Pro Wrestling SKOOPZ on The Wrestling Blog: Issue 48

Has Sting wrestled his last?
Photo Credit: WWE.com

Hm, yes, you see, HORB FLERBMINBER has returned to the glorious duty of slinging wrestling scoops to you, the faithful reader. Nothing of note really happened last week anyway, except the beginnings of my CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT against Jeppson's Malort. But I am BACK at full strength, slinging the scoops to you, you, you, AND ESPECIALLY YOU. But not you, Todd Martin. If I catch you even dreaming about my newsletter, I WILL THROW A MALORT BOTTLE FILLED WITH MY OWN URINE AND VOMIT AT YOU SO QUICKLY YOU WON'T KNOW WHAT HIT YOU UNTIL THE BOTTLE BREAKS OPEN. I'm warning you only ONE MORE TIME.

I Listen So You Don't Have To: Steve Austin Show Ep. 259

Page is back for the second part of his interview with Austin
Photo Credit: WWE.com

If you're new, here's the rundown: I listen to a handful of wrestling podcasts each week. Too many, probably, though certainly not all of them. In the interest of saving you time — in case you have the restraint to skip certain episodes — the plan is to give the bare bones of a given show and let you decide if it’s worth investing the time to hear the whole thing. There are better wrestling podcasts out there, of course, but these are the ones in my regular rotation that I feel best fit the category of hit or miss. If I can save other folks some time, I'm happy to do so.

Show: Steve Austin Show
Episode: 259 (Sept. 29, 2015)
Run Time: 1:12:09
Guest: Diamond Dallas Page, part two (15:00)

The Untold Story of the Battle of Hoth

Imagine if Jack Swagger here were an Imperial Walker...
Photo Credit: WWE.com

Randy Orton giving people the RKO out of nowhere in non-wrestling situations has become one of my favorite memes. Even after its peak with the RKO Vines craze of Twenty-Fourteen, .gifs, Vines, and other media portraying Orton doing his signature move to random unsuspecting folks still get me pretty good. Simple ones are good, but ones with elaborate setups can be pretty cool too. Just look at this one posted at r/SquaredCircle before the spoilsports had it removed because "mrah, you can't post memes here, this is a place for serious discussion about how [REDACTED] was misunderstood and how Nikki Bella is worse than Hitler."

Russo Strikes Again: Entertainment As Character Attribute

New Day is entertaining, but that's not something that should be thrown in the script as denigration
Photo Credit: WWE.com

New Day generally is the best part of any given three-hour episode of RAW. Last night proved no exception as all three members of the group came out to engage in verbal repartee with John Cena before Xavier Woods answered the United States Championship Open Challenge. Cena fired back, however, with the ultimately bland and dismissive nuclear option for any "serious" dude against any kind of slightly comedic act. New Day should "stop being entertaining" and come to fight. Funny that the dude who tries to be funny with his "Cesaro has pepperoni nipples" or "Heath Slater is Wendy" material is gonna chide someone for being "entertaining." I guess he's just jealous.

From the Archives: Kyle Matthews vs. Vordell Walker

Get to know Matthews and then go see him live
Photo Credit: Scott Finkelstein

If you're anywhere near Carrollton, GA on Saturday, then you may want to head to the VFW Complex and Fairgrounds for some 'rasslin, namely the Peachstate Wrestling Alliance. You'll be treated to the former Murphy from TNA, Mikael Judas, taking on Jimmy Rave, whom Dylan Hales will probably vote number one on his TWB 100 ballot (never too early to think about your ballots, I swear!), and Sal Rinauro, who's appeared at a Chikara show or two, will make an appearance. However, the match you should be going for pits two of the best wrestlers in the country against each other.

Tony Nese, Human Missile

Premiere Athlete and flying missile?
Photo Credit: Scott Finkelstein

Last night's RAW main event felt flat in terms of booking and story advancement. The announcers promised that this neverending feud between Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt would finally "come to a head" even though it had several situations before, starting at Elimination Chamber 2014 with the first Wyatt Family/Shield match. That "final battle" turned out to be a double disqualification featuring the same kind of parity bullshit that saw both guys get heat on each other with big spots. The spot will probably set up a Hell in a Cell match between the two at the titular pay-per-view event. Yawn.

