Tag Archives: Pro Wrestling

Ranking the Viability of Money in the Bank Candidates

From a storytelling perspective, Money in the Bank has easily become one of the WWE’s most critical annual shows, and the only show created in the past decade that cracks the list. Money in the Bank is as pivotal as … Continue reading

Posted in Commentary, Sports, Television | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Most Transitional WrestleMania of All Time!

WrestleMania has always been a little different. From its inception, when it was the only annual pay-per-view in the World Wrestling Federation’s arsenal, celebrity involvement was a point of emphasis.  From Liberace to Billy Martin to Muhammad Ali, the WWF … Continue reading

Posted in Sports, Television, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Beast For Business – SummerSlam 2014

In just a few days’ time, shrewd businessman and creative genius Vince McMahon’s troupe of fairly compensated independent contractors will put on their second-biggest show of the year. Originating from its now-annual home, L.A.’s Staples Center, SummerSlam features a complete … Continue reading

Posted in Commentary, Sports, Television | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

RAW in Richmond

Due to a last-minute offer of (excellent) tickets, I was able to catch Monday Night RAW in person at the Richmond Coliseum this week.  Here, in no particular order, are some observations and live impressions that I’ll jot down before loading up the television … Continue reading

Posted in Commentary, Reviews, Television | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

This is How You Heel

Three weeks ago, I discussed the looming problem the WWE has in light of its use of heels with face-like qualities.  Summarizing, the WWE has embraced the “smart” reaction to effective heels, essentially turning any heel who gets over into … Continue reading

Posted in Commentary, Sports, Television | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The WWE Has a Big Problem. Here’s the Solution. Really.

The WWE has a problem. Surprisingly, I’m not talking about anything related to stock value or corporate governance.  I’m referring specifically to the aspect of pro wrestling that matters most to me as a fan: Storytelling.  And, whether the creative … Continue reading

Posted in Commentary, Television | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Hugh Jackman is the Best Sport

Hugh Jackman is always up for whatever. I was reminded of this fact when I heard that he’ll be the guest star (for the second time) on tonight’s episode of WWE’s flagship program, Monday Night Raw. Aside from the fact that … Continue reading

Posted in Commentary, Movies, Sports, Videos | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Where Does WWE Go From Here?

“Twitter friend” Matthew Timmons authors a must-read website for wrestling fans called kafabermetrics (a play on “Sabermetrics”) in which he dutifully tracks statistical information based on the performances of the various WWE superstars.  Like a Bill James for the squared-circle set, … Continue reading

Posted in Commentary, Sports, Television | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The “W” vs. The “E” – SummerSlam 2013

It’s impossible to convince Attitude Era die-hards that we’re living in the Golden Age of professional wrestling, but I think it’s true—from a writing standpoint. Take, for instance, the main event of this year’s SummerSlam.  For two straight weeks, we’ve … Continue reading

Posted in Commentary, Sports, Television | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

It’s the Little Things

People who don’t “get” professional wrestling—and there’s nothing wrong with that—have trouble appreciating how glorious this unique form of entertainment can be when it really works.  This week’s edition of RAW offered a glimpse of that pinnacle. The set-up was … Continue reading

Posted in Commentary, Sports, Television | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments