Tossing Salt...

Thirty Days of Dougie - Part 2: James Dean

2013-01-20T07:39:00.000-05:00

Thirty Days Of Dougie - Day 2 January 4, 2013 Well, I'm tired, I'm frustrated, I'm annoyed and I'm hurt. I really do not want to do this thing (and it's only day 2 of 30 - gads!). But I made a committment to myself and my millions (and millions) of Peeps that I would write each and every day. Bleh! So here I am, ready to reach into the box and draw out a random subject and just cut loose for about twenty-five / thirty minutes and see what comes up. Before I find out what my topic for today is, do you want me to do a short rant about what's on my mind? It's about feeling as if I'm being taken for granted far too often. It's about frustration in a strange situation. It's about wanting what once was instead of what now is and not being able to do a damn thing about it. Yeah, I'm intentionally being vague because even though I want to rant and talk about this, this isn't the time nor the place. I just need to suck it up and deal with it. Let's go reach into the magic box and find out what "Day 2" will be all about. So here we go... And the topic for today is... "James Dean". So what can I say about this legendary actor who only made three movies, but left a legend and legacy that will never be matched? He was, from all accounts, moody and manipulative, highly intelligent, but always searching for that missing piece of the puzzle. And based on the three movies he did make before dying in a car accident, he was one helluva great actor who could capture a character and role and become that person. He was real. Let's just take a quick look at the three movies that James Dean did star in. I have all three in my video library and would recommend them to anyone who wants to kill an hour or two and just be thoroughly taken in and exposed to the magic. Movie 1 - East of Eden: Based on the classic novel by John Steinbeck, this movie was about Cal (played by Dean) and his efforts to connect with the cold and distant father. Dean really made an impact, playing the "bad son" who just can't seem to get it right but finds redemption in the end as he becomes his father's keeper and confident. There's far more to the movie than that, but I'm not going into all of that here. Just watch the movie and you'll understand why America instantly was awed by and fell in love with James Dean from the very beginning. Movie 2 - Rebel Without A Cause: This is the movie that everyone thinks about when they think of James Dean. The picture of Dean, playing the character of Jim Stark, wearing that red jacket, smoking a cigarette, is legendary and engrained in the minds of all of us. It's just a great movie that's a bit simplistic in it's handling of several issues (abandonment, anti-social behavior, estrangment from parents, etc), but in the end, it works and Dean, Natalie Wood and Sal Mineo (who is in my opinion, the strongest and best character in this movie) end up creating their own little dysfuntional family. And then Plato is killed. I hate cops! But it's a great movie and one that I would strongly recommend for everyone. Movie 3 - Giant: This is a long-ass movie. I think it runs like almost three hours, maybe longer. It's got an interesting story and watching James Dean, Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor age throughout the movie, going from twenty-somethings to old people is pretty cool. The movie is good at the beginning and James Dean really steals the show towards the end as "Jett", the ranch-hand turned oil billionaire, in the end. He's a great actor and plays the role to the max. The middle part of the movie is kind of bleh though and when I do watch it (rarely because it is so damn long), I just fast forward through that part. If you've got some spare time and are a fan of Dean's, Taylor's, or Hudson's (and look for a brief spot by Sal Mineo - if you blink, you'll miss it)... watch this movie. It's a great example of bigger is not always better. They made it too long, but the antics of Dean's character more than make up for the slow parts. And I guess that's it for me. That's not really all that much about James Dean, but more just some talk about the movies, but it's all I really have time for right now. I have Facebook pages to skim, phone calls to return, laundry to do and a nap to take, so let's close this up. James Dean is one of the most iconic and recognizable actors in American history. He only made three movies, but they were all stand-outs and fun to watch. James Dean lived the motto "Live fast and die young" and that's exactly what he did. He died far too soon before the potential and magic could really tapped to the max. But his legacy lives on and he will forever be the symbol of that rebellious spirit in all of us. He's truly then, now and forever the ultimate rebel without a cause. And so ends Day 2? Will I make it through the next 28 days? Will these get better? Just stick around and we'll all find out together, right? While you're waiting for the next installment of the "30 Days of Dougie" series, go check out this video that my main nigga, K-Mak made last night. You can see it right here: http://youtu.be/OcECxuYhQA4. The boy just ain't right, but that's why he's the InFamous K-Mak. (I hope that link works... lol) Ok, just cut and paste it in the browser or go to my Facebook page and find the link. It's there and you will definitely LMFAO! Just saying. And with that, I am down and out. See you tomorrow. Ubuntu!

Thirty Days of Dougie - Part 1: The Job

2013-01-20T07:37:00.001-05:00

And it's time for the madness to begin. It's "Thirty Days of Dougie: Day 1" and I'm ready to get this bad mama-jama started. What? You didn't get the memo? Well, let me explain exactly what this is all about. I used to write quite frequently. It was wrestling columns, short stories, surveys, rants and raves, recipes, etc... etc. It didn't matter what the topic was - I would write about it. And all was good with the world. And then I got lazy. My mojo got mojo'ed out and the magick went away. And now, it's time to get that mojo and magick back. So what I'm doing is essentially jumping back into the game head first and am going to attempt to once more be the most eclectic (and InFamous - ain't that right K-Mak?) writer / blogger / commentator on the block. I'm back!! And what's the "Thirty Days of Dougie?", you ask. Well, I've got a small box full of several hundred pieces of paper. And on each paper is a word or words with a topic. And completely at random, I will reach into the box each day and pull out one of these small pieces of paper. And whatever that topic is, that's what I'm going to write about. And I'm going to do this every day for the next thirty days and see what we end up with. Hopefully, it won't be too awful... lol. And now that I've explained exactly what I'm doing, it's time to quit with the procrastination and get to stepping. So let's reach into the box and see what topic I'm going to be talking about today. And here we go. The topic is... "The Job". Okay, I can easily do this one. So let's begin... Thirty Days of Dougie: Day 1 - "The Job" January 3, 2013 First questin has to be, "what job are they talking about?". Is it my "pay the bills" job, my "volunteer" job, my "I do it because it keeps me sane" job, my "dream / fantasy" job, or maybe it's talking about something dirty like a... Ok, I'm not even going to go there. It just says "my job" so I guess that means I can take it anywhere I choose to. What fun. So let's just tackle all of the possibilities. My "Pay The Bills" job: This is the one that takes up most of the time and makes the rest of them possible. And for me, it's playing cash-register monkey / peon at your friendly neighborhood convenient store. Yeppers, I'm the one who takes your money when you buy those cigarettes and taters and tries to be friendly (most of the time) when you're too busy talking to your friends and on that damn cell phone to even acknowledge my presence (unless I screw something up. That, you notice). It's a pie-job that requires few skills pays badly and has no future. And I've been doing it for over twenty-five years now. OUCH! "Why?", you ask, if its so bad, do I keep doing it? Well, it pays the bills, it's steady work and despite the B.S. and crap we constantly have to endure, I kind of like it. I like interacting with people and I like being in the middle of things. It's never boring and each and every customer is an experience in itself. Plus it's one of those things that you know will never get better, but it's not so bad it can't be tolerated. It's a rut and I'm in it and for the time being, content about it. I've been joking, ever since day 1 of working in these stores (Day 1 was with Jimmy Lee at the old Convenient Food Mart - loved that place!) that one day I was going to grow up and get a real job. Well, that was in 1987 and twenty-six years later, I still haven't gotten that "real job". Watch the movie "Clerks". I am Dante. I am Randall. I am Jay and Silent Bob. (Well, maybe not Jay... lol). I'm a convenient store clerk. That's what I do. And the beat goes on. So that brings up to my "volunteer job", which is to say that I help out at a local Food Bank. I used to mainly work on the inside of the operation during distribution day, but as of late, my "PTB Job" work schedule, plus my dislike of mornings, has hampered that part of my role with the company. Now I'm primarily the "Food Lion" guy which is to say that I'm the liason with the local grocery store and handle the pick-up and transportation for the food items that Food Lion donates to us each week. Plus I still make the occasional appearance at the Food Bank on distribution days and handle the client listings / paperwork. I need to get busy and make a new master-list too. And I serve on the Board of Directors for the company too. Who would have ever thought that I, the same crazy-ass, homo-emo redneck clerk from the c-store would ever be involved in something of this nature, much less with such a major role in all of it. But I am. I was "volunteered" back over five years ago for one day after I just happened to decide to go the Food Bank with a friend. They were short of help and the director needed a volunteer and picked my friend and me. And I've been there ever since. I get tired and frustrated with this job sometimes, but I still enjoy it and that's what matters. And it's giving back a little bit to the community at large and to people that need help and I can't complain about that. They (Hope In Christ Ministeries) do some great work and I'm just honored that they allow me to be a part of their group and help out as I can. My "Do It Because It Keeps Me Sane" job? Well, that's the whole writing thing. I write short stories. I write wrestling columns, or at least I did until Wrestle-Zone UK folded after almost 12 glorious years of being the UK's #1 pro-wrestling and MMA site. I need to find a new home for the columns and start writing again. I just like to write and talk and ramble and go on and on and on and on. It's kind of odd because back in school, I hated english and I flunked the hell out of "creative writing". And look at me now. But the writing thing is what keeps me sane. It provides an outlet for my anger, my fears, my anxieties and all of that fun stuff. If I didn't write, I would surely end up being one of those crazy-ass serial killers we keep hearing about on the TV news. Or else a weatherman. That's almost as bad. I've never made any money off the writing thing (although I have gotten some free books, CD's, t-shirts and tickets to local wrestling events... not too shabby) and I can't really see doing this to pay the bills. But it's just as much a job as anything I do. And I love doing it. And finally, there's my "dream / fantasy" jobs. What do I want to do? Well, it all comes down to two main areas. Pro wrestling and writing (big surprise, right?). I want to find a way to make a living doing exactly what I'm doing now. Just sitting in front of this computer and letting the words flow from my head. And I would also love to be involved somehow in the creative side of a small wrestling company. I know I've got the knowledge, the mind, the talent for it. I just have to have the chance to do it. And eventually, I will either get that chance or else I'll just go back to booking fantasy wrestling as I did a few years ago with my own (awesome) version of WCW. I did it before and I can do it again... because I'm I'm the Maynard and I'm.... AWESOME! (Miz is calling his lawyer right now! Oops!) I'm going to end this now because I just looked at the clock and it's time to head out and get funky like a junkie monkey riding a donkey. Hey K-Mak, I'm coming home brutha! So that's the end of this particular blog. Comments welcome and appreciated. It's the end of "Day 1" - only 29 more to go... How am I doing thus far? Back tomorrow with "Day 2" of the "Thirty Days of Dougie". Thank you for reading and I'll catch you on the flip side. Ubuntu!

New Beginning: Thirty Days of Dougie

2013-01-20T07:35:00.002-05:00

Are you ready? I said "ARE YOU READY?"... because the new revolution is about to begin. Okay, maybe it's not all that, but starting tomorrow (Thursday), we begin a thirty day journey into the realms of insanity, dreams, hopes, wishes and whatever the heck else comes up. I'm talking about a project designed to get my lazy butt back into the writing game, as well as entertain, inform, annoy and just generally make you go "Hmmmmmm!". What am I talking about, you ask. Well, I decided to take a small box. And in that box are hundreds of small pieces of paper. And on each piece of paper is a word or two. And for the next thirty days, I will reach into that small box each day and withdraw one of these small scraps of paper. And whatever word is on that piece of scrap, that will the topic of the day and I'll write about it. It's "Thirty Days of Dougie!". All together now. "Yay!": I love to write, but as of the past few months, I've gotten extremely slacko. No short stories or fics. No wrestling columns. No political rants. Nothing! And that's just not right. Part of the reasons for my slackness was lack of internet. I had a computer, but no way to post anything. If I can't post and get some kind of feedback, then what's the whole point of writing, right? Plus my work schedule and social schedule. (I have a life... yay!) I work five days a week, do the Food Bank / volunteer thing 3-4 days a week and socialize with La Krew Familia at least two nights a week (because they're awesome and I love 'em!). So where is the time for writing? I used to do a whole lot more with a whole lot less free time, but I got older, got slacker and lazy. That just ain't cutting it anymore. So it's time to tighten up and get back in the game. Consider this an experiment to get rid of the ring rust and see if I'm still "the man!". I think I am, but I've got to quit the talking and do the walking and now, I am. So for the next month, get ready to laugh, cry, scratch your head a little bit, get angry or just go "eh!"... I'm back! It starts tomorrow so you have been warned. I want comments and feedback and if you have any ideas for topics to add to the box, let me know about those too. Nothing is off limits and I'm not planning on holding anything back. Dougie - real, raw and uncensored. Just consider the next 30 days my version of the CM Punk "Pipe Bomb"... Now it's time for a nap. Check back tomorrow for "Day 1". And let's get this party started. Whoo-hoo! Ubuntu!

Warming Up! I'm back!

2012-12-22T15:43:00.002-05:00

All righty then. I told myself that just as soon as I got the internet back up and running here at the house, I would immediately reassume my spot as professional wrestling's most eclectic columnist and the crazy-ass wannabe writer that you all have grown to know and love over the past ten or so years. So I get the internet back and am on the computer. And guess what? My mind has gone totally blank. I feel like James Stockdale at the 1988 Vice Presidential Debate. "Who am I? Why am I here?" I can't think of anything to write about. Oh vey! But then again, when have I ever let anything like that stop me before? Those of you who have read some of my columns / blogs of the past ("Tossing Salt - Worldwide News", "Tiger Tales", "Six Minutes", etc) all know well that just because I don't have anything going on in my head, I won't let that stop me. Damn, that doesn't sound very good, does it? So where shall I begin on my random rant of anything, everything and nothing at all? How about just some observations and commentary of the past few months and all that has happened since I've been "away". Does that sound like a plan? Okey-doke. Let's do this. We had a political election and President Obama got re-elected. Am I happy about that? Not at all. In my opinion, the current President is arguably the worst President in our country's history and is only going to make things even more bad that they are right now. Look at the unemployment numbers. Look at the gas prices and the costs of everything in general. Look at the national debt which he has almost tripled since taking office. If Obama was the CEO of any major corporation and had a job perfomance like he's had as the President of the United States, he would have been out on his butt and terminated long ago. But this is a country where the Presidency is a popularity contest and whoever can play to the cameras and media generally wins out over who can actually do the better job. Mitt Romney was a bad candidiate for the Republicans. And he lost. It's that simple. I don't like it, but I'm living with it and life goes on. Maybe the President will surprise me and things will get better. I don't have much faith or confidence in the man or his policies, but we have to live with the choices that this country made and we'll survive. The world was supposed to end yesterday according to the Mayan calendar. It didn't. We're still here. I guess that means I need to get started on my Christmas shopping, right? Only two more shopping days. Yay! And yes, I do say "Merry Christmas!"... because that's what it is. To heck with political correctness and if anyone doesn't like it, kiss my mistletoe. I could comment on wrestling and the current state of the WWE, but surprisingly, I haven't watched an entire episode of RAW or Smackdown in almost three months and am way, way behind on the happenings and activities of the WWE Universe. I hate that nickname by the way. I know that CM Punk is still the WWE Champion (and the best in the world) and that Miz is "awesome" and that Paul Heyman's bald spot is getting bigger. I also heard that (Woooooooooo!) Ric Flair was back on RAW this past week at the Slammys show. And all of that is well and good, but I need to catch up on things before I start doing too much about the world's greatest sport. We had a DVR installed yesterday when I got my internet restored so I'll be able to watch RAW, Smackdown and Impact Wrestling again (despite my store manager's best efforts to make me work like a toddler from Tibet in a sweatshop) and the commentaries and wrestling style rants will resume soon. Count on that. Big shout out to La Krew Familia... Ya'll are my family as much as the blood-related folks are (more so in many ways) and I love ya'll big tyme... even if ya'll are a bunch of Infamous scoundrals sometimes... lol And to "T" and "Brother Greg" and the past and present "Stoneys" - you know who you are... lol. My "real family"... <3 We're just a few days away from Christmas. Only two more shopping days to go. I already mentioned that, didn't I? It really hasn't felt that much like Christmas this year or even like any kind of holiday. Usually, I'm really good about sending out Christmas cards, but to be honest, I haven't even sent out a single card yet this year or even decorated anything. I'm just not feeling it this year. I bought a card to send to the man I love and want to spend my life with, but can't be with (yes, that drama continues and I still love him with all my heart and soul) and I've got to buy a present (a gift card) for someone at work who's name I drew, but aside from that... BLAH! I'm trying to get into the spirit and I'll be going to Wal-Mart in tomorrow probably in the AM to find something for Ma and Kayden (love that lil' boy!), but it's just not happening this year. I'm trying, but... I do have a quick little memory to share though. This was 1988 I believe and I was living on my own at Briarwood Apartments. Apt. 50. And my roomie at the time was a very awesome young man named Jack Carter. I haven't talked to Jack in a while even though we're friends on Facebook. I think about him often though and miss those days. He was (and is) one of the most unique and incredible person's that I've ever known. Anyhow, that year, I was working at Convenient Food Mart (Jimmy Lee's) and we had this big old live tree in our apartment that we had picked up somewhere (don't ask). And money was tight. We had to pay rent, buy beer, eat, buy beer, etc. So we decorated up the tree with the available resources. Fake snow and Natural Light cans. And guess what? It looked incredible. I wish we had taken pictures of that tree. I wish we had taken more pictures back in those days anyhow. Those were good times. We didn't take pictures of that tree, but it's forever there in my mind and memories. That was the best Christmas tree (and in hindsight, one of the best Christmas's in general) that I ever had. To be young and without a care in the world except for just having fun (and drinking lots of beer!) I guess I'm going to close this ramble-fest. It's short, but it's just the start of the rebirth and new beginning of the "Tossing Salt Media, Inc" empire. Actually, I have a plan for world conquest. But that's not important right now. I also have a plan to throw myself back into the picture as a writer/blogger and to get my skills back up to par after the long layoff. And after Christmas, I'll tell you what it is... lol. I'm being a tease. Yes, I know this, but that just makes it more exciting and fun for me. Let me just suffice it to say that I'm back and once I start cutting loose (cause that's how I roll), it will be as Chris Jericho used to frequently say. "The world will never be the same... again!" Okay, I guess I really have rambled enough. And I didn't even get a chance to touch on the tragedy at Sandy Hook (way too sad - I cried), work (chicken and taterville USA), Johnny Bootlegger, gun control (how about idiot control?), bears, two-faced friends and users (that's a full multi-part blog in itself), or that damn cat of mine. Yeah, there is definitely more to come. Thanks for reading my "warm-up" blog. I've got to go get ready for work now so I really will close this up. Have a great day, my Peeps. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone. And keep passing those open windows. Ubuntu!

TNA No Surrender Predictions - September 9, 2012

2012-09-09T03:37:00.000-04:00

Tossing Salt - Worldwide News TNA No Surrender Predictions September 9, 2012 Doug Maynard Testing... testing! 1... 2... 3. Is anyone there? Well, wake the hell up and get ready because I'm back Peeps and I've got something to say. My work schedule for the next week... SUCKS!! Okay, that is all. So now that that's out of the way, let's get on with the real reason I'm here tonight sitting in front of this computer and missing out on some much needed sleep. And that reason is "TNA No Surrender", which airs on pay-per-view tonight. I wasn't going to do a prediction column at first, but then I thought about it and changed my mind and decided, "What the hell!". So here I am. I'm Doug and and I AM professional wrestling's most eclectic "internet wrestling journalist" and "salt-tosser". I know that you peeps thought I was through and you were finished with me? Well, think again cause I'm back! Let's get right to the matches and my predictions because I have something else I want to do tonight before I head to bed and I need to get to hopping if I'm going to manage to get it all completed and posted. So here goes. I've got my "Sister Cleo" crystal ball all polished up and primed. Let's do this... Impact Wrestling World Champion Austin Aries versus A Member of Aces & Eights I'm not sure if this is supposed to be a title match or not, but I guess it really doesn't matter anyhow because it won't be much of a match. It'll be a chaotic, pier-six brawl with lots of other people, for both sides, getting involved. I expect we'll see a big gang beatdown of the TNA Champion, Aries and then a big mob scene at the end with the Aces & Eights team fleeing after picking their shots and leaving Aries laid out and beaten. Winner: No Contest - Match Ends in Double DQ or Double Count-out! Bound For Glory Semi-Final Match: James Storm versus Bully Ray Well, the news broke just a few days ago that Bully Ray has signed a new two-year deal with TNA. Do you know what that means? It's means that the "Bully" is going over and taking no prisoners. Look for some interference by Bobby Roode and Bully taking advantage to steal a win, thus taking himself to the BFG finals and also freeing up Storm for a match at Bound For Glory against Bobby Roode so they can settle their feud. Works for me. Winner: Bully Ray Bound For Glory Semi-Final Match: Samoa Joe versus Jeff Hardy Jeff Hardy doesn't need to win and to be honest, even though he's come back a long ways, he still doesn't (in my eyes) deserve to be in the main event / World Championship picture. Joe has looked really great as of late and even when TNA was shitting all over him, he stayed loyal and proved that he is a team player to the max. It's time for that loyalty to be rewarded. Samoa Joe kills bitches (and Jeff Hardy) dead and moves on to face Bully Ray in the BFG Finals. Winner: Samoa Joe Bound For Glory Finals Match: TBD versus TBD Well, I think it will end up being Samoa Joe versus Bully Ray for this match and the future shot at Austin Aries at the BFG ppv. And actually, either match would be really good to see. My first thoughts are that it's finally Joe's time to get that elusive TNA Championship, but Bully just signed a new deal and you know that he's getting something major out of the deal... could it be a shot at Austin Aries at BFG? I think so. Winner Who Gets Title Shot at BFG: Bully Ray Impact Wrestling Tag Team Championship Match: Christopher Daniels & Kazarian versus AJ Styles and Kurt Angle Four of the best wrestlers in the world today and they're stuck in a meaningless tag team match? I know it's for the tag titles, but for Angle and Styles, that would be kind of a fall from grace. Oh wait, that's only in the WWE. In TNA, tag teams actually mean something. My bad! I just can't see Angle and Styles lasting very long as a team. So naturally, that means that they'll win and we'll get the often-done "feuding partners" storyline going on. I hope not, but that's usually the way these things go and I don't think TNA will be any different. Winners and NEW TNA Impact Wrestling Tag Team Champions: AJ Styles & Kurt Angle Impact Wrestling X-Divsion Championship Match: Zema Ion versus Sonjay Dutt I didn't even know that Sonjay was back with TNA. That's good for him and them though because he's an excellent wrestler and is capable of having a good match with almost anyone. I'm kind of surprised that they didn't hotshot Chavo Guerrero into this match, but I guess it's better that Sonjay is the opponent because I just don't see Ion losing the X-Division title anytime soon or at least not until Jesse Sorenson makes his return. Besides, Ion is doing a great job thus far (and he's an incredibly sexy beast) so he deserves to keep the title. And on Sunday night, he will. Winner and STILL X-Division Champion: Zema Ion Rob Van Dam versus Magnus Magnus is another one of TNA's wrestlers who has just gotten better and better as of late and is really starting to come into his own. This should be one helluva good, high impact match. As for who wins, RVD doesn't need the win and Magnus does. So I'm going with Magnus to take that trip to the pay window. Winner: Magnus Impact Wrestling Knockouts Championship Match: Brooke Tessmacher versus Tara And finally, we get the classic "Teacher versus Student" match as Brooke (Not Hulk's daughter - the one with actual talent) takes on Victoria (I know she's called Tara now, but she'll always be Victoria to me). This could actually be a good match as neither of these ladies are slouches in the ring and Victoria is talented enough to cover up any mistakes that Brooke might make. Victoria won the match on TV so logic says that Brooke wins the match at the PPV. But to hell with logic - I want the psycho Victoria back in action and I want her to be the Knockouts Champion. And come Sunday night, I'm thinking I'll get both my wishes. Winner and NEW TNA Knockouts Champion: Victoria (Tara). And there you go. My predictions for TNA No Surrender, taking place tonight (September 9. 2012) at the Impact Zone Arena in Orlando, FL. I won't be able to watch the show due to having to work (six freakin nights closing this week - whazzup wit dat?), but I think it should be a pretty good show. TNA has really come a long ways in just a short time over the past few months and I hope that the hard work, good wrestling and excitement and energy continue tonight at the pay per view. And I guess that's all for me for now. I'll probably be back later with some more wrestling goodness so don't go away (or at least don't go too far away!) InFamous Ent. is the way to go and we're taking over. Don't know what that means? Don't worry - you will. I'm Doug and I'm out of here for now. See you on the flip side and never, ever forget. Wrestling is real! It's life that's fake! Ubuntu!

