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VOLUME 16, 2007

c TENTS COVER PHOTO:

GEORGE NAPOLITANO

COVER DESIGN:
JIM MALLOY

DEPARTMENTS

6 SINCERELY YOURS

8 NAMES MAKIN’ NEWS BY HARRY BURKETT

16 THUMBS UP, THUMBS DOWN
18 ON THE ROAD WITH DAVE LENKER
20 KREW-CUTS WITH FRANK KREWDA
22 THE INSIDER BY BRANDI MANKIEWICZ
24 BLINDSIDED BY HARRY BURKETT
26 ON ASSIGNMENT BY LIZ HUNTER
28 FROM BELL TO BELL BY MIKE QUACKENBUSH
30 PLAIN SPEAKING WITH MATT BROCK
32 INTRODUCING ... MATT RIVIERA
34 WHATEVER HAPPENED TO ... BILLY ANDERSON?
BY SCOTT TEAL

36 SPOTLIGHT ON SCOTT STEINER

42 Q & A: SHAWN MICHAELS
78 FLASHBACK: 1991
(THE DEFECTION OF WCWS
BIGGEST STAR CAUSES SHOCKWAVES)
82 WRESTLING’S GREATEST PHOTOS
94 THE WRESTLING ANALYST: JOHN CENA
98 EDITORS’ ROUNDTABLE
104 OFFICIAL WRESTLING RATINGS
106 ROLL CALL OF CHAMPIONS

FEATURES
47 WRESTLEMANIA 23:
THE REAL WINNERS AND LOSERS
We tell you who really benefited—and lost the most—from the
outcome of WWE's annual extravaganza
62 ’TAKER’S MANIA STREAK
THE GREATEST IN SPORTS HISTORY!
A review of some major record holders in sports history and why
the "Dead Man's" 15-0 WrestieMania winning streak surpasses them all
68 COWARDLY ... CONNIVING ... CUNNING:
HAS CHRISTIAN BECOME THE NEW JARRETT?
Jeff Jarrett's former biggest critic is now honoring him with the
most gratifying form of flattery: imitation
72 A SORDID TALE OF BETRAYAL AND BRUTALITY:
SIBLING RIVALRY ECKOS THROUGH THE ECWA
Dan Eckos revered his brother, Rob, and all of his accomplishments,
and Rob was glad to be his brother's role model... until Dan
made a run for Rob's spotlight

Look for the next combined issue of The Wrestler/Inside Wrestung (Volume 17, 2007) on sale July 31, 2007
 BACK ISSUES OF Don’t miss a single issue of the magazine
that has thrilled wrestling fans for two
generations, THE WRESTLER! Complete your
collection of the most respected wrestling
publication in the world! Supplies are
limited, so don't delay—order today!

May 1979: Paul Jones-Rick Steamboat Feud; Who Is Sheepherders, Flair-Billy Jack. Nikita Kolotf. Gained! But The Midnight Express Must Still Prove Bounty On Flair—Will Vince Pay The Piper? Also: Ron
Really To Blame? Also: Valiants, Jack Brisco, Larry April 1985; Six-Man Riot! Road Warriors & Ellering vs. Themselves! Also; Top Guns. Hart & Rougeaus. Andre- Simmons, Tito Santana, Bob Backiund, R, Steiner-
Hennig, Johnson-King, Lanza-Mulligan, Chief Jay Rhodes, Rich, & Anderson. Also; Tonga Kid, tomor Savage-Hulk, Terry Gordy, Kevin Von Erich. Abdullah.
Strongbow, Snuka-Patera. row’s stars, Adams-Kevin, Flair-Jack, Terminators. March 1989: Scared Stiff! “Don’t Say Snake!” Also: March 1992: After Survivor Series & Tuesday in Texas;
Feb. 1981; Larry Zhyszko’s Claim: “Tony Garea May 1985: The Road Warriors vs. Dusty Rhodes & Jeff Jarrett, Cactus Jack, Ric Flair, Bam Bam Bigelow, Has The WWF Title Suffered Irreparable Damage?
Begged Me Not To Kurt Him!” Also: The Grappler, Manny Fernandez: Exclusive Coverage 01 The Historic Hercules, Iron Sheik. Also: Brian Pillman, Anderson & Bruiser, Rude-Sting,
Race-Patera, Hussein Arab, Humperdink-Rhodes, Tag Team Superbowl! Also; Al-Kaissie-Gagne, April 1989: Hufkamania Runs Wild Again! Can Randy Mountie-Hart, Jeff Jarrett.
Gilberts, Mr. Wrestling II, Bravo-Bockwinkel. Backlund-Race, Haynes-Kamala, Tito Santana. Savage Stop The Onslaught? Also: British Bulldogs, April 1992; After A Year Of Tragedy & Turmoil: The
June 1981: Bruno Sammartino: “I Want To Break Stan June 1985: Are The WWF Rulebreakers Singling Out Road Warriors-Sting & Luger, Lawler-Kerry, Andre. Magic Is Back in WCW! Also: Chris Candido, Paul
Hansen’s Neck!” Also: Ted DIBiase, Garea & Martel, Barry Windham For Destruction? Also; Zbyszko- Mike Rotundo. Orndorff, Lady X. Paul Bearer, Hennig & Hair, Michaels
Mike Graham, Mongolian Stomper, Piper-Superstar, Backlund, Rhodes-Bianchard, Tommy Rich, Oliver- June 1989: Ultimate Warrior’s Mission Impossible: & Jannetty.
Verne Gagne, Tommy Rich. Haynes. Destroy Randy Savage For Hulk Hogan. Also: Rick Dec. 1992: He’s BaaaaaacklMe Roberts Slithers Into
Oct. 1981; Is The Funk Family At War? Why Terry Funk July 1985: It’s A Dog’s Life ... And Junkyard Dog Steamboat. Rick Martel. Larry Zbyszko. Luger-Windham WCW. Also: Paul E. Dangerously, Ron Simmons, Hulk
And Dory Funk Jr. Were Forced To Wrestle. Also: Wouldn’t Trade It With Anyone! Also: Backlund-Martel. by Sting, Ric Flair. Hogan. Michaels-Martel, Gitberts-Rock ’n’ Rolls,
Backlund-Patterson-Mosca, Harley Race, Rhodes-Khan, Kernodle-Koloff, Butch Reed, Hernandez & Sunshine. July 1989: Dino Bravo: The Man Hulk Hogan Cannot June 1992: in Ric Flair’s High-Stakes Championship
Kevin Sullivan, Flair-Patera, Verne Gagne. Mike Graham. Beat! Also: Flair-Steamboat Rhodes & Perez, Road Game, Hulk Hogan & Sid Justice Are Mere Pawns.
Aug. 1982: Nick Bockwinkel: “Tommy Rich Is Too Aug. 1985: Ten Days Of Blood And Glory: The Road Warriors & Ellering, Michael Hayes. Also: Eddie Gilbert, Ultimate Warrior, Vinnie Vegas.
Stupid To Be Champion!” Also; Putski-Adonis, Warriors Invade Japan! Also: Terry Taylor, Magnum Aug. 1989 (Special Issue): Supercard Sunday! WCW titles. Koko B.Ware.
Blackjack Mulligan Jr., Roddy Piper, Rick Steamboat, T.A., Bugsy McGraw, Sheik & Volkoff-Windham & Exclusive Coverage 01 WrestleMania V And Clash Of July 1992: "Number Two Just Won’t Do”: For Rick
Lawler-Kaufman, Mike Graham. Rotundo, 20th anniversary. Champions VI. Also; Kerry-Embry, Randy Savage, Great Rude, The U.S. Belt Means Failure. Also; Madusa.
April 1982: How Jack Brisco Controls Ric Flair’s Oct. 1985; David Shultz Gets An NWA Title Shot: Ric Muta, Ted DiBiase, Teddy Long. Gorilla Monsoon, LOD, Nurse Vanessa, Greg Valentine,
Championship Destiny. Also; Tito Santana, Valentine- Flair—“I Wrestle The Men Hulk Hogan Is Afraid Of!” Sept. 1989: Our Urgent Plea To Ric Flair: Don’t Sabu.
Atlas, Bob Roop, Armstrongs. John Studd, Eric Embry. Also: Misty Blue, Rick Martel, Kendall Windham, George Wrestle Terry Funk. Also: Demolition, Roddy Piper, Aug. 1992; The Ultimate Warrior: WrestleMania’s
May 1982: Bob Backlund's Fourth Anniversary As Steele, Killer Brooks, all-time top 10, Hogan-Zeus, Larry Zbyszko, Jerry Lawler. Accidental Hero. Also; Bunkhouse matches.
WWF Champion: The All-American Boy Grows Up. June 1986: Kerry Reveals His Secret: “I've Told Oct 1989: No Holds Barred! Hogan & Beefcake vs. Undertaker-Roberts, Sting, JYD, Rob Van Dam.
Also: Koloff-Rich, Superstar Graham, David Von Erich, Magnum T.A. How To Beat Ric Flair!” Also: Steve Savage & Zeus: An Exclusive Preview & Analysis. Sept. 1992: Hey, Legion Of Doom—Go For The Title
Putski-Morales, Dusty Rhodes. Williams, Hogan-Orton, Flair-Bockwinkel, Lex Luger. Also: Eric Embry, Four Horsemen, Teddy Long, Hayes- Or Go Away! Also: Repo-Crush, Mondo Kleen,
June 1982: Ric Flair vs. Rick Steamboat: How The Nov. 1986: Morton & Gibson Take A Trip To Badstreet Luger, Art Barr, Billy Jack Haynes. Freebirds-Valentine & Taylor, Dangerous Alliance.
NWA Beit Strangled Wrestling’s Greatest Friendship. U.S.A.: The Rock 'n' Roll Express vs. The Freebirds. Nov. 1989; Roddy Piper Pins Randy Savage ... And Moondogs.
Also; Piper-Armstrong, Hussein Arab, Bruno Also: Eddie Gilbert, Hogan-Orndorff, Mike Von Erich, Hulk Hogan Is Scared Stiff! Also; Mr. T & Von Erichs, Oct. 1992: British Bulldog & Ultimate Warrior: Why
Sammartino. Adonis & Ventura, Butch Reed. Mulligan-Bass. Garvin & Hayes, Fiair-T. Funk, Dustin-Steef Man, Sgt. They'll Be Crowned At SummerSlam. Also; Scotty
July 1982: Harley Race—His Destiny Is In The Hands Dec. 1986: Ric Flair’s NWA Title Reign: Last Chance Slaughter. Flamingo, Brian Lee, Martel-Tatanka, Steve Austin, Sting.
Of Tommy Rich. Also: Rick Steamboat. Chief Jay To Silence The Critics! Also: Nikita Koloff, Gilbert & Jan. 1990; The Hulk Hogan Book Of Lists. Also; Brian Nov. 1992: WWF Beware! it’s The Perfect Time For A
Strongbow, Buzz Sawyer, Ric Flair. Roddy Piper. Sting, Hogan-Piper, Abdullah-Adams, Nick Bockwinkel, Pillman, Rich-Luger, Tully & Am. P.Y. Chu-Hi, Greg Curt Hennig Comeback! Also; Crush. Butch Reed, Sting,
Nov. 1982: Clash Of The Titans—Backiund vs. Flair: Jan. 1987: Bobby Heenan’s Bitter Crusade To Destroy Gagne. Buddy Rogers, Dan Spivey.
Who’s Better? Also: Roddy Piper, Gagne & Brunzell, Hulk Hogan. Also: Borne & Sawyer, Garvins. Ted March 1990: Funk-Flair: “I Quit!—One War Ends, Two Jan. 1993: Sting Turns Sadistic: “Hurting Jake Makes
Putski & Snuka, Brian Blair, DiBiase, Misty Blue Simmes. More Begin. Also: Nikita Koloff. Survivor Series, Me Happy!” Also: Anderson & Eaton, Bushwhackers-
Dec. 1982: Morales vs. Snuka: Does Pedro Deserve To Feb. 1987: Tragedy Strikes Wrestling: Magnum T.A. Steiners. Hogan-Zeus, Jim Cornette. Moondogs, Ramon-Savage, Natural Disasters. Masa
Be Intercontinental Champion? Also: Bob Orton Jr., Needs Your Prayers Now More Than Ever. Also; April 1990: Hulk Hogan: A Decade Of Greatness. Also; Chono.
Kamala, Rich & Rhodes, Barry Windham, Ted DiBiase, Roberts-Steamboat, Crusher Yurkof, Terry Gordy, Luger-Flair, Woman, Piper-Heenan, Billy Travis. Badd Feb. 1993: WWF Champion Bret Hart; His Five Most
JYD-Bockwinkel, Oliver Humperdink, Wendell Cooley. Company. Dangerous Challenges. Also: Sgt, Slaughter. Steve
Feb. 1983: Exclusive Coverage: Nick Bockwinkel March 1987: Ivan & Khrushchev's Kremlin Orders: July 1990: My 10 Challenges To Ric Flair, By Lex Austin. Rick Steiner, Bob Backiund. Terry Taylor.
Regains The AWA Title From Otto Wanz. Also: Crush Nikita Koloffs Russian Revolution! Also; Barry Luger. Also: Lanny Poffo, Dusty-Savage, Luger-Flair, March 1993 (Special Edition): 1992—The Year In
Backiund-Graham, Rich-Sawyer, Barry Windham, Martel Windham, One Man Gang. Brian Adias, Savage- Doom, Tully Blanchard, Pictures. Also: Madusa-Paui E„ Curt Hennig, Davey Boy
& Garea, McDaniel & Piper, Kamala. Steamboat. Jimmy Snuka. Aug. 1990: Hogan-Warrior il; You Can Make It Smith, Jesse Ventura, Predictions For '93.
May 1983: What Will Happen When The Samoans June 1987: The Hart Foundation vs. The Can-Ams: Happen. Also: Eric Embry, Demolition, Doom, Larry April 1993 What’s In? What’s Out? Also; Razor Ramon,
Become Too Smart For Capt. Lou Albano? Also; Special Analysis Of This WWF Superfeud! Also; Nick Zbyszko. Rick Steamboat, Patriot. Tatanka, Brian Christopher.
Tommy Rich, Terry Allen, Eddie Gilbert, Kerry-Race. Bockwinkel, Paul Orndorff, Rhodes & Murdoch, Steve Sept. 1990: The Ultimate Warrior Wimps Out! Why He May 1993: Sumo Sadism: Will Yokozuna Make His
Ladd & Rhodes, Flair-Orndorff. Williams, Won't Wrestle Hulk Hogan. Also: Billy Jack Haynes, Lex Biggest Splash At WrestleMania? Also; Jim Cornette.
July 1983: Ric Flair: “I Wrestle The Men Backiund Is July 1987: Missy Hyatt: Will She Kiss And Tell In The Luger, Doom-Steiners, Tugboat, Kerry-Borne. Christopher-Jarrett, Benoit-Scorpio, Windham &
Afraid Of.” Also: Putski-Adonis, Kevin Sullivan, Bob WWF? Also: Chris Adams, Hart Foundation. Luger & Oct. 1990: Hulk Hogan vs. Earthquake: Exclusive Rhodes, Hennig-Luger.
Roop, Martel-Heenan, Horsemen. Nikita-Cornette, Stan Hansen. SummerSlam Preview & Analysis. Also: Ultimate Nov. 1993; Bret Hart vs. Lex Luger: It’s Not Over Yet!
Sept. 1983: Nick Bockwinkel Forces Hulk Hogan Into Sept. 1987: Independence Day! Also: Hennig- Warrior, Ric Flair, Tommy Rich, Tasmanian Devil, Chris Also: Rude-Dustin, Hulk Hogan, Marty Jannetty,
Exile; And Only The Fans Can Bring Him Back. Also: Bockwinkel, Hart Foundation, Koloffs, Bubba Rogers, Von Erich. Heavenly Bodies, Tatanka, Sherri Martel.
Briscos, Blackwell-Kerry-Race, Paul Ellering, Mulligan & Missy Hyatt. Feb. 1991: The Incredible “Halloween Havoc Hoax"! May 1994: Aftershocks! How The Royal Rumble Shook
Windham. Oct. 1987: The Honky Tonk Man Wins The Unraveling The Diabolical Plot. Also: Muta-Steamboat, Up WrestleMania. Also: Hulk Hogan, Boss, Douglas-
Nov. 1983: Target—Harley Race! Can Dusty Rhodes Intercontinental Title: Is Randy Savage The Fans’ Last Hogan-Hart, Ultimate Warrior, Cornette & Express, Sherri, Patriot, improve WCW.
Fulfill His American Dream A Third Time? Also: Rick Hope. Also: Kerry Von Erich, Ken Patera, Sting-Gilbert, Norman. July 1994: Ric Flair vs. Hulk Hogan; We Preview The
Rude, Rotundo-Kabuki, Gagne & Brunzell, Tito Santana, Horsemen-Freebirds, Zbyszko-Gagne. March 1991: Warning To The Ultimate Warrior: Roddy Inevitable Battle. Also; Dreamer-Snuka, Jim Crockett’s
Von Erichs-Freebirds- Dec. 1987: Hulk Hogan: Will He Be Drowned By The Piper Wants You! Also: Giibert-Jarrett, Cornette & WWN, Ted DiBiase, Shane Douglas, Terra Ryzing,
Dec. 1983: The Night The AWA World Title Was Stolen New Wave Of Challengers? Also: Hennig-Lawler, Express, Teddy Long. Survivor Series. Scott Norton, Aug. 1994: Bret’s Nightmare Team Becomes A
From Mil Mascaras. Also; Roddy Piper, Larry Zbyszko, Windham-Steiner, Flair-Williams, Brutus Beefcake. April 1991; Hulk Hogan: The Challenges That Remain. Reality: Owen Hart & Yokozuna. Also: Cactus-Vader,
Dino Bravo, Fabulous Ones, Garvin & Sunshine. Ronnie Garvin. Also: Ted DiBiase, Skyscrapers, Lex Luger, Tom Zenk, MOM, Rair-Badd, Nasty Boys. Luna Vachon.
March 1984: Is Tito Santana Trying To Blackmail The Jan. 1988: The Experts Agree: The Road Warriors Will Fabulous Ones. Sept. 1994 (Special Issue): WWF Midyear Report!
WWF? Also: Wayne & Sawyer, Hogan-Race, David Von Turn Bad In 1988! Also: Koloff-Taylor, Curt Hennig. May 1991: Only Hulk Hogan Can Rid The WWF Of The Also: Big Van Vader, Parker-Hoilywood Blonds. Sting-
Erich, Jesse Ventura. Duggan-DiBiase. Stench Of Sgt. Slaughter. Also: Ric Flair, Bobby Eaton. Rude. WWF legal problems. Prince Kharis. Bunkhouse-
July 1984: Tommy Rich is Back! And He Owes It All To Feb. 1988: Ric Flair Admits: “I’m Nothing Without The Sheik-Brazil, Power & Glory. Terry Funk. Rhodes, Public Enemy.
The Fans. Also: Valiant-Rhodes, Ric Flair. Mike Von NWA Belt!" Also: Kerry Von Erich, Jim Cornette, Hogan- June 1991: How Much Longer Can We Depend On Jan. 1995; Our Holiday Wish List For 1995. Also;
Erich, Billy Jack. Andre, Hennig-Lawler, Terry Taylor. Hulk Hogan? Also: Nasty Boys. Sting, Flair-Gigante, Johnny B. Badd. DiBiase-Tatanka, Bob Backiund. PG-13,
Aug. 1984: Garvin vs. Roberts: “Hands 0! Stone” March 1988: After Four Years As Champion ... Only Cactus Jack, Kevin Von Erich. Hacksaw Duggan.
Crushes “The Snake.” Also; Freebirds-Devastation Inc., Hulk Hogan Can Beat Hulk Hogan. Also: Warriors- July 1991: Can Ric Flair Shatter The “Myth” Ot March 1995 (Special Issue): 1994—The Year In
Sawyer-Sullivan, Lawler & Dillon, McDaniel-Race. Demolition, Steve Williams, Luger & Dillon, Calgary. Japanese Superiority? Also; Embry & Prichard, LOD- Pictures. Also: Sullivan-Hogan-Sullivan, WWF ’95-WWF
Nov. 1984: The $50,000 Full-Nelson Challenge Match: Terry Gordy. Nastys. Steiners, Savage & Elizabeth. '85, Ric Rair, MOM. 911.
Billy Jack Gets Bloody Revenge Against Superstar May 1988: Belt Or No Belt... Hulk Hogan Is Still The Aug. 1991; if Sgt. Slaughter Said "I’m Sorry" ... April 1995: imagine Wrestling Today If... Also: Gunn
Graham. Also: Roddy Piper. Heenan & Saito, Brody & People’s Champion! Also: Owen Hart, Tatum & Victory. Would Hulk And The World Forgive Him? Also; Luger- & Smothers. Harlem Heat, Money Inc., Lawler-Cornette.
Hansen, Kerry Von Erich. Scott Hall, Madusa Miceli, Luger-Am, Nikita, Hennig-Davey Boy, Lanny Poffo, Bam Bam May 1994: Aftershocks! How The Royal Rumble Shook
Dec. 1984; The Tully Blanchard-Rick Steamboat Feud: June 1988; How Sting’s War With Ric Flair Could Bigelow. Up WrestleMania. Also: Big Bossman, Sherri-Douglas,
Wilt Dusty Rhodes End It... Or Make it Worse? Also; Make Him A Horseman! Also; Bobby Heenan. Martel- Nov. 1991: Lex Luger Wins The Title—But Loses His Hulk Hogan, The Patriot.
Tito Santana, Martei-Atias, D. Funk. Mike Von Erich, Zenk, Kerry-Gordy, Ted DiBiase, Nikita Koloft. Fans. Also: Rick Steamboat, Roddy Piper, Global, July 1995: Hulk Hogan’s Contract With America. Also;
Williams-Taylor. Aug. 1988: World Tag Title Power Shift! Also: Diamond Studd. Lawler-Embry. Marty Jannetty, Brian Pillman, Lawrence Taylor, Bill
Jan. 1985: Kerry Von Erich: “I’ve Got Ric Flair’s NWA Windham & Luger, Demolition, Taylor-Freebirds, Paul Dec. 1991: Roddy Piper’s Exclusive Analysis: Flair vs. Dundee.
Title Within My Grasp.” Also: Albano & Lauper, Koloffs Ellering, Owen & Bret. Hogan—Who Will Win The Match Of The Century? Oct. 1995; President Backiund?! Also: Steiners, Austin
& Kernodle, Road Warriors, Lawler & Rude. Scott Oct. 1988: The Fantastics Declare: “We Will Not Also: Sting, 25 greatest teams, Beverly, Cactus Jack. & Pillman, Miss Texas, Gordon Solie.
McGhee. Share Our Fans With The Rock 'n' Roll Express!" Also: Jan. 1992: The LCD’s Championship Catastrophe: Nov. 1995: If Savage Can't Silence Flair, He’s
Feb. 1985: Greg Valentine Wins Tito Santana's Rhodes-Windham, Curt Hennig, Roberts-Rude, Overpowered By The Natural Disasters. Also: Johnny Through! Also: Jarrett-Ramon. Mabel, Hogan &
Intercontinental Title ... But Does He Deserve To Be Rougeaus, Jim Garvin. B. Badd, Mr. Hughes, Jake Roberts, Ronnie Gossett. Renegade, WWF legends roundtable.
Champion? Also: Ronnie Garvin, Warriors- Jan. 1989; The Horsemen Destroyed! The World Title Feb. 1992; Shocking WWF Report: McMahon Otters Winter 1995: Exclusive Preview: Sting vs. Hogan: This
 Time ll’s For Real! Also: Steiners, Yankem-Unclertaker, i Nov. 1998: Demons Be Damned! Sting Makes The Rank In 10 Crucial Categories. Also; Big Show, Tank what’s ahead in '03.
Bodies-Cornette, Arn Anderson. Giant See Red! Also: McMahon-Dude, Jarrett- Abbott, Too Cool, Rhodes-Dreamer, Jeff Jarrett. May 2003: A Permanent Replacement For The Rock?
May 1996: WWF In-Vader! Can Bret, Shawn, & Razor Blackman. Melanie Pillman, Rey Misterio Jr. Aug. 2000: We’re Con-VincedI This Attack Saved The Book It! Also: Smackdown, Joanie & Syxx-Pac, Raw
Play The Pain Game? Also: Public Enemy. Steve Dec. 1998 (Special Issue): WWF vs. WCW: Top 10 WWF! Also: Lex Luger, Radicals. Sandman & Rhino. report cards, Shawn Michaels, Victoria.
Austin, wrestling oddities, Kensuke Sasaki, Ric Flair. Faceoff! Also: ECW midyear report, Ric Flair, Kane. Cyrus. July 2003: In Tune With Steve Austin—A
June 1996 (Special Issue); Fear Of Height! How The Hoi. 1998: “Quit, Mick!" A Desperate Plea From A Sept. 2000 (Special Issue); WWF Mid-Year Report. Comprehensive Guide To Stone-Cold's Red-Hot
Giant Is Paralyzing Wrestling. Also: Shock ’n’ Distraught Wife. Also: Chris Jericho, Jason Sensation, Also: Mike Awesome. Nova & Chetti, Paul Wight, Comeback. Also: Kurt Angle. Amazing Red, The Sheik,
Wrestling, Razor Ramon, Brian Piilman, Konnan. wrestlers vs. celebrities, hardcore war. Chyna, Dr. Sam Sheppard. Bill DeMott, Al Snow. Ric Flair.
Sept. 1996 (Special Issue): WWF Midyear Report. Jan. 1999: Stone-Cold’s Personal Survivor Series. Oct. 2000: Is Chyna Robbing Eddie Of His Latino Sept. 2003: Goldberg's Golden Road To WWE. Also;
Also: Savio Vega, Sabu-Scorpio, Chris Benoit, Goldust. Also: Rock-HHH, NWA, Bret Hart, Howard Finkel. three- Heat? Also; Abbott-Steiner, Scotty Too Hotty, Rob Van Hardys, Chance Beckett, Kevin Nash, WrestleMania “B”
Olympians, Giant. way title matches. Dam, David Flair. card, Playboy-W^B.
Oct. 1996: Muscling Back To The Top: The Warrior Is Feb. 1999: Hot Rocks! The Anger That Drives Nov. 2000: Special Fear Issue—Rock-Benoit, Ric Nov. 2003: The Women Of Wrestling—Do We Expect
Ready To Rule Again. Also; Warriors & Sasaki-Sleiners Shamrock & The Rock. Also: McMahon-Austin, Spike Flair, HBK. Also: ECW mid-year report, Bill Goldberg. Too Much From Their Bodies? Also; A.J, Styles,
& Norton, Razor & Diesel, Mabel & Mo, Blue Meanie. Dudley, Eric Bischoff, Perry Saturn. Dec. 2000 (Special Issue): WWF vs. WCW: Top 10 Freddie Blassie, Goldberg, Stacy Keibler, evolution ol
Nov. 1996: Brian Pillman: Next WWF Champ! Also: March 1999 (Special Issue): 1998—The Year In Faceoff! Also: Goldberg-Triple-H. Daffney, Christian & wrestling.
Giant-Sting, Ray Stevens, Dick Murdoch, Cloudy. John Pictures. Also: Hall & Nash, Goldust, Mr. Ooh La La, Edge, Jeff Peterson. Jan. 2004: No Fear! Ask Angle ... He’s Never Been
Tenta, WCW shuffle. The Undertaker. (ALL-COLOR BEGINNING WITH THE JANUARY Hurl A Day In His Life! Also: Punk-Raven, Orton-
Dec. 1996 (Special Issue): WWF vs. WCW: Top 10 April 1999: Hogan’s Retirement: White House Or 2001 ISSUE) Guerrero-Rock. TNA vs, WWE. Mankind, Hall of Fame.
Faceoff! Also; Ahmed Johnson. Ric Flair, Mero & Sable, White Lie? Also: DDP-Hart, Taz-Douglas, Steve Austin, Jan. 2001: WWF Brat-titude! Does Steph Always Get March 2004: McMahon vs. McWoman; How Vince vs.
Goldust, Sandman. Mankind. Her Way? Not On Your Life! Also: Lance Storm, Mick Stephanie Nearly Ruined WWE! Also: Flair & Dusty, Eric
Holiday 1996; WCW Shocker Randy Savage Is Set To May 1999: Team Coverage: The NWO Reunion! Also; Foley, Goldberg, Steve Corino, Steve Blackman, Torrie Angle, Jeff Jarrett, Shannon Moore, what’s ahead in '04.
Join Hulk Hogan’s NWO! Also: Steve Austin, Michaels- Kane-McMahon, Dallas Page, Funk-Abdullah, WWF Wilson, May 2004: Who’s Got The Edge? The Inside Story Of
Goldust, Am Anderson, Van Dam-Sabu, Steve Williams. sideshow. March 2001: Triple-H & The Rock: 10 Reasons They The Raw-Smackdown Bidding War! Also; Brel Hart,
Jan. 1997: It Could Happen! Hogan’s Next Move ... June 1999 (Special Issue): Ric Flair: The 10 Feats He Should Trust Each Other... 10 Reasons They Should Sumie Sakai, Steiner-Stacy, Smackdown report cards.
Buy WCW! Also: Undertaker, New Jack, Owen-Bulldog, Must Accomplish Before He’s Through. Also: Rocky Not! Also: Scott Steiner, Chris Candido, Rob Van Dam, July 2004: Stop Right There! RVD Won’t Let The
Ted DiBiase. Maivia, Juventud Guerrera, Billy Gunn, body parts quiz McMahon-ECW, Steven Richards. WCW factions. Young Studs Pass Him By! Also: Jonny Fairplay,
Feb. 1997: Wrestling’s Top Stars: What 1997 Has In section. May 2001: Do Anything You Want, Stone-Cold; We Walters-Xavier, HHH-HBK,
Store For Them! Also: Michaels-Hart, Pit Bull I. Rey j July 1999: Our Bottom Line ... it’s High Time Austin Can’t Hate You. Also: Kronic, Rikishi, Steve Corino, Oct. 2004: Austin, Lesnar, Goldberg: We Know Who’ll
Misterio Jr. Kevin Nash. Shows McMahon Respect! Also: Jerry Lawler, Rey Goldberg, Edge & Christian, Kane, Be Back First. Also: A.J. Styles, Eugene, Rene Dupree,
July 1997: Infighting, Politics, Egos: Is The NWO Misterio Jr.. Ken Shamrock. ODP-Bigelow-Goldberg. July 2001: Jerichoholics Beware! Serious Withdrawal mid-year report.
Losing Its Edge? Also: WWF-ECW, Dean Malenko, Aug. 1999: This Man Is Pure Evil! Trust Hogan And Symptoms Are In Store! Also: Tajiri, Steph-Test, Jan. 2005; Evolving Beyond Evolution; It's Time For
Super 8 tourney, Jerry Lawler. He'll Take You To Hell! Plus: Owen Hart, Vader, Sable. Undertaker, Mike Awesome, WCW Elite, Albert. Randy Orton To Be A Man! Also: Rey Misterio Jr.,
Nov. 1997: 10-Year Grudge! Lex Luger’s Career Sept. 1999 (Special Issue): WWF Midyear Report. Sept. 2001: The Rock’s Choice: Honor Over Glory! Kane-Lita, Ron Killings, La Resistance, Eugene-
Ruined By J.J. Dillon? Also: Shawn-Bret, Jeff Jarrett, Also: DDP-Sting, Douglas-Credible, Big Show- Also: WrestleMania X-Seven. Undertaker-Triple-H, Helmsley, Trish-Victoria, Kurt Angle. WWE mid-carders.
Hunter Hears! Helmsley. Dreamer-Raven, Dan Severn. McMahons, Disco Inferno, Keirn & Lane. Shane-WCW, TCL ll. Scott Hall, Vince McMahon, Chris April 2005: PPV Revolution: How Taboo Tuesday &
Dec. 1997 (Special Issue): WWF vs. WCW; Top 10 Oct. 1999: Shawn Michaels’ Game Of Corporate Jericho. Victory Road Changed Wrestling Forever. Also: Eddie
Faceoff! Also; Guerreros. Taz, Syxx, Paul Bearer, Brian Chess! Are The McMahons His Pawns? Also: Steiners, Nov. 2001: Goldberg! Da Man Who Could Make Or Guerrero, Jushin Liger, Edge-Benoit, Kane-Snitsky, TNA
Christopher. Billy Gunn, Savage & George. Break Wrestling! Also; Dudleys, Steve Corino, Chris vs. ROH, Heyman & Heidenreich, Charlie Haas, WWE
Hoi. 1997: First Owen... Then 'Taker... Then Hogan: Nov. 1999: Austin’s New Powers: Shag Vince? Yeah, Benoit, Dusty Rhodes, Lila, WWF top tier. pink slips.
Who’s Gonna Go Next? Also: Steve Austin. Bret Hart, Baby! Also: Arn-Sid, Hardy Boys, Ernest Miller, Naoya Jan. 2002; Can The Rock Handle The Unrelenting June 2005: Chokehold On America: Have Hassan &
Lex Luger, Ric Flair, Dean Malenko. Ogawa. Pressure Of Fame? Also: RVD, Paul Heyman, Terry Daivari Pul Us In A No-Win Situation? Also: Sabu,
April 1998: “We’ve Won!’’ Maybe ... But Can The Dec. 1999 (Special Issue): WWF vs. WCW: Top 10 Gordy, Flash-Jericho, Tajiri-Tazz, VWVF-Alliance Edge, Shelton Benjamin, ECW, report cards.
NWO Handle Its Own Success? Also: Ken Shamrock, Faceoff! Also: ECW midyear report, David & Ric Flair, March 2002: Outsiders Looking In! Hall & Nash Take Oct. 2005: Big Fish Trish: Will She Drown In Her Little
Steiners-Warriors, Douglas & Francine, Rocky Maivia. Test & Stephanie. Aim At The WWF! Also; Ivory, Austin-Angle, Christian- Pond? Also; Guerrero & Misterio, Matt Hardy. Batista,
May 1998: Mike Tyson: Stepping Info Wrestling Hell! Hoi. 1999: Before The WWF Can Sell... Read What Edge, what's ahead in '02. mid-year report,
Also; Bischoff-Bret-Zbyszko, Meng & Barbarian. Hunter They Had To Tell! Also; Kanyon, Big Show, Spike & May 2002: Ric Flair; 10 Reasons He Terrifies Vince Dec. 2005; Brand New Mattitude! But Will Hardy’s
Hearst Helmsley, ECWA ladder match. Mahoney-Axl & New Jack, Kevin Nash. McMahon. Also: Undertaker, Jeff Hardy, Survivor Rage Consume His Career? Also: Abyss. WWE cuts,
June 1998; Hollywood Hogan: 10 More Dirty Deeds \ Jan. 2000: An Insider’s Analysis: Why The Guys Can’t Series, S.A.T., report cards. Shelton Benjamin, Chris Masters, book of bad.
... And Then He’s Outta Here! Also: DeGeneration X, Handle Chyna. Also; Revolution, ECW expansion, July 2002; Hail The NWO ... But Don’t Forget The N- BACK ISSUES OF
Jim Cornette, Randy Savage, yesterday and today. Guerrero & Misterio, WWF/WCW/ECW women. W-Woes! Also: Edge. Billy & Chuck, Leviathon, Jericho- THE WRESTLER/INSIDE WRESTLING SPECIAL
July 1998; Death Wish! Costing Hogan The Title Isn’t Feb. 2000: When Will Mankind Finally Tell The Rock Flair, Goldust, Vol. 4, 2006: Stop Stalling, We Demand Batista vs.
Enough For The Macho Man; What's Next? Also: Ric ... “Put A Sock In It’’? Also: Goldberg, Chris Jericho, Sept. 2002: What’s Left? Hulk Hogan’s Five Lesnar. Also: WWE (X) Wrestlers & TNA,
Flair, Headbangers-Rock ’n’ Rolls, Chris Chetti, Mero & Sabu, Harlem Heat. Remaining Tasks. Also: Steve Austin, Kurt Angle. Rey Batista/Lesnar, Angle/Michaels, Harris/Storm, The
Sable. Apr. 2000: Can The WWF Survive Without Steve Misterio Jr„ Jeff Peterson, WWF draft. McMahons, Kobashi/Samoa Joe.
Aug. 1998: We Stand Behind Ya, Vince! ll’s Time To Austin? Also; Dawn Marie-Francine, Meng, Big Show, Nov. 2002: Who’s Next? The Stars That Could Vol. 6, 2006: Raw vs. Smackdown; The Ultimate
Fire Austin. Also: Luna-Sable. Randy Savage. Dean Madusa. Replace Stone-Cold. Also: Torrie Wilson, Davey Boy WrestleMania! Also: TNA Talent Raid, Benoit/Booker T,
Malenko. Super 8 tourney. May 2000: StePHONY: Tlie Most Mistrusted McMahon Smith, Ken Shamrock, Funk-Abclullah-Rhodes-Sullivan, Michaels/McMahon. Ric Flair, Randy Orton/Bob Orton,
Sept. 1998 (Special Issue): WWF Midyear Report. Of All! Also: Harlem Heat & Midnight. David & Ric Flair, ● WWE shockers, indy roulette, Vol. 8, 2006: Mob Hit! It's Time For Us To Stop
Also: Nash-Hogan, Rocky Maivia, Bill Goldberg, Antonio Kurt Angle, Rhino. Jan. 2003: War Games! WWE Is Out Of Control ... Ganging Up On Cena! Also; Davey Richards. Monty
Inoki. June 2000 (Special Issue); The Rock: No. 1 On The And Vinnie Mac Loves 11! Also: Rey Misterio Jr., A.J. Brown, WrestleMania 22, X division.
Oct. 1998: The Mother Of All Pay-Per-Views! A WWF- Jabroni Hit List! Also: Awesome-Van Dam, Kurt Angle, Styles. Rikishi-Gangrel, The Rock. Christian. Vol. 10, 2006: Edged Out! When Will Llta Dump This
WCW Supercard Is No Longer Just Talk! Also; Sable, Vampiro, federation jumpers, book of .lists. March 2003: The WrestleMania XIX We Want To See! Jerk? Also: Jarrett & Steiner, The Great Khali, Armando
Undertaker. Randy Savage, Sabu & Van Dam. July 2000: Tori/Torrie, What’s The Story? How They Also: Terry Funk, Rey Misterio Jr.. Nidia, NWA-TNA, & Umaga, Young Lions Cup IV. ECW,
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 a

