Bleacher Report - Articles by Justin LaBar

Battle of the Hardy Boyz: 29 Days Later, I Get My Wish!

Justin LaBar — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 23:37:13 -0500

It was 29 days ago I wrote an article called "Please Let Matt Hardy Stab His Brother In The Back."

Check it out at:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/97813-please-let-matt-hardy-stab-his-brother-in-the-back

I was so happy to watch the Royal Rumble and see that my want came true. For the past 29 days and really, more than that, there has been Christian this, Christian that.

Now I am one who believes he will be back in a WWE ring sometime in the future but while the crowd echoed “We Want Christian” at the start of the Jeff Hardy and Edge match, I was proud to see that Christian was nowhere to be found, and Matt Hardy got the ultimate nod.

For so long he has been secondary in the Hardy brother’s world, while Jeff has been in the top spot.

Jeff, the one who has been in and out of trouble and dealt with his demons while all Matt Hardy can say is he has been loyal and dedicated, all the while being released when he was the victim of a love triangle between himself, girlfriend Amy Dumas (Lita) and Edge, where Edge and Dumas had an affair going on.

I am excited to watch this develop and would love to see the brother against brother at the big show on April 5, 2009.

WrestleMania showdown, or settle it at No Way Out? Matt Hardy the man who has been behind Jeff’s tragedies, or is there more to the story? Singles match between Matt and Jeff, or a list of stipulations and gimmicks? Let me hear your thoughts!

Excuse Me! Please Give Me a New GM, WWE

Justin LaBar — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 14:45:53 -0500

Let me make my point clear right from the beginning that I don’t like Vickie Guerrero as the General Manager of Smackdown.

First off because her initial entrance on to WWE television was due to the storylines that were used after the tragic death of her husband the late Eddie Guerrero. I was not sold on the storylines but they are in the past so I won’t get in to that.

Then as I suppose a financial help and to keep her around people who cared and a job that would keep her busy they put her on the road as the figure head GM of the Friday night show.

Give her a backstage job or PR work. I’m sure someone needs a secretary on the road. There has to be jobs that can keep her busy, financially stable and around those who were so close to the Guerrero family.

Why must we suffer with her as the GM. I will give the credit that with her annoying voice and screeching “Excuse me” that she gets the crowd on her which is more than some heel wrestlers who are grasping for a roster spot can do. However, my issue comes with the fact there are so many other directions I feel the WWE can go with who is in charge of Smackdown.

People such as one of the McMahon’s, who have great chemistry with the superstars they chose to feud or align with. We have been witnessing that on RAW. I loved the idea in my head of Vince McMahon being out the past six months and his kids in competition by having Shane and Stephanie become the GM’s of RAW and Smackdown.

What about somebody who is injured and can use the face time while they are in rehab. Mr. Kennedy I think would be a great choice. He has been out for so many months that he has incredible microphone skills to hold the GM position and could have been plugging his movie release quite easily, and on top of that got into it with a Smackdown superstar while he is in his power position and that would eventually set up an in-ring feud once he is ready to go in February

I know he is now no longer with the company and was in the GM spot on ECW, but I feel Armando Alejaandro Estrada is an excellent choice for GM and should have been on one of the two big shows rather than ECW. Very entertaining on the microphone, a great appearance and unique character, it would be so much more than subjecting us to Vickie Guerrero all of these months put her fat tongue down the throat of Edge.

Hopefully things will change on the Smackdown front office front sooner rather than later.

Are you a Vickie Guerrero fan or would you rather someone else?

Just How Big Is WrestleMania?

Justin LaBar — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 22:25:05 -0500

So as I have just found out in the last couple days that I will be working (Television media) the Super Bowl in Tampa, Florida in less than two weeks, it got me thinking about the big events that any true fan can’t miss.

If you’re a football fan, you don’t miss the Super Bowl. Baseball fans don’t miss the World Series. Pro Wrestling fans don’t miss WrestleMania. Now I know Pro Wrestling is entertainment where the winner and hero of the mega-event is scripted. Where obviously Super Bowl is not and is based on pure talent and athleticism.

But is WrestleMania the biggest show of them all for the loyal fans of its particular brand?!

It brings you the best against the best. Same formula as the championships in the other respective forms of sports, we get to watch the top stars bring their top game. If a superstar isn’t in the main event and is the mid-card, say the “Money in the Bank” match, we still see everybody go all out and take bumps and risks that stay on highlight reels forever.

Then beyond the risk taking and excellent matches, there is an elaborate set of lights, music, crowd, and pyrotechnics. Top it off with celebrity endorsement and involvement and four straight hours of no commercials and you have a spectacle like no other.

The fact that it is scripted allows the fans to get that amazing ending and the most unpredictable things to occur. Everybody loves to see a game come down to the final seconds, or a Home Run in extra innings, but you don’t get that too often.

WrestleMania, you can get drama that brings you to the edge of your feet because writers and most importantly Vince McMahon has a year to build up to this incredible event with no off-season.

The only thing out of the following I can say that puts the World Series, Super Bowl, or any other major championship event ahead of WrestleMania, is that Mania costs money to view, even if you’re watching from your couch.

However, 25 years seems to prove that the fans are willing to pay to get all the drama and sexy attractions that get packaged together to make WrestleMania.

If you got an opinion I am excited to hear it!

Wrestling History Shows Quality of Royal Rumble Equals Quality of WrestleMania

Justin LaBar — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 15:42:59 -0500

I think if you did a poll among wrestling fans and asked them what their favorite Pay Per View is, and they have to exclude WrestleMania, I think Royal Rumble would win the survey.

Many like the fact they get to see all of the superstars, but my reasoning is because history has shown the strength of the Royal Rumble will usually be equivalent to the strength of the WrestleMania that is to follow.

Hulk Hogan won his first Royal Rumble in 1990 in an exciting finish, simply because he was Hulk Hogan, and would go on to face the Ultimate Warrior that year at WrestleMania. It was a match between the two biggest stars and names, which saw title against title, and a memorable night of the two in the same ring.

In 1992 we saw Ric Flair come in at number three and win the Rumble. This was amazing at the time due to the fact that we had never seen anyone in the few years the Rumble had been around come in that early and win. Flair did an amazing job selling and making everyone think he didn’t have anything left, but still would hang in no matter what.

Later that year, WrestleMania eight took place with him against Randy Savage in a blood fest, Hulk Hogan and Sid Justice with the return of the Warrior to close the show, and just a small fact, a young Shawn Michaels in his first Mania singles match to open the show.

1993 showed a lackluster Rumble and then followed a lackluster Mania outside. The terrible Giant Gonzalez working a match with The Undertaker, ended by Bret Hart losing to Yokozuna, only for Hulk Hogan to come out of nowhere and win the title in a matter of seconds. It made no sense, it was dumb, and we should have seen it coming based on the Rumble earlier in the year.

In the interest of time I will jump ahead, but take a look at your favorite WrestleManias, and then look at the Rumble which took place two years prior to it. I really feel that it is a consistent correlation. Leave a comment and let me know if you agree with that.

So let’s look at the upcoming Royal Rumble that is leading up to the big 25th anniversary. Title matches fill the card along with the 30-man battle royal. There's the match with John Cena and JBL that I don’t think has an exciting spark to it in terms of the match itself, but the wild card is Shawn Michaels in JBL’s corner and what will happen with that.

Then we have a rematch for the ECW title with new young champion Jack Swagger against the veteran Matt Hardy—Swagger’s biggest stage and match of his career, and it has the potential to be a memorable one if done correctly.

All of that should be good, but perhaps the headline will be the match that will be Jeff Hardy the champion against Edge. This will be another step closer to the culmination of the Jeff Hardy feud, who has been the victim of several unfortunate incidents that had everyone going, “who did it?”

Of course it’s been constantly speculated and talked about this will spark the return of Christian to the WWE. If that in fact does happen, that may be enough to set the Rumble off and over the top, which would mean good things should be coming for the big show in Houston!

Also, let us not forget, we will find out later this evening, but how and what will Mr. McMahon do to get involved and make things interesting?

All in all, the WWE looks to be doing things correctly just in time to set themselves up for a good road to WrestleMania, and hopefully have the 25th anniversary live up to the hype.

Santino Is Champion of Earth...But for How Long?

Justin LaBar — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 14:20:07 -0500

Let me make it clear right now that I think Santino Marella is the most entertaining personality to watch each week on WWE programming.

No, he is not the best wrestler, and obviously he is not a household marketing machine, but he is hands down funny, animated, and original.

What worries me is that this entertaining character that I laugh at each week can only go for so long. This is my opinion but I have serious doubts on how long Marella can get by on just his comedic body language and butchering of the English language.

At some point, a decent match will be called on by him if he wants to keep not only face time but ring time.

So many of the young guys who all get tossed in the speculation of the Legacy group, such as D.H. Smith and Joe Hennig, all in the wings to get time on the main roster in the next year, plus the already busy rosters of all three brands.

