I keep planning on having this thing posted for the morning slot on Friday’s but life keeps interfering! Damn that Mario and his go kart racing buddies.
Anyway, it’s the last big News Hour of November, and also the last time I’ll come to you in the News Hour before 411 Black launches. Speaking of which, let me give you the latest details on the new 411 zone that is only one week away!
411 Black Coming VERY Soon
411 Black will launch exactly one week from today!
The lineup for daily news report-style columns is still being finalized, so I am not able to announce the official lineup until later this weekend or Monday. However, I can tell you that over 20 411 writers are already on board for weekly columns outside their normal zone- Sports, TV, Politics, Hollywood Gossip and much more!
Plus, every 411 writer will have a personalized homepage, with bio, links to all their 411 works, some pictures and a BlackLog, which is like a web journal, blog or diary.
For those that have been asking about 411 Sports, 411 TV or other new 411 zones, 411 black is the answer! It will have news and commentary reports on a wide variety of subjects, and tons of interaction with 411 writers that wasn’t possible before.
Look for the official 411 Black announcement early next week (probably Monday).
The Land of McMahon
PPV weeks are always eventful, and this week has certainly been big for WWE.
Survivor Series last Sunday was one of the best booked PPVs that WWE has put on in quite some time. If I had told you that after the PPV, The Undertaker, Steve Austin and Shane McMahon would all be off TV for a while, and Triple H jobbed and will also soon be gone, you would have been pretty happy. But they also put over Randy Orton, John Cena, The Bashams, Kane and even Goldberg, so the event as a whole has to be viewed as a huge success- even if its only judged for its long term implications.
Let’s do a runthrough of my Survivor Series predictions and see how I came out:
World Title
Goldberg (c) vs. Triple H
I said: With Goldberg booked for so many house shows for December and November, and the fact that HHH won’t be back until around Royal Rumble, it doesn’t seem to make any sense that HHH will win here. However, stranger things have happened. I’m going to stick to my prediction that HHH loses today when Evolution turns on him. WWE needs to start some major angles and storylines to build to Wrestlemania, and having a heel Evolution, Goldberg as champ and a vulnerable HHH making an early 2004 return, they have way more possibilities than with Hunter as a dormant champ.
Prediction: Goldberg retains
Well the turn didn’t happen at the PPV, but I think it’s likely to happen soon. I’m hoping for Raw this week.
Team Austin (RVD, Dudleys, Booker T, HBK) vs. Team Bischoff (Jericho, Christian, Mark Henry, Steiner, Randy Orton)
I predicted: It seems as if this GM-clash between Austin and Bischoff has gone on forever. I’m not entirely sure where they are headed with this storyline, but I don’t think either way has a lot of possibilities at face value. If Austin wins, then he just is back to normal, so that seems pointless. But having him lose another career match only to come back on Smackdown or Raw in a few weeks/months, it cheapens these stipulation matches. I guess I’ll go with the heel team.
Prediction: Team Bischoff
This was the expected result, and I think they played it out nicely. Having the ceremony with Austin and the beers, the Michaels crimson mask, and then, MOST IMPORTANTLY, keeping Austin off Raw. I think most fans expect Austin back, but I actually have faith in the creative staff because it seems as if they have something planned.
Kurt Angle, John Cena, Bradshaw, Hardcore Holly, Chris Benoit vs. Brock Lesnar, Big Show, Matt Morgan, The Collosus of Boggo Road, A-Train)
I predicted: I expect the John Cena super push to continue, at the same time that Chris Benoit is pushed as a serious contender to Brock Lesnar. I feel like Cena will beat a couple of the big guys early in the match, only to be eliminated by the Big Show. Benoit will be the one to eliminate Brock Lesnar, probably last with two or three faces left against Lesnar. Then the end will see Benoit and Angle come out as the survivors.
Winners: Team Angle
Nice to see Lesnar tap to continue that previous storyline, but the real story was Cena. He looked like a star picking up the Big Show, with some effort, and then hitting a hard F-U.
Women’s Title
Molly (c) vs. Lita)
I predicted: You have to hand it to the WWE, they have done a great job of creating a compelling woman’s division. This match has been built well, although I wonder why they changed the focus of Molly’s character from granny panties to kinda-sexpot, but it has worked well, and having Gail as her lackey is also intriguing. I think they’ll go with a Lita win here.
Prediction: Lita
Nice twist here, I like how strong they are keeping Molly. When they were changing the title earlier this year, many people claimed the title was devalued with its quick change to Molly, but she has done a good job of stabilizing and re-elevating the title.
Buried Alive
Undertaker vs. Vince McMahon)
I predicted: The match itself isn’t so thrilling, but the buildup has been strong and has created a real interest in the match. Plus for jaded internet fans, they tossed in all the “return to the dead man gimmick†rumors, and suddenly people are talking. I don’t agree with pushing McMahon like this, but he rarely mails it in and this should be a fun little storyline match.
