'Rowdy' Roddy Piper passes away, age 61

Wrestling Legend 'Rowdy' 

Roddy Piper passes 

away age 61

Wrestling legend 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper passed away at the age of 61 after suffering a heart attack on Friday 31st July in his sleep. 

Piper, known as Roderick George Toombs had survived previous battles with cancer. 

The wrestling veteran, named as the best villain in the business, known for his charismatic Scottish portrayal earned the Canadian legions of respect from fans, experts, insiders and staff. Many regard the legend as the best superstar of all time lagging behind The Undertaker, but leading the front as the most entertaining bad guy in wrestling ever.

Piper was infamous for the creation of in-show talk shows, with his most notorious show, Piper's Pit. His most prominent and controversial moments include the coconut bash to 'Superfly' Jimmy Snuka, which helped grow the business and sport of professional wrestling to higher levels. 

Piper received a fitting tribute at the opening of Monday night Raw the following week from his passing. He received a deserving 10 bell salute, only one month after the loss of another great in the late Dusty Rhodes. The WWE roster wore T-Shirts as a mark of respect, but was found to be in bad taste later among the program with its levels of oversell than respect for the fallen veteran. 

Piper had notorious feuds with heavyweight champion Hulk Hogan, celebrities including Mr.T and the originator of a new age of wrestling movement, rock chick Cyndi Lauper, with the assistance of Captain Lou Albano often at her side. 

UFC fighter and female favourite Ronda Rousey commented on the passing, where Piper had given her permission to use the 'Rowdy' part of her name, donated by Piper himself as a mark of respect to a growing talent in their field. 

She said of the veteran- "I just want to say that we lost a really close friend, Rowdy Roddy Piper, who gave me permission to use his name as a fighter," she said after her 34-second win in Brazil. "And so I hope him and my dad had a good time watching this today."

Piper and his family, to which Wrestling Wonders sends its full condolences, have called for a worldwide tribute of silence during Piper's funeral. The ceremony will occur on August 11th in Oregon, at 10.30am that time. Everyone is encourageD to partake in a minutes silence, if not more, at that time to honour the great departed Piper. 

WWE CEO and Chairman Vince McMahon led a glowing tribute of Piper too. 

Roddy Piper was one of the most entertaining, controversial and bombastic performers ever in WWE, beloved by millions of fans around the world. I extend my deepest condolences to his family.

The shock passing comes after Piper was hounded by a company called Podcast One, who had been harassing Piper over a podcasting series he was most popular for, getting in trouble for a joke about 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin. Austin, who did not like Piper and a comedian making a light hearted joke about him, as they did with others, forced Podcast One to cancel Piper's shows. WWE later dropped Piper swiftly from a legends contract to protect Stone Cold, who is fronting the promotion of WWE's new video game. 

As any health professional knows, copious amounts of stress to one person among a time of instability and hounding can lead to greater health problems and has been vividly linked to cardiac arrests and other coronary conditions leading to passing. Podcast One, Steve Austin and WWE all bear a shoulder of blame here, whether they like it or not. While no one else will discuss the issue, WWE, not as mild as the other two fully involved, share a level of responsibility.

Podcast One and Austin, lead contributors, should be highly ashamed of their petty actions only a fortnight before Piper's passing, have contributed to immense levels of instability, stress, anxiety and trouble. Piper was visibly distressed over the issues building to his levels of upset. Piper did nothing wrong. 

For WWE, it should do right for once by Piper and install its level of aftercare more prominently by distancing itself from all problems occurring or growing. That includes the already known ignorant abuser Steve Austin. WWE will need to ask themselves one question. Is monetary greed to sell some random thing soon to be the past really worth it when it destroys the legacy WWE built its house upon? WWE need to distance Austin from its game and cancel the podcast indefinably, for good. Though WWE have installed Austin for bragging rights to sell a video game, WWE do not need Austin to sell it, even if he is the feature. Plus WWE should think about who and how it manages its future products, even in brainstorming sessions. Austin already has a negative reputation and now WWE have agreed to partner with him in what is extremely disgraceful attitudes. Fans can play their part by boycotting the video game and the casts, too. neither of them are actually great anyway, are they? 

For WWE it needs to establish a new age of respect, not bland favourites on its own ego, which is growing at a dangerous rate for the company's self-destruction to a future product. WWE itself is becoming outdated, boring, bland, lacking characters and no skill or respect among its elite boast of superstardom entertainment. It needs to re-assess itself and its attitude, regardless of 'I like them' hires for a random act of desperation to sell a minor thing. A major superstar has fallen and your contributions have played its part. Maturity with respect may well be its future requirement to regain. 

Piper, among all the other greats gone and soon to go, deserve that much. So do the fans, experts, stars and business. Sidestep the ego and think about someone other than yourself for one moment, and you just might, get it right.

May one of the greatest legends of wrestling Rest In Peace.  

© Max Waltham 06th August 2015

All Rights Reserved

Bitter abuser Stone Cold blocks Roddy Piper's podcast

Washed up star Steve Austin gets Piper's 

'personal' podcast on him taken down

In the wrestling world, more often than not, some of its stars will naturally fall out. The most recent beef between two stars is that of WWE legend ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper and former attitude star Stone Cold Steve Austin.

The pair, who have starting doing the whole ‘podcasting thing’ (don’t get me started) now it is believed that Stone Cold has led to Roddy Piper’s stepping down from his podcasting duties. Piper, whose podcast’s were informative, light-hearted, witty and cool were snapped down by wife beating WWE Hall of Famer Stone Cold after he could not laugh at a joke Piper made on one of his shows.

Hate spinner Austin, on the Triple H edition
 of his podcast, then for WWE

Austin was said to be so outrageously strung in his own ego that he demanded Piper remove the episode and lead to a strict reprimanding warning from his bosses, who host the podcast shows. Austin, who has upset WWE with his negative attitude and ignorant behaviour on the wrestling scene, decided to attack Piper’s successful shows. It should be noted that Stone Cold’s casts have often been mundane, boring and egotistical. Months ago he was replaced by another equally ignorant money seeker in Chris Jericho, now injured, for asking Triple H about inducting Chyna into the WWE Hall of Fame, and the domestic abuse accusations from her to Hunter. WWE were clearly not best pleased.

