As I See It - June 25, 2009
Hello and welcome to the return of the highly acclaimed As I See It series. It may only be highly acclaimed in my own mind but that’s neither here nor there because this marks a significant part of Pinfall Recall history. As we edge ever closer to the fourth anniversary of the creation of Pinfall Recall, I am pleased to return to your computer screens with my thoughts on the world of professional wrestling and, what’s more, I’m pleased to once again improve your lives by giving you something to read that can only be described as simply ‘Genius’.
Since Pinfall Recall began this journey about 4 years ago, we’ve all had to endure some pretty horrendous wrestling from WWE and TNA alike. However, I think there are definite signs that we are finally being rewarded for the years of disillusion as the WWE product at this point is pretty damn good. Well, to be honest, Raw is still quite terrible on most occasions but I really can’t speak highly enough of the other 3 shows that WWE puts out on a weekly basis. Smackdown really demonstrates some of the best wrestling programming that I personally have seen in quite a long time to be honest with you. ECW consistently puts out a solid hour of TV each week and the last episode of Superstars that I caught had John Morrison and Chris Jericho tear down the house.
Now whilst we’re finally being repaid for our years of loyalty to the product, the powers that be may not be so pleased as the sheer awesomeness of the aforementioned television shows is not portrayed in the slightest when it comes to the ever important ratings. And it is that fact alone that leaves me with a bit of trepidation going forward as I’m concerned that these really good shows will not be given the time to blossom before some change is inevitable. But for the time being, wrestling fans all over the World should join me in taking pleasure in the extremely high quality of the perceived “B” shows.
Now whether it’s down to the intriguing direction CM Punk is going or the great matches put on each and every week by the mid and upper card respectively, Friday Night Smackdown has been a joy to watch every week for quite some time now. I think it’s no real coincidence that the shows that have blossomed have been the shows that were left to their own creative devices without any array of McMahon influence. Touching back to the point I made a little earlier and with the under-performance in the ratings department, I am a little concerned that big ol’ Vinnie will feel the need to get involved and give it that extra special touch we all know and love…and by ‘love’ I of course mean ‘absolutely despise’. But that’s not something I want to delve too deeply into at this stage as, for the moment at least, we’re being treated to some damn good television.
Whilst on the subject of ratings, I wanted to take full advantage and take a cheap shot at TNA. That being the fact that WWE Superstars airs on the same night (albeit an hour earlier) to a fraction of the potential viewers that TNA iMPACT! reaches yet is only a 0.1 or 0.2 down in the ratings on a weekly basis. I don’t hate TNA by all means but facts like that should be made fun of, simple as that.
So what I’m getting at with this is that it is your duty as a fan of great wrestling that you watch Smackdown each and every week to show the powers that be within WWE that it is this type of show that we wrestling fans like to see. And I’m 100% confident that if you do watch the so called “B shows” (Smackdown in particular) then you will agree with me implicitly. In the past I’ve been first in line to take shots at WWE and I think that it should be noted and appreciated when they outperform the relatively low expectations that I have for their creative team.
I touched earlier on the direction that CM Punk is taking, which is another big factor that is keeping me drawn to Friday Night Smackdown each and every week. They’ve not turned him full on heel, they’ve kind of just let him linger and I really think that Punk is one of the few guys that can pull this off.
I really do think that the direction they are taking CM Punk has been quite genius in execution thus far. I’ve heard in some pockets of the IWC that Punk should attack Hardy for having a past riddled with drug problems whilst he has reached the top by completely clean and “straight edge”. In my opinion, this would be the wrong way to proceed. Don’t get me wrong, it would definitely add an intriguing aspect to the storyline but in it’s current form I think it would be detrimental to the progress Hardy has made to step up to the main event level. To focus solely on the somewhat shady and questionable past of our supposed hero would be a quite absurd thing to do in my opinion. Let alone the impact that it could have with regards the views of the parents of the WWE Universe by highlighting the drug addicted past of their youngster’s idol. What it boils down to is the fact that they haven’t put all their eggs in one basket by turning Punk heel straight away, they’re letting the crowd make their own minds up on him and to me that’s the best way to handle him. My only hope now is that they can give him some good storylines going forward to keep him at the top of the card and a fresh heel run may eventually the way to go with him.
Changing tact a little bit, has there ever been a bigger waste of our time than the Donald Trump storyline that lasted 7 whole days? I certainly can’t think of any in recent memory. I cannot see how that enhanced the product in any way shape or form. The whole thing was stupid and it actually resulted in them losing money as some retarded shareholders actually believed this shit to be real. I must admit, I’m not sure how I’d progress with Raw in terms of the management/authority figure but surely there was a more logical way than what we saw with this Trump fiasco. If, as rumoured, Ric Flair is to be the new general manager of Raw then I do not see the problem in having the Trump angle run a little longer but have Flair running the show for him and Donny would be seen rarely, if ever. I would much rather have seen something like that happen than what we were indeed treated to.
