Justin Gabriel quit WWE

Today, after some time that I haven't blogged in, I blog on a rather sad note. Not many will understand, but whatever.

The Wrestling Observer reported that, sometime over the weekend, Paul Lloyd Jr. - better known as Justin Gabriel - quit his work situation with WWE. It comes surprising, on one hand, and yet kind of expected on the other.

Justin Gabriel had been a participant in the very first season of NXT, together with Wade Barrett, Heath Slater, and the man that's now known as Ryback. He has been part of The Nexus as well as The New Nexus and The Corre, and teamed together with Heath Slater (being two times Tag Team Champions with him), Tyson Kidd, and The Usos.
He also stared in the first season of Total Divas and was overall known as a very fan-friendly wrestler.

I had had the opportunity to meet him back in 2012 in Zürich, and he was... What can I say, he was gold. Friendly, chatty, and just an overall sweet guy. I liked him, in the ring and behind the microphone - even though many say he doesn't show any charisma on the mic.

Yet, what had happened to him in the past years should have been some kind of indication of his parting. It took me as a surprise, actually, that he hadn't been among those wrestlers that were fired by WWE last year. Being mistreated and not used to his full potential must have been frustrating.
Now, he took the one obvious consequence and quit.

And yet, I can't help but see the positive side of this. In my eyes, WWE lost a lot of it's potential, influence, and flair it had held over the last years, gradually yet also drastically. Thus, maybe Lloyd left a sinking ship just in time.
From interviews and from seeing him in the ring at least in earlier years, his passion for wrestling will not subside. My hopes, and predictions, for him is to find a place in another promotion, one that is able to appreciate his high flying talent. The first that jumps to mind for me aren't TNA or ROH though, but Lucha Underground.
for a few weeks, we've been following this promotion now, and it looks more than promising! Former WWE talent have found their spot there, like Chavo, John Morrison, or Ezekiel Jackson (all, with the exception of Chavo, under new names). Why shouldn't a high flyer like Lloyd find his way into a promotion that rewards talented wrestlers, especially when they have a passion for top rope wrestling?

I will keep my eyes and ears open!

Edit: So, according to WWE, he was released. Don't know if I'm buying it.

Edit: Seems like he doesn't stay unemployed for long! PWS already announced him as being a part of their Frozen Fallout event - under the name PJ Black.

#20ThingsIWantIn2015

I stumbled across this hashtag - just like everyone else, I think - on twitter, and thought that I could do that. Wrestling related, of course!
So, what are the 20 things I want to see happen in 2015 when it comes to wrestling - personal wishes, WWE, and European Indie wrestling included.

20. Advance in my training

As I have mentioned before, I started training wrestling myself. It has been a great experience so far, and I do not only have the biggest respect for our trainer (Marshal T, look him up), but also really like all the guys I'm training with. They're an awesome, exciting, and motivated bunch, and I love butting heads and exchanging Clotheslines and Chops with them!
I think I'm on a good way already, but I am eager to get even better, get even fitter, stay fit, and master more advanced moves and maneuvers! And that is what I will do in 2015! Which also means fitness studio, a more healthy diet, and lotsa fresh air.

19: Get The Ascension action figures

I know many people don't understand my obsession with this former NXT now WWE tag team, but some things don't have to be explained. Thus, one of the things I want in 2015 is their action figures! I once heard a rumor that they are already in the making (?) and I really need them to complete my collection. A double pack would be great, thank you! Saving money and all. ;)

18: Get an autograph from Karsten Beck

Three times. Three times I have seen him in 2014, and at no occasion I managed to get an autograph from him! 2015 will get me a Karsten Beck autograph, if he wants to or not (the latter is much more likely though...). Würger von Wesel? I'm out to get you!

17: Total Diva gets canceled

I have never been a fan of this show, and in my eyes, it ruined the so called Diva's division even more. Alongside with the reputation and career of many of it's participants! It's about time that !E and WWE stop burying Natalya and Tyson Kidd this way!

16: No more Authority at WWE

Not only did they jaded but the gimmick runs more than old by now. It seems like The Authority is a last minute solution for all the things WWE's creatives couldn't find a better end for. Or are they actually thinking they are being "original" with interrupting every story line with Triple H and his wife shoving their faces into the camera?
Fresh minds, more creative thinking, and the people in the top spots making way for younger and more deserving talent would be great in 2015!

15: Natalya or Alicia Fox become Diva's champion

What this division needs to prevent it's ultimate downfall (if that's even possible) is a legit champion. This role can't be taken by anyone but Natalya or Alicia Fox, at least not in my eyes. Okay, maybe even Naomi. But what's going on there right now is ridiculous. A siblings fight that resolves in the bigger chested one winning the title and falling into Tyson Kidd's arms? Was this kind of material even too bad for Total Divas?
Why not AJ Lee, you ask? Read on.

14: AJ Lee retires out of her own free will

First things first: I like her. Now, proceed.
What else is there for her to achieve in WWE, really? She currently is the longest raining Diva's championess, and held the title twice already. Or even more times? I lost count. She was a GM, had an (almost) on screen wedding, and has been through multiple (better and worse) story lines. In this company, there is nothing she could get anymore - despite disrespected.
It will be a shame to see her go, but I think it would be best for her before WWE completely buries her. Concentrating on other things, wrestling for other promotions, or using her fame to help others and do good could be the next step for the woman that managed to "tame" CM Punk.

13: Attend the wXw 16 Carat Gold Tournament

Why? Because:

• Chris Sabin
• Uhaa Nation
• Marty Scurll and
• Saša Keel!

That's why! Besides, I heard a bit about World's Cutest Tag Team (Joey Ryan & Candica Lerea) so far, and they will be there, so why not check them out first hand.

12: Tyson Kidd gets a fair chance

He is talented, and over the years I only see him being misused, whether it was on NXT or WWE's main roster. Admittedly, he had great matches in NXT, but rarely gets any credit for them. Why is really beyond me. After destroying his image with Total Divas, the least the WWE could do is giving him a fair chance for once! Tyson has the skills and the talent, and even though I enjoy the teaming up with Cesaro, he needs to be recognized by himself - and not as Nattie's husband.

11: Felix Reiter gets more prestigious matches

Talking of NEW here. The man has it all: charisma, skills, talent, passion, the looks, the gimmick... I want to see him in more "important" singles matches in 2015, and not only playing second fiddle in some tag team match. I mean, lets be honest here, he steals the show anyway!

10: Meet Chris Hero

So many times, Hero has been to Switzerland and at wXw, I can't believe I still haven't seen or met him. I really hope and wish that, in 2015, I will get the chance to meet him at an European event.

09: Sami Zayn debuts

Why he is still held back is something I can't understand. Didn't WWE learn from the Daniel Bryan phenomenon? Yes, wrestlers of a smaller, more lean build can become big stars as well, you only have to give them a chance. The people love Zayn, he's NXT champion, he has traveled the world, and he is crazy charismatic and talented. Give him a chance - a real chance - in the main roster, and Sami Zayn will slay! He deserves to play with the big boys, finally.

08: Bad Bones stays wXw Shotgun Champion

He's the Best in Europe for a reason, and that's why Bad Bones John Klinger will keep the wXw Shotgun Title for as long as possible. At least during the first half of the year.

07: NEW Extreme will slay

I've never been the Wrestlemania girl, so to speak, because other PPVs always had me way more stoked than the so-called event of the year. Money in the Bank, for example. Even though my absolute favorite will always be the Royal Rumble.
That's why I don't see NEW's Hoch Explosiv as the event of the year anyway. For me, this spot is taken by Extreme. That's why I am very excited for the hardcore event in May already.

06: Matt Sydal comes to Germany

Just because WWE fired him doesn't mean I have forgotten who was once my favorite high flyer. My hope for 2015 is that he will come to Germany, either to visit NEW or wXw, and I will finally see him live and have the possibility to meet him.

05: Saša Keel wins the wXw Unified Word Wrestling Championship

To be honest, I don't see the appeal Big Daddy Walter apparently has to people. Neither speaking of charisma, nor of his in ring skills. In my eyes, he doesn't hold a candle to the likes of Absolute Andy and Bad Bones. Thus, I want to see someone else climbing to the top of the wXw food chain, and that's none other than the Croatian Saša Keel. He is the full package of talent and mic skills, so please, I need to see some gold around his waist.
Admittedly, I am biased here, but he's just... zauberhaft!

