Wrestling Olympics

The Winter Olympics have come and gone. The eventful 2 weeks got me thinking about something. How awesome would it be if there were pro wrestling in the Olympics? Now before you fanboys start going off and say “Oh, WWE is not a sport. It’s entertainment.” I understand that. I’m not talking about setting it up like WWE. What I would do is set it up like NJPW. As any knowledgeable pro wrestling fan would tell you, NJPW sets up their events and matches with a sport-like feel to it. If somebody were to set up the Olympics with a NJPW feel, I truly feel that it would work. With that being said, I’m sure you’re wondering “Who would be in the field for this monumental event?” Here’s what I’m thinking:

·        USA: For team USA, I have Kurt Angle represent the Red, White and Blue. The younger generation would say John Cena. Again though, this is not entertainment and more importantly, this is not a popularity contest. These wrestlers are in it to win a gold medal. Plus, Kurt Angle is trained to actually mat wrestle which would help in competition.

·        Japan: Team Japan might be a little controversial based on my selection. I would go with Jushin “Thunder” Liger. People in the wrestling business would either say Kenny Omega or Okada. However, with the Olympics, I think you would have to go with actual legends in the wrestling business. In Japan, who’s more legendary than Jushin “Thunder” Liger? I say, no one.

·        Mexico: In my opinion, Rey Mysterio would represent the team south of the border. You could argue that Mysterio is one of if not the most recognizable figures in Mexico. The argumentative wrestler to Mysterio would be Mil Mascaras. Yes, we would want legends to represent each country. However, Mascaras might be too old for the competition.

·        Europe: I would put Europe in one category all together as a continent. Splitting up European countries might be too complicated and tedious. For Europe, Pete Dunn would be my choice to wrestle for them and honestly, he might be my pick to win the whole thing. He’s young. He’s also pretty built. That might get him past Kurt Angle in an Olympic tournament.

That’s the basics of what I would do with pro wrestling in the Olympics. How would you set it up? Which countries would you include, if any and why? Who would represent those countries? Comment below!      

Stop It!

You know, this needs to stop. This whole brand split thing. If you’ve been with me since the beginning of this blog, you should know that I have never been a fan of the roster split between Raw and Smackdown. Over the past couple of weeks and months, this objectionable thinking has grown seemingly every week. Let me give you just a few examples of why my negativity level on this subject is so high. As I was watching Raw a few weeks ago, Mick Foley came on and talked about how if the talent doesn’t step up soon, that Raw will lose to Smackdown. Really Mick? Really? The so called wonderful writers at WWE are now creating a ratings war within its own company?!? Is this what WWE has been reduced to? They are now fighting eternally? Now let’s look at Smackdown in this jumble of nonsense. During an episode of Smack Off, Smackdown’s post show, Daniel Bryan talked about how Raw was basically wrong for bringing in Goldberg and that Smackdown would never do anything like that. Really Daniel? Why are you so concerned over what the other brand does? Look, right now Raw’s ratings are in the toilet. On top of that, attendance for Smackdown shows are down. Both of these things are known facts. Here’s an idea to both Raw and Smackdown brands. How about you focus on your individual ratings and not worry about what the other show is doing? This is not the 90’s anymore. There is no more ratings war. From my perspective, either focus on what your own show is doing or simply put the rosters back together. If you’re not willing to do that, don’t waste people’s time. How do you feel about Raw talking about Smackdown and vice versa? Do you agree with it? Why or why not? Comment below!

