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The Wrestling 5&1 09.07.13: Gail Kim vs. Alicia Fox
YES! YES! YES!
The (In)Convenience of The Big Show
By Tony Acero
I read somewhere that every time The Big Show cries, an angel gets laid. There must be some humpin holy whores up in heaven then, cuz Big Show has become the equivalent of a leaky faucet, complete with frozen pipes and missing ball (bearings). One look at the roster, and we can see that there is quite possibly no one who can take Big Show’s role, especially considering Kane is somewhere in the backwoods hanging from meathooks, but I can’t take this particular aspect of the storyline seriously, and it’s not necessarily due to the whole Triple H factor. I find Triple H to be over-exaggeratory and kind of boring and bothersome, but nowhere near enough for me to hate the current storyline that he and Bryan are involved in. I cannot, however, say the same for The Big Show, and I want to attempt to explain why.
During the match on RAW where Big Show continually pushed Bryan away because he “didn’t want to hurt him,” I found my eyes rolling my eyes more than once. Seriously, I got one of the best looks at my ceiling at one point. Please tell me how this makes sense. Big Show and Bryan have had many a-battle, and I don’t care how “FACE” Big Show is right now, why couldn’t he simply consider this a “wrestling” match? No, he made it a slobfest that made me uncomfortable to watch, and not because it was an emotionally intense scene. No, it’s because everything seemed so forced, and the only person who was trying to move shit along was Bryan. I can suspend disbelief for a bit to think that Big Show really cares about Bryan, but does that mean that had there been no storyline ending up in a match of Big Show and Daniel Bryan, Show would simply refuse because he didn’t want to hurt Bryan? It’s a fucking wrestling match. Triple H didn’t go out there and say Show would be fighting in a FIRST FOOL TO GET KNOCKED THE FUCK OUT match. He said Bryan would meet Show in the main event. That’s it. So why, please tell me whyyyyy, Big Show would find any emotional struggle to do his fuckin job.
Speaking of his job, let’s bring up that iron clad contract that they so slyly (read also: NOT sly at all) mentioned and swept under a rug with Stephanie’s explanation of financial woes that Show had. Is that really the best they could come up with? Show’s broke? Puh-lease! Sure, this added some emotional issues within Show that may not have been there otherwise – thereby adding credence to his struggle at the end of the show – but there were SO many ways they could have gone with this, and many of those ways were mentioned by you readers. How bout calling Johnny Ace a dunce and sayin he wrote a faulty contract? Or how bout the fact that the contract simply states Show’s gotta wrestle, or that he’s gotta read better cuz there’s a clause somewhere up in that bitch, or how bout they take this entire element out of the storyline to begin with?
I’m still on board with the story at hand, guys. I like the slow burn and think that we are all attempting to rush a storyline that could actually be all-encompassing and create a lot of stars in the process (Miz, Dolph, Cody, etc) – or at the very least, give some much needed invigoration in some. But The Big Show addition just doesn’t work for me at this present time.
You Decide: Upset with how The Big Show is being used?
TNA’s 2013 Bound For Glory Series: FUMBLE!
By Greg DeMarco
The 2013 TNA Bound For Glory Series has seen its “regular season” come to an end, and the promotion will hold the finals at next week’s “No Surrender” themed edition of TNA Impact Wrestling. The 2011 edition saw a very uneven number of matches for each competitor, with several removals due to injury and several repeated matches. The 2012 version was virtually perfect, with each competitor facing each other competitor (11 singles matches) as well as each competitor getting the same number of “bonus matches” (such as the Hardcore Justice 2012 stipulation matches).
The 2013 edition was basically the love child of the first two. Each competitor had 6 singles matches—except for Magnus, who had 4. Each wrestler participated in one 4-way stipulation match, and there were two gauntlets—one worth 25 points (that capped off a “Lethal Lottery” style tag team themed show) and the final one worth 20. There wasn’t a specific rhyme or reason to the matches, but no match was repeated (except Joseph Park vs. Jay Bradley, which happened two different times, with two different outcomes—in fact, both men’s wins came against the other).