I want so badly to see Marella get involved in a feud with intensity and force him to use his comedy to insult and antagonize but eventually, it has to get settled in the ring and we get a 10- to 15-minute solid match. Maybe even some Italian blood is spilled on the mat to add to it.

Perhaps the only thing that is saving Marella is Beth Phoenix. She is the top female athlete on the roster and will continue to be for as long as she pleases.

If Marella is with her, he will always get face time and comedy to come out with her and be involved, but he deserves more than that.

There have been guys in the past who have exceptional entertainment value but can’t put on much of a match.

The Boogeyman is one of those guys that you see every so often fight a squash match on ECW, but otherwise is used to show up in the most entertaining of times and scare the hell out of a Diva or Santino Marella.

He can’t hardly wrestle other than his four moves. Actually three moves...spitting worms in somebody’s mouth doesn’t count. Punch, clothesline, and pump-handle slam do count.

What about Hurricane Helms? This guy once got some of the biggest pops ever by his “Whats up with that” phrase and “Stand back there’s a Hurricane coming through” and everybody loved seeing him trying to slam someone twice his size. But it couldn’t last forever.

Eventually, every town and arena has seen your comedy routine. Helms had wrestling experience in WCW, but I feel since dropping the super-hero gimmick and changing his image, he has improved and focused more on his wrestling abilities.

I hope we don’t see the end of the memorable screw ups of every person's name or the “I am Santino Marella, champion of earth.”

However, I have to think that if we take a look at the business, the comedy won’t keep him in the ring forever and somewhere along the way will have to look to some guidance perhaps from Roddy the Piper or Golden Dust to help him improve his wrestling skills.

WWE.com Has a Split Personality Disorder

Justin LaBar — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 17:39:02 -0500

If you visit WWE.com, then you will see the top story news of the hit and run incident involving Jeff Hardy. If you look around, you will also find the news of who the company has released and in typical fashion puts the performer’s stage name and also their real name.

We see the real life people in a day and life of a Diva. Then we see stories that are meant to further storylines like “The Dirt Sheet” or when Hardy was attacked and they made it look like a real news story.

I wish that the company would decide one way or the other. I understand there are those such as Stephanie McMahon and Triple H who want to keep it as scripted and selling the storyline as possible and then others who realize that people like getting to pull the curtain back and see the real life side of things.

You can see the competitions results and other mentions of wrestling in the “Industry News” section, but then when the WWE takes a step at making the site a true center point for the business and actual news and facts, they go tossing in storyline.

To me the inconsistency of realism and storyline has made WWE.com so confusing in ways and in many other ways frustrating. I wish that they would make up their minds or somehow create a different site, similar to how they have their corporate site. Have WWE.com since that is the well know name be the place to further the hit and run and sell merchandise, but then have a separate site and they can throw all the attempts and features of having a site being to the pro wrestling world what CNN is to political and news coverage.

I may be the only person who really cares and if so then that’s fine. But again going back to when I was writing, "I hate John Cena the wrestler," its an honest thought and don’t know if anyone sympathizes with me.

Who Will Have The Grapefruits to Take on McMahon at Mania?

Justin LaBar — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 17:10:56 -0500

I kept saying to myself that it was only a matter of time until the famous walk would be seen coming down the ring and “in this very ring” would be echoed once again from the billionaire bass voice.

I knew it had to be coming as Mr. McMahon never misses WrestleMania and always surfaces by the Royal Rumble if he hasn’t already.

On the Jan. 19 episode of RAW, we will see the return of Mr. McMahon for the first time since the summer. This means one thing for sure, which is he will be inserted somewhere in the storylines.

Every year he loves getting to perform at WrestleMania in some capacity in a match. I cannot picture him keeping himself off the card of the big 25th anniversary. So, who will he fight?

Process of elimination seems to be the best way to go with this. Orton, Cena, Edge, Jericho, and Jeff Hardy will be tied up in the hunt or somehow circling the title picture on their respective brands. Shawn Michaels has already fought McMahon recently, so I don’t think they will go to that. So, who has the grapefruits to take on the boss?

The Undertaker is one of the first who come to mind. I can picture McMahon returning and getting massive heat for calling out the Undertaker and saying he will use all of his resources to stop the undefeated streak, and that the Undertaker will not overshadow McMahon’s creation, which is WrestleMania.

They could fight on SmackDown, which would be an interesting match. The two have fought before and I was thoroughly entertained by their buried alive match they had years ago. McMahon, as always, took one hell of a beating

Another option is Triple H. If the King of Kings isn’t involved in the title hunt, then what about bringing back some classic style storylines, and with Stephanie back on camera, bringing in the real life situation of Triple H, Stephanie, and their father Vince. So much potential and directions that this could go, but for the 25th anniversary, the mixture of real life facts with the two colorful personalities could be golden!

Mr. Kennedy…Kennedy. It is no secret McMahon has always been a fan of Kennedy. In fact, I wrote about it back in August, but it was believed Kennedy was going to get the nod to be the son of McMahon’s before he got suspended and they resorted to Hornswoggle.

This may be the most unlikely, being that Kennedy won’t be cleared to fight until February. Not to mention, McMahon is no Lou Thez so, putting the injury prone Kennedy in the ring with the most realistic WWE wrestler in Mr. McMahon may not be smart. If they did do this feud, it would be the perfect boost of confidence and face time to get Kennedy back in the direction where he once was heading.

What if the boss had some questions on who really should be the highest paid wrestler in his company, and he doesn’t think it should be MVP? The man, who we keep hearing reports about may go face in the coming months, takes on the boss. McMahon insults him regarding the losing streak and says he wants to finish off the overpaid MVP once and for all and drive the weak link out of his company by embarrassing him on the biggest stage of them all.

Finally, the last and possibly least likely but worth mentioning is Stone Cold. In the home state of Texas, the Rattlesnake and McMahon bring back one of, if not the greatest, feud of all time and let it all out on the big stage.

So much on television in the development of characters and financially that has allowed WWE to make it WrestleMania 25 so successfully goes back to the era and time period that Austin and McMahon helped ring in back in 1998. The only way to top that and to really incorporate every big name who really helped contribute and be household names for the world of wrestling and put in the ring for the first time together, would be Austin, McMahon, and Hogan.

What do you think? Who has got the grapefruits to take on the Chairman of the Board on the biggest stage ever?

Dolph Ziggler Can Thank B/R for his Superstardom

Justin LaBar — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:42:18 -0500

Earlier in the week, I wrote an article pointing out that Dolph Ziggler was not anywhere to be found on WWE.com. Some people suggested it could be on purpose in ironic humorous fashion that they forgot to put the guy who introduces himself to everyone on the superstars page.

But apparently that wasn’t the case as Ziggler is now listed on the RAW superstars page. Perhaps somebody on the WWE staff or WWE.com is reading up on B/R.

But, I have Dolph on my mind; I have to get off an honest craving that I have to see.

First and foremost, I want to see more talking. I want to find out how much skill he has on the microphone. There wasn’t much opportunity when he was in the spirit squad so I’d like to hear if he can say more than his name.

I’d then like to see his name introduction get him into some trouble or extend into some work in the ring with someone.

Even though the two are on different shows and he is injured for another month or so, I’d love to hear what kind of verbal wars could come out of Ziggler walking up to Mr. Kennedy going “Hi, I’m Dolph Ziggler.” Then Kennedy screams his normal introduction in his face.

If nothing else, it would be entertaining to watch while Cole and Lawler laugh and the scene goes down as one of those classic funny moments for 2009.

What about Vinnie Mac walking down the hall before commercial break in two weeks getting ready to come to the ring and Dolph Ziggler stepping in and giving him the introduction?! McMahon and his reactions could go a number of ways and could also make entertaining television.

Nonetheless we will just have to wait and see when Dolph Ziggler gets his first feud.

Who Is WWE's Version of Pacman Jones?

Justin LaBar — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:58:33 -0500

Anybody near a television recently has seen the focus in the sports world has been Adam “Pacman” Jones being released by the Dallas Cowboys. Jones has had 10 off-the-field incidents in his four years in the NFL.

So it got me thinking about off-the-field or out-of-the-ring issues and news. So I ask myself and you, who is the bad boy of pro wrestling?

On the current WWE roster, the two who come to mind are John Bradshaw Layfield and Randy Orton.

Randy Orton has had his bad boy incidents. Several years ago when he his name began to rise on wrestling fans radar, so did his actions behind the curtain. From alleged harassment of some female performers, to trashing hotel rooms, Orton has had his share of issues.

I can testify to staying in a hotel with Orton. I mention this in one of my very first articles on B/R that was centered on Mr. Kennedy. I had stayed across the hall from Orton and Kennedy who were sharing a room after RAW.

