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Post by wildfire2099 on Feb 15, 2020 16:25:09 GMT -5
Remember when The Rockers won the Tag Team Championship from the Hart Foundation in late 1990? Sort of. They beat the Hart Foundation, but the decision was reversed (the official announcement was about the turnbuckles collapsing, thus creating an unfair environment for the teams). So it was wiped from the record books, although many magazines have covered it over the years including Raw Magazine. It was all very peculiar. I actually didn't find out about it until 2-3 years after it occurred - WWF publications certainly weren't going to mention it - but it was strange. I mean, if the turnbuckles are loose, neither team has an advantage. They are both wrestling equally, just like if (and I know this'd be impossible) two boxers lost a glove during a bout. Or two golfers both have flu. It was sad the Rockers didn't get an official reign. According to many magazines over time, Neidhart was about to leave the WWF, hence the title change, but somehow he stayed and the decision was made to return the belts to the Hart Foundation. If that is the reality, the kayfabe explanation is no less bizarre. Two teams wrestling in a ring with a loose turnbuckle is an equal working environment. The Rockers won, they should have remained champions. Anyway, to Cody (or anyone), has anything similar happened to this either in the WWF or other promotions? And if the "Neidhart was leaving but decided to stay" story is incorrect, please let me know! I have no idea why it happened, but I remember watching RAW in the late 2000s when Jericho had just come back and he beat HHH for the title, straight pin in the center of the ring, the Vince came on the jumbotron and said it wasn't REALLY a title match, even though it was, and Jericho just meekly gave back the belt... made me stop watching for a while. .
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Post by Deleted on Feb 17, 2020 10:41:58 GMT -5
I don't recall Hogan feuding with Hacksaw after this match (perhaps they had a bout during the nWo era). Hogan had feuded with Big Boss Man around 1988/89. They then fought again in WCW when Ray Traylor became Big Bubba Rogers. Tugboat turned heel many months after this contest, becoming Typhoon. Hogan and Typhoon had a singles match in late 1991, shown on Coliseum Video's Invasion 1992.
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Post by codystarbuck on Feb 18, 2020 20:19:06 GMT -5
So, NWA Power didn't air this week, to, instead, show the debut of The Circle Squared. This is a showcase for indie talent, with an NWA contract in the offering. It's basically Pop Idol/American Idol for pro wrestling, minus on-stage judges.
Billy Corgan announced this back in November; and, judging by the Christmas tree by the announce desk, it was taped with the December Power tapings.
This week features PJ & Luke Hawx vs Tyson Dean & Jeff Lewis Neal. PJ and Luke Hawx are a father and son tag-team (Luke's the father), ala Bob & Brad Armstrong or Johnny & Greg Valentine (though Greg was billed as Johnny's younger brother, rather than his son). They say they are the only father & son tag-team in wrestling, which gets qualified to active tag-team, before anyone brings up the Armstrongs, the Valentines, or Chavo Guerrero and Chavito. That adds an interesting dynamic to the team. Tyson Dean and Jeff Lewis Neal are a pair of generic power guys. They don't have the big contract steroid look, but do look like power lifters, in smaller packages.
Sean Mooney introduces the show and the concept, then we get podcaster voices covered by music that is mixed too loudly. brian Zane, of Wrestling with Wregret is there, as are other regular commentators on the NWA, including the British guy who sounds like everything is the greatest thing since his last dab of speed. One commentator of note is Brian Heffron, aka Blue Meanie, from ECW.
Kyle Davis opens the "live" bit, introducing the Hawx, who ar then given a chance to cut a promo. Generic stuff, "best in wrestling" yadda-yadda-yadda, and a recital of ABCs (something about ABC and XYZ). The father & son bit is mentioned, which gets a pop. Crowd was hot for anything; but, nothing of note is said here and it is strictly amateur stuff. Without an angle, they have nothing to say and they don't really introduce themselves as something special, other than the father & son angle. They try a catch phrase that has no real meaning. it's no Austin 3:16. They need a lot of work on promos, with someone experienced. Too bad Corny quit.
The Hawx family name is Hawxhurst and Luke (real name Oren), was born in 1981, which makes me feel really old, since he is the father. He was trained by Vic Grimes, of ECW fame, and worked XPW and various indies, with matches for TNA, ROH, and CZW, as well as try-outs for the WWE; but, no long term contract. he owns and operates Wildkat Sports, a training school and promotion, in new Orleans. He's also done some movie work, including Logan and fate of the Furious. he also worked as Altar-Boy Luke, though his real name, Oren, would sound more unique, if you ask me.
PJ is son Perry, who just went viral with a stupid stunt, at a sold show at a Louisiana mall, where he jumped off a balcony into the ring. It was a pretty long drop and could not only have badly injured himself but his opponent, who isn't exactly positioned to catch him.
