tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71325759632511046672024-03-13T12:59:33.313-07:00Student of the GameStudent of the Gamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10206589000501642026noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7132575963251104667.post-53257868205309176762018-07-14T17:41:00.002-07:002018-07-14T17:41:37.001-07:00I Want To Believe In DC Comics Again<img alt="The heart and soul of DC Comics" class="size-full" height="461" src="https://i993.photobucket.com/albums/af60/toamuseme/DC-Universe-Rebirth-1-spoilers-preview-14-300x461_zpswkfvpjvp.jpg" width="300" /><br />
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The heart and soul of DC Comics[/caption]
For the longest time I read comics religiously. In fact, from 1992-2005 I did. Then some issues of the financial matter made comics a low priority. I still tried to keep up with my favorite creators like Bendis, Jurgens, and Millar. But after awhile I got a bit lost. <br />
<a name='more'></a>I’m a DC guy for the most part. I’ve been known to make mine Marvel, but when it comes to parting with my hard earned cash now it seems to be 90% DC and 10% Archie. (Mark Waid can seriously write anything.) Obviously I follow writers. I used to just read titles, but then I started leaving when writers did. Chuck Dixon left Robin and Nightwing? I’m out. Chris Claremont is back on X-Men? I’m out.
I tried to like New 52. I really did. I was excited about The Shade. I jumped on board when they gave Rob Liefeld 3 books. When John Romita Jr jumped to Superman, I was there. But the New 52 didn’t feel right. I missed MY Superman. This solar flare bullshit wasn’t the Kal-El I knew and loved.
If you read the bio page, you know that I’m in my 30s. Kyle Rayner is my Green Lantern, Wally West is my Flash, and Jason Todd is dead as shit. So seeing all those things change didn’t work for me. And it seems like that was a message that DC was getting from a lot of readers. I had a gut feeling that the New 52 would last 52 issues and things would revert back to a pre Flashpoint era. And my god, when they announced DC Rebirth, I was excited for the possibilities.
The day of DC Rebirth, I had planned to hit my LCS and make my purchases. But I ended up going digital that day. So there I was, hitting the right arrow key of DC Rebirth #1 in my office. And there he was. I screamed out loud when I saw him. A face gone for 5 years. Wally. Fucking. West. My Flash. Geoff Johns had taken the last 5 years and tied it all together and brought everyone back from the brink and into the world we had loved for so long.
For the first time in years I’m excited about comics. My Flash is back. Dan Jurgens is writing a book about the proper Superman. Tim Drake looks like Robin again. Life is good for the 30-something comic reader, and for the first time in a long time I look forward to Wednesdays.Student of the Gamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10206589000501642026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7132575963251104667.post-62671669136507206812012-05-14T17:02:00.003-07:002012-05-24T15:50:29.447-07:00Rob Liefeld and the power of Social Media.I started reading comics back in 1992. Word of Superman's impending death and the X-Men cartoon gave me enough reason to check things out. My first comics were X-Men 17, What If? 48, and Action Comics 683. It took some time to realize that there were 2 X-books and 4 Superbooks, but I eventually started to venture out and pay attention to the writers and artists. Around this time Image Comics was making it's grand debut. I wasn't wise to the ins and outs of the comics market until I bought my first issue of Wizard Magazine. I was hardcore loyal to the Big 2, but I always checked out the Image books in the Wizard articles. I eventually branched out. Spawn was different, but not exactly reliable on shipping. I loved Wildcats, but didn't get on board until Jim Lee was gone. And then there was Rob Liefeld. Creator of Cable, Deadpool, and Youngblood.<br />
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I picked up the occasional Extreme Studios book from time to time but they never really made sense or had a good story to them. Everything was blood/death/strike or something to that affect. Rob kept producing books throughout the years and I kept on not buying the majority of them. In 1996 he was hired by Marvel to take over Captain America and Avengers under the banner Heroes Reborn. I was furious that his run interrupted the perfection that was Mark Waid and Ron Garney's run on Captain America, but I bought CA #1 anyway. I didn't make it to the second issue. Rob didn't make it to #7.<br />
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As the years went by I changed from a artist's fan to a writer's fan. I followed religiously the works of Dixon, Waid, Robinson, and Bendis. I watched the quality of the stories in comics improve and move away from gimmick covers. I bought a few issues of Rob's return to Marvel, but nothing really stood out to me. In late 2005 I stopped buying comics religiously. I kept up with certain books by buying the trade paperbacks (don't EVER call it a graphic novel in front of me) and making the occasional stop to another store where they didn't know me.<br />
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Here's where things start to change. While I was on the sidelines, Rob stayed busy. He went back to the Heroes Reborn universe. He made a return to Image. He started doing art for Deadpool and The Infinite. But the point that made me stand up and take notice of Rob Liefeld again was when I found him on Twitter. He spoke candidly about his career. He gave advice to people seeking entry into the industry. He gave his opinion on DC and Marvel. He also promoted his book like a madman. Rob was overseeing the relaunch of his Image books, penciling The Infinite, penciling and later writing Hawk and Dove, and then taking over scripts and art for Deathstroke, and plotting Grifter and Hawkman. This guy is taking on a hell of a workload AND promoting it like no other. So here's where I admit what I'm going to do tomorrow: I plan on buy some Rob Liefeld comics. That's right. The man who worships at the church of Bendis and Robinson is going to go Extreme. And yes Rob, I know I better hurry. I'll post my findings tomorrow.....stay tuned.<br />
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The first book I was able to get my hands on was Grifter #9. This is the book I was really looking forward to checking out because I've always been a huge Grifter fan. Steven T. Seagle's run on Grifter Volume One has always been the measuring stick for me.<br />
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The issue opens with immediate action. It feels like a good jumping on point for new readers, which is a good thing because I haven't read a comic with Cole Cash in it in years. Cole is on the run from several Daemonites, and while he's battling, we get a narration establishing the story for those who just showed up. It gets the new direction started and introduces some new characters to the story. The art is great. It feels like the Grifter books of old. The dialogue is very much Cole Cash. I know this is the New 52, but the one thing that bothers me is that Grifter and Deathblow have never met before. I'm an old Team 7 fan, so I like the fact that all these guys were linked together. Having said that, I will be back for the next issue. Rob is credited with the story in this book, with the dialogue and art done by others. So it feels like he acts as the Head Writer/Executive Producer. Creating the vision and direction, but overseeing a creative team. Looks very promising.<br />
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I didn't make it to my local comic shop in time to purchase Deathstroke or Savage Hawkman #9. They were sold out everywhere I went. So I decided to go digital. Let's start with Hawkman. Hawkman has always been a character that confuses the hell out of me. Is he a reincarnated being? An alien? Both? Anyway, Rob gets a plot and dialogue credit for this book. Once again we're jumping into the story headfirst. I won't spoil the plot for you but the action starts quickly and the book leads to what seems to be a huge battle in the next issue. Having said that, I won't be back for it. Hawkman has never been my thing, and I don't know that the mighty James Robinson himself could get me interested in this book. <br />
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I saved the best for last. Rob is writing and drawing Deathstroke #9. Call it nostalgia, call it crazy, call it whatever you want, here's the truth about Deathstroke: I fucking loved it. With the inclusion of Wildstorm's Zealot and the mission to track down LOBO, this book is a fun ride. I'm coming back for more. No need to know the backstory here. Deathstroke is the man and he's going after Lobo. Bravo, Rob.<br />
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So there you have it. I haven't been a regular comic reader in years, but thanks to Rob Liefeld's Twitter feed (<a href="http://twitter.com/robertliefeld" target="_blank">@RobertLiefeld</a>), I was driving all over Norman, Oklahoma to find his stuff. I'm coming back for 2 out of his 3 books next month. Hopefully I'm not the only one who has been influenced by Rob's social media powers. You can follow me on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/cmjarrod" target="_blank">@CMJarrod</a>. Also, feel free to check out my podcast in the right hand corner of this page. <br />
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</div>Student of the Gamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10206589000501642026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7132575963251104667.post-48519850686524089072011-09-04T21:05:00.000-07:002011-09-05T21:06:05.635-07:00Hello<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ll-media.tmz.com/2011/09/04/0904-kurt-angle-mug-ex.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 478px;" src="http://ll-media.tmz.com/2011/09/04/0904-kurt-angle-mug-ex.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kurt Angle DUI</span><br /></div><br />Kurt Angle was arrested early Sunday morning in Virginia for DUI. According to TMZ, Angle was observed swerving in between lanes on I-66 and was pulled over by State Troopers. Angle was arrested, taken to the Warren County Jail, and released after posting $2000 bond. This is Kurt's 3rd driving arrest in 4 years. Kurt also finds himself in a bit of a PR problem, as he is the current TNA World Champion, and he just started his campaign to return to the Olympics in 2012. The info can be found at www.kurtangle2012.com/<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kurt Angle Is Pissed</span><br /></div><br />It's been a bad week for Kurt. He started of the week angry at his ranking in WWE's Greatest Superstars of All Time, in which he was ranked #34. He referred to the ranking as a "kick in the balls" and said he deserved to be in the Top 5. He then asked WWE to remove him from the list. One whopping day later, he issued an apology to anyone he offended, and said he was proud to be in the Top 50.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Santino Injured In Wreck</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.wwe.com/f/imagecache/gallery_photo/photo/image/2011/09/20110901_2114.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 686px; height: 384px;" src="http://www.wwe.com/f/imagecache/gallery_photo/photo/image/2011/09/20110901_2114.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Santino Marella was injured in a car accident last week in Toronto. WWE.com had an exclusive out of character interview with Marella in which he described the accident. Marella suffered a separated left shoulder and will not be on Raw.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Another Cast Member Announced</span><br /></div>Prince Devitt is the latest person to join the Wrestling Revolution Project. He joins Colt Cabana, Len Olson, Ken Doane, Alex Reynolds, Kenny Omega, MVP, Sami Callihan, Daivari, Emil Sitoci, and Luke Gallows in this new new project that, and I quote: <blockquote>"<span class="style2">is a 13-episode seasonal concept built on wrestling storytelling with a complete three act narrative structure. Cutting the cord completely from the modern wrestling industry chronology, it's the launch of a new universe with new characters and new rules. WRP aims to combine modern, relevant themes with compelling in-ring storytelling to create a unique wrestling television experience." </span></blockquote><span class="style2">I'm liking the lineup so far and am interested to see where the project goes. Perhaps we can see more of Kenny Omega vs his greatest opponent.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/E9obAE2w26Y?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" width="425"></iframe></span>Student of the Gamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10206589000501642026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7132575963251104667.post-29289259891130001942011-05-22T20:13:00.000-07:002011-12-24T18:22:46.618-08:00My type?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://6img.skins.be/1/5/7/5/4/0/0/hilarie-burton-46.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 480px;" src="http://6img.skins.be/1/5/7/5/4/0/0/hilarie-burton-46.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.contactmusic.com/pics/lb/l_word_finale_3_040309/cassidy_freeman_2316500.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 696px;" src="http://www.contactmusic.com/pics/lb/l_word_finale_3_040309/cassidy_freeman_2316500.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.starswelove.com/celebrities/a/allisonmack/pictures/allison_mack004b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 662px; height: 1000px;" src="http://www.starswelove.com/celebrities/a/allisonmack/pictures/allison_mack004b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img002.lazygirls.info/people/alison_haislip/alison_haislip_alison_haislip_90noZ2W.sized.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 478px; height: 640px;" src="http://img002.lazygirls.info/people/alison_haislip/alison_haislip_alison_haislip_90noZ2W.sized.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Student of the Gamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10206589000501642026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7132575963251104667.post-83885789274982182942011-04-28T10:13:00.001-07:002011-04-28T16:07:22.163-07:00What You Missed In Wres-- Entertainment This Week.Hello world, and once again, here's what you missed in the world of <s>wrestling</s> entertainment.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Draft</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://tribalwrestling.com/wp-content/uploads/WWE-Draft-2011-Picks-Randy-Orton-300x245.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 245px;" src="http://tribalwrestling.com/wp-content/uploads/WWE-Draft-2011-Picks-Randy-Orton-300x245.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />In case you've been out of the loop, here are the picks from the draft, starting with Smackdown to Raw: <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Jack Swagger, Kelly Kelly, JTG, Drew McIntyre, Curt Hawkins, Chris Masters, Kofi Kingston, Tyler Reks, Beth Phoenix, Rey Mysterio, The Big Show, Alberto Del Rio.</span> Moving to Smackdown from Raw: <span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Daniel Bryan, The Great Khali , Jimmy Uso, Alicia Fox, William Regal, Yoshi Tatsu, Natalya, Jey Uso, Ted DiBiase, Tyson Kidd, Tamina, Alex Riley, Sheamus, Randy Orton, Mark Henry, Sin Cara</span>. So Orton moves on to replace Edge as the top face, Del Rio gets to play on the A Show, and Sin Cara gets to be on the show where he can be edited.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Batista won't be in Strikeforce</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/1012/mma_g_batista1_576.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 576px; height: 324px;" src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/1012/mma_g_batista1_576.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Dave Batista recently told TMZ that his deal with the Strikeforce MMA company have fallen through. Batista was training in hopes of a fight early this year, and up until his loss and leaving Strikeforce, Bobby Lashley was his rumored opponent. Dave says the recent purchase of Strikforce by Zuffa is to blame. So start your "Next TNA Champ" jokes and let the speculation begin on whether or not The Animal will return to the WWE.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Punking Out?</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRHWE2cALPvk0W6GnjVZI5Fs5uDp-iZD-dFSS4_jLQw5a_Ud3X-"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 255px; height: 198px;" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRHWE2cALPvk0W6GnjVZI5Fs5uDp-iZD-dFSS4_jLQw5a_Ud3X-" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Rumor has it that CM Punk's contract with WWE is expiring soon and he's debating on whether to reup or not. I know how these rumors go, but if it is true, Punk may be on the way out. He would most likely be taking some time off to heal and recover from burnout. Being Straight Edge and having all those injuries can't be good on his body. I personally hope he goes the Big Show/Chris Jericho route and just takes some time off and makes his return when he is ready. Richard Gray is reporting that the WWE put Punk's girlfriend Beth Phoenix on Raw to appease him and sway him into their good graces so he'll sign a new contract. This will be a story to watch.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">It's still real to JR</span>.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://pwtorch.com/artman2/uploads/3/jim-ross.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 243px; height: 246px;" src="http://pwtorch.com/artman2/uploads/3/jim-ross.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Jim Ross was injured on Monday night when Michael Cole's tooth went straight into his hand all the way to the bone. Ross said doctors will be keeping a close eye on it to make sure there is no infection, but he will be wrestling entertaining at Sunday's Pay Per View.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stone Cold Rick Roll</span><br /><br />The video of the week.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3Aknd-BhQvI?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" width="425"></iframe><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ric Flair's Shoulder</span><br /></div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://goofygifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/funny-animated-gifs-woo.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 197px;" src="http://goofygifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/funny-animated-gifs-woo.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Slick Ric is going to have shoulder surgery. NO he's not. Is he? Tazz said yes, JR said no, Tazz said ooops, nevermind, bad info.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Who to follow on Twitter</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT8IJI2q8eeNPELV8OnVsBE7s3C8ctAB5aYp7Bbx2z1yARQxvfNfw"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 225px;" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT8IJI2q8eeNPELV8OnVsBE7s3C8ctAB5aYp7Bbx2z1yARQxvfNfw" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://twitter.com/randyorton">Randy Orton</a> is this week's selection. He's sarcastic, funny, and not at all the punt crazy Viper he plays on TV. 3 of his best:<br /><br /><ul><li>Point being, instead of taking offense to someone using your move, consider it a sign of respect.</li></ul><ul><li>A kid just rang our door bell and ran. He jumped in a white car. Unfortunately for him, I have 8cameras covering every angle of my home...</li></ul><ul><li> I saw her backstage and said hi, took a picture with her. Tried to get a convo going, but the kid had know idea wut to think! (On meeting Angry Miz Girl.)<br /></li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Social Media Spotlight</span><br /><br />You've heard it a million times now, Zack Ryder is getting himself over on Youtube. If only WWE would listen. Here is the latest episode of Z True Long Island Story.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BBstw8dz-Ok?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />That's it for this week. Don't forget Extreme Rules is this Sunday. Follow me on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/cmjarrod">@CMJarrod</a>, and have a great weekend.</div></div></div></div></div></div>Student of the Gamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10206589000501642026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7132575963251104667.post-63572391115491708652011-04-19T11:05:00.001-07:002011-04-19T17:50:07.218-07:00What You Missed In Wres-- Entertainment This Week.Hello all. It's Tuesday and so far this week, nobody has been forced to retire. Maybe a few threats, but nothing concrete. Here's what you missed since last weekend.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Chikara King of Trios<br /></div><br />Chikara held it's annual King of Trios tournament this past weekend in Philidelphia. The Colony won the tournament defeating Team FIST in the Main Event of Night 3. The big story coming out of this weekend though was Sean "X-Pac/6Pac/Syxx" Waltman participated as the 1-2-3 Kid, a persona not seen in years. Waltman received a standing ovation and a "Please Come Back" Chant after his match with <span id="intelliText">El Generico. He addressed the crowd and said this may be his last year to wrestle and posted <a href="http://twitpic.com/4m85ky">this</a> note in the locker room at the end of the night.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/large/279196738.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJF3XCCKACR3QDMOA&Expires=1303261235&Signature=4g1%2Ba8tsHou%2BwPLuob3ewVxnwIc%3D"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 803px;" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/large/279196738.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJF3XCCKACR3QDMOA&Expires=1303261235&Signature=4g1%2Ba8tsHou%2BwPLuob3ewVxnwIc%3D" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Neidhart arrested<br /></div><br />Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart was arrested in Tampa on Monday for driving without a license and operating an unregistered vehicle. He was released after paying a $750 bond. This is the second time in a year Neidhart has been on the wrong side of the law, the last time being September of 2010 when he was charged with 6 felony counts and gave us this mugshot: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://wrestlechat.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/anvilmug-240x300.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 300px;" src="http://wrestlechat.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/anvilmug-240x300.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">R-Truth's Smoking Controversy<br /></div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ll-media.tmz.com/2011/04/19/0419-smoking-wrestler-sm-launch.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="http://ll-media.tmz.com/2011/04/19/0419-smoking-wrestler-sm-launch.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />On last night's Raw R-Truth turned heel and attacked John Morrison. But that's not what everyone was talking about today. Truth lit up a cigarette after the attack and blew smoke in Morrison's face. Besides the crowd chanting "That's illegal", Truth made it on TMZ and has drawn the attention of Patrick Reynolds, Executive Director of TobaccoFree.org. Probably not the reaction Vince was looking for. WWE released a statement saying: "The negative effect smoking has on one’s health and physical performance was a part of a storyline on last night’s Monday Night Raw. Negative depictions of tobacco use on television are not unusual and can be seen on other TV-PG shows." And that's the Truth. Ba dump bump.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Extreme Rules Card updated<br /><br /><br /></div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://tribalwrestling.com/wp-content/uploads/WWE-Extreme-Rules-2011-Matches.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 338px; height: 380px;" src="http://tribalwrestling.com/wp-content/uploads/WWE-Extreme-Rules-2011-Matches.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Joey Styles announced on his Twitter page that CM Punk and Randy Orton will face each other in a Last Man Standing match at Extreme Rules. This adds to the card along with the Ladder Match for the World Heavyweight Championship between Christian and Alberto Del Rio and the Triple Threat Cage Match between Miz, John Cena, and John Morrison.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Jackson Andrews released<br /></div><br />"Hey kid, good news! We're moving you up to the big show. You'll be Tyson Kidd's bodyguard! The new HBK and Diesel!" *2 weeks later* "Pack your bags Andrews, you're going back to Florida." Just when he thought it couldn't get any worse, Jackson Andrews has been removed from the FCW Roster page and word is he's been released. We hardly knew him...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Jarrett injured at Lockdown<br /></div><br />The Wrestling Observer is reporting that Jeff Jarrett suffered broken ribs in his 2 out of 3 falls match with Kurt Angle Sunday. Angle said on twitter that he separated his shoulder. He also said he used an RKO out of respect towards Randy Orton. Anti Twitter hacking? Jeff meanwhile, will be recovering at home with this:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.tnastars.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/karen-angle-03.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 352px; height: 581px;" src="http://www.tnastars.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/karen-angle-03.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">WWE Draft is next week<br /></div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.clbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/wwe-draft-2010.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 358px; height: 243px;" src="http://www.clbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/wwe-draft-2010.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Because the Brand Extension has been so strong and you rarely see a Smackdown Star on Raw, be sure to tune into Raw this Monday for the Draft Lottery. Chances are a Main Event level person will be moved to the Smackdown side to make up for the loss of Edge.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Lockdown Results<br /></div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sportsneed.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/tna-lockdown-2011.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 360px;" src="http://sportsneed.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/tna-lockdown-2011.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Other than Jeff Jarrett being injured, here's what you need to know about Lockdown:<br /><br /><ul><li>Max Buck won an X-Division Xscape Match featuring Robbie E, Chris Sabin, Jay Lethal, Jeremy Buck, Suicide, Amazing Red, and Brian Kendrick</li><li>Ink Inc. defeated Crimson & Scott Steiner, Eric Young & Orlando Jordan, and The British Invasion</li><li>Mickie James defeated Madison Rayne to become the new Knockouts Champion</li><li>Samoa Joe defeated The Pope</li><li>Matt Morgan defeated Hernandez</li><li>Jeff Jarrett defeated Kurt Angle in a 2 out of 3 Falls Match</li><li>Sting defeated Mr. Anderson and RVD to retain the TNA Championship</li><li>Fortune defeated Immortal in a Lethal Lockdown</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Who to follow on Twitter<br /></div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.zug.com/daily/journal/graphics/032010_twitter_prank_bird.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 256px;" src="http://www.zug.com/daily/journal/graphics/032010_twitter_prank_bird.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The world of Twitter is filled with many <s><s>wrestling</s></s> entertainment personalities, but in this section I will show you who is the cream of the crop. This week's honor goes to the Extreme Announcer himself, Joey Styles. <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/JoeyStyles">@JoeyStyles </a>is filled with inside jokes, flat out honest commentary, and WWE exclusives. Since his WWE talent contract expired, Styles has been the go to guy when it comes to pointing out he obvious flaws in <s><s>wrestling</s></s>.entertainment. I also got a heads up on a huge WWE Shop sale by following him. Here's a few of his tweets:<br /><br /><ul><li>Zack Ryder puts the "Entertainment" in World W-------- Entertainment. Great cameos by Scott and Colt </li></ul><ul><li>Today in 1908, Frank Gotch defeated Georg Hackenschmidt for the World Heavyweight Title. Tonight, Snooki won a match at WWE WrestleMania 27</li></ul><ul><li>WRESTLING WRESTLING WRESTLING WRESTLING WRESTLING WRESTLING WRESTLING WRESTLING WRESTLING WRESTLING WRESTLING!...FUTURE ENDEAVORS...WWE.COM</li></ul><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Media Spotlight of the Week<br /></div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.tsmradio.com/sitebuilder/images/ColtSquare-356x356.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 356px; height: 356px;" src="http://www.tsmradio.com/sitebuilder/images/ColtSquare-356x356.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Seems like everybody has some sort of social media outlet these days, and many, like Zack Ryder, are using them to show a side of themselves we don't see on the weekly shows. This week I'm spotlighting a former WWE Superstar, ROH Tag Champ, and the current NWA World Heavyweight Champion, Colt Cabana. Every week at <a href="http://welovecolt.com/">welovecolt.com/</a> Colt talks to various people in the industry. He's been everywhere, including FCW, OVW, ROH, IWA: Mid South, and WWE, so he knows everybody. It also helps when CM Punk is a friend. Currently on Episode 38, Colt has talked with people ranging from this weeks guest Dave Lagana, to CM Punk, Homicide, Evan Bourne, Austin Aries, Luke Gallows, Mikey from the Spirit Squad, and many more. New shows come out every Thursday on <a href="http://welovecolt.com/">WeLoveColt.com</a> and iTunes.<br /><br />That's it for this week. I welcome comments here and by email at toamuseme@gmail.com. Follow my antics on twitter at <a href="http://twitter.com/CMJarrod">@CMJarrod</a>. Thanks for reading, hope to be back next week to show you what you missed this week in <s>wrestling</s> Entertainment.<br /><br />Peace!<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ON6Ewh2eCPI?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" width="425"></iframe>Student of the Gamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10206589000501642026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7132575963251104667.post-62224822014406779212011-03-01T15:33:00.000-08:002011-03-01T15:41:23.796-08:00Crap!Here we are, a month later. I promised all this storm coverage and then it didn't do much. But the real reason I haven't been on here? I went back to work. I did an interview with my old job, then a week later had to drive 50 miles in the snow to take a drug test. I started again again again (this is the 3rd time) on Valentine's Day.<br /><br />I was welcomed back to hell with the news that the closest route they could give me was 45 minutes away. I also got to work 6 days in a row. Try not working for 10 months and then jump right back in to heavy lifting for 6 days straight.<br /><br />Unfortunately, I had another event to go through after my 6 days of hell. After 101 years, my Great Grandmother passed away. I won't go into specifics because I don't think the internet is the place to air your personal business. I'm sorry she's gone, but she lived a long wonderful life.<br /><br />So I just finished Week 2, and I don't feel as bad as I did last week, but I know I can't do this forever. I'm looking into some other options now, but it's nice to have steady income. Now to catch up on my podcast.<br /><br />This is the last video I watched...<br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wcyNy4VIbRI?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" width="425"></iframe>Student of the Gamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10206589000501642026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7132575963251104667.post-15396640251733751932011-01-27T23:53:00.000-08:002011-01-28T00:08:42.510-08:00Damn this Oklahoma weather.So here we are at the end of January, and I'm still going places in shorts. Only 1/3 of the time do I freeze my ass off. The next two days are suppose to be wonderful. Temperatures in the upper 60s, the sun out, all on the anniversary of the biggest ice storm in the state's history. So here's the swerve: Monday it's suppose to be icy, Tuesday has the potential for snow. Shit.<br /><br />I hate ice more than I hate snow. I hate ice more than thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail, and the dreaded thundersleet. I don't like the fact that MLAt (Her JLo-esque nickname she has no idea I'm using) has to work on Monday morning, and Monday and Tuesday night. And next week it will be in the 60s again I'm sure. That annoying phrase "If you don't like the weather in Oklahoma..." is ringing true this week. I hope I can get out there and enjoy the sun while I can.<br /><br />If the weather gets bad, be certain you'll hear about it on ToAmuseMe. Located right there ---><br /><br /><br />Music today from Kula Shaker, one of the first CD's I ever bought.<br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2bYj2o7y4rk?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" width="425"></iframe>Student of the Gamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10206589000501642026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7132575963251104667.post-71680136056424047302011-01-25T12:32:00.000-08:002011-01-25T21:30:02.598-08:00Things to do today:This was my plan for the day:<br /><br />catch up on Howard and Kevin podcasts<br />email people<br />watch UFC DVD<br />swallow sadness<br />await tax forms<br />eat food<br />watch Botchamania 160<br />take the trash to the curb before tomorrow morning.<br /><br />Still 2 episodes behind on H&K, those Canadian bastards have put out 2 shows in two weeks. So they're on time now and we've fallen behind at ToAmuseMe. I accomplished everything else if watching one fight counts. (I count it.) This was a very relaxed day compared to the get up and fucking run attitude of yesterday.<br /><br />That's it for today. Have some Portlandia.<br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/AVmq9dq6Nsg?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" width="480"></iframe>Student of the Gamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10206589000501642026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7132575963251104667.post-74681095522547126842011-01-23T21:23:00.000-08:002011-01-23T21:44:37.379-08:00Hurry Up.Hurry up and wait. I hate waiting. The day before things is the worst. Important Super Secret Project is tomorrow and I'm starting to overthink things. I'll be running around all day and then everything will hit and just like that, be over. Still looking for a way to get paid good money to do nothing but watch TV and hang out with 2 small dogs.<br /><br />I was going to do a solo podcast today but I got street dogged (Translation: Artie tricked me into laying down and falling asleep). Yes, it's happened so many times it has it's own name. We've fallen a bit behind on our weekly-ish schedule and I need to catch it back up.<br /><br />Not the most creative day for me, I can't imagine I'll be doing very much until tomorrow evening. Check back then. Until then, enjoy one of the best damn songs The Streets ever did.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ik9np7du7Nw?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" width="425"></iframe>Student of the Gamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10206589000501642026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7132575963251104667.post-36713145211798887262011-01-21T21:52:00.000-08:002011-01-21T22:34:15.298-08:00PlansThere are several plans. The Masterplan. The backup plan. The fallback plan. The long term plan. Every single one is in effect as I type this. I hope that the Masterplan will help the long term plan. I might have to do extra if I want the backup plan to continue. It's all riddles right now. Maybe someday you'll know what was what.<br /><br />Actually did a few things around the house today. Hung a few pictures, got my shred on, and organized my mountain of medical bills. Also made the monthly pilgrimage to Pauls Valley and finally found the Atkins bars that the Mrs. likes.<br /><br />Not much going on this weekend except for best friend time with Artie and maybe a podcast. The last one took forever to catch on, but it's finally at an acceptable number that I can justify some new material for the masses.<br /><br />That's all for today. Here's the song. No reason, just for the hell of it really.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/p29MG7wn4F8?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" width="425"></iframe>Student of the Gamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10206589000501642026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7132575963251104667.post-13600049157148774362011-01-20T20:39:00.000-08:002011-01-20T21:15:55.747-08:00Lazy Thursday.Thanks to The University of Oklahoma canceling class, it was quite the lazy day around my house. Luckily I didn't slip and fall on the ice at 4am this morning when I had to take the pups out. Funny how a few days ago the weather was decent enough that I was still wearing shorts and now it's below freezing. (Which didn't stop me from wearing shorts.)<br /><br />So after I woke up from my unintentional nap we started off the day with a little breakfast and Degrassi, then took the Cranky Brothers on their walk. Since we had all day I thought maybe we should try and watch one of the four movies we had bought or borrowed and haven't watched yet. The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus won out over two Death Note movies and a gay Mormon movie. I have to say it was a good movie and they had enough of Heath Ledger's performance filmed to work the 3 extra actors (Depp, Law, Farrell) into the film and make it seem not as forced as it could've been.<br /><br />After that we made a pizza, watched the new NBC Comedy Night, I yelled at wrestling a few times, and here I am. Pups are chewing, wife is reading, cats are doing what cats do. It was nice to have a lazy day, I hope I can have a few more.<br /><br />Song in my head is because of the first line and because I watched TMZ's Octomom fetish video footage. (What ever happened to Depswa?)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ymba6Q2olk8?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" width="480"></iframe>Student of the Gamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10206589000501642026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7132575963251104667.post-76146682352295645972011-01-18T15:22:00.000-08:002011-01-18T15:46:18.213-08:00Another step...Super secret plans went to phase two, but still not getting my hopes up. To be continued Monday I suppose.<br /><br />So one of my goals this year is to drop a few pounds. I'm not talking that dreaded 10 pounds you can't seem to lose to look perfect, I mean some serious weight. Before this year, the most I've weighed in my life is 235 lbs. That is my fat ass weight. That was before I destroyed my spine.<br /><br />When you rupture a disc, you're told to not bend or lift anything. When you have spinal surgery, that list turns into no bending, lifting, twisting of any kind. 6 weeks later they allow you to lift 10 lbs. So since April of 2009 I haven't been allowed to move at all. I spent all of July and August sitting around zombied out on muscle relaxers and junk food. So when I get the all clear to resume my life, I weigh in at 265 lbs. Two. Hundred. Sixty. Five. Pounds.<br /><br />So my previous high weight was 235, and my lowest? 169 lbs. I'm 6'1. I looked like a cancer patient. I was looking at the weight classes for mixed martial arts one day and realized I've covered a lot of weight classes since my low in 2003. 169 put me at Welterweight. Since then I've flown past Middleweight (185), Light Heavyweight (205), all the way up to the limit of Heavyweight (265). That's Georges St. Pierre to Brock Lesnar in 7 years.<br /><br />Needless to say, I'm eating differently and now that I can work out, I am. I'm at 252 right now and in a perfect world I'd like to be down to Light Heavyweight one day. But I'd settle for being able to wear my old pants again. So c'mon 235. Never thought I'd see the day I'd want to weigh that.<br /><br />Music! It's a New Day....<br /><br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2TUPqUqThVE?fs=1" frameborder="0" height="295" width="480"></iframe>Student of the Gamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10206589000501642026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7132575963251104667.post-51839012327921319462011-01-17T14:35:00.000-08:002011-01-17T15:32:16.702-08:00Nobody gives a shit about your blog! REBOOT.I'll admit, the last few post on here have been either to promote my <a href="http://toamuseme.podbean.com/">podcast</a> or to attempt to get an online gig for some wrestling site. So I'm going to come back to this and start writing again not just about wrestling, but about the crazy little thing called life. So consider me a Student of the Game in several aspects.<br /><br />It's been almost a month since I was future endeavored (google that term if you don't get it.) by my job. So naturally I do what I always do when I need a job: put out the word to my former employer of 6 years, Walmart. I've been unemployed 3 times now since 2008 and this would be the first time I can go back there because this is the first time I'm not related to a member of management there.