WRESTLING WHAT IF's VOL.I

"What If...?" was a favorite Marvel Comics title in my youth, and watching the WWE Network non-stop has forced me to apply this to the world of wrestling and sports entertainment. From outcomes, signings, to behind the scenes, backstage stuff there are almost endless possibilities in regards to what could have been or might have been if something was done different. Large to very small, the decisions and occurrences throughout the years have made impact.

What If...Vince McMahon Had Picked Turner Over USA Network?
Immediately you think of the Monday Night Wars. Rightfully so. There might not have been a war if Vince and Ted had continued to work together. Of course things could have soured later on and the two parted ways, but would there still have been a war? What would it have been like? And what would have become of Jim Crockett Promotions if this hadn't of happened? Someone else could have bought the company, then again, who's to say that something else wouldn't have happened that made for better business for Crockett? Would Eric Bischoff have been involved in this at all? The Butterfly Effect on this one decision (that was forced by Ted Turner) is pretty massive to say the least.


What If...Triple H Hadn't Married Stephanie?
This one is almost cliche. It doesn't mean things wouldn't have been effected. Triple H would have still been the icon he is. Zero argument here. The questions that arise are would Trips be in the position he is in now? Would Vince have seen the drive, knowledge, and work ethic Paul Levesque brings to the table? It is possible. It is also just as unlikely. So, how would the WWE look at the top of corporate? A simple answer would be that Stephanie simply took on more of the work load and filled her fathers shoes alone. She is a McMahon, and constantly referred to being just like her dad. The other options raise some questions though as well. Would Shane be involved in some fashion? It is his families company, and if Steph needed help he is likely the first name to pop into your head. Linda would be next possibly. Would she have left the company and pursued her political goals? Or would she have possibly stayed on to help with the transition (not that Vinnie Mac is going anywhere right now).


What If...Jeff Hadn't "Stolen" Karen From Kurt?
Almost as cliche as Triple H and Stephanie's  addition to all of this, but given the current state of things it belongs here. Why? First, would we have witnessed the great matches between Jeff Jarrett and Kurt Angle? Would they have been as good it they still happened? Possibly, but also possibly not. There is a good chance the real life situation is what made the matches that much more. Then of course there was the "repercussions" from the real life aspect of all of this. It was the true downfall of Jarrett in TNA. Most importantly, behind the scenes. There were almost legal ramifications from all of this. Sure, they are now married and even Kurt has moved on, but it did effect business. Would Dixie have been "more involved" if Jarrett wasn't in good with management, or was that inevitable? The "WWE" talent that TNA aquired during the time Double J was making most if not all the calls was done properly. Christian (Christian Cage) had a really good run in TNA, The Dudleys (Team 3D), Gail Kim, and Tara Vachon. Can't believe Dixie is allowing Jarrett back in, although only a "talent", in full GFW promotion mode. Even a "crossover" or "invasion" seems only to be smart on Jarrett's side. Dixie's not so much.


What If...Hulk Hogan Versus Ric Flair Happened At Wrestlemania?
An off the wall "what if...?", but curious as to what could have been with this one. There is always speculation as to why. Most likely of them being that the two sides couldn't come to an agreement on who should be put over. Regardless, what would have happened if they did? Would it have drawn massive numbers? If it did, then it would be safe to wonder this would have changed McMahon's outlook on how he approached the "youth movement. Which seems to be the reason Flair returned to WCW, and Hogan (amongst others) eventually followed suit. Would we have seen more of a mix of old and new? Instead of Macho Man Randy Savage behind the announce table, or Hogan being allowed out of his contract. Would we have possibly seen some epic showdowns between Savage and HBK? Come to think of it, the Butterfly Effect is pretty big here. Would this have meant WCW alum turned WWE legends like Stone Cold Steve Austin, Chris Jericho, amongst others, not have come over? More room to grow without Hogan and others atop the glass ceiling. What if it had bombed? Would WCW have acquired Hogan later on, or would they have possibly seen Hogan with less drawing power?

The list is truly endless, and we hadn't even touched anything that happened "during" the Monday Night Wars and the Attitude Era. Or even if a wrestlers life hadn't ended so early. Those will eventually make their way into the mix, but best to leave the deaths for when drawing a blank much later on.

