New Champs - So What's the Problem?

Two new champions - Sheamus and Drew McIntyre - and the IWC is still complaining. for months, they have been begging the WWE to put titles on someone other than John Cena, Triple H, or Randy Orton. They have been pleading for matches that involved someone other than their "top" stars. The question was asked, "When is the WWE going to create new stars?"..."When are they going to elevate someone other than Cena, Hunter or Orton?"

Well, you got it last night. So, what's the problem?

The problem is that because Sheamus works out with Triple H and Drew McIntyre is rumored to be a Shawn Michaels/Triple H favorite - apparently neither one of them is worthy of the push. While I'm not sold yet on McIntyre I think Sheamus has star written all over him. If you don't give them a chance, how are we to know?

I have read on other sites that the IWC is questioning the lack of push for perennial favorite Shelton Benjamin. Last month, Jim Ross posted the following on his blog. Maybe Shelton falls into this category:

"At a certain point once a guy gets his foot in the door and he starts getting some time on TV, then they really have more ownership than the general public understands. The more-educated fans would rather blame creative. Sometimes they just don’t know what else went on and they don’t know a guy’s attitude and they don’t know who phoned something in or who thinks, “Hey, I don’t really even want to get any higher than this.” You have to understand that some guys get on a semi-main event level, and they don’t know that they can handle the pressure of carrying the show. That’s not for everybody. It takes a very unique individual to be a star, and a main event star. The business is so good now financially that guys who are not main-eventers can still earn a great living and prepare for life after wrestling."

It's just a thought. We will never know, but they wanted new champs and they got new champs. It's time to see what they can do.

Another Triple H Conspiracy Theory

Kevin Eck of The Baltimore Sun had this to say about the mega-push Sheamus is receiving by facing John Cena at the WWE:TLC pay per view next month:

Most weeks, Jesse Ventura appearing on Raw and reuniting with former broadcast partner Vince McMahon at the announce table would be the most noteworthy thing on the show. But as great as it was to see “The Body” back on WWE programming as the guest host for Monday night’s eventful three-hour episode of Raw, the big news is that a young wrestler was elevated to main event status and will face John Cena for the WWE title on the next pay-per-view in three weeks.

The disappointing news – in my opinion, at least – is that the guy WWE hand-picked to be the chosen one is Sheamus.

Sheamus? To borrow a line from The Miz: “Really?”

Speaking of The Miz, I think he would have been a better choice for the spot. So would Jack Swagger. And Ted DiBiase Jr. And MVP. On the Smackdown side, I look at guys such as John Morrison, R-Truth, and Dolph Ziggler (more about him later) as being more worthy of breaking through the glass ceiling. I think newcomer Drew McIntyre also has more star potential than the “Celtic Warrior.” Heck, if WWE is so intent on elevating a monster heel, why not Mike Knox?

It’s not like I think Sheamus is a bad worker or anything, and he does have a unique look going for him. But from what I have seen so far, he just seems to be lacking the “it” factor. I’m not saying that I think he’s a lost cause as far as becoming a more significant player, but there is no way that he should be pushed to the moon this fast. He’s only been on Raw for five weeks. A few months ago he was losing matches to Goldust on ECW.

OK, so here’s where the conspiracy comes in, and it’s not one that Ventura will be talking about on his new “Conspiracy Theory” show on truTV. It has been all over the Internet as of late that Sheamus’ sudden push is the result of him being the workout partner of Triple H, who obviously wields a lot of power backstage.

I don’t know for certain what is behind the rapid rise of Sheamus, but let’s assume that the Triple H stories are true. It would be unfortunate for all of the guys I mentioned above, but it is what it is. As we all know, pro wrestling is highly political and making the right friends is important. But, ultimately, no matter how connected someone is or how hard they’re pushed, the fans will decide whether or not they make it as a top guy.

I will say this much for Triple H: The last two guys he anointed as the next big things were Randy Orton and Batista, so he has a pretty good track record.

Raw Review - Love the Old-School Feel

For old-school fans like myself, last night's Raw was one for the books. Starting with the minimalist set. I sincerely hope they bring that back. While I do like the epic entrances of Triple H and The Undetaker, The scaled down version seemd to fit last night.

The video package that was put together about the WWE/Madison Square Garden history was fantastic.

