Archive for THIS WEEK IN WRESTLING
Captain Lou Albano Dies At 76
Posted by: | CommentsWESTCHESTER, N.Y. — The charasmatic former professional wrestler and manager Lou (Captain Lou) Albano died early on the morning of Wednesday 14 Oct 09 at his home in Carmel, NY.
Albano was 76 and suffered a series of health complications in recent years. He passed away at approximately 3:30 a.m., surrounded by his wife Geraldine and his family. He’s been married for 56 years.
The popular “Captain Lou” began his career in pro wrestling in 1953. He rose to international fame, mostly as a manager, with the World Wrestling Federation (World Wrestling Entertainment). He was in the first Wrestlemania at Madison Square Garden in 1986 and was inducted into the WWF Hall of Fame in 1996.
Albano paired with Cyndi Lauper in the 1980s. His role was appearing as her father in her “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” video. He later became her manager. He appeared all over film & television and was the voice and character of the first Super Mario Bros. cartoon and show!
The showman, sported a long beard and rubber bands all over his face. If you’ve got ESPN classic, you’ve got to check out the Cowboy Bill Watts’ UWF replays. At times, there are episodes where he does commentary and it’s great. He also manages and has his own interview segment. Always entertaining stuff.
“He was very gentle, giving and religious,” said his younger brother George Albano, who is a school principal. “He always carried rosary beads in his pocket.”
WWE Raw Recap - 12 OCT 09
Posted by: | CommentsThe Wrestling Page RAW Report - 12 October 09
Raw is Triple H began with Chris Jericho announcing a 7 on 7 Raw vs. Smackdown match at WWE Bragging Rights. Jericho announced that as captain of Smackdown, he will select people who will defeat Raw on the big PPV. At that point one of the guest Access Hollywood people cut Jericho off and said that Raw begins today with DX and not Jericho.
HHH came out by his lonesome saying that Michaels was home. So, he decided to call him live on the air. After Michaels said that he just read a story to his daughter, Triple H asked if it was the new DX book that Michaels read. Of course, Michaels buried the book saying that he wouldn’t read that piece of trash to her. Well, I wasn’t going to buy the book, anyway. So, after that, the phone call conluded as Jericho & Big Show joined the party.
Jericho came out and said that Big Show will be joining him on Smackdown because he said so. Triple H then said then that makes Jericho the pitcher and Big Show the catcher. Is this the “family friendly” show that the McMahons have been talking about lately? Big Show said that he actually carries the team. So they starting arguing and Big Show said he’s changed his mind and will join Triple H on the RAW team.
Triple H acted pleased, then said there were no more spaces for Big Show. Triple H then said that they would have to fight it out right here on RAW - and Big Show would EARN his spot on RAW.
Big Show vs. Chris Jericho
Big Show defeated Chris Jericho by count out. They argued after the match. It’s too early to break them up. This probably means that that Big Show shall be turning on the RAW guys.
We go to the back and the “special guest correspondent” from Access Hollywood interviews Cody Runnels & Ted Dibiase Jr. They said that they should be on team RAW for WWE Bragging rights. To that, they replied that they’re going to have to earn their spot by facing John Cena in a 3-way dance. She was alot better then some of the ladies they have doing interviews now.
Jillian Hall vs. Mickie James
Jillian hit an ugly looking power bomb with her feet on the ropes to win the Woman’s title.
After Jillian celebrating by singing, one of the Access Hollywood women appeared on the screen and said that she just made a major divas trade. After pausing for a moment of silence via non-existant cheers, she announced Melina as being the new Raw signing. She got a nice pop coming out and defeated Jillian in about 3 minutes. Did I just hear myself say - 3 minutes?
Snoop Dog will be the guest host of RAW next week. Quick, somebody call RVD. We go to the back where Hornswoggle walked in on Triple H talking to Shawn Michaels. Michaels’ music started to play we now see Hornswoggle dressed up and dancing ala Shawn Michaels. Triple H urged the showstopper not to look on TV to see what was going on. So of course, he looked on TV to see what was going on and freaked out. Hornswoggle then attacked a carboard cut out of Michaels. Yep. This was as dumb as it sounds.
