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Submitted by Wevv Mang on Monday, September 3, 2007 at 6:25 PM EST
Ridin’ With The Bossman – SummerSlam and Steroids Holy Shit. Sorry to start the column off with profanity, but after the last few days, I think that pretty much sums up the initial reaction to the news of at least ten wrestlers might be suspended, and that at least three have been released due to something other than drugs. Yep, I think that opening sentence sums it up nicely. So, newsboards are lighting up, but here’s what happened in a nutshell. The district attorney’s office in Albany, New York was investigating into online pharmacies. What that means is that the pharmacy has doctors who can issue a prescription for as little as $25. The name of the company is Signature Pharmacy. Signature has been under investigation for along time, and in fact the base in Florida was raided way back at the beginning of the year. Hence the dates of February 2007 for some of the purchases. Signature was not the only pharmacy raided. Applied Pharmacy Services was raided, and turned up the name of Evander Holyfield as a client. More than just wrestler’s names were found as client of that company, it’s just that as the DA sifts through the records, and the Congressional Investigation gets really rolling, well, it’s news again. The original story of the raid can be found here: Original Steriod Investigation Coverage Names were leaked back when the story first broke. Now, it’s official. The investigation found these names. The story, after WWE said they weren’t talking, just that suspensions had occurred, with a list of names, was released hours after the WWE statement, can be found here: The rumored names listed are: Ken “Mr. Kennedy” Anderson Chavo Guerrero Darren “William Regal” Matthews John “Johnny Nitro” Hennigan Anthony Carelli – “Santino Marella” Mike Bucci – “Nova” in ECW and “Simon Dean” in WWE Shane Helms Robert “Booker T” Huffman Adam “Edge” Copeland Charles Haas, Jr. Randy Orton. ESPN released a story as well, along with more names possibly suspended. Which can be found here: ESPN Story Those names are: Shoichi Funaki Dave Bautista Chris "Masters" Mordetsky Also listed as clients of Signature were Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero, and Brian “Crush” Adams. The investigation was not targeting wrestlers at the time. Benoit was still alive when the raid happened, as was Crush. But, now that the investigators have started sifting through the information, and Benoit went nuts and killed his family, bringing a media frenzy down on wrestling, and wrestlers keep dying, guess what? It’s big news. In fact, almost lost in the turmoil is the fact that the Albany investigation is still going on, and more names, who are not wrestlers, are also getting busted. Rodney Harrison, a New England Safety has been suspended. Dallas Cowboy’s quarterback coach Wade Wilson has been suspended and fined $100,000. His excuse for taking steroids was to “improve the quality of his life”. He’s a diabetic. So, for at least six months, WWE knew this was coming. WWE didn't act on it until now. Some of the names that were released early were Edge, Rey Mysterio, and Batista. Hell, I even saw pictures of them in my local paper when the bust went down. So, it’s not a surprise that the names turned up, What is surprising to me is that WWE just sat there and waited, with not one, but two Congressional investigations staring them in the face. With the media waiting for more WWE news to emerge, whether it be another wrestler death, and then they get a bonanza. And it was a bonanza. I saw the article just about everywhere. With the headlines mostly reading “10 WWE wrestlers suspended for Steroids”. While the facts may not be 100% accurate, that’s something that’s hard to ignore. On top of the suspensions, three other wrestlers were released. Eugene was fired. Eugene had been suspended before, for drug policy violations. But this time, he was just cut due to some sort of Wellness policy violation it is rumored. The tag team of Cryme Tyme was also fired. Apparently it was due to a rib gone bad. Cade and Murdoch had words with Cryme Tyme before a house show match. During the match, Cryme Tyme was fast counted out, and then JTG and Shad did their finisher on the ref, who was in on Cade and Murdoch’s joke, and then took off the ref’s belt. My reaction to Eugene being fired? It’s a pity. But the guy wasn’t really doing anything and if he had violated the policy again, especially now, it’s time to say goodbye and try to get better. Cryme Tyme? Rumors of backstage attitude always make me suspect, but I can agree with WWE on this. You don't do wrestling moves on non-wrestlers, especially if they’re not expecting it. You just don’t. Something goes wrong, and it’s a world of trouble. I don't think Cryme Tyme are the only ones at fault, but they reacted the wrong way. It’s justifiable. So, that’s been the past couple of days, and I’m sure it’s not over yet. We still have TV to get through this week, and with it being taped, as WWE is going overseas, the full effects of the suspensions and firing probably won't be felt until the week after. So, while I know there are some out there that don't want to read about what may be perhaps the most significant story (The steroid investigation) in the past ten years, and how it may effect the future of the business, let’s talk about the PPV and TV tapings for a while. Which had some newsworthy events