NXT Please

I think we have just been Obamaed by the WWE. We were promised something new, something innovated, we were promised change. That's not what we got. Like Obama's reign, the WWE has lost some of its luster recently. Both have been hemorrhaging money and doing everything they can think of to find a new audience even if it means pissing all over the old one. They keep promising change and innovation but only to bring back old ideas in a new packaging while afraid of the very thing they promised. They stick to a rigid formula which is why both are in their rut in the first place .

What I thought we were going to get in NXT was a reality show along the lines of the Ultimate Fighter. Reality shows have been the it thing for the better part of a decade producing many of the celebrities of the last decade. UFC in particular owes much of its current success to The Ultimate Fighter. Reality TV opens a window in which we see at how people 'live" and is at it's most successful which over the top animated characters such as the Osbourne's and more recently the Hills.

These undoubtedly scripted shows presented as reality makes it a cousin of sorts to pro wrestling and I have long thought that by borrowing their cousins format would be an interesting new way to present wrestlers and add dimension to their characters. For the longest time we've only seen wrestlers either in the ring or backstage. We never see their day to day life, training and rarely giving a reason to build a connection with them.

One of the things NXT did that i like were the video packages introducing the talent, but that's too be expected from the WWE production team. I do feel they tried to introduce too many people at once. They should of had one video package introducing a NXT rookie every episode of ECW for the past few months.

The first episode of NXT should show the Mentors picking their students instead of them being randomly paired. Starting with the second episode, every episode should limit itself to focusing on two different rookies to ensure every rookie gets a chance to shine. Like the Ultimate fighter, they should focus mostly on developing the rookie's characters, their training and at the end of the episode have the two rookies facing off.

Another problem I feel with the show is the choice of mentors. I'm not saying these guys chosen aren't worthy but I think it would be more beneficial for ratings and promoting the rookies if they had main eventers train the rookies. Wouldn't Triple H, Cena, Orton, Batista, Rey make more sense as mentors then Carlito, R Truth and Matt Hardy. Christian and William Regal are both fine in the role even though they don't have the profile of the afore mentioned stars. They were the two top performers of ECW adding continuity between NXT and ECW and both are respected veterans. Chris Jericho and CM Punk are both main eventers so their good and I'm giving The Miz a pass because he's awesome, currently a triple crown champion and a former reality TV show star.

 

Less Than 24 Hours Ago...

Less Than 24 Hours Ago... is a recap/highlights from the previous nights pay per view in sports entertainment. Let's get to it!

Last night we witnessed an historic Elimination Chamber pay per view that has somewhat shaken up the matches for WrestleMania 26. Both main championships changed hands, story-lines were developed in the chambers, The Miz had to defend the US title but had help, and the divas match apparently needs more time to build up.

In the WWE Championship chamber, DiBiase pinned his mentor Randy Orton which will leave Randall no choice but the humiliate his protege. This will set up nicely for what is to come with these two within the next few weeks. The WWE title was won by Mr Golden God John Cena by making Triple H (my prediction) tap out. By having Batista defeat Cena in under a minute to walk away with the title following the chamber match sets up those two for an even bigger feud. Then if you throw in Hart and McMahon in the picture, you have a dynamic situation for the biggest show of the year.

The Miz and MVp match was thrown in the PPV last minute. I like this title defense taking place but it should have been advertised. The way the cards were "laid out", I can see a nice ShowMiz vs MVP/WSM tag title match at WrestleMania. If this is the case then I wish The Miz could drop the title within the next few weeks to another mid-carder for the time being.

I'm pissed that the Divas match did not take place between Gail Kim and Maryse. We haven't had a champion in forever and these two are going to put on a fantastic match if they are given the right amount of time. Let's hope they don't wait all the way til' Mania. And what in the hell is Vickie G. doing by booing matches on pay per views when she is only a "consultant". Come on now Vince, it's getting to be a stretch with this being believable.

Intercontinental Champ, Drew McIntyre, defeated Kane to retain the gold. Enough said.

