"The Sami Callihan Story" - Part 2

Part 1

The following week on Raw, Callihan emerges and goes to the ring to explain himself after his attack on The Miz:

CALLIHAN:

I made a mistake in my actions last week. I made in injuring The Miz, and for that...I'm sorry. I don't regret attacking the little poster boy for the hypocritical and the privileged, no. He has what I need to show the WWE and all of you that I belonged here from day one. He has what I need to climb up the ladder and displace the rest of the spoiled Superstars like John Cena and Sheamus. He has what I should have - the United States Championship.

And because I was rash and impatient, now I have to wait until he finally grows the guts to climb back in here with me so I can take it. I'm only sorry that I delayed the inevitable and gave The Miz an excuse not to face me in this--

Callihan is interrupted by Kofi Kingston's music. Kingston stands on the ramp to address Callihan:

KINGSTON:

Hey! Look, I get it. You're the next big thing and you should already be at the top of then heap. Most of us-all of us who lace up the bots have that goal. We also understand we have to put in the work to get there. Scoring win after win is impressive, I'll give you that. But injuring The Miz like you did? That won't fly around here, understand me? He and I were never the best of buddies, but your actions and what you did to him was the wrong way to go, my man.

Callihan studies Kingston momentarily, then the light bulb goes off.

CALLIHAN:

You know, you seem pretty confident about how things work around here and in laying down the law. I'll tell you what "sheriff" - I'll give you a couple days. To get ready and meet me in this ring and show me "how things work" around here. Why don't have our day in court on Main Event?

Kingston nods and accepts. The announcers hype up the match set for Main Event. They also announce that Miz has suffered a partial MCL tear and maybe out for the next three months. The announcers state no decision

The match between Callihan and Kingston is a spirited affair with both men gutting it out, struggling to make their point. After a little over 15 minutes, Callihan taps Kofi with Muffler. Calihan refuses to break the hold after the match is over and the referee counts, threatening to reverse the decision. Callihan releases the hold at 4 after match and walks away from Kofi, raising his hands as if to signify that he's done here. Kofi's knee is sore, but he is able to walk away wondering why Callihan didn't injure him as well.

Backstage at Raw the following week, Callihan is backstage being interviewed by Josh Matthews. When asked why he didn't do to Kingston what he did to The Miz, Callihan responds:

CALLIHAN:

Kofi, I spared you because, despite being an 'ambassador' for this company, you've still never really been given a chance to take the ball and run. You show up for all these Be A Star appearances and everything else they need you for, but you haven't had opportunity handed to you on a platter like Sheamus, or John Cena, or Ryback...or especially The Miz. You've never--

Kofi interrupts Callihan backstage:

KINGSTON:

“Spared” me? I’m the second one you’ve tried to put on the shelf since you got here. And this time, I’m not waiting for any Main Event. I’m looking to take care of this NOW.

Callihan goes to accept the challenge, but William Regal walks into the shot (in front of Callihan) and approaches Kingston:

REGAL:

Now, listen Kofi. I understand wanting a piece of this ruffian, but if you go down there and take him on in this condition, your career may end for sure. This toerag is tailor-made--

Regal whips around to face Callihan.

REGAL:

--for me to teach some respect to in that ring.

Callihan's look is part fear, part respect, and part "I really don't want to do this." He nearly begs to be let out of the match as the show cuts to commercial.

The match begins a few segments later. Callihan goes to shake Regal's hand and Regal bats it away, getting in Callihan's face about injuring the Miz and nearly Kingston as well. Callihan pleads with Regal, yelling over and over: "Don't make me do this!" Regal, game face on, locks up.

The match is a battle of attrition, but ultimately Callihan gets the win, tapping Regal with the Stretch Muffler. As the bell rings, Callihan immediately releases the hold. He checks on Regal afterward, making sure he is okay. Regal eyes Callihan curiously and assures him he will be fine.

Backstage, Matthews catches up with Callihan about his reluctance to face Regal and his refusal to hurt him:

CALLIHAN:

William Regal never had anything handed to him. If there's one man to respect in this company, it's the same man that this company has treated like the dirt on its boot for 15 years - William Regal. I'm not about to hurt him or treat him otherwise--

Regal limps by backstage with one of the trainers. He stops in front of Callihan and gets in his face. He then tells Callihan:

REGAL:

We need to talk, young man.

