Today

Being involved with the mental demons I have had since they were born at age 11, I have had some days that are a lot better than others, and some that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.  One thing is for certain, I consider myself relatively tough enough to handle most circumstances now with some assemblance of calm and reason, while in the past, chaos and discomfort were the norm.

Today is not the norm.

I am one week past being in the hospital with cellulitis in my right leg.  I experienced a day at work where I spent over two hours trying to restrain an idiot psycho who didn’t want to be in the hospital in the first place, meanwhile, he’s got a cast on his foot, and a drain with enough blood in it to fill a wine glass.

This sumbitch is fighting and kicking so much that he nearly put his cast in my temple on more than one occasion.

Meanwhile, all the activity has caused my leg a significant amount of pain, and has basically put me on the shelf for the entire weekend.

Now, today, a day where my kids’ groups have activities, one in Lido Beach, and one in Riverhead, I’ve got a 15 year old who refuses to cooperate, a 10 year old who sounds like he’s smoked 30 packs of cigarettes from the allergies he’s dealing with, and a 9 year old who wants to kill his 15 year old brother.  Literally kill.

And, throughout all this, I am trying to swallow all the emotion I am feeling until they leave, and when they finally do, without the 10 year old because he feels like junk, I proceed to cry my eyes out.

Here’s where its getting good.

I’m doing laundry today.  GUESS WHO FORGOT TO TURN OFF THE WATER?

My son is sitting 10 feet from the washer, and hears and says nothing.  But I can’t blame him, it’s my fault that my workshop is currently in heel deep water.

I have had thoughts of the ultimate consequence on only a couple of occasions in 26 years of dealing with these demons.  I can add another occasion to that list.  It’s still on one hand I can count them, but today is one of those times.  That’s how miserable I feel.  And I have nobody to talk to about it.

A day in my life.  Live it, if you dare.  Run from it, if you’re smart.  I wish I was.

Reopening

Time for me to go and restart new stories.

I’m in a hospital bed typing with an iPod touch and really having trouble with my emotions.

I guess that is what happens when you’re in a hospital bed for 3 days

IPod touch keypads are fun. Not.

Life at this moment

Have you ever had the experience where you’re on the precipice of something so big that it is going to change the course of your family’s life? That it will literally burn away the remnants of one family, and begin a new chapter of anothers? Without going in to specifics, that is where I stand before you tonight. A man with 4 souls to protect on the absolute cliff of something huge, something immense, and something that, if successful, will change the course of 5 people’s lives forever.

What terrifies me is usually when you’re this close to something so big, it’s when the world crashes down upon you like a 2 ton anvil, and you end up getting royally disappointed to the fullest degree. What terrifies me is the reaction that I am likely to have that, if this event is successful, will happen when I do burn the bridge with the one family I am referring to in this cryptic note. Can it happen without any more yelling, derogatory statements, or damage that can be or has been done to young minds and hearts? I hope so, but truth be told, I don’t know.

The fear of the unknown is such a beast. It’s so powerful, and it’s all encompassing. It’s something that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy, well, maybe one enemy, and it’s something that, at the present time, I am filled with to the absolute maximum.

The next month is liable to be one month I’m either going to wish never existed, or one I am never going to forget. The problem is, I can’t control which it’s going to be, yet.

If they ever wrote a How To Manual On Parenting

If they gave out a manual right before you have kids, the title of the book should say something like this.

“How to End Up With The Most Screwed Up Scenarios in Your Entire Existence” Volume One.

I’m trying to use more appropriate language here. Believe me, I want to say something significantly more colorful.

I know my childhood was filled with strict insanity, and general loathing for the people who brought me in to this world, and tried to raise me, although one of them failed miserably in that attempt.

I know that I am trying to assist in raising three children, who are super kids, don’t get me wrong, but their father is something entirely different.

How can someone expect to change what they went through in the span of 15 years of their life in a moment’s notice? How can I change the impulses that I have regarding what I think is right for a parent to do, and what is either considered right in a common sense, or right in a team sense with my wife?

You can’t. It’s either cooperate, or get your ass out of the way because you’re going to lose a limb, or worse.

I am ranting about something that is so ridiculously stupid and petty, I dare give it utterance. But the facts are simple. I don’t know how to change, I have a tremendous amount of difficulty trying to change, and when change happens around me, I don’t like it, I try to accept it, but more often than not, I resist it, and, also more often than not, I tend to lose my temper about it.

