http://www.cheap-heat.com/a-history-of-surprise-appearances-by-the-phenom/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/a-history-of-surprise-appearances-by-the-phenom/#comments Wed, 22 Jul 2015 19:32:27 +0000
Mark Adam Haggerty
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http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=13107
The Undertaker recently returned to the WWE, and I figured it might be fun to take a tour of the Dead Man’s most prolific returns. Let’s start with his debut in 1990, and work our way to this past weekend at Battleground. Debut of the Dead Man – November 22, 1990 – Survivor Series Up […]
The Undertaker recently returned to the WWE, and I figured it might be fun to take a tour of the Dead Man’s most prolific returns. Let’s start with his debut in 1990, and work our way to this past weekend at Battleground.
Debut of the Dead Man – November 22, 1990 – Survivor Series
Up first we have the debut of the Dead Man! The WWE Universe met the Undertaker in the autumn of 1990 when he teamed with Ted DiBiase, Greg Valentine, and the Honky Tonk Man at the fourth annual Survivor Series.
Undertaker versus Undertaker – August 29, 1994 – Summerslam
The Undertaker was well on his way to a second world title when he challenged Yokozuna to a Casket Match at the Royal Rumble in 1994. But Yokozuna brought backup, and the Phenom was "buried" for more than half the year. When he returned, he battled a mirror image of himself—another Undertaker introduced by Ted DiBiase.
The American Badass – May 22, 2000 – Judgement Day
The Undertaker hasn't missed many Wrestlemania's since debuting in 1990, but he was absent for �Mania 2000. He left the WWE due to injury while he was still the Leader of the "Ministry of Darkness." When he returned to television in the Spring of 2000, he was a completely different character. "The American Badass" was born.
Return of the Phenom – March 14, 2004 – Wrestlemania XX
The �Taker continued to wear blue jeans and bandanas for several years, until he was once again buried—this time by WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. The American Badass disappeared, and the Phenom resurfaced in time to wrestle his "Baby Brother Kane" at Wrestlemania XX.
Retribution for Randy Orton – November 27, 2005 – Survivor Series
The Undertaker goes away and comes back quite frequently, so it's hard to decide what's worth including. After defeating the "Legend Killer" at WrestleMania 21, the Dead Man went about his own business, and subsequently faded from television. Later that year, he would return at a most inopportune time for Randy Orton.
It's Time to Play the Game – January 30, 2012 – Monday Night Raw
Nowadays Wrestlemania season almost always includes a surprise return from the Undertaker. One of the most memorable also included the "Proprietor of People Power," Johnny "Ace" Laurenitis. Note: There are better quality videos of this moment available, but they're literally 20 minutes long.
Revenge of the �Taker – July 19, 2015 – Battleground
The Undertaker made yet another surprise return this past weekend at Battleground, when he attacked Brock Lesnar with a vengeance, and thus costing him the WWE world heavyweight title.
http://www.cheap-heat.com/7-potential-superstars-tna-on-nxt/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/7-potential-superstars-tna-on-nxt/#comments Mon, 20 Jul 2015 19:30:52 +0000
Mark Adam Haggerty
Blogs
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Bram
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Rockstar Spud
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The Revolution
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http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=13045
The word broke several months back that Impact Wrestling might cease to be come September, an ironic twist for a company branded as "Total Nonstop Action." I remember reading a billion blog posts about who the WWE might pick up once TNA has gone the way of so many other promotions. At the time, it […]
The word broke several months back that Impact Wrestling might cease to be come September, an ironic twist for a company branded as "
Total Nonstop Action."
I remember reading a billion blog posts about who the WWE might pick up once TNA has gone the way of so many other promotions. At the time, it seemed premature, especially with the immediate future of NXT in question. If you'll remember, Kevin Owens has only recently made an impact—no pun intended—on the WWE's main roster. Before Neville, there were questions as to how an NXT wrestler might successfully transition into a
WWE Superstar
, but now the WWE appears to be an ever evolving entity. We're going to see Tyler Breeze versus
JUSHIN THUNDER LIGER,
for crying out loud! Now that NXT is touring the country, and set to debut in New York City, it would seem that
anybody
worth marketing is a possible prospect for the hottest promotion in professional wrestling. I read down the roster and came up with seven guys I could
honestly
see in NXT.
