Bleacher Report - Articles by Ross Rutherford

Tell the Truth and Run: WWE Smackdown Is the Only Real "Wrestling Show"

Ross Rutherford — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:47:59 -0400

It is sort of odd that I am calling WWE Smackdown the only real wrestling show. After all, professional wrestling is considered to be fake; which it is in many aspects.

When I say it is the only "real wrestling show," I mean that it is the only wrestling show that is worth watching (as of now) for its actual wrestling.

Most non-wrestling fans see Monday Night Raw and think that is what real wrestling fans want. Wrong!

If you want to see why wrestling fans really enjoy this form of entertainment, head on over to Hulu.com and catch the match John Morrison had with Rey Mysterio last Friday ...or the great match that Jeff Hardy had with Edge a few months back...or any Chris Jericho/Mysterio encounter that has happened since this summer.

The truth is WWE Smackdown is everything I want out of a wrestling show and that is only one thing really: wrestling.

I want my belief to be suspended. If the performers can make me think for that split second that what I'm watching is actually real, then I am entertained.

I know what I am watching more of a dance than a competition, but the whole "suspend my disbelief" thing makes wrestling one of the greatest forms of entertainment and Smackdown is the best, if not the only place, for wrestling fans to do that.

Simply put, Monday Night Raw has turned into a circus with the celebrity involvement and ECW continues to lose all of its fresh talent via the annual WWE draft.

WWE Superstars puts on an okay show from time to time with limited talent available, but as far as I am concerned, Smackdown is the only show true wrestling fans should follow.

If Raw entertains you for two hours straight, then there is no way you are a fan of the art of wrestling. This makes you a fan of bad comedy and horrible talking/backstage segments. I can’t even remember the last time Raw had a decent wrestling match.

Allow me to list some of my favorite WWE performers (from any brand) who are among the most talented at what they do today. My favorites include The Undertaker, John Morrison, CM Punk, Christian, Chris Jericho, Shawn Michaels, Edge, and Shelton Benjamin.

Okay, so that's five for Smackdown, two for ECW, and only Shawn Michaels for Raw.

This does not really prove anything, as that was only my biased opinion, but you get my point. Smackdown is filled to the brim with talent that has actual wrestling ability.

I am a hardcore wrestling fan and I consider my opinions to be worth something. Smackdown has the most talented hard working cast of superstars on any WWE show in my opinion. So take that for what is worth.

The reason I am writing this is to educate the "Casual Wrestling Fan." If you only watch Monday Night Raw, then I don't consider you a wrestling fan at all really.

If you want really entertaining wrestling, you have to turn over to My Network TV on Friday Night or run over to Hulu on a Sunday morning for your fill of true WWE action.

Smackdown, unlike Raw, puts the emphasis towards wrestling matches and Raw is geared towards the casual wrestling fan. So it is understandable why I dislike the show, as it isn’t made for me.

As I seem to recall, however, when Monday Night Raw was made for the “Hardcore Fans” one of the most popular times for wrestling began and the so called “Second Renaissance of the Wrestling World” began. Does the Attitude Era ring a bell to anyone?

In closing, the WWE has managed to create one horrible show, one hopeless show, one wasted program, and one fantastic showcase of everything I enjoy about pro wrestling.

The fact that these WWE programs have such a wide variety in quality boggles my mind.

If McMahon has one great program then what is so hard about making them all equally enjoyable for everyone? I suppose that is easier said than done, however.

If you consider yourself a fan of the art of wrestling, then you can't miss the Blue Brand's show; unfortunately I cannot say the same for its three sister programs.

Just a note, I am biased by the fantastic matches that John Morrison and Mysterio have put on for the past three months, the amazing promos that Punk has delivered, the return of The Undertaker, and the rise and departure of Jeff Hardy, but so what? Smackdown is great because it knows who is watching it.

They know that fans watch Smackdown for the actual wrestling not for Hornswoggle bits and Triple H telling the whole world to “Suck it.” It knows what we want and it gives it to us every Friday; wrestling.

Smackdown is the only real wrestling show around and that is the truth. Believe it or not.

"Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig: The Epitome of Perfection

Ross Rutherford — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 21:20:43 -0400

The son of Larry "The Ax" Hennig. One of the most gifted in-ring technicians of all time. The best wrestler to never hold a major World Championship and thus wore the WWF's Intercontinental Championship like it should be a World Title.

A guy who was years ahead of his time and a man who went too soon. A lovable, charismatic, talented man who entertained millions of people though out his career and gave wrestling purists a smile every time he was in the ring because of his limitless talent. The man we all know as Mr. Perfect.

Curtis Michael Hennig better known as Curt Hennig started of his career in the early months of 1980 in the AWA were he would become an AWA Tag Team Champions with Scott Hall and eventually went on the win the AWA World Championship.

Hennig held the title for about a year before he finally lost it to Jerry Lawler in 1988.

After he lost his title, Hennig left the AWA to join the WWF: a place where he could much more exposure to the mainstream audience.

This is when his unveiled his new gimmick that would make him a legend and one of the most loved in ring talents since Bret Hart. He became Mr. Perfect.

In 1988 Curt would go undefeated for almost a year defeating every opponent in his path until a feud with Hulk Hogan in 1989 where The WWF Champion beat Mr. Perfect.

After Wrestlemania VI, Hennig recruited legendary manager Bobby Heenan to aid him in his new quest to become the Intercontinental Champion.

He won the vacant title in a tournament in 1990, and would go on to hold the title for about five months before losing the belt at SummerSlam.

After losing his prized possession, it was Hennig's goal to regain his title and did so November of 1990 thanks to some help from a friend, Ted DiBiase.

This is the Intercontinental Championship reign that made Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig a legend. This is the reign that makes people today call him "the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time."

This time period is considered to be the greatest time for the Intercontinental Championship, because the prestige of the belt was almost as high as the WWF Championship.

I, as am sure many others do, believe this is because of the charisma and talent of Curt Hennig and his ability to make the belt seem more important than even the World Title.

He held the title for 10 months in a reign that would be his defining legacy in the world of professional wrestling.

After a back injury in 1991 Hennig would become a manager for Ric Flair during his world title reigns and later joined the announce team, doing color commentary with Vince McMahon and Jim Ross.

However he did return to the ring sporadically throughout 1993 and 1994 until 1995, when he became a part of the color commentating team at Survivor Series.

He would soon tease a return match facing off against Triple H, but was injured before the match a injury that was faked to get Marc Mero to defend his Intercontinental Championship against Triple H, a title which HHH won with the help of Mr. Perfect.

Hennig left for WCW in 1997, where he would become Diamond Dallas Page's secret tag team partner at Bash at the Beach. Mr. Perfect would also become part of The Four Horsemen after Arn Anderson left the stable.

However, he would soon turn on the group and join the NWO. Hennig would become a main attraction in WCW in the late 90s.

He even wrestled in main events of their Pay Per Views for the WCW World Title. However, his injuries were piling up, but Hennig kept wrestling for WCW until his contract expired in 2000.

He would return to the WWF in 2002 where he made a notable appearance in the Royal Rumble where he was one of the last men eliminated.

He had a few notable matches with Rob Van Dam on Sunday Night Heat and a short feud with Steve Austin before he was released for getting into an argument on a plane with Brock Lesnar.

He would have a short run in TNA before he lost his life on Feb. 10, 2003. It was said to be an overdose and aided with complication of Hennig's abuse of pain killers and steroids due to his years of wrestling-related injuries. He was only 44 years old.

Hennig's legacy is that he is one of the few stars during the "Hogan Era" that managed to make a name for himself.

He made a huge impact even though he was never really given the main event push he deserved.

He wrestled with all of the big names at that time, but was never given a shot at being a star like Ric Flair, Bret Hart, and Hulk Hogan.

Even so Curt Hennig and his Mr. Perfect persona has one of the greatest gimmicks ever, along with some of the best promos, and his in ring talent he is still hailed today as one of the greatest athletes in the WWE's history.

He made a belt that is now considered to be worthless look like a World Championship and won over the love of fans despite being a heel for most of his career.

Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig deserves every accolade he got and more. He was under appreciated in his time and now even ours.

He had the look, the charisma, and the wrestling talent to become immortal and he did this because he was everything he said he was, he was and still is absolutely "perfect."

Notable Matches:

Curt Hennig vs. Bret Hart (Summer Slam 1991)

Curt Hennig vs. The Blue Blazer (Wrestlemania V)

Sources:

Wikipedia, Obsessed with Wrestling.com, and Online World of Wrestling.com

ECWA: The Stomping Ground for Future Superstars

Ross Rutherford — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:28:08 -0400

Every pro wrestler in the WWE or TNA today had their start in a independent promotion. Every single one of them from John Cena to Triple H had humble beginnings. I think that is incredible.

Whether they started in Ohio Valley Wrestling, Ring of Honor, Combat Zone Wrestling, Eastern Championship Wrestling Association, or countless other promotions, they all had their beginnings in the indies.

The ECWA has become one of the most respected independent wrestling promotions in the country since it was established in 1967 by Jim Kettner.

The promotion has gained a lot of respect in the past 10 or 15 years for being home to Billy Kidman, Paul London, Christian Cage, the Hardy brothers, Christopher Daniels, and countless other young talent who have become some of the most successful wrestling performers of the current generation. Other examples of the ECWA alumni include Low-Ki, Petey Williams, and Beer Money's Robert Roode.

Although ECWA has gained notoriety for giving the wrestling superstars of today their first big break in the world of pro wrestling, the promotion's biggest claim to fame isn't their alumni, but the annual Super 8 Tournament that the small promotion holds.

The Super 8 Tournament has become the most respected tournament in the United States since its inception in 1997. The tournament started as a way to crown an ECWA Television Champion which was won by Ace Darling, but soon blossomed into an annual tournament attracting some of wrestling's greatest talents to become part of the Super 8.

In the following years ECWA's annual tournament has had many notable competitors and winners including Christopher Daniels, Low-Ki, Paul London, Petey Williams, Jerry Lynn, and many others.

Like most independent wrestling promotions in the United States, the ECWA has a roster of completely unknown wrestling performers. Someday, they could be headlining WWE's Wrestlemania.

No one knew who Christopher Daniels was when he won the Super 8 Tournament in 2000 and no one really knew who the Hardy brothers were, when they wrestled in ECWA back in 1999. The indie wrestlers of today will be the WWE and TNA stars of tomorrow.

