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We’ve now witnessed 1,000 episodes of Monday Night Raw. I can only assume that when we hit episode 2,000 Vinnie Mac will still come out with that signature strut. Mae Young will also have a match that night.
KK Kelly Kelly has been missing in action for weeks now. We don’t have any sources but if we did I’m sure they’d say the place she isn’t at is in a ring practicing how to run the ropes.
Rob Van Dam stated in an interview that Ryback contacted him to get permission to use his airbrush artist. I’m sure RVD appreciated the referral fee. It’ll pay for his Direct Auto insurance. (You thought I’d go straight to the weed, didn’t you?) 5
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is the newest member of the TNA roster. Sure enough, he formed an immediate bond with Hernandez. Viva la retread.
Chavo Guerrero
Had successful surgery to remove a tumor and fans finally have a Khali victory to be happy about.
The Great Khali
Miesha Tate feels Ronda Rousey is a hypocrite for posing nude in ESPN’s Body Issue after criticizing UFC ring girls for posing in Playboy. Rousey had stated that whatever she won’t show at the beach she won’t show in a magazine and her “vajayjay” shouldn’t be seen for just $5. She’d do Maxim (and obviously ESPN) but not Playboy. Folks will just drop a Lincoln bill and imagine how the vajayjay may look.
Back on the 30th a rumor popped up on the Internet from an apparent bitter Cena fangirl that AJ Lee is only where she is at due to her sleeping her way to the top. Apparently she’s shagging John Cena now. @HustleLOP had this say: “If AJ Lee gets THAT push because she’s sleeping with John Cena, imagine what Cena had to do to get HIS push.” @HitTheRopes on Twitter
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Word on the street is Team Ambition (Davey Richards, Tony Kozina, and Kyle O’Reilly) stole from an Iowa wrestling promotion. They showed up late, bullied the owner, got paid ($350) and just before it was time to go out they said they needed more wrist tape. They never returned. My dad pulled a similar stunt on my mom when he went to the grocery store for bread. Damn, now I’m sad.
I’m thinking the WWE is hoping that Daniel Bryan vs. Charlie Sheen will be this generation’s Jerry Lawler vs. Andy Kaufman.
TNA literally let the pigeons loose when they released Velvet Sky from her contract.
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Daris Brown | @HTRMrWikipedia
It’s time to celebrate the best...and the worst of the month from the worlds of professional wrestling and MMA.
CHAMPS
No Dopes
Both BJ Penn and Rory MacDonald enrolled in the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) program. They both state they are clean fighters and hope to set an example in a sport that is starting to see a rise in TRT and other doping subsitutes. Hopefully this is just the start.
Are You Ready...
Team Ambition
So when the promoter doesn’t change his entire card to accommadate you because you’re tired...you think it’s fair for you to take your the money and run? Nice. As cheesy as it is, they should change their name from Team Ambition to Team Integrity.
No Benefits
What a great feel-good moment to see the long-awaited return of D-Generation X. Sure it was a bit corny, but it was fun filled. Best of all, they were able to do it without us having to suffer through another Chyna return.
Dawn Marie is once again in the news for her fake benefit organization for wrestlers. Kamala stated that her Wrestler’s Rescue & Boston’s MWF are “no good.” He warns fans who donate money to the two organizations that the money isn’t getting where it is supposed to go to. Shame.
The Return of Awesome
Lombard All Hype?
The Miz has been in a big funk since main eventing Wrestlemania against John Cena. In fact, he barely made this year’s card. Now after wrapping up The Marine sequel, he’s already a champion. Look for him to do big things for the remaining 2012.
Have it Your Way
After Dana White announced that the winner of Shogun/Rua would get the next shot at Bones Jones, fans went crazy. Realizing it might not be what his audiance wants to see, White opened up the door for winner of Machida/ Bader to possibly get a shot instead with an impressive win.
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CHUMPS
Former Bellator champ Hector Lombard came in super hyped. There was even talk he’d get the next shot at Anderson Silva. While UFC jitters may be to blame, he failed to live up to the hype in his 1st bout.
Talk is Cheap
Ronda Rousey’s talk has been a double edge sword. She has garnered a lot of attention for the women, but talk of beating up Segal and Olympic condoms may lead to have fans urge her to shut up and just fight.
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SAY IT TO MY FACE: An excerpt from Alex Riley’s diary
The following is a log kept by Alex Riley, friend of The Color Commentator (he probably doesn’t even know we exist). He was kind enough to do this for us (it’s completely made up) as he wasn’t doing much of anything else at the time (that part is more than likely accurate). Shane H. | @Shane184 7:15 am - Alarm sounds. Time to wake up. 7:20 am - Face washed. Teeth brushed.
7:28 am - Finished dropping some kids off at the pool. The flushing is symbolic of the push I once had. 7:33 am - Glass of orange juice drank. Dressed to hit the gym. 7:36 am - Arrive at hotel’s gym facility.
means emailing my parents and brother, and tweet something that sounds cool while I’m really just sitting on the bed in this hotel. 10:32 am - Turns on TV. Oh look, Maury is on. Is that Kelly Kelly? Nope. Not her. 10:37 am - One of those medical school commercials air and I’m caught re-thinking my decision to enter the wrestling business. 12:00 pm - Checked out of hotel. Heading to the arena for tonight’s Raw with J, Tatsu, and Tamina.
1:23 pm - Arrive at the arena after JTG got lost a few times. That guy, sheesh.
1:30 pm - Had to call The Miz outside because the security guard didn’t recognize me. 1:34 pm - Pissed off now. Some of the other guys are having a laugh at my expense. Douches! 8:02 am - Left the gym due to Natalya letting one go. Cleared the whole place out. And you guys thought that was just a storyline. 8:49 am - Showered and dressed.
1:47 pm - Bags dropped off in locker room. Heading to my first of my usual two trips to catering. 1:50 pm - Passed Cena in a corner talking to AJ.
8:55 am - Off to breakfast with JTG, Yoshi Tatsu, and Tamina. We like to eat together to remind one another we still exist.
9:14 am - Waitress at Denny’s thought I was Zack Morris. Told her I wasn’t but I’ve been on TV. She apologized and said she can’t recall ever seeing me.
10:28 am - Back to the hotel. In the room. Time to get online and talk to my fans on web…. That 11
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Wait, don’t tell me? Not her too. I can’t stand that guy. Perhaps I should listen to Kenn Doane and talk to some dirt sheets.
4:37 pm - Same location. I’m going to need a new shirt thanks to all this sweat.
2:34 pm - Finished eating. Zack Ryder is filming an episode for his Long Island Iced Z show. Dolph Ziggler is stealing the show as usual.
4:49 pm - Shirt changed. Laurinaitis wants me to help set the ring crew because they are short-handed. FML.
3:17 pm - Learned what I’ll be doing tonight. Superstars match with Drew McIntyre and a backstage spot where I get shoved out of the way by Kane. 3:21 pm - Hornswoggle and I are arguing over whether or not I’m a face or heel. He curses a lot. I wish he would go back to not talking. 4:00 pm - Finished talking with Drew about our match later. We put together a great match for a 15-minute classic and then get told that they’ll be running 3 different Raw recaps on Superstars so our match will have to be cut to 5 minutes. Son of a…
4:43 pm - Finally!
5:43 pm - I shouldn’t complain because that’s the longest I’ve been around the ring in a while but I feel so disrespected around here. Back in the locker room now. Plotting on how I can get the higher ups to make me relevant again. 5:50 pm - Spray tan time. Made sure not to go overboard so I don’t end up looking like Josh Mathews.
6:12 pm - Back to catering to get a few fruits and a bottle of water. 6:23 pm - Back to the iPad and just chilling out until it’s showtime. 6:50 pm - Took a peek to see the early fans taking their seats. 7:00 pm - Folks getting ready. Dark match first and then the Superstars taping. 7:12 pm - Dark match time. Tyson Kidd is out there with one of the FCW kids. 7:18 pm - Darn good match.
7:21 pm - First Superstars match is between Natalya and Tamina. 7:22 pm - Divas match is over. 4:10 pm - We finished re-working our match. I pull out my iPad and check my Match.com and Cougarbait.com profiles. Nice! I got a couple hits. 4:14 pm - Cena calls me over to join him, Orton, Show, and Sheamus. They blended up some concoction and are daring anyone to drink it for $500. Something tells me not to trust Cena but I can use the extra money for dates from the dating sites.
7:25 pm - Time for action.
7:33 pm - Back through the curtains. Got a good reaction from those in attendance. Well, might as well shower and change into my suit before my next moment of the night. 8:00 pm - Pyros go off. Nothing catches on fire. Showtime.
