tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40333633080054962812024-03-13T11:06:38.097-07:00In This Very RingTHIS BLOG HAS MOVED! Please join us at our new location, http://inthisveryringblog.wordpress.com - see you there!SARcasmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723045017868292793noreply@blogger.comBlogger637125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033363308005496281.post-7135731378890667522012-10-20T08:10:00.002-07:002012-10-20T08:10:21.825-07:00Movin' on down the roadNot gone, just relocated! :) PLEASE visit our new blog over at <a href="http://inthisveryringblog.wordpress.com/">HTTP://INTHISVERYRINGBLOG.WORDPRESS.COM</a> - dontcha dare miss the newly revamped, more-frequently-to-be-updated, all around more exciting home of In This Very Ring. Hope to see you at the matches! XOXOXOSARcasmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723045017868292793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033363308005496281.post-56025884928376782842012-10-15T19:50:00.002-07:002012-10-15T19:50:34.587-07:00ITVR Podcast and a BIG TASTE of Things to Come ...<a href="https://www.box.com/s/4hqfl7ycc5ld8h3mdns4" target="_blank">CLICK HERE to listen.</a>SARcasmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723045017868292793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033363308005496281.post-52211914158637047012012-10-08T20:43:00.002-07:002012-10-08T20:43:13.731-07:00Return of Vince McMahon and Thanksgiving for WrestlingHi guys,<br />
<br />
Just as a note - we haven't broken promises and disappeared; it was actually a pretty quiet week wrestling-wise, and then come this weekend when we'd usually be up to discussing the product, Ari managed to get sick in such a manner that included losing his voice; it's been a busy, sloggy weekend with Ari and the kids being sick by turns and me trying to step up as I can to take care of them.<br />
<br />
That said - tonight's made for an interesting Raw with the return to the canvas of Vince McMahon, more buildup towards Hell in a Cell, further progress in the #1 contenders' tag team title tournament, and much more that we will discuss later this week. For this moment it's a bit late and mostly I want to take the opportunity to wish my Canadian readers a Happy Thanksgiving, and to share what I'm thankful for in the world of wrestling (personal thanks can be found on my personal blog, <a href="http://shortysar.blogspot.com/">http://shortysar.blogspot.com</a>).<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I'm thankful for all the 'workers' - the hard workers like John Cena, the talented workers like CM Punk and Daniel Bryan, the amusing workers like Santino Marella, and all those who are maybe green and have a lot to learn but are trying damn hard in an unforgiving field.</li>
<li>I am thankful for wrestling fans - both the supportive and the disenchanted - for helping this product be what it can be, and being so much fun to share this damn crazy ride with.</li>
<li>I am thankful for having married a fellow wrestling fan.</li>
<li>I am thankful I got to go to Wrestlemania this year.</li>
<li>I am thankful WWE tries - from providing substance abuse rehab for anyone who has ever been under contract, to their current work fighting breast cancer with the Susan B. Komen Foundation, to their anti-bullying work with BA* ("Be A Star"), they are by far not a perfect organization, but they are trying.</li>
</ul>
Wishing you and yours a happy, Thankful Holiday Weekend. :) SARcasmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723045017868292793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033363308005496281.post-25950687095175519952012-10-01T17:49:00.003-07:002012-10-01T17:49:29.872-07:00Programming notes for the week ahead - and "Paul Heyman's Guys?"Hi all - first an apology for the absent week - my brother and fellow wrestling fan K turned 25 this weekend, and my mother in law - who couldn't even recognize a photo of Hulk Hogan - turned 60 the following day, so the past week has been largely prep for all that - and a great time was had by all!<br />
<br />
That said - it hasn't been a bad week to be quiet if need be, as Raw last week did have some extremely good talk segments but somewhat less memorable (though by no means bad) matches, and while we're sorry to have missed Beth Phoenix and Natty Neidhart's Smackdown match, it's otherwise been a relatively quiet week (despite the hit to the Diva's division as Beth's departure looms, and both Kelly Kelly and Shaul Guerrero were wished the best in their future endeavours). But we will air tomorrow to talk about the direction of some of the storyline's, Beth's impending departure and her match with Natty, and whatever happens on Raw come 15 minutes from now (or as of 45 minutes ago, depending where you live lol).<br />
<br />
