Tossing Salt Is American Idol
April 11, 2012
Doug Maynard
My heart is broken as are the hearts of millions and millions of young girls everywhere. Last week, DeAndre, he of the awesome hair, was voted off the Island. I am shocked, especially when it was the lost Brady girl, Hollie Cavanagh, who deserved to get the boot. Either her or Joshua Ledet, just for the ugly ass jackets he's been wearing the past few weeks. It was a gross miscarriage of justice for poor DeAndre. I wonder what will happen next?
By the way, I've already found a future career for DeAndre, one that many of the past Idol stars, including Clay Aiken has taken. He (DeAndre) would be great in a musical production or play. I watched "Jesus Christ Superstar" over the weekend and for some reason, I could just easily see DeAndre playing the role of Peter. Don't know why, but that's the image that popped into my head. So DeAndre, if you're reading this (and we all know you probably are), musical productions are the way to go. Work on it!
And now, back to the recap part of this column. This is Week 6 and we're down to the final super seven contestants. What will they sing? Who will rise to the occasion? Who will choke? We're going to find out tonight. The theme of the night is songs from 2010 to today. That's a pretty good selection to choose from. As usual, the judges are Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson. The mentors and coaches for the future stars are legendary producer Jimmy Iovine and special guest Akon. And I'm just a tired old man who started a new job today... and I'm already ready for a vacation. Those people tried to kill me. I AM TOO DAMN OLD for working with the public again. *Sighs* Let's do Idol!
We start off with Skylar Laine who does the song, "Didn't You Know How Much I Love You". And it was okay, but I personally didn't think it was all that. Of course, the judges disagree with me. Randy said that Skylar was "definitely back" and could have a big hit with a song like that. J-Lo said that it sounded like the perfect pitch and that it was the perfect way to start the show. And Steven said that it was "just great".
Next up is Colton Dixon, who is singing "I Love The Way You Lie", which he says was recorded by Skylar Gray or someone like that. The only version I know is what Rihanna sings with Eminem. She does a great job and so did Colton. He did a great job and actually gave me goosebumps. Very well done. And this time, the judges agreed. Randy called Colton's jacket "subtle fly" and said that Colton's performance was really stellar. He said that Colton "is an artist". Steven also loved the jacket and said that Colton was just a rare talent who could release that version as a single with no more takes or overdubs. He's looking forward to when Colton gets even better and does his own original material. And J-Lo said that Colton always surprises her and does everything in his own way - it's always "very Colton" and that he did a good job.
The next song was a duet between Phillip and Elise. These two have a great chemistry and proved it again by performing "Somebody That I Used To Know". Phillip predicted that Elise would do great with this song and he was right. She killed it! Phillip didn't appear too comfortable at first, but by the end, he was feeling it too. The crowd was into this duet and so was I. J-Lo said that she loved the feel and there was a great feeling and chemistry. Steven applauded the song and said that he has it on his I-Phone. He said that they nailed it and it's a beautiful song. And Randy loves the chemistry between Phillip and Elise and said that Elise won this round, but next time, Phillip needs to pick the song and he wants to see more duets between the two.
Jessica Sanchez was the next to come up and she did a simply amazing job with her rendition of "Stuttering" by Jasmine Sullivan. This young woman has just an amazing voice and you can feel every note and every emotion when she sings. J-Lo called the song "really beautiful" and said that Jessica is ready to take us and America on a ride that she can't wait to see. She wants to see Jessica really cut loose and show her stuff. Randy said that Jessica set the bar to the highest degree and did an amazing job. And Steven said that everytime Jessica sings, he forgets where he is and that she slays it every single time.
Here comes he of the ugly-ass jackets, Joshua Ledet and he's going to attempt the song "Run Away Baby " by Bruno Mars. Fantasia pops up to wish Joshua a happy birthday. And that jacket, while better than the last few weeks, still needs to go back in the closet. And take Joshua with it... lol. Guess what? I liked the song. My foot was even bee-bopping around while he was singing. Joshua's performance had a classic soul feel to it in my opinion and although he's not my favorite by any means, he did a good job. J-Lo complimented Joshua on his control and called the song "dynamic". Randy said that it was an unbelievable performance and that Joshua "really gots to have it!". And Steven, after attempting to play matchmaker with Joshua and a dancer (she's not his type) said that Joshua really knows how to sell a song like a work of art and was "so good".
It's duet time again and we've got Colton and Skylar together again, doing "Don't You Wanna Stay", a Kelly Clarkson / Jason Aldean duet. And I liked it. It wasn't great, but it was pretty damn good. No complaints. J-Lo said that the harmonies were really beautiful and it was a really nice job. Randy complained about the pitchiness and said that it was just okay for him. And Steven Tyler with one of the lines of the night, said that Colton and Skylar had "just made love singing to each other" and that it was "beautiful".
Here comes Hollie Cavanagh up next and her song choice is "Perfect" by Pink. I didn't know she was British. And while the voice is great, she just doesn't do it for me again. The voice just doesn't fit her body or look and it's distracting. She's trying hard, but it seems to be that she's just going through the emotions and hasn't got any stagecraft going on yet. J-Lo noted that she could feel Hollie fighting and she sang beautifully. Steven said that it's not about being perfect and the song wasn't perfect for him. It just kind of layed there. And Randy noted that it wasn't perfect, but it was far better than last week's performance and Hollie has redeemed herself a bit.
Phillip Phillips is up next and the song he's performing is called "Get A Little More". I love the Sax music. That was awesome, but the song itself was okay. Phillip is a real and natural performer and I love that what you see is what you get with him, but this performance wasn't especially exciting for me. J-Lo called the perfornance a little "underwhelming", explaining that she expects more from Phillip and wants to see him break out a little more. Steven compared Phillip to Steve McQueen and Johnny Cash and noted that he's really liked the way that Phillip has changed since they first met him. And Randy said that it wasn't the greatest performance and not really a "wow kind of moment".
And now we get a trio performance as Joshua, Jessica and Hollie are all together and doing the song "Stronger", by Kelly Clarkson. And to be honest, I didn't like it or feel any chemistry with the three of them and this song. Joshua was better dressed this time than earlier and looks like a motel clerk or bellhop. And both Hollie and Jessica seemed a bit pitchy to me in places. But Steven called them "beautiful". J-Lo called this the "season of the big voice" and said that they were "amazing!" And Randy said that they were a great trio and all sounded really good. He called it "crazy wow nice".
And finally, for the last song of the evening, we have Elise Testone and she's performing the song "You And I" by Lady Gaga. This is a really good song for her and I think Elise just killed it and did an amazing job. She's just getting better and better every week. And the judges agree with me. J-Lo commented that Elise let go, but kept control and that nobody can sing like she does. Randy said that Elise is back and it was the perfect song for her and she had a moment. Steven remarked how she took a song so simple and turned it into genius.
It was a good night of good performances and it's amazing to watch these men and women grow each and every week. They're getting better and better and you can see it every time they perform. This is a really good season full of some damn good talent. They need to have an "Alice Cooper" night though. And start a new "Idol" for older men and women. I know a guy named Woody who would kick some major ass if they didn't have the age discrimination thing going on. The man can sing!!
Okay, now for the tough stuff. Who will be the "Bottom Three" tomorrow night and more importantly, who will be voted off the Island and go home? Hollie will be there. That seems to be almost a definite for me. And who will join her on the "Couch of Shame"? I'm going to say Joshua and Phillip. This seems to be an "I am woman - hear me roar" season of Idol and I think that the guys are in trouble. But when the votes are counted and all is said and done, we'll say good-bye to Hollie. Everyone else seems to be growing and getting better, but she's just not quite as good in my opinion and is the ugly duckling among a blossoming group of swans. So bye-bye to Hollie as the competition continues. By the way, James Durbin and Jennifer Hudson are appearing tomorrow night. Don't miss it. I want to see James Durbin and Colton standing together. HOTNESS! Just saying!
And that'll do it for me tonight. Back to work at the new job in the morning and I'm ready to drop and call it a night right now. Thanks for reading. I'm Doug and I'll catch you on the flip side. See you next week.
Ubuntu!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Tossing Salt - Worldwide News: April 10, 2012
Tossing Salt - Worldwide News
"Blast From The Past" Smackdown
April 10, 2012
Doug Maynard
Tonight, it's a LIVE on SyFy edition of WWE Friday Night Smackdown. And what the hell, let's just doing a running blog of thoughts as the night moves along. Doesn't that sound like fun? Of course it does. I'm Doug and for one night only (unless I decide to do it again), "Tossing Salt Is Blast From The Past Smackdown". Let's do this.
Blast From The Past - Smackdown!!
Later tonight, Piper's Pit with Daniel Bryan. Roddy is either hit or miss with the pit, but as hot as Bryan's character has been, I'm hoping it's a hit. "Hot Rod" and "The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson aka "Daniel Bryan". Wanna bet they're gonna talk about Elizabeth... I mean "AJ". I'm making a prediction right now. Daniel Bryan as the 2012 "King of the Ring" and AJ will get to be the Queen.
Good to see Mean Gene back! I miss the idea of having people doing interviews with the wrestlers. I like how Sheamus says there's no excuse for his behavior in kicking a referee, but still makes an excuse anyhow. Sheamus's "apology" just drags on and on. Here comes Johnny Ace to show what happened last week. Ref made the right call and got kicked in the face for his efforts.
"Who do you think you are?" - Johnny Ace thinks he's a McMahon. Ace wants a public apology right after Sheamus has already apologized. Ace is being a total dick. He needs a boot to the face. Sheamus is on probation and if he touches a referee, he's fired. Plus he's getting fined. "Mean" Gene gets to wrestle and he's Sheamus's partner against Del Rio and Bryan. LMAO! I love this. It's a stupid spin that's been done to death many times, but still cool since Mean Gene is involved. .
"Cowboy" Bob Orton is here. Man, I'm liking this. Bob wishes his son good luck in his match later in the night. I didn't notice if Cowboy Bob was wearing his cast or not, but I hope so. Maybe we'll see him in Piper's Pit too.
Match 1: Randy Orton versus "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry
Mark Henry is a big ass scary man! Henry is dominating the match and I see Cowboy Bob watching from the back. He's not wearing the cast. Damn! After a long commerical break, we come back and it's still Mark Henry dominating the match. That means Orton is going to win. Mark misses the splash and it's time for the Orton comeback. Just like he's coming back to movies in the "Marine 3" movie. Oops! He got pulled from that one. My bad! They're on the floor and Mark eats ringpost. Fire and brimstone erupts. What the hell?
Kane is on the Titantron with a long monologue like promo for the distraction. He still wants to be a monster. I guess their feud continues. Kane has laid out Cowboy Bob Orton in the back. The referee counts and I guess Henry wins the match by count-out? We'll never know because Orton is in the back checking on his daddy. Kane with the ambush and we find out he likes family reunions as he lays out Randy with a steel pipe and Randy ends up stretched out on the floor next to Cowboy Bob. Kane wins! (But if Bob had been wearing his cast on the wrist, it would have been a different story. Just saying!)
How did Cowboy Bob Orton get from a room with a moniter to watch the match into a stairwell where he got crushed by Kane.
Benny Cramer is here for a good old fashioned squash match. He wanted to talk. Didn't talk long because he's facing Ryback. Tony Atlas, Ted DiBiase, Pat Patterson and Hillbilly Jim are watching the match from the back. Total flattened his ass squash and Ryback wins! Did you ever think it would turn out any differently?
Match 2: Ryback destroyed Benny Cramer. 'Nuff said!
Heath Slater and Tyson Kidd are discussing strategy and Heath is very annoying. Well, Heath is talking and Tyson just looks as if he's wondering what happened to his career since the "New Hart Foundation" ended. They have a Hall of Fame manager tonight against the Uso's. They have Jimmy Hart. Man, he still looks the same as he did twenty years ago. Heath is happy. Tyson doesn't look quite so amused or happy. This should be fun! WWE needs to bring the managers back and I'm not talking about Vickie Guerrero or just one or twice a year. They need to come back for good! Heath reminds me of a southern rock, modern day version of the Disco Inferno. And I loved watching Disco, but despite that, this comparison is NOT a compliment.
Mick Foley is here! He's going to do commentary. It's time for tag action.
Match 3: Heath Slater and Tyson Kidd w/ "Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart versus The Usos (Jimmy and Jey).
I love that little dance that the Uso's do before each match. Pretty cool and I'd like to see them on the dance floor at the local gay club. They'd be a hit! Jimmy's not payng attention to the match. He's bugging Foley and Booker with the megaphone. Slater and Tyson are playing the old disgruntled partners routine and not getting along. A good match. Foley has Mr. Socko. The Uso's get the pin and win with the splash. Foley goes after Jimmy Hart and "The Mouth" eats / meets Mr. Socko. Tyson and Slater leave and Jimmy Hart sells the sock like he had his head ripped off.
Daniel Bryan has such a way with little girls. He's such a charmer. Piper's Pit is coming up next. Should be good!
They just mentioned that the last Piper's Pit on Smackdown was when a woman had a mole bitten off her face. That was The Boogyman biting the mole off of Jillian Hall's face. I remember that. Piper is here to stir the pot and he shows up Daniel Bryan breaking up with AJ last week. We've already seen this clip three or four times already. I'm getting tired of it.
Uh oh - Piper has his "serious face" on. The "Yes Yes Yes" chants are alive and well in Virginia tonight. Bryan says that Johnny Ace has granted him his rematch for the World Championship. Bryan explains about the match and how he wants to make Sheamus tap out in a 2/3 falls match at Extreme Rules. Bryan blames AJ for causing him to lose the title and she won't be there. Piper says that AJ is in the building and he likes her and it's his show so Piper calls out AJ to the ring.
AJ is acting like the stupid, naive little girl and really playing it up how much she likes Daniel Bryan. Piper reminds AJ of what Daniel Bryan has done and says to leave the P.C. stuff in the back. AJ says it's her fault and she made a mistake at Wrestlemania and she's sorry. She just wants to talk to Bryan and she'll make it up to her. Piper is speechless and flabbergasted. Piper calls AJ strong, smart and beautiful and she doesn't need to make up anything to Daniel. He's just using her.
Bryan gets in Piper and AJ's face. He's had enough. He tells AJ to leave the ring. Piper and Bryan seem to be both trying to control AJ. She leaves and Bryan smiles. Bryan starts to leave and Piper stops him. He's not finished. Piper has his own version of "No No No". Don't yell at ladies or tell them to shut up. And don't use ladies as a human shield. Piper is Mr. Therapist tonight. Piper predicts that Sheamus will kick the head off Bryan's shoulders twice at Extreme Rules. Bryan slaps Piper and Piper mock chases him from the ring and postures from the ring as Bryan smiles and celebrates. Piper gets involved in the tag match later tonight. The Pit was okay. I've seen better, but I've also seen worse. Piper was in good form tonight.
The Edge DVD is out! I want to see it because I think I know him. And after I watch the DVD, I will.
