From The Depths Of A Complex Mind

The Blog....

2010-06-29T05:25:00.002-04:00

The blog is open again.

Why?

More soon.

a few things...

2009-10-30T05:02:00.002-04:00

I'm always looking to try and make a place where I share opinions a little more creative & new. I've discovered tumblr.com, and specifically, thepalace.tumblr.com. I'm inerested in what it can do, and I'm considering doing some 'testing' there to see how things turn out. If it's feasible, I may try switching. I found this site because I'm looking always for a way to post to the blog from a mobile device, specifically, my ipod. I can post here, but the tumblr app may be a little more thorough and have more gadgets, and that always piques my interest.

I had a possibility open up of a segment on a radio show on the Wrestleview Radio Network. I have passed on that opportunity for two reasons. A) It's not what I'm interested to do from an audio standpoint. B) My energy needs to be foucsed elsewhere now. Maybe I'll get a shot at something else in the future, but until then, I'll continue to, if I may borrow a line from a DJ in Florida, shriek, reek, and have a few words to say... so to speak.

Anyone who is a member of the Wrestleview VIP section ought to listen to thursday's edition of Wrestling News Live. I got taken to school, literally and figuratively. Talk about some major flame jobs.

Anyways, that's it for now. Oh, one thing. Yankees won. Life sucks.

Go Phillies!

My thoughts on Hogan signing with TNA....

2009-10-27T18:12:00.002-04:00

Here's the link to the column that I provided email responses from in my last post.

#348

Emails on Hogan and Bischoff to TNA...

2009-10-27T18:08:00.002-04:00

There's no intro needed....

Opinion #1

et the demise of TNA begin. With Hogan and Eric in TNA, Their buddy Nash, Steiner already there this will create the same problems WCW had as it started to fade away. Hogan going to TNA is the wrong move. I bet Vince is laughing so hard right now because there is a reason Hogan wasn't at a WM since 21 because Vince don't want him there. TNA showing Hogan on Thursday is already taking away from tv time real wrestlers need. Hogan needs to stop trying to get back into wrestling face facts that his career is over, stop talking crap about Linda or his popularity will soon go as fast as his hip is. TNA can start the clock cause longer Hogan stays the worse TNA will start to become, TNA just better be happy they locked up a lot of contracts because after Hogan gets done there they will probably want to leave. I was a big Hogan fan but that was like 1999 when it ended then is just became dull every time he came back thinking "he still got it" he's now Ricky Steamboat.

- VKingoftheWorldV from AOL.

Opinion #2

I completely agree with everything you said I would just add this explains why Nigel is taking on Kurt Thursday instead of Turning Point. It will probably be Hogan ending up taking on Kurt at Turning Point. I do think that having Eric Bischoff does have one more benifit TNA's current production team sucks so if Eric's team is in charge of producing iMPACT! and the PPV's that would be a plus. The PR this gets TNA, the possible ratings, the loss of Russo, the better production isn't worth it if this is what kills TNA and I seriously believe that this hiring is going to do that. It will also give WWE a lot more new young talented wrestlers. I don't see many of them sticking around when they see what Hogan is like. I am afraid that this is not the end of it. I am thinking Lacey Von Erich now Hogan and Bischoff in TNA means that the Hulkamania Tour wrestlers will be joining TNA which means TNA isn't done bringing in old men that no one wants to see. I am just hoping that Ric Flair has some honor left and doesn't follow suit and sign with TNA himself.

- Suzanne

Opinion #3

holy shit I completely agree with you Mike. Hogan will be the end of TNA. I mean do any of these matches sound good? Bobby Lashley vs. Hulk Hogan. Abyss vs. Hulk Hogan. yeah on paper it sounds great, if ur thinking of the 80/early 90's Hogan. What could people like that possibly do with Hogan in the ring.
and I swear if we see a Hulk Hogan vs. Kevin Nash match I'm never watching TNA again. NEVER!
Weren't Kevin nash,eric bischoff and Hogan the reason WCW went to the ground? that’s what's going to happen to TNA.

- Billy

You got ideas, I want to hear them.

Column #347

2009-10-24T23:30:00.001-04:00

Here is the link for the latest version of my column. Picks for Bragging Rights plus thoughts on Smackdown vs. Raw 2010.

Life...

2009-10-20T23:00:00.002-04:00

People have been criticizing me for being way too negative on facebook with my status updates.

Well, truth be told, it's one person, and I'd like to have thought that we could be colleagues because we both work for the same website.

I guess not.

When I was a lot younger, I was a lot more inmature, and a lot more insane. Silliness was the norm, and not giving a damn was the general consensus stance I had pretty much 24/7.

Ever since I had children, things have become significantly more difficult. Take in to consideration a lot of other factors that I will not divulge, but the silliness & alleged happiness that I had been portraying for so long had begun to dwindle in volume, considerably.

Now, let's get something straight.

I went to school, and did things ass backwards. People go to school to get a career. I went to school and got a family.

That does not mean in any way that I don't love my family with all my heart, soul, and being.

Because I do. I wouldn't be going through what I am going through for anybody else on this planet.

However, (I'm not going to use the word BUT, because it's not that), however, there are some aspects of my life that I do wish I could do over, and I do regret.

Regret is something that is very hard to shake, and even harder to accept. What's worse is when actions taken have a toll on people you care about, and while you are saddled with the regret and remorse you have in wanting to make the wrong things right, you have to sit there and deal with the discomfort and uncertainty as to what will happen next.

I don't do uncertain well. I don't do change well at all. And there has been some major upheaval in my life over the past few months.

These outlets, facebook,twitter, here, maybe even myspace if I go back there, are here for one reason. They are here for me to spew my guts, and get the negative energy that flows through my body out. For years, decades, I have released the negative energy that has flowed through my body in toxic manners.

Now, I am trying to do that in much more subtle, simpler, and clean manners.

If you don't like it, well, what can I say? people live their lives their own way, and I don't intend on changing much of mine any time soon. I got enough to do.

if you understand, I thank you.

and if you're still saying I'm a fucking negative idiot, well, then....

FUCK YOU.

Family

2009-10-17T19:11:00.001-04:00

No wife home
3 teens in my basement,.
2 younger kids in my living room.

And me. Stuck in the middle.

-Mobile Post-

I needed a laugh today. Badly.

2009-10-15T18:47:00.001-04:00

Jokes.com

Jeff Dunham - Santa Claus

comedians.comedycentral.com

Walter

Achmed

Jeff Dunham Videos

podcast for podcats reasons

2009-10-14T12:04:00.001-04:00

https://vr.shapeservices.com/play.php?hash=68fc2edfcc1ab5aace0189f59d4b35a1ad21ac313727d47e5

it's me spewing my guts, about a lot...no yelling, but I think, plenty of intensity.

___
Sent via VR+

A song to think about

2009-10-13T13:38:00.002-04:00

From the band "Stop Making Friends"

The song is called "Fear".

Are you scared of the dark
Are you afraid they�ll break your heart
Are you afraid you�ll lose yourself
Are you afraid of your own health

Are you scared to lose
Are you afraid to choose
Are you afraid you�ll win
Are you scared of your own sin

Are you scared to forgive
Are you afraid to live
Are you afraid to die
Do you think you told a lie

Chorus:

To live
When you think you�re dying
To laugh
When you feel like crying
To stand
When you think you�re gonna fall
It�s just fear after all
It�s only fear after all

Are you afraid you�ll be alone
Are you scared to pick up the phone
Are you scared of the past
Do you think that you might crash
Do you think you�re in too deep

Are you afraid to sleep
Are you scared there�s no stability
Are you afraid of your own fragility

Chorus

To mend
When you�re think you�re breaking
To strength
When you know you�re shaking
To pray
When your back�s against the wall

It�s only fear after all

Are you scared of the end
Are you scared to begin
Are you scared of the start
Do you think they�ll break your heart
Do you think they�ll break your heart

frustrated....

2009-10-07T08:45:00.002-04:00

Has it ever felt like you're literally like on a moving sidewalk, but you're making no forward progress? Have you ever felt like you're walking, and traveling toward a goal, but the more you try and proceed forward, you end up proceeding backward instead?

Welcome to my world, at this moment.

A world of fear and uncertainty.

A world I am sure most of you are well aware of.

A world I am just now discovering for myself. Better late than never. Not.

Podcast for no reason....

2009-10-07T01:13:00.001-04:00

https://vr.shapeservices.com/play.php?hash=c343b1be8728765c6670112ae75f26dbc7da5c829ca28ff7e

some stuff hit me about Raw, did a podcast on it... may have some more soon....

___
Sent via VR+

My 500th Blog post....

2009-10-06T04:44:00.002-04:00

I should have some major league announcement or something for this post.

I don't.

I got a jaw that hurts like hell after an EDP kicked me in the side of the skull.

Life is good, yes?

Not.

Song of the day, "Can't Let It Go" by the Goo Goo Dolls...

You said you'd light a candle
And you'd say a prayer for me
I feel the light has dimmed and gone
Half the world is begging
While the other half steals
Where did everything go wrong?

Some days I can't believe
Others, I'm on my knees
Trying to be heard

I was your anger
And you were my fear
Now that it's over
Of course it's so clear
But you were no angel
And I was no sin
Somehow I can't let it go
I can't let it go

And half the world is sleeping
While the other half dreams
You close your eyes
And then you're gone
And maybe my intentions
Have been misunderstood
I know you feel so beautifully wronged

Some days I can't believe
Others, I'm on my knees
Hoping I belong

I was your anger
And you were my fear
Now that it's over
Of course it's so clear
But you were no angel
And I was no sin
Somehow I can't let it go
I can't let it go

And laughter is my soul's release
But we're not smiling anymore
And can't we try to win this peace?
'Cause we're never gonna win
Never gonna win this war

I was your anger
And you were my fear
Now that it's over
Of course it's so clear
But you were no angel
And I was no sin
Somehow I can't let it go
I can't let it go

Song of the day...

2009-10-05T05:41:00.004-04:00

I've developed in to a pretty huge NCIS fan. But, the reason I am choosing this for "song of the day", is simple. It's too damn fitting for what's going on in my head.

"Fear"

Are you scared of the dark
Are you afraid they’ll break your heart
Are you afraid you’ll lose yourself
Are you afraid of your own health

Are you scared to lose
Are you afraid to choose
Are you afraid you’ll win
Are you scared of your own sin

Are you scared to forgive
Are you afraid to live
Are you afraid to die
Do you think you told a lie

Chorus:

To live
When you think you’re dying
To laugh
When you feel like crying
To stand
When you think you’re gonna fall
It’s just fear after all
It’s only fear after all

Are you afraid you’ll be alone
Are you scared to pick up the phone
Are you scared of the past
Do you think that you might crash
Do you think you’re in too deep

Are you afraid to sleep
Are you scared there’s no stability
Are you afraid of your own fragility

Chorus

To mend
When you’re think you’re breaking
To strength
When you know you’re shaking
To pray
When your back’s against the wall

It’s only fear after all

Are you scared of the end
Are you scared to begin
Are you scared of the start
Do you think they’ll break your heart
Do you think they’ll break your heart

Chorus

It’s only fear
The only fear is fear itself
The only fear is fear itself
The only fear is fear itself
It’s only fear

- Stop Making Friends

I forgot to add this....

2009-10-05T01:30:00.001-04:00

I've posted all these emails about this question I had asked in my last column, but I forgot to put the link up to the column.

here it is.

#345... a little bit of everything, and a question for my readers.

More....

2009-10-04T16:15:00.000-04:00

My friend Judy....

I can say this without a doubt in my mind that Stone Cold Steve Austin is the best of all time. I remember when Austin landed on his neck courtesy of Owen Hart and I just knew his career was over at that point but he came back and he came back in a huge way. I also remember the match against Bret Hart when he would not say I quit. His promos were some of the best of all time in my opinion but his in ring skills were second to none. That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.
Keep up the great work...
Judy Sparks

Judipur

-Mobile Post-

More opinions..,

2009-10-04T15:07:00.000-04:00

Ric Flair. no need for reasons cause there common sense to any diehard wrestling fan.
then behind Flair it'd be Lou Thesz

From Billy, who was short but concise with his answer. The passion is tangible. Thanks.

-Mobile Post-

The emails keep coming....

2009-10-04T15:04:00.000-04:00

My friend John had a different approach....

Hi.

This is a very subjective question, some will be able to instantly come up with a name and will be unshakable in their belief that they are right and all others are wrong. Others, like me, will be totally unable to choose just one name and will come up with a list or two with pros and cons for each wrestler. you will also get every shade of fan in between.

All i can say definitely is that each persons view is as equally valid as the next persons, in other words if someone reads my choices and doesn't like them then they can stick it up their ass!

I'm really looking forward to hearing the replies to this.

Here are my choices: (All in no particular order of favouritism, it was difficult enough picking a top 4 for each!)

Past:
1) Chris Benoit.
Say what you like about the man, you can't deny that the wrestler gave his all every night and had intense in ring skills. For me the only down side, wrestler-wise, was that he wasn't very good on the mic.

2) Hogan.
Again, say what you want about the man, in his WWE prime his promos were ace, his in-ring style might have been predictable but was fun as hell to watch.

3) The Rock.
One of the best all rounders of the modern era, as awesome on the mic as in the ring, there is nothing else to say.

4) Jeff Hardy.
Great all rounder, took some amazing risks to entertain the fans, and hopefully will again sooner rather than later.

Present:
1) The Undertaker.
My all time favourite wrestler. From vintage Taker (easy there Michael Cole!) to the American Bad-ass and semi - back again, he has it all.

2) Shawn Michaels.
Another guy that has it all. Having a great run at the moment with HHH against Legacy, his comedy DX comedy skits have me in stitches.

3) The Miz.
Yet another great mic worker. His in ring work is getting better and better every week. I would choose him over Morrison, Swagger, DiBiase and Rhodes any day of the week.

4) John Cena.
Great to watch, and listen to too when he is aloud to add-lib, he best combination of Hogan superhero and Austin anti-hero. Pity the STF is a load of old crap!

Hope you enjoy and / or agree with at least some of my choices.

Cheers,

John Cooper

John, anyone who takes the time to write me has my respect. Your opinions are very valid. Let's see what else comes in.

-Mobile Post-

Debate plus criticsm...and my response...

2009-10-04T15:00:00.000-04:00

Jeff says this....

