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Sound Off 249: Raw Does Lowest Audience in 15 Years

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Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 249)

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Est. Runtime: 1 hour, 32 minutes

Much to cover in this week’s 90-minute Sound Off, including the latest on CM Punk’s knee injury and a new main event for the TLC PPV, Raw does its lowest audience in 15 years, looking back at some of Kane’s greatest matches, why the Brad Maddox stuff makes no sense, predictions for TNA’s Final Resolution, will the Hardys return to WWE in 2013, remembering Umaga, Brian Pillman as World champion, and Solomonster has a request for Jim Ross after comments made in his most recent blog. A big show, so enjoy!

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Solomonster Sounds Off by The Solomonster is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

MAILBAG: Should Undertaker “Pass The Torch” at Mania?

SEScoops Mailbag for December 7th

(please submit YOUR questions to sescoops@gmail.com) or follow @solomonster on Twitter and submit them that way!

Q: I’ve always wondered this, but thought about it recently after noticing it on episodes of “The Monday Night War” on WWE on Demand. During almost every WCW event, you can witness fans throwing trash in the ring – cups, paper, flyers, etc. Even hitting the wrestlers. It was virtually every Monday. With the exception of the Montreal Screwjob and maybe a handful of times over the last 2 decades, you never see this in WWE. Wrestling fans are wrestling fans. In your opinion, why the difference? Was security just that much tighter at WWE events? – Nolan C. Gray, Johnson City, TN

A: It just became the cool thing to do when the nWo was out there. I know Scott Hall hated it. And who could blame him? I’m not aware of WCW ever threatening ejection or prosecution for throwing debris, so this went on for quite some time. It also had to do with the younger fans you had in the crowd at a time when wrestling was very hot. WWE really didn’t have anything like it at the time. And they have always been more forceful about kicking people out for stuff like that. These days, you never see that sort of thing, both because they have good enforcement, but moreso because you have a very different audience when you look out into those crowds. Lots of parents with their children and not nearly as many teenagers and college students.

Q: How relevant do you think the Undertaker’s undefeated streak really is in the current and future WWE scene? I mean, I know it’s a big deal and yes he’s done if for many years, but don’t you agree that since he’s obviously at the end of his career, it makes sense for him to “pass the torch” to someone else like Brock Lesnar or CM Punk, making them a much bigger star by being able to say they’ve done something no one else in the business has ever been able to do. Do you see any realistic likelihood of Taker ever losing at WrestleMania, and considering the top players in the business now, who do you think are good opponents for him at Mania in his final year(s)? – Travis

A: I don’t understand this notion of “passing the torch” to someone who is already established, as though Brock Lesnar and CM Punk need to beat Undertaker at WrestleMania to solidify their place in history. They’ve done very well on their own. They’re already main event players and future Hall of Famers. What do they really gain from this? If Undertaker had a young name handpicked to beat him, then I would respect that decision, even though I think it’s the wrong move for business. The Streak has become an important selling point for Mania. It would be foolish to mess with that. I do think Lesnar would make a good opponent for him, but the best choice would be John Cena.

Q: Do you think The Rock will really retire from WWE after he wins the title one last time in 2013? Providing that happens, of course. – Glenn Danford

A: If he wins the title, I certainly hope he doesn’t retire! Then the title would have to be vacated. But if you mean after he wins and loses it, then no. There’s no reason for Rock to retire. If he still has fun wrestling and can still be a draw the way he was at last year’s WrestleMania, there’s no reason to think he wouldn’t return for a match here and there.

Q: With the change to the TLC main event, I was wondering what PPV’s you are aware of that didn’t have a WWE or World championship defense on the card, but had a payment-worthy main event that made up for it? – Lee from Manchester, England

A: Badd Blood 1997 is probably the best example. While Bret Hart was the champion and wrestled in a tag team flag match, Undertaker and Shawn Michaels had a pretty memorable main event inside Hell in a Cell. That more than made up for it.

Q: Would more pyro like Batista, Edge, and Kane [are known to have] wake up the crowd and actually affect the fans’ interest in the matches? With my experience at live events, the pyro always got my [attention] and I would be into what was going on. If you had to pick one superstar on the roster who should have pyro, who would it be? – Shane from Fort Lauderdale, FL

A: You can’t “scare” people into caring about a particular match. You need to give people a reason to care. Loud pyro won’t make people care any more or any less for someone, say, like Tensai. Dropping the Japanese crap and letting him speak more would be a nice start. The same can be said for others on the roster.

Q: Who do you think would win [in a dream match between] John Cena and The Ultimate Warrior? Do you think it would be a good WrestleMania match if Vince McMahon let him come back? – Jesse Wagstaff, Morehead City, NC

A: It would have some value as an attraction for Mania, but the show would still do better business with Rock vs. Cena. As for who wins, it doesn’t really matter. Either way, the fans lose.

Keep those questions coming to sescoops@gmail.com and remember to include your name!

Sound Off 248: Is Punk To Blame for Raw’s Ratings Collapse?

