The Triple Threat 3.04.07: The 39th Edition

Topic #1 WWE apparently was very impressed with Mexican wrestler Mistico and may look to bring him into the company. They have also has shown interest in other Mexican and Japanese talent. Could this mean that WWE finally wants to do something with a Cruiser or Tag division on Smackdown?

David Martell: I sure do hope so. It would be exciting to have a real cruiserweight division but I only want WWE to sign people like Mistico if they are truly serious in doing something like this. It would be great to see so many styles of wrestling mixing, together and it would add interest in watching Smackdown. I believe that WWE is realizing how big their hispanic audience is and that they could really deliver if they add people like Mistico to their roster. I have been watching a lot of Mistico’s matches lately and he has really impressed me. If WWE can let Mistico keep his style then we are going to be in store for some really good wrestling.

Alex Mattis: International talent huh? Well I have only read about Mexican talent, no Japanese, but I read the names Shocker and Mistico, Shocker bleh, never been a big fan, he did some good stuff with Alex Shelly in TNA though. On the other hand, we have Mistico, of course, he impressed, he has the WON 2006 Wrestler of the Year, and is the fasting rising star in wrestling in quite a while. He could be an amazing addition to the E roster.

Sean Garmer: I’ve watched Mistico for a long time but I never imagined after the stuff WWE did with Rey Mysterio that they would want another small Mexican wrestler in the company. Mistico is a great wrestler and obviously, he showed that to WWE. Shocker did well in the World X tourney on TNA and would be a cool addition. They are also looking at ex WCW veteran La Parka (he still has a big following in AAA). I read a report claiming some Japanese guys too, but that might have just been a misprint. Does this mean WWE’s serious about a Cruiser division? I don’t know, because WWE’s done this before where they plan things but don’t capitalize on them. They have a good mix of talent already there and if they can get the crowds behind the outside talent, it can open doors for Gregory Helms, Jamie Noble, and Jimmy Yang to get attention as well. Also you have to think that WWE wants to do a Mysterio vs. Mistico feud that could sell big time if WWE does the job in marketing Mistico. If they allow Mistico to use his abilities (and they are going to have to because he will be a very limited talker), Mistico could be the headliner of the Cruiser division. In addition, they could use him with Shocker as a tag team and give London & Kendrick something to do. It’s all going to take time, but WWE must have their hearts set on this for it to work.

Topic #2 So the Money in the Bank Ladder match will now be an 8 man match-up. What do you think of the change? Also the match itself is pretty much set, with EDGE, CM Punk, King Booker, Finlay, Kennedy, Both Hardyz, and probably Randy Orton as the last man. Do you think this year’s match is going to be able to outdo the other two? Also are there any superstars that you would change out?

David Martell: This is a match I’m truly excited for because for the last two years the MITB match has stolen the show or has come close in doing so. With the mix of so many different styles, this could once again be a show stealer. Added two more men to the mix doesn’t bother me too much because it gives guys who they don’t anything to do a place at Wrestlemania. Could you really be mad if any of these people won the match? Hell no! All of these guys in the match all deserve their respected chances at the top. If I had to change anyone in this match, I would like to change out Matt Hardy for Johnny Nitro or maybe Shelton. Either one of those guys could really add to the match in a good way.

Alex Mattis: This match has a two year history of delivering and this year should be no exception. I still think that Booker deserves a better, but I am very excited that CM Punk made his way onto the card at WrestleMania and in a high profile match. The fact that EDGE is in this match, to me, seems like they had nothing for him but they needed him on th card so they just threw him into the mix. Both Hardyz? Bleh, I would have rather seen Shelton and someone else, I mean how many times can we see a leg drop, Twist Of Fate, and Swanton off a ladder? Finaly es bueno, and should kick some serious ass in the match. Kennedy is an interesting addition and this could be a break out match for him. Adding in Orton would be interesting, they have been teasing Randall getting closer and closer to the title or at least a title shot since last WrestleMania, but of course, it never happened. If Mr. Orton makes his way into this match, I say he will get his Money to the Bank. This match, on paper, looks like it could surpass the last two by a reasonable margin, I mean I know the match is just a spot fest, but this one has some serious “Star Power” to it. Like perviously mention, I don’t think the Hardy middle-aged Boyz should be in this, but hey I understand why the E books the Hardy’s in these match…it draws. ECW really got shafted on this one, but if there was one ECW guy to go into the match it should have been Punk. Still, Raw gets 4 reps and SmackDown gets 3? I mean would it have hurt to
lose at least one of the Hardy’s and put one of the “New Breed” in there?