As it pertains to this Sunday’s ridiculously named Pay-Per-View “The Bash”, I think it has to the potential to be a fairly interesting show. Either way, it’s free to air in the UK on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports HD1 so I’m not fussed one way or the other. There’s definitely a few matches in there that I’m down for…and there’s the added bonus that as it stands three days away from the PPV, there is no Big Show to be seen on the card! I’m interested in seeing The Miz against Cena, purely as a result of the long (by today’s standards) drawn out development of this angle. The Tag Title match with Legacy against Carlito and Primo should be another exceptional contest in my eyes, especially since the Colons are easily one of the best teams I’ve seen in quite a while. So with a fairly stacked mid-card and a couple good main event matches on the card hopefully this year’s Bash will not be the joke that it has been in pretty much every year that the WWE has promoted the show.
So that’s that ladies and gents, the returning column from yours truly is in the books. I hope you’ve enjoyed what you’ve read and by all means get in touch either by commenting on the blog or posting on the forums or even sending me an e-mail at AK@pinfallrecall.com.
Thank you for reading and may the next week of wrestling viewing be a happy one!
-Andrew Kearney
Wrestling Podcast Episode 171: The RAWcast is ALWAYS Commercial Free
Hey everyone!
Too bad The Donald couldn’t hold up some good shit for us on this “No-Chance-For-A-Potty-Break” episode of Monday Night RAW, but JG and CK are here to rattle your minds as we discuss what had potential to be one of the best RAWs of the year, and undoubtedly ended up being one of the worst. Have thoughts or opinions? Feel free to share those on our forums. Also, do yourself a favor and subscribe to our show in iTunes via the link below!
Wrestling Podcast Episode 171: The RAWcast is ALWAYS Commercial Free [54:05m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
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Wrestling News Digest 5/11/09: Youth movement may hit WWE announcing, Retired superstar heads to ROH, Bret Hart and Torrie Wilson interviews, and more
WWE
WWE announcers could be getting younger soon
- With the recent addition of younger faces on the WWE television announce team, a lot of talk has come of the future of WWE announcing in the next generation.
The feeling is Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler are seen as stars and are getting up there in age, while the younger guys like Michael Cole, Todd Grisham, Josh Matthews and Matt Striker are “colorless” and “faceless” entities that simply put over the action that takes place on television broadcasts.
Vince McMahon in general likes the idea of his announcers not being the stars and being guys who just put over what is created by the writing team.
Credit: wrestlezone.com
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Melina sick, CM Punk to throw out first pitch at Cubs game, JBL twitters
- Melina has been off the road due to strep throat.
- CM Punk will be throwing out the first pitch of the 5/15 Chicago Cubs vs. Houston Astros game.
- JBL now has a twitter page up here.
Credit: 411mania.com
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ROH
ROH brings back retired superstar
- Ring of Honor has announced that Lance Storm will be coming out of retirement to wrestle for the company on their July 24 & 25 cards in Toronto.
Credit: wrestlezone.com
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Other
Bret Hart and Torrie Wilson interviews
- The Miami Herald has an interview up with Bret Hart where he talks about the anniversary of Owen Hart’s death, his upcoming ROH appearance, why he doesn’t think he’d fit in with TNA, and more. Check out the interview here.
- AOL Fanhouse has an interview up with Torrie Wilson. In the interview, she talks about the Al Wilson storyline, her experiences with Vince McMahon, kissing Vince with Linda watching, and more. Check out the full interview here.
Credit: 411maina.com
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That’s all for today’s Wrestling News Digest. Be sure to come back tomorrow for another easy to digest batch! Or, subscribe to our blog feed to get the latest Wrestling News, as well as our columns and podcasts, delivered right to your favorite feedreader. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact the Pinfall Recall team on the forums or by emailing them directly through the links below.
Cliff Karklin (CK) - CK@PinfallRecall.com
Joshua George (JG) - JG@PinfallRecall.com
Robby Boydstun (RDB) - RDB@PinfallRecall.com
Milo Taibi (Milo) - Milo@PinfallRecall.com
Wrestling Podcast Episode 165: The RAWcast Drafts a Bloody Nose
Wrestling Podcast Episode 165: The RAWcast Drafts a Bloody Nose [42:20m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | DownloadJoin CK and JG with special guest ED as we talk about the WWE draft and how they feel about it. Of course, you’re still getting “The Best Wrestling You’ve Ever Heard”, so why the hell would you bother going anywhere else. This is your one-stop awesome shop. Listen up!
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Wrestling News Digest 4/1/09: Happy April Fool’s Day! Inside we have who will induct Steve Austin into the HOF, Why Tazz left, and Triple H’s workout routine
WWE
The Chairman will induct the Rattlesnake
- It was announced during ECW on Sci-Fi that Vince McMahon would induct Steve Austin into the WWE Hall of Fame.
- Saturday night, WWE.com will stream live coverage of the event, starting at 7PM ET.
