Jacks lost his Swagger

Written By RY2J

Swaggers Career: After Every Rise Comes A Fall

As a former ECW Champion, World Heavyweight Champion and Money in the Bank Winner; Jack Swagger has had plenty of highlights in his four-year stint in the WWE.

However, since forming an alliance with Vickie Guerrero and Dolph Ziggler in August of last year, the All-American-American’s rise up the WWE ladder seems to have run down a blind alley.

With only a six week United State Title reign to show for his years’ work, Swagger’s accomplishments within the past 12 months have to go down as disappointing.

So the question must be asked: What went wrong? To find the answer, we must go way back to the build-up to WrestleMania 27.

The (Under) Rated R Superstars

Written by Bushwhacker Barker

Okay, so just to start off, this isn’t about Edge or him being underrated, me and Headbanger Ash just thought it was a catchy title so now that’s out of the way. Continuing with my NXT theme, I've decided that it’s time to tell of some talent that is currently being underexposed on NXT and, with a decent enough push, could be called up to the main roster full time.

Alex Riley - Say it to My Face

Alex Riley – First up is A-Ry, obviously this guy is really talented and definitely has the image to be a main eventer in the future, I don’t know why he has been relegated to working on NXT again from being a strong mid-carder feuding with The Miz. It wasn’t like he was becoming stale either, he was able to garner heat whilst teaming with The Miz after his original stint in NXT, but he was also able to gain a great pop as a face on his own afterwards and from what I read about house shows, he still does get a great pop from the fans. His finisher is really quite old school yet still very good, and is also quick on the mic which you need to be these days if you want to get anywhere in the WWE.

Tyler Reks – Now I know this guy at the moment is in a tag team (and a rather good one at that) with Curt Hawkins, but Reks is a real monster, he has the look of a monster as he is ripped as hell, (those dreadlocks don’t do any harm either), the only reason he hasn’t been introduced is because of his misdemeanours on the internet, all the major players in the WWE were saying he was the next big thing but he decided to go the Zack Ryder route and use the internet to get over with the fans, but the WWE bigwigs didn’t take too kindly to that. His finisher is probably my favourite in the WWE at the moment with the gutwrench torture rack flipped into a DDT which looks brutal and helps with his image, and I believe that if he was given time on Smackdown or Raw he could be a major star and rise to the top, and if not alone he can revitalise the tag team division with Curt Hawkins.

Can Kidd Step up to the Bigger Stage?

Tyson Kidd – This guy is probably one of the best in ring competitors in the WWE at the moment, he has developed variations of submissions that people have never seen before. He was obviously trained in the legendary Hart Dungeon by the family and was welcomed into it as one of their own. He is a former Tag Team champ and I feel the day the Hart Dynasty lost the titles, that was the day the tag team division truly died in the WWE, then the awful story of him and DH Smith feuding just sent his career spiralling out of control and off he went to NXT. But now he is establishing himself there once more, and it seems as if they want to build a new tag team with him in it as he wrestled in the Wrestlemania dark match with Justin Gabriel as his tag partner, and again this past Sunday at No Way Out, and they looked rather good together.

Derrick Bateman – Now this guy is one of my favourite wrestlers at the moment. He is charismatic, a genuinely funny guy and can easily play heel or face. WWE obviously has a lot of faith in the guy, as he was given his own entrance music and theme before anyone else in NXT, making him the first NXT “rookie” ever to have one.  Also, although it is not commonly known, Derrick Bateman is in fact the strongest pound for pound wrestler in the WWE, he can bench and deadlift more for his weight than any other, and taking into consideration his weight, theoretically he is stronger than Mark Henry. His work on the mic has come on leaps and bounds during NXT and I actually find his backstage scenes amusing.

The Usos can Reignite the Tag Team Division

The Uso’s – These guys are awesome, no doubt about it. They are from the legendary Anoa’i Wrestling family. They are old school wrestlers, who are quite clearly influenced by their father Rikishi and their uncle Umaga. I don’t think anyone can question that they are the best tag team around and probably the best that there has been in quite a few years. Their entrance is amazing as well, with them performing a traditional Maori war dance before each match, and then coming down to some old school hip hop theme. They embrace everything that their family stood for in the wrestling industry, and keep the name alive with some high flying moves and incorporate moves from each of their family members.

 Honourable Mentions

Michael McGillicutty

Kaitlyn

Percy Watson

Yoshi Tatsu

Rhodes to Replace Randy?

Written by RY2J

Can Rhodes Make The Step Up?

After finding out that Randy Orton had been suspended for 60 days due to violation of WWE’s Wellness Policy, I decided to take a glass-half-full look at the situation.

