The Backfist

2011 Wrestling Awards

2012-01-05T19:33:00.001-06:00

I haven't done this in a few years so I figured I might as well give this a shot. The only promotions I watched a lot of where WWE or CHIKARA. There is some PWG or RoH but nothing as consistent as the other two.

Match of the Year: CM Punk vs. John Cena at WWE Money in the Bank

Why: This is one of those cases where everything just came together in a perfect storm. On one hand you had John Cena, the WWE Champion, trying to do his usual stuff of hustle, loyalty and respect (which never made sense in the first place) against CM Punk, the man who speaks his mind. In the weeks leading to this show and contest Punk had gone off on a worked shoot (It's on YouTube) and got suspended for dropping a "pipe bomb." Cena begged for Punk's renstatement and it was granted among a stipulation that if Cena failed to defeat Punk at the show he was fired. You see, Punk's contract was coming to an end at the time of this title shot and was promising to steal the belt had he won it due to the fact his contract ended that night. So that one magical night in Chicago where Punk was a living hero to his hometown defeated Cena and took the title away from the WWE (As if anyone really believed that on the internet) but it made for something fresh. The match wasn't a five star classic itself but the crowd, the work they did do and the aftermath blended it all together in a nice package.

Runner Up One: Eddie Kingston vs. Mike Quackenbush at CHIKARA's High Noon

Runner Up Two: Arik Cannon vs. Derek Cornell at Magnum Pro Wrestling's Cannon vs. Cornell

Show/PPV of the Year: WWE Money in the Bank

Why: In all honest this was probably the best WWE PPV I've seen since Wrestlemania 24. The card was top notch from start to finish with only one match stinking it up and it was sadly expected. But everything just clicked in Chicago that night. If we could get a show like that every pay per view then maybe they'd be worth paying for...

Runner Up One: CHIKARA King of Trios Night Three

Runner Up Two: Pro Wrestling Guerilla's Steen Wolf

Angle of the Year: WWE Title Madness

Why: It was a pretty hectic time for the WWE Title from Money in the Bank until Survivor Series where the title had changed hands a few times in that short of a span between CM Punk. John Cena and Albert Del Rio. It gave a sense of what will happen next even if I personally hate hot shotting the title around that much in that short of a span.

Runner Up One: BDK slowly dissolving in CHIKARA

Runner Up Two: Kevin Steen trying to get back into Ring of Honor

Promo of the Year: Eddie Kingston's Road to High Noon

Why: This single promo brought together a whole year's worth of work for not only Eddie Kingston but he also hyped up the first ever CHIKARA iPPV at the same exact time. The emotion of Eddie wanting to finally redeem himself for his past, honoring one of the greatest friends who took his own life earlier in the year (RIP Larry Sweeney) and wanting to beat his trainer just blended so easily into this fantastic promo.

Runner Up One: CM Punk's Worked Shoot

Runner Up Two: Kevin Steen's "Fuck You ROH" promo on YouTube

Moment of the Year: CM Punk leaving with the WWE Title

Why: He promised he'd leave the WWE with the top title in his grasp and made good on his promise after stopping a Money in the Bank cash in after the match. He blew a kiss to Vince McMahon and left with the title right after.

Runner Up One: 1-2-3 Kid at CHIKARA King of Trios weekend

Runner Up Two: The CHIKARA locker room and crowd paying tribue to Larry Sweeney

Most Popular Wrestler of the Year: CM Punk

Why: Sure he wasn't a face the entire year but once he turned I don't know if anyone topped him.

Runner Up One: Zack Ryder

Runner Up Two: Eddie Kingston

Most Hated: Vickie Guerrero

Why: No one in the WWE seems to get the amount of heat that she goes from everyone in the crowd.

Runner Up One: Michael Cole

Runner Up Two: Icarus

Best Champion: Dolph Ziggler holding the US Title

Why: I thought he did a great job this year holding onto that belt for a few months and turning in some great mid/undercard matches. Plus titles seemed to hot shot around quite a bit.

Runner Up One: Mark Henry - World Heavyweight Championship

Runner Up Two: Cody Rhodes - Intercontential Title

Feud of the Year: Christian vs. Randy Orton

Why: One of the best feuds of the year easily. They produced great match after great match on every PPV they were on. Sure people will complain that Orton berried Christian the whole time but shut the hell up. You think you can book better? Make your own promotion.

Runner Up One: Mark Henry vs. Big Show

Runner Up Two: Kevin Steen vs. Ring of Honor

WWE MVP: CM Punk

Why: Yeah, yeah. He had one of the best years of his career with a few WWE Title wins, some great heel work early in the year before becoming one of the bigger faces on the entire roster. Had some fantastic matches, promos and even snuck in a match against Triple H in a year where Trips did really nothing. That alone speaks volumes about the year CM Punk had.

Runner Up One: Randy Orton

Runner Up Two: R-Truth

CHIKARA MVP: Eddie Kingston

Why: In all honesty I don't know how CHIKARA's year would've gone without Kingston. Seemed like he was always in the biggest matches in quite a few shows. He also ended the year as the first Grand Champion in the company's history which alone makes him their MVP.

Runner Up One: Ultramantis Black

Runner Up Two: Archibald Peck

The NFL Draft

2010-04-16T19:33:00.002-05:00

In the matter of six days the madness will begin. I know its no longer March but the madness of the NFL Draft is fast upon us. I always seem to get pumped up every single year for this event, usually trying to purchase The Sporting News NFL Draft Guide which I always find to be utterly fantastic. Seems in this year's edition they put in a draft tracker so us draft geeks can write down every single pick that occurs.

I've been doing a top five round up lately on a couple of message boards so I'll get to that in a moment but first I'd like to discuss something about my favorite NFL team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Last year was a pretty brutal year to go through with a new coaching regime and struggling to find the right quarterback to put under center. Seems the organization is content with Josh Freeman but we'll never know how good he really is until he gets someone to catch the ball.

With the release of Antonio Bryant who went to the Bengals, the only proven pass catcher on the roster is Kellen Winslow Jr. who is usually a HUGE injury concern. He could fall off of the bench and miss a couple of games. For all of the offensive woes, the run defense in Tampa Bay has always been a problem dating back to when I became a fan, which was the Tony Dungy era by the way.

Even when they had Warren Sapp the run defense always seemed to have a hole and once he left, it became an open invitation for opposing running backs to run through like crazy. I've been reading that that front office is in love with Suh and I really can't blame them. After his performance in the Big 12 Title game that really put him on the national spotlight, he became a darling amongst the media.

For as dominate as Suh was against the Texas offensive line, he's still not as great as most think he is. I remember during the season listening to the Nebraska/Iowa State game and I never really heard his named called. Now was Suh just disinterested in playing a school that they've dominated for decades or did the Iowa State offensive line that wasn't in the same league with the Longhorns O-Line, were they better?

It could've been a simple off game but the fact remains that why was there such a difference in Suh's games between the lowly Cyclones who he could've ate for breakfast, lunch and dinner and that Longhorns game. Half of me thinks that Suh is the answer for the Tampa defensive line but the other half thinks he'll end up as Gaines Adams, may he rest in peace.

In my opinion the safer pick is probably Oklahoma's Gerald McCoy who was more consistent and has a bigger run stuffing body in order to free the linebackers to make the play. Then Eric Berry is also an option but safeties never get picked in the top three for reasons that I can't comprehend.

I just hope that the ship gets steered in the right course. Tampa Bay needs to spend their top four picks on a DT, WR, CB and another WR. I know I'm harping on this WR position but the NFL is becoming a passing league and with the top WR on the team being the one year wonder, Michael Clayton, the need to start collecting in order to help Josh Freeman become that potential franchise signal caller.

Now that I'm done discussing my Bucs, lets look at the top five overall. All the teams in the top five have more then one need, obviously. With the first pick, the St. Louis Rams will probably end up getting Sam Bradford although I think that Jimmy Clausen is the safer pick at this point. I'm not huge on spread offense quarterbacks and their transition to the NFL because one just simply must look at the QBs that have come out of Texas Tech.

Huge numbers but its all in the system. Sam Bradford had tons of talent around him to catch the ball and I believe he was a system quarterback. Jimmy Clausen on the other hand was part of an NFL based offense. Sure they both have concerns about injuries or character in Clausen's case but Charlie Weis was the Notre Dame head coach who brought that NFL style that Clausen played in. Matt Ryan played in that same type of NFL system at Boston College and thus far he's looking like the real deal.

But the first pick is usually a bust so we'll see who manages to come out of this draft better then the other. With the second pick the Lions need to select Russell Okung. They need a franchise left tackle to protect Matthew Stafford because Jeff Backus allows too many sacks at that position. Look at David Carr. Guy had the talent but he spent too much time on his backside to really get a good look at how good he could've been.

With the forth pick, the Redskins filled their need for a quarterback after they got McNabb from the Eagles. So now they also have huge holes at the offensive line and it would be a reach to get another offensive tackle. They're set at defensive tackle with Hanesworth so they don't need to get Suh or McCoy if either of them are on the board. In my opinion the Redskins should trade down and try to get more picks so they don't need to reach. They should trade with the Bills possibly so the Bills can get a franchise quarterback. Though it probably won't happen, it'd be the safer thing.

The Chiefs with the five pick will probably look so hard at Eric Berry and end up passing on him because their front office prefers to fill the trenches as they proved last year. Much like so many other clubs in the top ten, they need a franchise left tackle to protect their investment at quarterback. I wouldn't be shocked to see the Chiefs get Bryan Bologa from Iowa with their selection.

I would go into the rest of the draft but its just too much to really get into and I don't want to waste all night talking about it. I believe Tim Tebow will get selected in the second round by the New England Patriots. I don't know why but it just seems like the type of place that would take him and use him better then others maybe. Though with his attempts to become a better passer, he might go sooner, possibly in the first round just because he's Tim Tebow.

Just six more days though. I can't wait.

Football Thoughts

2010-01-08T21:38:00.004-06:00

So as we know last night was the BCS National Title game that featured the two top teams in the nation going head to head. Both teams wanting to hold that trophy and claim to be the best team of the past college football year. Of course you have to know I'm talking about Texas and Alabama unless you're either a non fan or live under a rock. I hope its due to the latter because everyone needs to love college football.

But the beginning of this game was so odd, I knew something was going to happen sooner or later. Nick Saban, who I'd actually like to punch, made a few horrid calls on the first drive. Then the Texas hero himself, Colt McCoy, got an owwie on his shoulder and left the game. Sure he MIGHT'VE been able to go back in because he did have his pads on during the second half which lead me to believe it actually wasn't all that serious.