Before the next team comes out, we get a surprise visit from Nikita Koloff, who name drops Uncle Ivan and Don Kernodle (and someone in the crowd shouts our Krusher Khrushchev, which makes Nikita pop) and then introduces Dean and Neal. They resemble one another, which solidifies the team look. Their promos are more generic nothing.
The match starts with PJ doing a few excellent amateur wrestling moves, though without that classic chain wrestling flow. He needs to learn how to do that kind of thing to make it look less stop & start. Dean & Neal hit power and impact moves, including a running lariat. nikita is on commentary and they compare it to his sickle, but it is closer to the Hart Foundation's finisher. PJ sells and tries for Ricky morton facials; but, looks too much like someone trying to do facials, rather than natural expressions (ala Morton). He finally gets the hot tag to Luke, who cleans house and they hit some double-team moves for the pin.
They then show taped commentary from the podcasters/Youtubers. This will then go to the website for a vote.
They announce the venue for the Crockett Cup as the Gateway center, in Atlanta, where the Atlanta Dream, of the WNBA play. It's a 5,000 seat venue, for basketball; not sure what capacity will be for wrestling. it just opened, back in November and the Crockett cup will be the first non-basketball or concert event. This will be the first test for the NWA as a draw, under its own name, on the strength of NWA Power. NWA 70 was co-promoted with Ring of Honor (as is this), as an anniversary show, with Jeff Jarrett doing a lot of work, in Nashville, and a lot of NWA legends. This will be on the strength of the current NWA and ROH.
Not overly impressed with this format. You need storylines to get people over and to give them content for a promo. Fans are likely vote for whoever is booked to win the match, which will probably indicate who Corrigan and Lagana like.
Not bad; but, I think this needs some retooling to make it more interesting and the performers need something more than generic promos and matches to mean something to an audience.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2020 12:23:37 GMT -5
Latest issue of WrestleTalk Magazine reports that AEW will be introducing a six-man tag team championship in 2021. Never been a fan of six-man championships, myself.
Does anyone know how AEW were able to trademark the "Bash at the Beach" name last year. Wouldn't the WWF have acquired that name when they bought WCW in 2001?
Finally, does anyone know if Impact does a highlights show? Despite my best efforts, I cannot find details of such a thing. If I find the name of it (presuming it exists), I can see if a network here airs it.
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Post by codystarbuck on Feb 22, 2020 0:46:44 GMT -5
Latest issue of WrestleTalk Magazine reports that AEW will be introducing a six-man tag team championship in 2021. Never been a fan of six-man championships, myself. Does anyone know how AEW were able to trademark the "Bash at the Beach" name last year. Wouldn't the WWF have acquired that name when they bought WCW in 2001? Finally, does anyone know if Impact does a highlights show? Despite my best efforts, I cannot find details of such a thing. If I find the name of it (presuming it exists), I can see if a network here airs it. Trademarks have to be continually used and renewed. If the WWE didn't renew it (and they haven't used it, to my memory), then it would lapse and someone else could file for a trademark for it. That's basically what happened the the name Captain Marvel. Now aware of anything other than the normal Impact show, It's on AXS and they can also be seen on Twitch. Wouldn't be surprised if they have a Youtube channel (who doesn't, anymore?) Doesn't sound like your are missing much.
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Post by codystarbuck on Feb 26, 2020 1:56:48 GMT -5
NWA Powerrr, Ep 19, "Strictly Business"
First off, I hate that name for the Horseman wannabes. That seems to be the stupid gimmick these days; the naming of factions. It used to be only heel stables had names; and even then that was more a manager's gimmick: The First Family (Jimmy Hart's goons), The Dynasty of Champions (Jim Cornette's early heels, as well as Percy Pringle III's stable), the Studd Stable (Ron Fuller's bunch), Devastation Incorporated (Skandor Ackbar's group of thugs) and such. The 4 Horseman were a unique bunch that came together by chance. Interview time was limited, so they had Flair, Tully and his manager, JJ Dillon, Arn & Ole (the National tag champs), all of whom had titles and all of who were the top heels. Arn made the comment about the last time such mayhem was brought together was the 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and a legend was born. Everything after has felt too manufactured and this has the stink f it.
Opening recap of Melina demanding her title shot, which is tonight, then pushing the Crockett Cup. Sean Mooney opens with the recap and the matches for the show: trevor Murdoch vs the Question Mark, Zickey Dice vs Matt Cross vs Ricky Starks, Melna vs Thunder Rosa. Eddie Kingston calls out Pope, and more with Marty Scurll and Nick Aldis.
Tim Storm is first, with Dave Marquez. He and Thom Latimer exchange words, then out comes manager Danny Deals (the schmuck from the Highspots ads), who has been Fake Mama Storm. he offers Storm a tag partner, but all Storm wants is Deals' pencil neck. Deals makes like Monty Hall (google him, youngsters) and offers two options, but Storm goes for option 3, where he kicks whoever he has to to choke Deals like a chicken. OuDeals cuts a promo about Storm's ex-tag partner, who he beat for the NWA title and out comes Jax Dane, a big meathead who never made it to the majors, with Ring of Honor being the pinnacle of his career (Impact Wrestling was the pinnacle to no one's career). They butt heads and stare down and they go to break.
