What's the Story?

This another "fan" inspired blog. The reason I say "fan" is... Well, not quite sure if he is or not... I'm willing to bet he isn't... But that's besides the point. This "fan" IM'd me on AIM about 2 weeks ago now, saying "wwe sucks." No "hey," "what's up," nothing... Just simply "wwe sucks." I responded by politely half disagreeing, half agreeing with him. He then said "Anyone who remotely thinks wwe is good doesn't deserve to live." OUCH... I just jokingly said "I guess I don't deserve to live." He responded... "Yep," "storylines don't have a place in wrestling." He then signed offline, and I haven't spoken to him since.

I got to thinking about our conversation. Not about the quality of WWE Programming, but the last comment "storylines have no place in wrestling." Obviously, he has a right to his opinion... Even if it is wrong! Haha... Just kidding, who knows if its right or wrong. However, I do disagree with that statement. Why? Because as long as I can remember, storylines have been apart of the professional wrestling business. I have read a lot of books on the history of wrestling, seeing as I was a history major in college. And all my research has seemingly shown that storylines have been apart of wrestling since the early 1900s.

Personally, I think storylines are an important part of professional wrestling. I know I am taken in by a GOOD storyline. Keyword: GOOD. I have always found that I am more attracted to matches that have meaning. And it doesn't necessarily mean a detailed storyline with twists and turns. If you look at The Undertaker / Shawn Michaels feud from Wrestlemania 25 this year, there was nothing really in depth, just simply two of Wrestlemania's biggest stars going head to head. And that so far has seemingly been the match of the year. Although it is hard to picture... But just imagine Wrestlemania 25... Mark Calloway versus Michael Hickenbottom. No backstory. No gimmicks. Just two guys "fighting..." BORING! That match was so exciting, not just because it was a GREAT match, but it was two guys who built up their careers for the last two decades! It was a clash of the titans!

This is why I personally have always found it hard to follow boxing and MMA. I by no means am saying it is bad, but it is just not my cup of tea. But there isn't really a story, in boxing moreso than MMA. Granted there have been fighters people have followed... Muhammed Ali, Mike Tyson, Floyd Mayweather, etc. They were/are all great fighers, but I think they all have something in common... They all were characters. That is why we followed their careers. Of course I picked these three to prove that point. But really... I couldn't tell you any of their stand out matches. But I can tell you how Mike Tyson has been in trouble with the law a million times, how he bit off the ear of Evander Holyfield, etc. MMA is attempting to give back stories, which is why it has more success than boxing. But right now, I don't see anything that stands out. Other than we are basically watching a Shoot Wrestling. I will admit though, Lesnar/Mir II has got me interested... But why? Is it that Lesnar/Mir have a bit of a history? Is it that Mir beat Lesnar, but now Lesnar is the Champ? Is it UFC's Past vs. Present? There's a story there!

Pull out at of the "Difinitive Collections" from WWE. I find them very hard to get into. Sure, I know I am seeing classic matches. But I don't understand why they are so great. They just show the match. They don't show the weeks of TV leading to that classic match on PPV. Wrestling operates on storylines and current events. What was hot in 1980 may not be hot now, especially if the story isn't there.

Storylines are just necessary. Granted, where a good storyline can create a "Wrestlemania Moment," bad ones can kill great matches. Triple H vs. Chris Jericho at Wrestlemania X8 I think it was... Both men were in their prime. Wrestling was still a hot business. What was the story? Not HHH and Y2J's past. Oh no... It was HHH's divorce with Stephanie McMahon and the ownership of the family dog. Does anyone remember the match? Nope... They remember how dumb that storyline was.

In my opinion... And remember its just an opinion... Storylines are just necessary in wrestling. And if you look closely every sport has storylines now. Granted, not written in a board room in Stamford, Conn. or Orlando, Fl.. Just look at last year's World Series... What was the story? Could the Philadelphia Phillies end the 25 year championship drought?
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I do want to say that everything I say in this blog is my opinion, right or wrong... And it is really to entertain. I do hope that no one takes offense as I respect any opinion I receive.