Sure, Orton has been the key player on SmackDown ever since his move onto the Blue Brand over a year ago; but this latest incident could prove to be just the kick up the backside that WWE needed with their Friday Night Show.

When The Viper was first drafted to SmackDown, I, like many people, thought this was a step in the right direction to adding value to WWE’s ‘second show’, but a year on, and the show seems to be going backwards again.

Repetitive storylines, the brands top talent being available to be seen on Monday Night Raw, a lack of depth in the roster; SmackDown has again become a second thought in mine and many other WWE fans minds.

Heyman Hustle

Heyman and Lesnar: The Dominant Duo

Written By RY2J

After the re-introduction of Paul Heyman a couple of weeks ago on Monday Night Raw, the WWE Universe have already been able to gain a sneak peek into what we can expect from the former ECW Owner in the coming months.

Posing as Brock Lesnars legal advisor, Heyman brings to the WWE a character that is easily hateable, and knows exactly how to get the crowd rattled.

Bye Bye Bellas

Written by RY2J

Bella Twins: Future Endeavoured

In August 2008, the WWE Universe were introduced to Brie and Nikki Bella, twin sisters who would go on to stay with the company for the best part of three and a half years; a stay that came to an abrupt and harsh end this past Monday night.

It was common knowledge amongst many fans that the Bella Twins contracts were ending, but for a pair who really helped boost the Diva Division, the crude send-off that they were given on Raw hardly seemed appropriate.

Hearing from the commentators table that “The Bella Twins have been fired by Eve Torres” was announced almost as a side note on what was quite a busy Monday Night Raw.

SmackDown: Blast from the Past

Written by RY2J

The Rock: Owner of The SmackDown Hotel

I personally enjoyed the ‘Blast from the Past SmackDown’ last week, seeing some of the legends back in the business is so often a privilege: hearing the ‘Hooooo!!’ chants, watching a bit of Pipers Pit, seeing Mae Young sticking her tongue down the throat of anyone young enough to be her grandchild; the show was well put on.

However, it did feel that although there was some effort in integrating the ‘Classic’ into the show, more could still have been done in order to bring out the real, as Michael Cole would say, Vintage SmackDown.

The Schizophrenic WWE

Written by RY2J

After the less than impressive return of Prince Albert (a.k.a. Lord Tensai) this past week on Raw, it brings to mind the number of other superstars who have felt the need for a full on character revamp.

Now by this, I don’t mean your everyday Face-to-Heel/Heel-to-Face change (something which divas such as Melina used to do on a weekly basis), but rather a fully pledged change to the persona of the wrestler.

Below we take a look at some other superstars who felt the need to bring out their schizophrenic self.

Stand Back, There's a Hurricane Coming Through

Gregory Helms – The Hurricane

Accompanied by his side-kick ‘Mighty Molly’ (someone who also seems to have been bit by the schizophrenia bug), Hurricane was able to build a successful character for himself as a clumsy, yet hard-trying super hero.

Match Preview: CM Punk (c) vs Chris Jericho

By Bushwhacker Barker

Best in the World v Best in the World

Ever since the mysterious 1.2.12 vignettes were shown on Raw, there had been mutters on it being the returns of Goldberg, Brock Lesnar, Undertaker, Christian and even a debut for the “Icon” Sting of WCW and TNA fame. Yet what surprised us was that it actually hyped up the return of the “Ayatollah of Rock ‘n’ Rolla”. So when it turned out to be Y2J, boy was I surprised to see him and his light-up jacket.

Once he returned and showed off his “heelish” nature once more, ignoring the fans and refusing to speak, it was clear he was back to claim what was “rightfully” his; to be called the best in the world and feud with the current WWE Champ.

Christians and his cutting Edge

Where have all the Peeps gone?

By Headbanger Ash

After being announced physically unable to compete at Wrestlemania following CM Punks attack on Raw, we take a look back on how Captain Charisma has dealt with life after Edge.

Back in the days when the tag team division used to really matter, in the times of the Dudley's, the Hardy’s, APA, hell even Kai En Tai, there was one tag team who would always be headlining; the con-chairto masters, Edge and Christian.

From TLC’s at Mania to unforgettable Steel Cage matches at Unforgiven and Survivor Series, the duo were able to captivate audiences like few others, past or present, have had the ability to do.

Match Preview – Undertaker v Triple H

By Headbanger Ash

HHH vs Undertaker: Round III

When the lights went off last month on Raw, and the bright lights of Jericho’s jacket didn’t illuminate the arena, it meant only one thing, The Undertaker was back.