And if this small, insignificant little non-issue can cause me to write some drivel like this and feel like I want to punch a hole through the wall, I can’t wait to see how I’m going to feel when we go through the real huge change that we MUST go through in the near future, for my entire family’s sake.

I love my wife.
I love my children.
That is not in question here.

I have to say truthfully, at times, I wish I had a time machine, and I could go back in time and do a lot of things over, and make sure I do it right. Because from where I have been to where I am now, shoot, one or two choices, and I’d probably be a lot happier.

Now, we all know that’s never going to happen, and I have to accept what I have, and I do, believe me, I do.

I wish sometimes my emotions can listen to my brain, and not take my body over involuntarily, like how they did right now.

Christmas Bonuses at your job….

Suck. I wonder how someone who claims to be the third largest employer on Long Island can get away with the crap bonuses they give their ancillary staff. $10 gift card to a grocery store. I guess I oughta be thankful thanks to the idiot in the White House, but I’m not. I’m annoyed to no end. Sad part is, I’ve been at this job for 15 years, and they’ve gone so far as to give us legitimately turkeys from a deli. I guess the gift card is an upgrade.

Some freakin’ upgrade.

New Column – Who is next to be fired in WWE?

With the firings today of Burke, Dykstra, and Lena, and the previous releases of London and Chuckie P, it’s got me thinking that who else could be next on WWE’s chopping block? You all know that WWE does this in blocks, and takes out multiple talents in one swoop, over the span of a few days. I know this is heartless, and something that shouldn’t be forecast, but let’s be honest, there are bodies in WWE that aren’t getting the exposure creative should give them, which in turn, makes them expendable.

Now, as I was going through this list in my head, I came up with a name that I thought may be a sure bet to be on the block, but after tonight’s Raw, I have to withdraw that name. That name is William Regal. And actually, when push comes to shove, by taking Regal off the block because of his Intercontinental title win (thank God), you’d have to take Layla’s name off the list too, because she was on my preliminary list, however, she’s been tied to Regal recently, so I guess it’s a joint victory for both entities. We’ll see.

So, meanwhile, let’s try and come up with a few names of talents currently employed in WWE who are likely to be next to be “future endeavoured”.

Hardcore Holly – WWE has been incredibly loyal to Holly in the twilight of his career, but he has not been seen nor heard from since his loss of the tag titles when Cody Rhodes turned on him. I know he is hurt, and he is hurt bad. If he doesn’t retire, which is entirely possible, I would believe, I have a sneaking suspicion that WWE’s loyalty will quickly run out.

Hacksaw Jim Duggan – If Duggan has a legitimate WWE contract, it’s a miracle he’s been on the payroll this long. I think I remember reading a report that they pay him by appearance, so having him on the roster is an economically saving maneuver, and always the potentially major pop when he does crop up from time to time.

Deuce – I watched Deuce N’ Domino in Ohio Valley Wrestling, and I loved them. I thought they could be a major player in WWE’s tag team division. They had their run, they never got back to the momentum they had when they first came on board. Fast forward to now, Domino and Cherry are gone, and Deuce is languishing in jobber duty on Raw. This dude is toast. It’s just a matter of time.

Paul Burchill – Have you noticed how they started calling Burchill’s “sister” just Katie Lea? By eliminating Burchill’s name from his character’s “sister”, it makes me think that creative has lost their way with Burchill, and thus, makes him another log to spread on to the fire. It’s a real shame, too, as I thought his “Ripper” gimmick he was using in OVW would’ve worked to a charm up here, but it was never given the chance to get off the ground.

Val Venis – You could put this guy in the same category as Hardcore Holly. Dedicating loyal WWE has been to this man, and I respect that, but where’s he been for the last few months? I haven’t read reports of injuries or any other circumstances keeping him off at least the house show circuit. (I’m not saying he is off the circuit, I just haven’t seen his name there). There hasn’t been a push for Venis in ages, and unless he’s satisfied with his role, which he very well may be, especially for the money, there’s always the chance that the axe may fall.