As Regal walks away, Callihan grins at Regal as scene fades to black. The following SmackDown, Callihan takes down Curt Hawkins. William Regal, with a slight but noticeable limp, watches on silently from the entrance ramp.

The next week on Raw, Sami Callihan emerges from the back - and is followed by William Regal to the ring. As the two get to the ring, Callihan looks proud as Regal talks:

REGAL:

It’s well-documented that I’ve never exactly played by the rules. I can respect great competition and, in my years as a competitor, that’s what I’ve come to respect above all else. However, I’ve had to fight and scrap for most of my life leading up to that. Rules may not mean much when your very survival is at stake. I can understand both ways of thinking, for sure.

I see both of those mindsets here in young Mr. Callihan. I see a man driven to be the best but, because of the obstacles that the world has placed in front of him on his way here, sees it as more of a mission to continue his very existence, let alone any success this lad may be able to achieve. And he certainly has the skill to be able to achieve that success; he simply needs temperament. Guidance. An angel on his shoulder to let him know when to be honorable as well as a devil to instruct him to finish his fellow man off. After seeing a kindred spirit in Mr. Callihan, I have decided to be all of those things for him.

Callihan receives the microphone handed to him by Regal.

CALLIHAN:

I told you all last week - If there's one man to respect in this company, it's this man, who’s never had anything handed to him.  He’s been made to look like a buffoon for a decade and a half here, and anyone who knows anything about this man’s history knows he deserves better. I am honored to be taken under his wing and I will come to learn - as will all of you - how far is far enough.

It is announced later that night that Callihan will meet Santino Marella at the YouTube pre-show for Payback six days from then.

At the Payback pre-show, Callihan handily defeats Marella with the Stretch Muffler. After Marella submits, Callihan refuses to break the hold until Regal slides under the bottom rope at the count of four and yells at Callihan, “That’s enough!” Callihan releases the hold on Marella and stares at Regal. The look on Callihan’s face is one of displeasure, but he nods at Regal after a few tense seconds. Callihan then follows Regal to the back.



TO BE CONTINUED...

"The Sami Callihan Story" - Part 1

Upon his arrival in WWE shortly after WrestleMania XXIX, Sami Callihan begins rolling through the lower tier of WWE competition each week on Monday Night Raw. None of the matches are destructive demonstrations like the style of Ryback; the matches are competitive, albeit barely. Callihan powers through JTG, Yoshi Tatsu, Primo, Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso in consecutive weeks with power and technical acumen. Each man, one by one, taps to Callihan’s finishing move, the Stretch Muffler submission hold.

Week by week, Cole and Lawler are simultaneously impressed by his ability and weirded out by his darker, silent demeanor. This feeling of uneasiness toward Callihan seems to be punctuated by fear of the unknown, as he has yet to speak to anyone or make known his goals. During each match, Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler admit to knowing next to nothing about Callihan.

On WWE Main Event, Callihan takes down and taps out Brodus Clay in an impressive outing. After the match, Callihan's attention is drawn to color commentator The Miz. Callihan points at The Miz and yells, "It's gonna start with you!" The Miz responds with typical bluster, but is also perplexed, as he has no idea what Callihan is raving on about.

The night after Extreme Rules on Raw, The Miz is in the ring verbally dressing down the #1 contender for his US Title, Damien Sandow. As The Miz cracks wise about Sandow, he is interrupted with an industrial-sounding growl:

CALLIHAN:

Are you done yet? Because it’s about time that you and the rest of the WWE “Universe” heard a bitter truth. Not just about me, but about you, too, Miz.

Callihan emerges from the back with his ring gear and leather vest. No music nor videos play for Callihan as he emerges with microphone in hand.

CALLIHAN:

See, I’m the guy this sport...this business...didn’t want. At every turn, my path was obstructed by some obstacle. Whether it was someone else in the locker room with a jealous streak, or a promoter so blinded by dreams of being “the next Vince McMahon” that he can’t be bothered to notice his own roster, there’s always been something standing in my way. I’ve lost both my mother and best friend and rather than give up, I let this become more important than my own life! And everywhere I’ve been, I’ve had the wall put in front of me that I’ve had to tear down. WWE has been different - there are not only walls to tear down, but they’re the tallest and strongest ones yet because of the privileged.

