---

 

THE GREAT WHITE DOPE

 

 

We've all been really wrapped up in this whole CM Punk, John Cena, Vince McMahon thing for awhile now. Hell, we've had our eyes squarely set on the WWE for a month without really caring about other companies. During this fantastic time, last Sunday to be precise, TNA did something they haven't done in MONTHS. They put on a PPV that was worth watching. What? Amazed? Confused? What PPV was it? Destination X. They focused on their X-division. Turns out the X-division can put on a pretty good show. Who knew? It's almost like people would rather watch these guys try to put on the best show possible instead of multiple 20+ minute talking segments between people who hit their peak of popularity in the mid-90s. Luckily if TNA knows how to do one thing, have a few hiccups during a pretty great PPV.

We also revisit another topic from last week's Hot Threads in which we discuss the great, not by TNA standards though, Samoa Joe. Since, you know, one of the most over guys in the company lost the curtain-jerker at an all X-division PPV.

 

Average

* AJ Styles vs. Christopher Daniels
* Rob Van Dam vs. Jerry Lynn
* X-Division Title Match: Abyss © vs. Kendrick
* For An Impact Wrestling Contract: Low Ki vs. Jack Evans vs. Zema Ion vs. Austin Aries
* #1 Contenders Ultimate X Match: Shannon Moore vs. Robbie E vs. Amazing Red vs. Alex Shelley
* Samoa Joe vs. Kazarian
* Douglas Williams' Open Challenge

I'm most interested in Dougie's challenger, and what happens with the contract 3 way. Quite honestly I'd like to see more than one of the twelve original competitors get signed. Surprise appearance by Jay Lethal v Williams would be pretty cool too.

 

Aaron Wood

You know, despite the fact that this show is gonna be buried by the likes of Bischoff, Hogan and Russo and that it's more off an inconvenience to those in charge of TNA than any sort of fresh start of the X Divison coming to prominence, I really do like the look of the card, so I may well be watching on whatever day it airs here. Tuesday or Wednesday.

 

Average

It can't be any worse than that ECW revival attempt.

And really, if it's such an inconvenience why bother? (rhetorical question for Hogan and co., not a smartass remark to Mister Wood.)

I read the open challenger is "making their U.S. big show debut" not that they are making their US debut, maybe it's someone from RoH? But I got it c/p and not from the horses mouth, so I could very well be mistaken.

 

Aaron Wood

PWI is reporting that rather than my thought about Williams's opponent being a AAA guy, it is going to be another Brit by the name of Mark Haskins. He's worked in Dragon Gate alongside PAC, and if memory serves, he was used on TNA's UK tour back in January on at least one date, if not all of them.

 

Average

Hey let's showcase the XD and have the first match end with a roll up. Seriously, a f-ing roll up?

Another fluke win?!? What is going on?

 

TheGreenTeabagger

I'm going to take a guess.

TNA doesn't give two shits about this and is just a cash grab.

 

TXL

I saw most of the show, and I thought it was pretty good. I won't spoil anything for you, but they did a good job of trying to differentiate the matches, because an all X show could get very repetitive. I'll be interested to hear what you think.

 

Aaron Wood

Looks like this was a kind of marmite show. People either loved or really rather disliked it. Certainly the F4W coverage didn't exactly instill me with "hope". Looks like stuff I want to see and then some bullshit.

I had thought Kendrick might win, and to be honest, I could have called the booking of it perfectly. Because that is how you book someone to win a title that does literally nothing for them or the title they're winning.

 

Mike Johns

In the X-Contract Match now. Just saw some really solid wrestling the past two matches, and the show's picking up. As is TNA's penchant, though, I'm expecting things to fall sharp in the last two matches.

But, at the moment, it's a show worth checking out.

 

The Chosen 1

Imagine that... a show that focuses on the X-division is enjoyable to watch... maybe TNA will reali-- oh look they're all fired.

I don't care how good the show is, if they're resting the entire future of the X-division on the success of this one show then I just don't understand how there's not an uprising by SOMEBODY.

 

Average

Watch them all get fired and after 6 months of ratings falls they are offered contracts again...

...but they hold out for higher wages.

The way I saw it... that commentary was no good, they were way to monotone (or something) compared to the action in the ring. I didn't like how they constantly spoke of the past and "so much history" instead of calling the action, either. The RVD Jerry Lynn match took way too long to get going, but Jerry has back problems still from what I gather, ok fair enough. I didn't like the fluky wins for the first two matches and I wish that the Champs match closed the show. Everything else I thought was good, especially the 4 way for the contract, the Kendrick win and even the unadvertised tag match.

