The Wrestling 6&1 02.12.11: Mickie vs. Lacey

Many big announcements in the world of wrestling this week, including news on two different WrestleManias! Let’s get this party started, shall we?

Who is it? On Monday night’s RAW, Vince McMahon made his TV return (thankfully out of that pesky coma!) to make a very special announcement. What did Vince announce? He announced an announcement. Literally. He announced that the WrestleMania 27 guest host will be announced next week. Who is it? Let’s take a look…

Guest Host: If the guest host is to actually play the role of guest host, then there are several real possibilities. The first is Ryan Seacrest. According to a report, Seacrest’s name has been tossed around as a potential guest host. The biggest flaw I see in that report is that we don’t know who was tossing that around? Writers of their site? My wife & I? Triple H & Stephanie? Because it makes a difference.

Guest General Manager: That title isn’t fully accurate. This category is different in that it’s a role that would actually have some say in things, much like a GM would. One possibility in this area could be The Rock, who noted on his Facebook that he maintains contact with Vince McMahon, and his involvement in the product could come sooner rather than later. Another option would be “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, whose involvement would be timely since Tough Enough returns the Monday following ‘Mania. Another speculative possibility would be Shawn Michaels, who will already be around thanks to his Hall of Fame induction. And since Vince alluded to there being only “one man” capable of hosting such a grand event, could it possibly be Mr. McMahon himself?

Active Participant: This category basically assumes that the guest host tag is just a gimmick to introduce someone who will actually end up wrestling on the show. The #1 option here is Sting. Having Sting appear as the guest manager just to get goaded into wrestling after repeated refusals would make sense. There’s only one problem with that logic. If it’s not against Taker, then who? CM Punk & The Miz would be the best options on RAW, and Alberto Del Rio would be best on Smackdown. All three are pretty much inserted into their WrestleMania storylines. Who else is there? Dolph Ziggler? Ted Dibiase Jr? Jack Swagger? I just don’t see those happening, even if it would be a great rub for any of them. This could also be a way to hotshot Triple H, The Undertaker or Jerry Lawler into their WrestleMania programs. But all three appear to have other ways to get involved, leaving Sting as the best option in this category.

You Decide: Who will the WrestleMania 27 guest host be? What role will they ultimately play?

BRING ON THE GIRLS!

Mickie got past her first test in Ashley Massaro. Someone (sarcastically) suggested it, so now you get it!

Mickie’s Last Stand continues as the current TNA Knockout faces former TNA Knockout Lacey Von Erich!

A win for Mickie puts her one step closer. Can she do it? That’s up to you!

Wade a minute! What?!

According to a report from The Wrestling Observer, the originally planned Undertaker vs. Wade Barrett match for WrestleMania has been dropped. With The Miz and Alberto Del Rio both involved in the world title matches, it’s expected that The Undertaker will headline this year’s event once again. He’s apparently stepped up his rehabilitation, and is on schedule to be in the ring by ‘Mania.

I know what you’re thinking…WHAT?! What the hell happened to the original report? Did Meltzer not know what he was talking about? Was he worked? Did the WWE change their mind–again? The new report does confirm that Vince McMahon had hoped to involve Brock Lesnar, but any involvement from the UFC fighter has been blocked by his contract to the premier MMA group. It is expected that Shawn Michaels will be involved in some form, but it’s not know what that is (except that he isn’t wrestling). Also according to the same report, Sting’s not talking. He cut off communications with TNA, and won’t let anyone know anything about his future plans.

As usual, we’re left with more questions than answers. So we’ll address those in an expanded You Decide:

Just who can The Undertaker face at WrestleMania in the headlining match?

What happens to Wade Barrett?

What is Shawn Michaels’s role? Referee? Enforcer? Corner-man?

Is Sting involved?

In reality, speculating can be part of the fun of the road to WrestleMania. But it is all speculation. We should all just take a step back and wait for it to happen, and enjoy it when it does…

WHO AM I KIDDING! That’s insane. I write a wrestling column for 411Mania, the one thing we’re not going to do is leave this alone!