4:19 pm - On the toilet. I knew I shouldn’t have trusted him. 4:30 pm - Still on the toilet. @HitTheRopes on Twitter
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he world of professional wrestling has never been known as a prim and proper place. A quick Google search can conjure up innumerable stories about the barbaric and neanderthalic behavior that has allegedly gone on behind the scenes. In the 70’s and 80’s, there seemed to be almost no decorum behind the curtain with pro wrestling shows; grotesquely offensive behavior and all manner of debauchery seemed to be commonplace.
anger Kozina to the point where Kozina thought it prudent to teach the kid a “lesson.” I use the word “lesson” very loosely, because all Tony Kozina really taught Ryan Kidd is that Tony Kozina is a terrible person, and that all manner of macho bullcrap still exists in the wrestling world. Throughout the match, Kozina put Kidd in various “shoot” holds, clearly yanking and stretching Kidd much harder than was necessary. Kozina was certainly very rough with Kidd during the entire match, but that I can live with.
I would have liked to think that this reprehensible behavior, born of monstrous egos and macho bull crap, What I can’t live with, and what absolutely turned my had been phased out of pro wrestling for the most part. stomach, was the end of the match. Kozina locked Kidd in a gogoplata (essentially the Undertaker’s “Hell’s Gate” Then I happened upon footage from a MAGNUM PRO submission, but also a legitimate MMA hold) and show in Iowa showing a “match” between 41-year old applied pressure until Kidd was unconscious. Tony Kozina and 16-year old Ryan Kidd. That’s right; Tony Kozina choked a 16 year-old child until he blacked out. I’ve not been able to dig up any major details on this incident, but it appears that Kidd did something to 13
Tony Kozina doesn’t have a medical degree or any `Forgive me if more eloquent or thought provoking professional medical training. I bet he couldn’t tell more words escape me at the moment….. than one or two dangers of being “choked out,” or any of the long-term damage it could do. Judging by his WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU, TONY nonchalant attitude toward his unconscious opponent KOZINA??? after the heinous deed was done, I highly doubt he cares either. Kozina’s attitude is precisely what is wrong with the general attitude held by many “old-school” wrestlers. It seems to be tradition to have such unprovoked disdain towards younger wrestlers, more inexperienced wrestlers, or just about anyone you don’t care for. Kozina’s behavior shows a shocking lack of regard for his opponent’s safety and a borderline-sociopathic lack of respect for his fellow human being. And for what? Because Kidd was only 16, and Kozina didn’t want some snot-nosed brat taking his “spot?” Because Kidd “disrespected” him? Frankly, I don’t care if Kidd spit in People like Tony Kozina need to be blacklisted from the Kozina’s face and insulted his mother; there’s no wrestling business. They literally add nothing positive sufficient excuse for his behavior. to the business and further perpetuate the negative stereotype of wrestlers being big, dumb megalomaniacs who prefer to show how manly they are by beating up kids 25 years younger than them. At this point, what up-and-coming wrestler in their right mind would step foot in a ring with Kozina? Why would any promoter even think about hiring him for a second? It’s not like Kozina’s wrestling acumen is so good that it’s worth taking a risk on him getting his panties in a bunch and seriously injuring some poor kid who looks at him wrong. The most sickening thing about this is that Kozina did not at least have the courage to take out his frustrations on Kidd in private outside of the ring. Instead, he did it during a match.
From my perspective, it seemed that wrestling was just starting to gain the smallest modicum of respect and recognition as a legitimate job where people actually act like human beings. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of wrestlers, probably the majority in fact, that It’s been common knowledge for more than 20 years are regular guys who love their craft and protect their that pro wrestling is pre-determined. The match result opponent at all cost, regardless of their personal feelings is discussed between the promoter and the opponents towards him or her. prior to the match starting. Because a wrestling match is not a legitimate fight, but there is still a significant risk But the fact that even one wrestler like this still is getting of being hurt, a tremendous amount of trust is placed booked on shows and is making an indelibly negative in the hands of your opponent out of necessity. Kozina mark on the pro wrestling business is sad, pathetic, took advantage of Kidd’s need to trust him, and then frustrating, infuriating, and just plain ridiculous. used it cut off the oxygen to Kidd’s brain until he was no longer conscious. Maybe this is too presumptuous of me, but I’m guessing @HitTheRopes on Twitter
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ince McMahon is an interesting cat. Back at the dawn of the ‘90s, in what was essentially a cost control move, McMahon publicly killed kayfabe to avoid being held to the same kind of drug testing requirements which other major sports were looking down the barrel at. Major League Baseball isn’t getting itself yanked in front of Congress to answer questions about steroids just because of a hilariously misplaced attachment to a sport which was dubbed America’s past time during an era before the inventions of football, television, and the 9-5 work day. It’s landing there because traditional athletics are much more closely monitored and drug tested by U.S. Law. Scripted events are not—for a clear example of this, see Sylvester Stallone.
he’s only out and out tried to crush someone once—that’s WCW—and even then he really could only hope to regain a previously held market share. Even today he’s continued his pattern of trying to control every aspect of wrestling with his development of FCW; theoretically a built in farm system for his main promotion. But, he never tries to eat up other promotions either at home or abroad that otherwise act as surrogate feeders into WWE. It’s not a stretch to say that it’s very possible Vince regretted killing WCW from day one, and that he’s loathe to do that to a second promotion. Onward... Flash back to the year 2009: It’s Breaking Point, and John Cena is going to face Randy Orton in an “I Quit” match. It’s a match happening between two of the more polarizing figures in wrestling and against a backdrop that features WWE mired in the creative doldrums. McMahon’s reasons for never seeming to want to pull the trigger and choke off the rest of the world’s wrestling promotions are about to shine through.
McMahon did this despite the fact that it did a great job killing his sport’s marketability. In fact, a brief spike for a few years in the mid-90’s caused by competition with ECW and WCW notwithstanding, it really never has recovered or reached the same fever pitch it did in the late ‘80’s. In summary: Vince has actually killed kayfabe in order to keep alive the very same Orton’s entire role in this culminated in losing activity it was meant to protect in the first place. that “I Quit” Match to Cena, which subsequently led to what seemed like an endless string of title That’s ballsy. changes. Between that match at Breaking Point He has built an entire separate universe for and CM Punk’s lengthy reign now there were 16 his company where he takes—almost—every different title reigns, only two of which went over opportunity to stamp out any trace of any other the three month/90 day mark: Sheamus (91 days promotion. Unless, of course, it suits him to give in a reign during the summer of 2010) and The Miz us a glimpse into the world of other promotions (160 days from winter 2011 to early spring 2012). as it relates to his world. See: CM Punk’s much publicized speech shortly before Money in the Bank The full list of champions between Breaking Point 2011 regarding where he might take the WWE Title 2009 and now? Randy Orton twice at an average should he win and not be under contract. But even of 42.5 days; Sheamus twice at an average of 80.5 days; Batista once at 35 days; Miz once at in his tightest of competition control moments
160 days; CM Punk once at 28 days; Rey Mysterio once at 0 days; Alberto Del Rio twice at an average of 42 days; and lastly John Cena, with an astounding and absurdly high seven reigns at an average of 37.9 days. There are three guys there whom should stand out for discussion. Obviously Cena, and less obviously, CM Punk and Del Rio. I didn’t choose Breaking Point 2009 as a jumping off point out of thin air. It marks the start of an almost exactly two year stretch (give about a week or so) where John Cena won 70 percent of his WWE Titles, but only accumulated about 25 percent of his total days as champion. Go ahead and look at the constant title changes and pay-per-view headlines between that win and his most recent WWE Championship victory (Night of Champions 2011, to kick off one of the most lackluster reigns in the history of the belt) and at the very least, it becomes obvious why so many people were getting a serious case of Cena Fatigue. It also shows that Vince McMahon was trying to reach back and give fans a taste of the Attitude Era booking they so often claim to want back. Steve Austin only averaged about 88 days as champion, and that is bolstered by the fact that he had a 175 day reign when The Rock was kayfabe suspended, leaving Austin without a feuding partner who needed the title just as much as he did. Adjusting for outliers by eliminating the highest and lowest reigns, Austin loses a full 9 days off his average title reign. Speaking of Rocky, his seven title reigns average out to an appallingly low 42.4 days. That number should stand out to you since it’s right within the range of the statistical average of the string of 2009/10 reigns listed earlier. In fact, if you adjust for outliers and eliminate the highest average from 2009/10 (Miz’s 160) and the lowest (Mysterio’s goose egg), The Rock actually comes within 3 days of hitting the exact statistical mean (45.04 days) of title length for a stretch of time that began a little over seven years after his last WWE title run. Vince McMahon was doing what he has always claimed he’ll do: Give the people what they want! In this case, it was giving them the same kind of chaotic booking that accentuated (read: plagued) 17
the “Attitude Era.” The problem was that it just wasn’t working; in fact, during that run, the only pay-per-view which managed to garner any kind of publicity at all was Money in the Bank 2011, which brings us to our boys Punk and Del Rio. CM Punk and Alberto Del Rio are interesting cats too. They each stand as a complete antithesis to what McMahon has seemingly been driven to do since the collapse and acquisition of WCW: Build from within. Because he hasn’t gotten an extended title push yet, Del Rio is the less notable man here; he’s still worth looking at. Formerly of the lucha libre scene, Del Rio is an alumnus of CMLL, where under the name Dos Caras Jr., he dominated Mexico. Before coming to WWE, he had years of headlining experience and was considered a highly polished worker no matter what circle of people you were talking to. McMahon’s decision to skyrocket him to the top of the card isn’t surprising. Del Rio/ Caras is a known commodity which continued to perform highly in its new market. Punk was almost exactly the same. Already a legend in the States before joining WWE, Punk is the exact opposite of what a prototype McMahon creation would be. He’s not ripped; he came up in an independent system totally opposite of the cookie cutter FCW farm system; most importantly, he had to consistently perform across different regions, for wildly different audiences, and do so at a high level. Punk did that, and in fact did much more. Most importantly, Punk has proven time and again that he can and will outperform everyone else in a locker room. He delivers, and he delivers big. This isn’t just because his ring skills are so honed, it’s because his mic skills are grade A too. It’s this combination which lets us get to the heart of the matter here.