Triple Threat Movie Review - June 15, 2012

2012-06-15T18:39:00.000-04:00

Tossing Salt Triple-Threat Movie Review June 15, 2012 Well, I was supposed to be at a session with my therapist right now, but she called me last night and left a message on the machine. After just one (1) previous session, she's leaving her position and going to another job. Translated: That dude is freakin' nuts and I can't deal with him - let me gets the hell out of here! No, not really (I don't think). She got a chance for another job with another company and it's a better position with more money so she's correct in going for it. It's merely a coincidence that her last day just happened to fall on the same day as my appointment and that this was the day we were supposed to do the "deep revelations" and really get into my background in an attempt to find out what my problems are. It's all just a coincidence. (Yeah, right!) Or is it? Regardless of why she's dumping me to the curb, I've ended up with a few free minutes of time before I have to head out and do the most dastardly and evil, nasty act in the history of man... I have to go to... Wal-Mart. I need drinks and an ink cartridge for my printer. And cat treats. Can't forget the cat treats or else my "damn cat" will most definitely make me forget it. But that's in a little while, after my hair dries and I decide what pair of flip flops and socks to wear. (I've always heard that a person should dress appropiately for his enviroment and for Wally-World, flip flops and socks, torn jean shorts and an "I'm With Stupid" t-shirt seems most appropiate. Unfortunately, I don't have the latter two items so I'll have to improvise. Maybe I can find my pajama pants and a sweat shirt to wear? Hmmmm! I think I've gotten off track. Yeah, that happens sometimes. I got distracted by the young man who lives across the street. He doesn't like me (I don't think) and is even more anti-social than I am (imagine that), but damn it, he's a sexy dude. Would love to be able to strike up a friendship (with benefits) with that guy. I love his hair and the whole attitude thing. It's HOT! Did I mention that I won ten dollars ($10) on a $1 scratch-off ticket yesterday morning. I had an urge / compulsion to waste a buck and bought one "Amazing 8's" ticket and do my part to support the (crooked) NC Lottery system. And I scratched and I won ten bucks. Yay me! Okay, so about last night. I left work at 11:15pm and was stressed out / tired. I decided to stop by the Red Box machine and get a couple of movies to watch and wind down with. And since I'm not working today and have a few minutes of free time, I've decided to do some quick, Cliffnote style reviews of those same three movies. I picked some doozies to be sure, but they seemed good at the time. So now I'm finally back on track and ready to do some movie reviews. Let's do this. Movie # 1 was "Abe Lincoln versus Zombies". I knew from the title and cover that it would either be really good or really bad. And though it started off well enough, it quickly proved that it wasn't really all that. I liked the civil war outfits and the dude playing Abe Lincoln was pretty cool even though he had a whiney, nasal-filled voice that made him sound and look like a dweeb. The zombies were a great example of what can be done with little make-up and (I guess) next to no budget as they were kind of cool too. But the story-line was non-existent and if it did exist, I lost track almost immediately. Maybe this movie would be better if I was drunk or on drugs... lots and lots of drugs, but it just didn't do anything for me and was a waste of time. Love the title and the concept on the movie, but it just didn't work. Maybe the sequal (Barack Obama versus Dracula) will be better? Movie # 2 was "The Smurfs". And guess what. Despite bringing back all sorts of childhood trauma from watching that dastardly cartoon all those years ago, and despite the fact that the "Smurf song" (La La La La La La - La La La La La) is stuck in my head, I actually liked it. It's Neil Patrick Harris and a bunch of computer generated blue thingys running around and being cute. It's a cute little harmless movie and was even entertaining at points. You haven't lived until you see N.P.H. and the Smurfs playing Guitar Hero and singing the Run DMC version of "Walk This Way". Would I recommend this movie to anyone? Not really because it's not really the type of movie that a person should admit to liking or enjoying or else you'll be advised to go see a therapist. But hell, I'm already seeing a therapist (or was until she abandoned me) so I can sit back and enjoy it with no reprocussions or major brain damage. Anything with Neil Patrick Harris is generally going to be good and this is no exception. It's not for everyone, but I liked it. Lord shoot me now! And finally, the # 3 movie I watched was "Cowboys versus Aliens". And even though I don't particularly care for cowboy movies or sci-fi movies (I like super heroes - not space ships), I liked it. It was well written, well acted and the movie actually made sense (about as much sense as cowboys fighting martians possibly can anyhow). Again, this movie isn't for everyone, but it moved along fairly quickly and I didn't get bored (which is pretty amazing in itself). So if you want to spend a few mindless hours just watchig a movie and escaping from the real world for a little while, this Sci-Fi Western might just be the way to go. By the way, the reference to the movie "Barack Obama versus Dracula" earlier is just something I made up. It doens't exist, but if I get really bored one afternoon, who knows? It eventually might... lol. And I guess that's all for now. My hair is nearly dry and I need to go ahead and get that pleasant shopping experience that is Wally-World over with. And when I'm finished there, I'll come home and give myself an enema with Drano and a plunger... which would probably be just about as much fun. OUCH!! I just pictured that mage in my head. Hmmmmm! Maybe not! So there you go. My movie reviews for three movies I watched last night / today after work. Hope you liked it. And now, I'm headed out. Wish me luck at the Hell-Mouth. I'm gonna need it. Ubuntu!

Wrestling Fact or Fiction - May 26, 2012

2012-05-28T05:00:00.000-04:00

Wrestling Fact Or Fiction May 26, 2012 Doug Maynard Russell Jackson It's back and with a vengence (kind of like Chyna on the set of a porn movie). It's "Tossing Salt Presents: Wrestling Fact or Fiction". I'm Doug and along with the real baddest man on the planet, he makes Mike Tyson cry, Russell Jackson, we're here to kick butt and take names rasslin' style. Actually, we're just taking a look at ten different situations in the world of sports-entertainment and determining among ourselves if it's Fact or Fiction, good or bad, sweet or sour, high or low, sell or no sale, etc... We're telling it like it is because that's just how we roll. Sorry for the absence of the past two weeks. Both Russell and I have had issues and obligations that have caused havoc in our lives, but things are back on track and on schedule and we're ready now to rock and roll. And I've rambled long enough so let's do this. Questions were sent out early in the week. WWE expanding RAW to three hours every Monday night is a good move? Russell - FICTION: 2 hours of Raw every Monday night is more talk than action...A move to 3 hours will be even more talk & even less action...It's a bad move... Doug - FICTION: Doesn't anyone in the WWE remember WCW and Nitro and how many problems that they had filling three hours of Nitro each Monday night. I understand why the WWE is doing this - the USA Network wants them to and it will mean a substantial increase in revenue for the company, but when you factor in the added expenses for more talent, more writers and the toll this will take on the so-called "creative teams" for the extra hour of television, when they're already doing Raw, Smackdown, Superstars, NXT, AM Raw and FCW, it's just not worth it. When you read Eric Bischoff's book, "Controversy Creates Cash", which is a very good read, Bischoff goes into great detail about how much harder it made things for WCW to survive when they added the third hour to Nitro and then added Thunder as well. You would think that the USA Network and the WWE would look at that example and learn from it rather than make the same mistakes. Three hours will burn out the Monday night audience, allow much more crap than usual to make it on the air and put more pressure on everyone and will end up hurting the company far more than it can possibly help. It's not a good mood at all. Sometimes, too much really is too much. (1-0) TNA Impact! going live every Thursday night for the summer is a good move? Russell - FICTION: How bout TNA Impact going live every Thursday night from now on?...At least people will have to tune in to TNA Impact shows if they wanna know what's gonna be on the show... Doug - FACT: It's throwing stuff up against the wall to see what sticks and while trying to compete against RAW on Monday nights a couple of years ago wasn't the brightest of moves, I can't see this doing anything but helping the company at this point. It adds a sense of anticipation and excitement to the show that pre-taped shows can't possibly have. When it comes to sports-entertainment, live is almost always better. It'll add more pressure to the wrestlers and production teams to do their very best and should help to draw some new fans to the TNA product, checking it out to see if things are any better than the last time they took a look. This could be a big opportunity for TNA to reach out and find a new audience if they do it right. It surely can't hurt. It should attract some a few new viewers. (1-1) Bring Paul Heyman in to act as Brock Lesnar's representative was a smart play by the WWE? Russell - FACT: Paul Heyman was the guy that helped guide Brock Lesnar to his first of three WWE Championships in Lesnar's first stint with WWE...It only make sense to have Paul Heyman be brought in to serve as Brock Lesnar's representative, as Paul Heyman is a close friend & business partner of Brock Lesnar...Smart move by WWE... Doug - FACT: Having Paul Heyman come in, especially when you consider his history not only with Brock, but with the WWE in general, was a major gain for the WWE. Paul's character will attract older fans, from the ECW glory days, plus it adds some legitimacy to the Brock - HHH storyline because nobody is better at blurring the line between reality and storyline than Heyman. It's a win - win for all parties involved. Heyman is de' man! Heyman is a wrestling genius. (2-1) Brooke Hogan will make a good addition to the TNA Knockouts Roster? Russell - FICTION: Brooke Hogan - Another idiot "Hogan" name bein brought to the TNA Organization & bein hand picked by her idiotic father to run the TNA Knockout Division...Another huge crack in the sinking "Titanic" that is TNA... Doug - FACT: And no, I'm not joking. I'd definitely much rather see Brooke in a TNA ring, getting her ass kicked by the other TNA Knockouts than have to ever listen to her attempt to sing again. She has name recognition and some noteriety that comes along with her and hell, she can't be any worse than Garett Bischoff, right? Let her be a Knockout. She might actually be able to have some skill and ability at this job. Just don't make us listen to her sing. (2-2) WWE was smart to sign Ashley Flair (Ric's daughter) to a developmental contract? Russell - FACT: Ashley Flair getting a developmental contract with WWE was a smart move on WWE's part...Before too much longer, I see Ashley's father, Ric Flair, to makin his return to WWE in some way, shape or form... Doug - FACT: If Ashley wants to try wrestling and has even half the ability that her younger brother Reid was showing (before he screwed up and got a drug arrest, thus costing him his WWE Developmental deal), then it's a great move by the WWE. The name "Flair" still sells wrestling tickets and besides, nothing ventured and nothing gained, right? I strongly suspect that Ric Flair will be back in the WWE in some capacity before the year is out (TNA is getting tired of his shenanigans) and once the heat dies down on Reid and his screw-up is pretty much forgotten, he'll probably be back in the WWE as well at some point. So why not hire Ashley and make it a "Flair Family Reunion". It can't hurt and at least it's not the Hogan's, right? Wonder if she can go "all night long"... Wooooo! (3-2) <<<--- SWITCHEROO --->>> Turning the Big Show heel at "Over The Limit" was a good idea? Doug - FICTION: I'm kind of torn on this one because it's probably good for the Big Show's character, which has become extremely stale and boring over the past few years. It'll give him a chance to tweak the character and be a total ass-clown for a change rather than the big goof he's played so often as of late. But the reason I'm saying fiction is just that it was so damn predictable and boring. As soon as the stipulation was named for the match, we all knew that there would be outside interference to help save "Big Johnny" from getting his butt kicked. The only question was would it be Brock Lesnar, who has "quit" or Big Show, who Laurinaitis had just "fired". Well, know we know. Yawn! This would have been a great time to maybe debut some of the newer talent from WWE Developmental instead of being so damn predictable. Almost anything or anyone else would have been better. Russell - FICTION: Turning the Big Show heel at "Over the Limit" PPV was a friggin stupid move on WWE's part & now we're stuck with a Big Show vs John Cena feud...*looks down, shakes head*... Big Show does not a good heel make. (4-2) Having John Laurinaitis "defeat" John Cena at Over The Limit was a good call by the WWE? Doug - FACT: Another call where I wanted to say "fiction", but if Cena had won, then what would happen next? It'd be over and he'd be back in the WWE title picture, hogging the spotlight from folks like CM Punk, Daniel Bryan and Sheamus. With "Big Johnny" getting the win, we're pretty much assured that Cena will be busy for the next few months playing "Stone Cold" to Laurinaitis's "Mr. McMahon" and thus, kept away from the major titles and leaving the belts to people who deserve that spot of glory for a change. True, this means that we have to listen to "Big Johnny" for a while longer and endure this "PeoplePower" crapola or whatever it is that he calls it, but anything that keeps Cena away from the major titles is, in my mind, a good thing. Russell - FICTION: Seriously?...John Laurinaitis gettin the win over John Cena at Over the Limit PPV?...What will happen next? John Laurinaitis challenging for a WWE Championship title?...Plain pathetic... Johnny Ace knows how to generate heat - that's for sure. (4-3) WWE made the right call in having Christian defeat Cody Rhodes for the Intercontinental Championship? Doug - FICTION: Don't get me wrong. I'm glad to see Christian (finally) back in action, but coming in and defeating Cody for the IC title as quickly as he did just totally crapped all over Cody and his efforts as the IC Champion over the past year. The money, for a guy like Christian, isn't in being a champ, but in the pursuit of the title. What draws the fans is wondering "can he do it" and just "one more match"... lol. And what's up with this sudden face turn for no reason? When last we saw Christian, he was kissing up to John Laurinaitis, annoying everyone in sight and whining constantly about "one more match". And now, for no reason at all, he's back from his injury and he's all sweet and lovable and Mr. Nice Guy on the side of the angels. I don't mind heel turns or face turns if there's a reason behind them, but this just happened and it doesn't make any sense. But then again, this is the WWE and making sense isn't necessarily required for their storylines, is it? Oh vey! Russell - FACT: Not only having Christian defeat Cody Rhodes for the I.C. Championship, but Christian turning back to a "face" as a result of winning the I.C. Championship was a good call over all...At least, maybe, we won't get to hear Christian asking "For one more shot at the World Heavyweight Championship"...One can only hope... And on Sunday night, Peeps all across the world joined together and rejoiced. (4-4) CM Punk was the right choice to win his match and retain the WWE Championship against Daniel Bryan? Doug - FACT: CM Punk is on a roll and doing a fantastic job as the WWE Champion. And Daniel Bryan is so hot right now with the fans (YES! YES! YES!) that he doesn't need a title to get himself over. With Punk as the champion and Bryan as the challenger, we're having some fantastic matches that will probably carry us all through the summer months (if we're lucky). And you know what? That suits me just fine. Russell - FACT: All hail CM Punk as the WWE Champion & all hail CM Punk retaining his WWE Championship against Daniel Bryan at Over the Limit...Thank you... Punk is de' man now in the WWE! (5-4) Ric Flair will soon be terminated by TNA and will eventually return to the WWE? Doug - FACT: Ric has been making noise about coming back to the WWE for a while and even said so when he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as a part of the Horsemen a few months ago. And from all reports, TNA is getting tired and fed up with his shenanigans and antics and beginning to realize that while Flair is arguably the greatest all-around wrestling superstar of all times, his behavior isn't really the type you'd want associated with your company. Vince and HHH know and love Flair and will tolerate his stunts. TNA doesn't need to and shouldn't have to. Ric will be gone from that company before long (probably within the year) and welcomed back to the WWE with open arms (and bar tabs). And with daughter Ashley now signed to a developmental deal, we'll have all Flair all the time in the WWE once more. Woooooo! Russell - FACT: Ric Flair has no business bein in TNA period...He needs to leave TNA & return to the WWE in a non-wrestling gig of some kind... Diamonds are forever and so is Ric Flair. Wooooooooo!! (6-4) And there you go. Questions and comments can be sent to Doug28352@yahoo.com. Thanks for reading. We do appreciate it! I'm Doug and speaking on behalf of both myself and Russell, have a great week and don't forget, wrestling is real! Life is what's fake! Take it light. Ubuntu!

Tossing Salt Is American Idol - April 25, 2012

2012-04-25T23:14:00.001-04:00

Tossing Salt Is American Idol April 25, 2012 Doug Maynard Yes, I missed last week's episode due to that nasty little thing called "work". It definitely is a four-lettered word in more ways than one, but I'm back this week with another edition of "Tossing Salt Is American Idol", my weekly recap of the Wednesday night performance show of the future of American pop music. We're down to the final six as last week, the ever-so-sexy Colton Dixon was voted off the island and sent home. Why is he gone and Hollie still there? I just don't get it, but this has been a weird season anyhow. Anyway, the judges are Steven Tyler, Randy Jackson and Jennifer Lopez. Ryan Seacrest is the host. Jimmy Iovine and special guest are the mentors are Brian May & Roger Taylor. It's QUEEN!! Hell to the yeah!. The theme tonight is (duh) the music of QUEEN, plus everyone gets to sing a song of their own choosing as well. This should be good. I am so ready to do this. So let's do this... We start off with a great video package about the history of QUEEN and then get to see the Queen band-buys talking to the Idol 6. And now it's music time as we get a melody of Queen's Greatest Hits, with the Idol 6 singing and bandmates Brian May and Roger Taylor playing the music. They cover the songs "Fat Bottom Girls", "Another One Bites The Dust", "We Will Rock You" and "We Are The Champions". Great performance. Elise looked really in her element and was the stand-out, but everyone did a good job. And now to the solo performances as Jessica Sanchez opens the show with a cover of "Bohemian Rhapsody". Wow! What a tough song to do and she does a good job. Her voice is great as always and while this isn't what I'd expect from her as a song choice, she does really well. Steven Tyler comments that Freddie Mercury would be proud and that even though rock isn't really Jessica's forte', she did a good job. J-Lo said that Jessica sounded beautiful, but she was expecting more of a rock performance. And Randy said that he loved it and it was great and mentioned that maybe Jessica could study some Tina Turner to channel a little more "rock" into her act when doing a rock song. Skylar Laine is up next and she's performing "The Show Must Go On". Personally, I thought that she was a little off-key, but she got better as it went along. I didn't think it was a good song for her, but she had a lot of fire and energy and for a brief second, I thought I saw a little "Reba" moment in there. The judges loved it though. Steven called it "over the top" and complimented Slylar on her energy and passion. He said it was "fabulous". J-Lo said that it gave her 'goosies" and was powerful. And Randy rounded out the commentary by saying that it was "incredible" and "one of your best performances to date". He concluded by saying that Skylar's "gotta have it!" Joshua Ledet was the next up and he did "Crazy Little Thing Called Love". He has a great energy, but it seems forced to me. This isn't really his kind of natural song to be singing and it was okay, but not special in my eyes. And of course, the judges disagree as they seem to love Joshua. Randy called it "unbelievable" and noted how Joshua reminds him of Sam Cooke. He said that Joshua is "so ready" and he loved it. J-Lo said that the Joshua performances are her favorite part of the show each week and she looks forward to the great performances. And Steven said that Joshua has a classic style and sounds like nobody else, calling it "fantastic". Elise Testone was the next to come up and she did the song, "I Want It All". And she rocked it. Elise is totally in her element here and you can tell she was really feeling it with every note. She did a great job. And the judges agree. J-Lo also noted that Elise was in her element and it all came together for her. Steven noted that she "found her stride" and sang that song like it was meant to be sang. Randy called it "unbelievable" and said that the style was so right for her and that it was one of her best performances to date. Phillip Phillips is next and he's doing "Fat Bottom Girls". And it was good, but I'm not really thrilled with it. He was off-key in a few spots and it wasn't his best performance. Steven remarked that he loves it every time Phillip sings and loves Phillip's character. He called it "great". J-Lo noted that Phillip shows different flavors every week and that's the mark of a great singer. She loved it. And Randy said he liked it, but didn't love it. It was good, but didn't really have him jumping up and down. Hollie Cavanagh is the next up and she's performing "Save Me", which is a kind of obscure Queen song that I don't remember. It still seems weird to see that voice come from that body. It's a good song and she sounds good, but this song won't win her any new votes. Steven said he loved the way Hollie sings and that she did a really good job. J-Lo noted that she could feel Hollie's emotion in the middle of the song and that kind of threw Hollie off. She noted that Hollie still thinks too much and she'd like to see Hollie enjoy it more and have a good time. Randy said that it was a good performance, but noted that Hollie needs to take more chances. He also noted that this song didn't have any kind of "moment" in it. And that concludes the QUEEN songs for the show. Now, it's the singer's choice. Time to crank it up and notch and have a real total slobber-knocker of a show. Let's do this... Jessica Sanchez was the first to perform in Round Two, doing "Dance With My Father", originally sang by Luther Vandross. It's a beautiful and great song and so much emotion there. I love it. Randy said that Jessica is truly a natural and amazing. Steven said that he doesn't think that Jessica can sing a song badly. And J0-Lo said that it was the best version of that song that she's ever heard. Here comes Skylar Laine next and she's doing the song, "Tattoos On This Town". Skylar is in her element and does a high energy, great job as always. It's a good performance. Randy loves it too and calls Skylar "fearless". J-Lo said that Skylar is very comfortable and she "took us there again" with that performance. Steven said that Skylar can do no wrong, but the song didn't really show off all she's capable of. He liked it though. Joshua Ledet is the next to come up and he's performing "Ready For Love". And this one, I liked. It was low-key (for Joshua) and it sounded really good. Randy and J-Lo both noted that they really didn't know what to say, but then Randy called it another "unbelievable performance" and "beautiful". J-Lo said that it was "transcendent". And Steven said that he smells "finish" and he hopes that the label finds Joshua great songs to sing and he's off to the moon. Elise came up next and she's jammin' to a Jimi Hendrix song. I don't know this song, but she did a good job. This is definitely a woman in her element and I like it. Steven loved the performance, but says that she needs to play songs that people know. J-Lo said that she slayed it and is one of the best singers in the competition. J-Lo also defended Elise against the criticism of Randy by saying that she made the song exciting. And Randy wasn't happy, saying that this wasn't the right time for this song in the competition and that it's too obscure. He didn't love it. Phillip Phillips was next doing a Dave Matthews song. I wasn't crazy about it and couldn't feel it myself. The judges were mixed in their reactions. Steven called it "very entertaining" and "very off the way". He says that Phillip has found his niche. J-Lo said that it was a little too obscure and artsy for this time of the competition and that Phillip needs to sing the songs that will get him to the last show. Randy didn't agree and said that Phillip showed his true colors and that he's an artist. Phillip Phillips will always be Phillip Phillips. And finally, we got to hear Hollie doing the song, "The Other Side", which she originally sang at her audition. I didn't really care for it myself and wasn't feeling it, but the judges, as they've been prone to do this week, didn't agree with me. Randy said that this was the Hollie that they knew and loved and she's back. J-Lo noted that Hollie was stepping up and this was perfect for her and was "great". And Steven said that she sang that song like it was going out of style and was so beautiful. And so there you go. Another edtion of American Idol in the books. And now we get to that fun moment where we get to decide who will be in that infamous position of "The Bottom Three" tomorrow night and facing that walk of shame as they get sent home. Hmmmmmm! Well, in my opinion, the three least voting attractions will be Hollie Cavanagh, Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez. Yeah, I might be wrong, but that's what my gut is telling me will be sitting in those bad little seats. And who will given the boot, have the plug pulled on their chances of winning this competition and go wee-wee-wee all the way home tomorrow night? It will be... I'm predicting Hollie Cavanagh. We'll see tomorrow night. And I guess that does it for tonight and this weeks edition of American Idol and my recap. Hopefully, I'll be back next week to cover the show as the competition continues and we move closer to the final curtain and final show of the season. I still want to see an "Alice Cooper" week on this show so make it happen, Idol producers. I have spoken! And that's it for me. I'm Doug and I am out of here. I'll catch you on the flip side. Ubuntu!