Shayna Baszler's Pro Wrestling Debut

Baszler took to the mat like a natural. Probably because of the MMA career, but still...
Photo Credit: Mikey Nolan

Saturday in Reno, NV, Quintessential Pro Wrestling promoted a card that featured a notable debut from one Shayna Baszler. The member of the MMA-version of the Four Horsewomen and Ronda Rousey's training partner took to the ring against perhaps the most seasoned female veteran on the indie scene, Cheerleader Melissa. On one hand, putting someone in their first match ever, regardless of whether or not they competed extensively in a sport that's "like" pro wrestling, against Melissa would be like pitting an expansion team against the Green Bay Packers in its first football game. On the other, Baszler got training from Josh Barnett, who has straddled both worlds, and Melissa has done some MMA training herself.

I Listen So You Don't Have To: Steve Austin Show Ep. 258

Hall's interview concludes on this episode
Photo Credit: WWE.com

If you're new, here's the rundown: I listen to a handful of wrestling podcasts each week. Too many, probably, though certainly not all of them. In the interest of saving you time — in case you have the restraint to skip certain episodes — the plan is to give the bare bones of a given show and let you decide if it’s worth investing the time to hear the whole thing. There are better wrestling podcasts out there, of course, but these are the ones in my regular rotation that I feel best fit the category of hit or miss. If I can save other folks some time, I'm happy to do so.

Show: Steve Austin Show — Unleashed!
Episode: 258 (Sept. 24, 2015)
Run Time: 1:19:58
Guest: Scott Hall (13:01)

Emma's Egg Muffins

She can't dance, but she can cook
Photo Credit: WWE.com

The first episode of Taste of Tenille, the cooking show featuring WWE superstar Emma (Tenille Tayla), dropped yesterday, and it gave a little bit of insight into what the currently evil NXT overlord (overlady?) will be serving up on YouTube. The first dish she served up for the masses was a thing called "egg muffins." Obviously, when one thinks of the words "egg" and "muffin" together, the thoughts usually roam towards McDonald's signature breakfast item, the Egg McMuffin. However, nary an English muffin is in sight in Emma's kitchen. In fact, she touts the dish as high-protein, low-fat, and low-carb. Check it out after the jump:

Your Daily New Day Roundup

NEW! DAY! SUCKS? NO, NEW! DAY! SOCKS!
Photo Credit: WWE.com

The New Day is obviously the best thing going in WWE right now. They are in the highlight segment on RAW and theoretically Smackdown (I would have to watch SD to make that judgment), and their pay-per-view matches are consistently among the best on any show with which they are involved. However, the group has routinely become the most entertaining portions outside the show too, whether on Twitter, Vine, or YouTube. At the risk of The Wrestling Blog becoming The New Day Blog, I will share their latest exploits.

Bernie Sanders: The Wrestling Candidate

Will Sanders bodyslam the field in 2016?
Photo Credit: AP

Bernie Sanders, the United States Senator from Vermont and potential candidate for President, was stumping in Iowa, as a Presidential candidate is wont to do. Iowa is one of the first states to hold its primary election, along with New Hampshire, and thus it is an important early battleground for candidates. He was at the Iowa Latino Festival when he happened upon 3XW's contribution to the events. One thing led to another, and Sen. Sanders ended up meeting up with "The Laotian Lionheart" Austin Savanh. Their encounter ended up pictured below:

SummerSlam Weekend Is Staying at the Barclays Center for Two More Years

The fireflies in Brooklyn were strong, and will be there for the next two years
Photo Credit: WWE.com

Via New York Daily News

WWE's SummerSlam weekend this past year in Brooklyn was so nice that the worldwide conglomerate has signed on again for two more years. SummerSlam will be staying put for 2016 and 2017. Included in the deal are NXT Takeover specials and the Monday Night RAW episode for the night after. WWE is ensuring that its secondary tentpole will remain in the biggest market for two years and further establishing the transition of its New York hub from Madison Square Garden to Barclays.

Biff Busick Says Goodbye to Beyond Wrestling

Busick got a hero's farewell at Greatest Rivals Round Robin
Photo Credit: Scott Finkelstein

Wrestling companies, in theory, should be stronger than anyone wrestler. However, whether or not a promotion has a strong ensemble cast or is carried by a singular cult of personality, one wrestler can mean more to it than anyone else in the group. I'd argue that no promotion leaned on someone as hard as Beyond Wrestling did Biff Busick. Even as his star rose with bookings in EVOLVE, Combat Zone Wrestling, and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, he identified most with the New England-based company that gave him his break. Saturday, he said farewell as he embarks on a journey to become the next big indie guy to take NXT and then hopefully WWE by storm.

