Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Project Friend Whore

I decided that this week I was going to generate some interest in my podcast. So I went on a rather large friend whore venture on Facebook, adding people that I knew, barely knew, and haven't seen in years. Now I'm on the lookout for podcasts that are similar to ours, to start networking. Good, independent podcasts are hard to find.

Shameless plug: ToAmuseMe

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Smark/Mark 2

The world of wrestling is filled with many types of fans. Old school, casual, closeted, and former fans. But the two types of fans that most frequent this site are the marks and smarks. The know it all internet savy insiders and the fans of Sports Entertainment. These two types will come together in this column to discuss the events of the week. Sometimes we will agree, sometimes we won't. This is Smark/Mark.

SMARK



MARK




THE PLAYERS

Jarrod Atkinson- Started watching wrestling around WrestleMania 3. Watched religiously until Wrestlemania 8. Made his triumphant return to wrestling in 1999. Started following the "Dirt Sheets" a few years later. A fan of WWE, TNA, WCW, knowledgeable in ECW and ROH, Jarrod spends several hours on various sites dedicated to wrestling and fills most of his Twitter post with the subject. SMARK.

Daniel Bittle- Wrestling fan. WWE fan. Always calls Ring Of Honor "ROA". Recently started watching wrestling again on a regular basis. MARK.

That's us. now let's start things off with SHUT UP, MEG!.......



Shut up Meg is my way of randomly telling someone who is getting on my nerves on a social networking site to shut the hell up. But since we're talking public figures here, I'll call them out. This week's Shut Up Meg AGAIN goes to Matt Hardy.

What the hell Matt? You post this video about how you've decided to keep it real and then you drop THIS bullshit? In character no less?






Is it smart to start talking about "Crossing The Line" when you're still under contract to WWE? Do you really want to associate yourself with this WCW/nWo 2000 rehash? Matt....Shut Up.






RAW RESULTS 10/11/10

Bragging Rights Qualifier: R-Truth defeated Ted DiBiase via pinfall, Lie Detector

I for one can't stand R-Truth. His music gets on my nerves and so does his wrestling style. Poor Ted. He has to fight with Goldust over his daddy's belt and Cody gets to be Tag Team Champion.

Bragging Rights Qualifier:John Morrison defeated Tyson Kidd via pinfall, Walk The Plank

So The Hart Dynasty looks to be over. Welcome to jobber status, Kidd. Morrison using Paul Burchill's old finisher bothers me on a few levels. One, it's an illogical and unsafe looking move, and two, what's wrong with using the Moonlight drive?

Bragging Rights Qualifier: Santino Marella defeated Zack Ryder via pinfall, Cobra (yes, really.)

The first thing I said when I saw this match was "Looks like Ryder's going to make the Raw team. Then he lost. To the fucking Cobra. Long Island Iced Z is this year's Chavo.

Randy Orton defeated Justin Gabriel via pinfall, RKO

A large amount of faith is shown in Gabriel as he once again holds his own with a main eventer. Anybody else think "Stupid, Stupid, Stupid!" or think of Ken Anderson when the 450 was botched?

Bragging Rights Qualifier: Sheamus defeated Daniel Bryan via pinfall, Brogue Kick

The American Dragon at least got to hold his own in this rematch from Monday. This gives me faith that maybe the US title will be defended at the PPV with the Bryan loss tonight. Or perhaps a Bryan vs Ziggler match like last year's U.S. vs IC Bragging Rights match.

Bragging Rights Qualifier: CM Punk defeated Evan Bourne via pinfall, Go To Sleep

I was worried for a minute that Punk was going to turn face and shake Bourne's hand after the match. Luckily, Punk showed he's still a heel and put a beatdown on Evan post match.

Bragging Rights Qualifier: The Miz defeated John Cena via pinfall, Harris/Perfect Jr. interference.

The No DQ stipulation gave away the end of the match. I really think that Miz belongs in the main event and tonight showed me that I was right. The match advanced both storylines for Bragging Rights and progressed the inevitable induction of Harris and McGillicuty into Nexus. By the way, how lame is The McGillicutter? He's Mr. Fucking Perfect's son. Why not use the PerfectPlex?