As he made his way down to the ring with a deathly walk which seems to last longer every time he appears, the crowd, the commentators and even the cameraman knew what was coming: the now what, seems to be annual HHH vs Undertaker, Wrestlemania challenge.

Yet unlike the previous two encounters, this one seemed to have the inability to headline the night. With the risk of being overshadowed by the Great ones encounter with John Cena, or Punk’s world title match with Jericho, something seemed to be missing.

Match Preview: Daniel Bryan (c) v Sheamus

Sheamus v D-Bry: Dark Horse of the Night?

Written by RY2J

For over three months now, Daniel Bryan has held the World Heavyweight Championship, and for three months, he’s made sure every knows about it.

D-Bry’s transition in the WWE from NXT Reject to Top of the Roster Superstar coincided with his heel turn on SmackDown, and with the adorable AJ on his arm, Bryan has been able to squirm his way to a three month reign as World Champion.

However, this reign looks like it may come under serious threat this Sunday at WrestleMania, as a certain Celtic Warrior looks to regain his spot at the top of the mountain.

The Next Shelton Benjamin

By RY2J

Gold Standard? Will Dolph ever make it to the top?

Shelton Benjamin was an extraordinary wrestler, with some of his in-ring abilities matched by no man. However, one thing eluded ‘The Gold Standard’ throughout his time in the WWE: winning the big one.

Multiple Money in the Bank participations; Intercontinental, United States and Tag Team title reigns, but never did Benjamin make the step to the top of the proverbial ladder.

A man who many believed would achieve great things in the WWE went on to achieve mediocrity, and now in 2012, are we seeing another Shelton Benjamin occurring before our eyes?

NXT: A Beginners Guide

By Bushwhacker Barker

NXT: Where the future begins!

As a newbie to the Just Blog It team, I’ve been delegated the task of covering NXT for a while. Although most see this as a punishment, I see this as an opportunity as the show hosts some of the best in-ring competitors in the business today, as well as some of the best tag teams in the WWE. It’s clear that with the current season running at over 50 weeks, scheduled to hit 55 episodes on the 21^st March, the WWE Executives are looking to make NXT a separate 3^rd show, showcasing the talents of lesser known stars.

Although only streaming on the internet in the USA, around the world it is shown on television at respectable times either before or after Raw or Smackdown showing WWE’s willingness to experiment with a third show. If you look at how it has been built up over the seasons, the gimmicks have gone (albeit slowly) with the show now focusing on actual storylines and putting on good matches, hell even the divas matches go down well! It was only the other week when a match between Maxine and Kaitlyn was the main event (if you are wondering who these divas are, in the words of Ron Simmons, watch the DAMN show). It was in fact a good match by diva standards, as it wasn’t a Diva’s “squash” match for once.

Okay, so now down to the basics of what NXT is all about...

Dominant Divas

By RY2J

With today being International Women’s Day, it seems fitting to do a write-up on the dominant divas of the WWE. From Chyna to Beth Phoenix, we have been treated to some exceptionally talented women over the years; and below is a run-down of some of the divas who have helped in the rise of ‘girl-power’ in the WWE.

Chyna

Ninth Wonder of the World

After first appearing on our screens way back in 1997 as an ‘over-excited’ (or crazed) fan choking Marlena, The Ninth Wonder of the World went on to dominate in the WWE for many years to come.

A true trailblazer in the business, Chyna wasn’t only dominant in the diva division. As a former two-time Intercontinental Champion, the first female entrant into both the Royal Rumble and King of the Ring and a former bodyguard to Triple H, this is one woman not to be messed with.

Unfortunately, personal reasons appeared to cause Chyna and the WWE to drift apart and eventually they did part company, but for many Chyna is the ulti
mate dominant female of the WWE.

Foley is Good: Comedy Tour Review

Bang Bang: Nights in Red Flannel a Hit

Written by RY2J

On Tuesday night, the Just Blog It team ventured down to Sheffield to once again see the Hardcore Legend himself Mick Foley and his UK comedy tour, Nights in Red Flannel. After driving around Sheffield for the good part of an hour trying to find the damn place, we finally arrived.

We attended the same event last year, only in Manchester, but once again the demographics of the audience were the same. A large amount of 20-to-40 something’s, 95% male, and all keen to come out of the closet for this one night and proclaim their love for all things wrestling.

Opening Acts:

Chris Brooker was the host of the night (@TheBrookerMan) as he was last year as well and once again the long haired ginger man managed to warm up the crowd perfectly. With a range of wrestling related comedy at his disposal, Brooker soon had the audience eating out of his hand, and the man who came out to CM Punks music knew it.

Steffen Peddie was the first support act to be introduced to the stage, and after being outed as an ex-wrestler himself, was always going to go down well with the crowd.

