What's new
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

***Official Pro Wrestling Thread*** (10 Viewers)

Tom Servo said:
JB Breakfast Club said:
Straight Shoot was entirely devoted to Daniel Bryan this week. It meanders a little with Aubrey having Google hangout issues, but there is some really good discussion about wrestling injuries. I have really started to struggle with this myself...I stopped watching the NFL two seasons ago because of the brain injuries (and other factors like Greg Hardy, public stadium financing, etc.), and it's becoming harder to justify my wrestling fandom.

Have any of you struggled with the knowledge that wrestling really messes a lot of these guys up? I've talked myself into believing that WWE has taken necessary steps to protect their guys...no chair shots to the head, no pile drivers, etc., but the grind on these guys is still really rough.

Straight Shoot: February 11, 2016 (Daniel Bryan Appreciation Episode) -

https://youtu.be/7rF4meyHaRg
Like you, I pretty much gave up on the NFL (probably 4 years ago). I think WWE, more so than other promotions, is susceptible to these kind of things due to the rigorous travel and match schedule. They're still susceptible to the episodes of pain killers and other drugs, but their Wellness Policy has seemed to help. It's not where fans would probably want it to be, but the industry is in better shape in this regard than even 10 years ago.What's worked to the WWE's benefit is that the Benoit episode occurred before the issue of concussions became a mainstream issue. I would also add that social media wasn't as wide-spread then, either. One could argue that WWE cares more about concussions than the NFL does (and God forbid the NFL have a Chris Benoit-type episode; the poopstorm would last until the Second Coming).

On the whole, I see progress on this front from wrestling which is good enough for me. As long as the NFL continues to deny things like CTE, I'm ignoring their product for the most part.
The NFL did have kind of a Benoit incident with Jovan Belcher in KC a few years ago. And he was shown to have Signs of CTE.

http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/11612386/jovan-belcher-brain-showed-signs-cte-doctor-says-report

Agree that it would be a much larger story now. Even 2012 the concussion issue wasn't quite fully formed yet.
I thought about that, but I was looking more at the angle of an active NFL player committing murder in a roid rage manner (again, I hope this NEVER happens). IMO the Belcher story died out because it was a suicide, much like Junior Seau, etc. etc. Once you cross the Rubicon of an active player doing a murder/suicide - particularly if it's a O-lineman or safety/CB, I'm afraid we'll be dealing with a real fire storm that will make Ray Rice look like a pot bust.

I guess the greater point is that it could look to a neutral observer that the WWE cares more about concussions than the NFL.

 
Straight Shoot was entirely devoted to Daniel Bryan this week. It meanders a little with Aubrey having Google hangout issues, but there is some really good discussion about wrestling injuries. I have really started to struggle with this myself...I stopped watching the NFL two seasons ago because of the brain injuries (and other factors like Greg Hardy, public stadium financing, etc.), and it's becoming harder to justify my wrestling fandom.

Have any of you struggled with the knowledge that wrestling really messes a lot of these guys up? I've talked myself into believing that WWE has taken necessary steps to protect their guys...no chair shots to the head, no pile drivers, etc., but the grind on these guys is still really rough.

Straight Shoot: February 11, 2016 (Daniel Bryan Appreciation Episode) -

https://youtu.be/7rF4meyHaRg
Like you, I pretty much gave up on the NFL (probably 4 years ago). I think WWE, more so than other promotions, is susceptible to these kind of things due to the rigorous travel and match schedule. They're still susceptible to the episodes of pain killers and other drugs, but their Wellness Policy has seemed to help. It's not where fans would probably want it to be, but the industry is in better shape in this regard than even 10 years ago.What's worked to the WWE's benefit is that the Benoit episode occurred before the issue of concussions became a mainstream issue. I would also add that social media wasn't as wide-spread then, either. One could argue that WWE cares more about concussions than the NFL does (and God forbid the NFL have a Chris Benoit-type episode; the poopstorm would last until the Second Coming).

