The opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Wrestling News Center, the Webmaster, or anyone else connected with this site. They are mine, and mine alone. If you agree with me, OK, and if you don’t, that’s OK. Either way, you're gonna read this, and that's what is important.
Greetings, wrestling addicts! It's only been - well, let's see - a year or so since I last updated this column. Don't die of shock! LOL....
I have several things I want to talk about in this column, including answering a few emails.
Let's start with Chris Lexxus. Why, you might be thinking, do I even want to mention Chris Lexxus? Well, it seems that Chris is upset that he was not nominated for anything this year at the 2010 Wrestling News Center awards. Chris seems to think we at WNC are the ones doing the nominating. Well, that's not how it works. The fans, the ones who read WNC, they are the ones who sent in the nominations. So, if Chris Lexxus has a problem with it, perhaps he should get his fans to nominate him - or perhaps he just needs some fans....
I can't stand what's happening in TNA. What we are seeing in TNA is NWO with a TNA twist. Been there, seen that. The knockouts division, as we knew it, is history. Oh, there are some "knockouts" in TNA, but the division is nothing like it was. They gave Roxxi the shaft in a major way. I doubt she will ever be back. Kong is gone. ODB is gone. If it wasn't for Tara & Mickie James, the division would not even be worth watching. The X-Division is not what it once was, either. I was, at one time, a big TNA fan, but I am not much of a fan now.
Speaking of the TNA knockouts, there is one less knockout, as of a few weeks ago. Lacey Von Erich was released, reportedly at her request. Now, as much as I like looking at Lacey, her wrestling ability is next to non-existent. She did the right thing in getting out. I wish her well.
TNA has other issues to deal with, also. Jeff hardy was reported to have been in bad shape Sunday at the TNA pay per view event. His condition was said to have been "another You Tube video ready to happen." The following was posted on the net Sunday: "TNA had a decision to make this afternoon. Either send Jeff out to the ring, knowing the example it sets, or send him home and do damage control," a key TNA insider told us, "they are keeping him because that's the damage control they came up with." Today, the following was posted on several sites on the net: "According to a new report by PWInsider, the situation involving TNA Champion Jeff Hardy at last night's Final Resolution PPV was described by one TNA source as a 'false alarm.' It was determined that Hardy's behavior backstage that originally alarmed some was simply due to exhaustion. He was given the go ahead to work the PPV after a discussion with TNA officials. Hardy is expected to work both Impact TV tapings tonight and Tuesday." Now, was that statement the "damage control" referred to earlier, or was it simply "exhaustion?" I think it was damage control....
Now, to answer a few emails:
Nate, from Bolivar, TN wrote: "You have 2 B kidding! The nominees for best female wrestler of 2010 are Tasha Simone, Black Widow, Destiny, & Million Dollar Baby?! What have any of these done or accomplished? What about Su Yung? Veronica Fairchild? Misty James? Rock C? You guys really blew it!" Well, Nate, like I said previously, the nominees were sent in by WNC readers. Did you nominate any of the ladies you mentioned? Also, not taking anything away from any of the nominees, but as far as accomplishments go, how many of the nominees, or any of the ladies you mentioned, for that matter, held the NWA Women's Championship in 2010? Just one, Tasha Simone. She has been in wrestling for many years and has accomplished more than all the other names put together. So, Nate, before you start bashing people, do your homework. Next year, if you want someone nominated, YOU send it in.
Wendi, from Arkansas, asks: "Why are there not any managers in WWE & TNA? I go to wrestling in Tuckerman and all over this area, and I see managers all the time, but not in the big organizations." Well, there are a FEW in both organizations from time to time. Ric Flair is playing such a role in TNA right now, and Paul Bearer (Percy Pringle) is back in WWE for a time. But you are, for the most part, correct. I think it is a shame that managers are not used more. A good heel manager can put a lot of butts in a lot of seats. Frankly, I just think WWE does not want to pay them. They stopped using managers a long time ago, and I think, when it comes right down to it, that it is all about saving a little money.
Stan, from Cape Girardeau, MO, asks: "Why are there not more wrestling shows around here? I have to go to Dyersburg or Newbern in Tennessee to see an indy show." That's quite a drive you're making, Stan. There are not many shows in Missouri because the Athletic Commission up there makes it just about impossible for any indy group to put on a show. So many fees, rules, and restrictions come into play that nobody can afford to run. About the only group who comes to Missouri now is WWE. They can afford it.
