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14-09-2003, 09:29 PM
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Talk Wrestling Online Newsletter - Issue 28 - September 14th 2003
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Hey all,
Having had the worst week of my life turn into the best, and feeling more revigorated about life (if that is even a word) than ever, I return, bearing gifts of US news from HSM, UK news from Goldy, International news from the returning Matthew Singh, and a WWE CD review from yours truly.
Oh, and seeing how it is Unforgiven next week, anyone who would like to send in their thoughts or predictions going into the pay-per-view may do so to Mitchell@talkwrestlingonline.com, and I will gladly put them up in next week's newsletter. Alternatively, you may do so on the TWO forums (the address below), and I will place them in next week's Forum Focus.
- Mitchell Jones
TWO Newsletter Editor
http://www.talkwrestlingonline.com/forum
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Forum Info
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- Are your details up to date in your control panel? (Location, favourite wrestlers, avatars etc)
http://www.talkwrestlingonline.com/forum/usercp.php
Just to make it clear that anyone who wishes to have the newsletter sent to a different address will have to change their e-mail address in their TWO Forum Profile. Thank you.
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Site News
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- WWE Unforgiven Quiz and Chat -
As is tradition at TWO, we invite you to join us in the chatroom for our Unforgiven Quiz and Chat, next Sunday. At 8pm, the quiz will kick off, Russ is winning the league so far, but could you be the one to topple him? Check out http://www.talkwrestlingonline.com/Quiz/quiz.shtml for more information.
Alternatively, if you don't want the hassle of a quiz, and you just want to chat, or you want a chat AFTER you've taken part in the quiz, stick around because at 9pm, onwards until 1am (UK time of course), the Unforgiven chat starts. Topics will range from "who will win each match" to "Which commentator will get a push next" to "How many puro fans does it take to screw in a lightbulb". And for those who can't watch the show, match by match commentary will be available as the show progresses. There's no reason why anyone should miss out.
So remember.. Quiz at 8pm - Chat at 9pm til 1am. We look forward to chatting with you.
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Forum Focus
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- "But Crash is talented, you can't deny that..." - StoneColdSteveAustin sticks up for Mad Mikey/Crash (US Scene Forum)
- "HHH is a model professional, and wants to do things the right way." - A cracking post by HHH, sorry, I mean Ed_666 (US Scene Forum)
- "The fact Goldberg flips his lid everytime a fan says he's crap, just shows you how much of an idiot he truly is." - Jungmuta on Goldberg's babyish antics towards TNA fans (US Scene Forum)
- "Whats the big deal about knowledge? You watch, you like what you like, you hate what you hate and then you come on here and discuss it. End of story " - Me (DraVen). I'm using this simply because I think a lot of people should take notice :) (US Scene Forum)
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US News - By HSM
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-WWE News-
Dave Batista is finally planning his return for later this month after 3 surgeries on his injured triceps. His first operation was back in April after he tore the tricep in a house show match while tagging with Randy Orton against the Dudley's. During his rehabilitation he fell while sprinting and re-injured the arm, which was the reason for the second operation. His final operation was in July to clear up an infection as a result of the injury.
Triple H was scheduled to have a trial match against Goldberg at a RAW house show last weekend in preparation for the PPV showdown but the match was changed to a tag team match as Triple H was still nowhere near being able to compete in a singles encounter.
Incredibly Spike Dudley was not seriously hurt this week on Raw when La Resistance botched an attempt to throw him through a table. There was already backstage heat between the two teams and this will probably not help the situation. Most of the RAW roster feels that La Resistance don't deserve the big push they are getting.
Staying with La Resistance, It has been reported that Sylvain Grenier is suffering from a neck injury and although he is working through it he may require some time off soon.
Triple H's bachelor party is still scheduled for after next weeks SmackDown taping although they haven't yet found a location for it. The only wrestler who won't be attending is Chris Jericho who will be with his wife as she is due to give birth.
RAW's rating dropped this week down to a 3.6 which is down from last weeks 4.3 but some of this can be put down to Monday Night Football returning to the US which traditionally takes away some of RAW's audience.
Jim Ross has been revealed as the man behind the idea of putting more non-wrestling personalities on the House show circuit. His theory is that as these characters are getting a sustained TV push, people would pay to see them at a house show as well.
Ernest 'The Cat' Miller has been removed from colour commentary on Velocity. Tazz has replaced him for the past 2 weeks but there are no permanent plans in place for a replacement. Miller has not been fired however and is expected to return as either a wrestler or a bump-taking manager although again nothing definite is set.
Goldberg was involved in a shouting match with some TNA fans this week as he left the arena after RAW. The fans began abusing him saying he wouldn't be able to cut it in TNA and wouldn't last very long and he began yelling back insulting the TNA brand.
Booker T appeared on Byte This during the week and said that his back is feeling better and he expects to be back sometime in October. He also said that he didn't plan on remaining an active wrestler for many more years but he would like to have at least one more run for the World Title.
WWE has singed two more wrestlers to developmental deals. Both Ryan Sakoda and Chris Mordetzky are well known around the California Independent scene and both were given try out matches a few months ago.
-NWA: TNA News-
Goldylocks appears to be gone from the promotion, at least for now. She has been the cause of a lot of backstage tension for months now and is not expected back anytime soon. Former WCW announcer Scott Hudson who has been used as a part time backstage interviewer up until now is expected to replace her full time.
The Shane Douglas/Raven hair vs. hair match is set to take place on the 17th of September PPV. Roddy Piper is also expected to appear during that show.
It now appears that no date is set at all for Stings next appearance with the promotion. It was originally planned for August and the September but the exact date is still not known.
The PPV this week was the special 1-cent show, which was essentially a recap of some of TNA's best matches with no new matches taking place.
The matches featured were:
The Ultimate X match featuring Chris Sabin, Michael Shane and Frankie Kazarian in which Michael Shane captured the X division title.