In the World HeavyWeight Championship Elimination Chamber featured some of the best in ring talent the WWE has to offer at the moment. HBK showed up in the ring, when only the Deadman and Jericho were left, and gave the Undertaker some sweet chin music. This resulted in a win for Chris "Y2J" Jericho and will most likely solidify his match with Edge at WrestleMania.

The Elimination Chamber had some great finishes and some utter disappointments. WrestleMania 26 is just around the corner now and is shaping up to be an amazing card. So far I would say we have Cena/Batista, HBK/Taker, Jericho/Edge, HHH/Sheamus, Orton/DiBiase, and maybe Punk/Mysterio. Things are constantly changing in the business so I'm sure there will be a surprise match or two in there. Throw in some good music and some bad ass pyrotechnics (as long as these ones don't catch The Undertaker on fire) and it should be an amazing pay per view.

The next Less Than 24 Hours Ago... will feature WrestleMania 26.

Edge's Return.

Growing up I was a WCW fan. I would always watch Nitro then turn to Raw during commercials, but I would always quickly flip back to make sure I didn't miss anything. However, there was always one thing that would keep me from turning back to Nitro. Edge and Christian. Edge has been my favorite wrestler since then and my favorite of all time.

Edge has just made his return in grand fashion. After a multi month injury he surprised everyone by returning to the Rumble and winning it. This was the most epic way for him to return that's to be sure but was it the best?

When he was injured he was one half of the tag team champions with Chris Jericho and after his injury he was kicked to the curb by Jericho who replaced him with the Big Show, who Edge was feuding with at the time. This was the perfect set up for an Edge vs Jericho feud when Edge returned, which we may still get if Jericho wins the Elimination Chamber.

Jerrishow was one of the highlights of the past year. Their reign with the belts helped restore credability to tag team wrestling in the WWE. They were on a role and really stood out. Then DX decided they wanted a run with the belts too. Jerrishow should have kept the belts till mania and dominated a few more teams along the way like a reformed Worlds Greatest Tag Team and a one off reunion of Morrison and the Miz. At the Rumble Edge should have returned but not in the rumble but as interference coting Jericho the match. Then Edge challenge Jerrishow at mania with his partner Christian.

E&C vs Jerrishow would be a major match. Granted, it would be a step down for Edge and potentially Jerricho to be in a tag title match when they could main event, but it would be better for the WWE, tag team wrestling and for the overall card at Mania.

Tag team wrestling in the WWE has seen a surge the past year and a lot of great new teams have come into being, but there's one problem. Most of them are heel teams. outside of DX the only two face teams are Crime Time and MVP Henry. If Edge and christian win the tag titles it would open up quite a few potential feuds.

E@C vs The Straight Edge Society- Punk and Edge started having a pretty decent feud before punk went heel and could now continue due to Edges quasi face statis. christian as well would match up nicely against Punk.

E&C vs The Hart Dynasty- Edge and christian got their start at the Hart Dungeon and would be a possibly career defining feud for the Hart Dynasty

E&C vs Legacy- This depends on if Legacy is doesn't brake up, but reunited Edge with his former Rated RKO partner Randy Orton and Dibiase and Rhodes are the most legit tag team in the WWE right now thanks to their feud with DX

E&C vs Regal/Jackson- Picking up where Christians with them ended. Christian and Regal had some of the best matches of the past year.

E&C vs Worlds Greatest Tag Team- Shelton and Christan had a fun latter match at TLC and both of these teams have been around for quite a while and are both really really good.

E@C vs The Briscoes- It's been reported that the WWE has been very interested in signing the best underground tag team of the decade and Edge and christian would be natural opponents.

The rebirth of the tag division isn't the only reason I was disappointed to see Edge win the Rumble. Edge has at this point pretty much has done everything there is too do in the WWE and there isn't much left he can do that would be interesting.

One thing that could keep Edge relevant for years is a long term storyline. I would have had Edge, when he returned, say he had a lot of time to think about his legacy and how he would be remembered and how it disgusted him. He just wanted to be the champion so bad he started taking short cuts and before he knew it he became a monster and that's not how he wants to be remembered. He wants to be remembered as a true champion not an opportunist. He wants to win the title this time by talent and hard work not politicking and cheating.