 

JohnnyCraze

Didn't see the show but heard it was good. I wanted to see Daniels/Styles dammit. Joe lost again??

 

            TheGreenTeabagger

            TNA sees nothing in Samoa Joe.

Frankly, YOU have a better chance of getting a decent push in TNA than Joe does at this point.

 

Mike Johns

Some of the show is worth buying, the Abyss/Kendrick finish was abominable, and TNA sees absolutely nothing in Joe. They're just being more obvious about it now than in 2007.

 

            Anthony.Analog

            So why shovel 100k (his salary level reportedly) at him then? Why not let him disappear back to ROH or New Japan (an MVP/Joe feud would be EPIC btw!!!!!!!)???

 

                        JamesBullock

                        The same reason they kept Shark Boy, Orlando Jordan, and several others on the roster for months on end, but never used them on TV before releasing them. I know it's on a much smaller scale than Joe in terms of money, but if they have a guarenteed low-end payment plan (a situation where they pay wrestlers on pay roll the lowest amount of money if they're injuried or not being used), think about how much money they pissed down the drain. And if people don't believe Mike Johns, myself, or anyone else who believes the powers that be don't believe in Joe, let Joe tell you himself.

 

To anyone who finds video similar to the one JB recently posted of Samoa Joe, please send a link along to Mike Johns, for potential use in future editions of Maverick Radio.

 

xArsenicKissx

I suffered major burn out by the end of it all. I tried to stay interested, and there were several enjoyable spots, but not enough to eclipse memories of when the X Division mattered.

 

Our TNA News section is kind of schizophrenic. The news that comes out of that company goes from one piece of information to another so quickly we just really have no way to make it flow smoothly. So here we go...

 

Hot TNA News: Generation Done, No More Mayo for Orlando, More Joe, Kid Kash gets some Kash, Double J Wins a new title, AAA Invasion, and MORE!

 

Aaron Wood

Generation Me are Generation Done.

Matt Jackson has tweeted that they asked for and got their release last night, noting that The Young Bucks are taking bookings.

 

            ZAH

            I read that and laughed.

They apparently felt "unappreciated" by TNA. They're two scrawny spot-monkeys who couldn't wrestle their way out of a paper bag.

Good luck, kids. Enjoy the indies.

 

                        Mike Johns

                        There's always an undercard spot on the Sapolsky show. Putting over guys who actually bothered to learn ring psychology.

You know... what you were doing before TNA signed you.

On the plus, at least now, I don't have to worry about hearing them talk.

As for OJ... I figured this was coming. Might be better off for it. Unlike some folks, the guy actually knows how to work.

Aaron Wood

F4W is also reporting that TNA have released Orlando Jordan.

 

            ZAH

            I could be crazy, but his "I'm REALLY gay" gimmick could be the new-age Razor Ramon if given the right treatment.

Of course, knowing WWE's run-ins with GLAAD as of late, I don't see it happening with them any time soon...which limits his options quite a bit.

 

James Bullock

I actually feel sorry for OJ. The beginning of the Hogan era brought too many old, over the hill acts. Orlando was a guy who actually could wrestle, had a recognizable face, and brought a new gimmick with him that could've been more controversial and meaningful if they didn't neuter him by sticking him in a comedy team with Eric Young. If WWE didn't piss off GLAAD for every little thing, I'd love for WWE to give him and the gimmick a chance. Shoot, do it just to piss off GLAAD, then call them out for not accepting a flamboyantly, almost uncomfortable bi-sexual character.

 

James Bullock

I think TNA really torpedoed Orlando's career. His biggest issue was that people had preconceived notions about him from past rumors. By playing the character the way he did, it almost validated a lot of what people said about him. I've told him this too. Had the gimmick played out in full and had a chance to get over, it might have done some good. But by taking a segment of his life that a very small portion of the audience knew about (he had never played a gay or bisexual character on TV), it just solidified false thoughts smarks had and alienated those who had no idea about it.

He was on a real upswing with the Warrior stuff too. Leave it to TNA to exploit someone's personal life and then not even get him over with it. Had they just let him be Orlando Jordan - he would have been fine. His initial introduction to the company (face to face with Elijah Burke on the January 4th live Impact) had potential. Had they left his character alone, it would have been fine.

