Bleacher Report - Articles by Andrew Fong

Mania Milestones: My Top 10 WrestleMania Moments

Andrew Fong — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:18:20 -0400

From the beginning, at the inaugural Wrestlemania, we've been given our fair share of memorable moments. Moments that made us cheer, and moments that made us boo. Moments that made us laugh and moments that made us cry. Wrestlemania is the culmination of everything for that year for the WWE, and with our investment in storylines and angles as fans, its only natural for our emotions to run wild. To celebrate the upcoming Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of the Grand Daddy of em All, join me as I share my top ten favorite Wrestlemania moments.

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Wrestlemania 25—Quite The Anniversary!

Andrew Fong — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 11:38:04 -0400

Well, it certainly has been awhile, hasn't it?

I do apologize for the lengthy absence, but there have been many new happenings in my life, all of which took my time away from writing for you all.

Since the last time we met, I've graduated from College and took my degree into the real world. I've begun my career, which has relocated me here in beautiful Boston, Massachusetts (go Celts!), and I'm FINALLY getting the hang of livin' on my own.

But enough about my life, lets get to the real reason you're all here. Let's talk wrestling!

Ladies and gentlemen, we are a mere six days away from the greatest spectacle of them all. Although, technically, this would be the twenty-fourth anniversary (but who's counting?) of Wrestlemania, the WWE is touting Sunday's stacked pay-per-view extravaganza as the historic 25th Anniversary of Wrestlemania.

And while the card definitely has a lot to offer, I do feel as though something is missing. With all the hype about this year's event, I would expect some huge matches, with some huge names.

In any case, we do have some match-ups lined up that will without a doubt leave us wanting more.

So, what are we waiting for? Let's get into it!

Money in the Bank Ladder Match

Let's begin with the match that I believe will open the show, the Money in the Bank ladder match. I've got to say, I'm somewhat surprised at the participants of this match this year. I mean, Mark Henry? In a ladder match?

Kane makes sense, but I really can't imagine big ole' Mark Henry climbing a ladder, and I definitely do not see him taking any "oh my god" bumps. But who knows, maybe the addition of a beast like Henry could add to the different kinds of spots we may see.

Shelton Benjamin is a natural in that ring, and has been known to leave us with some incredible memories from his appearances in MITB matches. Shelton is a superstar who truly gives it his all, and will one day wear World Championship gold. Unfortunately, Wrestlemania 25 will not be his day.

As for who I'm picking as winner, I'm kind of split down the middle.

With a match like this, and the draft looming overhead, its very difficult to choose. While I am a HUGE fan of Christian's, I don't see him winning, as it was rumored that Vince McMahon had to be convinced to put him in the match in the first place.

That's just silly to me, as we know what Christian can do in a match, especially when a ladder is involved. But, we all know that Vince is crazy, and anything could happen.

But even so, before the participants of this match were ever even announced, I felt in my gut that this is MVP's year. MVP is one hell of a worker, and his new face character is helping to get him over more and more. I think he's put in his time, and paid his dues.

I think it is MVP's time to shine, and he will leave Wrestlemania with one more piece of luggage.

Winner: MVP

Intercontinental Championship: JBL v. Rey Mysterio

JBL keeps shouting "historical," but to be honest, I can't think of anything he could possibly do at Wrestlemania that would stand out as an unforgettable Wrestlemania moment for me.

There are rumors he will retire as Intercontinental Champion, and if so, that just won't do it for me. The problem for me, is that JBL is a character that I really just don't care about.

I don't care to watch him wrestle, I don't care to listen to him cut a promo, and I find myself not caring about whatever it is that he will do at Wrestlemania. And unfortunately, as much as I would LOVE to see Rey win the Intercontinental Championship at Mania, I see JBL retaining.

Winner: JBL

Tag Team Championship Unification: Miz n Morrison v. The Colons

This is a match that took way too long to happen. And I'm not talking about a match between the two teams competing, I'm talking about unifying the Tag Team Championships.

It seems pretty clear to me, Tag Team wrestling is not the WWE's focal point. And with so very few tag teams, why are two sets of titles necessary? I think this is going to be a really great match, but to me, the obvious winners are Miz n Morrisson.

These two are without a question, the greatest tag team that the WWE has featured in quite a long time. I like the Colons, but I believe if they win this match, the tag team titles will be put on the back burner once more.

