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The Dresden Dose: Great American Bash Edition!
[video=youtube;B1VHjklu16U]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1VHjkIu16U[/video]
Thank you for arriving for your check-up. I, of course, am your internet physician with a doctorate in trash talking, and I couldn't have arrived a moment sooner, as I am beginning to see sickness develop and symptoms of withdrawal arising amongst my fellow Smarks. So, before disease spreads amongst the entire UWF community, THIS is my prescription for all your wrestling needs, The Dresden Dose!
Now, with the creation of the UWF Interactive section and the rise of so many other methods of appeasing your fedding palette, you haven't been completely deprived, but there is only one true solution in terms of delivering what only I can deliver, which is why I'm here. I have already spoken highly of Outside the Ropes, Effective Thinking with EoR, and MrFetter's Top 15, but there are two new things for me to discuss, the debut edition of the promoted beforehand Super 8, and the surprise inception of something no one knew anything about, Chillin' with Chase.
The Super 8, as advertised, highlights the octopus of excellence, as Lewb highlights eight superstars from Raw and eight superstars from Smackdown and speaks on where he feels they are currently and where they have the chance to be next week. Similar to MrFetter's Top 15, yes, but it's also a very entertaining concept and I'm happy to say that I am number one on Raw and number six on Smackdown, which is where I sit on the Top 15, interestingly enough, and it's also the third list I've found myself at the top of if you look back at the debut edition of Outside the Ropes.
Chillin' with Chase is in a league of its own, as nothing about it is written. Chillin' with Chase is a podcast in which he interviews various members of the fed, discussing past history and the current events. His first guest is Prodigy, and trust me, it's as interesting a listen as you'll hear anywhere else with any other podcast. I was entertained by the history, interested in their Great American Bash picks, and had some laughs as well. UWF Interactive is as strong as every other facet of UWF.
Before I get into my thoughts on the Great American Bash, I'm going to do things a bit differently by putting my own match writing up for review before I analyze other people's work. I bring you this week's edition of From The Vault!
From the Vault
This week's "From The Vault" is from my days of writing for UCW Smackdown, an era that unfortunately is looked back upon unfondly but whatever, things happened that were out of my control and anyone that chooses to let that be a blemish on my career is something I can do nothing about. Anyway, there was a bit of a feud brewing between the team of Beer Money and the team of Deuce and Domino. I think the week prior to this match, Deuce and James Storm faced off in singles competition, leading to this one-on-one encounter of Robert Roode vs. Domino.
It becomes clear that the fans are ready to see more Smackdown action as they scream and cheer with anticipation, absolutely electric, some on their feet, others on the edge of their seats. Soon the bell rings to signify the next contest is about to get underway.
BEER...MONEY!
[video=youtube;YRm6rWjl0kY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRm6rWjI0kY[/video]
The crowd boos as the tandem of the "Tennessee Cowboy" James Storm and the former member of Team Canada, Robert Roode, make their way through the curtain and down the ramp to the ring.
Justin Roberts: Introducing first, being accompanied to the ring by James Storm. From Wall Street, New York...Robert Roode!
Roode enters the ring and poses, only to be booed further. James Storm remains at ringside.
Justin Roberts: And the opponents...
[video=youtube;kjQHGrNWC7E]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjQHGrNWC7E[/video]
The very 50's music of Deuce and Domino hits the arena, and the fans continue to boo. Out from the right side of stage drives Domino in a sweet 1950's Chevy Bel-Air, painted red white trim and white leather seats. He drives on down the middle of the walk way towards the ring. Cherry blows bubbles with her gum as well as kisses to the crowd as Deuce puts it into park, then gets out and poses while the fans boo him loudly.
Justin Roberts: From the other side of the tracks. Being accompanied to the ring by Cherry, Domino!
Cherry puts on her skates and follows him towards the ring, remaining on the outside. Domino got in Roode's face upon entering the ring, not even bothering to remove his glasses and jacket, something Roode did not appreciate. The two stood nearly nose-to-nose when James Storm rang the bell at ringside and the match began.
Matt Striker: He can't do that, can he?
Jerry "The King" Lawler: Whether he can or not, Matt, he did!
In the ring, Robert slapped Domino across the face and whipped him into the ropes, where Domino got hung up. Roode did a running knee to his kidney, then slammed him to the mat by pulling the back of his jacket collar. Roode delivered several stomps to the face of Domino, one on the bridge of his nose that shattered his glasses into his face and eyes. Domino sat up clutching his face in pain as the pieces fell down his face, some sticking to his shirt and some falling to the mat. He stood up and turned, swinging at his opponent, but Roode sidestepped and kicked him square in the mouth with the tip of his boot, then pulled his jacket over his head and started delivering a flurry of punches to his head and back.
Matt Striker: Roode certainly hasn't forgotten about Beer Money's loss last week!
Robert Roode sets up Domino for a powerbomb as he lifts him into the air. Roode holds him there as he surveys his surroundings, then extends his arms to get more leverage and charges forward, launching Domino to the outside of the ring!
Matt Striker: Oh my God! That was completely uncalled for!
Roode poses in the ring, drawing heat from the crowd as Domino lays on the outside, Storm standing over him taunting. Storm screams "Sorry about yer damn luck!" in his face and then takes a swig of beer, looking to spit it on Domino, but the greaser kicks Storm's legs out from underneath him and gets to his feet. Domino stands over him and pops his collar with both hands before removing the jacket and sliding into the ring. Roode went after him but Domino tackled him to the mat and began delivering furious punches of his own. Domino got up, now pumping with adrenaline, as he jumped up and down, waiting anxiously for his opponent to get up.
Jerry "The King" Lawler:Where's all this energy coming from, Michael? Just a moment ago, we thought he was out of this thing!
Roode sits up as Domino runs to the ropes and slings off them, going for the boot that ended the match from the week before but Roode scouted it and took Domino down with a shoulder tackle, diving over where his outstretched leg and bringing him crashing to the mat. Both men were up and Roode charged but Domino brought him over with a hip toss. Roode popped up from the mat and charged again but Domino leapt up and caught him in the side and back of the head with an enziguiri. The action was fast paced now as Domino set up Roode for a DDT, but Roode pushed him into the ropes and went for a spear, but Domino sidestepped and went for a scissor kick, but Roode stood up just in time and delivered a hip toss, planting Domino in a sitting position.
Roode swung his leg forward going for a kick to the side of the head but Domino fell flat to avoid it, then swept Roode's legs out from under him to bring him to the mat, then kipped up to get to his feet. Domino went for a standing moonsault but Roode rolled out of the way and Domino hit the mat, popping up so that he was in position for a full nelson that Roode applied. Domino threw his leg back, kicking Roode between the legs to break the hold, then set him up for a cutter and ran to the ropes, bouncing off with his version of the Acid Drop. Domino stood over Roode taunting him, but Robert goozled him out of nowhere and sat up, then got to his feet as he lifted Domino, who chopped his arm away and landed on his feet, goozling Roode this time, who goozled him again in return.
Matt Striker: This is insanity King, these two are pulling out every trick in the book!
Domino went to throw a punch with his free hand but Roode swatted his hand away and punched him in the abdomen, breaking his grip as Roode lifted him into a chokeslam, and then fell to one knee so that Domino landed over it, creating a backbreaker situation. Roode kept him goozled and pulled him to his feet, throwing Domino's arm over his shoulder and lifted him up, but Domino elbowed him in the back of the head and brought him to the mat with a DDT variation. Roode lay there flat on the mat as Domino hooked his arms around his waist and lifted him into a Deadlift German Suplex but at the apex of the lift, Roode rolled over his head and down his back, landing on his feet as he threw his leg backward and superkicked Domino, laying him out face down. Roode went for the Deadlift German Suplex and connected, turning it into a Deadlift German Suplex pin as the referee counted.
1!
2!
3!
Here is your winner at 10:09, Robert Roode!
Matt Striker: And Beer Money gets Deuce and Domino back here, King.
Jerry "The King" Lawler: Things are even at one/one at the moment and I have a feeling sooner or later these two will meet again.
THE GREAT AMERICAN BASH REVIEW
I'm not sure I understand why this was a Monster's Ball other than the fact that it's gimmicky and it's a way to ensure the European Championship gets defended period, and against more than one opponent. Of course if that's the reason, they could've just done a fatal four-way. It's not that I dislike gimmick matches, I just feel there's a time and a place for them, and while pay-per-view is that place, there isn't enough history between RVD and the challengers to justify such a brutal match.