themselves. SummerSlam Recap Info courtesy of Jason To sum it up, it was a rather mediocre PPV. Two big returns, that didn't hit expectations, and a great main event, but still, it was over two and a half hours of wrestling that you would have been just as happy to read results instead of paying $40. It’s Still $39.95 for PPV’s isn't it? I haven't bought one in so long, I’m not sure. Should have kept that streak alive. The matches didn't suck, but they were nothing really special. The skits were forgettable. The main themes for the night were: Vince’s Son More stuff about Vince’s son. You know, it’s like all the members of the roster have brain damage when it comes to this angle. No one knows for sure who their Daddy is. I really just wish some thought was going into this skit. The big guessing game is over. Bragging about banging all these chicks on national television, not smart when your wife owns the company. Crappy skits are not going to cut it. Again, it’s a five second joke that is being stretched to ten, fifteen, even twenty minutes. It’s torturing the audience, plain and simple. Rey Mysterio Returns And he’s painted silver. Not wearing silver clothes, but body painted. Actually, it was more of a gray color than silver. The mask and pants looked cool, but the body paint was quickly worn off. Why WWE insists on making Rey wear those goofy outfits for big PPV’s I’ll never know. I can guess, but never know for sure, until they just flat out admit they get a kick out making him look silly. Unless it’s Rey’s idea to wear that stuff, and then, some one should know better. Anyhoo, Rey came back. Not a bad pop, and actually I think it was about the same level as H’s return pop. A little less, but close. Rey and Chavo wrestled a solid match, with Chavo keeping the previous storyline alive, and working the knee. Rey still has some moves, but stayed more grounded. A very solid match, and I’m glad to see Rey back. In recent interviews Rey has made a point of saying how many knee surgeries he’s had. Which to me kinda hints that he’s going to tone down his style. And I see nothing wrong with that. The highflying style takes a toll, and frankly, it’s Rey’s speed that always impresses me. The guy is quick and knows how to move, whether it’s to sell a move (Angle vs Rey was always a great show, because Rey made those moves look deadly and Angle knew how to use that. Hell, Rey and Big Show tore down the house many a time), to counters, (Same thing and also in this match with Chavo), to delivering a move (The Hurricanrana, I don't think anyone else delivers one like Mysterio). If such is the case, Rey has the best guy to work with on developing a more mat based style that incorporates his speed and ability. Finlay. The guy knows how to work. Triple H’s Return I laughed. I admit it, I did. All this hype and H got a superstar reaction, but not a mega star reaction WWE was hoping for. He didn't talk, true, which might have made a difference, but still, it was along entrance, and folks seemed on my TV to be loud when he first showed up, and walked to the ring, and then get quiet and then a final pop for the ring post stuff. Plenty of signs, but come on. WWE hands those out. You know they do. Not to mention people aren't totally morons when it comes to ways to get on TV. Want to get on TV? Make an H sign. It’s not like they don't advertise that fact week after week. Even when WWE told people that H wasn’t going to be there, people were smart enough to make H signs, just so they could get on TV. Plain and simple. But enough about that, and my H bias is leaking through. Let’s try to keep this straight. H worked a pretty simple match. Nothing too flashy, nothing too risky. Some solid moves, but again, fairly simple. Lots of punches and kicks. But that’s in keeping with H’s style. Some good selling by both men, and the match was solid. It told the story, and H won, as he should upon a superstar’s return. Still, the best part of the match was the end. When H kept trying to get the crowd to scream, and was greeted with a polite reaction. And then, for about a minute, the camera was on H, and it seemed to be he just kept repeating over and over “ I can't believe it”. Welcome to 2007 H. 2001 was six years ago. We’ve seen you squash everyone. Well, except for Cena and Batista. Cena was already over. H did the job for Batista and put him over strong. But did H really make Batista? Batista was already rising after the failure of Randy Orton. The fans wanted, no, demanded to see H loose. Quite similar to what’s happening with Cena right now. Cena needs to loose, but he still keeps winning. A topic for later. Batista was the big guy that was fresh, as main eventer that is, and had the momentum. H saw that, and did the right thing. H put the seal on the deal, but Batista was already on his way. Thanks to guys like Jericho that worked with him. Odd, Jericho did the same thing with Cena before he left, right when fans were first turning on him, and afterwards, Cena rose higher. Food for thought. But enough speculation. H’s return was a bust. Not a total failure, but man, it wasn’t nearly the big deal that WWE and H fans were hoping for. Still, there was Monday Night Raw to come, and maybe, that would be the difference. Cena vs Orton Cena wins. A great match. Both men put on a hell of a show. Orton is at the top of his game and Cena was right there with him. But the ending most I think were expecting didn't happen, and that can be a total buzzkill. Not