You reap what you sow-Galatians 6:7
Last night, the much anticipated grudge match of Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov took place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. The brash Irishman returned to the octagon for the first time in almost two years, an absence that saw him fight Floyd Mayweather in a boxing contest that drew an estimated 4.4 million buys on pay-per-view, ranking as the second best-selling event in history behind only the Pacquiao-Mayweather event.
As I wrote before UFC 229, I picked Khabib to get the victory because his status as a two-time Sambo champion gave him the skill set to defeat Conor, whose three previous career losses were via submission. Nurmagomedov used his ground game to control the majority of the first three rounds, with McGregor only showing brief flurries of offense at various points in the bout. As the contest went into the championship rounds, Khabib secured a modified choke, forcing his opponent to tap out. After referee Herb Dean halted the match-up and declared Nurmagomedov the winner, the Russian grappler began yelling toward the opposite corner and jumped over the fence, throwing punches at McGregor's jiu-jitsu coach, Dillon Danis. During that confrontation, a total brawl started outside the cage while security struggled to maintain order. At the same time, members of Khabib's team jumped over the cage and punched an unaware McGregor, adding to the complete chaos of the live broadcast.
Post-fight, Conor was ushered from the octagon as an irate crowd expressed their discontent with Nurmagomedov. The Russian champion insisted that he should get the UFC Lightweight championship presented to him during the announcement of the winner of the bout, but UFC president, Dana White refused, citing safety concerns from the crowd. Khabib was escorted backstage as security huddled around him, avoiding objects being thrown from the audience. Surprisingly, the 155 LBS champion attended the post-fight press conference and made a short statement, including an apology to the Nevada State Athletic Commission for the incident. But, the damage is done because instead of Khabib's dominate win against the top star in the organization, the narrative for UFC 229 is the unprofessional brawl that took place after the main event. At what will be the most watched UFC pay-per-view of the year, the story will be anything but the sport itself.
However, make no mistake about it, the UFC allowed for this situation to be possible because of the way it handled previous incidents. When Conor McGregor was arrested after he threw a dolly through a bus window, injuring fighters that were scheduled for that weekend's card, I wrote that he doesn't deserve a spot in the UFC, but that he would probably compete again. Conor was originally charged with a felon and there were civil lawsuits against him for the injuries caused. McGregor's legal team got the charges reduced to disorderly conduct, and the UFC did nothing to reprimand him for his actions. The top star in the company injured mid-card fighters that don't draw the major money he does so management wasn't going to release the golden goose. It's a harsh reality, but cash is the top priority for the WME group, and McGregor sells pay-per-views. If there were no consequences for the main event star that illegally injured others then why would management expect any different from another main eventer?
In fact, UFC brass exploited McGregor's illegal attacks when they used footage of the bus incident to promote the UFC 229 event. You reap what you sow.
When Conor got a free pass for bus attack and more recently, when Jon Jones somehow only received a 15-month retroactive suspension for a second failed PED test, the UFC sent a message that if you draw enough money, you can get away with things that would get others fired.
As mentioned, I penned an article where I said that Conor shouldn't have
a spot in the UFC after the bus incident, and I will say this now,
Khabib should be fired for his actions after the main event at UFC 229.
Just as with the Conor incident earlier this year, don't expect Nurmagomedov to be released because one way or another, there's now more money to be made from him. Management isn't going to leave that money on the table.
As of this writing, the Nevada State Athletic Commission has yet to determine any fines or suspensions for Nurmagomedov, but his check for the bout is being withheld until the commission makes a decision. Conor was paid because it was determined that he didn't cause the brawl. That being said, it can't be understated how much of a negative impact this ridiculous post-fight chaos could have on the sport. The Fertittas and an entire generation of fighters invested years to prove that mixed martial arts was about competition, not a blood sport. What Nurmagomedov did when he jumped the fence and attacked members of McGregor's team wasn't mixed martial arts, it was assault. The same can be said for when Conor attacked the bus, that wasn't fight hype, it was assault, which is why he was arrested. If Khabib faces any charges from the incident remains to be seen, but Conor refused to press charges so three members of Nurmagomedov's team were released after initially being detained.
The bottom line is, the next few months will be a pivotal point for the UFC in terms of the perception of mixed martial arts. The company is still low on star power, the Jon Jones situation looks like an example of corporate corruption, and the UFC will have to present quality fights for its launch on ESPN next year. Khabib not only ruined the championship win, but considering that he was relatively unknown to the general public prior to this near-riot, he will be known as the fighter involved in the fights outside of the cage after a pay-per-view. There's no excuse for Nurmagomedov's actions, but the UFC should send a message before these ridiculous antics from a variety of fighters ruin the sport.
Sunday, October 7, 2018
Friday, October 5, 2018
UFC 229
This weekend's UFC 229 card from Madison Square Garden could be a very historic event, both from a financial and promotional perspective. After months of tension, Khabib Nurmagomedov will defend his UFC Lightweight championship against the returning Conor McGregor, the most controversial and top star on the roster.
Ironically, McGregor's return to the octagon will take place in the same arena where he last competed almost two years ago, knocking out Eddie Alvarez to claim the same 205 LBS title that he will compete for on Saturday. Since the victory that made him a double champion in November of 2016 at MSG, Conor made many headlines, but none of them were about his accomplishments in mixed martial arts. As I've written before, UFC management shoehorned McGregor into a scenario that provided him the chance to win two titles and gave the company the opportunity to market a double champion, granting him a shot at the 155 LBS title before he ever defended the featherweight championship that he won when he defeated Jose Aldo in late-2015.
Keep in mind, the UFC is as much of a business, if not more so, as it is a sport.
Many of the stars from the era that saw MMA surge in popularity had declined or retired so UFC brass knew they needed new athletes to market to the general public. The charismatic McGregor received the promotional push and was marketed as the top star in the organization. Don't get me wrong, Conor is a tremendous fighter, but he doesn't necessarily have the well-rounded skills that other top stars had from the previous era. Still, his Ric Flair style and presentation made him a major draw on pay-per-view and his bouts are among the best-selling in the history of the company. More specifically, his grudge rematch with Nate Diaz at UFC 196 set a record for MMA PPV, generating over 1.5 million buys. His previously mentioned win against Alvarez was his most recent pay-per-view bout and garnered 1.3 million buys, which is also one of the highest PPV numbers in UFC history.
Conor McGregor might not be the most complete fighter in MMA, but he draws money, which is the most important factor from a business perspective.
After UFC management marketed and promoted McGregor as the biggest star in the organization, arguably at the expense of entire divisions, he took that name value to boxing for a mega payday to fight Floyd Mayweather. The brash Irishman is known for his mic skills, but the media tour for his August 2017 bout against Mayweather often resembled a sideshow, and boxing purists scoffed at the contest. The former MMA champion was stopped in the tenth round via TKO, but his goal was to get paid, not jump start a boxing career so it was basically mission accomplished.
The paycheck from boxing was exponentially more than Conor made previously in the octagon so he had much more leverage at the negotiating table for a return to the cage, prompting speculation about if he would actually fight in the UFC again.
Perhaps, the "Notorious" McGregor overestimated what he could do with his over-the-top antics, as his confrontation with Khabib's fight team this past April made TMZ headlines just days before the UFC 223 card in Brooklyn. Nurmagomedov, who was scheduled to fight Tony Ferguson, got into an altercation with a fighter from McGregor's team during fight week. Ferguson suffered a knee injury during training, and Max Halloway was declared unable to take his spot on the card because of weight cutting problems so Al Iaquinta was added as a late replacement for the main event. Conor flew from Dublin to New York to confront Khabib, and when a bus that transported the fighters on that weekend's card was parked after a media event, McGregor threw a dolly through the window, injuring some of the athletes that were scheduled to fight. The event was further scrambled and a warrant was issued for McGregor's arrest following the bus incident. Khabib defeated Iaquinta via unanimous decision, and McGregor turned himself into New York police a few days later.