I would love to say the best wrestler of all time is Bret Hart. He is my favorite, at least as a character. But really, the best wrestler is either Hulk Hogan or The Rock. Its not about the moves; its about the package. The Rock could put on a decent move, but he could "sell" with the best of them. He could really electrify -- sorry for the pun -- a crowd. Even if he came to a show to just do an interview, people watched.

Hulk Hogan was like that in the 80s and even the nwo era in the 90s. The 80's he was pretty simple-- good guy, gets beat up, comes back, wins. People loved it. In the 90s, he was more sophisticated (because of the depth of the storylines). when people cheered him in Toronto vs The Rock, it was a true appreciation.

I'd put it as a tie with those 2. They put our favorite pasttime on the map, and it kept it there. Hogan went off the deep-end the last few years; The Rock left on a high note, and I have no complaints with that. I remember flying to Orlando to see wrestlemania, on JetBlue. I got to see the Hall of Fame on the plane, and it really was kid-like to see The Rock come out after a few years of silence (only a few appearances, mostly taped). He's making millions of dollars in movies, who can complain about that. But for 6 or 7 solid years, he entertained "The People." He was a good face for wrestling. A college graduate, an athlete. He once opened the Republican National Convention. As an entire package, he really is The Great One.

Now onto you. Stop being so negative! I like your columns, but you are very hard on everything! You ranted on a match being put on a PPV! You knock these guys down before they have a chance. And is R-Killings second guessing his move to the wwe? He could mutually end his contract, wait out his no-compete clause, and go back to TNA if he was that miserable. But chances are he his going to get his opportunity. Goldberg is a great example of someone who was great in one promotion but stale in another. TNA is a different environment than the wwe. They want to out-wwe the wwe, which is quite silly if you ask me, but that's besides the point.

You should look at some positives sometimes. Did you realize the wwe sold out a bunch of shows overseas at a time when the global economy is terrible? Or that Al Sharpton - despite the negative anticipation by everyone -- really didn't do anything controversial? Linda McMahon is running for senate by the way. Sure, Newark is a slow sales city, so isn't my home city of worcester, mass. Not every show is going to sell out.

I think your column is a good one, my favorite read, but the last few weeks you have just been pissing and moaning lol. And then you try to defend yourself by saying if you weren't that successful, you wouldn't have 300 columns or whatever. which is true, but you are still quite a bit negative. Just my opinion.

Jeff

Jeff, my answer is simple, your critique is noted. You are right, on 99% of my recent work. See my live ROH recap as my one example to the contrary.

I am trying to change. I write with a lot of emotion, so when my life goes south, so does my writing.

I am trying to fix this.

Thanks to you, and to all of you who gave to this debate, and wrote in.

Who is the best ever!?

2009-10-04T14:50:00.001-04:00

Rocky, a frequent contributor, and my friend, says this...

Mike:

I read your palace column this morning and it got me thinking as to who I feel are the best wrestlers ever. If you want to go back to the days of NWA, WCW and WWF my choice would have to be Ricky the Dragon Steamboat. Ricky Steamboat was one of the greatest competitors ever in my opinion. Whether it be with his battles with Ric Flair which I feel is the greatest rivalry of all time or his appearances as a tag team partner, Steamboat always gave 100% in the ring and gave the fans their monies worth. The best wrestler right now as it pertains to WWE and is "The Viper" Randy Orton. His short run as a face was really accepted by the fans and really began his launch to stardom. Today as a heel Randy is probably the best wrestler to enter the squared circle. Wrestler wise I don't think I could name one individual who garners almost general heel heat just by the sound of his entrance music playing.

Sincerely

Rocky Dominguez

-Mobile Post-

The debate continues....

2009-10-04T14:49:00.001-04:00

My pal DJ....

Wow Mike, this is a tough one, because there are so many different factors that go into the decision. Are you talking a good technical wrestler, good on the stick, or some median between the two? For my purposes, I'm gonna go with the third route for my actual choice then give my favorite in respect to the factors I mentioned above.
My favorite overall has to be Ricky Steamboat. There were some guys better than him on the mic, yeah. There were some guys (though significantly fewer than the first category) that were better in the ring, yeah. But getting Steamboat in a feud with someone, there truly was nothing like it. His series with Flair still make my list of greatest matches of all time, and somewhere on that list there is also his match with Randy Savage from WM3. His ability to put emotion into a match and have an audience eating out of the palm of his hand was unbelievable. I also find it unbelievable that he's one of the few superstars to stay face through the entirety of his career.
Technically, I have a 2-way tie between Chris Benoit (gasp! I said the name!) and Bret Hart. As we all know, the crippler was not the best ever on the mic, but I've never seen someone go so consistently in the ring, with such a wide array of opponents. Had the unspeakable not occurred there's no telling where he'd be right now. And I don't even have to mention Bret Hart's accomplishments. While some may argue that his brother deserves this spot, I always thought Bret was crisper and had much better timing. Also, Hart vs. Austin, submission match. Enough said, onto my next point.
On the mic there is no competition in my mind. The Rock truly was the most electrifying man in sports entertainment when he was in the industry. He could get on a mic and have you laughing one moment and waiting on his every word the next. A whole generation of fans would listen to him order a pizza if it meant hearing him talk, and he truly did change the English language with words like "jabroni" and "layin the smackdown". There have been plenty who have been gold on the mic, but Rocky's the only one I see who is platinum. Just my thoughts though.

Cheers,

D.J.

-Mobile Post-

The best wrestler of all time.

2009-10-04T12:15:00.000-04:00

This is also a learning experience for me because of my lack of knowledge in wrestling history. With that being said, here is email #1, thank you Tony.

Hands down.....LOU THESZ!!!! Being an older person; and having watched Lou in person and on TV while growing up; taking Lou at his prime against anyone today.....it's a no contest. His mat skills, stretch holds, and ability to work face or semi-heel, were unparalleled. For the younger fans who have never seen The Master, I am sure you can find his matches on You Tube. IMHO, Kurt Angle is the closest today at being in the same league as Lou. What a dream match that would be!!!

Thanks,
Tony Pulvino

Thoughts?

-Mobile Post-

New column....#344

2009-10-03T14:41:00.003-04:00

Chapter #344

I talk ROH, TNA, WWE & make picks for the Hell in a Cell PPV.

Song of the day

2009-09-30T09:48:00.000-04:00

Look at the lyrics for the song "Hollow" by Godsmack. Enough said.

-Mobile Post-

ROH Glory By Honor 8: The Post Match Main Event Speeches of Nigel McGuinness & Bryan Danielson

2009-09-29T19:40:00.001-04:00

I did my best to keep the quality as good as I could.

VR+ Online Service: ROH Glory By Honor 8: The Post Match Main Event Speeches of Nigel McGuinness & Bryan Danielson

Shared via AddThis

ROH Glory By Honor 8: Jim Cornette returns to Ring of Honor

2009-09-29T19:39:00.001-04:00

An attempt, even though the quality sucks, of getting audio of Jim Cornette's promo when he returned to ROH.

VR+ Online Service: ROH Glory By Honor 8: Jim Cornette returns to Ring of Honor

Shared via AddThis

ROH: Glory By Honor 8: Ladder War II

2009-09-29T19:36:00.001-04:00

Audio taken during the incredible Ladder War II match. Kudos to Eddie Edwards for competing.

VR+ Online Service: ROH: Glory By Honor 8: Ladder War II

Shared via AddThis

ROH Glory By Honor 8 Start Of The Show

2009-09-29T19:30:00.002-04:00

I tried going from bell to bell, but there wasn't enough juice in my iPod touch. This was the first 30 minutes and change.

VR+ Online Service: ROH Glory By Honor 8 Start Of The Show

Shared via AddThis

ROH Glory By Honor 8: Crowd Reaction During Main Event

2009-09-29T19:28:00.001-04:00

The reaction to the main event, and the respect given to the two combatants.

VR+ Online Service: ROH Glory By Honor 8: Crowd Reaction During Main Event

Shared via AddThis

ROH audio

2009-09-29T17:10:00.001-04:00

I have uploaded the audio. I am in the process of putting it here. Time, please.

-Mobile Post-

ROH

2009-09-29T07:51:00.001-04:00

For anyone that was at ring of honor last weekend, did you notice like I did when they announced the date for Final Battle 2009, they didn't announce a preliminary list of talent set to appear.

I don't know about you, but that makes me wonder how secure ROH's future is.

Just something to ponder while waitin' for da bus.

Don't he look thrilled?????

-Mobile Post-

I love mornings....

2009-09-29T07:34:00.000-04:00

NOT!!!!!!!!

-Mobile Post-

Mornings

2009-09-29T06:29:00.001-04:00

I'd give almost anything to avoid school day mornings.

-Mobile Post-

Holy crap.

2009-09-28T22:50:00.000-04:00

Now I know why the president wants health care reform. He wants to change the attitudes of the health care providers.

-Mobile Post-

Why?

2009-09-28T22:39:00.000-04:00

Why, when you try and help people, does it always seem like the person u r helping doesn't appreciate it one bit!?

-Mobile Post-

ROH Audio & More....

2009-09-28T08:06:00.002-04:00

First, I did not get the chance to upload the clips I have from the ROH wrestling show I was at on saturday night. I will try and get them online as soon as I can. When I do, I will make the URL available if anyone is interested in trying to make the quality better, if someone were to have some equipment that could help out, go right ahead. I'm not going to stop you. (I did get one email on this.)

Hell, I figure I'm probably wrong for posting what I'm gonna post, but I'll do it anyway just to piss off a few hundred people. :)

Now, I said I closed my facebook, myspace, and twitter accounts. Well, I didn't just close them, I deleted them. I have my reasons, and I do not know if I am going to divulge them or not. I'll consider it.

With that in mind, I'd like to try and update the features here. I tried putting in a new chat box, but it didn't work out too well. I'll try that again.

Anything else that may be a nice little bell or whistle to add here?

I'm even wondering if I am actually talking to anyone at all.

I guess I'll find out in time.

Audio from ROH: Glory By Honor VIII

2009-09-27T11:44:00.002-04:00

Give me some time to get the technical stuff out of the way, and I'll upload the audio I recorded from last night's ROH show. I should have it up by tomorrow at the latest.

Recap of ROH Glory By Honor VIII: The Final Countdown

2009-09-27T11:44:00.001-04:00

Quick results from ROH Glory By Honor VIII: The Final Countdown.

Colt Cabana defeated Rhett Titus.
The Dark City Fight Club defeated Cheech & Cloudy.
Claudio Castagnoli defeated Kenny Omega.
Roderick Strong defeated Sonjay Dutt in Four Corner Survival that inclduded Grizzly Redwood and Delirious with Daizee Haze at ringside.
The American Wolves retained the ROH World Tag Team Championship, winning Ladder War II over Kevin Steen & El Generico.
Chris Hero defeated Eddie Kingston.
Austin Aries defeated Petey Williams to retain the ROH World Championship.
Jim Cornette returned to ROH, and announced he is the new Executive Producer of ROH on HDNet.
The Young Bucks defeated the Briscoes.
Bryan Danielson defeated Nigel McGuinness.

I have been fortunate enough to be at some of the most memorable matches of the careers of Bryan Danielson and Nigel McGuinness since I began following ROH. While I am a Dragon fan more, I cannot discount the title defense Nigel performed against KENTA at the 7th Anniversary Show where he basically worked the match without arms, and he looked like he was in absolute agony, yet still gutted the match through and through, and defended his title. THAT match made me a staunch and life long Nigel McGuinness supporter. And what I am about to discuss, just cemented that fact even further.

With Bryan Danielson, the memories are extensive. Especially for the chances I have been fortunate enough to see the man perform live. It starts for me when it goes all the way back to Lake Grove, Long Island, and Glory By Honor IV, where on September 17th, 2005, Dragon made James Gibson submit to capture the ROH World Championship, and helped to continue to cement its legacy as one of the most prestigious titles in pro wrestling.

It continued with defenses against Christopher Daniels, competing against then NWA World Heavyweight Champion Christian Cage in a tag match with Daniels. Cage's comment of how Dragon looked whiter than John Cena is still classic. (I know it's not appropriate, but at the time it was funny as hell. There's a tremendous coincidence and nice closure to this comment that I'll get to later.)

One of the most memorable nights I have ever had with seeing Bryan Danielson perform live was back on December 23, 2006, in the Grand Ballroom of the Manhattan Center, where I thought a riot was going to occur once Dragon had won the match via disqualification when he was defending the world title against the Notorious 187, Homicide. Fortunately, for me, and for the rest of the fans, the match was re-started, and Homicide came out victorious. Dragon, who had been beaten to death from his extensive title reign, showed true class in handing the belt to Homicide, and gave him his moment in the sun. I had never left a show more emotionally jacked than I did back on that night.

Even though I did not see his match at Man Up live, the match with Morishima where Danielson's eye was injured just showed the true grit and determination of a professional wrestler. I could not imagine, nor would I even try to estimate the pounding that he took that night. I continue to hold that DVD in my possession as one of my most prized.

Fast forward to Glory By Honor VI Night 2, and the only United States appearance of Mitsuharu Misawa (R.I.P.). Danielson and Morishima beat the high holy crap out of each other, and it had to be stopped, if memory serves, by the entire locker room after Danielson bled like a stuck pig.

The Rising Above 2007 PPV saw Danielson get some serious pay back on Morishima, making this feud, quite possibly one of the most intense and violent feuds in the 7 1/2 years of Ring of Honor. I know one spot in the matches I've seen with Dragon and Morishima had Dragon stomping Morishima's testicles in to grated hamburger meat. I think it was back at Glory By Honor VI, Night 2, but I could be mistaken. But, one thing is definitely for certain, these two men, who were tag partners at the Respect Is Earned 1 PPV, showed how to conduct a feud, with hard hitting, emotional, and in your face intensity.

The 6th Anniversary show saw Nigel EEK out a win in defense of the ROH world championship against Dragon. I mean EEK. It showed how equal these men are, and how competitive their series of matches has been throughout both of their careers inside a Ring of Honor ring.

Final Battle 2008 saw the culmination of the Danielson/Morishima feud when Dragon and Morishima beat each other practically to death in a fight without honor. To me, it proved that Danielson is one of the few men in this business who can do it all. From comedic entertainment to hardcore fighting, there is nothing, if given the chance, that the American Dragon cannot do.

