411 Fact or Fiction 12.22.11: Bryan as Champ, Nash’s Legacy, Wasteland, More

1. Daniel Bryan will be a successful World Champion.

Sean Garmer: FACT. For some reason after the scene we got on Monday, not only the beginning, but also the ending, I don’t think Bryan is just going to be a transitional guy until the Rumble. I wanted to say FICTION because WWE has a bad track record of pulling the trigger early on youngsters title reigns. Randy Orton’s first reign and Jack Swagger are examples of why you need to make sure he is properly built up to give him the “strap.” I’m kinda worried about what will be the reaction to Bryan and to a lesser extent Ryder once they get out of the northeast united states where smarks live and thrive. Let’s see what happens when they hit the south in the second and third week of January to say if this is a universal acceptance of Bryan now that he actually has the belt. The other thing is, this is probably their best chance to test the waters with Bryan. Mark Henry supposedly has a severe groin pull that’s gonna force him out of action and Big Show is not a good choice as champ going into the biggest show of them all. The picture Cook had in his news report (and yes I read that every Tuesday) to me is where WWE is headed. It’s time to infuse young guys into the picture and maybe HHH has a hand in this one. I think Bryan will start to become accepted especially if you give him a big legit win against Big Show and Henry. I could see Bryan at least making it to Elimination Chamber and if he loses in a big match like that, I don’t think the reign can be deemed unsuccessful. It is really all about how he gets booked until then, and we know how WWE hates giving people nice moments in towns where they are popular. The fact that we had Bryan get the pinfall in Philly to me is a good sign. Here’s hoping Bryan makes it to Wrestlemania though.

Larry Csonka: FACT. But likely not on this run. Many first title runs these days are not heralded as a success, and I have a feeling that this will be the case here. I surely hope I am wrong, but that is the way that I see it. Remember, there is a difference is holding the title and being booked as the champion. But I like Daniel Bryan, and am thrilled that he got a shot to wear the big gold belt. For years he built an impressive portfolio of great matches on the independent scene, and there is no doubt that he can go in the ring. He has adapted well to the WWE, and I do see him succeeding down the line. He is only 30-years old and has plenty of time to go in his career. So even if the first time doesn’t set the world on fire, I do see him eventually being a successful world champion.

Score: 1 for 1

2. Zack Ryder will be a PPV main event talent at some point in his career.

Sean Garmer: FACT. This is a broad question and I can’t imagine this is a short lived thing for Mr. Ryder. It’s not like he’s stopped using social media and YouTube, he still does the “Long Island story thing” and unless SOPA gets enacted people will still become popular because of YouTube for years to come. Ryder appeals to the common person who dreams of being a “star.” He’s also is a big goof that tries a little hard to be cool and that also appeals to people globally. I think Ryder has done a smart job of getting the “rub” off of the right guys and his star will continue to rise as we get this fusion of younger guys into the mix. If anything we’ve seen how the crowd reacts when he is chasing something and this question isn’t a repeat of the first question. I think we will see him get at least one main-event run and title reign because of all this hype on him. Not to mention, Ryder sells merchandise and can actually wrestle which is another good thing in his favor. If his ability gets better in all areas I think WWE doesn’t have a choice. Will Ryder be in the main event? Woo Woo Woo, You Know It!

Larry Csonka: FICTION. I hate to say it, but I highly doubt it. Zack is a good guy and has obviously worked hard and deserves the success he received. If he has any say he will be a main event guy, and he will bust his ass to get there, but I am not sure that WWE sees him as that kind of performer. Also, while he in entertaining, I do not think the gimmick is a “main event” gimmick. For him to get to that level, he will have to evolve the character, because I doubt Triple H or Vince McMahon will have the “WOO WOO WOO GUY” headlining events. Again, it isn’t that I don’t think he can, I just do not think that they see him that way. But again, if anyone has the drive to do it, it is Zack Ryder. You know it bro.

Score: 1 for 2

3. You mostly have positive memories of Kevin Nash’s wrestling career.

Sean Garmer: FICTION. Mainly because I’ve always been a WWE guy ever since I was a little kid. The only promotion I watched that was in it’s heyday besides WWE, was ECW. I didn’t watch WCW live, until the year before it died and I can count on my hands how many times I’ve watched TNA. I have watched and read everything about WCW that’s been released after it died however. I liked Kevin Nash as HBK’s bodyguard and I was happy when he won the title the first time. However, the rest of my memories or glimpses of Kevin Nash are him being a politician backstage, having mediocre matches, and then failing miserably as a booker. I’m glad he did good things for wrestler’s like cement the guaranteed contracts, which in turn, made Vince make sure he has you locked up in a contract and trademark your character.

If I had to make a Top 100, Nash would be like in the 90’s, that’s how little I think of him honestly. Yes, he was one of the founding members of the nWo, he is pretty funny I’ll say that, and found an interesting way of getting himself to the top. Personally, I hear more negative things about the guy then I hear good ones. Overall, what has he really done to make me have some great memory of him anyway. His claim to fame was made over-the-top because Hogan turned heel for the first time and because the storyline went so long it destroyed WCW. It didn’t have that much to do with Nash other than the nWo being popular. Nash had a hand in it, but it was group effort on everyone in WCW’s part to make the nWo work.

