Any thoughts, HustleTweeters? RT: @MainstreamMat Ranking @HeymanHustle's best promos isn't easy. How'd I do? http://t.co/zMuiUgEIoK …
— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) April 17, 2014
Our favorite manager and master of the microphone shared my little blog post via his own Twitter account, and generated more feedback than I ever could have predicted. Thanks Paul. Now, let's take a look at what you had to say about my ranking of the Paul Heyman's Best Promos.
Showing posts with label vince mcmahon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vince mcmahon. Show all posts
Friday, April 18, 2014
When Paul Heyman Retweeted Me...
My Twitter account (@MainstreamMat) has about 250 more followers today than it did 48 hours ago. The reason is Paul Heyman.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
The Best Of Paul Heyman
At this point in professional wrestling history, there is little argument that the undisputed master of the microphone is Paul Heyman.
On the night after WrestleMania XXX, Paul was at it again. A question was asked. Was it one of the best promos of his career? Since no one seemed sure, I did a little research. I expected to compile a list of Paul Heyman's 10 best promos, but he could not be contained. Enjoy this trip down memory lane.
On the night after WrestleMania XXX, Paul was at it again. A question was asked. Was it one of the best promos of his career? Since no one seemed sure, I did a little research. I expected to compile a list of Paul Heyman's 10 best promos, but he could not be contained. Enjoy this trip down memory lane.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Finding Five-Star Commentary
We spend so much time as pro wrestling fans talking about the best performers in the ring, the best matches, the best shows and other superlatives. It can get a little excessive sometimes.
What occurred to me recently is that we rarely celebrate the best performances by announcers. Sure, you get the casual, widely-accepted "Jim Ross is the greatest of all time" opinion thrown around, but do those fans ever cite sources? Do they talk specifically about the matches and moments that make J.R. one of (if not the) best?
I found myself reflecting on what Jim Ross matches stand out as his best work, and that expanded to other prominant announcers in recent pro wrestling history. What are their best performances? How do you measure their quality? These are good questions to ponder.
I came up with a few candidates, but I'm going to need your help putting together a decent list. Leave a comment below or you can reach me via Twitter @MainstreamMat. We'll gather up the worthy candidates and maybe put them to a vote.
Monday, January 7, 2013
#FiftyMatches - The Rock Goes Hollywood
July 21, 2002
The Undertaker v. The Rock v. Kurt Angle
WWE Undisputed Championship
Vengeance 2002
"The most awesome triple threat match I've ever seen in my life!" -Jim RossOn April 19, 2002 the first movie to feature The Rock in a starring role arrived in theaters.
And the people came.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Me, My DVR & Raw (10/22/12)
In what may be a regular column, the author uses his DVR to condense WWE Raw into an efficient, digestible television program. Segments are graded simply, as "nothing" or "something". The more "something", the better for all of us.
Welcome to the last Raw before Hell In A Cell, a pay per view I think would be more accurately referred to as, "How Will WWE Get Itself Out Of This One?"
8:28PM - DVR ENGAGE!
Segment 1/2 - Getting straight to business. CarSterio v. Rhodes Scholars. Hardcore wrestling fans love this decision. Casual fans are checking to see if the debate has started. Teaming with Rey has done so much for Sin Cara. That springboard moonshot onto Sandow was a beauty. Love Sandow's style in the ring. Also, his break-up of the referee's count was brilliant. Cross Rhodes finishes. Handshake Into Cartwheel Celebration! That could be the spot of the night. Something! (x2)
Segment 3 - Matches! Nothing but matches! Kofi Kingston beats Michael McGillicutty. Miz and his six stitches are working guest commentary. Miz is generously looking out for Ryback ahead of his big match Sunday, and wants to call off their meeting later tonight. What a sportsman. Miz' self-aggrandizing is nearing Kim Jong-il levels. Nothing.
Segment 4 - Cena. He has no match Sunday. He has no point. He has no purpose on in this segment. I'm starting to think that that worst thing happening to Ryback right now is Cena singing his praises. Punk and Heyman come out, but do (you guessed it) nothing.
