CM Punk on NXT Commentary

Counting the days til Punk's return...

Daniel Bryan & Derrick Bateman on NXT

Mostly because I need you to forgive me for not posting for a few weeks.

Daniel Bryan Raps on the JBL & Cole Show

B. Dazzle and Kurly Kane.  That's the whole purpose for this.  And Hornswoggle.

Paul Heyman Wants to Fire the McMahons

Yes, he's speaking partially within kayfabe but you can tell from how quick he shoots off this answer that it comes from the heart.  Greatest mind in professional wrestling period.  This interview was conducted in the buildup to Wrestlemania 29 where Paul E. Dangerously speaks on the shoot star power of CM Punk, the greatest element of ECW, and how to end the nuclear standoff with North Korea (*spoiler alert* - it involves Bork Laser).

Additional interview with Peter Rosenberg after the jump because these two guys have the best jobs in the world and to listen to a conversation between them is golden.

CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan (WWE)

The two best in the world.  Filmed at the 2012 Money in the Bank.

Two Hours of Ric Flair Promos

Because woooooooooooooo!

Part 2 after the jump.

Barbed Wire City Documentary to Air on iPPV Via HighSpots.com

Great news for the ECDub faithful who can't make it out to Philly on April 20th as HighSpots.com will be airing the event on iPPV including a pre-show and live Q&A afterwards from the former ECW arena. Tickets to the premier are still available and that blows my mind.  

HighSpots is also sponsoring a kickstarter funded Jim Crocket Promotions documentary to hopefully be released this July.  Trailers for that and Barbed Wire City after the jump.

We Are Awesome

If we ever had a reason to say it loud and to say it proud the moment is now.  Fellow wrestling fans, we are awesome.  Much has already been written about the crowd at this past Monday night's Raw and for good reason.  We haven't witnessed anything like that since the post-Mania Raw in Miami last year that solidified the Yes chant.  Of the 80k+ that filled MetLife stadium on Sunday the hardcore amongst them stuck around the next night primarily because they had something to say.  And speak freely and loudly they did.

Let's face facts.  The road to Wrestlemania and the show itself was mostly ass.  The hardcore fans amongst the pro wrestling community were almost wholly neglected from the Rumble to Mania while WM29 was lazily booked and featured an unexciting card with more to dread than look forward to.  I concluded in my "Mailing In Wrestlemania" opinion piece that we have to accept that the grandest stage of them all is simply not for us.  While we shouldn't be shocked at this betrayal we do still have every right to voice our displeasure.  And that's exactly what Jersey did on this unforgettable night.

Iron Sheik Will Humble You For a Price

First, follow Iron Sheik on twitter immediately if you are not already doing so.  Now that you're hip to game and understand what it means to be verbally berated by The Sheikie you know why its DEFINITELY worth $30 bucks to be humbly immortalized in Twitter kayfabe.

Throwbacks vs Batiri (Chikara)

Dasher Hatfield put this up on his twitter recently and its worthy of reposting.  I'm quickly becoming a Sugar Dunkerton fan as well.  Story telling, mic work, well articulated characters, and insanely good wrestling.  Chikara is the bees knees.

Backstage Fallout 3-18-2013

Humanity and character development. This video does more for their roster than they did during the entirity of last night's show. Which if it weren't for Punk and Pancake would have been the worst three hours of professional wrestling I've ever seen.  I'm not being overdramatic.

Ric Flair & CM Punk vs Shelton Benjamin & Elijah Burke (WWE/ECW)

Game recognize game.  Wooooo.

Recorded 2-18-2008

Wrestlers on Arsenio

Every one of these is awkward.  Rick wins for the track suit and for the 1990 commericals.  Ultimate Warrior and Macho Man Randy Savage after the jump.

Macho Man Promos: 1985-1986

Happened so fast you can't even talk about it.

Worst Theme Music Lyrics Braketology

Best & Worst curator Brandon Stroud has a penchant for humour.  Its part of the reason his weekly column is literally the best wrestling writing anywhere.  In his next venture into making pro grappling even better and in the spirit of the month here is the brackets for worst wrestler theme music.  Round one voting is open til Monday.

