Month: November 2012

Return of “The King” Clouded in Controversy

Jerry “The King” Lawler’s return to RAW on Monday has caused a lot of controversy. More on the controversy part later, as it is the intent here to focus on the real story. That story being that Lawler returned to work two months after facing a nearly fatal heart attack and the fact that he has improved to the point of being able to not only appear on RAW but to sit at the announcer’s table and do his job. This is nothing short of a miracle from God.

If you were watching RAW the night of the heart attack, you probably thought a couple of things. Either you were concerned that Lawler was not going to make it or you thought that the whole thing was a work by the WWE. As time passed and with footage of Lawler in the hospital and with reports from his girlfriend and others, it was obvious that “The King” had faced death’s door.

To hear his music play last night and to see him come from behind the curtain, is one of the feel good news stories of the year – and not just in the wrestling world. Seeing and listening to him talk about all the support, including mentioning the prayers that went out on his behalf – is a touching side of the business that we don’t get to see very often.

This first 4 minutes of this video is what the real story is!

Now for the controversy.  At the 4:00 minute mark in the video, CM Punk’s music hits and Punk and Paul Heyman head for the ring. Punk does the classic heel routine and gets a lot of well deserved heat from the crowd. To long time wrestling fans, this part really shouldn’t be a surprise as Lawler and Punk had a well publicized feud prior to the heart attack – they had even been involved in a match earlier that night before Lawler slumped to the floor from his chair while doing commentary.

The next part was totally unnecessary and where many who are upset probably get totally irate. Heyman faked having a heart attack and Punk pretended to be concerned and was calling for help. There was already enough heat without this little stunt, and it really was just plain stupid.

Not everyone thought that the Heyman “heart attack” part of the segment was the only offensive part though. In an article at Wrestling Inc.com, they quote Lawler’s former business partner Jerry Jarrett from Jarrett’s Facebook page,

“I watched WWE last night. Jerry Lawler was returning after surviving a life threatening heart attack. I sat watching the television with a feeling of pride that they were honoring the return of such a great wrestler. I sat thinking, “now this is real class”. Just when I was appreciating the class WWE was showing, it ended suddenly with a juvenile cheap heat angle.”

“I turned the television off and starting thinking about Linda McMahon’s hard work and great expense running for the Senate. It is exactly this kind of programming that prevented her from becoming a Senator. Wrestling should have some limits and boundaries. If you offend great portions of the audience, it is a bad angle.”

When you read in the comments below the story you will see a mixture of opinions on the matter.

The other part of the controversy was very real, no story line – but footage of the timeline from the time Lawler fell from his chair until the ambulance pulled away from the arena. If you are a little sensitive to watch someone being treated for a heart attack as it is happening, then just skip this short video.

Some believe that this qualified in the TMI (too much information) category. It certainly was an up close and personal viewing of someone who could very easily have passed away while the cameras were rolling.

Did the WWE over step the boundaries by having Punk do his heel routine at Lawler’s expense? Was Heyman’s fake heart attack more than was necessary? Could you have done without seeing the EMT’s and doctor doing heart compression’s and using the paddles on Lawler? You can decide those things yourself.

What would be good to know is how “The King” feels about the entire situation and if he’s ok with it all. If he is,  it would be good for him to let the WWE Universe know that, and put this controversy to bed.

Now back to the opening part of the article and the REAL STORY here – watch those first 4 minutes of the first video again and thank God in Heaven for sparing the life of Jerry “The King” Lawler.

 

 

Who Will The Fans Cheer For?

In a sport where the good guys and the bad guys are usually pretty clear, this question begs an answer. Who will the WWE Universe cheer for in the Survivor Series Triple Threat Match?

First there is WWE Champion CM Punk. He is officially the “heel” in the match, but seeing as he was a crowd favorite just a few weeks ago, and that many of those people are still huge fans, there will be many people cheering for the Second City Saint.