We now go to Beth Phoenix in the back as she’s angry about being traded. She’s yelling at one of the guest hosts. Santino then appeared out of nowhere and suggested that one of the women face Phoenix tonight! The guest woman was less then thrilled.
Cody Runnels won a 3 way of Ted Dibiase Jr. & John Cena when he rolled up Cena after an Orton distraction. Dibiase Jr. was less than thrilled about Cody’s move. Good match. So now we know that The raw team for Bragging Rights is Triple H, Shawn Michaels, The Big Show, Cody Runnels, Jack Swagger, Kofi Kingston the Jamiacian from Ghana, Africa and the winner of the Mark Henry vs. Chris Masters winner from WWE Superstars.
Backstage, Legacy argued amongst each other. Orton said that he had everything under control and that in the main event match where he joins with John Cena to go against Runnels & Dibiase Jr., he won’t tag in. Next Chavo Guerrero was complaining to Triple H about not being in a Bragging Rights qualifier. As a result, Triple H decided to have one of the guest host women kick him. Ok, then. I wonder if the WWE writers know that Chavo can actually wrestle?
Kelly kelly, Gail Kim & Guest Host Woman vs. Beth Phoenix, Rosa Mendes & Alicia Fox
The faces won. I really wish they’d get rid of this division. There’s some horrific wrestling in the Woman’s division.
The Miz came out and did a promo on John Morrison, your Intercontinental Champion. The crowd screamed along with his “I’m Awesome” line - so he’s starting to get over.
Ted Dibiase Jr. & Cody Runnels defeated Randy Orton & John Cena.
As Orton promised, he tried not to tag in, but get got tagged in when he turned his back on Cena. Runnels and Dibiase went for a few roll-ups on Orton when this happened. Orton tagged back out, but then tagged back in when Cena nailed Dibiase Jr. with a Cena slam and a five knuckle shuffle. He attacked Cena, which allowed Dibiase to roll up Orton for the pin. Cena gave Orton and FU afterwoods.
Raw is over.
TNA Releases Jim Cornette
Posted by: | CommentsTNA recently released Jim Cornette. Cornette was an agent as television. This move, looks to be another move in removing everyone who is close to Jeff Jarrett.
If you don’t know, Jeff Jarrett and Kurt Angle have butted heads in a big way in TNA. As a result Jeff Jarrett was removed as Vice President of TNA Entertainment, or at least the lessening of his influence within the company. Jeff and his father, Jerry Jarrett founded TNA back in May of 2002.
Also, there’s been a big push from the head of TNA Dixie Carter for a change in direction after relying on the guys from the 1980s has not lead to a significant increase in TV ratings (though TV has been much better in recent weeks).
In tribute to Jim Cornette here is a classic promo from WCW. Followed by another 1993 promo for his very own Smokey Mountain Wrestling. He’s a great treasure - hopefully he will end up as colour commentator for WWE!
