Superstar Sleeze

I thought the first two nights of NOAH is some of the best puro booking of all time with Akiyama running through Misawa & Taue, turning on Kobashi and then choking him out the next night. What came in between that and the December match? Six-mans?

I'll be surprised if Kawada is not your number one puro worker. Akiyama and Kobashi do have solid cases, but Kawada was fantastic in the NJPW vs All Japan stuff. Looking forward to what you think about Kawada vs Tenryu. It will go down to the wire as Kobashi, Akiyama and Kawada all have big MOTYCs in December.

I don't buy that Brock Lesnar does not love wrestling. I think he really does. I think he hates travel and he hates the bullshit that comes with being a pro wrestler or really any job. I see a man who really enjoys himself in the ring. Someone who has better a grasp on pro wrestling psychology than 99% of pro wrestler I have ever seen. He is not just a monster. You can see in 2002 he is a big bumping heel. You can see from the Goldberg match that he can sell nuanced psychology better than the entire roster. You can see from the Punk and AJ matches how he can make things work with a smaller wrestler. Yes, Brock will never be the greatest wrestler ever because he doesn't wrestle enough, but he is one of the best pro wrestlers ever from a understanding of psychology standpoint. I think that comes from a true love of the actual wrestling part.

Wait. Is that really true? Did Inoki create his own civil war? Because that's fucking genius. I have never heard this before.

Titus vs Samoa Joe was an AWESOME 5 minute hard hitting match. Why did they give up on Titus?

My friend told me about the Cena/Toyota ad that's awesome! Delivery's time is up! Pick-up time is now!

They have a cream form of Viagara? Does it act as lube too?

I don't know I always thought Newbury Comics was more music-driven and "funny" catchphrase on a shirt driven than comic driven by the time I went to one in 2004 and even more so now in 2017 to point where I feel like the name of the store is a misnomer.

They had those in MA in the late 90s at least. I think they still do now. Im pretty sure the issue is you and your Mean Street Posse mentality, my friend.I may not be from Brockton or Lawrence but I ain't from Lexington or Concord either. Don't make me out to be some boojie mutha. Matt D, you'll get this being from Mass, it sounds like Hot Topic is like a more widespread Newbury Comics. Genius idea! I make a West Newbury Comics and devote to selling Cena merch!

The Bullet Club design is really cool. Even if I wasn't into wrestling, I'd dig the shirt. Also don't know what Spenscers Gifts is.

I didn't even know what Hot Topic was until this thread and I am 28. I feel really out of touch. Is it a big deal? Is it a popular clothing store? Is it like Abercrombie & Fitch or Aeropostale? (Tangent: Is how Michael Cole says Aeropostale the correct way to say it? Because if so there is a whole shit load of New Englanders that aint saying it right). Those were two big ones that all the "cool" teens went to when I was a kid.

I didn't think about the Loss factor. A PWO convention in Chi-Town could be a big drawing card.

This is actually kinda fun in the fantasy book how to get 10k people to watch a non-WWE event. I think if CM Punk is NOT coming don't do Chicago. No major nearby cities. It is not a destination (East Coaster speaking here, so all you Flyover States bruthas can flame me if you want). I don't think it is worth IT. This is the obvious answer, but because it is obvious is why they should do it. New York City (Largest Metro Area). Biggest city in America. Rabid fanbase one hour away in Philly (Seventh largest metro area). DC is four hours away (sixth largest metro area in US). Boston is four hours away (tenth largest metro area). I have driven to shows in NYC four times. Three out of four times AJ Styles was on the card and the other time was for Mania. So clearly the way to get me to go is to have AJ on the card. Also if they do it in UK, it totally doesn't count. Has to be in America. If it happens outside of America, did it really happen? (Now all non-Americans can flame me) One out there thought, how about Spring Break in Florida. Large gathering of young people anyways and a bunch of 20-somethings from the Northeast may say fuck the cold lets go party with the Bullet Club and college kids. Wet t-shirt contest with Brandi Rhodes would totally draw 10k. Lol

I see everyone's point. Wrestling is ultimately a carny business and the goal is to pretty much get people in the door by any means, necessary. I agree the more competition the better. However, I think I am more aligned with Matt, it just feels disingenuous (yes, I know wrestling and being genuine), but it would mean a lot more if instead of promoting as a way to stick to Meltzer or do something that has not been done since WCW, that Kenny Omega or Cody Rhodes was actually that over. ROH, wrestlemania weekend with the Hardys on top at the height of the Broken Universe, 3500. Yep, CM Punk in Chicago, get that or just give up. I feel like there is some weird Indie or maybe even a lucha promotion that has hit 10k since 2000?

