Negative White Stereotypes in WWE

By Brian Phelps
http://wrestlersway.blogspot.com

I know that many wrestling fans believe that the WWE is racist, particularly toward minorities. There has NEVER been an African-American WWE Champion (The Rock was 1/2 Samoan and 1/2 black and he clearly resembles his Samoan side, and Booker T won the Old WCW Belt aka Smackdown's World Heavyweight Championship). Also, many people feel that Vince McMahon portrays minorities in a negative light often portraying them as criminals, thugs, and thieves but I'll get into that in my next blog. However, for all minorities that believe that Vince McMahon portrays them in a negative light... keep in mind that he doesn't just do it with minorities. There have been several white characters in WWE history that portray whites in a negative or ignorant fashion. In this blog post, I intend to point out several white wrestling characters in WWE history that portrayed white people in a negative light.


"Million Dollar Man" Ted Dibiase

Ted Dibiase was a very controversial character, and many fans and wrestling historians actually perceive the Million Dollar Man as a racist character. His servant Virgil (who was black) was constantly verbally and physically abused by his rich white boss Dibiase. He made Virgil carry his bags, and would make Virgil pick things up off the floor for him. It was very symbolic of rich white men treating blacks like they were beneath them. He dehumanized Virgil and treated him like he was beneath him. Virgil was essentially a modern day slave. In one segment, Dibiase brought a black child on stage and asked him to bounce a ball and he would pay the kid. Right as the kid was about to finish, Dibiase kicked the ball out of the black child's hands and told the little boy that's life and you don't get paid for not finishing the job and laughed in the boys face. He even paid off Native American Tatanka to betray and dishonor his people. Even though I'm a big Ted Dibiase fan, I do believe the Million Dollar Man was a totally racist character. Outside of being a racist character, Dibiase was a scum bag who thought he could bribe his way out of trouble. He was the typical rich white racist who bought his way out of trouble.

Skinner

Skinner was a tobacco spitting, flannel wearing, backwoods "crocodile hunter"... The guy just looks like those racist guys you see in the movies. Anyways, he was always talking about skinning boys alive. This guy is kind of creepy to be honest.

The Bushwhackers

The Bushwhackers were an ignorant unintelligent white tag team, who were also kind of backwoods guys (you know camouflage pants etc). They would lick each other and their opponents, and do other kinds of odd unintelligent things. They were very popular with the fans.

Hillbilly Jim

Hillbilly Jim was another face who was real popular during the 1980s. However, his actual gimmick was an overalls wearing hillbilly. If that's not a racist white stereotype I don't know what is. However, Jim had a heart of gold and I always enjoyed him growing up no matter how unrealistic he portrayed the average white person.

The Godwinns

The Godwinns were another couple of guys similar to Hillbilly Jim. They often fought in Slop Matches and were often portrayed as dumb and stupid rednecks.

Rico

Not only was Rico a negative white stereotype, but he was also a negative gay stereotype. Like every gay white guy has to be a flashy fashion diva who wears glitter. For an example of an average gay guy, see Neil Patrick Harris.

The Brooklyn Brawler

Portrayed lower class whites in a bad light. He was dirty, greasy, had holes in his clothes, and looked like a mechanic.

In closing, there have been several negative White stereotypes over the years as well as negative Black, Asian, and Mexican stereotypes. I think though that the defining difference is that even negative White characters were never portrayed as thugs, criminals, witch doctors, petty thieves, or lawn mowing illegal immigrants. They are usually never oppressed in the same ways as some of the minority characters such as Virgil were. They have been portrayed as racists, dumb, ignorant, backwoods, trailer trash. I could've gone on and mentioned Jamie Noble's trailer trash gimmick among others, but I think I've made my point.

Why TNA's Crimson and Goldberg Are Nothing Alike

By Brian Phelps

I am under the belief that TNA's Crimson is the fastest rising young star in either TNA or the WWE at the moment. The thing I like about him is that he doesn't look like any other wrestler that I've ever seen. He's not the cookie cutter crew cut, little trunks, clean shaved, stock theme having WWE newbie wrestler. Nor is he the typical spandex pants, smaller build, grown out hair TNA wrestler. He's a big man, but he's also cut with a longer torso. I haven't seen a pro wrestler body build that looks quite like his. Then his facial appearance is different too, with shorter but still grown somewhat red hair and beard... and tats. Then, it doesn't hurt to have a pretty awesome theme song. In essence, Crimson embodies what the modern pro wrestler SHOULD look like. A man of few words, who lets his actions in the ring speak for himself.

