The Triple Threat 12.14.08: The 119th Edition – Armageddon, JBL vs. Joey Styles, The Legacy and More!

Welcome back to the Tripe Threat Column. This week we talk about Armageddon, JBL/Joey Styles, Snitsky, a possible Kurt Angle return to the WWE, and The Legacy. JBL is our superstar highlight. Please enjoy!

Topic # 1 WWE‘s Armageddon is this Sunday. What are your thoughts on the card?

David Martell: The majority of this card looks decent but I have a feeling this PPV will fall in the middle of the road category. Rey Mysterio vs. CM Punk has a lot of potential but I much rather see Punk against Kofi. There’s something cool about tag partners going against each other. I also think Punk and Kofi could have a much better match. Lets face it, Rey isn’t as good as he use to be. I hope Punk wins here but they have been playing this Rey underdog type storyline so I wouldn’t be surprised if Rey won here. Finlay vs. Mark Henry seems to be a waste of space in my eyes. I am sure it wont be any better then the Belfast Brawl Finlay and JBL had at Mania. This is will be a short match since I doubt Henry could go for that long. I expect Mark Henry to win here. Matt Hardy vs. Kozlov is another match I don’t really care for. Although it makes sense in a storyline stand point, it really has no meaning. Hopefully Matt win here because he is the face of ECW right now and a loss would make ECW look bad. Randy should be Batista, bottom line. He is on a roll as of late and Batista has been looking horrendous. Ziggler looked better in the ring than Batista a few weeks ago and that’s saying a lot. If anything, Randy will use his new found friends to get him the win here. The WWE championship match between Triple H, Edge, and Jeff Hardy should be good. I am guessing its going to get a lot of time since there are only six matches on the card currently. I think Edge will keep the belt here with Jeff getting pinned. I have a strange feeling Jeff is going win the rumble and face Edge at Mania. Maybe if we are lucky, we will get a run in by Christian. I can hope right? Jericho is going to lose to Cena for the World Title unfortunately. Cena had the title at tribute for the troops which shows after the PPV so that kind of proves it. Maybe we can get a swerve here but I seriously doubt it. Overall the PPV looks alright but it doesn’t seem to eventful.

Alex Mattis: Not too much on this card sticks out but I’m willing to dismiss all of that is Jericho is to regain the title. In what should be an entertaining match I do expect Jeri to capture the strap once again over John Cena. I think they gave John the title for the shock factor but I’ve said before Cena is better in the chasing role and for these reasons I peg Jericho to pick up the win. In a triple threat match that I care nothing about expect Edge via HEEL TACTICS!!!!! Randy Orton over Batista via awesome-ness. I expect Kozlov to totally squash Matt Hardy but not to win the title, expect a DQ or some sort of screwy ending. Finlay Vs. Mark Henry should be… interesting. And the always non-caring Rey Rey will drop the IC Title match to CM Punk. The card is less than impressive but like I said I will dismiss all of this if Jeri is to regain the title.

Zach Brown: Doesn’t Armageddon have a great poster? Jericho pressing the doomsday button…classic. Too bad he probably won’t win. But this year’s Armageddon looks decent at the very least. First of all, the divas match will be pointless. Go make yourself a sandwich. And I’m not really looking forward to Mark Henry vs. Finlay. It could deliver, but it’s Mark Henry. I’m not expecting a 5-star classic. Matt Hardy vs. Koslov will be just plain dumb to me. They don’t know what to do with Koslov on Smackdown, so they have him feud with Matt Hardy. Genius. But In the long run, it will make Matt look good. CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio could be sleeper hit of the night. I just hope Punk wins so we can see Punk/Regal II. Batista vs. Orton should be a great match. I expect Orton to come out on top via RKO greatness. ‘Nuff said. As for the two title matches, I expect them both to be solid. Jeff Hardy vs. HHH was actually a great match this week on Smackdown, so I expect even better for Armageddon since Edge is in the mix. And Jericho vs. Cena was definitely solid last time, so I expect this one to deliver as well. The thing about these matches is that both champions are fresh off of their wins, so I doubt any titles will change hands at this PPV. Overall, this is a decent PPV that falls into that tough category of “To buy, or not to buy?” It’s a tough decision. If you buy, I don’t think it will be disappointing, but if you don’t buy, it’s not something that I think you’ll lose sleep over because I doubt anything crazy will happen. If Christian returns at Armageddon as the guy who attacked Jeff Hardy, that would be monumentally epic, but what are the odds of that? (Crossing fingers…)

Topic # 2 What are your thoughts on the incident between JBL and Joey Styles?

