JaymeFuture

I loved Billy Graham's book, that's an absolute steal for $1.99. His memory was good, his self-analysis (read: criticism) was far more honest than most, and it's just a generally interesting story.

Thank you sir! Appreciate the kind words. Let me know what you think when you're done! Finished and wow, fantastic. I'm definitely not sure how I feel about Brian Pillman now, but it was a gripping read. I'd never heard all those stories about Bill 'Quagmire' or all the blow by blow and insights into developing the Loose Cannon gimmick. It's pretty cool that John Harbaugh is still involved with the Pillman family. Did Melanie Pillman decline to be interviewed? She sure got taken to task. Thank you very much, glad you enjoyed it. And yeah, that's kind of the common theme I'm getting in the early feedback. I think the best compliment I could have gotten on that front was from Kim Wood (Bengals strength coach of 29 years), who sent me an email last week telling me he'd read the book, saying, "For all that's been written about Brian, you captured the little bastard the best." As for Melanie, she didn't decline to be interviewed, and I did try to get hold of her, but it's not the easiest thing to do. Without going too far into personal details I was given, the impression I got from almost everybody was that, in her current situation, it probably wasn't going to happen no matter what.

On today's WOR, Meltzer talked about how the planned main event for the Rumble was Brock Vs. Finn, but Vince has scrapped it thinking Balor wasn't over enough. For a match two months away.

They cancelled one. Wait, it's not a cancellation, really : “To meet the requests of WWE fans in India, and deliver the biggest main event in the country's history, WWE is combining two nights of family-friendly action into a one-night only, exclusive Supershow.” (Times of India : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/wwe/top-stories/triple-h-vs-jinder-mahal-to-headline-wwe-live-india-supershow-on-9th-december/articleshow/61640063.cms) Hey, for one show and one match, it was all worth it, right ? RIGHT ? So awesome. I went on the ticket site and you can still get 2nd row for this supershow.

He has to be kidding on that one. He's usually the first to point out that Cena is one of the only draws in wrestling.

Surely it'll be a three hour simulcast. If you want the show longer, do dark matches, what's the sense in airing both and making it even longer?

Got Jericho's book last week. There's some interesting stuff, talking about how he himself knew his "Rooty Tooty Booty" period when he came back to work with the New Day was trash, and him looking for answers. Kind of notable how it parallels his whole "second coming" period when you're finished reading - comes back feeling like a nostalgia act and has to change. Of course there's a lot of non-wrestling stuff that, in truth, isn't as interesting to me. Closest comparison I can draw is how Foley's "Hardcore Diaries" felt in comparison to his previous efforts.

Thank you sir! Appreciate the kind words. Let me know what you think when you're done!

I have an idea to help TNA with their audience woes - bring back the big pink room from the hospice care days of the AWA, except the background should be that black and white spiral from Vertigo.

Has it come out at all how much Corgan actually paid for the NWA name?

One of those "wait and see" scenarios - I can see their frustration, they turned Zayn heel, they were the hottest heel act on Smackdown and had the potential to be the best in the company, and they immediately got jobbed out to Orton and Nakamura to put them over for Survivor Series. Then they want them to do the same with the New Day. Timing of the booking is awful, and they seem so scattershot with the general direction with all these title changes that stuff is getting missed big time. The key is whether Owens/Zayn bailed on a beatdown after complaining about it or if it was a genuine miscue. But I doubt they are getting sent home for a mistake, especially on a taped show when they've been known to re-do anything they need that's important anyway.

Just wanted to drop in an update that this is now available for purchase on Amazon.