Independent wrestling promotions like ECWA don't have five-star matches and big budget pay per view events. What they do have, is the future of pro wrestling sitting in their laps. It is their job to groom them and prepare them. Much like a grade school teacher, these indie wrestling promotions are not getting enough credit for the opportunities they have given to these guys and the hard work they do.

The ECWA has become one of most notable wrestling promotions outside of TNA, ROH, and the WWE because of their ability to recognize potential in young talent and their ability to create one of the most respected wrestling tournaments ever.

This article is my tribute to the ECWA and all independent wrestling promotion and wrestling schools because without them there would be no future for the "sport" we all love.

Sources: Wikipedia, ECWA.com, and Obsessed with Wrestling.com

A Man Who Deserves Your Respect: "The Hardcore Icon" Terry Funk

Ross Rutherford — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 02:50:21 -0400

A man whose career lasted longer than even Ric Flair finally retired from professional wrestling in 2009, leaving a impact on the industry that few other legends can claim.

Terry Funk was a legend who wanted to prepare the next generation, not hold onto his top "spot" like so many other legends.

Funk started his career in the 1960s learning the trade under his father; Dory Funk. Along with his brother, Dory Funk Jr., Terry spent the first 10 to 15 years of his career doing battle in the National Wrestling Alliance.

In 1975, he even won the NWA World Championship from Jack Brisco, holding onto the title for over a year.

Funk lived up to his title "The Hardcore Legend" by being a part of the earliest barbed wire match in wrestling history in the 1970s. In the 1980s, Terry continued to dominate in the ring, wrestling in Texas, Florida, as well as with his brother Dory Jr. in Japan.

After a brief stint in the WWF, Funk went to the NWA's former territory Extreme Championship Wrestling, which was being led by Paul Heyman.

During his time in ECW, Funk changed his in ring style from the traditional style to a more hardcore style of wrestling.

During his time in ECW, Funk did what few other established wrestling stars did at the time; he helped put other up-and-coming stars over, taking joy in developing new stars.

Funk "retired" from wrestling and left ECW in 1997 after a four-year run with the company, holding the ECW Championship twice along with the Television title. After just a few short months, Terry Funk returned to wrestling and was signed by the WWF.

Funk wrestled under the name Chainsaw Charlie and formed a tag team with Mick Foley. However, after a few months Foley resumed his solo career and Funk went back into "retirement."

In the next half decade, Funk appeared in ECW, WCW, and spent some time in Ring Of Honor. In 2006 Terry Funk returned to the WWE to wrestle at ECW: One Night Stand with Tommy Dreamer and Beulah McGillicutty, losing to Edge, Foley, and Lita.

Since then, Funk has been taking independent bookings. In 2009, though, he finally got some recognition when he and his brother, Dory Funk Jr., where inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by Dusty Rhodes.

Terry Funk deserves much more respect than wrestlers such as Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, and Randy Savage.

Funk knew when his time was over and spent the last 20 years of his career helping develop new stars. He knew the wrestling business would go on without him and he wanted to prepare the next generation of wrestlers.

While Hogan, Flair, Savage, and other veterans spent their time holding down up-and- coming stars, Terry Funk was helping make the careers of new guys. That is what makes Funk a true legend in my opinion.

He wrestled in the NWA, WCW, ECW, WWE, and ROH during his over 40-year career.

Terry Funk should be one of the most respected men to ever step foot in a wrestling ring.

Not Hogan, and not Flair, but Terry Funk.

He cares more about wrestling then keeping his wallet full like some other so-called "legends" do.

Terry Funk has sweat, bled, and breathed wrestling for nearly 45 years, and for that he will always be the greatest legend of wrestling in my mind. He was one of few who actually cared about the wrestling business and its future.

Sources: Wikipedia and Obsessed with Wrestling

“The Forgotten Legend” Jerry Lynn: The Definition of Underrated

Ross Rutherford — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 13:10:48 -0400

When thinking of the greatest workers of the past 20 years, a lot of names come to mind: Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, Chris Benoit, Kurt Angle, and many others. However, there is one name I think is overlooked time and time again. His name is Jerry Lynn.

Lynn got his start in wrestling in WCW as a masked cruiserweight. He was fired while injured from WCW after only two years, but better things where on the horizon for Lynn.

Lynn made a name for himself in ECW with notable feuds with Justin Credible, Lance Storm, and of course, Rob Van Dam. His matches with RVD would go on to become some of ECW's most notable encounters.

Lynn would win the ECW television title from Rob Van Dam after the referee declared Lynn the winner after the time limit expired, but he only held it for around five minutes after the match was given a extension and Van Dam hit the Five-Star Frog Splash to reclaim his title.

Lynn, however, would go on to become the ECW Champion in late 2000. He would not hold the title for long though. Lynn had one last amazing match with Van Dam in the main event of ECW's last PPV event, Guilty as Charged, he lost.

After ECW went bankrupt in 2001, Jerry Lynn spent a couple of months in WWE and after his talent was wasted there, he was sent packing. (In my mind, this is proof that the WWE cannot recognize good talent even when it is setting in there freaking lap.)

From there he left the WWE Jerry Lynn would join a small promotion in Tennessee that would become known as Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. Lynn would do well for himself in TNA. He held the NWA Tag Team Championship and the X Division Championship twice in his five-year tenure with the company.

However, it would be Lynn's efforts to make X Division stars that he would be most remembered for. He helped elevate AJ Styles, Chris Sabin, and feuded with many other smaller wrestlers who usually would not get a shot at "the spotlight" in other promotions.

After a shoulder injury in 2004 Lynn stepped out of the ring and became a road agent for TNA and made occasional appearances on screen.

However, the veteran could not stay away from the ring and returned to active wrestling in 2007 where he had a notable feud with the X Division Champion Chris Sabin. He even held the title for several months after defeating Sabin.

His last notable match was a three-way dance at Final Resolution for the X Division Championship with Christopher Daniels and Chris Sabin.

Lynn asked for his release from TNA in mid-2007 and got his wish.

However, the wrestling career of Jerry Lynn would not come to an end yet. In late 2007 Jerry Lynn would participate in the Super 8 Tournament. A contest that is usually won by young up and coming stars. Such winners of the tournament include: Paul London, Petey Williams, Christopher Daniels, and many more.

In the finals Jerry Lynn would defeat Sonjay Dutt to become the oldest winner of the Super 8 Tournament at the age of 44.

In 2008 Lynn would join ROH and become a full time roster member for the promotion in September of that same year. He is still wrestling for the promotion. We may see more of Lynn with ROH's growing fan base and it's TV deal HDNET.

To date Lynn is the only wrestler in the world to have worked for WCW, ECW, WWE, TNA, and ROH. That is every major wrestling promotion in the United States. He has wrestled around the world and had terrific matches with the likes of many.

His talents were never used to their full potential in WCW and the WWE, however, companies like ECW, TNA, and now ROH have seen what Lynn has to offer and welcomes him with open arms.

Jerry Lynn will never become a 16 time World Champion, he will never be inducted into WWE's Hall of Fame, and he may never get his own DVD telling the story of his career, but Jerry Lynn will be remembered by me and his true fans as one of the hardest working underrated talents this business has ever taken for granted!!

Jerry Lynn deserves credit for helping make Rob Van Dam, TNA's X Division, and being a big reason TNA survived the first few years.

Thank you Jerry Lynn. Your impact on this business will not be forgotten.

Jerry Lynn vs. Chris Sabin vs. Christopher Daniels

Jerry Lynn vs. RVD

Credit: Obsessedwithwrestling.com, Wikipeida, and Rohwrestling.com

Lita: The Greatest Women's Champion of All-Time

Ross Rutherford — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:56:32 -0400

Lita is many different things to many different people. For some she is the "Lucha Libre Queen," and for others she is the "Punk Rock Diva," but for the Matt Hardy fans, she's the "B*tch from Hell." However, Lita's ability to make so many fans feel so many different things about her was one of the things that made her so interesting and fun to watch.

You never knew what to except with Lita.

She actually began her career in ECW, as a valet, before coming to the WWE and becoming a valet once again. However, after a while Team Xtreme was born and we got a chance to see what Lita could really do in the ring.

In her early years, Lita spent most of her time using chairs on the Hardy's opponents or maybe performing a hurricanrana or a moon sault. She wasn't one of those valets who stood helpless on the side of the ring if Matt and Jeff got their a** kicked in the ring. Lita was going to be in there, too.

Lita's drive and determination was all to prove a point to the crowd. The point was that women can wrestle just as good as men. Eventually women's wrestling actually caught on, after the "Attitude Era" nearly destroyed it for good.

I believe Lita had a big part in this.

Lita was the first WWE Diva to actually try and display in-ring talent, since the days of Alundra Blayze.

For much of her career, she stood in the shadow of Trish Stratus, but without Lita, Trish would still be walking around in the ring on all fours barking for Mr. McMahon.

Lita started it all. She was the first Diva in a long time to demand respect and she got it.

Lita's in-ring style was one of a true champion.

She was the Women's division "daredevil." She was one of the very few high-flying Divas. Lita's high risk moves really helped her outshine her competition. Her four title reigns were never that eventful, but that was never what made Lita special. Lita is one of the most overlooked WWE performers of all time. She never gets the respect she deserves, since the whole Edge/Matt Hardy incident.

She was like The Undertaker. She never needed a title to gain the respect. The fans admired her for her talent and passion for wrestling. The fans cared about Lita because they knew she cared about them.

Lita is the "Greatest Women's Champion of All-Time" not because she held the title so many times or because she held it for over a year (she did neither). She was the greatest Women's Champion because of the heart, passion, and talent she displayed in the ring. She respected this business and loved it. It was always about respect with Amy Dumas. After she lost the fans respect, she had to leave.

Lita was a second generation trailblazer. She decided to relight the candle that Moolah, Mae Young, and many others had created so many years ago. Lita was the first WWE Diva to say "whatever happened to women's wrestling?". She brought back the women's division.

I did not choose Lita for this Creature Vs. Creature because I thought she was the best women's champion to ever hold the title. I chose her because in the heart of any true wrestling fan, she is the only champion that matters. She made it possible for women to actually wrestle and be taken seriously again and for that she is "The Greatest Women's Champion of All-Time."

Thank you Lita.