Mike Knox – I’m sorry, but anyone who looks THAT BAD cannot be talented enough to handle a spot on the brand’s flagship show. This dude is going to flop like a dead fish, and be probably the next to be released, I’d put a wager on that one. Nothing of value, but I’d be surprised if he’s not released soon, after they realize that they have not come up with the second version of Nord the Barbarian.

DH Smith – Being the son of the British Bulldog only goes so far. He has YET to debut on Smackdown since being moved from the draft, the only talent yet to debut since that show, and when was that, jeez, that’s been a long time. I can’t think that they’re going to let this guy languish in FCW much longer. He’s either going to get a shot, or they’re going to cut him, and I think it’ll happen sooner rather than later.

Mr. Kennedy – I hate saying this, because the guy is quickly becoming one of my faves, but he’s too often injured. If he can stay durable when he does return, if he gets that chance, which is always in question, then maybe he’ll raise his stock within the company, but right now, he better hope Vinnie Mac isn’t in a bad mood with his finger on the “you’re fired ” button, because it may be pointing at him.

Ryan Braddock – Has this guy won a match? I mean, really. I haven’t seen much of Braddock compete, but from what I have seen, I haven’t been impressed. I have to believe that Braddock is not going to accept jobber duty much longer, which would mean that Johnny Ace may have another sacrifical lamb to slaughter.

Scotty Goldman – This pains me to put this guy on this list, but his character is being so underused, so underappreciated, and so ridiculously stupidly that I think it’s a matter of time before he gets frustrated and splits back to ROH, where he was approaching main event status on a regular basis. I don’t understand the logic of repackaging this guy, giving him his name back, and finding him set up with Punk. Punk and Cabana have a natural chemistry which would be second to none on Raw, and would make the tag team division fresh and new again. The way they have Goldman now, it sucks, I hate it, and I would not be the least bit surprised if WWE dumps it.

Armando Estrada – Has he finally earned his contract? Has he had something at all to do since Colin Delaney was fired? Let me answer that with this simple word. No. Nothing. And that is what I think he’ll be getting soon, Nothing but a pink slip.

I know this column is cruel, but let’s face it, there is a need within WWE to chew off the fat, and give some new guys a run with the gamut. Although I still want to know what the hell is a Kizarny? That may turn out to be the dumbest idea for a gimmick since Mordecai.

I welcome your opinions on these ideas. Email them to me, and I’ll print them on my blog.

Oh, one last thing. If Christian Cage is jumping to WWE to reform with Edge as a heel or a face tag team, I got two words for you.

DO IT.

NOW.

Ok, make that three.

Thanks for reading.

New Column on this past week’s TNA Impact.

You know, it’s funny. You have a vacation, a week to be able to watch your hobby, your passion, on a regular basis without fail, and somehow or other, real life gets in the way and ruins it.

The meaning of that statement cannot be emphasized any further if I tried in any spoken or written words.

With that being said, I did fortunately, thanks to my middle son, Brian the booker, I did catch the replay of Impact from thursday night. I gotta be honest on a few things. First, the most stark piece of information that I have to relay.

Spike spoiled the main event for Impact’s replay broadcast an hour and a half before the segment even aired, when they promoed the forthcoming Impact broadcast this upcoming thursday. Any wrestling fan with half a brain would have been able to see Scott Steiner in the promo, and put two and two together to realize that the eventual end result of Angle vs. Abyss would be Scott Steiner running in, and causing some form of havoc. I don’t know shoot from shine-ola with regard to television programming, but the suits at Spike TV really fouled that one up something fierce, if you ask me.

Now, on to other things, maybe I’m just stupid or something, but can someone tell me why the Machine Guns had to be “reluctant” to join up in this faction vs. faction warfare between the TNA “originals” and the Main Event Mafia? From where I sit, Sabin and Shelley got every single reason to bitch and moan about guys like 3D keeping them down and not allowing them a chance at the brass ring. I know I’m contradicting myself when the matches for the pay per view were announced and one of them is a tag title match between Beer Money and the Guns, but hey, the facts are still the same. Someone needs to explain to me that whole tension convetion between Shelley and Samoa Joe because it didn’t make any sense.

Speaking of the world tag team title match at Turning Point, I got zero problems with Beer Money defending against the Guns, but what’s with not adding Eric Young in to this fray, since Young took an ass whooping last week at the hands of James Storm amd Robert “Don’t call me Bobby” Roode. I know Kaz is injured, but surely Vince and the cronies can find a partner for EY so he can achieve some form of revenge for Roode using both feet to rearrange Young’s teeth.