Chris Jericho vs Dean Malenko (WCW)

Great American Bash 1998 and the third of their three part series for the Cruiserweight title.  Dean's return at Slamboree and what's called by some as the greatest crowd pop of all time in WCW after the jump.

Dirty Dutch Mantell v. Jerry The King Lawler - Barbed Wire Match (AWA)

I read a fantastic interview last night with Nashville's Dirty Dutch Mantell where he spoke on comparing Memphis to ECW and how to book a promotion so that your fans will be passionate about what you offer.  So in the spirit of Memphis here's a barbed wire match between Dutch and The King for the world title in 1982 at the famous Mid-South Coliseum.  Part 2 after the jump.

Jerry Lawler Wrestles with Girls

      

In 1986 Jerry Lawler released a song entitled "Wrestling With Girls".  He doesn't do too much in the way of mincing lyrics to hide what he means.  He really hasn't changed much.  During this particular episode of The Jerry Lawler Show (that was a thing) the King performs his hit song live and discovers what a sampler does.  Memphis...

Sugar Dunkerton Vs Sami Callihan (F1P)

Two guys I'd love to see on NXT soon.

Recorded Feb 2011 for Force 1 Pro.

The Emotions of Monday Night Raw

The double edged sword that is the plight of a Paul Heyman Guy.  I'm going to go watch ECW Unreleased Vol 1 again now.

Scott Hall Needs Our Help

Professional wrestlers risk their lives every night they step into the ring and some come away with personal demons they have to work out after their moment in the spotlight.  Here's a way to thank a legend in the best way possible.

Video collection of Razor Ramon vignettes after the jump.

Samoa Joe vs Kurt Angle (TNA)

In all honesty, I never really watch TNA.  But I like Joe and I like Kurt.  And this seems to be in contention for the greatest thing Dixie and Jeff's promotion has ever produced.  Five star worthy if you ask me.  Filmed at Genesis in 2006.

El Ligero vs El Generico (1PW)

I've never watched this promotion before.  But I probably will for the rest of the night.  I'll be the loudest OLE in my section til they put it on a t-shirt.

Rachel Summerlyn vs Hamada (JAPW)

Recorded Jan 9th, 2010 for Jersey All Pro Wrestling Women's Division.

Rest In Peace Paul Bearer

Easily one of the most memorable managers of all time.  Ohhh yeah.

Stone Cold vs CM Punk (promo)

Not only because this never gets old but because one week later he put on one of Steve's shirts and cut the promo of his life.

Best.

Mailing In Wrestlemania

Just pretend he's pointing to the sign.

It's time we face facts.  Wrestlemania is not for us.  Take a deep breath and let that sink in.  The granddaddy of them all, while a celebration of everything that is professional grappling, is meant for the mainstream audience.  Vince McMahon knows you and I will watch regardless.  Its the fringe fan that tunes in for entertainers and celebrities like Rock and Snooki who's dollars they're reaching for.  And yes we should feel betrayed.  But also foolish if we ever expected anything different.  That is how its always been.  Perhaps I'm still not completely over Daniel Bryan losing his Wrestlemania debut and the WHC title in 18 seconds to Sheamus because he kissed AJ last year.  It felt like Vince just fired me.  At Wrestlemania.  But in tradeoff they gave us Punk vs Bryan for the next three ppvs in a row.  Seriously, that was the best.  So I know my day is coming so forgive me if I grumble too much about the current state of affairs.  But something does seem oddly strange about this year's grandest stage of them all.  And its not just that once in a lifetime turned into twice in a year.

Chris Hero vs Eddie Kingston (CZW)

Just watch.

Dean Ambrose vs William Regal (FCW)

Wrestlemania XXX rematch.  Why not?

Recorded 6-11-2011

Jessicka Havok vs Mark Angel (WSU)

From WSU vs Beyond.
I will never tire of watching her wrestle.

Young Bucks vs Briscoe Brothers

One more before tonight's 11 Anniversary show in Chicago.  This one from last year's anniversary show and was for the ROH Tag Titles.  Tonight's show starts at 8:30/7:30 cst.

