@HitTheRopes
TCC
page 1
page 2
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com
@HitTheRopes
TCC
page 3
page 4
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com
@HitTheRopes
TCC
page 5
Kelly Kelly was released from the WWE after 6 years of service. The old adage “practice makes perfect” didn’t seem to hold any weight here as KK and those darn ropes just couldn’t get along.
There are probably more eyes seeing this issue than a Ring of Honor iPPV.
page 6
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com
I wonder if vegans got upset at Daniel Bryan and threw meatballs at him instead of tomatoes after learning he’s no longer a vegan.
Hulk Hogan’s sex tape was leaked online. What ya gonna do brotha, err, sister, when that 24-inch python runs wild all over you?
Raw’s ratings are falling quicker than Kim Kardashian at an NBA all-star game.
Shaul Guerrero, daughter of Eddie and Vickie Guerrero, asked for and received her release from the WWE. Shaul Guerrero, we lie, we cheat, we are less than adequate in the ring. @HitTheRopes
TCC
page 7
It’s time to celebrate the best...and the worst of the month from the worlds of professional wrestling and MMA
CHUMPS
CHAMPS
Rise Above cancer While the WWE is all about Make-A-Wish, with the backing of their biggest star the WWE is helping to fight cancer.
Mayhem shows up in character on the MMA Hour...and storms out like a child. Funny when Andy Kaufman did it. With Mayhem, it’s sad.
Sit Down. Shut up.
Show Cancelled
While Johnson and Benavidez battled for the title, fans began booing when not enough blood was being dropped. Pat Barry happily put the fans in check.
Good for business
page 8
No Kaufman
The Showtime deal is the only reason why Strikeforce is still around. Showtime cancelled one event; it’s time they did the same for the promotion.
Hogan loves tna
Vince doesn’t mind getting dirty. Time and time again he jumps in the ring to help put over his next big star. This time the rub goes to Punk.
Talk about driven to success. Hogan is so old school that he is trying to put the TNA in TNA with his recent sex tape. Take that PG Era WWE.
King of Tna
Punk appology
TNA finally gets it right as they bring in King Mo who is bringing in a lot of crossover attention with potential to be a major player in the ring.
Punk has to appologize for striking a fan? Even though it’s the wrong one, he plays the villian. Every heel before 1992 is at home face palming.
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com
@HitTheRopes
TCC
page 9
ou may have seen her at a local independent wrestling show somewhere up in the Northeast, booing John Cena on social network sites, heck you may have seen her work fashioned in the squared circle by a wrestler. But just who is Yolanda Jernigan, the woman behind GIMICK$ Wrestling Tees?
gear. A longtime follower of professional wrestling, she would really get hooked beginning with SummerSlam ‘94. From there, any and all WWE-produced shows couldn’t miss her. “I even knew the Superstars’ theme in ‘95,” laughs Jernigan. What was that defining moment? That one star who made her fall in love with wrestling? Shawn Michaels.
If you go to a certain Chikara Pro, Pro Wrestling Syndicate, NYWC, Combat Zone Wrestling, Interspecies “I fell in love with him in ‘94 just based on his wrestling Wrestling, Dragon Gate, Evolve, or WSU show you’re talent, his gear and presentation. Shawn was perfect to more than likely to see a table set up with GIMICK$ me and then I found him fine as wine at the Royal Rum-
page 10
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com
ble in ‘95.
stock.
The idea of GIMICK$ began in March 2008 but didn’t It isn’t just shirts for wrestling fans that GIMICK$ prodebut until the following year at CHIKARA’s King of vide. Though she never got to make a tee for them she Trios event. did fashion ring gear for the “Queen of Wrestling” Sara Del Rey and the current WWE United States Champion “I was always complaining about how WWE was re- Antonio Cesaro. ally coming out with some high-priced poop on a stick wrestling shirts and also had the nerve to take signs While well received, Jernigan did face a few “haters” from wrestling fans at shows. I have a bad habit of for- early on. There was the one person saying he hopes she getting what I have done in the past, but as I was com- goes out of business and another using message boards plaining one night it dawned on me that I used to work to try to gain credit off her work. There was also the for a company that use to make WWE clothes and I said mark.. or was he? I can do this better than them from t-shirts to denim. So I said to myself, Yolanda, I think you finally found your “I remember somebody being offended by my ‘I hate calling and why haven’t you Marks’ t-shirt which I done this sooner which is think is so damn dumb, mix my two loves of fashbecause I had a ‘Mark’ Tion and wrestling?” shirt as well. The whole point was for to have a Despite being a producer of shirt to be proud of bethe tees today, growing up, ing a mark/fan and the she wasn’t a big consumer other shirt was about the of the paraphernalia. The marks that can be annoyvery first shirt she bought ing as hell, especially at was a vintage “HBK” shows.” Shawn Michaels t-shirt where he did his pose and When wrestlers approach there were screen printed to have a shirt made Jernichains on it. She’d make gan tries to get to know up for lost time as an adult as much about them and and found herself doing most of her shirt shopping at their character as possible. That even if you don’t know CHIKARA shows. “I was buying shirts like they were the wrestler, you want to buy their shirt. “I need to know soda. It got to a point where I had almost everything what their persona/gimmick is and how they work in and had nothing else to buy,” she laughs. the ring; so once I know that, I can create magic and get that bad boy screen printed.” Just designing a shirt is no easy feat as a design can take several days to complete after brainstorming for Yes, designing may take up a lot of work and time but ideas, researching for inspirational images, and the ac- it’s the promoting aspect that is the hardest part. “Right tually drawing of the tee. “Some artwork does feel like now I am a one woman show and it’s hard to reach so an eternity to do,” she adds. It’s thanks to some R&B many people by yourself,” says Jernigan. “I need an music and wrestling programming that helps ease the online street team; so whoever is reading this interview, process. if you want to help me spread the word please do so, and let me know who you are so I can give you one of The initial tee is the company’s highest seller to date, my legendary hugs.” the Future Endeavored shirt. You’ll also find shirts of The Osirian Portal, Blk Jeez, Joker, Allison Danger, It’s not just all about wrestling for her. A lot of time Jessicka Havok, Midwest Militia, South Side Playas, is spent on the Internet perusing art and fashion but Larry Dallas, “The Goddess” Athena, Joey Eastman, Jernigan is also a fun-seeking individual who enjoys Darin Corbin, JT Dunn and Mia Yim in the GIMICK$ hitting karaoke bars, bowling, and hanging out, laugh@HitTheRopes
TCC
page 11
ing with friends (probably due to some perverted joke). And while she makes money off the industry, Jernigan is still a fan and does enjoy going to shows as a fan instead of as a vendor. Obviously, with running a business around wrestling, as well as hosting DaShizznett, an online radio program on the Card Subject to Change Network, she tries to stay up to date with the current WWE product. The radio show airs at the same time as TNA’s Impact Wrestling so there’s not many thoughts on what’s happening in Orlando. Their latest edict about TNA wrestlers appearing on independent wrestling DVDs doesn’t sit well with her, however. With the other big player, she believes the WWE is getting better and consistent with their product and loves the fact that Del Rey will be training in FCW, working with the Divas. It’s clear, however, that her heart is in the independent wrestling scene. “I love the creativity and also the crowd participation and intimacy that you get with independent wrestling too. The only thing I would like more is for more companies, especially in the tri-state area, is to work together more. So that’s why I hope and want for WrestleCon to be so successful.” She adds that there is more to money to be made together than apart. Jernigan hopes to be an ambassador to the independent wrestling world. Hoping to help make it spread whether through the company or the small amount of popularity given to her by the company. This is just part of the plan she has for future. The t-shirt business is just a small percentage of what she hopes to accomplish. She’d like to offer Independent Creative Services to wrestlers. “I want to help design and make their gear from mask to kick pads and also provide them a merchandise service from t-shirts to 8 x 10’s. I am very good at capturing and conveying someone’s gimmick whether it’s gear or t-shirts that I think I can do this successfully.” For now, you can head over to GimicksWrestlingTees. com and purchase your very own shirt and do your part to spread the word. Maybe you can score yourself one of those hugs. You can follow Yolanda on Twitter at @GIMICKSTees page 12
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com
@HitTheRopes
TCC
page 13
TCC Magazine Question of the Month: What would be your dream matchup between one wrestler of the past and one of today? (male or female)
@sallen_87: Ricky Steamboat vs Daniel Bryan
@tholzerman: Bryan Danielson vs. Ricky Steamboat
@WrestleEnigma: Daniel Bryan vs Ricky Steamboat
@GaryOxideCZW: my past vs current would be @samicallihan vs @OfficialTAZ #O14K
page 14
@NickMoney07: CM Punk vs Randy Savage would be pretty good or Undertaker vs Andre the Giant
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com
@PocketVolcano: Owen Hart v Bryan Danielson. Sensational Sherri v Sassy Stephanie.
