of the WWE locker room who came out to keep the Shield in the ring while Cena, Sheamus, and Ryback took a page from the Shield and entered from all sides. Instead of a regular six-man tag team match, WWE should have booked it a Lumberjack match as the locker room emptied out and maintained some order. If, however, the Shield defeats their opposition clean, it will propel them as a legitimate threat and a serious force. I just don't see the WWE taking the Shield in that direction, not with the lumberjack match, and even with winning clean. Being a heel stable, I foresee a dirty win, if the Shield is given the win. With SuperCena being the "leader" of all this, I see the Five Moves of Doom to put away and bury the Shield. I see this, but I hope the Shield isn't given the ax so early in it's career.

Cena, Sheamus, and Ryback will be tested against the unity
of The Shield at the Elimination Chamber.
Courtesy of the WWE

Cena, Sheamus, and Ryback have nothing to lose if they don't pick up the win. Cena is already guaranteed a spot at Wrestlemania, and he is filling up his time while CM Punk slowly fades into another storyline of his own in order to face the Rock; Sheamus is filling in himself while he picks another opponent after Wrestlemania, and Ryback, well, he's stuck with the Shield until he ultimately wins, or is thrown into a mid-card championship with either Antonio Cesaro or Wade Barrett (whom are both busy, respectively). At this point in time, the WWE already has storylines lined up until Wrestlemania. The Shield will ultimately fall back and dissipate unless Creative gives them something to demolish and destroy every week. Unless...

Take the alliance with Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar. Heyman and Lesnar will lead the Shield to greatness.

All-American Similarities

Your Olympic Hero, Kurt Angle
Courtesy of WWE

There is only one individual within this writer's mind that embodies the world of professional wrestling more than Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle. Angle entered into the WWE (then World Wrestling Federation) with a decorated amateur background in professional wrestling in high school, Clarion University of Pennsylavnia, and being a two-time gold medalist, once in the World Wrestling Championships, and went further to wrestle in the 1996 Summer Olympics, suffering a neck injury with two fractured vertebrae and still winning the Gold medal.

Kurt Angle first experienced the world of wrestling entertainment as a guest commentator for Extreme Championship Wrestling in 1996. Being of an amateur background and well known already as an Olympic wrestler, Shane Douglas invited Angle to attend ECW's High Incident, but was highly shocked by the controversial ending to the Sandman's barbed wire "crucifixion" by ECW wrestler Raven.

Two years later, Kurt Angle went to sign on the WWE (then the World Wrestling Federation), marking his first match victory in April against Jerry Lawler's son, Brian Christopher, among several more throughout his tenure of the WWF/E. Kurt Angle made his mark as a new face and taking on the likes of Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H, Undertaker, and even the Rock for multiple championships throughout his career in the WWE.

Angle then went on, after his run as the "Wrestling Machine" in the newly formed "WWECW", to ask for his release from the WWE. Being such a workhouse as he was, Angle asked for his release as he was working hurt, sometimes at a severe limit. Angle also left to free up some payroll within the WWE being at the top of the budget list as top talent. Kurt had signed a deal with WWE's direct competition, Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling to limit his time in the ring and allow him to re-cooperate with a limited schedule. Since being with TNA in 2006, Kurt Angle has accomplished quite a bit, even becoming the WWE's fifth Grand Slam champion, the WWE's tenth Triple Crown champion, and TNA's second Triple Crown Champion.

But after all this, after everything that Kurt Angle has done, what more can one do with being so decorated? TNA is Kurt's current home, but should Kurt return to the WWE for one last run? This writer honestly believes that Kurt Angle could have one last successful run within the WWE, being appropriately paid, and make a showcase of his return. I believe that Kurt Angle is one of, if not the best versatile wrestlers in the business, and can continue to being so for quite some time. Returning to the WWE and giving the level of experience to the young wrestlers of today would really benefit both Angle and whoever he is working with, and give the newer generation the "Olympic" rub and shoot their star higher into main-event status. As it stands, there are several wrestlers who have been adapted one way or another, and there is one in particular that stands out in my mind--the "All-American American," Jack Swagger.