Colt Cabana & Mixed Martial Archie vs The Throwbacks

Best singlet ever, amirite??

Ultimate Warrior Promo Compilation

These never really get old.

Resistance Pro Fatal Fourway Tag Title Match

I came across this while searching for Sugar Dunkerton matches and found this gem that features him and Josephus from Nashville.  The rest of the guys while impressive are unknown to me.  Full card after the jump.

Best of CM Punk in IWA-Midsouth

Because best in the world.
And because Eddie Guerrero, Chris Hero, and an unmasked Rey Mysterio.
And because no such video of Rocky exists.

Jay Briscoe vs Mark Briscoe (ROH)

Filmed at the one year anniversary show in Queens, NY in 2003.

So Long Crossfire and Thanks for the Memories

Finding fellow wrestling fans is a pretty special thing.  You can make polite conversation with folks that "used to watch when Stone Cold was on TV" but the hardcore fans are a different lot.  And even then they come in 100 different varieties.  One such fan is a fellow co-worker of mine who introduced me to Crossfire which held bi-monthly shows at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds in Nashville and it became the first live indie show I ever attended.  Its here I got to see Bret Hart and Roddy Piper work the mic in the ring, where I got to see Goldust, Kid Kash, and Colt Cabana on the same card, watched hardcore hall of famer Jerry Lynn bid farewell, discovered the in-ring art in motion that is Jessicka Havok, and enjoyed every minute of King Shane Williams playing one of the best heels I've ever witnessed.  Last night it was brought to my attention that Crossfire has cancelled their next big upcoming show (to feature Jake Roberts, DDP, and Matt Hardy!) and has folded the organization.  Details beyond that are kind of shaky.

Crossfire had something for everyone and their shows drew great crowds (especially compared to the dismal attendance at some of the most highly regarded indie promotions' shows - no shade thrown, just making a point).  From the outside looking in you could see that their business model wasn't sustainable.  With shows only being held every other month and depending on the draw of big name twilight year wrestlers I suppose we're lucky it lasted as long as it did.  But while it was here it was a beautiful thing and I'll always rather have a flash in the pan that's great in its moment versus one that slowly and unceremoniously fades away.  Marcus Pastorius, owner of Crossfire, deserves an elongated "Thank You Mar-cus" chant and a handshake of gratitude from every fan in the Nashville area.  Thanks for the memories.

Bryan Danielson vs Nigel McGuinness (ROH)

As Ring of Honor continues to build towards their 11th Anniversary show on March 2nd they've been putting up classic matches from past shows.  This was from their 6th anniversary show in 2008.

DJ Monster Heel - Hard Time Daddy

Latest leak from the forthcoming third episode of the Quickstrike series.

Harlem Shake (Wrestling is Art edition)

I know you're sick of this.  I get it.  But you WILL love this.

Via: Art Of Wrestling

Awesome Kong & Daizee Haze vs Sara Del Ray & Serena Deeb (ROH)

Queen of wrestling.  Nuff said.

Undertaker vs CM Punk (Submission Match)

Filmed at Breaking Point 2009 for the World Heavyweight Championship in Montreal.

Fingers crossed we get this at WM29 and not Punk third wheeling in the five moves of doom show.

Best & Worst of Elimination Chamber 2013 Podcast by Brandon Stroud

Brandon Stroud does the BEST wrestling writing you've ever read.  No embellishment.  In lieu of his usual "Best & Worst" column covering Elimination Chamber he did it live in this podcast.  You're welcome.

Rob Van Dam v. Sabu (AJPW)

From All Japan Pro Wrestling recorded on March 3rd, 2001 (one month before ECW closed).

Damien Sandow vs. Dean Ambrose (FCW)

Because awesome.

Taped November 2011.

¡OLE!

Sin Cara is so screwed.

Via: BotchedSpot.com

Chikara match with Jigsaw after the jump.

Warrior Princess

I stayed away from most of these but how was I not gonna post this?

Via: The Wrestling Blog
Photo: iMotorBoat

Mark Henry vs. The Undertaker (WM22)

I'm here for the hoss fight casket match.