Prediction: McMahon
Pretty much as expected
Ambulance Match
Shane McMahon vs. Kane)
I predicted: On the other hand, I really hate how they have done this storyline lately, and I hope this is the blowoff. I’d like to see Shane get taken away in an ambulance and stay off TV until Wrestlemania, when, much like the Undertaker, he will come back under his old gimmick of “dancing homo son of the boss who takes up valuable TV time to get himself overâ€Â. Oh wait.
Prediction: Kane
Also pretty much as expected
WWE Tag Team Titles
Basham Brothers (c) w/Shaniqua vs. Los Guerreros)
I predicted: As WWE is handling the Cena turn so well lately, I don’t quite understand what they are doing with Eddie, who was even more ready than Cena to move into a money drawing position on top of the card. He is back in this tag feud with a pair of green rookie champions, and doesn’t even seem likely to win. I guess they could pull the trigger on a Chavo turn, but I cant think of many who want to see that match. I think they’d be better off having Los Guerreros win here if they aren’t going to have Eddy in the World Title scene.
Prediction: Los Guerreros
This one surprised me a bit, and I’m not sure where they are going with Los guerreros. I would like to think they will be moving Eddie up soon, but my gut feeling is that he will be in a feud with Chavo and something else midcard until WM20, and then get one of the spring/summer pushes.
WWE Cruiserweight Title
Tajiri (c) vs. Noble)
I predicted: Good to see this make the final card in a co-branded PPV. I don’t feel like Noble has been built up enough to warrant another title reign, and I think the long run money would be in a Rey chase of Tajiri, by first going through his posse. Where does the BLACK mist fit in!
Prediction: Tajiri
Relegated to Heat! At least this title wasn’t part of the co-branded PPV, even if it was on SS. I wonder how long they will build Rey vs. Tajiri, I’m guessing for a future Smackdown but it would also be cool with a really long build to RR or even WM20.
Final Match Of Ultimate Survival)
I predicted: Chris Benoit, Kurt Angle, Goldberg, Tito Santana vs. Chris Jericho, Randy Orton, Vince McMahon and All of the Million Dollar Team
Was I the only person who liked this idea!?
This didn’t even happen!!!!
Overall I was 6 for 8, and enjoyed the booking throughout. Some of the actual in ring work was so-so, but lately I find myself more interested in the booking. Not that I don’t like good work in the ring, but WWE rarely delivers poor matches, so the booking is what stands out.
Raw was actually a strong show too, making me wonder if WWE creative is finally coming out of its 2 year slumber. The show had a bunch of little booking tidbits weaved into the show. I wonder if someone in WWE creative has been reading The Little Things!
The opening was great, and Bischoff is really a majorly underrated talent as a heel. The idea of him giving all the members of Team Bischoff a favor could have been a disaster, but it turned out to really make the show work well.
The main event did a good job of setting the table for next week’s HHH/Goldberg rubber match, Kane was interjected into the main event scene FINALLY and should face Goldberg for the title at Royal Rumble.
The Matt Hardy debut was done very well. The angle with Lita was well played out, and Christian using his favor to save Lita was a nice touch that had ties to several weeks worth of vignettes on Raw.
It’s interesting to note that they had Matt “job on his way out†of Smackdown to Zach Gowen, and then when he arrived on Raw, they made no mention. It was a nice little detail to show that the brands are being treated like the territories of old, rather than just two WWE shows with an obligation to show all past history. The underlying idea is that Raw got a new guy, but is trying to accentuate his strengths rather than show his weaknesses or losses. Had Matt simply returned to Smackdown, his loss to Gowen would certainly have been brought up and it would have hurt his credibility.
Speaking of Smackdown, it was a newsworthy show as well, featuring the appearance of a Raw wrestler to further a major storyline. I didn’t think it was possible to do Kane vs. The Undertaker again without it seeming stale, but WWE has done it. I think having Kane’s appearance built up as a major deal did a lot to further the brand extension as well.
Elsewhere on Smackdown, the slow burn to Rey vs Tajiri continued. I’m a big fan of the “work through my scrub entourage before you can touch me†types of face/heel chases, and this one will have a super match as a payoff.
Shannon Moore is in a bad spot right now, without Matt Hardy on Smackdown. He did a great job of making Matt Morgan look good, but that’s the role of a jobber. I hope Shannon can break out of that jobber mold, because I think he is an asset in the cruiserweight division.
It was great to see Benoit make Nathan Jones tap, too. It’s as if WWE is coming to their senses about everything all at once- pushing Benoit? Depushing Jones? I like it.