Meanwhile though, <a href="http://www.wwe.com/classics/paul-heyman-guys" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a> to check out an awesome piece published on WWE.com today, written by Paul Heyman himself, about his list of 10 "Paul Heyman Guys". A really interesting take to see who makes the list, who doesn't, etc. And be sure to tune in tomorrow night; we'll be here, ready to take you on ... IN THIS VERY RING.SARcasmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723045017868292793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033363308005496281.post-86440552020483370622012-09-22T20:14:00.003-07:002012-09-22T20:14:28.251-07:00ITVR Podcast<a href="https://www.box.com/s/oyh3jxyp3hwxhwh3ipdk" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a> to listen. :) So long and thanks for all the fish. XOSARcasmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723045017868292793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033363308005496281.post-44562969617722307952012-09-17T16:45:00.002-07:002012-09-17T16:45:12.227-07:00Jerry Lawler released from hospitalJust to report on the next step of Jerry Lawler's journey, he has today been released from the medical facility in Montreal and should in due time be heading back to Memphis to continue his convalescance. What a long and difficult but miraculous journey he has been on the last 7 days - so thrilled to see how well he's done!<br />
<br />
Meanwhile - we didn't get a chance to make our predictions as hoped for for last night's Pay Per View, but we did get to watch, enjoy, and recommend the replay to any and all. JBL replaced Jerry Lawler in the booth to great success, and tonight Good Old JR will be joining Michael Cole on Raw - as is JBL, according to the Wrestling God himself. Whether plans have either changed or been misinterpreted, or whether it will be a 3 man booth, we will find out in 15 minutes time (in the US) or an hour and a quarter from now (Canada).<br />
<br />
Be sure and join us in the next day or two for a recap of Night of Champions and tonight's Raw. Until then, be well. See you at the matches.SARcasmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723045017868292793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033363308005496281.post-15594309364341115912012-09-14T09:12:00.001-07:002012-09-14T09:12:51.627-07:00Jerry Lawler Update - IN HIS OWN WORDS!<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/J86HWNe0eg8" width="420"></iframe><br />SARcasmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723045017868292793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033363308005496281.post-30631695467896765882012-09-12T04:32:00.002-07:002012-09-12T04:32:47.694-07:00In This Very Ring Podcast - We're Back and Better than Ever!<a href="https://www.box.com/s/zmfi2ku18dx8q62llp4s" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN.</a>SARcasmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723045017868292793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033363308005496281.post-52626253582182600692012-09-10T20:34:00.002-07:002012-09-10T20:34:53.981-07:00Jerry LawlerJerry Lawler collapsed tonight while commentating on WWE Raw tonight from Montreal. He is currently breathing on his own, his heart is beating on its own, and he is responsive; he was taken to a local Montreal hospital and at last update was awaiting a CAT scan.<br />
<br />
In This Very Ring's thoughts and prayers are with the 62-year-old at this time.SARcasmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723045017868292793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033363308005496281.post-28846225021754727402012-09-04T20:43:00.000-07:002012-09-04T20:43:00.166-07:00Back to reality ...So we are back home (you can read about our vacation and the couple of days we've been back <a href="http://shortysar.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>) and ready to get back into the blog and podcast routine; we will be podcasting either tomorrow or Thursday about all the fun of last night's Raw in CM Punk's hometown of Chicago, but in the meantime want to thank you for bearing with illness and travel, and a year of 'best laid plans'. :) Back to the norm this week on all fronts, dontcha dare miss it.SARcasmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723045017868292793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033363308005496281.post-92171251226771218402012-08-26T04:49:00.003-07:002012-09-04T20:41:19.083-07:00Kayfabe Wrestling RadioSo of course no sooner do we make a 'we will absolutely head online and discuss tonight's pay per view' promise than I get deathly ill. And then Ari does. And then we had a vacation to get ready for (which we're on now). Because you know - that's how we roll. We did manage to fit in time however to talk to our friends Alan and Spug over at Kayfabe Wrestling Radio, however, always a good time. You can find this week's podcast over at <a href="http://www.wildtalkradio.com/">http://www.wildtalkradio.com</a> - amidst the debate and namecalling, lol, we actually had a good time. :)<br />