04: The Ascension get their old gimmick back

I can't imagine how anyone could like this red triangle or that Lady Gaga inspired eye of Horus make up. Actually, in my opinion, it's rather degrading. This is not the 90's anymore. It's something else if the Uso brothers wear face paint, due to their heritage, but this? Is ridiculous. Thus, going back to the NXT gimmick is something that would suit Konnor and Viktor way more.
Or, why not reach for the stars: Give them the old sinister and more Underworld styled gimmick back.

03: Adrian Severe wins the NEW World Heavyweight Championship

Many will hit me now, especially because he has been champion already, but in my eyes, Adrian Severe deserves another title run.
Undoubtedly, he is one of the best talents in NEW, in the whole German speaking area, and maybe even across that border. There are others waiting in line to get their hands on NEW gold, but I want to see the title around Adrian's waist once more before the likes of T-K-O and Mike Skull get their chance.

02: See Thumbtack Jack in action at SOW again

2014, I had the chance to meet him twice, so why not hope for more in 2015?
This man has charisma that blows you away. In one minute, he has the audience wrapped around his skilled fingers, the next they hate him with all their heart. With his GM job at SOW, I really hope that I get to see his despicable yet perfect face in action again.

01: Cesaro gets the push he deserves

This is my biggest wish for 2015! When it comes to wrestling, that is. 2014 started out great with him winning the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, but then? Everything went downhill. And I don't understand or see why. Because he is "too European"? Because Vince McMahon doesn't see his talent? I don't care what the reasons are, it should be changed!
I'm not saying give him a championship title - maybe the European, if they bring it back - but I say: treat him right and the way he deserves! Or at least give him back to us and let him come to Europe again.

Night Of Champions - Showstealer Sheamus vs. Cesaro

Night of Champions has never been a PPV high in my personal cards. After Summer Slam, one could almost expect certain rematches, and since all the WWE titles have to be on the line, some short-notice feuds are pushed down your throat in a desperate try to make them seem legit instead of having a long build up to the individual matches.

This year wasn't that much different, and in my personal opinion, the whole main event angle was a bad joke. I'm not saying that I hated the idea of Seth Rollins cashing in, God, I loved the idea! It would put an end to a yawningly boring match. Brock Lesnar would have been stripped off the title without the belt immediately going back to John Cena.
But no, Cena had to interrupt and steal the chance of someone who I personally would like to see with more gold than the one painted on a shabby briefcase for once!

So much for the main event, but there was one true showstealer in the show:

The United States Championship Match!

Call me biased, but yes, this had been the match I had been looking forward to in advance as well - the only match to be precise. And I wasn't disappointed.
After winning the No. #1 Contenders Match against Rob Van Dam, this relatively short-notice feud picked up with the two competitors never facing each other one-on-one in the ring. In mixed up (and muddled) 6-man tag team matches, yes, but never one on one. Instead, the bouts about the title took place with one party at commentary or simply disturbing the other with their sheer presence.
Back at Money in the Bank, Sheamus and Cesaro both had the most noteworthy bouts in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match, and thus the expectations and forecasts were throughout positive for this title clash. And why wouldn't they? After all, both European competitors are known for giving everything in the ring, for working amazingly well with their opponents, and for having a damn lot of fun by giving the crowd a good show.

The match may not have ended the way I would have wished, but I am still far from disappointed. A slow build up at the beginning, and a quickly picking up pace lead to the final climax that got many spectators off their seats in cheers and frantic applause. The chemistry between Cesaro and Sheamus is undeniable, and the Swiss Superman himself named Sheamus as being his top pick for a tag team partner (as seen in this Q&A video).
Thus, I am far from being surprised that this physically demanding match drew the applause and praising backstage as well - a fact that lets me hope the future push of the Swiss wrestler isn't that far in the future as many want to make me believe.

Additionally, it is said that pro-Cesaro signs have been confiscated prior Night of Champions, stating lines like "Cesaro - King of Wrestling". One one hand, sure, the WWE don't want a whole arena chanting and cheering for the heel persona. On the other hand, why taking measures they took during the times where CM Punk leaving was heating the minds of the fans? Cesaro didn't leave the company, not on good terms, not on bad terms, so why confiscate signs that unambiguously show that the crowd WANTS to support the Swiss Superman?
Predicting a Daniel Bryan-like uprising would be too much, especially at this stage, but the signs are clear and similar. Held down for reasons I can not understand (Bryan being too small, Cesaro having not enough charm) and both elevating from a Indie (and more specific ROH) background, there can surely be parallels found. Yet, if any, it's too soon to speak of a Daniel Bryan situation 2.0 - even I as a frantic fan can see it.

And yet, what are my hopes? What do I see could be done to enrich the top ranks of the WWE and make Cesaro a main event player?

1. Give him back the Cesaro Swing!When had been the last time we saw this move after it got nearly shoved down our throats while he was part of the Real Americans? Don't overdo, but this was a move that got the crowd involved, the fans happily counting along with every round Cesaro swung his opponent.
2. A long-lasting story line!Don't cut him of after one chance to get his hands on a title. Immediately after the Battle Royal to determine the future IC champion after Wade Barrett's injury, Cesaro was out of the title picture. Now, let him chase the US title for a while! I'm not saying "Hand the gold to him", oh no, but give him and Sheamus the feud they both deserve! Without 6-man tag team matches, but with gimmick matches, build ups, backstage segments, maybe the one or other appearance on Jericho's Highlight Reel, the Peep Show, or - dear Lord, am I really suggesting this - MizTV! Build up some nice heat between the two powerhouses until they can clash for the title again in the upcoming PPV - or even in the one afterwards!
3. A face turn?This is something I am not quite sure about, not just yet. I think that, yes, he would work as a face, and honestly, who doesn't want to see Sheamus being heel again? But is it quite the time already? The Cesaro Swing is over, no question, and if they would have spun it a little bit more, WWE could have established The Real Americans as a face team. Jack Swagger made his turn against Rusev, and Cesaro's time could come - soon.

The Ascension soon in the main roster?

Some news on a German wrestling newsboard (that shall remain nameless here) put me in a rather ecstatic mood this morning!

That I am a fan of the current NXT Tag Team Champions Konnor & Viktor aka The Ascension should be obvious to those following this blog or my twitter account (since it features a Konnor-Header at the moment). Thus, I was really happy to read that plans on calling them up to participate on RAW and SmackDown are becoming more and more solid by now!
I hope that the day where I can say that The Ascension rose to the main roster is not too far in the future.

Furthermore, and also a reason to celebrate, is the news that the same fate may await Kalisto - better known as the indie wrestler Samurai del Sol. I know, I know, his recent accomplishments within NXT aren't that big, but just google and youtube some older matches and you'll see why the crowd goes nuts with the "Lucha! Lucha!" chants!

Last and - yes - least: Charlotte, the current NXT Woman's Champion and daughter of Ric Flair, is part of the same rumors. I don't care about her since I am not very - if at all - convinced by her in-ring abilities, but with the current Diva's Division you can't really ruin much more...

WWE 2K15 - The man on the cover

Sometimes, I wonder which criteria the WWE design and promotional staff apply to choose who will represent the whole company on their products. With this being said: no, I am not a happy camper with the choice they made for the new WWE 2K15 game!

I could rant now, how Cena is always used as some sort of safe choice, but I don't even care that the WWE (ab)uses him as their reference material numero uno any more. I am ranting that other people are much more deserving of this in my eyes.
No, I am not denying that John Cena does a lot for the company given his dedication and the number of merch he sells, but wrestling wise, there are others that deserve this spot on the cover a lot more.

• Daniel Bryan, who had been on the fans choice cover of WWE 2K14, for example. The so-called Submission Specialist always gives 150% in the ring, and only misfortune is to blame for him not being the champion and face of the WWE right now!
• Another safe and deserving choice should be Bray Wyatt, who brought the macabre back into the ring and manages to get everyone off their seat with his strange yet rousing promos. A darker variation of the cover with the leader of the Wyatt Family on top would have been appreciated by many!
• Last but not least: The Shield. Together, separate, I don't care - The Shield was one of the most (if not the) dominant forces of the WWE over the past year, and even after their split, the former members of the "squat" keep fascinating the audience and standing their ground.

Here's to hope that they maybe release an alternative turning cover.
And don't get me started on the new WWE Logo for the game - it looks so child-friendly and plain...

Main Roster Wrestlers released

As of today, four main roster wrestlers parted ways with the WWE: Yoshi Tatsu, Evan Bourne, Camacho, and Brodus Clay.

Not really a surprise in the case of Yoshi Tatsu, who hasn't even been used as a jobber in the main shows Raw and SmackDown as of late. Only in NXT, he could be seen from time to time, but the times where the Japanese wrestler had been victorious have been over for a long time.

