Bleacher Report - Articles by Carson Tazuk

Golden State Warriors: The State Of The Post "Golden Era" and It's Needs

Carson Tazuk — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 03:13:58 -0400

The NBA draft is coming up and the Golden State Warriors back offices need to set this team on a path, and with the view of last season and the events in it... it won't be easy, that's why sometimes we here at Bleacher Report write these articles, because sometimes we know what needs to happen more than some idiots in the NBA, namely Chris Cohen and Robert Rowell.

Summary of the Season:

While I didn't go to any games (hated myself for that), I made sure to watch, and what I watched was the Warriors mainly panic while they drowned without Monta Ellis. While the problem wasn't Ellis, it was the fact that the Warriors couldn't find a decent floor general to organize their plays. While Stephen Jackson's go the spirit and enthusiasm, he doesn't have the body or skills of a point guard in the West Division. Even after Ellis came back he clearly showed rust until he fell back into his spot and at the end of the season, we saw the thrilling Ellis from the season prior.

The Current State:

Right now, it seems very apparent that there is no plan in the Warrior's future, mainly because theirs three (two if Cohen doesn't matter) people who are trying to share the reins of the General Manager position, Nelly, Rowel, and Cohen. This situation causes a hurricane of trouble for players and the office. Don Nelson was making claims that Jamal Crawford was not in the Warrior's future and attempted to convince him to leave his contract, with the threat that he'd make his life hell if he didn't. Rowel and Cohen are just idiots in the background as they can't make a move that will actually help, nor can anyone with the removal of Chris Mullen.

Some players even seem to be out for themselves, as Monta Ellis is saying to the offices that he doesn't want them to pick up a playmaking point guard in the draft, unless this means he intends to improve upon that in the summer, I see no reason to make a demand like that as it leaves the team anxious and in a rather cramped position for this rather guard heavy draft.

The Needs:

The needs of the Warriors are almost always simple to read, but never easy to solve.

Mainly there are four needs for the Warriors, A decent playmaker, A strong presence in the post, freeing cap space, getting/trading talent

I'm going to tackle these in their own sub-sections:

Playmaker:

As mentioned before, Monta is saying he won't like a playmaker being drafted, and apparently the front office has stated that they won't, this is a major problem as there is no apparent REAL point guard on the Warriors Roster, all are either swingmen, or thin big men.

There is only one solution to this problem, make these guys learn how to pass, specifically Monta, everyone in the league knows he wants to drive or shoot, and if he can add passing to his arsenal, he will probably be an All-Star this season, he does have the potential.

Pressence:

This is a hard one, as the draft has decent guards and fowards, and with the Warriors without a second round pick, they can't pick a second rounder with their first pick.

The only solution is in Roney, the Big Happy Giant that most Warriors fans should know and love by now. Either that or send Randolph and Wright to the gym with plenty of protein shakes.

Cap Space:

There is no way that this problem is resolved, this office doesn't know what the term "Check bounced" means.

Talent:

There are so many moves that the Warriors should, no, NEED to make but will definitely not make with Chris Mullen out of the office.

Potential:

The only potential I see right now in the Warriors is Anthony Randolph... every time I see a game with him playing I am wowed, and I hope that he's still around by the time that Nellie is out of here because I'd hate to see his athleticism wasted and moved to somewhere else.

Predictions:

My genie ball tells me...

*That there is going to be more fighting with Randolph and Nellie...

* Ugh 50/50 with Crawford actually being in the Yay Area.

* The truce with the office and Monta will be streched at draft day

* Plenty of stupidity from Rowell, and Cohen.

* The Warriors will be close to a spot in the playoffs

CM Punk: Opening for Rebellion?

Carson Tazuk — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:15:13 -0400

Anyone who has looked at WWE.com or seen Extreme Rules has seen that Jeff Hardy won the WWE Title from Edge a few hours ago, and then CM Punk cashed his MITB contract and won it off him.

After the match, I heard no one cheering for CM Punk, aside from him...and it opened up thoughts to me, as I thought to myself how he was such an SOB.

Taking the title from Jeff opens up the chance for CM Punk to become a heel, as absolutely no one really is happy for him taking it from Jeff. The reason I think this is a good idea is that the whole "PUNK" title really suggests a bad guy or misunderstood person, and what better way for him to reveal himself as a heel by saying, "Punks are normally not understood, the same case was with me... I don't care about you people..." and going on to have a potentially great feud with Jeff Hardy, as I think now Edge will be preoccupied with Vickie (they are getting a "divorce").

Going further into the idea, it's brilliant because these two are tremendous athletes and the action expected from the Hardy/ Hardy feud would actually be in the matchup.

Side Note: There is now a good chance that Jeff Hardy is going to sign an extension, as in an interview where he was asked if he would get an extension, he said there is a strong chance.

What Is Matt Hardy To Do?

Carson Tazuk — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:55:35 -0400

Ok ok, I've been off for a month because of school (F@*! the administration by the way) and since it's almost done, I figured I'd return!!!

After the Royal Rumble, Matt and Jeff Hardy went at a decent feud till Backlash, with a astounding finish in my opinion...But what's next for Matt Hardy?

He screwed Jeff at JD, but it didn't really matter as Jeff is getting a match on Extreme! I also figure that Jeff is going to win, seeing as how either Matt's blog really did give away that there was an extension or they will give it to him to pop his merch right before the deadline of the contract.

Matt's Options

Shawn Michaels

Matt exhausted his US title resource after losing to MVP and then losing the Three-Way to Kofi. With his position in line for a title at the middle if not way back, I'd guess that he will feud with Shawn Michaels when he comes back, and that is a big WHEN seeing as how that window of time seems to stretch from a few weeks from now to months.

Kofi Kingston

Like I said, Matt can't get a shot for a while at the title, so why not take out the guy who beat him for it. Simply take a chair to MVP and Kofi, have Kofi take it harder than MVP and they feud.

Matt can say that while he has to wait to get a title shot, his brother Jeff gets one handed to him, and since that doesn't fly he is going to take out all the competition that stands in his way up to even the WWE title.

This is a great option as him hunting down other superstars and taking them out would really boost him up as a even better heel.

Last Resort

The very worst option that I can imagine (and my minds hates itself for imagining it) would be for Matt to obliterate Hornswoggle and get Golddust's attention for a while, beat him to a pulp just to buy time to get something better for himself.

These options could either help Matt or buy him time at best as spots open up for him.

Side Note: The status of my Raw vs. Smackdown story is still working, but making three shows takes a while and it will resume quickly once my school year ends this week.

Smackdown vs. Raw: When Worlds Collide! (Week 1)

Carson Tazuk — Fri, 01 May 2009 00:32:46 -0400

Note for this first issue: Only the main event and promo's will be shown from each show, in next week's, ALL matches will be written

Also: ECW is intentionally not featured this week: It will be featured next week however.