- The USA Network will air the one-hour special, which will include the Steve Austin induction, Saturday night, April 4th at 10PM ET.
- There will be a replay on the USA Network at 1AM on Sunday April 5th.
- The Score in Canada will air the event at 5PM ET on April 5th.
Credit: 411mania.com
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More details regarding Tazz leaving WWE
- According to PWinsider.com, Tazz gave his notice a few weeks ago, stating that he needed to “recharge his batteries,” and wanted to leave the right way. Last night he said good-bye to Shane and Stephanie McMahon, but is not known if he had a final meeting with Vince McMahon.
Tazz’s contract does expire at the end of the day, and he was not released. He also offered to work WrestleMania, as he didn’t want to leave the company in a bad situation.
Credit: 411mania.com
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Greatest Superstars of the 1990’s DVD details
- World Wrestling Entertainment’s next DVD release will be the Greatest Stars of the 1990’s. The DVD focuses on WCW and WWF/WWE talents from that era and will be hosted by former ECW champion Tazz in what will be his “final” WWE project :
DISC ONE
Tazz - Introduction
Shawn Michaels
From the Smallest Champion to the Largest
Yokozuna
Samoan Culture
The Rock
Drawing the Casual Fan
Women of the 90s
Tough and Sexy
Kevin Nash
Battle for Superstardom
Owen Hart
Fun Filled Memories
Ric Flair
Infamous Figure
Mick Foley
The Quest for Success
Not So Great Stars of the 90s
The Reinvention
Hulk Hogan
Attitude and Controversy
Triple H
Technical Savvy
Bret Hart
Pop Culture Phenomenon
Vince McMahon / Eric Bischoff / Paul Heyman
The Total Package
Lex Luger
The IT Factor
Sting
The Bad Guy
Razor Ramon
Respect
The Undertaker
A Rebel
Stone Cold Steve Austin
Tazz - Close
Extras
• Razor Ramon – Restaurant Vignette
July 11, 1992
• The Undertaker Builds a Coffin for Yokozuna
December 1993
• Bret Hart – New Generation Vignette
July 1994
• Owen Hart Inside a Steel Cage
August 20, 1994
• Shawn Michaels Press Conference Before WrestleMania XI
February 28, 1995
• Hunter Hearst Helmsley - “Riff Raff”
April 15, 1995
• Mankind – “And God Created Mankind”
January 6, 1996
• Scott Hall & Kevin Nash N.W.O. Vignette
August 19, 1996
• The Hart Foundation Reunites
March 31, 1997
• D-Generation X Reenacts the Montreal Incident
November 24, 1997
• The Rock Reads Steve Austin’s Eulogy
April 19, 1999
• Steve Austin remembers the Shockmaster
DISC TWO
Ric Flair vs. Hulk Hogan
Madison Square Garden - November 30, 1991
WWE Championship Match
Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels
Survivor Series - November 25, 1992
WWE Championship Match
Hulk Hogan vs. Yokozuna
King of the Ring - June 13, 1993
Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart
WrestleMania X - March 20, 1994
Intercontinental Championship Match
Diesel vs. Razor Ramon
Superstars – April 13, 1994
International World Heavyweight Championship Match
Sting vs. Vader
Slamboree – May 22, 1994
WWE Championship Match
Bret Hart vs. Diesel
Royal Rumble – January 22, 1995
WWE Women’s Championship Match
Alundra Blayze vs. Bull Nakano
Monday Night Raw – April 3, 1995
DISC THREE
Triple Header Match
Shawn Michaels & Diesel vs. Yokozuna & British Bulldog
In Your House – September 24, 1995
#1 Contender Match
Owen Hart vs. Shawn Michaels
In Your House – February 18, 1996
WWE Championship Match
Shawn Michaels vs. Vader
SummerSlam – August 18, 1996
Steel Cage Match
Mankind vs. Hunter Hearst Helmsley
SummerSlam – August 3, 1997
WCW Championship Match
Lex Luger vs. Hulk Hogan
Monday Nitro – August 4, 1997
WWE Championship Match
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. The Undertaker
SummerSlam – August 30, 1998
United States Championship Match
Sting vs. Bret Hart
Halloween Havoc – October 25, 1998
Strap Match
Triple H vs. The Rock
Fully Loaded – July 25, 1999
Credit: PWinsider.com
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Another diva in the WrestleMania battle royal, Triple H bodybuilding interview, WM economic impact
- According to PWinsider.com, Jackie Gayda-Haas will be a part of the Miss WrestleMania battle royal this Sunday.
- Triple H talks in detail about bodybuilding and his daily diet in an interview with RX Muscle. Check out the article here.
- Chron.com has an article up on the economic impact that WrestleMania will have on Houston. Check out the article here.