I Listen So You Don't Have To: Steve Austin Show Ep. 257

Page sits down to talk with Stone Cold
Photo Credit: WWE.com

If you're new, here's the rundown: I listen to a handful of wrestling podcasts each week. Too many, probably, though certainly not all of them. In the interest of saving you time — in case you have the restraint to skip certain episodes — the plan is to give the bare bones of a given show and let you decide if it’s worth investing the time to hear the whole thing. There are better wrestling podcasts out there, of course, but these are the ones in my regular rotation that I feel best fit the category of hit or miss. If I can save other folks some time, I'm happy to do so.

Show: Steve Austin Show
Episode: 257 (Sept. 22, 2015)
Run Time: 1:08:09
Guest: Diamond Dallas Page, part one (19:44)

Now This Is Rookie Hazing I Can Get Behind

"Let's play two, brother."
Photo via Los Angeles Dodger Instagram

Many Major League Baseball teams have a tradition of hazing rookies. The rituals don't involve paddling or any other type of violence that the word "hazing" might conjure, but at times, it can get pretty gross. One of the most popular kinds involves making rookies cross-dress, because haha, dressing up like a woman is funny, har har. Even my hometown Phillies have partaken in that action, and in a season where the team may lose 100 times, that was the most embarrassing thing associated with them. Friend of the Blog Bill Baer wrote about it at Crashburn Alley.

Smackdown: Friendship is Magic

Cesaro and Dallas had a fun little match this week
Photo Credit: WWE.com

Better Without Friends – Roman Reigns and Luke Harper
Reigns and Harper faced each other in singles action, and both had their compatriots banned from ringside. Normally I would protest such blatant disregard for the bonds of friendship, but in this case I think it was a good idea. We had to wait 15 minutes for the first match and then it lasted for less than five, but I still think it was worth it. Reigns has finally been coming into his own as a singles performer, while Harper has kind of been playing second banana to the novelty of Braun Strowman. However, Harper remains one of my favourites, and I liked getting to see him on his own again. He and Reigns had a good little match; very physical and fast-paced. And while Reigns did the usual Reigns thing of taking a lot of damage only to pop up without any sign of fatigue when it was time for him to win, I still enjoyed it.

I Listen So You Don't Have To: Art Of Wrestling Ep. 269

Duggan and Cabana go deep
Photo Credit: WWE.com

If you're new, here's the rundown: I listen to a handful of wrestling podcasts each week. Too many, probably, though certainly not all of them. In the interest of saving you time — in case you have the restraint to skip certain episodes — the plan is to give the bare bones of a given show and let you decide if it’s worth investing the time to hear the whole thing. There are better wrestling podcasts out there, of course, but these are the ones in my regular rotation that I feel best fit the category of hit or miss. If I can save other folks some time, I'm happy to do so.

Show: Art Of Wrestling
Episode: 269 (Sept. 23, 2015)
Run Time: 1:02:53
Guest: “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan (10:55)

Okada Says You'll Never See Him in a WWE Ring

Don't expect rain to be made in a WWE ring anytime soon
Photo Credit: Scott Finkelstein

Kazuchika Okada is arguably the most recognizable non-North American wrestler in the world, and depending on how one views the Young Bucks and AJ Styles, the biggest act not yet in WWE. While people have fantasized over the Rainmaker heading to WWE, fueled by friendly visits with current WWE superstars, the current IWGP World Heavyweight Champion has no plans on ever going to the global sports entertainment monolith, at least right now.

Twitter Request Line, Vol. 139

Is Reigns the future?
Photo Credit: WWE.com

It's Twitter Request Line time, everyone! I take to Twitter to get questions about issues in wrestling, past and present, and answer them on here because 140 characters can't restrain me, fool! If you don't know already, follow me @tholzerman, and wait for the call on Wednesday to ask your questions. Hash-tag your questions #TweetBag, and look for the bag to drop Thursday afternoon (most of the time). Without further ado, here are your questions and my answers!

@tholzerman who is your pick for WWEs best chance to develop a ratings draw on the main roster currently?

— Cam Cam Bigelow (@Cam_Is_Like) September 23, 2015

The obvious answer is the same guy the office had pegged around WrestleMania this past year. Roman Reigns has size, presence, and core likability when he's not being explicitly scripted by Vince McMahon. He's coming around as a worker, and he's already ahead of the curve on the charity stuff that WWE likes in its big draws. He needs a nudge in direction to become the guy. Big E, Dean Ambrose, a freshly-turned Seth Rollins, or even a healed-up Sami Zayn could also fill that role.

