Tuesday, May 31, 2011

"With Child"

The technical difficulties at the beginning of the show were nothing compared to major technical difficulty of the night: Kharma, aka Kia Stevens, is pregnant.


Kharma's WWE career was just beginning, and it's obvious with the month-long build-up to her debut, great things were expected from her.


It is unknown if the former TNA Knockout Champion (then known as Awesome Kong) ever would have held the Divas Championship, but her impact on the Divas division was already being felt. She was the return of the anti-Diva.


Before leaving the ring last night, Kharma vowed a return in a year's time with The Bellas in her sights.


As of now, I see no indication she was released from her contract. In the past, few, if any women, have returned to the roster after giving birth. Dawn Marie is one example of a Diva released from her contract while on maternity leave.


In fact, Kharma's size, which has caused to work harder to prove herself, may actually make her return easier. She doesn't have be perfect-looking when she returns... as long as she can physically handle the work, she'll be okay to perform, and the extra weight will come off when it comes off.


I fear that with her departing, the Divas will just feel stale, no matter how hard they work the crowd.


Friday, May 20, 2011

RIP Macho Man

TMZ is reporting Macho Man Randy Savage died this morning after suffering a heart attack and crashing his car into a tree.

His longtime friend and tag team partner in the Mega Powers Hulk Hogan took the news hard as people all over the social media landscape reacted to one of the charismatic performers in wrestling history.

"I'm completely devastated," Hogan tweeted. "After over 10 years of not talking with Randy, we've finally started to communicate. He had so much life in his eyes and in his spirit. I just pray that he is happy and in a better place. We miss him a lot. I feel horrible about the 10 years of having no communication. This was a tough one."

Check out Matthew Osborne's column from The Trentonian here, with videos from the glory days of Macho Man's career.

Also, check out videos from the crash site here.

Seemingly the entire wrestling world reacted to the news in Tweets...

New Jersey's own Jay Lethal, who modeled his character after Savage: RIP Macho Man Randy Savage. You were amazing. Oohh Yeah!!

(Also, poem written by Lethal here.)

Shawn Michaels, after hearing the news from Chris Jericho via text message: We've lost one of the greats. Our prayers go out to the family and friends of Randy Savage.

Rob Van Dam: Rest in peace Macho Man Randy Savage.

John Cena: The untimely passing of Randy Savage is indeed tragic. All true fans of wrestling will mourn this loss. One of the all-time greats.

Kevin Nash: I lost close friend today. if anybody in Heaven is wondering who the cat in the ugly cowboy hat is, it's Randy. Love you bro, never another.

The Rock: RIP Randy Macho Man Savage. You were one of my childhood inspirations and heroes. Strength, love and prayers to the Savage/Poffo family.

The Blue Meanie: So saddened to hear about the death of Randy Savage. One of my all-time favorites! RIP Randy. My thoughts go out to Lanny Poffo.

Jim Ross: Condolences to all of Randy's friends and family.

Jeff Jarrett: Randy is gone, but never will be forgotten. Thoughts and prayers with the entire Poffo family.

Mick Foley: I just heard the sad news about the Macho Man. Randy Savage was one of my favorite performers, and my heart goes out to his loved ones.

Chris Jericho: Randy Savage was a true influence and inspiration to me and taught me some very important lessons, in and out of the ring. Rest in peace Mach.

Trish Stratus: Rest in peace Randy-my first inspiration in the ring. My prayers & condolences to the Savage family.

Zack Ryder (who posted on Twitter and Facebook a photo of himself as a child with Savage): RIP MACHO MAN. One of my favorites and one of the best of all time. DIG IT!

Bill DeMott: When I got my start in WCW it was Randy that gave me the rub... my prayers and thoughts to the Poffo family

Bret Hart: I have no words to say. This one hits me hard. We lost one of the best.

Howard Finkel: I am profoundly saddened by the passing of one of the all-time greats, Macho Man Randy Savage. My condolences go out to the Poffo family.

Tommy Dreamer: Randy Savage was the 1st person I saw piledrive someone through a table. Thanks 4 all the memories. Hope u walk the aisle w/ Liz & Sherri again.

Taz: Very sad to hear of the passing of a GREAT legend. I only met Randy Savage a couple of times- I was a big fan of his work. RIP.

Christian: Sad 2 hear about "Macho Man" Randy Savage.. Only met him once briefly. No doubt 1 of the best & influenced so many performers you see today. RIP

Goldust: Prayers go out to Randy Savage family..... God be with them in this tough time... The Lord giveth...and the Lord taketh away....... just remember.. God always has a plan, even if you do not.

Steve Austin: Just heard about Macho Man Randy Savage... unmatched intensity in the ring. A hellacious performer and terrific promo. A real bad ass. RIP.

Roddy Piper: TOO SAD TO TWEET...

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Injury Stunner

Last night's episode of Tough Enough saw the end of a potential winner's run due to injury. It closed with the possible end due to injury for the last female standing.

This season of Tough Enough is already has the highest number of casualties from injury, and there still four (or five, if Christina's injury is not serious) competitors left.