Jessie Godderz
Before he was one half of the Bro-Mans, "Mr. Pectacular" was a Big Brother contestant. He proved to be so popular that he returned for a second season, and was eventually signed by TNA. Now, I know that sounds shady. Where's the wrestling come into play with this guy? Well—it doesn't. Didn't I say I was going to keep this list honest? In addition to recognizable independent talent, the WWE likes to stack its developmental system with potential superstars from various walks of life. You have your power lifters like Dana Brooke, the football players like Baron Corbin, and even soccer players like Hugo Knox. Every once in a while you'll also get a few actors, a couple stunt men, and yes—male models. Jessie has a great look in terms of what Vince likes to see, and his character work within TNA since turning on his partner Robbie E has been acceptable.
Kenny King
Kenny King is 33-years old and is the oldest person on this list. The WWE isn't looking to sign talent over 30 unless there's money to be made on their name. Samoa Joe would have never been signed if he hadn't made such a lasting impression on the
sport
of professional wrestling. Kenny King might not be a household name but he's made his rounds in the last thirteen years, working with companies like Ring of Honor and Full Impact Pro. In fact, Kenny King's foray into the industry began in 2002 as a second season cast member on
Tough Enough.
Kenny King might be a long-shot, but a
try-out
shouldn't be out of the question.
Rockstar Spud
Rockstar Spud is unlike anyone the WWE has ever hired. Daniel Bryan is often considered one of the smaller-statured Superstars in the WWE, and he stands just shy of 5'10". Rockstar Spud is 5'4", and weighs a whopping 140 pounds. Despite his size, Spud has proven his worth inside the squared circle—and the
six sided ring!
The subtle choices he's made since turning babyface are spectacular, but they're nothing compared to the exaggerated lunacy he exuded while working with EC3 and Dixie Carter. Sami Zayn might one day get called up to the main roster, and when that day comes, NXT will need a new underdog.
Mahabali Shera
When Rey and Alberto left WWE, everyone shouted to the high heavens about how there needs a new Mexican wrestler. Now that Kevin Owens is coming into focus on the main roster, people are nitpicking about the lack of marketable
Canadian
Superstars. It's clear the WWE likes to have an assortment of multicultural talents to help sell tickets both in the �States and abroad. The Great Khali was India's most recent
homegrown
representative—all due respect to Jindar Mahal. According to a recent episode of "Talk is Jericho," Pro Wrestling and Cricket are the two most popular sports in India. Mahabali Shera was part of Jeff Jarrett's Ring Ka King, and has since been rechristened "Khoya" on Impact. He's not a great wrestler, but that's what the performance center is there for. Plus, he's 24-years old and he's got a barrel chest unlike any Indian athlete I've ever seen.
Robbie E
You'll notice there aren't any former WWE Superstars on this list. There are a handful of "developmental defects," but nobody that ever broke through to the main roster, or even television for that matter. No EC3? No EC3—
but
Robbie E! Robbie E is from my home state of New Jersey and actually trained with a few friends of mine. He was tag team partners with the "Chop Daddy" Biggie Biggs, and eventually got noticed enough to become a longtime fixture on the TNA roster. I have a soft spot for Robbie E, but I also feel that—just like Jessie Godderz—he's coming into his own since the break-up. Robbie plays a perfectly believable sympathetic babyface, and has flipped the script on his character in just a matter of weeks.
Bram
I think it's only a matter of time before we see Bram in the WWE. I want to say that right here and now. Let's look at the facts, and not bury the lead: he's married to Charlotte, one of the newest WWE Divas, who just so happens to be the daughter of the only
two time
WWE Hall of Famer, Ric Flair. He's got the size and look of a WWE Superstar; he's six-foot-three and has long greasy hair. Bram gave it a go in WWE developmental back in 2010, and found certain success as a tag team competitor, until a few run-ins with police landed him in hot water. Bram is only 28—in fact he's just about one month older than I am, so I feel like I can accurately gauge his temperament when this all went down in 2011. I'm not making an excuses for his behavior—that you can research on your own—I'm just saying people grow up. And if he's good enough for Charlotte and the "Nature Boy," I'm certain he's good enough for Triple H.