I mean if it was a shoulder sprain and it was that bad, why not just have him take the pads off for the rest of the game. I just didn't understand why he couldn't get a shot and go back into the biggest game of his career, the last one of his college one too. If it was Tim Tebow, he would've gone back in with a broken leg to win that son of a bitch. But apparently McCoy's daddy wanted to keep him out because of his professional future.

Well Mr. McCoy, let me tell you where you went wrong. Because your baby boy didn't play, it might cost him a few rounds and quite a bit of money. If he had tried to go back out there, he would've been labeled gutsy. But now quite a few people are taking shots at your son for being a wuss. Perhaps in part due to what you've reportedly said but come on...

No matter, I suppose I should congratulate Alabama on a fine season. My stepgrandgather, may he rest in peace, is probably thrilled that 'Bama brought home the title this year. Mark Ingram looks to have a fantastic future ahead of him. So many times I thought he was down for a one yard gain but he turned it up field and churned out more yards because of a strong second effort. That's a football player. Not saying that Colt isn't but Ingram got a little dinged and went back in.

But now that the college football season is all over, except the Senior Bowl, its time we shift attention to the NFL Playoffs right? Wildcard weekend starts tomorrow afternoon so I'm going to take a bit of time to make my predictions for the games.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. New York Jets

My Prediction: Alright its a rematch from last week, just like three other playoff games. Well the Jets won last week but the Bengals already had a spot clinched up so it wasn't that big of a deal. This is the first playoff game Sanchez and I really don't see it going all that well for the rookie. He started off good this year but he's really looked horrible since. I think the Bengals take this one. 24-16

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys

My Prediction: Last week the Cowboys wrecked the Eagles in an embarassing blow out for the Eagles. While I'm no fan of the Cowboys, I don't see the Eagles rolling over like they did last week. But the stats favor the Cowboys as they've done the best of any team this year against the Eagles big play offense. My real problem with the Cowboys is that Romo hasn't ever won a playoff game and Wade Phillips hasn't ever won one either. McNabb is a proven playoff player. This is a toss up. I think Romo FINALLY gets the monkey off of his back. Cowboys win in a closer one. 30-27

Balitmore Ravens vs. New England Patriots

My Prediction: Ugh, I hate this match up because I do not like either team. In a perfect world neither team would win but since there has to be a winner, I don't know if the Ravens can contain the Pats passing offense unless Ed Reed is in. I haven't heard anything lately. Plus I saw that Moss didn't practice for the Pats today. While I hate the Ravens, I hate the Patriots even more. So I'm calling the upset. Ravens win. 21-20

Green Bay Packers vs. Arizona Cardinals

My Prediction: The third repeat from last weekend. The Packers wiped the floor but the Cards didn't play it with much effort, already in and having home field for this game. This almost reminds me of their playoff game last year against the Falcons. However the Packers have a much more explosive offense with Aaron Rodgers calling the shots. If Boldin doesn't play for the Cards, that's a huge loss but Breaston has proved that he can step it up in Boldin's shoes. However scores more points in a wild shoot out gets this one. I'm gonna go with the Cardinals this time because Warner will play the whole way and it'll make the difference. 42-38

So there are my wildcard predictions. Agree with them or hate them, give me a bit of love with a comment if you want. Give me yours too. Until next time...

E-Wrestling

2008-09-10T23:51:00.002-05:00

I'm aiming for something different this time. In my last blog, I mentioned something called e-fedding (also known as E-Wrestling.) E-fedding is defined as "a form of creative roleplay based around professional wrestling." A simple enough concept right? Well I've been doing this concept for around four and a half years now. It can be time consuming but it all depends on how much you feel like putting into your character and their backstory/current life and how well you can cut a promo using your character.

Your success is determined through that in a federation, unless its an angle fed (which is based upon angles, the handlers choose who wins that week. Kinda dumb.) Anyways, I've mostly been in roleplay situations where I needed to out preform my opponent(s) for that week or every other week.

I started this game back in 2004 when I was a Junior in high school when I saw a "friend" of mine working on a roleplay on a piece of paper to which he was going to post later. I asked him about it and being a wrestling fan, I thought it sounded pretty neat. So I joined the place he was in and I took off from there.

I sucked when I first started this stuff. I posted two lines and thought that was decent enough to get me by on. How I was mistaken. Anyways, through years of work, I've progressed past two line RPs, much to the dismay of the people I happen to face.

More sample work (Bonus points as to which real life wrestler inspired this one): http://www.geocities.com/recklessjackpsr/lovhatlovhat.html

As you can tell from the table, I have a pretty decent title history. I'm not as concerned with them these days as I once used to be. I'd rather be engaged in an epic feud then go for a title. Such as right now I'm working in an angle where my character's twin brother turned on him and they're currently battling each other and trying to save their sanity at the same time. On the side, he's feuding the owner of the promotion and his personal life is dominated by four daughters, all under the age of three.

This is another sample work to describe the angle I just talked about.

"The past few days have made me realize how lucky I really have it. A wife that loves me, three daughters that love me and more friend then I probably realize that I have. I nearly erased all of that though and for what? I honestly don't know myself. That's the nature of the beast, that's how depression works. Some days I just like to sit down and cry for no reason at all. Other days it doesn't bother me in the least bit. Still I try to think of the logical reasons about why I attempted such a stunt in the first place and I have nothing.

The only thing remotely wrong in my life is Mike and we've nearly stayed out of each other's business for a couple of weeks now, discounting what happened on Assault as he nearly forced me to watch my love take a goddamn Kudo Driver from Danny Vice. If he would've hit her with that, I don't know what I would've done to him, to Spike, to anyone who would've been in my way that night. It's a little scary to think about after everything you've seen me do from the insane leaps to the blood I'm willing to shed, that I haven't even gotten started on The Machine yet.

Tribulation was nothing compared to what is yet in store for them but yet I still don't feel the need to really care about the pawns that Danny paid off in Johnny or Random. When I sit down and really think about what those two are capable of, it's nothing to make me shiver in my boots. Regardless, if I get the chance to eliminate those two during the Conquest match, I won't give it a second thought as I dump them on their heads with the move that was voted the best move in 2007.

That move has put down some of the best this business has ever seen. Derek Sitar, Kevin Hardaway, David Alastair among so many other wrestlers you've never heard of. But this isn't about my certain move. This isn't about me kicking people in the head over and over again until their brain is turned into mush. The Conquest is about one very simple thing, the number one contendership for the GWC World Title. That's a title I've held before. You all saw the "Road of Reckless Jack" end back at Kingdom Come II when I finally realized my goal here in this promotion. I held that belt up high and I got the biggest rush as thousands upon thousands of fans were on their feet, cheering their hearts out because one of their heroes had made good upon his word to win the World Title and rid GWC of a cancer.

When people think of the word cancer, they think of a killer illness that takes down someone from within. It's a poison and right now, GWC is full of this cancer, these poisons that need to be rid of. From Spike Kane to the man Danny Vice himself, both of these men are cancers to GWC. Kevin Hardaway is a cancer to GWC. Derek Sitar isn't cancer though. That man is a full blown case of anthrax.

It's only natural that those four men I just mentioned are four of the biggest names at the top of this company. Spike rode Danny's name to the top and he has yet to do anything with it. It took me over a year to finally make my name mean something in this company. A year full of struggle in order to win a title that I'm almost certain that anyone other then Derek Sitar held, would be in the possession of my brother because he's been Danny's ace in the hole since the day he stepped foot in this company.

But what Spike fails to realize is something simple. I never had to become a cancer in order to become something great. We both know that you never sold out over in that defunct promotion and how did that turn out for you? Sure you got a couple of World Title reigns, one over your little brother but what about the other times you went for a title? You were passed over because you didn't kiss enough ass. So now that you're here, you've taken what you've seen and known to be true and you sold out. I know that I've gone through this before but I love you Mike. You're my brother but until you realized what you've done and snapped out of this trance, it's a goal to put you down like the dog that you've become.

I find no joy in it though, not like I will with Danny Vice when his time comes. I don't enjoy hurting you Mike but you give me no choice but to. I love you Mike with all of my heart but you're slowly becoming the monster you used to be. Even if I have to put you into a coma to stop you from going back into your old habits, I'll do it because of love.

Now I understand that Danny Vice has it in for me but to go after my wife, a woman who is easily one hundred pounds lighter then you are, it's something I don't take lightly. I'd rather you put me in this cage match, taking me out of the Conquest so I don't have to have the thoughts of wondering how Megan is doing backstage while I'm out there, eliminating people for a belt that should be mine.

Some people seem to think that your little plan was put into motion back on May 21st and I find it hard to disagree with them. For twenty one days I held onto the title that meant more to me then any other that came before. Then Joe Ragnal suddenly decides to take a mask off and use his OMA shot in order to take the title from me. I mean you had to know it was him the whole time and give him the green light to unmask a week before our title match in order to get the title off of me. Then on July 2nd, you did the classic screw job, something that hasn't left my mind either.

You see Vice, your actions and your words have gotten you into a world that you can no longer control because after Conquest and after Day of Reckoning, I'll be free to make your life a living hell as you've made mine for the past couple of months. Just remember Tribulation though Danny. It doesn't matter who you have to protect, I will eliminate you either way.

The two other monsters, the monsters that are seemingly of my own creation through my actions a year ago at this same show. Look at what's happened to them now. Derek Sitar is thinking he's the greatest of all time while Kevin has gone off the deep end because of his personal life with Angie.

While it's not my place to run down someone else's life, it seems to be his. Let me just keep this short and sweet. Kev, you don't know. You have no idea what I go through on a day to day basis. So while you stand there thinking like you know me and why I nearly killed myself a few nights ago. Let's say you have no idea which you obviously don't. The Reckless Jack everyone knew and loved is dead. It's as simple as that. The blood that I once loved to shed, the look of glee that used to come across my face when I was busy kicking someone's head in is no longer a part of who I am.

I just find it ironic that Kevin has the nerve to call me a coward when he fails to remember what he did last year when he jumped me from behind. I find it hard to realize that just because he hasn't gotten his dick played with for a few months, he's suddenly got so much more anger and aggression. Kevin, I'm not saying this to be funny or whatever but just go get laid. You killed off a good thing you had with Angie because you were selfish, because you didn't want to change. I changed myself and I'm happier for it. So while I go out and be a "fucking coward" as you put it, have fun living in isolation and despair. I'll be sitting at home with people who love me. Sucks to be me right?

We all know about the final monster so I'll leave it at that. I just know that during the Conquest, no matter what number I "draw" and I use that term loosely, I'll go in there and eliminate and eliminate until I'm the final person left standing. I need to win this match. Not for my wife, not for my daughters, not to prove to Spike that I am better then he is, not to show myself that I still have it in me but the for the reason that if I win this match, I'll be in a better position to rid GWC of the monsters that I created.