Wrap your heads around that, guys. More than half of the remaining title reigns longer than Punk’s, go back to an era before wrestling had weekly live programming. Should McMahon choose to keep the belt on Punk past this year’s Survivor Series, Punk will be all but guaranteed to have the longest reign since the debut of Raw, and in the process would then be able to easily pass such famous ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s streaks as Graham’s (296 from 197778), Diesel’s (358 from 1994-95), and Savage’s (371 from 1988-89). At that point, he will only have five streaks to pass, all of them over four digits: One by Hogan (1474), one by Morales (1027), two by Sammartino (1237, 2083), and a disputed one by Backlund which is actually three separate streaks of between 600ish and 700ish days each, totaling anywhere from 2089 to 2135, depending on what and how you’re counting. So what, you ask, undoubtedly trying to stop your head from spinning at all my poindexterish number crunching. Besides showing that Punk is on an all time run here, it shows that there was a clear change of philosophy after the chaos of 09/10. In wrestling, while a short term streak or reign can happen for any number of reasons, a long one typically doesn’t happen by accident. With that in mind, the questions become these: Why not put the belt on Cena for that long of a time? Why not someone else? That second one is probably better answered first. Who else could they reasonably try to put a belt on for a long period of time? Danielson never got a trial run during the 09/10 string, so he sort of has
CM Punk successfully defended his title at the Raw 1000, and thus guaranteed he will retain for at least 255 days and probably until SummerSlam. At that point, he’ll have the 18th single longest reign in the history of the title and the 7th longest reign since the debut of Monday Night Raw. 18
to be eliminated. Lesnar has too low a number of appearances based on his contract, and has a history of injury problems. The name that probably came to your head is Randy Orton, and with admittedly good reason. Thankfully, Randy gets to my entire point. If anybody whose opinion mattered thought Orton could have handled a lengthy reign in the modern day, he’d have gotten it. It’s not as if there haven’t been opportunities. In fact, there was one as recently as 2006. John Cena got the call instead and lasted 380 days before his pectoral tendon tore. So why not Cena? The very same Cena Fatigue. Can you imagine the yawns and boos he’d be getting were he having this run? It’s the failure of Vince McMahon to produce another star through his own system. As of the end of Money in the Bank 2012, the list of active FCW alumni accomplishments is grossly underwhelming. There are 35 wrestlers on the WWE roster as of filing this column (July 31, 2012) who were trained primarily via FCW. They have one main event title to their credit, three Intercontinental Titles, and two U.S. Titles. That is beyond pathetic. The most prominent member of that group, Wade Barrett, spent significant time in OVW before. Pick a name developed internally in the postWCW era to amount to much. Ziggler? Maybe someday, but do you see him carrying the company for months and months? Same for Barrett, and DiBiase. Vince simply hasn’t been able to build a star using an in-house feeder. He needs outside help, and he needs long reigns. And he knows it. I, for one, will sit back and enjoy this run for all its worth. I’ll also enjoy knowing that maybe, just maybe, Vince finally figured out that the only way to create a new boom, is to walk away from the old one.
Mr. Bogusz is interested in hearing any feedback, positive or negative. You can reach him through Hit the Ropes, either via Twitter, Facebook, or e-mail. 19
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Caribbean Playboy | @Shane184
Sara Del Rey’s Accolades: • 1x CWR Women’s Champion (current) • 1x PWA Tag Team Champion (w/ Juan Ortiz) • 1x Pro-Wrestling SUN • 1x IZW Women’s Champion • 1x JAPW Women’s Champion (current) • 2011 Torneo Cibernetico • 1x OCW Women’s Champion (current) • 1x RPW Women’s Champion • 1x Undisputed World Intergender Heavyweight Tag Team Champion (w/ Chris Hero) • 1x SHIMMER Champion • 1x SHIMMER Tag Team Champion (w/ Courtney Rush) 21
Who is She? If you are a fan of women’s wrestling and haven’t heard of Sara Del Rey then I implore you to go to YouTube, ClickWrestle, and any other website where you can view wrestling videos. A matter of fact, open those wallets and make some purchases of CHIKARA, SHIMMER, Ring of Honor, or several other promotions as she’s probably set foot in them. Del Rey may be most known currently for her work with SHIMMER but she’s wrestled stateside, in Mexico, Canada and Japan. One of the most talented wrestlers on the planet, her ultimate goal was to make it to the World Wrestling Entertainment. That dream seems to have been accomplished as news broke in July that she was offered a contract by the WWE. She still has some dates to finish off in the independent scene before moving on up to Tampa or the main roster. She gave a great showing at SHINE’s inaugural show in the main event against Jazz. She also lost to Eddie Kingston at the end of July for CHIKARA’s Grand Championship title. In addition, there’s Hailey Hatred at AIW’s Girls Night Out 7 and Maria Kanellis in Ring of Honor. Once those commitments are met, the Queen of Wrestling will be moving on up like George and Weezy.
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@PocketVolcano Awesome. Submission match is my fave, anything on a pole is least fave. (Fuck you Russo!)
@GaryOxide I don’t think anything quite compares to WEW’s dildo on a pole match and CZW’S drunken scaffold match.
@BackTheBolts the first buried alive match gave me a panic attack and caused my dad to tell me “the truth” about wrestling, so its my fav. my least favorite would have to be the Punjabi prison match
Ray: (via Facebook) Favorite: Clockwork Orange House of Fun.
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Least Favorite: Anything that involved Mantaur.
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the ladder match serves as one of the most entertaining and captivating matches in wrestling history. When you find a feud that is epic, it nearly always results in a ladder match. Michaels vs Jericho, Hardy vs Edge, annoying. Michaels vs Hart, and Michaels vs Ramon especially stand out to me. It Least fave... The Armageddon Hell is also phenomenal in tag matches as in a Cell.. 6 people should not be fighting in the cell at the same time. seen with the Hardys, Edge & that was pointless. Either that or the Christian, and The Dudleys. When spot-fest “Ultimate X”/Money in the done right, the ladder matches are the most exciting of all time. Bank match @PressboxMJ I’m old school. Love the casket matches... the variations of the hardcore cage matches are getting
@64rallo favorite has to be the ladder match, when it is done right. These days you can see them full of six or eight guys or even on televised shows unannounced...but in most cases, @HitTheRopes on Twitter
As for the worst...Hog Pen Match, Tuxedo Match, or Pole match. Take your pick. Essentially, the worst gimmick matches are the ones you see Hornswoggle, Santino, or Tony Chimel being a part of. 26
Going back to their days in ECW, the duo showed they could easily incite a riot with their brashness. Yet, as easy a s they could get you to hate them they could quickly get you cheering for them. Who didn’t enjoy joining in on the “D-Von, get the tables!” command? Their battles with Edge and Christian and The Hardy Boys in the WWF revolutionized the tag division. Three letters say it all: T-L-C. In TNA, where the best tag teams existed at one time, they would wage wars with teams such as the Latin American Exchange, Beer Money, and the Motor City Machine Guns.
hen you’ve won two dozen tag team championships with one partner over a 15-year period it may be a bit of trouble to re-invent one’s self. However, that is exactly what Bully Ray has done over the past two years.