David Martell: This was a long time coming for JBL. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard about JBL actions towards people backstage and finally some one snapped on him. I was quite surprised when I heard it was Joey Styles. I have heard several different scenarios how this happened but the only thing that matters is that Joey Styles did hit him and JBL definitely looks like a fool. I don’t think JBL will be messing with people for awhile. I heard backstage at RAW he was very quiet and was keeping to himself. Karma JBL, KARMA!

Alex Mattis: WAR NERDS!!!! This was one of the best reads I have come across in recent memory. I can understand the position Styles was coming from though. He was just pissed and didn’t want to take anymore. I’m sure he didn’t expect it to pay off the way it did but I’m sure he’s happier than hell now. As the Iron Sheik would say “JBL you be humbled!!!”

Zach Brown: I was really proud of Joey Styles for this. A non-wrestler standing up to a wrestler! Who would have thought the little guy had it in him? JBL is a pretty rough and tough guy. Much like Hardcore Holly, I would be much more afraid of an ass whooping by a guy like JBL instead of guys like HHH or Batista. So I can’t believe Joey stood up to JBL. Where does JBL get off riding Joey Styles like that? Joey Styles is a great guy in my eyes. He’s a great commentator, he’s a great wrestling personality, and he does what he’s told. After all, the guy left the commentating table to work on WWE.com at management’s request. So I don’t get the whole deal with giving Joey a hard time. Why does JBL have to be such a bully in backstage politics? Remember when he had that whole thing with trying to make Miz and Morrison apologize to CM Punk? It was just unnecessary. I hope he learned his lesson, because JBL needs to take a chill pill and stop giving people a hard time.

Topic # 3 Snitsky was fired from the WWE this past week. How do you feel about his firing?

David Martell: Snitsky was possibly the worst wrestler on the roster. If not that he was definitely the ugliest. This guy couldn’t get over, he had a terrible gimmick, and his wrestling was god awful and generic. He was built as a monster but he just lost every match. Just because you are a big guy doesn’t make you a good wrestler. I am 100% positive that Vince only hired him because he was a big guy. I doubt he will have much of a wrestling career after this. He might end up on the indys working in high school gyms but other than that, he is done with the major leagues. I wish him the best in whatever he ends up doing and I happily thank the WWE for giving all of us an early Christmas present.

Alex Mattis: Celebrate good times, come on! Great news to round out finals week. I don’t wish anyone unemployment but this man is worthless and the fact that the company was dropping guys like Paul London before this guy is ridiculous. Now back to being a bouncer or whatever this fool does, but for the meantime it’s time to celebrate via AIR-BANDING!!!

Zach Brown: There really is a Santa Claus! If you’ve read our column at all within the last 6 months, you might have picked up my extreme dislike for Gene Snitsky. Now I have something to be thankful for this holiday season. You may think it’s a little insensitive for me to celebrate a wrestler getting fired, but let me put it this way. How many releases have happened in WWE within the last two years or so? To say several would be an understatement. Many releases have made a lot of sense, but there have been several that I just don’t agree with. WWE’s releases of Lance Cade, Elijah Burke, Marcus Cor Von, Paul London, Super Crazy, and even Colin Delaney saddened me greatly and I often did not understand why these guys were released because many of them were very talented guys. (And granted, a few of those guys wanted out because they were unhappy with their place in the company, but I’m sure that wouldn’t have been the case if they were utilized correctly.) So imagine my anger when I see talented wrestlers getting released over and over again, and all the while, Gene Snitsky is still standing tall on Raw. Does it make sense now? For me, Snitsky represented everything that is wrong with the people that get to decide who gets to stay in WWE, and who has to go. So FINALLY, WWE management wised up. Snitsky was an absolutely terrible wrestler, and I’m glad that I never have to see him on WWE ever again. Mike Knox is pretty much Snitsky’s exact character, and the only difference is that Knox is actually a talented guy. So in the end, I won’t miss Snitsky one bit. Good riddance.

Topic # 4 There are rumors going around that WWE is already planning the return of Kurt Angle. What are your thoughts on this?