N C E R E L Y

YOURS
Umaga carry the belt, but at least Umaga is
an actual wrestler who fought through the
Raw roster to win the championship. When
Mareila won the l-C title in Milan, Italy, on
Raw, he was a spectator who accepted a
challenge made by Mr. McMahon. And he
only won because Bobby Lashley interfered in
the no-DQ match and literally held Mareila on
top of Umaga until the three-count. Yeah,
Umaga cheats for his wins, too, but Istill wish
Umaga would win back the title, because
even though the Italian fans loved seeing
Mareila beat Umaga, Icringed at the loss.
EPHRAM JOHNSON
Buffalo, NY

A BETTER WM 23
Iwas very pleased with WrestleMania
23. ithought it was an extremely entertain
ing PPV and a great reason not to do
I homework. But Ican think of just a few
:M things that could have been better. First, I
^ can understand why WWE would spread
~ out the big matches over the card, but
^ what Ican’t understand is why Batista vs.
Now that MTV has canceled Wrestling Society X, its stars have lost their largest platform. Undertaker
wasn’t the main event This
Reader Jose Cornier blames MTV, stating that it did not properly promote the program. ,,,,,,, ,
Perhaps alternative networks such as Fuse or Versus would do WSX justice. match had the hype and the emotion. While I
was watching it, Ifelt like Iwas in Ford
MTV KILLED THE WSX STARS Field. It entranced the entire crowd. Not only were there
Props on the article Mike Quackenbush did on better pyrotechnics preceding the match, but there were
Wrestling Society X (“From Bell To Bell,” The also plenty of fireworks during the bout, including plenty
Wrestler/Inside Wrestling, Volume 14, 2007). I heard of high-impact moves that bordered on the acrobatic.
that the promotion had so much potential as a company, Most importantly, this match had the most on the line.
but it would have been better suited for the Fuse The Undertaker’s streak against Batista’s Smackdown
Network. I have nothing against the talent or the show World title was a lot more important than having the Raw
itself. It’s the network! MTV had no idea how to promote World tag team champs fighting each other.
it. Iwatched the show, and it featured some of the best Second, Ididn’t see the point of having a women’s
talent this side of WWE and TNA, with names such as title match. The entrances lasted longer than the bout. It
Vampiro, New Jack, Teddy Hart, Kaos, 6-Pac, Youth was a great chance to take a toilet break. Yes, there
Suicide, Matt Ciassic, Matt Sydal, and Scorpio Sky. It was heat between Melina and Ashley, but having the
could have been the best promotion ever. Unfortunately, more talented Divas around the ring and not even being
it didn’t win over the MTV crowd, which is a shame. used was a joke.
JOSE CORNIER Third, various awards shows often include touching
Lowell, MA pieces that highlight notable personalities who have
passed away during the preceding year. Sadly, it is get
THE ITALIAN JOB ting to the point that many of the people who laid the
Please tell me Santino Mareila isn’t going to keep the groundwork for this great business are leaving us. I
Intercontinental title. Don’t get me wrong; Ihated seeing think that an event like WrestleMania would be a very

[ I N S I D E W R E S T L I N G / T H E WRESTLER]
SEwp.LETT.!RS TO: SINCERELY YOURS
P.O. BOX 1148, FORT WASHINGTON, PA 19034
OR E-MAIL LETTERS TO [email protected]

fitting piace for WWE to honor these men and women.

Also, I know they are injured at the moment, but I
believe that it would have been great to see Triple-H and
Rey Mysterio Jr. at the show, especially Triple-H
because his partner and friend, Shawn Michaels, was in
the main event. After looking at what Ihave written, it
may seem as if I disapproved of WrestleMania this year,
but that is not the case. It was polished and a pretty
sweet show.
MIKE ANDERSON
Auckland, New Zealand

CHRISTIAN’S DEATH WISH

I recently switched from WWE to TNA, which is the
best thing I have done since switching from white to
whole wheat bread. But Ithink Christian Cage might
have lost his mind. The way he treats Abyss is uncon
scionable, and Abyss could destroy Cage if he broke free i
from the control of James Mitchell (who is also asking
for it). With all of these guys treating Abyss like a soul
less killing machine, Iam waiting for the day that Abyss
becomes Chris Parks again and teams with Sting to get
revenge on his oppressors. And when that day comes.
I'll be rooting for the “Man-Monster” and laughing at
Christian Cage for being so stupid.
Christian Cage should beware the wrath of Chris Parks. Sting has been calling
LUKE McFADDEN
for Abyss’ alter-ego to reemerge from his tragic past, and if “The Stinger” is
Schwenksville, PA □ successful, Cage may regret his current treatment of the “Man-Monster.”

Stanley Weston Founder CONTRIBUTING EDITOR CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS PRESIDI

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The Wrestler/lnside Wrestling (ISSN: 1052-0899), Vol. 16, 2007, is published bi-monthiy. with additional issues in March and September, by London Publishing Co.. 6198 Butier Pike, Suite 200, Blue Bell, PA 19422. Penodicals postage paid at Blue
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Printed in U.S.A.

[INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER

 M A K I N
J
NAMES
NEWS
BY HARRY BURKETT

WE HAS TAKEN action against Randy longer suspension than Rob Van Dam, who, three months
Orton for unprofessional conduct.” That’s later, sewed a 30-day suspension after being arrested for
a sentence that wrestling fans have heard drug possession.
before. This time around, WWE has been rather vague That, of course, begs the question: How much
regarding the nature of Orton’s infraction and the type of longer will WWE tolerate Orton’s rock ’n’ roll lifestyle?
punishment he is facing. While Orton was still set to partici Orton had been warned several times before his sus
pate in a four-way main event at Backlash as of press time, pension last year, and WWE decelerated his push con
it seemed likely that WWE would suspend him indefinitely siderably In 2006. WWE might have outright released
following that pay-per-view. Orton, If not for the fear that he would head to TNA at
WWE abruptly sent Orton home in the midst of its the first opportunity.
European tour in April. Orton already has a reputation for “There are only so many second chances to go around,
partying excessively, and sources suggest that the third- and It would be a damn shame to see any young talent self-
generation star’s behavior spun out of control during the destruct and permanently damage their careers because of
tour. One year earlier, in April 2006, WWE had suspended utilizing poor judgment,” commented Jim Ross on jrsbar-
Orton for 60 days for similar reasons. In fact, Orton served a bq.com. “Randy Is a talented and good-hearted kid, but he
has to make better choices, especially when It
comes to anger issues. In my opinion. If Randy
decides to change how he approaches certain situa
h tions, he can be successful In doing so, which
■
ifiJjj:: ^
i J would. In turn, extend his career Into one of the
-V I
1^
longer, more successful ones In the business. I
speak from experience that ‘attitude’ starts and
ends with the person one sees in the mirror.”
It was only recently that WWE management had
gained enough trust In Orton to make him a singles
act again and positioned him for a top feud with on-
again, off-again partner Edge. WWE was forced to
cancel the Orton-Edge match scheduled for the April
23 edition of Raw.
And that caused another controversy. Originally,
WWE posted a questionable statement on its web
site to explain why the Orton-Edge match didn’t
take place. According to wwe.com, “Although other
matches were scheduled for the night, including a
contest pitting Edge against Randy Orton, the length
of the main event left no room for other battles.”
There’s no doubt that the WrestleManIa rematch—
Raw World champion John Cena vs. Shawn
Michaels—was. In some ways, better than the
original. But longtime fans realize that WWE pro
gramming is much better synchronized than that—
and Raw rarely runs out of time for key matches.
The following day, WWE posted the statement
admitting that it had taken action against Orton.
The entire incident has no doubt damaged
Orton’s career prospects ... and, to a certain extent,
WWE’s credibility.
 ■ ■ ■
RANDY ORTON: T H I R D - G E N E R A T I O N TROUBLEMAKER
j
‘●5
s
L
m
>
f &
i
w
’■■■if

'H-
sional wrestling, you make contact with the punches. You
never do in a movie.”
Austin said he doesn’t mind being typecast as an action
hero, but admitted that co-star Madeline West inspired his
unlikeiy interest in one particular skill; crying on cue. “I was
sitting in my trailer eating and Madeline was sitting on the
couch, reading it through with me. And then, all of a sud
uy den, she just starts crying; all these tears start running out
V of her eyes and I’m thinking. All right. I’m out of my league.
She’s pretty good.”
The movie also features famed soccer player Vinnie
Jones and Australian wrestler Nathan Jones, most famous
for his 2002-03 stint in WWE.
■/
%■. Although WWE Films’ first three releases haven’t been
particularly strong at the box office, the first two movies—
”-jii See No Ew/and The /War/ne—generated strong DVD sales,
enough to make them financially viable for the company.
The Condemned is expected to do just as well or better.
Overall, WWE’s financial outlook is quite good, thanks in
large part to WrestleMania.
According to WWE, WrestleMania 23 earned $5.38-mil-
lion in ticket sales, making it the company's highest-gross
ing one-day event of all-time. Total figures for 'Mania 23
haven’t been released yet, but it is expected to be the fourth
consecutive WrestleMania to earn over a million pay-per-
view buys. Currently, the highest-grossing WWE pay-per-
view in history is WrestleMania XX ($22.8-million), followed
by WrestleMania 21 ($21.8-million), WrestleMania X-7
($20-million), WrestleMania 22 ($18.8-million), and
WrestleMania X-8 ($16.8-million).
WWE Chairman Vince McMahon told Multichannel
iVews that it was worth losing his hair to Donald Trump to
help make ’Mania 23 a successful event. “I may be bald,
but I’m beautiful, which is more than Ican say for Donald.
Seriously, working with Donald was great. We took two of
the best-known brands in the world, WWE and Trump, and
combined them in an interesting, entertaining way, elevat
ing both brands as a result. People ask me If going bald was
worth it, and it definitely was.”
Deep South Wrestling hasn’t fared so well, however.
Condemned to typecasting?
Less than two years since WWE designated Deep South
Just as Orton was wondering if he was a condemned as a developmental territory, officials have decided to
man. The Condemned premiered in theaters across the U.S. pull the talent program from the Georgia-based promo
on April 27. It is the first major leading role for Steve tion, essentially putting it out of business. The Miz, Vito,
Austin, who portrays Jack Conrad, a special agent who and Bradley Jay had been among its heavyweight
finds himself on death row in a Central American jail champions since its inception.
because of a botched drug bust. Conrad gets a chance at Understandably, DSW owner Jody Hamilton (The
freedom when a television producer chooses him to join Assassin) was devastated by the news. “Since WWE has
nine other condemned killers in a battle of survival on a shut DSW down, I have experienced some of the most
deserted island. emotional situations that I have ever been involved in,
In an interview with The Boston Herald, Austin explained from emotional farewells with some of the DSW talent to
the differences between the movie’s fight scenes and pro answering emotional questions from fans who were
wrestling. “The guys are very technical and taking my deeply hurt by this. Ihave no answers for the fans. For the
loose, brawling wrestling style [was a challenge]. That was talent involved, Ican say from the bottom of my heart that
a little frustrating because I’m not a technical guy. In profes- Ilove you very much.”

INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER]

 Scott Steiner, A.J. Styles, and Abyss against Kurt Angle,
Rhino, Samoa Joe, Sting, and Jeff Jarrett—saved the
pay-per-view. There were several highlights, including
Rhino goring Tomko through the cage door. Angle pushing
4—^ Styles off the roof of the structure, and Jarrett waffling
Abyss with a tack-filled guitar. But, instead of making the
i pinfall, and thereby earning a shot at NWA champ Cage at
the next PPV, Jarrett generously allowed Sting to pin Abyss
and secure the title shot.
5. V In the other “Six Sides Of Steel” matches at Lockdown,
Christopher Daniels defeated Jerry Lynn ... Senshi
-ia Zi pinned Austin Starr, and, surprisingly, special referee Bob
Backlund made a fair three-count... Gail Kim defeated
—iA'
Jackie Moore after flattening her with a leap from the top of
the cage ... Bobby Roode pinned Petey Williams ... X
division champion Chris Sabin escaped the cage to win an
“Ultimate Xscape” match also involving Sonjay Dutt, Jay
Lethal, Shark Boy, and Alex Shelley ... Voodoo Kin
Mafia defeated Serotonin.
a News from the International Wrestling Cartel: Dominic
DeNucci (with Bruno Sammartino in his corner) beat Larry
< ,

V4.-‘ Zbyszko (with Lord Zoltan in his corner) in the main event
of the IWC’s recent legends show in Franklin, Pennsylvania
... Some fans were surprised to see longtime Northeast
Should Sting trust Jarrett?
wrestler King Kaluha honored along with Sammartino,
TNA’s Lockdown garnered pretty much the same reac DeNucci, Zbyszko, Ivan Putski, Tito Santana, Greg
tion as its other pay-per-views of late. Some of It was very Valentine, and other famous names at the show. According
bad, while some of it was very good. Let’s start with the fun to promoter Norm Connors, “For years, Iwatched Kaluha
stuff: the bad. James Storm, who smashed a beer bottle in
the eye of Chris Harris several months ago, finally faced his
longtime America’s Most Wanted partner. To make it fair,
officials made it a “Blindfold” match, with both men’s eyes
covered throughout. Storm and Harris would have probably
preferred an “Earplug” match as chants of “Fire Russo!”
and “We want wrestling!” dogged them throughout the
bout, which ended when Storm snatched off his hood and
hit Harris with a superkick to score the tainted victory.
“Fire Russo” chants resumed when The Latin
American Exchange defended the NWA World tag team
title against Team 3D in an electrified “Six Sides Of Steel”
match. A loud humming noise, supposedly from the elec
tricity surging through the structure, was distracting to the
live audience and viewers at home. There were times
when wrestlers touched the fence and nothing happened,
and other times—in the cases of Brother Devon and
Homicide—that the participants experienced electric
shock. In fact. Homicide received the most electrifying
jolt, shaking violently and then falling to the mat before
Brothers Ray and Devon finished him off with a 3D. The
bizarre gimmickry took away from the fact that Team 3D
had captured the NWA World tag team belts, making the
former WWE, ECW, and WCW World tag team champs the
most decorated in history.
Fortunately, the “Lethal Lockdown” main event-pitting
NWA World champion Christian Cage, Travis Tomko, King Kaluha is a legend, too!
 ● ● ’'1
WLS^A_N_A_LJgLS_I_S_
UffSl

-e

Is WWE’s “blue-chipper” feeling too much pres¬ on ICW television and for a very short stint
sure as a third-generation star, following in the footsteps of grandfather Bob Orton Sr. on the AWA show on ESPN, and King
ami father Bob Orton Jr.? I don’t think that’s the reason, considering that Randy has always impressed me with his strong abil
already won a world title, something that neither Bob achieved despite their many years ity ... To me, since he has been a huge
in the business. Instead, I think this is a case of WWE pushing the wrong someone too staple of Northeast wrestling for many,
^ hard too soon. many years, he deserved to be in the ring
Vince McMahon readily admits that he with those legends”... Ricky Reyes has
didn’t mind losing his hair at WresUeMania 23, just as long as it helped generate millions proven to be a dominant IWC champion,
fer WWE. In fact, McMahon goes on to say that Donald Trump is a great guy. You have to recently vanquishing Larry Sweeney.
give Vinnie Mac credit when it’s due: He single-handedly carried the feud against Trump This ’n’ tliat: Cody Rhodes won a
and Bobby Lashley, and was willing to lose his hair. Now that’s the corporate spirit! “Run For The Roses” gauntlet match to
1 tjlWhvltf Why would TNA Creative earn an OVW heavyweight title shot at
think that James Storm and Chris Harris could pull off a blindfold match at Lockdown? a time of his choosing. Ohio Valley
Does anyone remember the Jake Roberts-Rick Martel debacle at WrestleMania VII? And champion Aaron Stevens was not
what about the electrified “Six Sides Of Steel” match between LAX and Team 3D? Does happy with the news—and neither
anyone remember Abdullah the Butcher being put in an electric chair at Halloween was Rhodes’ tag team partner, TV
Havoc? Egad! - champ Shawn Spears ... TNA has
I can’t believe that Larry Zbyszko and Bruno Sammartino are suspended Austin Starr for 90 days
still feuding in 2007. Sammailino stood by his friend, Dominic DeNucci, who beat Zbyszko for undisclosed reasons. This is the
at a recent IWC show. Why can’t Bruno forgive his ex-protege? After all, Zbyszko has second suspension for Starr, who,
shown signs of integrity in recent years. I want to see Bruno in Zbyszko’s comer someday. along with tag team partner Roderick
Come on, “Brune,” if you can forgive Larry, then maybe you can forgive Vince. Strong, was suspended for 60 days
nfisitl /JlgltjfewaiahliW I know, l know. Why should I expect honesty last year... King Booker is recovering
in the wrestling business? Wouldn’t honesty threaten its very premise? Well, there from several injuries, including a
are the kinds of lies that fans expect, and then there are delusions of grandeur that sprain and contusion of his neck and a
are beyond ridiculous. Psycho Cybil’s lies border on the psychotic. On the bright sprained elbow. Booker also under
side, Cybil says that she has found a new life as a Christian. Is she not familiar went surgery to remove a bone frag
with the Ninth Commandment? ment in his knee, which had caused a
torn meniscus. He is expected to
return to action by mid-summer... Longtime Northeast
indy wrestler “Luscious” Johnny Graham recently
celebrated his 20th year in the business at a Pro
Wrestling Entertainment show in New Bloomfield,
Pennsylvania ... Brent Albright scored a stunning vic
tory over Homicide. That should dramatically improve
his chances of getting a shot at Ring of Honor champi
on Takeshi Morishima ... Joey Mercury, recently
released from WWE, kicked off his indy comeback tour
with a win over Alex Shelley at a Maryland
Championship Wrestling show in Bel Air, Maryland.
From the Psychotic Diva Dept.: Do you remember
Jami Papakalodoukas-Miiliron? If you followed the
Midwest indy scene in the 1990s, you may remember
her as Psycho Cybil. During an interview with
Montana’s Great Falls Tribune, the wrestler-turned-
tattooist made several outrageous claims such as: An
opponent once nailed her pierced tongue to a turn-
buckle. She could benchpress 420 pounds and leglift
1,170 pounds in her prime. Fabulous Moolah once
made her run with thumbtacks in her boots to make
her light on her feet. She was trained on raw meat
and cigarettes. She was worth $18.5-million at the
height of her career.
This lady made millions in the wrestling business
Starr; Back in the penalty box and managed to slip into virtual anonymity. Amazing! □

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ll other trademarks, logos, and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.© 2007 World Wrestling Entertainment; Inc. All Rights Reserved.
© Figures Toy Company 2007 “
 ■
■

THU B S

Thumbs Up to Jeff Jarrett. This one’s hard for even us to swallow, but Jarrett stepped up
when TNA needed him most. No, we don’t mean by disappearing from TNA television for nearly
six months. When Team Angle needed someone to fill the final roster spot for TNA’s Lockdown
main event, the driving force behind the promotion dutifully joined the group of fan favorites with
the hope of gaining a shot at the NWA World title. Whatever his motivations are, it’s actually nice
to see Jarrett return to the six-sided ring. Seriously. Now, let’s make sure Jarrett’s motives
remain pure before crowning him the latest in a long line of TNA saviors.

Thumbs Up to The Undertaker. It was a long

time coming for “The Dead Man,” and what bet
ter stage tor The Undertaker to end his world
championship drought than at the event he has
dominated for nearly two decades—
WrestleMania. WWE’s “Phenom” last held world
championship gold in 2002. What has ’Taker done since that time? How
about improve his physique, add more mixed martial arts ground attack to
his already impressive repertoire, and upstage nearly every opponent he’s
stepped into the ring to face? In short, the man was a “Phenom” before his
history-making performance in Detroit, and now he’s solidified his place in
wrestling history as a bona fide legend.

Thumbs Up to C.M. Punk. The up-and-coming ECW star suddenly went into a nasty siump in
early-2007, but when it seemed bleakest. Punk stepped up his game, qualified for the “Money In
The Bank” ladder match at WrestleMania 23, and nearly walked away with the guaranteed worid
titie shot. Ken Kennedy might have won the bout, but Punk undoubtedly stole the show. The for
mer OVW heavyweight champion had 80,000-plus fans believing that he was once again back to
his early ECW form. And just when it seemed he
was about to earn a “thumbs down” for joining
the New Breed, he now appears to be playing
mind games with them. Way to go. Punk!

Thumbs Up to Jeff Hardy. When Jeff Hardy

made his surprise return to WWE as part of the
Raw roster in August 2006, few assumed he
would have enjoyed such success during his comeback. Since then, Hardy
has captured the Intercontinental strap and, most recently, one-half of the
Raw World tag team title with his brother. Matt. Of course, we would be
remiss if we failed to mention perhaps Hardy’s most memorable moment
since returning to WWE: his amazing ieap from the heavens of Ford Field
onto Edge at WrestleMania 23. The daredevil fell like a psychotic angel onto
the former Raw World champion.

16 [INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER]

 THUMBS
DOWN
Thumbs Down to Shawn Michaels. Despite his penchant for crotch
IPH chops, Michaeis is generally considered one of Raw’s true sportsmen. He
respects the sport, knows his place in the company, and continualiy strives
|D8 tohisimprove his game to stay competitive in a young man’s world. That’s why
reaction to iosing his match to Raw Worid champion John Cena at
mi WrestleMania 23 is so perplexing. ‘The Showstopper” not oniy refused to
hH shake Gena’s hand after their epic battle, but he also took the opportunity
the foilowing night to caii out the Raw Worid
mil champion. Michaeis biatantly stated that the
m champ was “not the better man.” We expected
more class from the four-time former worid
champion.

Thumbs Down to Christian Cage. Why aren’t

TNA fans chanting for Cage to “get your hat, get your coat, and ieave,” as they did to Jeff Jarrett?
if Cage continues his current course, it’s oniy a matter of time before that happens. Cage avoids
every chalienge and cheats in every match. Even worse, he has promised NWA titie shots to
everyone wiiiing to do his bidding, inciuding Scott Steiner, Travis Tomko, A.J. Styies, and Abyss.
Those promises have turned out to be lies, as none has received an NWA World title shot as of
press time. What will Cage do when these mercenaries become deadly enemies?

Thumbs Down to Kane. Now, we generally will not give anyone a

“thumbs down” for simply losing a match. Stiil, with the eyes of the
wrestiing worid squarely on his match with The Great Khali at WrestieMania
23, Kane had a chance to hand the monster from india his first defeat in
WWE. Unfortunateiy, Kane came up short. Looking uninspired and more
concerned with not iosing than actualiy winning
the match, Kane played into Khaii’s intimidation
game. Khali, who bareiy moved from the center
of the ring, dominated their bout at Ford Field. In
the end, fans were left wondering whether Jacob
Goodnight would’ve fared better.

Thumbs Down to Brother Ray. At first.

Brother Ray’s persistent ciaim that he and Brother Devon would win the NWA World tag team
straps was admirable, as was his promise to win the titie “the right way” by working their way up
the ladder of contention. Aiong the way, though. Brother Ray—the team’s unofficiai
spokesman—began to compiain. Team 3D had severai opportunities to beat LAX, but could not.
Finally, Team 3D beat LAX for the Worid tag team title in an eiectrified “Six Sides Of Steei” match
at Lockdown. Homicide was eiectrocuted on the iive fence, making him easy prey for the 3D. Is
this Brother Ray’s idea of winning “the right way”?

[ I
 t^iia'« sQ*'« M'* « ● a»a |i'4i'K'» »« aa
m s'ao* »●»«●● ●‘a'li'af ■ »ii ■ ■ a¥ r'a

T H
is

WITH DAVE LENKER

I
T WAS SEVEN years ago that we first featured Kurt Samoa Joe, Christian Cage, Abyss, and A.J. Styies. idon’t
Angle on the cover of one of our magazines. It was a think TNA President Dixie Carter, Jeff Jarrett, or Angie him-
somewhat bold move at the time, as Angle wasn’t yet seif envisioned him being on par with Abyss (no offense,
a top star in the WWE (he wasn’t yet bald, either). But he big feiiow) when he signed iast faii, not when Angie was
was rising fast and really connecting with fans who loved to teiiing any media outiet that wouid have him that TNA was
hate his dopey, clueless, arrogant character and his insis the piace to be for a wrestier, that its TV ratings were going
tence that he be treated as the Olympic hero that he really to shoot up, that WWE was vuinerabie, yada yada yada.
was after winning a gold medal in the Atlanta Games. Perhaps we can give Angie some of the credit for
The vignettes hyping his eventual appearance on WWE boosting TNA’s average rating from just under 1.0 to just
TV were pure comedic gold. Even bolder than our decision above 1.0, but idoubt Vince McMahon is iosing any of the
to put him on the cover of the July 2000 issue of Inside reportediy iittie sieep he needs each night worrying about
Wrestling was the accompanying headline that insisted: that. Perhaps Angie’s presence on Impact each week buys
“It’s True! Kurt Angle Will Be Hotter Than The Rock.” TNA a iittie more good faith with Spike TV executives, who
Seven years later, it’s safe for me to declare that the see the promotion moving in the right direction and are
prediction never came true ... and never will. wiiiing to stick with it. Let’s not overiook such intangibles.
That’s right, Kurt Angle will never be a leading man in Yet Ican’t help but feel that Angle is merely blending in
Hollywood. Actually, that isn’t what Imeant at all. Angle and that Christian is making just as big an impact, and not
will never reach the heights The Rock did when he was a just because he’s won the NWA World title, whereas of
wrestler. Granted, so very few ever have. But Igot to won mid-April, Angie hadn’t.
dering why he hasn’t as Imade my first trip to the Impact Blame some of this on booking if you must. Angle vs.
Zone in Orlando in more Samoa Joe seemed like the
Special Issue! Extra Pages! Bonus Color Section!
than three months over the logical dream match when
Easter weekend.
m I Angle signed with TNA. But
What got me to ponder with things moving at the
3 1^
iaai
that broader issue was a speed of a speeding Russo in
quick flip through my newly ^
printed copy of PWl's 2007 m Orlando, that feud didn’t get to
simmer for a few months, then
Wrestling Almanac & Book .#1 get brought to a full-on boil for
Of Facts. Angle is one of iB
a few more before being
i<..
five wrestlers on the cover served to hungry fans in the
of that publication. His Iff I
form of the first lockup
%\ i.
release from WWE and sub- ^ between the two. No, we got
the microwaved version. Still
sequent signing by TNA
was also deemed by our flavorful, but a great meal
staff to be the top story in always seems to taste better
wrestling in 2006.
That was a huge story
t
y when the aroma has been
wafting in from the kitchen for
last September. By April If ■’ ■■■i a while first. I believe the word
2007, I’m sorry, but it just you’re searching for here,
doesn’t seem to be. His first Vinny Ru, is anticipation.
July 2000
six months in TNA in a In all fairness, it can be

1 dif icult to book a big-name

♦ Jericho
word? How does “under /top STARS\.Triple-H
whelming” grab you? |/ answer V DPP star fresh off a long run in a
Wt personal f> Kimberly
Just as he was for much ■ \ miESHONSl >●»Hardys
Vj.. rX ●ManyMore!
rival promotion. Book him
of his run in WWE, Angle is too strongly and you risk
“one of the top stars” for so our cover story for the July 2000 issue of Inside sacrificing homegrown stars
Wrestling was a bit off target. But our prediction was warranted.
TNA. He’s “one of the top Angle had the potential, charisma, and the skiiis to be bigger in whom you’ve invested a
stars” alongside Sting, than 2000’s biggest name. lot of time and money. You

18 [INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER]

also indirectly tell fans that your
stars aren’t as good as the rival’s
stars. Book him too weakly and,
well, why did you sign him in the
first place? (See Goldberg in WWE
for a good example.)
In any sense, we got a nice Angle
vs. Joe series, but it never felt like a
dream match, there was no clear-cut
winner in the feud, and neither came
out of it the better for having gone
through the experience. In fact, Joe
no longer seems like TNA’s young
megastar in the making. He’s merely
“one of the top stars.” Where have 1
heard that before?
Perhaps we can trace this back
to WWE’s booking of Angle. Maybe
WWE was smart in its reluctance
to push Angle as its number-one
star for an extended period of
time. Or, to turn things around,
maybe it has something to do with
the fact that WWE could never
decide which persona fit Angle
best; cowardly but funny heel,
badass heel, funny fan favorite, or
serious/badass fan favorite. As a
result, he switched back, forth,
around, over, to the side, and back
again so many damn times that
fans just weren’t sure whether to
embrace him or how to embrace
him. Maybe he's been unable to People expected Angie to be the saving grace of TNA, but the Olympian has been listed on par with
, ,, . other top names in TNA, making Angle simply “one of” TNA’s brightest stars, along with Samoa
recover rrom tnat. (/Aggie's pictured opponent).
Maybe we can explain this in an
even simpler fashion by conceding that it’s just so incredibly Maybe we won’t see another top-top-top star in any
difficult to be the caliber of Steve Austin, The Rock, or Hulk wrestling promotion for another 10 or 20 years.
Hogan, all stars that became bigger than the sport itself and Kurt Angle clearly can still be a huge asset to TNA for
made the sport bigger than it had been in a long time. many years to come. Let’s all hope his health allows him to
Maybe so many of the stars in the universe have to align do that. Maybe TNA has bigger, better plans for him that
properly for that to happen, and no matter what Angle does, haven’t been unveiled yet. (Heck, Austin was a bust as The
it just isn’t going to happen for him. Maybe he just isn’t the Ringmaster in WWE when he first arrived, but he adjusted
right fit for that kind of role for TNA at this time. Editor-in- rather well.) TNA management had better hope it gets more
Chief Harry Burkett told me that he believes Rob Van Dam out of him than it has gotten thus far. If Angle doesn’t
would be a better fit and would make a bigger impact for become a more important player in TNA in the next year or
TNA right now than Angle has or will. I’m not sure Ican dis so, we might rightfully be able to call him a bust—and that
agree with that. wouldn’t bode very well for TNA’s future. □

[INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER] 19

 K R E W -
BY FRANK KREWDA

WONT LIE. Ihave mixed feelings about the role of most certainly have the right to criticize the product. We

I the Internet In our industry. For fans, it’s a vehicie

that brings them closer to the business. For
reporters, it’s an invaluable research tool. But it’s also
try to appeal to as many readers as possible, but can
we satisfy all our readers all the time? Of course not.
Flowever, whether or not certain staffers here
a fountain of misinformation. actually exist isn’t a matter of opinion. Yet this topic
That’s because the price of an internet connection seems to draw the most inane postings in chatrooms
not only gives users access to the World Wide Web, it and discussion forums.
gives them license to “publish” the most factually For example, “What PWl needs is more Mike Quack-
bereft and morally bankrupt garbage you’ll ever enbush and less Frank Krewda (is he even a real per
encounter. Any opinion or observation can sail directly son?)” More Quack? Fine. Mike’s a nice guy and a good
from the “author’s” mind through cyberspace unen writer with an inside perspective on wrestling. Less
cumbered by fact-checking, spell-checking, or even Frank? Well, I’d humbly disagree. So I’m not this read
common courtesy. er’s cup of tea. That’s okay, too. But am Ieven real?
Still, every now and then, Icome across a post The person who asked this question must’ve come
that's so ridiculously off-base, it borders on laugh across an unrelated post that lumps me in with all of
able. More often than not, these posts concern what our other “fake” PWl writers, past and present:
happens (or doesn’t happen) at this company. Brandi Mankiewicz, Dave Lenker, Will Welsh, and
Before Ioffer some examples, let me be clear here: Dave Rosenbaum.
My comments are directed at factual inaccuracies, not Why fight the truth? Everybody who goes online
opinions. Every publication has its supporters and knows me and my fake co-workers were really the
detractors. If you pay for a subscription or an issue, you dreamchildren of one well-known, former employer
who owned, operated, wrote, and
produced the various titles we’ve
published throughout the years all
vd by
The reality: Anyone who’s
read this column over the past
five years would be Inclined to
believe those members of the
staff were not only real, but vital
contributors to this family of
■ magazines.
I The truth isn’t hard to find.
I Since “Krew-Cuts” first appeared
I in PWl, I’ve revealed my home-
I town and state, my wife’s name,
my dogs’ names, even the brand
" of cigar Ismoke. I’ve taken social
: and political stands too complex
f for any ghostwriter to espouse,
i Plus, anyone who truly doubted
my existence could’ve found me
\ at dozens of ECW, WWE, NWA,
%
and WCW shows in New Jersey
and Pennsylvania over the past
Need proof that our publications aren’t written by a staff of phantom writers and editors? Just ask Paul seven years. Even a simple
Heyman, who granted this exclusive interview to Frank Krewda (the man attached to the hand holding Google search WOUld’ve provided
the tape recorder) for the February 2000 issue of Pro Wrestling Illustrated, if his inquisitor exists. proof that, at the very least, I

SIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER]

exist. The same goes for
Dave, Brandi, and Will.
The truth is even easier
to find when you empioy
some common sense.