Other than DX hawkng their wares and the botched Roddy Piper/Vince McMahon promo, there weren't a lot of skits. It was match after match - I prefer it that way.

The street fight between Kofi Kingston and Randy Orton is definetly a match of the year candidate. It's good to see younger stars like Kofi and Sheamus getting a push. Let's hope this is a turning point in WWE.

WWE-Lite Still Trying to Keep Up with the Big Dog

TNA President Dixie Carter hinted on her official Twitter page about having another guest booker for Impact (as they did last night with "Super Dave") adding, "Billy Corgan/Smashing Pumpkins taking a break from recording to watch iMPACT 2night and sendin me texts as this week's guest celebrity booker."

source: wrestleview.com

Guest Celebrity Booker? I guess coming up with an original idea is asking too much.

Sports & Entertainment & More…

Professional Wrestling is not “just” sports/athletic contest to determine who is ultimately “better”, nor “simply” escapist entertainment, (nor a definitive “morality play”). Professional Wrestling presents an epic battle between almost mythical personas, partly human and partly immortal; a battle that is intense and primal, violent and vicious, at times funny and at times tragic – yet ultimately irresolvable and perpetual, stubbornly refusing to provide a simple “answer” as is common in other forms of sports and entertainment – reaching to the depths of our psyches, and our innermost secret fears and desires.

Understanding the power of Wrestling from this vantage point, ring characters such as Triple H, Randy Orton, Sting, Awesome Kong, Beth Phoenix – and their peers and the many who paved the way for them – are much more than athletes and entertainers; they are closer to living depictions of the Greek gods and goddesses (or Jungian archetypes); who may be seen live, on TV or in PPV’s; and are neither limited to seasonal competition nor restricted to a particular television or movie production. They compete, they entertain, and they psychologically entrance week after week, day after day...More?

source: Dr. David Reiss @ caulifloweralleyclub.org

Jim Ross Comments on the So-Called "New Monday Night Wars"

It amazes me that many fans are so obsessed with "Monday Night Wars" and one brand over taking another, etc type discussions. Firstly, I do wholeheartedly agree that competition is great for every business, without question. But every company that spends more time ragging on the "competition" or fixating on putting another company down is not focusing on their own brand. Today's wrestling business needs to simply focus on how THEY can improve what THEY do and not seemingly and endlessly focus on the "other guys" whoever the "other guys" may be...More?

source: jrsbarbq.com

I couldn't agree more. It always amazed me that TNA would waste their airtime talking about or vaguely referencing the WWE. You would never hear TNA mentioned on a WWE broadcast - not intentionally anyway. I also think TNA should put more emphasis on their own talent (AJ Styles, Beer Money, Motor City Machine Guns, etc.) instead of picking up all the scraps from the WWE. Vince has been critized for only backing stars he creates; however if TNA had the same attitude they would be much father ahead then they are now.

It's All About The Game and How You Play It

Dubcnn.com is reporting that the rapper The Game (Jayceon Taylor) has dropped the "The" from his stage name and will now be known as "Game".

The WWE challenged Jayceon Taylor using the moniker "The Game" as they claim they used it first and have the rights to it. Let's review our history:

• 1. Taylor claims that his grandmother gave him the nickname because she said he always had "game".

• 2. As best as my research can tell, the first professional use by Taylor of the moniker The Game is 2004. He apparently had some mix tapes released, but I've found no proof that he was using this moniker. Those tapes were released sometime between 2001 and 2004.

• 3. Taylor has also used the monikers Hurricane Game and Chuck Taylor.

• 4. Hunter has been using The Game as one of his nicknames since 1999.

Underestimating the Game: Triple H Unappreciated by WWE Fans

A commentary by Darius Brown:

Although Triple H has been in the wrestling business since 1992, it seems that people think that his dues started with a storyline marriage in 1999. They assumed that he slept his way to the top. Forgetting he already jobbed to the likes of Alex Wright, feuded with Duke "The Dumpster" Droese and had an embarrassing 20-second loss to a broken Ultimate Warrior.

Nobody was complaining about him then.

Is it because he has 13 world title victories? Probably, but why is that? Kurt Angle also has thirteen and is seen as a great champion. Triple H just slept his way to the top.

