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"

Owen... 10 Years Later

Originally when I was going to sit down and write a blog today... This wasn't going to be the topic. But I felt compelled to write it. I can vividly remember waking up for school on Monday May 24, 1999 to my mother telling me that Owen Hart had died... Back then I never order the PPVs, my parents never wanted to shell out the cash! Anyway, I found out the details and I was shocked. And looking back now, after all these wrestling deaths and how the media portrays wrestling as a whole. Its truly ashame that someone so talented and seemingly kindhearted was taken sooo soon.

Since the WWE released their Bret Hart DVD a few years back, I've been kind of sour to the entire Hart Family. I've seen a lot of them as just bitter people, who have giant egos. I heard all the stories. But since starting to read the Hitman's Biography and since meeting Jim Niedhart, I've started to see that Owen, Bret, and Jim are truly class acts. And its truly sad how a negative aura has surrounded them.

I think Owen was the biggest victim of all. Out of all the Harts, he seemed to be the most level headed. And out of all the Harts, I truly believe that he was going to be the star. I know that Bret is seen as the #1 Hart. But looking at Owen Hart, he had a lot of the qualities that Bret lacked. Owen could be the underdog, he could be the evil villian, he could be the comedy act, he truly could do it all. Just to think, if one stupid little stunt were never attempted how different the world of professional wrestling would have been.

What makes Owen's death so tragic is that out of all the deaths that the media likes to tout, his was one not caused by anything he did or put into his body.

And even though, I am a fan of shocking the audience (when it deems necessary), I think what happened to Owen Hart should be an example of going to far. Granted people have repelled from the ceiling before for example: Shawn Michiels and Sting... But why was it necessary for Owen to do it? And by no means am I here to crucify the WWE. I don't know what their plans were at the time. But why do it? When Sting repelled from the ceiling it made sense. But Owen? It was a comedy act. I believe part of the plan was for him to have an "accident" and get stuck in the harness or get tangled up. But what purpose did it serve?

And now that I truly think about it for the first time. What purpose did the Blue Blazer story serve to begin with? I believe that is a problem in wrestling. I can't tell you when it started... But it seems to me that the wrong people end up in high places in the world of wrestling... Well, entertainment... Heck I'll take it one step farther. The wrong people seem to make it into high place in ever facet of the world. That's not to say that things are NEVER done right. Its easy to look back and say, "Well, that was sure stupid!" But it is true. In this case, it seems to be Vince Russo. Now I know that he gets burned at the stake more often than ANYONE in wrestling. But a lot of what people say is valid. The guy is creative. That I can't take away from him. He's proven that he can put together some great stuff. But I think his problem has been he doesn't know that everything that come out of his mind isn't all EPIC. I think his flaws shine out more now that McMahon doesn't have him on a leash, which has been said a million times. But if you look at a lot of Russo trademarks you can ask the same question... What was the purpose of that? I find myself asking that question everytime I catch TNA. As much as I want to like TNA... I can't help but see the same flaws I saw in WCW. And really... The same flaws I saw in the WWE when he was there. I just think the WWE just has enough smoke and mirrors with Austin, Rock, DX, and Undertaker to cover the nonsense up.

Don't think I'm hear saying, RUSSO KILLED OWEN! Because he didn't! Who would have known that the rigging was faulty? Who would have known that on May 23rd Owen would have plummeted to his death? Who would have known that the greatest wrestling tragidy would have happen right in front of a sold-out Kemper Arena and almost broadcasted on Pay Per View Television? Who would have known?! But what I am saying, I think wrestling (and entertainment) as a whole needs to just realize that everything that we put out there needs to have a reason. Looking back, the Blue Blazer flying down into the ring had no point.

I truly belive that the World of Wrestling truly lost quite possibly one of its greatest diamonds in the rough ten years ago. And the Hart Family lost a truly great son, brother, and father. I hope that more people in the world could be more like "The King Of Harts."



Also, I'm proud to announce that this blog will now be featured on PopCultureMadness.com! Visit PCM for all your pop culture news!

Be sure to also check out... IndyWrestlers.net. If you are a worker you can post your booking info right there along side yours truly to get yourself booked in some great indy promotion!

And if you want to book me as commentator, ring announcer, or even a manager just email me at ThePhan11@aol.com!

Who was I kidding?

So a little over a week ago I came on here and said that I was taking a break from wrestling. Who the hell was I kidding? Almost the second I posted that up I felt that itch that I first felt when I put together the first PWU event at Cabrini College three years ago. I have dealt with those personal issues and now I’m ready to go.

The question is where? Actually… The more appropriate question is… Who will use my services? I know in the coming weeks I’ll be working closely with WXW-C4 Blast TV. But other than that where can I go? And that seems to be the problem I’m having. PWU? As much as I love PWU… The PWU that I know is done.