However, as I have combed the internet I have found a few wrestling fans that say that "Crimson = TNA's Goldberg". I would have to respectfully disagree. Simply because Crimson is undefeated for now does not mean that he is a Goldberg rehash. Let me make this clear: every wrestler that has an undefeated streak is not a Goldberg knock off. Contrary to what some may believe, undefeated streaks in professional wrestling are quite common and Goldberg is certainly not the first wrestler to have an impressive undefeated streak. Andre the Giant had a 15 year WWF undefeated streak. Mr Perfect went undefeated for over a year. After Goldberg's streak, Vladimir Kozlov had an undefeated streak that was finally broken by Shawn Michaels (this is before he became a comedic wrestler). Samoa Joe was undefeated for a year and a half in TNA, so I have no idea why people make it out like Crimson's undefeated streak makes him a Goldberg rip.

Other than the fact that they both have undefeated streaks, the similarities pretty much end there. Goldberg and Crimson do not look alike. Their attire is not similar, and nor is their theme music. They don't have the same build, nor do they talk or sound the same. Their move sets are not really similar. It can only be based on the fact that both men have undefeated streaks in non-WWE companies. Goldberg would bash his head into lockers, snarl, breathe and exhale smoke, spit and was escorted to the ring by security. Crimson does NONE of these things. Crimson just comes down to the ring and smashes guys... that's it.

Also, just because Crimson has done a spear does not make him a Goldberg clone either. Goldberg is NOT the only wrestler to utilize the spear. He simply popularized it in the modern era. Edge, Rhino, Batista, Christian, and Bobby Lashley have ALL utilized the spear in their move sets. So, why a few fans believe Crimson using a spear makes him a Goldberg rip is beyond me. I think some people have a tendency to take something completely minor and run with it. Crimson being a Goldberg rip, is as ridiculous as those who claimed that Goldberg was a Steve Austin rip. The only thing Goldberg and Austin had in common is that they both were bald. Crimson is in no way, shape, or form a Goldberg rip.

Why is Kevin Nash Only Entertaining in Stables?

By Brian Phelps

http://wrestlersway.blogspot.com

You know, I don't know if I'm the only guy that has put this together about Kevin Nash, but it seems like Nash is only entertaining to watch when he is in a group or stable. When he is by himself, he is just boring... but for some reason in a faction or group he comes off more cool. Let's be real, how many great Kevin Nash matches do we remember? We remember Kevin Nash more for infamous bad matches like the "Finger Poke of Doom" in WCW. What about when he botched a Jack Knife Powerbomb and broke The Giant's (aka WWE's Big Show) neck? Or, who can forget when he beat Goldberg's streak at Starrcade in a horrible finish where Goldberg lost because he got stunned with a taser gun? I mean honestly and no disrespect to Nash, but I can't think of one great Kevin Nash match. We remember Kevin Nash for the factions he was in more than anything.

When he was in his first run with WCW by himself, he was just boring as "Oz" and "Vinnie Vegas". Even then, he was in stable called the "Diamond Mine". But basically from that point on he has always been in stables, and whenever he is by himself without a stable he is just boring. Think about it.