David Martell: This is a little early to be thinking about Kurt Angle WWE. Unless he has verbally told Vince that he is coming back when his contract with TNA ends I wouldn’t be counting on his return just yet. If im not mistaken, Angles contract doesn’t go up until September. I know the WWE writes a lot of their storylines in advances but that is almost a year from now. I would love to see Angle back in the WWE ring but I am not quite sure it is going to happen right then and there. I think it is funny how these ex WWE guys are realizing how much better the WWE product is. Christian was TNA’s first big acquisition and now he seems to be on his way to the WWE any day now. Now it seems that Kurt Angle, TNA’s biggest steal, is also planning a return. Money talks people and I am sure being in TNA in the state it is right now, it not a lot of fun either. I welcome Kurt back to the WWE with open arms and hopefully all of this is true.

Alex Mattis: Interesting turn of events. It’s Kurt Angle so I’ll watch wherever he is. But I’m sure TNA isn’t too excited to hear news like this surfaces. He was the biggest gain the company has ever had and it’s rumored that he’s already on his way out. I think Angle would be used well upon his E return and the fans would love to see him back. At this stage in his career Kurt needs to worry about what’s best for his health and I truly believe that what’s best is in the E. Like I said, wherever Angle is I will watch.

Zach Brown: If this is true, WWE is definitely counting their chickens before they hatch. Way to give a big public “fuck you” to TNA. But you know why this makes me sick? It just goes to show you that people will talk trash about a person until they need something from them. Then, they’re all kisses and butterflies and bullshit. When Angle first joined TNA, we all saw the videos about how happy Kurt was to be in TNA. He said that TNA told him that they would have doctors looking at him whenever he needed them, and so on and so forth. And I can’t tell you how many videos I saw about Kurt Angle talking trash about Vince McMahon once he joined TNA. And if you ever saw that trailer for Kurt Angle’s little reality show shindig, you might have seen a quick clip of Angle giving the finger to the camera and saying “Fuck you, Vince!” But now that Angle’s contract is expiring in 2009, he wants to be all buddy-buddy again with WWE. I guess if WWE is already planning Kurt Angle’s return, it’s just proof that they can play him like a fiddle whenever they want. What is bringing Kurt back? Does he just miss the big feel of WWE? Or is it the power of the all-mighty dollar? Or maybe it’s just TNA’s state as a company. Yeah, the storylines suck in TNA, and it’s not nearly the company that it used to be. But Angle used to be all about trying to make TNA a bigger and better company. Now, I bet he could care less. It’s just disappointing.

Topic # 5 What are your thoughts on Randy Orton‘s new stable The Legacy?

David Martell: Anything with Randy Orton in it is automatically great. Yeah, I am a mark of Randy Orton. I honestly think he’s the greatest thing going on right now, and Jericho, too. I like the pairing with him and Cody Rhodes. I am not a fan of Manu quite yet mainly because he hasn’t had much ring time. I have no clue if Manu is a good wrestler or not. I rather have Ted Dibiase Jr. in this stable instead of Manu but you cant have everything you want. This is almost like a new age Evolution except without the old guys. I really have no idea where this is going but I figure Randy Orton is just using them to get a title shot. I think this will all turn around once Ted Dibiase Jr. comes back around. For the time being I am enjoying this. It is putting some spot light on these younger guys and giving them the chance to be a big part of the overall show.

Alex Mattis: EVOLUTION 2K8!!! If you haven’t picked up on this… I will follow ANYTHING Randy Orton leads. So because of this I’m going to buy into this new stable if in fact they are going to ban together. I can’t stand Manu but we’re going to have to see where this leads him and the group overall. Orton could be the perfect leader for this stable of group of youngsters that feel they are owed something. For the time being I’m fine with the formation of this new stable.