Deals must be their attempt at a heel manager, with the old stip of if the babyface wins, he gets 5 minutes with the manager. I'm betting Deals is no Bobby Heenan and won't be bouncing around the ring like him (hell, I'm bettin Crony looks like Ricky Steamboat, compared to Danny Deals). Deals plays the annoying weasel well (probably not much of an act); but, he's not a classic promo. It's standard head games stuff, without anything unique, like a Jimmy Hart (Baby!) or Jim Cornette. Wrestling long ago lost the uniqueness of managers when they replaced them with valets. About the only decent manager to coe along in the 90s was Jim Mitchell, aka Sinister Minister aka James Vendeburgh. He was the last to really get the manager role.
Nikita Koloff ministry commercial for his Man Camp, with guest Lex Luger. You can spend 5 days doing manly things, like taking steroids and finding religion after you get busted with illegal steroids and drugs, after your girlfriend dies of a drug overdose. Look, I'm an atheist; but, I don't begrudge anyone their serious spiritual beliefs; but, this has the stink of a con. Iam curious of all the belts he held, why Nikita would hang onto the UWF TV title. I don't know; maybe they are sincere.
Matt Cross gets mic time. Pretty good fiery babyface promo, about being in a place where "wrestling" isn't a dirty word. Doesn't make him any taller; but, speaking as someone 5 ft 6 in, he pulls it off in the ring. He'd be a good opponent for Rey Mysterio.
They go to the ring for the 3-way. Out comes Zickey Dice, looking like the love child of Hustler Rip Rogers and Randy Hogan (a vague Hulk lookalike who was used in WCW, as a rib on the real Hogan and who now tries to con people into believing he won real titles and was related to Terry Bollea). Starks comes out and we are told that the tv title is not on the line, so no 6:05 time limit. Dice spends much of the match sliding out of the ring, then gyrating. He and Starks battle on the outside, then Cross does a tope suicida and nails them both. he throws Dice into the ring, who rolls out on the other side. Starks and Cross go at it and Dice sneals back in for quick pin attempts. The pair have to stand around while he gyrates, then they both kick him in his tattooed gut and throw him into the ropes for a double backdrop. Starks hits Cross with a kick to the gut and goes for his finisher; but Cross slips over Starks' back and does his slingshot diamond cutter on Starks. He then climbs to the top turnbuckle and hits the shooting star press (though Starks has to slide himself in position and lay there, then remembers to sell his gut. Dice hits cross and dumps him out of the ring and rolls up Starks to steal the win.
Good, quick match, though these guys are not veteran ring generals. Too many spots lack a logical flow into and out of them and no one really sells well. Starks sliding into position was painfully obvious. Dice's trunks really need to go. They are a pale yellow, with an image on the front (ie crotch) of his pink sunglasses and big nose, which gives a rather scrotal appearance to the thing, which is horrifying. Also, he demonstrates why he has been in the business 20 years and never worked for a major promotion. Purely an undercard guy who has stuck around the indies. Tim Storm is a veteran who came in at the wrong time and the business had changed too much, by the time he was seasoned, but nails it now. Dice is a gimmick that is way past its sell-by date. Starks and Cross are the future, Dice isn't even a nostalgia act.
May Valentine V-log crap. First off, I have seen drag queens with more subtle make-up. She has all the personality of a thorazine patient. I get the impression someone has seen Clueless; but missed the point. I know it is spoofing the Kardashians; but, it's neither funny nor edgy. It's what some old timer thinks is edgy. oh, right, Dave Lagana spent his time writing that kind of drek.
Aron Stevens out for some fun. Big "call and response" as Galli calls him out for running during his 2 title defenses as he says "No" and Galli and the crowd say "Yes." next thing you know, Stone Cold will come out and start going "What?", followed by Eli Drake yelling "Yeah!" I just want to hear "Kah-ra-tay!" Thankfully, QM does come out, for his match and delivers his only line. (I'm still amazed that the crowd isn't constantly calling out "Jocephus"; not sure if it is great or pathetic to be more over under a mask than as yourself).
Trevor Murdoch comes out and his chest is covered in bruises (probably from an earlier match with way too many chops). They lock up, trade some shots and Murdoch hits a few lariats. He goes for an elbow and QM ducks and he hits the turnbuckle. QM goes for the Mongrovian Spike and Trevor ducks and QM jams his fingers in the turnbuckle. Trevor climbs the turnbuckles (hindered by a tag rope) and hits the bulldog and gets the 3-count. Stevens sneaks in for the pearl harbor, after the bell and lays out Murdoch. QM comes to and helps stomp him, then Stevens delivers a nice series of back elbows to the side of the head, thow the camera is too close, catching the fact the they o past the head and his arm pushes against the side of the face. He then leaves the ring in triumph.