Best Coast Bias: Spotlights, Please

What's next for the villainous champs?
Photo Credit: WWE.com

It seems crazy to type, but it's true: we're under two weeks away from Takeover: Respect.

What makes it seem insane is the fact that in the leadup to it we're seeing the usually underserved aspects of NXT take center stage, thus relegating the Big X into possibly the third ring of the Floridian circus (and possibly serving as Samoa Joe's Oculus the more he says the word champ to his Dusty Classic partner and taps his title -- we'll see if that implodes on next week's program when they go in against the Bridge and Tunnel boys). As just mentioned, the Dusty Classic tag tournament has taken up a fair share of the oxygen in NXT's room, with two more quarterfinals set for the go-home session next week with the other seeing Jason Jordan and Chad Gable set to face the Hype Bros to determine who'll face The Artists Formerly Known As The Mechanics. How sad for Dash and Dawson to beat the reigning and on-this-show-defending NXT Tag Team Champion Vaudevillians only to see their victory get whittled and shoved into a video package. As for the champs, more on them imminently.

RIP Frank Iadevaia

Rest in peace
Photo via Facebook

"Fat" Frank Iadevaia, the founder and head of Jersey All-Pro Wrestling, has passed away. He was 43 years old. The cause of death is unknown at this time, although he was said to have passed away in his sleep. Although he was not listed as the nominal owner of JAPW anymore, he was still actively involved in the planning of the promotion's upcoming show on November 14.

On Cesaro and Being Seen

Cesaro's talents are being misused, but at least he's being seen
Photo Credit: WWE.com

Cesaro was the victim of a hoax on Tuesday night. Word spread that he was released from WWE, and to be honest, it caught on because his booking of late has been sporadic at best. The writers and Vince McMahon clearly have no clue on how to utilize his talents, and when "creative has nothing for you," you're a prime candidate for release. However, the hoax was just that, a hoax. Cesaro is still with the company. Sure, he's losing to Big Show and, according to Smackdown spoilers, "struggling" to defeat lower card talent, but is this a bad place to be located?

I Listen So You Don't Have To: The Ross Report Ep. 84

Ross and Bruce Mitchell talk about Night of Champions
Photo Credit: WWE.com

If you're new, here's the rundown: I listen to a handful of wrestling podcasts each week. Too many, probably, though certainly not all of them. In the interest of saving you time — in case you have the restraint to skip certain episodes — the plan is to give the bare bones of a given show and let you decide if it’s worth investing the time to hear the whole thing. There are better wrestling podcasts out there, of course, but these are the ones in my regular rotation that I feel best fit the category of hit or miss. If I can save other folks some time, I'm happy to do so.

Show: The Ross Report
Episode: 84 (Sept. 23, 2015)
Run Time: 1:47:12
Guest: Bruce Mitchell (9:04)

Akira Hokuto Has Cancer

Hokuto, shown here with Sonny Onoo, has a daunting challenge ahead of her
Photo Credit: WWE.com

Akira Hokuto in her wrestling career was one of the most fearsome joshi in history. Along with Manami Toyota and Aja Kong, she ruled All-Japan Women's roost for most of the '90s, and she also made trips over to the US, primarily to compete for World Championship Wrestling. She retired in 2002 to spend time with her fellow puroresu legend husband Kensuke Sasaki and their two children.

A Reunion Two Decades in the Making

They mete again, although under friendlier circumstances
Photo Credit: WWE.com

The "Divas Revolution" has put a square focus on what women in WWE can do in the ring rather than their base aesthetic. Whether or not the movement has been a success or not is a huge debate, but 21 years before the oxymoronic, corporate-mandated revolution happened, WWE had two women drop jaws and pop crowds for things other than how they looked. Alundra Blayze was the WWE Women's Champion, and fearsome joshi destroyer Bull Nakano was brought over to challenge her for the title. Nakano was to become a mainstay in WWE, but a drug arrest sent her back to Japan. Of course, WCW had a passing interest in a women's division, and Nakano and Blayze, as Madusa, continued their feud shortly. However, two had not seen each other since that point in time... until today.