When a match houses such people as Michael Knight, Striker Brothers, Motor City Mafia, Kurt Burton, Mike Ragnal, Stargazer, Zak Warner and oh so many others, it's hard to not get caught up in going into the whole taking the time to dissect every single one of them into little pieces but with a concept such as this, I'd only go on more then what I have. But when looking at the talent this has, it's already superior to last year's on paper. The gap is quite huge when looking back on it. There are a few people that know what to expect but to at least three fourths of the wrestlers, its a different ball game.

I know what to expect because I'm one of the few that's been in this concept before but let me take you back to another concept called the Annihilation Complex. In 2007, I competed in it and I lost here in GWC. I won it this year. Last year I competed in the Conquest and I'm hoping that the same fate or luck that carried me through the Complex carries through with the Conquest.

So going by that same thought, you'd think that almost makes me the favorite to win the Conquest. But with a crooked owner who is trying to screw me over, it's hard to imagine anyone but myself getting that number one entry. That would mean I'd have to outlast every single other wrestler in the Conquest because anyone who eliminates me, gets a huge cash bonus from Vice. I can't fault the son of a bitch for it though. It's good business on his part. He gets rid of me for another price. Just like he paid off Spike. So imagine this if you will...

What if someone from the Revolution would eliminate me. Would Vice still pay them? Would Danny Vice keep his word if someone from my camp would have the nerve to eliminate me? Would they then go to The Machine after getting a taste of the money that Danny Vice has to offer? It's something to ponder over for a while as I have recently. Zak's sold me up the river once and I'm quite afraid he'll do it again with the money on the table. Nothing personal Zak, it's just been in your nature to do things like that.

I'm sorry but if it should happen to come down to anyone from Uncultured Revolution versus myself at any point, don't think I won't put you down during this match. There is a difference between want and need. Most of you want to win this so you have the chance to fight for a title. I need to win this to rid GWC of the cancer and the monsters that reside here. Regardless, best of luck gentlemen because when my music hits and you stop to just for that split second to think of who it is, you'll already be gone."

So basically, this is what I do with my spare time. It's why you never see a review from me anymore as I couldn't balance them both very well. This is probably why I'll never get laid but I get some satisfaction from hearing people I don't know very well saying I'm great at this. A buddy of mine is a wrestler and I've shown him some of my promo work (the whole story aspect doesn't make a whole lot of sense) and basically he throughly enjoyed it.

Anyways, if you wanna know more about my character, feel free to visit this page: http://ewrestling.wikia.com/wiki/Reckless_Jack

That about does it for this long entry. Sorry for posting the samples but I felt they were needed for this. Regardless, this is a great release and I can't think of not doing it anymore.

Random Thoughts

2008-09-05T23:44:00.003-05:00

Before I get going with this one, I'd like to point out a few things about my new apparent name. First of all, it's about Jennifer Love Hewitt, as if that should really shock anyone if they've read the earlier blog where I basically cream my pants numerous times at the thought of her. Anyways, that about does it. Now the fun begins.

Thought One: I've been thinking tonight about the place where I went to high school at. First two football games of the season and they've been outscored 105-6. Yeah, pretty pathetic even for a Class A (Small, only above Eight Man football) school. Anyways, I joked around with a friend of mine I graduated with from there, one of the few people I manage to keep in touch with, about taking over the football program and installing the spread offense. Probably the option variation that'd you see at Florida or Utah but it'd be a better way to go then what they currently do. To hell with the Wing-T offense!

Thought Two: I recently came across Tommy Boy and Black Sheep in a double feature DVD pack from Wal-Mart. Its been years since I'd seen either movie. While Black Sheep is alright for the most part, Tommy Boy is one of the reasons I became such a movie fan quite some time ago. I remember back when we still had a dish or whatever it was and I'd always sit down and watch Tommy Boy when they'd play it on a movie network or what have you. "Fat guy in a little coat" is something I've done before although I've never ripped the jacket or coat, whichever happened to be on me at that certain time. Regardless, Tommy Boy is among my favorite movies, I'd just forgotten that for so long.

Thought Three: NASCAR is preventing ABC from Saturday Night Football this week. How lame.

Thought Four: If I was anticipating Trivium's "Shogun" album anymore, my head would probably explode into ten thousand tiny bits as the chunks creep down the walls. Gory thought am I right? But seriously, Trivium kicks serious ass and from what I've heard about this able, it's going to kick even more ass then I thought it would have. Also, I'm looking forward to the new Rise Against CD coming out as well. Should be a good one itself.

Thought Five: I haven't been playing any other video game (besides the given of Super Mario Bros. 3) other then NCAA Football '07 for the 360. I've found myself enjoying it more then '08 for the most part. Sure it doesn't have that Heisman mode or whatever it called itself that year but I find the dynasty more enjoyable as you're not confined to play as a singular player for four years. That and you can go deep into your program, build up a mid major into a huge power school. In all honesty, I'd probably take a College sports game over a Pro sports game any day of the week, except for baseball though. I hate the aluminum bats.

Thought Six: The real NFL season kicks off on Sunday. Giants/Redskins on Thursday made me want to carve my eyes out with a rusty spoon with it's boring ways so it doesn't count as a real game. I was hoping for a good day by Clinton Portis for one of my fantasy teams but it wasn't meant to be that evening. Oh well, I'm sure my other players will step it up on Sunday. I will mark if the Patriots lose to the Chiefs. Although I'd love to see the Bucs make the playoffs again this year but I just don't see it happening.

Thought Seven: Labor Day weekend was freaking insane for the most part. Thursday night I was out until around two in the morning. Friday was about the same although that day deserves a blog in itself at some point. Didn't do much of anything on Saturday besides watch college football. Sunday was a reunion of friends that was so much fun my head nearly exploded. Monday was just hanging out and watching Raw (BLEH!) at a friend's. Tennessee/UCLA kicked ten kinds of ass. I was pulling for the Vols but it happens.

Thought Eight: I still need money to get PWG Sells Out. Send me twenty five bucks so I can order it, thank you in advance.

Thought Nine: The Wrestler game on Facebook SUCKS! I've only won like one match in my last ten. I need to build up my moveset although I'm in a tag team with Rowe that I named the "MILF Hunters" without even telling him. He enjoyed it though so yay me for coming up with a kick ass name for a tag team. Although we did lose (mostly thanks to me) to a female tag team. A bit of irony maybe?

Thought Ten: Random ass links to what I do with my free time, which take up my reviewing stuff time.

http://z11.invisionfree.com/The_GWC/index.php?showtopic=3609

http://z11.invisionfree.com/The_GWC/index.php?showtopic=3610

Yes, I pretend to be a wrestler. Give me the dork label for life now thank you.

Closing Thought: Recently I've taken part in a new inside joke fad. It consists of kicking down a door, yelling out "I WALK ALONE!" before doing the Batista machine gun taunt during his entrance followed by the grenade portion. Make sure to do it in a public setting for maximum weird looks. That or slap your chest numerous times before throwing your arms out with your hood up. I did that once a year ago while walking to Wal-Mart, the old greeter dude thought I was on crack.

Anyways, take 'er easy folks and remember. If you have sex with a hooker and you don't pay, it's considered shoplifting.

Super Mario Bros 3

2008-08-26T23:01:00.003-05:00

What comes to mind when someone thinks of Super Mario Brothers 3. They probably think of Mario. Luigi, the P-Wings, Warp Whistles and one of my personal favorites, ANGRY SUN!!! I love that thing, so mad and so easy to get rid of. But when people think of SMB3, they think of something near gaming perfection and it's awfully hard to argue any claims towards that statement. While made two decades ago I believe, it's still one of the greatest games, if not the greatest game ever created and here are my opinions on why.

Point One - Challenge

While it's not a challenge for some, it is for others. Personally, I can go through the game and clear all the levels before I start to stumble in World Eight. Seriously, the first seven worlds are nothing but a warm up act for World Eight. From Grass Land (What I've dubbed World One although I'm sure there's a technical name for it) to Pipe Land, it's all fairly easy to moderate. Although the top half of World Five and most of World Six is cheap death up the ass. Stupid clouds and ice, screwing me up.

Anyways, once you get to World Eight, it's suddenly almost like a new game. From the gun ships, air ships, the normal level and that first fortress (I've never passed that one.), it's all skill. People can luck their way through a great deal of the game but not anymore. World Eight is one of the hardest levels in a game I've ever encountered.

Point Two - The Boot

Yeah, it owns and it needed to be in more levels.

Point Three - Warp Whistles

Think you're badass? Get the first two warp whistles and go right to World Eight with no power ups and only like 10 lives at the most. Have fun.

Point Four - World Four

Giant Land ftw. What isn't to like about giant goombas, koopa, plants and hammer brothers. I love this world and you should too. If not, you honestly have no soul.

That's all I have for my points. But words can hardly express my love for this game. I only play the NES version as I think having save features like the All-Stars and GBA versions have are silly. Nothing beats just losing yourself in the game for about three or four hours, trying to beat your best time (until frustration kicks in during World Eight.) So yeah, go play.

Oh, as a side note, I am no longer ProjectSelfRevolution. My new name shall be revealed next time.

A Change Is Coming

2008-08-21T19:55:00.003-05:00

I haven't been on here for a couple of months and there is a reason for that. I haven't really cared about wrestling much lately. I don't think I've started to hate it but it's just fallen out of favor for me. I'd much rather watch TV, a movie, sports or play video games then watch any sort of wrestling. Now I'm not saying I'm gonna sell off my wrestling collection or anything because I've put too much effort into it. I just don't see the need to be one dimensional anymore I guess.

So with this change, you'll be seeing a lot more varied talk in my blog here. I'll talk about some of my favorite movies, bands, video games, TV shows, etc. Keeping all of this in mind, I'm going to start this new change with an interesting subject (I find it interesting anyways.)

It seems like for the past ten or eleven years I've had a huge crush on a celebrity and I can't really explain why. Maybe it's the fact I find her to look fantastic all the time or I find that she's a better actress then people give her credit for. Ever since I mistakenly put on Party of Five one night, I've always had a thing for Jennifer Love Hewitt.

It's a bad thing sometimes having such a huge crush on her as one night, I went through at least fifty pages of images on Google, looking for conformation about her having a tramp stamp. Alas, there isn't one but hey, a fella could've hoped for a huge bullseye if you catch my drift. But I make sure to watch Ghost Whisperer every Friday night or at least try to.

I've sat through both Garfield movies just because she was in them. I watch Heartbreakers at least once a week because of her short skirts. The people that talk to me on the internet as well as my friends in real life basically say I have an obsession with her and I really can't argue their claims.

I just find JLH to be a great actress that never looks bad in anything she wears or no matter how curve she happens to get. Call me crazy but I like what I like.