Summer Slam:

King: Well Michael, it's time for Raw's main event, the Elimination Chamber!!!!

Cole: Yes, King, Six brave men have chosen to risk their careers for the WWE Championship.

King: Well, yes, but the most unusual thing is that General Manager Vickie Guerrero elected to move the Elimination Chamber match from No Way Out to Summer Slam.

Cole: Vickie's explanation for this hasn't been much aside for it being "for the fans" but I feel that there may be something nefarious afoot

King: Oh, Cole, don't be so paranoid!!! Plus, what can she be planning??? Ever since the Big Show and her split up, she's been on her own.

Cole: Well you do have a point but remember that they just recently split up.

King: Speaking of Big Show, here he comes!!!

Big Show's Titantron video hits with his music, he is the first to enter the chamber, he enters his cell

Batista's video hits and the crowd goes wild he makes his way to the Elimination Chamber

Cole: Batista failed to defeat Randy Orton at Judgment Day but hasn't given up his chase for the WWE Championship. He has made a vow to win this title or take Randy down with him.

King: Yea, Batista is setting up a bulls eye on Randy Orton and his title.

Batista makes his way into his cell and is locked in...he and Big Show have a dramatic staredown

Matt Hardy's video comes on and he is immediately hit with a wave of boos, he easily shrugs them off.

Cole: Matt Hardy snuck into this title match when he injured MVP, who had won his right to the match, he--

King: Now come on Michael, MVP should have known that a title match sets just as much of a target on your chest as the WWE title does.

Cole: That may be right King, but attacking someone in their own home in front of their family is taking it WAAAY too far.

Matt gets locked into his cell, he is unable to wipe away a sickening grin even while Batista stares a hole in his chest.

John Cena breaks out onto the stage, showered by cheers and boos.

Cole: John Cena lost his World Heavyweight Title to Edge at Backlash and after recovering from his injuries, he is back here to claim what he says is his.

King: Cena has been able to back what he says... but with a crowd of guys like this, Batista, Big Show, who was the man who put him through a search light... I'm not sure I like anyone's chances.

Cole: Cena did not get a assigned a cell so he will start off this match in the ring

Cena and Big Show have a very awe inspiring Stare Down, it is very clear that Cena hasn't forgotten what Show did to him at Backlash.

Triple H's music comes on and the crowd shoots up with cheer.

Triple H prepares to do his first water spray.

Cole: Triple H recovered from the punt to the head that he suffered at Backlash from Randy Orton, but sadly for Orton, that punt didn't knock out any memories...

King: Yeah Cole, Triple H swore that he would destroy Randy Orton, WAIT WHAT IS THIS!?

Edge comes out from behind Triple H, he hits him with a chair, uses the stage and the chair to make an improv con-chair-to on Triple H

Cole: Edge just came out here and took out Triple H... whats going to happen to the match? We are now missing a combatant.

King: Wait Michael, I think I know what Edge is doing, yea he's using the Money In The Bank contract that he beat C.M. Punk for back after losing the World Heavyweight Title to the Undertaker at Night Of Champions.

Cole: Do you think that this is why Vickie moved the Chamber match to tonight?

Lilian Garcia: Ladies and Gentlemen, it is official, due to Triple H's inability to respond, Edge is now in the Elimination Chamber match.

The crowd shows their huge anger with Edge by drowning him with boos

Edge enters what was Triple H's cell and puts his rabid face back on while he bolts his eyes from Big Show to Batista and everyone else

Randy Orton steps on to the stage and stomps on Triple H who hasn't been moved from the stage for some reason

Cole: What a evil stomp from Randy Orton to Triple H, why hasn't he been cleared from the stage!?

King: The EMT must be moving a little slow Cole, don't worry

Cole: I'm not worried, I'm appalled that he would do such a thing

King: This is Randy Orton we're talking about Cole!

Cole: I guess you're right King, best get ready as this match is underway with Randy Orton and John Cena starting this one off.

Randy and Cena lock up with Orton kicking Cena into bending over, he throws an uppercut in Cena's face.

Randy attempts to toss Cena into the ropes but Cena reverses and clotheslines Orton with the power of a bus, Cena then begins to pound Orton's face into the mat.

Orton blocks and gets back up, the lights go black and we see the lights flashing over the cells, Matt Hardy is in the match

Matt Hardy starts off by grabbing Cena's head and slamming it into the ground, he then begins to mock Cena's "you can't see me" arm wave until he remembers that Orton is in there with him after being hit from behind.

It appears Matt remembers Randy's assault on him when Jeff was chasing the title back in '07 because he goes crazy attacking him, all Orton can do is attempt to block the un-ending blows that come his way.

Matt is still pounding on Orton until Cena grabs him and throws him over the ropes onto the steel flooring on the other side, Matt writhes in pain as his back goes splat on the floor.

The lights go black again and we eventually see that Big Show is released from his cell, all eyes turn to him as Orton and Cena charge him only to be thrown to the side like dolls.

Orton and Cena are clawing at Show's feet as Matt leaps from the turnbuckle as drives his elbow into Show's head, it seems to knock him out as he falls to his face.

Orton wants to pin Show but he can't turn him over to his back, it's then there that Cena picks Orton up and throws him into the corner.

Matt tries to get a bulldog on Cena but he ducks, Matt eventually runs into Orton. Their bodies slamming together, they fall to the ground.

Cena picks up Hardy and tosses him over the ropes again... it seems that he doesn't take him seriously in this match.

The lights go out again, and we see Batista is out of his cell. He lays out Hardy who was outside of his cell, and lays out everyone who is in the ring, Big Show has finally gotten back to his feet and tosses Batista out of the ring, and then follows him.

Big Show begins to pummel Batista with right and left hands, but Batista shoots up and drives his shoulder in for a spear...Show's head hits the steel in a rough fashion and it appears that he's out cold AGAIN.

Back in the ring, Orton has fled Cena and is next to Edge's cell, we get a close-up and see that Edge is literally clawingat the inside of his cell, begging to get in the match. This behavior seems odd from Edge.

In response to Edge's clawing, Orton spits on the cell door, and gets back in the ring, he doesn't want to be near Edge when he gets out. He is met by a flying Hardy who brings a Kane-like flying tackle on him.

We see that Batista has been working on getting Show's body to stay between his legs for a few minutes, then Batista uses all his strength to lift up the Big Show, the slams him forward through the glass of one of the cells. Show is cut up badly, bleeding from his back and face.

Batista drags Show's lifeless body from the cell so that his shoulder's are flat and pins him for an Easy 3 Count, first elimination of the night.