I do want to add that John House and Michael Pancoast have come up with a great site: http://www.hybrident.tv/ I am glad to see that they are continuously adding great new content as well as being able to come to terms with CZW and their new webshow to continue. Of course I have alterior motives... Haha... I can mark out to myself and watch WXW-C4 Blast TV on http://www.hybrident.tv/.

Also... I have gotten into the Twitter craze. I figured... I'm a commentator... Why not commentate everyday life? If you haven't had more than enough Cowhey in your life... Follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ThePhan11... Again its all in fun.

Anyway... Until next time...
You stay classy,
Dan The Phan

Work or Shoot: The Montreal Screwjob

So to my surprise today I got a reader question. It actually isn't the first time I have gotten a response to my blog, but this is the first time someone has asked a specific question. So needless to say I am a bit flatter.

Here is the email word for word:
"Hello, I read your articles on the web and I respect your opinion very much. With regard to the famous Montreal screwjob, I am convinced that it was a very, very sophisticated WORK and not real. I'm still not sure how the hell Vince & Bret pulled it off. I'm just curious what your opinion is & when will we find out the full details ? When one of them passes away ? Thanks. Alan"

Funny this is I had been contemplating writing about this (well, writing about Bret Hart) the last few days, as I had finished Bret Hart's book about 2 weeks ago. I just felt that I wouldn't be fair in my assessment, plus I felt this subject was a little played out. But I've been inspired. The book is a very good read, a little tough to get through at first, but great nonetheless.

I should first tell the story of the "Montreal Screwjob" so that those who don't know... Now know what I am talking about. Here's the abridged version... 1996 Bret Hart resigned with WWE for 20 years that would add up to I believe $20 Million over WCW $9 Million contract for a shorter period of time. By the fall of 1997, McMahon basically told Hart that he could not live up to his end of the contract and he could negotiate with WCW once again. Hart did sign with WCW sometime in November of '97 I believe, meaning his final match would be Survivor Series '97 versus Shawn Michaels for the WWE Title in Montreal. Obviously one would think Hart would drop the belt and go off to WCW. Not that easy, in his contract he had creative control in his last 30 days of the company, meaning he didn't have to lose if he didn't want to. Without going into all the details, Hart didn't want to drop the title to Michaels. And really there was nothing McMahon could do about it, except break "kayfabe" (basically to break character, storyline, and basically reveal the mystery behind the show) and screw Bret Hart out of the title. So Michaels was able to convince Hart to allow HBK to put Hart in his own Sharpshooter manuever. This allowed enough time for McMahon to come down and ring the bell and declare Michaels the Champion, and breaching his contract with Bret Hart.

Here's the video of the incident:


Afterwards, Hart went ballistic and eventually knocked out McMahon in the locker room after the show. Hart would then go onto WCW and wouldn't be used properly and eventually had to retire due to injury. Where on the flipside, this incident was the catalyst that started "WWE Attitude" and made Vince McMahon the evil boss. If you really want to learn more about this story visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal_Screwjob

Ever since this incident people have wondered was this all an elaborate work? The one thing I think we all do know is a "work" is basically McMahon in the end allowed Hart to get more money out of WCW because of escalating Hart's value in '96. Other than that, nope... As much as I want to believe that this was a work. I don't think it is. Mainly because what was the payoff of it? Sure McMahon, and WWE came out on top after the incident. But Hart? Hart really never recovered from that one incident. I should preface this by saying that in recent years I have not really seen Hart in the same light as I did when I was younger. I've kind have felt he's come off as a bitter old man. However, after reading his book I have changed my tune a little bit. I can see why he is the way he is, he's always seemed to struggle with what pro wrestling has become. He was around when it became mainstream, and he was around again when it became edgy. So as I may disagree with his opinions, I respect him again as I did when I was a kid.

I digress... Hart never really recovered from this incident. Can you blame him? Up until that point he was protrayed as Canada's Superhero. So I can kind of see his point of why not to drop the belt. But in the end, he probably should have... For his own sake. Things probably would have turned out a lot different.

