Tuesday Morning Booker

Hey I'm only a week late! Haha... I honestly just haven't found time to sit down and write until now. But it also allows me to get in the last word.

Anyway... We are now a week removed from the first battle of the New Monday Night Wars. Well what one can only assume now is going to be the new war.

I like every die-hard wrestling fan tuned into both shows and flipped to both shows like it was the late-90s all over again. And I think without going into the quality of the programs. I believe that we all can agree on this... It was a fun night. I was texting, IMing, tweeting, etc, etc, etc. to my friends and it was just a fun night overall. Which I think was the one major victory that Monday January 4th had.

With that being said, last Monday it was TNA's chance to prove that they have the ability and the know-how to take on WWE. TNA was the one with something to prove on Monday night. But did they? Personally I did not fully care for the show. I think it was mainly due to the fact that the opening match, a CAGE match, ended in a No Contest. WHAT?! And on top of that Homicide, and I don't blame him at all for what happened, was stuck at the top of the cage for well over a minute almost rubbing salt into the wounds. Once I saw that, I just felt like it was the same old TNA. And I really feel bad for the X Division guys in the match as they are truly one of the shining parts of TNA, and it just made them all look like idiots! I kept watching TNA though, hoping that they wouldn't make another stupid mistake. But they made TWO more. First Hogan took an hour long drive across Orlando to get to the iMPACT! Zone?! I've been to Orlando, it takes like 30 minutes to drive across and that was with stops! And then Hogan went on to say "I've been sitting in the back tonight..." WHAT?! You were just in a limo driving across the city! And honestly that's when I was completely turned off.

What I saw during commercial breaks on RAW, seemed to be the same old TNA... An Adult Characature of Wrestling. They believe they are presenting an edgy product, I don't see it... I just see a cartoon version of wrestling. The storylines are okay at best. Much of it seems to lack logic too. And as great as the Angle/Styles and Pope/Wolfe matches were said to be. I think even they could not save the show. However, what made the show watchable is the surprise factor. They were getting the news out there that they has some tricks up their sleeves. Some were obvious... Nasty Boys, nWo, Orlando Jordan, Sean Morley, and Shannon Moore. But they pulled out the big guns with Ric Flair and Jeff Hardy. It is nice to see these faces. But at the same time... They added 9 familiar faces. Plus, I believe they have Angelina Love and Brian Kendrick waiting in the wings and they added The Young Buck. Plus of course Hulk Hogan. That's 13 new people! And as of now they still have the same amount of programming time. So I can see people being released. And who will be released? The "TNA Originals." The people that built the company that probably deserve to be there. So what do we have 13 old faces replacing fresher faces. Again nothing changes.

One think I will say is no matter how I felt about the show. TNA got their best ratings ever. And that you cannot take away from them. However their ratings went down as the night went on. And I believe they tuned into see Bret Hart.

RAW was nothing special really, outside the Bret Hart stuff. But WWE had a strong rating still. Not as strong as I would have though but if you think about it. They stayed steady, which is good for WWE. Plus, they didn't promote the show as something special really. They weren't really threatened by TNA. And why should they be? It was a one time thing for TNA. And TNA really didn't take a bite out of the WWE audience. Was RAW the better show? Honestly I think it was a solid show, but nothing great. But I wasn't insulted either. I don't see WWE really doing anything over-the-top until someone really challenges them to. Right now, WWE is happy with their programming. And why shouldn't they be? Of course, I agree with the masses saying they have just as much work to do with their product as TNA. However at the end of the day, WWE is the better overall product.

Monday also showed one major flaw in TNA... Their ability to stand out in the American public. Their advertising for the show was bad. Unless you are an avid wrestling fan, I don't think many people knew of the show. And those who found out about the show thought it was just starting up. I also agree with Sean The Mic from DOI... On Thursday they replayed Monday's show. So why give people the option to catch the replay? They could have kept riding the wave into Thursday. Instead they give the people 9 days to cool down. The true success on Monday will be if they can maintain the rating into this Thursday and beyond. And if they do that, then I will give TNA credit.

And really in the end what did Monday mean? Nothing... Well nothing yet. TNA made a statement. I was talking to Jake Black that night and he said (and I agree) "Where TNA is on 01/04/2011 is what matters." He's right. We can analyze the hell out of this show. It was one show, some liked it others didn't (like me). Some saw it as TNA changing its colors, others didn't (like me). I will say this though... I hope TNA can pull through it and give WWE a fight and jumpstart the entire wrestling business. However, after Monday I don't see TNA doing it... At least with Hulk Hogan at the helm. It all goes back to what I said months ago... The same people have been in charge for years and until someone new comes along we aren't going to see much of a change.