NWA World Tag Title Steel Cage match between Americas Most Wanted and Elix Skipper & Christopher Daniels, which ended with AMW capturing the titles in a Match of the year candidate performance.
Various clipped highlights are then shown of Jarrett vs. Raven in their World Title match, the return of Vince Russo enabling AJ Styles to capture the NWA Title, the match between Jarrett & Sting against Styles & Syxx Pac. This is followed by further highlights of the D Lo/Styles feud and they end with highlights of the war games match from last week.
The final segment is a Roddy Piper highlights package (If such a thing is possible) and they end the show by announcing his return next week.
-Selected Indy Results-
ROH Wrestling results
Saturday, September 6 - Wakefield, MA
http://www.rohwrestling.com
*Colt Cabana def. Jimmy Rave
*Slyk Wagner Brown (w/ April Hunter) def. Diablo Santiago
*Backseat Boys (Trent Acid/Johnny Kashmere) def. SAT (Joel/Jose Maximo), Izzy/Dixie, Special K, Ring Crew Express (Dunn/Marcos)
*Matt Stryker def. John Walters
*The Carnage Crew (Justin Credible/Loc/Devito) def. Special K (Hydro/Angel Dust/Deranged)
*Mark Briscoe def. BJ Whitmer
*Homicide def. Trent Acid
*Jay Briscoe def. Samoa Joe/AJ Styles/Chris Sabin
*Clockwork Orange Steel Cage Match: Raven def. CM Punk
XCW results
Friday, September 5
*Jerry Brown (w/ Jeff Brown) def. Bull
*Khris Germany def. Gemini (pin after Flying Face plant DDT)
*Bullman Downs def. Cyclone (pin after Bulldog)
*Scott Phoenix def. Bull (pin after choke slam)
*Drunk Adam def. Kit Carson
*Adam def. Carson (Victory Roll pin)
PCW results
Saturday, September 6 - Altadena, CA
*Rocker El Diablo def. Apollo Kahn
*Bo Cooper def. Supa Badd
*Steve Pain/Infernal def. Silver Tyger/Chippy Sanchez
*Disco Machine def. TARO (when Aaron Proctor held TARO's leg down)
*"American Zero" Steve Sanchez and "North Star" Mike Vega went to a double DQ
*"Red Bull" Nick Berk def. Scott Lost
*The Aerial Express/Sexy Chino def. PCW Tag Team champions Damage, Inc/manager Jason Bennett
*PCW MAXimum Title Match: Joey Ryan retained against Lil Cholo
*Kaos def. The Messiah
That's all for this week see you next week
HSM
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UK News - By Goldy
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Hey everyone, welcome to this weeks UK Scene wrestling news and results. There doesn't appear to be many show results for you this week but plenty of news to be getting on with.
Brawl Wrestling - Northampton - 6/9/03
Jonni Pesci def Spud
UKP def Swift Justice (The Judge & Falcon)
MTX def Billy Morgan
Bad Attitude def The Murderers
Spatch def Major D-Struction.
It's been a good week for the FWA as they have had some main stream coverage, taking part in a segment on the TV programme This Morning. The segment was about training to be a pro wrestler and included Alex Shane, Nikita, Simmons and Paul Travell who gave in ring wrestling demonstrations.
In keeping with the FWA, Hotwired is nearly upon us and a couple more matches have this week been made, they are Jonny Storm to take on Chris Hamrick with stipulations. Now if Jonny is to win the match he will have the choice not to face Jody Fleisch in the ring and if Hamrick goes on to win then Jonny has to forfeit his XPW Championship Title. I'm extremely pleased to see Hamrick back in the FWA as the man is a legend. Also announced is Alex Shane & Ulf Herman to take on The Family in a double barbwire baseball bat match! for the FWA Tag Team Titles. Now Jody Fleisch was supposed to be up against Jack Xavier also, but unfortunately Jody has a serious injury and had to pull out of an All Star show this week so he won't be Hotwired. Therefore the FWA have signed up EZ Money to take Jodys place and face Jack Xavier. So the card so far looks like this:
- FWA Championship Number One Contenders match
James Tighe vs Flash Barker
- Jack Xavier vs EZ Money
- Alex Shane/Ulf Herman vs The Family
- Jonny Storm vs Chris Hamrick.
We at TWO would like to wish Jody a speedy recovery. Hotwired takes place Sunday, September 21st, doors open at 5.30pm. For ticket details go to http://www.frontierwrestling.com or call 01992 441946.
Wrestle Zone Wrestling's, second weekend camp will be sometime in November, the weekend date is yet to be confirmed. What I can confirm is that the Show Stealer "Alex Shane" has agreed to be their special guest trainer and will be taking a full day seminar on the Saturday. He will not only be focusing on various moves and techniques but also working on character building, working a crowd, selling and various aspects of ring psychology. Alex recently did a full day seminar down at the FWA academy and also at the Garage Gym, both seminars were a massive success. Many people including the current wZw trainees have requested they try and get Alex up for the next weekend. The weekend will run from the Friday to the Sunday and will cost just £40.00. Anyone interested in further details on the camp should email training@wzwuk.com
SCW's When Spirits Rise has been announced for November 15th and the venue has been revealed as the Couper Institute in Glasgow. The Couper Institute is around a 5 minute walk from Cathcart Train Station, for those needing a geographical reference. Tickets are now available through SCW, the events page will have all the necessary information. Check out http://www.scottishcw.com
The video of Scottish Championship Wrestling's Golden Harvest 2003 show is now available to purchase. Copies of the video can be bought from SiMania Tapes at a price of £9. We'd like to point out that the SCW tapes are not part of SiMania's 4 for £20 promotion.
Jake Roberts now has an official web site up at http://www.jakethesnakeroberts.tv.