Wrestling Fact Or Fiction: April 22, 2012

2012-04-22T14:51:00.000-04:00

Wrestling Fact Or Fiction April 22, 2012 Doug Maynard & Russell Jackson Another week to go and here we are with "Wrestling Fact or Fiction", but this time, due to time restraints and the fact that my new job kept me from watching either RAW or Smackdown this week, there are only six "FoF" questions and four general wrestling themed questions for Russell and myself to answer. Just changing things up a bit. I hope you like. And now, let's get to the meat of the column and get to steppin'. Let's do this... Lord Tensai is ready to main event matches at WWE shows? Doug - FICTION: Lord Tensai may be a long time veteran wrestler and former WWE star who made it big in Japan, but he's not over with the WWE Universe enough and he's not established enough in the current wrestling scene to be headlining the shows. He's still considered an unknown factor and to be honest, no one really cares yet about him. Give him a few more months of squashes and a chance to connect more with the fans and maybe he'll be ready to main event and be at the top of the card, but he's not there yet. Russell - FACT:.The question was already answered this past Monday on Raw when he was the surprise opponent against John Cena in the "Extreme Rules" match...Not only did he dominate most of the match against Cena, but actually pinned Cena's shoulders to the mat for the 3 count...I'm lookin forward in seein if the blow hards that is the WWE brass moves Lord Tensai to the next level & starts main event matches at WWE shows... Lord Tensai is definitely a force to be reckoned with in the WWE. Edge's contract with the WWE is due to expire soon - WWE should re-sign him to a new contract? Doug - FACT: The fans love Edge and despite not being able to wrestle, he's still one of the most well known and beloved guys on the WWE roster. He's a great talker and a great representative for the WWE in areas of public relations, charity work and appearances and so many other ways. Whatever he wants, the WWE should give it to him and be happy to keep him. It's just that simple. Russell - FACT: If the WWE wants Edge to sign a new contract, it should be with a legend's contract since Edge is no longer able to wrestle due to his neck injury, plain'n'simple... Don't let him slip away. The WWE needs to keep Edge in the family. Having Bobby Roode retain the TNA World Championship at Lockdown against James Storm was the right decision? Doug - FACT: Bobby Roode is on a roll right now as the TNA Champion and doing a great job. The man generates great heat and the fans really despise him in a way not seen in quite a while. For far too long, both TNA and the WWE have cheapened their "World Titles" by doing quick title changes and playing hot potato with the belts, but it seems that they're finally starting to realize that long reigns add more to both the title belts and the credibility of the champions too. If it's not broke, don't fix it and having Roode as the TNA Champion is working well so leave the title exactly where it is and let him do his thing. Russell - FICTION: From what I read bout the TNA World Championship at Lockdown between Bobby Roode & James Storm, they should have let James Storm have a run with the TNA World Championship, longer than his first run with the title... Regardless of who has the title, the Bobby Roode / James Storm is one of the hottest feuds in wrestling right now. <<-- SWITCHEROO -->> Bully Ray deserves a run as the TNA World Champion? Russell - FICTION: Bully Ray should drop the "bully gimmick" & return to tag team action with Brother Devon as Team 3D... Doug - FACT: Bully Ray or Bubba Dudley, whatever you want to call him, has done an amazing job in reinventing himself and going from a past-his-prime tag team wrestler into a solid, main eventer who is a legitimate threat to any and every champion out there, and in the process, has probably added a good 5 years to his career as well. Just for that reason alone, he deserves any kind of push that TNA can give him. He's solid and steady and ready to be "the man" even if it's not for a long period of time. Bully should and will be a World Champion one day. It's just a matter of when and where. Bully Ray is one tough SOB, be it singles or tag team action. You're looking forward to the WWE "Extreme Rules" match between John Cena and Brock Lesnar? Russell - FACT: I am actually lookin forward to the "Extreme Rules" match with Brock Lesnar kickin John Cena's ass/hurtin John Cena at the Extreme Rules PPV, case closed... Doug - FACT: In their first physical confrontation, Cena got his mouth busted open. We all know that Cena is tough as nails, but Brock is a whole new style of monster for Cena to face and it'll be interesting to see if Cena is up to the challenge and also how Brock works in his first wrestling match in almost ten years. So many questions are out there and this match will provide the answers to a good deal of them. It should be fun to watch and mighty interesting for both men. Extreme Rules is always a fun show to watch. The WWE should drop the Tag Team and Divas Championships? Russell - FACT / FICTION: Fiction for the Tag Team Championship/Fact for the Divas Championship...Here's the deal, as for the Tag Team titles, WWE needs to bring in/create legitimate tag teams for a tag team division in pursuit for the Tag Team Titles...As for the so called shitty Divas Division, the only top Divas ya have is Beth Phoenix, Natalya Neidhart & Kharma (that is, if/when she returns)...There's no point in keepin a Divas Division if they're (WWE) gonna recruit models (AKA, Airheads), teach them how to wrestle just so they look good on WWE television... Doug - FICTION: Some people (myself included) love tag team wrestling and despite what the WWE powers-that-be seem to think, consider it an important part of professional wrestling. Plus, tag team titles give the mid-card wrestlers something to strive for and a chance to wear gold when they otherwise would never stand a chance. As for the Divas Championship, there has to be someone out there who gives a damn about it. I did when it was the Women's Championship and we had real lady wrestlers like Ivory, Jacquiline, Lita or even Trish competing. RIght now, it's a joke, but who knows? When Kharma makes her return and if they ever decide to let Beth Phoenix or Natayla cut loose, it might be important again one day. One can only hope. Tag Team Wrestling is good. Diva wrestling... no so much. Other Questions... If you could have dinner with four wrestlers / wrestling personalities - who would it be? Russell: If I could have dinner with 4 wrestlers / wrestling personalities, it would be with 1) Sting 2) Road Warrior Animal & Paul Ellering 3) Arn Anderson 4) Triple H...All those wrestlers/former wrestlers would be awesome to hear stories from them bout their wrestling careers & Paul Ellering & Road Warrior Animal would be a package deal since Ellering managed the Road Warriors lol... Doug: Harley Race and Blackjack Mulligan for the stories they could tell, Ric Flair because he's the "Nature Boy" and it would be a party and night to never forget, and Juventud Guerrera because he's such a sexy-ass dude and I want to jump his bones just one frreakin' time! If you could start your own wrestling company with five stars from the WWE and five stars from TNA, who would you recruit? Russell: This is a tough question...The 5 from WWE that I would recruit to start my own wrestling company would be 1) Brock Lesnar 2) Sheamus 3) Joe Hennig (not the Michael McGillicutty or however ya spell the last name crap) 4) Randy Orton 5) Kane...The wrestlers from TNA...The only name that I would recruit from TNA is AJ Styles, only coz he's THE only wrestler that I actually like in TNA... Doug: From the WWE, I'd want Christian, CM Punk, Chris Jericho, Dolph Ziggler and Jim Ross. From TNA, I'd take AJ Styles, Crimson, Matt Morgan, Zema Ion and Gunner... <<-- ANOTHER SWITCHEROO -->> What is the great wrestling faction of ALL TME? Doug: Diamonds are forever and so are the Four Horsemen. 'Nuff said! Russell: Seriously? Really? The greatest wrestling faction of ALL TIME is none other than the ORIGINAL Four Horsemen (Ric Flair, Ole Anderson, Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard)...Not EVEN gonna give an opinion on the reason why, it's a no brainer...Diamonds are forever & so is the Four Horsemen!!!!!!!!! What name from the past would you like to see return to professional wrestling? Doug: It would actually be several names, like Lita to the WWE Divas Division to add some depth and talent to the group. Plus Arn Anderson come back from behind the scenes to work on-air as a manager for some of the younger talent. And damn it all, I want to see the Disco Inferno back on TV with the WWE, after all, I have long lived by the motto, "It's your duty to shake your booty!". Disco Inferno as the WWE Champion! Book it, Vince! Russell: The only name that I can come up with that hasn't passed on is Arn Anderson, the greatest wrestler to NEVER become World Heavyweight Champion...His career was cut short way too soon, nuff said... And there you go... Six F&F questions, plus four others just because. Like the new format? Hate it? Let me know. Questions and comments can be sent to Doug28352@yahoo.com. My thanks for Russell for his great help each and every week. Now I have to go get ready for work. They're freakin' killing me!! I'm Doug and thanks for reading. I'll catch you on the flip side. Ubuntu!

Letter To Editor: "Same Sex Marriage Amendment" - April 20, 2012

2012-04-20T22:39:00.001-04:00

On May 8th, the voters of North Carolina will be voting to decide whether or not to add an Amendment to the North Carolina Constitution that would define marriage in this state as between one man and one woman. Same-sex marriage is already illegal in North Carolina so it strikes me as kind of ridiculous to propose an Amendment that makes something illegal when it's aleady illegal. But we're dealing with politicians so what else do you expect, right? But this Amendment, the so-called "Same-Sex Marriage Amendment" takes it a step further by stating that the marriage between a man and a woman is "the only domestic and legal that shall be recognized or valid in this state". So for anyone with a Civil Union, a domestic partnership, a common-law marriage or just shacking up, this doesn't effect just gay couples, but any couple involved in a relationship besides traditional marriage. Just think about it. Long time couples, who for whatever reason are not married, will not have their relationships recognized by businesses, hospitals, funeral homes, insurance companies, courts, city, county and state governments. It will be as if their relationships don't exist and the couple, despite their time together and committment to each other, will be treated as totally unrelated to each other. Marriages, civil unions and domestic partnerships recognized and valid in other states will be ignored and considered non-existent. And this is just totally and absolutely wrong. I understand that some people do not like the idea of a same-sex couple being "married" and even though I don't agree with those people, that's their right to feel that way. But is it right for two people who love each other and are committed to each other to be denied basic rights and privileges and a chance to find happiness and have a life together? I don't think so. If this Amendment is passed, then North Carolina voters are saying that it's okay to discriminate and deny people their basic human rights. They're telling us that what we think and who we love and want to spend our lives with and be committed to doesn't matter. That my dream to one day have a formal committment to the person I choose to love, to live and love our lives in peace and happiness, doesn't matter. That we don't matter. How is this right? I'm not asking people to like the idea of same-sex marriage or couples shacking up and living together. That's a personal choice. But I am asking that everyone look deep into their hearts and consciences and think long and hard before allowing discrimination and hate to be placed into the North Carolina State Constitution via this very bad and poorly written Amendment. No one should be treated as second-class citizens or deprived fairness and equality and that's exactly what this Amendment does. Think about it and please vote against the so-called "Marriage Amendment". North Carolina deserves better than petty bigotry and discrimination. Thank you

Wrestling Fact Or Fiction - April 15, 2012

2012-04-15T21:00:00.003-04:00

Wrestling Fact Or Fiction
April 15, 2012
Doug Maynard & Russell Jackson

We're running a few days behind this week. Life is crazy for me, due to a new job of being a cash register monkey and administrator of customer service and Russell is a busy, busy man as well, just by being awesome 24/7. So the column was put on hold for a few days, but here it is now, better late than never. Let's just jump right to it and decide if these ten statements, referring to different WWE and TNA maters, are "Fact or Fiction". Let's do this...

WWE was correct to pull Randy Orton as the star of movie, "The Marine: Homefront"?

Doug - FACT: What I want to know is who was the big brain that decided to cast Orton, a man who was kicked out of the Marines for going AWOL, in this role in the first place because it was a stupid move. I understand that they want to keep the "Marine" franchise alive and Orton, being a former Marine, seems like a natural fit for the role, but use a little common sense. Orton disgraced the Marines and went AWOL, walking away from from his service and it's common knowledge. Of course there are people in the Marine Corps that are upset. I would be too. If they want to cast a WWE star in the role, use John Cena again. Hell, use Cody Rhodes. He's not good for anything except for being squashed by Big Show right now anyhow. Hell, use Dolph Ziggler or Jack Swagger. It'd be a good fit for Swagger with his "All American American" image. Almost anyone on the WWE roster would have worked for this role except Randy Orton. But the WWE picks Randy Orton. Geez!

Russell - FICTION: Even though Randy Orton goin AWOL while he was in the military was a wrong thing for him to do, that's no reason for him not to star in the new "Marine" movie...If the armed forces (the Marines in particular) has no problems with Orton entertainin them in Iraq/Afganistan for the past several years, then they should have no problem with him bein in the new "Marine" movie...After all, it IS a movie, not the real thing...

(0-1) When Randy Orton is involved, people get polarized and opinionated.

It will be Wrestlemania 29 before we see The Undertaker wrestle again?

Doug - FACT: If every annual match is like the one we saw at Wrestlemania, then once a year is all that the Undertaker needs. He's earned his spot and the opportunity to make his own match schedule and should only have to wrestle when he thinks it's time. I'm not a big Taker fan anyhow so one great match a year works well for me anyhow.

Russell - FACT: Considerin it took a whole year to bring 'Taker back to wrestle HHH at WrestleMania XXVIII, I look at history to repeat itself...We won't be seein Undertaker wrestle again til at WrestleMania XXIX...

(1-1) Even once a year of Undertaker is better than no Undertaker at all.

Brock Lesnar is correct when he says that he's replacing John Cena as the "face of the WWE"?

Doug - FICTION: Brock has immediately become ONE of the faces of the WWE, but John Cena has cemented his spot and he's still the WWE's go-to guy for promotional appearances, commercials, charity work, etc. Not matter how big Brock (or CM Punk or anyone else for that matter) becomes, Cena is still "the man" and the face of the company and unless he gets injured or retires, it's going to stay that way for a long time to come.

Russell - FACT: It really all depends if Brock Lesnar doesn't "crack" under the pressure of doin the horrindous travel that is custom with WWE...If he can keep it together, after bein paid 5 million dollars for a 1 year contract & if he becomes WWE Champion on down the road, I look at him replacin Cena as the "face of the WWE"...

(1-2) The next year will be a time of reckoning for "The Next Big Thing" in the WWE.

With Brock Lesnar now back in the WWE, this means we will eventually see the return of his wife, Sable, as well?

Doug - FACT: I hope not, but Vince seems to have a weakness for talentless bimbettes who have sued him once or twice in the past. It might take a while, but you have to know that sooner or later, she'll be back. She always comes back.

Russell - FICTION: I could see Sable comin back for a spot in the WWE Hall of Fame next year, but not as a wrestler...With the "Diva" division is all but a waste of time bein on TV, I don't expect to see Sable returnin as a wrestler...Either a spot in the HoF or as a host of a program on WWE Network...

(1-3) Is everyone ready for a Sablicious good time?

Santino and Brodus Clay make a great tag team?

Doug - FICTION: Santino, I like. Clay, I don't. And while the pairing is kind of entertaining and funny, it puts images of Clay jiggling on my TV screen. I don't need to see that crap. I like being able to sleep at night and watching Brodus do this thing is the stuff that horrific nightmares are made of.

Russell - FICTION: Santino & Brodus Clay hasn't had enough experience of taggin together to even be considered a great tag team...Let them have more tag matches to see if they even gel together & then I'll reconsider my answer to this question at a later date...

(2-3) Some teams are made for each other, but this isn't one of them.

<<--- SWITCHEROO --->>

Chris Jericho versus CM Punk has the potential to be the WWE Feud Of The Year?

Russell - FACT: With the way that Chris Jericho has been makin this feud personal between him & CM Punk, I look for the feud between Chris Jericho & CM Punk to be the WWE Feud of the Year...

Doug - FACT: While Cena versus Brock will be the feud that gets the attention and big push, Chris Jericho and CM Punk are poised to step up and steal the show. Both men know how to wrestle, how to talk and how to tell a story and both are deserving of the title, "One of the best in the world!". So long as the WWE allows Cena and Jericho to book their own feud and doesn't try to step in and "improve" things, this rivalry has the potential to not only be one of the best feuds of the year, but of all time as well. Both of these guys are that good and so long as they're allowed to do their thing without interference, it'll only get better and better.

(3-3) Jericho and Punk are two of the best in the business and have some high expectations, which they can easily fufill.

The Bella Twins leaving the WWE will be a big blow to the WWE Divas Division?

Russell - FICTION: WWE doesn't haven't enough of a Divas Division that the Bella Twins leavin the WWE would be considered a big blow to the WWE...

Doug - FICTION: It would be a big blow if the WWE Divas division actually meant anything, but it doesn't. Only a handful of the ladies can actually wrestle more than three moves and while the Bellas were unique in their twin magic routine, that's about the only thing they had going for them to make them stand out. They came and stuck around for a while. It's time for them to go and move on. No big deal!

(4-3) The Divas in WWE are an afterthought at best.

"Curly's" imitation of Hulk Hogan was a cheap shot by the WWE at Hulk Hogan?

Russell - FACT: Any time the WWE has some actor/wrestler to play a comedic spoof of Hogan on WWE TV it's gonna be a cheap shot by the WWE at Hulk Hogan...McMahon made Hulk Hogan a house hold name in the 80s/early 90s, Hogan is at TNA...As long as Hogan is in the wrestling business & if he's not associated with WWE in any way, WWE will continue to make cheap shots at Hogan (which makes no sense, since Hogan is the HoF of the month this month on WWE Classics on Demand...oh well...)

Doug - FACT: Yeah, it was but who cares? It was funny and if anyone deserves to be made fun of, it's Hulk Hogan. Yeah, Hogan jokes are a little dated, but to me, they never get old and more power to Will Sasso for his great Hogan impressions.

(5-3) Hogan is a prime target for ridicule and a walking joke these days just waiting to be made fun of.

You're excited for the returns of RVD and The Motor City Machine Guns to TNA Impact Wrestling?

Russell - FICTION: I like both RVD & the MCMG don't get me wrong, but TNA hasn't made any efforts in makin unique/watchable storylines for me to go back in watchin Impact Wrestling...

Doug - FICTION: I'd much rather see RVD make a return to the WWE where he can add a little star power and impact to the WWE roster (and make more money too!) As for the Machine Guns, the name is stupid, but they're a good team with a lot of talent. They can really help and add to the TNA Tag Team Division so for them, it's probably a good move, but as for myself, it'll take a lot more than those two guys to make me want to watch TNA Impact Wrestling more often.

(6-3) TNA has so much amazing talent, but it seems more and more that they still don't have a clue.

So far, Hulk Hogan has done a good job as the "Authority Figure" for TNA Impact?

Russell - FICTION: As long as Hogan (or Bitchoff for that matter) has anythin to do with runnin TNA, I won't be watchin their product!

Doug - FICTION: So far, it's been same old - same old with long monologues and all Hogan / all the time. What made Sting so effective is that he appeared in small doses, focused the attention on the other wrestlers and kept it short and sweet. Hogan is all about Hogan. Always has been and always will be. And having him as the "GM of Impact", after his history on Impact! and with Dixie Carter just reeks of stupidity anyhow. It defies all logic and common sense. Bleh to Hulk Hogan!

(7-3) Since Hogan took over, ratings have dropped. That speaks for itself.

And there you go. After a weak start, Russell and I end up with a record of 7 - 3, which isn't too shabby at all. I think we deserve a hand and a pat on the back. Or maybe a beer. Yeah, a nice cold beer. That'll work.

I'm not sure when the next "Fact or Fiction" column will be up. It all depends on if I still have internet service after this weekend. Long story, but we'll be trying for next week so just keep your eyes open. Questions and comments can be sent to Doug28352@yahoo.com. My thanks again to Russell Jackson, the best tag team partner a guy can have, for all his help. I'm Doug and for now, I am out of here. Have a great week. Don't forget TNA Lockdown tonight. And I am outta here. Later!

Ubuntu!

TNA Lockdown Thoughts And Predictions - April 15, 2012

2012-04-15T10:10:00.001-04:00

We're just a few hours away from the latest Pay Per View offering from the friendly folks at Total Non-Stop Action Impact! Wrestling, better known as just "TNA Impact Wrestling". It's TNA Lockdown 2012, where every single match is inside the confines of a steel cage. I remember when a steel cage was only used to settle feuds and on special occasions and it wasn't really all that long ago. Now, it's just another match and for this TNA event, it's every match. Talk about overkill!

But I'm not going to fuss and gripe about the stupidity of these "speciality matches themed pay per views". I don't like them and think they cheapen the whole ideas and concepts of speciality matches. Matches like the cage match are supposed to be important and matter. And now, they don't. And I'm fussing and griping anyhow, aren't I? Oops! My bad! Let's just get straight to the list of matches scheduled for the show and my predictions of what will happen and who will (and will not) take that illustrious trip to the pay window, if you will. I'm Doug and I'm your local chicken and tater representative. Let's do this.

TNA Impact World Championship Match
Bobby Roode (c) versus James Storm

This is the match that everyone wants to see as the "Cowboy"James Storm gets his long-awaited rematch for the TNA World Championship against his former "Beer Money" tag team partner, TNA Impact Champion Bobby Roode. I expect that this will be the match of the night and that Roode and Storm will try their best to steal the show. As for who wins, I like James Storm and with the recent extra push by TNA (and the push to get his theme song on the national music charts), I can easily see them making that title switch and putting the belt on Storm. I can see them doing that, but I'm hoping they won't. Roode has done a great job as the TNA Champ and has provided some stability to the title, which has far too often been treated as a hot potato in the past. The odds are that most likely, we'll see a title switch. But I don't care about the odds. Storm makes a better challenger in my eyes than a champion. And Roode has been a great champion, so look for some shenanigans and some sneaky cheating tactics and we'll see Bobby Roode walk out of the Impact Zone as still the TNA World Champion. And as for the "Cowboy", "Sorry about your damn luck!".

Winner and STILL Champion: Bobby Roode

Kurt Angle versus Jeff Hardy

If I remember correctly, Kurt won the last battle between these two former WWE stars, thus when you factor that in, plus the idea that Kurt is "injured", thus forcing him to drop out of contention for the U.S. Olympic Team (as if he had a chance anyhow), it all points to one thing. Hardy wins! Hardy wins! Hardy wins! 'Nuff said!

Winner: Kurt Angle

Knockouts Championship
Gail Kim (c) versus Velvet Sky

Velvet Sky is an incredibly sexy and talented young lady, but Gail Kim is, along with Tara, probably among the most talented lady wrestlers in the world today. And as good as Velvet might be, she's not in Gail's league. It's not time for a title change yet so I'll stick with the idea of Gail Kim remaining the champion for a long time to come (or at least until Melina makes her debut in a few months).

Winner and STILL TNA Knockouts Champion: Gail Kim

TNA World Tag Team Championship
Samoa Joe & Magnus (c) versus The Motor City Machine Guns

They may have arguably the stupidest tag team name in wrestling history, but I'm glad to see the MCMG's back in TNA. They're a good team and add a lot of life and energy to the TNA tag team division, especially with the demise of Beer Money and the recent break-up of Crimson and Matt Morgan. That being said, it's really too early to have them win the tag team titles. Joe and Magnus are doing a great job as champs. So with that in mind, TNA will do the dumb thing and pull a title switch. I think they have to have at least one title change and since the big belt won't change hands, why not do the tag titles and one other? I think they will and it will be a bad idea. At least that's what I think.

Winners and NEW TNA Impact World Tag Team Champions: The Motor City Machine Guns

Crimson versus Matt Morgan

This might be a good match or at least one helluva good slobberknocker (and we all know how much I love my slobberknockers... lol). Matt Morgan and Crimson are the stars of the future and to be honest, I don't think it will be in TNA. I'm pretty confident that there are eyes and ears from up north with their sights set on these two men. There should be anyhow. There's something about Crimson (and to a lesser degree Morgan) that just makes you take notice. They have that "it" factor and will be very, very, very big stars one day. As for this match, Crimson still has that "winning streak" going on and if he loses, it makes everything up to now just a bunch of wasted time and effort. So I'm not sure how exactly, probably by a count-out or DQ to keep Morgan strong, but Crimson will be getting that win and getting his arm raised in victory.

Winner: CRIMSON

TNA Television Championship
Devon (c) versus Robbie E

And finally, we get to the feud that no one cares about over a title that has no signifigance or history worth mentioning with two men who are merely after-thoughts in the world of TNA. Yeah, the TNA TV Title is a waste and without Bubba to back him up, so is Devon. And don't even get me started about Robbie E. This match is filler and the TV title is filler and the title is going to change hands and I just don't care.

Winner and NEW TNA Television Champion: Robbie E

Lethal Lockdown Match
(Captain of Losing Team Must Leave TNA Forever)
Team Garett (Garett Bischoff, RVD, AJ Styles, Austin Aries, Mr. Anderson ) versus Team Eric (Eric Bischoff, TNA Gunner, Bully Ray, Kazarian, Christopher Daniels)

One good thing about this match. No matter which team wins, we all win because that's one less "Bischoff" on our TV screens each and every week. I can understand Eric Bischoff being a "team captain" since he has a long history in this business, but Garett? It almost makes having Otunga and Santino as the team captains in that other clusterf*ck of a match at that little show called "Wrestlemania" seem significant by comparison. Isn't it kind of a strange coincidence that just a couple of weeks after the WWE has their "Team Teddy versus Team Johnny" match at Wrestlemania, we see TNA with the exact same match going on? You'd almost think that TNA was trying to rip off WWE, but to do that, they'd need to grab a lot of WWE cast-offs and hold stupid "wrestling weddings" and bury the top stars while pushing management favorites.... Ooops again. Never mind.

This match is just a way to get as many people on the card as possible and to give someone named "Bischoff" the biggest push possible. Look for two things to happen. Look for Ric Flair to come in and replace Eric in the match itself, since Ric is an actual wrestler and Eric is not. And look for Garett to get the pin on said Ric Flair, thus costing "Team Eric" the match and Eric Bischoff his TNA career (for now). Eric has some new reality shows in development and will be needing to take some time away anyhow and we all know that Hulk Hogan, the so-called "GM" can bring him back at any time anyhow. Yeah, I think that's how it goes down.

Winners: Team Garett

And I guess that's it for today. The pay per view is in just a few hours and I've got to leave now and go to work so I'm out of here. I'm Doug and I'll catch you on the flip side. Later gators!

Ubuntu!

Alone Late At Night - April 14, 2012

2012-04-14T01:24:00.001-04:00

I made a big freakin' mistake. Not that it's a big surprise since I'm the master of big mistakes sometimes, but this one is a doozy. I had a feeling to begin with that accepting this job wasn't the right move for me, but I needed a job. Hell, I need a job! And everyone loves the idea since they're a good company to work for and for someone like me, given my experience and background, it's a great fit.

I've worked here before, albeit a long, long time ago and after just over twenty years, I'm back. And the store is essentially the same. New faces, but the employees are pretty much the same. What's changed is me and not for the better. It used to be, within three days of going into a new store, I had pretty much taken over and was "the man", at least in my own mind. I was always very comfortable very easily and I picked up what needed to be done, put my own twist to things and quite simply, took care of bid'ness.

Sounds pretty good, right?

So I take the job and go to work with these people. I listen to everyone's great advice that this is the place that I need to be and that this job is the answer to all of my problems and now, everything is going to be all peaches and cream and wonderful.