So far the show has been okay, but if they really wanted to do a blast from the past show, they should have had Jim Ross and JBL out there to do the commentary. Just thought about that as the commericals are playing. Michael Cole isn't as bad as he used to be, but he's still pretty annoying. And Booker? As an announcer, he makes a great wrestler. Sucky Ducky indeed!
Match 4: Great Khali, Alicia Fox and Natayla versus The Bellas & Drew McIntyre in a six-person tag team match. Poor Drew - he has to wrestle Khali and carry the match because none of these Divas can wrestle. Hopefully it'll end soon. Alicia pinned a Bella as I wrote this. I'm so glad it's over. Okay, Drew ran from the ring and abandoned the match. I don't blame him. I'd be running from this match too.
Here is Mae Young. PUPPIES!! Mae is giving Khali the tongue! Mae poses with the Divas. Last time we saw her, she was using a walker. Glad to see she's still alive and well and looking great for a woman of her years. And that kick she gave Khali (which he almost forgot to see) was probably the best "wrestling move" in this segment. But then again, when you look at who appeared in this segment and that idiotic six person match, being the best isn't really that hard to do. Mae has publically stated that she wants to wrestle a match when she turns 100 years old. And I have no doubt in my mind that she's going to find a way to do it. That is one tough lady! Glad to see her make an appearance!
By the way, news broke yesterday that the Bellas will be leaving the company when their contracts expire in May. Damn! They're not much as wrestlers, but they are attractive and who doesn't like twins. I once dated a set of twins. A friend of mine asked me how I could tell them apart. I said, "Jonathan has the beard"... lol. Nerver mind! That's too much info, isn't it? Oh well! Let's move on with the show.
Damien Sandow is here to talk. Who is this guy? He's talking about sophistication and then social media. Quit with the big words already and just talk plain and simple english. He reminds me of a cross between Sean O'Haire and "Leaping" Lanny Poffo, aka "The Genius". But can he wrestle? Inquiring minds want to know.
Flashback time to see Randy Orton and daddy Cowboy Bob get beaten up by Kane. How did they end up in the stairwell when that's not where Bob Orton was at the beginning of Randy's match. Cowboy Bob has suffered "injuries". And then it's RAW Rebound time so we get to see Brock Lesnar and John Cena pull shenanigans. CAT FIGHT!! How could RAW have a show where legitimacy was the theme of the night when the "guests" were Larry, Moe and Curly - the "Three Stooges". Doesn't make sense, does it? But then again, when has that ever mattered? I'm already tired of Brock - Cena! I blame Johnny Ace! And as a shout out to a former associate from the Yahoo group DXSI, I also blame Vince. I know that Peter Porkr does!
When is TNA Lockdown? Just wondering.
Mean Gene and Sheamus are discussing strategy. Sheamus is smiling and not stressing it though? They're going out drinking later in the night - either a drink to remember or a drink to forget. I like that line. I'll have to find a way to use it sometime.
Don't try this at home!! A new video with that very explicit and smart message. Don't worry! I won't.
Here comes Hacksaw Jim Duggan to the ring and he's wrestling. Probably the biggest pop of the night. And he's wrestling Hunico, who has his partner and a bicycle. Hunico doesn't care about the past because he's the future. It's all Hacksaw at the start and he's calling out some friends. Here comes Sgt. Slaughter who gives Duggan the 2x4. Duggan is DQ'ed and Sgt Slaughter puts Hunico in the Cobra Clutch.
Match 5: Hunico beats Jim Duggan by DQ. I love the old guys, but I'm losing interest fast. Where's Arn Anderson at? I think he needs to come out and give Michael Cole a spinebuster. They should have kept Ric, Tully, Windham and J.J. Dillon around after the Hall of Fame Ceremonies. A Horseman beatdown of Dusty Rhodes would really make this a "Blast From The Past" night worth watching.
Cody Rhodes is here. Tonight has been a waste of time and we should only be concerned about the future. Cody bashes the legends and here comes "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes to the ring. Cody doesn't look happy to see "Daddy" make an appearance. Dusty is concerned. He'd do anything for his son, but Cody wanted to poke the bear. Dusty is embarassing Cody and Cody heads towards the back. Here comes the Big Show.
Show is doing Dusty impressions. Love it! We get to see a video of Cody applying lip gloss, from his "Dashing" days. Dusty looks ready to break up laughing. Show leaves and Cody starts to walk off. Dusty dances in the ring as Cody walks off. Cody plays the humiliated child so well, but then again, if your Daddy was Dusty and yourt brother is Goldust, he's probably used to being made fun of. Just saying... lol. We see Sheamus and Mean Gene and they're walking. The match of the century (because Gene is at least a century old) is next.
Match 6: Mean Gene Okerlund & Sheamus versus Daniel Bryan & Alberto Del Rio w/ Ricardo Rodriguez
The Fink is here to introduce Mean Gene and Sheamus. Very cool! Fire Lilian and the other guy on RAW and bring back "The Fink!". I like this Del Rio / Bryan tag team. They work well together. Funny to see 'em pick on Mean Gene. Even Ricardo is getting in on the action. Here comes Roddy Piper and ALL the legends. Distractions and Sheamus kicks Daniel Bryan in the face to get the win. The legends are beating up on Ricardo. Funny stuff and Jimmy Hart has the megaphone, giving directions. Funny stuff.
Michael Cole gets into the ring to suggest a photo op before the legends head back to the home. Cole gets tossed from the ring and the Hall of Famers and legends in the ring continue their self love and celebration as the show comes to an end.
Not a bad show and kind of fun to see so many of the WWE Legends out there again. It got a little old at the end and I still would have liked to see a change in announcers or more of "Mean Gene" doing interviews rather than being stuck in the ring for a match. At least they didn't have Mae Young wrestle though. She should only be allowed to wrestle once a decade and she has to rest up for her 100th Birthday Match.
And we only had one "Johnny Ace" appearance. Do you know what would have been nice? To see Road Warrior Animal make an appearance and clothesline his "baby brother" once or twice. Maybe later.
This show is in the books now and so is this column. I have a few more things to ramble on, but I have to be up early in the morning to start a new job. My nerves are shot to hell. Questions and comments can be sent to Doug28352@yahoo.com. I'll be back in a few days with my tag team partner to do some "Wrestling Fact Or Fiction" so look for that. And I'm out of here. Catch you on the flip side.
Ubuntu!
"Blast From The Past" Smackdown
April 10, 2012
Doug Maynard
Tonight, it's a LIVE on SyFy edition of WWE Friday Night Smackdown. And what the hell, let's just doing a running blog of thoughts as the night moves along. Doesn't that sound like fun? Of course it does. I'm Doug and for one night only (unless I decide to do it again), "Tossing Salt Is Blast From The Past Smackdown". Let's do this.
Blast From The Past - Smackdown!!
Later tonight, Piper's Pit with Daniel Bryan. Roddy is either hit or miss with the pit, but as hot as Bryan's character has been, I'm hoping it's a hit. "Hot Rod" and "The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson aka "Daniel Bryan". Wanna bet they're gonna talk about Elizabeth... I mean "AJ". I'm making a prediction right now. Daniel Bryan as the 2012 "King of the Ring" and AJ will get to be the Queen.
Good to see Mean Gene back! I miss the idea of having people doing interviews with the wrestlers. I like how Sheamus says there's no excuse for his behavior in kicking a referee, but still makes an excuse anyhow. Sheamus's "apology" just drags on and on. Here comes Johnny Ace to show what happened last week. Ref made the right call and got kicked in the face for his efforts.
"Who do you think you are?" - Johnny Ace thinks he's a McMahon. Ace wants a public apology right after Sheamus has already apologized. Ace is being a total dick. He needs a boot to the face. Sheamus is on probation and if he touches a referee, he's fired. Plus he's getting fined. "Mean" Gene gets to wrestle and he's Sheamus's partner against Del Rio and Bryan. LMAO! I love this. It's a stupid spin that's been done to death many times, but still cool since Mean Gene is involved. .
"Cowboy" Bob Orton is here. Man, I'm liking this. Bob wishes his son good luck in his match later in the night. I didn't notice if Cowboy Bob was wearing his cast or not, but I hope so. Maybe we'll see him in Piper's Pit too.
Match 1: Randy Orton versus "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry
Mark Henry is a big ass scary man! Henry is dominating the match and I see Cowboy Bob watching from the back. He's not wearing the cast. Damn! After a long commerical break, we come back and it's still Mark Henry dominating the match. That means Orton is going to win. Mark misses the splash and it's time for the Orton comeback. Just like he's coming back to movies in the "Marine 3" movie. Oops! He got pulled from that one. My bad! They're on the floor and Mark eats ringpost. Fire and brimstone erupts. What the hell?
Kane is on the Titantron with a long monologue like promo for the distraction. He still wants to be a monster. I guess their feud continues. Kane has laid out Cowboy Bob Orton in the back. The referee counts and I guess Henry wins the match by count-out? We'll never know because Orton is in the back checking on his daddy. Kane with the ambush and we find out he likes family reunions as he lays out Randy with a steel pipe and Randy ends up stretched out on the floor next to Cowboy Bob. Kane wins! (But if Bob had been wearing his cast on the wrist, it would have been a different story. Just saying!)
How did Cowboy Bob Orton get from a room with a moniter to watch the match into a stairwell where he got crushed by Kane.
Benny Cramer is here for a good old fashioned squash match. He wanted to talk. Didn't talk long because he's facing Ryback. Tony Atlas, Ted DiBiase, Pat Patterson and Hillbilly Jim are watching the match from the back. Total flattened his ass squash and Ryback wins! Did you ever think it would turn out any differently?
Match 2: Ryback destroyed Benny Cramer. 'Nuff said!
Heath Slater and Tyson Kidd are discussing strategy and Heath is very annoying. Well, Heath is talking and Tyson just looks as if he's wondering what happened to his career since the "New Hart Foundation" ended. They have a Hall of Fame manager tonight against the Uso's. They have Jimmy Hart. Man, he still looks the same as he did twenty years ago. Heath is happy. Tyson doesn't look quite so amused or happy. This should be fun! WWE needs to bring the managers back and I'm not talking about Vickie Guerrero or just one or twice a year. They need to come back for good! Heath reminds me of a southern rock, modern day version of the Disco Inferno. And I loved watching Disco, but despite that, this comparison is NOT a compliment.
Mick Foley is here! He's going to do commentary. It's time for tag action.
Match 3: Heath Slater and Tyson Kidd w/ "Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart versus The Usos (Jimmy and Jey).
I love that little dance that the Uso's do before each match. Pretty cool and I'd like to see them on the dance floor at the local gay club. They'd be a hit! Jimmy's not payng attention to the match. He's bugging Foley and Booker with the megaphone. Slater and Tyson are playing the old disgruntled partners routine and not getting along. A good match. Foley has Mr. Socko. The Uso's get the pin and win with the splash. Foley goes after Jimmy Hart and "The Mouth" eats / meets Mr. Socko. Tyson and Slater leave and Jimmy Hart sells the sock like he had his head ripped off.
Daniel Bryan has such a way with little girls. He's such a charmer. Piper's Pit is coming up next. Should be good!
They just mentioned that the last Piper's Pit on Smackdown was when a woman had a mole bitten off her face. That was The Boogyman biting the mole off of Jillian Hall's face. I remember that. Piper is here to stir the pot and he shows up Daniel Bryan breaking up with AJ last week. We've already seen this clip three or four times already. I'm getting tired of it.
Uh oh - Piper has his "serious face" on. The "Yes Yes Yes" chants are alive and well in Virginia tonight. Bryan says that Johnny Ace has granted him his rematch for the World Championship. Bryan explains about the match and how he wants to make Sheamus tap out in a 2/3 falls match at Extreme Rules. Bryan blames AJ for causing him to lose the title and she won't be there. Piper says that AJ is in the building and he likes her and it's his show so Piper calls out AJ to the ring.
AJ is acting like the stupid, naive little girl and really playing it up how much she likes Daniel Bryan. Piper reminds AJ of what Daniel Bryan has done and says to leave the P.C. stuff in the back. AJ says it's her fault and she made a mistake at Wrestlemania and she's sorry. She just wants to talk to Bryan and she'll make it up to her. Piper is speechless and flabbergasted. Piper calls AJ strong, smart and beautiful and she doesn't need to make up anything to Daniel. He's just using her.
Bryan gets in Piper and AJ's face. He's had enough. He tells AJ to leave the ring. Piper and Bryan seem to be both trying to control AJ. She leaves and Bryan smiles. Bryan starts to leave and Piper stops him. He's not finished. Piper has his own version of "No No No". Don't yell at ladies or tell them to shut up. And don't use ladies as a human shield. Piper is Mr. Therapist tonight. Piper predicts that Sheamus will kick the head off Bryan's shoulders twice at Extreme Rules. Bryan slaps Piper and Piper mock chases him from the ring and postures from the ring as Bryan smiles and celebrates. Piper gets involved in the tag match later tonight. The Pit was okay. I've seen better, but I've also seen worse. Piper was in good form tonight.
The Edge DVD is out! I want to see it because I think I know him. And after I watch the DVD, I will.
So far the show has been okay, but if they really wanted to do a blast from the past show, they should have had Jim Ross and JBL out there to do the commentary. Just thought about that as the commericals are playing. Michael Cole isn't as bad as he used to be, but he's still pretty annoying. And Booker? As an announcer, he makes a great wrestler. Sucky Ducky indeed!
Match 4: Great Khali, Alicia Fox and Natayla versus The Bellas & Drew McIntyre in a six-person tag team match. Poor Drew - he has to wrestle Khali and carry the match because none of these Divas can wrestle. Hopefully it'll end soon. Alicia pinned a Bella as I wrote this. I'm so glad it's over. Okay, Drew ran from the ring and abandoned the match. I don't blame him. I'd be running from this match too.
Here is Mae Young. PUPPIES!! Mae is giving Khali the tongue! Mae poses with the Divas. Last time we saw her, she was using a walker. Glad to see she's still alive and well and looking great for a woman of her years. And that kick she gave Khali (which he almost forgot to see) was probably the best "wrestling move" in this segment. But then again, when you look at who appeared in this segment and that idiotic six person match, being the best isn't really that hard to do. Mae has publically stated that she wants to wrestle a match when she turns 100 years old. And I have no doubt in my mind that she's going to find a way to do it. That is one tough lady! Glad to see her make an appearance!
By the way, news broke yesterday that the Bellas will be leaving the company when their contracts expire in May. Damn! They're not much as wrestlers, but they are attractive and who doesn't like twins. I once dated a set of twins. A friend of mine asked me how I could tell them apart. I said, "Jonathan has the beard"... lol. Nerver mind! That's too much info, isn't it? Oh well! Let's move on with the show.
Damien Sandow is here to talk. Who is this guy? He's talking about sophistication and then social media. Quit with the big words already and just talk plain and simple english. He reminds me of a cross between Sean O'Haire and "Leaping" Lanny Poffo, aka "The Genius". But can he wrestle? Inquiring minds want to know.