WWE Breaking Point 2009 Results
Posted by: | CommentsWWE Breaking Point 2009 Results
(Tag Team Championship) Marc Henry & MVP vs. Big Show & Big Jericho (Champions)
Great hot Montreal crowd starts off with a “Let’s Go Big Show”. This is why I love Canadian crowds. The crowd here pretty much seemed to be behind the heels. No matter how much the WWE tries to get the Canadian crowd to boo Jericho, it just never works on a consistent basis. I would say it’s 70% 30% - in favour of Jericho/Big Show. Marc Henry countered the code breaker. The match came to an end when Marc Henry got knocked out.**1/4
US Title Match: Kofi Kingston vs. The Miz
Good match, even though the U.S. Title means nothing these days. Jerry Lawler got a little annoyed at Michael Cole correcting him, saying a few minutes into the match “You’ve been correcting me alot here tonight, Michael Cole….stop correcting me, even when I’m wrong” Kofi won the match and retains his title in a fairly strong match. **1/2
DX (Triple H & Michael Hickenbottom) vs. Legacy (Ted Dibiase Jr. & Cody Runnels)
I just love to call Shawn Michaels by his awkward sounding real name, Michael Hickenbottom. Triple H took the mic said that he wasn’t responsible for what happen to Bret Hart in Montreal in 1997. 1997! 1997! It is 2009, Vince - LET IT GO! Just a taste of things to come. However, the crowd did start a ‘You Screwed Bret’ chant. After that, they asked everyone to suck it. How nice. Crowd started singing “Ole” after a double figure four spot in the crowd. They went to the concessions in the back and brawled all over the place. Triple H took on both members of Legacy while Shawn Michaels was hurt near ringside. Triple H put Cody through a table. Back in the ring, Michaels looked like he was going for the sharpshooter - of course - but eventually locked in the figure four. Minutes later, Shawn Michaels taps out to a double submission - Runnels with the ringpost figure 4 WHILE Dibiase Jr. has the Million dollar dream at the same time! Excellent spot. More symbolism of 1997 with the Bret Hart figure four on the post spot. It looks like they’re trying to elevate legacy - I think they deserve it and can pull it off. Hopefully, both Runnels and Dibase Jr should be to main event status by years and - by Wrestlemania is the definite plan. Entertaining match. ***
We go to the back where Randy Orton is having a creepy interview with Josh Matthew. He tells Josh Matthews how he’s going to make John Cena say I quit.
Kane vs. Great Khali
We start off with dueling canes. Ladies and gentlemen, the WWE’s most over played match has just arrived on PPV’s. Boring chants right away and throughout, no matter how many cane shots they trade. Kane won with a chokeslam after about 8 minutes. Even so, this match went about 6 minutes too long. Just let Khali go. There’s nothing he can do to help TNA. *
We now go to the back for a backstage interview with WWE World Champion CM Punk. Punk actually ran down Jeff Hardy for having his mugshot all over the news. If you don’t know, Jeff Hardy was recently arrested for having a plethora of drugs in his possession. The lights suddenly went out - it’s…it’s…Jimmy Wang Yang! Wang Yang was stomped out by Punk for scaring him. You can see CM Punk’s Promo right here. It’s the Wrestling Page’s Promo Of The Week.
ECW Championship - Lord Steven Regal vs. Christian ( Champion)
The referee declared that Ezekiel Jackson & Vladimir Kozlov are banned from ringside. Matt Stryker states that the last time a major WWE title has changed hands was in 1997 when Shawn Michaels beat Bret Hart. Does he think the ECW title is a ‘major’ championship? Anyway, it was clear from this point a screw job was happening on this card. They should’ve just had Bret Hart come out and do a promo for the finishing touch. Christian won cleanly with his finisher Killswitch Engage in an absolutely excellent match. ***
Pat Patterson came out and talked in French about how he’s proud to be the first ever WWE Intercontinental Champion. He is interrupted by Dolph Ziggler. Pat Patterson said that Dolph Ziggler will never guess who asked about him whilst in Montreal. NO ONE! That got a nice laugh. Dolph Ziggler ran of a bunch of unmemorable one-liners on Pat. Ziggler said that the WWE was turning into a senior citizens home now because of Bob Barker and Pat Patterson. He then sucker punched Pat. John Morrison came out for the save and raised Patterson’s hand. I guess this was supposed to fill the slot of their actual match that was originally planned? I guess?