I was with my friend who works for the company and my hotel room somehow got placed on the same floor as many of the talent. Anyways I got to experience Orton being very loud with myself, Kennedy, and several others late at night and a lady in the hotel came to the door complaining causing Orton to have some choice words for her.

Orton has admitted in interviews that he has had his share of problems and received help for them. Orton has since calmed down some, or it would appear that way on the surface. One has to wonder though how quiet the Legend Killer can be or if he truly has grown up.

Layfield is well known for being the bully to many people who aren’t in his close circle of friends. Everyone from C.M. Punk for not taking part in the same activities Layfield finds fun, such as drinking, and has made a scene and public for calling out and verbally attacking Punk.

Just recently, it made underground wrestling news that Layfield once again attempted to bully Joey Styles. Styles didn’t take it and gave JBL a right hook for his troubles.

Many people on B/R have expressed their opinion, and the same opinion reflects to so many else who follow wrestling that JBL should be released.

Economically, times are tough and how ironic would it be if the man who “owns” Shawn Michaels, got fired due to a cost-cutting measure. JBL doesn’t seem to be the most entertaining in ring and it is not appreciated when he is put in top matches and stories, along with his disruptive behavior out of the ring.

Many are aware this is very unlikely but, some can only hope that Jerry Jones deciding to release Jones inspires McMahon.

There are many other names in the world of pro wrestling, past and present who have worked for various promotions who are wrestling bad boys. Many are not in the mainstream anymore. Guys like New Jack (who may be the worst of the worst), Scott Hall, Ultimate Warrior, Scott Steiner and the list goes on.

So who do you think brings in the most negative press for their behavior?

Hi, I'm Not on WWE.com

Justin LaBar — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:15:30 -0500

I was looking on the official Web site of World Wrestling Entertainment and noticed that Dolph Ziggler is not listed as a Superstar on any of the superstar pages: RAW, SmackDown, or ECW.

In my opinion, it is probably a simple error, as Dolph Ziggler continues to get television time and was involved in that 10-man tag match last week on Raw. However, it still got me wondering who will be gone in the year 2009.

Even superstars such as Jamie Noble, Val Venis, D-Lo Brown, DH Smith, and Hardcore Holly are all listed on the superstar pages of their respective shows. Many of those guys haven’t been seen on television in months.

I am not looking to steal Mr. Joe Burgett’s thunder and bring you breaking news or things I see from other Web sites.

This is just an observation of WWE.com and a thought that has me stop and look at the roster and wonder which low level guy will get cut for cost considerations, which big name will get busted on the wellness policy and sadly, being that every two years seems to carry a tragic death, who will fall victim to the wrestling grim reaper?

Hopefully nobody on that last question, but I am interested in your thoughts.

Why I Hate John Cena the Wrestler

Justin LaBar — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 04:46:14 -0500

Top-ranked pro wrestling B/R writer Joe Burgett recently published an article called Why Some Wrestlers Are Liked By Fans, And Why Others Are Hated. The main case study he was using and defending was John Cena. Please go read Joe’s article because one it is what inspired me to write this article, but it is well-written and expresses his honest opinion, right or wrong.

John Cena is the hottest name in pro wrestling. He is the Hogan or Austin of this particular era with wrestling—the household name, I like to call it. People who don’t even know a sharpshooter from a figure-four leg lock know that when they hear John Cena that he is a wrestler.

I give Cena all the credit in the world for balancing the schedule he does of filming movies, appearing on various talk shows and other forms of entertainment, not to mention doing the WWE schedule and giving out to the community such as being the record-breaking wish maker for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

But this article is not talking about Cena outside the arena representing the company, but the Cena in the arena performing for the company. We are all wrestling fans in this section who read these articles, so let's talk about the wrestling aspect of John Cena.

I don’t like the wrestler John Cena. I like the person but, as I just said, we're talking wrestling here. I don’t like the wrestler John Cena. That right there is me being honest and not worrying about what people want to hear, as Mr. Joe Burgett was so emphatic about not enough writers doing.

I don’t like Cena for a lot of the same reasons many don’t. He is geared too much for the kids.

Yes, the kids who all think they are “gangsta” if they have a rap album or can talk in the most incorrect form of English, or the kids who will wear clothing that is three sizes too big. The same ones who watch wrestling and think they are a thug if they are part of the chain gang or walk around screaming "Hustle Loyalty Respect" in middle school hallways around the country.

WWE shoving that character, and shoving that character having to be a super-human good guy, is what makes me not like him.

Then the super-human factor is another reason of not liking the wrestler that is John Cena. A classic submission move like the STF, he begins to use and makes guys tap out who have no business tapping out to someone who's so technically unsound as a submission wrestler.

If Cena had the ring ability of Bret Hart, Ric Flair, the late Chris Benoit, Chris Jericho, Kurt Angle, or any wrestler who displayed that type of ability and used submission moves or had an amateur background as many of those I just named have, then it would be acceptable.

But Cena does this flying leg-drop off the top rope that can be very poor to watch at times or, my favorite, the “five knuckle shuffle,” where he damn near misses his opponent's entire head when he drops his fist to their face—these just don’t translate into boom, no matter what I slap on an STFU and you are going to tap out.

Then there is the mic work. I actually feel Cena has tons of talent on the microphone. I think he has a natural ability to freestyle rap and liked when he did do it before each match and cut down his opponent, which had an entertainment value to me. I don’t think, though, him trying to be a so tough and screaming “if you want some come get some,” all the while everybody who is cheering for him was born after 1995, is anything inspiring.

He makes poor attempts to be funny or inappropriate at times. On the Dec. 29, 2008 edition of RAW, Stephanie McMahon wanted him to go do color commentary and he mocked doing the commentary by reciting some lines and the same voice and mannerisms from a skit that aired on SNL years ago, where Will Ferrell is dressed up as late Chicago Cubs announcer Harry Caray.

So Joe screamed for more honesty and less worry of what people think, and I didn’t want to let our top-ranked writer down and felt this would be a good chance to get out what I do think about the face of the WWE, John Cena.

Again, please read Joe’s article, as it inspired this and is an entertaining read.

Let me know where you stand and if you're a part of the Chain Gang.

Top 10 Gimmick Matches

Justin LaBar — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 10:18:03 -0500

While you can be a wrestling fan and appreciate the history of the sport and all of the technical skills that can go into telling a good story in the ring, there are times when some matches and stories are best told with the help of a gimmick.

A stipulation match, or a gimmick match as they can be called, add to the setting of the match so it is not just a wrestling ring, so it is not just pin your opponent to win.

So keeping with a top ten fashion of late, so let's countdown the top ten gimmick matches.

I ranked these with a combination of unique and unprecedented concept along with entertainment value and memorable moments it brought.

10. Blindfold Match

Made famous by Rick Martel and Jake “The Snake” Roberts, for the first time ever both performers were covered with a mask and put in the ring together.

Now obviously pulling the curtain back and not everything is real, it is very easy to assume the two participants could see, but that is what pro wrestling and the entertainment aspect is all about.

It is all about making the audience believe and putting on a good show and when watching the match, I remember being very entertained watching the two pull that off.

9. World War 3

A November attraction that was put on for a couple of years by WCW was the World War 3 pay per view which was headlined by the first-ever three-ring, 60-man battle royale.

Up to this point, the wrestling fans had seen commonly 20-man battle royals and then a modified battle royal with 30 men coming in at random which was made famous as the Royal Rumble by the WWF.

But this was all 60 guys in three rings that were pushed together. This did not last too long, but was a very interesting concept and a top 10 in my mind.

8. Bring Your Own Weapons Night

This was an original ECW creation that was not just a match, but a gimmick to an entire night for those in attendance at the event.

Fans could bring anything of their choice and then hope the wrestlers would grab it from them in the crowd and use it in the match. This gimmick was the ultimate fan interaction.

7. Last Man Standing

Some classic “Last Man Standing” matches, to me, my personal favorite is The Rock against Mankind at the Royal Rumble.

These matches go down as classic and Top 10 because they disregard a three-count and force one man to find a way to knock down their opponent for a solid 10-count.

The WWE has never let us down with a weak finish and has always made sure that there has been a big spot to keep somebody out for the 10-count and leave someone the last man standing.

6. Iron Man Match

It is very rare to see this match on the card, but when it is, the two participants are sure to be two of the very best in the business.

I do not believe anyone will ever be able to fight in a 60 minute “Iron Man” match for battle of who can get the most decisions as Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels did in 1996.

5. Boiler Room Brawl

The first of the two that took place was in August 1996 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Undertaker shown searching around the boiler room of what is now known as the Quicken Loans arena, in search for Mankind.

After the two find each other and a hardcore brawl takes place, they then fight to the ring with cameras following them.

Of course this match had a famous ending as Paul Bearer, the longtime manager of The Undertaker, turned on him, but the concept of the match was unique and captured many people's attention and entertained the entire time.