And now what's happening? I keep waking up at all hours of the night, sweating and flustered, not exactly sure where I am or what's going on. I look at the clock glaring at me and all I can think is three more hours til "that place" and then "two more hours til that place" and so on, dreading every second and wishing time would stand still. But it never does and eventually, I have to get up and get ready. And the anxiety kicks in.

This morning, I woke up after a restless night and got up to get ready for work. Andwhat happens? My head is pounding. I can't breathe. I start to vomit, but there's nothing there since I haven't had an appetite in several days, not since I started work. And I just want to do anything or be anywhere, but having to go to that place. Once I get there and get inside, I'm okay. A little on edge and tense, but I can handle things a little better.

It's weird. Waiting on customers is not a problems and despite some relative uneasiness, it goes smoothly and things are okay. Dealing with the other employees, that's not quite as good. Everyone is friendly enough, but they're a tight nit group, as often happens in these stores, and I'm the outsider. I'm the only guy which doesn't help matters, I'm older than most of them which is another liability and while they all know me from working other stores - they know my face anyhow - they don't know "me" at all. And no one has stepped forward to make an effort to bring me in to the fold.

And I understand that it's my fault as well. I'm not a sociable person by most people's standards and I'm not confortable in crowds or groups. And that's just a big, tight knit group with their inside jokes and behavior. I have to work on that, but it's not easy. I get tense and anxious when I have to answer the phone or call someone. My stomach churns and my head spins when I meet someone new or even when I'm talking to friends or relatives. Hell, I won't walk into a resturant and order at the counter - I do drive thru because there's less interaction with other people.

I want to just walk away - to leave and vanish forever. Can't do that though because people "have faith in me" and are "confident" in me and I have responsibilities to everyone else and they are so happy that I'm finally "back on the right track" and that "things are working out" and all of that bull. Yeah, they all like it. Everyone is happy. Well, everyone but one person and what do I matter anyhow in the overall scheme of things? I don't know anymore. This sucks!

Yeah, I've got issues and have always had them, but lately, over the past year or so more than anything, they're getting worse and worse. My confidence is for shits these days and just the thought of dealing with people, especially in an enviroment where I should be thriving and extremely comfortable, just makes me physically sick. Even now, as I'm sitting here writing about it and trying to make sense of what's going on inside my skull, my hands are shaking. Hell, my whole body is shaking just from thinking about that place. And we're not even going to talk about the way my moods and feelings swing from one moment to the other. I can be feeling fine one minute and be ready to stick my head in an oven the next (not literally - just using that as a metaphor) and when you add that to the mix, several times a day, I'm a freakin' mess that probably shouldn't be around people at all.

But I need a job and right now, it's the only one available. Bills have to be paid and I have responsibilites so what do I do?

Dealing with people one on one, as I do customers or clients at the Food Bank, is okay. I get a little stressed and anxious, but I can work through it and relax and I'm good after a little bit. Dealing with groups, even people who are familiar to me, is a different story. It's hard and rough and gets harder and rougher every single day.

I'm not the man I once was... not even freakin' close. Now I just have to figure out what the hell I'm going to do about it before it overwhelms me. I'm stubborn and won't let it take over without a fght, but to be honest, between these panic attacks, mood swings, overwhelming anxieties and my physical problems (diabetes, blood pressure and repeated infections), it's getting tougher and tougher to even try. I will. I'm a stubborn bitch if nothing else and I have someone who depends on me, so even if not for myself, I've got to stay in the fight for him. Whatever it takes, right?

But something has to change. I just don't know what the hell I'm going to be able to do to make it so.

I think I'm going to go for a walk. Have a good night.

Ubuntu!

Tossing Salt Is American Idol - April 11, 2012

2012-04-11T22:17:00.001-04:00

Tossing Salt Is American Idol
April 11, 2012
Doug Maynard

My heart is broken as are the hearts of millions and millions of young girls everywhere. Last week, DeAndre, he of the awesome hair, was voted off the Island. I am shocked, especially when it was the lost Brady girl, Hollie Cavanagh, who deserved to get the boot. Either her or Joshua Ledet, just for the ugly ass jackets he's been wearing the past few weeks. It was a gross miscarriage of justice for poor DeAndre. I wonder what will happen next?

By the way, I've already found a future career for DeAndre, one that many of the past Idol stars, including Clay Aiken has taken. He (DeAndre) would be great in a musical production or play. I watched "Jesus Christ Superstar" over the weekend and for some reason, I could just easily see DeAndre playing the role of Peter. Don't know why, but that's the image that popped into my head. So DeAndre, if you're reading this (and we all know you probably are), musical productions are the way to go. Work on it!

And now, back to the recap part of this column. This is Week 6 and we're down to the final super seven contestants. What will they sing? Who will rise to the occasion? Who will choke? We're going to find out tonight. The theme of the night is songs from 2010 to today. That's a pretty good selection to choose from. As usual, the judges are Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson. The mentors and coaches for the future stars are legendary producer Jimmy Iovine and special guest Akon. And I'm just a tired old man who started a new job today... and I'm already ready for a vacation. Those people tried to kill me. I AM TOO DAMN OLD for working with the public again. *Sighs* Let's do Idol!

We start off with Skylar Laine who does the song, "Didn't You Know How Much I Love You". And it was okay, but I personally didn't think it was all that. Of course, the judges disagree with me. Randy said that Skylar was "definitely back" and could have a big hit with a song like that. J-Lo said that it sounded like the perfect pitch and that it was the perfect way to start the show. And Steven said that it was "just great".

Next up is Colton Dixon, who is singing "I Love The Way You Lie", which he says was recorded by Skylar Gray or someone like that. The only version I know is what Rihanna sings with Eminem. She does a great job and so did Colton. He did a great job and actually gave me goosebumps. Very well done. And this time, the judges agreed. Randy called Colton's jacket "subtle fly" and said that Colton's performance was really stellar. He said that Colton "is an artist". Steven also loved the jacket and said that Colton was just a rare talent who could release that version as a single with no more takes or overdubs. He's looking forward to when Colton gets even better and does his own original material. And J-Lo said that Colton always surprises her and does everything in his own way - it's always "very Colton" and that he did a good job.

The next song was a duet between Phillip and Elise. These two have a great chemistry and proved it again by performing "Somebody That I Used To Know". Phillip predicted that Elise would do great with this song and he was right. She killed it! Phillip didn't appear too comfortable at first, but by the end, he was feeling it too. The crowd was into this duet and so was I. J-Lo said that she loved the feel and there was a great feeling and chemistry. Steven applauded the song and said that he has it on his I-Phone. He said that they nailed it and it's a beautiful song. And Randy loves the chemistry between Phillip and Elise and said that Elise won this round, but next time, Phillip needs to pick the song and he wants to see more duets between the two.

Jessica Sanchez was the next to come up and she did a simply amazing job with her rendition of "Stuttering" by Jasmine Sullivan. This young woman has just an amazing voice and you can feel every note and every emotion when she sings. J-Lo called the song "really beautiful" and said that Jessica is ready to take us and America on a ride that she can't wait to see. She wants to see Jessica really cut loose and show her stuff. Randy said that Jessica set the bar to the highest degree and did an amazing job. And Steven said that everytime Jessica sings, he forgets where he is and that she slays it every single time.

Here comes he of the ugly-ass jackets, Joshua Ledet and he's going to attempt the song "Run Away Baby " by Bruno Mars. Fantasia pops up to wish Joshua a happy birthday. And that jacket, while better than the last few weeks, still needs to go back in the closet. And take Joshua with it... lol. Guess what? I liked the song. My foot was even bee-bopping around while he was singing. Joshua's performance had a classic soul feel to it in my opinion and although he's not my favorite by any means, he did a good job. J-Lo complimented Joshua on his control and called the song "dynamic". Randy said that it was an unbelievable performance and that Joshua "really gots to have it!". And Steven, after attempting to play matchmaker with Joshua and a dancer (she's not his type) said that Joshua really knows how to sell a song like a work of art and was "so good".

It's duet time again and we've got Colton and Skylar together again, doing "Don't You Wanna Stay", a Kelly Clarkson / Jason Aldean duet. And I liked it. It wasn't great, but it was pretty damn good. No complaints. J-Lo said that the harmonies were really beautiful and it was a really nice job. Randy complained about the pitchiness and said that it was just okay for him. And Steven Tyler with one of the lines of the night, said that Colton and Skylar had "just made love singing to each other" and that it was "beautiful".

Here comes Hollie Cavanagh up next and her song choice is "Perfect" by Pink. I didn't know she was British. And while the voice is great, she just doesn't do it for me again. The voice just doesn't fit her body or look and it's distracting. She's trying hard, but it seems to be that she's just going through the emotions and hasn't got any stagecraft going on yet. J-Lo noted that she could feel Hollie fighting and she sang beautifully. Steven said that it's not about being perfect and the song wasn't perfect for him. It just kind of layed there. And Randy noted that it wasn't perfect, but it was far better than last week's performance and Hollie has redeemed herself a bit.

Phillip Phillips is up next and the song he's performing is called "Get A Little More". I love the Sax music. That was awesome, but the song itself was okay. Phillip is a real and natural performer and I love that what you see is what you get with him, but this performance wasn't especially exciting for me. J-Lo called the perfornance a little "underwhelming", explaining that she expects more from Phillip and wants to see him break out a little more. Steven compared Phillip to Steve McQueen and Johnny Cash and noted that he's really liked the way that Phillip has changed since they first met him. And Randy said that it wasn't the greatest performance and not really a "wow kind of moment".

And now we get a trio performance as Joshua, Jessica and Hollie are all together and doing the song "Stronger", by Kelly Clarkson. And to be honest, I didn't like it or feel any chemistry with the three of them and this song. Joshua was better dressed this time than earlier and looks like a motel clerk or bellhop. And both Hollie and Jessica seemed a bit pitchy to me in places. But Steven called them "beautiful". J-Lo called this the "season of the big voice" and said that they were "amazing!" And Randy said that they were a great trio and all sounded really good. He called it "crazy wow nice".

And finally, for the last song of the evening, we have Elise Testone and she's performing the song "You And I" by Lady Gaga. This is a really good song for her and I think Elise just killed it and did an amazing job. She's just getting better and better every week. And the judges agree with me. J-Lo commented that Elise let go, but kept control and that nobody can sing like she does. Randy said that Elise is back and it was the perfect song for her and she had a moment. Steven remarked how she took a song so simple and turned it into genius.

It was a good night of good performances and it's amazing to watch these men and women grow each and every week. They're getting better and better and you can see it every time they perform. This is a really good season full of some damn good talent. They need to have an "Alice Cooper" night though. And start a new "Idol" for older men and women. I know a guy named Woody who would kick some major ass if they didn't have the age discrimination thing going on. The man can sing!!

Okay, now for the tough stuff. Who will be the "Bottom Three" tomorrow night and more importantly, who will be voted off the Island and go home? Hollie will be there. That seems to be almost a definite for me. And who will join her on the "Couch of Shame"? I'm going to say Joshua and Phillip. This seems to be an "I am woman - hear me roar" season of Idol and I think that the guys are in trouble. But when the votes are counted and all is said and done, we'll say good-bye to Hollie. Everyone else seems to be growing and getting better, but she's just not quite as good in my opinion and is the ugly duckling among a blossoming group of swans. So bye-bye to Hollie as the competition continues. By the way, James Durbin and Jennifer Hudson are appearing tomorrow night. Don't miss it. I want to see James Durbin and Colton standing together. HOTNESS! Just saying!

And that'll do it for me tonight. Back to work at the new job in the morning and I'm ready to drop and call it a night right now. Thanks for reading. I'm Doug and I'll catch you on the flip side. See you next week.

Ubuntu!

Tossing Salt - Worldwide News: April 10, 2012

2012-04-10T22:27:00.005-04:00

Tossing Salt - Worldwide News
"Blast From The Past" Smackdown
April 10, 2012
Doug Maynard

Tonight, it's a LIVE on SyFy edition of WWE Friday Night Smackdown. And what the hell, let's just doing a running blog of thoughts as the night moves along. Doesn't that sound like fun? Of course it does. I'm Doug and for one night only (unless I decide to do it again), "Tossing Salt Is Blast From The Past Smackdown". Let's do this.

Blast From The Past - Smackdown!!

Later tonight, Piper's Pit with Daniel Bryan. Roddy is either hit or miss with the pit, but as hot as Bryan's character has been, I'm hoping it's a hit. "Hot Rod" and "The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson aka "Daniel Bryan". Wanna bet they're gonna talk about Elizabeth... I mean "AJ". I'm making a prediction right now. Daniel Bryan as the 2012 "King of the Ring" and AJ will get to be the Queen.

Good to see Mean Gene back! I miss the idea of having people doing interviews with the wrestlers. I like how Sheamus says there's no excuse for his behavior in kicking a referee, but still makes an excuse anyhow. Sheamus's "apology" just drags on and on. Here comes Johnny Ace to show what happened last week. Ref made the right call and got kicked in the face for his efforts.

"Who do you think you are?" - Johnny Ace thinks he's a McMahon. Ace wants a public apology right after Sheamus has already apologized. Ace is being a total dick. He needs a boot to the face. Sheamus is on probation and if he touches a referee, he's fired. Plus he's getting fined. "Mean" Gene gets to wrestle and he's Sheamus's partner against Del Rio and Bryan. LMAO! I love this. It's a stupid spin that's been done to death many times, but still cool since Mean Gene is involved. .

"Cowboy" Bob Orton is here. Man, I'm liking this. Bob wishes his son good luck in his match later in the night. I didn't notice if Cowboy Bob was wearing his cast or not, but I hope so. Maybe we'll see him in Piper's Pit too.

Match 1: Randy Orton versus "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry

Mark Henry is a big ass scary man! Henry is dominating the match and I see Cowboy Bob watching from the back. He's not wearing the cast. Damn! After a long commerical break, we come back and it's still Mark Henry dominating the match. That means Orton is going to win. Mark misses the splash and it's time for the Orton comeback. Just like he's coming back to movies in the "Marine 3" movie. Oops! He got pulled from that one. My bad! They're on the floor and Mark eats ringpost. Fire and brimstone erupts. What the hell?

Kane is on the Titantron with a long monologue like promo for the distraction. He still wants to be a monster. I guess their feud continues. Kane has laid out Cowboy Bob Orton in the back. The referee counts and I guess Henry wins the match by count-out? We'll never know because Orton is in the back checking on his daddy. Kane with the ambush and we find out he likes family reunions as he lays out Randy with a steel pipe and Randy ends up stretched out on the floor next to Cowboy Bob. Kane wins! (But if Bob had been wearing his cast on the wrist, it would have been a different story. Just saying!)

How did Cowboy Bob Orton get from a room with a moniter to watch the match into a stairwell where he got crushed by Kane.

Benny Cramer is here for a good old fashioned squash match. He wanted to talk. Didn't talk long because he's facing Ryback. Tony Atlas, Ted DiBiase, Pat Patterson and Hillbilly Jim are watching the match from the back. Total flattened his ass squash and Ryback wins! Did you ever think it would turn out any differently?

Match 2: Ryback destroyed Benny Cramer. 'Nuff said!

Heath Slater and Tyson Kidd are discussing strategy and Heath is very annoying. Well, Heath is talking and Tyson just looks as if he's wondering what happened to his career since the "New Hart Foundation" ended. They have a Hall of Fame manager tonight against the Uso's. They have Jimmy Hart. Man, he still looks the same as he did twenty years ago. Heath is happy. Tyson doesn't look quite so amused or happy. This should be fun! WWE needs to bring the managers back and I'm not talking about Vickie Guerrero or just one or twice a year. They need to come back for good! Heath reminds me of a southern rock, modern day version of the Disco Inferno. And I loved watching Disco, but despite that, this comparison is NOT a compliment.

Mick Foley is here! He's going to do commentary. It's time for tag action.

Match 3: Heath Slater and Tyson Kidd w/ "Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart versus The Usos (Jimmy and Jey).

I love that little dance that the Uso's do before each match. Pretty cool and I'd like to see them on the dance floor at the local gay club. They'd be a hit! Jimmy's not payng attention to the match. He's bugging Foley and Booker with the megaphone. Slater and Tyson are playing the old disgruntled partners routine and not getting along. A good match. Foley has Mr. Socko. The Uso's get the pin and win with the splash. Foley goes after Jimmy Hart and "The Mouth" eats / meets Mr. Socko. Tyson and Slater leave and Jimmy Hart sells the sock like he had his head ripped off.

Daniel Bryan has such a way with little girls. He's such a charmer. Piper's Pit is coming up next. Should be good!

They just mentioned that the last Piper's Pit on Smackdown was when a woman had a mole bitten off her face. That was The Boogyman biting the mole off of Jillian Hall's face. I remember that. Piper is here to stir the pot and he shows up Daniel Bryan breaking up with AJ last week. We've already seen this clip three or four times already. I'm getting tired of it.

Uh oh - Piper has his "serious face" on. The "Yes Yes Yes" chants are alive and well in Virginia tonight. Bryan says that Johnny Ace has granted him his rematch for the World Championship. Bryan explains about the match and how he wants to make Sheamus tap out in a 2/3 falls match at Extreme Rules. Bryan blames AJ for causing him to lose the title and she won't be there. Piper says that AJ is in the building and he likes her and it's his show so Piper calls out AJ to the ring.

AJ is acting like the stupid, naive little girl and really playing it up how much she likes Daniel Bryan. Piper reminds AJ of what Daniel Bryan has done and says to leave the P.C. stuff in the back. AJ says it's her fault and she made a mistake at Wrestlemania and she's sorry. She just wants to talk to Bryan and she'll make it up to her. Piper is speechless and flabbergasted. Piper calls AJ strong, smart and beautiful and she doesn't need to make up anything to Daniel. He's just using her.

Bryan gets in Piper and AJ's face. He's had enough. He tells AJ to leave the ring. Piper and Bryan seem to be both trying to control AJ. She leaves and Bryan smiles. Bryan starts to leave and Piper stops him. He's not finished. Piper has his own version of "No No No". Don't yell at ladies or tell them to shut up. And don't use ladies as a human shield. Piper is Mr. Therapist tonight. Piper predicts that Sheamus will kick the head off Bryan's shoulders twice at Extreme Rules. Bryan slaps Piper and Piper mock chases him from the ring and postures from the ring as Bryan smiles and celebrates. Piper gets involved in the tag match later tonight. The Pit was okay. I've seen better, but I've also seen worse. Piper was in good form tonight.

The Edge DVD is out! I want to see it because I think I know him. And after I watch the DVD, I will.

So far the show has been okay, but if they really wanted to do a blast from the past show, they should have had Jim Ross and JBL out there to do the commentary. Just thought about that as the commericals are playing. Michael Cole isn't as bad as he used to be, but he's still pretty annoying. And Booker? As an announcer, he makes a great wrestler. Sucky Ducky indeed!

Match 4: Great Khali, Alicia Fox and Natayla versus The Bellas & Drew McIntyre in a six-person tag team match. Poor Drew - he has to wrestle Khali and carry the match because none of these Divas can wrestle. Hopefully it'll end soon. Alicia pinned a Bella as I wrote this. I'm so glad it's over. Okay, Drew ran from the ring and abandoned the match. I don't blame him. I'd be running from this match too.

Here is Mae Young. PUPPIES!! Mae is giving Khali the tongue! Mae poses with the Divas. Last time we saw her, she was using a walker. Glad to see she's still alive and well and looking great for a woman of her years. And that kick she gave Khali (which he almost forgot to see) was probably the best "wrestling move" in this segment. But then again, when you look at who appeared in this segment and that idiotic six person match, being the best isn't really that hard to do. Mae has publically stated that she wants to wrestle a match when she turns 100 years old. And I have no doubt in my mind that she's going to find a way to do it. That is one tough lady! Glad to see her make an appearance!

By the way, news broke yesterday that the Bellas will be leaving the company when their contracts expire in May. Damn! They're not much as wrestlers, but they are attractive and who doesn't like twins. I once dated a set of twins. A friend of mine asked me how I could tell them apart. I said, "Jonathan has the beard"... lol. Nerver mind! That's too much info, isn't it? Oh well! Let's move on with the show.

Damien Sandow is here to talk. Who is this guy? He's talking about sophistication and then social media. Quit with the big words already and just talk plain and simple english. He reminds me of a cross between Sean O'Haire and "Leaping" Lanny Poffo, aka "The Genius". But can he wrestle? Inquiring minds want to know.

Flashback time to see Randy Orton and daddy Cowboy Bob get beaten up by Kane. How did they end up in the stairwell when that's not where Bob Orton was at the beginning of Randy's match. Cowboy Bob has suffered "injuries". And then it's RAW Rebound time so we get to see Brock Lesnar and John Cena pull shenanigans. CAT FIGHT!! How could RAW have a show where legitimacy was the theme of the night when the "guests" were Larry, Moe and Curly - the "Three Stooges". Doesn't make sense, does it? But then again, when has that ever mattered? I'm already tired of Brock - Cena! I blame Johnny Ace! And as a shout out to a former associate from the Yahoo group DXSI, I also blame Vince. I know that Peter Porkr does!

When is TNA Lockdown? Just wondering.

Mean Gene and Sheamus are discussing strategy. Sheamus is smiling and not stressing it though? They're going out drinking later in the night - either a drink to remember or a drink to forget. I like that line. I'll have to find a way to use it sometime.

Don't try this at home!! A new video with that very explicit and smart message. Don't worry! I won't.

Here comes Hacksaw Jim Duggan to the ring and he's wrestling. Probably the biggest pop of the night. And he's wrestling Hunico, who has his partner and a bicycle. Hunico doesn't care about the past because he's the future. It's all Hacksaw at the start and he's calling out some friends. Here comes Sgt. Slaughter who gives Duggan the 2x4. Duggan is DQ'ed and Sgt Slaughter puts Hunico in the Cobra Clutch.

Match 5: Hunico beats Jim Duggan by DQ. I love the old guys, but I'm losing interest fast. Where's Arn Anderson at? I think he needs to come out and give Michael Cole a spinebuster. They should have kept Ric, Tully, Windham and J.J. Dillon around after the Hall of Fame Ceremonies. A Horseman beatdown of Dusty Rhodes would really make this a "Blast From The Past" night worth watching.

Cody Rhodes is here. Tonight has been a waste of time and we should only be concerned about the future. Cody bashes the legends and here comes "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes to the ring. Cody doesn't look happy to see "Daddy" make an appearance. Dusty is concerned. He'd do anything for his son, but Cody wanted to poke the bear. Dusty is embarassing Cody and Cody heads towards the back. Here comes the Big Show.

Show is doing Dusty impressions. Love it! We get to see a video of Cody applying lip gloss, from his "Dashing" days. Dusty looks ready to break up laughing. Show leaves and Cody starts to walk off. Dusty dances in the ring as Cody walks off. Cody plays the humiliated child so well, but then again, if your Daddy was Dusty and yourt brother is Goldust, he's probably used to being made fun of. Just saying... lol. We see Sheamus and Mean Gene and they're walking. The match of the century (because Gene is at least a century old) is next.

Match 6: Mean Gene Okerlund & Sheamus versus Daniel Bryan & Alberto Del Rio w/ Ricardo Rodriguez

The Fink is here to introduce Mean Gene and Sheamus. Very cool! Fire Lilian and the other guy on RAW and bring back "The Fink!". I like this Del Rio / Bryan tag team. They work well together. Funny to see 'em pick on Mean Gene. Even Ricardo is getting in on the action. Here comes Roddy Piper and ALL the legends. Distractions and Sheamus kicks Daniel Bryan in the face to get the win. The legends are beating up on Ricardo. Funny stuff and Jimmy Hart has the megaphone, giving directions. Funny stuff.

Michael Cole gets into the ring to suggest a photo op before the legends head back to the home. Cole gets tossed from the ring and the Hall of Famers and legends in the ring continue their self love and celebration as the show comes to an end.

Not a bad show and kind of fun to see so many of the WWE Legends out there again. It got a little old at the end and I still would have liked to see a change in announcers or more of "Mean Gene" doing interviews rather than being stuck in the ring for a match. At least they didn't have Mae Young wrestle though. She should only be allowed to wrestle once a decade and she has to rest up for her 100th Birthday Match.

And we only had one "Johnny Ace" appearance. Do you know what would have been nice? To see Road Warrior Animal make an appearance and clothesline his "baby brother" once or twice. Maybe later.

This show is in the books now and so is this column. I have a few more things to ramble on, but I have to be up early in the morning to start a new job. My nerves are shot to hell. Questions and comments can be sent to Doug28352@yahoo.com. I'll be back in a few days with my tag team partner to do some "Wrestling Fact Or Fiction" so look for that. And I'm out of here. Catch you on the flip side.

Ubuntu!

Forty Questions (Survey) - April 5, 2012

2012-04-05T21:10:00.001-04:00

FORTY QUESTIONS YOU'VE NEVER BEEN ASKED IN A SURVEY

1. Do you know anyone in prison? I know several people who have prison records, a few people currently incarcerated and even a few persons who work as Correctional Officers (and he's a sexy beast that I'd love to bl.. never mind) - I'm a person who knows people... lol

2. Have you ever logged onto a boyfriend/girlfriend/crush's Facebook? I'll plead the 5th on that one - on the occasion, if I'm infatuated (or in major lust) with someone, I'll check out their profile / page with great frequency.