UKWA Wrestlings next show has been confirmed for Friday, September 26th at the Lightwaves Leisure Centre, Wakefield. The doors open at 6.30 pm for a 7pm start and tickets cost £7 adults, £5 children and £20 for a family of four. Wrestlers scheduled for the show include: Scotty Hexx, Chris Travis, Domino, Will Endowed, Paul Parisio, J C Thunder, Cameron Knighte, El Ligero, Joey Hayes, Jack Hazard, Marc Mignot, and "The Rock From Gibraltar" Dan De Soto plus special guests.
For those of you that missed it, Adams interview with Baxter Burridge went on the site last week:
http://www.talkwrestlingonline.com/Interviews/Baxter-Burridge.shtml
Well, that's everything for this week, thank you for reading.
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Int. News - By Matthew Singh
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Hi readers, tis Matt Singh back, with service resumed as normal. Kudos to Jungmuta-san/Fujiwara for their excellent work while I've been away. Now to the news…
-Puroresu-
New Japan Pro Wrestling:
The big talk of the entire industry has been of Hulk Hogan signing a two-date deal with the company, with the two date being the 13/10 and 4/1/04 Tokyo Dome shows. Earlier this week New Japan legend Masa Chono flew to Tampa, Florida to speak with Hogan himself and negotiate a deal. Chono then flew back to Narita Airport to work the promotions 14/9 house show claiming that Hogan hadn't signed a deal, but that he (Chono) would fly back to Tampa and try again. Pride also has made a six-figure offer for Hogan to work their 25/10 Yokohama Arena show against Shinya Hashimoto, and the hear-say is that Hogan is playing off each of the offers against each other (which would be no surprise; Hogan's made a career out of doing that). The six figure deal, if he signs (and he probably won't) will be somewhere in the region of $250,000-500,000, which is more than what Kurt Angle and Brock Lesnar made for this year's WrestleMania mainevent. More on this story if/when it develops.
As is always these days (or this era) tickets sales for the groups 13/10 Tokyo Dome show are selling slowly. The G-1 Tag League has been moved forward to October and early November this year; it was formerly in December. The promotion has also booked the Yokohama Arena for 3/11, a week after Pride runs the same venue with Hashimoto's involved in some way (on the Pride show). New Japan has booked big-time venue's for most of this year, and is a sign that the company is desperate to make a decent profit. It won't happen anytime soon unless they sort out their creative.
All Japan Pro Wrestling:
Toshiaki Kawada, Kazushi Kiyamoto, Masa Fuchi & Taichi Ishikari versus Keiji Mutoh, Tomoaki Homna, Gran Hamada & Ryuji Hijikata will headline the promotion's 21/9 'Fan Day' show at Korakuen Hall. The group also runs the Budokan Hall on 26/10, with the probable main event of Kawada versus Hashimoto, with Kawada defending the Triple Crown. If anyone in the entire history of this industry deserves an award for loyalty, Kawada does.
(AJ) The group's 9/21 Korakuen Hall "Fan Day" show will be headlined by Toshiaki Kawada, Kazushi Miyamoto, Masa Fuchi, & Taichi Ishikari vs. Keiji Mutoh, Tomoaki Honma, Gran Hamada, & Ryuji Hijikata. Toshiaki Kawada said that he expects the main event for AJ's 10/26 Budokan show to be him defending the Triple Crown vs. Shin'ya Hashimoto (before Hashimoto has surgery). Keiji Mutoh declared that rookie Masayuki Kono would be sent to the United States to gain experience. Pray that Kono isn't sent to CZW.
Pro Wrestling NOAH:
Jun Akiyama is scheulded to work IWA-Japan's 29/9 show (their 10th anniversary show) ay Korakuen Hall against a towelb-boy, in order to set-up a future match against Steve Williams. Speaking of Williams, he'll be working a tag mainevent match against Tiger Jeet Singh.
Zero-One:
In big, but expected, news, Bill Goldberg will work the Dream Stage Entertainment/Zero One (co-promoted) show at the Yokohama Arena on 25/10. Goldberg is able to work the show (as well as many others) because he signed a deal before joining WWE, which shows how desperate Vince McMahon was to have him. Goldberg has numerous other dates to fulfil in Japan.
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WW(F)E Aggression Review - By Mitchell Jones
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With the vast amount of reviews at TWO based around videos or video games, I thought I'd add a little collection of music reviews from the world of wrestling. So far, I've looked at the offering of Chris Jericho's 'Fozzy', and WWE Anthology, a collection of theme tunes over the past 15 years. But what happens when the WWE meets the world of hip-hop? Thats what we found out when WWE released "Aggression".
This being the late 1999-early 2000 period, where the big boom was starting to die down a little (even though the product was just as hot as it possibly ever had been, and was producing amazing battles in the ring), WWE, or WWF as it was at the time, was more than happy to reach as many fans as possible through as many different sources as it could. Obviously someone had the brainwave of, instead of solely catering for the rock and roll fans that wrestling was somewhat associated with (and I'll admit myself that the WWF, and the Headbangers in particular, got me back into rock music, especially with the Marilyn Manson/Pantera scenes), that WWF would instead base an entire album around WWF theme songs performed to a hip hop beat, by big hip hop stars. And I do mean big. Anyone familiar with Method Man? How about ODB? Run DMC? Everyone knows Snoop Dogg right? That's right. WWF spared no expense in bringing in household names to remix entrance music for stars such as D-Generation X, Chris Jericho, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Big Show, Mankind and er... Gangrel. Sounds.. erm... interesting.