Then there is the face of the WWE, John Cena. Cena is still way over with Cenanation, especially the young crowd. You can bet there be plenty of “Let’s go Cena / CM Punk” chants.

Then there is the new kid on the block, Ryback (can you call a monster like Ryback the new kid). He gets a huge pop and the crowd goes wild with the “Feed Me More” chant. When you factor in him getting screwed over in the last PPV, then could he be the crowd favorite for the match?

There will be some fans who love all three superstars, so will they have the dilemma of who to cheer for, or will they be happy with everyone in the match and go home a winner no matter who comes out with the WWE Title that night.

Oh yeah, one more question – will we hear any Gold – berg chants?????

Raw Recap: November 12 2012 – Cena, Punk & Ryback Oh My!

The show began with a tribute video for Veterans Day.

Randy Orton vs Dolph Ziggler: Orton won, after the match Ricardo Rodriguez & Alberto Del Rio attacked Orton & Ziggler joined in on the attack. Kofi Kingsston came to Orton’s rescue. Teddy Long came out & ordered the match to restart as a tag match.

Orton & Kingston vs Ziggler & Del Rio: Ziggler & Del Rio won.

Vickie Guerrero came to the ring to join Ziggler to show more evidence of John Cena & AJ’s affair. Vickie called out AJ to explain herself. AJ asked Vickie why she is doing this. Vickie wanted AJ to admit to the affair. AJ said no she is not going to lie. Vickie pressured AJ to admit it. AJ said she admits to the truth that her & Cena are just friends. AJ said that Vickie couldn’t stand it when Mr. McMahon chose her to be Raw GM on the 1000th episode. AJ said Vickie is throwing her weight around. Vickie played some voice-mails of AJ to Cena. AJ said she didn’t leave those voice-mails. AJ accused Vickie of editing the voice-mails. Ziggler asked AJ what was more disappointing, that Cena wont talk to her no more or the time she spent in the hotel room with Cena. Cena came to the ring & punched Ziggler down to the mat. Ziggler & Vickie left the ring.

Cena & AJ backstage, Cena told AJ that they are making her life hard over something that never happened & would never happened. AJ asked Cena about the never would happened comment, Cena walked off.

William Regal vs Big Show: Big Show won, After the match Big Show was going for his Knock Out Punch on Regal & Sheamus came to Regal’s rescue.

Diva’s #1 contender match: Layla vs Kaitlyn, Kaitlyn won.

A video was showed of Jerry Lawler’s heart attacked from 2 months ago.

Michael Cole & J.R. in the ring introduced Jerry Lawler to the ring. Lawler came down to the ring to huge ovation. Lawler thanked the fans & said this is overwhelming. CM Punk with Paul Heyman came down & interrupted. Lawler left the ring. Punk said he is glad Lawler left the ring because he would have beaten Lawler to death again. Punk said Lawler’s behavior is disrespectful & said shame on Lawler for stealing his spotlight with his heart attack stunt. Punk talked about tying Desiels for 9th longest title reign as WWE champ. Punk told Lawler to try & not die before Sunday. Lawler said the only thing on life support is Punk’s title reign. Heyman mocked Lawler by acting like he was having a heart attack. Mick Foley came down to the ring. Foley said it doesn’t surprise him that Punk showed no respect for a man that deserves it. Foley said the WWE Universe will choose his 5th team member. Foley told Punk that he would be the special enforcer for Punks match tonight on Raw against Cena.

Punk & Heyman backstage, Punk told Heyman to fix the situation with Foley being the special enforcer & to fix the thing with Brad Maddox.

Rey Mysterio, Sin Cara, Tyson Kidd & Justin Gabriel vs Prime Time Players, Primo & Epico: Gabriel, Kidd, Mysterio & Sin Cara got the win.

Backstage Brad Maddox getting ready for his match with Ryback. Heyman approached & told the camera man to shut it off & Heyman & Maddox walked off while Heyman was telling Maddox something.

