WWE RAW Review : " A Homecoming Dance ? "

[SUPERECWFAN1]

In 2000 Vince McMahon left USA Network. The WWE had been a staple on USA TV for years. In fact going close to 20. So when the WWE left the left on some bad terms. Barry Diller ( head honcho at the time) let his bitterness with Vince cost him a chance at new programming in that same time. ( He turned down ECW declaring Wrestling crude and all. He no longer had a job.)


On to WWE RAW on USA !

The Good: Before RAW kicks off really at 8:00 pm , we get the WWE RAW Expose special. Its clipped down so you realize that Vince of course is redoing his version of history. This time RAW was always aired live ...forever when thats a bold faced lie. Attitude was something they came up with . What no ECW around ? In fact the entire deal was never told last night and never told in those clips.

Onto RAW which opens with Mick Foley returning. Fans are pretty pleased as he does a promo and introduced Roddy Piper. To sell the returns , Piper , Foley and Hogan are in the RAW Entrance video now.

Piper and Foley share some laughs and Piper puts Mick over. Then of course Randy Orton and Cowboy Bob join and I wonder where this will go. Silly me....thier busy havin Mick take an ass kicking as usual. I mean serious ? He actually took more money to get his ass kicked on a bigger stage ? Wow if thats having Creative Control then damn.

Plus Orton/Foley has been done so much I was pullin for Foley/Piper to fued personally. Of course we don't get what we usually want and I can tell where poor Mick's next WWE run is headed.

The Legends are sittin at ringside and hey...its KoKo B Ware baby! And his stuffed bird Frankie due to the fact the orginal Frankie ended up as barbecue years ago.

The Iron Man Match was everything it should have been. Shawn and Kurt continue to make thier matches become LEGENDARY. Its just wild to watch. I give props to both men for putting on a straight forward 30 minute match . People count it...maybe the best thing you'll ever see!

In fact the 2 tie up thier Iron Man Match and Shawn wants more time. Kurt walks out pissed. Damn it....the fans deserved a winner!! Guess the "rubber match " will happen at a PPV now. Damn...

Backstage Vince and Bischoff have a funny segment where Bischoff asks a great question: " So will you one day release a " Self Destruction of Eric Bischoff DVD ?"

It being Homecoming , Vince of course decides to make it a McMahon night. He brags about he's created everything as Lillian reads it off. In the end he comes to the ring and decides to start up McMahon/Austin I , II , F-ck It I lost count!

The whole segment gets saved by the fact you know its coming. You can FEEEELLL ITTTT. Austin gets there and he waits as the fans know. Wait....wait....KICK WHAM STUNNER!! Its over...beer bash time!
Then the music hits and out comes Shane McMahon!! Someone who hasn't been seen since 2003. Its been so long , Shane still has the moves down as he enters the ring and....KICK WHAM STUNNNERR!! He's outta there!!

Then Stephanie McMahon , the one wanted or cared for comes down. Steph is apparntly has gotten new breasts. To fit the wieght she has gained. She insults and slaps Steve Austin after a funny promo. She too....gets kick wham stunner!

Austin stuns her as he leaves. Fans go crazy as all 4 McMahon's are laid out. This is funny the 1st few times. Now its so old its insane. Why not have Austin's return launch a new program ? Ohhh I forgot...we need to see Stone Cold lay out the McMahon's as usual.

They did however do one smart thing. They timed Austin's return at 9pm . I wonder why ? ;)

Backstage Vince swears someone will be fired . I'd say off Brian Gerwitz just for the hell of it.

The WWE Ladder Match starts and man ohh man is this match getting a lot of attention. Edge is just perfect as usual and gets lots of heat as he jumps Hardy right outta the gate ! Damnnn awesome moves...

Ohhhh the match is oddly becoming more and more ECW type Hardcore. With tables , chairs and kendo sticks!

Edge wins in a horrible finish thats reminicent of WCW type finishes. My god is this how Edge/Hardy ends. Its supposed to be a cool heelish finish but comes across as being so horrible you have to wonder why the ended it like that. Then they gave Matt Hardy a perp walk outta the buildin...wow.

Backstage we get the usual " Moolah/May Young deal. This time they have the legends backstage which make it funny. Hacksaw and Ted Dibase sell this. Ted rippin on his old " Everybody has a price " line by offerin May 3 grand to stay dressed was priceless.

Flair puts over HHH. And fans choose between cheering a walking doorknob ( Masters ) and someone they know. Usually the someone they know gets the pop. HHH got a decent sized pop but it usually doesn't last.

Pretty clear that due to the USA Promo's Carlito Cool is catching more and more on. His whole act is funny and thats how come he's getting over!

In the end as HHH and Flair celebrate , HHH turns back to heel . To launch the Flair/HHH fued. Hey if it keeps HHH from the Main Events , I'm all for it. Of course at this stage HHH wants to be Flair in every sense so....I feel sorry for Ric Flair.

Flair , always a pro does the awesome 5 alarm blad job as he pours buckets as HHH beats him down. This right in front of Dusty ! Damn Dusty , shouldn't you at least ya know....hit HHH with a chair to help ? I know Flair and you had wars but that was years ago!

Backstage the beatin continues. Because see...when your HHH you just don't beat down someone. You OWN THIER ASS! You make it bad baby as HHH owns Flair so bad he screams about it. J.R wonders whats caused this. Obviously HHH is pissed that Warrior claimed his body wasn't natural and pal Ric didn't back him up!

In the ring , the WWE Legends are holdin court now. Dusty Rhodes , " Iff youu willllll." leads this. Then Rob Conway gets involved as he jokes about them all. Rhodes talks about Harley Race and Conway says that if the LEGENDS laid the table that Race is hardly declinin meals lately. Rhodes and company lead a funny beat down on Conway as at the end Dusty gets Funky Like a Monkey and beats down Conway!! Snuka finishes it all.

Wanna know why Kevin Von Erich wasn't smiling during the Flair match ? Maybe the fact Flair wrote some negative comments about Kerry in his book. Might be a reason.

Dear lord I thought it was impossible. But Masters has compitition on someone who can't get no heel heat at all. JBL has him beat. No matter how grand the limo entrance no one gave a damn! Its just ironic and speaks to the fact fans DO NOT CARE ABOUT JBL. Its apparent. Why it took a year and half on WWE Smackdown to learn this amazes me.

Bischoff wisely saves us from JBL torture. Thank god. Of course if the Main event was Christian/Benoit/Batista/Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero I woulda been happier.

Its told that Vince 's master plan on ruinin Spike will now continue. RAW will run past 3 hours! Jesus....

At least one part of genius happens. They started layin the groundwork for Steve Austin/Hulk Hogan. The Hulkster gets interviewed by Mean Gene and says theres 1 man backstage he saw that deserves a match. Everyone knows already as they chant. Hogan confirms it as Jim Ross has a baby.

And the continued sell job on John Cena's rap career continues. Yep.....your not missing anything. Just guys who brag about Cena.

The match was short and sweet. Then at the end as Bischoff is beaten , Teddy Long leads a gangsta style beatdown on Cena and Angle. Then RAW superstars get involved. End of show....

The Bad: Wow....just horrible decisions all the way. Austin shows up and in his glorious return he stunners the entire McMahon family in shades of 1998-1999. Earth to Vince....move on please.

Then Foley who returned to a huge pop , returned to run an angle with no one. I mean besides the fact he loves getting his ass kicked by Randy Orton , what was the point ? I love watching Mick but this was a clueless return and a clueless thought angle. I'm sure fans thought Mick and Roddy would get into it and seeing this did nothing.

Overall: *** outta 5. It got worse. The big returns happened and they never did jack sh-t. Yep...the Big Show , Vince bragged about bombed like sh-t. Only Hogan and a proposed Hogan fued is the only bright spot.

And not having Rob Van Dam return sucked like sh-t. The return that could help the company and all never happened. And the show never let the matches end with good finishes. This is what hurt WCW. Damn....

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Gonna give this a slight " bump " in case people misses it. ;)

[VCreed32]

I wonder if Linda wold have no-sold if she was a pro.

[Donald Stone]

Very underwhelmed. I dug the IM Match, and Hardy/Edge tore it up, but the rest felt weak to me.

Austin and Vince were good, and it was cool to see Shane-O Mac and Steph again, but it went way to long and got kinda creepy with Linda at the end.

The Legends and Conway was harmless fun, and Superfly got to fly, so that was cool. And the little skit with Mae, Debiase, Snuka and Duggen was funny.

The HHH/Flair match was predictable, the 6 way matched was screwed because Austin went long, and I though they did the right thing with Cena and Easy E showing that he wasn't any kind of a threat to Cena.

Still, I can't help but feel that there was nothing special about Homecoming. It felt like any Raw, just longer.