I Listen So You Don't Have To: Cheap Heat Sept. 22

This week's episode was heavy on Night of Champions talk
Photo Credit: WWE.com

If you're new, here's the rundown: I listen to a handful of wrestling podcasts each week. Too many, probably, though certainly not all of them. In the interest of saving you time — in case you have the restraint to skip certain episodes — the plan is to give the bare bones of a given show and let you decide if it’s worth investing the time to hear the whole thing. There are better wrestling podcasts out there, of course, but these are the ones in my regular rotation that I feel best fit the category of hit or miss. If I can save other folks some time, I'm happy to do so.

Show: Cheap Heat
Episode: Sept. 22, 2015 (“Laying the Smark Down”)
Run Time: 1:13:29
Guest: None

An Update on Nick Gage

Gage needs cash for his hearing
Photo Credit: Scott Finkelstein

So, most people know that the oddly feelgood story of 2015 about Nick Gage going from convict to hottest thing on the indies ended when he got nicked for a parole violation on the night he was set to promote his deathmatch tournament in New Jersey. One of the terms of his parole apparently was staying clean, and he failed a urine test. Anyway, he has a hearing coming up soon, and Combat Zone Wrestling ref Brett Lauderdale posted some updates on Twitter concerning it:

Paige at the Crossroads

What does Paige's promo portend for the Divas Revolution?
Photo Credit: WWE.com

So, Paige did the inevitable on RAW last night and turned on her Team PCB teammates Charlotte and Becky Lynch, and she did so with a tirade that is being called the "next pipebomb." Aside from how tired that terminology is, Paige's meltdown was well done and it tapped into a lot of the out-of-character frustrations with the so-called "Divas Revolution." It was well-delivered, emotional, and it gave the crowd a lot to hang its hat upon. It also took a step forward in cleaving at least one of the trios in an attempt to impart some individuality. But was that step forward accompanied by two steps backwards?

TPI Entrant Number Eight Is...

Sugar D gonna look to dunk the competition in the TPI
Photo Credit: Scott Finkelstein

The first seven names in the Ted Petty Invitational, IWA Mid-South's longstanding and recently defunct tournament, are no short of a who's who on the indie scene currently. Heidi Lovelace, Kongo Kong, Timothy Thatcher, Jon Gresham, Chris Hero, Masada, and 2 Cold Scorpio already make this slate must-see, and number eight, announced today, is another notch in the promotion's cap. Sugar Dunkerton, the former Chikara standout turned indie journeyman, will attempt to conquer Kentuckiana and be the the first TPI winner in seven years.

From the Archives: Kimber Lee vs. Allysin Kay

What better way to celebrate the announcement of TFT4 than with a match from TFT2
Photo Credit: Picture Dave

So, Allysin Kay is the latest major name indie star to receive a tryout from WWE. Kimber Lee may or may not be on WWE's radar - I don't know - but she's definitely a wrestler whom you need to keep your eye on. These two met in the Tournament for Tomorrow 2 way back in the wild, wonderful year of 2013, which is germane to the conversation since Beyond Wrestling has announced the fourth iteration of said tournament. This year, the tourney will be contested solely in four-way matches, which is the promotion's specialty. This match isn't a four-way, but it's pretty darn spiffy if you ask me.

¡SI! ¡SI! ¡SI! Lucha Underground Confirmed for Second Season

More of this in 2016, hooray!
Photo Credit: ElReyNetwork.com

The best news possible came down on the Twitters last night, as Lucha Underground was announced for a second season to begin in 2016. The show had finished its first season with its future up in the air. Talents were encouraged to find other bookings. While El Rey Network was fully behind the venture, the Spanish language distribution was in flux, which left the promotion scrambling for the cash needed to continue on. Several avenues had been considered for a season two release, including an "over-the-top" option on Netflix.

I Listen So You Don't Have To: Steve Austin Show Ep. 256

Scott Hall is the latest guest on the Austin Show
Photo Credit: WWE.com

If you're new, here's the rundown: I listen to a handful of wrestling podcasts each week. Too many, probably, though certainly not all of them. In the interest of saving you time — in case you have the restraint to skip certain episodes — the plan is to give the bare bones of a given show and let you decide if it’s worth investing the time to hear the whole thing. There are better wrestling podcasts out there, of course, but these are the ones in my regular rotation that I feel best fit the category of hit or miss. If I can save other folks some time, I'm happy to do so.

