The Headliner - Volume One
Posted by TWV Guest Columnists
on 01/17/2007
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Guest Column By David Slade
Welcome all to the debut edition of The Headliner. I hope you find my writing to be thought provoking, opinionated, and fun-filled. Don't take all things personal mentioned here as it doesn't affect you (the reader) directly. It may not go hand-in-hand with your opinion, but it's not your opinion that we're writing here, now is it?
Anyway, I didn't want to necessarily start off the column this way, but because it is that time of year, I felt it was only right. I am going to list what the title says: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Please offer feedback as to any things I may have missed or that you agree or disagree with. You'll also find predictions for 2007 and other "mentionables" regarding 2006. With that out of the way, let's get crackin'.
The Good
John Cena Vs. Edge
This rivalry started all the way back at New Year's Revolution and continued all year long. These two have great in-ring chemistry and wrestled some of the best matches of the year. Regardless of how many times they squared off, the matches weren't boring or old – pure entertainment.
WWE Unforgiven 2006
Man, this pay-per-view surprised the heck out of me. For budget reasons, I am usually limited to ordering just the big 4 PPVs, but something told me to get Unforgiven. The card was stacked and I was definitely pleased afterward. The Hell In A Cell between the McMahons and DX was well played and the John Cena/Edge title match proved nothing short of spectacular. If WWE would book all of their "smaller" pay-per-views similar to this one, their buy rates would go through the roof by word of mouth alone.
Edge Vs. Mick Foley - WrestleMania 22
I will never forget the moment I saw Edge spear Mick Foley and land on a table that was caught on fire. You could see the toll it took on each wrestler afterward, but it was WrestleMania – time to pull out all the guns. This match kept my interest from start to finish and I applaud both men for giving me my WrestleMania moment of the year.
Mr. McMahon
While you can't stand him, every time you heard his music hit, you knew something was about to happen. The Chairman wouldn't just come out and waste his time. He would either have harsh words for someone, have someone kiss his ass, or start a war and any war with the McMahons works for me.
Vince Russo Hired For TNA
I have already seen a change in their product and can only anticipate better things for this struggling newcomer organization for 2007. They have tons of potential; it's how they handle it that will determine their success.
WWE Community Relations
The WWE does a great service each year with many of their Community Relations projects. From Tribute to the Troops to SmackDown! your Vote, they handle themselves like professional business corporations and give back to the community.
Kevin Federline
Wait! Don't shoot me yet – hear me out. I can't stand this scumbag more than the next guy. But the reason why he is considered "good" is because it's a major publicity stint for WWE – and it's working. They are on CNN, the Today Show (although not for Kevin "Don't-Call-Me-K-Fed" Federline), and are getting mainstream publicity. And it's not
bad publicity like they're used to. Very brilliant in picking Federline to do this. He's cheap and well known. I just hope that was the end of the piece of trash though.
The Bad
Larry Zybysko
Period. This "living legend" had absolutely no business being in TNA this past year. His "match" with Eric Young was just plain ridiculous and then he got his head shaved and walked around with a wig. And it was obvious that he was no authority figure in TNA. Good riddance, my friend!
Mick Foley
Mick Foley had an interesting year and all of it took place before summer. He not only battled it out with Ric Flair and Edge hardcore style, but he was also fired – be Melina! Who the hell is she to fire anyone?! Then to award you and Edge co-Hardcore Champions because of your above listed WrestleMania match, now you are just looking for reason to stick around.
WWE Women's Division
Trish retired. Lita "retired." That leaves Mickie James, Victoria, and a bunch of top-heavy bimbos that can barely pull each other by the hair (albeit, very sexy while doing so). This division is in trouble and will need a star performance to keep interest going.
WWE Tag Team Division
Where did this division go? In spent the majority of 2006 with no major tag teams doing battle, instead teaming up stars to make them a team. While London & Kendrick held their own, they really faced no major competition until a month or so ago. However, with the World's Greatest Tag Team, Rated RKO, DX, Cryme Time, MNM, the Hardy, and others, this division looks like it might pick up in 2007.
D-Generation X
They just can't do it like they used to. HBK doesn't want to be as crude and vulgar as the previous DX and HHH's jokes are a little stale. However, the fans still like them regardless, but the pay dirt isn't as big this time around.
Roster Switches
Are they a RAW star, SmackDown! star, or ECW extremist? It's hard to tell anymore with these stars jumping ship to each show whether it be to boost ratings, promote a Pay-Per-View, or to add continuity to the story. We saw many on the other programs that really did nothing for either the ratings or the PPV buy rate.
