Reported by Mike Siciliano of WrestleView.com
On Friday, December 30, 2005 at 4:16 AM EST

I've gotten be honest, the last few weeks have been very difficult for me with wrestling, and actually finding a topic to write about. I had intended on writing a piece on certain talent's "new year's resolutions", but it doesn't seem to want to get out of my brain in a way that would be considering appealing to my readers. Also, with the lack of response I have been getting these past few columns, maybe it's time to really take out the hammer, and start pounding some people in to the pavement.

Especially with some new blood being sprung out around here, the veterans like myself and the Badseed have to continue to be innovative. With that, FLAME ON.

Really quickly, about Todd Grisham's rant on Byte This when a caller tried to rant on TNA during the show, hey Grisham, ever go to school about broadcasting? The World is going to try and get you to say something stupid, and boy, oh boy, you did say something really stupid, no matter what WWE does to try and mask it. If I were you, I'd move to outer Mongolia to avoid Vince kicking the living cahones out of you from here to Blackpool, England and back.

I read a report about the possibility of WWE bringing back Aaron "Jesus Hardkore Kidd" Aguilera, Chuckie Palumbo, and Charlie Haas. First off, Aguilera deserves it. He was let go because he was hurt, he was never properly given a chance to show his talent in WWE, if he is brought back in, I got zero issue with that. Now, on to the other two. First off, Chuckie P. While I admire his brother being in the military, and serving in Afghanistan, especially since a wimp like me could never achieve that, Chuckie P is always going to be remembered as Billy's tag team "love" partner, and nothing more. We're not going to remember his days with the WCW-borne Natural Born Thrillers when he was a member of a potentially positive tag team with Shawn O'Haire. We're not going to remember any significant impact that Palumbo made in his "career" except for the one angle with Billy "Kip James" Gunn. Why bring that influence back in to the picture? What sort of talent does he possess that you can't find elsewhere in your currently contracted talent pool? When someone figures that out, let me know.

Then there is Charlie Haas. Good ol' Chuckles Haas. Jeez. Rips apart WWE like a butter knife through a microwave, and now he's on the virge of coming back to get involved with Shelton? Nice going, Vince. Only figure out the possibility after the horse has left the stable, and made you look like a complete and utter ass. Haas vs. Benjamin is intriguing, entertaining, and something that should've been cashed in long ago. Now that WWE is going to make Shelton look like the wrestling version of Donovan McNabb, well, let's just say, no thanks.

One clarification, before anyone says anything negative, I have said from day one that the involvement of family in storylines is ridiculous. I believe it was with Steve Austin, with the McMahons, with Booker T, with anyone, and I especially will believe it with someone who is as athletically gifted as Shelton Benjamin. He can survive on his talent alone, and his talent can be allowed to flourish, if given the chance by WWE brass. But, unfortunately, we're going to be forced to swallow another piss poor storyline attempt.

Now, on to some other matters I have seen in the last few weeks on the boards, since I haven't watched a lot of WWE lately.

Who in their right minds thinks a sexual harassment storyline is funny or appropriate?? Is this General Hospital or pro wrestling? The idea of "entertainment" in the form of pro wrestling is somewhat appealing, but when it takes on an adult nature such as this, it's just, in my personal opinion, inappropriate for the programming. 90% of the fan base that I witness at all the autograph signings I attend are kids. Kids under the age of 16. Who needs to express this type of angle to them? Vince continues to go down roads that are mindless, arrogant, and obnoxious, and doesn't seem to get the point that his general fanbase doesn't care.

Now, I should try and come up with some positive angles. So, here goes. I'd like to commend my colleague Badseed on his idea with Triple H. While he holding the belt again is a disappointing foresight, as a face, it would be a possible refreshing change to the scope of Raw that may be desperately needed. When Triple H is forced in to a program, and I mean forced, with the Big Show, it's pretty much a fore gone conclusion that there is not many opponents left for the Cerebral Assassin to fight as a heel. How he turns face is beyond me, but still, a face Triple H would have some potentially positive side effects. Triple H vs. Edge, Triple H vs. Kurt Angle. Triple H vs. Chris Masters. It could develop some nice possibilities.

No offense to the Big Show, but his niche is kind of in limbo at this time, and being put in to a program with the Game is a positive for him, but right now, Triple H is in a higher position on the ranks of contenders, and this program will not do much to elevate his status.