More surprising are the news that former Funkasaurus Brodus Clay left the WWE as well. Lately, he had been used as a heel to pose a threat for Adrain Neville's NXT title, couldn't really impress though.

The former Tag Team Partner of Hunico, Camacho, had been released as well. Lately, he could be seen in a small feud with Adam Rose.

One parting that makes me personally very sad is to see Evan Bourne leave the WWE. As a former indie star and one of the guys in the new ECW, the high flyer had always shown dedication for his job, fascinating and delighting his many fans. After getting suspended due to drug abuse and a rather unfortunate injury, many WWE fans had been waiting for the exciting and air bourne man to return.
It may very well be, that Bourne - maybe back under his own and real name - returns to the ring with ROH or another indie league, but not in the WWE anymore.

EDIT:
New names have been announced by the WWE. Aksana, Jinder Mahal, Drew McIntyre, Curt Hawkins as well as Theodore Long ended their collaboration with the world's biggest wrestling company. Fruthermore, WWE parted with referee Marc Harris.

WWE releases four wrestlers

Bad News aren't always delivered by Wade Barrett. for these four NXT talents, the bad news got delivered the old school way: their contracts have been non-retained.

Mason Ryan

I found quite a liking in this Welsh Powerhouse, not really caring that many liked to compare him to Batista. As part of the New Nexus, he was one of CM Punk's most valuable brawlers, showing his face in several matches after the group split on both Raw and Smackdown.
For some time, Ryan hadn't been seen anymore until he showed his face (with much longer hair) in NXT again. A small feud against Sylvester LeFort ended in basically nothing, and despite rumors that said Ryan could be a new member for The Shield, WWE now decided to part ways with the gigantic European.

Oliver Grey

Once, he had been the tag team partner of current NXT Champion Adrian Neville, even holding the NXT Tag Titles with the other Englishman for a few weeks. But then, Grey was absent from NEXT due to an injury.
His comeback doesn't even lie far in the past, but in his very first match, the Brit already lost to Camacho. Giving the Mexican some more credibility for his feud against Adam Rose seemed to be the last task of Grey in NXT.

Danny Burch

Another Brit that could be rather frequently seen in the NXT ring. Ever since his TV debut though, he had been used as a jobber to get other NXT talents over, so the parting shouldn't come as much of a surprise.

Shaul Guerrero

The daughter of Vickie and Eddie Guerrero had been a long-term face seen in NXT, even being part of The Ascension back when the talents were still in FCW. By the end of 2012, she dropped out of the shows for over a year, and ever since then, the woman hadn't been seen back in the ring. Now, her parting with the WWE seems ultimate.

The names of the parting superstars had been taken from PWInsider.com.

Wrestlemania XXX - Personal Forecast

I never understood why Wrestlemania is that big of a thing. The only really astonishing thing about it is Undertaker's streak, even though the Deadman is becoming old as well. I am a big fan of the Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and basically PPVs that revolve around gimmick matches (minus Survivor Series because it is not by far what it used to be). So, all the hype about Wrestlemania - for me - is incomprehensible. The only thing I like about it is the big Fan Axxess!

Hall Of Fame

The Hall Of Fame should be there for people that did something for wrestling as a sport and as an industry! By now, you can be sure that almost everyone will end up in the HOF sooner or later, whether they did great or not. If you didn't fuck up after leaving the WWE, you are as good as in.
You don't even have to be a Wrestler! Actors, boxer, whoever showed their face for a short time gets inducted. For me, this completely destroys the meaning behind a Hall Of Fame in general. It's a joke and a way to make more money, and that is all. It's not prestigious, not anymore!

WWE Tag Team Championship Fatal 4-Way Match

The Usos vs. Rybaxel vs. The Real Americans vs. Los Matadores
First of all, putting this match in the Pre-Show is a real waste. If there will be no filler matches, I can understand since one match has to go into the Pre-Show, and it would be either this one or the Diva's match for they haven't been announced as much as the others, but if there is a filler match, why wasting a title match for the Pre-Show, something you can see even without purchasing the PPV?
Secondly, the participants. The Usos deserved a victory, even if  think it was too early for them to get the titles from the New Age Outlaws. There was no real story involved, they simply got a match and won. This surely didn't do much to either team's credibility (Usos and Outlaws), and it gave the Tag Titles even less meaning. But still, they are the champions and even though they lack the proper build up, they are doing a mighty fine job up to now. The Real Americans have been in for a title shot for a long long time now, and with the big pop Cesaro and his Swing get every time they're on the screen, it was no question that they should be in this match. It's the other two teams that strike a nerve with me.
Rybaxel had been caught in a downward spiral even before they turned their back on Paul Heyman, but after losing him as their manager (or separating ways with him), it went worse and worse. Ryback is no force to be reckon with anymore. He is a joke. Losing match after match didn't do any of them any favor, and now it seems like it drags down the rest of the contestants in this Fatal 4-Way as well. And yet, involving the latest matches, it at least made sense to put them in this match...
... Which is not the case with Los Matadores. The WWE lacks tag teams at the moments, or so it seems. Since Cody Rhodes and Goldust are in the Battle Royal, Los Matadores seemed to be the last face Tag Team around. And thus, they get a title chance. It's a joke, really, because from what they did so far, they don't deserve this spot in the slightest. Their story lines are basically non-existent, and all they are used for is being a laughing stock. Do I have to remind you which part of this team had been in the Royal Rumble?
I hardly think that The Usos will lose their titles so soon, and I would be completely fine with that. Rapidly changing titles only take the worth from them. But if they lose them in the end, I hope and pray that they won't lose them to Los Matadores or Rybaxel!!!

Vickie Guerrero's Divas Championship Invitational

Usually, the way to bring out all the Diva's on Wrestlemania is by letting them dance and jump around with one of the live acts. Embarrassing and as far from wrestling as it could get. This year, they are all thrown into one and the same match. If this really is going to be some strange Fatal 14-Way, I wonder how this is supposed to work. Not that I expect much of a diva's match anyway, but still. 14 Diva's in one ring and one has to get the pin over another - that doesn't only look stupid on the paper.
I don't really care for this match, yet I think it is highly predictable that AJ will lose her title to one of the Total Diva's cast (minus Summer Rae). My favoured pick is Natalya, yet I guess Naomi and Nikki have great chances as well - if deserved, I won't comment on that. I only know that, if Eva Marie wins, I quit!!!

The Shield vs. Kane & The New Age Outlaws

I am no particular fan of The Shield (Seth Rollins being my one big exception, but I prefer him as a singles wrestler any day), and I am more than indifferent about Kane, having even a slight repulsion against The New Age Outlaws. And thus, my only hope for this match is that The Shield wins only for the sake of stopping this ridiculous story line, and for Rollins to have a lot screen time with being able to show of his exceptional talent!

The Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal

After my last post about the Battle Royal, new contestants have been confirmed. Some I wished and predicted to be involved already "made it", like Darren Young, Justin Gabriel, and Zack Ryder. On the other hand, Santino Marella and The Great Khali, two I have been dreading to see in the match, are in as well. Brodus Clay, Rey R-Truth, Sin Cara, and Raw GM Brad Maddox are merely some more jobbers added to the game, while I am not sure why Rey Mysterio would have his small return (after being absent for quite a while now) in the Battle Royal. Three spots are still open. Maybe for one of the unsuccessful tag teams from the Pre-Show match?
This is definitely one of the matches I'm looking forward to, especially since I am a sucker for Royal Rumbles and Battle Royals. With the new faces added, I still see no difference in chance of winning though. Up to now, Sheamus and Big Show seem to be the most possible picks.

John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt

After finishing off The Shield, Bray Wyatt and his clan were on to higher grounds, and of all people, John Cena was their chosen victim. Sure, x-times WWE champion, top guy of the company, all that jazz, but is Bray Wyatt ready for this? His rise was fast, and lined with a lot more downgrading than uplifting matches in the beginning. No question, Wyatt and his Redneck sect have charisma, potential, and just that special something, but are they good enough to succeed over the Chaingang Commander yet? I don't think so.

Daniel Bryan vs. Triple H

Aka the story line designed for CM Punk. Good for Daniel Bryan that he got booked in there instead, given that he gets a big push out of it and the whole Yes Movement, but why Triple H? Why can't he just sit back in a chair, like Vince, and make the decisions, like Vince, and leave the wrestling ring to others, like Vince? Triple H makes a shitload of money, let's face it, and with scheduling himself in for a Wrestlemania match, he takes the spot of someone who could make some money instead.
At one point in time, wrestlers should realize that they shouldn't get in the ring anymore. Triple H sadly missed it... I, like million other people, have my fingers crossed for a victory of the beard, yet, the match and the whole feud lost me as a watcher some weeks ago.

The Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar

22:0, this is my prediction. Brock Lesnar, who obligatorily destroys his own image by taking the microphone and producing sounds only dogs can hear, is taking on the Deadman, and he actually thinks he can break The Streak. Next!
Let's just hope he doesn't break anything else on Taker, seriously! The man isn't the youngest anymore, and the Beast Incarnate is not particularly known to be extra careful with his opponents in the ring. Bob "Hardcore" Holly might disagree with me here, but a lot has changed since a young Lesnar broke Holly's arm back when he was still new to the industry!

Batista vs. Randy Orton vs. Daniel Bryan/Triple H

Worst case scenario? Triple H wins both his match against Bryan and the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. This would be my cue to plug out my computer and never watch WWE ever again. Hopefully - knock on wood - it won't happen. The only ending for this match that would be "Best for Business" would be if Daniel Bryan actually succeeds over both Batista and the current champion Orton. The odds for this to happen? Not very good. After predictably winning his match against the COO, Bryan will hardly stand a chance against two fully refreshed athletes (more or less). Besides, Triple H could still interfere and make sure that anyone gets the title but Bryan. Another match that has lost me right from the beginning actually, but still: Go Goatface!!!

Wrestlemania XXX - The Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal

For the historic Wrestlemania XXX, Hulk Hogan announced a 30 Man Over the Top Rope Battle Royal which is held in honorable memory of Andrethe Giant. 17 of the 30 participants are known already, and of course I can't just shut my mouth about it.
So here we go, my opinion about the so far known participants!

1. Dolph Ziggler

I am glad that Ziggler earned a spot at Wrestlemania, even though - in my eyes - he deserved his very own match. Recent feuds would suggest Alberto Del Rio or Damien Sandow as his opponents, but it is too late to get this on the Road to Wrestlemania anyway.
His chances are relatively slim though.

2. Big E

The man who recently lost his last name doesn't show a much better win/lose statistic. Ever since the first weeks of his title run, he had rarely been used in the shows to his full and championship-worthy potential. A match for his title would have been much more appropriate for the main PPV of the year!
With his current standing, I don't think that he will win.

3. Fandango

Obligatory jobber, any other role would be utopistic to confer to Fandango.

4. Alberto Del Rio

As mentioned above, a singles match against e.g. Dolph Ziggler would have been more appropriate to the man that battled Batista at Elimination Chamber. From holding the WWE and the World Heavyweight Title, Del Rio's star has fallen rapidly, and thus I think his chances to win the 30 Man Battle Royal are as high as the ones of Ziggler.

5. Damien Sandow

Whatever happened to the former Mr. Money in the Bank and Intellectual Savior of the unwashed Masses, I don't like it. After unsuccessfully cashing in his Money in the Bank contract last year, Sandow had been part of some minor matches, mostly as the one being defeated. Sadly, he inhabits the status of a jobber by now, especially in this match.

6. Titus O'Neil

Even though Darren Young defeated him in their very short-lived feud, it isn't Mr. No Days Off who is seen in the ring currently. But still, O'Neil seems like nothing but a joke figure, especially after the St. Patrick's Day match against Sheamus (and Hornswoggle). No chance in hell.

7. Christian

Christian, who hasn't even been featured as a guest in Miz TV in the last episode of Smackdown, should rather be in a single match against Sheamus as well, giving the recent history of the two competitors. Instead, both are thrown into the Battle Royal Match.
The chances for the Canadian wrestler to win, in my eyes, are non-existent though.

8. Sheamus

Same as above, why build up a rivalry between Sheamus and Christian, only to carry it out in a 30 Man Battle Royal. That doesn't make sense to me.
My fear is that Sheamus' chance to win isn't even that small in this match. With the announced push that supposedly awaits the Irish brawler after Wrestlemania, a victory in the Battle Royal could be a given.

9. Big Show

Who better to win a Battle Royal dedicated to the "Eighth Wonder of the world" than another physically large athlete? Maybe one who only returned recently and, in my opinion, ruined the whole Authority storyline back in 2013.
For the WWE commentators it seems like Big Show winning is the most predictable thing, and exactly this makes me think that he won't win this one. Big guy or not.

10. Mark Henry

I wouldn't say that Mark Henry lost his credibility when being dismantled by Brock Lesnar and being sent into a break, but it still doesn't look very good on his resume. Especially when heading into such a prestigious Wrestlemania Match. For me, it looks like Mark Henry was thrown in there to have a guy who needs to be eliminated by 3+ people.

11. - 13. 3MB

Okay, who are we kidding?

14. & 15. Cody Rhodes & Goldust

After losing the Tag Team Titles to The New age Outlaws, it seems like things around The Brotherhood was down spiraling. Some losses, some minor wins, and ever since The Usos got their hands on the titles, they were out of the picture completely.
The chances for the Rhodes brothers winning, even when they work together? Very slim.

16. Kofi Kingston

Before the Royal Rumble, Kofi Kingston got a huge win over Randy Orton. People who called out "push" after this sure went fast. And wrong. Some rather meaningless wins, mostly at live shows, and many more losses leave me to no other conclusion that Kingston winning the Battle Royal would be nothing but a fluke.

17. The Miz

People who read here know that I am not by far a fan of The Miz, and that I consider Miz TV a waste of space and time. If they tried to establish a second Cutting Edge or Peepshow with him, WWE clearly failed. With this being said, I feel the same about his spot in the Battle Royal. He joins the ranks of Fandango, 3MB, and - sadly - Damien Sandow.

Who would I give the remaining 13 spots to?

People we haven't seen in a while would be the vague answer to that. Not "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, or Booker T, no! But people like Curt Hawkins, Justin Gabriel, Tyson Kidd, Ezekiel Jackson... For all I care even JTG and Yoshi Tatsu. Those people deserve a Wrestlemania moment, even if it means they get thrown over the top in the first minute of the match.
Wrestlers I could definitely see in the match would be Alexander Rusev for example. Even if he doesn't deserve the win as being part of the main roster only to be in the Royal Rumble and cut vignettes at the weekly shows, but to spice the match up a little he would definitely be the man to go with.
Another obvious pick would be Darren Young, especially since Titus O'Neil is in the match as well. He won against O'Neil in their short feud, and he keeps being victorious over him at live events. Why he isn't in the match by default due to that is making me wonder why.
The Real Americans would have been a great and interesting input as well, but since Rybaxel have been pulled form the card in favor of a rumored Triple Threat Tag Team Match between them, Cesaro and Swagger, and The Usos, the chances of them being in the match are more than slim.

Who do I NOT want to see in the Battle Royal?

As mentioned above, I want no legends and Hall Of Famers to be seen in there, and the very same thing goes for JBL and The New Age Outlaws (who are supposed to be in a match with Kane against The Shield, if I'm not mistaken).
Furthermore, I hope that people like The Great Khali, Santino Marella, Hornswoggle, and the god forsaken bull El Torito won't be a part of the match. Those are pretty likely participants though, which I am dreading with my whole heart.

Royal Rumble 2014 - The positive side

There is a lot bitching and ranting going on about the Royal Rumble, and I agree with the vast majority, having even some more to add to the big bunch!
And yet, why make ourselves feel even shittier about a PPV that forecasts a very bad shadow not only on the Road to Wrestlemania, but the whole year (wrestling-wise)? Thus, I dedicate this post the positive side of the Royal Rumble, the good and astonishing things that happened. They are few, limited, not by far making up for the feeling of betrayal 95% of the WWE Universe feels right now, but it is a start!

Bray Wyatt def. Daniel Bryan

This match - even though the outcome wasn't pleasing everyone - was definitely the match of the evening!
Especially after Luke Harper and Erick Rowan got sent out, the match gained intensity and had - hopefully - everyone on the edge of their seat! Bray talking to his "sheep", encouraging them to let him fight his battle alone, was a great addition to the whole feeling of the match. The maniac against the one who sought redemption.
And yet, Daniel Bryan was inferior to Wyatt. Many may argue that he lost clean, something they would have never wished upon Bryan, and yet the constant blows to the head, him clutching the sides of his head after a severe fall even, and the constant reminder of the commentators that Bryan suffered a concussion in his Steel Cage Match against Bryan, make the relatively clean victory of Wyatt plausible.