Voodoo Kin Mafia
Are you kidding me?! Are BG & Kip (which really should be RIP instead) so bitter that they can't go back to the big moneymaker that they live out this horrendous story? It's obvious why they are no longer welcome in WWE or DX. Why
should Vince accept your challenge? To get buy rates for your PPVs? He's not that stupid and wouldn't subject himself or his money for your pleasure. Get a life, VKM (and I'm not talking McMahon either).
Eddie Guerrero's Legacy
Please, let the man rest! If all you have to give Chavo Guerrero is this story, then please release him and let's all move on with our lives.
The Ugly
ECW
Admit it – you were stoked when Vinnie Mac said that he was resurrecting ECW and it was about to be extreme. Seeing Paul Heyman come out on RAW made it seem true to life. One Night Stand 2 happened and all was good. The fans were loving it. Things were "extreme" and it wasn't the same old, same old they had been seeing from Vince for years. But then something happened. Here's what I think it is: Paul Heyman lost his ECW power. Vince doesn't want things all extreme for liability reasons and the physical wear and tear it does to their "extremists," but what do the fans want? They want things all extreme – after all it
is called
Extreme Championship Wrestling. ECW on Sci-Fi is one of the least favored shows and I do feel that it will pick up in 2007 and not be so humdrum, but right now, ECW has lost its fuel and might as well be called Little SmackDown!
Big Dick Johnson
Enough said. If he never came out and danced in a thong again, it would be too soon.
December To Dismember
This PPV for ECW was just a disaster! With only 2 matches announced prior to the PPV, fans were going in blind. It was held in Augusta, GA and as someone who lives about 25 miles from there, I can tell you that the arena (the James Brown Arena) will do
nothing to promote any events there (they're lazy) and people from Augusta are cheap. I didn't order or go to the PPV because I didn't think it would be that impressive and I was right. Many fans list this as the PPV disappointment of the year.
The Great Khali
This monster is anything but. He's scary to look at but can barely move in the ring besides a chokeslam. He's best left off of every roster and never to be heard from again.
10 Stars to Look Out for in 2007:
Johnny Nitro
CM Punk
Test
AJ Styles
Monty Brown
Austin Starr
Kenny Dykstra
Robert Roode
Sylvan
Mr. Kennedy
Star Of 2006: John Cena
While Edge was a very close second, John Cena had a great year. He regained his championship, had fans booing and cheering for him simultaneously, and maintained a helluva feud with Edge over this past year. Runner-up: Edge.
Breakout Star Of 2006: Samoa Joe
Love him or hate him, this man can battle. He intrigues every fan for every match and has proven that he can swing with the best. He is definitely talent potential for WWE, but is needed in TNA as their star performer. Runner-Up: Johnny Nitro.
Tag Team Of 2006: Paul London & Brian Kendrick They have continued their championship reign and have excited fans during their matches. They remind me of a more rookie version of the Hardy Boys and we all know the exciting matches that came from them. Runners-Up: Kane & Big Show.
We Will Miss You: Trish Stratus, Lita, & Big Show
Trish & Lita left the other Divas and were always 100% in their matches. Big Show (love him or hate him) was really a monster to contend with and will be sorely missed.
Most Improved In 2006: Mr. Kennedy
He's got the mike skills, has proven he can duke it out with greatness (the Undertaker), and is on his way to stardom. Do I see a rivalry between he and Stone Cold in the future? Runner-Up: Abyss.
Most Underused In 2006: Shelton Benjamin
The guy's got skill, we all know that. But I think his backstage attitude has something to do with his lack of air time. I think the WWE is listening and we should be seeing more of him in 2007. Runner-Up: Sandman.
Most Overused In 2006: Umaga
The Samoan Bulldozer has been booked as unstoppable and is now main eventing. I think it's too soon as he has talent but is missing something. I'm curious to see what he does for next year. Runner-Up: Test.
Smokin' Hot In '06: John Cena & Candice Michelle
These two have men and women all over drooling to get a look at them. Imagine the chemistry if they paired up as on screen duo. Runners-Up: Randy Orton & Torrie Wilson.
Diva Of 2006: Trish Stratus
Not everyone can retire with the Women's Championship. Trish not only looked good, but could actually wrestle and entertained us through many o' match. Best of luck to Trish and we hope she comes back soon.
My 2007 Hall of Fame Inductee Choices:
These are choices that I think
should be inducted, not who will be.
Ted DiBiase
Miss Elizabeth
Legion Of Doom
Howard Finkel
Ricky Steamboat
Paul Bearer
Brother Love
Send feedback to
davewwe@yahoo.com.
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