The big Geordie gave comical insight into past experiences of his in ring action, and from start to finish was able to engage the audience. A man who can make you smile with just the accent, Peddie went down well and was a good choice for a support act for Foley.

We were then introduced to the second support act of the night. Now, if Steffen told the odd story that may have been a bit edgy, it was just about to get a lot edgier. Ladies and Gentlemen: Mr Martin Mor.

To say that the Northern Irish comedian is a tad controversial with his act is an understatement, but at the same time, it works. From prison rape jokes to outrageous sex puns and everything in between, Mor’s style of comedy fitted in perfectly with the testosterone filled crowd, and deservedly left the stage to a loud ovation.

Foley Time:

After a short interval, it was finally time to see the man himself. Coming out to his traditional wrestling music, Foley was greeted with rapturous applause, and it was evident from the very start of the show; no matter what Mick said, the crowd would love it.

A witty insight into the world of a professional wrestler mixed with comical remarks about wider issues such as politics, the hardcore legend was able to appeal to a wider crowd than just us wrestling fans.

Now, I don’t want to ruin the show for anyone who is reading this and planning to go themselves, so I will just leave it by saying it is a definite must see for any wrestling fans.

From the start of the night with a meet and greet, through to the Q&A at the end, the show went down without a hitch. Even when there was one person who was talking too loud in the audience, he was soon put in his place by Mick himself!

A fantastic night out for all comedy and wrestling fans, Nights in Red Flannel will have you laughing from start to finish, and in my personal opinion, has even improved from last year’s show. Some new material mixed in with the better bits of last year’s tour means that Foley has found the formula for a great night of comedy.

Highway to Hell (in a Cell)

Will HHH v Undertaker steal the show... again?

Written by RY2J

On WWE Monday Night Raw this week, the announcement we all thought was going to happen finally happened… but with a twist.

When The Undertaker was initially turned down by Triple H for a rematch at WrestleMania 28, we all had an inkling that it wouldn’t be the last we saw of the two; and sure enough, it wasn’t.

After a fantastic Shawn Michaels-Triple H promo, followed by seeing the Undertaker apparently go for the Stone Cold Steve Austin haircut, the feeling that the ‘big match’ was going to be happen was getting stronger and stronger until finally, The Game said you’re on.

The announcement that these two legends of the business were once again going to be locking horns on the grandest stage of them all was enough to get any WWE fan excited, but the COO had one more trick up his sleeve.

Throughout the history of the WWE, the Hell in a Cell match has produced some of the greatest moments in the businesses legacy. From seeing Mick Foley flying onto an announcers table, to R-Truth and The Miz barricading themselves in the structure and striking everything that moves; the proclaimed ‘demonic structure’ has had some momentous occasions associated with it.

On April 1^st 2012, it is very likely that another bout will be added to this impressive list as The Undertaker faces Triple H in a match likely to steal the show, even from the People’s Champion himself.

The Deadman has survived nineteen matches at WrestleMania and come out of everyone victorious, but there is just that little feeling that perhaps this year, Taker could meet his maker.

Whatever happens between the two, it is sure to be one hell of a slobberknocker. Their match at last year’s WrestleMania was the highlight of the PPV, and adding a celled structure to these two already combustible elements is sure to create sparks.

The Undertaker is the master of the Hell in a Cell match, but against the man who will do just about anything to win, the matchup should leave the WWE Universe in awe, regardless of the outcome.

(Have your say on who will win by voting on the poll on our site!)

The Rise of Tamina

Tamina: Proudly Carrying the Samoan Heritage

Written by RY2J

Last night at Elimination Chamber, Tamina was able to push Beth Phoenix further than any other diva has managed for quite some time. In fact, after hitting the patented Superfly Splash, she came within a second of creating history, only for The Glamazon to kick-out and go on to retain her title, for now at least.

But it was Lady Snuka who was left holding her head high at the end of the night, knowing that she had finally arrived on the big stage, after a long, often frustrating, three year climb in the WWE.

The dominant diva from Samoa has had more heel-to-face/face-to-heel changes in her three year career than The Big Show. Often being used as a bad-gal one week, followed by good-gal the next, Tamina struggled to create a strong persona for herself throughout the majority of her WWE career.

However, after ditching JTG in December 2011 (just a month or so after joining forces with him), Tamina undertook one final face-turn and started feuding with Natalya (a.k.a. Miss Fart-Gag). The difference this time, the fans bought in to it. Ladies and Gentlemen, Tamina Sunka had finally arrived.

The past couple of months have seen Tamina go from mid-carder to main eventer in the diva division, once again another success story of a Diva who is both beautiful and powerful.