If you would like to get into contact with me check out my facebook or my e-mail:

www.facebook.com/rowdyross

rowdyross7@hotmail.com

Pro Wrestling Countdown: The 10 Greatest TNA Matches of All Time

Ross Rutherford — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:41:02 -0400

Welcome to the Pro Wrestling Countdown. I've gone back and done my homework on these ten matches and I have to say these matches kickass. Since Total Nonstop Action Wrestling was founded by Jerry Jarrett and Dixie Carter in 2002 we wrestling fans have been treated with some fantastic matches amongst the “rubble” of former WWE/WCW talent and the horrible mistake that is Vince Russo. TNA may be a difficult promotion to love at sometime, like an annoying little brother, but every once and awhile they do something that really surprises you. That is what this list is all about, looking at some of the greatest contests in the company’s history. So let’s take a minute and look at the company’s best matches in their 7 year history. This is “The Pro Wrestling Countdown”; top ten greatest TNA matches ever……..

Begin Slideshow

Pro Wrestling Countdown: The 10 Most Underutilized Talents in Wrestling Today

Ross Rutherford — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:37:23 -0400

The “Pro Wrestling Countdown” has finally returned! Today I will be showcasing 10 of wrestling most underutilized talents in wrestling today. These are 10 men and women who have what it takes to be huge, but are held down by circumstance and the “powers at be”. In the wrestling world everybody has their favorite talent. The hardest part of watching a wrestling show is when you see the promoter not utilize a talent to its full potential. You know they have what it takes to do great things, but somebody else dropped the ball. It is really unfortunate when you see a fantastic talent not being used like they should. This has been going on since wrestling was invented. In 2009 we have young up and comers who aren’t getting the chance they deserve and established talent that have been moved to the back seat so others may get the spot light. So here it is the 10 Most Underutilized Talents in Wrestling Today……

Begin Slideshow

Edge and Jericho as Tag Team Champions: Smackdown Just Got Even Better

Ross Rutherford — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:48:35 -0400

It's what we have all been waiting for. The biggest heels in the WWE have officially became a tag team. Not only that, but they won the Unified Tag Team Championship at The Bash and are know the biggest reason to watch Friday Night Smackdown.

These two uber-heels have formed a team that could rule Smackdown. Everything Jericho has touched in the past 14 months has turned to gold.

Now that he is teamed with one of the most hated guys in the WWE, "The Real A Show" has just become a whole lot more interesting.

The Following are reasons to watch Smackdown:

The bad ass known as John Morrison
Jim Ross
It has actual wrestling matches
No Batista, John Cena, Hornswoggle, or Triple H
The [freakin] Undertaker
When R-Truth says "Whats up?"
Watching Khali get hit with a chair
and now Edge and Jericho are a tag team

WWE has really been doing a good job over on Friday Night. It seems like Raw is for the kids and the "Casual fans" and Smackdown is for the "Hardcore Wrestling fans".

I was hoping the WWE would unite these two to form a team from the second they hinted at it at the Draft last April.

I can't wait to see how the two deal with their egos. Both of them want the World Heavyweight Championship. It will be interesting to see how the two work together to accomplish anything.

Edge is a fantastic tag team wrestler and now that Jericho is joining him I see them dominating Smackdown DX-style (circa 1998).

I would like to get some more people in on this tag team. How about if the WWE brings in Christian and Tyson Tomko to join the team. It could be the WWE's version of Team Canada. Is Tomko from Canada? Never mind...

I'm putting the cart before the horse here, but now that these two have the tag team championships, I see Smackdown becoming even better. WWE's so called "B" show has been the greatest wrestling show of 2009 and this proves it.

I can't wait to see how the WWE follows up with this interesting development on Friday's show. Very good move here by Vince McMahon.

WWE: People Do Not Understand You; Therefore They Hate You

Ross Rutherford — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:27:59 -0400

This may be the most important thing I ever write.....

"People hate what they do not understand."

Many a wrestling fan wonder why people dislike wrestling. I myself enjoy all sports. I watch baseball and basketball with my grandfather and will sit down and watch football with my dad. I like all sports. Wrestling however, has always been my favorite.

Calling professional wrestling a sport has been a topic of huge controversy. Many believe that because it is scripted and "made up" that it cannot be called a sport even though it does require training and talent.

This argument's biggest blow is that it has no element of actual competition and they are 100 percent right. So the sports fans hate us and everything we love about wrestling.

Maybe professional wrestling is just entertainment. However the media has never been good for the WWE, with talk of death and steroid use being the most talked about wrestling item on the news shows.

I love how they fail to mention WWE's tireless humanitarian work with "Make a Wish" and how they go overseas every year during Christmas. Great, so the entertainment world hates us too.

WWE claims to be "Sports Entertainment", but both the sports world and entertainment world want nothing to do with professional wrestling? What is the problem?

Why does it have such a bad reputation? Why do people hate professional wrestling? I think I know now. They hate it because they do not understand it and they can't figure it out.

Its much like my High School. I'm made fun of and ridiculed by the jocks and the preps because I'm not like them and they don't understand me. They can't figure me out so they cast me aside and make fun of me.

I think I told the linebacker of my High School football team to go suck on the Reciever's "you know what" (get it?). Good thing I can run fast.

When you hate something it is because you do not like something about it. Dislike and like is measured by your understanding of something.

I like History class because I understand it. I dislike Math because I do not understand it, but I would not make fun of my Math teacher or any student who liked it.

I do not understand it, so I am in no place to judge. Just like people who do not like wrestling are in place to judge me for liking it.

It's just like how someone of a different race or religion should not judge someone because of their different beliefs.

Anyways, the reason people hate wrestling is because they can't figure it out. They don't understand why we watch a sport that has no real competition. In addition, they refuse to have an open mind and try and understand the concept.

I myself have told none of my friends that I watch wrestling, just so I don't have to hear the jokes and the ridicule and explain to them why I enjoy it.

Its almost like a variety show. It has everything that anyone could love about entertainment and sports. It has what that one Disney Channel girl calls "the best of both worlds."

Professional Wrestling is called all sorts of things by sports fans and people who watch Desperate Housewives and Ugly Betty, but the bottom line is that if you do not understand something, then you are in no position to judge it.

An open mind and optimism are very beautiful things and should not be wasted on stupid statements meant to hurt people.

If more people in the world took time to understand things instead of hating them for being what they are then maybe there wouldn't be war and religious intolerance.

Maybe the World could benefit from a 16-year-old with a keyboard, a good lesson, and a big mouth.

Don't judge someone based on their religion, race, or because they watch Professional Wrestling. We, as humans, should be smarter than that.

Take the time to understand......instead of hate.

Analyzing WWE's Feuds, Week 7: A New Level Of Hell

Ross Rutherford — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 21:26:32 -0400

Welcome to Week Seven of "Analyzing WWE's Feuds." As always, I will be analyzing the current feuds of the WWE and whether I think the WWE should "End it" or "Pursue it," based on what I see in the rivalry.

This could include the reasoning behind the rivalry, the quality of matches, or the direction of the characters. I hope you enjoy the second installment.

Raw

Triple H and Randy Orton

These two put on a great last man standing match on Raw this week, but I think it kind of makes me not care about the 3 Stages of Hell Match coming up this Sunday.

I hope this Sunday's match will be the big blow off to this feud so Randy Orton can have someone new to work with. The two do work pretty well together, but after them feuding nearly the whole year so far I'm ready to see something new.

Ruling: "End It"

The Miz and John Cena

Finally these to get to have a match. The Miz has been really good on the mic and his Cena bashing has been really entertaining. The Miz has more or less put himself over by mocking Cena.

I'm interestedto see whether the WWE will have Cena get the obvious win or if they give The Miz an up set. I think if you have The Miz win by D.Q. or count out that it would be enough to continue this one and make Miz look good enough so that he can continue to bash Cena.

Ruling: "Pursue It"

Legacy and The Colons

It doesn't seem like the WWE will be doing much with these two teams and I think that after Legacy win the titles (they will) that little will go on. The Colons will try and win back their titles and then fail. Eventually they will turn on one another thus the circle of the "Tag Team Cycle" is complete.

Ruling: "End It"

ECW

Dreamer, Christian, Swagger, Henry, and Finlay?

I am not looking forward to the scramble match this Sunday. To many people involved in the same match at once is more or less a mess. While I liked the concept back in 2008 I did not like the matches at all.

Let me get this straight. Evan Bourne beats Mark Henry 2 weeks in a row and then Henry gets to be in the title match? What? I do like how the inserted Finlay into the match.

Ruling: "End It"

Smackdown!

Jeff Hardy and CM Punk

I find the slow turn of CM Punk very interesting. I'm glad the WWE is taking its time in making Punk a heel. They did something similar with Chris Jericho last year. Having Punk become a heel will allow other faces to have someone to feud with giving Edge and Jericho some relief.

I hope Jeff Hardy and CM Punk have a nice chemistry in the ring and I can't wait for their match this Sunday. I hope they continue the one on one program threw Night Of Champions and maybe even Summer Slam. I hope this will be the time that Punk stays in the main event.

Ruling: "Pursue It"

Chris Jericho and Rey Mysterio

I was originally very bored with this rivalry, but after time wore on it grew on me and now I am very interested. I am not a big fan of having title vs. mask match at The Bash as Jericho will probably retain the title after a D.Q. or Count out.

Jericho has been on fire over the past year and just about everything he does has been awesome; except for that whole Mickey Rourke thing. Oh well.

Ruling: "Pursue It"

Dolph Ziggler and The Great Kahli

Oh please make this horrible program stop!

Ruling: "End It"

Analyzing WWE's Feuds, Week Five: Anything Is Possible!

Ross Rutherford — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 16:58:13 -0400

Welcome to Week Five of "Analyzing WWE's Feuds." As always, I will be analyzing the current feuds of the WWE and whether I think the WWE should "End it" or "Pursue it," based on what I see in the rivalry.

This could include the reasoning behind the rivalry, the quality of matches, or the direction of the characters. I hope you enjoy the second installment.

RAW

Randy Orton and Triple H?

With Batista injured, I think this was the WWE's way of getting a big star back on television as soon as possible. Triple H was kayfabe injured by Orton at Backlash and now he is back for retribution.

This feud has been done before and I'm really not looking forward to seeing the two feud for the millionth time.

I don't care if this is a fresh storyline or not, HHH and Orton have been spending way too much time feuding with one another over the past couple of years.

The RAW writing team needs to get their heads out of their asses and come up with something new.

Ruling: "End It"

Legacy and (c)The Colons

I don't know if you would call this a full-blown feud yet, but I would really like to see a well-developed tag team rivalry out of these two teams. The last time I remember a legit tag team feud was between the Hardy Boys and MNM back in 2007.