Credit: 411mania.com
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ROH
Scheduled Ring of Honor TV main events for next taping
- The updated list of TV main events for the next round of ROH on HD Net TV Tapings at the ECW Arena in Philadelphia, PA on Thursday 4/9 and Friday 4/10 are:
* Roderick Strong vs. Austin Aries
* Bryan Danielson vs. Tyler Black
* ROH Tag Team champions Kevin Steen & El Generico vs. Rhett Titus & Kenny King
* Chris Hero vs. Eddie Kingston
Credit: PWinsider.com
Discuss this news on the forums
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That’s all for today’s Wrestling News Digest. Be sure to come back tomorrow for another easy to digest batch! Or, subscribe to our blog feed to get the latest Wrestling News, as well as our columns and podcasts, delivered right to your favorite feedreader. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact the Pinfall Recall team on the forums or by emailing them directly through the links below.
Cliff Karklin (CK) - CK@PinfallRecall.com
Joshua George (JG) - JG@PinfallRecall.com
Robby Boydstun (RDB) - RDB@PinfallRecall.com
Milo Taibi (Milo) - Milo@PinfallRecall.com
Wrestling Podcast Episode 163: RAWcast Admits We Don’t Have IED
JG and CK continue to bring you yet another mind-blowing episode of their wrestling podcast, Pinfall Recall. We give great analysis of Monday Night RAW and help you understand who brings you “The Best Wrestling You’ve Ever Heard.” Listen while we pull it apart and maybe piece it back together better than creative would.
If you’d like to talk to other folks about the things you’ve heard, it’s very easy. All you have to do is visit OUR FORUMS!
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Pinfall Recall News Feed For March 14
WWE
From T & A To DOA: Andrew “Test” Martin Found Dead At 33
- Andrew Martin, best known for his days as Test in WWE, has been found dead in his apartment at the age of 33. He would have been 34 in four days. Authorities in Tampa, Florida, where Martin lived, have not provided any details yet. They have stated that a body was found in a condo, but have not confirmed that the body in question was Martin, however multiple people within the wrestling industry have confirmed that it was Martin’s body that was found.
Martin was released from WWE back in February of 2007 after failing a drug test. He then worked for TNA but was not offered a contract and went on to work a bit in Japan.
Credit: 411mania.com
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Santino Turns 30, Bryan Clark Turns 45
Popular WWE star Santino Marella turns 30 years old today. Former WWE and WCW star Bryan Clark also has a birthday today, as he turns 45.
credit: wrestlezone.com
Discuss with our forum members!
Vince McMahon Has Big Plans Following the Draft
The Wrestling Observer is reporting, as we have been reporting for several days now, that WWE intends to put much more focus on Raw as the flagship show when the draft returns after Wrestlemania. It’s being said that Vince McMahon wants to fill the roster out with more big name stars, which means Smackdown may be losing some top names following the draft.
It’s being said that Vince wants Smackdown to focus more on the Hispanic demographic it’s seemed to have lost since Rey Mysterio left the show to wrestle on Raw. Therefore, as we’ve reported before, don’t be surprised to see Mysterio return to Smackdown to help get that target audience back.
credit: wrestlezone.com
Discuss here!
TNA
Updated Destination X Card
The following matches have been scheduled for tonight’s TNA Destination X PPV:
- Angelina Love, Velvet Sky and Madison Rayne vs. Roxxi, Taylor Wilde and “The Governor”
- Scott Steiner vs. Samoa Joe
- 10,000 Thumbtacks Match: Matt Morgan vs. Abyss
- TNA Legends Title Match: Booker T © vs. AJ Styles
- TNA Knockouts Title Match: Awesome Kong © vs. Sojourner Bolt
- TNA Tag Team Title Off The Wagon Challenge Match: Beer Money © vs. Team 3D
- TNA X-Division Title Ultimate X Match: Alex Shelley © vs. Chris Sabin vs. Suicide vs. Black Machismo vs. Consequences Creed
- TNA World Title Match: Sting © vs. Kurt Angle - With Jeff Jarrett as Special Referee and Mick Foley as Special Enforcer
credit: 411mania.com
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ROH
Upcoming Show Update
ROH will make their Indianapolis debut tonight at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The following is scheduled.
* Nigel McGuinness & Austin Aries vs. Tyler Black & Jerry Lynn
* Kevin Steen & El Generico vs. Kenny King & Rhett Titus for the ROH Tag Team Titles
* Bryan Danielson vs. Kenny Omega vs. Claudio Castagnoli
*Jay Briscoe vs. Chris Hero and The American Wolves vs. Brent Albright & Roderick Strong
credit: 411mania.com
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Other
Chris Benoit Tidbit
In case it hasn’t already been brought up, an interesting thing about the 25th Anniversary of Wrestlemania issue of WWE magazine, the cover says every match but for some odd reason the index skips from Wrestlemania XIX to Wrestlemania 21. I searched through virtually the entire magazine, and there is no matches listed for Wrestlemania XX, yet at the time they made a big deal about WM20 being “where it all begins again”. Strange they avoid that just to completely ignore Chris Benoit, yet he is still listed for Royal Rumble winners.
credit: wrestlezone.com
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Lashley Interview
Twelve years ago, Bobby Lashley was one of the most impressive college wrestlers in the country. Two years ago, he was one of the most popular professional wrestlers in the country. But now he has a new challenge in front of him, making the transition from wrestling to mixed martial arts.
