Archive for March 2015

Mandatory Credit: WWE.com

Unless you've been living under a rock, it's no secret that Brock Lesnar has been engaged in heavy contract negotiations. While also fielding offers from Viacom's Bellator MMA and the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the former UFC Heavyweight Champion and current WWE World Heavyweight champion has kept a tight lid on his decision.

However, at the eleventh hour, he finally decided what kingdom to which he will to lay waste. That kingdom being the WWE. On ESPN's SportCenter, the 'Beast Incarnate' let the cat out of the bag.

He has officially closed the door on MMA, and chose to continue his professional wrestling career with the WWE.

With the choice to re-sign, that opens the door for a plethora of different story arcs. There are many superstars left to be conquered, regardless whether Lesnar is the champion. The main thing this changes is Wrestlemania itself. Does this put a definitive halt to Romans imminent title reign? Not necessarily.

There's a reason why Paul Heyman plants the seeds that he does. He has always been making a future fork in the road with many destinations. Look closely at his promos over the past year. There is a true method to his madness.

It is no coincidence that he has constantly, overbearingly, and perhaps even annoyingly, continued to remind us of who exactly is the one to defeat The Undertaker while putting a halt to the undefeated streak. Thus, leaving the casket open for The Undertaker to rise up and pursue Lesnar's penance at next years 'Mania, which all hands point to being The Undertaker's retirement match. Whether The Undertaker bests Bray Wyatt matters not, for it has no bearing on the unfinished business that Taker and Lesner have.

It is completely plausible that the 'Deadman' may intervene and cost the conqueror his crown against the former SHIELD enforcer. Interference not withstanding, the Undertaker could wait until after the match to strike, with the show closing as the two face-off. This could lead to a year long feud with The Undertaker going over and winning the title next year, only to lay it down and retire as champion. A rare occurrence indeed, however, if anyone deserves such an honor, it's the Deadman.

Next we have the standard bearer, Seth Rollins, aka 'Mr. Money in the Bank.' Whether he defeats Randy Orton or not is irrelevant, in that he can certainly cash in on a victorious Brock Lesnar. In fact, if Orton does best Rollins prior to him cashing in, that could even open up a triangle feud between the three in the title picture. In essence, that would have Lesnar thrown into a program with arguably the two best workers in the company, which has money written all over it. Speaking of money, there's the wildcard that is Paul Heyman. He could quite possibly turn on Brock.

Which brings us to the next scenario, the ever looming face turn. With the way the 'smart' fans have refused to embrace Roman Reigns, there can even be the ever illusive double turn. Heyman could back Rollins in screwing over a post match victorious Lesnar. Also, the "Heyman" double cross could aid Roman Reigns to victory, bringing instant pity to Brock and disdain for Reigns. They could drag that program on and do it bigger and better than they did with CM Punk. That's because Brock is the original non-ECW Paul Heyman guy. He's been at his side for nearly fifteen years. With Heyman's mic work and Brocks facial expressions, it could be the most fulfilling program that WWE has pulled off in years. It's one of the very few ways that they can get sympathy for such a menacing individual like Brock Lesnar.

Of course there's also the other aforementioned seeds planted from Paul Heyman over the past few months. In the build up to the upcoming Wrestlemania, Paul has talked a lot about Roman Reigns' Samoan heritage. Heyman has constantly reminded the WWE Universe how Brock destroyed The Rock and sent him to Hollywood, back in in 2002. Then there's the coy attitude The Rock has displayed when asked if he would be at this years Wrestlemania. It is not farfetched to see a run in from The Great One, setting up Rock vs Brock II.

Finally, there's the road less traveled. The most unpredictable scenario yet. It's probably the one that's best for business. Which may also include a Lesnar face turn. Imagine Brock overcoming a formidable Roman Reigns. Standing tall. bruised, hurting and tired but also victorious. Then BOOOOOOM! The Russian flag drops over the ring. RUSEV SMASHES, RUSEV CRUSHES, and down marches the super athlete to the tune of perhaps Jim Johnston's best work in over a decade with The United States title in hand. The show closes with a face-to-face between the two dominant champions.

