Chad Vader
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Chad Vader Episode 2
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Chad Vader Episode 3
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Chad Vader Episode 4
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Chad Vader Episode 5 (Holiday Special)
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Chad Vader Episode 6
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Chad Does Rifftrax
Episode 7
Chad Blog #1
Chad Blog #2
Chad Blog #3
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Will Ferrel is the Man...Freaking Hilarious
You gotta love Will Ferrel, from his first skit on Saturday Night Live ("I'm going to punch you in the FACE if you don't get off the shed!")to Frank the Tank in "Old School" (I never did care for "Taladega Nights") This guy is pure comedic genius and these two videos just further along that theory.
Monday, June 25, 2007
R.I.P. Chris Benoit & Sherri Martel
When I was watching Hannity & Colmes on the FOX News channel and I saw the ticker at the bottom of the screen say "professional wrestler Chris Benoit found dead with wife and son in Georgia home" I couldn't believe it. Two years ago, Eddie Guerrero died to me and the rest of the wrestling world's shock and surprise, now Benoit is gone. Apparently he killed his wife, Nancy ("Woman" of WCW fame) and their 7-year-old son, Daniel. Early reports are that Benoit poisoned them; his wife on Saturday, his son on Sunday and then he killed himself, early Monday morning.
I remember first seeing Benoit in Stampede Wrestling from Calgary, thinking that this guy is gonna be huge. Well, it only took 20 years,but he finally became a world champion at WrestleMania XX, defeating triple H and Shawn Michaels in a triple-threat match in the main event, the first time the "rabid wolverine" had ever headlined the Super Bowl of pro wrestling.
Benoit was without a doubt one of the top 5 technical wrestlers ever to step inside the squared circle and was one of two of THE best mat technicians in the last 10 years, the other being Kurt Angle. This is really unfortunate. On one hand Benoit entertained us for some 20-odd years with his superior skills and really gave the sport some real legitimacy. On the other hand, if all these reports that are coming out are true, then he was a psycho. We can't take away his in-ring legacy, but at the same time, how can you possibly escuse this? He just had to have snapped.
Although it's been two years since a major wrestling star has died, every time it happens I think that they're dropping like flies. Like everything else, these things always seem to happen in three's. This brings me to "Sensational" Sherri Martel. I didn't even know Martel had passed until I was surfing the net, trying to find more information on Benoit. I had no idea. She is another performer who has died from an overdose. At this time I have no idea from what. She had just been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006, an honor I questioned at first, but then I remembered how she used to annoy the hell out of me, showing how good she really was. Plus she did play an integral part in the rise to stardom of Shawn Michaels.
Two great talents dying just a few days apart, unbelievable. But, like I said, these things come in three's, so unfortunately, I'm still waiting for the other shoe to drop.
UPDATE: Apparently, Benoit strangled his wife, smothered his son, then hanged himself.
Here's a preliminary report from the Citizen. And some more from Breitbart.com/AP
More info from a couple of emails sent to me:
The Associated Press is reporting that Chris Benoit is believed to have strangled his wife Nancy and smothered his son Daniel before hanging himself, citing a source close to the investigation.
Fayette County District Attorney Scott Ballard told The Associates Press that they are investigating what role, if any, steroids may have played in the incident, i.e "roid rage".
NANCY BENOIT FILED FOR DIVORCE IN 2003; CITED DOMESTIC ABUSE
By: Bob Ryder
6/26/2007 12:54:44 PM
Nancy Benoit filed for divorce in May 2003 and claimed domestic abuse in her court filings. A petition seeking protection from domestic abuse said she was intimidated by threats of violence from her husband Chris Benoit.
A restraining order was issued on May 12, 2003 against Chris Benoit that barred him from the couple's then residence in Peachtree City. On August 19, 2003, Nancy Benoit filed to dismiss the divorce petition as well as the protective restraining order.
Friends close to the couple tell us that they had a very rocky relationship and would often have "blowups" that would lead to Chris Benoit leaving for a day or so to "cool off".
Sorry, I don't have the original source.