A video was showed of Fandango.

Backstage The Miz on the phone said that he will find a way to impact Survivor Series, Ziggler approached & told The Miz that it is only a matter of time bfore he begs to be on team Ziggler. Foley approached & proposed a tag team match for the night. 2members of Team Ziggler vs Kane & the winner of the fan poll for his 5th team member. Ziggler chose Rhodes Scholars for the match, The Miz asked Foley to be put on the poll ballot. Foley said that he doesn’t like his chances but that he is on the ballot.

Poll ballot is Santino Marella, Zack Ryder & The Miz.

R-Truth vs Tensai: Antonio Cesaro came out for commentary during the match. R-Truth won. After the match R-Truth confronted Cesaro with a knock knock joke, knock knock, Who’s there? Europe, Europe who? Europe in my face right now & at Survivor Series that he is going to knock Cesaro’s teeth down his esophagus.

Brad Maddox vs Ryback: If Maddox wins he will get a $1,000,000 contract. Before the match a Ambulance came out & EMT’s rolled a stretcher down to ringside. Ryback demolished Maddox & got the win. After the match the EMT’s placed Maddox on the stretcher & Ryback pulled him off & pummeled him some more & carried hi up the ramp & slammed him against the ambulance & through him into it & shut the doors.

David Otunga vs Sheamus: Sheamus won. After the match Sheamus got a mic & said he hoped the Big Show was watching & that he was going to take his brogue & put it upside his head. Backstage Big Show attacked Regal & hit him with the Knock Out Punch.

Josh Mathews reported that Regal suffered a concussion & a possible broken jaw.

Kane walking down the hallway, Bryan walked up & told Kane good luck with his new partner. Kane said that he doesn’t have a new partner that they got a new teammate. Bryan said that he would never have told Foley that he would team with someone else tonight. Bryan acted like he was upset & jealous of Kane teaming with someone else.

Rhodes Scholars vs Kane & the winner of the fan poll, The Miz: Bryan came down to the ring before the match started. Kane & The Miz won & Bryan got in the ring & tried to celebrate with Kane by raising his & Kane’s hands. Kane keeped putting them down & raising his & THe Miz’s hands.

CM Punk vs John Cena with Mick Foley as the special enforcer: Punk was ready to tap-out & Heyman got in the ring & Foley pulled Heyman out. Punk tried to escape up the ramp but Ryback came out & Cena through Punk back in the ring & hit Punk with an Attitude Adjustment for the win. After the match both Cena & Ryback picked up the WWE title belt while Punk looked on from outside the ring.

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Co-Founder; DTRT Wrestling News

 

Live Results From TNA Turning Point

Check back through out the night as Trevor will be posting the Live Results of TNA’s Turning Point.

Here’s the card:

Aries vs Hardy – Ladder Match for the World Heavyweight Championship

Jeff Hardy wins after both are involved in shocking spots with ladders. Hard falls etc

Doc from Aces & Eights vs Joseph Park

DOC wins

Daniels & Kazarian vs Guererro & Hernandez – Tag Team Championship

Chavo and hernadez win

Magnus vs Samoa Joe – No DQ for the Television Championship

Samoa Joe wins

Ryan vs RVD – X Division Championship Match

RVD wins

Tara & Jesse vs ODB & EY

ODB and EY win

Devon vs Angle

Angle wins

Bobby Roode vs AJ Styles vs James Storm – #1 Contenders Match for the World Heavyweight Championship