This year, each match carried a 15-minute time limit, except for the first AJ Styles vs. Austin Aries encounter—that one lasted over 18 minutes before Aries won. The Series initially ended with AJ Styles out of the Top 4 (and Jeff Hardy in), but Hulk Hogan claimed his two weeks’ worth of meetings was done to add one more gauntlet match. Styles won Hogan’s bonus showdown, jumping all the way up to #1 in the final standings.
Jeff Hardy’s last victory was against Kazarian, but it was originally scheduled to be Magnus. Magnus was removed from the match due to “unforeseen circumstances” reportedly related to his visa, but wrestled later in the same taping (the final gauntlet match).
This year’s Series wasn’t the abysmal failure of the first, but it also wasn’t as successful as the second. If TNA decides to continue the series in 2014, there’s a few key changes they should make that could really improve the format.
Move to Two Divisions
If you had two divisions of 6, you can cut down the number of matches, then create a final four, or even some sort of wildcard scenario. The storytelling would be easy, and a cross divisional match or two could spice things up.
Decrease the Field
Had TNA gone with 8 competitors, they could have kept the round robin format without jeopardizing its integrity. No one cared about the bottom four, and eliminating them could have really lead to some great competition.
Change the Final Four
The first year didn’t have an official “final four,” but two last matches (1 vs 4 and 2 vs 3). The series was designed to end after those matches, with the person in the lead getting the win. Bully Ray and Bobby Roode finished in a tie, necessitating the final match, won by Roode.
I’d like to see TNA eliminate all gauntlet matches from the competition (overdone), and have the final four follow a step-ladder format. Open Impact with #4 vs #3, the winner faces #2 in the middle of the program, and the winner of that faces #1 in the main event. This also makes the “regular season” of the Bound For Glory Series more impactful (pun fully intended) as the winner really gets a distinct advantage.
If you haven’t already seen it, our friends at PWTorch compiled all of the results, reprinted below:
Final Bound For Glory Series Standings
AJ Styles – 49 points (3-2-1 & a gauntlet win)
Magnus – 39 points (3-1-0 & a gauntlet win)
Austin Aries – 35 points (5-1-0)
Bobby Roode – 34 points (2-4-0 & a tables match win)
Jeff Hardy – 31 points (5-1-0)
Christopher Daniels – 30 points (4-1-1)
Kazarian – 29 points (1-4-1 & a ladder match win)
Samoa Joe – 26 points (3-2-1)
Mr. Anderson – 24 points (4-2-0)
Joseph Park – 17 points (1-5-0 & a street fight win)
Hernandez – 7 points (1-5-0)
Jay Bradley – 7 points (1-5-0)
Bound For Glory Series Match Results
9/5 Impact: A.J. Styles won a 12-man gauntlet for 20 points.
9/4 Xplosion: Kazarian pinned Hernandez for 7 points.
8/29 Impact: Jeff Hardy pinned Kazarian for 7 points. … A.J. Styles pinned Bobby Roode for 7 points. … Austin Aries pinned Christopher Daniels for 7 points.
8/28 Xplosion: Jay Bradley pinned Joseph Park for 7 points. (This was the second time they wrestled in the BFG Series.)
8/22 “Hardcore Justice Continues” Impact: Joseph Park beat Jay Bradley, Christopher Daniels, and Hernandez in a Street Fight for 20 points.
8/21 Xplosion: Christopher Daniels pinned Jay Bradley for 7 points.
8/17 House Show: Bobby Roode pinned Joseph Park for 7 points.
8/16 House Show: Austin Aries pinned Mr. Anderson for 7 points.
8/15 “Hardcore Justice” Impact: Kazarian beat Jeff Hardy, Austin Aries, and A.J. Styles in a ladder match for 20 points. … Bobby Roode beat Magnus, Samoa Joe, and Mr. Anderson in a tables match for 20 points.
8/8 Impact: Jeff Hardy pinned Samoa Joe for 7 points. … Mr. Anderson beat Magnus via DQ for 3 points; Magnus lost 10 points. … Daniels vs. Kazarian went to a double count-out; both men gained 2 points.
