Bleacher Report - Articles by Joe Doherty

Hey Legacy, I Got Just Two Words For Ya...

Joe Doherty — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 19:37:37 -0400

Heading into Backlash, we're still witnessing the feud that is Legacy versus the McMahon's; it has lasted this long and looks like it's just about to reach its finale.

But as we saw on Raw last week, Randy Orton took out Vince Mcmahon, who was eventually replaced by the returning Batista in the six-man-tag-match due to take place.

Since Shane isn't a full time wrestler, we could see some sort of attack by Legacy next week leaving one more spot open for the tag match, If you're not down with that, will I got just two words for you: Show Stopper!

Yes that's right, everyones favourite, Shawn Michaels could be the man to enter the frame at Backlash, and reform the group which helped revolutionize the WWE—Degeneration X!

It would seem sensible to take Shane out because he isn't going to do anything special, but as we saw at WrestleMania XXV, the guy who stole the show should be the one who could take this feud from great to brilliant.

We all love it whenever DX reforms, but do you think it would be the right thing to do to conclude this feud?

Former WWE Superstar Andrew "Test" Martin Found Dead at Age 33

Joe Doherty — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 06:34:02 -0400

I woke up this morning and as usual always check the wrestling news going around. I am in absolute shock upon hearing about Andrew "Test" Martin being found dead in his apartment.

I can't write about it so I just had to take the news story I read from impactwrestling.com.

Source: Mike Johnson and PWInsider.com

Former WWE Superstar Andrew "Test" Martin passed away last night at his home in Tampa, Florida at the age of 33, just four days away form his 34th birthday. We don't have many more details right now, but reports say he was found in his apartment.

Tampa area authorities have declined to confirm it is Martin, but word within the wrestling industry has been widespread.

Despite his earlier writings about the drug scene in the wrestling business, Martin ended up suspended under the WWE Wellness Policy and was released shortly afterwards.

At the time, Martin claimed it was a mutual release that he asked the company for. Martin made a few appearances for TNA that year, but there was a feeling that his huge physique was neon sign for the impending US Congress investigation into the business, and also a feeling that his attitude didn't go over well with the TNA locker room, so he wasn't brought back.

Test talked about retiring from the business, but has made several appearances overseas since then, working a match in Japan last month. Martin was scheduled to leave this for a wrestling tour of Europe that would have made stops in several countries.

We will keep you updated with more details as they come in. Our deepest condolences go out to Martin's friends and family.

Heel Changes That I Would Like To See in the WWE This Year

Joe Doherty — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:31:55 -0400

Hey Yo guys, back with my first article in a while here so hope you enjoy and don't forget to rate it please!

The first superstar I would like to see turn heel may be a surprise, but it actually is CM Punk. Let's face it, he had a great year, winning the World Title, Tag team title, the Intercontinental Title and of course winning the MITB match at Wrestlemania 24.

But recently, I've got a little bored with CM Punk, which has left me wanting him to go Heel.

It could be perfect for Punk, it seems as though JBL will be retiring at Wrestlemania 25 this year in his hometown, and i've heard he's starting a short feud with Vladimir Kozlov meaning he'll be baby-face going into W25.

So Punk won't be getting a rematch for his IC Title soon. But he could turn heel at the MITB match this year, which I think would be a great move for him.

I can't remember the last time someone turned heel on the biggest stage of them all, which could get some real attention for Punk, so it would seem like a good move for him.

The next superstar I want to see turn Heel would be Triple H. Come on, most of you guys gotta admit, you loved it when he was heel because he played the part so well.

As much as I like seeing the Cerebral Assassin baby-face, he is just so suited to the heel character, on the mic and his wrestling ability. HHH hasn't been heel for a few years now, so it would be sensible for the WWE to change his character in case he gets to stale with the 'Universe'.

The last of my three picks may be another shocking choice, but it is none other than ECW's newest star: Christian.

The first point for this decision is because I would rather have him bring in Tyson Tomko, when he comes back from injury, to ECW. It could have a few feuds for them there, Finlay and Hornswoggle, Mark Henry and Tony Atlas, and maybe even against the new Hart Foundation.

But bringing in Tomko could work in all three of the brands, if you ask me.

The other point is quite similar to Triple H's reason, I like the Heel Christian, not only because he was good at it, but it brought interesting storylines and a bit of comedy, which is what the wrestling fans want these days, right?