[Erik Lehnsherr]

I was very annoyed that the Smackdown match did not happen. It was the match I wanted to see the most. But Austin was great tonight. Him punking out Stephanie is always a great sight. Orton showing up? Could of done without that. Enough is enough with the Orton overpush. No Benjamin match? Big NO NO. Trish, Victora, and Candice? They rule the world. Michaels vs Angle? A waste of time without a winner. HHH getting face heat but then turning back to his old, predicable self? Expected but at least Flair will never suck up to him ever again. Thank goodness. Hogan hyping up the Austin match by saying "Hulkamaina ran wild over the Rock at WM 18?" HAHAHAHAHAHA. THe Rock doing that match put Hogan back on the map but more importantly, the Rock beat Hogan clean and then saved him from an NwO asskicking. Get it right, Hulk. Don't go crazy on me now!

Let's see? Matt vs Edge ended in horrible fashion. Edge won, which makes no sense, and Hardy is gone. Over. A fued where the face has to win but he lost. Pathetic. Edge SUCKS, no matter how high the WWE is on him. He completely sucks. Rob Conway? He got no heat even when trying to punk out Legends. Horrible. But Cena vs Bischoff? A joke situation that turned into a Smackdown vs Raw free for all.

Vince, I don't ask for much. Just give me a Shelton push where he faces good opponents, give Angle the belt, depush HHH, and get rid of Masters. Oh yeah..put Trish in the middle of the Raw every week.

[Beta Ray Bill]

It was nice to see Kevin Von Erich though. Still running around barefooted...

[titanfan]

Only 5 matches in 3 hours?!!?? Are you kidding me? I was totally underwhelmed.

Piper's Pit: Uh, ok. Weird booking, but not too concerned about it.

Ironman Match: I was expecting to end that way, so I'm not concerned. This was probably the worst of their three matches. (But still one of the night's highlights)

Ladder Match: I agree, horrible booking at the end. With a loss like this, Matt pretty much will have no momentum going into Smackdown. I have a feeling he'll foil Edge's Title Shot at Wrestlemania, but no one will care.

Austin/McMahon Segment: Cute and funny. Probably the most entertaining of the night.

Tag Team Match: The actual match was pretty good and it was good to see Triple-H back--until we see that the heel turn beatdown seemed to last as long as the match itself. They missed a good chance to throw in some more cameo run-ins as Triple-H starts taking the sledgehammer to the various legends. (Hell, I was waiting for Orton to show and start RKO'ing people in the ring instead of Conway)

Divas "Match": Wow. Horrible. Tons of blown spots--huge mistake to let all 5 of them be in action at the same time. Ashley and Candice have no ring awareness yet.

Cena-Bischoff: One of the worst main events on RAW ever. I know they were short on time but there was actually no dramatic build whatsoever. It was pretty much a squash match. This match totally sucked. SUCKED!!!!!

[SUPERECWFAN1]

At www.411mania.com , Csonka's "Your News , My Views " has some news and a new message from 3WA. The Promotion Dave Nelson has claimed was coming to ESPN.

Turns out that was a lie. Nope...no ESPN. Csonka says that in contacting ESPN , they claimed never to hear of them. Its later told that Nelson was spending 10,000 a month for UPN coverage in Ohio and was trying to get a TV deal. Thats his spin now.

Whats this mean ? Means what I always thought and to blame the internet and fans for what they push as news is horrible.

[JohnPopa]

Well, I'm in Ohio and there's no 3WA promotion anywhere on my TV.

[YoungG03]

huh what you talkin bout

[VCreed32]

Sad that the Bra & Panties match was too all over to be even titilating. :(

[Shade]

Alright maybe I'm nuts but I thought this was a GREAT RAW. I loved the opening with Foley and Piper, and although I'm not an Orton fan by any means it was a good move having them put him over and continue the "Legend Killer" gimmick. I mean seriously? Do you people really want to see retired guys coming back for a one shot and taking out the new talent? I mean if it's done cheap like they did with Conway then I understand it's just for nostalgic fun.

The Micheals/Angle match was fantastic with both men putting on a great show. So it ended in a draw? So what? Why do we always have to have instant payoff. This fued has the potential to be legendary and they extended it while putting on a hell of a match.

AUSTIN- GET OFF MY TV!!! I'm so over seeing Austin just stun and drink. Whoopee! Please move on.

Hardy/Edge was in my opinion one of the best matches on tv this year. I didn't care for the ending to much sure but if you think about the scope of things this whole series has been excellent. Both men have put it ALL out there each time. Crazy bumps, well paced matches, excellent psyhchology. People are still trying to figure out how much of this is work and how much is real, and while that line is still somewhat blurry we know that at least SOME of it is true. Yet both men, for the sake of our entertainment, have put that aside enough to trust each other enough to put on matches in cages, with weapons and with ladders and tables. I have a TON of respect for the work both men have put into this. Great stuff to me, and while I wasnt thrilled with the ending it allows (hopefully) Matt to go to Smackdown and keeps heat on Edge as a heel.

The tag match was decent. They could have made it shorter to allow for the other stuff to be longer. HHH beating down Flair was expected but still showed why Hunter is where he is. He comes off ruthless again. Could have done with a shorter beatdown but it was what it was.


The "main event" was crap, but it was meant to be a chance for the champ to be on show but to cut short if needed and it was needed. I thought Cena and Bishoff did a solid job with the short time. It should have been a squash like it was and the RAW/Smackdown brawl was a fun way to end it.

[BoosterBronze]

Angle/HBK- Awesome match. And figuring that both these guy's careers are supposed to be over due to injuries, every awesome wrestling moment they give us is just GRAVY.

Austin- A bit long. I mean, we all knew exactly how it would end. But if we get Hogan/Austin someday, I'll be one happy camper.

HHH/Flair- I knew Trip was turning on Flair. I was positive. Why? Because Jim Ross made sure he called HHH "Ric Flair's best friend" like, forty times. He's never been called that before. But since he JUST KEPT saying it, I knew it was leading to a turn. I hate when announcers oversell things like that.

Hip Hop Awards- Notice how all the rappers said how great "hip hop" was, and the only person who actually said anything good about Cena as a rapper was the actor from the HBO show?

Smackdown Match- Didn't care it was happening, didn't care when it didn't happen.

Cena/Bischoff- Seriosuly, does anyone like this feud? Did Cena/Jericho really NEED Evil Eric to get it over? Was Bisch necessary during Cena/Angle? Or is it just a sad attempt to recreate Austin/McMahon, with a less over Champ, and a less evil boss. I am not impressed with Cena.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Well, I'm in Ohio and there's no 3WA promotion anywhere on my TV.


WWWA was a merger of NWA Ohio and another Indie. Nelson wanted to buy TNA from Panda Energy and they turned him down flat. So Nelson started spreading crazy rumors that TNA was dead by Fall. TNA was being sold and there was no TV Deal.


He then came on and claimed that ESPN had picked up his Indie Promotion and was going national. He named Hacksaw Jim Duggan as co-owner commish and that shows would be taped in Florida and all.

More and more grandiose lies as they say. End result...Csonka talked to ESPN and they never heard of the guy. Then they started saying they never claimed this at all and that there was no confirmed talk of a PPV ( Even though it and the ESPN were hyped on thier site.) .

[GremlinClr]

Not the worst RAW I've seen but certainly not the best. Angle/HBK and Edge/Hardy were both great matches, interestingly both had crap endings. Hopefully both of these feuds will continue.

Seriously, does anyone out there that is more than a casual fan want to see Hogan/Austin? If I never saw either of them again I'd be happy. I mean I was shocked SHOCKED! when Austin stunned the entire McMahon clan. I've never seen that before! I used to enjoy seeing Austin but his time has passed, as I've said many times if you can't wrestle full time I don't want to see you. So bye-bye Austin, Hogan, Rocky, Piper, Foley if he won't wrestle etc. Just leave.(unless you're putting over young talent then by all means stay) Flair is looking his age but at least he's out there everynight. If you're just there for a paycheck then I don't want to see you.

Is it just me or is Stephanie McMahon smokin' hot? (it's just me, isn't it?)

As I predicted last week Trish would be the only one in the match to not lose clothes. *sigh*

Whether you love him or hate him (or love to hate him) HHH got a heck of a pop. And I'll admit I didn't mind seeing him again, I think he's darn good at what he does. Except for that stupid pose he does in the middle of matches.

I was looking forward to the Smackdown match since I can't get UPN. I'd like to see more cross-show run ins and feuds. That's always fun.

Cena/Bishoff...blerg. I hope McMahon fires him next week. From the comment about the "Self Destruction" DVD to him disobeying Vinnie Macs orders for the Smackdown match that looks like where they're leaning. Maybe Steph and Shane-o will take over.

[Shade]

Is it just me or is Stephanie McMahon smokin' hot? (it's just me, isn't it?)


Um, it aint' just you. She is hot as hell.

[Forefinger]

Um, it aint' just you. She is hot as hell.
She's pretty chunky, and when she opens her mouth....damn...what a horrible voice. But yeah, her face, hair, and nice big fake rack buy her a lot of points.

[Dennis K]

Once the football game started I didn't really watch very much of it, I'd flip over when there was a commercial to see if HHH was on yet. When I finally saw him, I must say, I was quite suprised. I thought he was carrying a little too much bulk for his frame before he went away, but now, man, he looked puffy bordering on fat. Not good.