Of coarse, this is easier said then done. For this storyline to mean anything it would take time. Anywhere, between 1 and three years. There would also have to be obstacles that reflect his past transgressions. Maybe Vickie taking power again and making Edge's life a living hell. He would also have to face people he has wronged in the past such as Matt Hardy, Batista and The Undertaker and he would have to face coconspirators like Zac Ryder, Chris Jericho and Randy Orton. After confronting his past sins, he would win The Royal Rumble and win the championship representing his redemption. Granted Vince McMahon would never go for a long storyline like that, but that's the reason the WWE is in the state that it's in.

The Chamber of Elimination

Vacant WWE Divas Title Match: Maryse vs. Gail Kim

This is the most emphasise that's been placed on the divas title in a long while. Gail Kim has had a back and forth career. She won the woman's title in her first match then floundered till she went to TNA where her work secured her spot as one of the greatest woman wrestlers in history, but hasn't done much since she returned to the wwe. however she has picked up er game the last few weeks in this tournament and especially last night against Katie Lee Burchill. Marsye on the other hand is the chosen one in the woman's division having held both the woman's and divas championships.
Winner: Gail Kim

Intercontinental Title Match: Drew McIntyre vs. Kane

Kane, I feel, is one of the most underrated superstars in the WWE. McIntyre is very quickly picking up steam. While this match may be have had one of the greatest builds it should be pretty solid with either man potentially coming out on top.
Winner: Shawn's boy toy

SmackDown Elimination Chamber (World Heavyweight Championship) :
The Undertaker vs. Chris Jericho vs. CM Punk vs. John Morrison vs. R-Truth vs. Rey Mysterio

I think Shawn Micheals might replace John Morrison, but won't win the match. My guess is that Chris Jericho will win and face Edge at mania, though the WWE has been trying to throw curve balls as of late. So, really any1 can win except for R Truth.
winner; Jericho

RAW Elimination Chamber (WWE Championship): Sheamus vs. Triple H vs. Randy Orton vs. Ted DiBiase vs. John Cena vs. Kofi Kingston

First things first there's no way Shamus is going into mania the champ. I'm not entirely sure where they're heading for mania though. I think it'll be HHH vs HBK but then again it could easily be HHH vs Sheamus. Ted Dibiase is a dark horse for winning. If he wins or if he looses I'm still expecting a triple threat match at mania between Legacy. Cena is the golden boy, but they seem to want him vs Batista at mania for the Hart/McMahon storyline. That could however include the world title as well. Kofi Kinston would shock the world, but I don't see who he'd challenge.
Winner: Ted DiBiase

Elimination Chamber Predictions '10

This Sunday is the Elimination Chamber PPV where both top titles are on the line inside the demonic steel structure. The results of this pay per view will help lay the ground work for WrestleMania.

Vacant WWE Divas Title Match: Maryse vs. Gail Kim

Finally this match is going to take place. Gail has been on a roll for the past few weeks in her matches and looks like she might have the upper hand at this point. I would like to see Kim get some recognition for the hard work by winning but I think Maryse is better suited to go into Mania as champ.

Winner- Maryse

Intercontinental Title Match: Drew McIntyre vs. Kane

This match-up has no real interest from me nor anyone else I can imagine. Kane is being put here just to give Drew a credible opponent. Plus, Morrison and Truth are in the Chamber so they needed a fill-in loser.

Winner- Drew McIntyre

SmackDown Elimination Chamber (World HeavyWeight Championship) 

The Undertaker vs. Chris Jericho vs. CM Punk vs. John Morrison vs. R-Truth vs. Rey Mysterio

Now this is a match. You have some of the most charismatic wrestlers in all the WWE in one steel cage fighting for the chance to headline Mania. It could honestly be a huge swing storyline mode. If the Deadman retains, would Edge challenge him for the title or could Shawn Michaels get his chance to break the streak. Morrison has a dvd out and is in need of a major push. Jericho has the most legit shot if Taker loses cause he could have multiple opponents waiting (also including Edge). Myseterio and Punk might have a feud heading into Mania so I doubt they walk away victorious (along with Truth who has no shot). Maybe Shawn pulls an Edge move and takes Truth's spot in the match to cost Taker the title. What a match this will be.

