TNA DOING ALL THE RIGHT THINGS...THE WRONG WAY

Usually try to maintain a positive attitude around here, but at times, especially on the wrestling side of things it is hard to maintain that attitude. TNA wrestling usually being the midigator of these feelings of annoyance and confusion. WWE has done this at times, but with them sometimes you really have to look at the big picture and the long term side of what they do. An example of that was with Daniel Bryan. At first it felt as though they were truly trying to hold him back. When you compare it to other superstars though, notably Stone Cold Steve Austin who agrees that they are taking the similar route they took with him, you can see that they are building this up to a grand finale. Not at Wrestlemania XXX as many may expect, however it may culminate at Summerslam, where this YES! Movement really started to explode. Stone Cold was white hot awhile before he got to the main event and winning the strap at Wrestlemania XIV.

How does this relate to TNA? Couldn't help but notice tonight that they are finally giving "Showtime" Eric Young the push he deserves ten times over. A talented performer who has been put in the postion over the years of being the "Santino Marella of TNA" or the company funny man. Which is fine, it shows the performers willingness to do what is asked and make it work, which in turn shows how talented they are on the entertainment side of things. And although not everyone enjoys the comedy, without it or things like it, might as well tune into Bellator or UFC for nothing but the athletic side of things (even though you can see which MMA stars are pro-wrestling fans, as they stand out and/or admit it).
Back to EY's situation, although it is well deserved and over-due, it is almost a direct copy of WWE's current storyline involving Daniel Bryan, HHH, Randy Orton and Batista. Which although a triple-threat match could end up a fatal-fourway match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. This is how TNA is doing the right thing, but doing it wrong. Wrong time perhaps is a better description, but when you look at the smaller workhorse of the company, with a beard, thrown into the championship match and even as the crowd chants "YES!" it is hard to argue the similarities.

Then there was the Gail Kim & Lei'D Tapa situation. A unique looking, next generation female wrestler getting a shot is a good thing. She also presented an opportunity to fill the void still left by Monster Kong/Karma's departure. That being said, and I would have to go back and see who began their storyline first, but anyone else feel as though we were watching WWE's AJ Lee and Tamina Snuka? Or visa-versa?
TNA has had a history of providing the better female wrestling of the two companies, and seemed as though they may have been looking to rebuild the division with some of the past stars making returns in Madison Rayne, Angelina Love, etc. This was another example of TNA doing the right thing, but the wrong way. They also recently released Tapa, who although a tad green, could've gained experience on the fly while standing out at the same time adding that rare big powerhouse in the female divisions.

One more minor similarity. Abyss and his new mask. Before he was a Man-Kind knock-off, and now is giving an early 2000's Kane vibe. Maybe it is just me. Google search though shows, perhaps not the first time either.

Magnus does make for a decent champion. Only as a heel so far mind you, but he's doing things right. Problem is, TNA although selecting a good champ, has a depleted roster with really not anyone left who can put Magnus over the way he needs being a rookie TNA Champion. Sure there are some great TNA talent left who could help him with this, as even each of them would make for a good "face of the company". Samoa Joe, Bully Ray and Abyss to put him over the way Mick Foley did for Triple H (and others) when he was looking to get that "tough guy" reputation. Rude, Anderson and Storm for the quality, more technical matches. And of course the other "next guy" wrestlers like Gunner for the rest. Problem is, TNA lags in the creative department so these would likely be dragged out badly, or be too quick to really make any impact.

Dixie being off television was a very good decision. Still needs delivery work on the mic to be a character that even the mainstream fan to want to see, and then the more involved fans who are aware of why things are so bad. Majority agree she needs to focus on learning how to operate a wrestling company, this provides that. One thing they are failing to do, is eliminate Dixie completely. Although they openly knock her to get the cheap pop, but when a character is related by the fans as failure, they need to wipe it from the fans minds in order to try and get them to think that the slate is clean and things are different now.

If anything, it is at least makes for a good #TBT or Throwback Thursday moment, as we watch a sinking ship like it is the end of the Monday Night Wars. Well until things capsize...

