You know, a reoccurring problem that I've been asked about in my writing is the fact that more times than not I don't talk about the current product. Honestly, I'm not sure what the reasoning behind this is as it's not something that I had planned beforehand; it just seems that most of the time my narratives work better on past situations.
With that being said, I've decided to try a little something knew as a bit of an experiment. What this column here will be is the equivalent of a daily blog entry about wrestling. If all goes as planned I'd like to post one of these each week and edit it every day adding in new entries. On some occasions I might even edit it more than once a day to reflect breaking news and my thoughts on it.
Ultimately the purpose will be to simply give my thoughts on news, rumors, and the current state of wrestling. I think it'll make a solid alternative for those readers out there than would like to read something different from me. Let me reiterate though, this will be treated more like a blog than a column. Therefore, some entries might be short and to the point while others will be longer. Under no circumstances should you expect this to turn into a daily column because quite frankly it will more times than not take the sum of all the parts to actually equal anything that resembles a full column.
I also don't want anyone to think that this will take away from my other columns, as they will very much still be a part of my writing. Hopefully this will be my way of appealing to two very separate audiences.
With the introduction out of the way, let's get to it:
Sunday August 2nd, 2009
I guess this will be the easiest of all the entries, as I have quite a bit of news and rumors at my disposal to play catch up with. Where better to start than the WWE:
WWE
-So as everyone knows by now Brian Kendrick finds himself in the "former employee" category in terms of WWE. While the guy may not have been tearing the house down on a nightly basis, I steal feel it's a bit of a shame. Don't get me wrong, I'm not in the least bit shocked seeing as his treatment since coming to Raw has been less than stellar. From being squashed on his first night, to being thrown into random tag teams, to losing to Jerry Lawler, and right down to being squashed by Kofi Kingston.
What makes me scratch my head about this one though is the fact that once again WWE refuses to try and build a solid midcard. Sure it's not like I saw Brian beating the top tier guys in a convincing fashion, by guys like him are perfect for building up your tag and midcard title divisions. For instance, imagine the matches him and Kofi could have put on. As it is, with the way they are booking the US belt Kofi is running out of contenders. You can only have so many multi-man title defenses before the well runs dry.
-Apparently WWE is looking to turn one of their current divas heel due to the injury of former champ Maryse. Look no further than Gail Kim, as she appears to be the front runner with the seeds being planted this past week on Raw. My main problem with this is that I feel a turn this quick after coming back tends to mean that creative is already running out of ideas for you. It's a shame too, because Kim is one of the better wrestling divas on the roster.
Never mind the fact Beth Phoenix should by all means be a constant at the top of the women's division. Instead, her credibility has been shot following several losses in a row including losses to fake diva Santina. To break that down you destroyed your top heel diva to put over a comedy gimmick.
-Speaking of injuries, rumor has it that the champion on the other side of the fence may have also suffered an injury recently. Details are scarce, but if it turns out that Ms. McCool has to miss significant time than you know WWE has to be kicking themselves. The women's division was already a little too thin for two titles and now you have it becoming even thinner. Just goes to show that they should have applied the same logic they did to the Tag division to the women's division, and have one champion that can jump from brand to brand.
-The last thing I want to touch on is frustration. That seems to be the theme lately both in "rumors" and in my own mind. While I try and be the positive guy, the quality of Raw has been slipping lately. It seems ever since this whole guest host thing started, we've been tortured with mediocre wrestling topped with boring entertainment segments. While I get that there is an "E" in WWE but I also understand that the "W" comes first. I have no problem with entertainment at all, I do have a problem with it though when it means that the quality of the wrestling will suffer. For instance, last weeks "beat the clock" tournament just screamed "thrown together."
Plus what exactly was the point of jobbing out MVP and Swagger when you've been building them up for an eventual head to head feud. What's the fan's interest supposed to be when you are involving two guys who haven't gotten it down in the ring? Are they fighting for the coveted "second to last" spot that so many wrestlers crave. It's a shame too, because both are solid enough wrestlers that could be used to sneak into the main event scene to freshen it up. Think back to how good the Swagger/Cena bout was months back.