And if my excitement for Mark Henry and posting this somehow means that Deadman shows up for the 2/11 Raw in Nashville I'm taking ALL the credit for making that happen.

Dean Malenko vs Eddie Guerrero (ECW 1995)

So the last page of postings have been WWE related.  Mostly Punk-Rock.  I swear I'm scaling it back.  So here's a fitting transition not about the guy who doesn't deserve the title.

This was Eddie and Dean's last match in ECW before they jumped ship for WCW.  Dave Meltzer may have never given the 5-star nod to anything ECW ever did but this is mat technician wrestling in one of its finest moments.  

Via: WWE

Grown Man/Child Throws Fit Over The Rock's Victory at Royal Rumble

Sums up how I felt, internally.

Via: Wrestling Inc

Man Shot in the Face Claims CM Punk Losing Title Was the Worst Part of His Week

Yep, pretty much the worst part of my week too.

Via: Bleacher Report

Two-Year Old Impersonates WWE Wrestlers

This might be the tipping point that makes me decide that I want children.

Via: With Leather

Big E Langston vs. Bo Dallas (FCW)

June 10, 2012.  Creepin' on a come up.

Rethinking Hornswoggle

I never thought I'd say this.  Honestly, I've said a lot to the contrary of this next statement.  A lot.  I like Hornswoggle now.  And for that I have Colt Cabana to thank.  In case you don't already tune in Colt does a weekly podcast called The Art of Wrestling which if you only listen to one wrestling related podcast a week you should really make it this one.  Colt's relationships that he's built over the years traveling the indie circuit and WWE make for a weekly free show with guests such as CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, Brooklyn Brawler, Tyson Kidd, Nigel McGuinness, Mike Quackenbush, Tommy Dreamer, Sarah Del Ray, Kevin Steen, Dolph Ziggler, and Samoa Joe to name a few.  Its a fascinating listen and Colt is stupid funny.  Go listen to all of them here.

This week's edition features Hornswoggle.  I've written before in this space that I never wanted to see the little guy on television again.  He addresses critics like me and also makes you see him in a completely new light.  He's a passionate pro wrestling fan who follows the indie circuit closely and who takes his craft in the ring very seriously.  This podcast caused me to completely rethink my previous viewpoint of Hornswoggle and has reversed my opinion of him.  I want to root for him now.  Either way, give this edition of The Art of Wrestling a listen on your next commute.  You're welcome.

Taking Positives from the 2013 Royal Rumble

It was what it was.  Of course, seeing Rock undeservingly take the strap from Punk and John Cena winning the rumble is disheartening.  But here are some positives that can be taken from it all:

Caught Between the Rock and a Hard Place

Here's the thing Dwayne, you don't deserve the strap.  You mailed in a Survivor Series match and underwhelmed in your victory at Wrestlemania XXVIII.  That's your only claim to the title.  But outside kayfabe your claim is in the numbers.  The Rock sells tickets, shirts, and makes people watch TV.  I get it.  You're gone come April and no amount of suspending disbelief can make people forget that.  You call people your own brand of homophobic slurs, can't cut a promo without a dick joke, strum the guitar while calling Eddie's widow fat and ugly, compared your title shot to the struggles of the civil rights movement and only have enough in-ring ability left to get over John Cena.  Once In a Lifetime part 2?  Wake me when its over.  A returning celebrity with huge pop should be putting over the company's top men.  Get over yourself and do right by the sport that made you.  You owe everything to this so act like it.  Then just maybe Dean Ambrose won't make you cough up any more blood.

What a Difference a Year Makes

Ricardo was nothing short of adorable.  Thats what I remember since Jericho didn't win.  And since we were all calling Sheamus's win a swerve last year lets see if there's any truth to this little nugget that got dug up by the folks that bring us The Wrestling Blog concerning this year's allegedly leaked winner.  Full Royal Rumble match card, 2013 particiapants, past winners and fun facts here.

El Generico Farewell Speech at PWG's Battleground

By now I'm sure you've heard El Generico is going to play with the big boys.  I, for one, will work to make sure that Ole never dies.  This is a great farewell speech and worth watching for fans of the generic one.