8/1 Impact: Bobby Roode pinned Hernandez for 7 points. … Joseph Park pinned Jay Bradley for 7 points. … Austin Aries pinned A.J. Styles for 7 points.
7/26 House Show: Mr. Anderson pinned A.J. Styles for 7 points.
7/25 Impact: Mr. Anderson pinned Hernandez for 7 points. … Christopher Daniels pinned Samoa Joe for 7 points. … A.J. Styles submitted Jeff Hardy for 10 points.
7/19 House Show: Samoa Joe pinned Jay Bradley for 7 points.
7/18 “Destination X” Impact: Austin Aries pinned Bobby Roode for 7 points.
7/11 Impact: Magnus won a Gauntlet match for 25 points.
7/6 House Show: Christopher Daniels pinned Joseph Park for 7 points.
7/5 Basebrawl: Jeff Hardy pinned Austin Aries for 7 points.
7/4 Impact: A.J. Styles submitted Kazarian for 10 points. … Hernandez pinned Jay Bradley for 7 points. … Jeff Hardy beat Joseph Park via DQ for 3 points; Park scored negative 10 points.
6/28 House Show: Samoa Joe pinned Kazarian for 7 points.
6/27 House Show: Magnus pinned Hernandez for 7 points.
6/27 Impact: Magnus pinned Bobby Roode for 7 points. … Samoa Joe beat Mr. Anderson via submission for 10 points.
6/20 Impact: Mr. Anderson pinned Joseph Park for 7 points. … Austin Aries pinned Jay Bradley for 7 points. … Daniels pinned Hernandez for 7 points. … Magnus submitted Kazarian for 10 points. … A.J. Styles and Samoa Joe fought to a time-limit draw for 2 points each. … Jeff Hardy pinned Bobby Roode for 7 points.
You Decide: Should TNA bring back the Bound For Glory Series in 2014?
Free Write
By Tony Acero
Hey look, it’s Ryback…I jest, of course. We all know who this guy is, but let me be honest right now and say that my viewing total of WCW is probably around 33 minutes. In fact, I’ve NEVER seen a Goldberg match outside of the WWE. What this means to me is that I find it hard to pass judgment on the guy, but to be honest…I really don’t think I like the guy. He comes off as very arrogant and continuously trying to feed off of a fame created fully by someone else and given only to him due to his stature and the “right place, right time” syndrome. Even within the WWE, he was noticeably a Five Moves of Doom type of guy.
To be fair, I find it difficult to truly judge the dude fully, even with my diatribe of disdain above, but if there are any sentiments to the contrary, that’s where you will come in. While the man is no doubt a legend in the game, he is one of those whose reputation precedes him, and whose gimmick is bigger than the guy ever will be. So am I wrong in thinking that he’s quite possibly the biggest flash in the pan, or is there merit to his continuous self-love and self-importance? I truly don’t know.
You Decide: Is Goldberg overrated?
Gail being a Hall of Bang journey, for what seems like the fourth time in the past three years. Will she make it in, or is she simply destined for disappointment?
Gail kicks things off against a Diva we don’t often see, Alicia Fox!
Voting ends Wednesday night and you can vote once every hour!
Independent Spotlight: ECWA Celebrates 46 Years
By Greg DeMarco
Established in 1967, the East Coast Wrestling Association has grown into one of the most respected independent wrestling companies in the United States. This weekend, the ECWA celebrates 46 years of promoting, and they do so with another great card.
The ECWA themselves released a great perspective piece on what 46 years means…
46 years… a lot has changed over the decades. In 1967, gas was 25 cents a gallon, bread 50 cents a loaf, minimum wage was a $1.65, and you could buy a house for $50,000.
In was during this time of a more simple life the seeds were planted for the beginning of the East Coast Wrestling Association. What started perhaps as a company for fun or entertaining family and friends has turned into one of the most highly respected, most recognizable professional wrestling companies in the world of independent wrestling. It’s spawned the amazing Super 8 Tournament that has drawn in thousands of fans and let some of today’s stars get their first big break. The tournament even was the basis for the beginnings of the Ring of Honor company! Not to be forgotten it has furthered the careers of a vast amount of today’s WWE and TNA stars.