4. Inferno Match

A ring surrounded by fire sounds like something out of a circus. But The Undertaker and Kane made it work the first time we ever saw this.

It was a Kodak moment in April 1998 when these two 6-foot-10 monsters slammed each other to the mat with flames shooting six feet in the air.

3. Ladder Match

Not the first, but perhaps one of the most memorable on a very grand stage which was the WrestleMania X ladder match between Razor Ramon and Shawn Michaels in 1994.

The entertainment value it brings with the belts or briefcase suspended in the air and the participants have a steel ladder, to not only get to the belts but as a weapon has, carried on today.

It is seen as evolution with the invention of TLC matches, but the concept of the original ladder match brought a uniqueness and entertainment that is a top three gimmick match.

2. Buried Alive Match

I do not know if I can ever remember hearing the announcement for any other match and had more curiosity than I did for the October 1996 match that was a first-ever.

The Undertaker against Mankind in the first match where we were told the only way to win was to bury your opponent in a six-foot deep grave.

This took a stipulation match in pro wrestling to a whole other level with this theatrical aspect built in the arena, leaving it No. 2 on the list.

1. Hell in a Cell

It took something that was so old and linked with wrestling which was a cage match, and brought in different elements.

Hell in a Cell was a cage that was bigger, leaving the ability to get out of the ring but still be in the confines of the cell but also higher and leaving more possibility for entertainment and high risk.

Not the first-time ever seeing the cell but perhaps the most memorable was June 1998 when The Undertaker tossed Mankind off the 16-foot high cell, sending him into a table.

One of the biggest h**y s**t moments in Wrestling history put the Hell in a Cell at number one.

Look forward to hearing your rankings and opinions as this is only to stipulation matches out of many we have seen over the years.

WWE Divas: Imagine If We Could...

Justin LaBar — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 08:05:14 -0500

Every guy thinks it, so why not type it? This article is dedicated to do nothing else but to verbalize and get out the ideas and thoughts that arise when the WWE Divas come on the screen. This isn’t meant to be a journalistic Pulitzer Prize, but just a fun article to change the pace of Christian rumors, and daily wrestling topics.

The WWE Divas are girls who are athletic, entertaining, and beautiful. Some girls can do things that make you applaud them. My favorite Divas Match that I can recall is the one between Mickie James and Trish Stratus at Wrestlemania. A story was told both in and out of the ring and crowd was into it.

But then there are others that are just eye candy or time for you get a drink or take a bathroom break.

Imagine all that they could do with the WWE Divas but don’t do because of image and content rating, along with shareholders. Imagine WWE adult films. WWE Diva(s) featured the storylines and gimmicks within those.

How about if WWE took a page out of their book own book and open up a night club in Times Square, the heart of New York City, where Divas and wrestlers will make special appearances. There can also serve drinks named after the performers and moves.

Personally, I could go for a shot of “Maria” next time I go into a club.

But which Diva is it that fulfills your optical needs and look forward to seeing every week?

Would you pay money for an adult DVD produced by WWE films?

Any ideas to further enhance the visions and fantasy that any, some, or all WWE Divas would be willing to participate in? I mean as the Ted DiBiase Sr. always said “Everybody’s got a price.”

Please Let Matt Hardy Stab His Brother in the Back!

Justin LaBar — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 18:00:35 -0500

For anybody who reads my articles, I usually stick to ranking, or putting in my thoughts on the past or what has ALREADY happen, rather than trying to play WWE creative team writer, but as I am watching and reading some things, I can’t get over how much I think Matt Hardy needs to be put into a feud with his brother Jeff.

Find me somebody who actually thinks ECW is relevant or that the ECW title is a top spot. The day that the majority of fans think that is the day TNA is more popular than WWE.

Get the ECW title off of Matt and put it on a younger talent. A number of candidates for that, you can use your imagination. Have him come out like he does in what everyone believe is an attempt to celebrate or help his brother Jeff and then pull the carpet out from everyone. Have him turn on Jeff.

Brother against brother has been shown to always go over. Hart brothers or Kane against The Undertaker are the two feuds that come to mind first. The story with the Hardy’s against each other would be so easy to do. The charismatic high flying Jeff Hardy in the spotlight, and the hard working Matt Hardy feeling like he is held back, and is tired of being in Jeff’s shadow.

It gets even better when you think that so many people it seems have become split on Jeff Hardy. Many seem to believe that while its great to be surprised while watching wrestling, but Jeff Hardy being put in this top spot while his loyal (drug free) brother, Matt Hardy has been kept at the mid-card status for so long and for his rewards he gets the ECW title.

With the amount of people who I think really do see things like this, along with the others who are die hard Jeff Hardy fans and would boo Matt Hardy if he turned on Jeff, it would create a very interesting mix crowd. A mix crowd fighting over which brother deserves to win the matches and walk away with the belt, all the while the brothers put on a very entertaining match (which we know they can do) and cut some personal promos on each other.

So many possibilities, maybe even more of a curve ball for obvious reasons on both storyline and real life personal history, have Matt Hardy align himself with Edge. Just a thought, but everyone always thinks oh the Hardy Boyz, lets put them in a tag match and have them do a one night reunion, well do what keeps the ratings and entertainment value up, shock them, and do the unexpected.

You may find it dumb, or you may like it, or have your own ideas. If you do I don’t mind you letting me know but I felt like I had to step away from a top 10 list and get this off my mind. Thanks for reading.

Top 10 Best Pro Wrestling Angles of All Time

Justin LaBar — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 10:57:00 -0500

It is the glue that keeps our weekly wrestling programs entertaining and moving forward. I am talking about the angles, or storylines. It is the reason why, details, and all other factors in to any number of characters and the conflict going on.

This doesn’t necessarily mean a feud, many times it can but in other cases, its simply a story.

So I dig into the vault in some cases and attempt to list the top ten best angles in professional wrestling.

10. Bill Goldberg 173-0

The "welcome to WCW" storyline for Bill Goldberg was one that lasted for a year and a half as he won 173 consecutive matches (that included house shows that were not televised) until finally he was beat by Kevin Nash at Starrcade 1998.

I was in attendance for the loss against Nash, and it truly felt like something special. Goldberg had collected the United States title and then the World Heavyweight title, which he took from Hollywood Hulk Hogan who had held the belt for over a year.

9. Tommy Dreamer and Raven childhood foes

Tommy Dreamer and Raven had a running storyline that went on for years. In the true essence of a soap opera, it started with a simple plot of the two hating each other as kids and then settling it in an ECW ring/arena.

In this story, they would bring in old girlfriends and other characters from the past and ultimately giving jobs, and programming for the rising and growing ECW.

In my mind the continuation of this story and the fact that Dreamer could never beat Raven, helped be a reliable piece of entertainment as ECW was aggressively trying to expand through the 90s.

8. Undertaker Vs Undertaker

In 1994, we got served up a dose of this odd, but entertaining angle. After being locked in a casket by nine guys and losing a casket match to Yokozuna in January of 1994, The Undertaker disappeared from WWF television.

As the summertime came around, there began being reports of sightings of the Undertaker and Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase was claiming that he had found The Undertaker. They eventually brought him to television and he attacked Paul Bearer, who up to this point was Taker’s manager.

Then during this point the voice of another Undertaker (the real one) was heard in the arena and challenging to a match basically. This led to SummerSlam 1994 in Chicago for The Undertaker vs. The Undertaker. The real Undertaker obviously won and walked out, putting an end to a memorable storyline.

7. McMahon Family Chaos

It brought some real life into storyline, along with anarchy and total family feud soap opera material. It included in the chaos the alliance and start of the McMahon-Helmsley Era, which pinned Stephanie and Triple H together on camera taking over Dad’s company.

All in all, it was a smart and entertaining storyline from Vince McMahon. Seeing every member of the McMahon family takes sides, backstabbing each other, even a match between father and daughter (I am sure that’s a first and probably a last) that had me watching the screen going, “Am I really seeing this?”

6. USA vs. Iraq

In a time when wrestling was so much more kid-friendly and straight forward in the ring action, we saw the application of real life world issues and conflict being used in the wrestling ring.

The storyline featured the American hero, Hulk Hogan against the Iraqi sympathizer played by Sgt. Slaughter. It was one of the angles that dates further back than most other on the list, but it would set the stage for future angles.

5. The American Dream vs. The 4 Horsemen

In the 1980s, it was an ongoing story that everyone could get into. The battle between the red carpet playboy that was Ric Flair and eventually the 4 Horsemen against the working man known as “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes.

Starting with their first match in 1981 and the promos, and action would continue on through the decade as both men were on top holding the title at different times.

During a time where you didn’t see much beyond the ropes, these two men took it to the limit in the ring and out of the ring, living and loving their characters and lifestyle and creating a top 5 storyline that entertained for years.

4. Kane is Alive

In 1997, The Undertaker was now feuding with former manager Paul Bearer. Taker held his hands at Bearer’s throat when the words were screamed “he’s alive, Kane’s alive. Your brother is alive.”