I have some other questions of my own:

Why abandon Punk vs. Cena if Cena vs. The Miz isn’t going to headline? Or is Cena even facing the Miz? What if they’re going with Cena vs. Undertaker to headline WrestleMania 27? Do we get another shift for CM Punk that sees him transition over to a feud with someone like John Morrison as Randy Orton steps back up to face The Miz? Or does Morrison get his big shot and step up to face The Miz, while Orton sticks with Punk and Cena faces Taker?

Will Wade Barrett see his feud with The Big Show get extended through ‘Mania? Or is Wade thrown into the Nexus-Corre match? Possibly Money in the Bank (if it’s on the card)?

We’re likely a few weeks from knowing for sure. I think we’ll know more sometime around, oh…I don’t know—2-21-11?

“There ain’t no grave that can hold this body down?” Sure sounds like an Undertaker return to me. And when it happens, who greets him? Cena? Sting? Those appear to be the two best options.

More from the 2011 Royal Rumble!

“I’m taking my talents to South Beach…” Earlier in the week, Vince McMahon was joined by a cast of WWE Superstars to announce that he was taking his spectacle to South Beach as WrestleMania will return to the Sunshine State when its 28th edition emanates from Sun Life Stadium in Miami, Florida. This continues a trend of southern climate for WrestleMania, as the WWE seems to be better at picking locations for WM than the NFL owners are at picking Super Bowl host cities. Barring a mid-event thunderstorm, April 1, 2012 will like provide the perfect weather for an outdoor ‘Mania. As expected, speculation is already high for the possible involvement of The Rock, given that Miami is considered his hometown. Will The Rock come home—in more ways than one—at WrestleMania 28? While I don’t think we can rule out a WrestleMania 27 appearance just yet, Miami would be a great location for The Rock to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame and go out with (despite his Facebook comments) one last match.

You Decide: Is it too soon to return to Florida? Were you like me and assumed that it would be in Toronto? Do you like the location?

Five Things You Didn’t Know About…Vince McMahon!

1. Although the WWE is a publicly traded company, Vince currently owns 88% of the outstanding shares of WWE stock.

2. Vince graduated from East Carolina University in 1968, and started a career in sales.

3. After starting as an announcer, Vincent J. McMahon assigned Vince to the Maine territory, where he eventually purchases his own arena, promoting hockey and concerts along with wrestling.

4. The 1976 match between Mohammed Ali and Antonio Anoki was the brainchild of Vincent K. McMahon.

5. Vince has won the ECW Championship (2007), WWF Championship (1999) and the Royal Rumble (1999).

Still real to someone? There have been plenty of reports around the ‘net of the Juggalo Championship Wrestling event that was shutdown on February 8 in Southgate, Michigan. Violent J made a surprise appearance to open the show, wielding an ax, and someone called the police. The event never made it past the first match. To their credit, JCW provided everyone in attendance with a full refund. While it’s fun to talk about it, check out their very entertaining press release:

“Wednesday night’s Juggalo Championship Wrestling (JCW) show was off to a red hot start. Hundreds of Juggalos were hyped up and ready for an evening of professional wrestling and music based entertainment at the Modern Exchange in Southgate Michigan. It was the long awaited tag team championship tournament which would see 8 teams enter, and 1 team leave with the championship belts. In the opening minutes of the show DJ Clay hyped the crowd with turntable wizardry, while event host Kevin “KG” Gill welcomed the energetic capacity crowd, and dropped a bombshell announcement that a new commissioner has been appointed to oversee JCW. It was none other than Insane Clown Posse co-founder Violent J who emerged from behind the curtain holding a massive axe to a thunderous ovation. He entered the ring and let his intentions be known via a passionate interview segment that kicked the show off on a high note.

For the first match in the round robin tournament, the unlikely duo of “Richie Boy” Bryer Wellington and his Butler Geeves along with manager Truth Martini were the first to the ring, and to say the crowd does not like these gentleman would be the understatement of the year. The jeers of the crowd turned to cheers when the familiar sounds of “Homies” bumped through the sound-system and JCW World Champion Corporal Robinson and his partner 2 Tuff Tony entered the ringside area for this exciting first round match. The tension in the air was thick, as the teams showboated in the ring during the pre-match introductions and the crowd was loud and pumped for the bell to sound and the confrontation to kick off.

