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TNA PPV Reax #1: "The final match and post-main event was like watching a Hornswoggle segment"

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 22:21:29 PST

-- 3/21 TNA Destination X PPV Reax

Bryan Lynch of Denver, Colo. (4.0): Best Match: Ultimate X. Worst: Main Event finish. I'm a longtime TNA fan and ordered every PPV from about 2005-2008 up until the Main Event Mafia non-sense. I ordered the last few PPVs of 2009 and was blown away by how great they were: great wrestling with no goofy booking. I haven't ordered any of the Hogan era PPVs until now, and I regret ordering this one. I ordered this PPV based on the return of Ultimate X. The four wrestlers more than delivered an outstanding match, but only giving it 12 or so minutes was a disservice to the entire PPV. This was supposed to be a PPV highlighting the X Division, but after the first hour, the X Division pretty much disappeared. The ladder match and Ultimate X were fantastic, and Doug Williams delivered an excellent promo following his win, so the X Division guys really were the stars of this show. But everything else just sucked. Everyone involved in that main event should be embarrassed. As much as people used to talk about overbooking in TNA over the years, nothing was as bad as this. Flair (barely) squirting the stuff into the ref's eyes was horrible, and the whole Three Stooges routine at the end was just garbage. A.J. tried, but even he couldn't save that match. There's no doubt in my mind TNA has a more talented roster than WWE, but Hogan and Bischoff are doing less with them than any previous regime. I'm done with TNA PPVs again for a while.

Zach, Torch reader (7.5): Best Match: Ultimate X tag team match. Worst: PPV ending. Overall, it was a great PPV, especially with the Eric Young outline. Every time I saw it in the ring, I couldn't help but laugh. The ladder match was a good match, but should not have been the opener. I'm glad they gave Generation Me and MCMG an Ultimate X match to showcase their skills because that was one of the best matches I've seen in a while. The "Magnus"-Rob Terry match was pointless, but still better than the main event. Hall was in great shape considering he hasn't had an important match for like eight years and even though the Nash heel turn was predictable, it was still well done. They needed to put the belts on Beer Money because they are dragging Morgandez out too long. The final match and post-main event was like watching a Hornswoggle segment. It was too childish. Overall, a decent PPV.

We welcome your 0-10 score and comments on this show for a "TNA PPV Reax" feature in the Torch Feedback section of PWTorch.com. Just to add a twist to this feature, include not just your hometown, but also your occupation (mechanic, lawyer, stay-at-home-dad, college student, etc.) so readers get a flavor for what everyone does as "day jobs." To contribute your thoughts on the PPV, click here.

TNA DESTINATION X RESULTS 3/21: Keller's live ongoing "virtual time" PPV report

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 22:13:46 PST

TNA DESTINATION X
MARCH 21, 2010
ORLANDO, FLA.
AIRED LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW

-There was a lot of lip service in the pre-PPV show about this being a show all about the X Division. Amazing Red, Brian Kendrick, and Daniels presented themselves in a way that felt real and grounded, not cartoonish and put on. However, hearing Dixie talk about insisting this be a show built around the X Division, but having witnessed nothing close to that message being sent to viewers of Impact in the last month, it feels as empty as ever. Hearing Daniels say the X Division has been heart and spine of TNA and it's the lifeblood of TNA is fine, but marketing the X Division as an entity unto itself instead of selling the actual wrestlers in it and the feuds between them dooms it to an opening match novelty slot. Dixie said something about this being the show where the X Division headlines. We'll see.

-In the PPV opening video, the focus was not on X Division wrestlers, but on Kurt Angle and Hulk Hogan talking in generalities that sounded important but really meant nothing. "Don't go where the path may lead," said the screen. "Go where there is no path and leave a trail." Okay, I can buy those phrases at that mall store with framed inspirational messages, but how does that resonate with viewers and get them excited about this show in particular or it's wrestlers? If everything else was in place, this would be fine, but it's just a highfalutin mask over a weak core message. It looks and sounds pretty and sets a certain mood, but it could be put before any sporting event or any wrestling show.

-Mike Tenay introduced the show as pyro blasted.

1 -- BRIAN KENDRICK vs. AMAZING RED vs. DANIELS vs. KAZARIAN -- No. 1 Contender's X Division Match

Red dove onto Daniels and Kaz in the opening minute with a wild mid-air twist. Kaz brought a ladder into the ring. Kendrick stopped him and tried to climb it. Kaz yanked him to the floor. The crowd chanted, "X Division! X Division!" TNA's goal should be to get fans to chant the name of X Division wrestlers at some point. "It's like watching a video game here. It's awesome!" said Taz. That's part of the appeal of the X Division, but also most of the problem. If you can create a highspot filled match on a computer, that's cool, but it has no ramifications in the real world and nothing is really learned about the wrestlers themselves. You're not really rooting for a video game wrestler to win or lose because they're not real. The X Division wrestlers are treated like video game characters who are there to do cool spots, but afterward it's quickly forgotten because once it's over, it's over. Combine these crazy spots with stories about people that fans remember and care about after they're done chanting "This is awesome!" and "Holy sh--!" and TNA will make some real money off of these athletes. Other than some big highspots, it was a lot of people yanking someone else off of a ladder. Way too much punishment was endured by these guys for the short-term chant followed by an expectations immediately of "top that" with no resonance. Red clutched his right knee after being backdropped to the floor by Kaz. A minute later Kaz caught Red with a stunner as he dove into the ring. Kendrick jumped Kaz. Daniels jumped Kendrick. Daniels climbed the ladder. Red set up one beside it and climbed it, too. Daniels slammed Red to the mat. Kaz and Daniels met atop the ladder. Kaz backdropped Daniels off the top of the ladder in one of those "5 percent chance someone ends up paralyzed spots." Kendrick climbed the ladder next to Kaz. Kaz shoved Kendrick to the mat and Kaz grabbed the clipboard to win.

WINNER: Kazarian in 13:00.

STAR RATING: ***1/4 -- Exciting, action-packed, thrilling match. But Taz said it well: "This takes years off your career, as exciting as it is." Usually that's hyperbole, but not in this case. They could get so much more mileage out of these bumps if they were positioned to mean something other than get a quick "Holy sh--!" chant. If they're investing in Kaz, they have to make him interesting. He's not. We know nothing about him other than he quit TNA because he felt they let TNA down in the World Cup. That's it.

-They went to Tenay and Taz at ringside who talked about the A.J. Styles vs. Abyss match later. Tenay said the Abyss that Styles faced in the past is nothing compared to what Abyss has evolved into. Ric Flair's music interrupted them and Chelsea rolled Flair to the ring in a wheel chair. He was bug-eyed and calm, then exploded into: "I am not a happy camper!" He told fans to bow down to him, don't "whoo!" him. He said he is 16 times the greatest world champion of all time, but now he's in a wheel chair. "Look at me now! Not funny! Not funny!" He said he didn't come to TNA to be immobilized, he came to TNA for action, but now he's not getting a lot of action. He said, "Let's get one thing straight. You don't talk to me, I talk to you." He said Hogan and "the Abyss" are responsible for him being in a wheelchair. Tenay brought up that the Black Hole Slam on Impact was what put him in a wheelchair. Nice of them to finally get around to letting viewers know that's why he's in a wheelchair. Chelsea wheeled him away as Flair "whoo'd!"

-Backstage Hulk Hogan told Abyss he's never seen a wrestler in the business with the momentum he has. Eric Bischoff walked in wearing a baseball cap to cover his hair. Abyss asked if he had a baseball game and laughed. Bischoff groaned, but Hogan said it was pretty funny. Bischoff took off his hat and showed that he hadn't fixed what Foley did to him by just shaving his head evenly everywhere. Hogan told Bischoff to take the personal out of the agenda. "You're supposed to be leading this thing with me," Hogan said. Bischoff gave him his word that he'd wrap up his issues with Jeff Jarrett and Mick Foley by the end of the week. Bischoff left. Hogan laughed and said, "He's got a Hulk Hogan haircut!"

2 -- TARA vs. DAFFNEY -- TNA Knockouts Title Match

Daffney dominated the early minutes including a figure-four style of leglock from a sitting position. Tara made a comeback and scored a near fall. The crowd seemed split, as some liked Daffney's off-beat personality. Daffney scored a very near fall at 5:00. She screamed after the kickout and the ref clutched his ear in pain. Daffney brought the Knockouts Title belt into the ring and swung it at Tara. Tara ducked and gave Daffney her Widow's Peak for the win. Daffney stole Tara's spider afterward.

WINNER: Tara in 6:00 to retain the Knockouts Title.

STAR RATING: *1/2 -- Solid action. Not a classic, but good to see a straight-up title defense where the champion beats the challenger clean without all kinds of other stuff going on. It sets that baseline so something else later not so clear-cut seems novel and controversial and not just par for the course.

-Christy interviewed Brutus Magnus backstage. He said from now on his name is just Magnus. He said he brought Terry in to TNA to wash his boots, get him coffee, and watch his back. "But no, now you have to go off and win a belt," he said. He said he's ready to pop that overinflated ego of his because he's in over his head. "Like Dr. Frankenstein, I'm now going to destroy the monster I created." He said unlike the doctor, he's going to enjoy it.

3 -- ROB TERRY vs. MAGNUS -- Global Title Match

Terry marched to the ring with determination and intensity. He locked up with Magnus and tossed him across the ring, then hit him with two clotheslines that I've seen every muscle-bound indy show rookie throw due to a lack of other options. Magnus came back with some punches. Tenay said TNA management sees the Global Title as a stepping-stone to the World Title. Terry came back with a powerslam. "You should show a movie on this guy's back," said Taz regarding Terry. Terry hit a jump spin wheel kick and a chokeslam for the win.

WINNER: Terry at 2:00 to retain the title. This might be the push in pro wrestling in the last ten years I disagree with most, and that includes Heidenreich and Kenzo Suzuki. Terry just shouts "muscle-bound clumsy rookie being over pushed with little or no charisma." He's so 1980s, it just sends the message that TNA is even more out of touch than anyone realized. The idea that any braintrust in pro wrestling in 2010 would see more money in Terry than Magnus at this point is just jaw-dropping. If he was over, there'd still be compelling reasons not to push him, but he's not over at all.

-A video package aired on the X Division with Bischoff talking about all of the risk-taking and bar-raising. Jeff Jarrett and Kurt Angle also chimed in with more lip service.

-Christy interviewed Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley. Sabin said Generation Me have more balls than brains. He said they are nothing but children trying to compete on a man's level. "So tonight when your mommy lays you two in bed and you lay there asleep spooning each other, dry humping your SpongeBob Squarepants blanket, you'll be having nightmares about the beating the Motor City Machine Guns will inflict on you tonight," said Sabin. Shelley said they have a chip on their shoulders because they worked hard to become the best tag team in the industry, but can't reach their full potential because of circumstances out of their control. "We've been in TNA longer than you've even owned your Hardy Boyz starter kits," said Shelley.

-They went to Tenay and Taz to talk about the Ultimate X match as workers finished setting it up.

4 -- GENERATION ME vs. THE MOTOR CITY MACHINE GUNS

The crowd chanted "Motor City! Motor City!" early. A few shot back with "Generation Me!" chants. Fast action early with GenMe scoring the early advantage. A few early attempts to grab the "X" hanging over the ring were thwarted. After a dive on the floor, Max got close to the X in the ring. Sabin dove to stop him, but missed. Shelley did stop him, but he got speared seconds later. Max tried to get to the X as Jeremy defended territory around it, but Sabin managed to get past Jeremy and knock Max to the mat. A "TNA! TNA!" chant broke out. Shelley, Max, Jeremy, and Sabin all converted at once in the middle by the "X". It came dwon to Sabin, but he dropped down to help Shelley. All four traded sidekicks against each other in a cool sequence. More "TNA!" chants. At 11:00 Sabin and Jeremy met at the "X." Sabin kicked Jeremy to the floor and then grabbed the "X" and dropped to win.

WINNERS: Machine Guns in 11:00.

STAR RATING: *** -- The wrestlers packed these moves in like they were paid by the move. It's not sustainable over time and there's a better way to utilize their incredible skillsets in a match that tells more of a story, but it was undeniably an exciting mid-card match. It's all about turning these moves collectively into something that fans are invested in emotionally because they care who wins.

-A video package aired on the Kevin Nash & Eric Young vs. Syxx Pac & Scott Hall feud.

-Borash interviewed Syxx and Hall backstage. Hall took off the t-shirt and felt confident enough to show off his chest. Borash said if they lose they'll be banned for life. Syxx laughed and said it's like he said "band for life." He tried to explain it, but got a bit lost. Hall asked Nash if he trusts his career and life with Young. He said he's got a partner he believes in. Hall called Nash "Big Sellout." Syxx said they're going to get their TNA contracts and then party. "Your ass is grass and then we're going to smoke 'em," he concluded.

5 -- SCOTT HALL & "SYXX-PAC" SEAN WALTMAN vs. KEVINI NASH & ERIC YOUNG

They came out to no music. I suppose no contract yet means they don't get music. Hall sucked in his gut and showed off his Morrison-like abs. Taz put over Syxx's "toxic kicks." Hall said, "Hey yo!" He said he's going retro with the tights. He said he wants to take a survey. He asked the fans if they want to see Syxx and Hall with big money contracts. The crowd gave them a mixed response. The ref showed off the contracts awaiting them. Nash and Young then made their ring entrance. Young and Syxx began the match. Hall hit Young from the apron. Syxx hit Young from behind leading to a two count. Syxx tagged in Hall, but not before playing to the heel fans for some cheers. After a dive by Syxx to the floor, Taz said Syxx has been doing that since before there was an X Division. Hall tagged in at 3:00 and applied a sleeper. Nash reached for the hot-tag after Young broke the sleeper. Young tagged Nash in, but the ref didn't see it and thus didn't recognize it.

Syxx went looking for something under the ring. He yelled, "Where the f--- is it?" in frustration. He found it on the other side of the ring - a spray can. Hall had to distract the referee even longer. The ref had to deal with Nash for a ridiculously long time so Syxx and Hall could get their green spray can spot in. Young got up looking like the Missing Link. Taz asked if the ref saw the green paint. Young fought back, though, and hot-tagged Nash. Syxx begged off and offered a mock handshake. Nash instead gave Young a Jackknife. Nash then put Young on the ring apron and tagged Young back in. Syxx gave Young a sitout powerbomb. Hall took his time, but gave the Razor's Edge to Young. Syxx made the cover. Hall stood over Syxx, because that's legal of course, and the ref counted to three. Shouldn't the ref have ordered Hall out of the ring, or legal tags between Syxx and Hall, during that sequence? Utter nonsense. The ref disallowed a Nash tag he didn't see, but then didn't care that Hall and Syxx were in the ring at the same time for over a minute after Nash turned on Young? Syxx went looking for the paint again and couldn't find it right away. He yelled out, "Why'd you have to go hide it?" He then sprayed painted a crime scene outline around Young's KO'd body. Taz and Tenay talked about the Band being back together.

WINNERS: Hall & Syxx in 6:00.

-Borash attempted to interview Angle. Angle respectfully asked Borash to let him do this alone. Borash walked away. Angle held up a picture of Mr. Anderson and set it on fire. He then softly said, "Oh, it's real. It's damn real."

6 -- DOUG WILLIAMS vs. SHANNON MOORE -- X Division Title Match

It's just crazy that these two are in the X Division Title match on the supposed X Division showcase PPV. No angle. No backstory. A gift of a title shot to Moore, last seen jobbing on WWE TV. And Williams, who was recently totally squashed by Rob Terry on Impact. There are times TNA presents a scenario that confirms suspicions that they're clueless, and this is one of them. The outline of Young's body remained center ring, which was a distraction. WWE has multiple ring aprons layered over one another at the start of the night. Maybe TNA wants that to be there the rest of the night, but if not, there's an easy way out of it. Taz said Williams "makes very little mistakes," which is very different than saying he "makes very few mistakes," by the way. But Tenay always says "try and win" instead of "try to win," so they're in good grammatical company. Moore moonsaulted onto Williams on the floor at 3:00, which was pedestrian by this point in the night. Williams KO'd Moore with a brick of some kind for the win.

WINNER: Williams in 4:00.

STAR RATING: 1/2* -- Great annual showcase of what the X Division is all about! The culmination of months of forethought, character development, and planning so the two more over, athletic, complete X Division wrestlers could show off what they do so well.

-Afterward Williams said Moore stands for everything he hates about the X Division, "acrobats who call themselves wrestlers." He said the X Division should be catch-as-catch-can and holds and counterholds. Hey, whatever wins matches. He said the acrobatics belongs in the circus with the flowns. He said Moore is a clown, but he doesn't think much of his make-up. He demanded a woman in the crowd give him his purse so he could use her make-up on Moore's face. He drew lipstick all over Moore's face. The crowd chanted, "RVD! RVD!"

7 -- MATT MORGAN & HERNANDEZ vs. BEER MONEY INC. -- TNA Tag Team Title Match

Morgan opened against Roode, but then insisted Hernandez start the match instead. He acted heelish in the process. Roode made a comeback at 2:00, so Morgan told Hernandez to tag him in so he could show him how it's done. Taz welcomed referee Brian Hebner to TNA. Hernandez tagged back a minute later and gave Storm a long delayed vertical suplex. Morgan acted unimpressed. Hernandez offered Morgan a tag, but Morgan said he'd tag in when he wants to. Morgan tagged himself in seconds later. Morgan hit Storm and Roode at once with a big flying bodyblock in mid-ring. He tagged Hernandez in and told him to continue the momentum without any let-up. Hernandez went for a dive on Roode at ringside, but Morgan stood on the ring apron and blocked him for some reason. Storm hit Hernandez from behind as the ref was preoccupied by Morgan. Storm and Roode beat up Hernandez in the corner. Taz said he's trying to figure out Morgan's agenda. The crowd chanted "Morgan sucks! Morgan sucks!" Tenay asked why Morgan would put the tag titles at risk with this type of attitude. Taz agreed.

The newly turned Beer Money played to the crowd when on offense and elicited a "Beer... Money!" chant from the crowd. At 8:00 Morgan hot-tagged into the match and worked over both Roode and Storm. He hit a splash on Storm in the corner. The crowd chanted, "You still suck!" at Morgan. Hernandez dove over the top rope and landed on Roode at ringside. Morgan was upset. He walked up to Hernandez and said, "Are you dumb? You can't win it out here." He threw him into the ring. Storm spit money at Hernandez, but Hernandez ducked and the beer ended up in Morgan's face. Hernandez then flapjacked Storm for the win.

WINNERS: Morgan & Hernandez in 10:00 to retain the TNA Tag Team Titles.

STAR RATING: ** -- Morgan is over as a heel, but I don't get matching a newly turned heel Morgan in a tag match against a newly turned heel team in Beer Money, as it's totally getting in the way of Beer Money getting the crowd to turn on them. This is not an unforeseeable situation.

-Afterward, Morgan gave Hernandez the Carbon Footprint. He grabbed both tag title belts and held them in the air. The crowd chanted, "You suck! You suck!" at him. Tenay couldn't imagine how Morgan could blame Hernandez for anything since Hernandez actually won the match for the team.

8 -- KURT ANGLE vs. MR. ANDERSON

Angle opened with a headlock. The Young body outline remained on the ring apron. Slow build, but perhaps needed at this point in the night given the pace of the undercard. Unfortunately, this was billed as a blood feud, and the methodical pacing just didn't fit the tone of the hype. Angle welcomed Anderson to try a headlock on him. Taz said it's a trick and Angle has a counter-hold ready. Anderson took the bait, but Angle tossed him off and into the ropes. Anderson went for another headlock later, but Angle suplexed out of it. Anderson took control and worked over Angle's arm at 8:00. Angle made a comeback, hit an Angle Slam, and scored a near fall. Angle went for an anklelock, but Anderson powered out and knocked Angle into the ref. Anderson then gave Angle a low-blow. He followed up with a Mic Check for a very near fall. Angle came back with a frog splash for a two count at 14:00 after knocking Anderson off the top rope. Angle went for a clothesline, but Anderson ducked and the ref went down when Angle hit him by mistake. Anderson looked around, rolled out of the ring, and began a Syxx-Pac-like hunt for something under the ring. He grabbed a chair from a large fan at ringside. Taz quipped, "That chair might be bent." Anderson brought the chair into the ring and thought of using it against Angle. He tossed the chair out of the ring, though, and instead grabbed the Warrior Medal off of the ringpost. He wrapped it around his fist, took aim, and swung. Angle ducked and then back suplexed Anderson. Angle picked up the medal and then looked at the crowd. He held it up, then carved a slice into Anderson's forehead. Anderson came up bleeding. Angle punched away at Anderson. The ref was still out from the clothesline. Angle applied the anklelock. The ref came to just in time to see Anderso reaching for the bottom rope, coming up short, and then tapping.

WINNER: Angle in 17:00.

STAR RATING: **3/4 -- Really slow start and still too methodical throughout most of the match. That sense of urgency given the nature of the feud seemed missing throughout the bulk of the match. It had it's moments, though.

-Angle celebrated and walked toward the back. Anderson called for the mic. It dropped over him. Anderson said Angle isn't a real American hero and probably isn't a real Gold Medalist. He said he's not even a real American. He said he tried to have a straight up match with him, but he resorted to cheap tactics to get a victory. He repeated his last name over and over and said that will be echoing in his head all night. Why, he won? Shouldn't that count for something? Kennedy got his blood all over the mic.

-Tenay and Taz threw to a video preview of the main event TNA Title match.

-Christy excitedly asked Styles how Flair being in a wheelchair will change his gameplan. Her facial expressions were distracting as Styles predicted victory. The Flair robe on him just isn't working.

-Borash interviewed Abyss backstage. He said he has the power of Hulk Hogan and all of the Hulkamaniacs running through his body. What audience are they aiming at? Who's Abyss's target fan base? Kids who magically remember the peak of Hulkamania? Adults who want to relive Hulkamania vicariously through Abyss? Everything is just so bizarre and non-cohesive.

9 -- A.J. STYLES vs. ABYSS -- TNA World Hvt. Title

Jeremy Borash did the ring announcement for this match and only this match. Abyss attacked Styles during the Styles ring intro, so Borash bailed out of the ring. Flair watched from the far end of the ramp in the wheel chair. Abyss beat up Styles early, then walked toward Flair on the ramp. Styles made a comeback after an eye poke, Flair-style. At 4:00 Styles wedged a chair in the corner. The ref saw it and pulled the chair out of the corner. Styles choked Abyss on the middle rope in the mean time.

At 7:00 Abyss caught a flying Styles by the throat. Styles broke free, but Abyss then hit a backdrop and sideslam for a two count. Styles escaped the Shock Treatment and then hit the Pele kick. Styles springboarded at Abyss and landed a forearm for a two count. Abyss catapulted Styles into the chair that was still wedged in the corner. Abyss then gave Styles the Shock Treatment for a two count. Flair applauded the kickout from the ramp. When Abyss set up a top rope move, Styles bit his forehead. He followed up with his Spinal Tap dive off the top rope. It's a cool move. Too cool for a heel to ever do. The crowd chanted, "That was awesome!" Abyss kicked out, so Tenay added, "The kick out was just as awesome."

Styles argued with the ref, giving Abyss time to recover and surprise Styles with a Black Hole Slam for a very near believable fall. Flair pulled the ref toward him and sprayed something in his eyes. Nothing went well tonight as far as gimmicks go, as Flair didn't get it to spray right away and the ref had to act cartoonishly concerned without pulling away for several seconds. Flair then tossed Styles the title belt. Styles used it. Then out came Hogan who brought Earl Hebner withhim to be the replacement referee. Flair was upset and also feared what Hogan would do to him. Hogan sent Chelsea to the back and then wheeled Flair to the back. Styles protested, but then returned to the ring and hit a springboard 450 splash. Abyss kicked out and then Hulked Up. The whole Hogan routine from the 1980s continued leading to Abyss chokeslamming Styles on center-ring where the ring gave out. The ref called for the bell for some reason. "Holy sh--!" chanted the crowd. Tenay said that was a hell of a chokeslam. Hogan brought the TNA Title belt into the ring and handed it to Abyss. The ref yanked it away, though. Chelsea wheeled Flair to ringside. Abyss grabbed him by the throat and dragged him into the ring. Hebner and then Abyss slipped on the edge of the big hole in the ring. Hogan sprayed Flair with whatever it was that Flair used against the ref earlier. Desmond Wolfe ran to the ring and got punched by Abyss, then Hulk, then Abyss, then Hulk in a comedy type of spot. Hogan then sprayed Wolfe, so he staggered around and then tripped backward over Flair. Flair then just dove into the hole. It was a Three Stooges routine as Hogan celebrated with Abyss as "American Made" played in the background.

WINNER: No decision in 17:00.

STAR RATING: ** -- There was some good action between Styles and Abyss, but the finish was just a bad joke.

FINAL THOUGHTS: This in its own special way is in the race for most ridiculous PPV in history. No announced finish in the TNA Title match. A Three Stooges routine Syxx losing the spray can twice in two minutes. Hype that promised an X Division main event and the X Division Title match was buried in the middle between two wrestlers not even close to over. Rob Terry, a Warlord knockoff straight out of the 1980s getting a monster push by squashing Magnus, who actually has an upside. Kurt Angle opening up a blood feud grudge match with a two minute side headlock. I can think of no more fitting symbolism than the body outline in the ring throughout the second half of this show. I'd recommend the replay just so you can see for yourself how clueless this company is and how lacking any cohesive vision this regime has.

-TONIGHT'S UFC EVENT RESULTS at MMATorch.com

CALDWELL'S TNA DESTINATION X PPV REPORT 3/21: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of A.J. Styles vs. Abyss, Ultimate X, Anderson vs. Angle

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 21:56:26 PST

TNA DESTINATION X PPV REPORT
March 21, 2010
Orlando, Fla.
Report by James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

Follow Torch assistant editor James Caldwell's virtual-time play-by-play of tonight's Destination X PPV with live PPV match results, analysis, and coverage. Tonight's PPV features A.J. Styles vs. Abyss for the TNA World Title, Ultimate X, and almost every TNA title on the line.

The PPV opened with the standard two-minute artsy video focused on achieving greatness and taking the path less traveled (TNA) compared to the path already taken (WWE) by most. One of those videos focused mainly on "elevating the TNA brand."

Impact Zone: The PPV started inside the Impact Zone with fireworks shooting off and a ladder placed in the entranceway. Mike Tenay talked to us about March Madness, then Brian Kendrick's music hit to bring out Kendrick for the opening four-way ladder match. A contract will be hanging above the ring with a #1 contender slot. Amazing Red, then Daniels (complete with black choker around his neck and black armbands), then Kazarian rounded out the field.

1 -- BRIAN KENDRICK vs. AMAZING RED vs. KAZARIAN vs. DANIELS -- Ladder match -- #1 contender match

The bell sounded and Daniels was caught in the middle of right hands from Red and Kazarian. Kazarian then clotheslined Daniels to the floor and Red came over the top with a flying corkscrew splash. Kendrick then ran into the ring with the ladder, but Kazarian pulled him down. Very fast pace to this one, as expected. Red and Daniels then teased ladder-climbing before Red dropkicked the ladder into Daniels. Red suddenly got his hand on the clipboard, but Kendrick yanked him down. Red blocked Kendrick again before they kinda fell off the ladder. Awkward. Kendrick then teed off on Daniels with jabs before Daniels came back with the STO. Daniels and Red did a choreographed spot with a drop toehold and Daniels ate the ladder. Taz called it like watching a video game.

The action spilled to the floor where Kendrick choked Kazarian across the guardrail. Kendrick then set up the ladder across the guardrail and ring mat, but Kazarian suplexed him across the propped up ladder. Back in the ring, Daniels snapped Kazarian off the ropes onto the ladder. Daniels followed with a springboard split-legged moonsault. Nice spot. Daniels celebrated, but Red followed by snapping off a huracanrana from the ring off the ladder to the floor. Back in the ring, Kazarian and Red started racing up the ladder. Kazarian teased the Flux Capacitor, but Kendrick shoved both of them off the ladder into the ropes with Kazarian crashing into the middle rope.

They hit a brief lull before Kazarian springboarded the ladder into Daniels out of the corner. At this point, the audience just started chanting for their favorites since TNA hasn't developed any characters in this match. Red, who was the default fan favorite, took an inside-out clothesline from Daniels. There was a second ladder in the ring at this point. Daniels then back dropped Kazarian onto a ladder propped up in the corner before Kendrick gave Daniels a step-up enziguiri kick. Moments later, Daniels tried to climb, but Kazarian grappled him for a powerbomb onto the ladder propped up in the corner. Red and Daniels were out at this point, so Kazarian and Kendrick raced to the top. Kendrick took Kaz off the ladder to the mat with a faceplant, then Red battled Kendrick and dropkicked him into the corner. Kazarian shook it off and back dropped Red over the top rope to the floor.

At 11:00, Kazarian gave Kendrick the Wave of the Future before Kendrick dropped him with the Sliced Bread #2. Daniels then dropped Kendrick with a Death Valley Driver. Daniels was left in the ring, but he didn't climb the ladder. He opted for a move, then Red introduced another ladder in the match. Two ladders were side-by-side as Daniels and Red started climbing. Daniels then dropped Red with an uranage off the ladder into the mat. Daniels tried to follow with a contract grab, but Kaz jumped onto one of the ladders. Suddenly, Daniels grappled him, but Kazarian blocked and suplexed Daniels off the ladders to the mat. Kaz then flung Kendrick away and grabbed the contract to win the match. Kaz becomes #1 contender to the X Division Title.

WINNER: Kazarian at 13:40. Fine spotfest. Exciting action and it felt fresh since TNA hasn't done these types of matches recently. TNA still needs to establish characters and motivations for the wrestlers in the division, but this was good for a PPV match looking to get the PPV started on an exciting note. (***1/4)

Announcers: Mike Tenay and Taz were talking about the PPV, then Ric Flair's music hit. He was wheeled out on stage by Desmond Wolfe's valet, Chelsea, in a wheelchair. Ric Flair said he's not a happy camper. He shouted at the audience not to "Whoo" him, but to bow down to him. Flair said he's put his body through everything conceivable, but he's never been in a wheelchair. Why is he in a wheelchair? Apparently TNA failed to fill in the blanks on "Flair going through the stage = wheelchair." Flair said he didn't come to TNA to be immobilized. He said he's going to take care of the people who are responsible - "Hogan and The Abyss." He said The Abyss and Hogan will pay a price. After Flair finished his promo, Tenay filled in the blanks on why Flair was in the wheelchair.

Backstage: Hogan was on the couch with a clown. Oh wait, that's Abyss. Abyss was sporting a red mask and red and yellow patches like paint splotches on his pants. Even odder get-up. Hogan asked Abyss about feeling the power. Abyss talked excitedly, then Hogan told him to go take care of Styles tonight. Eric Bischoff then walked in sporting a baseball cap over his dome. Abyss asked him if he has a baseball game today. Bischoff then took off his cap to reveal a slight bald spot where Mick Foley shaved him. Hogan told Bischoff they need to get back on track this week. Bischoff agreed and walked off. Hogan then cracked a joke about Bischoff having a Hulk Hogan haircut.

2 -- TNA Knockouts champion TARA vs. DAFFNEY -- Knockouts Title match

Daffney came out first, then Tara stormed the ring and attacked Daffney for a fast start to the match. Daffney cut off Tara's momentum and went to work on Tara's back with multiple double-foot stomps in the corner. Tara made her comeback at 4:00, then hit a sit-out slam for a two count only. They had an awkward exchange before Daffney executed a Northern Lights Suplex for a two count. Daffney then knocked Tara to the floor, but didn't follow up, which allowed Tara to come back with the Widow's Peak for the pin and the win in the ring. Afterward, Tara did a victory lap to celebrate the win, but the celebration was cut short when Daffney was spotted with Tara's tarantula and a crazy look on her face.

WINNER: Tara at 6:40 to retain the Knockouts Title. Okay singles match. A bit off at times, but good action overall. (*1/4)

Backstage: Brutus Magnus was with Christy Hemme to talk about the upcoming Global Title match. Brutus said he brought in Rob Terry to shine his boots and do his laundry list. Now, Terry has tried to make a name for himself. So, now he vows to tear down the monster he created.

3 -- Global champion ROB TERRY vs. BRUTUS MAGNUS -- Global Title match

Brutus came out first to the ring, then Rob Terry stomped out to the ring super mad. He attacked Brutus and clotheslined him over the top rope before flexing in the ring. That's his best move. Tenay with a scary note that TNA management sees Terry on a path to the TNA World Title. Considering Hulk Hogan is running things, that's not a shock, unfortunately. Terry then ducked his head and Brutus slapped him before Terry hit a freakish spin kick. Terry followed with a power move and that was all she wrote for Terry to win.

WINNER: Terry at 1:25 to retain the Global Title. Terry is being given the Ultimate Warrior build-up to an eventual title shot apparently. The only problem is the crowd has no interest in Terry. (n/a)

Video package: They focused on the Ultimate X match to kill time while the structure was assembled in the ring. The same video from the Before the Bell pre-show hype video.

Backstage: Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley were with Christy Hemme for an interview on the Ultimate X match. Sabin knocked Generation Me, calling them little kids tucked into bed by their mommy every night. Shelley knocked Generation Me for trying to use a "Hardy Boys starter kit" to get a spot in TNA. Shelley said they have been waiting too long for their shot at the TNA tag titles and Gen Me won't get in the way this time. That was a good closing line.

Impact Zone: Tenay and Taz continued to fill time as the Ultimate X match was set up. They have the Big Red X hanging in the middle of the structure as the prize to obtain here.

4 -- MOTOR CITY MACHINEGUNS (ALEX SHELLEY & CHRIS SABIN) vs. GENERATION ME (JEREMY BUCK & MAX BUCK) -- Ultimate X match -- #1 contender match to TNA tag titles

After five minutes of coordinated tag team highspots, Max started climbing the cables for the X, but Shelley yanked him down. The Bucks then executed high-impact moves on the Guns in and out of the ring. Jeremy started climbing the cables while Max cheered him on, then Sabin kicked Max from behind and jumped off Max's back to spear Jeremy off the cables in mid-air. Max recovered and started climbing, then the Guns knocked Max off the cables and a series of spots occurred resulting in all four men down on the mat. Max was the first one up and he started climbing the cable again. Shelley met him, then Jeremy jumped on, followed by Sabin. All four men met in the middle until all four dropped down to the mat. A series of crescent kicks led to the Guns down on the mat. The Bucks then hit a series of double-team combos on the Guns while Taz giggled to himself about feeling like he's playing Xbox. More spots ensued with the Guns in control suplexing the Bucks into each other. At 11:40, Sabin started climbing the cables, but Jeremy met him in the middle. Sabin then kicked Jeremy off the cable and grabbed the X. Sabin fell to the mat with possession of the X to win the match and earn the tag title shot.

WINNERS: Guns at 12:05 to become #1 contenders to tag titles. Fine highspot match. Taz giggling and laughing about the action wasn't the right tone, as it took the audience of the moment trying to suspend disbelief the wrestlers were executing a series of obviously-choreographed highspots. Good to see the Guns winning here and the Bucks looked good despite "losing" the match. (**3/4)

Backstage: Borash was with Scott Hall and Sean Waltman backstage to talk about their match with a TNA contract on the line. Borash said Waltman and Hall will be "banned for life" if they lose. Waltman talked about "The Band" "For Life" before Hall cut a promo on Kevin Nash. Hall was in the old-school Outsiders get-up looking in decent shape. Hall plugged Impact on Spike tomorrow night where the highest-paid wrestlers will be on TV.