The results are pretty good though. Now I'm pretty liberal in my music taste. I'm open minded. I understand this won't really appeal to non-hip hop fans, but fans of the genre should take great notice in this CD. The album starts off as good as you could possibly ask for within the limitations with the Run DMX remix of the DX theme. One of the few songs on the album that was actually released with video (featuring The Hardy Boyz, Stephanie McMahon, Tori and Triple H, back in the days where he was useful), this was actually used as the DX theme on various TV shows and sounds pretty darn good. This is followed by another catchy song entitled "Wreck", for Mankind, which only sounds like Mankind's theme for about 20 seconds, before Kool Keith and O.D.B add their little spin to it. It's not a song I'd ever imagine Mankind coming out to, but O.D.B does catch your attention with his addictive lyrics and style. The catchy theme continues with probably the second most well-known song of the album (behind the Run DMC hit). Featuring another Wu Tang frontman, Method Man (one of my personal favorites of the hip hop scene), The Rock receives royal treatment as Method performs probably the second best track on the CD (notice a pattern yet?), with a killer video to boot (not that you'll get to see it unless Kazaa has a copy). With some cracking lyrics and great delivery, The Great One is served justice with a great one (see what I did there? Yeah I know, it was awful).
Track Four is my favourite off the album. Bringing together two great rappers in W.C (or Dub C for those in the know) and Snoop Dogg (fo shizzle ma nizzle), this remix of the infamous Stone Cold Steve Austin theme certainly gets you raising your arms in the air giving Snoop a "hell yeah". I never knew how good W.C was as a rapper, but I certainly learned from this performance. The tune is also extremely familiar to the Austin theme, so you certainly won't forget who the song is about. Certainly a plus. Up next is the McMahon "No Chance in Hell" theme which simply doesn't live up to the original at all. Pretty much a waste of time, which is a shame considering Redman is on the vocals. Good to see that the guy has finally come into his own the past two to three years. The Gangrel "I won't stop" mix sounds pretty good, and credit to C-Murder (means nothing to me either), he's done a good job with it. But it simply isn't as good as the original, nor does it try to take it into a level of its own as Run DMC do. The Kane remix by the Eastsidaz does actually sound a lot better than the original, at least to me. But if you played it on Raw or SmackDown, it would sound very out of place where rock is the dominant element. With anyone else, maybe. But with a monster like Kane, not a chance.
RA The Rugged Man does a good job with Chris Jericho's theme, and makes it sound as true to the rock version as possible. If not for Jericho's character being based around a rock star, this would actually fit his character a lot. The same goes for the Bad Azz and Technic mix of the New Age Outlaws theme (and a classic the original was too). In an arena, it wouldn't fit. You can't have a NAO theme without the Road Dogg spewing his crazy lyricism over it. But as a rap song, it is pretty damn good, and very easy to get into. Unlike The Godfather's remix. This song was used quite a few times by The Godfather on Sunday Night Heat, and even at Wrestlemania 16 (Ice T performed it live), but it sucked, very badly. The original was so much better that it isn't funny. Then again, I've never liked Ice T. Nor have I ever liked Mystikal. Here, with Ras Kass, his rendition of HHH's theme (which sounds absolutely nothing like any theme the Tripper has ever had) sounds like it's been strung together by a six-year old. Saying that, the lyrics are spot on ("I'm a do what I wanna do, when I do it. There's nothing that you can do when I'm done through it" or something like that - you know how hard it is to try and listen to hip hop lyrics?). Obviously Mystikal knows about HHH's backstage exploits too.
Another song actually used as a theme tune was the Big Show mix. This one is actually better than his current one, and I'm surprised they didn't use it for longer. The tune sounds mean and tough, with hard lyrics. His current song sounds like a 50s underground club song sung by Michael PS Hayes (which it probably is). WWE blew it with this one. It's a song they really need to start using again. Unlike the final song on the album, which belongs to the Ministry Undertaker. The theme should be used, mind, cas the rtune sounds extremely Taker like. Add a heavier guitar and you've got it perfect. unfortunately, The Dead Man can't really come to the ring to a rap song. Doesn't work, which is quite sad considering it's actually a damn good song, very well rapped by Dame Grease presents Meeno. A good way to end a CD, in my opinion.
So now you know the basics of the CD. Now it's time to break it down.
Best Song: Snoop Dogg & W.C - "Hell Yeah"
Best Lyrics: Method Man - "Telling us that Raw is War, what the hell you think we came for, to play with these whips and chainsaws, and sharp glass, shine 'em up real nice, turn 'em sideways, and shove 'em up your candy ass"
Song Most Likely To Sound Good On WWE TV: Mack 10, K Mac & Boo Kapone feat. MC Eiht - "Big"
Song Most Likely To Bore You: Redman & Rock Of Heltah Skeltah feat. Peanut Butter Wolf - "No Chance"
Worth It?: Overall... yes. I think it is, especially for hip hop fans. Die hard rock fans may get into it too, but you've probably gotta be quite liberal to get into most of the songs. Still, I think there's at least one good song in there for everyone, and is worth a listen. Mind you, I wouldn't buy it. Lend a song or two first, and then try it. I think you will like it, but just try before you buy. As I said, you've probably gotta be quite liberal and open-minded to enjoy it to it's fullest. Either that or a die hard hip hop fan.
To purchase this CD, or to check out the reviews of any other music CDs see:
http://www.talkwrestlingonline.com/Store/Music/music.shtml
Next time, it's 'WWF Tough Enough - The Soundtrack'. Until then, laters.
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Contributors
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US News - HSM
UK News - Goldy
Int News - Matthew Singh
WW(F)E Aggression - Mitchell Jones
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That's it for this week. Any feedback would be gladly appreciated. Send it, along with any questions or queries, to Mitchell@talkwrestlingonline.com or to any of our contributors. We want your input to help make the newsletter the best we can.
With that in mind, have a good week.
The TWO Newsletter - "Does anyone even read this part of the newsletter?"
Disclaimer: All news was taken and rewritten from various wrestling sites across the net - full credit goes out to them
=======================================
All you have to do is register on the TWO Forums (its free), and select “YES” to “Allow Bulletin Board Administrators and Moderators To Send You Email Notices?” in the edit options (http://www.talkwrestlingonline.com/forum/member.php?s=&action=editoptions) section of the user control panel.