Hardy is shown pulling a cell door open, he then rushes in and closes the door, effectively blocking himself from anyone, but Batista doesn't like that, he starts pounding on the cell door.

Cena and Orton are back at brawling until the lights flash again, Edge is the last one who can leave and he charges out, he spears Cena, tosses Orton out of the ring, and smashes Batista into the chain wall of the chamber.

Edge wants to get at Hardy, but can't break the cell door with his foot, so he grabs Show, slowly lifts him up and motions him over to the door where he uses him as a battering ram and breaks the door, Hardy is pinned by Show's body and the other side of the cell.

Edge gets back on Batista, he slams his face into the other cell, over and over and over until Batista is bleeding. Batista is then tossed into the ring and pinned, 1, 2, he lifts his shoulder, Edge's grin becomes a look of peril.

Edge gets ready to spear Batista, he runs to him only to be caught by Batista in his legs... Batista lifts Edge up for a Batista Bomb and hits it... then Cena shoves Batista and gets Edge for a Attitude Adjustment, the crowd is eating this punishment on Edge up.

Batista doesn't take the shove well and gets into a verbal fight with Cena, they start to yell at each other until Matt Hardy spins Cena, Orton spins Batista. Matt hits his Twist of Fate, and Orton hits his RKO on Batista...there can't be two pins so Matt and Randy start brawling.

Orton gets tossed over the ropes and Matt pins Batista... 1,2,3...Batista is out.

Matt is gloating over eliminating Batista for a while, no one is up, Randy is holding his back...Cena is holding his face and Edge is holding his everything.

Matt chooses to stalk his prey from the turnbuckle as he climbs up it. Cena gets to his knees and Hardy hits the leg drop from the second turnbuckle, for some reason he just goes off to attack Edge who is somehow getting up.

After Matt raises Edge, Edge grabs Hardy by the hair and grinds his face in the chain. Edge walks off and gets ready to spear Cena. He connects and eliminates Cena, you can hear half the crowd cheering and the other half booing.

Orton grabs Hardy a is in the midst of RKO'ing him as Edge hits a spear in the middle of it, thus hitting Orton and sending some impact to Hardy, Edge then pins Orton and gets the 3 count...everyone cheers. Hardy gets up and the two duke it out...

Fists fly, hits land, eventually they have fought to the cells again... Edge falls back onto the cell, Hardy runs and jumps onto Edge sending them both through the cell door.

Edge is open-eyed and screaming in pain... it's looking like Hardy used Edge as a cushion and isn't making a reaction. Hardy then drags Edge into the ring and hits the Twist of Fate... 1,2, EXCUSE ME!!!!!

Vickie Guerrero officially declares that Matt Hardy has been disqualified from the Match after a finding of "Illegal" items in his bag. Hardy yells that it isn't his, but Vickie won't have it...the crowd doesn't know if they should cheer that Hardy lost, or they should boo because Edge won. The Pay-Per-View ends as we see a close up of Edge's face as he is just registering what he just heard from Vickie.

Post Pay-Per-View RAW:

Main Promo: Cena walks out to the ring, he is showered in boos and cheers as he is normally.

Cena: As you can see, there is no title around my waist, there is no title around either Randy Orton or Matt Hardy's waist. There is no title over Big Show's shoulder, and Triple H wasn't even able to wrestle in the Elimination Chamber match last night.

Last night a star from Smackdown felt that he could win his own show's title and chose to ruin Raw's main event, whats worse is that he was about to lose and was given some bull-s@&! excuse to win.

But the worst thing about this is the fact that now Raw does not have a Heavyweight title. I will not work on a show that has no Heavyweight title... it makes my time here have no meaning.

As a result, I am going over to Smackdown this Friday to take the WWE Title back to Raw with me. Edge, I'm hoping your watching this because I want you to know... make sure to polish my belt so it's shiny when I raise it after the match on Friday.

Randy Orton's Video hits and you can see from his body language he's not used to not hanging the title over his shoulder

Randy Orton: Now Cena, you seem to think that you can just waltz on to Smackdown and get the title back, the problem is that you weren't the champ last night before the match, I WAS... and I have a rematch clause in my contract that says I can use it when I want, so I'm sorry to spoil your plans for Friday, Cena, but you will have to watch me win my title back on Friday.

Plus Cena, you think that Edge doesn't have something planned for you? at least with me, my Legacy can come with me and be there to make sure I get the win.

Cena: See Randy, that's why everyone wanted to get at you last night... with your bag boys Rhodes and Ted over there, you're not a real champion...you're a fake. and that's why a real champ has to go there and win the title.

Matt Hardy comes out now and makes a sly walk to the ring.

Hardy: I am honestly shocked that either of you think you deserve to go on Smackdown this week... I mean where were you guys at the end of the match??? oh right, ELIMINATED, by ME.

And I was THIS close to winning the title, till as you said Cena, Vickie played some fake card getting me DQ'd. If anyone deserves to go, it should be me because I was about to win.

You two has-beens should just pack it up and accept the fact that the Era of Mattitude has returned with a even greater leader.

Cena: I don't give a damn about you "Mattitude" crap man, you can go sip as much spiced Kool-Aid as you want... just go do it somewhere else.

Matt: You want to dis me Cena? I'll hit you with the Twist of Fate again!

Orton: Will you both just shut up, this isn't going to get the WWE title back onto Raw any quicker.

Cena: Randy's right... I have a proposition, Randy Orton vs. Matt Hardy vs. John Cena in a triple threat match for #1 Contendership and match on Friday.

Hardy and Orton: Agreed

Raw Main Event:

The Superstars enter during their respective entrances and begin the Match

Matt Hardy charges Orton to get dodged and run into a turnbuckle. Cena then grabs Hardy and drives Matt's shoulder into the ring post.

Orton locks Cena into a sleeper hold which holds Cena for about two minutes... Hardy comes in a double teams Cena with Orton, they do a double suplex. Hardy and Orton begin to stomp Cena over and over again. Until Orton clotheslines Matt Hardy. Hardy rolls out of the ring and Orton lifts Cena up.

Randy begins to RKO Cena, but gets shoved away. Cena gets a elbow into Orton's kidney area and begins to pummel him. Hardy gets into the ring and spears Cena from behind... this also gets Orton, this is resembling Edge's spear at SummerSlam.

After Cena moves out of the turnbuckle, Hardy starts to attack Orton until he is hit with the RKO, he's out cold for the 3-Count...

Randy Orton has won the right to the Title Match on Friday.

Smackdown!

Main Promo:

Edge comes out to a shower of boos, with a huge smirk on his face... He's carrying the title belt from his waist

Edge: As John Cena says, THE CHAMP IS HERE! I cashed in the Money In The Bank Contract that I won from C.M. Punk weeks back and beat John Cena and Randy Orton this past Sunday at Summer Slam!