Nick Aldis out for an interview. Aldis starts by saying he is "Dressed like he's going to the Kentucky Derby because he is the ultimate thoroughbred in this business." Well, he has plenty of horse hormones coursing through his body. He cuts a pretty good promo, then calls out Marty, who is in attendance. Marty comes out, says "Let's do this right now!", takes off his jacket, shirt and jewelry, hits the ring and calls Aldis to step in. Aldis asks if he is sure he wants to do this and out comes Royce Isaacs. He says it again, then Thom Latimer shows up. he says it one more time, then Brody Kay, of Villain Enterprises, comes down the stairs from the balcony and hits the Wild Cards and then Aldis. Security and officials come out and separate them.
Excellent segment that helps build the PPV match, as ROX and Villain Enterprises return the favor of Aldis and Latimer attacking Marty at ROH.
One thing about Marty Scurll's "villain" gimmick. I think he is missing a really good angle to the personna. When he started it, it seemed like he was trying for an Alex delarge vibe (A Clockwork Orange), with a bit of steampunk/Victoriana penny dreadful villain. The bird mask and coat is drawn drawn from images of the Black Plague, where doctors wore bird masks. The top hat and great coat give it a Victorian penny dreadful villain look, like you expect him to face Adam Adamant (early British tv adventure hero, whose adventures were partially wiped) or Sherlock Holmes (or maybe Carnacki, or team up with Monsieur Zenith or face a rival Fantomah). It's a good look; but, he doesn't really bring that vibe, nor does he have the animal charisma of Malcolm McDowell. Where I think he is missing an opportunity is, given his accent, of not using British criminal slang, where a "villain" is a serious career criminal, hunted by "coppers" (the Old Bill_, like the Sweeney (the Flying Squad), who go "looking for a bit o' agro", who talk about "their manor," and who call people "my son," "Sunshine," and "Muppet!" Seriously, I think he should be thinking the Kray Brothers and really go for it, as it would be something new to American audiences. The look is great; but, I don't think the personality really matches it. Also, it's a bit odd that "The Villain" is the babyface of the feud, especially since he represents an outside organization. the problem of modern wrestling (dating back to the Monday Night Wars) is too many tweeners and not enough actual heels and babyfaces.
Promo about Circle Squared, followed by Eddie Kingston wanting a piece of Pope.Kingston tapes up his fist and calls out Pope, saying the Bouncers got rid of the Dawsons. Pope comes out, talks a while and says he is going to do what he wants to do. The Bouncer come out to back up Kingston and I can smell where this is going. AAAAaaannnnnd then the Bouncers attack (rather weakly, I might add) Kingston. Did I mention that Brian Malone looks like the love child of Big Daddy and Abdullah the Butcher? i did? Thought so.....They fight in the ring They lay out Kingston, as Malone hits a leg drop on Kingston, who was held by Beer City Bruiser. the, it gets really terrifying, as Malone takes off his tent....jersey, revealing the biggest pair of boobs of anyone on the show (without silicone, I might add).
Recap of Melina taking credit for Thunder Rosa's title win and then calling for the match. I have to admit, Melina's promo at the end of her previous match was the best one she has done since debuting here. That said, her matches aren't much and she spends more time doing bad forearms to the head which don't look like they connect and her one leg drop move isn't that impressive. Thunder is going to have to carry this match.
NWA merch promo, which now includes a Power fanny pack. Okay, retro show is one thing, fanny packs are another. What's next; NWA Zubaz?
Sean Mooney pitches the Crockett Cup and announces the Rock N Roll Express as the first entrants, after summarizing Aldis & Marty Scurll. They show old footage of ricky & Robert, from Houston, wearing the Mid-South tag-team title belts. he then announces next episode's title matches: Zicky Dice vs Ricky Starks, for the tv title, and the Bouncers vs Drake and (James) Storm, for the tag titles.
Women's title match. A hooker comes out....whoops, that's Melina. He ring attire confused me. I swear I used to see that look outside the main gate at the Naval Station Charleston. Thunder Rosa comes out to huge cheers and chants of her name. She appears to be cosplaying a Power Ranger. (minus the helmet) Melina jabbers something inaudible and TR is ready to fight. She says something about "Why am I being disrespectful? Come on "legend", let's see what ya got!" Melina rolls out of the ring. % minutes to go; doubt we are getting much of a fight. Melina walks up the stairs to the balcony, pointing at her head and is counted out. Smells like Lagana's idea of a f@#$-finish.
Allysin Kay comes down from the top and herds Melina back towards the ring (also dressed like the ladies outside the main gate at Naval Station Charleston) She gets one of those weak forearms to the head and rolls Melina in the ring, hops in and tells her to get up. Kamille sneaks in the ring and spears her. Thunder Rosa steps into the ring and stares at Kamille, smiles, then backs out.