Austin, who went too far, knocked Piper who made a light-hearted joke about Austin, a public figure up for scrutiny with all other WWE stars, past and present, which involved his walkouts from WWE. Austin walked out on WWE and its fans twice after Wrestlemania and the night after, as revealed in a WWE documentary. 

Domestic abuser Austin could not take the joke, which was fairly light in context as fans note Austin really is 'jumped up' being unable to “take a joke” when it suits him, or not. Austin has also been heavily campaigning to wangle a WWE Wrestlemania 32 match, which is outdated, boring and has no value, just like when fans screamed for Sting. Look how that turned out. WWE are bigger than that. Ignorance has no value to WWE, only decline. They, like any other company, should deter from it and remove all communication or involvement with it, including a cleansing of NXT losers harbouring such distaste. Many believe Austin copied Piper to get some attention and keep his egotistical charcter going for a final match he constantly tries to mediate through the media to WWE. Get the message, WWE and the fans are not, truly, interested. There is no mileage in a washed up, quitting, domestic abuser. Walk on.

Austin said his reasoning for disliking the show was this –

"some business of a personal nature that I didn't care to have floating around there being downloaded in cyberspace, so I had it removed from rotation." 

Though in claims to get Piper fired, Austin, ever the politician, said –

“couldn't be farther from the truth."

After Austin caused Piper’s show to be pulled, after comedian Will Sasso impersonated Austin on Piper’s show after Wrestlemania in April, Piper revealed Sasso was threatened to be fired. Sasso also impersonated others, including Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage. Piper added Austin’s whole career was based on three words only, being the ever tedious “What?” phrase and “Hell Yeah!” which is true. Austin, whose ego burst through the roof, did not like facing the truth and chose to be bitter in something that was independently produced by a known comedian, as a level of entertainment show, which has been long associated with Piper’s excellent podcasts.

As with the case of Podcast One, the hosts, it shows biased favouritism for their fandom of Stone Cold to instantly threaten a sacking of its content producers. It also has no ground to sack them as there is no justification based on ‘didn’t like what you said’ when it is truthful, clearly stated as opinion and publicly well sourced as data. If anything, Podcast One is entirely negligent and should have its leading issuer of threatening behaviour sacked. 

As for Austin, the ever ignorant, money-grabbing, wife beating, quitter, not only does he need to grow up, he needs to shut up. A vile, disgraceful game player trying to boost his own reputation for another pay check, jealous of being a washed up past star, WWE has-been, with a foul mouth and attitude, has exposed himself for what he truly is. Vile. The venomous bile that seeps from Austin’s persona is not any one character based but actually proof of his own, distorted reality, to attack others for his own mistakes. That, in life, is what is known as a grade A failure. Grow up. Leave them alone, do your own thing and get lost. Simple.  

Whether you like what is out there or not is not up to you. A typical case of a man believing because they were once a ‘big’ star, they have the right to post only the good things they want. Austin, who continues to post all his own egotistical bits and bobs for his own loving, hopes to manipulate fans online with selective content. 

What wrestlers fail to forget in their own hype, is that they are public figures just as much as Hollywood, celebrities and entertainment people and therefore are up for public scrutiny. You cannot pick and choose what is up or not because you dislike the truth involved around an entertaining angle. Did time away working with Vince McMahon make you forget this? You were more than fine when Vince asked you to ‘push some envelopes’ were you not?

One of wrestling's greatest talkers, Roddy Piper

Double standards on the truth have no place in wrestling ego. Move with the times or simply remove yourself from the internet, to which Austin, has put himself firmly into, by his own choice, based on his previous work as a ex-WWE superstar and a current infestation with his podcasting content. 

After all the hubbub, Piper, having a conversation with Podcast One’s boss, who told Piper he was to be fired, but the boss changed his mind, while vetoing any content on Austin, led Piper to resign. Piper felt the show was being censored over mild portions of content which had a relevant place on the show and was over-heightened in hypocrisy. 

Piper will continue to podcast his shows elsewhere, to which the fans fully support for its creative content than bitter attitude of personal venom. The pair used the same Podcasting platform, which many believe Austin wanted full control over. Charming. 

Piper parted the podcast drama with this final, perfect, summing up comment addressing the issue.

“I didn't lie about anything, and my heart's in the right place in my life, and I've got my family on my side."

No egotistical star in wrestling, it seems, can ever, truly, accept the truth. It may be more comfortable to recede within the shell in which was created for the stars, who cannot take the heat in the kitchen. Juvenile. Don't like the truth? Not my problem, or anyone else's. These were your own actions, not anyone else's. Take responsibility and realise that content you created is out there by your actions. Fans have the right to address it and censoring anything you created but dislike is your mistake, not anyone else's. The fact this has to be explained to people is in itself tedious and pitiful. 

Only earlier today (15th July) Piper was given a letter to stop all podcasting duties due to stone Cold's 'feelings' being upset. Piper's recent tweet reads -

I JUST HEARD THAT PODCASTONE HAS PUT SIS AND DECEASE, SAYING I CAN NOT DO ANOTHER PODCAST ANY WHERE! Because of Steve's feelings? Really?5:21 AM - 14 Jul 2015

-Roddy Piper, Twitter

This displays that Podcast one are not only immoral but way over their heads in delusion. they cannot stop Piper doing Podcasts, as they are a public service which can be created at the decision of its producer, the content maker. If Podcast One actually believe they can stop people podcasting that is ludicrous and trying to hide behind the law as an excuse is pitiful. It cannot use that as a choice and is therefore also liable for using the law in the wrong conxtext's to threaten another. They cannot stop a public service being used. Only in their name as an associated brand. 