Once the bell rang, the crowd was absorbed in this battle between good and evil, and a handful of minutes ticked by as the action unfolded in the ring. What happened next is something that is remarkable even within the wacky world of professional wrestling. In a coordinated effort, nearly a dozen police vehicles descended on the building, and law enforcement officials flooded the venue in everything from standard uniforms to body armor and ultimately attempted to enter the ring which drew a raucous chant of “F*CK THE POLICE” from the ninja’s in attendance. Perhaps the audience recognized that Detroit, a city known locally as “The Murder Mitten” and nationally as the murder capital of the country would have more pressing issues than stopping several hundred people from having an enjoyable night out and supporting the local economy while watching wrestling history be made?

With the show officially shut down and no options on the table to allow the show to proceed, Police began attempting to clear the room while KG made an announcement that everyone would have their money refunded for tickets purchased via mail or via refund at the venue, with more details to be announced.”

Credit to them as they’re always promoting. No matter the news or situation, the best are always promoting.

You Decide: Was it a little overzealous for this show to be shutdown? Have you ever attended one of their events?

Joey Styles (joeystyles): “Say it with me. The winner…and new WWE Champion…Jerry “The King” Lawler! History will be made at the Elimination Chamber.”

You Decide: How would you react if Lawler won the title?

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All in the Family: According to a source within the WWE, the company is discussing making the fifth season of NXT follow a father/son theme. The four biggest combinations at this time include Ricky Steamboat & Richie Steamboat, Ted Dibiase & Brett Dibiase, Mike Rotundo & Bo Rotundo, and Gerald Brisco & Wes Brisco. Donny Marlow is also a possibility, as his father Haku/Meng could likely be lured away from the car spa he manages in Florida. And if they really needed a sixth, there’s Buck Dixon, son of Mark Cantebury, aka Henry O’ Godwinn…

Hey, someone has to be eliminated first, right?

You Decide: Would you like to see a father/son version of NXT? Would the fathers be the pros? Would additional pros be needed to provide more in-ring possibilities?

Time to feed the trolls!
Not to make this all about me, but I am the star of this show!

“I usually don’t comment on this site. But I have to here. A lot of these comments bashing you are unecessarily mean spirited, and you certainly don’t deserve that. You seem like a cool guy, and it is always nice reading a wrestling column from someone who seems like he is a real fan. You can tell the enthusiasm you have for wrestling.
But having said all that, I think the only problem people have with your column is that you clearly aren’t a writer. I am willing to bet you will even cop to that. I think it frustrates people because there are a lot of good writers…real writers….who never get an opportunity like this, and it is clearly one you do not deserve. That isn’t meant as an insult. You seem like a nice guy who is a big fan, and I am sure there are a lot of things you do very well. Writing just is not one of them. You just don’t belong here. But, by the same token, I suppose no one has the right to tell you you don’t belong here either. That is a choice you make. And perhaps the longer you do this column, the better it will get. Either way, the hate towards you by everyone isn’t necessary. … It may not sound like it, but I am a fan of yours. Maybe if you work on your spelling and writing skills, and, and this is the worse offense you commit, at least make an honest effort to do some fact checking and if you work on the bad habit of stating personal opinions as facts, then you will definitely get better. But the little mistakes hurt your credibility. … I wish you luck, and I will continue to read the 6 & 1. I just hope, very much so, that you quit making it so easy for the haters.”
~Guest#9890

I’m not sure how long you’ve been reading my columns here at 411Mania…because I have copped to the fact that I’m no writer. Hell, I told 411Mania that when they asked me for samples of my prior work! And what did they do? They handed me one of the most read columns in the wrestling zone. I’ve said it before: reading my column is like having a conversation with me. That’s my style. When I had my own site, I wrote the same way. If this were a radio show, I’d be saying the same exact stuff. It’s meant to be conversational, which is why I place so much importance on the comments section. It’s who I am, and I get plenty of e-mails each week from people who love that. I actually think I get more because some of my readers feel bad at the level of hate I’ve received in the past. And I’m also starting to think it bothers me far less than it bothers those same readers. As I’ve said before, I love the haters. I revel in it. I’d rather be hated than ignored.