On the whole, I see progress on this front from wrestling which is good enough for me. As long as the NFL continues to deny things like CTE, I'm ignoring their product for the most part.
The NFL did have kind of a Benoit incident with Jovan Belcher in KC a few years ago. And he was shown to have Signs of CTE.http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/11612386/jovan-belcher-brain-showed-signs-cte-doctor-says-report

Agree that it would be a much larger story now. Even 2012 the concussion issue wasn't quite fully formed yet.
I thought about that, but I was looking more at the angle of an active NFL player committing murder in a roid rage manner (again, I hope this NEVER happens). IMO the Belcher story died out because it was a suicide, much like Junior Seau, etc. etc. Once you cross the Rubicon of an active player doing a murder/suicide - particularly if it's a O-lineman or safety/CB, I'm afraid we'll be dealing with a real fire storm that will make Ray Rice look like a pot bust.I guess the greater point is that it could look to a neutral observer that the WWE cares more about concussions than the NFL.
Belcher story was a murder/suicide

 
Just watched Lucha episode 3

Thought episode was pretty meh overall. King Cuerno end bump was insane. Looks like they've 'killed off' Konnan. And Joey Ryan has the perfect 'sleazy cop' look with that last segment.

I do worry that they're creating so many characters (and so little air time). 1 hour is perfect time for the show but they've got a ####load of characters and storylines that they just don't have the time to follow up on.And frankly they're introducing so many its hard really to keep track (for me anyway lol)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Man I'm really happy both the Bellas may be gone. Was just a horrible horrible time for the women's division with them at the top of it. If I never saw them again on TV, I'd be happy. Nothing against them personally, but they never added anything to the product IMO

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Man I'm really happy both the Bellas may be gone. Was just a horrible horrible time for the women's division with them at the top of it. If I never saw them again on TV, I'd be happy. Nothing against them personally, but they never added anything to the product IMO
It felt like yesterday the Bella couples owned the WWE with Cena and Bryan.  Now, all of them are irrelevant.  Just shows you how quickly things can change.  

 
Raw Hour 3 was the single worst PPV go home final hour in wrestling history. Every single thing was awful. :lmao: Sin Cara just holding himself up on the rope for Del Rio finisher. Go watch it again, just so ####### comical and illogical to watch. Seriously someone booked THAT and thought it'd be good. Who the #### is booking this garbage?!? No one gives a #### about League of Nations. End it. It's not over. At all. Social Outcasts are funny as a group but Ryder/Slater is barely WWE Superstars worthy. Sasha Banks was the only positive and only thing that is over of anything in Hour 3. So.....the big ending......leading to the PPV.......big RAW overrun time.....

....Stroman vs. Big Show!!! Feel the excitement. As if THAT wasn't bad enough, you end the show with the 4 Wyatts getting their ### handed to them by 3 guys (soon to be 48 year old Glenn Jacobs, 44 year old Paul Wight, and Ryberg). :lmao: Just wonderful booking guys.  And then we get a gassed out, sweaty Paul Wight going straight to a Steve Austin podcast. And he needed to be in the main event why again? Why are 4 guys walking away from 3? 

This #### is end of WCW terrible. I hope hours 1and2 were better than what I did see in hour3. We went from Daniel Bryan overrun last week......to this. I strongly feel wrestling should be a 1 hour show in 2016. After watching only hour 3 of RAW this week, makes me wonder if this show should even be on TV at all.

 
On a positive note, it appears Cena may try to give it a go for Mania. Just remarkable if he's able to. Some may not like him, but he's going to go down as the best company guy in history IMO. He's always stepped up each and every time they've needed him.

He'd defintely be a boost to that Mania card. However, if they can't find him an interesting story (which odds are heavily against that given their nonexistant booking), may as well hold him out. As lackluster as the Mania card looks, Mania will sell itself like it always does. And they can heavily paper that stadium.

Big Show interview with Austin was pretty good. Recommend checking it out on the Network.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Raw Hour 3 was the single worst PPV go home final hour in wrestling history. Every single thing was awful. :lmao: Sin Cara just holding himself up on the rope for Del Rio finisher. Go watch it again, just so ####### comical and illogical to watch. Seriously someone booked THAT and thought it'd be good. Who the #### is booking this garbage?!? No one gives a #### about League of Nations. End it. It's not over. At all. Social Outcasts are funny as a group but Ryder/Slater is barely WWE Superstars worthy. Sasha Banks was the only positive and only thing that is over of anything in Hour 3. So.....the big ending......leading to the PPV.......big RAW overrun time.....

....Stroman vs. Big Show!!! Feel the excitement. As if THAT wasn't bad enough, you end the show with the 4 Wyatts getting their ### handed to them by 3 guys (soon to be 48 year old Glenn Jacobs, 44 year old Paul Wight, and Ryberg). :lmao: Just wonderful booking guys.  And then we get a gassed out, sweaty Paul Wight going straight to a Steve Austin podcast. And he needed to be in the main event why again? Why are 4 guys walking away from 3? 