Think about it: If we

employed just one mega
editor ali these years i.
instead of a full staff,
how’d we get so close to
the precipice of so-cailed
financiai doom? After ail,
with so many phantom
editors on the payroll, sav
ing money obviously
wouldn’t be a problem.
It must be our Internet rumors sparked from comments made by Howard Stern caused Hulk Hogan to hit the streets in 2007 to
dispute that his 23-year marriage to wife Linda is anything other than blissful.
approach to covering the
sport. Judging from the online experts, we’re so out of Usually, the attacks are rife with foul language and
touch, we’re just one poor-selling issue away from sexual references, both of which are dead giveaways
total collapse, just as we’ve been for the past 35 that the poster lacks perspective, intelligence, and,
years. Yet, we manage to skirt failure time and again. I most of all, the facts. Most times, moral and physical
don’t know how such a collection of non-existent cowards who don’t deserve anybody’s time or attention
hacks pulls it off. fire the arrows from behind the shield of a username.
For my money, though, the most hilarious crap So what’s the point of all this bellyaching? is it to
come from posters who presume to shed some iight prove that I’m real?
on our work processes—as if they have any idea of No, I honestly couldn’t care less if readers believe
what putting out an issue entails. that or not. Is it to defend my company’s editorial phi
Want to know why the “PWl 500” ranking turned losophy? No, the company doesn’t need me for that.
out the way it did? Don’t ask us, we’re ail fakes. If you Our record speaks for itself. The point is that fans who
want the truth, simply log on to the wrestling chat site form their opinions based on web postings should
du Jour. There’s no shortage of Monday morning quar think twice before sharing the “info” with others.
terbacks who can teii you not only how we botched it, Of course, that’s not to suggest that sound
but why we botched it. Honest to God, if i had the time wrestling reportage can’t be found online. The number
and space, i’d give you the “PWl 500” ranking of fac of reputable wrestling journalists with an online pres
tually deficient criticisms. ence are too numerous to list in this space. They serve
Yes, some of the stuff spewed on the ’Net is a joke. a necessary function in this industry. My colleagues
But, too often, the joke isn’t funny. I’ve seen co-work and Iuse these sources for info on a regular basis.
ers and wrestlers dragged through the cyber-mud with Also, Idon’t wish to give the impression that print
blistering ad hominem attacks that have no basis in media such as The Wrestler/Inside Wrestling and its
professional wrestling or reaiity. sister publications have a monopoly on credible
The iatest online buzz questions the sexuaiity of wrestling information. However, unlike many undocu
one popular WWE female. Hulk Hogan has had to mented and unnamed online posters who adopt an
embark on a publicity tour to refute rumors that he authoritative posture, legitimate editors adhere to a
and his wife, Linda, are divorcing. Is there any ques high journalistic standard and code of conduct.
tion where these rumors came from in the first place? Then again, there probably are plenty of Jason
The most infuriating aspect of this scourge is the Blairs masquerading as credible journalists at respect
anonymity with which the rumors are perpetrated. ed publications from coast to coast. □

[INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER] 21

 THE

INSIDER 1

(The opinions expressed in “The insider” are those of geared events to round out the week, but there was
Brandi Mankiewicz aione and do not necessariiy reflect one event that occurred without fanfare'—but was
the opinions of anyone else on the staff of this magazine.) most deserving of applause: Colt Cabana signed his
WWE contract.

w
RESTLEMANIA WEEKEND IS always a If you’re reading this and are wondering how that
magical time in this business. This year, tops my list of WrestleMania moments for this year,
though, was more magical than others. then you’ve never seen Cabana wrestle. Actually,
Sure, there were a bunch of matches, oodles of fan- “experienced” is a better verb than “seen.”
Colt Cabana has been a standout on the
independent circuit for years now. It’s almost
an unwritten rule: There are the elite few and
then there’s everyone else. He’s one of the
elite. For too long now, he’s been the
unsigned elite. Every other indy standout has
either signed their name to a TNA contract or
has already flunked out of WWE. Cabana’s
been sitting quietly on the edge of stardom
just waiting for his chance. It’s about damn
time that he gets his chance to cash a big
paycheck.
I’ve been watching Cabana’s career for
years now, since his start in the Chicago area.
At first glance, he was much bigger than the
average skinny, flippy wannabe. He was also
much more skilled, even at the basics. More
than size made Colt stand out, though; it was
also his personality. He has that intangible “it”
factor about which I often preach. Hell,
Cabana has “IT”—in capital letters and tons
of exclamation points.
The road to Cabana’s signing hasn’t been
easy. He’s paid his dues a thousand times
over, only to be told to pay them again. He’s a
modern-day Al Snow, minus the disembodied
head. As he watched his Second City Saint
partners C.M. Punk and Ace Steel get con
tracts, he had to be asking “What about me?”
I knew I was. Thankfully, Vince finally got
around to answering that question with a
“C’mon board, son.”
There’s one thing that has kept Cabana in
the forefront, propelling him to elite status on
the independent scene: his fun-loving style.
Sure, Cabana can wrestle circles around his
opponents. Hell, he often does both figurative-
Since his June 18,1999, professional debut, Colt Cabana has proven himself repeatedly, |y gnd physically Despite hiS encyclopedic
primarily in Ring of Honor. Most recently, Cabana took the name “Matt Classic” to com
pete for the now-canceled Wrestling Society X on MTV. But his struggle for mainstream knowledge of holds, takedown maneuvers.
recognition may soon be over. Cabana signed a WWE contract on WrestleMania weekend, and the like, it’s hiS quirky personality that

Lf
22 [INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER]
 BY BRANDI MANKIEWICZ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

gets him noticed the most. 0

Who else could dance his way to the F
ring to the strains of “Copa Cabana” and
get taken seriously for his avoidance of -j
seriousness? Comedy is his forte. Dancing
is his passion. Making sure everyone gets
entertained is his utmost ambition.
Colt Cabana has done it all, which
should be looked upon with approval by the
powers-that-be at WWE. Cabana has
already dressed up in a fairy outfit, as a
hotdog, as one of The Undertaker’s Druids,
and God knows what else. The thing is, too,
that he didn’t do any of those things just
because he lost a bet. He did them because
he wanted to make the fans take notice—
and laugh. It’s a little reminder that
wrestling shouldn’t be taken too seriously.
I always admired that about Colt. He
understood that as a wrestler, it’s his job to
make sure the fans get their money’s
worth, whether it be through comedy or a
hardfought match. Either way, he could
deliver and he could change the direction
of a match from serious to seriously funny
with a simple suplex. It’s all in his charis
ma. He’s like Dusty Rhodes—without the
splotch, gut, polka dots, plumbing heritage,
lisp, and Baby Doll, eeefyewww will.
In my opinion, Colt’s greatest work in
progress was his rise in ROH. While he
wasn’t always taken seriously, he should while Colt cabana captures the attention of the crowd with his comedic presence and
have been ROH fans have always consid- tiancing, he impresses them with his technical prowess. Here, former ROH tag team cham-
^ pionship partner C.M. Punk experiences just how serious the usuaily funny Cabana can be.
ered themselves to be the “serious
wrestling fans” who spend their off nights debating Luckily for him, so did the fans in Europe. Several
which puroresu wrestler had a better open palm whirlwind tours of England, Germany, etc. solidified
strike. Looking back, these fans must have been him as one of the best wrestlers in the worid and a
dumbstruck by Cabana’s flippant styie. Of course, tour of Japan was the icing on the cake. With that
ROH fans had already been shamed by their cult sugary layer, he was at the top.
clapping for The Christopher Street Connection, but Now, here’s the ball of creamy vanilla ice cream
they were supposed to be laughed at and taken as to accompany the cake: a WWE contract. It’s valida
comedy. All of a sudden, these fans were confronted tion that despite taking a really winding road to the
with a serious wrestler—who didn’t act serious. To big show, Coit Cabana’s unique style definitely has
top it ail off, he hosted his own segment for ROH its place in wrestling. What would it be like to see
called “Good Times, Great Memories.” uber-serious Triple-H face off against Cabana? I
It might have taken awhile, but once the usually hope we get the chance to find out. I’m sure it’d be
stoic ROH fans realized it was okay to laugh, cry, and the most entertaining match we’ve seen in years.
show emotion, they became enamored with Cabana. Congrats, Colt. □

[INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER] ' 23

 I
-■■I-'r-
● «Ti M K «n M
>
■^■■
- H
(>-

'm

BLIND-

I BY HARRY BURKETT

w
HAT’S WRONG WITH Bobby Lashley? He has the past six months, has been ranked between number two
reigned as ECW champion for six months. and number five in pwi-oniine.com’s weekly ratings. Our
During that time, he has survived challenges family of magazines doesn’t recognize the ECW heavy
from ECW stars such as The Big Show, Hardcore Holly, weight belt as a world title, but Iwould put Lashley’s cham
Elijah Burke, and even Rob Van Dam. He has successfully pionship record against those of world champions Gena,
defended the title against Raw’s Kenny Dykstra and Undertaker, or NWA champ Christian Cage.
Smackdown’s Ken Kennedy. Representing Donald Trump, Again, Iask you: What’s wrong with Bobby Lashley?
he emerged victorious in WrestleMania 23’s “Battle Of The Lashley is just as WWE describes him: soft-spoken and
Billionaires” and was responsible for perhaps the most hard-hitting. His 273-pound, power-packed frame is freak
memorable sight in the history of WrestleMania: the head¬ ish in its proportions. Aside from his enormous cranial cavi
shaving of Vincent Kennedy McMahon. ty, his traps, deltoids, abs, and quads are more than ade
Those are some mighty impressive accomplishments. quate. His pecs are impeccable. And no one can call him a
So, what’s wrong with Bobby Lashley? “slug” in the ring. This guy is no Mark Henry. His spear is
After The Royal Rumble, when The Undertaker was more impressive than Bill Goldberg’s. His military press-
given the task of deciding which champion to face at slam is more impressive than The Ultimate Warrior’s. His
WrestleMania, Vince McMahon commented that ECW dominator is more impressive than Ron Simmons’.
champion Lashley might have been even more dangerous Damn.'What’s wrong with Bobby Lashley?
than Raw World champion John Cena or then-Smackdown If Lashley’s pro wrestling achievements aren’t good
World champion Batista. enough for you, then consider his exemplary athletic and
I’m inclined to agree. Lashley has beaten challengers military background. He won three national amateur
from all three brands, soundly defeated then- wrestling championships between 1996 and 1998 and
intercontinental champion Umaga at WrestleMania, and, for placed fourth in 1995. He was the NAIA national wrestling
champion in 1997 and ’98. He
continued to wrestle in the U.S.
Army, where he became a two-
time Armed Forces champion
and a silver medalist at the
Conseil International du Sport
Militaire World championships.
In plain English, Iask you:
What’s wrong with Bobby
Lashley?
The criticism among the
Internet crowd boils down to
three words: He can’t talk.
If we listed Lashley’s pros and
cons on a piece of paper, most of
those same people would agree
with at least 20 of his positive
attributes. But, to the critics, it
seems that Lashley’s perceived
lack of mike skills is enough rea
son for WWE to pull back on his
considerable push. They say that
Vince McMahon pulled off a mir
acle by taking his verbal con-
ECW champion Bobby Lashley, seconding Donald Trump, stares down Vince McMahon, Umaga, and , . ,. ... . . . ,

Armando Alejandro Estrada during the March 12 contract signing for the “Battle Of The Billionaires.” irontations WItn Lasniey ano
I/Vho can fault Lashley for looking out of place in this circus? making them work.

WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER]
 ^1

Ithink this is siliy. I'm sure Lashley can talk. I’ve heard
him string words into sentences on television. Ibet he can
recite the alphabet, read bedtime stories aloud, and even
order pizza over the phone. And, oh, yeah, I’ve heard
Lashley criticized for his slightly effeminate voice.
Ever hear of Mike Tyson? Or Gorgeous George? Or
m
Chyna?
Some fans and pundits have suggested ways to hide
Lashley’s supposed defect. He could take on a manager to
be his mouthpiece. He could return to his heel roots and, as
he did during his run as “Blaster” Lashley in Ohio Valley,
growl and yell during his promos.
Or WWE could get rid of him altogether.
All of these seem like extreme measures to correct
something that may not necessarily be a problem. 1think
Lashley Is a throwback to the kind of fan favorite that the old
WWF pushed in the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s. You know, the
guys who always ended their interviews by saying, “I do all
my talkin’ in the ring.”
Bruno Sammartino gave excellent promos—straightfor
ward, heartfelt, and never over the top. Pedro Morales spoke
calmly in English for about 30 seconds, and then proceeded
to give an emotional Spanish version, which would take
about three minutes. Bob Backlund always mumbled some
thing about doing his best, and 1think we could safely
assume he was talking about his next WWF title defense.
Who says that every wrestling star has to have the fire
and brimstone of Rev. Billy Graham or the cool-cat rap of
“Superstar” Billy Graham? What’s wrong with a main-even-
ter being hard-hitting and soft-spoken? Has humility
i
become passe? And why can’t a wrestler sound like a guy
who lives next door? ^

If athletes were judged by their promos, Barry Bonds What’s wrong with Bobby Lashley? Harry Burkett thinks that much of the
wouldn’t have been given the chance to chase Hank Aaron’s “smart” criticism of the ECW champ is unfounded and doesn’t think any
thing is wrong with Lashiey. There should still be room for strong, silent
all-time homerun mark, and Joe Montana wouldn’t have types in pro wrestling.
been a three-time Super Bowl MVP. Wayne Gretzky might
have been the “Great One,” but when did he ever end an Deadly,” or “Arrive. Stay Quiet. Leave.”
Interview with an “alalalalalowwwW’7 When was the last If anything, Ithink Lashiey’s quiet persona will catch
time that NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick gave a rip-snorting on with the fans., Iwon’t forget how he countered Paul
promo, even after winning the Daytona 500? And how can Heyman’s verbal assaults with sheer physicality. Or how
Nicolay Valuev consider himself a self-respecting Russian his easy smile overshadowed Mr. McMahon’s vile out
boxer? When’s the last time he bad-mouthed America? bursts. Or how he suavely introduced Santino Marella,
Idon’t understand how we became so wrapped up in whom he helped win the Intercontinental title from
promo ability being a prerequisite for a wrestler to Umaga, in Milan, Italy.
become a main-eventer. Lashley should tackle this issue It’s a shame if there is no room in wrestling’s top tier for
head-on, perhaps by tweaking his critics at the same an unassuming, genuinely nice guy. It would be an even
time. Maybe there should be some Lashley T-shirts that sadder commentary if fans turned against him because of it.
read, “I’m A Wrestler, Not A Talker Silent But What is wrong with Bobby Lashley? Absolutely nothing.n

[INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER] 25

 ■

O N
A S S I G

s
ORRY, I DIDN’T get to travel overseas this year to It’s the whole reason we watched \NW Challenge,
cover WWE’s big International tour. In the past, I’ve Superstars, Spotlight, All-American Wrestling, and Prime
tried to attend a number of the promotion’s European Time Wrestling in the ’80s. That’s not even taking into
shows because of their wonderfully exotic flavor, it’s of the account WCW Saturday Night, Power Hour, and Main Event
utmost importance to the future of the wrestling industry ... Prior to the big wrestling boom of the late-1990s that saw
At least that’s what Itell Stu Saks. Something tells me major matches given away every week, the business usual
that simply saying “Pay to fly me to Italy so Ican sightsee” ly presented lackluster televised matchups before that time.
won’t get a great response. A typical wrestling morning show would feature guys such
This year, though, Igenuinely wished Iwere there for as Big Bossman, Razor Ramon, Lex Luger, Giant Gonzales,
the wrestling. Why? Two words: Santino Marella. and Rick Rude facing Riki Ataki, Dale/Dusty Wolfe, The
Maybe I’m an old softie, but when Santino stepped Gambler, Joey Maggs, and others. On the rare chance you
from the crowd and defeated the “Samoan Bulldozer” were lucky enough to catch an episode with a “main event”
Umaga for the Intercontinental title, I went nuts. Ijumped scheduled, it was usually something like Jim Powers vs.
up out of my chair and screamed so loudly that it scared Virgil or Greg Valentine vs. Hercules Hernandez. Nothing
my cats. With all apologies to them, there was little else I earth-shattering.
could do. I’ve always been a fan of upsets, and nothing So why did we watch all those years? For the upsets. It
makes me as excited about being a wrestling fan as an was for the rare times that none would lose out to slim
out-of-nowhere win. when it came to the underdog’s chances. Typically called
“squash” matches, these bouts between well-known
names and unknown names had predictable endings. Of
course, the world-class star is going to beat the 180-
pound mullet guy in flowery tights. It’s obvious. You
expect it. However, the few times it didn’t happen made
us all cheer big time.
Take, for example, Sean Waltman. Years before becom
ing X-Pac or Syxx-Pac ... or any Pac for that matter,
Waltman was The Lightning Kid. He had some good match
es with Jerry Lynn in the GWF. He embraced a style that
most American fans knew only from Japanese tapes. He
had a ton of skill. The problem? He was the size of Shaggy
from Scooby-Doo. That became a problem in the WWF and
remained a problem for a few weeks.
Waltman debuted on flaw and used a number of differ
ent monikers. He was The Cannonball Kid and The Kid,
just to name a few. The funny part? He still had “L. Kid”
emblazoned on his ring attire. Anyway, the real moment of
truth for Kid occurred on an episode of WWF’s Monday
night flagship back in 1993. In one of the industry’s
biggest upsets ever, Waltman pinned Razor Ramon. The
crowd went insane.
It was a huge moment and one that Iwill never forget.
When Icalled Waltman for a comment after the victory, he
put it to me like this: “I always knew Ihad a chance, Liz. If I
didn’t, then why would Ihave agreed to wrestle him?”
That made sense. You never really think along
those lines. Why are these guys here if they don’t think
Wrestling fans are always aroused by upsets. Sean Waltman’s win over
Razor Ramon in 1993 after only three weeks on WWF programming made they can win? Why would they sign the contract and
“The Kid” a household name, despite his less than impressive physique. continue wrestling for years despite constant defeats?

26 [INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER]

 BY LIZ HUNTER

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After Italian Santino Marella accepted Vince McMahon’s challenge to face Intercontinental champion Umaga for his title,
the Milan fans welcomed his shocking win. Waltman’s upset of Ramon made his career; what will become of Marella?

There has to be an inkling of hope that the next match “character development,” the Jewish star went on to use
can be the big one. “Hava Nagila” as his theme song and wear a pocket pro
Waltman had been with the WWF for only about three tector during promos. To each his own, Isuppose. You’d
weeks when his big victory came out of nowhere. Barry think that after years of trying to get a win, he would
Horowitz’ situation was different, however. Horowitz had have had a better marketing campaign ready when it
been with the company since a year before God’s parents finally happened.
were born. Fans had seen him in his sparkly suspenders There are lots of other stories like these. P.J. Walker
patting himself on the back (guided by a handprint on the scored an upset victory over Ted DiBiase years before
rear of his vest). What they hadn’t seen, though, was a becoming Justin Credible. A win like that had to boost his
Horowitz victory. That changed when he faced Bodydonna confidence. Had it not been for that, he might never have
Skip, a.k.a. the late Chris Candido. become ECW World champion.
Along with Tammy Sytch (Sunny), Candido was preach So, hats off to you, Santino Marella. You not only scored
ing the importance of exercise. During his contest against an upset, but you got a title to boot. You’ve made the fans in
Horowitz, who had never won a match on WWF television, Italy (and all over the world) proud. Now you have to follow it
Candido stopped to do some push-ups. It was the biggest up. The upset only takes you so far. Will you be a memo
mistake he could have made. The wily back-patting veteran rable champion, worthy of being listed alongside names like
rolled him up and scored a three-count. The fans, Sytch, Pat Patterson, Rick Steamboat, and Bret Hart? Or will you
and, of course, Candido, were all stunned. end up with a pocket protector? it’s your call. I, for one,
It was a big moment for Horowitz, who used the win can’t wait to see where Marella’s career is headed now.

to springboard into pay-per-view appearances for the Hopefully, it'll head to Europe. That way, Stu Saks can
first time ever. In keeping with the WWF’s stereotypical pay for me to go cover it. □

[INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER] 27

 BELL

BELL
(Editor’s note: Mike Quackenbush, who has held numerous titles in the United States and
beyond, files reports on the life of an independent wrestler seeking to make an impact on the
business. In this issue, he raves about the advantages of recent Internet capabilities such as pod
casting and free advertising.)
rr

BOUT A YEAR ago, while considering various

A
yt-.

Shi ^ v":
t
options for airing wrestling through locai
cable outlets, my best friend off-handedly
dropped a phrase Ihad never before heard. He ranted
endlessly about the way “video podcasts” were chang
ing the playing fieid in the entertainment industry, and i
had to believe him ... after all, he’d spent the past 10
years working in broadcasting.
Truth be toid, I reaiiy had no other alternatives.
Exploring video podcasting made sense for a few rea
sons, first and foremost being budget. Since being
assigned the task of pursuing broadcast options for the
company iheiped found, CHIKARA, virtually every path
Iexplored was a dead end. Those that weren’t dead
ends were charging fees that dwarfed our annual oper
ating budget. Small-market television exposure, which
was once quite common amongst American indepen
dent groups, has been victimized by inflating produc
tion costs and all manner of related fees.
4.:

Now, some 14 months later. I’ve hosted over 60

video podcasts, and the whole experience seems
rather routine to me. But perhaps, like it once was to
me, this podcast business is entirely new to you. Fear
not, loyal reader, Iam happy to explain.
A podcast, simply put, is a media file that may con
tain just audio information (like a radio show) or both
audio and video (like a television program). Podcasts
can be found by the score online—at everywhere from
iTunes to YouTube. Since many sites host podcasts for
free, creating them has proven to be an inexpensive
method of expressing oneself, or in my case, helping to
promote a company or cause.
Ignorant as I am of such things, Ihad to seek out
someone rather expert in the field to show me the way.
To aid me in my endeavor, Isought out the crew of the
most downloaded wrestling podcast. The Smart
Wrestling Fan Wrestling Review Show, hosted by two
fellows known simply as Wiggly and Joe.
Wiggly attends our CHIKARA events rather regular
CHIKARA’s decision to create podcasts of its shows has ailowed relative unknowns,
such as Soldier Ant (ieft) and Fire Ant (right), to gain recognition beyond the ly, and his knowledge of video technology and familiari
CHiKARA ring. ty with key podcast outlets meant there was probably

28 [INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER]

 BY MIKE QUACKENBUSH

pie that watch World Wrestling

ME. Entertainment are unaware of Total
Nonstop Action, Some that watch
OFFICIAL TNA WRESTLING PODCAST ' TNA may not even know what Ring
XCW (TEXAS) WRESTLING PODCAST : of Honor is. (Coincidentally, ROH has
CHIKARA PODCAST-A-GO-GO an online program called Video Wire.)
SMART WRESTLING FAN WRESTLING REVIEW SHOW Imagine then, the uphill battle a tiny
PRO WRESTLING BLOG WITH LEX LUTHOR company like CHIKARA has, a group
THE MINORITY REPORT/WRESTLING NEWS eclipsed by the aforementioned pro
PRO WRESTLING TORCH PODCAST WITH WADE KELLER motions. Thanks to a few cam
FIGURE FOUR DAILY PODCAST corders and digital editing equip
INDEED WRESTLING WEEKLY ment, a small but dedicated group of
ROCKETBUSTA RADIO WRESTLING TALK people can create a means of intro
PRO WRESTLING RADIO WITH ERIC GARGUILO ducing their corner of the wrestling
world to fans everywhere.
no better person suited to help me create a video podcast of The do-it-yourself trend of the digital age is gradually
my own. I’ve been a professional wrestler for half my life, presenting new, cutting-edge ways for the independents
and I’ve been watching wrestling programs a bit longer than to make a global footprint. Television diminished the value
that. Iknew exactly what Iwanted to create if Iwere going of radio, and, now, the Internet has done the same to tele
to present a program to both our most loyal fans and poten vision. The advent of the Information Age, with everything
tial new viewers. Thankfully, Isurrounded myself with peo from video podcasting to free advertising via MySpace,
ple talented enough to realize all of it. has opened a new world of opportunity for aspiring inde
On March 17, 2006, we released the first installment of pendent groups to find their audience.
CHiKARA Podcast-A-Go-Go or\ an unsuspecting world. It has
become a Monday night tradition for us ever since, unleash
ing a new video podcast every week, made up of clips from
CHIKARA shows and discussion of our upcoming events. In
effect, we’ve created something akin to the local cable
wrestling shows of yesteryear, but with worldwide availabili
ty. Plus, unlike cable television, our podcast is available 24
hours a day, 7 days a week, and it’s always free.
These video podcasts average around 10 minutes in
length, a good size for downloading, and not so long as to
bore our fans (or so Ikeep telling myself). Every week, we’re
seen around the world by thousands of viewers, and, in my
mind, it’s probably one of the smartest moves we’ve made
as promoters of an independent wrestling company. For the
stars of CHIKARA, especially developing talent such as Fire
Ant and Soldier Ant of The Colony, or the high-flying Jigsaw,
this podcast has brought their performances to a global
audience that might otherwise never see them, and helped
turn them into bigger stars. When international guests grace
our ring (and later our podcasts), our international viewer-
ship skyrockets, as the drawing power of El Pantera (from
Mexico) or KUDO (from Japan) helps bring new fans on
The limited funds of smali independent promotions are grateful to free adver
board with our program. tising offered by websites like MySpace. Such sites aliow fans of more
Survival on the independents in 2007 is really just a estabiished names (such as Japanese star KUDO) to learn about local shows
game of exposure and awareness. By and large, the peo- featuring their favorites, thus raising attendance.

[INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER] 29

 PLAIN

SPEAKING
DETROIT, MI: Over the past few years, the WWE leaving the people who knew them wondering if there
Hall of Fame induction ceremony has been one of my wasn’t anything we could have done to help protect
favorite parts of the much-ballyhooed WrestleMania them from themselves. HCurt and Eddie were second-
weekend. It’s nice to reconnect with some old, familiar and third-generation wrestlers who knew how to throw
faces—guys like Afa, Sika, Mr. Fuji, Don Muraco, and a dropkick before they knew how to kiss a girl. I
Nick Bockwinkel. They’re class acts, one and all. remember meeting Curt when he was about 14, wait
HThat being said, the past two Hall of Fame induction ing for his father, Larry, to finish talking to a chain
ceremonies have left me with a slightly queasy feeling smoking scribe who bore a striking resemblance to
somewhere in the pit of my stomach. Last year, we yours truly. “Matt, this is Curt, my pride and joy,” Larry
remembered Eddie Guerrero. This year, it was Curt beamed. Iasked the lanky, sandy-haired kid standing
Hennig. Both men died decades before their time, in front of me if he planned on following in his dad’s

■fotsep.“Maybe,”h said
shyly. That’s right, “Mr.
Perfect” used to be a shy,
< gawky teenager. It was just
a few years later when he
‘f started his wrestling career,
and, just a few years after
that, he upset Jerry Lawler
for the AWA World title.
HEddie and Curt were gifted
wrestlers and good men,
but I hope the young kids
starting out today are wise
enough to avoid the mis
takes they made. USpeak-
ing of Lawler, he gave me a
\ weird smile tonight and said
he had a big surprise for
me. Strange.

DETROIT, MI: I don’t

know how Vince McMahon
does it, but WWE seems to
find new ways to outdo
itself every year for Wres
tleMania. Ford Field was
packed for the second-
largest WrestleMania audi
ence ever, 80,000-strong,
and your man. Matt Brock,
was high up in the nose
bleeds that are usually
occupied only by fruit bats
and Bob Decker. Not great
seats for a wrestling re
porter with failing eyesight.
You know you’re in trouble
Mr. Fuji & Don Muraco at the HOF when you can’t tell C.M.

30 [INSIDE W R E S T L N G / T H E WRESTLER]
 WITH MATT BROCK

Punk from Finlay, though Isuppose it’s

not as bad as being unable to differenti¬
ate between Umaga and Bobby Lashley.
But if you’ve followed my career, you
know I always sit with the fans in the
cheap (cheap?) seats to get their per¬
spective on what’s going on. HWe pro¬
vide team coverage of the show else¬
where in this magazine, so Iwon’t dwell
too much on the individual matches. I
just want to commend Vince McMahon
for coming through and delivering on a
show that doesn’t suffer from lack of
hype. With solid world title matches, an
enjoyable stipulation bout with Donald
Trump, a Steve Austin guest spot, and
some funny comedy skits, the show had
something for everyone. This show
proved why WWE is the standard-bearer
in wrestling pay-per-views.