“That’s really sad that you made the decision to claim only one person called you out on the mistake you made in regards to Edge’s title reigns. I was one of the ones who pointed it out, and I only accounted for one of the comments pointing it out. I was one of the ones who did so in a friendly way, as I figured it was probably an honest mistake. And for being friendly about it, because enjoy your writing, I get slapped in the face by being called a liar and being grouped in with the douchbags who weren’t so nice about it.

I am sad that lying is the way you chose to handle that situation. You may not have many fans, but those of us who are are very loyal fans. We should at the very least not be insulted and lied to. … Despite your decision to handle it that way, I still wanted to say that, as per usual, good column. Keep up the good work.”
~Rick

Wow Rick, I really appreciate you coming out like that. It’s great to see one of my loyal readers be willing to stick his neck out for what he believes in. I can appreciate that. I feel like I owe you an apology for making you so very sad, Rick.

But here’s the issue I have… “Rick.” You’re the liar. I don’t know if you made up the claim that I wrote that Edge was a one-time world champion for 9-hours prior to changing it to cover up the fact that my actual loyal readers pointed out that you were wrong. Maybe you made it up to begin with, who knows. Maybe you can’t read (although I highly doubt that, you’re already a better writer than I am!). I’ve admitted my mistakes before. I’ve laughed at them alongside many of you. I could come out right now and admit that I went back and realized that I had realized what I said about Edge was wrong and changed it. I’d get some backlash, but most of them would be back. But it didn’t happen. I called Edge a multiple time world champion from the start. In fact, when you or one of the “dozens” of others who pointed out the “error” made your comments, I queried the entire column for the word “Edge” just to see if I had done it in a different area. But I didn’t.

So please don’t say that you, a loyal reader, felt insulted by the manner in which I handled it. Calling yourself a “loyal reader” is an insult to my actual loyal readers. You weren’t erroneously grouped in with “the douchbags.” You’re the douchebag.

“Hey Greg, I have a wrestling related question for you I was hoping you could help me with.
How many 5-8 year-old boys did you forcibly rape this week, and out of the ones you did, how many of them were related to you? Oh, and one last one. You are aware that your family knows that you rape young boys, right?”

I don’t know dude, I totally lost count! And of course my family knows about it…who do you think holds them down! Mwuahahahahaha!

I do appreciate all of the comments you’ve been leaving, though. And you’ve been mighty busy! Just don’t forget…

Talkin’ Wrasslin’
Time to interact with my *actual* loyal readers.

“Del Rio NEEDS to win at WrestleMania. Not to do himself good or to push him, but because the last 3 Rumble winners all lost at WrestleMania and if they do 4 in a row, they’ll officially destroy all credibility the Rumble used to have. That Jack Korpela guy had a line on Superstars to the degree of “70% of the last 10 Rumble winners all went on to win at WrestleMania” but forgot to say that the 30% who didn’t win were the last 3. If Del Rio loses, I won’t be happy since the Rumble is my favorite match type.”
~SHADE

I totally agree about ADR. He does need to win. And I think he will. I think the WWE has him pegged as a guy they can rely on, even this early into his WWE tenure. They want to build stars, and he pretty much came in ready to be built and pushed. I’ve been a huge fan of his since day one, and I can’t wait to see just how successful his career turns out to be. I do think the Rumble winner is “due” based on the prior three winners’ failures. Alberto Del Rio made good on his promise to win the Rumble, and I think that will continue through ‘Mania.

“So no more chances for Mickie if she loses?”
~BillyGP

You never say never when it comes to Versus, my friend! But this is her sixth appearance in 18 weeks…

“I agree that the logic of switching partners before WM makes little sense and really doesn’t help anyone, except perhaps Cena, who gets yet another unneeded title run that will probably not elevate Miz anymore. While it has a bit more lead time, this reminds me of the time when Roaddogg was going for the hardcore title and Billy Gunn was going for the IC title, but for no real reason, the two Outlaws won the title of each other’s program, and thus Gunn was in a three way HC title and Roaddogg was defending the IC title in a fatal four way. The logic of that booking escaped me then, and it’s even less logical now.”
~Michael

First off, I totally agree that a WrestleMania loss to Cena doesn’t really elevate The Miz. But what if the WWE is taking us for a ride, and plans to swerve us in the end? What if The Miz does leave WrestleMania 27 as the victor? What if we get the unthinkable and two heels leave WM27 as champion? I’m not predicting it (yet), but if that does happen, was the switch worth it? Austin turned heel at the end of WrestleMania X-Seven, and heel Triple H left WrestleMania 2000 as the world champ. Other than those two events, a face has always walked out of WrestleMania as the main event winner. Could that change this year?

