Bleacher Report - Articles by Mina

Just Blame Vince McMahon: An Assessment of the Media Treatment of Pro Wrestling

Mina — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 06:43:40 -0400

Steroid scandals. Liability lawsuits. Predatory condemnations by the Parents Television Council.

Cold, hard statistics on the number of professional wrestlers who have died are referenced and exploited by media sharks honing in on the bloodied eye of a profitable branch of the entertainment industry.

The easy response to the latest tragedy is to censure Vincent Kennedy McMahon, World Wrestling Entertainment Chairman; to decry the so-called barbaric schedule that the business demands from its performers and deplore the content of professional wrestling.

Yet, it is questionable as to how the blame and the criticism can be laid solely at the feet of one man.

Provided facts, statistics, and context, can Vince McMahon truly be convicted as the perpetrator of the ills and misfortunes of professional wrestling?

Further, is professional wrestling an island unto itself in the tumultuous sea of immoral content and tragic losses?

Mick Foley, known in the wrestling world as the Hardcore Legend and a New York Times best-selling author on multiple occasions, does not believe that the negative media attention is fully warranted, nor is Vince McMahon deserving of the vilification he often receives.

Neither do I.

Eric Cohen, currently of About.com, compiled a list of professional wrestling personalities that died before the age of 65. It is by no means a comprehensive list of every wrestler or manager that has passed away, though it is the most referenced list in the media.

It is the exposure of this particular list that has put subject under such scrutiny.

The total number of names on the list is 105 men and women who have met untimely ends. Common causes of death include heart failures, drug overdoses, and fatal cocktails of prescription pills and alcohol.

Other, less common causes of demise include auto accidents, murder, and suicide.

It sounds horrific, and each one is its own separate tragedy. However, similar tragedies occur every day in every genre of sports, entertainment, and the lives of people who do not wilt under the spotlight of fame.

Media outlets would have you believe that each and every one of these tragedies should be burdened by the shoulders of one man.

Yet, of the 105 names on the list, a mere 20 worked for Vince McMahon at some point in their careers. Of those 20, only four were active on the WWE roster at the time of their demise.

Some, such as Yokozuna and Davey Boy Smith, among others, had been released by Vince to address certain health issues. Weight issues and addictions to substances deemed unhealthy have been among reasons that Vince released superstars.

Davey Boy Smith had struggled through an unsuccessful rehabilitation, paid for by Vince McMahon, before his eventual release for choosing to return to the misuse of narcotics.

Yet, professional wrestling is not the only genre of entertainment that is beset by its stars stumbling into tragic ends.

Most recently, Hollywood mourned the loss of Heath Ledger. The enigmatic star of Brokeback Mountain and The Dark Knight died at the age of 28 from a toxic combination of prescription medication. He joins a long list of Hollywood tragedies, including Marilyn Monroe and James Dean.

According to tallies maintained by the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury, 993 people have died playing football, including the high school, collegiate, and professional levels. The time period was between 1931 and 2003.

Anabolic steroids have been a hot topic of discussion in professional wrestling.

Acquitted of distributing steroids to his wrestlers in 1994, McMahon is beset by accusations and discussions in the media about the abundance and abuse of steroids in sports entertainment.

Denying that there has been steroid use in the past, and that there are those who feel that they are above the current Wellness Policy, is pointless. Documented cases exist, both in professional wrestling and in other sports.

In 2007, Sports Illustrated ran a story linking 12 wrestlers to an online pharmacy. In contrast, the report from Senator George Mitchell that opened up an interest from Congress regarding steroids in baseball included 89 Major League players’ names.

Ben Johnson was stripped of his 1988 Olympic Gold Medal for failing a drug test. He tested positive for steroids.

Marion Jones confessed to lying about steroid usage.

Several riders were dismissed from the Tour de France in 2007 on the charges of using banned substances.

The bottom line is that it is difficult to find a sport that is able to claim a pristine record when it comes to steroid usage.

Highly respected Hall of Fame announcer Jim Ross has gone on record stating that the ingestion and abuse of steroids and other prescription medication is a personal choice on the part of each wrestler.

Mainstream media would rest the responsibility firmly on the shoulders of Vince McMahon. He is not Atlas, however, and this is not a burden that one man can bear.

McMahon may have a reputed belief of the body image a wrestler should project, but he does not administer the use, or abuse, of medication to his athletes.

What about the argument that the brutal schedule of the WWE makes the frequent use of prescription medication acceptable? Good Ol’ J.R. doesn’t buy that as a valid claim, and neither should anyone else.

McMahon has shown that he is willing to grant time off, when asked.

The Undertaker frequently takes off a month or more each year. Edge asked for, and received, a few months off last year. Shawn Michaels is currently taking some well deserved paid vacation time. The examples are plentiful.

Most notably, perhaps, is the request that McMahon granted for Chris Benoit, mere months before that horrible weekend in June of 2007.

Steroids and brain damage from years in a hard-hitting wrestling style have been blamed for the startling events surrounding Benoit. Media outlets are not the only entities endlessly speculating on the cause for such a tragedy.

The sad fact is that we may never know what prompted the quiet, respectful workhorse to brutally murder his wife and son, and take his own life.

Saddling Vince McMahon with accusations that cannot be proven won’t bring those lives back.

Yet, professional wrestling is the favored scapegoat of media sensationalism and one L. Brent Bozell III. The Parents Television Council attributed four deaths in 1999 to the evil influence of professional wrestling, specifically the “offensive filth” of SmackDown!, then airing on Thursday nights.

On May 27, 1999, in Dallas, Texas, a three-year-old boy was killed while playing with his seven-year-old brother. The media, and the Parents Television Council, were quick to blame the wrestling the child had seen on television.

Minor details, such as the autopsy report, were overlooked as the focus was placed on the clothesline-like maneuver that the boy demonstrated for police officers. Doctors conducting the autopsy noted that the injuries resembled a severe auto accident.

Neither the clothesline, nor claims by the boy that he jumped up and down on the prone body of his younger brother, were consistent with the severity of the injuries.

The Parents Television Council issued statements that included the words, “in the wake of tragedies like the Columbine school shootings and the killing of children by other children imitating wrestling moves they’ve seen on TV shows like World Wrestling Entertainment SmackDown!” in solicitation letters.

Yakima, Washington, on Jan. 16, 1999, was the scene of a 12-year-old boy severely beating his 18-month-old cousin. The infant died of injuries that were attributed to a jackknife powerbomb, as the 12-year-old was a fan of WCW.

After the savage beating, the 12-year-old returned to watching Brady Bunch reruns.

Bozell attributed the death to professional wrestling. However, the boy’s attorney rejected the connection, and the final tally of injuries did not support the wrestling claim.

On Oct. 29, 1999, in Warner Robbins, Georgia, 24-year-old Earl Rose supposedly put on a World Wrestling Entertainment videotape and left alone seven children ranging in age from 15 months to nine years old.

A four-year-old brutalized the 15-month-old infant, resulting in the child’s death.

Rose had a list of priors that included cocaine possession, driving without a license, and giving false information to police. Yet, the mother of these seven children entrusted her children to such a dubious character.

Somehow, Bozell overlooked the myriad of issues present and laid the blame solely at the feet of World Wrestling Entertainment SmackDown!, rather than the outrageous neglect fostered by Rose and the mother of these children.

Lionel Tate is likely the most infamous of cases using the imitation of professional wrestling moves as a defense. On July 28, 1999, Tate, a 170-pound 12-year-old, beat and killed a 48-pound six-year-old girl.

He, and his attorneys, placed the blame on the vile influence of World Wrestling Entertainment. The catalogue of injuries, however, including a cracked rib, fractured skull, lacerated kidney, and over 30 bruises, defied that explanation.

The story Tate told regarding the incident changed no less than four times. Wrestling did not enter the picture until nearly a month after Tiffany’s murder. More striking, perhaps, is the absolute lack of remorse demonstrated by Tate.

The mother of Tiffany testified that, when she was told about her daughter’s tragic death, Tate “shrugged and rolled his eyes,” then asked if he could live with her and have Tiffany’s toys.

Tate was offered a lenient deal by the prosecution. His attorney, however, elected to rely on the professional wrestling defense. The jury convicted him of first-degree murder and sentenced him to life without parole.

The original deal would later go into effect when the sentence was overturned based on the lack of competency reviews prior to the trial.

Currently, however, Tate is serving a 30-year prison term for violating his probation and possessing a gun. Additionally, he is concurrently serving a 10-year sentence for armed robbery.

Not once has Bozell, the Parents Television Council, or the media issued an apology for its sensationalistic tactics where professional wrestling is concerned.

Clearly, in the above four cases, the responsibility cannot reasonably be assigned to World Wrestling Entertainment.

Further, during the unfortunate days following the tragic events surrounding Benoit, his wife Nancy, and his young son, attempts at reasonable discussion were shunned by the bloodthirsty vultures of the media.

Kevin Nash attempted to speak frankly about the difference between use and abuse of anabolic steroids and the potential connection to the grisly double murder and suicide.

Any statement that he tried to make, however, was interrupted and twisted by his interviewer.

Karen Hanretty discounted the medicinal information that Nash, clearly intelligent on the subject, posited.

She continued to badger Nash, who again attempted reason and a caution to curb speculation until the toxicology reports had come back from the lab.

His suggestion was ignored in favor of further baseless condemnation of professional wrestling.

As little as one week ago, on April 15, 2009, the media pointed the finger of blame at World Wrestling Entertainment for the death of a special education nine-year-old boy.

Damori Miles was left at home by his mother. During her absence, the young boy ascended to the roof of his apartment building and leapt off it. Strapped to his back was a homemade parachute.

His 10-year-old friend claims that the boy was imitating Jeff Hardy from the SmackDown vs. RAW video game.

Instantly, responsibility was attributed to World Wrestling Entertainment, rather than the mother who left her young child unsupervised.

A clear pattern has been established in the media treatment of professional wrestling. No mention is made of the myriad and frequent philanthropic acts undertaken by the entertainment conglomerate.

Instead, professional wrestling is vilified as an industry beset by steroid abuse and intolerable violence.

Allegations of responsibility for instigating violence in children and adults run rampant.

The truth is that World Wrestling Entertainment and professional wrestling is a form of entertainment. The viewing of that entertainment, just like television shows and films with violent content, should certainly be done conscientiously.

Parents who allow their children to watch professional wrestling, or any form of sports and entertainment, must be held accountable to convey the understanding that the men and women who participate are trained professionals.

Does professional wrestling have its share of problems? Most definitely. As does the entertainment industry as a whole, sports organizations, collegiate environments, and the society we know as humanity.

As Nash said in the FOX News interview, blaming professional wrestling and Vince McMahon might be “sexy” to the media, but it is sensationalistic reporting with no consideration to the facts involved.

A jury of reasonable human beings would have no choice but to acquit Vince McMahon of all liability.

When, if ever, will the media embark on an equitable, responsible treatment of professional wrestling?

WrestleMania Retrospective: The Curtain Call of Ric Flair

Mina — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:27:39 -0400

Never has his moniker been more apt than on Sunday, March 30, 2008.

At WrestleMania XXIV, The Heartbreak Kid indeed broke the hearts of millions of fans, not to mention his own, when he delivered an astonishing third Sweet Chin Music for the pin in the most emotional retirement match in the history of professional wrestling.

Shawn Michaels gave everything he had in the ring, and outside of it, including unabashed, heart-wrenching emotion. Why?

To make, quite simply, the best and most sincere tribute he could conceivably give to the incomparable legend, "Nature Boy" Ric Flair.

For weeks, the slow burning build was powerful, impacful, and everything that it ought to be in the context of the storyline witnessed by fans of all ages.

It started with a respectful and heartfelt Michaels announcing the impending induction of his idol into the Hall of Fame. The next week, Flair came out into the center of the ring and challenged the younger wrestler to a match at WrestleMania.

A man who gave 35 incredible years to the business, the Nature Boy couldn’t think of a better opponent than his protege for the Grandest Stage in the industry.

Michaels is a man who grew up admiring Ric Flair and later patterned his own career after his hero; he is a man who states unequivocally that his passion for the business directly correlates to the inspiration given him by Ric Flair.

It is the belief of Flair that Michaels is the greatest in-ring performer of his generation, surpassing just about everyone who came before him and everyone who is active in the industry today. This sentiment is widely accepted by the most knowledgable professionals in the business.

Up to this point, Flair had survived the onslaught of the WWE Champion Randy Orton, Umaga, Triple H, MVP, and Mr. Kennedy. With such an impressive record of victories, the Nature Boy wanted to test his mettle against The Showstopper.

Michaels, however, was hesitant. So with the first of what would be several stirring promos from both men, Flair set the tone for this epic match with the most convincing of arguments.

If Michaels truly felt that Flair was the greatest of all time, if Michaels truly held the utmost respect for Flair, then The Heartbreak Kid could not deny him.

What followed the initial acceptance was a masterful play on the emotions of Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, and the fans of the WWE.

Week after week, on both the flagship RAW and Flair’s home roster of Smackdown, the contest was built up, but not on the premise of a cocky youngster looking to claim a moment of glory. This match was to be about respect shared on the deepest level between two of the most spectacular sports entertainers in the history of professional wrestling.