Nonetheless, there is more then one way to skin a cat. With Brock Lesnar being here to stay, the opportunities are limitless. Any of these potential story arcs could be great avenues for legitimate entertainment with unforgettable matches to follow. It is an exciting time. What storyline will be, The Next Big Thing?

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Mandatory Credit: WWE.com

The speculation and rumors of the past few months can officially be laid to rest as former six-time World Heavyweight champion Kevin Nash will be the final inductee into WWE Hall of Fame, as announced by Rolling Stone.

Nash, 55, is a 25-year veteran of the professional wrestling industry. Beginning his career with the now defunct WCW, the near seven-foot tall Nash went through several gimmicks with the company, ultimately never finding a niche for himself in the company.

After leaving WCW, Nash made his way to the WWF under the name 'Diesel', as he caught the eye of Shawn Michaels, one of the WWF's top performers. As Nash told Rolling Stone, making the move the WWF is what helped skyrocket his career.

"Shawn seeing me as Vinnie Vegas on WCW TV, asking Vince to bring me in as a bodyguard, that's where I learned the business," Nash says. "Sitting ringside, watching Shawn and Scott Hall work, all of my progression was because of them. The exposure I got because of that changed my career forever, and I'm eternally grateful to Shawn and Scott and Vince McMahon, because WCW couldn't do anything with me."

During his time with the WWF, Nash held the WWF championship for nearly a year, becoming one of the top big men of both his generation and of all-time. However, Nash bolted back to WCW with the promise of a lighter work schedule and more money. It was that move that helped establish the former college basketball player as one of the top names in wrestling.

As five years passed, Nash solidified himself as a legend in the business. Five different reigns as WCW World heavyweight champion, along with being a founding father of the nWo, the most popular faction of all-time, his impact on wrestling couldn't be denied.

When he did leave to return to WCW, Nash and his longtime friend Scott Hall managed to secure guaranteed contracts for themselves. A concept that had been unprecedented at that juncture but one that Nash is proud to have achieved for future generations of wrestlers.

"When people write articles about why I should or shouldn't be in the Hall of Fame, inevitably they always mention something about all of that," he says. "To be honest, I think the thing I'm most proud of is that I always viewed this as a business, and without me doing some of those things, this business wouldn't be as lucrative for some of the guys as it is today.

WCW closed down in 2001, and Nash continued to wrestle. He returned to the WWE for two separate stints in 2002 and 2011, returning to the company he once deserted. Also, Nash acted in a slew of movies, including the now popular 'Magic Mike' movies.

Now, as he enters the WWE Hall of Fame, Nash is appreciative of the honor and the legacy he was able to leave behind and the life he provided for himself.

"I've been called just about everything, but this is the first time I'll be called a Hall of Famer. It's nice," Nash laughs. "It's been a long 25 years, but this business has been great to me. Without wrestling, there's no way I'd be where I am today. I'd probably own a strip club someplace."

Mandatory Credit: WWE.com

If you have seen The Undertaker's Facebook page recently, you'd notice the ominous picture saying "The beginning of the end." Usually, ominous is present adjective used to describe the man from the dark side.

However, one can't help but wonder if there is a deeper meaning behind the message. Is this perhaps the 'deadman's' last ride? Is it his time to venture forth unto his long walk to the dunes of death valley? Whether a member of the WWE universe or not, it doesn't take a hardcore fan to know that 'Big Evil' is slowing down.

The Undertaker has been a part-time talent for many years now, only showing his eerie dominance for the months surrounding Wrestlemania. It can be said that he's semi-retired already, and was only drawn back to defend his undefeated steak. Now that there is a one, in 21-1, it seems he can finally let go.

Not taking anything away from his legendary career however. Over two and a half decades of dominance speak for themselves. A career filled with multiple unforgettable moments. From the instant he tombstoned his way onto the scene at the 1990 Survivor Series, to the inception of many devastating matches, such as the casket match, the buried alive match, and of course the Hell in the Cell. The latter of which became one of his defining moments when he tossed Mick Foley off the top of a cell.

