Well I made the quarter century mark so to speak. I can't believe it. I said it at 10 and maybe 20 too, I usually give up on these things after 10 or so because I have other shit to do or I lose interest. Well this week we have Fact Or Fiction. We have an array of panelists this time round. Phantomgerlad, Peepshow, TDK and MattHardy V1 are the newbies to this. Returning we have Montana, Soulpower, Chuck, and Monkeystyle are back to kick ass and take names. And of course, you have me, your faithful columnist, Kaedon. So without further adieu, lets get into it!
1. Without question, MVP is wrestling’s rookie of the year, 2007.
Kaedon: Fact. Some people didn’t think MVP counts as a rookie as he has been in the WWE since October 2006. But its hardly fair to say “well you started late so you’re fuckedâ€. There has not been a better, more touted, or more improved rookie in 2007 than MVP. He was very bland in the ring to start off with but as the year went on and he worked with more and more people and got some experience, he got so much better, its kind of scary. I don’t believe generally in pushing people too early, but if MVP’s next 6 months improve him as his last 6 have, he could be world title bound.
Montana: Fact: Assuming that fact his debut was oct 6th 2006 doesnt matter. He's probably the best "entertainment" wrestler to debut in quite a few years. I'd go as far as to say he's the best new comer since Cena / Orton. I don't think the wwe has fully utilized Kennedy, and i dont know if they ever will, which is why i'd say MVP is the best Rookie in the 3-4 years. If MVP doesnt count for 2007 i'd have to go with Santino Marella. His career took a 180 when he turned heel, and he's now one of the entertaining characters on the wwe's top show. I expect things
Monkeystyle: Absolutely FACT. 100% no doobt aboot it. (Canadian style)
But seriously his debut was very inauspicious what with the "power ranger" chants that he got. But from there he had a hot feud with Kane (pun intended), to a slick feud with Benoit which made him into the superstar that he is now. Follow that with the Matt Hardy storyline, which in my opinion was the best that the WWE offered in 2007 and you have yourself one hell of a superstar. Here's hoping for even greater things for MVP in 2008
Soulpower: Fact: I know he debuted in 06, but 07 has been his first full year as part of the SD roster. He's improved a TON (Thanks in part to his feud with Benoit) and a lot of people have gotten behind him, his feud with Matt Hardy is in my opinion the feud of the year.
2. 2008 will be Undertaker's last year.
Kaedon: This is a hard one, but I think I have to say FICTION. I believe he is going to make it to the quarter century Wrestlemania mark and that probably will be it. He doesn’t really work a full schedule so its not like he’s taking a beating out there every night like most everyone else. So I see he’s around for another year and a half at least.
Phantomgerald: Fact. He's constantly injured now, and to ask him to continue fighting on a weekly basis might be too much. Plus, his gimmick is getting repetative and he has enough money to last him for life already, so 2008 would be a good time to call it a day. I wouldn't mind if he returned occasionally for a few matches, or he could return to his biker gimmick and become a GM.
TDK: He maybe is a draw and can continue to get a pop from the fans at 80 but, his character cant get more stale and it will not change(As much as i see the american badass gimmick back, his last match should end by a tombstone, lightning and OLD SCHOOL undertaker music..something to be remembered. ) and He's already faced nearly everyone in the WWE. And trust me, HE IS NOT GOING TO JOB FOR SOMEONE LIKE CODY RHODES TO PUT HIM OVER. I can see him retiring after this year's wrestlemania...
Fact.
Chuck: Fiction: Although he is past his prime, Undertaker can still have good matches with the right people, and gimmick is still drawing as much as it ever was. This is made obvious by his win at the 2007 Royal Rumble, winning the World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestlemania 23, and the current plan for him to main event with Edge at Wrestlemania 24. I see no reason for Undertaker to retire anytime soon.
3. TNA will not be around in 2 years.
Kaedon: If they actually spend what they are reported to spend and continue to draw 1.1 in the ratings, than this is absolute FACT. Bound For Glory was a perfect example of what is wrong with TNA from a business standpoint. They let Samoa Joe come out and shit on all of the established stars, they replace Rhyno with Raven when Abyss was trying to kill Raven not a month or so ago, and TNA have the opportunity to highlight some of the greatest YOUNG talent they have and who do they pick? Eric fuck Young. Keep making decisions like this and 2 years might be generous.