What do you think, do you have a different opinion, or would you turn anyone heel at all?

Who Is The Best Heel and Best Face in the WWE?

Joe Doherty — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 08:08:51 -0500

Recently, I have noticed a few different opinions between the fellow B/R writers and readers about who the best heel and the best face wrestlers really are.

So I am going to pick who I think these roles should go to, and please, I would like to hear your views on it too.

Best Heel in WWE

For me, it's a toss up between Randy Orton and Chris Jericho. You could say Vickie Guerrero, but she's a pain in the ass, although she generates a lot of heat with the fans.

I would have to go with Jericho. His character is brilliant to watch, the emotion he gives when he is on the mic, he really knows how wrestling works and what he needs to give to the fans whenever he is heel or face.

I was reading a story about him online a few days ago, it was saying how he was with Roddy Piper before their segment on Raw, telling him how to use his character so that Jericho could build off it, which led to Jericho hitting Piper and also generating much, much more heat with the fans.

Also, Chris Jericho was the first Undisputed Champion in the WWE, which you will hear from him quite a lot! and he is one of the best workers in the WWE now and has been for some time since his debut.

Regarding not choosing Randy Orton... when you look at Jericho's career, which started 19 years ago now, he has got the experience, he knows what the fans want, he knows how his character should work.

Randy Orton needs to get more experience on how his character can either get over with the fans, or how they can hate him. I admit, that since this whole Legacy thing started, it is starting to propel Randy Orton as a wrestler, and as an entertainer.

Best Face in WWE

This one is much more easier to pick for me, it has got to be between The Undertaker, Jeff Hardy and Triple H.

I feel Triple H is over with the fans for the past few years, but he is definitely better as a heel. I would like to think we could get to see him on another heel run in the near future, so it's got to be between Taker and Hardy.

Although Hardy is very over with the fans for me, the Deadman has got to be the fan favourite.

Everywhere he goes, he gets cheered and he gives the fans what they want, a cool character how always throws up a big match here and there, no matter what age he is. I don't know what else I can say about being a face, because being heel is much more easier IMO.

So then, anyone have different opinions?

Problems Within TNA: Maybe We Are Seeing the Old WCW

Joe Doherty — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 19:21:31 -0500

Hey Yo.

I'm going to make this a quick one, but recently there have been a lot of rumors going around that there is heat with a few of the guys in the backstage area.

But the problem seems to be coming from the upper guys, surprisingly, Jeff Jarrett and Booker T most noticeably.

The problems with Jeff Jarrett is his booking, which is leaving a good portion of the locker room frustrated, but TNA president Dixie Carter is standing by his decisions.

There is no mention of Vince Russo thus far, but after hearing of these problems, it reminds me and probably most of you readers, of the booking in WCW before it 'Died.'

Although, the backstage problems in WCW towards the end of it's tenure wasn't the main reason they went bust, but it still played a major factor in the ratings war, so maybe there is a feeling in TNA, that something similar is on the way.

As for Booker T, an unnamed TNA star made a remark regarding him, "now he's the worst and doesn't give a s***."

It seems as if TNA isn't a challenge for Booker T, or he feels that he isn't getting enough respect himself, but one feels that if the current situation grows, then we could see a major disaster, if you will, occur within TNA.

Will TNA eventually lose grips in the wrestling world? Would you rather see WWE buy them out like the WWE and WCW, or would it be better if they just folded?

I guess we just have to watch out in the near future.

Stone Cold To Wrestle at Wrestlemania 25!

Joe Doherty — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 08:14:39 -0500

We were all wondering if Stone Cold Steve Austin would in fact have one last match on the 25th anniversary of Westlemania.

It seems now that those rumors are true, as you can see in the above picture, which is an official poster for Wrestlemania XXV, Stone Cold Steve Austin is in his wrestling attire, so it seems like he would make an appearance at least.

But the other thing we wonder is—who he is going to wrestle? I can confirm that he is booked to appear at Raw tapings in Nashville, TN on February 23rd and the RAW show in San Antonio, TX on March 16th.

So we are bound to find out who the lucky opponent is.

The last thing I am going to say is, People of the Bleacher Report, who do you think Hall of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin will face at Wrestlemania XXV and what the storyline could be to build it up?

This has been an Assassins article

Petey Williams Released, What Does the Future Hold?

