Friday, November 20, 2009

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

Sunday, September 13, 2009

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

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

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

Monday, June 29, 2009

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

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

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"

Sunday, June 21, 2009

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

Monday, June 15, 2009

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