Fans can look back and see that the WWE has taken this real-life idolization and love for Flair on the part of the wrestlers and made it part of a few storylines.

Notably, the feud between Rated RKO and Degeneration X saw Randy Orton and Edge viciously attack Ric Flair with a Con-Chair-To that left him bloody and in need of medical attention.

The response from DX included a searing promo in which Michaels and Triple H revealed the violent, vengeful side of the stable - particularly when unwarranted attacks were made on The Nature Boy.

The creative team at WWE continued this trend of taking the legitimate and genuine emotions of the wrestlers into the finale of the retirement storyline.

Flair began his final promo prior to WrestleMania by speaking both of his own doubt in himself and the faith that he thought Michaels had in him. Then, in true Naitch fashion, he called his opponent out to the ring for a little one on one verbal dance.

The fans around the world were treated to a fiery Nature Boy who cut off Michaels as the latter tried to pay homage.

Class was seamlessly called into session as Flair brought out the NWA title belt and catalogued his greatest opponents, including Ricky Steamboat, Dusty Rhodes, Sting, Harley Race, and Brusier Brody.

Michaels replied by displaying his authentic admiration and a dogged determination to deliver everything Flair had asked him for: He would be Mr. Wrestlemania, no matter what the cost. The men reached an accord.

Yet, after weeks of hearing his idol tell him to be nothing less than The Showstopper, Michaels treated the fans to a delicately balanced combination of The Heartbreak Kid of the 90’s and the beloved fan favorite he has been since his return.

Shawn loves Flair, and in that love, he had to come to the reluctant recognition that it was time for The Nature Boy to hang up the boots.

Michaels made a comparison to Old Yeller. Flair, in classic intensity, slapped the younger man twice and screamed for Michaels to end it right then and there.

The moment was all the more striking due to the calm sympathy projected by Michaels as he walked away. No more needed to be said.

The expectations for the match were off the charts. Despite the factors working against these two men, it was highly regarded as a battle between the acknowledged greatest in-ring performer of all time and the man considered by most to be his successor.

Yes, Flair was nearing 60, and his best years were behind him.

Yes, Michaels had returned to the ring in 2002 after a four-year absence due to a debilitating back injury that required reconstructive surgery and was supposed to keep him out of the ring permanently.

And yes, there were a few spots in the match that were not executed perfectly, but that's a topic that deserves its own discussion. Here it is necessary to suspend any over-critical tendencies and just absorb and revel in the moment.

From start to finish, the match exuded a potent story and tremendous ring psychology.

Michaels delivered the characteristic high spots that define him as a worker, including a sick Asai Moonsault onto the announcers' table.

Flair incorporated many maneuvers that contributed to his reputation as the "Dirtiest Player in the Game," including a low blow, a thumb to the eye, and a pin attempt with tights.

There were times when it appeared that The Nature Boy might just live to fight another day. Michaels hesitated to deliver Sweet Chin Music, and Flair capitalized with a Figure Four.

And when Shawn's signature finisher finally connected, he couldn’t make the cover right away. Flair was able to get his shoulder off the mat before the count could reach three.

A second superkick failed to result in a successful pin. Instead, Michaels stumbled back into the corner, resting against the turnbuckle as the weight of knowing that the end was near played over his features and settled into his eyes.

He pulled himself to his feet. For the first time, he did not tune up the band as he prepared to deliver a third Sweet Chin Music.

Flair rose to his feet, fists raised, tearing up and begging his dear friend to bring it, Michaels allowed his regret and sorrow to emanate from his countenance and in his body language.

In the most poignant moment in wrestling history, Shawn said, “I’m sorry. I love you.”

And just seconds later, the final Sweet Chin Music found its fateful mark and the three-count was made. With a hug and a kiss to the forehead, Shawn left the ring, leaving Ric to the adulation of the fans.

Shawn paused only once during his exit, sitting on the apron with his head in his hands before walking out of the arena. Ric stood in the ring, one last time, and the ovation was more than tremendous.

Unable to stem the tide of his tears in the face of the adoration raining down from the fans, The Nature Boy spent a few moments with his family before walking up the ramp to leave the arena, and his active wrestling career behind him.

The fans were still on their collective feet, still cheering, still “Woo!”-ing, and still shedding tears with their hero. In fact, the ovation continued even after Flair had blown a kiss to the fans and disappeared from sight.

Tears would be no stranger to my cheeks on that WrestleMania weekend. They came first during the Hall of Fame Ceremony, then in the match in the Citrus Bowl, and finally through the heart-wrenching Farewell Address on RAW.

Had the men that surrounded me not also been unashamedly crying, I might have had a moment or three of feeling out of place as a wrestling fan that happens to be female.

Instead, I was able to sit back and immerse myself in the raw, unadulterated emotion courtesy of two wrestlers considered the greatest of all-time.

WrestleMania XXIV may not have boasted the strongest card in history. It may not be considered the preeminent WrestleMania to grace the WWE annals.

What Wrestlemania XXIV did offer, however, is the overall most impactful story ever told in wrestling history. It was nothing less than an emotionally wrought instant classic predicated on a balance of story and reality that touched the hearts of everyone in the locker room and millions of loyal fans.

Thank you, HBK.

Thank you, Naitch. Woooooooooooo!!!

Author's Note: I wrote this last year following the emotional weekend of WrestleMania XXIV, but had not yet discovered Bleacher Report. With no outlet to share my thoughts, I saved the document and forgot about it. As I was cleaning out my documents folder, I found it and thought I should brush the dust off and let it shine.

WrestleMania XXV Match Analysis: A Phenomenal Showstopper

Mina — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 07:47:07 -0400

"My mentors had always told me that it didn’t matter if you won or lost, only that you put on a great match." - Shawn Michaels, Heartbreak & Triumph

WrestleMania XXV: A Phenom-enal Showstopper

High expectations often breed disappointment. It is a natural human tendency to idealize a concept and despise the actuality because it cannot possibly live up to the lofty fantasies dancing like sugar plum fairies in the best of dreams.

From the moment that World Wrestling Entertainment announced a WrestleMania event between The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels, the anticipation was off the charts. Early predictions guaranteed the match of the night, and projected the match of the year.

Shawn Michaels has set a precedent unmatched by any other star in wrestling history. Throughout each year, his creativity and excellent performances have earned unabashed praise and a reputation for being the best big match worker to ever step foot in a wrestling ring.

WrestleMania is where The Heartbreak Kid shines with an electrifying light.

The Undertaker has finally earned well deserved recognition in recent years as one of the premiere wrestlers in the world. His gimmick has always been untouchable and, in this decade, he has given his all in amazing matches.

WrestleMania is where The Deadman emphasizes his irreplaceable mystique.

Above all, WrestleMania is supposed to be about pageantry, excellent stories, and exceptional wrestling.

What was going to happen when these two genuine icons of professional wrestling clashed on the Grandest Stage of Them All?

The Phenom and The Showstopper surpassed all expectations and delivered one of, if not the, greatest matches in WrestleMania history.

Technical mastery intertwined with exceptional artistry as the phrase “instant classic” was redefined at the Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas on April 5, 2009.

One of the primary criteria in the analysis of an Undertaker match at WrestleMania is whether or not his opponent can persuade the audience that the Streak will come to an end. If his opponent cannot attain this objective, the match fails on a fundamental level.

In the hearts and minds of fans all over the world, it is clearly understood that the Streak will not end. That certainty must be set aside in order to properly evaluate the match.

Last year, Edge succeeded in manipulating the audience into believing that he just might eke out a win against the undefeated Phenom. Would the man known as Mr. WrestleMania be able to accomplish the same?

Listening to the responses of 72,744 fans at the Reliant Stadium to over 30 minutes of spectacular action, the answer is definitively in the affirmative.

The story began weeks prior to WrestleMania, as Shawn Michaels brought to an end the singles’ competition undefeated streak of Vladimir Kozlov.

Subsequent weeks, on both the flagship RAW and Friday Night Smackdown!, saw elaborate promos and interactions that suggested that the mind games typically played by The Undertaker were being used with ruthless efficiency against him. The line was firmly drawn in the sand.

The Undertaker may have been responsible for the four and half year forced absence of The Heartbreak Kid, but Michaels harbored no fear as he stood in the encompassing, abyssal night that is the playground of The Deadman.

While the entrance of The Undertaker is always a sight to behold, Michaels tends to enter the arena with buoyant energy. At WrestleMania XXV, the two men displayed a classic example of pageantry.

Michaels descended as if from the Heavens, attired in pristine white, before a curtain of stars allowed him to reveal the quintessential Heartbreak Kid entrance. In contrast, The Undertaker rose from the depths to strike fear in the heart of his opponent.

Yet, no sign of trepidation crossed the stoic features of The Showstopper.

Before the bell even rang to signal the start of the match, these two men spun the threads of the story that would be told throughout the match. And those threads were made of pure gold.

The opening moments of the match did not see a standard lock up. Instead, The Undertaker came out swinging and Michaels nimbly dodged out of the way, landing decisive knife edge chops. Michaels proclaimed with each evasion that he had his opponent’s number.

Both men displayed stunning technical acumen; a dance of offensive strikes, counters, and reversals.

Early in the match, Michaels displayed a continuity that seems sadly lacking in the world of wrestling today. Harkening back to his feud with Batista after the previous WrestleMania, the enterprising Heartbreak Kid appeared to injure his left knee, causing the referee to make an attempt to hold The Undertaker back.

The Undertaker stepped around the referee, only to be caught by an agile Lou Thesz press. Michaels was not injured after all.

“I will do whatever it takes to win. If that meant sacrificing my body, I did it. If it meant throwing myself through a table, I did it. And yeah, if it meant taking a shortcut, I took it.” - Shawn Michaels to Batista on the 4/11/2008 edition of Smackdown

Michaels showed that sentiment again at WrestleMania XXV, first when he used the potential injury card and a bit later when he pleaded with the referee to count out the prone Deadman. When those tactics didn’t work, he reverted to his old stand-by – sacrificing his body.

Every trick in his impressive arsenal made an appearance in this match. From moves like the flying forearm and picture perfect diving elbow drop, to recently added favorites such as the Inverted Figure Four Leglock and the Arm Trap Crossface, Michaels flew around the ring, utilizing his agility and athleticism.

The story was not just about Michaels, however. It is widely known that The Undertaker is rarely caught in a submission maneuver. True to form, he fought tooth and nail against any attempt.

Sensing the onslaught of the Inverted Figure Four, The Undertaker did not succumb to the work on his legs. Rather, he continued to resist until Michaels was forced to evade the long reach of his arms and land a few extra stomps to the midsection before locking in the submission in the center of the ring.

As Michaels countered the Chokeslam attempt into a Crossface, The Undertaker turned his body so that he was on his side and not on his stomach. Michaels had a fight on his hands just to get the move into the proper position.

Don’t be fooled; both instances were quite deliberate. It fit the story being told expertly in the ring. It was a story of a determination to end the Streak from one man, and equal dedication to preserving his legacy from the other man.

Michaels kicked out of every signature move attributed to The Undertaker. Numerous Chokeslams, a Last Ride, and a Tombstone Piledriver were not enough for the three-count. In a startling development, he escaped the deadly Hell's Gate.

The seed of doubt was alive and well.

Exciting counters, reversals, and near-falls whipped the crowd into an electrifying frenzy. The pace of the match was perfect from start to finish.

It began with Michaels in control, quick and precise. The Undertaker caught his hand, slowing the tempo with deadly deliberation.

As the match strode boldly forward, the emotions conveyed were of frustration and desperation on the part of both participants.

There will never be a more perfect expression than incredulity of The Undertaker after Michaels kicked out of the Tombstone Piledriver, complete with crossed arms and the signature descent of the tongue.

There will never be a more perfect response to Sweet Chin Music failing to end the match, as Michaels stomped his foot against the canvas and kipped up, snarling his determination.

The rhythm of the match built to a sweet crescendo, cementing The Phenom and The Showstopper as the true maestros of the squared circle.

In watching the match a second and third time, something stood out to concretely prove that Michaels and The Undertaker had manipulated the crowd into believing that the Streak was going to come to an end.

When Michaels kicked out of the first Tombstone Piledriver, the fans behind the ring wore expressions of utter disbelief. As The Undertaker laid perfectly still after Sweet Chin Music found its mark, both times fans could be seen screaming “No!” as other members of the crowd stared dumbfounded at the scene on the canvas.

Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker succeeded in convincing the crowd that on one night, this night, The Streak was in true jeopardy.

Make no mistake. Such a beautiful match required two great performers, much like Savage versus Steamboat and Ric Flair versus Sting before it. This match between Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker had delicious anticipation and rich history in its build.

The result was nearly 31 minutes of breathtaking action, spectacular ring psychology, and an artful tapestry. It was a story woven in threads of gold, and it created a magical match, truly worthy of The Grandest Stage of Them All.

In the end, The Undertaker preserved his legacy as the Streak remained unbroken.

In the end, Shawn Michaels proved why “Mr. WrestleMania” is not simply a pretty moniker and is, indeed, an accurate representation of his career.