Another thing I'm wondering is, normally any performer that has an untimely passing is posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame the very next year, or when the next ceremony is held, such as in the case of Eddie Guerrero and Curt Hennig. However, due to the extenuating circumstances of his death (and that of his family) will he be eligible. As I much as I respected Benoit's ability in the ring, I'd have to say no. Even if it wasn't his "fault" due to his head not being right, because of this so-called "roid-rage". He shouldn't have been on the drug in the first place. But I'll bet dollars to donuts, he does get the nod.
More information here and here.
If it wasn't "roid rage" and given the "deliberation" as stated in the latter article, then his actions surely cannot be defended. Not that they could or should be anyways.
UPDATE: It's looking more and more like this guy was just another paranoid, domestic abuser. In short, he just may have been another piece of crap. It looks like the WWE concurs, as more information comes out, they're distancing themselves from this guy as much as possible, as they've removed any all "tributes" to him from their website along with all merchandise adorned with his likeness and rightfully so. Even Vince McMahon said that last night's taping of Smackdown! and ECW would make no mention of Benoit's name. Remember what I said about his Hall of Fame induction...well, forget that.
UPDATE: From the WWE website
Here's one final UPDATE until the official word is known. An interview with Bret Hart
And until we know all there is to know, here's the final word on the subject:
Sunday, June 10, 2007
The Sopranos
So I just saw the series finale of The Sopranos, everybody's favourite mob family from New Jersey. If you haven't seen it (and if you haven't, you're most likely not a fan of the show, so you won't care for the rest of this anyway) I won't give away anything important like who got whacked and things like that, but I am going to spoil the ending a bit by saying the show ended much like the ending of last season. I was disappointed. That's it, figure it out from there yourself. Jut one question, though...what was with the cat?
Oh wait. Maybe you should see this first. It might catch you up a bit on what's been going on since Season One, if you can follow it.
Got it now? Ok, moving on...
Besides the last episode, I was surprised that Paulie Walnuts wasn't killed by Tony a few episodes back when they were on that fishing boat, especially when Paulie had flashbacks about he and Tony whacking Big Pussy in the same fashion. And did anybody and I mean anybody see Christopher's demise come in that way? And such non-chalantly (sp?) on Tony's part.
I think there's only one scene that still sticks with me. That's the episode a couple of seasons back entitled, "Long Term Parking" in which Sil whacks Adriana in the woods. I liked the character, plus she was kind of hot.
So, there goes the arguably the best drama that television has created in...well, ever. I do believe, however that there is still a lot of loose ends to tie up and the rumor is there might just be a movie in the offing. Although this is just a rumor and will remain one, because of James Gandolfini's getting away from the character and being type-cast. Although, honestly when you see Gandolfini in any role, do you think of any other character other than Tony Soprano? I mean everything from the hit man in "The Mexican" with Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt to the Colonel in "The Last Fortress" with Robert Redford, all I can think of when I see him is Tony Soprano. Sorry James. The same can be said about Carmella (Edie Falco)
Where do the actors go from here? Well, Jamie-Lynn Sigler (Meadow) is young enough to find and get involved in other roles and characters, as in the Broadway or other stage roles she has done. Robert Iler (A.J.) may not be as lucky. I mean, he has had a couple of roles since the shows inception, but even after all the critical success of the show since 1999, he's still getting "unnamed" roles, such as in 2003's "Daredevil" with the unforgettable Ben Affleck in which he played "Bully #1". Good luck Rob.
It may another 10-15 years before we see a show of this calibre, so try and enjoy what you get.
UPDATE:
Well, I've been around the net for a couple of hours now and since everybody else has let the proverbial cat out of the bag, I shall do the same.
Phil Leatardo (the NY boss) is killed and his head run over by his run away SUV while his wife looks on as do witnesses that begin to vomit seeing Phil's head popped like a pimple.
That's about all that happens that is of any interest, except for the non-ending ending (I'll get to that in a second) and Paulie refusing, then eventually accepting a promotion from Tony based on the fact everyone that headed the job, died "prematurely". Plus the strange fascination/hatred of Paulie's towards a orange tabby-cat that Tony takes an instant liking to. The weird part is that the cat is always staring at a picture of the departed Christopher.