ST. LOUIS, MO: Sometimes win¬

ning a title elevates a wrestler to a
higher level, and sometimes a wrestler
elevates a title to a higher level. At
Lockdown, Team 3D finally captured
the NWA World tag team title, making
them the only team ever to hold the
WWE, ECW, NWA, and WCW tag straps.
Add the fact that they won the presti¬
gious All Japan Real World Tag League
Jerry Lawler
tournament in 2005 and Brother Ray
and Brother Devon have to be considered the top tag Hulk Hogan for the first time in nearly 25 years.
team of their era. IjNot to take anything from LAX, Unfortunately, promotional politics put an end to that.
but Team 3D is the best team in wrestling today. It seems that WWE didn’t want Lawler taking part in
Having them as champions is a credit to TNA, and it the match, and, since he’s under contract with WWE,
helps anchor the best tag team division in wrestling. Lawler’s hands were pretty much tied. So “The King
Whoever takes those belts away from Dudleyville’s is out and “The Giant” Paul Wight is in. 1|Hogan vs.
favorite sons has to bring their A-game, and that The Big Show was rumored to be on the drawing
raises the bar for everyone. H“l tell you. Matt, this is board for WrestleMania, but that doesn’t make it a
as sweet a title win as we’ve ever had, especially marquee match as far as I’m concerned. Lawler vs.
beating dirtbags like LAX for the belts,” Ray told me Hogan had some intrigue—could Hogan “hulk up” and
after the match. “Now we’re going to celebrate in shake off one of Lawler’s infamous piledrivers? Would
Team 3D style.” Wonder if the “Gateway City” has the Memphis fans boo “The Hulkster” out of the build-
recovered yet? ing? And, if so, how would that affect Hogan, a man
who feeds on fan adulation? 1|Too bad we’ll never
MEMPHIS, TN: Finally found out what Lawler’s big know. Promotional politics ruined one of the few legiti-
surprise was all about. A battle of the legends was mate dream matches our sport has left. And that’s a
shaping up here in Memphis as Lawler was set to face crying shame. □

[INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER]

 n
i

D U C I N G
MATT RIVIERA

A
FAN OF wrestling since he was 12, Matt Riviera has
worked in neariy every facet of the business for
almost 10 years. Fie has distributed programs, refer
eed matches, managed wrestiers, booked his own shows,
and, most recentiy, competed in the ring himself. Following
his 2004 debut, the 23-year-old indy star is finally starting to
garner some attention in the business.
“One of Riviera’s goals breaking into the pro wrestling
business was to one day be listed in Pro Wrestling lllustrated’s
top 500,” said Grace Walker, editor of mattriviera.com. Walker
will never forget Riviera’s reaction when he cracked the “PWl
500” at 486 last year. “I caught up with Matt at a Starbucks,”
she said, “and I presented him with a copy of the magazine.
Flis face lit up. Fie immediately jumped off the stool and
hopped up on the guardrail in his two-tone black and white
Stacy Adams and strutted across the Starbucks. He pro
claimed to everyone that he was the greatest.”
Humility, it seems, is not one of Riviera’s attributes.
After all, the wrestler who claims to hail from “Your
Dreams” models himself after “The Handsome Halfbreed,”
Gino Hernandez. Much in the mold of Hernandez, Riviera feels
he is God’s gift to women. Compared to his opponents, he
said, “I have more money, I’m better looking, I’m a better
dresser, and I’m a better wrestler. A lot of my fellow
wrestlers refer to me as the 2007 version of Gino. That
sounds fair to me.
been compared to William Regal, Buddy Landell, and
t of like an old-school wrestler to the max. Icertainly
it of the European style incorporated into what Ido. It
|ht to me partially by Bill Ash, one of the most under-
estlers of all-time. Now, it’s funny, because here I
itiing in the Mid-South with this style that so few
wn here. And I’d put my finisher, the ‘One Night
igainst anybody’s.”
Ily, the “One Night Stand” is a variation of the face-
imilar to Edge’s downward spiral finisher. Like Edge,
rosses his leg behind his opponent’s leg, forcing his
3 mat with greater impact,
ntly, Riviera and partner Jeff Jett comprise Reckage
ice and are the current Mid-South Pro Wrestling tag
impions. The pair first met when Riviera was 14 and
g shows with his father. “Jeff was one of the top
ould see, and definitely one of my favorites,” he said,
long fan, Riviera fondly remembers his wrestling
including Hernandez, Rick Rude, and especially Ric
can quote Ric Flair all day long,” he said. “In fact, I
;quote book Igo through when preparing to do inter-

32
 BY BRADY HICKS ■ ■ ■ ■

views. Ionce heard Flair say the

best wrestlers are the ones who
can both wrestle and talk.
Personally, I haven't seen any
one on the mike who is any bet
ter than Matt Riviera. It’s one of
my strengths, possibly because
of my communications degree,
or just because I’m naturally
smarter than everyone else.”
Riviera says he doesn’t
understand why such claims
don’t go over well with the fans.
“They tell me I’m a natural
heel, but I don’t see what they
mean at all,” he said. “Several
people have told me that I’m the
most arrogant wrestler they’ve
seen since the 1980s. I’m not
arrogant—I’m just confident in
my abilities.”
Riviera has been a driving force
for Mid-South Pro Wrestling and
Global Pro Wrestling, both as a per
former and behind the scenes. He
attributes his passion for wrestling
to his straightedge lifestyle. Said
Riviera, “When you don’t drink and Matt Riviera takes down Tony Gunn during a Bonneville, Arkansas, match in which he and Jeff Jett
you don’t smoke and you come beat Gunn and Don Bass for the Mid-South Pro Wrestling tag team title.
from a small town, you need to find your niche somehow.” And Riviera says he never regrets his decision to
Despite his arrogant exterior, a true Southern gentle become a wrestler, even if it’s usually not as glam
man lies just beneath. Riviera credits his father, who was orous as It seems. “Professional wrestling is what I
involved In the sand and gravel business, with his level love,” he said. “Not a night goes by that I’m not falling
headed business mentality. His father took him to count asleep while watching wrestling matches. And not a
less wrestling shows and, after discovering that his son day goes by that I’m not thinking about something I
was secretly studying to become a wrestler, gave Matt his can say on the mike. RIc Flair once said that you have
unconditional support. “My father was very successful in to eat, sleep, and breathe wrestling In order to truly
life, and he taught me a lot about business and making stand out and be successful. Ilive by that code. □

money,” said Riviera. “I look at

wrestling as basically a business, and Despite his cocky persona, Matt Riviera consid
the point of a business is to be suc
ers himself a good ol’ country boy who respects
cessful and make money. Ithink that
separates me from a lot of guys I tradition. As he enjoys greater career success
have met over the years. Iwant to be in Arkansas and other Mid-South states, he
successful in a business—^this busi thanks Gino Hernandez, Ric Flair, and, most
ness in particular.”
importantly, his father

[INSIDE W R E S T L N G / T H E WRESTLER] 33
 M '●●**■ i*-*

ttHi&
r
W HATEVER
HAPPEN T
BY SCOTT TEAL

BILLY ANDERSON

B
ILLY ANDERSON, one of the West Coast’s top
stars of the 1970s and ’80s, has always been
known as a clear thinker. It’s a good thing,
too, because even as a young teenager, he had a lot
on his mind.
As a freshman and sophomore at Agua Fria High
School in Avondale, Arizona, Anderson wrestled on
the school team. At the same time, he trained under
the guidance of Phoenix pro wrestler and promoter
Kurt Von Steiger. This, of course, begs the obvious
question: Did he ever lose track of where he was and
use an illegal pro move in an amateur bout? “Not
once,’’ said the 50-year-old with a wink. “Well, at
least Inever got caught.”
There probably weren’t many tears shed by
potential opponents when Von Steiger closed his
promotion and young Billy followed him to Portland,
Oregon. During his junior year in Portland, Anderson
competed in several amateur tournanients, along
with Matt Osborne (Matt Borne). Anderson, Osborne,
and Jesse Barr, who were all the same age, trained
for the pro ranks at the same time.
After one year, Anderson moved back to Arizona Billy Anderson has altered his appearance dramatically through
out the course of his career. This dapper gentleman (above)
to complete his senior year at Agua Fria. While he bears little resemblance to this skinny, bleach-blond kid, who
rejoined the school wrestling team, he had secretly appears to be tapping Bob Armstrong on the shoulder before
begun his pro career. Nobody would believe that he attempting to strike him (below).
was wrestling professionally, so
he remained on the amateur
team in order to sharpen his
technical skills.
His first pro match took place
in Tucson, Arizona, on June 16,
1974, against Buddy Rose Jr. (not
the better-known “Playboy” Buddy
Rose) on a card promoted by Don
Wilson. During this time, Anderson
met Chris Colt and Ron Dupree.
In early-1975, a short time after
Dupree died in the ring after suffer
ing a heart attack, Don Fargo
stopped by and talked Colt into
going to Tennessee. Colt contacted
Mike Boyette and they met in
Nashville, while Anderson joined
him as manager Bill Colt. After a
heated series of matches against

SIDE VfRESTLING/THE V^RESTLER]

Don, Jackie, and Sonny
Fargo that did seilout busi
ness, the three parted com
pany in 76. Anderson
moved to Chicago and
wrestled for Al Patterson,
who ran a small indepen
dent promotion around
Milwaukee. He also wres
tled in Indianapolis for Dick
the Bruiser’s WWA in 1980
before moving back to
Arizona in iate-’81.
Anderson moved to Los
1
Angeles in 1982 to work for
promoter Mike LeBell. In
1985, he hooked up with
Red Bastien’s School of
Wrestling in Northridge,
California, where he became
the trainer for what has one of Anderson’s favorite pastimes is attending reunion events and seeing old friends such as Terry Funk and
The Destroyer. Anderson must have been impressed by Funk’s autobiography, More Than Just Hardcore,
been called “wrestling’s because he’s now considering one of his own.
most famous training class.”
Made up of six students, the group included Sting, The referee, and six of their students were in the movie as
Ultimate Warrior, Steve DiSalvo, and The Angel of Death. well. Anderson can also be seen in Ed Wood.
When Bastien closed the school shortly after these men During the past 10 years, Anderson has spent
graduated, Anderson opened his own school. time in Bangalore, India, Taiwan, and Malaysia for
During his career, Anderson also wrestled for the Athletes International Ministries. He also started the
WWF as The Black Knight. While with Frontier International Wrestling Council in California and
Martial-Arts Wrestling in Japan, he wrestled as trained several current stars, including T.J. Perkins,
Starman as one of the Mercenaries (with Louie Ricky Reyes, Rocky Romero, Jack Bull, and Frankie
Spicolli and Lou Fabiano) and as Psycho I (with Tim Kazarian, all of whom worked on his weekly shows.
“Psycho II” Patterson). During this time, he held the He also travels around the world for Armed Forces
Arizona State, Hawaiian heavyweight, and ACCW tag Entertainment, wrestling on shows in Afghanistan,
team titles. In the late-1980s, he won the WWA Uzbekistan, Turkey, Kuwait, Egypt, Bahrain, South
heavyweight and trios titles in Mexico. Korea, Japan, Okinawa, Guam, and throughout the
For several years, Anderson and Jesse Hernandez Pacific islands.
operated their own wrestling schooi at the San Since late-2004, he has been living in Phoenix,
Bernardino Sports Arena, located 60 miles east of Arizona, working as an enrollment counselor for
Los Angeles. Their alumni include Max Pain, Louie Everest College Online. His hobbies are playing golf
Spicolli, Magnificent Mimi, and many students from with his 18-year-old son, Audie (named after World
Italy and England. Anderson continued to wrestle in War II hero and actor Audie Murphy), and attending
California, Arizona, and Mexico, worked as a ring Cauliflower Alley Club reunions and annual wrestlers
announcer for the WWF in California and Hawaii, and reunions in Arizona.
supplied the WWF with talent for local TV tapings. (Scott Teal publishes the newsletter “Whatever
Being so close to Hollywood, it was no surprise when Happened To ...? He can be reached at P.O. Box 2781,
the movie industry came calling. He did in a fight scene Hendersonville, TN 37077-2781. Website:
in the film Tiger Mask. Jesse Hernandez appeared as a WWW. 1 wrestlinglegends.com.) □

[INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER] 35

mum 11 i 11 i;i 111 i 11 im 11111111111 n 111 iiiih lu 11 m mi
[spotlight 1
O N
SCOTT STEINER

A
BACKGROUND IN amateur wrestling is often Wrestling Association ... Won the CWA tag team
an asset for a professional wrestler, but few championship three times ... Left the CWA to join his
amateurs-turned-pro have been as dominant brother, Rick, in the NWA/WCW, and started using
as “Big Poppa Pump” Scott Steiner ... Graduated in “Steiner” as his surname ... He and Rick defeated
1986 from the University of Michigan, where he was Michael Hayes and Jim Garvin for the NWA World tag
an All-American wrestler... Trained with The Sheik in team championship in November 1989 ... Lost the
Michigan ... Debuted as Scott Rexsteiner in 1986 for belts to Doom in early-1990 ... Won the Pat O’Connor
the World Wrestling Alliance, soon winning the promo International tag team invitational tournament later
tion’s heavyweight and tag team championships ... that year ... The Steiner brothers won the PWl Tag
Competed in the 1988 AWA Renegade Rampage tour Team of the Year Award in 1990 ... They won the
nament ... Joined the Memphis-based Championship WCW World tag team belts in early-1991, beating The
Freebirds again ... Simultaneously held the WCW and
IWGP tag belts ... Forfeited both sets of belts in
August 1991 after Scott suffered a torn left biceps
muscle ... Returned to action in late-1991, but was
unable to win more championships until May 1992,
when he won a third WCW tag title with Rick ... The
Steiners recaptured the IWGP tag team title one
month later ... Went solo in late-1992, winning the
WCW TV championship ... Vacated the TV title after
signing along with Rick to wrestle in the WWF ... The
Steiners won the WWF World tag team title from Ted
DIBiase and Irwin R. Schyster, and lost the belts back
to them two days later, but regained them after
another three days during one week in June 1993 ...
Scott and Rick lost the WWF tag belts to The
Quebecers ... Teamed with Rick, The Eliminators, and
even Taz in ECW throughout 1995 ... He and Rick
returned to WCW in 1996 and defeated Harlem Heat in
July to win a fourth WCW World tag team champi
onship ... Lost the belts back to Harlem Heat three
days later ... The Steiners were run off the road by
NWO members Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, and Syxx (Sean
Waltman), who videotaped the crash ... Despite
injuries, they returned shortly after the car crash and
continued wrestling in WCW’s tag team division for
the next year, finally beating Hall and Nash for the
World tag team belts at NWO Souled Out 1997, but
the decision was reversed by WCW Senior Vice
President Eric Bischoff and the belts were given back
to The Outsiders ... The Steiners took Ted DiBiase as

manager and regained the WCW World tag team

championship in October 1997 ... Defended the tag
championship against chailengers such as The Four
Horsemen, and Meng and The Barbarian, and even in
a streetfight against hardcore icons Public Enemy ...
 November 1993; At Survivor Series, Scott teams with brother
Rick, Lex Luger, and The Undertaker to defeat WWF champion
Yokozuna, Jacques Rougeau, Ludvig Borga, and Crush (pictured).
Steiner’s first WWF stint was a brief, yet successful one.

/
November 1989: Scott and his brother, Rick, beat Michael Hayes and Jim
Garvin for the NWA World tag team title. The Steiners would go on to domi
nate the NWA—and later WCW—^for much of the 1990s.

Lost the tag team championship to The Outsiders

again ... Attacked Rick at Superbrawl VIII and joined
the NWO ... Changed his appearance dramatically,
complete with bleached, cropped hair, and a streaked
goatee ... Feuded with Rick for much of 1998 ...
Joined NWO Hollywood when the faction split into two
groups ... Named leader of NWO Hollywood by the
temporarily retiring Hollywood Hogan In late-1998
...Won the WCW TV championship from Konnan ...
Reunited with Hogan and the new NWO in early-1999
... Became embroiled In a feud with “Diamond”
Dallas Page that would later involve DDP’s wife,
Kimberly ... Sought Kimberly's “services” and even
threw her out of a moving car... Lost the TV champi
onship to Booker T ... Competed in a tournament for
the WCW U.S. championship in 1999, beating Booker
September 1995: The Steiners go hardcore, as they team with Taz
T in the final match to capture the belt ... Was faced to battle The Eliminators and Jason at an ECW show in
with another back injury by late-1999 and was out of Philadelphia. John Kronus wouldn’t be the last to feel the brunt of
action for several months ... Stripped of the U.S. a Scott Steiner chair shot.

38 [INSIDE WRESTLING THE WRESTLER]

championship due to the injury ...
Appeared on ]NC]N Monday Nitro while
wearing a back brace, and tearfully
announced his retirement ... A short time
iater in the program, appeared at ringside
and attacked Sid Vicious, revealing that his
back injury had healed and that he was
ready to return to competition ... Joined
the new NWO 2000 group alongside Jeff
Jarrett, The Outsiders, and Bret Hart ...
Following the NWO’s disbanding, returned
to singles action, feuding with Bill
Goldberg and Rey Mysterio Jr. ...Was the
centerpiece of the Vince Russo/Eric
Bischoff-led New Biood faction ... Won
another U.S. title tournament by defeating
Sting in the finals in April 2000 ... Feuded
with Ultimate Fighting star Tank Abbott ...
Defeated Mike Awesome during a May
2000 episode of Thunder Lost a WCW
World championship match to Kevin Nash,
December 1997: Teaming with Ray Traylor, the
but continued his pursuit of the belt .. ■ Steiners
suffer a stunning defeat to Randy
Left the New Blood and reunited with savage, Scott Norton, and Vincent—but not
brother Rick at The Great American Bash before Scott downed Vincent with a beautiful
huracanrana off the top rope.
2000 ... Stripped of the U.S. title In June
2000 for what Commissioner Ernest Miller described November 2000 ... November 2000: The Scott Steiner era in

as “misbehaving” ... Scored impressive wins over Feuded with Sid Vicious WCW begins after he defeats Booker T for
the World title. With his main hoochie.
Kevin Nash and Sting ... Defeated Bill Goldberg at Fall for the WCW belt, success- Midajah, at his side, Steiner is one of
Brawl 2000 ... Fought hard in the 2000 Lethal Lottery fully defending it against WCW’s few bright spots during the final
tournament, but lost to Sting in the finals ... Defeated the so-called “Millennium six months of the company's existence.
Booker T in a “straightjacket” steel cage match for the Man” at Starrcade 2000 ... Vicious horribly broke his
WCW World title at WCW’s Mayhem pay-per-view in leg during a match against Steiner at WCW Sin in
January 2001, forcing him to
retire ... Steiner joined Ric Flair’s
Magnificent Seven faction ...
Managed by Midajah ... Cut
weekly promos stating that WCW
had gotten stale, and that the
only challenges that remained for
him were to retire “Stone-Cold
Steve Austin and The Rock over in
the WWF ... Attacked WCW new¬
comers Michael Modest and
Christopher Daniels, and even
beat up the EMT who tried to help
them ... Arrested for his assault
on the EMT ... Won a match pit¬
ting his WCW World title against
Kevin Nash’s career ... Steiner
won the bout, forcing Nash to
retire ... Retained the WCW
championship against Page at
WCW’s final pay-per-view. Greed,
December 2000: Steiner survives his first big chaiienge as WCW World champion when he
defeats Sid Vicious at the final Starrcade pay-per-view. Not only did the champion overpow- in March 2001 ... Lost the WCW
er Vicious, but he also used the Steiner recliner to force him into submission. title to Booker T on the final Nitro

[INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER]

 on

... Appeared as a wrestler character on the popular

television series Charmed... Briefly worked for World
Wrestling All-Stars in 2001 and 2002 before signing
with WWE ... Joined the Raw brand and feuded with
Raw World champion Triple-H ... Never won the title,
but moved on to feud with Test over the rights to
Stacy Keibier’s managerial services ... Lost the
match and, due to a special stipulation, he and Stacy
had to become Test’s servants ... Reiuctantly teamed
with Test before leaving WWE ... Wrestled a few
dates on the independent scene ... Joined TNA in
March 2006, reuniting with former NWO and
Magnificent Seven teammate Jarrett ... Boasted a
new stabbed-heart tattoo across his chest ...
Occasionaliy teamed with brother Rick in TNA ...
Feuded with Sting and Samoa Joe ... Teamed with
Rick against Team 3D in the UWF ... Returned to TNA
in February 2007 and feuded with Kurt Angle ...
Disappointed many fans with lackiuster matches
against Angie ... Was a member of Christian Cage’s
team in the “Lethal Lockdown” main event at TNA’s
Lockdown pay-per-view in Aprii ... Remains a main-
eventer in TNA, but with unclear title aspirations, it is
unknown what his future hoids. □

February 2007: “Freakzilla” chokes Kurt Angle with a lead pipe

after helping NWA Worid champion Christian Cage beat him at
Against All Odds. It often seems that Steiner relishes his role as a
common thug more than his potential as a champion.

December 2002: “Big Poppa Pump” re-emerges in WWE and, as a fan June 2006: Steiner does more than elevate Samoa Joe with a
favorite, challenges Raw World champion Triple-H. His two high-profile back supiex at Slammiversary. Joe’s victory over Steiner in this
matches against “The Game” fell short of expectations, and Steiner has yet hard-fought match helps elevate the “Samoan Submission
to fully recover from those embarrassments. Machine” to main-event status in TNA.

40 [INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER]

 Hi

-j-tSScK^s tN If
,>(TW««

Vol. 5, 2006:
Cover Story—The Wrestler: "Dur Demand To The IOC; Strip
®rreltn"B
Vol. 1, 2004: Angle Of His Medal!" 60-Minute Interview: George Steele. rsno5®?i^
Cover Story—The Wrestler: “The Billion-Dollar Reason Also Inside: Randy Orton, Bobby Lashley, Ken Kennedy. Inside
Triple-H Was Traded Back To Rawl" 60-Minute Interview: Rick Wrestling: "Christion's TNA Gamble: If He Wins, Everybady
Steamboat. Also Inside: Trish-Cbristian, Ring of Honor, Raw vs. Wins." Also Inside: Aaron Stevens, Homicide, Boogeymon, Ra-
SmackcJown, Super 8. ven-Riley, Talia & April, Rory & Robbie McAlister, Colt Cabana,
Cover Story—Inside Wrestling: "The Dead Man's Last Will: Mickie James.
What The Undertaker Must Do Before He Deep-Sixes His Career."
Also Inside: Paul Heyman, Orton-Foley, Jackie-Rico, Johnny Vol. 7, 2006:
Nitro, Sylvester Terkay, Jillian Hall, Akio & Sakoda, Garrison Cover Story—The Wrestlen Rey Misterio Jr.: Too Much Man
Cade, Matt Coppotelli, the Bashams, Sonny Siaki, Sonjoy Dutt. For His Own Good? 60-Minute interview: J.J. Dillon. Also
Inside: Kane, Styles-Daniels-Joe, Teddy Hart. Inside Wrestling:
Vol. 2, 2005: “Sting Or Steve: The Makeup On A Man Or... The Make Up Of A
Cover Story—The Wrestler: "The Angle Zone: Enter At Your Man. Also Inside: Brent Albright, Hattie Neidhart, Paul Birchall,
Own Riskl" 60-Minute Interview: Bob Orton Jr. Also
Inside: Booker T, Michaels-Christian, A.J. Styles, Ray "Big
Jay Lethal, Bobby Roode, Jimmy Rave, Ruckus, Kid Kash.
^resting |
Bossman" Traylor. Vol. 9, 2006: ■ ●'V- ^ extreme
Succ^S
Cover Story—Inside Wrestling: "Edge Of Insanity! Has He Cover Story—The Wrestler: Brother' Batista: 'Anybody
Ruined His Future?" Also Inside: Scott D'Amore, Paul London,
Orlando Jordan, Joey Matthews, Kim Neilson, Kenny Balin, Dunn
Who Abused Rey Will Pay!'" 60-Minute Interview: Harley
Race. Also Inside: DeGeneration X, Trish-Mickie, Chris Sabin.
s>
^..Vj
& Marcos, Simon Dean, Mana, Kane-Snitsky, Magnus & Daivari, Cover Story—Inside Wrestling: Extreme Success: "One Night 2 MAGAZINES INI!
Pot Kenney. That Changed The Face Of Wrestling." Also Inside: Chris Masters,
Eric Young, Alex Shelley, Al, David Yaung, Sonjay Dutt, The
Vol. 3, 2005: Naturals, Matt Bentley, Elix Skipper, Homicide, Johnny Devine.
Cover Story—The Wrestler: "Hogan Steals WrestleManial"
60-Minute interview: Terry Funk. Also Inside: Cornette vs. Vol. 11, 2007:
Heenan, Petey Williams, 10 unforgettable WrestleMonia moments. Cover Story—The Wrestler: "Blame Sting! He Could Have
Cover Story—Inside Wrestling:"WrestleMonia 21: The Reo/ Prevented The War VYith Christian!" 90-Minute interview: JSIBITF COUbS
Winners & Losers." Also Inside: Ale)xis Laree, Lance Hoyt, Shane Bobby Heenan. JLIso Inside: Paul Heyman, Finlay & Regal, Mick
Twins, Jack Evans, Val Venis, Arch Kincaid, Mike Mondo, Alere Foley. Cover Story—Inside WrestlHng:lmh Stratus Tribute
Uttlefeather, Jeff Hammond, O.C. Boyz, Shawn Michaels. Cover." Also Inside: Uta, Turnbuckle Turkey Awards.

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 K

SHAWN MICHAELS

s
0 YOU THOUGHT the selfish Shawn Michaels
was a Shawn Michaels we’d never see in the
ring again? Care to think that through again?
On the road to WrestleMania 23, “The Heartbreak
Kid” was reminded time and time again that he had
quite the history of betraying his friends/partners
rather vioientiy. And there he was, headed for a show
down with Raw Worid champion John Cena, a man
with whom he just happened to hold the Raw World
tag title. Another violent betrayal seemed inevitable.
Yet he resisted week after week before striking Cena
with a superkick at the end of the final Raw prior to
WrestleMania 23.
Then came the battle with Cena in WrestieMania
23’s main event. He gave us another terrific
WrestieMania match (if not a classic), but he uitimateiy
did as his DX running mate, Triple-H, did at iast year’s
WrestieMania: He tapped out to Cena’s STFU. The next
night, he threw away the Raw tag tide when he tossed
Cena over the top rope during a tag team battie royai
in which the goid was on the tine.
Seven nights iater, Michaei Pena—who had been
made honorary generai manager of Raw for the
evening as part of the Make-A-Wish program—award
ed Michaeis with a rematch of sorts: a four-way battie
also Involving defending champ Cena, Randy Orton,
and Edge at Backlash.
The cheers are still there for HBK, as those who
refuse to get behind Cena approve of the way Michaels
has dealt with the champ, so it’s difficuit to categorize
him as either a heel or fan favorite at this point.
However, there seems to be something different about
him now compared to when he last turned heel, during
0 the summer of 2005, when he betrayed Hulk Hogan, it
0 appeared he regretted doing that to an extent, though
he must have feit like that was the best way for him to
set up a match with “The Hulkster. ” He re-sought fan
approvai immediateiy after iosing to Hogan at
SummerSiam 2005.
There are no regrets this time. He refuses to
acknowiedge Cena as the better man. Is the old HBK
coming back? We sent Contributing Editor Dave Lenker
to get some answers.

Q: So, Shawn, I’ll get right to the heart of why

we’re here today. You lost cleanly to John Cena
at WrestleMania 23. You clearly tapped out. He
took the best you had to offer and still beat
you. Why not admit that, for one night at least.

42 [INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER]

 took advantage of the little openings Igave him
and got it done. Ijust don’t see where that makes
him the better man, and if I don’t beiieve it’s true, i
won’t go out and say that it is.
Q: I’m not sure I’m entirely sold on that answer
given that you took a couple of cheap shots at
Cena, one night before WrestleMania and one a
night after. I think I remember you telling Cena
he didn’t have to worry about you until
WrestleMania.
A: Ithink the word you’re iooking tor here, Dave, is
gamesmanship. As far as I’m concerned, I kept my
word to Cena. I told him I had his back until
WrestleMania. All Idid was give him a little pre
view on Raw that night of what he could expect—
a little sweet chin music from HBK. Nothing per
sonal. Now, as for what happened after
WrestleMania, there was no point in me pretend
ing that he and I could co-exist as tag team cham
pions at that point. It was too far gone then. So I
sent him a little message by tossing him out of
Shawn Michaels stands by his position that John Cena defeated that battle royal. Look at it as me just being honest
him at WrestleMania because the champ took advantage of the
“little openings” that Michaels gave him during the match. We with everyone.
hate to break it to ifBK, but it seemed that he gave Cena a bit Q.: So it doesn’t bother you if some people think
more than a few “iittie openings” to take the 'Mania win. you betrayed Cena?
A: Iwould honestly hope that everyone understands
he was better than you? what Idid and no one looks at it as a betrayal, but
A: I’ll admit to you that that’s not an easy question for I’ve been around long enough to know that’s ask
me to answer, but it’s a question that deserves an ing too much. Cena has a lot of people out there
answer. John Cena probably has as much guts as who love him, and he has people out there who
anyone in WWE today. I look at him as a survivor can’t stand him. Iguess we’re both in for what you
and a fighter. He has an unbelievable knack for guys call “mixed reactions.’’ At the end of the day,
beating the odds. You can probably go back and I can live with myself and what I’ve done. That’s
look at any number of big matches he’s had over what matters to me.
the last two years that he had no business win Q: A lot of people like to ask young wrestlers
ning, but somehow and some way, he did just what they’ve learned from wrestling a veteran
enough to win. Maybe he’s better than we all like you, but what have you learned from
think, including myself. But when people see the wrestling a guy still considered to be some
name “Shawn Michaels” up on the marquee ... If what of an up-and-comer like John Cena?
they know Shawn Michaels is in the main event, A: You ought to learn something from every experi
they take notice. They know they’re going to get ence. Cena has taught me something, actually.
their money’s worth times five. I
delivered at WrestleMania the way Sometimes a guy like Shown Michaels, who has
I always do, and yet it’s Cena seen it all and accomplished all there is to
everyone’s talking about. That
accomplish, will get caught up too much in giv
match could have gone my way a
dozen times, and if it did, I’d be ing everyone a great performance and forget
holding two nice, shiny gold belts that sometimes it takes a lot of scratching and
as I talk to you right now. But Cena clawing and fighting to get what you wont.”

[INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER] 43

 He s made me a lot nun- Michaels has proven that he is no longer fighting to
entertain his audience; now he is trying his best to
grier than I’ve been in win the belt by any means necessary, whether that
quite some time and means superkicking Gena (above), or even super-
taught me to look back kicking the official (below).
and rediscover some of
the old fire I had earlier in
my career that maybe I
haven’t dug down and
found and used as much
lately. What Imean by that
is that sometimes a guy
like Shawn Michaels, who
has seen it all and accom¬
plished all there is to
accomplish, will get
caught up too much in giv- ii.
ing everyone a great performance and forget that
sometimes it takes a lot of scratching and clawing A: You guys really do love to give everything a label, don’t
and fighting to get what you want. Gena doesn’t you? There’s only one of me in this body, you know.
always get things done in the prettiest of ways. There aren’t three or four different HBKs.
but like Itold you before, the bottom line is he gets Q.: Point taken. What I mean is, can all of us
it done. I’ve learned to do things that way when expect to see you play a little dirtier if that’s
the situation calls for it. what it takes to beat Cena and get to the top of
Q.: Does this mean we can expect to see, as peo- the mountain again?
pie like me like to say, “the HBK of old” a little A: All Ican tell you is that for a while there Iwas con-
more in the future? tent to just go out and give the people the best

r-'
ESTLING/THE WRESTLER]
 match I had in me on each
night. If titles came my way
because of it, that was great.
But Cena has reawakened in
me the desire not just to give
people their money’s worth
every night, but to be recog¬
nized as the best by holding
that belt over my head. Iwant
to prove to myself and to
everyone out there all over
again that Iam the best, and I
need to conquer John Cena to
do that. When you add Randy
Orton and Edge and maybe
even a crazy monster like
Umaga into that mix, some¬
times you need every advan¬
tage you can get.
Q.: Seems like the same thing
may have happened to The
Undertaker when he ran into
Batista. He went from part-
time attraction to champion
pretty quickiy.
A: That mini-match we had at
the end of the Royal Rumble
this year probably affected us
more than you understand. We
showed everyone we could DeGeneration X partner Triple-H may not be able to stand beside Michaels in the ring, according to
both really still go. doctor's orders, but “The Heartbreak Kid” says that “The King Of Kings” has offered him a few tips
61: Who’s more dangerous to recent dealings with Cena. But rest assured, no friendship of Shawn Michaels is sacred, and
another HBK-HHH feud is always a possibility.
you, Edge or Randy Orton?
And try not to give the diplomatic answer. A: I can honestly tell you that Idon’t know. He’ll be
A: Since when is a DX guy like me politically correct? back, and he’ll be pretty angry when he comes back.
They are both dangerous, but Isee more of myself Deny a man what he loves to do for that long and
In Edge—from a little earlier in my career, of he’s going to have a lot of pent-up frustration to
course—than Ido in Orton. Edge likes to push the release. We’ll see who his first target is.
envelope, to go where some people are afraid to go a: But you must keep in contact with him.
and not worry about the consequences, and there’s A: Didn’t say that Ididn’t keep up with him. He’s been
a part of me that admires that spirit at least. I guess offering a lot of good advice on how I should deal
I’m telling you Edge, but if Orton reads this. I’m sure with the stuff I’m dealing with now. But since we got
he’ll take It personally, and that'll make him more our little band back together, we’ve been pretty hon
dangerous. est with each other. We never had a plan about how
Q: Not so diplomatic, I suppose. Here’s another long It would all last or anything. We were just enjoy
subject that could be a little touchy: Not much ing the ride until he went out. It all depends on what
has been said about the return of Triple-H, the landscape looks like when he gets the final okay
which should be happening within a few from the doctor to step back Into the ring.
months, assuming his recovery is on schedule. 61: We’ve seen plenty of chapters of Shawn
A lot has changed since he went out with his Michaels vs. Triple-H so far. Could there be one
quadriceps tear. It’s hard to believe you two or two more yet to be written?
will just pick up where you left off as DX. A: Iplan on being [Raw World] champion when he does
You’ve even started using your own entrance get back. You know how much that belt means to
music. Where do you think he wiil fit in when him. We have great chemistry in the ring as partners
he comes back? and as opponents. I’ll let you do the math. □

[INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER] 45

 INSIDE WRESTLING/
IT m:

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 WRESTLEMAN A
TM

WRESTLEMANIA(23
THE REAL
,-p

IU3
liE:.