“Touche’ on the CM Punk thing. Basically, according to the WWE, Royal Rumble was the blowoff for him and Cena. Yay.”
~SS87

I doubt the Rumble was the Punk-Cena blow-off. I think plans were changed for WrestleMania, but I also think this feud was barely getting started, and it will happen in due time.

“I would have preferred Cena-Punk going to its conclusion, but Orton just lost a few times straight. Miz needed an opponent. … The good news is that if the Miz isn’t buried, he just moved up the card. The booking is silly, but rewarded Miz’s hard work in the ring and in being a company man. … Meanwhile Punk can have just as good a feud with Orton.”
~Guest#8572

I love the positive spin. I do think they blew off Miz-Orton too soon. That was a money WrestleMania title match. Cena-Punk didn’t need a title, and Miz & Orton would have been fine on their own.

“Sadly for TNA, WWE’s actions forced them into better booking. This booking actually makes some sense and it keeps Immortal from going into late summer/fall. It might actually force Bishoff into finding out how to end a nWo storyline.”
~Guest#4867

I do hope we look back on 2011 and think that TNA being forced to change their booking plans turned out to be the beginning of a great run for the company.

“That WM card is disappointing considering what we were expecting pre-rumble. namely Cena v Punk & Miz v Morrison. I still think Mysterio v Del Rio one last time to actually blow off their feud at WM would make for better buyrates (at least in Mexico) than the planned Edge v Del Rio.”
~D

Hey D, thanks for posting. I agree that Cena-Punk, Miz-Morrison and the proper blow-off to Del Rio-Rey all would have been great WrestleMania matches. If those happened, what do you do with Orton? What about Edge and the World Heavyweight Champion?

“I would’ve done Morrison/Lawler vs Miz/Michael Cole but I guess Riley works too- and yes, I want to see Cole get tossed around for a full match at Mania.”
~Guest#3780

I like your tag team idea better than a straight singles match. I don’t really want to see Cole wrestle, especially at WrestleMania. I especially don’t want to have Micheal’s first WrestleMania match to equal Jerry Lawler’s first WrestleMania match.

“I think the turn was exactly what was needed, and I’m one of the few people who said it’d happen. The main reasoning would be the constant AJ/Bischoff bickering and how AJ once said that Fortune would stick with him over Bischoff. Fortune are a group of VERY talented younger wrestlers, they deserve the push.”
~Black Scorpion

I think many expected Fortune to turn face eventually, I just think it happened way before expected. And Bischoff has pretty much admitted it, referring to it as “Plan B.” But I do agree, it was needed.

“Seriously though, you are kinda limited on divas. Have you given thought to what would happen if that scenario were to play out? Keep doing your thing but watch the attitude you cocky sonofabitch.”
~Guest#7878

I have given it some thought, and have a few ideas. I want to keep Versus as is, but add in other elements to stretch things out. And thanks for the compliment! (I consider the cocky comment to be a compliment, by the way.)

“If Rock’s heart isn’t in to having a match, he shouldn’t have one. If he has “one more match”, people will ask for another one. That’s what wrestling fans do. He’s happy with his career, everybody else should be as well.”
~Guest#3209

Very well put, 3209. Selfishly, I want another Rock match. But if he’s mentally “done” with in-ring wrestling, then he should just stay away (from in-ring competition, that is).

“The title match at WM needs to be a one on one contest. It was all fine and dandy going that way until the 4 way they had in 2000 I think it was. Hell now they even have two titles they could put on people. The title matches should be about two guys going in there who either really respect each other or hate each other with the title in the balance.”
~middy

Great points as usual, middy. I do think we’ll have the “bigger” title match as one-on-one at ‘Mania. The other title match could be a multi-person match.