I interviewed Lashley this week about his upcoming fight with Jason Guida (Lashley told me he knows nothing about Guida and asked me to tell him what I know), about the cancellation of his previously scheduled fight with Ken Shamrock (Lashley doesn’t hold it against Shamrock that he was suspended after a positive steroid test) and about his goals in MMA (Lashley wants to be a champ).
The full interview is below.
Michael David Smith: How did you find out that Ken Shamrock tested positive for steroids and your fight with him was off?
Bobby Lashley: A photographer that I did a photo shoot for sent me a text message. I thought it was a joke at first, but then I found out that he did test positive and the fight is off.
How prevalent do you think performance-enhancing drugs are in MMA?
I really don’t know. I haven’t heard a lot of people talk about it. I’ve heard people saying as much as, “Hey, some of the fighters are on something.” I don’t think that’s actually true, and I also don’t like the name “performance enhancing.” I don’t think people take them to enhance their performance so much as trying to help them train harder. I think that’s more what it is.
I think that Ken wasn’t out to take that substance so that he could beat that Ross Clifton guy. I’m sure he wasn’t using for that. I know he wasn’t thinking, “Oh, I’ve got to fight Bobby in a couple months, I’ve got to get huge.” I think like any other fighter or any other athlete who takes supplements, he was taking something to enable him to train harder and train longer.
How prevalent are performance-enhancing drugs in pro wrestling?
I don’t think there’s any now.
Really?
They have a really, really, really strict testing policy in the WWE. I know that for a fact. So I know that there is no one who is really on anything now. I think in the past there were some, but — and also, in professional wrestling it’s not “performance-enhancing.” You’re not enhancing your performance. You’re getting bigger and stronger, but it’s not like that makes you win in wrestling. I think there used to be more wrestlers on something than there are now, but it’s not like everyone was on something in professional wrestling. Not at all.
What do you know about your upcoming opponent, Jason Guida?
I know that his brother is Clay Guida. That’s about it. If you can tell me anything, that would be great.
Well, I can tell you that he has a losing record. His career record is 17-19.
Yeah, but the thing is, it’s not so much how many you’ve won, it’s how many you’ve been in.
Do you expect to watch video of his fights in the next week?
I’ll watch everything that I can on him.
So you think film study is important?
Oh, yeah. I trained at the Olympic Training Center with some of the greatest athletes in the world, and at the top level in every sport, elite athletes all watch film. Football players watch their opponents. In baseball, hitters watch pitchers. Wrestlers watch other wrestlers. You’ve got to scout your opponent so you can come in with the proper game plan.
When I was going to fight Ken Shamrock, I was watching video of Ken. How he approached his opponents. How he got into his submission holds. How he gets takedowns. How he reverses.
What are your goals in MMA?
I want to be a champion. That’s the main goal. Of course, everybody wants to make it in the UFC. That’s the top organization. But Affliction is coming up real strong. Strikeforce is coming up real strong. In Japan there are a lot of great fighters there. I just want to make it to the top. When I went into professional wrestling, I wanted to go to the top, and now that I’m a fighter, I’m training as hard as I can, as long as I can to make it to that level, to be the best.
Do you have any idea of how long that would take? Everybody compares you to Brock Lesnar. He was 1-0 when he got into the UFC, he lost his first fight to Frank Mir, then he beat Heath Herring and he got his title shot and became a champion. Is it realistic for you to think it can happen that quickly?
No, because that’s not the route I’m taking. I want to build up my skills. I’ve got a lot to learn and I want to learn before I fight for a title. I’m taking my time, but at the same time I hope that in the near future I beat some people and I do get that chance.
But you’re 32. Is it realistic for you to take the time to build your skills the way most fighters do?
That’s true, I’m not planning to spend 10 years in the business.
Do you have an idea when you might fight again after Guida and who your opponent might be?
I don’t know who it’s going to be, but I want to stay active. I want to fight. If Ken ever wants to fight with me, if he wants to go to Japan and do that fight, I wouldn’t mind doing that also. I know it’s kind of a touchy subject, but to do one fight in Japan, I don’t mind doing it. I think it’s a great fight. I think he’s a great fighter. And I know that the guy wasn’t maliciously trying to go out there to try go gain an advantage over anybody. At the same time, I don’t want to burn any bridges. But if people want us to fight in Japan, I wouldn’t mind doing that.
So you could fight Ken Shamrock this year?
I don’t know. That’s completely up to him.
But if a Japanese promoter came to you and offered you a fight with Ken Shamrock, you’re open to that?
Yeah, I would. Yeah, absolutely. Yeah.
Do you think the state commissions would have a problem with that? In a sense, you’d be helping him circumvent his suspension.