Edge has 12 in a span of 3 or 4 years. But Triple H needs to let others step up be the man now. What's up with this logic used by WWE fans. Although I am not a fan of his, you still have to respect The Game.

Where people think he's in it for himself, the truth is he's in it for the business. He eat, sleeps and breathes pro wrestling and always has what's best in mind. He goes over when it's right for business for him to win. He's not the glory hog people make him out to be.

Here's an image for you, think of WrestleMania the grandest stage of them all. Who's got the undefeated streak? Err no, not Triple H. In fact, he's made careers and added to other's legacy at WrestleMania. Check out his 'Mania history:

Wrestlemania XII - Jobbed to the Ultimate Warrior in 1:36
Wrestlemania XV - Lost to Kane by DQ
Wrestlemania XVII - Lost to Undertaker
Wrestlemania XX - Lost the belt clean to Chris Benoit
Wrestlemania 21 - Lost the belt to Batista
Wrestlemania 22 - Lost title match to John Cena
Wrestlemania XXIV - Lost title match to Randy Orton

The man's got a losing record at the industry's biggest event. What other top star can say that? Hogan, Taker, Cena, Edge? Nope...More?

source: hittheropes.com

More Hunter Hate; Shawn Too?

Among some locker room circles, both Triple H and Shawn Michaels are two of the least popular wrestlers these days. Even those who appear on SmackDown and have minimal exposure to them feel as though they are abusing their power and standing in the way of WWE elevating new stars.

The overwhelming sentiment among those in the company is that Raw's "no man's land" in the sense there are no full-fledged pushes to be had as a result of the strong influence of Hunter and Michaels, as well as Randy Orton and John Cena. Many feel if even one of these main event performers dislikes you enough to badmouth you to management, you won't be getting a push.

source: pwtorch.com

I wish the smarks would come up with something new...

Maybe A Bit Jealous?

G4's X-Play did an interview wit Matt Hardy where he makes a slight reference to Triple H. He was asked what kind of story he's going to create in the new story creator feature. He said that he'd have his character marry the boss' daughter so he could have full control of the show, and make it the best show possible.

source: wrestlezone.com

Triple H Hogging the Title?

Triple H - 10 years (1999-2009) has had the title 13 times.
Edge - 3 years (2006-2009) has had the title 9 times.
The Rock - 4 years (1998-2002) has had the title 7 times.
Triple H (Post Stephanie Marriage) - 6 years (2003-2009) has had the title 7 times.

source: guiltysins

Even with faced with the facts, the haters will continue to hate.

Agent for Angelina Love Comments on his Client's Status

There is nothing surprising in this statement. It can be read here. Visa issue to be cleared up, Angelina is welcomed to return to TNA Wrestling, etc.

What is surprising to me is that this situation happened in the first place. Why wasn't anyone in the TNA legal dept. (assuming they have one) on top of these matters?

This incident with Angelina Love is a glaring example of why they are still struggling. If they insist on being WWE-lite, maybe they should copy their business practices too.

"Industry News" Removed from WWE.com

It appears that the WWE has removed the "Industry News" section from the front page of their website. I think this is s good thing. Since the "news" was screened and watered down anyway, why post it.

Kaliqo's Commentary on the Mickie James vs. Gail Kim Match

Reportedly, Mickie James received a lot of heat for showing her frustration at the the end of her match with Gail Kim. It was obvious that Gail was hurt during the match. Mickie broke character, and showed her concern for Gail. She raised Gail's hand at the end of the match, even though she pinned her.

If this is true (and I hope it is), I am in agreement with the WWE office being upset with her. We fans understand that the Superstars/Divas are not legitimately trying to hurt each other. And I'm sure when they do, they feel remorse - well at least some of them. But wrestling is about playing your part and Mickie didn't play her part last Monday.

When The Kliq (Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall) embraced in the middle of the ring at Madison Square Garden, Hunter was chastised, offered his release, humiliated and buried. If Mickie only go yelled at, I think she got off easy. It has been roughly 13 years since the "MSG Curtain Call". You would think the younger starts would learn from the mistakes of the veterans. She isn't going to get much sympathy here.

Commentary on the PWI 500

The PWI 500 for 2009 is out, listing the 500 best wrestlers of the past year. Here is commentary on the top 100 from the NY Pro Wrestling Examiner:

1. Triple H – Triple H had the WWE Title for much of the year and won a big match at Wrestlemania. Still, too much of the past year has been spent jobbing to Randy Orton and his cronies to truly be worthy of the number one spot.