Having Legacy win the titles would be good for Rhodes and DiBiase. It would be a good push for them. Lately, all they have been is Batista and Triple H's tackling dummies.

Ruling: "Pursue It"

John Cena and The Big Show and The Miz

At this point a Cena/Orton feud sounds really good. However, I dislike Cena working with The Big Show. I want more than just the "Cena is the underdog" bullshit the WWE is trying to feed me.

The Miz, however, is doing great for himself right now. I love how he keeps calling out John Cena and has yet to actually wrestle Cena. I do look forward to the day the two actually wrestle one-on-one and then Miz gets the victory by count out or something. I like it so far.

Ruling: "End It" (Cena/Show)- "Pursue It" (Cena/Miz)

ECW

(c) Tommy Dreamer, Christian, and Jack Swagger

I never thought the WWE would put the ECW Championship on Tommy Dreamer, but I'm glad they did.

ECW continues to showcase great new talent, but still manages to keep its main-event stars in fresh scenarios.

I think the Christian double-cross at the beginning of the show was done brilliantly.

Swagger's involvement is still interesting, as he was pinned at Extreme Rules; however, the big story here is if the WWE will actually let Dreamer hold on to the title for longer than a week.

Will they make him drop the belt at "3 For All"? I'm interested, which is good.

Ruling: "Pursue It"

Evan Bourne and Mark Henry

They had Evan Bourne wrestle Tony Atlas this week on ECW, which tells me they are running out of ideas for this feud, fast. The match wasn't bad and having Henry attack Bourne after the match was okay, but it felt formulaic.

They should have had Henry pin Bourne last week and have a handicap match this week. This one does not seem to be going anywhere anymore. Have Bourne feud with the Hart Dynasty.

Ruling: "End It"

Smackdown!

(c) CM Punk, Jeff Hardy, and Edge

This feud is interesting. It hasn't seen enough development for me to say truly whether it should continue or end, but I think Jeff Hardy and Edge should stay away from one another now that their one-on-one feud has ran its course.

Having Punk feud with just one of them is fine. Actually, it's great. I hope they do go in that direction.

Edge or Hardy should begin a feud with one of the mid-card talents or maybe Jericho, after his program with Mysterio ends.

Ruling: "Pursue It" (as a one-on-one feud)

(c) Chris Jericho and Rey Mysterio

Y2J has been on a yearlong hot streak and it still keeps getting better. For a while there, I was sort of bored with this feud, but after it picked up speed it really got me interested.

After another great PPV match, it appears that this feud is still commencing as Jericho took off Mysterio's mask during their match allowing Jericho the leverage he needed to win the title.

I hope they have a good follow up after that.

Ruling: "Pursue It"

Shelton Benjamin and John Morrison

It seems that this feud has hit a "wall." This week they had a tag team match where Morrison got the victory over Charlie "I can't believe he still has a job" Haas.

This rivalry features two of the most gifted, athletic wrestlers on Smackdown and I was hoping for a little more than a tag team match. The match was good, actually it was great, but it did nothing to further the Benjamin/Morrison storyline. As much as I love their work, I have to be mean.

Ruling: "End It"

The Great Khali and Dolph Ziggler

Wow! Over the past three years Khali has gone from "Unbeatable Monster" to "Main Event Jobber" and now he is nothing more than a joke. I suppose it's not all his fault. His knees just can't handle it.

I do like the fact that the WWE is using him to push a young guy like Dolph Ziggler. If Khali only has a few more years of wrestling in his future, he should be used to enhance the the future of the WWE.

There is not much to this feud, however, and neither is Khali's ring work. I say end it and let Ziggler work with R-Truth or John Morrison.

Ruling: "End It"

WWE: The Blurred Line Between the Main Event and the Mid-Card

Ross Rutherford — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 18:23:21 -0400

Before I start, I would like to give myself a little pat on the back. This is the 100th article that I have written here on the Bleacher Report.

Over the past year, it has been a pleasure writing and interacting with the wrestling community here and I think it has really helped me grow, not only as a wrestling fan but as a writer. I hope I can write 100 more for you.

In wrestling, there are usually three groups of wrestlers:

The Main Event Superstars
The Mid-Carders
The Jobbers and New Talent

Most of the three groups are clearly identified. Lets say someone, like Kofi Kingston, is walking down the ramp. You automatically, and you may not notice it yourself, think mid-card talent; you know he is not a main-event star. However, this line is being blurred.

There are stars in the WWE today that are at an awkward spot in the company. Like MVP, CM Punk, and John Morrison. It is very difficult to tell where their place in the WWE is.

I'm used to being able to tell were everyone "fits" and now that I don't, I sort of like the change.

With Batista, The Undertaker, and Shawn Michaels all away it has been the mid-card who has stepped up and filled in for the stars that are M.I.A. Because of this, the line between the main event and mid-card has disappeared temporarily.

This change has made the atmosphere on television shift and make it seem like anything can happen anywhere. Especially since Punk just cashed in his Money in the Bank title shot moments after Jeff Hardy won the World Heavyweight Championship.

With CM Punk holding a World Title and MVP poised to challenge the next WWE Champion, things in the WWE are shifting.

Of course, this could change again when more of WWE's top stars come back, which would be a very big disappointment. I like this new development and seeing young talent get this push is making everything in the WWE seem new and fresh.

After a year of seeing the same people feud with each other and play "Hot Potato" with the World Titles, it is very refreshing to see the mid-card talent get a chance to shine with Edge, Orton, Hardy, and the other top stars.

I think having younger mid-carders challenge the World Champions and the established talent more often would be a huge improvement of the product, as nothing puts a smile on my face more than a fresh new storyline in the very redundant world that is the "WWE Universe."

Vince might have stumbled upon the correct way of pushing young talent. All you have to do is blur the line between the main-event stars and the mid-card talent.

I'm sure you're just about as tired as I am of seeing Triple H and Orton feud again, again, and again. So I think this change in the WWE's thinking should become permanent. Not just when Taker and HBK are away. It should be a full-time deal.

I want to see Kofi Kingston feud with Triple H and John Morrison feud with Edge. So what if it's not what the WWE would usually do!? Being different and new should be something Vince McMahon should continually stride for!

The wrestling fans are sick and tired of seeing the same thing over and over again.

Analyzing WWE's Feuds, Week Four: It's Time To Get Extreme!

Ross Rutherford — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 22:35:11 -0400

Welcome to Week Four of "Analyzing WWE's Feuds." As always, I will be analyzing the current feuds of the WWE and whether I think the WWE should "End it" or "Pursue it" based on what I see in the rivalry.

This could include the reasoning behind the rivalry, the quality of matches, or the direction of the characters. I hope you enjoy the second installment.

RAW

Batista and Randy Orton

I'm tired of the Handicap matches. I'm tired of seeing Batista squash Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes, and I'm tired of Randy Orton putting down Ric Flair. I'm just tired of this feud period.

The Batista and Randy Orton feud is so boring and, despite WWE's attempts to make me interested, I'm still very bored with Batista as the challenger.

They have given this storyline nothing except that Batista is mad because Orton injured him and beat up Flair. Sorry, that is not enough to keep me interested, WWE.

Ruling: "End It"

John Cena and The Big Show

This feud has been dragging on for what seems like forever. I've said a lot about what makes this rivalry not work so I'm not going to go into full detail again.

I will say that this feud has little going for it because Big Show got the loss at Judgment Day so John Cena no longer looks like the "underdog," which makes this feud pretty pointless.

Ruling: "End It"

Vickie Guerrero and Santino

They threw cow manure on each other and crowd member on Monday Night Raw! Think about it.

Ruling: "End It"

ECW

Christian, Tommy Dreamer, and Jack Swagger

The match this Sunday that these men will have could be Tommy Dreamer's last match with the WWE if he loses. These guys have made ECW very interesting over the past few weeks.

All three are very talented in the ring and bring something different to the table. I don't expect this to continue after Extreme Rules, but I would prefer it did over a Christian and Mark Henry feud.

Ruling: "Pursue It"

Evan Bourne and Mark Henry

I don't really have a problem with this feud. I would rather see Bourne feuding with someone else, although seeing Bourne play the underdog against Henry is interesting. I would like to see a little more put into it so it can develop.

Ruling: "Pursue It"

Smackdown

Jeff Hardy and Edge

This feud has been my favorite of the past few months. They have a good back-and-forth on the microphone and are doing a great job of setting up the match at the Pay Per View.

I do hope the champion will go on to face another competitor after the Ladder Match at Extreme Rules. This has been one of the better feuds of 2009—mainly because of all the history that is between Hardy and Edge—but I do think it is time for it to come to an end or have someone else join in. Enter Chris Jericho.

Ruling: "Pursue It"

Chris Jericho and Rey Mysterio

This feud started out not being very good, but after the story developed and they had a couple of matches it has grown on me. Even though I don't think Jericho needs a ninth Intercontinental Championship reign, the storyline here was what I was hoping for from the Kane and Rey Mysterio angle last year.

I actually hope this feud continues because I think it has more to offer. The mask issue and the sneak attacks have been very well done by Jericho.

Ruling: "Pursue It"

Umaga and CM Punk

I was holding out a little hope for this one, but after they gave the match away on Smackodwn I knew it was over. I'm just not interested in why Umaga kept attacking CM Punk.

To sum it up they have given me no reason to care why Umaga is attacking Punk, thus I have no interest.

Ruling: "End It"

Shelton Benjamin and John Morrison

This has a very simple concept: Morrison has been on a role and seems to have Benjamin's number. These two have been having very entertaining matches on Smackdown and the storyline seems to be developing slowly.

I just hope the WWE does something with it instead of just jobbing Shelton out to John Morrison.

Ruling: "Pursue It"

WWE: The Horrible Combination Of Bad Booking and Stipulation Matches

Ross Rutherford — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 22:36:13 -0400

If there is one thing wrestling fans love it is stipulation matches. They bring a level of excitement that regular matches cannot.

When you hear that a stipulation match is about to take place you now, you're going to see something out of the ordinary. It could be anything. You just know it is going to be much more memorable than a one-on-one encounter.

Lets compare a one on one match between your two favorite WWE superstars to your favorite dish at Olive Garden. You're pretty exited.

Now think of the stipulation match as your favorite dessert. So if done right a stipulation match can be a great night at Olive Garden. You have your favorite dish (match) and your favorite desert (stipulation match). Sounds good.

However, stipulation matches are only good when done correctly.