As for the ending itself, well some may say it was perfect in it's ambiguity that has become the show's trademark of originality. Others will no doubt (like myself) will throw their hands up in disbelief, thinking this is the absolute worst time for the cable to go out. It didn't, creator David Chase decided to actually be quite artistic and original, yet again. In short, I believe Tony Soprano is dead.
If you have seen the episode, you'll know that the family met at a diner in the final scene. At first, it's Tony by himself, waiting for the others to arrive. Then Carmella arrives, shortly after that, A.J. shows up. In the meantime, other patrons of the restaurant appear to be ominous themselves, wherein Chase allows our imaginations to go wild in theorizing who is the hitman? Although we don't actually see Tony die, as I've said, I believe he does. Others agree with this scenario. I believe the very last shot or view, is from Tony's perspective. You see, before his family arrives, Tony is mulling over the table-top jukebox and looking up at the door to see who is entering every time the bell above the door jingles. When it does, we are shown Tony's perspective of what he sees. This is done about four or five times before a nefarious-looking man is seen coming in just before A.J. and sits at the counter, every once in a while peering over at Tony and his family seated in their booth. The man (that some may have recognized as Journey front-man, Steve Perry (as it was that band's song, "Don't Stop Believing" that was playing on the jukebox) goes to the bathroom before some very tense moments.
When Meadow finally walks in the diner after several failed attempts at parallel parking, once again we see Tony look up, and the perspective is once again his. At this exact moment, the screen goes black and totally silent. After about five or six seconds (at which point half the countries of both the U.S. and Canada did pretty much what I did-sitting in silence and disbelief at this crappy ending) the credits role (with no music for the first time) This is where I believe Tony is shot by the guy coming back from the bathroom-in the head. The end.
UPDATE: Since I've had a few hours to think about it, this may be one of the greatest finishes to a television series ever. I know, I know, that's a pretty radical change of opinion. But if you really think about my theory of perspective, the ending is pretty cool. Does Carmella and A.J. buy it too? Maybe. That we will never know. Does Meadow witness the slaughter of her entire family? Who knows? But I'm betting she at least saw her father perish.
One last thing. Did anybody else notice the other people in the diner? I mean really notice? Well, if you have been paying attention the last couple of seasons, you may have noticed that, as with the aforementioned "guy at the counter" there were a few other cameos. The boy scouts were in the store when Bobby got whacked, the two black guys that came in looking at what I assumed was the dessert case, were the same two guys that tried to whack Tony, clipping his ear and the truck driver, I believe was the brother of a guy that Christopher had killed.
Bet you didn't see that did you?
Then again, maybe Chase didn't want us to see the REAL ending for a reason. Maybe there was something a bit more nefarious going on...
Oh wait. Maybe you should see this first. It might catch you up a bit on what's been going on since Season One, if you can follow it.
Got it now? Ok, moving on...
Besides the last episode, I was surprised that Paulie Walnuts wasn't killed by Tony a few episodes back when they were on that fishing boat, especially when Paulie had flashbacks about he and Tony whacking Big Pussy in the same fashion. And did anybody and I mean anybody see Christopher's demise come in that way? And such non-chalantly (sp?) on Tony's part.
I think there's only one scene that still sticks with me. That's the episode a couple of seasons back entitled, "Long Term Parking" in which Sil whacks Adriana in the woods. I liked the character, plus she was kind of hot.