This #### is end of WCW terrible. I hope hours 1and2 were better than what I did see in hour3. We went from Daniel Bryan overrun last week......to this. I strongly feel wrestling should be a 1 hour show in 2016. After watching only hour 3 of RAW this week, makes me wonder if this show should even be on TV at all.
I was watching the Penguins game last night and missed the start, but it began for the 486th week in a row with an in-ring promo!!!! Instead of Steph and Roman Reigns it was... *drum roll* STEPH AND DEAN AMBROSE!!!! 

The one positive is that IMO they've got a good 3-way feud between AJ, Jericho and Miz. I can't recall the last time anybody did a 3-way feud, but the dynamics going on here are pretty good.

 
I think they're using Smackdown as the "go home" show this week with Lesnar being on the show.  They were clearly just phoning that one in.  They put their best stuff at the beginning with the fatal 5-way match that was really good.  I guess maybe up against the Grammys they didn't think they would pull ratings anyway? 

I remember last year around this time they struggled to put on good shows too before a really good WrestleMania. They seem to want to save the important matches for WM, so we get even more 6 man tag type matches with various combinations than usual. 

 
I think they're using Smackdown as the "go home" show this week with Lesnar being on the show.  They were clearly just phoning that one in.  They put their best stuff at the beginning with the fatal 5-way match that was really good.  I guess maybe up against the Grammys they didn't think they would pull ratings anyway? 

I remember last year around this time they struggled to put on good shows too before a really good WrestleMania. They seem to want to save the important matches for WM, so we get even more 6 man tag type matches with various combinations than usual. 
The Big E - Mark Henry match wasn't that bad. :oldunsure:

 
I was watching the Penguins game last night and missed the start, but it began for the 486th week in a row with an in-ring promo!!!! Instead of Steph and Roman Reigns it was... *drum roll* STEPH AND DEAN AMBROSE!!!! 

The one positive is that IMO they've got a good 3-way feud between AJ, Jericho and Miz. I can't recall the last time anybody did a 3-way feud, but the dynamics going on here are pretty good.
Maybe they're pushing Miz up a bit.  He didn't exactly get squashed in that match. 

 
Jeremy said:
Maybe they're pushing Miz up a bit.  He didn't exactly get squashed in that match. 
I hope so.  They typically reward guys for taking legit injuries like when Hardcore Holly cut his back up on that table spot 'x years' ago.

 
2016 Raw closes with Kane and Big Show standing tall. :lmao:
I like Big Show and Kane.  I think it's nice of Vince to show loyalty to his guys and am glad to watch them as long as their bodies are able to go.  Watching the Wyatts have to "lift" Kane out of the hole in the ring was cringe worthy though.

 
Keith R said:
I liked it but the ending was anticlimatic.  Seemed like Big E. was calling for help for Mark while the rest of New Day celebrated.  Any injury news on Mark Henry?
They're saying a rib injury, but I haven't any details on how severe. 

 
Keith R said:
I liked it but the ending was anticlimatic.  Seemed like Big E. was calling for help for Mark while the rest of New Day celebrated.  Any injury news on Mark Henry?
The trombone was wonderful, as always.

 
I'm afraid I've got some BAD NEWS!!!  I'd normally say they dropped the ball with this guy big time but he's also always hurt so maybe he's just not made for the business. League of Nations right now is such a joke. Seriously no one gives a #### about them. I didn't even realize Barrett was already 36. Guess he was older than I thought when he was going thru the whole NXT thing.

Wade Barrett is leaving WWE soon, according to Ryan Satin over at ProWrestlingSheet.com.

Barrett recently "gave notice" to WWE and told them he won't be signing a new deal when his current contract expires around June.

As for why he's leaving - it's believed that he's simply not satisfied with his standing in the company and he's not enjoying himself anymore .

No word on what's next for him, but he's appeared in a few WWE Studios films so acting is certainly a possibility.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
I only saw the first half of Raw last night (and actually enjoyed it!); after seeing the reviews of the rest of the show, I don't think I'll go back and watch the rest. 

When does the build for Wrestlemania begin again?

 
Impact wasn't half-bad last night. The highlight for me is always...

wwe-maria-kanellis-standing.jpg


 
Shouldn't be surprising but....

- An autopsy has confirmed that Axl Rotten (real name: Brian Knighton) died as a result of an accidental drug overdose. He died on February 4 in Linthicum, MD inside a bathroom in a McDonald's and was found with drug paraphernali by his side. 