During his first WWF run, he spent most of the time as Shawn Michaels lackey when he was known as "Diesel". Then after he split from Shawn Michaels he became a really boring WWF Champion. Then he defected to WCW and formed a stable with Scott Hall called "the Outsiders", and he was very entertaining. Then Nash and Hall joined up with Hulk Hogan and formed the NWO stable. Then, he broke apart from the original NWO faction and formed the NWO Wolfpac (where he was at his most popular, and truly put him over as an entertaining singles competitor). Then, when the NWO broke up he was just boring again. Then, NWO 2000 formed with Nash joining up with Jeff Jarrett, Scott Hall, and Bret Hart. When that fizzled out, he was boring Kevin Nash again. Then for a short period before WCW's demise he joined up with Diamond Dallas Page and formed a team called "the Insiders" and was entertaining again. After WCW's demise, he returned to the WWF/E and reformed the original NWO Stable with Scott Hall and Hulk Hogan and he was cool again. After the NWO fizzled out again, he went solo and wound up in a boring feud with Triple H resulting in a Hell in a Cell match that no one really remembers. Then he left WWE for TNA. There, he formed a stable called the "Kings of Wrestling" with Scott Hall and Jeff Jarrett (not to be confused with Ring of Honor's Kings of Wrestling tag team). After that ended, Nash went solo in TNA and was fairly boring for several years until Kevin Nash joined the "Main Event Mafia" stable with Booker T, Scott Steiner, Sting, and Kurt Angle. After that ended, Kevin Nash was boring again until Scott Hall and X-Pac showed up in TNA and they formed "the Band" (which was the NWO under a different name)... after that fizzled out Nash then rekindled the "Wolfpack" with Sting. Then he left TNA and returned to the WWE and took out CM Punk, and is currently presumed to be in some sort of a possible alliance with Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, and John Laurinitis.
In closing, I mean no disrespect towards Kevin Nash. Nash is a certified wrestling legend. It's been said by Ric Flair that Kevin Nash is not a talented wrestler, but was just a good looking big man who just happened to be in the right place at the right time when he showed up in the WWE in 1994. I would agree that Nash did come along at a time when the WWE was in a state of rebuilding and needed big men as the days of Andre the Giant and One Man Gang were gone. Kevin Nash was cool as Diesel, but we remember him less as a great wrestler and more as Shawn Michaels bodyguard. We remember him as Hogan's back up in the NWO. We remember him in TNA as the number 4 guy in the Main Event Mafia after Kurt Angle, Sting, and Booker T... but ahead of Scott Steiner. Don't get me wrong because I'm a big Kevin Nash fan. However, I just am able to realize that without the factions... without being a bodyguard or an outsider... that Kevin Nash probably would not have been a household name. Without Shawn Michaels giving him "the rub", Diesel probably would have just been another decent big man that never hit the next level like Crush or Wrath (aka Adam Bomb), or a flash in the pan... fly by night big man like Kurgan or Nathan Jones. Nevertheless, I can't take anything away from Kevin Nash because even at his most boring... is still fairly entertaining.

Here's a run down of Kevin Nash's multitude of teams and stables throughout the years

Kevin Nash and Shawn Michaels (WWF 1994?)

Kevin Nash and the Kliq (WWF circa 1995?)

Kevin Nash in original nWo (WCW 1996)

Kevin Nash in nWo Wolfpack (WCW 1998)

Kevin Nash in nWo 2000 (WCW 2000)

Kevin Nash in The Insiders (WCW 2000-2001)

Kevin Nash in WWE's nWo (WWE 2002)

Kevin Nash in Kings of Wrestling (TNA 2004)

Kevin Nash in Paparazzi Productions (TNA 2006)

Kevin Nash in Main Event Mafia (TNA 2008)

Kevin Nash in The Band aka TNA's nWo (TNA 2010)

Kevin Nash in TNA's Wolfpack (TNA 2010)

Watch WWE NXT: August 16, 2011 Online Free

When is the Last Time John Cena Lost Cleanly?

By Brian Phelps
http://wrestlersway.blogspot.com


Before I get started, I have to list a couple of matches that do NOT count because apparently some people that read this post don't pay attention and keep listing these matches that clearly don't meet the criteria.

First off, Batista vs John Cena at Summerslam 2008 does NOT count. John Cena suffered a real life neck injury during the match from a Batista bomb that caused him to have to be pinned. The match did not end the way it was supposed to.

Triple H vs John Cena at Night of Champions 2008 does NOT count. Triple H is the owner's son-in-law so it's funny that the boss's son would be one to defeat Cena clean. In other words, the win does NOT count because it is tainted by backstage politics. In other words, it doesn't count because it's a conflict of interest.

