From WorldWrestlingInsanity.com

ZAH
Shakin' My Head: Contest winner, Undertaker's Rumble win, Punk's supposed de-push, Joe leaving ROH, WSX, Loser of the Week, plus much more!
By ZAH
Feb 2, 2007, 06:02

02-02-07

 

Don’t just sit there, c’mon get up and move!

 

 

Boo-yah, here we go!!

 

***

 

Item #1 – And the winner is...

I gotta say that I was quite impressed with the response to my little DVD contest.  Thanks to everybody who sent in their answers...right or wrong.  In the end, though, I had five correct responses from the following readers:

 

-         Melanie Vaughan

-         Scott Grady

-         Brian Pipech

-         Trish

-         TheGreatWhiteDope

 

I actually placed all five names in a bowl and picked out a winner.  That winner is...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Melanie Vaughan!!!

 

I’ll be contacting Melanie via e-mail and she’ll be able to choose two DVD’s from my personal collection. Congrats, Melanie! 

 

Here are the answers (y’know...for those keeping score):

 

Aug 11th, 2006
“I drink whiskey, you say goodnight.  I'll put an end to this here fight.”

“Wanted Man” by Ratt, from “Out of the Cellar” released in 1984

Aug 18th, 2006
“This motor’s revved up, fit to break.”

 “Living After Midnight” by Judas Priest, from “British Steel” released in 1980

Aug 25th, 2006
“Mental wounds still screaming, driving me insane.”

“Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne, from “Blizzard of Ozz” released in 1980

Sep 1st, 2006
“It’s cryin’, bleedin’ lyin’ on the floor.”

“Epic” by Faith No More, from “The Real Thing” released in 1989

Sep 8th, 2006
Burning down the night, set the world alight

“Wild Flower” by The Cult, from “Electric” released in 1987

Sep 15th, 2006
“It's just the calm before the storm.”

“Just Like Paradise” by David Lee Roth, from “Skyscraper”, released in 1988

Sep 22nd, 2006
“If you want it, you’re gonna bleed.”

“Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns N Roses, from “Appetite for Destruction” released in 1987

Sep 29th, 2006
“Goin’ down the only road I’ve ever known.”

“Here I Go Again” by Whitesnake, from “Whitesnake” released in 1987

Oct 6th, 2006
“Gonna be a penthouse pauper.  Gonna be a millionaire.”

“Going Down” (AKA “Love in an Elevator”) by Aerosmith, from “Pump” released in 1989

Oct 13th, 2006
“So let’s sink another drink ‘cause it will give me time to think.”

“Dancing with Myself” by Billy Idol, from “Billy Idol” released in 1982

Oct 20th, 2006
“I’ve got it bad, got it bad, got it bad...”

“Hot for Teacher” by Van Halen, from “1984” released in 1984

Oct 27th, 2006
“Skydive naked from an aeroplane...”

“Kickstart My Heart” by Motley Crue, from “Dr. Feelgood” released in 1989

Nov 3rd, 2006
“Everyone’s watching, to see what you will do.”

“Working for the Weekend” by Loverboy from “Get Lucky” released in 1981

Nov 10th, 2006
“The night is calling I have to go.”

“Rock You Like a Hurricane” by The Scorpions, from “Love at First Sting” released in 1984

Nov 17th, 2006
“Satellites send me picture, get it in the eye.”

“Who Made Who” by AC/DC, from “Who Made Who” released in 1986

Nov 24th, 2006
“One look could kill.  My pain, your thrill.”

“Poison” by Alice Cooper, from “Trash” released in 1989

Dec 1st, 2006
“Hot summer night.  Storm lies in the air.”

“New Girl Now” by Honeymoon Suite, from “Honeymoon Suite” released in 1984

Dec 8th, 2006
“I’ve seen a million faces and I’ve rocked them all.”

“Wanted Dead or Alive” by Bon Jovi, from “Slippery When Wet” released in 1986

Dec 15th, 2006
“I'd give you all, and have none.”

“Rebel Yell” by Billy Idol, from “Rebel Yell” released in 1983

Dec 22nd, 2006
“...and a beer in a tree.”

“Twelve Days of Christmas” by Bob & Doug Mackenzie, from “Great White North” released in 1982

Dec 29th, 2006
“...I wanna rock!”

“I Wanna Rock” by Twisted Sister, from “Stay Hungry” released in 1984

Jan 5th, 2007
“...See chameleon lying there in the sun.”

“Run Runaway” by Slade, from “Keep Your Hands off My Power Supply” released in 1984

Jan 12th, 2007
“...Rags to riches, or so they say.”