Originally charged with a felon that could've affected him ability to fight in the United States, McGregor's expensive legal team was able to get the charges reduced to disorderly conduct and he was ordered to perform community service. Still, there were questions about if Conor had any plans to compete again, especially after management was forced to strip him of both the featherweight and lightweight belts due to lack of title defenses.
However, it was announced just a few months ago that McGregor would challenge Nurmagomedov for the 155 LBS championship, a title that Conor held previously, but never defended. This grudge match is expected to draw major numbers on pay-per-view, with Dana White speculating that it might set a buy rate record, but I think that's more of a hype strategy than anything. Regardless, UFC 229 will undoubtedly draw over a million PPV buys, which translates to major money for everyone involved.
So, what will happen during the actual fight?
Stylistically, this isn't a good match-up for McGregor. Khabib is undefeated with a record of 26-0 and he has a well-rounded skill set that has garnered KO, submission, and decision wins. A two-time Sambo champion, Nurmagomedov will have the advantage in the clinch and on the ground. Conor's solid record of 21-3 is impressive, but the three losses in his career were via submission so he will have to avoid the ground game in this contest. If the fight ends within the first time rounds, it favors Conor's ability to land dynamic punches, but if the fight reaches the championship rounds, it's very possible that Khabib could win with a submission.
Granted, anything can happen in mixed martial arts, but I will pick Khabib to win the fight, mostly because he has the skill set to defeat McGregor. The other major factor here is ring rust because Conor hasn't fought in the octagon in two years so his cardio might be affected in the later rounds. McGregor shouldn't underestimate Khabib or take this fight lightly because the mindset of each athlete could be another determining factor in this bout. McGregor is already extremely wealthy and will receive another major payday from UFC 229, but Nurmagomedov has the added motivation of the potential for major money fights in the future if he defeats the top star in the company.
Ironically, McGregor's return to the octagon will take place in the same arena where he last competed almost two years ago, knocking out Eddie Alvarez to claim the same 205 LBS title that he will compete for on Saturday. Since the victory that made him a double champion in November of 2016 at MSG, Conor made many headlines, but none of them were about his accomplishments in mixed martial arts. As I've written before, UFC management shoehorned McGregor into a scenario that provided him the chance to win two titles and gave the company the opportunity to market a double champion, granting him a shot at the 155 LBS title before he ever defended the featherweight championship that he won when he defeated Jose Aldo in late-2015.
Keep in mind, the UFC is as much of a business, if not more so, as it is a sport.
Many of the stars from the era that saw MMA surge in popularity had declined or retired so UFC brass knew they needed new athletes to market to the general public. The charismatic McGregor received the promotional push and was marketed as the top star in the organization. Don't get me wrong, Conor is a tremendous fighter, but he doesn't necessarily have the well-rounded skills that other top stars had from the previous era. Still, his Ric Flair style and presentation made him a major draw on pay-per-view and his bouts are among the best-selling in the history of the company. More specifically, his grudge rematch with Nate Diaz at UFC 196 set a record for MMA PPV, generating over 1.5 million buys. His previously mentioned win against Alvarez was his most recent pay-per-view bout and garnered 1.3 million buys, which is also one of the highest PPV numbers in UFC history.
Conor McGregor might not be the most complete fighter in MMA, but he draws money, which is the most important factor from a business perspective.
After UFC management marketed and promoted McGregor as the biggest star in the organization, arguably at the expense of entire divisions, he took that name value to boxing for a mega payday to fight Floyd Mayweather. The brash Irishman is known for his mic skills, but the media tour for his August 2017 bout against Mayweather often resembled a sideshow, and boxing purists scoffed at the contest. The former MMA champion was stopped in the tenth round via TKO, but his goal was to get paid, not jump start a boxing career so it was basically mission accomplished.
The paycheck from boxing was exponentially more than Conor made previously in the octagon so he had much more leverage at the negotiating table for a return to the cage, prompting speculation about if he would actually fight in the UFC again.
Perhaps, the "Notorious" McGregor overestimated what he could do with his over-the-top antics, as his confrontation with Khabib's fight team this past April made TMZ headlines just days before the UFC 223 card in Brooklyn. Nurmagomedov, who was scheduled to fight Tony Ferguson, got into an altercation with a fighter from McGregor's team during fight week. Ferguson suffered a knee injury during training, and Max Halloway was declared unable to take his spot on the card because of weight cutting problems so Al Iaquinta was added as a late replacement for the main event. Conor flew from Dublin to New York to confront Khabib, and when a bus that transported the fighters on that weekend's card was parked after a media event, McGregor threw a dolly through the window, injuring some of the athletes that were scheduled to fight. The event was further scrambled and a warrant was issued for McGregor's arrest following the bus incident. Khabib defeated Iaquinta via unanimous decision, and McGregor turned himself into New York police a few days later.
Originally charged with a felon that could've affected him ability to fight in the United States, McGregor's expensive legal team was able to get the charges reduced to disorderly conduct and he was ordered to perform community service. Still, there were questions about if Conor had any plans to compete again, especially after management was forced to strip him of both the featherweight and lightweight belts due to lack of title defenses.
However, it was announced just a few months ago that McGregor would challenge Nurmagomedov for the 155 LBS championship, a title that Conor held previously, but never defended. This grudge match is expected to draw major numbers on pay-per-view, with Dana White speculating that it might set a buy rate record, but I think that's more of a hype strategy than anything. Regardless, UFC 229 will undoubtedly draw over a million PPV buys, which translates to major money for everyone involved.
So, what will happen during the actual fight?
Stylistically, this isn't a good match-up for McGregor. Khabib is undefeated with a record of 26-0 and he has a well-rounded skill set that has garnered KO, submission, and decision wins. A two-time Sambo champion, Nurmagomedov will have the advantage in the clinch and on the ground. Conor's solid record of 21-3 is impressive, but the three losses in his career were via submission so he will have to avoid the ground game in this contest. If the fight ends within the first time rounds, it favors Conor's ability to land dynamic punches, but if the fight reaches the championship rounds, it's very possible that Khabib could win with a submission.
Granted, anything can happen in mixed martial arts, but I will pick Khabib to win the fight, mostly because he has the skill set to defeat McGregor. The other major factor here is ring rust because Conor hasn't fought in the octagon in two years so his cardio might be affected in the later rounds. McGregor shouldn't underestimate Khabib or take this fight lightly because the mindset of each athlete could be another determining factor in this bout. McGregor is already extremely wealthy and will receive another major payday from UFC 229, but Nurmagomedov has the added motivation of the potential for major money fights in the future if he defeats the top star in the company.
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
Gary Cappetta's Beyond Bodyslams
The legendary Mick Foley's New York Times #1 best-selling autobiography, "Have A Nice Day" began with an incident that could only happen in the professional wrestling business. Under his Cactus Jack persona, Foley was treading water in Ted Turner's World Championship Wrestling in the middle of the slump of the industry of the early 90s, attempting to make a name for himself through a series of risky maneuvers. As Mick detailed in the pages of his famous book, his already injured ear was further damaged when his head became stuck in the tightened ring ropes. As Foley collapsed onto the outside of the ring with his head finally free, the referee picked up the now-missing ear and passed it to the unsuspecting ring announcer, Gary Michael Cappetta. Usually, Cappetta never left his place at ringside, as he was responsible for time cues and promptly declaring the winner of each bout, but on that night in Germany in 1994, the booming voice of WCW took the grappler's ear to the dimly-lit backstage area to find a way to preserve it so that it could be reattached to Foley's head. The piece of flesh that resembled uncooked chicken had hair and tape dangling from it before Cappetta showed it to then-booker, Ric Flair. As the story goes, Mick didn't get his ear reattached, but it was certainly a notable effort from Cappetta to transport the flesh from the ring to a bag of ice in the locker room.