The spear would look more effective if Kamille actually was built like Chyna or something. She's at the taller end of the women, though that's pretty relative, as TR looks to be about 5'3" or 5'4" and Allysin and Melina aren't taller than 5'8". Kamille may be 5'9" and looks taller in her heels (she was in ring boots); but, not that physically imposing.
Good show; but they continue to have problems in the details. Danny Deals, as a manager, is pretty low bar. Jax Dane is another who never got anywhere; so, unless you followed the indies rigorously, nobody cares. it's up to them to make us want to see it. The staredown was the only part that really worked well. Hopefully, we don't have to wait forever to see Deals take an ass-whoopin'
3-way was too short to have much substance. Just a set up to further Dice vs Starks. I suspect fans (not just me) would rather see more Matt Cross and Ricky Starks. Nice win for Trevor Murdoch and a good ambush by Stevens. he's one of the few heels to really get heat and is entertaining, at the same time.
Aldis and Marty Scurll was great. Kingston and Pop was fine; but, Kingston is nothing special in the ring and the Bouncers are more beef than anything. Them vs Drake & Storm could be interesting, though.
Women's match angle was bad. It was set up with bad booking and then blown off to set up Kamille. They really don't know how to book a face turn. Thunder is getting cheers; so, "Voila!" she's a babyface! Work on the story logic and take the audience through a story; not just an ADD episode. Modern booking has no attention span.
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Post by codystarbuck on Feb 29, 2020 22:59:25 GMT -5
Old school heels Rip "The Crippler" Oliver and "Killer" Tim Brooks are both in hospice care right now. (Rip Oliver, in Portland) (Tim Brooks, with PWI editor Bill Apter) Oliver worked primarily in Portland, for promoter Don Owens, as well as Vancouver, for Gene Kiniski and Al Tomko (Portland talent was often booked for Vancouver shows). He did work in Dallas, in the mid-80s, where he won the tv title, from Gino Hernandez. He spent a little time working in the WWF as undercard talent, putting other people over. He was a multi-time Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Champion, feuding with the likes of PLayboy Buddy Rose, Roddy Piper, a young Curt Hennig, Rocky Johnson and Billy Jack Haynes. Brooks main stomping ground was in Texas, but he also worked Puerto Rico, Georgia, Portland and Stampede. In Georgia, he was part of an angle where he defeated Paul Orndorff for the National title, then sold the belt to Larry Zbyszko, for $20K. The sale was voided by NWA President Bob Geigel (the Kansas City promoter) and put up in a tournament, which Zbyszko won, before switching it with Mr Wrestling II and then Brett Sawyer (Mad Dog Buzz Sawyer's legit younger brother). Brooks went from there to working for Joe Blanchard, in San Antonio, where he held the Southwest Heavyweight Championship. He also wrestled for the Von Erichs in Dallas and the Funks in Amarillo. He held the Pacific Northwest tag titles with Roddy Piper and was Stampede's North American Champion, in 1977, before dropping the belt to Dan Kroffat. In Puerto Rico he had feuds with hercules Ayala, Miguel Perez and (with tag partner Eric Embry) Marc & Chris Youngblood. He started his own school and promotion, in Ft Worth, in 1990 and retired from the ring, in 1997, while still running the school and promoting shows. Among his students was WWE wrestler Keith Lee.
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Post by codystarbuck on Mar 4, 2020 14:06:34 GMT -5
NWA Powerrr Ep20, "Stand & Defend"
Recap of last week's non-women's match and Kamille spearing Allysin Kay. Sean Mooney pushes the PPV and previews tonight's matches.
Zicky Dice vs Ricky Starks, for the TV title. 6:05 time limit, Dice starts out screwing around with the crowd and the stupid fanny pack. Mostly Starks on offense, early, then Dice catches him and tries to bend Starks around the ring post, then a baseball slide kick. He starts doing Boddydonna jumping jacks. he did this earlier, then pushups and Starks dropped down to do push ups, mocking him. gets Starks into the ropes and tries a northern lights suplex, but Starks hangs on the ropes, reverses, tries a tornado DDT but Dice screws up his end of things. Starks then does a Michinoku Driver and a pin attempt that gets 2. Starks throws him into the corner, but Dice reverses and hits Starks in the corner, then more tomfoolery. Then a stupid spot where Dice picks up the fanny pack, like its loaded, then tosses it to Starks and yels to the ref that he stole it. Starks mocks him, tosses it to the ref who tosses it aside. Dice tries a neckbreaker and hits; but Starks foot under the ropes. Starks tries his Stroke (Pedigree) and Dice backdrops him. Starks hangs on to try for the Sunset Flip and Dice drops on his shoulders, hooks the legs and gets the pin. DICE IS THE NEW TV CHAMPION!