Sharon, from Fulton, MS, writes: "Axeman, how come you quit announcing at TFW? And how come you dont go around to other shows in the area and do write ups like you done before?" I have not quit at TFW, just taking some time off due to work schedules and other conflicts. I will be back at TFW as long as they want me to announce, but probably not every week. As far as other shows are concerned, I occasionally go to a different show and do a write up, but I am very much enjoying announcing at EPW every Saturday night. There is never a dull moment there!
OK, on to another topic, Hollywood Jimmy Blaylock. Hollywood had car trouble recently had to have his SUV towed into a gas station. He told the mechanic, "It just died. After the guy worked on it for a few minutes, it was running smoothly. Hollywood asked, "What's the story?" The mechanic said, "Just crap in the fuel filter." Hollywood asked, "How often should I do that?"
That's all for this week, my friends! If you have any feedback, send it to axemanchopchop@yahoo.com.
The Axeman has spoken.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
The Axeman Speaks 1-7-10
January 7, 2010
The opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Hollywood Jimmy Blaylock, the Webmaster, or anyone else connected with this site. They are mine, and mine alone. If you agree with me, OK, and if you don’t, that’s OK. The fact is, you are reading this column, and that's what counts!
Greetings wrestling fans! This may come as a shock to many of you - brace yourself - it has been less than a month since I last updated this column, lol. Try not to become overcome by the shock....
Much has een written the last several days about TNA Impact vs. WWE RAW. I would like to give my thoughts about Monday night, so here we go.
We'll start with RAW:
First of all, It was good to see Bret Hart back. I have always been a big fan of Hart, and I never thought I would see him in a WWE ring or on a WWE show again. Getting to see him and Vinny Mac face each other all these years after what happened in Montreal was almost unreal. The Hart - McMahon face off went like everyone figured it would go. No surprises there. So welcome back, Bret.
Maryse is gorgeous! I am crazy about her. She is a great lady heel wrestler. The Bella twins seemed a little slow or sluggish or something, but the way Maryse out foxed them was good.
The Miz is a brash, arrogant, snobbish, conceited, mouth-running ass hole - but he is a very good brash, arrogant, snobbish, conceited, mouth-running ass hole, and I guess that's why he is enjoying his success in WWE right now. He's someone we all love to hate.
Why does WWE continue to put MVP, Mark Henry, Carlito and Jack Swagger in a match working each other over and over and over again? It's getting old, Vince....
I admit Hornswoggle is sort of funny, but he also gets on my nerves pretty fast.
Legacy standing up to Randy Orton - now that's something I didn't think WWE would do - yet. The Orton & Vince segment was just a Royal Rumble commercial. Could've done without that.
Sheamus Vs. Bourne was a decent match, albeit a short match. Sheamus is talented. Look for big things from him in the future. He will be around a long time if he can stay healthy.
Another Orton Vs. Kingston match. It was not a bad match, but can't WWE come up with something else? Is anyone else tired of seeing the same matches week after week?
So - what is my over all opinion of the Jan. 4 edition of RAW? On a scale of
1 to 10, I would give it a 5. Week after week of the same guys working the same guys is just plain boring. All the show had going for it was Bret Hart. Oh, and Maryse, of course.
Is that all WWE has to offer? Is that the best they've got? Is Vince so not-worried about TNA that he just answered their challenge with a bunch of repeat matches that were about half boring? It seems to me that he would have brought in the best of the best from Smackdown, ECW, & RAW and put on a much stronger show. Or, is that the best they can do?
OK, let's take a look at TNA Impact....
The nWo rides again! Scott Hall, Waltman and Nash in the ring with Hogan and Bischoff brought back a lot of memories. But Hogan and TNA would do well to remember that, while it was a good angle for WCW in the beginning, it did eventually get stale and lost its appeal. When it got old, WCW had nowhere to go with it - they had painted themselves into a corner, so to speak - and that led to the eventual downfall of WCW. Now, after all this time, those guys are older. The nWo is an idea that has come and gone. TNA would do well to come up with something fresh instead of doing the nWo stuff again. OK, with that said, let's talk about the rest of the show....
TNA needed to pull out all the stops on the entire show, but they started off with a crappy opening match. Jeff Hardy was all that saved this train wreck. TNA did not start off strong.
Then we see ODB Vs. Tara. Again. A repeat of a match that we have seen before. So TNA pulls a WWE and shoves it at us again. Not smart.