I wouldn’t want to do it if it hindered my career. I want to fight him, and it’s unfortunate that it happened to him. I really wanted to fight him. I wouldn’t do anything against the commissions’ wishes. I wouldn’t do that at all.
Let’s go back to your own training. Do you have any veteran MMA fighters who train with you and teach you a lot, and anyone you watch and you try to emulate?
Not too much trying to emulate, but I look at the fighters at the top of the game and I try to find out what put them there. Some of the fighters we have at the gym, American Top Team, are right up there with the UFC’s best, and I try to watch their training regimen. I watch Mike Brown. He trains hard. He’s in the gym all day, training, working, sparring. He helps other people and he’s an incredible person.
Another person is JZ Calvan. If you every see him work out, you’ll get tired just watching him work out. After everyone is done training, he’s still shadow boxing. He works to be the best. Another one is Thiago Alves. He works, he’s a machine. He’s going, going, going. At this gym, there are so many high-level athletes that you have to step up your game.
The sense I get is that “stepping up your game,” that challenge, is what made you decide to leave a successful career in professional wrestling to try MMA.
I wanted to test myself. I wanted to go into a different realm. This is an opportunity to challenge myself. I want to push myself to be the best.
credit: http://mma.fanhouse.com/2009/03/14/bobby-lashley-on-leaving-wwe-for-mma-i-want-to-be-a-champion/
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Pinfall Recall News Feed for March 10, 2009
The woman who played Randy Orton’s wife Samantha last night is Laura Croft, a former Playboy model who appeared in the July 2008 issue. She’s from the Jacksonville area.
Matthew also sent in the following: I was looking at the pictures from RAW on WWE.com. If you look at picture #20 from the Orton/HHH brawl. Triple H has on his jacket to be arrested. But, as we all saw - he was arrested without his jacket. Plus, pictures #18 and #19 clearly show him without his jacket on.
credit: www.nodq.com
What did you think of the end of Raw? Discuss here.
Credit: Pwinsider.com
Bonaduce, the former wise-cracking son on the 1970s television series The Partridge Family, is the morning drive DJ on WYSP (94.1 FM) in Philadelphia.
TNA Wrestling executives would not comment on who Bonaduce’s opponent will be, but confirmed that the TNA Wrestling Superstar will be in Philadelphia next Friday, March 20, for the official Contract Signing, to be held on-air during Bonaduce’s radio show.
- Kurt Angle then suggested if no one took up Bonaduce’s challenge that he would find him a TNA star to wrestle on the show.
- Kurt Angle also announced that there would be a Team Angle vs. Team Jarrett match at Lockdown, which will likely be the yearly Lethal Lockdown match.
Credit: Pwinsider.com
If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact the Pinfall Recall team on the forums or via e-mail.
CK@pinfallrecall.com
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Milo@pinfallrecall.com
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Episode 160: This RAWcast is a Big Show
Ed and Milo join CK for this 160th Episode, where we once again bring you “The Best Wrestling You’ve Ever Heard.” This week we discuss the sheer lack of logic behind the end of Kozlov’s streak.
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Pinfall Recall News Feed for February 26, 2009
WWE
WrestleMania and Mickey Rourke, Draft news, Creative news
- At this point, the plan for WrestleMania XXV is to have Mickie Rourke sit at ringside and get involved somehow with the finish of the Jericho match, reports WrestlingObserver.com. The idea is to build Rourke up as a former boxer and somehow implement a Big Show-type of punch to Jericho when Rourke is confronted. As far as Jericho’s opponent for the event, Vince McMahon has apparently been telling people that he has it covered, but no one knows who it is at this point. Hulk Hogan is saying that they could not come to an agreement and unless plans change at the eleventh hour (which is very possible), it won’t be him. There is some talk of Jerry Lawler being the guy to face Jericho since he’s stated in the past that he would like to wrestle at WrestleMania before his career is over. He has never wrestled on a WrestleMania event. Nothing is confirmed at this point, however.
- This year’s draft decisions will mostly be decided the weekend of WrestleMania due to the fact that the entire creative team will be there in Houston. Vince plans on holding extended meetings that weekend to discuss the direction heading out of WrestleMania and after the draft. It does look at this point that Triple H is definitely coming over to Raw because most of the key people don’t believe his WrestleMania match with Orton is going to be a one-off deal. Outside of that, it doesn’t seem like much talk has went into the draft yet.
- As we’ve reported, Freddy Prinze, Jr. is now out of creative, although reports now indicate that many have expected this for quite some time, specifically Stephanie McMahon. She offered him a promotion complete with more duties a couple of months ago, but he declined claiming he was looking at giving notice a few days later. Stephanie talked him into staying on part-time for a while, but he virtually took himself out of the picture for weeks leading up to his departure. He was on the creative email-list that went out, but had not been attending shows and if he did give any input via email, no one knew about it. The idea is that WWE would like to keep some sort of working relationship with Prinze, but it will not be in any creative capacity.