OR 23 YEARS, WrestleWlania has been the biggest date What happens at WrestleWlania reverberates long after
on the’pro wrestling calendar. It’s where long-sim- the event,■’setting the tone for the matches we’ll be seeing
mering feuds come to a head, where new champions for months to come. Sometimes the bigges^ winners at
are crowned and new challengers emerge. And it is where WrestleMania are the people who find themselves in a better
those unforgettable WrestleMania moments occur, writing position after the card than they were beforehand—even if
new chapters in wrestling history. they didn’t win their particular match.
This year’s event at Ford Field in Detroit had no shortage In other words, WrestleMania has its winners and losers
of memorable moments. We finally settled the long-running in terms of who had their arm raised in victory after the
debate about whether or not Vince McMahon’s hair was real match, but when you look at the big picture, there frequently
as Donald Trump and Bobby Lashley shaved him bald. We are another set of “winners” and “losers” that come out of
saw Kane bodyslam a giant, only to end up on the wrong WrestleMania. Take The Hardys, for example. Though neither
side of a vicious tree slam from The Great Khali. We saw Matt nor Jeff won the prestigious “Money In The Bank’’ lad-
“The Dead Man’’ up his incredible ’Mania winning streak to der match, they parlayed some of their momentum in that
15-0, claiming his fifth world championship in the process, match into a Raw tag team title match the following night.
And we saw John Cena once again prove his critics wrong, and came out of that match as the new tag champions,
forcing Shawn Michaels to do the exact same thing So let’s look back on the events WrestleMania 23 and go
Michaels’ DX partner, Triple-H, did one year earlier—tap out beyond the official results to identify the real winners and
to the champ. losers of WrestleMania.

r I N S I D E W RESTLIN G THE WRESTLER] 47

 Ken Kennedy MS. Edge ms.
Randy Orton ms. Jeff Hardy vs.
Matt Hardy MS. King Booker ms. Finlay
ii (“Money In *The Bank” ladder match)
■Si
WHAT HAPPENED; Two more participants were added to this year’s “Money
A i if * in The Bank” iadder match, increasing the number from six to eight, i^re-
I* senting aii three WWE brands. Representing Raw vi%e embittered former part-
ners Edge and Randy Orton, as weli as Jeff Hardy. King Booker, Finiay, Matt
Hardy, and Mr. Kennedy represented the Smackdown brand, whiie C.M. Punk
was the sole representative of ECW.
Like the previous two MITB matches, the participants found new and dan
Mi gerous ways to use the ladders as wgpppns, and as extremely effective perch- '
*fes from which to execute some of their favorite high-impact moves. Jeff Hardy
1 hit a heart-stopping legdrop onto Edge from atop a 14-foot ladder, a move that
effectively eliminated both men from the match. Orton hit an RKO off the ladder
onto Punk, followed by Booker nailing a Book-end off the ladder on|)rton.
Kennedy, who had been fairly conservative throughout the match, other
than hitting a dangerous Ken-ton bomb onto a ladder, took advantage of the
carnage and scampered up the ladder. Kennedy crushed Hornswoggle with a
Lambeau leap off the ladder and got into a slugfest with Punk before blasting
the former Ring of Honor champion in the face with a ladder to grab the con
tract for the future world title shot.
THE WINNER: Mr. Kennedy in 19:08.
THE REAL WINNER: The Smackdown brand. For the past couple of years.
Smackdown has been widely perceived as WWE’s “B” brand, the red-headed
stepchild to the Raw brand. Kennedy has the potential to become WWE’s most
hated man, but he’s also one of the sport’s great talkers. He may not have the
pure wrestling ability of Ric Flair, but in a lot of ways, he reminds us of a young
“Nature Boy.” If he can parlay his title shot into a solid series of matches
against The Undertaker, the Smackdown brand can have its strongest champi
onship feud since Eddie Guerrero vs. Brock Lesnar. Of course, if Kennedy
decides to use his title shot to challenge for either the Raw or ECW titiigs, this is
all out the window.

©
ANOTHER WINNER: The Hardys. Once again, Jeff had a show-stealing
moment. It’s incredible that he was able to compete one night later. The
Hardys recaptured the Raw World tag title, their first world championship in
five years.
THE REAL LOSER; C.M. Punk. A cult favorite. Punk had
the opportunity to become a main-event player, and he
1 Neither took home the case, but both Hardys put on quite a show, giving Edge a run
for his "Money In The Bank” hopes. The brothers not only managed to compete the next
came up short. He was on the cusp of greatness only to
night on Raw, but to also collect the Raw World tag belts In a tag team battle royal. choke when it counted. His bizarre decision to join the
ECW New Breed and turn his back on his fans was an
2 Kennedy wasn’t much of a factor in the match until the end. That seemed to be
the best tactic, as he was fresh enough to win a brutal fight with Punk atop the iad
outgrowth of his frustration with blowing his opportunity
der and grab the case for the “Money In The Bank,” making Mr. Kennedy the big atWrestleMania.
winner of the match.
ANOTHER LOSER: Shelton Benjamin. The man who
3 Finlay drops Matt Hardy back-first onto a ladder mid-ring. After evaluating where
stole the show in last year’s ladder match was left off the
Shelton Benjamin’s career has gone since his stellar MITB performance last year, per WrestleMania card entirely. The Benjamin snub shows
haps Finlay should worry more about grabbing title shots and less about putting up once again why winning the MITB match is more impor
entertaining fights.
tant than simply turning in a good performance. Will King
Booker, Finlay, or Punk suffer the same fate next year?
48 INSIDE WRESTLING THE WR STEER]
WRESTLEM ANIA ^ .
 iviATGH' The Great Khalhs. Kane
WHAT HAPPENED: It But Khali reasserted his dominance when Kane went for the
was a battle of the behe- steel hook he had stashed under the ring. Kane managed to low
moths as the monstrous blow Khali with a chain and followed up with a mighty body-
Khali faced Kane, one of slam. Incredibly, Khali shook off the slam and caught Kane with
the most powerful and a huge tree slam to score a relatively easy pintail,
unpredictable wrestlers THE WINNER: Khali by pinfall in 4:32.
ever to step inside the THE REAL WINNER: The Great Khali. Whether you like it or not.
ring. Khali outmuscled Khali has become the most dominant big man in wrestling. With
Kane in the early going, his quick win over Kane, Khali is in prime position to chal||nge
rocking the “Big Red The Undertaker, John Cena, or Bobb]||Lashley. The match may
Machine” with a shoul- well be “bowling shoe ugly,” as Jim Ross might say, but Khali
derblock, a series of big has to be considered a top contender and not just another freak
right hands, and a wicked show commodity,
clothesline. Kane rallied, THE REAL LOSER: Kane. Over the past year, Kane has gone
trapping Khali in the cor- from tag team champigp (with The Big Show), to man-monster, *
ner and pummeling him with punches and kicks to Me midsec- to movie star. Now he’s floundering in the midcard and virtually
tion.J<ane connected with a clothesline off the top rope and an afterthought in the title picture. A four-minute loss to Khali
rockied Khalj||ith ri|^han|! s as he was tied up in the ropes. may be the most humbling loss of Kane’s career.

I n j n

iviMiun Chris Benoit vs.

WHAT HAPPENED: As incredible as it may seem, Montel Montet Vontavious Porter
Vontavious Porter actually held his own in a counter-wrestling
classic with Chris Benoit. Benoit, the U.S. champion, was the (U.S. championship)
heavy favorite coming into the bout, but MVP was determined THE REAL LOSER: The Intercontinental championship. There
to make a major impact on the grandest stage in the sport. was a time when the l-C title was contested in WrestleMania’s
MVP blocked Benoit’s attempts at a German suplex and most exciting and athletic matches. Rick Steamboat vs. Randy
countered out of early attempts at both the Crippler crossface Savage; Shawn Michaels vs. Razor Ramon; Bret Hart vs. Roddy
and the sharpshooter. MVP attempted to work over Benoit’s Piper. Umaga’s l-C title wasn’t even on the line this year, and
left arm, fighting out of a superplex attempt and dropping the title was barely acknowledged in all the hype surrounding
Benoit’s shoulder over the top rope. With the tenacity of a pit the “Battle Of The Billionaires.” Perhaps the U.S. title has
bull, MVP worked over the arm with short shoulderlocks, but finally surpassed the Intercontinental title in terms of prestige
Benoit rallied with three German suplexes. and importance.
MVP scored big with a beautiful superplex and went right
back to work on Benoit’s left arm, effectively slowing the pace
of the match. However, MVP got caught running in with a high
boot in the corner, allowing Benoit to hit five more big German
suplexes. Benoit then mounted the top turnbuckle and con
nected with a flying headbutt, setting up a pin.
THE WINNER: Benoit by pinfall in 10:20.
THE REAL WINNER: MVP. The brash Smackdown newcomer
was impressive in his loss to the “Rabid Wolverine.” As
Michael Cole and John Bradshaw Layfield adeptly pointed out
to the fans watching at home, MVP managed to hold his own
against one of the sport’s premier technical wrestlers. There
was no shame for MVP in losing to Benoit. Based on his per
formance in this match, it seems like it will only be a matter of
time before MVP is wearing championship gold. Now if only
we could do something about that awful ring gear...

50 [INSIDE WRESTLING THE WRESTLER]

 I?

.m

>4,
i
'0,

T Despite the strong presence of Kane in the early going of ms wrestleMama match
i
against The Great Khali, including a hodyslam, Khali overpowered “The Big Red
".r Machine,’* taking home his first ’Mania win.
2 A major shock of the night was Montel Vontavious Porter’s abilty to hold his own
^ againsftechniCal master Benoit. Itwas an eye-opening performance for MVP.
3 While Benoit was unable to gain a submission victory, the “Crippler” did manage
. -
t

to gain the pin after wearing down the WrestleMania newcomer with a series o1
^ German supiexes.
V'

r
 *

T i

■ The Undertakem: Bat^a

(Smackdown Wor1g£hfi0 ionship)
WHAT HAPPENED: Batista attacked Ohdertaker the moment the bell rang,
exploding into “The Dpad Man” with a series of shots in the corner. Batista
clothesiined ’Taker ovier the top rope, and the two brawied outside the ring, with
Batista gaining the upper hand after firing ’Taker into the steel ring steps.
Batista was obuipusly determined to prove himself against the “Phenom,”
going into high-risk territory with a clpthesline off the top rope. Batista’s aggres
sion was widely booed by the 80;ip3 fans at Ford Field, but “The Animal”
shook off the negative reaction and dbitiinated the first four minutps of thh It.
’Taker recovered with a series of punches, two figning splashes, a poler-
slam, a vicious boot to the face, and a iegdrop, all in rapid succession. ’Tper
connected with his “old school” forearm off the ropes and signaled for the
chokeslam, butthe reigning champion powered out of the move. UT demolished
’MU
Batista with an impressive iegdrop on the ring apron, leaving the champ to col-
* lapse in a heap on the floor. Then, in ogp of the most incredible moments of the '
● nipfit, the 3D4-pound ’Taker launched himself over the top rope onto Batista with
1 ^ a suicide dive.
* In a show of desperatipri;, Batista whipped ’Taker info the ringside barrier »
^nd hammered him with a dozen big rights to the head. With ^T reeling,
mista positioned him on the Raw announce table and executed a riwng power-
slam, driving both men through the ECW table. ’Taker countered a weta bomb,
but got Caught in a beily-to-belly suplex for a ZH-count. It was then that Batista
made a huge tactical mistake by mounting the turnbuckles and punching ’Taker’s
head. UT seized Batista’s legs and hoisted him up for a big last ride power bomb.
Batista countered with a jarring spinebuster, but UT would not stay down. He lev
eled Batista with a chokeslam, but when he went for a tombstone, Batista slipped
away and laid out ’Taker with a spear followed by a Batista bomb that folded
Undertaker in halt.
Batista went for the cover and was a fraction of an inch away front a three-
count, but Undertaker somehow managed to kick out. Visibly flustered, Batista
● went for a second Batista bomb, but hesitated just long enough for Undertaker to
escape. After slamming Batista into the corner, an exhausted Undertaker picked.,,
up Batista and executed a. picture-perfect tombstone piledriver.Jor the first time i
since WrpstlejVlania 13, The Undertaker h|d /claihied j;World^^^^^ at
WresflelViania in a match many hailed as the match of the nighf! ^ /
THE WINNER: The Undertaker by pinfalt in
THE REAL WINNER; Batista. Since returning to Smackdown after almost a year
on the disabled list, Batista has been widely criticized for having lost his passion.
Something seemed to be missing in Batista, but The Undertaker brought that fire
back into Batista’s eyes. Batista took “The Phenom” to the limit and came within
centimeters of ending The Undertaker’s vaunted WresfleMania undefeated streak.
Batista may have lost the match, but his inner fire is burning again. He is poised to
either chase The Undertaker in what could be an epic feud or to jump from
Smackdown to either Raw or ECW, where he will certainly become a major factor
in those world title pictures.
THE REAL LOSER: Mr. Kennedy. The “Money In The Bank” winner was intently
watching this match, and he couldn’t have liked what he saw. While he has
already suffered losses to both Undertaker and Batista, Kennedy matched up better
against Batista than he did against “The Dead Man.” Undertaker looked as good at
WrestleMania as he has in years. Kennedy is going to have his work cut out for
him if he expects to challenge The Undertaker for his newly won World title.

WRESTLER
 $

wrestlemania WINH^RS 0.
LOSiRS-
23 sax

{'
including this legdrop.

2 “The Phenom’s” phenomenal performance granted him his 15th straight WrestleMania win
as well as the Smackdown World championship. You can bet Kennedy felt a tinge of appre
hension about cashing in that shiny new “Money In The Bank” case after watching UT
destroy Batista.

3 ’Taker’s win was by no means a domination. Batista nearly captured the win after this
Batista bomb, but “The Dead Man” managed to kick out a fraction of a second before the
count of three.
 iviM I un ■ The ECW Originals (Sabu,
The Sandman, Tommy Dreamer, &
¥ Rob Van Dam) vs. The New Breed
(Elijah Burke, Matt Striker, Marcus
Cor Von, & Kevin Thorn)
WHAT HAPPENED; The match started quickly with Sabu asserting
his dominance on Matt Striker before tagging in The Sandman. The
Sandman and Tommy Dreamer rocked Elijah Burke with a doqjble-
■ * ; team, but Burke rallied enough to tag in “The^jtlpha Male” Marcus Cor
Von. The former Monty Brown dominated Dreamer with raw power and
tagged in Burke who nailed Dreamer with a vicious Elijah experience
double-knee strike to the back.
The New Breed utilized quick tags and worked over Dreamer’s bad
back and neck. Kevin Thorn rocked Dreamer with a spinebuster, and '
*Cor Von took over with a stiff suplex and rear chinlock. Dreamer simulta
neously hit Burke and Cor Von with a neckbreaker and DDT respectively,
then tagged in Rob Van Dam.
RVD stormed into the ring, rocking Striker with a Toshiaki Kawada-
styleifick to the face and launching him into the stratosphere with a mon
key flip. From there, everyone hit the ring. In the midst of the turmoil.
Dreamer dropped Striker on his head, allowing RVD to hit the five-star
frog splash onto the helpless Striker. The three-count on the former
schoolteacher was all but academic.
THE WINNERS: The ECW Originals—Sabu, Rob Van Dam, Tommy
Dreamer, and Tbe Sandman in 7:27.
THE REAL WINNER: Marcus Cor Von. “The Alpha Male” was in the
ring only for a few minutes, but he was impossible to overlook. With his
strength and aggression. Cor Von was the most dominant man in the
bout. By comparison, the ECW Originals looked tired and overmatched.
Cor Von looked like he could have single-handedly beaten any one of the
ECW Originals in a singles match. He is in prime position to challenge
Bobby Lashley for the ECW World title ... and perhaps to win it.
ANOTHER WINNER; Matt Striker. Striker took a heck of a beating in
the match. The fact that he was able to walk out of the ring under'his own
power was a small victory in and of itself.
THE REAL LOSER: Rob Van Dam. How the mighty has fallen. Last
year, RVD was “Mr. Money In The Bank”. A few months later, he held
both the Raw and ECW World titles simultaneously. This year, he was
mired in a fairly meaningless match and only logged about two
1 New Breed members Matt Striker, Marcus Cor Von, Elijah Burke, minutes ot ring time. He couldn’t have taken much consolation in
and Kevin Thorn came to their first WrestleMania ready to domi the fact that he scored the match-ending pin.
nate the older Originals. Unfortunately for the young group, with
age comes experience. ANOTHER LOSER: The legacy of ECW. The wrestling company
that helped revolutionize pro wrestling in the 1990s and spawned
2 The Sandman and Tommy Oreamer team up to annihilate the one of fhe most devoted fan foliowings in wrestling history is
leader of the New Breed, Elijah Burke. Regardless of whether the
Originals won or lost, the mere fact that the match occurred on the dead and gone. Some of the names may have been the same, but
most WWE of WWE cards did further damage to the ECW legacy. this so-called ECW bout bore little resemblance to the original
ECW. Joey Styles and Tazz portrayed the Originals’ win as a
3 The Sandman wrestled more at WrestleMania than he had since his
reemergence in WWE’s ECW. We're willing to bet that Elijah Burke
moral victory for the old ECW, saying ECW was “All Grown Up” at
was wishing at this moment that this Original had sat out of WM 23. WrestleMania. It would be more accurate to say the original ECW
was put out to pasture in this match.

54 [INSIDE WRESTLING THE WRESTLER]

 lyljia I uri_ Umaga vs. Bobby Lashley
WHAT HAPPENED; Make no mistake: Lashley and Umaga (“The Battle Of The Billionaires,
may have been the warriors in the ring, but they were bit play- hsir~ VS. “tldit fTtStCh)
ers in the bigger story—the rivalry between Vince McMahon
and Donald Trump. Guest referee Steve Austin asserted himself lam off the ropes. Austin began counting both men out, getting
early, forcing Lashley to adhere to the five-count rope breaks, to nine before simply stopping his count and declaring that the
match must continue.
but Austin allowed Lashley to manhandle Umaga’s manager
Armando Alejandro Estrada. 'Umaga*reasserted his dominance as Shane McMahon
Lashley went for a spear early on, but Umaga sidestepped appeared at ringside to check on his father. With Austin preoc
the ECW champion, sending him crashing to the arena floor cupied with Shane, Umaga flattened him with a Samoan spike.
with a frightening dive through the ropes. That gave Umaga an With Austin down, Shane and Umaga began double-teaMing
opportunity to take over, and the “Samoan Submission Lashley. Shane set up a garbage catkin Lashley’s face and hit
Machine” began savagely choking Lashley on the ropes. Austin his signature version of the Van Terminator, flying across the
pulled Umaga off Lashley several times, prompting some tense ring and kicking the can into Lashley’s face.
staredowns, but Umaga remained focused on his prey, methodi Shane then peeled off his shirt, revealing a referee’s shirt,
cally wearing down Lashley with stomps, kicks, and modified and Umaga hit Lashley with a big splash off the top. But before
Shane could make thejhree-count, Austin recovered and pulled '
banzai drops. Umaga connected with a hug„ Samoqp drop but
inexplicably did not go for an immediate cover. Shane from the ring. Umaga once again hit Austin with the
ahon_,climbed onto the apron to cheerlead for Umaga, Samoan spike, forcing Trump to ask, “What’s going on around
be the around bv Lashlev. The momentum here?” Trump took matters into his own hands, clotheslining
swung in Lashley’s favor w1 ga'with a bodys- Vince and firing several punches at his head.
That gave Austin an opportunity to recover, and he dropped
Umaga with a “Stone-Cold” stunner. Lashley followed up with
spear and Austin counted the pin. Despite trying to slink away,
Vince was strapped into the barber’s chair and had his head
summarily shaved by Trump, Lashley, and Austin.
THE WINNER: Bobby Lashley by pinfall in 13:03.
THE REAL WINNER: Lashley. The “Battle Of The Billionaires”
received widespread mainstream coverage, which introduced
the charismatic Lashley to a new audience of fans. Lashley not
only scored a win (tainted as it may have been due to all the
outside interference) over Umaga, but he got a major league rub
from associating with the likes of Trump and Austin. Lashley is
the next great superstar in WWE.
ANOTHER WINNER: Steve Austin. Austin received one of the
loudest ovations of the night, despite having not wrestled in
years. John Cena, Batista, and even Lashley have to wonder
how Austin is so widely accepted and adored while they each
struggle (to varying degrees) to curry the fans’ favor. Despite
ft disagreements with WWE and being retired, Austin showed that
he is still one of WWE’s most marketable commodities.
THE REAL LOSER: Vince McMahon. McMahon was humiliated
by losing his precious pompadour. There’s no doubt about it—
he’s a true team player. What other “billionaire” would do the
same?
ANOTHER LOSER: Donald Trump. He really could have used
the haircut. It’s about time he got himself a makeover.
YET ANOTHER LOSER; Brutus Beefcake. Shouldn’t “The
Barber” have at least gotten a courtesy call? After all. Slick, IRS,
1 Rick Steamboat, and Jimmy Hart all got cameos.
STILL, YET ANOTHER LOSER; Donald Trump ... again. Trump
took the ugliest stunner since Austin dropped Linda McMahon a
few years back. Welcome to WWE, Donald.

56 [INSIDE WRESTLING THE WRESTLER]

 wrestlemania

1 Umaga’s intimidation techniques were no

match for “Stone-Coid’s” stare. The “Battie Of
The Biliionaires” match aiso proved that the
“Samoan Bulldozer” was no match for ECW
champ Bobby Lashley, who ensured Donald
Trump walked away with all his locks.

2 A very unhappy Mr. McMahon is consoled by

son Shane following the defeat of McMahon rep
resentative Umaga. Even though Umaga lost the
match, Vince has no one to blame but himself
and his own big mouth.
f
*

3 Lashley was relentless in his quest to defeat

Umaga at WrestleMania, and referee Steve
Austin was game. He even permitted the former
Army sergeant to let loose on Armando
Alejandro Estrada.

mxm
 (Women’s champjxmstilp,
Lumberjill” match)
WHAT HAPPENED; For the first-ever
● “Lumberjill” match for the women’s title, the
ring was surrounded by a cadre of WWE
● Divas decked out in cocktail dresses and
● miniskirts. Ashley attacked early, prompting
● Melina to try to escape the ring ffr a
breather, only to bf thrown back into the
ring by the iumberjills. Ashley took control in
● the corner, but Melina pushed her to the
ground. Melina choked the Playboy cover
<● girl, screaming “You think you’re better than
● me?” £t her nemesis. Melina then applied a '
% ● bow-and-arrow submission hold and tried
i* for a tilt-a-whirl suplex, but Ashley smartly
countered with a headscissors.

Ashley missed an elbowdrop apd tried to

i|* roll up Melina from behind. However, Melina
I* used Ashley’s momentum and rolled
●* through, putting Ashley into pinning posi-
● tion. Ashley complained that Melina had held
● the tights, but her complaints fell on deaf
● ears. It was a clean victory by the women’s
● champion.
THE WINNER: Melina by pinfall in 2:22.
THE REAL WINNER: Mickie James. MIckie is
● still yearning for a rematch for the women’s
● title. She put on a proud face when Ashley
● surpassed her as the top contender, largely by
● virtue of doffing her clothes for Playboy. Had
» Ashley won, Mickie would not have been like-
● ly to receive many title shots, as Ashley took
● on Melina, Victoria, and other rulebfeakers.
● Mickie publicly supported Ashley and had to
● breathe a sigh of relief when Melina won.
● THE REAL LOSER: The women’s division.
● Melina has improved as a wrestler over the
past few months, and she wres
tled a smart match at Wrestle-
1 A missed elbowdrop and botched pin attempt left Ashley ripe for the picking, and Melina took advantage. Later,
Ashley argued that Melina’s win was tainted, but the blonde’s whining was largely ignored. Mania. But, sadly, the largest
fan reaction to the match came
2 Okay, so the match was pretty predictable. No one really expected Ashley to win the title from Melina, did
they? But at least the male fan contingent had the ringside “Lumberjills" (like Maria Kanellis, pictured) to during the impromptu post
gawk at while the less than stellar two-minute match commenced inside the ring. match catfight when the lum-
berjills hit the ring. It was a far
3 Melina was not happy about being overlooked by Hef for 2006’s WWE represented Playboy cover. In the end,
the champion proved her point. No one would dare argue that Ashley was the better Diva. cry from last year’s clash
between Trish Stratus and
4 Don’t misunderstand the intent of this maneuver; Melina is merely trying to show Ashley a quick way to dry her James, which turned out to be
hair. For most watching live and on pay-per-view, however, it was not the best use of 2 minutes 22 seconds of valu
able WrestleMania time. one of the most entertaining
matches of WrestleMania 22.

58 I. I N S I D E WRESTLING THE R E S T L E R J
Vi
 lYIMIUn. John Cena MS.
WHAT HAPPENED: Shawn Michaels continued his mind
Shawn Michaels
games against his tag team partner, John Cena, coyly goading (Raw World championship)
the champion. After a brief staredown, Michaeis siapped
Gena’s face, then ducked two big haymakers and dropped Cena mess of IVlichaels’ forehead. Cena siammed Michaeis, then
to the mat. Michaels utilized his superior speed, ducking delivered a five-knuckie shuffle. Michaels, however, slipped
Cena’s grasp and tying him up with a go-behind. Once again, clear of a FU attempt, then threw an errant superkick that
he bobbed and weaved under Cena’s punches, and dropped knocked out referee Mike Chioda. Cena again went for t^ FU,
Cena with a series of punches of his own. but Michaeis countered with a quicjyJDT. With the referee out,
Cena leveied Michaels with a big ciothesiine, eiiciting a Michaeis dragged Cena from the ring and deiivered a horrifying
ioud boo from the bi-partisan crowd. The shot seemed to anger spike driver on the steel ringsteps. Replacement referee Jack
Michaels as he battered Cena with ciosed fists and then threw Doan hustled to the ring, but Michaeis was oniy abie to score a
Cena to the fioor. Michaeis executed a springboard Asai moon- two-count. Michaeis climbed the ropes and connected with a
sault onto a groggy Cena, hideously bending Cena’s spine over big elbowsmash, thgp began to measure Cena for his sweef
the announce table. chin music. Cena had the move scouted and countered with a
Michaeis staiked Cena, hobbling the champion with chop well-timed clothesline. Cena again went for his FU, but
blc^anMroppijM knees onto Cena’s leg. Michaels taunted Michaels countered into a sunset flip roiiup for yet another
his failenpaMiirand tl^ wdftred ttanaap^ith knife-edge two-count,
chops. Cena moved out of the way of ashMfS^block, causing Michaels threw himself off the ropes and went for a Thesz
Michaels to hit his head on the corner post and opening a nasty press, but Cena caught him mid-air and finally Connected with
forehead gash. the FU, but HBK kicked out at two.
Cena came back, throwing big right bands into the bioody Cena bit another FU off fhe second turnbuckie, but Michaeis
recovered with a fiying bodypress. Again, Cena went for the
* FU, but Michaels landed on his feet. Michaels snagged Cena in
* an inside cradle for another near fall, then missed an enzuigiri,
* aliowing Cena to ciamp on the STFU finisher. Michaeis man-
* aged to grasp the bottom rope and connected with a despera-
* tion superkick, but tacked the strength to make a quick cover.
^ With both men exhausted, Michaeis escaped yet another FU
attempt, only to be once again locked in the STFU.
* THE WINNER; John Cena by submission in 28:35.
● THE R6AL WINNER: Cena. The haters are still out there, but
r -
● Cena manages to defy the odds and beat the best talent WWE
^ matchmakers put in front of him. Even critics' can’t ITeip but be
impressed by his tenacity and determination. Whenever Cena
wrestles, the atmosphere is absoiuteiy eiectric. And Cena
manages to feed off of that electricity, making for some great
matches and gritty performances.
THE REAL LOSER: Cena. What else does Cena have to do to
win over his critics? As pieased as Cena shouid have been by
beating the “Heartbreak Kid” at WrestleMania, his joy must
have been tempered by the chorus of boos that rained down
upon him, iargeiy drowning out the cheers he yearns to hear.
Thus far, Cena has resisted the urge to lash out at the fans who
boo him, but how long will it be before Cena teils the fans to go
to heli and makes a fuli-fiedged heei turn?
ANOTHER LOSER: Michaels. Michaels came into the match
thinking he was going to teach his young partner a wrestling
iesson and go home with the WWE title around his waist.
Instead, Cena made him tap out in the middie of fhe ring. An
angry and embarrassed Michaeis spurned Cena’s offer for a
handshake, exposing himseif as a poor sport and a bitter and
angry man.
 %

WRESTLEMANIA WINDERS
23 W

LOSERS

1 As the battle moved to outside the ropes, an angry Shawn Michaels broke out a
springboard Asai moonsault, resulting in this unpleasant position for John Cena.

2 The largely pro-Michaels crowd booed Cena for his defense against HBK, but Cena, to
his credit, was able to remain focused on the difficult task at hand. He was still
seething over the superkick Michaels had hit him with six days earlier and was not
going to let the all-time great get the better of him again.

3 Cena paid a painful price (as do all of HBK’s opponents), but walking away with the
Hj| have
belt made It all worthwhile. At some point, even Cena’s most dogged detractors will
to give this man his due.
The Greatest In Sports History!
BY FRANK KREWDA

J
UST LIKE LISTS, people love a good streak.
Wins, losses, ties, good or bad—people seem
unable to resist the urge to watch exactly
how long somebody or some team can keep a
trend going.
But for people to really get caught up in a
streak, they must invest their emotions in it.
That’s why pro wrestling is the perfect forum for
streak watching. Fans, by their very nature, have
some type of emotion—whether positive or nega¬
tive—invested in the fortunes of those look¬
ing to extend a streak.
 Throughout history, sports fans have glorified certain
athletes for their streaks. The most obvious example is
Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak. Just how sacred
is this accomplishment? Any time a Major League
Baseball player hits safely in 10 or more consecutive
games, analysts and commentators invariably bring up
Joltin’” Joe’s streak. Should a player be lucky enough to
hit safely in 20 games, as some players have in recent
years, the watch is on big time. And, when that player
falls short, as all those in pursuit of DiMaggio’s record
have, the discussion then becomes about how the streak
will never be touched.
Professional wrestling isn’t immune from such
streaks. In fact, our beloved industry boasts the most
impressive streak of them all: The Undertaker’s
WrestleMania winning streak.
Two years ago, this magazine published an article that
drew attention to ’Taker’s perfect 12-0 WM record. In it.
we outlined exactly what it meant to “The Dead Man.
But now that he has extended that streak to 15-0 with a

victory over Batista at Ford Field in April, “The Streak” is

taking on significant meaning not just for ’Taker and his
fans, but for professional wrestling and all of sports.
Here are some celebrated sports streaks and why we
feel The Undertaker’s outshines them all:
Joe DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak. The longevity
of this streak impresses, no doubt. But in reality.
DiMaggio was never under great pressure because the
record was set in the middle of the 1941 season for a

Yankee team that won the American League pennant

by 17 games. Undertaker, on the other hand, was
required to produce in the industry’s flagship
event in front of some of the biggest crowds

lo|) to oottoin:
The Undertaker vs. Jimniv
Siuika, WrestleMania VII

The Undertaker vs. Jake Roberts.

WrestlelVlania VIII

The Undertaker vs. Giant Gonzales

WrestlelVlania IX

The Undertaker vs. Kiny Kony Bundy

WrestlelVlania XI

The Undertaker vs. Diesel. WrestlelVlania Xll

 At 45 years old, it can't be easy for The Undertaker to take on younger talent (such as this year’s WM opponent,
Batista), but 'Taker impresses year after year, maintaining his impressive streak at 'Mania.

ever assembled. DiMaggio, as great as he was, faced Left to right:

much less heat. The Undertaker vs. Sid Vicious, WiestleMania XIII

Brett Favre’s 147-game starting streak. Like Cal Ripken The Undertakervs. Kane. WrestleManiaXIV
Jr.’s “Iron Man’’ streak for consecutive baseball games
played, this is a true testament to the quarterback’s dura The Undertaker vs. Big Bossman, WrestleMania XV
bility and competitiveness. But this streak loses some lus
The Undertaker vs. Triple-H, WrestleMania X-7
ter when you realize it’s all about showing up, not perfor
mance. There are some Packers fans who’d even tell you The Undertaker vs. Ric Flair, WrestleMania X-8
that Brett should’ve taken a week off here and there. Had
The Undertaker “just showed up’’ at ’Mania, you can bet his
streak would’ve been broken long ago.