Peepshow: FACT- Well, this isnt exact a easy question to answer. I mean, you never know what a company can do in 2 years time. That's a long time, and anything can happen. People say they have no money and are basically bankrupt, but that is obviously false. How would they be able to keep some of the people around? How would they be able to pay Booker the money? I guess I just dont get it. Right now, I would say no, but ask me again a year from now.
V1: Fiction: TNA may not get much better, but its not going anywhere. With people like Sting, Angle, Booker, Christian leading the company and teaching younger guys they are gonna last at least another 3 years..but theres always a chance.
Phantomgerald: Fiction. Getting Cage, Angle, Sting and Booker didn't help the ratings, so I don't know what will possibly get the ratings up. I think they'll probably just do what they're constantly doing. With so much financial support behind them, they wouldn't be closing anytime soon.
4. The WWE made the right decision, moving Shelton Benjamin to ECW
Kaedon: Fact: Poor Shelton was lost in the shuffle on Raw. I mean really, how do you expect him to get time when you have DX, Cena, Orton, Edge (for most of the time), Umaga, and now Lashley, Kennedy, and Jericho? It’s good to see him get some fresh opponents anyway, and now maybe he can get on the mic as well.
Montana: Fact: If you have talent, you should utilize it. Shelton really hasnt been used to his potential in a few years now. He seems like he would fit in like a glove in ECW. A Brand where they put more emphasis on in ring action, opposed to entertainment. It should be a win/win situation.
TDK: What a way to shut up the ROH monkeys, wrestling analysits and "smarks". They asked for a push, it was impossible to push him on raw with the over inflated roster so they did what they had to do. however, this leaves a hole in the IC division...NOT. He held the IC title for long enough. bye.. FACT.
V1: 100% Fucking Fact: Shelton was getting buried on Raw especally with Haas. He was only destined to go to ECW and get a rightful push...Shelton has more potential then half of the roster today, and he has been misused as of late..his mic skills will improve with time and I expect him to become one of the biggest guys in the buisness in a few years.
5. Booker T coming to TNA will boost their long term ratings.
Kaedon: Push. It depends on how long he stays. Since Florida is a lot closer to Texas and they have a whole 1 house show every 3 months, I’d say he could be there for longer than people think and would thus help the show not only because of his star power, but because of how he could help out the locker-room. But if he decides its too much for him and leaves in a year or 2, it won’t really help TNA at all.
Monkeystyle: Fiction. I don't know how many times I am going to have to say this. No one superstar is going to be a long term ratings boost. Nobody. It takes compelling storylines and great wrestling to make that happen.
Chuck: Fiction: While I believe Booker T in TNA is good thing, and I believe TNA's ratings will rise, I don' think they coincide that much. TNA's booking team is what will do it. There isn't any superstar that can draw huge numbers if they aren't booked right.
Peepshow: FICTION- You may be thinking What? Peep not agreeing with that? Well, I dont think it will be just him. And it also depends on what your definition of "long-term" is. I mean, I dont think you will se hardly any, if any increase in the ratings within the next 6 months. I think once the video game comes out and people start to see it and what TNA is, and maybe sign a few more names, I think the ratings will slowly start to rise. Maybe not big time, but I think it will take a collective effort on everyone's part to get the ratings up, not just Booker.
6. TNA's "booking on the fly" makes their shows a lot more interesting as you don't know what will happen next.
Kaedon: Fiction. Booking on the fly only works if you have workers who know how to work on the fly. 99% of the guys in TNA set all of their matches up in the back so they don’t know how to work as much as they know how to perform. The choreograph all of their spots out on the back and just masturbate for the crowd who loves getting jizzed on apparently. All you have to do is look at the Ultimate X match where the X fell or the ladder match from last month to tell you booking on the fly and TNA DO NOT go together.
Peepshow: FACT- This has to be one of the biggest reasons I love TNA. With half of the stuff they do, and some of the angles they have, it leaves you guessing about 50% of the time. I mean, you just dont know. Theres really no other way of putting it. They just do....lol
Soulpower: Fiction: Why is it fiction? BECAUSE THE SHOWS ARE TAPED! Unless its a PPV, you'll know what's going to happen next due to spoilers being posted around the net. Its not much of a surprise if everyone knows about it >_>
Montana: Fiction: I dont trust their on the fly booking. I trust their long term storylines much more. If you look at the past few Bound for Glories, they were able to book a very well rounded show. When i look at storylines, i try and look at the bigger picture. Their last minute booking have not been anything noteworthy.