 

Squirrelz!!!

Wwe should sign orlando jordan for the fact that they need new talent
In a bad way... Screw GLAAD and improve your product

 

            TheGreenTeabagger

            They'd probably get pissed off if they didn't put a title on him or the first time Cena pins him

 

JohnnyCraze

Orlando Jordan was getting annoying and his gimmick was going nowhere. Why does Eric Young still have a job?

 

            Anthony.Analog

            Because he hasn't "asked for a release yet"?

 

JohnnyCraze

Orlando Jordan was getting annoying and his gimmick was going nowhere. Why does Eric Young still have a job?

 

            T-Dog

            "Getting annoying"? Do you sniff glue? He hadn't been on TV for months.

OJ was doomed when he squeezed that bottle of lotion on himself wearing a Mardi Gras mask after Homicide gave Rob Terry brain damage.

 

Exx

Generation Me are Generation Done.

Matt Jackson has tweeted that they asked for and got their release last night, noting that The Young Bucks are taking bookings.

They look much smarter than Samoa Joe right now.

 

            TheGreatWhiteDope

            +1

 

Mike Johns

TNA has supposedly resigned Kid Kash, according to an update on F4W.

Yes, I know he's made a couple of appearances in recent years, so they clearly don't hate the guy as much as they used to, but considering the fact the man repeatedly publicly bashed the company and insulted its top talent on the radio (it happened more than once), I figured he'd NEVER be welcomed back full-time.

Now, given Kash's history, the guy has maybe, MAYBE a year, MAX, in TNA before they punt him, or he does another interview bashing the company publicly.

Hey, James... you still have the guy's number, right? Might help the Club if we manage to get Kid Kash's next attempt to get fired.

 

Galaxy

Kash used to bitch about backstage tna when it apparently wasn't even that bad. Now it sounds like morale backstage is the lowest its ever been and everyone is incredibly frustrated. I give him 2 days before he starts complaining.

 

            Mike Johns

            I wouldn't be surprised if he was the guy who leaked the stuff to the Observe you were quoting

 

Galaxy

Short of getting good money upfront,I can't think why any indy guy would want to be in tna. To borrow from Meltzer, who was talking about Gen Me leaving, if you're not making any money, your wrecking your body, and to top it all, you're not even having any fun because backstage is so miserable and the booking is a mess...why are you going to stay?

Guys like Aries and Kash should know better, frankly.

 

Mike Johns

Does TNA at least take five seconds to explain why...

A - Angleina Love and Velvet Sky are in Mexico
B - Why they're together and getting along
C - Why Angie would cheer for Jeff becoming AAA Champion.
D - How come it took us a month to find out something that happened a month ago in Mexico
E - Why Anderson is cool with Jeff a month ago
F - Why they call it the Mexican Heavyweight Championship when it's actually the AAA WORLD Championship
G - Why we'd still wait a MONTH to inform the American fans, most of which learned this a month ago online anyway, of the title change
H - why you're release video of the post-match celebration that would force me to ever need to ask these questions\
I - how come the story for TNA's invasion of AAA is radically different that TNA's version (on AAA TV, Jarrett, Fortune, and the rest of TNA are supporting Jeff and helping him take over... including Kurt Angle)
J - Seriously... a fucking MONTH?!
K - here's the stupid video....

L - why is Abyss here?

 

James Bullock

Just a few things I'd like to add to this impressive list that tries to bring back laws of logic where there isn't any.

1. Why would Jeff confront some random guy to get heat while telling him to, "Stick that up your sombrero!" when there were guys standing right there wearing sombreros three feet ahead of Jarrett?
2. Why would Jeff confront some random guy to get heat when it was obvious the man was holding back laughter before Jarrett even said a word?
3. Why did Abyss say, "Way to bring it home to TNA," when Jeff supposed to be banned from TNA, and exhiled to Mexico?
4. Is Angelina out of her trance?
5. Does Karen kiss her children with that mouth?
6. And the biggest question/observation of them all is ...: Why would this matter in the TNA landscape right now? I can understand they show this when Jarrett comes back (he can brag about how he dominated Mexico so badly they actually kicked him out of the country for hurting the economy), but what does this have to do with what's going on in TNA now?

 

Anthony.Analog

Jeff Jarrett is the single worst detriment to the sport of Professional Wrestling.