So who will have me? Unlike some people out there, I know where I fall on the food chain. I know that I haven’t built my reputation up enough to be able to say, “I can walk in [insert promotion here] and be put right onto the commentary table.” So what do I do? I guess just sit back and wait for that chance again, and I know it will happen. But just for fun, where would I like to go?

Dragon Gate USA

Right now this “start-up” company tops my list. I personally have already called some Dragon Gate bouts in the past as part of their brief partnership with Pro Wrestling Unplugged. In fact, the second event I ever commentated on was PWU/Dragon Gate “East Meets West” event. Plus, the style of wrestling that surely will come out of DGUSA’s events will definitely help enhance my own commentating abilities. I’ll admit the style of wrestling is something that only commentated that one event 3 years ago when I was very very green, so it will be very challenging. But I believe that it will be a challenge I am up for. Plus, to start fresh with a essentially new company will be a perfect fit for me.

Combat Zone Wrestling

My how times have changed! Haha… If you had talked to me a few years ago I would have been preaching “Death to CZW.” Now here I am thinking, I would love to call some CZW Matches. The thought crossed my mind while in PWU, not going to lie about that. I mean really who is still holding strong in the indy scene right now? CZW has had its ups and downs, yet here it stands. Plus, I have friends there now and I would love to call their matches again. Plus, it would be a little poetic that a student of John House ends up in CZW? I mean come on? Haha… But seriously, it’s another style of wrestling that can only help me improve while at the same time I have some familiarity with the stars such as Devon Moore, Drew Blood, and The Best Around.

Velocity Pro

VPro of course is always in my heart as well. They truly top my list. I hope that if and when it returns to The Arena in South Philly, they would allow me to come back and call the matches. It would be fun to call their first ever World Championship match. Plus, I was there in the beginning I’d like to be there again.

Women Superstars Uncensored

Funny thing is… WSU’s promotion of their product is what draws me in. I went up to the Smackdown! tapings in East Rutherford, NJ a few months back and every car in that lot, including mine, had a WSU flyer on the window. WSU’s Angel Orsini has managed to be featured on a few other websites, magazines, etc. And now with Mercedes Martinez as champ I believe that they can only produce more quality events. Right now they just seem to have a solid product, in such an unstable market right now. Plus, I just think it would be interesting to call and all women event. And on top of that, I have a friend or two working there.

Jersey All Pro Wrestling

I was ready to submit a tape to JAPW when they had their contest looking for an announcer. But they decided to call off the contest and so I never filmed a tape. However, JAPW is one of the top companies out there that despite its ups and downs still remains. If I were to get a chance there it would open up a new audience to me to try and win over. Heck really with any of these places I have named it would open up a new audience. To prove to myself that I can truly be “The God Of All Media…” Well, Wrestling Media. Haha…

Right now the question is who will have me? Only time will tell. But I do know that anyone of these companies or any other company that I haven’t named I would love to work for. For me, I’m a fan at heart and just have a blast anytime I’m behind the mic. It’s a lot better than when I was a kid announcing my matches on Royal Rumble of SNES! Haha…

Until next time… You stay classy, Wrestling Fans

Dan “The Phan”

Some Time To Myself

I was going to come back here to my blog and write about Wrestlemania 25... Then I was going to come on and give some comments about Harry Kalas' death. But today here I am at work (so bare with me if this blog is more ADD than usual)... Here I am at work writing this blog that isn't exactly insightful or happy like my others.

Before I continue... Most who know me... Hell even those who don't... They know that WRESTLING IS MY LIFE. But as I come up on my 3rd Anniversary of being in the world of wrestling I can't help but feel disappointed. The big world being thrown around is Recession. Well the world of wrestling has been in a recession now for a year if not more. And right now is a big time in my life. I can't help but feel this is my crossroads.

So right now I am going to tag myself out of the world of wrestling and take a bit of a break. Will this be forever? Probably not. But I think I need some time to deal with myself.

So what does this exactly mean? This means that I will NOT be participating in the upcoming Pro Wrestling Unplugged event that I am currently scheduled for next weekend. As of now that is the only event I am currently booked for. So as of now I am going to wish my friends at PWU the very best as they restart the company. Maybe one day I will work for them again. Just to clarify... This in no way is a reflection of PWU. I love PWU. Its where I got my start. Its where I met a lot of people that now are close friends. So please continue to support PWU as the have their NEW BEGINNING. I however will not be there to lend my voice.

You will, however, be able to see me this Sunday if you live in Allentown, PA as I already have recorded a few episodes of WXW-C4 Blast TV that airs on Service Electric Cable. But that really is my last horrah for awhile.

But this by no means is goodbye forever. Wrestling is my life! I just need this time to sit back and deal with myself first. Whether this will be a few days or a few years, I don't know. But I do know in the words of Vigo the Carpathian in Ghostbusters 2... "Death is but a door... Time is but a window... I'll be back!"

Until next time...
You stay classy, wrestling fans.

Dan "The Phan"