[BoosterBronze]

Once the football game started I didn't really watch very much of it, I'd flip over when there was a commercial to see if HHH was on yet. When I finally saw him, I must say, I was quite suprised. I thought he was carrying a little too much bulk for his frame before he went away, but now, man, he looked puffy bordering on fat. Not good.

I was wondering about that. Is Trip OK? Last time he looked that out of shape (not that he's really out of shape, I mean, the man is a TANK, but I mean out of shape for HHH) was when his groin was hurt during the Goldberg feud. Has he just been living soft on his time off?

[VCreed32]

Although he didn't take his shirt off, it looks like Austin didn't get fat like last time.

[Forefinger]

Although he didn't take his shirt off, it looks like Austin didn't get fat like last time.
I've read in a couple of places that he was training for a comeback and wanted to be in shape for it. I know that a lot of people are sick of him coming and drinking, but damn, you can't deny that he gets people going. There is a tangible atmosphere when he is in the ring with someone. You know that he's going to give them the stunner or worse, but the anticipation is killing for thim and the audience. I hope that he comes back and does more stuff. I think that if he changed his style a bit, he could make another great run. The guy is mostly personality, so the wrasslin' is secondary for guys like that anyway.

[Erik Lehnsherr]

Not the worst RAW I've seen but certainly not the best. Angle/HBK and Edge/Hardy were both great matches, interestingly both had crap endings. Hopefully both of these feuds will continue.

Seriously, does anyone out there that is more than a casual fan want to see Hogan/Austin? If I never saw either of them again I'd be happy. I mean I was shocked SHOCKED! when Austin stunned the entire McMahon clan. I've never seen that before! I used to enjoy seeing Austin but his time has passed, as I've said many times if you can't wrestle full time I don't want to see you. So bye-bye Austin, Hogan, Rocky, Piper, Foley if he won't wrestle etc. Just leave.(unless you're putting over young talent then by all means stay) Flair is looking his age but at least he's out there everynight. If you're just there for a paycheck then I don't want to see you.

Is it just me or is Stephanie McMahon smokin' hot? (it's just me, isn't it?)

As I predicted last week Trish would be the only one in the match to not lose clothes. *sigh*

Whether you love him or hate him (or love to hate him) HHH got a heck of a pop. And I'll admit I didn't mind seeing him again, I think he's darn good at what he does. Except for that stupid pose he does in the middle of matches.

I was looking forward to the Smackdown match since I can't get UPN. I'd like to see more cross-show run ins and feuds. That's always fun.

Cena/Bishoff...blerg. I hope McMahon fires him next week. From the comment about the "Self Destruction" DVD to him disobeying Vinnie Macs orders for the Smackdown match that looks like where they're leaning. Maybe Steph and Shane-o will take over.


Stephanie SUCKS. Period. Blonde hair or not, she's still a spoiled whore. The worst kind of "Rich Americans". Rock and Austin are Gods in this industry and will always be welcome back to the forefront. Save me the platitudes over Stephanie and her enhanced looks. She's still 10x worse than her 2000 self and her screeching voice is one of the worst in television history.

HHH came back and did his same routine. As always. Another "shocking turn" where he came out on top. Wow. HUGE surprise, Vince. Cancel the Smackdown match for HHH to beat down a guy that has been putting him over since 2002 in two segments. HHH SUCKS!

[GremlinClr]

Stephanie SUCKS. Period. Blonde hair or not, she's still a spoiled whore. The worst kind of "Rich Americans". Rock and Austin are Gods in this industry and will always be welcome back to the forefront. Save me the platitudes over Stephanie and her enhanced looks. She's still 10x worse than her 2000 self and her screeching voice is one of the worst in television history.

HHH came back and did his same routine. As always. Another "shocking turn" where he came out on top. Wow. HUGE surprise, Vince. Cancel the Smackdown match for HHH to beat down a guy that has been putting him over since 2002 in two segments. HHH SUCKS!

Please Erik. Try to be a little more clear in your opinions. Your so vague. Stop beating around the bush and spit it out man!

Are you saying you don't like Steph and HHH? Huh. Rock and Austin are "gods"? Hmmm.

...

...

...

Nope, don't agree. Therefore your opinion on the matter is invalidated!

You may leave now.

[Erik Lehnsherr]

Fine but Stephanie is still a worthless wench. That's all that matters.

[GremlinClr]

Fine but Stephanie is still a worthless wench. That's all that matters.

No love for Steph? I'm a sad panda. :(

[Steve]

I wasn't really impressed by last night's RAW.

The bra and panties match bewteen the Divas, the Stonecold stunning the whole McMahon family, and Hogan coming out to talk about who his next opponent would be took too much time. I thought it was a waste.

I set my VCR 10 five minutes after the designated end time (11:05 pm) and STILL got cut off.

As for Steph and Stonecold, they both looked somewhat thinner than the last time I saw them. But yeah, Triple H looked like he gained some.

[Howard Allan]

I had to put up with a lame divas match and they killed a Benoit match instead. That just reeks. And then we have carlito and Lex Luger lite (chris masters). Give me shelton any day. Like I've said before 2 hrs of promos. 1 hr of wrestling. There's a reason they don't announce time limits on matchs anymore. Fans would riot if they found out how little time was devoted to actual wrestling.

[Lester C.]

I loved Raw last night although I do think the show suffered because of the Austen segment because it clearly went much longer than planned. A very telling sign that Steve went over was when he looked at his watch. About the Austen segment was it me or did he miss Linda’s head because she fell before Steve executed the move and in the opposite direction no less.

I do have a huge regret about war and that the new Iron man icon that was on the screen for the duration Iron Man match. You just know that the icon isn’t going to make its way in the new Smackdown game. I just hope we still can still play the elimination chamber match as we haven’t seen on TV or pay per view for a very long time.

[Jamal]

Wasn't a horrible Raw but not a great on either and for all that hype if I didn't know this was going to happen; I would be pissed.

Foley and Orton again; Sigh ( or help us save Smackdown Mick )!

Michael vs. Angle not a bad match but not as good as I thought it would be; maybe because they are saving it for the ppv.

Austin vs. Mcmahons a bit to long, Shane got punked out of mic time and all that build up for Linda to blow the stunner at the end. I laughed my head off at that screw up. :D

Hardy vs. Edge Horrible ending to a fued that could have been hugh for the wwe. Matt you asked for what ever they stick you with now.

Legends vs. Conway; Legends= " I can't believe those suckers paid me for that " :p

HHH vs. Flair "Boo" you know we are going to get 30 mins of Thriple crap telling us why he turned on Flair. That's greatness for you Magneto :rolleyes:

Divas :rolleyes: 'nuff said.

Hogan vs. Austin soon; two words; CRIPPLE FIGHT!!! Part Two and we don't have to wait for South Park to see it ( By the way I like Hogan and Austin but come on ).

Smackdown match; knew that wasn't going to happen. Ads, on my tv. said that was the main event for SD in San Jose.

Cena vs. Bischoff bad match with a bad WCW finish.

WWE needs help.

Thank God UFC rocked and I got to see a good start for TNA on Spike ( replayed at 12:00am last night ).

Stephane... I mean MagnetoSuck if this is great entertainment I'll stick to normal wrestling.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Wow..I'm wierdly havin a Monday Night Wars flashback by doin this.


TNA Impact in its debut pulled a 0.8 cable rating. This was pretty impressive for a show with no real national cable presence yet. Spike TV wanted a 1.0 or higher but are pretty pleased with this.

They feel they could grow this and the fact TNA retained all of TUF 18-49 Demographics made them happy. Its believed Spike will keep a watch on Impact and see how it does monthly.



UFC pulled a 1.6 last night in its 9-11 cable slot. TUF pulled a 1.3 rating following it. Its not the 1.8-2.0 Royal wished but Spike seems happy with it as well.


WWE RAW walked away with the night as usual. In fact had they kept the show at 2 hours they coulda spanked UFC with at least a 5.0 most likely. Instead it did a 4.4 due losing viewers with a weak drawing 1st hour. The last 2 hours were pretty hot for the WWE.

Officials in the company kept a eye on the UFC shows. But weren't really into thinkin it was a War Time atmosphere like it was during the Monday Night Wars of the late 90's though. They were happy with the Rating however.


Rob Van Dam was not backstage at RAW as reported earlier.


credit:

www.pwinsider.com
www.411mania.com

[Royal]

UFC pulled a 1.6 last night in its 9-11 cable slot. TUF pulled a 1.3 rating following it. Its not the 1.8-2.0 Royal wished but Spike seems happy with it as well.


WWE RAW walked away with the night as usual. In fact had they kept the show at 2 hours they coulda spanked UFC with at least a 5.0 most likely. Instead it did a 4.4 due losing viewers with a weak drawing 1st hour. The last 2 hours were pretty hot for the WWE.

Officials in the company kept a eye on the UFC shows. But weren't really into thinkin it was a War Time atmosphere like it was during the Monday Night Wars of the late 90's though. They were happy with the Rating however.


*humbly bows*

Even though it was fated that WWE would gain Mon. night, they've sucessfully stimied the effort to gain points. Even if it was expected, The UFC should have no excuses on not pulling a 1.8. I do believe that 2.0 would have appeared if the UFC did not leave the only media it had, the internet, out in the cold. They now have a tough road ahead of them if they wish to rely on the power of the casual fan.

