C.S.

The tournament was mentioned, but that's about it. I'm trying to remember if they showed any footage of the earlier round matches Alundra was in, but I don't think so. I ended up wondering the same thing - if it was a phantom tournament or real. It seemed pointless to me, even at the time, to run a tournament at all - or the claim of one - when it was so obvious Alundra was going to win. On another note entirely, I don't blame Madusa for throwing the belt in the trash. It wasn't her idea anyway, but even if it was, I remember agreeing with it at the time - or at least not disagreeing with it. WWE abandoned the entire division, including its champion, without any explanation. It annoyed me as a fan back then. It was bad enough that Madusa was miscast as a babyface. At the very least, she could've been kept around as a badass heel manager - similar to the role she played in the Dangerous Alliance. Really dumb to just let her go.

The Madusa/Alundra Blaze documentary, "Trailblayzer," was pretty good. Nothing new, and WAY too big a deal made of the "infamous" angle where she trashed the belt, but it was still an enjoyable watch overall.

I like Enzo, but he's awful on Raw Talk.

Brock doesn't feel special anymore because he's lumbering dead weight. I can't think of someone more useless and overpaid.

Terrible fucking match. The two main events were both really disappointing.

Eh, I thought it was a good match, and the right guy won. People care about Enzo. He draws money. He's more over than the rest of the Cruiserweight division combined.

This feels like a Cena retirement. I hope not.

Did Jern sabotage Romey by purposely having a bad match? Both of them are usually much better than this.

A disappointing match with the worst version of the "WWE Big Match formula" - endless finisher bombs and kickouts. Yawn!

Poor Bayley.

Unfortunately, most of the writers are 20-something nerds who know nothing about wrestling. I wish they'd get nerds who at least love wrestling and grew up watching it. Instead, we have failed TV writers, because that's somehow more "prestigious" in Vince's eyes. The tide is turning a bit with Ryan Ward, Road Dogg, etc., but not enough yet.

You said it. I'm still not clear on the reasons for the feud to start with. Sure, Balor is upset because Wyatt keeps attacking him, but Wyatt keeps attacking him because reasons. "Because reasons" is basically the impetus behind every pointless Bray Wyatt feud. It's why he's impossible to get into.

Bray is SO bad on the mic. How the hell did he ever get a reputation for being good?

Here's the bathroom break match. Bray Wyatt is ice cold, and Balor has been cooled off considerably (I've never been a fan of either, but I could at least understand their respective pushes when they were at their hottest).

Holy shit at that wretched promo by Jordan. He's hopeless!

I can't think of two bigger flops in recent memory than Apollo Snooze and Jason Jordan. Both are phenomenal athletes but neither have that "it factor." Maybe it's because they're Swiss? I dunno...

Maniac Mike Davis: MOON ROCK! Pierre/Jean-Pierre LaFitte: Loved him. Mordecai: HEAR ME! FEAR ME! Bull Dempsey: Thought he should have destroyed Baron Corbin. Was and still is the better all-around performer.

Thanks. Will try it with the next WON or F4W issue. I had problems with it before because of the paywall, but to be fair, that was years ago.