Crazy Like A Fox - The Definitive Chronicle of Brian Pillman 20 Years Later is now available on Amazon (http://amzn.to/2h93SxL). The book offers (if I may say so) the most in-depth analysis of Brian's personal and professional life ever compiled, with unheard details of his football and wrestling careers complimented by exclusive interviews with close friends, colleagues and reporters including: *Linda Pillman (Brian's sister) *Brian Pillman Jr. (Brian's son) *Brittany Pillman (Brian's daughter)... *Dave Meltzer (Wrestling Observer editor and long time friend of Brian) *Jim Cornette (WCW and WWF booking committee member during Brian's runs) *Mark Coleman (First UFC Heavyweight Champion who went to Miami of Ohio with Brian) *Raven (Travelling partner and good friend in WCW) *Bruce Hart (Pillman's trainer, tag partner in Stampede and one of his best friends) *Kim Wood (Cincinnati Bengals assistant coach, father figure to Brian and co-creator of the Loose Cannon) *Alex Marvez (Three-time author, former president of the Pro Football Writers of America and friend of Pillman) *Mark Madden (WCW commentator and one of Brian's closest confidants) *Shane Douglas (Worked and travelled with Brian in WCW and ECW) *Les Thatcher (Promoter of the Brian Pillman Memorial Shows) *Mike Johnson (PWInsider.com writer and noted Pillman historian) *And many more close friends and colleagues If you're a Pillman fan, or just want a look at the bizarre world of wrestling in the 80's and 90's, you might want to check this one out. The official preview reads: An alpha male with a beta body, looking to thrive in worlds where beta males with alpha bodies are the primary requirement. He was a complex paradox, a walking contradiction. He lived more in 35 years than most do in a lifetime, the product of an arduous infanthood. His overachievement is awe-inspiring. Tales of his conflicts and conquests became the stuff of legend. His borderline genius and tragic demise made him an icon shrouded in mystique. He was Brian Pillman, and two decades later the most comprehensive look at one of professional wrestling's most fascinating stories has been compiled. Discover unheard details of his upbringing, the incredible story behind chasing an NFL roster spot and his introduction to pro wrestling in the crazy Stampede circuit. Revel at his trials and tribulations in WCW and the WWF, walking the fine line between the cusp of superstardom and political turmoil. Reflect in the most detailed, inside breakdown of his Loose Cannon gambit ever produced, the scam that turned him into the talk of the business, before fatally drowning in personal tragedy and addiction. With exclusive interviews with some of Brian's closest friends and family, Crazy Like A Fox is a must-read for Pillman fans, and a breathtaking look at the bizarre world of wrestling to boot… - ​EDIT - John Lister of FSM has written a review that can be found here, giving it five stars: https://cinemazine.co.uk/2017/11/22/book-review-crazy-like-a-fox-the-definitive-chronicle-of-brian-pillman-20-years-later/

The latest SCG Radio is now online, as we return to talk about the Death of "TNA"! Join us as we discuss all things Total Nonstop Action for it's fifteen years of existence. Talking about great talent, horrible angles, worst WWE-retread hirings, terrible gimmick matches, glory eras, missed opportunities, moments where TNA had momentum then tripped up and more. In addition, we take your "eulogies", ranging from delightful poems to thoughtful analysis, to one-liners to appear on the tombstone, a barrage of tremendous takes from the loyal listeners. A really fun show this week, check it out and let us know what you think! https://squaredcirclegazette.podbean.com/mf/download/ritta6/SCG_Radio_122_-_The_Death_of_TNA.mp3

Just wanted to thank everybody for the contributions - the show looking at the Death of "TNA" is now available at the following link: https://squaredcirclegazette.podbean.com/mf/download/ritta6/SCG_Radio_122_-_The_Death_of_TNA.mp3 Join us as we discuss all things Total Nonstop Action for it's fifteen years of existence. Talking about great talent, horrible angles, worst WWE-retread hirings, terrible gimmick matches, glory eras, missed opportunities, moments where TNA had momentum then tripped up and more. In addition, we take your "eulogies", ranging from delightful poems to thoughtful analysis, to one-liners to appear on the tombstone, a barrage of tremendous takes from the loyal listeners. A really fun show this week, check it out and let us know what you think!