Crowd reactions during the WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match

Goosebumps! Not because of the bazillionth match between John Cena and Randy Orton, no, but because millions of fans - in the arena and behind the TV screens - were on the same page during this match: Not again!
Putting two "Top Stars" in he ring together, the two "faces of the company" going against each other, backfired majorly for the WWE. While the crowd reactions during Daniel Bryan's entry and throughout the whole match were amazing, encouraging, hopefully fueling the two man in the ring to give their best and nothing but their best, it was a throughout negative atmosphere the Pittsburgh crowd created here. And it was necessary! It was a statement! Shouting Bryan's and The Undertaker's names during the match, alongside with "Boring" and "This is awful" chants should send a clear message out to the WWE creatives and authorities! If a whole arena tunes in on a "We want Divas" chant because they were just so damn done with this whole set up, they can't close their eyes from it. Right?
No wonder the Wyatt family got such a strong reception once they interfered with the match and - finally - put it to an end! How much clearer can we all show what we think of this all. Now, dear WWE, please open your eyes and ears!

The Royal Rumble match

As demotivating and shameful the match actually was, it had a few bright moments - at least in my eyes.

Punk eliminating Kane:
I know, I know, this foreshadowed a very unpleasant event towards the end of the match, but still. For the vast majority of the match, CM Punk had had his revenge on the Director Of Operations.

Alexander Rusev debuts:
Sadly, many won't know him and see just another characterless Power House in him - especially since he came out without manipulating Lana at his side. Lets hope, he will be allowed to show more than his submission finishing move now that he made his way to the grans stage! I want to see his Frog Splash and Spinning Heel Kick on a weekly basis, please.
I hope, his debut will go a much better way than Bo Dallas' who debuted last year at the Royal Rumble.

Kofi Kingston:
There should be a petition to give Kofi Kingston the nickname "Mr. Royal Rumble"! As I said in advance, I was anticipating his shenanigans a lot since they always posed a highlight in the Royal Rumble match! This time, he added jumping from the barricades back on the apron - after carrying out the feud with Rusev from NXT - and hanging on the ropes with nothing but his toes to his impressively growing Royal Rumble CV.
I can even oversee him eliminating one half of the Real Americans on his behalf. I just wished he would have had some more screen time for entertaining us so greatly!

Antonio Cesaro:
Being one of the last to come in, he surely had an advantage over many of the other participants, and still I am glad that he lasted this long! Several Cesaro swings, a near elimination by Punk, and clashes with not only The Shield but Punk and Sheamus showed that he might still be one of the go-to Power Houses of the heel fraction. Fingers crossed.

Roman Reigns finished second to last:
I am no fan of Roman Reigns. In my eyes, Rollins is the most talented one of the Shield guys - even if he may lack charisma and mic skills for some - and the whole "push the big guys" isn't helping, but there is something more than valuable gain out of his impressive very first Royal Rumble participation!
While WWE seemed to be a big fan of recycling older superstars for their Road to Wrestlemania, shoving down our throats the same people again and again, it was a nice change to see a "Newbie" last that long! You can like or dislike Reigns all you want, but even I - belonging to the latter - ave to acknowledge the hope his figure puts into some of us fans that, maybe, one day - pwetty pwease - the newer talents get a chance at the big shots as well!

2014 Royal Rumble participants

Hear my opinions to the latest confirmed Royal Rumble Match participants.

● Batista
Returning after his (rather undignified) departure from the WWE in May 2010, Batista is back!
2014 will be his 5th participation in a Royal rumble match, but will it be his second to win (he won the RR Match in 2005)? I don't think and I don't hope so. The already teased feud between Batista and Alberto Del Rio seemed to be something that could be carried out even after the Royal Rumble, leaving the Animal in no need for a title shot at Wrestlemania.
My hopes thus lie in the fact that he will not join his colleague The Rock in a fast and completely meaningless title reign!

● Alberto Del Rio
Maybe the teasing and challenge of former WWE and World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio for Batista will result in an at least somewhat interesting in-ring feud during the Royal Rumble Match. But let's face the facts:
Del Rio might have one his first Royal Rumble match in 2011, but with such a mighty foe, Del Rio's chances to win the Rumble go against null!

● Big E Langston
With the current Intercontinental Champion, another powerhouse is added to the Royal Rumble Match. Given that he has no title match at the PPV, his chances to win his very first Royal Rumble match are very very slow. Unless, he loses the title in a match prior, which seems even more unlikely to me.

● The Miz
Commentating on Main Event, hosting MivTV, a very redundant feud with Kofi Kingston at the end of last year... It seems to me that The Miz's star as an in-ring competitor in the WWE is falling rapidly. Winning the for the first time in his 7th Royal Rumble Match? No way!

● R-Truth & Xavier Woods
After "stealing" the Funkadactyls from Tons of Funk, Xavier Woods and R-Truth have formed a mildly entertaining tag team. But with the current standing, a Royal Rumble victory is something those two shouldn't be concerned with at all.
It will be R-Truth's 6th, and Woods' first Royal Rumble Match.

● Kofi Kingston
Could the latest victory over Randy Orton tease a possible Royal Rumble victory for the exceptional high flyer Kofi Kingston? I don't think so. But his participation still fills me with great anticipation.
2012, Kofi Kingtson nearly got eliminated, saving himself by covering the distance between ringside area and the saving steel steps with a hand stand! 2013, he nearly got eliminated but managed to jump on the announcers table. With the usage of a chair, he literally hopped his way back into the ring!
What can we expect from Kofi Kingston in his 6th Royal Rumble match?

● Cody Rhodes & Goldust
Until now, no Tag Team Title Match has been announced for the Royal Rumble PPV. If the Rhodes brothers really enter the name-giving match, their chances to win and gain a title shot at Wrestlemania are more than low.
For Cody Rhodes, it will be the 6th Royal Rumble Match, for his brother Goldust the 9th even, thus making him the veteran in this set up!

● Rey Mysterio
Since his return in October 2013, Mysterio wasn't part of anything noteworthy, his only broadcasted victories being when he was involved in a tag team of some sort. It doesn't look like the WWE wanted to establish a big face run for him anytime in the near future, thus I don't think the winner of 2006 stands even the slightest chance in his 7th Royal Rumble Match.

● CM Punk
For the 6th time, CM Punk will be booked in a Royal Rumble Match this year, last year being part of what many WWE fans regard an upset as he lost his title to The Rock at the PPV.
This year, his chances to win are rather high! Over the last year, Punk had been challenging The Undertaker for his streak at Wrestlemania, participated in a long feud with his former mentor Paul Heyman, taking part in various quarrels with The Wyatt Family and lately The Shield, ending in a team up and screwing by The New Age Outlaws. He may not have been the main focus of WWE creatives, but he always played a major role with his segments and matches.
A teased match between CM Punk and Triple H for Wrestlemania could hint at his win at this year's Royal Rumble as well. Main Eventing Wrestlemania seems to be one of the last things CM Punk has on his to-do list for the WWE (alongside with, indeed, winning the Rumble), and instead of going for the WWE Heavyweight Title, he could demand this spot shall he really win this year.
My hopes for this are high, and in my eyes, CM Punk is the most likely to win out from all current participants.

● Fandango
The chances for the dancing star winning his first Royal Rumble Match are low. Very low. It seems more likely that Fandango is one of the "they don't stand a chance anyway" people from the mid- to undercard booked into the match to fill it. Furthermore, he adds up to the feud between him and the team of Xavier Woods and R-Truth.

● Bad News Barrett
Finally, Wade Barrett returns to the ring in his 4th Royal Rumble Match this year. His chances after being stuck announcing bad news to the WWE Universe for some time now are more than slim though.

● The Shield
Will the Shield be able to stand tall as a unit during their very first Royal Rumble Match? Or will the arguments and fights for power inside the group end in all three members being easily eliminated. The chances for Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins seem relatively low, and in the end, they could even get eliminated by their very own team mate Roman Reigns.
Reigns on the other hand seems to be a hot candidate for the win. Reports and rumors about a push, his almighty spear, and the general depiction of him being the strongest and most successful member of The Shield could speak in favor of this. And still I think - and hope! - that he will get eliminated just like his colleagues. Roman Reigns might very possibly become a top player for the company, but putting him in the title picture and on the Road to Wrestlemania this early? I don't think so.

The company that screwed Dolph Ziggler

John Cena, Randy Orton, CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, The Big Show, and Brock Lesnar -  they all have something in common, namely that they are nominated as superstar of the year for this year's Slammy Awards. This award, just like the prestigious and soon to be unified big titles are supposed to honor and glorify those men that did something for the WWE and the fans.
And still, so many men (and women!), so many talents go unnoticed. In both categories! Representative for them all, I want to talk about Dolph Ziggler today!