Talk about deluded, egotistical abuse for favouring vile fan favourites. Piper has done nothing wrong and is not in the wrong for doing such and should continue Podcasting elsewhere. Empty threats are also liable when misuse of legislation is incurred. Podcast One, trying to be clever, are pushing themselves deeper into a bottomless pit. They have no right to attempt to blackmail with abuse of their favouritism to a bitter ex-WWE superstar who won't take responsibility to their feelings. No company is allowed to serve any sort of notice to any employee because it 'upsets someone's feelings' who is un-associated with the product on offer. 

So much for the constituion of America which claims Censorship on Freedom of Expression is wrong. Someone is clearly trying to fiddle with America's laws through a podcast. Seriously. Obama might not be acceptable everywhere, but since when did a jumped up, ex thug of WWE and a Podcast set of fanboys think they ruled America? Shameful.

If anything, the Podcast fanboys should be reprimanded for trying to misuse the American legal system, turning it into a farce, and mistakenly using it as a tool of attack, than respect the democratic foundation it was set up to govern America stably. 

© Max Waltham 15th July 2015

All Rights Reserved

WWE's Tough Enough revival. Is it simply tough enough to stand the test of time?

WWE's Tough Enough revival

Is it simply tough enough to

stand the test of time?

WWE have re-launched it's much needed Tough Enough series to find the contrast of reality stars with new age wrestling personality. It is the perfect way to gauge personality while adding a level of realism to the star and its character definitions. However, with its additional make-up splashed all over, and the corporate gloss of WWE product, can it really stand as a long and new series of thrill? Or will it simply be something that could have been, marred by WWE's presentation of self?

Tough Enough has been off screens for a very long time and in the early 2000's was one of WWE's great, new ways of producing new talent and delve into their real personality among the persona's on television. At this point it found a strong and connective balance that made fans truly engaged in the developments and barely missed an episode. It had likeable and skilled people. 

Fast forward to the most recent era with the 2010's onward and WWE's old hat presentation was a new, cool product with a few extras added in. This soon became its downfall and the wannabee divas from a modelling agency and wrestling stars who had no charisma long term were awash with awkwardness.

He's a tad taller than you.

Matt Cross was the best option, hard working, skilled and decent mic skilled star among its batch. He made the finals with that Andy guy, the blonde, long-haired redneckish other. The judge was none other than the washed up, ignorant wife beater Stone Cold Steve Austin. WWE made the immortal mistake of giving Austin the choice to pick the winner. Oh dear. Austin, Naturally chose the redneck wannabe Andy, based on biased option of background than overall package WWE wanted, represented at that time in finalist Cross. Cross also, was quite small in size for WWE's standards and was a major concern. Yet he had all the transitional skills elsewhere. WWE snubbed all those for a cheap choice and hoped that Stone Cold's selection could manipulate the audience into favouring the hopeful named winner.

So what did Andy actually win? Well, he got called up to a promo spot on Raw, with none other than the almighty Vince McMahon and ignorant baldie Stone Cold. In this exchange, McMahon received a stunner in a heated exchange from the Tough Enough winner. The interaction was so poor and nondescript that McMahon was said to be livid after the skit. He ordered Andy get more training, which he did, in WWE's then developmental system away from main national television.

Andy was soon released within the year by WWE and did not appear for WWE on a regular basis. 

This year, in 2015, WWE have tried a different approach. After the ignorant baldie Stone Cold annoyed McMahon with his idiotic podcast questions (Yeah, Stone Cold is 'having a go' at all that Podcasting lark, 'cos everyone else is doing it to seem relevant) McMahon had him replaced rightly so.

Only McMahon's replacement call led WWE's idiotic booking committee to select a cluster of ignorance to the show. Ignorance in the stains of new host and any job for the money Chris Jericho took the lead. Ignorant, wasteful diva Paige also took up a main position. WWE decided to have numerous acts headline the programme. Ignorance now also includes the fall from grace and injured Daniel Bryan, as he has nothing to do now. Also joining the show is WWE legend Hulk Hogan. 

Lovely Legend Lita returns for judgement on WWE hopefuls.

Extraordinary, respected Women's wrestler and division definer Lita will also be a part of the judging process as will five time World Champion and everyone's favourite talker Booker T.  

Renee Young and Mr. Ass are also on hand to help out. 

So we know the basic's and the idea around it, but will it be the success WWE hope for. Apart from Lita, Booker and Renee the hosting of the show is as ignorant as it comes and adds no value to the style or stardom anyone can hope to have in WWE.

The choice to make it happen now, after other companies trying desperately to do some 'reality prize winning' shows looks rather juvenile and copycat. Since when did WWE need to resort to TNA standards? Re-launching is a good idea, but filling it with daft, fame hungry wannabes with no thrill to cast away each week with elimination isn't best applicable. The show, while could be used to gain some new, unknown talents capable of development, WWE are in danger of turning this good idea into a media farce and complete throwaway show. 

WWE have got nothing to do with lacking loser Ryback and somewhere on the horizon, The Miz. Both of Tough Enough fame, WWE will naturally use them to try and garner some interest in the show. Good luck with that. Both are fighting the Big Show at the next upcoming Pay Per View, Battleground for the cursed Intercontinental Championship. Ryback is currently the champion, only to plug the new Tough Enough series to try and get over. 

Keith Apicary's funny spoof audition of
backroom memorabilia surroundings.

Tough Enough will survive this new season as okay, to set up the next, but how WWE find some new stars, keep them interested and captivate fans with the prospect of a more current WWE remains to be seen. To them, this may just be another show. If WWE, however thought tougher on the series, it could really be a winner. This season however, with such ignorance, amateurish hopefuls and egotistical product values won't envisage a positive change for future and will become a letdown instead once the purple haze settles from its season's end.

The set looks a bit shabby, but the hype around it and the leading charge from the top down with McMahon adding it is "WWE's new baby" might give it feel and presence, but misses enough to fully commit to the acts on show.

It needs work. Ryback, ignorance or wannabe children won't save the WWE now, then or forever. 

