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Shakin' My Head: OVW and WWE cut ties, Lashley's options, the new AWA champion (you won't believe this one), JBL's new business project, Mickey Rourke as "The Wrestler", Loser of the Week, plus much more!!
By ZAH
 ...
02-08-08
Boo-yah...here we go!!
***
Item #1 – OVW no longer a WWE territory.
The big news this week is that WWE decided to cut all ties with OVW and move their developmental system totally to Florida.
OVW has created a lot of good talent over the years, but I don't think it's as much about the area as it was the talent behind the scenes who actually trained the wrestlers and prepared them for the big time.
Jim Cornette...Paul Heyman...Tom Prichard...Al Snow...Danny Davis...names synonymous with helping to create and develop talent...all had very influential roles in OVW over the years.
While the rumors were floating around that WWE was considering the move, it was more of a "it's just talk" situation than anything else.
So it's a surprise in terms of timing, but it's not a surprise in terms of it actually happening.
So why did it happen?
Well...there are ALWAYS reasons behind reasons, but the "up-front" primary
excuse reason was that it simply didn't make business sense to continue having the developmental territory in Kentucky when so many WWE names (both current roster stars and former stars who could, no doubt, provide invaluable experience and guidance from seminars and lectures and such) live in Florida.
Do I believe this as the only reason?
No...of course not.
But as a "primary" reason, it makes the most sense and really is all that needs to be said.
Apparently, anybody under current OVW developmental contract is safe and won't be affected by anything other than moving from one state to another (there were some releases earlier this week, which I talk about later).
So for all of you Colt Cabana fans...there is still hope yet.
Unfortunately, it's been reported that Al Snow has been released and will not move to Florida to assist in the training.
So who is down there helping to cultivate the new legion of WWE superstars?
Well..."Skinner" himself, former "Fabulous One" Steve Keirn and Bill "I'm A Man Now, Stop Calling Me Billy" Kidman are down there.
Who else?
I'm happy to say that Insanity alumni Dr. Tom Prichard is going to continue his head training duties with the switch.
So congrats to Tom...good to see he's doing well.
I don't know if having one territory instead of two will hurt WWE, but having everybody in one place might be a good idea.
It's quite apparent that the developmental system is hurting, though.
I mean, over the years some great talent has been developed from OVW...John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Shelton Benjamin, Randy Orton, Batista, MNM...but there have been too many instances where good, solid talent has failed upon being called up.
The reasons for those failures are plenty:
Ø
Guys were kept in developmental way too long because they didn't have the right "look" or "gimmick", and then when they were finally given the chance in WWE they were saddled with go-nowhere gimmicks that were destined for failure (ex: Nick "Eugene" Dinsmore, Brent "Gunner Scott" Albright, Rob "French Sympathizer/The Con Man" Conway, the entire Spirit Squad, Paul "The Pirate" Burchill).
Ø
Guys were brought up to the main roster way too early simply because of their look (ex: Chris Masters, John Heidenreich, Matt Morgan, Bobby Lashley).
Ø
Guys were brought up to the main roster because their gimmick got over big in OVW, but then the gimmick was changed and then people wondered why the guys couldn't get "over" with the crowds (ex: the Heart Throbs, the "Dicks", Aaron "The Idol" Stevens, Armando Estrada).
The main problem is that WWE rushed some guys because they wanted an immediate "superstar" and then didn't believe in others enough to push them properly to get over.
Then they've been wondering why they can't get any new stars to "step up".
Heck...just look at the OVW roster and it's not too hard to see that things aren't that great right now.
Hopefully there's a star or two in the current mix.
Heaven knows there's some potential superstars on the indies right now, but because they're not over six feet tall and 275 pounds of muscle, 99% of them will never get a legitimate chance to entertain crowds and make money for WWE.
***
Item #2 – Bobby Lashley to TNA?
If you believe Kurt Angle, then the answer is 'yes'.
Of course, at this point Angle is turning into this generation's version of Hulk Hogan when it comes to Bullshit 101.
I mean, just two days ago he was claiming that he'd be fighting Tito Ortiz or Randy Couture later this year.
The guy is a certifiable compulsive liar.
Either that or he's completely delusional.
Let me say that Lashley to TNA is totally possible, though.
With influential guys like Angle, Christian, and Booker already there, there is no doubt that feelers are being sent like crazy to Lashley for him to join-up with TNA.
Plus, with the rumors of a live show beginning next month (I think it's a live show once every two weeks or something like that), there would be no better way to make a huge debut than to have last year's WrestleMania darling pop up on their program.
But again...I don't believe a damn thing Angle says anymore.