Flashback time to see Randy Orton and daddy Cowboy Bob get beaten up by Kane. How did they end up in the stairwell when that's not where Bob Orton was at the beginning of Randy's match. Cowboy Bob has suffered "injuries". And then it's RAW Rebound time so we get to see Brock Lesnar and John Cena pull shenanigans. CAT FIGHT!! How could RAW have a show where legitimacy was the theme of the night when the "guests" were Larry, Moe and Curly - the "Three Stooges". Doesn't make sense, does it? But then again, when has that ever mattered? I'm already tired of Brock - Cena! I blame Johnny Ace! And as a shout out to a former associate from the Yahoo group DXSI, I also blame Vince. I know that Peter Porkr does!
When is TNA Lockdown? Just wondering.
Mean Gene and Sheamus are discussing strategy. Sheamus is smiling and not stressing it though? They're going out drinking later in the night - either a drink to remember or a drink to forget. I like that line. I'll have to find a way to use it sometime.
Don't try this at home!! A new video with that very explicit and smart message. Don't worry! I won't.
Here comes Hacksaw Jim Duggan to the ring and he's wrestling. Probably the biggest pop of the night. And he's wrestling Hunico, who has his partner and a bicycle. Hunico doesn't care about the past because he's the future. It's all Hacksaw at the start and he's calling out some friends. Here comes Sgt. Slaughter who gives Duggan the 2x4. Duggan is DQ'ed and Sgt Slaughter puts Hunico in the Cobra Clutch.
Match 5: Hunico beats Jim Duggan by DQ. I love the old guys, but I'm losing interest fast. Where's Arn Anderson at? I think he needs to come out and give Michael Cole a spinebuster. They should have kept Ric, Tully, Windham and J.J. Dillon around after the Hall of Fame Ceremonies. A Horseman beatdown of Dusty Rhodes would really make this a "Blast From The Past" night worth watching.
Cody Rhodes is here. Tonight has been a waste of time and we should only be concerned about the future. Cody bashes the legends and here comes "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes to the ring. Cody doesn't look happy to see "Daddy" make an appearance. Dusty is concerned. He'd do anything for his son, but Cody wanted to poke the bear. Dusty is embarassing Cody and Cody heads towards the back. Here comes the Big Show.
Show is doing Dusty impressions. Love it! We get to see a video of Cody applying lip gloss, from his "Dashing" days. Dusty looks ready to break up laughing. Show leaves and Cody starts to walk off. Dusty dances in the ring as Cody walks off. Cody plays the humiliated child so well, but then again, if your Daddy was Dusty and yourt brother is Goldust, he's probably used to being made fun of. Just saying... lol. We see Sheamus and Mean Gene and they're walking. The match of the century (because Gene is at least a century old) is next.
Match 6: Mean Gene Okerlund & Sheamus versus Daniel Bryan & Alberto Del Rio w/ Ricardo Rodriguez
The Fink is here to introduce Mean Gene and Sheamus. Very cool! Fire Lilian and the other guy on RAW and bring back "The Fink!". I like this Del Rio / Bryan tag team. They work well together. Funny to see 'em pick on Mean Gene. Even Ricardo is getting in on the action. Here comes Roddy Piper and ALL the legends. Distractions and Sheamus kicks Daniel Bryan in the face to get the win. The legends are beating up on Ricardo. Funny stuff and Jimmy Hart has the megaphone, giving directions. Funny stuff.
Michael Cole gets into the ring to suggest a photo op before the legends head back to the home. Cole gets tossed from the ring and the Hall of Famers and legends in the ring continue their self love and celebration as the show comes to an end.
Not a bad show and kind of fun to see so many of the WWE Legends out there again. It got a little old at the end and I still would have liked to see a change in announcers or more of "Mean Gene" doing interviews rather than being stuck in the ring for a match. At least they didn't have Mae Young wrestle though. She should only be allowed to wrestle once a decade and she has to rest up for her 100th Birthday Match.
And we only had one "Johnny Ace" appearance. Do you know what would have been nice? To see Road Warrior Animal make an appearance and clothesline his "baby brother" once or twice. Maybe later.
This show is in the books now and so is this column. I have a few more things to ramble on, but I have to be up early in the morning to start a new job. My nerves are shot to hell. Questions and comments can be sent to Doug28352@yahoo.com. I'll be back in a few days with my tag team partner to do some "Wrestling Fact Or Fiction" so look for that. And I'm out of here. Catch you on the flip side.
Ubuntu!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Forty Questions (Survey) - April 5, 2012
FORTY QUESTIONS YOU'VE NEVER BEEN ASKED IN A SURVEY
1. Do you know anyone in prison? I know several people who have prison records, a few people currently incarcerated and even a few persons who work as Correctional Officers (and he's a sexy beast that I'd love to bl.. never mind) - I'm a person who knows people... lol
2. Have you ever logged onto a boyfriend/girlfriend/crush's Facebook? I'll plead the 5th on that one - on the occasion, if I'm infatuated (or in major lust) with someone, I'll check out their profile / page with great frequency.
3. When is the last time you ate peanut butter and jelly? It's been a couple of weeks now - I keep forgetting to buy jelly (strawberry preserves) when I'm at the grocery store. Someone needs to remind me.
4. Do you have a desk in your room? Not in my actual bedroom - it's too small (reminds me of some guys I know) but I do have a work area set up in the living room (where my computer is currently at) and I also have a big ass desk in the spare bedroom here at the house from when it used to be my office (and most likely soon will be again)..
5. Have you ever gotten naked at a party? Nope, but I've gotten naked a few times after leaving the party... or after most everyone else has left. Hell, sometimes getting naked IS the party... lol
6. What kind of car insurance do you have? No car insurance because I don't have a license and don't drive... damn it!
7. Are you named after one of your parents or grandparents? Not really, but sort of... my middle name is the same as a man who was my Mom's ex and may or may not be my biological father. Don't know for sure and to be honest, I don't really care.
8. Does your first significant other still live in the same town as you? Yeppers - the first one that matters anyhow. And guess what - we're not what one can call "great friends" but we are friendly and get along.
9. Do you throw up gang signs? Nope - why should I? I don't even like Iced Tea or Skittles... lol
10. Have you ever broken a rib? Nope - not yet!
11. Would you rather be a girl or a guy? For some reason, I think life would be much easier if I was female, but I like being a man. That's what I am and what I prefer to be.
12. Who is the most spoiled person you know? Any person that I decide to commit to because I'll do anything I can to make his life as good as I can and I'll spoil him rotten and rock his world....
13. Would you rather have a million dollars or true love? I've found true love, I believe and I wouldn't trade Cal for any amount of money. I just want him. BUT if it doesn't work out for some reason or if life continues to throw these fastballs at us, just give me the freakin' money. It's not as good as true love, but with that much cash on hand, it'll be pretty damn easy to rent some "love" to get through the hard times with.
14. Have you ever had sex in church? Yes!
15. Is your boyfriend/girlfriend a marine?? Nope, but I did use to have a friend who ended up joining the Marines. Damn, he was (and is) HOT!!
16. Do you watch the Grammy's? Nah, I don't much like Awards Shows - they bore me!
17. Would you ever work for the border patrol? Sure - have 'em give me a call and make a job offer - we can work something out.
18. Which one word would describe your last relationship: Unique
19. Would you rather date someone 2 years older then you or 20 years older then you? Two years older - I don't care about age, but I don't want to date someone old enough to be my Daddy... Now if I'm twenty or more years older than my "man" is, that's okay... lol
20. Have you ever had a eating disorder? Nah, I have no probs with eating... lol
21. Do you have a porn collection? Yeppers - want to watch and see? Let me know and we'll talk... lol
22. How many proms have you been to in your life? Two - Junior and Senior..
23. Have you ever been in a inter-racial relationship? Yeppers - race doesn't matter to me - it's the person who counts. Now all I need is an Oriental, a red head and a midget and the circle will be complete.
24. Is your birthday on a holiday? Nope - missed it by about fifteen minutes. Damn it!
25. Are you old enough to vote? Yeppers and I haven't missed an election since I turned legal..
26. Do you have any friends or family in the War right now??? I've got some friends who are overseas in Afghanistan - most of the people I know though have already come home..
28. Do you worry about global warming? Nope - not really!
29. Do you like polar bears? I love polar bears - they're cute (and drink Coke).
30. Have you ever been cheated on? Yeah, but in all fairness, he was cheating on me with his wife... so does that count? Hmmmmm?
31. What kind of birth control do you use? I only have sex with other guys - no chance at all of babies popping up.
32. What slang word(s) do you call marijuana? Pot or grass..
33. Are you an atheist? Nope - I absolutely believe in a higher power..
34. Did you lose your virginity to your neighbor? Yeppers - twice - to my best friend at the time (next door neighbor) AND his sister.. lol
35. Did or do you think your childhood dreams will come true? Some of them already have (or are in the process of doing so) and others... well, the ship has sailed.
36. Do you wear your sweetie's clothes? We have on occasion wore some of the same clothes... yes!
37. What's your opinion on gold diggers? Screw 'em - 'nuff said!
38. Are you a country or city girl/boy? I'm far more country than city, but truthfully, I don't think I feel the stereotypes of either title - I defy labels. I'm just me.
39. Is your car a 2002 or higher? Nope - my Blazer (which I can't legally drive - damn it) is a 1997 model..
40. Do you floss daily? Nope - not every day. I do brush at least three times a day though..
1. Do you know anyone in prison? I know several people who have prison records, a few people currently incarcerated and even a few persons who work as Correctional Officers (and he's a sexy beast that I'd love to bl.. never mind) - I'm a person who knows people... lol
2. Have you ever logged onto a boyfriend/girlfriend/crush's Facebook? I'll plead the 5th on that one - on the occasion, if I'm infatuated (or in major lust) with someone, I'll check out their profile / page with great frequency.
3. When is the last time you ate peanut butter and jelly? It's been a couple of weeks now - I keep forgetting to buy jelly (strawberry preserves) when I'm at the grocery store. Someone needs to remind me.
4. Do you have a desk in your room? Not in my actual bedroom - it's too small (reminds me of some guys I know) but I do have a work area set up in the living room (where my computer is currently at) and I also have a big ass desk in the spare bedroom here at the house from when it used to be my office (and most likely soon will be again)..
5. Have you ever gotten naked at a party? Nope, but I've gotten naked a few times after leaving the party... or after most everyone else has left. Hell, sometimes getting naked IS the party... lol
6. What kind of car insurance do you have? No car insurance because I don't have a license and don't drive... damn it!
7. Are you named after one of your parents or grandparents? Not really, but sort of... my middle name is the same as a man who was my Mom's ex and may or may not be my biological father. Don't know for sure and to be honest, I don't really care.
8. Does your first significant other still live in the same town as you? Yeppers - the first one that matters anyhow. And guess what - we're not what one can call "great friends" but we are friendly and get along.
9. Do you throw up gang signs? Nope - why should I? I don't even like Iced Tea or Skittles... lol
10. Have you ever broken a rib? Nope - not yet!
11. Would you rather be a girl or a guy? For some reason, I think life would be much easier if I was female, but I like being a man. That's what I am and what I prefer to be.
12. Who is the most spoiled person you know? Any person that I decide to commit to because I'll do anything I can to make his life as good as I can and I'll spoil him rotten and rock his world....
13. Would you rather have a million dollars or true love? I've found true love, I believe and I wouldn't trade Cal for any amount of money. I just want him. BUT if it doesn't work out for some reason or if life continues to throw these fastballs at us, just give me the freakin' money. It's not as good as true love, but with that much cash on hand, it'll be pretty damn easy to rent some "love" to get through the hard times with.
14. Have you ever had sex in church? Yes!
15. Is your boyfriend/girlfriend a marine?? Nope, but I did use to have a friend who ended up joining the Marines. Damn, he was (and is) HOT!!
16. Do you watch the Grammy's? Nah, I don't much like Awards Shows - they bore me!
17. Would you ever work for the border patrol? Sure - have 'em give me a call and make a job offer - we can work something out.
18. Which one word would describe your last relationship: Unique
19. Would you rather date someone 2 years older then you or 20 years older then you? Two years older - I don't care about age, but I don't want to date someone old enough to be my Daddy... Now if I'm twenty or more years older than my "man" is, that's okay... lol
20. Have you ever had a eating disorder? Nah, I have no probs with eating... lol
21. Do you have a porn collection? Yeppers - want to watch and see? Let me know and we'll talk... lol
22. How many proms have you been to in your life? Two - Junior and Senior..
23. Have you ever been in a inter-racial relationship? Yeppers - race doesn't matter to me - it's the person who counts. Now all I need is an Oriental, a red head and a midget and the circle will be complete.
24. Is your birthday on a holiday? Nope - missed it by about fifteen minutes. Damn it!
25. Are you old enough to vote? Yeppers and I haven't missed an election since I turned legal..
26. Do you have any friends or family in the War right now??? I've got some friends who are overseas in Afghanistan - most of the people I know though have already come home..
28. Do you worry about global warming? Nope - not really!
29. Do you like polar bears? I love polar bears - they're cute (and drink Coke).
30. Have you ever been cheated on? Yeah, but in all fairness, he was cheating on me with his wife... so does that count? Hmmmmm?
31. What kind of birth control do you use? I only have sex with other guys - no chance at all of babies popping up.
32. What slang word(s) do you call marijuana? Pot or grass..
33. Are you an atheist? Nope - I absolutely believe in a higher power..
34. Did you lose your virginity to your neighbor? Yeppers - twice - to my best friend at the time (next door neighbor) AND his sister.. lol
35. Did or do you think your childhood dreams will come true? Some of them already have (or are in the process of doing so) and others... well, the ship has sailed.
36. Do you wear your sweetie's clothes? We have on occasion wore some of the same clothes... yes!
37. What's your opinion on gold diggers? Screw 'em - 'nuff said!
38. Are you a country or city girl/boy? I'm far more country than city, but truthfully, I don't think I feel the stereotypes of either title - I defy labels. I'm just me.
39. Is your car a 2002 or higher? Nope - my Blazer (which I can't legally drive - damn it) is a 1997 model..
40. Do you floss daily? Nope - not every day. I do brush at least three times a day though..
Alphabet Survey - April 5, 2012
Alphabet Survey
1. A is for age: Are we talking physical age or mental? I'm old enough to know better, young enough to do it anyhow and far too old for the sexy-ass guy across the street (but I'd love to get w/ him for about an hour or so and blow his freakin' mind). And if you want a number, if I was a dog, I'd be 6 1/2 in human years.
2. B is for beer of choice: Right now, I'd love to have almost any kind of beer - I need a night of sloppy, intoxicating relaxation (preferably with a sexy man or two for company). My brand of choice for this epic moment would be Bud Light.
3. C is for what you can't wait for right now: For the night to come so I can hide in the darkness from all the B.S. and despair this sick and crazy world keeps throwing in my direction.
