Posted in: Taste My Rainbow Taste My Rainbow [52] - Some Fruit's Fact Or Fiction Finale
By SkittleZ
Jun 28, 2009 - 6:47:56 PM
[52] - Some Fruit's Fact Or Fiction Finale
Welcome faggots to The Candyman's final Fact or Fiction fiesta! Sure I'll be involved in future editions now that Doc Monk has taken over the controls but this is the last one I'll be hosting so the dramatics seemed like a good touch. As my one last shot at F or F glory, I've decided to utilize the column once more here in the final round of UK vs. US. Is it a cheap way for me to churn out a column without putting too much effort into it? You can be the judge of that. We're here now so there's no turning back. At the expense of being banished from my team, I've rounded up a group of what I believe are American citizens. Green cards weren't essential for the making of this column so I can't be completely sure. Unfortunately, my job is to discuss an assigned topic so we can't get wild and crazy. This is the next best thing and easiest way to help me out with a topic which I'm not all too familiar with. My foreign opponent for this round, Sheepster, is running late and I'm just praying his computer exploded to stop him from posting.
Time to introduce the patriotic cast...
Hustle author of Hustle Is Posting Right Now
Pnk semi-retired author of Pnk Thnks
Bloodline author of The Blood Chronicles
SkittleZ author of Taste My Rainbow & exceptional Main Page Manager
FACT or FICTION: Professional wrestlers are better off working for TNA rather than WWE at the conclusion of their careers.
Hustle - That's just FICTION right there. If Vince McMahon's WWE is the top wrestling promotion on Planet Erf, shouldn't everyone want to be there, for one reason or another? If you play football (REAL football, you limey bastards) in high school, your dream should be to play in the NFL, right? In what way would playing Arena Football be better for you? Wrestlers should strive to be on the WWE roster until the day they retire.
Pnk - Damn....
Honestly I keep going back and forth between how I feel about this. I want to say no because, let's face it, I hate TNA. But I'm going with FACT and here is the reason why: What else are they going to do? Most of them become discarded and ignored. In TNA they have the chance to maybe reinvent themselves, live some glory, and go out with a bang. Weak ass bang, if you ask me, but to some of these guys, it is the best chance for glory and fame.
Think of this too, TNA tapes here in Orlando. Not much traveling. You can tape a couple shows in one place without the stress of driving around, head home and relax for an extended period of time. To someone wary from the constant traveling and moving, it is a nice change I would think.
Bloodline - It's all relative to just WHO they are and what they are worth. For guys like Goldust, I'd definitely say he's better off with WWE. Goldust is a WWE trademark and as we saw in TNA, Black Reign didn't really achieve much. But say a guy like King Booker, he's much better off in TNA. As we saw in WWE, he was never put off any of the main names in the company, showing that he wasn't ever one of WWE's top guys. It was smarter for him to go to TNA so that he could still be a name AND save his body in the process (he is like 45 after all). Obviously a guy like Chris Harris would have been better off staying in TNA cause he wasn't getting shit in WWE. True, he isn't at the end of his career, but when he gets there and you look on his career you'll say..."what career?" instead of "TNA Legend". So I can see it going either way. I certainly wouldn't say it would be smarter for Triple H to go to TNA. Being a McMahon, why would he want to leave? It all depends on the person. But to give this a definite answer, I'll say on average, it's FACT.
SkittleZ - Well it depends really on whether you want to be financially stable or given a lighter work schedule. Wrestlers such as Booker T and Kurt Angle probably love working less days with TNA but you've gotta wonder if they would still be WWE employees if it had not been for personal backstage issues. Personally, I gotta go with FICTION because look at wrestlers like HBK and The Undertaker. Both are given plenty of time off when their bodies are worn down and in need of some rest. Veteran wrestlers want to retire set for life and there's no guarantee with TNA because that shit stain company could go outta business at any time. I consider WWE wrestlers signing with TNA to finish their careers as somewhat of a cop-out simply due to World Wrestling Entertainment being the undisputed crown jewel of professional wrestling.
Phantom Lord - I think this is a FACT in the sense that at least in TNA they will push you if you were somewhat famous in the WWE. In TNA’s mind former WWE star means “HUGE DRAW”. For someone at the end of their career, you might as well milk it for all it’s worth so if a company like TNA wants to push someone broken down just because they were big a few years beforehand then I say go for it.
FACT or FICTION: Umaga is likely to be far more successful in TNA than Samoa Joe would be if he ever signed with WWE.
Pnk -FACTamundo.
.... Sounded good when I said it out loud....
