wrestling / Columns
The Thursday Small-For-All News Report: 07.05.07
DISCLAIMER: Throughout this Small-For-All, I will be taking a lighter approach to the Chris Benoit double murder/suicide case. If you are easily offended then I suggest you get up, go grab a snack, and then go back to the 411 main page. Just wait long enough so it registers that I received a page view. Gotta get my hits up somehow! Anyway, reader discretion is advised.
I take off one week and I miss the biggest story in professional wrestling in quite some time. Can’t say I’m too upset about it as I am sure I would have been numb to the whole situation and wouldn’t have been able to put out a quality news report. Not that you expect much quality out of me normally, but still. I can’t see how I would have written a news report with the whole situation just coming to light. It would have been too surreal for me (as it was for the vast majority of people).
On the other hand, 411 Mania crashed at least 12 times this past week as viewers were flocking to anything newsworthy including Lex Luger’s side of the story. Now if only we had Chris Benoit’s side of the story. That would of course be titled “If I Did It.”
Moving on… in today’s edition of the Small-For-All, we uncover reason #121 of why Triple H is the smartest man in wrestling, we look at the aftermath of the Chris Benoit murder mystery suicide story, and most importantly, fireworks!!!
WWE NEWZ: THE NANCY GRACE EDITION
Benoit Newz
Personally, I believe that Larry did an excellent comprehensive look at the latest in the Benoit case. Shockingly, he missed one newsbit from the Wrestling Observer that I at least found to be quite appalling.
Before Chris Benoit murdered his wife and son and prior to taking his own life, Benoit had taken out a new insurance policy that indicated the beneficiaries would be his ex-wife Martina, son David and daughter Megan, ages 14 and 10 respectively.
It was also revealed that Benoit had started a new bank account in Edmonton, AB, in Martina’s name.
This clearly indicates what the WWE and many other people have been saying: the murders were obviously a premeditated act. Surely, on that fateful Friday night, Nancy and Chris might have fought over this or over caring for their son (and the possibility of her leaving Chris) but more than likely, Chris had been thinking about his demise for a while. Quite scary, indeed.
In other news, it appears that Daniel Benoit might not have Fragile X syndrome which has led the WWE to do some heavy flip flopping. From the Observer’s website, WWE spokesperson Gary Davis backed off the company’s claim that Daniel Benoit had Fragile X syndrome today.
“A lot of people got caught up in the idea Daniel had Fragile X syndrome,” said Davis in an AP article. “We were just as caught up as everyone else.”
Davis said the company has no information to contradict the claims of Nancy Benoit’s parents that Daniel had no such disease.”
It’s funny (well not in a laughable way) that once news arose of the Fragile X scenario, the WWE’s main lawyer Jerry McDevitt went full-force on that being the reason behind the needle marks on Daniel Benoit’s body. For a company that has been doing an excellent job handling this tragedy, this was a definite slip-up,
Also, a large multitude of news is revolving around Dr. Phil Astin, Benoit’s primary physician. From getting his office raided to being indicted to the rumors of many other big name athletes (including wrestlers) being patients of his (two initials are M.J and O.G) to countless other rumors, to even the discovery that Dr. Astin’s father over prescribing illegal substances, there’s clearly another side to this story that will be uncovered in the upcoming weeks.
Personally, I’m not making a judgment call on any of this until we at least find out the toxicology reports. Then I’ll feel much more comfortable calling Benoit a monster.
Chalk This One Under Developing Rumors
According to Georgia Wrestling History.com (which actually appears to be a credible source), “We don’t have solid confirmation at this time, but we are receiving word that Vince McMahon will be removing himself from the day-to-day operations with World Wrestling Entertainment, at least in regard to overseeing and approving or shooting down storylines.”
If true, it appears that Vince will need additional time away from his product depending on the ramifications of the Benoit tragedy. Once Benoit’s toxicology results are in, the public will know a lot more about the “truths” behind the murders. At that moment, Vince might have to defend his product a lot more if painkillers and steroids are found in Benoit’s body.
At the same time, Vince might have put the wheels in motion on this account with his storyline death. Clearly, with Stephanie being promoted a few months ago and Vince wanting to end his character (at least for the near future), he might be looking at taking a break from his “baby.” Of course, Vince will still continue to oversee the entire operations but will remove himself from the stress of the day-to-day grind.