Hell...I'm surprised that he's not telling stores about giving Big Show an Olympic Slam when Show was 900 lbs and dead weight because he was knocked out in front of 535,002 fans in Bumblef*ck, Nowhere.
Honestly...if Angle wants his credibility back, because it's totally gone at this point, then he's gotta shut his pie-hole when it comes to the possibility of him going to MMA.
There is no way in hell that Angle...at this stage in his life and with his body the way it is (i.e. injured all to beat-f*ck)...would ever win ANY mixed martial-arts fight with any legitimate contender.
Five or ten years ago?
Yeah...definitely.
Today?
Ain't no way.
It's not even just his age because Couture has proven age doesn't mean jack.
But let's face it...Angle's no Couture by a long shot.
And as rumor has it, MMA is very well where Lashley could actually end up.
He's been rumored to be interested in MMA for quite some time now and has recently signed with Zinken Entertainment & Sports Management, who also handle MMA fighters like Chuck Liddell and Forrest Griffin.
I dunno if that's such a great idea...he'd probably puff-up and tap faster than Lesnar did.
***
Item #3 – The new AWA champion is who???
No word of a lie...the AWA (at least the company calling itself the AWA) has recently stripped Masato Tanaka of the title and renounced Zero-1 as an AWA affiliate.
They then decided that they needed to crown a new champion.
And to what did my wondering eyes did appear but a living legend who gained a lawyer's ear...
Here's the story straight from the
AWA website
:
Minneapolis, MN - February, 5, 2008 - While the nation is turning out in record numbers for what's been called "Super Tuesday", the management team of the AWA has announced that the AWA World Heavyweight Championship, stripped from Zero-1's Masato Tanaka in late 2007 due to irresponsible leadership by the fledging Zero-1 MAX's Yoshi Nakamura, has been rightfully returned to "The Living Legend" Larry Zbyszko.
Wow.
Larry f*ckin' Zbyszko is the AWA champion.
I thought he was done with the sport after he got his hair plugs, but much like Chavo Guerrero I guess the rule of thumb is that "more hair = championship title run".
Maybe I should stop shaving my head.
Don't expect this "title reign" to last too long.
It's obvious that this promotion is simply attempting to get as much publicity as it can and will grab onto any credibility, regardless of how little is there, and with Zbyszko as their champion it gives them more credibility than, say, Colin Delany would (but not much).
There's a 3-way dance for the title being held on April 18th in Fayetteville, West Virginia with Zbyszko and "two of the top 10 contenders" to the AWA title.
Sweet Christ...they have enough permanent wrestlers in their promotion to actually have a "top ten"??
Whatever.
Zbyszko is champion.
Again.
At age 55.
Giddy-up.
***
Item #4 – When I think "JBL", I automatically think "herbal aphrodisiac"...
I don't have much to say other than whenever I'm having erectile dysfunction, no longer will I grab the nearest little blue pill.
Nope.
From now on I'm gonna grab me some Mama instead.
Kids, it appears as if our good friend JBL has a little side project called Layfield Energy.
So what's the first thing you think he's going to promote?
Layfield Energy announces the launch of MamaJuana Energy, an all-natural, non-alcoholic drink inspired by the Caribbean Legend, Mamajuana. MamaJuana Energy’s proprietary formula contains a blend of herbal ingredients that boost energy as well as increase stamina and virility.
Yes, kids...good ol' JBL wants you to have increased stamina and virility.
Aren't you happy?
Wouldn't you be thrilled to know that JBL helped you bang your wife or girlfriend just a little bit longer?
Yeah...me neither.
But you know what's the best thing?
It's only $42.95/case!!
That's right...12 bottles of this wonderful elixir for only $42.95!!
I mean, just look at the huge size of these bottles!!
Yeah...it's TOTALLY worth the price.
Not only that, but I'm thinking if it's good enough for JBL and for a stud-muffin grandfather like Dave Batista (pictured below attending the same "release party" as JBL for this wonderful elixer), then you just KNOW it's good enough for you!!!
Can't wait to
waste my money pick some up today!!
***
Item #5 – Raven done with TNA, OVW developmental guys released, Harris officially WWE, and Killings keeps bookings.
There were all kinds of smaller news stories floating around this week that may have been missed by many.
First, and really only surprising in how quiet of a reaction it has gotten, is that Raven is now done with TNA.
Sure...he's been out of ANY storyline for quite awhile and when he was used recently, it was only as filler...but it's Raven, for Chrissakes.
Can you not find ANY use for him off television?
The guy is a wrestling genius and can contribute a lot to the industry if used properly.
Apparently, the guy is asking people on his website if there is any demand for him to run a wrestling training school.
I'm thinking...WTF??
It's Raven!!!
Of course there would be demand.
Who in the hell wouldn't want to be trained by this guy??