This would then bring the suspense for weeks of when would we see the brother of The Undertaker and what would happen. We would find out in October as Kane made his debut, costing his brother the first ever Hell in a Cell match against Shawn Michaels.

This would go on to display awesome special effects and pyrotechnics, personal promos that felt so real, digging up of a casket at what was alleged to be The Undertaker and Kane’s parents, and finally ended when the two squared off at Wrestlemania 14.

3. USA vs. Canada

In 1997, the WWF was in war with WCW. While 1997 for the most part goes down in the ratings book to WCW, one thing that kept the WWF alive was the story and feud that began between the United States of America and Canada.

Canada was represented by Bret Hart, and his new Hart Foundation, up against Shawn Michaels, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker, L.O.D., The Patriot, and other proud to be American stars who stood or acted in ways that the proud Canadians preached was immoral and lacked values.

The storyline visited the world during this time, and for the first time ever, a performer was a heel in the United States and an overwhelming fan favorite everywhere else around the world. The July 1997 pay per view that took place in Calgary was a 10 man tag that pinned the Hart Foundation against the 5 American performers.

Then the culmination came in the form of the famous Montreal screwjob in November of 1997 at the Survivor Series when Bret Hart unexpectedly lost the belt to Shawn Michaels.

This entertaining pro wrestling storyline involved fans everywhere, and had a large sense of real-life feelings and hatred between Michaels and Hart, and ended in a very real manner.

2. McMahon and Austin

It was the corporate boss making life miserable for his most popular and rebellious employee in Stone Cold Steve Austin.

From a match where Austin had his hand tied behind his back, to chasing McMahon down and holding fake gun to his head, causing McMahon to piss his pants, these two entertained week in and week out as McMahon did everything he could to screw Austin.

A match that goes down as memorable, bloody, and very painful for McMahon took place in February of 1999, when the two fought in a cage match and McMahon took a very real bump onto the table below causing serious damage to his spine, back and tailbone.

Still today when these two characters step in the ring, the same electric feeling and crowd eruption takes place, making it number two all time on the best story lines.

1. Invasion of WCW

In May of 1996, the wrestling world would forever change. Scott Hall, a wrestler just recently seen in the rivaled WWF for the past 5 years, showed up in what seemed unannounced and unplanned.

Hall then continued to return in an uninvited manner for the next few weeks, eventually joined by Kevin Nash, another former WWF performer and champion. It appeared as they were coming over from the WWF to invade WCW and in July added another former WWF star in Hulk Hogan, who pulled a major shock decision by joining the new faction and creating the N.W.O.

This would become a gang who bullied the rest of the WCW roster for the next several years, surprising different weeks with who was apart of the group and constantly cutting promos and causing anarchy. It goes down to me as the No. 1 angle of all time.

Look forward to your thoughts and opinions!

Top 10 Best Entrances!

Justin LaBar — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 14:20:02 -0500

When going to a live wrestling event, one of the most exciting parts of the experience is the entrances. I’m talking about the bass heavy music, the lights, the pyrotechnics, and the realization that 20,000 people are watching this performer make his way to the ring.

I am sure there will be tons of outside opinions or disagreement on who should or shouldn’t be on the list and in what order because there is no rule book on what makes a great entrance. To me it’s all about originality, consistency, attention grabber, and how relevant and appropriate it is to the character.

10. Mr. Kennedy

Kennedy belongs on this list because of originality. Never like Kennedy, had someone paced so quickly to the ring to make sure he beat the ring announcer (in most cases Tony Chimel) to be sure that he could interrupt him by having a microphone lowered for him to introduce himself and repeat his name in the arrogant fashion he does. It fits the character perfectly!

9. Ric Flair

When you think Ric Flair, the average person doesn’t think of his entrance.

That is because in the past years there isn’t much to it other than a whole bunch of his trademarks “Wooooo’s.”

But, the reason I put him at No. 9 is back in the '80s, there wasn’t a big set up of entrance ways or lights and even music. But when the main event came and Flair came to the ring, you heard the same music, the stage lit up with lights, sparklers and fireworks going off, sparkling robe, walking the walk.

It was like nothing other at the time, and the fact he has kept the same music, and that the 2001 Space Odyssey music is so linked with him that he deserves a spot in the top ten entrances.

8. RVD

It may have been in a small bingo hall for the majority of the time, but it was a bingo hall that would let him make an entrance for five minutes. During this entrance the packed house would sing the words to the song by Pantera, only to stop anywhere in the song to chant R-V-D when he would point to his shoulders with his thumbs.

7. Sting

It only took place for a little while and a large part of that I feel is due to the tragic death of Owen Hart.

In the years around 1997 and 1998 the black and white face paint "Crow" like character that Sting portrayed would drop from the celing in a sold out arena and then make his way to the ring from the crowd.

This was a first in seeing him come straight down and had never been attempted other than Shawn Michaels' Wrestlemania 12 entrance in Anaheim. However, that was a one time deal and was more like a zip line. Sting would do this weekly and come straight down with black trench coat and baseball bat in hand.

6. “Y2J” Chris Jericho

You always knew five seconds before Jericho was coming out with his millennium countdown clock which then led to lights out, sudden explosion and then as the music kicked in, there would stand the rock star himself creating a silhouette of his arms out and whatever goofy hair he had.

As most of the greats, fit the character like a glove and was definitely an entrance that was fun to experience live.

5. Triple H

That first chord is hit and echoes through the building and the lights fade down, then you hear the scream of “time to play the game” you know what is coming.

Triple H comes out standing at the entrance way with the light coming up from the stage, power walk to the ring, and then the signature water spit all while as soon as he leans back to spit they crank the music up several notches to try and compete with the cheer and add to the adrenaline intense moment. Triple H rounds out the top five.

4. The Sandman

For all the years he was in the original ECW, you would see him come in the ring via one way, by going through the ECW loyal fans while he was drinking a six pack.

It was original, and without a doubt the most interactive entrance you could have if you made the trip to Philadelphia, or wherever they were doing a show on that particular night.

3. Goldberg

For his first 100 plus matches, we would see his entrance last longer than most matches. Never had we seen this “professional boxing” like entrance where the cameras followed a start from the dressing room all the way through the curtain the be welcomed with his name chanted to the beat of the battle drums in his music and finally an awesome display of pyrotechnics going off literally at his side.

2. Gangrel

Didn’t have that long of a run with the WWE compared to everyone else on the list having a pretty length tenure in the spotlight or at the very least on television, but the entrance that Gangrel made was a good one.

A circle of fire would be lit on the stage with the lights down and the gothic rock music playing as Gangrel would rise up in the center of this circle of fire. I often wish Gangrel would return only so I can see the entrance every week.

1. The Undertaker

Consistent for 15 plus years has been the sound of that gong and the arena going black. For moments the only light being that of which the people who pull their lighters out like it’s a rock concert.

Then the blue light appears, with smoke, pyrotechnic balls of fire at times, maybe so druids, all centered around the almost seven foot “Demon from Death Valley” coming to the ring.

To top it all, he has thunder and lighting for good measure and the lights come on at his command. I have heard so many cases of people going to their first wrestling events and the one thing they want to experience the most or that stays with them is the entrance of The Undertaker.

I look forward to your thoughts and who you would have tossed in the top ten best entrances!

The Christmas Spirit Is Real—And So Is Pro Wrestling

Justin LaBar — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 15:43:12 -0500

I was having some of the family around for Christmas Eve and having the younger cousins around who kept asking questions about Santa Claus—Is he real?

It’s a lot like professional wrestling!

Pro wrestling fans are always haunted by the comeback of “dude that's**t is so fake.” Well no it's not.

Pro wrestling isn’t real. But it isn’t fake.

I like to say its not as real as it could be, but it isn’t totally fake. Describing that yes the outcome is already determined and that is a large theater with scripts and set changes (rushing pyrotechnics on and off the stage or putting Hornswoggle under the ring while they show a promotional video in the arena). But while there is so much staged aspects, there is serious athleticism displayed, choreographed moves that do get done wrong or end badly causing injury and blood.

It’s just like Santa Claus in a lot of ways. It isn’t about there being a man coming down the chimney putting presents under the tree, but about the spirit of Christmas and the joy of making someone else happy, having off of work to be with family, and appreciating all you have.

Wrestling isn’t about if John Cena becomes the champ cause he really made Chris Jericho submit because he was being choked out, but rather the spirit of two athletes working a crowd, performing their most entertaining and intense moves and using their developed characters to make you cheer, boo, but in the most important sense, have fun and be entertained.

I mean just like with little kids, you don’t crush their Christmas by saying, “Hey kid, there is no such thing as Santa.” Just as you don’t turn to a little kid in the wrestling audience who is experiencing his first ever live wrestling and go, “The tickets your mom and dad got you are a waste cause those guys aren’t really fighting each other.”