At present time, they've painted themselves into a corner. Following SummerSlam and the mandatory rematch at Breaking Point, where do you go with the WWE title? If Cena wins, who exactly is the next heel in line? On the flip side, if Orton wins who is the next face in line not named HHH? On the plus side we do have a HBK return on the horizon.
TNA
What a lot of people don't know about me is that once upon a time I was a huge TNA mark. I even own somewhere in the neighborhood of 40 TNA DVDs. Things for me changed though roughly around the time Kurt Angle showed up. I was always a fan of Angle in the WWE and was super pumped for his arrival in TNA but from day one his performance has just been "eh" to me. While I don't blame Kurt solely for my loss of interest, it's simply a landmark that I use to mark the time frame in which I started watching less.
The main problem is that TNA wants to be part of the same "entertainment" brand of wrestling as the WWE. However bluntly put, TNA has some of the worst backstage segments in the history of wrestling. Where they've always excelled with me in the past though was their wrestling. At their peak, I'd say they were a solid 70/30 ratio in favor or wrestling which worked perfect. Sure you had stupid segments, but you always had far better free wrestling than the WWE was willing to give at the time.
Somewhere down the line, they decided to change things up. Now when I watch I see a 70/30 ratio but in favor of entertainment. In doing so, they've all but turned me away from product. Whereas I used to go out of my way to watch the show, even when it had a shitty middle of the night timeslot; now I often don't even watch when I'm home and doing nothing. I'll flip on the show but most of the time I'll flip during a commercial and get interested in another program.
So when I hear things of possible shakeups on the way, I can't help but get a little excited. Sure I don't want to see anybody lose their job, but the bottom line is it's a business. Hopefully TNA can get some fresh minds behind the scenes and take the product back to can't miss programming.
MMA
While in no way to I pretend to be a MMA purist, I do consider myself to be more than a casual fan. For the time being I'll keep this section short but there are a couple quick pieces I wanted to touch on.
-UFC 101 is next weekend and I got to say I'm looking forward to it. The double main event of Penn/Florian and Silva/Griffin promises to deliver two exciting bouts. As good as Florian has been lately though, I have trouble seeing Penn losing two straight fights and think that he'll use the GSP loss as further motivation.
While the title fight might be the main event, the fight I'm most pumped for has to be Silva/Griffin. Unfortunately, Griffin's willingness to go toe to toe with Anderson Silva may lead to his downfall but at least the fight should be anything but boring. Which of course is more than we can say for his fights as of late.
-Try and try as they might it simply seems that Fedor in the UFC will never happen. It's a shame too, because a Fedor/Lesnar fight would easily shatter buyrate records and be one of the few true heavyweight dream fights that is possible for UFC at the moment. At this rate I guess the only other viable options at that division would involve Lesnar/Velasquez assuming Velasquez can keep up his winning ways, Lesnar/Ortiz and really outside of the buyrate I don't even consider this to be that big of a fight, and then there's the inevitable Lesnar/Mir III assuming Mir doesn't go on a losing streak. A longshot would be Lesnar/Nog if Nog can get past Randy in convincing fashion, which could be a solid fight. On the flip side of that, if Randy destroys Nog then I guess a rematch with Lesnar could be in the cards though I think it's about time to call it a day for Randy.
The fact remains though, that like it or not Fedor is the guy to beat in the heavyweight division, it's just a shame that his demands are outright insane.
Like I said, I'd keep it brief for now and I apologize for the lack of non-UFC stuff but I'm a little out of the loop when it comes to WEC at the moment and I'm honestly not that big a fan of Strikeforce. As for other promotions, I don't really keep up with at all.