<br />
We will be back online ourselves, I promise, on Tuesday with a Raw recap - wishing you all a great last week of summer or first week of school or wherever y'all are at these days! :)SARcasmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723045017868292793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033363308005496281.post-65459143155697383772012-08-19T09:59:00.004-07:002012-08-19T10:30:19.736-07:00Summerslam PredictionsFirst of all - copious apologies - we've been doing our best, with more or less success in the last little bit - to maintain the commitment I made to blog every couple of days, and at least largely we've been blogging 2-3 times a week, but it has been two weeks since I 'promised, I really do' that we would do an ITVR podcast the next day, or posted anything at all, really, and I can only explain that with copious amounts of travelling, and my baby boy's second birthday this weekend. However, Summerslam is upon us this evening and while we won't have the time to podcast BEFORE that, we wanted to make our predictions now and we will do an immediate post-show podcast that will probably be up sometime between midnight at 12:30am after our show tonight. With no further ado, however ... my predictions.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar</b></u><br />
<b><i></i></b>I think the outcome of this match weighs heavily on whether or not Shawn Michaels will be involved, and how. He is no longer scheduled to be in Triple H's corner for this match following his 'broken arm' at the hands of Brock Lesnar on Monday; however, will he still make his presence felt? And if so, will he be supporting his longtime friend, or helping orchestrate his downfall due to having been left vulnerable last week and feeling resentful about that? I'm predicting a Triple H win here just because of how dominant Lesnar has been the last couple of weeks, and given Vince's tendency to book with his ego (which has been hurt by Lesnar) and not his promotional sense. But Lesnar SHOULD win because his loss to Cena a few months back weakened him, and if he's going to be involved in any significant storylines going forward, it would be damaging to have lost his first two feuds back - that simply makes him look beatable, and wins over him less significant.<b><br /></b><br />
<br />
<u><b>World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus vs. Alberto del Rio</b></u><br />
<i><b></b></i>This is a tough one to predict. On the one hand they've really been behind Sheamus. On the other hand, they've been playing around onscreen with del Rio even getting this match at all, and Sheamus has been World Champ since Wrestlemania - a not-insignificant amount of time in this day and age. For the sake of making a pick I'm going to say del Rio, but I wouldn't be terribly surprised at either outcome, or if del Rio's reign was a short one if I'm right.<br />
<br />
<u><b>WWE Champion CM Punk vs. John Cena vs. The Big Show</b></u><br />
I think I'm actually going to pick Cena here, although this is another one where I'm not 110% sure of my own choice. I'm reasonably sure it won't be Big Show, and while a CM Punk retention wouldn't surprise me, he's also been champ for awhile and Cena - as funny as it sounds - could really use a boost to his luck and his win record. If I'm wrong and Punk wins, look for this to be his full-blown heel turn, and a win to come about via mischief of some sort or another.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Chris Jericho vs. Dolph Ziggler</b></u><br />
I would like to see Ziggler win here, in the sense that Chris Jericho's contract is over within the next 48 hours, and he has made pretty clear Fozzy comes ahead of his WWE commitments at this stage in his life and career. More than that, Jericho is ultimately bullet proof in terms of his reputation, while Ziggler is still building himself up and could frankly use a high-profile win like this one going forward. I'll predict Ziggler but again - in a theme of the evening, wihch isn't necessarily a bad thing - don't go betting any large sums of money on this prediction.<br />
<u><b>Daniel Bryan vs. Kane</b></u><br />
Daniel Bryan is one of the best stars of the WWE today, while Kane's job is mainly to look scary and give punk kids a run for their money. While this could go either way depending on AJ Lee - Bryan's ex-fiancee and Raw General Manager - I'm going to say Bryan comes out on top nonetheless. <br />
<u><b>Intercontinental Champion the Miz vs. Rey Mysterio</b></u><br />