This is by far the most different article I have ever really written and may come off as odd to some, but please read it and think about it. I mean I know there isn’t a big guy coming into my house, but we as a family have fun if we go out and buy something for the other and say, “Well Santa might bring you that DVD you wanted.” Just as I, like so many others get excited for a big match on a pay per view.

We know that everything we see will have been rehearsed or not totally real, but it's still the enjoyment and spirit of the art form and work that goes in to putting on a match designed to bring you to the edge of your seat.

Happy Holidays to everyone!

The Real Game Or Just Enjoying a Wedding Present?

Justin LaBar — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 05:25:32 -0500

If you find that your calling yourself the “game” or claiming you're the bar that marks the best a very good and creative gimmick. Saying that anytime you step in the ring with me, you are trying to beat the game.

It’s all very fun to market and have your entrance music scream “time to play the game.” Yes it is all a storyline, but we all know that Paul Levesque or Triple H believes this.

What I want to look at is should he? Is he really all that he says he is and would he have made it to this point without being married to Stephanie McMahon and being destined to be potentially the first ever Billionaire wrestler?

In a concise version, the evolution (no disrespect to the heel group) of Hunter Hearst Helmsley goes as follows

Hunter Hearst Helmsley the arrogant rich blue blood. In this period he fought a trash man named Duke “The Dumoster” Droese. Then he jobbed to the returning Ultimate Warrior at Wrestlemania 12.

Fought in hog pin matches covered in slop against Henry Godwin. Really the only attractiveness to be found was the many different ladies who accompanied to the ring (most famous being Sable).

During that time though, he did hold the Intercontinental belt, which in the 90’s, usually translated that within next 18-24 months you would be in the world title picture. (Bret Hart IC belt in 1991 is world champ by 1993, Diesel IC belt in early 1994 is world champ by November 1994 through November 95, Austin IC belt in 97 is world champ in 98)

So then we move into the phase with his bodyguard Chyna. Goes on to win the King of the Ring in 1997 and then would begin to be seen with his good buddy Shawn Michaels and the birth of DX would begin to take place. It is in the second half of 1997 we begin to see the change from the blue blood into the degenerate.

DX goes on with Michaels until March of 1998. After that Triple H as he is being called is the lead man in DX and would lead them through the attitude era.

Few more Intercontinental belt matches and wins (five times holding the IC belt to be exact) with guys such as The Rock and then being found in the world title picture by 1999 and wins it which is right on schedule from his time in the IC belt picture.

By 2000 he has changed his look to the one we see him in now and is aligned with Stephanie McMahon on camera and would officially be married in 2003.

From this point on with Stephanie, Triple H would win the world title 12 times (seven WWE championships and five World Heavyweight titles), would be in the main event spot of for five Wrestlemania’s.

As he creeps up on the legendary Ric Flair’s world title reigns, I don’t think anyone will deny that he was on the pace to win the world title a few times no matter whom he was dating. However, the repeated wins and length on top is what I think many people wonder is due to his in-laws.

If he hadn’t of gotten involved with Stephanie the possibilities are all there for different paths. There is the possibility that he would have had his few runs and then began to lose his spot to new up and coming talent.

There is the possibility of contract expiring and for many reasons such as money, the clique being there, that he would have gone over to TNA.

Another possibility that I present with as much respect but realization as possible, is if he hadn’t become a McMahon, would we have ever heard his name come up in any pharmacy, steroid, or other illegal substances situations.

I am not accusing him of anything because I have no proof and he has never been found guilty or tested positive (that we know of).

But it is obvious the change in body appearance and mass. And while I am sure he spends a lot of genuine hard work in the gym, a lot of other guys who do, use some assistance to gain muscle and increase size.

No matter what, the fact remains he is happily married to the Billionaire princess, father children, and is smiling happily to the bank with a pin number to the McMahon account. And is bound to one day be in total control on the creative side of things in the company.

He is dedicated, he is talented, he is good, but is he that damn good? Or he is reaping the benefits of saying “I do?”

I look forward to your thoughts and opinions.

Top Five Best Overall Professional Wrestlers

Justin LaBar — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:34:23 -0500

Part 3 is here. First we took a look at the top ten in-ring performers, and then we looked at the top ten entertainers.

Now the ten must shrink to 5 and it is simply who is the BEST professional wrestler. This is the total package (and I’m not talking Lex Luger). The ability to entertain and perform in the ring is what will make this best of 5.

So if your favorite wrestler wasn’t on either of the previous two lists I made, there is no chance of them making this one. I’m starting to feel a bit like the BCS, which isn’t good so let's finish this!

5. The Rock

Now before you freak out, I know I have already made the comments light up because he wasn’t No. 1 on the entertainer list and he wasn’t put on the top ten of the in-ring performers, but I am doing The Rock a bit of a favor here.

He is the only person I am putting on this list of five who didn’t appear on both previous rankings of entertainer and in-ring performance.

But because of his electrifying performance and memorable entertainment pieces, that added on to the fact he wasn’t the Ultimate Warrior in the ring and could put on a very good match on certain nights, I feel he must round out the top five and go down as one of the best professional wrestlers overall.

4. Chris Jericho

Incredible in-ring work and only getting better, and can make every mood come out of you as a face or heel, and he continues to only be getting better. This makes Jericho No. 4 overall. He is one spot ahead of The Rock because of his edge in the ring. He's still going at it and getting better instead of regressing.

3. Shawn Michaels

There isn’t talk about being one of the best without mentioning Shawn Michaels. A ranking of No. 6 on the best entertainers and No. 2 on in-ring performers leaves Michaels at No. 3 on the all-time list of having the total package and being the best pro wrestler.

2. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin

Austin scored No. 6 on the in-ring performers but was No. 1 on the entertainers. This levels him out at No. 2. Stone Cold is one of those rare guys who hasn’t had his closure in the ring and could virtually stand in the middle of the ring and wouldn’t have to do much, but just to see him lace the boots up one more time is on the Christmas list of so many fans.

1. Ric Flair

Only one spot left to hand out, ladies and gentlemen, and that goes to the 16-time champion Ric Flair. Flair was consistent on the rankings in having came in at No. 4 on the best entertainers and No. 3 on the in-ring performers giving him the best formula and having the best case (16 cases) to be precise as having the honor of the total package, the best professional wrestler of all time!

As always, thanks for reading, look forward to your comments.

Top 10 Entertainers!

Justin LaBar — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 12:18:46 -0500

So last article we looked at the top ten in-ring performers. The simple criteria and focus was their abilities inside the ring from a wrestling aspect, and how good they could “tell a story.”

Now in part two, I break down in my opinion the top ten best entertainers. This doesn’t just mean who had the funniest one liner or best slogan, or the best look, most mysterious actions, ground breaking promos and elements to their character, it means ALL OF THESE. A top ten list that is taking in consideration all of these entertainment values to make up the top ten most entertaining wrestlers.

#10

Jake “The Snake” Roberts

Anybody who watched wrestling in the 80’s or early 90’s can recall the first time they watched Jake come to the ring with his devious look that sat in his eyes while carrying a huge bag slung over his shoulder. While always sitting there waiting for the snake to be released, there is also the incredible microphone work Jake did. Really ahead of his time as the business had not yet called upon on many of its talents to have that much character development taking place on the mic.

Chris Jericho

Chris Jericho breaks the walls down of the top ten due to his memorable promos both as a heel and face. Not to mention being one of the only guys who could wear his hair the way he did with the intention of getting heat (see July 1999 when he debuts on RAW). From bottom feeding slut talk to the “Billionaire Princess” or his incredible heel performance of 2008, Chris Jericho is number nine on best entertainers.

Mr. McMahon

The ass-hole boss that you just wanted to punch, but you had to admit, he was entertaining to watch. Memorable strut to the ring with his arms swinging everywhere as he power stomped each step reminding everyone he owned the place. Memorable quotes such as “Life sucks and then you die.” OR how about the “Kiss my ass club.” If Mr. McMahon wasn’t talking then he was in the ring with someone who was obviously better trained and knew what they were doing but would give it everything he had to make it real, funny, bloody, or a combination of all of them. In the business he seemingly owns, Mr. McMahon goes down as being one of his best entertainers of all time.

The Undertaker

Never has anybody had an entrance for 15 plus years like The Undertaker. Dark arenas with druids, fire, thunder and lightning, before the bell has even started you have chills and witnessed an entertaining display. Then top on the phenomenal powers of explosions, coming back alive after buried, exploding microphones, nailing someone up to a cross like symbol, entertainment comes so natural for the “Demon from Death Valley.”

“HBK” Shawn Michaels

The same entrance music for over 15 years with lyrics everyone knows, dances and poses that everybody knows but wish they could pull off with the charisma that HBK has for so long. Whether he was a heart stealing boy toy, or a degenerate humping the ground, Shawn Michaels is a poster child for World Wrestling ENTERTAINMENT.