Pretty sure that Macabre was still with the company at the time of this match. I'm still not quite sure why he was fired, but if you'll check out the debut edition of Chillin' with Chase, Prodigy suggests Macabre is not a new member, but someone that's already a member with a different account. He says it in fewer words with a lot more subtlety, let me point out, so that there's no backlash here, but that's how I took it.
Anyway, in case I haven't said it enough, the superhero Rey Mysterio gimmick is extremely creative and entertaining, especially now that he comes out to "Real American", unless that was just for tonight. Either way, that song always gets me pumped. If the tag team with Samoa Joe hadn't come about, I would've liked to team with either Super Rey or Edge.
This match got right to the action with high flying spots by Rey early on, but it also became true to its stipulation early on, as Rey suffers abuse via Singapore Cane and cheese grater at the hands of Raven, drawing blood from the superhero. Van Dam breaks the cane over Raven's head and dodges an attack with a pizza cutter by Jarrett, getting possession of a steel chair and connecting with a Van Daminator on the King of the Mountain, that was also cool.
Rey and Raven go on to have a sword fight with chairs of sorts, as the "Human Cancer" holds one covered in barbed wire and his opponent holds a regular one and Raven connects with a Reverse Russian Leg Sweep onto broken glass, completely sick but also awesome. In the spot of the night, Rob Van Dam hits Jeff Jarrett with a flaming guitar full of thumbtacks, absolutely destroying the instrument and possibly Jarrett himself.
The 619 and Van Terminator that both knocked the Barbed Wire Steel Chair into the face of Raven were also good spots, I don't think I've ever read a match that Raven was hiding in a corner though because of his inability to take further punishment. In a surprising finish, Mysterio exits the ring and walks out, applauding Van Dam as he covers Raven.
Your winner and still European Champion, Rob Van Dam. Can't say I saw the finish coming, but it makes Mysterio look strong in my opinion as he stays true to his character and isn't the one taking the pinfall. Jarrett got taken out of the equation in the most creative fashion I've seen in quite some time, and Raven was absolutely brutalized. Thanks to the Smackdown crew for this opening contest, and congratulations to Lubaninho for retaining the gold!
Backstage promo: Cody Rhodes
What can be said about this promo that hasn't already been said about every other Cody Rhodes promo? The psychological instability is so crisp on the end of every word, this man makes you feel what he's been through and look forward to seeing him either do or attempt to do what he plans to carry out. On the other hand, he is a dastardly heel, and all he does is complain, and he's done so for awhile, and has done so as part of the degenerate faction known as the NWO, so you're also left with the anticipation for the United States Championship because you hope Punk will beat him senseless.
Backstage promo: Stone Cold
This promo was meant to appear closer to the UWF Championship match, but for whatever reason, it sits here immediately after Cody Rhodes' promo. The placement of the Christian promo is fine, but this one could have gone where the Hawkins promo is, right before Raw's main event. I just wasn't expecting it to be placed here, especially when there isn't much of a segue from Cody's to Austin's, it's just BAM, promo. BAM, promo.
As for the quality of it, well, from what I've read people didn't care for mine but adored Aniking's, which I don't understand because I personally don't feel I cut a bad promo, but maybe I'm wrong.
When this was booked, it came out of left field, but both men did a good job of making something special out of something that was booked completely randomly. I was under the impression that maybe this feud would continue, and perhaps it will, just not leading into the next pay-per-view since it's been announced that both men are in seperate matches. I don't really have much to say about the match except I think it was proof that MVP should've gotten the shot Anderson abandoned, as far as perception from the trash talking aspect goes. The fashion in which he beat Roode, by punching him with his necklace, proves that MVP will do anything to win and move ahead, and also gives Roode motive for revenge should this feud be revisited.
By the way, since I'm talking about Albo, let me take the time to address the concern that some of you, Albo included, have that you may be running out of original praise for the Dose. That's why I ask you guys to give specific feedback on various facets of the article, so that there can be more discussion, the Dose can continue to get better, and I'm not writing several thousand word columns that get maybe a paragraph in return.
Backstage promo: Bray Wyatt
Bray Wyatt is the fastest I've seen someone rise up the card and get a shot at the big one, at least in a long span of time it is. And it isn't hard to see why, the character is as entertaining as the man being portrayed, in some ways moreso. Sam seems to really enjoy playing him, perhaps too much as one trash talk he remarked, "Not even I know what Bray's on about." That type of dedication is a tad troubling, wouldn't you agree? lol
Oh, how I wish this would've had a legit trash talking session. I'll give Sam credit for actually posting something, but I'm still rather let down by how this whole thing played out. Now that both men have picked up different characters, I hope every match gets shown up for and their participation is off the charts. I am happy to be Tag Team Champions for what I believe is the third time in my career; once as R.E.M.E.D.Y. in CWF, once as S.C.A.R. which was also me and EoR, and now with EoR once again. I have hopes for this reign because I know we'll actually be booked as a tag team and there's real competition coming up.
Very interesting that Almost Famous got involved, EoR's plan was to slot them into the match somehow but the idea was shot down. Nice to see them at ringside though, perhaps they will be future challengers for our belts, even though one guy plays the team.
Backstage promo: Orton & Batista
It's always interesting to see a promo or a segment like this between multiple trash talkers, especially since Randy Orton and Batista used to be in a stable together. If the NWO decided to split, Aniking stuck with Triple H, and The Wrestling Addict kept around as Ziggler and Flair, UWF could have very well seen their own version of Evolution. I haven't seen that stable in e-feds. I've seen multiple incarnations of the NWO, the Nexus, and DX, even an incarnation of the Four Horsemen, but not Evolution.
However, the words would have to be complimentary of one another, which they aren't. Orton and Batista instead talk a little smack, boasting about their respective matches and Randy even teases that Dave may be next, no Goldberg infringement intended.
Here's an interesting factoid, the banner for this is saved on Photobucket as Wolfe/Sandow instead of Wolfe/Bryan. Also intriguing is the fact that the banner advertises them as Desmond Wolfe and Daniel Bryan, but they are introduced and the match refers to them as Nigel McGuinness and Bryan Danielson. I thought that was a nice touch.
EoR claims that Wolfe is undefeated going into this match, but Stone Cold technically beat him at the last Great American Bash he and I were both involved in in a Texas Deathmatch between Austin, Wolfe, and Sheamus, played by Sam. If I'm remembering correctly, at the pay-per-view he was taken out of the match before it started or he was escorted out or got injured during the match or something but still, a win is a win, my friend! lol
I thought this match was very good, very technically sound and it continues the trend of great matches featuring The Hoov's Daniel Bryan. Honestly I think the finish could've gone either way, if Desmond won he would've proven that he still had it and deserves respect from someone like Bryan, but people may have taken that as EoR booking himself to look strong, especially since Wolfe isn't an official character, he's the general manager, so I understand why Bryan won. That and he was the better trash talker I'm sure, I didn't have the pleasure of reading the exchange.
Backstage promo: Christian
In my personal opinion, Christian is the most comfortable I've ever seen Aniking with a character, he's just in the zone and having an incredible amount of fun and it shows. His determination oozes through every word, and his workrate has been astounding. I thought he was on a roll as Batista, but man, aside from the fact that Batista held titles and Christian hasn't yet, he's on a more stellar roll as Captain Charisma. Ever since our match was announced, you've gotten better with every promo, you've gotten hungrier and more focused with every trash talk, and it's brought the best I could put forth out.
I'll have more to say to and about Aniking later, I just thought I'd start off with that here in regards to his passionate promo.
Here's another, "in case I haven't said it enough". In case I haven't said it enough, it's awesome to have Dom back, especially since he's been participating with the best of 'em since he returned. His C.M. Punk is on the fast track through the roster and up the card, and the fact that he dethroned Rey to become the new United States Champion is proof of that. Was the belt taken off Rey solely to move him up the card? I don't think so, I think Dom won fair and square, Cwalker just figured that since Rhodes was now without the title, he was in a position to be moved up.
Backstage promo: Del Rio
It's also good to have awesome_miz back in the mix. I'll be honest, I missed having you around these parts, bro, welcome back! Even though I'm not a fan of Del Rio, I'm pleased to see that you've returned to playing him, as I think you portray him well. Lewb's portrayal is still my favorite, but I know that in time you'll work your way up and put the same accolades he has under his belt under yours.
