Shining a Spotlight 11.24.11: Giving Thanks

I’m thankful for… WWE actually taking the time to build Rock vs Cena. Most of us had doubts they could actually hold on to such a massive payday of a bout, especially in the current climate of pushing angles fast. But the company has indeed tried to keep the slow build going, teasing us with appearances by Rock and tension with Cena. The recent Survivor Series bout was a good way to make it work as this really is the last “dream match” available, the biggest star of the WWF past versus the present. If they keep up this build, Mania itself should be a major clash and a huge payday, something the company can use nicely.

I’m thankful for… The Robert Roode/James Storm TNA World title situation. Like many, I have beefs with how TNA is rushing months of storytelling in only a few weeks. But I am happy over the fact that the company is finally giving the main event spotlight to two home-grown talents rather than some ex-WWE/WCW guy a good decade past his prime. Both these guys have been hard workers ever since TNA started so more than happy to see them getting big pushes at last and for TNA to realize they don’t need some big name of the past to keep the promotion interesting.

I’m thankful for… WWE giving CM Punk another chance. After bungling the great setup of him as the rebellious champ over the summer, it looked like Punk was destined for middle-of-the-show status again. But his amazing charisma and mic presence has given him another push and taking the WWE title once more. Hopefully, they give him more of a run this time as the idea of him doing “odd jobs” on RAW as champ is just brimming with potential and be nice to see WWE really back him for a change rather than be the placeholder for whoever they want to push next.

I’m thankful for… Bringing the old Intercontinental championship belt back. The newer design was fine but great to have them bring the old-style back and remind fans of how important this title truly was in building stars and giving fans something to root for in the mid-card.

I’m thankful for… TNA continuing to give the Knockouts some decent time to show off. While they can sink to poor things now and then, it’s still far better than WWE’s Divas in real action and the return of Gail Kim promises to give even more push and let the ladies of the company show how strong female wrestling can be.

I’m thankful for… Mark Henry finally getting his due. After a decade and a half of loyal service, coming back from constant injuries and putting up with some of the stupidest angles imaginable, Henry was rewarded by getting the World Heavyweight title. He’s done well as the monster champion and proven the company right in putting the belt on him. A good sign of how WWE does appreciate loyalty and some older guys can make it work still.

I’m thankful for…WWE not totally ditching Kharma. You could almost understand them being upset about singing on the former Awesome Kong, prepping her for a run as a monster demolishing the rest of the Divas, then having her announce she’s pregnant. But rather than just cut ties, the company did give her a nice moment explaining it to the crowd and inclined to bring her back. When she does, it should be in a new light, ready to prove herself even more and reward the company’s patience.

I’m thankful for…: WWE’s DVDs continuing to wow you. The company has done great work this year with their collections of things like ladder matches and “Nitro.” But they’ve always blown away with intimate looks at Randy Orton, a history of Wrestlemania and especially the fantastic “Shawn vs Bret” set that gives amazing insight to both men. Still the best way to enjoy wrestling’s past, the DVDs seem ready to grow in the next year and continue to provide plenty of entertainment.

I’m thankful for… WWE making an attempt to rebuild the tag team division. It’s a far cry but being truly great but it’s better than the last few years. While I still think Air Boom is a stupid name, Kofi and Bourne are a great pairing with a cool entrance and mix of styles in the ring and taking off well with fans. While Awesome Truth may be done, there’s still some guys who can be paired up to provide some fun and hopefully make the tag team belts really mean something again.

I’m thankful for… ROH maintaining its excellence after the sale to new management. Some were worried we’d be seeing a repeat of WCW with the new owners pushing a more “sports entertainment” feel for the company. But we still have the great mix of action and drama with fantastic workers and improvements in the TV shows as well. The return of stars like Jay Lethal and Kevin Steen has pushed the company again and keeps ROH the best in quality of the three big promotions in the U.S.

I’m thankful for… TNA once more making the X Division a showcase. “Destination X” was the best TNA PPV of the year and revitalized the division with Kendrick and Aries having a great feud for the title, the latter the perfect heel champ and newer workers getting pushes as well. Great to see how TNA hasn’t forgotten the division that helped put them on the map in this new era.

I’m thankful for… Most of all, I’m thankful for the fact that I still have a home, a computer and the chance to moan and complain if I want over wrestling for another year. We’re luckier than most people, always nice to remember that at times like these.

Feel free to share your own reasons to be thankful, it’s what this holiday is about. Happy Thanksgiving as the spotlight is off.