People wondered what I'd do after I lost to Undertaker... I mean what would you do? Oh, right... You'd sit on your ass and cry, but that's not what the Rated-R-Superstar does.

No When I fall, I shoot back up, and when I beat Punk for that, I did just that.

I Don't think I ever told anyone this, when I left Christian to become a singles wrestler... I became better than him, I became better than EVERYONE. But people thought that I was still the same stupid guy that I was before.

And now...everyone has become smarter, they know I'm THE MAN...but Randy Orton wants to end that and try to beat me. I'm not going to have it.

I've even heard that John Cena has been sighted here tonight... how desperate can one show get? They lost a title and they have to make a "group therapy" match???

John Cena emerges from the crowd and leaps over the barrier, he tackles Edge and proceeds to pummel him.

After about a minute of Cena beating Edge's face in... we see most of the Smackdown locker room come out. They all climb into the ring and crowd around Cena. The next thing seen is Cena being covered in Smackdown wrestlers... when they all clear out, Cena is no where to be seen but the Smackdown wrestlers aren't looking for him. Cut to commercial

Cut back to JR and Todd Grisham

JR: Welcome back to Smackdown as we recap just went down a few moments to go when John Cena from Raw ambushed the WWE World Heavyweight Champion Edge...

Todd: Yes JR, after ambushing him, Cena began to assault the champion, but then the Smackdown roster came out here and took out Cena, who apparently performed a disappearing act

JR: I'm not sure about an act Todd, you'd think that the men who were just attacking him would be looking for him after they couldn't find him

Todd: That may be so, but right now we have our main event about to start

Edge comes out again... opening and feeling his jaw after the attack from Cena, he stops for his 5-second pose and moves on to the ring

Todd: As just mentioned, Edge was the victim of an assault from John Cena, he may not be in the best shape after taking all those blows

JR: If Edge can't be knocked around a little, how in the hell did he win the Championship?

Randy Orton comes out and is soaked with boos and cheers. He is bringing the Legacy with him as he said he would

Todd: As expected, Randy Orton is bringing his lackeys with him to this match...

JR: Well after what happened with Cena, it may be a good idea don't you think?

Todd: Well, normally I don't believe Edge would get that type of sympathy from anyone on the roster, but they may have felt they needed to defend their champion

JR: I HIGHLY doubt that Todd, I think there is something afoot here and I don't think it ended with Cena.

The bell rings and the match is underway. Randy and Edge lock up, neither is able to get an advantage early on until Edge kicks Orton in the gut and hits a DDT. Edge then puts Orton in a headlock and holds him for about 2 minutes, he then gets tired of this and prepares to hit an Edgeecution on Orton.

Edge grabs Orton, but Randy slips out and hits Edge with a DDT of his own... at this point they are both on the mat slowly climbing to their feet. Orton is up first and kicks Edge in the stomach while he's down.

The Legacy at this point are bored, they are expecting that Randy is going to win... the scene shifts to a wide-scale shot and we see 3 hooded figures knock the Legacy behind the barrier, Randy hasn't noticed that his goons have been dragged out of the arena.

Edge is about to hit a spear when Randy dodges it and finds that Edge hit the ref. He calls for the Legacy and see's that they are missing, he starts to get a desperate face and looks all around the arena.

The scene then shifts again to the stage as we see Christian and the ECW roster come out and walk down to the ring... Randy is expecting them to attack Edge and re-summon's his normal scowl of a face, acting as if he never panicked.

Once Christian enters the ring... he stares down at Edge and then kicks Orton in the Stomach, and hits the killswitch on Orton... the ECW roster begins to pummel Orton until the Ref shows signs of getting back up, the ECW guys clear the ring and disappear.

Edge gets his hand on Orton and gets the staggered 3-count. Edge wins and retains the title.

Christian comes back into the ring and stares down Edge, Edge responds by doing the same. After a minute, they break out into laughter and hug. Christian raises Edge's hand and smiles.

JR: What the hell have we just seen?

Todd: Is this the reunion of Edge and Christian?

End Show... End Week 1 of Smackdown Vs. Raw: When Worlds Collide

When a Video Game Has a Better Story Than the WWE... Start Running!!

Carson Tazuk — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 23:49:38 -0400

A few years ago (about four or five years ago), a video game came out made by THQ: "SMACKDOWN vs. Raw."

The game's "story" mode contained a simple, yet interesting, archetype of a story that would seem to really work in the WWE now...or later, if we can balance out the shows.

The main part of the story is that superstars from "Smackdown" came to "Raw" to beat down other stars and vice versa. Each show tried to convince the other stars to jump ship and join them on their shows...by intimidation or bribery.

Now, how AWESOME would it be if this actually happened? I mean, the brand borders are already being rubbed away...it just seems like it would add something that almost resembled the WCW and WWE wars from way back when.

This concept is fairly easy to set up, also, and by no one else but the rated R superstar, Edge; basically, just re-hash something like what he did in the past, interject him into a "Raw" match and win the title.

This creates the spark that causes John Cena to charge at Edge on "Smackdown."

If you want to read more... check out my soon-to-come piece, "Raw vs. Smackdown: How It Would Go Down."

Stop Crying: The WWE Draft

Carson Tazuk — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:05:20 -0400

After a very long time, Stop Crying is back, baby!

Every year or so, The WWE gets shaken up in just the appropriate way for a select show.

This year, resembling many previous years, RAW got many great picks while most of the other shows got some sparks that could become a fire.

Here's a prediction:

RAW

Triple H
MVP
Matt Hardy

Smackdown

Chris Jericho
CM Punk
Kane

ECW

Vladimir Koslov

This draft had a lot in common with previous drafts, and it's not just that RAW has gotten pretty stacked. ECW has been screwed over in the main draft each time (they got some nice picks in Supplemental draft).

The draft is simply the heads of the WWE's way of trying to rekindle interest by using guys who haven't had extensive contact rivalries.

This will work for a while, but then it gets stale. Then, half of a year later, we see a new draft. The reason that the rate of the drafts has increased is because the writers are getting less imaginative and so there are fewer potential story lines.

One of the things that I think should be done is just scrap the brand separation and let the rosters merge into one large collective, much like the good old days of the WWE and WWF.

Having all of the shows' rosters in episodes would allow for better storyline development, and allow for some stars to improve their Mic skills.

While I feel that it would be a great alternative, it would also increase the workload. The house shows could be brand separate, or be more like ECW and developmental shows.

Merging the rosters just seems to make more sense, with guys like Edge from Smackdown and Cena from RAW feuding.