On Slate For Later Posts:

Why Super Mario Bros 3 is the greatest game ever
My Favorite Movies (That don't involve Jennifer Love Hewitt)
Aqua Teen Hunger Force

Have a good one.

*** Matches Or Higher

2008-06-17T15:32:00.000-05:00

What I did was go through all my wrestling DVDs and picked out what I thought was a *** match or better.

World Wrestling Entertainment

WWE Championship Disc One:
Savage vs. Hogan - ***1/2

WWE Championship Disc Two:
Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart (Cage Match) - ****
Bret Hart vs. Michaels (Ironman) - ****
Michaels vs. Mankind - ****1/4
Michaels vs. Austin - ***1/4

WWE Championship Disc Three:
Triple H vs. Cactus Jack (Street Fight) - ****3/4
Rock vs. Austin - *****
Benoit vs. Angle - ****1/2

McMahon:
vs. Shane McMahon - ***1/4
vs. Ric Flair - ***
vs. Hulk Hogan - ***

Rey Mysterio: The Biggest Little Man:
vs. Dean Malenko - ***1/2
vs. Dean Malenko - ***
vs. Ultimo Dragon - ***1/4
vs. Jushin Lyger - ***1/2
vs. Ultimo Dragon - ***
vs. Eddie Guerrero - ****1/2
vs. Kurt Angle - ***
vs. Eddie Guerrero - ***3/4

Wrestlemania XXIV:
MITB - ***1/4
Ric Flair vs. HBK - ****1/4
HHH vs. Cena vs. Orton - ***1/4
Show vs. Mayweather - ***
Edge vs. Undertaker - ***3/4

Pillman DVD Extra’s:
War Games - ****1/2
Hollywood Blondes vs. Steamboat/Douglas - ***
Hart Foundation vs. Austin/LOD/Shamrock/Goldust - ****1/4
Pillman vs. Lyger (Superbrawl II Match) - ***3/4

Ring of Honor

Round Robin Challenge:
Low Ki vs. American Dragon - ****3/4
Daniels vs. Low Ki - ***1/4
American Dragon vs. Daniels - ***3/4

Final Battle 2002:
Xavier vs. Paul London - ***
American Dragon vs. Low Ki vs. Samoa Joe vs. Steve Corino - ***1/2

Retribution: Round Robin Challenge II:
Homicide vs. CM Punk - ***1/4
Matt Stryker vs. Chad Collyer vs. Michael Shane vs. Donovan Morgan vs. BJ Whitmer - ***3/4
Paul London vs. Christopher Daniels - ****

Death Before Dishonor:
Tom Carter vs. Doug Willams - ***1/2
Homicide vs. BJ Whitmer vs. Colt Cabana vs. Dan Maff - ***3/4
CM Punk vs. Raven - ***1/4
AJ Styles/Amazing Red vs. The Briscoe Brothers - ***
Samoa Joe vs. Paul London - ***3/4

Main Event Spectacles:
Homicide vs. BJ Whitmer - ***1/4
Scramble Cage - ***1/2
Four Corner Survival - ***1/4
AJ Styles vs. Brian Danielson - ***3/4

Final Battle 2003:
Bryan Danielson vs. Jay Briscoe - ***1/2
John Walters vs. Xavier - ***1/4
Matt Stryker vs. BJ Whitmer - ***
Samoa Joe vs. Mark Briscoe - ***1/4

Survival of the Fittest:
Mark Briscoe vs. Alex Shelley - ***
Homicide vs. Jay Briscoe - ***1/4
Survival of the Fittest - ****1/2

Death Before Dishonor II Pt. 1:
Doug Williams vs. Alex Shelley - ***1/4
John Walters/Matt Stryker/Jimmy Jacobs vs. Jack Evans/Roderick Strong/Austin Aries - ***1/4
Samoa Joe vs. Homicide - ***1/2
CM Punk/Colt Cabana vs. Jay Briscoe/Mark Briscoe - ****

Joe vs. Punk II:
Joe vs. Punk II - *****
I Quit - ****
Strong/Evans vs. Homicide/Romero - ***1/4

Final Battle 2004:
Steve Corino/CM Punk vs. Roderick Strong/Alex Shelley - ***
Low Ki vs. Bryan Danielson - ***1/4
Samoa Joe vs. Austin Aries - ****

Manhattan Mayhem:
Nigel McGuiness vs. Colt Cabana - ***1/4
James Gibson vs. Black Tiger - ***3/4
BJ Whitmer/Jimmy Jacobs vs. Roderick Strong/Jack Evans - ***1/2
Jay Lethal vs. Samoa Joe - ****
CM Punk vs. Jimmy Rave - ***1/2
Austin Aries vs. Alex Shelley - ***3/4
Jay Lethal/Samoa Joe vs. Homicide/Low-Ki - ***

Death Before Dishonor III:
Samoa Joe vs. Colt Cabana - ***1/2
Four Corner Survival - ***1/4
Jay Lethal vs. Low Ki - ***
Austin Aries vs. CM Punk - ****1/2

Punk: The Final Chapter:
Austin Aries vs. Jimmy Rave - ***
Samoa Joe/Jay Lethal vs. Homicide/Low Ki - ***1/4
BJ Whitmer/Jimmy Jacobs vs. James Gibson/Spanky - ***
Matt Hardy vs. Roderick Strong - ***1/2
CM Punk vs. Colt Cabana - ***

Joe vs. Kobashi:
Joe vs. Kobashi - ***1/4

This Means War:
Claudio Castagnoli vs. Alex Shelley - ***1/2
Austin Aries vs. AJ Styles - ***1/4
Bryan Danielson vs. Roderick Strong - ****1/4

Vendetta:
Embassy vs. Aries/Evans/Sydal/Styles - ***1/2
Danielson vs. Strong - ****1/2
Daniels vs. Joe - ***3/4

Final Battle 2005:
Low-Ki vs. KENTA - ****
Bryan Danielson vs. Naomichi Marufuji - ***1/2
Four Corner Survival - ***1/2
Jimmy Rave vs. Miliano Collection AT - ***
Nigel McGuiness vs. Claudio Castagonli - ***1/4

Fourth Anniversary Show:
Homicide vs. Colt Cabana - ***1/4
Bryan Danielson vs. Jimmy Rave - ***3/4
Austin Aries/Roderick Strong vs. AJ Styles/Matt Sydal - ***1/2

Arena Warfare:
Austin Aries vs. Matt Sydal - ***1/2
Bryan Danielson vs. Alex Shelley - ****

Best In The World:
Christopher Daniels vs. Alex Shelley - ***
Nigel McGuinness vs. Claudio Castagnoli - ***
The Briscoe Bros vs. Austin Aries/Jack Evans - ***1/2
KENTA/Naomichi Marufuji vs. Bryan Danielson/Samoa Joe - ***3/4

Dragon Gate Challenge:
Daniels vs. Joe - ****
Blood Generation vs. Generation Next - ****1/4
Dragon Kid/Horiguchi vs. Styles/Sydal - ***1/2
Whitmer vs. Jacobs - ***3/4

Supercard of Honor:
AJ Styles/Matt Sydal vs. Austin Aries/Jack Evans - ***1/2
Blood Generation vs. Do Fixer - ****1/4
Samoa Joe vs. Christopher Daniels vs. Jimmy Jacobs - ***
Bryan Danielson vs. Roderick Strong - ****1/2

Better Then Our Best:
Jimmy Rave/Alex Shelley/Masato Yoshino vs. Dragon Kid/Genki Horiguchi/Ryo Saito - ***1/4
AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe vs. Christopher Daniels vs. Jimmy Yang - ***1/2
Roderick Strong/Austin Aries vs. Blood Generation - ***1/2
Bryan Danielson vs. Lance Storm - ***3/4
Homicide vs. Colt Cabana - ****

The 100th Show:
ROH vs. CZW - ****
Briscoes vs. Styles/Sydal - ***1/2
Bryan Danielson vs. Delirious - ***1/4

Unified:
Jimmy Rave vs. Davey Richards - ***
Doug Williams/Jody Fleisch vs. SUWA/Go Shiozaki - ***1/4
Austin Aries/Roderick Strong vs. Jay Briscoe/Mark Briscoe - ****
Bryan Danielson vs. Nigel McGuinness ****1/2

Anarchy in the U.K.:
Go Shiozaki vs. BJ Whitmer - ***
Doug Williams vs. Jimmy Rave - ***
Jay & Mark Briscoe vs. Davey Richards/Matt Sydal - ***3/4
Bryan Danielson vs. Roderick Strong - ****

Glory By Honor V Night 2:
Samoa Joe/Homicide vs. Jay/Mark Briscoe - ***1/2
Austin Aries/Roderick Strong vs. Chris Hero/Claudio Castagnoli - ***1/2
Naomichi Marufuji vs. Nigel McGuiness - ****
Bryan Danielson vs. KENTA - ****3/4

The Chicago Spectacular Night Two:
Samoa Joe vs. Mark Briscoe - ***
Austin Aries/Roderick Strong vs. Christopher Daniels/Matt Cross - ***1/2
Homicide vs. Adam Pearce - ***1/4
Davey Richards vs. Jay Briscoe - ***
Bryan Danielson/Jimmy Jacobs/Jimmy Rave/Shingo vs. Delirious/BJ Whitmer/Colt Cabana/Nigel McGuinness - ***3/4

Final Battle 2006:
BJ Whitmer/Jimmy Jacobs vs. Colt Cabana/BJ Whitmer - ***
Jay/Mark Briscoe vs. Chris Hero/Claudio Castagnoli - ***1/2
Austin Aries/Roderick Strong/Delirious vs. Shingo/CIMA/Matt Sydal - ***1/4
Bryan Danielson vs. Homicide - ****

Fifth Year Festival: Liverpool:
Homicide vs. Davey Richards - ***
Delirious vs. Matt Sydal - ***1/4
Roderick Strong vs. Pac - ***1/4
Jay/Mark Briscoe vs. Naruki Doi/Shingo - ****
Samoa Joe vs. Nigel McGuiness - ***1/4

Fifth Year Festival: Finale:
Matt Sydal vs. PAC - ***
Jay Briscoe vs. Mark Briscoe - ***3/4
Naruki Doi/Shingo vs. Roderick Strong/Davey Richards - ***1/2
Nigel McGuinness vs. Jimmy Rave - ****
Samoa Joe vs. Homicide - ***1/4

Supercard of Honor II:
Jack Evans/Naruki Doi vs. Davey Richards/Rocky Romero - ***1/4
BJ Whitmer vs. Jimmy Jacobs - ****1/4
Roderick Strong vs. Austin Aries - ***1/2
CIMA/Shingo/Susumu Yokosuka vs. Dragon Kid/Ryo Saito/Masaaki Mochizuki - ***3/4