Triple H vs John Cena vs Randy Orton at Wrestlemania 24 does NOT count. Any match where Cena is cleanly pinned that involves Triple H is tainted and does not count because Triple H is the owner's son-in-law and thus it is tainted by backstage politics. It's a conflict of interest. Also, in this post I clearly stated when is the last time John Cena lost a SINGLES match cleanly, and I also stated a match with NO special stipulations. Last time I checked, a triple threat match is not a singles match and it is a special stipulation. Another reason Triple Threat matches aren't counted is because they often provide fluke wins where a wrestler hits his finisher on a guy and then the third wrestler jumps in and steals a pin fall, or a wrestler will lose the match even though he specifically was never pinned.

Many people are wondering when is the last time that John Cena legitimately lost a match cleanly to another wrestler? By Cleanly, I mean he was legitimately pinned or submitted with NO distractions, NO outside interference, NO weapons, NO pinning Cena with Cena's foot on the bottom rope but the referee didn't see it, NO special stipulations, and NO real life injuries that occurred during a match that required the other wrestler to pin Cena to end the match in a way that it was not supposed to end (such as when Batista pinned John Cena at Summerslam 2008 after Cena suffered a neck injury caused by a Batista Bomb during the match). This also means NO fluke Money in the Bank cash in victories such as Edge taking advantage of a tired and exhausted John Cena moments after Cena won the Elimination Chamber Match back in 2006.

In other words, when is the last time John Cena legitimately lost a one-on-one singles match CLEANLY to another wrestler where it was legitimately planned for John Cena to lose cleanly with no interference, weapons, cheating, special stipulations etc. The answer is April 23, 2007 on Monday Night RAW, John Cena and Shawn Michaels faced off in a rematch from Wrestlemania 23. The match went an entire hour and ended after John Cena attempted an Attitude Adjustment Finisher on Shawn Michaels. Shawn Michaels actually landed on his feet, and jumped back towards John Cena for all he was worth and hit 'Sweet Chin Music' and collapsed onto Cena for the CLEAN pin fall victory. Shawn Michaels defeated John Cena with no outside interference, no weapons, no special stipulations, no freak pectoral or neck injuries that caused Cena to have to be pinned so he could go to a real life hospital, and no controversial "my foot was on the bottom rope but the referee didn't see it" endings. Shawn Michaels also is not Vince's son-in-law so Shawn Michaels victory is not tainted by a conflict of interest like Triple H's matches are. Michaels simply out wrestled Cena and beat him in a basic singles match-up. This was the last time as of 8/17/2011 that John Cena legitimately and cleanly with absolute certainty lost a BASIC SINGLES MATCH.

Upon becoming "Super Cena", this is the ONLY time that John Cena has really put over another wrestler CLEANLY.

WWE Kills CM Punk's Buzz at Summerslam with Del Rio and 52 year old Kevin Nash

by Brian Phelps

http://wrestlersway.blogspot.com

WWE just baffles me, such as the case now that Summerslam 2011 is over with. CM Punk defeated John Cena in a controversial finish where Cena's foot was on the bottom rope. As much as that finish irritated me, to make matters worse Kevin Nash comes out and attacks CM Punk... leading to Alberto Del Rio cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase and becoming the WWE Champion. No offense, but this was a horrible finish. This is the type of finish that WWE die hards would be laughing at if it would've happened in a TNA Wrestling ring. They would've laughed and muttered something along the lines of "typical Russo finish".

I thought the whole idea lately has been to build CM Punk up as the next "Face" of the company, but apparently I was wrong. I don't think they know what they want to do. I was under the influence that after CM Punk made the biggest headlines in Pro Wrestling since the Attitude Era that the logical thing to do would be to push him to the moon and start to phase Cena into more of a Shawn Michaels 2002-2010 role. John Cena has reached a point where losing cleanly wouldn't hurt his character because he's done everything you can do in the business. Like I said, I guess I'm wrong though. The fact that Punk couldn't gain a clean pin fall victory over Cena goes to show that Vince McMahon is too scared to go in a totally new direction. Even Hogan passed the torch to the Ultimate Warrior with a clean pin fall at Wrestlemania 6. Why can't Cena do the same for CM Punk? CM Punk not getting a real win over Cena starts to paint CM Punk as an almost semi-heel because he didn't win clean at MITB and he didn't win clean at Summerslam. They're doing to Punk what they've been doing to Christian on Smackdown in his feud with Randy Orton... and that's not allow the new generation of possible main eventers to take over. Vince is scared.

