There's been a recurring theme in John Cena matches recently. It involves his opponent defeating him with the decision being reversed. I think this is particularly interesting, because it could be perceived as jabbing towards smarks, who continue to passionately hate him. It started at Wrestlemania, and it happened again at the previous ppv, whose name is so memorable I've forgotten it already (mindset = backlash, judgement day, etc.)
The thing is, what purpose does this serve? I questioned the Wrestlemania finish, and then it was done to give Rocky an opportunity to impose his presence. At the previous pay per view, it provided the incentive for Miz to turn on his blockheaded yay-sayer. Because of that, WWE creative is forgiven.
I do not consider Alex Riley to be immensely talented, but the kid can talk and can hold his own in the ring. He's already over as a face (solely due to the credit of Miz, who is so over as a heel that anyone who goes against him is automatically over as a face). Miz simply doesn't get enough credit for what he's become. By his own merit, he became a legitimate main event player. He's jobbing to Cena, so that makes him a top tier guy.
Cena as WWE champ? I could easily do without. Regardless, I hope he retains the title at Capitol Punishment tonight. I namely have zero interest in R-Truth. Sure, the guy has impressive physique and he's over as a heel, but to me, he'll always be the rapper/flipper who got sacked on his first WWF run, after teaming with Road Dogg for all eternity. One could argue that Ron Killings is gaining a shitload of momentum right now, turning heel and interacting in such fashion with the audience, but really ... his segments bore me to tears.
Over on SmackDown, things are somewhat looking up. Christian continues to receive title shots (though this will likely be his last) and he's been pretty over as an asshole heel. The heel turn was done at the perfect moment. He didn't turn right after losing the world championship, but it was instead treated as a turn that was long time coming. That's a better creative path to follow than turn heel without any prior signs (Mark Henry) or because someone tells you to (Khali).
It's safe to say that Christian is gaining a lot of momentum, but is given very little time to shine. Him working with Orton is a blessing. Orton continuously displays this Terminator-like demeanor when he's cutting promos, so a more in your face charismatic heel to oppose that makes for some entertaining tv.
All WWE needs right now is to build up a heel as good as CM Punk does it now. CM Punk is, at this moment, one of the most hated heels in the business, because he literally is better than everyone. The downside is that Punk wants time off to revitalise himself, which I can perfectly understand if you've been on the road continuously for 5 years, not even staying home when rehabbing an injury.
(Though CM Punk commentary is by far the most entertaining WWE has put on in the past 5 years).
CM Punk has reached the point in his career where he can manage turning down a contract extension from WWE and take a sabbatical. WWE can't afford to lose him to any other company so when Punk is ready to go back, he'll be welcomed with open arms. Hell, they'll probably give him the Jericho treatment and not publically announce his departure and instead pretend nothing happened.
All in all, I hope to see CM Punk gracing WWE rings for a long time to come. He's been one of the very few interesting people active there.
TNA has been making some "decent" moves (at best). They've taken the title off Sting and are looking to put Robert "Bobby" Roode in a main event position. I'd like to imagine they're smarting up, but I'll knock on wood.
Why? Because the people who run it are still obvious morons. From Eric Bischoff flaunting 1.1 ratings as a massive success (why the fuck would you be proud of a 1.1 rating?) to Hulk Hogan calling wrestling fans "morons".
Yeah, Hulk Hogan was called out on him (and his eternal politics) being the reason for WCW's demise. Hulky reiterated that it was the moronic fans who caused WCW's failure. No side is *particularly* right. Hulk Hogan is plain wrong, the fan is partially right. Face facts. WCW's downfall was because of the combined efforts of:
- Hulk Hogan
- Eric Bischoff (and his approval of working with Vince Russo again, despite huge differences)
- Vince Russo (his lack of professionality and inability to come up with proper storylines or match concepts)
- Ed Ferrara
- Kevin Nash
- Ric Flair
- Ted Turner selling his Turner Broadcasting to AOL Time Warner.
Vince Russo will of course make a match between Hogan and the fan (though Hogan now vehemently denies putting anything of the sort on his page). He's still brainstorming, however, as to what they'll be hanging from a pole.
The funniest thing about this entire thing is that someone who was/is in the business has ranted on Hogan treating fans of pro wrestling the way he does. That someone being The Ultimate Warrior. Out of every person who has ever been in the business, Ultimate Warrior is the voice of reason. Ultimate fucking Warrior. The only person who was less coherent than Ahmed Johnson is the voice of fucking reason. It's like I'm watching a particularly bad comedy. For the first (and likely last) time, I'm on the side of Ultimate Warrior. Hogan's behaviour has annoyed me for many years now. Suck on that, Brother.
Also, Chris "Hero" Spradlin and Claudio Castagnoli (bka the Kings of Wrestling) were spotted at a WWE event recently, working out with the ring crew. Everyone believes they'll be signed. OH HOLY FUCK YES!
Well, that's about it for now. I must get back to studying. In the meantime, feel free to check here for a review of Amorphis' The Beginning of Times, which has been listened to death by yours truly since its release last month.
Take care,
~D.