ALSO, how great is it to have Slim back? Can't say enough good things about my boy Slim, I feel like the gang's all here now that he's back. Still very intrigued with his choice of Edge as a character, and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens with him in the future, especially considering the controversial ending to this match with Daniel Bryan interfering and helping Sandow beat down the Rated R Superstar. Edge & the Black and White Machine vs. Y.E.S. & a partner of their choosing, book it now! Just sayin'...
Backstage promo: Jarrett
I think Jarrett is one of the best characters on Smackdown, I honestly do. Some of you might not be crazy about the RP style that BDC's accustomed to, but I enjoy it, even though things got a bit crazy with the trash talking order a few weeks ago when he and Lewb took on me and EoR. Looking forward to what's next for this guy. Ya know, after the stitches and burn treatment.
This match had one of the best turn-outs as far as trash talking, and Chriss wanted to do even more trash talks than they did. I love to read things like that, as it's a rarity. I like Fetter's Orton but Chriss' Aries was one of my favorite characters, and I was looking forward to him getting his rematch for the UWF Championship, but Aries lost the match and per the stipulation is gone from the company. I was further disheartened when I saw he'd be taking a break for awhile, then I saw he'd be sticking around after all and was happy. Whether it's by my hand or another's, the NWO will fall.
Backstage promo: Hawkins
The addition of Reks to Hawkins is a brilliant touch. I mean yeah, they're a legit tag team so it seems like a no-brainer but Tapout's not playing them that way. Instead, he's playing Reks as his silent monster persona that he had on Smackdown for awhile, and using him as a bodyguard for Hawkins. Honestly I think Tapout is one of the hottest stars on the rise on the red brand, and I don't know exactly why, but I'm hungry to have a go at him.
I was the most nervous for this match, I almost didn't want to see the result of it, and when I did, I couldn't believe it. In some ways, I still don't believe it, but I did it, I retained the championship. And what makes that victory better is there's been no controversy to arise from it, and Aniking has been very gracious in defeat. This match was incredible, and I'll be honest, I hoped to be done with the Kingmeister because he's an intimidating opponent, but as soon as I saw how the finish went down, I knew we were just getting started, haha.
Aniking, you have pushed me like you have always pushed me, and then you stepped it up and pushed me some more, more than I knew I could. Honestly, I wasn't sure if what I was putting forth was going to be good enough, as for much of that trash talking session I felt like I was on the ropes unable to properly defend myself. Your dedication to your character is phenomenal, and in many ways, is unlike anything I've ever seen. I can honestly say you're the best Christian I've seen and the toughest I've ever faced, thank you for being such a tough opponent and rewarding challenge.
Now that Cwalker's booked what he booked for Summerslam, I suppose he can't really poke fun at Smackdown for all their multi-man matches anymore, but that's okay. The thread for this match was insane, and I am glad I didn't have to pick the winner of this one, because I couldn't have, even if I did have it narrowed down to two. In the end, the right man won, and Smackdown has seen come to fruition what Raw saw a few months ago, the hungry long-time contender getting the top title at last. Congratulations man, you've earned it. By the way, he was World Champion as Big Show once, so this is his second main title, not his first. Oh yeah, I kind of marked out for you adding Big Show to DiBiase.
It's a combination of your two most successful characters, adds an additional dimension to DiBiase, and in a way it builds up the tag division.
Overall thoughts
Each and every month, my pay-per-view reviews seem to get longer and that's because the shows I'm reviewing continue to get better. I am thoroughly enjoying my time here in UWF, especially since I'm part of both brands and get to do this Dose thing that you all seem to enjoy.
Match & promo of the night
Since this is the last thing I have to write and I want to get this up, I'm going to make this short and sweet this week. Match of the Night is the King of the Mountain match, Promo of the Night is Christian's. Congrats guys.
Testing ground
[video=youtube;-ULPhXumYfc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ULPhXumYfc[/video]
The crowd erupted as "Blood" by Jim Johnston, the familiar theme of Gangrel, began to play throughout the PA system. The camera panned to the stage where flames burned, as Gangrel rose up through them, shades on his face and a fanged grin on display.
The crowd cheered as Gangrel walked over to the top of the ramp, turned, and began to make his way down it. He circled the ring and got a microphone from the ringside officials, then made his way up the steel steps, walked across the apron, and stepped through the ropes. His music cut out as he raised the microphone to speak.
"The Vampire Warrior" Gangrel: Even for someone whose days shall never see an end, the time I was away felt like an eternity. Believe the head of this corporate body not though, my departure was not a contractual release, but a self-imposed exile. I left on my own terms and it was because there was no longer a purpose for me to linger about, I had no specific role. So I vanished, returning to the confines of my tomb until the creatures of the dark needed the Vampire Warrior again. One day I heard their voices calling out to me, so I pushed the casket lid open and stepped onto the soils of the mortals and walked the path I had again been called to walk, and was disgusted by the sights on my way to my destination. The carnage and competition I once knew is gone from this sport, and has instead been replaced by the antics of children and limited showmanship. No longer are there people like I around the locker rooms. He took away everything. The passion, the aggression, the fear. So my destiny...is to take it all back.
There are cheers at the end of his statement, but for the most part the crowd sits in silence, listening to what he's saying.
"The Vampire Warrior" Gangrel: Tonight begins the crusade to regain that fear, when myself and my new brood is unleashed on the world, and when we set out, it will be an almost genocidal bloodletting. But I shall let them speak for themselves...
Gangrel lowers his microphone as the first member's theme music begins to play.
[video=youtube;ZX8Xq5NybDk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZX8Xq5NybDk[/video]
The crowd isn't sure what to think as Kevin Thorn makes his way out and begins his walk to the ring.
"The Vampire Warrior" Gangrel: Kevin, tell these soul cases how it feels to walk among them in a way you've never done before, as a being that will never feel the sting of death. As a creature that has no limitations and is no longer bound my human ailments and weaknesses. Tell them...
Kevin places a hand over Gangrel's microphone, pushing it downward as the two have a staredown. He removes his hand and turns to the fans.
Kevin Thorn: It's indescribable how powerful I feel. Talking about being unbeatable and unstoppable is one thing, but when you step out of that and experience what it's truly like, when you start living the words, it's liberating. Towards the end of my last run in the public eye, I lost sight of my identity, and became a generic and expendable wrestler. Then Gangrel opened my eyes, and told me to depart, so I did. He took me under his wing and helped me to appreciate and embrace my true self. So when he decided to take a stand and embark on this crusade, I knew that I was a necessary part of such a legion, and here I am. If only you pitiful space fillers knew of the big picture and could foresee what will befall your heroes. No matter, your lack of foresight will only preserve your disbelief and shock when it all comes to pass, making what we carry out all the more satisfying. Now if the next man would show himself...
Kevin lowered his microphone and turned to the stage, along with Gangrel, who also looked to the top of the ramp. The crowd was still in stunned silence as the next man's entrance theme began to play.
[video=youtube;PcU81CtUxX0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcU81CtUxX0[/video]
The crowd gasped as Judas Mesias made his way out, and walked the same walk as the others, down the ramp and around the ring, the chill of his presence in the air.
He enters the ring, joining his brethren. He stops and breathes in deeply, almost as if to draw in scent, before exhaling as he raises the microphone.
Judas Mesias: I can smell the fear already! You see, the three of us have joined together not only to bring diversity back to the wrestling fold, and not only to bring back the fear but to bring respect back to our kind. The public eye has cast a different shade on vampires, and not one of morbid darkness either, but one of warming light and approachability. So we are here to do the things Gangrel has promised but also to correct Hollywood's mistakes. When our work begins, while it happens, and when it's done, you will remember what REAL vampires are supposed to be. You may not like us, but that doesn't matter as long as you fear us. Now my story is different than Kevin's; I never lost sight of myself, I just lost direction. I was wreaking havoc with no purpose, and then Gangrel stepped in and told me of his plan, and when he did I swore to him I'd bring his vision to life. Now the first step begins, with the introduction of the fourth and final man...
The titantron screen lights up with an image and is quickly followed by the beginning of the final man's theme.
[video=youtube;6H-2QnT5GbY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6H-2QnT5GbY&noredirect=1[/video]
The crowd is in disbelief as Triple H makes his way down the ramp and around the ring. He steps onto the ring apron, taking a drink from the bottle he was carrying. He threw his head and arms back, spitting it into the air, but instead of water it was blood as he flashed his fangs. Triple H entered the ring, joining the others.