Good Times, Great Memories:
Takeshi Morishima vs. Shingo - ***1/2
Roderick Strong vs. Jack Evans - ***3/4
Jay/Mark Briscoe vs. Chris Sabin/Alex Shelley - ****1/2
Colt Cabana vs. Adam Pearce - ***

Driven:
Roderick Strong/Davey Richards/Rocky Romero vs. Delirious/Erick Stevens/Matt Cross - ***1/2
Matt Sydal vs. Claudio Castagonli - ***1/4
Jay/Mark Briscoe vs. Kevin Steen/El Generico - ***3/4
Bryan Danielson vs. Nigel McGuinness - ****1/2
Nigel McGuinness vs. Chris Hero - ***
Bryan Danielson vs. KENTA - ****1/4

Race To The Top Tournament Night Two:
Claudio Castagnoli vs. Mike Quackenbush - ***
$10,000 Eight Man Tag - ***1/2
El Generico vs. Claudio Castagnoli - ***3/4

Death Before Dishonor V Night One:
Chris Hero vs. Nigel McGuinness - ***1/4
Bryan Danielson vs. Matt Sydal - ***
Takeshi Morishima vs. Claudio Castagnoli - ****
The Briscoe Brothers vs. Kevin Steen/El Generico - ****1/4

Death Before Dishonor V Night Two:
Bryan Danielson vs. Mike Quackenbush - ***3/4
Kevin Steen vs. Jay Briscoe - ***
Takeshi Morishima vs. Brent Albright - ***1/2
No Remorse Corps/Matt Sydal vs. The Resilience/Delirious - ****

Manhattan Mayhem II:
Roderick Strong vs. Austin Aries vs. Jack Evans - ***1/4
Chris Hero vs. Claudio Castagnoli - ***1/2
Takeshi Morishima vs. Bryan Danielson - ****3/4
The Briscoe Brothers vs. Kevin Steen/El Generico - ****

Honor Nation:
Austin Aries vs. Bryan Danielson - ****1/4
Roderick Strong/Rocky Romero/Davey Richards vs. Jack Evans/Ruckus/Jigsaw - ***1/4
Takeshi Morishima vs. Kevin Steen - ***1/2

Glory By Honor VI Night 2:
El Generico vs. Chris Hero - ***
Claudio Castagnoli vs. Naomichi Marifuji - ***1/2
Bryan Danielson vs. Takeshi Morishima - ***3/4
Austin Aries vs. Chris Hero - ***1/4
KENTA vs. Mitsuharu Misawa - ****
Jay Briscoe/Mark Briscoe vs. Jimmy Jacobs/Necro Butcher - ***1/2

Final Battle 2007:
Naomichi Marufuji vs. Davey Richards - ***1/2
Roderick Strong vs. Erick Stevens - ***1/4
Takeshi Morishima vs. Bryan Danielson vs. Austin Aries vs. Chris Hero - ***1/2
The Briscoe Brothers vs. Jimmy Jacobs/Tyler Black - ***1/2

Proving Ground:
Bryan Danielson vs. Brent Albright - ***1/2
Kevin Steen vs. Necro Butcher - ***1/4
Erick Stevens vs. Austin Aries - ***1/2
Jimmy Jacobs/Tyler Black vs. Brent Albright/BJ Whitmer vs. Jack Evans/Jigsaw vs. The Briscoe Brothers - ***3/4

Breakout:
Erick Stevens vs. Austin Aries vs. Davey Richards - ***1/4
BJ Whitmer/Brent Albright vs. El Generico/Delirious - ***
Bryan Danielson vs. Tyler Black - ****
Nigel McGuinness vs. Chris Hero - ***1/2

Without Remorse:
Austin Aries/Bryan Danielson vs. Erick Stevens/Jay Briscoe - ***1/4
Claudio Castagnoli vs. El Generico - ***1/4
Ultimate Endurance - ***1/2
Nigel McGuinness vs. Roderick Strong - ***1/4

Eye of the Storm:
Bryan Danielson vs. Rocky Romero - ***1/4
Kevin Steen vs. Delirious - ***
Kevin Steen vs. Bryan Danielson - ***
Kevin Steen vs. Go Shiozaki - ***1/4

Sixth Anniversary Show:
Steen/Matthews - ***
Aries/Shiozaki - ***1/2
Romero/Richards vs. Jigsaw/Ruckus - ***
Strong/Stevens/Necro - ***1/4
McGuinness/Danielson - ****1/2

Supercard of Honor III:
Roderick Strong vs. Erick Stevens - ***1/2
Jimmy Jacobs/Tyler Black vs. Jay & Mark Briscoe - ***
BxB Hulk/Shingo vs. Kevin Steen/El Generico - ***3/4
Nigel McGuinness vs. Austin Aries - ****1/4
Dragon Kid/CIMA/Ryo Saito vs. Genki Horiguchi/Naruki Doi/Masato Yoshino - ****1/2

Bloodstaind Honor:
Samoa Joe vs. Jay Briscoe (Cage) - ***3/4
Second City Saints vs. The Prophecy (Street Fight) - ***1/2
CM Punk vs. Jimmy Rave (Dog Collar) - ***1/2
Generation Next vs. The Embassy (Steel Cage Warfare) - ****
Colt Cabana vs. Homicide (Ghetto Street Fight) - ***1/4
Team ROH vs. Team CZW (Six Man War) - ****
Colt Cabana vs. Jimmy Jacobs (Windy City Death Match) - ***1/2
Kevin Steen/El Generico vs. Jay/Mark Briscoe (Boston Street Fight) - ****1/4

Stars of Honor:
Samoa Joe vs. CM Punk - ****1/2
Matt Hardy vs. Roderick Strong - ***1/2
Samoa Joe/Jay Lethal vs. Low-Ki/Homicide - ***1/4
James Gibson vs. Roderick Strong - ***1/4
Bryan Danielson vs. Spanky - ***1/2

Tag Team Excellence: The Best of the Briscoe Brothers:
Jay vs. Mark - ***1/2
Jay/Mark vs. AJ Styles/Red - ***
Jay vs. Samoe Joe - ***1/4
Jay/Mark vs. Samoa Joe/AJ Styles - ***1/2

Bloodlust Vol. 1:
Natural Born Sinners vs. Carnage Crew - ***
CM Punk/Colt Cabana vs. Raven/BJ Whitmer - ***
CM Punk vs. Raven (Dog Collar) - ***1/4
CM Punk vs. Raven (Cage) - ***1/2

Do or Die IV:
John Walters vs. Alex Shelley - ***1/4
Austin Aries vs. Samoa Joe - ***

The Best of CM Punk Vol. 3 :
Vs. Joe III - ****1/2
Vs. Shelley – ***1/2
Dog Collar vs. Jimmy Rave - ***1/2
Vs. Strong - ***3/4
Cage vs. Jimmy Rave - ****

Full Impact Pro

Fallout Night One:
Homicide vs. BJ Whitmer - ***

Fallout Night Two:
Homicide vs. Punk - ***1/4
Strong vs. Whitmer - ***

The Usual Suspects:
None

In Full Force:
Homicide vs. Colt Cabana - ***

Heatstroke '05 Night Two:
Eddie Vegas/Jimmy Rave vs. Spanky/Sal Rinauro - ***
Roderick Strong vs. CM Punk - ***1/2

Fallout 2005:
Roderick Strong vs. Milano Collection AT - ***1/2

Redefined:
Austin Aries vs. Davey Richards - ***1/4
Nigel McGuinness vs. Necro Butcher - ***
Erick Stevens vs. Roderick Strong - ****3/4

Pro Wrestling Guerrilla

Reason for the Season:
Rocky Romero vs. AJ Styles - ***1/4
Super Dragon vs. CM Punk - ***1/2
Christopher Daniels/Bryan Danielson vs. Ricky Reyes/Samoa Joe - ***1/2
Adam Pearce vs. Frankie Kazarian - ***3/4

The Next Show:
Chris Hero vs. Super Dragon - ***1/2
Samoa Joe vs. Frankie Kazarian - ***
Scott Lost vs. Joey Ryan - ***1/4

Use Your Illusion 4:
Gran Akuma/Icarus/Mike Quackenbush vs. Hallowicked/Jigsaw/Larry Sweeney - ***14
Joey Ryan vs. Super Dragon - ****

Astonishing X-Mas:
Scott Lost vs. Alex Shelley - ***1/4
El Generico/Human Tornado vs. Roderick Strong/Jack Evans - ***1/2
Davey Richards vs. Samoa Joe - ***
Kevin Steen vs. Super Dragon - ****1/4

Jersey All Pro Wrestling

Revolution:
Jay Lethal vs. Azrieal vs. The Insane Dragon vs. Jack Evans - ***
Homicide vs. Teddy Hart - ***
Christopher Daniels vs. Jerry Lynn - ***1/4
Dan Maff vs. Monsta Mack - ***

Awesome Sacrifice:
Jay Lethal vs. Azrieal - ***1/2

FMW Crash and Burn:
Tanaka vs. Awesome - ***
Hayabusa vs. Awesome - ***1/4

Uh Oh: The Best of Kid Krazy:
Vs. Amazing Red - ***
TLC - ***3/4
Vs. Cody O’Neill - ****

The Best of CHIKARA:
Shane Storm/Jigsaw/Mike Quackenbush vs. Gran Akuma/Icarus/Claudio Castagnoli - ***1/2
Milano Collection AT/Skayde vs/ Chris Hero/Claudio Castagnoli - ***1/4
North Star Express vs. Kings of Wrestling - ***
Mike Quackenbush vs. Claudio Castagnoli - ***3/4

More Random Stuff

2008-05-08T21:35:00.002-05:00

First up is something about the At Our Best Cage match between Samoa Joe and Jay Briscoe.

[QUOTE=Kevin Hardaway,Apr 22 2008, 06:49 PM] Joe vs. Jay Briscoe (At Our Best) - [b]**1/2[/b] (See it only for Jay getting a 0.8 on the Muta scale) [/QUOTE]

You seriously under valued this cage match. It had so many under lying stories to it. Jay knew for a fact he couldn't beat Joe head on so he had to take his spots and try to escape the cage whenever he possibly could. Mark trying to help him is a fantastic touch.

AJ hitting the Styles Clash was a payoff from the Briscoes vs. Styles/Joe tag team match from The Conclusion show in which AJ caused Joe to be pinned by Mark.

The whole Briscoes vs. Joe feud had a simple feel to it. The Briscoes knew that they were seriously over matched against him in the singles matches while they knew that they could take Joe in the tag team part of it.

The Briscoes came out looking like a million dollars because they were able to beat Joe and his assortment of partners while Joe looked great because he was able to dominate them in those singles match.