If this is in fact true, I wonder how the upcoming WWE television will play out. Vince hasn’t had a sabbatical away from the WWE since the steroid trials almost 15 years ago. His fingerprints are all over the product so it might be refreshing to see a change made. Then again, it’s Stephanie who we are talking about. Pity.
Why Triple H is the Smartest Man in Wrestling Reason #121
From the Observer, “The HHH/Orton match at Summerslam might not be happening at all. HHH is of the opinion that Orton is the strongest heel on Raw right now, and if he (HHH) comes back and pins him then it’s not the right thing for business. HHH is pushing for Orton to take the title from Cena, believing Cena doesn’t the need the belt and also thinking that Cena would be more over without it because he wouldn’t get the backlash from being champion. HHH also thinks there is more money with Cena chasing Orton rather than defending against Orton. The feeling now is that HHH/Orton will take place at Survivor Series or Mania.”
You know something, I absolutely agree with Triple H here. First, I’m shocked that he admits that pinning Orton is not right for the business at this moment. I guess he has learned from his returning from injury matches with Kurt Angle in 2002 that certainly did not help either man. Hell, he might have learned that squashing the Spirit Squad was a bad mistake last year. Okay, I’m getting ahead of myself.
Second, HHH is 100% on the ball when saying that John Cena does not need the WWE championship. Cena is OVER to an extent where like the Rock, he really does not need to be the Superman Champion. And I know I’m not alone in saying this as I read it all the time in the forums. People love Cena’s work ethic, they just hate how stale his character has become.
Of course, I shouldn’t be so naïve when thinking about Triple H’s proposal here. As the final line in the Observer states, the Hs will be in either the headlining Fall program or the headlining match at Wrestlemania 24. So obviously it’s a Win/Win (Win) for him as he can become the #1 face leading into Wrestlemania. Speaking of which, this is now the fourth year of a rumored HHH/Orton match at Wresltlemania. Will it finally happen? I wouldn’t bet my farm on it.
Only the Warrior Would Threaten to Harm the Host 20 Seconds into his Media Appearance
The Warrior appeared on the Hannity and Colmes show on Fox News two nights ago to speak on behalf of himself (and oh yes, the Chris Benoit murder case). Here’s a couple highlights:
And if you are curious as to what my personal opinions of Hannity are, all you need to do is read down. For those who want to watch this video, you can watch it here.
I Almost Wish He Would Start His Own Magazine
Of course after a week of hearing such stirring comments from Warrior, Debra, Chyna, Lex Luger among others, it only seems fitting that we finally hear something from Mr. America himself, Hulk Hogan. And to make sure that he overshadows all the previous comments, the Hulkster has found the best medium for him to speak out to: the USA Today, one of the largest circulating papers in the country (I think it might be #1).
Here’s the most recent statement from the Hulkster: “She was into devil-worship stuff. It was part of her [wrestling] character, but [she was] somebody who gets so close to their character, someone who gets into their character too much. Sometimes these people believe their own publicity.”
Thankfully, I don’t even have to refute this illogical statement since I doubt there’s anyone who actually believes that Nancy Benoit was practicing Satanism. Throw in the fact that this was her character before WOMAN and plenty of years before this tragedy and I don’t even why a journalist would even print it. Oh wait, I do, it’s from Hulk Hogan who in most people’s eyes is still the Icon of Professional Wrestling. Or at least that what he wants you to believe.
Frankly, I’m shocked that Hulk Hogan hasn’t re-released one of his classics in regards to this tragedy. Which one? Why this one:
I read it in the papers, I saw it on TV.
I guess there’ll be one empty seat,
When I wrestle at Wimblelee.
I used to tear my shirt,
But now you’ve torn my heart.
I knew you were a Hulkamaniac,
Right from the very start (Right from the start)
You were my friend. (You were my friend)
I’ll see you again. (This is not the end)
When the Hulkster comes to Heaven (Heaven, heaven, heaven)
We’ll tag up again. (Again, again)
The world just lost another Hulkamaniac (A friend to the end, I’ll see you again)
I wish Hulk’s love could bring you back again.