So, there goes the arguably the best drama that television has created in...well, ever. I do believe, however that there is still a lot of loose ends to tie up and the rumor is there might just be a movie in the offing. Although this is just a rumor and will remain one, because of James Gandolfini's getting away from the character and being type-cast. Although, honestly when you see Gandolfini in any role, do you think of any other character other than Tony Soprano? I mean everything from the hit man in "The Mexican" with Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt to the Colonel in "The Last Fortress" with Robert Redford, all I can think of when I see him is Tony Soprano. Sorry James. The same can be said about Carmella (Edie Falco)
Where do the actors go from here? Well, Jamie-Lynn Sigler (Meadow) is young enough to find and get involved in other roles and characters, as in the Broadway or other stage roles she has done. Robert Iler (A.J.) may not be as lucky. I mean, he has had a couple of roles since the shows inception, but even after all the critical success of the show since 1999, he's still getting "unnamed" roles, such as in 2003's "Daredevil" with the unforgettable Ben Affleck in which he played "Bully #1". Good luck Rob.
It may another 10-15 years before we see a show of this calibre, so try and enjoy what you get.
UPDATE:
Well, I've been around the net for a couple of hours now and since everybody else has let the proverbial cat out of the bag, I shall do the same.
Phil Leatardo (the NY boss) is killed and his head run over by his run away SUV while his wife looks on as do witnesses that begin to vomit seeing Phil's head popped like a pimple.
That's about all that happens that is of any interest, except for the non-ending ending (I'll get to that in a second) and Paulie refusing, then eventually accepting a promotion from Tony based on the fact everyone that headed the job, died "prematurely". Plus the strange fascination/hatred of Paulie's towards a orange tabby-cat that Tony takes an instant liking to. The weird part is that the cat is always staring at a picture of the departed Christopher.
As for the ending itself, well some may say it was perfect in it's ambiguity that has become the show's trademark of originality. Others will no doubt (like myself) will throw their hands up in disbelief, thinking this is the absolute worst time for the cable to go out. It didn't, creator David Chase decided to actually be quite artistic and original, yet again. In short, I believe Tony Soprano is dead.
If you have seen the episode, you'll know that the family met at a diner in the final scene. At first, it's Tony by himself, waiting for the others to arrive. Then Carmella arrives, shortly after that, A.J. shows up. In the meantime, other patrons of the restaurant appear to be ominous themselves, wherein Chase allows our imaginations to go wild in theorizing who is the hitman? Although we don't actually see Tony die, as I've said, I believe he does. Others agree with this scenario. I believe the very last shot or view, is from Tony's perspective. You see, before his family arrives, Tony is mulling over the table-top jukebox and looking up at the door to see who is entering every time the bell above the door jingles. When it does, we are shown Tony's perspective of what he sees. This is done about four or five times before a nefarious-looking man is seen coming in just before A.J. and sits at the counter, every once in a while peering over at Tony and his family seated in their booth. The man (that some may have recognized as Journey front-man, Steve Perry (as it was that band's song, "Don't Stop Believing" that was playing on the jukebox) goes to the bathroom before some very tense moments.
When Meadow finally walks in the diner after several failed attempts at parallel parking, once again we see Tony look up, and the perspective is once again his. At this exact moment, the screen goes black and totally silent. After about five or six seconds (at which point half the countries of both the U.S. and Canada did pretty much what I did-sitting in silence and disbelief at this crappy ending) the credits role (with no music for the first time) This is where I believe Tony is shot by the guy coming back from the bathroom-in the head. The end.
UPDATE: Since I've had a few hours to think about it, this may be one of the greatest finishes to a television series ever. I know, I know, that's a pretty radical change of opinion. But if you really think about my theory of perspective, the ending is pretty cool. Does Carmella and A.J. buy it too? Maybe. That we will never know. Does Meadow witness the slaughter of her entire family? Who knows? But I'm betting she at least saw her father perish.
One last thing. Did anybody else notice the other people in the diner? I mean really notice? Well, if you have been paying attention the last couple of seasons, you may have noticed that, as with the aforementioned "guy at the counter" there were a few other cameos. The boy scouts were in the store when Bobby got whacked, the two black guys that came in looking at what I assumed was the dessert case, were the same two guys that tried to whack Tony, clipping his ear and the truck driver, I believe was the brother of a guy that Christopher had killed.
Bet you didn't see that did you?
Then again, maybe Chase didn't want us to see the REAL ending for a reason. Maybe there was something a bit more nefarious going on...