Jeff Hardy Status: Could ANY Of This Be a Planting From The WWE? Plus Update

Carson Tazuk — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 23:28:28 -0400

As almost everyone wrote last night, or the night before that, it is being CLAIMED that Jeff Hardy is either negotiating a contract and looking to take time off, or simply leaving his contract to look into other outlet's.

While this seems highly possible, I don't buy just every single report I see on the Internet, even from Joe. There are just some things that I feel are a bit artificial that seems like it would be put out from the WWE, and as I reported a month ago, the WWE is very mad at the leaks and has attempted to plant false "stories" to see who is leaking.

My question is: Is ANY (AND I MEAN ANY) of this news possibly planted?

My answer is yes and no and I am very ready to explain this.

All of these stories will mention a spot about Jeff declining contract extensions, and then going on to say that he may be burnt out. There is no reason to say that he is "burnt out" yes he has had a hard year last year, but he has not said anything about being burnt out.

One of the biggest things that gets me thinking is that in most stories and then follow-up stories, there is some kind of consideration of Jeff going to TNA, it doesn't make sense. The group from TNA hasn't had any contact with Jeff by their own choice, and it's being brought up, hmmmm.

I know that most people think that bringing up TNA is easily explainable, but hear me out. TNA has chosen to not contact Jeff Hardy for a contract and everyone tries to throw it out that he might or might not consider going to TNA.

Lots of people know that Jeff is great where he is on WWE. It sounds like the people planting this would simply want to set it up to think that Jeff is simply bumming around like he did once a few years ago.

Call all of this wishful thinking, or call me crazy, I think that there is a remote chance that this is not all true.

here is a newly discovered update as to Jeff's status

Jeffrey Itchweed Nero Hardy says that new contract signing are RUMORS, which means it may not be true, I might sign a new contract soon but the contract doesn't expire till July, so I'll play it day-by-day."

This has no info saying he's burnt out, and I'm happy to see this "Day-by-day" from Jeff

Jeff Hardy: Burnt Out AGAIN!?

Carson Tazuk — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 23:35:41 -0400

Hey guys...I'm back again, but not with some great news...

A recent report says that as of right now, Jeff Hardy is denying all attempts to extend his contract that expires in July as he is reported to be burnt out.

This is completely understandable though, as this past year has been a harsh one on Jeff Hardy. He was suspended for possession, and then in his suspension, his house was burnt to the ground with his dog in it.

Jeff Hardy is a wrestler unlike any other. He has a different mind-set than others and I believe that's why there are so many who love to watch him, the fact is, I think most people understand him wanting to rest...but I don't see a point in blocking a contract extension. He could sign and simply get placed on the "shelf" by some rival superstar like his bro, Matt.

Most people know that Jeff loves to wrestle and that he has other interests. If he needs to look into those, let him. I'm just saying I hope he stays in the WWE for a while longer. He just got his first title, and I figure if he stays he will get a few more in due time.

Who Are The WWE's WATCHMEN?

Carson Tazuk — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 22:43:29 -0400

With this month really having been Watchmen month, I re-read the graphic novel, saw the movie, etc. just like all of us. But writing this article was harder than you could imagine. Trying to compare tons of people to see which one best fits the arch-type of a complex comic book character was far harder than I suspected. Then over time I realized that some characters now really do seem like they fit into their roles. While I did have fun with this slideshow, I did just feel like I had to do it, I mean someone had too. It actually shows that some of the wwe guys are kinda complex (but not really). Please leave a comment on how well I matched people up, and if you'd like, recomend other things to compare WWE superstars from! I've always thought about doing Marvel comic book characters or other sports atheletes.

Begin Slideshow

Who are the WWE's WATCHMEN?

Carson Tazuk — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 23:32:28 -0400

This is an exceptionally hard thing to actually write, translating real people not based on their looks to a complex comic book character. The thing is though, some of the framework for the WWE superstars actually could fit along certain characters of the Watchmen. Now I've read the graphic novel many times, and I can't wait to see the movie again, but the idea of this is faaarrr too fun to pass up before someone else takes it. If this is well recieved, give some suggestions as to other things I can compare superstars to.

Begin Slideshow

Christian Cage: What Was the Point?

Carson Tazuk — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 22:15:08 -0400

OK, we all know that Christian Cage is on ECW. I like that a lot compared to other people. My problem is the fact that Vince McMahon picked up one of the bigger guys from his competition, and knows that everyone wants him to prosper, but is against anything that will move him forward.

McMahon has been making everything about Christian's return to the WWE lackluster, or at least attempted to. Christian should have won the ECW title belt among other people, but instead he jobbed for Swagger, and he did so well people liked that!

Now, Christian is in the MITB match at WM this year...guess who was against?

VINCE McMAHON!

This goes and shows that Christian is not going to win this years match, and probably not going to do much with his tenure with the WWE for a while.

It just seriously disappoints me that McMahon is so blind as to keep one of his most popular stars hidden behind the big pale moon that is Swagger (whom apparently he prefers over Christian).

Stop Crying: WWE and Children May Mix for Now, but Not Forever

Carson Tazuk — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:56:25 -0400

Over the last few years, we've seen a huge decline in quality of WWE programming, a great decline. Story lines are terrible, there's nothing here for the guy who actually watches the WWE and wants to see what made Raw and Smackdown great shows back then.

While most people had to make excuses for why they watched, we all know why: to see some guys beat each other to a bloody pulp, watch some sexy women "fight" (men only on this one), and give us reasons to yell.

The WWE has gone to the children; that's the problem in a nutshell. The main reason this happened is because once kids who are about 8-10 saw the coolest guy on the WWE, they needed to buy his shirt, his action figure, etc. The guys up at the WWE saw this and figured that more children are watching.

But parents weren't going to let their "Little Darlings" watch men hurt one another on such a violent level, and thus things got softer. Then even younger children started watching and we dropped to TV-PG level, no Playboy, no swearing, no blood...the death of the WWE's trinity.

While TV-PG may have made women's wrestling better, it hasn't done much else. Ratings aren't as good as they were, and eventually they'll just drop to ground zero.

The WWE heads will eventually see this because of little Billy's parents won't watch WWE, he can't either. And things will go back to at least PG-13, and in reality it's all we can ask for.

Looking At Three Wrestling Superstars When They Were Just Starting Out

Carson Tazuk — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:29:21 -0400

These three top stars have been head lining our thoughts as of late and it just felt right to remind people of were they began, some started off ahead of others, some had set backs. Some started off irrelevant! This slideshow is a representation of three men who prospered, each from one of these set backs (or head starts)

Begin Slideshow

The Destruction of B/R: Killing These So Called "Ass-assins"

Carson Tazuk — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 21:42:48 -0400

For a while now I've read these so called 'Assassin articles" and I'm just as sick of it as almost every other reader. Everyone knows who started this crap... a little writer by the name of Joe Burgett, people poke fun at him, but it's not enough! I'm showing the writers of B/R and members of this group what they are and why this must be stopped.