Sean Garmer: It’s odd that a big Ladder match has become a Wrestlemania staple. It’s the only one that doesn’t have a PPV named after it. Incredibly, WWE finds a way to differentiate all of it’s main matches just enough, to where they can have big battle royals, 8-man tags, and Ladder matches but they never come close to giving fans the rush of the Survivor Series, Royal Rumble, or the Money in the Bank. I guess they figured since the four way tag match worked so well at Armageddon, changing the format of the MITB to fit two more wrestlers might make even more crazy. In addition, it gives two more guys something to do at the biggest show of the year. For one I’m glad they didn’t just make this Hardyz vs. MNM with four other wrestlers. Frankly, I would rather have liked to see EDGE vs. Orton in a match on their own because neither of these two need to be in the MITB match. In place, we could have seen Nitro & Shelton or Nitro & MVP. Kennedy, King Booker, Finlay, & CM Punk are perfect for this because they are hungry for the title. Then we have the Hardyz who pose a question mark. Sure, it would be a huge surprise if one of them win the match, the likely hood of it happening is slim, and because WWE has mistreated Matt, I don’t see why they should do like last year, and just try to relieve themselves by sticking him in this match. I seriously think they should have done a tag title unification match at Wrestlemania. It could have been London & Kendrick vs. Hardyz that would have sold some buys, and left two other spots open for Benoit, Shelton, Nitro, MVP, or Carlito. Well this is the match that we have I like it, but it’s weird because I don’t think they should end EDGE’s undefeated streak quite yet on something like this. Then it would be silly to rob someone more deserving of the titleshot. Will it be better than the other two? In star power yes, the match itself I don’t know.

Topic #3 ROH has a new World Champion in Takeshi Morishima. What do you think about the new champ?

David Martell: To be honest with you, I didn’t even know who this guy was until I heard he won the belt. From what Alex told me, he’s really not that great but I wouldn’t really know.

Alex Mattis: I was not to happy about this one. One, I love me some Homicide and was so jakked when he won the title. Two, maybe I just haven’t seen enough but I personally don’t “get it” with Takeshi Morishima, I don’t think he is that good. But I digress. I understand this title change however. Homicide is not the strongest champion they could have, plus this fits in with the “bad luck” element of his character. Gabe likes to raise eyebrows and surprise people with his booking, and things like this do just that. Finally, this move could cement the ROH World title even more as being one of the most important belts in the world. That title has already toured the world and the great champions ROH has had have defended the belt in the UK, Europe, Mexico, etc. (Once again the difference with the E is their title, now-a-days is not a true WORLD title) but know Morishima has vowed to defend the ROH title in the Budakon Hall against KENTA. Some fans may not realize how monsterous this is. Sure, sure the title will be defended in overseas and KENTA gets another chance at the strap, but in the BUDAKON HALL. A building that, to me, is just as important to wrestling as Madison Square Garden. So back to my original point, as a fan I hate to see ‘Cide lose the title, but from the business side of things I understand it completely.

Sean Garmer: I don’t know who Morishima is, and I mainly put this question on here because Alex wanted to say something about it. If does good things for ROH then it is a good thing for them, also you have to think about it like this, I’m sure after Samoa Joe quit ROH, Gabe had to be thinking what if Homicide quits too? So it’s better to put the belt on someone that is not property of TNA. Morishima will allow them to be able to defend the belt in various places and give them someone new they can market and make a star. We already had a discussion previously on the world title deal. It’s just a name they put on the title in WWE’s eyes to make it seem important, but yet, in most fans eyes whoever wears that belt is seen as the world champ. ROH’s title is a world title in the indy arena because if you are their champion it means you are truly somebody on the indy plateau. Just because it is defended in lots of places means people see you as a true world champion.

Topic #4 Some have been questioning the inclusion of Jerry Lawler into this year’s HOF. There is probably no doubt that he deserves to go in, but do you think WWE should have waited till he retired from announcing?

David Martell: I think the reason for inducting Jerry Lawler into the HOF this year is because WWE wants to have some bigger names to be showcased. I think it would of been better when he would retire but there is no doubt he deserves it. I wish we could of seen Andy Kaufman induct him into the HOF, who knows, maybe we will.

Alex Mattis: I don’t know why people would argue this. He belongs in the HOF, I mean I understand that he isn’t retired and all but what does it matter. Plus the E has used many big names already to draw attention to the HOF (Hogan, Piper, Hart) so they may be looking for filler and this is where “The King” comes into play.

Sean Garmer: This is sort of an off year for the Hall of Fame. We have some great names going in, but as far as, star power there isn’t much here. I still think that Ricky Steamboat should be inducted with Dusty Rhodes, but whatever, it is Vince HOF and he calls the shots. Who knows, not everyone has been announced, but something would have come out by now if he was going in this year. Mainly, we have Dusty Rhodes as the big name, and then everyone else. So, WWE needed someone that all kinds of fans recognize, and they have that in “The King.” Jerry Lawler deserves to be in and no one can dispute that. I’m somewhat indifferent about this because, King might retire after Wrestlemania, especially if JR goes in this year with him, but I also think that they should have waited a bit.