3. When is the last time you ate peanut butter and jelly? It's been a couple of weeks now - I keep forgetting to buy jelly (strawberry preserves) when I'm at the grocery store. Someone needs to remind me.

4. Do you have a desk in your room? Not in my actual bedroom - it's too small (reminds me of some guys I know) but I do have a work area set up in the living room (where my computer is currently at) and I also have a big ass desk in the spare bedroom here at the house from when it used to be my office (and most likely soon will be again)..

5. Have you ever gotten naked at a party? Nope, but I've gotten naked a few times after leaving the party... or after most everyone else has left. Hell, sometimes getting naked IS the party... lol

6. What kind of car insurance do you have? No car insurance because I don't have a license and don't drive... damn it!

7. Are you named after one of your parents or grandparents? Not really, but sort of... my middle name is the same as a man who was my Mom's ex and may or may not be my biological father. Don't know for sure and to be honest, I don't really care.

8. Does your first significant other still live in the same town as you? Yeppers - the first one that matters anyhow. And guess what - we're not what one can call "great friends" but we are friendly and get along.

9. Do you throw up gang signs? Nope - why should I? I don't even like Iced Tea or Skittles... lol

10. Have you ever broken a rib? Nope - not yet!

11. Would you rather be a girl or a guy? For some reason, I think life would be much easier if I was female, but I like being a man. That's what I am and what I prefer to be.

12. Who is the most spoiled person you know? Any person that I decide to commit to because I'll do anything I can to make his life as good as I can and I'll spoil him rotten and rock his world....

13. Would you rather have a million dollars or true love? I've found true love, I believe and I wouldn't trade Cal for any amount of money. I just want him. BUT if it doesn't work out for some reason or if life continues to throw these fastballs at us, just give me the freakin' money. It's not as good as true love, but with that much cash on hand, it'll be pretty damn easy to rent some "love" to get through the hard times with.

14. Have you ever had sex in church? Yes!

15. Is your boyfriend/girlfriend a marine?? Nope, but I did use to have a friend who ended up joining the Marines. Damn, he was (and is) HOT!!

16. Do you watch the Grammy's? Nah, I don't much like Awards Shows - they bore me!

17. Would you ever work for the border patrol? Sure - have 'em give me a call and make a job offer - we can work something out.

18. Which one word would describe your last relationship: Unique

19. Would you rather date someone 2 years older then you or 20 years older then you? Two years older - I don't care about age, but I don't want to date someone old enough to be my Daddy... Now if I'm twenty or more years older than my "man" is, that's okay... lol

20. Have you ever had a eating disorder? Nah, I have no probs with eating... lol

21. Do you have a porn collection? Yeppers - want to watch and see? Let me know and we'll talk... lol

22. How many proms have you been to in your life? Two - Junior and Senior..

23. Have you ever been in a inter-racial relationship? Yeppers - race doesn't matter to me - it's the person who counts. Now all I need is an Oriental, a red head and a midget and the circle will be complete.

24. Is your birthday on a holiday? Nope - missed it by about fifteen minutes. Damn it!

25. Are you old enough to vote? Yeppers and I haven't missed an election since I turned legal..

26. Do you have any friends or family in the War right now??? I've got some friends who are overseas in Afghanistan - most of the people I know though have already come home..

28. Do you worry about global warming? Nope - not really!

29. Do you like polar bears? I love polar bears - they're cute (and drink Coke).

30. Have you ever been cheated on? Yeah, but in all fairness, he was cheating on me with his wife... so does that count? Hmmmmm?

31. What kind of birth control do you use? I only have sex with other guys - no chance at all of babies popping up.

32. What slang word(s) do you call marijuana? Pot or grass..

33. Are you an atheist? Nope - I absolutely believe in a higher power..

34. Did you lose your virginity to your neighbor? Yeppers - twice - to my best friend at the time (next door neighbor) AND his sister.. lol

35. Did or do you think your childhood dreams will come true? Some of them already have (or are in the process of doing so) and others... well, the ship has sailed.

36. Do you wear your sweetie's clothes? We have on occasion wore some of the same clothes... yes!

37. What's your opinion on gold diggers? Screw 'em - 'nuff said!

38. Are you a country or city girl/boy? I'm far more country than city, but truthfully, I don't think I feel the stereotypes of either title - I defy labels. I'm just me.

39. Is your car a 2002 or higher? Nope - my Blazer (which I can't legally drive - damn it) is a 1997 model..

40. Do you floss daily? Nope - not every day. I do brush at least three times a day though..

Alphabet Survey - April 5, 2012

2012-04-05T18:07:00.006-04:00

Alphabet Survey

1. A is for age: Are we talking physical age or mental? I'm old enough to know better, young enough to do it anyhow and far too old for the sexy-ass guy across the street (but I'd love to get w/ him for about an hour or so and blow his freakin' mind). And if you want a number, if I was a dog, I'd be 6 1/2 in human years.

2. B is for beer of choice: Right now, I'd love to have almost any kind of beer - I need a night of sloppy, intoxicating relaxation (preferably with a sexy man or two for company). My brand of choice for this epic moment would be Bud Light.

3. C is for what you can't wait for right now: For the night to come so I can hide in the darkness from all the B.S. and despair this sick and crazy world keeps throwing in my direction.

4. D is for your dog's name: I don't have a dog. However, we do have a hyper-active feline named "Goldy" who terrorizes the household several times a day. She's lucky that she's cute... lol.

5. E is for essential item you use everyday: Obviously, that would be my computer. It's my means of escape from the madness that surrounds me and my only solice that keeps me from giving up and wanting to go away forever.

6. F is for favorite TV show at the moment: Aside from the long-term usuals (RAW, American Idol), my new favorites that make me laugh often (or go W.T.F?) are Big Bang Theory and Celebrity Apprentice.

7. G is for favorite game: Truth or Dare - wanna play? I dare you!!

8. H is for Home town: I was born in Ohio and spent the first dozen years or so of my life in Raleigh, but so far as I'm concerned, my hometown is and will always be 'The Burg.

9. I is for instruments you play: Hearts, emotions and feelings (and the skin flute... lol)

10. J is for favorite juice: Apple is okay and so is Cranberry, but nothing beats an ice cold (partially frozen) glass of Orange Juice...

11. K is for whose butt you'd like to kick: A certain lying, two-faced, hypocritical, piece of crap biatch - she knows who she is...

12. L is for last food you ate: I just finished eating a Zero bar.

13. M is for marriage: Marriage is a wonderful institution of committment and love and I'd love to get married one day, but unfortunately, since I live in NC, there are people who don't think I should be allowed to get married to the person I love. It's okay for them and their friends, but because the person I love just happens to be of the same gender, our love doesn't deserve the same respect or priviliges. And that really really sucks!

14. N is for your name: I have been called many names over the years (many of them are unprintable) but generally, most people just call me "Doug"..

15. O is for overnight hospital stays: It seems as if everytime I go to the hospital for any reason, I end up staying overnight (and more often 8 - 9 days at a time) - I did it twice last year and most likely, it'll be happening again soon if something doesn't change soon.

16. P is for people you can't live without: Cal (the man that I love), my family, my friends and I guess this damn cat... lol

17. Q is for quote: "If you don't cheat, you're not trying" - Booker T on "Tough Enough"...

18. R is for Biggest Regret: So many to choose from - can I pick just one? How about allowing a certain person that I care for to be around the wrong people even though I knew that it was a mistake and no good would come from it - and I was right. I failed to protect the one that I love and we've both been paying for it ever since.

19. S is for status: My heart belongs to a certain special someone, but since we can't be together (for now), my body is available for your intimate pleasures (and just like Wolverine, I'm the best there is at what I do - don't believe it? Prove me wrong!)

20. T is for time you woke up today: A few minutes after 6am this morning - today was working up at the Food Bank day.

21. U is for underwear you have on now: A pair of black and gray boxers - wanna see 'em? Just ask!

22. V is for vegetable you love: I love potatos, but are they fruits or vegetables? French fries rule! And I put ketchup on almost everything, but that's a fruit too. I can't think of any actual veggies that I really love? Well, I liked Christopher Reeve... lol.

23. W is for worst habit: I think it might be procrastination, but I'm not sure. I'll get back to you with this answer later on... lol

24. X is for x-rays you've had: Lots and lots of them. And a step-dad Ray too - he was an awesome guy!

25. Y is for yummy food you ate today? Chicken nuggets and ketchup for breakfast - it was delicious. But I still have to wonder, what part of the chicken does the "nuggets" come from? I have an idea, but that's really kind of disgusting to think about.

26. Z is for the zodiac sign: In the American astrological stuff, I'm a cancer. And with the Chinese Horoscope, I'm a horse. And in the Happy Days horoscope, I'm a "Potsie". That's kind of depressing....lol

Tossing Salt Is American Idol - April 4, 2012

2012-04-04T23:01:00.000-04:00

Tossing Salt Is American Idol
April 4, 2012
Doug Maynard

It's a sad, sad day for American Idol. Last week, the Clown Prince of Idol, the one and only Heejun Han was the man who received the least number of fan votes and was voted off the Island. I'm going to miss him. He had spunk! Let's have a moment of silence for this amazing talent.

And now, it's Week 5 of the search for the 2012 American Idol. Last week, the Idol contestants performed songs by their own personal idols and as I mentioned earlier, Heejun's version of Leon Russell's "A Song For You", which I personally feel was his best musical performance thus far, was good but not good enough and he's outta here. Actually, last week everyone was at the top of their game and did a great job. I hope tonight goes just as well.

Tonight, the Idolettes will be doing songs from the 1980's. I hope that someone sings either "Take On Me" by Aha or "Come On Eileen" by Dexy's Midnight Runners. Some "Human League" songs would be nice too. I love that music genre. And I'm pretty sure we'll get some duets or group performances too. It should be a good night. By the way, the host of the show is Ryan Seacrest. Steven Tyler, Randy Jackson and Jennifer Lopez are the judges. Jimmy Iovine and Gwen Stefani & Tony Kenall from the group "No Doubt" are the mentors.

And me? I'm Doug and I'm a big fan of Alice Cooper, so when are we going to get an "Alice Cooper" night? Inquiring minds want to know! Let's do this...

By the way, if you ever get the chance to listen to "I Saw Red", a duet by Gwen Stefani (before No Doubt) and the late Bradley Nowell (from Sublime), check it out. It's pretty damn amazing and off the charts. It's on YouTube. Find it.

We start off with "Hairboy" DeAndre Brackensick and he's performing "I Like It" by DeBarge. I don't remember this song, but DeAndre did a really good job performing tonight. He was comfortable on stage and really showed off his vocal range, going from a more real, regular voice to the high notes and back again. J-Lo liked it as well and said that DeAndre looked as if he felt super comfortable and very natural and that he sounded amazing. Randy said that somewhere, DeBarge is saying "OMG" and that DeAndre could easily be the 2012 version of DeBarge. Randy also called it one of DeAndre's best performances. And Steven called it "totally captivating" and "exceptional".

Next up was Elise Testone who performed "I Want To Know What Love Is", by Foreigner. In my opinion, she was okay, but I couldn't really feel the song with her version. It sounded more adult contemporary than rock & roll. J-Lo said that Elise looked beautiful, but commented that Elise has a "powerhouse voice" and the song wasn't quite right. Randy remarked that it's a difficult song to perform and Elise never quite got the pitch right and that the song was all over the place. Steven said that it wasn't the right song, but he loves Elise's voice.

The next performance was the first of four boy / girl duets as Skylar and Colton did a fantastic rendition of "Islands In The Stream", which was originally performed by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. Despite their different styles, Colton and Skylar sounded really well together and did a good job. I'd love to hear them sing more duets together. Randy agreed that they did a really great job and called Skylar beautiful and Colton great. J-Lo said that it was perfect for Skylar and that Colton was the perfect partner for her. Amd Steven said that it was a match made in heaven and beautiful.

Phillip Phillips was the next man on stage and he brought his brother to play with him as he did a really unique version of the Genesis song "That's All". It was pitchy in places, but Phillip is so real and raw, it doesn't matter. He did a great job and really took the song and "Philliped" the hell out of it. J-Lo said that the beginning wasn't great but towards the end, Phillip brought it home and was pretty great. Randy loved the "brotherly love" thing and called it another great performance. And Steven noted how he loved Phillip's individuality, calling him a "wildflower" and said that he can tell Phillip loves being who he is and that's what makes him great.

Another duet as Hollie and DeAndre performed the classic "I'm So Excited" by the Pointer Sisters. It was okay, but I just don't think that they looked very comfortable up there on stage together. There just wasn't that chemistry between them that I could see. Randy called the performance very nice and impressive. J-Lo said that it was really good and sounded good. And Steven called it a beautiful duet that sounded great.

Joshua Ledet is next to perform and for the second week in a row, he wins the award for the butt-ugly jacket. Who the hell dresses this boy? Joshus perfomed "If You Don't Know Me By Now", originally done by Simply Red. And well... it was okay. He seemed a bit restrained at the start and then was playing vocal games instead of singing at the end. High notes are fine and good, but sing the damn song. Geez! J-Lo called it spectacular, while Randy commented on how "mature" Joshua was and how he was "so in your zone". Steven called it outstanding and the "perfect beautiful song".

And here comes Jessica Sanchez who's trying to capture lightning in a bottle by doing another Whitney Houston song, "How Will I Know". Jessica has a great voice and loves doing these hard, power songs. I think it was okay, but not the best she's done so far. J-Lo said that Jessica was a natural performer whose vocals make everything go away and is really, really good. Steven said that Jessica's voice is so fantastic and that everything she does is beautiful. And Randy said that Jessica did an amazing job and that "she's gotta have it!".

Another duet now as Phillip and Elise did a super-fantastic version of one of my favorite songs, "Stop Dragging My Heart Around", a duet from Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks. I love this song and have to admit, I'd love to see Phillip and Elise release this some day as a single. They sound really good together and did just an amazing song. J-Lo called this duet "great music sung great!". Randy said that it "sounded amazing" and was "very nice". Steven said that it was "outstanding" and "couldn't be better" and that it was "as good as it gets!"

Hollie Cavanagh was the next performer to come onstage and she performed "What A Feeling" from the "Flashdance" soundtrack. I think it was Irene Cara who originally sang this song and if Hollie had been smart, she'd have left it with Irene. I wasn't impressed. Her voice just doesn't fit her look and body. J-Lo noted that Hollie just needs to let it all go more and not think so much. Randy noted that Hollie has the talent, but there was a couple of pitchy moments and that Hollie needs to quit thinking and start living it. Steven said that the pitches were all over the place and that it took Hollie a while to get there, but she got there at the end.

And for the final duet of the night, it was Jessica and Joshua doing a "anything you can do, I can do better" duet of "I Knew You Were Waiting For Me", the truly iconic and classic duet by George Micheal and Aretha Franklin. It was hard to get used to Jessica's voice in the beginning doing the Aretha parts, but she really did a great job and made it her song. And Joshua dropped the ugly jacket to just come out and sing and the two of them really meshed well with this song. J-Lo said that maybe they were looking at the finals with Joshua and Jessica. (I don't think so.) She said that they were "something amazing!". Randy said that they "both looked fly" and it was one of the best performances on the show. And Steven said that it was "so far over the top, it defies judging and is only to be enjoyed."

Colton Davis came up next and he did a classic Cyndi Lauper song. I was hoping he would do "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" or "She-Bop", but he played it safe and did an amazing version of "Time After Time" instead. They sped the song up slightly and he put his own "Colton-style" spin on the song and what can I say? He was damn good (and he's cute too.) Boy needs to eat a sammich or two though - he's too skinny! J-Lo said that Colton was in sync with the band and it was amazing. Steven said that Colton's voice is so good, he's ready to make an album now. He nailed it. And Randy said that Colton took the song and made it his own. Colton is "so current" and "ready to go".

And then, for the last song of the night, it was Skylar Laine who did her version of the Bette Midler classic, "Wind Beneath My Wings" from the movie "Beaches". Love the song and love the movie, but so far as Skylar's version of this song goes, it was okay. I know the judges loved it and thought it was great, but some songs just are not meant to be sang with a country twang. I'd love to hear Jessica sing this song and see what she could do with it. But for Skylar, I just couldn't really feel it or get into it. J-Lo said that it was solid and we can't count Skylar out. Randy called it the best performance on the show tonight. And Steven said that it was the beginning of a great career and beautiful.

And that's the show. Not a bad show, but I never did get to hear anyone sing "True" by Spandeau Ballet. My feelings are hurt. It wasn't the best show so far this season and a few people made a few screw-ups here and there, but nothing was really bad and the kiss of death. So who gets to be in the Bottom Three tomorrow night? Last week, it was hard to decide since everyone did so well. This week, the decision isn't quite as hard.

My picks for the "Bottom Three" for this week will be... Elise Testone, Hollie Cavanagh and Skylar Laine. And who will go home on Thursday night? Hmmmm? They need to send Joshua home just for wearing those ugly jackets, but I think he'll be safe this week. I may be wrong, but I don't think so. I think that Hollie Cavanagh has sang her last song for this competition. She's hit and miss most weeks anyhow, but this week was mostly miss and I think it's going to cost her and end up causing her to get voted off the Island.

So there you go. That's Idol for tonight. Thoughts and comments can be sent to Doug28352@yahoo.com. Thank you for reading and I'll catch you later, gators. Have a great night.

Ubuntu!

Wrestling Fact Or Fiction - April 4, 2012

2012-04-04T08:09:00.001-04:00

Wrestling Fact Or Fiction
April 4, 2012
Doug Maynard & Russell Jackson

So here we are again. Wrestlemania weekend is over and the times, they are a'changing. I'm Doug and as always, I'm joined by the best tag team partner on the planet, Mr. Russell Jackson and this is the column that says it like it is, good or bad. I'm talking "Wrestling Fact or Fiction". Let's just jump right into it. The questions were sent out on Monday night immediately after RAW went off the air.

1) Wrestlemania XXVIII lived up to your expectations?

Russell - FACT: At first, I thought WM XXVIII was gonna be a forgettable PPV with only 8 matches on a 4 hour event & not to my surprise, it started out that way with the opening match...I was already pissed off when I read that the opening match was for the World Heavyweight Championship & to make matters worse, it was an 18 second match from start to end...Through out the PPV after the opening match though, it started to get better...Didn't care bout the Diva's Tag Match nor the "Team Johnny vs Team Teddy" 12 man tag...Even tho I actually wanted Trips to win the HITC match, I thought the match was well done...Big Show to become the new I.C. champion & The Rock with the pin fall over the smartass, John Cena...All in all, I'd say that WM XXVIII lived up to my expectations, yyyyyyep...

Doug - FACT: Although to be honest, my expectations weren't very high and it would be nearly impossible for the WWE to fall beneath them. The first hour, for the most part, blew chunks, but then things started to fall together and the Punk / Jericho match, the Undertaker / HHH match and Cena / Rock not only delivered, but was off the charts. So we got three great matches, one decent match, two so-so matches and two stinkeroos. That's far better than what I was expecting and the WWE deserves kudos. They'd get more kudos if they could have put on maybe seven or eight "off the chart" matches (after all it is Wrestlemania... lol). Wrestlemania wasn't bad and it could have been a lot worse, but let's be honest. It could have been a lot better too.

(1-0) - It started off badly, but got better as the night went on.

2) The Rock versus John Cena match lived up to the hype?

Russell - FICTION: Even though I was ecstatic that The Rock gained the pin fall victory over the smartass, John Cena, I feel that the match between the 2 didn't live up to the hype after a year in the makin...There was no physical confrontation between the 2...Week after week after week all there was was talk...How John Cena was gonna be The Rock's bitch from The Rock, how John Cena HAD to win the match at WM from John Cena...Next time, lets have physical confrontation leadin up to a much anticipated match...I GUARAN-DAMN-TEE that it will be more excitin to the build up of an up-coming match...

Doug - FACT: It was better than I expected. John Cena and The Rock both brought their "A" game and worked extremely hard and busted their asses in that match and although I don't agree with the finish, that's just a small complaint. Given who the two men involved in this match were, I don't think it could have went any better.

(1-1) John Cena can certainly smell what the Rock was cooking!

3) Keeping the Undertaker's "streak" alive at 20 - 0 was the right decision?

Russell - FICTION: I've been wantin the Undertaker's "streak" to end since WrestleMania 25...What's the point of keepin the streak goin especially now since 'Taker is wrestling 1 match a year?...I figured if there was 1 wrestler that could end 'Taker's streak, it would be HHH...So much for that happenin...

Doug - FACT: The "Streak" should never be broken and should remain intact until Undertaker retires. It's the Dead Man's legacy and just like Ric Flair's "sixteen world title reigns", it should never end. Some things are meant to be and the legend of the Undertaker and his "streak" is one of these things.

(1-2) Love him or hate him, there is only one Undertaker!

4) With John Laurinaitis now the official "General Manager" of both RAW and Smackdown, the "Brand Seperation" is officially over and finished?

Russell - FACT: The "Brand Seperation" has been dead for a couple of years now...Have them to Unify the WWE & World Heavyweight Championships into 1 World Championship (A new physical championship at that) & have the World Champion defend the unified championship on both Raw & Smackdown...The WWE already did it with the Tag Titles, why not do it with the World Championship *shrugs*...

Doug - FACT: It was over quite a while ago when RAW became a "SuperShow" where the stars of both RAW and Smackdown both appeared. The whole idea of having two general managers was to give each brand and show a different identity and feel. That's over with now and it's just the same people wrestling on each show and the younger, new stars getting overlooked and forgotten, just like it was in the days before the brand split. Raw and Smackdown are just the titles for the shows now and are about as seperate as a new born baby and his mama's set of "puppies"... lol.

(2-2) Johnny Ace is a tool. 'Nuff said!

5) The Rock is correct when he says that he'll one day be the WWE Champion again?

Russell - FICTION: As much as I'd like to see that happen, I'm not holdin my breath on that one comin to a reality...The ONLY way for that to happen is if The Rock quits doin movie after movie for Hollywood & comes back to the WWE/wrestles on a full time schedule...Like I said, I'm not holdin my breath...

Doug - FICTION: Let's leave the WWE Championship (and all championships) with the wrestlers who are actually there every day and night, week in and week out. The Rock doesn't need to be the WWE Champion or any kind of champion. He doesn't need the title and at this point, putting the title on The Rock would be the modern day equivalent of the David Arquette disaster in WCW or putting the title on Vince McMahon again... just a major mistake. The Rock is a movie star now and only a very part-time perfomer for the WWE at best. Leave the titles to the full time guys.

(3-2) The Rock doesn't need to hold titles - he just needs to be "The Rock".

<<-- SWITCHEROO -->>

6) You were impressed with the debut of Lord Tensai?

Doug - FICTION: I'm glad to see Albert / A-Train back in the WWE, but to be honest, his debut match against Alex Riley just bored the hell out of me. I wasn't impressed at all. I did like the claw at the end, but I've long advocated bringing back the claw as a finisher for someone. It worked extremely well for Blackjack Mulligan, Baron Von Raschke and The Von Erich's and I popped to see Tensai use it on Monday night. But except for that, the rest of Tensai's debut was just bleh. Maybe he'll get better in the weeks and months to come. I hope so.

Russell - FACT: As soon as the bell rang for his match against Alex Riley, he made short work of "A-Rye"...It came to a point that after Tensai nailed Riley with a chokebomb, the referee rang the bell via a "KO" after Riley couldn't defend himself...After the match was over, Tensai spit some kinda mist outta his mouth (like The Great Muta used to do) onto his hand then proceeded to render "A-Rye" helplessly with a claw hold...Kickass debut from Lord Tensai, nuff said...

(4-2) Good to see Albert / A-Train / Tensai back in the WWE.

7) It was AJ's fault that Daniel Bryan lost the World Championship to Sheamus in 18 seconds?

Doug - FICTION: If it was anyone's fault, it was Vince McMahon's and the lousy booking of the creative team. But we're not supposed to think about things like that. Bryan was kissing AJ and was distracted and turned around into Sheamus's boot in the face. So technically, it would be Bryan's fault for allowing himself to be more concerned about getting some lip-action than his title defense and Sheamus. But as the storyline goes along, I'm sure that poor little AJ will be the one to take the blame. And then when Bryan eventually gets the title back and is screaming "Yes! Yes! Yes!", AJ will be cast aside and ignored like a little trollip, used and abused and tossed to the curb.

Russell - FICTION: Daniel Bryan wanted the kiss from AJ when the bell rang for the match to begin...His loss, not AJ's fault, he's an idiot, case closed...

(5-2) Daniel Bryan has no one to blame but himself. Yes! Yes! Yes!

8) You're glad to see Alberto Del Rio back in action?

Doug - FACT: Actually, I'm happier to see Ricardo back than Del Rio. Ricardo is entertaining and fun to watch and Del Rio is just part of the package since they're a team deal. Del Rio is a good wrestler and helps fill out the top tier of WWE Superstars and legitimate top guys so having him back is a definite plus for the WWE. I just wonder if he'll let me borrow one of his cars for a few days.