In the end, it is the fans that received a truly special gift.

Years later, decades in the future, this match will be the beacon, the standard by which the artistry of professional wrestling is judged.

The verdict? A Phenom-enal Showstopper by two of the greatest performers ever to grace a wrestling ring.

Creature Vs. Creature: Shawn Michaels Is the Greatest WWE Superstar of All Time

Mina — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 06:22:34 -0400

How does one qualify the greatest wrestler of all time?

The epithet is assigned often and debated with even more frequency.

Take a look at any website, any newsletter, any magazine devoted to professional wrestling and you will find a variety of names touted, a myriad of arguments that seem to have no definable foundation, and an array of eras from which the wrestler hails.

Here on Bleacher Report, the Creatures are taking a slightly less ambitious, but no less difficult, approach. The topic at hand is the greatest WWE Superstar of all time, and that question can have but one definitive and resounding answer.

Shawn Michaels, the Heartbreak Kid, whose monikers include The Headliner, The Showstopper, The Main Event, The Icon, and Mr. WrestleMania.

When discussing the criteria for the greatest of all time, the standard categories tend to include wrestling ability, charisma, a connection with the fans, microphone prowess, and memorable moments.

The question is: What sets one performer apart from the outstanding wrestlers throughout the years?

Before providing an answer, this Creature will first create an airtight case for The Heartbreak Kid in the accepted qualifications.

Wrestling Ability

Jose Lothario needed only a few short months to determine that Michaels had something special. Michaels needed only six months wrestling for Mid-South to learn to call matches.

Advice from legendary veterans such as Terry Taylor, Buddy Rose, Doug Sommers, and Rowdy Roddy Piper, among others, bred an impassioned student of the business. That student has the honor today of being hailed by Jim Ross as the best big match worker in the history of the business.

The recently released Legends Roundtable: Texas, as seen on WWE Classics On-Demand, provides an outlet for Michael Hayes, Gene Okerlund, Cowboy Bill Watts, and Dusty Rhodes to whole-heartedly agree.

Michaels combines a high-flying luchador style with precision technical wrestling. The most recent tally of Match of the Year awards for Michaels includes 1 Slammy award, 2 Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards, and a record-setting 9 awards from Pro Wrestling Illustrated.

Bruno Sammartino holds 5 Match of the Year awards from Pro Wrestling Illustrated, and Ric Flair was so honored 4 times; these two greats must be combined to equal Michaels.

Charisma

Undoubtedly, Michaels possesses the elusive level of charisma that few wrestlers can claim. Stars such as Ric Flair, The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H, The Undertaker, Hulk Hogan, and Dusty Rhodes have a right to be lauded for standing out in a sea of talent.

So, too, is Shawn Michaels. What these men have in common is a distinctive personality that the fans remember and cherish. No matter which side of the fence Michaels is on, he is capable of manipulating the emotion of the fans on an epic scale.

Whether as a heel or a babyface, Michaels can tap into the emotion of the fans. One principle has guided him ever since Tully Blanchard spoke this gem to a young Michaels starting out in the WWF.

“Shawn, let me tell you something about psychology. Psychology is about who can make them yell the loudest the longest.”

There is no doubt that Michaels is among the elite in making the fans yell the loudest for the longest.

Fan Connection

The key to greatness in a cutthroat industry such as professional wrestling is to create a connection with the fans. Whether the wrestler is loved, or loved to be hated, the greatest Superstars are cared about by the fans.

As part of the Midnight Rockers in the AWA, later simply The Rockers, through his singles career, his career-ending back injury, and his triumphant, emotional return, Michaels has always elicited an emotional tie between himself and the fans of professional wrestling.

Look back through his years with the WWF/E and be amazed at the number of HBK, The Kliq, and Shawn Michaels signs and merchandise appearing in the audience. Michaels has brought the crowd to laughter, intense support, extreme hatred, and even incited many in the audience to tears.

The fans are invested in Shawn Micheals, and it shows.

Microphone Prowess

The Rock is beloved for his sardonic wit and interactive catch phrases. Stone Cold Steve Austin is embraced for his unique attitude. Ric Flair has but to throw his head back for a signature “Wooooooooooo” and soak in the crowd response.

Shawn Michaels is cherished for his uncanny ability to whip the crowd into a frenzy, no matter which role he plays. Exceptional verbal encounters are as much a trademark for Michaels as his legendary in-ring capability.

Reference his emotional promos with JBL, Chris Jericho, Batista, John Cena, and Ric Flair over the course of 2008. Watch the antics of D-Generation X, both the initial run and in 2006 to see his natural ease on the microphone.

Better yet, find the Youtube video of his Montreal 2005 gem while promoting the SummerSlam match with Hulk Hogan.

Michaels inflamed the crowd for nearly 17 minutes, stoking the frenzied fury of the sold out arena with every deliberately chosen barb, every shift in demeanor, and every perfectly orchestrated facial expression.

Michaels can take any storyline, any concept, any feud, and transmute it into pure gold simply by picking up a microphone. An alchemist would trade anything for such talent.

Memorable Moments

No one else has provided as many memorable moments as Shawn Michaels. From RAW to Pay-Per-Views, Michaels has the cornerstone on unforgettable snapshots in the WWE.

From the Barber Shop heel turn and forward, Michaels has been involved in the most remarkable moments of WWE history.

The literal street brawl with Curt Hennig, the surprise Intercontinental Title defense against Marty Jannetty, the ladder match at WrestleMania X and at No Mercy 2008, the Montreal Screwjob, his emotional and exultant return at SummerSlam 2002, and the heartrending retirement of Ric Flair at WrestleMania 24 are a mere few of the moments that the Heartbreak Kid has given the world of professional wrestling.

Even when Michaels is not considered the main attraction, such as WrestleMania XIX with Chris Jericho, he steals the show.

Michaels puts his heart and soul into every match, every promo, and every segment that he is in and it is the fans that benefit.

The Defining Characteristics

What sets Shawn Michaels apart from every other Superstar in the WWE? What makes him the greatest WWE Superstar of all time?

Particularly in big match events, Michaels consistently has the best match on the card. His ring psychology is second to none; each of his matches tells a unique story, on top of his vaunted technical acumen.

Michaels is adept, more than any other Superstar, at manipulating the crowd reaction to suit his role. He is equally effective and brilliant as both a heel and a babyface...a feat that no other Superstar can assert.

The fans hate him or love him at his whim, unlike The Rock and Stone Cold who were turned by an ever-increasing positive fan reaction.

Others, like Vince McMahon, Kurt Angle, and Edge are spectacular heels, but lackluster babyfaces.

Michaels has a versatility that is unmatched. He is capable of comedy and sarcasm, attitude and solemnity, and a flair for the dramatic that brings realism into suspect storylines.

Unlike many of the candidates for the greatest WWE Superstar, Shawn Michaels is capable of getting a good match out of almost anyone.

Batista once said, “Shawn Michaels can make a broomstick look like a World Champion. Come to think of it, that’s what he did with me.”

In his New York Times Best-Selling autobiography, Have a Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks, Mick Foley said that his Mind Games match with Michaels was on the short list of the three greatest things he’d ever done in wrestling, following it up with “I’ve never been that good again.”

Ric Flair, who hand-picked Michaels for his final match both in and out of storyline, has said that Shawn Michaels had a five-star match with a ladder at WrestleMania X, there just happened to be another guy in the ring too.

There is only one man who can lay claim to every element attributed to the greatest WWE Superstar of all time, as well as possessing multiple defining characteristics that set him apart from the pack.

The Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels.

If you have not done so already, please check out the following participants:

Demetrus Stokes: Hulk Hogan

AkD: Ric Flair

Ray Bogusz: Andre the Giant

Ross: The Undertaker

Josh Swell: Edge

Josh Swell bonus: Trish Stratus

Kumar: Kurt Angle

Kevin Canny: Bret Hart

Shane Howard: Vince McMahon

Special Thanks to TJ Duncan for his organization of this fine event.

How Chris Jericho Ignited My Fire for the Squared Circle in One Moment

Mina — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 07:08:11 -0500

I have no childhood memories of professional wrestling.

What I have is an unbridled passion for the artistry and athleticism that comprises the world of sports entertainment.

My love of the squared circle and its pageantry has blossomed from its infancy to a living, breathing entity. It began, as most things do, with one moment.

One moment that captivated my attention, ensnared my imagination, and fueled the fires of the rich creativity that pulses through my body and mind with each heartbeat.

Yet, that moment was not the true beginning.

Encouraged by the excitement of new friends, Eddy and Michelle, my then significant other tried to convince me to sit down and watch Monday Night RAW. She began with a casual suggestion that became a sweet entreaty, lightly dusted with promises of entertainment and a shared interest.

Time and time again, however, I refused the bounty offered.

“Triple H won the Rumble and is going on to face Chris Jericho at WrestleMania for the Undisputed Championship.”

“The Rock is going to be in a match with Hulk Hogan.”

“The Undertaker is up against Stone Cold.”

“Shawn Michaels is coming back for a match against his best friend, Triple H. He hasn’t wrestled in over four years. If you watch this match, you’ll understand.”

Time and time again, I refused.

I had no basis for my unrelenting repudiation. No one in my youth had sat me down in front of a television to watch wrestling. There were no men or women in my childhood that took me to a live event.

As far as my cognizance was concerned, wrestling was not real.

By that statement, I do not mean the typical association of its status as a sport. Professional wrestling was an abstract concept that had no tangibility for me.

Eddy, Michelle, and Spider continued to occasionally bring up the subject.

I continued to stand my ground.

After awhile, I forgot what my original objection was and simply said no for the sake of saying no.

Years later, after enduring an onslaught of invitations and pleading to watch wrestling from my ex-girlfriend and my best friends, Eddy and Michelle, I found myself in a situation where I was not asked. Instead, my close friend Christopher merely turned on Monday Night RAW.

The first five minutes saw the full replay of the triumphant return of Chris Jericho. What I was doing at the time ceased to be important. I was enthralled by every word spoken, entranced by every display of athletic prowess, and I was thoroughly, completely, and shamelessly hooked.

Professional wrestling became real. It became more than an intangible. I found myself awed, inspired, and mesmerized.

Christopher, I think, was amused. On that night, he had no idea how deeply I would submerge myself in the world of professional wrestling. He was simply sharing something he enjoyed with a dear friend.

After the show was over, I hit the Internet.

I read the history and genesis of professional wrestling as it is known today. I absorbed the tradition of the territories and the dominance of the NWA. I followed the journey of an enterprising businessman in Vince McMahon, the rise of the World Wrestling Federation, and its ensuing wars with World Championship Wrestling.

I read everything I could get my hands on, from Internet accounts to books of autobiographies and biographies and historical lessons. I watched countless videos online and devoured DVDs on every promotion I could find.

From the high flying spectacle of lucha libre, to the technical acumen of puroresu, and the perfect blend of dramatics and athletics of the North American style, there was nothing about professional wrestling that I did not want to learn.

There was nothing about professional wrestling that I did not love.

Eventually, I watched Triple H defeat Chris Jericho for the Undisputed Championship. I watched the epic encounter of The Rock and Hulk Hogan, and The Undertaker versus Stone Cold Steve Austin.

I saw the emotionally charged return of Shawn Michaels as he defeated Triple H in a brutal Unsanctioned Street Fight.

I watched Lou Thesz defeat Buddy Rogers in 1963, and Randy Savage take on Ricky Steamboat at WrestleMania III.

The matches with Ric Flair that catapulted Sting into the upper tier of wrestlers were some of my favorites. Watching the American Dream and Rowdy Roddy Piper and the Million Dollar Man consumed hours of my life.

It wasn’t simply the current performers that drew my attention; it was the men and women that paved the way for today’s stars.

Some say that I have truly become a professional wrestling historian. I appreciate that accolade, as I have made it my mission to understand everything about the form of entertainment that has so captured my interest.

I fed on the emotions of the crowds to understand the climate of the times. The study of professional wrestling was not merely academic. I dove head first into this world, with both eyes and my heart wide open.

The night that I stayed up until 3 AM watching the RAW and Smackdown tribute shows to Eddie Guerrero will be forever etched in my mind.

A few people had made the argument to me that day that I had no basis for understanding the emotional responses of fans to certain events because I was not watching during those times. I disagreed, based partially on my special ability to tap into, and read, emotions.

Watching the heartfelt tributes, back to back, I knew that I would never again question whether or not my assessments were accurate in the face of not having watched something at the time it occurred.

By 3 AM that morning, the tracks of my tears on my flushed cheeks paid homage to the life and career of a man I heard about posthumously.

A few weeks later, I would shed tears over the emotional retirement of Ric Flair.

My ex-girlfriend is now one of my best friends. She is thrilled that I watch wrestling and takes every opportunity to say “I told you so.”

Several of my friends who have watched for years say that I am the first person they call when they have a question about the business.

Professional wrestling is a dynamic, integral organism in my life, in large part due to Chris Jericho and Shawn Michaels. Both men have the charisma and the ability to connect with, and engage, an audience.

I have no childhood memories of professional wrestling.