[b]***3/4[/b] for the cage match, easily.

------

Next up is something I posted about CM Punk at another message board.

"I have tons of his stuff ranging from 2002 to more present day. He's come a very long ways as far as his in ring work goes. I have his match with Eddie Guerrero from IWA Mid South and it's was pretty middle of the road. Then his match against Colt Cabana at Ring of Honor's Final Battle 2002 was also just kinda meh but there was something about him even then, you could tell he was gonna be huge in the future.

Then came his feud with Raven. The Punk/Raven feud pretty much turned him into a huge sensation for getting some of the best matches of Raven's late career out of him. From their first match at Expect the Unexpected to their cage match at The Conclusion, it seemed that everyone wanted to see Raven just annihilate this cocky straight edge kid for preaching his ways down their throats every single night. Punk's promos from his feud with Raven, which spanned into England a few times even were out of this world for an independent wrestler or even someone up in the 'E.

His charisma is pretty undeniable as he's pretty much gotten over without saying too much in his time in the bigs. I mean, Ricky Steamboat and Mick Foley went to Vince about this guy. That's saying something. A wrestling legend and a promo master both going to the head of the wrestling world about a straight edge kid is pretty damn amazing.

Then there are his matches against Samoa Joe which were pretty great in their own right. Their hour draws at World Title Classic and Joe vs. Punk II are great themselves but the third and final match at All Star Extravaganza II is probably their best. However, they aren't for anyone who hates long matches with tons of mat work.

His feud with Jimmy Rave was set up so much like his feud with Raven, just this time, he was in the role of Raven. Rave was trying to make his name off of CM Punk and he pretty well did. After Punk was done with Rave, he finally moved onto his ultimate goal, the Ring of Honor World Title.

It was supposed to be his last night at Death Before Dishonor III when he faced Austin Aries for the World Title. But something happened that no one saw coming. Punk won the World Title and turned heel, perhaps the biggest one RoH had ever seen to that point and maybe this day. He turned heel, saying he was toying with everyone in the crowd and proclaimed to be the greatest wrestler in RoH.

His heel work while World Champion was out of this world as he plays a GREAT cowardly heel. See most of his FIP work for that. Once he lost the title to James Gibson, it was time for him to say goodbye the next night as he did it by facing his first RoH opponent and best friend, Colt Cabana. Punk's last entrance is nothing short of great. It's one of the few times I've seen a wrestler legit cry over leaving a promotion.

So, in order to really understand CM Punk, his RoH work, as well as some of his IWA MS, FIP and PWG work are nearly a must see. You just can't judge CM Punk on his WWECW work alone as it's totally different. In Ring of Honor, he was allowed to have a voice to cut promos, he was allowed to wrestle his style of making it a long, drawn out one. Hell, watch "When Hero Met Punk" from IWA MS that went 93 minutes.

But when you just look back at the total career of CM Punk, it's nothing short of phenomenal. Sure he's had stinkers in the ring but what wrestler hasn't? It's all about connecting to the crowd and making people care about you and CM Punk has done a masterful job about that. That's why he is one of the greatest wrestlers and entertainers currently in the wrestling business today."

----

And finally, I ordered some DVDs today. I'm looking forward to my first three Pro Wrestling Guerrilla shows. Highspots had a hellva deal where you pick three from a certain list for a total of $19.99. So I figured it'd be a great way to really into myself into their world and see what they're like. Should be some good fun there.

I'm a total hypocrite but I ordered a couple of RoH DVDs too. However, one of them was the restocked Arena Warfare, which I've need for a few months to complete the Milestone Series. Then I said to hell with it and ordered Supercard of Honor 3. I'm a sucker for the Dragon Gate Six Man tags. Regardless, they both look to be decent shows.

The last one I ordered was Full Impact Pro's Redefined. I've heard some great stuff about this show so I figured what the hell. Strong vs. Stevens is usually solid plus there is Aries vs. Richards. I figure it's worth a gamble on and it certainly can't be worse then the FIP stuff I have already... from 2004 and 2005 where the cards were pretty much one match shows.

Maybe one of these days, I'll stop being a lazy ass and do another show review. And by the way... I'M NOT HOLDING A MICROPHONE YOU STUPID BITCH!

AJ Styles, Ring of Honor and other wandering thoughts

2008-04-16T23:46:00.003-05:00

I posted this about AJ Styles on a message board earlier tonight.

"Where to start about AJ Styles... this is a toughie. If you would have asked me about three years ago, I would have gave him a higher score but in the past two years that I really began to watch his stuff on a more consistent basis, I can safely say he is one of the most overrated workers in the wrestling industry today, second only to Kurt Angle but I'm sure that's gonna be a different story for a different week.

AJ really got his start back when hitting tons of meaningless spots was the cool thing to do, which was around early 00's. He caught on because of the people he would work with. Christopher Daniels, Low Ki when he cared, Jerry Lynn (who was also spot based but he knew how to slow it down) and so on. Most of his X Division work is based upon the fact that it's about no limits and zero psychology most of the time.

Take one of his matches in the X Division and put them up to his stuff against the larger wrestlers in TNA, I always thought his work in the Heavyweight division tore the shit out of his X Division stuff because the bigger guys would at least force him to sell a beat, IE against Abyss which some of his best work was against (Tell me the match at Lockdown 2005 wasn't great.) Did AJ have something to do with it by his ability to sell the beating, yes but regardless.

His work in Ring of Honor was better but not by much. Most of his good stuff came against London and Danielson. His tag team work with the Amazing Red was so spotty, it's a wonder no one died in their series with the Briscoes.

Anyways, in my opinion, his best match came against Christopher Daniels at Bound For Glory 2005. Was it spotty, yes but it had a great story with history behind it and it was well executed. If Styles would preform on a level like that on a consistent basis instead of using that old sprint style that so many wrestlers are using in on the indy scene as well as TNA when they get the chance these days, he'd be better.

So that's what I think about AJ Styles, take it or leave it."

-----

2008 hasn't been a kind year thus far to Ring of Honor or at least what I've seen. The shows have been lackluster not too mention the Briscoe overkill. You know, it's amazing that in the past year, I've gone from eating out of their hand to barely give two shits about the product. I guess after seeing The Briscoes run through the tag division about five times with relative easy and only a few month vacation from the Tag Belts, it just sours me on everything.

I was excited to get the Wrestlemania weekend shows when they get released but now, I couldn't really care. I'm not saying I'm completely given up on Ring of Honor but it's getting close and I'm gonna stick to getting shows where the Briscoes weren't getting shoved so far down our throats.

-----

I'm looking to get more into other indy promotions now besides Ring of Honor. Been looking through Smart Mark Video and I'm really liking some of the DVDs they have, mostly from IWA Mid South and CHIKARA. If I come across some money soon, I think I'll get getting The Best of CHIKARA 2007 which looks like an amazing three disc set along with the 2004 and 2006 TPI Tournaments from IWA Mid South. It'll be around $100 when it's all said and done but there are like more then ten discs combined from those two shows and the best of disc which is pretty awesome.

But eh, only time is gonna tell how everything is gonna go as far as indy wrestling is concerned for myself. I've been trying to get back into the 'E but I can't sit through a full episode of Smackdown without wanting to change the channel. Since I have no cable, I really can't view Raw or ECW and TNA IMpact for that matter. Oh well... guess I'll just stick to going places to use wireless and downloading random matches.

Just keep on watchin'!

Updated Wrestling Collection

2008-03-03T22:36:00.002-06:00

Full Impact Pro:
Fallout: Night One
Fallout: Night Two
The Usual Suspects
In Full Force
Heatstroke Night Two
Fallout 2005

Ring of Honor:
Round Robin Challenge
Retribution: Round Robin Challenge II
Death Before Dishonor
Main Event Spectacles
Survival of the Fittest
Joe vs. Punk II
Manhattan Mayhem
Death Before Dishonor III
Joe vs. Kobashi
Vendetta
Final Battle 2005
Fourth Anniversary Show
Dragon Gate Challenge
Better Then Our Best
The 100th Show
Glory By Honor V Night 2
Final Battle 2006
Fifth Year Festival: Liverpool
Supercard of Honor II
Good Times, Great Memories
Race To The Top Tournament Night Two
Driven
Death Before Dishonor V Night 1
Manhattan Mayhem II
Honor Nation
Glory By Honor VI Night 2
Final Battle 2007
The Legacy Continues: The Best of CM Punk Vol. 3
Tag Team Excellence: The Best of the Briscoe Brothers
Bloodlust Vol. 1
Do or Die IV
Straight Shootin' with Mick Foley
Straight Shootin' with Samoa Joe & CM Punk
Straight Shootin' with Jim Cornette & Percy Pringle

Total Nonstop Action:
Phenomenal: The Best of A.J. Styles
Against All Odds
The Best of the X Division Vol. One
Bound for Glory 2005
Best of the Bloodest Brawls Vol. One
The Best of Samoa Joe: Unstoppable
Phenomenal: The Best of A.J. Styles Vol. Two

World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment:
Wrestlemania 2000
Wrestlemania X-7
Wrestlemania X-8
Wrestlemania XIX
Wrestlemania XX
Royal Rumble 2003
The History of the WWE Championship
Brian Pillman: Loose Cannon
WWF Action
Rey Mysterio: The Biggest Little Man
The Best of Raw: 15th Anniversary 1993-2008
Unforgiven 2007

Other/Various:
Frontier Martial Arts Wrestling: Crash N' Burn
Forever Hardcore Director's Cut
Slam Bam Episode 2
Slam Bam Episode 3
Vive Guerrero: A Tribute in Memory of Eddie Guerrero
Xtreme Pro Wrestling: Redemption
Border City Wrestling: Nobody's Fool
The Best of CHIKARA
Various CD-Rs filled with Puro

Fantasy Card

2008-01-30T10:41:00.000-06:00

So I got this idea from a message board, not DWB sadly. You should go join... RIGHT NOW! In fact, here's a link: http://z7.invisionfree.com/Da_Wrestling_Board/index.php?act=idx

But as far as this card goes, there had to be a year where you considered their best work came from aka prime. 10 matches only.