Impact Zone: Scott Hall and Sean Waltman came out to the ring with no music. Tenay said they're not under contract, so no music. Hall did the NWO walk-out anyways without the music. Nice touch, especially since TNA never breaks up ring entrance music. Hall took the mic in the ring and wanted to take a survey. He asked who wants to see them with TNA contracts. Mixed reaction from the crowd, which is just picking favorites. Hall summed up one more for the bad guys. Kevin Nash and Eric Young then came out to Nash's music for the tag match.

5 -- KEVIN NASH & ERIC YOUNG vs. SCOTT HALL & SEAN WALTMAN -- Hall & Waltman get TNA contracts with a victory

Young and Waltman started things off with Young landing an early Thesz Press for a two count. Hall then tagged in and showed Young a crotch chop before giving him an arm-wringer. Hall worked the arm and shoulder before paint-brushing Young across the head. Hall then caught Young in position for a fallaway slam and a two count. Waltman then tagged in and landed a kick strike to the gut. Young tried to come back with a back body drop, but they an awkward exchange. Young ended up on the outside where Hall nailed Young and helped up Waltman. Back in the ring, Hall slapped on a sleeperhold. Young countered with a sleeperhold, but Hall landed a back drop suplex. Young then tagged in Nash, who slowly started to enter the ring, but the ref didn't see the tag. Waltman then started looking for something. "Where the f--- is it?" Waltman said audibly. He then found a can of spraypaint and sprayed Young in the eyes. The ref was apparently blinded as well and couldn't figure out why Young was covered in green facepaint. Taz questioned this, which there was no answer to. Nash then entered the ring and turned on Young, giving him a Jacknife powerbomb. Really awkward exchange here. Nash kinda tagged himself out before Hall gave Young the Outsider's Edge as the crowd cheered. Waltman then covered Young and scored the pin. Now they have TNA contracts.

Post-match: Hall, Nash, and Waltman then celebrated the victory while Young was left out cold in the ring. Post-match: Waltman went looking for the can again. "Where the f--- are they hiding it?" Waltman asked again. Waltman then drew a dead body outline around Young. The crowd cheered and booed here. Cue up the old-school Wolfpack theme music because it's still 1999 apparently. Waltman then grabbed the contract

WINNERS: Waltman & Hall at 8:10. Just a big mess. And poor Eric Young. Goodness, talk about burying someone. There was no sympathy on Young because (a) TNA has given the audience zero reason to care about Young and (b) TNA's booking is typically so weak and lacks logic that the audience just cheers their favorites. And Young sure isn't one of them. A sad spectacle. (1/4*)

Backstage: Kurt Angle said he has a problem with people holding mics in their hands lately. He then held up a lighter, then an 8x10 glossy of Mr. Anderson. He proceeded to silently burn a picture of Anderson. "Oh, it's real, it's damn real," Angle said.

6 -- X Division champion DOUG WILLIAMS vs. SHANNON MOORE -- X Division Title match

Of note, Eric Young's body outline is still on the canvas in the ring. Now, the wrestlers have an added unintentional comedy aspect to work around. The announcers got the Young outline discussion out of their system, then focused on Shannon Moore being an odd cat as the X Title match began. Williams worked over Shannon near the Eric Young body outline before stomping him into the corner to continue the beating. Shannon fought back with right hands before landing a bulldog where Young's right leg was. Shannon the landed a twisting moonsault from the top rope that sent Williams to the floor. Shannon followed with a turnaround plancha off the top rope that took both men down to the floor. Back in the ring, Williams suddenly used a gimmicked brick to smash Shannon in the face behind the ref's back. Williams made the cover on top of Young's outline and scored the pin for the win.

Post-match: Moore was bleeding from the forehead as Williams took the mic and cut a promo on Shannon being an undeserving contender. He said acrobats and high-flyers belong in the circus with the clowns. He said Shannon is a clown, but he doesn't think much of his make-up. Williams went looking for something before grabbing a woman's purse. Williams then emptied the purse and found some lipstick of his liking. He applied lipstick on the facepaint and rubbed it across Shannon's face. The fans chanted, "R-V-D," thinking RVD would actually get involved in this. Williams then left with the title belt while Shannon recovered in the ring.

WINNER: Williams at 6:20. Forgettable match with a few highspots mixed in. Too short to amount to much. Next in line for a title shot will be Kazarian, date TBA. (*)

Impact Zone: After a video package aired on the TNA tag title scene, Beer Money came to the ring as the challengers. Dead body outline is still there. It sure makes TNA look bush league to only have one ring canvas and a body outline still in the ring. Someone in TNA really didn't think this through. Matt Morgan and Hernandez then came out to defend the tag titles. We have former WWE ref Brian Hebner in here officiating. Everyone with a connection getting work in TNA now. He was a good ref on the Smackdown brand, though.

7 -- TNA tag champs HERNANDEZ & MATT MORGAN vs. BEER MONEY (JAMES STORM & ROBERT ROODE) -- TNA tag title match

Morgan and Roode started things off, then Morgan tagged out to Hernandez. Hernandez lost control, so Morgan tagged in and told him to watch how it's done. Meanwhile, Storm grabbed a swig of beer and Taz said he could use a drink. Taz complained about the A/C not being on "in this place." Is that really what you want to convey to the audience that TNA can't even afford to put the A/C on...in addition not apparently not being able to afford a second ring canvas? The match developed with Morgan acting cocky and trying to show off to Hernandez, who then knocked Roode to the floor with a shoulder block. Hernandez wanted a flying splash, but Morgan stood on the ring apron to block Hernandez. Roode and Storm then double-teamed Hernandez to begin working him over. The audience started to entertain themselves with a random chant of "Hernandez (yeah!) Morgan (boo!)" Hebner and Roode then stood on Young's body outline arguing, which allowed Storm to crotch Hernandez out of the ref's sight. Beer Money, who turned heel on Impact, did their babyface chant that the crowd cheered along with because they're just picking favorites. Taz was just all over the place filling time as the heels worked over Hernandez, adding that Morgan was "cutting a promo" on Hernandez from the ring apron.

At 10:00, Hernandez finally made it to his corner to tag in Morgan. There was literally a silent reaction as Morgan entered. Like all the noise left the building. Morgan then cleaned house and talked more trash to Hernandez before tagging him in. Hernandez followed with a flying splash over the top rope onto Roode on the floor. Morgan then threw Hernandez back into the ring and told him he can't get a win on the floor. Storm then accidentally spewed beer into Morgan's eyes, which drew a pop. Hernandez then gave Storm a standing powerslam for the pin and the win. Post-match: Morgan entered the ring and gave Hernandez a Carbon Footprint. He grabbed both tag titles and held them up in the air to stand tall by himself.

WINNERS: Morgan & Hernandez at 11:28 to retain the TNA tag titles. Just another messy situation. Beer Money turned heel on Impact, but they were acting like babyfaces at some points in the match while being secondary to the heel heat on Matt Morgan, who's teamed with the babyface Hernandez. Morgan plays a good prick heel, so that was the highlight of the match. Taz is insufferable on commentary, as he oftentimes comes across like he's above the product. It's totally understandable, as the product is a mish-mash of bad booking at times and he's trying to act casual to be more relatable to the audience, but it's not helping a product dangerously close to that unintentional comedy category right now. (*1/2)

Impact Zone: Mr. Anderson came to the ring and teased a promo, but Angle's music hit. Kurt Angle then came out and one pre-teen girl too close to a house mic just screamed her lungs out. My goodness. Angle and Anderson stared each other down before the bell sounded to begin the match.

8 -- KURT ANGLE vs. MR. ANDERSON

Angle and Anderson had a brief lock up, then Angle stood in the ring and told Anderson to grab a hold. Anderson thought it over as Angle continued to stand there, then Anderson grabbed a headlock and Angle shoved him off to the ropes. Angle fed his neck to Anderson again and Anderson paced around Angle before applying a side headlock, with Angle shoving him away again. Angle, who has bulked up in his upper body, told Anderson to come get some a third time. Anderson opted for a kick to the gut this time before applying a side headlock and Angle snapped off a side suplex in return. Angle then stomped on Anderson before driving a boot to his throat. The crowd is just dead at this point, of note. The Wolfpack "match" killed the heat on this show. Anderson made a comeback and began working over Angle as Taz drew attention to Young's body outline again.

At 8:00, the crowd tried to rally behind Angle as Anderson worked over Angle on the mat. Anderson then shot off Angle to the corner turnbuckle before applying a shoulder wrench in Young's body outline. Angle put his hand where Young's left shoulder was, then pushed himself up to his feet, only to take a clothesline. Angle then came up to his feet and made a comeback with the good right arm before snapping off a belly-to-belly suplex. Taz was good here calling the actual wrestling moves and offering insight into Angle's offense with one good arm. Angle then blasted Anderson with a clothesline for a two count. Anderson then blocked an Olympic Slam and hit the Rolling gutbuster on Young's body outline for a two count. Anderson teased the Mic check, but Angle blocked and hit a German Suplex. And a second...and a third. Angle then got up and dropped the straps. He wanted the Olympic Slam and connected for a two count only.

Angle teased the Anklelock at 12:20, but Anderson kicked Angle away into the ref. Anderson low-blowed Angle before hitting the Mic Check on Young's body outline. Anderson made the cover, but Angle kinda kicked out with his shoulder. Anderson argued with the ref, then rammed Angle into the corner. Angle then flung Anderson out of the corner and hit a top rope frog splash for a two count. Taz with the Eddie Guerrero reference, then the ref was bumped in the corner. Anderson hit his version of the Angle Slam, then made a cover, but there was no ref. Sympathy on the heel now? Anderson then surveyed the scene with the ref down and went looking for something. Anderson yelled at some guy, who laughed and moved. Anderson then grabbed a chair. This took forever. He eventually entered the ring and measured Angle for a chair shot before tossing the chair out of the ring. Anderson then grabbed Angle's medal and went for a right hand, but Angle ducked and hit a suplex. Angle picked up the medal and raked it across Anderson's head. Anderson ducked his head apparently to blade, then Angle opened up more blood with right hand blows. Ref Slick Johnson continued to be out cold, then Angle woke him up. Angle proceeded to slap on the Anklelock and grapevine it for a tap out from Anderson.

Post-match: Anderson called for the house mic to be lowered down. Anderson said people are fake and Angle isn't an American hero. He said Angle probably isn't even a real gold medalist. "You most certainly aren't a real American," he said. Anderson said he was looking for a straight-up match tonight, yet Angle resorted to cheap tactics to get the victory. That's true. Too true from a heel. Anderson said Angle's going to rest easy tonight, but the only thing Angle is going to be doing tonight in bed while staring at the ceiling is hearing the word "Anderson" over and over in his head.

WINNER: Angle via submission at 17:35. Looks like we'll get a re-match at Lockdown inside the cage. Good singles match once the wrestlers got the crowd into the action in the second-half of the match. Anderson is playing a great heel right now and he's been one of the few highlights of the PPV tonight. (***)

Announcers: Tenay and Taz set the stage for the main event TNA World Title match tonight. They rolled a video package on the Styles vs. Abyss feud with Hogan's involvement and Ric Flair's involvement.

Backstage: A.J. Styles stood by with Christy Hemme to cut a promo that he doesn't care how Abyss got his power because it doesn't compare to him. Styles made Hemme laugh, which was the wrong tone trying to build up Styles as a credible heel. Styles is seriously mis-cast trying to act like Flair, Jr. when his promos and current storyline are laughable and he creates no fear. ... Backstage: Jeremy Borash brought in Abyss, who played dress-up as Hulk Hogan with another Hulkamania promo.

Impact Zone: The Abyss/Real American re-mix played to bring out Abyss for the TNA World Title match. Abyss flashed his HOF ring to the hard camera on the way to the ring before doing the Hogan ear-cupping. Cue up A.J. Styles's music to bring out Styles. Chelsea then wheeled Flair down the ramp. Flair comically tried to pump the wheelchair on the way down the ramp while doing this "Linda McMahon on medication" zombie-like stare straight-ahead. In the ring, Borash handled the formal ring intros. Abyss received a mixed ring intro for this. Abyss, the default babyface, then shoved Borash aside and jumped Styles during his ring intro to start the match.

9 -- TNA World Hvt. champion A.J. STYLES (w/Ric Flair and Chelsea) vs. ABYSS -- TNA World Title match

The match moved to the entrance ramp early on and Styles charged Abyss, who belly-to-belly suplexed him over the top rope into the ring. Back in the ring, Styles landed a dropkick to the left shin to chop down Abyss to size. Styles knocked Abyss to the floor, then hit a flip-dive over the top rope. The audience chanted "TNA" rather than booing the heel champ here. Understandable. Styles introduced a chair into the match, but the ref took it away and they ended up wedging the chair inside the turnbuckles. We had the first Pope reference of the show with Tenay saying the winner here gets Pope at Lockdown for the TNA Title. Styles continued to work over Abyss before Abyss ran over Styles with a clothesline at 7:45. Abyss followed with a splash in the corner before landing a sidewalk slam for a two count. Abyss teased the Shock Treatment, but Styles slipped out and hit a Pele kick. Flair comically waved his arms from the wheelchair on the entranceramp. Styles then hit a flying forearm smash on Abyss for a two count. Suddenly, Abyss catapulted Styles across the ring and Styles ate the chair wedged in the corner head-first. Abyss made a cover for a two count.

At 10:00, Abyss and Styles battled up top and Styles bit Abyss's forehead to knock him off the top to the mat. Styles then hit the Spiral Tap from the top rope and the crowd cheered. Styles made a cover, but Abyss kicked out. The crowd chanted, "That was awesome" at Styles, the heel. Flair told Styles to get on Abyss, but Styles argued with the ref. Abyss then hit the Black Hole Slam for a close two count. Suddenly, Flair rolled down to ringside and sprayed mace in ref Andrew Thomas's eyes. Andrew was so comical screaming and shouting like an idiot. Styles then low-blowed Abyss from behind and grabbed the title belt to smash Abyss in the face. Hulk Hogan's music hit, then Hogan and ref Earl Hebner walked out. Hogan sent Chelsea packing, then Hogan wheeled Flair away from ringside. After all that confusion, Styles hit a 450 splash on Abyss, but Abyss kicked out and Hulked up. Abyss started doing the Hogan Dance around the ring before pointing at Styles and chokeslamming him through the mat. Styles went through the ring and ref Hebner called for the bell. Hogan then hobbled into the ring and gave Abyss the title belt. Hebner took the belt away and Flair came down the ramp again. Flair, playing Lee Corso, shouted "Not so fast." Apparently the match was just thrown out.

Post-match: Abyss grabbed Flair as Hebner tripped over the hole in the ring. Abyss then tripped over the hole before grabbing Flair. Hogan then blinded Flair with the mace. Chelsea ran away, then Desmond Wolfe hit the ring. Poor Wolfe flopped around like a fish before taking some mace. This was pretty pathetic before Wolfe tripped over Flair's back and went into the hole. Flair then kinda threw himself into the hole. And everyone cheered. And since the belt means nothing, Abyss and Hogan celebrated Abyss not winning the title by doing the Hogan Dance around the ring. They actually replayed this, including the ridiculous sound effects by original ref Rudy Thomas. They closed the PPV with Tenay giving a throwaway line that Abyss may not have won the title, but he's still the monster in the ring. Wow.

WINNER: No Contest at 14:55. I was witness to one of the worst finishes in recent wrestling history at Victory Road 2008 when Sting vs. Booker T for the TNA World Title ended without a finish and TNA killed the Houston market for TNA, but this might have topped it. Just a ridiculous, laughable finish to a thumbs way down PPV. The finish with Styles going through the ring might have been passable had this entire PPV not been filled with non-finishes, non-clean finishes, and other assorted over-booking. There are just no words. And, gosh, you can't help but feel bad watching Ric Flair do these stunts at his age. This was just a sad, sad moment in wrestling history. (n/a)

We welcome your 0-10 score and comments on this show for a "TNA PPV Reax" feature in the Torch Feedback section of PWTorch.com. To contribute your thoughts on the PPV, click here.

TNA News: Summary of TNA title matches on tonight's Destination X PPV

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 21:35:03 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

Tonight's Destination X PPV featured no title changes after the main event TNA World Title match between A.J. Styles and Abyss ended with a No Contest. The following are highlights from the other title-related matches on the PPV.

-- In the opening match, Kazarian became #1 contender to the X Division Title by winning a four-way ladder match. Doug Williams then retained the X Division Title against Shannon Moore in the sixth match.

-- Motor City Machineguns became #1 contenders to the TNA tag titles by winning the Ultimate X match against Generation Me. Matt Morgan & Hernandez then retained the TNA tag titles over Beer Money in the seventh match.

-- Knockouts champion Tara retained the Knockouts Title over Daffney in the second match.

-- Global champion Rob Terry retained the Global Title over Brutus Magnus in the third match.

READ MORE
-- CALDWELL'S TNA PPV Report
-- KELLER'S TNA PPV Report

TNA PPV POLLS: Vote on the Best Match and 0-10 PPV score

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 21:12:42 PST

KELLER'S TNA DESTINATION X PPV REPORT 5 YRS. AGO (03-13-05): Jeff Jarrett vs. DDP, Styles vs. Daniels vs. R-Truth vs. Skipper, Jeff Hardy vs. Abyss

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 18:05:02 PST

WWE News: Jim Ross provides latest update on his WrestleMania 26 status

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 16:35:26 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

WWE announcer Jim Ross updated his status for WrestleMania 26, saying he'll be watching the event from a luxury box in University of Phoenix Stadium rather than sitting ringside calling the action.

"We are planning on watching the event from a luxury box which will be a new experience for me but one that I'm looking forward," Ross said on jrsbarbq.com today. "I may have to ease off the old diet that day and enjoy some stadium food and a cold beverage or two."

Ross addressed speculation that he would not be calling the action because of health complications.

"Some pundits are speculating that one reason that I am not broadcasting at WM26 is due to existing health issues, which is inaccurate and, based on some things that I have read and heard, laughable," Ross said. "I am blessed with good health as we speak for which I am very thankful and my good health is a bigger blessing than announcing any wrestling event or anything else that I could do on a professional level."

Ross also blogged about the Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker match, the death of "Baron" Mikel Scicluna, and other topics. Jim Ross blog link.

PARKS: Ten biggest moments from Monday's TNA and WWE shows

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 15:02:44 PST

Another week, another look at the biggest moments coming out of Monday night's head-to-head battle between TNA Impact and WWE Monday Night Raw.

1. Bret Hart reveals during contract signing that he faked his leg injury. This was the next expected twist in the Hart vs. McMahon angle, but many people wondered if it would take place before or at Wrestlemania. When the contract signing was announced, most surmised it would take place there. The camera work deserves mention here, for the way the hoax was revealed on Monday.

2. Steve Austin returns to WWE TV. Austin made his first appearance on a WWE program since last year's Wrestlemania. Granted, he didn't do a whole lot, but seeing him back on TV (and in great shape) was probably a highlight for a lot of fans. As was Austin not adhering to the PG formula, and letting out several expletives during his short time on camera.

3. Jeff Hardy pins A.J. Styles in the main event. It wasn't clean, but the TNA Champion was pinned in the go-home show for Destination X, where he'll defend his title against Abyss. Hardy's legal issues are still unresolved, as his trial was continued into May. TNA seems to be comfortable enough to use him in a high-profile role, at least for now.

4. Gorgeous George revealed as a 2010 WWE Hall-of-Famer. The vintage footage and interviews shown on Raw were really interesting. George is getting in because WWE is planning a movie on him, but he certainly has been an influential character in pro wrestling history. We don't often see WWE acknowledge wrestlers as far back as George's era, so that's a nice touch as well.

5. Eric Bischoff stops Hulk Hogan from attacking Sting. Little by little, we're seeing cracks in the relationship between Hogan and Bischoff. Whether this leads to two factions fighting for control of TNA remains to be seen. With Bischoff trying to convince Hogan that his in-ring time is past, it just opens things up for a groundswell of fan support for Hogan to return to the squared circle one more time.

6. Matt Morgan hints at a heel turn. Morgan did commentary during Hernandez's two-on-one match against Beer Money, and came off quite heelish. He wasn't happy with Hernandez approaching Jeff Jarrett about teaming up against Robert Roode and James Storm. Things could come to a head tonight at the PPV when they defend their tag titles.

7. Triple-Threat match with Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase announced for Wrestlemania. This match is so far down the card, and the interest is so down based on the booking of this feud, that the announcement of this match didn't exactly send shockwaves throughout the fanbase. Still, Orton is a big enough name, and the match-up is odd enough (since Rhodes and DiBiase haven't shown signs of dissension lately) to make the list.

8. Brother Runt returns to TNA. Runt returned to aid Team 3D against the Nasty Boys and Jimmy Hart. Yes, Team 3D needed a third person to counter the intimidating and impressive Jimmy Hart. Just another chapter in the Team 3D vs. Nasty Boys feud, that has to be coming to a head sooner rather than later.

9. Smackdown Divas interfere in Raw Divas match. This is only intriguing as it sets up a possible inter-brand Divas match for 'Mania. However, it wasn't really advanced on Smackdown this past week. Maybe they're saving things for the final Raw before the PPV. I don't know where they'd be going with this if they weren't setting up a Wrestlemania match.

10. Eric Bischoff gets his head shaved. We already saw this several years ago in WWE, which is why it barely cracked the top ten. It's on here almost as much for Mick Foley finally getting his comeuppance on Bischoff as it is for the actual action of the head being shaved.

Greg Parks has been covering Smackdown for PWTorch.com since January of 2007 and has been a columnist since 2009. Comments, questions and feedback are welcome, and can be sent to g_man9784@yahoo.com.

Other News: WWE Hall of Famer "Baron" Mikel Scicluna dies after battle with cancer

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 14:21:45 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

WWE Hall of Famer "Baron" Mikel Scicluna reportedly died today today in his '80s after a battle with cancer. Scicluna retired to Pittsburgh, Pa. after his career ended.

Scicluna was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996 after playing a heel in Vince McMahon, Sr.'s WWWF promotion (now WWE) in the 1960s and '70s.

Scicluna's most high-profile matches were against Bruno Sammartino in Madison Square Garden during the mid-1970s when Sammartino was the top draw and WWWF champion.

Coincidentally, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette profiled Sammartino in today's newspaper focusing on Sammartino's career prior to receiving the Dapper Dan Lifetime Achievement award this week.

-- Further Reading: WWE's Hall of Fame bio on Scicluna.

Torn Apart: McNEILL previews TNA Destination X 2010!

By Pat McNeill, Torch Columnist — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 13:07:28 PST

Wake the pets and call the neighbors. It's time for our monthly TNA pay-per-view preview column!

DISCLAIMER: Projections are made by myself and for myself with absolutely no assistance from Eric "Why I am on TV?" Bischoff, Hulk Hogan or "Mr. Thursday Night" Vince Russo. This preview has been sealed in a mayonnaise jar on Funk & Wagnall's porch since noon today. No one knows the contents of these projections, but I, in my divine and mystical way, will ascertain the finishes to these matches without watching all the episodes of TNA Impact on Spike TV. Some of our departing contestants will receive a supply of Anbesol Cold Sore Therapy. The only one with Vitamin E and aloe. Anbesol Cold sore Therapy: Put it on, the pain is gone. This is only an exhibition. This is not a competition. Please, please, no wagering. This lineup is based on the best available information as of this writing. Also remember that my projections are based on what I would do if I had booking control over Total Nonstop Action.

Our friends in Nashville have a new strategy for the month of March. The weekly television shows have been a collection of short matches, interviews and nonsense. This month, the only way to see top-flight matches between athletic TNA wrestlers is to order the pay-per-view. And, frankly, as bad as some of the segments on Impact have been, this is a heck of a wrestling show. On paper, anyway.

James Caldwell has already put up this month's "Before the Bell" special up on this website (twice), so I will have to put up different videos this month. If you've never seen an Ultimate X match before, TNA was nice enough to put the first Ultimate X match from 2003 online. Here's Chris Sabin vs. Frankie Kazarian vs. Michael Shane:

And, as your free gift for clicking on today's column, here's a bonus match with Jay Lethal taking on Rhino.

On with the show.

Amazing Red vs. Frankie Kazarian vs. Brian Kendrick vs. Christopher Daniels (Ladder Match): The winner of this match becomes the top contender for the X division title, or something like that. It's nice to see Frankie Kazarian back in a TNA ring, but I still wish Suicide wasn't out due to injuries. Projection? About three hundred cool spots take place, and Kazarian grabs the X to earn the big title shot.

Eric Young & Kevin Nash vs. Scott Hall & Sean Waltman (Win or GTFO Match): You know that commercial for "Destination X" where the generic announcer bills this show as the place where the past, present and future collide? This match qualifies as "the past". Projection? I'll take Young to pin Waltman in about six minutes. However, if I'm running the show, this match gets scrapped, Nash, Hall & Waltman all get gold watches at "Evening With The Legends" and sent on their merry way, and Eric Young gets a stupid bucket hat while I try to pass him off as "Scotty 2 Hotty" on indy shows. Hey, you asked.

Tara vs. Daffney (TNA Knockout Title Match): I'm a big fan of Lisa Varon. I'm a big fan of Shannon Spruill. Having said that, please don't let this match go longer than five minutes. Okay? Projection? Tara scores the win with the Widow's Peak.

Kurt Angle vs. Ken Anderson: Again, huh? Actually, the finish to this match should depend on whether Kurt Angle actually plans to take time off and heal his various injuries. I'm betting he won't. Projection? Mr. Anderson steals a pin with his feet on the ropes, to set up a big steel cage rematch next month. Isn't that how it works?

Shawn Hernandez & Matt Morgan vs. Beer Money, Inc. (TNA World Tag Team Titles): Let me see if I have this straight. Strangers Matt Morgan and Shawn Hernandez team up and capture the TNA World Tag Team Titles, at which point Morgan immediately turns heel. Since Morgan enjoys being champion, why would he turn on Hernandez now? Projection? Storm knocks out Hernandez with a beer bottle, and Beer Money regains the TNA World Tag Team Titles.

Doug Williams vs. Shannon Moore (TNA X Division Title): Boy, you should have seen the reaction when Shannon Moore was announced as the challenger for tonight's X division title match. You should have seen a reaction, but there wasn't one, because nobody gave a crap. Projection? Williams retains the title with the Chaos Theory.

Rob Terry vs. Brutus Magnus (TNA Global Title): The less said about this one, the better. Projection? Desmond Wolfe and Doug Williams interfere for a three-on-one beatdown on Rob Terry, a beatdown that should be way more entertaining than a Rob Terry match. Terry by disqualification.

Generation Me vs. Motor City Machine Guns (Ultimate X Match): This should be a showcase match for two of the most exciting tag teams in the business right now. So, please, give them at least twelve minutes. Projection? Max and Jeremy Buck pick up a huge pay-per-view win, earning a title shot at Beer Money down the line.

A.J. Styles (w/ Ric Flair) vs. Abyss (TNA World Heavyweight Title): Abyss has the power of Hulkamania behind him. More importantly, these two have a history of good matches, dating back to 2005 when they headlined the Lockdown pay-per-view. I mention that for people (like Hogan and Bischoff) who haven't followed the promotion in the past. Projection? Abyss has Styles pinned following the Black Hole Slam, when Flair breaks the count by bleeding all over referee Andrew Thomas. Thomas leaves the ring and gets tested for hepatitis, at which point Styles whacks Abyss with a protected chairshot and wins the match.

Aftermath: Next month is "Lockdown 2010", where we will see a whole bunch of steel cage matches. A.J. Styles vs. The Pope in a cage, Rob Van Dam vs. Sting in a cage, Beer Money vs. Morgan & Hernandez in a cage, and Kurt Angle vs. Mr. Anderson in a cage.

***
Pat McNeill of Richmond, Va. has been a Torch columnist since February 2001. He needs Syracuse to beat Gonzaga today, so he can stay near the top of the PWTorch March Madness pool. His longer columns appear in the Torch Newsletter.

GARDNER'S KEY MOMENT OF THE WEEK: WWE bans chair shots to the head...finally

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 13:05:38 PST

By Richard Gardner, Torch specialist

"Two words: public relations. That's it. I do not feel any sense of responsibility for anyone of whatever their age is who has passed along and has bad habits and overdoses for drugs. Sorry, I don't feel any responsibility for that."

-- Vince McMahon when asked about why he implemented the WWE Wellness Policy in an interview by Oversight and Government Reform Committee investigators, December 14, 2007.

WWE recently took the unexpected step of banning chair shots to the head, referencing this explicitly in an updated version of their Wellness Policy. The decision is long overdue, and will improve conditions for wrestlers significantly without having a detrimental effect on the WWE product.

The timing of the decision is no surprise, as Linda McMahon is facing a bitter battle for Republican nomination. WWE has already attempted to eliminate blood from their broadcasts, as Linda McMahon's opponents could use violent footage as a weapon in their campaign. But the ruling on chair shots is long overdue, and much more important than the ban on blood.

Former WWE wrestler Chris Nowinski has done some excellent research on the effects of head injuries, after a concussion prematurely ended his career. As well as identifying concussions as a factor in the deaths of several former NFL players, his research also revealed that Chris Benoit sustained a number of concussions throughout his career that could have lead to dementia. The weight of evidence that supports a ban upon headshots makes it surprising that WWE has taken this long to implement a ban, but this is a heavily politicized decision.

Linda McMahon was formerly asked ten questions by Rob Simmons, her rival in the Republican race, in an effort to seek information on WWE's approach to safeguard the health of their employees. Despite the fact that she is no longer on WWE's board of directors, the lack of regard that WWE has shown for their employees's welfare is coming back to haunt McMahon in the form of some seriously awkward questions. She has yet to respond to Simmons's request directly, but the explicit ban on chair shots is just the latest measure to clean up the company.

There is no reason for chair shots to the head in this day and age; wrestling is a work after all. The days in which wrestlers caused permanent damage to their bodies every Monday night are over, and for good reason. It is hazardous enough to complete a brutal schedule of matches, without risking ones health through unprotected blows to the head.

At a pure business level, WWE's wrestlers are assets, which will be in a better position to make money for the company the more that their welfare is protected. The next measure is a reduction in the WWE schedule to prolong the careers of their stars. It is another potentially dangerous factor in working for WWE, which has opened up Linda McMahon for more attacks from her political opponents.

The ban on chair shots to the head may amount to good public relations precipitated by political factors, but regardless of the motive, any decision that could have a positive effect upon the life expectancy of WWE wrestlers should be applauded.

20 Years Ago PWTorch Newsletter Back Issue (2-22-90): New Format, Masa Saito beats Zbyszko for AWA Title in Tokyo, Sting injured, WCW contracts not renewed, more

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:59:52 PST

The latest PWTorch Newsletter "20 Years Ago" back issues cover-dated February 22, 1990 has just been converted to PDF format and is now available to Torch VIP Members in the "Access Torch Archives" section. This is the first time this issue has ever been available digitally and it hasn't been republished since originally being mailed to subscribers in 1990. We are proud to present this vintage edition of Pro Wrestling Torch from a very different era of pro wrestling.

VIP members can access the complete Torch Back issues by clicking here, or just click on the VIP Feature Jump Menu and select 1990 Torch Back Issues.

ISSUE #62 SUMMARY: Page 1 leads with the Torch Newsbreakers includes Masa Saito beating Larry Zbyszko for the AWA Hvt. Title in Tokyo Japan, plus items on Mike Tyson, Sting's injury, Steve Williams, WCW not renewing contracts... Also on page 1, Wade Keller's BBL editorial debuts and The Hot News provides insight into Mike Tyson loss... Page 2 features Reader Rhetoric letters... Page 3 features the "Ringside Beat" live event reports from Wade Keller at a WWF event and Steve Sims at an AWA event... Pages 4 and 5 features News & Analysis on the WWF, WCW, AWA, and more, plus Quotebook and a mini-bio on Mick Karch... Pages 6, 7, and 8 features columns from Jeff Bowdren, Jeff Steele, Mr. Mike, and The Random Marc, plus comics...

PDF DOWNLOAD OF ISSUE #63 FEB. 22, 1990

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TNA News: TNA president Dixie Carter makes a sales pitch for tonight's PPV

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:21:51 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

TNA president Dixie Carter made a sales pitch for the Destination X PPV tonight, saying it's one of her favorite PPVs of the year.

"Destination X is 1 of my favorite PPVs. If you r a X Div fan u won't want to miss. All matches look to be great. Can't wait for tonight," Carter said on Twitter.

Caldwell's Analysis: Smart move from Carter to make an appeal to hardcore fans who follow TNA on the Internet, as TNA barely tried to sell the PPV to casual viewers on Impact the last two weeks. As for the X Division matches, Doug Williams vs. Brian Kendrick could be good but could be an odd mix of styles, the Ultimate X match with the Guns and Generation Me will be a fast-paced, high-energy thriller, and the four-way ladder match should have plenty of spots, but there's no reason at all for the ladder to be involved in the match. So, if you're into highspots and maybe haven't sampled very much of the TNA PPV product to be worn out on highspots, it could be a good purchase option.

20 Years Ago PWTorch Newsletter Back Issue (2-8-90): Horsemen turn on Sting, Keller's WCW Clash report, Quotebook, Columns, Comics, News, and more

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:16:44 PST

The latest PWTorch Newsletter "20 Years Ago" back issues cover-dated February 8, 1990 has just been converted to PDF format and is now available to Torch VIP Members in the "Access Torch Archives" section. This is the first time this issue has ever been available digitally and it hasn't been republished since originally being mailed to subscribers in 1990. We are proud to present this vintage edition of Pro Wrestling Torch from a very different era of pro wrestling.

VIP members can access the complete Torch Back issues by clicking here, or just click on the VIP Feature Jump Menu and select 1990 Torch Back Issues.

ISSUE #62 SUMMARY: Page 1 leads with the Torch Newsbreakers including Ric Flair and the Andersons turning heel on Sting, Vince McMahon and Giant Baba shaking hands, Flair pulling out of a New Japan title defense, Mike Tyson signs with WWF, Larry Zbyszko's AWA Title defense, and more... Also on pg. 1, The Hot News satire... Page 2 features Keller's introduction to the newsletter and the "Reader Rhetoric" letters page... Page 3 features Wade Keller's report on the WCW Clash of the Champions plus Roundtable Reviews and Quotebook... Pages 4 and 5 feature the News & Analysis page with coverage of the WWF, NWA, AWA, and more, plus a Video Tape review of odd releases and "Quotebook"... Pages 6 and 7 feature three columns: Mick Karch's "Submission," Ray Whebbe's "Ring Rumblings," and Bill Kunkel's "Potshots," plus a comic... Page 8 features a "Torch Talk" with local promoter Dale Gagner...

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WWE WRESTLEMANIA COUNTDOWN - 2002 PPV Report (WM 18): Hulk Hogan vs. The Rock, Triple H vs. Chris Jericho, Undertaker vs. Flair

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:00:10 PST

Leading up to WrestleMania 26 on March 28 in Arizona, we will be publishing a daily WrestleMania PPV flashback report going back to 1992 at WrestleMania 8. We'll be publishing one PPV flashback report around 12:00 p.m. CST every afternoon until this year's WrestleMania.