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THE WINGS OF THE WWE HALL OF FAME

It is yet to be a "physical" Hall Of Fame like Baseball's in Cooperstown or Hockey's in Toronto, key word is yet. Personally I would perhaps find a way to maybe have something near or expanded off of WWE's current development center down in Florida. It would have to be massive though, even if going off what one would assume would be the general "vision" of what it would look like with all the memorabilia and such. To fill up the extra space the would be needed for future additions to the WWE Hall Of Fame, perhaps a museum of sorts, consisting of other items mostly pertaining to moments in wrestling and those not yet in the hall or the viewable storage for what is used during WWE Axxess leading into Wrestlemania. Of course majority of everyone's opinion will vary, how it would be laid out, what would be displayed, even in regards to who actually gets their own wing. One may say it should be laid out by "eras", others perhaps would want it to be each wing be broken down by Hall Of Fame Classes (Class Of 2011 gets own, 2012 gets own, etc). All of which would make sense and would "work".

Here is one way to break it down. Each wing is based on induction style. Displays vary in size based on things like items that would "fit" and really general popularity. Although some wings may be smaller at the moment, they will grow in time.

Singles Wrestling Wing
The biggest, and really the main wing. It is the one that will require more space each year as the WWE HOF grew. Size of "displays" would be based on overall popularity. Of course, Hall Of Famers like Stone Cold Steve Austin or Shawn Michaels and other "faces" of the company would have the largest displays, having more of a "section" than a general display. Order of era would work well, having the "top guy" of his era being the "divider' points. 


Womens Wrestling Wing
One of the smaller wings, as there have been times and eras where Womens wrestling on the bigger stages  were non-existant. Include the times were although there, lagging in talent. However, there is usually always at least a couple from each grouping of ladies that are standouts and would be definite future Hall Of Famers. They are starting to tap into the "Attitude Era" Divas now, which has quite a few possibles, but after that it is slim pickings for a bit.


Tag-Team Wrestling Wing
This wing would be focused purely on the tag teams in the WWE Hall Of Fame. Although some of the tag teams within the Hall are actually in as individuals, this would have those in as a team, as well as "fillers" that have sections featuring teams in which the members went in solo. Of course, there is a chance that WWE could start to include others in the "double ring" department, by re-inducting these types as the tag teams that they were.


Group/Faction Wrestling Wing
At the moment, too "new" to have a wing. However, if they continue to induct groups and factions, there will be a need for a separate wing. Doubtful that the entire n.W.o. roster, or even the entire D-X roster will be inducted, their will be space needed though to make room the multiple wrestler squads and display their moments and what not within wrestling history.


Families Of Wrestling Wing
Of course at the moment their hasn't been enough families inducted, however there is a collection of them as single inductees. Perhaps even to take away from the sheer mass of the main wing, group the single inductees by family decent. May be the only way we see Macho Man Randy Savage in there, apparently with his wish having been for the Poffo's to go in together. Naturally there would be a lot more of Randy's things to display being the alpha-star of the family.


Celebrities, Commentators and Promoters Of Wrestling Wing
Although most of the promoters that have been willing to be inducted into Vince's WWE Hall Of Fame have also been inducted for their past wrestling careers as well, the list is short and would help to keep the fellow short list category with celebrities.


The Ric Flair Wing
Has their been anyone with any kind of stroke at WWE ever not said this? Picked my words carefully as I know there are anti-Flairs out there (Shane Douglas, etc). In the 80's he was the top argument against Hulk Hogan being the best in the classic WWE (WWF) Vs WCW (NWA) argument amongst kids and adults.


The Hulk Hogan Wing
If Naitch gets one, then arguably the Hulkster deserves one too. This is the "WWE" Hall Of Fame after all, and before there was Stone Cold, or John Cena who were the faces of the company, it started with Hogan. Add that he was also somewhat the leading man for WCW in what was the Monday Night Wars, kind of adds to his legend.


Future Wing: Undertaker
Other than he is too modest of a person, there is really no valid argument as to why he doesn't deserve one. His loyalty to the company, his sacrifice, his leadership in the back and his drawing power making him today the new age version of what the late, legendary Andre The Giant was during his illustrious career. An attraction all his own. The wing would showcase both his streak and evolution as you progressed through it.

Future Wing: The McMahon Family Wing
At first it would really look more like the "Vince McMahon Wing" that includes his father and grandfather. It would grow of course of time, as Shane, Stephanie and even Triple H (Paul Levesque) would one day make their way into the Hall. Hopefully of course when the next generation of McMahon's, or anyone else is in control. Likely that won't be someone with last name Carter, first name Dixie. How can one dispute this though? The Hall exists because of Vinnie Mac.