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Talk Wrestling Online Newsletter - Issue 28 - September 14th 2003
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Hey all,
Having had the worst week of my life turn into the best, and feeling more revigorated about life (if that is even a word) than ever, I return, bearing gifts of US news from HSM, UK news from Goldy, International news from the returning Matthew Singh, and a WWE CD review from yours truly.
Oh, and seeing how it is Unforgiven next week, anyone who would like to send in their thoughts or predictions going into the pay-per-view may do so to Mitchell@talkwrestlingonline.com, and I will gladly put them up in next week's newsletter. Alternatively, you may do so on the TWO forums (the address below), and I will place them in next week's Forum Focus.
- Mitchell Jones
TWO Newsletter Editor
http://www.talkwrestlingonline.com/forum
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Forum Info
--------------------------------------------------------------------
- Are your details up to date in your control panel? (Location, favourite wrestlers, avatars etc)
http://www.talkwrestlingonline.com/forum/usercp.php
Just to make it clear that anyone who wishes to have the newsletter sent to a different address will have to change their e-mail address in their TWO Forum Profile. Thank you.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Site News
--------------------------------------------------------------------
- WWE Unforgiven Quiz and Chat -
As is tradition at TWO, we invite you to join us in the chatroom for our Unforgiven Quiz and Chat, next Sunday. At 8pm, the quiz will kick off, Russ is winning the league so far, but could you be the one to topple him? Check out http://www.talkwrestlingonline.com/Quiz/quiz.shtml for more information.
Alternatively, if you don't want the hassle of a quiz, and you just want to chat, or you want a chat AFTER you've taken part in the quiz, stick around because at 9pm, onwards until 1am (UK time of course), the Unforgiven chat starts. Topics will range from "who will win each match" to "Which commentator will get a push next" to "How many puro fans does it take to screw in a lightbulb". And for those who can't watch the show, match by match commentary will be available as the show progresses. There's no reason why anyone should miss out.
So remember.. Quiz at 8pm - Chat at 9pm til 1am. We look forward to chatting with you.
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Forum Focus
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- "But Crash is talented, you can't deny that..." - StoneColdSteveAustin sticks up for Mad Mikey/Crash (US Scene Forum)
- "HHH is a model professional, and wants to do things the right way." - A cracking post by HHH, sorry, I mean Ed_666 (US Scene Forum)
- "The fact Goldberg flips his lid everytime a fan says he's crap, just shows you how much of an idiot he truly is." - Jungmuta on Goldberg's babyish antics towards TNA fans (US Scene Forum)
- "Whats the big deal about knowledge? You watch, you like what you like, you hate what you hate and then you come on here and discuss it. End of story " - Me (DraVen). I'm using this simply because I think a lot of people should take notice :) (US Scene Forum)
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US News - By HSM
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-WWE News-
Dave Batista is finally planning his return for later this month after 3 surgeries on his injured triceps. His first operation was back in April after he tore the tricep in a house show match while tagging with Randy Orton against the Dudley's. During his rehabilitation he fell while sprinting and re-injured the arm, which was the reason for the second operation. His final operation was in July to clear up an infection as a result of the injury.
Triple H was scheduled to have a trial match against Goldberg at a RAW house show last weekend in preparation for the PPV showdown but the match was changed to a tag team match as Triple H was still nowhere near being able to compete in a singles encounter.
Incredibly Spike Dudley was not seriously hurt this week on Raw when La Resistance botched an attempt to throw him through a table. There was already backstage heat between the two teams and this will probably not help the situation. Most of the RAW roster feels that La Resistance don't deserve the big push they are getting.
Staying with La Resistance, It has been reported that Sylvain Grenier is suffering from a neck injury and although he is working through it he may require some time off soon.
Triple H's bachelor party is still scheduled for after next weeks SmackDown taping although they haven't yet found a location for it. The only wrestler who won't be attending is Chris Jericho who will be with his wife as she is due to give birth.
RAW's rating dropped this week down to a 3.6 which is down from last weeks 4.3 but some of this can be put down to Monday Night Football returning to the US which traditionally takes away some of RAW's audience.
Jim Ross has been revealed as the man behind the idea of putting more non-wrestling personalities on the House show circuit. His theory is that as these characters are getting a sustained TV push, people would pay to see them at a house show as well.
Ernest 'The Cat' Miller has been removed from colour commentary on Velocity. Tazz has replaced him for the past 2 weeks but there are no permanent plans in place for a replacement. Miller has not been fired however and is expected to return as either a wrestler or a bump-taking manager although again nothing definite is set.
Goldberg was involved in a shouting match with some TNA fans this week as he left the arena after RAW. The fans began abusing him saying he wouldn't be able to cut it in TNA and wouldn't last very long and he began yelling back insulting the TNA brand.
Booker T appeared on Byte This during the week and said that his back is feeling better and he expects to be back sometime in October. He also said that he didn't plan on remaining an active wrestler for many more years but he would like to have at least one more run for the World Title.
WWE has singed two more wrestlers to developmental deals. Both Ryan Sakoda and Chris Mordetzky are well known around the California Independent scene and both were given try out matches a few months ago.
-NWA: TNA News-
Goldylocks appears to be gone from the promotion, at least for now. She has been the cause of a lot of backstage tension for months now and is not expected back anytime soon. Former WCW announcer Scott Hudson who has been used as a part time backstage interviewer up until now is expected to replace her full time.
The Shane Douglas/Raven hair vs. hair match is set to take place on the 17th of September PPV. Roddy Piper is also expected to appear during that show.
It now appears that no date is set at all for Stings next appearance with the promotion. It was originally planned for August and the September but the exact date is still not known.
The PPV this week was the special 1-cent show, which was essentially a recap of some of TNA's best matches with no new matches taking place.