You’re the most shining example, Miz. A reality TV reject given every single opportunity WWE has to offer and then some just because your obnoxious mug made it on MTV. Now you're on every single talk show in the world and being groomed to step in for the “Golden Child,” John Cena. You’ve been handed everything I should have on a silver platter. You didn't slave for it and lose damn near everything like I did. You didn't rely on talent because,honestly, there's none there to count on. This company saw how willing you were to kiss its ass and theirs--

Callihan gestures to the booing crowd.

CALLIHAN:

--and made you a star just like most of the other privileged children in the back.

It's time for the era of the spoiled superstar to come to a violent end - and it's gonna start with you. I've already started dismantling this pathetic roster, but now it's time to take this whole damn place apart. It's time for heroes the Universe can admire instead of preening, pretty-boy hypocrites like you.

The Miz studies Callihan as he summons his trademark bluster. However, there's an almost uneasy feeling in the back of his head that registers on his face.

THE MIZ:

Really? Really? Really! So we’re absolutely nothing alike, huh? Well, with me somewhat dressed professionally and you looking like you just emerged from under the bridge after eating one of the three Billy Goat’s Gruff, I’m thankful for that. But, about me being the guy that got everything handed to him? For someone who claims to love this business as much as you do, apparently you don’t know much of what goes on around here. See, I was the guy that got the worst of it around here because I came from “reality TV.” You can ask Vince McMahon, you can ask John Morrison, you can ask anyone in the back! Hell--

The Miz gestures to John Bradshaw Layfield, sitting at commentary.

THE MIZ:

--you can ask that guy sitting there! You can ask anyone in the back how “easy” I had it. They all hated my guts and couldn’t wait to see me fail. Only, I didn’t. I’m still here - former WWE Champion, former Intercontinental, former Tag champion, and current reigning and defending US Champion! All because I stuck to my guns and let my talent - which I must have some of if I made it this far - carry me past all of that. You want to talk how we’re nothing like each other? Come to think of it, we’re a lot more alike than you--

Callihan cuts him off, roaring:

CALLIHAN:

I am NOTHING like you!

Callihan attacks the Miz, punching and kicking him to the ground. The Miz fights back, but gets leveled with a spear tackle. Writhing in the ring, Miz is stunned as Callihan goes outside for a chair. Callihan slides the chair in the ring and picks up Miz for a powerbomb onto the chair! Callihan then locks in the Stretch Muffler on The Miz, who is feverishly tapping. Backstage officials (Arn Anderson, Fit Finlay, and Jamie Noble) are out with referees and it takes almost half-dozen men to finally pry Callihan off of The Miz. Callihan backs up the aisle, staring a hole through The Miz the entire time as as EMTs check on the US Champion, who cannot put weight on the knee injured by Callihan. The incident is replayed on SmackDown. 

TO BE CONTINUED...

"The Sami Callihan Story" - Forward

So, I know it’s been quiet here lately. Too quiet. Because I’ve been working on a couple things, but one in particular that I’ll share here starting Monday.

I should preface this by saying I’ve recently given up watching WWE. Not wrestling, mind you...just WWE. I find their particular product to be stale, boring, and lazily written and I’ve waited over a year and a half for them to change that. And I lost my patience. And I discovered a TON of other wrestling companies and promotions out there (thanks you so much, internet!) doing it so much better than the supposed “industry leader” that I’ve shifted toward them.

There’s a guy out there on the indy scene I really dig, and that’s Sami Callihan. He’s a rough-house style wrestler who’s damn good at what he does in that ring. He certainly has a different look (as you can see to the left). And, my God, can he talk. And, of course, as soon as I really starting getting into this guy, rumor spreads like wildfire that he’s being signed by WWE.

So, thinking about that and how lackluster the WWE product has been lately, and about how I dig this guy’s character, an idea so simple it’s astonishing hit me like the proverbial kick in the nuts:

What if Sami Callihan did sign with WWE?

I haven’t written a good wrestling story...like, as in if I were writing the shows...in a good while. So, I decided to book Callihan’s first 6-7 months in WWE. As realistically as I could, using just the current roster and keeping it within the paramaters of WWE’s current “PG” product. With a particular story to be told, using only a handful of performers/characters to focus just on Callihan and his story. I think I did a decent job of it, but then I’m, of course, a little biased.

However, you can certainly judge for yourself because the entire story is going up in a 5-6 week serial (a chapter for each month, give or take a week or two) starting Monday. Right during Raw, the longest running weekly block of boredom on television. So, if you’re watching the show and maybe want to read how things could have been? Stay tuned here on Monday nights. Starting May 6.