The 7th Anniversary show had one of the most emotional moments I have had in some time at an ROH event, when Danielson had a mystery partner going up against the Embassy of Bison Smith and a mystery partner. That match saw Jimmy Rave & Colt Cabana return to Ring of Honor and the match had an audience reaction the likes I have never heard. The best part of the match, besides the competition, was seeing how Cabana and Dragon were literally vying for the turnbuckles during the playing of the Final Countdown, after Cabana said thanks for welcoming him back to ROH, but he wanted to hear one theme song, and that was Danielson's. Personally, I loved every single minute of that.

Manhattan Mayhem III: I just bought this DVD last night, so I haven't watched it fully yet, but the match was a four corner with Dragon, Colt, D'Lo Brown and Claudio Castagnoli. The match was competitive, and even teased perhaps a feud with Colt and Dragon, after Colt was able to get the victory over D'Lo Brown. Another memorable experience.

I know this was long, and a little bit tedious, but my point here is this. It all led to last night, when I was honored to have the experience of being in the Grand Ballroom at the Manhattan Center for ROH's Glory By Honor VIII: The Final Countdown.

Now, I'll talk about the whole card in a minute, but there's some things that need to be said beforehand. I was livid pissed when ROH changed the main event from Aries taking on Dragon for the world title to Dragon vs. Nigel one last time after Nigel had signed with WWE.

How WRONG was I about that one.

The passion and emotion showed during the main event last night was tangible. The atmosphere in New York City was electrifying, and you could cut the furvor with a blade. Dragon and Nigel beat each other from one end of the Grand Ballroom to the other, and I swear to you, some of the shots that were struck made me cringe, and I was sitting in the 3rd row of the balcony.

When Nigel McGuinness, quite possibly one of the toughest bastards to walk a ROH ramp says in the post match speeches that "he had a lot to say, but this clamdigger knocked me out," all that can be said is, the intensity was off the freakin' page.

It was kind of ironic, and for me, a little bit satisfying, to see how Bret Hart, who was booked for this show back at the 7th Anniversary Show, was literally an after thought throughout the night. The line at the autograph session for him was extensive, don't get me wrong, but he was tucked away in a separate room away from the main room, while Dragon and Nigel's table was crowded with fans from the time I walked in to the arena till bell time. (I Know Wrestleview brass will hate me for that, but that's the way I feel.)

I met Dragon during the meet & greet, and thanked him for the memories. I stammered and stuttered like I was a 12 year old kid meeting his idol, but truth be told, I kind of was. I had seen an incredible amount of Dragon's matches live, and have some more on DVD that I did not list above, so I have had a connection with Dragon from the time I started following ROH back at Sign of Dishonor.

Dragon was the consummate gentleman, thanking me for supporting "US". That type of comradeship is lost in this world, but I will not go further there, because it's a soapbox for another day.

He then took the time to personalize the autographs that I asked for. One for me, and one for my son's friend. I only wish I was smart enough to pick up something else, because I had Dragon sign the DGUSA promo pics we picked up en route inside the building, and it's difficult to see his wriitng. Nevertheless, the chance to say thank you to someone I have followed for four solid years was well worth the price of admission.

The opening contest saw COLT CABANA defeat RHETT TITUS. It was the typical Cabana match, a little comedy, a little insanity, a flying asshole, and a Billy's Goat Curse for a victory. Titus, I have to say, I remember him when he was holding the ROH Top Of the Class trophy, and he has really made some incredible progress in his career. The potential on this man, I believe, is nearly limitless, and it appears ROH is continuing to give him the ball, and let's hope he runs with it.

Cabana's "pro wrestler" jacket was red in color, perhaps in tribute to the departing legends, but it does show me this. This company, throughout all its financial problems, still has the absolute best WRESTLING I have ever had the privilege to experience.

Match #2 saw Chikara members CHEECH & CLOUDY fall to the DARK CITY FIGHT CLUB when the DCFC hit a double team neckreaker powerbomb combination off the top rope on Cloudy. I had thought Cheech and Cloudy were the same guys I saw back in 2005 at Sign of Dishonor as a part of Lacey's Angels, and maybe they were, but regardless, they put up one hell of a fight against a team that outweighed, and outpowered them 10 to 1. This was my first time seeing the DCFC, and damnit, they're good. Double teams with precision and ferocity, and an attitude to match. I was impressed.

Match #3 saw CLAUDIO CASTAGNOLI with Prince Nana and beard-less Ernie Osiris defeat KENNY OMEGA with a low blow and European uppercut. This match was incredible, with Omega countering and countering every attempt at a short cut Claudio did. This was my first time seeing Omega, and I now know why he has been nipping at A Double's heels, because he can hang with the big boys of ROH. This match was impressive as hell. If memory serves, Omega kicked out of the Ricola Bomb, which is something that I have never seen happen before.

BRET HART came out for a promo. As God as my witness, it appeared like either he was sedated, or had marbles in his mouth. Maybe because I'm going deaf, and I have trouble hearing is one thing, but I could barely hear what Hart was trying to say. He paid homage to Curt Hennig, his brother Owen, and the boys in the back, and left the ring to a standing ovation. All but me, of course, but that's a whole differerent story.

A Four Corner Survival was next when RODERICK STRONG pinned SONJAY DUTT with a Gibson Driver. In the match as well was GRIZZLY REDWOOD and DELIRIOUS with DAIZEE HAZE in his corner. Strong looked like a man on a mission, realizing it's his time to begin to step up to the main event level, and take the places that are being vacated by the legends departing for WWE. Delirious was aiming for Sonjay throughout the match, even audibly saying "Come on, you son of a bitch," which was funny, and also really cool to hear out of the masked man. Strong lost it when Dutt started hitting on Haze, and chopped him down to size for the win. Dutt ended up walking around half the ringside area with his tights around his thighs. (Not a pleasant thought.)

LADDER WAR 2
There has to be some things said here first.

First, Steen looked like he was going to pop a blood vessel. Intensity? Focus?? Mr. WRESTLING!

Eddie Edwards was injured the night before in Boston. ROH said his elbow was broken. I would have never dreamt in my life that Edwards would compete.

He did. And he received the respect that he deserved from the New York crowd, because if you looked at his arm, it was troubling to see. He couldn't bend it obviously, and he had it taped so high, that if Steen or Generico focused on it, Edwards would have been in career threatening trouble.

I'll say it right now.

Tremendous and unbelievable kudos go to Eddie Edwards for competing in this match in the condition that he was in.

Hell, kudos to ALL FOUR MEN who put themselves through the absolute match of their lives. Steen & Generico know this match, having been in it with the Briscoes back in Chicago at Man Up, but this match was on par with that one, no question.

Steen's worst spot he took. From the top of a huge ladder, one of the Wolves, I don't remember who, powerbombed Steen through a table and a ladder set up from the apron to the floor, ala Sabu. I thought Steen was dead. And damnit, he never moved for the rest of the match, as that spot happened toward the end.

Edwards and Generico fought nearly 20 feet in the air, (and I'm not WWE exaggerating this one), when Edwards was able to get Generico's knee (the hurt one), in the rungs of the ladder. He leant back, put Generico in pain the level I couldn't even imagine, and Richards climbed up, and got the belts back for the champs.

Richards, earlier in the match, took a suplex through a table from at least 15 feet in the air.

Generico, damn, this dude, is indestructible. He ends up wrapped aorund so much debris, it's almost too obscene to discuss.

Words cannot provide this match justice, ladies and gentlemen. It was an honor and a privilege to be a part of this match as a spectator. I cannot say any more than that. Except this.

The welts on the back of both members of the Wolves was disturbing to see. That's how intense this match was. That's how off the page this match was.

Intermission time. And the fans needed it. And more. Because that match took a lot out of the crowd.

The next match saw CHRIS HERO defeat EDDIE KINGSTON. Kingston grabbed the emerald elbow pad to nail Hero with it, but Hero had a backup, hit the loaded elbow and got the win. This match was doomed from the start. New York did not have any respect for Eddie Kingston, and truthfully, neither did I. I didn't like his style, because he had none, and I thought he would be this super insane bad ass, and to me, and I'm gonna say it, he looked like a clone of D'Lo Brown. I can understand why ROH doesn't book Kingston regularly. He's just not got that much to give to the table. But like I said, the crowd was shot from Ladder War II, and it seeped over in to this match without question. Hero was impressive and athletic, don't get me wrong, and I liked his increased ferocity, which is new for him in my eyes, but as I said, this match could've, or should've been better, and I don't blame it on Hero. I blame it on his opponent, and where the match was set up on the card After the match, Kingston lost his temper, and began flinging anything around the ring he could find. It didn't seem emotional or intense to me, it seemed like a man who was crying that he lost the match. I was not impressed.

Next was the A DOUBLE L DOUBLE I love Aries. Heel. Face. I don't care. Aries is the man. Aries calls out BRET HART who is obviously, long gone, and then proceeds to call Hart a coward. Out comes PETEY WILLIAMS and after a brief debate, the title match is on. Aries retains by count out after hitting a brain buster on the floor. He needed to, because Petey hit not one, but two Canadian Destroyers on Aries, one from the middle rope. It looked sick, that second one. We all knew in the crowd that Aries was not dropping the title tonight, but the match, no questions about it, was entertaining. I thought it was entertaining for the wrestling, but the crowd had other ideas. They proceeded to shout "TWINKIES" at Todd Sinclair, the referee, every time he made a count. It got so bad, that Aries got on the mike after the match, and told the fans to stick a twinkie someplace obscene. Petey then said to Aries to shove one in the same place, on himself. My son and his friend were rolling in the aisle from the twinkies chants. I gotta admit, it was funny as hell.

Next out, was JAMES E. CORNETTE. Now, look. Cornette in ROH is a good thing. No questions. Cornette is a genius mind, and if he can get along with the locker room, it's gonna benefit the company. The promo he did ripping TNA was priceless. Sarah Palin's gonna give Barack Obama a lapdance in the white house before I get behind Vince Russo 100%. I'll never forget that line as long as I live. But, let's take this in to consideration. The crowd is wiped. ARIES comes out, and has literally a ten minute debate with Cornette as to who is truly the power man in ROH. It got so long winded that the crowd starting yelling "SHUT THE F*** UP," to Aries. It really devalued Aries' performance in the world title match, in my opinion.

The semi - main was the YOUNG BUCKS beating THE BRISCOES with I believe, their finisher, the MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK, on Jay Briscoe. These two teams could possibly be the best two tag teams in wrestling at this moment. This match was insane. It showed how the Bucks, who look like pretty boys on the outside, can be as tough as nails when they have to be, because they got their asses kicked, and still managed to get the win. Nice show of class by Jay and Mark, raising the hands of the Bucks following the contest. I wish it was higher in the card, so I would've been more focused, but I was trying to save up for the main event.

Bryan and Nigel came out to thunderous roars. And I mean thunderous. The crowd was upset when they didn't play the Final Countdown for Bryan. Streamers were passed around, and the respect given was incredible. Danielson did his usual spots with the suicide plancha to the crowd, the elbows, cattle mutilation, and the roaring elbows, but take this in to consideration. Danielson took a post shot that busted him open badly. He was in bad shape for some time, took multiple towers of london, and sat in the London Dungeon for an endless amount of time. They did not disappoint, ladies and gentlemen. They did not. Danielson won the match with a triangle choke, after knocking Nigel out with elbows I believe. Draogn's back was to me, so I don't know what the knockout blow was.

The post match speeches were emotional beyond words. The ROH locker room came out and stood at ringside. Nigel thanked ROH for allowing him to be a pro wrestler, put over Danielson, and thanked the fans, and it's a miracle he was able to do that, because like I said earlier, "this clamdigger knocked me out." He did. Dragon did knock him out. Nigel looked loopy for the entire time before the end of the night.

Dragon began putting over the locker room, specifically the Wolves, which is justified beyond measure. He then put over the rest of the ROH locker room, saying without them, he would not be him. He asked the fans that wherever he may go, wherever he may end up, to continue to support ROH. The fans ate it up. Dragon joked he wasn't going to be able to punch anyone in the ear anymore, and the crowd chanted they wanted to see Dragon punch John Cena in the ear. Dragon responded that he would come up to that son of a bitch, and POW!. Nice closure to the comment back from years ago made by Christian Cage at How We Roll.

Dragon was the epitome of class throughout this speech, and asked for one thing, to have his favorite song played one last time. "The Final Countdown" was played, and to hear the crowd in the Manhattan Center sing that song in unison, well, bluntly, it made my spine tingle.

I can say, with conviction, that this show was by far and away, the most emotionally jacked show I have ever been too. This blew Final Battle 2006 out of the water. Cornette returning was a nice surprise, the wrestling was off the charts, ladder war lived up to its billing, Eddie Edwards deserves a purple heart for competing in that match, and the legends of ROH left their essence in the ROH canvas.

I am honored, pardon the pun, to have had the pleasure to experience ROH: Glory By Honor VIII: The Final Countdown.

Whether you're a fan of ROH or not, I recommend highly picking up this DVD when it's released. It will be a hot item, I believe it will be one of the best ROH shows on DVD ever sold.

I did some taping (audio only) from the show, which I will upload to my blog later today or tomorrow. I cannot comment on the quality. It's an iPod touch, so cut me a little slack on that. I'll put up the pieces, and let you be the judge. I make some comments throughout the pieces, (and there are a lot of them), talking about what I am seeing and experiencing.

I do have Dragon and Nigel's speeches and the music playing in its entirety in audio form. Like I said, the quality isn't good, but, it will show you the emotion that was in that building last night.

Changes

2009-09-26T13:40:00.002-04:00

I am no longer on facebook, myspace, or twitter.

Reasons for the removal may be given, or they may not.

I will continue to blog here, if I don't end up damaging anything else.

A column I don't think will make it to Wrestleview....

2009-09-22T02:20:00.002-04:00

I wrote this column in anger. Not at the topics, but at people. People I work for. I wrote this column in response to not being able to....hell, if I'm going to try and explain it, I'll do it in a podcast. For now, here's the column, and judge for yourselves.

One of the things that I have always tried to do from day one is put all my effort, all my passion, all my emotion in to my work. Sometimes, hell, all of the time, it makes me a little bit, even a lot bit larger than life. I've been hanging out in the chat room here on the site lately, and shall we say, letting my hair down a little, and now I think it's coming back to bite me in the ass. Well, so be it. Until someone tells me differently, I'm going to keep spewing my guts.