However, with the name Kharma constantly on the lips of the WWE Universe, the Samoan warrior will be aware that no matter how hard she found it to get to the top; she must now push on and go that extra step if we are to see a Samoan woman lifting the Diva’s title anytime soon.

That being said, nothing should be taken away from Tamina, who has worked so hard to reach the heights she has today, and in my opinion at least, long may she remain there.

WWE Spreads the Love

Written by RY2J

Firstly may I just say Happy Valentine’s Day everybody! Seeing as how it is the day of love, I’ve decided to incorporate the occasion into our blog. So sit back, grab the heart shaped box of chocolates lying around and enjoy, as we delve deep into the realms of the WWE roster past and present to reminisce about the superstars whose biggest muscle was their heart (cue the groans).

Mr. McMahon

Some People Enjoy Valentines Day in Different Ways

As the owner of a multi-million pound business, one may be excused for thinking that Vincent Kennedy McMahon would take a back seat in the ‘lovey-dovey’ story-lines that go on within the WWE. However, if you did think this was the case, you obviously don’t know Vince all that well.

Portrayed as an evil, money hungry, egotistical corporate jackass throughout the attitude era (and for a short while beyond), Mr McMahon was often keen to include romance in his dirty work. A particular favourite example of mine (which was briefly mentioned in a previous blog entry by Headbanger Ash (“You Can’t Spell WWE without McMahon”)) is McMahons affair with the wonderfully tart-like figure of Trish Stratus. As Vince’s wife Linda sat paralysed in her wheelchair, it was up to Vince to take one for the WWE team which resulted in countless make out sessions with the busty blonde; poor Vince, it’s a tough job but someone’s got to do it.

From disrespectfully gaping at every woman that has appeared on the show through to having an obsession with people putting their lips on his backside, McMahon has duly deserved his recognition as a man with a taste for love.

Great Khali/Viscera

Now before I start this part of the article, I must make it 1000% clear that by the sub-heading ‘Great Khali/Viscera’ I am in no way implying that these two horny love monsters were an item, but instead that the gimmick that the two superstars portrayed were very similar (so get all those freaky images out of your head now).

From World’s Largest Love Machine to the Punjabi Playboy, these two colossal figures couldn’t hide their feelings from the WWE Universe and were often caught up in (albeit ridiculously) romantic storylines. In fact, Viscera was even proposed to by the lovely Lillian Garcia at the Vengeance PPV in 2005 and turned her down!! I guess as the World’s Largest Love Machine no one woman can be enough. The same bigotry statement could be made for Khali too; whose weekly kiss-cam saw the Punjabi Playboy constantly meeting and greeting new woman all the time. I guess these two huge superstars had equally huge hearts.

The Godfather

All Aboard the Ho-Train!

As a man whose job it was to walk down to the ring with his “hoes” in his pimping gear, Godfather epitomised the “We want Puppies” attitude that the WWE had on their women throughout the 1990’s. Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler would go particularly flabbergasted every time the ho-train pulled into the arena, and even Good ol’ JR was often left speechless as the barrage of beauties followed The Godfather down to the ring.

Sadly for all of us (especially the men within the WWE audience), the gimmick was dropped in 2000 to make way for the Goodfather and his induction into Right to censor. However, don’t you worry, now the owner of his own gentlemen’s club ‘Cheetah’s’, it looks like Godfather will once again be boarding the Ho-Train. All aboard!

Val Venis

The man with the towel. The Big Valbowski. Val Venis was a real ladies man within the WWE, and not only with the divas. Every match that Val was in, one lucky lady in the crowd would get the souvenir white bath towel that he wore down to the ring oh so provocatively.

With one finisher adequately named ‘The Big Package’, and being put in storyline after storyline of sleeping with different women, Val Venis’ character should go down in history as a loved-up, unadulterated superstar whose search for love often got him in more trouble than it did good. Sadly, Venis also joined Right to Censor in 2000, but once again our perverse desires were satisfied as he The Big Valbowski, towel and all, re-emerged at the 2002 Royal Rumble. Hello Ladies.

Edge

Edge and Lita: The Rated-R Duo

No love guru list would be completed without the inclusion of the Rated-R Superstar. Edge was almost instantaneously accepted as a fan favourite, even when his character was occasionally dubbed a heel in his partnership with Christian. However, it was after Edge left the tag-team division and sought after the bigger prizes in the WWE that his true, rated R character shone through.