"The Cerebral Assassin" Triple H: Surprised? Well you shouldn't be, because I'm just as disgusted with the state of this business as the men in this ring. It's not about ratings or pay-per-view buyrates, it's about guys like me busting their ass for years on end to get over at any cost only to one day be grabbed by the balls and told to tone things down. So consider this your one and only warning; if you're looking for the same cartoon garbage that you've been fed for the past year and a half, feel free to change the channel to Nickelodeon or something, because we're taking things back to the way they were before.
Gangrel steps in again.
"The Vampire Warrior" Gangrel: If the things you've seen and heard thus far aren't enough to convince you, keep your eyes peeled, because it won't be much longer.
The lights go down as the crowd gasped in fear. The lights came back up and all four men were gone.
Cwalker interview
Q: You and I certainly have an interesting history. We've been allies, we've feuded, and now you're the writer for the brand I'm featured on. Honestly, what's it like writing for Chris Dresden?
A: It's an honor. Like you said, we've been doing this for quite some time now. I've watch your Austin evolve over time to the point where now it's something of legend. Not to discredit your three reigns as TNA Champion, but I'm honored to be the guy to give you your first run with the big belt. It's long overdue.
Q: Speaking of the Rattlesnake, you gave me a lot of creative freedom when I was a heel. Not that I mind, but I have to say it's not something I was expecting, so perhaps you could tell me why I was given so much freedom.
A: Guys that I can trust, I have no issue giving creative liscense to. You, Rey, Chase, Chriss, AK. There's a bunch of guys. There is a line that can't be crossed and eventually I'll have to tell someone to hold up, but until we reach that line, why not? We're all hear to have fun. I love reading what you guys come up with.
Q: I wasn't planning on turning face, at least not yet, but because of how things went with the trash talking between Aniking and I, it felt right. What was your reaction to that and did it complicate any of your booking plans?
A: I'm estatic that you turned face. There's so much more I can do with a face Austin as Champion as opposed to a heel Austin. Your heel Austin was good, obviously it won you the World Title, but there's nothing quite like the glass shattering, the "What", the shoots, its gold.
Q: I'm going to take things back a bit with this next question. When Itchweed left, what made you decide to take the reigns and become, "Mr. UWF"?
A: This kind of goes back to UCW. Right before UCW closed its door, Sam asked me to jooin him on the Smackdown brand as his co-head. I was excited. I may not be in love with trastalking anymore, but I still love efedding. Sadly, Sam and I never got the chance to work together as UCW died the next week. When Itch stepped down, I knew I couldn't let it happen again. I've watched too many feds die. ETW, CWA, UCW, I wasn't going to let it happen here.
Q: If there was one person on Smackdown, character not trash talker, that you could have on Raw, who would it be and why?
A: That's a tough one. If I had to pick, it'd probably be Daniel Bryan. I'm sure Hoov loves to hear that because he's somewhat of a mark for himself, but it's all in good fun. His Bryan is brilliant. I would have loved to him when we had the draft, but SBS and EOR took him with their first pick.
Q: Personally, I miss having you around as an e-fedder, but with everything you do for UWF already, I understand why you're strictly a writer. If you ever came out of retirement, who would be the reason and why?
A: It would have to be for something like Showdown of Dreams. A special occasion for someone who I've never faced before. If that exact situation never came up, I don't know. I started my efed career teaming with Chase, so who knows? Maybe we come full circle and I dust off Pope one more time againist my former partner. But I don't plan on TTing again, that last match againist Slim will hold me over.
Q: Let's talk about Outside the Ropes. It seems like once everyone saw the Dose was sticking around long-term, that necessitated a need for an Interactive section, which spawned all these other articles and such. Would you agree that I inspired you or was it your own decision?
A: I think if any of us, and by that I mean anyone who has starting doing these articles lately says the Dose wasn't a form of inspiration, they're lying. The Dresdon Dose is so outside the box. You have no idea how tired I am of comments like "I won match, great show btw". You give your opinions on everything, and it made me say "what can I do similiar to that?"
Q:Both editions have been satisfactory, in my opinion, it's interesting to get your perspective of history, and it's flattering that I show up as a memorable part of so much of it. Thank you. What can we expect from the third edition?
A: Lewb actually had a great idea with the top ten controversies. I think that's gold. Unlike the past two editions though, I can't go off memory. I need help from everyone else who has some sort of story to tell. I've only had one legit gripe in my efed career and pbviously that's not enough to fill an article, so if anyone's got a story they want to tell, feel free to PM me and maybe it'll make it on Outside The Ropes
Q: You write so much that I'm not sure how you find the time for it all. How do you manage your time so that you aren't overwhelmed by all the work you have to do?
A: The answer to this is really simple. I don't work Mondays and Tuesdays. My work schedule is perfect for running Raw. I can start a show maybe Sunday night and have it done by Monday afternoon if I have nothing else to do.
Q: With the Great American Bash, many of us weren't expecting the next edition of Raw for nine days, but you're delivering the next show in a third of that time. What made you decide to do that?
A: To prove that Raw is better than Smackdown . But seriously, I did it for the guys who couldn't get on the Great American Bash card. For guys like Tapout, who are extremely underrated, especially on a Raw brand that is stocked with Main Eventers. It's bascially my way of giving all the guys who aren't at the top of the card a chance to shine.
Q: Raw has a lot of seasoned vets but there's also a new crop of talent on the roster. Who do you think will be the future of Tuesday Night Raw?
A: Before the draft, I would have said Got_Swag. I was a real fan of his Miz. But as of the roster right now, Rated R Superstar is showing that he's dedicated. Christopher Daniels isn't an easy character to play, but every week, he's showing up. That'll get you far. Tapout would have been my pick, but he's a veteran that hasn't been given the chance to shine yet.
Q: The Four Horsemen was a lot of fun but I feel like we could've made a greater impact if the timing had been better, as Vita left e-fedding not long after I joined the group. Do you agree or disagree and why?
A: Yes we could have done so much more. Personally, I think after Vita and JK left, the bookers stopped caring because they booked us like shit. I understand booking us againist each other because of the history, but I think they did it too fast. The post Vita Horsemen never really got a chance to show what they could do.
Q: If you'll recall, I still owe you a Wrestlemania match. Do you think UWF will see that match, why or why not?
A: If this match were to ever happen, it would have to be the last efed thing I ever do. No more TTing, no more writing, no more owning. I'd pull a Vita and I'd walk away. So for as much as I'm sure some people would like to see that match, right now I'm having too much fun on the other side.
Q: What motivates you the most when it comes to, "Okay, it's time to get Raw put together and up." Is it the trash talking, the promos, or just the passion you have for writing?
A: It's a combination of all three. I love to write, I'm in college for journalism. But most of my motivation comes from you guys; the trashtalkers. I've said it before, give me something to be proud and I'll give you something to be proud of. I meant that on day 1 and three months later, I mean it now.
Q: Honestly, if Showdown of Dreams had happened as planned, do you think you had the match won or did Slim have you beat?
A: Hmmm....as much as I want to say I would have won, I think Slim had me. I wasn't at 100% in terms of playing Pope. It's hard to jump right back into a character when you haven't played him for so long. So I'll give Slim that one. But considering that I don't think Showdown of Dreams will ever happen, we'll call it a draw
Q: What made you decide on AJ Lee as the official Diva for Tuesday Night Raw?
A: It was between AJ and Eve. They're both hot. But AJ's character won me over. There's so much depth there. She reminds me to Mickie James when she first made it to the WWE.
Q: As the man that writes most of the matches, are you bothered by the fact that I'm brief with my review of them?
A: Not at all. Like I said earlier, most people don't comment on the matches, they comment on whether or not they won. So I'll take a brief review or anything else. At least it lets me know, someone is reading all the hard work I put out there.
Q: Slim went with Team Pikachu. Who do you think will win the four-on-four elimination match between the team of Blastoise, Charizard, Pikachu, and Mewtwo and the team of Gengar, Venusaur, Machoke, and Electabuzz?
A: Machoke isn't even final form, so he's out off the bat. Electabuzz doesn't even evolve. Charizard will hit him with a Flamethrower and itt's over. Venusaur was always the weak one out of three starters and I don't think Gengar can go alone. So I'm going team Pikachu with Mewtwo and Blastoise as sole survivors.
Q: Lastly, I'm not a doctor but I play one on the internet...
A: And I'm not a Pope, but I damn sure am Pimpin
Well that's all for this week's edition folks, your next scheduled appointment will be this Sunday with a review of the July 24th edition of Raw, a review of the July 27th edition of Smackdown, the next recipients of the Match of the Week and Promo of the Week awards, an interview with Sam, From The Vault: JBL vs. Michael McGillicutty, your choice of who I portray in the Testing Ground, and FINALLY the Pokemon match. Until then, the doctor is out!