DOWNLOAD THE PODCAST HERE:
Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 248)

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Est. Runtime: 1 hour, 17 minutes

Solomonster has a packed show this week covering Raw’s ratings collapse, thoughts on THE SHIELD and their first interview, phony Twitter polls, giving away Cena vs. Ziggler on Raw, a GREAT match between Sheamus and Cesaro, Undertaker’s rumored opponent for WrestleMania, The Ascension is no more (or is it?), TNA bringing Lockdown to the Alamodome and the absurdity of Hogan giving Austin Aries a title shot. Plus… turning Zack Ryder heel, thoughts on the American Badass gimmick and after seven years, do you view Kurt Angle as a WWE or TNA guy?

Want your question on the air? Send feedback to THESOLOMONSTER@gmail.com.

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Solomonster Sounds Off by The Solomonster is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Sound Off 247: Why Does Raw Feel Like Groundhog Day?

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Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 247)

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Est. Runtime: 1 hour, 11 minutes

Solomonster rants on Black Friday, praises Austin Aries and a fun edition of Impact, talks about the debuts of Ambrose/Rollins/Reigns and why they are the future, other NXT names possibly being promoted, a disturbing trend in WWE and the reason why Raw often feels like Groundhog Day, potential choices for Royal Rumble winner, the WrestleMania “bus” controversy, Vince McMahon’s old Playboy interview, and who do you think is the better role model – Rock or Cena? Someone get Heyman his balloons!

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MAILBAG: Is Hulk Hogan The Greatest Face/Heel Ever?

SEScoops Mailbag for November 21st

(please submit YOUR questions to sescoops@gmail.com) or follow @solomonster on Twitter and submit them that way!

Q: Do you think Randy Orton’s willingness to put people over for the last year or so (Dolph, Christian, Henry) is because he doesn’t care about his current face persona? Could you see him having more of an issue with losing if he was a heel? – Oliver Davis

A: Fact is, Orton may well be OK with putting people over and deserves credit for it, but how do we know he isn’t forced into doing it kicking and screaming? At the end of the day, you do what you’re told to do. And he is really in no position to raise hell given the two Wellness strikes he has against him.

Q: With the WWE debuting groups of wrestlers together the last couple of years, does that tend to dilute each guy more? – Cory Kraus

A: It can, but the key is in the follow-up. If WWE goes out of its way to make sure each guy has their own identity and an opportunity to speak, they can get them over. But typically, with groups like this, it’s one or two key people who end up breaking out from the pack.

Q: Always wanted to ask you your opinion on how long [Chris] Jericho’s push in 2001 would have been held off had Triple H not been injured? – Nick Jackson

A: I don’t think Triple H’s injury impacted Jericho’s push all that much in 2001. He and Benoit got a shot at Austin’s title the following month when the original plan (pitched by Paul Heyman if I recall correctly) was for the Two Man Power Trip to feud with one another, so I suppose that was a small plus for Jericho. If anything, you could argue it *really* helped him in ’02 as they needed someone HHH could beat for the title at WrestleMania and Jericho was that guy. While he ended up doing the job, he still got to work his first and only Mania main event.

Q: Do you think John Cena vs. The Undertaker is still possible for WrestleMania 30? – @1987cordellmitc

A: Sure, if Taker wrestles in 2014, Cena would be a fine (and safe) opponent for him, especially if that is his last match.

Q: What do you think of the new JoMo & Masters tag team? Do you think this could work in WWE or will they never return? – @Wreds_de

A: I wasn’t even aware they had formed a team. I think both could return at some point, but Morrison would definitely be as a single.

Q: Do you think it would be a great boost for Daniel Bryan to hold or just get an opportunity for the World title while being the Tag Team champion at the same time? Like the late, great Eddie [Guerrero] had done before when he was with Chavo. I think it’s a great story if Kane helps him win a World title and [then they] argue about it, or Kane [wins some other] title besides the tag belt. – Bryan V.

A: Comedy with the tag titles is fine. Comedy with your World title is not. There’s enough talent where one man does not need to hold two titles.

Q: Do you think Hulk Hogan/Hollywood Hogan is the greatest face/heel ever? Considering he brought in two different eras in wrestling, from the 80’s and early 90’s in his red and yellow babyface persona, to the late 90’s during the Monday Night Wars where he reinvented himself as a complete heel, which he was very successful at as well. I really dont see anybody else in the same breath. – Cordell Mitchell

A: I think that’s a fair statement. The only other person that comes to mind would be Ric Flair, who was quite good in both roles, but he never did nearly the kind of business Hogan did at the peak of his popularity both as a heel and a face.

Q: On a recent edition of the Sound Off, you mentioned something about Duke “The Dumpster” Droese and date rape drugs. This prompted me to do a little digging via Google search and I found several [sites] stating that Duke used to date rape women at bars and brag about it. Eventually, this got around to JBL who raped, or pretended to rape, Duke in the locker room to teach him a lesson. Is there any credibility to this story? What’s your take on it and what do you believe is true/false? – Matt I.