One might think how is the ECWA different than any other independent company? The answer is simple. The attention to detail, professional presentation, and our dedication to the community around us. The company has long paired itself with worthy charities and causes including Alex’s Lemonade Stand, Autism Speaks, and our biggest partner the Special Olympics of Delaware. What sets it apart if it’s dedication to the FANS. Fans are the lifeblood of any pro wrestling company and the company puts them first ahead of anything else. Numerous promotions are done so the fans know how much they are appreciated and loved for their dedication to the company.
46 years… how has the ECWA lasted so long in a business predicated on flash in the pan companies?
Another simple answer: the product.
Every single month whether it was 1987 or today in 2013 the action from top to bottom has been exciting and top notch. The Super 8 tournament introduced wrestling fans to quick paced, hard hitting action that just wasn’t seen on the independent scene. It’s because of this pro wrestling has evolved into an entirely different entity than when the company started back in 1967. That’s right, ECWA helped revolutionize the pro wrestling business! As mentioned previously, some of the top names in pro wrestling have made sure of this. Names like Ace Darling, WWE stars Christian, Darren Young, and Daniel Bryan and TNA’s Jeff Hardy. They all have played an important part in making the company THE place for top indy talent to showcase their abilities.
Flash forward to the current ECWA. Our motto is ‘Become a fan all over again’. But what does that mean? It means we want all fans to remember why they started being a fan of professional wrestling in the first place. We do this through the exciting matches presented each month. We’re a beautiful mix of old and new. While some faces have remained constant for years such as the iconic Meisure Ooh La La, new faces are lighting up the fans eyes such as the ‘Greek God’ Papadon.
We stand by our claims to provide a fantastic family friendly product that is fun for all ages. Everything we do is driven by passion. Passion for you the reader and passion for the great sport of professional wrestling.
Who would have predicted a company who got it’s beginnings in a YMCA in Elsmere, Delaware would still be a staple of the Delaware community? Perhaps no one. We have history all over the place. From having shows in that old YMCA in Elsmere, St. Matthews Church in Wilmington, drawing thousands in shows at the Bob Carpenter Center and Sallies school, the Flyers Skate Zone in New Jersey, and now our current home the Greater Newark Boys& Girls Club.
It’s been quite the ride filled with colorful characters both in and out of the ring. From bumbling Frenchmen, to flamboyant pool boys, and even brushes with a Beast the ECWA will continue to flourish, it will continue to makes strides to be ahead of the curve in the pro wrestling business. And most importantly… it will stride to make sure the fans leave with a smile on their faces. Because in reality, that’s been the East Coast Wrestling Association’s mission for the 46 years and will continue for decades to come!
Here’s to another 46 years of fun! Another 46 years of great wrestling! And 46 years of seeing who’ll step through that curtain next…
I had the pleasure of attending ECWA’s “Raising The Bar II” back in June, alongside my broadcast partner Patrick O’Dowd. It was a great time. Now before you ask, yes we were comped. But we would have paid anyway. We were comped because of the help and support that we’ve shown the ECWA with The Greg DeMarco Show, hosting guests and promoting events—especially the ECWA Super 8. The past 2 Super 8 Champions have appeared on the GDMS right after winning, a brand new tradition that we’re lucky to have.
Our experience really echoed the family friendly vide promoted by the ECWA. There truly was something for everyone, an event for the whole family, and a true bargain during some tough times.
This Saturday, the East Coast Wrestling Association celebrates 46 years in business much in the same way they’ve always done: with a great card.
ECWA HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH
Papadon (champion) vs. VsK vs. Ricky Reyes vs. Apollyon (w/ Joel Blackhart)
ECWA TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH
DOUBLE CHAIN MATCH
D-LINE (champions) vs. Breaker Morant & Monster Ahtu (w/ Joel Blackhart)
TO CROWN THE FIRST EVER ECWA WOMEN’S CHAMPION
Jessie Kaye vs. Missy Sampson
Mike Mondo vs. Kekoa the Flyin’ Hawaiian
INTER-GENDER MIXED TAG TEAM MATCH
Chris Wylde & Renee Michelle vs. ECWA Mid-Atlantic Champion Ricky Martinez & Amber
ECWA BEST of FIVE – GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY SERIES – MATCH ONE
Matt Saigon (w/Joel Blackhart) vs. Bobby Shields
Whoever wins 3 out of 5 matches first will receive a championship match of his choice—any time, any place!