Plus let’s face it- I came to Smackdown to see the Cat dance, I think I’ll be able to on Thanksgiving!
TNA This Week
What a weird way for TNA to followup on the attention that Lex Luger brought to the promotion last week. They changed the focus entirely of the show, featuring almost entirely TNA regulars or newcomers, and staying away from the WWE/WCW outcasts.
While I think it’s a good idea to highlight these guys, I feel like they could have done more to keep fans they might have attracted from the Luger appearance. While it’s debatable that Luger had any buzz at all, TNA obviously expected that he would, and should have booked a hotter followup show. I’m expecting next week’s show to be mellow too, being the night before Thanksgiving and buyrates are likely to be lower than normal.
I have a nice little feature on TNA I should have in either next week or the week after’s report.
News And Notes
Couple last minute newsbites as I wrap this VERY late column up:
Looks like Stephanie will be off TV longer than originall expected. I guess they have seen the ratings without her, and they are up! I don’t like ratings as a measuring stick, but if it keep Steph off my TV, I’m all for it. [1wrestling.com]
Kurt Angle’s latest neck surgery went well, and he is expected to be back in the ring in time for Royal Rumble. While it’s unfortunate that he got reinjured, it will give Smackdown’s other top faces some needed time on top. [1w]
The HOT Seat
Here we go! It’s the Hot Seat with Scott Keith. I don’t think it needs ANY introduction!
1) We always start with geometry- if you are given the equation of a circle as (x – 3)2 + (y – 4)2 = 25, please give the values of the radius and the center coordinate.
Scott: Well, first off Widro, I’d like to thank you for bringing me to the hot seat…although with me in it, it should be re-named THE FAT SEAT. BA DUM DUM CRUNCH. Anyway, I’ve always been good at mathematics. “How much change do I get after 8 big macs? How much tax is on a $12.99 pizza if I get coke?”. So of course, the answer is….Pudding.
Widro: I dunno, Scott, that didn’t really answer the question. 0 out of 1
2) Picture this: Chris Benoit is in town for the day, main eventing the WWE PPV against Chris Jericho in a ladder match to decide the undisputed champion. He needs someone to show them around town, help book their match, maybe have a nice lunch talking about how great Canada is, and then host a party after the show. If he chooses you, the Vancouver Canucks are doomed to never win the Stanley Cup again. But if you say no, the Canucks win the cup by 2006. With all that info in mind, can you explain again why you called Triple H a God in 2000?
Scott: Well you see Widro, again it has to go back to the whole geometry aspect. I mean, if you take x2=HHH(y-4)+3.14, then you have yourself the answer. Why aren’t you asking me more important questions? Like “Do you want ketchup on that?”, and “Would you like a 6th dessert, Mr.Keith?”
Widro: Good use of HHH and pi in the same equation 1 out of 2
3) Triple H is a good example of a wrestler who was once an internet favorite who became one of the whipping boys of the IWC. But one has to wonder if it could go the other way too. Pick 3 current wrestlers in the IWC doghouse and briefly describe how they could become both IWC favorites AND money drawing wrestlers.
Scott: ***1/2
Widro: This question is definitely **** but not a MOTYC 1 out of 3
4) Speaking of BONZO GONZO, name the one regular character on Muppet Babies that was not on the original TV show.
Scott: I don’t know who it was, but I know who it wasn’t…and thats THE SCOTSMAN…because I DON’T READ HIM. EVER.
Widro: Wrong again. This is getting scary, Scott 1 out of 4
5) It seems like a distinct possibility that Bret Hart will appear at MSG for Wrestlemania XX. In 40 words or less, book the perfect Bret Hart WM20 appearance.
Scott: Stu Hart is dead.
Widro: That is true, but it’s not a good money drawing angle for Bret Hart 1 out of 5
Well that was interesting. Scott now has the all time lowest score of the Hot Seat! I will have another great guest for the Hot Seat – next week on the News Hour.
ed note: I guess the joke is on me. Ha Ha Ha. That wasn’t Scott Keith at all! That was The Scotsman!. I will have the real Scott Keith Hot Seat, with his REAL answers, next week here in the News Hour.
Analyzing WWE Pushes
Survivor Series is in the books, and the week after a PPV is usually a good time to really see how WWE booking played out in the last month. Now we’re actually headed into WWE’s most exciting time of the year, which is the build to Wrestlemania, via Royal Rumble.
I’ll do this after every PPV, with a ratings scale I’m debuting here today. Each low or mid card wrestler in the midst of a push will have their push judged as Strong, Good, Moderate, Lackluster or Poor. Send me your thoughts on this segment!