Alright well its a week late, but I got it in... Check out WXW-C4 Blast TV this week, as the format has changed a bit and yours truly is back on camera... Little rusty, but great to start back up with Blast TV. And I'm going to try and make Mondays the night for new Chronicles.

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

Tyson and Hart

The big news of the last few weeks has been the rumors/announcement of WWE getting Bret Hart and Mike Tyson. Tyson as guest host of January 11th Raw was made official yesterday on WWE.com. However, Bret Hart is still only heavily rumored, although almost all but confirmed to show up on the January 4th edition of Monday Night RAW.

Obviously I'm not the first to talk about these news stories. And I think much of the world agrees that these two men could possibly turn the wrestling business around. Both men are household names that have been involved with wrestling that both have unfinished business in WWE AND are not over used in the media. So both prove to have a much greater upside for WWE especially starting off the new year and the road to Wrestlemania 26. The success of their appearances depends on how WWE uses them... DUH! The Guest Host gimmick has been a somewhat success, as it is getting WWE some mainstream attention. However, I've believe since day one (and I may have said this in the past) that the Guest Host gimmick needs to lead to a major attraction match/storyline/feud. And now WWE has that chance to do exactly that!

The first two weeks of 2010 are definitely pivotal weeks for WWE, TNA, and UFC... More so WWE. Its no secret that WWE is still seen as the leader in Sports Entertainment. I know some will disagree and say UFC. But really it isn't. Its quite obvious that Spike TV, who house the television programs of TNA and UFC, see WWE as the leader. The first two Mondays of 2010 Spike TV is placing TNA and UFC in direct competition of WWE. Granted UFC is definitely the superior product right now, but for whatever reason its still seen as "number two" to WWE. It does better numbers on Pay Per View and Television but it still hasn't, in my opinion at least, definitively set itself apart from WWE. TNA, on the other hand, is most definitely number 3. But Spike TV has really been trying to create a powerhouse cable channel for the last ten years, especially when it comes to the male demographic. It was very strong when WWE was there. But once WWE left it had a void to fill and they seemingly haven't decided who will fill that void. They chose TNA first and then it was UFC. UFC has definitely been more successful in filling the void. The Ultimate Fight = MTV Tough Enough and UFC Fight Nights = Monday Night RAW. But I think Spike almost agrees with WWE's argument about why they are better than UFC... "We guarantee excitement" AKA... "We admit it... We fix our matches." UFC doesn't do that so their product can be and is extremely hit and miss. So they look to TNA to bring in Hulk Hogan and make a go at WWE on Monday Night January the 4th, however still giving UFC that chance to take out WWE on Cable TV like they have done on PPV by airing Fight Night on Monday January 11th.

Read this on Eric Garguilo's Camel Clutch Blog, "It is quite possible that TNA and the UFC woke up a sleeping giant that has been thirsting for competition for over eight years." I whole-heartedly agree with that statement. TNA, UFC, and Spike TV have awoken Vince McMahon. I'm sure he'll admit that his product hasn't exactly been up to par lately... The numbers don't lie. Viewership is down on Pay Per View... Viewership is shaky on both Cable and Network Television... Arena's aren't selling out like they use to. He knows all of that. But as long as no one was directly challenging him... He knew that everything would be alright. WWE's number aren't what the use to be but really in the grand scheme of things aren't that bad either. WWE is just coasting, just like most entertainment avenues. But they are now awake. And really it couldn't be a worse time for TNA and UFC. Generally, January marks the beginning of the Road To Wrestlemania. The Royal Rumble PPV is usually in January and it sets up the main event for March/April's Wrestlemania. They've picked to start a war with WWE during the most import 3-4 months of WWE's Calendar!