Dicce spends a lot of time doing stupid stuff, with little real psychology, other than to be the clueless, cocky heel. Starks so outclasses him we have to wonder why they wasted a title change on Dice. There is nowhere to go with Dice, except drop the title. he isn't young, is mostly annoying and not in an entertaining way, like Aron Stevens. For me, it is more "Get off my monitor" heat. The 80s retro thing doesn't really work, even in that setting. My hope is Starks regains quickly. This is a problem here, as we are already showing short attention spans with titles (except the world title).
Dice goes to cut a boring promo and is chased off by Thom Latimer, who calls out Joe Galli and orders him over to the interview podium. he threatens him and then says Kamille will speak next week (2 weeks actually, as Powerr doesn't air until the 17th). He threatens to slap Galli, at one point. Latimer could be a big deal if there was real content to his promos. his delivery is great and unique, he has the size; but, there isn't much content there and his wrestling isn't very imaginative. Lots of power and impact stuff, little technical stuff or unique moves. nothing to really set him apart from the various other generic guys of similar size. You can see why he was let go by the WWE.
They waste time with a World title press conference, with no reporters (even fake ones) and Marty Scurll and Aldis deliver promos. Nothing bad about the promos; but, the empty arena looks bushleague, without some fake reporters. Aldis talks about wanting to do sports presentation, with"big fight" feel; but, this isn't it.
Ad to order your own Mongrovian flag, with Question Mark in his Game of Death jumpsuit, while some southerner in a "Kill "em All, Let God Sort "Em Out" t-shirt works a ventriloquist dummy, in the QM costume. Weird.
Recap of Aron Stevens ambushing Trevor Murdoch, after he beat QM. Stevens and QM come out and challenge the Rock N Roll Express. He says he will put them in one of his movies, if they "do business." Morton is greatly amused and plays with it and says let's have a match next week (2 weeks) and "do business", with an exaggerated wink. Morton acted like he was trying not to completely crack up. Fun segment which was the main entertainment for the episode.
More recaps of Kamille
"Last Chance" match, between the Dawsons and Caleb Konley & CW Anderson. They used to call this a "Loser Leaves Town" match. Someone got signed elsewhere. Loser's contract will expire. Dawsons on heavy offense; but, Konley gets some good shots in. No psychology, though, just high spot after high spot. Anderson hits some power moves; but, the Dawsons work as a team and pretty much dominate. So, of course, they lose. They toss Dave Dawson out of the ring, Zane hits Konley and throws him into the ropes, he ducks and does a suicida onto Dave, outside. Anderson gets a spinebuster on Dave, Konley does a springboard moonsault and Anderson rolls him up for the pin. Kind of figured that the Dawsons would be the likely team to get a bigger gig. Anderson has been around since the dying days of ECW and never really made it anywhere, despite turns in ECW and TNA. Konley is another indie guy. Match was "tornado" rules, meaning Texas Tornado, where both guys can jump in and out at will.
Sorry to see the Dawsons go, as they were one of the better teams in the group. Decent promos. They need better gear, though.
Taped Sean Mooney explains about next week, as there will be two episodes of Circle Squared (indie guys trying for a contract) and then Powerrr will be Super Powerrr on the 17th, though that is left a bit vague. Matches are announced of Villain Enterprises vs Aldis and Latimer, Rock N Roll vs Stevens and QM, Tim Storm vs Jax Dane, with 5 minutes with Danny Deals, if he wins. Update on who Thunder Rosa will face at the PPV and Kamille to speak and make her ring debut.
Mae Valentine and Sal Rinauro out to waste time. he's her Best Friend Forever. Royce Isaacs comes out and attacks Rinauro, holding his good hand on the ring steps, threatening to stomp it, while Mae pleads to stop. He eventually lets him up and Rinauro leaves with Valentine. This is WCW bad.
Finale sees Pope with the Bouncers, take on Drake & James Storm for the tag titles, with Eddie Kingston in their corner. Kingston just stares death at Pope for the entire match. Pope cuts a generic promo before the match. He really never says anything memorable in these things, just does a loud, animated promo, talking about making things happen. Once is fine, week after week of the same thing gets old. He's another that the WWE dumped and still didn't become a star at TNA. definitely a mid-carder. Nothing wrong with that, as you need a good program, top to bottom; but, not exactly great in a manager role. You need someone memorable in that kind of role. Bouncers talk and reveal why they have a mouthpiece.
Match gets under way with the champs bumping for Milonas, though they do call him fat boy. He then drops the straps of his tank top to horrify everyone with his flab. They get shots on Beer City Brawler; but, champs still mostly bumping. Finally start turning things around and execute a double bodyslam on Milonas. rake does his Rock imitation and goes for the non-People's elbow (he jumps in the air, instead of the exaggerated fall) and Bruiser tries an intercept, walking into a Storm super-kick, then Drake hits the elbow drop on him for the pin. Kingston goes into the ring, draws a line and challenges Pope to step in. he teases it, then walks off and the show ends.