-- Thursday, Mar. 11 - WrestleMania 8 (1992): Hogan vs. Sid, Warrior run-in
-- Friday, Mar. 12 - WrestleMania 9 (1993): Hart vs. Yokozuna, Hogan wins title
-- Saturday, Mar. 13 - WrestleMania 10 (1994): Razor vs. HBK, Bret vs. Owen
-- Sunday, Mar. 14 - WrestleMania 11 (1995): LT vs. Bigelow, Diesel vs. HBK
-- Monday, Mar. 15 - WrestleMania 12 (1996): HBK-Hart Iron Man match
-- Tuesday, Mar. 16 - WrestleMania 13 (1997): Hart vs. Austin, Sid vs. Taker
-- Wednesday, Mar. 17 - WrestleMania 14 (1998): Austin vs. HBK, Taker vs. Kane
-- Thursday, Mar. 18 - WrestleMania 15 (1999): Rock vs. Austin I
-- Friday, Mar. 19 - WrestleMania 16 (2000): Rock vs. Foley vs. Hunter vs. Show
-- Saturday, Mar. 20 - WrestleMania 17 (2001): Rock vs. Austin, TLC, Shane vs. Vince
-- Sunday, Mar. 21 - WrestleMania 18 (2002): Rock vs. Hogan, Hunter vs. Jericho
-- Monday, Mar. 22 - WrestleMania 19 (2003):
-- Tuesday, Mar. 23 - WrestleMania 20 (2004):
-- Wednesday, Mar. 24 - WrestleMania 21 (2005):
-- Thursday, Mar. 25 - WrestleMania 22 (2006):
-- Friday, Mar. 26 - WrestleMania 23 (2007):
-- Saturday, Mar. 27 - WrestleMania 24 (2008):
-- Sunday, Mar. 28 - WrestleMania 25 (2009):
-- Sunday, Mar. 28 - WrestleMania 26 Live Coverage

***

WrestleMania PPV Flashback Report - WM 18 (2002)
March 17, 2002
Toronto, Ont., Canada at the Skydome
Report by Wade Keller, PWTorch editor

-- Find out how to sign up for a Torch VIP membership to access the Torch Staff Audio Roundtable Review of WrestleManias 1-10 right now!

TORCH NEWSLETTER COVER STORY

HEADLINE: Hogan and Flair steal the show at WrestleMania
SUBHEADLINE: Raw next day sets stage for big changes in WWF, including talent pool split, perhaps end of Steph on TV

A couple years ago, Hulk Hogan was desperately trying to find a persona that got a rise out of the crowd—either positive or negative. Nothing worked, and in the process he looked lost, desperate, and even pathetic. Last Sunday, it's as if none of that happened. The WWF fans in Toronto's Skydome gave Hogan one of the biggest, most resounding ovations in wrestling history. It lasted throughout the entire match. Even more remarkable, the fans turned on Rock.

The level of cheers for Hogan and the booing of Rock took WWF officials by surprise. They expected a somewhat split crowd, but not a strong, unified anti-Rock crowd. By the next night at Raw, all was made good again. It was a strange scene, though, seeing the WWF use a 25 minute segment to have Hogan turn the fans in favor of Rock. It was supposed to be the other way around as Rock somehow forgave Hogan for trying to kill him a few weeks earlier. It worked, as the boos for Raw at the start of Raw turned into cheers when they came out for the main event an hour and a half later on Raw.

It was a remarkable two days for the WWF in so many ways. While Hogan got a taste of his glory days, so did his '80s counterpart Ric Flair. Flair, the biggest non-WWF star of the past 25 years, had perhaps his best WWF moment since lasting 60 minutes to win the Royal Rumble just over ten years earlier. Flair's match with Undertaker threatened to steal the show. The reaction Flair received may have made Hogan nervous that Flair was going to show him up on what was supposed to be his and Rock's night. As it turned out, WrestleMania X–8 will be remembered the night that the top two stars of the '80s were recognized by a new generation of fans for their impact on the business.

Triple H regained the WWF Title from Chris Jericho in an anti-climactic finale. Triple H and Jericho did what they could to wrest a bit more enthusiasm out of the crowd, but it didn't work. Steve Austin and Scott Hall didn't even seem to put forth any kind of special effort. They went through the motions and clocked out in less than ten minutes.

WrestleMania was the climax of a number of undercard feuds that were only half-heartedly promoted. The next night on Raw, the WWF hit the "reset" button, shifting attention toward a top feud of Rock teaming with Hogan against Hall and Nash.

The WWF also announced that the roster will be split into two separate groups next week, one that will wrestle on Raw with Ric Flair in control and the other that will wrestle on Smackdown with Vince McMahon in control. Linda McMahon made the major announcement, but other than saying that the women's and men's heavyweight champs will appear on both shows, no hints were given as to who will appear on which show.

Very few people know how the roster split will shape up. In fact, wrestlers weren't told this week which roster they'll end up on next week. The writing team has already split the roster and has the two separate lists saved on a computer. They are not, however, revealing the split to the wrestlers yet other than a few likely exceptions such as Rock, Triple H, Austin, Hall, Nash, and Hogan. The wrestlers will find out next week, perhaps as Raw airs or perhaps a few minutes before going on the air, which show they'll be on from now on. Nothing has been done by management to inform wrestlers how the split will affect their schedules or pay.

The first post-WrestleMania PPV, April's Backlash, will feature wrestlers from both rosters on one PPV, but the matches are going to feature just wrestlers facing each other who are on the same roster. It's the approach that was originally planned for just house shows back when the plan was to immediately begin running two PPVs per month—one for each roster. That plan has changed, and the WWF appears to be playing by ear how they're going to handle any expansion of the PPV schedule. The plans for the weekly Jarrett PPV shows starting in June shouldn't affect their plans since Jarrett is running on Wednesday nights at a much lower price and likely will attract a different audience.

The working plan was for Triple H to defend the WWF Title against Undertaker at Backlash, and it appears Rock & Hogan will likely have a rematch against Hall & Nash also, perhaps with two others being added (perhaps X-Pac on the Hall & Nash side and Austin on the Rock & Hogan side). It appears former champ Chris Jericho is headed to the mid-card with Kurt Angle, Kane, Rob Van Dam—others who have tasted main events, but not taken over the top spots held by Triple H, Rock, Austin, and now Hogan, Hall, and Nash.

The split will change in some respects what it means to be a mid-card wrestler. Without each of the top wrestler taking up long segments twice a week on both shows, it opens the door for mid-carders to get extended TV time once a week. That, in theory, should allow for the second-tier wrestlers' angles to develop more depth. That, in theory, should help develop new top tier stars.

The WWF is also attempting to sign free agent cruiserweight wrestlers such as Rey Mysterio Jr. and Eddie Guerrero. Management is telling them that they want them to be a big part of their new cruiserweight division. It's likely the cruiserweights will be featured on either Smackdown or Raw, but not both, while perhaps the tag team division is featured on the other. The Hardcore, Intercontinental, and European titles will end up on one show or the other based on whether the current champ is drafted by either Flair or McMahon.

At this point Rock and Hogan appear to be destined to be on the same show as Hall and Nash in order to take advantage of their feud. It's also possible that Hall and Nash will be split since the WWF hinted at that with a backstage segment where William Regal taunted the Hardys with the prospects that they'll be separated in the draft. More than likely, though, somehow Hall, Nash, Hogan, and Rock will end up anchoring one show, while Triple H and Undertaker are among those anchoring the other show. Austin could end up on either show.

The future of Stephanie McMahon as an on-air comment was brought into question with an angle on Raw, also. Next week on Raw, Steph teams with Chris Jericho against Triple H. If Jericho pins Triple H, he becomes the new champ. If Triple H pins Steph, Steph has to "leave the WWF." It's possible Steph is writing herself off of TV—at least for a while—in part due to the weak ratings since she‘s been a featured character and because of a growing public backlash toward her self-imposed push.

The WWF is going to look very different in two weeks than it did just one week ago. With the flat ratings despite a hefty increase in payroll from the acquisitions of the NWO, the WWF had great incentive to shake things up—and they are.

KELLER'S MATCH RESULTS & ANALYSIS

Saliva played a song live... A highlight package aired of past WrestleManias with narration by current wrestlers... Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler introduced the event...

(1) Rob Van Dam pinned William Regal in 7:00 to capture the Intercontinental Title. On paper, this appeared to be a clash of styles. That could have been a negative, but instead each wrestler tempered the negatives of the other's style. Regal was forced turn up the pacing a notch, and Van Dam was forced to sell better than usual and pace himself in a way that made more sense than usual. Regal attempted to use his brass knux several times, but the ref intervened. Van Dam then hit the Five-Star Splash for the win. Very good opener. Some of Regal's offense looked like it killed Van Dam. His selling was convincing. (**3/4)

Christian, interviewed by Lilian Garcia, said he is past the temper tantrums and is in touch with his emotions. He is ready to re-take his title as the champion of Europe. Christian mocked Dallas Page's smile.

(2) Dallas Page pinned Christian at in 6:00 to retain the European Title. Good, solid match, but entirely forgettable once the event was over. Christian almost threw a tantrum mid-match, but took a deep breath. Page surprised Christian with a Diamond Cutter to end the match. After the match Page told Christian he is proud of him because he lost, but didn't lose his temper. He mocked Christian by saying even though he lost in front of 67,000 in person and zillions on TV, he didn't lose his temper. Christian then realized the circumstances and threw a huge tantrum. (**)

Rock, interviewed by Johnathan Coachman, talked about wrestling Hollywood Hogan later. Rock made Coachman pray, and Coachman kneeled and said, "What up, G? I'm giving you a shout out..." Rock interrupted and told him he was a freak, then kicked him out of the way. Rock looked back at the camera and asked Hogan what he's gonna do when the Rock runs wild on him. He ripped off his shirt and promised Hogan he would "smell what the Rock is cooking." Typical good Rock promo, although the Coachman humor bit was corny.

(3) Maven vs. Goldust ended when Spike Dudley pinned Maven to win the Hardcore Title after about 3:00. Goldust attacked Maven at the bell, knocking him to ringside. Goldust got a golden shovel out from under the ring. He stomped on Maven's hand. They each swung trash can lids at each other. Spike Dudley ran to the ring and covered Maven for a three count to win the Hardcore Title. Crash Holly ran out and chased Spike through the crowd.

They cut away to a promo for upcoming live events, which seemed a bit tacky to air during WrestleMania. A t-shirt commercial followed... Drowning Pool performed a song... They cut backstage where Crash and Spike were still fighting. Al Snow drove a cart after them, but crashed into a wall of empty cardboard boxes. Hurricane flew into the scene on a rope and covered Spike to win the Hardcore Title at 15:05. Snow got out from under the cardboard boxes and looked around, realized Hurricane was gone, and shouted, "Damn."

(4) Kurt Angle pinned Kane in 11:00. Although you wouldn't think of Kane as the type of opponent who would bring out the best in Angle, in a way he does. Angle's suplexes during the match looked more impressive than ever against someone of Kane's size. Late in the match, a winded Kane climbed to the top rope. Angle caught him up there and suplexed him quickly to the mat. Nice, sudden move. As Kane struggled to his feet, Angle rolled him to the mat for a pin, but Kane slipped out of it. Angle readjusted his cover, put his feet on the middle rope for leverage, and scored the three count. The finish was messed up, but Angle improved well. (***)

They showed Hurricane backstage holding a broom stick to defend himself against any Hardcore challengers. They showed Godfather's escorts backstage grabbing their boobs and discussing whether their breasts are too big, (because we all know that's what women do when they're alone). Hurricane watched from behind a wall. The women discovered the spy and screamed. Godfather showed up and chased Hurricane away...

(5) Undertaker pinned Ric Flair in 19:00. This might turn out to be one of the most memorable matches of either man's career, as strange as that sounds, because of the atmosphere and presumably large PPV audience. Just a great spectacle. Too bad Flair's performance wasn't heralded on Raw the next day. The crowd really helped as they totally bought into Flair as an underdog legend fending off a bigger, tougher bully. Great storytelling. Flair bled heavily. Taker bled a little, too. The crowd popped for everything, especially near falls near the end. Little Naitch (Charles Robinson) was the referee for the match, appropriately enough. Arn Anderson entered the ring late in the match and gave Taker a sidewalk slam, which effectively gave hope to the crowd that Flair stood a chance to actually score an upset pin. Flair battered Taker with a chair. Taker kicked the chair into Flair's face, hit a Tombstone piledriver, and scored the pin. They had the crowd in the palms of their hands throughout a match that was as long as a typical WWF PPV main event with the standard setters of today such as Triple H, Steve Austin, Rock, and Chris Jericho. Taker sold effectively and believably. Flair showed a new generation of fans why he is likely the greatest performer in this industry ever. (***3/4)

(6) Edge pinned Booker T in 7:00. The WWF paced this show in a way that after every dramatic, emotionally draining match, there was a "recovery match." This was a recovery match. It was fine, and had some fun spots, but the crowd was catching its breath. Edge did his own version of a Spinarooni, but the crowd didn't seem all that connected to him as a babyface. Edge won clean with his finisher. (**)

Hurricane was being interviewed by Coachman backstage when Mighty Molly turned on him by hitting him over the head with a frying pan and pinning him to capture the Hardcore Title... An NWO feature aired...

(7) "Stone Cold" Steve Austin pinned Scott Hall (w/Kevin Nash) in 10:00. Despite the "recovery match," the crowd still didn't seem ready to embrace this with any emotions. The wrestlers seemed passive, also. Not a bad match, but neither wrestler seemed determined to exceed the low expectations. Austin went after Hall aggressively at the start, then it settled into a basic back-and-forth match. A series of ref bumps at the end opened the door for Nash to interfere. Hall gave Austin a Stunner, but Austin kicked out of the pin attempt. Austin then nailed Hall with a quick Stunner for the win. Anti-climactic. (**1/2)

Highlights aired of WrestleMania Axxess with wrestlers commenting on how much fun they had interacting with fans. They showed Hollywood Hogan, whom Vince McMahon supposedly brought to the WWF to destroy the WWF, shaking hands with fans at Axxess.

(8) Chuck & Billy won a four-way match with The Dudleys vs. The Hardys (w/Stacy) vs. APA to retain the WWF Tag Team Titles in 14:00. The APA were eliminated first followed by The Dudleys. That left the Hardys vs. Chuck & Billy. A flat match from a flat tag team division. (*3/4)

Backstage, Hall said he wouldn't lose to Austin again. Nash said Rock would pay the price later for what happened earlier with Austin. Hogan interrupted and said he wanted to do it alone to test exactly what he has left. Nash and Hall weren't thrilled. Once Hogan walked away, Nash told Hall they would still get involved... Molly walked into a split-door backstage, and Christian scored the pin to win the Hardcore Title... A highlight package aired previewing the Hogan-Rock feud...

(9) The Rock pinned Hollywood Hulk Hogan in 17:00. This was one of those amazing matches that makes all of those bad matches and boring shows worth it in the end. Hogan could barely perform physically due to age and injury, but everything fell into place and the match rose to a metaphysical level as a result. Hogan was cheered when he came out, and the crowd support grew as the match progressed. Hogan seemed genuinely moved at the crowd response and the enormity of the moment. Rock seemed a bit thrown by the crowd, which began to boo him anytime he showed flashes of offense early in the match. Jim Ross really hurt his credibility by trying to downplay the transcendent moment taking place in front of everyone's eyes, at one point actually trying to explain that Hogan was getting more cheers merely because his fans were "more vocal" than Rock's. There comes a time to just accept that something unexpected happened and not try to spin it differently. It's amazing how announcers (or promoters talking into the announcer's headset) react when a crowd responds in a way different than Pavlov intended.

Hogan shoved Rock down at the start of the match after a collar and elbow hook up and the crowd popped for Hogan. Fans began a loud "Rocky sucks" chant. Rock didn't do anything to deserve it or encourage it. Hogan posed and played to the crowd's enormous cheers. Hogan took Rock down with a clothesline and the crowd popped again. Rock came back with a punch and then we got a really mixed reactionâ€”about 50/50 cheers and boos. Rock hit Hogan with another clothesline and the boos were louder than the cheers. Hogan fought back again quickly, hitting Rock with an elbow to the face. Hogan then stomped on Rock's face. A loud "Hogan, Hogan" chant began. They had a missed spot where Hogan tossed Rock into the corner, and then raised his boot, but Rock didn't step out to meet the boot. The missed spots were quickly forgotten, though. Rock hit Hogan with a series of punches and played to the crowd, but the crowd kept booing. Rock began selling moves like a heel rather than a face. Both wrestlers seemed to accept the crowd's choice and played into it with subtle adjustments to facial expressions and selling.

Later in the match, Hogan tapped out to Rock during the Sharpshooter, but the ref was down. It seemed to be a classic Patterson swerve, since usually when someone taps out when the ref is down, that wrestler will end up winning; the blind tap-out is meant to give the losing wrestler a claim to moral victory. In this case, it was a clever swerve that subtly gave the impression Hogan might actually win in the end. Hogan hit Rock with a low blow and the crowd popped. Hogan gave Rock a Rock Bottom and the crowd popped wildly. Rock DDT'd Hogan, although Hogan dropped awkwardly and thus it didn't look good. Rock began whipping Hogan, but rather than play it as a babyface getting revenge, his facial expressions were similar to a heel (not because that was the plan, but because he had to). Rock then gave Hogan a Rock Bottom, but Hogan kicked out and then began his Hulking up routine. Hogan pointed at Rock and waved his finger in his face. Hogan whipped Rock into the ropes and gave him the big boot followed by the legdrop. Rock kicked out. They went to a wide shot and the fans were on their feet. Hogan gave Rock another Big Boot and went for another legdrop, but Rock moved. Rock then gave Hogan a Rock Bottom. The crowd booed. Rock didn't go for the cover. Instead, he gave Hogan another Rock Bottom. Rock nipped up and did get some loud cheers. He then went for the People's Elbow. Lots of cheers, but not as many as Hogan for his first legdrop. He then got a clean three count.

Just a fascinating match. The execution was sloppy in some spots, but the crowd involvement was so intense that it made the match one of the most memorable of WrestleMania history. Rock played to the crowd afterward, but their cheers were muted a bit since many seemed disappointed Hogan went down for the count. Hogan struggled to his feet and extended his hand after the match. Ross questioned whether Rock could trust him. Rock accepted the handshake. Hogan grabbed his injured ribs and seemed to be legitimately having trouble standing up straight. Hogan pointed at Rock and said he's the man. A oneâ€“star match in terms of quality of execution, a four-star match in terms of how the match was laid out and unfolded, and a fiveâ€“star match in terms of crowd enthusiasm, and beyond five stars on the "spectacle" scale. (****)

Hall and Nash came out and attacked Hogan. Rock made the save quickly and easily, again making the NWO seem relatively non-threatening. Hogan was going to leave, but Rock wouldn't let him. He insisted he reenter the ring and pose for the crowd. The crowd chanted "Hogan, Hogan" again. Hogan cupped his ears for each corner of the arena and then posed. The crowd, though, didn't seem entirely happy when Rock imposed himself in the situation. They wanted Hogan to have his moment alone, without Rock. Rock's music played as they left together. They stood together on the stage for a final moment. Hogan returned to the back and Rock just stood there, looking at his feet, taking in the emotion of one of the most dramatic matches of his career.

Howard Finkle announced that WrestleMania set a new Skydome attendance record of 68,237â€”the largest crowd for any event in the building before.

(10) Jazz won a three-way match with Lita and Trish Stratus for the Women's Title in 7:00. The women's movement that began decades ago has finally reached its apex. The WWF Women's Title match is second-to-last at WrestleMania. This match was necessary to give the fans a breather before the Jericho-Triple H main event. The women worked hard, but they knew going in they couldn't follow the Hogan-Rock match. Lita and Trish had some half-hearted exchanges at 8:45. When Lita went to the top rope, Trish knocked her off balance. Jazz then suplexed Lita off the top rope and scored the pin. (*)

Christian celebrated his Hardcore Title win in the parking lot. As Christian was about to get into a taxi, Maven came up from behind and cradled him. A ref happened to be right there and counted to three. Maven leaped into the taxi and drove off, holding the belt in the air. Christian threw a tantrum in the parking lot.

(11) Triple H pinned Chris Jericho (w/Stephanie McMahon) in 19:00 to capture the WWF Title. If Triple H and Jericho were able to follow the Hogan-Rock and Flair-Taker matches, they would have deserved MVP honors. Instead, it was too much to overcome. They had a solid main event match, but the crowd was burned out. It seemed as if Triple H and Jericho were resigned to that fact, also, and didn't let it negatively affect their performance. Triple H favored his taped thigh during the match. Steph raked Triple H's eyes early in the match. Tirple H threw Steph into the ring and teased a Pedigree, but Jericho made the save. Late, Steph stood on the ring apron to distract the ref. Jericho grabbed a chair, but Triple H DDT'd Jericho onto it and scored a near fall. Ross gave away that Triple H was winning by overstating that that two count might be Triple H's final chance to win the match, since late in a match it's predictable cliche that announcers oversell the impossibility of whatever is the actual planned result. Steph entered the ring to interfere. Triple H grabbed her and set up the Pedigree and drove her face into the mat. A relatively mild pop followed. Either the crowd was fatigued or Canada, like America, is sick of Steph's overexposure on TV. Jericho nailed Triple H with a chair and went for the pin; Triple H kicked out prompting another mild crowd pop. Jericho followed with a Pedigree attempt on Triple H, but Triple H reversed out of it and gave Jericho a Pedigree for the win. An okay match. It didn't drag even though it went nearly 30 minutes, but it wasn't up to par with their previous matches. (***1/2)

A music video with highlights of WrestleMania concluded the event...

UFC debuts on VERSUS tonight with Vera vs. Jones, Dos Santos vs. Gonzaga - MMATorch Team Coverage

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 10:44:41 PST

UFC debuts on Versus tonight with the top two matches featuring Brandon Vera vs. Jon Jones and Junior Dos Santos vs. Gabriel Gonzaga. The MMATorch coverage previewing this event includes prediction columns from Jamie Penick, Sam Matthew, and Wesley Walker, plus UFC News coverage of the weigh-ins, Quoteable analysis of Vera, and Roundtable analysis of the top two fights. Check out links to all of the stories at our sister site, MMATorch.com... [SEE FULL LIST OF ARTICLES]

WWE News: Top matches advertised for April European Tour (contains potential Spoilers)

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 01:15:39 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

WWE has begun advertising the top matches for their annual 22-date April European Tour that follows WrestleMania 26.

The Raw brand is expected to feature John Cena vs. Triple H, potentially in WWE Title matches if Cena wins the WWE Title against Batista at WrestleMania.

The Smackdown brand is expected to feature Edge vs. current Intercontinental champion Drew McIntyre, potentially in World Hvt. Title matches if Edge wins the World Title against Chris Jericho at WrestleMania.

The Raw brand is also expected to feature Randy Orton vs. Legacy in handicap matches, as well as Orton vs. Sheamus in singles matches.

The following is a complete schedule for the European Tour.

- 4/7 Raw house show in Vienna, Austria

- 4/8 Raw house show in Newcastle, England
- 4/8 Smackdown house show in Berlin, Germany

- 4/9 Raw house show in Glasgow, Scotland
- 4/9 Smackdown house show in Dublin, Ireland

- 4/10 Raw house show in Dublin, Ireland
- 4/10 Smackdown house show in Glasgow, Scotland

- 4/11 Raw house show in Liverpool, England
- 4/11 Smackdown house show in Manchester, England

- 4/12 Raw TV taping in London, England
- 4/12 Smackdown house show in Nottingham, England

- 4/13 Smackdown TV taping in London, England
- 4/13 Raw house show in Sheffield, England

- 4/14 Raw house show in Strasbourg, France
- 4/14 Smackdown house show in Oberhausen, Germany

- 4/15 Raw house show in Lievin, France
- 4/15 Smackdown house show in Hannover, Germany

- 4/16 Raw house show in Belfast, N. Ireland
- 4/16 Smackdown house show in Zurich, Switzerland

- 4/17 Smackdown house show in Innsbruck, Austria

- 4/18 Smackdown house show in Istanbul, Turkey

Thanks to Torch reader Jason Walls for the tip.

TNA/WWE News: Eric Bischoff talks chair shots, Jeff Hardy, knocks WWE Hall of Fame, more

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 00:25:37 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

TNA creative executive Eric Bischoff has made several random comments on his Facebook page discussing WWE and TNA topics, including WWE still cutting him a good-sized check for his "Controversy Creates Cash" book four years after publishing the book.

"For those of you who are wondering why I use a book cover from my N.Y. Times Best seller as my picture here DESPITE the fact that it was WWE title...I can give you $50,434.00 worth of reasons (my royalty check last quarter)," Bischoff said.

-- Bischoff on WWE banning chair shots to the head: "Mixed emotions on the chair thing. I agree that there is a problem, but like everything else, where do you draw the line on what's dangerous in wrestling?"

Caldwell's Analysis: You definitely draw the line on chair shots to the head. There's just no argument in favor of that anymore. It's unnecessary, a dated method to get heat, sets a bad tone for the product, and can help accelerate brain damage.

-- Bischoff on TNA continuing to use Jeff Hardy despite him facing four drug possession-related charges: "Innocent (sic) until proven guilty. He's a great talent and worth the support."

Caldwell's Analysis: It's "presumed innocent until proven guilty." Big difference.

-- Bischoff was asked if he would take a WWE Hall of Fame induction. "No. Not that the issue will ever come up," Bischoff said. "I am content with my role in this industry and don't really need/want that kind of thing. Nothing against it mind you, as I think its a fantastic thing for talent that feels HOF recognition is a cool thing."

-- Bischoff was asked about bringing in Diamond Dallas Page to TNA and Bischoff said, "I think TNA has its roster full for now."

WWE News: Local coverage continues for WrestleMania - WWE executive says WWE isn't a wrestling promotion, Ted DiBiase, Sr. profiled

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 22:31:22 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

-- The Arizona Republic continued its coverage of WrestleMania with a Q&A with WWE VP John Saboor, who was asked about some misconceptions about the WWE brand. Saboor said WWE wants it to be known they're not a "wrestling promotion," but a global entertainment brand.

"A common misconception is that WWE is still the regional wrestling organization Vince McMahon purchased in 1982," Saboor said. "Over the past 28 years, WWE has evolved into a publicly traded, global-media entertainment company."

Saboor also talked about PG-TV as opposed to TV-14, WWE fighting the global recession last year, and the basics on what WWE is aiming for casual newspaper readers.

-- Ariz. Republic profiled this year's WWE Hall of Fame main eventer, "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase, and the DiBiase family's legacy in the wrestling business.

DiBiase will be inducted into the HOF by Ted DiBiase, Jr. and Brett DiBiase. He says he initially didn't want his sons to get into the wrestling business after his trials and bad decisions as a WWE star.

"I'm excited to see my sons follow in my footsteps. There was a time I wouldn't have said that, but so much has changed in the WWE. They have a state-of-the-art drug-testing policy that brings accountability into the company that wasn't necessarily there years ago," DiBiase said.

"A lot of those negatives are not there anymore, but it still comes down in the end to personal choice. At some point you have to take responsibility for the choices you make. I came to a crossroads in my life, and I had to make a choice, and I chose my family. I chose to learn from my mistakes."

Link: Ariz. Republic story.

3/20 Bruce Mitchell Audio Show (pt. 2): Top Ten Wrestlers of the 1970s, is Undertaker best gimmick ever, Richter-HOF, why booker recycle old ideas after they stop working, Ross, RVD-TNA, more (72 min.)

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 20:21:44 PST

Torch VIP Members, click on the red VIP Audio Updates button above to access this special edition of the Bruce Mitchell Audio Show (72 min.) hosted by Torch editor Wade Keller.

In this episode of the Bruce Mitchell Audio Show with host Wade Keller, they talk about whether Undertaker is the best gimmick ever and if anyone will ever reincarnate it, Wendi Richter getting into the WWE Hall of Fame, why bookers tend to recycle old angles and approaches long past their freshness date, Jim Ross's role in WWE going forward pros and cons, and more.

DIRECT LINK: 3/20 BRUCE MITCHELL AUDIO SHOW, part one

DIRECT LINK: BRUCE MITCHELL AUDIO SHOW LISTING

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PARKS'S VIP BLOG: 3/19 Smackdown Thoughts: McIntyre's quick loss, Punk and Mysterio, Divas action

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 20:05:36 PST

By Greg Parks, Torch columnist

-- Read my complete Smackdown TV Report

This show didn't have a good, long match that Smackdown is known for, and I think the show suffered for it. Giving Punk vs. Mysterio the spotlight in the first segment was a good move, and really made the feud seem important. I definitely see this issue lasting past Wrestlemania, not only because it just recently started up, but because there are so many different ways they can branch off from here. The tag team match featuring the Money-in-the-Bank competitors was a match that would go 10 minutes on a normal show, but because of the commercial, we got about a third of that.

Smackdown is getting much better performances from their Divas, as opposed to Raw. There seems to be more angles and feuds that the Smackdown Divas can sink their teeth into, where the Raw Divas feuds are basically paper thin. The characters are a little more fleshed out on the Friday night show, too. Not sure how I feel about Vickie Guerrero with Simply Flawless, though. Edge and Chris Jericho's segment was shorter than I expected, but I liked the rub Wade Barrett got, and of course, Jericho coming out on top.

The Hart Dynasty getting jobbed out in short order can not be taken as a good sign. I understand wanting to put the relatively new team of Morrison and Truth over strong before their Wrestlemania match, but the Harts weren't allowed to put up much of a fight. Mysterio and Gallows put on another good match, and the aftermath was awesome, especially the non-verbal cues given off by Punk. Taker vs. McIntyre was odd, but another example of WWE pulling back on a star after giving them a strong push (even someone who has backing by key players like Mac). Like the Harts, I don't know why McIntyre couldn't have put up more of a fight.

PWTorch VIP members have first-look access to all of Torch columnist Greg Parks's latest blogs in the newly upgraded VIP Forum. His blogs are published first in the PWTorch VIP Forum, and Parks interacts with other VIP members and Torch staff and contributors in the blog comments area afterward. Some of Parks's blog entries will be exclusive to the VIP Forum.

3/19 WWE in El Paso, Tex.: John Cena & Mark Henry vs. Sheamus & Big Show, Miz in four-way U.S. Title match

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 19:37:29 PST

WWE Raw house show report
March 19, 2010
El Paso, Tex.
Report by Edric Ray, Torch reader

WWE Raw invaded a sold-out arena of over 7,000 people the El Paso County Coliseum on Friday night, March 19. Considering the show was sold out, you would think the fans, I mean "WWE Universe," would have been rewarded with a mega-Superstar show, especially since there was no Smackdown show running concurrently.

I was ringside exactly where the "hard camera angle" would be so we had all the action directed towards us. The show kicked off at 7:30 p.m.

(1) Kofi Kingston beat Ted DiBiase via DQ. The show kicked off with Kofi, who stated that it was supposed to be him and Evan Bourne vs. Legacy, but that Legacy jumped Evan Bourne backstage and injured him, so he was unable to wrestle. So, the one-on-one match ended as soon as it began with a double team beat down by Rhodes and DiBiase. With the face getting the beat down, who else made the save but te hometown favorite, Chavo Guerrero. I guess when you get your head cracked open by Kofi, you repay him by saving him from a beat down.

Legacy challenged them to a tag team fight, so Chavo got on the mic and said they should know that a Guerrero never backs down from a fight.

(2) Chavo Guerrero & Kofi Kingston beat Legacy (Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase) by pinfall when Chavo pinned Cody Rhodes. Good match with good action. The end came when Kofi nailed the Trouble in Paradise on Rhodes, who was then hit with the Guerrero frog splash. The heels fled in usual heel fashion allowing for Chavo to address his hometown crowd. He talked about how he and Eddie use to sell programs there in that same arena years back when they were kids. A huge "Eddie" chant broke out. He said Eddie is gone but not forgotten.

The Bella Twins came out and picked someone in the audience to be the special guest timekeeper (bell ringer). The person had to name two matches at WrestleMania to win the spot. The lady picked Batista vs. John Cena and Bret Hart vs. Vince McMahon. This would be the only time that Bret's name would be mentioned the entire night. And by a fan.

(3) Carlito beat Primo by pinfall when Carlito hit the Backstabber. Not much of a pop for Primo. Carlito had decent heel heat. Average match. I guess WWE was making sure the Hispanic wrestlers on the roster made the border-town house show. If that was the case, with no Smackdown show on the same night, Rey Mysterio should have made an appearance, especially since they were hocking tons of Mysterio garb at the concession stands.

(4) Chris Masters beat William Regal via submission when Regal tapped out to the Masterlock. A chair was placed mid-ring and Masters challenged anyone in the back to take on the Masterlock Challenge. Regal came out and stated that he would not take the challenge, but in turn challenged Masters to a match. Regal stated that in a match, Masters did not have the skill to get the Masterlock on him. Naturally, Regal tapped to the hold.

After the match, Regal stated that he is NEVER coming back to this God-forsaken town, which, of course, got a big pop. I certainly hope I get a chance to see Regal live again, even if he is currently jobbing to NXT Rookies. He is a great wrestler and even better heel.

[Intermission]

(5) Gail Kim & Eve Torres & Kelly Kelly beat Divas champion Maryse & Alicia Fox & Jillian via pinfall with Santino Marella as special guest referee. Santino got a nice pop, then just as the match was to begin, Vickie Guerrero came out and said that she would be the referee. Santino left the ring, but stayed at ringside. The match itself was pretty good with Vickie never wanting to count the pin for the faces. Good basic wrestling, except the part where all of the faces rode all of the heels like a cowboys on a horse, not kidding. It's entertainment, right? Not a bad match by any means. The faces got the pin when Santino entered the ring and counted the pinfall when Kelly Kelly pinned Jillian.

(6) U.S. champion The Miz beat MVP, Evan Bourne, and Christian to retain the U.S. Title when The Miz pinned MVP. The Miz is an amazing heel. His pre-match mic work was second to none. The match itself was THE best match of the night. Evan Bourne is and always will be underrated. His ability to not only execute moves but sell them is awesome. He even took a hard knee to the mouth from The Miz. The end came when Christian hit his finisher on MVP, then Christian was knocked out of the ring by Evan Bourne, who then nailed his Air Bourne from the top rope on MVP. As he made the pin, The Miz threw Evan off and stole the 1-2-3.

So, when it was time for our "main event," I was thinking we've lacked pretty much every top superstar on the roster. Enter disappointment... First off, it was announced that it would be a tag team match. So no title defense, which meant no World champion. Here is what we got.

(7) John Cena & Mark Henry beat Sheamus & Unified tag champion Big Show. Yes, Henry and Big Show in the main event. The finish was Cena pinning Show after interference by Hornswoggle. The match was average and nothing to write home about. The end came when Big Show was going to chokeslam Cena, but Hornswoggle gave Show a Sweet Shin Music kick that caused a distraction. That was enough for Cena to pick up show for the Attitude Adjustment for the pin.

Overall Thoughts: This show was sold-out and it sold-out way ahead of time. WWE even added a Smackdown show up the way in Las Cruces, N.M. for May. Let's recap. There was no World champion Batista, no Randy Orton, no Triple H, and no Shawn Michaels. We had Chavo, Primo, Carlito, Santino, Eve Torres, and no Rey Mysterio. I know he is on Smackdown, but this is his old territory and with no Smackdown show running elsewhere and with no top stars on the card, it was very disappointing. I guess WWE figured throwing us Cena would make up for the lack of stars. The superstars that showed up did a great job, but the lack of top performers was disappointing. And for that I give this show three out five stars.

On a side note, Sheamus walked over to where I was sitting at ringside and took a little kid's homemade "John Cena #1" sign and ripped it in half right in front of him. The kid, maybe 6-years-old, started bawling. I watched Sheamus as he quietly grabbed a security guard and whispered to her to grab him (Sheamus), pull him over to the kid, and have the kid do the "you can't see me" motion to him while she scolded Sheamus. Sheamus also had her tell John Cena to give the kid one of the armbands John was wearing. Very classy act from a guy who is supposed to be a major heel. Being a relatively new father himself, it shows a lot of character from a guy who didn't have to do that, especially since he's a heel. I think he'll make a great face whenever it's his time to turn.