Enter Mike Tyson and Bret "The Hitman" Hart. What was thought to be an almost guaranteed "this will never happen..." Bret Hart back in WWE is going to happen. It was very lightly rumored as early as September of this year when they re-enacted the INFAMOUS Montreal Screwjob at WWE Breaking Point. Talks of the imminent return of Bret Hart exploded when his name was mentioned by Dennis Miller on a recent edition of RAW. With TNA airing a special on Monday Night January 4th headlined by the return of Hulk Hogan to wrestling... Its almost a guarantee that "The Hitman" will return on January 4th as well. Hart hasn't hid the fact that he is NOT one of Hulk Hogan's biggest fans, dating back to Wrestlemania 9. Since the early 90s rise of The Hitman, its almost been his mission to prove to the world that he is Hogan's equal. Granted in the last few years, I haven't been Hart's biggest supporter... I will agree that Hart is definitely deserving of being placed into the same category. And I do understand is frustrations. And if its true that January 4th marks his return to WWE, he is definitely poised to make a bigger impact than Hulk Hogan on TNA. Why? The obvious reason is... This marks Hogan's 1 millionth return to wrestling dating back to Wrestlemania 9! Hogan has been known to walk away more than once, and each time he comes back it means less and less. Granted, Hogan will always get the hero's reaction because well... He's Hulk F'N Hogan! But how many times has Hart walked away and come back? Technically never. You can argue about his Hall of Fame induction... But it was just a quick speech and a DVD we got out of that. Really, nothing was resolved. Hart hasn't gotten the proper send off that he deserves. Hart hasn't gotten to resolve his issues with McMahon or Michaels or even Triple H for that matter. I know most people rather that issue not be rehashed for fear it won't live up to what we believe in our minds. But it has to happen. Hogan may be the biggest star ever in profession wrestling. But even he isn't bigger than the most controversial moment in wrestling history. That alone is enough to crush TNA on January the 4th. But couple that with the fact that Hogan has been regularly seen on television in some fashion for the last 10+ years, while Hart has not. Hogan's reality shows may have made him money and a household name again, but they killed his star power a bit... I've seen Hulk Hogan a lot but I haven't seen Bret Hart a lot. Sure people will tune into TNA on January 4th at 8 PM, including me. However, if Bret Hart is on RAW starting at 9 PM... I'm going over the USA Network right away. TNA... Hulk Hogan isn't your answer... Unless he puts someone like AJ Styles or Samoa Joe or Christopher Daniels over in a big way.

The next week UFC goes head to head with RAW... WWE is bringing in Mike Tyson (with the possibility that Bret Hart will still be around). Tyson only recently has re-entered the world of entertainment with his appearance in The Hangover as well as his documentary. Despite Tyson's checkered past, he's been reinvented as a changed man. Who didn't feel sorry for the man losing his daughter? No matter how evil someone is, for someone to lose their child in such a way that he did... It is tragic! Tyson, like Hart, hasn't been in the public eye all that much in the last few years. UFC Fight Night, went from being a special one night affair, to being almost a monthly affair featuring their undercard fighters. Tyson gets attention where ever he goes... People want to know what the hell he's going to do next! He, once again like Hart, has unfinished business with the same people... Shawn Michaels and Triple H. Back at Wrestlemania 14, Tyson turned on DX. But DX didn't get their revenge!

With DX having the Tag Team Championship, allowing them to appear on all the WWE Brands... We could have a great feud brewing involving DX, Tyson, and Hart over the next few weeks. I would assume that Hart can't wrestle. I know there are reports saying he will. I doubt that, as Hart hasn't really looked all that good lately coupled with his fairly recent stroke. So I would hope this means that Bret Hart can elevate some younger talent in the next few months. All the ingredients are there for a huge Wrestlemania Moment. But will it happen?

What has happened though is WWE, TNA, and UFC have people talking and it could only benefit the world of fighting entertainment!
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Thanks for reading over the last year. 2010 looks to be a big year for both wrestling and myself in the wrestling world. I should have some new projects that I will be working on as well as continuing my work with WXW-C4 and WSU.

So have a happy holiday season... And until next time... You Stay Classy!
Dan "The Phan"

Plugged into CZW!

Finally... I've found the time/motivation to blog once again. Haha... I tried to sit down a few weeks ago and tried to blog about TNA's "blockbuster" signing of Hulk Hogan. But the Phillies were in the series, and well I got swept up in that.

Anyway, when I first started this blog it was going to be my way of "journaling" my wrestling journeys. But I hadn't really had anything to really chronicle until this past weekend. As I took part in my first major CZW event, Night of Infamy. I'm not going to lie... (Here comes the mark-out moment) It was rather surreal. I can remember where I was when I first saw CZW Fake You TV with Wifebeater running rough shot all over the particular match I saw... And I was still in High School... Sorry to make some people feel old. So to be getting a shot at the announce team was definitely very cool. And it was a goal accomplished.

After all the stories I've heard in my past about Combat Zone Wrestling, I can't say that I concur with all I've heard. It was a great atmosphere. And CZW is definitely wanting to make a splash once again, like they did almost 11 years ago. Not going to lie, they definitely are poised to make that impact again.