300
Ok, ok, I know. This film has been in release for about, what, three months now? But, in my defence, I didn't see it until about month ago. Again, I know I should have "critiqued" it then, but I'm not a film critic by any means, plus I'm lazy. Anywho, this flick was great. It deserves all the fanfare it received along with the critical and box office success it has garnered. The only problems it had was that perhaps there was too much CGI technology involved. A few actual sets would have been better. Don't get me wrong, the world that the films special effects team created was awe-inspiring and all that, it's just that...check out "The Fall of the Roman Empire" (1964) and you'll see what I mean about the use of actual sets and locations along with use of real people as extras. I also didn't care much for the computer-generated blood, but that can be forgiven.
Also, it was not entirely historically accurate. I know, a historical epic not being historically accurate, from Hollywood? The dickens you say. There were a few moments and people that simply did not happen. For one, at the end of the movie, there were no 10, 000 Spartans that avenged Leonidas, rushing toward the Persians after the Battle of Thermopylae. The Spartan army defended Sparta, they never left the city. Xerxes never invaded. If you want a more accurate recreation of the battle, go out and rent "300 Spartans" (1962) And this whole "real world" stuff about how Iranians (the Persians) of today are up in arms about how the film depicts them as weak or callous and the filmakers as rascist; um, folks, check your history, they were. However, they also have a undisputed, rightful claim of contributing to civilization, i.e. the alphabet, medical practices and the advent of utensils. Up until then Anglo Saxons (early Europeans) were barbarians and ate with their hands (not to mention, not washing up before and after meals; another trick we got from the Persians)
But let us not confuse the Persians of then with the nutcases that are over there now. And I mean the real nutbags.
Overall, I think the performances were good (I especially enjoyed the portrayal of King Leonidas "There's no reason why we can't be civil" and Queen Gorgo "Because only Spartan women give birth to REAL men" played by Gerard Butler and Lena Headey) and the action is outright awesome.
Monday, April 2, 2007
WrestleMania Recap
O.k, before I begin, I want to be clear that I am not going to talk about every match last night, for the simple reason that these unmentionables are just that. I mean, the WWE Tag Team champions, Paul London & Brian Kendrick don't get a match (I would have put them against ex-champs, MNM) and Ric Flair and Carlito are not just curtain-jerkers, but only get a dark match? (they beat Chavo Guererro & Gregory Helms in a tag team Lumber-Jack match) Not to fear though, Kane and Khali really saved the day, huh?
Speaking of the tag champs, do you realize that this was the first time that the tag titles--either the WWE straps or the World Tag titles (the real tag titles) --were not defended at WrestleMania? Yeah, I know, it blows my mind too. Also, where was the Cruiserweight title match? I mean, c'mon, this IS WrestleMania after all.
So anyways, which matches rocked and which flopped?
- "Money in the Bank" was great even if it wasn't as good as last year and in no way, shape or form should it have opened the show. But it's official, Jeff Hardy is insane. If you happened to catch the PPV on T.V. it did not do that leap off of the ladder onto Edge any justice. You had to see that live. Now I have at least a smidgen of an idea of what people felt when Mick Foley took that dive off of the Hell in the Cell. Kennedy winning the match was great. To be honest, I generally don't watch SMACKDOWN! all that much (although it has gotten better recently) so I don't really have a complete handle on his character, but I'm really starting to dig Kennedy. His promo after the match was cool, too. The inclusion of Hornswoggle (nee Lil' Bastard) was funny, if not predictable. Poor little guy couldn't reach the briefcase even standing atop the biggest ladder in the building. Randy Orton was pretty much invisable in this match.
-Kane v.s. Khali sucked and was a waste of time (and part of my money) 'Nuff said.
-Chris Benoit v.s. MVP (U.S. Title match) Now I dig Chris Benoit, I always have ever since his Stampede days in Calgary, so I'm not blaming him, but who the hell is Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) and why did he deserve a shot at one of the most prestigious titles in American wrestling history? Again, not one of my favourite matches, but with my opinion on who should have been in the match aside, it was alright.