On the original series, two people had to drop out for injury each of the three seasons. In 2001, Paulina left because of severe leg and knee injuries, while Greg left with three herniated discs. On Season 2, Matt tore a ligament in his right knee and Alicia left because of an injury preventing her to continue. In John Morrison's season, Nick suffered a shoulder injury and Kelly suffered a back injury.

Even though it was not disclosed in the show, Rima explained later a broken rib prevented her from performing to her full potential. In an extra video, Trainer Bill DeMott is seen telling Rima he can see she is injured. In the same episode with that training session, Rima is eliminated.

Ivelisse suffered a leg sprain after a weak leapfrog from Christina. She pushed herself to continue, but the trainers eliminated her because of her injury.

Martin fractured his ankle on "freak slip." Although he tried to convince himself, the trainers and medic otherwise, the doctor told him he could not continue with the competition.

Later that day in the skills challenge, Christina injures her ankle when AJ doesn't react properly when she jumps off the top rope. Even though I didn't think Christina was the strongest remaining, much less the strongest of women in the competition, I'd hate to see the last woman leave because of an injury.

It will be interesting to see if the injuries change the training in the remaining three episodes, especially since the skills challenge was cut short after Christina's injury. It will also be interesting to see if USA Network requests changes to the show in upcoming seasons after seeing all these injuries.

The most important thing is the show is emphasizing why you shouldn't "try this at home."

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Fearing Chyna?

On Friday, not long after the Impact show aired and Chyna was revealed to be Kurt Angle's partner, Karen Jarrett "injured" her ankle during or after shopping.

By Saturday, she was doubting her ability to compete due to her injury. (Karen and Jeff Jarrett are facing Angle and Chyna tonight at Sacrifice...)

One fan posting on Facebook described Karen's ailment as "Chyna Syndrome."

Granted, sacrificing Karen to Chyna is like feeding Alicia Fox to Kharma (too soon, Ariane?), but Chyna's physique isn't exactly a wonder anymore.

From what I've read, Chyna doesn't have a contract with TNA, just some sort of handshake agreement. This way, if she messes up in her personal life, TNA can send her straight back to Dr. Drew and wash their hands clean of her.

I hope Chyna looks good in the ring tonight and she stays away from the bad influences floating around the TNA locker room. I'd rather see her in a wrestling ring than on a reality show.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Harmful happenings...

Last week's Internet postings, since Smackdown is taped on Tuesdays, was filled with anger from many fans about Christian losing the title so soon. I decided to wait to see it for myself.

My opinion? No harm was done.

I think a great job was done by all -- almost as if they knew the Friday night viewers would already know what was about to happen-- to promote and make the situation real.

In fact, I loved it! The match was amazing, and I can't wait to see Christian and Orton in a rematch. If Christian needed to be put over, I think that match did it for him, even though he lost.

Plus, how often do guys lose any titles right away? And when they do, it only makes them more memorable, and more hungry...

Speaking of hungry, a couple Divas looked hungry to prove themselves against Kharma, but failed miserably. I was beginning to think Kharma was some sort of face since she had attacked Michelle, Maryse and Alicia, but last night Eve became a victim.

Even with her monster abilities, I doubt Kharma will become the Divas Champion. If she even gets a shot, twin magic or Beth Phoenix will defeat her. If you don't believe me, take a look at the list of past Womens Champions...

It was nice that John Morrison's visit to Tough Enough aired the same day he had neck surgery. Yes, real neck surgery. He should be out for 4-6 weeks, as the hospital he had the surgery will be out of juice boxes...

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Wrestling with name changes

Several years ago, after The World Wildlife Fund discovered the World Wrestling Federation not only existed, but was widely known by the same acronym they were known by, the wrestling company was urged to "get the F out."

Since then, the company's name has been World Wrestling Entertainment, or WWE.

That is, until about a month ago.

In case you didn't notice, Vince McMahon decided to get the wrestling out of the name... the company is now simply WWE Entertainment, encompassing all forms of entertainment. The letters apparently no longer stand for any words.

Meanwhile, TNA has a name change on board. Today, Hulk Hogan tweeted, "No TNA. only IMPACT."

Or, more fully, Impact Wrestling.

There was some confusion over the Internet on whether it was the company changing its name, or just the show. However, Hogan appears to believe it's the company with the name change.

I find it interesting both companies are attempting identity changes at the same time. I'm sure TNA is just playing copycat again (ie Taker/Sting).

But, does this mean WWE will give us more mixed general entertainment shows with a smattering of actual wrestling, like Monday's Raw with The Rock's party? And TNA-- or Impact-- will provide us with shows rich with wrestling?

And, is this a good thing or a bad thing?

I must admit, Monday's show was quite entertaining. Unfortunately, there are already too many guys on Heat, um, I mean Superstars, and these Raw shows with less matches may end up pushing even more guys to the Thursday night abyss.

Then again, guys who can find other ways to entertain, like Zack Ryder (check out his Z True Long Island Story series on You Tube), may get a push which does not involve work in the ring.

Can WWE survive as a variety show built around wrestlers who only sometimes wrestle?

I'm sure it will survive, but it will also give a push to Impact and the indys as long as they continue to provide the non-stop action wrestling...