I have to talk about this guest host bull that's set for next week right now. I am not a politician by any sense, and I hate following politics. I have seen this man that is going to host Raw next week be in situations that would make a normal man cringe. I would tend to think that this man is planning on using the platform of the WWE just to try and push his agenda and his message across. I am especially outraged by this man because frankly, I don't believe that kids, THE MAJORITY OF THE DEMOGRAPHIC THAT WATCHES WRESTLING, should be subjected to this man's rhetoric.

I'm talking about Al Sharpton. I wanted to talk about it on Wrestling News Live, but I guess I have earned my reputation as the Skype Stalker. So be it. Al Sharpton is not a celebrity. Al Sharpton is not someone who brings good publicity to a company. It's like TNA signing Jonny Fairplay or Jenna Morasca, only ten times worse. Putting this guy in front of a live microphone with millions of people viewing the show, MOST OF THEM CHILDREN, is absolutely a recipe for something bad to happen.

I have been a staunch supporter of this guest host thing since its inception, but this is the first one that I have seen that I cannot, and will not be silent for. This man has absolutely no business being involved with this show. I don't care if I am not going to watch it because of my schedule, nobody should be forced to endure any of this man's rhetorical mumbo jumbo because it's just politically motivated jargon meant only to promote his movement, and his beliefs.

Last I thought, this is a wrestling show, not a preacher's house.

Al Sharpton is a huge gamble for the WWE. A gamble I think that is going to backfire, and backfire huge. I hope that Vince McMahon can handle the backlash that this man is going to unleash on his company. I'll tell you this much, I've been thinking of ways to show my protest of this guy being given the chance to host this show. I know I won't watch it, and I won't check out the highlights on .com either, but I still believe that the WWE administration is making a huge mistake. I only hope that the ratings show that my predictions are correct. And I also hope that this does not become a newsworthy event. Because it has the definite possibility of being just that.

Saturday night I will be in New York City at the Grand Ballroom of the Manhattan Center for ROH's Glory By Honor 8, The Final Countdown. The final appearance in ROH and indy wrestling for ROH legends American Dragon Bryan Danielson and Nigel McGuinness. I never thought that this show would turn in to one of the most important shows in the company's history, but that has been the case. I've seen bids for tickets to this show going as high as $200 a pop. You've got Bryan vs. Nigel one last time, you've got Aries defending the belt, probably against Petey Williams, if I had to guess what the lottery is going to do, you've got Ladder War II, which is going to be beyond insane, and you've got Bret Hart, which is not something that I myself give a damn about, but I am sure that most do.

As much as I would LOVE to do audio commentary from the show, I don't think I'm going to be able to because the security there were pains in my ass about it when I tried to do that very thing at Manhattan Mayhem III in Hammerstein. I will try, but it'll also be tough to talk about the show to a microphone when I have two teenagers sitting with me. Nevertheless, I will have a major release soon after that show, or early the next morning to talk about the atmosphere and the direction that I think ROH will be headed once two of their biggest stars ever depart the company for greener pastures in Stamford, Connecticut.

Look at the undercard here. Briscoes vs. the Bucks, the rematch. Claudio vs. Omega. Eddie Kingston vs. Chris Hero. Three pretty damn good matches. I have yet to see Kingston live, and that I think will be an experience in itself, the other matches need no description in my belief. Colt's on the show, and that's always a good thing. Strong, Dutt, Delirious, the DCFC, and of course, Val Venis, Jr., Rhett Titus. A pretty stacked roster for a historic night.

I have been very fortunate to see some amazing moments in ROH rings. From Danielson winning the belt, to Homicide winning the belt, to Aries winning the belt for the 2nd time, to Misawa competing for the only time in the US, it's been an experience to see this company evolve. I believe this show could top all four of those moments combined in its intensity and drama. Something just tells me in my bones that I am in for one hell of a night saturday night on the 7th floor of the Manhattan Center. (Actually, the eighth floor, I'm sitting in the balcony.) :)

Anyways, moving on.

Some TNA Notes to end this rant, since I didn't get the chance to do it elsewhere. Yeah, I know I'm going to get busted for being nasty, but that's the price you pay when you wear your emotions on your sleeve like I do.

I am SO thrilled that AJ Styles finally is the TNA World Champion. I read the spoilers from monday night. I'm not going to reveal them, but I will say that I hope it's written correctly, at least, in my eyes. I'll play it out, and see where it goes, but I really hope that there isn't a "transitional champion" tag attached to this reign for the Phenomenal One.

The Knockout tag title belts are GOREGOUS. Jesus, they are beauitful. I wish the booking for the division was as goregous as the belts are, but hey, you can't ask for too much, now, can you?

With Lashley's next MMA fight apparently in limbo, what does that mean for his tenure in TNA? Is he going to focus his energies in building a feud here, or is it going to be some spot matches from here and there for this investment that really has zero direction right now.

Lacey Von Erich in the Beautiful People is as close to a perfect fit to replace Angelina Love as you can get. I think it will work out well. Oh, and yeah, SO HOT.

When is TNA going to stop the contradiction? They punish Jeff Jarrett because Kurt Angle's ex-wife moves in with him, but Kurt gets charged with a truckload of offenses, and Daniels gets charged with a DUI that's basically broadcast on twitter, and nothing's done to them? Give me a break. Last I checked, Jarrett never committed a crime, and regardless to me if Angle's charges were dropped or not, Angle's actions were deplorable, so was Daniels'. Neither of them got a slap on the wrist, but Jarrett's lost all his power and clout in the company he founded. Someone want to explain to me where that is fair? Because frankly, I don't see it.

I'm done.

thoughts inside my head...

2009-09-17T08:59:00.001-04:00

https://vr.shapeservices.com/play.php?hash=c6655dce0d677d18474b4ccb0fd12a6965720d2e8892abaa2

if you got the guts, go for it. I'm just talking about my biggest challenge ever.

___
Sent via VR+

Life is truly awful....

2009-09-09T17:31:00.002-04:00

I don't see how life can get any better. Wake up from a drug induced coma to find a member of my family reliving my past indignities by literally tearing my apartment apart piece by piece. Sad part is, he learned all of this from me. I'm the asshole who couldn't control the demons inside my head for so fucking long that I showed my children how to be destructive, and how to be maniacal, and how to be out of control when they feel that way.

I'm such a good example of a father, I would've been able to do something, but I am so awful at what I do, I ended up basically nearly getting punched out repeatedly, and basically cried for the better part of two hours of the day since I woke up at 3pm.

I should be happy for my wife, she started graduate school this week. But I'm not. I'm seething with jealousy, because while she's got delusions of grandeur as to what will transpire once she gets her graduate degree, I'm stuck in a dead end job getting bit on the hand by 400 pound buffarillas with cracks in their cranium causing brain matter and smarts to leak out of their heads like its fucking Niagra Fucking Falls.

I'm miserable. I want to cry myself back to sleep, and not wake up for the forseeable future, but of course, I gotta put the facade on, and do what I have to do to survive. I keep saying I'm tough enough, and I can do it, but now, I am not so sure, I am questioning my own strength, I am questioning my own resolve, hell, I'm questioning what the fuck I am doing, period.

Welcome to my nightmare. It doesn't seem to want to end.

Hydrocephalus

2009-08-17T09:12:00.003-04:00

Anyone who knows me knows about my son Jonathan, and his battle with hydrocephalus. Apparently, some people, including one of my new friends from Jersey, Kim, have taken this matter to a higher authority, namely the Federal Government, and some recognition is being shown for this very complex, devastating, and exhausting condition. I'd like to show you two videos of congress talking about a bill to recognize September as National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month. These videos are courtesy of my friend Kim's website at hydrocephaluskids.org

Here is the first one.

And the second one.

Email thoughts on Kurt Angle's situation

2009-08-17T03:40:00.003-04:00

Based off of my latest column discussing the Kurt Angle situation, here are some email responses from that piece....

My friend Keith had this to say....

One of the obvious differences I see between Benoit and Angle is that Angle is more intelligent. I don't say that in a disrespectful way...but it does seem to be clear (at least to me).

I kind of hope this helps Angle out and that he eventually realizes what he has been doing to himself for the last decade or perhaps much longer as you mentioned.

I'm not sure how Angle's history of performance enhancing drugs compares with Benoit's? Do you know more about that?

I don't think you are exaggerating at all...I really think he could be the next major tragedy in pro wrestling if something doesn't change soon.

What do you think should be done for him? I think forced rehab...is one of the best options.

He should definitely lose the title...if only for the reason that he broke the law...much less that he is a danger to himself and probably others.

This is kind of an opportunity for TNA to make a tough stand. Angle is one of the driving forces of their product...but he's going to explode in a bad way eventually.

My buddy Kevin from Houston wrote this....

You could not be more right about what ya said in your column. Angle needs help and help now, no wait he needs help yesterday! With what has happened to so many wrestlers in the past, Pillman, Eddie, and Benoit, it is scary to think that, with the way he is going, Angle is heading down the same road as these guys. If TNA has any care about their talent, they would get him the help he needs and fast. If not TNA, some of the other wrestlers need to pull him aside and sit him down and do whatever they can to get him the help he needs. Now mind ya, I am not a fan of the whole Kurt Angle gimmick and whatnot, but as a person in general, I don't want to see him throw everything, including his life away without doing everything possible to rid himself of these demons in his life. All the wrestling stuff aside, he is a father, and he needs to think what he is doing to his kids, not only now, but in the long run. He needs to think about being there for them in the future, watching them grow, and doing all he can to guide them down the right path in life. As it stands now, if Angle does not do anything to them, (God forbid, and I won't go there) there is one hell of a chance they will be going to their father's funeral in the not to near distant future.

All the wrestling stuff aside, I think of Angle, the man, himself. Watching anyone go down this road, and it is a road that is so avoidable to travel, is beyond sad. Walk away, take a break, do acting, coach youth in wrestling, but Gad dammit, don't throw your whole life away like this! And to the wrestling suits in TNA, and the wrestlers themselves, God dammit, show you care about your talent and help them out! You can't tell me we, the online wrestling community are the only ones that have seen the warring signs here, it is far too obvious. Get this man, this father, the help he needs before the whole wrestling community morns another tragic, but oh so preventable death once again!

If you have an opinion, I'll post it here....

a look inside my head

2009-08-03T06:37:00.001-04:00

https://vr.shapeservices.com/play.php?hash=de808109d3238b570721b4c588364b81a76065f310e920331

for anyone insane enough who wants to look

___
Sent via VR+

We got another new booker... Brian!

2009-08-02T08:58:00.003-04:00

It didn't take long for Brian to get in to this thing. He saw Jonathan get some positive comment feedback on facebook and wanted in. SO, I let him. Yes, I have created monsters that I don't think I can settle down any time soon, but hey, if they're having fun, isn't that the main idea?

Ok, Brian's card can almost be replacing a Extreme Rules PPV...

3 Stages of Hell Match
Fall 1 - Normal Wrestling, Fall 2 - Street Fight, Fall 3 - Punjabi Prison
The Great Khali vs. Kane

Elimination Tag Team Match for the Unified Tag Team Championship
Chris Jericho & The Big Show vs. Cryme Tyme

Falls Count Anywhere for the Intercontinental Championship
Rey Mysterio vs. Dolph Ziggler

First Blood Match for the WWE Championship
Randy Orton vs. Triple H

His main event was a ladder match for the World Heavyweight Title between Jeff Hardy & John Morrison. In the style of Mick Foley, I'd like to just do a little "tweak" to that match.

3 way ladder match for the World Heavyweight Title
Jeff Hardy vs. John Morrison vs. CM Punk

Ok, there it is, My 11 year old, and my 9 year old have tried to book WWE. Are they doing a better job than the suits who DO book the wrestling?? You tell me.

WWE's Newest Booker - Jonathan!

2009-08-01T19:00:00.003-04:00

Let's see if you guys think whether or not Jonathan, my nine year old, can book a WWE supershow better than some of the cronies who make the money.

So, with that being said, here's the deal. He booked these matches for a WWE Supershow. You could also call this a pay per view, if you want to, cause there's a lot of titles on the line. It's as current as current can get.

Check this out.

8 person mixed tag team match
Cryme Tyme, Slam Master J & Eve Torres vs. The Hart Dynasty & Festus

Evan Bourne & Rey Mysterio vs. Jack Swagger & CM Punk

Now for the title matches...

ECW Championship Fatal Four Way Extreme Rules Match
Christian vs. Tommy Dreamer vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Zack Ryder

Fatal Four Way Match for the US Championship
Kofi Kingston vs. MVP vs. Primo vs. Carlito

Stretcher Match for the World Heavyweight Championship
Jeff Hardy vs. The Big Show

WWE Championship Scramble Match
Randy Orton vs. John Cena vs. Triple H vs. Ted DiBiase vs. Cody Rhodes

I'd like to see your comments!

So would Jonathan!

I'm pretty fucking miserable

2009-08-01T17:09:00.001-04:00

https://vr.shapeservices.com/play.php?hash=a1e9261148ccc10080c3b3c53f7a93923bbe845138a0f3742

I'm talking low on this, so volume is an issue....

___
Sent via VR+

New chat box

2009-07-24T04:34:00.002-04:00

In the interim, xat.com/palaceshoutouts should take you to the chat room that I created. For now, I am putting it off the blog, because it appears that you can only tweak the box at the spot where you created it. Since I initially created the box for the blog at work, that would be considered a bad thing. Hence, what I will do, is re-do it from my house, embed it at the bottom of the blog, and see how it works, before I try to see if I can replace the ole stand by.

For now, the old returns....