Segment 5 - Last week, Antonio Cessaro survived Justin Gabriel's 450 in a victory. In the rematch tonight THE CLOSER gets it done. I'm confused. Nothing.
Segment 6 - A monster of a segment, and the developments are quick and plentiful. Mr. McMahon and A.J. Lee are in the ring. The visual is immediately creepy. She's accused of fraternizing with someone on the roster and RESIGNS AS RAW G.M. The WWE brass didn't pick up this tendency in the background check? A.J. gives a lovely farewell address. "You guys accepted me." That's the power of the fans. Never forget it. Enter Heyman, to undercut peace talks between New York and New Jersey. I love Vince's facial expressions, especially when people are kissing up to him. Heyman wants the G.M. job. Vince says no. In fact, there is no G.M. for now. Instead, there's a managing supervisor of Raw. BUREAUCRACY! Vickie Guerrero gets the gig! The most heinous structure in WWE is not Hell In A Cell. It's the revolving door. Heyman instantly flips from kissing up to Vince, to kissing up to Vickie. In return, she makes a CHAMPION VS. CHAMPION lumberjack match between Punk and Sheamus for tonight's main event. Heyman nearly faints from the overbooking. Vickie turns to A.J. and starts spilling the dirt on the alleged fraternizing. AFFAIR! With who?! A.J. goes after Vickie. CAT FIGHT! This segment should get triple credit, but that would make things too complicated for me when dealing with the awful segments we get every week. Suffice it to say, SOMETHING!
Segment 7 - Ryback beats The Miz. Nothing.
Segment 8 - Eve is running down the possible A.J. affair suspects. "Primo of all people." Is nothing sacred in the WWE locker room? Kaitlyn sets Eve straight by tossing her into the snack table. Layla fails as peacekeeper. Sheamus peddles a stuffed toy. Nothing.
DVR paused while I make a quick run to McDonald's. I ask the drive-thru worker if they still have the Rolo McFlurry. She says yes. I order two. I even see my order correct on the screen. I receive two Oreo McFlurry. WTF?
Segment 9/10 - Daniel Bryan v. Dolph Ziggler. Fans say, "This is awesome!". Dolph connects with a Super X-Factor from the top rope. Kane starts a "Yes!" chant at the worst possible time and Ziggler gets the win. A fine match, but in the grand scheme...nothing.
Segment 11 - The Newly Tagged Game. This is your 10PM segment, and I do not have high hopes. Bryan's skills at turning total crap into entertainment is astonishing. Kane takes the absurdity to new levels, falsely confessing his love for puppies and rainbows. Rhodes Scholars refuse to take part in this. Thank God. "You're welcome" -Damien Sandow, who once again commits character suicide by wearing a t-shirt. Nothing.
Segment 12 - Big Show beats Kane with the KO Punch. Rhodes Scholars jump Bryan while Kane is knocked out. Sensible story telling! Backstage, Santino metaphorically jobs to Cena. Turns out Cena's the one A.J. allegedly had the affair with. Cena says it was just a BUSINESS DINNER! They hug. Crowd buzzes. Too soon? Something.
Segment 13 - Cena confronts Vince, who says there's INCRIMINATING EVIDENCE! Del Rio v. Ryder is FF cityyyyyyyy. Post-match, Cena drops in on Vickie's office. John is cramming a TON of investigation into an hour of television. The actions of a desperate man? Cena metaphorically jobs to Vickie in this backstage confrontation. Something!
Segment 14 - Dolph on A.J., "I always thought she was a good egg." Otherwise, your weekly worthless segment of nothing during the 10PM hour.
10:41PM - Even with the McDonald's run, I am caught up and WE ARE LIVE!
Segment 15/16 - CM Punk v. Sheamus in a champion vs. champion largest lumberjack match in Raw history. Big Show interferes. Hell, just about everyone interferes, but Big Show's interference is actually effective. Punk wins. Nothing.
"SOMETHING" TO "NOTHING" RATIO: 5:10 (Last Week - 8:7)
The match for the WWE Championship at Hell In A Cell remains intact. It's CM Punk vs. Ryback. It's Punk's 300+ day reign as champion vs. Ryback's undefeated streak. It's WWE's problem now, and all we have to do is watch.