Miz 'n Morrison have established themselves pretty well, and will give the titles more exposure and TV time than the Colons would. My only concern, as a fan of Carlito's, is that when he is no longer a champion, he will be forgotten by the WWE yet again.

Winner: Miz 'n Morrison

Ms. Wrestlemania 25 Diva Battle Royal

Well, I suppose we should just get this one out of the way. Let's just say, this isn't the match I'm most looking forward to. The only reason I'd be interested in watching this match is for the inevitable Trish Stratus appearance (Granted, I don't mind watching Kelly Kelly wrestle).

The outcome of this match is pretty obvious. If Trish Stratus shows up, she is the clear winner. If Trish is a no show, I'm picking Gail Kim for the win, as a way to establish her as a star right from the get-go.

Winner: Trish Stratus/Gail Kim

Chris Jericho v. The Legends

I've got to say, I'm pretty disappointed with how this turned out. This had the potential to end up as a really hot angle, and instead, we get a Smackdown vs. Raw video game storyline. And this isn't to take away from the legends that are involved in the match.

I have nothing but respect for all three of them; but when it comes down to it, Jericho is going to have to carry this match.

Based on Snuka's work during his segment with Jericho (I was there!) and Piper's recent health issues, I just don't think they can work a match like they used to. The only saving grace here is Steamboat. He seems to be in great shape, and I believe he could still work well.

That being said, I think the finish of this match will be spectacular. I see it going one of two ways. Mickey Rourke will be sitting ringside, and Jericho will give him attitude. And as Jericho is applying the Walls of Jericho on his choice legend, Rourke will enter the ring with a knockout punch to Jericho.

I'd love to see him hit his Randy "The Ram" finisher, but I'm not sure its in the cards.

Or, after Jericho has won the match and is celebrating, maybe beating down the legends after the bell, we will hear one sound. One sound that we've been dying to hear this whole angle. One sound that will make this Houston crowd explode, and send a chill down Jericho's spine.

That sound, my friends, is glass shattering. And then Hall of Famer, Stone Cold Steve Austin will charge the ring and stomp a mudhole in Jericho, hit him with the stunner, and share a couple Steveweisers with the legends.

This is the finish I prefer.

Winner: Either or. The winner doesn't matter here, its the finish that counts.

Jeff Hardy v. Matt Hardy - Extreme Rules

I can't even begin to imagine the crazy spots these two have planned for us. When you think of the words Extreme and WWE, a third word comes to mind; Hardys. And that is exactly what we're going to get.

We know that these two are going to give it their all, and I'm sure many of us will fear for their safety throughout this match. If it weren't for a couple of other matches on the card, this would be my clear pick for match of the night.

A lot of people think a Jeff Hardy win is obvious, but I think Matt will go over at Mania, to keep the program going.

Winner: Matt Hardy

World Heavyweight Championship: Edge v. John Cena v. Big Show

I'm a little disappointed with this match. We've seen Edge versus John Cena seemingly a thousand times, and now, we get the Big Show thrown in as well.

This match really just does not do it for me. Even though we've had Edge and John Cena bouts shoved down our throats for the past several years, I would still rather see that singles match than have Big Show in the mix. I'm not sure if you can tell, but I am not a Big Show fan.

Its tough for me to choose a winner for this one, which, I guess will help me enjoy it a bit more, since I can't predict it. My gut says Edge retains, but as I think about it a little bit more, a John Cena victory doesn't seem out of the question.

With the draft coming up, John Cena could be drafted over to Smackdown as their champion.

Then, as I think more about it, maybe WWE will throw us a curveball with a Big Show win. Although I'm not a fan of his, at least the title would be on someone else for a change.

I can't seem to choose a winner, but I suppose I will go with my original gut instinct and stick with Edge.

Winner: Edge

The Streak: Shawn Michaels v. The Undertaker

Hands down, this will be THE match of the night. There isn't a question there, and I think every wrestling fan in the world will agree with me here.

This match is extra special for me, because ever since I started watching wrestling some eighteen years ago, these two men have been my favorite performers by far. I'm getting excited for it just writing this!

The Streak angle is something that has made me nervous these past few years. For me, I think the Streak is something extremely important, and should never be broken. It strengthens the Undertaker's legacy, and having a "1" in that loss column would just be a shame.

