WingedEagle

Some of the most interesting things Austin says are about protecting his position, whether it's with Jarrett or with other people. Also, how much he regrets walking out and at the very least losing the years of income. I do think you occasionally see hints of insecurity with him. That's the thing about these podcasts. You just see a LOT of the person as a human being in what they say, in what's not said. Austin can be more guarded since he's not shitfaced, mind you. Oh absolutely. He's protective of his position and isn't much for self-reflection outside of some jokes unless its talking about a match that may have been awful for whatever reason. But you never even seem to see anonymous whispers about how he was difficult to work with or a jerk.

Who exactly is this Conrad fella? Just a long-time friend of Flair's? The show is pure gold and world's better than I would've imagined.

I feel a little sad for Piper as its sounded like he's never been able to get his life together and always looked a bit frazzled even when on top. On the other hand, outside of Austin's domestic issues you really don't hear much criticism of him -- that may be somewhat due to his status -- but where there are stories to be found they trickle out about names big and small. Probably too late at this stage of his life but it would do Piper a bit of good to disappear for a while.

Yeah, not sure how I left Montreal all out. This is everything. Not as impactful as LBJ in '10 because neither team has more than 2nd round upside barring injuries, but today may have been more fun than that day.

So this Deandre Jordan story has entered a whole new realm. Some combination the Radicalz leaving WCW (factoring in the Konnans/Douglases/etc who tried but weren't welcomed), the Tod Gordon poaching ECW story and god knows what else. Pure madness. NBA 4 life.

Vince does not go online much.

I haven't finished the Sullivan podcast yet, but damn near had to pull the car over I was laughing so hard at the candle story.

These were picked with the express purpose of showing Flair's range, but they're all tremendous matches IMO. The most accessible Flair/Steamboat, for novitiates, is Chi-Town Rumble (2/20/89). Thanks for the reminder. I haven't watched the long matches with Steamboat from '89 in a while, but feel like the Jumbo match is more accessible at that length for a rookie. Good call, Parv.

Dude the story writes itself (minus the slum lord chapter). Her V Stiviano is Vince Russo!!

I read it as saying he he was best overall for that 10 year stretch.

Full schedule from VOW: http://www.voicesofwrestling.com/2015/07/06/njpw-g1-climax-25-full-tournament-schedule/ How do people see this turning out? B Block looks set to come down to Okada vs. Nakamura on the final day. Nakamura either goes over or wins it with a draw and goes on to win the finals and set up a title match vs. Okada at WK 10, which feels like the biggest main event they could deliver for the show at this point. What about A Block? Styles vs. Nakamura would be a fresh match we haven't seen yet, but if he's not committed for 2016 then giving AJ that rub is unnecessary. It feels way too soon to rush Naito back to that level with his new heel character. Tanahashi is a safe bet and one they can probably count on to sell out Sumo Hall. Ibushi would be a great story getting his rematch after WK 9 going for the big win, but if he's not getting it here I don't know you want him taking another loss. If they have a plan to rebuild Ibushi and set up getting his win back over Nak in early '15 I can see him getting the call, but for now I'd put my money on Tanahashi after taking a backseat since February. What do you predict/want?

Harsh! But fair. Post-Sterling should be like a clean break as though TNA were sold by the Carters to to Spike, but that ain't happening in this lifetime

Not arguing the history, but they had the Cassell/Brand squad that came close to knocking off the Nash Suns and then the last few years of CP3/Blake/Deandre. That'd be TNA moving to Monday nights and competing with WWE, not running for the hills as fast as possible.

Tim, one point that bears consideration there is that 1998 Dave wasn't watching Japanese wrestling live. He was always catching it on tape knowing the results and finishes in detail whereas he's going into today's NJPW shows live the same way he would Raw or a WWE PPV.

If I missed something similar in the first 12 pages my bad. But, if you were to point someone in the direction of 5 Flair matches to make the case for him as #1 where would you go? We're obviously talking about someone who's not really familiar with his work pre-monday night wars era and the tribute videos that came with it. Presumably don't want to load it up with 60 minute classics but I want this person to come away understanding why he belongs in the discussion.

Clips strike me more like WCW because they had higher highs than TNA. Now how about Chris Paul? Dude basically came into the league anointed the point god and lived up to that billing. Minus anything more than a second round appearance. Made his way to LA with Blake & Deandre...to the second round. Now it sounds like at worst he was a big reason Deandre bolted for Dallas and at best simply not a factor in keeping him in town. LAC will clearly take a step back this year with the question being whether its to the 7-8 range or if they slip to the lottery in a stacked west. Either way I'd sell any remaining CP3 stock.

Cena probably deserves WOTY this year.

Agree you can credibly put him at #1. Wouldn't challenge that at all.

I don't get why transitions need to be so intricate or amazing. One dude misses a move. Another takes over. There's your transition. One dude counters a move and takes over. Its a fight.

Can't argue with someone who says the Bullet Club stuff brought it down a notch. I can't hold it against the match because of the payoff with them finally being ejected and Red Shoes even throwing a crotch chop, followed by basically an entire match of greatness. How'd you like the finish? I need to give Sak/Shibata another look. Thought it was good when I watched it. But enough people I respect have gone great on it so will have to check it out again this week.

Alex Shelley on Twitter just now with a really nice tribute to his friend Kushida for winning the IWGP Jr. Title. Nice to see how much it means to them and how close they are.

David West takes an $11M paycut to go to war with Duncan & Pop. 96 minutes to split amongst Dunc/LMA/West/Diaw/Kahwi & others when playing small ball. Then they channel dubya and get all nucular come playoff time. This is going to be beyond fun to watch.

Overbooked, 100% agree. Could very well aregue they're 2 entirely different watches.

That wasn't the point you originally made or the one that I raised upon reading it. I'm sure that much is clear.

Not alone in thinking that it was a MOTYC. I went 4.75 immediately after watching but am curious how I'll take to it on a rewatch later in the year. I loved the beginning, thought it was a little slow until the BC were ejected and then picked back up from there for the meat with Styles's offense and Okada fighting through it. Definitely saw the finishing stretch different than you which is what put it over the top for me as I thought it was so well laid out and executed, one of the best I've seen in ages.