“Paradise City” by Guns N Roses, from “Appetite for Destruction” released in 1987

Jan 19th, 2007
“Teacher I ain’t foolin’ around with your rules.”

“Smokin in the Boys Room” by Motley Crue, from “Theatre of Pain” released in 1985

 

***

 

Item #2 – What de-push?

Listen, I’ve read for weeks how CM Punk has got heat backstage.  He kissed Maria too much in public while in Iraq...he didn’t like the planned finish in the Extreme Elimination Chamber...people think his respectfulness backstage is done with an “attitude” and, thus, is disrespectful...he’s not really “over” with the crowds and is only cheered by a vocal minority due to Paul Heyman’s booking...his sense of humor would work if he were Kevin Nash but, instead, is taken as cockiness.

 

Jesus H. Christ people.  What the hell is going on here?  I mean, it’s being reported that Punk’s push is as good as dead in the water.

 

What??

 

Okay, it’s true that he’s got some heat. That’s fine...Chris Jericho had a ton of heat after his WWF debut.  It’s true that CM Punk is no longer undefeated.  Well, Steve Austin was losing to Savio f*ckin’ Vega in his first few months of WWF action.  It’s true that he’s probably being buried right now.  Hell, Triple H was completely buried in the mid-90’s (the “Curtain Call” anyone?).

 

The bottom line is that CM Punk is involved in a major ECW storyline with Matt Striker. The bottom line is that CM Punk is making more money than he ever has in his life previously.  The bottom line is that CM Punk lasted over 30 minutes in last weekend’s Royal Rumble and was put-over by Jerry Lawler, JBL, and Michael Cole as a future superstar and one to watch.

 

Just consider this...WWE officials won’t be firing him any time soon simply because he’s got so much upside that TNA could possibly make-up for their past mistakes and make him a superstar if given the opportunity...and WWE simply can’t have that now, can they?

 

I don’t see the end of Punk...rather, I see only the beginning.  Give it time...give him time.  Things will change.  Things will improve.  Y’all just need to sit back and relax.  His time will, indeed, come.

 

***

 

Item #3 – Undertaker wins Royal Rumble.

It’s funny.  I’ve known for weeks that the plan has been for Undertaker to take on Batista in a “streak vs. title” match at WrestleMania.  What’s surprising to me is that it never dawned on me that ‘Taker could actually win the Rumble.  I never saw him as a legit threat to win until last Friday’s SmackDown.

 

After watching the Rumble last night (Yeah, WWE, I downloaded it illegally!!!  That’s what you get for giving me December 2 Dismember!!!  I’m not paying for your crap-ass pay-per-views!!!  Ahem...sorry...), I will 100% agree that Undertaker definitely has one more title run in him.  I’ve never seen a wrestler age so well.  With his new style, I think he’s probably wrestling some of the best matches of his career (even if he is stuck with people like the Great Khali and Mark Henry in the ring).

 

Anyway, bottom line is that I’m looking forward to Undertaker carrying Batista to a passable match and having one more title reign when it’s all said and done.

 

***

 

Item #4 – WSX is here...and it doesn’t completely suck.

Okay...so it’s a wrestling program designed to give you an aneurism.  Let’s face it, it’s a 30-minute spot-fest edited at break-neck speed.  However, this is absolutely perfect for the MTV generation.  This is also an excellent product for another reason (TNA take note)...

 

 

 

 

...it’s different than WWE.

 

HELLS YEAH it’s different!!  This is a unique product and whether or not you actually like it doesn’t matter. It’s different...it’s unique...it’s something that you can’t find anywhere else.

 

Is it good wrestling?  No.  It’s not even close to good wrestling.  However, the editing helps make it look fantastic to those at home...and that’s what really matters.

 

Is it great sports entertainment?  Not really.  However, it’s already provided me with more background on its wrestlers than TNA has done over the past 5 years.

 

So what’s the bottom line?  Wrestling Society X is basically a break-neck version of what TNA could be if it really tried.  If WSX slowed things down and had two hours to fill, it could be a REAL competitor to WWE simply because it would give the younger set something that can’t get with the current WWE product. 

 

I guess it’s kinda like Ring of Honor on the Autobahn...and that’s a good thing.  I’m looking forward to seeing what else they can bring to the table.

 

***

 

Item #5 – Samoa Joe is leaving ROH.

No doubt due to the obligations of TNA, Samoa Joe officially made the announcement that he was finished with Ring of Honor in the most recent video wire. 

 

Joe has pretty much been a staple in ROH for as long as I’ve followed the promotion.  He was champion when I started watching it and he’s been the focal point of many a storyline in the time since.  He has had the best matches of his career in the promotion against the likes of CM Punk, Homicide, Kenta Kobashi, Bryan Danielson, and KENTA.