The American Wolves
Coming in at number one, we have a tandem, a twosome, and the current TNA World tag team champions, the
American
Wolves. Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards are both celebrated professional wrestlers, both in singles, and tag team action. It's sort of a cop out, listing them as one entry, but they are—
for my money—
the most desirable act left in TNA. Think about it. Who's still there? Austin Aries is gone, otherwise A-Double might have been listed at or near the top. Bobby Roode has never proven to be a draw, neither has Magnus. And how many shows has Eric Young sold out? Triple H has said that he's willing to sign anyone that can get over and has
gotten
over in other promotions. Everyone I've listed has gotten over in some way or another, whether it was in TNA, or as part of Ring of Honor, or even Ring Ka King. They're 31 and 32 years old respectfully, and according to William Regal's interview with
Fighting Spirit
: "Wrestlers only start to get really good when they're around thirty, thirty one." As singles' competitors, Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards are
both
former ROH World Champions; Eddie Edwards holds the record for 13
th
longest title reign, whereas Davey is seventh with 321 days. But the WWE shouldn't discount the �Wolves value as a team. It's become clear that NXT—and the main roster for that matter—is sorely lacking in tag team talent. Securing someone like the American Wolves could not only jumpstart that division once and for all, but inspire
other
accredited teams to give it a go down at Full Sail University.
http://www.cheap-heat.com/highlight-of-the-night-top-five-moments-from-raw/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/highlight-of-the-night-top-five-moments-from-raw/#comments Tue, 23 Jun 2015 17:59:49 +0000
Mark Adam Haggerty
Reviews
Adam Rose
Brock Lesnar
Dolph Ziggler
John Cena
Kevin Owens
Michael Cole
Monday Night RAW
RAW
Roman Reigns
Seth Rollins
Triple H
wrestling
WWE
Wwe Raw
http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=12569
Ladies and Gentlemen good evening! You've seen that seeing is believing—remember that? The Saliva joint that adorned Wrestlemania 23? One of my favorites, without a doubt. What's crack-a-lacking today? It's your boy Mark Adam Haggerty, coming to you from the EAST COAST for the first time uh—EVER! Granted I lived here for the first 23 […]
Ladies and Gentlemen good evening! You've seen that seeing is believing—remember that? The Saliva joint that adorned Wrestlemania 23? One of my favorites, without a doubt. What's crack-a-lacking today? It's your boy Mark Adam Haggerty, coming to you from the EAST COAST for the first time uh—EVER! Granted I lived here for the first 23 years old my life, but since starting with Cheap Heat and Daily Wrestling News, I've been a West Coast Kid. I'm in New Jersey, to be specific—staying in my parents' house—and had the chance to watch Monday Night Raw with a high school buddy. He helped me decide on the top five moments of this week's episode of Raw, so without further ado, let's kick this bitch into top gear!
5. Dolph Ziggler versus Adam Rose
Believe it or not, I was pretty happy with the interaction between Dolph Ziggler and Adam Rose this week. I've never been a huge fan of either individual, but really enjoy the darker edge Adam Rose seems to be walking along in recent memory. My friend asked me: "Wait—did they mix Adam Rose up with Fandango? Why is Rosa Mendez out there?" For those who might not remember, Rosa Mendez officially joined up with Adam Rose in favor of Fandango several weeks (months?) ago, when Fandango turned heel. Adam Rose's mustache was on point tonight, as was his promo about "true love." When he kissed Rosa, there was an absolutely disgusting trail of spit leading from Rosa's mouth to Adam's. True love at its finest! Now, the match was what it was—but I can't fault either man for his work ethic between the ropes. I might not like Dolph Ziggler, but he's a hell of a hand, and Adam Rose seems to finally be coming into his own as part of the main roster. Dolph inevitably gets the victory over the perpetual party animal, and then convinces Lana to take her hair down. I guess that solidifies her turn from the dark side? A skippable match, but when hard pressed to name five moments, I'm inclined to include this segment.