WWE championship - John Cena vs. (Champion) Randy Orton
Good match here. The story of this match was Cena taking in alot of punishment and being able to pull it out in the end like the real American hero that he is. Orton hit Cena with a monitor. Randy Orton handcuffs Cena to the ropes. Here’s where that heroic story of John Cena began. After 10 min of takigng abuse, Cena was finally was able to kick Orton, get the uncuffs off the ropes take the key and cuff himself to Orton for a nice pop. Few minutes later, with both man handcuffed in the ring, Orton gets an RKO on Cena, but is unable to pin him. After minutes of struggling to get the key, Orton fails after Cena pulls him away and gets him with an STFU for the submission. Cena wins! Cena Wins! Cena wins!***1/4
CM Punk vs. The Undertaker
Jim Ross pulled out the line about CM Punk where has the whole “I’m Better Than You” attitude. Actually, that’s a quote straight from McMahon a few years ago about CM Punk to Paul Heyman. McMahon always believed that CM Punk should be a heel because, since he’s straight edge, he seems to think that he’s “better than everyone else”. Vince is right on that. The heel CM Punk has really taken off in more ways than the ‘face’ CM Punk ever did. Undertaker beat CM Punk with the go-go platter. After the “victory” WWE Smackdown general manager Teddy Long came out and said that since that move was banned from the WWE, the decision did not stand and the match would be restarted. So that they did. CM Punk then got his finisher on the Undertaker. Then, in 1997 fashion, the referee called a ‘quick’ submission before Undertaker actually submitted. CM Punk won with a screw job finish (as predicted here). Jim Ross stressed that the Undertaker NEVER submitted as the Pay Per View went off the air. The ol’ montreal screwjob.
I may be jumping the gun here at something that may not even happen, but I’d LOVE to see a heel Teddy Long as general manager. Did you know that heel Teddy Long once managed Steve Austin & The Undertaker in WCW’s early days.
Are you happy that CENA won? Happy that CM Punk won? Remember to register to the Wrestling Page Roster to win the best of Smackdown & Rise & Fall Of WCW DVDs, more prizes, exclusive PPV streams and more!
This Week In Wrestling - The Rise & Fall Of WCW
Posted by: | CommentsWhat a week in wrestling it’s been. Where do I begin?
RAW, Dusty Rhodes, DX & The Shockmaster
We begin with RAW, guest hosted by The American Dream Dusty Rhodes. All in all it was a very entertaining RAW - more entertaining, of course, if you’ve gotten the referances made during the DX-Dusty Rhodes backstage skits about the WCW DVD. Since most of that material was written for less than 5% of the audience, let me shed a little light. But before I do, remember to register and join the Wrestling Page Roster to be automatically put into a drawing to win the “Rise & Fall Of WCW” DVD.
Ok, remember the skit where Triple H talked about “The Shockmaster” angle in WCW? The original angle occured in WCW during a segment on the show “A Flair For The Gold” well over 15 years ago. It was hosted by Ric Flair who was the top face at the time. It featured the debut of “The Shockmaster”, who was supposed to come crashing through the wall and scare the living daylights out of the heels. This, of course was Dusty Rhodes’ brainchild - he was a WCW booker at the time. However, the Shockmaster came crashing through the wall in his debut, tripped, fell, his helmet fell off and well - yes, it looked as rediculous as it sounds. The Shock Master was supposed to be this monster heel Dusty was going to headline with, and after he fell through the wall, it was all done. Here’s the complete segment.
The spoofed moment occurs at 3:28. Back when this occured it was Ole Anderson who was doing the voice. That’s why WWE had Arn Anderson “spotted” as doing the voice during the RAW spoof. Ole Anderson was part of the original Four Horsemen,with Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, and manager James J. Dillon.
The WWE Spoof:
Triple H also asked Dusty Rhodes who’s idea was it in WCW to take a “no name, no talent bum like Marc Mero”, dress him up like Little Richard & call him Johnny B. Bad. It was Dusty’s idea, so he took credit for it. Of course, again, I’m sure no more than 5% of the fans know who Marc Mero is. Mero made some comments against the WWE during the wake of the Chris Benoit situation - as you can see, they are not over it. 