I, as an outraged fan, will forsake the UFC for a while to concintrate my powers on the european MMA front. Not only will I urge people to support Cage Warriors, but I will also put money & effort into supporting PRIDE as well.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

*humbly bows*

Even though it was fated that WWE would gain Mon. night, they've sucessfully stimied the effort to gain points. Even if it was expected, The UFC should have no excuses on not pulling a 1.8. I do believe that 2.0 would have appeared if the UFC did not leave the only media it had, the internet, out in the cold. They now have a tough road ahead of them if they wish to rely on the power of the casual fan.

I, as an outraged fan, will forsake the UFC for a while to concintrate my powers on the european MMA front. Not only will I urge people to support Cage Warriors, but I will also put money & effort into supporting PRIDE as well.


Dude , theres no reason to feel down. They had a lot stacked against them. But I do think that Spike is happy. They issued a Press Release sayin thier happy.

[marshal99]

Of course , they will say they are happy. It was their decision to let WWE go to a rival network , they will look real bad if they issue a statement saying that there are not happy. I mean , whose fault is it ?

[Royal]

Dude , theres no reason to feel down. They had a lot stacked against them. But I do think that Spike is happy. They issued a Press Release sayin thier happy.

Too drunk to explain. Read the link. (http://www.sherdog.com/news/news.asp?n_id=3475)

It's like WWE telling PWI to "F Off" y'know.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Too drunk to explain. Read the link. (http://www.sherdog.com/news/news.asp?n_id=3475)

It's like WWE telling PWI to "F Off" y'know.


Ohh yeah this is what Ortiz talked about last week. Damn shame whats happened. Some companies forget the people that carried them there. Is it Dana White who has decided that UFC should move in this direction ? Who knows.

To me with UFC slowly itchin its way to a national presence , you'd take any support you could. I would think it.

[titanfan]

Stephane... I mean MagnetoSuck if this is great entertainment I'll stick to normal wrestling.

Weird, he's nowhere to be seen today. I wonder if he really was Stephanie!

[handOFfate]

I don't know why, but I was fully expecting Orton to show up during Piper's Pit. Randy has all the tools to be a great wrestler except, well, he's not very entertaining. I'd rather have seen Foley and Piper smack him down, similar to the Austin/Piper segment at Wrestlemania. Disappointing first segment.

It's funny. The Iron Man match was great, but I kinda was expecting more. Angle and Michaels have raised the bar so high that "great" just doesn't cut it anymore. I wasn't bothered by the ending, since a draw can only mean more matches in the future.

Austin/McMahon segment was WAYYYYYY too long, though it still managed to be fairly entertaining. It would have been stellar if it'd been half as long. Steph, whom I can't stand, got stunned, which is always good. But Linda did too much talking.

Edge/Hardy delivered. Best match of the night. It was a poor man's TLC match, with kendo sticks thrown in! I didn't like the ending, though. Edge should have gone to Smackdown!, where he'd give Batista, Eddie, and Benoit a credible opponent. JBL just aint cuttin it. I don't see Matt making a serious impact at all.

Mae Young/Legends segment. Hilarious, especially when Snuka went after Mae.

Triple H needs to work on his gimmick. He's been the exact same personality for over four years now. I had high hopes that he would introduce a new personality. Instead he did the very predictable heel turn. Flair continues to deliver, though.
After being skeptical at first, Carlito is growing on me. He plays his character so well. Masters, on the other hand, is a poor man's Lex Luger, which is really bad.
Miss of the Night: Post-match beatdown. Should have never happened, and if it did, make is short and sweet.

Legends/Conway segment was amusing and relatively short. Masters and Conway are in the same boat; neither can get the audience to care. It's too bad, since Conway, unlike Masters, has talent. He reminds me a lot of Buff Bagwell, another overpushed cartoon character who couldn't get over the hump.

Miss of the Night, part 2: Smackdown! match not happening. I mean, c'mon. Benoit, Mysterio, Christian, and Guerrerro in the same ring can only mean good things. I wonder if this match not happening had something to do with the obviously overlong Austin segment.

Hulk Hogan starts what will inevitably be a Hogan/Austin match at Wrestlemania. Should be fun, though I doubt it'll catch the magic that Hogan/Rock did.

Thank god the Cena/Bischoff match was short. I'm a Bischoff fan, but his feud with Cena has been a dud. It's like a replay of Austin/McMahon, only Cena is no Austin and Eric is acting too similar to Vince. I loved the way Eric was used when he first came to WWE. He didn't feud with anyone personally, but he used his power to stack the odds in the heels' corner. I wish he'd go back to that role.
Smackdown! vs. Raw? Fine, as long as it doesnt' turn into the invasion angle all over again.

I propose a trade. Benoit for Edge. Benoit is going nowhere on Smackdown! and holding the U.S. title is beneath him. Edge is in a bind: he's fighting in an overcrowded main-event heel spot with Triple H and Angle. On Smackdown! he's automatically at the top with Guerrerro (JBL doesn't count). Benoit has all sorts of options on RAW: he can feud with Angle after Kurt's feud with Cena is over. He can feud with Triple H after he finishes beating Flair. Hell, you can turn Michaels heel and have Benoit feud with him (this gets my vote), or vice-versa.

Overall, a good RAW, but not as good as it should've been. I'm going to RAW live next week, and if it doesn't deliver, thats it for me.

[lboinyamouf4sho]

it was ok, would've been better if every good match didn't have a crappy finish, i wonder if dusty had anything to do with all the crappy finishes. i think i spotted magnetosucks in the crowd holding a "greatness hhhas returned" sign. ok now, masters whom the wwe has been trying desperately to get over as a heel finally starts to get a reaction since alligning himself with carlito and what happens?? they manage to kill both carlitos and masters heat at the same time to get hhh over as a heel, like he really needs it. makes no sense to me, now carlito and masters both look weak as heels since they're not going to do anything about it. all in all i'd say te bad just barely outweighed the good, woul've been the other had matches had better finishes, plus a tag title defense would've been nice.

oh yeah, maria looked especialy hot to me in that homecoming queen dress for some reason.

[marshal99]

Weird, he's nowhere to be seen today. I wonder if he really was Stephanie!

Don't be ridiculous , he's been banned hence why he's nowhere to be found.

[Taltos]

And shelton didnt have a match because?

Good:
Angle vs. Michaels
the flair beatdown
the bra and panties match (HOT!)
Bad:
Everythingelse

[marshal99]

Shelton Benjamin apparently did wrestle ......in a dark match against Tyson Tomko.
As i mentioned b4 , Benjamin , Kerwin & RVD are definitely going to have to rotate appearances on RAW now that HHH is back.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Weird, he's nowhere to be seen today. I wonder if he really was Stephanie!



He got banned for pretty much callin people who disagreed with him morons or fools. I'm thinkin he pretty much knew that the " hype " of WWE Homecoming would never fufill its promise. Thats why he was pushin for a ban.

I'd love to have seen him stick so I could showcase why the show never lived up to what it should have been.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

If your selling old tapes of ECW , WCW and WWF/E online at E-Bay beware. The WWE is currently monitering sales of this and will seek legal action due to owning copyrights on it. Is it over stepping and going to stupied ? Yep...but considering how they've threatened TNA with some silly crap ( TNA was warned to not call thier stars " Superstars " ) and threatened ex-talent its clear that the Promotion is in Bully mode. So f-ck em.


RAW Rating peaked at 5.0 for the Austin stunnin the McMahon family. Its proof that Austin will command a TV crowd. But they need to move fast towards Hogan/Austin .


On October 7th , WWE RAW will broadcast a 2 hour version of WWE Homecoming from 9-11pm.


credit:

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[Howard Allan]

That just shows how much filler there actually was in the show. Smackdown would be nuts to trade Benoit for Edge. Benoit is constantly over and is a total workhorse, Edge is neither. Benoit can also be pushed for a title run at any time if needed, you can't honestly say the same for Edge.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

That just shows how much filler there actually was in the show. Smackdown would be nuts to trade Benoit for Edge. Benoit is constantly over and is a total workhorse, Edge is neither. Benoit can also be pushed for a title run at any time if needed, you can't honestly say the same for Edge.


Edge still has his Title shot. They talked about it as usual. He gets the Title shot at some point.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

The WWE Raw Rating from 9pm-11:13pm clocked in at a 4.7 overall rating. The 1st hour pulled the rating down slightly as we have said. Thats pretty good for a 2 hour show and its no wonder WWE Officials are pleased right now.


RAW eXposed pulled an even stronger rating following RAW. It did a 2.8 rating. Thats pretty solid for following RAW. The 10/2 airing did a 1.7 rating.

The Monday Night re-airing of TNA Impact pulled an 0.5 Rating following the Ultimate Fighter. The Saturday airing pulled an 0.8 which is up from WWE Velocity's number.


Its being discussed that TNA could have its Repeat moved to Monday's at 8pm to kick off UFC Fight Night at 9pm. No word if that will happen soon though. I believe Spike is waiting on TNA to develope a fanbase where they have it and then try it.