You were my friend (You were my friend)
And I’ll see you again (I will see you again)
When I climb back in the ring, I know we’ll win this fight.
I wish you were here at ring side, to cheer me on tonight.
The spotlight now grows dim, and now it’s not on me.
The prayers we’ve said together are still our guarantee.
You were my friend (You, were, my, friend)
I’ll see you again.
(The world just lost, the world just lost, my friend, he’s my friend)
You were my friend (You….. were)
I’ll see you again (I’ll seeeeee you)
When the Hulkster comes to heaven (Heaven, heaven)
We’ll tag up again (Again)
The world just lost (Just lost) another Hulkamaniac.
I wish Hulk’s love could bring you back again (Bring you back, bring you back again)
The world just lost (Just lost) another Hulkamaniac.
I with Hulk’s love (His love) could bring you back again (His love)
(You were my friend)
See Slimmer, if you are going to do a song tribute to Chris Benoit at least go all out with it.
More Hogan All the Time
You know for as much as I bitch about Hogan, I just put him in back to back news pieces. While he hasn’t re-released “Hulkster in Heaven” he has started this new project states the New York Post:
WRESTLING legend Hulk Hogan wants to unite America by bringing together famously feuding pairs. Hogan has signed on to be the spokesperson for something called, “The Official Uniting Towel Wave of America,” according to his agent, Darren Prince. Hogan will “pair up six personalities who have not seen eye-to-eye over the years and have them reunite next year on July 4, 2008 in Freedom, Pennsylvania, while thousands of people wave towels simultaneously,” Prince said. The slogan of the bizarre campaign is, “If these two can unite for our country, don’t you think we all can.” Hogan will try to get Rush Limbaugh and Bill Maher to make up as well as Rosie O’Donnell and her former co-star on “The View,” Elisabeth Hasselbeck.
I’m just shocked that he’s not going to participate in this “Uniting Movement” by ending his feud with Macho Man Randy Savage. He’s probably just saving that for the next season of Hogan Knows Best.
I’d be remiss in not bringing up one of my favorite Chris Benoit moments at this time. Shortly before this tragedy, around Wrestlemania 23 time, Benoit signed on to do the wave on Soccer AM on Sky Sports TV. What’s the wave? Well watch the below video and see that Benoit was not only the greatest technical wrestler in the WWE but also the greatest waver of all time. Don’t believe me? PROVE ME WRONG!
And since this is my first time at attempting to embed a file into my news report, in case it doesn’t work, you can watch the link here
TNA NEWZ
Tonight on World’s Greatest Animal Attacks: Abyss vs. Christian Cage
The big news on the TNA front is that the company has met with the FOX network. From PWInsider, “According to several entertainment industry sources in California, TNA actually met with the Fox network itself at that point, not MyNetworkTV.
This potential TV deal could mean a pretty major jump in the amount of TV hours the company currently produces weekly because of the opportunity for exposure through multiple networks, as I am hearing this could be a multi-network deal.”
Well FOX owns Fox, FSN, FX, Fuel TV among other smaller networks. The big question is which channel will the majority of TNA programming be broadcast on? Clearly, it won’t be FSN due to the problems that arose the last time the companies had a partnership. I’m not so sure FX would want TNA considering a wrestling show does not really fit with the FX lineup and it would be the lowest rated show on the channel. As for Fuel TV, I’m not even so sure that the NHL would want to broadcast on that network (and they are on the Versus!).
Yes, I’m being negative about this, but that’s because I feel that Spike TV has been a good business partner. Viacom has paid for part of Sting and Kurt Angle’s salary (which FOX might not do). TNA has a ready made lead-in with UFC programming. Plus, wrestling fits in on Spike TV. Then again, a ready-made crossover is there with Nip/Tuck.
FIREWORKS
Being as yesterday was the Nation’s Birthday, it’s time to celebrate!!!
Hope you had a Happy 4th of July.
COMING ATTRACTIONS
Oh yes, Boston. For those of you who have inquired how life is treating me in Boston, all I have to say is that’s wicked cool. Except for last Thursday when I moved in, then it was wicked humid.
Marsico’s in tomorrow.
For the Thursday Small-For-All News Report, I’m Jeff Small… and you’re not!!!