Jacob Burman (via Facebook): Mr. Perfect against Chris Jericho or Daniel Bryan. @JamesDunphyDVS: Chris Jericho / Owen Hart easily
@NickGator: Rick Rude vs Dolph Ziggler
@64Rallo: I’m going to stray from the really obvious ones and say that Rey Mysterio vs Ricky Steamboat. Two of the most popular high flyers in their respective generations sounds like a classic. That would be electric. @tholzerman: Bryan Danielson vs. Ricky Steamboat
@kevinc2415 ric flair in prime vs Daniel Bryan and the rock vs high chief peter miavia
@JerommeGraham: Mr. Perfect vs Dolph Ziggler or Mr. Perfect vs Michael McGillicutty
@HitTheRopes
TCC
@ClarkeStrongbow: Chief Jay Strongbow vs Shelton Benjamin.
page 15
Ring of Honor: Nothing to See Here Ray Bogusz | @RayITR
ate last month, Ring of Honor passed its one year mark with Sinclair Broadcasting. I was among those in the camp which heralded the move as a game changer: Ring of Honor finally had a way to reach people in large, quantifiable numbers outside of their arcane and laughable video distribution system they’d had in place since they were founded. The company was about to be run by people who were concerned with profit and distribution, in addition to people with wrestling chops. While it would have been a long shot to say they were poised to overtake WWE, they were—at the very least—poised to take over an all but dead TNA.
plan. The problem is I didn’t pick five markets at random: I picked the top five media markets in the US. Ring of Honor isn’t in any of them—in fact, they aren’t even in any of the top ten media markets in the US. The largest marked RoH has managed to find its way to? Tampa-St. Petersburg, ranking a pathetic twelfth. Rather than growing into a position of reasonable power with their new television deal, Ring of Honor has slipped, lost talent, and become a shell of what it was even just three years ago. One must wonder how that happened.
In short, it comes down to what it has always come down to for Ring of Honor: Lack of vision; Lack of It’s funny how times change... leadership. Lack of modern wrestling sense. While it may be unfair to do so, a large portion of the blame Do you live in New York? Los Angeles? How about needs to be leveled at Jim Cornette. Chicago? Philadelphia? Boston? Well if you don’t, you could still be getting Ring of Honor on your television For all the advancements in television and Internet every week. If I were just picking five names out of broadcasting open to RoH, the man with the most a hat, you could reasonably say that Ring of Honor pull—Cornette—is pathetically stuck in the territory couldn’t expect to be in every market on a syndicated days. While a union between independent territories page 16
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com
and promotions would still have a level of effectiveness today if done properly and given the teeth to have There’s nothing going on...at Ring of Honor. a little power (Hint hint, current NWA and independent promotions), using the exact same business model as And now for some Quick Hits: the original NWA is outdated, backward thinking. • Raw’s opening segment October 1st went from inLike it or not, one of the steps to growing as a promocredibly good to a complete mess in the space of tion is to lock up talent for more consistent use. You about three minutes. can’t still be taping shows the way they are. You need to give people access to reasonably fresh content with • I sense some general malaise on the part of TNA minimal effort. fans. • Watching football this past weekend made me realize how much I miss Barry Sanders. • STOP INVOKING HITLER, SHEAMUS. You can check out more of Ray’s work over at TheBradyHicks.com
That sort of brings me to RoH’s next problem. An innovative idea is only as good as its execution. While the concept of the iPPV is great for a company like Ring of Honor, they’ve yet to have one without technical problems. Regardless of cost, nobody should want to sink their money into a pay-per-view if they’ve no reason to believe they’ll actually get to see all of it. Face it, this kind of backward operating has bled into their booking and it’s killing any potential attention they could be getting. The most noise RoH has made in months was Kevin Steen assaulting a fan. Take that for what you will. How many of you can name the RoH Champion right now? (It’s Steen by the way.) How many of you care? Where is Ring of Honor? Do you care? No, you don’t. What was once the darling of the IWC has become another also-ran—yet another destroyed civilization in the wake of a Gabe Sapolsky departure. Back in the early 80’s, former ABBA singer released a song called “There’s Something Going On.” It’s a great song and for a long time, that’s how I felt about Ring of Honor. They had a bevy of well used, well booked talent. They were snipping around the edges of becoming a real player in the wrestling market. They got the Sinclair syndication deal and they’ve slipped backwards ever since. @HitTheRopes
“
TCC
Cornette is pathetically stuck in the territory days.
”
page 17
n the September 10 episode of Monday Night Raw, Jerry Lawler suffered a heart attack. Lawler began to convulse at the commentary table, and lost consciousness. As the minutes passed, a report from Michael Cole came out that Lawler was having CPR administered to him in the back. Jerry Lawler was transported by ambulance to the nearest medical facility. During a heart attack, a blockage in the heart causes all the problems. This blockage is caused by blood clots that form over time. Once the clot becomes large enough, blood flow will be shut off from the part of the heart where the clot forms. The person will have sudden and severe chest pain, and lose consciousness due to no oxygen being able to leave the heart to the rest of the body. page 18
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com
When a person has a heart attack, CPR is started first. This allows manual contraction of the heart, and pumps oxygenated blood to the organs so that the organs do not die. A heart monitor is attached, and a reading of the heart rhythm is obtained. What we see on TV is not what happens in real life. A heart cannot be shocked at any time. There are only a couple of cardiac rhythms that can be shocked. If one of these rhythms is seen, the paramedics will shock the heart, to try and get it to pump on its own. If that does not work, epinephrine, or atropine will be given. These drugs can also get the heart to start again. Paramedics will also stick a tube into the throat of the patient to provide oxygen. Once the tube is in place, he will be attached to a machine that will breathe for him. All of this takes place within minutes.
The recovery of Lawler is incredible. The EMT’s that responded the second Lawler went down made all the difference in saving his life. The American Heart Association has done plenty of research on heart attacks and CPR. One statistic that they found was that for every second that there is no CPR relates to a one percent increase in the chance that a heartbeat will never come back. What that basically means is that if Lawler had went about 30 seconds with no CPR performed, he would have had a 30% chance of never regaining a heartbeat. Questions From the Incident: If Lawler was dead for 20 minutes, how is it possible that he survived and was brought back to life? This was a very common question. When we were told he was dead for 20 minutes, it meant his heart was not beating on its own. This is where CPR comes in to play. CPR is manual manipulation of the heart to take its place. The compressions push the blood out of the heart through the rest of the body. Once the heart stops, blood stops flowing. The oxygen in the blood is still there, it just has no means to move. It is like a car that is full of gas but the battery is dead. When CPR is done it circulates the blood all through the body, pushing the oxygen to where it has to go. As long as the body still has oxygen moving through it, and getting to the organs, virtually no damage will be done. This is why he was able to be revived with no permanent side effects. Why did they have to shock his heart so many times?