Match One: "Lucha vs. Junior Heavyweight Challenge One"
Rey Mysterio Jr. (1996) vs. KENTA (2006)
Prediction: In the early, Rey would be able to use his speed but sooner or later, the kicking ability of KENTA is too much to handle as he plants Rey Mysterio Jr with the Go 2 Sleep.
KENTA in 12:43

Match Two: "Lucha vs. Junior Heavyweight Challenge Two"
Jushin Lyger (1994) and Shinjo Ohtani (1997) vs. El Hijo del Santo (1994) and Cibernetico (1998)
Prediction: In this high flying free for all, neither team would see that great of an advantage until Lyger would plant Cibernetico with Lygerbomb.
Lyger and Ohtani in 14:22

Match Three: "The Ultimate Train Wreck"
Kenta Kobashi (1996) vs. The Undertaker (1996)
Prediction: The epic match of no selling. It'll take one huge move in order to keep the other down. All in all, the Burning Hammer takes out the Tombstone.
Kenta Kobashi in 14:55

Match Four: "Real vs. Fake"
Briscoe Brothers (2007) vs. Dudley Boyz (1998)
Prediction: In a wild brawl that sees both teams just batter the absolute crap out of each other, the Dudley use their size to put down the Briscoes after a 3-D.
Dudleyz in 14:31

Match Five: One Fall
CM Punk (2005) vs. Chris Jericho (2001)
Prediction: After extensive pre-match promos from each man, CM Punk would try to wear down Jericho with headlocks, wanting to take him the distance. Jericho comes back with high impact moves which forces Punk to play Jericho's game, which is too much to over come.
Chris Jericho in 17:11

Match Six: "The Unstoppable Samoan against another corner of heaven"
Toshiaki Kawada (1994) vs. Samoa Joe (2004)
Prediction: After going against Kenta Kobashi and Mitsuharu Misawa, Samoa Joe decides to call out another of the All Japan legends from the 90's. In a stiff contest, Samoa Joe finally sees a victory against one of them after he hits Island Driver in a huge stroke of irony.
Samoa Joe in 25:56

Match Seven: "Best In The World"
Bryan Danielson (2006) vs. Kurt Angle (2001)
Prediction: In the ultimate game of human chess, both Danielson and Angle keep it on the mat for quite some time. Once they start to focus on the respective body parts for their signature submissions, Angle is able to squirm off of the Cattle Mutilation and puts Danielson in the Ankle Lock.
Angle in 34:00

Match Eight: "The Rematch of the 90's"
Bret Hart (1994) vs. Shawn Michaels (1996)
Prediction: Come on, who doesn't want to see this match again? Hart gets revenge on the screwjob.
Hart in 19:12

Match Nine: One Fall
The Rock (2001) vs. Ric Flair (1989)
Prediction: In this first time ever match, Ric Flair uses his dirty tactics through out to frustrate Rock. After going for a Figure Four, Flair finds himself in an inside cradle, only to reverse to his own and put his feet on the ropes.
Flair in 17:05

Match Ten: "The Ultimate Showdown"
Stone Cold Steve Austin (1997) vs. Hulk Hogan (1985)
Predictions: Yeah... how can't this be the biggest match of all time? Hogan after the Runnin' Wild combo.
Hogan in 16:59

Wrestling Collection Thus Far

2008-01-10T20:39:00.000-06:00

Full Impact Pro:
Fallout: Night One
Fallout: Night Two
The Usual Suspects
In Full Force
Fallout 2005

Ring of Honor:
Round Robin Challenge
Retribution: Round Robin Challenge II
Death Before Dishonor
Main Event Spectacles
Survival of the Fittest
Joe vs. Punk II
Manhattan Mayhem
Death Before Dishonor III
Joe vs. Kobashi
Vendetta
Final Battle 2005
Fourth Anniversary Show
Dragon Gate Challenge
Better Then Our Best
The 100th Show
Glory By Honor V Night 2
Final Battle 2006
Fifth Year Festival: Liverpool
Supercard of Honor II
Good Times, Great Memories
Race To The Top Tournament Night Two
Driven
Death Before Dishonor V Night 1
Manhattan Mayhem II
Honor Nation
Glory By Honor VI Night 2
The Legacy Continues: The Best of CM Punk Vol. 3
Bloodlust Vol. 1
Do or Die IV
Straight Shootin' with Mick Foley
Straight Shootin' with Samoa Joe & CM Punk

Total Nonstop Action:
Phenomenal: The Best of A.J. Styles
Against All Odds
The Best of the X Division Vol. One
Bound for Glory 2005
Best of the Bloodest Brawls Vol. One
The Best of Samoa Joe: Unstoppable
Phenomenal: The Best of A.J. Styles Vol. Two

World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment:
Wrestlemania 2000
Wrestlemania X-7
Wrestlemania X-8
Wrestlemania XIX
Wrestlemania XX
Royal Rumble 2003
The History of the WWE Championship
Brian Pillman: Loose Cannon
WWF Action
Rey Mysterio: The Biggest Little Man
The Best of Raw: 15th Anniversary 1993-2008

Other/Various:
Frontier Martial Arts Wrestling: Crash N' Burn
Forever Hardcore Director's Cut
Slam Bam Episode 2
Slam Bam Episode 3
Vive Guerrero: A Tribute in Memory of Eddie Guerrero
Xtreme Pro Wrestling: Redemption
Border City Wrestling: Nobody's Fool
Various CD-Rs filled with Puro

Random Stuff

2008-01-04T22:13:00.000-06:00

So today I found myself ordering for the money taking machine known as Ring of Honor. Only ordered two this month though as it's all my budget will allow me to. Regardless, I feel like I made a couple of good choices. In continuing my way to finish the Milestone Series, I picked up the Fourth Anniversary Show. I have no idea why I didn't think of picking this one up sooner. Maybe its the fact that AJ Styles is in the main event but the card looks pretty good overall. I checked out a few reviews for the show just out of wondering what other fans thought of the show. Seems the consensus is that its a pretty good show like the card does imply. However, I've always found it best to just look at a card and think about what's on it and what you like. Once I heard the fact that Bryan Danielson was in a thirty minute match, it sold the idea to me. For some reason, I enjoy longer matches. I mean, I don't go crazy at the prospect of a sixty minute draw but sometimes a long match can get a good story going. Then there are times where its just dull and boring. I suppose it all depends what they intend to accomplish while in the ring.

Regardless, the other show I ordered was Glory By Honor VI Night Two. Much like more then half the shows of 2007, this gets pimped out as one of the best of the year. I guess that's the problem when reading the Ring of Honor boards. Most of 'em cream over three matches per show that they call Match of the Year. Whatever though. When I first saw the card for GBHVIN2 (Glory By Honor VI Night 2) I knew I wanted to get it regardless of how it turned out. I mean, I'm not gonna pass up the chance to see a Misawa singles match no matter how bad or good people thought it was. Although the feedback for it was pretty positive. Still, after seeing his match against Samoa Joe... I'm not real certain that its gonna be as good as the ROHbots sell it to be. However, I am a huge Age of the Fall mark. Seriously... goth-ish Lacey is hot! Plus I loved the payoff from Jacobs back at Man Up when he cut the promo about how "Nothing Saves." I found it hard to disagree with what he said about the Briscoes being bred for success, more so after hearing them get hyped up back in the real early days of Ring of Honor.

A lot of truth was told in that promo. Plus the Age of the Fall has allowed Tyler Black, who is from Iowa... fuck yes, to get more known out on the indy scene. I wish I hadn't passed up the chance to see him live a few months ago but hey, what are you gonna do about it? I'm sure there is gonna be other chances. Speaking of Iowa, it seems our indy scene has taken the winter off basically. But when the closest federation to me is two hours away, it tends to be a bitch no matter what happens. Still, I try to support 3XWrestling and Impact Pro Wrestling despite not owning any of there DVDs. But 3XW is probably one of the bigger feds in the state, drawing such names as Jerry Lynn, who I did get the honor of seeing live back in June of 2006. I talked to him during intermission and he's pretty easy going and really cares about the fans. In fact, myself and a few friends chanted "New Fuckin' Show" when he came out and he politely told us not to because of the kids in the crowd. Things like that make me proud to be a wrestling fan.

As far as Impact Pro Wrestling goes, they have a smaller venue that only holds at the most about 50 people. It also happens to be there training facilty which I went to last year. A buddy of mine, who is has been trained as a wrestler but hasn't done it in quite a while due to an injury, wanted to see about working there once he got cleared. While I won't go into what happened with him, they allowed me to get in the ring and bump around a little bit. Let me tell you, it's not as easy as it looks. Although I did happen to light up another friend of mine with the machine gun Kobashi chops in the corner. Good times but it told me that I'd probably never be able to get into the ring as a worker until I really got into shape and what not. It was an experience though. Still... I really should get into shape to try it out completely instead of just taking a few bumps. Something to work on this year perhaps... that sounds good.

Recent Purchases:

The Best of RAW 15th Anniversary

I picked it up today at Wal Mart and I gotta say, it was a good pick up. The first disc has some fantastic old RAW matches on. Most I haven't seen at all so it was great seeing some of the older WWF (Yeah, I said it) stuff because I really didn't start watching consistently until early 2001. The second disc though was pretty much full of segments with a match or two thrown in unlike the first disc. It was boat loads of fun seeing some of the old D-X segments ala when they stormed the WCW show. I found myself laughing a bit at times. The third disc is like the second, mostly segments with a couple of matches thrown in. When I found myself watching the Live Sex segment, I could only shake my head. I just couldn't find the point of putting that onto a wrestling show no matter how Cinemax lite it came off.

That about covers that for purchases.

Random Hits:

- Okay, how fucking awesome is that Maria Kanellis is gonna be shedding her clothes for the pages of Playboy. While I don't often get the publication, I could find myself buying a copy of it...

- I tried watching Smackdown a couple of weeks ago and I found myself turning the channel after the first segment. Maybe I shouldn't expect wrestling... yeah, thats probably it.

- Why hasn't Chris Hero been offered a contract to TNA or the WWE? If he has, I haven't heard about it but to me, but the guy has the total package to be a good mid carder for the WWE. He's good on the mic, entertaining as hell and a great wrestler.

- TNA should just fire the current booking team and go back to what worked back in 2005. Focus on the X Division, push people who aren't ex "big names" from the WWE and if I haven't mentioned it, get rid of the current booking team.

- On a related note, I had no idea that TNA had a PPV this weekend until I went to 411Mania's Wrestling section today. Ironic that I bitch about TNA and don't even pay attention to the product.

Well that about does it for tonight. I'm gonna go back to watching a DVD... non wrestling for once. But hey, keep on watchin'!

Rising Sun/Ultrataro Jr. vs. Excalibur/Super Dragon from XPW Redemption

2007-12-29T14:03:00.000-06:00

Now before I post this review, I want to make one thing very clear. I will never, as long as I live, try to review an XPW DVD again. I tried reviewing the whole Redemption show and I just can't. I think those that have reviewed full XPW shows or Heros of Wrestling should get a Medal of Honor to put up with that crap. You are brave men and perhaps even women. On to the match review.

Backstory: A match.