Matt, I can see your point and clearly that will be what they try to draw on. Dave Meltzer says we cant do it, lets show him! But I really don't think that is a strong enough drawing card. Doing some quick research: TNA Lockdown 2013 - Alamodome (they ran the Alamodome?!?!) - 7200 TNA Slammiversary 2012 - Arlington, TX- 5500

I went to an ROH Show that had AJ Styles, Tanahashi, Okada, Nakamura and Liger on it and they sold out the Ballroom, but they weren't turning away 8k-9k. Bryan's return maybe? Maybe? I don't know. Cody vs Bryan was a mediocre match in 2010 and I have no interest in it now. CM Punk in Chicago, their best chance and I think their only chance. Well heres the logical followup question what is the largest non-WWE show in the US since the demise of WCW?

I have a similar combo Matt that would have made heads explode in 2006 may be not as much now. And like you I honestly believe in it. JkWebb, I know right, Brutha. I don't know how people have submitted ballots already. So much stuff!

As of now ahead, depends how good Big Show/Sheamus is though. I need to watch that. So much wrestling, so little time. Mark Henry has better presence, better at playing up the monster role and is better at working on top than Big Show even though Show is more mobile. I feel like Show is missing that signature run too. Show definitely makes the list but in the 50s as opposed to Henry in my 40s.

One of my firm beliefs is that it is never too late. One of the best examples of this is the pro wrestling career of Mark Henry. For 15 years he was treated like a joke and loser, but in 2011 when he was finally given an opportunity to be a superstar, he went on a tear that will go down as one of the all time great monster heel runs. Showing us that Mark Henry always had what it took to be a World Champion he just needed the opportunity and once he got it he made his dream into a reality. Work hard, prepare and be vigilant and when that opportunity comes be just like big ol 412 lb Mark Henry take it and never let it go. It is never too late to be great. http://ridingspacemountain.blogspot.com/2017/11/its-never-too-late-mark-henrys-hall-of.html?m=1 Full match reviews click the link at the top of this blog post.

WWE Champion John Cena vs Mark Henry - Money In The Bank 2013 On the heels of what I have called the greatest pro wrestling promo of all time, we get a damn good David vs Goliath. Cena's disdain for babyface shines can be forgiven here as he eats a knee right from jump when he charges into the Human Brick Wall known as Mark Henry. Mark Henry puts on one of the best heat segments in history. Torturing Cena and treating him like a ragdoll. The Headbutts and body attacks were there and so was that insane straddle to the floor that Alberto Del Rio does but now it is 412 lbs Mark Fucking Henry doing it, but he busted out new ways to inflict pain such as the Front Suplex to the steel steps and the Giant Swing (loved the one into the barricade). I will say I would have liked more struggle from Cena, but his selling was great and the offense was good. Cena tried hope spots like dropkick and a slam (his back gave out), but Henry snuffed it out. It was only when Henry was applying a head vice that Cena started to make the big man reel with punches. First shoudlertackle didn't knock the big man down, but the second one sure did. I think he should have went for more. Cant get up the massive Mark Henry for the FU. Mark Henry squashes him like a pancake, but only gets two. Cena does hit the FU but only for two. Know that is depressing. You finally do the move you want to do and it doesn't even finish the job. He goes up top, crossbody, CAUGHT, WORLD STRONGEST SLAM, PHILLY ERUPTS, 1-2-NO! HUGE REACTION! That was great. Henry is pissed and tears off the turnbuckle pad in anger. Then a light bulb goes off. He gets some chairs to distract the ref tears off a different corner. He goes to send John in and Cena reverses and the Big Man takes straight to the chest. STFU, but Mark gets the ropes. Mark Henry pushes Cena into the ref and BOOM kicks a field goal through the uprights and Cena is down. 1-2-NO! Worlds Strongest Slam, no Cena picks the ankle and it is STFU and that leads to the tap out. Awesome David vs Goliath match. Could have used more struggle in the beginning. Great, great offense from Henry and Cena sold well, but would have liked Cena to fight and then have Henry fight through Cena. The transition to the finish run was fine, the punches were good would have liked Cena to switch up against Mark Henry, but hey what are you gonna. Finish run from the first flattened FU to the end was awesome. Great one last gasp of Mark Henry! ****