Then to add insult to injury they completely killed all the build and buzz around CM Punk by having him drop the title in a weak "run of the mill" MITB briefcase cash-in by Alberto Del Rio. Yes, the Kevin Nash run-in was shocking and unexpected... but why? I already know where they are going with that, but it's another blog post in itself. I'm glad Kevin Nash is back, but the way they brought him back is completely lame. They shouldn't bring back an over 50 year old Kevin Nash at the expense of CM Punk's super build. I already know they are most likely going to go with Nash being Del Rio's body guard, or to a lesser extent they will have The Game and Nash in some sort of "Kliq" related favor... or both.

The one thing that gets me though is the "Anti-TNA" WWE Fans (not to be confused with the average WWE Fans). The same "Anti-TNA" WWE iwc fans that were made fun of Kevin Nash in TNA and called him a washed up has been are the same ones that totally marked out for Nash at the Royal Rumble and marked out for him at Summerslam. When Nash was in TNA, those fans said he stunk and needed to retire. Now, they're cheering him on as one guy said "It's nice to see the Jack Knife one last time". What are you talking about? If you watched TNA, he's been doing Jack Knife's up until the beginning of January 2011. No one cared. Now, that he did it on WWE television... the Anti-TNA contingent are all about Kevin Nash wrestling and/or getting involved. I don't know... just funny to watch.

I'm happy Kevin Nash is back, but I hate that WWE dropped the ball with CM Punk big time. Punk should've pinned Cena cleanly to end the show. Then if you MUST have Del Rio cash in and have a 50 year old Kevin Nash bury CM Punk... then do it on RAW the next night. *Shakes head at WWE Creative*... It's bull that Vince wouldn't let Del Rio cash in on Cena... but he'll let him cash in on Punk.  Then tonight on RAW, Rey Mysterio gets a title shot at Del Rio??? What happened to WWE's almighty "rematch clause" that Cena cries every time he loses the World Title. Shouldn't Punk be getting a rematch? Or, at the very least Cena as much as I don't want to see Cena in a title match? *Shakes head in disbelief* 

Why Are WWE Superstars Jumping Ship to TNA ?

by Brian Phelps
http://wrestlersway.blogspot.com

Over the years, there has been a tidal wave of pro wrestlers jumping ship from WWE to TNA. Despite the fact the fact that TNA doesn't pay as much and doesn't offer a lot of the merchandising perks that WWE does. So, why are they still jumping over each other to go to TNA? I'm here to explain why.

1) Less Dates - In WWE, you can expect to work over 300 days a year. That's a considerable amount of time away from your family and friends. In TNA, they work a little over a 100 days a year. This also means that your body isn't pushed as hard, which means more time to heal and less of a chance of injury due to over working.

2) Better Opportunities - Many wrestlers in WWE end up getting lost in the shuffle due to the roster size, and corporate politics. Guys like Chavo Guerrero, MVP, Gail Kim all left WWE because they were unhappy with the way they were being treated. Before TNA, there was nowhere to go and make money... now, they can go to TNA (or Japan in MVP's case) and still feed their families. They also may achieve greater heights in TNA. Just ask X-Division Champion Brian Kendrick. Look at Christian. WWE considered Christian nothing but a mid-carder during his initial WWE Run until TNA made him Heavyweight Champion. After he returned to WWE from TNA, he is now a 2-time World Heavyweight Champion on Smackdown.

3) Better Working Atmosphere - Many wrestlers drown amongst the corporate suits in WWE. Many have stated that TNA is a lighter working environment where you have at least somewhat of a better shot at being heard when you have an idea.

4) Tired of Being Held Down - In cases like Mr. Anderson, he states that he was held back by main eventers like Randy Orton who got in the bosses ear. It was also said by Bret Hart that Shawn Michaels and Triple H tried to hold down The Rock. So, it's not just Mr. Anderson that has stories of main eventers getting in Vince's ear trying to hold down up-and-coming stars.