If you know me, you’d know that I don’t get offended easily. I do my best to go by the motto “Live and let live”. However, what the WWE is doing with the Miz/Daniel Bryan storyline is beyond reprehensible. As most of you should already know, Daniel Bryan cannot wrestle anymore due to multiple head injuries that have led to concussions. Fast forward to a Smackdown after show where Daniel Bryan heavily criticized The Miz for his work ethic. The Miz proceeded to come out and give Bryan an epic tongue lashing saying how Bryan promised to come back but he didn’t. He further said that if Bryan didn’t like the fact that WWE didn’t clear him to wrestle that Bryan should go back to the indies. Bryan, obviously being upset, walked away from The Miz and went to the back while Miz finished his promo. The storyline should have ended there but it didn’t. On an episode of Smackdown, during a backstage segment, The Miz basically said to Bryan that he’s about to do something that Bryan can’t do anymore and that’s wrestle. Now I’m all for being a heel and receiving heat based on what you say. However, here’s the thing that bothers me. Reports are out that WWE will NOT be clearing Daniel Bryan to wrestle. This fact alone makes the storyline extremely classless. That opinion alone says a lot coming from a company that pretended to fire Jim Ross in his hometown while his family was in the audience. This is the same company that made Trish Stratus bark like a dog in the middle of the ring in her bra and panties. However, when you put a man down after he’s forced to give up his livelihood, that makes you look extremely bad. Plus, what is the point of the storyline? The Miz is a former WWE Champion and is the current WWE Intercontinental Champion. It’s not like he needs the push. When Daniel Bryan wrestled, his catchphrase was always Yes! Yes! Yes! As far as this storyline goes though, I give it an emphatic No. No. No. What are your thoughts on the Miz/Daniel Bryan storyline? Are you offended by it? Why or why not? Comment below!

I’m going to make a very bold statement. A statement so bold that a lot of people may not like me for saying it. Here it is. Seth Rollins needs to go back to NXT for a while. Now before you write me and say how crazy I am, let me explain. Let’s look at what this man has done in the past couple of years. First, with the use of his brilliant (Yes, I say that sarcastically) turnbuckle powerbomb, he pretty much ended Sting’s legendary career. Sting was not able to go out on his own terms and that absolutely sickens me. Then, Seth injures himself by attempting to perform a powerbomb with his opponent in the corner. Seth blew out his knee and is out several months. Then at Summerslam, in his Universal Title match with Finn Balor, Rollins injures Finn’s shoulder by using, surprise surprise, the turnbuckle powerbomb. Is anyone else noticing a pattern here? Now look I realize that Seth Rollins is a great athlete. I really do. On top of that, he’s a great mic worker. He has the “Look” that WWE so desperately seeks. However, this man is ruining careers and lively hoods. WWE was about to push Finn Balor to the moon by giving him their first ever Universal Championship. On this past Monday’s Raw, Finn had to relinquish that title all because of Seth Rollins recklessness. With that being said here’s what you do. You put Seth Rollins in NXT for a month or two. He already has a cocky attitude so give him a “Let me show you how it’s done” type of persona towards the younger wrestlers. Meanwhile, have him learn his craft again. Have him work very closely with Triple H. Then, when the higher ups think he’s ready and not so reckless, have him come back up for a redemption angle. Send Seth Rollins back to NXT. The future of the business depends on it. Do you think Seth Rollins should go back to NXT just for some seasoning? Why or why not? Comment below!

This WWE roster split isn’t going to work. I realize that this is a very bold and negative statement. It’s a shame because if you know me, you know that I’m a very positive person. I can usually see the bright side of everything. However, when it comes to the WWE roster split, my optimism is fading fast. Now I’ll admit something. I haven’t watched Smackdown since the highly touted draft that took place on the first ever Smackdown Live event. However, I have watched Monday Night Raw since the new format and I don’t like what I see. Case in point, this past Monday night’s episode. The show ended with a pretty good promo by Paul Heyman basically hyping Summerslam when his client, Brock Lesnar, will be facing Randy Orton. The promo was going great until he mentioned how Orton will never RKO his client. As we all know in pro wrestling, when you hear that something won’t happen, it usually always does. A few seconds after Heyman made that RKO comment, surprise surprise, here comes Orton through the crowd and RKO’s Brock Lesnar. This is not good at all. WWE is ALREADY creating an invasion angle. No no no. This will not work. Now I realize that some people may say “Well, it’s an element of surprise.” That may be true, but eventually, like all other pro wrestling storylines, that element of surprise that everyone is clambering for will fade away and the product will become stale. In this writer’s opinion, the only time that Raw and Smackdown should cross promote is right after the February Pay-Per-View leading right into Wrestlemania. You can be the most optimistic person in the world. Like it or not though, optimism will never override logistics and logistically, the roster split will never work. How do you feel about the roster split so far? Are you enjoying it? Comment below!   