OR



And the rest....

Once again, love me some LayCool. But I stand by my prediction that this is a time killing feud until Beth Phoenix gets back. I can hope and pray that the Cena/Nexus story is a slow burn for a heel turn, but I have my doubts with WWE and PG land. All in all a very solid show full of WRESTLING, which blows my mind to be honest. I wish every week was this good.


FLASHBACK!

Jeff Hardy aligning with "They" reminded me of the last ditch effort of WCW to do and nWo program. Ladies and Gents, nWo 2000 aka The Black and Silver. Worth it for Bobby Heenan's "There's a swerve going on." comment.



Side note on the Black and Silver: back when they formed I order some shirts from WCW. By the time the shirts had made it to me I received half my order. I call Customer Service and was informed that the nWo Black and Silver shirts had been discontinued. But I got my Wolfpac tank top. I didn't put two and two together and realize WCW was going down the drains. Now I know. Is TNA far behind?

That's all for this week, thanks for reading. Comments both positive and negative are welcome.

Follow us on Twitter
Jarrod
Daniel





Friday, October 8, 2010

Smark/Mark

The world of wrestling is filled with many types of fans. Old school, casual, closeted, and former fans. But the two types of fans that most frequent this site are the marks and smarks. The know it all internet savy insiders and the fans of Sports Entertainment. These two types will come together in this column to discuss the events of the week. Sometimes we will agree, sometimes we won't. This is Smark/Mark.

SMARK



MARK




THE PLAYERS

Jarrod Atkinson- Started watching wrestling around WrestleMania 3. Watched religiously until Wrestlemania 8. Made his triumphant return to wrestling in 1999. Started following the "Dirt Sheets" a few years later. A fan of WWE, TNA, WCW, knowledgeable in ECW and ROH, Jarrod spends several hours on various sites dedicated to wrestling and fills most of his Twitter post with the subject. SMARK.

Daniel Bittle- Wrestling fan. WWE fan. Always calls Ring Of Honor "ROA". Recently started watching wrestling again on a regular basis. MARK.

That's us. now let's start things off with the Inagural Edition of SHUT UP, MEG!.......



Shut up Meg is my way of randomly telling someone who is getting on my nerves on a social networking site to shut the hell up. But since we're talking public figures here, I'll call them out. This week's Shut Up Meg goes to Matt Hardy.

I have been a Matt Hardy fan for over 10 years. Everybody loved the Hardy Boyz, myself included. He's always played the underdog face roll perfectly. His winning of the US Title and then the ECW Championship portrayed him as a fighting champion. He got screwed over with multiple injuries in the last year or so, which slowed down his push. Lately he's been in the role of staring at the lights while Drew McIntyre moves past him on the depth chart. And what wrestling fan hasn't made the occasional Fatt Hardy joke? So when he got sent home and then started his YouTube ramblings, I was sure as shit he was about to be released. But when he didn't, and then he started to question if it was all a work or not, I admit I was intrigued.

BUT, then he started this split personality crap. I know you think that this is going to get you internet buzz like it's 2005 again, but seriously Matt, just shut up. Johnny Ace is probably frothing at the mouth waiting to release you, but for some reason WWE hasn't pulled the trigger. Sit at home, work out, start OMEGA again for all I care. Just SHUT UP. This Matt/Matthew thing is like a car crash. I don't like it, but I can't look away. Just wait until your contract is up, be Matt Hardy, and go to TNA if they want you. Just cut the split personality crap.





Yes, grapes are a big part of his gimmick. Dixie Carter, be warned. If this Sunday goes the way I think it will with the reveal of "They", you will be the next victim of Shut Up, Meg.