Larry Csonka: FICTION. And here come the pitchforks and flaming torches from Kevin Nash fans. I am sorry to say that I have never been a huge fan of the guy. I take nothing away from what he has been able to accomplish in the business. Hell he may be the smartest an in the business and he has made a shit ton of cash, but looking back with fond memories of Nash? That’s a negative good buddy. And since Cook hates negative Larry, let’s move on.

Score: 2 for 3

4. Wade Barrett needs to change his finishing move.

Sean Garmer: FICTION. look when I was a kid, Hogan’s leg drop was the most powerful move in all of wrestling, Ultimate Warrior’s press drop and splash looked better and more devastating though. However, it’s not really about the move, it’s about Wade Barrett. I mean if WWE and the Rock can make the People’s Elbow a finishing move then what’s wrong with a different version of the fireman’s carry (doesn’t Cena use another version of it as well?) If anything Barrett already uses the Pumphandle Slam in his moveset, so that might be a better looking move to make his finisher. Barrett isn’t over because WWE missed the boat on when to push him. Right after nexus was given over to Punk was the best time to thrust him into the spotlight because the fans were at least booing the guy. If they would have prolonged Nexus, Barrett might not have such a problem getting over right now. The way they just had Barrett kicked out made him look like crap.

Putting him in a program with Randy Orton is the best move WWE can make, and if he still isn’t anymore over when it’s done is due to Wade Barrett. His finisher is certainly not the issue here, it’s because I don’t see how he is any better than William Regal. At least Regal was nasty, he could out wrestle you, and would do anything to win. Barrett is a generic guy with a British accent and doesn’t have near the wrestling skill of Regal. Unless WWE is planning something huge between him and Orton, I don’t know why they didn’t just give Barrett the win at TLC. At least that way he would have had an impressive win against a viable opponent. Changing his finisher is not going to change anything unless you are going to make it a non power move. Barrett needs something besides one move to make him different from all the other big guys on the roster, maybe an injection of personality.

Larry Csonka: FACT. This is so much a fact for me. Wasteland was fine at the beginning when he started, but the bottom line to me is that it has always looked like a weak ass finisher, especially with bigger opponents. Prime example, Monday night when he gingerly appeared to lay Randy Orton onto a table that happened to break. I am sorry; it simply looks weak as hell. I like Barrett and think that he has a ton of potential, but that finisher needs to change and change fast. No, I do not need him to do 54 flippity-dos or anything of that nature, but I want something that either looks cool or badass, something that fits his attitude more. I think he deserves it.

Score: 2 for 4

SWITCH!

5. Alicia Fox will be the next Divas Champion.

Larry Csonka: FICTION. I sure the hell hope not at least. First of all, and this is nothing new when it comes to the ladies, it isn’t like she is insanely popular or anything. Secondly then trying to get over that HORRIBLE “Foxy” catchphrase turns me off right away. Thirdly, she is SHIT in the ring. She is not good in any sense of that word, and she either always looks like she hurts people, herself or actually DOES hurt someone, like Raw on Monday. Bless her for trying and all, and she may be the nicest person in the world, but the girl is not good. Although quality is not what the division is about these days, in no way would I ever book her as the Divas Champion, not unless a bomb hit and took out the rest of the roster. Alicia Fox as champion? NINJA PLEASE….hell no!

Sean Garmer: FICTION. I sure hope not anyway. Alicia Fox has nothing, I mean seriously what does she bring to the table? She isn’t that good looking, she can’t wrestle, she is horrible on the microphone, and I wouldn’t buy her as a valet either. I don’t see how this makes any sense? Let’s push Alicia because she is the only face diva left on the roster that hasn’t already wrestled Nattie & Beth to death. To be honest, I would buy A.J. as a bigger threat to Beth Phoenix than Alicia any day. At least A.J. has some spunk, she is good looking, and she can wrestle well. There was a rumor going around that they were going to have Nattie turn on Beth Phoenix to end #Pin-Up Strong and then have them compete for the title at WrestleMania. I guess with Kaitlyn joining the group I doubt that this is going to happen now. I wish Layla wasn’t on the sidelines so maybe we could have a legit diva wrestle against Beth, but sadly she is hurt. Unless the aforementioned turn happens, I think we are just going to see Beth retain the title until either WWE feels A.J. is ready or Kharma returns from having her baby. I just refuse to believe that WWE is going to give Alicia the belt knowing that she can’t even do a legdrop without hurting someone.

Score: 3 for 5

6. You like the idea of the Wild Card Tag Team Tournament.

Larry Csonka: FACT. I actually do. I always enjoyed the wackiness of the Lethal Lottery in WCW, and to see it brought back is cool with me. Also, let’s face facts, the tag team division in TNA is shit right now, so at least we can make the argument that they are doing something, even if it is a stopgap type of deal, to keep the titles somewhat relevant. This of course is not the answer to fix the division, but it is fun and we will likely get some new feuds out of it. Also, JOE WON A FN MATCH, that is obviously a reason to celebrate. Also, THE MAG DADDY got some TV time, which again is great. He has steadily improved, but always seems to be kept off TV. So yeah, I like the idea and while not an answer to fixing the division, I have enjoyed it thus far.