Whether as the 'Lords of Darkness' or the 'American Badass', he will forever be a true phenom. He is one of only two men, along with Shawn Michaels, who can say they never switched sides during and before the 'Monday Night Wars' when guys were jumping ship left and right for bigger contracts. He is the longest tenured wrestler in WWE's employ, and is often seen as the moral conscience of the guys in the locker room. Always being a company man who never shied away in doing the job and putting over other talent.

Hence, why his lofty reward of always getting his time once every year at Wrestlemania.

Now, that chapter is finally written, it seems this year, if not next year, may be his final. If that is the case and he truly is on his last ride, the former seven-time champion and future Hall of Famer deserves to finally relax and eternally rest in peace.

One of the most anticipated events and matches that Fighting Spirit Wrestling annually presents has come and gone.

25 men entered the Lions Den and only man roared with victory. However, a complete defamation of respect added a personal fire to the next rivalry that FSW fans will see for the World Heavyweight championship.

Despite only having five matches, the entire show provided a good balance of wrestling, shocking and feel good moments as the faithful students of the Ludus Wrestling Center showed why their hard work translates into success.

Lets take a look.

Pre-Show

Neighborhood Watch Heroes and Selfie Josh vs. Eric Gordon, AJ Spectre and Pyro Pulse: Gordon is in control early on until Citizen Prime walks the wall along the ring and hits a clothesline on Gordon. Spectre and Pulse use acrobatic offense to stiffle Prime. At one point, Selfie Josh shows reckless abandon and heaves himself off the apron onto everybody on the outside of the ring. The Sons of America pull a switch as Ian Gordon takes Eric's spot but, Prime defeats the new Gordon with an inverted neckbreaker for the win.

Winners: Neighborhood Watch Heroes and Selfie Josh

Main Show

The great commentary team for FSW made up of "The Ace" Dante Jayce and Mike "The Main Event" Edison are ready to call the action as The End open the show. PJ Stackpole asks the fan-favorite ring announcer Ryan Peterson who he thinks will win the Lions Den battle royal. The answer of 'Mike Verna' didn't set well with Stackpole as he chased Peterson from the ring. He goes on to inform the audience that Verna will not be winning the battle royal and that Cyrus Deville and Leon Mason will be the winners and go for the tag titles as the crowd chants 'Dana White' toward Stackpole. However, he warns Joel Maximo is next.

FSW Tag Team Championships: Flawless and Lawless vs. Da House of Payne (c) (Nick Payne & Hakim Ali): Both House of Payne members assault Flawless and Lawless to begin the match but it doesn't take 'Flawless' Blake Morris long to recover. Morris and his partner, Rex Lawless work well as a team in the early stages of the match, isolating Nick Payne from his partner. As Ali and Payne talk on the outside of the ring, Lawless picks up his partner Morris military press style and throws him to the outside, taking out Payne and Ali. Morris and Lawless are working well as a team throughout the match and Da House of Payne are doing their best to combat it. Morris locks in a 'Rings of Saturn' submission hold on Ali and he taps out and we have new tag team champions.

But as it turns out, the referee called for the bell to disqualify Da House of Payne because of Big Daddy Dre yanking the referee out the ring to stop a pinfall moments before the submission. Therefore, Flawless and Lawless are victorious but Da House of Payne are still champions.

Winners via Disqualification: Flawless and Lawless

Omega Black minus their former member Suntan make their way to the announce table to do guest commentary. As Suntan waits in the ring for Magma, Matt Cappo makes his way to the ring and they both say something to each other but microphone difficulties prevent anybody from hearing what they said.

FSW Primiero Championship: Suntan vs. Magma (c): This match was easily one of the hardest hitting matches in recent FSW history. A litany of stiff slaps, forearms and punches left both men battered and brusied. Suntan hit Magma with an array of suplexes, constantly keeping him off his feet. But the crafty Magma came into this match on a hot streak and much like his name would indicate, he did keep a lot of heat on Suntan. The big man kept trying through the match to hit his impressive moonsault, but Magma stopped him at every turn, including hitting a bone crushing powerbomb on Suntan from the second rope. In Chris Hero fashion, Magma landed two spinning elbows to both sides of Suntan but even that couldn't stop Suntan. At one point, Sumie Sakai tried getting involved, leaping onto Suntan on the top rope. But Suntan caught her and threw her onto Matt Cappo and one member of Omega Black. As Greg Jones tried getting involved, Magma accidentally sprayed his red mist into his eyes and Suntan capitalized, using size on a rollup to keep Magma down for a three count.