Watch WWE Friday Night Smackdown: August 12, 2011 Online Free

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Watch WWE Superstars: August 11, 2011 Online for Free

In case you missed it, watch the Full Episode of WWE Superstars from 8-4-2011 online here at Wrestler's Way for free




Watch WWE NXT 

Is CM Punk a One Hit Wonder?

by Brian Phelps

http://wrestlersway.blogspot.com

On WWE RAW this past Monday, John Cena told CM Punk that if he loses at Summerslam that he'll be "...nothing more than a loud mouth, one hit wonder". Let's examine this comment. Whether or not CM Punk loses at Summerslam 2011, is he a One Hit Wonder as John Cena claims? The answer is a resounding NO. CM Punk is NOT a one hit wonder. This is what I really dislike about John Cena. CM Punk is right about John. Cena is condescending, and it really comes off like John Cena thinks he is above CM Punk. Let's take a look at CM Punk's in-ring accolades as of today shall we?

1. 1-time WWE Champion (current)
2. 3-time World Heavyweight Champion
3. 1-time ECW Champion in WWE
4. 1-time Intercontinental Champion
5. 1-time World Tag Team Champion (with Kofi Kingston)
6. 2008 Money in the Bank Winner
7. 2009 Money in the Bank Winner
8. WWE Triple Crown Champion
9. * The only superstar to win MITB twice in a row

Having accomplished all this, how on earth could Cena possibly claim that CM Punk is a one hit wonder? I didn't even count his accomplishments in Ring of Honor, where he was a World Heavyweight Champion and 2-time Tag Team Champion. How can a 4-time WWE Heavyweight Champion be a one hit wonder? Even if Cena was talking strictly in terms of epic moments, CM Punk has had his share. From taking over The Nexus, to the Straight Edge Society... Punk has had his share of memorable moments. Let's take a look at some of CM Punk's Greatest Hits.

1. CM Punk Comes Out Dressed as Jeff Hardy

2. CM Punk Appears on Top of the Titantron

3. CM Punk Takes Over the Nexus

4. CM Punk's Straight Edge Society Debuts

5. CM Punk Returns as Cult of Personality

6. CM Punk Cuts Instant Classic Promo "Punk Goes Off Script"

An Overview of the CM Punk/John Cena Contract Signing for Summerslam

by Brian Phelps
http://www.wrestlersway.blogspot.com



On Raw last night, CM Punk and John Cena had their official contract signing for WWE Summerslam. For those of you who don't know, Summerslam is the next biggest non-gimmick pay-per-view after Wrestlemania. It's sort of a "Diet" Wrestlemania for those of you who want a little clarity.

Now, I half expected the contract signing to be stale and predictable and end like every contract signing does, with a brawl breaking out leading to one guy getting spine bustered or power bombed through the contract signing table because somehow guaranteeing a win always leads to violence. In any other sport, both guys would go out in hand cuffs but not professional wrestling.

Well, much to my shock this contract signing was probably the best one I've ever seen. I mean, it wasn't life changing or anything don't get me wrong... but it didn't end in a table getting shattered with the heel doing their signature taunt over the faces lifeless body. CM Punk made this memorable, and John Cena even had a couple of great lines... surprisingly. 

CM Punk rolled out a clip of The Rock verbally thrashing John Cena from Rock's facebook. The Rock told Cena he was a phony and that men don't like him because they can smell bull from a mile away. CM Punk reiterated after the video that The Rock was spot on in his conclusion of Cena being phony. John Cena rebutted by claiming he'll never win over the Rock's "Millions" or CM Punks followers. Cena stated he fights for those that never give up, and maybe he's too PG for Punk... or maybe he's just another Hulk Hogan with his hand in front of his face instead of cupping his ear. Basically the usual, you know Cena disrespecting another wrestler under the guise of nobility and then when another wrestler proves valid points against Cena he panders to the fans and makes a mutual disagreement all about himself. 

Triple H tried to throw in his two cents by calling Punk a coward and a phony for claiming to be this underground voice, but then holding out his contract for more money and perks... wanting his face on ice cream bars, his own private jet etc. CM Punk retorted that Triple H has no room to call anyone a coward when he has another man fire (John Laurinaitis) wrestlers even though he's running the company. Punk also happily admitted to holding out for his face on ice cream bars because he just wants what John Cena is handed on a silver platter on a regular basis. Punk also bashed Cena for "looking down on him", recalling after he won the ECW Title that Cena walked up to him and said "Good job, I almost gave up on you". Punk roared at Cena, who do you think you are? You almost gave up on me?