I do have an impassioned love for the spectacle and for the business known as sports entertainment. I have a love that will transcend time and continue to grow, change, and evolve.

The squared circle has claimed another, willing and eager to be entertained and enthralled.

LIVE From No Way Out in Seattle: Results and Thoughts

Mina — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 05:03:24 -0500

Seattle has not played host to a WWE Pay-Per-View since the much vaunted WrestleMania XIX, featuring an exciting title match between Kurt Angle and Brock Lesnar and an instant classic pitting a recently returned Shawn Michaels versus Chris Jericho. Not to mention a clash of Titans as The Rock defeated Stone Cold Steve Austin.

On Sunday, February 15, 2009, the Pacific Northwest was proud to be the location for No Way Out. I was blessed to attend the Pay-Per-View, sitting on the floor right next to the entrance ramp.

For the last few weeks, the internet wrestling community has produced a variety of predictions and previews. The consensus was the same across the board—predictability.

Perhaps out to prove that the WWE does not feel that any of its offerings are throw-away shows, the most successful enterprise in the wrestling business produced an impressive event.

The atmosphere in the live crowd was absolutely electric as the dark match saw a Women’s Championship match between newly crowned champion, Melina, and the dominant Beth Phoenix. Given roughly six minutes, the women put on a great performance.

Santino and Rosa Mendez did their dead-level best to distract Melina, but the real action was between the two wrestlers. Following a series of counters, Melina rolled up Beth for the three-count.

Shortly thereafter, Lillian Garcia graced the arena with her presence, singing the national anthem. If you haven’t heard the lovely Lillian sing, please try to find some of her vocal work online or purchase her album. She has as beautiful a voice as she is as a person.

The first surprise of the evening was the Smackdown Elimination Chamber for the WWE Championship as the opening match. In retrospect, this was a brilliant move by the WWE. What this match accomplished that no other match on the card could have was the creation of a hot live crowd.

My voice gave out on me a few times during this match. The Undertaker entered first and was a highlight throughout the match. He tried to pace in his confinement, pounding his fists against the pod, and shaking the heavy steel chains that bound him.

No matter what some might say about Triple H, he receives a rousing ovation whenever he enters an arena. The Key Arena at the Seattle Center was no different.

Jeff Hardy was the recipient of another loud pop, though it was not in the range of The Undertaker or even Triple H. His work in the match was excellent, from his elimination of Edge in the opening few minutes to playing the face in peril when trapped inside Satan’s Structure with Kozlov and the Big Show.

With exuberance, the crowd cheered the elimination of Kozlov by The Undertaker. It is deeply refreshing to see The Last Ride result in a pin and elimination.

That decision will further future ring psychology. The maneuver can be said to be responsible for a successful pin recently, as opposed to simply having been a past finishing move that makes an occasional appearance in the Deadman’s matches.

Though there was some disappointment in the live crowd for the elimination of Jeff Hardy by The Undertaker, the two remaining men turned in phenomenal performances. Hardy’s elimination was quickly forgotten as the veterans held a lesson in ring psychology and technical acumen.

Nearly the entire crowd joined in the dueling Undertaker-Triple H chants, but the crowd was fencing against itself as everyone cheered for both wrestlers.

Triple H soaked in the deafening cheers for his 13th title victory, exuberance and exultation that extended well beyond what was shown on the broadcast. The man is just plain over like gangbusters with the fans and, as of the conclusion of this first match, the plethora of potential matches for the new champion at WrestleMania have true main event potential.

The obvious would have been Edge versus Triple H, with the latter playing the face besieged by the Power Couple of Smackdown. Poetic, considering that Triple H was once one-half a power couple that wreaked havoc on many a beloved face wrestler.

Other possible matches for WrestleMania XXV included Triple H against Randy Orton, the Rumble winner and former student of The Game, and The Undertaker putting up his streak against the title.

While Orton did have a win at last year’s WrestleMania, how iconic would it be for Orton to raise the title in victory at the grandest stage of them all, having killed his personal Buddha?

I didn’t have much time for these thoughts, however, because the second outing was the No Holds Barred grudge match between Orton and Shane O-Mac. I must say, the son of the wrestling equivalent of Cronus fired up the crowd for the match when he made his signature entrance.

The action was good, very good, but it did seem to be lacking in the brutal, insane risks that we have become accustomed to in Shane McMahon. The right person went over, however. Shane might have been the face in the scenario, but Orton must continue to build momentum towards his main event match at WrestleMania.

I was somewhat surprised that there was little involvement by Stephanie McMahon. Currently, it seems that Stephanie may eventually reveal her ongoing support and possible vicious use of The Legacy to accomplish her goals.

Taking a much closer look, however, the subtle hints build anticipation and a slow-burn storyline generally turns out to be much more satisfying entertainment.

Unfortunately for the ECW Championship match, the crowd was not quite vocal and many used the time to take bathroom breaks, make beer purchases, or otherwise take care of business before the final two matches.

The mat-based wrestling was very good, however, and the champion continued his strong title reign. If Swagger can find a way to rid himself of the lisp, or be assigned a manager, his future potential could be limitless.

“We Want Christian” chants were audible at the beginning of the match, similar to the “We Want Matt” chants during the Smackdown Elimination Chamber.

During the video package for the next “All or Nothing” match between The Heartbreak Kid and the self-proclaimed Wrestling God, a hearty “HBK” chant resounded through the arena.

The crowd was on fire and burning hotter as the match progressed. Every time Michaels had control of the bout, the fans wildly cheered and chanted for him. The addition of Rebecca, his beautiful wife, only enhanced the exceptional story-telling of the contest.

Regrettably, the technical aspect of the match was not nearly as electrifying as the story being told in the ring. It is no secret that Shawn Michaels is my favorite wrestler, but even Shawn could not eke out a great match from the woefully untalented JBL.

The acting ability of Michaels remains unparalleled, and the fans were treated to a stellar performance from the beloved Showstopper. Thankfully, Michaels can now continue on to build a more suitable match for the 25th WrestleMania.

However, the crowd poured its admiration and love for Michaels into vocal exuberance at the outcome of the match and the sweet displays between the now freed Heartbreak Kid and his lovely wife, who has a sick open-handed slap.

The final match of the evening was the RAW Elimination Chamber. One by one, John Cena, Kane, and Mike Knox were secured in their pods. In case you’ve never seen Kane’s entrance live, the fire from his pyrotechnics is, indeed, quite warm and illuminates an ominous ambience.

Cue the next unpredictable moment of the evening, as Edge sadistically attacked Kofi Kingston. Save for Rey Mysterio, the other face in the match was already locked inside his pod and could not provide an assist.

The Ultimate Opportunist claimed a pod for himself, though Mysterio tried to exact an immediate revenge as he came down to the ring without his entrance music.

What struck me about this development was that the crowd vacillated between cheering and booing Edge. On paper, the RAW Elimination Chamber looked to be an easy win for Cena, and lacking in the star power to create a truly memorable match.

Nonetheless, the addition of Edge infused an excitement into the match. It started off engaging, with Jericho and Mysterio trading heat and turning out an inspired display of technical and high-flying styles.

Personally, I was sad to see Kane as the first elimination, but I did approve of the monstrous build for Mike Knox. He looked like a cruel, dominant threat. Jericho’s elimination of him did not undermine the work done during his time to shine in the match.

I am sure that the moment that Edge inserted himself into the match, it was assumed that he would emerge the victor. Yet, the crowd continued to be quite vociferous and Cena received a great ovation as he was released into the Chamber.

Edge gave a great facial expression of absolute shock when he pinned Cena for an elimination of the reigning title holder.

The final three wrestlers in the RAW Elimination Chamber were not planning to just allow the first Chamber to claim the Most Exciting Final Moments Award. Edge, Mysterio, and Jericho crafted an exhilarating final six minutes.

No man was damaged and the fans won the night as Edge scored his 8th World title reign. After the broadcast went off the air, there was a mixture of boos and cheering for the Rated R Superstar.

WrestleMania XXV predictions have been running rampant since the Royal Rumble. With the two title changes that occurred at No Way Out, it has become suddenly improbable that Triple H and Edge will square off at the Granddaddy of Them All.

Much of the recent complaints have centered on the predictability and stale nature of the programming. This was a night of shocking title changes and a hurricane of unpredictability headed into the 25th WrestleMania.

Some, such as JLB, have said that the World Titles and the WWE Championship specifically, has been devalued by the constant changing hands. While I would prefer longer, more established title reigns, in the traditional fashion, I feel that the fans are partially to blame for the seemingly frantic attempts to stir the pot.

That, however, is a discussion for another article.

I will conclude with the post-broadcast happenings at the Key Arena. It appeared that Rey Mysterio was suffering ill effects from his multiple full-body crashes into the pods. He was assisted to the back by two referees. The crowd gave him a respectful ovation.

Lillian Garcia, as always, took time to be photographed and to sign autographs.

(Marking Out Author’s Note: The following might be a bit fuzzy due to the awesome nature of the experience. Cut me some slack!)

While several people begged Lillian for autographs and to take pictures with her, I got a great picture of her waving to the fans right at the top of the ramp. I called out to her to have a great night and a safe flight.

She replied with a bright smile and by walking closer to the railing where I stood. She told me that I was a sweetheart and she was touched by my well wishes, as most people just want something from her. We chatted for a few minutes about her trip to the Northwest, the weather, and her amazing vocals.

The exchange ended when she again lauded me for my kind nature and wished me a wonderful night and success in my future goals.

All told, it was an exceptional night of wrestling and pageantry. I will have more to say in future articles about my feelings on the direction that the WWE can tread on the journey to WrestleMania.

For tonight, there is No Way Out of the exhilaration I feel about the event produced by the WWE.

Creature Vs Creature Fatal Four Way: SummerSlam is the Best WWE Pay Per View

Mina — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 17:41:39 -0500

WrestleMania, debuting in 1985, was conceptualized as Vince McMahon’s answer to Jim Crockett’s successful Starrcade Pay-Per-View.

The two titans engaged in a buyrates and ratings war, in which McMahon defeated Crockett when the first Survivor Series in 1987 went head to head with Starrcade, and came out on top.

In 1988, the final two events that would soon be known as the Big Four, the Royal Rumble and SummerSlam would launch triumphantly.

McMahon is widely known for his aggressive innovations revolutionizing the wrestling industry. Here on Bleacher Report, Chris Browne, Demetrus, Shane, and I are pioneering a whole new style of Creature vs. Creature articles.

Welcome to the first Fatal Four Way Creature vs. Creature endeavor.

Excluding WrestleMania, these four enterprising writers are tasked with extolling the virtues of a chosen Pay-Per-View, in order to sway the peers of Bleacher Report.

Please check out the excellent work of Chris on The Royal Rumble, of Demetrus on No Way Out, and of Shane on The King of the Ring.

SummerSlam, promoted as The Biggest Party of the Summer, was created in 1988, slated for an August debut. It may have been the last of the Big Four to be established, but it was conceived with loving care and given a hot main event for its first outing.

The Mega Powers, then WWF Champion Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan, defeated The Mega Bucks, Ted Dibiase and Andre The Giant, despite the biased Jesse Ventura as the Special Guest Referee. In an oft replayed moment, Savage entered the ring and slammed Ventura’s hand down on the mat for the final count.

If that wasn’t remarkable enough, the longest running Intercontinental Champion, up to that point and to the present, saw his reign come to a startling end when The Ultimate Warrior pinned The Honky Tonk Man in 31 seconds.

SummerSlam would go on to accumulate countless memorable moments, rivaling only WrestleMania for the amazing victories, anguished defeats, and shocking turns in storylines.

In 1992, the event would be held in the United Kingdom, drawing an astonishing 80,355 attendees. With a main event of Bret Hart versus home country hero Davey Boy Smith for the Intercontinental Championship, the attendance of this SummerSlam is the second largest event for the McMahons, bested only by WrestleMania III.

The inaugural event for the home to the Chicago Bulls, the United Center, was SummerSlam 1994. Following a Casket Match with Yokozuna at the Royal Rumble, The Undertaker made his much anticipated return from his mysterious disappearance.

Yet, the highlight of the night was a brutal Steel Cage Match between brothers Owen and Bret Hart.

One year later, Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon would steal the show with a rematch from WrestleMania X. The second ladder match was every bit as exciting as the first, despite new regulations that limited the use of the ladder as a deliberate weapon.

The next few years were notable for the instigation of the program between Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker at SummerSlam 1997 and the first female Intercontinental Champion crowned in 2000.

Without SummerSlam to act as the perfect platform for the Michaels versus Undertaker feud, the Hell in a Cell match may never have been created. Without the Hell in a Cell match, the new staple of the No Way Out Pay-Per-View, the Elimination Chamber, would not exist.

As a demonstration of the importance of SummerSlam to the billion dollar empire of World Wrestling Entertainment, Brock Lesnar would secure his place in history as the youngest WWE Champion in 2002. Two years later, Randy Orton would win his first World Heavyweight Championship, making him the youngest World Champion.

2002 also saw the triumphant, exhilarating return of Shawn Michaels to the squared circle after over four years of retirement due to a crippling back injury. Michaels would win the nearly thirty minute, vicious bout against Triple H, and it launched the remarkable feud between the two former best friends.