A: As I understand it, the allegations are true. To make up something like this that wasn’t true, Duke could have gone to court to sue if he knew who started it and that never happened, so read into that what you will. Did he “drop the soap” with JBL? I wasn’t there to see it, and for that I clasp my hands together and thank the lord every day. But these are the stories told by people in the WWF at that time.

Keep those questions coming to sescoops@gmail.com and remember to include your name!

Sound Off 246: Fans Have Heart Attack Over Lawler Angle

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Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 246)

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Est. Runtime: 1 hour, 26 minutes

Solomonster has predictions for Survivor Series, thoughts on the controversial Jerry Lawler heart attack angle from Monday night that might surprise you, a sobering dose of reality for WWE fans who were offended by it, news on Summerslam coming to Wales, giving Fandango a chance, a rant on TNA’s booking of James Storm (what a loser), hearing Jeff Hardy’s mind monologues on Impact, explaining why Owen Hart would not have been World champion, and which WWF star would have been tapped as the top babyface if Hulk Hogan never existed?

Want your question on the air? Send feedback to THESOLOMONSTER@gmail.com.

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Solomonster Sounds Off by The Solomonster is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Sound Off 245: IT’S THE FIVE YEAR ANNIVERSARY SHOW!!!

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Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 245)

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Est. Runtime: 1 hour, 41 minutes

This week, the Sound Off celebrates FIVE YEARS with Linda McMahon’s election defeat, WWE changes the Survivor Series main event, where this leaves Mick Foley, Miz quits Team Punk, Ryback and Brad Maddox in OVW, JBL signs a new deal to stay on Smackdown, TNA Turning Point rundown, Scott Steiner’s latest lawsuit against TNA and accusations against Jeff Hardy, why it sounds so scummy, lots of praise for Bully Ray, and Barrett vs. Regal at WrestleMania? You know this show is special when you put Marty Jannetty’s words to the tune of Tyga’s “Rack City”. Thanks for a fantastic five years!!!

Want your question on the air? Send feedback to THESOLOMONSTER@gmail.com.

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Solomonster Sounds Off by The Solomonster is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Sound Off 244: The Absurdity of Miz Being On Team Punk

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Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 244)

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Est. Runtime: 68 minutes

Solomonster talks about Hurricane Sandy and the resulting chaos in New York, Tuesday’s election and why Linda McMahon will lose, what famous billionaire she’s already outspent and the NEW role waiting for her on Raw, plus defending the finish of Hell in a Cell, the absurdity of including Miz in the Survivor Series main event, Sheamus masquerading as John Cena and not caring about losing the World title, reviewing the 1995 Royal Rumble with appearances by MANTAUR and DICK MURDOCH (in the same match!), and who from TNA would you want for a match with Undertaker?

Want your question on the air? Send feedback to THESOLOMONSTER@gmail.com.

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Sound Off 243: Why CM Punk’s Title Reign Should Continue

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Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 243)

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Est. Runtime: 1 hour, 26 minutes

Before New York gets wiped out by the incoming hurricane, Solomonster brings you a special HALLOWEEN edition of the Sound Off! He’s got predictions for tonight’s Hell in a Cell PPV, including who should go over between Ryback and CM Punk, plus live thoughts from Raw at the Izod Center with an amusing story about the world’s worst concession stand worker, crowd fatigue, Kane vs. Big Show and a Macho Man impersonator. We’ve also got a quick review of CM Punk’s BEST IN THE WORLD documentary from his new DVD, a worrisome update on Lilian Garcia’s condition after being hit by a car, thoughts on iMPACT and TNA splitting up their announce teams, putting jobbers in the Hall of Fame and has Undertaker wrestled his last match?

Want your question on the air? Send feedback to THESOLOMONSTER@gmail.com.

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MAILBAG: Is Hulk Hogan Still a Big Money Draw in 2012?

SEScoops Mailbag for October 26th

(please submit YOUR questions to sescoops@gmail.com) or via @solomonster!

Q: If WCW [and ECW had each] not gone out of business in 2001, where in your opinion would the wrestling business be right now? – @tommygunner89

A: This is an impossible question to answer. Had Eric Bischoff and his group of investors bought WCW and kept its television slots, I think it would very much be in the same position TNA finds itself in. Had Bischoff’s planned re-launch not been well-received and the investors pulled out, or if TNT decided to boot wrestling off its network, it would have died. But maybe he re-launches the WCW brand with some really creative ideas and it takes off? Who knows. I do believe that ECW wouldn’t be around today either way. It was a style that simply could not keep up at the pace it was going. But more than that, much like with WCW, it comes down to funding and a good cable slot, neither of which I don’t think they would have had.

Q: I know that Stone Cold wasn’t happy about being booked with Scott Hall at WrestleMania 18. Who did he want to face? – @phc_99

A: I don’t know that Austin didn’t like being booked with Scott Hall as much as he disliked being booked in a match that was almost an afterthought. He was, or had been, the biggest star in wrestling and felt he was being pushed down the card. Really, you could argue his match was only the 4th biggest attraction that night, behind Rock/Hogan, Jericho/HHH and Undertaker/Flair. I don’t recall hearing that Austin had any particular opponent in mind other than he was against the idea of facing Hulk Hogan.