James Storm wins

Ed’s Perspective: Thoughts On Various Topics; Looking Forward to Turning Point

  • TNA:  As I normally leave posts on TNA to our two resident experts – Trevor and John, I thought I would mention that I’m looking forward to tonight’s Turning Point PPV. I can’t wait to see Jeff Hardy defend his title in a ladder match. You know there are going to be some nasty bumps in this one!
  • WWE: This is Ed the fan speaking – the best thing the WWE could do right now is make RAW a two-hour show again. Oh yes, there are plenty of other things I could suggest, but for me personally 3 hours of RAW every week is too much. Maybe I’ll throw up a poll asking what your opinion on this is, but all the different WWE programming on each and every week plus a PPV every month – JUST GIVE ME TWO AWESOME HOURS OF RAW!
  • HPW: What an awesome show Jerry Wilson and Hoosier Pro Wrestling put on last week in Columbus, IN. It is fun to have the big name stars come to town, but I want to give a huge shout out to the regular roster of HPW stars who give it their all, each and every month. And to my friend Jerry Wilson – you do an amazing job of providing us with the very best in Indy Wrasslin’ .
  • New Era Wrestling: Excited about heading back to Shelbyville, IN to cover New Era Wrestling for the second time. I am so getting into the Indy Promotions and the love getting to know the men and women behind the scenes. I know I’m going to see another good show.
  • DTRT Wrestling News Radio: Trevor and I are kicking around the idea of doing two 30 minute shows each week and adding a co-host. We’ll have an announcement soon in regards to this. We would love to have our listeners share our broadcast info with their friends. You don’t have to listen live, every episode is archived and can be downloaded any time at this link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dtrtwrestlingnews
  • And finally a special shout out to the crew here at DTRT Wrestling News: You 3 are awesome! Trevor, my partner in this endeavor, works so hard behind the scenes that I could never say enough positives about him and the fantastic work he does. John, you do great work with the recaps each week. I’m looking forward to bigger and better things from you in the future – I know you have it in you! And finally to Vanessa, our newest contributor – what a breath of fresh air you are to our site. You keep on doing what you do – and that is writing entertaining, insightful  material from your own perspective. You are a great addition to the DTRT Wrestling News Staff

Ed Boston

Co-Founder; DTRT Wrestling News

TNA Is In A Good Place Leading Into Turning Point. Here’s why

Tonight live on pay-per-view TNA wrestling presents “Turning Point”. One of the regular events throughout the year. Going into tonight’s event TNA Wrestling has positioned itself it to a good position business-wise. After the success of this year’s “Bound For Glory” it is safe to say that 2012 has been the year of TNA. After a slow start going live with Impact on Thursdays verses being recorded the company looks to be on the road to positioning itself to become a solid competitor for the WWE.

Sadly since Vince McMahon bought WCW World Wrestling Entertainment has had no competition on television. The growth and evolution of the TNA product and it’s partnership with Spike TV have proven in my opinion to have been the perfect combination which has given TNA a solid platform to promote it’s product to a growing audience.

There’s no getting around the fact that the WWE has been suffering both with ratings and storylines. Right now the WWE looks to be disorganized and creatively missing the mark and not following through with the few solid storylines they have had over the past several months. The success of TNA’s last pay-per-view “Bound For Glory” proves that they are ready to take on the WWE.

TNA is reaching that wrestling fan demographic which has found itself frustrated with the current state of WWE programming. Tonight’s TNA event will be interesting as it appears that the matches on the card at least on paper appear to be of the same high energy and entertaining level as BFG last month.

The match that gets my attention is the ladder match between Jeff Hardy and Austin Aries. Hardy has a long history in ladder matches and has practically build his career on being the high-flyer risk taker. Hardy goes above and beyond to give fans a good match. If you saw last weeks Impact show you know he takes a bump really hard.

It will be interesting to see reaction post pay per view from wrestling fans. Will tonight;s event elevate TNA to yet another level?

Here’s the entire card for tonight’s pay per view

CM Punk’s Truth Promo – Looking Back

With the holiday season fast approaching it is hard to believe that 2012 is almost one for the record books. It’s also hard to believe that it is almost two years since CM Punk’s unforgettable promo at the top of the ramp that made him who is in today in the WWE Universe. It was this promo that shocked the wrestling industry as the lines between storyline and reality were so blurred it made you seriously question if this was real.