Biggest Pops:
-- John Cena, Chavo Guerrero, Santino, and The Divas

Biggest Heat:
-- The Miz, William Regal, Sheamus, Vicki Guerrero

WWE News: Watch a preview for the "Survival of the Hitman" Bret Hart documentary (w/VIDEO)

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:05:23 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

The Fight Network has a 30-second preview for their new "Survival of the Hitman" Bret Hart documentary that will be premiering on Monday night at 7:00 p.m. EST, then replaying at 11:00 p.m.

The preview shows Hart reflecting on his return to WWE, Lance Storm commenting on Hart's return, and more soundbytes on the two-hour documentary.

Other News: Piper's Pit, Dreamer vs. Lawler, Booker vs. Anderson headlining NEW N.Y. show on Saturday night

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:00:57 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

The Northeast Wrestling (NEW) promotion has a show tonight at the Mid Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. featuring WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper hosting a Piper's Pit segment.

Piper has an interview with Phil Strum of the Poughkeepsie Journal talking about the appearance. He also talked about the tragedy of the WWE Hall of Fame, where he will be inducting Wendi Richter this year, because "it's sometimes a little painful because of all of the ones I don't see."

NEW will also feature former WWE wrestler Tommy Dreamer vs. Jerry Lawler in an ECW flashback match with Dreamer playing the babyface in his home area.

The show will also feature Booker T vs. Mr. Anderson and TNA Knockouts Angelina Love vs. Velvet Sky for the second straight night. Paul London is also scheduled for both shows.

-- Read the show details on northeastwrestling.com.

TNA News: Full preview for Sunday's Destination X PPV - Match line-up, 30-minute hype show (w/VIDEO)

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 15:48:22 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

TNA's Destination X PPV on Sunday, March 21 will be headlined by TNA World Hvt. champion A.J. Styles vs. Abyss before Styles's scheduled title defense against "The Pope" D'Angelo Dinero at the Lockdown PPV on April 18.

The following is the complete PPV line-up for Sunday's PPV and the 30-minute "Before the Bell" PPV hype video focused on the X Division with comments from top stars and management.

-- TNA World Hvt. champion A.J. Styles vs. Abyss for the TNA World Title.

-- X Division champion Doug Williams vs. Shannon Moore for the X Division Title.

-- TNA tag champions Matt Morgan & Hernandez vs. Beer Money for the TNA World Tag Titles.

-- Generation Me vs. Motor City Machineguns in an Ultimate X match & #1 contender match to the tag titles.

-- Mr. Anderson vs. Kurt Angle.

-- TNA Knockout champion Tara vs. Daffney for the TNA Knockouts Title in a First Blood match.

-- Global champion Rob Terry vs. Brutus Magnus for the Global Title.

-- Eric Young & Kevin Nash vs. Scott Hall & Sean Waltman. Hall & Waltman receive a TNA contract with victory.

-- Kazarian vs. Daniels vs. Amazing Red vs. Brian Kendrick in a ladder match & #1 contender match for the X Division Title.

TNA News: Daniels interviewed on X Division, WWE not spotlighting wrestlers his size, Monday night battle, more

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 15:06:46 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

TNA wrestler Christopher Daniels was recently interviewed by Brian Fritz for Fanhouse.com to promote the Destination X PPV on Sunday and he talked a number of TNA and WWE subjects, including the X Division, feeling like he wouldn't be spotlighted in WWE, the new Monday night battles, and other subjects. I'll also break down most of what Daniels said in the interview.

-- Daniels said he's glad he's stuck with TNA throughout company history and not tried to seek work with WWE because he feels TNA has regularly spotlighted wrestlers of his size when WWE has not.

"I've been lucky to wrestle the guys like A.J. (Styles) and (Samoa) Joe at the times in my career when I did, you know, the fact that TNA has spotlighted the X Division for such a long time, like WWE hasn't really featured guys with my strengths and my size, that type of thing," Daniels said. "I've been lucky in the sense that TNA has given us that platform to perform on and the spotlight's been on us in the X Division. So I've been in a better spot here than I might have been if I were with WWE."

Caldwell's Analysis: I disagree and cite two main examples: Chris Jericho and C.M. Punk. Both are almost exactly the same size as Daniels in height and weight. Jericho is the World Hvt. champion, Punk rose to World Title status in 2009 and is one of the top heels in the wrestling business right now. Also, a wrestler like Evan Bourne is a future star, has a great connection with the audience, and is over despite being much smaller than Daniels.

-- Daniels said he believes the X Division will get more attention going forward based on conversations with Eric Bischoff about wanting to build up the division, as exemplified by Bischoff's promo on the March 8 Impact.

"Having had discussions with Eric Bischoff behind the scenes, I think he realizes that the X Division has been an important part of TNA and can be again an important part of TNA, and I think he realizes that instead of focusing on one division or the other, we're gonna put the spotlight on every division we have -- the tag division, the X Division, and the heavyweights," Daniels said. "I feel like we're going to become more spotlighted, maybe more than we have in the last year or so, and that's to our benefit and benefit to guys like Kazarian and Brian Kendrick, the Guns, and Generation Me. I feel like we're gonna get more of a chance than we have in the last month or two."

Caldwell's Analysis: It has to be more than just "let's build up the X Division." That's a failed marketing approach. The promo exchange on March 8 was an okay start to revitalize a watered-down brand, but it's not going anywhere unless the wrestlers and feuds within the division are spotlighted, not just the division itself. TNA has never really understood that outside of the Golden Age of Joe, Styles, and Daniels, but let's hope TNA adjusts to market the wrestlers seeking championship gold and prestige, not the division.

-- Daniels also talked about the quality of TNA's show on March 8 compared to WWE Raw to begin the Monday night battles. Daniels defended the March 8 ratings as a starting point for growth, but not a sign they made a mistake moving to Monday nights.

"Despite the fact that they've (WWE) got so many great programs and great matches on the pay-per-view this month, 95 percent of the people that I've talked to have said that the better product in-ring was on our show Monday night (March 8). And I think the more that we put out that product, the more we put an effort out and get the people involved, the more they say the better in-ring product is TNA, slowly but surely you're going to see those ratings turn around, you're going to see more people watching us," Daniels said.

"The goal wasn't just to get the good rating on the first show, the goal is to build the rating up and you have to start somewhere. So this isn't the end of us being on Monday nights, it wasn't like when we got these ratings they decided 'Oh you know what, well that's a failure.' It's not a failure. It's a place to begin from. It's a starting point."

Caldwell's Analysis: TNA had a good show at times on March 8, but WWE stuck to its guns and continued the build-up to WrestleMania. So, sure a lot of wrestling fans liked Impact on March 8 for the live action and big surprises, but WWE had an eye on making $5 million March 28. TNA then followed up with an awful show on March 15 and the ratings sunk to a three-year low. Brian Hoops and I talked about this on the PWTorch Livecast on Thursday about TNA booking backwards by giving away everything on March 8 rather than slowly building toward the big moments and big surprises as they built an audience.

-- Daniels also talked about Destination X, the NXT program, Bryan Danielson (Daniel Bryan), his dangerous spots in past Ultimate X matches, and other subjects in the interview linked at the top of the page.

WWE News: Shawn Michaels interview - says he's close to accepting retirement

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 13:35:59 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

WWE wrestler Shawn Michaels says he's closer to accepting retirement from pro wrestling each time he comes home after being out on the road traveling for WWE shows.

"Every day I step through the front door, leaving wrestling is not as far away as it once was," Michaels told Tim Baines of the Sun newspapers in Canada. "When it happens, I look forward to the rest and spending time with my family. Few guys get to go out the way I want to."

Michaels, whose career is on the line at WrestleMania against The Undertaker, also talked about trying to top last year's WrestleMania match with Taker and living up to a "mistaken reputation" for being one of the best in-ring performers in wrestling history.

"For WrestleMania, the nerves, the anxiety are still very much there. But once I get in there, instinct takes over," Michaels said. "As I've gotten older, I'd tried to live up to whatever reputation that's mistakenly been created. It's a nervous excitement."

Michaels also talked about one of the subjects brought up in the PWTorch Livecast this week about Michaels's character being able to get away with heelish actions, especially in the build-up to WrestleMania.

"It always comes down to drawing a connection with them. I might be able to get away with more than Triple H. And Triple H may be able to get away with more than John Cena," Michaels said.

Link: Read more from Michaels in the interview published on Slam Wrestling.

3/20 Wade Keller Hotline: Detailed Smackdown Analysis and thoughts Bischoff's reaction to ban on chairshots to the head (16 min.)

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 13:24:00 PST

This installment of the Wade Keller Hotline features an in-depth look at last night's Smackdown, plus a reaction to Eric Bischoff's comments on WWE banning chairshots to the head and his bragging about getting a $50,000 royalty check from WWE for three months of sales of his years-old "Controversy Creates Cash" book.

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KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 3/19: Undertaker vs. McIntrye, Jericho on Cutting Edge, Rey vs. Gallos with WrestleMania stip at stake

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 12:31:38 PST

KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT
MARCH 19, 2010
TAPED TUESDAY IN LOS ANGELES, CALIF. AT STAPLES CENTER
AIRED ON MY NETWORK TV

[Q1]

-They opened cold with Todd Grisham and Matt Striker looking solemnly at the camera. I thought someone died. They said they haven't gotten over the shock of last week's actions by C.M. Punk. Clips aired of Punk's taunting of Rey's family. Rey then came out to his music. Striker said, "For anyone who supports Rey Mysterio, this is a time of anguish." Rey said he hasn't had a moment's peace since last week. He said Punk crossed a line that shouldn't be crossed. He said this goes beyond brainwashing his Straight Edge society and his "never-ending sea of lies." What lies? That people rely on prescription drugs, recreational drugs, and alcohol to sooth themselves? Rey said he wants to face Punk at WrestleMania in a street fight. He said Punk needs to learn a lesson that you never mess with another man's family. Punk's music played, interrupting Rey.

Punk walked onto the stage with Sarita and Luke Gallos. Punk said Rey is obviously emotionally charged, so he's going to keep his distance on the stage. Rey said he'd have to be human to feel what he feels inside. Rey said he should come get him right now. Punk said if he lays a hand on him before WrestleMania, he doesn't get a match at WrestleMania, not a street fight, not anything. Punk said he walked out to tell Rey he sees so much potential in him. He said he knows he's been on an emotional roller coaster, but he's been on a roller coaster like that with his family.

Punk said he doesn't need to rely on memories to remember what Rey's daughter's birthday party was like, because he has pictures. Punk showed a picture of Rey and his daughter. "She trusts you to be that super hero, that no matter what Daddy is going to make everything okay," he said. The next picture showed her looking scared in Punk's direction, clutching her dad's arm. He said he is Straight Edge and that means he is better than him. He said if he joins the Straight Edge society he can live up the super hero myth. He said he just needs to accept him as his savior. Rey said he has gone out of his mind. Rey said that will never happen.

[Q2]

Rey said if he doesn't accept his challenge to face him at WM in a street fight, he'll have to live out his days fighting him at every turn. "You can either just say yes or just say no," Rey said. Punk said he doesn't like either option, but since he's a compassionate individual and he pities him, he said if Rey can beat Gallos, then at WM he gets his street fight. He said, however, if he loses "and then goes on to lose at WrestleMania," he'll have to join his Straight Edge society. "You will have to accept me as your savior on the grandest stage of them all." He said once he's saved him, maybe Rey can forget that "this precious picture-perfect moment ever happened." He showed Rey's daughter looking at Punk in fright. Rey said that is an image he will always remember. He said he will take that image with him until the day he dies. He said he's going to beat Gallos and then he's going to make sure that he never forgets the beating he gives him at WrestleMania. "May God have mercy on your soul," Rey concluded. [c]

1 -- MVP & MATT HARDY vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER & JACK SWAGGER

Striker said this match embodies the emerging talent and youth in WWE "and this is just four out of the nine." Hardy and MVP are youth in WWE? What is he talking about? They're both in their late-30s. Hardy got in some early offense against Ziggler. Swagger tagged himself in. They cut to an early break. [c] Back from the break, Hardy and Swagger were still battling. Striker brought up the scenario of the MITB winner cashing in on the winner of John Cena vs. Batista at the end of their grueling title match the night of WrestleMania. MVP and Ziggler tagged in. MVP got in offense. When Swagger entered illegally, Hardy speared him through the ropes and out of the ring. That distraction helped Ziggler hit his Zig Zag finisher to pin MVP. Swagger was too wrapped up in himself to celebrate with Ziggler, who just let him pass. Ziggler then pulled a huge ladder out from under the ring and slid it into the ring. He set it up. Grisham said it's four times the height of Ziggler. Ziggler then set it up and it was obviously merely double Ziggler's height. There goes any credibility for anything Grisham ever says. He really did study the Gorilla Monsoon Book of Announcing. Ziggler climbed the ladder and grabbed a briefcase.

WINNERS: Ziggler & Swagger in 6:00.

STAR RATING: *1/4

[Q3]

-A video package aired on Edge-Chris Jericho accentuating the whole "Spear! Spear!" deal. [c]

-A brief video highlight aired of the latest between Shawn Michaels and Undertaker.

-They showed the Vince McMahon star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

-Drew McIntrye walked up to Teddy Long backstage. Long said he's impressed that he's still "technically undefeated." He brought up that he lost his first MITB Qualified to Kane, but Mr. McMahon expunged that loss. Then he lost again the next week against Hardy, but McMahon erased that loss, too. He said last week Drew finally qualified, but it was against a hand-picked opponent by McMahon, someone no one ever heard of and never will hear of again. Long said he's undefeated going back to the start of his WWE career in August. "That is until tonight," he said. Long said he's thinking about a match against Undertaker who has his own streak 17-0. Drew said McMahon doesn't like him to wrestle this close to WrestleMania. Long said he tried to get ahold of Mr. McMahon before he walked into his office, but he couldn't reach him, so he has the power to book him against the Undertaker. Drew expressed anxiety. [c]

[Q4]

2 -- TIFFANY & "GLAMAZON" BETH PHOEIX vs. LAYLA & MICHELLE MCCOOL

Phoenix gave Layla a rapid-fire airplane spin early. Layla tried to tag out to the wrong corner. Tiffany tagged in at 1:00 and hit a crossbody block. Striker compared Grisham to Ellen DeGeneres in terms of looks. McCool interfered to help Layla get the advantage on Tiffany. At 2:00 Glamazon got the hot-tag and worked over McCool aggressively. She hit a sling-shot suplex for a near fall, broken up by Layla. Striker brought up "shades of Tully Blanchard" after the suplex. McCool went for her finisher, but Phoenix escaped and gave McCool her Glam Slam for the win.

WINNERS: Phoenix & Tiffany in 3:00.

-Vickie Guerrero walked out and said, "Excuse me! Excuse me!" She told Tiffany to head to the back. She said Phoenix owes her an apology. Phoenix said she apologized last week already. Vickie said her apology wasn't good enough, and she wants her to apologize in front of everyone tonight. Phoenix said it was wrong of her to put her hands on a WWE authority figure, so for that she apologizes. Vickie said her apology is still unacceptable. She got upset with fans and belted out, "Excuse me!" again. Great delivery. Vickie said she'll regret the day she laid hands on her. Vickie reminded her that she is the official consultant of Smackdown and her boss. "I am your superior in more ways than you'll ever think of." She said she'll find out next week when she wrestles her one-on-one. Grisham said, "What?" while laughing.

-Grisham plugged that Edge will have Jericho as his guest on "The Cutting Edge." [c]

-Striker thanked Kevin Rudolph for his song "I Made It (Cash Money Heroes)" for being one of the WM26 theme songs. Grisham said he has made it if his song is associated with WrestleMania 26.

[Q5]

-Edge walked out to his music and introduced Jericho as his guest on "The Cutting Edge." Wade Barrett joined Jericho. Edge said, "It looks like you two are ready to go to the prom together," since both were dressed up and Barrett had a flower on his lapel. Edge said he's going to get in the last move at WrestleMania and he thinks he knows what that move is going to be. The crowd didn't instantly chant "Spear! Spear!" so nobody can say WWE fans are always lemmings. Jericho said Edge has boiled their WM match down to one move, one action, but there are so many other variables involved. He said he is the World Champion, "which means I am the best in the world at what I do."

He asked Edge if he can live up to the hype and expectations from the parasite fans at WrestleMania. He also said he might not be physically at 100 percent. He asked if he is still hurt and just hoping to squeak by with the "help of these puppets who dance on a string whenever you tell them to." He said the sound of 70,000 hypocrites chanting "Spear!" isn't going to be enough. He asked him what would happen if he tore his Achilles tendon for a second time. Jericho said David Beckham has the same injury as him and his career is over. He said his career will end, too, if he locks on the Walls of Jericho again. Edge got wide-eyed and said nobody knows if he's still injured, but there's only one way to find out. He challenged him to make his move and go for his checkmate. When Jericho didn't make the first move, Edge did by hitting Jericho with the mic. Jericho clipped Edge's leg as he went after Barrett. Edge fought back out of the corner effectively and threw Jericho to the floor. He then gave Barrett his spear. Jericho, though, entered the ring and gave Edge the Code Breaker. He then stomped on Edge's previously injured ankle. Jericho then taunted Edge by saying softly: "Spear." Jericho picked up his title belt, held it in the air, and smiled as Edge winced in pain.

[Q6]

3 -- JOHN MORRISON & R-TRUTH vs. THE HART DYNASTY (w/Natalya)

Striker complained about KISS and Rush not being in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame, yet ABBA is, so maybe Truth and Morrison have a chance. Grisham asked him what he was talking about. Grisham talked about the Bret Hart-Vince McMahon angle on Raw and match scheduled for WrestleMania. This was an astoundingly short match. The Dynasty dominated against Morrison for a minute or so. Morrison made a hot tag to Truth. He hit his finishing kick and pinned Tyson Kidd.

WINNERS: Morrison & R-Truth in 2:00. It was right to give a win to Truth & Morrison, but this short match just buried the Hart Dynasty in terms of being seen as a serious team. Nothing against Natalya personally, but is there more of a useless third wheel act in wrestling right now? They do nothing with her, and it's not like the Dynasty is pushed enough to justify her airfare at this point. She's very underutilized in this role.

-A Cryme Tyme skit aired. They said they're going green as they counted their money. Shad said today's word is "showdown." J.T.G. said it's a "Slim Jim Showdown" text messaging challenge where fans can score points and get prizes. They gave out the text number to get prizes. That was the most blatant in-show commercial I've ever seen. It was twice as long as it needed to be, if you even accept it belongs on a show at all (which it doesn't since it's obviously preying on kids).

-A video package aired on the John Cena-Batista feud. [c]

4 -- REY MYSTERIO vs. LUKE GALLOS (w/C.M. Punk, Sarita)

Striker plugged that SummerSlam would take place at Staples Center, the site of this Smackdown. At 1:00 Luke sidestepped Rey and then slammed him at ringside chest-first over the security barrier. The ref began to count Rey out. Punk yelled at Rey to stay down. At the count of nine Rey slid back into the ring.

[Q7] [c]

Gallos had Rey in a bearhug mid-ring after the break. At 8:00 Rey made a comeback and scored an near fall after a springboard legdrop. Punk made great facial expressions from ringside throughout the match. Rey hit the 619 next. Punk tried to get into the ring. The ref turned to him. As Rey springboarded off the top rope, Sarita yanked him off balance. Gallos then covered Rey and scored the pin.

WINNER: Gallos in 9:00 so now if Rey loses to Punk at WrestleMania, Rey must join the Straight Edge Society. For how long? One day? Six months? Must he pay dues? Must he attend meetings? Just curious.

-Afterward Rey attacked Gallos at ringside. Striker said Rey has nothing to lose now as he defends his family's honor. Punk sat on the ring apron and watched, but Rey focused on Gallos. "We've never seen this from Rey Mysterio," said Grisham. Striker and the referee intervened. Rey then stared down punk and Sarita, then pounced back on Gallos. Punk moved in slowly toward Gallos and checked on him as Rey backed off. The announcers needed to remind viewers why Rey didn't attack Punk, especially now that he lost the match and can't lose the Street Fight stipulation anymore.

-They hyped the Undertaker vs. McIntrye main event. [c]

-The Raw Rebound aired focused on Steve Austin on Raw at the Vince-Bret contract signing.

[Q8]

-Grisham and Striker hard-sold WrestleMania at ringside. They hyped the line-up.

-Undertaker's ring entrance aired. [c]

5 -- DREW MCINTRYE vs. UNDERTAKER

The match began with four minutes left in the show. No marathon epic battle here. Drew bailed out to ringside as the bell rang. Taker chased after him and threw him face-first into the ring apron. In the ring he hit a clothesline in the corner. Drew fired back with a snap powerslam at 1:00 for a 1.5 count. He mounted and pounded Taker. As the ref scolded him, Taker sat up. Taker then threw Drew over the top rope to the floor. Back in the ring Taker gave Drew a chokeslam. Striker said it's all over. Taker then gave him a Tombstone for the win.

WINNER: Undertaker in 3:00. I'm not a fan of burying the IC Champ like this. I mean, I get that it's the Undertaker, but Drew looked like he might as well find a new vocation after being dominated like that. It's one thing if he's not being pushed and not the IC Champ, but this just defines him down as a scrub. It also makes the MITB match seem like an NIT Tournament.

-As Taker made his way onto the stage, Shawn Michaels came out and went after Taker. Taker went for a chokeslam, but Michaels escaped and then gave Taker a superkick. He then trash-talked Taker and said he won't end his career and his streak will end at WrestleMania.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Not a must-see show. The Punk-Rey stuff built up that match effectively. Edge and Jericho forwarded their feud nicely. And the Michaels-Taker angle at the end intensified the feud and brought it home to Smackdown-only viewers. Overall, middle of the road in terms of entertainment value in and out of the ring.

PENICK: UFC on Versus: Vera vs. Jones Main Card Previews and Predictions

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 12:30:29 PST

We've taken a look at the preliminary card bouts headed to Broomfield, Colorado tomorrow night, so now it's time to break down the fights on the main card as the UFC comes to the Versus network. With two solid heavyweight bouts coming to the card along with a sure to be slugfest in the show's opener, not to mention the increasingly intriguing main event, there's a lot of excitement set to emanate from Colorado on Sunday night...
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WWE News: Plenty of local coverage for WrestleMania Week starting Monday

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 12:20:57 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

-- The Arizona Republic published a story on the expected headache in Glendale, Ariz. at WrestleMania 26 with legendary musician Paul McCartney performing next door at the Jobing.com Arena.

City officials are estimating 70,000 people in attendance at WrestleMania 26, with another 17,000 at the McCartney concert. Arizona Republic story.

-- Ariz. Republic also published one of two stories that will run this week focused on WWE's business and overall longevity as a brand following the end of the previous Monday Night Wars.

The first story published today focuses on TNA nipping at WWE's heels and the correlation between WWE's increased focus on WrestleMania storylines this year. You can read my quotes for the story in the Arizona Republic here.

-- The Daily Journal in San Mateo, Calif. has a story on Monday night's Supershow in San Jose with the final Raw and Smackdown taping leading to WrestleMania. The story focuses on the build-up to Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker and Pete Rose hosting Raw.

Link: WrestleMania 8 (1992): Hogan vs. Sid, Warrior run-in
-- Friday, Mar. 12 - WrestleMania 9 (1993): Hart vs. Yokozuna, Hogan wins title
-- Saturday, Mar. 13 - WrestleMania 10 (1994): Razor vs. HBK, Bret vs. Owen
-- Sunday, Mar. 14 - WrestleMania 11 (1995): LT vs. Bigelow, Diesel vs. HBK
-- Monday, Mar. 15 - WrestleMania 12 (1996): HBK-Hart Iron Man match
-- Tuesday, Mar. 16 - WrestleMania 13 (1997): Hart vs. Austin, Sid vs. Taker
-- Wednesday, Mar. 17 - WrestleMania 14 (1998): Austin vs. HBK, Taker vs. Kane
-- Thursday, Mar. 18 - WrestleMania 15 (1999): Rock vs. Austin I
-- Friday, Mar. 19 - WrestleMania 16 (2000): Rock vs. Foley vs. Hunter vs. Show
-- Saturday, Mar. 20 - WrestleMania 17 (2001):
-- Sunday, Mar. 21 - WrestleMania 18 (2002):
-- Monday, Mar. 22 - WrestleMania 19 (2003):
-- Tuesday, Mar. 23 - WrestleMania 20 (2004):
-- Wednesday, Mar. 24 - WrestleMania 21 (2005):
-- Thursday, Mar. 25 - WrestleMania 22 (2006):
-- Friday, Mar. 26 - WrestleMania 23 (2007):
-- Saturday, Mar. 27 - WrestleMania 24 (2008):
-- Sunday, Mar. 28 - WrestleMania 25 (2009):
-- Sunday, Mar. 28 - WrestleMania 26 Live Coverage

***

WrestleMania PPV Flashback Report - WM 17 (2001)
April 1, 2001
Houston, Tex. at the Astrodome
Report by Wade Keller, PWTorch editor

-- Find out how to sign up for a Torch VIP membership to access the Torch Staff Audio Roundtable Review of WrestleManias 1-10 right now!

TORCH NEWSLETTER COVER STORY

HEADLINE: WrestleMania XVII shines, ends with Austin turn
SUBHEDLINE: Austin aligns with Vince McMahon, as he captures the WWF Title from Rock in dramatic main event

At WrestleMania XVII, the WWF puts its best foot forward on PPV and also attempted to shake the foundation by turning one of its two top babyfaces. The Steve Austin turn, though, will be a challenge to pull off.

Austin beat Rock to capture the WWF Title in the main event of what is already being considered perhaps the best WrestleMania ever. Austin scored the pin more than 28 minutes after the opening bell thanks to help from Vince McMahon.

The WWF knew turning the fans against Austin would be a challenge, and the only way to pull it off would be to have him align with Vince McMahon. Vince attempted to be as heelish as possible in recent weeks. Then at WM he was the foil as he got dumped by Trish, bashed in the balls by his wife, and pinned by his son. Certainly if Austin aligned with that "heelish loser," even the Texas fans wouldn't still cheer him, right? Wrong.

Many booed Austin, but seemingly more still cheered him. Austin, despite a relatively uninspired series of babyface promos leading up to WrestleMania, seemed to have more babyface appeal than Rock. In their pre-WM staredowns and confrontations, Austin has been getting more cheers. There has seemed to be a grassroots backlash against Rock among a sizeable minority of fans. Maybe it's because Steve Austin shows at least some signs of being a human being, whereas Rock is just a character. Rock is a charismatic, funny character, but he doesn't exhibit any authentic emotions that people can relate to.

Whatever the reason, Raw the next night was supposed to be the time when the heel turn would be cemented. Austin would unleash with the charisma and energy that he's been tempering since his return last fall. He would step into the ring and use all of his mic skills and charismatic powers to turn the fans against him. He would hug Vince, then explain how the plot developed and why he chose to turn on Rock. In the process he would give the fans a reason to like Rock more than him. But none of that happened.

Austin went through the motions on his heel promo on Raw. Has he lost it? Or, like Goldberg, doesn't he believe in the turn? Or is the intent to unveil his heel turn slowly, one promo at a time, building up to something that will turn the fans against him.

The heel Austin wasn't any different than the babyface Austin that all of the fans cheered in recent month. The only difference is, Austin has now decided that Vince is okay enough to have around to help him win matches.

During his Raw promo, Austin didn't explain why he turned on the fans and aligned with Vince McMahon. He said he didn't owe the fans anything so he wasn't going to give them an explanation. Given the crowd reaction - still a mix of tentative boos and rebellious cheers - it's as if right now the fans believe Austin is just "saying these things" to get what he wants out of Vince. They aren't convinced yet he is serious. And even if he is, they may like him anyway.

Meanwhile on Raw, Rock again failed to drive home why he should be the babyface. He didn't create any sympathy for himself. He didn't act betrayed. He was just the cool, charismatic, witty Rock, going through the motions of cutting an intense promo with the grace of a Stepford Wife.

"Houston, we have a problem."

Perhaps later this week on Smackdown, Austin will give a breakout interview and show a willingness to "show ass," to betray the "Stone Cold" character that the fans love by hugging Vince, and not be quite so cool while telling off the fans. Perhaps Vince will narrate a montage explaining how this secret plot came together, showing clips over recent weeks that all fall into place and show that we should have all seen it coming - especially Rock. Then maybe Rock will show some human-like emotions, doubt himself a bit for not seeing it coming, and draw some sympathy from wrestling fans who right now don't identify with him as much as they do with Austin or even Triple H.

The problem is the WWF may not have that backstory to draw from. Whatever role Debra was going to have at WrestleMania was scratched last week. In a throwaway segment on Smackdown, Vince told her that in the interest of fairness she was relieved of her duties as Rock's manager. It's barely been touched on since.

Is the scattershot build up for the Rock vs. Austin WM17 main event a sign of Vince's attention being elsewhere? He better hope so, because at least it's a decent excuse. Vince was busy trying to salvage the XFL and put together a deal to purchase WCW, while at the same time trying to get used to having a new cook in the kitchen (Paul Heyman). There are bound to be glitches in the machinery's operation given those circumstances.

The good part - and it's a very good part of this weekend's story - is that WrestleMania itself was perhaps the best WrestleMania ever, and among the best PPVs of all time. Very few PPVs have had such a diverse series of very good to excellent matches. Very few excellent PPVs haven't been dragged down by bad booking of finishes despite the wrestlers' best efforts, or dragged down by one or two long stinker matches, or dragged down by having the good matches so similar to each other than even the good action became mind-numbing.

WrestleMania earned overwhelmingly good scores, averaging an astounding 8.8 rating in the TORCH poll, the best average score in the poll's 13 year history.

The event lasted nearly four hours, and despite a merely watchable first hour, the final three hours offered a diverse batch of dramatic, intense matches with some nostalgia and humor tossed into the mix.

The WWF also avoided the news story of its acquiring WCW interfering with WrestleMania. Not that the WWF wants the WCW purchase to seem like "no big deal," but they believe now is not the time to be pushing it hard. WCW needs to be rebuilt before the interpromotional battle can be cashed in for maximum value.

At WrestleMania, a handful of WCW mid-carders were shown in a luxury box, guests of Shane McMahon. On Raw the next night, Shane made reference to WCW, saying he'd have news on it soon. Fact is, there isn't a lot more to say yet. The WWF smartly shifted it's attention to WrestleMania once the WCW purchase was made. It wanted to continue to promote the WWF storylines as the main attraction.

WrestleMania was a showcase of the strengths of the WWF today, yet there were some chinks in the booking leading up to and right afterward that show the WWF is not infallible, that the machine doesn't "run itself," and that there is never room to become complacent when it comes to storylines. The WWF put on a great show, but whether it created momentum is not clear at this point.

KELLER'S MATCH ANALYSIS & REPORT

Before WrestleMania officially began, they had a warm-up match on Heat in the Houston Astrodome.

(A) X-Pac & Justin Credible beat Grand Master Sexay & Steve Blackman at 2:40. Just a throwaway match. The contrast in styles between Blackman and Sexay was fun.

Jim Ross introduced the program with Paul Heyman by his side. The dome looked great on television, packed to the last row from every angle they showed. They also showed a picture of fans going nuts at WWF New York. "I just don't have a word to describe the atmosphere here tonight," Ross stated. Heyman said this was his first WrestleMania ever and he is excited to be present.

(1) Chris Jericho pinned Steven Regal at 6:30. Good choice for an opener, at least on paper. Both wrestlers are over. "Regal sucks" rang out from the crowd in the opening seconds of the match. Regal overshot on a tope in the first minute, grazing the top of Regal's head at ringside. Jericho climbed to the top rope and hit a flying elbow, then scored a two count. Jericho remained on offense until Regal lifted his knees on a Lionsault at 3:00. Regal scored a two count with a schoolboy. Regal awkwardly suplexed Jericho to the mat and Jericho landed on his forehead. Regal went to untie the corner turnbuckle. Jericho fought back with some kicks and a missile dropkick for a two count at 4:30. Regal tossed Jericho off the top rope with an armdrag. Jericho went for the Lionsault at 5:45, but Regal reversed it into the Regal Stretch. Jericho reached the ropes. Jericho immediately connected with a series of chops. A minute later Jericho finished Regal off with a Lionsault. Anticlimactic finish that came out of nowhere. The Lionsault remains one of the weaker looking finishers in wrestling. (**)

Shane McMahon stepped out of a limo in the parking garage. The limo license plate read "WCW 1."

Backstage APA and Jackie smoked cigars. Bradshaw, who is from Texas, talked about all of the big events that have taken place in the Astrodome.

(2) Tazz & The APA (Bradshaw & Faarooq) beat RTC (Goodfather & Bull Buchanan & Val Venis w/Steve Richards) when Bradshaw pinned Goodfather at 3:56. Tazz came out and beat up RTC before the match officially began. Jackie helped out, too. APA then came out and the match officially began. Val beat up Tazz for the opening minute. When Goodfather tagged in, both RTC members whipped Tazz into the ropes. Tazz lost his balance and stumbled into the ropes, but recovered nicely. At 3:30 Bradshaw back suplexed Venis off the top rope. then nailed Goodfather with the Clothesline from Hell for the win. Nothing special, but good that it was kept short. (*)

Trish Stratus rolled Linda McMahon in a wheelchair in the back hallway. Stephanie met them. She noted that Trish was late. Trish rolled her eyes. Steph then gave Trish some additional instructions.

(3) Kane beat Raven and Big Show at 9:28 in a three-way match to capture the Hardcore Title. Raven attacked Kane with some big foam looking human figure to start even before Big Show arrived. Show lumbered to the ring as Kane beat up Raven in the ring. "Big Show has a world of potential, but you can't build a career on potential; you have to get things done," Ross said. Kane flew off the top rope onto Big Show at ringside. They brawled into the crowd a minute into the match. It was a long walk getting to the backstage area. Kane threw Raven into a wall, denting it upon impact. Big Show locked himself in a room to beat up Raven. At 6:00 Raven began driving a golf cart with Big Show choking him from behind. Kane then got in a golf cart with the ref riding on the back. The cart ran into Raven. Raven sold a knee injury as a result. By 8:00 they ended back on the big stage entrance. Big Show pressed Raven above his head. Kane knocked them both off balance sending both crashing through the set below. Kane then leaped onto them and made the cover. The ref couldn't get into the pit, but he slammed the side wall of the stage to count to three. Watchable. (**3/4)

Edge & Christian tried to brighten up Kurt Angle who was sitting in the back staring intensely at a TV monitor. He explained deliberately to Edge & Christian that if someone makes you tap out but it's not part of a match, it's not officially a loss, especially if a ref isn't present. He seemed very bothered by the idea that Benoit made him tap out last week.

Johnathan Coachman interviewed a fan from Australia who said she flew 30 hours to attend the event in person. Coachman said WM17 is the first to have fans in attendance from every state and 20 countries.

Rock was shown arriving in his locker room.

(4) Eddie Guerrero (w/Saturn) pinned Test to capture the European Title at 8:32. At 2:30 Test got his ankle caught up in the ropes. Guerrero fell on his face as he left the ring to take advantage of the circumstances. Guerrero applied a long sleeper. Test escaped and then hit two til-a-whirl suplexes. Saturn entered the ring and attacked Test as Eddie distracted the ref. Guerrero flipped off the top rope, but Test moved so Eddie landed on the mat. Test scored a two count at 7:40. When Saturn entered the ring again, Test knocked him out with a big boot, then gave one to Guerrero for a two count. Dean Malenko came out and distracted the ref as Eddie hit Test with the belt. Just watchable. (**)

Michael Cole interviewed Mick Foley who said he was going to call the match right down the line.