This unbelievable tale of the missing ear is only one of the very unique memories that Gary Cappetta has from a career that spans nearly five decades, and this Saturday, he plans to bring his critically acclaimed stage show to the Pittsburgh area in association with the International Wrestling Cartel's "Unbreakable" event.
"Beyond Bodyslams:The Rematch" is the second edition of Cappetta's live event after a successful tour last year. Described as an emotional roller coaster for its variety of memorable and genuine stories, Gary takes the audience behind the curtain to hear his unique perspective of the very unique sports entertainment industry. "The Rematch" gives him a chance to tell more stories from the times he shared the ring with legendary performers from different eras of professional wrestling. After he became a ring announcer by mere coincidence when he attended a show that needed someone to make the introduction of the competitors in 1974, Cappetta has decades worth of stories to share with fans, which is what he considers his favorite part of his stage show.
"Interacting with the fans, I've always had a great rapport with the fans. I developed a rapport with the fans when the cameras weren't rolling when I would work live events in venues around the world. The ring announcer is always the most accessible to the fans and how you use that time will determine how close you are with the fans. I didn't pretend to be any kind of star, I was a regular guy, I was a fan. The emotional I brought to my announcing came from my heart," Cappetta explained.
The genuine enthusiasm the one known as "The World's Most Dangerous Ring Announcer" brings to the stage is very reminiscence of the energy he brought to the mic when he introduced some of the biggest stars in the history of the industry. After years surrounded by the glamour of sports entertainment, Gary's "Beyond Bodyslams" has its own element of showmanship with music, props, and a video screen to allow for additional context to his stories.
Cappetta's stage performance has received rave reviews, and each event offers its own atmosphere for those live in attendance. During a recent show in Chicago, the late Brian Pillman's son, who is now a wrestler himself, joined Gary to discuss his father's legacy. The second generation loose cannon considered it a wonderful occasion for everyone involved.
"It was a truly magical experience . The fans at the event were some of the most knowledgeable people I've met. You can expect to learn more about the history of wrestling than you have ever known," Brian Pillman Jr. said.
This Saturday will be a special night for Cappetta, and will include a tribute to a Pittsburgh icon, Bruno Sammartino. A record-setting world champion, Bruno's impact on the region and the world was passed down through generations. As a part of the performance, Gary plans to illustrate Sammartino's greatness by featuring several magazine covers that showcased the Italian strongman throughout the years. Bruno will always have an important meaning to Cappetta.
"October 6th is Bruno Sammartino's birthday, and Bruno was my hero when I was a kid. I'm paying special tribute to Sammartino on his birthday. It wasn't planned, it just happened and I realized, I was at Bruno's funeral, and I was driving back from the funeral and I realized the date we had selected to coordinate with IWC's schedule so it really wasn't planned. I will be paying tribute to Bruno and how he influenced me. I'm going to take a step-by-step look at how he was able to connect with the fans on a very personal level. He went from being a hero to being my friend," Capetta said.
Even after nearly 45 years around the wrestling industry, Gary still watches the sport and still considers himself a fan. A native of the New Jersey area, he taught Spanish when he wasn't on tour with a national promotion. Today, Gary will regularly attend independent events, and even offers feedback to the next generation when asked as a way to give back to the sport. This weekend will be no different, as he's looking forward to the International Wrestling Cartel's live matches.
IWC is very excited to host GMC's Beyond Bodyslams! We partnered with him last year and thought that his show was so good that we offered to do a joint event if he ever came back to Pittsburgh. Ultimately, that led to our big event on October 6th at Court Time Sports Center. If this show is even close to as good as last year, we are in for a treat. But, I hear that it's going to be even better with a deeper look behind the scenes of many classic moments. Unbreakable will take place immediately after Beyond Bodyslams, and we are going all out to try to keep our sellout streak going," IWC promoter, Justin Plummer commented.
"Part of my stage show is about indy wrestling and the importance of supporting indy wrestling because if you care about the future of the industry, you need to support those that are training to be the stars of tomorrow," Cappetta remarked.
Along with the tales of luminaries such as Gorilla Monsoon, Bruno, Dusty Rhodes, and others, Cappetta plans to tell the story of traveling with Mean Mark, who later became The Undertaker. After a week on the road with the future phenom, Capetta will recount a confrontation between Mean Mark and a disgruntled foes from years earlier.
"Beyond Bodyslams:The Rematch" is guaranteed to be an entertaining show about many memorable characters, but perhaps the most impressive aspect of the event will be the genuine enthusiasm that Gary Michael Cappetta brings to each performance and the passion that he has for the professional wrestling industry.
This unbelievable tale of the missing ear is only one of the very unique memories that Gary Cappetta has from a career that spans nearly five decades, and this Saturday, he plans to bring his critically acclaimed stage show to the Pittsburgh area in association with the International Wrestling Cartel's "Unbreakable" event.
"Beyond Bodyslams:The Rematch" is the second edition of Cappetta's live event after a successful tour last year. Described as an emotional roller coaster for its variety of memorable and genuine stories, Gary takes the audience behind the curtain to hear his unique perspective of the very unique sports entertainment industry. "The Rematch" gives him a chance to tell more stories from the times he shared the ring with legendary performers from different eras of professional wrestling. After he became a ring announcer by mere coincidence when he attended a show that needed someone to make the introduction of the competitors in 1974, Cappetta has decades worth of stories to share with fans, which is what he considers his favorite part of his stage show.
"Interacting with the fans, I've always had a great rapport with the fans. I developed a rapport with the fans when the cameras weren't rolling when I would work live events in venues around the world. The ring announcer is always the most accessible to the fans and how you use that time will determine how close you are with the fans. I didn't pretend to be any kind of star, I was a regular guy, I was a fan. The emotional I brought to my announcing came from my heart," Cappetta explained.
The genuine enthusiasm the one known as "The World's Most Dangerous Ring Announcer" brings to the stage is very reminiscence of the energy he brought to the mic when he introduced some of the biggest stars in the history of the industry. After years surrounded by the glamour of sports entertainment, Gary's "Beyond Bodyslams" has its own element of showmanship with music, props, and a video screen to allow for additional context to his stories.
Cappetta's stage performance has received rave reviews, and each event offers its own atmosphere for those live in attendance. During a recent show in Chicago, the late Brian Pillman's son, who is now a wrestler himself, joined Gary to discuss his father's legacy. The second generation loose cannon considered it a wonderful occasion for everyone involved.
"It was a truly magical experience . The fans at the event were some of the most knowledgeable people I've met. You can expect to learn more about the history of wrestling than you have ever known," Brian Pillman Jr. said.
This Saturday will be a special night for Cappetta, and will include a tribute to a Pittsburgh icon, Bruno Sammartino. A record-setting world champion, Bruno's impact on the region and the world was passed down through generations. As a part of the performance, Gary plans to illustrate Sammartino's greatness by featuring several magazine covers that showcased the Italian strongman throughout the years. Bruno will always have an important meaning to Cappetta.
"October 6th is Bruno Sammartino's birthday, and Bruno was my hero when I was a kid. I'm paying special tribute to Sammartino on his birthday. It wasn't planned, it just happened and I realized, I was at Bruno's funeral, and I was driving back from the funeral and I realized the date we had selected to coordinate with IWC's schedule so it really wasn't planned. I will be paying tribute to Bruno and how he influenced me. I'm going to take a step-by-step look at how he was able to connect with the fans on a very personal level. He went from being a hero to being my friend," Capetta said.
Even after nearly 45 years around the wrestling industry, Gary still watches the sport and still considers himself a fan. A native of the New Jersey area, he taught Spanish when he wasn't on tour with a national promotion. Today, Gary will regularly attend independent events, and even offers feedback to the next generation when asked as a way to give back to the sport. This weekend will be no different, as he's looking forward to the International Wrestling Cartel's live matches.