Winner- Chris Jericho

RAW Elimination Chamber (WWE Championship)
Sheamus vs. Triple H vs. Randy Orton vs. Ted DiBiase vs. John Cena vs. Kofi Kingston
Now this bout seems better on paper than I think it's going to end up. Ted and Randy will work together for awhile, same with Cena and Kingston I imagine. but once things start coming down to the wire, alliances won't mean anything.  I can't imagine Sheamus going into the biggest pay perv view as champion but he proves me wrong every time I pick against him. This time I will not fail. The Irish pale face drops the belt this time to a past champion... either Orton, The Game, or Cena. Cena already has a good story building with Batista (ala Bret Hart). Triple H has the most wins in Elimination Chamber matches and he didn't win the Rumble so his "time to shine" is here once more. It also adds more to DX splitting up... finally.
Winner- Hunter Heart Helmsley


Also, there are rumors that an Edge vs. Batista match could be added to the card. If this perhaps does happen; I can't see Edge, the Royal Rumble winner, losing. It probably won't be a clean win but by disqualification due to Batista's inability to control his 'roid rage!

Until Next Time...

 ...I'm Just Sayin!

The NXT Generation Of Tuesday

Welcome to The Daily Slam!

We are only days away from the Elimination Chamber pay per view which means WrestleMania is on the horizon. This week so far we've had all 6 members of the E.C. WWE title match face off against each other, the NXT's roster is announced, the final ECW show, and AJ Styles retained the title while the Pope (D'Angelo Dinero, not Pope Benedict) became the top stud .

The match between Sheamus and Orton was short but it delivered. Once again Legacy got involved (primarily Rhodes) and ended up getting the Viper disqualified just like at that Rumble. This time Rhodes didn't receive a simple beat down. As the fans chanted for the devious RKO, Orton gave them what they wanted. This to me is why he is receiving the small pops from the crowd even though he is the top heel on Raw. With Rhodes on Orton's bad side and DiBiase in the Chamber match this Sunday with Orton, the demise of Legacy is just around the corner. The other two matches were decent but didn't build any kind of story-lines like the first one did. The only thing we did get was Sheamus standing tall while Raw went off air. Too bad his luck (Irish luck that is) has run out come this Sunday... hopefully.

On the last WWE/ECW show we were told the roster for the new NXT show starting on Tuesday night. We were shown the rookies and the pros that will be showing them the ropes. The groupings look to be good other than a few issues I have. For one, the Miz should not be training Daniel Bryan (Danielson). The "Awesome" one might have incredible mic skills but Daniel has more in ring ability in his middle finger than the Miz could only hope to learn in the next decade. I personally would have paired  Daniel with Punk or Jericho. My second issue is not seeing the distinctive face of Kaval (Low-Ki). I had read he was originally announced for the roster but has been replaced. I am deeply disappointed by this because him and Daniel Bryan could take this show to amazing levels. Are they saving Kaval for the second season? Maybe they could bring him to the main roster right away instead of waiting for the NXT rookies to move up. One thing is for sure; if NXT is anything like Tough Enough meets Ultimate Fighter (kayfabe style) we are in for some good entertainment. 

Also on the last ECW ever, we were treated to an extreme rules match for the ECW Championship. Zeke Jackson became the final ECW champion (and with the shortest reign in history) by defeating Christian. At first I was a little pissed to not see Christian as the last champ of Extreme since he had held the title for so long but with Zeke winning it gives him some credibility in the company and for whatever brand he ends up on.

 R.I.P.

At Against All Odds; AJ retained the TNA Championship (as I predicted unlike my arch rival/nemesis did) against Samoa Joe. I think Joe deserved the title but the chips are stacked against anyone with Ric Flair in the other guy's corner. The Black Pope won the 8-card stud tournament which I found a little surprising but not totally against. Dinero could be the perfect face for Style's title but I don't see him being put over with a win in the Hogan era. On a TNA side note; Hogan/Dixie announced that Impact will be moving to Mondays permanently on March 8th. I would have supported this move about 3 months ago but the product to me has gone down hill slightly. Spoiler Alert- don't be surprised to see Hogan & Flair in the ring on that Monday night.