Russell - FICTION: The loud mouth, Mexican Aristacrat has returned...Ohhhhhh yippy yaw aye...I must say though, I was glad to see Del Rio get Brogue Kicked at the side of his face on Raw by Sheamus...That was funny shit right there...

(5-3) It's Del Rio's destiny to create dissension among us... lol

9) John Cena was correct when he called The Rock "the greatest WWE Superstar in this industry"?

Doug - FICTION: He's probably the most successful man to come out of the WWE with his movie career, but that's the "movie industry" and not the "wrestling business". Is he bigger than Steve Austin? Or Triple H? Or Ric Flair? Or Hulk Hogan? Or Shawn Michaels? Or The Undertaker? Or even John Cena? I guess it's all just a matter of perspective, but in my opinion, as great as The Rock is, is he the "greatest in the industry"? If the industry we're speaking of is "wrestling" or "sports-entertainment", he's damn good, but the "greatest"? Not even close.

Russell - FACT: I do agree with Cena when he called The Rock "The greatest WWE Superstar in this industry...But that doesn't give the right for Cena to kiss ass on nation wide television just coz he got his ass pinned in the middle of the ring by The Rock at WrestleMania...& that happened coz Cena decided to be a wise ass & attempt to deliver the "People's Elbow" on The Rock...Really?...Really?...Cena is a moron plain'n'simple...

(5-4) And we all can smell what the Rock is cookin'...

10) You popped when Brock Lesnar came out and F-5'ed John Cena?

Doug - FACT: I have to admit that I did get a few goosebumps as Lesnar came out on the ramp. And then he did his mannerisms and made his way to the ring to shake Cena's hand and then deliver a big time F-5. And the thrill was gone. Lesnar was a goof during his first WWE run and kind of bored the hell out of me (and that was when he had Paul Heyman as a spokesman). Now he's back and I want to be excited and positive and happy, but instead, I'm just not feeling anything. I popped for him to come out and do Cena so I had to answer "Fact", but will it make things more interesting and exciting in the WWE over the next year or so? I hope so, but to be honest, I don't think it will make any difference in the long term of things.

Russell - FACT: Sayin that I popped would be a gross under statement...I was so happy that I actually dropped the "F-Bomb" when his music played lol..."The Next Big Thing" is back in the WWE & he has his sight set on the wise ass himself, John Cena...Cena, the idiot he is, actually wanted to shake hands with Lesnar?...Really?...Really?...Cena got what he had comin when Lesnar draped that moron across his shoulders & planted him with an "F-5"...HERE COMES THE PAIN!!!!!!!

(6-4) Love him or hate him, Brock knows how to make an impact. Where's Sable at?

And there you go. We went (6-4) this week. Something about Wrestlemania just brings out all the differences in people, I guess. It was a good show and another good column in the books as well. Questions and comments, or if you'd like to join Russell and myself as part of the "Fact Or Fiction" crew, just drop me a line at Doug28352@yahoo.com and we'll see what we can do.

My thanks again to the ever-awesome Russell Jackson for his help and answers. He's so bad, he tried to bite Mike Tyson's ear off... lol. I'm Doug and I have a damn cat here wanting to play fetch, so I'm closing this up. Back next week with another edition of Fact or Fiction and who knows what else might pop up in the meantime. Keep your eyes open and see. Have a great week and we'll see you on the flip side.

Ubuntu!

Tossing Salt - Worldwide News - April 2, 2012

2012-04-02T13:42:00.000-04:00

Tossing Salt - Worldwide News
April 2, 2012
Doug Maynard

It's now Monday (groan) and we all survived the biggest weekend of the year for fans of professional wrestling. Nope, it's not Starcade (although I wish it was). Instead, it's the triple-threat of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2012 Induction Ceremony, Wrestlemania XXVIII and Monday Night RAW Supershow.

As I write this, we're still a good ten hours away from the televised (and highly edited) Hall of Fame broadcast and RAW, but that's not going to stop me. A friend of mine who shall remain nameless dropped off a copy of Wrestlemania XXVIII for me last last night, just a few hours after the broadcast ended. I was halfway asleep, but watched most of it last night. And I'm going to do it again and just make some general commentary about the show as the DVD moves along.

And once I finish the recap and review of Wrestlemania, I want to hit briefly upon some thoughts about the WWE Hall of Fame and just list a few suggestions as to who I think should be inducted into the Hall of Fame over the next few years. I think I'll do it as a "Top Thirteen" piece. Doesn't that sound like fun? Works for me. So let's just cut out the jabber-jawing and get moving along. Let's do this...

Wrestlemania Review And Thoughts...

Lillian Garcia starts off by singing "America The Beautiful" and she does an amazing job. This is the way WWE needs to always start their big shows. We don't need any two-bit big-named singer. Lillian looks awesome and is one helluva fantastic and amazing singer and does a great job each and every time. The planes flying overhead are a great touch too and this really sets the mood for the night ahead.

Match 1: World Championship Match
Daniel Bryan w/ AJ (champ) versus Sheamus

What the hell just happened? Bryan kisses AJ and turns around into the Brogue Kick and it's over just that fast. This just royally and truly sucks! While I can see how this might be a good thing storyline wise (Bryan blames AJ for distraction), it was just a big "F-U" to all the fans and to both Bryan and Sheamus as well. Bryan is a fantastic wrestler who has really busted his ass to earn his spot. Sheamus is an up and coming workhorse for the WWE and a star on the rise. This screwed up crap-pile of a match didn't do a thing to help or elevate either man. The fans aren't happy and neither am I.

We see Team Johnny backstage and Miz is trying to hype up his teammates and telling them that they can't lose tonight. Bow-Tie Hudson brings in the bossman who compares his team and their "win" later tonight to be a Wrestlemania moment that will equal Hulk Hogan slamming Andre the Giant or Bret Hart beating Steve Austin. Johnny wants to be the GM of both RAW and Smackdown. And the "brand split" officially dies tonight with this match.

Match 2: Kane versus Randy Orton

For two of the "older guys", these two really worked well together and put on a pretty good match. I was expecting Kane to get squashed, but a choke-slam on Randy after a distraction and the "Big Red Machine" picks up the win. Suprising ending, but I'm happy for Kane.

Some backstage hijinks with Santino Marella and Mick Foley and some fisherman dude from "Deadliest Catch". Mr. Socko and The Cobra are munching on seafood as they trade banter. Nice way for Mick to get a Wrestlemania payday. I'd rather have seen him have a "Wrestlemania moment" and get involved in the Team Teddy versus Team Johnny match later, especially since he still owes Johnny Ace some payback. I wonder how long it will be before Mr. Socko and The Cobra are contending for the tag team titles? Not Mick and Santino, but just the hand puppets. Why the hell not? After all, anything can happen in the WWE and we all know that Vince hates tag teams.

Match 3: Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes versus The Big Show

It's as you'd expect. Cody puts forth a great effort and Big Show wins with the KO punch. Cody has been really good as the IC Champ for so long and Big Show doesn't need the belt or a title. I think WWE screwed up here with this match and this ending. They gave Big Show his "Wrestlemania moment", but at the expense of the IC title and Cody Rhodes. We should have had a DQ or countout finish so Show could get the win, but leaving the belt on Cody. That would have worked better in my eyes. Oh well, no sense in bitching now. A new Intercontinental Champion with the Big Show. Prediction now: Cody gets the belt back within the next month. I hope so anyhow.

It's Diva time as we get a video package showing all things Diva and how the Extra woman, Maria Menounos ended up in this match.

Match 4: Kelly Kelly and Maria Menounos versus Beth Phoenix and Eve Torres

The match is what you'd expect for a Divas match. The girls who can actually wrestle (Beth and Eve) carry Kelly and the TV star through a match and the bonus celebrity TV star ends up pinning the Divas Champion. We could have had Beth Phoenix versus Kharma or Beth versus Natayla or even Beth versus Mae Young and instead we got this. The Divas are all hot and sell the T&A, but so far as wrestling matches go, it's a total waste of time. I think I'd rather be watching Michael Cole "wrestle" Jim Ross again. Ummm.... no, I wouldn't. Forget I said that!

A new attendance record of over 78,000 fans plus we get Jim Ross out to call the next match. That's what I'm talking about. I think business is about to pick up.

Match 5: Hell In A Cell - Special Referee: Shawn Michaels
The Undertaker versus Triple H

Say what you will about these guys, but they know how to put on one helluva wrestling match. Everyone had their part to play and did their job exceptionally well Near falls galore. Chair shots and sledge-hammer blows. Forget play by play here - this was THE MATCH of the night thus far. If Undertaker can keep putting out matches like these, let him wrestle only once a year. It's worth it. This was easily HHH's best match this year as well. He and Taker have a great chemistry and when you throw HBK into the mix, it's even better. The right person won and the three-man hug at the top of the ramp after the match was just the perfect way to end the segment. If we never see HHH or Undertaker wrestle again, it'll be sad, but not that sad because with this match, they ended it just right and in a manner truly deserving of both men.

It's Hall of Fame time and we see some moments from the Induction ceremony on Saturday night. And then the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2012 comes out at the top of the rampway with Howard Finkel doing the introductions. Amazing pops for all the Inductees, but especially Edge and The Horsemen. I'm just estatic to see Barry WIndham, especially given his health problems over the past year, standing up there. This is easily the best "class" ever to be inducted into the HOF. There's not a weak link up there and they're all very well deserving.

Backstage segment with Heath Slater trying to kiss up to Flo Rida and getting his butt kicked in the process. Good to see Tyler Reks and Curt Hawkins there to get a brief moment on camera as they make fun of their friend. Been seeing more and more of Hawkins as of late. Maybe his time is finally coming. It'd be good to see both him and Reks get moved up the ladder a bit and more time on television. They deserve it.

Here come The Bella Twins to do some twin-magic ring introductions for Team Teddy and Team Johnny. It's cluster-f*ck match time.

Match 6: Team Teddy versus Team Johnny
Santino, Kofi Kingston, Zack Ryder, R-Truth, Booker T & Great Khali w/ Teddy Long, Aksana, Hornswoggle & Eve
versus
David "Bow Tie" Otunga, The Miz, Dolph Ziggler, Jack Swagger, Mark Henry & Drew McIntyre w/ John Laurinaitis & Vickie Guerrero

This match is wild and crazy and total OINGO BOINGO from the very beginning, just as we knew it would be. Everybody and their mama got involved and bodies were flying everywhere. In the end, Zack Ryder brings Eve into the ring to do the "Woo Woo Woo" on Ziggler, but gets nailed by Miz who takes down Zack for the pin and win to give Johnny Laurinaitis control of both RAW and Smackdown. Ryder looks to Eve after getting beat and Eve gives him a kick in the Woo Woo Woo's. The humiliation of Zack Ryder continues and Eve shows just what being a "hoeski" is all about. Bitch!

We see lots of video about the past week for WWE and all of the fans at the show. It's just a typical WWE "we're not ones to blow our own horns, but toot toot" video package to fill some time before we head backstage and have a Johnny Laurinaitis encounter with CM Punk. Johnny does the ass-clown GM move and tells Punk that if he gets disqualified, then the WWE Championship will change hands and Jericho will be the new Champion.

Match 7: WWE Championship Match
WWE Champion CM Punk versus Chris Jericho

Now this is what a wrestling match is all about and why CM Punk AND Chris Jericho can both arguably be called "the best in the world!". They started off slow, built the momentum and told a story as they went along and slowly drew the fans into the match. And in the end, the right man won by making Jericho tap out to the Anaconda Vice. CM Punk and Jericho set out to steal the show and guess what? They did. Awesome match and a truly great job by both guys. And Punk remains the WWE Champion.

Stupidity time as Brodus Clay comes out and says that somebody should call his mama. Ernest "The Cat" Miller is watching and is probably seething right now. We get "Mama Clay" with a big old fake ass out to dance with Brodus. And then we get a bunch of "Mama's" out with more big old fake asses to dance with Brodus. And as much as I don't like this "Funkasarus" gimmick, I have to admit, I laughed a little bit. Good spot to give the crowd a chance to catch their breath after the Punk - Jericho match. Hell, at least Brodus isn't trying to wrestle.

Lots of video and build for the Cena - Rock match is next and we even get a commerical for the new GI Joe movie. Puff Daddy or P-Diddy or Poofy Pooper or whatever the hell his name is comes out next and introduces Machine Gun Kelly, who performs the Wrestlemania 28 theme song. The fans could care less and are ready to boo him out of the building. Here comes John Cena to the ring and he's definitely NOT the favorite here tonight. If Cena wins, we riot seems to be the theme of the capacity crowd. Flo Rida is out next. Enough of this musical crap already. And finally, The Rock has come back to Miami. The crowd explodes in cheers. No doubt about who the favorite is here tonight.

Match 8: The Rock versus John Cena

All I can say about this match is that they built it up for a year and they delivered. Both Rock and Cena were on the ball and even if you're not a big fan of either guy (and I'm really not), the match was off the charts and damn good. Not as good as Punk / Jericho, but pretty damn close in it's own special way. Both men worked very hard and the match went back and forth and the crowd stayed hot every single second of the way. At the end, it really didn't matter who won the match. Wait a second - yes it did. Cena did the "You Can't See Me" and tried to be a smart-ass, going for "The People's Elbow". But instead, he ended up eating a "Rock Botton" as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson picked up the three count and the pin. Winner is "The Rock".

I didn't have much hope for this show to start with and that first match was a total travesty in my opinion. But as the night went on, it got better and better and the three main events of Taker versus HHH, Punk versus Jericho and Rock versus Cena absolutely did deliver. Was it the greatest "Wrestlemania" of all time? I won't go that far, but it was top of the line and easily the best show of the past year for not only the WWE, but all wrestling promotions. WWE can screw up so many things so often, but when the smoke clears and it comes time for the biggest event of the year, they almost always seem to turn things around and get it right in the end. And once again, they did just that. Great job and a great show!

And now, let's move on...

Airing tonight (Monday) before Monday Night RAW will be an edited version of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2012 Induction Ceremony. From what I understand, although I could be wrong, the Inductions featured on the prime-time broadcast will be those of Yokozuna, Mike Tyson and Edge. Truth be known, I'd much rather see Flair, Arn, Tully, Barry and J.J. than anyone else of the 2012 Class, but I'm suspecting that since Flair is technically a contracted employee of TNA, not having his induction on the prime time program was probably part of the deal to allow him to participate.

So tonight, we get to see a highly edited version of the Hall of Fame Inductions and then, once that finishes, we get to see RAW, live from Miami and see what kind of falllout and what surprises that the WWE has in store for us. And all of that is well and good and I'm planning on being planted in front of my televison set watching every move and listening to every word, just as probably each and every one who reads this column also will be.

But I got to thinking a bit and well, let's be honest. This year's Hall of Fame class was off the charts and extremely impressive. But as good as it was, what about those men and women who are still out there, waiting for their chance to be honored and get that moment in the sun as part of the WWE Hall of Fame? Who is still left hanging? Well, I've decided to do a "Top Thirteen" style list of who I feel should be on the priority list to be inducted over the next few years. Some of these persons will NEVER be inducted and I know that. Others might be eventually after time and tempers have calmed the waters a bit. And the rest, it's just a matter of when someone brings their names up at one of the so-called "Creative Team" meetings. I could put comments and explain why they belong in the WWE Hall of Fame, but most of these folks, it's pretty obvious and no explanation is needed. I'll just do the list and ya'll can make your own arguments as to why these folks either do or do not belong.

Top Thirteen Persons Deserving A Spot In The WWE Hall of Fame...

13) Paul Heyman
12) Bruno Sammartino
11) Bob Backlund
10) Ivan Koloff
9) The Fabulous Freebirds
8) Magnum TA
7) The Rock & Roll Express
6) The Midnight Express w/ Jim Cornette
5) Bill Eadie (Masked Superstar / Demolition Ax)
4) Madusa
3) Vader
2) Sting
1) "Macho Man" Randy Savage & Miss Elizabeth

And there you go. Most of these folks will, eventually, get that plaque and that gold ring. It's just a matter of time and when. And then there's the Midnight Express, Bill Eadie and Bruno, who all deserve the honors, but hell will freeze over before it happens. Eadie and Vince have bad blood between them. Bruno hates the WWE and what it represents these days. And The Midnight Express is affiliated with Jim Cornette, who WWE fired and kicked out of his own company. So don't expect any of those folks anytime soon.

Backlund will be accepted just as soon as he's ready and I know WWE would jump at the chance to induct Sting. Madusa seems to have mended fences with the company so that's a no-brainer eventually. And the Freebirds, The Rock & Roll Express, Vader and Magnum are just too big to be ignored. And as for Heyman, if the rumors are true about Brock Lesnar, can Paul E. be very far behind? I don't think so.

Well, that's going to do it for me for now. I have more to ramble about, but this is too long already. There will be a "Wrestling Fact or Fiction" column coming up later this week and probably another "Tossing Salt" column with thoughts about the Hall of Fame show and RAW. No promises, but I will try so keep your eyes open.

Questions and comments can be sent to Doug28352@yahoo.com. And I'm out of here. It's nap time. Have a great day and I'll catch you later. I'm Doug and that's all folks. Later...

Ubuntu!

Tossing Salt Is American Idol - March 28, 2012

2012-03-28T23:07:00.001-04:00

Tossing Salt Is American Idol
March 28, 2012
Doug Maynard

Can you believe that it's Week 4 of the competition already? It's American Idol and last week, the men and women who want to be the next American Idol sang the songs of the man himself, Billy Joel. And when the smoke cleared, it was she who cut her hair and changed her look, Erika Van Pelt, who had performed "New York State Of Mind" who was knocked out of contention by the votes of the fans and kicked off the island. And now, this week it's time to do it again.

The judges are Steven Tyler, Randy Jackson and Jennifer Lopez. The coach is Jimmy Iovine and assisting him tonight is the legendary Stevie Nicks. The host is Ryan Seacrest. And me... I'm just happy as a clam. The contestants are singing songs from their own personal idols. I don't know what was in the water tonight, but everyone did a great job and every single contestant stepped up and pushed their skills to the max. A fantastic night of singing. Let's do this!

Colton Dixon started off the show by doing the song "Everything" by Lighthouse. And he set the bar for the rest of the night by doing a great job. It was a little pitchy to me in the beginning, but got better and better as the song went along, plus it showed a side of Colton that we hadn't seen yet. I think he did very well. J-Lo said that she was really moved and the song was beautiful. Randy said that he could feel Colton's heart and passion and the song was "unbelievable". And Steven said that Colton was an American Idol Judges' "dream come true" and that Colton has "star quality".

Skylar Laine was the next to perform and her song pick was the Miranda Lambert song "Gunpowder And Lead". Skylar was really in her element with this song and really did a good job. Skylar has that Gretchen Wilson vibe about her and will have, I think, a good future in country music. J-Lo said that Skylar had "unbridled energy" and that this was the "perfect song for her". Randy loved it and called Skylar a great performer and powerhouse singer. And Steven said that it was "over the top" and "beautiful".

Next up was our first "trio" songfest as Colton, Elise and Phillip worked together to do a melody of Fleetwood Mac songs in honor of the guest mentor, Stevie Nicks. Steven Tyler said that the merry threesome was "damn good" and "most excellent".

And the Clown Prince of Idol, Heejun Han was the next to perform. His choice was "A Song For You", originally done by Leon Russell and guess what? Heejun left the jokes in the back and sang his heart out. The young man showed exactly why he was selected to be on Idol in the first place and did an amazing job. He got a standing ovation from the judges and most of the audience. Steven, who last week ripped Heejun a new one, said that Heejun "did it" and made the song "come alive" and was "great". Randy said that Heejun was "back" and while the song wasn't perfect, it had a beautiful tone. And J-Lo said that when Heejun connects with the song, it really moves people.

Hollie Cavanagh was the next to perform and her selection was a Carrie Underwood song called "Jesus At The Wheel". Hollie was really emotionally into the song and it showed with every movement and every expression on her face. J-Lo said that it was one of her best and she really connected with the song. Randy said that Hollie had a few pitchy moments, but did a good job and he was impressed. Steven said that he could feel the emotion, but he wished that she had picked and performed a different song. This one was just "okay" to him.

The Hairy One, DeAndre Brockensick was the next to come up and perform and his song was a song called "Sometimes I Cry" by Eric Benot. Damn, DeAndre can sing! Those high pitched notes and that falsetto coming from his throat just isn't natural. He did an amazing job. Steven said that it was 100% passion, beautiful and that DeAndre could give Prince a run for his money. J-Lo said that people need to pick up the phones and vote for DeAndre, saying that his music went straight to the heart. And Randy called it "beautiful", noting that DeAndre knows who he is and where he should be and that, just like Heejun earlier, DeAndre is back!

Jessica Sanchez came up next and the song she performed was "Sweet Dreams", originally done by Beyonce. Jessica slowed it down a bit and made it into a ballad and did a really good job. She has an amazing voice. J-Lo said that it was really, really beautiful and left them wanting more. Steven called it a great performance and said that Jessica was a star, no matter what. She really knows her notes and was "delicious". And Randy said that Jessica had "unbelievable talent" and was one of the "best singers in many years".

And then we got a melody of Michael Jackson songs from the trio of Heejun, DeAndre and Joshua who proved that they're great singers, but not very good dancers. It was a fun performance to watch though and J-Lo gave them all an "A" for effort and said it was perfect.

Phillip Phillips was the next to perform and he did the Johnny Lang classic, "Still Raining". Phillip really gets into his music and he's probably the most real and natural performer competing this year. In my opinion, he's definitely the front-runner of a very talented pack of singers and entertainers. J-Lo said that Phillip makes everyone feel the music and everything else just goes away. She called Phillip "amazing". Steven said that Phillip owns every song that he sings and that he "loves it!" And Randy said that Johnny Lang is probably very proud right now and that Phillip has big things in front of him.

Here comes Joshua Ledet up next and his song is the Mariah Carey song "Without You". That's a tough song and though the start was a little pitchy, Joshua really got into the song and took it over and did a great job, breaking into a few tears at the end. The emotion was amazing! Steven said Joshua pushed his limits and did it so well. It was "beautiful" and Joshua poured his heart out. J-Lo called Joshua a "phenom" and an "angel from Heaven" and closed by calling him "something special". And Randy noted that Joshua has a giant voice made for big songs and this was flawless and brilliant.

One more trio of talent as Hollie, Skylar and Jessica came out and did a melody of Madonna songs. Randy called the effort "very fun", "cool" and "very nice".

And finally,we got our last performance of the night, Elise Testone, who brought down the house and did an amazing rendition of the Led Zeppelin classic "Whole Lotta Love". So far this season, Elise hasn't impressed me very much, but she owned this song and did an unbelievable job. I was very impressed. J-Lo called her a "real rock star" and said it was "crazy". Randy noted that her choice was one of the hardest songs in the world to sing and that Elise did an amazing job. And Steven said Elise "made Robert Plant proud tonight".

And that closed the show of what was easily was the best night, voice-wise, this season by far. Everyone brought their A-games tonight and did some amazing jobs. So who will be going home tomorrow night? The voters and fans really have their work cut out for them tonight. But as is my way, I've got my picks for the Bottom Three. I don't think they're actually the worst singers in the competion, but everyone did so well tonight, I just think these were just slightly behind the curve. So who will it be? I think the "Bottom Three" tomorrow night will be: Heejun Han, Hollie Cavanagh and Joshua Ledet. And when the votes are counted and the final bell tolls, it will be Hollie Cavanagh taking that "Walk of Shame" and heading home.

So what did you think of Idol tonight? Am I right with my "Bottom Three" or am I totally full of it and clueless? Let me know what you think.

And on that, I'm out of here until next week. Don't forget to watch Wrestlemania XXVIII on Sunday night at 7:00pm. Thanks for reading. Im Doug and I'll catch you on the flip side.

Ubuntu!

Wrestling Fact Or Fiction - March 27, 2012

2012-03-27T20:35:00.001-04:00

Wrestling Fact Or Fiction
March 28, 2012
Doug Maynard & Russell Jackson

Welcome once more to what I think will be a very, very special edition of "Wrestling Fact Or Fiction". Why is it so special, you ask? Well, it's Wrestlemania Week and most of the questions are geared towards Wrestlemania XXVIII (or) the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2012. It's me, it's me, the Saltiest Man In The Universe, Doug and my partner in crime this week is the man who even Mike Tyson calls "The Baddest Man In The World", the one and only Russell Jackson. We're doing the "Fact or Fiction" thing. And just like "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, that's the bottom line because we just said so. Let's do this.

1) Having AJ in his corner is an asset to World Champion Daniel Bryan?

Russell - FICTION: Daniel Bryan havin AJ in his corner has given him chances to come out on top of his matches recently...With the way that Daniel Bryan has insulted AJ for the past few weeks, every chance he's had to do so, it all comes to an end this Sunday at WM XXVIII...Look for AJ in some way, shape, or form help Sheamus in winning the World Heavyweight Championship from Daniel Bryan...