Wrestlemania Moment of the Week: Up until Wrestlemania we will take the time every column to retell of a Wrestlemania moment that was cool to us.

David Martell: Recently I watched the Owen Hart vs. Bret Hart match from Wrestlemania X. I always heard of how great the match was so after watching it I have to agree. I really liked the story behind it and the match itself was phenomenal. What’s even better is that Owen got the victory, which is a great feat. Owen played the heel character well and in the end, he won. It was great stuff.

Alex Mattis: The Shooting Star that flew a little to close to the canvas. Well anyone who saw it knows what I am talking about. It was sick and one of the scariest things I have ever seen in wrestling, I knew what was coming because I had seen Lesnar’s SSP from OVW so I was just waiting for him to hit it so I could mark, he flew with grace right onto his forehead. Michael Cole saved it with the “Kurt Angle moved” line, yeah Cole he moved, after Lesnar missed him by about a foot. Moron. Anyway that clip will live in WrestleMania history and will be on the “WrestleMania Recall” for years and years, God bless your freaking neck Brock for not snapping like a twig.

Sean Garmer: My moment this week goes to a great “passing the torch moment” that happened at Wrestlemania VIII. Roddy Piper defended the only single’s title he ever held in WWE in the Intercontinental Championship, against rising star Bret Hart. A great match from both men, Piper had never been beaten in 14 years and showed he still had some left in the tank, I don’t think anyone expected Piper to go out there and wrestle Bret. As Gorilla put it “I would go right at Bret Hart” and that’s what Piper did. He also helped show the world that Bret was ready to hang with the main eventers. They told a great story out there, the older wrestler proves he still has it but the younger man is cleverer and outsmarts the old man in the end. This is the way you put over young talent anyone looking to do that now, should take notes from this match. I think this has the be on the list of Wrestlemania’s greatest matches. Bret saved Piper from botching the Crossbody to the outside spot, which ended up kinda cool. I also liked how even Bobby Heenan paid attention to the match and didn’t joke a lot giving it importance. The best thing was Piper deciding not to use the ring bell because it showed he had respect for Bret and wanted this thing to have an ending. Piper can look back and say that he helped put over one of the best ever.

Topic #6 Test was released this week from ECW. Is this a big deal? And should TNA consider signing him?

David Martell: No one should ever consider signing Test. He is a steroided piece of shit, nuff said.

Alex Mattis: He’s fired? Good. Go to TNA? Absolutely not, stay away from wrestling?
Definitely, stop talking about this terrible wrestler? Yes.

Sean Garmer: Test burned himself on this one, with his not wanting to get off the roids. He also has never been able to get himself over. Why waste the time and effort on this guy. TNA better not sign him, because they already have Russo

Topic # 7 So Wrestling Society X looks to be over after four episodes. Do you think any of the talent could end up in one of the big companies?

David Martell: This is a sad thing for the new promotion but, for me, it was way over the top. They have some really good wrestlers on their roster that the big companies should be looking at. Hopefully, some of these guys can move on to bigger and better things.

Alex Mattis: I am torn. I hated the image this show gave wrestling, with the fireballs, exploding coffins, etc, but I loved the fact that I was finally seeing Jack Evans, Matt Sydal, Ruckus, Joey Ryan, and other indy wrestlers on my TV. So, I still don’t know how I feel about it being close to cancelled. One thing is for sure I’m a mark and will buy WSX DVD one day. As far as some of these talents going to bigger companies, I have always wanted Jack Evans to land a gig in TNA or WWE, but the odds of that are bleak. All the guys I mentioned could go on to bigger and better things, but both TNA and WWE have more talent than they know what to do with right now.

Sean Garmer: Ok so technically it’s not dead, but as the news report put it “on life support” which pretty much means it’s over. Note to MTV, you guys can’t do anything that isn’t music, reality shows, or horrible things like jackass. WSX had it’s niche and showcased indy talent but put a stain on the industry for making it look like a joke. Yes part of wrestling is fake, but it doesn’t mean we need to showcase that part about it. Wrestling is an art-form in itself, without all the silly things that Vince at times makes us witness. Why make it worse with this stuff? I hope some of the talent to do land in better places though.

Match of the Week Nominees: World Tag Championships: Shawn Michaels & John Cena vs. Rated RKO (RAW), Senshi, Jerry Lynn & Jay Lethal vs. Alex Shelley, Chris Sabin & Austin Starr (TNA Impact), Money in the Bank Qualifier: Matt Hardy vs. Joey Mercury, MITB Triple Threat Qualifier: Chris Benoit vs. MVP vs. Finlay, ECW Championship: Bobby Lashley vs. Kennedy (SmackDown).

David Martell: Rated RKO vs. Cena & HBK

Alex Mattis: Senshi, Jerry Lynn & Jay Lethal vs. Austin Starr, Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin

Sean Garmer: Rated RKO vs. Cena & HBK