Winner and NEW Primiero Champion: Suntan

The crowd erupted as the referees hand hit the mat for a three count, leaving Magma, Sakai and Suntan's former brethren in Omega Black in shock.

FSW World Heavyweight Championship: Supastar Whiplash vs. Ian Aldwin (c) w/PJ Stackpole: A lot of stalling to begin this match until Aldwin used his size advantage to overpower Whiplash. An impressive spot saw Whiplash use Aldwin's arm for support to leap onto the top rope and take out the rest of The End on the outside. From that point forward, Aldiwn completely neutralized Whiplash, except for a few bursts of life from Whiplash, including a Christopher Daniels like moonsault from Whiplash onto Aldwin. With the referee distracted, Cyrus and Aldwin double team Whiplash. At one point, the crowd nearly reached a fever pitch as Whiplash hit a senton bomb followed by a frog splash and nearly got a three count. That was as close as Whiplash would get. A Stackpole distraction allowed Aldwin to hit an inverted full nelson slam and lock in a cobra clutch like submission as Whiplash passed out.

Winner: Ian Aldwin

After the match, The End set up two chairs in the ring and Aldwin uses the same inverted full nelson slam from moments before to slam Whiplash spine first through the chairs.

-Intermission-

The Lions Den 2015

Cyrus Deville and Captain Hammil open the match but a spear from Cyrus allows him to eliminate Hammil right away.

Citizen Prime is next entrant and he takes it to Cyrus until the next man in, Leon Mason comes in and they double team and eliminate Prime.

Sammi Pickles is next and despite her best efforts, she is outnumbered and receives a spear from Cyrus for her troubles. PJ Stackpole eliminates Pickles. You read that right.

Mike Verna is in next but the two members of The End keep him at bay. Selfie Josh is next and he's eliminated right away. Rex Lawless is next and he cleans house. Joe Ettell, the next entrant comes in and brawls with Verna.

Benny Martinez is next but he doesn't come in the ring right away. Talon is next and he teams with Ettell to eliminate Lawless. Blake Morris is next as Lawless urges on his partner. Manny Martinez is next and Benny finally enters the match as he and his brother take it to the competition.

Sasha X and Big Daddy Dre are the next two entrants. Blake Morris is eliminated. Greg Jones and Nutrious X are the next two entrants as Big Daddy Dre is eliminated. Geno X is next as all three members of Certified Sexy are in the ring. Suntan is in next breaks a bottle over Jones head.

Nutrious X climbs to the top rope and hits a senton onto the mass of humanity in the ring, knocking everybody off their feet. Martinez Brothers are eliminated. Dr. Arroyo is next and he shows off some skills, hitting a stunner on Ettell before being eliminated. Tony Dynasty is the next entrant as Suntan is eliminated.

Magma is the next entrant as Geno X, Dynasty and Nutrious X are eliminated within moments of each other. Eric Gordon is next but Talon eliminates him. The large Malta The Damager is in next entrant as he and Leon Mason have a clash of the giants.

The final entrant is Joel Maximo as the crowd welcomes him with a nice ovation. Not an entrant but Talon eliminates Becky Goodhead. Leon eliminates Malta and Ettell but is himself eliminated by Verna. However, Stackpole suprises everybody and eliminates Verna.

Talon eliminates Cyrus, leaving just him and Maximo.

Talon vs. Joel Maximo: Maximo looks as athletic as ever as he prepares for the Lucha Libre Extravaganza. A flurry of kicks to Talon, keeping him off balance. However, Talon throws Maximo off the ropes, hitting a diving legdrop and hits a second fisherman buster and wins the 2015 Lions Den.

Winner: Talon

After the match, Maximo praises Talon and tells him to kick Aldwin's ass. However, Stackpole has a proposition for Talon, to do what Whiplash couldn't do and become FSW's first triple crown winner. Team up with Leon Mason and go for the tag team titles. Talon says that he will make history and become the first two-time FSW World Heavyweight champion.