Q: How long do you think the lawsuit TNA has on WWE will last? – @TheeScout101

A: WWE could probably pay to make it all go away tomorrow if they wanted to. Should they choose not to do that, the lawsuit could drag on for months or years. That’s a terrible thing for any talent in TNA that wants to leave for WWE because Jerry McDevitt, WWE’s attorney, has stated that they will not sign any TNA performers so long as this lawsuit is ongoing. With rumors of Ric Flair possibly appearing on Raw this Monday as the new GM, he could be the exception, though he hasn’t been under TNA contract since May and his non-compete has already expired.

Q: Who should be the first man to unequivocally defeat Ryback? Undertaker, Cena, or a new rising star? – @LeeWes

A: Anybody but Undertaker or John Cena is fine with me. There is absolutely no reason for either of them to hand Ryback his first loss.

Q: Do you think if Undertaker had faced either Hulk Hogan or Stone Cold Steve Austin at Wrestlemania that we would be talking about a streak today? – @Mark_A_Dodson

A: I think it is safe to assume we would not.

Q: Traditionally in tag matches, [the babyface] team faces the hard camera while the heels have their backs to hard camera. Any notable exceptions and why? – @deturbulence

A: I’m sure there have been exceptions, but none that I can think of right now. I’d imagine the reason this is done is to make sure the fans at home can see the eventual hot tag when the babyface comes in and cleans house. It kind of ruins it if their back is to the viewing audience and all we can see is the guy’s ass.

Q: My question today is about Hulk Hogan. Do you think he’s still a big money-making draw in the wrestling business? There seem to be contrasting viewpoints as to whether or not his time at Impact Wrestling has been good for the company. I know he costs them a lot of money, but I’m not sure if he really makes money for them. Basically, I’d like your opinion as to whether or not you think Hogan has the capabilities of doing big business today. Furthermore, do you think his ability (or inability) to draw has more to do with his age or the fact that he’s tainted his legacy via family affairs, money problems, and the sex tape? – Matt I.

A: I would argue that Hogan’s value to TNA comes in the form of his name and ability to garner mainstream press for them. With the sex tape and such, that comes with a price, but when Hogan is able to appear on shows like Fox & Friends or Howard Stern and promote the latest pay-per-view, that’s a value to TNA. He’s not just promoting one event, he’s promoting a brand name that may often get confused with WWE. Now, is that worth all of the money they are likely paying him? That’s debatable, and I’m not even sure how much of that money may actually be coming from Spike TV. I think the days of Hogan as a major draw in wrestling are over. He cannot wrestle a match, even a tag match as evidenced by him being kept out of that Aces and Eights match at Bound for Glory. His back is screwed up that badly. If he were in better physical shape, then there would absolutely be money in Hogan against another big name like a Steve Austin or John Cena, but it’s just not possible. To answer your question, it has everything to do with his age and physical condition and little to do with his divorce or the sex tape. Wrestling fans don’t care about that. If they did, he’d be getting catcalls in the Impact Zone, but they still cheer him like a hero.

Q: I have a question for you today involving WWE signing Ric Flair. If WWE signs Ric Flair, would that bring [their dealings with] Bruno Sammartino to a close? I know that Bruno and Flair disagree with each other and if WWE signs Flair, then [Bruno] will not even discuss the Hall of Fame. – Shane Walker

A: Bruno isn’t interesting in discussing the Hall of Fame anyway, so it doesn’t matter. One has absolutely nothing to do with the other.

Q: I have been liking the pairing of Rey Mysterio & Sin Cara lately, and with the way the tag team division is going, I thought they too should get a team name and I have thought of one that could work. What do you think about “The Mysterious Sins” as a team name for them? – Billy from Tennessee

A: I like my idea of “Rey-Sins” better. Because when you say it fast, it sounds like raisins, which is funny. No? Anyone? Oh piss off, all of you.

Keep those questions coming to sescoops@gmail.com or @solomonster on Twitter!

Sound Off 242: Is Ryback Ready To Be WWE Champion?

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Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 242)

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Est. Runtime: 1 hour, 21 minutes

Solomonster talks about Ryback getting the nod to face Punk at Hell in a Cell, how best to handle the finish, Bound for Glory results and the interesting new roll call of champions, the rebirth of Samoa Joe, why Aces and Eights is killing TNA and the nWo was more effective, the problem with invasion angles, when exactly did ROH begin to change and does Rick Rude belong in the Hall of Fame?

Want your question on the air? Send feedback to THESOLOMONSTER@gmail.com.

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Solomonster Sounds Off by The Solomonster is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Sound Off 241: Wrestling Heel Makes Kid Cry…News At 11!

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Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 241)

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Est. Runtime: 1 hour, 21 minutes

Solomonster is back with Bound for Glory predictions, the latest on creative shakeups in both Ring of Honor and WWE, why 2013 is a make or break year for ROH, praise for Vince McMahon’s streetfight, Ryback challenging for the title at Hell in a Cell, CM Punk attacks a fan, a passionate rant on WWE apologizing for Alberto Del Rio ripping up a fan’s sign and, for all the people wishing for the death of PG, what does Attitude really mean to you and why would that help the product? All that, plus another surprise call-in by Noah Mark, this time with a belated birthday gift! Very cool stuff.

