SteveJRogers

Like I said about the snowballing effect with my example, how much do you want to bet that starts to get some attention by some WWE slanted outlets in order to, not discredit what Punk said outright, but to cast some doubt on the complete truthfulness of Punk's claims. I mean it wouldn't change a thing since there is way too much smoke in other instances besides Punk, but something stupid and dangerous like a DUI charge, even if it went away quietly based on whatever reasoning (BAC wasn't legal limit, cop was being a quota seeking ahole, or being an ahole based on Punk being a pro wrestler, etc), I can see being brought up as a way to discredit Punk's IRL character. That should be easy enough to verify through public records if someone is able to do it. I'm ignorant on this stuff - is telling you that a violation of attorney-client privilege? Yeah, since I couldn't find it on a simple Google search (you'd think it would be somewhere on some place, like wrestler mug shot sites or sonething), I'm betting it was dismissed due to the charge steming from an over eager and power tripping cop, and a belligerent and groggy Punk.

Like I said about the snowballing effect with my example, how much do you want to bet that starts to get some attention by some WWE slanted outlets in order to, not discredit what Punk said outright, but to cast some doubt on the complete truthfulness of Punk's claims. I mean it wouldn't change a thing since there is way too much smoke in other instances besides Punk, but something stupid and dangerous like a DUI charge, even if it went away quietly based on whatever reasoning (BAC wasn't legal limit, cop was being a quota seeking ahole, or being an ahole based on Punk being a pro wrestler, etc), I can see being brought up as a way to discredit Punk's IRL character.

Not coming up with anything on a quick Google search, except for ESPN's Colin Cowherd trolling response to Punk's blasting an MMA's fighter's DUI. I know its been rumored that Punk's straight edge gimmick is more of a, "character gimmick" I'll say instead of a legit sham, but considering all of what he's said in the Cabana interview about his reactions to antibiotics and such, I'd definitely would buy him not being completely 100% straight edge being more "I'm good with an occasional beverage or toke while out in a social setting" than being the type to do something stupid, illegal, and dangerous like driving while under some substance influence. I don't think he's not doing it because he's a recovering addict, or believes that he has an addictive personality, is what I mean, but more of a response to shit that's gone on in his personal experience has driven him to be committed to a certain lifestyle. Its probably more like how Lawler is "straight edge" but without the tattoo and piercing addictions, where he adopted certain aspects of the lifestyle because there were others out there that had the same thoughts about addictions that he did (in music and other avenues of entertainment and culture) but uses his stage personae as a way to overstate it in order to get the gimmick over. Especially considering his prickly and snarky personality, hence why I'm sure a rumored DUI would come up in a way to "prove" Punk's...or Brooks' I should say, hypocrisy. Like, oh say someone that has made a reputation as being a champion for a certain people should be, but being torn down because he clearly isn't one to talk about certain cultural values based on some rather dark moments in his past.

Surprised no one has picked up on the boxing-MMA bit. I understand Punk's point about how it does seem hypocritical, especially if Vince keeps saying that the WWE is not competing with UFC. But it does seem to be more in line with the whole way boxing is treated today and the various MMA organizations. I think the idea, well first is that Vince is off his rocker thinking MMA is worse of a blood sport than boxing ever was, that boxing is still considered the king of fighting competitions, even though it hasn't been that way for quite some time to the mainstream audiences. Perhaps its due to the Alphabet Soup of title belts and events are arranged more by the venue as the promoter, or two-bit car salesmen like the Don Kings and Bob Arums where...well its everyone singularly out for themselves as opposed to an organization, while MMA promotions are organized as wrestling promotions are (UFC, Bellator, etc). To say nothing about MMA shows occurring on a more frequent basis and boxers can sometimes go a year between title bouts, even in the heydays of the sport. But I think its more that Vince, and people of that generation (and a few afterwards) that cling to the notion that boxing is still on its top pedestal, and that's where they'd should be in order to get the mainstream acceptance that the WWE generally craves. Despite the obvious usurping that MMA, and to some extent even pro wrestling, has done to boxing over the last few decades.

Maybe its just me, but that's the most disturbing thing I've heard since this all broke. We're only lucky to find so many passions in this world outside of friends and family, it really sucks to lose one. That is typical for various occupations that you go in as an uber passionate fan of. You can lose your passion for it once it becomes more of an occupation, whether its finding out how much of a dirty, low down business it is, or simply because it feels more like a soul crushing job. The latter is clearly not the case here, but I've heard people who've tried for years to get into the television business because they didn't want a "real job" bitterly complain about aspects of working on a TV show being akin to the same gripes "real job" people give (time it takes to get to your job, long hours of unproductive-ness, not being in complete control of the finished product, etc) when it seems they are about ready for a complete career change.

