SomethingSavage

Yeah. This was another good one, but I hope to see the show return to form with more variety again soon. The Wrestler Snapshots are great and a neat concept in general, but I still dig the different stuff as well. Judo rules are... weird. I read over some of them, I guess? And yeah. I still don't know what strikes are technically legal or illegal, if any at all. But "deliberately" defensive stances are banned. You're penalized for "purposely" evading certain things. Just strange. Never really put much thought into it before, but I can see why the strict practice of judo itself isn't more popularized. Best part of this episode though? Had to be Dylan calling the porno play-by-play in a British accent. I mean, come on. What tops THAT?

Well, yeah. But careful what you wish for. The rules of the ROH Pure Championship kind of played off those more traditional rules, but you can only see those every once in awhile before it gets to be too distracting and detrimental to the "action" we're used to getting. The novelty wears thin fairly fast with that stuff, at least in my opinion. Penalties are neat, time expirations are always welcome, and a limited number of rope breaks SORT OF makes sense. But these things are usually used sparingly and only plugged in whenever they're convenient, so why bother? Occasional adherence to a "strict" rule just makes it flimsy bullshit. And wrestling's got enough bullshit to sell us on without introducing wheelbarrows more for next to no benefit or anyone's enjoyment.

Alright, man. 'Preciate it. I'll do that. I've only listened to the AWA and Year End Award specials so far, but I've never checked out a "regular" episode. So I'm looking forward to the breakdowns of the Observers and stuff that I've heard about.

Well, I've downloaded every episode of the series thus far. Haven't had a chance to listen to a single one just yet, but yeah. ANY mention of Yoko as a poor worker is going to turn me away instantly. I also saw in another thread that women's wrestling was disregarded on one of these episodes, and I just hope that it's a "point and counterpoint" kind of panel - rather than EVERYONE jumping on one point and pushing it collectively. Because that group-think mindset could tune me out from listening altogether if it's done that way with every topic. In defense of Yoko, I've pretty much given my thoughts on him as a performer on the board before, but he is VASTLY underrated if people really have that perception of him at all. The guy was tremendously talented. Yoko was incredibly smart in how he worked, too. His offense was nothing if not believable. There was no air on those Banzai Drops. His leg drop looked like certain death. His Samoan Drop looked like it'd mash bones into ash & dust. Just ferociously fearful offense from every angle. And he had phenomenal timing. That goes hand-in-hand with NOT ONLY the sharpness of his offense - BUT ALSO when & how he would sell for smaller guys. The leaning tip-over tease he'd do? At times, the back of his hair would be touching the ground, and yet he'd still be standing there on ONE LEG. With that much girth, that's a freaking feat to behold and can't be understated. I could go on and on gushing over Yoko, because he's a guy that doesn't get as much love as he really should in the big scheme of things. Maybe I'm in the minority, but I don't care. His work as Kokina is worth checking out as well. There's not an abundance of unexplored stuff out there, but what's out there IS genuinely good.

Looking for a good jumping on point to get aboard the Big Boys playground. Parv, you mentioned awhile back that there was some retcon in the works or something similar to what ya did with Titans..? That still good to go, or should I just dive right in from the start?

Can't wait to get around to listening to this one. The half-year in reviews and "microscope" style episodes you guys do are usually among my favorites. Really remember enjoying the Heyman, Hogan, and Luger ones. Oh. And the episode on crazy, zany gimmicks was tremendous. So yeah. Stoked to have you guys back producing these things again.

Yup. 'Zactly. This is also why the bleached blonde bleeders get the gig over so well, too. And it's pretty much the reason why I say Bray Wyatt is just WAITING to get busted open. In my eyes, the sight of Braylon Mercy spilling blood onto his bright white swamp-steppers would have added that extra dimension to both his Cage and Last Man Standing bouts with Cena.

Well yeah. Sure. But in cases like that, it's ONE element that happens to add to the finished product. It's an ingredient IN the recipe. Not the end result. Unfortunately, with some of these barnyard death match things, it's the other way around. Bloodshed is no longer the means to ENHANCE excitement. It's the only thing they're gathered to see. That's when it crosses a line. Them boys ain't selling 'rasslin. They're selling a stabbing.

Unhinged Alicia has been tremendous, but I feel like they're missing the boat by not reverting R-Truth back into the "crazy, cranky black man" character of 2011. The persona left a truckload of potential & money on the table. And, even if they never shoot for a pairing with the two, it would at least freshen him up to the point of it actually making sense that he survived the recent roster cuts. They could even mix the whole Sydal "snitch" thing into the formula. Truth walking around, all bug-eyed and mumbling to himself about dang SNITCHES GON' GET GOT. It writes itself. And creative could probably use the help. He's reportedly got another rap album in the works. So it's possible they'll do SOMETHING with him. Might as well go back to something that works.