IWC is very excited to host GMC's Beyond Bodyslams! We partnered with him last year and thought that his show was so good that we offered to do a joint event if he ever came back to Pittsburgh. Ultimately, that led to our big event on October 6th at Court Time Sports Center. If this show is even close to as good as last year, we are in for a treat. But, I hear that it's going to be even better with a deeper look behind the scenes of many classic moments. Unbreakable will take place immediately after Beyond Bodyslams, and we are going all out to try to keep our sellout streak going," IWC promoter, Justin Plummer commented.
"Part of my stage show is about indy wrestling and the importance of supporting indy wrestling because if you care about the future of the industry, you need to support those that are training to be the stars of tomorrow," Cappetta remarked.
Along with the tales of luminaries such as Gorilla Monsoon, Bruno, Dusty Rhodes, and others, Cappetta plans to tell the story of traveling with Mean Mark, who later became The Undertaker. After a week on the road with the future phenom, Capetta will recount a confrontation between Mean Mark and a disgruntled foes from years earlier.
"Beyond Bodyslams:The Rematch" is guaranteed to be an entertaining show about many memorable characters, but perhaps the most impressive aspect of the event will be the genuine enthusiasm that Gary Michael Cappetta brings to each performance and the passion that he has for the professional wrestling industry.
Monday, September 24, 2018
Independent wrestling documentary
It's ironic that as popular as reality TV was during the past decade, more often than not, there wasn't necessarily much "reality" involved in those shows. More specifically, network reality shows are designed for ratings, not real-life content. Sure, there are elements of true events, but you never know when producers spin a scenario for added drama. For example, underrated legend, Lance Storm explained in-depth on a podcast, "Killing The Town" that his experience within the reality TV genre was less than favorable. "World of Hurt" was a reality show that aired in Canada for two seasons in 2011 and spotlighted the training process with Lance as a trainer for the aspiring grapplers. Storm, one of the most accomplished athletes of his generation, was so displeased with the attempts at manufactured drama that he declined to participate in the second season, which saw "Rowdy" Roddy Piper take over as a mentor on the show.
The idea to peek behind the curtain at the foundation of professional wrestling was popularized by WWE's Tough Enough in the early 2000s and allowed a main stream audience a glimpse at the very real process the new recruits endure to safely learn the maneuvers they later perform on television. But, even Tough Enough, as ground-breaking as it was at the time, didn't necessarily reflect the actual experience for new trainees. The majority of sports entertainment hopefuls don't get to step into a WWE ring the first time they enter the squared circle. In fact, a much more accurate description doesn't include an extensive facility or bright lights for TV cameras.
When professional wrestling veteran and video producer, JB Destiny set out to capture the effects of the popularity of women's wrestling, he wanted to document exactly how women were inspired to chase the dream of sports entertainment that might've seemed unobtainable in the past. With more opportunities for female athletes now than ever before, the "Go Big or Go Home" documentary chronicles the journey of a group of young women as they begin to learn the tedious process of landing on the canvas, as well as understanding the techniques used inside the ring ropes. Different from what Tough Enough brought viewers on MTV, this documentary provides an unfiltered look at the world of women's professional wrestling with a much more typical setting than was seen on television.
Less than thirty minutes outside of Pittsburgh, McKeesport, PA has featured independent wrestling for over two decades. Similar to many places within the original WWWF territory, the steel city has extensive wrestling history and a very dedicated fan base. For JB Destiny, the heyday of his career, which included a run as one of the best light heavyweights in the region in the late 1990s, was spent as a part of the Pro Wrestling Express:Fight Society, a group that has over twenty years of history. Several athletes, including Corey Graves learned their craft at the PWX training center so as a producer of several films, JB took his team to the school to document its current trainees.
A former school building converted into a wrestling venue, the two-story structure has a mixture of grittiness and glamor, as a combination of overhead ring lights illuminate the canvas while the painted cement floor is a remind of its blue collar status. Most of the time, PWX runs events every two weeks, and depending on the weather, can draw a good crowd from their very loyal fan base. When longtime ring announcer, Hank Hudson isn't projecting the bass in his voice to declare the winners of matches on Saturdays as the audience enthusiastically responses, the venue takes a much different tone during the week. Chants from an energized crowd are replaced with an echoing impact that reverberates off the textured walls of the wrestling arena as the trainees practice the proper way to land on the canvas. The current group of hopeful grapplers take turns completing various sequences under the watchful eye of longtime veteran and booker, Quinn Magnum, who is also one of the trainers at the school. With over twenty years of experience, Quinn provides some intriguing insight into what he considers the most important traits for potential trainees. A handful of current wrestlers also help with in-ring demonstrations before the trainees attempt new maneuvers.
The introduction of the ladies that pursue this venture is one of the most interesting aspects of this documentary, providing their background to allow for insight into what inspired them to become a wrestler. Without narration to influence the narrative, the viewers get the chance to decides for themselves who has a chance to make it to the big leagues and who is just a dreamer with an unrealistic goal. There's also a fascinating look at the intricate details that are involved in some of the most common wrestling sequences. As viewers watch the training sessions progress, WWE Hall of Famer, Tully Blanchard makes a cameo to express his thoughts on what it takes to be successful in the professional wrestling business.
It was very interesting to see the tryout for a young lady that appears to assume that learning the basics of the training process is as flawless as the matches that she watches on television. Within minutes, the hopeful learns the harsh reality that landing on the ridged canvas is a very difficult aspect of the industry. More than anything, this segment reiterates that physical toll it takes to learn proper technique and the determination required to be successful.
"Go Big or Go Home" is a direct look at the origins of a professional wrestler. The audiences that flock to arenas to see the major events with bight lights and pryo will be surprised to see the humble beginning of a career. If the trainees featured in this production make it to the national level of the business remains to be seen, but this documentary certainly provides intriguing insight for the start of a career in the professional wrestling industry.
The idea to peek behind the curtain at the foundation of professional wrestling was popularized by WWE's Tough Enough in the early 2000s and allowed a main stream audience a glimpse at the very real process the new recruits endure to safely learn the maneuvers they later perform on television. But, even Tough Enough, as ground-breaking as it was at the time, didn't necessarily reflect the actual experience for new trainees. The majority of sports entertainment hopefuls don't get to step into a WWE ring the first time they enter the squared circle. In fact, a much more accurate description doesn't include an extensive facility or bright lights for TV cameras.
When professional wrestling veteran and video producer, JB Destiny set out to capture the effects of the popularity of women's wrestling, he wanted to document exactly how women were inspired to chase the dream of sports entertainment that might've seemed unobtainable in the past. With more opportunities for female athletes now than ever before, the "Go Big or Go Home" documentary chronicles the journey of a group of young women as they begin to learn the tedious process of landing on the canvas, as well as understanding the techniques used inside the ring ropes. Different from what Tough Enough brought viewers on MTV, this documentary provides an unfiltered look at the world of women's professional wrestling with a much more typical setting than was seen on television.
Less than thirty minutes outside of Pittsburgh, McKeesport, PA has featured independent wrestling for over two decades. Similar to many places within the original WWWF territory, the steel city has extensive wrestling history and a very dedicated fan base. For JB Destiny, the heyday of his career, which included a run as one of the best light heavyweights in the region in the late 1990s, was spent as a part of the Pro Wrestling Express:Fight Society, a group that has over twenty years of history. Several athletes, including Corey Graves learned their craft at the PWX training center so as a producer of several films, JB took his team to the school to document its current trainees.