Thank you for arriving for your check-up. I, of course, am your internet physician with a doctorate in trash talking, and I couldn't have arrived a moment sooner, as I am beginning to see sickness develop and symptoms of withdrawal arising amongst my fellow Smarks. So, before disease spreads amongst the entire UWF community, THIS is my prescription for all your wrestling needs, The Dresden Dose!
Now, with the creation of the UWF Interactive section and the rise of so many other methods of appeasing your fedding palette, you haven't been completely deprived, but there is only one true solution in terms of delivering what only I can deliver, which is why I'm here. I have already spoken highly of Outside the Ropes, Effective Thinking with EoR, and MrFetter's Top 15, but there are two new things for me to discuss, the debut edition of the promoted beforehand Super 8, and the surprise inception of something no one knew anything about, Chillin' with Chase.
The Super 8, as advertised, highlights the octopus of excellence, as Lewb highlights eight superstars from Raw and eight superstars from Smackdown and speaks on where he feels they are currently and where they have the chance to be next week. Similar to MrFetter's Top 15, yes, but it's also a very entertaining concept and I'm happy to say that I am number one on Raw and number six on Smackdown, which is where I sit on the Top 15, interestingly enough, and it's also the third list I've found myself at the top of if you look back at the debut edition of Outside the Ropes.
Chillin' with Chase is in a league of its own, as nothing about it is written. Chillin' with Chase is a podcast in which he interviews various members of the fed, discussing past history and the current events. His first guest is Prodigy, and trust me, it's as interesting a listen as you'll hear anywhere else with any other podcast. I was entertained by the history, interested in their Great American Bash picks, and had some laughs as well. UWF Interactive is as strong as every other facet of UWF.
Before I get into my thoughts on the Great American Bash, I'm going to do things a bit differently by putting my own match writing up for review before I analyze other people's work. I bring you this week's edition of From The Vault!
From the Vault
This week's "From The Vault" is from my days of writing for UCW Smackdown, an era that unfortunately is looked back upon unfondly but whatever, things happened that were out of my control and anyone that chooses to let that be a blemish on my career is something I can do nothing about. Anyway, there was a bit of a feud brewing between the team of Beer Money and the team of Deuce and Domino. I think the week prior to this match, Deuce and James Storm faced off in singles competition, leading to this one-on-one encounter of Robert Roode vs. Domino.
It becomes clear that the fans are ready to see more Smackdown action as they scream and cheer with anticipation, absolutely electric, some on their feet, others on the edge of their seats. Soon the bell rings to signify the next contest is about to get underway.
BEER...MONEY!
[video=youtube;YRm6rWjl0kY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRm6rWjI0kY[/video]
The crowd boos as the tandem of the "Tennessee Cowboy" James Storm and the former member of Team Canada, Robert Roode, make their way through the curtain and down the ramp to the ring.
Justin Roberts: Introducing first, being accompanied to the ring by James Storm. From Wall Street, New York...Robert Roode!
Roode enters the ring and poses, only to be booed further. James Storm remains at ringside.
Justin Roberts: And the opponents...
[video=youtube;kjQHGrNWC7E]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjQHGrNWC7E[/video]
The very 50's music of Deuce and Domino hits the arena, and the fans continue to boo. Out from the right side of stage drives Domino in a sweet 1950's Chevy Bel-Air, painted red white trim and white leather seats. He drives on down the middle of the walk way towards the ring. Cherry blows bubbles with her gum as well as kisses to the crowd as Deuce puts it into park, then gets out and poses while the fans boo him loudly.
Justin Roberts: From the other side of the tracks. Being accompanied to the ring by Cherry, Domino!
Cherry puts on her skates and follows him towards the ring, remaining on the outside. Domino got in Roode's face upon entering the ring, not even bothering to remove his glasses and jacket, something Roode did not appreciate. The two stood nearly nose-to-nose when James Storm rang the bell at ringside and the match began.
Matt Striker: He can't do that, can he?
Jerry "The King" Lawler: Whether he can or not, Matt, he did!
In the ring, Robert slapped Domino across the face and whipped him into the ropes, where Domino got hung up. Roode did a running knee to his kidney, then slammed him to the mat by pulling the back of his jacket collar. Roode delivered several stomps to the face of Domino, one on the bridge of his nose that shattered his glasses into his face and eyes. Domino sat up clutching his face in pain as the pieces fell down his face, some sticking to his shirt and some falling to the mat. He stood up and turned, swinging at his opponent, but Roode sidestepped and kicked him square in the mouth with the tip of his boot, then pulled his jacket over his head and started delivering a flurry of punches to his head and back.
Matt Striker: Roode certainly hasn't forgotten about Beer Money's loss last week!
Robert Roode sets up Domino for a powerbomb as he lifts him into the air. Roode holds him there as he surveys his surroundings, then extends his arms to get more leverage and charges forward, launching Domino to the outside of the ring!
Matt Striker: Oh my God! That was completely uncalled for!
Roode poses in the ring, drawing heat from the crowd as Domino lays on the outside, Storm standing over him taunting. Storm screams "Sorry about yer damn luck!" in his face and then takes a swig of beer, looking to spit it on Domino, but the greaser kicks Storm's legs out from underneath him and gets to his feet. Domino stands over him and pops his collar with both hands before removing the jacket and sliding into the ring. Roode went after him but Domino tackled him to the mat and began delivering furious punches of his own. Domino got up, now pumping with adrenaline, as he jumped up and down, waiting anxiously for his opponent to get up.
Jerry "The King" Lawler:Where's all this energy coming from, Michael? Just a moment ago, we thought he was out of this thing!
Roode sits up as Domino runs to the ropes and slings off them, going for the boot that ended the match from the week before but Roode scouted it and took Domino down with a shoulder tackle, diving over where his outstretched leg and bringing him crashing to the mat. Both men were up and Roode charged but Domino brought him over with a hip toss. Roode popped up from the mat and charged again but Domino leapt up and caught him in the side and back of the head with an enziguiri. The action was fast paced now as Domino set up Roode for a DDT, but Roode pushed him into the ropes and went for a spear, but Domino sidestepped and went for a scissor kick, but Roode stood up just in time and delivered a hip toss, planting Domino in a sitting position.
Roode swung his leg forward going for a kick to the side of the head but Domino fell flat to avoid it, then swept Roode's legs out from under him to bring him to the mat, then kipped up to get to his feet. Domino went for a standing moonsault but Roode rolled out of the way and Domino hit the mat, popping up so that he was in position for a full nelson that Roode applied. Domino threw his leg back, kicking Roode between the legs to break the hold, then set him up for a cutter and ran to the ropes, bouncing off with his version of the Acid Drop. Domino stood over Roode taunting him, but Robert goozled him out of nowhere and sat up, then got to his feet as he lifted Domino, who chopped his arm away and landed on his feet, goozling Roode this time, who goozled him again in return.
Matt Striker: This is insanity King, these two are pulling out every trick in the book!
Domino went to throw a punch with his free hand but Roode swatted his hand away and punched him in the abdomen, breaking his grip as Roode lifted him into a chokeslam, and then fell to one knee so that Domino landed over it, creating a backbreaker situation. Roode kept him goozled and pulled him to his feet, throwing Domino's arm over his shoulder and lifted him up, but Domino elbowed him in the back of the head and brought him to the mat with a DDT variation. Roode lay there flat on the mat as Domino hooked his arms around his waist and lifted him into a Deadlift German Suplex but at the apex of the lift, Roode rolled over his head and down his back, landing on his feet as he threw his leg backward and superkicked Domino, laying him out face down. Roode went for the Deadlift German Suplex and connected, turning it into a Deadlift German Suplex pin as the referee counted.
1!
2!
3!
Here is your winner at 10:09, Robert Roode!
Matt Striker: And Beer Money gets Deuce and Domino back here, King.
Jerry "The King" Lawler: Things are even at one/one at the moment and I have a feeling sooner or later these two will meet again.
THE GREAT AMERICAN BASH REVIEW
I'm not sure I understand why this was a Monster's Ball other than the fact that it's gimmicky and it's a way to ensure the European Championship gets defended period, and against more than one opponent. Of course if that's the reason, they could've just done a fatal four-way. It's not that I dislike gimmick matches, I just feel there's a time and a place for them, and while pay-per-view is that place, there isn't enough history between RVD and the challengers to justify such a brutal match.