The Intercontinental title has lost a tremendous amount of prestige with Ric Flair. Not because of Flair's problems, not because of his title defenses, although a defense against the Coach is just plain ridiculous. The fact is, WWE has done nothing to keep the status of that championship at a high level when they have Flair losing non title matches on a regular basis, but never truly going to a prime conclusion with his feud with Triple H. Yes, perhaps Flair's legal troubles were an issue with that feud coming to a proper conclusion, but why then bring in Edge to feud with Flair, because Edge holding the IC title does not one thing for the belt. All it does is make it a stepping stone for Edge to eventually throw the belt in the garbage when he cashes in his money in the bank contract.

Ric Flair should have been given the chance to defend the title with honor, prestige, and pun included, flare. He should be allowed to pursue his dream of ending his career on top of the world, and not languishing in WWE exile, which is where he is headed. It is a difficult situation to endure.

Raw needs to find a leader. Fast. Dusty Rhodes would be viable. Shane McMahon would have been, but now with a new child en route, I doubt that would fly. A leader is needed to steer the ship, and bring the show to a point. Right now, the inmates are running the asylum, and that will only lead to further chaos.

The Elimination Chamber at New Year's Revolution is intriguing. With new elements such as Angle, Carlito, Masters & Cena joining veterans like Kane & Michaels in the chamber, it can only lead to three things. Blood, blood, and more blood. I look forward to the challenge ahead for the champ. I believe he will come out of the chamber with the title, because, unfortunately, I think the next champ is going to be Edge. And that, in this person's opinion, will be a dark day for the WWE.

WWE is having some major changes occurring, and right now, it doesn't look very positive. I hope, for the sake of all pro wrestling fans, that things change, quickly.

Touching on the indies for a little bit, I am thrilled to see the beginning of the lineup for the 2/11 show at Sports Plus in Lake Grove for Ring of Honor. With Aries, Joe, Daniels, Strong, Shelley, Rave, Low Ki, Homicide and Cabana signed for the show, it looks to be another packed house. I hope Danielson and Styles sign for the show, as seeing them is always a treat. If you're going to the show, look me up. I'll be the big palooka with the glasses and jersey on looking for more DVDs to purchase.

Impatient I am waiting for more TNA DVDs to hit the retailers. I am sorry, but I can't imagine spending $25 for a double DVD from the site when I can get it for nearly half price at a Best Buy retailer if I wait longer. I am ANXIOUS to see the new Christopher Daniels DVD. It should be a barnburner.

Sorry for the Yoda sounding sentence, ladies and gentlemen. Watching Star Wars III I am as I write this.

What can I say about ROH? I am still very impressed by their in ring product. I would like to see Cornette make an impact as commissioner a little more visible, however, the talent pool continues to deliver, and the wrestling is first rate. I am very pumped up about the Feburary show, and further gems from the ROH brand.

TNA needs to get their act together. I can't understand signing Sting again when the amount of WWE fallouts, individuals who are twenty years Steve Borden's younger and a hell of a lot hungrier, have just as much a name as Sting does and can probably provide just as many, if not more hardcore fans to the TNA broadcasts. Honestly, though, TNA needs a 2 hour time slot, and they need to get out of the saturday night cellar. They can flourish I think, a war between them and WWE can begin, if the powers at Spike allow it to happen. It's really up to Spike to give TNA the ammo needed to fire the first salvo.

In closing, Batista & Maria appear at New York Sports Works in Massapequa, NY on January 6th. John Cena & Candice Michelle appear on January 28th. I invite you to check out their website at NewYorkSportsWorksInc.com for more information.

Ladies and gentlemen, I am suffering from a little wrestling burnout. While I am pumped up from meeting the superstars in autograph sessions, and collecting the merchandise, the product continues to disappoint from the WWE. TNA impresses me, but my sleeping schedule makes it difficult to watch Impact on a regular basis. ROH is the future of the business, and the future, in this person's opinion, needs to happen soon, very soon. Because right now, honestly, the present of pro wrestling, even with this half attempted positive outlook....

Sucks.

Debate me at Palace@wrestleview.com.

I hope everyone has a healthy and prosperous New Year and a very positive and enjoyable 2006. I'll see everyone next year here at Wrestleview.com's Palace.

Kimosabe, Sumo!?!?!?