So, for this week's podcast, we will be doing our Death of "TNA" show, talking about the fifteen years provided under the banner of Total Nonstop Action. For this monumental occasion, we would like you to write your personal eulogy for the TNA brand name - thoughts on their proudest moments, perhaps? Maybe a personal experience, or just your general opinion on the trials and tribulations of the company and where it stands in the history of wrestling. Either way, we're looking for a sense of closure as the Jarrett-led GFW begins anew, so what are your final, definitive thoughts on the 15 years of TNA? As always, the best contributions will be read on the show and you'll be credited accordingly! EDIT - The show discussing the Death of "TNA", featuring many of your contributions, is now available at the following link: https://squaredcirclegazette.podbean.com/mf/download/ritta6/SCG_Radio_122_-_The_Death_of_TNA.mp3

Just to drop this in here, the latest Squared Circle Gazette Radio is now online, as we return to the Monday Night War Timeline to tackle April 1999! Covering every Raw, Nitro and PPV of the month, the panel looks at all the big stories with notes from the Wrestling Observer and Pro Wrestling Torch newsletters of the time. Covering topics such as: Davey Boy Smith being fired by WCW while being in intensive care, the untimely passing of Rick Rude, WCW's last great pay-per-view Spring Stampede, WWF's counter in Backlash, a new look for Nitro, DDP wins his first (and second) WCW Title, The Rock turns babyface, Ric Flair is sent to the mental home, Hulk Hogan takes another hiatus, and the Ministry of Darkness being all over television. With all the facts, figures and breakdowns that tell the real stories of the month, this another interesting episode of our successful series. Enjoy, and let us know what you think! https://squaredcirclegazette.podbean.com/mf/web/r57i98/SCG_Radio_121_-_The_Monday_Night_War_in_April_1999.mp3

The latest SCG Radio is now online,​ as we discuss the most shocking title changes of all time! Taking your nominations, we look at some of the most jarring moments in wrestling history, and analyse the execution and follow-up of title changes such as Bret Hart beating Ric Flair, Chris Jericho becoming Undisputed Champion, Big Show beating Brock Lesnar at Survivor Series 2002, Shawn Michaels winning the World Title on the same show, Sheamus dethroning John Cena at TLC, the title victories of David Arquette, Vince McMahon and Vince Russo, Jinder Mahal and JBL's rapid ascensions to the top, the Honky Tonk Man defeating Ricky Steamboat, the incident on The Main Event with Hogan and Andre, Edge cashing in Money in the Bank, the Summers Of Punk, and many many more. A really fun show this week, check it out and let us know what you think! https://squaredcirclegazette.podbean.com/mf/download/tuknpb/SCG_Radio_120_-_Most_Shocking_Title_Changes_In_History.mp3

Just wanted to thank everybody for the contributions - the show looking at the Most Shocking Title Changes in History is now available at the following link: https://squaredcirclegazette.podbean.com/mf/download/tuknpb/SCG_Radio_120_-_Most_Shocking_Title_Changes_In_History.mp3 Join us as we discuss the most shocking title changes of all time! Taking your nominations, we look at some of the most jarring moments in wrestling history, and analyse the execution and follow-up of title changes such as Bret Hart beating Ric Flair, Chris Jericho becoming Undisputed Champion, Big Show beating Brock Lesnar at Survivor Series 2002, Shawn Michaels winning the World Title on the same show, Sheamus dethroning John Cena at TLC, the title victories of David Arquette, Vince McMahon and Vince Russo, Jinder Mahal and JBL's rapid ascensions to the top, the Honky Tonk Man defeating Ricky Steamboat, the incident on The Main Event with Hogan and Andre, Edge cashing in Money in the Bank, the Summers Of Punk, and many many more. A really fun show this week, check it out and let us know what you think!

For this week's podcast, we're talking about the most shocking title changes in history, and are looking for your suggestìons. As a fan, which ONE title change did you personally find the most jarring when it happened, and why? Of course it can be any title in any promotion at any time, and the best nominations/explanations will be read on the show and you'll be credited accordingly. So which one was it for you and why? EDIT - The show discussing the Most Shocking Title Changes in History, featuring many of your contributions, is now available at the following link: https://squaredcirclegazette.podbean.com/mf/download/tuknpb/SCG_Radio_120_-_Most_Shocking_Title_Changes_In_History.mp3

Weirdly enough, I was thinking about that the other day. The very different periods of horrible that took place between that "Saving WCW in October 1999" show, the Russo run, the Sullivan and the R&B era, really did a number by the time these RuViews are done. Funnily enough, the early 99 MNW Timeline Shows are doing every bit as much to solidify or change my lines of thinking. I'm still convinced Scott Steiner should be been top heel ASAP in 99. It really is amazing how quickly WCW went from being in the fight to feeling like yesterday's news. Goldberg went through so much awful so quick at the start of 99 that he feels cold, even if you want to reheat him in a dream world and build everything around him, I don't know that'll work any more. I'm a big believer that for a company to fire on all cylinders, there needs to be an element of faith - fans believing in the company, the top babyface, something. The faith in everything and almost everyone is gone by October 99. By the time these shows are taking place, it's nowhere to be found. To restore that takes so much work...