That's my problem with Cena. He's the biggest sell out ever. CM Punk put on magnificent matches, and worked his butt off... and got nowhere. Cena has been coasting for 6 years with his lazy "once you've seen one, you've seen them all" matches. John Cena does come off as phony, like he's trying to be something he's not and I truly hope that WWE makes the right call and pushes Punk over Cena at Summerslam. Oh, and I thoroughly chuckled at Cena's hokey intimidation tactics, claiming that all the pressure is going to make CM Punk a one hit wonder? lol.

Watch WWE Friday Night Smackdown: August 5, 2011 Online Free

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World Title Promo: Kurt Angle vs "Joker" Sting at Hardcore Justice 8/7/2011

This is a pretty good promo for the upcoming epic main event at Impact Wrestling's Hardcore Justice PPV. The Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle takes on The "Joker" Sting for the Impact Wrestling World Heavyweight Title.

Top 5 WWF Wrestlers Who Were Held Back by the Hulkamania Era (1984-1993)

by Brian Phelps
http://wrestlersway.blogspot.com
http://prowrestlingtube.blogspot.com

When Hulkamania exploded onto the wrestling world in 1984, no one knew that it would go on to revolutionize the sport of professional wrestling and bring it into the mainstream. It ushered in an era of unprecedented financial revenue for Vince McMahon and the WWE (then known as WWF), and gave a face from which to brand Wrestlemania during its early years. What many people don't know though or realize is that as a result of the boom of Hulkamania, there were several legendary wrestlers that would never reach their potential. They were never able to break through the glass ceiling because Hulkamania and its spotlight eclipsed any hopes or dreams they had of making it to the highest levels of the wrestling world. Wrestler's Way has comprised a list of legendary wrestlers who Hulk Hogan and Hulkamania kept from reaching their full potential.


#5 - The British Bulldog

The British Bulldog had the attitude, the fans, and the physique. He was a peak physical specimen through the '80s and '90s. He was also a phenomenal power wrestler whose delayed suplex was an awesome sight whenever he got a bigger guy up in it and just held him in the air. Had Hulkamania never took place, the British Bulldog may very well have went on to become WWF Champion. By the time Hogan left the WWF in 1993, the WWF had already looked ahead to Bret "Hitman" Hart to carry the torch and The British Bulldog went from a big power wrestler with a great look and physique to an afterthought.



#4 - Rick Rude

"Ravishing" Rick Rude throughout the '80s had a great gimmick, and fans loved to hate this guy. His abs were second to none in professional wrestling... and his look epitomized the classic '80s big brown curly hair and thick mustache that reflected hunks of the time like Tom Selleck and David Hasselhoff. His attitude was so bad, but in a way that made you want to jump the guard rail and punch him yourself. He never could make it to the next level in WWF at that time due to Vince McMahon's always have the strap on Hogan. Without Hogan there, Piper might have been turned face (which did happen in the '90s but by then it was too late), leaving a spot for a main event heel which could've been filled by Rick Rude. We'll never know though. Once he did leave the WWF and got out of Hogan's shadow he went to WCW and became Heavyweight Champion and main eventer there... feuding with Sting.



#3 - Jake "The Snake" Roberts

The Snake Man was always an upper mid-card heel in the WWF. Jake had an intense feud with the number two guy in the WWF Randy Savage. Without Hulkamania, Savage may have been the face of the WWF and his feud with Jake Roberts might have been over the WWF Title. By the time Hulk Hogan finally left the WWF, Jake Roberts was already too old to be the face of the company. He tried WCW, but like I said his time had already come and gone waiting for Hogan to leave. He should've been WWF Champion.




#2 - Rowdy Roddy Piper

Rowdy Roddy Piper spent the entire '80s being the villainous foil to Hulkamania. Had Hogan not have blown up the way he did, Piper would have had no one in his way of becoming the number one guy in the WWF. Piper was untouchable on the mic, and his brawling style was fairly standard for the time. When he went to WCW in the '90s, he was in Hogan's shadow yet again. He spent the majority of his career being in Hogan's shadows whether it be wrestling or movies. Rowdy Roddy Piper is beyond the shadow of a doubt the greatest wrestler to never become a World Champion.