Not that it hasn't been going on since Paige beat her that Raw after 'Mania! It still comes up every time she loses. There are some fans who want to think that the wrestlers take things as seriously as they do. Every loss is a "message." You can probably blame knowing way too much about how petty promoters/bookers/other wrestlers have been through the decades on that! Probably something else you can blame the internet going too far in destroying the old kayfabe model on! A little serious about that, there are way too many instances of things being done due to pettiness (and I'm not even talking about screwjobs) that I can see how fans trying to sound way to smart would see a loss to be a "message" or "punishment" rather than an actual part of the ongoing narrative of that character's storyline.

The question is how do they deal with it. I mean Punk is perfectly fine never going back. Well for a couple years at least. I know he is a huge mark but i don't think he sees the HOF as that vital. You can't really punish Cabana too much. It isnt like his podcast is riddled with WWE stars lately. Plus Colt realizes he has no chance in the WWE in any form a long time ago. So I guess that leaves AJ. Problem there is that it would be so obvious there would be big backlash Vince's reaction is interesting. I guess the reason he isn't completely pissed because he figured would it come out eventually I know Road Dogg has gone on the offensive on Twitter telling everyone there are two sides to every story, to say nothing about Ryback's Twitter offense. I don't think there is anything to do publicly really, other than announce sweeping medical staff changes. Oh, and FWIW, as bad as you think the WWE's staff is at this point, look up New York Mets and their history of injuries getting mis-diagnosed or electing not to have surgeries leading to more complications over the last couple of decades. Generation K (two different versions), Matt Harvey, hell never mind pitching, how about Ike Davis, Jose Reyes, David Wright...etc The point being, the WWE as an entity may be awful on its own when it comes to their medical staff, but there are instances of it being that bad, or even worse, in professional sports that at least are seen as being of a higher standard by the mainstream mass audiences.

Not that it hasn't been going on since Paige beat her that Raw after 'Mania!

That's a problem listening to certain podcasts, not any of the PTBN or PWO affiliated ones, but ones where the hosts not only during the show have so many shots at certain wrestlers they can't comprehend how they've gotten as far as they had that its drinking game worthy, but also get egged on in feedback Twitter comments to continue to bash said performers. And one of them is LEX LUGER. Who may have been a hump in the ring, and bad at promos, but he must have had something besides well placed friends to be a multiple time NWA and WCW champion (also the US and Tag), be an Horsemen Associate, and be considered "the next Hogan" in 1993. Yet every episode (a show that reviews a year in WWF/WCW during the Monday Night Wars era) there is copious amounts of "Luger is the worst ever" quips. I think that also is the problem with something that is taste driven like wrestling (same with music). And if you point to stats like wins/losses and belts, you'd get "Dude, you know its scripted right?" thrown at you. So there isn't really too much to quantify in a real tangible way why a wrestler truly does suck as compared to someone you like that is underrated.

Pro wrestling - the only business which figures if you're a fan of said business, you're an idiot. In the last decade or so, maybe the NFL?

That appears to be a one off in an over-sized Annual that most likely will be filled with various stories from various writers, most likely will involve some past Thor writers as well. I'd even say it is apples and oranges if he came in for a special mini or maxi series (like, oh I don't know, okay he was a regular at the time with Swap Thing and backups about the Corps in Green Lantern, but your avatar represents something that was a maxi that you could say was taking shelf space away from another title) Your point would be more valid if Punk was taking over Thor's title for a lengthy run or something like that. OE: According the the solicits, its just a normal backup to the main story, there is also a third one. But the point remains the same about the story being simply a one shot and not the same thing as Punk getting an ongoing for a lengthy run.