All seemed accomplished in their storied careers. They won everywhere they went so when they were set to retire after 2010’s Turning Point pay-per-view, there was no reason to look back and question anything. Or was there?
The Dudley Boyz are synonymous when it comes to tag team wrestling. Buh Buh Ray/Bubba Ray/Brother Ray and D-Von/Brother Devon can be called the greatest tag team in history for the amount of hardware they have collected. They’ve won gold in ECW, WWF/E, TNA. They’ve won gold in North America and in Asia. 27
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Brother Ray would blame Devon for becoming weak and Ray let it be known that he was the one who carried the team all these years. That Devon was nothing but the weak link, the Marty Jannetty of the duo. And since that proclamation Ray, changing his name to Bully Ray, has done everything in his power to make those words ring true. Sure Devon (at the time of writing this) is the Television Champion but that title is hardly worth its weight in Skittles. From there Ray began showing folks what he’s all about. He embodied the bully moniker. He beat up and taunted whoever got in his way. Bully Ray is a true heat magnet. @HitTheRopes on Twitter
Arguably the best heel in the business today. The man is probably in the best shape of his wrestling career right now and goes out there to put on exciting encounters against whomever, be it an X Division wrestler or a lawyer. There’s no telling how much longer the 41-year-old Ray will continue to wrestle, be it in TNA or elsewhere, but I’d love for his recent work to pay off in a midcard singles title run. Or world title.
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get to kno • First Person To Be Named Queen Of FCW And FCW Divas Champion. • 1X WSU Tag Team Champion (Brooke Carter). • NWS/WSU King And Queen Of The Ring Tournament (2009). • Huge Comic Book Fan. • Finally Got Over The Excitement Of Meeting Lita. ...Kinda.
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ow the gm • The Most Prolific Champion In Wrestling History (35 Major Championships). • Owns PWA, An Independent Promotion In Texas. • 2nd Ever African-American Heavyweight Champion In WCW (Ron Simmons) And WWE (The Rock). • Only Man Ever To Wrestle, Commentate And Be Named A Full-Time GM. • One Of Four Men To Win Both WCW & WWE Triple Crown. • ...Still Coming For Hulk Hogan @HitTheRopes on Twitter
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n 7/27/12 I had the chance to interview the host of Kayfabe Commentaries and ask him some questions about the ultimate shoot interview company, and how they have continued to grow and put a stamp on shoot interviews that has yet to be duplicated. I just want to thank him once again for taking time out of his schedule to spend some time on the magazine.
about the business is interesting and people are going to enjoy it. By that I mean, when you hear Kevin talk about things and the perspective it is in, it’s interesting to say the least. Plus, he is fun guy to chat with and I had fun working on it with him.
RS: I would like to backtrack a bit and ask you about your Hollywood work doing ADR (automated dialogue replacement) and what got you into it. RS: I want to first off, thank you for taking the time to Sean: It wasn’t a path that I ever really thought about. grant this interview. So Sean what has been new with I had done a few acting gigs and one day I discovered this whole subculture in Hollywood as a way to make you and with Kayfabe Commentaries these days? Sean: Well Robert it’s not a problem at all. I always do a living. It wasn’t something planned that is for sure, but needing to pay the bills it works just fine. Today, I what I can to get our product out. Well, we aim to release 16 productions a year. Upcoming is Timeline: just got back from working on Royal Pains which can The History of the WWE, which will be released Aug be seen on the USA Network. Basically, doing ADR is 27th via KayfabeCommentaries.com on DVD. Also out putting in the missing gaps in dialogue in either film or now is Timeline: The History of WWE 1995, As Told by television. Kevin Nash. RS: How did you come about having a passion for the RS: How was it working with Kevin Nash on this wrestling business? Who were some of your favorites? Sean: Well, growing up, I would watch the old WWWF product? Sean: The great thing about Kevin is that I had really on a black and white television (laughs). I grew up wanted to get him on the show. He is the guy that really seeing guys like Bruno Sammartino and Larry Zybsko. has no allegiance to anyone, and the way Kevin talks And of course, as the wrestling business grew we were 31
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blessed with cable television and I was able to watch if you recall they were doing the town hall meetings WCCW on the MSG network. The AWA on ESPN and, where people on YouTube could send their questions in of course, Crockett on TBS. via YouTube. RS: What would you say was the “mark out moment” for you as a wrestling fan? Sean: Good question. I would have to say the moment for me was when Jimmy Snuka was piledriven on the concrete by Ray ‘The Crippler’ Stevens. For me, what made it work was it seemed so real and wasn’t something seen that much on television. It also didn’t hurt that they played it up so well. Could you imagine today if that had happened? The guy would have went on Jay Leno and explained he was a character and that was all planned out. Back in those days, wrestling stars didn’t appear on Jay Leno as someone playing a character. They presented themselves as the person and told the people that’s who they were and what they were all about.
Well, I was on vacation when this was all coming about and I said this would be a great idea. Well, apparently so did the owner of KayFabe Commentaries and we both got together and began working out details. We then decided that we needed to find someone who was a lightning rod where a ton of questions could be asked, and thus the first YouShoot with the Honky Tonk Man was born. Plus, it was one of those things where people could ask the wrestlers the questions that they wouldn’t dare ask in front of the wrestler.
RS: Guest Booker was the first one you guys did as a video right? Sean: That is correct. RS: I guess my question is, what is the long term goal of Guest Booker? Timeline series? Sean: Well, with Guest Booker the long term goal is to have as many guest bookers as possible to have the story told of all the different bookers. It’s an important part of history that I feel that everyone should not only know about, but see as well. Now with the Timeline series the goal has always been for you, the viewer, and for history’s sake, to have a multi-volume series that showcases the history of the different companies. I want the history to be told from people who worked at these places so the audience can learn about it from different perspectives. RS: What was the creative process that went into creating the YouShoot series? Sean: Well we knew at that time, and I believe it was in 2008, that the next logical step for us (in terms of shoot interviews) was to go video. And with the advent of YouTube and social media rapidly growing, we just had to switch things up. As you know, we already had Guest Booker, so when it came time to do something new, the 2008 president elections were coming up, and @HitTheRopes on Twitter
RS: There was a rumor that Jim Cornette and yourself had a falling out because of the Vince Russo live YouShoot on IPPV? Would you care to speak to the rumor in question? Sean: No, I don’t mind because the truth of the issue is even though Cornette and I had our falling out, I still love the guy. He has done so much for us that how could you not enjoy him? However, the whole issue surrounding Cornette and myself stemmed over Kayfabe Commentaries having Vince Russo on our show. Cornette is a very passionate guy and his anger with Vince Russo is well documented, so in his view, us (being KayFabe Commentaries) paying Vince Russo for anything put us at the same as Vince Russo in Jim’s head. 32
I will say I did try to contact Jim ahead of time about it but by the time we were able to talk it was too late. I can respect him for standing up for what he thinks. The funny thing about Cornette is that he is so passionate, it’s hard to hate. I can only imagine when he is at his house and loses the remote to the TV, he goes in a 10-minute promo with Stacy over it. Like I said though, I have nothing but respect for the man, and I hope one day we can get back to the same level, because I would love to work with him again.
go back also to the future a little more, as social media changes, as technology changes, we have to change as well. When Apple created the iPod and it did very well, but soon everyone had a version of that on the market. So Apple said the next big thing was the iPad…and for us the same rings true. We always want to create the next stage of evolution in terms of the shoot interview, but we also want to not only stay true to a series identity and not divert from the fans, but we want to make sure you get the best product possible for your 20 dollars.
RS: That promo with the remote I am sure would be entertaining indeed. To move topics, what would you say are the two projects that stand out the most? Sean: If I had to present two works as a sort of best of series as to what Kayfabe Commentaries can deliver it would have to be, well (laughs), the Cornette 1997 Timeline of the WWE, and the new one featuring Kevin Nash as he takes us into the year 1995 for the Timeline Series as well.
RS: Well there is no denying you guys always deliver. My last question, and I promise I will let you go, is what is your favorite game you enjoy on the YouShoot series? Sean: Well (laughs), they are all fun but I enjoy both the “Shit List” and anything that we do that involves props.
