Reported by Mike Siciliano of WrestleView.com
On Monday, May 8, 2006 at 2:16 AM EST

I'm going to change things up a bit for the lists leading up to 100, because I was able to come up with almost 30 points of what I think are interest that I need to address. SO, let's go down those points, in as concise a matter as I can.

Couple of ECW thoughts. 1. WWE had better give Steven Richards some form of shot at this new brand to succeed, due to the fact that he has probably been one of the most loyal mid card jobbers that the company has ever seen. It's obvious the best times Richards had was in ECW, and he could be a force, bWo or not, in the company. Also, 2. Is WWE gutsy enough to sign New Jack? I wouild tend to say no. Although the rumours are out there, especially since he himself has started them by blurting out at indy shows that he has signed a contract, I would be surprised to see him participate in the new ECW. I don't honestly think Vince would want a potential headache like New Jack, if only for his outside the ring antics that could be a source of significant negative publicity.

Lastly, on ECW, it appears they are signing the right people. Sabu, Sandman, Axl, Balls Mahoney, Francine, Jazz, etc. I question why Tony Mamaluke signed, as I thought he was having some success in ROH, but I guess he had some good times in ECW, so, why not. Some potential new names could come out to the ECW brand, and make significant headway, and the man I am specifically targeting with this comment is the new OVW Champ, CM Punk. He needs to be brought up, and he could rule ECW, if given the chance.

Quickly, on Punk, since I mentioned him, he is one of my personal favorite indy wrestlers that I have ever seen, and I'd like to congratulate him on his victory for the OVW title in the brutal strap match with Brent Albright. I'd love to see the match, but that isn't possible for me, and I'll get to that in a little bit.

Getting back to my next point on ECW. While it appears that WWE is signing the right people for the ECW brand, the question remains, will they continue to try and mold ECW in to the atmosphere it had in the past? WWE would need to do so, as that would be the best way to present ECW to its fans for success. Any other attempts to mold ECW in to more of a parent company feel, i.e., Heat or Velocity, would be foolish. There are a lot of positive signs in the future for this brand, but the ducks are not in a row, yet.

Two more ECW related points to discuss. One. The Joey Styles promo from last week's Raw. I went out, got the transcript from the promo, and proceeded to try and make a 'comedic' style column, tearing the promo apart, and trying to emulate what I would think the wrestlers would be saying in the back in response to Styles' promo. Two reasons why I didn't go through with that column.

A) The final product (my column) sucked.
B) The promo was too damn good to make fun of.

From my perspective, and this is from a guy who DID NOT FOLLOW ECW, I like Styles as a broadcaster. Is he good with Jerry Lawler? No, not really, but they were improving. Is he Jim Ross? Not even close. Was it weird to hear Styles calling WWE matches? Incredibly. But, still, be that as it may, he was an excellent choice as Ross's replacement, even if the idea of relieving Ross of his duties was idiotic, health concerns aside.

Now, with Styles obviously going to call the ECW matches, he needs to break away from Raw, and does so in such a way that he basically wipes the product on his ass in the process. And Vince allows him to do so? I can't figure out for the life of me why Vince allowed that type of promo to be aired on Raw, except for the obvious, because it would ge the world talking, and it sure as hell did. It would be really refreshing if WWE acted on some of the thoughts portrayed in Styles' promo, but I guess the obvious reaction to that is "beggars can't be choosers." Lastly, on this topic, good luck to Jim Ross who returns again to get abused by the McMahons on the air in some way, shape, or form. Talk about a man with an iron constitution.

Moving on, how does Judgment Day affect ECW's One Night Stand 2? While it is a virtual lock that Raw's Rob Van Dam is going to cash in the Money in the Bank contract at ONS, the really significant question is against whom? Obviously, the logical answer is the WWE Champ, John Cena. But, is that truly logical, while both men in the Judgment Day main event have significant ties to ECW, and would make a tremendous amount more sense to go on to face Van Dam for the World title at the ONS ppv.

Obviously, Rey Mysterio, being a ECW alumnus would make an inticing match for Van Dam at ONS, and it would tear the house apart. No questions asked. However, the more intriguing option would be the latter, that being JBL winning the World title. JBL was interrupted mid rant at ONS I by RVD, and now, a year later, with the World title in his possession, RVD has the chance to shut JBL up once and for all. It makes all the sense in the world. As much as I don't want to see Mysterio lose the title to JBL, I am going to jump the gun and say it will happen. And, the next and final question for this scenario would be as such, how could you validate RVD jumping to Smackdown to challenge for the World title? Simple. The MitB ladder match was interpromotional. Need we say more? Damn, though, if this idea of JBL winning the World title comes to pass, he would be impossible to deal with with both singles titles on Smackdown in his possession.