Meh. Stevens was entertaining as always. Most of the matches had little booking logic in them. Main event was a decent match as the champs sold like crazy, then pulled out the win. The quality of the show seems down from the original tapings, with too many WCW/TNA segments, rather than classic NWA. Nothing much on promos. This felt like filler. Starks losing is pointless, except to try to elevate Dice. Unlike Tim Storm, he isn't a guy who never got a chance with the big leagues and it was their loss. Dice is a gimmick; Storm pops the crowd and delivers on the mic and in the ring. He was a man in search of an opportunity and took it.
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Post by codystarbuck on Mar 6, 2020 9:05:24 GMT -5
Rip Oliver has passed away. He worked several places; but Portland was his home.
Here's a match with Oliver, teaming with Ric Flair, against Roddy Piper and Billy Jack Haynes...
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Post by Deleted on Mar 9, 2020 9:06:15 GMT -5
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Post by codystarbuck on Mar 9, 2020 13:34:50 GMT -5
Well, this is hardly a news story, to anyone who has been around wrestling for more than 10 years and for anyone who followed Bob Remus' career, before the WWF. It was pretty common to have military gimmicks in old school wrestling. Like cowboys, or evil Arabs or Commies, it was a quick visual shorthand to a character. Bob remus was trained in Verne Gagne's wrestling camp, in Minnesota, and wrestled under his own name and under a mask, as one of the Super Destroyers (Mark II, I believe). He started doing the Sgt Slaughter thing later, particularly in the Carolinas, and he played an evil drill instructor type. It worked wonderfully and got tremendous heat, even in real military towns, like Fayetteville, NC, home of US Army Airborne and the John F Kennedy Special Warfare Center (aka the home of the Green Berets). Remus was paying a character type and fans ate it up. I don't have a problem with that. Where it became a problem is when wrestling went national.
Remus had worked in the WWF before, with Bob Backlund, as a heel. He was part of the regular cycle of villains being fed to the champ in the rotation of cities and the big match in Madison Square Garden. He went back to the Carolinas, then back to the WWF, under Vince Jr. he was still a heel, until they did the staredown with the Iron Sheik, which led to their boot camp match and Slaughter turning babyface. That, in turn led to an endorsement deal with Hasbro and the GI Joe toy line. That was big publicity for the character and even carried over into both the comics and cartoons, as Slaughter became a real character. He was still doing the deal when he went to the AWA.
We all know about the Persian Gulf War turncoat thing, with Slaughter as a heel, which was a huge failure. Wrestlemania was originally to be held at the LA Colosseum; but, they switched venue due to very poor advance sales (not because of terrorist threats; that was a PR smokescreen).
I don't have a problem with Slaughter alluding to military service as part of the gimmick. Joe Scarpa was Italian and played Chief Jay Strongbow. That was a bit more insulting. Slaughter spoke in general terms, never that he was involved in specific battles, unlike Jesse Ventura, who claimed to have been a Navy SEAL and to have served in Vietnam. Ventura was in UDT, which was different (though they were redesignated as SEALs, later) and neevr served in Vietnam, with the Philippines being his farthest deployment from the US. I have a major problem with Manny Fernandez claiming to have served in Vietnam and having played in the NFL, neither of which is true.
I do have a problem with Remus trying to make it sound like he served in the Marine Corps, in modern, mainstream interviews. It's too easy to disprove and is insulting to those who did serve. Just admit you played a character ad that you deeply respect real Marines and no one will make a big deal about it. But, he still makes allusions to having served, to people who don't do their research. It's not hard to track down if someone really did sere in the military. People have looked in past and found no evidence of Robert Remus serving in any branch of the armed forces.
There are legit military veterans in pro wrestling: Dutch Mantell, Bob Armstrong, Bryan "Road Dogg" Armstrong, Crimson and others. Most don't use it as a gimmick, though will use it in an angle. The difference is using it as a gimmick within wrestling and claiming the gimmick in real life.
For the most part, I have only read and heard Remus make allusions to having served and never claiming to have one medals or served in combat. To me, that is stolen valor. Bixenspan is looking for a headline and is pushing the definition to build up his case. Slaughter is a bigger target than Manny Fernandez, who never made it on the big stage, apart from a stint with Crockett, when he first got the TBS show. I would classify Fernandez as stolen valor, as it is part of his pattern of cons. Slaughter is one who lives his gimmick and won't recognize that kayfabe is dead. Meanwhile, he has done charitable things in support of military charities and things like Toys for Tots. I cut him some slack for that and the Marines know his real past.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 9, 2020 15:30:21 GMT -5
Thanks for your input, Cody. I agree.
Wrestling is a strange business. I think Jim Cornette said something like, "Wrestling is neither fish nor fowl." I know they're presenting a certain image - even moreso during the Federation Era - but how far do they go? Kayfabe is dead, of course.
I remember reading about Manny Fernandez. Has anyone ever been bold enough to ask him about that during a shoot interview?