Today is the anniversey of the passing of Brian Pillman. Lets all take a few moments to reflect on the late , great Brian Pillman who passed away in 1997. Pillman was the 1st to really work the smart fans and his charactor ' Loose Cannon " was pretty wild to watch. Pillman passed in 1997 while he was a member of the New Hart Foundation. He also was in a fued with Goldust.

R.I.P Brian Pillman.



Credit:

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[Gaz]

Actually, the current idea I heard is that TNA tape the show on Sunday or Monday to be aired Monday night... which would be perfect. They get the UFC audience, who seem interested if the Saturday rating is accurate, and wrestling fans can watch Impact and then flip to Raw...

[Jamal]

RIP Brian we miss you!

[Royal]

*raises glass*

Here's to the highess paid jobber in the biz!

[Forefinger]

*raises glass*

Here's to the highess paid jobber in the biz!
Who is that, HBK?

[Royal]

Who is that, HBK?

Brian Pillman dude.

[Howard Allan]

Edge still has his Title shot. They talked about it as usual. He gets the Title shot at some point.

Yeah but they can't expect to give him a long title run. A title shot maybe but a long title run, no way. Benoit can be given a title run at any time and the fans will buy it. That's what I'm saying.

[Taltos]

Yeah but they can't expect to give him a long title run. A title shot maybe but a long title run, no way. Benoit can be given a title run at any time and the fans will buy it. That's what I'm saying.
They will probably just make a joke out of it. Have him beat Cena on the PPV and have him lose to HHH the very next RAW.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

The planning stages right now has several matches being decided on for Survivor Series.


Roddy Piper vs Bob Orton ( Yeah because I heard everyone demanding this...)

And JBL,Benoit,Rey Mysterio Jr , Christian & Ken Kennedy vs Big Show , Carlito , Shawn Micheals , Chris Masters and Shelton Benjimen.


Ya know its sad when you won't even promote a good singles fued with anyone and need 2 guys no one wants to see. The fued missed ( Foley/Piper ) is pushed aside to do Piper/Orton and I'm not happy.


Word around the WWE is that numbers for WWE Unforgiven were low. This has the WWE concerned as they want to pop a good buyrate. If anything expect the company to pull outs some stops for Taboo Tuesday with some good matches. ( I better get f-ckin Rob Van Dam / Shawn Micheals in something! )


Up til the WWE show on USA Network , the company debated on whethor replacing Jim Ross was gonna happen. Talk inside the Promotion has them considering removing him from the annouce booth because they want new annoucers for USA Network.


The WWE has made no secret that they would hand Joey Styles RAW had he signed. But that seems unlikely and besides Mike Teney there isn't a lotta good play by play men around. As a heel Don Callis would easily slide into Lawler's role if a change happend . But who would get Ross's ?


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[handOFfate]

Yeah but they can't expect to give him a long title run. A title shot maybe but a long title run, no way. Benoit can be given a title run at any time and the fans will buy it. That's what I'm saying.

It's not that i'm saying Edge and Benoit are equals. Benoit is definantly superior, in almost every way. But from a business standpoint it makes sense. RAW only has two top faces- Cena and Michaels. Who comes after that? Uh, Big Show? They have a boatload of heels: Angle, Triple H, and Edge, and mid-card heels like Carlito and Masters. Smackdown! really needs a top heel to take JBL's place. Edge can fit that role. Benoit is being wasted on Smackdown! right now. After Cena loses the title to either Angle or Triple H, Benoit can be a great foil for the new champ. As great as Michaels has been lately, I don't know if he can be a credible champion again.

[Phoney Bone]

I marked-out crazy for the Von Erich Claw. Is it just me, or has Kevin aged WELL? He looked not much olde rthan he did when he retired.


Austin gets drunk and beats up women. Who says Wrestling ain't real?

[Erik Lehnsherr]

Nice Homecoming and all but with no Benjamin match, Edge winning, and HHH returning to take the show down a notch, I can't wait to see that 6 man Smackdown match at the end of the week.

[lboinyamouf4sho]

i really don't look forward to the day edge is maineventing or even worse is holding the title. the benoit trade sounds ok but he's already been back and forth too many times.

[Melbourne Mew Mew]

Actually, the current idea I heard is that TNA tape the show on Sunday or Monday to be aired Monday night... which would be perfect. They get the UFC audience, who seem interested if the Saturday rating is accurate, and wrestling fans can watch Impact and then flip to Raw...

Hmmm... so Monday Night War II's brewing?

[marshal99]

Hmmm... so Monday Night War II's brewing?

Not at the moment , if TNA go head to head with RAW now , it would be monday night slaughter. ;)

[lboinyamouf4sho]

Not at the moment , if TNA go head to head with RAW now , it would be monday night slaughter. ;)


and the sad part is the better show(TNA) would be the one getting slaughtered

[SUPERECWFAN1]

This is news I think Royal will find interesting. The reported rumors are growing backstage WWE wise that Jim Ross could be replaced soon on RAW. In fact the key replacement who is being rumored is.....Mike Goldberg of UFC! Yep...the UFC Annoucer seems to be someone they want.

If Ross does get replaced expect him to do WWE.Com shows.


Spike TV had meetings with TNA after the 1st Impact taped. The meetings were about the very end of Impact where Bubba Ray got a mic and declared : " Hey Stameford , Trade Mark this ! " and flipped the middle finger at the camera. That part was cut which TNA agreed on.

Ratings in India have grew to the point that TNA Impact is as watched WWE programming. The ratings there started at 0.2 and have grew into an 0.8 ! Sonjay Dutt and Simon Diamond are currently on an overseas tour spreadin the TNA word.


Jimmy Hart has decided to leave TNA and work for the WWE in some form. He had the oppertunity to stay in TNA and work with and without a contract as the company made offers. But Hart has decided to stay in the WWE now. ( He is funny with that megaphone...be cool if they used him.)

A lot of TNA Stars are overseas working shows in Australia. Jeff Jarrett , Abyss , Gail Kim , Rhino and others are working. TNA is filimg coverage with Jeremy Borash there.

Antiono Banks has been offered a developmential deal and could start work soon WWE wise. Banks currently works in NWA Florida and FIP.

Matt Striker is gonna start in Deep South anytime soon.


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[BoosterBronze]

A question about trademarks.

Isn't Vince REQUIRED to enforce them? Doesn't he have shareholders to answer too and explain why it is he let people make money of intellectual property that is legally the property of the WWE?

[marshal99]

and the sad part is the better show(TNA) would be the one getting slaughtered

Not for me anyway , TNA is good for crusierweights with the x-division but that's all , they remind me of WCW. They should bring in Tank Abbot and have a new 3 count where Tank can dance stupidly. :D

Where happened to Lo-ki anyway ? I thought he was decent when he was in TNA but he hasn't appeared in TNA for quite a while now.

[Royal]

This is news I think Royal will find interesting. The reported rumors are growing backstage WWE wise that Jim Ross could be replaced soon on RAW. In fact the key replacement who is being rumored is.....Mike Goldberg of UFC! Yep...the UFC Annoucer seems to be someone they want.

If Ross does get replaced expect him to do WWE.Com shows.



Now that's funny.

If they can get Goldie, good on them, but don't expect him to tow line. He's not the dude to....tell to sell somebody in a certain way & forms. Goldie is his own man. I just hope they get rid of Rogan if they lose Goldie.

I, for one, am surprised they haven't gone after Mauro Renallo, co commentator of PRIDE. He's the most experianced out of the four big commentators. He commentated for STAMPEDE & MAT RATS in Canada.

Again...I thought we weren't competing. :p

[Royal]

Where happened to Lo-ki anyway ? I thought he was decent when he was in TNA but he hasn't appeared in TNA for quite a while now.

He's consintrating on being a Puro legend.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

A question about trademarks.

Isn't Vince REQUIRED to enforce them? Doesn't he have shareholders to answer too and explain why it is he let people make money of intellectual property that is legally the property of the WWE?


Not really. You see Vince has let so many wrestlers work with thier own names for years it never really came up. Justin Credible for the last 3 years was working under that name and it never came up.

The Shareholders really don't care except for the bottom line. They feel that Vince will create each star and then they really don't care what the talent does outside the company. Be like Billy Kidman. Do you honestly see a stock holder telling Vince : " You should enforce the trademark on Kidman ! He could make money for a company ! "


This was a pure Johnny Ace decision and its made Vince a lotta enemies. In fact the WWE has went pretty stupied and tries to force TNA from calling thier wrestlers SUPERSTARS. Bill Banks and company have laughed at the WWE and call thier wrestlers TNA SUPERSTARS as a dig at Vince and company.

Its just that Vince is scared sh-tless. He knows if TNA takes off he'll have another fight on his hands. And unlike Turner , TNA doesn't have many layers of management to screw up. They have the Booking Commitee and Dixie Carter and thats it. Its a lot like the WWE structure so the odds things aren't planned is slim.

I think its Johnny Ace and his paronia that has hurt the company. He let the Dudleyz leave as well as Kidman. And he then informed them all that the WWE wanted thier names and trademarks. Hell Ace even tried to say the Dudleyz can't break tables. Its wild to see that level of scared in the company right now.