A live raunchy sex scene with Lita on Friday Night SmackDown encapsulated Edge’s new persona, and boy did he rise to the occasion (figuratively and literally in this case). His love affair with the red-headed diva was fantastic, and along with his great relationship with Mrs Vickie ‘The Cougar’ Guerrero, Edge was able to not only enhance his character, but also gain success as a wrestler. The master of the Spear propelled himself to greatness with a little help from Cupids magic arrow, and is a deserved entrant into this year’s WWE Hall of Fame.

There are many more wrestlers who have pulled on the heartstrings of the Superstars, the Divas and the WWE Universe in history. The likes of HBK Shawn Michaels, Billy ‘Mr Ass’ Gunn, Mark ‘Sexual Chocolate’ Henry, even Teddy Long isn’t afraid of getting down on Friday Night SmackDown!

However, all of these superstars had one thing in common; they all loved to be loved back, and the WWE Universe were more than happy to comply.

Smackdown Vs Raw: It's more than just a Game

Written by Headbanger Ash

The fight to be number one!

Ever since I can remember, Raw has been the dominant brand in the WWE. From the Raw is War days to our present Monday night Raw show, it has always been the leading weekly episodic, constantly leaving Smackdown sat in a sorry second place. However, is the domination of Raw beginning to disappear? Can Smackdown, Teddy Long and-all, rise above their prevailing brother show and become number one?

Lately, I have been watching both shows without fail and the one thing I have noted is that Smackdown seems to be invading, and taking over, Raw. Rarely will a Monday night now go by in which Sheamus, The Big Show, Randy Orton or Wade Barrett are not involved in one way or another, and these names are fast becoming fans favourites.

I understand that Raw is now called the Raw super show, meaning both rosters can compete on Monday nights, yet the reliance upon certain superstars from the runner-up brand is perhaps indicating that Smackdown is no longer content with living in its sibling’s shadow. In fact, without the likes of Orton and Sheamus kicking some ass on Raw, would we actually see a drop in viewing figures?

The Royal Rumble winner of 2012, The Great White himself, is a fully pledged Smackdown superstar whilst the tag titles are also now owned by the blue half of the WWE. As this sort of power is instituted towards Teddy Longs team and away from big Johnny, will Teddy actually catch his rival?

Like many others, I still believe that Raw is, the greater brand, with the likes of Jericho, Punk, Cena (yes we may not like him, but, we like to not like him), Kane, The Miz, and Ziggler perhaps over-powering the weaker Smackdown roster.

Yet a look at the upcoming talent on Smackdown such as Sheamus, Cody Rhodes, Barrett, D-Bry etc. and you can see that the gulf between the two shows is certainly shrinking.

However, the problem doesn’t seem to be the talent, it seems to be the storylines. Raw has always provided that extra special moment which Smackdown just lacks. For example, on Raw you may see Kane clawing his way out of a hole in the middle of the ring only for it to be set ablaze moments later, whilst on Smackdown, the most edgy thing that occurs is a Natalya fart-gag or Hunico riding some sort of “pimped-out” bicycle to the ring. It is this kind of thing that is remembered by the WWE universe and which one, honestly, would you rather see?

To finish this piece I think we must recognise the huge strides Smackdown has made recently with the show actually becoming interesting again and not just 2 long, long hours of air-time on Sy-Fy. Raw has dominated the WWE universe for decades now, yet could we soon be seeing a switch over to the blue side?

D-Bry the Perfect Heel Guy?

The Bearded Man's Heel Turn Plan

Written by RY2J

Throughout recent weeks and months in the WWE, Daniel Bryan has been unveiling his new persona to the WWE Universe – a jackass. And boy does he play the part well!

Obviously a very talented wrestler, Bryan was able to capture the World Heavyweight Championship in December by cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase for a shot at the gold. However, even at this earliest stage of D-Bry’s title reign, the seeds were being sown for a heel turn in the not so distant future.

By winning the title against a defenceless Big Show, questions were immediately asked about Bryan’s integrity and whether he was actually a deserved World Heavyweight Champion. 

These views were quickly backed up in the following weeks on SmackDown where the champion would defend his title against the World’s Largest Athlete, and keep winning in somewhat dubious circumstances.

Bryan’s arrogance continued to grow, and with it the fans continued to turn on a man they used to cheer; with The Champ’s crowning moment in his heel turn coming when The Big Show inadvertently knocked down D-Bry’s girlfriend AJ.

With a constant verbal barrage on Big Show thereafter, labelling him a ‘Bastard’ (cheeky loosening of the PG format) who should leave the WWE, the face-to-heel transformation was more or less completed.

After retaining his title at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view (albeit in questionable fashion), Daniel Bryan has been able to continue his pompous reign in the WWE into February.