While this match occurs right in Mysterio's backyard, the Miz has been on something of a roll since his return and I think that's something that should be kept up. Both have returned recently, and both could use a win; one of them is going to need to settle for simply a 'good or great match'. Given WWE's proclivity as well to disappoint hometown audiences, while this is yet another one that I wouldn't bet the farm on, I'm going to go with the Miz.<br />
<u><b> </b></u><br />
<u><b> WWE Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston & R Truth vs. The Prime Time Players</b></u><br />
I think I'm going to go with the Prime Time Players winning here; they have been strong as a tag team, in no small part due to their now-former manager Abraham Washington (AW). Without him by their side, I'm not sure how long their reign will last, or how significant they will be thereafter, but booking wise this would make sense. Having said that, as I've said about almost all the other matches - don't be entirely surprised to see the champions booked to retain simply out of spite for the drama of the last few weeks.<br />
<u><b> </b></u><br />
<b><u>US Champion Santino Marella vs. Antonio Cesaro (Youtube Preview Match)</u></b><br />
This match unfortunately won't make the pay-per-view but should make at least a somewhat entertaining pre-show match. I'm not familiar enough with Cesaro to see a particularly bright (or not) future for him, on the one hand, but I also know Marella's held the title for a long time ... but is a popular and favourite comodity in the WWE Universe. I'm going to go with a Marella retention, but perhaps narrowly enough Cesaro earns a rematch, or via interference leading to his next feud, where Marella's days are more numbered.<br />
<b><u> </u></b><br />
All in all while I've made predictions on the above, all of these matches as I've said could conceivably go either way - which makes for a strong PPV when it's that unpredictable. I'm not anticipating a high percentage of correct predictions tonight, although I couldn't tell you which ones will be wrong lol. I DO think there will be a bonus match or two booked as there are only 6-7 matches booked for the actual PPV; perhaps a Ryback squash or a Brodus Clay/Damien Sandow faceoff. And we will discuss all of the above on-air after the PPV tonight so be sure and check back in then. Enjoy the show and be well!SARcasmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723045017868292793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033363308005496281.post-70748314554894641262012-08-06T19:40:00.000-07:002012-08-06T19:40:17.973-07:00Programming NoteHi all,<br />
<br />
Please note that while illness and travel have kept us from posting the last week or so with any regularity, we have still been watching WWE in its first three weeks of its new three-hour format ... we've seen it all, from AJ Lee and Booker T's new appointments as Raw and Smackdown General Managers respectively, to CM Punk's tweener turn, to some real-life drama involving inappropriate comments from Abraham Washington (AW, promotor of All World promotions) and Tensai (via TOUT! TOUTTOUTTOUT!), and a pyro-related Titantron/set fire last week at Raw that put its 8pm US start time in jeopardy. And while it's currently 10:30pm and we're JUST back from Kitchener - our 'hometown' - and watchings this week's fare, we will be back with our ITVR podcast tomorrow evening. Be sure to check it out then. Until then ...<br />
<br />
Be well,<br />
Sarah and AriSARcasmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723045017868292793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033363308005496281.post-13836280031763895062012-07-31T18:10:00.002-07:002012-07-31T18:10:25.516-07:00ITVRHi all - sorry for this current sabbatical - I have spent the last 4 days ill, and they would have been busy ones to begin with (Wicked, a visit to Montreal, as well as my second week of 12 hour days of work, plus parenting) ... but we will have an ITVR podcast tomorrow to discuss last night's RAW, including a 'fiery' prelude, inappropriate humour, a big return, and some important storyline continuations. Thanks for bearing with us, and be well. XOXOSARcasmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723045017868292793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033363308005496281.post-17378766606641648362012-07-23T14:09:00.002-07:002012-07-23T14:09:36.170-07:00Raw 1000Hi all! So tonight's the night! WWE Raw's 1000th episode - and man is it stacked. Perhaps TOO stacked, with the Daniel Bryan-AJ Lee wedding, a DX Reunion and the appearance of such legends as Mick Foley, Brock Lesnar the Rock, Bret Hart ... and I've heard rumours of Steve Austin the Undertaker, Mean Gene Okerlund, Jim Ross ... not to mention the announcement of the new permanent Raw General Manager, and a word title match between John Cena and defending champion CM Punk. When just half of this could sell any show, and with this week also signifying Raw's permanent move to a 3 hour show, I do have to say it might have been wise to hold some of the above for future weeks where they will be cramming for material ... nonetheless, tonight will be a good show; of this I have no doubt.<br />