  
Additional Slams!...

Also on Tuesday night, we witnessed a little cat fight between "ECW GM" Tiffany and Rosa. We finally got to see Tiffany get down and dirty and hopefully it's a glimpse of what's to come. Maybe a little Tiff n' Christian love angle could work for the time being. Well that is after she poses for Playboy... again.

Until Next Time...

The End of E.C.W.

We seem to be on the verge of a new era. The old institutions are being swept aside and new concepts are taking their place.The latest sign of the changing times is ECW 2.0's demise and it's replacement NXT.

While I'm sad to see ECW go it probably is about time. It was apparent from the beginning that this incarnation wasn't going to be anything like the original and lately wouldn't have any support from Vince. Even though it was abounded from the mother company ECW continued to put out great matches with Christian, Regal and Shelton Benjamin. I just wished they gave it a better ending.

The ECW homecoming was a great idea but was rushed and a lot of major former ECW stars who could have been involved weren't. It also would have been an epic way to end ECW. Imagine this.

Vince comes to ECW the first episode following the Royal Rumble and declares its demise and that after Wrestlemania it will be replaced by NXT. Then Tiffany and Christian announce the ECW homecoming a tournament where any former ECW star can compete and the winner gets the last ECW title shot at mania. The contestants would be Miz, Morrison ,Tommy Dreamer, Big show, Regal, Matt Hardy, Yoshi, Koslov, Shelton, CM Punk, Hurricane, Ryder, Mark Henry, Kane, Jack Swagger and if they can get him RVD. Big Zeke was excluded because he would be feuding with Christian during this time.

During this time they would announce the contestants for NXT like they did last night (btw where the hell was Kavil) except one a week and give them a short promo video saying who they were and why they wanted to be in the WWE. Also if they really wanted ratings wouldn't they have main eventers like Cena, HHH and Orton mentoring instead of people like R Truth, Carlito and Matt Hardy.Still, having The Miz mentor Danielson will be fun and not a horrible idea.
One last thing DOMINATION!

HBK's Career Is Over? Say It Ain't So!

Welcome to The Daily Slam!

In this week's Daily Slam;. NXT gets bumped up a week, the ECW roster becoming free agents, top promos from TNA and WWE, and HBK finally goes craaaazzzzzyyy!

It looks like Vince doesn't want to wait any longer for his new pet project to start so he's shutting the doors on ECW a week earlier than announced. I guess you could say he's ripping it off like a band-aid. I have to admit that the suspense of the new show has me excited so hopefully I'm not the only one to bump up the Tuesday night ratings for SyFy. I will be sad to see the land of extreme (that's what it was right?) to leave but something new needed to be done.

In light of ECW being canceled brings one question to mind. What will Tiffany be doing??? Wait, I mean what will happen to the entire roster? Christian announced on Raw that all the Tuesday night talent will become free agents. The WWE Draft normally occurs weeks after WrestleMania so I don't think it really matters where these superstars end up since they could be moved again within a few weeks time. I don't see anyone being released (maybe Abe Washington) but most will end up wrestling on Superstars since none will have story-lines involved for Mania other than possibly Christian.

This week on television, so far, has showed some good mic skillz (yes it's spelled with a "z") by multiple wrestlers. First on Raw; Cena once again put McMahon in his place, resulting in Hart trying to attack and ends up destroying the set. Also, we had encountered a new Awesome! tag name... The Miz Show. I mean the The ShowMiz... you know, like showbiz. I like it! INDEED. Over on that train wreck of Impact, we were given the gift of watching a great promo work of AJ Styles and Samoa Joe. These two could carry TNA on their shoulders without breaking a sweat. Joe might need a cookie to keep up the pace but I don't judge... much. AJ is doing fairly well with his ego-driven heel gimmick while Joe is taking is good guy/bad-ass persona to a nice level that suits his character well. The fans are gradually giving AJ heat but you can give a little credit to Flair for that. Woo! Mr. Anderson gave a cocky promo with Angle which was solid for him (he mentioned his back gets hurt from carrying people which must happen a lot) and Wolfe did a nice little interview.