Work? Nope... As much as I want it to be, its not. But really its hard to judge. If you really start to look into it, there are so many different versions of the story of what happened on November 9, 1997. How can you really find out the truth? I think that's really what perpetuates the theory that it was an elaborate work. I must say what is even more amazing is that Vince McMahon himself has said the least about this. Honestly he's really the one who knows the truth, as he's the one who in the end made the decision to screw Hart. I think if anything, in McMahon's mind... He was working everyone and I think his hope in the end was to get Hart back for a huge match with Michaels. But again its really hard to say. Because I believe that Hart and Michaels both swayed the story to benefit their side of it. So I can't really say I fully believe either side. And I don't believe they did it to be malicious either, I think its just the way it happens. I know I sway a story just a tad from time to time to prove my point or make the story more entertaining. And it just becomes whisper down the lane, like in Michaels case... He had a ghostwriter, so I'm sure the ghostwriter embellished a little bit. There is just so much to go through to really find out the true story that we probably will never get the real one. So forever we will have this arguement whether it was a work or a shoot.

I just don't think it is until proven otherwise. If anything we just see the nature of the wrestling beast. As much as it is scripted... The people involved get swept up in the sport of it and in the end you have a real fight behind the scenes.

In case you were wondering... Who's side am I on? Sorry, Bret, I'm on McMahon's side. During that time in wrestling, you couldn't trust anyone or anything. So he had to be sure that the WWE Title was on Monday Night Raw on November 10, 1997.

So there's my long winded answer, Alan. Thanks for writing in. Of course you are all welcome to write in to give your opinions and/or questions.

Until next time...
You stay classy,
Dan "The Phan"

Franchising WWE

So the big news this week, Donald Trump "owns" Raw. It seems like many were not fond of the idea of Donald Trump being "owner." I, on the other hand, have a different look on it.

It is obvious that this is just a storyline. And in case if you didn't know the USA Network let the cat out of the bag on that. Which I thought kind of sucked. Yeah, its a story... But don't need to come out and say it. It kind of takes the little bit of mystery left in wrestling out of it. But I digress...

What's funny is last week I came up with a very similar idea myself last week. My idea revolved around remaking ECW into more of a resemblance of what it once was. Granted, ECW will never be what it was... But I think what Heyman was trying to build up before he left WWE was great. Basically, it was a way of having ECW be ECW again, while still being under the WWE umbrella. Last Monday, basically that happened with RAW... Just not explained very well.

If you think about it... They have been trying to make RAW, Smackdown!, and ECW 3 seperate "Brands." Problem in the end always is, Vince McMahon (storyline McMahon that is). McMahon is what keeps everything seem the same since before the draft. He had full reign over RAW, Smackdown!, ECW, Superstars, the Pay Per View, etc. The General Managers worked for him. So while the point of having 3 Brands was to in esence create its own competition, it really didn't. Although they had the interbrand matches (which at first meant something), they really became just WWE Matches. Interbrand matches lost their meaning quickly.

Esstentially, RAW has been "Franchised." It still falls under the WWE umbrella, however it can seem to operate independently... Basically being like any other sports team. The Phillies operate independently from MLB, but they play in a league operated by MLB. This is why I think Trump "owning" RAW is a very good thing. By having RAW being "bought," this allows to have the semblance of competition between the brands. Those "working" for The Donald will want to "beat" those "working" for Vince McMahon. I would assume that this will be to test out the waters to have Smackdown and ECW "bought." In a way it would bring back the nostaglia of the NWA. McMahon would still be the ruler of the wrestling world, however each "brand" will be competitive to be better than the other. I see this allowing much more freedom of the brands. It would also allow for possibly more spots on the roster, as I would assume WWE could use this move to kayfabe the television networks to get more TV time for "B Shows."

Now... I will agree... I don't think Trump is the man for the job... At least from a character point of view. The Donald is not an actor, he's simply a billionare. What little I have seen from his Apprentice TV show, he barely speaks other than his "You're fired!" What is good about naming Trump "owner" of RAW is that it makes sense for him to purchase it. He's obviously got the money to do it and he's worked closely with professional wrestling in the past. I would assume that this will only be a short term character to likely name his general manager. Which hopefully would be someone more accepted in the wrestling community.

Time will tell how this whole "Franchising" of RAW will go. I would venture to guess that this is the future of WWE. Whether this will be what turns things around in the big leagues or not remains to be seen. Tomorrow night starts the "test drive."
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Big weekend coming up for Philadelphia Wrestling, as "The Legends of the Arena" invade the former ECW Arena on Saturday June 27th. What great about this show is that it benefits a great cause; cancer research. Its almost ironic that the ECW Wrestlers, the same wrestlers who were deemed degenerates to society are the ones to really try and make a huge difference in the world.