 

            James Bullock

            What, he won that title from Vince Russo, too?

 

TheGreatWhiteDope

Why the fuck did that promo end with Karen Jarrett saying "Guess what? I like being wet."?

 

            Mike Johns

            Something about mexicans spilling beer on her, I think.

 

James Guttman

My favorite part of this video is that Abyss - the gigantic longtime TNA star complete with his leather Silence of the Lambs mask - still has to wear a backstage pass around his neck.

Exx

So does this mean Anarqia and Hernandez are coming for the belt? I can't imagine they'd be too pleased about a gringo mexican champ.

 

Mike Johns

Well, Angelina's been out of the trance for a month now. Love Like Winter's become basically a Goth Beautiful People, now.

Let's not get started with the things Karen does with that mouth. I have a feeling the conversation won't end cleanly.

As for Jeff's status in TNA - to their credit, they've been rather explicit that the stip only forced Jeff to leave the country. Jeff and Bisch had a segment the next week where Bisch suggested spinning Mexico into a positive (which was aired 4 days after Jeff had already won the AAA title anyway), so technically, Jeff isn't actually out of TNA... he's just supposedly banned from the US. But, of course, they're blowing that, too.

Jeff being the AAA Champion, I would have to believe, is the catalyst to a AAA Invasion, similar to the one TNA is doing in AAA now. Unfortunately, TNA is basically counting on none of its audience even knowing what AAA is, not ever showing one ounce of curiosity to find out, having no knowledge of the Spanish language, having no way to see the shows, having no desire to see the shows, and, of course, if somehow a fan does manage to find the show, know enough spanish to know what the hell is going on, and actually does want to know how TNA and AAA tie in... they're hoping you don't find the promos Jeff cut (in English, so that even the completely Spanish illiterate will understand what's going on) that basically throw all of TNA's storylines out the window in order to be a united front against AAA.

In other words, even if the Invasion does happen, there will be no continuity between the two shows. So, say you're watching TNA, speak spanish, and want to check out AAA. You tune in, and all the TNA guys who are fighting with each other in TNA are working together to take over AAA. With virtually zero explanation.

They're also not counting on, say, me, finding these online. You know, because we're only 10% of a fanbase using Social Media to spread around stuff like this to the folks we know who watch wrestling and ask the same questions about Jeff in mexico...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

for those who don't follow AAA, Sociedad is the Foreign Legion/Perros Del Mal merger that happened at last year's TripleMania (featuring La Parka vs. LA Park). Konnan is the "evil booker" in charge of all this, and Jeff is the latest part of the former Foreign Legion looking to conquer AAA, and get back at Zorro for betraying Sociedad last fall.

 

RowdyRodimus

Why did Jeff have a different belt on Impact?

 

            The Green Teabagger

            That's the AAA Title he won in Mexico (or as they called it, the Mexican Heavyweight Title)

 

                        The Chosen 1

                        No it's not... they glued or taped a different faceplate on it that doesn't go with the rest of the belt at all... and on their website you can see him win the regular belt..

My guess is because it says AAA on the top... but why not just promote AAA? Can't that hurt their relationship with AAA to not even mention them by name ever?

 

                                    TheGreenTeabagger

                                    I didn't know it was a fake belt. I honestly don't know what it looks like but I remember Jarrett had won that title. Maybe it'd be better to say it's 'supposed' to be the AAA belt for TNA's purposes.

 

                                                Exx

                                                I think it's supposed to be for heel heat desecrating the belt kinda of thing like Lance Storm did in WCW.

 

                                                            The Chosen 1

                                                            No, because there was NO mention of that...

They did it because it says AAA on the top and in TNA they're only referring to the title as the Mexican Heavyweight Title. It's the only LOGICAL reason to glue an entirely new faceplate on it.

It couldn't be that he's desecrating the belt because he put a MEXICAN flag on it... if it was a Lance Storm thing he would have put a USA Flag on it... or a TNA logo... and they would mention it.

 

Aaron Wood

I love that when it comes to WWE, they will go out of their way to mention those letters even though it almost entirely makes TNA look completely rinky dink in doing so

And even though these days that WWE is willing to let CM Punk throw out ROH & NJPW by name and Vince talked about Punk going to "other wrestling organisations" where he would before have pretended WWE was the only game in town, TNA they have an actual working relationship with AAA and NOW is the time they choose to pretend another wrestling company doesn't really exist.