"BABY IM COMING HOME" Honestly, I think this is my pick for the greatest promo in pro wrestling history. I just watched it and the part where he talks about his daughter crying everytime when he leaves, I welled up. Jesus! I knew what was going to happen and I still welled up. I was smiling too while it happened because he got me. That's pro wrestling, baby. Hell even when I watched this in real time in 2013 I smelt the angle from a mile away it still didn't keep me from being swept up in it. From the great self-depreciating humor of "I figured if you forgot me, you would remember this jacket" and "Don't cry for me, Argentina, I am doing enough crying for myself." to talking about the respect he has for everyone that works for WWE, the pride he has in his career, though he has one regret and his family. It is really the perfect retirement speech and that's what makes it so good. He is crying and smiling. Honest to God, you think he is retiring. The promo Cena cuts before this is amazing. Talking about how terrible 2012 was with no World Championship victories, losing to The Rock, but he never gave up and his fans never gave up on him. He is earnestly thanking his fans. Then he discusses how he will be ever-vigilant for his next challenger. Here comes Big 'Ol Mark and Cena is crying & smiling along with the rest of us. "Thank You Henry" chant, damn he worked us good. Mark Henry, you did pro wrestling proud, brutha. "BABY I'M COMING HOME!" World's Strongest Slam. I STILL GOT A LOT LEFT IN THE TANK! THATS WHAT I DO! If I gave out star ratings for promos this is the six star promo. I am excited to watch the match because I aint never seen the match.

World Heavyweight Champion Edge vs Rey Mysterio - Royal Rumble 2008 Can Rey Mysterio wrestle himself to a great match? The answer is yes he can. Edge is just a lump of flesh. He does nothing. He has all the charisma of a potted plant. Rey does botch one move early, but other than that it is all Rey. I think they went for throwing out the Edgeheads too early as it did not get the reaction that spot usually gets. I liked the attempted 619 leading to a plancha to the floor and then a seated senton. I thought the beginning was a little disorganized but they settled in there. Rey then springs up to the middle rope maybe for a reverse crossbody, but we will never know because Edge kicks out his bad leg (injured by Chavo in 2006 and cost Rey one year of his career). Edge proceeds to hug Rey's leg. Michael Cole is talking about force he is using, but he was literally just hugging his leg. Rey to his credit sold the whole thing like a million bucks. Loved his hope spots enziguiri and bulldog. He needed head rocking spots to get back into this. There were times when he really shouldn't have used the leg like the double stomp from the top but then there were times when he was genius like the belly slide into a tornado DDT to the outside. Edge really has no stooging or bumping that is entertaining or interesting. Edge hits a big boot to let us know he is alive, but he goes for the Spear he ends up in position for 619. Dial it up and the splash. Vickie pulls out the ref. Oh Vickie was already in the wheelchair and I don't know why. I thought the 619 put her there, my bad. Rey is pissed. Edge goes for spear ends up on the ropes. Vickie puts herself in harms way. Takes the 619. Now that's true love! Rey is conflicted but goes for a springboard senton and Edge hits a spear outta mid-air. Strong finish like Vickie getting involved and the Spear outta mid-air. Rey sold well and built his comeback gradually and expertly. Rey rules! ***1/2

World Heavyweight Champion Edge vs Rey Mysterio - No Way Out 2008 The Edge/Vickie stuff from the video package looks glorious. I absolutely love that type of heel shit. Vickie takes the West Coast Pop in a wheelchair! She was in the wheelchair because she sacrificed herself for Edge to take the 619. I love it. The Valentine's Day proposal, man, Edge might suck in the ring but he has a knack for this. Mysterio had a legitmate torn bicep and even with that he is a better pro wrestler than Edge. He actually gets the majority of the offense. Rana early has to use the left hand to punch. Edge hits a big boot and throws him into the stairs. Edge cant even properly apply a wristlock. What a joke. Edge posts himself and Rey hits a moonsault and a tornado DDT as hope spots. He dials up 619 but cant follow it up. Edge spears him out of mid-air. Basically this shows that Rey with a torn bicep and in excoriating pain is a better wrestler than Edge.