7. The Jeff Hardy feud with HHH is the beginning of the long awaited "Hardy Main Event Push" in the WWE.
Kaedon: It may be wishful thinking, but I hope its FACT. I’d love to see the Hardyz finally get into the main event. I mean really, they have been around longer than most of the roster so why shouldn’t they at least get a small shot at it. And this could be the beginning of it. I mean yes, HHH is touted to win because of his rep, but I honestly wouldn’t bet all my Vcash on it. The only worrisome part about it to me is the “non-title†aspect.
Phantomgerald: Push. Who else better to get a rub off than "the game" himself. Alot stems on the outcome of this match. I think that if HHH wins it cleanly, then obviously WWE does not believe in Hardy enough. If Hardy goes over cleanly, then Hardy will be set for a good long time in the main event. This is make-or-break, it depends on what happens.
Chuck: Fiction: Although Jeff Hardy will get a major rub from this feud, it's obvious HHH will go over and Jeff will still have to fight his way up. I think Jeff still has another 6 months or so before he gets his big push.
TDK: How many times have we said this before? I admit that he gets the biggest pop on everyshow, recently got a mass vote to appear on WWE mag's cover and that he's on a role right now, enough to get a ME spot, but i doubt it'll happen on RAW unless they move one of the top 4 (Jericho, HHH, HBK << most likely or Cena) to Smackdown. Fiction.
8. Because of the results of the exam of Chris Benoit's brain, the WWE should ban some of the unnecessary bumps and moves that could damage a person's brain. Things like chair shots, powerbombs, chokeslams, and stiff big boots and clotheslines.
Kaedon: Fiction. I have never been a fan of banning things in wrestling unless they are truly dangerous, like jumping off HIAC. I don’t think banning these things are the solution to the problem. I think the WWE have taken a step in the right direction with the Wellness Policy by adding the concussion tests, psych tests, and whatever else. However, if they really, TRULY want to take care of the talent, they’d pay for their fucking insurance.
Monkeystyle: Fiction. You know what? There are thousands of wrestlers who have taken as many if not more bumps than Benoit, but they certainly did not kill their family. That whole arguement is really just made by those who want to see the WWE suffer.
Soulpower: Fiction: The Benoit thing wasn't just physically. From what I've heard, Eddie's death him Chris hard mentally, and its just as much a factor in Benoit's murder/suicide as all the head bumps he took throughout his career. Besides, you take away those moves and you're not left with a lot of offense in wrestling matches... Except for Orton's offense that revolves around his various chin locks.
V1: Fiction: No im not even gonna say fiction im gonna say BULLSHIT...When you sign on to be a pro wrestler you know that your gonna get hurt....If your worried about your fucking brain then...DONT WRESTLE. And the whole "Benoit did it cause his brain was messed up" was bullshit too, just another pathetic excuse on how everyones "Hero" is innocent.
9. Steve Austin is a bigger star than Hulk Hogan.
Kaedon: Fiction. Hulk Hogan’s name is synonymous with wrestling. To this very day, you can do to a small dirt hut in the middle of Bumbfuck, Egypt or a hole in the middle of the Amazon rain forest, and you will find SOMEONE who knows who Hogan is and has a lot of his tshirts and paraphernalia. There will never be a bigger star than Hogan at least for another 10 years or so. Shit, it might have to wait till after he’s dead!
Phantomgerald: Fact. Hogan needs to use his own reality show to keep the fame, and he's long past it already, and many of Hogan's causal fans then have moved on and stopped watching wrestling. Austin is youngerand I believe more people can remember his legacy.
Peepshow: FICTION- No way. Hulk Hogan, love him or hate him, has generated the most knowledge of the sport and "taught" people about wrestling. For example, you go down the street and ask a random person on the sidewalk about who they think of they they think of Pro Wrestling, the 2 most obvious answers are gunna be Vince McMahon and Hulk Hogan. It's just thw way he was created and used. If you ask me, we will be in the same situation 20 years from now asking if John Cena is a bigger star than Hogan was.