Sean Garmer: FACT. Why not? Especially if your current tag champs are also a thrown together team. I think this brings some attention to the division and who doesn’t love tournaments? This is also good, because it gives TNA a way to use a lot of guys in one setting. Joe has kinda been roaming around a lot lately so maybe by pairing him with Magnus you give him a focus for a little while. I think it would have been better to have maybe a couple of matches or the whole first round one week, the second round the next week, and then the final the week after. Unless it’s on PPV, I think it’s dumb to do the whole tournament on one show. It gives the people at home something to look forward to for the next few weeks. WWE has done this before as well, so I’m not hating on TNA. Just think it’s better booking to leave the people wanting more when the tournament is going to start and end on free TV.

Score: 4 for 6

7. Having the overtime of Bobby Roode & AJ Styles’ Iron Man Match on Impact was a good booking decision.

Larry Csonka: FICTION. This was simply stupid. First of all it is another example of why you do NOT have to buy a TNA PPV. They give away title changes on Impact, they complete PPV angles on Impact and now they are finishing matches on Impact. I actually bought the PPV and recapped it, so when they did they, I admit that I felt ripped off. And then there is the fact that they made AJ Styles look like a complete and utter pussy. First of all he gets the extra time days after the show to “recover” from the match. Then, he can’t win in 5-minutes. Ok, that is all right if they were leading to another match. But then the BABYFACE authority figure gives the BABYFACE more time right away, and he loses in 40-seconds. And THEN they have AJ complain, “If you hadn’t chop blocked my knee,” acting like this is some illegal move. Christ if that was the case; Flair would have been fucked back in the day. Nope, this was bad. They again ripped off their 8,000 PPV buyers and they made AJ look like shit in well under 10-minutes. Nice work TNA, there is only one man who can fix this…

Sean Garmer: FICTION. Listen, I’m all for keeping the wonder of kayfabe alive by saying that “there’s no way you can plan for overtime, so we have no choice but to have it on Impact.” But really? You basically just pulled a bait and switch. I hate non-finishes at PPV’s and I’ve hated when WWE does a non-sensical tie in a Last Man Standing match, or whatever other match. If they are both knocked out or something I understand kinda, but not because the time limit ran out. Not to mention, it was in the freaking cheapest fashion ever, because Roode had to run out the time by not even wrestling. Just because it ended that way they should have extended the time right then. This was stupid, I don’t see how this helps at all. This is not really going to equal “ratings” either and it is a horrible cliff-hanger to take to your next show. Not to mention the show is in kayfabe on “Thursdays” so these guys get four days rest and then get to do overtime, how unfair is that? The point of overtime is that it happens right after the main-event is over. I’m so glad that for the most part world soccer got rid of replays because they figured out that it’s useless and also is unfair to both teams. So no, this was not a good booking decision at all. You made people pay for a PPV to get to see a non-finish so they can then watch the finish for free on TV? I don’t get how that’s logical. You just took all the air out of your PPV, not only did you end the PPV stupidly but then let’s do overtime on Impact? Just stupid. I understand kinda if this was WCW and they were trying to get a one week win over WWE, but really? You can’t even compete with Smackdown right now. What was the point of this seriously, to piss off everybody.

Score: 5 for 7

8. You believe Linda Hogan when she says that Hulk Hogan & Brutus Beefcake had a homosexual relationship.

Larry Csonka: FICTION. Listen, Hulk Hogan and Brutus Beefcake may VERY WELL be gay, bi-sexual and just “experimented” like drunk girls in college, and that is fine, but the fact of the matter is this. I do not believe a word that Linda whatever the fuck her name is now says. I do not believe a word that Beefcake’s estranged wife says. I do not believe a word that Brutus himself says. And I sure as hell do NOT believe anything Hulk Hogan says. I also don’t care about this bullshit, but in fairness to Cook; I have answered the question to the best of my ability. They can all go away as far as I am concerned.

Sean Garmer: FICTION. I just don’t see it, because I think some of it would have become evident in the lockerroom. If someone besides Linda had seen this, there would be a tell-all book about this by now. Now that Linda said something about it, I bet someone else will try to poke at this as well. Would I expect Hulk to admit to it if he did? or still does have a homosexual relationship with Brutus, no. This screams to me more of Linda trying to bash Hulk then this being a real thing. Kevin Nash did say that it is hard to find true friends in this business, but I don’t see this being anymore than what “How I Met Your Mother” or “I Love You Man” has taught us about bromances. It gets real close to a certain extent, but I don’t think Hulk could have been with Linda this long if he really didn’t even have feelings for women anymore.

Final Score: 6 for 8

Larry & Sean agree most of the time, which is probably a good sign for Sean’s future employment! I’d like to thank them so much for participating this week, and I invite you to comment on their answers and give your opinions down in the comment section. Thanks for reading, have a Merry Christmas, and join us next week for more Fact or Fiction!