I missed Cage’s promo during the show because I had to be a parent, and that takes a little more importance than wrestling, but I think it’s safe to say that Cage will not be joining the MEM anytime soon. I think six people in a faction war such as this is a bit much, but then again, this is Vince Russo’s brainchild, so anything is possible. I will say this, speaking of Cage, and the forthcoming Legends title match with Booker, that belt is beyond goregous.

I really enjoyed the sneak attack Roxxi and Taylor did on Kong and Saeed. Took the women’s division to a whole new level of intensity. I also want to see Saeed compete more frequently. It’s also time to put the belt on Roxxi. She is talented as hell, and deserves a run.

Angle is troubling to watch. His insanity one minute, and his looking like a cheap imitation of Ric Flair from back in the days of the Four Horsemen the next minute is very troubling. I don’t care if its television or not, to change your persona so drastically so quickly, it has to have an effect on you legitimately physically and mentally. I truly am beginning to feel sorry for the guy, because professional wrestling may be, well, you can fill in the rest of the blanks on this one.

Here’s another question, can someone explain to me the legistics between the promo involving Foley and Sting? Did they truly say A THING worth mentioning, or basically, did it just confirm that Sting, the TNA World Heavyweight Champion, has become a lackey in the faction that should have him calling the shots and running the show, simply because of the 10 pounds of gold he has on his shoulder, (sorry for the pun, NWA).

This angle, this war between the Originals and the MEM, has a lot of potential to be excellent television. Before I go further trying to bring that out, I need to say this. TNA needs to find a new name for the opposing side of this war outside of the TNA Originals. When I think of the TNA Originals, I think of AJ Styles. I think of Jeff Jarrett. I think of Eric Young. I think of Robert Roode. I think of James Storm. Outside of that, you have to think long and hard to find others that have been with the company since its true onset. Joe hasn’t. Yes, maybe he’s been there for 5 years, but does that make him an original? I mean, based on terminology, a subject the giant in Stamford is having a ball trying to manipulate, STING himself is a TNA Original because he was in the Asylum back when the company was in its infancy. I know the word has a good connotation and it sounds good in this war, The Originals vs. the Main Event Mafia, but think about it, 90% of the talents involved with Joe and AJ aren’t originals, including one of the leaders himself.

If I missed names involved in this storyline that are true originals, well, I’m sorry. Feel free to correct me by dropping me a line via electronic mail.

How many weeks are they going to sell Abyss and his burns at Bound For Glory? I KNOW I am setting myself up to absolutely get pounded here because I did not see the PPV. I did not see the shot of Abyss going through the flaming table. Perhaps when I do, and I will pick up the BFG DVD when it comes out for Monster’s Ball and the Asylum match, I’ll have to recant this statement, but I think it’s time to move forward. Also, Abyss needs a desperate repackaging. How in the blue hell can you call Abyss a monster when he shows compassion and respect for other people? Answer: You can’t.

What was the business of Sheik Abdul Bashir being on commentary for the tag match involving the Guns? I mean, yeah, it brings the further building of tension in the match at Turning Point between Bashir and Rhino, but couldn’t we have done that some where else, because it took away the highlight of being able to see NEW TALENT from across the world in Volador and Hiroshi Tanahashi. I remember Tanahashi from the 2006 match he had with AJ, and he’s as good as they come. The focus should’ve been on the international talent, win lose or draw, not on the feud between an X Division Champion, and his non X Division opponent.

Speaking of Bashir, since this is a grudge match, how about making it for the X Division title? I mean, really, if you want to take the X Division to a different level, MAKE THE RHINO/BASHIR MATCH A TITLE MATCH. Rhino as X Champ? God KNOWS where the division would go, but I would like to see it. It’s not about weight limits, it’s about NO LIMITS, right TNA? If Joe could be X Champ, why not the War Machine?

Before I go on, it’s time to begin to think about special ideas for my 300th column. When I get to special edition columns, I like to ask the readers for their thoughts on what I should write about. With me approaching the column slowly but surely, it’s time to open that discussion again. Drop me a line via email with your ideas. We have some time to discuss them, but I’d like to see some suggestions from you before I make a decision which way to go with this. Thanks in advance for your help.