Life

2009-07-23T07:42:00.001-04:00

The world is completely unfair. To say anything less would be looking at a world with rose colored glasses. I see life as nothing but a series of challenges faced and laced with hurdles of idiocy, stupidity, and cruelty that encompass every single level of the emotional spectrum from rage to outright weeping. From the jackass who claims to have a family emergency one week, and his car breaks down the next, to the manager who doesn't know the meaning of the words, "On time", to the lovely disadvantages dealt my two youngest children with their 'disabilities', to the hormonally challenged teenager who would rather see me hit by a bus than say hello to me, to the move that put my family in a deeper hole because bureaucratic jackasses didn't do their job, to the parental unit who thinks I killed his wife, caused him to get sick, and destroyed the home I grew up in, to the child with absolutely no memory, to the adult with a temper he cannot control, to the adult whose brain continues to think about damage caused to the things he cares about most that may not be fixable, ever, there is a challenge around every single corner, and I don't want to hear a single motherfucking person on the planet tell me that life gets better on the other side. I have thought that, more times than I can care to count, and every single time I think that, something else happens that makes me realize what a pile of horseshit it is. Life isn't fun, life isn't fair, life is cruel, life is a series of sick jokes, depressing circumstances, and disappointments. No matter how hard you try to correct that, and turn things around, and BELIEVE ME WHEN I FUCKING TELL YOU I HAVE BEEN TRYING FOR 11 YEARS since I got married to turn my life around for the better, but no matter how hard you try to be optimistic, there's just no way. I'm doomed to spend the rest of my days as a dour, sad, depressed, and angry son of a bitch with no future, and no hope.

I can live with that, I made my bed, I have to lie in it. What I can't bear is having to watch my children go through their own lives, and not be able to protect them from the hell that awaits.

The phrase, life sucks, and then you die, has never had any more meaning than it does, right now.

Behind the Mind

2009-07-22T10:29:00.001-04:00

https://vr.shapeservices.com/play.php?hash=660f828f562e05aed4f98233d3526579b676954af11a7b680

Rambling on and on at 6am about who knows what??!? When you find out, let me know....,

___
Sent via VR+

Angle vs jJarrett

2009-07-22T10:26:00.001-04:00

https://vr.shapeservices.com/play.php?hash=533b8f98b3f59d377c81d4e1b523745ef3a093322aaac7086

why should we care about their personal lives??????!

___
Sent via VR+

ramble on

2009-07-21T12:12:00.001-04:00

https://vr.shapeservices.com/play.php?hash=668a8a19c0f38e68a2f9fd59d0d2ccb897b4f7fbf43730d56

this really shows how lost I feel these past few weeks.

___
Sent via VR+

Senior Moment. Fuck You.

2009-07-20T05:24:00.002-04:00

Ok. Not many times do I feel compelled to rant and rave about something like this, but this is definitely the exception that disproves the rule.

Yesterday, I watched the British Open Golf Championship. If you were human, you had to have some interest in this. A champion of the past rekindling his glory days and potentially en route to his sixth Claret Jug. It was a cinderella story at the least, and damn good television at the best. And for myself, it had a man who I had followed when I played the game for some time, and someone who I would root for 10 times out of 10, without question.

And even better, the last name of the star performer was not WOODS.

The world had spoken of Tom Watson's age, and although it was a hindrance, in this game, it can also be a strength. I think it was a strength in getting him to the final hole of the British Open with a one shot lead.

What I do not believe, and what I cannot believe is how much audacity the New York Daily News has with their headline on the back page.

"Senior Moment."

Forgive me, media morons, but I would like to see ANY ONE OF YOU step out in to that pressure cooker at 29, 39, 49, 59, or 109 and try and make it to the 72nd hole of a major championship with a chance to win. So he didn't. The fact that he was there is testament enough to how good this golfer is, how much of a competitor he is, and how much of an achievement this is.

To disrespect the game, the man, and the achievement by using a headline that can be misinterpreted so badly is a crime. It's such an egregious crime that I had to say something about it. I challenge anyone who is an athlete to repeat the performance of Tom Watson, with his strengths and weaknesses at your command, and try and make it to the final green with a chance to win a major championship in the twilight of your career.

It's not going to happen.

Watson's achievement yesterday should be respected, celebrated, and appreciated for the sheer magnitude, the damn good television, and the fact that it happened to a humble, genuine, good man for the game of golf. It should not spit upon by imbeciles behind a desk who think that they can score a few headlines by degrading the man because he is an elder statesmen.

The Daily News should be ashamed of themselves.

The ONLY reason why I don't rip it apart right now in front of me is I didn't pay for mine.

I wouldn't give these imbeciles a dime for the bullshit they pulled today.

Isn't spelling what you're supposed to take in grammar school?

2009-07-17T00:11:00.002-04:00

I don't know, you tell me. Is this the correct spelling??

UNNONE

I thought it was

UNKNOWN

but maybe I missed something.

Someone want to elaborate?

Stupidity is a hereditary condition

2009-07-17T00:02:00.002-04:00

Mirs Josephine missing her earing aid last night. pation came in at 16:10 on the 7-15-09 oround mdinite fine out hear earing aid was missing, her daughter went to her belonging/security went to lost an found coulding fine it.

That is, word for word, a report I just received that I have to transcribe to a digital version for my job's records. Someone who works in health care just submitted the above text as an actual report about missing property.

I swear, as God as my witness, stupidity is hereditary. People don't get stupid, they're born that way.

I've seen a lot of shit in my day, but this, this is just absurd.

I had some stuff to say

2009-07-15T07:18:00.001-04:00

https://vr.shapeservices.com/play.php?hash=bfad47b8197f4afd4305b3492010c84150e4bea5fe1a941e2

it's my ramblings, again, coming out of work

___
Sent via VR+

Whoever thought this was a bad idea.....

2009-07-12T11:49:00.001-04:00

Venting one's spleen has never been so covenient.

Now i'm mobile

2009-07-12T10:31:00.001-04:00

I got my iPod set up to blog on this site. God, I am a cornball.

Legit audio on bloggr...

2009-07-09T22:35:00.002-04:00

How cool is this?? Now it looks like I can do audio recordings on this thing without having to host it somewhere or do some other magic trick. Damn, i'm happy.... if this does work, I can get the podcasting thing going like a muthafuka.

i'll try and put something else up on audio later tonight. let's see if i can get lucky twice.

something you have to hear to believe...

2009-07-09T07:07:00.001-04:00

https://vr.shapeservices.com/play.php?hash=055adde058e9ce931831cb7146d8a0f509edf54110074e63b

nuff said

___
Recorded on iPod touch and posted with VR+ Lite.
http://vr.shapeservices.com

Just an observation

2009-07-07T01:03:00.002-04:00

Is it me, or does everyone who still has a job in this lovely ecomony we call Obamanomics either has no personality, or has the personality of a walrus? I'm on the job right now, and I swear, people here have the disposition of sour grapes. Don't get me wrong, seeing some of the shit these people do, I'd be a little sour myself, but when you've been on all three aspects of the health care setting, being a parent of a patient, being a patient yourself, and being a staff member, you get a whole new disposition as to how things are, and you truly can see how dispassionate, and how much disdain is emanating from most of these health care providers. Not all of them, but certainly more than 50%.

Wordpress, moving, and life in general...

2009-07-02T07:46:00.002-04:00

First and foremost, thanks to all who took the time to listen to my podcast. I'll update it as soon as time permits. Unfortunately, again, the site I chose I can't get during the prime time I can do these things, so my sked may be a little off for doing the audio stuff.

Anyways, I gotta answer one thing that came to me on facebook before going forward. A friend of mine said I was still living in the past by trying to re-connect with people form my past. It does sound a bit confusing, but I think of it as this. The people I am thinking of, while eloquently stated by my homeboy Jay aren't probably worth the time I am putting on them, meant something to me back then, and they did, for the most part, up to now.

So, with that being said, I believe re-kindling contact like what I had stated in the podcast is more of trying to go forward with the people you care about, and not dwell in the relationships that may have gone awry for whatever reason.

But, as I said earlier, my homeboy Jay said it best, and he's right. I gotta let it go, I gotta move on, and I gotta say, excuse the french, "Fuck 'em." If they don't want the contact, why should I try and waste my emotional energy on people that aren't returning the favor?

Anyways, now that I got the negative crap out of the way, I gotta also say this. Thanks to all of you who took the time to write me and provide kind words of encouragement. Donna, Rocco, Jay, Allison, et al, I appreciate it more than you'll ever possibly know.

OK.. now that I got the formalities done...

Why the change back?? Simple. Wordpress sucks. Too many bells, whistles, and all the other crap that I don't need, want, or desire. If I can figure it out, I'll try and import my posts from wordpress in to here, and make this a full blown insane asylum full of crap that's spewed out of my melon. If I can't, well, c'est la vie.

Moving sucks. I'm still emptying out my old pad. I thought I'd miss it, but I don't. Not in the least. Only thing I miss is the box AC units, but I'll suffer this summer through, and hope to get my hands on one or two by next summer. I was just there at my old pad after the job, moving and dumping, and let me tell you, I haven't sweated that much in years. Doesn't help me that I'm so out of shape, I make Shamu look slender, but hey, as I said before, c'est la vie. Do yourselves a favor, anyone who is moving in the near future...

BURN EVERYTHING.

If you don't believe me, ask, or ask my homie down in FLA... he's moved more times than I've, well, nevermind... no witty comebacks at 800 in the morning.

Life continues to settle down, a LITTLE at a time, and I'm still struggling to catch up. The kids start camp next week, and I am looking forward to it. I am also looking very forward to the day when I can hand the keys to my former home to my father, and not look back. It's time to cut the ties, it's time to sever the damn cord, before it ends up strangling me for good.

One last thing.

iPod touches rule!

Song of the day: "Hollow" by Godsmack

I'm returning to Blogspot with podcasting on the page

2009-07-01T12:55:00.001-04:00

With me moving, and having a new high speed connection, there are new opportunities. Here is the first installment of this opportunity. I just did a new podcast and it's embedded here on the blog. It's not about wrestling, it's a little deeper than some of the other rantings I have done. I'm going to close wordpress, and reopen this site, as this site and I seem to work more comfortably together.

So, for now, check out the 'cast, and I'll be talking to you.

Oh, btw, until I figure out otherwise, palace.podbean.com is also done.

Later.
Mike

I will update the gadgets and links here in due time.

A new location

2008-09-21T23:47:00.002-04:00

I am moving the blog to a new site. I was checking out my favorite sites to read news on Japanese pro wrestling, and I liked the clean layout that wordpress.com features. With that being said, I am in the process of closing this site, and opening the new blog at the following address.

MikeSiciliano.wordpress.com

Hope you visit.

TNA Impact Video Game thoughts

2008-09-18T01:59:00.002-04:00

I was and am still going through story mode. I had trouble beating the Motor City Machine Guns in Japan, but once I practiced, and figured out the deal behind the application of a finisher, things have begun to pick up. I beat the McMGs, then got to LAX, and beat them in the second attempt. At present, I'm in a singles match with Sonjay Dutt when the disc froze on me. I think I can beat him. I am getting more happier with the game as I learn the controls. I don't like the no titles aspect, but the gameplay is absolutely sick. I am getting happier with this game as the days progresses.

Oh, btw, sorry Jay Lethal. Lethal was my tackling dummy as AJ Styles showed me the finishers application properly after kicking Lethal's ass all over the Impact Zone and back.

Oh, one more thing. I am not a fan of the commentary on wrestling games, but I have to say, as much as it becomes repetitive drivel during matches, at least TNA got the deal done better by not focusing on anything else but the spots done during the matches. On the SvR games, they move all over the place, and frankly, that just annoys me to no end.

AJ & Daniels as the hit men for the "Big Man". I am assuming the "Big Man" is Double J. Can't wait to take his ass out.

more as I go through the story mode.

Emails in follow up to Chapter 272...

2008-09-18T01:31:00.002-04:00

I spoke in 272 abou the possibilities of talent exchanges between the companies in the US, like what's done in the promotions in Japan. From that, I have some emails I would like to show.

First off, from my buddy Adam...

I've often thought what would happen if WWE and TNA had a Talent Exchange like WCW and ECW had back in the day (which usually ended in all the ECW guys never coming back...), and even though I can't really say there was a "Card" I always wanted, I knew there were a few spots that I always wanted to see.

Opening Contest: LAX vs. The Briscoe Bros. vs. Even Bourne and Rey Mysterio

I think this is just the match to get the crowd up and energized for some matches that will have slow points leading to their major spots. If one of these teams were a champion and those belts were on the line, it would be even more exciting.

Ultimate Submission (30 minute Submission Iron Man Match): Brian Danielson vs. Kurt Angle

I think this match speaks for itself.

Ultimate X Match for the US Title: Petey Williams vs. RVD vs. Christopher Daniels vs. Shelton Benjamin

All I want this match for is RVD taking a Canadian Destroyer. That, for me, would be the greatest spot in wrestling history to see the King of the Oversell take the Canadian Destroyer.

TNA Title (2 out of 3 falls to a finish) Samoa Joe vs. CM Punk

This would be the match that non-WWE fans would need to see to realize how stupid TNA was for SEX all those years ago, and for WWE fans (and writers... and HHH) to see that Punk CAN have main event quality matches.

ECW Title Scramble: Matt Hardy vs. AJ Styles vs. The Kendrick vs. Amazing Red vs. "The Pheonix" Jody Fliesch

SPOT FEST 2009 is here!

Elimination Chamber for the WWE Title: HHH vs. Nigel McGuinness vs. Jeff Hardy vs. Low Ki vs. Abyss vs. Rhyno

Abyss and Rhyno are the two most underutilized men on the TNA roster, and it's a shame that they are being left on the back burner for guys like Angle and Booker T who have already had their time in the limelight. I think this match could lead to some amazing moment for all 3 companies to be proud of.

Ladder Match for the World Heavyweight Title (Main Event): Chris Jericho vs. AJ Styles vs. Brian Danielson vs. Low Ki vs. CM Punk vs. Even Bourne

I know that most of the ladder match would be guys in their second match, but it's my dream card, and I can make it happen.

thoughts? Opinions

One sentence. I LIKE IT. A lot. That ladder match main event would be sick.

Now from my buddy Michael:

I was thinking about this as well and i also had a recomondation that every
year, the PPV switches to a different organization like how the Super Bowl
switches to the different networks, that way they would get their piece of the
pie. But anyways, here is my dream card if i could come up with one (granted i
only know of TNA and WWE so please bear with me)

Kane V Abyss
Inferno Match

Sonjay Dutt V Rey Mysterio V Jay Lethal V The Brian Kendrick

Team 3D V The Hardy Boys V Edge and Christian
TLC Match - one more time!

Robert Roode V CM Punk

Santino Marrella V Eric Young

Beth Phoenix V Awesome Kong

Hector Guerrero V Chavo Guerrero

Samoa Joe V Umaga

Randy Orton V Booker T

BG James/Kip James/Triple H/Shawn Michaels V AJ Styles/Rhino/Mr. Kennedy/JBL

Kurt Angle V Chris Jericho

Batista V Undertaker V Sting V (ugh) Kevin Nash

Eh. It's alright, but like you said it will never happen.
But it is fun to dream sometimes. If Flair would want to, one last time with
Sting though would be fun!