right away, I mean really, the match was awesome. It’s only later, when the excitement wears off and you realize that Cena is still the champ, and well, crap. Cena is still a top draw, but that star has been fading slowly for months. Yet, with Cena, it’s weird. He fades, he rises, he fades, he rises. He sucks one week, and is on fire the next. The guy can perform at a top level, no doubt about that, but the simple fact is, he’s getting stale as champion. It’s the same thing, week after week. While that steady diet can hold out for months still, it might be best to mix things up. Add some variety. Keep it fresh as it were. For Randy, there really couldn't have been a better build up to him winning it. The stage as all set. The guy has been doing solid work, finally got away from beating up old men, and actually being a threat to Cena. Now, that opportunity has been wasted. Shades of Royal Rumble. A great match, that would have sent it over the edge with a title change, and Ta-Da! Nope! Not going to happen! Bah. Humbug. Nothing like wasting a great set up and hoping that interest will be stretched for another months. Where we’ll probably get the same damn thing. Like the past nine months of Cena angles. Raw Recap Info courtesy of Donny Anderson Odd, there was no Raw rating released this week. My, how strange. Maybe I just missed it. It’s Triple H’s big return to Raw. That’s the main theme for tonight. That and more pointless proceedings with Vince’s bastard. And I suppose some Summerslam fallout. If there’s time. Sorry, I’m finding it hard to contain my smarkiness. Cena opens Randy comes out and confronts him. Apparently, Randy will not be getting a rematch. Cena teases a match with H. The crowd reacts positively. Booker shows up, Cena is distracted, and Randy lays him out. Jeff Hardy Returns! Jeff hardy is back from suspension! He takes on Mr. Kennedy, and it’s a damn good match. Umaga shows up and beats up Jeff Hardy. Welcome back Jeff! Not a bad angle, as there is unfinished business between Umaga and Hardy. Kennedy in the mix is not bad, but I think Kennedy should do more. Vince On The Cabana Carlito had Vince on and started hyping up the fact that Vince banged a lot of chicks. H then shows up, and it hits the fan. I thought it was terrible. Just God-Awful. Ten minutes of pure hell. Not funny, not amusing, just bad, bad, bad. H brought out women he said Vince had sex with. Ugly women. With puny names based on bad jokes. Oh, and lest we forget, a transvestite. Hilarity? No. Look folks, I still remember last year and the Spirit Squad hijinks. I laughed at some of the DX jokes. I thought they were hilarious when they were plugging their DVD. Everyone has their own taste in humor. This wasn’t mine. But come on. That skit sucked. Don't try and cover. That was just horrible. Even the part when H “tricked” Vince into saying he loved cocks. That was lame. You could see the punchline coming a mile away, and it was old and hackneyed last summer. And Vince took it. He took every barb thrown his way and only got mad at the end. That’s pathetic. That’s not the Vince I know and like. That’s pussy Vince. That’s the crap that killed the DX angle. Carlito tried as well, and it flopped. Only the ending where Carlito got to actually show he had balls was decent. Yes, Carlito got a degree of revenge, something that almost never happens in an H skit. Carlito got to spit his apple in H’s face. H beat him up promptly afterwards, but Carlito showed he at least had a spine. Welcome Back H. What, no match for you tonight? How surprising. Cena vs King Booker Cena and Booker had a good match. Not great, but pretty damn solid. Booker added to the mix is a good idea. The guy has talent. Orton, after a meeting with Vince, who told him to punish H, and show he wanted a rematch, ran in for the ending. Randy also gets to beat up Cena’s dad. Yep, nothing like beating an old man to get your heat back. Overall, I thought this Raw was not good. The H segment killed the show, plain and simple. Some good plot development, with Beth Phoenix taking on Candace, the IC title scene taking shape, and by good, there was a tag match. But for all the plans laid, as the hype begins to the September PPV, it may all be for naught, due to recent developments. ECW Recap Info Courtesy of Jason Johnny Morrison opens the show and tells us about the weird scenes he saw inside the gold mine. Well, not really, but he does talk for a good long time about four people. Boogeyman, CM Punk (The FUTURE of the business, eh, H? How right you were, only not in the way I think you meant it), The Miz, and Viscera. Not bad, but not great. Way too long trying to put those guys over (by putting them down, never an easy thing to do), and not enough about how he won. Armando is great but needs his middle name back. Without it, it doesn't flow the same. More with Balls and Kelly. Man, WWE loves those Beauty and the Beast angles. But it is a good chance for Miz to show off his heel qualities. There was more, but I'm doing a bad job of recapping. Honestly. It’s a good quality show that actually takes the time to advance the angles at a good pace. Not everything clicks, but more often than not, it flows well, and is entertaining. Smackdown More Vince, and Summerslam Fallout. MVP and Matt Hardy vs Deuce and Domino Matt Hardy and MVP are now a tag team. For no apparent reason that I can fathom. Did I miss something? MVP and Matt Hardy are now your tag team champions.Ah, I get it. The old