Now think of your two least favorite WWE superstars. For me that would be The Great Khali and Mr. Ken......Oh never mind. Mine would be the Great Khali and Mark Henry.

So think of that horrible match as the overcooked meat loaf your mother in-law made especially for you.

Now think of the worst stipulation match ever and picture it as the disgusting side dish you have to eat along with the meat loaf. Doesn't sound like the best night now does it?

So a stipulation match is either really good or really bad.

Well I hope you can excuse the food comparisons as I will know diverge to my point. The WWE is overusing stipulation matches and the horrible booking going along with them is a devastating combination.

While I'm on the topic, when was the last time you saw a Last Man Standing Match, First Blood Match, or a Iron Man Match? I don't think I can even remember.

Back to the point, when the WWE does give us some stipulation match they usually put the wrong people in the match to begin with.

For instance, John Cena will battle the Big Show in a submission match at Extreme Rules. What? There last one on one match at Judgment Day put me to sleep. How am I suppose to watch Big Show put John Cena in a lame Bear Hug for 15 minutes?

Now if you put Chris Jericho and Rey Mysterio in a submission match at Extreme Rules then that might make a little more sense than John Cena and the Big Show. Am I right?

Then there are times when not only the people in the match don't suit the stipulation, but the stipulation itself is ridiculous. An example would be a Hog Pen Match with Santino and Vickie Guerrero coming up.

Why the WWE puts together these horrible matches like this is way beyond me, but I can tell you they will pay for it. No one will be entertained by Vickie Guerrero and a pig.

The fact is if a stipulation match isn't done just right with the right people in the right situations, then the end result will be disappointing and a complete waste of time. You either love the match or hate it. There is usually not a in-between.

Maybe the reason I and possibly others feel this way is because the WWE overuses many of their gimmick matches. After you see a stipulation match so often the effect it has on us wears off (remember the favorite foods comparison).

Just like our favorite dishes we like a variety of matches. We don't want the same thing all the time. Make stipulations special and give us a variety, or were going to get tired of them especially when you put the wrong people in the match.

I don't want to see someone like John Cena in a submission match. The Cena and Big Show match at Extreme Rules should be a Iron Man Match or a First Blood Match because those types of matches work to the two's strengths. A submission match does not.

The WWE, and TNA also, needs to pay more attention to what types of matches they put their talent in and the type of matches in general.

A Hog Pen Match? I mean really? Triple H couldn't even pull that match off 12 years ago. Even if it is suppose to be for a laugh I don't see the point.

To wrap this up when you have bad stipulation matches like Hog Pen matches, Singapore Cane on A Pole Match, or a Last Ride match your going to be rolling your eyes the whole time thinking "This could have been so much better if they would have just [insert good idea here]".

So WWE I beg you to start using different stipulation matches and using the right people in each match. It would be one more thing the WWE could do to increase the quality of their product and that can benefit the company and the fans. Its a win-win situation.

Analysing WWE's Feuds (Week 2): It's Not Over Yet!

Ross Rutherford — Sat, 23 May 2009 17:38:34 -0400

Welcome to week 2 of "Analysing WWE's Feuds." As always I will be analyzing the current feuds of the WWE and whether I think the WWE should "End it" or "Pursue it" based on what I see in the rivalry.

This could include the reasoning behind the rivalry or the quality of matches or the direction of the characters. I hope you enjoy the second installment.

RAW

Randy Orton vs. Batista with Ric Flair

I was hoping that maybe after Judgment Day Randy Orton would have moved on to new challengers like MVP. However, when I saw Ric Flair come out to make the save at the PPV I knew this one would continue.

I suppose the involvement of Ric Flair and John Cena was suppose to get me excited about seeing Randy Orton and Batista fight again at Extreme Rules, but it doesn't.

I gave this feud a ruling of "Pursue it" last week because I though it was going to end after Judgment Day and that Orton would move on to another challenger.

I was hoping for a MVP/Orton feud to get MVP's name involved in the main event, but I suppose that is asking too much.

Batista needs to move on to something not involving Randy Orton and Orton and Legacy need Non-Evolution contenders to make Randy's title reign more important.

Ruling: "End it"

John Cena and The Big Show

This feud is boring and I have had enough of it. Show and Cena do not work well together. John Cena got his revenge at Judgment Day and now I think they should move on to other things.

However, I do understand that Extreme Rules is not far off and starting another feud right now would be foolish and it would not have time to develop.

I am praying that after Extreme Rules this horrible rivalry is over.

Have Big Show battle guys like the very annoying Miz or Kofi Kingston. Show could be used so much better when working with the right people.

Ruling: "End it" (NOW!)

Santino Marrela and The Guerreros

I know most people hate the whole Santino lesbian thing, but Santino is still one of the few people on the WWE roster who can actually make me laugh.

His match with Chavo where he looked surprised that he was actually doing good was very funny. I know it may not be a serious important feud, but it was a comedy act.

I could have gone without the Vickie Guerrero match latter in the show, but Santino does a great job of entertaining the fans in a way that few other can do on the roster.

I would say "Pursue it," but it can't develop into anything important, but I do love laughing at Santino and his match with Chavo on Raw and his backstage segments with the Guerreros are actually fairly humorous in my opinion.

I'm sure there are better things Santino could be doing to make us laugh.

Ruling: "End It"

ECW

Christian Cage, Tommy Dreamer, and Jack Swagger

The addition of Dreamer really spiced up this feud that I though had run its course. After interrupting two ECW Championship matches between Tommy Dreamer and Christian Cage it looks as if we will get a Three Way Dance pretty soon.

Giving Dreamer a ECW Championship match is really nice. Christian has his work cut out for him between two very strong competitors and I have really been enjoying ECW lately.

I hope this match makes it on the card for Extreme Rules.

Ruling: "Pursue It"

Smackdown

Jeff Hardy and Edge

I might be in the minority here, but Jeff Hardy and Edge are two of my favorite superstars in the WWE today and I can't say I don't enjoy seeing the two work together.

I was hoping they would do something to return my interest in this feud and they did. On Smackdown they announced a Ladder Match at Extreme Rules.

We all know what these two can do with ladders and last time Edge touched a ladder he pushed The Undertaker 20 feet off of the ladder and into a stack of tables. Can you imagine these two one on one in a ladder match. I can’t wait.

You may be tired of this feud, but I say if there is nothing wrong with it, then don't fix it. I do hope Edge has a new challenger after Extreme Rules (We all know Matt will screw Jeff over again). Chris Jericho, maybe?

Ruling: "Pursue It" (but only until Extreme Rules)

Chris Jericho and Rey Mysterio

I was, like most of the current WWE feuds, hoping that this rivalry would end at Judgment Day. As you can tell, it did not.

They had arguably the best match on the card and I did enjoy it a lot. However I think it would be in Smackdown's best interest if Rey worked with younger talent like John Morrison, Shelton Benjamin, and Dolph Ziggler instead of the established main event star, Chris Jericho.

I hope to see Jericho challenge the World Heavyweight Champion after the next PPV.

Ruling: "End It"

CM Punk and Umaga

I was hoping for an explanation as to why Umaga attacked Punk as we really haven’t got one yet. The two had an okay match at Judgment Day, but now I'm second guessing this feud all together.

They had me interested when he ran in and attacked Punk before he could cash in his Money in the Bank opportunity but the follow up has not lived up to the hype.

The strap match at Extreme Rules doesn't sound too great either.

Ruling: "End it"

Pro Wrestling Countdown: The Top Ten WWE Pay-Per-Views of the 21st Century

Ross Rutherford — Sun, 17 May 2009 20:30:19 -0400

In the past ten years we WWE fans have seen a lot of bad WWE events, but what are the greatest event's the WWE has held since the turn of the century? Well let’s fine out in this addition of "The Pro Wrestling Countdown" as I take a look at the top ten Pay Per View events of the 21st century. Enjoy…

Begin Slideshow

Analysing WWE's Feuds (Week 1): A Fresh Start

Ross Rutherford — Wed, 13 May 2009 20:41:56 -0400

Welcome to "Analyzing WWE"s Feuds." Here, I will be analyzing the feuds of the WWE and whether I think the feud needs to "End it" or "Pursue it" based on what I see in the feud.

This could include the reasoning behind the rivalry or the quality of matches or the direction of the characters. I hope you enjoy the first article.

Raw:

Randy Orton and Batista

Currently the WWE is missing Shawn Michaels, Triple H, and The Undertaker. So while they're all taking time off, the WWE is capitalizing on Batista's return and putting him in a feud with Orton.

I only have two problems with this feud. First, the handicap matches are killing me. How many times do I have to watch "the good guy" overcome the odds.

Second, why does Vickie Guerrero always favor the heel? I mean I understand why, but what is the explanation? I mean Orton took out her boss and she should be punishing Orton, not taking his side. A simple explanation would have corrected that.

This is one of the better feuds right now, even though it does have a few problems. With the lack of star power on Raw, these two have to carry the brand while HHH and HBK recover. They work well together in the right situation.

Ruling: Pursue It!

John Cena and The Big Show

Somebody please give Big Show a manager. Show works so much better when he has someone to talk for him. I'm not into this feud at all.

John Cena needs a change of scenery and character advancement. No matter what Cena does, it's going to bore the hell out of me because he is generally a boring guy. He needs new people to work with.

Enter MVP and Matt Hardy. After Judgment Day, I hope this is over.

Ruling: End It!

MVP and William Regal

This one has just begun, but I like the fact that William Regal is continuing to put young guys over. He has already done so with Kofi Kingston and CM Punk and I feel MVP will benefit from this.

It might not develop into a major feud, but I like what I see so far.

Ruling: Pursue it!

ECW:

Christian and Jack Swagger

I have really enjoyed Swagger and having him feud with Christian really makes ECW pretty enjoyable.

Swagger's in ring style and his chemistry with Cage really shines through when your watching them in the ring. However, this rivalry has just about run its course.

I would like to see Christian or Swagger move on to new opponents like Finlay, Mark Henry, and (if there is a god) Tommy Dreamer. It should conclude after Judgment Day.

Ruling: End it!

Smackdown!:

Jeff Hardy and Edge

These two have been feuding on and off for almost a year. With the Undertaker taking time off to heal nagging injuries Jeff Hardy stepped up to fill the role of the No. 1 face on the blue brand.

This one is simple Hardy is the number one contender and he wants the World Heavyweight title. That is a nice change. No ridiculous story line. I'm looking at you Cena/Big Show.

Regardless of who wins, this match I want it to continue and add Jericho. No confusing background story just a good ol' fight over the world title.