4. D is for your dog's name: I don't have a dog. However, we do have a hyper-active feline named "Goldy" who terrorizes the household several times a day. She's lucky that she's cute... lol.
5. E is for essential item you use everyday: Obviously, that would be my computer. It's my means of escape from the madness that surrounds me and my only solice that keeps me from giving up and wanting to go away forever.
6. F is for favorite TV show at the moment: Aside from the long-term usuals (RAW, American Idol), my new favorites that make me laugh often (or go W.T.F?) are Big Bang Theory and Celebrity Apprentice.
7. G is for favorite game: Truth or Dare - wanna play? I dare you!!
8. H is for Home town: I was born in Ohio and spent the first dozen years or so of my life in Raleigh, but so far as I'm concerned, my hometown is and will always be 'The Burg.
9. I is for instruments you play: Hearts, emotions and feelings (and the skin flute... lol)
10. J is for favorite juice: Apple is okay and so is Cranberry, but nothing beats an ice cold (partially frozen) glass of Orange Juice...
11. K is for whose butt you'd like to kick: A certain lying, two-faced, hypocritical, piece of crap biatch - she knows who she is...
12. L is for last food you ate: I just finished eating a Zero bar.
13. M is for marriage: Marriage is a wonderful institution of committment and love and I'd love to get married one day, but unfortunately, since I live in NC, there are people who don't think I should be allowed to get married to the person I love. It's okay for them and their friends, but because the person I love just happens to be of the same gender, our love doesn't deserve the same respect or priviliges. And that really really sucks!
14. N is for your name: I have been called many names over the years (many of them are unprintable) but generally, most people just call me "Doug"..
15. O is for overnight hospital stays: It seems as if everytime I go to the hospital for any reason, I end up staying overnight (and more often 8 - 9 days at a time) - I did it twice last year and most likely, it'll be happening again soon if something doesn't change soon.
16. P is for people you can't live without: Cal (the man that I love), my family, my friends and I guess this damn cat... lol
17. Q is for quote: "If you don't cheat, you're not trying" - Booker T on "Tough Enough"...
18. R is for Biggest Regret: So many to choose from - can I pick just one? How about allowing a certain person that I care for to be around the wrong people even though I knew that it was a mistake and no good would come from it - and I was right. I failed to protect the one that I love and we've both been paying for it ever since.
19. S is for status: My heart belongs to a certain special someone, but since we can't be together (for now), my body is available for your intimate pleasures (and just like Wolverine, I'm the best there is at what I do - don't believe it? Prove me wrong!)
20. T is for time you woke up today: A few minutes after 6am this morning - today was working up at the Food Bank day.
21. U is for underwear you have on now: A pair of black and gray boxers - wanna see 'em? Just ask!
22. V is for vegetable you love: I love potatos, but are they fruits or vegetables? French fries rule! And I put ketchup on almost everything, but that's a fruit too. I can't think of any actual veggies that I really love? Well, I liked Christopher Reeve... lol.
23. W is for worst habit: I think it might be procrastination, but I'm not sure. I'll get back to you with this answer later on... lol
24. X is for x-rays you've had: Lots and lots of them. And a step-dad Ray too - he was an awesome guy!
25. Y is for yummy food you ate today? Chicken nuggets and ketchup for breakfast - it was delicious. But I still have to wonder, what part of the chicken does the "nuggets" come from? I have an idea, but that's really kind of disgusting to think about.
26. Z is for the zodiac sign: In the American astrological stuff, I'm a cancer. And with the Chinese Horoscope, I'm a horse. And in the Happy Days horoscope, I'm a "Potsie". That's kind of depressing....lol
1. A is for age: Are we talking physical age or mental? I'm old enough to know better, young enough to do it anyhow and far too old for the sexy-ass guy across the street (but I'd love to get w/ him for about an hour or so and blow his freakin' mind). And if you want a number, if I was a dog, I'd be 6 1/2 in human years.
2. B is for beer of choice: Right now, I'd love to have almost any kind of beer - I need a night of sloppy, intoxicating relaxation (preferably with a sexy man or two for company). My brand of choice for this epic moment would be Bud Light.
3. C is for what you can't wait for right now: For the night to come so I can hide in the darkness from all the B.S. and despair this sick and crazy world keeps throwing in my direction.
4. D is for your dog's name: I don't have a dog. However, we do have a hyper-active feline named "Goldy" who terrorizes the household several times a day. She's lucky that she's cute... lol.
5. E is for essential item you use everyday: Obviously, that would be my computer. It's my means of escape from the madness that surrounds me and my only solice that keeps me from giving up and wanting to go away forever.
6. F is for favorite TV show at the moment: Aside from the long-term usuals (RAW, American Idol), my new favorites that make me laugh often (or go W.T.F?) are Big Bang Theory and Celebrity Apprentice.
7. G is for favorite game: Truth or Dare - wanna play? I dare you!!
8. H is for Home town: I was born in Ohio and spent the first dozen years or so of my life in Raleigh, but so far as I'm concerned, my hometown is and will always be 'The Burg.
9. I is for instruments you play: Hearts, emotions and feelings (and the skin flute... lol)
10. J is for favorite juice: Apple is okay and so is Cranberry, but nothing beats an ice cold (partially frozen) glass of Orange Juice...
11. K is for whose butt you'd like to kick: A certain lying, two-faced, hypocritical, piece of crap biatch - she knows who she is...
12. L is for last food you ate: I just finished eating a Zero bar.
13. M is for marriage: Marriage is a wonderful institution of committment and love and I'd love to get married one day, but unfortunately, since I live in NC, there are people who don't think I should be allowed to get married to the person I love. It's okay for them and their friends, but because the person I love just happens to be of the same gender, our love doesn't deserve the same respect or priviliges. And that really really sucks!
14. N is for your name: I have been called many names over the years (many of them are unprintable) but generally, most people just call me "Doug"..
15. O is for overnight hospital stays: It seems as if everytime I go to the hospital for any reason, I end up staying overnight (and more often 8 - 9 days at a time) - I did it twice last year and most likely, it'll be happening again soon if something doesn't change soon.
16. P is for people you can't live without: Cal (the man that I love), my family, my friends and I guess this damn cat... lol
17. Q is for quote: "If you don't cheat, you're not trying" - Booker T on "Tough Enough"...
18. R is for Biggest Regret: So many to choose from - can I pick just one? How about allowing a certain person that I care for to be around the wrong people even though I knew that it was a mistake and no good would come from it - and I was right. I failed to protect the one that I love and we've both been paying for it ever since.
19. S is for status: My heart belongs to a certain special someone, but since we can't be together (for now), my body is available for your intimate pleasures (and just like Wolverine, I'm the best there is at what I do - don't believe it? Prove me wrong!)
20. T is for time you woke up today: A few minutes after 6am this morning - today was working up at the Food Bank day.
21. U is for underwear you have on now: A pair of black and gray boxers - wanna see 'em? Just ask!
22. V is for vegetable you love: I love potatos, but are they fruits or vegetables? French fries rule! And I put ketchup on almost everything, but that's a fruit too. I can't think of any actual veggies that I really love? Well, I liked Christopher Reeve... lol.
23. W is for worst habit: I think it might be procrastination, but I'm not sure. I'll get back to you with this answer later on... lol
24. X is for x-rays you've had: Lots and lots of them. And a step-dad Ray too - he was an awesome guy!
25. Y is for yummy food you ate today? Chicken nuggets and ketchup for breakfast - it was delicious. But I still have to wonder, what part of the chicken does the "nuggets" come from? I have an idea, but that's really kind of disgusting to think about.
26. Z is for the zodiac sign: In the American astrological stuff, I'm a cancer. And with the Chinese Horoscope, I'm a horse. And in the Happy Days horoscope, I'm a "Potsie". That's kind of depressing....lol
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Tossing Salt Is American Idol - April 4, 2012
Tossing Salt Is American Idol
April 4, 2012
Doug Maynard
It's a sad, sad day for American Idol. Last week, the Clown Prince of Idol, the one and only Heejun Han was the man who received the least number of fan votes and was voted off the Island. I'm going to miss him. He had spunk! Let's have a moment of silence for this amazing talent.
And now, it's Week 5 of the search for the 2012 American Idol. Last week, the Idol contestants performed songs by their own personal idols and as I mentioned earlier, Heejun's version of Leon Russell's "A Song For You", which I personally feel was his best musical performance thus far, was good but not good enough and he's outta here. Actually, last week everyone was at the top of their game and did a great job. I hope tonight goes just as well.
Tonight, the Idolettes will be doing songs from the 1980's. I hope that someone sings either "Take On Me" by Aha or "Come On Eileen" by Dexy's Midnight Runners. Some "Human League" songs would be nice too. I love that music genre. And I'm pretty sure we'll get some duets or group performances too. It should be a good night. By the way, the host of the show is Ryan Seacrest. Steven Tyler, Randy Jackson and Jennifer Lopez are the judges. Jimmy Iovine and Gwen Stefani & Tony Kenall from the group "No Doubt" are the mentors.
And me? I'm Doug and I'm a big fan of Alice Cooper, so when are we going to get an "Alice Cooper" night? Inquiring minds want to know! Let's do this...
By the way, if you ever get the chance to listen to "I Saw Red", a duet by Gwen Stefani (before No Doubt) and the late Bradley Nowell (from Sublime), check it out. It's pretty damn amazing and off the charts. It's on YouTube. Find it.
We start off with "Hairboy" DeAndre Brackensick and he's performing "I Like It" by DeBarge. I don't remember this song, but DeAndre did a really good job performing tonight. He was comfortable on stage and really showed off his vocal range, going from a more real, regular voice to the high notes and back again. J-Lo liked it as well and said that DeAndre looked as if he felt super comfortable and very natural and that he sounded amazing. Randy said that somewhere, DeBarge is saying "OMG" and that DeAndre could easily be the 2012 version of DeBarge. Randy also called it one of DeAndre's best performances. And Steven called it "totally captivating" and "exceptional".
Next up was Elise Testone who performed "I Want To Know What Love Is", by Foreigner. In my opinion, she was okay, but I couldn't really feel the song with her version. It sounded more adult contemporary than rock & roll. J-Lo said that Elise looked beautiful, but commented that Elise has a "powerhouse voice" and the song wasn't quite right. Randy remarked that it's a difficult song to perform and Elise never quite got the pitch right and that the song was all over the place. Steven said that it wasn't the right song, but he loves Elise's voice.
The next performance was the first of four boy / girl duets as Skylar and Colton did a fantastic rendition of "Islands In The Stream", which was originally performed by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. Despite their different styles, Colton and Skylar sounded really well together and did a good job. I'd love to hear them sing more duets together. Randy agreed that they did a really great job and called Skylar beautiful and Colton great. J-Lo said that it was perfect for Skylar and that Colton was the perfect partner for her. Amd Steven said that it was a match made in heaven and beautiful.
Phillip Phillips was the next man on stage and he brought his brother to play with him as he did a really unique version of the Genesis song "That's All". It was pitchy in places, but Phillip is so real and raw, it doesn't matter. He did a great job and really took the song and "Philliped" the hell out of it. J-Lo said that the beginning wasn't great but towards the end, Phillip brought it home and was pretty great. Randy loved the "brotherly love" thing and called it another great performance. And Steven noted how he loved Phillip's individuality, calling him a "wildflower" and said that he can tell Phillip loves being who he is and that's what makes him great.
Another duet as Hollie and DeAndre performed the classic "I'm So Excited" by the Pointer Sisters. It was okay, but I just don't think that they looked very comfortable up there on stage together. There just wasn't that chemistry between them that I could see. Randy called the performance very nice and impressive. J-Lo said that it was really good and sounded good. And Steven called it a beautiful duet that sounded great.
Joshua Ledet is next to perform and for the second week in a row, he wins the award for the butt-ugly jacket. Who the hell dresses this boy? Joshus perfomed "If You Don't Know Me By Now", originally done by Simply Red. And well... it was okay. He seemed a bit restrained at the start and then was playing vocal games instead of singing at the end. High notes are fine and good, but sing the damn song. Geez! J-Lo called it spectacular, while Randy commented on how "mature" Joshua was and how he was "so in your zone". Steven called it outstanding and the "perfect beautiful song".
And here comes Jessica Sanchez who's trying to capture lightning in a bottle by doing another Whitney Houston song, "How Will I Know". Jessica has a great voice and loves doing these hard, power songs. I think it was okay, but not the best she's done so far. J-Lo said that Jessica was a natural performer whose vocals make everything go away and is really, really good. Steven said that Jessica's voice is so fantastic and that everything she does is beautiful. And Randy said that Jessica did an amazing job and that "she's gotta have it!".
Another duet now as Phillip and Elise did a super-fantastic version of one of my favorite songs, "Stop Dragging My Heart Around", a duet from Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks. I love this song and have to admit, I'd love to see Phillip and Elise release this some day as a single. They sound really good together and did just an amazing song. J-Lo called this duet "great music sung great!". Randy said that it "sounded amazing" and was "very nice". Steven said that it was "outstanding" and "couldn't be better" and that it was "as good as it gets!"
Hollie Cavanagh was the next performer to come onstage and she performed "What A Feeling" from the "Flashdance" soundtrack. I think it was Irene Cara who originally sang this song and if Hollie had been smart, she'd have left it with Irene. I wasn't impressed. Her voice just doesn't fit her look and body. J-Lo noted that Hollie just needs to let it all go more and not think so much. Randy noted that Hollie has the talent, but there was a couple of pitchy moments and that Hollie needs to quit thinking and start living it. Steven said that the pitches were all over the place and that it took Hollie a while to get there, but she got there at the end.
And for the final duet of the night, it was Jessica and Joshua doing a "anything you can do, I can do better" duet of "I Knew You Were Waiting For Me", the truly iconic and classic duet by George Micheal and Aretha Franklin. It was hard to get used to Jessica's voice in the beginning doing the Aretha parts, but she really did a great job and made it her song. And Joshua dropped the ugly jacket to just come out and sing and the two of them really meshed well with this song. J-Lo said that maybe they were looking at the finals with Joshua and Jessica. (I don't think so.) She said that they were "something amazing!". Randy said that they "both looked fly" and it was one of the best performances on the show. And Steven said that it was "so far over the top, it defies judging and is only to be enjoyed."
Colton Davis came up next and he did a classic Cyndi Lauper song. I was hoping he would do "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" or "She-Bop", but he played it safe and did an amazing version of "Time After Time" instead. They sped the song up slightly and he put his own "Colton-style" spin on the song and what can I say? He was damn good (and he's cute too.) Boy needs to eat a sammich or two though - he's too skinny! J-Lo said that Colton was in sync with the band and it was amazing. Steven said that Colton's voice is so good, he's ready to make an album now. He nailed it. And Randy said that Colton took the song and made it his own. Colton is "so current" and "ready to go".