This question stems from what we see on TV shows. We normally see a person with a flat line heartbeat, and a doctor shocking them one or two times, and the heart Lawler was examined at the hospital to determine where coming back to beat on its own. It does not work that the blood clot in his heart is. He had a procedure called way in the real world. In fact, it works in the opposite angioplasty. What that is, is when a balloon is inserted way. When we need to shock the heart, there are only into the blocked artery. The balloon expands the artery, certain heart rhythms that are considered shockable. allowing blood to flow through it more freely. Once the Flat line is not one of them. When a shock is delivered, artery is opened, a stent is usually put in so that the ar- it actually stops the heart. The idea behind this is that tery will never get smaller in the future. the heart is not working properly so the shock stops the heart, in the hope that the heart will beat normally on its After a week in the Montreal hospital, Lawler was fi- own. Think of it as rebooting your computer. nally ready to go back home to Memphis. @HitTheRopes
TCC
page 19
Will Lawler wrestle again? In my opinion, he should never wrestle again, but this is a decision that his personal doctor will have to make with him. Lawler has nothing more to prove, and is 62 years old. He will likely be on blood thinners for the rest of his life. He also will have to be cleared by doctors for the places he wrestles for. Now that he has had a heart attack, he will likely be labeled a health risk for insurance concerns.
page 20
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com
Louie Babcock has over 6 years experience in emergency medicine, and is studying biology and health science at the University of Minnesota. Louie owns and writes at WrestleEnigma.com. Check out the site, and check out all of his past medical articles under the medical mayhem tab. Follow on Twitter @Medic_Louie Follow WrestleEnigma on Twitter @WrestleEnigma and like WrestleEnigma on Facebook` @HitTheRopes
TCC
page 21
town, city, nation, world, or even universe for this matter, is at its best when prosperity is the spread on the universal sandwich. All is good right? Even in the best of of times there are those who don’t get to taste the sweet nectar of victory, instead entering a fray within an established fray for scraps. In a universe not so distant live some of the mightiest and fierce warriors who have trekked from near and afar page 22
in hopes to leave it all in the pupils of many watching through telescopes in an attempt to leave their name(s) etched in the stars so that they not be forgotten. Be not afraid, this plateau doesn’t show a certain color, nor does favor a certain party. However, what this is, is a declaration, a manifesto that through the eyes of yours truly aims to splatter paint vividly (or recklessly) across the cognitive canvases of those pupils who stum-
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com
ble upon this Manifesto. Though being buried is one of the worst positions one can have, there is good reason to believe that being in limbo is worse. At least being buried you’d know what you’d get on your plate, it’ll be the same old microwavable tv dinners served half warm with the brownie or corn that has yet to thaw out. Unforgivable? Perhaps. At least you’d be cognizant of it. The course of a good game of limbo could have you flying high one week and have you narrowly escaping the clutches of the dungeon the next. Some say it’s all a matter of perception but is it really? Darren “No Days Off” Young and Titus O’Neil were once proclaimed to be worth “Millions of Dollars” by who is now the ghost of an upcoming voice of the people have been sitting on a number one contendership for quite some time now.
their goal, another development was taking place. Former World Heavyweight champion Daniel Bryan, whose life was turned upside down by RAW GM and former love of his life AJ Lee, was forced into a series of anger management classes that included nemesis Kane.
One was quest for tag gold (bronze) and the other was The two hit a couple of bumps in the road but pulled out a quest for understanding one another and friendship? with the important victories against the champs, and Two unrelated events instantly became correlated endother teams looking like a million bucks almost every ing nonsensically for one team. time. While the two collectively tried to work towards a The Primetime Players, AKA the now former number contenders, had to defend their number one contendership out of the blue a mere six days away from their title shot at Night of Champions that they earned against the recently conjured lab experiment of Daniel Bryan and Kane. What’s wrong here is not the fact that the Prime Time Players are no longer the number one contenders, but it’s the whole process of how it transpired. Curveballs are good, people much like myself appreciate them to keep us guessing at times. This was curveball to the abdomen without getting to walk to base. Kane and Daniel Bryan are great talents but are the two needed in the tag division? Were there any other options? The way the dominoes fell makes one feel as if this was a bailout to avoid those two falling into limbo. Doing so just knocks the limbo stick down a notch towards @HitTheRopes
TCC
page 23
someone else. As Goat Face and the Big Red Machine enter the tag fray, the Primetime Players must wait beside a clock that probably doesn’t display an alarm for their time. Decisions like these create double the work to not only justify the choice made, but to keep them flowing and the save those in limbo from slipping into the cellar.
able to recover. It’s anyone guess what becomes of the O’Neil and Young, they two could already be at their ceilings. The two established stars in a division they’re trying to bring back from the grave will defeat the purpose if the top priority isn’t the division.
The banter and build between Kane and Bryan has been good and the two are most likely headed for a tag title run in the future that must be successful so that they’d have a program for the foreseeable future and to show it was worth stalling O’Neil and Young in limbo for.
It’s now up Young and O’Neil to come out shining keeping their stock and look like, as an old voice would say, “Millions of Dollars!” during the course of turbulence as they hang in limbo. They’ll be dealt some sketchy hands in which they’ll have to make the best of because it can be the difference between a stable status at least It would be natural the two will split after they lose the or the land of no return. tag titles (assuming they’d win it which seems like the best choice since they put themselves in this corner) as they aren’t a traditional tag team and not to mention the ‘E disassembles teams as quickly as they assemble them. How could those two not win the titles now? The limbo cloud hovers over many more and that’s fine because not every star can shine bright on a starry night like supernovas. The Prime Time Players should be fine but events like these are the ones that could fling potential stars into the dungeon in where they may not ever be page 24
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com
@HitTheRopes
TCC
page 25
Who is She? She’s come a long way since being a Los Angeles Clippers dancer, as well as a valet for the likes of Cryme Tyme, R-Truth, and Chris Masters. Though the Divas of the WWE aren’t on the wrestling level we once saw a decade ago, Eve is one of those ladies who may have been green in the ring to start but has improved in her craft. Let’s not forget that she started out in the Diva Search contest. However, it is not her wrestling that has her as an important member of the WWE locker room right now. After getting involved in an on-screen relationship with Zack Ryder Eve was found out to be a woman who is not above using men to attain power. She would screw over Ryder to garner the Executive Administrator role for both Raw and Smackdown. The heelish persona has really allowed the Eve character to blossom. Despite taking a demotion of sorts after the dismissal of John Laurinaitis, Eve has shown the ability to bounce back and garnered a position alongside Smackdown’s General Manager, Booker T. This past month was very kind for Ms. Torres. In her personal life she got engaged to Rener Gracie, won NBC’s reality show Stars Earn Stripes, and won her third Divas Championship at Night of Champions. Accolades • 3x WWE Divas Champion (current) • 2007 Divas Search Winner
page 26
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com
@HitTheRopes
TCC
page 27
RECIPIE OF THE MONTH Flaming Chokeslam Shish Kabobs
Ivngredients: 1 lb beef strip loin sliced thinly into 10 strips 1 tsp coriander powder 1/2 tsp red chili powder 1/2 tsp cumin powder 1 lime squeezed juice 1 tsp chopped cilantro salt pepper 1 tsp olive oil 2 oz chop cucumber w/o seeds 4 oz yogurt Skewers Directions:
Mix all ingredients together, except cucumber and yogurt Place the beef on skewers Sear or grill for 2 minutes on each side Mix cucumbers and yogurt to make the sauce Chef Ray Aura Catering Services ‘Exquisite foods for exquisite tastes!’ 786 514 9315 www.auracateringservice.com www.facebook.com/AuraCateringService www.twitter.com/AuraCateringMIA www.yelp.com/biz/aura-catering-services-miami
page 28
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com
SONGS OF THE MONTH Wrestling and music are forever linked. It’s what pumps wrestlers, and the fans, up before every bout. It gets everyone amped with every playback of the prior week’s highlights. It’s what gets you hyped and ready to jump to your feet. So with that, let’s take a look at how this month’s most popular tracks* would fit in with the world of professional wrestling.
One More Night
Maroon 5 Overexposed One More Night is the perfect start up song for November’s Survivor Series. While obviously written for a women who Adam Levine just can’t let go, the lyrics speaking of going to war again and again and coming back for more. Very fitting of the Punk/Cena rilvary. Now we just need to find out which of the two men sport the mentioned lipstick.
Gangnam Style PSY
It wouldn’t be the first time the WWE tried to use a language barrier as a humor spot. Despite what appears to be heel path for a frustrated Yoshi Tatsu, things will turn for the best after a bout with the Funkasaurus Yoshi will see the error of his ways with the brighter side of life. And Yoshi will do it Gangnam Style.