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BASH AT THE...SURVIVOR SERIES

This idea or theory will likely end up in the "beating a dead horse" pile, along with all the other theories and opinions of those who want John Cena to finally turn heel. However, there is always that small chance that it could come to fruition. Didn't have social media in the late 80's and early to mid-90's, so not too sure how people viewed the "Hogan Era". Hulk Hogan as a baby face did run dry, and eventually lead to one of the greatest moments in wrestling history, when the Hulkster turned heel, and formed the n.W.o. with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash.

Survivor Series is the next WWE pay per view, and they will have a classic Survivor Series match with Team Cena facing off against Team Authority. First, there is the obvious Hogan comparison. Started as a heel, then turned into a baby face, and hasn't looked back despite how dry the character is becoming. Cena has said that all the fans would simply start cheering him, and he is right. Same thing really happened with Hogan when he turned. Sure he got his share of boo's as heels do, but like the rest of the n.W.o. he became "cool" again (for a period of time) and rejuvenated his career. John Cena needs to do this, and take things to another level, or at least in another direction. Number one money maker in WWE, but imagine the profits if he were popular with the majority again. Also, Cena has been sporting a lot of red and yellow (before Breast Cancer Awareness effort in October).
Second, they have hinted at a Cena heel turn on a few occasions. Most notably, joining The Authority. Who is whom Team Cena will be facing at Survivor Series. It's almost a perfect setting, more so if remaining similar to Hogan. Of course it doesn't all have to be the same as Hulksters turn, but most of wrestling is reused, but updated and tweaked story lines, etc. At least it will add something new for the next Cena vs Orton feud, which we all know will eventually happen again one day (it's their new Rock/HHH from back in the day).
Lastly, like Hogan, Cena is often accused of holding people back or not allowing others to break the proverbial glass ceiling. Mostly by the IWC, but regardless, it would be an opportunity to help squash those comments and put over new baby faces, instead of crushing heels which include those who turned in order to fit into the main event picture. Goldberg was over, but became "the man" after Hollywood Hulk Hogan did the honors. Dolph Ziggler? Kofi Kingston? The list long regardless of who should be on it.

It has been shot down over and over, but with the WWE Network being rumored as the reason for The Streak ending makes it a possibility. Even if just a very small one. Survivor Series would be a great place and time to do so. A sure way for him to continue to receive boo's from the crowd would be to have his relationship with Nikki Bella part of the storyline.

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IT'S IN THE GENES

It may not always be genetics, but there is definitely a perk to being apart of a wrestling family. Since the end of the territory days, with the exception of Kerry Von Erich maybe, there hadn't really been a known to be next generation wrestler until The Rock in the late 90's being the WWE's first 3rd Generation Wrestler. Most but not were aware of the 2nd Generation stars like "Macho Man" Randy Savage, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Bret "The Hitman" Hart amongst others.

The WWE currently has roughly 10+ next generation wrestlers working both the current main rosters as well as NXT. Some are part of their characters or announced every show like Cody Rhodes and Goldust being the 2nd Generation stars following in their legendary father, Dusty Rhodes footsteps. There is Curtis Axel (Joe Henning) who is currently following in The Rock's initial steps, using a combo of both his father (Rocky Johnson) and Grandfather (High Chief Peter Maivia) with Rocky Maivia. Then there is Roman Reigns of The Shield, who is in fact a third generation superstar in his own right being son of Afa (and is also brother of former WWE star Rosie, Super Hero In Training). Plus others, some of whom will be mentioned below.

Here are a list of some of the wrestling families, while I'll be sticking with the better known members, in most cases some of these bloodlines seem to produce nothing but wrestlers, who simply never made it to WWE, WCW or even TNA Wrestlings rosters over the years.

The Anoa'i/Maivia Family

Possibly the largest wrestling family there is, and a knack for giving us top performers over these years. Greats like High Chief Peter Maivia, Wild Samoans Afa and Sika, Yokozuna (yes non-hardcore fans he was actually Samoan), Rikishi (who's used many monikers), The Rock, Umaga, Rosie, and a bunch of others who've both made the top companies and haven't, yet wrestled elsewhere. Current stars from this family include Jimmy and Jey Uso (Rikishi's sons) and Leati Joseph Anoa'i better known as Roman Reigns.

The Hart Family

Canada's top or better known wrestling dynasties. With the Hart's every one of wrestler/promoter/trainer Stu Hart's sons wrestled and his each of his daughters married a wrestler. Best known would be Bret "The Hitman" Hart and his brother Owen Hart and their brother in-laws Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart and "British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith (who is cousins with Dynamite Kid, who's ex-wife is Bret's ex-wifes sister). Of course there is a third generation with D.H. Smith (Harry Smith, son of Davey Boy Smith and Diana Hart), Teddy Hart (son of wrestler B.J. Annis and Georgia Hart, and Natalya Neidhart (Jim Neidhart and Ellie Hart) who recently married WWE star Tyson Kidd (TJ Wilson).