Oh well.
The next story is that there were quite a few OVW developmental guys released earlier this week as a prelude to the big announcement today.
Obviously, because it's developmental, you probably haven't heard of most of them.
Three names, though, you might be familiar with.
1.
Cassidy Riley
– he used to be in TNA and played a Raven follower for awhile before following Dusty Rhodes to WWE.
He was booked as KC James' younger brother and they teamed for awhile in OVW, but he never took off and nobody really saw much in him.
2.
Amish Roadkill
– You remember this guy from the original ECW, right?
Well, nobody in WWE liked his Amish gimmick so he shaved his beard and took off his white shirt to encompass a new persona.
But because he was so short, he never really came off as intimidating, which you need to be in order to play that type of heel.
3. Ace Steele – It's rumored that Ace only got signed because Court Bauer was a big fan of his. Ace, as most remember, played Donald Trump in the infamous Trump vs. Rosie skit and won over a lot of people...which also helped him get signed. Not sure why he was released other than the fact that once Bauer left, his days were apparently numbered. Between you and I...I was surprised to see him signed to begin with as I never really saw much from him. He'll probably be popping back up in ROH very soon, I imagine.
The final small news story of the week involves two ex-TNA guys signing with WWE. Chris Harris had been rumored to be going to WWE but nothing had been signed when he left TNA. It was thought that it was a leverage ploy to get a better TNA deal, but when TNA balked he pretty much got the shaft. Well, he announced this week that he had officially signed with WWE. I can totally see why this was overlooked...I mean, it's Chris Harris. Yawn.
The other guy signed was Ron Killings. Now Ron apparently signed a week or two ago, but was told that he could keep all of his bookings through March before starting back up with them. So he's not expected to show up on WWE television until after Mania.
Where these two guys will fit into the roster is anybody's guess (I'll guess ECW jobbers...but that's just me), but I'll go out on a limb and also say neither is gonna be in the main title pictures any time soon (even in ECW).
***
Item #6 – When your first publicity stunt fails, try try again...
Good lord.
As if the whole Pacman Jones thing wasn't bad enough and actually got TNA bad publicity, but now they're just acting so desperate it's sad.
Bobby Knight, the controversial basketball coach, recently quit his job with Texas Tech.
TNA, being the marketing geniuses that they are, sent out a press release talking about the "offer" that they made to Knight to actually "join" TNA.
Whether it's meant to be a humorous joke doesn't matter to me. I don't find it humorous...I don't find it funny or cute...I find it sad.
I find it annoying.
I find it rather stupid.
"TNA is wrestling"????
I think not.
Here's the press release.
Make up your own minds on how this comes off...
Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling is offering its first-ever Head Coaching job to Bob Knight, the all-time winningest Division I men’s basketball coach known as much for his coaching genius as his fiery temper, who resigned Monday in the middle of the season as the Texas Tech coach.
***
Item #7 – Mickey Rourke is a sexy-ass bitch.
If you haven't heard, there is another wrestling movie being created.
Hopefully this one turns out just a bit better than that glorious piece of junk, Ready to Rumble.
It was originally to star Nicolas Cage, but he dropped out after watching a Ring of Honor show in Manhattan (the thought is that he got scared once he realized how hard it was going to be).
As a suitable Plan B, producers went with the most obvious back-up choice...50+ year old Mickey Rourke.
Of course...isn't he always getting the roles that Cage doesn't?
This incredible movie doesn't have too crazy of a storyline, though.
As per IMDB.com (and you know just how accurate that site is, AMIRITE???):
The wrestler is the story of retired professional wrestler, Randy "The Ram" Robinson, making his way through the independent circuit, trying to get back in the game for one final showdown with his former rival.
Well, in theory it doesn't sound too bad.
And, apparently, Ernest "The Cat" Miller plays the role of the head bad guy.
Somebody call my momma...
Why am I bringing this up now?
Because somebody took a picture of Rourke in the ring.
Now, he looks incredible for his age...but I can't help but think this is what HBK is gonna look like in a few years.
Enjoy...
***
Item #7 – World Wrestling Insanity Fantasy NASCAR!!
Every sporting season, I create a fantasy Yahoo league for all my Insanity faithful to join and enjoy...whether it be football, basketball, baseball, golf, hockey...or NASCAR!!
The season starts next week so you don't have much time to join...but I'm encouraging you all to do it this weekend.
C'mon...it'll be fun.
Watch Earnhardt Jr race for his new team...Johnson attempt to defend his Cup title...Gordon to be booed every week...it'll all be in good fun.
How do you do it??
Group ID# 25350
That's it.
Sign up...choose your drivers...and have fun!
***
Item #8 –
LOSER OF THE WEEK.