Samoa Joe, as much as I love him, would have a harder time in the WWE than Umaga would have it TNA. TNA fans eat up people like Umaga, we all know that. They are all the kind of people who dig the most whacked out characters humanly possible. Of course that isn't me saying he's whacked out.... [insert shifty eyes here] But he's not exactly John Cena or Orton (One could argue they are sorta wacky too but that's neither here nor there). Where Umaga didn't win over the WWE and fans, Samoa Joe COULD succeed.
But to be perfectly honest, we have all seen it before. Someone with a chance, with a small following, with talent, will be passed over for the guys who make the ladies wet their panties and make guys buy the merchandise. He may get an initial push and then, one mistake or one bad night and WWE wouldn't mind letting him fade.
Bloodline -FICTION. For BOTH reasons. Neither man will ever be MORE successful than the other in the other company. Umaga can't eclipse what Samoa Joe did and Joe knows if he went to WWE that he wouldn't be pushed right, which is the reason he hasn't left yet. Then again, if you look at TNA, he wasn't pushed right then either, yet he's still there. What kind of blind loyalty is that? Should Joe leave for WWE, sure he might get an Intercontinental Title reign or two like Umaga did, but I certainly don't see Joe getting no insane streak like Umaga had. Joe wouldn't get to be a part of a HUGE feud like McMahon vs Trump. Say what you want about Lashley and Umaga, but that was THE FEUD going into Mania 23 and those two were a part of it and it can never be taken away from them. Besides, the Umaga name is owned by WWE, meaning he won't be Umaga. So it's definitely Fiction.
SkittleZ - Hmmmm... smells like FACT to me. While I've never watched much of Samoa Joe whatsoever, I regularly read the TNA headlines and know what's going on down in Orlando. It might have taken forever but Joe was the TNA World Heavyweight Champion and has been quite successful during his time there. Meanwhile, Umaga started off in WWE with a head of steam but fell off the charts thanks to questionable booking, injuries and suspensions. I know TNA could turn Umaga into an unstoppable monster and a multi-time World Champion. Like a male version of Awesome Kong. Given his move set, size and agility, the TNA audience would welcome the tattooed Samoan with open arms. Like so many other popular wrestlers from other organizations, Joe is bound to be underutilized in World Wrestling Entertainment. Hopefully if he does ever sign with the 'E, Cookie Monster can put a good word in for him.
Phantom Lord - It’s hard to say really. I would imagine if he goes to TNA he’ll be pushed to the moon since he’s a former WWE guy, but define successful. Will he become X Division Champion? Will he end up putting Abyss through thumbtacks? Yeah those are all givens. The true definition of success is will he be a draw, will he bring ratings, and will he put asses in the seats when TNA goes on tour. I’m guessing he will have some success on those fronts but it won’t be anything compared to being in the WWE. If Joe had signed with the WWE he would have probably met the same fate as Manu. FICTION on all counts.
Hustle - Well, he was already a member of the TNA roster a few years back, and he wasn't used right then, so I don't have a lot of hope that his return would be very successful.
On the other hand, in the current physical shape he's in, I hiiiiighly doubt Joe would do much of anything in The Land Of Titan. At best, he'd probably end up floundering on ECW, which is a real shame.
You know what? I'll say PUSH here.
FACT or FICTION: No matter the circumstances, AJ Styles will wrestle for Total Nonstop Action until he officially retires.
Pnk -FACT. That one is a little less questionable to me. I just can't see AJ in WWE (stone me later, this is my part of the column bitches) and I never really see him moving on up. I may be biased just because I'm not 100% for the guy but that's just me.
Bloodline -FACT. Dat nigga dumb. I hate to not be more constructive, but I don't think I can even make up any more shit to say about him.
SkittleZ - No way in hell! This bad boy screams FICTION to me. AJ Styles has been with the company since it began in 2002. It's going to reach a point where the guy has fucking done everything there is to do in TNA... and then what? If you're looking to step up to the next level, WWE's the main choice. I truly believe the possibility of wrestling with so many other gifted athletes will eat away at Styles until he ultimately signs with World Wrestling Entertainment. It may not happen next year, the following year or even in 2012 but AJ will work for Vinnie Mac's organization before he hangs up the wrestling boots once and for all. The temptation of battling the likes of Shawn Michaels, John Morrison, Edge and others is too much to resist. The landscape isn't going to drastically change and as sad as it sounds, TNA fans will eventually just take Styles for granted. Fuck a good portion of them probably do already. Plus, there's always that lingering thought process where a wrestler can't help but wonder if he can hang tough in McMahon country.