Ultimate Warrior

Despite how awful things were once the bell rang (the first time) and again how happy you were when it rang the second time (cause the actual wrestling was over with) the Warrior was an entertaining and marketing expert.

The world record spring to the ring, shaking the ropes like he wanted to pull them off and then super human look made everyone stop and notice the Ultimate Warrior. His incoherent promos even work in his favor as you tune in to listen to them to try and see if you have any hope of figuring out what he is trying to say.

“The Nature Boy” Ric Flair

Only entertainer in the world responsible for arenas and large crowds across the world (or the U.S.at least) to cause people to randomly go WOOOOOOO, that man is Ric Flair. Thousands of dollars going into his exotic flashy robes along with the famous music escorting his style and profile walk to the ring. Then the bell rings and he makes you laugh, cry, cheer, and get angry, all on his cue.

Hulk Hogan

The face of Pro Wrestling in the 1980’s was Hulk Hogan. Could sell seats with his name and then bring arenas and kids everywhere to their feet by the sound of the music and the sight of him ripping his shirt off every night. A leader on the microphone for millions of “Hulkamaniacs” across the world, Hulk Hogan and his largest arms in the world gave a giant push to pro wrestling into people’s homes everywhere, setting up for a very profitable 1990’s for everyone involved.

The Rock

Only the Rock could create so many catchphrases that still echo as loud now when spoken as they did 10 years ago. Even the new elected President, Barack Obama asked in his campaign trail, “Can you smell what Barack is cooking?” The Rock entertained people with the raise of an eye brow and the drop of an elbow, bringing them back for more every time he returned to their city, all so they could hear him say “Finally the Rock has come back (insert your city).”

Stone Cold Steve Austin

The face of pro wrestling in the late 90’s as it hit an all time high. Accompanied by a wonderful supporting cast in the wrestling world as The Rock, HBK, N.W.O., and many others, Austin started it all. Before there was a Rocky chant, or a “Suck it” there was Austin 3:16. For the first time every middle finger in your face, curse words blunt in the promo for all to hear. “Bang 3:16” causing his boss to piss his pants, and invading Brian Pillman’s house simulating a very real moment on television in the mid 90’s.

Stepping on so much ground that had never been stepped on before, Austin and his middle fingers shoved pro wrestling into a level of success and formula for success that had never been seen or heard of before, and honestly since then. Stone Cold Steve Austin is your top entertainer all time, leaving the door and acceptance open for the Rock to talk about “Pie” or DX to make a million penis references. There will never be another Stone Cold.

Other notable mentions, just to name a few quickly that didn’t make the cut, Triple H, John Cena, Sting, Sandman, Rowdy Roddy Piper.

Look forward to your thoughts!

Top 10 In-Ring Performers!

Justin LaBar — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 08:42:12 -0500

Always one of those fun things to do while watching wrestling with your buddies if they all have enough interest to do it. Who is the best in-ring performer?

I didn’t say best entertainer or best wrestler. Those are different topics which I will address in future articles.

I am talking about, the best performer in between the ropes who could “tell a story.” Jim Ross in one of his many famous sayings would talk about two great artists going at it and the ring was their canvas. That’s what I am focused on ranking right now.

I will provide a match to watch for every wrestler. Not meaning this is the best match in their career, although for many I think you can make a case but simply the match I think obviously shows their skills and comes to mind when I say their name.

#10

Kurt Angle

Excellent amateur background, and without a doubt he was a quick learner in the world of pro wrestling. I can recall his first match in WWE at Survivor Series and how bored the crowd was with fireman carries and methodic mat wrestling.

Kurt has come a long way. The reason I don’t have him higher on the list is he has had less time than the rest who made the list and I feel wasn’t able to sustain the schedule of performing that many others were as after a little more than five years of being a consistent top level performer the schedule began to break him and ultimately causing his WWE departure.

Match to Watch: Kurt Angle vs. Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania 21 in April of 2005.

Rey Mysterio

The smallest guy on this list and many times in the ring, Mysterio has an addicting pace and style to watch. Although his style has altered in the past decade, mostly due to having to adapt to the WWE style, he still can put on a great performance when healthy, against guys who are much bigger. I still feel that the caliber matches he had when fighting guys his size in Mexico, ECW, and WCW are amazing and allows him to settle at No. 9 on the list.

Match to Watch: Rey Mysterio vs. Juventud Guerrero on Nitro in 1997. (I cannot recall and find a way to track down the exact date, but I do remember a while ago this match being on YouTube so you can try searching for it. Excellent finish.)

Rob Van Dam

Just like Mysterio, RVD has an addicting one of a kind type style to watch as he bounces around the ring and ringside area. I slot him one spot up from Mysterio for the fact that he has stayed very healthy over the years in spite of his hardcore risk taking style. Also, RVD is bigger than Mysterio and the guys who were known for a highflying style and he made it work very well.

Match to Watch: RVD vs. Jerry Lynn at Living Dangerously in March of 1999.

Chris Jericho

It seems Chris Jericho only continues to get better and reinvent himself. Coming back in late 2007 to the WWE with a new look, new finisher (the code breaker) that was not seen on the mainstream circuit and eventually going back to being heel and putting on an Oscar-winning performance and, in my opinion, carrying a large amount of the WWE weight in 2008 while other top starts sustained injury. Jericho is respected around the world and is a class act in and out of the ring in terms of protecting his opponents and respecting the business and those he works with.

Match to Watch: Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania 19 in March of 2003.

Steve Austin

Now I said that there are many different lists. One of the other ones being the best entertainer, and Austin is obviously in that group. But lets not forget his in-ring abilities, especially prior to the year 2001 when I feel his body started getting the better of him with two knee braces and having a serious injury to his neck back in 1997.

Steve had the ability to really sell. Making a pro wrestling match believable, Austin would struggle and react as close as he could to it being a real fight, rather than everything being on a command and cue. Both brawling and technical ability, Steve Austin was a diamond in the rough that luckily was brought to the big stage before it was too late in 1996.

Match to Watch: Steve Austin vs. Bret Hart at Wrestlemania 13 in March of 1997. (This would be the first time intentional blood would be worked in to one of Austin’s matches, and it is definitley memorable.)

Randy Savage

Now I know it may be hard to recall him as WWE has done everything possible to erase him for reasons that still remain one of biggest mysteries of all time in the wrestling business. The only person erased even more so than Savage is Chris Benoit. Savage was precise and careful in his performances. Randy used ring psychology and athleticism in a beautiful manner, which makes him round out the top five.

Match to Watch: Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat at Wrestlemania 3 in March of 1987 in front of 93,173 fans!

Curt Hennig

Hennig may be the a model for the “perfect” in-ring performer. Curt was a stand out look with the curly blonde hair, moving around with smooth moves and transition in the ring along with a family legacy that gave him a great mental edge. Hennig was perhaps the greatest performer who never won a heavyweight title in WWF or WCW but that shouldn’t knock him out of the top five.

Match to Watch: Mr. Perfect vs. Bret Hart at Summerslam in August of 1991.

Ric Flair

The in-ring talent, plus title accomplishments when winning a belt actually meant something (or meant more than it does now and you traveled territory to territory) and the longevity of being able to perform in four different decades consistently and winning major titles in all four decades put Ric Flair in the top three. He had an incredible ability to make the crowd love him or hate him, and it was all up to him. He had that ability and was without a doubt, a legend in the wrestling business.

Match to Watch: Ric Flair vs. Sting at the Great American Bash in June of 1990.

Shawn Michaels

He hasn’t been called the Headliner, Showstopper, and Main Event for nothing. Michaels has carried matches in some of the biggest shows in his almost 20 years with the WWF/E. Michaels was sidelined with a major injury and personal problems for five years until he made his return to the ring in 2002 and continued as a regular performer and since coming back has put on many memorable matches.

Just like Austin, Shawn is must to be included in the great entertainer list, but his ability to steal the show largely comes from his ability to have a good match and demand a good match with anyone.

Match to Watch: Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart at Wrestlemania 12 in March of 1996.

Bret Hart

The Best there is the best there was and the best there ever will be sums up Bret being at number one on this list. He is and was and for the future that I can see is the best there ever will be in the “squared circle.” Hart has come from an incredible wrestling background. The ultimate storyteller, Hart was protective, and logical in his in-ring performance.

As he became a main event name in the early 90’s, he didn’t have all of the entertainment values based on his talking or an overwhelming look. However, luckily for him, the business still rewarded just being a great worker in the ring and he didn’t need to stretch too far on the promo side of things.

But when it did begin to turn into a soap opera and have more elements than just wrestling, Hart managed to adjust and cut some great promos, specifically as a heel in 1997. Sadly, his time in WWF/E came to an end in large part due to the soap opera aspect taking a real life turn, but he still goes on to be one of the greatest, only with the irony of his career as a whole being stopped based on a injury sustained at the hands of Bill Goldberg.