I guess that's going to wrap up this edition of "Eyes of a Blog" and stay tuned for further updates as they happen. At the latest I'll return tomorrow with more thoughts, but there's always a slim chance I could come back with some more stuff later today; so feel free to check back.
Monday August 3rd, 2009
Yeah despite having a serious case of the Mondays, I've somehow managed to crawl back into the softest, most intimate place of yours. Your heart. Let's get sentimental. Or not, the choice is yours really.
Now because I hate doing intros just as much as you hate reading em, let's get down to business.
WWE
-Counting tonight's show, it seems that Lillian Garcia only has 4 more Raws she'll be involved in. Kind of weird to see a 10 year era (wow time flies) come to an end. Even weirder to think how long the Fink has been MIA. Bums me out though to see Lillian go. I mean it's not so much that I was a die hard fan of hers but it's one of those things that are part of the background in wrestling that you never truly focus on. At the same time though, the first time it's missing you instantly notice. I'm going to go out on a limb though and suggest that WWE change up the pace and bring in someone with some bass to their voice. Someone with Barry White's voice announcing your winner would be epic.
-Rumors are circulating that there may be some shake ups to the SummerSlam card. Of course the rumors would also suggest that it would more than likely impact matches that haven't been officially announced rather than those that have. To hell with that, if you want to make changes start with the Jericho/Big Show vs Cryme Tyme bout. I'm all for putting the tag belts on Cryme Tyme if that's where this is going but it just seems like a waste to throw two of your bigger singles stars into a tag match against a midcard tag team. Before you even cry foul and start talking about "elevating new talent." Ask yourself this: where exactly is Shad and JTG being elevated to? Do you see Shad or JTG having a successful singles run? Exactly.
My main problem with the match is the fact that this is SummerSlam. This is supposed to be your # 2 pay-per-view event, and a show where your top stars are in big matches. Then again maybe I'm just bitter that Jericho seems to always get the shaft at the biggest events (see Wrestlemania.)
-So tonight the celeb guest host trend continues with Jeremy Piven and Ken Jeong. Rather than go into this thing with the wrong mindset I'll try and remain positive and hope for the best. On the plus side, Ken Jeong a pretty funny guy.
-HHH vs Priceless, in a handicap match. Now I love HHH, and I'm pretty sure the island me and Mazza live on is a lonely one. Still as a HHH fan, I'll say that if he wins tonight that Priceless need to call it a day. Then again, all roads lead to a SummerSlam tag match against DX it would seem, in which they will be squashed. I'm a little bit more for this match than the Jericho/Show match for the sole reasoning that Ted and Cody are being groomed for future star status, even if it is for gay porn.
TNA
-Could it be? Sting's last match. You know, I've been a Sting supporter since I starting watching wrestling. Hell I even bought a Stinger head band at a live show and used to rock the hell out of it. I also supported his "final" run with TNA. My gripe is, that it turned into a few year run. Worst of all, whereas he could have been used to help put some guys over he's spent more time going over the other workers. If the rumored final match for Sting is indeed at this year's Bound For Glory, hopefully he can do the right thing and put over a young star who needs the rub. For the past three years I've thought that BFG was his last match only for him to win the title for three consecutive years at the ppv. Think about this, Sting is not only undefeated at Bound for Glory but as also defeated Jeff Jarrett, Kurt Angle, and Samoa Joe. Now let's just hope he'll be content riding off in the sunset after a HOF career, and not spoil it by coming back a few months later.
If Sting is in the World title match at BFG, then I won't order out of sheer principle.
-The speculation continues to mount that some of Jeff Jarrett's buddies may be next on the chopping block and if BG James ain't scared, then I don't know who should be.
MMA
Of course there is only one story worth talking about right now, and that is Fedor Emelianenko signing with Strikeforce. Even better, his first fight with the company will be broadcast live on Showtime. The only downside to the deal is that I don't really see any big money bouts for Fedor in Strikeforce. I guess time will tell on that one.
Well barring any huge developments that should do it for me today, keep on the lookout tomorrow for my Raw thoughts.
