The Wade Keller Appreciation Thread

[Loss]

Chris Jericho was really good in his smarmy heel role. A lot of people see this as a case of Jericho being punished for spouting off in media interviews about how he can take or leave WWE at this point because he has so much other stuff going on. I say take advantage of Jericho's smugness and honesty and use it as a launching point for his much-needed, long overdue heel turn. The side of Jericho that deterred WWE management from giving him an all-out, 100 percent top tier main event push is being shown on TV for the first time. And Jericho's good at it because he's had practice.

[Loss]

I know a lot of Chris Jericho fans tend to look past how lame his character has become, but that mess with Shelton Benjamin was among Jericho's worst performances. Sure, they each had a clunky, but funny one-liner to deliver. Yet in the end, what mattered most is that neither of them was particularly likable or smooth. Shelton seemed the wittier. Jericho the tougher (for tackling Benjamin to the mat). Overall, though, they sounded like two third graders arguing.

Even Jericho fans have to be wondering if Jericho has been a geek all this time or if he just became one recently. There were scattered boos, but mostly stunned silence because nobody was sure whether he was trying to be a funny Adam Sandler babyface doing a spoof on himself, or taking himself and his singing way too seriously with obliviously lame lyrics.

Chris Jericho's character has been so lost lately, that I don't mind trying this heelish "I don't need wrestling, losing is no big deal" approach. I need to know more about where they plan to go with it. If it's just punishment for Jericho's aloof attitude behind the scenes about how great his life is with or without a WWE contract extension later this

year, it may not actually do anything to enhance his character. But if they've got an idea of how to tap into his actual persona to give his on-air character new direction, I'm all for it. Jericho fans, take note, what you saw is a very real aspect of his actual personality and one of the reasons he hasn't gotten the push a lot of people think he's deserved in recent years.

[Loss]

I'm honestly not trying to make this just Jericho bashing, but this is just one insult after another.

 

Chris Jericho since turning heel has actually become kind of cool.

Jericho troubles in WWF come to a head

 

Vince McMahon got into an argument with Chris Jericho at the Smackdown tapings Tuesday, according to Mark Madden (who is friends with Jericho) on the WCW 900 line and as reported by WCW's Bob Ryder at 1wrestling.com. The WCW reports say the argument reached the point that McMahon offered Jericho his release if he wasn't happy.

 

The Torch has learned that late on Tuesday McMahon organized meetings with Jericho and some of his critics within the WWF to address the problems that led to the backstage blow-up. A WWF source says there was "a lot of clearing of the air," and in the end Sean Waltman (X-Pac) agreed to work with Jericho at getting his ring psychology more in line with what the WWF is looking for. "It was a huge icebreaker for everyone involved, especially with Jericho and the DX group."

 

The situation is somewhat humbling for Jericho, who was confident in his abilities coming into the WWF and was praised by some as a world class, well-rounded worker. WWF management and virtually every wrestler who has worked with Jericho in the ring disagrees and points out subtle flaws in his style that needed "tweaking."

 

Some may contend that Jericho is being brainwashed into adjusting his style to a more conservative, less exciting WWF style, but the injuries he has caused others is not the result of a grudge or someone's imagination. He had a reputation in dating back to his WCW and ECW days as being an overly stiff worker, which is not a compliment. A more important trait of being a world class worker than being able to do dazzling highspots is to look like you're hitting hard while actually working soft on your opponents. Without that trait, you won't be respected by your peers.

 

By the end of the night, while there were some hard feelings, a lot of problems that were brewing and leading to frustration by Jericho, McMahon, and other wrestlers had finally been discussed. In the past weeks, the problems had been only addressed through snide comments, talking behind backs, and even on-air ribbing by Triple H - none of which helped the situation.

 

Jericho is well-liked in the locker room, and even those critical of his style say that with a couple of exceptions, he has handled himself professionally. He did, though, make a couple of mistakes in how he carried himself and reacted to problems (including his nonchalant reaction to injuring Chyna's face which led to two wrestlers who don't even hang out with Chyna to want to physically put Jericho in his place).

 

The WWF has not given up on Jericho, but there is no doubt management realized they listened to people who had a higher opinion of Jericho's working style when hiring him and have now learned that there will be an adjustment period for him.

 

Stevie Richards suffered an injury when Jericho threw him too hard out of the ring causing him to land awkwardly on his leg and brake his ankle. Richards is now wearing a boot instead of a cast after having surgery just a few weeks ago. He is slated to return to action around mid-January.

[Loss]

I was thrown by the digs Jericho and Christian took at Marty Jannetty and Kevin Nash. Nash put Jericho over big-time in his "Torch Talk," but it's possible Jericho was sensitive to Nash revealing that Jericho tends to be overly critical and undiplomatic toward the creative team.