A former school building converted into a wrestling venue, the two-story structure has a mixture of grittiness and glamor, as a combination of overhead ring lights illuminate the canvas while the painted cement floor is a remind of its blue collar status. Most of the time, PWX runs events every two weeks, and depending on the weather, can draw a good crowd from their very loyal fan base. When longtime ring announcer, Hank Hudson isn't projecting the bass in his voice to declare the winners of matches on Saturdays as the audience enthusiastically responses, the venue takes a much different tone during the week. Chants from an energized crowd are replaced with an echoing impact that reverberates off the textured walls of the wrestling arena as the trainees practice the proper way to land on the canvas. The current group of hopeful grapplers take turns completing various sequences under the watchful eye of longtime veteran and booker, Quinn Magnum, who is also one of the trainers at the school. With over twenty years of experience, Quinn provides some intriguing insight into what he considers the most important traits for potential trainees. A handful of current wrestlers also help with in-ring demonstrations before the trainees attempt new maneuvers.
The introduction of the ladies that pursue this venture is one of the most interesting aspects of this documentary, providing their background to allow for insight into what inspired them to become a wrestler. Without narration to influence the narrative, the viewers get the chance to decides for themselves who has a chance to make it to the big leagues and who is just a dreamer with an unrealistic goal. There's also a fascinating look at the intricate details that are involved in some of the most common wrestling sequences. As viewers watch the training sessions progress, WWE Hall of Famer, Tully Blanchard makes a cameo to express his thoughts on what it takes to be successful in the professional wrestling business.
It was very interesting to see the tryout for a young lady that appears to assume that learning the basics of the training process is as flawless as the matches that she watches on television. Within minutes, the hopeful learns the harsh reality that landing on the ridged canvas is a very difficult aspect of the industry. More than anything, this segment reiterates that physical toll it takes to learn proper technique and the determination required to be successful.
"Go Big or Go Home" is a direct look at the origins of a professional wrestler. The audiences that flock to arenas to see the major events with bight lights and pryo will be surprised to see the humble beginning of a career. If the trainees featured in this production make it to the national level of the business remains to be seen, but this documentary certainly provides intriguing insight for the start of a career in the professional wrestling industry.
Saturday, September 22, 2018
The Jon Jones decision
In just over a month, Jon Jones, the former UFC Light Heavyweight champion, will be eligible to compete again, which was announced earlier this week by USADA, determining that a 15-month retroactive suspension is appropriate for his second PED violation.
A second PED violation could lead to a 4-year suspension from competition so how exactly did Jon Jones get such a short ban from the sport?
The answer is sadly a combination of greed and corruption.
After years of rumors about some mixed martial arts fighters using performance enhancing substances, the UFC announced its testing program in association with USADA in 2015. Not surprisingly, there were more fighters flagged for potential violations since that time, and coincidentally, some fighters ability decreased significantly afterwards. For example, Johnny Hendricks, former contender in the welterweight division, went 1-6 in the octagon after the start of the USADA program in the UFC.
The anti-doping association can clearly be effective.
That's why this ruling for Jon Jones and the motivation behind is so puzzling. "Bones" Jones has made headlines throughout his entire career, starting with his victory against the legendary Shogun Rua in 2011 to claim the 205 LBS championship and become the youngest champion in the history of the organization. Since that time, "Bones" made headlines for all the wrong reasons and is arguably more well-known for his mishaps outside of the cage than his accomplishments in the sport. The first of his laundry list of legal problems was when he was arrested for DUI after he hit a pole in 2012. He tested positive for cocaine in an out-of-competition test prior to his fight against Daniel Cormier in early 2015. Just three months later, Jones was involved in a hit-and-run incident when he run a red light, hitting another car before he fled the scene of the accident. Drug paraphernalia was found in the car and he was eventually sentenced to probation for leaving the scene. The legal problems prompted UFC management to strip him of the light heavyweight title.
He finally returned to the octagon in April of 2016, defeating Ovince Saint Preux to claim an interim championship, setting up a unification fight against Cormier for UFC 200. Just a month before he was scheduled to compete again, "Bones" was cited for driving without a license, but that didn't affect his status to fight. However, a few days before UFC 200, it was announced that Jones tested positive for PEDs and the Cormier rematch was cancelled. Again, UFC brass stripped him of a championship.
As a result of the failed test, Jones was suspended for a year. When he finally returned to the cage for the Cormier rematch last year, he won the fight via a head kick in the third round and touted his redemption story during a post-fight interview. A few weeks later, it was revealed that Jones failed the post-fight drug test for PEDs. The contest was overturned to a no contest and he was stripped of the championship for the third time in his career.
The California State Athletic Commission hearing earlier this year did "Bones" no favors when he couldn't explain how an anabolic steroid got into his system and he admitted the he didn't complete the required online courses that USADA provides for athletes, but rather that his management did it for him. The commission stated that they would allow USADA to determine the penalty for Jones, which most expected to be at least a two-year ban and that was if the anti-doping association believed Jones' excuse that he unknowingly took the PED.
A tainted supplement is possible, but at this point in his career, Jon Jones doesn't deserve the benefit of the doubt in these situations. The DUI and hit-and-run scenarios prove that he was reckless and irresponsible in the past. Perhaps, a contaminated supplement might happen once, but after a second failed PED test, does someone with the past of "Bones" Jones deserve the benefit of the doubt?
I usually wouldn't suggest a conspiracy theory, but something is corrupt about the 15-month retroactive ban that Jones was given for this violation. I'm not saying that the UFC was directly involved, but keep in mind, USADA was hired by the UFC so it certainly seems like there could be a conflict of interest when the anti-doping organization can make decisions that could directly impact the financial aspect of the company that hires them. As mentioned, Jones was suspended for a year after his initial failed test so how exactly did he only get an extra three months for a second violation? Other fighters that failed two tests were suspended for two years so how did Jon Jones get 15-months for the same violation?
The answer is probably that Jon Jones is a bigger name that can draw bigger money for everyone involved when he fights on pay-per-view so he was given a shorter ban to allow the UFC to generate revenue from his bouts. However, "Bones" Jones' status shouldn't affect his ban because a violation of the rules is a violation regardless of what fighter fails a test. Obviously, MMA is a very dangerous sport and failed PED tests should be taken very seriously by the UFC. Considering this was a USADA, not UFC decision, it would be reasonable,at this point to question the credibility of the anti-doping organization.
The guidelines for a second failed test suggest at least a ban of a few years from the sport. If Jon Jones fails another test, is it possible that USADA doesn't report it to allow the company that hired them to continue to cash-in on his fights?
It's completely possible that the UFC isn't involved in this corruption, but isn't it convenient that Jon Jones will be eligible to fight just a few months before Brock Lesnar is scheduled to return to the UFC? Remember, "Bones" said during a post-fight interview last year that he wanted to fight Lesnar, and despite Brock's confrontation with Daniel Cormier earlier this year, the general consensus is that Lesnar/Jones will draw more money. Who knows how Jon Jones was only given a 15-month suspension, but it's very disappointing to see that potential profits are the propriety instead of the credibility of the sport.
A second PED violation could lead to a 4-year suspension from competition so how exactly did Jon Jones get such a short ban from the sport?
The answer is sadly a combination of greed and corruption.
After years of rumors about some mixed martial arts fighters using performance enhancing substances, the UFC announced its testing program in association with USADA in 2015. Not surprisingly, there were more fighters flagged for potential violations since that time, and coincidentally, some fighters ability decreased significantly afterwards. For example, Johnny Hendricks, former contender in the welterweight division, went 1-6 in the octagon after the start of the USADA program in the UFC.
The anti-doping association can clearly be effective.
