Sorry this episode is so late, dear reader, but I’ve been away on vacation. I’m back from an invigorating trip to the Rocky Mountains, and I’ve missed you all.
I saw Doc Holliday’s grave, soaked in a hot spring and spent way too much money at Tesseract Comics & Games in Glenwood Springs, CO. Looking on the mountains filled me with with a wonder and appreciation for this world and all the magnificent things in it.
As I fawned over my new copy of the 1st appearance of Lobo, and remembered how The Rock was supposed to play him, I was brought back to my first love: wrestling.
Wrestling is an amazing spectacle that continues to give no matter how greedy we become. We demand people brutalize themselves with thumbtacks and barbwire, ECW was happy to oblige. We want acrobatics and stunning speticles? Go watch Ricochet vs. Will Ospreay give everything they have.
https://youtu.be/A2tzwazU3yY
Life is glorious and so is wrestling and with that, welcome to the Love in!
5. The Miz vs. Daniel Bryan
With the Miz slated to move to Smackdown, the word is we’re getting a program between him and Daniel Bryan. Ever since the Miz usurped the “Yes Kicks” we’ve been dying for this clash. Luckily, the WWE is savvy enough to give it to us sooner rather than later.
With the story line between him and KO & Sami Zayn over this is the most logical step for Bryan. However, it seems as though D-Bry may have to chop down the WWE’s version of Groot: Big Cass.
However, the Miz has been taunting Bryan for years, and if played right, this should be the Miz’s worst nightmare. Hell, this could become a family fued, and I’m not talking Richard Dawson. No, Brie Bella vs Maryse; Birdie Joe vs Monroe Sky in a Hell in a Playpen Match!
That passion is chilling. The Miz truly loves us and this was one of his greatest promos. If they carry that passion over, this program has the potential to play across many levels and be one of the most engaging storylines of 2018. Bryan, out for revenge against one of the most engaging sports entertainers working should make for amazing television. I can’t wait to watch.
4. Emma and Jack Swagger Making Their Own Way
The WWE is the big dog of wrestling, the Roman Reigns, if you will. We can’t stop complaining, but it’s really not that bad and we keep watching.
However, more and more the independent/ smaller promotions are gaining in importance. As we’ve seen for the careers of people like the the Young Bucks, a thriving career can be made outside of the WWE. And for people like Cody Rhodes, even bigger opportunities can be had after leaving Vince McMahon’s coterie of superstars.
Now, it appears two more former WWE superstars have found a 2nd life in new promotions. Tenille Dashwood, the former Emma, joined Ring of Honor this past February, and has been helping elevate their women’s division. Dashwood has been displaying a more agressive style and says she’s happy with the creative freedom she has in ROH.
Also, Jack Swagger will be joining Major League Wrestling and is set to debut on May 3rd at MLW: Intimidation Games. The former World Heavyweight Champion will surely help bring some recognition to the smaller promotion and perhaps be the beginning of a successful run for Swagger.
It’s wonderful to see Emma thrive in ROH after her less than stellar WWE run, and seeing the All-American Jack Swagger in the ring again is equally as exciting. These are very talented people who have given so much to this industry. Support them and love the fact that these smaller promotions can offer a compelling alternative to the WWE.
3. Paige’s 2nd life
Speaking of 2nd lives, lets talk about Paige. I don’t believe another wrestler has had a more difficult few years. Paige has dealt with injury, a bad relationship, strained ties with the WWE and her family, a sex scandal, and, after coming back from it all, a career ending injury. It’s almost a Greek myth it’s so tragic.
However, there was some light at the end of the tunnel. Despite the pain her retirement speech caused us all, Paige returned the next night in a new capacity: the Smackdown Live General Manager. This is an awesome opportunity for her and us. As seen with Daniel Bryan, the GM position can accompany some of the best story lines on the program.
Also, in their short time together, the banter between Paige and Shane McMahon has made me genuinely laugh out loud. We’re lucky that not only is she not leaving, but her role on Smackdown will be even more prevalent. Let’s face it, we could all use more Paige in our lives, so I love this move by the WWE. Smackdown is Paige’s house.
2. NXT Pulls 2 5 Star Matches
Dave Meltzer’s star rating system may be the opinions of one man, but they’re the opinions of arguably the most respecting wrestling journalist of all time. Therefore, as wreslting new’s GOAT, we perk up when Ol’ Uncle Dave doles out a coveted Five Star Rating to a match.
While it seems New Japan Pro Wrestling comes by these accolades easier, the WWE managed to pull off a feat never before done in Meltzer’s rating system. NXT Takeover New Orleans managed to pull two 5 Star matches in a single event.
Both the six-man ladder match for the new NXT North American Championship and the unsanctioned grudge match between Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa. Both matches displayed some of the top talent working today, and again, caused the NXT PPV to blow WrestleMania away.
Every time NXT blows us away like this we should get pumped for the future of the WWE. Not only is the NXT talent the WWE talent of tomorrow, but, as I’ve said again and again, we have Triple H’s magnificent booking to look forward to.
These matches were amazing and everything else aside, these sorts of spectacles are why we love wrestling.
1. A Loving Tribute to André
This past week saw the release of HBO’s documentary André the Giant. Many of you may be too young to remember André from anything but video clips of him being slammed by Hulk Hogan and the Princess Bride. André René Roussimoff was, in simple terms, one of a kind. No figure in wrestling has been more loved, revered, respected, and tragic.
The 8th Wonder of the World suffered as a giant in a world built for average men. Wherever he went he was haunted by gawking onlookers, and in his later life he was wracked by severe pain. He couldn’t even hold up the diminutive Robin Wright when he had to catch her at the end of Princess Bride.
However, watch he cast of that film remember Andre fondly. Even, through the pain the gentle giant remained. Hearing the road stories about the big man drinking enough alcohol to kill a bull elephant are impressive and add to the man’s legend. However, past all that André was larger than life, and seeing how he touched those he was around only makes you love him more.
That’s it for this week my friends. Let us know what you think on Twitter or in the comments below. Until next week, spread the love, and be excellent to one another.
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