Just one of many ways that they could set-up a physical WWE Hall Of Fame. It would be interesting to see how the WWE would present this if they ever followed through on doing this. Would it be an extravagant sight, or a simple display. Wouldn't mind seeing wax sculptures being exact replicas dawning the wrestlers old wardrobe(s). Naturally Hall Of Famers like The Iron Sheik would have audio, although edited for families. I do know that I am am not keen on the rumor of possibly having matches inducted into the Hall Of Fame, as those are truly a matter of opinion and perspective. There have been a lot of legendary and great matches that didn't take place on television let alone at Wrestlemania or on PPV. It also runs the risk of people having too many rings, slightly diluting the purpose of the rings. Would be better serves perhaps giving rings to champions for each reign. If they are looking to be multi-ringed like with some in other sports ie. Bill Russell=Ric Flair. Also if going that route, different rings for WWE Title and WCW/WWE World Titles.

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CM PUNK COMING BACK?

It is professional wrestling, so nothing is too far fetched, and unless they work amongst those "in the know" nobody can say, "that isn't going to happen" or "that will never happen". Some fans are open-mined enough to at least think about the match or scenario someone has laid out for them. Others are a tad bit close-minded and most times can't even accept what they are watching let alone an alternate theory or possibility. And of course there are those still stuck in a specific era of wrestling (from classic, to the 80's and the Attitude Era), however much like the people who don't even watch, their opinions are generally worth less than the Canadian penny.

With the age we live in, and the WWE being more tapped into the fans via Twitter and Facebook, it is harder than ever to tell what is a work and what is a shoot. The saying goes that everything related to wrestling is a work, but that is only because Vince and the wrestlers are smart enough to see when real life situations present a financial opportunity. As we all know, when it comes to business, Vinnie Mac always puts personal feelings aside. Possible exceptions of course, but how do we know for sure it was ever on Vince's part or if there was actual money to be made from them. How many times have we seen Hulk return over the years? Why is welcome back? Hulk makes Vince money (love or hate him, when the Hulkster returns to a WWE platform, it is usually good for business. Elsewhere? Not so much.

With all of that being said, CM Punk's apparent leaving the WWE. How do we know this isn't all one giant, brilliant "work"? The Stone Cold Steve Austin reference was almost too obvious. Add that there were rumors that Punk was hurt at the Rumble right before his departure. Then, we see CM Punk at various places from "The Talking Dead", to UFC events, as well as pics of him hanging out with a bunch of MMA stars. Which natually have sparked talks about Punk taking his MMA training into an octogon. How do we know this isn't all part of a plan by Punk and WWE? It isn't TNA or ROH who have the numbers to match WWE's, it is the UFC. With him being seen there, it is also almost free advertsing for the WWE. Remember that buzz that stemmed from Taker being face to face with Brock after one of Lesner's fights? Even the MMA world was talking about that. So is it too far fetched to think that CM Punk is currently resting and healing right now, and is doing more of the higher viewed spots (he's cancelled some smaller appearances) to keep his name out there as well as the WWE's with Wrestlemania XXX coming up? I don't think so.

Now this part, is a mix of what was stated already, mixed with a bit of dreaming and concluding with what I would say is "good for busniess". Flashback to near the end of 2013. CM Punk has just finished up with his feud with Paul Heyman. He is starting to take the jabs at The Authority, mainly Triple H. Punk is starting to team-up with Daniel Bryan both with grudge against The Authority, when Bryan is attacked and begins a short battle with the Wyatt Family. Daniel Bryan even became a member of the family in order to infiltrate and get Bray alone to throw him an butt kicking. Punk kept jabbing at Triple H and company and then the Royal Rumble happened. He kept jabbing for a few weeks later, then poof! he was gone. Punk was supposed to be in the Elimination Chamber, rumors were swirling that he wasn't happy with being in a match with Triple H at Mania. For the longest time, nobody would even give a definite answer in saying he was gone. One thing everyone was saying, was that he needed to heal up both physically and mentally after pushing so hard for so long. I may be alone, but I am thinking that Punk was injured or burnt out, and was given the time off. And everything since has been "worked" by both parties. Punk getting face time elsewhere, expanding the WWE brand. WWE has been loading their scripts with things that they know the online audience will feed into, and continue to advance this story overshadowing one of their "suprises". They may have thrown a curve tonight by making it that whoever wins between HHH and Bryan enters the main event with Batista and Orton. But, I am thinking Bryan (or both) enter the match, and just as Bryan is about to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship belt, CM Punk returns and screws him over. 