It was great to see some old friends at the event. But one person really stuck out to me at the event. That person was Ryan McBride. Although he was on the losing end of a Junior Heavyweight #1 Contender's match, he was very impressive in my eyes. I'm not trying to take anything away from the rest of a fantastic event or the other great independent talents. But McBride stuck out as having that "IT" factor in my eyes. I don't know what it was, but I think that's why they call it the "IT Factor." He seemingly is the total package. I definitely see some big things in McBride's future.

Again, the event as a whole was great. It is definitely obvious that they want to make Cage Of Death 11 the biggest event in their history. Everything that happened on Saturday set up Cage Of Death 11 almost perfectly. I can say that after this past weekend, I am definitely happy to be home at the Arena calling a PREMIERE wrestling company. So be sure to get your tickets for COD11 at the Arena on December 12th... Like the tag line says... It truly will be the Renaissance of Ultraviolence... The beginning of rebirth of CZW.

So I'll see you all at CZW COD 11...

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

The State of Indy Wrestling

I know I've been gone for a LONG time... But here I am, I'm back atop my soapbox. Actually I have been very busy reconstructing WSUwrestling.com. Please let me know what you think of the site. I am still hard at work reconstructing some areas, such as the roster section. But I'm very happy to be on board with the WSU team, as I believe they have a great product and work ethic. So be sure to check out the site and check out an event soon. I've also been busy working with WXW-C4, as they have really taken things to a new level up in Allentown, PA. So there is another group you should check out at WXWC4.com.

Before I go any further... I'd like to send my condelences to the family and friends of Annihilation, AKA "Big Joe." For those who may not know, the "7 foot" Annihilation passed away this weekend. I can say I had the pleasure to get to know him. Actually, he along with Pete Hunter were the first two men in the wrestling world that I got to know. He took time out of a Sunday a few years ago to come up to my Alma Mater, Cabrini College, to help promote the first wrestling event I ever had the pleasure to take part in. He was also one of my first interviews too. I can't say I have a bad memory of him. It is truly ashame that someone was taken away at really a young age. So again, I want to send my condolences and prayers to his family.

After the past few weeks, it seems as though things are beginning to look up for indy wrestling. Obviously there is still a very long way to go. But I think the "top dogs" are starting to take their spots. Which really is for the best.

Unfortunately it looks like the biggest casualty could be Ring Of Honor wrestling as they have lost two of its biggest stars. Both Bryan Danielson and Nigel McGuinness have both reportedly agreed on WWE contracts. And I believe I saw rumored that the WWE also has their eyes on Claudio Castagnoli and the Briscoe Brothers. And in all honesty, I can also see Brent Albright and Colt Cabana getting a second chance. But in any case, ROH has seemingly been hurting since thier ill-fated Pay Per View deal. And it seems like they just can't catch a break.

But what is good is the fact that we will have the potential to see some fantastic matches on weeking on WWE Programming. Personally I am excited to see the Briscoes, as they had some of my favorite matches that I've called.

Where one door closes, another opens. Dragon Gate USA as seemingly pulled off two great events, with a third on the way. Although its still very early, they could potentially fill the void that ROH will leave should it close. So who ever is leftover in the WWE "raid" of ROH could end up here with a fresh group of wrestlers.

On the TV side, CZW will now re-enter the world of Television on the ION network. For CZW and for wrestling this is huge. As one of the main problems with ROH's TV deal is the fact that it is NOT on in their main areas, New York and Philly. Now I don't know now much about the ION network, but the fact that it is on my cable is all that matters. They are able to at least broadcast across the Philadelphia area, the area that hosts their events! Although CZW only will air I believe once a month, the Sunday prior to their shows, but still its a start. Now I don't know anything more than any other person, but I would believe that this deal works in benefit of CZW. They could create their TV program as a must see event, almost like WCW Clash of the Champions. Also, they have only room to grow. As if they do well on their monthly timeslot, I'm sure they'll have the opportunity to have more shows. Their product won't burn out on TV. And the strategy is great... The week prior to their event. Now I'm sure it will take a show or two to find out if TV will sell their building or not, but still... Their use of TV is fantastic.

WXW-C4 has seemingly taken things to a new level, as I said before. Obviously they had a huge void to fill when Afa took his product to Florida. But it seems like they are taking a slow approach, and I can definitely see the product changing for the better.