Begin Slideshow

Stop Crying: Dealing With JBL For Just a Little Longer

Carson Tazuk — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 23:19:59 -0400

It was hard to find a topic you all are bitching about, and finally I saw a surplus of JBL comments.

I've never been a JBL fan, I really don't think anyone else has either, he's a no talent wrestler who generates heat by having a heartbeat. In reality, I've been waiting for him to retire again. Watching JBL fight isn't possible anymore; all I do is watch his jello-belly jiggle when he gets his ass kicked.

Most people know that JBL is going to retire due to back problems he has been having—the same problems that forced him to join Michael Cole at the commentator's table.

With WM coming right around the corner, JBL has been boasting of some historic moment that he will have at WM in his real home-state of Texas. The follow-up to this is a match with Rey Mysterio, I can barely keep myself from laughing now as I type this. Everyone is figuring he is going to retire as the INT champ at WM which has never been done aside from Trish Stratus with the Women's title.

And while I continually bad-mouth JBL, I remember years ago when John Cena was the US champ and JBL had his "cabinet. That segment was decent, it has some great segments with Undertaker, John Cena, etc.

He has always been a good one for heat, but let's not forget the APA with Farooq. Broken up after WM XX, they were some fan favorites a times, and the concept was good.

The point is, this is the seventh inning stretch with dealing with this guy...let's just power through the last of his career.

Don Nelson: The Largest Tumor In The History Of The NBA

Carson Tazuk — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 00:18:46 -0500

Now be aware that the title has nothing to do with Don Nelson's size, just the severity of all his crap rounded up.

Everyday I read articles off of ESPN Insider and Bleacher Report, and I read that there's something about Nelson pissing someone off, or making claims that only one like Robert Rowel would be able to make.

Recently I read that Nelson is trying to push Jamal Crawford out, trying to convince him to opt-out or make his life on the team a living hell. This is so insanely pointless of a coach to do—his actions over his whole career just show his true colors.

Exhibit A: Al Harrington and Chris Webber

Chris Webber and Al Harrington were both great players for the Warriors in their time there (Webber's first run, not second) and at least in Harrington's case a bolster in the moral of the bench, and Nelson shoved him on the bench and sat him and sat him, until Harrington got angry and demanded a trade.

The same basically happened with Webber, but it wasn't really about being benched, it was the fact that Nelson wanted to butt heads and lost to Webber—the result is history.

Exhibit B (The Possible Future): Jamal Crawford

The Warriors acquired Jamal Crawford from the Al Harrington trade with the Knicks, and he has been amazing—shooting, passing, etc.

And now Nelson benched Crawford for a game with no explanation. Crawford's agent wasn't happy, showing that there was no agreement as to it happening.

I don't know much of a possible back story for this but Nelson has said that it was for his numbers for when he opts out this summer so he can be picked up by a good team.

Preposterous, his numbers have been great this season!

This evidence shows that Nelson is no longer the Golden State Warriors savior, but a cancerous tumor that must be removed before the framework of this team falls apart like that of life.

Rising from the Ashes: Recapping and Renewing Morale

Carson Tazuk — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 20:46:26 -0500

HELLO Bleacher Report!

I've been away due to family reasons, but that's all in the past, it's time to light this place on fire again! If you don't like it, STOP CRYING.

This isn't just a return article, this is a recap to the things I was saying before I vanished...and I was mostly right!

A few days or so before I went off the net, I wrote an article, "STOP CRYING: Super Cena? Screw That!" Talking about how all of you cry and moan about Cena holding the title, and never dropping it.

I don't hate him as much as you guys, but I also praised how he would put over guys, and then he dropped the title to Edge, who saw it coming? Me, I didn't say it, but I figured that a WM without Edge as champion this year after all the trials to get here, Edge would have to be champ in some sorts.

I wrote a preview article about the Hardy feud basically bursting the bubble that it was a "What about me" feud, DING DING DING! It's an entertaining feud, and Jeff's whole anti-feud outlook is interesting, but I want some *#&ing action already!

I'm almost certain that in some comments or my first STOP CRYING article that Christian was good for ECW, and that he woulnd't win the ECW title because he knows the big picture and why he's here, to make money and have good time for himself, not to interject himself into the Edge Hardy situation (which now is completely dissolved).

I'm not here to do a whole "Heel writer" gimmick crap like some writers, *cough* Joe *Cough* Give *Cough* It Up *Cough*. The whole Assasian's writer's guild is just another way to sip some more of "Joe's Ol' Fashion Kool-aid," if you know what I mean.

I'm back to give some good articles, shut some people up, and take names!

I'm Back Baby Whoo!

WWE Universe: The Land Without the Rule of Cause-and-Effect?

Carson Tazuk — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 02:24:12 -0500

I started to ponder this idea after this past Smackdown and reading further recaps of Matt Hardy's "blogs".

The WWE seems to ignore how one thing goes down on one show, like last weeks Raw, and how it would effect this weeks Smackdown. John Cena is going to get his rematch against Edge either next week or soon, but the writers still had Jeff Hardy get in Edge's face to try and get a title shot, but he didn't.

The thing that gets me though was the fact that he even mentioned that, I mean he could have said that if he wins he gets next shot on the champ after Cena's rematch.

Another example is a little hard to break down: Vince McMahon's absence to the WWE universe after the money in the bank sign fell on him. The father of the WWE wasn't seen on TV for months, and only mentioned with "we want to keep his condition within the family for now" on Raw for the next three weeks, after that nothing picked up.

Vince was completely forgotten on all shows, which really makes no sense. I mean I know that Vickie Guerrero feels she's the next Chairman, but she could have at least said a speech of concern.

Although, after finishing Smackdown's interview with HHH, I did see that there is one occurrence where something happens as a result of something. HHH is going to feud with Randy Orton, fewf.

Aside from that one example though, it seems that nothing seems to echo throughout the WWE universe anymore.

Super Cena Report, No Way Out Edition: Blame Jericho

Carson Tazuk — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 14:51:41 -0500

If there was even a chance that John Cena wasn't going to win, Chris Jericho just screwed everyone who wants Cena to lose.

By now, EVERYONE has heard about Jericho's incident with fans after leaving a show, and so far no action has been reported.

The fact is, even though no action has been reported, Jericho's chances just to even last a elimination or two just went to hell. There is no chance that the WWE is going to just lay back at this situation. I personally thought that Jericho SHOULD win this chamber match and lead to a Orton, Cena, and Jericho triple threat match.

With this development it's just plainly obvious that Cena will win, and just to show all other options are futile, heres a Breakdown.