Show: Steve Austin Show — Unleashed!
Episode: 256 (Sept. 17, 2015)
Run Time: 1:26:19
Guest: Scott Hall, part one (14:24)

Scattered Thoughts on Night of Champions

The Big Guy earned his almost-finisher
Photo Credit: WWE.com

As far as WWE pay-per-view events go, Night of Champions was one of the better recent ones. It wasn't essential - Night of Champions has rarely if ever been essential in its history - but it had decent in-ring action, moved stories forward, and had moments that made the three hours worth absorbing. If this paradigm were the baseline for WWE's Network-events, then the company would be in pretty good shape. To be completely honest, outside of a few shows lately, namely Money in the Bank, WWE has tread close to that baseline, which makes the pessimism towards the pay-per-view product seem out of whack when looking at it in perspective. Then again, RAW has been a chore to sit through at times; even inoffensive episodes can dampen the outlook because of how long they are.

Sting Hurt at Night of Champions

Is Sting's career over?
Photo Credit: Lee South/ImpactWrestling.com

Last night, during the main event WWE World Heavyweight Championship match between Seth Rollins and Sting, the latter appeared to collapse after routinely ducking a clothesline from the former. He received immediate medical attention from the ringside doctor, but the match continued to completion, which included a spot where Sting appeared to rope-a-dope Rollins to transition into a Scorpion Death Lock. Well, as confirmed by WWE dot com, Sting did indeed get hurt last night. Although that news item didn't detail the severity of the injury, a source close to the situation has said that he was still in the hospital as of this morning, and that the injury is pretty severe.

Happy Trails, Kris Travis

He still beat cancer, and no one can take that from him
Photo/Graphics via Preston City Wrestling site

Kris Travis has become one of the most inspirational stories in professional wrestling in the last year. The British indie star came down with a cancer diagnosis in 2014, which may have ended lesser wrestlers' careers. But he worked and fought, and by the spring of 2015, he was in remission, healthy enough to submit a Tough Enough audition tape. By the summer, he was back in the ring and active again. That comeback story has enough meat to make a feel-good movie, but sadly, the epilogue isn't all that rosy or warm. Travis had some pretty shitty news to break to the world earlier today:

Hero, Masada, and Scorpio Are All in the TPI

It's not like Hero to miss a Ted Petty Invitational now, is it?
Photo Credit: Scott Finkelstein

The first four names announced for the Ted Petty Invitational were all heavy hitters. Heidi Lovelace, Timothy Thatcher, Kongo Kong, and Jonathan Gresham would be a fearsome foursome in any setting. The next three names IWA Mid-South has added to its newly-resuscitated tournament do nothing to detract from the luster added by the first set. All three are seasoned veterans, and two have TPI experience under their belts.

I Listen So You Don't Have To: Art Of Wrestling Ep. 268

Magnus is Cabana's guest this week
Photo Credit: Lee South/ImpactWrestling.com

If you're new, here's the rundown: I listen to a handful of wrestling podcasts each week. Too many, probably, though certainly not all of them. In the interest of saving you time — in case you have the restraint to skip certain episodes — the plan is to give the bare bones of a given show and let you decide if it’s worth investing the time to hear the whole thing. There are better wrestling podcasts out there, of course, but these are the ones in my regular rotation that I feel best fit the category of hit or miss. If I can save other folks some time, I'm happy to do so.

Show: Art Of Wrestling
Episode: 268 (Sept. 17, 2015)
Run Time: 1:13:31
Guest: Magnus (11:32)

Smackdown: Friendship is Magic

Poor Becky Lynch
Photo Credit: WWE.com

Most Unfairly Maligned Friend – Becky Lynch
Once again the women had a good match marred by a confusing and unnecessarily complicated finish. Paige and Becky Lynch took on Naomi and Sasha Banks, and most of the match involved Lynch getting stomped by her opponents, though occasionally getting her own back. It was a pretty fun match: Lynch looked like a tough cookie who simply could not combat the combined power of Naomi and Banks, who controlled the match with a vicious attack style that I enjoyed watching. It was left to Paige to be the hero when Lynch was finally able to tag her in, but she was almost immediately rolled up by Naomi. The reason given for this was Sasha Banks attempting to distract Paige by jumping on the apron, only for Lynch to compound the situation by yanking Banks away. I assume this is setting up some sort of contention within Team PCB (though who the hell knows with this division), except...Paige didn't seem distracted at all. From what I could tell, she hardly looked at either Banks or Lynch, and once again the women's match fell victim to needless drama. Poor Becky Lynch had to spend the entire match getting beaten up and then when she still had the strength to try and help out her partner, she allegedly just made it worse.