My good friend RC at Completely Damaged had a chance to talk to some of the people that will be at this huge event recently... Check out his video -

COMPLETELY DAMAGED - June 2009


Also be sure to check WXW-C4's debut on http://www.hybrident.tv/!

Thats all for now... Until next time...
You stay classy!
Dan "The Phan"
ThePhan11@aol.com

Taking the good with the bad

Before I even start to get on my soapbox. I do want to send a get well wish to an old friend, Drew Blood. I haven't gotten all the details yet, but I do know that he took a life threatening fall at CZW Best Of The Best on Saturday and had to be rushed to the hospital. I do send out my prayers and wishes to an awesome person, friend, and wrestler. Drew Blood is one of the more underrated indy wrestlers out there today, I think in many Philly Wrestling Fans' minds you are the true winner of Best Of The Best 2009. Get Well Soon!
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Lately the wrestling world has been shocked by a few releases, mainly Mr. Kennedy and Umaga. I'll admit it, I was as shocked as the rest when I heard those two names. Both stars were prominently featured on WWE TV over the last few years.

Mr. Kennedy just returned from injury and really seemed to be poised to be a World/WWE Title Contender by the end of 2009. His promo that night during the Denver Debacle Raw, I thought, was awesome and shot him right into contention. Esspecially considering it seemed like short of HHH Return or Cena post-Big Show feud there was no one else "interesting" to put in the role against Orton. I figured they'd wait until the end of 2009 to give him the shot to see if he could stay healthy. I think before I laid my head to sleep at 11:15 that night, it was already reported Kennedy was injured. Although that seemed to have been proven to be false, it was enough to get Kennedy out the door.

Umaga on the other hand... As much as I liked this gimmick... Which I know has been done a million times in some form or another. I felt as though he wouldn't get to the top. Looking at his feud with CM Punk, I think he was going to be in the "Jake The Snake" role - grooming contenders for the title. I was still shocked to hear he was released. Looking back, I'm not totally surprised either. He's been on the shelf a lot himself. Later it was reported that it was a Wellness Program Issue. Which is good that the WWE is seemingly sticking to their guns. However, bad for Umaga.

Now I don't really wish for anyone to be fired. I can understand the need for it. Its just a necessary evil, for the time being at least. So as bad as it is to hear that two of my more favorite "new" talents have been let-go. I can see the potential upside.

I think its pretty safe to say that Kennedy and Umaga will be snatched up by TNA. Which is good for them as they will probably get comparable pay for less dates, which is ALWAYS the upside for signing with TNA. But honestly, unless something drastically changes... I don't see this really benefitting TNA in the long run. I hope I'm wrong... But I think it goes back to what Heyman suggests, TNA is simply WWE-Lite. But that's something for another time. Point is, I think Kennedy and Umaga will be okay once their no-compete clause is up.

I do see the potential good for WWE in this... I'm sure these two were more of the higher paid stars in the locker room. Freeing up some money that I know the WWE is tight on right now. On top of that, it opens two higher spots on the roster for other stars to step into. Which could freshen up the shows that right now desperately need to be freshened up... At least on the RAW side of things. And should TNA not screw up with these two, could jump start a much needed WWE/TNA Feud. Obviously that is me being optomistic.

Now granted, this situation is much different than say the Developmental Talents that have been released. Kennedy and Umaga leave huge gaps in the roster that will need to be filled. Those Developmental Talents won't get the huge offers from TNA, and likely will ended up in the unstable independent market.

Point is... You have to take the good with the bad. And in the end, both could get that second chance to be at the top of the business.

On a side note... Why does WWE choose to release talent that is currently on TV? Never made sense to me. Granted I'm sure when its time to go, its time to go. But never really understood why within a week of a high profiled match on RAW, they chose to get rid of Kennedy? Does make sense. It makes the news that much bigger, and gives something for a potential employer [TNA] capitalize on. I've often thought, is this McMahon's weird way of helping TNA in an attempt to jump start his product. I doubt it. But I always wonder.