The next night on Raw, Punk would be declared the new "Face Of The WWE" and member of The Authority. He'd eventually win the title of course, if not handed the strap. And then a massive build-up to squaring off with Daniel Bryan at Summerslam. It was said that Bryan's path to the strap was to be a year long culmination at summer spectacular. Rumored that Vince is supposed to return to battle for control, why not have DB be the face of HIS company? Not many will agree with that. I can understand. It is just one of many scenerios that popped into the ol' skull. And of course, especially in this business where things change even during a match, don't read into rumors too much if at all. This was a mix of both, taking what rumors are out there, and going with but also against them. I will add though, that as much as I wanted Austin/Punk, I think Bryan is more the Austin of this generation, and Punk was more The Rock. Can't really compare any with each other, but if forced to that is how I see it at least in a mic style or character approach (Austin couldn't go back to heel after he "exploded", Rock went back and forth).

In closing, try not to initially throw this idea away. Think about it. Even for the sake of broadening ones mind, as it makes trying to play the guessing game with this industry a bit more fun. Especially the moments where we don't know what is truly coming next as there has been a trending problem at times in wrestling. Even without the internet. As always, the business will carry on without him, but it would be nice to think that Punk isn't finished. Contract is up in the Summer, TNA isn't "worthy" and ROH isn't "ready" (bigger star now), and a MMA career may be possible, not something I am itching to see like I was when I heard Brock started. Wrestlemania XXX in New Orleans in April is shaping up to be awesome. Should add something like a Title contract to the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal, to add a bit more to it, as it does slightly come off as a typical Mania "filler match". I will let it slide for one year, as long as Big Show wins this as he is/was the next coming of The Boss, and seems to have been forced to not only take on a full-time schedule, but also forced to lay down to the likes of Rey Mysterio. Which was okay, and makes sense, but would Hogan slamming Andre at Mania 3 been have huge if we saw Andre lose to anyone, let alone someone smaller than even Hogan? Not really.

Okay, now I am done.

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STRAP OF CHOICE

Unlike the WWE World Championship title belt, the WWE Championship has had its share of evolutions over the years. From the classic style that mirrored what Boxing still uses today, to the Attitude Era styles, to the current rendition, which is one half of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship (World title being the other).

Since the 1980's there have been roughly seven or so different WWE Championship belts, where the World title has basically stayed the same with the exception of the n.W.o. days, where the groups initials were spray painted on the plate (simple, yet awesome if I might add). If they decide to keep the titles unified as the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, curious to see if they keep one of the titles as is, likely the WWE Championship as it is only a year old.

From gold plates, to diamonds, to even snakeskin straps, here are previous versions of the richest prize in Sports Entertainment, here are the WWE Championship belts...

Remember when Hulk Hogan rolled up The Iron Sheik for the win and the WWE Championship? Okay, well you at least remember watching it in highlights over the years, or on youtube. This is the belt that was on the line. Always reminds me of something similar to the old school, traditional boxing belts. This is almost what the current title would look like today if it hadn't evolved over the years.
NOTABLE HOLDERS: Bob Backlund, Iron Sheik, Hulk Hogan.

Pro-wrestling is now redubbed Sports Entertainment and this is the style basically still used today. Very reminiscent of the World title via WCW and later WWE. When I was younger, wasn't aware that they had name plates of the titles back then. Mind you like this title, there was only one name used really back then.
NOTABLE HOLDERS: Hulk Hogan (only)

Similar to the previous rendition, this title belt was only ever held by one person. Adding color would become the standard for years to come, especially the globe in the middle. It looks similar to the WWE tag titles at one point, and possibly an early ECW title belt.
NOTABLE HOLDERS: Hulk Hogan (only).

Not sure if it was Hogan's idea, or if it was Vince's, but all I can think of is that it was just another way of keeping things "fresh". Why else would you change the look of the title belt so many times in such a short period, that consisted of zero title changes? Two eagles on this one, a sign of things to come, but looks like an extra fancy Intercontinental Championship belt. Didn't last long like the others though.
NOTABLE HOLDERS: Hulk Hogan (only).