4. Brock Lesnar's Apology
Brock Lesnar returned to WWE last week and when he did, Michael Cole's reaction was uh, non existent? He dropped a classic—or VINTAGE—Michael Cole: "Oh My," but didn't make mention of the fact that Brock F5'd him into a lawsuit the night after Wrestlemania. I had a sour taste in my mouth about Brock's acclimation to the main roster following a 3 month sabbatical, as nothing was mentioned about the Michael Cole situation. That changed this week, probably after assholes like me tweeted Cole about it, when Brock Lesnar was forced to come out and apologize to the announce team. It was obviously against his will, but it gave me closure on a subject that's been irking me to no end over the past several weeks.
3. Kofi Kingston versus Adrian Neville
I had to start Raw a little late, and then went back through my DVR to catch up on the rest of the show. I thought this was probably the best match of the night, involving two breakout superstars in singles action, but that's not to say the New Day weren't entirely entertaining at ringside. At one point Xavier Woods acquired a camera from the nearby photographer and took a series of action shots featuring Kofi's dominance over Adrian. As we were watching, my buddy goes: "He's going to miss that Red Arrow one of these days." Well, it wasn't today! The referee ended up ejecting the New Day from ringside, allowing Adrian the chance to hit the Red Arrow for the victory. Adrian Neville is on fire and I just hope he saunters down Seth Rollins Street instead of Evan Bourne Boulevard.
2. Seth Rollins Gets the Band Back Together
Seth Rollins is set to wrestle Brock Lesnar at Battleground in just about one month, and it's clear that the current world champion is beginning to worry about the "Beast." He approached Triple H and Stephanie, requesting the help of the Authority, but Triple H needed more than pure groveling. He told Seth that if he wants to get the support of his former "family," then he'd need to say the three little words they're all waiting to hear: "I am sorry." Seth appealed to Kane, Joey Mercury, and Jamie Noble, but they opted NOT be befriend their former ally. That's when Brock appeared. The Authority left Seth alone in the ring with Brock—but only for a moment. Kane hit the ring and yanked Brock off the apron; J and J Security sprang into action and put the boots to the former champion, but it wasn't enough to keep Brock from reaching Seth Rollins. He made it back into the ring, but Kane and J and J returned. Kane chokeslammed Brock and Seth delivered what might have been the WORST pedigree in the history of wrestling. When the dust settled, Brock was no longer located in Suplex City, but on his back. The champion stood above the former champion holding the belt high in the air. Can Seth Rollins beat Brock Lesnar in one on one competition, or will Brock become champion once more? We'll find out at Battleground in July!
1. Kevin Owens and John Cena Speak French (And Chinese)
If Kevin Owens and John Cena are doing something together on Monday Night Raw, you better bet your bottom dollar that they'll secure the number one spot of the night. This week Cena came out to sell rally towels and t-shirts, oh and that fly ball cap. I like that one, to be honest. The yellow stitching is pretty rad, if I do say so myself. John came out and gave a whole speech about how Kevin Owens beat him, but the war is far from over. That's when the current NXT champion made an appearance. He told John that since the United States title means to much to him—he wants it. Kevin Owens wants the United States Championship because it's important to John Cena, and for no other reason. He then went on to tell the fans that he'd do something to ensure the fans would boo him and cheer Cena. He proceeded to give the rest of his promo in his native French-Canadian tongue. The fans booed, of course, because who
doesn't
hate the French? But Cena wasn't beat for that bullshit; John came back with a little French of his own, and then went on to break it down for Kevin Owens in CHINESE! When all was said and done, John Cena told Kevin Owens that if he wants some, to come get some—in what he referred to as "Good old Indianapolis Americana." Which for the record, is known to the rest of the world as ENGLISH. Very powerful, and exceptionally fresh with Kevin Owens using his knowledge of another language to earn heat from a number of fans that'd otherwise cheer him.