I Listen So You Don't Have To: Cheap Heat Sept. 16

You can't talk about alignment without talking about the Bella Twins
Photo Credit: WWE.com

If you're new, here's the rundown: I listen to a handful of wrestling podcasts each week. Too many, probably, though certainly not all of them. In the interest of saving you time — in case you have the restraint to skip certain episodes — the plan is to give the bare bones of a given show and let you decide if it’s worth investing the time to hear the whole thing. There are better wrestling podcasts out there, of course, but these are the ones in my regular rotation that I feel best fit the category of hit or miss. If I can save other folks some time, I'm happy to do so.

Show: Cheap Heat
Episode: Sept. 16, 2015
Run Time: 1:13:47
Guest: None

The First Four Names for the Ted Petty Invitational Look Pretty Good

Heidi Lovelace is one of the first four wrestlers announced for the TPI
Photo Credit: Scott Finkelstein

The Ted Petty Invitational Tournament, held by IWA Mid-South, is one of the oldest, most prestigious, and most infamous slates in independent wrestling. While historically it has been one of the best star-making vehicles out there, won by such luminaries as AJ Styles, Mike Quackenbush, and Matt Sydal, it also has not been run since 2008. Every year it's been announced since 2009, it has been cancelled. However, the promotion seems to be running its shows as scheduled, so this year's slate may just happen. Traditionally, the tournament has contained 24 wrestlers ending in a three-way match in the finals, but this year, that number is halved. Anyway, the first four competitors announced are pretty slick.

Twitter Request Line, Vol. 138

Was Kingston tailor-made for American Ninja Warrior?
Photo Credit: WWE.com

It's Twitter Request Line time, everyone! I take to Twitter to get questions about issues in wrestling, past and present, and answer them on here because 140 characters can't restrain me, fool! If you don't know already, follow me @tholzerman, and wait for the call on Wednesday to ask your questions. Hash-tag your questions #TweetBag, and look for the bag to drop Thursday afternoon (most of the time). Without further ado, here are your questions and my answers!

@tholzerman Which pro wrestlers do you think would do the best on American Ninja Warrior? #tweetbag

— Bad birthday haver (@Moose_Bigelow) September 13, 2015

For one, Facade's gimmick is that he's the Neon Ninja, so he definitely makes the cut. Apollo Crews can do all that flippy, agility shit and is a big giant guy with freaky strength, so he's in too. Kofi Kingston's battle royale escapes are choice, so I'd put him on the roster too. Finally, Becky Lynch seems to have ++ dexterity, so she makes the cut.

Best Coast Bias: Turn It Up And Give Me Some More

For those about to rock, set the clock
Photo Credit: WWE.com

Ah, Full Sail University, where the men are men and the women reduce their male fans to rainbow-spewing spontaneously combusting Fourth of July fireworks shows.

Two moments were the brightest that this hour of NXT had on offer while further illustrating the gulf in presenting women's wrestling between little brother N and big brother W, and for long time fans of pro graps -- full stop pro graps irregardless of gender -- it must've felt like a bunch of fire emojis got on each other's shoulders to portray a human being instead of being portents to a first Stamford-endorsed television appearance and one of the biggest "no excreta they have to have a rematch" rematch announcements in the history of Wednesday night's signature programming.

From the Archives: Athena vs. Mia Yim

Athena gonna make NXT her playground
Photo Credit: Kelly Kyle/Texas Anarchy

Athena, like Biff Busick and Rich Swann, has been signed by WWE to a developmental contract. However, unlike those two, she'll have the weightiest expectations on her shoulders, even though that mantel may not be totally her fault. You see, NXT's women have arguably outshined the men, at least in the Takeover/Network era, and with that second wave of stars moving on to the main roster, the third wave will have to step up big time to fill those shoes. Thankfully, Athena is more than capable of continuing the strain of excellence started by Paige and Emma and continued by the Four Horsewomen. She can do it all with a stylish finisher to boot. Check her out here in Absolute Intense Wrestling against Mia Yim (Jade in TNA).

New Day and Team BAD Engage in a Mutual Theft

They're at it again
Photo Credit: WWE.com, Manipulation: TH

New Day is consistently the best part of Monday Night RAW, and Sasha Banks gets in her licks when she can on RAW while still being an integral part of NXT. But behind the scenes, they make the best magic, oftentimes with each other. For example, Big E and Banks rode around the Amway Center in Orlando on a Segway proclaiming "BOOTY!" Oh, and then the whole New Day and Banks choreographed a dance sequence to "Kiss From a Rose" to raise awareness for pediatric cancer. Now, they've resorted to stealing each other's stuff, although to be fair, New Day did start it...