Sadly, it does not look like this guy made it to the call ups. His name is Keith Apicary and his funny audition involves vintage 1990's SEGA arcade machines and cool pre-era Y-Fronts. Sadly it seems teaming up with John Morrison will do that for you. :o

You can check out his funny vid on our YouTube Channel, in Funny Vids section. Link here - Wrestling Wonders on YouTube

You're Welcome. 

© Max Waltham 22nd June 2015

All Rights Reserved

CM Punk quits WWE

Longest reigning WWE champion of 

21st wrestling generation walks out

Former WWE champion CM Punk has legitimately walked out on WWE. The decision came after the result of this past Sunday's Royal Rumble event. Punk, who entered as number one to safeguard an eventual loss, told WWE Chairman Vince McMahon he was "going home" before leaving to hometown Chicago. Punk was said to be frustrated with old timers gaining favourable pushes to the top while full time workers were left to wait in the wings after their hard work was unacknowledged.

After losing the Royal Rumble to a returning Batista, this was said to be the final straw for Punk. He had reportedly encountered numerous run ins with management previously. Punk broke the news he was heading home before the post-Rumble Raw was scheduled to broadcast earlier that day. 

The decision will be fresh in wrestling insider minds which mimics the actions of 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin. Austin had walked out three times in the past, once directly after Wrestlemania and the post-Raw's also. Though Austin had some fan support, he was still an ungrateful talent that failed to respect the business and has never recovered since. Punk, however has received a mixed reception. Though others support, some are disappointed with Punk's behaviour. Punk has been since pulled from all upcoming events with his contract up for renewal in July.

Punk was due to be scheduled into a battle with The Authority, taking on Triple H at Wrestlemania XXX on April 6th. Punk and Triple H have had numerous battles over the past two years that have been uneventful in places remaining fresh in viewers' minds.

Naturally some fans believed it may be staged to gather attention, though WWE never stage this level of detail. This is legitimate. WWE instantly unfollowed Punk on Twitter, too. One thing is certain, Vince McMahon will not allow anyone to willingly "pick up their ball and go home" without any consequences, regardless of how one man feels. McMahon will be seething and may want to give some retribution to Punk.

Punk had considered retirement for some time and had spoken of doing so within a couple of years, as has Alberto Del Rio previously.

Punk added "everything is up in the air" backstage and has sparked fears he may be burned out. He has also been banged up with nagging injury pains requiring surgery for months.

So what does this all mean?

If Punk honestly believed on any level he should win the Rumble, to which he has stated years ago he has never won and would like to, that would be ludicrous. Punk was not in contention for this year's Rumble even if Roman Reigns and Batista weren't scheduled to win. Battling injuries, back to back losing streaks and decreased card value, anyone can see why Punk is frustrated with any real lack of direction. However, it is a cardinal sin in the wrestling business to walk out on the situation in this context. It may be difficult to reach McMahon directly, but Punk should have attempted to speak with McMahon directly regarding his concerns than drop a quick 'bye' on him. It is not the best way to conduct oneself without repercussions. Perhaps Punk felt he has nothing to lose. When you do feel this way, it is easier to express yourself, however needs to be done in a professional manner. No one man is bigger than any company. Punk should take some time out to rest and recoup and hope WWE may be open to conversation in time.

Punk should remember though, he himself had to negotiate two years ago with McMahon to get a higher push which saw him become WWE champ for the longest time for this generation in the business. Batista's return may be negotiated for Wrestlemania, but with no real plans outlined, WWE need to stabilise its card. The only problem is it may not be as celebratory as anticipated as previous 'Mania matches have dipped in credibility. Punk was not happy to lose the title either at last year's Royal Rumble to The Rock, which many backstage people add Punk was listening to the John Cena aspect of Rock hatred, where Rock is a legitimate and deserved in his own right booking.

Recent returns include Batista, The Ultimate Warrior and the upcoming Old Schooler Hulk Hogan.

Legend and 'Ambassador' to WWE, Mick Foley acted out by throwing a brick through and destroying  his television because Daniel Bryan was not in the main event of the Rumble and win. He tweeted he was "disgusted" with WWE. Bryan is now front runner for a Triple H showdown match for ''Mania.

WWE have since been attempting to re-focus attention on 'big guys' meeting the requirements of big muscles and over six foot. With its roster of John Cena, Sheamus, Big Show, Mark Henry and Ryback being let downs, WWE has had to re-recruit some reliable names. Batista, The Rock and Brock Lesnar are three that have always been guys that can hold decent matches in the ring, regardless of whether they are liked as a rehire by fans. WWE feels it needs this level of contrast to create further feuds.

One thing this has done is express to WWE that it needs to listen, even if it doesn't accept Punk's critique that the product and backstage politics are affecting the company and the business order. Something has got to give following this impasse of conflicting ideals. Though if Punk honestly believes the likes of Wade Barrett, Dolph Ziggler and The Miz are going to be stars in today's age then that is simply preposterous. All those acts have dipped on their own merits. Sometimes, stars must accept they have been given enough opportunities and dropped their ball. On this occasion, with Punk taking his ball and going home, this will be seen as a big diss to the audience, who invest time and effort to see him on shows. We aren't without sympathy for Punk, either. It is difficult to express such point without an ear on board, but this level of action is not acceptable under any circumstance and could have been conducted better. Punk could always come and sign with us if he wants. :) If we were there, we'd give you a big ol' hug and say nothing for ten minutes. Or come to London and we'll go for dinner. But don't join any wrestling companies there, either. Take a breather, get some clarity (on both sides) and then open talks again, should all parties be open to discussion. And don't do anything stupid. X

©  Max Waltham 31st January 2014

Pictorial: Triple Turkey Crowns!

Happy Thanksgiving Day in the USA today, so to celebrate, here's a pictorial celebration to those who won the triple crown titles outright in its true definition, though there have been others, they held with simultaneous titles or by other means. These are the outright few, in order, to snare the WWE heavyweight, Intercontinental and Tag Team Championships. Enjoy!