Tuesday August 4th, 2009
For reasons I'll never understand people keep reading and as long as they are doing that I'll keep right on writing. Today I'll keep this simple and painless as I plan on simply focusing on my thoughts on last nights Raw.
WWE
-I'll be the first to admit that going into the show I was skeptical as hell. Not only had the guest host thing to me been stupid more times than not, but I'm not really that big of a Jeremy Piven fan. I will say this though, he and Ken entertained throughout the night and provided one of the better Raws in recent weeks. The opening promo could have used a little fine tuning but luckily the whole "Summerfest" thing didn't end up being a sign of things to come.
-Evan Bourne vs Jack Swagger was ok, though a bit short. I suppose the match was mainly meant to serve as a way to reintroduce the MVP/Swagger feud and make Swagger look dominate again at the same time. Still I can't help but want more time given to a match like this, especially considering that both are part of the future of the company.
-Either I'm a smart man or someone is reading my columns as Beth Phoenix reminded everyone just who the dominate heel diva was. As for the match, it was pretty solid with some good exchanges throughout and we got a good glimpse of what Gail Kim is capable of. Call me crazy but a triple diva match for the belt between Mickie James, Gail Kim, and Beth Phoenix could be pretty damn awesome. Not only that, but I'm sure Jillian was happy about her first win in ages. Good stuff all around.
-I bought into it for a minute, I really did. I honestly thought Hunter was pulling out the win and even as a fan I was about to be pissed. Instead we get Hunter losing cleanly (as he should have) and we get a teaser setting up the Hunter/Shawn vs Priceless bout. The most intriguing part of this storyline though is the whole "Shawn has moved on" aspect. Curious where it may just lead, which is never a bad thing.
-While I may not be big on yet another brother vs brother feud, there's no point in crying about what's already done. On the plus side, both are accomplished wrestlers and should have a series of good bouts. Last night was no exception, and hopefully is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what these guys can pull off.
-Mark Henry sucks, I'm sorry you can give the guy a personality all day but that doesn't cover up the fact that his wrestling is dreadful. I couldn't help it though, I marked hard for the heel kick.
-Kofi vs Big Show was only hurt by the outcome. I thought this was a perfect opportunity to put over the Big Show as a force to be reckoned with. My perfect scenario had him winning the US belt last night only to have to defend it at SummerSlam. That way he can retain his US belt but lose the tag belts "due to being preoccupied" and achieves a few different things. One it gets the belts off of Jericho and Big Show and elevates Cryme Tyme as a tag team. At the same time it helps build the Big Show back up as a credible singles star and even sets us up for a Big Show/Jericho match if they wanted. Everyone wins.
-The main event...so many things to discuss. Though props to the celeb heel turn, and also props to Dr. Ken taking a wicked shot to his head.
I also want to go on record as saying, it's over folks. The love affair people had with the Miz is about to be called off as I'm predicting he'll be part of the "future endeavors" club by years end. This latest move to me appears to be their way of saying "you had your shot, and we weren't that impressed."
He's gone from a supposed push (I say supposed because who did he exactly beat) to losing multiple times to John Cena, to failing to capture the US belt, to now being "banned" from Raw and SummerSlam. So basically he's been removed from the # 1 after only four months, and is going to be kept off the second biggest pay-per-view of the year.
If that means the Miz is awesome, then I'm pretty sure most people will be content sucking.
All in all though Raw was pretty entertaining. There wasn't a particular match that burned the house down but at the same time none of the matches were bad and all the segments seemed to be hitting last night.
Very impressive night, and hopefully the trend will continue.
With that, I'm out.
Wednesday August 5th, 2009
Brutal day of work today, but far from enough to stop the Monk Express. Though like yesterday I'm going to focus on the results of a show. I'll cover some more ground tomorrow, but with me making this thing daily, I figure what is the rush.
Anyway, let's get this bad boy rolling.