Steve Austin was shown for the first time backstage.

(5) Kurt Angle pinned Chris Benoit at 14:10. Angle talked on the house mic as he approached the ring. He said he is disappointed that the Texas flag is missing the 49 other stars. Heyman said Benoit is an undefeated WCW Champion. Now that the WWF owns WCW, does Benoit's title win get put back into WCW's official title change history logs? They mat wrestled early. Because Benoit kept up with Angle, Angle showed frustration and threw the first punch. Angle hit a few moonsaults, too, during the match, catching Benoit's knees on the third attempt. Later Angle applied his Anglelock. Benoit reached the ropes and then applied his own ankle lock. Late in the match Benoit had the Crippler Crossface applied. Angle tapped out, but the ref didn't see it. At 13:30 Benoit hit a top rope headbutt for a two count. Angle then rolled up Benoit and yanked on his tights to score the three count. Intense action that the crowd was into from start to finish. (***3/4)

Backstage Kim Chee tried to stop Kamala from destroying Regal's desk backstage.

Highlights of the WrestleMania pep rally at Ft. Hood aired. Very nice video piece.

Backstage, as Angle bragged about beating Benoit, Benoit attacked Angle and applied the Crossface. Angle tapped out. It took several refs to get Benoit to break the hold.

(6) Chyna pinned Ivory at 2:38 to capture the WWF Women's Title. Chyna wore a skimpy purple two piece ring outfit, quite a change from her rough look of the past. In the end Chyna pressed Ivory and then pinned her easily just by leaning on her. Chyna once declared she didn't want the women's title because she'd rather compete with men. A match hardly worth Chyna's and Ivory's airfare to Houston. Ivory's hand motions and selling is often annoyingly cartoonish. (1/2*)

Backstage Vince told Trish to bring Linda to ringside when Shane is completely immobile. Cole barged in and asked Vince for comments on Shane's shocking purchase of WCW. Vince said if people want shocking, they'll get shocking. "I guarantee it," he said.

A video montage aired of the Vince-Shane feud.

Shane came out to relatively little pop. He gave a shout out to his friends from WCW and pointed into the crowd. They eventually showed a few WCW wrestlers in an upper deck of the arena. Hard to tell in the few seconds who all was there among the dozen or so. Shane then introduced special ref Mick Foley. Vince McMahon came out next with Stephanie.

(7) Shane McMahon pinned Vince McMahon at 14:11. Vince intensely choked Shane in the corner to start the match. He slapped and punched away at him. Shane came back with a clothesline and a spear at 1:00. He then hit some punches and elbows. At 1:25 Steph entered the ring and slapped her brother. Shane slidekick Vince and moved to ringside to beat on him. Shane nailed Vince with a chair. Shane's left eye began swelling up presumably from a potato from his father in the opening seconds of the match. Shane bashed Vince with a kendo stick at ringside at 3:35. Shane began boxing and knocked Vince off his feet. Shane removed the monitors from the Spanish announcing table. He rammed a monitor into Vince's face, then entered the ring. Shane leaped off the top rope and came off with a flying elbow. Steph moved Vince out of the way, so Shane landed with a thud. Foley checked on Shane. Trish then wheeled Linda to ringside at 6:00. Linda looked highly medicated, barely keeping her eyes open. Trish checked on Vince, then slapped him and yelled at him. Steph slapped Trish. Trish rammed Steph's head into the ring apron twice. Steph fell to the floor as the crowd went nuts. Steph tried to escape by getting into the ring. Trish yanked her into the ring and began slapping away at her. Trish rammed Steph into the mat and choked her. Foley separated both women. Steph slapped Foley and then ran away. Trish pursued Steph, but Steph tripped on her high heels. Trish stomped away at Steph. Vince glared at Linda and grimaced. As Vince moved toward Linda, Foley told Vince not to even think about it. Foley began to wheel Linda away. Vince grabbed a chair and hit Foley from behind, then knocked him down with a stiff shot to the side of his head. Vince grabbed Linda's wheelchair and lifted her up into the ring. The crowd chanted "asshole" at Vince. Vince stomped on Shane once for good measure; Shane was still selling the missed elbow onto the Spanish announcing table. Vince sat Linda in a folding chair in the corner of the ring. Then he went to ringside again and got Shane. Vince bashed Shane with a trash can in the ring, then mouthed off to Linda. He said there is more where that comes from. As Vince stood with a garbage can in his arms, Linda stood. The crowd popped huge. Linda kicked Vince between the legs. Foley then began punching away at Vince and charged him in the corner. Meanwhile, Shane began to get his legs back. Shane put a garbage can in Vince's lap in the corner. Linda stood fully alert at ringside. Shane climbed to the top rope and flew all the way across the ring with a dropkick into the trash can. Good distance. He then scored the three count. The camera showed Lance Storm, Shawn Stasiak, and Chavo Guerrero Jr. among the WCW crew in the luxury box cheering the finish. The match was exactly what it should have been - a couple of Shane high risk moves plus a good mix of outside distractions to keep things entertaining without relying on Vince and Shane to carry a pure match by themselves. Entertaining. (***1/4)

Kevin Kelly's interview with the Hardy Boyz at Fan Fest was shown.

Triple H was shown warming up backstage.

Undertaker was then shown warming up throwing punches in a dark corner of the backstage area.

(8) Edge & Christian beat The Dudleys and The Hardy Boyz at 15:50. E&C both stood on Matt's crotch as he was hanging upside down in the corner. The Dudleys then attacked Christian at ringside as Edge set up a ladder in the ring. Edge climbed it to get at the hanging belt, but Matt stopped him. Matt then began to climb the ladder, but still sold his injured crotch. Edge knocked the ladder open. As the Dudleys carried a ladder at ringside, the Hardys slidekicked them. They set up two ladders in center ring. The Hardys each leaped off the ladders onto Christian in center ring. The Dudleys reentered the ring. D-Von headbutted Edge's exposed crotch. The Dudleys set up two tables in the ring. Buh Buh powerbombed Jeff into Edge, breaking the table underneath Edge in half. Three ladders were set up in the middle of the ring. All six wrestlers chose a side and climbed a ladder. All six ended up knocked down and were slow to get up. A great overhead camera shot provided a unique perspective on replay. Spike Dudley ran out at 8:00. Spike attacked both Edge and Christian. An audible "ECW" chant began. Rhyno then came out and attacked D-Von with a ladder, then speared Buh Buh Ray, then gored Matt into a table in the corner. As Edge climbed the ladder, Lita ran out and knocked him down. Rhyno lifted Lita, but Spike low-blowed him. Lita then gave Rhyno a huracanrana. Edge then reached for the belt, but Rhyno knocked the ladder over and Edge straddled the top rope. Lita gave D-Von a stiff chairshot. Buh Buh then attacked Lita. Jeff set up a huge ladder that while set up on the floor was as high at its peak as the ladders in the ring. Jeff climbed to the top of it and flew onto Rhyno and Spike with a Swanton Dive. Edge set up the extra tall ladder in center ring. Christian and D-Von climbed opposite sides of the ladder. Matt moved the ladder out from underneath them. They both swung from the belts without a ladder underneath them. D-Von dropped. Christian hung by one arm and dropped himself. Jeff then walked from one ladder to another, but couldn't quite keep his balance and fell. He reclimbed the ladder. Buh Buh moved the ladder out from underneath him. Jeff's feet were almost stuck in the ladder rungs which could have led to a very scary bump. Edge then speared Jeff off the tall ladder in one of the better looking moves ever. Buh Buh and Matt then climbed the tall ladder, but it tipped over and they bumped onto four tables stacked below. Great looking bump. Christian, with help from Rhyno lifting him on his shoulders, got the belts down for the win. A special match. Great "ooh and ahh" factor. They managed to raise the bar for this style match once again. The Edge spear on Jeff off the ladder was absolutely incredible looking. Just perfectly executed. The fact that Jeff sold it the rest of the match made it all the more effective. Good involvement of Rhyno and Spike, too. (****1/4)

During a WM Fan Axess feature, Mick Foley bragged about scalping his WM tickets for $200 which he said was going to his pizza fund. He probably wasn't kidding. The fanfest looked great on TV.

Heyman yelled about loving the TLC2 match. Ross dryly asked Heyman, "Why are you yelling?" Heyman said it was because he was excited.

Howard Finkle announced that WM set an attendance record for the Reliant Astrodome with 67,925.

(9) Iron Sheik won a Gimmick Battle Royal at 3:05. Mean Gene Okerlund made his WWF return by walking to the ring followed by Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. The Bushwackers, Duke "The Dumpster" Droese, Iron Sheik, The Goon ("Wild" Bill Irwin), Doink (a/k/a Ray Apollo, not Matt Borne), Kamala (w/Kimchee, Harvey Wippleman), Repoman, Jim Cornette, Nicolai Volkoff, Michael Hayes, One Man Gang (who was better known in the WWF as Akeem the African Dream), Gobbledy Gooker, Tugboat, Hillbilly Jim, Brother Love, Sgt. Slaughter. As Iron Sheik lumbered to the ring slowly, Heenan said, "By the time Iron Sheik gets to the ring, it'll be WrestleMania 38." Earthquake almost beat Sheik to the ring despite starting 30 seconds after him. Okerlund didn't seem aware that the entire spectacle was meant to be a spoof. He said at one point, "Look at all of the talent in the ring." Order of elimination: Gooker, Tugboat, Earthquake, Luke, Cornette, Droese, Goon, Volkoff, Bushwacker Butch, Doink, Hayes, One Man Gang, Kamala - leaving Slaughter, Sheik, Love, and Hillbilly. Love was next followed by Sarge. Sheik eliminated Jim to win it. Slaughter entered the ring and put Sheik in the Cobra Clutch. A fun spectacle, and rightly so the introductions took up more time than the match itself. A fun walk down nostalgia lane, although the era it recalled provides plenty of evidence of how Vince McMahon was susceptible at one time to WCW Nitro. [NR]

(10) Undertaker pinned Triple H at 18:27. Triple H came out to a live performance by Motorhead of his entrance music, "The Game." They brawled at ringside for a minute before entering the ring to officially start the match. Taker hit a high elevation flying clothesline on Triple H early. By 3:00 Triple H had taken over offense. Triple H went for a pin, and when Taker kicked out, Triple H blamed the ref, shoving him into the corner. Taker fought back with a flurry of punches to Triple H's gut. Triple H rebounded off the ropes and kneed Taker in the face. Triple H knocked over the timekeeper and then grabbed the sledgehammer from the corner. Triple H shoved the ref out of the way and reared back the sledgehammer. The ref grabbed the sledgehammer from Triple H. Taker came up behind Triple H, but Triple H quickly set him up for a Pedigree. Taker escaped and gave Triple H a Last Ride. Triple H kicked out. Taker hit the ref in retaliation. Ross questioned Taker's wisdom. Triple H bumped out of the ring to the floor. The ref remained down for a while. Taker backdropped Triple H into the crowd and they then brawled to the control booth set up for the lights and music. Triple H bashed Taker with a chair a dozen times. Taker fought back and chokeslammed Triple H off the control set to the floor. The cameras missed the move. On a replay, a camera showed that Triple H landed on a padded area below. Taker dragged Hunter back to the ring at 13:30. Taker got the sledge hammer. Triple H begged off. When Taker swung at him, Triple H kicked him low. Triple H charged Taker, but Taker caught him with a big boot. The ref, by the way, was still facedown knocked out on the mat. At 16:00 Triple H set up Taker for the Tombstone, but Taker countered and gave Triple H the Tombstone. Taker covered Triple H, but for some reason no replacement ref had come out. Taker tried to revive the ref. Taker lifted Hunter, but Hunter grabbed the sledgehammer and hit Taker with it. Triple H made the cover and the ref got up and made a two count. The crowd popped for Taker's kick out. Triple H got frustrated and punched away at Taker's newly bloodied face. Taker picked up Triple H and gave him the Last Ride and scored the clean pin. Good match. They filled quite a bit of time with brawling in the crowd, but the content was overall strong. The clean finish helped. (***1/2)

(11) Steve Austin pinned The Rock at 28:08 to capture the WWF Title. Howard Finkle announced before the match it was a no-DQ match and Ross made a big deal out of how that stip seemed to come out of nowhere. Ross stressed what a legendary star Austin has become in his home state of Texas. They fought instantly without a staredown or any pre-match routine. A minute into the match they fought to ringside. Austin scored the first two count of the match at 3:48. Rock scored his first two count at 4:32. In a strange moment, the ref tripped backward over the ring stairs and dropped a blade he was supposed to hand to Rock. Rock then dropped to his knee and picked up his blade. He then bladed, but barely drew blood. At 7:20 they returned to the ring and Austin pummeled Rock with fists. By 8:30 Rock began to bleed much heavier than at first. Austin grinded his knee into Rock's bloody face in the corner. Rock burst out of the corner and dropped Austin with a clothesline. Rock received a mixed reaction, but mostly boos, during his offensive flurries. Rock grabbed the ring bell and nailed Austin with it. Austin was bleeding at this point. Rock covered Austin and scored a near fall at 11:15. They brawled at ringside again at 13:00 around a completely destroyed announcing area. Austin catapulted Rock into the ringpost. Rock took the bump really well. At 14:20 Austin nailed Rock with a monitor. Back in the ring Austin scored a near fall. When Rock got up, Austin gave him two middle ringers. Rock kicked Austin and applied the Sharpshooter. Both Rock and Austin bled heavily from their faces. Austin reached the ropes. Rock gave Austin the finger. Austin then applied a Sharpshooter of his own on Rock. Rock tried to power out, but couldn't. Rock finally reached the ropes at 18:25. Loud booing could be heard. When the ref tried to get Austin to break the hold, he gave the ref the finger. In a no DQ match, why break when the ref tells you? Ross and Heyman argued about whether Ross was biased in favor of Austin because he is close friends with him. Austin applied the Million Dollar Dream at 19:00. Ross mentioned that Austin learned that move when he was managed by Ted DiBiase and wrestled as Ringmaster. Rock's arm dropped twice, but not a third time. Rock pushed off the ropes with his feet and rolled Austin up for a very near fall. At 20:25 Rock surprised Austin with a Stone Cold Stunner. He was unable to follow up right away. He crawled over to Austin and made the cover. He scored a two count at 20:50. Vince then walked to the ring.

Austin covered Rock for another two count. Rock came back and struck with the People's Elbow at 23:00. As Rock went for the cover and the ref began to count, Vince yanked Rock off of Austin. "What the hell was that for?" Ross asked. Ross said he isn't sorry the match is continuing, but he didn't understand Vince's stake. Rock chased Vince around the ring and back into it. Austin caught a charging Rock with the Rock Bottom - using his own finisher against him. He scored a very near fall. Austin set up the Stunner, but Rock shoved him off of it and Austin bumped into the ref in a sloppy looking spot. Austin low-blowed Rock. Austin then asked Vince for a chair. He then invited Vince into the ring. Austin told Vince to swing and hit Rock as he held him. Vince swung and hit Rock (Rock didn't duck, as almost always happened with that spot). Austin covered Rock. The ref returned to the ring and made the count, but Rock kicked out. Austin became irate, yelling "Shit!" Austin picked up a chair himself. Ross and Heyman wondered what Vince and Austin were up to. Rock surprised Austin with a Rock Bottom, blocking an Austin chairshot. Vince distracted the ref as Rock used the ropes to get to his feet. Rock threw Vince into the ring. Austin gave Rock a Stunner and scored another near fall. Vince handed Austin another chair. Austin smiled and nailed Rock flush on the forehead with it again. Vince cheered on Austin as he covered Rock for another two count. Rock kicked out. Austin again got frustrated. He looked at Rock, then Vince, wondering what he had to do to win the match. Vince stood inside the ring and watched. Austin rammed a chair into Rock's chest several times, then bashed him across the back as Vince cheered Austin on, went for another cover, and finally scored the pin. It seemed as if the finish would never come, but that was necessary to get across the storyline that Austin grew so frustrated that he decided to take a shortcut.

After the win Austin stood face to face with Vince in center ring. Austin offered his hand and Vince shook it. Ross said, "Please tell me this isn't happening." Vince seemed tentative of his new alliance with Austin, but they drank a beer together. "Son of a bitch, I don't believe this!" Ross shouted. "Vince drinking a beer with Austin... I thought I knew Austin!"

Very good match. It wasn't full of high spots, but they milked the drama especially well. The Houston crowd wanted an Austin win and weren't quite sure how to react to how he won once he did. Two minutes after scoring the pin, Rock rose. Austin nailed him with the title belt. The Stone Cold Heel Era has begun. (****1/2)

3/19 ROH in Dearborn, Mich.: Tyler Black & Briscoes vs. Wolves & Hero, Petey Williams vs. Austin Aries

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 01:30:30 PST

Ring of Honor show report
March 19, 2010
Dearborn, Mich.
Report by Fred Vall, Torch reader

The card was held at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center, which made for an interesting comparison, as fans lining up to get into the Ring of Honor event mingled with music lovers lining up to see the Dearbon Symphony perform it's Spring Concert. I don't know what the house was for the Symphony, but about 1,000 fans attended ROH. They were treated to a spectacular night of wrestling.

We arrived as a dark match had just concluded with the Bravado Brothers winning. In the next dark match, Bobby Dempsey defeated Eddie Venom (guess who the heel was!) Venom got in plenty of offense before falling victim to a Fireman's Carry driver. The crowd was already red hot.

Fight Network was there filming and they encouraged us all to get into the action. Then, the official card started.

(1) "Skullcrusher" Rasche Brown beat Rhett Titus. The crowd chanted, "You're a virgin" at Titus, alternating with "hep-a-titis." Brown won with a standing backbreaker turned into a face slam.

(2) Kenny King beat Tyson Dux. King came out wearing a suit and was clearly the heel. The crowd was pretty well split between the two. King eventually won with a pin, but my view was blocked at the critical moment, so I missed the winning move.

(3) Kevin Steen & Steve Corino beat Player Dos & Pee Wee. Dos was knocked out of the ring early on, allowing the heels to deliver a prolonged beat down on Pee Wee. Dos eventually entered the ring to save his partner. This was another spirited contest, eventually won by Corino and Steen.

(4) Austin Aries beat Petey Williams. The crowd was again split between the two. Austin got a chant of "where's your title?" and Williams was treated to "you got fired!" Austin berated the crowd for disrespecting the "greatest man in the world" (him). The match itself started strong, but seemed to unravel a bit towards the end, as if they were struggling with how to take the match home. Williams hit a terrific-looking codebreaker, but Aries got the win. The crowd was red hot by this point - just in time for intermission.

After the break, they came back with Colt Cabana and El Generico in tag action against the House of Truth.

(5) Colt Cabana & El Generico beat the House of Truth. Cabana was way over with the crowd. The match itself was a solid tag bout with lots of high-flying action. Cabana used a cradle piledriver to score the win for his team.

(6) Roderick Strong beat Kenny Omega in a Pick 6 Challenge match. It was an old-school "scientific" match. Strong beat Omega with a roundhouse kick and press. There was lots of mat work and nearfalls in this one with the issue in doubt right until the end.

(7) ROH World champion Tyler Black & ROH World tag champions The Briscoes (Jay & Mark Briscoe) beat Chris Hero & The American Wolves (Davey Richards & Eddie Edwards) in a six-man tag main event. This was one of the best matches I have ever seen with spectacular moves in and out of the ring. The match was over 30 minutes long and was a textbook example of story-telling in the ring. The crowd mixed chants of "This is awesome!" with "R-O-H."

Black was on the receiving end of much of the heel team's wrath. At one point, Davey Richards taunted the crowd by saying, "This is your World champion getting his ass kicked," at which point Black began his comeback before tagging in one of the Briscoes. After another burst of action, the Briscoes used the "Tower of Doom" to pick up the win and send everyone home happy (and hoarse).

WWE News: Jim Ross says he's not broadcasting at WrestleMania 26

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 00:23:20 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

WWE announcer Jim Ross has made a point of emphasis on Twitter, his WWE Universe blog, and on jrsbarbq.com that he will not be broadcasting at WrestleMania 26. Ross says he will be attending WrestleMania, but only "as a fan."

Ross said on jrsbarbq.com: "There are no plans for me to broadcast the event at this time. I'm looking forward to seeing old friends and enjoying the weekend as a fan."

Ross on Twitter: "Made travel 4 WMania. Going 2 enjoy it strictly as a fan. ... Lots of folks asking about me going 2 Mania as a fan. I'm good w/ it. 4 date nites w/ the wife ain't bad."

Ross on his WWE Universe blog: "This is officially a business trip but it’s much more than that. I am attending strictly as a fan for the first time that I can recall and I’m looking forward to it."

Caldwell's Analysis: Interesting development one week before WrestleMania. It's a distinct change from Thursday when Ross said he wasn't official for the broadcast, but it could end up with him being assigned to a broadcasting role. The announcing team hasn't been confirmed yet, but WWE going with the three-man combination of Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler, and Matt Striker for four hours might cause some hair-pulling for viewers. It's just not a good combination.

WWE News: Rey Mysterio vs. C.M. Punk now official for WrestleMania 26

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 22:38:17 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

WWE made C.M. Punk vs. Rey Mysterio official for WrestleMania 26 during tonight's episode of WWE Smackdown.

The stipulation on the match is that Mysterio must join the Straight Edge Society if he loses to Punk.

READ MORE:
-- PARKS'S Smackdown TV Report
-- Full WrestleMania PPV line-up

3/19 Wade Keller Hotline - The News: Ross's future, Linda McMahon campaign update, Rock vs. Austin for movie roles, Umaga, Tommy Dreamer, TNA-ECW, Impact replay rating (15 min.)

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 22:21:10 PST

This installment of the Wade Keller Hotline features a look at the latest headlines with some analysis of those news items including Jim Ross's future, Linda McMahon's campaign in Connecticut for Senate, Rock and Austin's converging movie careers, Umaga's cause of death, Tommy Dreamer back in action, prospects of a TNA-ECW angle, the Impact replay ratings, and more.

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PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 3/19: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Jericho on the Cutting Edge

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:00:03 PST

WWE Smackdown review
March 19, 2010
Taped 3/16/10 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Aired on MyNetwork TV
By Greg Parks, PWTorch Columnist

- WWE Open.

- They showed clips of last week’s opening segment, featuring CM Punk crashing Rey Mysterio’s daughter’s birthday party.

- To the arena we went, where Rey Mysterio’s music began, and the master of the 619 walked out. No family in sight this week. Mysterio looked stoic, and the announcers talked in hushed tones about what went down last week. Rey said he hasn’t had a moment of peace in the last week. He said he could only see the tears in his daughter’s eyes from last week, and the stress he has felt is all because of CM Punk. He said Punk crossed a line last week that should never be crossed. Mysterio accepted Punk’s Wrestlemania challenge from last week. But he didn’t want it to be a normal match: He wanted a street fight, to teach Punk a lesson about messing with another man’s family. Rey said that’s a lesson he’s going to teach Punk. Then Punk’s music came on and the Straight Edge Society walked out.

Punk said he wanted to keep a safe distance from the emotional Mysterio, so he stood on the stage. Punk said Mysterio proved last week that he was nothing but a coward and Rey interrupted by telling Punk to keep his family out of this. Punk said Rey’s hatred is no way to solve his problems. Rey called Punk “not human” and a monster for doing what he did last week. Mysterio tried to leave the ring to go after him, but Punk warned him that if Rey lays a finger on Punk between now and Wrestlemania, Mysterio forfeits his opportunity for a match against Punk. Punk said he can see the Straight Edge inside Mysterio. Punk said he had pictures of Rey’s daughter’s birthday party to remind him of the occasion. He put one on the TitanTron of Rey on his knees talking to his daughter from last week. Another, this one of Rey’s family looking toward the ramp in fear of the Society. Next was a picture of Rey’s daughter burying her head into Rey’s hip in tears. Punk said at that moment, Dominic realized that he was tougher than his own father. Punk proclaimed that he could save Rey Mysterio, if he proclaimed Punk as his savior. Mysterio wasn’t taking the bait.

Punk said if Rey joined the Society, he could live up to the Superhero myth that the people have built up for Rey. Mysterio said that would never happen. He said Punk would have to live the rest of his life fighting him every day. Mysterio asked for a yes or no about the street fight. Punk conceded he didn’t like either of the options. He said that if Mysterio can beat Luke Gallows tonight, then Mysterio gets his Street Fight at ‘Mania. If he loses, and loses at ‘Mania, he will be forced to join the Straight Edge Society. Punk said that once Rey joins the Society, he can forget that the moment on the TitanTron ever happened. It was another picture of Rey’s daughter, her head in her hands, with Punk leering toward the family. Mysterio said he would never forget that image, and said he’d beat Gallows, like he’s done before. He then said he’d make sure Punk never forgot the beating he’ll get at Wrestlemania. “May God have mercy on your soul,” said Rey. Good segment, but they’re starting to get a bit too stipulation-happy. I’m hoping Gallows wins, since that would be more interesting than a plain ‘ol street fight.

[Commercial Break]

1 – MVP & MATT HARDY vs. JACK SWAGGER & DOLPH ZIGGLER

Matt Striker mentioned their partnership in the past, and Grisham said they were former champions. Come one guys, they were feuding at the time! And it was quite an epic feud, as well. Back and forth action to start, with Ziggler making the first tag of the match. Grisham lauded the hubris of Swagger. Swagger had the advantage with a forearm to the back of Hardy as they went to break, about 1:10 into the match.

[Commercial Break]

Hardy was still in there with Swagger out of break. Big slam by Swagger, who then hit the Vader bomb for a near-fall. Both men made tags, and MVP landed an overhead throw on Ziggler. Striker noted he was personally pulling for MVP in the MITB match. Ballin’ elbowdrop, but a distraction by Swagger, allowed Ziggler to get some time to recover. Looked like a timing issue, as Swagger and MVP had a stand-off but neither did anything; Hardy didn’t show much alacrity in attacking Swagger, which he eventually did, to take him out of the match. Anyway, Ziggler surprised MVP with a Zig-Zag for the win.

WINNERS: Ziggler and Swagger, at 5:54. About half of that, if not less, was actually shown.

After the match, Ziggler got a ladder from under the ring, put it in the center of the squared circle, climbed it, and retrieved the briefcase. Cross his name off the list of possible winners for Wrestlemania.

- A video aired of the happenings on Jericho’s Highlight Reel from last week.

- They advertised Jericho on the Cutting Edge tonight.

[Commercial Break]

- The video package on Michaels vs. Undertaker aired, with Johnny Cash playing in the background.

- They showed the Walk of Fame in L.A, including Vince McMahon’s star.

- Teddy Long was in his office on the phone when Drew McIntyre walked in. Long said he was impressed that McIntyre is still “technically” undefeated. He did say that McIntyre only won last week because he fought a nobody. Well, not in those words. Long said McIntyre is undefeated, but that ends tonight. He said he was thinking about streaks….like a 17-0 streak at Wrestlemania. Long said he was trying to contact Vince McMahon, but all he got was voice-mail. So tonight, Mac will take on The Undertaker one-on-one. Long took forever to get to that point in this segment.

[Commercial Break]

2 – MICHELLE MCCOOL & LAYLA vs. BETH PHOENIX & TIFFANY

Layla and Michelle McCool wore shirts that read, “Glama-Man.” Beth used her power off the bat, and gave Layla an Airplane spin. “Somebody call Mike Rotundo!” shouted Striker. Tiffany tagged in and immediately registered a near-fall. Suplex by Tiffany for only one, though. Some solid forearms thrown, but Layla put Tiffany on the apron and kicked her. Tiffany got choked on the top rope by McCool, causing her to fall to ringside. Layla whipped Tiffany into McCool, who clotheslined her opponent. McCool tossed Tiffany around like a proverbial rag-doll. Michelle missed a leg-drop and Tiffany made the tag. Back-body drop by Beth, who took the fight to McCool. Standing slingshot suplex (“shades of Tully Blanchard!” – Striker), but Layla interrupted things. Faith-Breaker by McCool was countered. Glam Slam by Phoenix and that’s all she wrote.

WINNERS: Tiffany and Phoenix, at 3:40. Pretty decent match, all things considered.

Vickie Guerrero came out and told Tiffany to leave, as Beth Phoenix owes her an apology. Beth said she apologized last week, but Vickie said that wasn’t good enough. “I was wrong to put my hands on a WWE authority figure, and for that, I apologize,” said Phoenix. Still not good enough, replied Vickie (with an “excuse me” thrown in there). She said she’d make Beth regret putting her hands on her. Guerrero said she is Beth’s superior in more ways than Beth can think of. Vickie then put herself in a match against Beth for next week.

- Another plug aired for Jericho on the Cutting Edge tonight.

[Commercial Break]

- Striker thanked Kevin Rudolf for the use of his song, “I Made It,” as one of Wrestlemania’s themes. Then they showed Rudolf sitting in the front row. That...is not how I pictured him. He didn't look particularly thrilled to be there.

- Edge came out for the Cutting Edge. During his entrance, they showed what happened on the Highlight Reel seven days ago. He didn’t waste much time in introducing Chris Jericho. Jericho was accompanied by his NXT Rookie, Wade Barrett. I can see Barrett playing a vampire, for some reason. Edge remarked that it looked like Jericho and Barrett were ready to go to the prom together. He said he and Jericho are like two expert chess players. Jericho had a look of pure evil on his face during Edge’s diatribe. Edge said his last move would be made at Wrestlemania, and he thinks Jericho knows what that move will be. Jericho said it would be a mistake for Edge to boil down their match at ‘Mania to just one move, as there are many factors going into it. Among other things, Jericho questioned as to whether Edge was 100%. He said Edge tore his Achilles by taking just one step…and what would happen if he deliberately tore Edge’s Achilles again? Edge’s career would be over, that’s what. Edge said there’s a good chance that he may still be injured, but there’s only one way to find out: He dared Jericho to make a move and checkmate him. Instead, Edge went after Jericho. Barrett got involved, allowing Jericho to clip Edge from behind. Edge fought back against both men. He threw Jericho out of the ring and speared Barrett. But then Jericho came in and took Edge down with a Codebreaker. He then worked over the Achilles tendon of Edge. Jericho closed things out by raising the World Title over his head, as a fallen Edge writhed in pain on the mat. Solid segment, and they kept it relatively short, since they basically did the same thing last week.

[Commercial Break]

- They showed the exterior of Universal Studios in LA.

- Highlights of what just happened in the previous segment aired.

- Tonight, Drew McIntyre vs. Undertaker.

3 – THE HART DYNASTY vs. JOHN MORRISON & R-TRUTH

Grisham reminded us that the Harts lost the Triple-Threat tag match to find out who would face Big Show and Miz at Wrestlemania. Big bell-to-belly suplex by David Hart Smith, who tagged out to his teammate Tyson Kidd. Morrison backed out of a suplex and R-Truth made the blind tag. He hit the ropes and nailed Kidd with the Lie Detector for the quick win.

WINNERS: Truth and Morrison, at 1:40. Sad that this is what the Dynasty is relegated to, but it was a good, convincing win for the challengers to the titles at ‘Mania.

- Time for “Word Up” with Cryme Tyme. The word of the day: “Show Down.” Something about a text message challenge to score points. Oh, JTG noted it was the Slim Jim Show Down for ‘Mania after Shad gave the literal definition. Both men proceeded to snap into a Slim Jim, as it were. JTG gave the text code to win prizes.

- Rey Mysterio faces Luke Gallows, with a lot at stake. It’s next.

[Commercial Break]

4 – REY MYSTERIO vs. LUKE GALLOWS

Gallows had some weird, Big Daddy V-like music in coming to the ring with the Society. Mysterio going with the yellow and purple of the L.A. Lakers to garner some subliminal cheap heat. Mysterio set Gallows up for the 619 early in the match, but Gallows turned it into a tilt-a-whirl back-breaker. He then threw Mysterio out of the ring under the bottom rope and wheel-barrowed Rey into the barricade. Mysterio got back in the ring at nine, which fired up Punk on the outside. They went to break about 2:20 into the match.

[Commercial Break]

Gallows had Mysterio locked in a bear-hug out of break. Luke tried to suplex Rey off the top rope, but Mysterio knocked him off. Seated senton of the top from Rey, then a springboard cross-body for a near-fall. Gallows returned fire with a splash onto the back of Mysterio. Bulldog by Rey, who then went to the apron. Springboard leg-drop for only two. Gallows in position for the 619. It connected. Punk tried to sneak into the ring, and Serena tripped Mysterio up as the ref was distracted by Punk. Mysterio fell off the top rope and Gallows capitalized with a pin and the win.

WINNER: Gallows, at 8:55. Another good match between these two.

Mysterio attacked Gallows after the match, while Punk coldly watched, sitting on the apron. Once Mysterio walked a good distance away from Gallows, who by this time was behind the announce table, punk walked over to Gallows as if he was going to help him up. Then Mysterio jumped back over and onto Gallows. Punk stood only a few feet away, looking on. He went down to his knees to help Gallows as Rey just watched. This means if Mysterio loses at Wrestlemania, he must join Punk and his Straight Edge Society.

- The Undertaker faces the undefeated Drew McIntyre tonight.

[Commercial Break]

- The Raw Rebound aired. Focused on the Bret Hart-Vince McMahon contract signing.

- The announcers discussed the Wrestlemania card.

- The Undertaker made his entrance for the main event. It’s next.

[Commercial Break]

- The Raw Rebound aired. Focused on the Bret Hart-Vince McMahon contract signing.

- The announcers discussed the Wrestlemania card.

- The Undertaker made his entrance for the main event. It’s next.

[Commercial Break]

5 – THE UNDERTAKER vs. DREW MCINTYRE

McIntyre tried to stay away from Taker at the start, but the fight quickly went to the outside. McIntyre came back on the offensive, but only briefly. Taker used some soup-bones to punish McIntyre in the corner. He threw Mac clear over the top rope and to ringside. He hit his patented legdrop with McIntyre draped under the bottom rope. Chokeslam, and it found its mark. He signaled for the Tombstone and surprisingly, no distraction from HBK. The move hit and the match was over.

WINNER: Undertaker, at 2:15. Well, it WAS Undertaker, but the I.C. Champion didn’t put up much of a fight. Not sure what the constant losing means for McIntyre – I’d guess a win at ‘Mania, but I’m not so sure now.

As Taker did his pose on the ramp, Shawn Michaels came out and went for a superkick, but Taker dodged it. They wrestled for control until Michaels finally hit it. He jawed at the fallen Taker, then did the Dead Man’s raised fist pose on the ramp.

Greg Parks has been covering Smackdown for PWTorch.com since January of 2007. Comments, questions and feedback are welcome, and can be sent to g_man9784@yahoo.com.

3/19 Bruce Mitchell Audio Show (pt. 1): Chairshots to Head WWE Ban, Jim Ross's potential future, TNA rants, rumor of TNA-ECW angle, more (59 min.)

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:23:11 PST

Torch VIP Members, click on the red VIP Audio Updates button above to access this special edition of the Bruce Mitchell Audio Show ( min.) hosted by Torch editor Wade Keller.

In this episode of the Bruce Mitchell Audio Show with host Wade Keller, they talk about the WWE banning of chairshots to the head, Jim Ross's future potential and the downside of him calling only matches here and there, rumors of a TNA-ECW storyline, does anyone such as Tenay or Bischoff within TNA "know better," a few TNA rants, and more.

DIRECT LINK: 3/19 BRUCE MITCHELL AUDIO SHOW, part one

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TNA News: Impact replay on Thursday night draws more viewers than Monday first-run episode

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:10:26 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

Last night's replay of the March 15 TNA Impact episode averaged 1.16 million viewers, which was more than the number of viewers for the first-run airing on Monday night opposite WWE Raw.