Joe Doherty — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:40:48 -0500

It's official, Petey Williams has been released from TNA Wrestling along with Lance Rock and Jimmy Rave. But one company's lose is another company's gain, well, in this case anyway.

So, the former X Division Champion was released. Why, you ask.

Word going around the company is that they are cutting people to freshen up the roster by removing talents who have been with TNA on the under-card for an extended period of time and haven't really done anything.

This will also give the company a chance to bring in new talents. Well, I thought Petey was one of the better talents on the TNA Roster, although, could this pull off to be one of the best things that will happen to Petey in his wrestling career.

I wrote an article earlier about a possible Team Canada in the WWE, which included Petey Williams. But I think if he were to be signed by the WWE, it could give everyone a whole lot of options, which will make the WWE better.

Not only will they be redeveloping the Cruiserweight Division, with Ex-TNA talents like Low Ki and of course Petey Williams.

But they will be a big draw for wrestling audiences because of what they can do in big matches like Money in the Bank and the occasional TLC match.

But it also opens the door for some guys in ROH, TNA, and in the Independent circuit who are good lightweights, good high flyer's and can really give the WWE something that they have been missing out on for a few years now.

If Petey did go to the WWE and turned out to be a success, then the WWE can be smug and say "Look at what our main rivals gave us."

It would be good financially over a long term period but it also gives off a theme that for all the doubters out there, the WWE is far superior than T-N-A.

Team Canada To Save The WWE Tag Team Division?

Joe Doherty — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:35:16 -0500

After seeing that Petey Williams of TNA was released yesterday, and finding out about WWE's interest in Robert Roode, whose contract with them is expiring in April.

This collided with the thoughts I was having a few days ago about factions and how they can have a major role to play in Wrestling.

Most of us will remember Team Canada from TNA a few years ago, and now seeing that two of its former members are on their way out of TNA, it could actually turn out to be very worthwile for the WWE to come in and steal its rivals group.

When you look at the possible members, you can see how they can rule throughout the WWE. Christian Cage, who recently made his surprising return, could be the leader, the guy who will go after the World Title's, as it's seen now he truly is a "Main Eventer".

Then onto the women of the group, Nattie Neidhart, Maryse or Gail Kim, who would obviously go after the Woman's Champions or the Divas Championship. Next we would have the Cruiserweight of the group, if you will.

If they bring back the much needed Cruiserweight Championship, we could see Petey Williams, the Canadian Destroyer take over the division, which would be probably WWE's most exciting, now with Low Ki or his new WWE name "Kaval" coming in.

And lastly, the Tag Team Division, Robert Roode who has done wonders in TNA with Beer Money inc, and maybe one of the young guys like DH Smith who is waiting for a big push from WWE, or TJ Wilson if the new Hart Foundation thing doesn't work out.

It would seem a very good idea having a new faction in the WWE, because I loved the NWO growing up, and even DX, I think factions are the way to go in wrestling, because for years in the WCW it was over with the fans and in the WWF/WWE, they too were over with the fans, and still are.

Would it be good to see a Canadian group come in?, not like the old "Un American's"

This has been an Assasin's Article

Is The WWE Creating a New Edge, Or Simply Bring Back the Old One?

Joe Doherty — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 09:36:10 -0500

I didn't watch Smackdown until the replay this morning on Sky Sports. The part I saw was Edge coming out, doing his whole heel thing. Then something struck me, I wondered if I had seen it at the Royal Rumble but because I watched it online, it wasn't great quality so I had a doubt, but it was true.

Many of you may have seen Edge sporting his new hairstyle, or should i say old hairstyle, the one he had when he was with Christian back in the day. But maybe he just didn't get to a barbers in a few weeks.

Then something else that he brought back from the past, again you guessed it, the five- second pose of Edge and Christrian.

I'm starting to believe that the WWE are keeping an eye on the wrestling pages such as the B/R nowadays, because to me after seeing these things on Smackdown, they look as if they are changing the storyline of Christian's return once again.

Everyone knows that Christian is coming back, but the thing that WWE knows, is the thing that we don't, when? For weeks Edge has had a problem with the Big Show, and next week there is going to be another one.

Are we looking at Christian interfering in a match between Edge and Big Show at No Way Out or even Wrestlemania 25?

What I ask the fellow wrestling fans of the B/R, will Edge turn Face again? Is the WWE doing the right thing by holding off Christian's return? and finally, Out of all the different Christian return possibilities, which one do you think we will see and when?