Hello everyone and welcome to the very first Thoughts from the Chair blog post under its new format. Over the next weeks, months and hopefully years, I will be giving you my thoughts and opinions regarding my favorite subject which is professional wrestling. Now when you read this blog, you may find yourself thinking that I’m very negative at times about the business. From my perspective though, I feel that I’m simply being honest and am giving my honest views. Before we dive into my first column that will come soon after this one, let me give you a little background on me. My name is Kevin and you can’t teach…….. Nevermind. Seriously though, my name is Kevin and I’ve been watching pro wrestling for over 20 years. I’ve seen everything from Ultimate Warrior defeating Hulk Hogan at Wrestlemania 6, to the rise of the NWO to the death of WCW. In fact, I don’t mean to brag, but I was at Raw when Vince McMahon announced that he purchased WCW. I also remember the Attitude Era which I believe is the most overrated era in the history of pro wrestling, but that’s for another post. In order to further clarify my logo on this blog, let me say that yes, I am physically disabled. However, I do not let that stop me from achieving my dreams. You’ll probably not notice my disability until I begin my video cast and hopefully my podcast based on this blog. Here’s a hint though. I swear I’m not drunk, it’s just how I sound. Anyway, for now, let’s get your opinion on pro wrestling. What are your views on the business? Do you feel that it’s stale or lively? Post your thoughts below. For my next post, I’ll tell you why the brand split in WWE is already NOT working. Stay tuned!   

They're not that good

                Tradition is very important in pro football. From the Packers and the Bears to the modern traditions of the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers always playing on Thanksgiving day. What happens though when tradition blinds current reality? The result is mind numbing. The Cleveland Browns have great tradition. After all, they were the winningest team in the 1950's. Clevelanders seem to believe though that the past somehow overrides the modern day actuality of their franchise. This past Sunday's 17-16 victory over the Miami Dolphins was their second in as many weeks. This victory comes off the heels of a 27-19 victory over a Peyton Manningless Indianapolis Colts. Due to the 2-1 start compiled by the Browns, those in Cleveland are probably singing the praises of people like the coach Pat Schurmer, the czar of the club, Mike Holmgren, and starting quarterback, Colt McCoy. I feel it's my duty as an impartial sports blogger to zap you Cleveland Brown dawg lovers back to reality. Here's the truth: The Cleveland Browns aren't that good. Honestly Browns fans. Let's look at your 2 wins objectively. Now before we begin, know that I have not watched a single entire Browns game. Even though they are out of the race, my focus has been on the Cleveland Indians and their mission to improve their ball club going into 2012. Therefore, I'm probably not the best authority regarding the Cleveland Browns but hey, I'll try my best. The first victory Cleveland had was against a team that was not prepared for Peyton Manning to be out of action with a neck injury. To make an attempt to replace him, the Colts call on.... Drum roll please.... KERRY COLLINS. Yeah, that Kerry Collins. The quarterback that this past summer was sitting on his couch enjoying retired life. The Colts bring him in, he has an atrocious QB rating in Week 1 and Cleveland fans are happy and pleased with their week 2 victory over those Colts. Would you be equally happy if they brought back Johnny Unitus and the Browns beat him? If you think about it, the situation is really the same thing in both situations. An old, washed up veteran who can't play anymore comes in to try and help a struggling organization trying to salvage a hopeless season. Let's look beyond that and go to this past week. You talk about quarterback issues. The Miami Dolphins have not had a consistent man under center since the days of Dan Marino. Yet, Cleveland Browns fans are happy that they defeated these two teams. I would use the term "Beat" instead of defeated, but I don't think that would be accurate since they barely won both of their games. The fact is that until the Browns defeat the elite teams such as the Ravens, Steelers or Patriots, they have absolutely no room to showboat or celebrate. Sadly though, if they don't win against those teams, they will revert right back to the old rebuilding excuse and yes, it is an excuse (See the Buffalo Bills amazing 3-0 start under new head coach Chan Gailey). Once the Browns win against those teams, then we'll talk.