RS: Awesome. Well Sean, I just want to thank you again. I know it’s been a long day for you and once again thanks for taking the time to do this. Take care. RS: Staying on this subject, what would you say is the Sean: Not a problem at all; it was my pleasure. series that you are the most proud of? Sean: I can honestly say that I think they are all great, At this point the conversation ended. In case anyone but if I had to choose just one, it would have to be the was wondering I had the chance to spend 47 minutes My Side of the Story series. That, to me, was something with Mr. Oliver and it was well worth it. Make sure to really special. It went a whole different direction and head over to Kayfabe Commentatries to check out these was a joy to do. I think it was a very underrated series. wonderful series, you will be happy you did, and make Those two (shows) that we did really make me happy sure to head over and buy a copy of the new Kevin Nash that not only that they were shot, but people got to see DVD, well worth the money in this writers opinion. it. Granted, it wasn’t the highest paying series in terms of revenue, but still very special to do. You can check out more of Robert’s work at www.bobofnmac.blogspot.com RS: What’s the future of Kayfabe Commentaries in terms of keeping the show fresh? Sean: I think once again it’s all about thinking outside of the box because we set the standard and now everyone is on board in terms of creating their version of what “The Kliq Was Having A we started. We are working hard to design the shows Meeting. The Kliq Was in the future with a new look, a sort of revamp if you Going On Strike.” will. We are always finding the right talent and finding the talent that blends well with the show. To give you an example, and I don’t know if you watch Law & Order, “...And Your Wondering but the guest star on that show isn’t the focus. Nobody is Why I’m Taking A HandFul counting down ‘til they see the guest star on screen and with our shows it’s the same thing. Of Pills When I Walk Out of
Nash Tells All
We strive to give you the best product that we can, but give you the best content in the best way as now. Now to 33
the Building.”
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@HitTheRopes on Twitter
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[Ed. Note: The following was originally published on July 14th, 2012 and is re-published here with permission of the author. The original post and others can be found on wrestleenigma.com] With a name like “Crazy Mary Dobson,” you might think Sarah Bridges is crazy, but she really isn’t. She’s having an extraordinary first year in the business, with a standing O at the AIW event; she’s now appearing at REINA, a very prestigious promotion in Japan, and she’s training there as well as doing shows with the likes of Mia Yim & others. Sarah got engaged to the notorious Mad Man Pondo, who she also hosts an Internet radio show called “Horror Movie Massacre” with. This interview will explain how she got her wrestling name, as well as her early beginnings for fans who don’t know her. It even talks about how she met the “Madman” himself, and plans for the future. Remember, it’s all honesty and 100% UNCENSORED.
Can you tell our readers about your early background? Well, I started off as a wrestling fan like most wrestlers, but I was in love with death match-style wrestling. So after I became older I decided I wanted to be a wrestler, not only a wrestler but to be known for my death matches and regular matches.
What got you interested in wrestling?
I like to do things that make people say “Holy shit” and I saw that a lot in wrestling so it became what I wanted to do. I have so much respect for wrestlers I wanted to become that.
How did you get the name “Crazy Mary Dobson?” Well Mad Man Pondo gave me that name. There was a crazy girl in school that everyone wanted to fuck but she was too crazy you couldn’t even talk to her. @HitTheRopes on Twitter
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You have fought in REINA, a very prestigious promotion in Japan. What was it like to be tra ined there and wre`stle there? I love the REINA company; they give American girls like me a chance to learn Japanese style wrestling and to see if we fit in here. Training here has been such a pleasure! I have learned so much while I’ve been here I am going to come back to the US a completely different wrestler, but in a good way.
The fans in Japan really like you. What’s your reaction to that? It was a HUGE relief, I came here using the name Pondo created which is “Baka Gaijin” which is a pretty fucking big name to be living up to here in Japan. I went out and did my thing and the fans loved it. I still can’t believe it!
I heard you got a standing ovation at AIW. What was it like competing in that promotion? I don’t really compete. I am the only girl there who does a full-on death match so I do not have much competition.
How did you first meet the infamous Mad Man Pondo? Well, I had met him many times as a fan of death matches but my first time really meeting was when I asked him to train me. He said he wasn’t much of a trainer so he gave me to Mickie Knuckles. When I had my first training session with Mickie we connected instantly and couldn’t stay away from each other
You and Pondo also host a radio show called “Horror Movie Massacre.” What’s the show about for our readers who don’t know the program? Well, if you didn’t know, me and Pondo LOVE horror movies so our show is just about horror movies. We have guests on there such as Kane Hodder, Ed Neil, Reggie Bannister and Bai Ling; we have new guests every show. We talk about new horror movies and classic horror movies, so if you are a fan of horror then definitely check out our show 37
What’s your take on the world of women’s wrestling? Sometimes it is kind of shitty, a lot of people think all us girl wrestlers wrestle like Kelly Kelly, which is so not true for the most part. So if you are a women’s wrestler and you want to be taken seriously in the business you have to work even harder than the guys.
Who would be the ideal opponent for you and why? A girl I would love to work would be LuFisto. She is someone who gave women’s death matches a name who can also wrestle her ass off. A guy I would love to wrestle is retired but his name is Mr. Danger.
Do you consider working independently or do you wish the big companies like TNA or WWE come calling to you? I might do TNA but WWE I think I will pass. You have to sell out to them and I’ll be damned if I ever do that shit.
What is your most memorable match in your career? My death match at AIW, I had the crowd right where I wanted them. It was amazing!
Would you face off against the likes of Cheerleader Melissa or Jessicka Havok one day? Sure, I will wrestle anybody.
What does the future hold for you?
Hopefully wrestling in Japan and ruling the Indy wrestling scene!
[Ed. Note: Dobson took part in AIW’s Girls Night Out 7 on 8/4 against Lil Naughty.] Thank you to Sarah Bridges (Crazy Mary Dobson) for her time and cooperation. To learn more, check out her Facebook Fan Page today. You can follow me @matthewhollie and Wrestle Enigma @WrestleEnigma
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Love to write or design? It’s time you joined The Color Commentator family. Send a sample of your work to hittheropesradio@gmail.com today to get your work included in the next issue of The Color Commentator.
@HitTheRopes on Twitter
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MMA RA
Heavyweight Division:
1. Junior Dos Santos 2. Cain Velasquez 3. Alistair Overeem 4. Shane Carwin 5. Frank Mir 6. Fabricio Werdum 7. Roy Nelson 8. Daniel Cormier 9. Josh Barnett 10. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
Also known as Middleweight Division: DJ Mikey B when not 1. Anderson Silva fighting. 2. Chael Sonnen 3. Michael Bisping 4. Chris Weidman 5. Brian Stann 6. Mark Munoz 7. Tim Boetsch 8. Yushin Okami 9. Hector Lombard 10. Luke Rockhold
Attended Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, where he’s the second most decorate wrestler. The first being 2x Olympic Gold champ, Bruce Baumgartner Light Heavyweight Division:
Welterweight Division:
1. Jon Jones 2. Rashad Evans 3. Dan Henderson 4. Mauricio Rua 5. Lyoto Machida 6. Alexander Gustafsson 7. Phil Davis 8. Quinton Jackson 9. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira 10. Ryan Bader
1. Georges St-Pierre 2. Carlos Condit 3. Nick Diaz 4. Josh Koscheck 5. Johny Hendricks 6. Jon Fitch 7. Martin Kampmann 8. Jake Ellenberger 9. Jake Shields 10. Rory MacDonald
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ANKINGS Lightweight Division:
Featherweight Division:
1. Benson Henderson 2. Frankie Edgar 3. Gray Maynard 4. Nate Diaz 5. Jim Miller 6. Gilbert Melendez 7. Michael Chandler 8. Clay Guida 9. Anthony Pettis 10. Donald Cerrone
1. Jose Aldo 2. Pat Curran 3. Chad Mendes 4. Hatsu Hioki 5. Dustin Porier 6. Marlon Sandro 7. Dennis Siver 8. Diego Nunes 9. Charles Oliveira 10. Patricio Freire
1st Ever Reverse Calf Slice Submission in UFC
Bantamweight Division:
Flyweight Division:
1. Dominick Cruz 2. Renan Barao 3. Urijah Faber 4. Michael McDonald 5. Brian Bowles 6. Scott Jorgensen 7. Eduardo Dantas 8. Miguel Torres 9. Brad Pickett 10. Zach Makovsky
1. Ian McCall 2. Joseph Benavidez 3. Demetrious Johnson 4. John Dodson 5. Jussier Da Silva 6. Yashuhiro Urushitani 7. Mamoru Yamaguchi 8. Darrell Montague 9. Shinichi Kojima 10. Timothy Elliott
@HitTheRopes on Twitter
Nicknamed Mighty Mouse, but the real Mighty Mouse is his niece who is fighting for her life. You can donate to help Baby Baby Ellie at helpbabyellie.com
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HEAVYWEIGHT Soa Palelei | 17 - 3
Has 7 Straight Wins by TKO or KO.
LIGHTHEAVYWEIGHT Kyle Noke | 19 - 6 Notable Wins over Ebersole and Sotiropoulos.
