Hey y’all, it’s been awhile. I’m not gonna bother explaining where I’ve been or what I’ve been up to, because if you really care all that much you can send feedback at the bottom of the column and ask me (for the record, if I actually get an e-mail on that subject, I’ll be more surprised than I was when somebody decided Rocky V was a good idea). I’m planning on getting back to writing regular editions of The Mean soon (starting next week with the Fan Forum’s pick: Chris Jericho), but this week I’m pullin’ out the ol’ special edition tag to write about something that does have anything to do with the mean in anything per se, but plenty to do with one of philosophy’s main goals: seeing the positive in every situation.
I’ve gotten used to negativity on the internet, to do otherwise would be like pissing against the wind. In particular, I’ve gotten used to internet wrestling columnists who hate anything and everything. Being an optimist by nature, it bugs me to read this stuff, particularly when it’s by talented writers (it’s a lot easier to dismiss morons, but some of the smartest guys on the net are pretty pessimistic most of ‘em actually). In particular, following this week’s heavily hyped RAW, there has been an outcry of negativity from all corners. It might not have been the greatest RAW ever, but it wasn’t horrible.
Maybe it’s because I enjoy watching wrestling with my buddies or girlfriend (“marksâ€Â), but damn if I’m not finding it a great time to be a wrestling fan and viewer. I respect the opinions of all the guys bemoaning The Undertaker’s no-selling and the mis-use of the WCW/ECW guys but there’s too much I like about wrestling right now to let them get me down. This is not some sort of joke, there’s no punch line at the end; it’s not a parody of DDP’s new gimmick this is just a wrestling fan listing what he likes about wrestling and why he’s having so much fun right now maybe after reading you can have fun too.
(I’ll arrange this to coincide with the chronology of last night’s RAW to make things easy, and any other little things I’ll stick in at the end )
-I like the team of The Big Show & Spike Dudley. I like the funny visual. I like that Spike Dudley takes better bumps than anybody else in the business and makes anybody look good. I like that Big Show, despite having been a World champion in both the WWF and WCW isn’t above playing the comedic role and that he really seems to be working harder in the ring. And yes the little kid in me likes how Spike gets beat up and then his big buddy comes in to save the day.
-I like the unique qualities that Tajiri possesses. I like his unique offense, his pep, and I like how he takes a beating. I loved the Jackie Chan face he made after getting nailed hard a couple weeks ago only to respond with a buzzsaw kick; gold.
-I like that Torrie Wilson and Stacey Keibler are livening up the WWF diva scene and I was impressed with that bump Torrie took through the table.
-I like the aura of Tazz (but he needs to choose between wrestling or announcing and get his act together the WWF needs to see his babyface potential).
-The masochist in me likes Stephanie’s interviews; it’s good for a laugh.
-I like the chemistry between Stephanie and Chris Jericho, it never gets old.
-I like the new character that the WWF has developed for Booker T a lot. The paranoid, delusional working man who doesn’t understand why he isn’t a superstar anymore is ten times more interesting and entertaining than anything he had in WCW. I don’t think the humor elements detract from his athletic abilities; this is another future main-eventer.
-I like the fact that no matter what they wear, the Hardy Boyz project “cool†like nobody else. I like the fact that they can convey charisma through wrestling, not talking. I like how hard they work to entertain us all. I like how much Jeff Hardy is willing to risk in order to please the crowd (though I do worry about him). I like how Matt Hardy doesn’t need the spotlight and will work just as hard as his brother for less attention.
-I like the new power wrestler of this century who can fly and work a match and be more than just a presence: I like Test. I also like that he’s starting to be able to talk.
-I like just how good a wrestler Lance Storm is (his match with Jeff Hardy on RAW a couple weeks back was among the best I’ve seen in a long time).
-Regardless of what anybody else on the internet says, I like that after all the years, all the injuries, all the success, even though he could simply step aside or work a limited schedule, I like that The Undertaker is still in the business and creating compelling stories that help the entire WWF as much as himself.
-I like that Shane Helms will take any gimmick he’s given, whether it’s a boy band or a superhero, and make it work. The Hurricane is one of the funniest and most consistently entertaining characters on TV; Helms is flat out hilarious, though I do still miss the Vertebreaker (the move, not the song).
-I like that Christian is being the chance to become a credible superstar; I don’t think small heels generally work well, but if anybody can do it, this guy can.
-I like the way Rhyno can put an intense, physical match together; he’s got his flaws, but the guy brings something to the table.
-I like the awesome babyface that Edge is quickly becoming. At first I had my doubts, but he has the look, he has the voice, and he has the skills; he’s the true total package.
-I just plain old like Rob Van Dam. The guy has made in-the-ring wrestling interesting for me again. All his matches are fun to watch and his charisma is off the chart. I want to see him talk more, but everybody knows the sky is the limit for RVD.
-I like the intensity that The Rock has. We’ve all known about his charisma and his presence for awhile, but in the last year he’s taken his in-ring game to a whole new level. Every move he does, every move he sells, he does it with passion. He may be a movie star, but he’s a wrestler before all else.
-I like that Shane McMahon is willing to work his ass off in the ring and truly lead by example (and it’s not like he doesn’t job).
-I like that Chris Jericho is being given something to do. I’m not sure I want him as a full blown heel (see my thoughts on small heels), but giving him an aggressive streak is a step in the right direction towards finally fulfilling his potential.
-I like that X-Pac plays a true heel without qualms.
-I like that even though he knows the WWF roster is so full of talent right now it will be tough for him to be much more than enhancement talent, Scotty 2 Hotty gives it everything he’s got and has a good time living his dream; ditto for Chris Kanyon, Hugh Morrus, Justin Credible, Chuck Palumbo, and the APA.
-I like DDP’s new gimmick; sue me. I like that the guy wants to work and refuses to quit.
-I like how hard Lita has worked to get over and be a legitimate wrestler (remember Miss Congeniality?); I like the contributions that Ivory, Molly, and Jackie are making to keeping women’s wrestling alive.
-I like how damn good Kurt Angle is. In the ring, on the mic, on paper, the man can do no wrong.
-I like that William Regal is a heel again; his short, intense diatribes against Alliance members were stirring, but he’s out of his element as a babyface and it shows.
-I like that after being a top draw babyface for years, Steve Austin is willing to experiment with his character and do what’s best for the company and most entertaining for the fans.
-I like that JR and Heyman are finally gelling as a team; they may surpass JR and the King some day.
-I like that HHH, Rikishi, and Chris Benoit will be back.
-I like that Ric Flair, The Outsiders, and Scott Steiner may be on the way.
-I like the team of Michael Cole and Al Snow.
-I like Tough Enough.
-I like that even though his body aches and he’ll never be a champ, Tommy Dreamer walks down the aisle every night just because he loves to do it.
-I like wrestling.
So in conclusion, I’m sorry to rain on the parades, or rather bring sunshine on the rain clouds, of many of my internet contemporaries, but I’m having a great time watching wrestling. It’s just my opinion, but I think it’s a great time to be a wrestling fan. I’m going to continue enjoying watching wrestling, and have a good time doing it. How ‘bout you?
In the mean time, thanks for reading.