The only reason I posted this, is that someone has finally acknowledged that Triple H jobs to other wrestlers on a consistent basis. The Examiner is a user-generated site, but it's nice to see someone else note that he doesn't win all the time. You can't job and hold people down at the same time.

More?...Click here.

Hunter Stimulus Plan

Triple H has once again rubbed some people the wrong way. It seems there is an uproar over comments Trip made last night on Raw, the way he acted after the match and a question about being at the top of the heap. First, the ultra-offending comment:

...Batista is always hurt and Flair is signing autographs at a VFW or something like that...

What is the big deal? Hasn't his character, whether heel or face always been a smart-ass?

This "editorial" is from Jason Powell at prowrestling.net:

"He put over the team of Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase in a handicap match, which is exactly the finish they needed to go with...On the flip side, I didn't care for the way he downplayed his loss to Cody and Ted."

He liked it, he didn't like it....he liked it, he didn't like it...I'm confused.

And then there is this tidbit from wrestlingreview.com's twitter account:

"HHH is no.1 on PWI's 500 list this year, but does that list even hold a fraction of the prestige it used to have?"

Did anyone question the "prestige" of the PWI 500 when John Cena was #1 in 2006 & 2007 or when Batista was #1 in 2005?

I think I am going to start referring to the Hunter smarks as the Hunter Stimulus Plan because Trip has kept so many "wrestling journalists" in business by simply getting in the ring and opening his mouth.

Kaliqo's Night of Champions Predictions, Picks & Speculations

United States Champion Kofi Kingston vs. Big Show vs. MVP vs. Carlito vs. Jack Swagger vs. The Miz
Of this group, I think Kofi, MVP and The Miz have come a long way. I'm tired of Carlito's on-again-off-again attitude. I think they should leave the belt on Kofi or put it on The Miz.

WWE Champion Randy Orton vs. John Cena vs. Triple H
This combo is tired. I love Hunter but unless there is a run-in/swerve during this match, I don't think it will be that special.

World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk vs. Jeff Hardy
The best thing that happened to Punk was his heel turn. I'm looking forward to this one, and if the rumors are true, it might be that last time we see Jeff for a awhile.

Intercontinental Champion Rey Mysterio vs. Dolph Ziggler
Dolph Ziggler is starting to grow on me. He reminds me of Mr. Wonderful, Paul Orndorf.

Women's Champion Michelle McCool vs. Melina
I like Michelle's "I'm too good" attitude, but this match-up is boring.

Divas Champion Maryse vs. Mickie James
Time for the heel to chase the face. Put the belt on Mickie.

The WWE really needs to improve the Diva wrestling scene if they want anyone to care. Where is Beth Phoenix? Where is Gail Kim? There are women that fit the "WWE ideal look" that can also wrestle.

Unified Tag Team Champion Chris Jericho & A Mystery Partner vs. Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase
This will probably be the match of the night. There has been a lot of speculation about Jericho's mystery partner. Some say that the image on wwe.com of the mystery partner is the outline of Ted DiBiase and that he will make a switch during the match. Some say Chris Masters will make an appearance. I'm hoping for the latter. Masters returning with Jericho would be new and different. Something the WWE is lacking.

Kaliqo's Predictions, Picks & Speculations for The Bash

World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk vs. Jeff Hardy
Since it appears that CM Punk is making a heel turn, I would think he is going to win this match with a lot of physicality from Jeff.

WWE Champion Randy Orton vs. Triple H
This storyline has gotten a little stale. I would like to see some sort of swerve during the match, but not the predictable Legacy run-in.

ECW Championship Scramble Match
Jack Swagger or Christian or we riot.

Women's Champion Melina vs. Michelle McCool (Women's Championship Match)
I would like to see Michelle win the title and then enter a program with Beth Phoenix.

Intercontinental Championship vs. Mask: Chris Jericho vs. Rey Mysterio
Great storyline here but I'm torn. I want Rey to keep his mask because it adds to his mystique, but I want Jericho to win the match. *sigh*

The Great Khali vs. Dolph Ziggler
If Triple H can't make Khali look good, than no one can. Good time for a bathroom break and snack run.