Pedro Morales

Bret Hart

Diesel

Stone Cold Steve Austin

The Rock

Ric Flair

Rob Van Dam

Jeff Hardy

JBL

© Max Waltham 12^th November 2012

All Rights Reserved

WWE's Next Top Talent?

WWE's Next Top Talent?

Which of WWE’s superstars are excelling and who are failing to grasp the limelight?

Stuck at the resident top of WWE’s ever continuing tree of wealth are John Cena, Triple H and Vince McMahon. Adding to the corporate structure (Stephanie and John Laurinaitis) Randy Orton also remains on side to provide WWE’s younger stars with the all-important growth and development they could possibly receive. CM Punk should also be among this position, however is aiming to breakout into his own style, which he managed for say, 2 months, then abandoned his so called morals that has devalued  his character in hindsight.

The Miz is a performer who has grown to become WWE’s top breakout star to main event level. He is always on hand at WWE’s request and is someone many look up to in regards to his work ethic of making his lesser known name into a widespread star among a difficult bunch of stars who are all waiting in line, rather than attempting to do something for their own careers.

Alberto Del Rio has been the only other whom has broken the WWE mould, although with a deferral from the World title and being drafted to play diluted opportunities with John Cena – someone who should have been producing growth for stars he is challenging, due to the fact he has fought everyone and they need new fresh opponents to provide a future, Del Rio’s stigmata has been ruined as a result, if only slightly. Anyone one who is AWAY from Cena, will have the chance to showcase themselves, but until then it won’t be an option to support the company and gain new challenges the WWE Universe is crying out for.

Sheamus is the newcomer who is propelled into stardom since. His only way through was seen as Triple H’s gym buddy whom scaled the heights of WWE’s mountain. Regardless of this practise, Sheamus was made. Then his booking became a slight catastrophe. WWE like to make newbies ean their status in a 2 year or so period of call up. Meaning by the time they are pushed to the heavyweight titles, the public have lost interest.

In the attitude and ‘new school’ era’s many were in the pool of contention. Rock, Stone Cold, Foley, Michaels, Triple H, Kurt Angle, Big Show, Kane and Undertaker. In the early 2000’s the new batch of Eddie Guerrero, RVD, Jeff Hardy, Chris Benoit, Chris Jericho and also most notably,  Brock Lesnar were created. Shortly after followed Orton, Cena and Batista. Instant stars overnight with opportunities like Money In The Bank and Royal Rumble victories today had the sole purpose for, are not being utilised to push forward the new breed of talent.

Dolph Ziggler is today’s most favoured of the new batch in WWE. Dolph is working harder than most, some may say, though he still isn’t fully captivating an audience, and the perfection/blonde locks/sex symbol angle isn’t getting over as it should be.

Following Dolph is uber talented and underutilised Daniel Bryan. WWE have future World champs in their grasp, but are taking too long to present them to the audience.

R Truth has shown from his heel turn in 2 months how to completely own the microphone and use his in ring talents beneficially to provide comic and professional angles. WWE clearly could now push him forward with his ‘conspiracies’ to represent the company with a black champion they clearly want and be proud of, as he indeed has more available than Mark Henry ever could ascertain.

Those still stuck in the ‘not excelling fully’ category are that of Mason Ryan, Michael McGuillicutty, Alex Riley, Wade Barrett, Kofi Kingston and Zack Ryder.

Kingston was once possibly primed for a stint towards the top if he proved something with Orton. He did, though WWE pulled rank and since, have given KK the mid card stigmata.

Barrett also has the same reputation. McGuillicutty, however, has the tools, but WWE’s low placement to try to sell the ‘big boys’ has cost him his audience. Though the never say never mentality should be embraced. Anyone and anything in wrestling can be turned around on its head should a power vacuum sweep through WWE’s creative process. Alex Riley is a similar case, though recent injury has not helped matters.

Zack Ryder is not appreciated by the top for working the internet. WWE wouldn’t book him, so he found a new way forward. It was not with WWE’s go ahead and since, has been never quite “cutting the mustard” regardless of net success.

Cody Rhodes is gathering certain steam. The face mask needs to go, as it is holding back his credibility to get across as a champion who looks daft with the plastic on. The I/C title run is a shining testament to what Rhodes is capable of. It’s a shame WWE left it 4 years too late.

Sin Cara is the latest shocker WWE had. High hopes were dashed once the suspension arrived. Its plausible WWE may have placed Cara towards the top areas of the card or above midcard.

Christian is the only disaster currently among the ‘E. The esteemed veteran, with workable reputation and transferable skills, has found himself achieve his dream and have it cruelly dashed in a split second. 17 years down the pan. Christian, however, has a demand, audience and a back catalogue that can transcend World Champ. But he isn’t ‘rated’.

So, if the future is to be brighter, WWE need to enhance its new batch of those it has playing into it’s hands right now, and leave those whom are not able just yet to wait in the sin bin. At this time, unless they choose to improve and grab WWE’s eye, these mentioned stars should remain the priority to getting over.

Without a strong superstar around any corner, WWE’s future is bleak. The only way to turn that corner is afford them TV/PPV time, mic attention or strong scripted vignettes rather than toilet humour, and give them equal standing with a competitor, or seem to be a healthy ‘challenge’ to veterans such as Orton and Punk etc. Don’t send them to John Cena.

Stick with wrestling wonders this month, as te news agenda has been set, and there is much more to come in this busy month! Follow on Twitter to get all updates direct too.

@MaxWaltham.

And don't steal or plagerise, how many times you need telling?

© Max Waltham 2nd November 2011

Wrestlemania 27 Review and Thoughts

Wrestlemania 27


All views written on this blog are those of Max Waltham and no other. Do not attempt to copy and use as your own (plagerism) for other sites or publication. The content in these views are in no way associated with WWE.
Opinions expressed are copyright material to Max Waltham. Thank You. 
Feel free to leave comments too on what you think of the show.