V1: Fact: I dont care Steve Austin has made a longer lasting impact then Hulk has....Austin basically paved the way for every damn Juvinile Delinquiet who grew up watching him...Austin made TV edgy and cool...Back then when Austin was on top...everyone watched...I remember no matter where you were, or who it was...people knew Stone Cold and would talk about him..Hogan was just someone who got lucky and was in the right place atr the right time....when we think back we are gonna remember wrestling more for Austin than Hogan...and thats that.
10. Wrestlemania 25 will be the first WM since 2002 that a member of DX will NOT be in the main event for one of the companies top titles.
Kaedon: Fact. I have a sneaking suspicion that the WWE will realize that they can no longer count on those two guys to carry the company anymore. I mean really, the fans will get sick of seeing them in the main event after so many years and I think this might be the one.
Peepshow: FICTION- There's really only one thing to say about this, and that is that Triple H will be in the Main event. I really dont know his opponent, but barring some sort of injury, I will garuntee you all that Trips will be in the ME.
Montana: Fiction: I think HHH will sneak his way in. I'd say we would see HHH vs Cena II at 25. Unless they want to go Cena/Taker. I think HHH has 20% chance he will be in the main event. HBK about 3% I'd say Cena is a lock.
Chuck: Fiction: It's way too early to tell, and with the way plans change constantly we never know. The main event could end up being Shawn Michaels vs. HHH for the title.
Soulpower: Fact: I'll be honest, this is wishful thinking. For some reason I believe that a certain DX member (COME ON, YOU KNOW ITS HHH!) will find a way to main event WM 25.
And speaking of 25... 25th Smark Zone (I think) FTW!!!
V1: Fact: This is a very specific question but a good one. HHH and HBK are hopefully gonna be able to pass the torch by this time...meaning that people like Matt/Jeff Hardy,Kennedy, Edge, MVP, Orton, ect. Can take the spotlight and mold the future instead of relying on the past.
Phantomgerald: Fiction. ONe of them will definately still be main eventing, there aren't enough young stars to take over the company, although right now, it's still too early to say. I can see a HBK/CM PUnk and a MVP/HHH feuds, possibly at least one of it would be for a major title.
Monkeystyle: I have no earthly idea. Who do I looke like Nostradamus? I can't predict injuries and to be honest, anyone who answers this either way is full of it.
As a final thought I would like to say congratulations to the K-man on 25, and here's to at least 25 more. Good on ya.
And on that note, we will close off the 25th edition of the No Smark Zone. I want to say thank you to everyone who has read and will read my column here in this little corner of the net. It's great to get into debates about this stuff and there is nothing better than free flowing discussion.
1. Without question, MVP is wrestling’s rookie of the year, 2007.
Kaedon: Fact. Some people didn’t think MVP counts as a rookie as he has been in the WWE since October 2006. But its hardly fair to say “well you started late so you’re fuckedâ€. There has not been a better, more touted, or more improved rookie in 2007 than MVP. He was very bland in the ring to start off with but as the year went on and he worked with more and more people and got some experience, he got so much better, its kind of scary. I don’t believe generally in pushing people too early, but if MVP’s next 6 months improve him as his last 6 have, he could be world title bound.
Montana: Fact: Assuming that fact his debut was oct 6th 2006 doesnt matter. He's probably the best "entertainment" wrestler to debut in quite a few years. I'd go as far as to say he's the best new comer since Cena / Orton. I don't think the wwe has fully utilized Kennedy, and i dont know if they ever will, which is why i'd say MVP is the best Rookie in the 3-4 years. If MVP doesnt count for 2007 i'd have to go with Santino Marella. His career took a 180 when he turned heel, and he's now one of the entertaining characters on the wwe's top show. I expect things
Monkeystyle: Absolutely FACT. 100% no doobt aboot it. (Canadian style)
But seriously his debut was very inauspicious what with the "power ranger" chants that he got. But from there he had a hot feud with Kane (pun intended), to a slick feud with Benoit which made him into the superstar that he is now. Follow that with the Matt Hardy storyline, which in my opinion was the best that the WWE offered in 2007 and you have yourself one hell of a superstar. Here's hoping for even greater things for MVP in 2008
Soulpower: Fact: I know he debuted in 06, but 07 has been his first full year as part of the SD roster. He's improved a TON (Thanks in part to his feud with Benoit) and a lot of people have gotten behind him, his feud with Matt Hardy is in my opinion the feud of the year.
2. 2008 will be Undertaker's last year.