Monday's airing drew 1.10 million viewers and scored a 0.84 TV rating, which was the lowest rating since November 2006.

RELATED STORIES
-- TNA Impact 3/15 ratings
-- Impact quarter-hour break down

CALDWELL'S WEEKLY CHAT w/GREG PARKS - Raw, Impact, NXT, and Smackdown discussed in-depth

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:00:45 PST

James Caldwell: This is Torch assistant editor James Caldwell joined by Torch columnist Greg Parks with our weekly chat fresh off the Friday PWTorch Livecast covering the big news of the week in wrestling. Greg, what jumped out at you the most this week in wrestling with Raw hosted by Steve Austin, Impact leading to a PPV on Sunday, NXT on Tuesday, and Smackdown continuing to build to WrestleMania?

Greg Parks: It's a tie: C.M. Punk and Rey Mysterio's segment on last week's Smackdown, as well as the Big Reveal with Bret Hart this week. Both segments were pretty well-done and really helped put a last-minute surge into the hype for WM. For Mysterio-Punk, it's the continuing build of a feud that just began; for Hart-McMahon, the feud had kinda been on the down-swing lately, and this past week, it picked up a little bit of steam.

Caldwell: Hart-McMahon definitely needed a shot in the arm to pick up some steam heading to WrestleMania after I believe they over-booked the feud trying to stretch out three months of TV. Do you think having Steve Austin in the middle of the program on Raw helped re-elevate that feud and do you think the Big Reveal was a good enough payoff for the TV build-up before people pay money to see a healthy, ready-to-fight Bret Hart getting 12 years worth of revenge on McMahon at WM?

Parks: The payoff worked for me; especially the whole "filming the reveal as Vince turns around" thing. I didn't think Austin being involved affected it one way or another; he was pretty much a non-factor

Caldwell: We all kind of knew where they were going with the payoff; I didn't have a problem with it other than Hart trying to give this drawn-out explanation for the car crash angle. I think there were other ways to get there, perhaps even involving Hart Dynasty actually getting them over using Bret's involvement, but I'm just glad we don't have to see Bret fake hobble on crutches. That became pretty lame after a while. Regarding Steve Austin, did you have a problem with his role being limited or was it understandable so he didn't get in the way of the WM build-up?

Parks: I was kinda surprised WWE limited his role, considering his name and drawing power. But then again, WWE takes WrestleMania season very seriously, and as an example, they didn't try to overexpose Austin like they could've. They did the right thing by building more toward Mania than living in the past with Austin.

Caldwell: Agreed. I was glad to see Austin looking fit and trim, like he could still go out there and be the superstar wrestler he was before. He looked out-of-shape during recent guest appearances and this was refreshing to see him looking good. Everyone wanted the Stunner, but, hey, WWE could always bring him back this summer, especially if The Rock is doing a program, and have Austin give someone a Stunner. They actually saved something for down the road here. What else jumped out at you from Raw, specifically with the WrestleMania Rewind matches?

Parks: A lot of non-finishes, but not really surprising. They all featured main event players who weren't going to be jobbed out cleanly heading into WrestleMania. It was just a way to hype some big-name match-ups to pop a rating.

Caldwell: Do you think they did a decent job getting heat on Sheamus and Legacy, considering no one in the world thinks WWE will have Triple H lose to Sheamus and Legacy hasn't been a credible act in 2010? Also, do you think the Cena-Batista build-up clearly points to Cena winning the title at WrestleMania with so much heat on Batista on TV?

Parks: Yes, yes, and maybe. Legacy has looked good the past two weeks, which was a necessity. Still not sure about the triple-threat match, but there's enough good on the WM card to overlook that one. Sheamus has been portrayed pretty well overall, so I think some people may think he could beat the Game. It does appear that Cena is going to win, but who knows, they could do something that would lead to a rematch at the next ppv where Cena would get his win there.

Caldwell: The key to all the WrestleMania finishes seems to be how WWE can turn those around with gimmicks added at Extreme Rules. If Hunter beats Sheamus, how do they do a re-match where it seems Sheamus can actually win on the second try? I imagine a lot of the finishes will have an eye on the Extreme Rules PPV. Anything else jump out at you from Raw on Monday?

Parks: Gorgeous George getting in the HOF...what did you think about that?

Caldwell: Ah, yes. I think that's a matter of WWE having a weak Hall of Fame class, perhaps Vince McMahon feeling a bit nostalgic, and WWE deciding to put out a movie based on the recent Gorgeous George bio that came out. I think I would have saved that for 2012 for when the movie might be coming out, but it works this year with such a weak HOF class, even though he's not alive. What did you think of the induction?

Parks: I thought it was deserved- George had a lot of influence on pro wrestling (and sports entertainment, really), even to this day.

Caldwell: Agreed. Also, I think the timing became more urgent perhaps because his first wife is 90-something-years-old and they want to pump up their movie division. Let's talk TNA Impact from Monday night. What jumped out at you the most from their effort?

Parks: The lack of follow-up to RVD's debut? I mean, sure, he kicked Sting's ass all around the ring, but soon, Sting was in the ring not selling any of it. Then...nothing else really happened, as it turned back into the Bischoff-Hogan saga. Oh, and lots and lots of blood.

Caldwell: Yes, excessive blood to the point of it not mattering anymore and RVD big-footed. It's just one of those bizarre things where TNA believes they're giving RVD a rub by being in the same air space as Hulk Hogan and Sting. The segment where Jeff Hardy and he were backstage with Hulk Hogan was just a dumb-foundingly stupid segment that made RVD seem like just another guy. It's amazing how they wasted him in two weeks. That has to be one of the headline stories coming out of their first two episodes on Monday night. As far as the Styles vs. Hardy main event match, what did you think of the match, them giving it away on free TV, and their effort building up the match during the show?

Parks: I didn't think it was great that they gave it away but (a) they don't know how long they have Hardy, with his drug trial coming up and (b) they didn't want to lose whatever mojo they had going for the first Impact in the new timeslot, going against Austin on Raw.

Caldwell: I was disappointed with the in-show build-up. They had the show-opening angle, but never really did anything the rest of the show to promote the match, then Abyss and Ric Flair were suddenly inserted into the match as outside players, with Abyss randomly assigned special enforcer. What do you think of the Hulk Hogan storyline development with him continuing to play this Randy "the Ram" figure opposite Sting? Where do you think it's leading to?

Parks: I would say perhaps one last match, but Ric Flair has shown that you never say that in wrestling. I think somehow it'll lead to more of a faction war than in-ring war, with Hogan's team against Bischoff's.

Caldwell: Which we really don't need! There's a way to make it work with Bischoff's hired henchmen opposing Hogan's hired babyfaces, led by the Hummer-driving Abyss, but I would prefer more individual storylines like Kurt Angle vs. Mr. Anderson that really hammers home an issue between two wrestlers, not two non-wrestlers creating issues played out by their hired wrestlers. I don't like that approach. We'll see how it plays out with Hogan, as TNA will typically change course so many times from PPV to PPV that you just don't know. What else jumped out at you from Impact?

Parks: Honestly, not much. Flair did another crazy promo, there was another X Division brawl and the Nasty Boys teamed with Jimmy Hart. 'Nuff said.

Caldwell: Flair is reaching cartoon stage, as is the entire TNA brand with these goofy or going-through-the-motions storylines that I don't feel were created with much conviction. Let's talk NXT. I really did not like Tuesday's episode as they continue to leave the audience in the dark on the concept. What was your impression of this week's NXT show?

Parks: It was okay; they seemed to let the rookies loose a little more, as the pros didn't come to the ring with some of them during their match. Daniel Bryan losing to Khali was just stupid, and with Miz not on the show, they really should've given Bryan a week off as well.

Caldwell: I think the problem with letting the NXT Rookies do their thing is that WWE hasn't developed their personalities. Some of the matches seemed like FCW TV matches, or Vance Archer-type ECW TV matches. The personalities just aren't there yet for many of the Rookies. Khali squashing Daniel was stupid, agreed. I just had no idea what that was all about. It was like Daniel got too over in Week 3 and WWE re-humbled him. Just stupid stuff. When they have the actual voting deal in Week 5, how do you think it will play out - perhaps an elimination or two?

Parks: Thanks to WWE, I have no clue!

Caldwell: Haha, I agree. The criteria doesn't make sense, Striker's weekly "explanation" doesn't add anything, and the announcers send mixed messages on "making an impact" and/or/maybe "winning matches" is important. It's a mess. A big mess. All right, let's wrap up with a discussion on Smackdown ahead of tonight's show that you'll be covering. We talked about this in the Livecast with the show clicking with the mix of undercard and main event talent. What's your impression of where the brand is headed to WrestleMania?

Parks: Edge and Jericho are in the main event, Drew McIntyre is a favorite to win the MITB match, Mysterio vs. Punk should be a real intriguing match with an awesome build thus far, Morrison and R-Truth could be Unified Tag Champs, and the Divas are doing...something. Smackdown is in fine shape.

Caldwell: I'll be interested to see how the make-up is changed up during the Draft next month, as WWE might cycle some current Raw brand mid-carders into that Smackdown star-making machine. I wouldn't be surprised to see Swagger on Smackdown with a look at the main event scene. Related to the Chosen One, if you were a wagering man, do you think Drew McIntyre is in line for a title run by the end of the year?

Parks: I think that's a strong possibility. It may depend on injuries or whatnot, but so far, he's certainly been pushed to that level.

Caldwell: Agreed. It will be interesting to see if WWE continues to push him as hard as they have been, with the MITB match being an opportunity for WWE to put him in the main event scene without him holding a title or being in title matches with the ever-present briefcase looming on TV. All right, Greg, any final thoughts before we wrap up today before you cover Smackdown?

Parks: I think we've covered our bases quite well.

Caldwell:All righty, we'll look forward to your Smackdown report tonight. Always a pleasure!

Parks: Sure thing!

WWE News: Smackdown preview for tonight's show - Cutting Edge returns, Undertaker vs. McIntyre

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:43:45 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

Tonight's episode of WWE Smackdown on MyNetworkTV will feature Edge's "Cutting Edge" talking segment with guest World Hvt. champion Chris Jericho.

It's a role-reversal after last week's show featured Jericho's "Highlight Reel" with Edge as the guest as they continue to build to their World Hvt. Title match at WrestleMania 26.

The Smackdown main event will feature The Undertaker in a rare singles match, with his opponent being Intercontinental champion Drew McIntyre.

Also on the show will be R-Truth & John Morrison vs. Hart Dynasty to continue spotlighting Truth & Morrison as a tag team prior to their Unified tag title match at WrestleMania.

In a Money in the Bank preview match, Matt Hardy & MVP will team up, which seems odd-enough given their history feuding on Smackdown, against Jack Swagger & Dolph Ziggler.

Check back tonight at 8:00 p.m. EST for Greg Parks's live, real-time coverage of tonight's Smackdown.

3/19 PWTorch Livecast & VIP Aftershow: James Caldwell & Greg Parks discuss with live callers TNA PPV, Samoa Joe ideas, Future WWE champs, Smackdown, more (75 min.)

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:32:08 PST

This episode of the PWTorch Livecast with host James Caldwell and co-host Torch columnist Greg Parks has phone calls, emails, and chat room questions on topics in the news including discussion of the TNA Destination X PPV, the lack of great potential wrestling matches on the PPV, TNA changing the mix of wrestling content on TV and PPV, the status of the X Division, why it's not a marketable brand anymore, ideas for how to reintroduce Samoa Joe, future WWE champions, the overall picture of the Smackdown brand, Rey Mysterio and C.M. Punk's program on Smackdown, and much more. In the VIP After-show, Caldwell & Parks take listener questions on TNA's booking in the early days compared to today, why Shawn Michaels is a babyface despite acting like a heel, and more.

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FREE: Friday PWTorch Livecast (3/19) now available featuring James Caldwell & Greg Parks

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:00:52 PST

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WWE SUPERSTARS ROUNDTABLE REVIEWS 3/19: Caldwell, Mezzera, Parks rate and review

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:35:02 PST

James Caldwell, Torch Assistant Editor (7.0)

A fine episode of Superstars with focus on the mid-card Money in the Bank match at WrestleMania. What stood out from this show was Shelton Benjamin showing flashes of brilliance, especially the split-legged springboard moonsault on Kane in the opening match. I've given up on WWE giving Shelton a real look at the main event scene, so anything above expectations will be just fine for Shelton going forward.

The main event six-man tag gave everyone in the MITB match a spotlight opportunity, specifically Christian and Jack Swagger. Evan Bourne would have been a good addition to this match if they wanted to extend to a ten-man tag match. For the MITB match, Yoshi Tatsu would be a good addition if they want to make it an even ten-man tag match.

Meanwhile, with Jack Swagger, I get the sense WWE is preparing to give him a hard look after WrestleMania for a second tier opportunity, either on Raw or on Smackdown if he's drafted. Swagger being involved with Vince McMahon two weeks ago, being spotlighted on Superstars with him having a role at WrestleMania in MITB, and working main events on recent house shows are three pieces of small evidence that could add up to a larger role after WrestleMania. We'll see.

Jon Mezzera, PWTorch.com Contributor (7.5)

I really enjoyed this week's Superstars. The wrestling quality varied from solid (Bellas vs. Jillian & Katie Lea Burchill) to good. It started out with the best match of the night, Kane vs. Shelton Benjamin. I appreciate how Matt Striker set the match up as a chance for both wrestlers to scout each other before Money in the Bank. That was a simple yet effective way to give the match some meaning. Kane and Benjamin worked very well together. This was Kane's best recent singles match and Benjamin showed off his great athleticism. The match even told a story as it focused on Kane's attempts to chokeslam Benjamin who attempted to counter that move a number of times. The six man tag team main event featuring Christian, Mark Henry, Yoshi Tatsu vs. Jack Swagger, William Regal, Zack Ryder was a fun match. They all worked hard and put on an entertaining tag match with a lot of energy.

My only complaint about the show was having to sit through the same WrestleMania Recall that we have already seen on Raw and NXT this week (and will see again on Smackdown). WWE didn't do any of these videos (which in previous years they did quite abundantly) until last week. The problem is that the videos have had the purpose of hyping the following week's guest host for Raw. Therefore, instead of showing a different Recall on each show, they are showing the same on over and over again. By the third time seeing Kane tombstone Pete Rose, I was sick and tired of it.

Greg Parks, PWTorch Columnist (7.0)

All three matches on this edition of Superstars had their strengths. Benjamin vs. Kane was fine for a Kane match, and a good way to plug the MITB match at 'Mania. With the caliber of talent that appears on Superstars, that's really the only WM contest they can use first-run matches to get over. Benjamin and Kane both came out of the match looking pretty good, and it gave the announcers a chance to put over the MITB match.

The Bellas vs. Jillian & Katie Lea was surprisingly good. The Bellas looked the most comfortable they've ever looked in the ring. Katie Lea is a good hand in there for them to play off of as well. The main event was a high-energy finish to the show, with six former ECW guys involved in a Raw Superstars match. Like the first match, most everyone came out looking good, even as predictable as the finish was.

ROH News: Full previews for this weekend's ROH shows in Detroit & Toronto

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:35:11 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

Ring of Honor is in the Detroit and Toronto area this weekend starting tonight in Dearborn, Mich. featuring the ROH World champion and ROH tag champs in a six-man tag match.

-- The main event tonight is ROH champion Tyler Black & ROH tag champs The Briscoes vs. former tag champs The American Wolves (Davey Richards & Eddie Edwards) & Chris Hero.

The other featured matches at the Dearborn show at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center include Roderick Strong vs. Kenny Omega, former ROH champ Austin Aries vs. Petey Williams.

Read the full match line-up and show preview on the link above. Also, check out the ROH Video Wire previewing this weekend's shows and Detroit local press coverage.

-- Saturday night's show in the Toronto area is in Mississauga, Ont. at the International Centre featuring ROH champ Tyler Black & Roderick Strong vs. Austin Aries & Kenny King in a two-out-of-three falls match.

Other featured matches include Kenny Omega vs. Davey Richards, Chris Hero vs. El Generico, Colt Cabana vs. Steve Corino, and Eddie Edwards vs. Petey Williams.

Torch Reader Alert: We're looking for show reports from both events sent to pwtorch@gmail.com.

3/18 WWE Superstars Hits & Misses: Kane vs. Benjamin, WrestleMania Recall, Christian, Tatsu, Henry vs. Swagger, Regal, Ryder

By Jon Mezzera, Torch Specialist — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:22:32 PST

SUPERSTARS HITS

Kane vs. Benjamin: I just really enjoyed this match. This was one of Kane's best recent singles matches. He and Shelton Benjamin worked very well together to put on a good match. I liked how early on Matt Striker said that this was a chance to scout each other before Money in the Bank at WrestleMania. That was a short and simple yet effective way to give a match meaning. The match was built around Kane's chokeslam as he attempted it multiple times during the match and Benjamin countered several of them until the end. Benjamin showed his great athleticism particularly when he hit the split legged moonsault to Kane on the outside of the ring. Striker also did a nice job of selling MIB when reminding the audience what moves like that would be like if ladders were involved.

Six Man Tag: The wrestling action on Superstars this week was quite good. In addition to the Hit above, there was a solid Divas tag match and this good six man tag main event. With the exception of Mark Henry (who I like, but is at the level on the card where he belongs), I would like to see all five of the others in this match given a bigger role after WrestleMania. Sure, Christian has had a decent role on Raw since coming from ECW, is on NXT and is in MIB, and sure Jack Swagger is in MIB too, but they haven't had much focus on Raw. William Regal is too good to not be better utilized. I fear that Yoshi Tatsu and Zack Ryder are going to be totally lost in the shuffle. I understand that it is hard to do. You can't elevate the entire card at the same time. If you elevate Tatsu or Ryder, who do you demote in the process? I get all of that. But, when you see these guys all working hard in a 15 minute long tag match on Superstars to entertain the fans, you see their skills and talent and want to see more of it.

SUPERSTARS MISSES

WrestleMania Recall: This is something that WWE used much more in recent years than this year. Until last week, it seemed like we would go without WrestleMania moments like Pete Rose being tombstoned by Kane. That was fine with me as they have done them so many times in the past (especially last year) that taking a few years off before doing them again would make them seem more special when they return. It isn't a big deal that they have brought them back at the last minute, but in each case, they were really only there to promote the following week's Raw guest host. For that reason, instead of showing a different Recall on each show, they showed the same one of Stone Cold Steve Austin from WM 20 last week. This week they are showing the same one of Rose and by the third time on Superstars, I was sick and tired of seeing it. Part of it is that I am going to be at Raw on Monday and don't particularly want to be reminded that Rose will be the guest host (I really hoped the rumors awhile back were true and that Austin would be the final guest host. Plus Rose has no connection to the Bay Area and if we have to have a guest host, it would have been nice to have a local connection).

Jon Mezzera is PWTorch.com's WWE Hits & Misses Specialist, providing his point of view for Raw, Smackdown, NXT, and Superstars each week. Email him at jmezz-torch@sbcglobal.net.

For another view from the original Hitlist author, compare Jason Powell's views to mine by visiting prowrestling.NET's "Hitlist" section here.

Rock News: Los Angeles Times profiles "The Rock" Dwayne Johnson in new action movie role

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:06:53 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

The Los Angeles Times published a story on former WWE champion "The Rock" Dwayne Johnson stepping back into an action role for the "Faster" movie coming out in November.

Johnson talked about wanting to take a break from the family comedy movies to take a role in an R-Rated movie where he plays an ex-convict with a shady background.

"I'm taking it a different place with this one," Johnson said . "I'm excited about this, it's been some time since I've been in this space. I'm excited to be kicking ass. My genetic make-up is one of physicality. I'm a visceral guy. And career-wise it was time to change it up and keep things interesting."

Johnson's character, known as "Driver," spends most of his time in prison fighting other prisoners, then gets out of prison and begins a hunt for justice targeting the people responsible for his character's prison time.

"I wanted to make sure that with all the violence that's in the movie he still maintains a sense of integrity and righteousness," Johnson said. "That was important. It's very well written so there's a great reservoir that we can work with. There are layers of integrity to him even with all the violence. And there is a lot of violence."

It sounds like quite a far cry from the recent "Tooth Fairy" movie.

WWE/TNA News: Jim Ross evaluates TNA product, suggests Impact move up one hour on Mondays

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:45:18 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

WWE announcer Jim Ross gave an evaluation of the TNA product on jrsbarbq.com this morning, with a suggestion that TNA and Spike TV might want to consider moving Impact to 8:00 p.m. EST with a one-hour lead-in prior to WWE Raw at 9:00 p.m. EST.

"I think that TNA has a lot of work to do before they can begin to find the success that they need and want. Perhaps starting an hour before Raw might help them," Ross said in his Q&A section. "Obviously producing an alternative product is imperative. Their replay on Thursdays isn't a bad idea but Spike really needs to commit with promotional time to give their wrestling product a fighting chance."

Caldwell's Analysis: Brian Hoops and I talked about this issue on the PWTorch Livecast yesterday, as it looks like a mistake for both hours of Impact to go head-to-head with WWE Raw without that lead-in before Raw comes on the air, which their January 4 show benefited from. We'll continue to see how the ratings shake out after the first two weeks in the permanent timeslot, but high on the list of potential changes to help TNA on Monday nights is moving up an hour rather than trying to compete straight-up head-to-head.

TNA News: Jeff Jarrett on TV & radio promoting tonight's house show, Full details on "Evening with the Legends" event

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:20:30 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

-- TNA founder Jeff Jarrett was on the local ABC News affiliate in Pensacola, Fla. and on TK-101 FM today promoting TNA's house show at the Pensacola Civic Center tonight.

The card is virtually the same as last night's show in Hattiesburg, Miss. and Jarrett plugged Kevin Nash signing autographs before the 7:30 p.m. bell time.

If you attend tonight's show, we're looking for a house show report sent to pwtorch@gmail.com.

-- TNA announced full details on the "Evening with the Legends" event on Saturday, April 17 prior to the Lockdown PPV in St. Louis on April 18.

Sting has been added to the line-up that includes Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Bobby Heenan, Baron Von Raschke, Dory Funk, Jr., and Jimmy Hart.

The $299 price tag includes VIP access to the regular Lockdown Fanfest on Saturday morning through Saturday afternoon, plus photo-ops with the Legends at the Ameristar Casino in St. Charles, and early access to the Lockdown PPV (ticket sold separately).

WWE WRESTLEMANIA COUNTDOWN - 2000 PPV Report (WM 16): Rock vs. Hunter vs. Foley vs. Big Show, Angle vs. Benoit vs. Jericho

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:00:50 PST

Leading up to WrestleMania 26 on March 28 in Arizona, we will be publishing a daily WrestleMania PPV flashback report going back to 1992 at WrestleMania 8. We'll be publishing one PPV flashback report around 12:00 p.m. CST every afternoon until this year's WrestleMania.

-- Thursday, Mar. 11 - WrestleMania 8 (1992): Hogan vs. Sid, Warrior run-in
-- Friday, Mar. 12 - WrestleMania 9 (1993): Hart vs. Yokozuna, Hogan wins title
-- Saturday, Mar. 13 - WrestleMania 10 (1994): Razor vs. HBK, Bret vs. Owen
-- Sunday, Mar. 14 - WrestleMania 11 (1995): LT vs. Bigelow, Diesel vs. HBK
-- Monday, Mar. 15 - WrestleMania 12 (1996): HBK-Hart Iron Man match
-- Tuesday, Mar. 16 - WrestleMania 13 (1997): Hart vs. Austin, Sid vs. Taker
-- Wednesday, Mar. 17 - WrestleMania 14 (1998): Austin vs. HBK, Taker vs. Kane
-- Thursday, Mar. 18 - WrestleMania 15 (1999): Rock vs. Austin I
-- Friday, Mar. 19 - WrestleMania 16 (2000):
-- Saturday, Mar. 20 - WrestleMania 17 (2001):
-- Sunday, Mar. 21 - WrestleMania 18 (2002):
-- Monday, Mar. 22 - WrestleMania 19 (2003):
-- Tuesday, Mar. 23 - WrestleMania 20 (2004):
-- Wednesday, Mar. 24 - WrestleMania 21 (2005):
-- Thursday, Mar. 25 - WrestleMania 22 (2006):
-- Friday, Mar. 26 - WrestleMania 23 (2007):
-- Saturday, Mar. 27 - WrestleMania 24 (2008):
-- Sunday, Mar. 28 - WrestleMania 25 (2009):
-- Sunday, Mar. 28 - WrestleMania 26 Live Coverage

***

WrestleMania PPV Flashback Report - WM 16 (2000)
April 2, 2000
Anaheim, Calif. at the Anaheim Pond
Report by Wade Keller, PWTorch editor

-- Find out how to sign up for a Torch VIP membership to access the Torch Staff Audio Roundtable Review of WrestleManias 1-10 right now!

TORCH NEWSLETTER COVER STORY

HEADLINE: WrestleMania 2000: Triple H retains title
SUBHEADLINE: Benoit captures IC Title, Jericho captures European Title, Edge & Christian capture WWF Tag Titles

WrestleMania 2000 could have been the night of Mick Foley. It could have been the night of The Rock. It could have been the night of Triple H. Instead, it was the night for the McMahon family.

The four-way main event seemed to exist mostly so each of the McMahon family members could share credit for being part of perhaps the most successful WrestleMania ever. The McMahon family has been a vital ingredient in the rise of the WWF to the level of success it has reached over the last two years. Still, there is a potential for overkill or self-indulgence. The finish to the WrestleMania main event straddled that line.

McMahon's character has turned so many times - or at least it seems that way - that he may experience the same diminishing returns Eric Bischoff did during his last year on camera for WCW. Major turns should be years apart, not just six or nine months.

Triple H retaining the WWF Title could be seen as a big endorsement by Vince McMahon that he wants to build around Triple H. But Triple H didn't win because of the Pedigree, he won because Vince knocked out Rock with a chair. Granted, heels usually cheat to win, but in this case, because Rock is such a strong character and could survive a clean job, why not have Triple H's win be a little more related to his in-ring abilities rather than McMahon's interference. Why not let Triple H deliver the chairshot, even if McMahon was the one who handed him the chair?

The answer is because Vince McMahon wants to be a central character, not a background character. When there are no other options, that makes sense, but when Triple H is doing such a good job as the top heel, why have him play a back-up role to McMahon?

The main event itself is getting mixed reviews, with many disappointed that WrestleMania wasn't Rock's coronation. Traditionally the WWF gives a big win to the top babyface at WrestleMania. In this case, the big pop came for McMahon's turn. Rock was given a chance to get revenge by delivering the first physical beating that Stephanie McMahon has received. But that wasn't enough to shift the focus to Rock and away from Vince.

Vince has been burned before by wrestlers who felt Vince needed them to be successful. It almost appears that as a defense mechanism - perhaps not even consciously - McMahon is making himself the top star and making sure major angles and storylines involve him. He'll never jump to WCW, demand ownership in the company, refuse to work with other wrestlers, or refuse to do the job.

Mick Foley's return to the ring was a virtual afterthought by the time WrestleMania had ended. It's a good thing No Way Out was built around Foley's retirement because even though it wasn't his last match for a very long time like Foley insists WrestleMania is, at least it was built around Foley until the show went off the air.

Foley's departure from the ring after getting pinned half way into the 36 minute main event was nice, but not memorable. The crowd stood for him, but if Foley stayed around too long, he would risk looking like a spotlight hog. But for all Foley has meant to the WWF, shouldn't he be able to hog the spotlight on his final night in the ring "for a very long time?" He should have, but Foley's return happened for two reasons: Foley wanted the payoff and McMahon wanted the increased buys for the PPV that Foley's participation may have prompted. He did not return at WrestleMania because he made the match or the event better.

Foley favored his ribs early in the match, looked out of shape and uninspired (perhaps even a bit ashamed to be back in the ring so soon), and wasn't able to put in a memorable performance in the ring. In fact, the memory from his last match that might stand out now is his leap off the ring apron toward the announcing table and coming up short, landing on his face instead of his opponent. If nothing else, at least WrestleMania cemented in Foley's mind and the minds of his fans that now was the right time for him to retire.

The main event was the tale of two matches, the first half being the four-way and the second half being a one-on-one match between the WWF's top two stars. The McMahon family ended up borrowing the spotlight during the action, but Rock and Triple H delivered a strong performance that only dragged for a minute or two, which for a 17 minute performance isn't bad. Still, the reliance on brawling in the crowd rather than putting together a masterful performance mostly in the ring is a disappointing shortcut. When Steve Austin relied on crowd brawling (e.g. creating the illusion of action by covering great distances without actually taking any bumps) in the latter months before his surgery, he had an excuse because of the degenerative condition of his neck. Still, Rock and Triple H delivered a very good match. It was one of those matches where something was stirring the pot every second and the match rarely got monotonous.

WrestleMania is often seen as the event where a number of storylines end and the next night on Raw new ones begin. The way this event was booked, it appears Vince McMahon doesn't want to end a good thing and roll the dice on new feuds. WrestleMania was just one stop along the road of the ongoing storylines. Even McMahon's heel turn doesn't cause a major shift in the storylines. The McMahon family is still the center of attention and Rock and Triple H are the two standout contenders for the WWF Title.

The undercard showed that the WWF has great mid-card depth, but that doesn't necessarily result in great chemistry or standout matches. Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho won singles titles (IC and European, respectively), but it didn't mark the start of a huge push for either. Titles mean less than ever because of the rapid fire pace of title changes (Jericho lost it the next night on Raw).

WrestleMania was a good show, but not an event that changed the course of the WWF. Had Foley advertised WM as his final match without the No Way Out tease five weeks earlier, his final performance would have been what WM was remembered for. Maybe WrestleMania 2000 will be remembered as the peak of the WWF's hot run where they failed to make the necessary moves to keep things fresh and bring fan interest to a new level.

KELLER'S MATCH REPORT & ANALYSIS

Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler introduced the program...

(1) Big Bossman & Bull Buchanan beat Godfather & D-Lo Brown when Buchanan pinned D-Lo at 9:08. Not a bad effort, but certainly a flat match. Ice T's monotonous introduction droned on much too long. Godfather showed more energy than usual, but it wasn't enough to bring this to an even average match. The match was so bland, Ross had time to talk about Pete Rose and all of the countries that were represented by fans in the crowd. A top rope legdrop by Buchanan finished off D-Lo who appears to still be paying the price for reports that he shot his mouth off backstage at Nitro a few months ago about how he would get out of his WWF contract and join Russo in WCW. (*)

(2) Hardcore Holly won a Hardcore Battle royal by being the last champion at the 15:00 mark. Participants were Tazz, Pete Gas, Rodney, Joey Abs, Crash Holly, Taka Michinoku, Funaki, Bradshaw, Faarooq, and Hardcore Holly. There were several official title changes within the match. Tazz pinned Crash at 0:30 after a Tazzplex to win the title. Viscera pinned Tazz at 1:00 to win the title. Funaki pinned Viscera after help from the APA at 7:15. Rodney pinned Funaki at 8:10. Joey Abbs pinned Rodney at 8:34. Thrasher pinned Joey Abbs at 8:55. Pete Gass pinned Thrasher at 9:30. Tazz pinned Gass at 11:15. Crash pinned Tazz at 14:26. Hardcore pinned Crash seconds later, just as the 15 minute time limit expired. The finish was messed up since Crash appeared to lift his shoulder and the pin came after the time limit expired. Mostly it was just weapons being used somewhat indiscriminately throughout the match with little long-term selling, yet it was watchable most of the time. (*3/4)

(3) Test & Prince Albert (w/Trish Stratus) beat Al Snow & Steve Blackman when Albert pinned Blackman at 7:04. Snow brought a small person dressed up as a block of cheese to ringside. The crowd was dead for the mascot and for the match. Test, Albert, and Stratus have no chemistry together. (*)

(4) Edge & Christian beat The Dudleys and The Hardys to capture the WWF Tag Team Titles at 23:30. Very good highspot ladder match. Jeff hit a 450 degree flip splash onto a chair when Buh Buh moved out of the way. Buh Buh hit a senton on a ladder that was laid across the chest of Jeff. Buh Buh failed his IQ test. Why would you back splash a ladder even if it's on top of your opponent? The spots with the ladders continued with the ladder used as a prop and a weapon. Christian dove off a ladder onto the floor. At 7:00 in one of the best moves of the match, Edge came off the top rope and speared Jeff off of the ladder. Buh Buh gave Christian a 3D off a ladder. The overhead camera gave an awesome view of the move on a replay. The Hardys double-suplexed D-Von off of a ladder. The crowd stood for that move. There were three ladders and at 12:00 all six wrestlers climbed the ladders at once. Christian and Jeff bumped off the ladder over the ropes to the floor. Edge and Matt bumped off the ladders a second later and ended up straddling the top rope. The Dudleys then sandwiched Christian between two ladders and gave Edge a 3D at 13:45. The Dudleys put a table on top of two ladders and began to climb. The Hardys stopped the Dudleys from climbing to the top. Buh Buh powerbombed Matt off of the ladder through a table below. In the end, a table had been set on top of two ladders in the ring. Matt was about to grab the tag belts hanging from the ceiling when Edge and Christian knocked him off the platform. Matt crashed through a table onto the mat below as Christian and Edge grabbed the tag belts. This was a better than usual stunt match because there weren't as many convoluted pauses to set up moves and those long, slow, awkward climbs of the ladder were absent. A thoroughly enjoyable athletic showcase. (****)

(5) Terri (w/Fabulous Moolah) pinned Kat (w/Mae Young) at 2:24. Val Venis was the special referee. Before the match he said, "WrestleMania comes only once per year, but the Big Valbowski comes once every night." (Hmmm, only once per night?) Val made out with Terri early in the match. Kat got jealous and kissed Val. Lawler seemed a bit jealous during commentary at that moment. Mae stood on the ring apron and tried to show her puppies. Val struggled to keep her top on. Kat threw Terri out of the ring to win the match, but Val was preoccupied with Mae. Moolah threw Terri back into the ring. Mae entered the ring and tried to interfere. Val tried to stop her, so Mae kissed her. Moolah then dragged Kat out of the ring. When Val escaped Mae's suction, he saw Terri in the ring alone and awarded her the match. Terri wore a skin tight black outfit. After Moolah interfered and cost Kat the match, Kat ripped off Terri's tights revealing a skin colored, barely existent thong. Entertaining for what it was. (NR)

Backstage Eddie Guerrero bragged about Chyna being enamored with him and his Latin heat. Saturn told Eddie to calm down because "you're not the only good looking guy in this group." Funny line and delivery by Saturn. In another room, Chyna saw Eddie's gloating on the monitor and told Too Cool he was disgusting.