[Jingus]

Nash pusts everyone over in interviews. Of course, the problem comes when it's time for him to put someone over on a wrestling show. Was Jericho even booked on Starrcade '98?

 

Why does Wade hate Y2J so much? I imagine it's partly being friendly with Kliqers who all seem to hate all Canadians, but it's hard to explain his consistent overwhelming hatred that seems based far more on biased emotion than any actual reported facts.

[Bix]

Brock Lesnar versus The Rock would be a terrific Wrestlemania main event since the match has never happened before.

By the way, he said this in November 2002.

 

Three months after they main evented a successful PPV.

[Loss]

Chris Jericho said on the Orlando Jones Show that he plans to name his son "Ash" after the Evil Dead guy. It's assumed he was kidding.

[Loss]

Jesse Ventura may file a protest, but Jerry Lawler is the best color commentator - ever. Some of it has to do with being partnered with the best wrestling play-by-play man ever (which Ventura would also protest since he hates Ross), but part of it is just his ability to express wide-ranging emotions, and obviously his wit.

I'm not sure how respectful it is to refer to Sean Waltman, a 28 year old with a wife and two children, as a "youngster." Would he refer to 27 year old Rock as a "youngster"? Ross probably didn't mean anything by it, but it comes across as patronizing.

It's time for the WWF to work with him to come up with a new look and image, and then put him into something meaningful that will inspire him. A mid-card feud with Chris Jericho or Chris Benoit with nothing on the line and no sense that something is at stake isn't going to cut it.

 

How about a feud with the flatter-than-expected Steve Austin? They can light each other on fire. X-Pac could score an upset clean pin over Austin on Raw, thus setting up a feud. That would do two things: (a) Give Waltman instant credibility as a major player, something he doesn't have right now, and ( Give Austin a sense of vulnerability and a reason to prove himself to the fans again.

 

Austin thus far has been portrayed as if he's entitled to a top spot. And while he is, he shouldn't show it. He is the blue collar champion, and he should be earning his top spot. Getting a "wake up call" by losing to Waltman could really get fans' attention - fans who right now assume Austin is going to win every match he's in, thus taking the drama out of anything but a WWF Title match.

I could envision Diamond Dallas Page headlining a WWF PPV against The Rock next year. Everybody gets a boost from jumping promotions. Not only is the situation fresh, but wrestlers tend to be rejuvenated in a new environment (look at Jarrett for example). Page is tall enough not to have to wear stilts in his boots like Chris Jericho to "measure up."

[Loss]

Sickboy's website included a post by someone who said that since Rock is half Samoan, half black, he must have trouble deciding when to stop eating and when to start robbing houses.

 

The person who posted that has every right to post that.

I still have no sympathy for a Mexican wrestler who hasn't learned English after several years working for WCW. If you want to make it in any business where speaking English is important, learn the language. If you're too busy getting high, chasing women, or studying calculus in your hotel room alone at nights, it doesn't matter.

Eric Bischoff got involved with the AWA shortly after I started publishing the Torch newsletter in 1987. At one time, as amazing as it seems now, I was even a bigger "name" in the Twin Cities wrestling scene than he was.

[Loss]

5/9 Ratings Analysis: Triple H looks strong, Jericho comes up short

One Man Gang may be the worst in-ring worker I have ever seen. His offense lacked credibility, he didn't sell well, and he had no charisma.

I'd love to see Chris Jericho be a main eventer! ?In my opinion he's the best mic talent other then the Rock and his in ring ability is better then the Rock's! I don't know why Vince has keep him virtually in the "mid-card rankings."

 

Bryan C.

(no city/state provided)

 

Keller Responds: Jericho will probably get a chance against Austin in a major feud over the next year. It will be a big test for him since he still can't seem to get to that next level. He is still a clod in the ring at times and his Lionsault finisher looks harmless, plus his interviews remain a notch below being serious enough for main events. However, Austin may bring out the best in him and temper those weaknesses.

[Loss]

Five Stars: Brock Lesnar vs. Kurt Angle Iron Man Smackdown match

[Loss]

Strong Point: The four-minute Jericho beating was savage and was the stand-out moment of the show.

Oh my GOD.

 

Was the Torch always a subtle version of "Sean Waltman Does The News" and we didn't notice it until Jericho jumped, or was that the beginning of Wade losing his mind and thus taking his sources at face value?

 

To answer this question, I think this was really the point when Keller started to crumble. Most of the stuff I've found Googling prior to Jericho jumping has been well-written and pretty reasonable. I think Keller was pretty good at what he does at one time.