There are a lot of stupid things going on, from "and I quote" to Goldust molesting a belt, to Undertaker and Kane pretending like it is 1998 without the cool Kane. That is not who I want to tell shut up. The other day I went to a TNA house show, my first taste of TNA by the way, and I heard a crowd member try to start the chant "WWE sucks". I can't understand this, not that I am taking up for the WWE, its just I don't understand why you have to hate one to like the other. Maybe I am naive but to me it is stupid to have to hate one if they are quality shows.



Hmm, it does say wrestling in the logo...

Where the hell was the WRESTLING at in the first half hour of Impact? I know that "They" are suppose to be a big deal leading to the Pay-Per-View, but come on. The whole night for me was a wash. I didn't give a crap about any of the matches. I left the room or changed the channel several times. Which is the complete opposite of how I felt about the house show in Oklahoma City last week. I hate to be on the Blame Russo wagon, but damn. With no horrible writing or presence of their camera hogging owner, TNA puts on a good show.





10/8/10


Edge defeated Jack Swagger via pinfall, spear.

Really good match to me. I like The Swagger Soaring Eagle. Swagger needs a win though to keep this feud on an even ground, but a really good wrestling match in my opinion.

I liked Edge vs Jack, even though as good as they are the match should have been better. Love the eagle.


Layla defeated Kelly Kelly via pinfall, Neckbreaker.
I am a big fan of LayCool. The wife is not. I know this is all just a time killing feud until Beth Phoenix gets back, but it also gives Natalya a chance to shine. Poor Smelly Kelly, always on the short end of the stick.

Diva matches, who cares? I watch the entrance and that's about it.

Cody Rhodes & Drew McIntyre defeated Kaval & Kofi Kingston via pinfall, CrossRhodes to Kaval.
Yawn. After McIntyre's music I fast forwarded to the end. I could care less about everyone in this match except Kaval.

I haven't been a fan of the champs but I am starting to be. I am a big fan of high risk, and there was non of that, so i should be a fan of Kofi but I am not. And Kaval, I don't get it.

Dolph Ziggler defeated MVP via pinfall, Zig Zag.
I have been a huge fan of Ziggler's work for over a year. He is a bump machine and the Zig Zag is one of my favorite finishers. This was a great match. I loved the actual wrestling part and I can deal with the storyline aspect. Poor MVP has been treading water and really could benefit from a heel turn.

I like Ziggler and I hope he is done with the cry baby.

Rey Mysterio defeated Alberto Del Rio via pinfall, Frog Splash.
As much as I hate Rey Mysterio, he delivers some solid matches. Alberto Del Rio has been on a roll since his debut and I hope that he can move to a solid feud after his Mysterio program ends.

I can't get enough of Alberto Del Rio. Even if it means having to deal with Rey Mysterio.



And the rest.....

To be honest, with Christian being injured, the only reason I really enjoy Smackdown just got traded to Raw. I am not a Cole Miner and Matt Strikers exaggerations are starting to annoy me. The Undertaker and Kane storyline is something that has never been of interest to me. The Big Show's segment with The Dudebusters was good on paper for building to Bragging Rights, but I just don't see Show coming out on top of The Miz in what will be the second year of Miz versus an old tag team partner.

All in all not a bad show. Some good matches, not all, and for the most part the story lines were alright. I do have to say I hate Cole, and not just because he was making fun of us video game geeks, but because his voice is annoying. I can't stand the Kane-Undertaker thing. all I can think is that The Undertaker is going to retire and they want to send him out with a "Big Bad" to beat.


FLASHBACK!
This is what Matt Hardy wants you to remember: His triumphant return to the WWE on his 89th day of his no compete clause. The worked shoot story that brought forth his "Will not die" attitude. So is WWE trying to recycle storylines like they have a bad habit of doing?



That's all for this week, thanks for reading. Comments both positive and negative are welcome.

Follow us on Twitter
Jarrod
Daniel





Friday, August 27, 2010

Smackdown Live.