And then, for the last song of the night, it was Skylar Laine who did her version of the Bette Midler classic, "Wind Beneath My Wings" from the movie "Beaches". Love the song and love the movie, but so far as Skylar's version of this song goes, it was okay. I know the judges loved it and thought it was great, but some songs just are not meant to be sang with a country twang. I'd love to hear Jessica sing this song and see what she could do with it. But for Skylar, I just couldn't really feel it or get into it. J-Lo said that it was solid and we can't count Skylar out. Randy called it the best performance on the show tonight. And Steven said that it was the beginning of a great career and beautiful.
And that's the show. Not a bad show, but I never did get to hear anyone sing "True" by Spandeau Ballet. My feelings are hurt. It wasn't the best show so far this season and a few people made a few screw-ups here and there, but nothing was really bad and the kiss of death. So who gets to be in the Bottom Three tomorrow night? Last week, it was hard to decide since everyone did so well. This week, the decision isn't quite as hard.
My picks for the "Bottom Three" for this week will be... Elise Testone, Hollie Cavanagh and Skylar Laine. And who will go home on Thursday night? Hmmmm? They need to send Joshua home just for wearing those ugly jackets, but I think he'll be safe this week. I may be wrong, but I don't think so. I think that Hollie Cavanagh has sang her last song for this competition. She's hit and miss most weeks anyhow, but this week was mostly miss and I think it's going to cost her and end up causing her to get voted off the Island.
So there you go. That's Idol for tonight. Thoughts and comments can be sent to Doug28352@yahoo.com. Thank you for reading and I'll catch you later, gators. Have a great night.
Ubuntu!
April 4, 2012
Doug Maynard
It's a sad, sad day for American Idol. Last week, the Clown Prince of Idol, the one and only Heejun Han was the man who received the least number of fan votes and was voted off the Island. I'm going to miss him. He had spunk! Let's have a moment of silence for this amazing talent.
And now, it's Week 5 of the search for the 2012 American Idol. Last week, the Idol contestants performed songs by their own personal idols and as I mentioned earlier, Heejun's version of Leon Russell's "A Song For You", which I personally feel was his best musical performance thus far, was good but not good enough and he's outta here. Actually, last week everyone was at the top of their game and did a great job. I hope tonight goes just as well.
Tonight, the Idolettes will be doing songs from the 1980's. I hope that someone sings either "Take On Me" by Aha or "Come On Eileen" by Dexy's Midnight Runners. Some "Human League" songs would be nice too. I love that music genre. And I'm pretty sure we'll get some duets or group performances too. It should be a good night. By the way, the host of the show is Ryan Seacrest. Steven Tyler, Randy Jackson and Jennifer Lopez are the judges. Jimmy Iovine and Gwen Stefani & Tony Kenall from the group "No Doubt" are the mentors.
And me? I'm Doug and I'm a big fan of Alice Cooper, so when are we going to get an "Alice Cooper" night? Inquiring minds want to know! Let's do this...
By the way, if you ever get the chance to listen to "I Saw Red", a duet by Gwen Stefani (before No Doubt) and the late Bradley Nowell (from Sublime), check it out. It's pretty damn amazing and off the charts. It's on YouTube. Find it.
We start off with "Hairboy" DeAndre Brackensick and he's performing "I Like It" by DeBarge. I don't remember this song, but DeAndre did a really good job performing tonight. He was comfortable on stage and really showed off his vocal range, going from a more real, regular voice to the high notes and back again. J-Lo liked it as well and said that DeAndre looked as if he felt super comfortable and very natural and that he sounded amazing. Randy said that somewhere, DeBarge is saying "OMG" and that DeAndre could easily be the 2012 version of DeBarge. Randy also called it one of DeAndre's best performances. And Steven called it "totally captivating" and "exceptional".
Next up was Elise Testone who performed "I Want To Know What Love Is", by Foreigner. In my opinion, she was okay, but I couldn't really feel the song with her version. It sounded more adult contemporary than rock & roll. J-Lo said that Elise looked beautiful, but commented that Elise has a "powerhouse voice" and the song wasn't quite right. Randy remarked that it's a difficult song to perform and Elise never quite got the pitch right and that the song was all over the place. Steven said that it wasn't the right song, but he loves Elise's voice.
The next performance was the first of four boy / girl duets as Skylar and Colton did a fantastic rendition of "Islands In The Stream", which was originally performed by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. Despite their different styles, Colton and Skylar sounded really well together and did a good job. I'd love to hear them sing more duets together. Randy agreed that they did a really great job and called Skylar beautiful and Colton great. J-Lo said that it was perfect for Skylar and that Colton was the perfect partner for her. Amd Steven said that it was a match made in heaven and beautiful.
Phillip Phillips was the next man on stage and he brought his brother to play with him as he did a really unique version of the Genesis song "That's All". It was pitchy in places, but Phillip is so real and raw, it doesn't matter. He did a great job and really took the song and "Philliped" the hell out of it. J-Lo said that the beginning wasn't great but towards the end, Phillip brought it home and was pretty great. Randy loved the "brotherly love" thing and called it another great performance. And Steven noted how he loved Phillip's individuality, calling him a "wildflower" and said that he can tell Phillip loves being who he is and that's what makes him great.
Another duet as Hollie and DeAndre performed the classic "I'm So Excited" by the Pointer Sisters. It was okay, but I just don't think that they looked very comfortable up there on stage together. There just wasn't that chemistry between them that I could see. Randy called the performance very nice and impressive. J-Lo said that it was really good and sounded good. And Steven called it a beautiful duet that sounded great.
Joshua Ledet is next to perform and for the second week in a row, he wins the award for the butt-ugly jacket. Who the hell dresses this boy? Joshus perfomed "If You Don't Know Me By Now", originally done by Simply Red. And well... it was okay. He seemed a bit restrained at the start and then was playing vocal games instead of singing at the end. High notes are fine and good, but sing the damn song. Geez! J-Lo called it spectacular, while Randy commented on how "mature" Joshua was and how he was "so in your zone". Steven called it outstanding and the "perfect beautiful song".
And here comes Jessica Sanchez who's trying to capture lightning in a bottle by doing another Whitney Houston song, "How Will I Know". Jessica has a great voice and loves doing these hard, power songs. I think it was okay, but not the best she's done so far. J-Lo said that Jessica was a natural performer whose vocals make everything go away and is really, really good. Steven said that Jessica's voice is so fantastic and that everything she does is beautiful. And Randy said that Jessica did an amazing job and that "she's gotta have it!".
Another duet now as Phillip and Elise did a super-fantastic version of one of my favorite songs, "Stop Dragging My Heart Around", a duet from Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks. I love this song and have to admit, I'd love to see Phillip and Elise release this some day as a single. They sound really good together and did just an amazing song. J-Lo called this duet "great music sung great!". Randy said that it "sounded amazing" and was "very nice". Steven said that it was "outstanding" and "couldn't be better" and that it was "as good as it gets!"
Hollie Cavanagh was the next performer to come onstage and she performed "What A Feeling" from the "Flashdance" soundtrack. I think it was Irene Cara who originally sang this song and if Hollie had been smart, she'd have left it with Irene. I wasn't impressed. Her voice just doesn't fit her look and body. J-Lo noted that Hollie just needs to let it all go more and not think so much. Randy noted that Hollie has the talent, but there was a couple of pitchy moments and that Hollie needs to quit thinking and start living it. Steven said that the pitches were all over the place and that it took Hollie a while to get there, but she got there at the end.
And for the final duet of the night, it was Jessica and Joshua doing a "anything you can do, I can do better" duet of "I Knew You Were Waiting For Me", the truly iconic and classic duet by George Micheal and Aretha Franklin. It was hard to get used to Jessica's voice in the beginning doing the Aretha parts, but she really did a great job and made it her song. And Joshua dropped the ugly jacket to just come out and sing and the two of them really meshed well with this song. J-Lo said that maybe they were looking at the finals with Joshua and Jessica. (I don't think so.) She said that they were "something amazing!". Randy said that they "both looked fly" and it was one of the best performances on the show. And Steven said that it was "so far over the top, it defies judging and is only to be enjoyed."
Colton Davis came up next and he did a classic Cyndi Lauper song. I was hoping he would do "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" or "She-Bop", but he played it safe and did an amazing version of "Time After Time" instead. They sped the song up slightly and he put his own "Colton-style" spin on the song and what can I say? He was damn good (and he's cute too.) Boy needs to eat a sammich or two though - he's too skinny! J-Lo said that Colton was in sync with the band and it was amazing. Steven said that Colton's voice is so good, he's ready to make an album now. He nailed it. And Randy said that Colton took the song and made it his own. Colton is "so current" and "ready to go".
And then, for the last song of the night, it was Skylar Laine who did her version of the Bette Midler classic, "Wind Beneath My Wings" from the movie "Beaches". Love the song and love the movie, but so far as Skylar's version of this song goes, it was okay. I know the judges loved it and thought it was great, but some songs just are not meant to be sang with a country twang. I'd love to hear Jessica sing this song and see what she could do with it. But for Skylar, I just couldn't really feel it or get into it. J-Lo said that it was solid and we can't count Skylar out. Randy called it the best performance on the show tonight. And Steven said that it was the beginning of a great career and beautiful.
And that's the show. Not a bad show, but I never did get to hear anyone sing "True" by Spandeau Ballet. My feelings are hurt. It wasn't the best show so far this season and a few people made a few screw-ups here and there, but nothing was really bad and the kiss of death. So who gets to be in the Bottom Three tomorrow night? Last week, it was hard to decide since everyone did so well. This week, the decision isn't quite as hard.
My picks for the "Bottom Three" for this week will be... Elise Testone, Hollie Cavanagh and Skylar Laine. And who will go home on Thursday night? Hmmmm? They need to send Joshua home just for wearing those ugly jackets, but I think he'll be safe this week. I may be wrong, but I don't think so. I think that Hollie Cavanagh has sang her last song for this competition. She's hit and miss most weeks anyhow, but this week was mostly miss and I think it's going to cost her and end up causing her to get voted off the Island.
So there you go. That's Idol for tonight. Thoughts and comments can be sent to Doug28352@yahoo.com. Thank you for reading and I'll catch you later, gators. Have a great night.
Ubuntu!
Wrestling Fact Or Fiction - April 4, 2012
Wrestling Fact Or Fiction
April 4, 2012
Doug Maynard & Russell Jackson
So here we are again. Wrestlemania weekend is over and the times, they are a'changing. I'm Doug and as always, I'm joined by the best tag team partner on the planet, Mr. Russell Jackson and this is the column that says it like it is, good or bad. I'm talking "Wrestling Fact or Fiction". Let's just jump right into it. The questions were sent out on Monday night immediately after RAW went off the air.
1) Wrestlemania XXVIII lived up to your expectations?
Russell - FACT: At first, I thought WM XXVIII was gonna be a forgettable PPV with only 8 matches on a 4 hour event & not to my surprise, it started out that way with the opening match...I was already pissed off when I read that the opening match was for the World Heavyweight Championship & to make matters worse, it was an 18 second match from start to end...Through out the PPV after the opening match though, it started to get better...Didn't care bout the Diva's Tag Match nor the "Team Johnny vs Team Teddy" 12 man tag...Even tho I actually wanted Trips to win the HITC match, I thought the match was well done...Big Show to become the new I.C. champion & The Rock with the pin fall over the smartass, John Cena...All in all, I'd say that WM XXVIII lived up to my expectations, yyyyyyep...
Doug - FACT: Although to be honest, my expectations weren't very high and it would be nearly impossible for the WWE to fall beneath them. The first hour, for the most part, blew chunks, but then things started to fall together and the Punk / Jericho match, the Undertaker / HHH match and Cena / Rock not only delivered, but was off the charts. So we got three great matches, one decent match, two so-so matches and two stinkeroos. That's far better than what I was expecting and the WWE deserves kudos. They'd get more kudos if they could have put on maybe seven or eight "off the chart" matches (after all it is Wrestlemania... lol). Wrestlemania wasn't bad and it could have been a lot worse, but let's be honest. It could have been a lot better too.
(1-0) - It started off badly, but got better as the night went on.
2) The Rock versus John Cena match lived up to the hype?
Russell - FICTION: Even though I was ecstatic that The Rock gained the pin fall victory over the smartass, John Cena, I feel that the match between the 2 didn't live up to the hype after a year in the makin...There was no physical confrontation between the 2...Week after week after week all there was was talk...How John Cena was gonna be The Rock's bitch from The Rock, how John Cena HAD to win the match at WM from John Cena...Next time, lets have physical confrontation leadin up to a much anticipated match...I GUARAN-DAMN-TEE that it will be more excitin to the build up of an up-coming match...
Doug - FACT: It was better than I expected. John Cena and The Rock both brought their "A" game and worked extremely hard and busted their asses in that match and although I don't agree with the finish, that's just a small complaint. Given who the two men involved in this match were, I don't think it could have went any better.
(1-1) John Cena can certainly smell what the Rock was cooking!
3) Keeping the Undertaker's "streak" alive at 20 - 0 was the right decision?
Russell - FICTION: I've been wantin the Undertaker's "streak" to end since WrestleMania 25...What's the point of keepin the streak goin especially now since 'Taker is wrestling 1 match a year?...I figured if there was 1 wrestler that could end 'Taker's streak, it would be HHH...So much for that happenin...
Doug - FACT: The "Streak" should never be broken and should remain intact until Undertaker retires. It's the Dead Man's legacy and just like Ric Flair's "sixteen world title reigns", it should never end. Some things are meant to be and the legend of the Undertaker and his "streak" is one of these things.
(1-2) Love him or hate him, there is only one Undertaker!
4) With John Laurinaitis now the official "General Manager" of both RAW and Smackdown, the "Brand Seperation" is officially over and finished?
Russell - FACT: The "Brand Seperation" has been dead for a couple of years now...Have them to Unify the WWE & World Heavyweight Championships into 1 World Championship (A new physical championship at that) & have the World Champion defend the unified championship on both Raw & Smackdown...The WWE already did it with the Tag Titles, why not do it with the World Championship *shrugs*...
Doug - FACT: It was over quite a while ago when RAW became a "SuperShow" where the stars of both RAW and Smackdown both appeared. The whole idea of having two general managers was to give each brand and show a different identity and feel. That's over with now and it's just the same people wrestling on each show and the younger, new stars getting overlooked and forgotten, just like it was in the days before the brand split. Raw and Smackdown are just the titles for the shows now and are about as seperate as a new born baby and his mama's set of "puppies"... lol.
(2-2) Johnny Ace is a tool. 'Nuff said!
5) The Rock is correct when he says that he'll one day be the WWE Champion again?
Russell - FICTION: As much as I'd like to see that happen, I'm not holdin my breath on that one comin to a reality...The ONLY way for that to happen is if The Rock quits doin movie after movie for Hollywood & comes back to the WWE/wrestles on a full time schedule...Like I said, I'm not holdin my breath...