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Sound Off 240: Raw Ratings Collapse and McMahon Returns

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Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 240)

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Est. Runtime: 1 hour, 23 minutes

Solomonster celebrates his birthday with a brand new Sound Off, featuring talk about booking CM Punk vs. Steve Austin, the premiere of WWE Main Event, Raw ratings collapse and PANIC setting in, an unexpected live call-in by Noah Mark, rumors of Punk vs. Foley at TLC and why it shouldn’t happen, another choice for a potential Punk opponent before Rock, Impact bores with more silliness from Aces and Eights and is CM Punk disrespectful to his fans or is it the other way around?

Want your question on the air? Send feedback to THESOLOMONSTER@gmail.com.

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Sound Off 239: Impact’s Back With Kidnappings & Machetes!

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Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 239)

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Est. Runtime: 1 hour, 21 minutes

Solomonster talks about the greatness of Ziggler vs. Kingston from Raw and why Kofi is underrated, WWE giving fans a “Raw” deal with Hulu, the idiocy of blowing off Ryback vs. Miz so early, Kelly’s release and the Diva exodus, Rock vs. Cena becomes the biggest match of all time, WWE interested in ROH, why the Aces and Eights stuff is totally out of control, why Kevin Steen will never have a run in WWE and why did Undertaker bury DDP in 2001?

Want your question on the air? Send feedback to THESOLOMONSTER@gmail.com.

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MAILBAG: How Many REAL Superstars Does WWE Have?

SEScoops Mailbag for September 28th

(please submit YOUR questions to sescoops@gmail.com)

Q: How does the developmental talent in [NXT] survive on the low salary they receive and are they able to work outside of WWE whether having a regular job or doing indie shows? – Jimmy H.

A: They make it work because it’s their passion. It’s no different than minor league baseball players, who often live off lower wages with the hope they will one day make it to the big leagues. If you want something bad enough, you do whatever it takes. But it’s not as if these guys are living off table scraps. I believe some may have jobs outside of wrestling, but they are not allowed to do independent shows.

Q: Since Raw and SmackDown pretty much share the same roster, does it seem plausible that WWE would turn the Draft into [one] that sees [each brand] picking NXT stars to move up to the main roster? – CJ Carter

A: Plausible, no. I don’t see WWE doing it. They would rather build each person up with their own unique character or storyline. But if they ever wanted to take things in a more sports-like direction, I think this would be a hell of an idea. The two flaws in this plan is that there are a finite number of NXT stars they can choose to move at any given time without depleting their developmental roster, and you aren’t going to have that many guys who are truly ready to make that jump to the main roster at the same time. I think each brand choosing 3 NXT talents would work.

Q: In your opinion, what are the “stiffest” WWE matches ever? – Robert G.

A: It depends on your definition of “stiff” matches. Wrestlers get “potatoed” in matches all the time, but I don’t know that you’d call that stiff. Are we talking shoots? You won’t find too many of those in WWE aside from those Brawl For All matches back in 1998, which saw a bunch of guys get injured as a result. Daniel Puder, the former Tough Enough winner, took a stiff ass kicking at the start of the 2005 Royal Rumble match to the point where it was uncomfortable to watch. Of course, John Cena took a beating from Brock Lesnar at Extreme Rules earlier this year, which included an elbow to the head that opened him up hardway.

Q: I don’t know if it’s just me, but WWE is lacking [star power]. The Cena/Punk feud seems to get more drawn out as time goes on. I’m not saying that upcoming stars like Ryback or Damien Sandow should get the strap right away, but WWE just seems stale. The segments involving Kane [and Daniel] Bryan are boring. I honestly believe WWE is drowning due to lack of “Superstars”. Punk is a great heel champion, but the loss of Chris Jericho put a damper on things. Even though Jericho didn’t have a title, he has that Superstar quality most of the wrestlers are lacking. Am I wrong? If not, when do you think things will start to pick up? – Eric from Berlin, CT

A: Without a doubt, WWE is lacking in star power. In fact, never in its history has it been so thin on true Superstars, as you might say. In the last few years alone, they’ve lost Shawn Michaels, Batista and Edge with Chris Jericho, Triple H and Undertaker playing part-time roles at best. They went through a period for several years after dumping OVW as a developmental territory where they simply were not churning out the type of talent they had years earlier and it’s recently come back to bite them on the ass. NXT is now stocked with loads of talented guys who can be big stars tomorrow, what about today? That is the problem WWE is now faced with. Cena remains their biggest star and the closest thing to a mainstream celebrity that they have. Guys like Punk and Bryan are great, but people don’t necessarily see them as “big” stars, which is why they rely so heavily on bringing back guys like Rock and Brock Lesnar to boost PPV buys. It’s going to take time to find those next big stars, but I do think it will happen at some point.