They are probably going to a Collection Playlist of Bobby's WWF stuff instead since they done it for people that have passed away this year. I know, I just hope it isn't a bunch of Prime Time skits and weasel suit matches against the Warrior. Just released: Bobby "The Brain" Heenan Collection on WWE Network No one put the entertainment in sports-entertainment quite like Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. Affectionately known as "The Weasel," Heenan is regarded by many as the greatest manager of all time. Certainly no "ham and egger," Heenan was "The Brain" behind some of the most prolific Superstars in WWE history – none bigger than the "Eighth Wonder of the World," Andre The Giant. When Heenan wasn't leading WWE Hall of Famers "straight to the top," the self-proclaimed broadcast journalist was wielding his sarcastic wit alongside longtime friend and comedic foil, Gorilla Monsoon. Relive all the great moments and celebrate over four decades of Bobby "The Brain" Heenan with this WWE Network Collection. Contents * Intro: Bobby "The Brain" Heenan Tribute Package * Bobby Heenan calls himself "The Brain" for the first time * Battle of the Managers * Weasel Suit Match: Bobby Heenan vs. Greg Gagne * Hulk Hogan vs. Bockwinkel & Bobby Heenan * Bobby Heenan "I am not a Weasel" interview * "$15,000 Slam Match": Andre the Giant vs. Big John Studd (with Bobby Heenan) * Andre aligns with Heenan; Contract signing prior to WrestleMania III * Bobby Heenan - Andre the Giant Interview / WrestleMania III - Hogan vs. Andre the Giant * Vignettes: Bobby and Gorilla in Atlantic City * WrestleMania IV - Heenan and Islanders vs. Koko and The British Bulldogs * Vignettes: Bobby and Gorilla on a Boat * Weasel Suit Match: Ultimate Warrior vs. Bobby Heenan * Vignettes: Western Movie Set * Brookyln Brawler Debuts and attacks Red Rooster/WrestleMania V - Heenan vs. Red Rooster * The Bobby Heenan Show, Episode #1 * Bobby Heenan introduces the Narcissist * Survivor Series 1993: The Knights vs. The Harts * Bobby Heenan tries to sneak into Raw * WrestleMania X-7: Gimmick Battle Royal * Bobby Heenan WWE Hall of Fame Speech http://wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2017/0922/632431/bobby-heenan-wwe-network-collection-announced/

I re-subbed to Observer for at least one month. THREE obits in the latest issue: Bobby Heenan (with more to come next week), Otto Wanz, and Ruben Juarez (Northern Express in Mexico and “The Giant Killer” in the United States). I think every WON reader knows how sad that is while also being something to look forward to from Meltzer. As odd/morbid as that sounds, obits are the best thing he writes. That insane bit about betting on star ratings is also in the issue. As weird/wacky as the stupid $10.99 price is, seeing "1 Hour and 49 minutes left in this book" on my Kindle is impressive - each issue really is the size of a small book. Even with all of the useless filler (MMA crap, show recaps that are already outdated by the time they're in the WON, etc.), there's still a ton of content. BTW, any tips for sending issues of the Observer to a Kindle easily? I remember the "Send to Kindle" add-on not working in the past because of the paywall. Right now I just copy and paste the issue to a doc file and e-mail that to my Kindle. Crude but it works. Is there an easier way though?