<br />
A reminder as it's a 3-hour show (and will be going forward), that Raw begins tonight, and in future at 8pm ET on USA network in the US, and the same time tonight here in Canada on the Score - I will have to double check and let you know if the Score is making the same permanent time slot shift with the US. Either way though, as of 8pm tonight, enjoy the introduction to a (risky) new era of Raw. :)<br />
<br />
<u><i><b>BTW - ONE LAST NOTE:</b></i></u> Please <a href="http://www.prowrestling.net/artman/publish/pruettblog/article10026385.shtml" target="_blank">click here</a> for a completely unrelated but truy awesome article written by one of our friends over at Pro Wrestling dot Net - all about 'smart' fans and their (our?) attitude towards championship reigns. Got me thinking anyway ... :) Be well and enjoy Raw 1000!SARcasmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723045017868292793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033363308005496281.post-74861765315692545492012-07-16T18:34:00.003-07:002012-07-16T18:34:45.828-07:00ITVR<a href="https://www.box.com/s/79f805b6ff206387ef3b" target="_blank">CLICK HERE to listen ...</a><br />
<br />
BTW ... in our hurry ... we forgot to express our love for Abraham Washington, AW, owner of All World Promotions, the newest member of the 'awesome heel manager' club. This guy coud be MONEH if Vince let him (ie, if Vince liked managers ...)SARcasmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723045017868292793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033363308005496281.post-87182490578006245962012-07-11T17:33:00.003-07:002012-07-11T17:33:54.542-07:00AJ Meets LitaWe'll be podcasting in the next 1-2 nights about this week's Raw and the upcoming pay-per-view, Money in the Bank, this weekend. However meanwhile I wanted to share a cute video I just watched over at <a href="http://www.prowrestling.net/">http://www.prowrestling.net</a> of a very young AJ (current WWE Diva) meeting former Diva Lita, roughly 10-12 years ago or so. She first appears around the 21/22 second mark, and is the emotional fan towards the very end of the video as well. As that very same former 12-year-old girl fan, I can totally relate. Very sweet.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lkR1bzsMho8" width="420"></iframe>SARcasmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723045017868292793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033363308005496281.post-54492233188350894632012-07-04T19:10:00.003-07:002012-07-04T19:10:43.384-07:00ITVR Podcast<a href="https://www.box.com/s/d3ea22fe27b0e424e2e9" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a> to listen. :)<br />
<br />
Also - just wanted to add - happy belated birthday to Bret "Hitman" Hart who turned 55 yesterday. Still one hot Grandpa! :D<br />
<br />
Be well.SARcasmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723045017868292793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033363308005496281.post-16567952212185181002012-07-03T08:47:00.002-07:002012-07-03T08:47:31.632-07:00Smackdown (and ITVR!) Programming Note!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTnRQpFki_K4fN8IMJFhhZ5vlkFxFM-cs8lptj94xtuTRJBRoC1uw" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTnRQpFki_K4fN8IMJFhhZ5vlkFxFM-cs8lptj94xtuTRJBRoC1uw" /></a></div>
Just wanted to take the time to remind you of tonight's LIVE Smackdown special on SyFy in the US or the Score in Canada. And also to let you know that ITVR will be returning tomorrow (after a long weekend preemption here in Canada due to the holiday weekend - I actually posted something about that but it didn't go through). That will give us the chance to catch up on last night's Raw, see tonight's SD, and tell you all about 'the week in wrestling'. Dontcha dare miss it!SARcasmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723045017868292793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033363308005496281.post-66439282500223340242012-06-27T11:28:00.000-07:002012-06-27T11:28:44.162-07:00This Day in Wrestling History ...Ten years ago today ... John Cena began his WWE career.<br />
One year ago today ... CM Punk made his infamous ... ahem ... WWE-changing promo.<br />
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Not a bad day to be a wrestling fan. :)<br />
<br />
Tomorrow, Friday at the latest - ITVR podcast! Until then ... be well.SARcasmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723045017868292793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033363308005496281.post-47573847772179966022012-06-25T17:02:00.003-07:002012-06-25T17:02:52.328-07:005 Years ...This past weekend marked the 5th anniversary of the day wrestling changed ... and I have yet to see any wrestling site mark it. Chris Benoit, on the weekend of the 22nd-24th of June 5 years ago, murdered his wife and young son before taking ihs own life.<br />