Jack Swagger has been seemingly been modeled after Angle and the "American" status quo.
Courtesy of the WWE

Swagger returning on his victory
against Kofi Kingston.
Courtesy of WWE

Swagger himself mirrors Angle's own beginning college amateur wrestling career, along with being a defensive tackle for the University of Oklahoma. Being the Head of Talent Relations at the time, and a fellow supporter of the Sooners, Jim Ross contacted Swagger and offered him a contract as the All-American. Swagger then adapted the use of Angle's ankle lock, branding it as his own "Patriot Act". Similarities between Swagger and Angle would eventually lead to an established college wrestling background, branded as an "American" Hero, and down to the ankle lock. When one really thinks down to the wire, the subject brings to mind, if Kurt Angle is not returning to the WWE, are they packaging Swagger as a tuned-down version of Angle? There isn't any ability to overcome lisps and weak promo spots, but if used with efficiency, Swagger could very well be the next "American Hero".

With Swagger re-emerging on SmackDown not even five days ago, he demanded to have a spot in the Elimination Chamber Pay-Per-View, and subsequently defeated Kofi Kingston. At this point in Swagger's career, an Elimination Chamber spot for the World Heavyweight Title, or even a face turn for the United States Championship against Antonio Cesaro. Who knows what will happen, but needless to say, with slight tweaking to his character, Swagger can be the new generation's Kurt Angle.

Only time will tell.

Stuck Between a Brock and a Hard Place

Today is Super Bowl Sunday. As a Californian, I should be expected to watch the game being as there is a Californian team (for those of you who live under a rock, the San Francisco 49ers), but I would much rather be engrossed in wrestling, because as football goes away for a couple months, wrestling entertainment will always be here, and I can always entertain you fine folks who read!

With that said, Brock Lensar has signed another deal with the WWE, lasting all the way through Wrestlemania 31. Rumor has is that the deal inked is similar to what he is currently signed up for, showing up sporadically throughout the next two years and being paid an exorbitant amount of cash for his appearances.

Just another part-timer.

Brock Lesnar has signed a new contract to last
all through Wrestlemania 31
Courtesy of WWE.

Take this with a grain of salt; sure, the WWE has other "part-timers" like The Rock (current WWE Champion), Chris Jericho, Triple H, and at the current rate, the Undertaker. Yet with the amount of money going out into Brock's pocket and the money going into the WWE on an individual basis, is the contract necessarily worth it? And secondly, with the amount of time Brock has invested in the organization with actually making appearances, is it really effective enough to be engrossed in Brock Lesnar, the character? Lesnar made less appearances than Pay Per Views last year, randomly picking fights with John Cena and then Triple H for not being the corporate "Yes Man" as Laurinaitis was at the time and allowing to let Lesnar run a muck within the WWE. Eventually, Brock broke the Game and "left" as the newly crowned "King of Kings" and Touting to the WWE Universe that he didn't need to be a part of the WWE any longer, and took his leave with Paul Heyman in tow.

However, Paul E. Dangerously came back a few months later in September with a new protege in mind; CM Punk. Heyman's alliance with then then-current WWE Champion propelled CM Punk into a chorus of boos and major heat, as Heyman himself, known over years of wrestling to be "the" bad guy from his days of ECW. Paul Heyman portrays a new level of extraordinary persona of the heel character, and instilled a partial of his own sans-credibility to Punk. CM Punk went on for a record of 434 days as champion, with three of those months with Paul Heyman at his side. Heyman even had newcomer Brad Maddox, and the fresh faced stable "The Shield" work under him to ensure Punk's continual reign as champion... and all these elements could have worked even longer, save for an intervention from Vince McMahon himself. All of these elements ooze heat by Paul Heyman, and he knows exactly how to work the crowd. This writer believes that Heyman himself is one of the better, if not the best, promoter-slash-booker. As Eric Bischoff stated as a title of his biography, "Controversy Creates Cash." Paul Heyman is the embodiment of it. Genius.