Undertaker vs Edge - Summerslam 2008 Hell In A Cell It is interesting the video package frames the entire story through the eyes of Edge. HHH exposing Edge's infidelity leads to Vickie Guerrero reinstating the Undertaker and condemning Edge to Hell In A Cell. Edge calls upon Mick Foley to help him prepare. Mick Foley tells him to look within. So Edge beats the shit out of him and snaps in general and attacks Chavo and pushes Vickie out of the wheelchair. The match becomes more about Edge's journey about facing this Demon. The match is of course then way more Undertaker getting revenge. It is pro wrestling not Dickens. I can at least see why this match is praised and why some people may love it. Because I actually enjoyed it a good bit. It is a good car crash match and probably one of the best the weapons in a cell matches of all time. That's Hell In A Cell really is now Weapons In A Cell. This is really where Edge excels. He is pretty bland and terrible in straight wrestling matches, but in these he is pretty good. The transition to the weapons is terrible. Undertaker sets up some stairs in the corner. By pro wrestling rule #124, he who sets up the furniture but eat the furniture. Instead, Edge takes Snake Eyes on the steps and then immediately counters. So Edge no sells the steps to set up more step related offense that actually does hurt. What?!? Edge actually a really good spear up against the steps. Edge does not like the Feng Shui of the Cell so sets forth on a massive redecoration project. He rolls in every once in a while to hit Undertaker with something while he acts as his own stage hand. The match does get good, I swear once Edge spears Undertaker through the Cell Wall. This was pretty dangerous as it looked like it was just inches from hitting Jim Ross and Lilian Garcia in the head. Edge then speared Undertaker through the announce table. They had a good slugfest, back in the ring they trade finishers, but it is pretty entertaining. The best part is the finish. Undertaker does every heinous act that Edge did him back to him. I am real big sucker for this type of stuff. Undertaker chokeslams him off the top rope onto stacked tables (TLC match), camera shot (Survivor Series 2007), Conchairto (Smackdown). Awesome, awesome stuff. Tombstone finishes it. Undertaker is leaving and sees Edge moving on the big screen. So he chokeslams him off the top of the ladder through the ring into the DEPTHS OF HELL! Sue me, I enjoyed it. It was a total car crash match, but the finish takes it from something that is meaningless and shallow to being an amazing revenge match. ***3/4