I could go further dissecting TNA, but I gotta stop, because my 15 year old is pestering me to go on ITunes and buy more stuff. Ah the wonders of parenthood. So, let me get out of here. It’s back to the grind for me. I wish I could say I have three more columns in me next week, but I doubt it. I’ll be back soon, though, that’s a promise.

Thanks for reading.

Facebook’s latest craze, the Shuffle your MP3 and answer questions game…

A dude wrote this note on Facebook this morning, and I felt compelled to give it a try.  Hell, with the mp3s I have stored here, there could be some really twisted answers to these questions.

IF SOMEONE SAYS “IS THIS OKAY” YOU SAY?
“Things You Don’t Wanna Hear” by George Carlin

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
“This Is the Life” by Living Colour

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
“Ordinary World” by Duran Duran (Something tells me I oughta quit this while I’m still ahead.)

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
“Along Comes A Woman” by Chicago (ok, I’m beginning to hate this game.)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?
“Amazing” by Aerosmith

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
“Stricken” by Disturbed

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
“I Don’t Love You” by My Chemical Romance

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
“The Mark Has Been Made” by Nine Inch Nails

WHAT IS 2+2?
“Only Lonely” by Hootie & The Blowfish

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
“The All Suicide TV Channel” by George Carlin (Ouch.  Ok, this is really starting to freak me out.)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?                                              

“Black Gold” by Soul Asylum
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
“Rusty Cage” by Soundgarden
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
“Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
“Learning to Fly” by the Foo Fighters

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
“The Humpty Dance” by Digital Underground (OUCH!)

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
“Game On” by Disciple (this would have been my execution.)

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
“Say You Love Me” by Fleetwood Mac

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
“Innocent” by Fuel

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
“I Against I” by Mos Def & Massive Attack (How fucking poignant is that?)
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
“I Hate Myself for Loving You” by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts (um, no I don’t…really.)

WHAT’S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
“Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
“Give Peace A Chance” by John Lennon (appropriate)

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
“Broken” by 12 Stones

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?                                                                                     “Tie Your Mother Down” by Queen
WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
“Before It’s Too Late” by The Goo Goo Dolls

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails (um, yeah, it is, since I am.)

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
“Theme for the Brothers of Destruction” by Jim Johnston (WWE)

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
“Fade” by Staind

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
“Somebody’s Baby” by Jackson Browne (no, I wouldn’t…)

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
“2 x 4″ by Metallica

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
“Who Wants to Live Forever” by Queen

The Podcast Network is Back…

Palace.podbean.com.  Up now and ready for listening.  Topics – TNA Impact from this past week, TNA as a whole, and the lack of knowledge of TNA Home Video.

 

Hope you guys like it.

Chapter 277

Total Non Stop Action Wrestling has been trying to catch up to the mammoth giant in the industry of professional wrestling that is World Wrestling Entertainment for the six plus years it’s been in existence. While there are aspects of the company I find innovative and enjoyable, there are still, to this day, aspects of this company that I absolutely abhor. This, is an example of one that I have complained about before, but I feel compelled to complain about it again, because it’s just that stupid.

I have a growing collection of DVDs from WWE, ROH, even some other companies like NOAH, Dragon Gate, VPW, and OVW. I also have a pretty extensive collection of TNA DVDs. However, almost each and every time I look for a new DVD from TNA, it’s like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Quite a while back, when TNA released a 3 pack DVD set exclusively at Walmart, (TNA Anthology, the Epic Set) it was like I was looking for the Lost Ark in the city of Tanis, or the Holy Grail from the Canyon of the Crescent Moon. It appauls me how a company on the rise doesn’t know that it is the old saying, “you have to spend money, to make money.” 3 copies of a DVD release in the retail stores does not a successful debut make.

TNA’s Ultimate Matches, one collection I am anxious to pick up because, uinlike most traditionalists, I’m a sucker for gimmick matches. I have all the Chamber Matches, I have the ladder match DVD, I have the Hell in a Cell DVD, and I love it. This DVD compilation looks like it will be amazing to watch. I went to my local Best Buy store to pick it up, because it’s the only one that I would believe would have this title in stock. The computer said it had 3 copies. Well, the computer lied. It must be a HAL 9000 computer from 2001, A Space Odyssey, because the clerk with no personality and no conscience told me that if it was here, it’d be in this section. Actually, “it would only be out here,” is what she said, pointing to the area I spent 20 minutes looking for this title.