However, with the amount of hype surrounding the Streak these past few years, it makes me feel like the WWE might be on the verge of ending it. But then again, maybe that's just REALLY good booking.

With that being said, I keep going back and forth for a winner here. I would like to see the Streak remain intact. Yet, as I think about it, the ONLY person that I feel is worthy of breaking the Streak, and the only person I might be okay with breaking it, is The Heart Break Kid. Even so, I don't see the Streak ending.

Winner: Undertaker

WWE Championship: Triple H v. Randy Orton

This match will be right behind Taker and Shawn as match of the night. We have two incredible workers here, in a match that is filled with passion. And this one will be brutal. This match will most definitely close the show, and it will have a shocker finish as well.

I see both men giving it their absolute all, with Triple H really tearing Randy apart. I see the referee getting knocked out, by Orton weilding Hunter's sledgehammer, with Orton then turning around, and being met with a Pedigree from the champ. But with no ref to make the three count, I see a McMahon, most likely Stephanie running down to the ring, a ref at her side.

I see Triple H standing to deliver another Pedigree, but I see Stephanie hitting a low-blow to her beloved, cavalier husband, leaving him prone to an Orton Punt, and an Orton win. Stephanie McMahon will join the Legacy at Wrestlemania.

And the New World Heavyweight Champion Is...

Andrew Fong — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:23:50 -0400

With what unfolded less than 24 hours ago at Unforgiven, tonight's upcoming RAW is definitely a MUST see. Although I didn't get to watch the pay-per-view, I was by my computer all night watching the updates on my favorite wrestling "news" site.

The first match of the night was, as expected, the ECW Championship Scramble match, and it pretty much turned out exactly as I thought it would; and might I say, it's about damn time Matt Hardy gets to wear a World Title around his waist. I truly believe that the Hardy's are some of the strongest workers in the business today, and I'm glad to see it FINALLY start paying off.

The Tag Team Championship match was one that I was really excited about. I really like the pairing of Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes, as I feel they pull off the heel role very well. Cody Rhodes is shining more and more now than he ever did in his program with Hardcore Holly.

Add in the team of Cryme Tyme, who I am really high on, and this match is sure to be great. This program they've got going is excellent, and it's about time the WWE decided to put some emphasis on the tag team division.

I remember the days of the Legion of Doom, Money Inc, The Nasty Boys, The Hart Foundation and so on. Wouldn't it be great to have a strong tag team division yet again? Maybe this is a step in that direction?

The win for DiBiase and Rhodes was expected, since it wouldn't make sense to kill their push right when they've begun establishing themselves as top heels on RAW. What wasn't expected, however, was the assistance from newcomer Manu (Afa Jr. from FCW.) This was a solid idea on the part of creative for a couple reasons, one of which I will get to later on in this article.

We all expected a Rhodes/DiBiase win. Adding in the interference from a new, unknown superstar was the perfect way to take a predictable outcome and put a spin on it. Then of course, it only adds to the events that unfolded later that evening.

Up next was the unsanctioned match between HBK and Chris Jericho. I've always found "unsanctioned" matches funny, because if you think about it, broadcasting the match in a WWE ring on a WWE pay-per-view is pretty much sanctioning the bout. But really, who's paying attention to detail?

Either way, this is a match that I wish I could have seen, as Chris Jericho and Shawn Michaels always manage to pull of a five star match and keep it feeling fresh. This whole angle is red hot, and Shawn Michaels is INCREDIBLY convincing. I think he should win an Oscar for his performances in all of his promos to be quite honest.

I wasn't crazy about the finish, however. If you're going to have an "unsanctioned" match, it shouldn't end because the referee thinks one of the competitors can't continue. That's the point of this style of match, to essentially "kill" your foe.

Either way, it sounds like there were some crazy spots, as expected, and although certain things that happened later on may have some of you thinking this rivalry has finished, I'm not so sure.

Backstage is the first appearance of what is rumored to be a "new Evolution," with Cody Rhodes, Ted DiBiase, and Manu telling Randy Orton that he should be impressed with their performance tonight. Of course, Randy is not. Or is he? We'll get more into this in a little bit.

Surprisingly enough, Triple H is NOT headlining a pay-per-view for once. Let's mark that on the calendar. The WWE Championship Scramble Match was up next, in which Triple H was of course victorious in.