WWE
So I watched some of ECW last night.....yeah. I'm far from a rabid ECW follower but I do watch from time to time and for a little while there they were bringing quality bouts on a consistent basis. Last night was the first time I had watched in quite some time though, as previously I had been just keeping up with the results. I hate to say it, but last night's program was just awful.
-The opening segment literally got so painful to watch that I flipped the channel. I was hit with a feeling I haven't felt since seeing Triple H banged a mannequin. Being that I've missed a few episodes of ECW this was actually my first exposure to Abraham Washington. This guy brings the heat about as much as a heel Maven did. Things were even made "better" by adding in Zac Ryder to the mix. I know, fucking must see television. Yet they had to aim for the sky and bring up Shelton Benjamin to talk in "smurf." I'd love to say that was a joke, but no sir. Let's point out all the wrong things.
1.) Zac Ryder is a tool, plain and simple. We don't boo him because he's a good heel; we boo him because we haven't forgotten that all you've done is polish one of the Major brothers.
2.) Abraham Washington? Why not bring in his tag team partner John Jefferson (alliteration is always full of pure win) and really kick this thing into gear. They could have a whole stable of wrestlers named after presidents and call them the "Cabinet."
3.) Shelton Benjamin = good wrestler but bad talker.
4.) The Smurfs? I'm not sure who should be more ashamed, them for using the Azrael reference or me for getting it.
-Is it wrong that the most entertaining part of the night was when a jobber was introduced with "Danger" as his last name? Still some funny stuff as said jobber earned his paycheck the hard way by being Kozlov and Zeke's bitch.
-I missed the Sheamus vs Goldust match because I randomly decided to watch El Generico vs Pac from an old PWG show. I assure the match I missed wasn't nearly as good.
-The main event was ok, only for the fact that it featured a car door. My main gripe however was that time after time WWE insists on calling a match with a bunch of aluminum trash cans, "Hardcore" and acting like that's what the old ECW was about. It just really hurts the match quality for me. That and the finish came off as "oh shit, let's not forget to work in this car door that you conveniently brought to the ring."
I'm sorry if I seem like I'm being harsh or overly negative but last night was a complete bust plain and simple. Guess it's back to the drawing board.
Thursday August 6th, 2009
You know I had intended on commenting on some rumors today but then I saw something that I just felt I needed to throw my two cents in on. Not that I should really give Bob Holly the time of day, but then again who the hell am I.
[on Chris Jericho's return] “He’s a great wrestler and he’s proved just how great since he got back last year. Chris is one of my favourite people in the world – he’s a genuine guy and he’ll never stab you in the back the way that others would. John Cena is the same – just a straight up nice guy, no hidden agenda and one-hundred percent genuine. It’s a shame you can’t say the same for a lot of others in the business.”
You know, maybe I got this guy figured wrong. He seems to be a straight up guy with no ulterior motives behind his words. Plus he put over Jericho and Cena both as class acts. I feel a little like a tool now for even thinking this was going to be ugly.
[random shift to Ken Kennedy] “That motherfucker… he’s a dead man walking. I told VPW that if they get him on their show, I’ll not only work for free but I’ll fly myself in too. If I ever see him again, I’m going to jail, that’s all there is to it.”
Oh Bob, how far we've fallen. For years you've made fun of the so called internet "trolls" and internet tough guys talking big on the net. Now you've become that which you despise. For shame Bobby.
[on whether Kennedy go him fired]“No, that’s not why I got released. He didn’t have any clout, he’s was a backstage joke. I left months after that whole deal with pills but when he turned me in for doing something he gave me permission to do, he broke the rules and threw me under the bus. You don’t do that to one of the boys, tell them that something is ok and then turn on them the moment that it looks like you might get heat for it. If that happens, you take it like a man and own up to what you did wrong. I guess he had done so many stupid things in the year before that he figured he couldn’t afford to do anything else wrong. Didn’t make any difference in the end, he only lasted a couple more months before they realized how sloppy and boring he is and got rid of his whining ass.”