<br /><br />I should point out the reason I was let go from my job. My back exploded in April of last year so I was put on a leave of absence. They can only hold your position for 12 weeks. I got a letter in the mail telling me that time was up. Little did I know then that that means I was unofficially terminated. When I was cleared to return to work in December following a surgery, I got the bad news.<br /><br />So here I am with a few options that I'll keep close to me for the time being for fear of cursing any of them. (Also known as the Twitter Curse.) For now I'm sitting at home drawing unemployment but haven't seen a dime of it yet. But I get to chill at home with the dogs and continue to rest and heal my back until the day comes that I get the call to go back to work.<br /><br />Time to play "What song is in your head?"<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pv-KOSzgJ4c?fs=1" frameborder="0" height="295" width="480"></iframe>Student of the Gamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10206589000501642026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7132575963251104667.post-88098403498439318592011-01-04T11:49:00.000-08:002011-01-04T16:09:41.132-08:00First Raw of the New Year...........And what a Raw it was. I know it seems like Miz and Morrison are the secondary story to the Cena/Punk feud, but they opened the show with an amazing Falls Count Anywhere match that served it's dual purpose. It put Miz over as a credible champion, and showed Morrison's crazy parkour style and gave him a taste of the Main Event level. I'm sure before they hit the curtain, Alex Riley was thinking "Shit. What's going to happen to me this week?". But really, he's doing better than that one guy that won Season Two of NXT. What was his name?<br /><br />They threw the obligatory 3 minute diva match in early this week. I don't see why it had to be a Six Man tag. Why not just have Melina interfere in one of Nattie's matches or something?<br /><br />Seems like The Usos are the treading water on Raw. How many times have they been Number One Contender only to come up short? Unless the Tamina/Santino romance is a swerve for Jimmy and Jey to gain control of the belts, I don't see the point of this. Why did they split up The Dudebusters again?<br /><br />I liked that they didn't open the show with Punk and Nexus. It built the suspense of the story and I know that was the part of the show I was waiting to see. Was Wade Barrett suppose to be part of the original storyline or was he rushed back because of Cena's injury? I'm curious to see how far WWE pushes Punk with this angle. Could he win the Rumble? With Orton in the title match it seems wide open this year. But once again, I feel that if this story does make it to Wrestlemania it's just so Punk can be led to slaughter. It's not what I want, just what I feel is going to happen. But I do look forward to the interaction of the two.<br /><br />Alberto Del Rio defies the Brand Extension by showing up tonight. I like Del Rio, and I hope that he doesn't get buried too much this Friday in the blow-off match with Mysterio on Smackdown. He cut a good promo and then had a nice match with Mr. Jobber To The Stars, R-Truth. My only complaint? Somebody needs to tell Truth that when you're in an arm bar, it fucking hurts. It's not like the Sharpshooter where you might have a chance to get out of it, Del Rio is BREAKING YOUR ARM. Tap out. Immediately. That's what's up.<br /><br />If you've watched WWE for more than 5 minutes you knew how the Main Event was going to end. Face vs. Heel vs. Heel. Winner faces Heel champion. A nice, fairly long cage match with Orton winning by escape, which saves anyone from having to eat the pin. When Punk climbed the cage just to pull off Barrett's Nexus armband, I died laughing. Punk is the master of subtlety.<br /><br />So now we have our WWE Championship match set for Royal Rumble. We also have word that Cena "might" be back next week. This Raw was a good show for setting up the storyline elements for the next PPV with little crap in between. I'm looking forward to next week, how about you?Student of the Gamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10206589000501642026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7132575963251104667.post-30485753530302060592010-12-15T01:13:00.000-08:002010-12-15T01:17:41.878-08:00Project Friend WhoreI 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.<br /><br />Shameless plug: <a href="http://www.toamuseme.podbean.com">ToAmuseMe</a>Student of the Gamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10206589000501642026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7132575963251104667.post-79599463038404989492010-10-12T00:48:00.000-07:002010-10-12T02:29:06.314-07:00Smark/Mark 2<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">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.</span><br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >SMARK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/pictures/c/cmpunk/10.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 527px;" src="http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/pictures/c/cmpunk/10.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >MARK<br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.starpulse.com/Photos/Previews/JohnCena002.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 511px;" src="http://images.starpulse.com/Photos/Previews/JohnCena002.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">THE PLAYERS</span></span></span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Jarrod </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Atkinson</span>- 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.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> SMARK.</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Daniel Bittle</span>- Wrestling fan. WWE fan. Always calls Ring Of Honor "ROA". </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Recently started watching wrestling again on a regular basis. <span style="font-weight: bold;">MARK</span>.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> <span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">That's us. now let's start things off with SHUT UP, MEG!.......</span><br /><br /><object style="background-image: url("http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/0Gnc5vU2YFk/hqdefault.jpg");" height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0Gnc5vU2YFk?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0Gnc5vU2YFk?fs=1&hl=en_US" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">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 </span><a style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);" href="http://twitter.com/MATTHARDYBRAND">Matt Hardy</a><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">.<br /><br />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?<br /></span></span></span><br /></div></div><br /><br /><br /><object style="background-image: url("http://i3.ytimg.com/vi/V8kujJfOvqk/hqdefault.jpg");" height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/V8kujJfOvqk?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/V8kujJfOvqk?fs=1&hl=en_US" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="295" width="480"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">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.<br /><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBz1R7mcMfRgeqhmuzPtWbThol-UnrVA_EKUCOH257ArzfTcxMzf5jMRm4z6wao-uutKuId_ZWM2ga8-6x99vU-xQmawMl6ikhWP0M0kFseTfvCHksV_jyyj2iKzDAbcQr30ZtJEOOrTf/s400/wwe+raw+logo.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 161px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBz1R7mcMfRgeqhmuzPtWbThol-UnrVA_EKUCOH257ArzfTcxMzf5jMRm4z6wao-uutKuId_ZWM2ga8-6x99vU-xQmawMl6ikhWP0M0kFseTfvCHksV_jyyj2iKzDAbcQr30ZtJEOOrTf/s400/wwe+raw+logo.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">RAW RESULTS 10/11/10</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Bragging Rights Qualifier: R-Truth defeated Ted DiBiase via pinfall, Lie Detector</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">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.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Bragging Rights Qualifier:John Morrison defeated Tyson Kidd via pinfall, Walk The Plank</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">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? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Bragging Rights Qualifier: Santino Marella defeated Zack Ryder via pinfall, Cobra (yes, really.)