Q: Do you have any idea where the whole GTV angle was going? I remember it lasting about 4 weeks or so. The only segment I remember was the one with Stephanie McMahon and Test. – Derek Fox

A: Goldust was supposed to be revealed as the person behind GTV at some point. As with other angles over the years, it was dropped without explanation. So I guess it was really just some random pervert who got tired of peeping on everyone. The disturbing part is that he (she?) is still out there.

Q: My question is regarding Linda McMahon’s senate run. Will she win or vice versa? If she loses will she go for it again? If she wins/lose will WWE become more edgier or more like Disney channel? – Dez

A: Yes, I think it’s a pretty safe bet that Linda will indeed “win, or vice versa” in this election. It will be one or the other. But in the end, I think she will fall short again, and when she does, don’t expect WWE to suddenly allow swearing and blood on its programming again. People hoping for a Linda defeat so that WWE will end the PG era are in for a rude awakening.

Q: Do you think WWE will ever get out of this PG Era? – Jesse W.

A: Make it stop.

Keep those questions coming to sescoops@gmail.com and remember to include your name!

Sound Off 238: Should WWE Keep Or Kill The Divas Division?

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Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 238)

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Est. Runtime: 1 hour, 18 minutes

Solomonster has a PACKED show with Night of Champions thoughts, an update on John Cena’s elbow surgery, Sheamus’ next opponent, a rant on the Divas division and thoughts on how to save it (or should it even be saved?), an idea for a new talk segment instead of Miz TV, praise for Kane & Bryan and WWE’s renewed focus on tag wrestling, a new opponent for the U.S. champion NOT named Santino, HOF class for 2013, will Jeff Hardy leave TNA for WWE, when the Attitude Era officially ended, is TNA keeping their title on Austin Aries to reel in ROH fans, and was wrestling better before Internet sites?

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Solomonster Sounds Off by The Solomonster is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Sound Off 237: A New Low For Fans Criticizing John Cena

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Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 237)

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Est. Runtime: 1 hour, 28 minutes

Solomonster talks about Jerry Lawler’s heart attack from Monday night, the latest update on The King, whether WWE should have continued the show, big praise for Michael Cole, John Cena wearing pink for cancer awareness and the people criticizing him for it, Money in the Bank lunchboxes, Jeff Hardy wins the Bound for Glory series and more.

Plus! Listen to Noah Mark & The Solomonster Live at 7pm Just before the WWE Night of Champions. Hear The Solomonster’s EXCLUSIVE Predictions! More Info

 

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MAILBAG: Something Special For Raw’s 20th Anniversary?

SEScoops Mailbag for September 14th

(please submit YOUR questions to sescoops@gmail.com)

Q: With all the wrestlers traveling, especially the A-list talents, how and when do the talents have time to practice and rehearse moves/bumps/spots? Does the crew set-up a ring (or multiple rings) early in the week and the talents come into an empty arena and practice what might work [versus] what might not and rehearse the order? Or do they only talk it out? – Jay H.

A: Some wrestlers go over spots and such in the ring the day of the event while others simply discuss things beforehand. For a TV taping or PPV, they’re typically required to be at the arena many hours in advance. In other cases, you have someone like The Rock who has his own ring set up either at home or somewhere else and can train there. Before his tag match with John Cena against Miz and R-Truth at last year’s Survivor Series, he invited his opponents to New Orleans, where was filming his GI Joe movie, to rehearse the match.

Q: Has The Undertaker ever submitted [in a match] in his career? – Ravonn A.

A: Technically, yes he has, but it either didn’t result in an actual loss or was controversial in nature. He lost via Mandible Claw to Mankind at the 1996 King of the Ring, but that was after being clobbered with the urn and knocked out. He also tapped to a triangle choke by Kurt Angle in a match on Smackdown but had Angle’s shoulders pinned to the mat and tapped only after the referee counted three (the match ended in a draw). CM Punk beat him using the Anaconda Vice at Breaking Point in 2009, which qualifies as a submission loss, but it was a screwjob (in Montreal, naturally) and he never actually gave up.

Q: A few weeks ago, WWE did the big Raw 1,000. Since January 2013 is coming up, do you think they are going to do something big for Monday Night Raw’s 20th Anniversary? – David

A: Of course they will, and what they should do is, for one night only, bring Raw back to the Manhattan Center where it all began! If it’s too much of a bitch to haul everyone up 8 flights to the Grand Ballroom, then the Hammerstein downstairs will suffice. It made for a fun atmosphere for those ECW shows several years ago and would bring things full circle.

Q: Since the Royal Rumble is pretty much pointless now, how do you feel about starting a new Rumble concept [similar to] what happened when Jesse Ventura was running Raw? He had a battle royal that was just for guys that have never been champion, which Sheamus ended up winning and went on to TLC to beat John Cena. What if they did the same thing with the Royal Rumble? Have 30 guys that have never been champion battle it out and the winner goes on to Elimination Chamber to wrestle for the [title] of their choosing. Then at the PPV, they have a title match to open the show and if they win, they have to defend it in the Chamber match itself. Thoughts? – Barry P.