* Kane: The Big red monster is simply in this chamber to add some brutality to this PG edition of one of Satan's many playgrounds. Expect him to eliminate Kofi or be eliminated by him.

* Rey Mysterio: Now I may wind up being wrong, but Rey's chances in this chamber are affected by two things, Kane and Mike Knox. Rey may have been a champ in the past, but the WWE heads are not going to swap Rey for Cena with Rey's distant yet recent injuries.

* Kofi Kingston: We were all surprised when he actually qualified, but the fact is that this entry for him is simply a way of getting him some real attention.

* Mike Knox: Really, do I even need to explain? He's in there to attack Rey and nothing else.

_________________________________________________________________________

After all that, I think it can be easily said that Cena will win.

STOP CRYING: Super Cena? Screw That!

Carson Tazuk — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 23:15:07 -0500

I know what your thinking, "Does this guy really think he can stop me from hating on Cena?"

The Answer is NO, STOP CRYING is about showing you why complaining is pointless and possibly why you are wrong.

This is quite a subject to tackle being the second in this series, SUPER CENA!

All my time here in BR, I've been reading and writing Articles on Cena, and now all I read are complaints about Cena holding the title for too long, that he never wins... ugh, it's boring people!

Reading people say he always wins got tired the day they got written, last year alone, Cena put his opponents over at four pay-per-views, Wrestlemania, (Thereby ending HIS own perfect streak there), Backlash, Night of Champions, AND Summerslam. Dare I say it, he made Randy's reign great and credible (aside from the bout at NO WAY OUT). Now that No Way Out is over, we've seen that he lost to Edge, and will lose his rematch if he does not return to Smackdown!

Then there is the fact that he has been holding it forever, this is correct, but as Y2J would say, your all hypocrites.

Cena became the champ for the time he's been because he's been a money machine since his first US Title reign, and who's to blame? US, and the WWE for making his old gimmick interesting but more us.

I'm going to say what no one will admit, WE ALL AT ONE POINT LOVED CENA, most during his Eminem wannabe period and some still now, and that's why he's a money machine and that's why he is champ.

Let him lose some merch sales and he'll be a heel I bet.

The point is, we created the thing we seem to despise, so get used to it.

Stop Crying: Christian Is On ECW, Get Used To It

Carson Tazuk — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:00:50 -0500

This is hopefully the first of a new "STOP CRYING" series of articles

I'm reading across the board that everyone is getting sad or mad that Christian is on ECW and that it's a bad move.

Quite the opposite really, everyone knew that ECW must, and I mean MUST get better, or else, and with Matt Hardy leaving ECW to stalk Jeff, Christian is filling his giant-sized hole.

I also can't stand hearing that he's being misused.

Nobody is taking into account that ECW, Raw, and Smackdown! have talent exchanges, meaning that Christian can pop on Smackdown whenever, and he will.

Christian may be saying now that he wants the ECW title, but it won't last. In a week or two after he either wins (which I figure not) or loses this title chase, he gets put in a tag-team match or singles against Matt, and this shifts his focus to help Jeff.

That he even is still a face would mean that Swagger must win at NWO.

There you go people, throw away your tissues and STOP CRYING!

WWE's Attempts At Surprising Us After Royal Rumble Seem Haphazard

Carson Tazuk — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:55:21 -0500

We all saw Christian Cage's return to the WWE a few days ago, the thing was, we were expecting it to be this Friday or Sunday.

Christian is officially on ECW right now—with his addition to the roster, we don't really know where he's going aside from a ECW title fight as of now. A few days ago, all of us were saying that the only thing that makes sense is him going to Smackdown because of all this Hardy-Edge stuff goin on.

The problem with all of our theories is, when Matt left ECW he left a huge whole in the star power. All ECW had was Finlay and Swagger; they can only fight for so long and despite Evan Bourne coming back soon, they would need more than that.

My last article (located here) more or less relays all my views to our theories. The WWE is tired of hearing our out cries of what is going to happen and they try to flip it on our ear, but in the result it makes everything seem to not make any sense.

Because here is the status of everything now if your waiting to see Friday's broadcast of Smackdown!

Christian will not make an appearance

Nowhere in results do I see a interview where Edge acknowledges him

All this means that the WWE is attempting to not interject Christian into the Hardy-Edge picture because of what we keep on saying.

I have been advocating to all my readers in my recent articles, put the power in our hands! Jeff Hardy won the title because of us, and may have lost it because of us. I don't think that we can say that this all sucks when we are the people causing it.

Shooting You All Down: Our Theories Mean Nothing With WWE's Mentality

Carson Tazuk — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:51:35 -0500

We are all throwing alot of theories and guesses as to what the WWE is going to do next, and the fact remains that we can do it, but right now it is pointless. The WWE showed us they will flip everything on its ear, example being Matt Hardy attacking Jeff instead of Christian like we all said would happen. I'm making this to show everyone what we're all saying and what will probably happen, I am fully aware that I'm being hypocritical, but the thing is, we all have a 50-50 percent chance at being right.

Begin Slideshow

Why Having Stone Cold Face Randy Orton Would Be a Horrible Idea for the WWE

Carson Tazuk — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:23:58 -0500

Rumors are starting around the net that Stone Cold Steve Austin is having his farewell match this WrestleMania. Everyone is wondering who his opponent will be, and now the proposition is Randy Orton, The Leader of the Legacy, The Legend Killer, etc.

People are saying they hope for this, but in actuality, it's a bad idea for the WWE to pull the trigger on. Randy Orton and the legacy are burning rubber right now in the WWE. It's a matter of time before they pick up the Tag titles, and Randy has his title shot at WM (why would he drop it to face Austin?).

Making the Leader of the future of the WWE lose to Austin, who is walking out of the door at WrestleMania, would disrupt everything for the progress of The Legacy as a legitimate powerhouse.

I know we all love Stone Cold, but he's not worth ruining the development of these guys as a group.

Please don't bite my head off for this guys.

WWE Gimmicks: What's the Gimmick?

Carson Tazuk — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 20:02:35 -0500

I hear and read all the time about people talking about "Gimmicks" and I look and look and I can't find a real gimmick aside from the boogeyman, and that's why its his photo.

The standard for a "Gimick" used to be a actual character architype, now it's only become levels of toughness or arogence.

For Those who don't believe me, here are some prime examples:

John Morrison:
He went from MNM which was a group of arrogant guys to being one singular arrogant guy. It's all he's been, arrogant.

Batista:

Yes He's on this list because he is nothing but a head with muscles, all he is is tough and nothing else.

John Cena:

I'll bet you're all happy I mention Cena, he has nothing going for him aside from being a baby-face on stage. His only gimmick was when he was a white rapper that we all actually liked.