SummerSlam is the only Pay-Per-View to boast the last two matches of Hulk Hogan, beginning in 2005 against Shawn Michaels and again in 2006 in a match that showcased the mature ring ability of Randy Orton.

In the latest edition of the SummerSlam franchise, the WWE offered a WrestleMania caliber match in the first clash of John Cena and Batista. The show closed with an explosive Hell in a Cell match-up between Edge and The Undertaker, effectively ending their epic program.

Some might argue that SummerSlam and Survivor Series have lost the consistency and excitement of years past. However, I would counter by saying that the prestige of the event and its enviable position in the calendar year are points in favor of SummerSlam.

Because SummerSlam is the last major Pay-Per-View prior to the encroachment of the NFL season, the WWE tends to use a mix of ending and beginning programs at every SummerSlam.

Missing SummerSlam is a surefire way to miss the end of heated programs, such as Edge versus The Undertaker, or miss the commencement of phenomenal storylines, such as Shawn Michaels versus The Undertaker, and Matt Hardy versus Edge.

Outside of WrestleMania, no other Pay-Per-View can match the sheer volume of title matches boasted by SummerSlam.

The Intercontinental Championship was defended regularly; the WWF/E Championship, the World Heavyweight Championship, the Women’s Championship, the European Championship, the Cruiserweight Championship, the Tag Team titles, and the Hardcore Championship have all seen numerous title defenses and championships changing hands at SummerSlam.

Fans that do not see SummerSlam might as well skip the NCAA College Football Bowl Season, the conference championships in the NFL, and the first six games of the World Series. The McMahons are savvy business people and, as such, have invested almost an equitable amount of time into SummerSlam as they do for WrestleMania.

The August event is dubbed The Biggest Party of the Summer for a reason; it is the most strategically important, exciting, and prestigious event next to WrestleMania.

A (Matt) Hardy's Journey

Mina — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:54:49 -0500

Joseph Campbell explored the monomyth in the field of comparative mythology in his revolutionary work, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, published in 1949. Commonly referred to as "the hero's journey" comprised of seventeen stages of a basic pattern in mythology and stories spanning the ages, Campbell borrowed the term from James Joyce's Finnegans Wake.

It is said that any student of film, media, and entertainment should be familiar with the hero's journey. Knowingly or not, the classic story arc uses the premise of the monomyth to create compelling entertainment.

Sometimes, the career and lives of entertainers can be codified in the monomyth. Of the two Hardy brothers, it is Matt who embodies the classic hero.

In 1987, single parent Gilbert Hardy bought his sons a trampoline for Christmas. Matt made a makeshift wrestling ring out of the gift so that he and his younger brother, Jeff, could emulate The Rockers. Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty, along with famed wrestlers Randy Savage and Ricky Steamboat, acted as the heralds for the young Matt.

There was no refusal of the call to adventure. Matt was drawn to wrestling immediately, impassioned by the aerial athleticism, and began self-training using the trampoline and his own ingenuity.

The first place that the future superstars wrestled for was the Trampoline Wrestling Federation, a literal backyard promotion, and it was the brainchild of Matt Hardy.

NWA performer The Italian Stallion gave Matt and Jeff their debut in his North Carolina territory. Eventually, the Stallion began sending the brothers to the WWF as enhancement talent.

While the Stallion certainly functioned as the supernatural aid in opening the door to the major leagues, he also laid the first threshold before the talented youngsters.

The fees that the Stallion commanded for the appearances were astronomical. It was difficult, but Matt cared less about the money, and more about learning the wrestling industry.

Beginning in 1994, Matt and Jeff worked here and there for the WWF. In the meantime, Matt displayed his acumen for the business side of professional wrestling. He called his first promotion ECWF—East Coast Wrestling Federation. Not only did Matt acquire sponsors and show times, but he taught himself to sew in order to outfit himself and his wrestlers.

OMEGA Wrestling, the Organization of Modern Extreme Grappling Arts, was established by Matt in 1997.

Though the promotion lasted for a mere two years, as Matt and Jeff signed full-time contracts with the WWF in 1998, it notably launched the careers of Shannon Moore, Joey Mercury, Lita, and Gregory Helms.

Once Matt achieved his childhood dream of wrestling under contract with the WWF, one might think that the trials and tribulations would pale in comparison to the knowledge that he had been reborn from the belly of the whale.

However, as one of the thousand faces of the iconic hero, Matt had just begun his road of trials.

He and Jeff would form the Hardy Boyz, briefly managed by Michael Hayes, and attained their first WWF Tag Team Championship on June 29, 1999.

A month later, after losing the straps, they split with Hayes to become part of the New Brood. That lasted for a scant month or two before the Hardyz teamed up with another hot young team, Edge and Christian, to end Gangrel’s association with all four stars.

Edge and Christian were an intricate part of the rise of the Hardy Boyz, and vice versa. The quartet put on a series of truly magnificent matches, culminating in the first tag team ladder match at No Mercy.

The Hardy Boyz won the match and the managerial services of Terri Runnels. An epic two year rivalry between the wildly popular tag teams had begun.

During this time period, and going forward, the temptress figure emerged. Lita, who began dating Matt in 1999, joined the on-screen duo. The trio called themselves Team Xtreme and were extraordinarily popular.

2001 saw both Matt and Jeff receive singles pushes. Jeff captured the Intercontinental Title and Matt won the European Championship.

Though Jeff seemed to be the more beloved of the two brothers, it was Matt who became the longest running American born European Champion.

Matt enjoyed his first successful heel turn in 2002 with his Version 1.0 gimmick. The ups and downs of 2003 would see his brother, Jeff, released from the WWE for no-showing events and addiction issues.

His own career, on the other hand seemed to be progressing forward.

He won the Cruiserweight Championship, which he successfully defended at WrestleMania XIX. The stable of Mattitude Followers, comprised of Shannon Moore and Crash Holly, elevated Matt’s status in the eyes of the fans.

However, in order to spend more time with his real-life girlfriend, Lita, Matt moved to Monday Night RAW.

During a program with Kane, he turned face. His career growth fell victim to the temptress as, after Matt abandoned a successful gimmick to move to RAW, the enterprising Hardy discovered that Lita was cheating on him.

The blade in his back was planted by fellow Superstar, Edge. Not long after the emotionally traumatic revelation, Matt was released from his WWE contract.

The fans were vocal and visual in their displeasure, often chanting and bearing signs saying “You screwed Matt” and “We want Matt.”

His apotheosis preceded the atonement with the father figure. In the Twist of Fate DVD, Matt states that he felt that he had lost everything. The business he loved and his long-term girlfriend were gone.

Though he took independent bookings and appeared on Ring of Honor, his dream of greatness in the WWE seemed at an end.

Matt engaged in behavior that he is not proud of, including calling in to the “Byte This!” webcast and starting a heated argument with Lita. Yet, a mere four months after his release, Matt was resigned by Vince McMahon.

Despite the obvious pain over the disintegration of his relationship with Lita and the betrayal by Edge, Matt agreed to work a program with future Rated R Superstar.

Personal feelings aside, the two men put on a stellar show each and every time that they stepped into the ring together.

Having attained his ultimate boon, accepting the use of his personal trials in storylines, it was time for Matt to cross the return threshold. He gamely made the most of his predetermined defeats and humiliations at the hands of Edge and Lita, gaining immense popularity with the fans.

When he returned to Smackdown, he enjoyed such successes as ending the undefeated streak of Mr. Kennedy, several wins over the veteran Road Warrior Animal, winning his sixth WWE World Tag Team Championship with Jeff and the WWE Tag Team titles with MVP.

More recently, he won the United States Championship and the ECW World Heavyweight Championship.

In the last few weeks, Matt has embarked on a new stage of his career. With a successful heel turn at the Royal Rumble that allowed storyline and real-life rival Edge to win the WWE Championship from his brother, Matt continues to prove his dedication to the business.

Overshadowed for so long by his younger brother, Matt has the opportunity to seize the spotlight. There is no question that Matt is the more technically sound of the two Hardy brothers. Matt also has a better potential to develop into a truly strong promo deliverer.

He has become the master of two worlds. This is his chance to seize the freedom to live his dream.

Jeff may be the flashier of the brothers, and Edge might have the advantage in titles won, but only Matt has the breadth of experience to be compared to the monomyth.

Matt is the classic hero, on a Hardy’s Journey.

John Cena: Or How I Stopped Worrying and Learned To Be a Fan

Mina — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:06:03 -0500

Strip away the pandering antics and speak from the heart. Display the fire and passion that brought you to the dance. Don’t think. Just talk. And it will be compelling.

Last night, John Cena delivered a stellar promo in a phenomenal segment. There was no trace of the blatantly inane elements of the character that we have seen in recent months. This was not the personality that defaced a limousine or impersonated the long-time Cardinals and Cubs announcer, Harry Caray.

With an impassioned plea and a stubborn exhibition of faith, the RAW audience was treated to the true nature of John Cena. It is something worth cheering.

At the end of the segment, I hit the pause button and took a few moments to mull over what had transpired. Unfortunately, the first thought to enter my mind was that the praise that Cena richly deserves for his part in the segment would be sparse, at best.

Cena is neither universally beloved by the live crowds, nor is he given the kudos he might earn if he were someone else. Granted, a solid argument can be made for the Superman type booking of his character being counterproductive to his ability to win over the fans.

Similarly, it is evident that Cena is not the most versatile athlete in his ring performance.

Yet, Cena is accomplished at what he does, has made leaps and bounds in selling his opponents’ offense, and has undeniable chemistry.

He will never equal the prodigious talents of Shawn Michaels, Kurt Angle, or Brian Danielson in the ring. Neither could The Rock, nor Stone Cold Steve Austin, and certainly not Hulk Hogan.

I realized that I could formulate argument after argument in support of John Cena—and it would fall on deaf ears and blind eyes. Too many so-called fans of professional wrestling have developed an insatiable need to prove that they are smart to the business.

No one wants to be considered a mark. The stigma is just too pervasive, with the end result seemingly rendering the opinions of the person invalid. It is one of the most popular methods of Internet forums to counteract any attempt to support certain individual wrestlers, promotions, and storylines.

“You like John Cena? You like Triple H? You like the WWE? You like the stories that TNA puts out? You must be a mark.”

Sensible debate over the purpose of a storyline, or the development of a character, falls apart.

Worse yet, in the effort to prove that one is not a mark, nothing is good enough. No storyline is allowed to develop without an outcry of predictability, horrible writing, and the burial of talent. No match is permitted to be anything less than perfect. No veteran wrestler is able to win a match without being accused of burying a younger talent.

We forget, I believe, that we are only as smart to the business as the business allows. Kayfabe might not be the fortress it once was in the 1980s, but there are elements to the way that the industry runs that are not for public consumption.

The writers, the wrestlers, and the management of professional wrestling companies have one goal. To produce a product that sells to the audience. Will I agree with everything that transpires? Certainly not.

I don’t agree with everything that unfolds in House, Heroes, or Law & Order SVU. However, I enjoy the end product because I understand the effort that goes into my entertainment.

As I pressed play once more to continue watching the remainder of RAW, I came to a very important conclusion.

I can be an intelligent, learned individual that has amassed, and will continue to acquire, knowledge about this business of wrestling. I can be that individual and still love the product. For two hours every Monday, and every other hour I devote to watching wrestling, I can give myself over to being entertained.

When John Cena comes into an arena, I will cheer. When Chris Jericho commits another dastardly act, I will boo him, despite the fact that I love him for it. When Shawn Michaels puts on a wrestling clinic that doesn’t include a complicated gymnastics spot, I will appreciate the story he is telling in the ring. When Randy Orton coils like a viper, I will be on the edge of my seat.

In other words, I stopped worrying about the perceptions of others. I learned to be a fan, unabashed and entertained.

Call me a mark, if you will. I will wear the badge with pride, because in my heart of hearts, I know the truth.

The truth is that I will enjoy wrestling more than the “smart” fans, without losing an iota of my intelligence. Each time I turn on the television for wrestling, or pay to attend a live event, I will be dazzled by the spectacle, and take away memories that will last a lifetime.

(As an added bonus, anyone who can correctly identify the derivation of the headline will earn me as a fan for life!)

There's Something About Elimination Matches: Precedents and Types

Mina — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 06:30:08 -0500

There seems to be some confusion regarding two of the matches held on the December 29, 2008 edition of Monday Night RAW, specifically the Divas Battle Royal and the Fatal Four Way Elimination Match. The rules for both seen on Monday Night have precedent in history and are recognized types of individual gimmick matches.

Likely the most popular elimination match is the renowned Battle Royal. Pat Patterson is credited with the idea of the Royal Rumble, using the Battle Royal to establish one of the WWE Big Four Pay-Per-Views. 1993 marked the first year of the tradition that the winner of the Rumble match receives a title shot at WrestleMania.

The difference between the Royal Rumble match and the standard Battle Royal is that the participants enter in intervals in the former, while the latter sees all the participants begin in the ring at the same time.