© Max Waltham, April 2011

No One could Deny the stage was spectacular

So Wrestlemania was produced to enhance superstars that were in spots for growth or becoming ever more established and strengthened in main events as well as the company’s invested future. Did 'Mania 27 achieve this?

Having booked a card almost full of nostalgia opened the debate.

Were YOU Stratusfied?

With ol' favourites such as Stone Cold Steve Austin, good ol' JR, Jim Ross, Trish Stratus and The Rock (as your host), along with Booker T on guest commentary also, many expected a great PPV whether the “old” stars were booked on it regardless.

The Rock Says...


After a beautiful rendition on America the beautiful by Keri Hilson, Wrestlemania 27 began. The Rock makes his way out for his belated and well received return. This is how promos are done. Gone for so many years, and with a roster full of people who have scalled or failed to up the ladder, The Great One is still the man in wrestling that owns the stage, audience and microphone. The Rock owned Wrestlemania tonight. Something WWE's current “contractors' have tried to achieve forever. Enhancing the fact that Wrestling belongs to the people, after commenting on Mr Fruity Pebbles Cena, the most electrifying man in sports entertainment set the tone for Mania to begin on a highnote. If you smelll....

Alberto Del Rio arrives

However dressed up, an Armbar can still be very lethal, thanks to Del Rio

Edge applies the submission

Kicking off with our first match, Rey v Cody? Bryan V Sheamus perhaps? No. The World Heavyweight title was on first! That's right, one of the 2 biggest matches in terms of titles was on first. Everybody instantly knew but was hoping it wouldn't be the case. WWE pushed for months Del Rio's route to stardom which would culminate here in a World title victory. (see later blog entry as to why this occurred) , which he would not gain. Alberto Del Rio failed to grasp the big moment and take the title to match his underwear. Gold would've looked exceptional around that waist, to be honest.


World Heavyweight Championship
Alberto Del Rio w/ Brodus Clay V Edge (c) w/ Christian

Going over... Or not..

With the addition of the bit parts, namely Christian and Brodus Clay, managers were at ringside in corners of a world title match that went on first, everybody knew Del Rio was dropping the ball to their anger, surprise and disgust. They, myself included, felt the months of build up for Alberto was a complete waste, and cheating the viewer, This is one of any reasons they don't choose to pay for the WWE product. Invest in the future and they will invest in your product, and merchandise sales follow too, or does the John Cena effect not apply to anyone else?

Wasn't washing the windows..

Dismayed, Alb's gunna have to walk it..

  

Alas, after a good title match to be fair, Edge retained the victory and World title, to which viewers seeing the start of Mania 27 were already peeved and uninterested. To embarrass Del Rio further, Edge smashes his rental car up before leaving the arena. Not a good start..

Beautiful :) and nice legs too..

Onto the second match Cody Rhodes V Rey Mysterio.

This match was booked WAY too long and lost fans interest by dragging it's heels for 2 stars they weren't fully connected too. People cheered and got behind Cody, but eventually became tired. By match 2 they were tired, bored and uninterested in the biggest PPV of all time.

Capt America V The face mask of beauty..

Dressed as Captain America in the usual gimmick, Mysterio at Mania to sell mechandise attire, Cody surprisingly , and fulfillingly wrapped this up and won. His new push begins a year or two later. Rey was clearly only there to sell some merchandise/masks over the Wrestlemania period.

America lost this bout :(

Snoop Dogg made a shock appearance and then followed a host of future endeavour stars doing an American Idol – Got Talent skit , some of the highlights included Great Khali and Beth Phoenix doing a slow number from grease, and Zack “hotness” Ryder charming us all. The shock was Hornswoggle, as a rapper, with his gals the Bellas, finding his actual voice and speaking! (rapping technically). Khali and Glami In My Opinon were top of this needless cool down period to give jobbers a place at Mania 27.

Third match, the WWE Universe needed to be uplifted, interested and brought back into mania spirit. The irony of mania perhaps. Did WWE do it? Unforgivably the answer was No.

Aerial Kingston :O 

Kane, Big Show, Kofi Kinston & Santino Marella V The Corre (Wade Barrett, Justin Gabriel, Heath Slater & Ezekiel Jackson) 

Knocked Out and rendered obsolete..

It booked the sloppy, substandard team of Kane, Big Show, Kofi (in Kozlov's place, but was actually the logical choice who fitted the match – Barrett IS WEARING Kofi's IC TITLE) along with comedy booked Santino Marella. Taking on The Corre, Wade Barrett, Justin Gabriel, Heath Slater and the unknown, (oops) Ezekiel Jackson, WWE managed to end this in quick succession with Big Show landing a KO punch on Mr Wendys himself (Slater). Barely even a minute or two match and it was over.

Can you imagine how the Universe felt after this?

Seeing Mae Young is always a highlight. This woman still has everything needed in place for WWE segments.

Next match we had some sense of purpose.

The Viper's Vice (Grip)? 

CM Punk took on Randy Orton. The Viper, as predicted, being WWE's star worker for every year, crafting the best performances out of new workers gained his receival of appreciation with a win at the biggest PPV of all meaning.

DDT A-coming, will you kiss him afterwards? Aww :(

Eyeing up the Prey

Viper goes for the unmentioned Anaconda

Punk and Orton, as expected put on a very good show, but slightly diluted to make way for the other 2 BIG ones. Shame. This was a red hot feud that could have become explosive in this final match meeting. And the viewers needed it. All the same both star workers delivered on the night and gave the best match so far and a thrilling conclusion all the same.

It's a hard slog.. but it's over..

The Viper strikes with a deadly but gorgeous hotted RKO. Look at them fly.

                                      

WWE's star turn, Retro Love <3

After we got a good match to get the ball rolling, WWE stopped the action to produced the Hall Of Fame Ceremony. Shawn Michaels, Sunny, The Road Warriors – Hawk, Animal and Manager Paul Ellering, Bullet Bob Armstrong, Abdullah The Butcher, Hacksaw Jim Duggan and Drew Carey.  