I get the fact that he didn't have backstage pull, but in a situation like this how does that even apply? I mean random jobber #44 could have done the same thing, it just seems the "no backstage pull" bit was just a pointless jab. Though he does get the fact that he was fired months after the whole pills incident. Let's back this thing up though, why would Kennedy feel like he was going to get in trouble by giving you over the counter pain pills? Wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that supplying to an addict is frowned upon would it? So basically your argument is that Kennedy got you in trouble over pain pills because he was afraid that he would get in trouble for giving an addict....pain pills. By your logic why would you go to rehab though, because obviously you weren't addicted to anything. Though I guess your logic contradicts that, because again why would Kennedy be afraid he was going to get in trouble? I know it can be confusing Bob, maybe try and write it out and say it aloud first next time. Bottom line, maybe the whole thing could have been avoided if you didn't eat pain pills like they were candy.
[on why he got released]“Johnny Ace and I talked about it and I said I wasn’t happy continuing if I was just going to be used as a job guy. When you’re always putting some other guy over, you don’t get any programs, you don’t get to work pay per views and you don’t get to make the money. I felt they could have been using me much better, building to something with other guys and letting them learn from me over a period of time rather than just having some green newcomer go out there, get a quick win over me and then move on without learning anything. It doesn’t help anyone in the long run and sure didn’t help me. I told Johnny that I’d stick around if they were prepared to get behind me and start using me in a more meaningful manner. Well, turns out that creative weren’t, they had other priorities now, so I decided I’d be better off off-screen. The door is open though, there weren’t any bridges burned.”
You know, I've lost count of all the times I've said "fuck making money." Then again I've always been the type of person who says "some money is better than no money." Good thing the door is still open right? I hear the market is wide open for aged assholes, who have a reputation for being a prick and rubbing any young talent the wrong way.
[on why he feels he wasn't used more]“I have no idea. It’s something that Jericho would say to me often, he’d say he didn’t have a clue why they couldn’t use me more. I’ve been in the business for twenty years, I know how to tell a story, I’m safe to work with and the boys respect me but I guess they just don’t want to put over some people. Hell, even ‘Taker went to Vince to ask about doing an extended program with me but Vince shot the idea down.”
A second mention of Jericho? Maybe he'll hook you up with those VH1 gigs he left behind. Perhaps a reality t.v. show on fuse. Then again you obviously have a sense of humor with you mentioning how "safe" you are and a proposed lengthy program with the Undertaker. I smell buyrates, and the smell is intoxicating.
[on advice he'd give to those trying to make it] “Realize three things from the word go – firstly, it’s hard work and you get out what you put in. Secondly, at some point or another, you’re going to get injured – deal with it. Thirdly, if you want to work for Vince, you can’t be normal. What I mean by that is that “normal” is what you see walking down the street. Nobody pays to see something they can see when they hang out at the local mall. The fans want to see characters and larger-than-life personalities. That’s why the giants and the big muscle men have always done well. They’re not your everyday guy – they’re something you pay to see because it’s out of the ordinary. New guys should always be thinking about what is going to make them different from everyone else. You can know all of the basics and be able to piece a decent match together but if you’re just the same as everyone else on the card and everyone in the audience, how are you going to stand out and capture anybody’s attention?”
You know what's not an everyday guy? A racecar driver.
Friday August 7th, 2009
Going to do something different today. Why? Simply because I can.
The fiends have gagged a generation of pacified fools
Bound by our greed a nation enslaved as corporate tools.
Arise and raze the legacy of their lies
To realize that this in itself is an ascension
Towards the day we revolt.
For years we as fans have been blinded, failing to see what should have been painfully obvious from the get go. Our hero, our messiah has lied to us from the beginning. Maybe not so much a lie, but more of a failing to reveal all the details. Like a good magician, the mirror was tilted in such a way that we only saw what they wanted us to see.