From a new WWE Network survey: WWE is considering adding new programming to WWE Network as part of a premium priced tier. Listed below are some potential new programming ideas. Please let us know how interested you are in each of the ideas. Select whether you are extremely, very, moderately, somewhat or not at all interested in each of the ideas. Original Scripted Comedies: Comedies such as WWE Superstar Roasts, Southpaw Regional Wrestling, or WWE’s version of “The Office” Original Scripted Dramas: Wrestling-themed series inspired by wrestling’s colorful and rich history such as WWE’s version of Game of Thrones Local Tournaments: Tournaments that take place in your home country featuring local talent similar to the WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament which took place in England this year House Shows: For the first time ever, get a live, ringside view of select WWE house shows TNA: Historic and new programming from TNA / Impact / Global Force Wrestling Tournaments: New in-ring tournaments such as a Pro Am style tournament (WWE vs. NXT), a Lucha tournament, a tag team tournament, or King / Queen of the Ring tournaments Ring of Honor: Historic and new programming from Ring of Honor TV-14 In-Ring Show: A “new” weekly version of ECW (Extreme Championship Wrestling) or other “edgy” new promotion rated TV-14 Special Live Events: Special one-time live events from unique locations around the world featuring an unexpected main event New Reality Shows: Reality shows featuring life on the road for WWE Superstars, an insider’s view of WWE Superstars’ intense training and workout regimens, WWE Superstar “Cribs”, WWE-style “Apprentice” to win a job at WWE, or WWE Legends’ House Season 2 – Attitude Era Audio Channel: A section of WWE Network for “listening only” that provides audio play-by-play of pay-per-views, music playlists, “sports radio” style call-in shows and podcasts WWE “Director’s Cut”: Shows that put a new twist on classic content such as WWE Legends narrating historic pay-per-views or current WWE Superstars providing their perspective and analysis of classic matches and events Other Promotions: Historic and new programming from ICW, PROGRESS, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, or other regional Indie promotions WWE is considering special features that may be available to WWE Network as part of a premium priced tier. Listed below are some potential new features ideas. Please let us know if you are extremely, very, moderately, somewhat or not at all interested in each of the ideas. Social Viewing: Set up a “movie theater mode” to watch virtually with friends or participate in a live event on Facebook where you can chat with other fans Ratings / Comment System: Ability to “rate” shows or matches (e.g. 0 – 5 stars), add comments, or mark “favorite” moments Virtual Reality / Augmented Reality: The ability to watch current or historic WWE content in a way that makes it seem as if you are actually sitting ringside and experiencing an event, such as WrestleMania, live and in person, using special computer generated effects and equipment like a headset Download To Go: Ability to download content and watch “offline” Social Sharing: Ability to share playlists, clips, or favorites on social media (Facebook, YouTube, etc.) Personalization: Ability to create custom playlists and change the look and feel of your WWE Network interface with options that represent your favorite WWE Era and Superstars Alternate Viewing Options: The ability to watch WWE in-ring shows using alternate camera choices (e.g. gorilla cam, drone cam, Go-Pro camera), 360 views or select higher or lower resolution options Alternate Audio: Choose your favorite pay-per-view commentator team - for instance, you can hear “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Jerry Lawler call a live pay-per-view WWE is also considering special benefits and perks that would be offered as part of a WWE Network premium priced tier. Listed below are some potential new ideas for subscriber perks. Please let us know if you are extremely, very, moderately, somewhat or not at all interested in each of the ideas. Preferred Pricing: Special offers for WWE VIP events and products including Meet & Greet discount packages and special offers on products from WWE sponsors Early Access to New Merchandise: Exclusive early access to new WWE merchandise on WWEShop.com, such as T-shirts and hats, before it goes on sale to the public Loyalty Program: Get rewards such as t-shirts, collectibles and ticket upgrades using loyalty points earned from the length of time you have been a WWE Network premium subscriber or your time spent viewing Fan Voting: Special opportunities to vote on match participants, Hall of Fame inductees, Slammys winner, or other WWE events Monthly “inside WWE Headquarters” Conference Call: Ability to listen in to a conference call with WWE executives such as Triple H or Stephanie McMahon Sweepstakes Entries: Automatic sweepstakes entry to win WWE event tickets, VIP meet-ups, merchandise, or unique WWE experiences such as a chance to appear on a Network show Get Breaking News First: Be the first to receive WWE breaking news, before it’s posted on social media, WWE.com or shared with other outlets Early Access to Live Event Tickets: Exclusive early access to live event tickets before going on sale to the public Free Shipping: Free shipping on WWEshop.com orders

Absolutely one of the all-time greats. This is gutting.

If Jarrett does indeed have a drinking problem, and that's the conclusion I came to as well based on the evidence, the person you really have to feel most sorry for is Karen - she went through this with Kurt Angle, and now possibly Jarrett too.

Not that I believe this, but Cena vs. Taker at WM is a plausible reason why they're hotshotting Cena vs. Roman now instead of at WM where a match like that belongs.

JBL's departure was supposedly in the works since October 2016, before the Mauro situation began. https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2017/09/04/jbl-quits-commentary-wwe-smackdown-live And Nigel is replacing Graves on 205 Live and Main Event.