MIDDLEWEIGHT
Anthony Perosh | 13 KO’d in Just 7 seconds by Jimmo ties a UFC Record.
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WELTERWEIGHT Brian Ebersole | 50 -16
HEAVYWEIGHT | 15 - 1
Junior Dos Santos Has Only Spent 24 mins 38sec in UFC Cage (9 Fights).
LIGHTHEAVYWEIGHT Lyoto Machida
| 17 - 3
Knocked Out UFC HOFer Randy Couture’s Tooth.
MIDDLEWEIGHT
Anderson Silva
| 32 - 7
Longest Winning Streak, Most Title Defenses, in UFC.
WELTERWEIGHT Demian Maia | 16 - 4
The Most Experienced Figher with 67 Pro Fights (1 Draw).
Elite Level Submissions, Demonstrated by his 4 SOTN.
LIGHTWEIGHT
LIGHTWEIGHT
George Sotiropoulos
| 14 - 4
Former TUF Participant. Now Next TUF Coach.
FEATHERWEIGHT Richie Vaculik | 9 - 1
All 9 of His Wins Have Been Finishes.
BANTAMWEIGHT
Michael Mortimer
| 16 - 4
Rear-Naked Choke Specialist, as 5 of 7 Submissions by RNC. @HitTheRopes on Twitter
Edson Barboza
| 10- 1
Won KOTN with the Only Spinning Heel Kick KO in UFC.
FEATHERWEIGHT Jose Aldo | 21 - 1
Last WEC, and Current UFC, Featherweight Champion.
BANTAMWEIGHT Renen Barao | 29 - 1
Longest Winning Streak of All UFC Fighters (29 Wins).
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HEAVYWEIGHT Tim Hague | 14 - 6
Only 1 UFC Victory in 5 Attempts (Pat Barry).
First Seven Wins Came Via Submission.
LIGHTHEAVYWEIGHT Ryan Jimmo | 17 - 1
LIGHTHEAVYWEIGHT
Tied for Fastest KO in UFC History (7 Seconds).
MIDDLEWEIGHT Patrick Cote | 17 - 8
Is a Perfect 13 - 0 Outside the UFC.
WELTERWEIGHT
Georges St. Pierre
| 22 - 2
Linton Vassell
| 9-3
Newly Crowned UCMMA Light Heavyweight Champion.
MIDDLEWEIGHT
Michael Bisping | 22- 4 Has Finished 18 of 26 Fights. 14 Via (T)KO.
WELTERWEIGHT Dan Hardy | 24 - 10
2009 MMA Fighter of the Year. 6 Straight Title Defenses
Survived 4 Straight Losses with a KO of of Ludwig.
LIGHTWEIGHT Mark Bocek | 11- 4
LIGHTWEIGHT Terry Etim | 15 - 4
Trained UFC’s Lorenzo Fertitta and Dana White in BJJ.
FEATHERWEIGHT
Mark Hominick
| 20 -11
Only Fighter to Fight For UFC, Affliction, TKO, & WEC.
BANTAMWEIGHT
Gustavo Falciroli
| 12 - 3
Never Been Finished. Excellent Submissions, 7 of 12 Wins.
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HEAVYWEIGHT | 9-1
Phil De Fries
4 SOTN Victories. Second Fastet Sub. Win (17 Secs).
FEATHERWEIGHT Ross Pearson | 13 - 6
TU 9 Winner. But Has Gone 4 - 3 Since Winning.
BANTAMWEIGHT Brad Pickett | 21 - 6
4 OTN Awards. 3 FOTN and 1 SOTN. www.TheColorCommentator.com
HEAVYWEIGHT Shinsho Anzai | 4 - 1
Moves up to Heavy to Make the Squad.
LIGHTHEAVYWEIGHT Tatsuya Mizuno
| 11 - 8
2010 DREAM Light Heavyweight Grand Prix Runner Up.
MIDDLEWEIGHT Yushin Okami | 26 - 7
Last Man to Hold a Win Over Anderson Silva.
WELTERWEIGHT
Yoshihiro Akiyama
| 13 - 5
HEAVYWEIGHT Daniel Cormier | 10 - 0
Undefeatd. Won the Strikeforce Grand Prix.
LIGHTHEAVYWEIGHT Jon Jones
| 16 - 1
Defeated 4-Straight Former UFC LHW Champions.
MIDDLEWEIGHT Chael Sonnen | 27 - 12
Former Olympic Wrestling Alternate.
WELTERWEIGHT Carlos Condit | 26 - 5
3x Fight of the Night Award Winner.
Makes the Squad After Nick Diaz Refuses Drug Test.
LIGHTWEIGHT
LIGHTWEIGHT
Takanori Gomi
| 33 - 8
Ben Henderson
| 16 - 2
Heavy KO power. Former PRIDE Lightweight Champion
Ended Frankie Edgar’s 2yr Reign. Never Been KO’d.
FEATHERWEIGHT Hatsu Hioki | 26 - 5
FEATHERWEIGHT Urijah Faber | 26 - 6
Submission Specialist. Has Neer Been Finished.
BANTAMWEIGHT
Takeya Mizugaki | 15 Hasn’t Had Back-to-Back Wins Since 2008. @HitTheRopes on Twitter
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5 0f 6 Losses Have Come in Championship Fights.
BANTAMWEIGHT
Dominick Cruz
| 19 - 1
Of Champs, Has the Lowest Amount of Finishes in WEC/UFC Career (1)
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Heavyweight Finals
Phil De Fries submits Tim Hague to win the Bronze. The Gold Medal bout goes the distance as JDS manages to outstrike the Strikeforce champion for the win.
Light Heavyweight Finals
Nobody has come close to touching Bones Jones. Nothing changes here. He KOs Lyoto to win gold. This has been the coming out party for Ryan Jimmo with 2 big KOs.
Middleweight Finals
It’s hard to beat someone twice, but three times in a row is pushing it...even for Anderson Silva. Sonnen gets the upset here while Bipsing defeats Okami for Bronze. These are simulated events and are for fun only. i.e. they didn’t occur. 47
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Welterweight Finals Lightweight Finals
This may have been the most stacked division. GSP was solid throughout despite no finishes. Maia recovers from being finished by Condit to beat Hardy for Bronze.
Edson Barboza’s momentum continues as he has finishes in all of his fights, including gold medal win over Henderson. Gomi squeeks by Etim for 3rd place finish.
Featherweight Finals No surprise as Aldo wins gold. What was a surprise is Hatsu Hioki upsetting Faber to get to the finals. Faber retires a fter destroying Pearson to capture Bronze.
Bantamweight Finals The fight of the tourney comes as Cruz is finished by Barao in the fourth of the gold medal bout. Mortimer gets on the map in a loss to Australia’s Pickett.
Total Medal Count COUNTRY
2 4 1 Total 7 @HitTheRopes on Twitter
4 2 0 6
0 0 3 3
1 0 1 2
0 1 1 2
0 0 0 0
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Daris Brown | @HTRMrWikipedia et’s take a look at UFC’s PPVs by the numbers. We’ll look at the best and worst earners in the UFC. Note, there are two landmark transitional periods in UC history. First, Zuffa purchases UFC and has their first PPV in Feb. 2001, but it takes them nearly two years to find their footing. They truly established themselves with UFC 40, the last PPV of the year. And secondly, PPVs pre-The Ultimate Fighter (January 2005) didn’t draw compared to now. So early stars like Tito and Chuck, who stared pre-TUF, have much lower numbers compared to current stars despite some late success. Also, PPVs on tape delay, usually have low rates, most like due to the results being leaked. And keep in mind, only PPVs that the fighter was the main event, or featured, counted toward their total. So who draws? Who doesn’t? Take a look at the UFC by the Numbers.