Kaedon: This is a hard one, but I think I have to say FICTION. I believe he is going to make it to the quarter century Wrestlemania mark and that probably will be it. He doesn’t really work a full schedule so its not like he’s taking a beating out there every night like most everyone else. So I see he’s around for another year and a half at least.
Phantomgerald: Fact. He's constantly injured now, and to ask him to continue fighting on a weekly basis might be too much. Plus, his gimmick is getting repetative and he has enough money to last him for life already, so 2008 would be a good time to call it a day. I wouldn't mind if he returned occasionally for a few matches, or he could return to his biker gimmick and become a GM.
TDK: He maybe is a draw and can continue to get a pop from the fans at 80 but, his character cant get more stale and it will not change(As much as i see the american badass gimmick back, his last match should end by a tombstone, lightning and OLD SCHOOL undertaker music..something to be remembered. ) and He's already faced nearly everyone in the WWE. And trust me, HE IS NOT GOING TO JOB FOR SOMEONE LIKE CODY RHODES TO PUT HIM OVER. I can see him retiring after this year's wrestlemania...
Fact.
Chuck: Fiction: Although he is past his prime, Undertaker can still have good matches with the right people, and gimmick is still drawing as much as it ever was. This is made obvious by his win at the 2007 Royal Rumble, winning the World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestlemania 23, and the current plan for him to main event with Edge at Wrestlemania 24. I see no reason for Undertaker to retire anytime soon.
3. TNA will not be around in 2 years.
Kaedon: If they actually spend what they are reported to spend and continue to draw 1.1 in the ratings, than this is absolute FACT. Bound For Glory was a perfect example of what is wrong with TNA from a business standpoint. They let Samoa Joe come out and shit on all of the established stars, they replace Rhyno with Raven when Abyss was trying to kill Raven not a month or so ago, and TNA have the opportunity to highlight some of the greatest YOUNG talent they have and who do they pick? Eric fuck Young. Keep making decisions like this and 2 years might be generous.
Peepshow: FACT- Well, this isnt exact a easy question to answer. I mean, you never know what a company can do in 2 years time. That's a long time, and anything can happen. People say they have no money and are basically bankrupt, but that is obviously false. How would they be able to keep some of the people around? How would they be able to pay Booker the money? I guess I just dont get it. Right now, I would say no, but ask me again a year from now.
V1: Fiction: TNA may not get much better, but its not going anywhere. With people like Sting, Angle, Booker, Christian leading the company and teaching younger guys they are gonna last at least another 3 years..but theres always a chance.
Phantomgerald: Fiction. Getting Cage, Angle, Sting and Booker didn't help the ratings, so I don't know what will possibly get the ratings up. I think they'll probably just do what they're constantly doing. With so much financial support behind them, they wouldn't be closing anytime soon.
4. The WWE made the right decision, moving Shelton Benjamin to ECW
Kaedon: Fact: Poor Shelton was lost in the shuffle on Raw. I mean really, how do you expect him to get time when you have DX, Cena, Orton, Edge (for most of the time), Umaga, and now Lashley, Kennedy, and Jericho? It’s good to see him get some fresh opponents anyway, and now maybe he can get on the mic as well.
Montana: Fact: If you have talent, you should utilize it. Shelton really hasnt been used to his potential in a few years now. He seems like he would fit in like a glove in ECW. A Brand where they put more emphasis on in ring action, opposed to entertainment. It should be a win/win situation.
TDK: What a way to shut up the ROH monkeys, wrestling analysits and "smarks". They asked for a push, it was impossible to push him on raw with the over inflated roster so they did what they had to do. however, this leaves a hole in the IC division...NOT. He held the IC title for long enough. bye.. FACT.
V1: 100% Fucking Fact: Shelton was getting buried on Raw especally with Haas. He was only destined to go to ECW and get a rightful push...Shelton has more potential then half of the roster today, and he has been misused as of late..his mic skills will improve with time and I expect him to become one of the biggest guys in the buisness in a few years.
5. Booker T coming to TNA will boost their long term ratings.
Kaedon: Push. It depends on how long he stays. Since Florida is a lot closer to Texas and they have a whole 1 house show every 3 months, I’d say he could be there for longer than people think and would thus help the show not only because of his star power, but because of how he could help out the locker-room. But if he decides its too much for him and leaves in a year or 2, it won’t really help TNA at all.