Credit: wrestlezone.com
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Various news: ECW rating, Former Diva pregnant, Lawsuit dropped against WWE
- The February 24, 2009 edition of ECW on Sci-Fi did a 1.4 cable rating.
- Congratulations are in order for former WWE diva and Diva Search contestant, Amy Weber, who announced on her Myspace page that she is expecting her first child.
- The Stamford Advocate is reporting that Senior U.S. District Judge Peter Dorsey dismissed the lawsuit against WWE by Chris Kanyon, Raven and Mike Sanders. They were suing WWE claiming that they were misrepresented by the company as independent contractors and should have been considered full time employees. You can get the full story here
Credit: wrestlezone.com and 411mania.com
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CM Punk talks about house shows, his good year, building ROH, and more
- Alfonso Castillo of NY Newsday has posted an interview with CM Punk as part of the hype for the Nassau Coliseum show tomorrow. You can read the full interview by clicking here.
The advantage of house shows versus televised events: “I think as a fan of wrestling, you can’t beat going to TV for the grand spectacle of the whole thing with the pyro, the music, and just the entire event atmosphere. It’s larger than life. But when you go to a house show, if you’re a wrestling fan, I think you have a better time because we have the freedom to pay more attention to the audience. We have the freedom to kind of go a little bit off in different directions. It’s more relaxed if that makes any sense. I know personally, I always have a better time on house shows. Sometimes at television you have to think about it. You’re doing a specific timed, television show. On a house show, we don’t have those restraints.”
Punk’s successful 2008: “The fact that I’m 30 years old, and in just this last year, in one entire year, I was ECW champion, I won the Money in the Bank at WrestleMania, I became World Champion, I was Tag Team Champion and I was the Intercontinental Champion, you know? And I won a Slammy.”
Thoughts on Ring Of Honor: “I’m proud to be able to say that I’m one of the guys that built that place – to just be able to say that that place is around because of me and handful of other guys. When times were tough, we were the guys who carried that place on our back – me, Samoa Joe, Homicide, Gabe Sapolsky. And of course there are countless others who are probably going to be mad that I didn’t mention them in this interview. But when you boil it down, we were the core guys. And I just love the fact that we built a place for guys to work and to learn. I’m very proud of that.”
Credit: PWinsider.com
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TNA
Mick Foley discusses TNA storylines and wrestling again
- Mick Foley recently conducted an interview with Slam! Wrestling and discussed quite a bit, including twists and turns that the fans should look out for in upcoming months, him training for the Lockdown pay per view, TNA critics, and much more. The following are excerpts from the interview. To read the article in its entirety, click here.
On twists and turns in the MEM/Frontline angle:
“I think the feud has given a lot of focus to the show. We haven’t seen anybody jump sides, and depending on who does, it could be even more interesting. (It could) shake things up in a big way. Who knows? It might be me.”
On the timing of his first match back in the ring:
“Clearly it wasn’t the biggest match I could have been in, but I think it may have been the right time. It’s unlike (my last stint in WWE) in that now, it’s not going to be one match every couple of years; it’ll be a few matches a year. You don’t want your jumping off point to be the absolute zenith of your time there.”
On TNA’s critics:
“Some people have a love-hate relationship with TNA like they really want it to work but sometimes they get frustrated when things don’t seem to go the way they like it. (To those people, I say) just have patience. Some weeks we’re going to hit the bullseye, sometimes we’re going to miss the target completely. But overall, a year from now, I think people will think that the company has made great strides.”
On training for a match return at Lockdown:
“I am training and gearing up as if I might have to do something at that show. I’ll leave it at that, for people to wonder about.”
Credit: wrestlezone.com
Talk TNA and Foley on the boards here
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ROH
ROH Newswire for Feb. 26
- Ring of Honor kicks off an historic weekend starting tomorrow (Friday) night in Danbury, CT at the Danbury Police Athletic League Building, 35 Hayestown Road, Danbury, CT 06811. The event starts at 8:00 PM. The show features an ROH World Title Elimination Match with Nigel McGuinness defending vs. Jerry Lynn vs. Tyler Black vs. Jimmy Jacobs; ROH World Tag Team Champion Kevin Steen & Jay Briscoe vs. Chris Hero & Eddie Edwards with Larry Sweeney in a Grudge Tag Team Match; Bryan Danielson vs. Delirious; Brent Albright vs. Claudio Castagnoli; The Necro Butcher vs. Brodie Lee in an Anything Goes Street Fight; plus more. Tickets will be available to purchase at the door on the night of the show.