But the odds The Dudleyz and company would do anything close to WWE wise would be stretching things. In fact I'm sure Stockholders wouldn't care and thus far they haven't as Raven , Lynn and others have left or been fired.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Now that's funny.

If they can get Goldie, good on them, but don't expect him to tow line. He's not the dude to....tell to sell somebody in a certain way & forms. Goldie is his own man. I just hope they get rid of Rogan if they lose Goldie.

I, for one, am surprised they haven't gone after Mauro Renallo, co commentator of PRIDE. He's the most experianced out of the four big commentators. He commentated for STAMPEDE & MAT RATS in Canada.

Again...I thought we weren't competing. :p


Odds are thats why the WWE Officials were watching. They were scouting people to ste- I mean sign. Thats how Vince works wierdly. I doubt they'll replace Ross. They've talked about it for years. Joey Styles and Tony Shiavone were targets at one point .

[Gaz]

Odds are thats why the WWE Officials were watching. They were scouting people to ste- I mean sign. Thats how Vince works wierdly. I doubt they'll replace Ross. They've talked about it for years. Joey Styles and Tony Shiavone were targets at one point .
Isn't Styles under contract anyway? Why not use him? Or Josh Matthews? (Josh is surprisingly good, he always does his homework, and reels off trivia and history in between calling nearly every move in a match and doing so correctly)

[Gaz]

Spike TV had meetings with TNA after the 1st Impact taped. The meetings were about the very end of Impact where Bubba Ray got a mic and declared : " Hey Stameford , Trade Mark this ! " and flipped the middle finger at the camera. That part was cut which TNA agreed on.


The irony here is, with Austin, they may actually HAVE trademarke that gesture, at least as a logo... :p

[SUPERECWFAN1]

The WWE.Com site is teasing that Bischoff may invade Smackdown's No Mercy PPV this weekend. Of course no clue if they'll do that or not.


Spike TV has pulled the MXC Episode between the WWE/TNA battle. Its unsure when it will re-air or not. But I figure thier waiting til a few months when TNA has an established cable presence before they do this.


This Friday , Smackdown will finally be airing in all the major markets. The last few weeks due to MLB Games and other sheduled conflicts Smackdown hasn't aired completely across the USA. Now it will.

Whoever buys the Taboo Tuesday PPV 11/1/05 will get a free month of WWE 24/7 .

UFC fans ( sorry Royal) , Mike Goldberg has pretty much told UFC that Vince has offered him "Insane " amounts of money to become the head annoucer on RAW and he's leaving!

Goldberg has no history in pro wrestling and is expected to call it as a sport. An aspect Ross and Joey Styles really pleased fans with. The WWE plans to make the switch ASAP and Goldberg could be working this Monday's RAW. Tell me thats not a fast f-ckin switch ! This is a huge blow to UFC and no tellin how they will handle this.

Jim Ross is expected to call the online WWE.Com versions of Heat and Velocity from now on once Goldberg comes in. He's expected to train Goldberg to annouce Wrestling and know the facts as well.

Vince McMahon will be watching Goldberg close once he signs and will feed him lines thru his headset. The move is a shock to Jim Ross who never realized he would be demoted so fast.

Ross intended to cut his workload down the last few years and work outta his home in Oklahoma. The move back to his home state may have sent the message that he isn't as commented to the WWE as he once was.

This has led Vince to question him and the fact things have gotten stale. Jerry Lawler is also being debated being cut from RAW and the end result could see a Coach/Goldberg team on RAW as annoucers. If not a Coach/Lawler/Goldberg team.


Matt Striker and Jamie Knoble have reported to Paul Heyman's OVW Promotion for training. Both are expected to quickly rise thru the ranks.


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[Gaz]

Ah, so Jamie Gibson is good enough for ROH, but not for the "WWE Cruiser" style of punch, kick, headlock, clothesline, repeat?
And Striker mentioned steroids, he'll get on Raw just so Vince can bury him for that.
Hmmm, Vince feeding him lines? Bad idea, Vince was worse than Ross is now.

[Royal]

*shrugs*

We still have Stephen Quatros.

Have fun with Puppy Man & Butt Boy, Goldie.

[JohnPopa]

Vince is generally feeding the announcers lines and topics during broadcasts.

[Gaz]

Vince is generally feeding the announcers lines and topics during broadcasts.
Hmm, must be why Tenay is so much better... :p

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Isn't Styles under contract anyway? Why not use him? Or Josh Matthews? (Josh is surprisingly good, he always does his homework, and reels off trivia and history in between calling nearly every move in a match and doing so correctly)


Joey has said he will not do RAW. He's been offered the show countless times and whoever he wants as his partner for it. Styles has claimed they offer him numerous jobs. Styles has also signed to free his image up on the TV Rights issues to future ECW DVD's.

Styles is signed for something else as well. Odds are its next years ECW:One Night Stand PPV again.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Heres some tidbits from this weeks Ross Report. My smart ass replies are in ( ) so happy readin.


-Ross claims last weeks show was really lively and that its a great place to hold a possible PPV down the road. ( Yep I agree. Crowd was hot throughout the show)


- He would have loved to hear more of Piper and Foley but the Ortons ruined it. ( They did. Everyone went in thinking Piper was gonna start something Foley and perhaps kick off something special. Instead they ran a stupied angle with Bob Orton. Thats a miss-fire of epic perportions.)


-Put over Harly Race as a legit tough guy. Race is having knee,back and hip problems now and has to lean on things. Boat crashes and bumps all over the world didn't help. Race helped train Trevor Murdoch and more trainees could be on thier way in. ( Thats pretty cool. Never knew Harley did that. Wow...good job.)

-Roddy Piper is developing a one man show . ( Ok what in the blue hell does this mean ? A 1-man show on Broadway or TV ? )

-Dusty Rhodes is losing wieght. He wants 1 more shot at greatness before his time ends. ( Thier debating on Flair/Rhodes down the road. Its just that it won't work because its not happening where it should. This should be a NWA Fued. Ross and the WWE doesn't realize this yet and with thier denials to rewrite history to what they want , that will never change.)

-Dusty's other son Cody is thinking of a wrestling career now. He's a 2-time champion at Georgia and is considering letting Harley train him! ( Wow...those Rhodes kids are spreadin out!)

-Hogan and Race had a conversation for a few minutes. Hogan appriacates all he learned from Harley Race. ( Yes...because he learned so much I'm sure lol)

-The Austin/McMahon stuff was the highest rated on the show. He predicted it would be. ( No...the fans tuned because of Austin. Once you really dragged and dragged the segment out they expected a payoff. So he stuns everyone from 1999 era and then does nothing. Rating fell soon after. Thats what happened. We don't need to see Vince on TV each week again.)


-Jimmy Hart's mind was sadly elsewhere. His son Jimmy Hart Jr is overseas in Iraq. ( Thats sad to hear. Good luck Jimmy Hart! )

- Big changes await WWE.Com. Watch RAW for details. ( Writings on the wall. Ross knows where his future is going. Good-bye J.R. You did RAW good for 7 to 8 years.)

-Ashley may have broken her nose in training or on Monday Night. ( Yes....you see why people think that signing these chicks is bad news , J.R ? Your screwin up the in-ring product doing it.)

-He hopes Sam Housten gets all his legal problems taken care of. He was backstage with his son. ( Thats cool. Heres hoping he does. Nevermind they never really used the guy much in the 1980's.)

-Ross feels ashamed what happened on RAW with Skandor Akbar. The company failed to let him in the ring to annouce him as a Legend. He feels Akbar should have been there and all. ( Least Ross apologized.)

-He loved the HBK/Angle match. ( So would fans if you didn't screw them over for a finish.)

-Ross likes the WWE Depth on the rosters. But feels the company should look seriously into finding more amatuer wrestling schools and the NFL. ( Don't give Johnny Ace anymore stupied ideas. He'd sign every horrible NFL player he could if it meant they had a built body and could run a 40 in 4.4 seconds! This has to be the stupiedist thing Ross has recommended. Maybe its seeing Monty Brown becoming a huge star that made Ross say it.)

-Ross thinks it will be interesting to see what happens when Ric Flair talks this week about his best friend HHH. ( What ? You mean Flair's coming back for more of an ass kicking ? I guess a 10 minute beatdown session with HHH wasn't enough. I guess HHH has to absorb the life essance of Flair now. Like Highlander...only more pathetic.)

-Ross says that Rob Van Dam is out til Janury of next year due to his knee surgery. They wanna take thier time with him. He also thinks Rob coming back then will add to the tradition of the Royal Rumble. ( If they book him to win the damn thing I would be shocked. Least give him a good damn push. Rob's been wantin back for a long time! )

-Teddy Long should grab Matt immidetly and hand him the ball. ( Yes hand him the ball and then let him put JBL over. That will help I'm sure.)

-He was happy to see Kerry Von Erich. ( Kerry seemed happy to see everyone but Flair. I think he took pleasure in that 10 minute beatdown wierdly.)