Paul Heyman "pleads" with Brock Lesnar last Monday night
to cease his attack on Vince McMahon
Courtesy of the WWE

But now, CM Punk lost the WWE Championship to Hollywood actor Dwayne Johnson. What else is there for Punk? And for that matter, where does Heyman go from here? The result? Punk gives The Rock an opportunity for a rematch (what a twist!), and Heyman has been transitioned ever so smoothly from Punk to Brock with a "vicious assault" to Vince. Always known to be a "Paul Heyman" guy, Brock comes back at the right time to restart a feud with Triple H (part-timer extraordinaire, future embedded via Hogan-esqe ability), with the F-5 to the Chairman. And looking deeper into the scheme of things, Vince McMahon "screwed" CM Punk (aligned with Heyman) out the title. Heyman calls upon the Next Big Thing to take care of things with Vince, which will then connect everything down to the Executive Son-in-Law, igniting a repeat of last year's Summerslam for Wrestlemania. Part-timers then go their separate ways and leave the scraps to the active mid-carders.

Granted, this build up (which we haven't seen something this monumental and drawn out for some time) leaves for good storytelling, and there are so many elements and angles brought into this. CM Punk, Brock Lesnar, Vince McMahon, The Shield, even possibilities for Cena, the Rock, Triple H, Vince McMahon, and many more. All of these wrestlers are tied in with this story one way or another.

Courtesy of the wrestlingtruth.com; WWE

And stuck in the middle of everything, is Paul Heyman.

A Division Divided; the Cruiser Paper Weight

WWE Crusierweight Championship, now lies within the WWE Vault
Courtesy of WWE.

Ladies and gentlemen... I am talking about the ill-fated Cruiserweight division, and the lack of a title thereof. As the (now-defunct) titles of the 220 pound limit have long been past, I will be mainly focusing on the "Cruiserweight" division of WCW to WWF/E. Understandably, the Light Heavyweight championship does have some merit within the World Wrestling Federation, but did not happen to originate and become officially recognized in the states until 1997.

So, what exactly happened to the Cruiserweight Division? This gave smaller sized individuals an opportunity to be revered in the spotlight and allowed to be given some relevance to a show's card nearly every night. The Cruiserweight title brought stars such as Chris Jericho (future six time heavyweight champion, first ever Undisputed Champion), Eddie Guerrero (another cruiserweight-turned heavyweight champion), Billy Kidman (seven time Cruiserweight champion), and Rey Misterio Jr. to be household names. And this is a very short list, but the Cruiserweight Division polished stars who had amounts of potential into what we know them of today.

What had happened to the Crusierweight Division went away with the last "relevant" champion; Chavo Guerrero. Guerrero would end up losing the title in a "Cruiserweight Open" at the Great American Bash (2007) to Hornswoggle, by a gross technicality! Granted, technicalities are very well versed and can be amazing when used in a proper sense, and Hornswoggle was in the right place at the right time with such a creative swerve. Now, if he was utilized the right way, Little Bastard could have been a legitimate champion, but the WWE has maintained Hornswoggle as nothing but a comedy act, year after year. He's nothing more than a valet assistant to The Great Khali and Natalya (another amazing potential buried within comedy). The Crusierweight Championship (and the division as a whole) became a mockery, and devalued what many previous champions had done for it over the sixteen years of its inception. It was defended and retained by use of comical usage of fire extinguishers, pies, interference by other superstars, and other lamed attempts to try and keep Hornswoggle as a consistent champion. Vickie Guerrero axed Hornswoggle, the belt, and the division soon after.

Brad Maddox would be a shining example
of what the Cruiserweights of today
could accomplish.