All of that is a hell of an idea. I don't know about doing 3D vs. The Hardys vs. E&C again, but damn they were cool. Santino vs. Eric Young. Young will kill him. The eight man is nuts...

And the last one for now, from my pal The AmericKHan Dream...

This idea would be incredible, intense, and I'm sure many other adjectives that begin with the letter "I". I would love to see this. I would love to see this go past even title matches. I have a few dream matches of my own:

1. Motor City Machine Guns Vs. Paul London & The Brian Kendrick
2. AJ Styles Vs. Rey Mysterio
3. Samoa Joe Vs. Triple H

Those are just a few. This idea is great but I don't think it will ever happen. Maybe Vince McMahon is afraid that if he puts his talent up against some of the best in the world, people will realize that WWE isn't as top notch as everyone thinks it is [okay...so I'm biased].

The last time I remember seeing a champion Vs. champion match was when current ECW Champion, Taz, wrestled WWE Champion, Triple H on Smackdown! I don't exactly consider this that much of a "cross-company" adventure though, as Taz was a current WWE superstar.

We all know how successful WWE's wrestling program for the troops in Iraq is...Imagine how successful a supershow for charity between the major companies in the United States would be. Oh my God...The possibilities are endless!

Thanks for an amazing, thought provoking column.

I saw that Taz vs Triple H match. I was thrilled for it. I'd love to see more. I doubt we ever will.

Thanks, and keep the responses coming. The ideas are super. :)

Is this wrong?

2008-09-17T05:31:00.002-04:00

I was watching Bloodstained Honor, one of ROH's retail DVDs. They had a Chicago Streetfight on the DVD, featuring Dan Maff & BJ Whitmer vs. Ace Steel & CM Punk. During the match, it literally began to "rain" chairs in to the ring, as the fans, and the talents threw about 100 to 150 chairs in to the ring.

I laughed out loud. I was thrilled. Is that wrong to be so sadistic?

If it is, I don't care.

Just something to ponder.

Link List Up...

2008-09-16T05:10:00.002-04:00

I have the beginnings of a link list up.. If you want your site noted, email me.. and we'll talk..... ok?

Yeah, I know I changed layouts again... so I have no attention span, ok?

Guess things can get fixed fast...

2008-09-16T04:53:00.001-04:00

WV is back up... and so is #271. C'Est La Vie.

There's a first time for everything...

2008-09-16T04:47:00.001-04:00

I guess I'm just in a run of bad luck. I wrote this... chapter 271. I tried uploading it to WV... and for some reason, WV crashed, I think. Either that, or my account crashed. I don't know. We'll find out eventually. In the meantime....

Coming off of last night's Raw, I have mixed reactions with the main event scheduled for No Mercy. Yeah, I won't lie to you, it's intriguing. Shawn hasn't competed in a ladder match in a long, long, long time, and he and Jericho may be able to even take it to lengths that they didn't pass last month at Unforgiven.

Question is, is this too soon after the unsanctioned match?

I wonder. Because frankly, if they were going to do this angle, wouldn't it have been smarter to reverse it? Have Jericho squeeze the title in some way, shape, or form, out of the hands of CM Punk, then squeak by HBK in a ladder match at Unforgiven, and then, top it off, with the cherry, with the unsanctioned brawl to end it all here at No Mercy.

Far as I see it, it's a better fit than what we have out there.

Now, look, these guys aren't rookies, and we'll get something to be entertained with, no question about it. However, I remember distinctly seeing scuttlebutt around the net and around the way about this feud being too damn long, and it needing to end in a quick, quick manner.

Now, with Jericho as the World Champion, that, may be absolutely impossible.

Now, allow me to indulge myself with a little fantasy here. We have JBL vs. Batista, for the #1 contendership to the World title at No Mercy. Yawn. Both men have been down the path to the title so many times, it's becoming redundant.

Last month at the scramble, Rey Mysterio & Kane beat each other up in a serious way, and have begun a blood lust feud that could absolutely destroy Mysterio's WWE career, if the WWE lets it.

But, if you look at this from a different angle.. You have six men that are currently either vying for the World title, seven if you include the World Champion himself.

* Rey Mysterio
* Kane
* CM Punk
* Shawn Michaels
* Batista
* John Bradshaw Layfield

and then there's the champ. So, let's say for a minute, the winner of Batista vs. JBL takes one of them out of the picture, who I think will be JBL, for his deteriorating health. So, with that being said, we're down to six men as we head toward Survivor Series.

Six men for the World title.. What sort of concept match could possibly wrap all of this up in a nice neat little package?

One that I can think of.

The Elimination Chamber.

Rey Mysterio vs. Kane vs. CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels vs. Batista at Survivor Series in the chamber for the World Heavyweight title.

Kane and Rey kill each other. Punk tries to take out Jericho. Batista and HBK go ballistic at each other, while HBK tries to also kill Y2J. Three feuds, actually, four if you include Punk vs. Y2J since Jericho basically stole the title from Punk, all wrapped up in one match.

I know it's a pipe dream, but hey, the pieces of the puzzle fit, in a slightly different way than normally written, which would be something that would look like a page out of a William Shakespeare sonnet or a bunch of hyrogliphics from ancient times.

I would have never dreamt that Jeff Hardy would get a one on one shot for the WWE title again after his 2nd violation of the wellness policy. I don't think it's going to matter anyway, because it looks to me that the Moscow Mauler has his eyes set on the Charismatic Enigma and I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Kozlov cost Hardy the match at No Mercy and kept the belt on Triple H.

However, when I'm wrong, I'll say I am wrong, and I was dead wrong about Jeff not getting close to the belt again. It's obvious, especially from last month at Unforgiven, that's he's inches away. I don't think WWE will close that gap, but he is literally inches away from the title.

While I understand how MVP and Shelton might have been miffed by the Game's promo two weeks ago on Smackdown, I thought it was hysterical, and did wonders to continue to portray the character of the WWE Champion. However, the promo this week for the Game with Jeff Hardy was nothing short of making my hair hurt while standing on end. It made me feel uncomfortable and uneasy, for all the wrong reasons. The short quips that Triple H hit Shelton and MVP with were classic, but his attempts at getting the rib on Jeff last week lacked a lot of substance, and instead was full of a lot of drivel and uncomfortable moments that I hope don't continue anytime soon.

I watched the video of Rey vs. Kane from last night's Raw. I gotta ask you something. First, when Kane introduced this feud, Batista came to the aid of his fallen friend. Now, out of the ashes of ECW, Evan "Don't call me Matt Sydal" Bourne is helping Rey out in this thing?

Forgive me for sounding a little contrite, but that sounds awfully Russo-esque. Where did Bourne have any sort of connection to Rey Mysterio before tonight that he could remotely play a part in this storyline? Don't get me wrong, Evan Sydal Bourne on WWE television makes me a happy panda, but it does seem a little bit of an abrupt turn toward the unknown for this storyline, and that's all I have to say about that.

I think back to Million Dollar Mania when Charlie Haas was out with Vince and Vince told him to kiss a diva so a fan would win more money, and Charlie ended up kissing Maria. Then, next thing we know, we do it again, and Charlie is lip lockin' with Mae Young. Since then, Charlie has been relegated to a comedy act. Don't get me wrong, Haas may not have a choice in the matter, because frankly, there's no other spot for him. Shelton is so far ahead of him it's not even remotely funny, and there's nobody else in the running that can enter in to a storyline with the Seton Hall All American. But, this impersonation thing is a bit degrading, I think, to a talented wrestler like Haas. It's a good idea, and it's funny, don't get me mistaken for it not doing what it's supposed to be doing, but I remember back to the days of the World's Greatest Tag Team being a major player in the tag team divisions of WWE, and that, would be nice to see again, but I then have to remind myself that tag team wrestling and WWE doesn't seem to mix, it's like oil and water, when it gets down to the nitty gritty.

Dolph Ziggler. From "Nicky", a member of the World tag team champions, to Dolph Ziggler. Man, how the mighty have fallen. What was the point of Nic "Dolph Ziggler" Nemeth coming to the ring during JBL's sit in strike, introducing himself, and walking out. JBL for the second time in about a month had a look on his face wondering what in the bluest of blue hells is going on in this company. And frankly, I may be forced to have to agree with him.

Just curious, does anyone remember the last time Hawkins & Ryder defend the WWE tag team championships?

Neither do I.

I think the idea for the opening show on MyNetwork TV for Smackdown, having a three way match between the WWE champion, the ECW champion, and the World champion, is a terrific idea. I hope it's just that, and not a "champion of champions" match, like they did when it was, if I remember, Booker, Lashley, and Cena. The name didn't work. Put the champs in a ring, and see who's the better man, go for it, but less is best with this. At the moment, Triple H vs. Chris Jericho vs. Matt Hardy sells itself.

What is WWE going to do with Edge when he comes back from this, what I would believe to be, self-imposed hiatus to heal up? Will he be thrust back in to the "marriage" storyline with Vickie Guerrero, or will he finally return to being the man who is the complete player, and can take a show on his back, and bring it to the next level. Only time will tell, but damnit, Mick Foley was right on the money with his promo on what actually turned out to be his last WWE in ring appearance for the forseeable future.

Speaking of Mick Foley, how badly did TNA drop the ball with not having Foley appear in Canada at No Surrender. Also, and don't tell me Trigg couldn't do it, but the attempt of putting Styles in an MMA match is nothing short of disgusting. Styles is a WRESTLER, and he does his flying and acrobatic moves while WRESTLING. Whoever in TNA's creative has this obsession with MMA has to get it out of their system before it kills the product to a point that it's not able to be saved.

If I want to watch two guys punching the crap out of each other, I'll watch UFC. I like the fluidity of the moves and the stories told in the ring by the talents in wrestling, which is why I follow wrestling 100 times more than I would ever follow MMA.

Speaking of following wrestling, I'm late as hell for this, but I checked out a match on Bloodstained Honor, one of ROH's retail DVDs.. It's a Chicago Street Fight between BJ Whitmer & Dan Maff vs. CM Punk & Ace Steel. I don't remember the show. But, I do remember how it absolutely rained chairs in to the ring during the middle portion of this match, and that, ladies and gentlemen, is one thing I would love to be able to experience, just once in my life, to be there for a moment like that. I've had that type of feeling once before while at a show. Just once.

Back in 2006. New York's Grand Ballroom inside the Manhattan Center.

Homicide's win over American Dragon Bryan Danielson to capture the ROH World title.

Never will forget that feeling as long as I live.

And that, is why I follow pro wrestling. For moments like that.

I know this was all over the place, but hey, it's how I write.

Thanks for reading.

Piledriver Online E-Zine

2008-09-15T23:51:00.001-04:00

It appears, I think, that the Palace maybe going global again. I was approached to have my review of the Impact video game published on Piledriver Online, an e-zine based out of the UK. I am trying to work out an arrangement to publish more of my work on that site. More as I know it.

VIRUS!

2008-09-15T23:48:00.001-04:00

I got blasted.

Something infected my computer, and after a lot of trying, I had to make it go BOOM.

I'm coming back up, slowly but surely, but things have slowed to a crawl because of life itself. (it always seems to happen that way, doesn't it?)

I just read the World title is on the line in a ladder match at No Mercy, HBK vs. Y2J.

I also read the debut on MYNetwork for Smackdown features WWE Champ vs. World Champ vs. ECW Champ.

I think I can get a column out of that.

Let me work on it.

In the meantime.

VIRUS! Be careful.

A Disappointing email...

2008-09-12T07:32:00.001-04:00

I got this from my new pal Brad on the TNA game... I'm pissed.

As you have noticed there is no caw i am 100% through story mode alot of the hidden wrestlers are pre fabricated jobbers no entrances and all have the cradle shock as a finisher more or less you also have a second AJ (called AJ Styles X hes in blue and white shorts no entrance) Chris Sabin X (black and red trunks no entrance) and 2 different versions of suicide the one you use in story mode is Suicide X (both suicides have different entrances)

As for the King of the Mountain match Taken out last minute not in the game at all

the tag story you are on goes till a tag title match with LAX In story mode that is the ONLY place you hear about titles and you dont defend any of them

in other words no titles in exibition

Abyss and JJ are the last 2 guys you will unlock i think after i got eric young all i had left was nash JJ abyss and the alternates you finish the game you get a screen that says you unlocked JJ the X chars and Suicide and the england arena ( great job putting in an arena you never use

I gotta let this sink in....this sucks.

Chapter 270: New: A review of the TNA Video Game

2008-09-12T03:52:00.002-04:00

Since the blog is in reconstruction & I don't have a archive yet, I'm publishing the meat of the column, the review of the iMPACT video game here. The other part of the column is picks for No Surrender. If you want those, scroll further.

I know it's kind of trendy right now to talk about the problems the Impact video game has had in reaching its customers, and I had the same problems. I wanted the game on 9/9, and I had to wait until 9/10, like most of the Gamestop customers who pre-ordered the game. I guess TNA's continually problematic shipping deal is continuing, as I have been bitching about their DVD shipping being poor for months on end.

It appears there may be more to the shipping issues than meets the eye. As much as it angers me that TNA is shorting the fans that they desperately need for the evolution of their product, I'll keep my commentary on the distribution of the game to my blog. For now, I'll just talk meat and potatoes about the game itself, if and when you do pick it up.

Anyway, I have been playing it as much as I have been able to since I got it, I'm 35% in to the story mode, and I have some things I would like to report and review about the game. I know some people have said that the game is awful, and some have not really given it much in the way of a positive review. While I am not going to rave and rant about the game, there are aspects I like, and there are aspects I don't. If you'll permit me, I'll go in to it now.

Initially, I was kind of bummed out because it appeared to not have a lot of available wrestlers from the onset. While good names like Styles, Joe, Sting, Daniels, Storm and others are listed, I didn't notice one half of 3D, (Ray), Abyss, Black Machismo, Roode, and others. Obviously, you have to go through the story mode to unlock them. 35% in to the game, I got Ray, I got Roode, I got Machismo. I don't think I got any more TNA stars, yet, but again, I'm doing this from memory at work, and not with the game in my hand to refer to.