Some Nights
Fun Some Nights An anthem for war, Some Nights is the perfect rallying cry for The Hallway Crew as they bring the fight to obscurity. Curt Hawkins, Alex Riley, and Trent Barreta will try and take what has yet to be handed to them as Fun blasts through the arena’s speakers. We are Never Getting Back Together Taylor Swift We are Never Getting Back Together Music is not always just theme songs in the WWE. Although it’s usually in the forefront, it’s the moodsetter that alerts us what the tone of the video package is about before Michael Cole ever says a word. So when the Big Red Machine and Daniel Bryan are done hugging it out, We are Never Getting Back Together will sum it all up for the fans with one last laugh.
Blow Me (One Last Kiss)
P!nk Blow Me (One Last Kiss) If Kaitlyn is going to play with the big dogs, she needs a big time song to get everyone off their feet. Blow Me (One Last Kiss) is the statement Kaitlyn needs to march out on to let Eve, Layla and the rest of the Divas division know that she’s here to stay. As she sees it, there’s no reason for her to stay in their shadow. *Top 5 from Billboard 100 @HitTheRopes
TCC
page 29
page 30
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com
@HitTheRopes
TCC
page 31
page 32
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com
[Ed. Note: The following was originally published on Sept. 21st, 2012 and is re-published here with permission of the author. The original post and others can be found on wrestleenigma.com]
answered by Nikki Roxx and Ariel. The Knight Dynasty won the match via DQ after Saraya tried to hit Ariel with brass knuckles and Ariel grabbed them and got caught hitting Saraya with them. Later that same day, at the tapings of Volume 38, the Knight Dynasty unsuccessfully challenged the Seven Star Sisters (Hio some people, you may think that Julia royo Matsumoto and Misaki Ohata) for the Shimmer Hamer is a nice woman, a loving wife, Tag Team Championship. During the Oct. 1st and 2nd tapings that same year Britani entered a losing streak, devoted mother, and good friend. which eventually caused Saraya to turn on her. Saraya That’s outside the ring. In the ring, she’s and Britani faced each other in a No Disqualification “Sweet” Saraya Knight, and like her or not, she does match on Volume 44, where Britani managed to pick up the win in her final Shimmer appearance, before her job. She’s as tough as nails and high-impact. heading to Florida Championship Wrestling. During In 1990 Julia left her home in Halifax to take up em- the March 2012 tapings, Saraya once again feuded with ployment as a chef at the Pontins Holiday Camp in for Cheerleader Melissa, which culminated in a match on the summer season. One day, while working in the res- March 18 on Volume 48, where she defeated Melissa to taurant, she met Ricky Knight, a professional wrestler, win the Shimmer Championship. Revenge couldn’t be part of the cabaret circuit. The two became inseparable, anymore sweeter. and Julia soon left Pontins to travel with Rick full time. She became involved in making wrestling costumes Saraya is well known for going after audiences, and at and putting the rings up and down. A few months later, one time popping ring announcer Joey Eastman in the Ricky said he wanted her to be part of the show, as a ear and sending security guard Kevin Harvey down on manager in his corner. At Camber Sands, Julia made the Berwyn Eagles floor. Whether fans cheer for her, her debut as Saraya. When the summer season finished it’s in the ring where she’s at her most vicious. Julia joined the Sensational Superflys (Ricky & Jimmy Ocean) as their manager. In 1993 Ricky put it to Saraya But outside the ring, she is married to wrestler Ricky that she may want to wrestle. She readily agreed, and Knight and raising her three children, Zak, Roy, and, of was a quick learner, debuting later that year against course, Saraya-Jade (also known as Brittani and now Paige). Nikki Best. In the beginning of my article “Knight Rises,” the opening sentence was: “Five years. Five years of agony. Five years of pain. Five years of reliving the same moment over and over again.” A reference to the most infamous match in women’s wrestling history with Cheerleader Melissa that nearly ended Saraya’s career. Fans can still remember Saraya’s screams of agony, as well as facing the very real prospect of just witnessing the end of her as a wrestler. As it turned out, the doctors had no idea how driven (or stubborn) Saraya is, and she was back in the ring less than eight months later. Surviving an injury was one thing for Saraya. Revenge was another.
In this interview, Saraya will explain her early years in wrestling, as well as the incident with Melissa, pairing up with Paige in SHIMMER, being SHIMMER Champion, thoughts on WSU, and more. We step inside Saraya’s parlor, where she likes to play. For our readers who don’t know much about you, can you tell us about your early background?
I started in 1994 as the manageress of the Superflys Tag Team, Ricky Knight and Gentleman Jimmy Ocean, I was taught whilst on the road and I had to put the ring Saraya made her debut for the all-female promotion up and down, clean the caravans/chalets, I had to wash Shimmer Women Athletes on March 26, 2011, at the the wrestlers’ costumes and cook their meals and be taping of Volume 37, along her daughter and tag team a general dogsbody, but in return they taught me not partner Britani Knight (known in the WWE as Paige). only how to wrestle, but how to look after myself in the Saraya and Britani were managed by the returning Re- ring and etiquette outside of it. I travelled the whole of becca Knox and made an open challenge, which was the UK in main events alongside the boys and it taught @HitTheRopes
TCC
page 33
me definitely how to watch my back, as well as protect the family it gave me. myself because the boys were famous for getting the crowd so worked up they wanted to kill us. I loved be- The 2007 encounter with Cheerleader Melissa was most ing part of the old school way; it taught me so much and controversial. Now it becomes a war in SHIMMER. I value every experience however much it hurt. I started to wrestle and soon found that I could cause mayhem myself, going on against Klondyke Kate, Julie Starr and others, whether I was Villain or Blue-eyed was a valuable experience. I carried the persona the Superflys created from when I was manageressing over into my wrestling and the crowds hated me. I owe the guys a lot because without them I wouldn’t be the wrestler I am today. I love the British technical submission style which I feel is my forte but it is slowly dying out, when I train people this is the style I instill into them before the move on to present day wrestling styles. (Question from Robert W. Kovach) What inspired you to become a pro wrestler?
Your first match with Cheerleader Melissa ended in I was never inspired; I just followed the man I loved controversy five years ago. Can you describe what happened then? into the job he loved. Well, I was her opponent at Chickfight 7 and we were in the first round, I was knocked out of the competition after I got twisted in the ropes by my neck and was hanging there on the outside until people managed to separate the top and second rope so my head could be released. I was hanging and fighting for breath for about a minute or so and whilst I was in trouble Melissa was trying to smash my head in and stop the guys from getting me free. The first encounter was memorable. You debuted in SHIMMER in 2011 with your daughter Brittani (now known in the WWE as Paige). What was it like to be working in the United States? I love working in the USA. I can be extreme and shocking and brutal and old school. Shimmer has changed my life.
What was your earliest matches like? They were hard, I was having to go on with very established females and I was already well known because of being a manager to a main event tag team. Apart from being extremely nervous, I thought I really did well until I look back on them now and think, “My god, I was shit!” [laughs] The girls were great to me and taught me the female style which was completely different to the boys’ style I had been taught, but I was willing to learn and hungry for training as I really loved the sport and page 34
You also wrestled in your native England as well. Care to tell our readers about that experience? I’ve been wrestling for so long now there isn’t anywhere in the United Kingdom I haven’t wrestled, because I have worked for so long I am part of people’s lives as they grow up and it’s strange when they come up and say they watched me when they were little and now they are bringing their children to watch me. In
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com
the past the crowds were brutal and would take nothing to turn on you and charge the ring, many times I left the venue thinking how the hell did I survive that! But nowadays it’s different and the crowds are more family orientated and the riots are few. Well, I say that but I was at Croydon a few months ago and ended up fighting in the crowd so the Superflys and Sweet Saraya still have the ability to cause a riot. The Knight family is rich with wrestling tradition. Your husband Ricky Knight is one of the toughest guys I’ve ever heard of, your sons Roy and Zak, and Paige are young stars in the business. What is like to be a part of this dynasty? I love that my family are all in the same business, we travel together and room together, it’s great to have the very people you love most in the world and trust by your side in business and in private. We are a very close family and I feel we are all specialists in different styles of wrestling. I am very proud of my children and what they have accomplished so far, I know the Knight name will continue and a legacy will be left. The road to the SHIMMER Championship was somewhat controversial as I heard, but a well-deserved one at that. Do you agree? I did what I had to do to get my hands on Melissa; I waited 5 years for that opportunity. It was a bonus she went into my match as a Champion and I was ecstatic when I took her belt, and from a submission! I think it was well deserved and I patted myself on my back. Your rematch with Melissa on March 18 was nothing short of shocking. Care to tell us what went down? I think I answered that in the last question. But despite everything that happened, do you respect Melissa as a worthy opponent? [Laughs] She isn’t bad! (Question from Dave Brown) Favorite ride at Disneyworld? Ghost train
@HitTheRopes
TCC
page 35
You also manage The Superflys, which includes Ricky Knight and Jimmy Ocean. What were these guys like?
the building again like you did in March? If she gets a shot at my belt you mean? IF she does I’ll wrestle her like I did before but I have a few tricks still up my sleeves.