I’ve seen titles from WEW, Omega, PWG, SHIMMER, even ROH (not the KOCH DVDs, the older ones), in the retail stores in the past. I have seen OLDER TNA titles from time to time in droves. But, when they release a new one, it’s impossible to find it. And it’s beyond aggravating.

I can’t even imagine how much fun it’s going to be when I try to find the Cross the Line 3 pack when it comes out in November. The Knocked Out DVD I can’t find anywhere, either, just to further prove my point.

In order to become exposed to the public, Jeff, Dixie, and the rest of you corporate suits in Nashville, YOU GOTTA SPEND THE MONEY TO GET THE PRODUCT TO THE FANS.

Now, I bet that people are going to write to me and say I got it, first day, yadda yadda yadda. So be it. Good, I’m happy for you. I live in a major market. I live in the suburbs of New York City. I don’t understand the logic of Navarre Distribution for not being smart enough to put a more liberal amount of product out there for the fans of the product to acquire. I’m not a business or political major, so someone will have to use lamens terms to try and explain it to me. Because it’s just something that escapes me, and infuriates me to no end.

Speaking of distributing product, let’s mention this. ROH has this new deal with KOCH video to distribute titles to the retail stores. Now, I don’t expect ROH to be able to financially put the product out there in droves, and that’s obviously been the case, because I couldn’t tell you one time that I have seen any of the four titles that KOCH has released on the Ring of Honor product. THAT, I don’t like, but I have to accept, because ROH is a significantly smaller company in size, and I don’t think they even have the financial capital to put the product out there in relatively decent numbers. You can’t tell me TNA doesn’t have that capital resource available.

OK, I’m beating a dead horse past the point of recussitation. Let’s move on.

Let’s discuss Cyber Sunday. With the forthcoming weekend and something special coming in to play, I’m going to go ahead and make my picks now. I’ll mention the special event that will occur later in the column.

I still stand by my theory that the voting process is skewed. I still stand by my belief that the WWE does not listen to its fans with the choices they give for these matches. I also firmly stand by the notion that this pay per view needs to be eliminated. It has about as much worth as the ECW December to Dismember PPV did back in the day. It’s obvious WWE got some major flack with the voting process this year when they announced the voting for one match on the PPV is being done on the website, while the remainder of the matches are being voted not around the world via cell phone text messages.

I’m not a text messager, I admit it, but let’s call it as I see it. I won’t spend 99 cents on a vote that I don’t believe is going to truly impact the show in a way that would be considered surprising. What do I consider surprising? Ok, how’s this. Shelton Benjamin competes in what I believe to be a US title match against one of three challengers. MVP, R-Truth, or Festus. Is there a chance in the pit of Hades that FESTUS would be voted in? Hell, no. Neither one of them have had a history, whatsoever, and I would be stunned to the pit of my bones if this was a title match, and Festus was the victor in the fan voting. I would have to believe that, title match or not, R-Truth would win the voting, because he is technically embroiled in a rivalry with the United States Champion, and, as well, with this ridiculous losing streak story for MVP, to not be voted in to this match would further add to the former champion’s “misery.”

For the picks, the choice I list in underlined italics is the choice I feel will be the “winner” of the so called voting.

Preview Match on WWE.com
U.S. Champion SHELTON BENJAMIN vs. MVP, FESTUS or R-TRUTH
This match needs to be on the PPV. Shelton and The Truth can tear it up like no others. Both men are deserving of major league exposure and main event status, the question is, will they ever get it. My belief is, the Truth is the uncrowned US champion. The only question is, is the title on the line, which I am going to guess will be, but it won’t surprise me in the least if it’s not on the line in this match. As for a title change, it’s 50-50. I will pick Shelton to win, but I do believe that this match will be one to remember throughout this card.