feuding tag partners schtick. MVP must be in worse condition than I thought. Get well soon. Double champions never work out. Just look at TNA. Rey Mysterio vs Batista Championship tournament I guess. Man, I need to pay closer attention to the show, and stop flipping around. Pretty good match. Not great, but not teh suck. Finlay runs in so Rey wins by DQ. Vince skit. Vince introduces chicks he’s banged, so we will know that he bangs only hot chicks. We get a chick who went lesbo, a chick who became a nun, and three broads. Not as bad as Monday, but not a great improvement. This one just lacked any signs of life. Well, WWE creative only has one idea, and they like to beat it into the ground. Rey Mysterio vs Finlay Another solid match. Rey wins by pinfall. Khali then comes out, Batista makes the save, and Khali shows just how immobile he is. I mean really, even Mark Henry knows how to sell the 619. So, Rey wrestled TWICE on this show, after wrestling a match last night. HA! Smackdown wasn’t a bad show, but it did seem rather bland. I admit, I flipped around the channels while watching this show, and more often than not, flipped back when another show went to commercial. Still, pieces are in place, and Smackdown is working towards making them work. Not quickly and sort of haphazardly, but they got a plan. Hope it works out. Because, again, a lot of plans are about to change. Over-Analyzing Wrestling Today’s Topic: It’s All Up To H I’m not going to lie. I am not an H fan. Longtime readers know this. Newer readers know this. Hell, if you're reading this column for the first time, it’s pretty obvious. My dislike of H has been covered in detail, but it can be summed up pretty simply. I think H is a selfish performer, and his role as one of the top three people in WWE is not helping matters. So saying, I am not so blinded by my bias as to ignore the simple facts. H is a top tier performer. He’s a main eventer. WWE sees him as THE performer, and that is al that really matters in WWE. H has talent. He can be funny, he can wrestle, he has all the tools he needs to be a main eventer. But, in the past, he’s buried more people than he’s helped. Even H fans would have a hard time denying this. Fandom does strange things to people, and far be it from me to pick on who a person likes. I try not to, but I won't deny it doesn't happen. Like who you want to like and root who you want to like. Hell, I support Big Show, and root for Mark Henry. So there ya go. Some ammo for you. So saying, I have been hard on H in the past, and I was hard on H in this very column. But like I have with HBK and Undertaker, I’m willing to give the guy a chance. It’s very early in his comeback. I am not saying it’s going to be 2002 – 2004 all over again. Some very significant events have happened in H’s two shows back. H worked with, not ON Booker T. H let Carlito have his moment. It would have been real easy to just pop Carlito one before he spit the apple. It didn't happen. H let him spit him and then beat him down. Not beat him down period. There’s a world of difference. This could be a new era for H. It could be. But I won't say it is, until I see more proof. And H is going to have plenty of time to prove that he really does care about more than himself. You see, with these suspensions, firings and whatnot, WWE is in trouble. And when the shit hits the fan, H is going to be the main guy WWE relies on. Oh, you think it has hit the fan already. Oh brother. You have no idea. No matter what happens, some things are a given. #1 is that no way in hell is H going to get taken off TV if he’s healthy. H is a McMahon. So, it’s going to be up to H to make new stars out of whatever is left. Who knows who is going to be left standing when the steroid investigation is over. Dragging big names back is not the magic bullet WWE hopes for. It’s going to be up to the talent that is left to make something out of the pieces. And H is the main guy. No more simply squashing talent and sending them packing. There may not be enough name talent left to make a decent show. The talent pool isn't deep enough anyway. The whole process of hiring wrestlers is changing. TNA is soon going to be under investigation as well. So that rules out that avenue. New talent needs to be created to fill voids. The old suspension but keep them on TV is not going to fly anymore. H is still going to be pushed, not question about that, but now, when H is done with them, that talent is going to have to stick around. That means keeping them somewhat strong. So their next feud is not just blown off by the viewers, and the paying public. It means that WWE is going to have to think about what they’re doing. Not just in H feuds, but in everything. But first and foremost, it has to start with H. He’s their top priority, and probably the first thing talked about in the booking meetings. Once the top is taken care of, it trickles down, and a change in philosophy at the top, means a change in philosophy overall. That means that there could be a bright future, in spite of the troubles. And it all starts with one person. And that’s all I have for today. Happy labor Day everyone! I have a BBQ to get too, so apologies for a rushed ending. I’m hungry. So, one plug and that’s a wrap. LOP Forums So, until then, Thanks for Readin’ and thanks for Ridin’ Wevv Mang Please label all feedback as FEEDBACK. mrwevv@mac.com *NEW GALLERY* Candice Michelle's Head Up Maria's Dress! WOW!
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