-The Undertaker v.s. Batista Definately one of the best matches on the card and arguably THE best. Both men were in top form and beat the hell out of each other. I think it lived up to the hype, but most asuredly not to Batista's prediction. In case you didn't hear, he said that the match would rival Savage/Steamboat of WMIII. Sorry Dave, not even close. The false finishes and reversals were great. Oh, and before I forget, there was a between match skit that had Cryme Tyme dancing with the ECW dancers (and just let me say that I agree with a sign I saw at the SMACKDOWN! before MANIA: ECW DOESN'T NEED NITRO GIRLS!!!) A few legends and/or WWE alumni showed up for it, including Ricky"The Dragon" Steamboat, Irwin R. Schister, Ted Dibiase, Dusty Rhodes, and Farooq (Ron Simmons) DAMN!
-ECW Originals v.s. The New Breed Another disapointing one. I mean, Sabu, Tommy Dreamer, Sandman and RVD teaming up and no blood? Was this an ECW match or Romper Room? I really expected more out of this match. I know, I know, ECW is truly dead anyway.
-Battle of the Billionaires (Hair v.s. Hair match) Now this was cool. Umaga and Bobby Lashley were in top form, Steve Austin was...well, Steve Austin. Even Trump seemed to have fun as he (crappily) clotheslined McMahon and put some knuckles to his head. Lashley won and McMahon tried to sneak out, defaulting on the deal. In the words of Stone Cold, UH-UH! Lashley chased him down, carried him back and threw him into the ring into the waiting arms of Austin, who happily held him down while Trump gleefully shaved his head. Even Lashley got in on it, lathering up the boss's head with shaving cream before McMahon was bicked smooth. It was truly priceless and one of the best moments of the night, if not the year. Was anyone really surprised when Austin stunned Trump? DTA Donald. DTA.
-Melina v.s. Ashley (Women's Title) This was a "Lumberjill" match with all the WWE Divas at ringside. I was glad to see Victoria there, if not utilized. OHH, Victoria (Homer drool) This one lasted all of about 10 minutes before Melina retained her title.
MAIN EVENT:
John Cena v.s. Shawn Michaels (WWE Title) In my opinion, this was the night's best match. I'm apparently in the minority in that opinion, but I stick by it. Both Cena and Michaels brought the house down and like the Taker/Batista match, there were plenty of false finishes and reversals as Michaels reversed the FU twice and Cena avoided Sweet Chin Music a couple of times. Michaels did get in his one of a kind elbow drop (unless you've seen TNA's "Showtime" Eric Young in action) and Cena did manage to execute the FU, but Michaels was able to kick out. Michaels even was able to get to the ropes when he got caught in the STFU once. Once. In the end he had to tap out to Cena's submission move and the champ is still the champ. Now, what becomes of the World Tag Team titles? Well, it appears I've asked this to late. As of this writing RAW has already taken place in Dayton, OH and The Hardy Boyz have won the straps. I don't exactly know how. I'm presuming in a tag-team battle royal.
Anyways, I know I've indicated that I was disapointed in the evening's events. Far from it. It's not just the matches themselves that make up the WrestleMania experience, it's everything from the Hall of Fame ceremonies (which was also very cool) to Fan Access to WM itself; including the sights, sounds and crowd interactions. Except of course, the idiots ahead of us that wouldn't keep their signs and flags down and the bigger idiots behind us that were drunk, loud and just totally FREAKIN' STUPID!!
Look, I've worked for a couple of indie promotions for the better part of seven years now, I've met a few legends (Bret Hart, Paul Orndorff, Ted DiBiase,Mick Foley, etc) so I consider myself kind of schooled in the business (at least in the PR and media aspect of it) and repeating the phrase "Nice spot" over and over, especially when there wasn't any happening really shows your ignorance. You're not a "smark"you're not even a real fan of the sport I love when you show up at the biggest show of the year drunk from the get-go. So please, stay home next time.
One more thing. Damn, I wish we could have gotten one of those take-home chairs that were offered to people that paid $750 or more for their seats. I kid you not, I was just two rows away from getting one. Of course, I wasn't about to pay an extra $500 for about four feet of real estate.