Ruling: Pursue it!

Chris Jericho and Rey Mysterio

First of all, I really like this because having Jericho feud over the Intercontinental Championship makes the title seem important. Establishing it on Smackdown as an important title is vital.

However, there are guys like Shelton Benjamin, Dolph Ziggler, John Morrison, R-Truth, and Mike Knox who could do that. Smackdown has a fantastic mid-card and they should be feuding over the I-C.

It should wrap up at Judgment Day. Besides, Jericho is needed in the main event scene.

Ruling: End It!

CM Punk and Umaga

After trying to cash in his Money in the Bank title shot on a prone Edge, Umaga attacked the straight edge superstar and stopped him from stealing Edge's title again.

I thought this was really cool way of keeping Punk away from he World Heavyweight title until the time is right and also gives him something to do.

This really makes Umaga look good. After several years of beating jobbers on television and losing at almost every pay per view I hope this is a sign of change from the "Samoan Bulldozer."

I hope this continues after Judgment Day, as I feel more can be done between these two. Maybe Punk puts up his MITB title shot against Umaga? Who knows?

Ruling: Pursue it!

WWE Superstars and Their Video Game Counterparts

Ross Rutherford — Tue, 05 May 2009 22:42:00 -0400

Over the years I have owned many game consoles. From Nintendo's 64 and now the Wii to Sony's PS & PS2; I even had a Sega Genesis. When playing these games I see the characters and naturally I draw comparisons to wrestling. Most of these comparisons are Nintendo charecters. Whether they be the video game characters physical characteristics or their personality. So I have comprised a slide show of WWE Superstars and their video game counterparts. **P.S. I've never had an X-Box (360) or a PS3. So don't expect to see anyone from those consoles on here. (Sorry)

Begin Slideshow

WWE: Is Four Wrestling Shows a Week Too Many?

Ross Rutherford — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:27:08 -0400

Every wrestling fan in the United States of America , or at least those who have USA, My Network TV, SiFi, and WGN), turn on their television to watch WWE’s product. Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday Night there is a WWE show on.

It brings up that old question; is it possible to have too much of a good thing? Could overexposure be harmful to the wrestling product as a whole? Could the WWE be figuratively “shooting themselves in the foot”?

When I first started watching wrestling the only show I watched was Monday Night Raw. That was all there was back then.

You either watched Monday Night Raw, or if there was something wrong with you, Monday Night Nitro. The WWE only had one show. It was enough to keep the fans happy and exited for what would happen next week and on the PPV.

Then in 1999 the WWE aired the first edition of Smackdown. It was originally supposed to be a special thing like Saturday Night’s Main Event.

However, it soon became another WWE show all on its own. All the superstars appeared on the show as there was no brand split at this time. Having two shows was a great idea considering the WWE's expanding roster.

I remember being extremely happy when this happened as I never got to order WWE Pay Per View events when I was younger and the idea of another two hours of WWE a week thrilled me.

After WWE acquired talent from the now bankrupt ECW and WCW it was apparent that having all of the superstars running around without any sort of limitation on what show they appeared on was a bad idea.

So in 2002 the WWE formed the “Brand Extension”. This simply meant that superstars that were on Smackdown could only wrestle for Smackdown. However, this ruler is abused heavily today. That is something else that annoys me.

I remember liking this concept as each brand had their own World title, Tag Team, and second-tier title.

This concept worked very well. Two WWE shows a week and a PPV every month keep the wrestling fans happy and coming back for more. Its worked very well.

In 2005 WWE held a reunion show for the old ECW featuring member of the original ECW. The show did so well that the WWE brought the show back and decided to make a weekly show out of it featuring its own roster of superstars.

I thought this was a bite much. The show was only given one hour weekly and the superstars on ECW originally only had two PPVs (One Night Stand and December to Dismember) and the WWE”s “Big Four“.

The ECW show was a mess in my opinion and although it was and still is a great place to showcase new talent, it ultimately seems to be a “dead end.”

Three shows weekly is okay, but I think it is a better idea to beef up the Raw and Smackdown rosters rather than trying to fill out another one.

This year WWE launched a new show. "Superstars" debuted on WGN America as a show for all three brands to appear on. No storylines attached.

I like the concept a lot and since it is not a whole new brand in itself it doesn’t spread the already-thin WWE roster even thinner. Although I’m afraid that four shows in the WWE will cause the wrestling fan to get tired of the product and stop watching some of the shows.

With four shows, the WWE has plenty to keep itself busy.

I personally think the WWE would be smart to rid of the ECW show and move all the talent back to Raw and Smackdown.

I know ECW offers a great place for up-and-comers to get their start, but the WWE has to send some name power to the show to get people watching and that ultimately effects Raw and Smackdown negatively.

With four shows a week no wonder the WWE is experiencing low Pay Per View buy-rates. Do away with ECW and keep Superstars; as it has something to offer the WWE audience.

Maybe some don’t like the idea of doing away with ECW, but I firmly believe the quality beats quantity every time.

Heels Rule!: Why Hardcore WWE Fans Prefer Heels To Baby-Faces

Ross Rutherford — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 20:34:41 -0400

For the past two years the WWE has belonged to three men. These men have been awesome in every single way and have managed to stay over and hold plenty of gold. Edge, Chris Jericho, and Randy Orton may be the most successful and talented performers of their generation and the hardcore fans love them, but their heels?

Why would a fan love a heel character?

For every WWE fan that isn’t the target consumer of the company (anyone above the age of 13) knows why. Many prefer the heel character because they are much “edgier” and much more interesting than the transparent “Superhero, do gooder” baby-faces.

If you’re a hardcore fan you could care less about cheering for the good guy just because their good. A hardcore fan recognizes talent whether the performer is portraying a heel or a baby-face.

I still haven’t really answered my own question. Why do hardcore fans tend to like the heels over the baby-faces?

The fact is that many of us rather watch an interesting character develop over time. Today, heels are the only ones who are truly given time to develop their character. That’s why diehard fans are much more interested in Randy Orton and Edge over say John Cena and Triple H.

A baby-face is a good guy for one reason, because he loves the fans and the sport.

On the other hand, a heel can be bad for a variety of reasons. That variety is what draws the hardcore fan to the characters. The heel could be bad to get retribution, because he’s a jerk, or maybe because he is tired of being overlooked. Or if your Orton or Edge maybe it is because your just a little crazy.

I’m not saying all of us hardcore fans hate the baby-faces. I love to watch Jeff Hardy and Triple H do what they do in the ring, but when it comes to the point of character development and storylines the heels make it all entertaining and make me care about the product.

John Cena storylines put me to sleep. After four years I’m tired of watching Cena try and “prove himself” to the fans. Try something else already, John. I rather watch an intresting superstar than can intrest my in the product.

Chris Jericho is a great example of a wonderfully developed heel character. Few people in the wrestling industry can pull off the heel persona like Jericho.

Any wrestler can be a good guy. Come out and wave to the crowd then there probably going to like you. Being a heel takes time and development of the character.

It is much harder than being the good guy.

Another essential factor is a heels work on the microphone. If they suck on the mic then they can’t be a successful bad guy.

Allow me to go back to my “prime examples”; Edge, Jericho, and Orton. All three of them do an awesome job of speaking and are very good at expressing emotions using their face and body language. A good example would be when Edge trembles in fear of The Undertaker, or when Randy Orton is about to leap to punt McMahon in the head are.

All of these connections to the audience make them hated by the causal adolescent fans, but they make all the WWE diehard fans so glad that they can boo them knowing that the heels are far superior to those transparent, money making baby-faces that we are subjected to week in and week out.

In my opinion; HEELS RULE!

Resolutions To The Madness: The WWE's Bland Product, The Draft, And More

Ross Rutherford — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:13:18 -0400

Welcome to “Resolutions to the Madness” where I take on current events and problems in the wrestling world and provide simple solutions to fix these problems, or simply analysis them and leave the solution up to you, the reader. Enjoy.

WWE has been showcasing an extremely bland product over the past few years in the eyes of many

The Madness

Unfortunately, I can’t really argue with that. I still tune in and enjoy the show, but I always find myself lacking the enthusiasm I once had for the show. Some think it’s the economy and other think it’s due to the fact that the WWE has been in hot water over the issues of pro wrestler’s deaths and the steroid accusations. I have a different theory (more on that later). Many feel that the WWE has become very bland and kid oriented. Some see this as the company changing with the times and others see it as a turn for the worse and nothing more than the WWE doing everything they can to make a dollar rather than give the fans what they want.

The Resolution

In my opinion, the factors that lead to the WWE product growing stale is the lack of true competition. When the WWE was going head to head against WCW every Monday night, they were much more motivated to make a great show to win over the ratings. So the resolution to the madness is simple. If you want the WWE’s stale product to end, we have to give the WWE a reason to make us watch. If TNA ever manages to stop dragging their feet and find a big audience, maybe the WWE will take notice and do more to get us watching.

Many WWE Superstars that were drafted are still showing up on their old shows and other WWE shows

The Madness

Yeah, I noticed that, and it really bothered me when I tuned into Smackdown last Friday to watch the SD! debut of Chris Jericho and Kane only to find they weren’t there.

Instead, what I got were RAW superstars Batista, MVP, Ted DiBiase, Big Show, Randy Orton, and Triple H. Yeah, I know it was only taped a day after the draft, but I wanted to see the new Smackdown stars in action, and what I got was another episode of RAW. I’m sure many were wondering why the WWE would hold a draft and then not have the new SD! superstars at the shows taping the following night.

The Resolution

The “E” should tell the talent ahead of time that they’re going to be working Tuesday night on Smackdown so the fans can actually see the draftees on their new show. If the WWE wants to make this whole “Brand Extension” thing to work, then they need to do a better job of keeping the SD!, Raw, and ECW stars away from each other so the draft seems more special. With people crossing brand lines and the addition of WWE Superstars on WGN, that may be easier said than done.

The rumor going around the “IWC” is that Jeff Hardy may be leaving the WWE soon

The Madness

The word going around is that Hardy is burnt out and wants to “live on his own schedule." If anyone in the wrestling industry feels burnt out, I think they should be allowed time off. Hardy is expected to quiet and go take his own time off.

The Resolution

First of all, I don’t believe any rumor until it actually happens. So as far as I know, this is completely fabricated. However, if this is true and Jeff Hardy is burnt out, then the resolution is clear: leave the WWE on good terms and go home.