Welcome to the last Raw before Hell In A Cell, a pay per view I think would be more accurately referred to as, "How Will WWE Get Itself Out Of This One?"
8:28PM - DVR ENGAGE!
Segment 1/2 - Getting straight to business. CarSterio v. Rhodes Scholars. Hardcore wrestling fans love this decision. Casual fans are checking to see if the debate has started. Teaming with Rey has done so much for Sin Cara. That springboard moonshot onto Sandow was a beauty. Love Sandow's style in the ring. Also, his break-up of the referee's count was brilliant. Cross Rhodes finishes. Handshake Into Cartwheel Celebration! That could be the spot of the night. Something! (x2)
Segment 3 - Matches! Nothing but matches! Kofi Kingston beats Michael McGillicutty. Miz and his six stitches are working guest commentary. Miz is generously looking out for Ryback ahead of his big match Sunday, and wants to call off their meeting later tonight. What a sportsman. Miz' self-aggrandizing is nearing Kim Jong-il levels. Nothing.
Segment 4 - Cena. He has no match Sunday. He has no point. He has no purpose on in this segment. I'm starting to think that that worst thing happening to Ryback right now is Cena singing his praises. Punk and Heyman come out, but do (you guessed it) nothing.
Segment 5 - Last week, Antonio Cessaro survived Justin Gabriel's 450 in a victory. In the rematch tonight THE CLOSER gets it done. I'm confused. Nothing.
Segment 6 - A monster of a segment, and the developments are quick and plentiful. Mr. McMahon and A.J. Lee are in the ring. The visual is immediately creepy. She's accused of fraternizing with someone on the roster and RESIGNS AS RAW G.M. The WWE brass didn't pick up this tendency in the background check? A.J. gives a lovely farewell address. "You guys accepted me." That's the power of the fans. Never forget it. Enter Heyman, to undercut peace talks between New York and New Jersey. I love Vince's facial expressions, especially when people are kissing up to him. Heyman wants the G.M. job. Vince says no. In fact, there is no G.M. for now. Instead, there's a managing supervisor of Raw. BUREAUCRACY! Vickie Guerrero gets the gig! The most heinous structure in WWE is not Hell In A Cell. It's the revolving door. Heyman instantly flips from kissing up to Vince, to kissing up to Vickie. In return, she makes a CHAMPION VS. CHAMPION lumberjack match between Punk and Sheamus for tonight's main event. Heyman nearly faints from the overbooking. Vickie turns to A.J. and starts spilling the dirt on the alleged fraternizing. AFFAIR! With who?! A.J. goes after Vickie. CAT FIGHT! This segment should get triple credit, but that would make things too complicated for me when dealing with the awful segments we get every week. Suffice it to say, SOMETHING!
Segment 7 - Ryback beats The Miz. Nothing.
Segment 8 - Eve is running down the possible A.J. affair suspects. "Primo of all people." Is nothing sacred in the WWE locker room? Kaitlyn sets Eve straight by tossing her into the snack table. Layla fails as peacekeeper. Sheamus peddles a stuffed toy. Nothing.
DVR paused while I make a quick run to McDonald's. I ask the drive-thru worker if they still have the Rolo McFlurry. She says yes. I order two. I even see my order correct on the screen. I receive two Oreo McFlurry. WTF?
Segment 9/10 - Daniel Bryan v. Dolph Ziggler. Fans say, "This is awesome!". Dolph connects with a Super X-Factor from the top rope. Kane starts a "Yes!" chant at the worst possible time and Ziggler gets the win. A fine match, but in the grand scheme...nothing.
Segment 11 - The Newly Tagged Game. This is your 10PM segment, and I do not have high hopes. Bryan's skills at turning total crap into entertainment is astonishing. Kane takes the absurdity to new levels, falsely confessing his love for puppies and rainbows. Rhodes Scholars refuse to take part in this. Thank God. "You're welcome" -Damien Sandow, who once again commits character suicide by wearing a t-shirt. Nothing.