A: That was the “Breakthrough Battle Royal” and was a nice concept for a match on Raw. To apply that to the Royal Rumble on PPV? Not so much. Part of the allure of the Rumble is having big stars compete in the match, all of whom have already been champion at least once. In fact, even some mid-card guys have been champion already, like Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger. What you’re left with is a pretty unappealing Royal Rumble roster that you’re now asking people to pay $50 to see. Plus, the Rumble is often used as a springboard for certain feuds heading into WrestleMania. It’s just not realistic.

Q: What are your thoughts on Wade Barrett and [where do you see him going] in 2012 and 2013? – Shane from Fort Lauderdale, FL

A: I see Barrett as a future World champion. Whether it happens next year or in 2014, if he can stay healthy, he’ll be a big-time player.

Q: I recently watched the “Breaking The Code” documentary where Bill Goldberg talks about how no one would want to see a Chris Jericho vs. Bill Goldberg match because no one could believe that Jericho would ever beat Goldberg. [Of course] several years later, Jericho in a legit backstage fight proceeded to choke Goldberg out and embarrass him. This kind of renders the argument if a small wrestler could ever defeat a big guy pointless, doesn’t it?

A: Not really, you’re comparing two totally different things. A small guy can always defeat a bigger guy in a fake pro wrestling match, no different than a woman or a midget can. Whoever is booked to win will win. In real life, how does a small man “defeat” a bigger man? If by defeat you mean knock him the **** out, then yes, it’s certainly not impossible.

Q: Do you think the fact that Brock Lesnar lost his first match back to John Cena made his match with Triple H not [reach] the heights it could have? – Alexandre O.

A: Absolutely, it had an effect. That and the fact the crowd was dead for most of it and it just wasn’t a great match. Both men have had better.

Q: If for some reason, John Cena was no longer in WWE, what would Vince McMahon do? It seems to me he’s put all of his eggs in one basket now for so long that if something were to happen to Cena, they would have a major problem. – David from London, England

A: He would cry. A lot. So would the fans, though likely for different reasons. But really, he likely would double-down on Orton and Sheamus as his top guys. It would also force them to push other guys, which would be a positive, and I could see guys like Barrett, Bryan and Ziggler being beneficiaries of that.

Keep those questions coming to sescoops@gmail.com and remember to include your name!

Sound Off 236: It Is Finally Time To Move Ryback To Phase 2?

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Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 236)

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Est. Runtime: 1 hour, 13 minutes

Solomonster talks about the new Punk/Heyman alliance and whether they should add anyone else, the pussification of pro wrestling with all these threats of storyline lawsuits, why it’s time to pull the trigger with Ryback and who his next opponent should be, Bully Ray’s status with TNA confirmed, No Surrender predictions, the fall of cage matches, a rant on WWE banning Orton’s punt kick, and will fans dress up as Cena and Orton in 20 years the way they do now with stars like Hogan and Savage?

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Sound Off 235: So Katie Vick Trended Worldwide This Week

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Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 235)

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Est. Runtime: 1 hour

It’s a Labor Day weekend Sound Off with thoughts on the CM Punk “BLADE GATE” controversy, Cameron’s funky DUI, Del Rio’s endless stream of title shots, Devon’s departure from TNA, whether Owen Hart should be inducted into the HOF, Layla’s awful theme music (complete with lyrics!) and yes… KATIE VICK, including a funny (sick?) tie-in with Linda McMahon. Have a great holiday everyone!

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Sound Off 234: Why Jerry “The King” Lawler Must Leave The Raw Anounce Booth

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Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 234)

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Est. Runtime: 66 minutes

Is it time for The King to be dethroned? Solomonster has reached his breaking point with Jerry Lawler’s listless announcing and offers a few potential replacements. Plus, one possible opponent for Brock Lesnar from the current generation of stars, the WORST battle royal in the history of womankind, a terrible Gut Check on Impact, the end of Claire Lynch, when we may see a new WWE Title and the legend of … the Brahma Bull championship belt?

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Sound Off 233: Who Should Win Sunday, Lesnar or Triple H?

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Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 233)

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Est. Runtime: 1 hour, 19 minutes

Solomonster talks Ronda Rousey, Summerslam predictions including Lesnar vs. Triple H and what the real main event is, WWE’s backstage talent meeting and a message for those who failed to speak up, names being considered for next year’s Hall of Fame, the most mind-bogglingly stupid segment on Impact and a funny story about the actress behind Claire Lynch. Is she done with TNA?

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MAILBAG: Can TNA Ever Seriously Compete With WWE?

SEScoops Mailbag for August 17th

(please submit YOUR questions to sescoops@gmail.com)

Q: What happened to the angle with Charlie Sheen and Daniel Bryan? Is that still in play? – Ryan S.

A: They haven’t mentioned his name the last two weeks on Raw, which makes me think they never had a deal for him to be there to begin with, or they do but they simply don’t trust him enough to actually show up. I tend to lean towards the latter. Why hype something you may not be able to deliver?

