DREAM WRESTLEMANIA

WrestleMania very well could play off in a big light. Hardy is the odds on favorite to win the MITB match. Randy Orton could win cheaply and neither he nor John Cena or Triple H would lose any heat. Meaning, Orton could still be a credible champion. Jeff Hardy runs in, cashes in his chance. And then the show ends with Matt Hardy coming out to congratulate his brother Jeff. I think that would be a special moment. I like well thought of surprises, not "OMG it's some lame-o wrestler or celebrity who involved himself in the last minutes of the match be sure to watch our next show to find out more" 
 
Now, this is just from a fan perspective. I'm not in the business, so I don't know if Hardy deserves to be champion, but I'm sure that Khali didn't really deserve to be champion as well (I actually like him, but that championship reign turned him against the fans). We're trained like that: If Mr. X is being pushed every week (and has good quality matches), then we reason thar Mr. X deserves to be placed higher up on the food chain.
 
I like surprises in PPVs, but the main factor is match quality. I think that fans won't buy PPVs if the match quality isn't really up to snuff (meaning there is only two or three matches worth watching). Fans won't buy PPVs just for advancement of storylines.
 
People look for a sure thing in PPVs. I won't buy a TNA PPV, for example, because I don't know what I will get. I might get a fine PPV (Genesis) but a horrible stinker the next (Final Resolution). And since TNA obviously doesn't put much importance in match quality on shows, why would fans think that the PPV would be any different?

It's about trust, really.

Shane McKinley

***

I don't think that that today's wrestling fans know much about Floyd Mayweather            nor do they really care. WWE could have done a much better job bringing back Big Show rather than have him get bogged down in this skit. That said, it provided a great visual of Big Show leaving the ring bleeding.

It's also nice having the three-way rather than just having Randy Orton drop the title at the last PPV. I know they won't, but it would be so much better if they left the title on Orton rather then giving it to Triple or Cena. Enough with those guys, already.  They did such a nice job building up Orton as a monster heel. Why ruin that? It's amazing how much they have just killed Jericho.

One other thing. I still find TNA just unwatchable. How can a show with that much talent be so bad.

Thanks for all the great work

Ken Svec

***

PRO WRESTLING OSCARS (as invited earlier this week)

Performance by an actor in a leading role:

Edge: Everyone knows that the way that he acts with Vickie is not how Edge really is in real life. He has so much passion for the sport that it really shows in his character.

Randy Orton: He is the number one heel in the company right now and it is because he is such a force with his evil actions. Orton makes you think he is really out there to not just win a match, but injure his opponent as well.

Shawn Michaels: Obviously one of the best actors over the past two decades. He can be funny, angry, serious, passionate, or intense; that’s quite a range of emotions.

MVP: He has been compared to The Rock in many instances. From the catch phrases to the charisma, MVP is one of the best, most entertaining characters to come along in a long time.

Performance by an actor in a supporting role:

Santino Marella: Undoubtedly the most gifted actor who is not in the upper level of the roster. From his over the top accent, to his insults toward the crowd, to the way he acts toward Maria; Santino does it all perfectly.

Performance by an actress in a leading role:

Maria: The stupidity of Maria’s character when she was only an interviewer was priceless. Now with even more of a role as Santino’s girlfriend, she still continues to be the best female character.

Melina: Portrays her bitch of a character very well. You can feel the meanness in the way that she speaks. The shrieks are entertaining as well.

Performance by an actress in a supporting role:

Jillian: She does not have the best role to showcase her talents, but when she does have time to shine, she performs very well.

Achievement in costume design:

MVP: His obnoxious costume adds to his annoying, in-your-face character. His suits during the VIP Lounge segments help show off his “bling bling” personality. Also, the captain logo he wore during his stint with Matt Hardy was hilarious.

Rey Mysterio: Rey has always had really unique outfits. Quite obviously, he would not be where he is today if not for his costume; his time unmasked in WCW proves that.

Kyle Hodgdon
Portland, Maine

***

Performance by an actor in a leading role (Considerable TV time, high-end of card): Edge. He has taken the role of lead heel in WWE and run with it all year long, dominating the SmackDown! brand.

Performance by an actor in a supporting role (Limited TV time, mid-card storyline): Hornswoggle. He is breaking the stereotype of the midget wrestler by being given credible storylines. Even if you hate the paternity storyline, you have to admit that Hornswoggle has been an incredibly entertaining wrestler and performer.

Performance by an actress in a leading role (Considerable TV time, high-end of card): Gail Kim. Quite simply, the most consistently credible women's wrestler in the major leagues (WWE or TNA).

Performance by an actress in a supporting role (Limited TV time, mid-card storyline): Candice Michelle. She has risen to be a good performer, and I can't wait to see what her 2008 comeback holds.

Achievement in cinematography: Money in the Bank at Wrestlemania 23. For the high spots planned for it, they kept up with the action.

Achievement in costume design: Awesome Kong. Think Xena, only black and huge.

Achievement in directing: Also Money in the Bank at Wrestlemania 23. Same reason as before.

Best documentary feature (Wrestling DVD): WrestleMania 23.

Best documentary short subject (Feud Recaps on TV): Recap of Orton/Hardy Swanton Bomb to begin Raw, January 21, 2008.

Achievement in makeup (Best Male or Female make-up assisted appearance): Snitsky. At least, I hope it's makeup.

Achievement in music (Best Entrance Song): A.J. Styles. No explanation necessary.

Achievement in visual effects (Best Ring Entrance): The Undertaker. Not too much new or unique in this category.

Original screenplay: Jeff Hardy vs. Randy Orton. It was a well-played feud, and demonstrated Jeff as a credible top-of-the-card performer.

Jeff Leadbeater
Orlando, Fla.
PWTorch VIP Member

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