Pretty sure that Macabre was still with the company at the time of this match. I'm still not quite sure why he was fired, but if you'll check out the debut edition of Chillin' with Chase, Prodigy suggests Macabre is not a new member, but someone that's already a member with a different account. He says it in fewer words with a lot more subtlety, let me point out, so that there's no backlash here, but that's how I took it.
Anyway, in case I haven't said it enough, the superhero Rey Mysterio gimmick is extremely creative and entertaining, especially now that he comes out to "Real American", unless that was just for tonight. Either way, that song always gets me pumped. If the tag team with Samoa Joe hadn't come about, I would've liked to team with either Super Rey or Edge.
This match got right to the action with high flying spots by Rey early on, but it also became true to its stipulation early on, as Rey suffers abuse via Singapore Cane and cheese grater at the hands of Raven, drawing blood from the superhero. Van Dam breaks the cane over Raven's head and dodges an attack with a pizza cutter by Jarrett, getting possession of a steel chair and connecting with a Van Daminator on the King of the Mountain, that was also cool.
Rey and Raven go on to have a sword fight with chairs of sorts, as the "Human Cancer" holds one covered in barbed wire and his opponent holds a regular one and Raven connects with a Reverse Russian Leg Sweep onto broken glass, completely sick but also awesome. In the spot of the night, Rob Van Dam hits Jeff Jarrett with a flaming guitar full of thumbtacks, absolutely destroying the instrument and possibly Jarrett himself.
The 619 and Van Terminator that both knocked the Barbed Wire Steel Chair into the face of Raven were also good spots, I don't think I've ever read a match that Raven was hiding in a corner though because of his inability to take further punishment. In a surprising finish, Mysterio exits the ring and walks out, applauding Van Dam as he covers Raven.
Your winner and still European Champion, Rob Van Dam. Can't say I saw the finish coming, but it makes Mysterio look strong in my opinion as he stays true to his character and isn't the one taking the pinfall. Jarrett got taken out of the equation in the most creative fashion I've seen in quite some time, and Raven was absolutely brutalized. Thanks to the Smackdown crew for this opening contest, and congratulations to Lubaninho for retaining the gold!
Backstage promo: Cody Rhodes
What can be said about this promo that hasn't already been said about every other Cody Rhodes promo? The psychological instability is so crisp on the end of every word, this man makes you feel what he's been through and look forward to seeing him either do or attempt to do what he plans to carry out. On the other hand, he is a dastardly heel, and all he does is complain, and he's done so for awhile, and has done so as part of the degenerate faction known as the NWO, so you're also left with the anticipation for the United States Championship because you hope Punk will beat him senseless.
Backstage promo: Stone Cold
This promo was meant to appear closer to the UWF Championship match, but for whatever reason, it sits here immediately after Cody Rhodes' promo. The placement of the Christian promo is fine, but this one could have gone where the Hawkins promo is, right before Raw's main event. I just wasn't expecting it to be placed here, especially when there isn't much of a segue from Cody's to Austin's, it's just BAM, promo. BAM, promo.
As for the quality of it, well, from what I've read people didn't care for mine but adored Aniking's, which I don't understand because I personally don't feel I cut a bad promo, but maybe I'm wrong.
When this was booked, it came out of left field, but both men did a good job of making something special out of something that was booked completely randomly. I was under the impression that maybe this feud would continue, and perhaps it will, just not leading into the next pay-per-view since it's been announced that both men are in seperate matches. I don't really have much to say about the match except I think it was proof that MVP should've gotten the shot Anderson abandoned, as far as perception from the trash talking aspect goes. The fashion in which he beat Roode, by punching him with his necklace, proves that MVP will do anything to win and move ahead, and also gives Roode motive for revenge should this feud be revisited.
By the way, since I'm talking about Albo, let me take the time to address the concern that some of you, Albo included, have that you may be running out of original praise for the Dose. That's why I ask you guys to give specific feedback on various facets of the article, so that there can be more discussion, the Dose can continue to get better, and I'm not writing several thousand word columns that get maybe a paragraph in return.
Backstage promo: Bray Wyatt
Bray Wyatt is the fastest I've seen someone rise up the card and get a shot at the big one, at least in a long span of time it is. And it isn't hard to see why, the character is as entertaining as the man being portrayed, in some ways moreso. Sam seems to really enjoy playing him, perhaps too much as one trash talk he remarked, "Not even I know what Bray's on about." That type of dedication is a tad troubling, wouldn't you agree? lol
Oh, how I wish this would've had a legit trash talking session. I'll give Sam credit for actually posting something, but I'm still rather let down by how this whole thing played out. Now that both men have picked up different characters, I hope every match gets shown up for and their participation is off the charts. I am happy to be Tag Team Champions for what I believe is the third time in my career; once as R.E.M.E.D.Y. in CWF, once as S.C.A.R. which was also me and EoR, and now with EoR once again. I have hopes for this reign because I know we'll actually be booked as a tag team and there's real competition coming up.
Very interesting that Almost Famous got involved, EoR's plan was to slot them into the match somehow but the idea was shot down. Nice to see them at ringside though, perhaps they will be future challengers for our belts, even though one guy plays the team.
Backstage promo: Orton & Batista
It's always interesting to see a promo or a segment like this between multiple trash talkers, especially since Randy Orton and Batista used to be in a stable together. If the NWO decided to split, Aniking stuck with Triple H, and The Wrestling Addict kept around as Ziggler and Flair, UWF could have very well seen their own version of Evolution. I haven't seen that stable in e-feds. I've seen multiple incarnations of the NWO, the Nexus, and DX, even an incarnation of the Four Horsemen, but not Evolution.
However, the words would have to be complimentary of one another, which they aren't. Orton and Batista instead talk a little smack, boasting about their respective matches and Randy even teases that Dave may be next, no Goldberg infringement intended.
Here's an interesting factoid, the banner for this is saved on Photobucket as Wolfe/Sandow instead of Wolfe/Bryan. Also intriguing is the fact that the banner advertises them as Desmond Wolfe and Daniel Bryan, but they are introduced and the match refers to them as Nigel McGuinness and Bryan Danielson. I thought that was a nice touch.
EoR claims that Wolfe is undefeated going into this match, but Stone Cold technically beat him at the last Great American Bash he and I were both involved in in a Texas Deathmatch between Austin, Wolfe, and Sheamus, played by Sam. If I'm remembering correctly, at the pay-per-view he was taken out of the match before it started or he was escorted out or got injured during the match or something but still, a win is a win, my friend! lol
I thought this match was very good, very technically sound and it continues the trend of great matches featuring The Hoov's Daniel Bryan. Honestly I think the finish could've gone either way, if Desmond won he would've proven that he still had it and deserves respect from someone like Bryan, but people may have taken that as EoR booking himself to look strong, especially since Wolfe isn't an official character, he's the general manager, so I understand why Bryan won. That and he was the better trash talker I'm sure, I didn't have the pleasure of reading the exchange.
Backstage promo: Christian
In my personal opinion, Christian is the most comfortable I've ever seen Aniking with a character, he's just in the zone and having an incredible amount of fun and it shows. His determination oozes through every word, and his workrate has been astounding. I thought he was on a roll as Batista, but man, aside from the fact that Batista held titles and Christian hasn't yet, he's on a more stellar roll as Captain Charisma. Ever since our match was announced, you've gotten better with every promo, you've gotten hungrier and more focused with every trash talk, and it's brought the best I could put forth out.
I'll have more to say to and about Aniking later, I just thought I'd start off with that here in regards to his passionate promo.
Here's another, "in case I haven't said it enough". In case I haven't said it enough, it's awesome to have Dom back, especially since he's been participating with the best of 'em since he returned. His C.M. Punk is on the fast track through the roster and up the card, and the fact that he dethroned Rey to become the new United States Champion is proof of that. Was the belt taken off Rey solely to move him up the card? I don't think so, I think Dom won fair and square, Cwalker just figured that since Rhodes was now without the title, he was in a position to be moved up.
Backstage promo: Del Rio
It's also good to have awesome_miz back in the mix. I'll be honest, I missed having you around these parts, bro, welcome back! Even though I'm not a fan of Del Rio, I'm pleased to see that you've returned to playing him, as I think you portray him well. Lewb's portrayal is still my favorite, but I know that in time you'll work your way up and put the same accolades he has under his belt under yours.
ALSO, how great is it to have Slim back? Can't say enough good things about my boy Slim, I feel like the gang's all here now that he's back. Still very intrigued with his choice of Edge as a character, and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens with him in the future, especially considering the controversial ending to this match with Daniel Bryan interfering and helping Sandow beat down the Rated R Superstar. Edge & the Black and White Machine vs. Y.E.S. & a partner of their choosing, book it now! Just sayin'...