The matches featured were:
The Ultimate X match featuring Chris Sabin, Michael Shane and Frankie Kazarian in which Michael Shane captured the X division title.
NWA World Tag Title Steel Cage match between Americas Most Wanted and Elix Skipper & Christopher Daniels, which ended with AMW capturing the titles in a Match of the year candidate performance.
Various clipped highlights are then shown of Jarrett vs. Raven in their World Title match, the return of Vince Russo enabling AJ Styles to capture the NWA Title, the match between Jarrett & Sting against Styles & Syxx Pac. This is followed by further highlights of the D Lo/Styles feud and they end with highlights of the war games match from last week.
The final segment is a Roddy Piper highlights package (If such a thing is possible) and they end the show by announcing his return next week.
-Selected Indy Results-
ROH Wrestling results
Saturday, September 6 - Wakefield, MA
http://www.rohwrestling.com
*Colt Cabana def. Jimmy Rave
*Slyk Wagner Brown (w/ April Hunter) def. Diablo Santiago
*Backseat Boys (Trent Acid/Johnny Kashmere) def. SAT (Joel/Jose Maximo), Izzy/Dixie, Special K, Ring Crew Express (Dunn/Marcos)
*Matt Stryker def. John Walters
*The Carnage Crew (Justin Credible/Loc/Devito) def. Special K (Hydro/Angel Dust/Deranged)
*Mark Briscoe def. BJ Whitmer
*Homicide def. Trent Acid
*Jay Briscoe def. Samoa Joe/AJ Styles/Chris Sabin
*Clockwork Orange Steel Cage Match: Raven def. CM Punk
XCW results
Friday, September 5
*Jerry Brown (w/ Jeff Brown) def. Bull
*Khris Germany def. Gemini (pin after Flying Face plant DDT)
*Bullman Downs def. Cyclone (pin after Bulldog)
*Scott Phoenix def. Bull (pin after choke slam)
*Drunk Adam def. Kit Carson
*Adam def. Carson (Victory Roll pin)
PCW results
Saturday, September 6 - Altadena, CA
*Rocker El Diablo def. Apollo Kahn
*Bo Cooper def. Supa Badd
*Steve Pain/Infernal def. Silver Tyger/Chippy Sanchez
*Disco Machine def. TARO (when Aaron Proctor held TARO's leg down)
*"American Zero" Steve Sanchez and "North Star" Mike Vega went to a double DQ
*"Red Bull" Nick Berk def. Scott Lost
*The Aerial Express/Sexy Chino def. PCW Tag Team champions Damage, Inc/manager Jason Bennett
*PCW MAXimum Title Match: Joey Ryan retained against Lil Cholo
*Kaos def. The Messiah
That's all for this week see you next week
HSM
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UK News - By Goldy
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Hey everyone, welcome to this weeks UK Scene wrestling news and results. There doesn't appear to be many show results for you this week but plenty of news to be getting on with.
Brawl Wrestling - Northampton - 6/9/03
Jonni Pesci def Spud
UKP def Swift Justice (The Judge & Falcon)
MTX def Billy Morgan
Bad Attitude def The Murderers
Spatch def Major D-Struction.
It's been a good week for the FWA as they have had some main stream coverage, taking part in a segment on the TV programme This Morning. The segment was about training to be a pro wrestler and included Alex Shane, Nikita, Simmons and Paul Travell who gave in ring wrestling demonstrations.
In keeping with the FWA, Hotwired is nearly upon us and a couple more matches have this week been made, they are Jonny Storm to take on Chris Hamrick with stipulations. Now if Jonny is to win the match he will have the choice not to face Jody Fleisch in the ring and if Hamrick goes on to win then Jonny has to forfeit his XPW Championship Title. I'm extremely pleased to see Hamrick back in the FWA as the man is a legend. Also announced is Alex Shane & Ulf Herman to take on The Family in a double barbwire baseball bat match! for the FWA Tag Team Titles. Now Jody Fleisch was supposed to be up against Jack Xavier also, but unfortunately Jody has a serious injury and had to pull out of an All Star show this week so he won't be Hotwired. Therefore the FWA have signed up EZ Money to take Jodys place and face Jack Xavier. So the card so far looks like this:
- FWA Championship Number One Contenders match
James Tighe vs Flash Barker
- Jack Xavier vs EZ Money
- Alex Shane/Ulf Herman vs The Family
- Jonny Storm vs Chris Hamrick.
We at TWO would like to wish Jody a speedy recovery. Hotwired takes place Sunday, September 21st, doors open at 5.30pm. For ticket details go to http://www.frontierwrestling.com or call 01992 441946.
Wrestle Zone Wrestling's, second weekend camp will be sometime in November, the weekend date is yet to be confirmed. What I can confirm is that the Show Stealer "Alex Shane" has agreed to be their special guest trainer and will be taking a full day seminar on the Saturday. He will not only be focusing on various moves and techniques but also working on character building, working a crowd, selling and various aspects of ring psychology. Alex recently did a full day seminar down at the FWA academy and also at the Garage Gym, both seminars were a massive success. Many people including the current wZw trainees have requested they try and get Alex up for the next weekend. The weekend will run from the Friday to the Sunday and will cost just £40.00. Anyone interested in further details on the camp should email training@wzwuk.com
SCW's When Spirits Rise has been announced for November 15th and the venue has been revealed as the Couper Institute in Glasgow. The Couper Institute is around a 5 minute walk from Cathcart Train Station, for those needing a geographical reference. Tickets are now available through SCW, the events page will have all the necessary information. Check out http://www.scottishcw.com
The video of Scottish Championship Wrestling's Golden Harvest 2003 show is now available to purchase. Copies of the video can be bought from SiMania Tapes at a price of £9. We'd like to point out that the SCW tapes are not part of SiMania's 4 for £20 promotion.