His match a couple of weeks ago on Monday Night Raw against CM Punk stole the show, showing D-Bry can still go toe-to-toe with the (self-proclaimed) best in the world, and it is this ability, mixed in with the overzealous, egotistical persona, that has led Bryan to undergo one of the most interesting and well delivered heel turns in the WWE for some time.

You can't spell WWE without McMahon

By Headbanger Ash

Having been one of the lucky ones, growing up in the attitude era, I saw first-hand how one family ruled over the wrestling industry. Names like The Rock, Stone Cold, HHH, Benoit, Jericho (the list goes on) helped make the era what it was but only one name truly dominated...McMahon.

Yet as the PG era took over, we have seen less and less of the most powerful family in sports entertainment. Less Vince McMahon one liners “YOU’RE FIRED” and the demise of the “kiss my a*s club” (even though big Johnny seemed happy to join it on Raw), no more of Shanes “coast-to-coasts” or 40 foot falls, no more choke slams, stone cold stunners or last rides for Steph, and Linda, well… we all love Linda.

The WWE has so much to thank this family for and what they have given to the world of wrestling can never be overestimated.

Vince McMahon

Vincent Kennedy McMahon

A career which has spanned over thirty years, and the man who has made WWE what it is today, Vincent Kennedy McMahon’s achievements are unparalleled in the industry. The biggest heel and the biggest face of all time, McMahon has done it all: World Heavyweight championships, Royal Rumble winner, legendary feuds with the Rattlesnake, Trish Stratus’ “toyboy”, not to mention the fact that he pretty much reinvented the business.

Storylines are original and appeal to all audiences ultimately due to the vision of Vince. Since joining his Father’s business back in 1972, McMahon has guided the WWE to the top of the ratings and under his leadership, Raw has become the longest-running weekly episodic TV show in history. Therefore we thank you Mr McMahon and look forward to seeing that iconic strut making a welcome return in the near future.

Shane McMahon

Shane McMahon

When Shane was a regular feature on the WWE, you was always safe in the knowledge that something interesting was about to happen. Following in the footsteps of his father, Shane could talk the talk and walk the walk as he was flying like a butter fly and stinging like a bee. Chairs, tables, bin lids, baking trays and even road signs came in contact with the cranium of Shane during his career as he was always willing to take one for the company – despite the risk. I offer the example here of one of my all-time favourite matches: Kurt Angle Vs Shane McMahon – King of the Ring 2001. A match I can only describe in the words of Ron Simmons, DAMN!

Shane will hopefully enrol on the same course as his Father did and one day own the WWE Empire. His experiences with WCW and ECW may have put him in good stead and I for one would be more than happy for Shane to continue the McMahon domination of professional wrestling.

 

Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley



Stephanie McMahon

 The youngest member of the McMahon quartet, the “Billion dollar princess” was almost feuding with as many men as she was Diva’s during her time in the WWE. Like her brother, Steph was always willing to take a hit in the name of the business, even receiving the dreaded stink face from Rikishi. Yet it usually wasn’t her in ring ability that got “Daddy’s little girl” noticed, despite the fact she was one-time women’s champion, it was in fact her relationship with the Game, HHH, that propelled her career. On the arm of one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, she helped guide the Cerebral Assassin to achieve title after title and claim utter domination under the McMahon-Helmsley era.

Now, with Road Dogg recently returning and Triple H looking to have turned down the opportunity of a third match against Taker at Wrestlemania, a Stephanie McMahon comeback would be awesome and could help kick-start a DX II.

Linda McMahon

Linda McMahon

Even if Linda may not have been as iconic on screen as her fellow family members, her off-screen contribution have helped shape the business into what it is today. Alongside husband Vince, Linda helped to establish the new era of wrestling yet it hasn’t always been smooth sailing between the two on screen.

My fondest memory of Linda includes Vince, and is enough of a reason for her to have her own hall in the hall of fame - the famous kick at Wrestlemania X-Seven. If you haven’t seen this then you are truly missing out – not only do you feel the urge to hollow a “hell yeah” when she rises from her seat, but when the foot connects with the McMahon family jewels, a mixture of humour and empathy (if you have been hit there you know what I mean) falls upon you.

Perhaps the McMahons don’t play as key a role on screen any more yet one more family feud would surely be welcome as WWE looks to recapture its attitude.

Deadman Walking

WrestleMania XXVIII: Undertaker vs ???

Written By RY2J

It has been a hectic ten months in the WWE since WrestleMania XXVII. From meeting Mr Excitement John Lauranitis to seeing Jomo having to go go. From the disbanding of Nexus to The Rock’s first match in over seven years. Even in the last month or so we’ve seen a masked Kane re-appear, a bemusing Jericho return, Sheamus win the Royal Rumble and we’ve even been introduced to the only living Funkasauras known to man!