Winner: Shelton Benjamin

Pick the Tag Team Match
LAYLA & WILLIAM REGAL vs. MICKIE JAMES & JAMIE NOBLE or CRYME TYME vs. THE MIZ & JOHN MORRISON or CODY RHODES & TED DiBIASE vs. CM PUNK & KOFI KINGSTON for the World Tag Team Championship
I have to believe that they’ll put the tag titles on the line. There’s a rivalry there between Punk & Kingston and the champions, and they’d be fools not to put a tag team title match on a pay per view card. Of course, it’s WWE, and they’d probably be crazy enough to do the dumb rivalry between Regal, Layla, and Jamie Noble, which, with all due respect to the talents, has no business being on pay per view. I would not be surprised if the Cryme Tyme match is chosen, but I would like to see titles defended here. As for the result of the match I believe will be picked, I don’t think the champs have anything to worry about. While I hate the fact of what WWE has done with CM Punk since his run as the World Heavyweight Champion, seeing Punk and the former Intercontinental Champion Kingston as World Tag Team Champions just doesn’t seem to fit in the puzzle I see before me. There’s too much invested in Team Priceless to lose to a relatively newly formed team.

WINNERS: Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase

KANE vs. REY MYSTERIO in either a Falls Count Anywhere Match, a No Holds Barred Match or a Best 2 out of 3 Falls Match
It has to be emphasized here the battle of the supreme underdog against the monster, and the only way for that to happen is in a no holds barred match. Falls Count Anywhere is pretty much the same thing, so if its chosen, I would not be surprised. I would be STUNNED if the match becomes 2 out of 3 falls. I also bluntly hate this match because this type of feud is just absolutely inviting WWE to have Rey Mysterio re-injured. And it’s not because Kane is not competent, no, far from it. When you put a 300 pound monster in the ring with a man who is almost half his size, I don’t care what you get, it’s not going to be pretty. Ever since the match at Backlash a few years back between Big Show and Mysterio where Mysterio was thrown, literally thrown in to the ring post while strapped to a board, I cringe whenever Rey is put in to a match with a significantly larger opponent. I suspect someone will be hurt badly in this match. I also don’t believe Rey beats the odds here. Kane’s new demonic persona is too much for someone half his size to overcome.

WINNER: Kane

UNDERTAKER vs. BIG SHOW in either an I Quit Match, a KnockOut Match or a Last Man Standing Match
With the focus on the punching power of the giant, and the finish from the match at the last pay per view, a knockout match is the obvious choice here. As for the victor, I am going to say Big Show wins again. Undertaker doesn’t need the win more than Big Show does. This feud does not stop here, it just continues to escalate. I am expecting something somewhat more significant and violent at Survivor Series.

WINNER: Big Show

WWE Intercontinental Championship
SANTINO MARELLA vs. GOLDUST, HONKY TONK MAN or ROWDY RODDY PIPER
It’s a shame the IC title has been reduced to the comedic version of a championship the likes that hasn’t been seen since the inception of the Owarai Gate title in Japan’s Dragon Gate Pro Wrestling. Any of these three men even being at this pay per view and wrestling is a joke. I initially believed that Dustin “Goldust Black Reign” Runnels was the logical choice because he’s still recently active, with his run in TNA recently ending. However, with the inception of this new “Honk-A-Meter” that Santino and Beth Phoenix have been using, I am guessing that the “greatest IC champion of all time” will be determined at Cyber Sunday. I only hope soon afterwards, someone else will come in, and actually win the title from this joke of a gimmick wrestler.

WINNER: Santino Marella

ECW Championship
MATT HARDY vs. FINLAY, MARK HENRY or EVAN BOURNE
I admit it here. I’m going with my heart choosing the victor in the voting here. I would not be the least bit surprised if it’s another match of Matt Hardy vs. Mark Henry for the ECW title. I would be surprised to see if Finlay is the victor in the voting, as I have not seen one bit of a resume since Finlay’s been on ECW to warrant a title match. Bourne is still building a resume in ECW, but I certainly would not mind seeing two high flyers, the young lion, and the veteran lion, taking it to the limit in this title match. Hardy retains the belt, because I don’t see any of these three being next in line to hold the gold, oops, silver of ECW, but I hope this is the beginning of big things for Matt “Evan Bourne” Sydal.