Many insiders in fact claim that is was very real for CM Punk who shared his real feelings and frustrations with the WWE. It was the shot heard around the world and the most talked about shocking moment in years. It was the single defining moment for CM Punk and took him to a whole new level. Considering where the state of the WWE is today maybe just maybe this is worth another look.

The promo is known simply as CM Punk tells the truth. It originally aired on 6/27/11‬

TNA Recap: November 8 2012

In the Aces & 8s club house Luke Gallows who they are calling Doc(Director of Chaos) was being scolded for getting his mask removed last week. They said he is still a prospect & that he has one week to prove he deserves a seat in the club house. Devon told Doc that he can team with him against Angle & Sting.

AJ Styles vs Bobby Roode: James Storm was doing commentary during the match. Roode grabbed a chair & Storm came down to ringside & Roode dropped the chair. AJ wasn’t happy with Storm being down there & told Storm to back up. Roode took advantage of the distracted AJ & got the win.

Hogan & Austin Aries Pass each other backstage. Aries has the stolen TNA World Championship Belt over his shoulder. Hogan told Aries to quit walking around like he is the World Champ & that the greatest man that ever lived should be able to win the title not steal it.Aries said that he will win it back but doesn’t want it to be in a ladder match. Hogan told him too bad & that he had by the end of the night to return the title to Hardy or he would replace him in the title match with someone else.

Angle was talking to Wes Briscoe in the back. Sting approached them & was excited for their match against Aces & 8s. Sting said it is all about timing.

Joseph Park was in the ring. Park talked about last week getting put through a table. Park said it felt great when he was able to pull the mask of the Aces & 8s member. Park said he want his match against Aces & 8s & asked Hogan to stand by him & give him his match. Hogan came down to the ring. Hogan said he was proud of him for pulling the mask off but that he was lucky. Bull Ray came to the ring. Bully said that he knows Hogan is going to tell Park no. Bully told Hogan that he is sticking up for Park & that Park has heart, guts & is tough. Hogan said that he is the one running the show. Bully said they he believes in Park & so does the fans. Bully told Hogan, why say no when it feels good to say yes. Hogan said OK just this one time & they shake hands.

In the locker room Jesse was talking to Tara about beating ODB last week. ODB came in & told them that they aren’t the power couple around here & that she & her hubby Eric Young is the power couple. ODB said E Y isn’t here tonight but she challenged Tara & Jesse to a match.

AJ is in the Back complaining that Storm was doing commentary during his match. Storm approached & said it was his call to do commentary during the match. Storm said the face of Impact Wrestling will get kicked in this Sunday at Turning Point.

ODB vs Tara & Jesse: ODB gets the win. After the match Tara & Jesse attacked ODB & hit her with her flask & Tara laid out ODB with the Widow’s Peak. Jesse poured the content of the flask on ODB.

Backstage ODB left a voicemail for Eric Young about what happened to her & told him that he better be there Sunday for their match against Tara & Jesse.

In the back in a office TAZ, Bruce Prichard & Al Snow was discussing Christian York’s Gut Check match from last week.

Kurt Angle & Sting vs Devon & Doc of Aces & 8s: Angle & Sting win by DQ after Devon hit them with Sting’s bat. Bully Ray ran into the ring & clotheslined Devon. Bully got a table & set it up in the ring & was going to slam Devon through it but Devon escaped & Bully chased him. Sting went to put Doc through the table But 2 masked Aces & 8s members jumped Sting & hit him with a ball-peen hammer & slammed him through the table.. They then continued to beat down sting with several blows with the ball-peen hammer. Samoa Joe, Chavo & Hernandez ran to the ring & Aces & 8s retreated.

Gut Check results for Christian York: Taz said yes. Prichars also said yes so that was enough votes. York gets a TNA contract.