Q: With the success of the Monday Night Wars between WCW & WWE in the ’90s, do you think that if TNA had the financial backer that Ted Turner was to WCW, with a national TV network like TNT that they could compete with WWE? – Vaughn

A: I don’t think so. Times are different now. Wrestling was so much more popular back then and WCW was a far more established name than TNA currently is, even after 10 years. They’ve brought in every big name you can imagine, from Hulk Hogan to Ric Flair to Sting, Kurt Angle, Jeff Hardy and everyone in between and it hasn’t made much of a difference. It’s kind of depressing, really, especially now that the product has shown great improvement since the departure of Vince Russo. There are two major things working against them: 1) the product was so bad for so long that there is still a negative stigma attached to the TNA initials, and 2) taping their shows in such small, intimate venues gives the perception that it is a minor league promotion, and perception is reality. Short of them stealing John Cena away from WWE, I don’t think there is anything they can do other than stay the course and just put on the best product they possibly can. As WWE goes, so goes the wrestling business, so if they suddenly get hot again, I think TNA would also benefit from that.

Q: Do you have any idea when WWE started to plan for Undertaker to [go undefeated at WrestleMania]? Roughly when did they start to hype him as undefeated in the build-up, commentary etc. – Tom C. from England

A: I don’t believe WWE ever had a “plan” for Undertaker to go undefeated at WrestleMania. It was likely something they realized along the way and they just decided to run with it. The first mention of his “streak” that I can recall came right after his win over Triple H at WrestleMania 17 when Jim Ross said he had just gone 9-0.

Q: I read an article that the feud between Dean Ambrose and Mick Foley has been canceled due to Foley being pissed [a comment made by Ambrose]. Is that true? What Foley wrote looks like a work to me. Also, did HHH have anything to do with the feud being [nixed]? If not, what’s the reason? It really bothers me. – Shaneel from Mauritius

A: Total work between the two of them. Foley is actually very high on Ambrose, hence why he wanted to do something with him. I do know that HHH does not view Foley as a serious performer and has reportedly said things in creative meetings to undermine any ideas for him, so he very well may have played a role in them getting away from the Foley/Ambrose stuff. That’s a shame because it could have been a very effective way to introduce the guy by associating him with a big name right out of the gate.

Q: Is #RAWactive rigged by WWE or is it actually real where the fans actually have a say? – Harrison

A: As far as I know, much like the old Cyber Sunday voting, it’s 100% legit.

Sound Off 232: Kevin “Lucky Sperm” Nash Sparks Internet Fury

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Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 232)

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Est. Runtime: 1 hour, 23 minutes

This week, Solomonster has Kevin Nash and Linda McMahon in his crosshairs, both of whom have taken credit for things they have no business taking credit for. He’s got something to say about that, plus AW’s ridiculous firing, JTG’s Twitter tirade, who should headline the 2013 Hall of Fame, predictions for Hardcore Justice, Bully Ray possibly leaving TNA and Chikara’s King of Trios! A packed show with brutally honest opinion, as always.

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MAILBAG: Did Andre The Giant Deserve A Run As Champion?

SEScoops Mailbag for August 10th

(please submit YOUR questions to sescoops@gmail.com)

Q: Who actually wrestled as the wrestler Who for the WWF in 1996?

A: That is correct, Who did wrestle as Who in ’96. Oh, you mean who *played* the role of Who? That would be Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart. Personally, I think the gimmick had potential as a trio with partners What and Where. I mean, if you insist on having a ridiculous gimmick, just go all the way with it.

Q: I really like the new NXT belt. Where does it stand in the hierarchy of the grand slam, triple crown champion system? I would like to think that it’s on the tertiary singles title level of the European/Hardcore titles. I’d also think that WWE would add the US title to the secondary level with the Intercontinental title. – Noach Lipsky, Jerusalem, Israel

A: All secondary titles mean so little in WWE these days, I don’t think any of this even matters. Personally, I’ve always viewed the US Title as being on the same secondary level with the Intercontinental title. As for the NXT title, you’re talking about a TV show that doesn’t currently air in the United States. As such, I don’t think most people will put the NXT title in the same camp as the other major titles. It’s a nice thing for the show, but will mean little if, one day, Seth Rollins wins the World Heavyweight Title. I doubt his time as NXT champion would even be referenced.

Q: What did you think of the tag team of Heidenreich and Road Warrior Animal from a few years ago on Smackdown? – Kyle G.

A: I thought it sucked. Animal teaming with anyone but Hawk is sacrilege.

Q: Do you think it was a bad business move for WWE to let Jeff Hardy go or was it a good thing? – Stacey B.

A: WWE didn’t really “let” Jeff Hardy go. They fought tooth and nail to keep him as he was one of their most popular and profitable attractions. It was Jeff’s decision to take a break from the WWE schedule and I have no doubt he would have been back at some point were it not for WWE having CM Punk make fun of him on air about those drug charges. That is when he decided to make the jump to TNA. I can understand his frustration having put his body through hell for the company and putting CM Punk over on his way out, even signing an extension after his contract expired to wrestle for another two months, only for them to kick him at his lowest point. If anything, *that* was where WWE made a bad business decision because he would have likely been back on the roster by now.