Segment 12 - Big Show beats Kane with the KO Punch. Rhodes Scholars jump Bryan while Kane is knocked out. Sensible story telling! Backstage, Santino metaphorically jobs to Cena. Turns out Cena's the one A.J. allegedly had the affair with. Cena says it was just a BUSINESS DINNER! They hug. Crowd buzzes. Too soon? Something.
Segment 13 - Cena confronts Vince, who says there's INCRIMINATING EVIDENCE! Del Rio v. Ryder is FF cityyyyyyyy. Post-match, Cena drops in on Vickie's office. John is cramming a TON of investigation into an hour of television. The actions of a desperate man? Cena metaphorically jobs to Vickie in this backstage confrontation. Something!
Segment 14 - Dolph on A.J., "I always thought she was a good egg." Otherwise, your weekly worthless segment of nothing during the 10PM hour.
10:41PM - Even with the McDonald's run, I am caught up and WE ARE LIVE!
Segment 15/16 - CM Punk v. Sheamus in a champion vs. champion largest lumberjack match in Raw history. Big Show interferes. Hell, just about everyone interferes, but Big Show's interference is actually effective. Punk wins. Nothing.
"SOMETHING" TO "NOTHING" RATIO: 5:10 (Last Week - 8:7)
The match for the WWE Championship at Hell In A Cell remains intact. It's CM Punk vs. Ryback. It's Punk's 300+ day reign as champion vs. Ryback's undefeated streak. It's WWE's problem now, and all we have to do is watch.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Me, My DVR & Raw (10/15/12)
In what may be a regular column, the author uses his DVR to condense WWE Raw into an efficient, digestible television program. Segments are graded simply, as "nothing" or "something". The more "something", the better for all of us.
10:10 p.m. - Late start tonight. DVR ENGAGE!
Segment 1 - Big Show opens Raw. He's really good here, working himself into a lather over Sheamus, and tweets from fans. "None of you are Irish! Don't tweet me 'Fella'!" I am baffled, until he calls out Daniel Bryan. The viewer is then subjected to potentially the most pointless, unnecessary, heat-killing backstage segment in history. Somehow Bryan makes it work, presumably because he's awesome. Something!
Segment 2 - Big Show choke slams Daniel Bryan for the win. Kane saves his partner from further damage. Then, they argue. Crowd is crazy for just about all of this. Something!
Segment 3 - It's nothing but all-stars at the top of Raw tonight. Paul Heyman and CM Punk tease the audience, but reveal nothing. Vince McMahon enters to make the bait and switch official. HIAC opponent will be announced at the end of the show. Nothing.
Segment 4 - Alberto Del Rio without his entrance. What's the point? Match against Brodus Clay is FF city. Backstage, Punk asks Heyman who Vince McMahon thinks he is. Paul replies, "He thinks he's Vince McMahon." Fact! Nothing.
Segment 5 - Prime Time Players beat CoBro. Post-match attack by EnCorre! Or is it The Band? Heath Slater dubs himself, Jinder Mahal and Drew McIntyre "3MB". Jinder's turban and leather jacket combo is better than anyone expected. Nothing.
Segment 6 - Dolph Ziggler. David Otunga...for some reason. Here's Ryback to kill them both. Dolph wisely leaves. Otunga...for THAT reason. Nothing.
Segment 7 - "Antonio Cessaro doesn't need United States of America. United States of America need Antonio Cessaro." Swoon. JR coins the term "zebra manipulation". Antonio somehow survives Justin Gabriel's 450, and kills him dead with Super Euro Uppercut and THE NEUTRALIZER! Last week, I FF'd. This week, I couldn't. You've won my heart, Antonio Cessaro. This is the U.S. Title reign you've all been begging for. Something!
Segment 8 - Kane eviscerates Matt Striker. Then, he conducts a post-match interview with Striker's unconscious body. You win, Big Red. Something!
Segment 9 - Miz TV with Korporate Kofi. Miz is really good here running down Kingston. Secondary champions! Something!
Segment 10/11 - Sheamus v. Wade Barrett: The Rematch. Barrett's awesome spot with the steel steps from last week is countered this week by Sheamus. Barrett jaws at JR at the announce position. Ross is out of his coma and gushing over Barrett the rest of the way, "You talk about being in destroy mode. He's there." DQ finish is no big deal. These two guys were made for one another. Get them on PPV ASAP! Something!