Notoriously badass, hard trainers, great wrestlers, they can whip any crowd in a frenzy and they have got me out of quite a few scrapes. I owe them my foundation in With the new and improved Women’s Superstars the wrestling business, my character would never have Uncensored (WSU) returning in October, I had developed like it has without their tuition. thought that you were a perfect fit for the promotion. Would you like to compete in WSU or are you You’re also be expanding your wrestling experience more comfortable at SHIMMER? to Canada on November 3 at nCw: Femme Fatales. What will it be like to be wrestling in Canada? I would love to work for them, Jessica Havok is someone I would like to compete against I’m going to Canada because I or tag up with! want Lufisto and I will get her, I am not going to be any differWith the new documentary about ent than I am in Shimmer, I hope the Knights that aired in Britain they are prepared for me! recently, can you tell our readers what it’s about? (Question from Robert Krupár) What’s your opinion on WWE To be honest, it was more about my Divas Division, cause now it’s children’s journey to WWE, it was painful to watch. also about my family and our life in and out of wrestling but predomiI’m afraid I cannot comment. nantly it was Saraya-Jade’s and Zak’s story. I think people would Paige can be seen on WWE need to see it really; it’s still on NXT, and a fixture of FCW. YouTube I think. I would not like How does that make you feel to give too much away just in case now that your daughter is movpeople are still viewing it, watch it ing up in the wrestling world? and write to me on your thoughts about it. I am extremely proud of her, she has accomplished so much at such a young age, her career (Question from Martin Bentley) What was the kind so far would make an old school sweat, she has been on of things you got angry at the crew filming during the circuit since she was 15 years old and completed the the documentary? UK and Europe by the time she was 17 years old. She is an inspiration to all and a fantastic role model for young I used to get angry but they were doing their job, some women determined to succeed in life. days I wasn’t in the mood or the kids would disappear without telling me (Saraya-Jade) on big filming days, (Question from Eric “E-Rage” Martinez, Wrestle or incessant questions and redoing takes. We are a Enigma) Would you join your daughter in WWE? down-to-earth family and didn’t want any falseness. It was hard sometimes but we stuck to our guns. The crew I wouldn’t turn them down. were great and Max Fisher is awesome. With the next batch of SHIMMER tapings in late What does the future hold for you? October, you walk in the Berwyn Eagles Club in Chicago as the defending SHIMMER Champion. I want to go to Japan. It’s always been a dream and I Do you think you and Melissa will tear the roof off will not retire until I get there, other than that I want to page 36
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com
be in the job travelling the world as long as I can. I still have dreams! In closing, would you like to leave a last message for your fans? Ok Rebels, do what you want to do, be who you want to be, say what you want to say, never go against your own moral code and always come out fighting! Yours in Sport, Julia Hamer A special thank you goes out to Saraya for her time and cooperation. To learn more about her involvement in WAWW, mail to: WORLD ASSOCIATION OF WRESTLING GRAPPLERS GYM UNIT 6AB ASHBOURNE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE NORWICH NR6 6RY 01603 920636 0800 046 8164 Also you can follow her on Twitter @SarayaKnight for what’s she has to say. You can follow me @matthewhollie and Wrestle Enigma @WrestleEnigma
@HitTheRopes
TCC
page 37
chances were slim at best, and now that Raw recently scored a 2.5 in the ratings, I want to offer my views as to why it seems more worthwhile to watch RAW A.M. as opposed to the live show every Monday night. Not since 2009-2010 has Raw ever seemed so boring as it does now. Going into the new three-hour approach, I knew WWE would have an uphill battle. A three-hour show is a commitment that many people don’t want to make unless it is the NFL. Granted, WWE has had some highlights on a three-hour show. The downside to that is those highlights are surrounded by replays, public relation video packages, and overall glorified house show matches. One thing that seemed logical for WWE to do was to build its undercard on a three-hour show. The sad thing is for most of the summer it was neglected and instead focused on the things I mentioned above. It could be a case of WWE being overwhelmed with creating new shows like NXT, and Main Event on ION but Raw on USA Network is WWE’s flagship in terms of ratings…shouldn’t the goal be to create a show that strikes hard in the ratings? I think the company has made a mistake by not making sure their writers are up to task with building a three-hour show. I also feel as if WWE has lost touch with what makes a good wrestling show in this day and age. Not that I’m taking a Jim Cornette outlook and believe it should only be wrestling. That approach doesn’t work partly because they don’t have the talent today that they did when Smackdown pulled it off years ago. Build your undercard into better storylines instead of focusing on the same four or five people to carry the show. Improve the show’s flow. Move the needle on the ratings by taking risks. The company’s clean cut feel doesn’t feel “raw” anymore. The company needs to not worry so much about Mattel, and Democrats in Connecticut, think. Instead, focus one week at a time building valuable superstars who can both talk and wrestle. ver the summer I wrote an article as to Not that the company will go for this approach anytime how the new three-hour Monday Night soon. Instead they will focus on being in a happy mediRaw might be a wonderful thing to hap- um. It is one’s hope though that the sleeping giant will pen to WWE. In that article I tried to fo- awaken after seeing this 2.5 rating and maybe try and cus on the positives of what a three-hour make changes. In the meantime the only medicine we show could do in terms of reaching an audience and wrestling fans have at the moment is the fast forward helping shape the company. Deep in my heart I knew its button on our remotes. page 38
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com
@HitTheRopes
TCC
page 39
Robert Swanson | bobofnmac
long the rich and historical walls of WWE, exists a place where certain wrestlers have been shoved down the throats of fans and still were hated by many. Such wrestlers include The Ultimate Warrior (his feud with Andre the Giant), Lex Luger (yes, the Lex Express actually happened), and now John Cena. Now, granted, what really separates Cena from Luger and Warrior is the fact that women love him, service men welcome him, and kids go yabba dabba for him at the drop of a hat. Yet with all those great things that John Cena has going for him, teenagers and on up tend to hate this man with a fiery passion. In attempts to make Cena more lovable, they have had him support the US Troops, be kid friendly, rise above bullying, and now rise above breast cancer. The question I ask you, the reader, to answer is how far can Cena be shoved down your throat before enough is enough?
I think WWE does a wonderful job at making him the face for huge public relations events, but really (as The Miz would say), what is left for Stamford to do to make you not hate Cena? Adopt a child from a third world country? Rescue an oil-covered seal? Just how deep into the “loving Cena” bag are they willing to go?