Memory Card

This idea came to me as I was falling asleep. It could become something bigger if I wanted to develop it, but for now, I decided to use it as an exercise. And maybe an experiment. To see how rusty I was and how much I needed to get back into the practice of writing in this style rather than “reporting.”

You’re more than welcome to leave feedback at the bottom, or let me know through social media if this is any good and if I made the right call with this decision to focus on creating, or if I should go back to interviewing musicians and rasslers and chasing the same stories everyone else is. Either way, please enjoy.

“Hi, Baby! I missed you!”

She was radiant and vibrant enough to almost glow through the 10-inch screen. Her blond hair, blue eyes, and soft features picked up well on the device’s high-definition screen, as did the home office she sat in. Her voice, feminine but firm, emanated through the ear buds he wore clear as a bell. The homey touches of family pictures were plainly visible behind her.

Byron smiled as the warm corner of his heart lit up with the sight and sound of her. The bench he sat on was as comfortable as it could be. It was a wooden bench all the same, no matter how new it was. The scenery - fresh-cut, emerald grass and tall, powerful oak trees - and the bouquet of deep burgundy and light pink roses that sat beside him was about as pretty as he could hope for, aside from seeing his love on his tablet. “I’ve missed you too, Samantha. Really wish I could see you.”

“I do, too,” Samantha responded. “It’s been a while, but I know you’re busy at work.” Her warmth didn’t fade, but the melancholy was palpable even through an internet connection.

Byron’s smile faded enough to be noticeable. “Yeah. Still a lot to do. Good news is, we’re getting a lot closer to a final product, I think.

Samantha’s mood seemed to brighten. “Oh, that’s wonderful, Baby! You have any idea how much longer you’ll be there?”

“Not sure of an exact timeframe, offhand,” Byron answered. “I think we’re going to be ahead of the month from now they had projected, though.”

“That’s great! You’re that close?”

Byron sighed and studied Samantha on his screen a moment. “It certainly seems that way. All the testing has been flawless. They want to be sure, and I can’t say I blame them with as much as they have invested in this--”

“Sure,” she nodded.

“--But so far, everything’s going very smooth. Like, almost too smooth to be believed,” he chuckled. “It almost feels like they’re waiting for the corner to turn on some glitch they hadn’t forseen or something. But the project’s been moving along so well, we’re a little ahead of schedule.”

“Of course you are. They have the best programmer in the world spearheading this thing. And he’s good at a lot more than that,” Samantha grinned slyly.

Byron laughed. “Well, I aim to please, Love. Always did.”

Samantha’s expression went quizzical. “Your girl or your bosses?”

Byron’s smile fell, replaced by a look of consternation. He put the tablet down on the bench and pulled a small notepad and pen out of his pocket. Jotting down a note, he could hear Samantha through the tablet: “Are you okay, baby?”

“Yeah,” he said, distracted as he finished his written notes. “Just thought of something I have to tweak once I get back to the lab. Think I may have miscalculated  one of the formulas.”

“Oh, no.” Samantha looked slightly dismayed. “That’s not going to delay anything now, is it?”

Byron shook his head. “I don’t think it’ll be too serious. But,” he frowned, “I need to get back to the lab to find out.”

“Lunch about over?”

“Yeah. Time to get back to the grind.”

“Did you eat?”

Byron rolled his eyes. “Of course I did, Samantha. Slim pickings here at the commissary, of course, but I had an Italian sub. Thought of you because--”

--”Because it’s my favorite,” Samantha finished. “That actually sounds like a great idea! You going to call again tonight?”

“Yeah I will, Love. I should be getting out of the lab tonight around...7, I think?”

A corner of Samantha’s mouth turned up. “So, around 4 our time here?”

Byron nodded. “Yeah, about 4 there. You going to be at the gym, then, or...”

Samantha pursed her full lips, then smiled. “Not by then. I’ll make sure and get that in after my Italian sub.”

Byron laughed. “Sounds good then, Love. I’m heading back to work and I’ll catch you then.”

Samantha put her hand up at the screen. “Will do. I’ll see you then. Love you, Baby.”

Byron smiled back. “Love you too. I’ll ring then. Bye.”

Samantha’s image - and that of his home office - shrank off of the screen to nothingness. Only the stylized, generic home screen image littered with multiple applications remained. His brow furrowed and his mouth curled in focus as he thought about what his girl had told him. This had to be addressed.