Taboo Tuesday in 2005 established a separate set of rules for a Divas Battle Royal. Prior to that match, Lillian Garcia announced the rules as both feet must touch the floor after a Diva was thrown from the ring. The over the top stipulation was eliminated as a requirement.

A Gauntlet match is another type of elimination match, wherein the last man, or tag team, standing is considered the winner. Following a series of one-fall pins or submissions, the match type is typically used to show the resilience of the babyface against a plethora of heels.

Dusty Rhodes created the War Games match in the NWA for The Great American Bash in 1989. This match type would go on to be a staple of WCW's Fall Brawl from 1993 to 1998. Vince Russo brought a variation back in 2000 on Nitro.

The format of War Games requires two rings, encased in a cage, with two teams. Two men start the match, with additional members of each team entering at staggered intervals.

Only when all members of all teams are in the rings does a submission count. War Games matches tended towards bloody and brutal, as there were no pinfalls and no disqualifications. The sole way to win was to make a member of the opposite team submit, surrender, or to knock out an opponent.

Most recently, the WWE presented the Elimination Chamber. Debuting in 2002 at Survivor Series, the Elimination Chamber is an amalgamation of the Steel Cage, War Games, and Hell in a Cell matches.

The format sees two wrestlers begin in the ring, while four others are locked in cells within the perimeter of the structure. In intervals of either four or five minutes, a new wrestler enters the match on random selection. There are no disqualifications, no countouts, and eliminations occur via pinfall or submission.

The final type of elimination match that is considered to be widely recognized and utilized by the larger wrestling companies is the Three- or Four-Way Elimination bouts. These matches are considered a specialty of Extreme Championship Wrestling, ECW, and were called either a Three, or Four, Way Dance.

Steve Austin and Mikey Whipwreck were defeated by The Sandman in the first Three Way Dance for the ECW Heavyweight Title on Dec. 9, 1995. The match would continue to be a highlight of ECW programming until Vince McMahon bought the promotion in 2001.

During the Monday Night Wars, McMahon engaged in several cross-promotional broadcasts with ECW. He used Monday Night RAW to hype the Pay-Per-Views of ECW, as well as the television programming.

No stranger to Elimination matches, McMahon incorporated the concept of the Four Way Dance into the WrestleMania 2000 main event.

The Fatal Four Way Elimination match featured The Rock eliminating Big Show, Triple H eliminating Mick Foley, and, with many shenanigans including help from Vince and several chairs, Triple H retained his title over The Rock.

While there are several other examples of the four-way elimination style matches, the same version that was used at WrestleMania 2000 and the Dec. 29, 2008 edition of Monday Night RAW was also the match that determined the WWE Champion at Backlash 2008. Triple H defeated JBL, John Cena, and Randy Orton to become a 12-time champion.

The homage to the old school ECW Four Way Dance was the perfect match to accomplish the storyline goals for JBL and Shawn Michaels. The WWE needed a competitive match to lead up to the conflict and the choice at the finale.

Otherwise, the prestige of the World Heavyweight Championship would have been in jeopardy. Two prominent former World title holders were eliminated from the match before the drama of Shawn's inner conflict and humiliation were played out.

Had a standard Fatal Four Way been used, in which all participants are in the ring at the same time and the match only ends in the first pinfall or submission, the dramatic progression of the foremost storyline would not have been viable.

Neither the elimination of Kelly Kelly without going over the top rope, nor the decision to use the Fatal Four Way Elimination match, violated the rules and precedents set for the match types.

The latter, particularly, was an outstanding creative decision by the WWE. One excellent match, and one dramatic moment, determined the opponent for the World Heavyweight Champion John Cena and added the next chapter in the storyline for JBL and Shawn Michaels.

And the Best Actor Award Goes To...Shawn Michaels

Mina — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 06:08:59 -0500

Professional wrestling is not considered by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences as a viable option for television awards. The prestigious Emmy awards are reserved for episodic television, such as Heroes, House, the Law & Order franchise, and comedy series including Everybody Loves Raymond, 30 Rock, and Pushing Daisies.

It is also highly unlikely that Vince McMahon, notorious for his preference to adhere to kayfabe, would submit his performers for any acting categories if the chance arose.

Unfortunately, this attitude combined with the stigma of professional wrestling in the entertainment industry will prevent one deserving man from receiving recognition for his outstanding performances.

In a 20 year career, the audience has been treated to a range of emotions and personas, from the cocky youngster blessed with astounding talent, to the rebellious degenerate, to a man of principles with a temper, angry, righteous, vengeful, and a proud warrior.

Last night, Shawn Michaels showcased his talents in another direction—that of the victim.

The show kicked off with Rey Mysterio, Jr. calling out Shawn Michaels for costing him the Race to the Rumble match with JBL. Like many of the fans, Rey knows that Shawn is fundamentally a great person who is in a horrible situation. All he wanted was for Shawn to give him his shot at the Fatal Four Way Elimination match back.

Michaels spoke only two words in the entire segment, but conveyed deep emotion through his countenance and body language. Sorrow for the necessity of his actions the week previous, grateful for Rey’s understanding, and deep gratitude for the offer of an honorable option to rectify the consequences of his employment for JBL were all evident in his fluid facial expressions.

When JBL rendered his acceptance of the terms null and void, he bowed his head with disappointment and communicated his apology and plea for further understanding to Rey with sagging shoulders and pained eyes.

Interestingly, Michaels has discussed in his autobiography that there were periods of his career where his only respite was in the ring. For those paying close enough attention, he showed the audience that he was comfortable in the ring, but on the apron was another story. He fidgeted, he hung one leg over the second rope, and his discomfort was evident.

The end of the match saw Michaels nearly kick JBL’s teeth down his throat, courtesy a little Sweet Chin Music. He operated on instinct, conflicting instincts, as he wanted to be the Showstopper, but remembered his position and his obligation as an employee.

What followed can only be described as brutal, but highly effective.

JBL looked at Shawn with hard eyes and then deliberately turned his gaze down to the mat. Shawn allowed the realization of what JBL was asking him to do dawn in his own eyes. He begged for his pride and was denied.

Twice, Shawn seemed to realize that he had no choice and went to one knee, before trying to appeal to his employer. Reading his lips as he spoke was one way to see what he wanted to convey, but reading his facial expressions and his body language articulated his feelings more than words could hope to achieve.

His final conflict saw him slowly, hesitatingly, lie down on the mat, recognizing his utter powerlessness as he closed his eyes. Yet, he tried once more to salvage his pride in his abilities in the ring. JBL obliged with the Clothesline and left the ring as the Number One Contender to the World Heavyweight Championship.

But the real story was back in the ring, as Shawn sat up, shoulders hunched and shivering, a broken man.

JBL stripped Shawn of his pride and his dignity. The evidence of this new development in the storyline isn’t that JBL is now the opponent for John Cena at the Royal Rumble; rather, it is in the performance of Shawn Michaels that taps into the emotions of the fans.

On April 28, 2008, Chris Jericho presented Shawn Michaels with a Best Actor in the WWE award. Jericho meant it to be mocking, but he was absolutely correct.

There are plenty of issues with the storyline between Michaels and JBL. None of them matter, however, when the camera turns on Shawn Michaels and he delivers such stellar and believable performances.

Shawn Michaels is one of the best in-ring workers in the WWE and he is one of the most versatile actors to grace professional wrestling in its history. It is a shame that the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences will never have the pleasure of awarding him the accolades that he richly deserves.

Chris Jericho: The Man Of 1,004 Talents

Mina — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 11:27:43 -0500

In 1999, the United Kingdom and the United States were pioneers in proactively finding ways to tackle the problem of the two-digit date crisis. David Eddy, a Massachusetts programmer, originated the popular label for the dreaded collapse of technological infrastructure.

He called it the Y2K Problem.

That same year, Chris Jericho was preparing for his transition to the World Wrestling Federation. Despite his misery in World Championship Wrestling, he gutted it out through the end of his contract. Inspired by a Countdown to the Millennium clock he had seen in a post office, Jericho suggested using a similar countdown to his arrival in the WWF. In the same creative vein, he wanted to name his finishing move the Y2J Problem.

Vince McMahon countered by stating that his nickname would be Y2J.

The countdown began exactly one month before Jericho debuted as Y2J, the Millennium Man, on August 9, 1999. The Countdown Clock began its descent from 15 and kicked off arguably one of the most explosive and memorable debuts in the history of the wrestling industry.

Relegated to the "leprous" Cruiserweight Division and largely ignored by the management at WCW, Jericho had the opposite treatment in his new company. He was introduced to WWF fans as he interrupted a promo by The Great One himself, The Rock, who had established himself as a wrestling legend.

The two men locked horns in what would be the first of many entertaining and engaging battles of words and charisma.

Very few men could effectively hold their own in a verbal spar with The Rock. Almost immediately, Chris Jericho proved that he was in the front of a select group on his initial outing in the WWF.

Charisma and verbal prowess are not the only talents boasted by Jericho.

The man can flat out go in the ring. Training at the Hart Brothers’ Pro Wrestling Camp with Mr. Hito in Stu Hart’s infamous Dungeon, Jericho traveled the world in order to refine his wrestling skills. The earmark of his in-ring work is his ability to combine high flying spots with sound ring psychology.

An early WAR bout with Ultimo Dragon and classics with WCW rivals Eddie Guerrero, Dean Malenko, and Rey Mysterio, Jr. shone a spotlight on Jericho's cerebral talents and eye-catching maneuvers.

His matches against Chris Benoit, The Rock, and Stone Cold Steve Austin, as well as his recent round of instant classics with Shawn Michaels, all display his ring savvy and athleticism.

But Jericho is simply not content with being gifted in the ring and a charismatic verbal warrior.

He is possessed of an immensely creative mind. In his autobiography, he explains that the Cruiserweight Division of WCW was not cultivated by the management. Nor were the wrestlers considered to be part of that division given a great deal of direction.

And that was just fine with Jericho.

On his own initiative, Jericho created his heel persona in WCW. It became a running joke for him to continuously test the boundaries to see if the office was paying attention to his matches.

Jericho's feud with Dean Malenko was concocted by the former while the latter was on a brief sabbatical. It became a hot angle with only one wrestler present for over 90 days. That angle was responsible for the birth of the "Man of 1,004 Holds" nickname.

Similarly, the hottest angle of 2008, which was between Jericho and Michaels, was devised and performed through a creative collaboration between the two wrestlers.

A key component to the truly successful individuals in the sports entertainment business, or any entertainment industry, is the ability to connect with the audience. Jericho has liquid charisma running through his veins as opposed to blood.

It is the only answer for his astonishing capacity to run the audience through a gamut of emotion.

Jericho can have the audience in stitches, laughing at his brilliantly timed comedy, and jeering him for his arrogance. In the span of a single promo, Jericho can evoke laughter, cheers, genuine heartwarming emotion, and raucous jeering. A promo between Jericho and Michaels in 2003 is a prime example.

Very few wrestlers create more than one distinct character for themselves. Certainly, there are marked differences between the behavior of a wrestler as a heel and a babyface. The character, however, tends to have the same foundation.

In his first run in the then-WWF, Jericho displayed his abilities as both a face and a heel.

He was passionate, driven, and a master of sarcastic insults. He was the consummate entertainer, whether he played on the good or devious side of the fence. Since his return and subsequent heel turn, Jericho has unveiled a despicable, self-righteous, arrogant persona that is in stark contrast to the Y2J character.

And that provides just the impact that Jericho wants to have on the industry.

Arguably, Jericho is one of the best heels in the business. He manipulates and orchestrates the emotions of the audience like a master on a Stradivarius.

What criteria are required to categorize a wrestler as one of the greats in a rich pool of performers? Charisma, athleticism, creativity, and contributions to the memorable moments in the long history of wrestling seem to be the most frequently cited qualifications.

He has an abundance of these credentials—and more.

Chris Jericho isn’t just the Man of 1,004 Holds.

Chris Jericho is the Man of 1,004 Talents. And only a few of those talents are the Armbar, or variations of the Armbar.

Through The Looking Glass: The Montreal Screwjob Part III (Shawn Michaels)

Mina — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:20:33 -0500

Part One: Hitman's Perspective

Part Two: McMahon's Perspective

Contrary to popular belief, wrestling fans have long memories. Case in point, for years subsequent to the contentious Survivor Series 1997 finish, fans in Canada vociferously boos Shawn Michaels and chants for Bret Hart.

Since his emotional return from a career-ending back injury in 2002, Michaels has been easily one of the most beloved babyfaces in the wrestling industry. Yet, Michaels' role in the Montreal Screwjob is not easily forgiven by many fans.

"Through the Looking Glass" has explored the perspectives of Bret "Hitman" Hart and Vince McMahon.

The final installment is the vantage point of Shawn Michaels.

One person has ultimate authority in the World Wrestling Federation, now known as World Wrestling Entertainment. Vince McMahon determines the creative and business direction for the company he built from a territory to a global phenomenon. November 9, 1997 saw McMahon make a contentious decision to screw Bret Hart in Montreal.

While McMahon made the decision, he could not be the wrestler in the ring who executed the orders. That role was left to be borne by Shawn Michaels.