The eagle has landed, and we can finally add more names to the list of holders. When it was around someones waste or displayed like it is in the picture the belt looks very appealing. However, when being moved or held in the air, it almost seems to fall apart, looking as though the plates are barely hanging onto the strap. Which was one of the reasons it was changed, but this was the first belt to get a "run" and was held by nothing but the WWF/WWE's best.
NOTABLE HOLDERS: Hulk Hogan, Andre The Giant, Macho Man Randy Savage, Ultimate Warrior, Sgt. Slaughter, Yokozuna, Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Undertaker, Stone Cold Steve Austin, etc.

The Attitude Era marked a new way of doing things, and with that came one of the more popular of the WWE Championship belts. Apparently, after getting cut by the eagles wings on the previous belt, Stone Cold asked for a change. It would later be unified with the other top prize of the Monday Night Wars in the World Championship belt, to become the Unified Championship. But, this was a symbol of the Era that topped them all.
NOTABLE HOLDERS: Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, Triple H, Kurt Angle, Big Show, Kane, Mick Foley, Undertaker, Vince McMahon (yes), and Chris Jericho (while unifying it with World title).

 For many, self includes, a favorite. It was the first time we has really seen a customized belt, and it was very well done and not cheesy like Jeff Hardy's TNA title belt. Even the strap was made from snake skin, keeping with the character of Stone Cold Steve Austin. Of course the Texas Rattlesnake wasn't the only holder of this belt, but the matches between the two for it were epic.

NOTABLE HOLDERS: Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock.

The Monday Night Wars had ended, and were given something that would never have occured if they hadn't of ended, and if WWE hadn't of won (WCW would've likely done something to the belt instead of what WWE did). It was almost fitting that it was Chris Jericho who at that time symbolized both sides of the war, although Y2J never held this strap, as they finally went the "one belt" route after he dropped them at Wrestlemania X-8 to Triple H. It was only known as the WWE Unified Championship briefly, as Brock Lesner would make it "the" title of Smackdown! after they split the brands.

NOTABLE HOLDERS:  Triple H, Hulk Hogan, Undertaker, The Rock, Brock Lesner, Big Show, Kurt Angle, Eddie Guerrero, JBL, John Cena.

Spin! Spin! Bling! Bling! After how stylish the United States Championship belt looked after John Cena made it into a Spinner belt, I was looking forward to what he would unveil after winning the WWE Championship. Like many fans, I was turned off a bit with it being a bit over the top with the ammount of "bling" and when the WWE logo always hung upside down (which only ever "worked" for Miz's character). It made the Million Dollar Championship belt look simple.
NOTABLE HOLDERS: John Cena, Edge, Randy Orton , Batista, RVD, Triple H, Jeff Hardy, Sheamus, The Miz, CM Punk, Rey Mysterio (kind of), Alberto Del Rio, The Rock.

When The Rock came back, even in a part time manner, most of us were pumped. Unlike the current Batista situation, it was set-up in a manner where most of us wanted to see The Rock win the strap and defend it at Wrestlemania when he faced John Cena again. They were able to help soften the blow of CM Punk being the one who had to drop the title to set everything up, by giving us a new WWE Championship strap. Almost looks like a throwback title to the one that started this "look" of using the black leather backing, and also showing how to apply diamonds, etc in a non-over the top manner. Currently part of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship with the WWE World title, and will likely "live on" if and when they split the titles up again. Then again looking at the era in which it resembles (80's), it may not last. And the belt was known as the "WWF Heavyweight Championship" back then. Hmmmm.
NOTABLE HOLDERS: The Rock, John Cena, Randy Orton, Daniel Bryan.


There were more than I had originally remembered, but they all registered when forced to take a closer look back. And there were of course different colored straps for some peoples titles runs (Warrior, etc), and if the rumor I had read was true (the Million Dollar belt was created because Vince couldn't get Honky Tonk Man to drop the IC strap to Macho Man who would've dropped the WWE Championship to DiBiase) then we can technically include the WWE Million Dollar Championship belt to the list. It does look a lot nicer now then it did as a kid. Perhaps that is because I don't "hate" the Million Dollar Man anymore.

Will be interesting to see if there will be a new one soon, or how many more will there be in our lifetime (us 70's and 80's kids mainly). Feel free to comment below on your favorite WWE Championship strap, or in the Facebook posting in which you read this. Until then...

Stay Nerdy!