 
Another awesome episode of LU last night. Matt Stryker made an excellent point last night about the fans cheering for the style of wrestling, regardless of whether the wrestler is technico or rudo.  Regardless of what the fans think of Pentagon Jr, for example, they'll cheer his moves because the fans respect his fighting style. Then Cage - whom @Craig_MiamiFL has accurately stated wouldn't pass a wellness exam - pulled off a move (X something) that made me wince. Of all the times I've been made to cringe at how well a move was sold as being painful, it's been in LU.

ETA: I changed the text to white as apparently the spoiler tags aren't working now.

I like that Mundo took the beating from Cage after trying to jump him. The trope is that the guy who gets jumped after a match takes the beat down; it was nice to see LU flip the script on this.

Joey Ryan pouring baby oil on his chest and down his tights.  :yucky: :X  and then using a lollipop as a weapon!  :lmao:   :lmao:  

Rey Mysterio makes an appearance in a vignette talking about people trying to unite the 7 Aztec tribes. He definitely has a place in LU...a more believable place.  Just as long as they don't match him up against Mil Muertes. :oldunsure:  

They've been playing a long game on this Marty the Moth - Sexy Star angle. SS is running down a hallway scared out of her wits, the Mack comes out and sees the Moth's "sister" and the look on his face as they fade to black is priceless.

 
 
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Went to NXT: Power at the Tower in Philly last night.  Couple of thoughts:

 Bailey and Sami Zayne are flat out ready for the main roster.....Bailey especially.  Just can work the crowd like very few these days.  Zayne looks good too and I'd love to see them debut him at WM against Owens.  

Enzo and Cass got a lot of pop.....and yeah they run a schtick that Philly appreciates........but I think they could make some noise on the Main Roster with a really good opponent(New Day?) Their problem is that Cass looks very limited and slow.  I don't if they can work with him in regards to foot work......but he looks planted in concrete.  Still has the size and look that Vince likes...so maybe they'll use him sparingly.

Much like Cass.  Corbin looks slow...

Eva Marie got some of the biggest hate I've ever seen.  I don't know if it's because the crowd didn't like that she can't wrestle or because of the character.  If its the former....then she'll never be anything.

Such is the power of Vince McMahon that he could have 3 High Level former World Champions (Ares, Samoa Joe, Balor) wrestling in the minor leagues on a Thursday Night in podunk Upper Darby. That's nuts.  

Crews v. The Drifter might have been the most enjoyable match just because of the fan involvement.  I wasn't sure if they were promoting The Drifter as a heel.....but he really ran with the crowd ire for him and played it good.  Get him out of that character....and that guy might do something. 

 
Watched Lucha last night. Another decent episode. Puma/Pentagon Jr was excellent. Thought the cuts to Vampiro were great. I missed whatever was behind the Rey segment when I was watching it (just saw Tom's comment above). They've got the perfect gimmick for Joey Ryan & getting destroyed by Cage.

I still havent most of latter half of Season 1, but is Dario Cueto coming back? Really hope they bring back Konnan too somehow (think they 'killed him off'). Guy can be useful in an onscreen capacity.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Went to NXT: Power at the Tower in Philly last night.  Couple of thoughts:

 Bailey and Sami Zayne are flat out ready for the main roster.....Bailey especially.  Just can work the crowd like very few these days.  Zayne looks good too and I'd love to see them debut him at WM against Owens.  

Enzo and Cass got a lot of pop.....and yeah they run a schtick that Philly appreciates........but I think they could make some noise on the Main Roster with a really good opponent(New Day?) Their problem is that Cass looks very limited and slow.  I don't if they can work with him in regards to foot work......but he looks planted in concrete.  Still has the size and look that Vince likes...so maybe they'll use him sparingly.

Much like Cass.  Corbin looks slow...

Eva Marie got some of the biggest hate I've ever seen.  I don't know if it's because the crowd didn't like that she can't wrestle or because of the character.  If its the former....then she'll never be anything.

Such is the power of Vince McMahon that he could have 3 High Level former World Champions (Ares, Samoa Joe, Balor) wrestling in the minor leagues on a Thursday Night in podunk Upper Darby. That's nuts.  

Crews v. The Drifter might have been the most enjoyable match just because of the fan involvement.  I wasn't sure if they were promoting The Drifter as a heel.....but he really ran with the crowd ire for him and played it good.  Get him out of that character....and that guy might do something. 


I had a chance to go a while back and it was much the same.  Could not believe the heat Eva Marie had.  Nobody else came even close.  Is that a Total Divas thing?