Match by match my thoughts on tonight's Smackdown. Rey Mysterio vs. Kane: It's a match between two of my least favorite wrestlers. This is more entertaining to me:



I actually changed to G4 and started watching a fight show on there. The no DQ rule made for a more painful end for Rey. Of course it seems like he can't lose clean to anyone any more. I must admit though, I like Alberto Del Rio. Anybody else laugh when Rey gets hurt? My favorite was "Ah! Dios Mio!" from the Swagger ankle lock. It actually seems like Del Rio is getting some heat, but you know how they pipe in sound on taped shows.

Why is it when everyone gets hurt now we get the "Owen Hart just died" voice from the announcers?

Here comes the SES. I bet Serena's future endeavors will be on WWE.com later tonight. Punk got new ink and the return of the Anaconda Vice. Hells yeah. Can anyone cut a better promo? "Be better, or be gone." Well, bye Serena.

Dashing Cody Rhodes is giving advice on body shaving. Nice. And now for Ziggler to retain by shady means. I won't be paying attention until the Zig Zag.


No Zig Zag, but Grisham gets props for his current event comments about grabbing some beer and hitting the emergency exit.

Here we go with yet another recap of Kane and his soap opera music assisted promos. WWE is acting like this is the first time that Kane has ever turned on Taker. Selective memory. On a personal note, it's really nice outside, and for the first time in awhile, no mail.

Oklahoma represent!

Did Kaval take charisma pills or what? I guess Del Rio is killing jobbers to build up more credibility. Did anyone stop and wonder what the point was to the Big Show and SES Storyline? Seems to me like it's too soon to split them up. But what do I know?

Ten minutes to go. Here comes the GrandpaTaker. Vengeance, revenge, rest in peace. Why do I continue to watch? Why do I say that every time? Okay. I'm out.

TNA Impact...how I loathe thee.

Let's spend a few moments in my head from Thursday night. I was looking forward to watching some wrestling. I read the spoilers, but my memory has been really bad since my surgery. Here we go:

Opening moments, finally some wrestling! Why the fuck is Dixie Carter coming out? She has her own music? SHE HAS A FUCKING TRON VIDEO!? WHY IS SHE PUTTING HERSELF IN THE STORYLINE? WHY CAN'T THEY JUST HAVE WRESTLING?! FUUUUUUUCCKKK.

I left the room. There was some sort of Flair promo. I'm sure it went like this.....



Anyway, I get sick of this EV2.0CW crap. And with Team 3D in contract negotiations and RVD out, it seems a little weak. I started talking to the wife and spaced out on the majority of that crap. Back to the living room and...
JOE! Back from his vaca....suspension, he gets to get rubbed up on by Orlando Jordan. At least he got the win, big difference from WWE.

When Jarrett was fighting Big Lazy I had flashbacks to WCW in 2000 and I couldn't believe I was seeing the same thing 10 years later. Does anyone else get sick of Sting? Ugh.

Really the only part of Impact I watched was the return of the Original Beautiful People. They should've put them back together a long time ago. But what do I know? I missed the GenMe vs. Guns match, I know I missed some good stuff there. I get so pissed at TNA for pushing people that came from WWE and leave their own homegrown talent in the back for the most part. But, every week I keep coming back for more. In closing, the best part of writing this blog was the Flair gif. Let's hope that Smackdown provides me with more entertainment.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Contracts and Future Endeavors

You always read about these wrestlers getting released and wished the best of luck in their future endeavors. I for one don't feel bad for them. They basically get paid to sit at home for 3 months, getting fired by WWE is the interview process for TNA, and when you think about it, you have a money making venture for life.

Being in the WWE- even for a white hot minute- gives you credibility in the independent scene as far as promoting goes. You can do indy shows, become TNA world champion, or do the ever so dangerous shoot interview. And the thing about WWE is that it's one of the few places that getting fired doesn't stop you from coming back better than ever.

I wish the jobs I have had used contracts. When I went to Coke I could've upped my price because I had worked for the competition. When I went back to Pepsi (I'm the Christian of the soda business) I could've got more money because the managers wanted me back and I had instant fan recognition.

The last few months have given me a feel for what it's like to sit out 90 days and still get paid. I'm getting my downside guarantee, but I don't know what the hell is going to be next. If only there were shoot interviews for soda or retail. I guess I should sit by the phone and wait for my industry's version of ROH to call. (That would be 7Up.)