Monkeystyle: Fiction. I don't know how many times I am going to have to say this. No one superstar is going to be a long term ratings boost. Nobody. It takes compelling storylines and great wrestling to make that happen.
Chuck: Fiction: While I believe Booker T in TNA is good thing, and I believe TNA's ratings will rise, I don' think they coincide that much. TNA's booking team is what will do it. There isn't any superstar that can draw huge numbers if they aren't booked right.
Peepshow: FICTION- You may be thinking What? Peep not agreeing with that? Well, I dont think it will be just him. And it also depends on what your definition of "long-term" is. I mean, I dont think you will se hardly any, if any increase in the ratings within the next 6 months. I think once the video game comes out and people start to see it and what TNA is, and maybe sign a few more names, I think the ratings will slowly start to rise. Maybe not big time, but I think it will take a collective effort on everyone's part to get the ratings up, not just Booker.
6. TNA's "booking on the fly" makes their shows a lot more interesting as you don't know what will happen next.
Kaedon: Fiction. Booking on the fly only works if you have workers who know how to work on the fly. 99% of the guys in TNA set all of their matches up in the back so they don’t know how to work as much as they know how to perform. The choreograph all of their spots out on the back and just masturbate for the crowd who loves getting jizzed on apparently. All you have to do is look at the Ultimate X match where the X fell or the ladder match from last month to tell you booking on the fly and TNA DO NOT go together.
Peepshow: FACT- This has to be one of the biggest reasons I love TNA. With half of the stuff they do, and some of the angles they have, it leaves you guessing about 50% of the time. I mean, you just dont know. Theres really no other way of putting it. They just do....lol
Soulpower: Fiction: Why is it fiction? BECAUSE THE SHOWS ARE TAPED! Unless its a PPV, you'll know what's going to happen next due to spoilers being posted around the net. Its not much of a surprise if everyone knows about it >_>
Montana: Fiction: I dont trust their on the fly booking. I trust their long term storylines much more. If you look at the past few Bound for Glories, they were able to book a very well rounded show. When i look at storylines, i try and look at the bigger picture. Their last minute booking have not been anything noteworthy.
7. The Jeff Hardy feud with HHH is the beginning of the long awaited "Hardy Main Event Push" in the WWE.
Kaedon: It may be wishful thinking, but I hope its FACT. I’d love to see the Hardyz finally get into the main event. I mean really, they have been around longer than most of the roster so why shouldn’t they at least get a small shot at it. And this could be the beginning of it. I mean yes, HHH is touted to win because of his rep, but I honestly wouldn’t bet all my Vcash on it. The only worrisome part about it to me is the “non-title†aspect.
Phantomgerald: Push. Who else better to get a rub off than "the game" himself. Alot stems on the outcome of this match. I think that if HHH wins it cleanly, then obviously WWE does not believe in Hardy enough. If Hardy goes over cleanly, then Hardy will be set for a good long time in the main event. This is make-or-break, it depends on what happens.
Chuck: Fiction: Although Jeff Hardy will get a major rub from this feud, it's obvious HHH will go over and Jeff will still have to fight his way up. I think Jeff still has another 6 months or so before he gets his big push.
TDK: How many times have we said this before? I admit that he gets the biggest pop on everyshow, recently got a mass vote to appear on WWE mag's cover and that he's on a role right now, enough to get a ME spot, but i doubt it'll happen on RAW unless they move one of the top 4 (Jericho, HHH, HBK << most likely or Cena) to Smackdown. Fiction.
8. Because of the results of the exam of Chris Benoit's brain, the WWE should ban some of the unnecessary bumps and moves that could damage a person's brain. Things like chair shots, powerbombs, chokeslams, and stiff big boots and clotheslines.
Kaedon: Fiction. I have never been a fan of banning things in wrestling unless they are truly dangerous, like jumping off HIAC. I don’t think banning these things are the solution to the problem. I think the WWE have taken a step in the right direction with the Wellness Policy by adding the concussion tests, psych tests, and whatever else. However, if they really, TRULY want to take care of the talent, they’d pay for their fucking insurance.
Monkeystyle: Fiction. You know what? There are thousands of wrestlers who have taken as many if not more bumps than Benoit, but they certainly did not kill their family. That whole arguement is really just made by those who want to see the WWE suffer.