John Cena vs. The Miz
Lots of potential for a descent match. The Miz has improved a lot.

Unified Tag Team Champions Carlito & Primo vs. Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase
Dear God let's hope Legacy wins and the Colons return to Puerto Rico.

Hunter Smarks Put in Check

Commentary from Pulse Wrestling on Triple H:

The minute Triple H returned, smart fans collectively farted their hate across message boards all over the internet. Here’s a good one from a board I read when I need to feel particularly smart… the W board.

“Good to see Triple H satiate his ego and get his revenge on Orton. God I really hate that man.”

This kind of stuff seriously makes me laugh. Satiate his ego? Give me a break. Triple H made Randy Orton’s career. Here was a guy with no personality and a bland moveset who the biggest star in professional wrestling at the time said “That kid, that’s the one I’m putting in my new star-making faction. It will be like the Four Horsemen, only it will have a previous world champion, a current world champion, and two future world champions in it.” And thus Triple H took a very bland, very green kid and made him into a legitimate star. And regardless of whether you think Randy Orton deserves his spot or not, you can’t deny he’s over. It’s because Triple H works. He’s a star and he’s a star maker.

And really, on the subject of ego, here’s a guy who is arguably the most powerful professional wrestler since Hulk Hogan in terms of his political power and he goes over two years without being the world champion. You know, from the time Hulk Hogan won the WWE Championship in 1984 to the time he lost the Undisputed WWE Championship, he never went as long as Triple H did between title reigns.

So smart marks, drop your stupid, groundless hating. You come across like an incredibly ignorant child who’s bitching to his parents about the popular kid in school who has all the money and all the cool people hanging around him. You want to see an ego? Look no further then Vince McMahon himself, who does stupid shit like devote thirty minutes of air time on Raw to his public temper-tantrum over a venue snafu. I’ve listened to smart marks talk about how bad things are going to get when Vince McMahon kicks off and Triple H ends up in charge of the WWE. I say bring it the fuck on. Because unlike Vince McMahon, Triple H seems to have a good perspective on what works and doesn’t work these days in professional wrestling. You guys see ego? I see a guy with a long history of making smart business decisions. He’s the guy I want in charge.

Kaliqo's Extreme Rules Predictions, Picks & Speculations

WWE Champion Randy Orton vs. Batista (Steel Cage Match)
Orton versus Batista....again. Hopefully Orton has prepared himself to carry the entire match much like Triple H did at Vengeance 2005. I'm hoping for a Triple H run-in.

World Heavyweight Champion Edge vs. Jeff Hardy (Ladder Match)
Great potential to be the match of the night. I'm expecting some crazy spots. With Jeff wavering on a new contract, I'm not sure if the "E" will give him the win. The match will be amazing none the less.

ECW Champion Christian vs. Jack Swagger vs. Tommy Dreamer (Triple Threat Hardcore Rules Match)
I used to be very down on ECW, but with Evan Bourne, Christian and the addition of The Hart Dynasty, it's starting to grow on me. I think this is another one that has a potential for match of the night. I would love to see Christian win this one.

Intercontinental Champion Rey Mysterio vs. Chris Jericho (No Holds Barred Match)
Jericho is really on his game. I'm expecting a hot match with Jericho winning.

United States Champion Kofi Kingston vs. MVP vs. William Regal vs. Matt Hardy (Fatal Four Way Match)
Regal really messed up with his last suspension due to a Wellness Policy violation. I thought he was much better in the GM role. I don't expect Matt Hardy to do much, since his hand is broken. Kofi just won the US title and MVP is on a role so I would expect one of them to go against Regal. I think the heels will take this one.

John Cena vs. Big Show (Submission Match)
Unless the WWE is going to continue this feud, I don't see any reason for Big Show to win. Not a big fan of either one.

CM Punk vs. Umaga (Samoan Strap Match)
CM Punk is still carrying around the Money in the Bank briefcase. I don't expect him to use it tomorrow night, but I would expect him to get then win over Umaga.

Miss WrestleMania Vickie Guerrero vs. Santina Marella (Hog Pen Match)
I like Vickie's character and she was great on SmackDown, but this is just ridiculous. Is Santino in the doghouse? Vickie maybe? I don't know and I don't care.