The latest SCG Radio is now online for the return of The RuView! This time, we're talking WCW Bash At The Beach 2000, a show famous for Jeff Jarrett lying down for Hulk Hogan and Vince Russo's subsequent "shoot". But folks, there is so much more to discuss - the Graveyard Match, the Wedding Gown Match, a match with a Bill Clinton run-in, a match where a participant willingly loses a major championship, a new WCW World Heavyweight Champion in Booker T, and twists, turns, swerves and bullshit galore. The panel breaks it all down and discusses all the traits of Vinnie Ru's vision of pro wrestling. And to add an extra bit, one our panelists was there live in the building and shares his perspective of a very bizarre evening. A fun podcast, check it out and let us know what you think! https://squaredcirclegazette.podbean.com/mf/download/t6yrjp/SCG_Radio_119_-_WCW_Bash_At_The_Beach_2000_RuView.mp3

Wrote a piece on this show a couple of years ago for a magazine, and I find it so weird. A show that felt like the beginning, the next step in ECW's exposure and ascension. In terms of business it probably was. But to me it's the end of ECW having a real impact on the wrestling world. If you're interested, have a read. http://vulturehound.co.uk/2015/04/the-extreme-duality-of-ecw-barely-legal/

The latest SCG Radio is now online, as we face one of the tougher "Rebooking" challenges yet - World Championship Wrestling in 1993! Looking at a year containing Cactus Jack getting Lost in Cleveland, Paul Roma as a Horseman, the Shockmaster falling flat on the fucking arse, and luminaries such as Big Sky, the Colossal Kongs, Ice Train and Charlie Norris making frequent PPV appearances, it seems a shoo-in to improve upon it. The panel tries to tackle the return of Ric Flair, correctly building the Starrcade 1993 main event, how to use the Hollywood Blonds, dealing with two World Titles, utilising the UK at a time when Davey Boy Smith was on fire, and desperately trying to make some fresh names into more key players. And as always, we reach out to you, the loyal listeners, to see what you'd like to have seen in one of the more pitiful years in WCW history. Check it out and let us know what you think! https://squaredcirclegazette.podbean.com/mf/download/8vmasv/SCG_Radio_118_-_Rebooking_WCW_in_1993.mp3

Thanks very much! No issues with the disagreement at all from me - I think what's interesting about doing these is how different things end up in a committee format from what you originally want on your own. I'd agree that it wasn't the drastic shake-up, but rather streamlining the top angles with a longer focus. It also becomes quite clear when you put entire cards together rather than single storylines how logistics don't allow for everybody to be used to the maximum - you do have to pick and choose. The big issue that came out of the show for me was that, as long as the direction is Flair and Vader, there's really only so much things can really evolve, since the top two spots are taken. Just wanted to thank everybody for the contributions - the show looking at Rebooking WCW in 1993 is now available at the following link: https://squaredcirclegazette.podbean.com/mf/download/8vmasv/SCG_Radio_118_-_Rebooking_WCW_in_1993.mp3 Join us as we face one of the tougher "Rebooking" challenges yet - World Championship Wrestling in 1993! Looking at a year containing Cactus Jack getting Lost in Cleveland, Paul Roma as a Horseman, the Shockmaster falling flat on the fucking arse, and luminaries such as Big Sky, the Colossal Kongs, Ice Train and Charlie Norris making frequent PPV appearances, it seems a shoo-in to improve upon it. The panel tries to tackle the return of Ric Flair, correctly building the Starrcade 1993 main event, how to use the Hollywood Blonds, dealing with two World Titles, utilising the UK at a time when Davey Boy Smith was on fire, and desperately trying to make some fresh names into more key players. And as always, we reach out to you, the loyal listeners, to see what you'd like to have seen in one of the more pitiful years in WCW history. Check it out and let us know what you think!