But overall, I finally got to be at a WrestleMania and I'm damn glad I did.
A very special thanks goes out to my friend Holly, her dad, Jim and to the WWE's Mark Yeaton for the opportunity. I guess I can throw Ryan in there, too. Don't worry, he knows who he is.
And in case I didn't mention this before...WrestleMania, baby! WOO-HOO!!!
Hmm. I guess I did mention every match. Oops, oh, well.
Speaking of the tag champs, do you realize that this was the first time that the tag titles--either the WWE straps or the World Tag titles (the real tag titles) --were not defended at WrestleMania? Yeah, I know, it blows my mind too. Also, where was the Cruiserweight title match? I mean, c'mon, this IS WrestleMania after all.
So anyways, which matches rocked and which flopped?
- "Money in the Bank" was great even if it wasn't as good as last year and in no way, shape or form should it have opened the show. But it's official, Jeff Hardy is insane. If you happened to catch the PPV on T.V. it did not do that leap off of the ladder onto Edge any justice. You had to see that live. Now I have at least a smidgen of an idea of what people felt when Mick Foley took that dive off of the Hell in the Cell. Kennedy winning the match was great. To be honest, I generally don't watch SMACKDOWN! all that much (although it has gotten better recently) so I don't really have a complete handle on his character, but I'm really starting to dig Kennedy. His promo after the match was cool, too. The inclusion of Hornswoggle (nee Lil' Bastard) was funny, if not predictable. Poor little guy couldn't reach the briefcase even standing atop the biggest ladder in the building. Randy Orton was pretty much invisable in this match.
-Kane v.s. Khali sucked and was a waste of time (and part of my money) 'Nuff said.
-Chris Benoit v.s. MVP (U.S. Title match) Now I dig Chris Benoit, I always have ever since his Stampede days in Calgary, so I'm not blaming him, but who the hell is Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) and why did he deserve a shot at one of the most prestigious titles in American wrestling history? Again, not one of my favourite matches, but with my opinion on who should have been in the match aside, it was alright.
-The Undertaker v.s. Batista Definately one of the best matches on the card and arguably THE best. Both men were in top form and beat the hell out of each other. I think it lived up to the hype, but most asuredly not to Batista's prediction. In case you didn't hear, he said that the match would rival Savage/Steamboat of WMIII. Sorry Dave, not even close. The false finishes and reversals were great. Oh, and before I forget, there was a between match skit that had Cryme Tyme dancing with the ECW dancers (and just let me say that I agree with a sign I saw at the SMACKDOWN! before MANIA: ECW DOESN'T NEED NITRO GIRLS!!!) A few legends and/or WWE alumni showed up for it, including Ricky"The Dragon" Steamboat, Irwin R. Schister, Ted Dibiase, Dusty Rhodes, and Farooq (Ron Simmons) DAMN!
-ECW Originals v.s. The New Breed Another disapointing one. I mean, Sabu, Tommy Dreamer, Sandman and RVD teaming up and no blood? Was this an ECW match or Romper Room? I really expected more out of this match. I know, I know, ECW is truly dead anyway.
-Battle of the Billionaires (Hair v.s. Hair match) Now this was cool. Umaga and Bobby Lashley were in top form, Steve Austin was...well, Steve Austin. Even Trump seemed to have fun as he (crappily) clotheslined McMahon and put some knuckles to his head. Lashley won and McMahon tried to sneak out, defaulting on the deal. In the words of Stone Cold, UH-UH! Lashley chased him down, carried him back and threw him into the ring into the waiting arms of Austin, who happily held him down while Trump gleefully shaved his head. Even Lashley got in on it, lathering up the boss's head with shaving cream before McMahon was bicked smooth. It was truly priceless and one of the best moments of the night, if not the year. Was anyone really surprised when Austin stunned Trump? DTA Donald. DTA.