1st Zuffa Owned PPV UFC 30 Ortiz vs Tanner
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Lowest PPV Buyrate Since The Ultimate Fighter Series Finished (UFC 55) *Projected 175,000
UFC 66 First PPV to Eclipse 1 Million Buys (Ortiz vs Liddell)
Most PPV Buys
Brock Lesnar 2008 - 2011 (3 years) TOTAL BUYS= 6,845,000 AVG = 977,857
UFC 91 UFC 92
Only Back to Back PPVs with 1 Million+ Buys
2011
The Only Year Without a 1 Million + PPV Since 2007
Champion with the Worst Buyrate FRANKIE EDGAR 2007 - PRESENT (5YRS) 5 PPVs TOTAL BUYS= 1,940,000 AVG = 388,000 @HitTheRopes on Twitter
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REMATCHES THAT DREW Brock Lesnar vs Frank Mir UFC 81 - 600,000 UFC 100 -1,600,000 TOTAL - 2, 200,000 AVG BUYS - 1,100,000 INCREASE - 1,000,000 Anderson Silva vs Chael Sonnen UFC117 - 600,000 UFC 148 -1,00,000 TOTAL - 1,600,000 AVG BUYS - 800,000 INCREASE - +400,000 GSP vs Matt Hughes UFC 50 - 40,000 UFC 65 - 500,000 UFC 79 - 750,000 TOTAL - 1,290,000 AVG BUYS - 430,000 INCREASE - 460,000 (1ST REMATCH) 250,000 (2ND REMATCH)
HEADLINED MOST PPVs
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REMATCHES THAT DIDN’T ...BECAUSE NEITHER DID THE FIRST FIGHT Frankie Edgar vs Gray Maynard UFC 125 - 270,000 UFC 136 - 225,000 AVG BUYS - 495,000 DECREASE - 50,000 Anderson Silva vs Rich Franklin UFC 64 - 300,000 UFC 77 - 325,000 AVG BUYS - 312,500 INCREASE - 25,000
ACTIVE FIGHTERS HEADLINING MOST PPV
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Vs
GREATEST OF ALL-TIME ...DOESN’T EQUAL GREATES BUY RATES GEORGES ST. PIERRE 2004 - Present (8yrs) 13 PPVs TOTAL BUYS= 7,970,000
AVG = 613,076 Jon Jones
2008 - PRESENT (4yrs) 5 PPVs TOTAL BUYS = 2,920,000
AVG = 584,000 Rampage Jackson
2006 - PRESENT (6 yrs) 10 PPVs TOTAL = 5,685,000
AVG = 568,500 ANDERSON SILVA
2006 - PRESENT (6 yrs) 13 PPVs TOTAL = 6,685,000
AVG = 514,230
MORE ISN’T ALWAYS GREATER 2011 Had The Most PPVs In UFC History (16)... It Also Had The Lowest Avg Buyrate Since The Tuf Revival In 2005 (424,375)! 2012 Is Currently Avg 492,142 @HitTheRopes on Twitter
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Jon Jones
1987 Baby Jones Born
def. by Matt Hammil via DQ 12/2009
KOTN Win over Brandon Vera 3/2010
1970 Baby Henderson Born def. Renato Sobral King of Kings Tourney 2/1999
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SOTN Win Over Ryan Bader 2/2011
def. Wanderlei Silva Pride Middleweight Championship 2/2007
www.TheColorCommentator.com
There has been a lot of talk about Anderson Silva cleaning out the division, but it’s Jon Jones who has defeated all his competitors. Well, except Dan Henderson. The Strikeforce champion has the wrestling and KO power to dethrone the phenom. While everyone’s looking for Jones’s future opponent, he should be concerned with this next opponent.
Jones vs Henderson
def. Shogun Rua UFC Championship 3/2011
def. Rashad Evans for 3rd Title Defense 4/2012
FOTY Win Over Shogun Rua 11/2011
def. Fedor KO 7/20111
September 1, 2012
Dan Henderson @HitTheRopes on Twitter
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t all seemed so simple a couple of weeks ago. Anderson Silva defeated Chael Sonnen via 2nd round TKO at UFC 148 to remain the middleweight champion. Mark Munoz would take on Chris Weidman and defeat him handily showing that he deserves to be the No. 1 contender.
I
Since there is no fight scheduled for Silva, let’s look at the middleweight contenders who could possibly challenge him for the belt in his upcoming fights.
Munoz would earn the next shot at Silva and it would all fall in line behind him with fighters like Lombard, Belfort and Bisping. Things didn’t fall into place that way though. Weidman ran through Munoz defeating him by 2nd round TKO. Hector Lombard, who many had viewed as the No. 2 to Anderson Silva, lost via split decision to Tim Boetsch in a lackluster debut for the former Bellator champion.
Chris Weidman (9-0)
Next Scheduled Fight: Currently No Scheduled Bout
Weidman has dominated in his brief UFC career so far. Recently, another one of Silva’s managers stated that the The 28-year-old Weidman has defeated the likes of Tom only fight that makes sense for Silva at the moment is a Lawlor, Alessio Sakara, Demian Maia and most catch weight bout with Georges St. Pierre. There is only recently, Mark Munoz. His fight with Munoz was supposed to be Munoz’s No. 1 contender bout to face one snag with that idea…St. Pierre is out until Silva, but Weidman derailed that fast. November and already has a scheduled fight with interim champion Carlos Condit. 57
He dominated the first round before knocking out Munoz with a vicious elbow to win the fight at UFC on Fuel TV. Since that fight Weidman has been screaming for a title shot with the champ. He has all the tools to beat the champion. Weidman was a D1 wrestler and we saw from the Munoz fight that he has huge power and the stand up is ever improving. Weidman is a product of the Serra-Longo camp and the jiu-jitsu is outstanding. Range wouldn’t be an issue against Silva and his stand up is better than Sonnen’s who gave Silva trouble in their bout.
Georges St. Pierre (22-2)
Next scheduled fight: Carlos Condit at UFC 154 He is the UFC Welterweight champion. St. Pierre has This fight is just waiting to be scheduled and Weidman won nine straight fights and has never been in trouble has all the tools to not only make this an interesting and since his loss to Matt Serra in what many believe was exciting fight, but also the ability to defeat Silva. the greatest upset in UFC history. The issue with St. Pierre’s wins has been the finishing ability. He rarely seems to go for the finish and would prefer to win a lopsided decision where he is never in any trouble. What makes this fight so interesting is that this fight would feature the top two pound-for-pound fighters in the world. Fans have been calling for this fight for the past couple years.
Michael Bisping (22-4)
Next scheduled fight: Brian Stann at UFC 152 According to Bisping, he has been promised a title shot if he defeats Brian Stann at UFC 152. Bisping has been around for a while, but never earned a title shot. He seems to be improving in each fight and looks like he could be deserving, but it all depends on how he fares against Stann. Just winning won’t don’t it for Bisping, he will need to win in very impressive fashion. Bisping is coming off a loss to Chael Sonnen, but it was a close fight that many fans feel Bisping won. His wrestling keeps improving and his clinch game is very good. The biggest issue for Bisping is how he has fared against elite-level competition.He has the kickboxing and strength to give the champion fits but needs to avoid getting in a technical fight with Silva.
St. Pierre has pretty much cleaned out his division and a victory over Condit would nearly clean it out entirely. It may look like a win for Silva due to his size advantage over St. Pierre, but what makes St. Pierre such an interesting pick is how smart his game plan is. This would be a fight where St. Pierre would like to utilize his wrestling and superior technical boxing, but would not want to stay in the range of Silva. You can see more of Nikolai’s work at www.cagepages.com
If he can use his strength to tie up Silva against the cage Bisping has a great shot at defeating the champ, but if it becomes a range battle Bisping is in big trouble. @HitTheRopes on Twitter
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Demetrus Stokes | @CoachMeech1236
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After a one-sided Twitter bashing of boxing great and promoter Oscar De La Hoya, rapper 50 Cent announced that he and best buddy Floyd Mayweather would be partnering to form TMT (The Money Team) Promotions. Mayweather’s long-time partner and right hand man, Leonard Ellerbe confirmed the alliance. Ellerbe stated that the alliance between the rapper and boxing great would be a “breath of fresh air” and have a huge impact on the world of boxing. Mayweather has used Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions to promote several of his last fights but 50 Cent says that will all end when Mayweather resumes his boxing career. He implied on Twitter that once Mayweather is released from jail he’ll no longer use the services of Golden Boy. The tweet was later removed. Mayweather was recently released from jail on good behavior about a month earlier than his 90 day sentence. Mayweather’s camp has said that he would like to fight again in 2012. No one is sure what role Mayweather will play in TMT Promotions as he already has his own promotions company, Mayweather Promotions. Ellerbe did say Mayweather would be part owner of TMT. The two companies merging could be a possibility. TMT Promotions has received a promoter’s license in New York and is currently seeking a license in Nevada. The question is can 50 Cent impact the world of boxing the way he impacted hip-hop music? Having Floyd Mayweather on his side could be a huge benefit and have an impact similar to that of Eminem and Dr. Dre when 50 Cent burst on the music scene. A huge con is the fact that in recent years boxers have not been successful as promoters. Oscar De La Hoya is the exception but Golden Boy really didn’t take off until after De La Hoya retired. It is very difficult to run a company promoting other fighters when you are still in the midst of a thriving career which would be the case for Mayweather. Mayweather Promotions lost its only other fighter and right now shows Floyd as its only fighter on the company’s website. In Mayweather’s case, it seems the promotions company is only a tool to earn more boxing revenue from his fights and less about advancing anyone’s career other than his own.
