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THE SPECIALISTS
DONOFRIO'S FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE 2/1: Wednesday column returns with review of top stories in WWE, TNA, independents, Social Media

Feb 1, 2012 - 6:32:50 PM
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By Tony Donofrio, PWTorch specialist

WWE

-WrestleMania Season has arrived and I hope that all, if not at least most, of the episodes of Raw leading up until WrestleMania will have the same urgency and excitement that Monday's Raw had. After all, 'tis the season! But, perhaps the saddest part of the equation right now is that the World Heavyweight Title match could potentially be the fourth or even fifth card from the top of the card (if the Shaq vs. Big Show match does come to fruition). Does that really give it "main event" status? Last year, Alberto Del Rio and Edge opened the show. I wouldn't be surprised to see that again. Also worth noting is this: should Daniel Bryan still be World Hvt. champion by Mania, we're looking at a potential re-match from last year's dark match between Bryan and Sheamus, only this time with the title on the line. Last year at this time, that match-up wasn't worthy of being on the main card in Vince McMahon's eyes. This year, it's a potential main even attraction. Kind of...
ZigglerDolph_130GG_3.jpg

-For those lamenting the fall of Dolph Ziggler this past Sunday and Monday, I say "fear not." Has he made progress by leaps and bounds over the past 12 months? Yes. Is he ready for a main event spot at this year's Mania? Not yet, but he's close. I already spoke of how congested the top of the card is this year. Would jamming him in there done him any good? I don't think so. Ziggler should continue to grow and get better. His best option this year is to be slotted where he can potentially steal the show; he just might do it. Don't be surprised if he's in one of the main event spots at WM29 this time next year.

TNA

-So, let me get this straight. Sting and Hulk Hogan are not active wrestlers in TNA, but both wrestled on last week's European Tour. If neither guy is healthy-enough to be on the active roster in the States, why would they wrestle in Europe? In recent months, TNA has actually done a fine job trying to promote new faces and seems to finally be looking toward the long-term health of the promotion. So, I ask again, why were they wrestling on the European tour? Is anyone surprised that Sting got injured considering he doesn't wrestle all that often anymore? Hogan can't even hit his big spots like a leg drop anymore. I guess if it happens in Europe, it's out of sight, out of mind in TNA's mind as they attempt to draw a crowd on nostalgia. But, with every move covered globally through the Internet, I don't think it makes sense that these guys are wrestling in Europe.

-Speaking of Hogan, last week, he said that TNA is very open to Ric Flair appearing at the WWE Hall of Fame when he is inducted for a second time with the Four Horsemen. If true, this is a smart move by TNA and good for both companies. Obviously, the Horsemen aren't the Horsemen without Flair and WWE knows this. I'd like to think that WWE had this deal ironed out before announcing, but that's just speculation. As for TNA, having one of the biggest stars in the history of the business, while he's with your company, showing up and being re-inducted into WWE's HOF looks good for them also. Both companies win, the fans win, and everyone should be happy that this should play out the way that it is.

Independents

-Is it just me or has Independent wrestling cooled down in the latter months of 2011 and into 2012? You'd think that the visibility of ROH on a more national scale would help all of the independent promotions going into 2012. Sadly, I say it hasn't. Are companies like ROH, DGUSA, EVOLVE, Chikara, etc...putting on great shows, still? Absolutely. But, something seems to be missing and there isn't as much buzz as was one year ago at this time. Maybe the independent scene is in a lull. Maybe it's just me! From all reports that I read, ROH's Final Battle 2011 wasn't the event that it normally was and some of the old, archaic things like unprotected chair shots to the head have set independent wrestling back a few years. If you're a big independent wrestling fan and disagree, let me know why at TonyDonofrio@me.com.

Pro Wrestling's Social Media Moment of the Week

My return to PWTorch will involve me talking about the Twitter page of a man that used to write for this publication and give a plug to a guy that probably doesn't need it! That man is Mark Madden. I live and grew up in Pittsburgh, so I'm very familiar with Madden on the radio and in local print media. He was also a huge part of WCW and Nitro for years. For those that aren't familiar with him, he's outspoken and pulls no punches. He's also very knowledgeable about sports, but particularly hockey, soccer, and pro wrestling. A few months back, Madden finally joined the Twitterverse and my Twitter feed has never been the same! If you like to read the opinions of guys like C.M. Punk, a guy you know pulls no punches and will post whatever is on his mind, then you'll like the tweets sent out by Madden. You can follow Mark Madden @MarkMaddenX.

Non-Wrestling Thought of the Week

What else is there this week? Oh yeah, that game called the Super Bowl! As a Steelers fan, it pains me in so many ways to tell you that I'll be rooting for the New England Patriots this weekend. However, I have three connections to Sunday's game. First, my best friend is fullback Lousaka Polite. He's one of the best in the league at a dying position and I'd love to see him get a ring! Second, my father coached Rob Gronkowski in high school and he remains friends with my family. Third, both guys are fellow Woodland Hills HS graduates like myself. Am I name-dropping by using "Gronk" here? Of course I am! Does this now make me the Mick Foley of PWTorch going for a cheap pop? You can decide that for yourself. Regardless, I know where my loyalties lie and this weekend it's with the red and blue of the Patriots!!

Tony Donofrio is a Specialist for the Torch covering a variety of topics and promotions. You can reach Tony at TonyDonofrio@me.com or follow him on Twitter @TonyDonofrio

[Torch art credit Grant Gould (c) PWTorch.com]


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