     

  

Why I Love Hockey

                "It's too violent."' "'It's boring." "I can't see the puck." These are just some of the reasons many extra space before reasons people don't like hockey. These are the same reasons, unfortunately, that hockey has not become very popular in America. This is a sad fact for many different reasons. One of the main reasons is due to the fact that in 2004, the National Hockey League (NHL) locked out due to labor issues. The 2004 lock out put a dent in the sport that they are trying to repair even today. Even with making drastic rule changes; the sport is still trying to be rectified. However, despite these issues, the NHL is a sport that I love for many different reasons. First off, I feel that hockey is the most difficult sport in the world to play. I've had a few debates with people who would say that baseball would be the most difficult sport to play. That argument could be very valid for many reasons. After all, hitting a round ball with a wooden bat coming at you at over 90 MPH sometimes could make that debate an open and shut case for baseball. However, here is my defense to why I feel hockey is the most difficult sport to play. You have 5 guys with pieces of wood that the hold called a hockey stick. Now do you think they have a big basketball or beach ball to slap around? No! They have a little black circle made of rubber that they have to make sure they don't let go too far ahead of them. Now they are not running, no, no, no. They are skating as fast as they can ON ICE! Finally, once they get to their destination, this is not like football where you run into the end zone to score. Once you get to the point where the goal is, you have a person whose main goal in life and why he can put food on the table for his family is to stop you from getting that little rubber puck past him.  Now, with all due respect, tell me that's not a difficult ability to here too before after respect master. Most of all, the reason I love hockey is for the off-season antics or lack thereof. Again, let's think about this logically. In football, you have Plaxico Burress shooting himself in the leg and being convicted of a felony. In baseball, you have Roger Clemens and his steroid debacle (Remember, Andy Pettite "Mis-remembered"). Also, in basketball, you have Ron Artest picking fights before you against innocent fans at the Palace of Auburn Hills in the Pistons/Pacers game.  On top of all of this, in college football, you have absolutely deplorable recruiting violations. Things so awful that I'm sure Woody Hayes is spinning in his grave. Now that we know all this, name me a scandal in hockey. Guess what. YOU CAN'T. The reason I love hockey is that for the most part, there are no scandals. Now, as I've written before, I'm not saying that things in hockey don't happen. However, when it comes to hockey, one of 3 things happen in regards to scandals. One, scandals don't happen. Two, if they do happen, the players aren't charged (Example would be Sean Avery who shoved a police officer but was not charged.) or three, when scandals do happen, it is often taken care of either in the team's locker room or by the commissioner of the NHL.  For these reasons, I feel that hockey should be revered rather than being a back page story on your local sports page or the final highlight on a slow news day on SportsCenter. That will never be though, because the fact is hockey is too clean cut of a sport. So for me, here's to hockey, the last real sport in the world.       