“Demarco’s a writer, what you mean is that you don’t think he’s a good writer. It’s like when you go to a museum and you say “that’s not art,” of course it’s art, someone created it, you just don’t think it’s good art. It’s subjective. I don’t think Demarco is claiming to be this serious journalist with this column. He’s doing well at what he does.”
~KenB3

I like this guy already!…

And honestly, “doing well at what he does” is all we can really hope for in life, right? Therefore, I’ll take it!

As usual, we turn things over to 411’s Puro expert Ryan Byers!

Ladies and gentlemen, we’re getting down to the wire now with the QUEEN OF PURO~! Last week we had our first semi-final matchup, and it was none other than Ayumi Kurihara defeating Basarato become our first ever Queen of Puro finalist. However, Ayuma needs an opponent for that epic final showdown, and that’s what we’re here to determine this week with semi-final matchup number two.

This matchup is an interesting one, as it’s two completely different schools of wrestling going up against one another.

On one side of the ring is Fuuka. Fuuka regularly models bikinis and lingerie outside of her involvement in professional wrestling, giving her a reputation as more of a “diva” style competitor, though she’s still light years ahead of most WWE women in the ring. Presently, she’s not an active in-ring competitor but is helping train other young women, some of whom have modeling backgrounds themselves, to get started in wrestling for a new promotion called Stardom which just ran its first show in early 2011.

On the other side of the ring is Manami Toyota. Though she’s done some photoshoots related to her professional wrestling career, but, more often than not, she’s super-serious in her career and is regarded not as a “diva” but rather as one of the legitimate best professional wrestlers in history, male or female. In an odd bit of serendipity, it was announced just a few days before this column went up that Toyota would be making her second trip to the United States on April 15, 16, and 17 of this year, wrestling for CHIKARA in their annual King of Trios tournament.

Now let’s take a look at these two women. Remember that this tournament is run “Vs.” style, so cast your vote below in the comments for who you want to see move on. Toyota is on the left of your screen, and Fuuka is on the right.

Will it be the hardened veteran or the relative neophyte?

One’s a cowgirl, one’s a snow bunny.

And, finally, here’s both women ready for combat.

Because sometimes you can’t just decide on pictures alone, we’ve also got video of both women in action. The battles are Fuuka against Nanae Takahashi and Manami Toyota vs. Mima Shimoda from Toyota’s twentieth anniversary show.

VOTE! We’ll see you back here for the finals next week!

Big thanks to Ryan! Let your voice be heard, next week we crown the Queen of Puro!

This week’s “&1” Model of the Week is Southern California independent wrestler Buggy! She may be an up & coming talent cutting her teeth in the indies—but I’d suggest you remember that face. Based on what I’ve seen, you’ll see it in TNA or the WWE someday…

Courtesy Pars Lucis Photography

See her at Model Mayhem, Facebook and Twitter. Promoters, want to book Buggy? Click here!

You Decide: Want more Buggy? She signed off on the pictures, and is very excited to be featured here. Future involvement is possible, if you all want it!

For many of you, these are some great columns to read and discuss. For a very select and distinct group, more chances to troll!

Randy Harrison brings you the Bell to Bell News Report, and he does a great job.

Joseph Martinez has another fun read, about WrestleMania, over at The Wrasslin’ Countdown.

Steve Cook’s News From Cook’s Corner is the reason I haven’t Reby Sky. Yet.

Leonard Hayhurst & Jeffrey Harris battle it out in Fact or Fiction. Although agreeing on 7 of 8 isn’t exactly a battle, but they both make some great points.

Steve Cook & Michael Ornelas agreed on 6 out of 8 points in what was a very interesting Buy or Sell, looking at the current state of indy wrestling.

Finally, Michael Weyer shines a spotlight on what has to be a sore subject for Vince McMahon, The XFL! This I a great read, I highly recommend it.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. Please take a few moments to vote in Versus, the QoP, discuss our “&1” Model of the Week Buggy and talk some wrasslin’! Or troll. Whichever!

Until next time..

It just never gets old!