The Guerrero Family

They are Mexico's Dynasty to at least the mainstream media. Similar to the Hart Family, every one of Gory Guerrero's sons was a wrestler, even his wife, Herlinda Llanes came from a wrestling family. Best known is the late Eddie Guerrero and his wife current EXCUSE ME! star Vickie Guerrero. Also there's Hector Guerrero, Chavo Guerrero Sr (better known to current generation as Chavo Classic perhaps) and since I don't want to leave him out finally Mondo. Third generation star is Chavo Guerrero Jr who's been in WWE, WCW and TNA. Also there is Eddie and Vickie's daughter, Shaul Guerrero, working under the name Raquel Diaz on NXT. Guerrero Siempre!

The Windham-Rotunda Family

I was surprised by this at first, but then everything made sense. In this family it seems to be a case of genetics and upbringing. Wrestling legend Black Jack Mulligan (Robert Jack Mulligan) is the father of wrestling greats Barry Windham and Kendall Windham, but is also the step-father of another great, Mike Rotunda or I.R.S., Irwin R. Schyster. Rotunda is father of current WWE and NXT superstars, Windham Rotunda aka Bray Wyatt (he was known as Husky Harris during the "Nexus" days) and Bo Dallas (Taylor Rotunda).

The Poffo Family

Even though there isn't going to be a next generation star from this bloodline by the looks of it, they deserve mention, not just for level of greatness, but for the shock that I am sure I wasn't alone in feeling when I heard this bloodline. Angelo Poffo, Randy Poffo and Lanny Poffo. The late Angelo Poffo is the wrestling legend and father of the late and legendary "Macho Man" Randy Savage and his brother "The Genius". And of course we all know that Randy was once married (in real life) to the late Miss Elizabeth (Elizabeth Hulette). If never going to be an induction into WWE's Hall Of Fame, we would love to know the reason.

The Rhodes Family

"The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes (Virgil Runnels Jr.) is a legendary WWE Hall Of Famer, and is father of two future HOF inductees, Goldust/Dustin Rhodes (Dustin Runnels) and Cody Rhodes (Cody Runnels). Dustin really came into his own once he became Goldust, and is leading a small "Attitude Era" resurgence within the the WWE. And was of course once married to Marlena (Terri Runnels). Cody is so good he successfully "gimmicked" a protective mask and then a mustache. That takes skill. Also, Dusty Rhodes is the brother in-law of Nasty Boys member Jerry Sags (Jerome Saganovich) and Tugboat/Typhoon/Shockmaster (Fred Ottoman). Both of whom are also Cody's Uncle. Cody's Godfather is also wrestling great Magnum T.A. (Terry Allen).

The Flair Family

Perhaps Ric Flair was "too great" for his sons to succeed in wrestling. With David Flair, it could have been from being in WCW during the wrong era and/or not being in the WWE instead. With Naitch's other son, Reid Flair, it was a tragic case of a drug over-dose that is likely the cause for not getting to the level he was capable of reaching if not for his demons. There is a ray of light within the Flair Family (which is Fliehr in real life) with The Nature Boy's daughter Ashley Flair is on NXT using the name Charlotte (likely homage to Flair country Charlotte, NC) WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

The Von Erich Family

Possibly the most tragic stories of all the wrestling families and in a business loaded with it. Wrestling great Fritz Von Erich (Jack Adkisson) had 6 sons; Jack Jr, Kevin, David, Kerry, Mike and Chris. Jack Jr passed at the age of 6, but the other Von Erich sons all followed their father into the business of pro wrestling. Tragically, only Kevin Von Erich is still alive, with his brothers all meeting untimely deaths at young ages. Kerry Von Erich was best known to WWE fans as the Texas Tornado back in the 90's, where he actually wrestled on a prosthetic leg, but took his own life at the age of  . There is a ray of hope in the Von Erich clan, while Kerry's daughter Lacey Von Erich was at one time wrestling in TNA, and Kevin has two sons currently breaking out in the business. Perhaps one day we will see The Claw return to the main stage at the hand of a Von Erich..

The Henning Family

The wrestling great, Larry "The Axe" Henning is father to the late, legendary "Mr. Perfect" Curt Henning. And of course put the names together and you get current WWE third generation superstar, Curtis Axel (Joe Henning). Curt's daughter Amy is also a wrestler apparently. An almost "perfect" wrestling family. Pun obvious. Pun intended.