Each and every week, I pick somebody (not necessarily always from wrestling) who has either acted in a dumb way, said something stupid, or generally was an idiot in some way, shape, or form.
This week is hard because nobody really stood out too much.
Apparently, Britney is "mentally unstable" and calling her a "loser" is frowned upon.
Well you know what?
F*ck it.
She wasn't always this messed up.
If she's had a mental breakdown, then I guess it sucks to be her.
Hell...she was released from the looney bin this week and still ended up acting as crazy as before.
So you know what?
Sorry, but I don't really care if it's politically correct to call her a "loser" or not...she's still one in my books. My "award"...my rules.
Oh...and if I still wanna bang the hell outta her because I think she's still hotter than anything I can pick up on the local street corner, then that's just how I feel.
Some may think I'm a loser myself for still wanting to bang her in spite of all of her exploits, but I'm just keeping it real, kids.
She's still attractive.
Not AS attractive, but attractive nonetheless.
I'm still single and condoms still work when used properly.
What else do ya want??
Anyways...since the award is now named after her I need to choose somebody else.
Therefore, the "Britney Spears Loser of the Week" award this week goes to...
The New England Patriots!!!
Ouch.
Hey...I was rooting for Brady & company to pull it off.
I'm no fan of Eli and thought that the Giants were not going to be prepared enough to contain the onslaught of the Patriots offense.
Boy, was I wrong.
I'll give credit where it's due.
The Giants defensive front line was over-powering and probably played the best game of their entire lives.
And Eli sucked it up and marched his team down the field.
Sure...there were some questionable calls here and there.
But you add in weakened play by the Patriots O-line and baffling call playing, and there's no way you can ignore the incredible play of the New York Giants last Sunday.
Not that there's anything wrong with 18-1, but nobody will really remember the undefeated regular season over the years.
Instead, people will always remember one of the biggest SuperBowl upsets in history.
And for that reason alone, that makes the New England Patriots
ZAH's "Britney Spears Loser of the Week"!
***
Pillar to Post
Each and every week (well...NORMALLY each and every week) I take three statements that you, the WorldWrestlingInsanity.com readers, have submitted on the hot topics du jour and then get two or three volunteers to give their thoughts and insight. Ladies and gentlemen, this week I bring to you two great Insanity readers in Ozzstriker & Gatrking!!!
1. Agree or Disagree
Ozzstriker
:
Agree.
As soon as I saw Cena's surprise return, it was the first thing I thought of. I think WWE built up his injury to be worse than it was, so that his return would be that much bigger. Now they can push that he is back before he is 100%, so that gives them a vehicle for his feud leading to WrestleMania.
Gatrking:
Agree.
2. Agree or Disagree
Ozzstriker:
Disagree.
But they will probably try. I don't think Lashley could bring anything that TNA doesn't have. They would bring him in & push him to the moon, like every other ex-WWE guy, & no one will care. Ratings won't go up & PPV buyrates will stay the same. Cause TNA needs to stop looking for quick fixes & start developing the talent they have.
Gatrking:
Disagree.
3. Agree or Disagree
Ozzstriker:
Agree.
But I don't think it will happen. With Triple H pushing to be in the Main Event at WrestleMania & Vince obviously wanting Cena also in the Main Event, that what we are probably gonna get. Unless by some miracle, Vince decides not to listen to Trips & gives something that we don't expect. Jeff Hardy is probably the hottest face right now (that gets cheers & not a mix of boos) & can give a memorable match. HHH vs. John Cena has been done before & if that's the main event, I'm not that interested.
Gatrking:
Agree.
***
Great job, guys! I'm looking forward to seeing who joins me next week.
What...you've never participated before?
Or maybe you have and would like to do it again?
Hey...you ALL have a chance to be part of an upcoming column.
You get a chance to have your thoughts on the crazy world of professional wrestling read by thousands every week.
This truly is open to everybody!
And with a new year comes a new list...I'm basically starting from scratch, people.
Contact me NOW and you'll be put at or near the top of the list.
Why wait?
,
,
No problem.
Seriously...it's not a problem at all.
NOW is the time for you to volunteer.
Really...RIGHT NOW!!
It's a brand new year and I need a brand new list of guest columnists.
You can let me know either by e-mailing me at Zah@worldwrestlinginsanity.com , hitting me up at ZAH Nation (found on the Insanity Message Board ), or look me up on Facebook as ZAH Insanity and letting me know that you'd like to participate (and then join the Insanity Facebook page ).
So until next week, take care.
Need More Insanity? Join The Club Plus Uncut Interviews With Tons of Wrestling Stars Including Eric Bischoff, Kevin Nash, Jerry Lawler, and MANY MORE! WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU'RE
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