Category: WWE

The Phenomenon of Zack Ryder

I’m truly amazed by the rise of WWE Zack Ryder. He went from one of Edge’s two indistinguishable sidekicks to one of the most over wrestlers in WWE today. The crowd reactions he has been getting for the last few months have been phenomenal. The amazing part is that it wasn’t an outstanding match or a strong push by corporate that got Ryder over. It was his sharp use of YouTube and Twitter.

Ryder wasn’t getting enough match time to show what he could do in the ring. He also wasn’t getting great material to work with from WWE’s writers. He took the initiative to develop his character through a series of YouTube videos called Z! True Long Island Story and reach out to fans via Twitter. It completely worked. The fans connected with him, probably because it’s easy to see how much he cares and how badly he wants to succeed. He took his character to a new level with YouTube in a way that WWE television wouldn’t allow. It’s a great success story that shows how powerful social networking services can be.

What do you think of the Zack Ryder phenomenon? Are you impressed that hard work and social networking has made him one of the most popular WWE Superstars  in 2011? Also, woo woo woo! You know it!!

WWE AJ Lee as Mortal Kombat’s Kitana = Awesome

On the last episode of Monday Night Raw, AJ Lee dressed up as Mortal Kombat’s Kitana during the Divas Battle Royal. She even attempted a fan lift, one of Kitana’s signature moves (it didn’t work). AJ looked sexy and nerdy, solidifying her status as the ultimate woman. Head on over here to see more photo of AJ dressed up as Kitana. So hot!

Scott Hall ESPN E:60 Segment is Awesome, Sad, and Disturbing

I finally got around to watching the Scott Hall segment from ESPN’s E:60. It’s a fantastic look at the turbulent life and career of the man formerly known as WWE’s Razor Ramon. The piece covers Hall’s abuse of alcohol, recreational drugs, and steroids. It’s a hard-hitting look at a pro-wrestler that could have been one of the all-time greats, but succumbed to numerous temptations.

Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash, Eric Bischoff, PJ Polaco (Justin Credible/Aldo Montoya), Stephanie McMahon, and Sean “X-Pac” Waltman make appearances in the piece. One of the most surprising revelations was made by McMahon; she admitted that WWE has spent more than six-figures on Hall’s various rehab stints. Extensive footage of Hall at an indie show — hopped up on Percocet and Soma — was disturbingly sad.

Here’s a teaser for the segment:

I remember when I first saw Hall in the American Wrestling Alliance as “Big” Scott Hall. I thought, “If this dude gets rid of his white-man afro, he could be huge!” He went onto a successful stint in the WWE as Razor Ramon and one of the hottest runs of all time in WCW as part of the N.W.O. Hall was solid in the ring, killer on the mic, and had a great mind for booking. Like I said before, he could have been one of the best ever.

ESPN did a fantastic job on this piece and I can’t recommend it enough. Check it out hen you get a chance and let me know what you think (please!).

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Claudio Castagnoli Renamed Antonio Cesaro for FCW (WWE)

The age of Claudio is almost upon us! Claudio Castagnoli, my favorite indie wrestler for the past seven years, has been revealed on the Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) site as Antonio Cesaro. FCW is WWE’s developmental division headed up by Steve Keirn (The Fabulous Ones, Doink the Clown).

If you haven’t seen Claudio in action then you owe it to yourself to watch his YouTube clips. He has the size that Vince McMahon loves combined with wrestling ability that Ring of Honor marks like me cherish. His European uppercuts are amazing!

It’s funny that WWE saddled Claudio with a name that sounds even more Italian. Years ago I envisioned Claudio being introduced as Santino Marella’s cousin with a limited knowledge of English. Claudio would play up his “Heeeeeyyyyyyyy” gimmick and Santino would give him the rub by constantly taking advantage of him. Claudio would initially get sympathy from the fans and have the opportunity to win them over for life with his superior wrestling skills. You know, I should write wrestling storylines or something….

So yeah! I’m super psyched that Claudio’s WWE career is progressing. I can’t wait to see him on the big shows soon! He has the talent and charisma to be a top-of-the-card guy. I’m counting on all of you to become Claudio marks too! Heeeeeeeyyyyy!!!

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Coffee Talk #398: Pick Your Personal Entrance Music

I’ve always wanted my own entrance music. You know, like how pro-wrestlers have their own entrance music. When I was a kid, I thought it was awesome that Hulk Hogan used “Eye of the Tiger” (Survivor)…

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, Mariano Rivera’s 600th save, putting a dollar value on your work, or Dyson’s hot air multiplier, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

I’ve always wanted my own entrance music. You know, like how pro-wrestlers have their own entrance music. When I was a kid, I thought it was awesome  that Hulk Hogan used “Eye of the Tiger” (Survivor), Junkyard Dog used “Another One Bites the Dust” (Queen), and Kerry Von Erich used “Tom Sawyer” (Rush) as their entrance themes. Of course nothing beats Ric Flair hitting the ring to “Also Sprach Zarathustra“, more commonly known as the intro music to the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Entrance music changed when Vince McMahon realized that he could save money in licensing fees and make money by selling his own music. Awesome songs by established artists were replaced by mediocre songs performed by no-names. Sure there are exceptions. Hulk Hogan’s “Real American” (Rick Derringer) seems completely appropriate for his character. Motorhead is awesome and Triple H is a mark for the band, so “The Game” makes total sense for him. While today’s entrance music isn’t what it used to be, most of it still works.