The DiBiase Family

"The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase Sr., was the son of Helen Nevins a female wrestler and her husband, his adoptive father, "Iron" Mike DiBiase. Tragically, Mike died from a heart attack during a match with "Mountain Man" Mike in July 1969. There is a thrid generation of DiBiase's in the wrestling business, with Ted DiBiase Jr having formerly been in WWE, and his two brothers Mike DiBiase II and Brett DiBiase although currently retired were also professional wrestlers.

The McMahon Family

We may not always like the product that they give us, or the desicions that they make at times, but we should all be thankful that this family has existed in professional wrestling. Beginning with boxing and wrestling promoter, Roderick McMahon. Followed by his son also a wrestling promoter, Vincent J. McMahon who gave us Vinnie Mac, Vince K. McMahon. Hard to put one label on Vince promoter, entrepreneur, wrestler list goes on. Even that applies to Vince and Linda's children, Shane McMahon who worked for the family company on all levels from office to ref to even wrestling as well, and same can be said for Stephanie McMahon-Levesque, who is married to WWE great Triple H (Paul Levesque) who is now doing what the McMahon's do behind the scenes also after a stellar and now part-time wrestling career.


The list of wrestling families is pretty extensive, with mine being the tip of a massive ice berg. Remember the little baby Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat brought with him during Wrestlmania IV? For those unaware, that was his son and even he's in the business right now

A few others from the endless list of other 2nd and 3rd generation stars are;

• Jake "The Snake" Roberts
• Wes Brisco
• Tamina Snuka
• Deuce (Jimmy Snuka Jr.)
•  "The Mountie" Jacques Rougeau
• Ray Rougeau
• "Road Dogg" Jesse James and referee brother Scott Armstrong

WWE & TNA IMPACT! WORK n SHOOT

She is still getting the hang of it mind you, but Dixie Carter as a "heel" is actually working. For me at least. Now don't get mad when I say this, but as of late, TNA Impact Wrestling has been at par with WWE. I will try to clarify that for the haters out there, key word "try".

Most fans know what a "work", a "shoot", and a "worked shoot is in professional wrestling. In case you don't; a "work" is basically all scripted, wrestlers saying what they are told to say. A "shoot" is real, whether it is on the mic or in the ring, when a "shoot" is occurring your either hearing truth or watching an actual fight. Then there is a "worked shoot", and that is when there is being truthful stuff being said, etc but it was cleared before hand to be a part of the storyline. Example of a "worked shoot" was a few years ago with Edge, Lita and Matt Hardy. All part of the show, but was the truth. Lita cheated on Matt with Edge (Adam Copeland).

When the lines are blurred and not sure of what is being worked or shot, it makes for some great moments. Okay, perhaps not "great" but makes things interesting at the least. This is happening in both WWE and TNA at the moment. WWE seems to be running with more of a worked shoot, in regards to HHH/Stephanie and those involved in that storyline, and even somewhat in the CM Punk/Heyman angle. There are "truths" all through these stories, but controlled of course by WWE. Over in TNA however, it is a little harder to tell the difference. It doesn't help that there are clearly some problems going on over there with such a depleted roster as of late. It is however, making things interesting. Hard to follow at times, but interesting. Is AJ Styles really working without a contract or no? Are the things he's saying his own, or just a script based on everyones general opinon? Easy to say that they may be trying the CM Punk storyline from a couple years ago over in WWE, and probably is. However, it's not that far of a stretch for AJ to not have a contract, wrestlers do it all the time (or used to anyhow), and even less of a stretch that he would agree with the words coming out of his mouth as they could be his own. There is even the Hulk Hogan angle now, did he really quit? Is this all just part of the story? Hard to say, contract could be up and TNA may not have the money at the moment to keep him.

Is it possible that TNA is literally dying before us every Thursday night on Spike and just happens to be some of their best work in a long time? Or is it simply that, a "work"? Hope it is the latter, as like I said at the start, although "green", this heal Dixie is working for me. The good news is, most of TNA Impact's roster could go to the WWE someday, especially now that WWE isn't all about just bodybuilder types getting spots and pushes anymore. Guys like CM Punk and right now Daniel Bryan are showing that. Imagine the match AJ Styles would have on a Wrestlemania sized stage, or a WWE size audience chanting "Joe's Gonna Kill You!". Goosebumps.

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