That's why this ruling for Jon Jones and the motivation behind is so puzzling. "Bones" Jones has made headlines throughout his entire career, starting with his victory against the legendary Shogun Rua in 2011 to claim the 205 LBS championship and become the youngest champion in the history of the organization. Since that time, "Bones" made headlines for all the wrong reasons and is arguably more well-known for his mishaps outside of the cage than his accomplishments in the sport. The first of his laundry list of legal problems was when he was arrested for DUI after he hit a pole in 2012. He tested positive for cocaine in an out-of-competition test prior to his fight against Daniel Cormier in early 2015. Just three months later, Jones was involved in a hit-and-run incident when he run a red light, hitting another car before he fled the scene of the accident. Drug paraphernalia was found in the car and he was eventually sentenced to probation for leaving the scene. The legal problems prompted UFC management to strip him of the light heavyweight title.
He finally returned to the octagon in April of 2016, defeating Ovince Saint Preux to claim an interim championship, setting up a unification fight against Cormier for UFC 200. Just a month before he was scheduled to compete again, "Bones" was cited for driving without a license, but that didn't affect his status to fight. However, a few days before UFC 200, it was announced that Jones tested positive for PEDs and the Cormier rematch was cancelled. Again, UFC brass stripped him of a championship.
As a result of the failed test, Jones was suspended for a year. When he finally returned to the cage for the Cormier rematch last year, he won the fight via a head kick in the third round and touted his redemption story during a post-fight interview. A few weeks later, it was revealed that Jones failed the post-fight drug test for PEDs. The contest was overturned to a no contest and he was stripped of the championship for the third time in his career.
The California State Athletic Commission hearing earlier this year did "Bones" no favors when he couldn't explain how an anabolic steroid got into his system and he admitted the he didn't complete the required online courses that USADA provides for athletes, but rather that his management did it for him. The commission stated that they would allow USADA to determine the penalty for Jones, which most expected to be at least a two-year ban and that was if the anti-doping association believed Jones' excuse that he unknowingly took the PED.
A tainted supplement is possible, but at this point in his career, Jon Jones doesn't deserve the benefit of the doubt in these situations. The DUI and hit-and-run scenarios prove that he was reckless and irresponsible in the past. Perhaps, a contaminated supplement might happen once, but after a second failed PED test, does someone with the past of "Bones" Jones deserve the benefit of the doubt?
I usually wouldn't suggest a conspiracy theory, but something is corrupt about the 15-month retroactive ban that Jones was given for this violation. I'm not saying that the UFC was directly involved, but keep in mind, USADA was hired by the UFC so it certainly seems like there could be a conflict of interest when the anti-doping organization can make decisions that could directly impact the financial aspect of the company that hires them. As mentioned, Jones was suspended for a year after his initial failed test so how exactly did he only get an extra three months for a second violation? Other fighters that failed two tests were suspended for two years so how did Jon Jones get 15-months for the same violation?
The answer is probably that Jon Jones is a bigger name that can draw bigger money for everyone involved when he fights on pay-per-view so he was given a shorter ban to allow the UFC to generate revenue from his bouts. However, "Bones" Jones' status shouldn't affect his ban because a violation of the rules is a violation regardless of what fighter fails a test. Obviously, MMA is a very dangerous sport and failed PED tests should be taken very seriously by the UFC. Considering this was a USADA, not UFC decision, it would be reasonable,at this point to question the credibility of the anti-doping organization.
The guidelines for a second failed test suggest at least a ban of a few years from the sport. If Jon Jones fails another test, is it possible that USADA doesn't report it to allow the company that hired them to continue to cash-in on his fights?
It's completely possible that the UFC isn't involved in this corruption, but isn't it convenient that Jon Jones will be eligible to fight just a few months before Brock Lesnar is scheduled to return to the UFC? Remember, "Bones" said during a post-fight interview last year that he wanted to fight Lesnar, and despite Brock's confrontation with Daniel Cormier earlier this year, the general consensus is that Lesnar/Jones will draw more money. Who knows how Jon Jones was only given a 15-month suspension, but it's very disappointing to see that potential profits are the propriety instead of the credibility of the sport.
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
HIAC Review
After last weekend's HIAC pay-per-view, I wanted to wait until this week's television to write a review of the show and discuss the direction of the current product, mostly because a series of intriguing questions remain ahead of a pair of foreign shows scheduled for the WWE Network. First, it should be noted that this event will probably not get the praise it deserves because of the finish of the main event, but overall, this show was one of the best WWE PPVs of the year, as the event went over three and a half hours without dragging at any point during the production.
The opener of Randy Orton/Jeff Hardy was a brutal bout and the argument could be made that it should've closed the show, especially after the finish that was booked for the Universal title match. It was somewhat surprising to see Hardy take the bumps and the risk that he did here, simply because it was reported that he was dealing with a variety of injuries a few months ago and it was rumored that he would take time off. Granted, Hardy had his well-documented problems in the past, but even at 41 after over two decades of a high risk style, he can still go in the ring. However, considering the amount of previously mentioned injuries, you have to wonder, when will Hardy hang up the boots? On the flip side, the 38-year-old Orton worked a much safer style during his WWE career and despite a minor knee surgery this past spring, he appears to have at least another five years of his WWE career, assuming he wants to continue to compete. Usually, I don't question the effort of performers because they work a grueling schedule, but it certainly seems like Orton takes it to another level when he's motivated to do so. At various points in his career, his matches took a very repetitive, almost robotic pattern, but his performances go to another gear when he seems like he's invested in the angle. He's mentioned in interviews that he would rather work as a heel so maybe that's why this storyline with Hardy has worked so well. If this HIAC match is the conclusion of the feud, is it possible that Orton could move up the card for a possible feud against AJ Styles at some point for the title?
The Becky Lynch/Charlotte match was solid and showcased both women very well. The title win was needed because it validated Lynch's heel turn and solidifies her status on a different level as far as star power. Charlotte evolved as a performer during her time on the main roster and in many ways, she doesn't necessarily need the championship to maintain her spot as one of the featured women on the roster. More than anything, it was good to see Becky get this chance to flourish as a star because she was lost in the shuffle in recent years, but definitely has the skills to be a star in the division.
The Raw Tag Team title match was a great action-packed bout and underscores the fact that the WWE has some of the best in-ring talent currently on the roster of at least the past decade. I penned an article just a few weeks ago and explained that Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose deserve better than playing second fiddle to Roman Reigns for another Shield reunion in an attempt to camouflage the hostile reaction toward the Universal champion. This match is another example that Rollins and Ambrose could easily work the main event scene on Raw. A similar statement could be said about their opponents, Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre, who have done very well as a team in recent months. Perhaps, it's as simple as Ziggler's history of concussions and management doesn't want to risk investing another main event run for him if another injury puts him on the shelf for an extended period, but he's absolutely one of the most solid performers on the roster. For McIntyre, it's quite remarkable that he went from being a comedy act to released from the company and he rejuvenated his career to return with the potential as a main event talent. More than anything, his time away from the WWE allowed him to develop an aggressive style and a more well-rounded persona that better suits the WWE main event scene. Make no mistake about it, this version of Drew McIntyre will be ready for a main event run when he gets the opportunity to challenge for the title.
Similar to the other championship matches on the card, Samoa Joe/AJ Styles was a good match-up that showcased both athletes. I'd say the argument could be made that this contest was actually better than their match at Summer Slam last month. Obviously, the finish was done to set up a rematch for the Super Showdown event in two weeks, but do these "extra" overseas events dilute the product? Granted, financially, these shows are worth millions of dollars and that will always be the top priority of a publicly-traded company, but from a booking perspective, management will run through more main event matches in a shorter time when these "super show" events are shoehorned between the usual pay-per-views. Furthermore, will there be a point when there are too many shows and too much content for WWE brass to book effectively?