</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">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.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Randy Orton defeated Justin Gabriel via pinfall, RKO</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">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?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Bragging Rights Qualifier: Sheamus defeated Daniel Bryan via pinfall, Brogue Kick</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">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.</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Or perhaps a Bryan vs Ziggler match like last year's U.S. vs IC Bragging Rights match.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Bragging Rights Qualifier: CM Punk defeated Evan Bourne via pinfall, Go To Sleep</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">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.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Bragging Rights Qualifier: The Miz defeated John Cena via pinfall, Harris/Perfect Jr. interference. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">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? </span><br /><br /><object style="background-image: url("http://i3.ytimg.com/vi/2PzViyNR99U/hqdefault.jpg");" height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2PzViyNR99U?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2PzViyNR99U?fs=1&hl=en_US" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="295" width="480"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">OR</span><br /><br /><object height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-3Z5nguGEUw?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-3Z5nguGEUw?fs=1&hl=en_US" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="295" width="480"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">And the rest....</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">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.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(204, 204, 204);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">FLASHBACK!</span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">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.</span><br /><br /><object style="background-image: url("http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/XG9oyVy0Jh0/hqdefault.jpg");" height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XG9oyVy0Jh0?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XG9oyVy0Jh0?fs=1&hl=en_US" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">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? </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">That's all for this week, thanks for reading. Comments both positive and negative are welcome. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Follow us on Twitter</span><br /><a href="http://twitter.com/CMJarrod"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255); font-weight: bold;">Jarrod</span></a><br /><a href="http://twitter.com/tuckerdan1"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Daniel</span><br /></a></div><a href="http://twitter.com/tuckerdan1"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"></span></span></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://twitter.com/tuckerdan1"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"></span></span></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"></span></span></div><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><br /></span>Student of the Gamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10206589000501642026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7132575963251104667.post-50435206337073746642010-10-08T09:29:00.000-07:002010-10-12T02:46:08.438-07:00Smark/Mark<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">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.</span><br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >SMARK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/pictures/c/cmpunk/10.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 527px;" src="http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/pictures/c/cmpunk/10.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >MARK<br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.starpulse.com/Photos/Previews/JohnCena002.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 511px;" src="http://images.starpulse.com/Photos/Previews/JohnCena002.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">THE PLAYERS</span></span></span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Jarrod </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Atkinson</span>- 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.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> SMARK.</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Daniel Bittle</span>- Wrestling fan. WWE fan. Always calls Ring Of Honor "ROA". </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Recently started watching wrestling again on a regular basis. <span style="font-weight: bold;">MARK</span>.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">That's us. now let's start things off with the Inagural Edition of SHUT UP, MEG!.......</span><br /><br /><object style="background-image: url("http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/0Gnc5vU2YFk/hqdefault.jpg");" height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0Gnc5vU2YFk?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0Gnc5vU2YFk?fs=1&hl=en_US" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">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 </span><a style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);" href="http://twitter.com/MATTHARDYBRAND">Matt Hardy</a><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br /><br /><object style="background-image: url("http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/5GBjYB_xFOE/hqdefault.jpg");" height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5GBjYB_xFOE?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5GBjYB_xFOE?fs=1&hl=en_US" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="295" width="480"></embed></object><br /><br /></span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Yes, grapes are a big part of his gimmick. <span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><a href="http://twitter.com/TNADixie">Dixie Carter</a>, 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.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">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.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://kotaku.com/assets/resources/2008/04/tna_impact.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 273px;" src="http://kotaku.com/assets/resources/2008/04/tna_impact.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Hmm, it does say wrestling in the logo...</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">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, <a href="http://twitter.com/TNAOnline">TNA</a> puts on a good show. </span><br /><br /><br /></div></div><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://pwtorch.com/artman2/uploads/2/smackdown_27.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 638px; height: 359px;" src="http://pwtorch.com/artman2/uploads/2/smackdown_27.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">10/8/10</span><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliText"><span style="font-size:12px;"><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" id="intelliText"><span style="font-size:12px;">Edge defeated Jack Swagger via pinfall, spear. </span></span><br /></span><span style="font-size:180%;"><span id="intelliText"></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">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.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">I liked Edge vs Jack, even though as good as they are the match should have been better. Love the eagle. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliText"><span style="font-size:12px;">Layla defeated Kelly Kelly via pinfall, Neckbreaker. </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliText"></span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">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.