The End assault Talon as Mason hits a chokeslam, Cyrus hits a spear and Aldwin shocks the entire crowd by cutting Talon's famous beard. Maximo, Verna and Ettell try to help but The End flee and leave the arena.

Mandatory Credit: El-Mexicano

Lucha Libre legend Perro Aguayo Jr, also known as El Hijo del Perro Aguayo passed away early Saturday morning in Tijuana, Mexico after taking a 619 from fellow Lucha Libre legend Rey Misterio, according to PWTorch.

Aguayo Jr, 35, wrestled in a match with Misterio at AAA's show on Friday night. When Misterio tried to deliver his signature '619' finishing move, Aguayo attempted to dodge the maneuver. Instead, he took the brunt of it on his trachea, thus causing severe whiplash.

Paramedics rushed to assist the ailing Mexican legend as he was put into a backbrace and taken to Del Prado Hospital. The initial reports were positive, as Zeta reported that Aguayo had been stabilized. Those reports proved to be false as El-Mexicano confirmed that he passed away early Saturday morning.

Here is video of Aguayo Jr visibly shaken moments after receiving the 619:

The son of lucha libre legend Perro Aguayo, Aguayo Jr began wrestling at the age of 15. Since that time, he became one of Mexico's most decorated luchadors in history as his career spanned all of the top Mexican promotions, including CMLL (Consejo Munidal del Lucha Libre), AAA (Asistencia Asesoria y Administracion) and his own promotion known as 'Perros del Mal Producciones,'

Misterio and Aguayo Jr actually wrestled in a tag team match two days prior at AAA's 'Reys De Reyes' event. That match was the first post-WWE match that Misterio competed in.

The entire lucha libre community is mourning the loss of one of their most beloved superstars as all the major promotions in Mexico have issued statements regarding his passing.

Several wrestling personalities have commented on the tragic events:

Reading about Perro Jr... Surreal. Had the pleasure to see he & Garza work Arena Mexico. Condolences to his family, friends & fans.
— Chris Hero (@thechrishero) March 21, 2015

We must remember that everytime we step into a ring it could potentially end up being our last. RIP to a great performer in Perro Aguayo Jr.
— Cheeseburger (@CheeseburgerROH) March 21, 2015

Sad, sad news...R.I.P Perro Aguayo Jr.
— #SunTanBikerMan (@ImpactDOC) March 21, 2015

R.I.P. Pedro Aguayo Ramirez (July 23, 1979- March 21, 2015)

Mandatory Credit: WWE.com

What are they missing...who did they piss off?

There's a bone to pick with the IWC. Yes, that's right. It's time to call out the internet wrestling community. Enough with the 'smart marks' constantly complaining about how Damien Sandow and Wade Barrett are constantly being buried.

But, are they?

If you were talking about a JTG, Zack Ryder or the recently departed Justin Gabriel, you have a point. However, Barett is the Intercontinental champion and is in one of the big marquee matches. A match that could easily steal the show at Wrestlemania. He has been in-and-out of the main event scene since his arrival, where he was immediately thrust into a program with John Cena. Since then, he has overcome bad writing and numerous horrible entrance themes and character makeovers to still be over with the fans. And now, he's a multiple time Intercontinental champion.

But why is he always getting buried by constantly losing in non-title matches? It seems the term "buried" has changed. Or perhaps this generation of "smart marks" don't know what it means. Most heels lose in non-title matches, its always been that way. More over, the point is regardless of what happens to him, he is getting paid a lot of money to live out his dream job on the biggest stage. He is always on the main shows like RAW and SmackDown and rarely does a pay-per-view go by where he doesn't get air-time.

And that's what matters.

Same for Damien Sandow. He survived crappy writing and uneventful storylines to get himself over, and because of that, he is rewarded with sought after TV time. He is one of the guys expected to win the Andre the Giant memorial battle royal. But regardless of that, just like Barrett, he is constantly featured on Monday night Raw and thrown into programs that feature him with time to both talk and wrestle. He's also another guy able to live his dream and be showcased on the biggest shows the company has to offer.