Doug - FICTION: Let's leave the WWE Championship (and all championships) with the wrestlers who are actually there every day and night, week in and week out. The Rock doesn't need to be the WWE Champion or any kind of champion. He doesn't need the title and at this point, putting the title on The Rock would be the modern day equivalent of the David Arquette disaster in WCW or putting the title on Vince McMahon again... just a major mistake. The Rock is a movie star now and only a very part-time perfomer for the WWE at best. Leave the titles to the full time guys.
(3-2) The Rock doesn't need to hold titles - he just needs to be "The Rock".
<<-- SWITCHEROO -->>
6) You were impressed with the debut of Lord Tensai?
Doug - FICTION: I'm glad to see Albert / A-Train back in the WWE, but to be honest, his debut match against Alex Riley just bored the hell out of me. I wasn't impressed at all. I did like the claw at the end, but I've long advocated bringing back the claw as a finisher for someone. It worked extremely well for Blackjack Mulligan, Baron Von Raschke and The Von Erich's and I popped to see Tensai use it on Monday night. But except for that, the rest of Tensai's debut was just bleh. Maybe he'll get better in the weeks and months to come. I hope so.
Russell - FACT: As soon as the bell rang for his match against Alex Riley, he made short work of "A-Rye"...It came to a point that after Tensai nailed Riley with a chokebomb, the referee rang the bell via a "KO" after Riley couldn't defend himself...After the match was over, Tensai spit some kinda mist outta his mouth (like The Great Muta used to do) onto his hand then proceeded to render "A-Rye" helplessly with a claw hold...Kickass debut from Lord Tensai, nuff said...
(4-2) Good to see Albert / A-Train / Tensai back in the WWE.
7) It was AJ's fault that Daniel Bryan lost the World Championship to Sheamus in 18 seconds?
Doug - FICTION: If it was anyone's fault, it was Vince McMahon's and the lousy booking of the creative team. But we're not supposed to think about things like that. Bryan was kissing AJ and was distracted and turned around into Sheamus's boot in the face. So technically, it would be Bryan's fault for allowing himself to be more concerned about getting some lip-action than his title defense and Sheamus. But as the storyline goes along, I'm sure that poor little AJ will be the one to take the blame. And then when Bryan eventually gets the title back and is screaming "Yes! Yes! Yes!", AJ will be cast aside and ignored like a little trollip, used and abused and tossed to the curb.
Russell - FICTION: Daniel Bryan wanted the kiss from AJ when the bell rang for the match to begin...His loss, not AJ's fault, he's an idiot, case closed...
(5-2) Daniel Bryan has no one to blame but himself. Yes! Yes! Yes!
8) You're glad to see Alberto Del Rio back in action?
Doug - FACT: Actually, I'm happier to see Ricardo back than Del Rio. Ricardo is entertaining and fun to watch and Del Rio is just part of the package since they're a team deal. Del Rio is a good wrestler and helps fill out the top tier of WWE Superstars and legitimate top guys so having him back is a definite plus for the WWE. I just wonder if he'll let me borrow one of his cars for a few days.
Russell - FICTION: The loud mouth, Mexican Aristacrat has returned...Ohhhhhh yippy yaw aye...I must say though, I was glad to see Del Rio get Brogue Kicked at the side of his face on Raw by Sheamus...That was funny shit right there...
(5-3) It's Del Rio's destiny to create dissension among us... lol
9) John Cena was correct when he called The Rock "the greatest WWE Superstar in this industry"?
Doug - FICTION: He's probably the most successful man to come out of the WWE with his movie career, but that's the "movie industry" and not the "wrestling business". Is he bigger than Steve Austin? Or Triple H? Or Ric Flair? Or Hulk Hogan? Or Shawn Michaels? Or The Undertaker? Or even John Cena? I guess it's all just a matter of perspective, but in my opinion, as great as The Rock is, is he the "greatest in the industry"? If the industry we're speaking of is "wrestling" or "sports-entertainment", he's damn good, but the "greatest"? Not even close.
Russell - FACT: I do agree with Cena when he called The Rock "The greatest WWE Superstar in this industry...But that doesn't give the right for Cena to kiss ass on nation wide television just coz he got his ass pinned in the middle of the ring by The Rock at WrestleMania...& that happened coz Cena decided to be a wise ass & attempt to deliver the "People's Elbow" on The Rock...Really?...Really?...Cena is a moron plain'n'simple...
(5-4) And we all can smell what the Rock is cookin'...
10) You popped when Brock Lesnar came out and F-5'ed John Cena?
Doug - FACT: I have to admit that I did get a few goosebumps as Lesnar came out on the ramp. And then he did his mannerisms and made his way to the ring to shake Cena's hand and then deliver a big time F-5. And the thrill was gone. Lesnar was a goof during his first WWE run and kind of bored the hell out of me (and that was when he had Paul Heyman as a spokesman). Now he's back and I want to be excited and positive and happy, but instead, I'm just not feeling anything. I popped for him to come out and do Cena so I had to answer "Fact", but will it make things more interesting and exciting in the WWE over the next year or so? I hope so, but to be honest, I don't think it will make any difference in the long term of things.
Russell - FACT: Sayin that I popped would be a gross under statement...I was so happy that I actually dropped the "F-Bomb" when his music played lol..."The Next Big Thing" is back in the WWE & he has his sight set on the wise ass himself, John Cena...Cena, the idiot he is, actually wanted to shake hands with Lesnar?...Really?...Really?...Cena got what he had comin when Lesnar draped that moron across his shoulders & planted him with an "F-5"...HERE COMES THE PAIN!!!!!!!
(6-4) Love him or hate him, Brock knows how to make an impact. Where's Sable at?
And there you go. We went (6-4) this week. Something about Wrestlemania just brings out all the differences in people, I guess. It was a good show and another good column in the books as well. Questions and comments, or if you'd like to join Russell and myself as part of the "Fact Or Fiction" crew, just drop me a line at Doug28352@yahoo.com and we'll see what we can do.
My thanks again to the ever-awesome Russell Jackson for his help and answers. He's so bad, he tried to bite Mike Tyson's ear off... lol. I'm Doug and I have a damn cat here wanting to play fetch, so I'm closing this up. Back next week with another edition of Fact or Fiction and who knows what else might pop up in the meantime. Keep your eyes open and see. Have a great week and we'll see you on the flip side.
Ubuntu!
April 4, 2012
Doug Maynard & Russell Jackson
So here we are again. Wrestlemania weekend is over and the times, they are a'changing. I'm Doug and as always, I'm joined by the best tag team partner on the planet, Mr. Russell Jackson and this is the column that says it like it is, good or bad. I'm talking "Wrestling Fact or Fiction". Let's just jump right into it. The questions were sent out on Monday night immediately after RAW went off the air.
1) Wrestlemania XXVIII lived up to your expectations?
Russell - FACT: At first, I thought WM XXVIII was gonna be a forgettable PPV with only 8 matches on a 4 hour event & not to my surprise, it started out that way with the opening match...I was already pissed off when I read that the opening match was for the World Heavyweight Championship & to make matters worse, it was an 18 second match from start to end...Through out the PPV after the opening match though, it started to get better...Didn't care bout the Diva's Tag Match nor the "Team Johnny vs Team Teddy" 12 man tag...Even tho I actually wanted Trips to win the HITC match, I thought the match was well done...Big Show to become the new I.C. champion & The Rock with the pin fall over the smartass, John Cena...All in all, I'd say that WM XXVIII lived up to my expectations, yyyyyyep...
Doug - FACT: Although to be honest, my expectations weren't very high and it would be nearly impossible for the WWE to fall beneath them. The first hour, for the most part, blew chunks, but then things started to fall together and the Punk / Jericho match, the Undertaker / HHH match and Cena / Rock not only delivered, but was off the charts. So we got three great matches, one decent match, two so-so matches and two stinkeroos. That's far better than what I was expecting and the WWE deserves kudos. They'd get more kudos if they could have put on maybe seven or eight "off the chart" matches (after all it is Wrestlemania... lol). Wrestlemania wasn't bad and it could have been a lot worse, but let's be honest. It could have been a lot better too.
(1-0) - It started off badly, but got better as the night went on.
2) The Rock versus John Cena match lived up to the hype?
Russell - FICTION: Even though I was ecstatic that The Rock gained the pin fall victory over the smartass, John Cena, I feel that the match between the 2 didn't live up to the hype after a year in the makin...There was no physical confrontation between the 2...Week after week after week all there was was talk...How John Cena was gonna be The Rock's bitch from The Rock, how John Cena HAD to win the match at WM from John Cena...Next time, lets have physical confrontation leadin up to a much anticipated match...I GUARAN-DAMN-TEE that it will be more excitin to the build up of an up-coming match...
Doug - FACT: It was better than I expected. John Cena and The Rock both brought their "A" game and worked extremely hard and busted their asses in that match and although I don't agree with the finish, that's just a small complaint. Given who the two men involved in this match were, I don't think it could have went any better.
(1-1) John Cena can certainly smell what the Rock was cooking!
3) Keeping the Undertaker's "streak" alive at 20 - 0 was the right decision?
Russell - FICTION: I've been wantin the Undertaker's "streak" to end since WrestleMania 25...What's the point of keepin the streak goin especially now since 'Taker is wrestling 1 match a year?...I figured if there was 1 wrestler that could end 'Taker's streak, it would be HHH...So much for that happenin...
Doug - FACT: The "Streak" should never be broken and should remain intact until Undertaker retires. It's the Dead Man's legacy and just like Ric Flair's "sixteen world title reigns", it should never end. Some things are meant to be and the legend of the Undertaker and his "streak" is one of these things.
(1-2) Love him or hate him, there is only one Undertaker!
4) With John Laurinaitis now the official "General Manager" of both RAW and Smackdown, the "Brand Seperation" is officially over and finished?
Russell - FACT: The "Brand Seperation" has been dead for a couple of years now...Have them to Unify the WWE & World Heavyweight Championships into 1 World Championship (A new physical championship at that) & have the World Champion defend the unified championship on both Raw & Smackdown...The WWE already did it with the Tag Titles, why not do it with the World Championship *shrugs*...
Doug - FACT: It was over quite a while ago when RAW became a "SuperShow" where the stars of both RAW and Smackdown both appeared. The whole idea of having two general managers was to give each brand and show a different identity and feel. That's over with now and it's just the same people wrestling on each show and the younger, new stars getting overlooked and forgotten, just like it was in the days before the brand split. Raw and Smackdown are just the titles for the shows now and are about as seperate as a new born baby and his mama's set of "puppies"... lol.
(2-2) Johnny Ace is a tool. 'Nuff said!
5) The Rock is correct when he says that he'll one day be the WWE Champion again?
Russell - FICTION: As much as I'd like to see that happen, I'm not holdin my breath on that one comin to a reality...The ONLY way for that to happen is if The Rock quits doin movie after movie for Hollywood & comes back to the WWE/wrestles on a full time schedule...Like I said, I'm not holdin my breath...
Doug - FICTION: Let's leave the WWE Championship (and all championships) with the wrestlers who are actually there every day and night, week in and week out. The Rock doesn't need to be the WWE Champion or any kind of champion. He doesn't need the title and at this point, putting the title on The Rock would be the modern day equivalent of the David Arquette disaster in WCW or putting the title on Vince McMahon again... just a major mistake. The Rock is a movie star now and only a very part-time perfomer for the WWE at best. Leave the titles to the full time guys.
(3-2) The Rock doesn't need to hold titles - he just needs to be "The Rock".
<<-- SWITCHEROO -->>
6) You were impressed with the debut of Lord Tensai?
Doug - FICTION: I'm glad to see Albert / A-Train back in the WWE, but to be honest, his debut match against Alex Riley just bored the hell out of me. I wasn't impressed at all. I did like the claw at the end, but I've long advocated bringing back the claw as a finisher for someone. It worked extremely well for Blackjack Mulligan, Baron Von Raschke and The Von Erich's and I popped to see Tensai use it on Monday night. But except for that, the rest of Tensai's debut was just bleh. Maybe he'll get better in the weeks and months to come. I hope so.
Russell - FACT: As soon as the bell rang for his match against Alex Riley, he made short work of "A-Rye"...It came to a point that after Tensai nailed Riley with a chokebomb, the referee rang the bell via a "KO" after Riley couldn't defend himself...After the match was over, Tensai spit some kinda mist outta his mouth (like The Great Muta used to do) onto his hand then proceeded to render "A-Rye" helplessly with a claw hold...Kickass debut from Lord Tensai, nuff said...
(4-2) Good to see Albert / A-Train / Tensai back in the WWE.
7) It was AJ's fault that Daniel Bryan lost the World Championship to Sheamus in 18 seconds?
Doug - FICTION: If it was anyone's fault, it was Vince McMahon's and the lousy booking of the creative team. But we're not supposed to think about things like that. Bryan was kissing AJ and was distracted and turned around into Sheamus's boot in the face. So technically, it would be Bryan's fault for allowing himself to be more concerned about getting some lip-action than his title defense and Sheamus. But as the storyline goes along, I'm sure that poor little AJ will be the one to take the blame. And then when Bryan eventually gets the title back and is screaming "Yes! Yes! Yes!", AJ will be cast aside and ignored like a little trollip, used and abused and tossed to the curb.
Russell - FICTION: Daniel Bryan wanted the kiss from AJ when the bell rang for the match to begin...His loss, not AJ's fault, he's an idiot, case closed...
(5-2) Daniel Bryan has no one to blame but himself. Yes! Yes! Yes!
8) You're glad to see Alberto Del Rio back in action?
Doug - FACT: Actually, I'm happier to see Ricardo back than Del Rio. Ricardo is entertaining and fun to watch and Del Rio is just part of the package since they're a team deal. Del Rio is a good wrestler and helps fill out the top tier of WWE Superstars and legitimate top guys so having him back is a definite plus for the WWE. I just wonder if he'll let me borrow one of his cars for a few days.
Russell - FICTION: The loud mouth, Mexican Aristacrat has returned...Ohhhhhh yippy yaw aye...I must say though, I was glad to see Del Rio get Brogue Kicked at the side of his face on Raw by Sheamus...That was funny shit right there...
(5-3) It's Del Rio's destiny to create dissension among us... lol
9) John Cena was correct when he called The Rock "the greatest WWE Superstar in this industry"?
Doug - FICTION: He's probably the most successful man to come out of the WWE with his movie career, but that's the "movie industry" and not the "wrestling business". Is he bigger than Steve Austin? Or Triple H? Or Ric Flair? Or Hulk Hogan? Or Shawn Michaels? Or The Undertaker? Or even John Cena? I guess it's all just a matter of perspective, but in my opinion, as great as The Rock is, is he the "greatest in the industry"? If the industry we're speaking of is "wrestling" or "sports-entertainment", he's damn good, but the "greatest"? Not even close.
Russell - FACT: I do agree with Cena when he called The Rock "The greatest WWE Superstar in this industry...But that doesn't give the right for Cena to kiss ass on nation wide television just coz he got his ass pinned in the middle of the ring by The Rock at WrestleMania...& that happened coz Cena decided to be a wise ass & attempt to deliver the "People's Elbow" on The Rock...Really?...Really?...Cena is a moron plain'n'simple...