Ric Flair's participation in the show was a pleasant surprise. Sure, we've been hearing and reading all the hype about Flair coming to TNA for weeks. However, I figured that it would be later rather than sooner when he got involved - if at all. I guess this proves that Hogan can deliver - at least he did manage to get Flair on board - or did he? I read where Mick Foley is taking credit for convincing Flair to join TNA - but I guess it does not really matter, because Flair did get on board. I don't care what anyone says, Flair is still one of the hottest commodities in professional wrestling today. Can't believe Vince let him get away. Flair's presence in TNA will come back to bite Vince on the ass - big time.
Mick Foley trying to get into the event was really kind of dumb. They are obviously building to some sort of angle. It might be interesting to see how it all plays out -then again, maybe not. We'll see.
Val Venis and Beautiful People playing strip poker... typically Russo all the way! He obviously wrote one segment anyway.
Sting in the house. In the rafters somewhere. What's the point? If you're gonna bring him in, use him in a more productive way!
Sags and Knobs? I didn't really think that they would actually be brought back - at least not right away. Sags is sagging and Knobs is knobby lol. Both these guys are high mileage. Their upcoming feud with Team 3-D will probably be good, but I think it will be short-lived. Sags & Knobs are over the hill - but again, so is Team 3-D.
TNA showed, in a grand style, a major difference between TNA and WWE with the Knockouts Tag Team Championship Match. Kong is so... so... BIG & powerful, and Hamada is as rough as they come. They are not eye candy... not Diva's. TNA really drove that point home with that match. As D-Rock would say, "good call!"
Raven and Stevie Richards are back. Ho hum... yawn. Matt Morgan & Hernandez did a good job, however, so it was a decent match. I have never been impressed with Raven or Stevie Richards. I am still unimpressed.
Abyss Vs. Samoa Joe: Great match between these two big guys. Joe won the match, but both of them did a great job. Also showcased the tremendous talent and potential that TNA has.
Kurt Angle Vs. AJ Styles: To say it was an outstanding match would be the understatement of the month. Nobody in WWE, Ring of Honor, Chikara, or any other organization could have done it better. These two extremely talented guys put on a phenominal match, with some of the best in ring work I have seen in a very long time.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give that match about a 12.
The segments where TNA originals are being laid out backstage by an unknown attacker wreaked of nWo. Again, TNA must be careful not to overdo the nWo type angle. We've been there & seen that.
So... Did TNA or WWE win round one?
If you are talking about ratings, WWE won the ratings battle, largely because of Bret Hart. However, TNA had the best over all show, no doubt about it. It was a surprise that WWE did not put on a better show, but maybe that's all they've got.
So, the battle will no doubt go to round two. It will be interesting to see if Vince offers up anything better next time TNA comes calling. Has TNA got your attention yet, Vince?
The opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Hollywood Jimmy Blaylock, the Webmaster, or anyone else connected with this site. They are mine, and mine alone. If you agree with me, OK, and if you don’t, that’s OK. The fact is, you are reading this column, and that's what counts!
Greetings wrestling fans! This may come as a shock to many of you - brace yourself - it has been less than a month since I last updated this column, lol. Try not to become overcome by the shock....
Much has een written the last several days about TNA Impact vs. WWE RAW. I would like to give my thoughts about Monday night, so here we go.
We'll start with RAW:
First of all, It was good to see Bret Hart back. I have always been a big fan of Hart, and I never thought I would see him in a WWE ring or on a WWE show again. Getting to see him and Vinny Mac face each other all these years after what happened in Montreal was almost unreal. The Hart - McMahon face off went like everyone figured it would go. No surprises there. So welcome back, Bret.
Maryse is gorgeous! I am crazy about her. She is a great lady heel wrestler. The Bella twins seemed a little slow or sluggish or something, but the way Maryse out foxed them was good.
The Miz is a brash, arrogant, snobbish, conceited, mouth-running ass hole - but he is a very good brash, arrogant, snobbish, conceited, mouth-running ass hole, and I guess that's why he is enjoying his success in WWE right now. He's someone we all love to hate.
Why does WWE continue to put MVP, Mark Henry, Carlito and Jack Swagger in a match working each other over and over and over again? It's getting old, Vince....
I admit Hornswoggle is sort of funny, but he also gets on my nerves pretty fast.
Legacy standing up to Randy Orton - now that's something I didn't think WWE would do - yet. The Orton & Vince segment was just a Royal Rumble commercial. Could've done without that.