Soulpower: Fiction: The Benoit thing wasn't just physically. From what I've heard, Eddie's death him Chris hard mentally, and its just as much a factor in Benoit's murder/suicide as all the head bumps he took throughout his career. Besides, you take away those moves and you're not left with a lot of offense in wrestling matches... Except for Orton's offense that revolves around his various chin locks.
V1: Fiction: No im not even gonna say fiction im gonna say BULLSHIT...When you sign on to be a pro wrestler you know that your gonna get hurt....If your worried about your fucking brain then...DONT WRESTLE. And the whole "Benoit did it cause his brain was messed up" was bullshit too, just another pathetic excuse on how everyones "Hero" is innocent.
9. Steve Austin is a bigger star than Hulk Hogan.
Kaedon: Fiction. Hulk Hogan’s name is synonymous with wrestling. To this very day, you can do to a small dirt hut in the middle of Bumbfuck, Egypt or a hole in the middle of the Amazon rain forest, and you will find SOMEONE who knows who Hogan is and has a lot of his tshirts and paraphernalia. There will never be a bigger star than Hogan at least for another 10 years or so. Shit, it might have to wait till after he’s dead!
Phantomgerald: Fact. Hogan needs to use his own reality show to keep the fame, and he's long past it already, and many of Hogan's causal fans then have moved on and stopped watching wrestling. Austin is youngerand I believe more people can remember his legacy.
Peepshow: FICTION- No way. Hulk Hogan, love him or hate him, has generated the most knowledge of the sport and "taught" people about wrestling. For example, you go down the street and ask a random person on the sidewalk about who they think of they they think of Pro Wrestling, the 2 most obvious answers are gunna be Vince McMahon and Hulk Hogan. It's just thw way he was created and used. If you ask me, we will be in the same situation 20 years from now asking if John Cena is a bigger star than Hogan was.
V1: Fact: I dont care Steve Austin has made a longer lasting impact then Hulk has....Austin basically paved the way for every damn Juvinile Delinquiet who grew up watching him...Austin made TV edgy and cool...Back then when Austin was on top...everyone watched...I remember no matter where you were, or who it was...people knew Stone Cold and would talk about him..Hogan was just someone who got lucky and was in the right place atr the right time....when we think back we are gonna remember wrestling more for Austin than Hogan...and thats that.
10. Wrestlemania 25 will be the first WM since 2002 that a member of DX will NOT be in the main event for one of the companies top titles.
Kaedon: Fact. I have a sneaking suspicion that the WWE will realize that they can no longer count on those two guys to carry the company anymore. I mean really, the fans will get sick of seeing them in the main event after so many years and I think this might be the one.
Peepshow: FICTION- There's really only one thing to say about this, and that is that Triple H will be in the Main event. I really dont know his opponent, but barring some sort of injury, I will garuntee you all that Trips will be in the ME.
Montana: Fiction: I think HHH will sneak his way in. I'd say we would see HHH vs Cena II at 25. Unless they want to go Cena/Taker. I think HHH has 20% chance he will be in the main event. HBK about 3% I'd say Cena is a lock.
Chuck: Fiction: It's way too early to tell, and with the way plans change constantly we never know. The main event could end up being Shawn Michaels vs. HHH for the title.
Soulpower: Fact: I'll be honest, this is wishful thinking. For some reason I believe that a certain DX member (COME ON, YOU KNOW ITS HHH!) will find a way to main event WM 25.
And speaking of 25... 25th Smark Zone (I think) FTW!!!
V1: Fact: This is a very specific question but a good one. HHH and HBK are hopefully gonna be able to pass the torch by this time...meaning that people like Matt/Jeff Hardy,Kennedy, Edge, MVP, Orton, ect. Can take the spotlight and mold the future instead of relying on the past.
Phantomgerald: Fiction. ONe of them will definately still be main eventing, there aren't enough young stars to take over the company, although right now, it's still too early to say. I can see a HBK/CM PUnk and a MVP/HHH feuds, possibly at least one of it would be for a major title.
Monkeystyle: I have no earthly idea. Who do I looke like Nostradamus? I can't predict injuries and to be honest, anyone who answers this either way is full of it.
As a final thought I would like to say congratulations to the K-man on 25, and here's to at least 25 more. Good on ya.
And on that note, we will close off the 25th edition of the No Smark Zone. I want to say thank you to everyone who has read and will read my column here in this little corner of the net. It's great to get into debates about this stuff and there is nothing better than free flowing discussion.