 

Will ROH move on?  Yeah...of course it will.  Unlike WWE, ROH is all about trying to create new stars.  If somebody gets over, they’re given the ball to run with and not booked to lose to washed-up nobodies.

 

ROH’s loss is TNA’s gain.  If the only place I can see Joe going forward is in TNA, then TNA is where I’ll go.

 

***

 

Item #6 – Don’t go.  You won’t get pushed...but don’t go.

Ugh.

 

The latest rumors say that Rob Van Dam is top priority to get re-signed by WWE.  The reason why WWE wants him badly isn’t because they want to push him again.  No, the reason why WWE wants to re-sign RVD is so that he doesn’t go to TNA. 

 

Ugh.

 

If RVD was smart, he’d give TNA a shot.  He should already have his WWE-money packed away in the bank so why not have fun in the ring again?  I still don’t think it would help TNA become any bigger than they are now (they need head-to-head 2-hour programming to do that), but it sure would make things interesting.

 

***

 

Item #7 – James Mitchell is the best manager in the world today.

After watching his in-ring promo last night, I think it’s pretty clear that we’ve found the newest version of Jim Cornette, Paul E. Dangerously, and King Curtis all wrapped-up in one.  There is nobody better on the stick today that isn’t already an in-ring performer.

 

While I’m still against the Abyss babyface turn, I’m all for any storyline that keeps Mitchell on my television.

 

***

 

Item #8 – The Star Wars gangsta rap??

This may be old...heck, it may be VERY old...but I laughed my ass off when I watched it.  Just don’t play it at work, kids.  It’s not suitable for work.  Heck...it may not really be suitable for anybody.

 

Star Wars Gangsta Rap

 

***

 

Item # 9 – Gridiron Gang wasn’t that bad, actually.

I don’t care if anybody flames me or not...I love Rock’s movies.  I didn’t have high expectations going into this one but I was absolutely blown away.  Give it a shot...you won’t be disappointed. 

 

 

Of course, I liked Doom too so what the hell do I know?

 

***

Item # 10 – 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 was tough.  I didn’t really have a whole lot of choices that popped up in my head.  Then I watched the Royal Rumble and this week’s choice became apparent.  This time ZAH’s Loser of the Week is...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great Khali!!!

 

 

 

Why?  Listen...this guy sucks.  He sucks in the ring like few before in the history of professional wrestling.  But because he’s so big and imposing and impressive a physical specimen, WWE is shoving him down our throats. 

 

Well, it took all of five head-butts in a row before the Rumble crowd turned from “ooh/ahh” to “boo/you suck”.  WWE continues to throw this guy at us on a weekly basis and showcasing him in situations he has no hope of looking good in.  Watching him look over his shoulder three or four times before FINALLY going over the top rope with Undertaker's help was just painful to watch.  The fact that he’ll be in a showcased program with (probably) Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania only brings more attention to his abysmal in-ring skills.

 

It sucks to be him.

 

Therefore, it’s with great sympathy that I name the Great Khali on being my Loser of the Week! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

***

 

Pillar to Post 

 

Each and every week I’ll 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 (and I encourage every reader to throw me an e-mail and volunteer), I was able to find three great World Wrestling Insanity readers in Green Teabagger, Drowgoddess, Papi!

 

 

1. Agree or Disagree
ECW should be re-named.

 

Green Teabagger: Agree, but I don't know what to call it.

 

I don't really know what that show is on Tuesday anymore. They call it ECW, but that's not ECW. Now, I didn't expect it to be nor should it have been the original ECW the way it used to be. It seems as though they created this show solely to push talent that either couldn't cut it on RAW/Smackdown (Test) or failed on other shows during a push (Bob Holly), or just simply aren't worth a piece of used toilet paper (Kelly Kelly and 'friends'). Yes, there are a few good ones in the lot (Punk, Burke) but the aforementioned Test, Holly, and Kelly get more airtime and hype than either of them.

Also, WWE brought back ECW to make a quick bunch of cash because of the millions of robotized sheep that will buy ANYTHING with the letters ECW on it.

 

Drowgoddess: Agree.

ECW as a name meant something. Most fans of the old product knew very well that a relaunch would not be the same thing that they had known and loved. We were willing to accept that, as long as the product that we were given wasn't the same tired and trite mess that WWE had been peddling to us for the past several years. No such luck. The "conspiracy-theory" fans were on to something when they decided that Vince only brought back ECW in order to destroy it. Considering the way Paul Heyman's termination was handled, that seems to be true. In any case, ECW as a concept meant that any person could beat any other person at any time, even for a title. Anything could truly happen, and often did. It meant that people who didn't fit in with other companies could be used in such a way that their strengths shone, rather than being forced into a particular mold in terms of look and in-ring style. It meant that fans were listened to, and had a say in the product.