What we see in the ring is not always just a match. We see emotions. Skills, acting and wrestling alike. We see charisma, glory, and things that move us and take us in. And sometimes, we see boredom, force. Yes, we, the WWE Universe, notice when a wrestler can absolutely not be bothered with his match or his opponent. I am not pointing my finger here, but we see that as well!
One wrestler you never see, never saw, and hopefully never will see this in is Dolph Ziggler! His dedication for the sport, and the fans, is something that is sadly missing in many parts of the WWE nowadays. This year hadn't been too good for the ass wiggling wrestler. Many even say that he got screwed, out of his title and out of his push, and I agree to that. The reasons, rumored or true, will not be discussed here - nobody's perfect. But seeing that someone who surely noticed himself that he gets punished for something; cut off his screen time, "jobbed", losing match after match; still brings up so much dedication to the mat is something that moves me.
I am not the greatest Ziggler fan out there, but what this man deserves above everything is respect! With everything thrown in his way he goes out there night by night and does what he does best: put on a show! While he could be pouting and try to get the matches over with quickly, he seemingly pours his heart into every match. Not to make himself look good, but also to make his opponent look good! Nobody sells like Ziggler, people say that again and again, and it's true! Especially not with this commitment!

There are wrestlers like CM Punk who speak their minds when something is bothering them, who try to change something whether they risk getting fired or not. While this is a display of not only bravery and volition but also of strength, those who do not speak up deserve our respect as well!
Many wrestlers get treated so badly - from my perspective - in the WWE today. Damien Sandow, Zack Ryder, Antonio Cesaro, Vickie Guerrero, AJ Lee... Only to name a few, but all of them had to go through very rough patches this years - or even still have to. They are being jobbed, laughed at, booed, not shown at all, with terrible gimmicks bestowed upon them. And what do they do? They go out there! And they entertain us! No matter whether they lose their push, are displayed as sluts, forced to yodel, "screwed over" as the pessimists often say... They go out there! For themselves, sure, but also for us!
Dolph Ziggler is the first that comes to mind when I think about this, about dedication, about the love for their business! I had the rare and wonderful honor to meet him in person a couple of times, and he never fails to put a smile on his fans' faces. Always friendly, joking around, taking his time, giving autographs, posing for photos...

Isn't this what people always praise John Cena for? Putting his career and his fans first? Being there for Make a Wish campaigns, coming back early after a severe injury?
Just that the John Cena's of this company get rewarded with titles, main event spots, and - I call it now - Slammy awards. While the Dolph Ziggler's that even support their colleagues through rough times - may I mention him wearing the Zack Ryder shirt during the show in Long Island? - get... nothing. Their paycheck, yes, but don't they deserve more? At least Dolph Ziggler has one thing for sure, and that is the love and respect from the fans!

My Slammy Picks

Now that all nominees are known and all categories set, I could finally start voting for the real Slammy Awards!

Superstar of the Year
John Cena
Randy Orton
CM Punk
Daniel Bryan
Big Show
Brock Lesnar (lol wat???)

Diva of the Year
AJ Lee
The Bella Twins
The Funkadactyls
Natalya
Kaitlyn
Eva Marie (lol wat???)

Double-Cross of the Year
Triple H costs Daniel Bryan the WWE Championship at SummerSlam
Shawn Michaels Superkicks Daniel Bryan at Hell in a Cell
Mark Henry's "retirement speech" on Raw
Paul Heyman costs CM Punk the Money in the Bank Contract at Money in the Bank

Match of the Year
The Undertaker vs. CM Punk at WrestleMania 29
The Rock vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 29
Cody Rhodes & Goldust (w/Dusty Rhodes) vs. Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns (w/Dean Ambrose) with the Rhodes Brothers' jobs on the line at Battleground
Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar in a Steel Cage Match at Extreme Rules

Insult of the Year
Stephanie McMahon degrades Big Show on Raw
AJ Lee disses the "Total Divas" cast on Raw
Paul Heyman disowns CM Punk
Zeb Colter offends the Universe

"LOL!" Moment of the Year
The Rock Concert at Raw 20th Anniversary
Vickie Guerrero is fired as GM of Raw
Titus O'Neil throws up on JBL, Michael Cole and Zeb Colter on SmackDown
The Great Khali and Jinder Mahal try to charm Santino's cobra on SmackDown

Extreme Moment of the Year
The Shield Triple Powerbombs The Undertaker on SmackDown
Ryback spears John Cena through the LED light board at Extreme Rules
CM Punk exacts vengeance on Paul Heyman at Hell in a Cell
The Wyatts crush Kane at SummerSlam

Fan Participation of the Year
Fandango-ing
Yes! Yes! Yes!
Let's go Cena/Cena sucks!
What's Up?

Trending Now (Hashtag of the Year)
#BelieveInTheShield (The Shield)
#FollowTheBuzzards (The Wyatt Family)
#BestForBusiness (The Authority)
#WeThePeople (The Real Americans)

Beard of the Year
Daniel Bryan
The Wyatt Family
Damien Sandow
Zeb Colter

"THIS IS AWESOME!" Moment of the Year
Dolph Ziggler cashes in his Money in the Bank contract
Daniel Bryan wins the WWE Championship from Randy Orton at Night of Champions
Big Show knocks out Triple H
Kofi Kingston hops on a chair to stave off elimination in the Royal Rumble Match

Breakout Star of the Year
The Wyatt Family
Big E Langston
Fandango (w/Summer Rae)
The Shield

"What a Maneuver!" Award
Running knee strike (Daniel Bryan)
Black Widow (AJ Lee)
Spear (Roman Reigns)
Cesaro Swing (Antonio Cesaro)

Faction of the Year
The Shield
The Wyatt Family
The Real Americans
3MB (lol wat???)

"You Still Got It!" (Best Superstar Return)
Rob Van Dam
Goldust
The Bella Twins
Bruno Sammartino
Chris Jericho

Couple of the Year
Triple H & Stephanie McMahon
Fandango & Summer Rae
Tyson Kidd & Natalya
Daniel Bryan & Brie Bella
John Cena & Nikki Bella
Naomi & Jimmy Uso

Tag Team of the Year
The Shield (Rollins & Reigns)
The Prime Time Players
The Usos
Cody Rhodes & Goldust
The Real Americans

Feat of Strength of the Year
Antonio Cesaro swings The Great Khali
Ryback Shell Shocks Mark Henry
The Shield Triple Powerbombs Big Show
Mark Henry pulls two trucks with his bare hands

"Say What?!" Quote of the Year
"Paul, say somethin' stupid." - Brock Lesnar
"Rise above THIS!" - Damien Sandow
"One stipulation: I'm in my boys' corner and I'll be your huckleberry all night long." - Dusty Rhodes
The "Paulcano" eruption

Best Dance Moves
Fandango
R-Truth
Summer Rae
The Funkadactyls
The Great Khali
"Miz-co Inferno"

Favorite Web Show
"WWE Inbox"
"30-Second Fury"
"The JBL & Cole Show"
"WWE Top 10"

Best Crowd of the Year
Raw after WrestleMania 29 (East Rutherford, N.J.)
WWE Payback (Chicago)
SummerSlam (Los Angeles)
Raw in England (London, Apr. 22)

Catchphrase of the Year
"YES! YES! YES!"
"That's What I Do"
"FAAAAAHHNNNN…DAAAAHHHHNNN…GO."
"Follow the Buzzards"
"We the People"
"Believe in The Shield"

Personal Slammy picks

Based on this year's announced Slammy Awards categories, here my picks!
The event will take place on December 9th in Seattle.