If you never got a chance to see Hart live then I feel sorry for you in a sincere way, if you really enjoy pro wrestling. My first experience seeing him was in 1995 at he battled Diesel at the Survivor Series. He is definitely worth grabbing old DVD’s or footage and watching the Excellence of Execution.

Match to Watch: Bret Hart vs. British Bulldog at Summerslam in August of 1992.

Now I don’t want to leave thought for ignorance. I know there is some incredible performance that takes place around the world, specifically in Japan, and while I don’t get to be a regular viewer of the promotions over there, I do get to see a few matches a year from the Japanese promotions. This list is very mainstream but lets keep in mind, these guys got to the mainstream cause they were some of the best in the world and the major promotions found them.

Other notable guys who didn’t make the cut...The Undertaker…an incredible performer for his size. Jake Roberts with his ring psychology and invention of the DDT. And finally…Chris Benoit….sad and controversial to think about now, but prior to 2007, has a first class ticket to the Hall of Fame and one of the greatest of all times.

Interested in your thoughts and comments!

How To Make Wrestlemania 25 the Big Deal It Needs To Be

Justin LaBar — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 03:37:36 -0400

What could make this year’s Wrestlemania…the spectacle and must watch show they want it to be?

I mean it is Wrestlemania, and any real wrestling fan watches it regardless...Even if the card doesn’t appear to be as strong or entertaining. But WWE has successfully installed certain things such as the “Money in the Bank” match which have now proven to be winners every year and argued as one of the best matches every year.

But this is the 25th Wrestlemania and it’s in Houston. Last time 'Mania was in Houston, it was a profound success. I was there in attendance at the Astrodome for Wrestlemania 17, as the suspense built for the Rock vs. Stone Cold match where, in the end, Austin joined McMahon and shocked everyone.

There was also the building suspense that lingered for weeks because WCW had just been bought out by WWE just three weeks earlier. Nobody knew what was going to happen in the world of pro wrestling now that only one of the three major companies were left.

So while I don’t think we will be in suspense this March for what is going to happen 'cause Vince just bought TNA...I do think there are some options that could be done for 'Mania to help it live up to its hype.

What if Stone Cold did come back for one more match?! In his home state, back for one more hell-raising, ass-kicking match. I mean, let's face it...Even with his knees being shot and him never taking any particular bumps that compromise his neck...It's fu**ing Stone Cold Steve Austin...He doesn’t have to do too much for the people to come out for that one.

What if Bret Hart was involved in the storyline that we have heard shuffled for the past year now?! WWE has sense mended most of the fences with Bret...Making the DVD with him, him agreeing to show up at the Hall of Fame ceremony...Taking a picture and shaking hands with Vince...Just keep Shawn Michaels away from him and it all might work out.

With WWE introducing these new young superstars, and having D.H. Smith and Natalya on the roster, both of whom are related to Bret...Possibilities are there for those two, and anybody else they really wanted to give that push to.

Both the other younger guys—like DiBiase and Rhodes—along with the guys that would be opposing Bret Hart and company in any type of storyline...Again it's F***ing Bret Hart...Being involved with him can only help your resume.

What if we finally believed that this may be The Undertaker’s last Wrestlemania, and even better, his undefeated streak could actually be broken?!

Undertaker always draws a crowd and puts on a good performance, but really, I didn’t think he was going to lose to Kane when he returned at 20, or that Mark Henry was going to break it.

I was in Detroit watching what was a decent title match with him and Batista, but again, I could honestly say no fear or curiosity was there that he was going to get beat. But what if they really could build it up or even hint it enough.

That’s some serious history and a damn-well-deserved standing ovation and farewell to one of the best and most loyal performers ever. To watch his last match, and to see who is given that amazing push on a platter.

Getting a clean beat on the dead man at Wrestlemania would really be the type of memory and excitement the 25th anniversary calls for.

If you agree or disagree or have any ideas, please let me know!

Happy 63rd to Vinnie Mac! A Reason We Should Take a Moment and Appreciate Him!

Justin LaBar — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 16:39:33 -0400

So as we live through Sunday Aug. 24, 2008, we say Happy Birthday to one of the most powerful and influential people in the public eye, Vincent Kennedy McMahon. This year he celebrates his 63^rd birthday.

It is amazing to think that over the past 10 years, McMahon has been one of the most recognizable and influential people on our culture. You may not realize it but think of the amount of people that recognize the face, the name, or the power walk.

It stems from people who are haters of the wrestling all the way to the casual off and on viewers…those who watched back in the Attitude era…..and those who are still to this day die hard viewers.

McMahon has been the center of controversy….the face of financial success…and the brain behind a very creative brand of entertainment. Whether it be the driving force who helped bring out the attitude in the Attitude era…or defending against the critics who cry that pro wrestling teaches or influences kids in a negative way. Vince has been there and stood by his company.

It makes me wonder in a somewhat sick but real way….the sad day when Vince retires or as many would say….dies(cause he will never be dragged away from work until he dies)…when that day comes….what will it do the business…WWE in particular.

I mean many would agree Stephanie and Triple H have a front running lead to handle the business from the creative and day to day aspect…while Shane handles the corporate and marketing side of things.

But besides the changing in the guard….the media attention…the shock across the world…how will RAW go down. How will Smackdown go off that week? What if it happens on the tape day of either of those shows? Will the show go on like McMahon would want it?

Will the workers and those who have been loyal to Vince from the beginning…those who have the old-school mentality be ready to take orders from someone other than Vince?

I mean with all do respect…Brian Pillman…Owen Hart….Eddie…Benoit…they all got their tributes and chance for their friends and coworkers to say goodbye….but with all the respect to each of them…Vince McMahon is above all of them in the sense of what was done for the business and the role in Sports Entertainment.

So for his 63^rd Birthday…Happy Birthday is in order to the “genetic jackhammer” as he once so proudly called himself…but also…take a moment to appreciate and be thankful if you’re a wrestling fan or once were for all that McMahon has brought to the table and literally to the television screen. Appreciate him or else…YOU’RE FIRED!

Austin or The Rock: Who Is the Face of the Attitude Era?

Justin LaBar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:49:08 -0400

In the 1980s, most everyone would agree that Hulk Hogan was the household name who carried and was the face of pro wrestling. In the early first half of the ‘90s Hogan still had a lot of impact but we also saw the rise and stabilization of Bret Hart.

However the most profitable, most remembered, and most controversial period that really took wrestling to a whole other level of publicity was in the second half of the 1990s, or the Attitude era. It is the great debate amongst fans; who was the face and bigger draw in the era? Who was better to be as bland as possible? Stone Cold Steve Austin or The Rock?

The tale of the tape would show a case for both sides. Stone Cold made his mark first. The famous Austin 3:16 speech came in June of 1996 in Milwaukee which is when Austinmania began. The Rock or Rocky Maivia wouldn’t make his debut until November of 1996 in Madison Square Garden at the Survivor Series.

Stone Cold would be the first to touch the gold as he won the IC belt in 1997 and then his first world title in March of 1998. The Rock would follow and get his IC gold, beginning in 1998; he would go on to win the IC belt twice, just as Stone Cold did.

The Rock did grab the WWE championship seven times and a WCW title once while the WCW invasion angle took place. Austin would settle with six WWE championships but also a King of the Ring winner and was the only person to ever win the Royal Rumble three times.

But enough of stats and belts, it goes beyond that. Both had catch phrases that still are recognizable to this day. “Know your role and shut your mouth.” Or, “That’s the bottom line cause Stone Cold said so.”

Both have their place in our memories and wrestling history. Merchandise was popular and everywhere for both men. They both symbolize the attitude of pro wrestling in that time. Austin with his beer and middle finger and The Rock with his arrogance, lack of respect for others, dirty jokes, and references.

I have to say though through all of the time I have thought about it, 10 times out of 10, I will take Austin. He just had more memorable moments and matches for me. Whether it was an I Quit match with Bret Hart with the famous crimson mask shot of Austin as he fought not to quit in the sharpshooter, or his stunner on anyone and everyone all the way to a beer truck or his pickup truck into the arena.

Although both men faced each other and crossed paths several times, Austin paved the foundation and path for Rocky Maivia to break out of his squeaky clean character that he was and to evolve into The Rock.

Austin seemed to also be the more wrestling oriented as he paid more dues and worked for nearly a decade before making it big. The Rock dropped off of the football scene after not being drafted and then hopped into a WWE training facility. In just a year later, he was given the win and pin fall at a major pay per view in the biggest arena in the world when nobody had ever seen him prior to that.

Either way you look at it, it was so much fun turning on the television on Monday nights as both were likely to do or say anything! If you had to make the final call and decision of who has their face on the attitude era plaque in the “Wrestling Hall of Fame,” who would it be? Austin or The Rock?