Now our minds have started to become savvy to the cheap parlor tricks after so many years of seeing them. "It's up his sleeve." We'll yell as we slowly start to transform into free thinkers.
As the seeds you've cast away take hold
War will be born.
Rejoice, the age of the fall has begun
We'll dance as the palaces burn.
A shot gun blast into the face of deceit
You'll gain your just reward.
We'll not rest until the purge is complete
You will reap what you've sown.
It has been inevitable since day one, a day in which the free thinkers emerge and class with those who tried to play them for fools had to happen. Some have become angered over falling for such a cheap ploy and have decided to greet the opposition head on. Justice will come in the form of vengeance, at least in the eyes of many.
My redemption lies in your demise.
In such a world as this does one dare to think for himself?
The paradox of power and peace will destroy itself
To know the truth and live in fear of no man.
To realize that this in itself is an ascension
Toward the day we revolt.
Redemption? How can we after the mockery that has been made of ourselves. Somehow we have been deemed the traitors and it is us who have been called treacherous. Our actions were never meant to be destructive in nature, but merely a celebration of free thought.
As the seeds you've cast away take hold
War will be born.
Rejoice, the age of the fall has begun
We'll dance as the palaces burn.
My redemption lies in your demise.
Rejoice, the age of the fall has begun.
We'll dance as the palaces burn.
Our way of thinking has quickly spread and we have gone from being a small minority to a much larger portion. The army we represent will storm the castle that once watched over us and taught us so many lies. However, it wasn't until after our destruction of the palace that the remorse sinks in. For years, this structure has made us feel safe and has given us a place to escape. Yes, we were lied to but not for deceptive reasons. We were lied to, because those who we thought were evil was looking out for our best interest. What was the thanks we delivered? We destroyed his empire.
Tonight we will rejoice, tomorrow we will mourn.
lyrics taken from Lamb of God's song "As the Palaces Burn"
Saturday August 8th, 2009
Well this week is a big week for MMA fans. You have the long you have UFC 101 featuring a co-main event of Penn/Florian and Silva/Griffin tonight and the long awaited Cyborg vs Carano bout next Saturday. Even tween show iCarly got in the mix with their MMA influenced "iFight Shelby Marx" episode. I plan on catching the UFC event tonight and figured I'd share a few quick thoughts.
Josh Neer vs Kurt Pellegrino A semi close fight on paper but as much potential as Neer has, he just is too inconsistent. I'm looking for this fight to go the distance and Pellegrino to squeak out the decision victory.
Kendall Grove Vs. Ricardo Almeida Speaking of inconsistent, there's Kendall Grove. Almeida hasn't quite reached the next level yet, but Grove is the first step to getting there. Almeida wins via decision.
Amir Sadollah Vs. Johny Hendricks This one is a bit hard to call for the sole sake that Amir has yet to have his true UFC debut since winning the Ultimate Fighter. Still the guy is similar to Nog in the way that he can go from taking a real pounding to pulling off a submission victory. Maybe I'm just biased since Amir is billed from my home state but I'm calling an Amir win by submission in Round 2.
Anderson Silva Vs. Forrest Griffin This is a win/win fight for me as I honestly love both fighters. Still though, you can't help but route for Griffin and if he pulls off the upset I'll be more than happy. Deep down though, I just get the feeling that Silva will continue his winning ways and end this one via KO in Round 2.
BJ Penn Vs. Kenny Florian Florian is a beast and nobody can deny that but the fact is BJ is the "Prodigy" for a reason and I just can't see him losing two fights in a row right now. He's made some serious adjustments since the GSP fight and I have a feeling Kenny is seriously under estimating BJ. It'll be a solid fight but BJ wins this one in the third round.
Should be a solid night of fights either way and I'll be back with my post PPV thoughts.
As always, I'm the Monkey and you've just seen the world through my eyes.
Feel free to send any feedback to monkeyweasel9821@yahoo.com