[Jingus]

X-Pac could score an upset clean pin over Austin on Raw

How many voices are there, Sybil?

 

I still have no sympathy for a Mexican wrestler who hasn't learned English after several years working for WCW. If you want to make it in any business where speaking English is important, learn the language. If you're too busy getting high, chasing women, or studying calculus in your hotel room alone at nights, it doesn't matter.

DEY TUK R JOBS!!!1

 

...but he is right, why on earth would you live in a foreign country for years on end and yet never learn the local lingo?

 

Page is tall enough not to have to wear stilts in his boots like Chris Jericho to "measure up."

"Thank you waitress, I'll definitely come back to this Chilis again, the food was excellent and you worked very hard.

 

 

 

 

 

...unlike that GODDAMN Jericho!"

[Loss]

Benoit vs. Gunn was the most disappointing. It was okay, but it should have been great. Gunn just didn’t have it in him, and Benoit isn’t "great enough" to carry someone like Gunn. Great wrestlers would have.

(11) Chris Benoit beat Jeff Jarrett at 10:14 in a ladder match to retain the U.S. Hvt. Title. Benoit brought the ladder into the ring three minutes into the match. They did seven minutes worth of innovative ladder spots, many of which I hadn't seen done before (including a ladder/Russian leg sweep combination). The s-l-o-w ladder climbs need to be eliminated from future ladder matches. Benoit climbed the ladder iike someone deathly afraid of heights, but then when it was time for the finish all of his hesitation disappeared and he climbed the ladder with the speed and confidence of a squirrel running up a tree trunk. Those details play into whether you deserve status as a world class worker and whether a match is a candidate for best of the year. The match wasn't long enough to be a sure-fire match of the year candidate, but it was very good. There should have been eight minutes of hot in-ring wrestling before anyone was hurt enough so his opponent could retrieve the ladder. Benoit suffered a deep gash on the bridge of his nose early in the match which added to the realism and drama. In the end, Benoit hit a diving headbutt (as usual for that move, there wasn't much of a sense of impact) and scored the clean pin. (***1/2)

2. Tajiri. I thought Tajiri this year looked better at the things Chris Benoit is commended for than Chris Benoit. His kicks were faster and stiffer, his moves were a bit more lightning-fast than Benoit's, and facial expressions were more intense. He seemed more realistic. He didn't work as often in the spotlight as Benoit, but when he did, you couldn't take your eyes off the ring.

 

4. Chris Benoit. All the reasons listed for Tajiri apply to Benoit. If only he could move to that next level in terms of storytelling for the modern WWF audience through well-timed facial expressions and reactions.

[Loss]

(3) Chris Benoit: From a personality standpoint, he doesn't have the range of Jericho or Edge, much less Rock and Triple H. He isn't especially big. He is overrated as a worker in the ring, although he is still a 9.5 out of 10 in most areas. If the WWF built around Benoit as their top heel, and if Shane McMahon was his spokesman, the WWF would be just fine. Benoit appeals to the masses despite his below-average interview skills and height because he is believable in everything he does in the ring and his offense has a snap to it that resembles Dynamite Kid and Bret Hart before him. Bret Hart stood out from the crowd in the WWF in the early '90s because his execution was so crisp and sudden. Benoit is even stronger in those categories. Benoit is weak in certain areas, such as feeding the comeback of his opponents. Although a world class worker, the psychology of his matches is usually no better than the person he is wrestling. But in an era where most wrestlers are trying to get over based on looks and catch phrases, Benoit is a refreshing antithesis of that. He gets over by making you believe in a sport that reminds us dozens of times an hour that it's scripted. Sometimes it's not the best wrestler, or the most well-rounded wrestler who becomes a top draw, but the wrestler who is good in areas where most everyone else is weak.

(6) X-Pac: He's been around so long, hovering in the tag division and playing the the Robin role (to Triple H's Batman) that there almost seems to be a resignation that he's reached the top level he can achieve. That just isn't the case, though. As he showed this week on Raw color commentary, he has an untapped dry sense of humor that McMahon has yet to try to really shine a spotlight on. He is as much a student of the game as Triple H. He is considered a locker room leader. He is wise enough to know not to try to compete with the Jeff Hardys of the world anymore and instead focuses on his strengths, such as match psychology and credible looking offense. He's as tall or taller than Edge, Jericho, Benoit, Jeff Hardy, and Angle, so height is no longer a liability. Now it's time to decide if he is going to linger in the second tier with the content-to-a-fault Road Dogg, or if he is going to push for a top tier spot now that he is entering his prime years (he turned 28 this month).