-Ross would love to have Chris Benoit back. ( So would almost everyone who watches RAW. But he's too busy puttin the mid-card over on Smackdown.)

-Ross asks why the business doesn't have time limits anymore and has the business passed him by ? ( Because most RAW matches don't last 20 minutes. Jesus...you work there and yet you don't know this.Thats sad. Maybe thats why your being demoted.)

-Ross claims that 2/3 fall matches work great on TV with commercial breaks and all. ( Yeah...they work great in TNA. Wait..your meaning the WWE does this on RAW ? The hell you say! When was this ? )

-Ross wants to know when the next LOD, Freebirds , Anderson's or other great Tag Teams will step up . He hates the fact Tag Team wrestling is dead. ( Apparntly , Jim Ross doesn't watch much TV anymore. Or doesn't admit that TNA exists because he doesn't see Tag Team Wrestling there. Wow...thats some freakin denial. I can see Ace passin a memo around now: TNA doesn't exist. Do Not mention TNA online or on TV ! )

-Ross has gotten e-mails about his job situation on RAW. He admits that things could happen and that where theres smoke theres fire. RAW will remain the top ranked show even if he's gone. He plans on a kick ass show this week anyhow. ( Yep...going....going......)



Onto News:


With McMahon admitting that he was gonna fire someone off RAW this week , local commercials are airing that says it will happen. With Jim Ross's future in doubt many feel they will have Ross replaced in an angle.

Bob Holly vs Ken Kennedy has been added to Smackdown No Mercy this week.


credit:

www.pwinsider.com
www.411mania.com

[lboinyamouf4sho]

Not for me anyway , TNA is good for crusierweights with the x-division but that's all , they remind me of WCW. They should bring in Tank Abbot and have a new 3 count where Tank can dance stupidly. :D

Where happened to Lo-ki anyway ? I thought he was decent when he was in TNA but he hasn't appeared in TNA for quite a while now.


to each his own, there just isn't enough wrestling in wwe for me, especialy raw and now that hhh and stone cold are back i xpect a 20 min promo and 10 minutes of stunners and beer bashes on a weekly basis.

i'd love to see a 3 count reunion in tna, god knows sugar shane helms is being wasted in wwe, and they fired shanon, i don't even know where evan is though.

whats up with sending jamie knoble to ovw??

[eJm]

Well, onto Raw..I thought it was pretty good, but it could have been so much better. Especially the Hardy vs. Edge Ladder match since it wasn't even better than the Street Fight. Did mark out on the Legend beating up Conway, Austin stunning the McMahons (yes, I know it should have been done in 1999 but who cares, really? ;) ) and the Raw/Smackdown brawl.

Onto the JR situation, you feel the WWE is going a whole new direction with the whole company with the new interactions and stuff. Bascially, they are trying to be a Wrestling news site for people to go to instead of, say PWInsider. So, yeah, a change seems close to coming. His replacement has to be someone that can be a good face commantator to Coach's Heel. Joey Styles is a good one and Tony Shiamone (sp?) isn't too bad either. This Mark Goldberg guy, I feel, is a bit too risky. I never heard his commantary or watched UFC at all, but if what SuperECW is saying is true....it could be like having an enemy in the mysts if you know what I mean.

For the WWE, they have to pick someone they can trust and people know too. If Joey Styles had not said the statements he has said about not doing Raw and it was open for him, he would be the ideal choice.

[titanfan]

Not really. You see Vince has let so many wrestlers work with thier own names for years it never really came up. Justin Credible for the last 3 years was working under that name and it never came up.


As a WWE shareholder (admittedly a very very small one) I could care less!

What can happen is that if you don't enforce a trademark you can lose the rights to it. If they lose the rights to it, then that means, if they want to release a "Justin Credible" match on a DVD 3 years down the road, they either can't use that name or have to pay for it if someone else had it. Someone at legal probably realized this, and thus the hard core enforcement lately. (It probably came up during one of the DVD releases.)

[SUPERECWFAN1]

As a WWE shareholder (admittedly a very very small one) I could care less!

What can happen is that if you don't enforce a trademark you can lose the rights to it. If they lose the rights to it, then that means, if they want to release a "Justin Credible" match on a DVD 3 years down the road, they either can't use that name or have to pay for it if someone else had it. Someone at legal probably realized this, and thus the hard core enforcement lately. (It probably came up during one of the DVD releases.)


If it did come up they could have had Credible sign something so he could use the name. Its him and the Dudleyz who got screwed the worst in this. They had a pretty huge hand in creating thier ECW gimmicks and doing this gives a black eye to everything.

I think what hurt Vince worse was the fact Credible was on the " Forever Hardcore " DVD . The Hardcore Homecoming DVD release. If he didn't get a piece of that I'm sure he wants it. Sends a bad message and as Douglas has said , who would want to work in the WWE if Vince thinks he can own you after your career there is finished.

[Royal]

Onto the JR situation, you feel the WWE is going a whole new direction with the whole company with the new interactions and stuff. Bascially, they are trying to be a Wrestling news site for people to go to instead of, say PWInsider. So, yeah, a change seems close to coming. His replacement has to be someone that can be a good face commantator to Coach's Heel. Joey Styles is a good one and Tony Shiamone (sp?) isn't too bad either. This Mark Goldberg guy, I feel, is a bit too risky. I never heard his commantary or watched UFC at all, but if what SuperECW is saying is true....it could be like having an enemy in the mysts if you know what I mean.


Yeah. There is a large difference to what Goldburg does & what Coachman & Lawler do. Goldie gets feed thing through his headset, but these things are called "Facts". Other then that, he calls like he sees. Coach & Lawler have to tell a story. No matter how rediculous Vince makes it.

Goldie can probably put over a match. The only obsticle would be his common sense. If a cruiser match is going on & say that L & C talk about a supposed pig slaughter in the back done by 'taker, Goldie's not going to join in. He's gonna call the match. Why? Because that's what's going on right now. He ain't gonna worry about free pork sandwiches until the match is over.

That Common Sense is gonna keep him in hot water...a lot.

[Gaz]

Yeah. There is a large difference to what Goldburg does & what Coachman & Lawler do. Goldie gets feed thing through his headset, but these things are called "Facts". Other then that, he calls like he sees. Coach & Lawler have to tell a story. No matter how rediculous Vince makes it.

Goldie can probably put over a match. The only obsticle would be his common sense. If a cruiser match is going on & say that L & C talk about a supposed pig slaughter in the back done by 'taker, Goldie's not going to join in. He's gonna call the match. Why? Because that's what's going on right now. He ain't gonna worry about free pork sandwiches until the match is over.

That Common Sense is gonna keep him in hot water...a lot.
That could actually serve him well as the face announcer, he rises above all the immature squabbling and whining of Coach and Lawler. Plus, he'll be likely to put over how, say, the Hurricane can plausibly beat Big Show, by taking risks and keeping the pace fast, or that Kurt Angle has been focusing on the legs, softening him up for the submission and reducing his mobility.
(Actually, that's kinda what Styles and Matthews do...)

[JohnPopa]

I'm sure Goldberg will be told what his job is, what stories he is to tell and what incidents/events he's there to discuss. JR has a script, Goldberg will have a script. If the script says talk about the backstage altercation, I'm sure Goldberg will do what his job requires of him. Or he won't be working there for long. But the notion that he's going to come in and rebel by being a straight-up play-by-play guy, which isn't remotely the job, nor has it ever been the job of the main announcer in the history of pro wrestling, is a heck of a conjecture.

If he's taking the job, I'm sure they've made it clear to him what the job is.

[VCreed32]

IIRC, there was an announcer on one of the B-shows that did that.
Concentrated on the ring and nothing more.

[Royal]

I'm sure Goldberg will be told what his job is, what stories he is to tell and what incidents/events he's there to discuss. JR has a script, Goldberg will have a script. If the script says talk about the backstage altercation, I'm sure Goldberg will do what his job requires of him. Or he won't be working there for long. But the notion that he's going to come in and rebel by being a straight-up play-by-play guy, which isn't remotely the job, nor has it ever been the job of the main announcer in the history of pro wrestling, is a heck of a conjecture.

If he's taking the job, I'm sure they've made it clear to him what the job is.

*shrugs*

Just calling it like Goldie. Maybe he'll play nice, maybe he won't. He's got it made either way.

If WWE thinks they've made a big impact, they're sadly mistaken.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

*shrugs*

Just calling it like Goldie. Maybe he'll play nice, maybe he won't. He's got it made either way.

If WWE thinks they've made a big impact, they're sadly mistaken.


But it is a big one. He's the UFC's what ? Number 1 or 2 annoucer right now ? Thats a huge blow to them because he's going to a show where more will see him.


I can see why they made the move though. Ross isn't really hitting on all cylinders anymore. He's gotten slower. Goldberg I think will be paired with Lawler in a 2 man booth because with 3 people its hard to drown out everything.

Plus fans loved seeing Joey Styles tell the truth. He was an honest to goodness person who would tell you if a match sucked. Hell , he'd even critize his own company at times on the air! Tells me thats not freakin wild!