Corbin had a nice match when I went, but it was against Crews.  Came away really impressed with Crews.  My kids loved Enzo and Cass. 

On the subject of call-ups I think after WrestleMania they typically bring some people up.  They have to bring up Bayley.  She's an ATM if she can get over like she is in NXT.  The merch will fly off the shelves.  It seems like Becky Lynch is having trouble finding friends she can trust, so maybe that's the role for Bayley. 

Balor isn't getting any younger, so sooner rather than later for him too.  I wonder if he will translate to the main roster.  He seems ideally suited to be the top guy in a smaller promotion, like he is now.  I think Zayne could be big on the main roster.  He's got that "can't help but smile when his music hits" thing going. 

 
Shouldn't be surprising but....

- An autopsy has confirmed that Axl Rotten (real name: Brian Knighton) died as a result of an accidental drug overdose. He died on February 4 in Linthicum, MD inside a bathroom in a McDonald's and was found with drug paraphernali by his side. 
It's to the point (and has been for a while) that in this business I'm always more shocked when guys die from natural causes.

 
Looking over the card for tomorrow, besides Brock actually wrestling, this is a routine Raw. We've already seen every match multiple times. WTF are they doing???

 
Looking over the card for tomorrow, besides Brock actually wrestling, this is a routine Raw. We've already seen every match multiple times. WTF are they doing???
Yeah, this is really a 1 match PPV.  Saving the big stuff for WM, I guess.  

 
Looking over the card for tomorrow, besides Brock actually wrestling, this is a routine Raw. We've already seen every match multiple times. WTF are they doing???
Maybe we need to dial back on the number of PPVs. Just a wild thought.

 
Looking over the card for tomorrow, besides Brock actually wrestling, this is a routine Raw. We've already seen every match multiple times. WTF are they doing???
I'm looking forward to charlotte and brie.   I don't think I've ever said that about a woman's match.

 
Brie's terrible. Those twins made a lot of money on no talent. They've never once been over (and why they've switched face/heel every other week). Good riddance.

BRIE MODE = PEE MODE for anyone watching. Her thinking anyone gives 2 ####s about her retirement when they haven't gave a damn about her once in her 10 (?) year WWE career :lol: . Just leave already and have kids, whatever. Good luck

Have her give her retirement speech at the end of Raw like Daniel Bryan. Crowd would cheer and chant to leave. YES!! YES!! YES!!!

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Brie's terrible. Those twins made a lot of money on no talent. They've never once been over (and why they've switched face/heel every other week). Good riddance.

BRIE MODE = PEE MODE for anyone watching. Her thinking anyone gives 2 ####s about her retirement when they haven't gave a damn about her once in her 10 (?) year WWE career :lol: . Just leave already and have kids, whatever. Good luck

Have her give her retirement speech at the end of Raw like Daniel Bryan. Crowd would cheer and chant to leave. YES!! YES!! YES!!!
I agree on the whole, was long term anti bella, but I don't know if you saw the sit down interview Brie did and the go home promo this week.  I'm not expecting Flair-Steamboat, but good fire and honestly don't know who is going to win.  If Bryan comes out, it could be an emotional moment.  I can see her winning and dropping the belt at Mania which wouldn't really be bad, really turn the page on a new generation of "DIVAS" by giving someone a wrestlemania moment.

 
It's think it's pretty close to a lock that Charlotte is going over on Brie.  The money match at WrestleMania on the women's side is Charlotte vs Sasha.  They're not going to have Charlotte lose before that.  But Brie gets one last moment in the spotlight, which is nice.  

 
It's think it's pretty close to a lock that Charlotte is going over on Brie.  The money match at WrestleMania on the women's side is Charlotte vs Sasha.  They're not going to have Charlotte lose before that.  But Brie gets one last moment in the spotlight, which is nice.  
I wouldn't be surprised if we got Charlotte v Sasha v Becky at Mania. Why else go through the motions of pairing Sasha and Becky at tonight's PPV?

 
You're probably right.  Either way Brie isn't part of the plans.  
I'm not so sure... in a card lacking star power, its a chance to inject some into Mania to have Bryan in there.  

Hearing Charlotte on the flair podcast, the notion of a "wrestlemania moment" is very much on her mind... talking about getting a robe made, etc.  

To me, the notion of Charlotte going over, defending or winning the belt, celebrating with Flair.  

And if you book it as a title vs. career thing, you get another wrestlemania moment of Brie and Bryan riding off into the sunset.

 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top