- The inaugural TV tapings for Ring of Honor on HDNet take place THIS WEEKEND in Philadelphia, PA at The Arena (former New Alhambra Arena/ECW Arena), 7 Ritner Street, with a zip code of 19148. The event on Saturday night starts at 7:30 PM. The show on Sunday has a special 3 PM bell time. This is it, perhaps the most important weekend in ROH history as HDNet and ROH present the first National Television tapings in our 7-year company history! Don’t be left out as we tape the first 6 weeks of the brand new television series, which debuts on HDNet on March 21st! Scheduled to appear this weekend in Philadelphia are: ROH World Champion Nigel McGuinness, Bryan Danielson, ROH World Tag Team Champion Kevin Steen, Jerry Lynn, The Necro Butcher, Tyler Black, Jay Briscoe, Chris Hero & Eddie Edwards with Larry Sweeney, Austin Aries, Brent Albright, Claudio Castagnoli, Delirious, Jimmy Jacobs & Brodie Lee of The Age of the Fall, Kenny King, Rhett Titus, & more. Tickets for both events will be available to purchase at the door on the day/night of the show.
- We’re happy to announce the 6th and final TV main event to be taped this Sunday at the Arena in South Philly, and it pits two of ROH’s best against one another. Bryan Danielson versus Tyler Black. What more needs to be said!? You DON’T want to miss your opportunity to be on National Television with ROH for the first time! If this match doesn’t personify the “ROH 101″ concept and give a huge taste of the style and action that new fans can come to expect from Ring of Honor on HDNet, nothing will. Come down to the Arena this Saturday and Sunday, as ROH and HDNet look to kick off a long-term relationship, and we want each and every one of you along for the ride!
- ROH officials have been told to expect a visit from Prince Nana at some point this weekend, and he’s apparently coming to “talk business”.
- ROH Officials are happy to announce that “M-Dogg” Matt Cross will return to action on March 20th in suburban Pittsburgh! He will team with his former Resilience teammate, Erick Stevens, to face the brash Kenny King and Rhett Titus in a contest of two teams made up of supreme athleticism, power, and according to Titus, “dependable thrust that you can trust”. Can M-Dogg make a splash in his return? Will King and Titus enter the ring in Pittsburgh the newly crowned World Tag Team Champions?
- Just signed for ROH’s 7th Anniversary Celebration at the Hammerstein Ballroom on March 21st are two matches that would main event anywhere in the country! D’Lo Brown looks to continue to impress ROH officials and fans as he has signed to face Jay Briscoe in Manhattan! “Man, I got all kind of respect for D’Lo,” said Jay. “And it’s an honor to face him in NYC. But D’Lo, I gotta warn you, this is ROH, and in ROH it’s simple. Man up, or get out.” Also signed for singles action is “Lightning” Mike Quackenbush! Quackenbush, making his return to ROH, will be locking up with Jerry Lynn! “I grew to love watching Jerry Lynn perform,” said Quack. “And to see his revival of sorts in ROH has been refreshing; it’ll be great to test myself against Jerry and to once again perform for the great ROH fans.”
- Bryan Danielson sent word to the ROH Booking Committee that he wants Bison Smith in the worst way, and apparently one match isn’t enough. He’s asked to face Bison in both St. Louis on March 13th and on the ROH debut in Indianapolis on March 14th. We have yet to receive word from Bison on whether or not he’ll accept this bold challenge from “the Best in the World”.
- We’re running a special sale this weekend on the ROH website and at the live events in Danbury & Philadelphia. For a limited time when you Buy 2 Ring of Honor DVD, you can get 1 Free. Full details on the sale along with the instructions on how to take advantage of this deal on the ROH website can be found here: http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/article.aspx?id=2643 . New ROH DVD releases include “Full Circle” from Manassas, VA from January 16th. This event features Features ROH World Champion Nigel McGuinness vs. Tyler Black; Bryan Danielson vs. Jimmy Jacobs; Jerry Lynn vs. Austin Aries; Jay Briscoe & Roderick Strong vs. The American Wolves; Delirious vs. The Necro Butcher; plus more. Also available is “Injustice II” from Edison, NJ on January 17th. This show features the controversial Nigel McGuinness vs. Tyler Black ROH World Title Match; Bryan Danielson vs. Jerry Lynn; Roderick Strong & Erick Stevens vs. The American Wolves in a Lumberjack Strap Match; Austin Aries vs. Jay Briscoe vs. Jimmy Jacobs; plus more.
- There is a great article on The Necro Butcher here talking about “The Wrestler” and his career at http://www.dailymail.com/entertainment/200902251202 . Speaking of “The Wrestler”, click http://www.you-tube.com/watch?v=uK6smwWg8bc to see Bruce Springstein’s video for the title track in the film.
Credit: 411mania.com
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Other
Father of man injured in Nick Hogan crash arrested for murder plot
- In what has to be seen as a shocking turn of events, John Graziano Sr., whose son was severely injured in a car wreck as Nick Hogan’s passenger in 2007, was arrested for a suspected murder plot against his wife. Graziano Sr. is accused of hiring a hitman to kill his wife Debra. He reportedly had been plotting to have his wife killed in a car wreck. The hitman that Graziano Sr. dealt with was in actuality an undercover cop who received some $2,000 and a gift card from Graziano as payment for the proposed killing.
You can read more about it here
Credit: PWinsider.com
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