Ricky Jackson

But then told him he was going to drop the strap to Diesel a few days later because, with Randy Savage leaving for WCW, Vince had no choice but to create a new star ASAP. This comes from Backlund's wonderful autobiography that I just finished. Of course, Savage wasn't being used as a draw anymore in the WWF at the time he left, and Diesel was being groomed for a big run for all of 94 before getting the strap. Backlund doesn't question the sincerity of Vince's excuse in the book and just moves on from there. Just thought I'd share that since I've never come across it anywhere else

I thought he sold the beatdown fine. I mean at the end the ref even checked his pulse to see if he was still alive

Loved the main event too. I think the best Balor match I've seen

Great way to end a great year for Bayley

Fuck yeah

This chant for Bayley is beautiful

Loved the Jax - Asuka tease

Corbin vs Crews was ok. Seems to suggest Corbin is being primed for the title eventually, or at least a feud with Balor

Hmm. ..that makes sense. I haven't got around to watching it yet. I could have sworn there was a poor quality version of it on youtube years ago though

That was great

This could be the heels triumphant show to set up the babyfaces revenge on the next big one

Great match. Finish deflated the crowd because they wanted Enzo and Cass to win so badly. When they finally win the straps it will be a great moment

Great false finishes, a subversion of typical main roster pins as someone pointed out recently. Great showcase for Asuka

Ha...couldn't even be bothered to go to a show in your own backyard. The chants would've likely drove you crazy though ☺

I love how NXT womens wrestling puts so much importance in getting submission holds over

Oh no HHH is no selling his injuries! Roman has been buried again!

I meant in the wider sense of its relevance in pop culture at the time, not really business wise

This starts at the top of the hour. I have the day off and am watching live. Here's the card: Balor vs Joe Bayley vs Jax Dash and Dawson vs Enzo and Big Cass Corbin vs Crews Asuka vs Emma Should be a blast

Piper vs Orndorff brawl on the 2nd ep is great. Hogan/Andre vs Bundy/Studd on 3rd ep is super fun. 86-87 have tons of great stuff, but 88-89 eps are equally worthy of a watch. Show declines in 90 but there are still plenty of great moments through the end of its run on NBC

The bar has been set high by the previous cards, so yes this may not feel as special, but come on, we know it's going to be awesome. I'm particularly jazzed today because I have the day off from work and am going to binge watch the matches from TLC that interest me, the parts of Raw that interest me, and then watch NXT live at noon. God bless the 21st century

I recall there being a pretty big buzz around Hogan and Piper at Starrcade, at a time when wrestling was still generally dead prior to it taking off in 97

Actually, History of WWE says it was televised on PRISM so it could be out there. It's not on James' 70s set though, but the Bullrope between Graham and Dusty from the same card is November 78

I don't think so. They had a match at the Spectrum but it was during a time when they only televised some cards but not all

He hated wrestling but always made sure I was able to enjoy it

With Hornbaker I think he is just much more interested in the early 20th century than the last few decades of it