WWE Champion Edge vs Undertaker - WrestleMania XXIV We are currently look at 40 minutes with the video packages and entrances. So we are doing stream of consciousness. These two had five, FIVE PPV matches together in 2008. That has to be some sort of record. They did four in a row and then Summerslam. They main evented both Mania and Summerslam. 2008 is remembered rightfully for HBK vs Y2J, but this feud was big. It all starts at Survivor Series 2007 in that horrible Hell in a Cell match between Undertaker and Batista. Edge screwed over the Undertaker. I don't remember why. Edge would win the World Championship in a triple threat match at Armageddon (December) 2007 against Batista and Undertaker. Batista really got hosed. Edge is also undefeated at WrestleMania, but I thought he lost a multi-man match before this. Lots of play up around the streak in the build. Lots of 15-1 talk. There was a funeral segment at one point...love those! Undertaker tombstoned Vickie! She was a champ! Build up seemed to focus mostly around the Streak vs the Title and that Edge has a lot of cronies. Undertaker is still making his entrance, Edge lost in Money in the Bank the year previous. Never lost in a singles match. Undertaker is very tanned. It was a really good Undertaker entrance. Great presence. The Coach is on commentary! Wow! Michael Cole has seen many come and go. I have actually seen this match before when it happened. I was so interested in Ric Flair's retirement I found an illegal stream. Vickie is out in a wheelchair pushed by Teddy Long for a good luck kiss. That's very pro wrestling, love it. Edge must really feel like he made it. Main event of WrestleMania defending the title against Undertaker. Big Show vs Mayweather and HBK/Flair feel like a bigger deal, but he closed the show. Really if they had faith in their young talent, Cena vs Orton should have main evented one on one based around the legit injury Cena had at the hands of Orton. Instead they threw HHH in the mix because HHH didn't have anything else to do. Entrances are still going on. Good time to mention I wish Big Goldy would make a comeback not just for WCW nostalgia but because it is the best looking belt ever. Undertaker does the throat slit. Edge just starts punching Undertaker. Undertaker whips him into buckles and nice meaty clothesline by Taker. Edge plays a little cat and mouse. Taker drives him throat first across top rope. Good punches as usual by Undertaker. Edge gets his boots up. Undertaker gets his patented clothesline, you know the one. Doesn't look as good as usual. Undertaker is looking for Old School great early match move. Nice armdrag by Undertaker to counter Edges counter. Undertaker hip checks Edge and is a bit overzealous and tumbles over the top rope onto the floor. Edge knocks Undertaker off the apron to the barricade. Edge gets a dropkick as Undertaker is trying get back in the ring. Some good King of the Mountain by Edge. Edge follows out and not much happens. Pretty boring match thus far. Edge is really terrible at offense. Undertaker usually makes his opponent work for his offense, but Undertaker is kinda letting this happen. Undertaker gets some punches and as he goes for a bodyslam and Undertaker collapses. I really didn't feel like that was a focus. I guess Undertaker is trying in his own way. Undertaker sends Edge crashing down to the floor from the top rope. A pretty sick bump! Nasty thud! UNDERTAKER SUICIDE DIVE OVER THE TOP ROPE! I am such a mark for that spot! We got like twenty more minutes. Jeez. Undertaker hits a leg drop on the apron. What is the narrative? What is the hook? Undertaker makes you want to think it is his bad back, but Im not buying what he is selling. Undertaker cant hit Last Ride because of a bad back. Edge big boot. Edge back suplexes him on the barricade like Randy Orton would and Undertaker ends up in a couple fans' laps. I liked that spot! Edge with his dainty forearms and now with the lamest half crab ever. So terrible. Undertaker rolls over and gets a two. YES! This is what we need the SHITTEST Indian Deathlock of all time. Undertaker is doing his best to sell, but he needs to do more to save this match. He is going for a slugfest. Who believes that Edge's lamest ass punches can stand up to Undertakers? Snake eyes and Edge dropkick. It was a curveball. I will give em that. Edge comes off the middle and Chokeslam, nope countered into Edge's signature DDT. 1-2-NO! Edge goes for spear and kicks Edge and massive Chokeslam for two. Old School, but no crotches him. They are really stressing that Undertaker has never beaten Edge. I cant remember a lot of Edge vs Undertaker matches. I guess that does play into Edge being able to constantly counter Undertaker. Superplex gets two. Last Ride, countered and reverse neckbreaker. They have established a story. It is that Edge keeps finding a counter. Last Ride->1-2-No! I guess the other thing is that Edge is able to kick out. They are really pushing what does Undertaker have to do to beat Edge. Edge counters Undertaker. This story would be a lot easier to buy if Edge actually had high profile wins over Undertaker. Third time is the charm for Old School. Undertaker big boots the ref and Edge hits the Slop Drop. Undertaker defiantly goozles Edge, but Edge punts him in the balls. Yeah finally something heelish! Edge has the camera and pulverizes him. Edge is the worst heel ever. Zombie situp. Undertaker Tombstone! I know what I remember about this match! LIL NAITCH HAULING FUCKING ASS DOWN THAT LONG RUNWAY! When he only counts two, he must be pissed! The Edgeheads! Chokeslams Hawkins on Ryder. Edge spear->1-2-no Good nearfall. Take it home please. Spear into the Gogolplata. Lame. He taps out. If someone told me, hey I want you to hit your finish and then stare into my eyes and I will put you into my submission. I would be like fuck you no way. Protect your finish a little bit, brutha. Terrible first two thirds. Last third once Edge started to counter at least had a discernible story even if I didn't buy it. Really not that much in the way of memorable spots either. Honestly the most memorable thing is Charles Robinson sprinting the whole runway. Skip this.