Byron pressed a button, then one more on his tablet screen. A microphone icon appeared on the screen, then a red light popped up as well. Byron sighed heavily, like taking on part of an assignment he never looks forward to. Byron then spoke into the tablet’s microphone:

“Subject is displaying proper reactions at proper phrases and facial expressions. Subject is adept at reading non-verbal cues. Body language assessment is mostly on point as well, though difficult to judge as subject can only see head and shoulders. Subject is mostly reacting properly to all test questions and stimuli, but is also asking unusual questions. Subject almost seems to remember circumstances of creation and almost made inquiries related to origin. Further testing may have to be performed to see if subject is leaning toward self-awareness and, resultantly, if programming would have to be altered. Testing being conducted to see if data can be assimilated through vocal transmission and storage after subject has been put to rest but before separation.”

Byron tapped the tablet again to finish his recording and made sure it saved. Byron then pressed the screen to open another app and tap it once. A SD card ejected from the side of the tablet. Byron removed the card from the tablet and placed it in a small plastic case marked with the letters “SB.” Byron, with a sadness in his movements and now plastered on his face as if it had been let out of a cage, clasped the plastic case shut with the card inside. Placing the tablet and case back in a coat pocket, Byron gathered the bouquet of deep burgundy and light pink roses and got up from the bench.

Byron took several slow steps from the bench and stopped at a headstone. The cemetery he had been sitting in, he thought, was very much like a funeral. The place had been refurbished to produce a peaceful, serene atmosphere, but the pall of death still hung about to remind those left behind of the reason they were here. Either to visit, or say goodbye, or to hang to one last memory. The landscaping was precise and the gravesites were kept immaculate out of respect by the staff. Byron appreciated that as he read the headstone:

Samantha Boynton

June 18, 2052 - April 21, 2079

Daughter. Beloved.

Byron knelt down and placed the bouquet in the vase set in the top of the headstone. He kissed his hand and touched the headstone. “I miss you too, Love,” he said softly. “Time to get back to the grind.”

All original content copyright Michael Melchor, 2008-2013

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Widen The Scope

What follows this is the kind of post you'll probably seeing a lot more of. Me working through ideas by writing them down. The trick is not to show my whole hand lest the idea get stolen, spoiled, or a combination of both.

It makes enough sense, but it also introduces a whole new problem.

Being a killer that...talented (for lack of a better euphemism), why would he be limited to just the criminal underworld? Why would he not gain the attention of intelligence agencies?

Wait - that's it. Agencies. Plural. The concern was that introducing government and potentially taking the story global would have shifted the narrative away from the original structure.

But, if it's more than one country...that may no longer be a concern.

Walking Away

I have to say, it's been a good run. But, it's definitely time for a change.

I've been at the Media game for a combined total of a little over a decade. I've gone over most of my history before, so there's no need to rehash all that. Since then, I've had a bit of resurgence with the Count3rCu1ture video (mini-)series and the run on Examiner. And I promise I'm working on compiling all of my links into one place if you want a comprehensive look. (It's something I've been doing for myself, anyway, just because I'm a borderline-OCD packrat.) But that's all coming to a close.

No, this isn't a "retirement" post, per se. I've done more of those than Terry Funk. But there is a reason this is going up here on New Year's Eve.

I've seen what the game has become. Who can be the first to regurgitate a news story to get all the hits? That's about that the internet has turned into. Anybody with an internet connection and a modicum of drive can become a "journalist." That's been proven. Still, there are people out there (like Randy at Geek World Order, Z at Hipster Please, and the entire crew of Panels on Pages) who are much better than most - including myself - at covering the kinds of things I've been into the last couple years. Nowadays, I'm just superfluous.

But, a much bigger reason I'm done with this? For good? Is because the internet has just become a cesspool. Opinions being treated as facts, shaming/guilting/humiliating people into thinking their way is wrong, getting on a soapbox, the proverbial chest-thumping self-righteousness of it all...yeah, no thanks. I understand it's going to go on, but that doesn't mean I have to be in the middle of it. I'm all for expressing opinions and civil discussion about such, but the amount of ill will on any side of any discussion - from calling for a director to be fired for a three year-old blog post meant in fun to damn-near starting a second Civil War over a chicken sandwich - is absolutely ridiculous. As a species, you'd think we know better. But apparently not. I understand this is the nature of the beast in the 21st century, but that doesn't mean I have to participate willingly. Or at all, really.