(5-4) And we all can smell what the Rock is cookin'...
10) You popped when Brock Lesnar came out and F-5'ed John Cena?
Doug - FACT: I have to admit that I did get a few goosebumps as Lesnar came out on the ramp. And then he did his mannerisms and made his way to the ring to shake Cena's hand and then deliver a big time F-5. And the thrill was gone. Lesnar was a goof during his first WWE run and kind of bored the hell out of me (and that was when he had Paul Heyman as a spokesman). Now he's back and I want to be excited and positive and happy, but instead, I'm just not feeling anything. I popped for him to come out and do Cena so I had to answer "Fact", but will it make things more interesting and exciting in the WWE over the next year or so? I hope so, but to be honest, I don't think it will make any difference in the long term of things.
Russell - FACT: Sayin that I popped would be a gross under statement...I was so happy that I actually dropped the "F-Bomb" when his music played lol..."The Next Big Thing" is back in the WWE & he has his sight set on the wise ass himself, John Cena...Cena, the idiot he is, actually wanted to shake hands with Lesnar?...Really?...Really?...Cena got what he had comin when Lesnar draped that moron across his shoulders & planted him with an "F-5"...HERE COMES THE PAIN!!!!!!!
(6-4) Love him or hate him, Brock knows how to make an impact. Where's Sable at?
And there you go. We went (6-4) this week. Something about Wrestlemania just brings out all the differences in people, I guess. It was a good show and another good column in the books as well. Questions and comments, or if you'd like to join Russell and myself as part of the "Fact Or Fiction" crew, just drop me a line at Doug28352@yahoo.com and we'll see what we can do.
My thanks again to the ever-awesome Russell Jackson for his help and answers. He's so bad, he tried to bite Mike Tyson's ear off... lol. I'm Doug and I have a damn cat here wanting to play fetch, so I'm closing this up. Back next week with another edition of Fact or Fiction and who knows what else might pop up in the meantime. Keep your eyes open and see. Have a great week and we'll see you on the flip side.
Ubuntu!
Monday, April 2, 2012
Tossing Salt - Worldwide News - April 2, 2012
Tossing Salt - Worldwide News
April 2, 2012
Doug Maynard
It's now Monday (groan) and we all survived the biggest weekend of the year for fans of professional wrestling. Nope, it's not Starcade (although I wish it was). Instead, it's the triple-threat of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2012 Induction Ceremony, Wrestlemania XXVIII and Monday Night RAW Supershow.
As I write this, we're still a good ten hours away from the televised (and highly edited) Hall of Fame broadcast and RAW, but that's not going to stop me. A friend of mine who shall remain nameless dropped off a copy of Wrestlemania XXVIII for me last last night, just a few hours after the broadcast ended. I was halfway asleep, but watched most of it last night. And I'm going to do it again and just make some general commentary about the show as the DVD moves along.
And once I finish the recap and review of Wrestlemania, I want to hit briefly upon some thoughts about the WWE Hall of Fame and just list a few suggestions as to who I think should be inducted into the Hall of Fame over the next few years. I think I'll do it as a "Top Thirteen" piece. Doesn't that sound like fun? Works for me. So let's just cut out the jabber-jawing and get moving along. Let's do this...
Wrestlemania Review And Thoughts...
Lillian Garcia starts off by singing "America The Beautiful" and she does an amazing job. This is the way WWE needs to always start their big shows. We don't need any two-bit big-named singer. Lillian looks awesome and is one helluva fantastic and amazing singer and does a great job each and every time. The planes flying overhead are a great touch too and this really sets the mood for the night ahead.
Match 1: World Championship Match
Daniel Bryan w/ AJ (champ) versus Sheamus
What the hell just happened? Bryan kisses AJ and turns around into the Brogue Kick and it's over just that fast. This just royally and truly sucks! While I can see how this might be a good thing storyline wise (Bryan blames AJ for distraction), it was just a big "F-U" to all the fans and to both Bryan and Sheamus as well. Bryan is a fantastic wrestler who has really busted his ass to earn his spot. Sheamus is an up and coming workhorse for the WWE and a star on the rise. This screwed up crap-pile of a match didn't do a thing to help or elevate either man. The fans aren't happy and neither am I.
We see Team Johnny backstage and Miz is trying to hype up his teammates and telling them that they can't lose tonight. Bow-Tie Hudson brings in the bossman who compares his team and their "win" later tonight to be a Wrestlemania moment that will equal Hulk Hogan slamming Andre the Giant or Bret Hart beating Steve Austin. Johnny wants to be the GM of both RAW and Smackdown. And the "brand split" officially dies tonight with this match.
Match 2: Kane versus Randy Orton
For two of the "older guys", these two really worked well together and put on a pretty good match. I was expecting Kane to get squashed, but a choke-slam on Randy after a distraction and the "Big Red Machine" picks up the win. Suprising ending, but I'm happy for Kane.
Some backstage hijinks with Santino Marella and Mick Foley and some fisherman dude from "Deadliest Catch". Mr. Socko and The Cobra are munching on seafood as they trade banter. Nice way for Mick to get a Wrestlemania payday. I'd rather have seen him have a "Wrestlemania moment" and get involved in the Team Teddy versus Team Johnny match later, especially since he still owes Johnny Ace some payback. I wonder how long it will be before Mr. Socko and The Cobra are contending for the tag team titles? Not Mick and Santino, but just the hand puppets. Why the hell not? After all, anything can happen in the WWE and we all know that Vince hates tag teams.
Match 3: Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes versus The Big Show
It's as you'd expect. Cody puts forth a great effort and Big Show wins with the KO punch. Cody has been really good as the IC Champ for so long and Big Show doesn't need the belt or a title. I think WWE screwed up here with this match and this ending. They gave Big Show his "Wrestlemania moment", but at the expense of the IC title and Cody Rhodes. We should have had a DQ or countout finish so Show could get the win, but leaving the belt on Cody. That would have worked better in my eyes. Oh well, no sense in bitching now. A new Intercontinental Champion with the Big Show. Prediction now: Cody gets the belt back within the next month. I hope so anyhow.
It's Diva time as we get a video package showing all things Diva and how the Extra woman, Maria Menounos ended up in this match.
Match 4: Kelly Kelly and Maria Menounos versus Beth Phoenix and Eve Torres
The match is what you'd expect for a Divas match. The girls who can actually wrestle (Beth and Eve) carry Kelly and the TV star through a match and the bonus celebrity TV star ends up pinning the Divas Champion. We could have had Beth Phoenix versus Kharma or Beth versus Natayla or even Beth versus Mae Young and instead we got this. The Divas are all hot and sell the T&A, but so far as wrestling matches go, it's a total waste of time. I think I'd rather be watching Michael Cole "wrestle" Jim Ross again. Ummm.... no, I wouldn't. Forget I said that!
A new attendance record of over 78,000 fans plus we get Jim Ross out to call the next match. That's what I'm talking about. I think business is about to pick up.
Match 5: Hell In A Cell - Special Referee: Shawn Michaels
The Undertaker versus Triple H
Say what you will about these guys, but they know how to put on one helluva wrestling match. Everyone had their part to play and did their job exceptionally well Near falls galore. Chair shots and sledge-hammer blows. Forget play by play here - this was THE MATCH of the night thus far. If Undertaker can keep putting out matches like these, let him wrestle only once a year. It's worth it. This was easily HHH's best match this year as well. He and Taker have a great chemistry and when you throw HBK into the mix, it's even better. The right person won and the three-man hug at the top of the ramp after the match was just the perfect way to end the segment. If we never see HHH or Undertaker wrestle again, it'll be sad, but not that sad because with this match, they ended it just right and in a manner truly deserving of both men.
It's Hall of Fame time and we see some moments from the Induction ceremony on Saturday night. And then the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2012 comes out at the top of the rampway with Howard Finkel doing the introductions. Amazing pops for all the Inductees, but especially Edge and The Horsemen. I'm just estatic to see Barry WIndham, especially given his health problems over the past year, standing up there. This is easily the best "class" ever to be inducted into the HOF. There's not a weak link up there and they're all very well deserving.
Backstage segment with Heath Slater trying to kiss up to Flo Rida and getting his butt kicked in the process. Good to see Tyler Reks and Curt Hawkins there to get a brief moment on camera as they make fun of their friend. Been seeing more and more of Hawkins as of late. Maybe his time is finally coming. It'd be good to see both him and Reks get moved up the ladder a bit and more time on television. They deserve it.
Here come The Bella Twins to do some twin-magic ring introductions for Team Teddy and Team Johnny. It's cluster-f*ck match time.
Match 6: Team Teddy versus Team Johnny
Santino, Kofi Kingston, Zack Ryder, R-Truth, Booker T & Great Khali w/ Teddy Long, Aksana, Hornswoggle & Eve
versus
David "Bow Tie" Otunga, The Miz, Dolph Ziggler, Jack Swagger, Mark Henry & Drew McIntyre w/ John Laurinaitis & Vickie Guerrero
This match is wild and crazy and total OINGO BOINGO from the very beginning, just as we knew it would be. Everybody and their mama got involved and bodies were flying everywhere. In the end, Zack Ryder brings Eve into the ring to do the "Woo Woo Woo" on Ziggler, but gets nailed by Miz who takes down Zack for the pin and win to give Johnny Laurinaitis control of both RAW and Smackdown. Ryder looks to Eve after getting beat and Eve gives him a kick in the Woo Woo Woo's. The humiliation of Zack Ryder continues and Eve shows just what being a "hoeski" is all about. Bitch!
We see lots of video about the past week for WWE and all of the fans at the show. It's just a typical WWE "we're not ones to blow our own horns, but toot toot" video package to fill some time before we head backstage and have a Johnny Laurinaitis encounter with CM Punk. Johnny does the ass-clown GM move and tells Punk that if he gets disqualified, then the WWE Championship will change hands and Jericho will be the new Champion.
Match 7: WWE Championship Match
WWE Champion CM Punk versus Chris Jericho
Now this is what a wrestling match is all about and why CM Punk AND Chris Jericho can both arguably be called "the best in the world!". They started off slow, built the momentum and told a story as they went along and slowly drew the fans into the match. And in the end, the right man won by making Jericho tap out to the Anaconda Vice. CM Punk and Jericho set out to steal the show and guess what? They did. Awesome match and a truly great job by both guys. And Punk remains the WWE Champion.
Stupidity time as Brodus Clay comes out and says that somebody should call his mama. Ernest "The Cat" Miller is watching and is probably seething right now. We get "Mama Clay" with a big old fake ass out to dance with Brodus. And then we get a bunch of "Mama's" out with more big old fake asses to dance with Brodus. And as much as I don't like this "Funkasarus" gimmick, I have to admit, I laughed a little bit. Good spot to give the crowd a chance to catch their breath after the Punk - Jericho match. Hell, at least Brodus isn't trying to wrestle.
Lots of video and build for the Cena - Rock match is next and we even get a commerical for the new GI Joe movie. Puff Daddy or P-Diddy or Poofy Pooper or whatever the hell his name is comes out next and introduces Machine Gun Kelly, who performs the Wrestlemania 28 theme song. The fans could care less and are ready to boo him out of the building. Here comes John Cena to the ring and he's definitely NOT the favorite here tonight. If Cena wins, we riot seems to be the theme of the capacity crowd. Flo Rida is out next. Enough of this musical crap already. And finally, The Rock has come back to Miami. The crowd explodes in cheers. No doubt about who the favorite is here tonight.
Match 8: The Rock versus John Cena
All I can say about this match is that they built it up for a year and they delivered. Both Rock and Cena were on the ball and even if you're not a big fan of either guy (and I'm really not), the match was off the charts and damn good. Not as good as Punk / Jericho, but pretty damn close in it's own special way. Both men worked very hard and the match went back and forth and the crowd stayed hot every single second of the way. At the end, it really didn't matter who won the match. Wait a second - yes it did. Cena did the "You Can't See Me" and tried to be a smart-ass, going for "The People's Elbow". But instead, he ended up eating a "Rock Botton" as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson picked up the three count and the pin. Winner is "The Rock".
I didn't have much hope for this show to start with and that first match was a total travesty in my opinion. But as the night went on, it got better and better and the three main events of Taker versus HHH, Punk versus Jericho and Rock versus Cena absolutely did deliver. Was it the greatest "Wrestlemania" of all time? I won't go that far, but it was top of the line and easily the best show of the past year for not only the WWE, but all wrestling promotions. WWE can screw up so many things so often, but when the smoke clears and it comes time for the biggest event of the year, they almost always seem to turn things around and get it right in the end. And once again, they did just that. Great job and a great show!
And now, let's move on...
Airing tonight (Monday) before Monday Night RAW will be an edited version of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2012 Induction Ceremony. From what I understand, although I could be wrong, the Inductions featured on the prime-time broadcast will be those of Yokozuna, Mike Tyson and Edge. Truth be known, I'd much rather see Flair, Arn, Tully, Barry and J.J. than anyone else of the 2012 Class, but I'm suspecting that since Flair is technically a contracted employee of TNA, not having his induction on the prime time program was probably part of the deal to allow him to participate.
So tonight, we get to see a highly edited version of the Hall of Fame Inductions and then, once that finishes, we get to see RAW, live from Miami and see what kind of falllout and what surprises that the WWE has in store for us. And all of that is well and good and I'm planning on being planted in front of my televison set watching every move and listening to every word, just as probably each and every one who reads this column also will be.
But I got to thinking a bit and well, let's be honest. This year's Hall of Fame class was off the charts and extremely impressive. But as good as it was, what about those men and women who are still out there, waiting for their chance to be honored and get that moment in the sun as part of the WWE Hall of Fame? Who is still left hanging? Well, I've decided to do a "Top Thirteen" style list of who I feel should be on the priority list to be inducted over the next few years. Some of these persons will NEVER be inducted and I know that. Others might be eventually after time and tempers have calmed the waters a bit. And the rest, it's just a matter of when someone brings their names up at one of the so-called "Creative Team" meetings. I could put comments and explain why they belong in the WWE Hall of Fame, but most of these folks, it's pretty obvious and no explanation is needed. I'll just do the list and ya'll can make your own arguments as to why these folks either do or do not belong.
Top Thirteen Persons Deserving A Spot In The WWE Hall of Fame...
13) Paul Heyman
12) Bruno Sammartino
11) Bob Backlund
10) Ivan Koloff
9) The Fabulous Freebirds
8) Magnum TA
7) The Rock & Roll Express
6) The Midnight Express w/ Jim Cornette
5) Bill Eadie (Masked Superstar / Demolition Ax)
4) Madusa
3) Vader
2) Sting
1) "Macho Man" Randy Savage & Miss Elizabeth
And there you go. Most of these folks will, eventually, get that plaque and that gold ring. It's just a matter of time and when. And then there's the Midnight Express, Bill Eadie and Bruno, who all deserve the honors, but hell will freeze over before it happens. Eadie and Vince have bad blood between them. Bruno hates the WWE and what it represents these days. And The Midnight Express is affiliated with Jim Cornette, who WWE fired and kicked out of his own company. So don't expect any of those folks anytime soon.