For those in the Santa Marie, California area... Check out VendettaProWrestling.com... Their debut is July 11th.

Well until next time... You stay classy,
Dan The Phan

Ah... Memories...

So I ended last week shamelessly plugging my weekend schedule. So I actually pulled double duty on Saturday at WXW-C4 in Allentown, PA. Now when an announcer says that it means he or she is commentating and ring announcing, not working two matches like it means when you are an actual worker. Although I think I did as much running around! Haha... And then I just went and hung out at the UWF Wrestlefest show in Fairless Hills, PA. Both shows decent and fun, and really that's what it is all about, right?

But going to both those events really brought back some memories. At WXW-C4 I met up with the guy who gave me the booking, Doc Daniels. Having to run some errands before the show, I tagged along and we just talked about what we were up to of course, and then we got back to the old times in PWU. In the middle of our conversation, I get a text from another good friend, Aramis. Later that night, All Money Is Legal was booked so I got to see some more familiar faces. The next day, I tagged along with my friend RC for his Completely Damaged Taping at Wrestlefest. I didn't even know who was on the card other than Little Guido and Justin Credible. And in walks yet another familiar face, Amy Lee, with the conversation going to the "old times."

I've really avoided talking about PWU publicly since I left and its closed. But after this weekend I can't help but be a little reminiscent. Pro Wrestling Unplugged is where I got my start. All I wanted for years was to be a part of wrestling, as I got older I figured I probably wouldn't ever be in the ring (subconsciously that is). The older I got, I had dreams of running a pro wrestling event at my high school and then college... And it happened! 2 months later, I was a commentator for PWU.

Just as fast as it all happened it was all gone. Almost exactly two years later, PWU died. Sure it went on a little longer, but it died for me and most others in the locker room. It was weird, we all were really unsure what lied ahead for all of us.

After this weekend, I couldn't help but realize how great we had it. I was and am very lucky to have been apart of something like PWU. Now, I'm not comparing it to ECW. I'd be kidding myself if I said we were revolutionary like ECW. What I can say is we were a family like ECW. I didn't realize it at the time, but we were all so close. I was down at the [ECW] Arena 2-3 times a week seeing the same people and having a great time. And seeing those old faces, I realize how we didn't need Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc., etc., etc.... To stay in touch. We would see each other a day or two later in South Philly.

Granted a lot of negativity always seemed to swirl around PWU. But most of us seemed to ignore it and keep marching on. And like it or not... PWU had some 5 star shows. Were all of them 5 star? No... But just like anyone else, we had our ups and downs.

What made the family at PWU so great was that it was a mix of local stars, big names, legends, and homegrown talent. The homegrown talent is what was going to take PWU into the future. And in a way it did, it brought some talent to the forefront... Most notably, Devon Moore and The Best Around. We all tried to put at the best product at every show.

And we were all loyal! Maybe too loyal. It was inevitable. Working for Tod Gordon and THE ARENA... And slowly watching our crowds grow. How could you not be loyal? Was it a detrement to some of us? Maybe. Some have been able to prove that they are more, while others are seen as "too PWU." For every one bad talent, there was a fresh new star coming into their own. We all learned together, and we truly did band together. If given another chance, I could name 5-10 others that can join to the level of our friends: Devon Moore, TJ Cannon, and Bruce Maxwell.

Can PWU ever return? No... For all the good that did come out of it, it seemed to constantly be overshadowed by negativity. But the people from that place could most definitely build a strong locker room.

I know there are some out there who will say... "Dan, how can you talk so much good about that place?" Its easy, I was there and it was fun... Which really what its all about. "Wouldn't you want to go back and never work for them?" Absolutely not. As I am sure label with the stigma of PWU, I wouldn't change a thing. I got my start there, I learned there, and I made lifelong friendships there. "But, Dan, what if you never shake the stigma?" Oh well... I achieved more than I ever dreamed in this crazy world of wrestling. I'll carry that stigma like a battle scar, and just go to prove myself for the rest of the world, just like I know all my friends in PWU are doing right now.