Why is Chavo Guerrero A Comedy Wrestler?
We saw Chavo Guerrero battle Hornswoggle in another stupid gimmick match. Why!? Guerrero is one of the best wrestlers in the world - there’s no reason why he should be wrestling a midget! He should be wrestling guys like Evan Bourne, John Morrison, Kofi Kingston, CM Punk, and other GOOD workers. THIS is what the lack of competition (WCW) does - it allows WWE to get stupid, at times. Well, alot of times.
Jeff Hardy / Matt Hardy
Jeff Hardy said his final farewell LAST week on Smackdown. Yes, it’s true, oh it’s true. Jeff Hardy leaves the WWE. He’s off to get started on his reality show project. Hardy has become such a big star that he is charging $15,000 per appearance that he does while he is off from the WWE. This week, it was Matt Hardy returning to avenge his brother. Hardy looked a bit out of shape as he recently recovered from a medical procedure. But he had to come back and make up with his brother, make amends and fill the void before Jeff rode off into the sunset.
CM Punk & The Undertaker
I can’t wait for the match at Breaking Point between CM Punk & The Undertaker. I hope CM Punk holds on. He’s been one of the best, freshest and most intense WWE Champions of recent memories. His promos are spot on and he really knows how to draw heat. What a turn around from 2-3 years ago when CM Punk was in the WWE backstage dog-house and not getting a push. I think alot had to do with the fact that Paul Heyman was a big supporter of Punk - and well, Heyman and Vince McMahon didn’t exactly get along. McMahon, even during Punk’s early WWE days (when he was a face and Heyman’s pet project) always seemed to envision Punk being a heel. McMahon always thought that Punk should be a heel since he’s straight edge. He saw being straight edge as a quality of those who think that they’re “better than everyone else”. It looks like that manifestation is coming through rather effectively. CM Punk is featured in our PROMO OF THE WEEK, this week.
The Abraham Washington Show on ECW
I love the Abraham Washington Show, but I think I’m the only one. They’ve added Tony Atlas as the late night talk show “sidekick” who just laughs. It was funny, but the live crowds still hate it. They had “reporter” Gregory Helms on the show denying that he is Hurricane Helms. So we have Abraham Washington spoofing an 80/90s talk show host in Arsenio Hall, Atlas spoofing Ed McMahon and Gregory Helms doing the Clark Kent bit from the 80s. I think we can tell what era the WWE producers all grew up in. Washington even went on to say what a better talk show host he was then Arsenio Hall. Again, even though they were in Hall’s hometown for ECW, I doubt 80% of the crowd knew (or care) about Arsenio Hall.
Taz in TNA Wrestling
Taz has resurfaced in TNA wrestling. At first, he showed up as the mananger/mentor of Samoa Joe. Now he’s the colour commentator for TNA Impact. Taz has told his friends that he’s enjoying working for TNA much better than WWE. Less pressure, less hectic road schedule - and of course, as everyone who’s been an announcer says, no Vince McMahon screaming in their headsets when they say something VKM doesn’t like. This move, spearheaded by TNA head Dixie Carter, has been second guessed by many within the company since Don West was a mighty fine colour commentator since TNA’s inception. I, too, miss Mr. West’s 100 mile a minute pace and he was pretty damn funny. Taz did well and is also enjoyable. Hopefully we’ll see a better Taz on colour without the “Vince McMahon in his ear” thing holding him back from saying what he wants.
What To Look For…
Here’s what we have to look forward to this week. Bob Barker as host of RAW. Oh boy. No, no - Oh joy. This is going to be GREAT. I think that Mae Young could take more bumps than Barker. DX is always fun to watch. Even though they’re nothing compared to the PG-13 rated DX of the ’90s. I’m Mean Mike The Spike signing off until next time: Remember you’d better watch out, because the spike is agonna get ya! Whooooooooooo!!
I leave you with this from the Attitude Era DX. You know when they cursed, and stuff. Listen to this crowd!