A change in Cena is needed sooner rather than later. I won’t say it needs to be a heel turn. The simple answer would seem to be to let John Cena’s face disappear from TV for a bit. The guy has been in the role of the top guy since 2005 and quite frankly, just needs time away from WWE. The whole “I am a good guy and support great causes” thing is becoming old and stale. I am not sure if it’s a move that Cena feels he needs to do as a company man, or if it is because Vinnie Mac’s idea of babyface is still red, white, and blue, but whatever the case, someDon’t just dismiss this as an attempt to bash Cena, as thing needs to change. page 40
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com
ŠWright Way Photography @HitTheRopes
TCC
page 41
’ve been associated with wrestling and MMA journalism for almost three years now. I do plenty of freelance work (usually under an alias) on the side to pay for my home, car, and the like. On occasion I’m asked to write wrestling stories for outlets, however I’ve never been asked to do something like what was requested Monday night.
work, particularly in wrestling, where many people are willing to write for free. They weren’t the only place I’d attempted to gain employment at, so no harm, no foul. Monday night, they committed a foul. I opened my Inbox and saw an e-mail ‘Freelance opportunity’, along with the name, and was immediately excited. I thought perhaps they had come across some of my work for 1Wrestling, perhaps heard some of my radio work, or the like. Not the case at all. The e-mail read “Would you mind having a story for us by 12 pacific regarding the Lawler situation? We’ll need an editorial criticizing the decision to allow the show to continue. Between 800-1000 words. Pay will be negotiated if you accept, please let me know by 9 pacific.” My response was vulgar, and unprofessional, and I don’t regret it.
On Monday night, September 10th, Jerry Lawler suffered a heart attack ringside at Raw. We all watched in disbelief, as a visibly shaken Michael Cole updated fans on Lawler’s condition. As a sign of respect, there was no announcing during the remainder of the show, aside from Cole’s health updates. I, as I’m sure many of you did, planned to visit WWE.com in the hours that followed, to learn Lawler’s current status. I decided to check my email following the Raw broadcast, what awaited me shocked, and disgusted me. Woah woah woah. Well first off, beyond the very apparent and sick take that this fellow took, he was tellWhile I won’t disclose the person or outlet that contact- ing a freelance journalist what opinion to take on an ed me (as I don’t like when people reveal my freelance editorial! I’m no Journalism guru yet (I’ve returned to alias), I had attempted to gain freelance employment school to major in the field), but doesn’t that seem a tad with them in March, in an attempt to capitalize on the odd? Where were these people around WrestleMania WrestleMania/Rock buzz. Unsurprisingly, I didn’t hear time when the WWE did record-breaking PPV numback from them, which is often the case with freelance bers? Where were they when John Cena granted his page 42
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com
record breaking Make-A-Wish? How about each year since 2003 that the company traveled to entertain the American troops? Not interested, I suppose. However, immediately following a tragedy, and accident, a horrible event, these folks seriously think “Oh! Perhaps a dollar can be made!” When I started covering wrestling and MMA, I had my choice of a few places where I could ply my trade. I ultimately chose 1Wrestling.com because Bill Apter was very influential to me growing up, reading WOW and PWI magazines. I always enjoyed his work, and his positive attitude was a large part of that. Very rarely would you see him posting sensationalist garbage, rumors, or hurtful personal attacks that seem to drown our country today. I won’t say I’m the most positive person in the world. I’m actually not a fan of Lawler’s color commentary over the past several years. It seems like the team has been hokey, and canned, but quite frankly, that’s his job. However, I, like many of you, are absolutely disgusted at the way professional wrestling is bastardized by major media. TMZ, only last week were ridiculing Triple H, a 40+ year old man, for getting a haircut, only to turn around and jump all over the Jerry Lawler tragedy. Colin Cowherd, who has a show that I absolutely love, is consistent with his bashing of the WWE product. Phil Mushnick is often on wrestling website headlines for his rather ignorant opinions on the business. During the envelope pushing ‘attitude-era’, trashing the business became a popular thing to do, because it attracted wrestling fans and haters alike.
aid in Linda McMahon’s senatorial bid, but why not do that? Professional wrestling is a love of mine. It’s been around every week since I’ve been born, and I’ve defended it since an early age. Whether it be the typical “Oh that’s FAKE!” (I wonder if those people know that Jersey Shore is also scripted, and that Walter White of Breaking Bad doesn’t ACTUALLY cook blue crystal meth), to sensationalist media, making an attempt to capitalize on any negative scenario they can. I ask of you, the reader, don’t only stand up for professional wrestling or MMA. Stand up to all of this unnecessary negative trash that you’re subjected to on a daily basis. Do we really care about Hilary Duff’s baby weight, or Jennifer Love Hewitt’s cellulite? Isn’t that mean spirited? Obviously not as capitalizing off of a heart attack of a wrestling legend, but why the need for negativity to fuel sales and page clicks? I would much rather read “Sin Cara saves baby from a burning building”. The outpour of positive responses regarding the situation was wonderful, as I heard from fans, colleagues, and even WWE wrestler Derrick Bateman. It made me feel like I did the right thing, passing up a few dollars to write a horrible story about a horrible subject. As of now, that particular outlet hasn’t run any story whatsoever about Jerry Lawler, so it makes me feel accomplished.
Would I have stopped the event? Yes, probably. I would have during the Owen Hart accident, as well as the Sid and Darren Drozdov injuries, as well, but that isn’t my call. The WWE is full of people who know and underLuckily for wrestling fans, there are familiar faces, stand the situation much better than a freelance writer, such as The Coach and Todd Grisham, as well as other or Phil Mushnick, or anyone who isn’t running the show visible figures Robert Flores, Michelle Beadle and Bill for that matter. Would you think that Jerry Lawler, a 40 Simmons, who not only enjoy wrestling, but have per- year vet, would want the show to stop? I would imagine formed for the company. Bill Simmons even went as far not, and I’d also imagine we’ll find that out in the comas to have CM Punk on his widely downloaded podcast ing weeks. Hopefully we haven’t seen the last of Jerry last year, and Beadle makes no secret her love for the Lawler on WWE programming. When he’s back, let’s program. It appears that liking the WWE, or pro wres- make him feel welcome, and not allow the negative metling, isn’t so taboo. dia to rain on our professional wrestling parade. In the wake of the unfortunate situation in 2007 that Thank you, the wrestling world has tried to put behind them, support from legitimate broadcast journalists, celebrities, and fans is crucial. While many criticized the WWE for Sean Ross Sapp their ‘Stand up for WWE’ campaign, a few years ago, @SeanRossSappMMA I thought it was great. Sure, it may have been a tool to @HitTheRopes
TCC
page 43
page 44
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com
@HitTheRopes
TCC
page 45
page 46
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com
or the past few years Greg Jackson has that line was well crossed. been glorified and vilified. We’ve heard him touted as the best trainer in mixed Throughout Guida’s fight with Maynard, he was conmartial arts and, also, a sport killer. stantly running around, never able to put together any offense and eventually was booed by the crowd. It may After the UFC 151 cancellation Dana White ripped into have been the first time that Guida was booed for a fight Jackson and referred to him as a “sport killer.” White in his career. He is known as a fighter that will suck you went on further to say, “UFC 151 will be remembered into a brawl and beat you with his up-tempo style, but as the event Jon Jones and Greg Jackson murdered.” he seemed to shy away from that in his last fight. So which is he? Is Jackson the smartest trainer in MMA or is he a trainer that produces boring fights that are based solely and minimizing risks and doing just Greg Jackson receives criticism from fans, analysts, enough to win? and even, Dana White on how his fighters perform in the Octagon.
Criticism Jackson Criticism of of Jackson
Praise Praise of of Jackson
Generally, Jackson fighters are stereotyped as fighters Greg Jackson has produced some of the best fighters that go to a decision. Fans usually expect a boring fight in the game today. He’s coached champions like Jon with a lot of running around and not a lot of brawls. Jones, Georges St-Pierre, and Carlos Condit. He is blamed for Georges St-Pierre’s “decision at all Before Jones was the Light Heavyweight Champion he costs” style, but a lot of that goes on the shoulders of Stwas a wrestler with very limited stand up. After a few Pierre also. Since the Serra fight, where St-Pierre was years with Jackson’s camp Jones is one of the most tal- stunningly knocked out, he has gone into a very conented strikers and all-around mixed martial artists in the servative style and this goes along with a lot of Jackson fighters. world. Carlos Condit, the UFC Interim Welterweight Champion, was able to utilize a game plan designed by Greg Jackson perfectly to earn a victory over Nick Diaz.