Staying on Smackdown, they need help. Badly. Batista is down. Now, Kurt Angle is down. 95% of their recognizable talent pool is out, because of one man, Mark Henry. Don't get me started on that one. RVD jumping to Smackdown would give some more name power to the blue and white, and right now, they need all the recognizable talent they can get. Also, with Angle hurt, this totally invalidates the King of the Ring fiasco on Smackdown, with Booker T getting a bye to the final, and honestly, nearly the crown. I would be surprised if Finlay or Lashley are able to beat Booker to take the King of the Ring, which would cause Booker to be almost unlistenable with him and his wife both wearing crowns, and looking like beauty paegant rejects. I didn't like the insertion of the King of the Ring to an exclusive in-TV tournament format, and now, with probably its main talent out before the conclusion, the results of the so called tournament have got to be reworked. You cannot tell me Kurt Angle didn't have a first class ticket to the final match, and now, any way you slice it, the final match for this tournament at Judgment Day loses an awful lot of lustre.

Speaking of Fit Finlay, it appears he is going to be getting a leprechaun sidekick in the near future. Is WWE dense? They tried the sidekick route for someone else on the red and white brand, and it didn't really work, did it? Now, they're going this route? Something tells me Fit Finlay isn't the type to work very well with others, and I doubt he is very high on the idea of having a "leprechaun" follow him around. The dubious minds of WWE creative are at it again.

How many rookies, or talentless oafs is the Undertaker going to have to put over? Before it was Mark Henry, which 'Taker had to put over, and that must have killed him, for all the mass that Henry possesses, now its the Great Khali. While I respect Dalip Singh's size, and his performance in "The Longest Yard" was enjoyable, he is not experienced enough to go in to a match of this calibre with the Undertaker, and 'Taker cannot handle the abuse that his body is going to endure trying to get this guy over. Yes, I understand the need to get these men in to the lion's den quickly and impactfully, but Undertaker is in the twilight of his career, and how many times can he bounce back from these beatings? It's got to be taking a toll that I am not sure he can recover from in the not too distant future.

Let's go to some Raw thoughts.

I am thrilled for the potential reuniting of DX, in any form possible. It would be so refreshing to see the attitude from that faction brought back to WWE programming. It's stale enough, it could significantly use a dose of old 80's and 90's attitude.

Although I can respect the push of the Spirit Squad, I am sickened by these guys. Yes, they are the prototypical heels. Yes, its obvious Vince loves them, and is pushing them beyond belief. But, these guys make me want to absolutely puke. And, when push comes to shove, I think they will implode. I think Kenny (Ken Doane) is the link that could be the end of the Spirit Squad. His youth is going to corrupt his mind with thoughts of power that he has no right to achieve yet, and when his mouth writes checks his ass can't cash, the Spirit Squad is going to self-destruct. My only problems with that are two fold. 1. Johnny Jeter, who is obviously uber-talented, is going to suffer from that, and 2. When does that explosion happen, and how can I get the process to speed up so it happens sooner than expected?

I am not sure how good the Hardcore rematch from Wrestlemania 22 is going to be tonight on Raw. Edge vs. Foley on paper is an excellent matchup. But, how will the stipulations of being on television instead of the freedom of PPV broadcasting affect the matchup? Is WWE going back to its hardcore roots to combat TNA's use of the hardcore element? I'd be surprised if that isn't occurring, and honestly, I'm thrilled about it. I hope this match is as violent as it could possibly be. Anything less would be a disappointment, and continue to show that WWE doesn't get what the fans, I think, want.

It's kind of funny how far former World Tag Team Champions, Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch have fallen from grace. They went from being on top of the mountain to losing at house shows to Goldust and Gene Snitsky. Question, when did Snitsky turn face, by the way? I think I kind of like the idea of the "Odd Squad." Perhaps its something that needs to be investigated by the dubious minds of WWE creative. Snitsky, Goldie, and Eugene could make a potentially nice combative force against the green cheerleaders.

I guess finally Matt Striker is getting a push in WWE on Raw. I hope his talents in the ring are up to the challenge. He can promo, I'll give him that, but he better be able to bring it when its needed.

Speaking of quick notes, some thoughts on current feuds on Raw, along with a correction I need to make....

The McMahon Men vs. Shawn Michaels. Make it stop.

Trish Stratus vs. Mickie James. Make it stop. Bring it back to wrestling, and quit the imitation game. It's not funny anymore, and its taking away from Trish's appearance, which is stunning on its own, it doesn't need to be hampered. Mickie also is attractive, but this whole who can be the bigger superfan thing is really old.

I was corrected via email by my friend Jason about Triple H's new theme song, "King of Kings". Last time out, I said it was by Disturbed. After seeing some websites, and doing some research, at his "quiet" request, I found out that Motorhead did the song, just like "Play the Game", and "Evolution". It's a terrific song. Can't wait to get it on CD.

Sorry, Jason. Now, moving on....