(6) Chyna & Too Cool beat The Radicals when Chyna pinned Eddie Guerrero at 9:38. Eddie pretended Chyna had a crush on him, yet frantically avoided locking up with her early in the match. Chyna danced during the match with Too Cool which got a good pop. At 5:00 Scotty did the worm which got the fans on their feet. Guerrero is starting to get his confidence back as it's clear the WWF is giving him a chance to shine as a heel. At 6:45 Saturn went for a top rope elbow that looked really good except for the fact that he overshot Scotty and missed almost entirely to the point that Ross had to acknowledge it. Chyna didn't do a lot in the match, but what she did do looked solid. Chyna finished off Guerrero with a testicular claw, a press slam, and a sleeper stunner for lack of better term. More of a spot-match than a match with any sense of building momentum. (**)

(7) Kurt Angle lost both of the title belts in a three-way match with Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho: Chris Benoit pinned Chris Jericho at 8:13 to capture the IC Title after a top rope headbutt; Chris Jericho beat Chris Benoit with the Walls of Jericho at 13:52 to capture the European Title after Benoit missed a top rope headbutt and Jericho hit the springboard moonsault. The match slowed to a crawl early with low crowd heat. Benoit is a world class worker with few faults in the ring, but Angle and Jericho are stronger personalties than they are workers. Angle executed a surprisingly graceful (and uncharacteristic) moonsault off the top rope; it missed, but it looked good. Angle can now complain about losing both belts even though he didn't get pinned or submit. The three-way format killed any chance the match had of building steam since wrestlers were preoccupied with avoiding tripping over each other most of the time. (**3/4)

(8) Kane (w/Paul Bearer) & Rikishi beat X-Pac & Road Dogg in 4:20. This was the match that was sandwiched between the two top matches that could be cut down if time constraints dictated. The show was running long, so this was all about ring intros and the post-match fun. Bearer and Tori got in each other's faces at ringside before the match. Rikishi (or "Rawkishi," as Ross would say) teased shoving his butt in Tori's face in the corner early in the match. DX dragged her out of the ring before it happened. At 2:00 X-Pac hit the Bronco Buster on Rikishi and followed up with a series of kicks. Rikishi made a comeback and did a somersault into the corner to tag in Kane. At 4:00 Bearer threw Tori into the ring at which point Rikishi rubbed his butt in her face in the corner of the ring for a big pop. Kane then gave X-Pac a tombstone for the clean win out of nowhere. (*)

After the match, Too Cool came to the ring and got the crowd to stand and clap. Before anyone could dance, the Famous (San Diego) Chicken came to the ring to dance with Too Cool and Rikishi. The fans chanted "Ri-ki-shi." After they danced, Kane began to choke the chicken. Pete Rose made the save with a baseball bat. Kane chokeslammed Rose again. Rikishi then sat in Rose's face. Rose seemed to have a smile on his face, actually.

Kevin Kelly interviewed Rock who said, "Finally, The Rock has come back to WrestleMania." He said he would do whatever it took to win the title for his fans.

(9) Triple H (w/Stephanie McMahon) retained the WWF Title against Big Show (w/Shane McMahon), Rock (w/Vince McMahon), and Mick Foley (w/Linda McMahon). Foley came out first. Ross said Linda brought Foley back because it was the right thing to do. Big Show came out second, followed by Rock and Triple H. Big Show was eliminated first at 4:50 after a Rock Bottom. Mick Foley was eliminated second at 19:43 after a Triple H Pedigree onto a chair. Triple H finally pinned Rock after Vince McMahon turned heel by hitting Rock with a chair. Triple H hit a Pedigree and scored the win. Big Show got in early offense which indicated he was doing an early job - and he did, to a Triple H Pedigree. Rock was going to hit Triple H with a People's Elbow, but Foley intervened and gave Rock the Mandible Claw. It was an interesting experiment to see whether the crowd would cheer or boo. They booed. Rock was more popular than Foley, or at least The People's Elbow is more popular than the Mandible Claw. Foley injured his ribs early in the match which hampered his performance. When he dove off the ring apron, he came up short and failed to drive Rock through the Spanish announcing table. Triple H hit two elbowdrops before the table would collapse. Foley went down for the pin after a sloppy Pedigree on a chair by triple H. Foley saluted the crowd, and for a moment the crowd's attention shifted to Foley's departure from the ring. Foley did return to the ring to get in one last shot on Triple H. The Triple H vs. Rock battle spilled into the crowd and toward the entryway, resembling last year's Rock vs. Austin WM main event. There was too much brawling in the crowd late in the match. The McMahon family got involved including a Vince vs. Shane brawl that saw Vince gig his forehead after a chairshot. In the end, Vince returned to the ring and hit Rock with a chair instead of Triple H. Rock kicked out, but Vince followed up with another chairshot and Triple H hit a Pedigree and Rock stayed down for three. (****)

Umaga News: Full details on "Umaga" Eddie Fatu's death - heart disease a contributor

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:30:33 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

Former WWE wrestler "Umaga" Eddie Fatu died from a combination of acute toxicity, heart disease, and a failed liver, according to the full autopsy & toxicology report released by the Harris County, Texas chief medical examiner, obtained by wrestling author Irv Muchnick.

Details of Fatu's "acute toxicology" were released on March 1, which indicated Fatu mixed a lethal combination of hydrocodone (painkillers), carisoprodol (Soma muscle-relaxer), and diazepam (anxiety medication).

The secondary contributor to Fatu's death, according to the toxicology report, was "hypertensive cardiovascular disease." The report specifies hypertrophy of the heart and pulmonary congestion.

The diagnosis of hypertensive cardiovascular disease calls into question WWE's Wellness Policy, which requires WWE wrestlers to be tested every two years. WWE has not disclosed whether Fatu underwent a cardiovascular test during either of his two runs with WWE prior to his final release in June 2009.

WWE's Wellness Policy includes the following item, with no specifics on what creates a situation for "more frequent" testing "when circumstances warrant."

All WWE talent undergo an extensive cardiovascular stress test before they are offered a contract by WWE, and subsequently tested at least biennially while under contract (more frequently as and when circumstances warrant). Dr. Bryan Donohue, Division Chief of Cardiology at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Shadyside Hospital, and Senior Partner at Donohue Cardiology Associates, administers WWE’s cardiovascular testing and monitoring program.

Caldwell's Analysis: As I've said before related to concussion testing, unless WWE actually discloses the application of their Wellness Policy, it's merely words on paper. The biggest question related to this item in the policy is whether WWE's contracted doctor detected signs of heart disease. The next biggest question is what constitutes more frequent heart-testing "as circumstances warrant?" WWE, as a publicly-traded company, needs to actually publicly disclose the application of their policy. Right now, the policy, WWE, and the doctor do not look good if there were signs of Fatu having heart disease that went unchecked during his time in WWE.

UFC News: Tito Ortiz denies rumors he left TUF early, says he's still fighting Chuck Liddell

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:04:29 PST

Multiple reports came out last week stating that Tito Ortiz had not finished out the filming of The Ultimate Fighter and that Rich Franklin had been brought in and would face Chuck Liddell this June when the season was finished... [CLICK TO FULL STORY AT OUR SISTER SITE - MMATORCH]

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WWE News: Evan Bourne talks first WrestleMania, MITB match, dangers of Shooting Star Press

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:36:37 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

WWE wrestler Evan Bourne talked to College News (click for the full interview) about WrestleMania 26, his first WrestleMania match this year, the Money in the Bank ladder match, and some risk factors that come into play when attempting his Shooting Star Press finisher that most people don't think about.

-- Bourne predicted that his role in WWE will continue to increase after WrestleMania and he's looking to make an impression in the Money in the Bank match at WrestleMania. He refreshingly emphasized that the object is to actually grab the briefcase and not just do spots, but he said he'll be looking to stand out on WrestleMania this year.

"I’ve spend the last ten years trying to make it in wrestling and get some recognition. Now I’m at a stage where I can grab that recognition in one night, where I can cement my name in wrestling history," Bourne said. "From then on, I have a reputation to live up to, to the standard I set at Wrestlemania that will continue on through the rest of 2010. My role in WWE is only going to grow and expand and I’m really going to give the fans their entertainment dollar’s worth."

-- Despite Bourne's "Air Bourne" Shooting Star Press finisher becoming almost routine, Bourne said it's still risky because he could always slip on sweat or baby oil (looking at you, Randy Orton) deposited on the turnbuckles that could cause him to slip and "end his career."

"It’s always scary because the top rope is a variable. ... Maybe there have been guys before me that have been sweating and bleeding all over the place and maybe that’s on my shoe or it’s on the top rope. Or maybe its baby oil, who knows what it could be?" Bourne said.

"Anything that could make me slip could be the end of my career. So every time I go up there, I’m extremely serious. ... I’ve had to stand on one side of the rope or jump off sideways. Everybody likes to think they guy’s just going to be laying there for me, but that’s never the case. When you’re flying off the top rope he’s never where you want him to be. Sometimes I just throw caution to the wind and go for it."

Other News: Booker T, Mr. Anderson, Tommy Dreamer headlining New York show tonight

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:25:19 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

The Northeast Wrestling (NEW) promotion is running a show tonight in Spring Valley, New York with a headline match of Booker T vs. TNA wrestler Mr. Anderson.

Also featured on the show will be former WWE wrestlers Tommy Dreamer and Paul London, plus TNA Knockouts Angelina Love vs. Velvet Sky in a singles match.

Dreamer will be in a singles match against former WWE wrestler Romeo Roselli of the Heartbreakers tag team.

FYI: Prior to the show, there will be an autograph signing with most of the top stars. Bell time at Spring Valley High School is 7:30 p.m. For more details, visit northeastwrestling.com.

RELATED STORIES
-- Dreamer talks WWE subjects
-- Dreamer talks potentially joining TNA

WWE News: Overview of a controversial and successful week for Linda McMahon

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:51:38 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

Former WWE CEO Linda McMahon picked up good news on Wednesday when she passed Republican opponent Rob Simmons in the latest Connecticut Senate race poll.

However, the week started with negative publicity for a revelation that McMahon and husband Vince McMahon own a power boat in Florida called the "Sexy Bitch." As the news spread throughout the week, several local news agencies in Connecticut ran stories questioning the conservative values of a candidate with a vehicle name that seems to be below reproach.

The Day publication contacted Linda McMahon's campaign for an explanation. Naturally, a spokesman pointed the finger elsewhere at other boats docked in Boca Raton, Fla. with even worse names than the McMahon's.

The Day reports the follow up explanation from a spokesman was: "Because it was approved by the Coast Guard, it's not deemed to be over the line." The spokesman added that Vince McMahon named the boat.

Caldwell's Analysis: Linda's past - and association with Vince McMahon - continues to be an issue for her Senate campaign. Being married to Vince afforded her the opportunity to even be in this Senate race, but it's also a regular headache with Vince's quirks and tastes in humor that have regularly been featured on WWE TV through the years. Not to mention the issue of occupational health issues that McMahon has still not answered to other than pointing to the recent implementation of the Wellness Policy that doesn't account for a decade before 2006.

WWE News: Weekend house show preview - Raw in three states, Smackdown on Sunday

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 01:05:23 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

WWE has four house shows this weekend with three Raw brand shows and one Smackdown show. John Cena is the top star advertised for the Raw brand's tour.

Raw will be in El Paso, Tex. tonight, then Tuscon, Ariz. on Saturday night, and Reno, Nev. on Sunday afternoon.

Smackdown will be in Sacramento, Calif. on Sunday afternoon with all the top stars including The Undertaker, Rey Mysterio, World Hvt. champion Chris Jericho, C.M. Punk, and Edge.

Torch Reader Alert: If you attend a house show this weekend, we're looking for reports sent to pwtorch@gmail.com.

3/18 TNA in Hattiesburg, Miss.: A.J. Styles vs. The Pope, Nash & Young vs. Beer Money, Jarrett vs. Wolfe

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:33:28 PST

TNA house show report
March 18, 2010
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Report by Scott Atwood, Torch reader

I just got back from the TNA show at the Lake Terrace Convention Center in Hattiesburg, Miss. The place was packed and there appeared to be about 1,200 people in the place. The crowd was hot most of the night up until the main event when I think we were all getting a little tired. Here is a rundown of the happenings of the night.

Jeremy Borash came out to excite the crowd with promises of backstage passes. He did this several times during the night and throwing out some to random people, promising that whoever cheered the loudest would get the pass.

(1) Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) beat Generation Me (Jeremy Buck & Max Buck). The crowd was super hot for the opening match and ate up every move from these guys. The Guns got the win in usual fashion. Great opening match.

(2) Knockouts champion Tara beat Daffney to retain the Knockouts Title. The match was slow and sloppy at times. Tara got the win with a roll-up.

(3) X Division champion Doug Williams beat Daniels and Homicide in a three-way match to retain the X Division Title. The crowd was hot for this one also and was in love with Daniels, cheering him on the entire match. Williams got the win with the Chaos Theory rolling German suplex on Daniels.

Desmond Wolfe came out and cut a promo calling the crowd Mississippi morons and churned up some cheap heat, then began cutting into The Pope before settling on Jeff Jarrett. He said he was going to tear down TNA and start with the foundation, and that foundation is Jarrett.

(4) Jeff Jarrett beat Desmond Wolfe. There was a lot of playing to the crowd in this match. Jarrett was clearly the fan favorite and there were nothing but boos for Wolfe. Jarrett got the win clean.

Jarrett said on Twitter about the match: "Just got out of the ring w/Desmond. They don't make them like that anymore. He's not afraid to be the bad guy."

Jeremy Borash advertised merchandise before sending us to intermission.

After the break, Beer Money promised backstage passes, but not to anybody in Hattiesburg because we invented the toothbrush...and everyone should know that because if it were invented anywhere else, it would be called a teethbrush. Kevin Nash and Eric Young came out and Young showed more personality during this one night than I've witnessed his entire TNA career. The crowd also loved him, chanting his name on several occasions.

(5) Kevin Nash & Eric Young beat Beer Money (James Storm & Robert Roode). The match was full of comedy bits, mostly involving sexual innuendo and penis jokes from Beer Money. Apparently Robert Roode stuffs his trunks with a sock and Beer Money is equal to the Ambiguously Gay Duo. After all of the comedy, Nash hits his lazy powerbomb for the win.

(6) TNA World Hvt. champion A.J. Styles beat "The Pope" D'Angelo Dinero to retain the TNA World Hvt. Title. Styles won with assistance from Desmond Wolfe. The crowd was completely worn out by the time the main event rolled around, so these two had a tough job keeping everyone involved. Good match with some mat work and a bit of back and forth. Both guys got a chance to get in their signature offense. Wolfe came down when Pope had the upper hand, caused a distraction, and gave Styles the quick win. There was a Pope beat down afterwards, but that was thwarted by Jeff Jarrett.

After the show, Generation Me, Eric Young, Daniels, and The Pope signed autographs. Jeff Jarrett stayed in the ring. For the low, low price of $20, you and your crew could get in the ring with him and take a picture that would be printed on the spot. All in all, a good show for a packed house. JB promised they would be back, and from the way the crowd stayed hot for practically the entire show, I believe him.

WWE News: Details on Bret Hart book signing during WrestleMania weekend & new Bret Hart documentary

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:08:17 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

-- WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart is scheduled for a meet & greet autograph appearance on Friday, March 26 during WrestleMania weekend in Avondale, Ariz.

Hart's appearance is scheduled for Friday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. at the Best Buy on W. McDowell St. Full details on Bret Hart's website.

-- The Fight Network is premiering a new Bret Hart documentary titled "Survival of the Hitman" on Monday night, March 22 at 7:00 p.m. EST.

The two-hour documentary will review Hart's career triumphs and tragedies as part of his return to WWE after a 12-year absence.

The documentary will then replay on the Fight Network at 11:00 p.m. EST on Monday night.

CALDWELL'S WWE SUPERSTARS TV REPORT 3/18: Complete coverage of six-man ECW Reunion, Shelton vs. Kane

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:00:37 PST

WWE Superstars TV Report
March 18, 2010 - Week 49
Taped the Week of March 15
Report by James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

The WWE show started with some good old fashioned Hellfire and Brimstone to bring out Kane for the opening singles match on the show. Smackdown announcers Todd Grisham and Matt Striker were shown in the darkened arena covered in red lighting as Kane completed his intro. Shelton Benjamin then came out as they spotlighted the Money in the Bank briefcase hanging above the ring. Striker was so excited that his voice cracked talking about the ladder to be used in the MITB match at WrestleMania.

1 -- KANE vs. SHELTON BENJAMIN

Kane started on the offensive as Striker interjected that this match is important due to the wrestlers trying to feel each other out to scout their tendencies for MITB. I'll take it. Shelton made a comeback and hit a cross-body splash for a two count. Kane then teased the chokeslam, but Shelton blocked. Kane then tried a top rope move, but Shelton crotched him and knocked him to the floor. Shelton suddenly took a page out of RVD's book with split-legged springboard moonsault off the middle rope to the floor, crashing into Kane. Shelton showing something new from the repertoire on a Thursday night. Let's grab a break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Shelton and Kane battled back and forth, then Shelton hit a bulldog from the middle rope on Kane for a two count. Kane then came back with a sidewalk slam for a two count of his own. Lots of back-and-forth in the match tonight. Kane then went up top and landed a flying clothesline. He called for the end, but Shelton grabbed the ropes to block the chokeslam. Kane then hit a boot to the gut before Shelton bounced off the ropes and floated over Kane into a DDT for another close count. Kane tried to comeback with the chokeslam again, but Shelton blocked and hit a step-up kick to the head. Kane suddenly met him with an uppercut before grappling Shelton for another chokeslam attempt, this time connecting center ring. Kane with the cover and the win on the way to WrestleMania.

WINNER: Kane in 11:00. Nice back-and-forth match with Shelton getting in plenty of good offense (including the split-legged moonsault) to still look good in defeat. One of these days, WWE is going to get behind Shelton if he continues to have solid performances that make management take notice. Well done. (**)

Main event to come: Christian & Mark Henry & Yoshi Tatsu vs. Jack Swagger & William Regal & Zack Ryder.

WrestleMania plug: The Undertaker. Shawn Michaels. WrestleMania 26. Johnny Cash. That's all you need to know.

[Q2]

[Commercial Break. Nice "Damage" DVD plug.]

WrestleMania Recall: Back to 1998 for WrestleMania 14 with Pete Rose taking the Tombstone from Kane. ... Raw announcers: Michael Cole plugged Pete Rose hosting the final Raw before WrestleMania on Monday night. Jillian Hall's music then hit to bring out Hall and Katie Lea Burchill, who cut a heel pre-match promo before Jillian started singing awfully to set up the Bella Twins for a babyface reaction in their hometown of San Diego.

2 -- JILLIAN HALL & KATIE LEA BURCHILL vs. BELLA TWINS

The match followed the usual script of the heels in control to start the match. They showed the Bellas's mom on the front row watching the action as Brie tried to warm up the crowd for a hot tag. Jillian eventually lost control and in came Nikki with a flurry of offense. The action broke down and Katie Lea was bounced to the floor, creating a two-on-one situation for the Bellas to take advantage of setting up a pin on Jillian for the win. Momma Bella looked on approvingly from ringside as the Bellas celebrated the victory.

WINNERS: Bellas in 5:00. Pretty rough around the edges in-ring, as the women on the Raw brand aren't afforded many opportunities to have actual TV matches and develop in-ring skills. The result was a no-brainer with WWE giving the Bellas their shine in their hometown.

[Q3]

[Commercial Break]

Superstars profile: Chris Jericho. The video marched through Jericho's heel run, while also including some old-school footage of baby-faced, long-haired Jericho clutching his past title belts, including the Undisputed Title. Nice video.

Announcers: Cole and Lawler were shown on-camera talking about Jericho having his hands full with Edge at WrestleMania 26. ... Raw Rebound: The announcers fed to the Raw recap on Bret Hart's Big Reveal at the contract signing officiated by "Stone Cold" Steve Austin after Vince McMahon signed on the dotted line for a WrestleMania match. "Bret Hart is 100 percent," was Lawler's line echoing in the video recap.

In-ring: Jack Swagger came out first for the six-man tag main event finishing off the show. They cut to break with Swagger doing his loud, in-your-face ring intro.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Back from break, William Regal was in the ring as Zack Ryder and Rosa Mendes their ring entrance to round out the heel trio. The ECW Brand Reunion match continued with Mark Henry coming out first for the babyfaces, followed by Yoshi Tatsu, then Christian. It's odd not seeing Christian holding a title belt anymore. The announcers plugged the sponsors of the show, including the cast from the "Hot Tub Time Machine" movie. Cole slipped in that they'll be hosting Raw coming up. That was a rare un-official guest host plug on WWE TV.

[Q4]

3 -- CHRISTIAN & YOSHI TATSU & MARK HENRY vs. JACK SWAGGER & WILLIAM REGAL & ZACK RYDER (w/Rosa Mendes)

The match started with Ryder in there with Yoshi, then Christian tagged in and Ryder ran over to the heel corner to bring in Swagger. Swagger showboated, so Christian brought in Henry and Swagger licked his lips ready for a fight. Henry was then distracted by Ryder, so Henry yanked him into the ring and suplexed both Ryder and Swagger. Christian and Yoshi then clotheslined Swagger to the floor before Henry press-slammed Ryder over the top rope onto Swagger. Babyfaces in control going to break.

[Commercial Break. Prior to cutting break, they rolled a preview of the new Shawn Michaels DVD. All they need to do on the final Raw before Mania is play the five-minute video package that begins the HBK DVD and they'll get tears flowing and PPV buys rolling in. It's one of the better videos I've seen WWE produce in a long time.]

Back from break, Christian and Regal were opposite each other before locking up center-ring. Regal absorbed a quick two count, then landed a knee strike and brought in Jack Swagger, who busted out a sweet-looking standing powerslam. That was worth the price of admission. Yoshi then tagged in for Christian and landed elbow strikes on Swagger before Swagger yanked him down across the middle rope. Lawler said he hung out with Yoshi the other day after lunch. He said Yoshi knew he was lost because he ordered sushi well-done. Oh, King. Ryder tagged in and worked over Yoshi before tagging in Regal, who landed a kick to the gut.

Swagger then re-entered and worked over Yoshi before missing with his running Vader bomb out of the corner when Yoshi got his knees up. Christian took a hot tag and entered with a flapjack on Ryder. He then gave a shout-out to Rosa before delivering an uppercut. The action broke down momentarily before Christian airballed a cross-body block from the top rope and Ryder hit a neckbreaker for a two count. Ryder tried a move off the ropes, but Christian countered with a sit-out slam. The action completely broke down at this point and Christian hid a pendulum kick on Ryder before coming off the second rope with a flying European uppercut. Christian then snapped off the Killswitch with emphasis and Christian picked up the win on Ryder for the win.

Post-match: And now, everyone dance. Christian, Yoshi, and Henry stood tall with Yoshi jumping up and down happy with the win. The heels retreated up the ramp and Christian surveyed the crowd looking for Peeps as they wrapped the show.

WINNERS: Team Christian in 15:00. Based on this show, WWE sure is presenting Christian as the favorite for Money in the Bank. Swagger is a close second based on the emphasis on him pre-match and during the match. Kane would have to be third based on the earlier victory in the show. Of course, Drew McIntyre has to be the overall favorite, but this show put the emphasis on Christian. Overall, a fine six-man tag match with a good in & out flow and mix of stars. (**)

We welcome your 0-10 score and comments on this show for a "WWE Superstars TV Reax" feature in the Torch Feedback section of PWTorch.com. To contribute your thoughts on Superstars, email to pwtorch@gmail.com using our Feedback form.

TNA News: Impact replaying on Spike TV & TNA begins house show tour tonight

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:05:41 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

-- Spike TV will be replaying Monday night's edition of TNA Impact in the old Thursday night timeslot at 9:00 p.m. EST tonight.

The March 15 show was originally not going to air in the Thursday timeslot, but Spike added the replay for the second straight week.

Last week's replay drew nearly the same rating as the live Monday night show. This week's Impact on Monday night then slipped to the lowest rating since November 2006.

-- TNA begins a two-night weekend house show tour tonight prior to the Destination X PPV on Sunday. Tonight's show will be in Hattiesburg, Miss. and Friday night's show will be in Pensacola, Fla. prior to the PPV in Orlando.

The tour features rare house show appearances by Kevin Nash and main events of TNA World Hvt. champion A.J. Styles vs. "The Pope" D'Angelo Dinero in a Lockdown PPV preview.

Also returning to the TNA touring schedule is Homicide, who will be in an X Division match with Doug Williams and Daniels. Also, Motor City Machineguns will face Generation Me (Young Bucks) in tag action.

Knockouts action includes Tara vs. Daffney. Jeff Jarrett, Beer Money, and Desmond Wolfe are also being advertised.

Torch Reader Alert: We're looking for live reports on both shows sent to pwtorch@gmail.com.

3/18 PWTorch Livecast & VIP Aftershow: James Caldwell & Brian Hoops discuss with live callers TNA panic time?, Jim Ross at WM26, Trivia on Gorgeous George, more (93 min.)

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:09:32 PST

This episode of the PWTorch Livecast with host James Caldwell and co-host Torch nostalgia specialist Brian Hoops has phone calls, emails, and chat room questions on topics in the news including discussion of whether TNA Impact should shift Monday timeslots, whether it will be viewed as a major mistake to go directly head-to-head, TNA's booking in reverse, the lack of "big arena" setting for Impact, whether Jim Ross will announce at WrestleMania 26, if his announcing on PPV could take away from TV, and more, plus the debut of Torch Trivia Thursday. In the VIP Aftershow, Caldwell & Hoops discuss WrestleMania build-up, the faults with the Bret Hart-Vince McMahon storyline, why they didn't need a storyline, plus Nostalgia discussion on Corsica Joe, Sandy Scott, Joe Hill, Gorgeous George, and the over-riding reason why older wrestlers are regularly in the news upon death and why it won't happen with the current generation of wrestlers.

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UFC NEWS: UFC 114: Evans vs. Jackson officially announced for May 29 in Las Vegas

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:05:52 PST

The long awaited bout between The Ultimate Fighter season ten coaches Rashad Evans and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson is finally coming, as the UFC on Thursday officially announced their expected headlining fight for UFC 114 on May 29th... [CONTINUE TO FULL ARTICLE & ANALYSIS]

FREE: Thursday PWTorch Livecast (3/18) now available featuring James Caldwell & Brian Hoops

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:00:00 PST

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WWE News: Jim Ross updates his WrestleMania 26 & WWE contract status

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:33:41 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

WWE announcer Jim Ross says he does not know what his role will be at WrestleMania 26, but it could turn out at the end of the day that he will be broadcasting a portion of the PPV.

Ross, who has not called WWE TV since October 2009 on the Smackdown brand, will be in Phoenix for WrestleMania next weekend to, at the very least, attend the weekend events.

"I still don't know what I'm specifically and officially doing in Phoenix but as I mentioned I am just happy to be attending the event," Ross said on jrsbarbq.com today. "So for those of you that may read what my role is going to be in conjunction with WM26, and insiders might be correct at the end of the day, just for the record and as of today I don't know."

Ross also updated his contract status with WWE, saying he signed a contract extension to go through the end of April. "Re-signing with WWE is my top priority and I hope that we can get another, long term deal done sooner than later," Ross said.

Link: Read Ross's complete blog on the trip to Los Angeles and meeting up with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin on jrsbarbq.com.

WWE/TNA News: Report on total combined audience, quarter-hour comparisons for WWE Raw & TNA Impact

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:07:00 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

Total TV ratings and TV viewership for WWE and TNA's Monday night programming for March 15 was up 2.7 percent and 3.6 percent, respectively, compared to the March 8 official beginning of Raw vs. Impact.

The total audience increasing on March 15 was mainly due to WWE's strong ratings with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin guest-hosting. Raw was up 424.1 percent in TV viewership compared to Impact. Raw was up 263.6 percent on March 8.

Looking at the quarter-hour ratings, Raw and Impact broke the total combined 5.00 ratings barrier during the over-run at the end of both shows. Raw scored a 4.29 for the conclusion of the show and Impact scored a 0.74.

Other than the over-run, the highest combined ratings were in the first 15 minutes with a total 4.77 rating - Raw scored a 3.90 with Steve Austin opening the show and Impact scored a 0.87.

The fourth quarter at the end of the first hour had the lowest combined audience. Raw hit its low mark for the show with a 3.39 rating, while Impact hit its high mark for the show with a 0.96 rating.

There may not be as much channel flipping in 2010 with DVRs accessible to most cable/satellite TV customers, but there were four straight quarter-hours and five quarter-hours overall where one show was up while the other show was down.

After Q2 dropped for both shows with two commercial breaks following the opening angles in Q1, the show picked up with an up and down pattern.

Q3 - Raw up 4.3 percent, Impact down 3.5 percent
Q4 - Raw down 12.9 percent, Impact up 17.1 percent
Q5 - Raw up 4.4 percent, Impact down 3.1 percent
Q6 - Raw up 1.1 percent, Impact down 11.8 percent
Q7 - Both shows down slightly for the "deadzone"
Q8 - Raw up 3.4 percent, Impact down 11.1 percent
OR - Raw up 16.3 percent, Impact down 2.8 percent

ROH News: Local Detroit press for weekend shows, stipulation for Toronto main event, ROH TV pre-empted due to college b-ball

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:26:23 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

-- Ring of Honor has received local press in the Detroit area for their weekend shows in the Detroit and Toronto areas prior to next weekend's trip to Phoenix for WrestleMania weekend.

ROH champion Tyler Black was interviewed on WDFN in Detroit last weekend to promote Friday night's show in Dearborn, Mich. Also, the Dearborn Press & Guide published a story on Black and ROH president Cary Silkin about the ROH product.

-- ROH announced today the main event of their Saturday night show in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada will be a two-out-of-three falls tag match with Tyler Black & Roderick Strong vs. Austin Aries & Kenny King.

-- ROH TV on HDNet will be pre-empted on March 22 and 29 in favor of HDNet's airing of the College Basketball Invitational (CBI) third-tier post-season tournament.

ROH TV will resume on April 5 with a main event of Chris Hero vs. Jay Briscoe in a Pick 6 Contender's series match. Prior to their return to Monday nights, ROH has the "Big Bang" Internet PPV on April 3 that won't have two weeks of additional hype due to the pre-emption.

Other News: A&E filming new documentary at two wrestling shows this month, including DGUSA WrestleMania weekend show

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:45:30 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

Cable network A&E will be filming wrestling scenes this weekend and next weekend for an upcoming documentary hosted by comedian/TV star Bob Saget, including match action at one of Dragon Gate USA's WrestleMania weekend shows.

Filming this weekend will take place at the So Cal Pro promotion's Saturday night show in Oceanside, Calif. A&E will be filming NWA stars on the card. Show details here.

On Friday, March 26, A&E will be bringing cameras to DGUSA's first WrestleMania weekend show in Phoenix, Ariz. with an angle taking place at the beginning of the show.

"The first match will feature a top Dragon Gate star wrestling in a segment that will be taped for a new A&E series," DGUSA says. "This will put DGUSA on national TV. What will really make this unique is a celebrity star that will be a part of the segment."

Hardy News: Jeff Hardy's court date continued yet again

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:20:17 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

ProWrestling.net and PWTorch have learned that TNA wrestler Jeff Hardy's court case in North Carolina has been continued to May 10. Yesterday, a Superior Court judge allowed a motion by Hardy's defense team to continue the case another two months.

Hardy is faced with four separate drug possession-related charges stemming from his September 11, 2009 arrest and January 4, 2010 indictment, which resulted in a fourth charge being tacked on to the original three charges.

-- RELATED STORY on the specifics of Hardy's court case

Austin News: Poster released for "The Expendables" movie starring Steve Austin

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:41:45 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

Lionsgate released the official poster for the summer release of "The Expendables" movie starring WWE Hall of Famer "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and big-name action stars including Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, and Jet Li.

Austin plays a villainous "henchman" role with the simple character title of "Paine." MMA fighter Randy Couture also plays a supporting role as "Toll Road."

Movie photos are available at IGN.com promoting the movie. The movie is scheduled for release on August 13.

TNA News: Awesome Kong gone from TNA, Watch the Destination X PPV opening (w/VIDEO)

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:17:48 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

-- TNA has removed Awesome Kong's profile from their roster page, effectively ending her tenure with TNA.

Kong was one of the original Knockouts in the division and finishes a tumultuous three-month start to 2010 after a fight with Bubba the Love Sponge, deciding not to make TNA's U.K. Tour in January and asking for her release, and a lawsuit filed against Bubba.

-- TNA published the PPV opening for their Destination X PPV on Sunday night. The typical artsy video shows top stars in deep contemplation as the text describes a "journey" down the unblazen trail (TNA) rather than following the same path (WWE) ahead of them.

WWE WRESTLEMANIA COUNTDOWN - 1999 PPV Report (WM 15): Steve Austin vs. The Rock, Mick Foley vs. Big Show, Brawl for All

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:00:53 PST

Leading up to WrestleMania 26 on March 28 in Arizona, we will be publishing a daily WrestleMania PPV flashback report going back to 1992 at WrestleMania 8. We'll be publishing one PPV flashback report around 12:00 p.m. CST every afternoon until this year's WrestleMania.

-- Thursday, Mar. 11 - WrestleMania 8 (1992): Hogan vs. Sid, Warrior run-in
-- Friday, Mar. 12 - WrestleMania 9 (1993): Hart vs. Yokozuna, Hogan wins title
-- Saturday, Mar. 13 - WrestleMania 10 (1994): Razor vs. HBK, Bret vs. Owen
-- Sunday, Mar. 14 - WrestleMania 11 (1995): LT vs. Bigelow, Diesel vs. HBK
-- Monday, Mar. 15 - WrestleMania 12 (1996): HBK-Hart Iron Man match
-- Tuesday, Mar. 16 - WrestleMania 13 (1997): Hart vs. Austin, Sid vs. Taker
-- Wednesday, Mar. 17 - WrestleMania 14 (1998): Austin vs. HBK, Taker vs. Kane
-- Thursday, Mar. 18 - WrestleMania 15 (1999):
-- Friday, Mar. 19 - WrestleMania 16 (2000):
-- Saturday, Mar. 20 - WrestleMania 17 (2001):
-- Sunday, Mar. 21 - WrestleMania 18 (2002):
-- Monday, Mar. 22 - WrestleMania 19 (2003):
-- Tuesday, Mar. 23 - WrestleMania 20 (2004):
-- Wednesday, Mar. 24 - WrestleMania 21 (2005):
-- Thursday, Mar. 25 - WrestleMania 22 (2006):
-- Friday, Mar. 26 - WrestleMania 23 (2007):
-- Saturday, Mar. 27 - WrestleMania 24 (2008):
-- Sunday, Mar. 28 - WrestleMania 25 (2009):
-- Sunday, Mar. 28 - WrestleMania 26 Live Coverage

***

WrestleMania PPV Flashback Report - WM 14 (1998)
March 28, 1999
Philadelphia, Pa. at the First Union Center
Report by Wade Keller, PWTorch editor

-- Find out how to sign up for a Torch VIP membership to access the Torch Staff Audio Roundtable Review of WrestleManias 1-10 right now!

TORCH NEWSLETER COVER STORY

HEADLINE: Austin beats Rock for title at WM15

Steve Austin regained the WWF Title from The Rock in the main event of what will likely be shown to be the most watched wrestling PPV main event ever. The undercard for WrestleMania saw several twists in the storyline of who would be the special referee. When Mankind was too injured to referee, Vince McMahon appointed himself special ref. Commissioner Shawn Michaels came out to a huge ovation before the match and instructed Vince to return to the back. Michaels said the authority to appoint a referee lied with him. He appointed a regular WWF ref. He also changed the match to no-DQ stipulations.

There was no "slow build" in the early minutes of the match. They got in each other's face before the bell and brawled to ringside within five seconds of the start of the match. They brawled in the crowd for a minute, then down the aisle to the entry area and threw each other onto various contraptions (a lighting grip, a crane). Seven minutes into the match Austin drove Rock through an announcing table with an elbowdrop. They returned to the ring for the first time at the 8:45 mark at which point Rock surprised Austin with a Rock Bottom for the first nearfall of the match.

At 9:30 Austin inadvertently KO'd the ref with a chair. Rock bashed Austin with a chair several times, then went into a chinlock at 11:10. Austin escaped, but Rock went back into another chinlock at 11:45. A full minute later Austin made a comeback, but Rock cut him off with a Samoan drop. When the ref got in Rock's face, Rock gave him a Rock Bottom. Austin got up and surprised Rock with a Stunner. Rock kicked out and Austin looked shocked.