<br />
It is a day that will live in infamy in the wrestling industry. I said on my Facebook this weekend, it was a tragic day for wrestling fans, but more especially the families involved. We lost a myth, a legend gone up in smoke ... they lost loved ones (and yes - that includes Chris, and the man everyone seemed to think he was).<br />
<br />
You will rarely, if ever, hear his name on a wrestling broadcast these days, his title reign wiped from the record books as you hear that at Wrestlemania XX, Shawn Michaels and Triple H fought each other in one of the best Triple Threat matches in history, and somehow neither of them left with the title. But his impact on the business is undeniable, as headshots with chairs have been banned, even as the WWE denied concussions and other head injuries were the factor behind the crime ... the drug-testing Wellness Policy was beefed up, despite the adamant denials that this was a case of 'roid rage.<br />
<br />
This could have crippled the industry ... but in some ways it made it stronger, more wrestler friendly. But more could be done. What about incorporating psychological testing into the Wellness Policy? What about mandatory, rotating vacations so wrestlers don't burn out? What about health insurance coverage so guys can get the taking care of they need without worrying about losing their spot? What about - dare I whisper it? Dare I utter it? A wrestling union?<br />
<br />
It is not too late to try to turn the tarnished and tragic Benoit legacy - one of waste, unchecked mental illness and hidden demons - into perhaps a positive one ... one that could have protected Chris, and perhaps more importantly, his family.<br />
<br />
Naysayers will speculate that this is about Benoit's own mental illness/addictions, what have you - and I agree. He's an adult who sought out and engaged in unsafe, unhealthy, and ultimately fatal behaviours. A monster. But these types are inordinately attracted to the wrestling business. Whatever is cause and whatever is effect - we need to heed that, and work accordingly with it. For the sake of all the future Nancy, Daniel, and yes - even Chris - Benoits out there.SARcasmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723045017868292793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033363308005496281.post-35480243111749776272012-06-17T12:39:00.000-07:002012-06-17T12:39:09.215-07:00No Way Out Predictions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So it is that time of month and year, the WWE's next pay-per-view is knockin' at our doors, and there's NO WAY OUT of watching it. ;) OK ... well I suppose you don't need to buy it, but ... lol. Anyway, Ari and I didn't have a chance this weekend to podcast our predictions due to a visit from our in-laws and a weekend away while they babysat for our anniversary, but I wanted to take the time to share my thoughts on tonight's PPV before it airs. So match by match, here are my predictions.<br />
<br />
<u><b>John Cena vs. Big Show:</b></u><br />
This match will take place in a steel cage and feature Vince McMahon and John Laurenaitis at ringside. If Big Show loses, Johnny Ace loses his job. If Cena loses, he's fired. I'm going to predict a loss and firing for Cena. The character badly needs a reboot. If they actually follow the story through for a time, he could get some time at home to recharge, deal with his divorce, and come back with a fresh set of batteries. Johnny Ace is a great heel authority figure (as much as it pains me to say so), and I think the stable he's working to build, works. In short, there's still some juice in that potential lemon. :) Even if they 'rehire' John Cena a week or two from now, this kind of loss might be enough to enable a directional change for him; not necessarily a heel turn, but even just encouraging him to approach his matches and career more seriously. The character needs a change and a loss would enable that.<br />
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<u><b>World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus vs. Dolph Ziggler:</b></u><br />
I'm going to go with Ziggler here actually. Sheamus has had a good run and has been easil frustrated/semi-aggressive; I could see a loss here enabling a heel turn. Ziggler also could really use some main event cachet. This would, in the big picture, benefit both men if Ziggler won. It wouldn't surprise me to go either way though, as for whatever reason WWE has been reluctant to back Ziggler to date. But I could see a double-turn here with relative ease.<br />
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<u><b>WWE Champion CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Kane:</b></u><br />