Until next time, please LIKE "The B+ Players Podcast" on
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http://www.cheap-heat.com/thinksojoes-thoughts-making-wwe-better/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/thinksojoes-thoughts-making-wwe-better/#comments Wed, 05 Nov 2014 05:34:04 +0000
bored wrestling fan
Blogs
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First Niagara Center
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North Tonawanda
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http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=6051
This post originally appears on BoredWrestlingFan.com Last night, yours truly was at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, attendingВ a live broadcast of the flagship show of the biggest wrestling company on the planet – and my wife was falling asleep from boredom. В I’m surprised I wasn’t as well. That’s not to say that WWE RAW […]
Last night, yours truly was at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, attendingВ a live broadcast of the flagship show of the biggest wrestling company on the planet – and my wife was falling asleep from boredom. В I’m surprised I wasn’t as well.
That’s not to say that WWE RAW wasВ
bad
last night. В At least, not compared to most other weeks. В The problem isn’t that RAW was boring last night. В It’s that RAW is boringВ
every
week.
So how do we fix this?
The one thing my wife kept saying to me last night is that three hours is too long. В As I sat there in section 226, row 5, seat 12, I agreed with her. В But as I thought about it more through the night and into the morning, I realize that the length of the showВ
can’t
be the problem. В Every couple of months or so, I head out to watch my local indie promotion, Empire State Wrestling. В This tiny wrestling company based in North Tonawanda, NY regularly puts on three hour shows, and we’re regularly entertained from the opening bell of the undercard to the time the bell rings to end the main event.
So why can ESW entertain me for three straight hours, while WWE can’t?
Enter into my argument the WWE Network. В At any given time, I can watch episodes of RAW from the Attitude Era, and for two solid hours, I’m entertained. В Why? В WhatВ do those old episodes of RAW and ESW have that modern episodes of Monday Night RAW don’t?
The answer is simple, really. В They have an undercardВ that they’ve allowed people to care about. В Back in 1999, there was nobody on the show that didn’t have some kind of story going on. В The titles were defended on a regular basis, and you believed thatВ anybody on the roster could win a match on any given night. В That’s true of Attitude Era RAW, and it’s true of ESW (and your local indie too, I’d imagine).
Last night, Heath Slater and Curtis Axel had matchesВ on the Superstars taping. В Titus O’Neil and Zack Ryder both had matches on RAW. В Not for a second did I expectВ
any
of them to win their matches. В And they all lost. В The exception to that rule, of course, was Tyson Kidd beating Sheamus by count out. В And even then, he got a Brogue Kick for his trouble.
The factВ is, it’s hard to care about guys like those. В Guys who lose all the time, and still wind up lying in a heap in the middle of the ring when theyВ
do
win. В I’m a huge Heath Slater fan, but I can’t find a reason to cheer for the guy when I know WWE is going to job him out anyway.
The era of the Barry Horowitzes, Barry Hardys, Duane Gills and Brooklyn Brawlers was the 80’s and early 90’s. В That’s the past. В I want to see a match where I know both guys have a chance to win. В If I were tasked to fix WWEВ
right now
and make RAW enjoyable for three hours again, I would start by taking undercard guys like Slater, Axel, O’Neil, Ryder, Kidd, Justin Gabriel, Adam Rose, and the other guys you don’t expect to win, and give them matches amongst each other. В Midcard guys like Sheamus, Cesaro, Dolph Ziggler, Erick Rowan, Luke Harper, Rusev – those are my guys who are competing with each otherВ for theВ
chance
to challenge for the Intercontinental or United States Championships. В I would want my audience to believe that any superstar has a chance to win any given match. В Occasionally you have a main eventer wrestle an undercard guy with no shot at winning as a tune-up match or something, but for the most part they stay away from one another.
Is it a perfect solution? В Probably not,В but at least I’m trying to think of a way to make the undercard matter to fans. В WWE needs to do that. В But for now, I’ll stay confident in knowing that I’ll pay far less money for far better seats and actually be entertained for a full three hours on Saturday, November 22nd when I attend
ESW WrestleBash
in Lockport, NY.