This Ceremony, had the 'stars' whom have contributed to wrestling in a grander way over a numerous amount of years be rewarded. As the came out to a brief name introduction, and placed on their star spot, their names were rushed and didn't mean a single thing to their appreciation. Call your name, stand there, wave, leave. Of course everyone was waiting for it's star turn, and even HBK didn't get a good build up. The Original Diva, First Ever Royal Rumble Winner (1988), and Greatest Tag Team of all time fitted well with the rest of the inductees for this year.

Hoooooooo!

The Great Tag Team known to man, What A Rush!

What's for dinner? I'm not about to eat, fool!

Lock n Load 

   

The Original Diva, Sunny

Drew Carey... Celebrity Wing..

Notable mention, because you cannot ignore the irony that was Drew Carey, a man who 10 years ago, entered the Royal Rumble match, and then subsequently decided NOT to do any move/s wait in the ring, and climb over the top ropes eliminating himself when Kane entered. Not one bump taken, and costing someone their spot. Ironically again he took a spot that could have been filled by someone else. Being the anniversary of WCW.. as well as Scream 4 hitting cinemas/theatres (and recently on WWE RAW at the end of the year), David Arquette would have been the most logical and credible choice. He had contributed more than Carey, regardless of the WCW booking days.

Finally we get back to the action, and the highly pushed bout of Wrestlemania was to begin, which just happened to be the comedy/spoof match.

Special Referee?

Michael Cole w/ Trainer Jack Swagger V Jerry “The King” Lawler. 

Run in central written all over it, Cole came out in some wonderful orange leotard resembling a tangerine. (Funny, due to the fact that he was in an actual WRESTLING apparel).

This match featured Stone Cold ' I quit and only ever come back for another paycheck' Austin, as special referee.

Mmm, Heelish and Suave :)

Almost had the win...

Stone Cold decided that he wouldn't wear the black and white stripes and 'Zebra up'. He looked a state and that was a huge insult to all of the industry to not physically wear the shirt. Do Us a favour, leave and don't come back, or at least not until you are serious about something and actually give a care in the world to commit to it.

Eventually Lawler won, but the good old GM of RAW (still anonymous) declared Cole the victor after a Disqualification. We didn't get an explanation as to why. We just got the decision.

1 Year ago, and still repairable 

Boomer Sooner! Great to see JR again

Jack Swagger, former World Champion all set last year, and the rightful choice to be 'made' had a role tonight. His involvement was to allow Michael Cole to hid behind him, take a beating from Jerry Lawler and throw in the towel for Cole. Amusing us by training him with the 'An-Cole lock', he eventually steps up to Stone Cold 'Biased Referrer' to receive an ever predicted Stone Cold Stunner. Austin, who attacked Cole with punches and biased opinion, mocked him when Jerry had submission holds on, before calling Cole the loser officially by declaring Lawler victor. Crowd chants of boring throughout should have told WWE Creative how this, the heavily produced match on the card, was received. Swagger's carrying of Cole was very officer and a gentleman. :) Booker T also made an appearance at the Austin beer party that 10 years ago was interesting, 10 years on, it was drab and long even when cut short. Booker thought he would be safe, but the fool took a Stunner after a spinaroonie!

Speedos would've been more pleasing for your gay community, just a thought

Hiding in the Cole-Mine, Hoping Stone Cold would leave us all alone forever.

Undertaker V Triple H

After 10 years of meeting HHH previously being wiped from our minds ( Until mentioned after the match), could someone, who meet Undertaker at the same event 10 years ago and could not defeat his streak, feasibly end it now? And to tell us that HHH was Undertakers only challenge left ever? So next year, we can clearly assume the winner will be Undie again?

I WILL steal your move!

No, he shouldn't be defeated, but he should always have a challenger that looks strong enough on the night to destroy Taker's Streak. Bear in mind this was No Holds Barred, by the way. So it was plausible, technically in name.

10 Years ago, has much changed?

I Will win, even in defeat..

So when it came the match was a standard one for a while, then HHH ventured outside for a chair. No hold barred, after taking a while to get going, was about to start. The WWE Universe were starting to gain something from Wrestlemania (with it's biggest draw in the match no less) to have the chair shot thwarted, diluted and become slightly irrelevant. The chair, was the only weapon in the match, until later a second one entered. It was an ordinary match with a chair that was barely used. False advertising anyone? Triple H revealed his signature weapon, the sledgehammer, after a long while, cutting a long story short, tripper couldn't stop the Deadman after 4 pedigrees, yes Four. And only HHH could, to do a tombstone piledriver, taking it away from The Undertaker and still not completing the challenge. Triple H managed to steal Undie's move, give 4 pedigrees, use weapons and still lose. Undertaker ended HHH via a submission hold. Undertaker wasn't allowed a Tombstone pinfall. At the end of the match Undertaker couldn't get to his feet. Triple H didn't help, nor hand shake etc and just stared as he walked on. The Cerebral Assassin had his head screwed on. He managed to bury the Undertaker at HIS biggest event and match. Undie wasn't allowed his own move to win, or to even walk out of the arena as he usually does.

1 Pedigree, 2, 3 4, why??

Yes Undertaker has injuries, but Undertaker ALWAYS works through them, and would gladly have walked out to the back for his celebration. Vince should have allowed this. Instead Taker was removed from the building on a stretcher by EMT's. Triple H made sure he won once again by losing. Charming.   

Time to sleep, but you'll wake up soon, I'll be sent out though, Thanks..

SnookiMania! 
Snooki, Trish Stratus & John Morrison V LayCool & Dolph Ziggler w/ Vickie Guerrero 

Should've been me in Snooki's place. Woo Woo Woo! He knows it, Bro :)

Yes the skank of Jersey Shore blagged her way to Wrestlemania with Trish Stratus and John 'Moody' Morrison V LayCool and Dolph Ziggler, with Vickie Guerrero at ringside.