WINNER: Matt Hardy

World Heavyweight Championship Match
CHRIS JERICHO vs. BATISTA
Special Referee Choices:
RANDY ORTON, SHAWN MICHAELS, or STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN
If anyone out of the “WWE Universe”, and God, am I beginning to hate that phrase, doesn’t realize that when Stone Cold’s name is attached to any pay per view event in WWE, it’s a lock that Stone Cold Steve Austin is going to be at that pay per view, doing what he does. While it’s not a bad call to have Orton or Michaels as referee, for whatever reason you want to illustrate, I believe it’s a lock that Austin will be the ref for these reasons. 1. Orton needs to be cleared to compete, and if he’s referee, he’s going to get physical. It’s not certain, from my eyes, if Orton is cleared, and I think WWE has too much invested in Orton to risk that. And 2. Michaels has TOO much history with both men to show any sort of objectivity, and it’d turn in to a triple threat match with no referee. Ok, maybe that’s stretching, but we all know the obvious reason. Austin is not brought in often, and when he is brought in, he’s used.

Now, for the match, the obvious question is, Is Jericho going to slither away as champion, or is Batista going to climb the mountain again. I’m not a Batista fan by any stretch. I’m a Jericho fan. Jericho can out run and out wrestle the Animal. Can he outslither the Animal, and the influence of Austin to win the match? Personally, I am going to say yes. I think Orton, when he returns, is the uncrowned champion, but I am guessing there will be another option to lead in to Orton. I don’t think Batista is the transition to Orton as champion. It would work, and as I am writing this, I am beginning to change my mind. There’s too may ifs to this scenario, but hear me out for a second.

Jericho loses to Batista here, and Batista manages to survive. He goes to Survivor Series, and gets reintroduced to Cena, and they begin a war to revenge as the Animal is being blamed for Cena’s absence. Eventually, Cena upsets Batista, and leads to Cena vs. Orton toward the road to Wrestlemania for the World Heayvweight Championship. It could work. I’m sold, I changed my mind, mid-typing.

WINNER: Batista

WWE Championship Match
TRIPLE H vs. JEFF HARDY, VLADIMIR KOZLOV or VLADIMIR KOZLOV & JEFF HARDY
Popular vote would be easy here. Hardy wins by a landslide. However, for some inexplicable reason, they seem to have a jones for Kozlov, which I am not sure how to explain, so I expect that Kozlov will get in to this match. I also think, with this being Kozlov’s first salvo in to the main event championship picture, having Jeff and the Game in the match with him will provide the rookie with some major league experience that will be required to win this match, eventually. For now, I suspect the Game will come out of here winning the match, barely. But, I definitely believe that this one will be bowling shoe ugly, because I think the inexperience of Kozlov in this type of situation will decrease the quality of this match. Not the intensity, by any stretch, but the quality.

WINNER: Triple H

Its such a shame to have this pay per view with the major Survivor Series coming up shortly thereafter. Even picking the world title changing hands is a bit of a stretch, as I would not be the least bit surprised that none of the titles change hands or anything is truly progressed, storyline wise here, basically making this entire pay per view, in my own opinion, worthless.

Ok, for now, I’ll say good night, because it’s time to get back to business. However, a little shameless Mick Foley style plug. Actually, hang on one second. Quick TNA thoughts.

First, Mick Foley in a match making role in TNA is a bonus for TNA. With all respect to Jim Cornette, Foley is funny, he’s intense, and he’s unpredictable. I like this option of Foley attempting to re-stabilize the environment in TNA. I hope that the up turn, that I believe has been achieved from last night’s live Impact show continues in to the near future. This new Main Event Mafia storyline group also has some definite up turns. What I like is the division of two major groups fighting for power in TNA. Foley did well with this storyline in WWE between the Alliance and the main roster, and I am expecting this to be similar.

Also, about the Legends Championship. I am not sure about the logistics of this title, but I am a title belt fan, as all of you know, and the brief looks I have seen at this title, I got no problem with a new title being brought in to the promotion. Let’s see where they go with it.

I am going to try and catch saturday night’s replay of the Las Vegas Impact. If I am able to, I’ll be back with more TNA thoughts.

Now, as I was saying, shameless plug time.

This weekend will mark my third appearance on the Pro Wrestling Rewind radio show. “The Power” Andy Knowles and I will talk wrestling for, I hope, two hours come saturday night. The stream will be up on the web at wrestleview.com/rewind later in the weekend. I invite you guys to check it out. Go to the website page now to get an email address to send the Power some questions, and hopefully, I’ll get the chance to respond to your email questions, if you have them for me or Andy.

Ok, I’m done.