I Listen So You Don't Have To: The Ross Report Ep. 83

Demolition sits down with JR in this week's Ross Report
Photo Credit: WWE.com

If you're new, here's the rundown: I listen to a handful of wrestling podcasts each week. Too many, probably, though certainly not all of them. In the interest of saving you time — in case you have the restraint to skip certain episodes — the plan is to give the bare bones of a given show and let you decide if it’s worth investing the time to hear the whole thing. There are better wrestling podcasts out there, of course, but these are the ones in my regular rotation that I feel best fit the category of hit or miss. If I can save other folks some time, I'm happy to do so.

Show: The Ross Report
Episode: 83 (Sept. 16, 2015)
Run Time: 2:00:00
Guests: Demolition (21:44)

Impact Is Cancelled

No more Impact on Destination America
Photo Credit: Lee South/ImpactWrestling.com

Dixie Carter, through a Sports Illustrated online feature on TNA's crossover angle with Global Force Wrestling, has confirmed that Impact Wrestling will no longer be airing on Destination America. The promotion's flagship show will finish out the year on the network before it is cancelled. Dave Meltzer originally reported on the cancellation months ago, citing that the removal of programming could come as early as September, i.e. right now. However, it appears that TNA will be allowed to finish out the string before it is sent looking for a new home.

Pro Wrestling SKOOPZ On The Wrestling Blog: Issue 47

WHO WILL BE THEIR THIRD? HORB HAS THE ANSWER.
Photo Credit: WWE.com

Well, you didn't expect to see HORB FLERBMINBER here this week, DID YOU? DID YOU? Wait, you did? YOU CHEATED. DAMN YOU. I'm not sure if you DESERVE the news and SCOOPS I provide on a weekly basis. Do you even know why I'm mad? Wait, I'm online. I AM NEVER MAD AND NUDE ONLINE. NEVER. Only Bryan Alvarez is mad and nude online, AND HE IS MAD AND NUDE ALL THE TIME.

From the Archives: Biff Busick vs. Donovan Dijak

Busick is so good he deserves that Rudy treatment after every match
Photo Credit: Scott Finkelstein

Biff Busick, like Rich Swann, is headed to WWE. Unlike Swann, however, Busick isn't going to wow people with dazzling displays of aerial pyrotechnics. Don't get me wrong; he's been known to do a dive here and there. However, Busick's bread and butter is his gritty, furious intensity in the ring. He can show that either through brawling or his mastery of the #grapplefuck arts that have been sweeping the WWN Live nation. The following match pits him against another up-and-comer who may not be on WWE's radar yet, but is certainly someone who can make a splash there or in his current home of Ring of Honor. Donovan Dijak is a more than able opponent for anyone, especially someone as gifted and fierce as Busick. Check their tilt at Beyond Wrestling's Dojo Wars NE out below.

Jeff Jarrett No Longer Minority Owner of TNA

Jarrett made a deal with Carter at the onset of the TNA/GFW angle
Photo Credit: WWE.com

Via WrestleChat via That Spyware Site

When Jeff Jarrett surprisingly came back to TNA earlier on in the summer, it came as a surprise given that he was wrapped up in his own fledgling wrestling company. Global Force Wrestling looked to be a competitor to TNA, going after the same small share of the audience and television pie that exists outside of WWE's massive pot. Then again, Jarrett was still technically a minority owner in the company, having never sold his shares when he was ushered out a couple of years back. Well, details have come to light, and Jarrett sold those shares back to Dixie Carter and Panda Energy as part of the deal the two sides cut on this current angle between the two companies.

Multiple Sandow Personality Disorder Has Returned to the Default Factory Settings

The robes are back, at least during dark matches
Photo Credit: WWE.com

Damien Sandow has been a cosplayer, a stunt double, a jerk, and a really bad "Macho Man" Randy Savage ever since he failed in his Money in the Bank cash-in attempt on John Cena in late 2013. Basically, his career has been both a study in how to absolutely waste a money gimmick played by a fantastic character and a display of how to take the basest, shittiest WWE comedy shtick and get it over like it was no thang. Of course, his run as one-half of the Meta Powers was derailed when his tag team partner's choice of imitation, Curtis Axel as Hulk Hogan, got thrown the fuck out of WWE thanks to a racist rant that floated to the surface as part of his ongoing legal battles with Gawker Media.