[INSIDE WRESTLINS/THE WRESTLER] 65

 mm m Koinace
seat TO ^mm oocd
With all the hype surrounding The Undertaker’s Wayne Gretzky’s 51-game point scoring
impeccable WrestleWlania record, it’s no wonder that streak. They didn’t call this guy “The Great One”
fans have overlooked (or underestimated) another for nothing, but this record is made questionable
i »
streak of sorts taking place in WWE. Every Royal by the very manner in which “points” stats are
Rumble winner since 2001 has gone on to win a world determined. A hockey player is given a point if he
title at WrestleMania. Consider the last seven winners scores a goal or assists in the scoring of a goal.
of the Rumble: Unlike basketball, where an assist is given to the
2001: Steve Austin (won WWF World title) player who throws the pass to set up a basket,
2002: Triple-H (won WWF World title) hockey assists are given to two players who
2003: Brock Lesnar (won Smackdown World title) touch the puck leading to a goal. Many times, the
2004: Chris Benoit (won Raw World title) next-to-last player to handle the puck really isn’t
2005: Batista (won Raw World title) involved in the score but is given credit for a
2006: Rey Mysterio Jr. (won Smackdown World title) point anyway. In the ring, ’Taker had little if no
2007: The Undertaker (won Smackdown World title) help from teammates to pad his stats.
As more wrestlers become aware of this seven-year Johnny Unitas’ 47-straight games with a TO
streak, the competition to win the Rumble will become pass streak. Quarterbacks need a receiver to
even more intense. catch TD passes. Who knows if another quarterback could
This year, having drawn the lucky number 30 at the have reached the same plateau if not for a drop of an easy
Royal Rumble, The Undertaker didn’t have to demon pass. Johnny U was most certainly the man, and his streak
strate very much stamina. The first WWE star to win the passes muster, but UT had nobody but himself to count on at
Rumble with the 30th spot, ’Taker got the emotional WrestleMania.
booster he needed to parlay that achievement into title
gold with a victory over Batista. No question, though, as
his streak rolls on and he ages. The Undertaker will
have to find new sources of inspiration and momentum
he can ride into the Big Dance.
Perhaps The Undertaker’s success will inspire his
peers to approach the Rumble with the same commit¬
ment to perfection with which he approaches ’Mania.
Frank Krewda

bince cfcige is now out oi the running tor the most consecutive
lA/restleMohia wins, John Gena now takes the secontl-place position with
his 4-0 record. At this rate. Gena won’t surpass ’Taker's 15-0 streak until
WWI 35 at the very soonest—and that’s if UT doesn't extend his streak
even further.
Betore Jeff Hardy etiminated him at Wrestlemania 23 s “fvloney In The Bank match. Edge
claimed he was 7-0 at ’Mania and (3lannod to break The Undertaker's winninci streak
record someday. Actually, Edge inflated his win-loss record. As of now, he is 5-1.

Orel Hershiser^s 59~scoreless innings streak. Talk about

getting the job done! “The Bulldog” comes in second only to
’Taker in that department. The Undertaker’s dominance at
WrestleMania has conditioned fans to expect nothing less
than a win when he climbs through the ropes. Hershiser was
brilliant, but giving up a run in a baseball game has much less
impact on baseball than UT’s first WrestleMania loss will have
on professional wrestling.
Whether you like The Undertaker or not, his performances at
WrestleMania events puts him on equal footing with the great¬
est streak-holders of all-time. Fourteen may not be an
impressive number compared to, say, the UCLA men’s bas¬
ketball team’s 88-0 winning streak, but that’s more a func¬
tion of time than ’Taker’s doing. He toils in an industry
that’s built around an annual event, not a 30-game sea¬
son, and he’s getting no younger. When one compares
his record at ’Mania to those of his colleagues, his
streak—no matter where it ends—is the one most like- top to bottom:
riie Undertaker vs. A-
ly to never be touched
I'rain & The Big Show
Taker’s streak has even earned a grudging compli- (handicap match).
ment from the man closest to amassing similar num- WrestleMania XIX

bers until his loss at this year’s event. Edge. The Undertaker vs. Kane.
Is going undefeated at ’Mania a big deal? You WrostleMania XX
bet. So I’ll give him credit for finding a way to
The Undertaker vs, Randy
win each year, even if it’s by the skin of his Orton. Vi/restloMania 21
teeth. But he’d better hope he doesn’t cross my
path at WrestleMania, because I’ll be the guy The Undertaker vs. Mark Henry.
WrestlcMania22
who stops it.” in the meantime. Edge can
look on in awe just like the rest of us. Undertaker vs. Batista.
WrestleMania 23
 PHOTOS BY LEE SOUTH/TNA WRESTLING

OWARDLY...
ONNIVING...
UNNING
HAS CHRISTIAN BECOME THE NEW JARRETT?

BY BILL MELTZER

Christian Cage was Jeff Jarrett's biggest E CAN’T SAY Christian Cage never warned us.
critic at one time. But it seems that the Shortly after he arrived in TNA as a fan favorite and
won his first NWA World championship, he told
current NWA World champion has seen everyone that while the public’s response to him may have
something in Jarrett's six dishonorable become warmer, he hadn’t changed his approach much from
his days in WWE.
title reigns that he appreciates Nevertheless, fans rejoiced when Cage unseated the wildly
unpopular Jeff Jarrett for the NWA crown, believing the com¬
pany would see a new era and an end to Jarrett’s cowardly
and conniving—but undeniably cunning—style. Time after
time, Jarrett retained the title against bigger, younger, and
more talented opponents, much to the dismay of fans who
chanted Drop the belt at Jarrett to show their displeasure
(( 1}

with him scheming to be the top man in the promotion

Replace the chair with a guitar and, as of late, Christian cage (right) could
easily be mistaken for former NWA World champion Jeff Jarrett (above).
Despite the similarities between the two World champs, any comparison
between them is unfeasible to Jarrett, who insists that Cage could never
match his 21-year track record in the ring.

68 [INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER]

[INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER] 69
 "5.

‘T

N
4

When Cage made his highly publicized move from WWE to TNA, fans were so thrilled that they forgave him for his past
transgressions, especially when he spoke out against Jarrett’s unworthy domination of the heavyweight title. It’s hard to
believe that the same man meant to save TNA from Jarrett’s supremacy is acting just as cowardly as his predecessor.

But what was Cage like in WWE? The same unflattering Of course, Angie hardly offers an unbiased opinion. But
adjectives applied to him every bit as much as they did to his views are supported by a somewhat unlikely source:
Jarrett. And ever since Cage turned heel on Sting by Jim Cornette, the personification of conniving cowardice
clocking him with a guitar (a tactic that sounds oddiy during his days as a manager. Now a TNA official,
familiar), he’s behaved very much in Jarrett’s character— Cornette agrees that Cage should aim for a different lega-
a younger Jeff Jarrett minus the Southern accent. That cy than Jarrett’s.
means lots of trash talk out of the ring, lots of stalling in “It’s fine if people wanna see the champ get beat. That
the ring, an array of hired hands to protect him, and pre- puts butts in seats. But if they don’t at least respect the
cious few displays of legitimate superiority over the top champion, you’ve got problems,” Cornette opined. “No
talent in TNA. matter what some people say, Jarrett is a good wrestler.
From a company-wide perspective. Cage’s actions But the way he acted, people would’ve rather seen Gene
weren’t a big issue so long as he no longer wore the NWA Kiniski win the NWA belt again at age 82 and celebrate it
belt he dropped at Slammiversary 2006. Cage’s spineless with a sloppy kiss from Fabulous Moolah than see Jarrett
behavior reflected more on him than on TNA. But now that as their champion for another day. If Cage keeps going
the heel Cage is well into his second NWA title reign, his down the same path, I might have to ring up ol’ ‘Big
actions are a growing concern. Thunder’ and Moolah. Seriously though. Cage has a gold-
Increasingly, TNA has been trying to establish en opportunity to spread his wings and fly as NWA World
crossover appeal among UFC fans. The UFC, of course, champion, and he needs to make the most of it.”
values the type of toughness and relentlessness in the If Cage is concerned that his championship credibility
ring that seems well-matched to the aura projected by is falling to Jarrett’s level, he’s hiding it well. If anything,
Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe. These kinds of fans want even Cage seems to be courting such comparisons by aligning
heels like Abyss to be tough guys. Having a back-ped- with Jarrett’s former enforcer, Scott Steiner, as well as
dling, chicken champion—even a charismatic one like former WWE “Probiem Solver” Travis Tomko, to do his
Cage—doesn’t compute. dirty work. Much like Jarrett’s title reigns, few of Cage’s
“People know I won an Olympic gold medal with a broken matches nowadays end in clean finishes. And, just as
neck,” Angle said recently. “They know I’ve won and defended with Jarrett, Cage finds his circle of allies growing small-
the world title [in WWE] through pain that would make the aver- er all the time,
age football player hang ’em up. That’s what a damn champion The ultimate irony of the situation is that Jarrett finds
is supposed to be, not some sniveling, gutless puke like Cage.” himself today in a position eerily similar to the one Cage

70 [INSIDE WEESTLING/THE WEESTLEE]

 well. Jarrett aspires to be
the top man in the NWA
again and the X division’s
daredevil style is the antithe
sis of Jarrett’s methodical,
old-school approach.
Both Cage and Jarrett
deny noticing any similari
ties between their respective
{ title reigns or positions as
challengers. Jarrett pointed
to his own longevity as proof
. that he deserves more
: respect than pundits have
given him over the years,
“i’ve never cared what
people have thought about
I me, but to compare someone

I like Cage to me is a joke,”

said Jarrett. “Call me back
when Christian Cage is a six-
Cage has even gone so far as to develop an entourage consisting of Travis Tomko and former Jarrett ally Scott time NWA champion. Let’s
Steiner in his fight against Team Angle (above), much like Jarrett’s Army in their harassment of Steve Borden and his f3||( again when he’s beaten
family (below).
the who’s who of profession
al wrestling for over 20 years.
! I’ve been in this business
I long enough to know there
are always ups and downs.
Sooner or later, I always end
up back on top. Cage always
ends up making excuses for
why he’s looking up at me
and the other greats.”
Cage, meanwhile, believes
he has three major advan
tages as NWA champion that
Jarrett never enjoyed.
“Jarrett always hid behind
other people to cling on to the
belt. With me, people know I
can handle anyone in this
: company one on one,” said
Cage. “I just don’t need to be
wrestiing handicap matches
out there. Second, Jarrett’s
finishing move, if you want to
was in prior to winning his first NWA title. Now an osten- call it that, is a guitar shot. My unprettier is one of the most
sive fan favorite because he’s challenging heels (although devastating finishers out there. Last but not least, Jarrett is
a large contingent of fans remain loath to trust him), predictable in the ring. I’m many things, but predictable
Jarrett is stuck in the no-man’s land between mid-card isn’t one of them. That’s why I’m still the reigning NWA
and main-event status. As a familiar face on the national World champion and Jarrett is just a six-time loser.”
level, Jarrett has a place in TNA. But what that role Try as he might to deny it, there’s no escaping the fact
should be remains an open question. that Christian Cage is rapidly transforming into a Jarrett-
Jarrett’s body type and repertoire does not match the like NWA champion. And if the comparisons make Jarrett
ground-and-pound style currently favored in the heavy feel uneasy about his own record as champion, he may
weight division. And he wouldn’t add much to the X divi finally understand how the fans who care about the
sion without a radical transformation of either the division integrity of the NWA championship have felt for much of
or himself that probably wouldn’t serve either one very the past five years. □

[INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER] 71

steel chairs hurt, but not as
much as the breakdown of a lov¬
ing relationship between broth¬
ers. Wiii life ever be the same for
Rob (ieft) and Dan Eckos (right)?
ECWA wrestlers Rob and Dan
Eckos have been through a very
un-brotherly ordeal. After an
emotional feud that has involved
jealousy, infidelity, bodily
injury, and, finally, tenderness,
can Dan Eckos really trust his
older sibling again?

PHOTOS BY JOE ZANOLLE

BY KEVIN McELVANEY

R
OB AND DAN Eckos were
the ideal pair. The two
brothers, four years apart
in age, had been best friends
seemingly since the day Dan was
born. As kids, they played as boys
do and attended their first live
wrestling events together. When
they were teenagers, Rob gave
Dan tips about girls. They even ran with
the same crowds in high school. Rob was
a caring, if slightly overprotective, big
rother. Dan looked up to Rob. He wanted to
;t like him. When Rob and his partner, Billy
i East Coast Wrestling Association tag team
IS in the front row, cheering them on. Rob
0 have his little brother’s admiration—that
in decided he wanted to be a wrestler, too.
ing of 2006, Dan Eckos formed a tag team
nd, Sean Royal. The two young men were
most professional wrestlers. Each stood at
nd weighed only 175 pounds. Still, Dan and

WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER] 73
Sean brimmed with personality. They dubbed themselves “The
Heavyweights,” adopting personas that suggested the two
wrestlers did indeed possess great mass and super strength.
With their underdog work ethic, comicai backstage antics, and
signature muscle-fiex poses, the tandem gained the adoration of
many.
But Rob Eckos wasn’t amused.
From the moment young Dan debuted for the ECWA, brother
Rob was vocal in his disapprovai. As a member of The
Valedictorians (with Bax), Rob had been co-holder of the ECWA
tag team championship for a record-setting two years. He knew
how tough wrestiing couid be. He tried to reason with his kid
brother, predicting he’s get hurt in this big man’s sport.
But The Heavyweights seemed to believe they were as strong
as they ciaimed to be. Despite an initial string of losses, they
forged on. In the meantime, Dan sensed tension between him
and his brother. He thought he’d have a chance to ciear the air
with Rob at the Eckos famiiy’s Thanksgiving dinner. To the
shock of Dan and the entire gathering, Rob refused to speak to
his brother.
Disheartened, but determined to get back in Rob’s good
graces, Dan and Sean Royai hatched a plan. By submitting over
200 bailots to the ECWA Haii of Fame committee, Dan and Sean
were responsible for The Valedictorians’ induction at the
Rob repeatedly warned his little brother that ECWA wasn’t for wrestlers of
his stature (right), but Dan didn’t want to hear it. It took a while for Dan to
understand that Rob’s reservations were brought on by selfishness more
than genuine concern (below).

\
●vfi

'll

74 [INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER]

 r
%

j S'l-

V--

Despite all of Dan’s support of his big brother, Rob felt the need to humiliate
Dan. Rob stole Dan's girlfriend for no other reason but to make a cuckold of
the younger Eckos (above). Dan proved he was indeed the bigger brother
'X when he bore his heartache and teamed with Heavyweights tag team partner
Sean Royal to defeat Rob and Billy Bax (The Valedictorians) for the ECWA tag
team championship (left). Take that, big brother.

December 2 ceremony.
Most fans fully expected Rob to thank Dan specifically during
his induction speech. Rob expressed gratitude to a long list of
individuais, and he concluded his speech with a special thank
you. “I almost forgot,” he said. “There’s one person who Ireally
need to thank. Without him, there’s no way Iwould be here. I
owe this ail to my partner, Billy Bax. Bax, thank you!” ..

Dan’s heart sank. After all his hard work, Rob hadn’t even
thought to thank him! But Dan had a backup plan to impress his
brother. He had spent many late nights over the preceding
weeks working on a special gift for this night. It was a scrap
book, full of pictures and captions highlighting Rob’s career.
Surely, Rob would appreciate the gesture. ’
Rob discovered the scrapbook soon after the ceremony in the
backstage area. By reading the note attached to it, he learned It
was Dan who had put the book together. Without thought to all
of his brother’s hard work, Rob threw the gift into a nearby
garbage can. Dan witnessed Rob’s callous indifference ... and
he simply couldn’t believe it.
The Valedictorians recaptured the ECWA tag belts later that
evening, but Dan wasn’t at ringside, and he certainly wasn’t
cheering. In fact, Dan’s only solace that night came during an
impromptu six-man tag match, ordered by ECWA Commissioner
Richard Naegele. The Valedictorians and The Heavyweights
were both part of this match. It was the first in-ring confronta
tion between the Eckos brothers. Four other men competed in

[INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER] 75

 WRESTLING’S TOP FIVE SIBLING RIVALRIES
Some of the most memorable storylines of brothers helped to push “extreme” to new lim-
the past two decades have taken place when ^ its. Although Ian and Axl had many great
wrestling brothers have butted heads. Despite 9 matches with one another, their most famous
the unfortunate circumstances that always . was undoubtedly 1995’s “Taipei Death” match.
seem to lead to such confrontations, brother- With the help of glass-covered fists (as well as
vs.-brother matches (whether they are real or [~ a compelling backstory), the siblings helped
faux siblings) are usually highly competitive * ''
*r-
further define ECW’s already hardcore image.
and, quite often, become classics. 4. Rick Steiner vs. Scott Steiner: The Steiner
1. Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart: This was not * brothers were considered one of wrestling’s
only Bret’s first major title defense following ~ 1 greatest tag teams. When the tandem dissolved
his second WWF World title win, but it was also in 1998, Rick and Scott competed against each
Owen’s first and only foray into WWF main- Z other in singles matches, in addition to facing
event singles competition. The entire Hart fam- | off in tag action with new tag partners. Scott’s
ily became involved: Parents Stu and Helen, Hart vs.
Hart rivalry with Rick prepared him for a lengthy,
brothers Bruce and Keith, and brothers-in-law highly successful run as a singles competitor in
Davey Boy Smith and Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart. This rivalry WCW, while it earned Rick the undivided sympathy of Steiner
dealt with real familial situations (usually stemming from jeal brothers fans.
ousy), and it resonated deeply with audiences. 5. Terry Funk vs. Dory Funk Jr.: This was hardly a rivalry,
2. The Undertaker vs. Kane: Fans were introduced to Kane but the fact that they only wrestled each other one time
through a twisting and suspense-filled storyline. Though made their 1981 match in Japan that much more memo
Undertaker’s “little” half-brother was unable to gain a victory rable. Dory was scheduled to defend All-Japan’s
over him at first, he came the closest to beating “The Dead International title against Bruiser Brody, but Brody was
Man.” Kane was also established as a character through his injured the night before and could not compete. A substitute
relation to ’Taker. After all, someone sharing “The Phenom’s” was needed and Terry stepped forward. The match was a
bloodline (and who had also mastered the tombstone piledriv- 53-minute classic, with both men going all-out yet sticking
er) must have been tough in his own right. mostly to the rulebook. Dory scored a pinfall victory and the
3. Ian Rotten vs. Axl Rotten: Possibly the bloodiest feud in two agreed to never to do it again.
ECW history, the much-heralded wars between the Rotten —Kevin McElvaney

the bout, but all eyes were on Dan and Rob. Dan came at Rob would not have another two-year title reign, as Rob had predict
ravenously and, fueled by the pain he’d suffered, pinned his ed. Instead, The Heavyweights had pulled off a bittersweet
older brother. upset.
On January 27, at the Greater Newark Boys and Girls Club, From one standpoint, Dan Eckos was thrilled. However, he
the issues between Dan and Rob Eckos came to a head. At the wasn’t completely happy. After all, he still had much unfinished
beginning of the night, as The Heavyweights were training back- business with his brother. A match was announced for St.
stage, fans were introduced to Dan's beautiful new girlfriend. Patrick’s Day—The stakes were high, and the conflict revolved
They didn’t have long to get to know her, though. Mere minutes entirely around Dan’s presence in the ECWA. Rob wanted to be
later, Rob Eckos approached the young woman backstage. He the only Eckos competing as a wrestler while Dan wanted noth
told her that Dan wasn’t worth her time, and that she should be ing more than his brother’s acceptance. The bout was sched
his girlfriend instead. Rob whispered something into her ear uled to be a last-man-standing streetfight, a personal specialty
and, apparently, it intrigued her. The two walked away, arm-in of Rob’s.
arm, as Dan watched in utter disbelief. Both brothers used a variety of traditional wrestling moves,
Later that evening, the younger Eckos would have his shot at aerial attacks, and nearby weapons to his advantage. Finally,
revenge. The Heavyweights, after eight months as a tandem, though, the onslaught was too much for Dan. After too many
were finally set to compete in a tag title match. The Dan Eckos blows to the head with a steel chair, the younger brother was
who competed in this bout bore little resemblance to the adoring unable to answer the referee’s 10-count.
little brother from a few months earlier. Fans were shocked at Dan needed emergency medical care. An EMT informed
how fiercely Dan attacked his brother, but Rob was even more Royal that Dan had suffered a concussion, but that he was
shocked. Was this really the same meek, goofy little Danny he’d expected to regain consciousness soon. When Rob entered the
grown up with? room, he was obviously distraught and asked both men to leave.
Rob didn’t have much time to ponder this question because Dan was unconscious, but that did not stop Rob from talking to
The Heavyweights were more aggressive than ever. Several him.
minutes later, Dan repeated his feat from December, once again “I didn’t mean to do this to you,” said Rob, as an ECWA cam
pinning his older brother. Rob was humiliated again. This time, eraman recorded the moment. It was apparent the older Eckos
though, he’d also lost his championship belt. The Valedictorians was sorry for what he’d done. He went on to explain that, yes.

76 [INSIDE WEESTLING/THE WRESTLER]

 he had been jealous of his younger broth
er. He’d also known what a tough environ
ment the wrestling world could be, and
he’d wanted to make his brother was
strong enough to survive it. On the verge of
tears, Rob walked away. Once again alone
in the room, Dan lay very still—but, slowly,
a beaming smile appeared on his face.
As Dan opened his eyes. Royal reap
peared. “Are you okay?” he asked.
“I am now,” replied Dan. “My brother
loves me.”
But does he?
Rob knew the media would want to
speak to him about the situation and
made himself as difficult to find as possi
ble in the small building. When asked for
a quote, it was very hard to get a read on
his true feelings. “This is too much for
me right now,” he said. “I’m just ... well
... Ican’t even talk right now.”
Dan, however, was eager to comment.
“I think that, deep down, I knew this all
along. I knew Rob cared about me,” he
said. “Who cares about what’s happened
in the past few months? I just know I
have my brother back, and that means
more to me than any match, any champi
onship in the world.”
“Dan had better be careful,” said an
ECWA wrestler, who asked not to be
named. “Rob has stabbed him in the
When Rob smashed Dan in the cranium with a steel chair (above), “The Heavyweight” suffered a con
cussion. Dan was tended to in the ring (below) and taken backstage, where Rob revealed his feelings
back so many times, and it wouldn’t sur
to his seemingly unconscious kin. Was Rob sincere or was he play-acting for the cameraman? prise me at all if he did it again.

Vji- '

1
 FLASHBACK:

19 9 1 IN EACH ISSUE, WE WILL

LOOK BACK AT A DEFINING
MOMENT IN WRESTLING

HISTORY, ONE THAT

CHANGED THE SPORT FOR

BETTER OR FOR WORSE,

OR PERHAPS BOTH

RIC FLAIR JUMPS TO THE WWF

The Defection Of WCW’s Biggest Star Causes Shockwaves
BACKGROUND
Throughout the 1980s, pro wrestling had two faces. In
the WWF, Hulk Hogan was the top star and the most domi
nant force in the most visible promotion in the United
States. “Nature Boy” Ric Flair ruled the National Wrestling
Alliance, and, though he lacked some of the mainstream
name recognition of his WWF counterpart. Flair was widely
considered to be the top technical wrestler in the country.
From the moment Hogan upended The Iron Sheik to
win the WWF title, fans and wrestling journalists alike
debated the merits of the two men, both of whom claimed
to be wrestling’s true world champion. But the promotion
al politics and rivalry between the WWF, owned by Vince

Flair’s first major rival in the WWF was an opponent with whom
he was already familiar: “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. Flair and Piper
feuded over the U.S. title and later over the NWA World champi
onship in the early-1980s.

McMahon, and the NWA, dominated by Jim Crockett

Promotions, made a Hogan-Flair dream match a virtual
impossibility. Publicly, the companies did not even
acknowledge one another’s existence.
Nonetheless, Hogan vs. Flair was the premier dream
match of the decade. Hogan, the gutsy brawler with the
massive “24-inch pythons,” pitted against Flair, the self-
proclaimed “dirtiest player in the game.” Who would win
in a battle of such different styles?
In 1988, Ted Turner purchased Jim Crockett
Although Bobby Heenan bringing Ric Flair to the WWF was met with a lot of
fanfare, Vince McMahon didn’t seem to have his heart in pitting Flair Promotions and used the NWA designation for its world
against then-WWF World champion Hulk Hogan in a high-profile feud. title until Flair defeated Sting in January 1991 and was

INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER]

 m m m o
RIC FLAIR AND HIS 15 POUNDS OF GOLD”: 1991
tt
\
4
If
 paring ice cream to horse manure.
Then Heenan did the unthinkable: He
announced he had become Ric Fiair’s
agent in the WWF. Hoiding up Fiair’s
l\IWA title belt, Heenan issued a chai-
lenge to Huik Hogan.
The announcement was met by
shock and disbeiief from fans who
never couid have imagined such a sce¬
nario. As the NWA sought iegal recourse
to have its championship belt barred
from WWF TV, Heenan demanded that
Hogan answer the challenge.
Hogan was uncharacteristically
silent. Almost a month later. Flair made
christened WCW World champion. By the summer of his WWF television debut on an episode of Prime Time
1991, Flair had grown frustrated with Turner executives, Wrestiing. “Several months ago,” Flair began, “the great
who he felt were pushing him back to make room for est mind in this sport, my close friend, Bobby Heenan, and
young lions such as Sting and Lex Luger.
He made the move to the WWF and was
stripped on the WCW title. He still has the
NWA title belt, though, and took it as one
of his carry-on items for the trip north.

WHAT HAPPENED
Per NWA bylaws. Flair had paid a
security deposit to safeguard the NWA
title belt. In Flair’s mind, since he had not
been refunded that deposit, the champi
onship belt was his personal property.
At the conclusion of a July edition of
the weekly syndicated WWF Superstars
Of Wrestiing broadcast, longtime WWF
manager Bobby Heenan appeared and
broke from the company line by declaring
that Hogan was not wrestling’s true world ^ „.r-. o
. .. u t 0/e.'Flair throws “El Matador” Tito Santana into the corner at the 1992 Royal Rumble,
* ■ .

Champion. He said comparing Hogan to vvherethevacantWWFWorldtltl ewasatstake. The “Nature Boy” would go onto ellml-
wrestling’s true champion was “like com- nate Hulk Hogan to win the Rumble and the WWF belt.

80 [INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER]

 Flair’s two WWF World title reigns,
which totaled only four months,
weren’t nearly as impressive as his
I put together what you might call the winning package. champiohship track record in the
NWA and WCW. About 18 months
And we decided that if the money was right, that Ric
after his WWF debut, Flair returned
Flair—instead of hollerin’ to get in the doors of the to WCW.
WWF—would take that huge step and stand right in front
of the doors, knock as hard as Icould, and challenge the
man that you all recognize as the World Wrestling
Federation heavyweight champion!”
Meanwhile, Lex Luger beat Barry Windham for the
vacant WCW World championship and was serenaded
at live events across the country with loud “We Want
Flair” chants.
But did Hogan want Flair?

IMPUCATIONS
Hogan vs. Flair never headlined a WrestleMania. In
fact, it never took place on a WWF pay-per-view. Flair’s
first WWF feud was against his old Mid-Atlantic neme
sis, Roddy Piper, while Hogan continued his feud with
The Undertaker. The WWF World title was ruled vacant
after a controversial bout between Hogan and ’Taker,
and it was determined that the winner of the Royal
Rumble would be awarded the championship. In
January 1992, Flair outlasted 29 other participants, last
ly eliminating Hogan, to win the bout and the title. Hogan
went on to feud with former friend Sid Justice (Sid
Vicious) while Flair feuded with Randy Savage after
making what he perceived as lewd advances toward
Savage’s wife, Elizabeth.
Hogan and Flair did face off several times, including one
memorable battle at Madison Square Garden that Flair won
by countout, but none of the matches were ever televised. A
decisive winner was
In 1995, Hogan was in the role of newcomer
never established, and, in
when he jumped to WCW. There, the situa¬
January 1993, Flair lost a tion was reversed, as Flair had the defini¬
loser-leaves-town match tive upper hand when deciding whether to
to former advisor Curt grant Hogan a WCW Worid titie shot. Jimmy
Hart helped Hogan with negotiations.
Hennig and returned to
WCW.
While a big-money
Hogan-Flair bout never
took place in the WWF, it
finally occurred two
years later when Hogan
made an even more his
toric jump to WCW. In
fact, Hogan defeated
Flair for the WCW World
title in his first match
with the company. But,
while the two would face
off many times in WCW,
those bouts never
matched the sheer shock
and excitement of Flair’s
original WWF arrival. □
 DAVID VON ERICH V s .