Is it time to retrieve the Cruiserweight Title from the WWE vault? It has been over five years since we've laid eyes on the mid-card gold, and there are more than enough contenders that would fair well within the Cruiserweight lines. As it has been said before countless of times, Evan Bourne would make an ideal Cruiserweight champion with his high-flying abilities, along with the likes of Epico and Primo, Justin Gabriel, and even newcomer Brad Maddox. Maddox could pull away from the Shield and make a shining example of himself as a qualified cruiserweight, face or heel. I'm thinking more along the lines as a "Paul Heyman" cruiser weight possibly for an interesting run. Maddox has proven himself to have charisma, the looks, the ability to cut a decent promo, and that he could have a positive run in the near future.

It is in the opinion of this writer that the Cruiserweight title should be brought back, and defended to give a meaning to these wrestlers who are stuck in kayfabe-limbo without any real purpose from the creative team at the WWE. With such prestige established from great cruiserweights of the past, opportunities cannot and should not be wasted.

It's Good For Business

It's good for business.

Understandably, this may be a little late (or early depending on how you take this to heart), but as an opening article coming off the heels of the Royal Rumble, it seems as if the stars are aligned to have Cena VS Rock II at Wrestlemania. A lot of individuals (particularly the IWC) are saying that Cena VS Rock was only supposed to be "Once in a Lifetime" and the WWE should not book this match again. I agree, from a fan's point of view. I also agree, from a business standpoint, this rakes in big money and will pay out for both men involved.

The Rock winning the WWE Championship from CM Punk.
Courtesy of World Wrestling Entertainment.

But what happens after Wrestlemania? The WWE Title will be on the line at this point, as the Rock currently holds it, and you know that he won't drop it so quickly at the Elimination Chamber, and regardless of who wins it, I want to know, that, if John Cena makes the score even and the Rock goes back to being Dwayne Johnson, what happens to the big numbers for the next couple of pay-per-views?

Quoted from "Wrestlezone"; WWE Releases RAW Success

Ever since WWE released their three-hour format, this past RAW has been their most successful, due to the media following the championship win of the Rock. It's good for business. Not only has this reached the "WWE Universe", but ESPN and other outlets have touched upon the win after ten years, and gave the WWE five MILLION total viewers. Regardless of whether or not the "RAW Roulette" torched the show in keeping interest, the Rock drew fans. Brock Lesnar draws fans. Jericho draws fans.

But again... what happens when the Rock goes away? What happens when Brock and the other part-times fade back away into pure obscurity and leave Cena, CM Punk, and the rest of the regulars to pick up the slack? Viewers will again tune out or change the station to something more compelling than what we have ben used to for the past year or so.

Back to the loyal three-million viewership that the WWE is used to, most likely. But, how can the WWE market hold onto these five million fans? Milk the Rock and the other "Attitude" superstars? Bring back part-timers once every couple of months and blow up ESPN and other entertainment outlets to survive?

I say otherwise. Work on the talent that is able to be utilized NOW!

The Attitude Era, based on the opinion of this writer, had
the edgiest and compelling story lines of the
past two decades

What makes the Rock, Brock Lesnar, Chris Jericho, Austin, and others from the Attitude Era compelling TV? The answer is simple. Compelling storylines and intriguing characters. Stars from the Attitude Era were all about amazing action, and were gripping to have the viewer turn in and watch. The Attitude Era allowed the viewer to watch an action movie for free in the comfort of their own home! And it served for good television, and characters that as an audience was disappointed to see disappear.

With all this said, I believe that the WWE should work on what they have now, and disperse several writers and workers upon the other available talent and make is COMPELLING. Take a page from the 90s and write a story that brings the viewer back. Granted, there were some great storylines from the 1980s, but it has been awhile since the mid 2000s that wrestling was, in a sense, "entertaining" to watch. Seems as when the WWF got the "F" out, the "E" went with the attitude.

Pass the torch to the next generation of today.





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