Backstage promo: Jarrett
I think Jarrett is one of the best characters on Smackdown, I honestly do. Some of you might not be crazy about the RP style that BDC's accustomed to, but I enjoy it, even though things got a bit crazy with the trash talking order a few weeks ago when he and Lewb took on me and EoR. Looking forward to what's next for this guy. Ya know, after the stitches and burn treatment.
This match had one of the best turn-outs as far as trash talking, and Chriss wanted to do even more trash talks than they did. I love to read things like that, as it's a rarity. I like Fetter's Orton but Chriss' Aries was one of my favorite characters, and I was looking forward to him getting his rematch for the UWF Championship, but Aries lost the match and per the stipulation is gone from the company. I was further disheartened when I saw he'd be taking a break for awhile, then I saw he'd be sticking around after all and was happy. Whether it's by my hand or another's, the NWO will fall.
Backstage promo: Hawkins
The addition of Reks to Hawkins is a brilliant touch. I mean yeah, they're a legit tag team so it seems like a no-brainer but Tapout's not playing them that way. Instead, he's playing Reks as his silent monster persona that he had on Smackdown for awhile, and using him as a bodyguard for Hawkins. Honestly I think Tapout is one of the hottest stars on the rise on the red brand, and I don't know exactly why, but I'm hungry to have a go at him.
I was the most nervous for this match, I almost didn't want to see the result of it, and when I did, I couldn't believe it. In some ways, I still don't believe it, but I did it, I retained the championship. And what makes that victory better is there's been no controversy to arise from it, and Aniking has been very gracious in defeat. This match was incredible, and I'll be honest, I hoped to be done with the Kingmeister because he's an intimidating opponent, but as soon as I saw how the finish went down, I knew we were just getting started, haha.
Aniking, you have pushed me like you have always pushed me, and then you stepped it up and pushed me some more, more than I knew I could. Honestly, I wasn't sure if what I was putting forth was going to be good enough, as for much of that trash talking session I felt like I was on the ropes unable to properly defend myself. Your dedication to your character is phenomenal, and in many ways, is unlike anything I've ever seen. I can honestly say you're the best Christian I've seen and the toughest I've ever faced, thank you for being such a tough opponent and rewarding challenge.
Now that Cwalker's booked what he booked for Summerslam, I suppose he can't really poke fun at Smackdown for all their multi-man matches anymore, but that's okay. The thread for this match was insane, and I am glad I didn't have to pick the winner of this one, because I couldn't have, even if I did have it narrowed down to two. In the end, the right man won, and Smackdown has seen come to fruition what Raw saw a few months ago, the hungry long-time contender getting the top title at last. Congratulations man, you've earned it. By the way, he was World Champion as Big Show once, so this is his second main title, not his first. Oh yeah, I kind of marked out for you adding Big Show to DiBiase.
It's a combination of your two most successful characters, adds an additional dimension to DiBiase, and in a way it builds up the tag division.
Overall thoughts
Each and every month, my pay-per-view reviews seem to get longer and that's because the shows I'm reviewing continue to get better. I am thoroughly enjoying my time here in UWF, especially since I'm part of both brands and get to do this Dose thing that you all seem to enjoy.
Match & promo of the night
Since this is the last thing I have to write and I want to get this up, I'm going to make this short and sweet this week. Match of the Night is the King of the Mountain match, Promo of the Night is Christian's. Congrats guys.
Testing ground
[video=youtube;-ULPhXumYfc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ULPhXumYfc[/video]
The crowd erupted as "Blood" by Jim Johnston, the familiar theme of Gangrel, began to play throughout the PA system. The camera panned to the stage where flames burned, as Gangrel rose up through them, shades on his face and a fanged grin on display.
The crowd cheered as Gangrel walked over to the top of the ramp, turned, and began to make his way down it. He circled the ring and got a microphone from the ringside officials, then made his way up the steel steps, walked across the apron, and stepped through the ropes. His music cut out as he raised the microphone to speak.
"The Vampire Warrior" Gangrel: Even for someone whose days shall never see an end, the time I was away felt like an eternity. Believe the head of this corporate body not though, my departure was not a contractual release, but a self-imposed exile. I left on my own terms and it was because there was no longer a purpose for me to linger about, I had no specific role. So I vanished, returning to the confines of my tomb until the creatures of the dark needed the Vampire Warrior again. One day I heard their voices calling out to me, so I pushed the casket lid open and stepped onto the soils of the mortals and walked the path I had again been called to walk, and was disgusted by the sights on my way to my destination. The carnage and competition I once knew is gone from this sport, and has instead been replaced by the antics of children and limited showmanship. No longer are there people like I around the locker rooms. He took away everything. The passion, the aggression, the fear. So my destiny...is to take it all back.
There are cheers at the end of his statement, but for the most part the crowd sits in silence, listening to what he's saying.
"The Vampire Warrior" Gangrel: Tonight begins the crusade to regain that fear, when myself and my new brood is unleashed on the world, and when we set out, it will be an almost genocidal bloodletting. But I shall let them speak for themselves...
Gangrel lowers his microphone as the first member's theme music begins to play.
[video=youtube;ZX8Xq5NybDk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZX8Xq5NybDk[/video]
The crowd isn't sure what to think as Kevin Thorn makes his way out and begins his walk to the ring.
"The Vampire Warrior" Gangrel: Kevin, tell these soul cases how it feels to walk among them in a way you've never done before, as a being that will never feel the sting of death. As a creature that has no limitations and is no longer bound my human ailments and weaknesses. Tell them...
Kevin places a hand over Gangrel's microphone, pushing it downward as the two have a staredown. He removes his hand and turns to the fans.
Kevin Thorn: It's indescribable how powerful I feel. Talking about being unbeatable and unstoppable is one thing, but when you step out of that and experience what it's truly like, when you start living the words, it's liberating. Towards the end of my last run in the public eye, I lost sight of my identity, and became a generic and expendable wrestler. Then Gangrel opened my eyes, and told me to depart, so I did. He took me under his wing and helped me to appreciate and embrace my true self. So when he decided to take a stand and embark on this crusade, I knew that I was a necessary part of such a legion, and here I am. If only you pitiful space fillers knew of the big picture and could foresee what will befall your heroes. No matter, your lack of foresight will only preserve your disbelief and shock when it all comes to pass, making what we carry out all the more satisfying. Now if the next man would show himself...
Kevin lowered his microphone and turned to the stage, along with Gangrel, who also looked to the top of the ramp. The crowd was still in stunned silence as the next man's entrance theme began to play.
[video=youtube;PcU81CtUxX0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcU81CtUxX0[/video]
The crowd gasped as Judas Mesias made his way out, and walked the same walk as the others, down the ramp and around the ring, the chill of his presence in the air.
He enters the ring, joining his brethren. He stops and breathes in deeply, almost as if to draw in scent, before exhaling as he raises the microphone.
Judas Mesias: I can smell the fear already! You see, the three of us have joined together not only to bring diversity back to the wrestling fold, and not only to bring back the fear but to bring respect back to our kind. The public eye has cast a different shade on vampires, and not one of morbid darkness either, but one of warming light and approachability. So we are here to do the things Gangrel has promised but also to correct Hollywood's mistakes. When our work begins, while it happens, and when it's done, you will remember what REAL vampires are supposed to be. You may not like us, but that doesn't matter as long as you fear us. Now my story is different than Kevin's; I never lost sight of myself, I just lost direction. I was wreaking havoc with no purpose, and then Gangrel stepped in and told me of his plan, and when he did I swore to him I'd bring his vision to life. Now the first step begins, with the introduction of the fourth and final man...
The titantron screen lights up with an image and is quickly followed by the beginning of the final man's theme.
[video=youtube;6H-2QnT5GbY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6H-2QnT5GbY&noredirect=1[/video]
The crowd is in disbelief as Triple H makes his way down the ramp and around the ring. He steps onto the ring apron, taking a drink from the bottle he was carrying. He threw his head and arms back, spitting it into the air, but instead of water it was blood as he flashed his fangs. Triple H entered the ring, joining the others.
"The Cerebral Assassin" Triple H: Surprised? Well you shouldn't be, because I'm just as disgusted with the state of this business as the men in this ring. It's not about ratings or pay-per-view buyrates, it's about guys like me busting their ass for years on end to get over at any cost only to one day be grabbed by the balls and told to tone things down. So consider this your one and only warning; if you're looking for the same cartoon garbage that you've been fed for the past year and a half, feel free to change the channel to Nickelodeon or something, because we're taking things back to the way they were before.