-Melina v.s. Ashley (Women's Title) This was a "Lumberjill" match with all the WWE Divas at ringside. I was glad to see Victoria there, if not utilized. OHH, Victoria (Homer drool) This one lasted all of about 10 minutes before Melina retained her title.
MAIN EVENT:
John Cena v.s. Shawn Michaels (WWE Title) In my opinion, this was the night's best match. I'm apparently in the minority in that opinion, but I stick by it. Both Cena and Michaels brought the house down and like the Taker/Batista match, there were plenty of false finishes and reversals as Michaels reversed the FU twice and Cena avoided Sweet Chin Music a couple of times. Michaels did get in his one of a kind elbow drop (unless you've seen TNA's "Showtime" Eric Young in action) and Cena did manage to execute the FU, but Michaels was able to kick out. Michaels even was able to get to the ropes when he got caught in the STFU once. Once. In the end he had to tap out to Cena's submission move and the champ is still the champ. Now, what becomes of the World Tag Team titles? Well, it appears I've asked this to late. As of this writing RAW has already taken place in Dayton, OH and The Hardy Boyz have won the straps. I don't exactly know how. I'm presuming in a tag-team battle royal.
Anyways, I know I've indicated that I was disapointed in the evening's events. Far from it. It's not just the matches themselves that make up the WrestleMania experience, it's everything from the Hall of Fame ceremonies (which was also very cool) to Fan Access to WM itself; including the sights, sounds and crowd interactions. Except of course, the idiots ahead of us that wouldn't keep their signs and flags down and the bigger idiots behind us that were drunk, loud and just totally FREAKIN' STUPID!!
Look, I've worked for a couple of indie promotions for the better part of seven years now, I've met a few legends (Bret Hart, Paul Orndorff, Ted DiBiase,Mick Foley, etc) so I consider myself kind of schooled in the business (at least in the PR and media aspect of it) and repeating the phrase "Nice spot" over and over, especially when there wasn't any happening really shows your ignorance. You're not a "smark"you're not even a real fan of the sport I love when you show up at the biggest show of the year drunk from the get-go. So please, stay home next time.
One more thing. Damn, I wish we could have gotten one of those take-home chairs that were offered to people that paid $750 or more for their seats. I kid you not, I was just two rows away from getting one. Of course, I wasn't about to pay an extra $500 for about four feet of real estate.
But overall, I finally got to be at a WrestleMania and I'm damn glad I did.
A very special thanks goes out to my friend Holly, her dad, Jim and to the WWE's Mark Yeaton for the opportunity. I guess I can throw Ryan in there, too. Don't worry, he knows who he is.
And in case I didn't mention this before...WrestleMania, baby! WOO-HOO!!!
Hmm. I guess I did mention every match. Oops, oh, well.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Showtime!!!
It's about seven hours till belltime and I'm freakin' JAKKED, baby!! WrestleMania 23 is at Ford Field in Detroit tonight and I'm counting the hours, soon to be minutes. Besides all the hard, in-your-face-action (with a moving entrance to accommodate the different wrestlers, no less)
But is it weird that one of the best parts for me will be seeing Lilian Garcia all dolled up? Man, you should have seen her at the Hall of Fame ceremonies last night. Oh yeah, I was at that, too. It was cool! Jim Ross probably gave the best (and longest) acceptence speech. His inductor, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, talked about the man from the heart, using language (and no, I don't mean expletives) you wouldn't expect from the "Texas Rattlesnake". I'm also going to (at the last minute) a Legends of Wrestling show right now. Oops, my rides here, gotta go.
WrestleMania, baby!! WOO-HOO!!!
But is it weird that one of the best parts for me will be seeing Lilian Garcia all dolled up? Man, you should have seen her at the Hall of Fame ceremonies last night. Oh yeah, I was at that, too. It was cool! Jim Ross probably gave the best (and longest) acceptence speech. His inductor, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, talked about the man from the heart, using language (and no, I don't mean expletives) you wouldn't expect from the "Texas Rattlesnake". I'm also going to (at the last minute) a Legends of Wrestling show right now. Oops, my rides here, gotta go.
WrestleMania, baby!! WOO-HOO!!!
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