Backlund will be accepted just as soon as he's ready and I know WWE would jump at the chance to induct Sting. Madusa seems to have mended fences with the company so that's a no-brainer eventually. And the Freebirds, The Rock & Roll Express, Vader and Magnum are just too big to be ignored. And as for Heyman, if the rumors are true about Brock Lesnar, can Paul E. be very far behind? I don't think so.
Well, that's going to do it for me for now. I have more to ramble about, but this is too long already. There will be a "Wrestling Fact or Fiction" column coming up later this week and probably another "Tossing Salt" column with thoughts about the Hall of Fame show and RAW. No promises, but I will try so keep your eyes open.
Questions and comments can be sent to Doug28352@yahoo.com. And I'm out of here. It's nap time. Have a great day and I'll catch you later. I'm Doug and that's all folks. Later...
Ubuntu!
April 2, 2012
Doug Maynard
It's now Monday (groan) and we all survived the biggest weekend of the year for fans of professional wrestling. Nope, it's not Starcade (although I wish it was). Instead, it's the triple-threat of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2012 Induction Ceremony, Wrestlemania XXVIII and Monday Night RAW Supershow.
As I write this, we're still a good ten hours away from the televised (and highly edited) Hall of Fame broadcast and RAW, but that's not going to stop me. A friend of mine who shall remain nameless dropped off a copy of Wrestlemania XXVIII for me last last night, just a few hours after the broadcast ended. I was halfway asleep, but watched most of it last night. And I'm going to do it again and just make some general commentary about the show as the DVD moves along.
And once I finish the recap and review of Wrestlemania, I want to hit briefly upon some thoughts about the WWE Hall of Fame and just list a few suggestions as to who I think should be inducted into the Hall of Fame over the next few years. I think I'll do it as a "Top Thirteen" piece. Doesn't that sound like fun? Works for me. So let's just cut out the jabber-jawing and get moving along. Let's do this...
Wrestlemania Review And Thoughts...
Lillian Garcia starts off by singing "America The Beautiful" and she does an amazing job. This is the way WWE needs to always start their big shows. We don't need any two-bit big-named singer. Lillian looks awesome and is one helluva fantastic and amazing singer and does a great job each and every time. The planes flying overhead are a great touch too and this really sets the mood for the night ahead.
Match 1: World Championship Match
Daniel Bryan w/ AJ (champ) versus Sheamus
What the hell just happened? Bryan kisses AJ and turns around into the Brogue Kick and it's over just that fast. This just royally and truly sucks! While I can see how this might be a good thing storyline wise (Bryan blames AJ for distraction), it was just a big "F-U" to all the fans and to both Bryan and Sheamus as well. Bryan is a fantastic wrestler who has really busted his ass to earn his spot. Sheamus is an up and coming workhorse for the WWE and a star on the rise. This screwed up crap-pile of a match didn't do a thing to help or elevate either man. The fans aren't happy and neither am I.
We see Team Johnny backstage and Miz is trying to hype up his teammates and telling them that they can't lose tonight. Bow-Tie Hudson brings in the bossman who compares his team and their "win" later tonight to be a Wrestlemania moment that will equal Hulk Hogan slamming Andre the Giant or Bret Hart beating Steve Austin. Johnny wants to be the GM of both RAW and Smackdown. And the "brand split" officially dies tonight with this match.
Match 2: Kane versus Randy Orton
For two of the "older guys", these two really worked well together and put on a pretty good match. I was expecting Kane to get squashed, but a choke-slam on Randy after a distraction and the "Big Red Machine" picks up the win. Suprising ending, but I'm happy for Kane.
Some backstage hijinks with Santino Marella and Mick Foley and some fisherman dude from "Deadliest Catch". Mr. Socko and The Cobra are munching on seafood as they trade banter. Nice way for Mick to get a Wrestlemania payday. I'd rather have seen him have a "Wrestlemania moment" and get involved in the Team Teddy versus Team Johnny match later, especially since he still owes Johnny Ace some payback. I wonder how long it will be before Mr. Socko and The Cobra are contending for the tag team titles? Not Mick and Santino, but just the hand puppets. Why the hell not? After all, anything can happen in the WWE and we all know that Vince hates tag teams.
Match 3: Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes versus The Big Show
It's as you'd expect. Cody puts forth a great effort and Big Show wins with the KO punch. Cody has been really good as the IC Champ for so long and Big Show doesn't need the belt or a title. I think WWE screwed up here with this match and this ending. They gave Big Show his "Wrestlemania moment", but at the expense of the IC title and Cody Rhodes. We should have had a DQ or countout finish so Show could get the win, but leaving the belt on Cody. That would have worked better in my eyes. Oh well, no sense in bitching now. A new Intercontinental Champion with the Big Show. Prediction now: Cody gets the belt back within the next month. I hope so anyhow.
It's Diva time as we get a video package showing all things Diva and how the Extra woman, Maria Menounos ended up in this match.
Match 4: Kelly Kelly and Maria Menounos versus Beth Phoenix and Eve Torres
The match is what you'd expect for a Divas match. The girls who can actually wrestle (Beth and Eve) carry Kelly and the TV star through a match and the bonus celebrity TV star ends up pinning the Divas Champion. We could have had Beth Phoenix versus Kharma or Beth versus Natayla or even Beth versus Mae Young and instead we got this. The Divas are all hot and sell the T&A, but so far as wrestling matches go, it's a total waste of time. I think I'd rather be watching Michael Cole "wrestle" Jim Ross again. Ummm.... no, I wouldn't. Forget I said that!
A new attendance record of over 78,000 fans plus we get Jim Ross out to call the next match. That's what I'm talking about. I think business is about to pick up.
Match 5: Hell In A Cell - Special Referee: Shawn Michaels
The Undertaker versus Triple H
Say what you will about these guys, but they know how to put on one helluva wrestling match. Everyone had their part to play and did their job exceptionally well Near falls galore. Chair shots and sledge-hammer blows. Forget play by play here - this was THE MATCH of the night thus far. If Undertaker can keep putting out matches like these, let him wrestle only once a year. It's worth it. This was easily HHH's best match this year as well. He and Taker have a great chemistry and when you throw HBK into the mix, it's even better. The right person won and the three-man hug at the top of the ramp after the match was just the perfect way to end the segment. If we never see HHH or Undertaker wrestle again, it'll be sad, but not that sad because with this match, they ended it just right and in a manner truly deserving of both men.
It's Hall of Fame time and we see some moments from the Induction ceremony on Saturday night. And then the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2012 comes out at the top of the rampway with Howard Finkel doing the introductions. Amazing pops for all the Inductees, but especially Edge and The Horsemen. I'm just estatic to see Barry WIndham, especially given his health problems over the past year, standing up there. This is easily the best "class" ever to be inducted into the HOF. There's not a weak link up there and they're all very well deserving.
Backstage segment with Heath Slater trying to kiss up to Flo Rida and getting his butt kicked in the process. Good to see Tyler Reks and Curt Hawkins there to get a brief moment on camera as they make fun of their friend. Been seeing more and more of Hawkins as of late. Maybe his time is finally coming. It'd be good to see both him and Reks get moved up the ladder a bit and more time on television. They deserve it.
Here come The Bella Twins to do some twin-magic ring introductions for Team Teddy and Team Johnny. It's cluster-f*ck match time.
Match 6: Team Teddy versus Team Johnny
Santino, Kofi Kingston, Zack Ryder, R-Truth, Booker T & Great Khali w/ Teddy Long, Aksana, Hornswoggle & Eve
versus
David "Bow Tie" Otunga, The Miz, Dolph Ziggler, Jack Swagger, Mark Henry & Drew McIntyre w/ John Laurinaitis & Vickie Guerrero
This match is wild and crazy and total OINGO BOINGO from the very beginning, just as we knew it would be. Everybody and their mama got involved and bodies were flying everywhere. In the end, Zack Ryder brings Eve into the ring to do the "Woo Woo Woo" on Ziggler, but gets nailed by Miz who takes down Zack for the pin and win to give Johnny Laurinaitis control of both RAW and Smackdown. Ryder looks to Eve after getting beat and Eve gives him a kick in the Woo Woo Woo's. The humiliation of Zack Ryder continues and Eve shows just what being a "hoeski" is all about. Bitch!
We see lots of video about the past week for WWE and all of the fans at the show. It's just a typical WWE "we're not ones to blow our own horns, but toot toot" video package to fill some time before we head backstage and have a Johnny Laurinaitis encounter with CM Punk. Johnny does the ass-clown GM move and tells Punk that if he gets disqualified, then the WWE Championship will change hands and Jericho will be the new Champion.
Match 7: WWE Championship Match
WWE Champion CM Punk versus Chris Jericho
Now this is what a wrestling match is all about and why CM Punk AND Chris Jericho can both arguably be called "the best in the world!". They started off slow, built the momentum and told a story as they went along and slowly drew the fans into the match. And in the end, the right man won by making Jericho tap out to the Anaconda Vice. CM Punk and Jericho set out to steal the show and guess what? They did. Awesome match and a truly great job by both guys. And Punk remains the WWE Champion.
Stupidity time as Brodus Clay comes out and says that somebody should call his mama. Ernest "The Cat" Miller is watching and is probably seething right now. We get "Mama Clay" with a big old fake ass out to dance with Brodus. And then we get a bunch of "Mama's" out with more big old fake asses to dance with Brodus. And as much as I don't like this "Funkasarus" gimmick, I have to admit, I laughed a little bit. Good spot to give the crowd a chance to catch their breath after the Punk - Jericho match. Hell, at least Brodus isn't trying to wrestle.
Lots of video and build for the Cena - Rock match is next and we even get a commerical for the new GI Joe movie. Puff Daddy or P-Diddy or Poofy Pooper or whatever the hell his name is comes out next and introduces Machine Gun Kelly, who performs the Wrestlemania 28 theme song. The fans could care less and are ready to boo him out of the building. Here comes John Cena to the ring and he's definitely NOT the favorite here tonight. If Cena wins, we riot seems to be the theme of the capacity crowd. Flo Rida is out next. Enough of this musical crap already. And finally, The Rock has come back to Miami. The crowd explodes in cheers. No doubt about who the favorite is here tonight.
Match 8: The Rock versus John Cena
All I can say about this match is that they built it up for a year and they delivered. Both Rock and Cena were on the ball and even if you're not a big fan of either guy (and I'm really not), the match was off the charts and damn good. Not as good as Punk / Jericho, but pretty damn close in it's own special way. Both men worked very hard and the match went back and forth and the crowd stayed hot every single second of the way. At the end, it really didn't matter who won the match. Wait a second - yes it did. Cena did the "You Can't See Me" and tried to be a smart-ass, going for "The People's Elbow". But instead, he ended up eating a "Rock Botton" as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson picked up the three count and the pin. Winner is "The Rock".
I didn't have much hope for this show to start with and that first match was a total travesty in my opinion. But as the night went on, it got better and better and the three main events of Taker versus HHH, Punk versus Jericho and Rock versus Cena absolutely did deliver. Was it the greatest "Wrestlemania" of all time? I won't go that far, but it was top of the line and easily the best show of the past year for not only the WWE, but all wrestling promotions. WWE can screw up so many things so often, but when the smoke clears and it comes time for the biggest event of the year, they almost always seem to turn things around and get it right in the end. And once again, they did just that. Great job and a great show!
And now, let's move on...
Airing tonight (Monday) before Monday Night RAW will be an edited version of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2012 Induction Ceremony. From what I understand, although I could be wrong, the Inductions featured on the prime-time broadcast will be those of Yokozuna, Mike Tyson and Edge. Truth be known, I'd much rather see Flair, Arn, Tully, Barry and J.J. than anyone else of the 2012 Class, but I'm suspecting that since Flair is technically a contracted employee of TNA, not having his induction on the prime time program was probably part of the deal to allow him to participate.
So tonight, we get to see a highly edited version of the Hall of Fame Inductions and then, once that finishes, we get to see RAW, live from Miami and see what kind of falllout and what surprises that the WWE has in store for us. And all of that is well and good and I'm planning on being planted in front of my televison set watching every move and listening to every word, just as probably each and every one who reads this column also will be.
But I got to thinking a bit and well, let's be honest. This year's Hall of Fame class was off the charts and extremely impressive. But as good as it was, what about those men and women who are still out there, waiting for their chance to be honored and get that moment in the sun as part of the WWE Hall of Fame? Who is still left hanging? Well, I've decided to do a "Top Thirteen" style list of who I feel should be on the priority list to be inducted over the next few years. Some of these persons will NEVER be inducted and I know that. Others might be eventually after time and tempers have calmed the waters a bit. And the rest, it's just a matter of when someone brings their names up at one of the so-called "Creative Team" meetings. I could put comments and explain why they belong in the WWE Hall of Fame, but most of these folks, it's pretty obvious and no explanation is needed. I'll just do the list and ya'll can make your own arguments as to why these folks either do or do not belong.
Top Thirteen Persons Deserving A Spot In The WWE Hall of Fame...
13) Paul Heyman
12) Bruno Sammartino
11) Bob Backlund
10) Ivan Koloff
9) The Fabulous Freebirds
8) Magnum TA
7) The Rock & Roll Express
6) The Midnight Express w/ Jim Cornette
5) Bill Eadie (Masked Superstar / Demolition Ax)
4) Madusa
3) Vader
2) Sting
1) "Macho Man" Randy Savage & Miss Elizabeth
And there you go. Most of these folks will, eventually, get that plaque and that gold ring. It's just a matter of time and when. And then there's the Midnight Express, Bill Eadie and Bruno, who all deserve the honors, but hell will freeze over before it happens. Eadie and Vince have bad blood between them. Bruno hates the WWE and what it represents these days. And The Midnight Express is affiliated with Jim Cornette, who WWE fired and kicked out of his own company. So don't expect any of those folks anytime soon.
Backlund will be accepted just as soon as he's ready and I know WWE would jump at the chance to induct Sting. Madusa seems to have mended fences with the company so that's a no-brainer eventually. And the Freebirds, The Rock & Roll Express, Vader and Magnum are just too big to be ignored. And as for Heyman, if the rumors are true about Brock Lesnar, can Paul E. be very far behind? I don't think so.
Well, that's going to do it for me for now. I have more to ramble about, but this is too long already. There will be a "Wrestling Fact or Fiction" column coming up later this week and probably another "Tossing Salt" column with thoughts about the Hall of Fame show and RAW. No promises, but I will try so keep your eyes open.
Questions and comments can be sent to Doug28352@yahoo.com. And I'm out of here. It's nap time. Have a great day and I'll catch you later. I'm Doug and that's all folks. Later...
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