Zach Brown: I love the idea of The Legacy. Randy Orton is one of the best heels in a long time, and he deserves to run his own faction for once. Here’s what needs to happen: The Legacy needs to win all their matches for several weeks in a row. That’s just what needs to happen for people to take them seriously. If they get buried by any combination of Cena, Batista, Shawn Michaels, or DX, it will be very unfortunate and disappointing . While I like where the Legacy is heading, I do not, however, like the idea of Manu being in it. People are always telling me, “Hey man, ease up on Manu. He’s only had one singles match, and it wasn’t absolutely terrible. He’s still so new, and I’m sure he’s trying.” Screw that. You want to know why Manu bothers me? Because he just doesn’t fit into the group. You have Randy Orton, a certified bad ass, Cody Rhodes, a great cocky heel in the making, Ted DiBiase, a certified bad ass who is unfortunately filming The Marine 2, and then there’s Manu. Big ‘ol sweaty Manu. The guy just has an awful look. I can’t look at The Legacy without thinking, “One of these things is not like the other.” I get the whole “2nd and 3rd generation wrestlers” thing. That’s why Manu is there, and I understand that logic. But you have to admit that Orton, DiBiase, and Rhodes, are all kind of comparable in terms or wrestling style, looks, and heel character. Manu is someone that should be teaming with Umaga, or he should just be having a singles push. It’s not that I necessarily dislike Manu as a wrestler, it’s just that he sticks out like a sore thumb in this faction. But all in all, I’m excited for where The Legacy is heading.

Superstar Highlight

JBL

Our thoughts on JBL.

David Martell: I have never been a big JBL fan. Even when he was with the APA I didn’t really care to much. APA was fun for a little while but it just got boring and repetitive. It is crazy to think of the transformation that JBL had over the years. He once was a tag team wrestler that never got big matches to the longest reigning WWE champion on Smackdown. He is a company man no doubt but his wrestling ability has dwindled in the last few years. I cant stand watching him wrestle but he still tends to have great promos from time to time. I really enjoyed his announcing stint awhile back. I figure that he will see the announcing booth once again in the future. I don’t think he will ever be a world champion again but he is good for a stepping stone for the younger guys. His current storyline with HBK is a bit confusing. I have no idea where it is going but hopefully it leads to some decent matches. Hopefully he learns to keep his mouth shut after that Joey Styles incident. He is a decent talent but needs to stay away from the ring for the most part.

Alex Mattis: As much of prick as JBL may be I still give the man props. I loved the APA, I love the Wall Street gimmick, and I love his preservation of the old-school stiff heel. The APA was one of the best and most well-working gimmicks in recent memory. His match with Eddie Guerrero at Judgment Day 2004 has already taken place as one of my favorite matches of all time. His resume speaks for its self. While I acknowledge the fact that JBL may be a “bully” or a dick, I personally have nothing bad to say about him.

Zach Brown: I’ve been hot and cold on JBL throughout his entire career. On one hand, he’s stiff as hell, and that’s always something I like about a wrestler. His days in the APA were good proof of that. Also, I love a good lariat, and JBL’s is about as sick as they come. He also had that great feud with Eddie Guerrero. I’ll never forget when he busted Eddie open in what is easily the bloodiest match I’ve ever seen. And I loved that promo he delivered around that time when he said, “I’m going to do this in English.” Absolutely classic. Every once in a while, JBL will deliver a 5 star promo. Such as the one on Raw recently about how he’s not going to end up like all the other washed out wrestlers in indy promotions and so on. That promo was fantastic. And on that topic, JBL was a great commentator during his stint on Smackdown. It actually seemed like he canceled out Michael Cole’s atrociousness. And I’ve often wondered why he stopped such a good thing prematurely. That being said, there have been times where I’ve been absolutely sick of JBL. Throughout the last few years, JBL has a certain “time of the month.” And by that, I mean that at least once a month, it seems like JBL feels like he deserves a title shot for no reason whatsoever. He’s always getting involved in storylines that I don’t want him anywhere near. I can’t count how many times I’ve been really into a great promo between two wrestlers, only to let out an agonizing groan when I hear JBL’s music. Is poking his nose where it doesn’t belong part of his character? Or is it proof that WWE doesn’t know where to stick him? I never know, but I’m just not a fan of it. Sometimes it seems like JBL is the go-to-guy when WWE needs to give someone a feud just to keep them busy. It’s like they recently said, “Hey, is that awesome feud with Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho over? It is? Crap. Well, lets have Shawn feud with JBL for the time being. Then we’ll figure something out for him.” Overall, I like JBL alright. He’s definitely not a bad wrestler by any stretch of the imagination. But in terms of the main event players, he can be a little vanilla at times. Thank God he can deliver an awesome promo from time to time, because that definitely redeems him in my eyes.

That is all for this week. Please feel free to leave us comments at the bottom of the page. Thanks for reading and clicking. Have a great week in wrestling. CYA!