Conclusion Conclusion
It shouldn’t matter whether Jackson fighters finish Some fans didn’t like the fight, but it’s impossible to ar- their fight or not. The key to MMA is to earn a victory gue that Condit’s game plan wasn’t frustrating for Diaz and Jackson has proved that his system works. He’s and Condit was able to avoid damage throughout the produced multiple champions and multiple challengfight. Condit was able to pick his shots avoid trouble ers. It’s been proven that Jackson’s game plan usually and did not get sucked into a brawl with Diaz and was works. If you look at the overall record of his fighters, it would be a safe bet that Jackson-trained fighters are able to earn the decision victory. above .500. Jackson was able to turn a mid-level lightweight fighter, Clay Guida, into one of the top fighters in the division. There’s little argument that Jackson is not the top trainGuida has changed his game plan and, thanks to the di- er in all of mixed martial arts. He has shown that he is rection of Jackson, came within one win of a title shot. willing to accept criticism, but his fighters more often than not come out on top. Until another camp estabThe downside to Guida’s training with Jackson? His lishes the track record that Jackson’s MMA has, there is extremely disappointing performance against Gray no question that he is the best trainer and heads the best Maynard. There’s a fine line between smart game plan- camp in all of mixed martial arts. ning and running around the octagon. In the ConditDiaz fight, Jackson was able to stay on the right side of that line, but in the Guida-Maynard fight it seemed as if Nikolai Gionti is a writer for Cagepages.com. @HitTheRopes
TCC
page 47
fter last season’s trial by error live version of The Ultimate Fighter series, fight fans have put in question the relevance of TUF. Some say it’s watered down and are sick of the in-house antics. Others couldn’t stand the live fight version, which is a bit ironic seeing how those same fans PAY for PPVs. Bottom line is you can’t please everyone. But knowing that, there is obviously a buzz around the TUF series… and it isn’t a good one. It needs to be tweaked, but in order to find out what needs to happen we need to first examine what made it so successful.
is about the same, they just have to re-establish themselves on the FOX network. This may be tough as Spike is counter programming with the best of the best of previously-aired UFC shows. If fans set their DVRs to record TUF, there’s a good chance that they may find an old episode running on Spike TV on their flat screen. (Not that I did that once or anything. Uh, moving on.) So with the UFC, as well as new original MMA shows airing on Spike, casual fans may not find their way to FX easily. They may actually continue to tune to Spike for their MMA fix. It’s okay right now as far as brand extension as those potential fans will still be viewing the UFC content, but what happens when they continue The UFC recently released a recap of The Ultimate to tune into Spike in 2013 when the station begins to Fighter series. Now this may be seen as a celebration run a reality series of their own with Bellator? The UFC of accomplishments, or it may be to put out a fire in might have to kiss those fans goodbye if they never get attempt to convince fans that the program works. It’s tuned into the new station. More importantly, if fight probably portrayed as a bit of both. As we explore fans tune into Spike on Friday nights right now, then TUF, we have to keep in mind the two different van- the UFC is missing out on the opportunity to create new tage points. The fight fans’ perspective are pretty cut stars on their new TUF series. and dry. They just want to be entertained. The UFC, on the other hand, is looking to gain exposure and create As previously stated, the other big reason for The Ulnew stars. By doing the latter they will quench the fans’ timate Fighter is it speeds up the exposure for new thirst for entertainment. fighters. Instead of fans having to see a fighter two or three times before remembering them, sans a spectacuWhen it comes to the UFC and their quest for brand lar knockout performance, they can get fans familiar all extension, the switch to FX has a mix results. Both FX, within a few weeks. Essentially speeding up the protheir current home, and Spike TV, their former home, cess by months, maybe even years. are broadcast in just over 98,000 homes. So their reach page 48
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com
If fans are unhappy with the current production of The Ultimate Fighter, then they will not tune in to love or hate these rising stars. Now great talent is hard to ignore. Jon Jones, Urijah Faber and Cain Velasquez have all risen to fame without the help of the series. But The Ultimate Fighter series has been a fast track for many fighters who may never have received the level of fame without the program. Matt Serra probably never gets a title shot without the program. Stephan Bonnar would have never garnered the fame and respect to now be battling the pound-for-pound best in the world, Anderson Silva, this late in his career. And so on and so forth.
of the series? Instead of locking the guys in a room, away from their family, with a bunch of alcohol...why not make it more Hard Knocks/UFC Primetime based? You can still get some drama and buildup heading into the fight, but not the exaggerated nonsense. Because it isn’t realistic that you’re actually having to live with your opponents, so the drama that flows from it is not conducive to what really happens in MMA. While training with the best fighters may help some, those who may be on the brink of stardom, but many struggle with the isolation from family and friends. Maybe this is a weeding out process, but what if it breaks the fighter before they can be molded to the champ they could’ve The series in the past has made careers and since it was been. It doesn’t necessarily mean they’re not UFC maon the verge on being sold before they purchased time terial because they are being put into an unnatural, unon Spike…it’s been amazing for the UFC brand. So realistic situation. So why not split the teams up and alwhy is it now falling short? low them to run camp away from the other team. They still get filmed, you still get the drama of life outside of The numbers don’t lie, The Ultimate Fighter’s ratings the cage, you still get fights and you still get the opporare dropping…and they’re dropping fast. TUF 16’s tunity to make stars. debuted with a rating lower than 1.0. There have been plenty of shows cancelled with higher ratings so to be A caller to SXM Fight Club also suggested why not concerned is an understatement. Dana White and FOX make a series featuring one established team versus anhave pointed to the fact that it’s leading in the ratings other? Team Jackson vs Team Blackhouse? Or Team for 18-39 demographics on Friday nights. Okay, that’s Blackzilians vs Team AKA? Elaborating on the idea, great for FOX as they can boast those numbers to cur- you could follow the fighters as they train and conclude rent and potential advertisers. But if they were pulling it with a mega PPV. It would be headlined by the mastronger numbers overall, they would be reaching even jor stars, and along the way you will have exposure to more 18-39 year olds, and probably other demograph- some of the teams’ lesser known fighters. The young ics to boot. It’s good to focus on the positives, but let’s names could blow up in a good way instead of the epic not push the dust under the rug that less people are see- debacle that was Jessie Taylor. ing the content right. These are just a few suggestions. Where The Ultimate Looking for a quick solution, the show was moved back Fighter series goes from this season, time will only tell. to a taped format, but that clearly was not enough to stop But if something doesn’t change, FOX won’t be able the downward spiral as the ratings were lower. So what to boast leading in males 18-39 if they’re only drawing can help save the series? Is it time to change the format 400-500,000 viewers.
@HitTheRopes
TCC
page 49
page 50
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com
@HitTheRopes
TCC
page 51
n November 17 one of the most accomplished Mixed Martial Artist in the sports history will make his long awaited return to the octagon. After an 11-month absence Georges St-Pierre will return to action in what will be one of his toughest tests to date as he defends his gold against interim champion Carlos “The Natural Born Killer” Condit. As if stepping into the octagon isn’t pressure enough. If the expectations of being a champion isn’t demanding enough. If shaking off ring rust isn’t hard enough. If only GSP didn’t put the expectation of a finish on his very next fight. GSP may not be that guy, but he’s on a quest to prove the contrary. When fans look at UFC champions they see Jon Jones with nine finishes in 10 fights, Anderson Silva with nine finishes in 10 fights, Junior Dos Santos with eight finishes in 10 fights… you get the point. The high profile champions all have a consistent history of finishing fights. All the while GSP stands with four finishes in 10 fights. Some may say that ring rust or returning from his ACL injury will be the biggest cloud hanging over his head, but there’s plenty of evidence to squash theses fears. Brock Lesnar came back from a year’s absence page 52
to defeat Shane Carwin, although a sluggish slow first round, to win after a year’s absence from battling diverticulitis. Rashad Evans destroyed Tito Ortiz after sitting out a year due to a hand injury. The list goes on. And when you look at elite athletes, and GSP is the poster boy for the elite, so many athletes have recovered to have outstanding seasons… and better yet careers. Chipper Jones injured his ACL the spring of his sophomore season. Jones went on to what will be a Hall of Fame career. Tom Brady also fell victim to an ACL injury, only to go on to have the most passing yards in his career to that point the very next season. So ring rust and injury will not get GSP, but the pressure to succeed may. GSP has gone on record that he is focusing on finishing fights, stating in an interview with the Toronto Sun that he has listened to the critics and wants to be more opportunistic. Fans and writers have gotten into his head. He’s not talking about his injury; he’s consumed with showing the world he still belongs in the discussion of the best in the world as Silva and Jones continue to dazzle us with highlight reel knockouts.