The gameplay is stripped down. The controls are simplified, but a little convoluted to remember. Reversals using the R1 button (on PS2, which is what I have), is difficult for me, because I keep forgetting. I think they could've maneuvered the buttons for controls better. I haven't checked to see if I could move the controls, which I will do tomorrow, and if that happens, I'll be a happy panda. If I can't, I'll deal with it. I gotta admit, I'm so used to Smackdown vs. Raw controls that getting used to this is aggravating, but I'll manage.

I enjoy the six sided ring in a video game environment. It's bigger, it gives more variety, and it's just different.

I was told by a customer in a Gamestop store before the game came out, (He played it at a gaming convention), that the game was "very fast." He's right. The gameplay during singles matches is incredibly faster than any other wrestling game I have seen, including Fire Pro. The drawback here is, tag team matches are drastically slower. I'm involved in the "tag team" portion of the story aloingside Eric Young, and the matches are a labor to endure due to the drastically different pace of the tag matches. I also don't like how they don't have created tag team entrances. I know there's truly only two created teams that I can see that are in the game, those being 3D and LAX. It'd be nice to have combined entrances for them, and maybe even AJ & Tomko, who I'm currently facing.

The entrances are nice, they're shorter, which makes me happier, because it's a quicker way in to the match. The commentary, although you can only handle or stomach so much of Tenay and West, the commentary is drastically more purposeful than the Smackdown vs. Raw games. On the WWE games, they'll talk about one wrestler who's not in the match all together. On the TNA game, they'll specifically talk about the moves, but not name the talents in the ring. It's less personal, but it's more purposeful, and I like it.

The graphics are OK. Are they stellar? No. Are they Fire Pro bad? Not even close. The movement of the wreslters in the game, while it may be fast, is pretty fluid. One thing about the gameplay and graphics, I've already run in to two glitches, one where I was literally stuck in the ropes, and unable to move. (Not pinned to the ropes by having them tied around my arms, but literally, unable to move away from the ropes, no matter what I tried. I also had a setup where I was in the ring and moving fine, but it appeared I was literally walking through the canvas, and my feet were hitting the floor. I was able to get out of that one, but when I was out, it appeared I had rolled out from under the ring, ala Hornswoggle & Brie Bella. (Ooops, WWE reference in a TNA column).

I don't see the King of the Mountain match yet, but I assume it's coming at the story mode, in some respect. So, I won't comment there. I don't see any belts yet, but with only 35% done, I guess I shouldn't be surprised. I hope that you're going to be able to defend the belts in exhibition mode, ala the WWE games. It's the main reason why I buy the WWE games, and hold on to them for a long period of time.

"Suicide's" costume rocks. While it's a bummer from what I can tell about not being able to construct your own character customly. However, "Suicide's" costume is really cool, and if they're having one of the talents dress as Suicide and compete on iMPACT, it's going to be good for business, and the game itself.

The storyline plot seems OK, for now. I'm only 35% in, so I can't comment too fully. What I can comment on is this. There's an awful lot of tomato can wanna be wrestlers in this thing that can be used as characters for exhibition matches. Couldn't Midway have spent a little more money to put more TNA talent on this game?

Look, the bottom line here is this. This is not a gem. This is not a failure, either. It's in the middle. I'm trying it out, because I'm very interested and anxious to see what transpires. As I go through the journey, I'll update it on my blog.

2 1/2 stars. Right in the middle, ladies and gentlemen.

Ok, time to go with the picks for No Surrender.

The ROCK n' RAVE INFECTION vs. The PRINCE JUSTICE BROTHERHOOD
Jimmy Rave, Lance (Hoyt) Rock & Christy Hemme vs. Curry Man, Super Eric & Shark Boy
It's really funny how the shellfish version of Stone Cold always manages to figure out a way on to a pay per view. What is this going to be, a 2 on 3 match? I don't see Hemme making a huge impact on this match, although it'll be hysterical to see what Super Eric does with Hemme, if given the chance, if you've played the video game, and saw the interview segment in the storyline with Christy & Eric Young, you'll know what I mean. I don't have a tremendous amount of interest in this match, and I expect Rock, Rave & Hemme to get the win, because the PJB have zero to lose if they do lose, and that can't be said for Hemme's boys.

WINNERS: The Rock N' Rave Infection

ABYSS & MATT MORGAN vs. TEAM 3D
I haven't had the chance to witness the rebirth of Abyss, but if he's close to the way he was as portrayed in his Best Of DVD, then the team of Abyss and Morgan will be damn fun to watch. Those guys vs. 3D oughta look more like a Bingo Hall Brawl than a wrestling match. Unfortunately, one way or another, 3D will get the win for one simple reason, they're the established team. I don't see Russo putting 3D in the jobber seat for this one. Not possible. They just re-upped, and TNA wants to make sure they stay happy.

WINNERS: Team 3D

Falls Count Anywhere
O.D.B. vs. AWESOME KONG
Can you all see Gail Kim, if she's renewed with TNA, resurface here, and help out ODB? I could. Easily. Because frankly, ODB needs help if she's going to survive. I don't care what you say about anything here. Kong is indestructible against any female opponent, and can only be beaten by the pen, and not the fist. Nothing else to say here. Kong destroyed Roxxi this past week, and any other result outside of that will shock the hell out of me.

WINNER: Awesome Kong

Ladder Match
SONJAY DUTT vs. JAY LETHAL
Sonjay Dutt as a heel just does not work for me. This feud has gone on WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY TOO LONG. How come is it Dutt, who is an incredible athlete, has not yet still held X Division championship gold? What right does the former Daivari have to be in the title match, while Sonjay is still embroiled in this thing? Something to ponder, ladies and gentlemen, and frankly, I'm stunned Sonjay hasn't made more of a stink about it. This match, from a spot perspective, should be off the charts. Both men are acrobats in the ring, and this oughta be one in a million. May be worthwhile to buy the DVD for this one match. Lethal wins, because I don't see Val turning heel. This has to end, for both of their sakes, they have to move on from this, now.

WINNER: Jay Lethal

A pay per view with all of the companies titles on the line. What a shock! What a surprise! It's a stunner! APPLAUSE, everyone!

TNA Knockouts Championship
TAYLOR WILDE vs. ANGELINA LOVE
If Wilde loses this match, it's because of the interference of Love's partner, Velvet Sky. I don't see Love beating Wilde on her own merit, although that is entirely possible, if the option was offered. Question is, does TNA want to put a heel at the top of the women's division again? Answer, I think, is yes. I think Love and Sky have the most to offer at the top of the women's division, and although Taylor's surprise win over Kong was nothing short of a stunner, I think she falls here, and they re-invent the division, especially if a certain talent does jump ship back to Stamford.

WINNER: Angelina Love

TNA World Tag Team Championship
BEER MONEY, Inc. vs. The LATIN AMERICAN XChange
Robert Roode & James Storm vs. Homicide & Hernandez
Storm and Roode as tag team champions makes me sick. Storm as a tag team wrestler is one thing, but he has zero in common with Roode, and this gimmick is awful. LAX has become my second favorite tag team in TNA, behind the defunct duo of Styles & Daniels. LAX could be the most complete team in wrestling with speed, power, agility and toughness. It's a match that I hope, falls in LAX's favor, but the fact remains, I would be stunned if they did multiple title changes. I'm gonna pick the challengers here, and hope this is a Bound For Glory 2007 moment, where all the titles change hands, or at least, multiple ones do. I doubt it, but I'm gonna let my heart do the talking on this one.

WINNERS: The Latin American XChange

TNA X Division Championship 3 Way Match
PETEY WILLIAMS vs. CONSEQUENCES CREED vs. SHEIK ABDUL BASHIR
With all due respect, what in the bluest of blue hells has Creed & Bashir done to warrant a title shot? I think this match will be competitive, fun, and the whole X Division stalwart, but damn, this match is way off base as far as I can see for title contenders. Williams retains.

WINNER: Petey Williams

TNA World Heavyweight Championship Four Ways to Glory Match
SAMOA JOE vs. BOOKER T. vs. CHRISTIAN CAGE vs. KURT ANGLE
Yawn, yawn, yawn.

I'm sorry, but if you think I'm going to get up for a match like this, you're crazy. TNA's been there, done that, repeatedly. Joe will retain here, and go further. I don't know what they're trying to do with this match, but personally, I think they need to re-invent Joe, and make him a "dominant champion", instead of a constantly "pissed off whiny champion". That may result in a title change, and a quick change, but one thing is definitely for certain. This match bores me to tears. Don't get me wrong, it'll probably be a lot of fun to watch, but I am so sick of these guys always getting title shots, and guys like well, AJ for one, and foremost in my mind, a former World Champion, I don't remember even once seeing him challenge for the TNA belt. That, ladies and gentlemen, is a shame.

WINNER: Samoa Joe

Let's talk. I'm waiting. :)

I had a choice....

2008-09-11T04:12:00.003-04:00

I guess I had a choice... 3 columns or two columns. Well, the honest truth is, 3 columns isn't something I liked. 2 seems neater. And I didn't want to mess with the Cbox, which, as you can see, is back.

I hope this layout is OK.. I know the past one was cool, but I wanted to change things over for a little bit...

Well, I think I found something

2008-09-09T04:58:00.001-04:00

I am going to tinker with this layout a little bit, its three columns, so maybe I can do some more stuff. I was hoping to see if I could actually even create a layout, figure out how to program in XML, but something tells me that's going to be nearly impossible. Anyways, this is simple, different, and a little less brooding, and maybe that's a positive in itself. Let's see what sort of gadgets I can add to this thing in the coming days.

well, um, I screwed up...

2008-09-08T05:43:00.001-04:00

I was getting bored with the layout, although it was sleek, so I tried messing around...

problem is, I didn't back anything up...

so now I gotta start from scratch...

sad.... so this place may be a little off for a few days...

at least the CBOX will come back when I can finally find a template I like....

it's still up at the forums...

Japan's Dragon Gate Pro Wrestling Invades the US - Results from Los Angeles

2008-09-08T01:30:00.001-04:00

Courtesy: 411mania.com

Live Dragon Gate: Friday LA Extreme Night Results
Posted by Bayani Domingo on 09.06.2008

Dragon Gate invades California!

Dragon Gate: Friday LA Extreme Night
John Anson Ford Park, Bell Gardens, CA
Friday, 9/5/08, Bell Time: 8:00
Approximate Attendance: 550 – 600

**Opening Notes: Dragon Gate has provided their usual Japanese announcer as well as borrowing PWG's American ring announcer: John Ian. All entrances were in both Japanese and English**

1. Dragon Gate Special Invitational Match
Lil Cholo Def Infernal & "Amazing" Junior, Pinfall via Kudoh Driver Variation from Abdominal Stretch position
- Surprisingly entertaining match from these men out of WPW, very clean and fast paced to start, but eventually some of the wrestlers began trying to pull off too many spots and began getting blown up and a little sloppy. Lil' Cholo was waaaay over with the crowd and the match got good "heat" behind it. Cholo hit the Kudoh Driver (Cop Killer) variation on Junior for the pin.

2. El Generico Def Genki Horiguchi, Pinfall via Brainbustaaah
- Solid match featuring a "HAGE" controlling much of it and hamming it up "heel" style for the crowd. Very crisp match and a very good introduction into the DG-style for those who have never seen it. Finish came after Generico was able to avoid the "Backslide from Hell", hit an "Ole Kick" and finish off Genki with the "Brainbustaah". Post match saw the rest of Real Hazard who had accompanied Genki to the ring beatdown Generico until World-1 came out for the save. There was a short war of words both in Japanese and English which had Doi shout to GAMMA "Speak English" and "You Go Home", which he got the crowd to also chant.

3. Hollywood Stalker Ichikawa Bosou 10 Match Series Extreme Comedy Match
Necro Butcher Def "Hollywood" Stalker Ichikawa, Pinfall via Tiger Driver onto pile of Chairs
- Exactly what you would expect of these two. Stalker came out of the gate with a vicious slap to Necro, who then retaliated with a straight punch to the face and a pinfall in 8 seconds. Afterward Stalker recovered and begged for one more match, which Necro then granted. The second match got good time and included a lot of Stalker getting his tail handed to him after several weak attempts at various chair shots and the dreaded Kancho.

4. Open The Dream Gate Championship Match
SHINGO Def PAC, Pinfall via Made In Japan
- Excellent match and possible MoTN from these two. Basically SHINGO hit PAC with every move in his arsenal to try to ground him and PAC countered with high flying moves of his own. Second Rope Last Falconry, Pumping Bomber, and Blood Fall were all kicked out of by PAC and SHINGO kicked out of multiple SSP, Twisting SSP, and Phoenix Splash attempts. PAC had a lot of fan support, more so than SHINGO since he's a PWG semi-regular. Several near falls, but after kicking out of the Blood Fall, SHINGO finally pinned PAC with the "Made In Japan".

5. Dragon Kid & Kendo Def Keni'chiro Arai & Taku Iwasa, Pinfall via Ultra Hurricanrana
- At the beginning of the show Vampiro was announced as not being there and that news actually got a bit of applause from the crowd. Kendo was his replacement and I'm told he's also a WPW lucha wrestler. Match was a bit disappointing as Kendo was no where near able to keep up and there were several miscommunications involving him as well as he was out of shape and blown up 3 minutes in. Otherwise a solid match from the other 3 as Tozawa-Juku got several nearfalls, but Dragon Kid was able to pin Iwasa with a springboard Hurricanrana after Arai was taken to the outside by a big Plancha from Kendo.

6. Open the Twin Gate Championship Match
Ryo Saito & Susumu Yokosuka Def The Youngbucks (Nick & Matt Jackson), Pinfall via Premium Bridge
- Another excellent match as the ‘bucks had the home field advantage, this showcased how well the ‘bucks had integrated into DG's style of fast paced action. RyoSuka were in charge for most of the match, but the bucks were on fire for the opening. Finish came when Matt Jackson was hit with a Dragon Suplex attempt and floated too far out of range for the bridging pin (perhaps a blown spot?), Saito then hit the "Premium Bridge" on him for the pinfall. Post match Genki came in to attack all the men and a masked wrestler came to their aid and cleared out Genki with the Schwein. He of course unmasked to show he was CIMA and thanked everyone for coming. He shook hands with everyone except for Kid as he walked out of the ring with DK looking confused.