         

Good For Him

 

                Throughout his tenure, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has been criticized for various things. Fining players for hits and suspending other players for seemingly frivolous incidents just to name a few. However, a few days before the NFL Supplemental Draft, Commissioner Goodell did something that should really be commended. He suspended former OSU Quarterback Terrelle  Pryor for the first 5 games for his involvement in a tattoo scandal at Ohio State where Pryor traded his trophies and other memorabilia in exchange for tattoos. When the University caught wind of Pryor's actions, they suspended him for 5 games. Due to this, I imagine it was Terrelle 's brilliant idea to try and get out of serving the suspension by fleeing to the NFL. There, he could immediately play on the greatest stage of all, the National Football League. Great idea, right? Not on Roger Goodell's watch. Commisioner Goodell basically said yes, you can play in our league, but you still have to serve the 5 game suspension. To this I say good for the Commissioner. It's about time someone stood up to these overhyped college players and not let them get away with what they did in college. If the commissioner didn't suspend Pryor, you are basically sending a message to all the collegiate athletes that no matter what you do in college, no matter how many laws you may break, it's all ok because if you're talented enough, you can just leave the world of academics and go pro. Of course, due to his ruling, the commissioner is getting criticism like he has always gotten. Charlie Batch of the Pittsburgh Steelers was one who said that Goodell's ruling was "Just wrong" when asked about it. Just wrong? What's so wrong with enforcing someone else's rules? What Roger Goodell did should be applauded for once. For once, he should not be called things like "The Devil" as Pittsburgh Steelers defensive player Jerome Harrison so candidly called him. Roger Goodell may not have done a lot of good things as commissioner of the NFL. He may be considered "The Devil" in many people's eyes. However, to me, for him to do what he did to Terrelle  Pryor, he is looking like a Saint. Indeed crime doesn't pay. Hopefully, Terrelle  Pryor knows that now. There's a new Sheriff in town and his name is Roger Goodell.       

Sexy For All The Wrong Reasons

                Cue the cheesy soap opera organ. :When we last left our famous and informative blogger, he was about to tell us why football is so popular. What does he know that so few people know? Why is football so popular despite its shady background? How will this blog affect how people view sports? All this and more will be revealed in this episode of "Thoughts from the chair!" Dun dun dun!!!!!!!!: OK, enough of that nonsense. Last time I wrote, I explained that the NFL is way too popular of a sport. Why though? Why is pro football the most popular sport in the world with college football being arguably second and the NBA being third? The reason may shock and surprise some but not others. The reason is that all 3 sports mentioned above are all sexy sports. Sexy in the sense that all 3 have dirty laundry attached to them. From Plaxico Burress shooting himself in the leg, to recruiting scandals in College Football, to rappers spewing abrasive lyrics and it being accepted and condoned in the NBA. This dirty laundry stems  from another somewhat morbid truth that needs to be  addressed. This truth may not be heard by many. I may be severely scolded for even suggesting the idea of the truth. That truth is deep down inside we Americans love bad news. I realize it's extremely difficult to digest, but once you really think about it, you'll know it to be true. Do people honestly believe that there's not a correlation between the popularity in sports and the controversies that elude the most popular sports in America? A great example of my theory would be hockey. During its season, if you're lucky, you will see one to two highlights of Hockey games on SportsCenter. Some people may believe that this is because hockey is boring. After all, who in their right mind would want to watch grown men run up and down on ice for 3 hours give or take? However, I take the lack of popularity of hockey from a different angle. Here's a question to ponder regarding my view. When is the last time you heard of a scandal in the NHL? When was the last time you heard or read a hockey player getting shot? When is the last time you heard of a hockey player having multiple kids with multiple women? The fact is that you don't hear of anything like that. The biggest scandals in hockey are comprised of DUI's and that's about it. Now I'm not saying awful things don't happen in hockey. That would probably be far from accurate. What I am saying though is that if these things do happen in that sport, teams are able to police themselves and keep things in house. That's more than I can say about the other 4 most popular sports. Baseball, football, basketball and college football all have scandals. These scandals fuel the media and their popularity in American culture. Based on these truths, if this is where American sports are headed, I'll be glad to join my Canadian brothers and move to Canada. Not a bad idea, eh?