Those sitdown interviews are still being done, less frequently with Triple H though (and I'd assume due to storyline reasons, he won't be on for a while) and mixing and matching with what ever they want to get over as the premiere storyline. They even had Jericho in the Cole role for a kayfabe sitdown with Bray Wyatt in the middle of their feud! Actually, part of me wonders if that's kind of the reason the YouTube/website stuff isn't on there. Kind of separating Network programming from stuff they'd dole out in free and less than 10 minute increments on the YouTube channel and their website (though they did premiere ECW Exposed Part 2 on YouTube/WWE.com.) I'd also mention the kayfabe aspect of the Cole sitdowns, but then again the pre/post shows tend to be 100% kayfabe, so they aren't above keeping with storylines on the Network despite all the kayfabe bending/breaking content already on there (Beyond the Ring, Legends of Wrestling, etc). It came out on DVD/BluRay sometime around WrestleMania actually, so that's why it cuts off right at his return and Rumble win. With the exceptions of The Usos, Daniel Bryan's Road to WM and The Shield's Road to SummerSlam, all the Beyond The Ring/Special presentations are all from previous DVD/BluRay releases. Though, yeah if they probably should have produced like a "bonus disc" re-release, or "includes new afterwards" using a book analogy, sort of "Network exclusive" especially tying in the reception of Guardians. Trying to think, when did Eddie's DVD doc come out? If it came out after WM XX, I'm surprised he wasn't on that, and therefore used as archive footage for the WrestleMania Rewind episode that their match was featured on.

I wouldn't let him listen to this episode, but I'd say, try to get him on! http://www.wickedlocal.com/article/20130726/News/307269848

Raymond must have done this as some sort of audition reel. Love to know if he did this for legit sports footage with dreams of being on the Red Sox or Celtics booth.

Granted there is an aura of Derek Jeter/Michael Jordan around him (especially if you watch his romance with Nikki Bella on Total Divas) where you can say its just as much for show and "look at me" publicity then 100% genuine, but I'm surprised the all-time Make A Wish leader (legit), John Cena hasn't been named yet.

Its going to be live on the Network after Raw next Monday (of course after the FREE period, the day after actually). This should be interesting, as they've always danced around or bent kayfabe on WWE products. Never coming right out and shooting unless you almost have to. And of course Austin's PodcastOne shows are all 100% shoots.

Going back to the Tag Teams. I thought Windham-Rotundo came out to "Real American" before it got switched to...ummm...can't remember his name...some...I think he has a comic book name...maybe The Thing? And the last name from a 1960s TV show title...maybe Gillian's Island?...yeah...that's it, Thing Gilliagan! =

Now I really feel bad for Liam. All that trouble to pick up the gavel, and he wasn't in the episode.

Considering IWC reactions, and yeah sometimes people here get nutso over stuff like this, to when someone's push gets stalled, or shunted in favor of the latest flavor of the month, I wonder if Cena would have gotten such a chance 10 years later.

I'm going to listen when I get a chance, but how much did the whole idea that Cena "buries" younger talent get brought up? I've seen it a lot lately in IWC "smarks" communities, but the only example of Cena being "political" was dictating the finish to SummerSlam 2010, and that was probably more of a case of not knowing any better than deliberately keeping the Nexus below him (even if Barrett never forgave him for that, and still holds a grudge (allegedly as he has said he hates him in an article, and it was brought up in an Answers.com piece on Cena haters among his peers, though it read very markish and didn't seem very researched)). Seems that its more Cena playing the company guy, not stepping on creative's toes (he has done jobs) as opposed to the political machinations of so many others have done. In other words, smarks would have heard by now some grumblings, rumors and innuendos if Cena was doing things a Triple H or Shawn Michaels would do, or on the verge of pulling an Austin walk out if what creative gave him made little sense.