Phantom Lord - I think this is a FACT for the simple fact of where else is he going to go? The WWE will never sign him simply because he isn’t a foot taller and 100 pounds heavier. Ring Of Honor is on the brink of collapse due to piss poor management. TNA as long as they have a nit wit like Dixie Carter around to sign the checks and he doesn’t get on Jeff Jarrett’s bad side then I see no reason for him to ever leave.
Hustle -FICTION. AJ turned 31 a few weeks ago, which means that you could safely assume that he has another decade or so left in him before he decides to hang up his ridiculous hooded vest. TNA, on the other hand, isn't so lucky. No way they're still in business when AJ retires.
Irrelevant sexy Asian image
FACT or FICTION: TNA are far more lenient when it comes to punishing their superstars strictly due to competition purposes.
Bloodline - I don't know shit about how they punish their stars, seeing as how I haven't followed the damn show since October of 08, but I'd wager to say it's FACT. They need all the help they can get. All of their main players have to be there. Then again, I'd wager to say that they could get suspended and the company would still have a shitty rating. Either way, I don't really give a fuck. TNA is about the same crap it has been for a long time now.
SkittleZ - TNA can't even afford to implement a strict drug policy but that's besides the point. I'm sure TNA has just as big a drug/steroid problem as WWE does. Being such a small company in the shadow of World Wrestling Entertainment, TNA can't enforce a three strike policy because they don't make enough money and it would negatively impact the organization's incoming revenue. For example, WWE recently released Umaga and Mr. Kennedy; two wrestlers which a large majority of the IWC felt were perennial main eventers. If TNA did the same to say The Motor City Machine Guns, ratings would drop off a bit and they really can't risk falling too much further behind. WWE always has different anti-drug groups watching them closely and thus wrestlers are instructed to toe the line. This one is FACT-O-RAMA.
Phantom Lord - I guess this is a FACT. I mean it’s widely rumored that plenty of guys in TNA are on the gas and juiced up to the gills since they have a pretty non-existent drug testing policy. As I said before the only way to get punished in TNA is to really get on Jeff Jarrett’s bad side. If you go against him then you’ll find yourself up shit creek in that company. It’s sort of like working for Vince. Your sole purpose in TNA is to always make The Chosen One look good. As long as you do that you can get away with pretty much anything.
Hustle -FACT. Other than making them appear on TNA programming, does TNA even punish its wrestlers?
Pnk - That would be a FACT. Let's take for example wellness policies. They aren't exactly working a grade A wellness program, people. It is shaky and alludes to be working, at most. I truly believe if someone in the ranks of Orton or Cena were to fail the wellness policy and needed a job, TNA would consider it and probably follow through with bringing them into their retarded 6 sided ring. I don't think guys like Angle and Nash are 100% clean. But they are the ones running the show and if they got rid of them, that's a great deal of people who may turn off their sets and watch WWE instead.
FACT or FICTION: Younger wrestlers working for TNA treat it as the minor league; ultimately waiting for a contract offer from WWE.
SkittleZ - Me gets the feeling the rest of the panel is going fact here but I'm actually claiming FICTION. The money and exposure is certainly better in WWE but I'm one of those fans who believes wrestlers are happy working anywhere which gives them a platform to perform on in front of an audience. Most of TNA's X Division and Knockouts are probably pleased with the direction of their respective careers. With popular wrestlers such as Kurt Angle, Sting and Scott Steiner working for TNA full time, the entire roster must enjoy a solid income. It all revolves around opportunity in my opinion and if a younger wrestler is better suited to remain in TNA, I expect nine of every ten guys to make the right decision. Wrestling for Mr. McMahon's World Wrestling Entertainment is a huge deal but it isn't for everyone.
Phantom Lord - This is a GIANT FACT. It doesn’t matter what company you work for. It is every young wrestlers goal to work for the WWE. If they say otherwise they are LYING. Most indy wrestlers would probably sell their souls and first born sons to work for the WWE. Guys in TNA would love to get out of TNA and work for the WWE because when it comes to wrestling America the WWE is the be all & end all. You have to remember its all about making money and your chances of making money are far better in the WWE then they are in TNA. Plus as an added bonus if you make it to the WWE and eventually get released “because creative had nothing for you” then you can go to TNA and sign for big money because you were in the WWE. So of course they want to go to the WWE. It’s win win for them.
Hustle - There's probably a little truth to this, but ultimately, I'm going with FICTION here. For some ungawdly reason, I think most of the guys on the TNA roster actually enjoy working for the company. Dixie Carter must suck more dick than various members of Team UK.