Outcome: Super Dragon via pinfall after a Dragon Bomb on Rising Sun

Analysis: HOLY CRAP! This is actually decent. They don't go out of the way to tell a story but instead just go full bore for about a good seven/eight minutes. Both teams just beat the absolute hell out of each other and everything was pretty clean. Plus when you see people hitting moves clean in XPW, it's a huge bonus. Although there are some silly things about this match. Such as I think it was Rising Sun made a hot tag after maybe getting two moves planted on him. But like I said, this is XPW, the land where nothing makes sense. So basically, this match consists of more dives then a Jack Evans' match, more head drops then a puro match and maybe one or two botches. Would have been great if they would have gotten more then a seven minutes to show what they could do. Probably the best match on this disc and it's one of the shortest. That's XPW for you. **1/2

2007 End of the Year Awards

2007-12-29T12:51:00.000-06:00

Match of the Year: Bryan Danielson vs. Takeshi Morishima at Ring of Honor Manhattan Mayhem II
Why: This is about as great as wrestling gets anywhere. This whole match had a simple concept. Danielson is simply the smaller wrestler and knew he couldn't do anything to 'Shima without having to weaken the legs. That said, most of Danielson's beginning offense was focused on kicking the leg of Morishima. 'Shima just uses his raw power to beat the everliving shit out of Danielson, nearly costing Danielson his eye in the process. The whole match comes circle once Morishima finally goes down to the kicks to the leg. It had a basic concept but it worked so well. Danielson knew he had to wear down 'Shima to win while all that 'Shima had to do was use his power. Matches like this is why I love professional wrestling.

Show/PPV of the Year: Ring of Honor Driven
Why: Two hours of wrestling you'll never see in TNA or WWE, not on a consistent basis. Even with two squash matches included in, the great far outweights the bad and even then, the squashes were really fun to watch. Plus with the bonus DVD, you got another great Bryan Danielson vs. KENTA match.

Company of the Year: Ring of Honor
Why: It was a huge year for the promotion. First they had a Japanese invasion that saw both Ring of Honor championships held by Japanese wrestlers. Then they had the Pay Per View announcement. More recently, they have secured a deal to sell two compilation sets in nation wide stores next year. Ring of Honor is close to unseating TNA as the number two promotion. If they ever get a TV deal, TNA is dead IMO.

Angle of the Year: Jimmy Loves Lacey -> Age of the Fall
Why: For over a year, Jimmy chased after Lacey's love. He wanted her so bad and once he finally got her in bed, Jimmy realized that nothing saves, not even the love he had wanted for oh so long. That led into Project 161, later revealed as Age of the Fall. For months Ring of Honor had wondered about it. Then at Man Up, everything was revealed.

Promo of the Year: Austin Aries at Ring of Honor Driven
Why: Pretty much the perfect way to bring Aries back into the fold after what seemed as two long months when he was exclusive to TNA. The promo brought him back into the fold of things quite well and he didn't bury TNA his promo either, not like former WWE contracted wrestlers do in TNA. Good class and a great promo.

Moment of the Year: Homicide winning the Ring of Honor World Title
Why: First of all, I know this happened at Final Battle 2006 but keep in mind the DVD wasn't released until 2007, so it counts... bastards. Anyways, this was the pinnacle of Homicide in Ring of Honor. It had a fantastic celebration afterwards where every babyface came into the ring and partied with 'Cide as "We Fly High" kept playing in the background. A smile always comes across my face when I see that.

Most Popular Wrestler of the Year: Delirious
Why: ItwaseasyformetopickDeliriousbecausepeoplelovehim. Healwaysgetsgreatpopsandthatwholebit. Nothingmoretosay.

Rookie of the Year: Pelle Primeau
Why: It wasn't a good year of rookies. Pelle won the RoH top the class trophy though. Plus he gets pretty good crowd reactions.

Comeback Wrestler of the Year: Kenta Kobashi
Why: In very early 2006, Kobashi was diagnosed with cancer. On December 3rd of 2007, he made his return to wrestling. Sure he lost because Misawa is a cockhead but just that one match makes him the greatest comeback story of the year because he no sold cancer.

Most Improved: MVP
Why: MVP has grown into his role of a cocky shithead pretty damn well. He knows how to react to any situation and has put on some damn good segments and matches. He is one to look out for in the future.

Tag Team of the Year: The Briscoe Brothers
Why: They've put on more match of year candidates then any other team in recent memory. Against Murder City Machine Guns, Kevin Steen and El Generico on numerous different shows and against themselves at Fifth Year Festival. Best tag team in wrestling... period!

Most Hated: Randy Orton
Why: First he started off the year as part as Rated RKO, one of the better pure heel teams the past few years. Once they split, Randy really came into his own as a huge asshole. Plus he kicks people in the head. Still, I can't think of an instance where he was given a legit reason to get cheered.

Best Champion: Takeshi Morishima
Why: He killed many bitches during his reign with the RoH World Title. He beat the whos who in Ring of Honor. McGunniess, Danielson, Aries, Strong, Briscoes, Rave and so many more. He was dominate and he put on some really good defenses along the way.

Feud of the Year: The Briscoe Brothers vs. Kevin Steen/El Generico
Why: These two teams produced so many memorable matches this year. From the Street Fight at Death Before Dishonor V Night One. The 2/3 Falls at Manhattan Mayhem II. The match at Driven. Then, of course, the much loved Ladder War from Man Up. Steen provided the fuel to the Briscoes fire and Generico was forced into everything. Great stuff.

WWE MVP: John Cena
Why: This isn't a typo. John Cena was the best WWE had to offer this year. From his matches with Umaga, to Michaels and then his match against Randy Orton at Summerslam, he has done some great stuff in the ring. Plus he's made the WWE a shit load of money as well. Cena is the top star in the WWE.

NWA TNA MVP: Christian Cage
Why: Cage has done a lot better in his heel role in TNA. He's done some good stuff on the stick and had a few decent matches in the ring which is few and far between for anyone in TNA these days. Plus he's gave AJ Styles a personality that just isn't Mr. Bland. For that, he should get a huge pay day.

RoH MVP: The Briscoe Brothers
Why: When you look back at everything Ring of Honor has done this year, there is one consistant thing to everything. The Briscoes putting on great matches no matter the placement on the card. A lot of their tag team matches main evented numerous shows, even Glory By Honor VI Night Two when Misawa defended the GHC Heavyweight Title. This shows how much faith Ring of Honor has in these two young men. And to think they probably haven't hit their prime either.

Overall Best Wrestler of the Year: Bryan Danielson
Why: He is called "The Best In The World" for a reason. He hasn't put on a stinker this year. He's pulled at least four match of the year candidates. Danielson has become really good on the stick. This guy is the total package for Ring of Honor and wrestling period. He is a great wrestler and has a good character that can work the mic better then most anymore.

Top Ten Matches of 2007

2007-12-29T12:40:00.000-06:00

10. Bryan Danielson vs. Homicide at RoH Final Battle 2006 - ****
Why: This was the pinnacle of Homicide's career in Ring of Honor. He finally got his World Title. Sure he reign wasn't long or all that memorable. Not too mention both men had bad shoulders and that was the focal point for a good portion of the match. Just great work by them.

9. Jay/Mark Briscoe vs. Naruki Doi/Shingo at RoH Fifth Year Festival: Liverpool - ****
Why: This is the match that started out the year of the Briscoes in my opinion. This was worked like a puro style match. Both teams brought out the big guns and fired off for a good five minutes to wind out the match. Fun stuff.

8. Randy Orton vs. John Cena at WWE Summerslam - ****
Why: Best match by either man ever? You bet it is. Everything was focused on Orton trying to kick Cena's head off. If that failed, he had the RKO. Everything Orton did went towards the neck and head of Cena to soften him up for that huge finish from Orton. Even his rest holds worked into the focus of the match. Cena's comebacks are the usual but he pulls them off pretty well. Just great stuff between two guys who weren't known for having outstanding matches.

7. El Generico/Kevin Steen vs. Jay/Mark Briscoe (Street Fight) at RoH Death Before Dishonor V Night One - ****1/4
Why: Hate. That sums this match up. Pure hate between three guys that hate each other. Generico just happened to find himself along for the ride. But these four had many great matches this year and this was probably the best. A lot of a good spots with only a few contrived spots that keep this from being a truely great match. Plus it set up the last three matches in their series.

6. Jimmy Jacobs vs. BJ Whitmer (Cage Match) at RoH Supercard of Honor II - ****1/4
Why: Take what I said about Steenerico and The Briscoes and multiply it by about ten. It still doesn't come close to the amount of hate Jimmy and BJ had for a year. The level of violence and blood was simply awesome as both men made it seem that they wanted to just kill each other. Both men sacrified themselves in order to win. Just a great match.

5. KENTA vs. Bryan Danielson at RoH Driven - ****1/4
Why: While this wasn't as good as their classic from Glory By Honor V Night Two, it's still a pretty damn good match. The no selling towards the end with quite a few moves, most notably KENTA no selling Go2Sleep, it was good stuff. Great dark main event for the Chicago crowd at Driven.

4. KENTA & Taiji Ishimori vs. Naomichi Marufuji & Kota Ibushi 7/15/07 from Pro Wrestling NOAH - ****1/4
Why: Pretty much a great tag match from the NOAH juniors. I've only seen this a couple of times but it's bell to bell action with some great sequences. The crowd heat for the KENTA/Marufuji opening is fantastic. I don't get to see a whole lot of full puro matches but from the few I've seen this year, this is the best.

3. Jay/Mark Briscoe vs. Chris Sabin/Alex Shelley at RoH Good Times, Great Memories - ****1/2
Why: Take what I said about the match just below this one and add more length to it with hotter crowd. For my money, this is the best tag team match I've seen in years! Seriously, I can't find anything to say about this match because it leaves me speechless. This is required viewing folks.

2. Nigel McGuinness vs. Bryan Danielson at RoH Domination/Driven - ****1/2
Why: There is a reason why this is pimped as a possible ***** from some people. These two have fantastic chemistry in the ring. Even with Nigel's overuse of the lariat, the match doesn't trip up in the least bit. Every thing was pretty damn good in this one. Once again, this is required viewing.

1. Bryan Danielson vs. Takeshi Morishima at RoH Manhattan Mayhem II - ****3/4
Why: This is about as great as wrestling gets anywhere. This whole match had a simple concept. Danielson is simply the smaller wrestler and knew he couldn't do anything to 'Shima without having to weaken the legs. That said, most of Danielson's beginning offense was focused on kicking the leg of Morishima. 'Shima just uses his raw power to beat the everliving shit out of Danielson, nearly costing Danielson his eye in the process. The whole match comes circle once Morishima finally goes down to the kicks to the leg. It had a basic concept but it worked so well. Danielson knew he had to wear down 'Shima to win while all that 'Shima had to do was use his power. Matches like this is why I love professional wrestling.