[Loss]

Fit Finlay vs. William Regal could also be really good, but the downside with these two is that they're not exactly adding cool new moves to their arsenal weekly. Finlay will give you some stiff forearms, Regal some stiff uppercuts, and both can apply a chinlock as if it were real. But you won't get much in the way of highspots or even innovative mat holds.

Finlay and Regal could have a 25 minute match which dares you to be patient and requires you to be passionate about a style that looks antiquated up against today's MMA match.

[Jingus]

Now it's time to decide if (X-Pac) is going to linger in the second tier with the content-to-a-fault Road Dogg, or if he is going to push for a top tier spot now that he is entering his prime years (he turned 28 this month).

...holy shit, Keller is that Prime Guy!

[Bix]

Cole noted that the first Cruisrweight Champion was Brian Pillman in 1991. JBL sort of contradicted him by adding that Chavo Guerrero Sr. was Cruiserweight Champion, too. There was no lineage between Pillman's title and Chavo Sr.'s Junior Hvt. Title. (Note: The term "Cruiserweight" was adopted by WCW shortly after I suggested it in a column in the PWTorch Newsletter as a better, more descript, less damaged name than the previously used Junior Heavyweight or Light Heavyweight terms. Mark Madden then suggested it to someone in WCW shortly thereafter, and it was adopted officially when the title was brought back, replacing the previous Light-Heavyweight Title name.)

Lashley then soared over the top rope onto everyone at ringside with a move that had more grace than anything in the so-called cruiserweight match earlier.

[World's Worst Man]

Wade Keller taking credit for the decision to name the cruiserweight division is gold. Actually, this entire thread is gold.

[Jingus]

Lashley then soared over the top rope onto everyone at ringside with a move that had more grace than anything in the so-called cruiserweight match earlier.

Many of Keller's articles have that one part that makes me go "I tap, I ain't reading this shit no more". I just stumbled onto a new one.

[S.L.L.]

Lashley then soared over the top rope onto everyone at ringside with a move that had more grace than anything in the so-called cruiserweight match earlier.

How dare cruiserweights wrestle something other than the one match I've been told they are supposed to perform over and over and over and over and over and over again with minimal variation since 1996. Why can't they be more progressive?

[S.L.L.]

Also, try wrapping your head around these two pearls of wisdom from tonight's PPV....

 

I'm all for acknowledging and showing respect toward past champions, but having them come out and wrestle so far past their prime is disrespectful toward current-day wrestlers, even Deuce & Domino.

Foley's showing that Vince always issues receipts, be it because of what he wrote in the book or how he held TNA negotiations over his head for a better deal. In any case, Foley is being treated like less of a special legend than he deserves by far.

[Loss]

After the 2000 Presidential election:

 

The most entertaining aspect of last night's coverage was Fox News boldly declaring Bush the winner, and then bragging within 30 seconds that they were the first to declare Bush the winner (first by 8 seconds, by the way). Then, an hour or two later, they begrudgingly changed their headline to "race too close to call" with their tails between their legs long after other networks had acknowledged the apparent polling estimate mistake. Of course, every network followed Fox's lead within 45 seconds of Fox's declaration. The egg on the faces of the networks was apparent. Peter Jennings gets credit for being the only anchor openly skeptical from the second Bush was declared the winner.

 

The whole scene actually resembled many wrestling website battles where the first to report a story brags they were first, the second to report it insecurely/disingenuously says they knew first but waited to make sure it was right because "it?s more important to be right than first," and the third to report it steals it from the first and puts a fake timestamp on it predating the first report and pretends they had the scoop. Then, when the story is wrong, everybody looks bad and blames somebody else.

 

One thought preoccupying us right now is whether Bruce Mitchell's column on this website on Monday mockingly "endorsing" George W. Bush "because he would be more friendly toward pro wrestling than the other candidates" may have swayed enough gullible readers to vote for Bush in Florida and swing the electoral college in his favor.

 

Mitchell has been the most influential wrestling columnist for a decade, but now his dripping-with-sarcasm endorsement of Bush may have decided the fate of the entire world! Depending on which 48 or 49 percent group of voters you fall under, Mitchell is either your hero or your villain today (and I share credit/blame for publishing it). Smackdown the Vote may have registered millions of voters, but Mitchell's Take on Monday may have done much more. It may have influenced a few hundred Florida wrestling fans who are too unworldly to notice heavy-handed sarcasm to actually vote for Bush.

[Bix]

Woooow.

 

That's much worse than Meltzer's insistence that the Raw the night before swayed the election.

[Dylan Waco]

Oh come on, he has to be kidding with that last one...RIGHT?