Doug - FACT: For now, she's a benefit to Bryan because she gives him someone to use to really build his heel character and look like a total wimp-ass toady boy. It adds a level of interest to the Daniel Bryan character because you just have to wonder how long will the Bryan - AJ "relationship" last and when will AJ say enough is enough and turn on Bryan? Or will she end up being the brains behind the brawn, similar to the way a character named Robin Green evolved into "Woman" in the early days of WCW? For now, having AJ with Bryan has more pros than cons in my opinion and I'm interested in seeing just how this all turns out.

2) The WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2012 is one of the strongest Hall of Fame classes ever?

Russell - FACT: All in all with the exception of havin Mike Tyson bein in the HOF Class of 2012, I'd say the 2012 HOF Class is one of the strongest classes ever...You have THE greatest & first factions in pro wrestling history, The Four Horsemen; you have the "Man of 1000 Masks" Mil Mascaras; you have the late, great Yokozuna, "The Ultimate Opportunist" Edge; The first African - American WCW World Heavyweight Champion Ron Simmons...Inducting not only Mike Tyson into The HOF Class but inducting Celebrities in general that aren't professional wrestlers is a complete joke...How bout the great wrestlers of yester year that hasn't been inducted yet?...Such a shame...

Doug - FACT: Look at this group. The Horsemen! Edge! Ron Simmons! Mil Mascaras! Yokozuna! Mike Tyson! There's not a weak name in the bunch. No James Dudley's in this group. This is arguably the strongest class for the HOF since they started doing this thing. It's superstar after superstar (plus some extremely big names doing the inducting as well). The way they've done it this year is how a Hall of Fame class should be done. I'm still waiting on Bruno, Backlund and Ivan Koloff though.

3) TNA will allow Ric Flair to participate in the WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony?

Russell - FACT: TNA would be f'n stupid if they didn't allow Ric Flair to participate in the WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony...EVEN if TNA didn't allow Flair to participate, I'd be willin to place a bet that "Naitch" would show up anyway & participate in the Hall of Fame Ceremony...Through out the history of the 4 Horsemen faction, reguardless of who was in the group, the 2 original members were always Arn Anderson & Ric Flair...It's only fitting & doesn't take a rocket scientist or a genius to understand that Ric Flair takes his spot along with Tully Blanchard, Arn Anderson, Barry Windham & JJ Dillan into the Hall of Fame Ceremony...

Doug - FACT: The news broke just a few minutes before I started typing my answers (Tuesday afternoon.) Ric Flair WILL BE at the WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Can't do the Horsemen without the "Nature Boy" and I think TNA realized what all the rest of us already knew. Whether they agreed or not, Ric Flair transcends rival companies and wrestling politics. He would have been there regardless and if TNA had tried to stop him, they would have been the ones to bleed, sweat and pay the price. And there definitely would have been a big backlash against TNA and hell to pay. So TNA tells Ric congratulations and to enjoy his day. And we get to see Ric and the Horsemen all together, stylin' and profilin' as only they can do. Woooooooooo!

4) Wrestlemania XXVIII is shaping up to be the greatest Wrestlemania of all time?

Russell - FICTION: You have a 4 hour PPV that ONLY has 8 matches on the card, mistake #1...Out of the 8 matches on the card, there's only 3 matches that I'm interested in: 1) The WWE Championship match, 2) The World Heavyweight Championship Match, 3) The "End of an Era" Hell in a Cell Match between Triple H & Undertaker...That's down right sad that even The Rock vs John Cena match doesn't even interest me, even tho I want The Rock to win...Again, such a shame...

Doug - FICTION: It's going to be an okay show, but aside from Rock versus Cena (which I really don't care much about) and the Undertaker - HHH match, what really stands out and makes this show "must see"? Nothing! The best thing about the twelve man tag was Christian and he's been pulled from the match. CM Punk versus Jericho might be good, but it just doesn't have that big show appeal to me. Eight matches signed to fill four hours and none of them jump out and make that demand to "watch me" in my eyes. Wrestlemania is always entertaining and a good show, but alas, a "good show" rarely turns out to be the "greatest of all time!".

5) The Miz and Drew McIntyre (replacing the injured Christian) are good choices to fill out "Team Johnny"?

Russell - FICTION: The Miz, is a good choice to be a member on "Team Johnny", after all, he is a former WWE Champion & I could see him put on a good match...Drew McIntyre though, doesn't seem like a good choice to be in the 12 man tag match, with the way that he's been used as of late...

Doug - FICTION: The Miz is a good pick for Team Johnny and I'm glad to see he's got a spot on the Wrestlemania card. He's a helluva worker and deserves it. Drew on the other hand... well, I actually like him and think he's a good talent, but based on how his character has been used this past year, he just really doesn't fit in on that team and especially not as a replacement for Christian. Christian made me want to see this match and see what kind of shenanigans that "Captain Charisma" would pull to help his team and help himself obtain that goal of "one more match". And now, he gets to sit in the back while others get to enjoy the spotlight. I don't get it at all what WWE is thinking, but I don't agree at all.

<<< --- SWITCHEROO --- >>>

6) Booker T is the right choice to fill out "Team Teddy"?

Doug - FACT: Well, my original choice was Mick Foley, who was petitioning for a Wrestlemania match and actually owes John Laurinaitis some retribution for a punch in the head a few months ago, but that would be logical and when has the WWE ever cared about logic? So Booker T is the sixth man and guess what? If I can't have Foley, Booker will work just fine. Booker sucks as a commentator, but he's still fun for the occasional match here and there. I'm not sure what the other wrestlers in the locker room think about an announcer getting a prime spot on the Wrestlemania card when so many full time wrestlers are being left in the locker room, but that seems to be the theme of this show anyhow. Look at it. Booker is a part time wrestler. So is The Rock... and Chris Jericho... and Undertaker... and HHH... and HBK is retired. The card is full of either part time wrestlers or wrestlers who were out for a while with "injuries" (either real or kayfabe), such as Big Show, Khali, Kane, Zack Ryder, Randy Orton, etc... Staying healthy and working a full schedule in the WWE only seems to ensure that a person WON'T be part of Wrestlemania. But anyhow, Booker will do well and the crowd will pop and we'll get a bunch of spineroonies to make the fans happy. So no real complaints here.

Russell - FICTION: Booker T. shouldn't have been chosen by Teddy Long to fill out "Team Teddy"...Booker T. is at the end of his wrestling career, he should help announce the WM XXVIII PPV instead of wrestling on it...The Jackasses that is the WWE should have a younger wrestler fillin out "Team Teddy" to help make the match interestin to watch...

7) Kelly Kelly is the hottest Diva currently in the WWE?

Doug - FICTION: Well, she's definitely no "Ivory" (the hottest Diva of ALL TIME) and in my opinion, she's not even all that sexy. Some people like walking Barbie dolls with big boobs and fake smiles, but I'm not one of them. I think she looks like she caught a major case of the mumps (definitely implants) and just doesn't float my boat at all. Eve looks better. Alicia Foz looks better. Tamina looks better. Hell, for a woman of her years, Vickie looks pretty damn hot. As for Kelly, she reeks of fakeness and is just another wannabe in my eyes.

Russell - FICTION: The Barbie Doll of the WWE is lame as is with the rest of the quote/unquote "WWE Divas"...Such a waste of time puttin them on WWE programming...

8) Brodus Clay should be given a match at Wrestlemania XXVIII?

Doug - FICTION: No chance in hell should Brodus be involved in a match at Wrestlemania. While I can see him wasting our time in a backstage segment (dancing with Mae Young while Ron Simmons stands by and says "DAMN!", he hasn't really gotten over with the fans enough yet to be worthy of a match at the biggest show of all. I just don't want to watch him on my TV screen jiggling!

Russell - FICTION: The ONLY way Brodus Clay should be given a match at WM XXVIII is if he did away with the "Funkasaurus" gimmick...The cheap, poor excuse of a Teletubby wannabe is a waste on WWE programming, he shouldn't even be on Superstars or FCW TV at that...

9) You'd be interested in seeing a feud between CM Punk and Christian?

Doug - FACT: I think the injury angle on Monday night was just setting the seeds for a feud with Christian versus CM Punk. And that would definitely be one worth watching. They're about the same size and both men are fantastic on the mic. And unlike Chris Jericho, who took several weeks to really get into the groove during the build for his match with Punk at Wrestlemania, Christian could just come out, whine about how Punk cost him a match at Wrestlemania and how he deserves "one more match" and the feud would just take off and be exciting. Both men are so talented and polished, they could easily steal the show and become the hottest thing in the WWE for the past several years. I'd love to see it happen.

Russell - FACT: CM Punk & Christian could be a pretty good feud after what Punk did to Christian on Monday Night Raw...Could make an interestin feud between the 2 over the WWE Championship...

10) The Rock versus John Cena should be the main event and close Wrestlemania XXVIII?

Doug - FACT: They've been building this match for a year now. Cena is the WWE's biggest star right now and The Rock is one of wrestling's biggest stars ever. While my own personal choice to close the show would be Undertaker versus HHH in the Hell In A Cell, the money match for this show that the majority of fans are really wanting to see is Cena versus The Rock. Since that's the match with the build, that's the match that ends the show. 'Nuff said!

Russell - FICTION: The Rock vs John Cena match SHOULD NOT & I repeat, SHOULD NOT main event & close WrestleMania XXVIII...I rightly don't give a shit if both The Rock & John Cena are the 2 BIGGEST stars in the WWE, that match shouldn't be the last match on the card...The slogan from the Royal Rumble PPV was & I quote: "The winner of the Royal Rumble will go after the championship of his chosing & MAIN EVENT WRESTLEMANIA XXVIII."...Now since Sheamus won the 2012 Royal Rumble match & has chosen to face Daniel Bryan for the World Heavyweight Championship, it's only right & fitting for the World Heavyweight Championship match, Sheamus vs Daniel Bryan to main event & close WM XXVIII...Let The Rock vs Cena match be the next to last match...Not right, not right at all...

Bonus Question: If you could pick three people to be added to the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2012, who would you pick?

Doug: The most obvious choices are Bruno Sammartino, Bob Backlund and Ivan Koloff, but those are too obvious and I think that Backlund and Koloff will be inducted within the next few years while Bruno will be holding out and refusing to be inducted probably up until the day he dies. So taking those names out of the equation, the three names I'd love to see inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, and who I'd induct if I had the power to do so are... The Midnight Express w/ Jim Cornette. For this induction, it would be all the members of the Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton, Dennis Condrey and Stan Lane) along with manager Jim Cornette. It's a package deal and they do truly deserve the honors. The second person I'd induct would be Bill Eadie aka "The Masked Superstar" / "Demolition Ax". His career and legacy speaks for itself as to why he deserves to be inducted. And finally, the third person I'd induct would be Leon White, aka "Vader". His career in WCW and Japan established him as one of the most dominant big men in wrestling history. A 400-plus pound man who could do moves like Vader did in the early nineties. He was unique and definitely in a league of his own. I can think of several other guys who also deserve induction, such as Brusier Brody, Stan Hansen, Sting, Larry Zbyszko, Mr. Wrestling II, The Rock & Roll Express, etc... but if the choice was mine, these three (The Midnight Express, Bill Eadie and Vader) would be my first picks.

Russell: If I could pick 3 wrestlers to be added to the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2012 that hasn't already been chosen, I'd have to pick 1) "Macho Man" Randy Savage 2) "Sting" Steve Borden 3) Owen Hart...All 3, without a doubt in my mind, should be picked to be in the WWE Hall of Fame...

So there you go. Another edition of Fact or Fiction in the books. My thanks to the "real World Champion" Russell Jackson for his participation and help with this column. Questions and comments can be sent to Doug28352@yahoo.com. I'm Doug and I guess that's a wrap. Don't forget Wrestlemania XXVIII on Sunday night. Have a great week and we'll see you on the flip side.

Ubuntu!

Tossing Salt - Worldwide News: March 26, 2012

2012-03-26T18:44:00.002-04:00

Tossing Salt - Worldwide News
March 26, 2012
Doug Maynard

It's been a while, but guess what? I'm back. I'm Doug and this is Pro Wrestling's Most Eclectic Column, the one and only "Tossing Salt - Worldwide News". Guess what happens this week? My kitty-kat is getting fixed. No kitties for my kitty.

And also, we have this little tiny wrestling show on Sunday called "Wrestlemania XXVIII". Maybe you've heard of it? And we've got Hall of Fame Inductions too. Not the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I'm still waiting for The Pet Shop Boys to be inducted. Instead, it's the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2012 Induction Ceremony. Despite my team, the UNC Tarheels getting kicked out of the NCAA Basketball Tournament last night,
I'm still jakked. I'm happy. I'm excited. I'm as perky as a baby in a washing machine. This is going to be one helluva week. And let's don't even start talking about the trailer for the new Dark Shadows movie. It comes out in May and it's going to be damn good! Let's get this party started. Let's do this...

There are two subjects on my mind before I get into my Hall of Fame thoughts and my predictions for Wrestlemania XXVIII that I want to get into. The first one is something reported by LordsOfPain.net where Alberto Del Rio reportedly said in an interview that he has been told that he will not be a part of any of the matches at Wrestlemania XXVIII.

And you know what? I hate it for Del Rio, but he's been out of action for the past several months and it really wouldn't be fair to bring him back a week before the biggest show of the year (and the biggest payday) when there are so many other talents who have been here week in and week out, day in and day out, who don't have a spot on the show.

It's not Del Rio's fault that he was injured, but he'll have the chance to make up for it after Wrestlemania with several main events and a spot near the top of the WWE ladder. So no big match on Sunday. So what? He'll still be making appearances and be a part of the excitement. Maybe they can slide him in as part of a "bonus match" against some other wrestler who was left off the card (Miz, Brodus Clay, William Regal, Heath Ledger, Justin Gabriel, The Usos, etc). I'm sure the WWE will find some kind of use for him at the biggest event of the year. And if not, he can just enjoy the vacation while it lasts and be ready to go to work Monday night instead.

The other topic is a rumor that possibly at Wrestlemania XXVIIII, we might be looking at a main event of The Rock, back for another year, against "The Next Big Thing" Brock Lesnar. And that, I think, would be awesome. If the Rock is going to keep coming back and being a part of Wrestlemania every year, the hardest part will be trying to find someone each and every year that is a big enough name to be matched up against The Rock. Who really is there in the WWE these days that could be a "money opponent" for Dwayne Johnson? We have John Cena this year, CM Punk at some point, maybe The Miz and then who else? HHH? Been there and done that. Chris Jericho? Same thing. But The Rock and Brock never wrestled and their careers and times in the WWE just missed each other, so why the heck not?

It's pretty obvious that at some point, Brock will be back in the WWE (and my guess will be Sunday night). He left to do his "football camp" thing and then went on to moderate success with the UFC. And now, since that career has ended, it's time to come full circle and climb back into that squared circle. Just imagine the promos. Just imagine the physical match-up. Bring Brock in on Sunday night (or Monday at RAW) and have him declare that he's back for good. Have him make the challenge for The Rock one year from now at next year's Wrestlemania. And as for the time between now and then, Brock can set his eyes on "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry, Kane, John Cena, etc.

I don't know if this rumor is true, but I expect that we'll find out soon enough if Brock is truly coming back to rejoin the WWE. And if he is coming back, then having Brock take on Cena and then Rock seems like a no-brainer to me. I would like to see it happen and I hope that it does.

Update: I wrote the first part of this (the part above) on Sunday night and since then, there's been a new development. Last night, Mick Foley and The Miz engaged in a twitter war that might be indicating that Miz and Foley will be the two mystery men and the final components of Team Teddy and Team Johnny. It makes sense.

Mick still owes John Laurinaitis for a punch in the mouth a few months ago and Miz is a former WWE Champion (and AWESOME) so he'd fit in quite well with the rest of "Team Johnny" which consists entirely of former World and WWE Champs (and Otunga who's married to a big movie / singing star). Don't know if it's true or if it's just something being thrown out there to generate talk and interest.

Whatever the case, having Mick Foley (who wants to have one more Wrestlemania moment to show his kids) and The Miz as the final two men works for me. Let's move on...

WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2012 Thoughts...

Now, let's move on to what I feel is the strongest class of legends and superstars to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame at one time since they started this whole thing and of course, I'm talking about the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2012. Let's go over the Inductees and whether or not the person (or persons) are truly worthy of the honor being bestowed upon them.

The Four Horsemen: Four of the best wrestlers of the eighties, arguably the greatest "clique" of all time, and one of the greatest managers (and behind the scenes players too). Nothing is wrong with this selection except for it's a slight bit overdue. Meethinks that Atlanta, GA, the home of last year's Wrestlemania, would have been more appropiate for the men who made and carried WCW for so long, but that's just my thoughts. Miami works well since Dillon, Windham and Flair all had some very memorable Florida moments as well in their careers. I still think that Ole Anderson was given the royal shaft, but given the great love between Ole and Vince McMahon, it's understandable. And I'm sure that we'll hear some of the Horsemen (most likely Arn) give Ole his props when making his speech.

The only thing that I'm still not sure about this induction is will Ric Flair be there and be able to attend the HOF ceremony? So far, there's been no official word one way or the other if Flair (who's currently under contract to TNA) will be allowed to appear. From what I understand, WWE and TNA are talking about this and most likely it will happen. I wouldn't expect to see Ric at Wrestlemania or RAW the next night though after the Induction ceremony. That might be asking TNA for too much. But I do think (hope) that on that stage Saturday night, we'll get to see Ric, Arn, Tully and J.J. all together.

I also haven't heard anything about whether or not Barry Windham will be able to attend the ceremony, as he's currently recovering from a heart attack and stroke. It would be a shame if Windham isn't able to be there and accept the honor, but if he's not, it's understandable. Getting better has to be his first priority. And there are plenty of persons of note (Blackjack Mulligan, Mike Rotundo, Husky Harris, Kendall Windham) who could step in and accept the award for Barry. He's truly one of the all-time greats and all of us here at Tossing Salt Media wish him the very best in a speedy and full recovery.

A thought here. I wonder how many former Horsemen will be visiting and sitting in the audience during the Induction ceremonies? I know that Lex Luger has said that he will definitely be there. Dean Malenko works as an agent for the WWE so he'll be there too. But what about Steve "Mongo" McMichael? But what about Sid Vicious? I doubt we'll see Paul Roma anywhere and I know that Ole wouldn't attend even if he could. Maybe we'll catch of glimpse of Sting in the audience? It could happen. And I hope that someone decides to give a shout out to the former Horsemen who are no longer with us, like Miss Elizabeth, Woman, Brian Pillman, Chris Benoit and Curt Henning. Despite what some may think of some of these people, they all made a strong impact and helped build the legacy that was that of the Four Horsemen. The Horsemen's four fingers in the air was (and is) considered "the symbol of excellence"... and these men (and women) most certainly were that.

Edge: The only problem I can see about Edge going into the HOF now is that maybe it's too early. He retired a year ago due to injuries and I think that factors into it, plus he was the World Champion at the time of his last match. Not a bad way to go. Edge is certainly deserving of the honor and had a fantastic career second to none. It's just hard to picture Edge being inducted when we're still waiting on Bruno Sammartino, Bob Backlund and Ivan Koloff (the two longest running WWF Champions of all time and the man who shocked the world when he ended Bruno's first reign) to be inducted. As great as Edge is (and he is), these other men should be there first. But I'm not complaining. Edge is a great performer and one of my personal favorites. He's no Christian, but he certainly belongs in the elite company of the Class of 2012.

Ron Simmons: The first black World Champion. A great athlete and dominating wrestler who helped found The Nation of Domination and jump-start the careers of Mark Henry and The Rock. A member of the tag team (along with Butch Reed) of DOOM! One of the Acolytes Protection Agency with John Bradshaw Layfield. A man who can electrify an arena with just one simple word. Ron Simmons is a true legend and icon in this business. And he most definitely belongs in this company and in the WWE Hall of Fame.

Mil Mascaras: The man of a thousand masks, Mil has long been one of the biggest wrestling attractions all over the world. He's been a big star in Japan and in Mexico. And during the late 70's, a month didn't go by without Mil's masked face gracing the covers of wrestling magazines everywhere. He's made movies and tv shows in Mexico. He's a true legend and icon, pure and simple. And does he deserve to go into the Hall of Fame. Damn straight he does.

Yokozuna: A former multiple time WWF Champion and tag team champion, Yoko was indeed a very unique and special person in the history of the WWE. He defeated both Bret "The Hitman" Hart and Hulk Hogan in seperate matches to capture WWF Gold and this was at a time that Bret didn't lose often and Hogan never lost. (Hogan still never loses... lol). Despite his huge size, Yoko could move quite well around that ring and I've never heard tell of him accidentially hurting anyone. That's pretty amazing too. Yoko was a talented and strong performer for the WWE and despite being a bit later than one might have hoped (twelve years after his death), Yoko certainly deserves this honor and tribute.

Mike Tyson: The Inductee to the Celebrity wing of the Hall of Fame, "Iron" Mike Tyson is one hell of a boxing legend. And while I can think of a few other celebrities that may deserve, at least in my opinion, to be inducted first (such as Cyndi Lauper), I have absolutely no problem with Tyson being part of this class. It was his presence that gave that extra kick to Wrestlemania XIII when Steve Austin faced Shawn Michaels and helped bring the WWF back from the verge of bankruptcy.

Truth be known, I have absolutely no problem with any of the persons who are being inducted this year into the WWE Hall of Fame. All of them are strong, good, deserving picks and very worthy. I still wonder when Vince and the WWE are going to induct Bruno and Backlund, but I've already ranted about that and will let it go for now. And what happened to the idea of inducting a female wrestler into the Hall of Fame each year? I can think of a few names right now, such as the late Penny Banner, Madusa, Missy Hyatt, Candi Devine, Misty Blue, etc. Or since they're inducting the Horsemen, why not a young woman who was a big part of the Horsemen's early years, Baby Doll? Just for her role in the Dusty - Tully - Magnum TA wars of the eighties, she's deserving. And where's Magnum TA for that matter. He's definitely deserving of a spot.

So many names are deserving and yet so few are chosen. It's kind of sad, but I guess that's just the way things roll sometimes. But the WWE and Vince did right this year with their picks. Truly the best of the best of the best. And all truly worthy and deserving of their new place and spot in the WWE Hall of Fame.

Speaking of The Four Horsemen, I did a fic a few weeks ago about a new beginning for the Horseman franchise. Check it out here: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7917464/1/Here_Comes_That_Rainbow_Again

Let's move on...

Wrestlemania XXVIII Predictions...

John Cena versus The Rock

The biggest star in the WWE today against truly one of the biggest stars of all time. I keep trying to decide who needs to win this match more. John Cena can't really afford to lose because if he does, he's lost all his credibility. After all, his biggest complaint is that The Rock isn't a full time WWE Superstar and is a part-timer at best. So what does it say if the face of the company loses to a part timer?

As for The Rock, wouldn't all of the trash talking and creative insults fall a bit flat and make him look like a giant stroudle if he was to be pinned by Mr. Fruity Pebbles, he of the lady parts? Plus it would kind of blow any selling point for having Rock return next year for Wrestlemania 29, as he's rumored to have agreed to do. After all, what's the point in having "The Great One" coming back if all he's going to do is talk trash and then choke when it comes time to back it up.

Neither man can really afford to lose. So here's what I think might happen. We get a helluva great match that goes twenty-five to thirty minutes with near fall after near fall for both men. The fans are screaming and cheering with every move. And then we get a collision in the middle of the ring and both men are down. And here's where the rumor I mentioned at the start of the column comes into play. We see Brock Lesnar come from out of nowhere and hit the ring. F-5 for Cena. F-5 for The Rock. Both men are out and the match is ruled a no-contest. The fans scream in anger and boos fill the arena as Brock stands tall over his two fallen rivals. And then we get Brock - Cena for the next several months to really cement Brock's place back as part of the WWE. And we get Brock - Rock at Wrestlemania 29. And the world is talking because once again, the old saying having been proven true... "Anything can happen in the WWE!". Works for me.

Results: NO CONTEST due to Brock interference...

WWE Championship
CM Punk versus Chris Jericho

With his comments and promos about Punk's father and sister over the past few weeks, Chris Jericho has really dominated the mind games and made CM Punk his bitch. That being said, when the bell rings and the match starts, I expect that we'll see Punk get his revenge and get the last laugh. As much as I like Chris Jericho, I just can't really see him at this point and time as the WWE Champion. Punk, I think makes a better challenger than champion, but with the current RAW roster as it is, he's the best guy around right now to hold that title. Like with the Rock / Cena match, I think we'll see one helluva great match with lots of near-falls and back and forth action. But when the dust settles and the smoke has cleared, I think Jericho will be taking a nap and we'll see CM Punk standing tall not only as the WWE Champion, but also clearly "The Best Wrestler In The World".

Winner: CM Punk

World Championship
Daniel Bryan w/ AJ versus Sheamus

I really like Daniel Bryan's character and his antics during his run as the World Champion, but the writing is easily on the wall and Sunday night will be his Waterloo. Look for AJ to accidentially cause a distraction of some sort and Sheamus to take advantage and kick Bryan's head off to get the pin. New Champion at Wrestlemania XXVIII!