Yes. Each episode of Titans will now be brought to you with a brief recess, to sit under the learning tree of Professor Parv.

At least it's them attempting to do something different. I loved the Global Impact stuff. I always dig the annual tours of the UK. There's an added level of excitement and energy in those shows. Whether we get that or not at BFG remains to be seen. But at least it's SOMETHING out of the ordinary. At least it's not just a direct copy & paste job of something WWE just did last week. I mean, yeah. It's sad when THAT has become the barometer for measuring whether or not they're doing the right thing, but hey. That's where they've put themselves at this point. They're in the PRIME spot to be taking risks and gambles to (at least) appear different than WWE. I just wish they'd pick an identity, a market strategy, pinpoint it, and go full-speed ahead with it. The stop & go, start & stop, change our minds in mid-move stuff has reached a new level of ridiculous with TNA.

Awesomely entertaining show as per usual, gang. Really dug the love for Ladd as well. That whole segment about the Blaxpoitation project was freaking phenomenal. It's audio ecstasy, folks. The funky music interludes bridged it all together and MADE the damn thing a winner for me. Make no mistake - the "Big Cat of Harlem" is something that must be made a reality in some conceivable shape, form, or fashion. Parv gushing and giggling over heel beat-downs never gets old. He sure has turned up the hatred on Backlund and Strongbow. Sure sounds like Rich is the latest to land on that list. Great to hear you guys just kind of collectively mark out for the Assassin. He certainly was a tremendous talker. And, regarding Parv's question about whether there was more footage of him doing interviews & whatnot out there, I know for sure he's got at least a handful in the "1984 - A Year of Transition" series that's up on YouTube. I haven't seen the stuff in over a year, so I can't clearly recall whether it's a lot of substance or just short, condensed interview pieces to hype the next show. But the Assassin definitely does some talking - SUITED AND BOOTED there as well - for his tag team throughout the whole Paul Jones Army, Boogie Woogie Jam, Valiant beard shaving saga around that time. And Parv, have you seen much Bill Eadie? I only ask, 'cause the Masked Superstar's whole shtick and spiel is REAL similar to what ya get from Jody Hamilton. Those guys are cut from the same cloth. Never overly verbose, just for the sake of sounding wordy. Never reaching to seem intelligent. Never pandering for acknowledgement of his IQ. Just a couple of well-spoken, articulate, condescending pricks really. And there's always the angle that Eadie teased as Masked Superstar, hinting and teasing that he was actually someone of fame or notoriety under the hood. At one point they were talking like he was a legitimate pro athlete or medalist. It was a clever way of lending credibility and an explanation for WHY someone so smart would CHOOSE to walk around and work under a mask. Great stuff.

Gene Snitsky doing ANYTHING on TNA television will have me tuning in to check out Impact. I'm not kidding either. Outside of Eric Young matches and Spud stooging it up, Big Snitz would instantly be the most enticing act on the show.

Josh almost always looked out of his element there. I don't know quite how to pinpoint it or accurately describe it, but there was this disconnect with him being involved in most of the stuff he did during his time onscreen. Whether it's something as standard as standing there with a mic or hosting the real sports feel panel, it just seemed odd. I might be in the minority, but if I'm reaching to find a bright spot - I kind of dug his work behind the booth with JBL. Can't recall how long they lasted, but it was just Josh and JBL there for awhile in 2013 or so. It wasn't as steady & solid as early JBL/Cole, but it wasn't as grating & irritating as recent JBL/Cole either. Somewhere in between. And it was even fun at times when JBL would poke fun at Josh being so young, so nerdy, or whatever the issue may be.

Pretty sure the aforementioned Flair/Foley altercation at Vengeance '06 qualifies. Flair bleeds like an animal hide that's been skinned alive during the fallout.

Definitely looking forward to exploring a lot more Buzz with the upcoming Titans special on Georgia and whatnot. I've come across a few things that have caught my eye recently. I recall "seeing" the Buzz/Duggan matches AND the Buzz/Reed Dog Collar stuff before, yet I honestly don't remember actively WATCHING or paying attention to any of it. Must have just been my mindset at the time.

But how many "BRO"s, bro? Meh. Gonna give it a listen once it's complete. Not exactly hoping for a Bischoff like series, but realistically - it COULD turn into that. There's a lot of material with Russo, once ya tag on the WCW and TNA stuff. If they're only up to the Attitude Era with part one wrapping, then I could see it extending for a FEW more episodes.

The Briscoes versus Hardy & Bennett is all very sleek, clean, and streamlined. It's not frantic, barroom brutality. It's a slick production piece, and it almost carries a different type of feel to it from the usual Briscoes brawls as a result. Don't go into it with extremely high expectations or anything, but it's pure fun for sure. I'd basically say - if there's any possible way of pulling off a "PG" breed of Briscoes match, then THIS was it. Hard to describe or properly put into words, but it's just a bunch of piled up high spots that come across JUST chaotic enough. It's movie stunt scene car crash, as opposed to real life wreckage.