Jake Roberts now has an official web site up at http://www.jakethesnakeroberts.tv.
UKWA Wrestlings next show has been confirmed for Friday, September 26th at the Lightwaves Leisure Centre, Wakefield. The doors open at 6.30 pm for a 7pm start and tickets cost £7 adults, £5 children and £20 for a family of four. Wrestlers scheduled for the show include: Scotty Hexx, Chris Travis, Domino, Will Endowed, Paul Parisio, J C Thunder, Cameron Knighte, El Ligero, Joey Hayes, Jack Hazard, Marc Mignot, and "The Rock From Gibraltar" Dan De Soto plus special guests.
For those of you that missed it, Adams interview with Baxter Burridge went on the site last week:
http://www.talkwrestlingonline.com/Interviews/Baxter-Burridge.shtml
Well, that's everything for this week, thank you for reading.
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Int. News - By Matthew Singh
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Hi readers, tis Matt Singh back, with service resumed as normal. Kudos to Jungmuta-san/Fujiwara for their excellent work while I've been away. Now to the news…
-Puroresu-
New Japan Pro Wrestling:
The big talk of the entire industry has been of Hulk Hogan signing a two-date deal with the company, with the two date being the 13/10 and 4/1/04 Tokyo Dome shows. Earlier this week New Japan legend Masa Chono flew to Tampa, Florida to speak with Hogan himself and negotiate a deal. Chono then flew back to Narita Airport to work the promotions 14/9 house show claiming that Hogan hadn't signed a deal, but that he (Chono) would fly back to Tampa and try again. Pride also has made a six-figure offer for Hogan to work their 25/10 Yokohama Arena show against Shinya Hashimoto, and the hear-say is that Hogan is playing off each of the offers against each other (which would be no surprise; Hogan's made a career out of doing that). The six figure deal, if he signs (and he probably won't) will be somewhere in the region of $250,000-500,000, which is more than what Kurt Angle and Brock Lesnar made for this year's WrestleMania mainevent. More on this story if/when it develops.
As is always these days (or this era) tickets sales for the groups 13/10 Tokyo Dome show are selling slowly. The G-1 Tag League has been moved forward to October and early November this year; it was formerly in December. The promotion has also booked the Yokohama Arena for 3/11, a week after Pride runs the same venue with Hashimoto's involved in some way (on the Pride show). New Japan has booked big-time venue's for most of this year, and is a sign that the company is desperate to make a decent profit. It won't happen anytime soon unless they sort out their creative.
All Japan Pro Wrestling:
Toshiaki Kawada, Kazushi Kiyamoto, Masa Fuchi & Taichi Ishikari versus Keiji Mutoh, Tomoaki Homna, Gran Hamada & Ryuji Hijikata will headline the promotion's 21/9 'Fan Day' show at Korakuen Hall. The group also runs the Budokan Hall on 26/10, with the probable main event of Kawada versus Hashimoto, with Kawada defending the Triple Crown. If anyone in the entire history of this industry deserves an award for loyalty, Kawada does.
(AJ) The group's 9/21 Korakuen Hall "Fan Day" show will be headlined by Toshiaki Kawada, Kazushi Miyamoto, Masa Fuchi, & Taichi Ishikari vs. Keiji Mutoh, Tomoaki Honma, Gran Hamada, & Ryuji Hijikata. Toshiaki Kawada said that he expects the main event for AJ's 10/26 Budokan show to be him defending the Triple Crown vs. Shin'ya Hashimoto (before Hashimoto has surgery). Keiji Mutoh declared that rookie Masayuki Kono would be sent to the United States to gain experience. Pray that Kono isn't sent to CZW.
Pro Wrestling NOAH:
Jun Akiyama is scheulded to work IWA-Japan's 29/9 show (their 10th anniversary show) ay Korakuen Hall against a towelb-boy, in order to set-up a future match against Steve Williams. Speaking of Williams, he'll be working a tag mainevent match against Tiger Jeet Singh.
Zero-One:
In big, but expected, news, Bill Goldberg will work the Dream Stage Entertainment/Zero One (co-promoted) show at the Yokohama Arena on 25/10. Goldberg is able to work the show (as well as many others) because he signed a deal before joining WWE, which shows how desperate Vince McMahon was to have him. Goldberg has numerous other dates to fulfil in Japan.
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WW(F)E Aggression Review - By Mitchell Jones
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With the vast amount of reviews at TWO based around videos or video games, I thought I'd add a little collection of music reviews from the world of wrestling. So far, I've looked at the offering of Chris Jericho's 'Fozzy', and WWE Anthology, a collection of theme tunes over the past 15 years. But what happens when the WWE meets the world of hip-hop? Thats what we found out when WWE released "Aggression".
This being the late 1999-early 2000 period, where the big boom was starting to die down a little (even though the product was just as hot as it possibly ever had been, and was producing amazing battles in the ring), WWE, or WWF as it was at the time, was more than happy to reach as many fans as possible through as many different sources as it could. Obviously someone had the brainwave of, instead of solely catering for the rock and roll fans that wrestling was somewhat associated with (and I'll admit myself that the WWF, and the Headbangers in particular, got me back into rock music, especially with the Marilyn Manson/Pantera scenes), that WWF would instead base an entire album around WWF theme songs performed to a hip hop beat, by big hip hop stars. And I do mean big. Anyone familiar with Method Man? How about ODB? Run DMC? Everyone knows Snoop Dogg right? That's right. WWF spared no expense in bringing in household names to remix entrance music for stars such as D-Generation X, Chris Jericho, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Big Show, Mankind and er... Gangrel. Sounds.. erm... interesting.