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The verdict is out on whether TMT Promotions will be a success but both 50 Cent and Floyd Mayweather will have to be about the business of promoting others and not one another for the company to thrive. 62
Interview with Steve Chambers Tim Kudgis | @BigtimeTimmyATG
Recently I had the chance to speak with Welterweight Contender and brother of Top 10 Heavyweight Eddie Chambers, Steve Upsher Chambers (26-1-1). We spoke about several different topics including his weight move to 147, Keith Thurman, training, being a promotional free agent and more! The following is the interview in its entirety.
SC: Really, I can make 140 but I can’t put on the muscle and everything like I want and really just kinda tired of the whole cutting weight thing. I wanna feel good and strong at all times and I feel I have the height and size to hold the weight so I’m confident it’s where I should be. BTT: Who are you working with to help you make the transition?
BTT: Steve, thanks for taking the time to sit down SC: I haven’t started sparring yet. I will start to spar 147,154,160 pounders in my gym, James Shulers with me today. First, how everything going? Memorial Gym. I’ll probably be working with good SC: Hey Tim, it’s not a problem, always a pleasure to friend Julian Williams and I’m gonna get my man talk to you, my man. Everything is going good just Raymond Serrano in there with me. getting in shape, preparing for my move up to 147. BTT: Who is your trainer currently? BTT: Yes, I have heard you were making the move up into 147. What sparked your decision to move up in SC: Me and Eddie are both now under the tutelage of weight? James Ali Bashir.
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BTT: James is a superb choice in trainer I must say. I noticed you mentioned on Twitter that you are a free agent. Is that still the case? SC: Yes, me, Eddie, and Bashir click really well as you could see on the Fight Night 36 program. It makes it fun for us again because, for a minute, things were getting pretty stagnant. Yes, this is still the case with me being a free agent. I am in talks with an advisor right now. BTT: Do you feel being a free agent has caused your inactivity as of late? SC: Yes, but I also didn’t just wanna go for just anything as an act of desperation but I feel that once I get that one defining fight so the world could see who “Showtime” Steve Upsher Chambers really is and that I can fight.
Steve and Eddie Chambers
BTT: Let me ask a hypothetical question. If you had to make one fight for yourself two months from now at 147 who would it be?
SC: Not as of yet. We are totally open and will be hoping for the fight. I would love nothing more than for me to have a chance for #TeamChambers to put on SC: No question, Keith Thurman. They offered me another great performance as you seen my brother him on 2 weeks notice I was interested but not in that against Adamek and prove that I belong among the amount of time. I’m nobody’s opponent and I’m not upper echelon in the welterweight weight class. October gonna accept that but if they can make the fight now, in 6th, Let’s get it! Let’s go! which I’ll have ample time to train, as I always say, “Let’s get it. Let’s go, baby!” BTT: Well Steve, thanks for taking the time out to talk to me today. Do you have any parting words for BTT: Word is Keith is slated for the October 6th in your fans? Atlantic City. Since you train in Philadelphia this would seem to be an ideal bout for HBO. Has your SC: Not a problem man; thanks for having me. I just team gotten any word from GBP about a potential wanna say stay tuned and keep riding with me. showdown? Everything is coming along great. This next year I will be making big moves! BTT: One more thing Steve. Where can your fans follow you on the social networks scene? SC: They can follow me on Facebook at Steven Upsher, Twitter @SteveUpsher, and Instagram at Showman1985 Tim Kudgis covers boxing for RingNews24.com as well as being the co-host/producer of ATG Radio every Monday & Wednesday night at 7-9pm PST. For more from Tim follow him on Twitter @BigtimeTimmyATG
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What brought you to the sport of boxing? Watching boxing as a little kid, I had no interest in other sports. My dad took me to a boxing gym, and I fell in love with the sport the first day. Who were some of your influences growing up? (Boxing or Non Boxing) My dad and Oscar de la Hoya. Favorite Movie? Gone in 60 Seconds Favorite album? I really don’t have a favorite album. I listen to a lot of mixed tapes, Corridos... Hobbies other than Boxing? Cars...looking at cars, working on cars. Football or Futbol? Football Bonus Question: Pacquiao or Mayweather? And why? Both are great fighters. I really can’t. It would be a great fight. @HitTheRopes on Twitter
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“Bigtime” Tim Kudgis: First things first, I would like to apologize to the readers of TCC because we have not been around the past two issues. So far Frank Stea technically leads me 2-0 (if you count him predicting Rios-Gamboa wouldn’t happen) but I shall exact my revenge this edition.
W’s in my predictions win column here in The Color Commentator. On September 15th, boxing fans will indulge in a mouth-watering middleweight championship bout between No. 1 ranked middleweight Sergio Martinez and WBC champion Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.
The fight we have chosen is Sergio Martinez versus Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. LIVE on HBO on September 15th for the WBC Middleweight title. This was a title Martinez once held but was for to relinquish while he awaited the “Son of a Legend.” \This could be the most anticipated middleweight title encounter since Bernard Hopkins faced Tito Trinidad.
When I selected my pick for this fight I factored in numerous details. The experience factor on paper looks about the same, with Martinez having 53 professional fights to Chavez’s 47 in-ring scraps. As far as who faced the better opposition in their respective careers, Martinez wins by a landslide.
Two years ago, I would have easily said Martinez will demolish Chavez Jr. but things have changed. We have watched Chavez Jr. grow significantly in his victories over Rubio and Lee. Is he ready for a top P4P fighter in the world?
In my expert opinion Tim, Martinez doesn’t win this fight.
The 37 year old “Maravilla” has faced some bruisers in heyday and that takes its toll on one’s physical health and body. The age factor will be massive in this bout. Chavez, 26, is on the rise and has been vastly improving My answer is No. Even though Chavez Jr. was victorious with every fight. Martinez, on the other hand, has been in his last two fights against tough opposition they were winning but not looking impressive and very beatable not near the level of Sergio Martinez. Martinez has the against limited competition. Martinez will mercifully speed and power advantage and he also does not need submit to Father Time before the age of 40. He will to kill himself to weight like the fast growing Chavez Jr. receive his first visit on September 15th. Frank Stea: We are back and I am ready to add more The time is now for Chavez and YES! he is ready for the 67
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top dogs on the pound for pound list.
after 12 rounds and Martinez gives his displeased duck face when “the Son of a Legend” is declared victorious The advantages of speed and power go to Martinez. I via split decision. won’t disagree on that. Speed and power doesn’t win fights on their own. It takes skill and ring smarts. Win “BigTime” Tim Kudgis: Frank, a split decision in favor or lose, I expect Chavez Jr. to graduate from being of Chavez Jr. is definitely possible. We know how the Senior’s son to becoming his own man in boxing. boxing politics work but I do not think Sergio will allow this fight to go the full 12 rounds. I know I am the “Bigtime” Tim Kudgis: You mentioned that Martinez underdog in these debates but I honestly believe that did not look great in his last few fights. I find that funny Sergio Martinez and I will be victorious on September because neither did Chavez Jr. At this point of his career 15th! he should be demolishing guys like Rubio and Lee. Instead, he look good against them and was losing on My Final Prediction: Martinez TKO 10 the cards to Lee before the stoppage. Our debate isn’t as Chavez Jr. may have heated as the others looked much had been. This fight is improved his last two just good for boxing. fights he is still not Whatever the outready to face the come is, it will make number one for more great demiddleweight in the bates and boxing world. Granted, the kid discussions in the is tough but he is not future. number one middleweight in the The politics and world tough. He may corrupt judging give problems to should play a facMartinez early due to tor in some capacity activity but he will so on fight night. Undown after the first less those judges are four. I just don’t see this down the road fight going all 12 with Chavez Jr. on his feet. working Alvarez-Lopez. Frank Stea: Everything you are saying sounds good For this debate and this debate only, I will be polite and Tim. By no way, shape, or form am I saying Junior is a a good sport. Tim, I wish you and your prediction all better fighter. My prediction is based solely on an upset. the best come September 15th. With all the questionable opposition talk, Chavez still is an undefeated fighter. Though a top pound-for-pound guy, Martinez is aging.
My Final Prediction: Chavez Jr. by decision Frank Stea leads Tim Kudgis 2-0
My expectations for this fight is seeing Chavez putting Frank Stea @frankstea & “BigTime” Tim Kudgis on his greatest effort in his career, going toe-to-toe with @bigtimetimmyatg can be heard every Monday and Martinez to the final bell. The fight is going down in the Wednesday night from 7-9pm PST on AllTimeGreat.com state of Nevada. Where the judging is extremely fair and unemployment doesn’t exist. I look forward to the ring announcer giving the verdict @HitTheRopes on Twitter
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