 

 

Mike Johns

That may be all well and good... for AAA's TV and AAA's storyline. You show that thing to American audience that may not even know AAA exists, show them a belt that looks like a kid's toy, then they find out, wait... that's a real title? You know what conclusion they come to?

"Wow, this company must really suck. They can't even afford a decent belt."

All because they have no idea why the belt has this stupid doodad on it

 

This Week in WWI Forum History

 

Unfortunately scouring the WWI Forums of the past this week was kind of luke-warm at best. So for this week we're going to table this whole thing. I looked around next week's and it will be pretty entertaining. Until then, I'm going to go catch up on Raw and finish the point tallying for the WWI Fantasy Wrestling Game. Info on season 2 is coming on Hot Threads next week...keep an eye out.

---

 

ROWDY RODIMUS

 

 

ZAH came back? Who scheduled this? This was supposed to be my week to be the main story and surprise comeback. I have this written in my contract, James. I suppose we aren't getting the WWI Freez-Pops either, are we? You know what? That's fine. I'm a professional so I'll finish this column before I have my agent and lawyers contact you. So long as I still have access to the WWI Via Credit Card, everything will work out I believe.

 

After all, the San Diego Comic Con is next week and I'm sure there will be lots of wrestling related insanity I can cover from there. (JG's note: You have as much a chance of going to Comic Con on the sites dime as there being a Canadian Bulldog vs. Aaron Wood baby oil on a pole match being the main event of Hardcore Justice. Bulldog and A-dub would never let it be filmed by amateurs.)

 

Dear readers, I apologize for that outburst. I for one am happy to see one of my top 3 favorite Canadians back on the site (the others being Canadian Bulldog and the great, Red Green). Just do yourself a favor; don't be a dumbass like me and let your subscription to ClubWWI.com lapse because you forget to check your email.

 

So welcome back, ZAH. We've all missed your insightful words and majestic voice that echoes throughout the industry as a church bell in the early morning fog. The time you've been gone, we've all been left (wait for it)

 

(almost)

 

 

(here it is)

 

Shaking our heads

 

(can you imagine ZAH's old "Shaking my Head" GIF here, please? Thanks)

 

Since I've been out of the loop for a while, I'll be discovering these threads for the first time like a lot of you will (which makes no sense since it's free to sign up and start conversing with the greatest assortment of wrestling fans in the world, so SIGN UP NOW!) so let's just jump into...

 

The WWI E-fed is still going strong and it seems that a PPV, well Free For View, whatever you want to call it is coming up called"Revolution". I think I'm going to spotlight a promo by forum member Timpossible (Although, Tim, I disagree with your assessment that we don't need more Transformers sequels. For one, where do you think I got my name and secondly a new series of films not directed by Michael Bay and set on Cybertron either before or after they came to earth would be amazing.) who is wanting to take the title off of Hollywood Champion Thorn Gabriel in their one on one battle.

 

Timpossible

Well, well, well... it seems ol' Timpossible has earned himself a shot at some shiny gold, coming up here... the Hollywood Heavyweight Championship. Do you have any idea how long I have been wanting a one-on-one shot at Mr. Gabriel?? Let's go way back to my first month with this fine company... that's the last time it was just me and Thorn against each other... and I got hosed in that match, big time! I've been patiently waiting, biding my time... but all the while, wanting another crack at the man... I could've beaten him, then... should've, probably. And, I know I can beat him now.

I'm gonna take that title from you, Thorn. And I'm not just doing it for myself, I'm doing it for every person on this flippin' planet! We're taking a stand, Thorn! We're tired of all the Hollywood re-treads! We don't need any more "Transformers" sequels! We don't need any "Footloose" remake! And we sure as heck don't need a re-tread of "I'm Thorn Gabriel! I'm a wild and crazy guy!" Yeah, we get it, man. Now, get over yourself and get back to the wrestling, that's what we do! ... It's been far, far too long since I've been a champion in this company. That is a wrong I plan on righting, come this Sunday in Des Moines.

Now seeing as this is a match for the Hollywood Heavyweight title, I do believe (and correct me if I'm wrong) that I get to pick the stipulations for this match... and the match I want against you this Sunday, Thorn is... a diaper match!!

*a dog, with a sign reading "Lawyer" hanging around its neck, walks into the frame... looks at Timpossible and shakes it's head "no"... then leaves the frame*

I'm sorry, ladies and gentlemen... after talking it over with my crack team of lawyers, I've been advised to re-think the whole "diaper match" idea... which I will take into consideration...