Napalm Bomb vs. Little Mikey
Mr. Ooh La La w/Coach Jim Shorts & Kid USA vs. “The French Mime” Jean-Jean LeBon & Gus Grand
Plus a LIVE Job Performance Appraisal of Referee Phil Sly in the ring!!!
A great night of wrestling action awaits the ECWA faithful on Saturday night, but there’s always room for new fans! If you’re within a day’s driving distance of Newark Delaware, you should be at this show.
For more information, hit up www.ECWAProWrestling.com!
Just Because I Know Tony Likes It
By Greg DeMarco
The Black Widow, AJ Lee’s Ass & Layla Spankin’ It!
And now, the reverse angle!
You Decide: Can you blame Tony’s obsession?
Antonio “The Promise” Thomas (NECW) and Michael Barry (TCW) joined The Greg DeMarco Show with to discuss their role in two of independent wrestling’s fastest growing promotions. Hear the top stars in each promotion talk about their television clearance and some big upcoming events.
Former WWE Superstar Antonio “The Promise” Thomas (one half of The Heart Throbs in the WWE) joins the program to discuss what he learned from his WWE run, his friendship with Heart Throbs partner Romeo Roselli, being the NECW Heavyweight Champion, NECW’s BASH 13 anniversary card, how the promotion has survived 13-years, World Women’s Champion Alexxis Neveah and more!
Tradition Championship Wrestling’s Michael Barry makes his first visit to the Greg DeMarco Show, discussing his inspirations to enter professional wrestling, the talent he’s been able to share the ring with in TCW, TCW’s growth into new markets and onto the Pursuit Network, TCW’s Tennessee Takeover card and so much more!
During The Midnight Wrestling Revue, Greg and Heather Lynn (“The Biggest…Brains In The Business,” Championship Wrestling from Hollywood) enjoyed some “alone time” breaking down the build to WWE Night of Champions and Curtis Axel’s reign as Intercontinental Champion. Chad Perry & Greg also discussed the changing faces of independent wrestling as more and more talent head to WWE Developmental.
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And the commenter with the most “likes”???
Robert Hinkle: “I’ll take ‘em both – I’m Hardcore!”
Think you have what it takes to win the Caption Contest? Head on over to the Yes! Yes! Yes! Facebook group and join today to see what Tony, myself and the gang post next!
Want to enter? Caption this picture:
This week’s “And 1” Model of the Week is actually your “And 2” Models of the Week!
Normally, that means a tag team, or even better–twins! This week, it’s actually the proprietors of BonRoxx Fitness, and good friends of The Greg DeMarco Show, Nikki Roxx & Rain!
These ladies offer fitness services in their local Florida area, as well as long distance services to anywhere in the world! To find out more about what Nikki & Rain have offer, visit BonRoxxFitness.com today.
Tony joined 411Mania in April 2010, and currently contributes in both music and wrestling. Tony is an avid drinker of Mountain Dew and Jack Daniels. He is a writer who hardly takes himself seriously, yet has an innate ability to create moments that are both human yet fearful in his writings.
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Greg DeMarco is a graduate of Virginia Tech (Bachelor’s in Business Management) and Arizona State (Master’s in Higher & Post-Secondary Education). He works in online higher education. Greg started in improv comedy in 2001, making his stand-up debut in 2004.
Greg first appeared as a ring announcer for Rising Phoenix Wrestling in Phoenix Arizona in 2006 and served many promotions in both on-stage and back-stage roles for over six years, most notably Ring of Honor in 2010. He began writing for 411Mania in October 2010, founded The Greg DeMarco Show in May 2011 and opened WrestlingSmash.com (and Wrestling Smash Radio) in January 2013.
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Until next week…
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