All in all, I think that the wrestlers would like to work for Vince (as I mentioned earlier), but it's not as if they're sitting by the phone, eagerly awaiting the chance to enjoy the smooth, dulcet tone of Johnny Ace on the other line.
Pnk - I think this one is a tad harder to decide. I will go with FACT overall but I don't think this one is so black and white. Some guys must go in there thinking it is a step up from indies (RoH > TNA, though. Screw yall!), I get some TV time, good money. At least for a while. Some I think either fall into a romantic allusion that they can aid TNA make it to the top and compete realistically with WWE, etc., or they keep reaching for the golden ring. Even then, the romantic allusions must get old after a while and some will probably jump ship the second the WWE lends out a helping hand (or a sweet contract). No matter what people say, WWE has the guys, has the money, has the TV ratings, etc. to get image of grander.
Bloodline - I'm gonna go with FACT here. Guys like Evan Bourne and Brian Kendrick are a testament to that. Both did some time in TNA and are in much better positions than probably 90% of the TNA roster. And I can't say I blame them. I just wish more of the TNA roster would think the same way. Guys like Daniels, Joe, Styles, Sabin, and Shelley should have used TNA as a stepping stone, much like CM Punk did. Yet they are all withering away in TNA. Whereas guys like Lethal and Creed wouldn't surprise me if they showed up in WWE at some point. Why not go if you are called up? I think back to ECW. To those guys, they didn't believe they were the 3rd company in the US, or the minor leagues. Every night to them was WrestleMania. They had fun and believed every lie Paul Heyman told them. From the guys main eventing, to the guys curtain jerking. You can't tell me that TNA has that same atmosphere. You can't tell me that the monkeys running TNA actually have their talent coerced into believing that "things will get better for you". They can't all be that dumb. A good portion of them are bidding their time. Then again, for some guys like Eric Young, I don't see him going to WWE, so he probably better be treating TNA like it is his one and only shot.
Special thanks to the honorable Hus, magnificent Mikey B, Princess Pnk & the pompous PL for stepping in and helping me out here. I could have done it without them however it probably wouldn't have been nearly as entertaining. As most of you know by now, I haven't been able to give Fact or Fiction my full attention for months and therefore decided it was time to give someone else a shot who's far more capable. The column's a long standing LOP tradition and I'd hate to see it become stale and watered down beyond repair. Being remembered as the guy who turned F or F into shit is not a moniker I fancy carrying around. In any case, I have no doubt Doc Monk will take care of business and transform Fact or Fiction into a slightly random yet engaging read. It was an absolute pleasure being involved in UK vs. US and writing competitively with eleven of LOP's most talented writers.
My Edgykins is currently rated "O" for optimism. Copeland has been on fire the last two weeks (along with the rest of the SmackDown brand). His back-to-back victories over John Morrison nine days ago and Jeff Hardy & Rey Mysterio this past Friday in Rage in a Cage should remind fans not to lose track of The Rated R Superstar tonight at The Bash. Considering he dropped the World Heavyweight Championship just three weeks ago, Edge heads into the PPV with as much momentum as anyone yet doesn't have a scheduled match. If we've learned anything over the last three and a half years, don't count out an appearance from Copeland during CM Punk & Jeff Hardy's title bout. The Ultimate Opportunist would somehow walk out of The Bash as a ten time World Champ if we lived in a perfect world but I'll manage. A program with Morrison seemed likely after last week's SmackDown but now it appears Edge won't be leaving the title scene anytime soon. Personally, I don't see a problem with it as Copeland's character revolves around the belt. Just please allow Cookie Monster to run with the title for four or five months. With Punk's heel turn set in motion, that shouldn't be a problem.
Let the mock plugs rain down on us with furious anger.
For the casual Fruity Follower who doesn't visit the LOP Columns Forum, today's column was part of an ongoing tournament down there. I decided to tie together my topic in the competition along with a proper farewell to Fact or Fiction and this was the outcome. The war is almost over but check out UK vs. US if its' the last thing you do. Obviously, I've decided to put a hold on SkittleZ' Riddles indefinitely for different reasons which will likely be discussed at a later date. Thirty straight columns consisting of riddles have somewhat drained me so we shall see. I've got a ton of ideas lined up (just a matter of which I feel like tackling next weekend). Drop by my mail box and hit that mother fucker up with intelligent dribble (SkitzLOP@aol.com). Until next time, this is SkittleZ inviting anyone who's willing to Taste My Rainbow. Later homies.