If I had my wish, I’d borrow “Sexy Boy” for my personal entrance theme. The lyrics are ridiculous and the music is cheesy. Most of you have known me long enough to have figured out that I’m ridiculous and cheesy. I would absolutely abuse my entrance theme (and spend a fortune in background fireworks). I would use it every time I entered groceries, office buildings, restaurants, courtrooms, etc. (I wouldn’t use it at funerals and when entering bathrooms.) The music fits my personality and would be my little tribute to “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels.

If you could have your own entrance music, what would it be? Choose wisely!

All Hail the New TNA X-Division Champion Austin Aries!!!

If you haven’t been watching  Impact Wrestling — and I know that most of you haven’t — then I urge you to give it a go. Yeah, there’s still a bunch of crap like Ric Flair and Sting embarrassing themselves in their advanced age, the uncertainty of whether Jeff Hardy will wrestle or traffic drugs, every segment with Hulk Hogan, and 84 percent of what Vince Russo comes up with. All that aside, there’s one glorious bright spot in all of TNA Entertainment — Austin Aries.

Obviously I’m biased, but Aries is the best thing — by far — about Impact Wrestling. I’m thrilled that he’s the new X-Division Champion. He absolutely deserves this success and more. He’s putting on great matches and cutting great promos. He’s been consistently great since returning to TNA. While other wrestlers in the company are busy trafficking drugs or getting DUIs, Aries has been providing high-quality entertainment in and out of the ring.

So yeah, I’m watching TNA these days…but only to catch Austin Aries matches and promos. Screw Kurt Angle. A-Double is the one that’s that…damn…good.

Inside Out Trailer Starring WWE Triple H (Paul Levesque)

Hot on the heels of his award-winning (not really) performance in The Chaperone, Paul Levesque (Triple H) is set to star in Inside Out. Costarring Michael Rapaport, Parker Posey, and Bruce Dern, Inside Out looks slightly better than Hunter’s last movie…but that’s not saying much, is it?

Anyway, check out the trailer, try not to laugh at the unintentional comedy, and let me know what you think (please)!

The Sad, Sad Tale of “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair

Grantland has posted an outstanding article that chronicles the marital and financial difficulties of “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair. Shane Ryan covers more than 20 years of Flair’s life…and it’s depressing. Keep in mind that I’m a huge Ric Flair mark and consider him to be the greatest of all time, no matter what WWE says. Like most articles on Grantland — the Bill Simmons project that has quickly become one of my favorite sites — it’s a well-written piece, but a lot of the details made me wince.

I already knew some details of Flair’s marital problems, but I had no idea he was so stupid with his money. I was genuinely sad when I read that Flair used his old championship belts as collateral for loans. I was even sadder to learn that he used the Rolex watch that he received from Shawn Michaels — a gift to commemorate their outstanding match at WrestleMania XXIV — for the same purpose. I was at that match and the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony that featured Flair’s induction. The watch represented all the emotion from that weekend — which was supposed to be Flair’s “last” match — and it’s sad that Flair has been reduced to using it for collateral.

Anyway, I highly, highly recommend reading the whole article when you have a chance. If you do, please leave a comment here and let me know what you think!

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Matt Hardy Arrested for DWI, Fired From TNA

Guess who you won’t be seeing on Impact Wrestling anymore? Matt Hardy, that’s who! After being arrested for suspicion of driving while intoxicated, TNA announced that it has released Hardy. The wrestler was arrested on Sunday after wrapping his Corvette around a tree, an uncommon activity for sober people driving around on a summer afternoon. At the very least, his mug shot (courtesy of TMZ) makes him look like he was on something.

If Hardy is found to have been driving while intoxicated then he is one of the dumbest people in the history of North Carolina. Has he learned nothing from his friends and family?!? Most of you know that his brother, Jeff Hardy, has had numerous substance issues and is an accused drug trafficker. His best friend, Shane Helms (The Hurricane, Gregory Helms), was recently in a horrific motorcycle accident and is also being investigated for driving under the influence.

I’ve always liked Matt Hardy and I’m bummed to see what a wreck his life has become. What the hell is he doing?!? Perhaps he’s trying to outdo Jeff??? How do you guys and dolls feel about this incident?

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Watch the CM Punk vs. Kevin Nash Confrontation on Raw

It was interesting to see CM Punk confront Kevin Nash on last night’s episode of Monday Night Raw. For those of you that aren’t up on the current storyline, Punk defeated John Cena on Sunday to retain the WWE Championship. Out of nowhere, Kevin Nash hit the ring and gave Punk a jackknife powerbomb. This opened the door for Alberto Del Rio to cash in his Money-in-the-Bank title shot to win the WWE Championship.

Punk was excellent last night, just as he’s been for the last few months. I was surprised that Nash was so flat. He’s usually great on the stick, but seemed a bit uncomfortable last night. It made me wonder if he got too used to the crowds at TNA (only a few hundred people) and forgot what it was like to work the mic in front of thousands.

The storyline is also…interesting. It looks like WWE is going with a , “Who done it?” plot. Nash got a text message from Triple H to pull a schmoz. I’m guessing that the message was sent from Hunter’s phone, but was sent by someone else. Stephanie McMahon is the obvious choice since she obviously has access to her husband’s phone. John Laurinaitis is another possibility. Either way my writing in the last two SmackDown vs. Raw games was much better. Ha!

Let me know what you think of CM Punk, Kevin Nash, and this current storyline when you have a chance. Who do you think sent the text message to Big Daddy Cool?