The most exciting match on the card. AJ will play a prominent role here and I think she and the title both are going with whoever wins this match. I think Kane has meshed into this storyline well but is still a tertiary player; CM Punk is too obvious. I am, by default, going with her helping her ex-boyfriend Bryan regain his title to win back his grace and favour.<br />
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<u><b>Intercontinental Champion Chrisian vs. Cody Rhodes:</b></u><br />
This should be a good match - in a storyline perspective, they have not focused on it as they could have, but if given a healthy amount of time to go in the ring these guys could make up for that easily. I'm guessing Christian retains on the basis that he only won the title a month ago, but this is another that wouldn't surprise me either way, as WWE doesn't care enough about the IC belt to worry about hotshotting it if Cody holding it somehow fits better into their plans.<br />
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<u><b>Diva's Champion Layla vs. Beth Phoenix</b></u><br />
Enh ... let's say ... Beth? And please oh please a return of Kharma?<br />
<u><b> </b></u><br />
<u><b> US Champion Santino Marella vs. Ricardo Rodriguez</b></u><br />
This also happens to be a tuxedo match. Ah the comedy spot ... this will not be a ***** match by any means, but could be some good light fun for those who enjoy its wrestling with a side of tongue-in-cheek. These two are great comedy characters ... it's just a bit of a shame this is what the US title has become. Predictions? This is a toughy, as both have been pushed as decent yet entertaining wrestlers ... I will say Santino Marella has a slight edge over Rodriguez as champ and a more established star (wow did I really just say that?), but I think the difference in their chances resemble the 1994 Quebec Sovereignty Referendum results (look it up).<u><b> </b></u><br />
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<u><b>Brodus Clay vs. David Otunga</b></u><br />
Brodus Clay's character has been evolving now that he's full-time Smackdown, and Otunga is being pushed more as a John Laurenaitis entourage member than a wrestler in his own right, so I'm going to guess Clay goes over here, being more in need of the win in terms of the work he does as a wrestler day-to-day. But this match is symbolic of the undercard at present; while the top three matches on this PPV are incredibly strong, either in terms of wrestling potential, storyline potential or both, the bottom 3-4 feel throwaway - not as an insult to those involved, but based on how WWE has positioned and pushed (or not) them. It comes down to - do you feel a good 2-3 matches can sell a PPV? And do you believe the midcard guys can turn their lemons into lemonade? Let's hope!<u><b> </b></u><br />SARcasmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723045017868292793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033363308005496281.post-91540916552228051642012-06-13T04:53:00.004-07:002012-06-13T04:53:28.047-07:00ITVR PODCASTOops! Uploaded this to the filesharing site last night and then forgot to link it here.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.box.com/s/4ec6ae0b0c8db3fb16ba" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN.</a>SARcasmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723045017868292793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033363308005496281.post-50800268360134830272012-06-11T20:27:00.000-07:002012-06-11T20:27:09.306-07:00Editorial CorrectionWe have mentioned the last couple of entries that Raw goes 3-hours permanently this week - not so. It goes 3 hours permanently July 23, on its 1000th episode. We apologize for the error. Work the last couple of days (church and school) has precluded us doing the ITVR we promised - of course obligations A and B kick in as obligations C and D finish up right? But we will do a special podcast reviewing tonight's 3 hour show ... and just what the implications for Raw are when it goes to this length of time full-time ... tomorrow night. Be sure to check in for our triumphant return (and this promise we WILL keep come hell or high-water).SARcasmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723045017868292793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4033363308005496281.post-46531979441033309982012-06-09T18:12:00.003-07:002012-06-09T18:12:28.757-07:00ITVR Podcast Returns Tomorrow!After almost a month's hiatus Ari and Sarah return tomorrow to podcast in anticipation of Raw going three hours this Monday night - the return of Vince McMahon and a host of other guests, as we head into No Way Out next Sunday night. Let's survey the WWE scene and talk about what's coming next as we head into the summer months. Dontcha dare miss it! :)SARcasmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723045017868292793noreply@blogger.com0