Randy Orton:

Randy is my prime suspect, All his time as a WWE superstar has been arrogance, spitting in star's faces, slaping them.

________________________________________________________________________

He is a prime example as to how low the standard of a gimmick has fallen, he is a great superstar none the least, and his arrogance is his gimmick, but the fact remains that there isn't a gimmick out there aside from Boogeyman.

There used to be great gimmicks too, and also not so great ones:

Billy Gunn: He was part of a gay couple with someone a few years back, the idea itself is odd, but it was a gimmick none the less.

John Cena: As stated above, We all loved the White Rapper gimick

The Hurricane: A prime example of a good and bad gimmick: It was stupid and sometimes funny gimmick that lasted.

So please people, the use of the term gimmick shouldn't be used until there is actually a gimmick aside from one person's.

Jeff Hardy's Title Reign: A Sign of the WWE's Expectations of Him

Carson Tazuk — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 01:41:22 -0500

When Jeff won the WWE title at Armageddon, we were all amazed, dazed, and confused. No one (along with me) thought that Jeff would win the title this close to his last suspension; then it happened.

We all looked into this and saw that Vince wanted this because he wanted to show that even the WWE champ could be kicked for a third strike. But it didn't happen.

It never happened because Jeff wants to be in this business, but from my perspective, the feeling is not mutual with the WWE.

They wanted him to screw up and get his third strike, but also wanted to get some good ratings out of him with his title "chase and fall" routine.

Eventually we all became too tired of this and wanted to see our favorite guy win the title, it happened. But what we didn't know was that it wasn't wanted.

Stephanie McMahon was amazed at Vince's proposition of Jeff's title reign, she didn't want it to run, but it was Vince who tossed it, so it flew.

The fact that Jeff even won the title is because the WWE cracked under our pressure on it, OUR PRESSURE. They knew that we wanted it, it was chanted throughout crowds and the Internet.

The WWE wanted to stop hearing it so they gave us what we wanted while giving them the chance to make an example of Jeff.

In a realistic view, doing this more and more would make someone crack and give in. In my idea, Jeff probably won't realize it, but if or when he does, it'll be over for him.

I honestly hope that I am wrong, but the signs seem to point in this direction.

The Scoop On The Hardy Boyz Feud

Carson Tazuk — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 10:07:20 -0500

There have been many theories thrown out regarding the new feud between Matt and Jeff Hardy over the last few days, but what we hope to be an actually good storyline now seems to be a simple idea a little kid goes through everyday.

Taping results show that Matt is going to run "What about me?!" promos for this feud. This shows that it is a in-shadow, out-of-shadow feud for these two brothers.

After reading these results, I was horrified that the writers took the belt off of Jeff Hardy for a "what about me" feud with his brother Matt. The main reason being the fact that while I'd figure more than one Hardy as world champ (if you count ECW) would get boring, I think Matt and Jeff's time could be used better.

What do you think about this feud now?

Matt's Choice: Shocking Yet Financially Foolish for the WWE

Carson Tazuk — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:49:57 -0500

Most of us saw it, others read about it, Matt Hardy hit Jeff Hardy over the head with a chair giving Edge the win for the WWE title.

Most of us thought that it would be Christian Cage, who was thought to be at the Rumble, interfering in the match.

As of now, Jeff is not the champion, which is the topic of this article. Jeff is a money machine with the crowds of young people and more than a small amount of regular adults.

With the economy as it is, the WWE needs more than just Jeff and John Cena getting shirts and DVD sold. Champions also add to sales.

A sales machine as the champ has been the goal of WWE as of late (John Cena) and Edge is a seller, but the kids make up the sales in a huge way, they respond to the stars who are "nice" and cool to them. Edge just isn't that.

Ratings are also what the WWE needs, but those have been in the can as of late and they won't skyrocket up really quickly with a Hardy Boyz feud.

The signs say that this move won't work that well for the WWE, despite the shock value of this move.

Looking at it now, do you think this is a good move for the WWE?

WWE: Wrestlemania's Ultimate Good Guy

Carson Tazuk — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 11:05:45 -0500

Two of WWE's top faces are holding championship gold. The question is:

"Who is getting the Main Event slot?"

Keep in mind that the titles may change before Wrestlemania.

A good question, because in reality, Hardy and Cena are almost equaled in popularity. Jeff gets more of the adult range fans, and John gets a little more of the kids range, with a good amount of adults.

The fact is, the main event will probably depend on the challenger.

Jeff Hardy will probably be dealing with Edge, and John Cena is either between Randy Orton or JBL (please let it be Orton).

It will also depend on the type of match. Jeff and Edge would probably get a TLC match (tables, ladders, and chairs). Everyone wants to see it, these guys made TLC what it is. Edge lost his last one to Cena, but will probably say he's never lost a TLC match.

Cena vs. Orton or JBL would be a clean-cut match, nothing else, not that entertaining.

Either way, if Jeff and Cena are the champs by WM, or at least in the show's championship match, Wrestlemania should be fairly good this year.

Why Matt Hardy Needs Evan Bourne

Carson Tazuk — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 09:48:46 -0500

I can't beleive I'm editing my article, but it was wanted...

I wrote an article a few days ago talking about how Matt Hardy needs help to actually get people to watch ECW. I was surprised that basically no-one chimed in about how he could be helped, and I finally realized myself what will help:

Evan Bourne

I've never really watched Evan Bourne myself, but I have seen a few of his matches before he got injured. I was not as interested in him as I am now, I saw a few old episodes of ECW on my DVR and saw other matches. I had seen clips of his match with Matt at Cyber Sunday, and I realized how good he is, and alot of people like him, he's a tremendous athlete.

Most people just look at him as a highflyer and compare him to Rey Mysterio, he is a highflyer, but he has some intangible extra-special quality, and crowds that watch him know that too. Evan Bourne is not just Rey Mysterio without a mask, Rey has been doing this for years, and it's starting to show, he's becoming a little more injury prone with each few years, his knees have been a problem, his arm has been a problem, something else WILL be a problem. Evan is fresh, and yes I am aware that his knee was injured, and it might limit him for a while, I don't think it will primarily because of his finisher, the shooting star press. Your probably wondering why its because of that, the fact was the SSP was shut-down after Billy Kidman, and Evan came in and got the WWE's confidence to be able to do it every time safely. Evan knows that, and that's why he knows that he can do everything in his arsenal with his eyes shut.

While a feud between these two may be hard to actually conceive, there could just be a respect or up-and-coming rookie story to this. This would have to last a while because he is a little too fresh still, and coming of his injury, the staff would be careful.

But the one guy I'd like to see hardy drop the belt to is Evan, I'm hoping that the staff doesn't just ship him off to Smackdown or Raw like they did with Punk and Kofi.

What do you think?