As long as Goldberg doesn't pander to them and calls the matches straight forward as Styles and Teney do , he'll be fine. They have someone. I haven't ever seen his work and all. So I'm reserving judgement on him for now.

[Royal]

But it is a big one. He's the UFC's what ? Number 1 or 2 annoucer right now ? Thats a huge blow to them because he's going to a show where more will see him.


Number 3.

If they wanted to make an impact, they'd go after Frank Shammy or "The Fight Professor" Stephen Quadros. Goldie's ok. You get Stephen in the booth though you get a lesson in each fight.

It's all good though.

[eJm]

Goldie can probably put over a match. The only obsticle would be his common sense. If a cruiser match is going on & say that L & C talk about a supposed pig slaughter in the back done by 'taker, Goldie's not going to join in. He's gonna call the match. Why? Because that's what's going on right now. He ain't gonna worry about free pork sandwiches until the match is over.

That Common Sense is gonna keep him in hot water...a lot.

I'm sure that's what pretty much JR has been doing these past few weeks so he'll be right at home with that in a way.

On the script thing, we'll have to see what happens.

[lboinyamouf4sho]

*shrugs*


If WWE thinks they've made a big impact, they're sadly mistaken.


after watching tonights ufc, you might change your mind about that. craig hummer while still better than rogan sucks, but so did tonights event.

[Royal]

after watching tonights ufc, you might change your mind about that. craig hummer while still better than rogan sucks, but so did tonights event.

Sorry. I was watching something better

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v361/Royal3/inokibrock.jpg

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Sorry. I was watching something better

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v361/Royal3/inokibrock.jpg


Maybe its me , but shouldn't ya ..ya know wait at least a few weeks before you put a World Title on someone ? I like Lesnar but this title switch so fast seems like IWGP wants thier belt reconized as a World Title more here than in Japan.

Brock was due to win the title. But thier tossin all thier eggs into his basket hoping for it quickly.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Simon Dean will be working this weeks No Mercy PPV with a broken hand. He suffered the injury last week on Velocity.


WWE Diva in Training Michelle McCool was hospitalized with a bad reaction to medicine. McCool is in Deep South training right now.

Bill Brethans maybe done with Deep South already. Its no secret he's ruffled some feathers with Deep South not opening when it should and extra shows not being sold by him. Right now he works the camera and could be gone. Another factor is that he still handles bookings for TNA Stars , A.J Styles and Chris Daniels.


Antiono Banks signed a Developmential Deal and will report to Deep South in the next month.


The WWE may use the Steve Austin beatdown on Vince McMahon to fire Jim Ross on RAW. Its expected that to punish Austin , Vince will fire Ross. That shall be a lovely way to really put face heat on Goldberg. Him comin in as Ross's replacement by Vince doesn't sound like a good idea.


The WWE is in negoations with Tanaka. No telling if its a Legends deal or somethin else. I think he needs to work and drop at least 20 pounds but thats just me.

Mike " The Miz " Mizzanin has signed a WWE Developmential deal as well. His , Krystal and Elizabeth's story is up at WWE.Com

The WWE Unforgiven PPV has came in at 225,000 buys. Lets tell a story on how bad this is. The Great American Bash PPV which the WWE points to as a black eye on them , didn't tank this bad. It appears they should have continued the Shawn Micheals/Hogan fued judging from how well Summerslam did.


Brock Lesnar defeated Kazuyuki Fujita and Masahiro Chono to become IWGP Champion. Royal's picture is above.


credit:

www.pwinsider.com
www.411mania.com

[TomGun13]

Maybe its me , but shouldn't ya ..ya know wait at least a few weeks before you put a World Title on someone ? I like Lesnar but this title switch so fast seems like IWGP wants thier belt reconized as a World Title more here than in Japan.

Brock was due to win the title. But thier tossin all thier eggs into his basket hoping for it quickly.


What happened with the lawsuit with the WWE? Did they settle or something like that?

[Donald Stone]

Brock's new tatoo is very, very stupid.

http://img373.imageshack.us/img373/5702/body043lm.jpg

[JohnPopa]

So it looks like a cock pointing to his mouth ... YOU tell him!

[Erik Lehnsherr]

The majority of things connected to Lesnar are stupid.

[Gaz]

What happened with the lawsuit with the WWE? Did they settle or something like that?
The case was sealed, so Vince lost... :p

[StrawNilla]

Maybe its me , but shouldn't ya ..ya know wait at least a few weeks before you put a World Title on someone ? I like Lesnar but this title switch so fast seems like IWGP wants thier belt reconized as a World Title more here than in Japan.

Brock was due to win the title. But thier tossin all thier eggs into his basket hoping for it quickly.
I guess they never asked him why he left the WWE.

[Royal]

Maybe its me , but shouldn't ya ..ya know wait at least a few weeks before you put a World Title on someone ? I like Lesnar but this title switch so fast seems like IWGP wants thier belt reconized as a World Title more here than in Japan.

Brock was due to win the title. But thier tossin all thier eggs into his basket hoping for it quickly.


DING DING DING! You sir, get a cigar. Simon's got his pop's ear & is basically telling him go for broke. They're trying to be a global company & have already made their stake in Europe & England. Now they're after us. It's a shame though that they use ex-WWE to do the job & leave their own gai jin out in the cold.

They're hoping the Fujita/Brock match at the stary of the new year will really catch some eyes & some pocketbooks.

You sould have seen how animated the whole crowd was during the match. Lemme show you!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v361/Royal3/crowd.jpg

[lboinyamouf4sho]

You sould have seen how animated the whole crowd was during the match. Lemme show you!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v361/Royal3/crowd.jpg


that's not really fair and you know that.

[Royal]

that's not really fair and you know that.

I know. I just enjoy being an E.L.F. is all.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

DING DING DING! You sir, get a cigar. Simon's got his pop's ear & is basically telling him go for broke. They're trying to be a global company & have already made their stake in Europe & England. Now they're after us. It's a shame though that they use ex-WWE to do the job & leave their own gai jin out in the cold.

They're hoping the Fujita/Brock match at the stary of the new year will really catch some eyes & some pocketbooks.

You sould have seen how animated the whole crowd was during the match. Lemme show you!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v361/Royal3/crowd.jpg


I don't think your really stretching things. I mean the Japanese love thier stars. Having some American show up and just destroy everyone really doesn't send a good message to your fans. Its like " See this WWE Monster ? He can f-ck our guys up totally!"


In other news Mike Goldberg has changed his mind and decided to stay at UFC. I guess he started having images of joining the Vince McMahon " Kiss My Ass Club " had he taken an on air role and Vince needed heel heat. ;)

[Royal]

I don't think your really stretching things. I mean the Japanese love thier stars. Having some American show up and just destroy everyone really doesn't send a good message to your fans. Its like " See this WWE Monster ? He can f-ck our guys up totally!"


In other news Mike Goldberg has changed his mind and decided to stay at UFC. I guess he started having images of joining the Vince McMahon " Kiss My Ass Club " had he taken an on air role and Vince needed heel heat. ;)

Not really. I mean some gajins have held the belt like Scott Norton, Don Frye & Bob Sapp & the japanese have been behind them. What I think brought it to where it is was a mass...devaluation of wrestlers. While some get squashed by wrecks like Chono, Riki Choshu & Fujinami, others are getting wrecked in MMA events. For example, Yugi Nagata was kick ass popular after doing WCW. He lost all his heat after Tony Inoki kept on putting him in MMA matches. He can't draw anymore. Period. He's Bob Holly for all the wrong reasons.

My friends are saying that the papers are saying Brock's gonna face Josh Barnett in December.

As for Goldie, y'see why I didn't sweat it. :)

[TomGun13]

The case was sealed, so Vince lost... :p


That's rediculous. Guy signed a contract. But I guess its par for the course with pro athletes not living up to their word.

[Royal]

That's rediculous. Guy signed a contract. But I guess its par for the course with pro athletes not living up to their word.

How is Brock considered a "pro athlete"?

Vince had him sign as an "independent contractor".

[Gaz]

How is Brock considered a "pro athlete"?

Vince had him sign as an "independent contractor".
Yep, has to be done, otherwise the jobbers and cruiserweights might form a *gasp* union!

[Jamal]

Super; did you mean Tanaka ( Japan ) or Tatanka ( Native American ) ?

[titanfan]

Looks like Matt Hardy has finally moved on:

http://www.wrestling-edge.com/newsarticle.php?page=130995852

Keep her away from Edge!

[marshal99]

He moves pretty fast for sure , Ashley has only been with WWE for what ? 1-2 months ?

Besides , she will still be with RAW while Matt will be at Smackdown.

[VCreed32]

Yeah, I noticed that on her wiki earlier.

[Royal]

In other news...

Vince wanted Goldie to no show UFN (http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=852&zoneid=13)

[GremlinClr]

In other news...

Vince wanted Goldie to no show UFN (http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=852&zoneid=13)

Soooo who's gonna take JRs place then? Or is it just gonna be King/Coach from now on?

[Gaz]

Soooo who's gonna take JRs place then? Or is it just gonna be King/Coach from now on?
That, or they hardsell to Joey Styles, or maybe do some flipping arond with Mathews and Cole.