John Morrison, xcast in a supporting role once again, rightly so, and not for the Trish/spot/upset scenario (see later blog entry), was a background character in a match were indeed the celebrity spot of Snooki was undeserved and Trish was credible. Albeit the same, this match was a disaster from start to finsih and a c omplete waste of time.

Girl Power! Trish 'n' Snook got their game on.

Supporting cast again.. JoMo has nothing to offer, that's why.

A match featuring Phoenix/Maryse/Gail Kim or Natalya involved with Trish/Laycool would've added weight and depth pardon the pun's of WWE's gimmick team scripters. John Morrison needs to get his own feuds, instead of poking into others. His 'performances' at Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber were classed by the marks as 'incredible'. They were sloppy, childish and uninteresting by taking away from what the matches stood for. It looked as though he wasn't serious about his craft or why he was in those matches. Being a performing duck was foolish. When he gets his own persona maybe he will becoming something huge. Until then he has no stock value and has future endeavours written all over him.

WWE's #1 Heel, Vickie Guerrero, looking 10 ties better than Morrison

John Cena V The Miz (c) w/ Alex Riley - WWE Championship

Dapper Dudes!

Rileylicious!

The WWE Championship was on the line here. Miz defending. Cena challenging. Cena was in charge of working match layout. No could disagree with that when he made the biggest blunder ever by pushing Miz into the corner with hand over his mouth, leaving a gap open and clearly shouting instructions to The Miz ON CAMERA! It didn't stop there. During the match Miz punched Cena, in the middle of the ring to which Cena stopped for a second or two, lost his bearings, then slowly lowered himself and his ass backwards to 'fall' down. This match was an absolute shambles. And it was ALL Cena's fault.

Still WWE Champion, despite the odds of Supercena.

This is why people dislike John Cena, added with the fact that these performances continue to happen, and though Cena remarks he loves this business, he doesn't bother to work to change his wrestling to become better. It's a sloppy disgrace and pitiful laziness. The Miz worked his backside off.

Here comes the 5 Knuckle Sh*t Fall...

Later the match took a different stance. A ref bump and Alex Riley predicatbly made a beeline for Cena, to which a textbook duck and Miz dive into him sent Riley flying played their paprts. Cena lands an FU on Miz to a 2 fall kickout, rolling to the outside Cena gives chase to the Awesome one, and stupidly decides to clothesline him over the barricade. Both Cena and Miz were over the barricade in the audience outside and neither could make it to the ring before a count of 10.

Yes. The main event, for the WWE Title, ended on a countout.

'I love you Miz'.. oops i mean shhh stay here for 10 seconds.

Could The Great One BE the GM? Hmmmm...

Someone was NOT happy about this, and I don't meant the WWE Universe, obviously. The great one returned. The Rock returned! Ordering a restart because, after-all, this was Wrerstlemania. (someone actually realised that then?), This restart was a “no rules” involved match ironically, to which Miz and Cena went at it. But The Rock who was ambushed previously on RAW by Miz AND John 'cheap shot' Cena, received The Rock Bottom and The People's Elbow. The end saw The Miz manage to clamber over Cena and gain the 3 fall that some, but most did not expect, and delightfully cheered as The Miz retained the WWE Championship which drew Wrestlemania to a close.

PAYBACK! One for you...

and here's your receipt, Champ..

There were a lot of holes in this PPV, The booking of Snooki, casting men into the Diva's match when neither did anything mentionable, no hold barred that was n't what was suggested, Bryan V Sheamus cut, long matches on Cody/Rey and short squashes for The Corre, Hall Of Fame amounting to nothing, and the audience tuning in to see Alberto Del Rio claiming the gold.

There's No Time for us...

Blessed be the WWE Cameraman with Daniel Bryans mat presence, Keep up the sterling work :)

The only highlight was The Rock. That's what drew the audience to Mania. Undertaker/Triple H, Punk/Orton and Edge/Del Rio were the ones they wanted to witness. Those were also the strongest matches. Seeing how Cena/Miz/Rock played out was the added bonus. But it all let down those expectancies. Diluted, Stale, abysmal and poor decisions in the matches cost Wrestlmania dearly.

Mizalicious! Rileylicious! Time to switch the title over to Riley soon WWE..

Open Note to WWE – booking Sheamus, Bryan, Del Rio, DiBiase, Swagger, Ziggler, Riley and The Corre in derogatory or lower down roles ruins the growth for the company as well as new faces to evolve and become what you need. No new stars have been maintained. Where does the product go from here?

Build on me..

Need someone to clock your time underneath? 

Gold would have suited this man's waist, and added a whole new dimension..

Jack Swagger, Alex Riley, Alberto Del Rio and Daniel Bryan are your starting points. Though you may not think it, these 3 are the ones that need to go forward first. Then the rest can slot in and follow. DiBiase can easily feud with Bryan, Del Rio or Christian. Swagger needs to go to RAW and NOT be booked with Evan Bourne! Among the main title picture Swagger has development there. Riley can easily be bumped up to first class also. It's just giving the green light. Scared of how they play out is the concern, and rightly so. But this is the SECOND Wrestlemania that has peeked. (number 25 was the first brick to fall). Should it continue, the greatest PPV ever created for the Wrestling industry will lose it's foundation. And more to the point, no one will care. As just another PPV, that is a dangerous thought.  

Not one Heavyweight Title changed hands on the show where at least one is supposed to in order to interest fans further. Heading into Extreme Rules, the just another PPV concept is continuing for the next few months till Money In The Bank, which understandable left, should have been booked here also, and there would also be 3 briefcase holders than 2 coming up. Knowing the Kane cash in situation may loom, WWE should preserve it's future willingly.
Overall - 4/10
Man/Woman of their matches - Alberto Del Rio, Cody Rhodes, Justin Gabriel, CM Punk, Michael Cole, Undertaker, Michelle McCool, The Miz


Person of the PPV - Undeniably, The Undertaker

© Max Waltham, 16th April 2011