I am concerned for Charlie Haas. While he looks in tremendous condition, and its obvious his feud has begun with Shelton Benjamin, the question looms, where will he go when the feud completes? For that matter, where does Shelton go? Do they team up again? Does one of them go to ECW? Do they both go to ECW? Two IMMENSELY talented athletes like these two men need to be showcased, and I am fearful they may go the way of the dodo if this feud does not provide some highlighted content for WWE television. It's do or die time for both men. Quickly, to Charlie Haas and his wife, Jackie Gayda, congratulations on your expected arrival.

Is it me, or is Samoa Joe getting imitated in WWE? My boy Badseed mentioned this with the use of the terms Samoan Smashing Machine when describing Umaga. My only thought on this is so: If this gimmick is an imitation of Samoa Joe, Joe better realize that WWE has a pair of glasses on that seriously distort their vision. Joe is a tremendous competitor, while this gimmick Umaga is nothing more than a pumped up fat guy being pushed beyond his abilities.

Turning for home, One last WWE thought before some quick indies issues. Why does WWE feel the need to cut off the DVD distribution of the OVW library? I just started collecting them these past couple of months, and it has been very interesting and informative. Now, with the acquisition of the tape library by WWE, they cut off the production of those DVDs. So, now, anyone outside of Kentucky can't watch the strap match where Albright lost to CM Punk for the OVW title. Outside of the obvious financial concerns, which to me is second nature, and almost petty for this type of scenario, I think this decision is ludicrous, as it takes the one avenue that fans outside of the Ohio Valley could see the stars of tomorrow away. It's just a thought of mine, there's probably a semi-legitimate reason, but truth be told, I'm mad about it, because like I said, I enjoyed the product of OVW.

Ok, some indie thoughts as I turn for home. I was really pissed off when Low Ki pulled out of Ring of Honor. However, if his eventual goal was to return to TNA exclusively, then I can't say I am annoyed. Low Ki is one of my favorites, I love to watch him work, and I can't wait to see him take on the likes of a Petey Williams, AJ Styles, and others again in the confines of the six sides of steel. I am curious by the use of the new name, Senshi. I know Ki has roots in Japan, but his reputation has been garnered by the Low Ki moniker, and to change it for TNA, although it provides a new challenge I am sure, I think it could confusing to non-hardcore fans of the product. It's petty to say stuff like this, but it's still how I think.

Sacrifice is shaping up beautifully. I can't wait to hear the reports about Liger vs. Petey. I think that is going to steal the show in a big big way. It's a virtual pick em for both men, and I think it could be one of the best PPV matches TNA has seen in a long time.

Why bring Kevin Nash back? Nash has the health concern as a major black cloud over his head, and I am not sure how much he has left in the tank. Nash is rumoured to be heading in to a feud with AJ Styles, and I think that serves no purpose for Styles except to delay him in encompassing himself in feuds that he would benefit from, like with Senshi, or with Daniels against AMW for the tag titles. Nash, for my opinion, has the same label as Ric Flair. Its time to pack it in.

Quickly, on the NWA tag title scene. I can see AJ & Daniels winning the titles, which brings me to this point. What happened to Team 3D? I figured they'd be locked in a similar war like AMW had with XXX for the straps, but after the Team Canada thing, it seems like they've dropped off the planet? Makes little sense, as they would give TNA a lot of recongition as champs. So would AJ & Daniels, but I thought when 3D came on board, it was only a matter of time before they wore the NWA World Tag Team titles.

Last two points on TNA. First, Christy Hemme is the hottest wrestling diva on the planet. If you haven' seen her photos on their website, well, um, damn.

Second, the tag partner for the Sting match at Sacrifice, well, let's just say I would consider buying the damn PPV to just see that match, it's that damn intriguing.

Two quick ROH notes. I am really annoyed. With this storyline involving the NWA title, it's more than likely going to happen that Christian Cage is not going to have the NWA strap when he comes to ROH this week on Long Island. I Will BE at that show, and I wanted to see the NWA strap up close and personal, and now, I doubt I will. Petty, yes, but still....

Lastly, I am still trying to rack my brain for the partners that ROH champ Bryan Danielson and NWA champ Cage are going to pick for the main event dream tag match this friday night. I would think that it could go this way. Samoa Joe for Christian Cage's partner, and Christopher Daniels for Danielson's partner. It would provide some nice fodder for feuds in both TNA and ROH. I know I said other thoughts in the ROH message boards, but hey, a man can change his mind.

Ok, sorry this is so long. Coming attractions are this: A review of the show friday night on Long Island for Ring of Honor. Also, a list of the top 20 favorite moments I have had with meeting wreslters at autograph sessions. Which leads me to another topic I am going to discuss shortly in a piece, involving reactions to autograph sessions, and some other thoughts on the behavior of fans, wrestlers, and stores who host them. Check myspace for the location of that column, when it comes out, I'll post the link there.

Time to go.

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Beaucoup cenabling!