Speaking of the ShowMiz; they successfully defeated the great and all mighty DX. I'm Awesome will replace DX signs in the audience hopefully. After Shawn Micheal's took the pin fall, he attempted to beg his way into the SmackDown Elimination Chamber. After being rejected from Teddy Long, HBK put the boot to his chin and announced his career is over. Is that a hate crime or failure to obey management? Either way it should result in jail time for this so-called born again Christian. Does this mean he turns Edge like crazy by yanking his hair and snarling at his competitors or maybe a pill poppin' crazy so Punk can "save" him? I suspect Hunter will confront him on Monday and get this all resolved in either a HBK heel turn or some time off from tv til Mania.

Additional Slams!!!...

TNA Against All Odds Predictions

8 Card Stud Tourney:

The Pope vs. Desmond Wolfe. Winner- Wolfe
Hernandez vs. Matt Morgan. Winner- Morgan
Kurt Angle vs. Mr Anderson Winner- Angle
Mick Foley vs. Abyss Winner- Abyss

Winner- Angle defeats Abyss, Wolfe defeats Morgan. Winner- Wolfe

Team 3D vs Nasty Boys
Winner- Team 3D

TNA Championship
Samoa Joe vs AJ Styles w/ Referee Eric Bischoff
Winner- AJ Styles


Until Next Time...
 

Days Removed From Rumble

Welcome to The Daily Slam!


In this week's Daily Slam... The Rrrrraaattteeedd R Superstar returns to win the Rumble, Raw qualifying matches for the Chamber, Bret confronts the boss, and the destruction of ECW but the introduction of N X T!

I liked Edge winning the main event with a Cena-type late entrant surprise but I still honestly thought Batista was going to win. I worry about Edge being rushed back too action so soon. Any kind of ankle injury needs to have proper time to heel. I suspect that he will stay out of ring action up until Mania to guarantee he is 100%. His tweener (neither face nor heel) isn't exactly what I expected but they might want to wait til after the E.C. to see which direction he'll go. Here's a thought... Orton vs Edge at Mania for the title anyone? Okay, I'm the only person who would like to see those two beat the hell out each other for a good 30 minutes. Oh and SD spoiler alert... Edge and Christian promo!

The Raw's Elimination Chamber looks superb. I couldn't have it booked any better. Wait, scratch that. Fuck Kofi... add in Rhodes or Swagger to the match. All were good matches though other than the Big Show and DiBiase's lack of effort. Oh well. I think Sheamus drops the belt in 3 weeks because it is far too early in his career to headline WrestleMania. It's too soon to make any predictions but I will say they are setting up some really good story-lines for Mania. "Who ordered the crazy pills?" Oh, Shawn Michaels did.

To conclude Raw this week, Bret "Hitman" Hart called out Vince only to be embarrassed once again. I had so much hope for this feud but with just throwing in Cena & Batista just spoils it a little bit. I can understand Cena wanting to stick up for a legend because he's Mr. Nice Guy, but big Dave has no reason. They must really have no place for him in the SD side of the Mania card at this point. If I had to guess it will be Cena and Bret vs Batista and Vince at on grandest stage of wrestling. I have no problem other than I think it waters down the Montreal Screwjob story-line having the two big guys involved. I guess we'll have to see how things play out.
 
On the Tuesday Night Extreme brand of ECW, Vince Kennedy McMahon announced ECW will officially be burried into the ground in 3 weeks. The company will be introducing a whole new wrestling concept that is rumored to be called WWE NXT. It's most likely going to be a minor league for Raw & SmackDown by introducing new and young superstars. I have no objections to this idea. ECW has been bringing in fresh talent anyways so all they are really doing is changing the name. Maybe they'll wrestle for WWE contracts. I say bring back the cruiserweight title and put one of the tag titles on the show to start off with. Will Bryan Danielson debut on NXT??? Let's fucking hope so because the anticipation is killing me. Let's Go Dragon!!! Let's Go Dragon!!!

Until Next Time, remember...

... Superheros party like the rest of us!