I want to say that a Triple H victory was guaranteed, but after watching Smackdown last week, it looked like Jeff Hardy could have potentially left Unforgiven as the WWE Champion. Unfortunately, this was not the case. Hey, at least Khali wasn't in the match.

The coolest, yet arguably most heart-breaking segment of the night occurred next. World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk was being interviewed about his match when Randy Orton decides to interrupt him. We get the same old same old, "CM Punk is a fluke champion" spiel, and Punk gets attacked by Cody Rhodes, Ted DiBiase and Manu.

Kofi Kingston happened to be around and jumped in to save the champ, but this new Evolution assaulted him for his efforts. The segment concluded with a Randy Orton punt to the head of CM Punk. It looks like the rumored "multi-generational stable" is actually going to happen, and it's gonna be awesome.

Michelle McCool successfully defended her Diva's title against Maryse, in a match that was about what was expected. Nothing too great here, and from what I've read, this was the always important "beer run match." Not too much else to say about that one.

Enter, the Big Show. Since being left out of Smackdown's Championship Scramble qualifying matches, Show has been on a rampage to make sure that he will never be an "oversight" again. Unfortunately for him, now he's stuck in the cross-hairs of a scope that he doesn't want to be in; the Undertaker's.

Vickie Guererro is so full of it, and I am so glad she is going to continue on the heel route. It just WORKS for her. The heat she draws is incredible, and I think aligning her with the Big Show to do battle with the Undertaker will be money in the bank. My only question is this: where does Edge fit into all of this, should he make his return?

Finally, we're on to the main event, the World Heavyweight Championship Scramble match. Due to the attack earlier on in the night, CM Punk was deemed unable to compete, therefore, he was sadly stripped of his World Heavyweight Championship. Dammit. We would, however, have a "suitable replacement."

So the match got under way with RAW's top stars trying to capture the coveted, and now vacant World Heavyweight Championship. Fast-forward to the final, and mystery entrant in the match; none other than a beaten and battered Chris Jericho.

This was quite the surprise, as I was thinking more along the lines of Randy Orton, but Jericho is cool too. Now usually, whenever there is a surprise entrant, that person tends to go on and win the match (i.e. Bobby Lashley in the Extreme Elimination Chamber, John Cena in this year's Rumble,) so it wasn't much of a surprise that Jericho won the match.

But the fact that Jericho was thrown into it was what was so cool, and although I'm upset that Punk lost his title (way too soon) I'm glad it's Jericho that is the current reigning champ as opposed to another Cena run, or JBL.

With that, I expect to see the official "announcement" of this new faction led by Randy Orton tonight on RAW. I also expect to see Randy back in action tonight, as it seems a Rhodes/DiBiase/Manu/Orton vs Cryme Tyme/Kofi Kingston/CM Punk match is brewing.

I expect the Kane/Mysterio angle to develop a bit more tonight, but after Mysterio's appearance last night, it seems that angle may have been thrown to the wind. What I am most excited about, though, is Jericho's first promo as champion, and who will step up to challenge him (please God, not JBL).

You've got to love it when WWE throws surprises at you. These past couple months have been full of surprises, and I'm not complaining. It feels like the good ol' days, and I hope it stays that way.

Summerslam Predictions!

Andrew Fong — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:15:17 -0400

What's going on wrestling fans? Andy here, and today I'm going to run down this year's Summerslam card and try to go seven for seven on my picks!

So to kick things off, I personally think that the "Winner Take All" tag team match between Kofi Kingston/Mickie James and "Glamarella" will be a great competition. I personally enjoy Kingston's in-ring work, and I think he has a lot to offer the WWE. Add Santino Marella into the equation, and these two men alone make this match one to watch. But the addition of Mickie James and Beth Phoenix, two of the best women wrestlers in the WWE, this match has the potential to blow the roof off. Although I like both teams involved, I think it is too soon to take the Intercontinental Championship off of Kofi, so I give the win to Kingston and James for the retain.