If you're going as recent as Payback with Cena and Bray, then I feel confident in tossing the Briscoes against Matt Hardy & Mike Bennett match from Best in the World out there for consideration. Maybe it doesn't deserve to make the cut, and in all fairness - I can understand if it doesn't. But man. It's one heck of a fun brawl. Starts off slow with the standard tag, but once Nigel steps in and deems it No DQ? All bets are off. Dem boys pull off a whole collage of cool spots. High on impact and heavy on energy throughout the rest of the fight. It's a beat-em-up, smash-mouth, fast-paced approach - and it all clicks. We see a Froggie 'Bow through a table, a Doomsday Device on the floor, some typical ladder work, Matt getting slammed through a makeshift bench built out of chairs, a Superplex off the ladder down through a table, a fire extinguisher spot, involvement from Maria, and even Nick Searcy getting thrashed around like a frog in a blender. It's great stuff. And sure. It sort of benefits from the idea that it just kind of sprang up out of nowhere. But I don't care. I dug it. As far as more ROH and indies go, ya might wanna scope out the Austin Aries/Jimmy Jacobs trilogy as well. They waged war in an Anything Goes environment, a Dog Collar bout that I remember being bloody and brutal, and the I Quit finale - which MAY suffer from being a tad too angle intensive. I honestly don't want to hype or pimp it too much, since I haven't revisited the stuff in YEARS. But I do recall liking a lot of what they were doing at the time, although that could (admittedly) be due to how much I was enjoying the nature of the Age of the Fall angle back then also. So ya never know. Also might take a look back at the RVD vs. Test and RVD vs. Bob Holly matches from early phase of the ECW relaunch. Both were contested under Extreme Rules, and I remember fans going big time bananas over 'em online back when they occurred. The Holly match, of course, has the nasty visual of Holly's back being sliced wide open for the world to see. All I remember off top about the Test match was a lot of stuff centering around the ring steps & some heavy involvement from Heyman's riot squad.

Yeah. You'd really have to tread carefully with that stuff. It could turn into strictly a death match compilation QUICK. I'd rather see non-death match brawls myself. Death matches are sort of their own niche and get way over the top with gore and bloodshed at times. They'd likely overshadow some of the "better" brawls in that sense. Maybe include a couple - the cream of the crop - and I'd certainly use some of the suggestions from the ROH/CZW war. The Anatomy of a Feud set they put out on it is fairly easy to come by for footage purposes.

I'll lose my shit over some Memphis specials, please and thanks. Lie to me if you must. Feel free. Just tell me there's a Mempho project in the works.

Oh, for sure. That's always the impression I took away from his gigs as a guest on OTHER podcasts. The guy is so passionate and SUCH a fan that he'd literally lose his breath, pause, take a second, and then start back up talking shop. It's exhausting (but in a good way) hearing him dive into certain subjects and themes about the business. But that's what I meant about him surprising me as a host. It's like he took it upon himself to kind of slow down just enough to make it a smooth, seamless transition. Damn good listen though. I'll definitely check out the next episode.

Ohmygoddamngod. That seriously sounds like six shades of gold and all kinds of awesome. I'm already sold on it. For the most mileage, better bring in a revolving door of mystery partners and whatnot. Cover the whole spectrum with a supporting cast of Bobby Roode, Gunner, Mini Park, La Parka II, Super Parka, Black Spirit, and hell. Go grab Wildcat Chris Harris out of whatever Kentucky flea market he frequents for a one-shot deal. Make it a real blood feud. No less than a trilogy will do. So yeah. Let's get this booked.

Did Foley vs. Orton from Backlash '04 make the list? Maybe I skimmed over it, but I didn't notice it. Definitely fits the bill though. They even have the blinding powder spot! I see you have the James Storm and Chris Harris match, but I think the Cowboy is a boss in gimmick matches. I know a lot of people don't care for his work. But I say the guy's A-okay, especially when there's plunder to be found and flung around. Plus he's just one of my personal favorite bleeders out there. So yeah. On that note, I'll toss a few more longshots out there for ya to scope out... - James Storm vs. Gunner - I Quit Match @ Sacrifice 2014 - James Storm vs. Gunner - Last Man Standing in a Steel Cage (I know, I know) @ Lockdown 2014 - James Storm vs. Bobby Roode - Street Fight at Bound For Glory 2012 Oh. And there's this insanely overbooked mess of a trios match pitting Jeff Jarrett & America's Most Wanted vs. Rhino & Team 3D from Genesis 2005 that is absolute entertainment. It's crazy brawling with obvious pre-planned spots placed throughout, but it's got an elevated energy to it. Fun, frantic violence in a time and place when TNA was still flexible and open to a little creativity here & there.

Nice. Now then! To clear two and a half hours of free time in the next few days. ... Shit.