• Extreme Moment of the Year
  CM Punk losing to The Undertaker at Wrestlemania
  or
  Damien Sandow screwing his tag team partner Cody Rhodes at Money in the Bank
• Insult of the Year
  I can't even really recall any...
• Double-Cross of the Year
  Triple H costing Daniel Bryan the WWE Title at Summer Slam
• This Is Awesome Moment of the Year
  Nothing with The Miz for sure!
• LOL! Moment of the Year
  Damien Sandow jumping into the gulf of Mexico to save his MITB briefcase
• Match of the Year
  Daniel Bryan vs. Antonio Cesaro
  or
  Sami Zayn vs. Antonio Cesaro
• Total Diva of the Year
  Natalya; since the name obviously EXCLUDES the largest part of the female WWE roster...
• Superstar of the Year
  Daniel Bryan

And here some categories from last year:

• Feat of Strength of the Year
  Antonio Cesaro applying the Cesaro Swing on The Great Khali, Tensai, and Brodus Clay
• Best Dancer of the Year
  Summer Rae
• Facial Hair of the Year
  Daniel Bryan 
• Crowd Chant of the Year
  "We, the people!"
• Upset of the Year
  John Cena immediately gets a title opportunity after coming back after an injury break.
• Diva of the Year
  AJ Lee 
• Comeback of the Year
  Rob Van Dam
  or
  Goldust
• #Trending Now of the Year
  #KneesToFaces
• Newcomer of the Year
  Big E Langston

WWE European Tour - My personal Zürich recap

Meeting wrestlers is and will always be a highlight of my year. At least once a year - when the WWE comes to Germany, Switzerland, Austria, or France - we try to attend at least one show.
Apart from that, we always try to catch up with the stars and staff before the show, when all of them are still fresh and in a good mood, and afterwards as well.
That way, we gain a lot insight on how the wrestlers we see on the screen day by day behave in a more private environment, when the cameras are off and they can behave completely out of character - or not.
Here are some insights of the people we met in Zürich this year!

Some people, that are always nice, very friendly, and taking time for their fans even though the find themselves in some stress, are definitely Dolph Ziggler, Natalya, Wade Barrett, Big Show, Cody Rhodes, Antonio Cesaro, and Kofi Kingston. Those, I have had the fortune to meet before, and every time, they never fail to be exactly that: friendly and talkative. Especially Natalya always likes to stop for a little chat.
After Zürich, a few more people could be added to that list, among them Summer Rae, Big E Langston, Damien Sandow, and Seth Rollins. Especially Summer proved to be such a bubbly and delightful person, always responding to the fans with a smile, taking her time for photo's, autographs... One wouldn't think that when she bitches around in the ring, but she certainly is a lovely person!

Other wrestlers like to stay in their roles, no matter if heel or face. In his heel days, especially The Miz was one to stay in his role, shouting, more arguing with the fans than actually talking to them. But there is still a difference between acting keyfabe and acting like an ignorant and utter douche. So just because the character is a heel, unfriendly behaviour isn't necessarily pretended...
Someone absolutely acting keyfabe appeared to be Damien Sandow. He wasn't unfriendly, but always kept up his sophisticated and arrogant behaviour. Likewise, Zeb Colter, stayed in his role, giving autographs and posing for photos, but still having this "We, the people" touch we all know from TV.

Nobody can expect from someone to be in a good mood 24/7, and what still seems to surprise some "fans" is that wrestlers are no exception to that. And some people just aren't as outgoing, extrovert, and social as others. Among them are people like Jack Swagger, Santino Marella, and, since I got to meet them in Zürich now, Fandango and Goldust.
But whether it is tiredness or the general aversion against being too close to other people, these stars still take their time for you! Contrary to the last year where I would have put Zack Ryder in the category that is about to follow, he managed to somehow pull himself together this year and end up here in line with the others.

And of course, as a contrast to the first category, the unfriendly behaviour exists as well. Primo and Epico, or rather known as Diego and Fernando by now, belong to that category. It is hard to determine whether those that can be added to this category truly belong in here or simply were in a bad mood when we met them, but there are still differences to the likes of Fandango and Goldust for example.
Contrary to their colleague Seth Rollins, both Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose, proved to be rather ignorant when it came to even looking at their fans, even though Reigns, later on, at least took some minutes to interact with the fans. With Aksana it was the same, just the other way round. Before the show, she reluctantly agreed to taking photos, but since then she appeared rather unfriendly to all of us.
One who was rather disappointing this year was Randy Orton. Last year, he was quite friendly, but since his heel turn and the win of his title, he seemed to not have to be friendly anymore, just storming off and turning his back to the fans...

My personal favourites from this year were of course talking to Antonio Cesaro and giving him my present, doing the "We, the people" pose with Zeb Colter and convincing him that women are people too, getting my elite action figure signed by Damien Sandow, and meeting Big E Langston and Seth Rollins for the first time. Plus, it is always a delight to meet Natalya and Dolph Ziggler, because those two are just the cutest!

In addition to that, it is always interesting to see who is on tour with them. Seeing (Cooperate) Kane was a little surprise already, while Justin Roberts is almost a given on any tour, but it was nice to meet not only Jamie Noble, but Mr. People Power John Lauranitis himself!

The WWE's fun characters...

... and why there are too many running around right now.

I am very aware of the fact that the WWE is still stuck in the middle of the so-called PG Era. No blood, less violence, and an overall cleaner image of the company. Babyfaces like John Cena at the top are essential to make the shows interesting for a younger audience. Another, in my eyes way too strong factor are the fun characters though.
To clarify, I am not against humor in the WWE, not by far. But there is a difference between humor and slight slapstick from time to time, and the vast display of laughingstock every week, especially when the latter one are airing at the expense of real talent. Currently, I feel like the WWE is overrun with such characters. Their in ring performances are limited, unspectacular, and boring in the best; simply bad in the worst case. In this particular case, it doesn't even matter whether we are faced with really untalented wrestlers or whether the company restricts their move set. I can only judge on what I am presented with on TV, and at the very best it is a simple case of vicarious embarrassment.

Santino Marella had been a somewhat serious competitor in former times, but over the years he and his cobra became a pure annoyance. A green sock rolled over his arm is supposed to turn an otherwise mildly strong move into a finisher? His overall slapstick attitude is rather bothersome, and still the so-called Italian man is allowed to stand victorious.

The Tons of Funk are luckily not to be seen that often anymore, and if they are at least losing their matches. The first time we saw Brodus Clay on the TV screen he was a threat, a reckless bull, the bodyguard of Alberto Del Rio, strong and unstoppable. Now, he is a dancing dinosaur...
Same with Tensai. Leaving out his earlier career as A-Train or Prince Albert, he returned to the WWE with a name addition of Lord, dominating, even being in the title picture for some time while he was the strongest force of John Lauranitis' People Power. Now he dances Gangnam Style alongside with Clay.

Hornswoggle, once the little protegé of Fit Finley, is someone many see as being the reason why the Cruiserweight Division is no more. Little people wrestling had been big in the WWF in former times, but Hornswoggles action in the ring consists of dancing around, and simply looking funny, neither contributing to any story line, nor to his own or a partner's character.

The Great Khali is another giant that fell from the top into the bottomless pit o laughingstock. He was fierce and feared, being the World Heavyweight Champion, but since then everything went downwards! He dances, he got Bollywood music for his entrance, he is depicted as a stupid but calm giant who can't even properly articulate himself. The only good thing I will ever take from Total Divas is that the format and her wedding brought Natalya away from her pairing with Khali!

3MB aren't the worst in this list, but they still made it. Heath Slater's One Man Band gimmick had been annoying as fuck, but in his latest singles action he at least functioned as cannon fodder for some returning legends. Thrown together with Jinder Mahal and DrewMcIntyre, a first thought could've been that they could actually get dangerous. But that remained for one or two weeks max. Since then, the stable gets jobbed, their appearances on the JBL & Cole Show along with backstage and even pre-match segments showing clearly than none of them should be taken seriously.
Following the current rumors, Drew McIntyre is mighty smart to want to part with 3MB!

I can see the appeal of these characters to a younger audience, the simple minded humor and dancing being the WWE substitute of Spongebob & co., but as an adult I am dreading every appearance of one of these characters. Especially since I see talent getting jobbed to them, or screen time taken away from matches that are or would be worth watching.

My big fears after seeing the entrance of Los Matadores had been that with this tag team, another pair of simple fun characters was added to the already way too long list. On the other hand, it was a relieve to see, that Fernando and Diego were actually allowed to show off the moves - and even more - we still know from Primo and Epico. Two Puerto Rican wrestlers displayed as Spanish matadors is one thing, giving them a small bull mascot as a sidekick another. But still, I can accept this little fun segment that makes them more seizeable for younger viewers as long as they bring something to the mat. And exactly this a quality lacking in all the Marellas and Khalis out there!
Knowing the WWE, El Torito will play a big role in the future, and I can almost guarantee that it will be too much and annoying me pretty soon. But until then I hope there is still some time.

My obligatory Cesaro rant

Dear WWE,

what are you doing?
It is a very well known fact that you let talent go to waste, you did it with many before, and you will do it with many after. But still, stepping up for one of the most underrated, most misused, and yet most talented wrestlers that you got a hold of should be a mandatory thing for me! I am not doing this because he - obviously - is my favourite, but because this is the strongest and most prominent case in recent WWE history.