*Tim takes that into consideration*

Yes, I take back what I said about the "diaper match" stipulation... Thorn Gabriel, this Sunday, I want you... in a Falls-Count-Anywhere match... I'm gonna come after you with everything I've got, and I don't want to be shackled with the physical boundaries a wrestling ring forces upon me... I hope you're ready, Thorn!

 

It seems that the PPV festivities have already started as I write this and no, I don't mean Money in the Bank. Revolution has started and believe it or not it starts off sounding like a Mike Johns Impact review:

 

Cotton McKnight

A homeless man makes his way to the ring pushing a shopping cart and yelling at the fans. At first, security tries to stop him, not sure of who he is, but once the man screams at them a bit, they realize it.s Hobo Hank, and let the man continue down to the ring.

Cotton: Here comes Hobo Hank, down to the ring to make his PPV debut.

Pepper:You know, I heard WWI hired this guy for the Tax Write-Off.

Cotton:Tax Write-Off?

Pepper: They're calling it a charitable donation.

Cotton: Well... that's certainly creative.

 

 

 

For the first time in months we had some postings in the NWA News Thread (pretend to be excited) this time about something that in the early 90's made huge waves in the wrestling world but today just gets questions such as, "Who is that?" and "Are they still around?". Here, read for yourself:

 

ZAH

Can somebody explain this whole "Sheik" thing to me?

I had never heard of the guy before he beat Cabana for the title, and it seemed odd that a no-name guy using a name that's revered in wrestling was given a shot at being the face of the company.

Then I saw he was stripped of the title, and I think it was because he wanted to defend the title outside of NWA-affiliated promotions. Is that the actual story?

So who is this guy, why was he stripped of the title, and what other "fall out" has taken place since?

 

Mike Johns

Sheik is some guy who got the Original Sheik's family's permission to use the name. From all I've seen he's... forgettable.

Beyond this, most of this is news to me. I'd have to get back to you.

The assumption is Cabana dropped the title to him because, at the time, Punk was negotiating to bring Cabana into WWE. This is about as confirmable as Cartman's dad.

 

For those who are unfamiliar with the situation I was talking about from the early 90's, Ric Flair was the NWA and WCW champion (which were unified at the time) when WCW President Jim Herd fired him from WCW and stripped him of the WCW portion of the title. Flair then signed with WWE where he could no longer defend the NWA title in their territories so he was stripped of that title, also.

 

Remember, that was when the letters NWA meant something to people other than Hip Hop fans. It shows how far they have fallen that people as knowledgeable about the sport as ZAH and Mike couldn't give two shits about it. Then again, if you put your top belt on someone that nobody either knows or cares about at all, you deserve to be a footnote to history.

 

I know, this isn't the type of column that we usually get opinion pieces in but seeing that about the NWA pisses me off. I grew up with the NWA being the #2 promotion in the world. One of my dreams was to wrestle for the NWA Title one day and one of my most treasured photos is a picture of me holding Terry Funks NWA title. To see it where it is today upsets me. To fans of the Indy feds that are represented by it I might offend, I apologize beforehand.

 

If the NWA is to EVER regain credibility they have to quit making ties to these nickel and dime, fly by night Indy groups that are lucky if they can get air time on their local Public Access Station. If they are going to keep going with the Indies, they need to get a group of well known Indy guys that they can count on to work as champions and put the belt on them. Bring back a version of the territories where you have a traveling champion who goes from town to town and makes stars of the local guys. That builds up the groups you are aligned with and makes the title seem more prestigious if people worldwide are getting a shot at it.

 

In wrestling perception is reality. If the belt and the organization seem important, they are. To make the NWA relevant again, the NWA needs to make themselves appear relevant. We want a true #2 to compete with WWE (and obviously TNA/Impact Wrestling/Whatever the hell they want us to call them now don't want to be a competitive #2) then the only conceivable way for it to happen is for one group to tie all the smaller groups together under one umbrella group. Putting the belt held by Lou Thesz, Harley Race, Ric Flair and The Funks on someone because they have the name of a star from the 60's and 70's isn't the way to make that happen.

 

I apologize for the rant. I promise I'll be more on point next week. Until then, catch the replay of Money in the Bank and check out the fallout on Monday Night with our coverage on the front page.