J I M GARVIN

19 8 3

o
DC

4
G’S GREATEST
 DANNY DORING & ROADKILL
vs. C.W. ANDERSON

2 0 0 0

r
 BOBBY SHANE
PAUL D e M A R C O

01 H
J

//:

●A
c
 Be sure te fill in the gaps in your coiiection of “the
magazine that rips the tid off pro wrestiingl”
iNSiDE WRESTLING ghies you alt the information
you need to keep up with the pro wrestling scene!
Avoid sellouts—order today!
Dec. 1978: The Shattered Dreams Of Dusty June 1985; Sgt. Slaughter Topples Ric Flair— May 1988: Million-Dollar Middleman: The Future struction. Also: Paul E. Dangerously, Chris
Rhodes. Also: Mr. Wrestling II, Dino Bravo, Flair- So Why Isn’t He Champion? Also: Ellering & Of The WWF Is In Ted DiBiase’s Hands. Also: Adams, Steiners, Lawler-T. Funk.
Steamboat, Bruno Sammartino. Road Warriors, Koloffs & Khrushchev-Von Erichs, Zbyszko & Baby Doll, Road Warriors-Konga & Feb. 1991: Our Plan For The “Hutkster” To
April 1979: The Terrible Pain Ric Fiair Causes Kevin Von Erich, Andre & JYD. Warlord, Fritz Von Erich, Rockers-Express. Regain The WWF World Belt. Also: Terry Tay
Dusty Rhodes. Also: Andre the Giant, Backlund- Sept. 1985: A Psychologist Examines “Rowdy” June 1988: The Noble Savage: How Beauty lor, Rick Martel, Sting & Simmons, all-annoy
Maivia, Paul Jones, converted rulebreakers. Roddy Piper! Is He As Crazy As You Think He Killed The Beast Within "The Macho Man.” Also: ing, Stan Hansen.
Aug. 1980: Larry Zbyszko’s Foolproof Plot To Is? Also: Magnum-Blanchard, Fantastics, Ric Flair, Warriors-Warlord & Barbarian, R&R Express. Baby March 1991: The Earthquake Feud Rumbles On:
Drive Bruno Out Of Wrestling. Also: Bobby Hee- Gagne & Sammartino. Doll. G. Gagne-Hennig. Will Hulk Hogan Be The Victim Of His Own
nan, Mr. Wrestling II, Ox Baker. Jan. 1986: Rick Steamboat vs. Magnificent July 1988: A Toast To Wrestling’s Odd Couple: Deadly Obsession? Also: Roberts-Martel, Sting-
September 1980: Will The Fans Hate The New Muraco: The Volcano Rumbles. Also: Warriors & Kerry Von Erich & Michael Hayes Unite! Also: Hansen, Keirn-Perez, Barry Windham.
Dusty Rhodes? Also: Mascaras-Sicodelico, Larry Ellering, Mike Von Erich, Jake Roberts, Koloff & DIBIase-Savage-Hogan, Dillon & Horsemen, Sting, April 1991: The Steiners: They’d Be Wrestling’s
Zbyszko, Ladd-Strongbow, Hussein Arab. Khrushchev-Rock ’n’ Rolls. Rick Steamboat. Greatest Tag Team, But Also: Eddie Gilbert,
Nov. 1980: Zbyszko vs. Putski: From Brotherly March 1986: Barry Windham & Mike Rotundo: Aug. 1988: What Randy Savage Must Do To Flair-Sting, Steiners. Roddy Piper, Larry Zbyszko,
Love To Brutal Hatred. Also: Nick Bockwinkei. Will Their Reunion Spell Disaster For Kendall Escape The Shadow Of Hulk Hogan. Also: Hyatt- Sgt. Slaughter.
Dusty Rhodes, The Assassin, Koloff & Volkoff. Windham? Also: Studd-Hillbilly, Rick Rude, Jerry Gilbert, Sting, Michael Hayes, Honky Tonk. June 1991: Steiners, LOD: Tag Team Thunder.
April 1981: Bruno Sammartino Jr. Confesses: Lawler, Russians-Road Warriors. Oct. 1988: Preview & Analysis: Megapowers vs. Also: Steve Williams. Nikita Koloff. I-C belt,
“It’s Hell Carrying The Name Of My Father.” Al April 1986: Starrcade’s Over, But The Feud Megabucks. Also: Horsemen, Jerry Lawler, War Dundees, Arn Anderson.
so: Bugsy McGraw, Capt. Lou Albano, Mongolian Rages On: Dusty Rhodes And Ric Flair Cannot lord & Barbarian, Dangerously-Gilbert, Beefcake- July 1991: Hogan’s Burning Mad! Beating
Stomper, Flair-Race. Survive ‘86! Also: Andre-Heenan, Bill Watts, Scott Honky Tonk. Slaughter For The Title Was Not Enough. Also;
May 1981: Hussein Arab vs. Ivan Koloff: A Hall, Lance Von Erich. Nov. 1988: Dusty Rhodes vs. Barry Windham: Virgil, Nastys, Steiners, Dan Spivey, Terry Funk.
Bloody War Explodes In A Neutral Country. Al June 1986: Barry Windham’s NWA Mission: The Night The Teacher Learned A Lesson. Also: Aug. 1991: Are The Steiners Getting Too Cocky
so: Bob Backlund, Bobo Brazil, Santana & Bravo, Humiliate Ric Flair! Also; Nord-Road Warriors, Kerry-Lawier, Lex Luger, Muraco-Valentine, For Their Own Good? Also; Jerry Lawler, Rick
David Von Erich-Race. British Bulldogs, L. Von Erich-One Man Gang, Tuily Freebirds. Steamboat, Warrior-Undertaker, Dustin Rhodes.
Sept. 1981: Patera & The Freebirds: The Unholy Blanchard. Dec. 1988: Exclusive “Hotseat” Interview: Rod Flair-Windham.
Alliance Seeks To Cripple Ted DIBiase. Also: July 1986: All-American Special Issue: Sgt. dy Piper—Will He Ever Be Back? Also; Powers of Sept. 1991: Justice Is In The WWF ... And Ho
Junkyard Dog, Dory Funk Jr., Killer Khan. Ivan Koloff. Slaughter, Hulk Hogan, Magnum T.A. Also: Ivan Pain. Ultimate Warrior, Ric Flair, Bambi-Mystic, gan’s In The Biggest Trouble Of His Life! Also:
March 1982: Backlund-Valentine Death Match: Koloff, Rude-Lance Von Erich. Kevin Von Erich. Missy-Paul E., Rick Rude, Curt Hennig, Stevie
The WWF Title Is Back Where It Belongs. Also: Aug. 1986; WrestleMania 2: Hulk Hogan’s Night Feb. 1989: Tuily & Arn Will Fall Under Bobby Ray, Diamond Exchange.
Austin Idol, Spoiler, Tommy Rich, Brisco-DiBiase. Of Redemption. Also; Jim & Ron Garvin, Steve Heenan! A Special Analysis By J.J. Dillon. Also: Oct. 1991: Exclusive Preview & Analysis: Sum-
May 1982: Adrian Adonis; “I Can Beat Bob Wiliiams, Rick Martel, Sir Oliver Humperdink. Hogan-Bossman, Sgt. Slaughter. Lawler-lNSiDE merSiam ‘91. Also: Savage & Liz, Hogan & War
Backlund I Just Can’t Beat The System!” Sept. 1986: Dusty Rhodes & Magnum T.A.: Wrestling, Davis-Wayne. rior, Leg Luger. Santana-Atlas, Steve Williams,
Also: Dusty Rhodes, Flair & Mr. Wrestling II, D. Von America’s Team Is Not Out For Glory It's Out June 1989: Finally, Fortune Favors The Chal Studd-Zenk.
Erich-M. Graham, Hogan-Blackwell. For Revengel Also: Andre-Hogan, Chris Adams, lenger: Rick Steamboat Wins Ric Flair’s NWA Nov. 1991; Our Investigation Reveals The
June 1982: Blackjack Mulligan Jr.’s Tragic Barry Windham, Scott Hall. Belt! Also: Morton & Gibson, Macho Madness- Truth Behind The Hogan-Savage Connection.
Story: "I Have No Father... IHave No Friends!” Oct. 1986: The NWA Championship Sinks To A Hulkamania, Lex Luger, Jimmy Jack Funk. Also: Lex Luger, Ric Flair, War Games, Mounties,
Also: Sgt. Slaughter, Morales-Valentine, Montreal, New Low: Ric Flair Needs 10 Thugs To Defeat Aug. 1989: Your Ballots Are In: Hulkamania foreign objects.
Super Destroyer & Masked Superstar. Lex Luger! Also; Road Warriors, Randy Savage, Rules! Also; Tanaka & Diamond, Rick Steamboat, Dec. 1991: A Night To Remember; SummerSlam
Aug. 1982: Is Andre The Giant Getting Too Verne Gagne, Fantastics-Sheepherders. Bigelow-Rhodes, Rick Rude, Jim Cornette. Provides Heat For The Cold Months Ahead.
Big For Wrestling? Also: Nick Bockwinkei, Mil Nov. 1986: Paul Ellering’s Own Story: “How My Sept. 1989: Savage Is Shamed By Hogan—Only Also: Alexandra York. Simmons-Luger, Lane &
Mascaras, Backlund-Mulligan Sr.. Studd-Super Road Warriors Made Dusty Rhodes NWA Elizabeth Can Save Him Now. Also: Lex Luger, Cornette, Leatherface.
Destroyer. Champion.” Also: Adams-Rude. British Bulldogs, Mil Mascaras, Dusty Rhodes, Bushwhackers, Jan. 1992: Inside Wrestling Reveals: Sting’s
Oct. 1982: Roddy Piper: "I Don’t Have To Bockwinkel-Hansen, Bill Watts. Skandor Akbar. Memo From A Maniac! Also: Freebirds, Black-
Cheat To Defeat Tommy Rich.” Also: James J. Dec. 1986: Rock ‘n’ Roil Revival: Morton And Oct. 1989: Dusty Rhodes’ WWF Hit List. Also: hearts, Bret Hart, Dusty Rhodes, Mike Rotundo.
Dillon, Andre-Mulligan Sr., Pat Patterson, Mag Gibson Regain The NWA World Tag Title! Also: Hall-Pillman-Vicious, Curt Hennig, Warriors, Terry March 1992: Who's Winning The Hogan-Flair
nificent Muraco. Lex Luger, Hogan-Adonis, Hall-DeBeers, Baby Doll. Gordy, Kevin Von Erich. Wars? Also: Steiners, Survivor Series, Enforcers-
Nov. 1982: Ric Flair—Wrestling’s Most Versatile Jan. 1987: The New Roddy Piper: Why The Nov. 1989: Please, Elizabeth—Don’t Wrestle Rhodes & Steamboat. Johnny B. Badd.
Champion. Also: Hansen & Anderson, Mulligan- Fans Love Him But Why They Should Hate Sherri! Also; Mil Mascaras, Dangerously-Cornette, May 1992: War! WrestleMania Will Be Sid
Windham, Jimmy Snuka. Him! Also: Terry Taylor, Magnum T.A., Rude-Flair, Sting-T. Funk, Lex Luger, Jake Roberts. And Hulk's Battleground. Also: Jushin Liger,
Dec. 1982: Andre vs. Mulligan: The Giant Is Bam Bam Bigelow. Dec. 1989: The Dusty Road Is Paved With Eddie Gilbert, Repo Man, Austin-BIossom, Tri-
Mightier Than The Claw. Also: Grand Wizard, Feb. 1987; Hogan, Piper, Orndorff: The WWF’s Gold: The American Dream Lives On! Also: Ric State & UWF.
Jerry Lawler, Rich-Heenan, Jack Brisco. Hate Triangle. Also: Terry Taylor, Ric Flair, Mid Flair, Hogan-Zeus, Embry-Chu-hi, Lex Luger, June 1992: Sting: A New Champion, A New Era.
April 1983: Ivan Koloff vs. Ken Patera: The night Rockers. Kevin Von Erich. Larry Zbyszko. Also: Hulk Hogan, Harley Race. Marcus Bagwell.
Shocking Truth Behind The Battle Of The March 1987: Happy Anniversary, Hulk Hogan! Jan. 1990: Why Sting’s Friendship Is Tearing Tony Atlas. IRS & DiBiase.
Titans. Also: Albano-Snuka, Kabuki, Tommy Rich. The WWF Champion Celebrates Three Years At Ric Flair Apart! Also: Roberts-DiBiase, Rock 'n' July 1992: Is Regaining The WWF Title An
June 1983: Bob Backlund vs. John Studd: The The Top. Also; Ric Flair, Missy-Gilberl. Lex Luger, Rolls, Lawler-Embry, Hulk Hogan. Paul E. Impossible Undertaking? Also: Sherri &
Untold Story Behind Studd’s Raw Deal. Also: Bulldogs, Koloffs. Dangerously. Shawn, Big Van Vader, Gordy & Williams.
Jim Garvin, Bockwinkel-Lawler, Bob Orton Jr. April 1987: Steamboat & Windham: Manny Feb. 1990: Sex Symbol Showdown: Rude’s Out Kamala, Joe Savoldi.
Sept. 1983: Zbyszko vs. Rich: Can The National Happy Returns! Also; Paul Ellering, Hacksaw ... Piper’s In ... And The Fans Love It! Also: War- Aug. 1992: The Closer Flair Gets The More
Title Survive This Brutal Tug Of War? Also: Duggan, prospects. riors-Skyscrapers, Jimmy Snuka, Tom Zenk, De Savage “Macho Man” Becomes. Also: Jack-
Andre-Kamala, Piper-Valentine, Michael Hayes. May 1987: Barry Windham’s Warning To Lex struction Crew, Kerry Von Erich Badd. Brian Christopher, LOD & Ellering, Taylor &
Nov. 1983: We Sent Hulk Hogan To Cover Bock Luger: “Keep Away From The Four Horsemen.” March 1990 (Special Issue): The ‘80s: A Rous Valentine, Dusty Wolfe.
winkei vs. Wahoo And All Hell Broke Loose! Also: Steamboat-Savage, Hogan-Andre. Freebirds ing Review Of A Dynamic Decade. Also; Bobby Sept. 1992: Hulk Hogan’s “Retirement”: Why
Also: James J. Dillon. Race-Kevin Von Erich, Paul & Sunshine, Williams-OMG, Midnight Rockers. Heenan, Ric Flair. Paul Orndorff. The WWF Will Never Let Him Rest In Peace.
Ellering, Reed-JYD. June 1987: Nikita Koloff’s Mission: Saddle The April 1990: Starrcade ‘89: Night Of The Iron Also: War Games, Big Van Vader. Kamala, Marty
April 1984: Rick Steamboat Quits Wrestling! Horsemen And Trample Lex Luger! Also: Roddy Men. Also: Warrior-Hogan, Dustin Rhodes. Buzz Jannetty, U.K.
The Real Story Behind His Most Painful De Piper, Adams & Taylor, Bruiser Brody, Scott Hall. Sawyer, WWF shuffle. Oct. 1992: SummerSlam ‘92: Exclusive Preview
cision. Also: Masked Superstar-Mulligan, Adams- July 1987: Exclusive Ringside Reports: May 1990: WrestleMania VI Main Event: Hulk & Analysis. Also: S. Steiner-Muta, Ron Simmons,
Garvin, Barry Windham. Ric Flair. WrestleMania III Makes History! Also; Mid Hogan vs. Ultimate Warrior: Exclusive Preview Eddie Gilbert, Eric Embry.
June 1984: Ric Flair On The Defensive: Is Mike night Rockers, Mike Rotundo, Danny Davis, & Analysis. Also; Jerry Lawler. Al Perez, Lex Nov. 1992: The Great American Crash: Vader
Rotundo Ready To Take The NWA Title? Also: Ted DiBiase. Luger, Woman, LPWA. Crushes Sting For The WCW World Title. Also;
Ted DiBiase, Jim Cornette, Angelo Mosca Jr. Aug. 1987: The Superpowers’ Super Victory: June 1990: Tragedy Strikes Sting! How You Ric Flair, Ultimate Warrior, Madusa, Warlord &
July 1984; Ric Flair Brings The World Title To Dusty Rhodes & Nikita Koloff Win The Crockett Can Help Speed His Recovery. Also: Saito-Zbys- Barbarian-Bushwhackers, top rope rule.
The New York Area: A Night Of Champions At Cup. Also: Hulk Hogan, Lane & Cornette, Mike Von zko. Earthquake, Ultimate Warrior, Jeff Jarrett. Dec. 1992: Hey, Ric Flair: Stop Whining And
The Meadowlands. Also: Martel-Bravo, Mr. Wres Erich. Adams & Taylor. July 1990: Our Urgent Plea To Hulk Hogan & Start Winning. Also: Razor Ramon, Heavenly
tling II, Jumbo Tsuruta. Sept. 1987: Hulk Hogan Defeats Harley Race; The Ultimate Warrior: Team Up And Eliminate Bodies, Jeff Jarrett. Windham & D. Rhodes,
Aug. 1984: Junkyard Dog Joins Jim Valiant’s How Fate Took The Greatness Out Of This These Men. Also: Steiners. Sting, Earthquake, NWA title.
Boogie Woogie Brigade. Also: Steve 0-Zbyszko, Violent Feud. Also: New Breed-R&R Express, Kokina Maximus, Tessa. March 1993: Who Controls The Balance Of
Magnum-Wrestling II, Austin Idol, Sugar-Spoiler. Rich & Idol. Honky Tonk Man, Eddie Gilbert. Aug. 1990: The Experts Agree: Lex Luger Has Power In The WWF? Also; Shawn Michaels,
Sept. 1984: Rick Martel Dethrones Jumbo Tsu Oct. 1987: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express Win Their Made Ric Ffair A Broken Man. Also: Hulk Hogan. Nikita Koloff, Windham-Dustin, Survivor Series,
ruta: Finally, An AWA Champion To Be Proud Fourth NWA Title. Also: Hogan-Bigeiow, Rhodes- Ultimate Warrior, Pillman & Zenk. Terry Taylor, Rod Price.
Of. Also: Brody-LeDuc, Iron Sheik, Kerry Von Blanchard, scaffold, Kevin Sullivan. Jerry Lawler. April 1993: New Blood! The Wrestlers Who
Erich, Rock 'n' Roll Express. Nov. 1987: Special Fan Poll: Should Mr. T Be Sept. 1990: Fighting Fire With Fire: The Could Revitalize The WWF In ‘93. Also: Z-Man &
Oct. 1984: Collision Of The Florida Muscle Allowed To Referee? Also: War Games. Bulldogs, Awesome Foursome—Committed To De Gunn. Sting-Vader, Dangerous Alliance, Ric Flair.
men: Can Billy Jack Squeeze Superstar Condrey & Rose, Dusty Rhodes. stroying The Horsemen. Also: Hulk Hogan, May 1993: Exclusive WrestleMania IX Match
Graham Out Of Wrestling? Also: Road Warriors, Dec. 1987: Rhodes Challenges Luger: Will Hacksaw Duggan. JYD, Adams-Jeannie. Analysis. Also: Andre the Giant. Pillman &
Flair-Steamboat, Eddie Gilbert. Orndorff & Shultz- Dusty’s U.S. Title Hopes Split The Superpow Midnight Express. Austin, Great Muta, Headshrinkers-Steiners, 2
Atlas & Johnson. ers? Also: Hayes-Bubba, Magnum T.A., Randy Oct. 1990: Sting: “I Feel Like I’ve Conquered Cold Scorpio.
Nov. 1984: Dusty Rhodes: Champion Of Cham Savage, Al Perez. The World!” Also; Legion of Doom, Bush Jan. 1994 (Special Edition): Wrestling’s Seas
pions And Still The Lord Of The Ring. Also Jan. 1988: Is Hulk Hogan Bored With The WWF whackers, El Gigante, Mike Rotundo, Juice onal Spectaculars—WWF SummerSlam, WCW
Rich-Gilbert, Gino Hernandez, Road Warriors, Title? Also; R&Rs-Horsemen, Fiair-R. Garvin, Patrol. Fall Brawl. Also: Rick Martel, Razor Ramon,
JYD-Reed. Adrian Adonis, Steve Williams. Nov. 1990: Ric Flair & Hulk Hogan: A Tale Of Steven Regal, Paul Orndorff. Mascaras-Liger,
Dec. 1984: How Hulkamania Trampled Big John Feb. 1988: A Special Analysis By Jesse Ven Two Ex-Champions. Also: Sid Vicious, Sgt. ECW baseball bat matches.
Studd. Also: Road Warriors, Magnum T.A., Wahoo tura: Randy Savage Has Wimped Out! Also; Slaughter, Jeannie-Toni, Mr. Fuji & Orient Express. May 1994: Lex Luger & Bret Hart: Their Greatest
McDaniel, Suliivan-Rhodes. Sting, R&Rs-Blanchard & Anderson, Kevin Von Dec. 1990: Halloween Havoc Horror! Why Sting Triumphs, Their Gravest Tragedies. Also: Flair-
March 1985: He’s Back And Better Than Erich, Dangerously-Lawler-Dundee. Is Spooked By Sid Vicious. Also: Hulk Hogan. Rude, Rick Morton. Heenan-Bockwinkel, Brian
Ever: Backlund-A-Mania Is Sweeping The March 1988: Bam Bam Bigelow: Wrestling’s Kerry Von Erich, Jim Cornette, Larry Zbyszko. Christopher, Yoko-Booger.
Nation! Also: Koloffs, Billy Jack, Von Erichs- Most Dangerous Man. Also: Adams-Perez, Nikita Jan. 1991: Warning To The Ultimate Warrior: June 1994: Wake Up, Rick Steamboat: Ric Flair
Devastation Inc. Koloff. Honky Tonk, Freebirds. The Legion Of Doom Will Lead You To De¬ Is Still “Slick” Ric! Also: Jimmy Snuka. Tony
Anthony, IRS, Bruise Brothers, Alundra Biayze, Win And Why. Also; Bret Hart, Dude Love, Junk June 2002: Special Comeback Issue; Triple- Cold Will Die If He Can’t Fight! Also: Kllq, Miss
Freebirds. yard Dog, Helmsiey-Michaels, Ray-Booker. H, Chris Benoit, Kevin Nash. Also; Chris Jer Elizabeth, D-Lo Brown, FBI, WWE nostalgia,
July 1994 (Special issue): A Look Into Wres Dec. 1998: DDP’s Big Bang Theories; Cut icho, Howard Stern, hypothetical unification Dec. 2003: The 10 Most Respectable Wres
tling’s Future: You Won't Believe What You'll ting Loose On Life, Love, & The Ultimate Buzz. showdowns. tlers Who Get No Respect. Also: Dragon vs.
See! Also: Ron Simmons, Sting, Earthquake- Also: Sable-Jackie, Mankind, Hogan-Horace, Aug. 2002: WrestleMania X8: The flea/Winners Misterio. Hulk Hogan, Lance Storm, Sting,
Booger, Bob Armstrong, Diesel. D-Lo, APW, And Losers. Also: Hulk Hogan. Scott Steiner, Lawler vs. Rhodes.
Oct. 1994 (Special Issue): WCW Midyear Report. Holiday 1998 (Special Issue): Kane: Still Jamie Noble, Jarrett-Christopher, All-Japan. Feb. 2004: The Game vs. Da Man: The Death
Also: Doink, Vader-Race, Mabel, Dory Funk Jr., Haunted By His Day Of Glory. Also: Eddie Oct. 2002: Dark Side Be Damned! Undertaker’s War That's Too Brutal To Last! Also: Under
Owen-Bret, Hall of Fame. Guerrero, Stevie Ray. Val Venis, Turnbuckle At His Best As Himself! Also: Ric Flair, Triple-H. taker. Kane-Shane, Shaniqua, Briscoes vs.
March 1995: Predictions 1995. Also: Nastys, Turkey Awards, bonus calendar. Wahoo McDaniel, Goldberg, WWE-Holiywood. Briscos, Turnbuckle Turkeys.
Razor Ramon. Tasmaniac, Kid-Man O' War, Jan. 1999: Seasons Greetings With A Bang Dec. 2002; The Impossible Dream, Part 2; Can April 2004: The Raw vs. Smackdown Super
Pillman & Hogan. (DDP & Kimberly). Also: Severn-Shamrock, Angle Win Another Olympic Gold? Also: Shane Bowl Party: WWE Will Never Be The Same!
June 1995; The Beginning Of The End? Will Konnan, Arn, Undertaker-Kane, Chris Jericho. McMahon. PTC-WWE, Trish Stratus, Malice, next Also: Tajiri, Maven, Carly Colon, Raw report-
Hulk Hogan Get Burned By Friendly Fire? Also; March 1999: Estrange Situation! Insider Re best things. cards.
Steve Austin, Gangstas, Public Enemy, Bret-Owen, veals: “Shane Still Resents His Father! Also; X- Feb. 2003: HBK's Miracle Comeback: Will The June 2004: Who Can Tame The Beast That Is
Jeff Jarrett. Pac, Hogan-Warrior, Jesse Ventura, Billy Kidman. Fans Let Him Make The Smart Choice? Also; Batista? Also: Hardcore Holly, Michael Shane,
Oct. 1995 (Special Issue): WCW Midyear Report. Scott Norton. Edge, RVD, Chuck & Billy, Russ Haas Memorial, Chavo-Eddie, “McSpansion’s" 20th anniversary.
Also: Randy Savage, Bret & Cactus, Sting, Diesel, April 1999 (Special Issue): The 1999 Inside Turnbuckle Turkeys. Aug. 2004: WrestleMania Alumni Agree: Randy
Hawk. Wrestling Computer Tournament. Also: Boss- April 2003: Big Poppa Pump: On A Dirty Mis Orton’s Life Is Changed Forever! Also: Eddie
Nov. 1995: One Defense in Four Months?! man-McMahon, Steiner & Bischoff, Hollywood Ho sion To Clean Up WWE. Also: Ron Killings, Big Guerrero, Hall & Nash, Chris Benoit, insiders’ poll,
Strip Hulk Hogan Of The TitU -Now! Also: Alex gan, Wrath. Blue Meanie. Show, WWE agents, report cards. Nov. 2004: John Cena; Do We Need To Hate Him
Wright. Tatanka, King of Ring, Chris Benoit, May 1999; Team Corporate’s WrestleMania June 2003: Grabbing For Greatness: Triple-H’s To Love Him? Also; Shelton Benjamin, Steamboat-
Backlund-Clinton. Scare! Mankind’s Title Victory Could Have Desperate Quest For Immortality. Also; Abdul Punk, Chavo Classic, A.J. Styles. Jonathan
Jan. 1996: Our Holiday Wish List For 1996! Also: Spoiled Everything! Also: New Age Outlaws, lah, Shawn Michaels. Chris Benoit. WCW winners Coachman, William Regal. OVW streetfight.
Scott Norton, Sid Vicious, Psicosis-Misterio, Barry Eddie Guerrero, Trip!e-H, Bill Goldberg. & losers. Feb. 2005: Why Randy Orton Will Succeed
Horowitz. Sabu. June 1999: Still In-Vince-lble! What Will It Take Aug. 2003: WrestleMania XIX; The Supercard Where Brock Lesnar Failed. Also; JBL, Batista,
Feb. 1996: Wrestling’s Top Stars: What 1996 To Topple This Man? Also: Rey Misterio Jr., That Changed The Course Of History! Also: Dudleys, Striker, Jeff Hardy, Turnbuckle Turkeys.
Has In Store For Them! Also; Goldust, Sherri- ECW, Triple-H, NWO, Blue Meanie. Rene Dupree. The Hurricane, Chris Jericho, May 2005; The Return Of Brock Lesnar: Is BL
Parker, Mikey Whipwreck, Smokin' Gunns. July 1999 (Special Issue): Top Stars Answer Team Angle, injuries. The Only Man To Take Out JBL? Also; Maven,
March 1996: His Excellency! How Bret Mas Your Personal Questions. Also: Vince McMahon, Oct. 2003: Done? Don’t Count On It! Stone- Hardcore Holly, Lita, TNA, Raw report cards.
terminded Diesel’s Execution. Also; Jeff Jar Vincent. Eric Bischoff, Giant Baba.
rett, Giant, Jim Cornette, Survivor Series, Ed Aug. 1999: WrestleMania XV: The flea/Winners
die Guerrero.
June 1996: Luger Or Hogan? If Sting Makes
And Losers! Also; Vam Dam-Lynn, Saturn, Gol
dust, Steiner-Bagwell. tmsms wm/Bmujim
The Wrong Choice, He’s Through! Also: Oct. 1999 (Special Issue): WCW Midyear Report.
Road Warriors. Roddy Piper, Ahmed Johnson, Also: Mankind & Shamrock, Snow-Holly, Sting,
Send To; LONDON PUBLISHING CO.
d .
Raven. Al Snow
Aug. 1996: The Greening Of Wrestling; How
Edge. Flair-Robinson, AlWF.
Nov. 1999: Crash At The Bash! Enter Sid, Vi
BOX 910 FT. WASHINGTON, PA 19034 yzj
\:1JJ
Sting & Shawn Will Become $50,000,000 Men! ciously! Also: Undertaker-Austin, Acolytes, Master
Also; Bodydonnas, Giant, Guerrera-Misterlo, P. Debra, Justin Credible. □DEC 78 □MAR 85 □MAR 88 □JAN 91 □JUL 94 □AUG 98 □NOV 00
George Steele. Goldust & Marlena. Dec. 1999: The Rock: What Makes You Love/Hate □APR 79 □JUN 85 □MAY 88 □FEB 91 □OCT 94 □SEP 98 □JAN 01
Oct. 1996 (Special Issue): WCW Midyear Report. This Man? Also: Sting, Shane Douglas, Droz, □AUG 80 □SEP 85 □JUN 88 □MAR 91 □MAR 95 □OCT 98 □MAR 01
Also; Jake Roberts, Yokozuna. Giant-Konnan. Piper-Bagwell, Taz. □SEP 80 □JAN 86 □JUL88 □APR 91 □JUN 95 □NOV 98 □MAY 01
Ahmed Johnson, Chris Jericho, strutters, Holiday 1999 (Special Issue); The 1999 Turn
□NOV 80 □MAR 86 □AUG 88 □JUN 91 □OCT 95 □DEC 98 □AUG 01
Nov. 1996: The Steiners: Feasting On A Buf buckle Turkey Awards. Also: Sting, Dogg-Gunn,
fet Of Violence. Also: Shawn Michaels, Sabu- Undertaker, Steve Corino, 2000 calendar. □APR 81 □APR 86 □OCT 88 □JUL 91 □NOV 95 □HOL 98 □OCT 01
Douglas, King of Ring, Eddie Guerrero, truck Jan. 2000: Dreaming Of An Extreme Christ □MAY 81 □JUN 86 □NOV 88 □AUG 91 □JAN 96 □JAN 99 □DEC 01
stop terror. mas (Tommy Dreamer & Francine). Also: Gold □SEP 81 □JUL 86 □DEC 88 □SEP 91 □FEB 96 □MAR 99 □FEB 02
Dec. 1996: Three Women For Four Horsemen? berg, Al Snow, Billy Gunn, Doring & Road Kill, □MAR 82 □AUG 86 □FEB 89 □OCT 91 □MAR 96 □APR 99 □APR 02
The Hot Search For A Fourth Filly Has Begun! cigar-chompers. □MAY 82 □SEP 86 □JUN 89 □NOV 91 □JUN 96 □MAY 99 □JUN 02
Also: Sunny & Gunns, Giant, Goldust. Cornette & Feb. 2000; Wrestling’s Top Stars: What’s Ahead □JUN 82 □OCT 86 □AUG 89 □DEC 91 □AUG 96 □JUN 99 □AUG 02
Hart, Jerry Jarrett. For 2000! Also: Vince-Bulldog, Mike Awesome, Sid
□AUG 82 □NOV 86 □SEP 89 □JAN 92 □OCT 96 □JUL99 □OCT 02
Holiday 1996 (Special Issue): The Tombstone: Vicious, Gorilla Monsoon.
Wresling’s Deadliest Finisher. Also; 1997 calen March 2000: Kevin Nash & Scott Hail; Getting □OCT 82 □DEC 86 □OCT 89 □MAR 92 □NOV 96 □AUG 99 □DEC 02
dar. “Pyscho" Sid, Benolt-Misterio. Steiners-NWO, Inside The Outsiders’ Heads. Also; Dudleys, □NOV 82 □JAN 87 □NOV 89 □MAY 92 □DEC 96 □OCT 99 □FEB 03
Pit Bull I. Jushln Liger. Jerry Lynn, Vince-DX, Kimberly, Zero Gravity. □DEC 82 □FEB 87 □DEC 89 □JUN 92 □HOL 96 □NOV 99 □ APR 03
Feb. 1997: Trouble In Egoville: Is There An NWO April 2000 (Special Issue): The Y2K Computer □APR 83 □MAR 87 □JAN 90 □JUL 92 □FEB 97 □DEC 99 □JUN 03
Within The NWO? Also; Chris Candido, Bret- Tournament. Also: Jarrett-PTB, Christopher & □JUN 83 □APR 87 □FEB 90 □AUG 92 □JUN 97 □HOL 99 □AUG 03
Shawn, Ric Flair, Joey Styles, Liger-Benoit. Taylor, Lou E. Dangerously, Lawler-Fantastico.
June 1997: Ahmed Johnson Reveals: “I □SEP 83 □MAY 87 □MAR 90 □SEP 92 □OCT 97 □JAN 00 □OCT 03
May 2000: Hey, Scott, Watch Your Back! The
Almost Joined The Nation Of Domination.” NWO Is Setting You Up! Also; Hacksaw Duggan, □NOV 83 □JUN 87 □APR 90 □OCT 92 □NOV 97 □FEB 00 □DEC 03
Also; Mankind, Lex Luger, NWO, Davey Boy Rikishi Phatu, Test, Mike Awesome. □APR 84 □JUL 87 □MAY 90 □NOV 92 □DEC 97 □MAR 00 □FEB 04
Smith, Jerry Graham. June 2000: Chris Jericho’s Deadliest Enemy: □JUN 84 □AUG 87 □JUN 90 □DEC 92 □HOL 97 □APR 00 □APR 04
Oct. 1997 (Special Issue): WCW Midyear Report. His Ego! Also: Tazz, Kidman-Torrie, Nash-Funk, □JUL84 □SEP 87 □JUL 90 □MAR 93 □FEB 98 □MAY 00 □JUN 04
Also: LOD-PG-13. Rob Van Dam, Flair & Horse Buff Bagwell, New Jack, □AUG 84 □OCT 87 □AUG 90 □APR 93 □MAR 98 □JUN 00 □AUG 04
men, Ken Shamrock, McMichael-White, Madd & July 2000 (Special Issue): It's True! Kurt Angle
Mama Maxxine. Will Be Hotter Than The Rock In Six Months!
□SEP 84 □NOV 87 □SEP 90 □MAY 93 □APR 98 □JUL00 □NOV 04
Nov. 1997: WWF War Zone: Interfederation Also: Elizabeth, Steve Blackman, Norman Smiley. □OCT 84 □DEC 87 □OCT 90 □JAN 94 □MAY 98 □AUG 00 □FEB 05
Battles Rock The Sport! Also; Ahmed Johnson, Spike Dudley, personal questions. □NOV 84 □JAN 88 □NOV 90 □MAY 94 □JUN 98 □SEP 00 □MAY 05
Curt Hennig, Nueva World Order, Chris Candido, Aug. 2000: WrestleMania 2000; The Real Win □DEC 84 □FEB 88 □DEC 90 □JUN 94 □JUL 98 □OCT 00
Dan Severn. ners & Losers! Also; Duslin-Funk, Eddie Guer
Dec. 1997: Losing Is Bull! Has Dennis Rodman rero, ECW extreme?, WCW analysis. In case of a sellout, indicate substitute choice:
Had It With Hulk Hogan? Also; Steve Austin, Sept. 2000: Those Damn Dudleys! Is There An
Jarrett & Debra, Harts. Funk-Francine, Chris Evil Act Fans Won’t Cheer? Also; Billy Kidman.
Jericho. Taka Michinoku, Yoshihiro Tajiri, Jeff Jarrett.
Holiday 1997 (Special Issue): The Steiners’ Oct. 2000 (Special Issue): WCW Midyear Report.
Please send me tlie back issues I’ve checked. Ienclose $. as payment in full.
Million-Dollar Gamble! Also: 1998 calendar, Alex Also: Kurt Angle, Malenko-Saturn, Lance Storm,
Wright, The Patriot, Sgt, Slaughter, Turnbuckle Tori, Jumbo Tsuruta, ECW headliners.
Turkey Awards. Nov. 2000: When Will Triple-H Proclaim ... "I’m
Feb. 1998: Wrestling’s Top Stars; What’s Ahead
For ‘98. Also; Brian Pillman, Sting, Hunter Hearst
Sick Of Being A McMahon!” Also: Trish Stratus.
Shane Douglas, Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash, Yo
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March 1998: Hart Transplant! The Truth Be
hind Bret’s Defection To WCW. Also: Steve Mc- IfUll-COIOR BEeiNNINB WITH JANUARY 20011 (enciosed and payabie to London Pubiishing Co.)
Michael, Bam Bam Bigelow, Steve Austin, Disco Jan. 2001; Olympic Games: What Kind Of Angle
Inferno. Has Curt Been Running? Also: Tazz-Lawler, Big
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Aprt! 1998 (Special Issue): The 1998 Inside Vito, Stacy Keibler, Chris Benoit. Kid Kash, Chyna. □ MasterCard #
Wrestling Computer Tournament. Also: Scott March 2001: Who Knows The Rock’s Role? Is
Hall, Marlena. Chris Benoit, Gunn & James, Sabu- He Ditching Wrestling For Hollywood? Also; Expiration Date: /
Sandman. Trish Stratus, Billy Gunn. Jarrett-Stlng, C.W. MO Yfl 3 DIGIT SECURITY CODE
May 1998: Is The WWF Screwing Another Hart? Anderson, Booker T.
Also: Steve Austin, Dallas Page, Booker T. Larry May 2001: The WrestleMania Tip Sheet: What Signature:.
Zbyszko, Al Snow. You Must Know About The Event Of The Year!
June 1998: Exclusive! Steve Austin: The 10 Men Also: Scott Steiner. Dudleys, Malenko & Lita,
Who Inspired His Toughness. Also; Dusty & Shane Douglas. Raven.
Dustin, Perry Saturn, Mortis, Jeff Jarrett. Aug. 2001: Game Face! We Haven't Seen Hunt Name
July 1998 (Special Issue): Top Stars Answer er’s Ugly Side ... But Just Wait! Also: WWF vs.
Your Personal Questions. Also: Jericho-Misterio (PRINT YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS CLEARLY)
WCW, Kurt Angle. Vince McMahon. Booker T.
Jr.. Steve Austin, Sunny, Scott Steiner, Chris- Hardys & Lita, Haas brothers, WCW babes, Address
topher-Michinoku. Oct. 2001: Will Debra Ice Stone-Cold? Also;
Aug. 1998: WrestleMania XIV; The flea/Winners Vince vs. Shane, Chyna, Wiliam Regal, former Big
And Losers. Also: Sunny. Curt Hennig. Dan Sev Three stars.
City.
ern, Ultimo Dragon. Dec. 2001: The WWF-WCW Dream Matches We
Sept. 1998: Power Surge! While The NWO Fid Really Want! Also; Tazz. Dudleys. Perry Saturn,
dles ... These Men Are Burning. Also: Sable. Johnny Valentine, 100 WCW facts. State. -Zip. .Email.
Ultimo-Guerrero, DeGeneration X-Owen, Rocky Feb. 2002: RVD: The Story You’ve Been Mis
Malvia, Mad Russian-Rambo. sing For 10 Years! Also: Hardys, Randy Orton,
Oct. 1998 (Special Issue): WCW Midyear Report. Shawn Stasiak, Turnbuckle Turkey Awards.
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 ■