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Diva matches, who cares? I watch the entrance and that's about it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliText"><span style="font-size:12px;">Cody Rhodes & Drew McIntyre defeated Kaval & Kofi Kingston via pinfall, CrossRhodes to Kaval. </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliText"></span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Yawn. After McIntyre's music I fast forwarded to the end. I could care less about everyone in this match except Kaval.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">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. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliText"><span style="font-size:12px;">Dolph Ziggler defeated MVP via pinfall, Zig Zag. </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliText"></span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">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.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">I like Ziggler and I hope he is done with the cry baby. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliText"><span style="font-size:12px;">Rey Mysterio defeated Alberto Del Rio via pinfall, Frog Splash.</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliText"></span></span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">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. </span><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span id="intelliText"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span id="intelliText">I can't get enough of Alberto Del Rio. Even if it means having to deal with Rey Mysterio.</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span id="intelliText"><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:130%;" ><span id="intelliText"><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="font-size:100%;">And the rest.....</span></span></span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">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.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">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.</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:130%;" ><span id="intelliText"><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">FLASHBACK!</span></span></span></span></span><br /></div></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">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?</span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><object style="background-image: url("http://i3.ytimg.com/vi/Z7K0oNE8zfo/hqdefault.jpg");" height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Z7K0oNE8zfo?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Z7K0oNE8zfo?fs=1&hl=en_US" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">That's all for this week, thanks for reading. Comments both positive and negative are welcome. </span><br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Follow us on Twitter</span><br /><a href="http://twitter.com/CMJarrod"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255); font-weight: bold;">Jarrod</span></a><br /><a href="http://twitter.com/tuckerdan1"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Daniel</span><br /></a></div><a href="http://twitter.com/tuckerdan1"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"></span></span></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://twitter.com/tuckerdan1"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"></span></span></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"></span></span></div><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><br /></span> </span></span></div></div>Student of the Gamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10206589000501642026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7132575963251104667.post-14551351096541118142010-08-27T17:11:00.000-07:002010-08-27T18:49:55.966-07:00Smackdown 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:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.uploadhouse.com/fileuploads/36/3673690e3b2d2ab988770b2b5b52082d46a9d.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 120px;" src="http://www.uploadhouse.com/fileuploads/36/3673690e3b2d2ab988770b2b5b52082d46a9d.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />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.<br /><br />Why is it when everyone gets hurt now we get the "Owen Hart just died" voice from the announcers?<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://09.img.v4.skyrock.net/09d/wwe-gifs-catch/pics/2587001703_1.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 144px;" src="http://09.img.v4.skyrock.net/09d/wwe-gifs-catch/pics/2587001703_1.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a>No Zig Zag, but Grisham gets props for his current event comments about grabbing some beer and hitting the emergency exit.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Oklahoma represent!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbJu41hUBZtf0_mtauxbx0lPrGyn4SYw_Mp0g2RIEAsoOFO4vQ3MFnSWwgUy2WPwRmybVN9jeqbNzERzGvfwIIFniBR0jX8bsIf_3hl4HhN7CwDvtKW2LWEUqFT_ABC49OgFJsk4HnLU/s1600/-JackSwagger.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbJu41hUBZtf0_mtauxbx0lPrGyn4SYw_Mp0g2RIEAsoOFO4vQ3MFnSWwgUy2WPwRmybVN9jeqbNzERzGvfwIIFniBR0jX8bsIf_3hl4HhN7CwDvtKW2LWEUqFT_ABC49OgFJsk4HnLU/s320/-JackSwagger.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510262654611650498" border="0" /></a><br />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?<br /><br />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.Student of the Gamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10206589000501642026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7132575963251104667.post-58314547831052431342010-08-27T13:21:00.000-07:002010-08-27T13:48:56.019-07:00TNA 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:<br /><br />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.<br /><br />I left the room. There was some sort of Flair promo. I'm sure it went like this.....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/9249/flairpointwoono1.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 162px;" src="http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/9249/flairpointwoono1.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br />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...<br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /></span>Student of the Gamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10206589000501642026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7132575963251104667.post-34999666134765357252010-08-26T11:59:00.000-07:002010-08-26T12:10:57.350-07:00Contracts and Future EndeavorsYou 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.)<br /><br />Ready for Superstars and Impact tonight, even though I read the spoilers. At least there's some sort of wrestling on tonight.Student of the Gamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10206589000501642026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7132575963251104667.post-27082662083322059222010-08-25T12:24:00.000-07:002010-08-25T13:05:25.365-07:00Making 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:<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.Student of the Gamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10206589000501642026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7132575963251104667.post-44907697858440306102010-07-11T00:28:00.001-07:002010-07-11T00:40:20.236-07:00Thoughts on Smackdown.<span style="font-family:times new roman;">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:<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Speaking of Money In The Bank, I really wish Christian would win. After 2 years of coming close, I think it's time.<br /><br />Why did they put the belt on Rey Mysterio?<br /><br />CM Punk's injury really effed up my Fridays for the next 6 weeks.<br /><br />Cody Rhodes new entrance? Epic.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /></span>Student of the Gamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10206589000501642026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7132575963251104667.post-73276579681290623222010-07-10T16:49:00.000-07:002010-07-10T17:51:35.258-07:00A funny thing happened Thursday.<span style="font-family: times new roman;">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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Hopefully they will entertain me enough in September, because I just dropped $90 bucks to see them live.<br /></span>Student of the Gamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10206589000501642026noreply@blogger.com0