If he leaves on good terms, he could have an open door to return someday. If he doesn’t want to wrestle anymore and try to keep up with the WWE’s endless schedule, then he shouldn’t. In fact, no one should.

Bobby Lashley debuted at TNA Lockdown last Sunday

The Madness

This was a big surprise. After Lashley left the WWE on not so great terms, many thought he would shift all of his focus to MMA. During the TNA Pay Per View, Bobby made his debut and now seems that he will have to take a side in the “TNA Civil War”.

The Resolution

TNA has a nice new name in its roster. Bobby was on his way to super stardom in his WWE run and though he may not look like that good of a wrestler, I remember being surprised by Lashley’s in-ring capabilities. Maybe he can be TNA’s “John Cena”.

The WWE Championship match at Backlash is a 3-on-3 Tag Match. If anyone on HHH team get pinned Orton wins the WWE Championship

The Madness

There is nothing I hate more than when someone can los etheir title without getting pinned. Tag Team matches for single's titles should be banned. We all know Batista’s injury had nothing to do with Orton and no one cares about Shane McMahon being in the match. A twist is all but certain.

The Resolution

Putting Orton and Triple H in some type of cage or other gimmick match would have been much better. Hell, even a 3-on-1 match would have been better with Triple H taking on Legacy for the title on his own. The fact is they WWE threw in McMahon and Batista to try and make the feud more interesting and their actually ruing it in the process.

Thanks for reading, be sure to leave plenty of feedback below.

WWE Friday Night Smackdown: Home To The Greatest Talent WWE Has to Offer

Ross Rutherford — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 19:43:47 -0400

Now that the dust of the draft has finally settled. Most have declared Raw the “Winner” of this year’s draft.

WRONG!

The mid-card on Smackdown is amazing with guys like Benjamin, R-Truth, and John Morrison, C.M. Punk, and Ray Mysterio. I have a good feeling that SD’s in ring action is about to see a lot of improvement.

Even with the loss of Triple H, SD still has a strong (but small) cast of main event superstars. The Undertaker, Jeff Hardy, and Edge are now being joined by Chris Jericho, the 2008 Superstar of the Year.

My only gripe with the draft is that Christian was not drafted to Smackdown! Raw and their writers have always favored the big names in the company, but for me I much rather watch Smackdown and enjoy some nice competitive matches than watching John Cena make poop jokes on Raw.

Randy Orton may be the top heel in the WWE today, but on Smackdown the addition of Jericho will lead to many new interesting feuds and matches. May we actually get to see Chris Jericho battle The Undertaker?

The WWE is very clear that "Raw needs big ratings." That explains why all the “Big Names" are now on Monday nights. To make room they have to move some of the under card to Smackdown. Which works out perfect for the blue brand as many a wrestling fan find a good match entertaining.

There was a time that Raw did have a lot of great talent.

Back in 2006, Johnny Nitro, Jeff Hardy, Carlito, and Shelton Benjamin were all having amazing matches in Raw’s under card, but when ratings proved to be disappointing they moved all the less guys so there could be room for guys like Batista and Bobby Lashley.

I’m not trying to be hard on Raw, but if they want me to tune in they should make sure to keep some athletic superstars on their show to keep me watching. Sure, Kofi Kingston and MVP are great to watch and Randy Orton knows how to have a great match, but that is not enough to keep me watching.

On Smackdown, you have everything you could want in a wrestling show. You have Jericho to carry the awesome promos. Punk, Morrison, Benjamin, R-Truth, Mysterio, and Jeff Hardy have no problem supplying the exciting action every Friday. And, of course, you have The Undertaker and Edge to provide fill the all-important main even role.

Smackdown has done it again. Once again short on main event superstars Smackdown has turned a negative into a positive. The Blue Brand is now home to the greatest talent the WWE has to offer.

End of story.

Pro Wrestling Countdown: Top 10 Rivalries of the Past Decade

Ross Rutherford — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 22:52:30 -0400

The greatest wrestling top ten coutdown has finally returned. I decided to revamp my "Top Ten" column and rename it the "Pro Wrestling Countdown". I like the name better. Hope everyone enjoys the improvement: A wrestling show cannot be complete without a story. An in that story there must be some type of confrontation or disagreement. These are called rivalries. An there always good rivalries, like the ones you will see in this edition of "Countdown", but there are also some bad ones too. Remember that whole Katie Vick angle back in 2003? To have a good rivalry you have to have several things. First off, you have to have some skill on the microphone. You can't just walk out and punch someone in the face without telling us fans why. Second, you have to be able to have great matches and great chemistry with the person. Or else we will have a great build up to a not so greatmatch. Finally, you have to be able to keep the fans engaged and make everything that happens it the feud feel important. All of the following ten feuds have taken place in the past decade and these are the best of the best. Honerable Mention: John Cena and Edge Mick Foley and Triple H Trish Stratus and Mickie James

Begin Slideshow

WWE's "Superstars" to Take on TNA's "IMPACT!" in The New Thursday Night Wars

Ross Rutherford — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:52:33 -0400

This Thursday WWE is launching what will be their fourth weekly television show set to air on WGN America. When I heard this I was really surprised and now I’m interested to see what type of effect this will have on, not only the WWE, but TNA’s weekly show, IMPACT!, which also airs every Thursday night.

The one hour show will air against Impact’s second hour and promises to showcase talent from all three brands and matches we might not usually see. Like John Morrison in a match with Triple H, or maybe Chris Jericho facing The Brian Kendrick. No back stories just wrestling competition at its finest.

The concept has always been cool to me, because it takes away the storyline aspect and all that’s left is what happens in the ring. No complicated story to try and keep up with, just flat out wrestling. Sometimes I just want to watch a wrestling match without having to keep up with a story.

If Superstars does end up being a success then this could spell trouble for TNA, who have been experiencing a slow increase in ratings lately. TNA has had enough trouble getting viewers without having competition and we may be seeing the beginnings of a “Thursday Night Mini-War”.

This has to be TNA’s worst nightmare come true and despite having great talents and name draws there is no doubt that WWE’s new program will have a negative effect on IMPACT!

This is the first time that two wrestling promotion's programs will air at the same time weekly since WCW’s Monday Night Nitro and WWE”s Monday Night Raw aired simultaneously back in the 90s and early 2000s.

Although Superstars will probably not get high ratings, unless big names appear regularly, it will attract viewers who only watch IMPACT! To fill the wrestling appetite, but still favor WWE programming to TNA.

Is this WWE’s attempt to slow the success of TNA? I doubt it, but it will have an "impact” on IMPACT! nonetheless. (Sorry for the pun)

It may not be the Monday Night Wars, but it will still be interesting to see how the new WWE show will effect TNA”s flagship programming that is just now building up speed after four years of being on the air.

On the other hand, what if TNA’s show causes WWE’s Superstars to be a failure? Sure maybe WWE is the more notable wrestling company, but TNA’s loyal fans might not be so hasty to switch channels to tune into the new WWE program.

Whichever company suffers from the other’s presence it is an interesting development in TNA and WWE’s relationship. Up until now the two companies have been doing a good job of not stepping on each other’s toes, but that no longer seems to be the case.

I hope that the two companies try to make their Thursday night shows better due to the others precence. That would make the true winners of “The New Thursday Night Wars” the wrestling fans.

CM Punk: WWE's Next Big Superstar

Ross Rutherford — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 00:03:27 -0400

CM Punk is getting a rare chance in the WWE...a second chance at becoming a true main event superstar.

At Wrestlemania 25, Punk won the Money in the Bank ladder match for the second time.

This is the WWE’s chance to really make something of CM Punk. Last year, Punk won the World Heavyweight Championship from Edge on Raw, after the draft, and went on to have a very disappointing run as champion.

Now there is an opportunity to right that wrong, and make something out of the “Straight Edged” superstar.

The WWE is in serious need of a new main event talent.

Seeing Edge, Cena, Orton and Triple H headline every Pay-Per-View is getting to be quite dull. I am more than ready to see a new guy headline the cards and win world titles.

I think we're overdue for a new superstar, and I think that star will be found in CM Punk.

If the company decides to put the title on Punk again this year, I hope they go about it a better way.

Last time Punk held a world title, he was made to look like a very weak champion; he won most of his matches with the help of outside interference or disqualification.

I hope that Punk is drafted to Smackdown where he can eventually cash in his Money in the Bank opportunity, and reign over Smackdown as a dominant champion.

Making CM Punk a big deal on Smackdown will make it easier for the WWE to move more established stars to Raw, which seems to be what is going to happen.

With talks of The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels getting ready to “call it a career,” the WWE would be smart to begin making new stars.

Punk is in the perfect position to be pushed. He has a loyal fan base, plenty of experience under his belt and knows how to pace a match.

What more could you ask for?

Despite the fact that his skills on the microphone are less than fantastic, I believe that CM Punk is ready to ascend to the role of main event superstar.

All the WWE needs is one new person main-eventing their cards to make everything else seem fresh. I could be stingy and say everything in the WWE needs improvement, but that's not the case.

All I ask is for one new guy to make it into the world title picture.

I think that we the fans have seen enough John Cena-Edge matches, and just about enough of the Randy Orton-Triple H Evolution reunion as well.

So before I get off topic, allow me to make one final statement.

CM Punk may not be the best “wrestler” in the WWE, but heck, neither is John Cena.

The reason I believe Punk will be the next big superstar is that he has all of the talents that are necessary to become big in the business.

I predict that “The Straight Edge Superstar” will be a big-time player before the year's over, and I’m looking forward to the fresh face in the main-event spotlight.

WWE: Wrestlemania 25 to Be a Major Disappointment?

Ross Rutherford — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:37:36 -0400

So around this time of year, right before Wrestlemania, I am usually really excited for the show. For some odd reason I don't feel that way about this year's Wrestlemania. The fact is I don't care.

I really don't care about Vickie Guerrero and her "love triangle" or the totally underwhelming brother vs. brother angle with the Hardy brothers.

It is almost like the WWE isn't even trying to make us care. The only matches I care about right now are Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker along with Triple H and Randy Orton.

I suppose I'm mildly interested in the legends angle with Chris Jericho, but even all of that can't save this card.

There is going to be a 25 diva battle royal. Can you picture all of these girls trying to get each other over the top rope? It is going to be a mess (a hot mess). Actually that might be interesting after all.

While I'm on the topic of a mess, what the heck is going on with the Edge-Big Show-Vikki-Cena angle? The whole thing feels like it was put together at the last minute just to make the Cena-Edge feud feel fresh.