None of those things are true of the WWECW, and any chance that it may have had to find its own niche has been squashed by making it a dumping ground for guys for whom the world's most uncreative creative department can't find a story. Since there are no elements of ECW left, change the name and if the show is going to be kept at all, let the wretched experiment die in peace.

 

Papi: Disagree.

 

ECW should be killed, hanged, stomped, killed again, tattooed, burned and buried. Or completely revamped. But renaming it at this point would be ridiculous. I don’t think the brand-name could suffer any more damage than it already has; they’ve hit rock bottom -- nowhere to go but up.

Papi’s Advice: Get rid of some of the ECW originals (okay, all of them); get into a smaller venue in front of a smarter crowd; give CM Punk the title; let the wrestlers wrestle; bring back Heyman; stir occasionally.

 

 

2. Agree or Disagree
Ring of Honor’s future, without Samoa Joe, is very bleak.

 

Green Teabagger: Unfortunately, I have to abstain from answering this question because I know very little and see even less of ROH. In fact, all I have seen is stuff that doesn’t get pulled from YouTube. Usually, that's only when I search for a specific match I heard about (I saw a couple CM Punk-Samoa Joe matches on there before they were yanked....sweet).   :-/

Although, ROH should have seen this coming with Samoa Joe getting a huge push in TNA, feuding with Kurt Angle and other better known names in the sport, and looking at a likely NWA World Title run this year.

 

Drowgoddess: Disagree.

ROH was never a one-man company. Joe has certainly been critical in the success that ROH has had, but there have always been other strong players, and ROH doesn't put all its eggs in one basket, as it were. ROH makes a considerable portion of its profits, such as they are, from online dvd sales. This will not change due to one wrestler, however good and popular, leaving. The roster is still deep, and new blood is turning up fairly regularly. ROH as a company consistantly has the best matches of any company, and will most likely continue to do so. ROH will not wither and die because Samoa Joe no longer wrestles for them.

 

Papi: Agree.

 

I didn’t even know Samoa Joe was still in ROH until this story broke. But I do know this; I wasn’t interested in their product with Joe, and I’ll continue to be uninterested going forward.

Papi’s Advice: It doesn’t matter if they have Joe or not, Ring of Honor really needs to find a way to get their product to wrestling fans. Bring the wrestling to me, fellas, and I’ll watch it. If I like it, I’ll think about giving you some money for it in the future. That’s how it works. There’s just way too many hours of free wrestling on TV as it is; I can’t justify having to send away for it.

 

  

3. Agree or Disagree
The ratings increase for RAW is strictly due to football ending, not because casual fans are enjoying the current programming.

 

Green Teabagger: Basically, I have no idea. I can't agree or disagree.

I can understand people switching over to wrestling due to the lack of Monday Night Football. On the other hand, Heroes just got back on the air after a short break and 24 is back and stronger than ever, as well as other strong shows that draw ratings. While I'm not a fan of Heroes myself and I wait for the DVDs fo 24 [ASIDE: You know what's fun---watch an entire season of 24 starting at the exact time the episode begins. It's Backlund-level awesomeness, even though its hard to keep continuity with the lack of commercials. END ASIDE], a lot of people love those shows and will likely switch over to them once they realize they are back on.

Then again, they might just be TiVo-ing those shows while watching wrestling.

Meh.

 

Drowgoddess: Disagree (barely).

While the end of football season does play a significant role in the ratings increase, it isn't the only reason. Casual fans seem to enjoy the current programming more, if only because they are given a little glimmer of wrestling goodness every now and again. It isn't enough to make the programming truly bearable, but as long as people can hope that HBK has a great match at Wrestlemania, the bulk of casual fans seem to be satisfied with that.

 

Papi: Disagree.

 

While part of that may be true, I also believe that more fans tune in around this time of year, what with the Royal Rumble and Road to WrestleMania and all. Besides, there’s no way that casual fans could be enjoying the current programming. I don’t think anyone’s really enjoying the current programming. It has its moments, but most of the time it’s over-scripted, lame, contrived and insulting.

Papi’s Advice: Never give unsolicited advice.

 

***

 

Great job guys, thanks!!  I’m looking forward to seeing who gets to join me as a guest columnist next week. 

 

 

 

No problem.  Seriously...it’s not a problem at all.  You can let me know either by e-mailing me at Zah@worldwrestlinginsanity.com or hitting me up at ZAH Nation, found in the Insanity Message Board and letting me know that you’d like to participate.  Also, don’t forget to stop by my MySpace page and add me.

 

So until next week…

 

L8R

 



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