Aver since his depute during the short "People Power Era", the wrestler you renamed into Antonio Cesaro has delivered nothing but solid and not only good, but great matches! On Smackdown as well as on as NXT, he has been participating in matches that should be at least candidates for the match of the year, both against his former indie colleagues that are now known as Daniel Bryan and Sami Zayn. Those matches were far more entertaining, better, and technically prominent than many matches we were presented in the PPVs! Now imagine what he could be capable of if he was allowed to main event Raw or even participate in a PPV for once! Just imagine!
Scandal seems to be an alien concept for this Swiss superpower. Close to nothing is known about his private business, Cesaro managing to keep everything out of the media and rumor section. Drugs? Drunken driving? Problems with authorities? Not Cesaro. He is what the Swiss stereotypes convey: an overall clean guy! His backstage reputation is exceptional, his support by other stars like CM Punk, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Dolph Ziggler, and Big E Langston clearly shown as they chose to show themselves to the public wearing his t-shirt. Despite his heel gimmick he is always friendly and courteous with the fans, plus he brings so much connections to his European fans with him, giving interviews in his native language, cutting promos in French and German, and visiting the 'mother continent' every once in a while. He is our European anchor in the WWE since Santino does not count as a "real" Italian and Sheamus as well as Wade Barrett, Layla, and William Regal don't do these kind of home visits as he does.
But not only us European fans tend to cling to him. Since Claudio Castagnoli has been big in the indies, he should be allowed to follow his (in)famous colleagues Bryan, Punk, Rollins, and Ambrose that had been given more or less great chances by this company. Didn't you learn from The Summer of Punk? Are the "Yes Yes! Yes!" chants not indication enough that we want to see technically refined wrestlers instead of dull powerhouses with only five moves? In my eyes, The Shield were downgraded from the Hounds of Justice to Triple H's personal lap dogs as well, but at least they get screen time and somewhat significant matches and roles. Above all, they hold the US Title and the Tag Team Titles. Where is the chance that should be given to Cesaro? Instead of chaining him to not only Swagger but to a role that does not fit him at all by linking him to Zeb Colter. As a tag team, as much as I consider Swagger boring, they have some undeniable chemistry, working good together, able to reach out for the tag titles. But not as long as they are pressed into those roles they inherit right now!
Admittedly, Cesaro's promos had been lacking relevance as well as the distinctive something, but everyone who is able to use google and youtube to find old ROH or even Chikara promos knows that he can talk! His strong accent and his ability to talk in 4 different languages has to be used! When was the last time he said something in German/Swiss? Italian? French? That is not talent that is going to waste, that's an intellectual opportunity that is being blatantly ignored by the company! He can talk, you only have to let him.
Last of all, I want to point out how much of a sacrifice Cesaro is willing to bring for the WWE. Do you remember that horrible weeks where they forced him to yodel? The really undignified loss of the US Title to Kofi Kingston after holding it the longest time in the youngest history of the title? With defending it regularly, quite unlike Ambrose? Not a word from the Swiss athlete about all of this! He could've ranted on twitter, on facebook, but nothing is known that he resented the company's decisions. Even now that he is stuck in an American gimmick. Quite the contrary! In a recent interview with Sky Germany he presented himself hopeful and positive, despite the fact that he and Swagger hit a dead end. Not a word of grudge or resentment, even though it should be more than difficult for the company to retrace his words when uttered in German.

There are only very few wrestlers in the WWE that can be considered a "Full package", combining great wrestling skills with charisma, mic skills, and flexibility. Daniel Bryan as one who has it all finally receives the push he reserves, while CM Punk as another candidate is forced to lose his PPV matches and fight for the Intercontinental Title along with his dignity against a still rather green Curtis Axel. Is the WWE giving away opportunities? For sure!
With the right marketing concept, stars like Dolph Ziggler, Daniel Bryan, CM Punk, AJ Lee, as well as some 'underdogs' like Antonio Cesaro, Wade Barrett, or Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow could bring in just as much money as the 'flawless superman' John Cena or the resentful viper Randy Orton! And that would not only fill the registers of the WWE on the long run, but also make the company a more serious business with regards to actual athletic challenges.

With regards,

The fans on twitter

Love it when “my” biggest fan just wants a happy birthday from me… and the 27 other guys he tweeted that he’s also the biggest fan of

— Antonio Cesaro (@AntonioCesaro) August 14, 2013

They will always be there, and they will always behave like this: the fans we don't like. It doesn't matter which superstar they support, or what gender they have, they are annoying like hell.
Desperate cries for attention, a reply, a fave, a block even... How could anyone disrespect another person that much to purposely get blocked by them? And be proud of it? Congratulations, you harassed a professional wrestler to the point he or she doesn't want you to show up in her mention anymore. You surely are a special kind of cookie...
Yes, those people's job is it to provide us entertainment, but that doesn't allow you to demand things, stalk them, even harass and insult them! It's great that our stars decided to interact with us on such a public platform, but there are always people that abuse this privilege, poking their nose out and spamming their mentions every time one of the WWE stars shows their face on their time line.

Respect, people! The keyword to any interaction is respect, even if you think you know those gals and guys so well just because you see them every week on the television screen.
I am surely not saying that everyone is like that. My time line is filled with great people, respectful and dedicated fans! But haven't we all come across these kind of people?

Dream Feuds

A little fun post in between my reviews!
I guess everyone of us has this one dream feud he or she wants to see happen in the WWE one day. Or maybe it's too late for that but would've been awesome? Either way, it's never too late to dream!
Here are my dream feuds I would want to see in the WWE or elsewhere!

CM Punk vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
The obvious one.
Stone Cold was the big star of the Attitude Era and even though his in ring skills were a bit limited, he had the charisma and the mic skills to deliver every match and every segment with great success. CM Punk on the other side had his WWE height during the PG era, being a guarantor for technically advanced matches and caustic promos. Two stars of their eras clashing would be a dream to watch!
Let alone the clash of gimmicks here. The Straight Edge Superstar would face a beer drinking and rude Texan brawler, material for not only great matches but also heated promos and an interesting story line!

CM Punk vs. Antonio Cesaro
The possible one
Both men are what, in my eyes, files under "the full package". Charisma, experience, in-ring skills, technical ingenuity, mic skills, and the looks. Where Punk outstrips Cesaro on the mic, the Swiss makes up for in body strength. Both had been stars in the indie scene, providing solid and entertaining matches in the WWE and represent exactly what the W in WWE stands for! Their matches often rank as "best of the week" or in Punk's case even "best of the year".
The only problem to be seen here is put them both together in a credible story line that would perfectly outline their quite different characters.

Adrian Neville vs. Evan Bourne
The tag team
Both Evan Bourne and Adrian Neville are high flyers par excellence, proving gravity wrong. While Bourne is already established in the main Roster (or rather was before his long absence), Neville stands at the beginning of his career in the WWE, his advancement in the indie leagues of the USA having been rather quick for the English native. Against each other as well as in a team, their fast and spectacular moves would sure thrill the masses.
Only their rather lacking mic skills and a bit pale personalities could prevent them from having a rather long feud, maybe just another reason to actually team them up.

Antonio Cesaro vs. Kassius Ohno
The former one
They had feuds, they were in a team, and they never failed to impress! One of my biggest hopes with the current NXT roster is to see those two athletes in the ring together, whether it be as opponents or partners! They know each other well, the style of the respective other as well as their weaknesses, and have spent a lot time in the ring together already. It is about time to bring both Cesaro and Ohno together in the main shows as well!

Cesaro's Backstage Reputation

Rumour has it that Antonio Cesaro got standing ovations when returning to the locker room after his fantastic match against Daniel Bryan last Monday night on Raw. All and foremost one of hie greatest supporters CM Punk is said to gave congratulated the Swiss wrestler to his performance, a display of respect from one former Indie superstar to the other.
This actually fits in perfectly to the reputation Cesaro is said to have among his colleagues. The 6'5'' athlete is said to be respected by all members of the locker room for his more laid back and respectful attitude, his devotion to what he does in the ring, and a completely drug-free career he can look back on. Furthermore, unlike about so many other superstars, little news about the Cesaro's personal life is being spilt out in the open, something that can be ascribed to his calm and professional attitude as well.

As a fan of both his work in the WWE and his former leagues, news like this make me incredibly proud of the Swiss Sensation. Even though the officials, the top levels of the company, and even the WWE Universe seem to only slowly realise that they got themselves a real flag ship with his character, it clearly shows that you do not need a title or the biggest fan base to be respected by your colleagues. Cesaro is another kind of role model, portraying that politeness and dedication can bring you great success and a lot more respect as well!