Since this is probably the last time I talk about my PWU past until my shoot interview and biography come out... Haha... I want to shout out to those people... Jake Black, Nate Stein, Pete Hunter, John House, Teddy Fine, Aramis, Chris Ansert, Phil Boucher, Devon Moore, Drew Blood, TJ Cannon, Bruce Maxwell, Annie Social, Amy Lee, Kidd Legend, Detox, Mike Kehner, John Finnegan, Adam Flash, Stephanie Flash, Luke Hawx, Too Cold Scorpio, John McChesney, Erik C. Jones (Eek!), The BackSeat Boyz, Gary Wolf, All Money Is Legal, Dr. Don Bootz and of course... Tod Gordon. All of these people are truly great people, I know I may have missed some... And I'm sure some people may not a agree. But again these are the people that truly great people. And I know they all will work their asses off to make any promotion great!

I think its safe to say that chapter is now closed. And now I'm more motivated than ever to make those people proud.

Until next time...
You stay classy!
Dan "The Phan"

Can't We All Just Get Along?

So I could help but read on DOI this past weekend about what seems to be by all accounts one disaster of a show and crazy "side shows" at two events. I'm not here to bash companies or people... Really I never am. I don't ever want people to get the wrong idea. ANYWAY... It brings me to my title... Why can't we all just get along?

I mean really. In this economy combined with the fact that wrestling isn't exactly at its peak, you would think the wrestling universe, at least on the independent level would unite or at least be cordial to each other. To me it seems lately that people want to make DOI's Headlines on Monday morning. This is no offense to DOI, but of course they will post the crazy stories! What else is there to post? It seems to be a rarity that we get on DOI or other such websites, "Five Star Show on Friday Night in (INSERT CITY HERE)." Rather we get "(Insert Name Here) causes a commotion in (Insert Promotion)'s locker room." And for day or even weeks we get wars of words. I can't blame DOI for putting the news up, it is entertaining to read even if you don't know the people involved. But its just a sad state when that's what we see more making the headlines.

To hear that this guy or this group of guys "invades" another show... Its really sad. What is there to gain? And I'm not talking about well planned invasions (example: CZW versus ROH)... I'm talking about people just buying up tickets to crap on another show. To hear that local police had to come in... For what? Granted, I agree with the saying "Any press is good press." But at what cost? The way I see it... If local police has to be called into a venue, will that venue bring ANY wrestling company back? I know how hard it is to find venues to host wrestling. Wrestling has been hurting since the Attitude days already... No one wants a "hardcore" show in their building. And when there are good companies out there who want to expand but can't because of nonsense... For what?

On top of that... When you have unorganized companies/promoters trying to plan events as well. That also kills venue's charity to allow wrestling in their building. And I know all to well about unorganized companies/promoters! (I allowed myself to get fooled one too many times)

Again I'm just giving my opinions from afar. There are a lot of great companies out their that know how to do business... You've got your CZWs, Chikaras, NWSs, WSUs, etc. Just looking at those 4 names right there, all of the companies have regularly scheduled events, you RARELY hear about backstage nonsense, and they don't step on others toes... In fact they work with other area companies quite diplomatically. All I'm really saying is that we need to watch our steps more closely so that we can blosom again.

I'm sure you're saying... But, Dan, weren't you preaching death to CZW when you were with PWU? I wouldn't go that far... HAHA... But in all seriousness, I'll admit that I did have a pride for PWU and I'm sure from time to time I probably talked bad about CZW or some other promotion. But I think I've matured much over my time in this crazy wrestling world. And looking at things now, I realize that you can be competitive... HELL, you HAVE to be competive... But there is a line that you can't cross. Did I cross that line from time to time? I hope I didn't, but I'm sure I did... But we all make mistakes, and all we can ask for is to learn from them. And right now, we all need to learn as a wrestling world from our mistakes.

Okay... I'm off my soapbox. Haha... Catch me this Saturday at WXW-C4's "Go For The Gold" at the Mountainville Memorial Hall in Allentown, PA at 7 PM more info at WXWC4.com. I'm also going to be heading out with Completely Damaged TV (http://www.myspace.com/completelydamaged) on Sunday for their taping at WrestleFest in Fairless Hills, PA. And of course you can keep up with me or get in touch with me at my MySpace, MySpace.com/ThePhan11.

Well... Until next time... You stay classy!
Dan "The Phan"