Segment 12 - Eve v. Layla. FF cityyyyyy. Nothing but pretty girls.
Segment 13 - Your weekly zero action segment. Nothing.
Segment 14 - 3MB hit the town in Nashville. Rhodes Scholars beat Primo and Epico because Rey Mysterio is ill. Nothing.
Segment 15 - Kofi and Miz have a pretty good match that ends in a thunderous Trouble In Paradise that appeared to legitimately knock out The Miz. Absolutely clobbered. Sucks for Miz, but crowd loved the finish. Something!
Segment 16 - Punk and Vince in the same ring are magical. John Cena tries to ruin the main event segment, but fails. Vince chooses Ryback. Something!
12:12 a.m. - DVR viewing COMPLETE!
"SOMETHING" TO "NOTHING" RATIO: 8:7
Certainly felt like one of the more eventful episodes of Raw in some time, but you have to be a bit concerned about the string of worthless segments in the third hour. This Raw had a different feel. Not sure if it's just me, or the result of the creative shake-up that made news last week.
10:10 p.m. - Late start tonight. DVR ENGAGE!
Segment 1 - Big Show opens Raw. He's really good here, working himself into a lather over Sheamus, and tweets from fans. "None of you are Irish! Don't tweet me 'Fella'!" I am baffled, until he calls out Daniel Bryan. The viewer is then subjected to potentially the most pointless, unnecessary, heat-killing backstage segment in history. Somehow Bryan makes it work, presumably because he's awesome. Something!
Segment 2 - Big Show choke slams Daniel Bryan for the win. Kane saves his partner from further damage. Then, they argue. Crowd is crazy for just about all of this. Something!
Segment 3 - It's nothing but all-stars at the top of Raw tonight. Paul Heyman and CM Punk tease the audience, but reveal nothing. Vince McMahon enters to make the bait and switch official. HIAC opponent will be announced at the end of the show. Nothing.
Segment 4 - Alberto Del Rio without his entrance. What's the point? Match against Brodus Clay is FF city. Backstage, Punk asks Heyman who Vince McMahon thinks he is. Paul replies, "He thinks he's Vince McMahon." Fact! Nothing.
Segment 5 - Prime Time Players beat CoBro. Post-match attack by EnCorre! Or is it The Band? Heath Slater dubs himself, Jinder Mahal and Drew McIntyre "3MB". Jinder's turban and leather jacket combo is better than anyone expected. Nothing.
Segment 6 - Dolph Ziggler. David Otunga...for some reason. Here's Ryback to kill them both. Dolph wisely leaves. Otunga...for THAT reason. Nothing.
Segment 7 - "Antonio Cessaro doesn't need United States of America. United States of America need Antonio Cessaro." Swoon. JR coins the term "zebra manipulation". Antonio somehow survives Justin Gabriel's 450, and kills him dead with Super Euro Uppercut and THE NEUTRALIZER! Last week, I FF'd. This week, I couldn't. You've won my heart, Antonio Cessaro. This is the U.S. Title reign you've all been begging for. Something!
Segment 8 - Kane eviscerates Matt Striker. Then, he conducts a post-match interview with Striker's unconscious body. You win, Big Red. Something!
Segment 9 - Miz TV with Korporate Kofi. Miz is really good here running down Kingston. Secondary champions! Something!
Segment 10/11 - Sheamus v. Wade Barrett: The Rematch. Barrett's awesome spot with the steel steps from last week is countered this week by Sheamus. Barrett jaws at JR at the announce position. Ross is out of his coma and gushing over Barrett the rest of the way, "You talk about being in destroy mode. He's there." DQ finish is no big deal. These two guys were made for one another. Get them on PPV ASAP! Something!
Segment 12 - Eve v. Layla. FF cityyyyyy. Nothing but pretty girls.
Segment 13 - Your weekly zero action segment. Nothing.
Segment 14 - 3MB hit the town in Nashville. Rhodes Scholars beat Primo and Epico because Rey Mysterio is ill. Nothing.