Michaels and Hart had an extensive history. While never friends, relations between the two wrestlers degenerated from cordial to antagonistic over a period of time beginning in 1996. Best described as a lightning rod, Michaels was an angry, immature young man. Unseen by the public, however, he was hurting emotionally.

There is a subculture of the wrestling industry that thrives on gossip and rumors. Termed the "dirt sheets" and comprised of newsletters and internet sites, both fans and wrestlers use it as a source of information and an outlet to drive public perception.

From the beginning of his career, Michaels made a crucial choice not to use the dirt sheets against his fellow wrestlers. Nor would he respond to allegations made against him. As a result, Michaels suffered with a terrible reputation in the eyes of a community who loved having access to insider tidbits.

One prominent example is the planned storyline for Wrestlemania XIII, wherein Hart and Michaels were scheduled for a rematch of their epic encounter the previous year. The roles would be reversed; Michaels as champion would lose the title to Hart. This never came to pass as Michaels was forced to vacate the title shortly after winning it at the Royal Rumble.

Rumors immediately began flying that Michaels was not truly injured, but that he abdicated the title in order to evade losing to Bret Hart. In Michaels' autobiography, he admits that he had expressed his hesitation at working with Hart.

The first of several columns penned by Hart had not only been derogatory towards Michaels, but attacked Michaels' parents. McMahon had explained the situation with Hart's contract to Michaels, which further aggravated the rapidly imploding tensions between the two stars. As far as Shawn was concerned, Bret put himself before the company.

Both on promos and in his off-screen interviews and columns, Hart decried Michaels' announced retirement as a lie. On the advice of a doctor who understood athletes, Dr. James Andrews, Michaels underwent an extensive rehab program for his knee. Though he essentially had no ACL, Dr. Andrews believed that Michaels could wrestle again with hard work and training.

Three months later, Michaels returned to the ring. Intent on sending a message to his detractors, he put on a stellar show. Michaels always believed that he would prove his worth as a wrestler and performer, not through the dirt sheets, but through his electrifying performances.

Michaels began hearing the rumors that he refused to lose to Hart. Angry that his reputation was again on the pyre, he walked around the locker room teasing that he would refuse to do any jobs. Not long after, it was reported by the dirt sheets that he was bragging about repudiating any instructions to do jobs.

According to Michaels, he lost to and bumped for everyone Vince required. His antics in the locker room were his method of retribution.

Issues arose, not only on televised promos, but in the locker room. Many times, the two men would speak about their differences and resolve to be better in the future. Hart continued to write his columns, denigrating Michaels at every opportunity, and Michaels continued to respond in heated promos or not at all.

A fight broke out backstage. Not only did this put Michaels' career in jeopardy, but McMahon was uncertain whether or not he would be able to carry through with his plans for SummerSlam. Both Hart and Michaels were wary of working with each other, but agreed by the time of the title match between Hart and The Undertaker.

The office very deliberately used the real-life animosity between Hart and Michaels to heighten the drama of the programming. After SummerSlam, Hart had won the title and Michaels and The Undertaker went on to a series of matches to determine who would contend for the championship at Survivor Series.

October of 1997 saw the advent of Degeneration X, a stable of wrestlers intent on bucking authority. In tandem with Steve Austin, it is widely thought that DX was responsible for ushering in the Attitude Era. Michaels was thoroughly enjoying his position in the company and did not hesitate to say yes when McMahon asked him to work with Hart for Survivor Series.

One week before Survivor Series, McMahon told Michaels about the precarious circumstance of Hart holding the title while on his way to WCW, the competition. McMahon expressed his solemn concerns about the negative ramifications to his business should Hart continue to hold the title following Survivor Series.

However, he also explained that he was in between a rock and a hard place. Michaels reveals in his autobiography and several subsequent interviews that McMahon believed that his hands were firmly tied and that his company would suffer as a result. Hunter, known today as Triple H, pointed out in a weekly conference call that refusing to lose prior to November 12, and in Canada, could not qualify as reasonable.

The creative control clause in Hart's contract was specifically a measure of "reasonable creative control" for 30 days. With the precedent of Alundra Blayze and the tactics Bischoff had employed thus far, there was no way that Hart could guarantee that WCW would not capitalize on the champion leaving the WWF on the first day possible—November 10.

During that conference call, Michaels offered to do whatever was necessary to protect the business. He was willing to have someone take his place in the match, but Hart's refusal to lose extended to the entirety of Canada. Michaels reiterated that he would do whatever Vince needed him to do to preserve the integrity of the World Wrestling Federation.

Ultimately, McMahon determined that if Shawn was willing to be the man pulling the trigger of his decision, that he was comfortable issuing the orders. The four men who knew what was going to happen going into Survivor Series was Vince McMahon, Gerald Brisco, Hunter Helmsley (Triple H), and Shawn Michaels.

On the day of the event, Michaels clued in Earl Hebner, the referee for the match. He was nervous and nothing seemed to be progressing as normal for a pay-per-view. Hart did not arrive at the building until nearly 5pm, where the normal time to show up at the building was 2 pm. He had private meetings with McMahon and with Michaels.

Though the Wrestling With Shadows documentary crew was present, no wire was worn during Hart's conversation with Michaels. During the first talk, Hart explained to Michaels that he could not lose in Canada and that McMahon and the office simply did not understand the impact it would have on Canadian fans.

One thing that Michaels had prided himself on was never deliberately lying to the boys or the fans. Now, however, McMahon had ordered Michaels to deny any knowledge of the plan. Before, during, and after the event, his wishes as Michaels' employer were clear. Deny everything.

Between Hart, Pat Patterson, and Michaels, the match was laid out. After Hart suggested a spot where Michaels put the former in his signature Sharpshooter, the Heartbreak Kid stopped paying attention. He knew that would be the perfect place to ring the bell. In Hart's autobiography, he claims that Patterson recommended the spot to him.

Everything transpired the way that McMahon wanted. The bell was rung, Michaels was the official champion, and his business was protected. For Michaels, he was both relieved and anxious. It was done, but at what cost?

He broke his silence and first told the truth on WWE Confidential. Later, Michaels would go into more detail in his autobiography. What ate him up the most was that he lied for the first time in his career. He lied to the fans with his post match performance of being angry at the result, he lied to the boys when the subject came up, and he lied to Bret Hart.

Michaels believes in his heart that it was the absolute correct decision for the company. He has stated in interviews that he is sorry that the situation had such a negative impact on Hart, but that he would do it again for the man who gave him everything.

Eleven years following the Montreal Screwjob, it is still the most discordant day in the history of the wrestling industry. Does it say something that, despite the radical and beneficial changes of Michaels as a person, he maintains his position that it was the right thing to do?

The best conclusion that can be drawn is that the situation is not as black and white as some would portray. Shades of grey abound and none of the men involved should be wholly vilified.

Not Bret Hart, who stayed rooted in his principles to the possible detriment of the World Wrestling Federation.

Not Vince McMahon, who made a brutal decision to protect the integrity of his business to the possible detriment of his relationship with Bret.

Not Shawn Michaels, who believed in doing the right thing for business out of loyalty to McMahon to the possible detriment of his personal values.

Through the Looking Glass: The Montreal Screwjob Part II (McMahon's Perspective)

Mina — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 09:35:21 -0500

(Part One: Hitman's Perspective)

The Montreal Screwjob is the most notorious and divisive day in the wrestling business.

Various forms of media have documented and dissected the infamous incident. Typically, despite attempts otherwise, one side over the other is favored. Wrestling With Shadows is the voice of the Hitman. The TNN WWE Confidential program in 2002 provided an outlet for McMahon and Michaels. Even the timeline written by Dave Meltzer is laden with his personal opinions and seems reflective of Hart's position.

The first part of “Through the Looking Glass” examined the viewpoint of Bret Hart.

This is one part of the other side of the story.

Vince McMahon, Jr. pioneered the modern wrestling business. After 11 years of learning the ins and outs of his father’s business, McMahon embarked on a visionary journey.

He acquired talent from other promotions. He began promoting outside of the Northeast territory. He invested the majority of his funds into a true integration of athleticism and entertainment, Wrestlemania, and it became an undisputed success. He initiated a new form of revenue stream in pay-per-view events.

In 1993, McMahon presented Monday Night RAW. The first live wrestling show was a tremendous success. Two years later, Eric Bischoff unveiled his response. Monday Nitro would be the instrument of WCW for the Monday Night Wars. June 10, 1996 was the last victory RAW would enjoy for a shocking 84 weeks.

Four months later, Bret Hart was the center of a bidding war between the two wrestling titans. Bischoff had stolen a tactic of McMahon’s, recruiting talent from the latter. With such coups as Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Kevin Nash, and Scott Hall, Bischoff looked to add Hart to that illustrious list.

Desperate to prevent the loss of any more stars that he had put in the spotlight, McMahon offered Hart an unprecedented 20-year deal. Understandably, McMahon was concerned that many wrestlers he made into marketing darlings were now being showcased for his biggest competition. He did not want it to happen again.

Hart resigned with the WWF after an eight month absence. He would pick up right where he left off, the potential of programs with several WWF top players and a rapidly deteriorating relationship with the Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels.

With the amount of money that McMahon was going to be paying Hart, he wanted to secure the greatest return from the Hitman’s star power. That translated into another world title win after Michaels was forced to vacate the belt due to injury. After reviewing his roster, McMahon suggested that Hart turn heel.

Reluctantly, Hart agreed, provided that he could remain a babyface internationally.

As November of 1997 loomed on the horizon, McMahon had assisted Hart in securing a huge contract with WCW due to financial constraints within the WWF. Reportedly $3 million per year for three years, it was an unprecedented deal.

Meanwhile, the racy, edgy WCW was still outperforming the WWF. McMahon was taking steps to bring more attitude to his broadcasts; an attitude that formed the basis of Hart’s complaints with the creative direction of the promotion.

The quandary for McMahon after Hart signed the contract with WCW was the cutthroat tactics in the Monday Night Wars. Bischoff had displayed no hesitation in using air time to denigrate the WWF.

While Hart’s last day with the WWF was scheduled to be December 7th, there was no guarantee that Bischoff would keep it quiet following the Survivor Series PPV on November 9.

A little under two years prior, Alundra Blayze, also known as Madusa, appeared on WCW Nitro with the WWF Women’s Championship belt and threw it in the trash in the midst of a fiery promo denouncing the WWF.

McMahon was concerned that either the same would transpire with the WWF Championship belt or that Bischoff, once clear from the obligations set forth in Hart’s contract signing, would announce that the WWF Champion was coming to WCW on the November 10 edition of Nitro.

Either way, it would be a disaster for the struggling World Wrestling Federation.

Several times, McMahon suggested scenarios that would lead to crowning a new champion before the enforced silence on Bischoff expired. The long-term plan for the WWF was for a rising Stone Cold Steve Austin to win the title from a white-hot heel. McMahon wanted that heel to be Michaels.

Each scenario was refused by Hart.

The final 30 days of his contract contained a reasonable creative control clause. Hart enacted this clause to avoid dropping the strap to Michaels at the Survivor Series pay-per-view, or the next night on RAW. In essence, Hart claimed that he could not lose the title in Montreal or Ottawa. As a Canadian hero, it would be a devastating blow to the fans of his home country.

According to Dictionary.com, the definition of reasonable is as follows:

1.	agreeable to reason or sound judgment; logical

Due to the documented behavior and habits of Eric Bischoff, McMahon could make a solid case that refusing to do the honors prior to November 12th was not reasonable. No matter where Hart lost the title, it would still be seen by Canadians. Montreal was not Hart’s hometown.

It is akin to Austin, Undertaker, or Michaels refusing to do any jobs in the United States. McMahon wanted his business to be protected. He expected Hart, notorious for supporting old school traditions, to do the honors on his way out. Each refusal was less and less reasonable.

The stark reality of the business was that the WWF was losing the war to WCW and another major blow might well be fatal.

McMahon understood that Hart wanted to protect his marketability. He was more than willing to have Hart lose the strap at the pay-per-view and come out on RAW in Ottawa to cut a babyface promo to preserve his character’s integrity.

It is a common perception that the sole reason why McMahon made the decision he did was because he did not trust Hart to surrender the title. He did not trust Hart not to go out on WCW and trash the belt. This leads to outrage that, after 14 years, McMahon did not trust Hart.

However, Hart was not the only factor in the potential destruction of the WWF. Bischoff had set a precedent that indicated that, once he was not bound by conditions of the contract signing, he would employ whatever means necessary to decimate the WWF. It was logical for McMahon not to trust Bischoff.

Going into the Survivor Series match, Hart could have secured a different outcome by understanding the business necessity for McMahon. The date November 10th was crucial to the decision making process. Provided Hart was not the champion by the Nitro broadcast, McMahon could mitigate the lethality of WCW securing another of his major stars.

As the countdown ticked down to zero, Hart maintained that he would neither lose at Survivor Series, nor any time before the 12th of November. McMahon felt his back firmly against a wall. Everything he had worked for and built since 1971 was in jeopardy. Without reasonable cooperation from Hart, McMahon made an extremely difficult decision.