WINNER: Kofi Kingston and Mickie James

Next up is the ECW Championship match, reigning champ Mark Henry defending his silver title against the valiant Matt Hardy. Many people think Matt Hardy is the dead-ringer for the win in this match up, but I beg to differ. Now don't get me wrong, I am a huge Matt Hardy fan, but as of now, the time is not right. I think the WWE unexpectedly hit gold when they put the strap on The World's Strongest Man, and I think they are going to run with it a bit longer; especially since they've now thrown Tony Atlas into the mix. I think that Matt Hardy will win the ECW Title, but not at Summerslam. This is only the beginning of what I think can be a great feud.

WINNER: Mark Henry

Next up we have another Hardy brother, this time it's the Rainbow Haired Warrior. I have been enjoying this little rivalry with MVP, and I think that it's something, if booked right, that could turn into pure gold. I think that within the next three years, we'll be seeing this match again, only then it will be for the WWE Title. I think this will be a great match, hard fought with a bunch of great spots, and I see MVP going over with the victory. An MVP win could help keep the rivalry going for the next couple of months, so MVP winning is the best decision in my mind.

WINNER: MVP

So, if you don't already know this about me, Shawn Michaels is my favorite professional wrestler of all time. I've been watching him perform for almost twenty years now, and his "Announcement" for Summerslam really has me on edge. Granted, I know that this is all a work, but HBK is just so damn convincing that I just never know which way it could go. However, this is where I see this going; Shawn Michaels will reveal that his doctors informed him that wrestling any longer would be hazardous to his well-being and that he should consider retirement. HBK will heed his doctors words and announce his retirement. But, it's not that simple, of course. It never is. From here this angle could go one of two ways. HBK will either leave the ring after his announcement to a standing ovation and disappear from TV for a little while, only to be enticed back by some challenge. Or, after his announcement a challenger will come out and entice HBK into a match. Either way, Shawn Michaels still has a lot of mileage left.

RESULT: HBK announces retirement only to be backed into a fight and remains a superstar.

Next up is the World Heavyweight Championship match, pitting current World Champ CM Punk against the Jack Daniels wearin' JBL. Personally I would have preferred the Triple Threat match with Jericho in there, but I guess JBL is the guy that the WWE wants Punk to "prove himself" against. Lucky us. Anyway, I am a HUGE CM Punk fan, and I am stoked he is the World Heavyweight Champion. I think it's time the WWE put their faith behind him, and maybe this match is the first step. I see Punk winning to retain.

WINNER: CM Punk

When the Great Khali won the #1 Contendership to Triple H's WWE Title, I thought to myself,"really? Is that the best you can do WWE?" But either way, that's what they've given us, a mediocre match for Smackdown's Summerslam main event. It's painfully obvious that Triple H will retain.

WINNER: Triple H

The hype that the John Cena/Batista match is getting is starting to piss me off. This match is being hyped more than ANY of the CHAMPIONSHIP matches. To me, that's not right. In my eighteen years of being a wrestling fan, there is one general rule of thumb; the title means EVERYTHING. I think the WWE is straying away from this classic rule. Why are two men who are competing to gain contendership to a championship getting more TV time and more hype than the champion himself? It's something I will never understand. But alas, this is what we've been given; John Cena, Batista, for the first time ever. Personally, I think this "First Time Ever" thing is a load of crap, because we all know that this groundbreaking "First Time Ever" will only turn into the monotonous "Same Old Same Old" in due time. Either way, it is tough for me to choose a winner, since it is such a fresh rivalry, and WWE could go either way with this. Back their super hero favorite John Cena, or have the Animal crush him. Really, this is only a stab in the dark, but I'm going to take Batista for the win.

WINNER: Batista

Finally, what will easily be the match of the night, and potentially of the year, and better damn well close the show; The Rated R Superstar Edge versus a returning Deadman in Hell in a Cell. This match is going to be BRUTAL. I know that the WWE has nixed their blading for the sake of a PG rating, but in this match, there will definitely be blood. And a lot of it. I think the Undertaker will rip Edge apart, piece by piece; but this new psychotic version of Edge will most definitely give it right back. I think there will be a lot of close counts and false finishes, as well as interference from La Familia on Undertaker's behalf. We all know the Edge is CRAZY and will stop at nothing to put on a hell of a show, which is why I see this match ending with Edge taking a SICK bump, giving the Deadman the win.

WINNER: Undertaker

Well, there you have it. My picks and predictions for what should shape up to be a decent pay-per-view. Let's just hope the WWE doesn't let us down!