The Daniel Bryan and Brie vs. Miz and Maryse seemed to be used as a way to set up the number one contendership match for the previously mentioned Super Showdown event. The actual match was okay, nothing spectacular, but nothing terrible. However, the bigger story is that Daniel Bryan was put in a match again where he loses to the Miz. Daniel Bryan returned to the ring just a few months ago and had all the momentum to be booked in the main event picture, but his star power has almost been minimized on Smackdown. The audience reaction is still there, but he has more or less resumed his status as floundering at the mid-card, or in this situation, being used to boost Miz. The storyline with the Miz peaked at Summer Slam, as the build up to the revenge, but Bryan was pinned. Maybe I'm being too pessimistic, but I wouldn't be surprised if he was used to put over Miz to set up a title shot against AJ Styles. Hopefully, there are better plans for Daniel Bryan because it would be extremely disappointing if management didn't fully capitalize on his popularity with the audience.
The Raw Women's title match was decent and Ronda continues to do well despite her inexperience in sports entertainment. However, the Alexa Bliss feud has more of less had its run on TV so it will be interesting to see how Ronda is booked going forward and who's the next challenger for the title.
The main event was decent, but the finish basically ruined the match. A non-finish in a HIAC match probably won't get over in any scenario, and if management didn't want to beat Braun then maybe they shouldn't have booked the match. Brock Lesnar's return was a surprise, mostly because it's well known that he's planning to fight in the UFC after his PED suspension expires at the end of the year. That said, Brock looked noticeably smaller since he had to enroll in the USADA testing pool to be eligible to fight again. As mentioned, these overseas shows are for major cash so Lesnar will work the next Saudi Arabia event strictly for the payday, not another run for the WWE. Rollins and Ziggler took risky bumps through tables during the match, a risk that was totally cheapened when they wrestled the next night on Raw. Too often, competitors take legitimately risky bumps and then the effectiveness of the spot is hindered when those athletes compete the next night. Why not get the most from the bump and allow the competitors to sell it?
Right now, the WWE product has set up well for the stadium show in Australia, but the major question is, will the results of the show have a direct impact on the storylines of each brand? Keep in mind, the Greatest Royal Rumble event after WM 34 was basically just a televised house show because nothing that impacted the direction of the product happened during the show. It will be interesting to see if there are any major title changes for the Australia show on the WWE Network.
The opener of Randy Orton/Jeff Hardy was a brutal bout and the argument could be made that it should've closed the show, especially after the finish that was booked for the Universal title match. It was somewhat surprising to see Hardy take the bumps and the risk that he did here, simply because it was reported that he was dealing with a variety of injuries a few months ago and it was rumored that he would take time off. Granted, Hardy had his well-documented problems in the past, but even at 41 after over two decades of a high risk style, he can still go in the ring. However, considering the amount of previously mentioned injuries, you have to wonder, when will Hardy hang up the boots? On the flip side, the 38-year-old Orton worked a much safer style during his WWE career and despite a minor knee surgery this past spring, he appears to have at least another five years of his WWE career, assuming he wants to continue to compete. Usually, I don't question the effort of performers because they work a grueling schedule, but it certainly seems like Orton takes it to another level when he's motivated to do so. At various points in his career, his matches took a very repetitive, almost robotic pattern, but his performances go to another gear when he seems like he's invested in the angle. He's mentioned in interviews that he would rather work as a heel so maybe that's why this storyline with Hardy has worked so well. If this HIAC match is the conclusion of the feud, is it possible that Orton could move up the card for a possible feud against AJ Styles at some point for the title?
The Becky Lynch/Charlotte match was solid and showcased both women very well. The title win was needed because it validated Lynch's heel turn and solidifies her status on a different level as far as star power. Charlotte evolved as a performer during her time on the main roster and in many ways, she doesn't necessarily need the championship to maintain her spot as one of the featured women on the roster. More than anything, it was good to see Becky get this chance to flourish as a star because she was lost in the shuffle in recent years, but definitely has the skills to be a star in the division.
The Raw Tag Team title match was a great action-packed bout and underscores the fact that the WWE has some of the best in-ring talent currently on the roster of at least the past decade. I penned an article just a few weeks ago and explained that Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose deserve better than playing second fiddle to Roman Reigns for another Shield reunion in an attempt to camouflage the hostile reaction toward the Universal champion. This match is another example that Rollins and Ambrose could easily work the main event scene on Raw. A similar statement could be said about their opponents, Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre, who have done very well as a team in recent months. Perhaps, it's as simple as Ziggler's history of concussions and management doesn't want to risk investing another main event run for him if another injury puts him on the shelf for an extended period, but he's absolutely one of the most solid performers on the roster. For McIntyre, it's quite remarkable that he went from being a comedy act to released from the company and he rejuvenated his career to return with the potential as a main event talent. More than anything, his time away from the WWE allowed him to develop an aggressive style and a more well-rounded persona that better suits the WWE main event scene. Make no mistake about it, this version of Drew McIntyre will be ready for a main event run when he gets the opportunity to challenge for the title.
Similar to the other championship matches on the card, Samoa Joe/AJ Styles was a good match-up that showcased both athletes. I'd say the argument could be made that this contest was actually better than their match at Summer Slam last month. Obviously, the finish was done to set up a rematch for the Super Showdown event in two weeks, but do these "extra" overseas events dilute the product? Granted, financially, these shows are worth millions of dollars and that will always be the top priority of a publicly-traded company, but from a booking perspective, management will run through more main event matches in a shorter time when these "super show" events are shoehorned between the usual pay-per-views. Furthermore, will there be a point when there are too many shows and too much content for WWE brass to book effectively?
The Daniel Bryan and Brie vs. Miz and Maryse seemed to be used as a way to set up the number one contendership match for the previously mentioned Super Showdown event. The actual match was okay, nothing spectacular, but nothing terrible. However, the bigger story is that Daniel Bryan was put in a match again where he loses to the Miz. Daniel Bryan returned to the ring just a few months ago and had all the momentum to be booked in the main event picture, but his star power has almost been minimized on Smackdown. The audience reaction is still there, but he has more or less resumed his status as floundering at the mid-card, or in this situation, being used to boost Miz. The storyline with the Miz peaked at Summer Slam, as the build up to the revenge, but Bryan was pinned. Maybe I'm being too pessimistic, but I wouldn't be surprised if he was used to put over Miz to set up a title shot against AJ Styles. Hopefully, there are better plans for Daniel Bryan because it would be extremely disappointing if management didn't fully capitalize on his popularity with the audience.
The Raw Women's title match was decent and Ronda continues to do well despite her inexperience in sports entertainment. However, the Alexa Bliss feud has more of less had its run on TV so it will be interesting to see how Ronda is booked going forward and who's the next challenger for the title.
The main event was decent, but the finish basically ruined the match. A non-finish in a HIAC match probably won't get over in any scenario, and if management didn't want to beat Braun then maybe they shouldn't have booked the match. Brock Lesnar's return was a surprise, mostly because it's well known that he's planning to fight in the UFC after his PED suspension expires at the end of the year. That said, Brock looked noticeably smaller since he had to enroll in the USADA testing pool to be eligible to fight again. As mentioned, these overseas shows are for major cash so Lesnar will work the next Saudi Arabia event strictly for the payday, not another run for the WWE. Rollins and Ziggler took risky bumps through tables during the match, a risk that was totally cheapened when they wrestled the next night on Raw. Too often, competitors take legitimately risky bumps and then the effectiveness of the spot is hindered when those athletes compete the next night. Why not get the most from the bump and allow the competitors to sell it?
Right now, the WWE product has set up well for the stadium show in Australia, but the major question is, will the results of the show have a direct impact on the storylines of each brand? Keep in mind, the Greatest Royal Rumble event after WM 34 was basically just a televised house show because nothing that impacted the direction of the product happened during the show. It will be interesting to see if there are any major title changes for the Australia show on the WWE Network.
Friday, September 14, 2018
The Canelo vs. Triple G rematch
Tomorrow night's middleweight super fight will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV for a rematch a year in the making when Saul "Canelo" Alvarez squares off with Gennady Golovkin. Originally scheduled for Cinco De Mayo, the second meeting of the popular fighters will now take place on Mexican independence day.
Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez is arguably the most popular fighter in the sport today, but a pair of positive steroid tests and a six month suspension that delayed this rematch has cast some doubt on his standing among boxing fans. Despite the diehard dedication from the Latino fan base, he has something to prove ahead of this contest. Golovkin, a power puncher with a Hispanic-inspired style from trainer Abel Sanchez, is actually a slight favorite to win this weekend in Las Vegas.
Clearly, Alvarez, a protege of the legendary Oscar De La Hoya, must show the boxing world that his success in the ring was legitimate, not the result of enhancement substances. The 28-year-old might define his legacy with this performance.
Canelo claimed that the previously mentioned failed tests and suspension resulted from tainted meat, a common occurrence for athletes that train in Mexico and China. On the surface, it makes sense, but Alvarez looked noticeable smaller at today's weigh-in than he did for the original contest against Triple G.
The Mexican legacy in boxing built by names like Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, and Julio Cesar Chavez was admired by the Hispanic fans because of the iron will they displayed. Passion and heart, not PEDs defines the Hispanic boxing culture. Canelo could sour much of his fan base if he doesn't appear to be competitive against Golovkin, which would create questions about totality of his success as a pro.
Aside from the perception of Alvarez, there will undoubtedly be speculation about the judges if the bout goes to the scorecards. As was witnessed last year, the original Triple G/Canelo fight went to a controversial draw after Adalaide Bryd scored only two rounds for Golovkin, a notion that only reiterated the corruption that plagued boxing for decades. As I wrote at the time, Adalaide Bryd should never judge a fight of any importance ever again.
Assuming twilight zone judging can be avoided, this should be another top notch, hard-hitting prize fight. Based on the initial contest, how Alvarez handles the pressure from Triple G seems to be the key. On paper, Canelo has the skills to win, countering the aggressive opponent, but if he can generate offense through the pressure remains to be seen. The iron-chinned Golovkin will take a punch to land one and was able to throw Alvarez off his usual game plan. Regardless of the corrupt score, the original fight was razor-close and the rematch will probably yield another evenly-matched bout.
As mentioned, Alvarez denied the PED use, but even if it's legitimate, he does go into the rematch noticeably smaller than he was a year ago so will that affect his ability to withstand the offense of his opponent?
It's a tough call and that's what makes the fight so intriguing to fans. Again, stylistically, Canelo should be able to carefully counter punch the overly aggressive Golovkin, but that didn't happen in their first meeting. Instead, the younger fighter was pushed to his limit and didn't keep up with the offense of Triple G for at least half of the contest.
During the weigh-ins earlier today, Alvarez seemed agitated during the face-off, is that an indication that the pressure might get to him?
At 36, Gennady Golovkin is almost certainly at the latter stages of his professional career and is still regarded as one of, if not the most dangerous puncher in the sport. With a record of 38-0-1, the native of Kazakhstan opted to stay busy after the Canelo fight in May was cancelled, knocking out Vanes Martirosyan on Cinco De Mayo instead in just two rounds. Different from Canelo, Triple G didn't receive notoriety from the American audience until later in his career, but he can definitely cement his legacy if he's victorious against one of the most popular stars of the past several years.
It can't be understated how important this bout is to the career of Canelo, as a win validates his status, while a loss could further question it after the failed PED tests. After 49 wins and only one blemish on his record, a loss to Floyd Mayweather in 2013, Alvarez could etch his name into the history books among the Mexican legends previously mentioned before he hangs up his gloves. On the flip side, a defeat could impact the narrative of Alvarez as an athlete that needed PEDs to be successful.
As mentioned, to pick a winner, especially after how close the initial fight was, is really a toss up. However, I will pick Gennady Golovkin to get the win, mostly because Canelo Alvarez didn't seem focused at the weigh-ins. I'd guess that Triple G will land punches early that throw Alvarez off his game plan and will impact the later rounds of the fight. More than anything, let's hope that corrupt judges aren't a factor in the rematch.
Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez is arguably the most popular fighter in the sport today, but a pair of positive steroid tests and a six month suspension that delayed this rematch has cast some doubt on his standing among boxing fans. Despite the diehard dedication from the Latino fan base, he has something to prove ahead of this contest. Golovkin, a power puncher with a Hispanic-inspired style from trainer Abel Sanchez, is actually a slight favorite to win this weekend in Las Vegas.
Clearly, Alvarez, a protege of the legendary Oscar De La Hoya, must show the boxing world that his success in the ring was legitimate, not the result of enhancement substances. The 28-year-old might define his legacy with this performance.
Canelo claimed that the previously mentioned failed tests and suspension resulted from tainted meat, a common occurrence for athletes that train in Mexico and China. On the surface, it makes sense, but Alvarez looked noticeable smaller at today's weigh-in than he did for the original contest against Triple G.
The Mexican legacy in boxing built by names like Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, and Julio Cesar Chavez was admired by the Hispanic fans because of the iron will they displayed. Passion and heart, not PEDs defines the Hispanic boxing culture. Canelo could sour much of his fan base if he doesn't appear to be competitive against Golovkin, which would create questions about totality of his success as a pro.
Aside from the perception of Alvarez, there will undoubtedly be speculation about the judges if the bout goes to the scorecards. As was witnessed last year, the original Triple G/Canelo fight went to a controversial draw after Adalaide Bryd scored only two rounds for Golovkin, a notion that only reiterated the corruption that plagued boxing for decades. As I wrote at the time, Adalaide Bryd should never judge a fight of any importance ever again.
Assuming twilight zone judging can be avoided, this should be another top notch, hard-hitting prize fight. Based on the initial contest, how Alvarez handles the pressure from Triple G seems to be the key. On paper, Canelo has the skills to win, countering the aggressive opponent, but if he can generate offense through the pressure remains to be seen. The iron-chinned Golovkin will take a punch to land one and was able to throw Alvarez off his usual game plan. Regardless of the corrupt score, the original fight was razor-close and the rematch will probably yield another evenly-matched bout.
As mentioned, Alvarez denied the PED use, but even if it's legitimate, he does go into the rematch noticeably smaller than he was a year ago so will that affect his ability to withstand the offense of his opponent?
It's a tough call and that's what makes the fight so intriguing to fans. Again, stylistically, Canelo should be able to carefully counter punch the overly aggressive Golovkin, but that didn't happen in their first meeting. Instead, the younger fighter was pushed to his limit and didn't keep up with the offense of Triple G for at least half of the contest.
During the weigh-ins earlier today, Alvarez seemed agitated during the face-off, is that an indication that the pressure might get to him?
At 36, Gennady Golovkin is almost certainly at the latter stages of his professional career and is still regarded as one of, if not the most dangerous puncher in the sport. With a record of 38-0-1, the native of Kazakhstan opted to stay busy after the Canelo fight in May was cancelled, knocking out Vanes Martirosyan on Cinco De Mayo instead in just two rounds. Different from Canelo, Triple G didn't receive notoriety from the American audience until later in his career, but he can definitely cement his legacy if he's victorious against one of the most popular stars of the past several years.
It can't be understated how important this bout is to the career of Canelo, as a win validates his status, while a loss could further question it after the failed PED tests. After 49 wins and only one blemish on his record, a loss to Floyd Mayweather in 2013, Alvarez could etch his name into the history books among the Mexican legends previously mentioned before he hangs up his gloves. On the flip side, a defeat could impact the narrative of Alvarez as an athlete that needed PEDs to be successful.
As mentioned, to pick a winner, especially after how close the initial fight was, is really a toss up. However, I will pick Gennady Golovkin to get the win, mostly because Canelo Alvarez didn't seem focused at the weigh-ins. I'd guess that Triple G will land punches early that throw Alvarez off his game plan and will impact the later rounds of the fight. More than anything, let's hope that corrupt judges aren't a factor in the rematch.
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