In order to excise myself from that kind of mindset, that pretty much requires me not to "report" on things that may put me in the middle of those kind of "debates." Which is fine, because I've just flat-out lost my desire to do it, anyway. Like I said, I've done quite well in 10 years at talking to people I admire and enjoy the work of. I've gotten my share of scoops. I've caused my share of trouble. I've had my say on issues and controversies. And the beauty of it is, with the next step being taken from here, I still will. But more on that in a minute.

So, what happens now that I'm getting away from being "Press"? I'll still be writing. I'll probably still update this space as well. But those updates - and my own writing from here - will be focused on creation. You have no idea how many screenplays, comic series (one of which will skewer everything I've come to know and loathe about the internet and modern media), short stories, novels, and non-fiction works that I have notes for that I've never pursued due to putting all the attention on being a "journalist." I have a lot of things that have been neglected, and that all stops now. My New Year's resolution (aside from losing weight) is to make something out of those. To create, rather than regurgitate.

And that's what you'll be reading about here, primarily. I'll still throw out the occasional opinion regarding current topics and entertainment, but otherwise this is all about my work. My projects. My writings. My schedule. My time. My w--wait, you know what?



Just because.

So, there we are. It was a good run and I had a blast, but it's time for another challenge and a new chapter in a New Year. You're invited to come along for the ride.

Fanning the James Gunn Fire

So, the scariest thing about this James Gunn "controversy"?

It's not that he made these remarks nearly 2 years ago , nor that a petition was started to remove him as director of Marvel's upcoming "Guardians Of The Galaxy" because he made rude comments about fictional characters. It's not that was called a "homophobe" or a "Slut-shamer" over said comments. About fictional characters. Or even that he was forced to apologize for remarks he made nearly 2 years ago. Over fictional characters.

The scariest thing about this James Gunn "controversy" is that the original blog post these remarks appeared on? Was deleted. And then dragged back out from a cached archive so someone could continue the witch hunt.

Translation: the post no longer existed. But someone went out of their way to find a copy of it so they could continue the public lashings.

And you wonder why I feel like, as a culture, we go out of our way to find reasons to get outraged.

Putting The Sport Back In Sports Entertainment

Saw something interesting at my old stomping grounds at 411 yesterday:

One of the major reasons that Vince McMahon has been supportive of CM Punk keeping the WWE Title for so long is because of The Rock. McMahon was said to be very supportive of CM Punk holding on to the title at Survivor Series because he's worried if the title gets put on someone different, The Rock might have an issue with it.

CM Punk vs. Rock at Royal Rumble has been teased since the summer and is something The Rock agreed to do. Vince reportedly doesn't want to upset The Rock by changing things last minute regarding the creative plans for 2013.

The missive, which was credited to F4Wonline.com, could very well be true. I’m not there to know. But I think there’s more to it. Something I’ve noticed for quite a few months now.

In fact, to illustrate this, I can go back to 411 (and Monday News Sheriff Stephen Randle) and bring up some data regarding the length of title reigns available there at the beginning of every week:


WWE Champion: CM Punk
- 372 day reign, defeated Alberto Del Rio on November 20th, 2011 (Survivor Series PPV)

World Heavyweight Champion: The Big Show
- 29 day reign, defeated Sheamus on October 28th (Hell in a Cell PPV)

WWE Intercontinental Champion: Kofi Kingston
- 40 day reign, defeated The Miz on October 17th (WWE Main Event)

WWE United States Champion: Antonio Cesaro
- 99 day reign, defeated Santino Marella on August 19th (SummerSlam PPV)

WWE Tag Team Champions: Kane and Daniel Bryan
- 71 day reign, defeated Kofi Kingston and R-Truth on September 16th (Night of Champions PPV)

WWE Divas' Champion: Eve Torres
- 71 day reign, defeated Layla on September 16th (Night of Champions PPV)

WWE NXT Champion: Seth Rollins
- 89 day reign, defeated Jinder Mahal to become the inaugural Champion


Whils most people (including WWE themselves) are focusing on the length of CM Punk's reign, those are some pretty impressive numbers across the board, especially compared to what they used to be. The shortest reign there (at that time, Monday, November 26) was that of World Heavyweight Champion Big Show. Before that? Sheamus held that title for 210 days (04/01/12 - 10/28/12)

What this points out is that WWE, under the direction of Triple-H (I believe), is subtly putting more focus back on the sporting aspect of “sports entertainment.”