Backstage Aries on the phone walks by Brooke Hogan & Bully Ray arguing. Bully told her that he can’t calm down after what he promised her dad. That stop talking when they saw Aries walk by. Aries took noticed & kept walking.

Hogan walks into in his office on the phone asking about Sting’s condition. Joey Ryan & Matt Morgan are in the office. Ryan want Hogan to congratulate him on his X-Division Title win. Hogan told Ryan that he want congratulate him on something that hasn’t happened yet & that he hasn’t proved himself. Hogan told Morgan that he wont be allowed at ringside for Ryan’s match Sunday. Morgan told Hogan that he has no idea who he is dealing with. Ryan & Morgan leave & Hogan laughs & said he does know.

Magnus, Daniels & Kazarian vs Samoa Joe, Chavo & Hernandez: Magnus, Daniels & Kazarian got the win.

Backstage Roode said he love it when a plan goes perfect & Sunday he will get one step closer to getting his World title back.

Austin Aries came down to the ring. A ladder was set up in the ring. Aries said Hardy can’t beat hi in a professional wrestling match that is why he has to fight him in a ladder match. Aries said Hardy will fall Sunday at Turning Point & wont be able to recover from his fall. Aries said that he is going to beat Hardy at his own game & is going to take Hardy’s custom belt & melt it down & make a belt buckle out of it. Aries said that he isn’t going to hand over the TNA belt & that Hardy will have to come & take it from him. Jeff Hardy ran to the ring & hits a Twist of Fate & Aries escaped. Hardy took both belts & placed them on the hooks & they were raised above the ladder. Hardy climbed the ladder & Aries pulled the ladder out from him & Hardy fell. Aries set the ladder over Hardy & climbed the ladder & celebrated with the belts hanging on the hooks above the ladder.

 

Sting Attacked By Aces and Eights – Shocking, Belivable Emotional

It’s rare for me to get so moved by a storyline in pro wrestling. I’ve been a fan since I was a teenager so I guess following the industry and being involved and aware of how things work I have become somewhat numb in my reactions. Since taking my passion for the industry and teaming with Ed I have been more journalistic in my approach covering wrestling.

I’m always looking for the mistakes or the newsworthy moments we can post on the site or make a note of some industry headline to put with Ed’s show notes for our DTRT Wrestling Radio broadcast we produce each Monday. I have for the most part have not bought into or have been so emotionally affected by a storyline segment as I was during last nigh’s TNA Impact broadcast. You had the infamous biker gang Aces and Eights as usual storming the ring to ruin the tag match between Kurt Angle and Sting vs Aces members Devon and Doc.

Now I have been impressed with the prgression and growth of this storyline with Aces, honestly considering what else we have currently in regards to the WWE I must admit that this storyline is the most believable and keeps my attention. It was at the end of the segment that really got my attention and my emotions for that matter.

Sting is one of those legendary wrestlers, his career spans decades and his appeal to fans young and old is a true testament to his ability to portray his character and make it real for that moment. This was true for me personally as I watched members of the biker gang unleash a ruthless attack on sting. Going into a pay-per-view this Sunday it is important for TNA to sell the storylines and encourage fans to buy it. This was genius on the part of the creative team. You have someone like Sting who is so loved and respected inside and outside of the ring for who he is and what he stands for. I couldn’t help myself as I watched on my emotions got the best of me and yes for a breif second I almost was brought to tears before I was back in reality.

This is the experience that every wrestling fan should get when watching a broadcast of any wrestling show. For that moment for that time they should be transported into that world and into the life of the character. This segment has set a whole new tone to this Sunday’s event and TNA gets my props for giving us a shocker and doing it well.

Here’s the video

Props to the announcers for selling the emotion during this segment and they did it well but let’s face it. Announcers cannot sell a storyline all on their own. We have seen it tried a thousand times. What really sold this was all the factors involved. The talent, the announcers and the crowd. Most of all the key ingredient EMOTION.