Segment 15 - Kofi and Miz have a pretty good match that ends in a thunderous Trouble In Paradise that appeared to legitimately knock out The Miz. Absolutely clobbered. Sucks for Miz, but crowd loved the finish. Something!
Segment 16 - Punk and Vince in the same ring are magical. John Cena tries to ruin the main event segment, but fails. Vince chooses Ryback. Something!
12:12 a.m. - DVR viewing COMPLETE!
"SOMETHING" TO "NOTHING" RATIO: 8:7
Certainly felt like one of the more eventful episodes of Raw in some time, but you have to be a bit concerned about the string of worthless segments in the third hour. This Raw had a different feel. Not sure if it's just me, or the result of the creative shake-up that made news last week.
Monday, October 1, 2012
#FiftyMatches: Hulk Hogan's Road To Redemption
The Rock v. Hollywood Hulk Hogan
WrestleMania X8
March 17, 2002
March 17, 2002
2002 Pro Wrestling Illustrated Match of the Year
"That was a match for the ages." -Jim Ross
On July 9, 2000, Hulk Hogan was humiliated, disgraced and forced out of World Championship Wrestling.
Less than two years later, he was headlining WrestleMania X8.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
#FiftyMatches: The End Of The Invasion
Team WWF (The Rock, Chris Jericho, Undertaker, Kane, Big Show) v. The Alliance ("Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Kurt Angle, Booker T, Rob Van Dam, Shane McMahon)
"Winner Takes All"
Survivor Series 2001
November 18, 2001
November 18, 2001
On Friday, March 23, 2001, the unthinkable occurred. The World Wrestling Federation purchased World Championship Wrestling. It was the end of a decades-long, and deeply personal, rivalry."The stakes have never been higher in the history of this business." -Jim Ross
Three days later, on Monday, March 26, 2001, the purchase was revealed to the world. It was perhaps the most mind-blowing moment in the history of professional wrestling.
Friday, June 22, 2012
#FiftyMatches: One Injury Changes Everything
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin & Triple H v.
Chris Jericho & Chris Benoit
Chris Jericho & Chris Benoit
WWF Tag Team Championship
Monday Night Raw
May 21, 2001
May 21, 2001
"The entire building is shaking! This is the greatest chance in the lives of Benoit and Jericho!" -Paul Heyman
Monday, June 4, 2012
#FiftyMatches: The Last Night Of The Attitude Era
It seems fitting that the first opportunity to post two matches for the same date is WrestleMania X-7. For me, and so many other fans my age, this is the peak of professional wrestling. The build for this show was incredibly well done. Some of the matches were literally a year or two in the making. The card was stacked with matches everyone wanted to see. It's a great show, perhaps the very best of them all.
Watching WrestleMania X-7 today can be a bit bittersweet. This was the end of the World Wrestling Federation as many had come to know it. I've heard some try to argue otherwise, but how can you? This is the last night of the Attitude Era. When it was over, nothing in professional wrestling was ever the same again.
Monday, May 21, 2012
#FiftyMatches: Nitro's Last Night
Sting v. Ric Flair
WCW Nitro
March 26, 2001
March 26, 2001
"Thank you Steve Borden. Thank you Ric Flair, for everything you've meant to this sport." -Scott Hudson
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
#FiftyMatches: Y2J And The Glass Ceiling
Chris Jericho vs. Triple H
Last Man Standing Match
Fully Loaded 2000
July 23, 2000
July 23, 2000
There are few things that frustrate me in professional wrestling as much as the career of Chris Jericho."...the end may be near for Chris Jericho." -Jim Ross.
Monday, April 16, 2012
#FiftyMatches: ECW's Last Stand
Mike Awesome v. Tazz
ECW World Heavyweight Championship
ECW on TNN
April 14, 2000
April 14, 2000
"Tazz is here to stand up for ECW!”
- Joey Styles
It's sad that it came to this for Extreme Championship Wrestling. Hemorrhaging talent at an impossible rate, the company found itself in a terrible situation. Its champion, Mike Awesome, had signed a contract with World Championship Wrestling. His departure suddenly left ECW searching for a new champion, and Paul Heyman mustn't have liked the options he saw inside the company he'd built into the third largest professional wrestling promotion in the United States.
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