Gangrel steps in again.
"The Vampire Warrior" Gangrel: If the things you've seen and heard thus far aren't enough to convince you, keep your eyes peeled, because it won't be much longer.
The lights go down as the crowd gasped in fear. The lights came back up and all four men were gone.
Cwalker interview
Q: You and I certainly have an interesting history. We've been allies, we've feuded, and now you're the writer for the brand I'm featured on. Honestly, what's it like writing for Chris Dresden?
A: It's an honor. Like you said, we've been doing this for quite some time now. I've watch your Austin evolve over time to the point where now it's something of legend. Not to discredit your three reigns as TNA Champion, but I'm honored to be the guy to give you your first run with the big belt. It's long overdue.
Q: Speaking of the Rattlesnake, you gave me a lot of creative freedom when I was a heel. Not that I mind, but I have to say it's not something I was expecting, so perhaps you could tell me why I was given so much freedom.
A: Guys that I can trust, I have no issue giving creative liscense to. You, Rey, Chase, Chriss, AK. There's a bunch of guys. There is a line that can't be crossed and eventually I'll have to tell someone to hold up, but until we reach that line, why not? We're all hear to have fun. I love reading what you guys come up with.
Q: I wasn't planning on turning face, at least not yet, but because of how things went with the trash talking between Aniking and I, it felt right. What was your reaction to that and did it complicate any of your booking plans?
A: I'm estatic that you turned face. There's so much more I can do with a face Austin as Champion as opposed to a heel Austin. Your heel Austin was good, obviously it won you the World Title, but there's nothing quite like the glass shattering, the "What", the shoots, its gold.
Q: I'm going to take things back a bit with this next question. When Itchweed left, what made you decide to take the reigns and become, "Mr. UWF"?
A: This kind of goes back to UCW. Right before UCW closed its door, Sam asked me to jooin him on the Smackdown brand as his co-head. I was excited. I may not be in love with trastalking anymore, but I still love efedding. Sadly, Sam and I never got the chance to work together as UCW died the next week. When Itch stepped down, I knew I couldn't let it happen again. I've watched too many feds die. ETW, CWA, UCW, I wasn't going to let it happen here.
Q: If there was one person on Smackdown, character not trash talker, that you could have on Raw, who would it be and why?
A: That's a tough one. If I had to pick, it'd probably be Daniel Bryan. I'm sure Hoov loves to hear that because he's somewhat of a mark for himself, but it's all in good fun. His Bryan is brilliant. I would have loved to him when we had the draft, but SBS and EOR took him with their first pick.
Q: Personally, I miss having you around as an e-fedder, but with everything you do for UWF already, I understand why you're strictly a writer. If you ever came out of retirement, who would be the reason and why?
A: It would have to be for something like Showdown of Dreams. A special occasion for someone who I've never faced before. If that exact situation never came up, I don't know. I started my efed career teaming with Chase, so who knows? Maybe we come full circle and I dust off Pope one more time againist my former partner. But I don't plan on TTing again, that last match againist Slim will hold me over.
Q: Let's talk about Outside the Ropes. It seems like once everyone saw the Dose was sticking around long-term, that necessitated a need for an Interactive section, which spawned all these other articles and such. Would you agree that I inspired you or was it your own decision?
A: I think if any of us, and by that I mean anyone who has starting doing these articles lately says the Dose wasn't a form of inspiration, they're lying. The Dresdon Dose is so outside the box. You have no idea how tired I am of comments like "I won match, great show btw". You give your opinions on everything, and it made me say "what can I do similiar to that?"
Q:Both editions have been satisfactory, in my opinion, it's interesting to get your perspective of history, and it's flattering that I show up as a memorable part of so much of it. Thank you. What can we expect from the third edition?
A: Lewb actually had a great idea with the top ten controversies. I think that's gold. Unlike the past two editions though, I can't go off memory. I need help from everyone else who has some sort of story to tell. I've only had one legit gripe in my efed career and pbviously that's not enough to fill an article, so if anyone's got a story they want to tell, feel free to PM me and maybe it'll make it on Outside The Ropes
Q: You write so much that I'm not sure how you find the time for it all. How do you manage your time so that you aren't overwhelmed by all the work you have to do?
A: The answer to this is really simple. I don't work Mondays and Tuesdays. My work schedule is perfect for running Raw. I can start a show maybe Sunday night and have it done by Monday afternoon if I have nothing else to do.
Q: With the Great American Bash, many of us weren't expecting the next edition of Raw for nine days, but you're delivering the next show in a third of that time. What made you decide to do that?
A: To prove that Raw is better than Smackdown . But seriously, I did it for the guys who couldn't get on the Great American Bash card. For guys like Tapout, who are extremely underrated, especially on a Raw brand that is stocked with Main Eventers. It's bascially my way of giving all the guys who aren't at the top of the card a chance to shine.
Q: Raw has a lot of seasoned vets but there's also a new crop of talent on the roster. Who do you think will be the future of Tuesday Night Raw?
A: Before the draft, I would have said Got_Swag. I was a real fan of his Miz. But as of the roster right now, Rated R Superstar is showing that he's dedicated. Christopher Daniels isn't an easy character to play, but every week, he's showing up. That'll get you far. Tapout would have been my pick, but he's a veteran that hasn't been given the chance to shine yet.
Q: The Four Horsemen was a lot of fun but I feel like we could've made a greater impact if the timing had been better, as Vita left e-fedding not long after I joined the group. Do you agree or disagree and why?
A: Yes we could have done so much more. Personally, I think after Vita and JK left, the bookers stopped caring because they booked us like shit. I understand booking us againist each other because of the history, but I think they did it too fast. The post Vita Horsemen never really got a chance to show what they could do.
Q: If you'll recall, I still owe you a Wrestlemania match. Do you think UWF will see that match, why or why not?
A: If this match were to ever happen, it would have to be the last efed thing I ever do. No more TTing, no more writing, no more owning. I'd pull a Vita and I'd walk away. So for as much as I'm sure some people would like to see that match, right now I'm having too much fun on the other side.
Q: What motivates you the most when it comes to, "Okay, it's time to get Raw put together and up." Is it the trash talking, the promos, or just the passion you have for writing?
A: It's a combination of all three. I love to write, I'm in college for journalism. But most of my motivation comes from you guys; the trashtalkers. I've said it before, give me something to be proud and I'll give you something to be proud of. I meant that on day 1 and three months later, I mean it now.
Q: Honestly, if Showdown of Dreams had happened as planned, do you think you had the match won or did Slim have you beat?
A: Hmmm....as much as I want to say I would have won, I think Slim had me. I wasn't at 100% in terms of playing Pope. It's hard to jump right back into a character when you haven't played him for so long. So I'll give Slim that one. But considering that I don't think Showdown of Dreams will ever happen, we'll call it a draw
Q: What made you decide on AJ Lee as the official Diva for Tuesday Night Raw?
A: It was between AJ and Eve. They're both hot. But AJ's character won me over. There's so much depth there. She reminds me to Mickie James when she first made it to the WWE.
Q: As the man that writes most of the matches, are you bothered by the fact that I'm brief with my review of them?
A: Not at all. Like I said earlier, most people don't comment on the matches, they comment on whether or not they won. So I'll take a brief review or anything else. At least it lets me know, someone is reading all the hard work I put out there.
Q: Slim went with Team Pikachu. Who do you think will win the four-on-four elimination match between the team of Blastoise, Charizard, Pikachu, and Mewtwo and the team of Gengar, Venusaur, Machoke, and Electabuzz?
A: Machoke isn't even final form, so he's out off the bat. Electabuzz doesn't even evolve. Charizard will hit him with a Flamethrower and itt's over. Venusaur was always the weak one out of three starters and I don't think Gengar can go alone. So I'm going team Pikachu with Mewtwo and Blastoise as sole survivors.
Q: Lastly, I'm not a doctor but I play one on the internet...
A: And I'm not a Pope, but I damn sure am Pimpin
Well that's all for this week's edition folks, your next scheduled appointment will be this Sunday with a review of the July 24th edition of Raw, a review of the July 27th edition of Smackdown, the next recipients of the Match of the Week and Promo of the Week awards, an interview with Sam, From The Vault: JBL vs. Michael McGillicutty, your choice of who I portray in the Testing Ground, and FINALLY the Pokemon match. Until then, the doctor is out!