Sheamus Vs. Bourne was a decent match, albeit a short match. Sheamus is talented. Look for big things from him in the future. He will be around a long time if he can stay healthy.
Another Orton Vs. Kingston match. It was not a bad match, but can't WWE come up with something else? Is anyone else tired of seeing the same matches week after week?
So - what is my over all opinion of the Jan. 4 edition of RAW? On a scale of
1 to 10, I would give it a 5. Week after week of the same guys working the same guys is just plain boring. All the show had going for it was Bret Hart. Oh, and Maryse, of course.
Is that all WWE has to offer? Is that the best they've got? Is Vince so not-worried about TNA that he just answered their challenge with a bunch of repeat matches that were about half boring? It seems to me that he would have brought in the best of the best from Smackdown, ECW, & RAW and put on a much stronger show. Or, is that the best they can do?
OK, let's take a look at TNA Impact....
The nWo rides again! Scott Hall, Waltman and Nash in the ring with Hogan and Bischoff brought back a lot of memories. But Hogan and TNA would do well to remember that, while it was a good angle for WCW in the beginning, it did eventually get stale and lost its appeal. When it got old, WCW had nowhere to go with it - they had painted themselves into a corner, so to speak - and that led to the eventual downfall of WCW. Now, after all this time, those guys are older. The nWo is an idea that has come and gone. TNA would do well to come up with something fresh instead of doing the nWo stuff again. OK, with that said, let's talk about the rest of the show....
TNA needed to pull out all the stops on the entire show, but they started off with a crappy opening match. Jeff Hardy was all that saved this train wreck. TNA did not start off strong.
Then we see ODB Vs. Tara. Again. A repeat of a match that we have seen before. So TNA pulls a WWE and shoves it at us again. Not smart.
Ric Flair's participation in the show was a pleasant surprise. Sure, we've been hearing and reading all the hype about Flair coming to TNA for weeks. However, I figured that it would be later rather than sooner when he got involved - if at all. I guess this proves that Hogan can deliver - at least he did manage to get Flair on board - or did he? I read where Mick Foley is taking credit for convincing Flair to join TNA - but I guess it does not really matter, because Flair did get on board. I don't care what anyone says, Flair is still one of the hottest commodities in professional wrestling today. Can't believe Vince let him get away. Flair's presence in TNA will come back to bite Vince on the ass - big time.
Mick Foley trying to get into the event was really kind of dumb. They are obviously building to some sort of angle. It might be interesting to see how it all plays out -then again, maybe not. We'll see.
Val Venis and Beautiful People playing strip poker... typically Russo all the way! He obviously wrote one segment anyway.
Sting in the house. In the rafters somewhere. What's the point? If you're gonna bring him in, use him in a more productive way!
Sags and Knobs? I didn't really think that they would actually be brought back - at least not right away. Sags is sagging and Knobs is knobby lol. Both these guys are high mileage. Their upcoming feud with Team 3-D will probably be good, but I think it will be short-lived. Sags & Knobs are over the hill - but again, so is Team 3-D.
TNA showed, in a grand style, a major difference between TNA and WWE with the Knockouts Tag Team Championship Match. Kong is so... so... BIG & powerful, and Hamada is as rough as they come. They are not eye candy... not Diva's. TNA really drove that point home with that match. As D-Rock would say, "good call!"
Raven and Stevie Richards are back. Ho hum... yawn. Matt Morgan & Hernandez did a good job, however, so it was a decent match. I have never been impressed with Raven or Stevie Richards. I am still unimpressed.
Abyss Vs. Samoa Joe: Great match between these two big guys. Joe won the match, but both of them did a great job. Also showcased the tremendous talent and potential that TNA has.
Kurt Angle Vs. AJ Styles: To say it was an outstanding match would be the understatement of the month. Nobody in WWE, Ring of Honor, Chikara, or any other organization could have done it better. These two extremely talented guys put on a phenominal match, with some of the best in ring work I have seen in a very long time.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give that match about a 12.
The segments where TNA originals are being laid out backstage by an unknown attacker wreaked of nWo. Again, TNA must be careful not to overdo the nWo type angle. We've been there & seen that.
So... Did TNA or WWE win round one?
If you are talking about ratings, WWE won the ratings battle, largely because of Bret Hart. However, TNA had the best over all show, no doubt about it. It was a surprise that WWE did not put on a better show, but maybe that's all they've got.
So, the battle will no doubt go to round two. It will be interesting to see if Vince offers up anything better next time TNA comes calling. Has TNA got your attention yet, Vince?
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