7. Open the Triangle Gate Championship Match
- Other MoTN candidate and a fantastic match. Lived up to billing and was exactly what you would expect to see at a real DG show in Japan. The only caveat is that this match featured more spitting and saliva than any match I had ever seen in my life. Even a fair amount of spitting at the crowd by both GAMMA and Kanda. Fairly back and forth match except for a long heat sequence on BxB Hulk as he was getting beatdown by RH. Finish came after a long sprint of finishers and near falls, but GAMMA finally planted Hulk with a top rope tombstone for the pin. Afterward Doi challenged GAMMA to a one on one match and GAMMA ran back to the ring to attack all of World-1 with his Kendo stick until he was chased off and RH left. After Doi thanked everyone for coming, CIMA also came to the ring and the rest of the wrestlers also came out except for RH to pose for pictures.

**Overall Notes- Not exactly 100% authentic DG show since the crowd was obvious a big difference, the stifling heat in the venue, and the card not being entirely DG wrestlers, but as close to the real thing as you can get without plopping down $2000 for a plane ticket. Extremely successful show and great matches considering and DG said they will try to return next year. Excellent show and possibly the show of the year in SoCal thus far**

New Columns

2008-09-07T23:39:00.002-04:00

I put up links to two new columns. I did a short one on friday promoting a contest to win a free TNA DVD from me. One person won it one hour after it was posted.

The second column, #269, is the picks for Unforgiven, along with a lot of other thoughts I read from the sheets. Sorry for the late arrival of the links, just one of those things, yanno?

Unforgiven post show thoughts

2008-09-07T23:29:00.002-04:00

I didn't watch it, so that's why I am not writing a column. But, I do have some observations from what I read.

How minor league does WWE think ECW is if the ECW World title scramble is the opening contest? I know that its the 3rd out of 3 brands, but damn, it's supposed to be a world title, for chrissakes.

Taking Punk out before the title scramble sucks. Have him get beat legitimately. I hope there's some nasty payback by Punk against Jericho for taking his gold, and not the usual expectation of Punk going after Orton, Afa, DiBiase & Rhodes. Whoa. I wonder if the 2nd version of Evolution just got made last night? It's possible.

How close did Jeff Hardy get? Damn. Not surprised Trips retained, but damn, that's got to be frustrating, even for someone who I would have never thought would have sniffed the title, to have three times been the champ before losing it with seconds to go. Also, Kendrick won a fall. I'm stunned. Absolutely stunned.

MVP was shut out. Who else was shut out of the title during the scrambles, oh yeah, THE MIZ. Shelton, too. Hrm. Not a good day, if you didn't taste the gold for at least a few minutes.

Michelle beats Maryse. Yawn.

Is Jericho and HBK gonna fight now for the World title? Is HBK a legitimate contender for the world title? I don't think so, unless you go back and check his entire career. Not lately, and isn't this buisness supposed to be "what have you done for me lately?"

Matt Hardy - Multiple time tag champion. European Champion. Cruiserweight Champion. United States Champion. ECW World Champion. I'm stunned. And I'm wrong. I thoughr Jeff would see world gold a lot quicker than Matt would have. I am also stunned that WWE put a world singles title on one of the Hardy Boys.

Some stuff to chew on. I'll come up with more sooner or later. Or maybe I won't. Who knows?

Emotional Intelligence

2008-09-04T23:28:00.000-04:00

E.I. is a powerful ally, if you know how to use it. Spewing venom and emotion when you feel the need to, can sometimes be a benefit to yourself. However, when you are the leader of men, and you spew venom for the sheer sake that you misinterpret the communications of others, rather than investigate the communication for its just and true meaning, that's not emotional intelligence, that's being an asshole.

Welcome to my world, again. I got one of those around my inner circle, and as God as my witness, I wish I could do something about it.

But I can't.

New feature

2008-09-04T12:09:00.001-04:00

Apparently, Blogger has a feature that allows readers to "follow" their favorite blogs, either anonymously or publicly. I added it here, hoping to see who likes coming over here, or if I am just wasting my time.

I know I have some crew, as the shout box demonstrates.. Just curious, I guess. And yeah, its a little egotistical as well...

if you have the time, drop your email.. I'd like to see who I'm talking to.

thanks.

One long mother blankin' morning.

2008-09-04T11:55:00.001-04:00

Every parent's worst nightmare came true for me today. I was sitting outside my home during the 7am hour waiting for my son Jonathan to be picked up to go to school. The buses are late for obvious reasons, the first week of school is always chaotic.

By 7:50am, I was concerned, and called the bus company. They proceeded to tell me they passed my house about 26 minutes eariler.

And they also called my house, and got no answer, so they left.

All this while I was sitting on my front stoop, and my wife was in my home with my eldest son, with completely working telephones.

Mistakes are made, I can relate to that in more ways than one.

Don't f*ckin' lie to me.

And this person is lying to me.

Everything worked out.... for now.

More to come.

Pro Wrestling Rewind appearance on the net at Wrestleview.com

2008-09-02T22:42:00.003-04:00

I hope that you take the time to check out my appearance on the Pro Wrestling Rewind this past weekend. Here is the link to the page where the .mp3 is waiitng for you to stream.

Click here to check out ESPN Radio's Pro Wrestling Rewind w/ your host, the Power Andy Knowles, and the special guest, ME.

When do you realize you're trying too hard?

2008-08-30T20:54:00.002-04:00

When do you realize you're trying too hard to please everyone else around you?

When you're so tense that your head hurts?
When your opinion of yourself is so low that you don't even realize what self esteem means?
When you're so tense and so uncomfortable you can't sit still in a vehicle?
When you've got the only people who you give a damn about in this world getting quiet and showing faces of exasperation?

Answer....

all of the above.......

welcome to my world.

Before I go...

Click here to check out the post where I'm talking about putting a DVD title on sale from TNA Wrestling. TNA's 2007 Bound For Glory.

Another Political Commentary

2008-08-30T20:49:00.003-04:00

First, check out the post for the DVD I am putting on sale... I think it's fair, and I hope someone's interested.

TNA's Bound For Glory 2007 is on sale from me by clicking here.

Now, on to the quick political topic.

Sarah Palin. New VEEP candidate for John McCain.

Personally, I like it. It's outside the box. It's different. It's fresh.

If she doesn't have experience in national politics, good, that means she'll learn on the job, and she'll have to be a crash study because the world will be watching.

Oh, and one last thing, as you'll hear on my interview on the Pro Wrestling Rewind later this weekend, the general opinion is, 'SHE'S HOT!'

Which, is nearly impossible, especially for a politician.

A first for me, I am putting a DVD title on sale...

2008-08-30T20:47:00.000-04:00

This was a weird scenario, so hear me out.

A couple of weeks ago, I was at a Best Buy near my home, and found a bunch of TNA DVDs on sale. I picked up a few, and brought them home, loving life. They were $5 off, retail of $10.

Of course, in my life, nothing is ever eay. One of the DVDs I bought I had already. So I have a dupe.

I'm going to take a stab and see if anyone is interested in buying this DVD from me.

The DVD in question is 2007's TNA Bound For Glory PPV, featuring Kurt Angle vs. Sting for the World Heavyweight title, Ultimate X with LAX and Triple X, (which is reason enough to buy this thing), and Monster's Ball, which is never a bad day at the office, for the fans.

As I said, I paid $10, so I would ask for $7 in return for this thing, for the simple reason that the copy I am offering has not been removed from the protective wrapping. If it was used, I would definitely not ask for that much. The retail value of this DVD is $15.

I'll pay for shipping on this.

IF BY CHANCE, you want the used copy, which I can tell you from experience, I recently watched the DVD in question, and its working fine, I would ask for $5.

This is the first time I am doing this, I won't lie to you. I would prefer money order. Any other options are negotiable.

The only other demand I will place is this. Shipment will be sent the day of or as soon as I can after I receive payment. I think that's reasonable since I am paying for shipping.

No offense to anyone, but I am just trying to protect my own reputation here. I am staking my rep on the line with this deal, and since I'm not exactly hard to find, that's not something I am going to take lightly.

I'll see if there are any feelers on this. Any more information or questions can be sent to me via email. The link to email me is in the sidebar.

Thanks.

An ultra rare POLITICAL commentary

2008-08-29T00:18:00.000-04:00

While I am the furthest thing from a political pundint, I actually have to make a comment that involves our current presidential election. It's a little complicated, so bear with me.

Let me say that yes, I do read some of the summaries of the political aspects of this election and previous ones, but I am surely not one that hangs on every word of these individuals. As I said initially on my facebook profile regarding political views, "None, they all suck."

Truth be told, I tend to lend my vote to the one I believe sounds the most human, and the least like a robotic teletype that is spewing the rhetoric the world wants to hear.

Most of this whole process is such a dog & pony show that it's almost unwatchable to the point of making your hair hurt.

Now that I got the background out of the way....

I was at my job tonight, doing my thing, and I heard John McCain's voice on television, congratulating Barack Obama for receiving the Democratic party's nomination for President.

While we all know there's an ulterior motive for McCain making this commercial, he didn't have to do it. I have to believe somewhere that there may be a SHRED of class with regard to this gesture on the part of Senator McCain.

I hope, well, wait, let me rephrase that, I would be surprised if when John McCain accepts the Republican nomination that the same gesture will be forthcoming from Senator Obama.

From the biggest politically inexperienced individual on the planet, I thought that gesture was close to unique. And for politicians, that's almost impossible to achieve.

I have my opinions on whom I will lend my support to, and that will remain with me, but I felt compelled to make a statement on this, because, for one brief moment, this process almost took on a human quality.

Which is outright stunning.

What happened? New column up...

2008-08-26T01:46:00.001-04:00

I go to sleep after rackin' my brain, I wake up, and the world has changed... drastically.

With that, I had to write another column.. One on WWE's issues with Cena's injury & Morishima's tryout.

Check it out. I hope you do.

Pro Wrestling Rewind This Saturday Night...

2008-08-25T13:05:00.002-04:00

Over at Wrestleview.com, the Pro Wrestling Rewind is archived every week, featuring a staff member from WV, and numerous other guests. I had appeared on that show back in March at its previous location, but had not had the pleasure since their move to ESPN Radio.

That is about to change.

This weekend, be sure to check out Wrestleview.com/rewind to check out the mp3 of yours truly as the guest on the Pro Wrestling Rewind with "The Power" Andy Knowles on ESPN Radio.

I hope to stir up a little bit of trouble.

The Pro Wrestling Rewind on Wrestleview.com

New Column

2008-08-25T13:02:00.001-04:00

A monday Palace Report for you guys to chew on... Hopefully, I stirred up some emotions and got ya thinkin'.... or pissed off, whichever comes first. :)

It's in the usual spot, if ya wanna check it out.

The Pictures are Online

2008-08-23T22:53:00.002-04:00

I have been trying to write a column in conjunction with these title belt pictures I received from Japan's Dragon Gate promotion, but so far, unsuccessful. However, I can say now, they're online. They're in my photo album website, linked in the Palace Project Network on the sidebar, and linked from this post, all the belt pics I received from this promotion are up for your parousal.

The Palace Project Photo Album

Picasa Web Album Opened Here....

2008-08-23T22:19:00.002-04:00

I am opening a link to some of my favorite personal pics and other items on Picasa.. I'll put the link in a spot where everybody can find it, but if you need it anyway, here it is...

The Palace Project Blog Picture Album

Delays, Delays, Delays

2008-08-22T04:28:00.001-04:00

I want to work on a column featuring these pics I was able to attain, but I can't edit them here at work. The program here doesn't work well for what I want to have done. So, all I can say is, stay tuned, and there will be something coming soon featring these pics.. I think they're cool, and I hope you stick around to check them out.

Edit: I got it fixed now..

2008-08-21T15:04:00.003-04:00

Obviously, you see the extended version... A little resize here, and we're in business. Later tonight, I will work on the others... Hope you enjoy them. I'm stoked I was able to get these pictures from a Japanese pro wrestling company, and a pretty damn good one at that.

A quest fulfilled...sort of...

2008-08-21T14:48:00.002-04:00

I have received an email from Dragon Gate Pro Wrestling in Japan, a company I have followed quite religiously through DGUSA.puroresufan.com. I was asking them for pictures of their title belts. You all know how fascinated I am with title belts.

I was fortunate enough to receive pics of their belts, but the problem is, they're really small. I'm going to try and work on that. I am sorry for the delay, but hopefully, I can do something about it.

Life returns to insanity...

2008-08-21T02:43:00.003-04:00

First, to my pals on facebook who sent the well wishes while I vented there, thanks a ton. Your support is NOTED, and GRATEFULLY APPRECIATED.

Jon's home from the ER. He's OK. We gotta watch him more like a hawk. He had some problems that are difficult to describe, so I'm not going to try. I will say one thing.

No matter how many times I go through it, and I've gone through it close to 50 or 60 times with Jonathan, any parent who is unable to be in the ER with their son goes through a hell that is just un-imaginable.

Now, I woke up 7 hours ago to go to work. I am going to try and go back to sleep, and see what I can do, and then I have to wake up when my middle one wakes later this morning, and try and actually be coherent for the remainder of the day until going back to bed around 2 to 3 later this afternoon to go to work tonight.

Something tells me I'm gonna be a tad cranky, or cantakarous. (Did I spell that right? At 245 in the morning, who the fuck cares?)

A whole new nightmare, even in the day time (night time) for my family.

2008-08-20T21:46:00.000-04:00

What type of day is it when you wake up from an afternoon's sleep to get ready to go to work, and you're told by your wife that there's something wrong with your youngest son. The youngest son who has been through 40 plus surgeries in 8 years now seems to have had a new twist, almost literally, on his condition that has forced us to go in to hospital mode once again. It also forced me to call out sick less than 60 minutes before I was due to go in to work.

To say the least, the very least, I'm in a foul state of mind. But enough about me, please, send any prayers my youngest son's way. He needs all the help he can get. This issue, I believe, is simple, and fixable, but it's just another bump in a road full of potholes the size of canyons.

Mid card Summerslam opinion (spoilers)

2008-08-17T21:17:00.000-04:00

There are storylines, there are copycats, and then there is stupidity personnified. If they're trying to build up HBK and Jericho for future warfare, they did it, but the way they did it is just plain abyssmal if you ask me. Not to mention is so Russo-esque, as TNA did the same thing with Booker T., Robert Roode and Sharmell. It didn't work then, and it's not going to work now. Stupidity. And it sucks.