Didn't actor Brian Dennehy embellish his military service in either Korea or Vietnam?
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Post by codystarbuck on Mar 9, 2020 23:52:17 GMT -5
Thanks for your input, Cody. I agree. Wrestling is a strange business. I think Jim Cornette said something like, "Wrestling is neither fish nor fowl." I know they're presenting a certain image - even moreso during the Federation Era - but how far do they go? Kayfabe is dead, of course. I remember reading about Manny Fernandez. Has anyone ever been bold enough to ask him about that during a shoot interview? Didn't actor Brian Dennehy embellish his military service in either Korea or Vietnam? Many has done a couple of shoots; but neither challenged him on it. He has pulled all kinds of cons, including strongarming his way onto indie shows. He's not particularly well liked or respected by the boys, though he was a good territorial talent, in his day. Rick Rude was teamed with him in the Carolinas to get some experience and it helped him quite a bit. Don't know about Dennehy. Ronald Reagan, at one point in his presidency, talked to German Chancellor Helmut Kohl like he had actually fought in the war. It sounded like his dementia (there is strong evidence that he was suffering from alzheimers or dementia during his presidency and should have been removed from office) rather than an outright lie, with him confusing one of his movies with reality. reagan did serve in the Army, but stateside, doing propaganda stuff in Hollywood. One time Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jeremy Boorda committed suicide after a media investigation revealed he had worn "V" for Valor devices on a Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal and on a Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal. These are only awarded for a specific act of valor and he was not authorized to display them. It is believed that it was an honest error, rather than a deliberate deception; but, there were harsh words from veterans, at the time and he shot himself, in 1996. I busted a guy on the IMDB message boards, who would go onto boards for military movies and claimed to have been everything from a Navy SEAL, to a Navy Pilot, to an Army helicopter pilot. He posted some BS on the Officer and a Gentleman board and I called him out on it, pointed out the errors in his statements, the improbability of his alleged career, his posts on other boards and threw a series of questions at him that any member of the US Navy could answer. He didn't respond and disappeared. Dutch mantell legit served in the US Army's 25th Infantry Division and did at least one tour of Vietnam. Bob Armstrong served in the US Marine Corps and was posted to Korea (though I don't think it was during the Korean War). His son Bryan (aka Road Dogg) also served in the Marines, during Operation Desert Storm (aka The first Persian Gulf War). he once appeared on the USA Knoxville show in his Marine uniform and was interviewed. Ranger Ross had been a legit airborne and Army Ranger and did serve during the invasion of Grenada Operation Urgent Fury), though that was embellished to him being first "out the door," in an airborne drop on the island. Verne Gagne was with the Underwater Demolition Teams, in the later part of WW2 and returned to college after the war. Jesse Ventura was UDT in the Vietnam era, but did not serve in combat, nor in Vietnam. UDT was later folded into the SEALs, which is how he claims to have been a SEAL. UDT was different: they did beach surveys in advance of landings, cleared obstacles, conducted reconnaissance, and similar duties. They did not carry out combat patrols or special warfare missions, like the SEALs or Army Special Forces. NWA wrestler Crimson served in the US Army and did 2 tours of Iraq, with the 101st Airborne. A lot of wrestlers from the 40s and 50s served in the military, during WW2. Lou Thesz was drafted in 1944, despite legit injuries and trained as a medic and gave training to medics in hand-to-hand combat. Stu Hart served in the Canadian Navy, as an athletic director and fitness instructor, organizing sporting teams and putting on wrestling demonstrations for entertainment and fundraising purposes.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 10, 2020 7:47:27 GMT -5
I wonder, does the WWF have any plans for the Undertaker at this year's Survivor Series? It'll be the 30th anniversary (wow!) of his debut.
I know Ted DiBiase can't wrestle, but it'd be cool if DiBiase, Undertaker, Greg Valentine and Honky Tonk Man could form an alliance at the PPV battling a team of younger wrestlers. DiBiase could be the corner man while Taker, Valentine and HTM could battle some Raw or SmackDown competitors.
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Post by codystarbuck on Mar 10, 2020 12:49:12 GMT -5
I wonder, does the WWF have any plans for the Undertaker at this year's Survivor Series? It'll be the 30th anniversary (wow!) of his debut. I know Ted DiBiase can't wrestle, but it'd be cool if DiBiase, Undertaker, Greg Valentine and Honky Tonk Man could form an alliance at the PPV battling a team of younger wrestlers. DiBiase could be the corner man while Taker, Valentine and HTM could battle some Raw or SmackDown competitors. Undertaker, I wouldn't be surprised; Dibiase they won't go near. He is under investigation for fraudulent welfare grants from the state of Mississippi, organized by his son, who was working in a state office. His son Brett is under indictment for embezzlement, though no charges have been brought against Ted or his ministry, which received over $2 million in state welfare funds. So, yeah, even with Vince's personal moral swamps, he's not going anywhere near DiBiase, in the near future.
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