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com
This is a great thing as everyone can get excited when a fighter is looking for a finish, but will GSP be so focus that his game plan is thrown off completely? St-Pierre tried to justify his lack of ref stoppage to his caliber opponents. That going the distance is primarily due to greatness of his competition. But who has Silva and Jones been fighting, school girls? All of Jones’s title defenses have been against former champions. All but one were finished. Oddly enough, with the exception of two of his 19 UFC fights, GSP has ONLY gotten the finish if his competitor was a current or former UFC Champion. He has failed to finish anyone that was not on his level. So there’s the good news. Condit is coming in as an interim champion. As stated previously, GSP finishes champions. All he has to do is get out of his own head. Condit loves to stand up and bang, and is suspect with his takedown defense. And although he’s never been knocked out during his storied 33 fight career, he’d be wise to take the previous paragraph’s final stat. So beware Condit; you’re on the champion’s hit list.
@HitTheRopes
TCC
page 53
ith the recent title runs of Anderson Silva and Jon Jones, fight fans have been speaking ad nauseam about champions who have “cleaned out their division.” As it stands a champion can’t win two fights in a row without someone bringing up the topic of a super fight or moving the champ to the next division. But before you start throwing fighters out of their division, take a deep breath and remove your Joe Silva hat as we debunk the myth of fighters who’ve cleaned out their division
pions after winning championship after championship to go swing a baseball bat. Err…okay, the last one was a bad example. But the point is, just because you find success you don’t need to drop everything you do to go do something else. The old saying “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it” surely applies here.
Now I know you may not be asking the fighter to hang up their MMA gloves for the gloves of another sport. I get that. But moving up in weight is nothing to do at a whim because some fight fans are looking for the champ to get “a bigger challenge.” Georges St. Pierre said he The idea of clearing out the division is seemingly exclu- would need nearly a year to properly move up for a sive to the fight business. Back in the ‘50s, the Cleve- 185 super fight with Anderson Silva. Rampage Jackson land Browns didn’t drop out of the NFL for the AFL said, if given the opportunity, he couldn’t have made after capturing back-to-back championships. Drake the rematch with Jon Jones to help save 151 because has yet to go Country after he surpassed Jay-Z with the he couldn’t make weight in time. And 205 is his normost No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hip-Hop charts. mal weight class. So jumping up and down to weight Michael Jordan didn’t just drop out of the NBA cham- classes isn’t something that can be done at a moment’s page 54
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com
notice. It takes careful planning. The wrong move and a fighter could find themselves lost between two divi sions without a home. Don’t think so, take a look at the slide of Rich Franklin’s career since having to move up to avoid Silva. But most importantly, there is always an influx of new contenders. How many times has it been said that Anderson Silva has cleaned out his division, only to suddenly be challenged by a new worthy opponent? The answer is, “after every fight.” Take a gander at how fast new champions make their way to the title podium and you will see how fast the landscape of MMA changes. The true reason fans are cleaning out the division is the fact that over the 15 plus years of the UFC, the average reign for a champion is only two successful defenses. So when you have Silva at 10, GSP at 6 and Jones at 4, fight fans don’t quite know what to make of their success. But again, these long reigns are not the norm. And being in the era of endless entertainment options and uber-low attention span, fight fans are just looking
for the fresh new face to root for and their only way to counter the long reigns is beg for the champ to move up and “free the division.” With that in mind, just as fans cry there are no new challengers, take a peek at the rate that fighters go from their first octagon appearance to first time UFC champion. Let’s zoom in on the divisions most prodded for the champs to vacate their straps. In the Light Heavyweight division it took just over five fights on average to go from challenger to become champion. In Middleweight it’s only two, while Welterweight has a higher average of eight fights. So let’s take a look at the contenders @HitTheRopes
for those divisions. Dan Henderson, the possible next contender for 205, is a little overdue with eight fights. Vinny Magalhães is a possible two fights away and Glover Teixeira might be four. With Silva fighting just two times a year, everyone can hit their numbers just as a new contender is needed. Down at Middleweight, history weighs heavy for Hector Lombard who sits at one (even if it is a loss, check Brock Lesnar) or Luke Rockhold who’s yet to debut in the UFC. And then there’s the wide open Middleweight division that boasts Nick Diaz (12) or Johnny Hedricks (9). The challengers are waiting, even if fans are tired of doing so. It’s the law of averages, and the next champion is already set in motion. Just be patient and allow the rising star to do just that, rise. So forget what you thought. There’s no rush for Silva, Jones, GSP or any champ to rush off and vacate their belt for hopes of greener grass on the other side. Like Barry Bonds on a steroid high, staying on top won’t
last forever so it’s important for the champ to live it up while they can. Throwing off their routines by changing weight classes to chase the super fight isn’t necessary. It’s a great thing to talk about, but from past cases, BJ Penn vs GSP, it’s lopsided and has yet to live up to the hype. So allow them to enjoy their reign at the top, after all, they aren’t short on contenders. The current champs are running beyond the mean. And there are several fighters hitting their challenger to champion golden number…right…about…now.
TCC
page 55
Stephan Bonnar UFC Debut loses to Griffin 4/2005
def. James Irvin via Submission 1/2006
UFC Debut def. Leban 6/2006
page 56
loses to Forrest Griffin in Rematch 8/2006 def. Keith Jardine via UD 4/2006
def. Rich Franklin for UFC Title 10/2006
TCC
def. James Irvin 205 lb. Debut 7/2008
def. Forrest Griffin via KO 8/2009
www.TheColorCommentator.com
loses to Jon Jones via UD 1/2009
def. Chael Sonnen via Submission 8/2010
def. Krzysztof Soszynskivia via TKO 7/2010
def. Chael Sonnen via TKO in Rematch 7/2012
Anderson Silva @HitTheRopes
TCC
page 57
page 58
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com
@HitTheRopes
TCC
page 59
page 60
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com
Known for his vicious slams and knockout power, Quinton Jackson epitomizes the nickname “Rampage.� His pre-fight stare down has total beatdown written all over his face, striking fear into the heart of his opponents. That, and the fact that he had his TMZ moment when he led a high-speed police chase, smashing cars with his monster truck. He is always on a rampage.
@HitTheRopes
TCC
page 61
A former math teacher, Rich Franklin is not a fighter that makes his opponents shake in their boots upon sight. He’s too nice of a guy. Despite his only losses coming by way of former UFC champions, Franklin is a fighter that everyone respects, but is not the guy who will have you looking at the floor during the faceoff. It’s all summed up with his nickname “Ace”…as in Ace Ventura. You can’t scare anyone when you resemble one of the goofiest characters in movie history. Although his resume has some of the biggest names in the business, he is also one of the most lovable.
page 62
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com
When you hear “The Imperial March” echo through the arena you know exactly what time it is. “Darth” Bader makes his way to the cage and it is often time for someone to go to sleep. While a wrestling standout, Bader has used his fists as a key victory. He was one fight away from title contention before losing to eventual champ Jon Jones. And while he faced further setback with his loss to Lyoto Machida, he’s just one big KO away from returning to contender status. And all that is missing right now is the trademark helmet.
@HitTheRopes
TCC
page 63
In what may be the weirdest announcements of the night, there might not be anything more awkward than hearing “Uncle Creepy” called out on the microphone. And with a name like “Uncle Creepy,” it’s only fitting that you’d walk around with an unkempt mustache, rat tail and long bangs. That, and when the police reportedly arrest you after identifying you from previous arrests…that is all sorts of creepy.
page 64
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com
@HitTheRopes
TCC
page 65
page 66
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com
@HitTheRopes
TCC
page 67
page 68
TCC
www.TheColorCommentator.com