However, amidst all the commotion that has excited us throughout this time, one thing (or should I say ‘one man’) has been missing. On Monday 30^th January 2012, Hells Gates reopened and out stepped the man who has made the WWE ring his playground over the last twenty years. Finally, The Undertaker returned.

As soon as the first ‘Donggg’ was echoed through the arena, the crowd erupted (even sat at home I couldn’t help but to throw a ‘hell yeah’ fist into the air). Memories of the great matches between The Undertaker and Triple H were quickly flooding back as The Deadman squared up to The Game in the ring and, without the need to say a word, challenged him to a match at WrestleMania.

However, unlike with the build-up to WrestleMania 27, this time Triple H did not stand there and stare back, instead he just patted Taker on the shoulder and left the ring. So the question has now arisen: will it be HHH vs Undertaker at WrestleMania XXVIII? And if not The Cerebral Assassin, then who?

Last year’s bout between these two heavyweights of the business even eclipsed The Rock as guest host and the match justifiably stole the show. A rematch has looked likely to occur ever since, with Undertaker desperate to get his streak to 20-0 in style.

However, with Triple H’s apparent reluctance to fight The Phenom again, if this match does not occur then, in my opinion, I can only see one other potential matchup. Will we have a repeat of WrestleMania XIV and XX and once again see The Undertaker vs Kane on the biggest stage of them all!?

With John Cena scheduled to face The Rock come April 1^st in Miami, The Big Red Machines current feud with Cena will surely come to an end sometime before this. Therefore, another ‘brother on brother’ bout could well be on the cards for this year’s pinnacle event.

However the fact remains that, whether it be Triple H, Kane or anyone else on the roster for that matter, personally I am just delighted that The Deadman has returned, and come WrestleMania 28, will once again be looking to make his opponent Rest. In. Peace.

RY2J’s Royal Rumble Preview (Part 4 of 4): The Royal Rumble Match

And the winner is...

Written By RY2J

30-Man Royal Rumble Match

One of the most exciting matches of the year will commence tonight as 30 superstars have the opportunity to go on and headline WrestleMania, all they need to do is be the last man standing in the ring come the end of the Rumble.

A lot has been made in the build-up about the fact that ‘any superstar can enter.’ This has led to rumours of everything from divas to leprechauns being entered into the match (and I’ve even heard a whisper of a certain Executive Vice President of Talent Relations and Interim General Manager of Raw making a sneaky appearance). The fact remains, whoever enters the Rumble, they will have to get by twenty-nine other superstars regardless.

A difficult match to analyse and predict, but I will do my best. Below are my five picks as to who I believe are the big contenders in the 25^th Annual Royal Rumble Event:

5. Undertaker – The Deadman has not been seen on our TV screens since WrestleMania XXVII, but with his current record of 19-0 at the WWEs pinnacle event, surely he will be looking to get to 20-0 this year. The question remains however in what circumstances will ‘Taker make it to WrestleMania, could it possibly be through winning the Rumble?

4. Rey Mysterio – Another superstar who has been out of the WWE for a number of months, the master of the 6-1-9 is also rumoured to be making a potential return tonight; and as the ultimate underdog, if Rey is in the match, he is always in with a chance of winning it, no matter of his size.

3. Kane – regardless of what happens in Kane’s match against Cena earlier in the night, The Big Red Machine could still make an appearance in the Rumble match, and if so, expect him to cause quite the stir. Renowned for his ability to eliminate large amounts of superstars from this very match, don’t be surprised if Kane enters the match, and maybe even goes that one step further.

2. Randy Orton – the apex predator returned to WWE on SmackDown this week and looked pumped and ready to go. After RKO-ing five superstars in the ring on Friday Night, Orton appears to be on a warpath, with his radar fixed right on Wade Barrett. No matter if Orton is successful in winning the Rumble, the likelihood is that himself and Barrett will play decisive roles in each other’s potential eliminations.

1. Chris Jericho – Y2J has been back in the WWE for a month now, but to say he came ‘back-with-a-bang’ would be quite the over statement. Jericho has only muttered one sentence since his return, stating that he will be in the Rumble match, and with all the hype surrounding the apparent silent superstar, it looks like the Jerichoholics could have something to cheer by the end of the night.

I would love to say that I think the likes of Mick Foley, ‘Big Johnny’ John Lauranitis, The Miz, Road Dogg and Hornswoggle have a chance of winning the Rumble (well maybe not the last one), but in my opinion, 2012 is shaping up to be the Year of Jericho.

RY2J Verdict: Chris Jericho to win

Headbanger Ash Verdict: Triple H to win