McMahon came back to ringside. He distracted Austin, which gave Rock a chance to low-blow Austin. McMahon hit the ref and then joined Rock in stomping away on Austin. Mankind made his way to the ring and kicked McMahon out of the ring. Austin cradled the Rock. Mankind counted a near fall. At 16:00 Rock came back with another Rock Bottom. He made a big production out of his Corporate Elbow, but took so much time Austin moved out of his path. Austin then blocked a third Rock Bottom and hit the Stunner for the three count. The camera immediately showed McMahon's horrified reaction. Austin celebrated for several minutes, drinking beers and saluting the fans.

WM15 success to be judged two ways

WrestleMania XV is a virtual lock to be the most successful and profitable PPV of all-time for the WWF. That was known going in. Very early estimates already indicate the number of buys to be at least between 800,000 and 1 million. The more solid figures that justify the WWF's confidence are the recent TV ratings.

The Mar. 29 Raw the day after WrestleMania set an all-time record for Raw, drawing a 6.5 rating and 4.9 million households. The record was set despite going head-to-head against Nitro and the NCAA basketball finals. The Heat pregame show right before WM drew a strong 4.7 rating equalling 3.5 million households. For WM to achieve one million buys, it would mean nearly 3 out of 10 households watching Heat actually ordered the PPV.

Last year, the Raw that aired six days before WrestleMania drew a 3.6 rating (versus Nitro's 4.5). This year's Raw rating six days before WrestleMania was 6.4. WrestleMania approached 700,000 buys last year for the Steve Austin vs. Shawn Michaels headlined event. This year, if you base buyrate expectations strictly on the ratings increase, WrestleMania XV should do in excess of 1.2 million buys. Not even the most optimistic predictions go that high.

Just as important to the WWF as the number of customers WM drew is whether the WWF can keep its momentum going. There were several key turns at WM that set up fresh matches and feuds. The WWF needs new feuds to keep their momentum going. The babyface turns of Paul Wight and Kane and the heel turn of Hunter Hearst Helmsley are the keys to the WWF having fresh match-ups in coming months, especially because Undertaker appears to be stale.

Having Hunter join the Corporation by turning on X-Pac sets up several potential feuds. The obvious feud is X-Pac vs. Hunter. Their first match on Raw the day after the PPV annihilated the Hulk Hogan vs. Dallas Page match in the ratings with a 6.5 to 2.8 head-to-head win. Hunter's other logical feud, now that he is aligned with Vince McMahon, would be to go after Austin's WWF Title. In the long-run, there will be tension between Hunter and Rock. If Hunter gets over as a heel, it could afford the WWF to turn Rock babyface, a move which could lead to a boost in Rock merchandise sales. Wight's turn sets up potential feuds with Rock and Hunter.

KELLER'S MATCH ANALYSIS

Howard Finkle opened the show by introducing Boys to Men who sang the National Anthem. A feature aired, narrated by Freddie Blassie, previewing the event in a low-key, classy fashion. Fireworks then shot off near the big WrestleMania logo in the entryway. Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler introduced the program as the camera panned the sellout crowd.

(1) Bob Holly pinned Al Snow (w/Head) at 7:10 to capture the WWF Hardcore Title in a three-way match with "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn. As Gunn began his mic work, Snow attacked him from behind. Holly helped Gunn take Snow down, but then Holly attacked Gunn. Gunn took a Michaels/Hennig '80s style exaggerated flip bump off of a Holly clothesline. At ringside Snow rammed Holly head-first into the ringside table. Snow reverse-whipped Gunn at ringside and Gunn took a flip bump over the stairs. Holly threw Snow into the railing at ringside, then suplexed him on the mat at ringside at 1:50. The body of the match saw Snow use broom sticks and hockey sticks as weapons against Holly and Gunn. At 5:30 Snow KO'd Holly and Gunn with Head. Gunn KO'd Holy with a stiff chairshot at 6:30. Gunn then threw Snow into a table propped in the corner. The table broke in half. Gunn played to the crowd. Gunn then gave Snow the Famouser (RockerDropper) on a chair. When Gunn covered Snow, Holly nailed Gunn with a chair to the back. Holly then covered Snow and got the three count. There was nothing wrong with the match, but also nothing special given how commonplace "hardcore" style brawls have become. (*3/4)

(2) Owen Hart & Jeff Jarrett (w/Debra) beat Test & D-Lo Brown (w/Ivory) when Jarrett pinned D-Lo at 3:57 to retain the WWF Tag Team Titles. Cole pointed out this was Owen's tenth Wrestlemania appearance. He said that Owen considers Jarrett the best tag partner he's ever had (i.e. better than Bret Hart and British Bulldog). D-Lo appears to have gained some weight which may be why he looked a step slower than just a few months ago. D-Lo hit the Lo-Down on Jarrett at 3:30. Owen stopped the pin attempt. Debra then got on the ring apron to distract D-Lo. Ivory yanked Debra to the floor. PMS then came to ringside. D-Lo set Jarrett up for a piledriver, but Owen surprised D-Lo with a dropkick off the top rope. Jarrett flipped over D-Lo and scored the pin. Nice finish. D-Lo yelled at Test after the match for being distracted by the women and not being there to save him. Okay match, but not long enough to develop into anything substantial. (*1/2)

They showed Isaac Hayes at ringside. The Greenwich Posse were then shown sitting in front of him wearing their pastel sweater vests.

A feature aired before the Brawl for All match including predictions by some boxing names. Former boxer Rocky Fratto predicted Bart in two rounds. Larry Scott, Bart's training partner, predicted a second round stoppage in favor of Bart. Ray Rinaldi, Gunn's trainer, said Bart would catch Butterbean in the first or second round. They replayed Bart's "Brawl for All" wins. Vinny Pazienza was introduced as special referee. Kevin Rooney, Chuck Wepner, and Gorilla Monsoon were introduced as judges. It was Monsoon's first TV appearance since losing a lot of weight during his health problems. He got a nice ovation from the crowd.

(3) Butterbean knocked out Bart Gunn at 0:35 of the first round in a "Brawl for All" match. As Bart came to the ring, Cole reminded viewers he knocked out Bradshaw, Godfather, and Steve Williams. Cole talked up Bart's "deadly left hand." The match rules would have allowed Bart to try to take Butterbean down, but instead Bart chose to begin by exchanging punches. Butterbean missed with a big right roundhouse punch in the first second of the match, but popped Bart in the chin with a left. Bart spun around, more surprised than hurt. Bart went for a left, but Butterbean easily ducked it and punched Bart in the stomach, then missed with a left. Bart missed with a left, but Butterbean hit him with two punches to the stomach. Butterbean nailed Bart with another right to the ribs, sending Bart backward a couple of feet. Bart dropped his left hand to protect his body, then threw a left jab. Butterbean threw a right roundhouse that knocked Bart backward into the ropes. He then nailed Bart with a hard roundhouse to the chin that sent Bart to the ground. Bart immediately sat up, but didn't stand until a few seconds later. Bart told the ref he could still fight. Bart didn't look confident. He stepped toward Butterbean, threw a left jab without much authority. Butterbean stepped away from it and threw a devastating right punch that knocked Bart completely out and prompted a gasp from the crowd. He fell to the mat on his back as Butterbean celebrated. Within 20 seconds Bart was conscious, sitting up in his corner. Monsoon joined the trainers in checking on his condition. A minute later Bart was on his feet, but he didn't seem to be aware of where he was or what happened given his facial expression. Then again, he might have just been disappointed in his showing or shocked at how easily he lost.

The "World Famous Chicken" (former San Diego Chicken) came to the ring and mocked ref Vinny Pazienza. Pazienza punched out the Chicken.

(4) Mankind beat Paul Wight via DQ at 6:50. Fans chanted "Foley, Foley" as he threw an early barrage of punches at Wight. They fought at ringside where Wight threw Mankind into the stairs. Mankind bumped backward and landed awkwardly on the back of his neck. Wight continued on offense until he missed a punch and his momentum flipped him over the top rope. Mankind pulled Socko out of the front of his sweat pants (sweat being the key word). As Wight returned to the ring, Mankind went for the Mandible Claw. Wight escaped the first two attempts, but Mankind got it locked on the third time thanks in part to a low kick at 3:30. At 4:25 Wight escaped the claw by rising to his feet and then leaping backward, crushing Mankind between him and the mat. It actually rivaled the bumps off the top of the cage in terms of how painful it looked. There was no way to break the fall and you don't know until you try it if it will break ribs. The gasp from the crowd was on the same level as the Butterbean KO. The camera got close to Mankind who sounded like he was choking or coughing up a lung. Wight kicked Mankind to the floor and nailed him with a stiff chairshot to the back. He threw Wight back into the ring, then set up two chairs. He chokeslammed Mankind onto the chairs (actually, Mankind barely grazed them because they were set too far apart). The ref called for the bell. It didn't make sense that the ref didn't allow that, but did allow the ringside chairshot. Wight hit Mankind with a few more chairshots. The match was structured well given Wight's limitations. (**)

Vince McMahon walked to the ring. He told Wight to stay in the ring because he had something to say to him. Cole said the master plan had just fallen apart. After brow-beating Wight, Vince said, "I'm Vince McMahon and you're a nobody." Wight picked up Vince for a chokeslam, but thought better of it and set him down. Vince looked scared and relieved. Vince told him not to be so hot-tempered and told him again he is a nobody. He slapped him. Wight quickly punched Vince who fell to the mat like Bart Gunn. Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco quickly checked on McMahon, who wasn't moving. A minute later they helped McMahon walk to the back. McMahon was humiliated he was "just knocked on his ass" at Wrestlemania. Mankind, meanwhile, was stretchered to the back. Backstage, Vince told the Stooges to get him a cell phone so he could call the police and have Wight arrested for assault.

(5) Road Dogg pinned Val Venis at 9:47 in a four-way match with Goldust (w/Blue Meanie, Ryan Shamrock) and Ken Shamrock to capture the Intercontinental Title. The elimination match rules allowed only two men in the ring at a time, but anyone could tag anyone at any time. Ryan yapped at brother Ken at ringside. Val slidekicked Ken and brawled to the back for a double countout at 8:25. That left Goldust and Road Dogg to fight. Shamrock, though, didn't like the call and gave them two suplexes before leaving the ring. Ryan accidentally tripped Goldust after Road Dogg reversed a Goldust whip into the ropes. Road Dogg turned a powerslam attempt by Goldust into a DDT-type move and pinned Goldust. Nice finishing move. There was non-stop action and a number of crowd pleasing spots, but not much of a storyline developed because of the frequent tags. (**)

They showed Wight being arrested and taken away by police. There were about a dozen officers, an apparent spoof of the number of officers who were called to the hotel when Wight was accused of harassing a woman last year.

Before the match, as Kane made his way to the ring, the Famous Chicken attacked Kane. Kane took off the mascot's head and revealed Pete Rose underneath. Kane tombstoned him in the ring, the second year in a row Rose took that bump. Funny cameo.

(6) Hunter Hearst Helmsley pinned Kane at 11:30. Hunter entered the ring from the opposite side of the entryway, attacking Kane from behind. They brawled at ringside and both took some good bumps. Better action than you'd expect, but expectations were low. Kane hit a chokeslam. Chyna entered the ring and hit Kane with a chair. Hunter then gave a staggering and stunned Kane a Pedigree on a chair and scored the pin. Chyna jumped into Hunter's arms. (**)

Kevin Kelly interviewed Vince regarding who would replace the hospitalized Mankind as special guest ref. Vince said he would. His delivery was way over the top.

(7) Sable pinned Tori at 5:05 to retain the WWF Women's Title. Before the match Sable did her hip gyration routine just like Rick Rude. Tori wore an airbrushed bodysuit just like Rick Rude. At 3:40 Tori bodyblocked the ref when Sable moved out of the way. Tori set up a piledriver at which point Nicole Bass entered the ring. She press-dropped Tori. Sable thanked Nicole for her help, swivelled her hips again, then hit the Sablebomb and scored the pin. Ter-ri-ble. Sable's heel persona is as annoying as Sunny's. (neg. **)

(8) Shane McMahon pinned X-Pac at 8:39 to retain the European Title when Hunter turned on X-Pac. Before the match Kelly interviewed DX. Hunter said Chyna has come home and DX is together again. The Stooges attacked X-Pac before the match, but he easily fended them off. Shane taunted X-Pac from ringside. When he finally entered the ring, he mockingly did the crane kick from the Karate Kid movie. When X-Pac moved toward him, he bailed out of the ring. In the first exchange, Shane did a leapfrog, but as he gloated, X-Pac hit him with a wheelkick. He chased Shane down the aisle and dragged him back to the ring. Test attacked X-Pac and rammed him crotch-first into the post. At 2:10 X-Pac returned to the ring. Shane threw some knees and then whipped him with a belt. X-Pac backdropped Shane over the top rope and Shane took a nice bump to the floor. X-Pac hit a plancha on Shane at ringside and sent him into the Greenwich Posse in the front row. Test then hit X-Pac from behind. When Shane climbed to the top rope, X-Pac dropkicked him so Shane straddled the top turnbuckle. X-Pac hit a superplex, fended off Test again, then hit a series of kicks in the corner followed by the Bronco Buster for a huge pop. Test KO'd X-Pac with the title belt while the ref was tending to Shane. A groggy Shane draped his arm over X-Pac for a two count. X-Pac made a comeback, but Test interfered again. That brought Hunter to the ring. X-Pac hit the X-Factor and was ready to score the pin, but Hunter entered the ring and gave X-Pac the Pedigree, turning heel. Bad Ass and Road Dog made the save, but not before Shane covered X-Pac for the win. The lights went out and Kane came to the ring. Hunter, Test, Chyna, and Shane fled. Good match. Shane held up his end well and everything X-Pac did had credibility despite his green opponent. (**3/4)

(9) Undertaker (w/Paul Bearer) pinned Big Bossman at 9:45 in a Hell in a Cell. They exchanged punches and powermoves in the ring for two minutes, then whipped each other into the cage at ringside. Bossman handcuffed Undertaker to the cage. He then nailed Undertaker with his night stick. When Undertaker fell to the ground, the handcuffs broke. He also visually bladed. He made a comeback and rammed Bossman into the cage. Bossman bladed. Undertaker walked the top rope, but Bossman yanked him off. A minute later Bossman escaped one tombstone, but not a second attempt. Clean pin, but ordinary match. After the match, The Brood came down from the ceiling on ropes and landed on top of the cage. They dropped a noose into the cage. Undertaker then hung Bossman from the roof of the cage. Intense imagery, but too far-fetched even for a wrestling angle. (*1/2)

(10) Steve Austin pinned The Rock at 16:51 to capture the WWF Title after a Stone Cold Stunner. (See cover for match details.) Before the match Michael Cole introduced Jim Ross as the announcer for the main event. He tipped his hat to Cole as he walked to ringside. The match was not a "match of the year candidate," but it had great energy, the timing and chemistry was solid, the storyline surrounding the match played out effectively, and the crowd was into everything. (****)

TNA News: Matt Morgan talks Impact ratings, Hogan & Bischoff running TNA, Dixie Carter

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:25:04 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

TNA wrestler Matt Morgan talked a number of TNA-related topics in an interview on the Monday Night Mayhem radio show earlier this week, including Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff running the promotion, the locker room environment, and patience with the Impact ratings thus far.

-- Morgan said TNA president Dixie Carter has "balls of steel" for taking risks and chances going head-to-head with WWE Raw on Monday nights and "time is gonna tell" on whether the move will pay off for TNA.

"I remember as a wrestling fan what I liked during the WCW/WWE battles was the chances being taken, the storyline pushing the envelope risks especially. I'm just excited ours has the belief in the wrestlers, and that's first and foremost. We don't have a owner that craps on us, and talks down to us, and makes us walk around on eggshells," Morgan said. "We have a owner that wants every single one of us to make a lot of money and be successful, because collectively, she'll be successful because the company will be on top by that point. All I can tell fans of TNA is wait and see. Just take a wait and see approach and come along on the journey with us, because we are the first wrestling company that's giving you an option and a choice, and not jamming things down your throat and telling you 'This is what you like.' I think it's egotistical and rude, and we don't do that."

Caldwell's Analysis: Morgan's pretty close to a sexist remark about the company's president saying she has "balls of steel." Also, regarding TNA not jamming things down the viewer's throat, I point to Exhibit A: Nasty Boys.

-- Morgan said he doesn't believe Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff came to TNA for their own selfish reasons and he doesn't think Hogan is a liar.

"You get a vibe from certain people, you get a vibe of whether they are in this to win it, or whether they're here to make a quick paycheck and bounce. The vibe I get from both of them is they wanna come in here and make a lot of us household names to be honest, and I'm going along for the journey," Morgan said. "I believe Hulk Hogan; I don't believe he is a liar, and I believe what he says. As it pertains to myself, I have no doubt he is going to help me get to the promised land. And with Eric, I love watching when Eric is watching the actual product."

-- Morgan on the changes to the locker room make-up: "So far everyone who has come in has been cool. Time will tell as far as the gist of our overall locker room is. That's something people take into concern when a lot of new people come in. When one or two come in, that's one thing, but when five or ten come in, that could change a locker room dynamic awfully fast, but not fast enough where I could tell it to you right now whether it's changed."

Morgan added that Dixie Carter cares about morale and "she wants people that are going to come to work with a smile on their face who actually want to be there, not people who are bitching about how they are booked, or being cancerous to our locker room, or say they are not getting paid this or that. I don't think you are going to last long if that is your attitude in our locker room, and so far, I haven't seen any of that."

Caldwell's Analysis: The problem with the mentality Morgan expressed - and too many other peple share - about basing his likes/dislikes for the product on what he remembers from the original Monday Night Wars is that we're not in 1997 anymore. It's a different environment now where everything has been done before. Every surprise, angle, gimmick, crazy storyline, etc. has been done and doesn't have the same effect as it did in the 1990s when the national wrestling audience had not been exposed to this.

WWE News: Edge on D.C. Fox affiliate talking Achilles tendon recovery, WrestleMania 26 vs. Chris Jericho, more (w/VIDEO)

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:52:25 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

WWE wrestler Edge appeared on the local Fox affiliate in Washington, D.C. to promote WrestleMania, talk about his TV feud with Chris Jericho, and discuss his return from a major Achilles tendon injury.

Edge talked about soccer superstar David Beckham suffering a similar Achilles tendon injury recently and how he could relate to Beckham's frustration with such a random injury causing major damage.

"It's been about a month-and-a half I've been back now. It was one of those injuries that really tests your patience and it was probably the worst one I've had," Edge said. "I felt sorry for him (Beckham) when I saw it because you don't expect it and all of a sudden you're standing there and it goes."

Edge, who attended WrestleMania 6 in Toronto, then talked about growing up wanting to be on WrestleMania and locking up with fellow-Canadian Chris Jericho in their title match on March 28. The full interview is in the video below.

WWE News: Reuters publishes report on WrestleMania as pop culture event, ABC News & Wash. Post follow suit

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 01:14:01 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

Reuters published The Hollywood Reporter's story on WrestleMania's pop culture relevance in the same breath as the NFL Super Bowl and Academy Awards, which was then picked up by ABC News and the Washington Post early this morning.

Hollywood Reporter's story, with quotes from WWE CFO George Barrios on the impact of WrestleMania on WWE's business and on local economies, should be picked up by most national and local news outlets on Thursday.

Reuter's story ironically features a photo of current TNA wrestler Ric Flair at a WrestleMania 25 press conference for last year's event in Houston.

WrestleMania standing alongside the Academy Awards was evident last year when Flair was associated with Academy Award-nominated Mickey Rourke for his role in "The Wrestler."

WWE News: Bret Hart talks WWE return, Hollywood Reporter covers WrestleMania 26

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:20:32 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

-- WWE wrestler Bret Hart appeared on last night's edition of "The Hour" with George Stroumboulopoulos on CBC to promote WrestleMania 26 and talk about returning to WWE.

Hart offered many of the same points from his interviews on "Off the Record" and CTV's "Canada AM" last week, while detailing more of Vince McMahon's surprising reaction when he reached out to McMahon to make a WWE return. Hart talked more about not wanting to be viewed as a "tragic figure" and returning to WWE to put a band-aid on what happened at Survivor Series 1997.

"I approached them first about doing something. I talked to somebody else (besides Vince McMahon) who's head of TV production and I suggested some different things, and I didn't hear back from them for about six months, then they called me back out of nowhere," Hart said. "I think there was a surprise (from McMahon) at how much of a change of tune I had about everything."

At the end of the interview, Stroumboulopoulos asked Hart about whether he'll stick to the script or "have a moment" returning the favor from Survivor Series. "Always a professional," Hart said. The interview picks up at the 27:00 mark of the video linked here on CBC's The Hour.

-- The Hollywood Reporter published two stories on the WrestleMania brand and local economic impact on the city that hosts each year's WrestleMania.

It's good publicity for WWE continuing the hype for WrestleMania 26. Q&A with WWE CFO George Barrios and WrestleMania 26 profile.

3/17 VIP East Coast Audio - NXT: Daniel Bryan 0-4, Hardy vs. Punk tag match, Are there any rules for this show? (50 min.)

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:38:49 PST

East Coast Audio show review of 3/16 WWE NXT: Our hosts are sober for this St. Patrick's Day edition of the ECA. NXT this week continued to be very vague about the rules and application of the rules for the NXT "competition." The show started very strong featuring a solid tag match with Darren "Brown Cena" Young & C.M. Punk vs. Justin Gabriel & Matt Hardy. After that, not much of note. Daniel Bryan drops to 0-4 after a loss the Khali. Sheffield and Regal continue to not be one the same page. Michael Cole is quite the jerk.

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MMA News: Bobby Lashley's next career fight scheduled - details and analysis

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:15:08 PST

Former WWE and TNA wrestler Bobby Lashley has shifted his focus entirely to Mixed Martial Arts. He has fought for Strikeforce, UFC's top competitor, on CBS. What's next for him as he attempts to build on his undefeated streak and gain consideration for a heavyweight title shot? News on that broke today, and MMATorch editor Jamie Penick presents details and exclusive analysis... [CONTINUE READING]

-Also check out MMATorch.com for around a dozen news stories and exclusive features and columns every day, plus Daily MMA News Briefings with Jamie Penick.

Austin News: Steve Austin appears on "Good Day LA" promoting "Damage," talks wrestling, The Rock, romantic comedies (w/VIDEO)

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:03:43 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

WWE Hall of Famer "Stone Cold" Steve Austin appeared on "Good Day LA" this morning on the local Los Angeles Fox affiliate to promote "Damage," talk some wrestling, and discuss romantic comedies. Interesting enough, with the video below.

Austin talked about most people thinking he's "Stone Cold" 24 hours per day after playing a tough guy on TV for so long in pro wrestling, but he would like to eventually branch out to doing some comedy or other types of movies after getting his foot in the door as an actor doing action movies.

"I made a good living playing a tough guy on TV, but for the most part, I laugh and joke 24/7 and I'm a real lighthearted person," Austin said. "I do want to try to push my limits. The action stuff suits me well right now because my core fanbase would expect to see me in something like that. People say, 'You gonna do a chick flick or a romantic comedy?'"

Good Day LA co-host Dorothy Lucey shot back: "Have you ever even seen a chick flick?" Austin paused for comedy effect and said he has, but he couldn't remember the last time he saw a romantic comedy.

The discussion closed with Austin being asked about working with "The Rock" Dwayne Johnson in the ring and Austin put him over as one of his favorite wrestlers to work with.

WWE News: NXT viewership drops another 10 percent

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:33:20 PST

By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

Last night's episode of WWE NXT on Syfy dropped to 1.16 million viewers, which was down another 10.0 percent from last week's 1.30 million viewers.

The show started with 1.70 million viewers, increased slightly to 1.73 million viewers in Week 2, then dropped 25.0 percent last week to 1.30 million viewers.

By comparison, ECW was averaging between 1.15 and 1.20 million viewers before the final two weeks of the show when WWE did a farewell to the ECW brand.

Caldwell's Analysis: No surprise here. The concept has failed thus far simply because WWE is four weeks into the show and they still have yet to define how the show works. Could you imagine any other reality/competition show being put on the air so flippantly without the rules of the competition even explained? Or, for that matter, with such an underdeveloped cast? WWE is fortunate they're WWE, otherwise this show would be on the verge of cancellation. Yesterday's effort was a complete embarrassment on WWE's part. WWE should have just waited until after WrestleMania to launch this show because it's obvious their focus is on WrestleMania - rightfully so - and zero focus was on NXT last night.

WWE NXT ROUNDTABLE REVIEWS 3/16: Mayer, Mezzera, Parks rate and review

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:32:30 PST

Dominick Mayer, PWTorch.com Contributor (5.5)

Not much to say, other than that this is definitely a show in desperate need of direction. You know things aren't at their best when we've been given an official time for voting, and we're now left with even more questions than we came in with. This having been said, I enjoyed the tag team match, though I have a problem with it getting 15 minutes when the other matches on the show didn't get ten between them. The way to push new talent is to have them splitting TV time evenly. It's also interesting that, although this show is a competition, there are definite tiers emerging, as far as who WWE is digging and wanting to keep around. Just an uneven edition and a considerable step back from last week's series high, in terms of quality.

Jon Mezzera, PWTorch.com Contributor (3.0)

This was a poor episode of NXT. It did have a good tag match of Darren Young & CM Punk vs. Justin Gabriel & Matt Hardy. I was pleased to see much more of Gabriel than just a 450 splash which is about all we had seen from him previously on NXT and he looks like a possible star of the future. Young looked good in the ring as well. I am enjoying the dynamic between Young and his mentor Punk as it played out after their match.

I also liked how WWE included the win/loss record for the rookies during their ring entrances which should continue. It was good that the announcers also focused on the importance of their records in impressing the judges. We also found out that the first vote would take place in two weeks. Unfortunately, WWE still seems to have no clue what the format and rules of the competition portion of NXT are. How many rookies will be eliminated? How many total votes will there be? What criteria will the judges use to decide their votes? They talked about the importance of wins and losses, but then Michael Tarver lost and attacked his opponent Heath Slater afterward and the announcers talked as if he would get the WWE Universe talking which they made sound like a bigger deal than getting wins.

I said in my Hits & Misses that WWE should simply have a few video packages in which the pros state exactly what they are looking for in deciding whom to vote for. Some might just look at the win/loss record. Some might look at intangibles. Some might look at how they improve from week to week. Some might look at how they respect their pro and how much they listen to him. Each one can have slightly different criteria, but if we knew exactly what each was looking for, a simple rookie vs. rookie match like Tarver vs. Slater (which was boring by the way) would have more meaning as we would be looking for those same traits to see which (if any) pros each rookie is impressing in the match.

Greg Parks, PWTorch Columnist (4.5)

NXT feels like WWE is making up the rules as they go along. They're foolish if they don't think regular viewers can tell they have no idea what they're doing, and it makes them come off as minor-league. For some rookies, WWE seems to be weaning the pros off of them, as evidenced by some rookies coming to the ring alone. It certainly didn't help the crowd heat, especially for guys like Michael Tarver, who the fans don't know a whole lot about.

The opening tag match was the highlight of the show. I'm not sold on Darren Young, so it's good they're giving him CM Punk to play off of. Daniel Bryan vs. The Great Khali was a bump in the road for Bryan's push. If Miz wasn't there, they should've given Bryan the week off. Skip Sheffield is better in the ring than I expected, but it still doesn't make up for his goofy gimmick.

PWTorch Newsletter #1138 (16 pages): Keller cover story on Impact ratings drop, Keller editorial on rerouting Impact, Powell's Page 2 Buzz scoops, Mitchell on WM26, Parks on NXT, Hoops Nostalgia

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:15:48 PST

Pro Wrestling Torch, a weekly 12-16 page print newsletter delivered via traditional postal mail, has been published since 1987.

The new 18-page PWTorch Newsletter (#1138) has just been published in PDF format to go along with online text.

This issue opens with a cover story looking at the dropoff in Impact's ratings in week two on Monday nights... Wade Keller's BBL editorial proposes an overhaul of Impact over the next five weeks that would reroute the identity of the promotion... Jason Powell's "Page 2 Buzz" breaks insider news from TNA and WWE... Bruce Mitchell writes about the strength and depth of the WrestleMania 26 line-up... Greg Parks evaluates the early episodes of NXT... Brian Hoops covers the week in nostalgia news including three obituaries... Keller's reports on Raw, Smackdown, and Impact... WWE Newswire and TNA Newswire... And more...

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2010 KELLER TV & PPV REPORTS

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UFC EDITORIAL: Will fading stars in Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz be able to sell TUF 11?

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:06:29 PST

When looking back at the explosion of MMA in the last decade, all roads lead back to the Ultimate Fighter. You can tell tales of pioneers such as Royce Gracie, Mark Coleman and Dan Severn until your voice gives out, but the fact is The Ultimate Fighter breathed life into a dying sport... [READ COMPLETE ARTICLE AT OUR SISTER SITE - MMATORCH]

3/17 PWTorch Livecast & VIP Aftershow: Wade Keller & Pat McNeill discuss ways to change Impact's course, take live calls, answer email questions (81 min.)

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:26:23 PST

This episode of the PWTorch Livecast & VIP Aftershow with host Wade Keller and guest co-host Pat McNeill, PWTorch columnist, features live callers and emailers asking questions on a variety of topics including TNA Impact. In the VIP Aftershow, Mitchell McNeill preview the TNA Destination X PPV line-up and answer the McNeill Mailbag questions.

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WWE RAW ROUNDTABLE REVIEWS 3/15: Donofrio, Mezzera, Parks rate and review

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:50:30 PST

Tony Donofrio, PWTorch.com Contributor (6.5)

Another solid edition of Raw, but I was expecting a "knock your socks off" type show and we didn't really get that. Raw did manage to keep and build my interest on all but one of the matches currently scheduled for WrestleMania. That one exception is the Money in the Bank match. Since it's inception, this is probably the worst that it has been promoted. They expanded the field (yet again) this year to 10 wrestlers, but it's almost being treated like a throwaway match. If WWE didn't want to get behind it for WM this year like they have in past years, then maybe they should have held it off for the self-titled PPV in July. Why there is now a MITB PPV along with the match at WM still baffles me...but I digress. Of the nine guys currently booked for the match, only Drew McIntyre is involved in any type of storyline. The other eight are stuck in "throwaway hell".

Sticking with those eight guys, it now seems as though Christian was definitely the big loser in ECW shutting down. I can't help but wonder if Vince McMahon is now going to totally bury his career from this point on. Even if he would jump back to TNA after his contract is up, what value would he have left if this continues? My final point on "throwaway hell" is this: What the hell happened to Kofi Kingston?! Two-to-three months ago, it looked like Kofi was being groomed as the next Jeff Hardy-type in WWE. Now, he's lucky to be booked on Superstars, let alone Raw.

As for the rest of Raw, it helped the slow build to WM. Steve Austin was great on the mic, even if he had to be censored and tone down his act some. All of the Raw matches, plus the Edge vs. Chris Jericho match, continue to be promoted and booked pretty strong. We finally found out that Legacy (or the group formerly known as such) will face each other in a triple threat match. I'm okay with that since the rest of the WM card is so strong. Right now we're sitting at eight matches on the card, officially. A ninth match is imminent once Rey Mysterio vs. CM Punk is officially announced. I'm banking on a 10th match being a throwaway Divas match. Whether that match makes it to broadcast or is inserted as a dark match before the event, I don't know. Either way, I'm happy for nine or 10, as it's something that I've called for since the Royal Rumble PPV (that is, WWE going w/ 8-11 matches at WM).

Sticking with Raw, the WWE Title match (at this point) is one that I'm sold on. They still have a little time to really drive home Sheamus vs. Triple H, the triple threat match, and MITB. As I said before, I've lost all hope that they'll push MITB hard in the next 12 days. The other two matches though, will probably receive a decent push. With that said, those two matches are WM mid-card matches and maybe they won't. Either way, it will be interesting to see what happens in the next 12 days leading up to WM. Here's a final thought though: If you really want to gauge how strong this years WM is, keep in mind that last years WWE Title match participants (Hunter and Orton) are in mid-card matches this year. If you had told me six months ago that those two would be relegated to WM's mid-card, I would have laughed at you.

Jon Mezzera, PWTorch.com Contributor (4.0)

I may be in the minority here, but I really didn't enjoy Raw this week. Perhaps my expectations were too high as I was thoroughly looking forward to Stone Cold Steve Austin guest hosting, plus the three announced WrestleMania Rewind matches and the contract signing between Bret Hart and Vince McMahon. However, I felt that the show did not live up to its promise.

The show got off to a poor start. Austin seemed to be going through the motions early on. I was also disappointed when John Cena came out for his match against Big Show as I got excited to see where they were going when his music first hit, but he didn't interact with Austin which seems like a wasted opportunity. My disappointment in the show continued when Sheamus needlessly destroyed Evan Bourne. He cut a very good promo which was one of the bright spots on the show, but he didn't need to squash Bourne who is in Money in the Bank, yet was treated the same as the local jobber who was squashed by Drew McIntyre on Smackdown.

I hated the Divas segment as WWE once again put on an overly short match. They appear to be heading for another inter-brand Divas match of some sorts at WrestleMania that nobody is going to care about. I wish that they would go back to doing what they used to do and build to a good Divas or Women's Championship match between two stand out wrestlers. I also wasn't thrilled with the announced Legacy triple threat match. There has been no tension between Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes. It seems like WWE has been building to a different match, but changed their minds. Where does this leave Kofi Kingston? He has no WM match and he should be there (having him squashed by Batista was also disappointing). He will likely be added to MIB, but that match didn't need a ninth competitor, let alone a tenth.

In addition to Sheamus' promo, there were a few other good moments. I didn't like that all three WrestleMania Rewind matches had various non-clean finishes, but they were all solid. Triple H vs. Randy Orton was the best of the group. I also liked the contract signing as Austin was much better in his role as the night proceeded. However, Hart was a little too verbose in his promo and it should have been shorter and more to the point.

Greg Parks, PWTorch Columnist (6.0)

At first, I thought Steve Austin was underused as guest host. The more I thought about it, though, the more I'm glad he didn't distract from the build to Wrestlemania. His opening promo was fine, but there wasn't much to him hosting the contract signing. That could've been done by anyone, really. Cena vs. Big Show and Triple H vs. Orton were two matches on the show I liked, and that surprises me a bit. Michaels vs. Jericho was fine as well. One could complain about the non-finishes, but will all of them being in Wrestlemania matches, it's clear WWE didn't want them to lose cleanly heading into the big show. I understand that.

It cracks me up whenever the Divas are referred to as "smart, sexy and powerful," when they rarely come across as "smart" or "powerful." It's just a phrase that rings hollow whenever the announcers try to spoon-feed it to the fans. Just because you say something doesn't make it true. I'm not thrilled about the Legacy three-way or the booking of Kofi Kingston lately. Him busting up Dave didn't help his in-ring reputation, which may be sullied a bit at this point. The big reveal by Bret was nicely done and well-directed. The look on his face when Vince saw the cast...priceless.

TNA PPV POLL: What was the Best Match on the Destination X PPV if you saw the event?
	(1) Four-way X Division ladder match
	(2) Tara vs. Daffney
	(3) Rob Terry vs. Brutus Magnus
	(4) Ultimate X match
	(5) Nash & Young vs. Hall & Waltman
	(6) Doug Williams vs. Shannon Moore
	(7) Morgan & Hernandez vs. Beer Money
	(8) Kurt Angle vs. Mr. Anderson
	(9) A.J. Styles vs. Abyss

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TNA PPV POLL: Rate the Destination X PPV on a scale of 0-10 if you saw the event
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