The results are pretty good though. Now I'm pretty liberal in my music taste. I'm open minded. I understand this won't really appeal to non-hip hop fans, but fans of the genre should take great notice in this CD. The album starts off as good as you could possibly ask for within the limitations with the Run DMX remix of the DX theme. One of the few songs on the album that was actually released with video (featuring The Hardy Boyz, Stephanie McMahon, Tori and Triple H, back in the days where he was useful), this was actually used as the DX theme on various TV shows and sounds pretty darn good. This is followed by another catchy song entitled "Wreck", for Mankind, which only sounds like Mankind's theme for about 20 seconds, before Kool Keith and O.D.B add their little spin to it. It's not a song I'd ever imagine Mankind coming out to, but O.D.B does catch your attention with his addictive lyrics and style. The catchy theme continues with probably the second most well-known song of the album (behind the Run DMC hit). Featuring another Wu Tang frontman, Method Man (one of my personal favorites of the hip hop scene), The Rock receives royal treatment as Method performs probably the second best track on the CD (notice a pattern yet?), with a killer video to boot (not that you'll get to see it unless Kazaa has a copy). With some cracking lyrics and great delivery, The Great One is served justice with a great one (see what I did there? Yeah I know, it was awful).
Track Four is my favourite off the album. Bringing together two great rappers in W.C (or Dub C for those in the know) and Snoop Dogg (fo shizzle ma nizzle), this remix of the infamous Stone Cold Steve Austin theme certainly gets you raising your arms in the air giving Snoop a "hell yeah". I never knew how good W.C was as a rapper, but I certainly learned from this performance. The tune is also extremely familiar to the Austin theme, so you certainly won't forget who the song is about. Certainly a plus. Up next is the McMahon "No Chance in Hell" theme which simply doesn't live up to the original at all. Pretty much a waste of time, which is a shame considering Redman is on the vocals. Good to see that the guy has finally come into his own the past two to three years. The Gangrel "I won't stop" mix sounds pretty good, and credit to C-Murder (means nothing to me either), he's done a good job with it. But it simply isn't as good as the original, nor does it try to take it into a level of its own as Run DMC do. The Kane remix by the Eastsidaz does actually sound a lot better than the original, at least to me. But if you played it on Raw or SmackDown, it would sound very out of place where rock is the dominant element. With anyone else, maybe. But with a monster like Kane, not a chance.
RA The Rugged Man does a good job with Chris Jericho's theme, and makes it sound as true to the rock version as possible. If not for Jericho's character being based around a rock star, this would actually fit his character a lot. The same goes for the Bad Azz and Technic mix of the New Age Outlaws theme (and a classic the original was too). In an arena, it wouldn't fit. You can't have a NAO theme without the Road Dogg spewing his crazy lyricism over it. But as a rap song, it is pretty damn good, and very easy to get into. Unlike The Godfather's remix. This song was used quite a few times by The Godfather on Sunday Night Heat, and even at Wrestlemania 16 (Ice T performed it live), but it sucked, very badly. The original was so much better that it isn't funny. Then again, I've never liked Ice T. Nor have I ever liked Mystikal. Here, with Ras Kass, his rendition of HHH's theme (which sounds absolutely nothing like any theme the Tripper has ever had) sounds like it's been strung together by a six-year old. Saying that, the lyrics are spot on ("I'm a do what I wanna do, when I do it. There's nothing that you can do when I'm done through it" or something like that - you know how hard it is to try and listen to hip hop lyrics?). Obviously Mystikal knows about HHH's backstage exploits too.
Another song actually used as a theme tune was the Big Show mix. This one is actually better than his current one, and I'm surprised they didn't use it for longer. The tune sounds mean and tough, with hard lyrics. His current song sounds like a 50s underground club song sung by Michael PS Hayes (which it probably is). WWE blew it with this one. It's a song they really need to start using again. Unlike the final song on the album, which belongs to the Ministry Undertaker. The theme should be used, mind, cas the rtune sounds extremely Taker like. Add a heavier guitar and you've got it perfect. unfortunately, The Dead Man can't really come to the ring to a rap song. Doesn't work, which is quite sad considering it's actually a damn good song, very well rapped by Dame Grease presents Meeno. A good way to end a CD, in my opinion.
So now you know the basics of the CD. Now it's time to break it down.
Best Song: Snoop Dogg & W.C - "Hell Yeah"
Best Lyrics: Method Man - "Telling us that Raw is War, what the hell you think we came for, to play with these whips and chainsaws, and sharp glass, shine 'em up real nice, turn 'em sideways, and shove 'em up your candy ass"
Song Most Likely To Sound Good On WWE TV: Mack 10, K Mac & Boo Kapone feat. MC Eiht - "Big"
Song Most Likely To Bore You: Redman & Rock Of Heltah Skeltah feat. Peanut Butter Wolf - "No Chance"
Worth It?: Overall... yes. I think it is, especially for hip hop fans. Die hard rock fans may get into it too, but you've probably gotta be quite liberal to get into most of the songs. Still, I think there's at least one good song in there for everyone, and is worth a listen. Mind you, I wouldn't buy it. Lend a song or two first, and then try it. I think you will like it, but just try before you buy. As I said, you've probably gotta be quite liberal and open-minded to enjoy it to it's fullest. Either that or a die hard hip hop fan.
To purchase this CD, or to check out the reviews of any other music CDs see:
http://www.talkwrestlingonline.com/Store/Music/music.shtml
Next time, it's 'WWF Tough Enough - The Soundtrack'. Until then, laters.
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Contributors
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US News - HSM
UK News - Goldy
Int News - Matthew Singh
WW(F)E Aggression - Mitchell Jones
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That's it for this week. Any feedback would be gladly appreciated. Send it, along with any questions or queries, to Mitchell@talkwrestlingonline.com or to any of our contributors. We want your input to help make the newsletter the best we can.
With that in mind, have a good week.
The TWO Newsletter - "Does anyone even read this part of the newsletter?"
Disclaimer: All news was taken and rewritten from various wrestling sites across the net - full credit goes out to them
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