So until these two are stuck on Superstars or relegated to dark matches, and being kept off of TV, the IWC should know its role and shut its mouth.

The 'Grand Daddy of Them All" all is upon us yet again and as usual, it's not without controversy. That controversy mainly stems from the main event title picture as Brock Lesnar has yet to re-sign with his contracts expiration looming. However, that makes this year's event into something that the last few Wrestlemania's have not been, which is unpredictable.

And that's a good thing.

Let's start at the top, with the aforementioned world heavyweight championship match. If Lesnar re-signs with the company, he will likely retain. But if he doesn't, is Roman ready to Reign? There's also the wild card of Paul Heyman to consider. A possibility of a double turn still exists but the biggest factor is of course Seth Rollins and his 'Money in the Bank' briefcase.

We'll also witness the return of the 'Deadman' as he takes on the 'New Face of Fear,' Bray Wyatt. If The Undertaker remained undefeated last year, this match would be a no-brainer for 'Big Evil' to win. However, with last years loss, that is up in the air. The torch being passed to Wyatt is possible, not only because he deserves it, but 'Taker has always been willing, with no issue whatsoever, putting over younger talent. In a match of this caliber, it doesn't matter who wins, as long as the match is an entertaining one. Which it will be, in the very least.

The present will take on the future as Randy Orton faces Seth Rollins in a grudge match of epic proportions. Since coming back, Orton has looked better then ever. As for Rollins, he is entering his prime. It should be easy to call Orton as the victor here, but Rollins picking up the victory is a viable outcome as well. This match is truly unpredictable, but one thing that is certain is that we'll see high spots, false finishes, drama and a great story in the ring.

We can't forget about the 'Super Athlete' Rusev locking horns with John Cena. Not only is this match memorable for NOT having Cena be in the main event, but he is challenging for a mid-card title, which is actually brilliant. A victory would bring John Cena's career full circle as the first title he won was the United States championship at Wrestlemania 20. Most fans are quick to hate on Cena and say how he should lose to Rusev, but putting the title back on Cena at this point is truly best for business as the company is striving to bring prestige back to the U.S. title. But the undefeated streak of Rusev continuing onward past 'Mania and past Cena. wouldn't be bad for business at all. It could also set up an eventual title vs, title if he decides to chase after the heavyweight belt having 'crushed' the Cenation.

Lets not forget about Sting vs. Triple H. It's obvious that Sting will go over big here. But that doesn't mean they can simply phone it in. Sting has looked great, unlike his last TNA run. 'The Game' will likely carry the match and as he's in amazing shape. There's plenty of faith to be had in this match blowing us out of the water, as long as they do as JR says and "dance with who brung ya." Neither of these wrestlers are technical wizards, nor have they ever been. Make this a dirty brawling match,or, make it a no-disqualification match. Have a sledgehammer vs. baseball bat showdown. Despite all of that,it's almost a guarantee that the 'Stinger' takes it in a match that won't disappoint if they keep it simple.

Rounding out the top marquee matches, we have the seven-man ladder match for the Intercontinental championship. This match has "instant classic" written all over it. It's going to be a bonafide beautiful disaster. In the essence of bringing back meaning to the title, Daniel Bryan winning this match is likely. However, it wouldn't necessarily be underwhelming in any way with any of these participants winning. Dean Amborse is on fire, as is Dolph Ziggler. Luke Harper and Stardust are both more than deserving to carry the title, like they have before. However, if you are rooting for any of them, Wade Barrett has got some bad news. Barrett retaining almost seems perfect as he has been getting the short end of the stick in all of the antics leading up to 'Mania thus far. R-Truth could take the win home because he has put in a lot of time to make this entire debacle full of humor and more entertaining. He is the shining star at this point and has been the thing that many people looked forward to most in the past few weeks.

Furthermore, with the Andre the Giant battle royal, mixed in with the tag team title match and '#GiveDivasAChance' movement, Wrestlemania 31 is nothing short of worth it. A fun filled spectacle that as said before is the most unpredictable Wrestlemania in years

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