Well WWE, you failed. You did succeed in making me not watch Smackdown for the past two weeks because of this. Good Job Vince.

Also, as far as the Money in the Bank match goes I'm sure it will be fun. I'm sure I enjoy watching it as I always do. My only complaint is with the participants. With the exception of Mark Henry and Kofi Kingston, all of the guys have been in the match before.

I would have liked to see some new people like Rey Mysterio, Brian Kendrick, R-Truth, or Hurricane Helms in the match. I suppose that is only a minor complaint.

As far as storylines go for the whole card, I flat out don't care about the Taker-HBK or the Edge-Show-Cena feud.

The angle with Triple H and Randy Orton is only interesting because it is the first time that the WWE has acknowledged that Triple H is a member of the McMahon family. I like the idea of Triple H protecting his family and I'm sure the match will be top notch as well.

If I was the WWE I would have made the "Brother vs. Brother" match a Last Man Standing match, because as of now, I totally don't care anything about this storyline.

As a matter of fact, this is shaping up to be a very disappointing Wrestlemania. I'm looking forward to see Taker and HBK, The Money in the Bank, and HHH and Orton, but that is not enough to save the biggest Pay Per View of the year.

You have to do more than recycle old feuds with new angles to make me spend 50 dollars on a PPV.

Maybe I'm just being too tough of a critic. Maybe I got my hopes up for this year’s event.

However, if the WWE is going to promise us a memorable PPV every year they better make sure I, and everyone else, care about what is going on before hand, because now their just wasting our time. It is like being blind and walking around in a museum. Whats the point?

This is for the WWE, and Vince McMahon. If you can't make me care about and get excited about what is supposed to be your "Super Bowl," then you’re in really big trouble.

You can achieve this very easily. All you have to do is make fresh storylines and have new feuds with different people. This is something you have not been doing lately and a big reason as to why I except this year’s Wrestlemania to be a big letdown.

Maybe that is just me. How do you feel about Wrestlemania 25?

Here is the Wrestlemania card so far:

World Heavyweight Championship Match (HHH vs. Randy Orton)
WWE Championship Match (John Cena vs. Big Show vs. Edge)
The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels
Jeff Hardy vs. Matt Hardy
Money in the Bank Ladder Match (Mark Henry vs. Christan vs. Finlay vs. Cm Punk vs. Kane vs. MVP vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Kofi Kingston)
Chris Jericho vs. Mickey Rourke????
JBL vs. Rey Mysterio
25-Diva Battle Royal

It Wasn't a Test: A Tribute to Andrew "Test" Martin

Ross Rutherford — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 17:19:56 -0400

Almost 11 years ago I remember sitting in front of the television watching Raw. I was about six or seven years old. The main event that night was The Rock vs. Triple H. As the match came to a close it looked as if Triple H had the upper hand.

Then a tall blond haired monster stormed the ring and cost HHH the title. He was originally The Rock's bodyguard. This man would come to be known as Test.

Back in the late 1990s and early 2000s many believed that Test would be the next big thing. He was racking up title in very short order. Martin won the European, Hardcore, Tag Team, and Intercontinental Champion in just a few years. He was a big guy, no doubt, and many in the WWE had high hopes for the young Canadian.

Unfortunately, injuries got the best of him, and Martin was released from the WWE in 2004. He spent some time wrestling the independents before returning to the WWE in 2006; although, he left almost as soon as he got there. He was suspended for failing a drug test and asked for his release.

In recent years Test had been struggling with addiction. Kevin Nash recently commented on Martin's struggle with addiction and their friendship:

"We were really close. I helped him get into rehab. WWE picked up the dollar and helped him through rehab. Andrew went in. He was doing really well, making his meeting. He was a great guy. I kind of looked at him like a little brother. I considered him one of my better friends. He was a big guy. He was a bud."

No autopsy has been performed on Martin yet, but—as much as I hate to—I can only speculate that the death of the 33-year-old is related to addiction or past abuse of prescriptions. I was a big fan of Test back in the day and as I look back at his career in the early 2000s I really started to think that he could have been great. However, sometime things don't pan out like they should.

Martin had officially retired in 2008 and was said to be done with wrestling. Although he reported on his MySpace that he recently toured Japan. Test passed away on March 13, 2009, just days before his 34th birthday. Unfortunately Test has become another statistic of the difficult life as a wrestler.

I love wrestling, but the effect it has on these people is obviously negative. I hope the WWE is doing more to assure the safety of their performers so that things like this do not happen. No one should die because of an addiction. Test's impact on wrestling may be minimal, but the impact on his loved ones is enormous.

Please show respect to the family of Andrew Martin and keep them in your thoughts. With the death of Andrew Martin the list of wrestlers to die under the age of 50 grows.

Rest in peace Andrew. Thank you for the memories.

Creature Vs Creature: The Undertaker Is the Greatest WWE Superstar Ever

Ross Rutherford — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 22:43:54 -0400

The Undertaker. In the wrestling world, that name means many different things to many different fans. No performer has ever dedicated them to their character the way Mark Callaway has to The Undertaker.

The Undertaker is a legend. He has seen the best and beat them. From Hulk Hogan to Steve Austin "The Deadman" has looked into the eyes of the best the WWE has ever seen and beat every single one of them.

The WWE is "his yard" and if you oppose him he will "make you famous."

The thing that sets The Undertaker apart from Hogan, Hart, Austin, and other "greats" is that The Undertaker was always good at adapting. He could alter his character when needed. Whether that change be a new move or a change in his persona.

'Taker has stood the test of time and considering that he was originally supposed to be a "ridiculous gimmick" that is impressive.

He is a true corner stone of the WWE and was never seemed worried about title reigns. The Undertaker was always "there." He was there when Hogan and Bret Hart were at the top.

When Shawn Michaels and DX ran rabid and even when Austin and The Rock were at each other's neck. The Undertaker has forged a legacy for out lasting the competition.

For nearly 20 years, this man has enchanted the fans. Not only was he scary, but this guy is 6'0" and he was able to jump off the top ropes onto his opponents. That was unheard of back then.

The Undertaker was something completely different from everything else at the time. When he showed up in the early '90s there were a lot of silly gimmicks in wrestling and most of them only lasted for a short time, but one made it and of course the one who did was The Undertaker.

He is simply a character that is one of a kind.

He is notorious for his brutal matches. A fine example would be his Hell in Cell Match with Shawn Michaels or Mankind. There will never be another performer like The Undertaker.

He has also had fantastic matches with Kurt Angle, Triple H, Ric Flair, Batista, and just about anyone who has ever stepped in the ring with him. The Undertaker knows the formula to make a match intense.

Most importantly, the thing that truly makes The Undertaker "The Greatest WWE Superstar Ever" is one simple thing. The Streak. Sixteen straight Wrestlemania matches.

The Undertaker has defeated ever single person he has stepped in the ring with at Wrestlemania from Jimmy Snuka to Edge no one has ever touched "The Phenom" at the biggest show of the year. The Streak is The Undertaker's ever lasting legacy and one of the most important parts of the history of Wrestlemania.

Your probably still scratching you head thinking what makes The Undertaker the greatest WWE Superstar ever? Is it his is undefeated Wrestlemania streak? Or his great matches?

Yes, all of that, but above all else it is his ability to capture the imagination of the fans. The Undertaker's whole career has been based around the fact that the fans interest in him never wearied.

The Undertaker is an individual like the wrestling world will never see again. He has stood the test of time and had some of the most brutal, physical, entertaining matches the WWE has ever seen and he is the greatest WWE superstar ever because of all that.

End of story.

WWE: Golden Opportunities Wasted

Ross Rutherford — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 17:34:33 -0500

So I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that Christian returned to the WWE and they decided to have him debut and wrestle on ECW. What the heck?

This guy was a top TNA star for the past three years and you get him back and you don't make an impact with him? This guy is sitting in your lap ready to make you a lot of money entertaining people and you toss him at ECW?

Yes I understand he is a draw and could help with ECW’s rating and their younger talent, but he just returned and having him on Raw or Smackdown would have been much more interesting.

The WWE could have sent someone like Rey Mysterio or JBL to hold down ECW, but not someone who is making his big return.

Vince McMahon is said to not see Christian as a “Big Name” and does not believe that he has what it takes to become a star. Well he is, but not when you put "Captain Charisma" on the Sci-Fi Channel.

The WWE had a chance to make Christian a huge star and have him feud with the likes of Edge or Jeff Hardy. It would have been awesome, but instead we get Christian Cage on ECW with an over the hill Finlay and a young champion in Jack Swagger.

Sure they will probably give Christian the ECW title at Wrestlemania or sometime soon, but what does it matter? He could be having great feud with top stars instead. There totally misusing him.

I think they really dropped the ball on this one and I’m really surprised. TNA’s former top star and one of Vince McMahon’s former talents shows up after making a name for himself and they toss him to their "C Show." What were they thinking?

In my opinion Christian should have showed up and attacked Jeff Hardy at the Royal Rumble. Instead of the brother vs. brother angle that’s going on now. There could have been so many possible fresh matches there for the WWE. Look at all the possible matches; Edge and Christian vs. The Hardy, Christian, vs. Jeff Hardy or even Edge vs. Christian.

Now at Wrestlemania we get Edge and John Cena. I’ve never seen that before (note the sarcasm). Besides the Shawn Michaels/Undertaker match and the Money in the Bank I think this year’s Wrestlemania looks very familiar and that's not a good thing.

I’ve seen all of these matches before and having Christian in the main event would have been a nice change of pace.

I suppose it’s the WWE's loss. I’m starting the think that Christian would have been better off in TNA. So I’m going to get off topic here and list the matches that appear to be shaping up at Wrestlemania 25:

Randy Orton vs. Triple H

Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels

Chris Jericho vs. [legend]

The Money in the Bank Ladder Match

John Cena vs. Edge vs. The Big Show

Christian Cage vs. Jack Swagger

Like I said before look at the two world title matches. Those two feuds have been totally played out before. I’ve already seen Triple H and Randy Orton and I’ve also seen Edge vs. John Cena to death.

Wrestlemania matches are supposed to be something that we’ve never seen before and new and special, but this year I’m not exited at all for the main events.

Having Christian vs. Edge vs. Jeff Hardy in the main event would have been awesome, but I suppose Hell must freeze over before we have John Cena not in a Wrestlemania main event.

I’m not excited for this Wrestlemania, and I bet the rest of Christian’s “peeps” aren’t either. At least we still get Taker vs. HBK; that will make the show worth something.