There is also this that proves the point that e-books tend to be lazily written and poorly edited pieces of cheap trash WrestleMania A Complete Ultimate History...welp, here was my "review" of it from another forum: Okay, the Wrestlemania book is just annoying me so much, I feel the need to illustrate how lame this piece of crap is! First, here is the Amazon description of the product: Quote Alright, we begin right away, no credits, thanks, acknowledgements or anything, with a rundown of what I assume is this guy's most strangest WM matches of all time. Interesting placement, but okay, lets roll with it: Hollywood Backlot Match No mention of which year, no mention of the silly OJ parody, and this guy has the balls to declare that it was a match that "helped bring in the attitude era in the WWE." I'll give you Goldust himself, but not this match. Dumpster Match REALLY? This is pretty much the first indication of the lack of actual research that went into this. Yeah it was a crazy gimmick for a match, but in the context of how the feud was going, it did make sense. Doink vs. Crush Basically due to the second Doink that was never seen or heard from again. Ummm, okay. Blindfold Match This I'll give him. Sumo Match I'll give him this one as well, but the various boxing matches have been more stranger. Okay, now to Top 10 WM Moments Taylor over Bigelow Ummmm, why is this in anyone's top ten moments? WM II Battle Royal Again, wha? Probably says more about who this guy is marketing this dopey book to. Cyndi Lauper joins Wendi Richter *face palm* Benoit wins Championship Ah yes, He Who Shall Not Be Named. Again, no context about why the win was so big at the time, and no mention of HBK. Oh but the guy made sure to mention Eddie celebrating with Benoit afterwards, and the sad fact that both would be dead by 2007. Owen Hart defeats Bret Hart A very markish "Perhaps years of watching gave Owen the advantage as he anticipated every move" OH COME ON! Anyone reading this HAS to know that the matches are pre planned, unless you are also waiting to hear about Santa Claus as well. And to top it off, no mention about the cherry on the top of Owen's win, the fact that the show ends with Bret winning the title, with Owen sulking in the shadows. Oh, but he is sure to mention Owen's tragic death, but makes a mixup by saying it was during the opening sequence of the PPV event. Ray Charles sings America The Beautiful at WM II I love the song, but is it deserving a moment in ANYONE's Top Ten moments in WM history? Shawn vs Razor's Ladder Match Alright, I can see this belonging on a list. Stone Cold vs The Rock X-7 THIS match is the one picked? Why, just because of the turn? I'd go with their last one at Safeco, or their first one in 1999. WM 2000's TLC Match I can see this being in a conversation of top moments, but considering the rest of this list, seems like a hastily drawn up list with the two biggest "EXTREME" style matches he could think of with this and the HBK/Razor Ladder match. Hulk vs Andre WM III An easy choice for number one. But probably on due to the fact that it is so often cited as being THE MOMENT. Okay, next a so-so review of the True Wrestlemania Story DVD that came out. Pretty standard badly written blogish review, not too much of a problem. Next article for some GOD KNOWS reason is a preview of Wrestlemaina 24! I shit you not. This e-book is released in 2012, and yet I'm reading a preview rundown of the major matches on a card from 2008, complete with instructions on how to watch on a TV to PC software. Next article jumps ahead to 2010, but is just an article that reads more like a book introduction than an article mid-way through a book! Clearly no-editors were involved in making this piece of turd. Next up, as I stated before, a bit markish-slant article previewing Rock vs. Cena. I say markish because the article speculates what could actually happen if either men had to back out. As if the WWE never HAD a backup plan, ever. Oh and for the record, this fool should do some research and realize that Hogan-Savage was planned the moment it was decided that Savage would walk out of WM IV as the champion. Year long programs have been done, granted not as much in this day and age, but it's not completely foreign. Though nice use of the falling apart of the Nexus and the RAW computer GM as examples of major storylines that fell apart because of being dragged out too long. *sigh* And the "book," such as it is, wraps up with an article entitled WWE's Superbowl of Wrestling- Wrestlemania 24 Yes, after doing a preview of an event from 4 years ago, the book finishes with yet another WM 24 preview article! HUH? I just had to share how fucking pathetic this supposedly "complete history" of Wrestlemania was supposed to be! Not part of that: Here is what it read like, some website guy promises this big ass, week(s) long and epic WrestleMania coverage leading up to the PPV, then on the day of the event realized he has nothing done, and rather than admitting laziness or explaining real life stuff had gotten in the way, just hastily threw up random crap and called it a day! So I'd wager non fiction eBooks really are more let the buyer beware, and you are getting what you pay for, as opposed to digital versions of printed books. Most likely because the "authors/editors" probably don't realize how much time is spent even with the shorter page count books that are on actual bookshelves and just think about how much "cash" they are going to roll in, despite the cheap price.

I highly recommend NOT buying anything by Michael Essany!

Dory blows. Parv no sold it because he didn't have a proper answer. As for the Taker heel run.. .what a pile of garbage. The Hogan match was horrible. The RVD matches were fun with RVD bouncing around and flying from rafters. I don't recall any good Rock-Taker matches and the Flair match was way over-rated back when it happened and it didn't hold up last time I saw it. Felt like overbooked garbage. I think they included him because Taker is their icon. He is on every single list they do. I also want to say since coming back in 2004, while officially a baby face, he always straddled that "chaotic neutral" label to borrow from RPGs. So that's probably added to the mix, that he may be a face, but he still went after fellow faces when warranted (usually for title shots and title matches and generally his opponent would take on a heelish role (see Shawn Michaels in the lead up to the WM XXVI match), and even went after refs. So he kind of was in his own little bubble as neither a heel, nor a true baby face.

That's probably more of a Westwood One/Podcast One thing than their own seperate deal.

Surprised John Cena hasn't shown up yet!