Many, if not all, of the titles listed above, used to change hands like Taylor Swift at a Hollywood premiere party. There was no real focus put on having a title and, as a result, no real meaning to having a belt. Now? That’s slowly and sneakily changing by having those titles - and those holding them - being treated with some import. Hell, even the Tag Titles mean something now!

And it’s not just the titles this is happening in. WWE’s newest show, “Main Event,” has one of the coolest formats on television. (It’s easily my favorite wrestling show on right now with the exception of NXT, which I’m not sure I can count since some bonehead made sure we can’t watch it in the States.) Two dudes are set for a feature match. They show videos on both guys beforehand. They interview both guys beforehand. They have the match. Cole and Miz/JBL focus on the match with play-by-play and color commentary about what the match means. Somebody wins, somebody loses - and we get comments from both guys afterward. Just like a regular sporting contest. Imagine that.

Even on Raw, the show where a lot of ridiculousness happens (no, I’m not discussing the AJ/John Cena/Vickie Guerrero/Dolph Ziggler storyline here...or at all, really), there are more matches! What a concept! Granted, the show is now 3 hours long (?!), but the thing about those matches? They’re actually good! And when they happen, there’s some semblance of urgency placed on who won, who lost, and why!

In my mind, I think we’re seeing Triple-H’s handiwork. For all his time in DX, Triple-H has always come across as a wrestling fan. He’s always had a passion for this business, maybe because he loves what it was, is, and - more to the point - could be again. I think that, as time goes on, we’ll be seeing more of this shift back to a product that can be taken more seriously. If that’s what’s going on here, I’m all for it.

A Question or 2 (for Wrestling Fans)

I'm debating either a recap of an older or more recent (but not live) wrestling show in the old "psychology/storytelling" style I used to do with or a straight-up live blog of a wrestling show. NOT a WWE or TNA PPV, but probably an indie iPPV.

So, that having been said, a couple questions:

1) Which of the above formats would you prefer?

2) Is there any show in particular (upcoming or older) you'd want to read this done in?

Too Late For The Rescue?

Yeah, a wrestling post. Sorry in advance if you're not a fan.

If you are...remember the bit about the NWA a while back? Especially the part where:

To those clinging to the days of yore that the NWA name invokes, please realize that the NWA can still survive - and even thrive - in 2012. But, to do so would mean letting go of those old days of doing business. It would mean letting some younger and fresher ideas on pro wrestling into the fold. It would mean actually using the internet for marketing and brand-building purposes like two-time NWA Champion Colt Cabana has done to great success. It would mean embracing a new day and age of the business.

Upm...yeah. Check this out:

From 411 reader Sean in Australia:

I was at a NWA affiliate wrestling show in Australia tonight, where Adam Pearce faced Colt Cabana in the final match of their seven levels of hate series.

Colt won by submission, and afterwards both he and Pierce cut a promo in regards to the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Pierce said as part of losing the series he would leave the NWA forever. He said Colt deserved the NWA Championship.

However, Colt said the NWA represented the old era, and he was the future, talking about the podcast, YouTube, etc. Colt didn't accept the title, so Pierce dropped the belt, vacating the title. He finished the promo with "I wish the NWA the best in their future endeavors." So apparently right now there is no NWA World Heavyweight Champion.

...*blinks*...


Deeeamn. That's just cold.

Now, there've been arguments about where the lineage stops and starts, or even if it did at all, but the cold fact is, we may be looking at the demise of the oldest governing body in pro wrestling history a lot sooner than later.

I'm not going to get on Pearce or Colt's case about what they did. They had this series already in place as a way to bring some prestige back to the NWA name - and the NWA, in turn, implodes once again due to egos. Pearce and Cabana, to me, were already left out in the lurch before what happened in Australia. Hell, for all we know, the joint vacation of the NWA Title could have been a bit of a receipt. No one really knows why it was done, however, because I'm sure there are details to this story that no one's even aware of.

It'll be one to keep an eye on. Even if it's to bid a final farewell to the NWA.

(The weird part about this? This would have been where I put up a video with Shane Douglas throwing down the NWA Title after winning it in 1994 - but I can't find it on YouTube to save my life right now. Bizarre.)