Raw
Randy Orton:
Raw’s golden boy had quite a Survivor Series and Raw aftermath. After being the lone survivor in the team Bischoff/Team Austin Survivor Series Elimination match last Sunday, he went on to a new program against Rob Van Dam for the Intercontinenal Title on Raw. That is not only the best use of the Intercontinental title, it finally gives Orton his own motivation as a character, rather than being the guy who helps Triple H. His Legend Killer gimmick seems a bit forced, but having eliminated Austin, Mark Cuban and Shawn Michaels in one week, Orton is certainly on the road to the top of the card.
Overall Status: Strong
Maven:
The subtle heel turn continues, and I like how long it’s taking. Maven has been the “teacher who everyone loves†for a number of years now, and just having him turn overnight would not have been believeable. When he turns for good, there will be several instances of him being heelish that WWE’s production team can use to put together in a package explaining his new character.
Overall Status: Moderate
Jindrack/Cade:
This is one of those non-push pushes where new guys get on TV, get very little help in the character department, and are expected to get over. They pulled some cheap tactics to get some heat on them this week, with their dedication of the match on Raw to the Armed Forces. But that is short-term; where is this team going long-term? Will they use the pseudo-gay tag team gimmick that has been done to DEATH?
Overall Status: Lackluster
Smackdown
Eddie Guerrero:
I know some might not agree with my including Eddie on this kind of list, but the fact is that he is still a midcarder and still needs a strong push to get into the main event. His push has been so weird and muddied that he seems to have lost much or all the buzz he had several months ago. A feud with Chavo seems on the horizon, and one has to wonder if anyone wants to see that.
Overall Status: Lackluster
John Cena:
The Golden Boy of Smackdown also had a really strong week, finishing up the Survivor Series Smackdown elimination match with a powerful F-U on the Big Show. Jaded internet critics might say that win was tainted because he needed help to get the Big Show down first, but the lasting image of that F-U, which is likely to be used in video packages for some time to come, will be all the push he needs.
Overall Status: Strong
Basham Brothers:
The Jindrack and Cade of Smackdown, at least they have a manager with a gimmick. I still think their characters are flat and won’t draw in this form. From all reports, these guys are both great on the mic, so its curious as to why WWE wont let them do more. They are tag champs, but no one really buys them as the top tag team on Smackdown, and maybe not even in the top 3 (TWGTT, Guerreros, APA, etc).
Overall Status: Moderate
Next week, I will discuss other guys I’m forgetting in my haste to get this up before Friday is overwith.
Wrestlemania Countdown:
Not much new on Wrestlemania 20. They sowed the seeds for Goldberg vs Brock Lesnar at Survivor Series, and started the Kane/Undertaker push. Just the fact that WWE creative is beginning angles for Wrestlemania now is encouraging. I think the next few weeks will do a lot to shape how HHH, Evolution and the Raw title will be represented at WM20.
One idea that was brought up to me by Matthew Michaels was the crazy idea of using Randy Savage at the event. But not to face Hogan or McMahon- instead Macho comes in to fight John Cena. Savage probably would like the idea, and he’d be able to promote his rap CD. I’m sure McMahon wouldn’t like it, but it’s an interesting matchup to consider.
Cream of the Crop
It’s a pleasure anytime we get a column from No Soul, and his latest Scoop This! is a fun read. Plus he’s having a mid-site crisis and wants to know if he should continue. Read the column, send him feedback!
The Great IWC Defense of WWE’s business continues in this week’s From Outside the Book where Poffel comes to WWE’s defense against critics who predict doom for the company. Between Flea, Poffel and even me, it’s almost like there is some positivity on 411 wrestling lately!
Probably overlooked by most, we have Part 3 of the History of NOAH today. Non-411 regular Mike Veroza has done a great job with this piece, and it is an interesting read for anyone not familiar with the Puro scene.
I would be remiss if I didn’t also link Stephen Randle, who debuted yesterday with The Thursday Wrestling News Experience. I got almost entirely positive feedback to the guy, with the only real complaint being that he was trying too hard. Cut the guy some slack, it was day 1 replacing the Grutter!
Matthew Michaels was busy this week, as he had both a brand new column (Til My Head Falls Off) and his edition of Essentials. Kurt Cobain is NOT omitted from his list.
Over in 411 games, we are doing an incredible giveaway for the holidays as a partner with Microsoft. We will be giving away copies of SIX major Xbox Live titles over the next six weeks, and each week will have an interactive contest where you have to EARN your prize! Week 1 is a writing contest, so read all about our Xbox Live Week 1 Contest
John has a very good column this week over in 411 comics with his weekly Near Mint Memories feature. This week he talks about Black Lightning, and discusses a bit about the history of how comics have portrayed black super heroes.
Headin’ Home
I will be working throughout the weekend at finishing up the launch version of 411 Black. You’ll definitely hear more about it before it launches next week, so be ready. If you don’t really get it yet, you will once it launches- trust me!