#1 - Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka

Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka was held back by Hulkamania more than any other wrestler at the time and here is why. Snuka came to the WWF in 1982, and lost several title matches to Bob Backlund including a cage match that became match of the year by pro wrestling illustrated. In 1983, the defining moment of Jimmy Snuka's career came during a cage match where he did his famed Superfly Splash off the top of a 15 foot high steel cage. He was a top face in the WWF at the time, and spent 1984 in a feud with Rowdy Roddy Piper. Around the same time Hulkamania was born that same year in 1984, and so when the very first Wrestlemania took place in 1985... instead of Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka vs Rowdy Roddy Piper in the main event... Snuka was just a corner man for Hulk Hogan as Hulkamania replaced what should've been Snuka's spot and faced Rowdy Roddy Piper in the one Wrestlemania that started it all. Had it not been for Hogan, Snuka would've faced Piper at Wrestlemania I... but instead Hulkamania blew up out of nowhere and eclipsed him within months. Jimmy Snuka lost all his buzz, because Hulkamania stole his thunder as top face and Snuka fizzled out of the WWF for a few years. When he finally came back, he would never again regain his momentum or role as a top face eventually being "fed" to the Undertaker at Wrestlemania 7. Superfly missed out the most of any wrestler in the Hulkamania era.

Z! True Long Island Story (ep. 25)

Watch WWE Superstars: August 4, 2011 Online for Free

In case you missed it, watch WWE Superstars from 8-4-2011 online here at wrestler's way for free

How Mr.Anderson Went From Top Wrestler in TNA to Irrelevant

by Brian Phelps
http://wrestlersway.blogspot.com

When Mr.Anderson, then known as Mr. Kennedy, left the WWE little did he know that he would go on to become one of the biggest free agent signings in Impact Wrestling history, but that he would go on to become a two time World Heavyweight Champion as a result.

He began his run in Impact Wrestling as a heel, but would later go on to become one of the top faces in the company. By the time he won his first world title, he was the top face in the company. Impact Wrestling was doing a great job of putting him over, and giving him memorable skits. His performance as a heel on occasions was the best in the business, such as when he dressed as an alter boy and attacked the pope or his instant classic moments where he dressed up as Sting's surfer gimmick from WCW and looked picture perfect as young Sting.

At that moment, you could make an argument that he was one of the top wrestlers in either company. Impact Wrestling was doing an amazing job with the Anderson character by letting him do what WWE typically does NOT do... and that's giving a wrestler a microphone and telling him to go out there and speak his mind and be himself.

Everything was going phenomenal, no pun intended AJ. That is until Impact Wrestling made a gigantic blunder which ended up killing all of Mr. Anderson's buzz. They made him irrelevant the moment they had him join Hulk Hogan's Immortal faction. Anderson in one night went from marching to his own drum to becoming just another Hogan lackey, joining the ranks of Scott Steiner, Bully Ray, and Gunner. Instead of being the face of the company, Mr. Anderson became just another face in the company. A guy in the background of a Hogan picture and that in itself is a travesty and a waste of talent both in the ring and on the microphone.

Watch WWE NXT: August 2, 2011 Free

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Wrestlers Way Podcast - Why the WWE Should Bring Back the Cruiserweight Division

Check out the new Wrestler's Way Podcast discussing why the WWE should bring back the cruiserweight division with new talent like Primo, Trent Baretta, Sin Cara, Yoshi Tatsu, etc.

Who is the Real WWE Champion, CM Punk or John Cena?

by Brian Phelps
http://www.wrestlersway.blogspot.com

On Raw last night, Triple H ordered CM Punk and John Cena to square off at Summerslam to decide who is the rightful WWE Champion. Both men have a WWE Championship belt, and both men lay claim to being the WWE Champion. Both men are also recognized as the WWE Champion, but just like in Highlander... There can be only one.

Watch WWE Friday Night Smackdown: July 29, 2011 Free

In case you missed it, watch WWE Friday Night Smackdown from July 29, 2011 for free.