WSU has seemingly conquered the Women's Wrestling field or are at least neck and neck with Shimmer. A year ago, Shimmer was all the talk. But now it seems like WSU is. Their promotion style is fantastic. I know from working on the "inside" at a few different promotions that most don't really want a women's division. Not because they don't like women's wrestling, but mainly because they can't invest the same time into a women's division as a men's. Essentially, they want to give women a fair shake, but they have to book 4-6 women each show taking up 2-3 matches from a show that really can't go more than 10 matches. That is all just to build credible challengers. WSU is basically offering to send their women to other companies and have their title on the line. This works for the "buying" company as they get established wrestlers fighting over an established title, all without having to put work into it. For WSU this works as advertisment for thier next event and their overall product.

So it seems that the product in the Northeast US is starting to turn around. Obviously there is still a lot of work... But it seems like the top dogs are starting to emerge. I'm actually finally starting to be excited again for wrestling in general.

Until next time... You stay classy.
Dan "The Phan"
http://www.myspace.com/thephan11
http://twitter.com/thephan11

So he said "Summerfest..."

So its been awhile... I typed up my thoughts on WWE/UFC Battle but I wasn't pleased so I didn't post it up. And since, well I've been busy with new website projects, one of which is the newly redesigned WXWC4.com.

Anyway, I felt compelled to comment what seems to be the hot topic in the wrestling world this week... Jeremy Piven saying "Summerfest." Wow... Is this how bad things have got? That's a talk for another time.

I've heard nothing but bad comments about his hosting job. Quite frankly I thought he did pretty good. I am a fan of his, so maybe my opinion is a bit swayed. And bringing Dr. Ken I thought was great too, although if you haven't seen the Hangover then you may not understand Dr. Ken. Granted I didn't think Piven was fantastic and stole the show, but I thought he did good for what was GIVEN to him. I think it should have been expected that "The Goods" was gonna be promoted throughout the show, so that didn't really bother me. What did both me was how the WWE chose to use him. If anything the blame falls on whoever wrote the show. Anyone who knows Jeremy Piven, knows he plays a damn good HEEL. Old School is a perfect example. On top of that, Piven has been in the news in the last few months as being a bit of a prima donna of sorts, which seems to be untrue but the fact is he's a heel in the eyes of Hollywood right now. So why wouldn't you have Piven be a HEEL the ENTIRE show? It wasn't until the end of the show that we got to see Piven in true form. That alone is what killed his appearance. Jim Ross basically said in his blog he should be a heel as "thats what he heard." They already had it promoted that way. WWE dropped the ball there. And really... How many of these hosts will actually be hardcore wrestling fans? So I think it would work to the WWE's advatage to allow more heels.

So he said "Summerfest?" How many times as Good Ol' JR screwed up? It happens. And I actually wasn't surprised that he said it. As we here in Philadelphia got the treat to have Piven in town last Friday. As he was in town to... You guessed it... Promote "The Goods." First he was on the Preston and Steve Show on WMMR and then later on in the day he was at the sneak peak/Q&A. On Preston and Steve, we got a little insight into Jeremy Piven. He admitted that basically he's not all that good at getting the script right, especially with last minute changes. I'm sure in the two weeks that we were told Piven was hosting, I'm sure they told him that WWE is building towards Summerslam. But I doubt he was given a script until probably a few hours before RAW. So I wasn't surprised when he screwed up. You also have to remember, he's not in his element. Wrestlers and wrestling personalities pretty much do everything live and have to be on their toes. Piven and most other actors... Don't. Sure he's been on a stage in front of a crowd, but after weeks of rehersal. Wrestlers may be able to get in the ring for a few moments before the show. Go back at watch Robert DiNero on SNL... One of the greatest actors of all time, and if you watch SNL the entire show he's looking at the cue cards!

So I say backoff... He did the best with what he was GIVEN. I think the real argument is... We don't want Celebrities taking up time from the wrestlers. So far the host thing hasn't been so bad, but... I can't imagine this going on forever. If anything they should use this as a vehicle to get a big celeb/wrestler storyline for Wrestlemania and then just call it off.
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So here's the part where I shamelessly promote... WXW-C4 debuts in Drums, PA this Saturday. Go to the show, and visit the new site WXWC4.com!

Actually there are quite a few shows this weekend to choose from. Its actually good to see, maybe things are starting to turn around in the indy wrestling world. So really if you can't make it out to Central PA... Go to one of the shows out there. I garauntee there won't be any celebrities taking up your wrestlers time!

Stay tuned as my next project should be unveiled soon... As I am very glad to be working on it.

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

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"