E S T L I N G

L Y S T

II

JOHN CENA
Years Pro: 7

Size: 6’3”, 260

“PWI500” Listings: 2006—1
2005—2
2004—7

2003—12

2002—46

2001—281

Titles: Raw World (3 times)

Raw World tag team
Smackdown World

WWE U.S. (3 times)

OVW heavyweight

m OVW Southern tag team

Ultimate Pro Wrestling heavyweight
PWI Awards: Feud Of The Year:
Winner (2006)
Match of the Year:

3rd runner-up (2005)

I Most Improved Wrestler:
Winner (2003)
I Most Popular Wrestler:
I Winner (2003, 2004)
I 1st runner-up (2006)
f Rookie of the Year:
3rd runner-up (2001)
Wrestler of the Year:

Winner (2006)
1st runner-up (2005)
 THE NUMBERS
Offense (8.0): John Cena will certainly not go
one of the best offensive move sets in history.
more about the delivery of the move than the
the impact. He’s a powerful brawler who has a
Ingly effective submission aspect to his game in
Defense (8.5): Cena baits his opponents into
take and then unloads on them. Much like ever
Gena’s approach to defense is unorthodox at be:
to create offense from defense, which has help
surably. Opponents would be wise not to assi
soon because that’s when Cena is most dangero
Experience (9.5): What the three-time Raw
lacks in ring years he more than makes up for
spent atop the sport’s top roster. Cena has fougt
ed—nearly every top guy in the company. He
evented the past two WrestleManias, making br
DeGeneration X tap out for the victory.
Conditioning (9.5): Even the best-conditio
the world would look at Cena and marvel. At 6’
an amazing amount of agility and power that h
to outlast most opponents. He is meticulous abi
routine, and his legs are the difference-mak
stages of his matches.
Science (8.0): As of today, thuganomics is
still not a verifiable science. While Cena shows
flashes of ring acumen, the basic fact is that
he’s a power wrestler who uses devastating
maneuvers to daze and defeat opponents.
He’s a fighter with wrestling skills, and that
suits his style just fine. Chris Benoit has noth¬
ing to worry about.
Stamina (9.5): At WrestleMania 23, the
sheer exasperation on Shawn Michaels’ face
said it all. Cena can outlast, outfight, and out-
muscle nearly anyone in the industry today.
His stamina is one of the greatest assets in his
arsenal. Opponents may outwrestle him, but
he’ll be the last man standing.
Power (9.5): He may not look like your typi¬
cal power wrestler, but his FU finisher is a
perfect example of just how strong this guy
is. Cena hoists men such as the 7’2”, 485-
pound Big Show six feet in the air and situ¬
ates them across his broad shoulders before

(J) : Gena’s best offense is a strong defense. Many

have falien to ttie ctiamp after assuming vic
tory too early in battle, only to have Cena
come back strong for the win. John Bradshaw
Layfield made such a mistake at Wrestle-
Mania 21, resulting in the loss of his
Smackdown World title.

[INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER]

 D

(D : Accumulating bragging rights in WWE by making not one, but two DeGeneration X members tap out to the STFU at
: consecutive WrestleManias (most recently Shawn Michaels at WM 23), Cena is building quite a resume.

@ i Stamina is one of Gena’s greatest attributes. While others lose

; momentum as the length of a match continues, he benefits from
; his ability to maintain his intensity, even against two opponents
: simultaneously.

es!

@ i Anyone who can lift and subsequently defeat The Big Show can
: boast about his power. Cena has accomplished just that. You can
; criticize Cena on several fronts; strength is not one of them.
 ●*

EDITORS’
ROUNDTABLE
year-old Massachusetts native shocked the wrestling
WILL WRESTLEMANIA 23 world by separating the hated John Bradshaw Layfield
LEAVE A LASTING from the Smackdown World championship.
These are but a few of the moments that have made
IMPRESSION?
WrestleMania the grandest spectacle in the history of
sports entertainment Some of the moments have been
T WAS 20 years ago when Hulk Hogan and Andre memorable and career-making. Others, WWE would

I the Giant (an undefeated Andre the Giant, depending

on which version of wrestiing history you beiieve)
sguared off in front of a record number of fans in one of
rather the fans simply forget Still, the event leaves a last
ing impression in some respect regardless of the out
come. How WrestleMania 23 will compare to those that
the most memorabie matches in WWE history. came before remains to be seen. One thing remains clear:
Tweive years and a noticeabie change of attitude iater, WrestleMania means something different to each fan, and
the company’s two biggest icons of the day—“Stone- what one person perceives as a weak show another couid
Cold" Steve Austin and The Bock—engaged in an epic see as one of the ait-time great events.
battie that saw the “Texas Rattlesnake" walk out of Publisher Stu Saks brought in Senior Writer Frank
Philadelphia the newly crowned titleholder. Ingiosi, along with Contributing Writers Brady Hicks
Only two years ago, fans were introduced—for better and Liz Hunter, to discuss the impact of this year’s
or worse—to the start of the John Cena era when the 27- extravaganza.

V:

A'-

y/

54 ; -

5 ● W. ■ ■1

li—

While our television screens at home may have reiayed a mediocre pay-per-view for many, the fans in attendance
seemed to have had a better view. The glitz and giamour of wrestling’s biggest night can oniy really be appreciated live.

98 [INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER]

 STU SAKS: Thank you, folks, for coming in
today. On the heels of WrestleMania 23,1 wanted to
get your impressions on whether or not this year’s
event will pass muster of being ranked up with
some of the more memorable ’Manias of the past.
BRADY HICKS: Stu, if Icould start, I’d like to
begin by saying that WrestleMania 23, while there
weren’t any shocking or unpredictable moments
was exacf/y what the event was meant to be.
SAKS: How so, Brady?
HICKS: Well, WrestleMania is a spectacle. It’s
not meant to showcase phenomenal wrestling or
hour-long matches—although it has in the past.
WrestleMania is about giving the fans what they
want, regardless of how historically significant it
is. In that regard, this year was as good as any
other, although not quite top-five material.
LIZ HUNTER: I would agree, Brady.
However, I’ve always viewed WrestleMania with a
somewhat more defined goal, and that is it must
advance, end, or create new angles for the fans to
follow in the coming months. After sitting through
happy endings—many of which I feel we could
have guessed before the first bell sounded—I was
a little disappointed that there were no real shock¬
ing moments or great teasers of possible future
feuds. It’s hard for me to ever gripe about a
WrestleMania, but Ijust feel WWE is losing focus
on what makes the event great.
SAKS: Frank, we have yet to hear from you. As
the only person on this panel to have attended the
event, what were your thoughts as you sat among
80,000 screaming fans?
FRANK INGIOSI: I had every intention of
grabbing my seat at WrestleMania 23 and scruti¬
nizing everything from the ring setup to the actual
wrpqtlinn itqplf Rut nnrp I pntprpH thp arpna I As part of its marketing campaign in the months leading up to WrestleMania 23,
wrestling Itseit. but, once l entered tne arena, l wWE emphasized the 20th anniversary of the monumental WrestleMania in, but
was swept up in the amazing energy of actually it is debatable if the actual events of WM 23 lived up to the hype, and the Cena-
being at WrestleMania. It’s very fitting that the Michaels main event wasn’t quite as magical as the Hogan-Andre bout at WM in.
theme was “All Grown Up” because I
guarantee that there wasn’t an adult in “I had every intention of grabbing my seat at
the place that didn’t feel like a little kid WrestleMania 23 and scrutinizing everything
again. Because of that, WrestleMania from the ring setup to the actual wrestling
23 will leave a lasting impression on itself. But, once I entered the arena, I was
me. But...
SAKS: There always seems to be a swept up in the amazing energy of actually
but” with you. being at WrestleMania.”
INGIOSI: Maybe so. But while —Frank Ingiosi

[INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER] 99

 The ceremonial shaving of Vince McMahon’s head after the highly publicized hair-vs.-hair match pitting Bobby Lashley
against Umaga might have garnered national news coverage and, to the fans’ delight, made a fool out of the chairman,
but one major criticism of the night was that it lacked the element of surprise.

being at ’Mania—my second live—will always leave ever to attend or order these events on pay-per-
an impression on me, once I returned home and view. Shouldn’t they be treated to the happy ending
watched the replay on pay-per-view, I was able to or, at the very least, what the vast majority would
see what both Brady and Liz are saying. Watching hope to see happen? Take The Undertaker’s victory
Vince McMahon get his head shaved was funny, but over Batista to win the Smackdown World title. That
is it Hogan slamming Andre? Hell, is it even Triple-H was a history-making win and a great feel-good
turning rulebeaker at WrestleMania 15? Not quite. moment.
HICKS: That’s a good point, Frank, but I think HUNTER: True, but it was also something of a
there were a good amount of fans that believed surprise. While not shocking, it’s a bit surprising to
Hogan was going to defeat Andre and, once it hap see ’Taker—essentially a part-time attraction—win
pened, they were able to go home happy. I’m all for the big gold belt, something everyone maybe expect
shocking, memorable moments at WrestleMania, but ed to happen in the backs of their minds, but once it
there’s just something about the right man winning actually did, it was a pleasant surprise.
that is such a throwback to
Fans are spending more money than ever to
a

the 1980s that it makes me

feel as if that’s what the attend or order these events on pay-per-view.
event is supposed to be
about.
Shouldn’t they be treated to the happy ending
SAKS: That’s an interest or, at the very least, what the vast majority
ing point, Brady. Fans are would hope to see happen?
spending more money than —Stu Saks

100 [INSIDE WRESTLING / THE WRESTLER]

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 «,!«'.«. *#;.●«:■?
g...
» ft,f «.■»:»;»:'.■ ■■«■«. a p «■ a «» a »«
a a a a a a * a ftit a »:*p a aaa a a a a »a a a aa'aaaaaaaaaaar aaj
●'■ ■■ a a a a a a a a a a a i a a «LI

bring up the idea of how WrestieMania 23 wili affect

the company moving forward. We seem to be in con
sensus that, whiie the event was fun, it lacked that
■Wi
one great WrestieMania moment that fans will be
talking about for years to come. Aside from the chair
I -,rl
man being shaved bald, what’s the fallout from this
event? Brady, we’ll start with you.
V]
HICKS: Stu, it’s hard to tell right now. The fol
lowing week of programming generally would give
us a better perspective on which direction WWE is
taking following WrestieMania, but this year failed to
do so. I’m not quite sure whether this was intention
al or not.
HUNTER: Ithink Brady hit it right on the head
there. Usually, the night following a pay-per-view,
Raw becomes necessary viewing for any fan. This
year, there were two 10-team battle royals that fea
tured almost every wrestler not used at ’Mania, as
well as an ECW title match. Now, I’m not advocating
that the guys who went out and put on an amazing
show the night before had to do it all over again, but
this year showed me that WrestieMania failed to
produce any fallout that would launch WWE into any
new directions.
INGIOSI: I have a different perspective. I think
the current direction is not showing a lack of direc
tion, but rather a slow build to some amazing feuds.
Also, I’m intrigued to see what 'Taker’s reign will
mean to Smackdown. I think that, over the next few
months, things will develop quite nicely.
SAKS: Doesn’t WWE then run the risk of becom
ing stale at a time when it should be taking advan
tage of the post-’Mania wave of support?
INGIOSI: Yes and no. Of course, if Creative
takes the easy way out and drags things out too long,
it will absolutely become stale. Or, and I’m hoping
this is the case, WWE will make up for a perceived
less-than-memorable WrestieMania by scattering
some shocking developments out across the brands
in the months to come.
SAKS: Final question. We know it was the 23rd
installment, but where does WrestieMania 23 rank,
compared to its predecessors?
HUNTER: I would put it in the 15-20 range.
Maybe 19.
Life after WrestieMania 23 is foggy at best. How will The Undertaker’s cham HICKS: Vince is bald, ’Taker is king once again,
pionship reign pan out with his sporadic appearances? WWE has left fans in
the dark. and Jeff Hardy crushes Edge from about 20 feet in
the air. I’d say top 10 for me.
INGIOSI: True, but nearly the entire live audi INGIOSI: There was no Rick Steamboat-Randy
ence was pulling for 'Taker. Aside from Batista’s Savage show-stealer, but, fortunately, there was no
entrance—which even my brother turned to me and Bam Bam Bigelow-Lawrence Taylor main event. I’ll
said was cool—the fans were decidedly with “The say 13.
Dead Man.” SAKS: Thanks, gentlemen ... and lady. □

[INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER]

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 ■

OFFICIAL

I G S
TOP 10 TAG TEAMS

1 JOHNCENA 1 MAH & JEFF HARDY

260, West NewOury, MA Combined weight: 425 pouhds
(1) flaw World champion (-) Raw World tag team champions

2 THE UNDERTAKER 2 TEAM 3D

304 Dallas. TX Combined weight: 521 pounds
(7) Smackdown World champion (10) HWA World tag team champions

3 CHRISTIAN CAGE 3 DEUCE & DOMINO

225. Toronto. Ontario Combined weight: 497 pounds
(4) HWA World champion (4) SmackdownWorld tag team champions

4 BOBBY LASHLEY 4 PAUL LONDON & BRIAN KENDRICK

255. Topeka, KS Combined weight: 380 pounds
(3) ECW champion (3) Ho. 1 contenders; SD World tag team title

5 TAKESHI MORISHIMA 5 CHARLES EVANS & JUSTIN LAROCHE

297. Tokyo. Japan Combined weight: 565 pounds
(5) Ring of Honor champion _ (-) OtfW Sotilhem tap team champions

5 217.
SHAWN MICHAELS
San Antonio. TX
5 HOMICIDE & HERNANDEZ
Combined weight: 495 pounds
(8) Wo. 1 contender: Raw World htle (2) Ho. 1 contenders; HWA World tag team title

7 BATISTA 7 GIANT BERNARD & TRAVIS TOMKO

318, Washington. DC Combined weight: 645 pounds
(2) Mo. 1 contender: SD World title (8) IWGP International tag team champions

g MINORU SUZUKI g LANCE CADE & TREVOR MURDOCH

(9) 220. Yokohama. Japan Combined weight: 522 pounds
All Japan Triple Crown champion (-) No. t contenders; Raw World tag team title

9 KURT ANGLE 9 B.G. JAMES & KIP JAMES

233. msburgh. PA Combined weight: 515 pounds
(9) No. 1 contender: MWA Worlti title (-) Ho. 2 contenders: NWA World tag team title

IQ YUJINAGATA
228. Tokyo. Japan
IQ SHELTON BENJAMIN & CHARUE HAAS
Combined weight: 480 pounds
(-) IWGP heavyweight champion Shawn Michaels (6) Mo. 2 contenders; Raw World tag team title

WWE RAW WWE SMACKDOWN ECW TNA

World Champion: World Champion: ECW Champion: NWA World Champion:
JOHN GENA THE UNDERTAKER BOBBY LASHLEY CHRISTUN CAGE
(C) 260. West Newbury. MA (1) 304. Dallas. TX (C) 255 Topeka, KS (C) 225, Toronto, Ontario
1—SHAWN MICHAELS 1—BATISTA 1—C.M. PUNK 1—KURT ANGLE
(1)217, San Antonio, TX (0318, Washington. DC (1) 210, Chicago, IL (1) 233, Pittsburgh, PA
2—UMAGA 2—KEN KENNEDY 2—ROB VAN DAM 2—STING
(2)348, Isle Of Samoa i5i 246. Minneapolis. MN (2)237 Battle Creek, Ml (2)255, Venice Beach, CA
3—EDGE 3—FINLAY 3—MARCUS COR VON 3—CHRIS SABIN
(4) 240. Toronto, Ontario i2i 230 Beitasl Ireland (6) 275, Saginaw, Ml (3)207 Detroit, Ml
4—JEFF HARDY 4—CHRIS BENOIT 4—SABU 4—SAMOA JOE
(3) 212. Cameron. NC >' 224. tdmonton. Alberta (3) 220, Bombay, India (4) 270, Isle of Samoa
5—CARLITO 5—MVP 5—SNITSKY 5-ABYSS
(5) 220. San Juan. Puerto Hiou 191252, Miami, FL (-) 310, Nesquehoning, PA (5) 295, parts unknown
6—LANCE CADE 6—KANE 6—ELUAH BURKE 6—RHINO
(-) 263. Omaha, NE (6) 326, St Louis, MO (5) 230, Jacksonville, Ft (6) 275, Detroit, Ml
7—CHRIS MASTERS 7—THE MIZ 7—KEVIN THORN 7—CHRISTOPHER DANIELS
(10) 270. Santa Monica. CA (-) 210, Parma, OH (7) 270, Memphis, TN (-) 210, Los Angeles, CA
8—RIC FLAIR 8—CHAVO GUERRERO JR. 8—MAH STRIKER 8—A.J. STYLES
(9) 243, Charlotte. NC (8) 210, El Paso, TX (10)215,Bayside,NY (7)202, Gainesville, GA
9—TREVOR MURDOCH 9—GREGORY HELMS 9—MAHONEY 9—JIW LETHAL
(-) 250, Austin. TX (-/ 210. Haleigh, NC (8) 361, Nutley, NJ (-) 192, Elizabeth, NJ
10—KENNY DYKSTRA 10—OAIVARI 10—TOMMY DREAMER 10-^AMES STORM
(-) 234, Worcester MA llo) 203. Minneapolis, MN (9) 265, Yonkers, NY (9) 225, Franklin, TN

104 [INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER]

Top 10 and tag team ratings are based on won-lost records for the past month, quality of opposition, and inherent skill of each wrestler or team. These ratings are
compiled by the magazine's editorial board. All other ratings are based on the official current positions of challengers to the top title in each category; certain title-
holders receive an automatic spot in the ratings. The number in parentheses indicates a wrestler's position in that category last issue; (-) indicates that the wrestler
was not rated in that category last issue while (C) indicates the wrestler was champion in that category last issue. Note: In an effort to keep the ratings as up-to-
date as possible, these pages are often the last to be sent to the printer. Thus, the ratings may reflect changes not reflected in the remainder or the issue.

FOR PERIOD ENDED APRIL 26, 2007

ATLANTIC CHAMPIONSHIP PRO WRESTLING: Champion—The Stro; 1— 6—Alex Shelley; 7—Tom Brandi; 8—Derek Frazier; 9—Christian York;
Hangtime; 2—Tobi; 3—D.Z. Hyde; 4—Dave Renegade; 5—Brandon Moretti; 10—Jimmy Cicero.
6—Josh Hunter; 7—Dark SuperStar; 8—Soul Reaper; 9—Cletus Bass;
10—Aaron Devil. NATIONAL WRESTLING LEAGUE: Champion—Leslie Leatherman; 1—John
Rambo; 2—Gutterboy; 3—Samu; 4—Blackhawk; 5—Professor Egon Ecton;
AWA PRO-WRESTLING RUSH: Champion—Chris Jordan; 1—Devin Carter; 6—Ogb; 7—Jackpot Jimmy Jessup; 8—Jerkface; 9—Brandon Scott;
2—Gator Magraw; 3—Joey Envy; 4—Aaron Corbin; 5—Arik Cannon; 6— 10—Kevin Featherstone.
Casanova; 7—El Viejo; 8—Rob James; 9—Jaysin Strife; 10—Arya Daivari.
PRIMAL CONFLICT WRESTLING: Champion—Tommy Hawk; 1 —
CAROLINA WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT: Champion—Scotty Matthews; 1— Switchblade; 2—Brock Singleton; 3—Christian York; 4—Julio Dinero;
Aaron Devil; 2—Bounty Hunter; 3—D.J. P-Roc; 4—J-Synn; 5—Eddie Brown; 5—Demolition Ax; 6—Zubov; 7—Scott Fowler; 8—Scotty McKeever;
6—D.Z. Hyde; 7—Scrapyard Dog; 8—Leroy Green; 9—Rick Link; 9—The Stro; 10—Bobby Shields.
10—Sean Altly.
PRO WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT; Champion—Mike Quackenbush;
CHAMPIONSHiP PRO WRESTLING: Champion—Jake Davis, 1—Leslie 1—Icarus; 2—Shane Valentine; 3—Hallowicked; 4—Salvatore Sincere;
Leatherman; 2—Switchblade; 3—Bobby Eaton; 4—Tom Prichard; 5—Hyjinx; 5—Hyjinx; 6—Shane Shadows; 7—Jey Graham; 8—Kage; 9—Jackpot;
6—Bob Keller; 7—Bill Bain; 8—Silver Shadow; 9—Brian Johnson; 10—Johnny Graham.
10—Brad Thomas.
TEXAS ALL-STAR WRESTLING: Champion—ZenZen; 1—T-Bone; 2—
INTERNATIONAL WRESTLING CARTEL: Champion—Ricky Reyes; 1—Troy Bobby 2 Badd; 3—Bubba Lee Travis; 4—Nasty Nick Daniels; 5—Scoby
Lords; 2—Brent Albright; 3—Larry Sweeney; 4—Abyss; 5—Dennis Gregory; Gober; 6—Riley Burke; 7—Dylan Starr; 8—Jessie Logan; 9—Nate Slater;
6—A.J. Styles; 7—Shiima Xion; 8—Hentai; 9—Sterling James Keenan; 10—El Dragon Rapido.
10—John McChesney.
WORLD CLASS EXTREME WRESTLING: Champion—Corey Edsel; 1—Tommy
MARYLAND CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING: Champion—Adam Flash; 1 — Vandal; 2—Aaron Devil; 3—Tre G.; 4—Hangtime; 5—Ali Steele; 6—Josh
Joey Mercury; 2—Danny Doring; 3—Pat Brink; 4—The Bruiser; 5—Rhino; Hunter; 7—Damian Kage; 8—^Tito Rain; 9—Steven Dillinger; 10—D.Z. Hyde.

RING OF HONOR ovw lAPAN MEXICO

ROH Champion: OVW Champion: 1—MINORU SUZUKI
TAKESHI MORISHIMA AARON STEVENS (2) 220, Yokohama, Japan
(C) 297, Tokyo, Japan (-) 237, Boston, MA All Japan Triple Crown champion
1—RREHT ALBRIGHT 1—PAUL BIRCHALL 2—YUJINAGATA
1—Misnco
(7) 230, Bayside, CA (C) 281, Surrey, England (5) 228, Tokyo, Japan
(1) 177, Mexico City, Mexico
IWGP heavyweight champion
2—HOMICIDE 2—SHAWN SPEARS 2—EL HUO DEL SANTO
3—MITSUHARU MISAWA
(1) 220, Brooklyn, NY (-) 235, Louisville, KY (2) 180, Tulacingo, Mexico
(3) 228, Ashikaga, Japan
3—RODERICK STRONG 3—MIKE KRUEL 3—CIBERNEnCO
GHC heavyweight champion
(2) 205, Tampa, FL (1) 210, New York, NY (3) 175, Mexico City, Mexico
4—HIROSHI TANAHASHI
4—DELIRIOUS 4—CHET THE JET 4—ATLANTIS
(1)227, Ogaki, Japan
(3) 192, parts unknown (3) 230, Buffalo, NY (5) 180, Guadalajara, Mexico
5—NAOMICHIMARUFUJI
5—NIGEL McGUINNESS 5—EDDIE KRAVEN 5—PERROAGUAYOJR.
(4)211, Saitama, Japan
(5) 220, London, England (4) 205, New York, NY (4) 200, Zacatecas, Mexico
6—SATOSHI KOJIMA
6—MAH SYDAL 6—CODY RHODES 6—DR. WAGNER JR.
(6) 243, Tokyo, Japan
(6) 177, St Louis, MO (-) 232, Marietta, GA (6) 215, Mexico City, Mexico
7—TAKESHI MORISHIMA
7—ADAM PEARCE 7—VLADIMIR KOZLOV 7—LA PARKA
(8) 297, Tokyo, Japan
(-) 233, Chicago, IL (6) 310, Moscow, Russia (7) 206, Sonora, Mexico
8—MINORU
8—ROCKY ROMERO 8—JACOB DUNCAN 8—AVERNO
(9) 198, KomakI, Japan
(-) 175, Havana, Cuba (5) 335, Louisville, KY
IWGP Jr. heavyweight champion (8) 182, Mexico City, Mexico
9—CLAUDIO CASTAGNOU 9—MIKE MONDO 9-^USHIN LIGER 9—LA. PARK
(8) 238, Schaffhausen, Switzerland (-) 185, Long Island, NY (10) 235, Torreon, Mexico
(-) 208, Hiroshima, Japan
10—MASAAKIMOCHIZUKI 10-^0HNNY JETER 10—HIROYOSHITENZAN 10—NEGRO CASAS
(-) 209, Tokyo, Japan (-) 224, San Diego, CA (9) 185, Mexico City, Mexico
(7) 270, Tokyo, Japan

[INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER] 105

 R L L CALL F
CHAMPIONS
FOR PERIOD ENDED APRIL 26, 2007
Championships highlighted in bold on the “Roll Call of Champions" have changed hands since our previous issue. The information under the championship
listing indicates the date that champion won the title, who the former champion was, and where the match took place.
ALL JAPAN INTERNATIONAL TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: NWA WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: TEAM 30
TOSHIAKI KAWADA & TAIYO KEA (April 15, 2007; from Homicide & Hernandez; St. Louis, MO)
(February 17, 2007; from Ro’Z & Suwana; Tokyo, Japan)
NWA SHOCKWAVE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: HAVOK
ALL JAPAN JUNIOR HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: KATSUHIKO NAKAJIMA (January 13, 2007; from Paul E. Normous; Boonton, NJ)
(February 17, 2007; from Shuji Kondo; Tokyo, Japan)
OVW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: AARON STEVENS
ALL JAPAN TRIPLE CROWN CHAMPION: MINORU SUZUKI (March 14, 2007; from Paul Birchall; Louisville, KY)
(September 3, 2006; from Taiyo Kea; Sapporo, Japan)
OVW SOUTHERN TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS:
AMERICAN WRESTLING ASSOCIATION HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION; CHARLES EVANS & JUSTIN LAROCHE
TAKAO OMORI (April 11, 2006; from Cody Rhodes & Shawh Spears; Louisville, KY)
(March 31, 2007; from Steve Corino; Yokohama, Japan)
OVW TV CHAMPION; SHAWN SPEARS
BORDER CITY WRESTLING CAN-AM HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: ABYSS (March 17, 2007; from Mike Kruel; Louisville, KY)
(September 15, 2005; beat Bobby Roode; Windsor, Ontario)
OVW WOMEN’S CHAMPION: KATIE LEA
BORDER CITY WRESTLING TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: (November 1,2006; from Beth Phoenix; Louisville, KY)
JIMMY JACOBS & PHIL ATLAS
PRO WRESTLING GUERRILLA CHAMPION: EL GENERICO
(July 22, 2005; from Danny Daniels & N8 Mattson; Windsor, Ontario)
(February 24, 2007; from Human Tornado; Van Nuys, CA)
EAST COAST WRESTLING ASSOCIATION HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION;
ADEN CHAMBERS PRO WRESTLING GUERRILLA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: VACANT

(March 17, 2007; from Freak Nastty in four-way match; Newark, DE) (Most recently held by El Generico & Quicksilver)

EAST COAST WRESTLING ASSOCIATION MID-ATLANTIC CHAMPION: PRO WRESTLING NOAH GLOBAL HONORED CROWN CHAMPION:
MITSUHARU MISAWA
BRYAN LOGAN
(October 7,2006; from Mike Tobin; Newark, DE) (December 10, 2006; from Naomichi Marufuji; Tokyo, Japan)

PRO WRESTLING NOAH GLOBAL HONORED CROWN

EAST COAST WRESTLING ASSOCIATION TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS:
JUNIOR HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: TATSUHITO TAKAIWA
DAN ECKOS & SEAN ROYAL
(January 27, 2007; from The Valedictorians; Newark, DE) (December 23, 2006; from Takashi Sugiura; Tokyo, Japan)

PRO WRESTLING NOAH GLOBAL HONORED CROWN TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS:

HEARTLAND WRESTLING ASSOCIATION HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION:
JUN AKIYAMA & TAKESHI RIKIO
BRIAN JENNINGS
(April 1,2007; from Takeshi Morishima & Mohammed Yone; Tokyo, Japan)
(January 2, 2007; from Jon Moxley, Cincinnati, OH)
RING OF HONOR CHAMPION: TAKESHI MORISHIMA
HEARTUND WRESTLING ASSOCIATION TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS:
TERIK THE LEGEND & TACK
(February 17, 2007; from Homicide; Philadelphia, PA)
(March 10, 2007; from Jake & Dave Crist; Evendale, OH) RING OF HONOR TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS; JAY & MARK BRISCOE
(March 30, 2007; from Naruki Ooi & Shingo; Detroit, Ml)
IWA MID-SOUTH HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: CHUCK TAYLOR
(September 30, 2006; from Toby Klein; Midlothian, IL) TNA X CHAMPION: CHRIS SABIN
(January 15, 2007; from Christopher Daniels in three-way match; Orlando, FL)
IWA MID-SOUTH LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: BRANDON THOMASELLI
(April 14, 2007; beat Josh Abercrombie; Shelbyville, IN) WWE CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION: CHAVO GUERRERO JR.
(February 18, 2007; from Gregory Helms; Los Angeles, CA)
IWF AMERICAN CHAMPION: TRAVIS BLAKE
(January 21,2007; from Chris Steeler; West Paterson, NJ) WWE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION: SANTINO MARELLA
(April 16, 2007; from Umaga; Milan, Italy)
IWF HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: TONY TORRES
(November 17, 2006; from Shawn Donavan; West Paterson, NJ) WWE RAW WORLD CHAMPION: JOHN CENA
(September 17, 2006; from Edge; Toronto, Ontario)
IWF TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: SHANE O’BRIEN & AARON STRIDE
(January 20, 2007; from Steve Camacho & Mike Durnin; West Paterson, NJ) WWE RAW WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS; MAH & JEFF HARDY
(April 2, 2007; from John Cena & Shawn Michaels in a battle royal; Dayton, OH)
IWGP HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: YUJI NAGATA
(April 13, 2007; from Hiroshi Tanahashi; Osaka, Japan) WWE SMACKDOWN WORLD CHAMPION: THE UNDERTAKER
(April 1,2007; from Batista; Detroit, Ml)
IWGP INTERNATIONAL TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS;
GIANT BERNARD & TRAVIS TOMKO WWE SMACKDOWN WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: DEUCE & DOMINO
(March 11,2007; from Manabu Nakanishi & Takao Omori; Nagoya, Japan) (April 17, 2007; from Paul London & Brian Kendrick; Milan, Italy)

IWGP JUNIOR HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: MINORU WWE U.S. CHAMPION: CHRIS BENOIT
(December 24, 2006; from Koji Kanemoto; Tokyo, Japan) (October 10, 2006; from Ken Kennedy; Jacksonville, FL)

NWA WORLD CHAMPION: CHRISTIAN CAGE WWE WOMEN’S CHAMPION: MELINA

(January 15, 2007; from Abyss; Orlando, FL) (April 24, 2007; from Mickle James; Paris, France)

106 [INSIDE WRESTLING/THE WRESTLER]

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