One week later, following the deliberate destruction of WWF property by Hart and the single punch to the face that McMahon expected, an interview was conducted on WWF programming. Jim Ross sat down with Vince McMahon and the owner of the WWF gave a straight shoot on the controversy.

An excerpt is below:

“There’s a time honored tradition in the wrestling business. When someone is leaving, they show the right amount of respect to the WWF Superstars, in this case, that helped make you that Superstar. You show the proper respect to the organization that helped you become who you are today.

"It’s a time honored tradition and Bret Hart did not want to honor that tradition. He is known as a traditionalist in this business. It would never have crossed my mind that Bret would not have wanted to show the proper respect to the Superstars who helped make him what he is today.” - Vince McMahon

(Part Three will be Michaels' Perspective)

Through The Looking Glass: The Montreal Screwjob Part 1 (Hitman's Perspective)

Mina — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:25:54 -0500

Survivor Series 1997 carries the distinct, if dubious, honor of being the most controversial day in the history of the wrestling business. The setting was the Molson Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and the main event would see a shocking finale never before, and never again, rivaled by any match conclusion.

Later, that night would be christened the Montreal Screwjob, but in the moment the bell was rung, there were no thoughts of how to adequately encapsulate the seemingly inexplicable events. Pandemonium erupted throughout the live crowd and confusion reigned for the viewers at home. The chaos would not be contained in the ring, or the arena, but would follow the wrestlers to the streets.

Several accounts exist, chronicling the events leading up to November 9, 1997. Opinions have been formed and trenches have been fortified with each passing year. Many claim to have the indisputable truth. Philosophers, however, have been debating the nature of “truth” for centuries with no definitive outcome.

What is the truth behind that fateful night in Montreal? Who was right? Who was wrong?

There are always two sides to every story. The goal of this series will be to examine each perspective, beginning with Bret “Hitman” Hart.

A comprehensive time line, compiled by Dave Meltzer, is available here.

Directly following the famed Wrestlemania XII Iron Man Match between incumbent champion Bret Hart and the impassioned challenger Shawn Michaels, the Hitman took an eight month absence while filming multiple episodes for the Lonesome Dove and Lonesome Dove: The Outlaw Years. According to Hart’s autobiography, he spent that time exploring his viability and options as a Hollywood star.

It was during that time off that World Championship Wrestling, the biggest rivals to the World Wrestling Federation, would begin courting the most renowned son of the legendary Stu Hart.

Hart has repeatedly stated that he did not want to leave the WWF, as he felt loyalty to the company that catapulted him to stardom. Eric Bischoff made several offers that involved an astronomical amount of money and the lighter schedule of WCW.

McMahon countered with an unprecedented 20-year deal that exceeded the amount paid to any other star in the WWF, and provided job security following his active, in-ring career.

Contract negotiations aside, the once cordial relations between Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart had begun to deteriorate as early as Wrestlemania XII. Hart’s absence did nothing to alleviate the growing tension, and several heated arguments occurred backstage and on-screen once Hart returned to the WWF.

Wrestlemania XIII was supposed to see a rematch between Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart, with the latter walking away from the encounter as a four-time champion. However, on February 13, 1997, Michaels vacated the WWF Title due to a knee injury. Hart believed that Michaels faked the injury to get out of losing, or doing the job, to him.

In Hart’s mind, Michaels not only refused to do the job for him, but refused to lose to anyone but a select group. This was just one symptom of the unprofessionalism that Hart felt Michaels displayed. Further, the advent of DeGeneration X was symbolic of a creative direction that the Hitman felt was destroying the fundamental aspect of the wrestling business that he loved.

While Hart preferred to think of the Hitman character as a hero, ethically sound and morally right, McMahon had changed direction. Due to the quality of opponents Hart could face as a heel, he turned at Wrestlemana XIII in a classic match with Stone Cold Steve Austin. Of his own design, Hart remained a babyface internationally.

That was not the only variation on what Hart thought would be his course when he inked his contract with the WWF six months prior. McMahon felt financial pressure to alleviate expenses. He asked Hart to defer a portion of his weekly guarantee to later on in his contract.

Hart declined; concerned that he would not receive the promised amount once he was not active in the ring.

Eventually, with urging from McMahon, Hart signed an astronomical deal with WCW. It was not merely the $3 million per year that sold Hart on reluctantly leaving the WWF. Hart felt that McMahon had given the top heel spot to Michaels and the top face spot to Austin.

Hart also believed that the wrestling business, the WWF specifically, had deviated from the traditional hero versus villain storylines. The product was, in his opinion, not geared towards heroes like the Hitman.

Despite his negative feelings on the creative direction of the WWF, Hart took a great deal of precautions to keep the news of his departure from leaking to the dirt sheets and the media. Unfortunately, rumors began circulating as early as November 4, just three days after Hart signed the contract for WCW. News of the leaks and rumors reached the Titan Towers.

A conundrum was created. It was beginning to circulate that the WWF Champion was leaving for the competition.

Reasonable creative control gave Hart the ability to protect himself and his marketability. Each time McMahon asked Hart to drop the strap to Michaels, Hart balked. The main reason he gave was his claim that Michaels refused to do the job for him. Hart wanted to drop the strap some time following November 12.

McMahon felt that the title had to change hands before Monday, November 10, so Bischoff could not go on Nitro and boast about signing the WWF Champion. Hart exercised his reasonable creative control clause, claiming that he could convince Bischoff to remain quiet so he did not have to lose in Canada.

On November 7, at a house show, Hart had been asked to take a Stone Cold Stunner in a six-man tag match. Hart used his creative control clause, as he was the only true Canadian in a match that was billed as USA vs Canada. Neidhart took the Stunner and the pin instead.

Going into Survivor Series, just two days later, Hart and McMahon had come to an arrangement that would see a DQ finish. Hart wanted to trust in McMahon. Yet, he took a few precautions.

First, in his PPV day discussion with McMahon he wore a wire used in the filming of Wrestling With Shadows. Second, he secured Earl Hebner as the referee. Hart and Hebner were long time friends. Hart extracted a promise from Hebner. He would not allow Hart to be screwed, swearing on his children.

In order to alleviate McMahon’s concerns about Bischoff on Nitro, Hart agreed to a DQ finish for Survivor Series and would come out on Raw the next night and vacate the title. He felt that would preserve his marketability and stature in the eyes of the fans.

Despite his precautions, the bell was called for by Earl Hebner, and Vince McMahon, while Michaels had Hart in his signature move, the Sharpshooter. Hebner split, leaving the arena within seconds, and Michaels, appearing angry, was ushered to the back with the belt.

McMahon, on the other hand, stood at ringside. Hart spit in his face and proceeded to legitimately destroy monitors and other studio equipment. Once in the back, Hart punched McMahon.

Hart believes that the Montreal Screwjob was the assassination of the Hitman. A genuine hero, brought low by the ruthless business tycoon in the midst of the Monday Night Wars.

To this day, Hart defends his actions before, during, and after Survivor Series. He truly believes that he behaved with professionalism, dignity, and righteousness.

(Just like a coin, there is another side to this story that will be addressed in the second segment.)

Rest In Peace: On The Burial Of Wrestling's "Bury"

Mina — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:12:34 -0500

Sitting in front of my television on Monday night, I had a moment of foresight. The channel was on USA and it was a few minutes away from the three-hour extravaganza to celebrate surpassing 800 episodes of Monday Night RAW.

As part of the milestone, Triple H and Shawn Michaels were scheduled to reunite as D-Generation X. I was personally very excited, but in one moment I realized that the next day I would read accusation upon accusation about the "burial" of Miz and Morrison.

Though I had yet to view the match, with various writers and fans posting on forums in the same boat, the fact remained that speculation ran rampant from the outset of the announcement.

The immediate response on the Internet indicated that the only expectation was for the absolute burial of the talented tag team, Miz and Morrison. In a heartbeat of moments, I resolved to turn my attention to the show and consider the implications at a later time.

Unsurprisingly, while some writers fairly noted that the match was great and that John Morrison and The Miz looked strong, many people hurried to make the accusation that the veterans "buried" one of the most promising tag teams in the WWE.

The resultant outcry of the D-Generation X victory gives insight into the burial of the wrestling term "bury," and its conjugations.

According to the Pro Wrestling Torch Glossary of Insider Terms, the definition of "bury" is as follows:

Bury (v) 1. To criticize or attempt to defame someone. 2. To lower someone in the eye of the fans or their peers.

Traditionally, a burial of a wrestler or group of wrestlers can occur in the full view of the audience and may be the result of backstage machinations to which the fans are not privy. Similarly, a burial might be the result of violating the trust of the office or of the fans turning on the wrestler. There are several reasons why a wrestler might be buried.

Inherent in the above definition, as well as the context in which wrestlers use the term in books, interviews, and other media, is the implication of deliberate intent to cause a wrestler to be considered less by the fans, whether that be verbally or in the ring.

Using the example of the match between D-Generation X and Miz and Morrison, there is no definable aspect of either the promos or the in-ring action that supports the application of the word "bury".

Not only did Miz and Morrison receive the most talking time over the course of the past few weeks, but the antics of the veterans prior to the match were almost completely aimed at themselves. There is no denying that Michaels and Triple H pointed out that Miz and Morrison were in high school when, alongside a revolutionary Stone Cold Steve Austin, D-Generation X was shaping the face of the business.

Yet, they spent most of that pre-match promo mocking the size of Triple H's nose and the thinning hair and attire of Michaels. The most derogatory comments of that promo were aimed at themselves.

In the ring, Michaels and Triple H not only sold the offense that Miz and Morrison dished out, but Miz and Morrison were able to enjoy a significant amount of heat during the match.

As ECW wrestlers, Miz and Morrison got to show off their own unique tag team maneuvers and, as a bonus not likely to be granted to any other team, Morrison used Sweet Chin Music on Triple H. Who, by the way, promptly fell flat on his back as if laid out by Michaels himself.

This is not the only example of the fan who cried "Buried!" lessening the value of the term. Anytime a wrestler loses, the victor is likely to be accused of burial. Particularly, it seems, if the victor bears the name Triple H, The Undertaker, John Cena, and Shawn Michaels.

With the exception of Cena—Michaels, Triple H, and The Undertaker are established veterans. These three names should not be losing that often, for the simple fact that when they do lose, it should provide an effective rub for the man that receives the victory.

Triple H shocked everyone by losing three big Pay-Per-View matches in a row to Batista. Those three victories assured that Batista would henceforth be viewed as a main event player. He has done the job for Randy Orton.

Shawn Michaels tapped out to Kurt Angle and John Cena on major stages, affirming the place for each man on the top of the WWE food chain. He did the job clean for Jeff Hardy just a few months before the latter failed his second Wellness test.

The Undertaker has never pinned Michaels, and he did the job for Mankind and later Lesnar. All three men have taken more losses, of course, but these are prominent examples.

Yet, most of the time when one of these three men goes over another wrestler, a portion of the fan base is quick to scream "burial." Someone such as The Brian Kendrick, though talented, has barely seen a few months of wrestling singles. He has yet to win either the United States Championship or the Intercontinental title.

Why should fans be so quick to see him go over an established veteran like Triple H, when he hasn't seen significant victories over mid-card performers? It cheapens the World titles to expect otherwise.

Jeff Hardy is a special case. The man has been in the business for some time, but has consistently proven to be untrustworthy. Particularly in the wake of the Chris Benoit tragedy, the WWE, nor any other promotion, can truly afford for the standard bearer of a show to fail a drug test.

Prior to this current run in the WWE, Hardy failed several drug tests, no-showed events, and refused to seek treatment for his addictions. Upon returning, Hardy failed two drug tests under the new Wellness policy within less than two years. Based on his popularity and his talent, it is clear that the management would like to be able to put the title on him. The weight is on Hardy to prove that he won't embarrass the company.

Even in a loss, however, a wrestler can still receive a push. A young Shawn Michaels proved that in the Wrestlemania X ladder match. As the veteran, Michaels provides opportunities for younger talent to be viewed as stars. Shelton Benjamin immediately comes to mind, considering that their match in the Gold Rush tournament is often cited as proof of Benjamin's potential.

Triple H sells his opponents' offense and rarely dominates unquestionably in matches with younger, less experienced stars. The argument can certainly be made that the ending of the Cyber Sunday match saw him no-sell Hardy's finisher, but alternatively, the argument could be made that it is an element of the storyline that Hardy's high risk style costs him the championship again and again.

The Undertaker also provides a push by giving his opponents' a great deal of heat in their matches with him. Shawn Michaels' trademark is how well he sells for his opponents and he rarely dominates an entire match. A push can be provided without victory.

Use of the term "burial," or any of its forms, implies that the decision of who wins and loses the match is determined specifically to lower the value of the wrestler that does not win.

More often than not, this is not the case. In promos, it implies that the wrestler cutting the promo is maliciously looking to defame his opponent. A promo in which an established veteran says an up-and-comer isn't on his level isn't a burial. It is simply a promo.

The nature of wrestling, in which one loses and the other claims triumph, and promos are cut on both sides denigrating each other and hyping one's own prowess, will continue to provide entertainment.

The question is whether or not the term "bury" will continue to be buried by the fans of wrestling.