Winner and NEW World Champion: Sheamus

Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes versus The Big Show

I'm not sure if this is a title match or not. That hasn't been mentioned in any of the build-up for this match, but I would assume it is. What's the point in having a champion wrestle a singles match at Wrestlemania if he's not defending his title? This should be an interesting match. Big Show is hit or miss with most of his matches (mostly miss), but Cody has really become quite a capable performer and should be able to carry Show to a good match. Cody has dominated most of the build thus far, but I don't think his luck will hold up once they hit the ring on Sunday. Cody can afford a loss. Show has such a history of "choking" at Wrestlemania and they've made it a major part of the backstory for this match, so I think that means it's time for the "choking" to end. Look for Show to take out Cody with a clean chokeslam and pin.

Winner: The Big Show

Kane versus Randy Orton

Randy wins! 'Nuff said!

Winner: Randy Orton

Divas Tag Team Match
Beth Phoenix & Eve versus Kelly Kelly & Maria Menounos

And this is where I get mad because we get to see a non-wrestler and a Barbie Doll compete against the Divas Champion and the Hoeski. Beth and Eve are both competent (well, semi-competent in Eve's case) wrestlers. Kelly is passable with her three moves of doom, but is otherwise, in my opinion, a waste of space. And then we have Ms. TV Star. She might be a good TV journalist and maybe even a good ballroom dancer, but she has no business at all in a wrestling ring. So of course, that means she'll end up pinning the champ. WWE logic, right? Well, it sucks!

Winners: Kelly Kelly and Maria Menounos.

Team Teddy (Santino, Kofi, R-Truth, Zack Ryder, Great Khali, Mick Foley (?)) w/ Teddy Long, Aksana & Hornswoggle
versus
Team Johnny (David Otunga, Christian, Mark Henry, Jack Swagger, Dolph Ziggler, The Miz (?)) w/ John Lauriniatis & Vickie Guerrero

The big twelve man tag match that was added to take the spot of "Money In The Bank" and to determine which General Manager, Teddy Long or John Laurinaitis, will bein charge of both RAW and Smackdown, thus effectively ending any idea of a brand split or even seperate brands. No matter who wins, we all lose as we end up with two cookie-cutter, copy cat shows. I have no idea who to pick for this match since I don't know where they're headed storyline wise. If Teddy wins, he's the GM of both brands, but since Johnny is the V.P. of Talent Relations, he's still Teddy's boss technically and can cause problems. And if Johnny wins, it means we get to see more and more of Mr. Personality each and every week. I don't like seeing too much of Johnny, so I'll pull for Team Teddy. Team Teddy wins when Hornswoggle hits Miz with a Tadpole Splash and Foley gets the pin. Why not?

Winners: TEAM TEDDY

Hell In A Cell - The End Of An Era Match
Special Referee: Shawn Michaels
Triple H versus The Undertaker

And now we're at what I feel will be the main event and the biggest match of the night. It's The Undertaker and HHH in a Hell In A Cell Match. And "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels is the special guest referee. What kind of role will HBK play? I think he'll call it down the middle and actually be a non-factor in this match. HHH and Undertaker will beat the holy hell out of each other and do their best to top the match from last year. It'll be brutal. There will be blood. And when all is said and done, the streak continues and The Undertaker goes 20-0 for Wrestlemania. HHH will come so very close, but in the end, it's the Dead Man who wins.

Winner: The Undertaker

Final Thoughts:

Today is March 23, 2012. Eleven years ago, the "Monday Night Wars" ended and the wrestling world was changed forever. It was the final episode of WCW Monday Nitro, live from Panama City, FL. And it was there that the announcement was made as first Vince and then Shane McMahon showed up on our television screen. The WWE had bought out WCW. I remember watching the show. I remember watching Shawn Stasiak defeat Bam Bam Bigelow. I remember watching then WCW United States Champion Booker T defeated then WCW World Champion Scott Steiner to capture the WCW World Championship for the final time. And Ric Flair lost to Sting. And I cried. Yes, I admit it now.

As the show progressed and it became more and more obvious that WCW, which had sprang from the NWA Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling and Jim Crockett Promotions, the wrestling that I grew up watching and attending for my entire life, was being pulled off life support and was being dead. I know that Vince teased a new WCW, a seperate but equal branch of the WWF, but it never happened. I kept hoping he would, but he never did use the WCW talent and brand properly.

Instead, we got "The Invasion" with children Shane and Stephanie leading their brands of "WCW" and "ECW" against Vince and his "WWF". And it sucked! Instead we got Goldberg being brought in and lasting a year. Instead we got Kronik being brought in for one match (with Stevie Richards as their manager) and then terminated. Anything and everything that was World Championship Wrestling, the brand and legacy that I loved, was mocked, ridiculed, kicked around and finally flushed down the toliet.

Yes, I'm still resentful. And I admit it. And the thing is, I don't blame Vince McMahon. He won and his ego demanded that he crow and brag while he decimated his fallen foe. The fault falls on an AOL - Time Warner Executive named Jamie Kellner, who was in charge of the Turner Network programming and decided that professional wrestling was low-brow and didn't fit the image that they wanted for their networks. This effectively destroyed a deal that Eric Bischoff had arranged to take over control of WCW and keep the company alive and allowed Vince to buy up all of WCW's video-assets and properties for just a little over four million dollars total.

Jamie Kellner didn't want wrestling on "his" network despite that WCW, even at it's worst, drew better ratings than any other show on the Turner Networks and in fact, had consistent ratings better than anything currently on TBS or TNT and are currently in line with the ratings that WWE pulls today on SyFy and the USA Network. Despite all the flaws, Nitro and Thunder were successful television shows and drew ratings and fans. That's a fact! And if Kellner hadn't been such a total piece of ass-clown garbage and so damn hasty, WCW could still be alive today and making money for a lot of people, including Jamie Kellner.

But he pulled the plug on WCW televison. Eric Bischoff and his partners were forced to withdraw. And WCW became just a memory and a footnote in wrestling history. That's sad. That's wrong. It deserved better and we, the WCW fans, deserved better. WCW may be dead and gone, but the great matches, the crazy storylines, the iconic figures such as The Four Horsemen, The nWo, Sting, etc. and such legacies as Starcade, The Clash of Champions, Battle Bowl, Halloween Havoc, The Crockett Cup, etc... I miss that stuff. I miss a company that had tons of great entertainment and still lived up to the promise each and every night that "We Wrestle" as well. WCW was truly where "The Big Boys Play!".

World Championship Wrestling (RIP) - You will never be forgotten!

And there you go. That's going to wrap this up for me. Comments and questions can be sent to Doug28352@yahoo.com. Talk to me! I don't bite (much). To go read all things Dougie, go check out my blogsite at www.tsfiction.blogspot.com. Also, I have a profile up with access to some of my fiction stories at http://www.fanfiction.net/~tsfiction19 . Go check it out.

I'll be back later in the week with "Wrestling Fact Or Fiction" along with my partner in crime, Russell Jackson. Until then, never forget that wrestling is real. It's life that's fake. I'm Doug and I'll catch you on the flip side.
Ubuntu!

Wrestling Fact Or Fiction - March 24, 2012

2012-03-24T23:14:00.001-04:00

-Wrestling Fact Or Fiction
March 24, 2012
Doug & Russell

More regular than Grandpa after his bran cereal and glass of prune juice, it's Wrestling Fact or Fiction. I'm Doug Maynard and along with the baddest man on the planet, Russell Jackson, we're here once more to be the wrestling pundits that we are and debate the questions that need to be debated. Let's jump right to it and do this...

1) TNA Victory Road was a good show?

Doug - FACT: I read the recaps and reviews and from all indications, it was a good show. But putting on good pay per views is not TNA's problem. The problem they have is that while the pay per views are good, the TV shows that sell the pay per views are usually somewhat lackluster and no one bothers to watch or care. TNA draws roughly a third of the audience of RAW and no matter what they do, it never gets any better. TNA is stuck in a major rut and while getting rid of Vince Russo is a postive step, the over-reliance of such dinosaurs as Hogan, Flair, Sting, Angle, etc. is still a significant factor that keeps the company from making any major gains. TNA - the best wrestling that no one ever bothers watching. That's sad!

Russell - FICTION: I read the results from TNA Victory Road PPV after it happened this past Sunday night & from what I read, I didn't think Victory Road was that much of a good, quality wrestling PPV to watch...To put it plain & simple, TNA needs to have interesting storylines & interesting matches for a PPV of theirs to work & it isn't workin for them in my eyes...

(0-1) Not a great start. TNA is like a wrestling yo-yo and all over the place.

2) Chris Jericho is winning the battle of mind games against CM Punk?

Doug - FACT: First it was the alcoholic father and now the drug addict sister. And while Punk's reactions and facial expressions have been great, he's only been able to react to Jericho's words and is stuck on the defense, being forced to always respond and not gain any initiative or momentum. I wish Jericho had started with these mind games a month ago so we could have some good back and forth and see Punk and Jericho really showcase their promo skills, but WWE waited too late to really build on Jericho's charges. All we get is Punk getting upset. I get it though. Punk is getting mad and frustrated and will take it out on Jericho at Wrestlemania and that's all well and good, but until the actual match happens, it seems that Jericho is owning Punk big time.

Russell - FACT: Seems like since the WWE Championship match was set with CM Punk defendin the championship against Chris Jericho at WrestleMania XXVIII, Chris Jericho has been pokin'n'jabbin at CM Punk on Monday Night Raw for the past couple weeks...First, Jericho brought to light of CM Punk's father's alcoholism 2 weeks ago, then Jericho made mention of CM Punk's sister's drug use...Even though it appears that Chris Jericho is edging out in the psychology department against CM Punk at this point, the ultimate conclusion of "winning the battle of mind games" will be at the end of the WWE Championship match at WM XXVIII...

(1-1) Jericho is the master of mind games.

3) The Rock is correct when he says that he has to beat John Cena to prove he's "the best of all time"?

Doug - FICTION: The Rock's spot in wrestling history is already pretty much cemented in and regardless of what happens in the match with Cena, no one is going to think any less of "The Great One" or think he's any less of a "sports entertainer". But so far as being the "best of all time" goes though, neither The Rock nor John Cena for that matter are even close to being able to lay claim to that title. Ric Flair can arguably make that claim. So can Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels. And I'd put Harley Race over any of them. And as good as The Rock and Cena both are, neither of them are ready to step into the elite grouping of the truly "best of all time"... at least not in my view.

Russell - FICTION: As far as I'm concerned, The Rock DOES NOT NEED to beat John Cena to prove he's "the best of all time"...John Cena is just another wrestler that needed a storyline fued to carry through WrestleMania...In my mind, The Rock is already the best of all time or at least one of the best...

(2-1) There is nobody quite like "The Rock".

4) Zack Ryder's parking lot rally events will help him earn a place on "Team Teddy"?

Doug - FACT: Zack always seems to get what he wants when he rallies the fans behind him and since he's Teddy's "former assistant", he'll end up a part of "Team Teddy". The WWE has really hosed the young man big time over the past five months and I think they're starting to realize that people are taking notice. Ryder deserves to be a part of Wrestlemania and he'll get his place in the spotlight as part of Teddy Long's team.

Russell - FACT: What a better way to get on the WrestleMania PPV than for Zack Ryder to be on "Team Teddy" 12 man tag team match...It's a win win situation all around for Ryder & the fans of Ryder...It could be that Zack Ryder will lead "Team Teddy" to victory against "Team Laurinaitis", WOO WOO WOO, YOU KNOW IT!!!!!!!!

(3-1) The Ryder Rebound has begun. Woo Woo Woo - you know it, bro!

5) Yokozuna is a good choice to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2012?

Doug - FACT: A multiple time WWE Champion and tag team champion who really made a great impact during his short time in pro wrestling, plus he's the Rock's cousin and was well liked by everyone who ever met him or worked with him. Yoko was a unique wrestler and a good champion for the WWE. He deserves the honor and I'm glad to see him be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year.

Russell - FACT: Yokozuna has been dead 12 years ago, yeaaaaaaaaaa I'd say not only is he a good choice to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2012, but it's way over due...Yoko held the WWE Championship 2 different times & also is a former co-holder of the WWE Tag Team Championship with the late, great Owen Hart...It's bout time that he finally gets recognized for his accomplishments in the WWE

(4-1)Yokozuna is definitely Hall of Fame worthy!

<<-- SWITCHEROO -->>

6) Vickie Guerrero is the best "manager" currently in pro wrestling today?

Russell - FICTION: Vickie Guerrero is nothin more than an over bearing loud mouth that wants as much TV time as she can get, case closed...

Doug - FACT: She kind of earns the honor by default since she's essentially the only manager of any kind of real status in either the WWE or TNA these days. Who is there to compete with her? Rose Mendez? Eric Bischoff? Rosa is a joke and Eric isn't really a manager as much as he's just an ass-clown. Vickie has two people who she's with consistently (Swagger and Dolph) and she still can get more heat just by saying those magical two words (Excuse Me!) than almost any heel in the business. I wish that the WWE would do more with her sometimes, but she's found a great little niche and she's really came into her own since becoming part of the WWE. I watch her on RAW and all I can think is that I'm sure that Eddie is very proud of his "mamacita". And he should be. She's really done quite a great job and gets better each and every week.

(4-2) Love her or hate her, Vickie always gets a reaction.

7) Having Maria Menounos from the TV show "Extra" wrestle in a Divas Tag Match at Wrestlemania XXVIII will help draw fans?

Russell - FICTION: Having Maria Menounos from the TV show "Extra" wrestle in a Divas Tag Match at WrestleMania is yet a stupid move by WWE to have a "Celebrity" wrestle in any kind of match on the "Grandest Stage" that is WrestleMania...Here's a hint of an idea to the Jackasses that is the WWE: Have the WRESTLERS that wrestles in YOUR organization wrestle in matches on your WrestleMania PPVs, NOT celebrities that doesn't have a clue what to do in the squared circle...

Doug - FICTION: Who the hell is this woman anyhow? I can understand the reasoning for WWE wanting to use her to help promote Wrestlemania XXVIII. She's one of the hosts of a nightly tabloid show and one of the current contestants on Dancing With The Stars so that means lots of mentions and publicity to help promote the show. So it makes sense to a degree, but let's be honest. No one gives a damn about Maria Menounos and having her as the special guest celebrity (and in the ring no less) isn't going to sell a single extra ticket or put any extra butts in the seat. It's all a publicity angle, but in my opinion, it's just a waste of money and time and there are many better ways to promote the show.

(5-2) Celebrities don't belong in the ring. Leave the wrestling to the wrestlers...

8) Rumors are rampant that the WWE will be bringing back former WWE Star Albert (A-Train). This is a good move by the WWE?

Russell - FACT: Back in the "Attitude Era", A-Train, AKA Prince Albert, AKA Albert was a pretty good wrestler all around...I think, if the rumors are true, that A-Train (or whatever he's gonna be called) will be a major player & make this run with the company count...

Doug - FACT: And they have definitely done so, repackaging the former Intercontinental and Tag Team Champion as a character named "Lord Tensai". It's a good move in my opinion and here's why. Albert was a solid mid-card performer during his last run in the WWE and since that run, he's had nearly a decade of working almost exclusively in Japan where he has gained experience and become a truly main event level player. The WWE is hurting right now for solid main event level wrestlers who can be counted on to carry matches, draw fans and be a leader in the locker room as well. Albert definitely can carry matches and be that backstage leader that the WWE wants and needs. As for drawing fans, well we'll have to wait and see, but all in all, I think that the WWE made a definite good investment and Albert, aka Lord Tensai, can be their 2012 version of the 1991 Vader character if they play it right. He'd definitely got all the tools.

(6-2) Bringing back Albert / A-Train is a great move!

9) Having Sting step down as the TNA "Authority Figure" is a good move for TNA?

Russell - FICTION: Havin Sting as the "Authority Figure" in TNA makes more sense than havin him wrestling in matches...TNA has an IQ of a door knob to let Sting step down as the Authority Figure...

Doug - FICTION: TNA had finally found a role for Sting that he seemed to be custom made for. He's made short appearances every so often, got to play up the crazy "Joker-Sting" character and be very entertaining. And now, he's getting moved back to being a part time wrestler. Why? If it's not broke, they shouldn't try and fix it. Sting as the "Authority Figure" wasn't broke. This is definitely not a good move, especially when you look at who will most likely be replacing The Stinger in his role.

(7-2) TNA is screwing up. Leave Sting as the boss-man!

10) Hulk Hogan is the right choice to replace Sting as the TNA "Authority Figure"?

Russell - FICTION: See the last sentence for question 9...Hogan has no business bein on any of TNA programming, plain & simple...

Doug - FICTION: Hogan in 2012 DOES NOT draw fans. Hogan doesn't belong on the TNA television or even with the company in my opinion. The man is currently part of a sex tape being shopped around (look out Animal Planet!), in the middle of a defamation suit against his ex-wife and just plain gets on my freakin' nerves. Sting belongs in the role of the "Authority Figure" and that's how it should stay. Hogan is currently part of the Garrett Bischoff versus Eric Bischoff versus Gunner triangle and if he wants to be there, so be it. He shouldn't be doing that AND being an on-air executive too. It's a definite conflict of interest. And if TNA really needs a former wrestler to be their match-maker and authority figure, why do the same-old / same old with Hogan anyhow? Give someone new a chance. Al Snow is there every week. So is D-Lo Brown. So is Hector Guerrero. Hell, use RVD for this role. TNA sure as hell isn't using him for anything important anyhow and it'd be cool to see "The Whole F'kin Show" on tv every week in a semi-significant role. Anybody (and I do mean ANYBODY) but Hogan. 'Nuff said!

(8-2) HOGAN SUCKS! 'Nuff said!

So there you go. We ran 7-2 this time around, disagreeing on Vickie Guerrero and TNA Victory Road, but pretty much in agreement on everything else. Not too shabby at all. Questions and comments can be sent to Doug28352@yahoo.com and if you'd be interested in joining Russell and myself in discussing the issues that are pro wrestling each week, just let me know at the same addy and we'd be glad to have you join in.

And that's all for this week. We'll be back next week with more. Don't forget that next Sunday, there's this little show called Wrestlemania XXVIII going on and I'll have my predictions for that event up in the next few days. And I guess that's all so I'm out out of here. Never forget, it's wrestling that's real. Life is what's fake. Take it easy and have a great week and we'll see you on the flip side.

Ubuntu!

(Flashback) Sunday Night Heat - 1/18/04

2012-03-24T15:49:00.000-04:00

Sunday Night Heat - 1/18/04

Hey all and welcome to the Wrestling Informer Sunday Night Heat recap. I'm the Wrestling Informer's resident degenerate, Doug Maynard with all the action that is Sunday Night Heat. And also, a few updates from the NFC Championship football game as I am currently flipping back and forth between HEAT! and the Panthers/Eagles game. All I can say about this so far is "GO PANTHERS".

The men calling the play by play are the WWE's #1 Sunday Night announce team, Al Snow & The Coach!

Mark Jindrak & Garrison Cade versus Rosey & The Hurricane

We join this match in progress, because I was watching the opening kickoff of the football game. We see a doubleteam on Rosey by "Pure Vanilla" as they work on the arm. Jindrak in and he takes Rosey down with a big arm-splat. Cade tagged in and he continues the work, concentrating on one body part and working it over. Rosey comes back with a big kick and rolls to the corner to tag in the Hurricane.

The former "Sugar Shane" is on fire with fists and a dropkick that hits home. A splash on Jindrak for two. A big leg lariat and Hurricane gets another two count on Jindrak. The referee is distracted by Rosey and puts him out of the ring. Cade lands a cheap shot from behind and the Hurricane is down. Jindrak gets the pin.

Winners: "Pure Vanilla" Mark Jindrak & Garrison Cade

We see Booker T as he talks about his song on the new "WWE Originals" CD. Buy it now. Now can you dig that, sucka!

From Monday Night RAW - we see some highlights from the HHH-HBK promo that rocked the world. HBK talks - and lays out the Coach! He's not always my favorite, but a five-star move from the "Heartbreak Kid".

ROYAL RUMBLE QUALIFYING MATCH
Rico w/ Miss Jackie versus Tommy Dreamer

Tommy starts off with a headlock, but ends up being ridden by Rico. He thinks he's a cowboy and Dreamer is the bucking bronco. A slap and a slam by Dreamer. He sends Rico to the floor. Dreamer in control, but Jackie grabs the kendo stick and Tommy grabs Jackie. Rico attacks to take over control. Fists and a slam followed by a choke.

The "Exotic One" is in control. Jackie gets in some choke-time too for good measure. Tommy comes back with a big power-bomb and both men are down. Tommy throws some fists and hits an inverted atomic drop. A side slam by Tommy for 2. Rico lands a kick, but Dreamer hits a pumphandle. Rico makes the ropes at two with a little help from Miss Jackie. Tommy rolls up Rico again for another 2. Jackie lands a stiff shot from the outside and nails Tommy in the back. Rico lands a stiff kick and gets the pin.

Winner: Rico

PANTHERS VERSUS EAGLES UPDATE: 2nd Quarter - it's still 0 - 0.

"The Stone Cold Truth" by Steve Austin - is available now. Buy it!

From Monday Night RAW - Stone Cold has a confrontation with Matt Hardy Version 1. Matt wants some action. Austin gives him Goldberg. Cut to the action: Matt lands a side-effect and gets 1. He tries some clubbering to no avail as the former World Champion, Goldberg hits a big press slam and follows with the spear and jackhammer.

Winner: Bill Goldberg

Al Snow & Coach plug the Royal Rumble and run down the matches for the RAW side of things.

CAROLINA VERSUS EAGLES : 2nd Quarter - 10:12 left.. 7-0 Carolina

WWE STING OF THE NIGHT: From RAW, Kane destroys Booker T. with a big tombstone piledriver.

Rob Conway (with Rene Dupree) versus Spike Dudley

Spike starts with a headlock, but Rob lands a shoulder and misses an elbow. An inverted drop by Spike and he goes back to the headlock. Spike backdrops Rob to the floor. A dropkick and stomp by Spike. Spike slammed hard into corner and Rob take over. Rob puts the boots to Spike, and Dupree lands a cheap shot from the outside. Rob gets 2. Several elbows from Conway and he gets another 2 count. Spike lands some elbows and a headscissors on Rob.

Conway to the floor where he is quickly consoled by partner Dupree. Spike to the top and takes out La Resistance. Spike up again, but Rob catches him and goes for a superplex. Spike shoves him off and hits the big stomp. Spike gets 2. Dupree lands a shot from the outside and nails Spike hard. A slingshot suplex and Conway gets the pin.

Winner: Rob Conway

CAROLINA VERSUS EAGLES: 5:35 left in the 2nd quarter - it's 7 - 0 Carolina. An all out blitz takes out Eagles QB Donavan McNabb.

The friends and supporters of Randy Orton show their commercial in support of the new "Hardcore Legend" Randy Orton.

From Monday Night - Intercontinential Championship Match
RVD versus Randy Orton (champion)

RVD with fists and a kick to send Orton to the floor. RVD lands some more kicks and puts Orton into the steel post. (cut to) Orton sends RVD to the floor. Both are down. Orton attacks and posts RVD. RVD eats ring barrier. (cut to) A kick by RVD takes out the referee. Orton lands the low blow and covers, but no referee is there to count. Orton plays possum while the referee counts. He's up, but RVD is faster, and lands a kick. A roll-up by RVD and he gets 2. RVD goes to the top, but Orton hits the ropes and RVD hits a high note. Big DDT by Orton and he gets the pin.

Winner and still champion: Randy Orton

PANTHERS - EAGLES UPDATE: 2:56 left in the 2nd half - It's 7-3 Carolina.

JVC DIGITAL PLAY OF THE NIGHT: From RAW - Test gives Victoria the big boot.

"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner versus "I'll Show You! You'll See" Stevie Richards

Stevie is wearing a white armband in honor of his injured "flower", but it doesn't help as he never really gets in any offense in this match. It's a total Steiner squash as Scotty is just the dominate player all through the match with some clubbering and a "Steiner-line" to control the action. Stevie's one shining moment - he hits a "hotshot" on the top rope to rollup "Big Bad Booty Daddy" for a two count. But Steiner with a flatliner front slam and he gets the pin.

Winner: Scott Steiner

Test comes in to share the spotlight with "Big Poppa Pump" Scotty. He gives Stevie a big boot because he can.

Tommorow night on RAW - it's Scott Steiner versus Goldberg.

It was a decent show and had some decent action. I want to apologize to everyone for not giving HEAT! my undivided attention tonight, but Carolina is one game away from the Super Bowl. I live in NC, and after several years of playing like crap, the Panthers are ready to grab for the gold.

Right now as I sign off - it's 3:51 left in the 3rd quarter. It's 14 - 3 and the Panthers are still in the lead. I've got a football game to watch. I hope everyone has a good remainder of the weekend, and I'll see you tommorow night with the RAW recap. If you have any questions, comments, or anything else, drop me a line at either Doug28352@yahoo.com or DougMaynard@wrestlinginformer.net. Have a great night all! I'm Doug Maynard. GO PANTHERS!