People, We Should Applaud The WWE After Last Nights Royal Rumble!

Joe Doherty — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 11:40:40 -0500

Guys, I write to you after an action packed night for the WWE a the Royal Rumble. There were many suprises for us: Matt Hardy's heel change (which I had earlier reported before the rumble), Melina's the new Women's Champion, Shawn Michaels laying both Cena and JBL out with the Sweet Chin Music, and of course Santino Marella, who now has the record for shortest time in a Royal Rumble, one second—not that i am not too suprised it happened to him lol.

Now when I think about all the TNA fans who think that they are on a par with the WWE, I can easily say, they are quite a few years away from that. Last night's Rumble was the first WWE PPV I have watched in full in about 6 years. It gave us everything, excitement, confusion, comedy and of course entertainment.

The one thing it didn't give us was Christian Cage.

While watching the number 30 entrant about to come to the ring, I thought it has to be Captain Charisma, but when I heard Big Shows music, I was disgusted because I'm one of Cage's biggest fans.

But the longer I thought about it, I now think the WWE have went the right way. Not only will it give us something to look forward to for No Way Out or Friday Night SmackDown, but we will get to see Christian come back as a face and give him the pop he deserves.

My prediction that Triple H would win the Rumble was close, but after seeing what happened to Vince McMahon on Raw this past week, we could see Orton winning it a mile off, not that the guys who sing Orton's theme song, Rev Theory, basically gave it away on their band page.

It opens up a new storyline for Orton and Vinnie Mac, how Legacy will go from now on, what will happen between Shawn Michaels and JBL, what will Jeff Hardy say to Matt, what is it that Triple H will do to get into the Main Event at Wrestlemania 25, and will RVD be making a full-time return to the WWE?

My question for you guys, What did you think of last night's Royal Rumble? What will the future hold for Christian Cage, and what will happen to Randy Orton on Monday Night Raw?

Please, give feedback on my article.

Christian Cage: Missing From Royal Rumble?

Joe Doherty — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 19:08:54 -0500

I have heard rumors that Christian Cage is not backstage ahead of tonight’s Royal Rumble, coming from PWinsider.com

For weeks, there have been rumors that Cage would be making his WWE return at the Royal Rumble. After speaking with a source that is currently backstage at the Joe Louis Arena, there is no sign of Cage. The rest of the WWE crew has been at the arena for hours already and unless he's hiding under the ring or at an undisclosed location, his return may not occur tonight.

That being said, there is a rumor going around that Matt Hardy will turn heel on his brother Jeff tonight. If that does happen, expect for Matt to be the person behind the ongoing "Who attacked Jeff Hardy" storyline. I exclusively reported this about a month ago on WZR Radio but I was never able to confirm it.

After the Survivor Series beat down, the roadside hit-and-run and last week's pyro accident on SmackDown, it looks like WWE could be building towards a Matt Hardy versus Jeff Hardy showdown at Wrestlemania XXV.

I can also confirm to you that the Royal Rumble “under-card” was completely re-written as of last Thursday. They edited SmackDown heavily and had the announcers re-do a ton of stuff involving Triple H.

What do you guys think? I thought of this a few weeks ago. Some of you may remember myself and others saying Matt could take Christian's place in this storyline.

WWE: Is Woman's Wrestling In Decline?

Joe Doherty — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 19:50:17 -0500

I'm sure most of us have seen that former women's champion Victoria has decided to retire from the WWE. Whenever I look at the remaining female wrestlers or divas, I wonder what is the point of bringing in a new championship if there are only a few women who can really wrestle?

There are only about five or six real wrestlers, with three of them on RAW—Beth Phoenix, Melina, and Mickie James. With seven divas now on SmackDown, you look through the list and try and think of a few storylines to make things interesting.

Sadly, Eve shouldn’t be wrestling for a while, while Maria will probably get a title run because of her popularity with the fans, not because of her wrestling ability.

Michelle McCool is starting a heal program with Maria, which means that Natalya would seem like the best wrestler currently on SmackDown—until Gail Kim starts her run with the current champion Maryse. I think she has improved quite a lot since the summer.

What can WWE do to raise the standard of women wrestling? Will Gail Kims' return have an influence on the women's division? Should the cruiserweight title be brought back to SmackDown?