Ready for Superstars and Impact tonight, even though I read the spoilers. At least there's some sort of wrestling on tonight.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Making Plans.

Call me a slacker. I planned to make this my wrestling blog a la Ring Posts or some of my other favorite wrestling blogs. But as usual when I make plans, something gets in the way. But it gave me a good thought for today. Shit happens in life, and it also happens in the wonderful world of wrestling. A few examples:

When I came back into wrestling, Stone Cold Steve Austin was white hot. This was late 1999. And if you were born before 1985, you know that Austin had to take time off for neck surgery. A lack of Austin led to The Big Show getting his first WWE title and the Fatal Four Way at Wrestlemania 2000. It also gave HHH a time to shine (back when he wasn't Huntor The Squash) and led to Mick Foley taking the spotlight for his first retirement.

A blown quad put an end to the Two Man Power Trip of Austin and HHH, and HHH's involvement in the Invasion storyline. But it opened up a spot for Kurt Angle to step up. The fact that the day after Kurt saved the WWE they did the double turn with him and Austin still bothers me, but Austin's heel turn just wasn't working, no matter how bad he beat up Team Extreme.

Sometimes it's not always a good thing though. Scott Hall no showing a PPV gave Eric Young a chance to step up, but he's doing comedy again. But TNA drops the ball every time. John Cena's quad injury didn't help Randy Orton establish dominance. Rey Mysterio's suspension didn't give Dolph Ziggler the Intercontinental Championship he deserved. Poor Zig had to wait another year for that chance.

So shit happens. Sometimes for the good, sometimes for the bad. We can what if all we want, but the show must go on, despite injury, suspension, contract negotiations, or bad booking. So I make no excuses for my absence, I just move on and try to improve myself. Here's hoping I'm back tomorrow.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Thoughts on Smackdown.

Not much to say about Smackdown. I usually read the spoilers and see if it's even worth watching. Here are a few thoughts on the subject:

I get it. We're suppose to despise Drew McIntyre. But his gimmick as "The Chosen One" doesn't work with me. So help me, I hope he doesn't win the Smackdown Money In The Bank.

Speaking of Money In The Bank, I really wish Christian would win. After 2 years of coming close, I think it's time.

Why did they put the belt on Rey Mysterio?

CM Punk's injury really effed up my Fridays for the next 6 weeks.

Cody Rhodes new entrance? Epic.

I hate the way they build Jack Swagger up, just to make him look like a coward 5 minutes later. I also can't stand Kane. While Swagger belongs in the main event, Kane should not be anywhere near it.

Thanks to the shitty weather my Dish Network is failing on me so no thoughts on the latest episode of AAA. I guess my next post will be on Monday's Raw. I should really be in bed.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

A funny thing happened Thursday.

My girlfriend switched shifts this week, which lead to me having tons of free time at night. Of course that means now I'm bored as fuck at night with my recent surgery limiting what I can do. So naturally I stick to the internet and TV for entertainment. Which leads us to Thursday. I'm almost ashamed to admit it, but I watched TNA Impact.

I loved TNA in the beginning. I watched the early weekly pay-per-views, I marked out like crazy when Kurt Angle jumped ship. But since the Hogan era began I've been not so confident in wrestling's number 2 product. The final straw was watching them once again put over a WWE has been in Rob Van Dam over AJ Styles, a person who has been there since day one. So I swore off TNA for RVD's title reign. Until boredom got the best of me Thursday.

Much to my surprise, I actually enjoyed most of the show. Of course it was filled with the typical TNA overkill, but there was nothing else on to watch. Save for the main event run in by Abyss, it was a good show. Nice to see Mr. Anderson have a chance to run in the main event. Jeff Hardy......seems to have gained a little and looks drugged out. But, it was a good way to pass the time until my Honey Bee got home.

Hopefully they will entertain me enough in September, because I just dropped $90 bucks to see them live.